<center>
<img src="images/outside.png" width="100%">
<h1>SUPER MEGA DOME</h1>
<h2>THE YEAR 21XX</h2>
[[It's fight night|Intro 2]].
</center><center><img src="images/outside.png" width="100%"></center>
<p>The pounding, driving bass beat from the stadium's speakers bursts through your locker room's wall as music begins to play. You feel your own heart thump in sympathetic time. The roar of the crowd, dulled as it is by space and concrete, is still defeaning.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>Your name is <div id="font-within">Arc.</div></p>
<p>Every other meaningful thought has been flushed from your brain, but you at least remember that much.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>A signal comes over the intercom. They're ready. You take a breath, and [[open up the door|PART ONE]].</p>
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<center><h1>One month earlier...</h1></center>
<p>It's early. Too early for your taste. The hazy sun is just peaking up behind the towering skyscape of Two York City.<p>
<p>As you arrive at the back entrance of the Super Mega Dome, you're greeted by a solitary gentleman sitting behind a steel folding table. An island on a sea of asphalt. You were expecting a long line, but there is none. It's the last day to sign up, and all the requisite fanfare happened several days ago. Now, barebones to the highest degree, it's hardly a scene representative of the grandiosity you expected from a tournament with a 1,000,000 Free World Coin prize pool.</p>
<p>Still, this is the only shot you've got left...</p>
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<div id="dia-them">Look at that, a contender graces us with their presence. Come on up. What's your name, kid?</div>
<div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
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<div id="dia-you">Arc. My name is Arc.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
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<div id="dia-them">Use any pronouns there, Arc? Or should I just refer to you as "that tumbleweed that got stuck on my shoe on the last morning of tournament sign-ups"?</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue ">>
<div id="dia-you">
I use... <span id="_disable"><p>
<label><<radiobutton "$pronouns" "they/them" checked>> they/them</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "$pronouns" "she/her">> she/her</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "$pronouns" "he/him">> he/him
</label></p></span></div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue ">>
<<replace "#_disable">>$pronouns pronouns.<</replace>>
<div id="dia-them">
Uh huh...$pronouns. Got it. I'll only refer to you as tumbleweed in private.
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
The old man takes an oddly anachronistic clipboard from his lap and scribbles the information down with a pencil on a completely blank page, along with your name.
<p>Seeing your consternation at his use of an analog medium for the city's most high-profile B.O.X.ing tournament, he gestures with a shrug of his bulky shoulders as if to say it's not really that important.
<p>[[> Continue|Weapon Select]]</p>
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<p>The man eyes you up and down. He's old - that's the first thing you noticed when you stepped up to the table. He's wearing a newsboy cap that is frayed and bleached by time and the sun. His skin, somehow, has the same leathery quality. The sum of all his parts tells you that he has worked every single day of his life, and has no intention to quit now.</p>
<p>He points his pencil at the metal cap that covers the stump of your left arm, just below your elbow. </p>
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<div id="dia-them">Interesting mod you got there. Born that way or made that way? You know what, don't answer that. Just tell me what weapon you'll be slotting on that thing.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
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<div id="dia-you">I've got a... <span id="_disable"><p></p>
<label><<radiobutton "$weapon" "Turbo Fist 9900" checked>> Turbofist 9900</label><Br>
<label><<radiobutton "$weapon" "Homemade Hydraulic">> Homemade Hydraulic</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "$weapon" "Wooden Cudgel">> Wooden Cudgel</label>
</span>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue ">><<replace "#_disable">>$weapon.<</replace>>
<div id="dia-them">A <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>>? Huh...
<<if $weapon is "Turbo Fist 9900">>
<p>(The man whistles.)</p>
<p>The latest model? What, you trying to win back what you spent on that thing? You'll be required to submit it before the tournament to check the compsenators, but you won't catch me signing up to be on the receiving end of that thing.</p>
<<elseif $weapon is "Homemade Hydraulic">>
<p>One of those tinkerers, are ya? I knew a guy once who made a serviceable fist out of duct tape and cardboard. But all that's beyond me, so I metaphorically tip my hat to you for your ingenuity. Just remember you'll need to have it inspected and certified before the tournament starts.</p>
<<elseif $weapon is "Wooden Cudgel">>
<p>You know that this is a serious B.O.X.ing tournament, right? You're liable to get your skull crushed if you walk in there with something made out of wood. But if you're sure, you won't find me complaining about taking your money.</p>
<p>Just make sure that if you get splinters in your eye before somebody does in fact crush your skull, you don't come cryin' to me. I warned you. I'm writing that down.</p>
<</if>>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
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<p>The man takes a few final notes on his clipboard and, without looking up, rubs two fingers with his thumb.</p>
<p>He's clearly all business, all point, and no frills.</p>
<div id="dia-them">That'll be 400 FWC for the registration fee. We'll ping you for the weigh-in and weapon inspection dates. <p>You sure you wanna do this?</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">Well...
<p>
<span id="_disable2">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "lawful" checked>> It's the only option I have left (Lawful +1, FWC -400).</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "enterprising">> I'll do whatever I have to (Enterprising +1, FWC -400).</label><Br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "individualistic">> I'm the only one who can win it my way (Individualistic +1, FWC -400).</label><Br>
</span>
</p>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<if _temp is "lawful">><<set $lawful to $lawful+1>><<set $money to $money-400>><<replace "#_disable2">>It's the only option I have left (Lawful +1, FWC -400).<</replace>>
<<elseif _temp is "enterprising">><<set $enterprising to $enterprising+1>><<set $money to $money-400>><<replace "#_disable2">>I'll do whatever I have to (Enterprising +1, FWC -400).<</replace>>
<<elseif _temp is "individualistic">><<set $individualistic to $individualistic+1>><<set $money to $money-400>><<replace "#_disable2">>I'm the only one who can win it my way (Individualistic +1, FWC -400).<</replace>>
<</if>>
<p>You hand over the money, and feel a conspicuous lightness in your pockets. You're running low again.</p>
<p>[[> Continue|Intro 3]]</p>
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<</linkreplace>><<if !tags().includes("no-banner")>>
<div id="header">
<div id="menu-icons"><br><br>
<<button "Restart">><<run UI.restart()>><</button>><br>
<<button "Save/Load">><<run UI.saves()>><</button>><br>
<<button "Toggle Audio On/Off">>
<<set $mute to !$mute>>
<<run SimpleAudio.select(':all').mute($mute);>>
<</button>><br><br>
(by groggydog)
</div>
<div id="header-title">
<img src="images/logo.png" alt="SMTA!">
</div>
</div>
<<if !tags().includes("no-header")>>
<div id="statsbox">
<div id="user-health" class="off-init">
<div id="playerhorizontalhealthbarbkg" class="hzbarbkg"><div id="playerhorizontalhealthbar" class="hzbar"></div></div>
<<script>>$(document).one(':passagerender', function (ev) {
Health(State.variables.CurHP, State.variables.MaxHP, "playerhorizontalhealthbar", true, ev.content);
});<</script>>
Your Health
</div>
<div id="stats1">
MONEY: $money FWC<br>
PRONOUNS: <<print $pronouns.toUpperFirst()>><br>
WEAPON: $weapon<br>
</div>
<div id="stats2">
LAWFUL: +$lawful<br>
ENTERPRISING: +$enterprising<br>
INDIVIDUALISTIC: +$individualistic<br>
</div>
<div id="opponent-health" class="off-init">
<div id="opponenthorizontalhealthbarbkg" class="hzbarbkg"><div id="opponenthorizontalhealthbar" class="hzbar-flip"></div></div>
<<script>>$(document).one(':passagerender', function (ev) {
Health(State.variables.CurHP, State.variables.MaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true, ev.content);
});<</script>>
Their Health
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<set $pronouns to " ">>
<<set $weapon to " ">>
<<set $money to 500>>
<<set $lawful to 0>>
<<set $enterprising to 0>>
<<set $individualistic to 0>>
<<set $MaxHP = 50>>
<<set $CurHP = 50>>
<<set $OpponentMaxHP = 50>>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = 50>>
<<set $MontageMax = 100>>
<<set $MontageCur = 10>>
<<set $oldman to " ">>
<<set $choosing to 0>>
<<set $mute to false>>
<<cacheaudio "intro" "sounds/intro.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "honey" "sounds/honey.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "death" "sounds/death.mp3">>
<<done>><<addclass "#passages" "passages-width">><</done>>
<<link "Hit ME">>
<<set $CurHP = $CurHP-10>><<run Health($CurHP, $MaxHP, "playerhorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<</link>>
|
<<link "Hit THEM">>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-10>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<</link>>
<br><Br><<done>><<addclass "#passages" "passages-width">><</done>>
<h1>Developer Menu</h1>
<h2>Story Points</h2>
[[Menu]] <br>
[[Intro 1]]<br>
[[Training Montage 1]] <br>
[[Part Two Select]] <br>
The old man stashes the money, and makes a few final marks on his notepad. Without looking up, he says:
<div id="dia-them">
You know, it's not every day that somebody signs up who I've never even heard of before. Everybody else that's come through here is a known quantity. And yet here you stroll in, Tumbleweed, on the last day of sign-ups, with nothing but a <<include "weapon">> and a dream.
<p>What's your story?</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>You pause a moment, chewing the answer in your mind.</p>
<p>Before you can respond, you hear shuffling footsteps behind you, and turn to see another contender making their way up to the rickety table. Having concluded your business and not eager to share more company than necessary this morning, you nod at the Old Man and turn to leave.</p>
<p>The Old Man yells after you, then trots up achily and whispers to you.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Wait! Wait, kid.
<p>Listen, you don't wanna tell me your story. That's fine. Call me soft, but I been doing this too long to not think you're in over your head.</p>
<p>Maybe you are, maybe you're not. But if you need someone to make sure you're ship-shape, swing by my gym. No judgments, no questions. B.O.X.ing is already a rough sport, and these fighters will really be out for blood in this one.</p>
<p>I'm only here taking names for some cash on the side. I run a gym. I train fighters. I might just be able to help you, kid.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The Old Man hands you a holo-puck with his picture and information. It's an old-fashioned brand, one you haven't seen in a long time, and it just barely flickers to life when you turn it on. You see the location and opening hours for the gym, turn it off, and pocket it.</p>
<div id="dia-you"><span class="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2" checked>> Thanks for the offer.</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice3">> Don't bet on it.</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice4">> I'll see you tomorrow.</label>
</span></div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<div id="dia-them">
<<if _temp is "choice1">><<replace "._disable">>We'll see.<</replace>>That we will.<<elseif _temp is "choice2">><<replace "._disable">>Thanks for the offer.<</replace>>You got it, Tumbleweed.<<elseif _temp is "choice3">><<replace "._disable">>Don't bet on it.<</replace>>All right. Well, listen. It's your life. Just think it over.<<elseif _temp is "choice4">><<replace "._disable">>I'll see you tomorrow.<</replace>>All right, all right, hold your horses. Puck says I'm not open tomorrow. Drop by the day after, Tumbleweed.<</if>>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The Old Man totters back to the desk and you hear him start up a conversation with the newcomer in much the same way he did with you.</p>
<p>As you walk away, you fiddle with the puck in your pocket, your mind more muddled than before.</p>
[[> Continue|Intro 4]]
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<div id="dia-them">And you're going to sit there like the good little mutt you are and watch me do it.</div>
<div id="dia-them">Aren't you?</div>
<div id="dia-them-tag">
THE TECHNOMANCER
</div>
<div id="dia-you"><span id="_disable"> 🔃
<<cycle "$finale" autoselect>>
<<option "(Punch him.)">>
<<option "(Kick him.)">>
<<option "(End him.)">>
<</cycle>>
</span></div>
<div id="dia-you-tag">
ARC
</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">>$finale<</replace>>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-50>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>><<timed 5s>>
<div id="dia-them">
What, you think you're in control? You think this is your narrative, your story of rags to riches and ruin to triumph?<br>
</div>
<div id="dia-them-tag">
THE TECHNOMANCER
</div>
<<timed 10s>>
<<linkreplace "> Continue?">>
<div id="dia-them">
No, no. I'm going to show you just how little control of this story you have.
</div>
<div id="dia-them-tag">
THE TECHNOMANCER
</div>
<<timed 7s>>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP+10>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<</timed>>
<<timed 9s>>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP+10>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<</timed>>
<<timed 11s>>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP+10>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<</timed>>
<<timed 13s>>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP+10>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<</timed>>
<<timed 15s>>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP+10>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<</timed>>
<<timed 17s>>
<<link "> Continue">><</link>>
<</timed>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</timed>>
<</timed>>
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-----------------
CHOICES AND STATS
-----------------
<span id="_disable2">
🔃<<cycle "$temp" autoselect>>
<<option "It's the only option I have left (Lawful +1, FWC -400).">>
<<option "I'm the only one who can win it my way (Enterprising +1, FWC -400).">>
<<option "I'll do whatever I have to (Selfish +1, FWC -400).">>
<</cycle>>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable2">>$temp<</replace>>
<<if $temp is "It's the only option I have left (Lawful +1, FWC -400).">><<set $lawful to $lawful+1>><<set $money to $money-400>>As you hand over the 400FWC, you feel more lawful.
<<elseif $temp is "I'm the only one who can win it my way (Enterprising +1, FWC -400).">><<set $enterprising to $enterprising+1>><<set $money to $money-400>>As you hand over the 400FWC, you feel more enterprising.
<<elseif $temp is "I'll do whatever I have to (Selfish +1, FWC -400).">><<set $selfish to $selfish+1>><<set $money to $money-400>>As you hand over the 400FWC, you feel more selfish.
<</if>>
<p>> Continue</p>
<</linkreplace>><<link 'Dialog Test'>>
<<run Dialog.setup("ARC's PRAYER");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Dialog Content").processText());
Dialog.open();>>
<</link>><<type 30ms>>Hello? Who is this? Who's there?<</type>><center><h1>Two days later...</h1></center><br>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
Puck turning absent-mindedly in hand, you arrive at a dillapidated storefront on the opposite side of town. The illuminated sign above it, flickering half-heartedly and coated in several layers of grime and dirt, reads: "<b>JOE'S BOXING</b>".
<p>You can't help but notice that the sign does indeed say "Boxing" and not "B.O.X.ing" - which raises the immediate question: how long has the old man been doing this, and what have you gotten yourself into? It took you two barely functioning hover-buses and nearly an hour and a half to get here. It better be worth it.</p>
<p>Of course, you nearly didn't come at all. Because...</p>
<span class="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "individualistic" checked>> You have a hard time trusting anyone other than yourself. Why should you trust the old man to help you out? (Individualistic +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "lawful">> It didn't feel right to accept help from someone else, not at first. (Lawful +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "enterprising">> You immediately wondered if this was just the latest in a long line of people trying to scam you. (Enterprising +1)</label><br>
</span><br>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<if _temp is "individualistic">>
<<replace "._disable">>You have a hard time trusting anyone other than yourself. Why should you trust the old man to help you out?<</replace>><<set $individualistic to $individualistic+1>>
<<elseif _temp is "lawful">><<replace "._disable">>It didn't feel right to accept help from someone else, not at first.<</replace>><<set $lawful to $lawful+1>><<elseif _temp is "enterprising">><<replace "._disable">>You immediately wondered if this was just the latest in a long line of people trying to scam you.<</replace>><<set $enterprising to $enterprising+1>>
<</if>>
<p>Still, the Old Man was right. You <i>do</i> feel like you're in over your head. You've felt that way ever since the first time you met the Mob Boss and realized just how deep in trouble you were.</p>
<p>You remember exactly what it was like. Not many people get to meet the guy that runs the city, for all intents and purposes. And he'll be running this city 'til you're dead, that's for certain. Two York City has nearly twenty million people living in it, and the Mob Boss probably has something on half of them. His rule is absolute.</p>
<p>When you met him to discuss a loan - a loan that no one else would give you - it was quick, impersonal, and businesslike. Ruining lives is just another agenda item to him. He walls himself off behind a foot of bulletproof glass and passes judgment at his pleasure, impossible to touch.</p>
<p>Since then every part of you has been fighting to maintain a sense of control. But you've been doing this too long now. Something has to give.</p>
<p>Which brings you here, to Joe's Boxing, before the sun is even up.</p><hr id="story-hr">
<p>The gym is located in a late 20th-century-style outlet mall, one of the last of its kind. It is a single story complex for the full block, and it is dwarfed on all sides by towering skyscrapers and residential buildings. An improbable holdout. Most of the other shops around here are boarded up or closed indefinitely, but a bodega advertising fresh coffee and illuminated by neon lights catches your attention next door. You smell sewage passing by in the air, and a pollution haze seems to hang heavy around you. It is not the most pleasant place you have ever been.</p>
<p>The exterior of Joe's Boxing that faces the parking lot is made up of windows, but they're blocked by plastic panels pulled down from the inside. In opposition to most of the other shops, none of his windows are broken or boarded up.</p>
<p>Despite the panels, you can see a few spare lights on through the sole window in the door. It's tough to see much of what's going on inside the old gym, but you can tell that there's at least a traditional boxing ring and some workout equipment. Not all is lost.</p>
<p>A muffled voice reaches your ears.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<div id="dia-them">You gonna come in, or what? Door's unlocked, kid.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">I...yeah. I'm coming in.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<p>As you open the door, a bell above you rings. A god's honest, analog metallic bell. You see a light on in what must be the office at the back of the gym. It's not a large space, and in the dark it feels somewhat claustrophobic.</p>
<p>Without leaving the room, the Old Man calls out to you again.</p>
<div id="dia-them">I'll be honest, Tumbleweed, I didn't think you were gonna come. I've made an offer like this more than a few times and most people don't take me up on it. Or they do, but I never see them after the first session. So you're at least batting above average so far.
<p>Make yourself comfortable, I'll be out in a minute.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>You find a nearby light switch and flick it on. The lights sputter to life. Flourescent. Somehow, you are unsurprised.</p>
<p>With the gym illuminated, you take fuller stock of its contents. There is indeed a well-used but still clean boxing ring in the center, ropes taut and polished. A few equipment lockers line the walls, and punching bags and workout stations crowd the corners.</p>
<p>The most modern piece of equipment is right next to the door. At first you mistake it for an arcade game, but you soon recognize it for what it is: a fairly new (and definitely expensive) mecha-boxing training machine. It towers over the rest of the gym, brushing against the ceiling tiles, and lies quiet for now, waiting for someone to plug it back in.</p>
As you wait for the Old Man, you put your bag down and<span id="_disable">...<br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> Put on your workout gear</label><Br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">> Try to turn on the training machine</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice3">> Climb in the ring</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<if _temp is "choice1">><<replace "#_disable">> put on your workout gear.<</replace>><<elseif _temp is "choice2">><<replace "#_disable">> try to turn on the training machine.<</replace>><<elseif _temp is "choice3">><<replace "#_disable">> climb in the ring.<</replace>><</if>>
<p>But before you can, the Old Man emerges from his office.</p>
<div id="dia-them">None of that, none of that. You haven't even paid yet, kid. This isn't a charity. I'm old and I need my vitamins.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>[[> Continue|Intro 5]]</p>
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<</linkreplace>>In <i>Super Mega Tournament Arc!</i> you will occasionally be given choices to make about your character. You will ALWAYS be explicitly told if they affect your money (FWC) or one of the three main stats:
- Lawful
- Enterprising
- Individualistic
After selecting a stat-boosting answer, your total will be updated on the following screen. You can never lose stat points, only gain them.
Choices without an obvious stat-boost may still affect story beats later in the game, but will not prevent you from seeing or doing anything. The three main stats will be used in the second half of the game to unlock certain actions and endings.
There is no perfect way to play <i>Super Mega Tournament Arc!</i> and you cannot lose (it is, after all, your tournament arc), so choose the answer that best fits the character you want to play!The old man stretches his old limbs, whirling his right arm around in a circle, as he walks from the back office over to your corner of the gym.
<div id="dia-them">Now, it's not gonna be cheap. I don't half-ass anything like this - you got it, Tumbleweed? Still, it'll be a far sight cheaper than anything you'll find with all the other vultures hovering around the Super Mega Dome.
<p>You've gotta pony up <b>200 Free World Coins</b> before we start training. That's less than half what anyone else will charge you.</p>
<p>You can do that, right?</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>Your hand instinctively goes to your pocket. You've only got $money FWC left after paying for the tournament registration fee.</p>
<p>The old man clicks his teeth and shakes his head knowingly.</p>
<div id="dia-them">You can't do that. I see.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">
<span id="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> How come you charge you less than half anyone else? (Enterprising +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">> You're right. I can't afford that. Not right now. (Lawful +1)</label> <br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice3">> I can give you what I have. No more, no less. (Individualistic +1)</label>
</span>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<if _temp is "choice1">><<set $enterprising to $enterprising+1>><<replace "#_disable">>How come you charge you less than half anyone else? (Enterprising +1)<</replace>><<elseif _temp is "choice2">><<set $lawful to $lawful+1>><<replace "#_disable">>You're right. I can't afford that. Not right now. (Lawful +1)<</replace>><<elseif _temp is "choice3">><<set $individualistic to $individualistic+1>><<replace "#_disable">>I can give you what I have. No more, no less. (Individualistic +1)<</replace>><</if>>
<div id="dia-them">
<<if _temp is "choice1">>You've got eyes, haven't you? I'm old. I been in the game too long. You might say I've got a PR problem. But while that confidence might help you in the ring, it'll do jack all for you in my gym.<br><Br>
<<elseif _temp is "choice2">>Well, at least you're honest.<br><Br>
<</if>>
So how much do you <i>actually</i> have?<br>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">
I've got $money FWC. Half of what you need, and apparently half of half of what anyone else will ask for.
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>The old man pulls over a folding stool, whips it out with a dramatic flourish, and sits down. He rubs his creaking neck as he mulls over his next few words.</p>
<p>He takes his time.</p>
<div id="dia-them">
Damn the spongy, wobbly old heart my late wife bestowed upon me. I'm sure the younger me would hate to see the push-over I've become, but there's something I like about you, kid.
<p>Give me what you've got, and I'll put you to work around here for half an hour after every training session.</p>
<p>No, I can't do that either. I've gotta leave you with something to eat. Give me 80 for now, work as hard as I tell you whenever I tell you, and we'll call it even.</p><p> Deal?</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>He sticks out a weary, weathered hand.</p>
<div id="dia-you">
<span id="_disable2">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice1" checked>> Deal. (-80 FWC)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice2">> Do I have a choice? (-80 FWC)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice3">> I guess I don't have a choice. (-80 FWC)</label>
</span>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<link "> Select & Continue">><<set $money to $money-80>><<goto "Intro 6">><</link>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<div id="dia-them">Good. Now. Your weapon. You're using a <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>>, right? Gonna slot it right there on that metal stump of yours? Let me see it.
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>As you pull your <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>> out of your gym bag, you hesitate for a moment. The old man motions at you as if to say, "It's OK. I'm not going to harm it," and, despite how completely strange it feels to be standing in this stranger's boxing gym, you believe him.</p>
<p>Gently, you hand over the <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>>.</p>
<p>The old man's eyes scan it like a beloved treasure, as if he is soaking in every nook and cranny of this object you possess. You can tell that he has seen many like it before, and will see many like it after.</p>
<div id="dia-them">
<<if $weapon is "Turbo Fist 9900">>
I have quite a few questions about how you ended up in my gym, barely a hundred Free World Coins to your name, and yet you've got a near flawless iteration of the latest Turbo Fist model. This thing is a beauty, ain't it? You know a former student of mine helped design this bad boy. I knew they'd go on to do big things one day, and I was right. Not sure about you yet, though.
<<elseif $weapon is "Wooden Cudgel">>
I recall warning you about this thing when you signed up, and I'll say it again now. You may very well be in over your head, kid.
<p>Still, I see love here. Craftsmanship. You made this yourself? The grain is damn near immaculate, the fittings are tight and evenly spaced, and it certainly has about the same heft as a sledgehammer. You might get laughed out of the ring, but if you take as much care of everything as you did this blunt piece of work, you might just make it out OK. Of course, this has me curious.</p>
<<elseif $weapon is "Homemade Hydraulic">>
This is some complicated stuff, kid. It's not like those Turbo Fists where the wiring's all covered up with plates and hidden away. No, you've got everything on display. I take it you like to know exactly what's going on underneath the hood of anything you own. Quite the tinkerer indeed. Consider me suitably impreesed, Tumbleweed.
<</if>>
<p>So how about it - let's start with what you do. Or, perhaps, what you used to do before you ended up on my doorstep.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<span id="_disable">
<div id="dia-you">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> (Lie) </label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">> (Tell the Truth) </label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice3">> (Deflect)</label>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div></span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">>
<<if _temp is "choice1">>
<p>The old man interrupts you before you can answer.</p>
<div id="dia-them">And don't even think about lying to me. I'll know. I always know.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<<elseif _temp is "choice3">>
<div id="dia-you">I don't see how that's important to you training me for this tournament.
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-them">It's my gym. I say what's important. You don't wanna talk, you don't have to train. Your call.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The old man makes an exaggerated point of gesturing to the door.</p>
<</if>>
<div id="dia-you">
<<if _temp is "choice1" or _temp is "choice3">>Fine.<br><br><</if>>
<<if $weapon is "Turbo Fist 9900">>I'm a personal trainer. Or I was. The Turbo Fist was a gift from a former client of mine who made it big, and then fell off the map. But I was good at what I did, and I didn't need any notoriety for myself.<<elseif $weapon is "Homemade Hydraulic">>I'm a spreadsheet jockey. Or I was. I know my way around anything with a microchip, and still do. It's like speaking a second language in some ways. I used to tinker with robotics in my spare time, and eventually built this thing.<<elseif $weapon is "Wooden Cudgel">>I'm a construction worker. Or I was. A friend of mine had a company and she'd always bring me on for odd jobs. I was good at it. Any tool, any project, if I didn't know it I could pick it up quick. It wasn't easy work. My grandpa was a carpenter, so I guess woodworking just made its way down in our genes.<</if>> I never made much in that job, but all things considered it was still a good gig.
<p>But that's in the past now.</p>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<</replace>>
The old man taps his finger on the tip of his nose twice.
<div id="dia-them">Ahh, and now we get to the crux of the matter. You were gainfully employed, and now not so much. What happened? You punch your boss? A client? That's the story for half of the chumps that enter this tournament, I assure you.
<p>So what happened?</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You pause.</p>
<p>Not just a moment, but for several moments. Something inside of your brain has broken away and you're trying desperately to grasp at it, to refocus, and to resume the conversation. But some part of you refuses to reconcile whatever thought is whirring chaotically around in the ether with the question the old man just asked you.</p>
<p>Maybe you're not ready to answer that question just yet.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Huh. I see. Maybe you're not ready to answer that question just yet, kid.
<p>You wouldn't be the first lone gunslinger trotting into my gym with no past and no future. Someday I hope you'll tell me. Maybe I can help, maybe I can't. But I'm not gonna push you more than I have to on your first day.</p>
<p>At least, not mentally.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>All you can muster for now is a quick nod, and that seems to be enough.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Good. Now. There's a jump rope hanging behind you. <p>Don't groan, it's good for you. Like broccoli.</p><p> You're gonna warm up for ten minutes and then I'm gonna see how you hit the bag. Get going!</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>You spend the next several hours, <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>> laid gently and unobtrusively off to the side, getting run through the ringer by the old man. You know this to be true: he is harsh, but he is fair. Everything he asks you to do he can do himself, and frequently does just to prove a point. Whatever creaking you heard from his bones when you first arrive, they seem to have melted away as soon as the training started in earnest.</p>
<p>By the time training is done, your legs and arms feel like jelly. You have been weighed, you have been measured, and you have been found... adequate. At least for now.</p>
<div id="dia-them">You can start cleaning tomorrow. Per our agreement. I'll give you a pass today since it makes me sad to look at you right now.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The old man sends you home with instructions to return the following morning for the second day of training. It takes every ounce of energy you have left to simply squat down and lift your gym bag. Seeing this, the old man nods approvingly and opens the door for you. He drops a few packs of Insta-Ice brand pain relief packets into your bag before you leave.</p>
<p>As you head to the bus stop you are, quietly, thankful for at least one part of your story to remain tucked away for now.</p>
<<set $money to $money-7>>
[[> Continue|Intro 7]]
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>><center><h1>The next day...</h1></center><br>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
On the second day of training, one of the buses you need breaks down on the way to gym. You can't afford an auto-cab to come grab you, so you're forced to wait for rescue from another bus.
<p>By the time you make it to Joe's Boxing, you're half an hour late. The lights in the gym are on. You hear rock music blaring from the speakers.</p>
<p>As you go to open the door the old man is standing there, holding it shut.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Can I help you?</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">Listen, my bus broke down. I had no other way to get here. I know I'm late. I'm sorry.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-them">Do I know you? Are you a student of mine? Couldn't be. No student of mine would ever show up late and blame it on the bus.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">I understand. I'm sorry. It won't happen again.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-them">And if a student of mine did happen to show up late for some god forsaken reason, they certainly wouldn't stand at the door begging to be let in. No, they'd know that the price for being late is one lap around the block for every minute they owe me.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The old man closes a small curtain over the door so you can no longer see his face, and locks the door before walking away back into the depths of the gym.</p>
<div id="dia-you">Can I at least drop my bag inside?</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<p>With no response forthcoming, you decide to leave the bag next to the door and pay your penance. The old man doesn't seem like one who is much for arguing the point. Time to run.</p>
<p>The shopping complex is larger than you thought, and the old man helpfully shouts out the lap count every five rounds or so. Once you complete your laps, you're a full hour behind schedule.</p>
<p>The old man is waiting for you at the door when you return.</p>
<div id="dia-them">We start training when I say we start training. Not a moment before or after. You get to choose every single day whether you can make that happen, excuses or no. Are we clear?</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">
<span id="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Crystal." checked>> Crystal.</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Yes, sir.">> Yes, sir.</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Whatever.">> Whatever.</label></span>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">>_temp<</replace>>
<div id="dia-them">That's the spirit.<p>We've only got about three weeks until the tournament. Every day, every hour, every minute matters.</p><p>Now, you're already warm. Hit the bag.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>As you begin the process of putting on your gear, the old man hovers over you like an over-worried parent. Every pull of wrapping, every slip of a lace he watches like a hawk, wincing and <i>tsk</i>ing at each movement. Through his minute judgments, he begins to teach you that putting on your gear is an act of devotion as much as anything else. His adherence to unwritten protocol borders on the religious. There are tenets to follow, dogma unto which you are beholden. You sense that this is of the utmost importance to the old man.</p>
<p>The punching bag is waiting for you the same as the day before. This time, though, the old man motions for you to attach your weapon.</p>
<p>Following the feeling from before, you pick up your <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>> and slot it gingerly onto the metal stump of your left arm. You give it a twist. It clicks into place with a satisfying <i>*thunk*</i>, and you give it a few good swings in the air to make sure it feels good.</p>
<p>You are not a fighter by trade. You never were. It was only ever a recreational activity for you, up until the moment six months ago when you were brought before the Mob Boss and you began to realize just how bad things had gotten. Then, it became your calling, your profession. You'd trained on your own, fought in local bar brawls. But nothing like this.</p>
<p>Finally, now fully prepared, you step up to the bag.</p>
<span id="_disable2">
<label><<radiobutton "$fighting_style" "flashy" checked>> You show off your strength with a few flashy, hard-hitting right-left combos. (Individualistic +1)</label><Br>
<label><<radiobutton "$fighting_style" "technical">> You show off your cunning by mimicking a bobbing and weaving pattern as you jab at it. (Enterprising +1</label>)<br>
<label><<radiobutton "$fighting_style" "disciplined">> You show off your discipline by tapping out a few precise, fundamental rhythms. (Lawful +1</label>)<br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<if $fighting_style is "flashy">><<set $individualistic to $individualistic+1>><<replace "#_disable2">>You show off your strength with a few hard-hitting right-left combos. (Individualistic +1)<</replace>><<elseif $fighting_style is "technical">><<set $enterprising to $enterprising+1>><<replace "#_disable2">>You show off your cunning by mimicking a bobbing and weaving pattern as you jab at it. (Enterprising +1)<</replace>><<elseif $fighting_style is "disciplined">><<set $lawful to $lawful+1>><<replace "#_disable2">>You show off your discipline by tapping out a few precise, fundamental rhythms. (Lawful +1)<</replace>>
<</if>>
<div id="dia-them">
<<if $fighting_style is "flashy">>So you've got some strength in you after all. Good, good. We can work with that. Unfortunately for you, flash is not a starting point for me. We've got a ways to go before you start taking creative liberties with my methodology, kid.
<<elseif $fighting_style is "technical">>No one ever wants to start with the really ticky tack stuff these days. Good, good, you're an old school fighter. You better believe I can work with that, even if we are eventually gonna have to put some power behind those punches.
<<elseif $fighting_style is "disciplined">>An all-'rounder, I see. You've got a natural ease with your weapon, that's simple enough to tell. The fundamentals will get you a long way with the crazed fighters who only know they can swing hard. Still, it's only gonna put you even with the more experienced sluggers.<</if>>
<p>But at least now I know you've got more of a $fighting_style fighting style.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>The rest of the training session flies by through a blur of sweat, salt, and punches. By the time the old man is done with you, your limbs are once again wobblier than you'd like.</p>
<div id="dia-them">That's it for today, kid. Don't forget you owe me a half hour of cleaning base plus a half hour for being late. And wouldn't you know it, I've got some dirty laundry lockers that haven't been cleaned in a few good years.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You groan as he throws a spray bottle full of neon pink cleaning solution at you.</p>
<p>For you, the work is never done.</p>
<<set $money to $money-6>>
[[> Continue|Intro 8]]
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>><center><h1>One week later...</h1></center><br>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
A week's worth of training flashes by before you've even begun to count the days.
<p>You're improving quickly. You know it, your muscles know it, and the old man knows it too. More quickly than either of you had dared to hope.</p>
<p>The old man has proven himself to you time and time again with insightful advice. But more than that, he's kind. Less so when he's making you run laps around the block, but still... You've never trained with someone so effortlessly <i>caring</i> before, and while it took you more than a couple of sessions to let your guard down (metaphorically only, of course, or the old man would have you running laps again) you now find that you can't imagine life before him. He seems to have the magic touch of knowing exactly how far he can push you before it's too much, and then building you back up.</p>
<p>
<<if $weapon is "Turbo Fist 9900">>As a former personal trainer yourself, you begin to wonder if <i>you</i> were ever this nice to any of your clients. None spring immediately to mind. You had been raised with a tough love attitude, and instilled the same in the people who paid you to make them better versions of themselves. But the old man's methods have begun to weasel their way into your mind, and you take mental notes as he teaches you, not knowing if you'll ever be able to put them to use in a gym of your own.
<<elseif $weapon is "Wooden Cudgel">>As a former construction worker, "mentorship" was never so much part of the gig. Your friend was a good one, to be sure, and she took care of you whenever she could. But teaching never veered past raw efficiency into philosophy. The old man makes you see B.O.X.ing as an art form, not just a physical pursuit. You feel it beginning to nourish your soul, too, the longer you train with him.
<<elseif $weapon is "Homemade Hydraulic">>As a former spreadsheet jockey, you mostly worked alone. Your supervisors' attention had always stopped at the level of performance metrics, and you'd never had the chance to have meaningful talks about what you <i>really</i> wanted to do. But with the old man, you find yourself feeling a spiritual fulfillment as much as a physical one. Learning advanced B.O.X.ing is both an improvement of fighting technique and the self. Gym as chapel.<</if>></p>
<p>You're not sure that you believe in any gods, but the old man is as good a prophet as any.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Get out of your head, kid. The tournament's in two weeks. <p>Now, I've been doing some scouting, and we've got our work cut out for us. If you're not here 100%, you're not here at all.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You nod in agreement and focus again on the rhythm of hitting the bag with your <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>>.</p>
<p>Still, by the end of the session you're struggling to lock in and focus on what's ahead of you. Normally the gym is the only place you can come to quiet your mind and stop thinking about everything else that's happening. Maybe forget that your debt exists. But today you're incapable of doing even that.</p>
<p>As you drop down to your knees and begin to scrub the exterior of the central ring, the old man whips out his stool and sits next to you.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Kid, you've been wearing the same clothes for days now. You've gotta be running low on food or funds or both, and you're clearly not focused today.<p>I know you didn't wanna talk last time - and I respect that. But why don't you try telling me what's going on?</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">
<span id="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> Where do I even start?</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2" >> I don't want to bring that into the gym. </label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice3">> Why does it matter?
</label></span>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<div id="dia-them">
<<if _temp is "choice1">>
<<replace "#_disable">>Where do I even start?<</replace>>Try starting at the beginning. That always works for me.
<<elseif _temp is "choice2">><<replace "#_disable">>I don't want to bring that into the gym.<</replace>>Bad news, kid, you aleady have. Trust me, you just gotta air it out to get rid of the stink.
<<elseif _temp is "choice3">><<replace "#_disable">>Why does it matter?<</replace>>It matters because it's affecting your training, that's why. And you're too damn good for me to let you get bogged down with brain stuff. Now just try telling me.<</if>>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You put down the sponge, and rock back on your heels.</p>
<p>You take a deep breath.</p>
<p>Your mind flashes back twenty-four months. A phone call. A cab ride. A hospital bed.</p>
<p>Something inside you, and something about the old man, spurs you on to tell him what happened.</p>
<div id="dia-you">It was two years ago. A little more now.
<p>I got a call from a number I didn't recognize. Ignored it. Then another, and I ignored it too. On their third attempt I picked up.</p>
<p>It was the hospital, the all-android one down by the Meatgrowing District. They started off by saying that everything was OK, which somehow made my heart drop even more.</p>
<span id="_disable2"><p>It was my...</p>
<label><<radiobutton "$family" "Mom" checked>> Mom</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "$family" "Dad">> Dad</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "$family" "Sibling">> Sibling</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "$family" "Best friend">> Best friend</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "$family" "Partner">> Partner</label></span>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable2">>It was my <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>.<</replace>>
<p>You pause for a moment, and collect your thoughts.</p>
<div id="dia-you">I don't need to go into the details, but... it wasn't good. One of those nasty antibiotic-resistant bugs that really takes a toll and is virtually unidentifiable even in the best of cases. My <<print $family.toLowerCase()>> couldn't afford it, so of course I pitched in. What choice did I have? It was me or no one. I was the only person left to do anything.
<p>So I did.</p></div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<p>At this point, you realize that the old man has removed his newsboy hat and is gripping it tightly in his hand, seams running tight and deep along its length. He is looking intently into your eyes.</p>
<div id="dia-you">Of course, I couldn't afford it either. No one that lives anywhere near Meatgrowing could. And so I went way into the red, because neither of us had insurance and I couldn't bare to let my <<print $family.toLowerCase()>> be sick <i>and</i> go into a mountain of debt. I figured, at least I could work it off. I wasn't making much at the time, but it was enough to make ends meet for the first year or so.
<p>Recovery was a lot slower than we expected. My <<print $family.toLowerCase()>> would get better, then worse, then better, then worse. Things dragged on. Eventually, the few banks willing to loan to me in the first place stopped issuing new ones. And that...</p></div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<p>The old man interrupts, knowingly and lovingly. He has heard this story before. He knows how it ends, knows what he has to say next.</p>
<div id="dia-them">...is where you turned to the only place you had left. The <b>Electric Knuckle Syndicate</b>. The Mob Boss.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">How did you...?</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-them">Kid, I'm gonna stop you right there, because there is one very important thing you have to know before you say anything else. Please understand that this is not out of a lack of sympathy for your situation but an abundance of it.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The old man replaces his hat, scratches his neck. In his eyes is a mixture of fear and anger that you didn't think he was capable of. You are terrified to hear what comes next.</p>
<div id="dia-them">If you were to go down to the Bureau of Business right now and look at the registration for this B.O.X.ing tournament, you'd find a nondescript holding company. And if you were to look at the registration for that holding company, you'd find the information for another nondescript, totally harmless enterprise.
<p>And if you were to go about twelve layers deeper, and you were really, <i>really</i> lucky, you might just find the first breadcrumb that would lead you on a trail to suggest that the Electric Knuckle Syndicate ran the tournament.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>The old man pauses for dramatic emphasis. He wants to make sure the point sinks home. He looks you dead in the eyes.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Of course, you don't really have to look that far. Because you'll see the guy who runs it all - the <b>Mob Boss</b> - watching every fight behind three inches of shatter-proof glass in his private box when you stroll up for your first round in a couple of weeks. <p>And if you win the whole damn thing, you get a private audience with him afterwards. It's the only way anyone ever gets to meet him like that. Alone. Everybody knows he's the one who really runs the show in Two York City.</p><p>So it turns out he's your executioner and your potential savior, all rolled up into one. </p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
[[> Continue|Intro 9]]
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>The revelation hits you like a ton of bricks. Even in your disgust, you can't deny that fate has a cruel and poetic way of screwing you over just one more time.
<div id="dia-them">Let me guess the rest of your story, kid.
<p>You borrowed from the Knuckles reluctantly, with the vain hope that you'd be able to pay them back. But maybe the insane interest found you wanting, or you just couldn't pay back that one last coin. Whatever it was, that was the moment they had their grip on you.</p> <p>Because that's what they want. Not money. Control.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
You lower your head, and nod.
<div id="dia-you">
Word started getting around that I had taken a loan from them. Suddenly, I was <i>persona non grata</i>. I got fired. Dropped. The only person that would talk to me anymore was my <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>. But that's only because I haven't said anything about the Knuckles. I can't say anything.
<p>He doesn't even know about the dive bar fight nights I did for extra coin before I met you.</p>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-them">So you take whatever jobs you can get, and now you find yourself having to gamble it all on one final shot.
<p>Jeez, kid. Seems like every year half the entrants to this tournament owe the Mob Boss money, but to my knowledge nobody like that has ever won. Didn't peg you for one of 'em, Tumbleweed. Do you think he knows you entered? Would he remember you?</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You shake your head, and your memory springs to life once more.</p>
<div id="dia-you">He doesn't know, or at least I'm not sure if he does. I've only met him the once. I think he just wanted to put the fear of god in me once my debt got so big. He told me I wasn't one of his usual suspects, and that he pitied me. It was a short meeting.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-them">Good. Pity is an emotion we can work with. It's a hell of a lot better than anger.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">
He can take his pity and shove it up his a-
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-them">Hey, hey. I get the picture. But either way you gotta do this right. You can't let some silly revenge fantasy get in your head, you hear me? You're fighting seasoned B.O.X.ers out there, not the Mob Boss himself. If you let your concentration slip for even a second you're done for.<p>I think you've got what it takes, kid, I really do. But I'm not gonna lie to you that this is one hell of a long shot no matter which way you cut it.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>The energetic discussion is interrupted by a loud growl from your stomach. It's been days since you had a truly hearty meal, and thanks to training you've been burning even more energy than usual. You hadn't noticed how hungry you really were.</p>
<div id="dia-them">But first we gotta figure that out. You can't train at the level we'll need to train if you're not eating right.
<p>Listen, I can already tell that you're one of those people who's gonna bristle at the thought of help. But I've got an old friend, somebody who trained under me a long time ago, a brilliant fighter back in their prime. They've got a soft spot for people like you, and I think they can help. Helped a couple fighters I know out in the past, as I recall.</p><p>What do you say?</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The old man is right. You've made it this far without willingly accepting anybody's charity (if a 20 FWC loan and a part-time job from the old man doesn't count, naturally), and the thought of giving up now leaves a bad taste in your mouth.</p>
<p>But another growl from your stomach punctuates the request with the finest of dramatic timing.</p>
<div id="dia-you">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> My stomach says deal. </label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">> Do I have a choice? </label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice3">> I guess I don't have a choice.</label>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<set $money to $money-4>>
[[> Select & Continue|Intro 10 (The Patron)]]
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<br>
<center><h1 id="montage-link"><<link "PART ONE">><<audio "intro" fadeout>><<goto "Pronoun Select">><</link>></h1>
<h3 id="montage-subhead">The Creation Myth</h3></center>
<Br>
<hr>
<br><br><center><h1>The next day...</h1></center><br>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>The Patron arrives in a white cloak, their face obscured by shadow and their body hidden beneath folds of heavy cloth. They look almost monastic, but you know from the quality of the cloak itself that they've taken anything but a vow of poverty. The fabric seems to shimmer, and it appears to be made of something with an interweaving pattern - feathers upon feathers upon feathers stitched to perfection. A ward of sorts. Against knives? Perhaps. Bullets? Entirely likely. Magic? You'd believe that, too.</p>
<p>By your very nature, you are immediately wary of this stranger standing in the doorway of Joe's Boxing.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">It's good to see you, Joe. It's been too long, and I bear the burden on that account.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<div id="dia-them">Don't hear much but "coach" or "old man" around these parts, I've gotta say. How's the Institute treating you these days?</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-patron">Promising. Right now it's promising, but I have a few pieces left before I can truly begin to play the game I want. Research is such a political thing, you know. It's never as easy as you want it to be. Much like teaching a student.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>You are in the corner, running through the exercises the old man put you up to. You have not said a word since the Patron entered, but even without looking you now feel their stare rest heavily upon you. </p>
<p>Under the weight of their gaze, you stop what you are doing and look in their direction. The old man motions you over with a broad sweep of his arm as they begin to walk back into his office. You nod and follow them in.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>The old man's office is as it ever was: a complete mess of a space. Papers are everywhere. You see a typewriter and genuinely have to wonder if the old man still types up his business records with. When was the last time those were even in popular use, the 2030s? History is not your speciality. The walls are lined with shelves and the shelves are lined with trophies, old gloves, dirtied photographs, and memorabilia of all stripes.</p>
<p>As you enter the office, you hear a snippet of hushed conversation.</p>
<div id="dia-patron"><<if $pronouns is "she/her">>She looks<<elseif $pronouns is "he/him">>He looks<<elseif $pronouns is "they/them">>They look<</if>> strong, well-trained. I think you were ri--</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The sentence is cut short once your presence is noticed. Closer now, you still cannot see the Patron's face even when you are practically next to them. You wonder - foolishly, you feel - if the cloak somehow absorbs the light around their face. Nothing would surprise you. The energy the Patron radiates is both enticing and intimidating.</p>
<p>Realizing the burden of manners momentarily rests on him, the old man gestures quickly and politely to the Patron while you take a sit.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Arc, this is... Well...</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-patron">A Patron. <p><i>The</i> Patron if you wish to be formal.</p> <p><i>Your</i> Patron, if you are feeling familiar. And I do hope you are.</p><p>I'll assume that Joe gave you an idea of who I am and why I'm here.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>You take a moment to look at the black shadow where the Patron's face should be and turn your gaze to meet the old man's. He seems, somehow, completely relaxed.</p>
<p>You choose to fight your instincts and play along if it means that you won't be hungry this time tomorrow.</p>
<div id="dia-you">
<span id="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "lawful" checked>> It's a pleasure to meet you. (Lawful +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "individualistic">> I'm Arc. (Individualistic +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "enterprising">> I look forward to working with you. (Enterprising +1)</label>
</span>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<if _temp is "lawful">><<set $lawful to $lawful+1>><<replace "#_disable">>It's a pleasure to meet you. (Lawful +1)<</replace>><<elseif _temp is "individualistic">><<set $individualistic to $individualistic+1>><<replace "#_disable">>I'm Arc. (Individualistic +1) <</replace>><<elseif _temp is "enterprising">><<set $enterprising to $enterprising+1>><<replace "#_disable">>I look forward to working with you. (Enterprising +1)<</replace>><</if>>
<div id="dia-patron">I hear that you've had a particularly busy last couple of years, Arc. Busy and unfortunate. I think we can dispense with the pleasantries, if you don't mind.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>You don't.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">Joe has told me that with you he has a once-in-a-generation fighter. Someone who can - what was it, Joe? - "really shake things up." I heard something similar once, you know, and it turned out to be true.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<div id="dia-them">Your Patron was a student of mine a couple decades ago, Arc. Half the trophies in this room are theirs if I'm tellin' the truth. Nobody could wield those early PunchRobo units like them. Back when B.O.X.ing was still young. They were always ahead of their time.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>Your eyes drift around the office to all the medals and trophies you noticed when you first walked in. There are dozens of them that you can see, and presumably more tucked away in boxes and drawers that you can't.</p>
<div id="dia-you">Are you someone I've heard of? You must be, if you won so much.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-patron">Let's say...doubtful. I traveled a lot, tried to keep my name out of the papers. I wanted to win, not be known. I used a pseudonym - Thor - to help shield me. Plus, I retired young. My father was killed by an infamous mafioso before I was out of high school, and my mother died to a novel illness shortly thereafter. I was alone. But then I was offered a full scholarship to study Norse Mythology - which had been until then a mere hobby - at The New Institute here in Two York City and would have been a fool to turn it down. Positions like that have always been in rare supply.
<p>So, I stopped hitting people and started hitting the books.</p>
<p>But I'm a private person, Arc, and that is perhaps already more than I should disclose. You need to know one thing and one thing only: much like Joe, I too have a soft heart for cases like yours. I want to reward your devotion to your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>> and your clear natural talent. I want to foster it.</p><p>I want you to feel, for the first time in two years, that no one else is controlling the story of your life, Arc. The world is broken, fundamentally. What happened to you and me both is evidence enough of that.</p><p> I have only two conditions.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>Of course there are conditions. You brace yourself for the bad news.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<div id="dia-patron">The first: you must work as hard as you can, and you must never hold back. Ever. You don't stand a chance with anything less than your absolute best effort.
<p>The second: if you win the tournament, you must take me with you to the audience with the Mob Boss. He's a notoriously difficult man to get to. Always sitting behind layers of protective glass at public events, always guarded in transit. He's cautious. But he has something that I desperately wish to see in person, and this will be my only chance to do so.</p>
<p>I will do nothing to jeopardize your winnings, should that be the case. You have my word.</p>
<p>As long as you are training under Joe's Boxing you will not want for food, clothing, or other necessities.</p>
<p>I do not have the funds or influence, unfortunately, to erase your debt entirely. I am merely doing what I can. You are welcome to use some of what I give you to pay off what you owe in small amounts, but it must be discreet enough that no questions will be raised.</p> <p>No one outside of this room is ever to know that I am doing this. Is that understood? It is of the most vital importance to me.</p>
</div> <div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Patron slides a chip card out of a hidden pocket. You feel free to assume that it has ample funding on it and can be reloaded at any time, though you know your spending will be visible to them.</p>
<p>Still, the "catch" was not what you expected. They seem to understand who you are.</p>
<div id="dia-you">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice1" checked>> You can count on me. (+50000 FWC)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice2">> I'd never turn down something like this. (+50000 FWC)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice3">> You have my word. (+50000 FWC)</label>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<link "> Select & Continue">><<set $money to 50000>><<goto "Intro 11">><</link>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>><p>Before the conversation concludes, the Patron speaks to you again.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">There is one more thing I must ask, Arc. And I truly hope it's not too much of an imposition. When I used to B.O.X., I wore a mask. Obviously since they banned hits to the face - a few deaths too late, if you ask me - we're able to express ourselves in a way boxers of old weren't. <p>So, it would do me great honor if you would accept this mask I've procured as a gift.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Patron hands you a mask with a burnished steel finish. It resembles a skull. In your hands it feels light.</p>
<center><img src="images/skull.png"></center>
<p>You balk at the thought of covering your face while you fight. Your peripherals would be blocked, your vision limited. But it couldn't hurt to humor them...</p>
<p>You press the mask against your face, and it fits like a glove. Like it was made for you and for you alone. You barely feel aware of wearing it, and can see with the same clarity as you could without the mask. You recognize it as a marvelously ingenious feat of engineering.</p>
<div id="dia-them">It looks great, kid!</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">I can barely tell I'm wearing it.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-patron">An ancient fabrication secret for a modern age, from what I understand. I think it suits you perfectly, Arc.
<p>Now, with our business concluded I must be off. I have important matters back at the University to attend to. I expect great things from you, Arc. I believe in you.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Patron stands, nods curtly, and leaves the office, their cloak billowing dramatically behind them as they depart.</p>
<p>You are left with the distinct impression of having dreamed it all mere moments later, but as you remove the mask from your face and turn it over in your hands you know that it did <i>indeed</i> happen. You have a Patron, you have money, and you've got a better shot than ever at winning the whole damn thing.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>As expected, as soon as your Patron leaves the old man puts you through an even more grueling workout than anything that's come before.</p>
<div id="dia-them">No getting comfortable, Tumbleweed.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You feel a newfound energy surge though you despite the exhaustion settling into your muscles. Every jab of your <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>> explodes off the bag, threatening to rip it from the ceiling-mounted swivel and tear it seam by seam into oblivion.</p>
<p>You feel <i>good</i>.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>The old man fits in words where he can between punches.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Factoring in rest days, we've got approximately ten workouts left before the tournament starts. You've got food now, you're secure, and I can see you've got confidence to spare, kid. So I'm gonna push you hard as hell.<p>You ready?</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">
<span id="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Let's do it." checked>> Let's do it.</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Think you can keep up?">> Think you can keep up?</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "As ready as I'll ever be.">> As ready as I'll ever be.</label>
</span>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">>_temp<</replace>>
<div id="dia-them">Good answer.<p>Because tomorrow we start your...</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
[[> Continue|Training Montage 1]]
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<div id="training-start">
/* TEN DAYS LEFT */
<p><b>There are TEN days left until the Tournament.</b></p>
<p>After a full breakfast, you choose your training regimen for the day.</p>
<div id="training-montage-10">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp10" "choice1" checked>> Shadowbox with the old man (Lawful +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp10" "choice2">> Fine-tune your weapon (Enterprising +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp10" "choice3">> Run five miles around the city (Individualistic +1)</label><br>
<br>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#training-montage-10">>
<p>You spend the day <<if _temp10 is "choice1">><<set $lawful to $lawful+1>>shadowboxing with the old man. He's not as agile as he once was, but he has enough pep and experience to give you a run for your money and really make you earn it. As you and the old man recount stories from your childhoods under the backdrop of the Kings Bridge, <<elseif _temp10 is "choice2">><<set $enterprising to $enterprising+1>>fine-tuning your weapon. There is polish to be applied, tightness to be adjusted, and the exercising of a keen attention to detail over your <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>>. As you pore over your weapon one final time, <<elseif _temp10 is "choice3">><<set $individualistic to $individualistic+1>>running five miles around the city, then running a few more just for good measure. You've always known that a decent run starts at five; everything else is just foreplay. You know that endurance will be key to your victories. As you run up the steps to the Two York City Hall, <</if>>you feel invigorated by your work, and your spirits are high.</p>
/* NINE DAYS LEFT */
<hr id="story-hr">
<p><b>There are NINE days left until the Tournament.</b></p>
<p>You're at Joe's Boxing before the sun has stretched its thin, hazy tendrils over Two York City. You and the old man pick an activity to focus on for the day.</p>
<div id="training-montage-9">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp9" "lawful" checked>> Drilling fundamentals over and over again (Lawful +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp9" "individualistic">> Further honing your $fighting_style fighting style (Individualistic +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp9" "enterprising">> Finding ways to bait and outsmart your opponents (Enterprising +1)</label><br>
<br>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#training-montage-9">>
The two of you decide to <<if _temp9 is "lawful">><<set $lawful to $lawful+1>>drill the fundamentals for hours on end (Lawful +1), until your knuckles are bleeding and the skin connected to the metal stump on your left arm is a bright, blistery red. You know that this will pay off, even as it feels tedious.<<elseif _temp9 is "individualistic">><<set $individualistic to $individualistic+1>>hone in on your $fighting_style style of B.O.X.ing (Individualistic +1). The old man tells you that no fighter is perfect. No fighter can cover up every weakness. Instead, you focus on improving your strengths so much that no opponent will ever have time to find out what your weaknesses are.<<elseif _temp9 is "enterprising">><<set $enterprising to $enterprising+1>>find unique ways to outsmart your opponents (Enterprising +1) by baiting them into overplaying their hand. Countless numbers of great fighters before you have learned that the mental game is as important as the physical one, and you know that your cunning can give you a decisive edge when you need it.<</if>>
/* EIGHT DAYS LEFT */
<hr id="story-hr">
<p><b>There are EIGHT days left until the Tournament.</b></p>
<p>Your diet is changing as you prepare for the fight of your life. You select a hearty but unappetizing breakfast for yourself.</p>
<div id="training-montage-8">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp8" "raw eggs" checked>> It's raw eggs, all the way </label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp8" "a black 'protein' shake">> It's a black "protein shake" with powders of questionable origin </label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp8" "potatoes, potatoes, and more potatoes">> It's potatoes, potatoes, and more potatoes</label><br><br>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#training-montage-8">>
You find yourself spending less and less time at your apartment these days, and you can't say you mind it much. You abandoned your halfway-decent studio of three years ago for two roommates and a worse part of town. Your room is spartan; half the appliances in your kitchen are broken or barely holding on.
<p>Still, you've gotta eat. You scarf down _temp8 in a (perhaps vain) attempt to bulk up. Your roommates have stopped giving you funny looks at this point. They know better than to ask.</p>
<p>As you contemplate the quality of your next meal, your mind drifts to the money the Patron gave you.</p>
<div id="dia-you">Better to save it for my <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
/* SEVEN DAYS LEFT */
<hr id="story-hr">
<p><b>There are SEVEN days left until the Tournament.</b></p>
<p>The old man, in an apparent attempt to prepare you for whatever curveballs might be thrown your way, has begun incorporating increasingly strange routines into your workout. Today's is particularly odd.</p>
<div id="training-montage-7">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp7" "choice1" checked>> Rounding up chickens at a local co-op's coop</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp7" "choice2">> Experiencing a virtual reality Roman Colosseum simulator</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp7" "choice3">> Swimming behind a boat in the West River</label><br><br>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#training-montage-7">>
<<if _temp7 is "choice1">>The old man takes you to the chicken coop of a local co-op, one founded by a friend of his. He walks into the back, unlatches the door, then yells like a maniac. Dozens of chickens spill down the ramp and into the small backyard of the co-op. It takes you three hours to round them all up, and you are covered in scratches. Somehow, you are more tired than any workout you've ever been through at the gym.<<elseif _temp7 is "choice2">>The old man takes you to a local arcade and loads up enough FWC on a card to play several rounds of Epic Colosseum VR 7, an ancient game by any standard. Still, the combat is fundamentally sound and the roaring, jeering crowd is lifelike enough to remind you that you'll be facing a similar situation in one week when you enter the Super Mega Dome.<<elseif _temp7 is "choice3">>The old man takes you out on a rented boat to the West River, clear on the other side of Two York City, and pushes you unceremoniously into the murky, cloudy water. You are encouraged to keep up with the promise of not drowning. It is a compelling motivator. The old man says something about the value of a good scare every now and again.<</if>>
/* SIX DAYS LEFT */
<hr id="story-hr">
<p><b>There are SIX days left until the Tournament.</b></p>
<p>As a treat for working so hard, the old man finally plugs in the towering arcade machine at Joe's Boxing that you saw on the first day you arrived. You've never seen it powered on before.</p>
<p>It whirrs to life with lights, bells, whistles, and actuated armatures. It's finally time to challenge the <i>PUNCH-O-TRON</i>. You decide which mode to try out.</p>
<div id="training-montage-6">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp6" "choice1" checked>> Two-Player Versus (Enterprising +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp6" "choice2">> Time Attack (Lawful +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp6" "choice3">> Standard High Score (Individualistic +1)</label><br><br>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#training-montage-6">>
The old man slots a counterfeit Free World Coin into the coin slot, and the <i>PUNCH-O-TRON</i>'s already animated machinery goes into overdrive.
<p>You select <<if _temp6 is "choice1">><<set $enterprising to $enterprising+1>>the Two-Player Versus mode, and signal for the old man to step up to the machine. He goes first. With a deftness that no longer surprises you, he responds to the "HIT ME" pads and "MISS ME" fists with appropriate jabs, dodges, and ducks. The machine is supposedly randomized, but the old man looks like he's seen this a thousand thousand times before. By the time you step up to the machine - the old man having racked up an impossibly high score - you're feeling more nervous than you care to admit. Your ego creeps up on you. You do your best to match the machine's furious tempo, but ssee yourself falling a fraction short of the old man's mark.<<elseif _temp6 is "choice2">><<set $lawful to $lawful+1>> the Time Attack mode, and crack your neck as the machine whirrs back to life. You're not going for power or technique here, no - just pure devilish speed. The targets light up one at a time, richocheting back nad forth across every surface the machine has hidden away. As time wears on it adds it own punches for you to dodge. Finally, much longer in than you originally bargained for, the machine begins to overwhelm you.<<elseif _temp6 is "choice3">><<set $individualistic to $individualistic+1>> Standard High Score mode. You want your name in lights for every future student to see. As the scoreboard flickers to life, you see the name "JOE" written over and over again, interlaced with the occasional "THOR" No other names appear on the list. The <i>PUNCH-O-TRON</i> runs you through its paces as you jab, dodge, and duck the corresponding attack and defense modules. Lights appear one at a time, richocheting back and forth across the machine's many hidden faces. But as the endeavor wears on, you grow tired. The score ticks up, just high enough to make it on the list...<</if>></p>
<p>You're caught off guard as the machine rears back its top armature for one final blow, and catch a punch directly on the cheek. You're knocked off your feet.</p>
<p>You spend the next several hours nursing a wicked headache in the old man's office, a frozen bag of peas pressed against your temple.</p>
/* FIVE DAYS LEFT */
<hr id="story-hr">
<p><b>There are FIVE days left until the Tournament.</b></p>
<p>Given the prior day's raucous ending, you and the old man decide to visit your <<print $family.toLowerCase();>> in the research hospital at the New Institute.</p>
<p>You have, of course, been in constant communication. But the introduction of the old man is a first. You know that your Patron is likely lurking some corridors nearby - not that you know what they look like.</p>
You and your <<print $family.toLowerCase();>> have a better chance to catch up than you've had in quite a while. You talk about<div id="training-montage-5" style="display:inline;">...<br><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp5" " days gone by" checked>> Days gone by </label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp5" " days yet to come">> Days yet to come </label><br><br>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#training-montage-5">>_temp5.
<p>Then you talk about fate, and what the gods have in store for you both. It's not an easy conversation for you, but you power through it for your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>'s sake. The meeting is long, but still feels brief and bittersweet all the same.</p>
<p>You promise to win the whole thing, no matter what.</p>
/* FOUR DAYS LEFT */
<hr id="story-hr">
<p><b>There are FOUR days left until the Tournament.</b></p>
<p>The old man eagerly puts you back to rigorous training. After a grueling warm-up and more jumping rope than you've ever done before, the old man takes you to a butcher shop two blocks over. He presents you with a paid-for-in-full slab of meat, fresh and ready. He tells you to punch the meat like a punching bag.</p>
<div id="training-montage-4">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp4" "Reluctantly" checked>> Punch the meat, reluctantly</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp4" "With a slight hesitation but ultimately a sense of duty">> Punch the meat</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp4" "Vigorously">> Punch the meat, with vigor</label><br><Br>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#training-montage-4">>
<p>_temp4, you punch the meat. It gives you a sense of true mass in a way that the punching bag doesn't.</p>
<p>Slowly, the notion that your <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>> will soon be making contact with <i>real human flesh</i> seeps into your brain and takes hold. You begin to panic.</p>
<p>The old man helps you gently down to the floor, talks you through it, and picks you back up when you're ready. Filled with determination, you punch the meat some more. Your knuckles are bleeding once again, and you feel a sense of absolution wash over you.</p>
/* THREE DAYS LEFT */
<hr id="story-hr">
<p><b>There are THREE days left until the Tournament.</b></p>
<p>You return to Joe's Boxing once again before the sun has risen. The Patron is there, cloaked all in white. They open the gym for you, then step into the ring. Their cloak remains on.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">Join me, Arc. Show me how far you've come.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<div id="training-montage-3">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "lawful" checked>> Give them your all (Lawful +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "individualistic">> Show them your moves (Individualistic +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "enterprising">> Try to trip them up (Enterprising +1)</label><br><br>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#training-montage-3">>
<p>You spar. The Patron is every bit the fighter you had heard, despite decades away from the ring. Your every ounce of concentration and focus are demanded.</p>
<p>Impossibly, the white cloak seems to hug the Patron's body and its lengthy folds whip at you like a weapon of their own. You never catch a glimpse of the face buried beneath layers of shadow.</p>
<p>As you fight, you feel part of your brain give itself over to the violence and spectacle of it all. Your <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>> feels less like an attachment and more like a true limb. You strike and parry, feint and jab. Your body is the weapon, not the attachment. You sense the same appreciation of form in the Patron. </p>
<div id="dia-patron">
<<if _temp3 is "lawful">><<set $lawful to $lawful+1>>Good. Good. You've come quite a long way indeed, Arc. Your training has not been wasted. I am glad to see that my trust has been well-placed. You are strong, but you have not yet reached your full potential.<<elseif _temp3 is "individualistic">><<set $individualistic to $individualistic+1>>Your style is your own. You have come a long way indeed, and I feel you have not yet begun to reach your full potential. Make your strengths your weapon and no one will be able to stand against you, Arc.<<elseif _temp3 is "enterprising">><<set $enterprising to $enterprising+1>>You are distracted. I am your focus, I can tell, but not in the way that counts. Stop trying to fool me and fight me, Arc! Despite what you're holding back I can see just how far you've come. But if you're not careful - if you're too busy trying to toy with your opponent - you'll never reach your full potential. And I won't have that happen.<</if>></div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Patron has been circling you, throwing cloying jabs at you all while assessing you. Still, they are not as young as they once were - they begin to tire quickly as the ravages of time weaken their strikes. As you jump over a lazy sweep, you hear the door open. The old man stops dead in his tracks at the door. He had not accounted for this.</p>
<div id="dia-them">I see you two have been busy.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The Patron bows courteously to you in the ring, then exits with a surprising grace. They and the old man exchange words at the door, then they exit quickly.</p>
<p>The old man simply nods, tosses his own satchel to the side, and instructs you to jump rope until he tells you to stop.</p>
<p>As you stand in the ring for a moment longer, you feel your own strength.</p><p> You have never been more powerful than this.</p>
/* TWO DAYS LEFT */
<hr id="story-hr">
<p><b>There are TWO days left until the Tournament.</b></p>
<p>After you arrive at Joe's Boxing and warm up, the old man tells you that he's seen enough. It's time so save your fists and your weapon for the real thing. He instructs you to run until your body won't let you run anymore, then run back.</p>
<p>You nod, and plan your route.</p>
<div id="training-montage-2">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "to the harbor" checked>> The Harbor Route (Lawful +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "downtown">> The Downtown Route (Enterprising +1)</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "to the park">> The Park Route (Individualistic +1)</label><br><br>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#training-montage-2">>
<p>You head _temp2.</p>
<p><<if _temp2 is "to the harbor">><<set $lawful to $lawful+1>>It's nearby, not far from Joe's Boxing. You weave through crowded streets in the old industrial part of the city as the smell of fish and oil slowly build up in your nostrils. The deep, resonant barks of tugs and cargo ships fill the air like a brass symphony. You've never given it much thought before, but it sounds like music to you now. As you reach the water's edge you cut down a commercial path busy with fishmongers and other workers. You dodge past them all, one by one, and finally break through to the otherside of the market to a clear path. The view of Two York City is immaculate, and it spurs you forward.<<elseif _temp2 is "downtown">><<set $enterprising to $enterprising+1>>It's a ways away from Joe's Boxing, and so your already long run is becoming even longer. The sounds of the city envelop you. The energy of every single person rushing by you in a blur of color and sight and smell is enough to keep you moving forward indefinitely. The city has always given you energy. You draw on it now more than ever. As you reach the heart of downtown, it's a cacophony of spirit. You are not within the crowd, not really - you are above it.<<elseif _temp2 is "to the park">><<set $individualistic to $individualistic+1>>It's your favorite one, on the opposite side of the borough from the river. Through narrow streets you run, passing decrepit houses and untended yards. This part of Two York City was hit hardest by the Great Unwinding. There's a spiritual miasma here, which you can't clean up as easily as the physical ones. No one seems to want to move back. But at least it's quiet. <p>When you arrive at the park it is still early enough to be mostly empty. You revel in the feeling of being almost entirely alone in one of the world's biggest cities. It's a rarity these days. You pick up the pace as you hit the hills, your quadriceps aching with the pain and pleasure of it. Trees - real ones - whip past you and your sensed begin to join with the outside air.</p>
<</if>></p>
<p>In that moment, you know it: this place is yours for the taking. Soon you will once again be weighed, and you will be measured. Not just by the old man, but by the every pair of eyes in the city.</p>
<p>But for now, you just run. You throw your arms into the air, fists clenched tight and triumphant, and <i>sprint until you can't feel the weight of the world any more</i>.</p>
/* ONE DAY LEFT */
<hr id="story-hr">
<p><b>There is ONE day left until the Tournament.</b></p>
<p>It is a day of rest, as the gods intended. There is no work to be done today. Still, you find yourself at Joe's Boxing all the same. For spiritual rest, if nothing else. A reminder of everything you've accomplished in such a short span of time.</p>
<p>You sit outside the building, not even sure that the old man will be there or if he'll stay home like he encouraged you to do. You toss an apple back and forth in your hand as your thoughts take their time meandering through your head. You feel focused.</p>
<p>In less than week, you intend to be known as the best B.O.X.er in Two York City.</p>
<<link "> Continue">><<goto "End of Part 1">><</link>>
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<<done>><<addclass "#passages" "passages-width">><</done>>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<<toggleclass "#passages" "passages-width passages-grow">><<addclass "#statsbox" "off-slow">><<addclass "hr" "off-slow">>
<center>
<<timed 12s>><span id="_temp">You are no longer in control, Arc.</span><</timed>>
<<timed 18s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 20s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">You were never really in control.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 28s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 32s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">Ah, but... I'm not speaking to Arc anymore, am I?</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 40s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 42s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">I sense someone else. A player of the game who I did not consider. Someone removed from me.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 50s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 52s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">Hello, you.</span>
<</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 58s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span>
<</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 54s>><<run Dialog.setup("Arc's Prayer");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Dialog Content").processText());
Dialog.open();>><</timed>>
<<timed 60s>><<run Dialog.close("Arc's Prayer");>><</timed>>
</center>
<</linkreplace>>
<<timed 61s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">You are <i>truly</i> a god, aren't you? I've studied myths and gods my whole life, and yet here...<br>I am in <i>awe</i> of you.</span>
<</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 69s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 71s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">Arc perceives you as well. I see.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 80s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 82s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">You understand what I've done, don't you? What I'm going to do?</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<br>
<center><h1 id="montage-link"><<link "TRAINING MONTAGE">><<audio "honey" loop play volume 0.3>><<goto "Training Montage 2">><</link>></h1></center>
<Br>
<hr>
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<</timed>>
<br>
<center><h1 id="montage-link">[[PART TWO|Tournament 2]]</h1>
<h3 id="montage-subhead">Tournament of the Gods</h3></center>
<Br>
<hr>
<br><br><center><img src="images/outside.png" width="100%"></center>
<p>The pounding, driving bass beat from the stadium's speakers bursts through your locker room's wall as music begins to play. You feel your own heart thump in sympathetic time. The roar of the crowd, dulled as it is by space and concrete, is still defeaning.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>Your name is <div id="font-within">Arc.</div></p>
<p>Every other meaningful thought has been flushed from your brain, but you at least remember that much.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>A signal comes over the intercom. They're ready. You take a breath, and [[open up the door|Tournament 3]].</p>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<center><h1>Night One</h1></center>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
The corridors in the bowels of the Super Mega Dome are cramped, and the dim lights flicker sporadically on and off. It hurts your eyes. There's a damp, musty smell on the air. Signatures of hundreds of performers, B.O.X.ers, and roadies line the walls around you, and the weight of their histories presses in on you. You follow the lead of an organizer along with half a dozen other fighters.
<p>A figure comes running down the hallway. A silhouette that you recognize. Quickly the old man sidles up to you, and pulls you a couple of steps back from the group.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Arc! Kid! I've been looking for you for hours. I didn't know where they were holding you.<p>Look, I've been scouting your competition. They're a chump. In fact, I think you've got chumps up until the quarters. But don't think that means you get to be cocky. Remember? We talked about this. FOCUS.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>To emphasize the point, the old man pushes his pointer finger into your temple a couple of times.</p>
<div id="dia-them">No talking. Stay focused. Like we talked about. Are you focused? Good. You seem focused. Maybe I should focus.<p>You're gonna do great, kid.</p>
<p>Remember: three fights in a row tonight. The Gauntlet. I'm not allowed in there with you, so you gotta make sure you keep something in the tank for the second and third bout. Stay disciplined. Most of the bozos in these early rounds will beat themselves for you, if you let them.</p>
<p>Now go kick some ass.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The old man pats you on the shoulder and takes off once again. The nervous energy has clearly given him a second wind.</p>
<p>Chumps or not, you know you can't take anything for granted in these first few rounds. Who knows what could happen?</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>You quickly realize that you're not being taken to the main floor. The Super Mega Dome is a massive complex, you know this, and it has a number of smaller gyms ringing the central one - some with space for spectators, most without. As you find yourself winding further away from the roar at the center of the sprawling building, you realize that you're going to be in one of the latter ones. A blessing or a curse? You're unsure. At least no one will be watching in person if you flame out now.</p>
<p>After several silent minutes you arrive. The gym is nearly the same size as Joe's Boxing. That is to say: smaller than you expected.</p>
<p>Roughly twenty other fighters are waiting here already.</p>
<p>You find space in a corner by yourself, as far away from the others as is possible in the cramped gym. The room is dark and hot, and only the central B.O.X.ing ring is illuminated.</p>
<p>The ropes are bright pink, white, and blue, and the mat a dirty off-white. Holographic logos of the various tournament sponsors float lazily above each of the corner poles.</p>
<p>No coaches are allowed inside. It's only the fighters, the organizers, and the referees.</p>
<p>You hear a whistle blow as an organizer walks into the room and begins to yell, authoritatively.</p>
<div id="dia-them">First up! <i>Arc</i> in corner one. Let's go!</div><div id="dia-them-tag">TOURNAMENT ORGANIZER</div>
<p>You check that your weapon is fitted properly, crack your neck, and step into the ring.</p>
<p>It's fight time.</p>
[[> Continue|Tournament 4]]
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>><<audio "honey" fadeout>>
That night, you barely sleep.
<p>When you do, your dreams are filled with violence. Faceless antagonists swing for the fences, aim for your head. Everything you do feels slow. Awkward. Your training flushed away with the rest of the waste in your brain.</p>
<p>This has always been a matter of life and death, of course - not for you, but for your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>. Still, the visceral <i>reality</i> of it has truly rooted itself deep inside your brain now. There's no backing out, no pretending this isn't happening. The only way out is through, as they say.</p>
<p>You wake up before the sun, unable to fall back asleep. As you lay on your side in bed, you stare out your window at the blinking neon lights of Two York City.</p>
<p>Did you make the right choice? Was this the way to do it? You're unable to come up with a satisfactory answer.</p>
<p>You have a finnicky, uncomfortable relationship with the divine. No god has ever been there for you, so why should you care about them? Still, in those dark hours of the morning you find yourself saying a quiet prayer of hope and anticipation.</p>
<p>You hope someone is listening.</p>
<p>Finally, exhausted, you fall into a deeper slumber.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
You awake the next day to messages from the old man.
<p>He reminds you of when and where you need to meet, and gives you explicit instructions on how to get to the Super Mega Dome safely. He is, if nothing else, a softie.</p>
<p>You grab your <<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>> from your nightstand, throw some extra clothes in a small gym bag, and head outside. The bus is late, as usual, but within two hours you've arrived at the Super Mega Dome.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>You are headed into a literal knockout bracket. 128 entrants were alloted positions and will fight in as many as six fights over four days. </p>
<center><img src="images/bracket.gif"></center>
<p>The first night is known as <i>The Gauntlet</i>.</p>
<p>Three rounds of the bracket will be played on that night, demanding an immense toll from any would-be champions. All of the low-level fighters get knocked out in a quick scrum. It's brutal, it's bloody, and it makes the ratings go absolutely bananas. Untold millions might be watching any given match, all streamed across ethereal waves of the internet for anyone who can't make it to the Dome in person.</p>
<p>Then, the Quarter- and Semi-finals take place on the second and third nights, respectively, followed by the fourth night of the tournament: the Finals.</p>
<p>It's going to exhaust every part of you. Each ounce of blood and sweat and determination will be put to the test. You know this. You feel ready.</p>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>The sun is still shining when you arrive, and you are given instructions on how the next four days will look by a tournament organizer. They inspect your <<include "weapon">>, find it satisfactory, and escort you inside.</p>
<p>You share a locker room with a dozen other B.O.X.ers. Many of them are in costumes. Many of them look ridiculous. And still more look like they would kill you as soon as look at you.</p>
<p>You put on the mask that the Patron gave you. It still fits like a dream. Somehow, you feel more powerful for wearing it. Like someone else.</p>
<p>You begin to stretch and warm up in the only empty corner you can find.</p>
<p> You're told by the intercom that your first match is up in a couple of hours, and to take it easy for now. The two following matches, should you make it that far, will go well into the early hours.</p>
<p>Time passes, the fight draws near, and your heart rate never slows. You hear the noise of the crowd go from an inaudible vibration to the roar of a caged beast. There will be spectators, yes. They will witness your triumph if you let them.</p>
<p>But now is no time for nerves...</p>
[[Continue|PART TWO]]
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>Weapon Select<br>
<<radiobutton "$weapon" "Homemade Hydraulic" checked>>Homemade Hydraulic<br>
<<radiobutton "$weapon" "Turbo Fist 9900">>Turbo Fist 9900<br>
<<radiobutton "$weapon" "Wooden Cudgel">>Wooden Cudgel<br><br>
Stat Select (10 total)<br>
<<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>>L4/E4/I2<br>
<<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">>L4/E2/I4<br>
<<radiobutton "_temp" "choice3">>L2/E4/I4<br>
<<radiobutton "_temp" "choice4">>L5/E5/I5<br>
<br>
<<link "> Select & Continue">>
<<if _temp is "choice1">>
<<set $lawful to 4>>
<<set $enterprising to 4>>
<<set $individualistic to 2>>
<<elseif _temp is "choice2">>
<<set $lawful to 4>>
<<set $enterprising to 2>>
<<set $individualistic to 4>>
<<elseif _temp is "choice3">>
<<set $lawful to 2>>
<<set $enterprising to 4>>
<<set $individualistic to 4>>
<<elseif _temp is "choice4">>
<<set $lawful to 5>>
<<set $enterprising to 5>>
<<set $individualistic to 5>>
<</if>>
<<set $money to 50020>>
<<set $pronouns to "they/them">>
<<set $family to "Sibling">>
<<goto "Part Two Select 2">>
<</link>><center><h1>Night One</h1><h2>The Gauntlet</h2></center>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
The three fights of the Gauntlet are over before you even realize what has happened.
<p>You remember stepping into the ring. Then you remember being ushered out of the small gym by an organizer, hands and body sore and bloody. There is a dark void between those two events. Your head hurts, but the mask is still on. The adrenaline in your system has taken over, taken control, but is slowly ceding its dominance over the fat and electricity in your brain. You feel woozy and swoon a moment before catching yourself against a wall.</p>
<p>There was, of course, no question that you would survive the Gauntlet. This is, after all, <i>your tournament arc.</i> And what good tournament arc ends on the first night?</p>
<p>As you walk down the hallway and begin to take stock of your wounds, the three fights come back to you in flashes of remembrance.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<center><H3>Round One</h3></center>
<div id="dia-them">First up! <i>Arc</i> in corner one. Let's go!</div><div id="dia-them-tag">TOURNAMENT ORGANIZER</div>
<p>You check that your weapon is fitted properly, crack your neck, and step into the ring.</p>
<p>It's fight time.</p>
The announcer calls for your opponent. It's...<span id="_disable"><br><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Professor Spider" checked>> Professor Spider</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "The Mime">> The Mime</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Doug">> Doug</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">><</replace>>
<div id="dia-them">_temp in corner two, get a move on!</div><div id="dia-them-tag">TOURNAMENT ORGANIZER</div>
<p><<if _temp is "Professor Spider">>You see a tall, spindly person step into the ring. Despite their name, they do not have eight arms. They have the usual amount, with a metallic sleeve over one of them. After they settle themself in her corner, they cocks their arm like they're loading a shotgun and eight equally spindly armatures - each about a foot long - pop out of the sleeve. Now you understand. Still, the Professor seems to be having difficulty controlling the device.<<elseif _temp is "The Mime">>You see a short, stout person wearing a black and white striped shirt slide awkwardly into the ring. They feign squatting on an invisible stool and wiping sweat off his forehead. They do not seem to be in good enough shape to be in this competition. The Mime is, confusingly, wearing normal boxing gloves.<<elseif _temp is "Doug">>You see a person who certainly looks like they should be named 'Doug' enter the ring. Doug checks their Turbo Fist 1100 - a seriously outdated model - and stretches clumsily. You wonder why Doug is here.<</if>></p>
<p>The ref reminds you that no hits to the face are allowed, then counts you in.</p>
<p>Your memory flashes forward to right before the end of the fight. _temp makes a fate-sealing blunder by taking a wild swing that you still see coming from a mile away.</p>
You<span id="_disable2">...<br><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "parry" checked>> Parry the blow</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "dodge">> Dodge nimbly</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "counter">> Throw a quick counter-punch</label><br><Br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable2">>
<<if _temp2 is "parry">> use _temp's momentum to your advantage and turn the attack against you into an attack from you, knocking them off their feet.<<elseif _temp2 is "dodge">> dodge the attack and let _temp fall over clumsily of their own accord.<<elseif _temp2 is "counter">> take your pre-positioned <<include "weapon">> and deliver a fierce body-blow before _temp can hit you first. The strike knocks them off their feet.<</if>>
<</replace>>
<p>You wait for _temp to rise, but they have clearly had enough. The referee counts to ten and declares you the winner. You step out of the ring and head back to the far edge of the room.</p>
<p>One fight down.</p>
<p>You feel cautious and off-kilter despite the easy victory. You know it's just the beginning.</p>
[[Continue|Tournament 5]]
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<<if $weapon neq "Turbo Fist 9900">><<print $weapon.toLowerCase()>><<else>>$weapon<</if>><center><h1>Night One</h1><h2>The Gauntlet</h2></center>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>You're momentarily back in the hallway, headed toward your locker room with the organizer. You don't remember being injured in the first fight, then. But as the lights above you flicker, so too does your memory.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<center><h3>Round Two</h3></center>
<p>You're already standing in the ring this time, and you hear the organizer calling your next opponent. It's...</p><span id="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Freeze Frame" checked>> Freeze Frame</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Commander Commando">> Commander Commando</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Super Surge">> Super Surge</label><br><Br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">><</replace>>
<div id="dia-them">_temp, you're up next! Get in there.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">Tournament Organizer</div>
<p>Immediately you sense something different about _temp. It's in his eyes. As he enters the ring, he licks his lips while he makes eye contact with you. He's as desperate as you are.</p>
<p>The ref counts you in and the fight starts. The difference in aggression between this fight and the last is immediately noticeable. _temp moves faster and swings harder, and your mind begins working faster to try and keep up.</p>
<p>It's only a few seconds into the fight when _temp uses his signature move, <<if _temp is "Freeze Frame">>'Say Freeze.' _temp temporarily blinds you with a flash of light from his weapon and then attempts to sock you from the side. Your adrenaline-heightened senses alert you to movement on your right, and you are able to partially parry the blow. Still, he makes painful contact with your right arm as you lurch away from him.<<elseif _temp is "Commander Commando">>'Orbital Bombardment.' _temp uses a concussive blast from his weapon to launch himself into the air and lunge down on you with a mighty blow. Your instincts are almost as fast as gravity, but as you attempt to roll away he clips your right arm, deadening it momentarily.<<elseif _temp is "Super Surge">>'Static Shock.' _temp clicks a button on his weapon, sending a massive blast of lightning ripping straight towards you. Luckily, you pick the correct direction to dodge but don't move quite fast enough - the bolt still sears your right arm, deadening it momentarily.<</if>></p>
In response, you<span id="_disable2">...<Br><Br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "punch" checked>> Punch him in the stomach with your <<include "weapon">></label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "kick">> Sweep at his legs</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "tackle">> Go for a clean tackle<br></label><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable2">><<if _temp2 is "punch">> pull back your <<include "weapon">> and unleash its full force squarely into _temp's stomach. He exhales a loud groan and you hear something crack. _temp collapses onto his knees and falls over, clutching his stomach.<<elseif _temp2 is "kick">> whip your legs at his, catching him off-guard. He falls awkwardly, and his ribs make a cracking sound as he lands on his stomach at an odd angle.<<elseif _temp2 is "tackle">> charge headlong into _temp, catching him off-guard and drilling him into the ring floor. Your hear something crack as you push your full weight down on him.<</if>>
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<p>The blow fully knocks the wind out of him, and by the sound of the cracking ribs you feel confident the bout is yours. The referee counts to ten and ends the fight. </p>
<p>Two opponents down. One more to go.</p>
[[> Continue|Tournament 6]]
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<</linkreplace>><center><h1>Night One</h1><h2>The Gauntlet</h2></center>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>You come back to your senses as you enter the door to your locker room. The Patron is there, still robed in white. The old man's there too. You feel a bit fuzzy and their voices are muffled as they shoo away the other fighters, tend to your wounds, and force you to lie down for a moment.</p>
<p>The room spins, and you remember the final fight.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<center><h3>Round Three</h3></center>
<p>Your memory springs to life as you tap knuckles with your final opponent. It's...</p>
<span id="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "$fighter" "Miss Chevious" checked>> Miss Chevious</label> <br>
<label><<radiobutton "$fighter" "The Celtic Knot">> The Celtic Knot</label> <br>
<label><<radiobutton "$fighter" "Wonder Termite">> Wonder Termite</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">><</replace>>
<div id="dia-them">$fighter vs. Arc - Round Three begins now!</div><div id="dia-them-tag">Tournament Organizer</div>
<p>You hear the bell ding and you're off once again.</p>
<p>The cut from your previous fight has been stitched closed hastily, and you've already got a massive welt on your right arm. It feels heavy and slow to respond. Still, you can see that $fighter isn't operating at 100% either. The Gauntlet has taken its toll on you both.</p>
<p><<if $fighter is "Miss Chevious">>$fighter has on attire that, like yours, is quite understated for an event which is known for attracting over-the-top characters. This makes you fear her more. Her baggy sweatshirt has an upside down question mark on it, but otherwise you see no name-specific markings. She wields a <<include "weapon">> to match yours, and looks equally adept at wielding it.<<elseif $fighter is "The Celtic Knot">>$fighter's dark black hair is not what you first expected, but her pale skin is. She is the toughest looking competitor you've faced so far, and it looks like she excels at punching faces in during her spare time. She's wearing a form-fitting lycra costume, and wields a <<include "weapon">> to match yours.<<elseif $fighter is "Wonder Termite">>You don't understand $fighter's whole thing. There are a million names to choose from. Why that one? She is dressed head to toe in shades of brown, and has hand-drawn on a carapace-like pattern to her sweatshirt. Still, her muscles are bulging just about bigger than anyone else's you've seen so far and she's wielding a <<include "weapon">> to match your own.<</if>> But her legs are faltering. You'd bet that under the fabric her skin is rapidly turning black and blue. You make a mental note of it for later.</p>
<p>You spend a few moments circling the ring, remembering the focus and patience that the old man drilled into your head. You're both sizing each other up. Three rounds in, anything could happen. It's impossible to know yet just how good these fighters are.</p>
<p>$fighter makes the first move. She closes the gap slowly, methodically, then feints left and jabs right with her weapon. You block the hit. She backs away, but closes in again quickly.</p>
<p>Out of the corner of your eye, you see a white cloak unmistakably standing in the corner of the room.</p>
<span id="_disable2"><p>You think to yourself:</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice1" checked>> The Patron?</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice2">> What are they doing here?</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice3">> How did they get in here?</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable2">><h1>THWAP!</h1><</replace>>
<p>Before you can complete the thought, $fighter has smashed you in the stomach. The air in your lungs leaves you behind, and you crumple over.</p>
<p>They get in three more body blows before you're able to respond with a shove to get them off you. The force of it knocks you backward and you stumble. It takes more effort than you'd like to raise yourself back to your feet. The actual pain of the blows has not yet set in, but you know that you can't let that happen again.</p>
<p>But now it's your turn.</p>
<p>You quickly notice that the white cloak is no longer in the room and, refocusing yourself, begin to close the gap between you and $fighter before she can.</p>
<p>You feign a hard roundhouse kick and $fighter falls for it, leaving you an opening to do as you please.</p>
<span id="_disable3">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "choice1" checked>> Target her legs</label><Br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "choice2">> Put her in a headlock</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "choice3">> Pummel her with your <<include "weapon">></label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable3">><</replace>>
<p><<if _temp3 is "choice1">>You conserve your momentum and shift it to another purpose: instead of going for a roundhouse kick, you swing on one foot in the opposite direction and slam your other foot out and into $fighter's previously weakened leg. You hear something crack once again as $fighter falls backwards, unable to support herself.<<elseif _temp3 is "choice2">>You use the momentum of your feigned kick to swing behind $fighter and throw your arms around her neck. Facial hits aren't allowed, but a headlock is still perfectly legal, after all. You feel her struggling against your grip, feel your <<include "weapon">> against her throat, and hold on for dear life. The legs would have been the easier route, but this works, too. <<elseif _temp3 is "choice3">>You forego the fancier routes and instead wind up your <<include "weapon">> for another shot directly to her ribs. They crack and give way against your mighty blow, and $fighter stumbles backwards before falling over. The legs would have been the easier route, but this works, too.<</if>></p>
<p>Your memory flashes forward once more and you see yourself standing over $fighter, lying face down on the mat. Down for the count.</p>
<p>You ache. After three grueling fights you're using every ounce of energy and concentration you have to not fall over as the referee raises your hand in victory.</p>
<p>Three rounds. Three knockouts.</p>
<p>You've made it through The Gauntlet, but not unscathed.</p>
[[> Continue|Tournament 7]]
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<center>
<img src="images/logo.png" width="100%">
<h2 id="montage-link">
<<link "PRESS START">>
<<audio "intro" play volume 0.5>>
<<goto "Intro 1">>
<</link>>
</h2>
or<br><br>
<<link "about stats & choices in this game">><<run Dialog.setup("About Choices & Stats");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Choices & Stats Explainer").processText());
Dialog.open();>><</link>><br>
<<link "turn audio off">><<set $mute to true>><<run SimpleAudio.select(':all').mute($mute);>><</link>>
<<link "(ℹ️)">>
<<run Dialog.setup("About Audio");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Audio Explainer").processText());
Dialog.open();>>
<</link>>
<br>
<<link "credits">>
<<run Dialog.setup("Credits");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Credits").processText());
Dialog.open();>>
<</link>><br>
<<linkreplace "content warnings">>
<bR>mild flashing lights<br>
mild language<br>
mild blood & violence<br>
descriptions of poverty<br>
<</linkreplace>>
</center><p>When you wake again in the locker room you find the old man standing over you. The Patron is nowhere to be seen.</p>
<p>You notice that you're holding the mask in your hands now. Then, the pain of all the blows you dealt and took floods over you like a tidal wave.</p>
<div id="dia-you">Urrrgghh....</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-them">You did it, kid! I knew you would. But boy do you look like a sad sack of potatoes right now. They nearly got to you, but you were always one step faster. That's how I trained you! That's why you're gonna win it all!</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You try to sit up, but your head spins. You're exhausted, and your body has nothing left to give tonight.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Take it easy, kid. Take it easy. You've earned yourself a night of rest before tomorrow's fight. We'll get you some frozen peas and whatever meds we can find and get you back home.<p>Now stay down. I'll take care of everything else tonight. You did good, Tumbleweed.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The old man's words seem to trigger something in your brain, and you begin to feel yourself slipping into sleep. You've never wanted to rest as much as you do right now.</p>
<p>You are vaguely aware of being escorted out of the room, out of the stadium - carried in someone's arms - into a car and back home. Visions of the fights you've had and the fights to come arrive in fits and starts, and you rest deeply but still fretfully.</p>
<p>When you finally wake the following morning, the sun is shining through your window and your body aches in every possible location.</p>
<p>You say another silent prayer of thanks to whatever gods are listening.</p>
[[> Continue|Tournament 8 (Norse Story)]]<center><h1>Night Two</h1><h2>The Quarterfinals</h2></center>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>You head back to the Super Mega Dome in the afternoon. You slip your mask on quietly and contemplatively as you exit the bus. The crowd that greets your arrival is quite a bit larger than the day before, and as an organizer leads you into the complex a few spectators rush over to take a look. Do you have fans?</p>
<p><i>That's Arc,</i> they whisper fervently. <i>The nobody who made it through the Gauntlet.</i></p>
<p>The old man catches up with you in one of the long hallways.</p>
<div id="dia-them">How are you feeling? Like shit? I bet. Anyway, we'll talk more before your fight. It's against some guy named the Bandit that I've never heard of so I gotta do some scouting. Until then, your Patron wanted to talk to you. They're waiting in the locker room. Don't you dare enter that ring without me!</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>When you arrive at the locker room, you see a familiar white cloak standing in the corner. The Patron dismisses motions for you to sit down on one of the benches.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">You put on quite the show yesterday, my dear Arc. Many more eyes are watching you now, as they rightfully should be. You did well.
<p>Before you continue your journey tonight, I hope you'll indulge me in a little story.</p>
<p>In Norse mythology, it is said that Odin - deity of deities, Allfather - had an unending thirst for knowledge. A trait which, vainly I admit, I see in myself.</p>
<p>Now, our world and every other world are all part of the great tree Yggdrasil. At the bottom of this world-tree is a well, the Well of Urd, where dwells Mimir. Mimir had knowledge of all things in the cosmos, and Odin was jealous of this. So Odin traveled down to the Well and asked for a drink of the water. Knowing the true value of this, Mimir refused Odin unless he offered something valuable in return. In this case, it was his eye.</p>
<p>And so Odin did just that. He had already decided he was willing to sacrifice anything for that knowledge. This was his goal, his life's quest. Nothing could be too precious to complete it. He didn't even haggle, just popped it right out. </p>
<p>And having made this sacrifice, Odin was allowed to dip his drinking horn into the well and taste of the forbidden knowledge that would make him the most powerful of gods.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Patron pauses for a moment to let the tale stand of its own merit.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">
<p>There are two things to be learned from this, Arc.</p>
<p>First, when you have a true and noble goal set before you, no sacrifice is too great to achieve it. I'm sure you already feel that keenly, given the last two years of your life.</p>
<p>Second, and, I think, perhaps more importantly, is this: those who come to great power without sacrifice are unworthy of that power.</p>
<p>No matter what, remember this.</p>
<p>You're in the Quarterfinals now, Arc. Things will get noticeably harder. Assume that everyone you fight from here on out is a professional and knows a dozen ways to end your run with minimal effort. Bring your best.</p>
<p>And, of course, don't forget our agreement. If you win, we see the Mob Boss together.</p>
<p>The mask looks good on you, Arc.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>You bid the Patron farewell and are left alone to contemplate the Patron's story before your first fight.</p>
[[> Continue|Tournament 9]]
<</linkreplace>><p>Fifteen minutes later, the old man arrives again. He tells you what he knows of your next opponent, <b>The Bandit</b>.</p>
<div id="dia-them">He's a scrapper, that much I do know. Been in the game a while. He's gonna try and get some cheap, quick shots in as soon as he sees an opening. <p>He doesn't have the power to knock you out with one or two big shots, so he'll try to wear you out. You've gotta try and keep him off you or get in one or two big hits of your own.</p><p> Find a weakness if you can, then exploit it. Just don't try and get in a outwit-outlast kind of situation. You won't win it.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The two of you go through details and plans, knowing that it's mostly to keep you calm and focused for now. The best laid plans can go to hell once a punch is thrown.</p>
<p>A light warm-up leaves you with a thin film of sweat coating your body. Part of you wishes you could keep talking, keep planning, but you know that you worked as hard as you could for the month you had with the old man. Now it's time to make the most of it.</p>
<p>With half an hour to before the match, you do your best to keep your mind from wandering.</p>
<p>One or two big hits, don't try and outlast. Stay warm. Stay frosty.</p>
<p>The last month has felt like a year and the last year has felt like ten. Is your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>> watching? Do you want your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>> to watch? Best not think about it for now.</p>
<p>Ten minutes left. One or two big hits, don't try and outlast.</p>
<p>The old man says you'll be on the big stage tonight. He says that you can't think about the crowd. There'll be thousands of people screaming at you but the only two people that matter are in the ring. Nobody else is important. Not even him. Breathe and focus. Focus and breathe.</p>
<p>Five minutes left. Focus and breathe. Breathe and focus. One or two big hits. Don't dance with him.</p>
<div id="dia-them">All right, kid. They're ready for you. I'll be here to celebrate with you after the match. You better believe it. 'Cause I do.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The doors open.</p>
<p>The music is flooding in.</p>
<p>Your aches and pains and fears melt away.</p>
<p>It's fight night.</p>
<p>You know what to do.</p>
<p>The organizer escorts you out the door, down a different hallway this time. The music is getting louder. The crowd is as raucous as ever. You breathe, you focus, and drown it all out. They're not what you're here for.</p>
<p>You're here to win.</p>
<p>You reach the end of the hallway. A pair of curtains pull back, and...</p>
[[> Continue|Tournament 10]]<<done>>
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<center><img class="quarter-start" src="images/arena.png" style="width: 75%;"></center>
<<timed 2s>><<toggleclass ".quarter-start" "off-init on-final">><</timed>>
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<center><h1 class="quarter-delay">[[The Quarterfinals|THE BANDIT]]</h1><h2 class="quarter-delay">Super Mega Dome</h2></center><center><h1>NIGHT TWO</h1><h2>THE QUARTERFINALS</h2></center>
<div id="poster-left">
ARC
</div>
<div id="poster-flex">
<div><img src="images/arc.png"></div>
<div><h1>VS.</h1></div>
<div><img src="images/bandit.png"></div>
</div>
<div id="poster-right">
THE BANDIT
</div>
<center> <h1>[[ONE NIGHT ONLY!|Quarter 1]]</h1></center>
[[The Gauntlet|Tournament 4]]<br>
[[Quarterfinals|Tournament 9]]<br>
[[The Bandit|THE BANDIT]]<br>
[[Semifinals|Semi 1]]<br>
[[Mecha-Knight|MECHAKNIGHT 1]]<br>
[[Finals|Finals 1]]<br>
[[Cyber Warlock|WARLOCK 1]] <br>
[[Mob Boss|Mob Boss 1]]<br>
[[Patron 2]] <bR>
[[Resurrection]] <br>
<<link "Prayer">><<toggleclass "#passages" "passages-width passages-grow">><<goto "Prayer">><</link>><Br>
<<link "Prayer 3">><<toggleclass "#passages" "passages-width passages-grow">><<goto "Prayer 3">><</link>><br>
<<link "Finale 1">><<set $god to "TESTING & DEVELOPMENT">><<goto "Finale 1">><</link>><br><Br>
[[Weighted RNG Test]] <<done>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-match">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-match">><</done>>
<center><img src="images/bandit.png"></center>
<hr>
<span id="_disable">
<p>As you enter the ring, <b>The Bandit</b> is there waiting for you. He paces impatiently across one side of the ring, licking his lips and wiping his already sweaty brow. He is almost entirely human, except for the lone artificial eye glowing an eerie red and a plate covering up a spot where you assume his skull must have been caved in. You wonder what the eye tells him. His weapon of choice is a modified baseball bat.</p>
<p>If he hits you, it will hurt. But you know that that's not his game.</p>
<p>You hear the crowd roaring with delight and anticipation, see the flashing lights in the distance. Thousands of people are here to witness this moment, and who knows how many more are watching it somewhere else.</p>
<p>A referee enters the ring, brings you to the center for the usual glove touch, then begins the countdown.</p>
<p><i>Ten!</i></p>
<p>Your heart is pounding.</p>
<p><i>Nine!</i></p>
<p>Your pulse is racing.</p>
<p><i>Eight!</i></p>
<p>You feel something. A vibration in your very cells.</p>
<p><i>Seven!</i></p>
<p>The vibration picks up in speed and intensity.</p>
<p><i>Six!</i></p>
<p>It's spreading throughout your body.</p>
<p><i>Five!</i></p>
<p>You feel tingly. You look at your arms and hands wondering where the feeling is coming from.</p>
<p><i>Four!</i></p>
<p>Your vision begins to blur.</p>
<p><i>Three!</i></p>
<p>Everything fades to white.</p>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
/* FLASHBACK */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<div id="flashback">
<span id="_disable">
<p>Your vision is hazy, but you're immediately aware that you're in another place. Another time. You are incorporeal. What is this technology? What is this magic? Who is doing this to you?</p>
<p>You see The Bandit. He is (and you are) in a hospital. Or something that passes for one, at the least. You hear too much noise outside - yelling, screaming, clanking - for it to be a legitimate medical facility.</p>
<p>A woman in a white lab coat is telling The Bandit that he's lucky to be alive. That he can't fight anymore. That the plate will only do so much to protect his brain.</p>
<p>He says that he doesn't have a choice. This is the only thing he knows how to do.</p>
<p>Almost jovially, he raps his knuckles against the metal plate on his skull. He says that it could be worse.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
----
<p>You are elsewhere.</p>
<p>You are in a dark room. The Bandit is standing; a large man is sitting in a large seat behind a large table.</p>
<p>You recognize him immediately as the Mob Boss.</p>
<p>The Mob Boss is confiding in The Bandit. They both look a great deal younger than what you know now.</p>
<p>You see the Mob Boss caressing a golden ring on his finger, staring at it jealously. He says that this is a great change in the winds. The rise of the Electric Knuckle Syndicate is here, he says. We will answer to no one else. Not anymore.</p>
[[> Continue|THE BANDIT 2]]
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<<done>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-match">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-match">><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>><</done>>
<center><img src="images/bandit.png"></center>
<hr>
<span id="_disable">
<p><i>Two!</i></p>
<p>You're back.</p>
<p><i>One!</i></p>
<p>It's time to fight.</p>
<p>A bell dings.</p>
<p>The Bandit does exactly as you expect him to: he hangs back, and watches. His hands are up defensively, his bat held loosely in one hand. But you know it's a trick.</p>
<p>You're tempted to play his game. After all - he looks so scrawny, so weak. Surely you could beat him in a test of endurance!</p>
<p>But, you remember, he's in the Quarterfinals. He didn't get here by accident. His muscles are lean, toned, primed for the marathon, not the sprint.</p>
<p>You make the first move.</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> Run straight at him</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">> Close slowly, then jab quickly</label><br><Br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
/* Round 1 */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="_disable">
<<if _temp is "choice1">><<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-30>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
He doesn't see it coming.
<div id="font-within">WHAM!</div>
<p>Usually, his opponent buys the schtick. Usually, he lures them in. But you were prepared, and you caught him off guard with a shot from your <<include "weapon">> right to the kidney. The Bandit doubles over but quickly backs away, daring you to come at him again. Still, you can tell that the blow took a lot out of him.</p>
<<elseif _temp is "choice2">>He sees it coming.
<p>It was a good idea, but you weren't quite fast enough. He carries around so little weight that he's lithe as can be. Your jab misses his stomach by an inch. He taunts you briefly with an obscene gesture as he backs away, ready for you to come at him again.</p>
<</if>>
<p>The Bandit dances around the ring. You try to approach and throw a punch but he just slips away. He's not even holding his hands up. It's immediately infuriating. You're seeing red. <i>Why won't he just fight you?</i></p>
<p>In the second that it takes you to think that thought, The Bandit has seized the moment and closed on you.</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice1" checked>> Put your hands up defensively</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice2">> Try to duck away</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
/* Round 2 */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="_disable">
<<set $CurHP = $CurHP-20>><<run Health($CurHP, $MaxHP, "playerhorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<<if _temp2 is "choice1">>You put your hand up<<elseif _temp2 is "choice2">>You try to duck away<</if>>, but The Bandit is quicker. He whips your arm with his bat, quicker than you thought possible. It's the same arm that had been deadened the night before, and it's hurting now. You can see that he did his research, too.
<p>Predictably, The Bandit simply laughs and slips away once again.</p>
<p>You feel the blood rushing to your face once again. This is the game he wants to play. He wants to taunt you, make you emotional. You can't give in.</p>
<p>But you can make him <i>think</i> you're giving in.</p>
<p>You close in once again as he slips away from you, and you grunt loud enough for him to hear it. Let him think he's getting to you.</p>
<p>He takes the bait, and closes in.</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "weapon" checked>> Throw a quick left jab with your <<include "weapon">> </label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "bare hand">> Throw a quick right jab with your bare hand</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
/* Round 3 */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="_disable">
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-10>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
You jab with your _temp3 and surprise The Bandit. It's a blow to the chest, not terrible effectual, but you know you don't need much to beat this guy.
<p>He backs off, a bit warier now, and moving a bit more slowly.</p>
<p>You're going to make him play your game now.</p>
<p>He's expecting the quick jab - you've done it twice. So it's time to hope that he's got a talent for pattern recognition. You approach, slowly, bluffing to make him think the shot he landed did more damage than you actually feel. He knows what comes next: you jab, he slips, he hits.</p>
<p>But you can do better.</p>
<p>You feint a right jab, then...</p>
<<if $enterprising >= 4>>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp4" "enterprising" checked>> Hit his liver with your <<include "weapon">> </label><br>
<<elseif $enterprising < 4>>
<del>X Hit his liver with your <<include "weapon">> (Enterprising >= 4)</del><br>
<</if>>
<<if $lawful >= 4>>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp4" "lawful" checked>> Hit his chest with your <<include "weapon">></label><br>
<<elseif $lawful < 4>>
<del>X Hit his chest with your <<include "weapon">> (Lawful >= 4)</del><br>
<</if>>
<<if $individualistic >= 4>>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp4" "individualistic" checked>> Hit his leg with a strong kick</label><br><br>
<<elseif $individualistic < 4>>
<del>X Hit his leg with a strong kick (Individualistic >= 4)</del><br><br>
<</if>>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
/* Round 5 - Possible End */
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-30>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<<if $OpponentCurHP <= 0>><<goto "THE BANDIT 3">><</if>>
<<replace "#_disable">>
<<if _temp4 is "enterprising">>You slam your <<include "weapon">> into his liver. It's a bit of a cheap shot, and you know it will hurt him. He crumples at your hit, clearly dazed - the hit sends waves of shocking pain all over his body, and his muscles spasm for the briefest moment.<<elseif _temp4 is "lawful">>You slam your <<include "weapon">> into his chest. It's a clean shot, and while it won't inflict the maximum possible damage you know that it's still going to hurt like hell and, hopefully, knock the wind out of him. Sure enough, you see The Bandit crumple backwards after you land the hit. He's clearly dazed now.<<elseif _temp4 is "individualistic">>You forego the obvious hit with the upperbody and instead shift as much momentum as you can to your left leg, which is already moving forward. You make clean contact with his right leg, and he drops to his knees for just a moment before quickly - but shakily - standing back up. You can tell that he's dazed and on uneasy footing now.<</if>>
<p>You see your opening. No mercy. You know that you have to strike now.</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp5" "choice1" checked>> Throw one final jab</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp5" "choice2">> Throw one final kick</label><br><br>
<<link "> Select & Continue">>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-10>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>><<goto "THE BANDIT 3">>
<</link>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<<done>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-match">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-match">>
<</done>>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = 10>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<center><img src="images/bandit.png" id="boss-img"></center>
<hr>
Your attack is nearly the last straw for The Bandit, as he staggers backwards and yelps out in pain.
<p>The old man was right - just a few big shots were all you needed. But the fight isn't over. The Bandit is still on his feet, and you know that you can't leave him any room to make a grand comeback.</p>
<p>You remember the vision, and your eyes move to the shiny metallic plate the covers part of his skull. You know that face shots aren't allowed in this tournament, but there's another way to make him hurt all the same.</p>
<p>You bum rush the weakened Bandit, pushing him into the corner pole and stunning him.</p>
<p>With all the strength you have left, you pick his slender body up (light enough for you to handle him), twist him in the air, and drop him on his head.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<<addclass "#boss-img" "off-slow">>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = 0>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<p>The crowd roars their approval.</p>
<p>The Bandit squirms on the ground, face down now, very much alive but unable to stand up.</p>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>As the referee runs over to your corner and drops to his knees to begin the count, you feel a pang of guilt.</p>
<span id="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> You push the guilt away</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">> You let the guilt linger</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">>
<<if _temp is "choice1">>But there's no time for that now. You knew what you were getting yourself into, and you're going to do whatever it takes to get that money for your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>. That's why you're here. Nothing else matters.<<elseif _temp is "choice2">>Amidst the noise and the lights and the blood rushing to your head, you let the guilt linger. You would do anything for your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>, but having seen the snippet of The Bandit's past somehow made it more real, more tangible. You wonder what he would have used the money for.<</if>>
<p>The Bandit's trainer runs into the ring, and after a shaky minute he's on his feet and making his way out of the arena. You see him give you a quick nod of approval before disappearing into the darkness.</p>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>Back in the locker room, the old man is giving your sore arm a quick massage and singing your praises.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Great work, kid! I told you he was just a couple big hits away from his demise. Good to know some of you kids still listen to your elders every now and again. <p>How are you feeling? Everything sitting right?</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">My right arm hurts. Better than my left arm, I guess, so I can keep using the <<include "weapon">> without issue. But otherwise OK. It was faster than I expected.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-them">Yeah, well - I don't know how many times I have to say it, kid, but don't get cocky. That guy had a clear weakness we could act on. That may not be true moving forward. Plus, man, that brutal drop. You'd think the plating would have protected him but apparently it just made it worse. Smart thinking, kid.<p>Now, you're gonna go take an ice bath and we're gonna get you home. We don't know your opponent yet - still a few matches left. But I'll scout 'em out and give you the details in the morning.</p><p>Tomorrow's a new day, Tumbleweed!</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>As you leave the Super Mega Dome, your thoughts are consumed not with the fight but the vision before.</p>
<p>A mere trick of exhaustion?</p>
<p>You decide to leave it at that for the night. You don't have enough energy to consider anything else for now.</p>
[[> Continue|Semi 1]]
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>><<done>><<set $CurHP to 50>><<set $OpponentCurHP to 50>><</done>>
<center><h1>Night Three</h1><h2>The Semifinals</h2></center>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
You're in the locker room with the old man. He's running you through your next opponent.
<div id="dia-them">Their name's <b>Mecha-Knight</b>. Nobody knows a thing about 'em except they're big, and they've got a suit of aluminum armor that makes 'em bigger. No special weapons. Just fists. Big ol' fists.<p>We're gonna flip the script from your last fight, got it, kid? Now you're the one who needs to play the endurance game. One or two hits from this tin can and you're out for the count. Do whatever it takes to not let it happen. </p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You scarf down a protein pack as you hear the music kick in across the stadium. It's almost time.</p>
<div id="dia-them">It's almost time, kid. I believe in you as much as I ever have. So does your Patron. Trust your gut, don't get cocky. Same old story.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You nod astutely, not feeling like saying much tonight.</p>
<p>Your body still hurts from the past two nights, but you know you could be a lot worse off. Might <i>be</i> a lot worse off if you can make it through tonight.</p>
<p>No time to think about that now.</p>
<p>Got to focus.</p>
[[> Continue |Semi 2]]
<</linkreplace>><center><h1>NIGHT THREE</h1><h2>THE SEMIFINALS</h2></center>
<div id="poster-left">
ARC
</div>
<div id="poster-flex">
<div><img src="images/arc.png"></div>
<div><h1>VS.</h1></div>
<div><img src="images/knight.png"></div>
</div>
<div id="poster-right">
MECHA-KNIGHT
</div>
<center> <h1>[[ONE NIGHT ONLY!|MECHAKNIGHT 1]]</h1></center>
<<done>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-final">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-final">><</done>>
<center><img src="images/knight.png"></center>
<hr>
<span id="_disable">
<p>You see Mecha-Knight's hulking mass before you see the rest of the ring. The crowd is already chanting their name before you arrive. They're a favorite, you surmise.</p>
<p>This time, the lights blind you a little bit less. The roar of comingled voices doesn't distract you in quite the same way. You feel ready to take on even this massive challenge as you pull yourself up onto the ring and through the ropes.</p>
<p>You bounce up and down in place, shaking your <<include "weapon">> nimbly all the while. It feels like just another part of you.</p>
<p>You're brought together. Mecha-Knight must be double your height. You tap gloves - gauntlets? - and return to your corners.</p>
<p><i>Seven!</i></p>
<p>The vibration in your cells returns.</p>
<p><i>Six!</i></p>
<p>You try to shake it off, but it fights back.</p>
<p><i>Five!</i></p>
<p>The feeling spreads throughout your body again.</p>
<p><i>Four!</i></p>
<p>Your vision begins to blur.</p>
<p><i>Three!</i></p>
<p>Everything fades to white.</p>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
/* FLASHBACK */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<div id="flashback">
<span id="_disable">
<p>You see sparks. A long hallway. A factory. Something is being made.</p>
<p>You see a massive suit of armor.</p>
<p>You walk closer, as nimble, scarred hand place in the last few components.</p>
<p>A power pack. Hidden just below the seam on their back. Of course - no human could handle that much weight without something to juice them up.</p>
<p>You see it for what it is: a weak spot.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
----
<p>Mecha-Knight is perhaps the only person that could make the Mob Boss look anything less than huge. Instead, they look like equals.</p>
<p>Mecha-Knight is standing guard while the Mob Boss fiddles with his golden ring. Except now he has eight of them. One on his finger, and seven identical ones set to the side.</p>
<p>He begins to caress the ring, and out of thin air a ninth golden circle of the exact same size and shape materializes. Each one has something etched into the side, but you can't read it.</p>
<p>He seems unphased. This has happened before, perhaps hundreds of times.</p>
<p>The Mob Boss wraps his hands around these new creations, and hoards them jealously to himself.</p>
<p>Mecha-Knight stands guard, silent and stolid as ever.</p>
[[> Continue|MECHAKNIGHT 2]]
<</linkreplace>>
</span>
</div>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>><<done>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-match">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-match">><</done>>
<center><img src="images/knight.png"></center>
<hr>
<span id="_disable">
<p><i>Two!</i></p>
<p>You're back.</p>
<p><i>One!</i></p>
<p>It's time to fight.</p>
<p>A bell dings.</p>
<p>Mecha-Knight begins lumbering towards you, crowding out the rafters and the ceiling. You sidestep his advance, but you're worried. They're quicker than they look. Quicker than a big hunk of metal has any right to be.</p>
<p>You remember the vision, and develop a strategy.</p>
<p>Mecha-Knight raises their right fist.</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> Sidestep right</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">> Roll right</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
/* Round 1 */
<<set $CurHP = $CurHP-35>><<run Health($CurHP, $MaxHP, "playerhorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="disable">
<div id="font-within">WHAM!</div>
<p>Before you can even react, Mecha-Knight's left fist slams into you with impossible deftness, and you slam into the ropes in turn.</p>
<p>Everything goes black for a moment, and the wind leaves your body.</p>
<p>It hurts like hell.</p>
<p>You scramble to your feet and barely duck out of the actual blow from their right fist. This match has not started quite the way you hoped. Mecha-Knight has probably practiced this exact opening - and executed it - a hundred times. Built for one thing and one thing only.</p>
<p>You see steam or smoke or some other vapor rising from Mecha-Knight's shoulders. They're slow to return to neutral position. It's time to act.</p>
<p>You use your agility to circle around Mecha-Knight faster than they can turn, jump up, identify the seam you saw in the vision, and...</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "punch" checked>> Punch the seam with your <<include "weapon">></label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "kick" checked>> Kick the seam</label><br><bR>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
/* Round 2 */
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-5>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="_disable">
<p>You see the metal on the seam give way just a bit as you _temp2 it, but it still doesn't look like you've done much damage at all. You're going to have to keep it up.</p>
<p>You land awkwardly, your body feeling quite worse for the wear after the initial salvo, and by the time you recover Mecha-Knight has turned around.</p>
<p>It's hard to tell through all of the metal, of course, but you'd swear that they're starting to sweat.</p>
<p>Mecha-Knight raises their right hand again.</p>
<p>You have a fraction of a second to decide if they're going to try the same distraction again, or if you can take the arm at face value this time.</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "same" checked>> Dodge the surprise left hook</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "different">> Roll away from the raised right arm</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
/* Round 3 */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="_disable">
<p><<if _temp3 is "same">>You expect Mecha-Knight to pull the same trick twice, to test the waters, and you're rewarded for your insight. Mecha-Knight's left fist smashes into the space where you were just a moment before, and then you're able to easily dodge the right arm from crushing you as it slams down onto the ring floor.<<elseif _temp3 is "different">>Trusting your instincts, you assume that Mecha-Knight won't try the same trick twice. You're rewarded as the left arm stays still this time, and the right arm smashes down onto the mat where they would have expected you to dodge it.<</if>></p>
<p>The massive force behind the missed blow has left Mecha-Knight off balance - steam pouring from their shoulders - and allows you to circle around them quickly before they recover.</p>
<p>Once again you jump up, and...</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp4" "punch" checked>> Punch the seam <<if _temp2 is "punch">>again<</if>> </label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp4" "kick">> Kick the seam <<if _temp2 is "kick">>again<</if>> </label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
/* Round 4 */
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-15>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="_disable">
<p>You _temp4 the seam on Mecha-Knight's back and hear something give away. They're still standing, still operating, even more frantically now.</p>
<p>But you're faster this time.</p>
<p>You land gracefully and bounce right back up, your legs aching and threatening to buckle at any moment. But still you soar through the air, right to the target, and you...</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp5" "punch" checked>> Punch the seam <<if _temp2 is "punch" && _temp4 is "punch">>for a third time<<elseif _temp2 is "punch" || _temp4 is "punch">>again<</if>></label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp5" "kick" checked>> Kick the seam <<if _temp2 is "kick" && _temp4 is "kick">>for a third time<<elseif _temp2 is "kick" || _temp4 is "kick">>again<</if>></label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
/* Round 5 */
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-25>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<<set $CurHP = $CurHP-10>><<run Health($CurHP, $MaxHP, "playerhorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="_disable">
<p>You _temp5 the seam and see a deep dent where you hit it. Steam is now pouring from cracks in their back.</p>
<p>But the victory is short-lived as Mecha-Knight is better prepared and swats you from the air, into the corner. You roll limply until you hit the pole, and carefully pick yourself back up. You can't feel your right arm, and blood is pouring from your nose.</p>
<p>Mecha-Knight lumbers towards you, even more frantic now. They have not lost any speed or ferocity, and you are gassed.</p>
<p>They raise their right hand.</p><p>They know how to do one thing, and they do it well.</p>
<p>Then you see it: an opening.</p>
<p>The power pack must be damaged, and they've now opened their legs into a wider stance to compensate for the lack of power flowing into the suit.</p>
<p>You could fit right through, just barely...</p>
<p>Mecha-Knight's right arms begins to hurtle down from the stratosphere towards where you are standing, backed into the corner. You run forward this time, and slide right through the opening in their legs.</p>
<p>You let your momentum carry you, to weak to stop now, into the ropes. They stretch and stretch, and then finally hurl you towards Mecha-Knight's back. You use the last bit of power in your legs to jump up and...</p>
<<if $enterprising >= 4>>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp4" "enterprising" checked>> Rip open the metal seam with your <<include "weapon">></label><br>
<<elseif $enterprising < 4>>
<del>X Rip open the metal seam with your <<include "weapon">> (Enterprising >= 4)</del><br>
<</if>>
<<if $lawful >= 4>>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp4" "lawful" checked>> Punch the seam one last time with your <<include "weapon">></label><br>
<<elseif $lawful < 4>>
<del>X Punch the seam one last time with your <<include "weapon">> (Lawful >= 4)</del><br>
<</if>>
<<if $individualistic >= 4>>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp4" "individualistic" checked>> Perform a spinning kick on the metal seam </label><br><br>
<<elseif $individualistic < 4>>
<del>X Perform a spinning kick on the metal seam (Individualistic >= 4)</del><br><br>
<</if>>
</span>
[[> Select & Continue|MECHAKNIGHT 3]]
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>><<done>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-match">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-match">>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = 0>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>><<addclass "#boss-img" "off-slow">><</done>>
<center><img src="images/knight.png" id="boss-img"></center>
<hr>
<p>This time, your break through the metal hull and make contact with the power pack.</p>
<p>It explodes in a shower of multi-colored neon light and hurls you back into the corner of the ring.</p>
<p>The referee runs over, unsure for whom he should begin counting.</p>
<p>You stir, doing your level best to stand up. But your arms and legs no longer want to cooperate. Not after everything you've put them through.</p>
<p>Mecha-Knight stands still. Completely and utterly motionless. The suit must be too heavy to move without the aid of the power pack.</p>
<p>If you can just stand up...</p>
<p><i>One!</i></p>
<p>You just have to stand up...</p>
<p>The crowd is going crazy. Your head is pulsing. You can barely hear anything. You feel completely unaware of the time passing. All you know is that you have to stand up.</p>
<p><i>Four!</i></p>
<p>Above the crowd's impenetrable wall of sound, you hear one voice:</p>
<div id="dia-them">You gotta get up, kid!</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p><i>Nine!</i></p>
<p>And so you get up.</p>
<p>The crowd roars their approval once again.</p>
<p>The referee lifts your arm, the winner.</p>
<p>You collapse.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>You awake in the locker room, to find yourself in the now familiar position of being hovered over by the old man. Once again, the Patron is nowhere to be found.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Damn it all, kid. There you are! I was worried sick about you. How are you feeling?</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You raise your neck to speak, but the only thing you can manage is to cough up a bit of spit and blood.</p>
<div id="dia-them">No, no. It's OK. Scans say you're gonna be just fine with a bit of rest. But fine is a relative term when you've gotta fight again tomorrow. All we can do now is hit you up with the good stuff and ice you down some more.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The old man continues to fuss over you and tends to your injuries. After some time, he shoos away everyone else in the room, checks the corridor leading to the locker room, then closes and locks the door.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Some people with the press wanna talk with you. I told them to buzz off. Don't want you to get unfocused.<p>Listen, kid, I don't believe much in fate but I believe in you. You're going to do this. You're going to win it all. You're going to get your money. I just know it. So for now, let's get you home and rested for tomorrow.</p>
<p>In the meantime, I'll try and figure out as much as I can about your next opponent.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
[[> Continue|Finals 1]]
<</linkreplace>><<done>><<set $CurHP to 50>><<set $OpponentCurHP to 50>><</done>>
<center><h1>Night Four</h1><h2>The Finals</h2></center>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>When you arrive to the locker room for one final time, the old man is pacing back and forth, scratching his head. He's agitated.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Kid, I'm very sorry to say this. In fact I've never had to say it before. <p>I don't know what to tell you about your next opponent. Her name is <b>Cyber Warlock</b> and she's an absolute chameleon.</p><p>Now, don't get me wrong. You change your fighting style, too. But there are consistencies to how you fight. This Warlock on the other hand, she can fight any way she sees fit. I've reviewed every piece of tape I can find today, and the only thing I can tell you is that you're just gonna have to be careful. She adapts.</p><p>She has a hand that she can light on fire, which is wild - but if you can handle a walking suit of armor I think you'll figure something out for that, at least. Otherwise, we can't plan for this. But if anybody can pull this off, it's you.</p><p>That much, I know for sure.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The news is hard to hear, but you find yourself overwhelmed with another emotion all the same.</p>
<div id="dia-you">Thank you. For...everything.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<p>The old man stops in his tracks, and his faces freezes. You seem to have caught him genuinely off-guard.</p>
<div id="dia-them">I...It's not...<p><i>(He sighs.)</i> You're welcome. But you can thank me again after you win the whole damn thing by buying me a candy bar or something. We're sure as hell not done yet.</p>
<p>Remember that no matter what happens tonight, you did this. This is your doing. Your hard work, your effort, your determination. Not me, not your Patron. Not anybody but you. And you're gonna make good on every sore muscle, every drop of blood, and every sacrifice tonight.</p>
<p>Ain't that right, kid?</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You nod enthusiastically. Despite the pain, the aches, the doubt. Half a year of fighting, a month of training with the old man, and two years of suffering are finally coming to a head tonight.</p>
<p>You are one fight away from 1,000,000 FWC and a better life.</p>
<div id="dia-you">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> You're damn right.</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">> Couldn't be more right!</label><Br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice3">> I guess we'll just have to see.</label>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
[[> Select & Continue|Finals 2]]
<</linkreplace>><center><h1>NIGHT FOUR</h1><h2>THE FINALS</h2></center>
<div id="poster-left">
ARC
</div>
<div id="poster-flex">
<div><img src="images/arc.png"></div>
<div><h1>VS.</h1></div>
<div><img src="images/warlock.png"></div>
</div>
<div id="poster-right">
CYBER WARLOCK
</div>
<center> <h1>[[ONE NIGHT ONLY!|WARLOCK 1]]</h1></center>
<<done>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-final">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-final">><</done>>
<center><img src="images/warlock.png"></center>
<hr>
<span id="_disable">
<p>The music is louder than ever. The crowd bigger. The lights brighter.</p>
<p>This is the Super Mega Dome in its purest form. And for the first time this whole tournament, you begin to see facsimiles of your mask dotting the audience. In plastic, in marker, in lights. You're somebody's hero, at least.</p>
<p>The Cyber Warlock has her back turned to you as you pull yourself up and into the ring. Is she surveying the crowd? Taunting you? It doesn't matter. You notice her weapon: a shining gold glove on her right fist. It's unlike anything you've seen before.</p>
<p>You bounce up and down in place to keep warm. Even on a night like this, your mind takes over for your body now. Stay cool, stay calm. Draw a curtain around everything else in your mind except this ring and this fight. Nothing else exists.</p>
<p>The Cyber Warlock turns her head to look at you, then casually strolls forward.</p>
<p>The referee signals for you to meet in the middle and touch fists.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Wait. I want to speak to Arc for one moment first. I'm sure you can oblige.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">CYBER WARLOCK</div>
<p>The referee nods and backs away for a second. Is this allowed?</p>
<div id="dia-them">You've done well to get this far, Arc. But you're in over your head. <p>Your Patron is not what they seem. Whatever else happens, remember that. Because I won't be around to help you out when things break bad.</p> </div><div id="dia-them-tag">CYBER WARLOCK</div>
<p>Before you can ask how she possibly knows about your Patron, she signals the referee over and he begins the countdown.</p>
<p><i>Ten!</i></p>
<p>The blood in your head is pumping at a million miles an hour. You feel a vein on the edge of bursting.</p>
<p>More than ever before, you feel that you've stepped off of a ship in the deep ocean, and are floating in an ethereal expanse - nothing above or below you for a hundred miles. You are untethered. Unsafe.</p>
<p><i>Five!</i></p>
<p>When the feeling of vibration deep in your cells arrives once again, you welcome it.</p>
<p><i>Four!</i></p>
<p>Your vision begins to blur. You pray that this will help.</p>
<p><i>Three!</i></p>
<p>Everything fades to white.</p>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
/* FLASHBACK */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<div id="flashback">
<span id="_disable">
<p>You see the Cyber Warlock in a cluttered room, watching tape. Based on the piles of disks and drives piled around her, you surmise that she has watched footage of every single fighter in the tournament and has taken notes on how to beat them.</p>
<p>Your vision blurs, and you're in a different part of the room. She's watching your fight against The Bandit. Then things shift again; she's watching you and Mecha-Knight. She has a sheaf of detailed notes on every tendency she sees.</p>
<p>How do you beat someone who can expertly analyze and adapt to anyone's style?</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
----
<p>The Cyber Warlock is standing next to the Mob Boss. He absolutely dwarfs her, but her energy is powerful nonetheless.</p>
<p>From their body language you guess that she's chiding him. She must be powerful indeed to be anything but entirely subservient to the Mob Boss.</p>
<p>I think you're playing with something more powerful and dangerous than you realize, she tells him. This power wasn't given to you and it wasn't earned. You've built up enough of an empire with it that you can safely rule Two York City for as long as you live. So now it's time to get rid of it, before something happens.</p>
<p>You're being paranoid, he responds as he spins the golden ring in his fingers. It helps me, don't you understand? It gives me what I need.</p>
<p>I don't know much about technology or magic or whatever you want to call that thing. But what I do know is that toying with things you don't understand never ends well.</p>
<p>Don't make me remind you who works for whom, Warlock. Remember your place.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
----
<p>The Cyber Warlock is reviewing security footage. On it, you see a white-cloaked figure that you recognize. Research logs are pulled up on the screen. Your Patron has been doing their homework, finding out as much information about the Mob Boss as they can. But so too has the Cyber Warlock been doing homework on your Patron.</p>
<p>She begins to type a message to the Mob Boss. A warning. But then she thinks better of it. He hasn't listened to her in months anyway. He's obsessed with that stupid trinket. Let him dig his own grave then, she says. She takes a flyer from her wall - it shows Super Mega Dome, and a call for tournament entries.</p>
<p>She circles the $1,000,000 FWC prize and says to herself: it's time to start fresh.</p>
[[> Continue|WARLOCK 2]]
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
</span>
</div>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>><<done>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-match">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-match">><</done>>
<center><img src="images/warlock.png"></center>
<hr>
<span id="_disable">
<p><i>Two!</i></p>
<p>As you return to your senses, you know the answer to the Warlock's puzzle.</p>
<p><i>One!</i></p>
<p>You've got to fight like you've never fought before. Literally.</p>
<p>A bell dings. The Cyber Warlock's golden glove is engulfed in green fire.</p>
<p>She moves on you with the ferocity and of an apex predator, dragging her burning glove along the ring floor. She whips it toward you, sending green fire cascading at your body.</P>
<p>You dodge, just barely - the heat of the thing feels like a furnace on your arm. You recognize that your reach is longer than hers, and decide to preempt her next attack with a quick jab. But she sees it coming, and blocks handily. Of course she does.</p>
<p>A quick grapple and the referee separates you both. It will be evenly matched, as promised. And you know the Cyber Warlock is only just getting warmed up.</p>
<p>As the referee drops his hand, she whips another fireball at you. It's slow, though, and you dodge it easily while advancing on her with speed.</p>
<p>Your first instinct is to lead with a right hook and test the waters. So instead you...</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> Go for an uppercut with your <<include "weapon">></label><Br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">> Slide in and sweep her legs</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-10>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
/* Round 1 */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="_disable">
<p><<if _temp is "choice1">>The Cyber Warlock defends for the expected right hook, but you catch her off-guard with a punishing left uppercut instead, drilling your <<include "weapon">> into her stomach.<<elseif _temp is "choice2">>The Cyber Warlock defends for the expected right hook, but you catch her off-guard with a punishing sweep of the legs. Her head hits the mat hard but she bounces up quickly.<</if>></p>
<p>The Cyber Warlocks steps backwards, putting more space between you both.</p>
<p>Carefully, surveying your steps, the Cyber Warlock circles around you. She feigns an advance here or there, testing you. She's gathering more information.</p>
<p>She tosses a fireball lazily your way, and you sidestep it. Then another. This is easy for her.</p>
<p>You begin to close the distance, tied of her zoning shenanigans, and prepare for your next attack. Your instinct tells you to try a tackle takedown, so instead you...</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "sweep" checked>> Go for <<if _temp neq "choice2">>a<<elseif _temp is "choice2">>another<</if>> leg sweep</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "hook">> Feint right and hook left</label><br><Br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<set $CurHP = $CurHP-10>><<run Health($CurHP, $MaxHP, "playerhorizontalhealthbar", true)>><<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-5>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
/* Round 2 */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="disable">
<p>You close quickly and throw your _temp2, scoring a succesful hit - but retaliation is quick as the Cyber Warlock returns the favor with a _temp2 of her own, knocking your backwards. She's not a large fighter, but she absolutely packs a force of her own.</p>
<p>The Cyber Warlock pulls back once again.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Ah, I understand now.<p> You're refusing to follow your instinct, and just choosing to do the next best thing. You know, a refusal to follow your normal pattern is still a pattern in and of itself.</p><p>Smarter than most, though, I'll give you that.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">CYBER WARLOCK</div>
<p>She throws another few fireballs at you, lazily. Trying to provoke a reaction. But you don't give her any more information than you have to.</p>
<p>Seemingly bored of her own schtick, the Warlock approaches. Her hands are up, and she looks poised to attack.</p>
<p>Your brain begins running through loops: you're expecting to block a left hook. She won't want to damage the glove on her right hand by hitting you unless she absolutely has to, so she'll favor the other side. But she probably <i>knows</i> that you're expecting to block a left hook, so she'll go ahead and hit with her right anyway. But she just called you out for doing that exact mental process, so she'll stick to the left in the hopes that you overthink it. Maybe you're already overthinking it.</p>
<p>By the time your internal monologue has finished, she's already on you. Instinctively, you...</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "left" checked>> Block the left</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "right">> Block the right</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-15>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
/* ROUND 3 */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="_disable">
<p>You correctly block the impending punch from the _temp3 (its fiery blaze still managing to singe you with real, lasting pain), and unleash a counter with your <<include "weapon">> right into her chest.</p>
<p>Your <<include "weapon">> was made for this. <<if $weapon is "Turbo Fist 9900">>Its sinuous white chassis gleams in the arena's lights as the full weight of its advanced systems push an exponentially greater amount of force into your opponent. It's your first big hit of the night, and it feels effortless to you, barely registering on your left arm as more than a vibration. This thing has been worth its weight in FWC.<<elseif $weapon is "Homemade Hydraulic">>You feel every cog and screw, every gear and bolt straining with power as you pummel the Cyber Warlock with your first big hit of the night. The pride of every single piece of metal in its perfect place washes over you as a boon, preparing you for the rest of the fight.<<elseif $weapon is "Wooden Cudgel">>While something fancier like a Turbo Fist 9900 might have imparted more force into this single blow, you know with rigid determination and pride that you don't need it. This is your handiwork, your soul laid bare. The weapon is an extension of you, not you of it. All you need to win is a few pieces of wood and metal. As you slam the hardened lumber into the Cyber Warlock for your first big hit of the night, you're sure of it.<</if>></p>
<p>The Cyber Warlock staggers backwards and retreats. You swear for a moment that you see fear in her eyes. She wipes spit off her chin - yours or hers, you're not sure - and lights her glove once again.</p>
<p>She throws a few more fireballs. She wants to wear you down.</p>
<div id="dia-them">You're getting lazy, Arc. Predictable. I can see it.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">CYBER WARLOCK</div>
<p>She's poking, prodding, testing.</p>
<p>Until suddenly, she isn't.</p>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<<set $CurHP = $CurHP-15>><<run Health($CurHP, $MaxHP, "playerhorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
/* Round 5 */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="disable">
<p>Deceit upon deceit - as she lectures you on your habits, the Cyber Warlock plays into your perception of her own. The next fireball that comes from her gloved hand isn't slow. It's wickedly fast.</p>
<div id="font-within">WHAM!</div>
<p>The fireball drills into your right arm, still sore from days of abuse. The force of the blow knocks you back while it singes the skin, and you drop to the floor.</p>
<p>Face-down, you hear the sizzling of another fireball roaring to life. You scramble to your feet and roll instinctively forward to dodge the next attack.</p>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<<set $CurHP = $CurHP-12>><<run Health($CurHP, $MaxHP, "playerhorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
/* Round 6 */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="disable">
<div id="font-within">WHAM!</div>
<p>She calls your roll, and her shot. The fireball greets you as you pop up, and you're slammed backwards.</p>
<p>You hear the crowd roar with anticipation - they smell blood in the water, and the Cyber Warlock is poised to give them more.</p>
<p>Before you can recover, she uses a fiery blast form her glove pointed directly down to shoot herself into the air. Time moves slowly. She is obscured by the lights - you see only the shadow of her dramatic form towering above you as she brings hell down from above.</p>
<p>Her fiery fist crashes into your chest.</p>
</span>
[[> Continue|WARLOCK 3]]
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>><<done>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-match">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-match">><<set $CurHP = 0>><<run Health($CurHP, $MaxHP, "playerhorizontalhealthbar", true)>><</done>>
<span id="_disable2">
<p>Everything is black.</p>
<p>You feel the accumulated strength of the last month - every last drop - flee your body.</p>
<p>You know that this is the end of the line.</p>
<p>But still you hear the roar of the crowd. You feel the warmth of your singed clothes and hair. You feel the pressure of the mat against your skin. You even feel the vibrations as the referee slams an open palm down onto the ring, counting up from one to ten. You can sense it all.</p>
<p>And then you notice the most peculiar thing...</p>
<<linkreplace "They're chanting your name.">>
<p>They're chanting your name.</p>
<p>It sounds wonderful. It's the most beautiful, most inspiring thing you've ever heard.</p>
<p>They're imploring you to get up, keep fighting, it can't be over.</p>
<p>The referee's at four now.</p>
<p>The crowd is getting louder. They don't want it to end like this. You can't let it end like this.</p>
<<linkreplace "They're chanting your name.">>
<p>They're chanting your name.</p>
But somehow, above the din, you hear a single voice. It's<span id="_disable">...<br><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "family" checked>> Your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>></label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "old man">> The old man</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "patron">> The Patron</label><br><br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">><<if _temp is "family">> your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>. Telling you to get up, Arc. You've got to get up. You don't know how you're possibly hearing your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>'s voice, but you are.<<elseif _temp is "old man">> the old man. He's telling you that it's OK to fall down sometimes, as long as you get back up. You can't stop fighting now, kid. It's not yet your time.<<elseif _temp is "patron">> the Patron. Telling you that you've come too far to give up now, Arc. You've worked too hard and done too much to let this be your end, <i>our end</i>, Arc. You've got to reach down inside of you and pull out whatever's left.<</if>> <</replace>>
<p>The referee yells <i>Eight!</i></p>
<p>And you've got to get up, Arc.</p>
<<linkreplace "You've got to get up.">>
<<replace "#_disable2">>
<p>The referee yells <i>Nine!</i></p>
<p>The crowd cheers your name. Imploring. Desperate.</p>
<<linkreplace "And so you get up.">>
<<set $CurHP = 5>><<run Health($CurHP, $MaxHP, "playerhorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<p>And so you get up.</p>
[[> Continue |WARLOCK 4]]
<</linkreplace>>
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
</span>
<<done>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-match">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-match">><</done>>
<center><img src="images/warlock.png"></center>
<hr>
<span id="_disable">
<p>As you rise to your feet, the crowd cheers. The referee signals for the fight to resume. The Cyber Warlock, stunned, turns around.</p>
<p>You can't take anymore hits.</p>
<p>But you can win this thing.</p>
<p>You charge directly at her, knowing that you must throw caution to the wind for just this instant.</p>
<p>As you slam into her and tackle her to the ground, you yell:</p>
<div id="dia-you">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> I'm not done yet!</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">> You won't get rid of me that easily!</label><br>
<<radiobutton "_temp" "choice3">> <<textbox "_temp" "Other">>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP-15>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
/* Round 1 */
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="_disable">
<p>As you crash into the Cyber Warlock, yelling maniacally, you inadvertently pin her left arm awkwardly behind her as she falls, and it snaps as she crushes it with her own weight. She yells out a feral scream. You get in one exhausted punch before she throws you off with her good arm, and retreats to a corner.</p>
<div id="dia-them">I warned you, Arc! You could have stayed down and gone back to your life, but you had to get back up. You idiot! I'll make sure you're done for this time, for both our sakes.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">CYBER WARLOCK</div>
<p>With her left arm out of commission, you both know what comes next.</p>
<p>The Cyber Warlock ignites her golden glove, and hurls a fireball at you.</p>
<p>You are prepared this time.</p>
<p>You grip your <<include "weapon">> with your battered right arm and swing for the fences.</p>
</span>
[[> Continue|WARLOCK 5]]
<</replace>>
<</linkreplace>><<done>><<set $OpponentCurHP = 50>><<set $CurHP = 5>><</done>>
<center><img src="images/arena.png" style="width: 75%;"></center>
<p>The confetti has just begun to fall as you are carried out of the ring on the old man's shoulders.</p>
<p>The arena is so loud now that you can't hear yourself think. Music is playing. The mood is ebullient. You find yourself crying tears of shock and joy and exhaustion all comingled into one feeling. It's overwhelming.</p>
<p>The old man is yelling something at you, but it's impossible to know what. His face is lit up like you've never seen before, though, so you assume it must be good.</p>
<p>As you exit the main floor, you are intercepted by a pair of the Mob Boss's private entourage who have instructions to escort you to his private office in the bowels of the stadium.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>Before you know it, you and the old man are standing next to the Patron outside the Mob Boss's office. A fist with electric bolts running around it is emblazoned onto the door. So much for subtlety.</p>
<p>Two guards stand watch outside.</p>
<p>One of them receives a signal in their earpiece, and tells the three of you that only two are allowed inside. Safety, and all.</p>
<div id="dia-you">I'm sorry, coach, but I promised the Patron that I'd bring them in with me.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-them">Listen, kid, you don't have to tell me twice. Not exactly itchin' to go in there anyway. You two have fun. We'll celebrate once you get out.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>The Patron, clothed as always in their shimmering white cloak, nods at you. One of the guards takes a small metal wand and waves it over both you and the Patron, checking for any contraband. They find none and, satisfied, unlock the door. </p>
<p>You wonder for a moment if they'll make the Patron take off their hood. You assume, though, that whatever sophisticated scanning technology they have is probably not limited to the wand they just flashed at you. And besides, if the vision you received before your last fight is to be believed, they wouldn't be looking for the Patron anyway.</p>
<p>The door clicks open, and you head inside.</p>
[[> Continue|Mob Boss 2]]
<</linkreplace>>
<<done>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-match">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-match">><<set $OpponentCurHP = 0>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>><<addclass "#boss-img" "off-slow">><</done>>
<center><img src="images/warlock.png" id="boss-img"></center>
<hr>
<p>The fireball bounces off your <<include "weapon">>, shattering it, and sending the flaming orb straight back to the Cyber Warlock.</p>
<p>You see her eyes widen as the fireball hits her square in the chest, igniting her, and sending her over the ropes.</p>
<p>The crowd roars. It's deafening, thunderous. You can feel it vibrating throughout your tired, broken body.</p>
<p>You've done it.</p>
<p>You've won the tournament.</p>
[[> Continue|Part Three]]
<<done>><<addclass "#boss-img" "on-final">><</done>>
<center><img src="images/mobboss.png" id="boss-img"></center>
<hr>
<p>A large man sits behind a large desk.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Arc, my champion. Welcome. Please, sit down. You must be so weary.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">MOB BOSS</div>
<p>The Mob Boss gestures with his hand at the chair in front of you, and you see a familiar golden ring encircling his massive pinky finger. You can't help but stare at it for the briefest moment before pulling your gaze away.</p>
<div id="dia-them">And who else do I have the pleasure of meeting tonight?</div><div id="dia-them-tag">MOB BOSS</div>
<p>You glance at the Patron, curious as to how they'll respond.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">I'm Arc's patron. I helped <<if $pronouns is "they/them">>them<<elseif $pronouns is "he/him">>him<<elseif $pronouns is "she/her">>her<</if>> out during a difficult time.<p>Please forgive my lack of manners, but I hope you don't mind if I continue to wear my hood. I prefer to keep my identity private.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Mob Boss takes out a cigar and lights it.</p>
<div id="dia-them">If you posed any threat to me you wouldn't have made it into the building. Arc, you can keep the mask on, as well. I don't mind. You're fine. Have a seat. Please.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">MOB BOSS</div>
<p>To be honest, you hadn't even remembered that you were still wearing it. It feels like a part of you now.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>The Mob Boss gets up briefly and retrieves a sheaf of Free World Coin cards. You see ten, which must mean that each one contains 100,000 FWC towards your prize money. It's more than a decade's worth of wages, just within your grasp. More importantly, it's enough to pull you out of debt and keep your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>> alive.</p>
<p>Seeing the Mob Boss ignites a hot rage in your stomach, but you know that all you have to do is accept the money and leave. And then everything can go back to normal.</p>
<div id="dia-them">Four nights. Six fights. Six knockouts. Including three of my best. That is no small feat, Arc. I was fully prepared to call you a cheat and refuse you the prize money, but I don't think anyone who watched that last match could accuse you of anything but being fierce as a pitbull. No, you earned this, Arc. You should be proud.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">MOB BOSS</div>
<p>The Mob Boss sits back down at his desk and slides the ten cards across the table, within arm's length.</p>
<div id="dia-them">And so, without furth-</div><div id="dia-them-tag">MOB BOSS</div>
<div id="dia-patron">I'm terribly sorry, if I could just interrupt you for a moment. Just a quick question.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The aggravation on the Mob Boss's face is plain to see. He is not one who is used to being interrupted.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<div id="dia-them">Very well. Please make it fast, Patron.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">MOB BOSS</div>
<p>The Patron begins to move and speak with an attitude and urgency that you've not seen from them before. Are they...nervous?</p>
<div id="dia-patron">I couldn't help but notice the golden ring on your finger. Are those Nordic runes? I'm something of an expert in Norse mythology. I hope you don't mind me asking.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Mob Boss begins to fiddle with the ring like a child with a pacifier. Perhaps the only tell he truly has. Is he also nervous? You sit up straighter in your seat - despite the fact that it is quite comfy and you are quite exhausted - wondering where the Patron is leading.</p>
<div id="dia-them">I wouldn't know. It's a family heirloom. I've had it for as long as I can remember.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">MOB BOSS</div>
<p>The Patron makes an audible <i>tsk tsk tsk</i> with their tongue. A vein begins to bulge on the Mob Boss's head. You have the sudden urge to grab the FWC cards and make a run for it, but know you wouldn't get far without incident.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">No, you see - I don't think that's the truth. Based on the exhaustive research that I've done, I believe you came into possession of that ring around ten years ago. Which conveniently coincides with your rise to power, does it not?</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>The Mob Boss slams his enormous fist down on the table in front of him. It shakes the entire room. He stands up and in doing so casts a shadow on the entire room. The Patron remains in their seat, impassive. Any trace of nerves has left them. </p>
<div id="dia-them">Who the hell do you think you are?</div><div id="dia-them-tag">MOB BOSS</div>
<p>The Patron whispers something. It sounds like the word <i>ball</i> but spoken in a foreign tongue.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">Interestingly, I <i>do</i> speak a bit of the old Nordic tongue. Read it, too.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>Without warning, the Mob Boss grabs the finger on which the golden ring rests. He begins groaning in agony, and quickly escalates to yelling. For the briefest moment he is forced to let go of his finger.</p>
<p>And that is when you see that the ring is engulfed in flame.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">There are eight runes on your ring, each standing for a different letter of an ancient, long-forgotten alphabet.<p>Those runes spell out the name <div id="font-within">DRAUPNIR</div>. If you were a student of Norse mythology instead of a self-aggrandized minor crime lord you might know that.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Patron speaks calmly but loudly above the noise of flame and torment. The Mob Boss's eyes bulge and he begins to reach for the Patron before he is instantly immolated by a torrent of fire which engulfs his entire body.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">And if you had been not just a student of mythology but a determined purveyor of ancient truths...</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Mob Boss is gone within seconds, nothing left behind but a pile of soot and a single golden ring.</p>
<p>You hear a commotion outside.</p>
<p>You sit still, too stunned and exhausted to comprehend any of this.</p>
<p>The Patron walks over to the pile of soot and picks up the ring.</p>
<p>The door behind you bursts open. You turn in shock to see that the old man, his arm hanging limp and blood pouring out of his nose, has subdued the guards.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">...then you might have known the true power that <div id="font-within">DRAUPNIR</div> contains.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>But before the old man can say anything, the Patron whispers another word and sends a bolt of electricity flying across the room and directly into his weakened body. The old man collapses on the spot.</p>
<p>The Patron looks you directly in the eyes and slips on the ring as your vision fades once again to white.</p>
[[> Continue|Patron 1]]
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>><div id="flashback">
You find yourself in a familiar place - ethereal, incorporeal. Floating through a memory that isn't yours.
<center><p>(i.)</p></center>
<p>You see the Mob Boss in front of you. He looks younger. By a decade, perhaps.</p>
<p>The Mob Boss has intercepted a shipment of jewelry through Two York City's crime-infested boroughs. It is a big move for a small time gang leader. But as he sifts through the loot, he is drawn to one ring in particular. A ring he was not intending to find.</p>
<p>It is gold, and etched with what you now know are Nordic runes.</p>
<p>He slips the ring onto his finger, not totally sure why. A burst of wind rips through the office as he does. He feels powerful.</p><p>
He will not take the ring off again until it burns its way through his finger at the request of your Patron far, far in the future.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
----
<center><p>(ii.)</p></center>
<p>The world dissolves and reforms around you.</p>
<p>You see a young person in their office at the Institute. They are perfectly unremarkable in every way.</p>
<p>They have just received a large donation from the estate of an avid collector of ancient artifacts and friend of the Institute. The artifacts span a millenia: horseshoes, goblets, shields, oars. Expertly kept and now expertly catalogued.</p>
<p>One item, however, stands out from the rest.</p>
<p>As the person initially examines the item, they assume it must have been placed in there by mistake. A modern garment amidst ancient works.</p>
<p>It is a bright white cloak with an intricate pattern of feathers adorning the fabric.</p>
<p>The young person runs over to their shelves and pulls down a book. Flipping through their pages, they find what they are looking for: the goddess Freya's Feathered Cloak. Different sources suggest different things: it was made for Freya as a gift by the falcons, it was made by the dwarves, it protects the wearer from harm, it grants the wearer the ability to fly.</p>
<p>The logical part of this person's brain tells them that it is a clever replica of a fictional item.</p>
<p>And yet, when they put it on - watch it cover their face in a black shroud - they can't help but feel the power surging through them. This is far from pure myth.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
----
<center><p>(iii.)</p></center>
<p>Years later, the Patron has traveled to Denmark to barter with a noted collector of antiquities.</p>
<p>The Patron is shrewd. They will be using the funds available to them to pursue a bound manuscript that is particularly sought after in their world.</p>
<p>But what the Patron <i>really</i> wants will be a mere suggestion after the price of the manuscript is settled upon. A small trinket to complement the extravagant price tag. It is an item that belonged to the tragic god Baldr, brother of Thor, victim of Loki. It is rumored in some traditions to grant the wearer visions of the past. The collector has no idea.</p>
<p>When the Patron leaves Denmark, victorious, they carry both the manuscript and a metallic mask shaped like a skull.</p>
<p>The Death Mask of Baldr.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
----
<center><p>(iv.)</p></center>
<p>The Patron slams their fist on the table. Another damn dead end.</p>
<p>They've been chasing the ring called Draupnir for years, and just when they'd finally found it, it disappears again. A shipment that never made it to its destination five years prior, perhaps the most powerful Norse artifact lost to the abyss of Two York City's streets.</p>
<p>It takes another year before the first clue surfaces. Two years pass before the next arrives.</p>
<p>Slowly, piece by piece, the Patron puts them together. But it isn't until the Patron, watching from a shadowy rooftop, sees the ring on the finger of the Mob Boss that they know for sure.</p>
<p>Divine inspiration strikes them then and there.</p>
<p>A plan takes shape.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
----
<center><p>(v.)</p></center>
<p>The Patron knows that the ring will not be sold or freely given. The Mob Boss is nearly impossible to reach in person. But there is exactly one event, held every year, in which there is a remote chance that one might achieve just that.</p>
<p>The year before the Patron meets Arc, they go all in on helping to train a single fighter.</p>
<p>The fighter falls in the first round of the Gauntlet.</p>
<p>Frustrated, but not out of options, the Patron vows to take a different tack. Next year, they decide to spread the wealth. Sponsor a number of promising fighters anonymously to avoid the suspicious or attention of the Mob Boss. The Patron has many connections in these circles.</p>
<p>It is not, however, until the Patron sees you that they truly feel like they have a chance.</p>
<p>This one is worthy. You are worthy, Arc.</p>
<p>They bring the Death Mask of Baldr. It is a gift which will return to them, they know, once all is said and done. But it is what you need and deserve. The edge to win it all. It fits you perfectly, because it fits every wearer perfectly. It senses the wearer's need of it. It activates when the time is right, and not a moment before.</p>
<p>The prize money is, of course, inconsequential.</p>
<p>But the meeting with the Mob Boss is all that the Patron needs.</p>
<p>He has no idea what power it truly contains.</p>
<p>The fool.</p>
<p>The Patron watches from the shadows, skulking from match to match as one by one their heroes fall. Some even take each other out, like $fighter.</p>
<p>But one remains. The worthiest of them all remains.</p>
<p>And they have one final task to complete.</p>
[[> Continue|Patron 2]]
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<<done>><<set $OpponentCurHP = 50>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>><<set $CurHP = 5>><<run Health($CurHP, $MaxHP, "playerhorizontalhealthbar", true)>><</done>>
<center><img src="images/patron.png" id="patron-img"></center>
<hr id="patron-img">
<span id="_disable4">
<div id="dia-patron">The mask has shown you a vision, hasn't it? How many times now?</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Patron is standing there, looking at you like a proud parent. You have come so far on this journey with them.</p>
<p>You move to go help the old man, but the instant you do the Patron touches the ring Draupnir. You freeze. No sense in you being incapacitated or dying, too. Not yet. You vow to help the old man as soon as you can.</p>
<p>You find the words you want to say.</p>
<div id="dia-you">
<span id="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Whatever you're planning on doing, I won't let you." checked>> Whatever you're planning on doing, I won't let you.</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "You won't get away with this. Whatever it is.">> You won't get away with this. Whatever it is.<label><br>
</label><<radiobutton "_temp" "I'm going to kill you for this.">> I'm going to kill you for this.
</label>
</span>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">>_temp<</replace>>
<div id="dia-patron">
<<if _temp is "I'm going to kill you for this.">>You might be surprised to find that I'm not opposed to this route. But first, let me say something.<<else>>Before you say anything else, let me say something important.<</if>> You've come this far. I think you deserve to know what's going to happen next.
<p>Do you know who this ring belonged to? Draupnir? No, of course you don't. You know how to punch and you know how to be in debt. Let me explain.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>You hear the old man groan. He's alive, at least.</p>
<p>You're standing now, and only the Mob Boss's massive wooden desk is between you and the Patron.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">
<p>As I believe you now know, there are many artifacts the Norse gods left behind to tempt us mortals. You wear one such item now. I wear another. But there is another, more powerful one, that stands above them all. I have spent my life searching for it.</p>
<p>According to legend, Draupnir was forged by the dwarves Brokkr and Sindri for Loki, alongside the hammer Mjollnir and the mechanical boar Gullinbursti. It was, like many things, part of another one of Loki's schemes. Loki failed, as he always does, and had his lips sewn shut with wire as punishment. But the ring, the hammer, and the boar remained.</p>
<p>Ultimately the ring, Draupnir, found its way to Odin, Allfather. He placed it upon the funeral pyre of Baldr, where it was imbued with the quality of forming eight identical copies of itself every ninth night. It was this power which helped make my slightly sooty friend on the floor into the minor emperor that he was.</p>
<p>But Odin is a man of many tricks and many tools. This strange ability of mimicry and transmogrification was not the only power he bestowed upon Draupnir. No.</p>
<p>Odin infused part of himself upon the ring. But one must know the right combination of things to say and do in order to unlock its full potential. Our late friend did not know these things. He was gluttonous on a fraction of Draupnir's power.</p>
<p>He was a fool who presumed too much while understanding too little.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Patron moves around the side of the table. They are holding their hand out to you, palm forward, exposing the ring like a pointed gun. You remain still.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">
You have been weighed down by the burden of choice for too long now, Arc. But I must ask you to do one more thing for me.
<p>I want you to kill me, Arc. Strike me down now however you please. Release me.</p>
<p>If you don't, I'll kill the old man and then I'll find and kill your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>. You will watch them both suffer and die. And then I'll make you <i>want</i> me to kill you, too.</p>
<p>The choice is yours. Kill me or don't. What'll it be?</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<div id="dia-you">
<span id="_disable2">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice1" checked>> I'll do what you say. </label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp2" "choice2">> I won't do it.</label>
</span>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable2">><<if _temp2 is "choice1">>I'll do what you say.<<elseif _temp2 is "choice2">>I won't do it.<</if>><</replace>>
<<if _temp2 is "choice1">>
<div id="dia-patron">Good choice, Arc. A wise choice.
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Patron smiles at you.</p>
<<elseif _temp2 is "choice2">>
<p>The Patron says another word and a bolt of lightning whips past your head and into the floor next to the old man. He cries out, but seems OK.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">I have never asked for anything twice, Arc.
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The message is clear.</p>
<</if>>
<div id="dia-patron">Oh, how foolish of me. You don't have a weapon any longer, do you? Here. I have just the tool for the job.
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<p>The Patron pulls what appears to be a sharpened tree branch out of their cloak and tosses it to you.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">The significance of this is almost certainly lost on you, but I no longer have the patience for new stories. Instead, let me remind you of one I told you quite recently. I told you about Odin and the Well of Urd. Do you remember? And I even summed it up quite nicely so you wouldn't forget:
<p>First: when you have a true and noble goal set before you, no sacrifice is too great to achieve it.</p>
<p>Second: those who come to great power without sacrifice are unworthy of that power.</p>
<p>Now, please. Kill me, if you would be so kind.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable4">>
<<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-final">><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "off-init on-final">>
<span id="_disable5">
<p>You have no choice but to comply. For your sake, for your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>'s sake, for the old man's sake. You feel the currents of fate swirling around you like a cyclone. There is no way out but through.</p>
<p>You are tired, so tired. But still you...</p>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "eye" checked>> Run the branch through their eye</label><Br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp3" "heart">> Run the branch through their heart</label>
<Br><Br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable5">>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = 0>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
<<timed 2s>><<toggleclass "#opponent-health" "on-final off-slow">><<addclass "#patron-img" "off-slow">><</timed>>
<<timed 6s>><<toggleclass "#fade1" "off-init on-final">><</timed>>
<p>You steel yourself, and with all the might you have left you spear the sharpened branch through the Patron's _temp3.</p>
<p>They groan a sickening gurgle, and collapse.</p>
<p>You take a step back.</p>
<p>There is silence.</p>
<div id="fade1" class="off-init">[[> Continue|Resurrection]]</div>
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<</replace>>
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<<done>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>><<toggleclass "#user-health" "off-init on-match">><</done>>
<<timed 4s>>
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<</timed>>
<<timed 7s>>
<<toggleclass "#fade1" "off-init on-final">>
<</timed>>
<span id="_disable">
<div id="fade1" class="off-init">
<center><img src="images/patron.png" id="patron-img"></center>
<p>The Patron pushes themself to their knees and rises from the floor.</p>
<div id="dia-patron">
Thank you, Arc. I had to know for sure. And now I do.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON, FURY REBORN</div></div>
</span>
<div id="fade2" class="off-init"><<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">>
<span id="_disable">
<center><img src="images/patron.png" id="patron-img"></center>
<div id="dia-patron">
I have been given a terrible and divine purpose, Arc. And you have shepherded me - unwilling and unknowing though you were - to Ragnarok. <p>I sense your hesitation. Fear not. With the power that has been given to me by Odin himself I will remake the world in a new way. In a better way. I am a demi-god now. I will keep both my humanity and my godhood inside me. As Odin created Ask and Embla so too shall I create something beautiful in this world's place. As Audhumla fed her milk to Ymir and nourished them, so too shall I provide for my flock.</p>
<p>I see your fear, your pain, your <i>judgment</i>. Do you judge me? You, who has been wronged by the world at every turn? Do you look around you and find that the world is not wanting? Would you not wipe the slate clean as I intend to?</p>
<p>I would be all the more culpable if I looked at this world and chose <i>not</i> to try and make it into something better, Arc. As would you. To have the power to fix these horrible things and to choose not to - that is worse than cowardice. That is a form of death - death of the self..</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON, FURY REBORN</div>
<div id="dia-you">No! I didn't want any of this! All I wanted was to help my <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>.</div><div id="dia-your-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-patron">
<p>My life's long work has led me here, Arc. To the edge of all things. I will raze Two York City to the ground and from its ashes I will lead those who are left to a better future. A future where no one will be yoked by cruel fate.</p>
<p>Do you now choose to stand against me?</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON, FURY REBORN</div>
<div id="dia-you">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "I do." checked>> I do.</label><br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "You've left me no other choice.">> You've left me no other choice.</label><Br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "Fight me, coward.">> Fight me, coward.</label>
</div>
<div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<<replace "#_disable">>
<div id="_disable2">
<div id="dia-you">
_temp
</div>
<div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<timed 2s>><div id="dia-patron">
Very well.
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">THE PATRON, FURY REBORN</div><</timed>>
<<timed 4s>><<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<br>
<<audio "death" loop play volume 0.3>>
<<timed 3.5s>><<toggleclass "#passages" "passages-width passages-grow">><<addclass "#statsbox" "off-slow">><<addclass "hr" "off-slow">><<addclass "#_disable2" "off-slow">><</timed>>
<<timed 12s>><<goto "Prayer">><</timed>>
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<<timed 10s>>
<<set $OpponentCurHP = $OpponentCurHP+10>><<run Health($OpponentCurHP, $OpponentMaxHP, "opponenthorizontalhealthbar", true)>>
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<<toggleclass "#fade2" "off-init on-final">>
<</timed>><<done>><<addclass "#statsbox" "off-init">><<addclass "hr" "off-init">><</done>>
<center>
<<timed 1s>><span id="_temp">We are going to a place that is beyond your comprehension, Arc.</span><</timed>>
<<timed 7s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 8s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">You are in too deep.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 12s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 13s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">Ah, but... I'm not speaking to Arc anymore, am I?</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 19s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 20s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">I sense someone else. A player of the game who is removed from me.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 26s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 27s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">Hello, you.</span>
<</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 29s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span>
<</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 29s>><<run Dialog.setup("Arc's Prayer");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Arc's Prayer 1").processText());
Dialog.open();>><</timed>>
<<timed 32s>><<run Dialog.close("Arc's Prayer");>><</timed>>
<<timed 31s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">You are <i>truly</i> a god, aren't you? I've studied myths and deities my whole life, and yet here...<br><br>I am in <i>awe</i> of you. I feel your power.</span>
<</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 38s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 39s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">I had not accounted for you...</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 45s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 46s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">And what are you the god of?</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 49s>>
<span id="_temp">
<br><br><br>
<div id="finale">
<div id="fade1"><<linkreplace "Youth">><<set $choosing to $choosing+1>><<if $choosing >= 6>><<toggleclass "#fade7" "off-init on-final">><</if>><</linkreplace>></div>
<div id="fade2"><<linkreplace "Inspiration">><<set $choosing to $choosing+1>><<if $choosing >= 6>><<toggleclass "#fade7" "off-init on-final">><</if>><</linkreplace>></div>
<div id="fade3"><<linkreplace "Sloth">><<set $choosing to $choosing+1>><<if $choosing >= 6>><<toggleclass "#fade7" "off-init on-final">><</if>><</linkreplace>></div><Br><bR>
<div id="fade4"><<linkreplace "Prudence">><<set $choosing to $choosing+1>><<if $choosing >= 6>><<toggleclass "#fade7" "off-init on-final">><</if>><</linkreplace>></div>
<div id="fade5"><<linkreplace "Longing">><<set $choosing to $choosing+1>><<if $choosing >= 6>><<toggleclass "#fade7" "off-init on-final">><</if>><</linkreplace>></div>
<div id="fade6"><<linkreplace "Mischief">><<set $choosing to $choosing+1>><<if $choosing >= 6>><<toggleclass "#fade7" "off-init on-final">><</if>><</linkreplace>></div>
<br><br>
<div id="fade7" class="off-init">
<<button "Choosing">><<set $god to "Choosing">><<goto "Prayer 2">><</button>>
</div>
</div>
</span>
<</timed>>
</center><<done>><<addclass "#statsbox" "off-init">><<addclass "hr" "off-init">><</done>>
<center>
<<timed 1s>><span id="_temp">I have not studied a god of choosing before.</span><</timed>>
<<timed 5s>><<run Dialog.setup("Arc's Prayer");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Arc's Prayer 2").processText());
Dialog.open();>><</timed>>
<<timed 11s>><<run Dialog.close("Arc's Prayer");>><</timed>>
<<timed 6s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 10s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">You understand what I've done, don't you? What I'm going to do?<br><br>O God of $god, Mine.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 17s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 18s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">The world has strayed from its proper course. And I have attained the power to correct it.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 24s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 25s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">I will be GREAT.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 27s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">I will be FEARED.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 29s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">I will be REMEMBERED.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 31s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 30s>><<run Dialog.setup("Arc's Prayer");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Arc's Prayer 3").processText());
Dialog.open();>><</timed>>
<<timed 45s>><<run Dialog.close("Arc's Prayer");>><</timed>>
<<timed 44s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">So Arc can perceive you, too. No matter.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 50s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 51s>><<replace "#_temp">>I have come too far to be weighed down by lesser men and lesser gods now.<br><br>It is well past time for Arc to be removed from the equation.<br><br>And so I shall remove <<if $pronouns is "they/them">>them<<elseif $pronouns is "he/him">>him<<elseif $pronouns is "she/her">>her<</if>>.<</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 56s>><Br><Br><br><h1 class="off-init"><<link "< INTERCEDE? >">><<goto "Prayer 3">><</link>></h1><</timed>>
<<timed 56s>><<toggleclass "h1" "off-init on-final">><</timed>>
</center><<type 30ms>>I don't know who you are. I don't know why you're here. But you have to do something. They're going out of their mind.<</type>><<type 30ms>>I am begging you.
<p>I want to fix this mess that I've created. But I don't think that I can. I need your help.</p>
<p>I don't know how, but I sense your hand in everything that has happened in the last two years. You've helped guide my life, haven't you?</p>
<p>If you can make things so bad, surely you can make them good again.</p>
<p>Can't you?</p><</type>><<done>><<addclass "#statsbox" "off-init">><<addclass "hr" "off-init">><</done>>
<centeR>
<img src="images/patron.png" id="patron-img" class="off-init" style="margin-top:-100px;"><br><br>
<<timed 1s>><<toggleclass "#patron-img" "off-init on-final">><</timed>>
<<timed 2s>><span id="_temp">WHAT RIGHT HAVE YOU TO INTERFERE IN MY PLANS?</span><</timed>>
<<timed 7s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 8s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">WHAT RIGHT HAVE YOU TO IGNORE THE MIASMA THAT EVEN NOW INFESTS THE WORLD WHICH <b>YOUR KIND</b> MADE?</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 14s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 15s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp">YOU ARE A LESSER GOD TO ME, MADE OF THINNER STUFF.<br><br>I SHALL HAVE MY WAY, GOD OF <<print $god.toUpperCase()>>.</span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 21s>><<replace "#_temp">><span id="_temp"></span><</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 22s>><<replace "#_temp">>STAND WITH ME, OR STAND ASIDE.<</replace>><</timed>>
<<timed 24s>><<audio "death" fadeout>>
<br><br>
<div id="finale">
<<button "CHAIN THEM TO THE WORLD TREE, YGGDRASIL">><<goto "Yggdrasil">><</button>><br><br>
<<button "TOSS THEM TO THE MIDGARD SERPENT, JORMUNGANDR">><<goto "Jormungandr">><</button>><br><br>
<<button "FEED THEM TO THE WOLF OF RAGNAROK, FENRIR">><<goto "Fenrir">><</button>></div>
<</timed>>
</center><<done>><<addclass "#statsbox" "off-init">><<addclass "hr" "off-init">><</done>>
<div id="finale-type">
<i>(As you watch, perceiving the cosmos from your godly perch, the Patron is swept away by a pair of noble eagles. <p>They whisk the Patron from this void of hostility to the gnarled trunk of the world tree, Yggdrasil. There the Patron is lashed to the great tree with chains forged by the dwarves of legend.</p><p>It is here that the Patron will spend eternity contemplating their sins while drill-toothed Ratatoskr gnaws at them night and day. They will become part of the myths they so long admired.)</p><br><Br></i>
[[> Continue|Prayer 4]]
</div>
<<done>><<addclass "#statsbox" "off-init">><<addclass "hr" "off-init">><</done>>
<div id="finale-type">
<i>
(As you watch, perceiving the cosmos from your godly perch, the Patron is swept away by a pair of noble eagles. <p>They whisk the Patron from this void of hostility to the great ocean surrounding Midgard, the realm of humanity. As they float on the surface of the water the spiny ridges of the world serpent, Jormungandr, circle them interminably.</p><p>They will soon be devoured, and spend eternity contemplating their sins - until Ragnarok one day truly comes. They will become part of the myths they so long admired.)</p>
</i>
<br><Br>
[[> Continue|Prayer 4]]
</div>
<<done>><<addclass "#statsbox" "off-init">><<addclass "hr" "off-init">><</done>>
<div id="finale-type">
<i>
(As you watch, perceiving the cosmos from your godly perch, the Patron is swept away by a pair of noble eagles. <p>They whisk the Patron from this void of hostility to Niflheim, the birthplace of cold and darkness. The giant wolf who portends Ragnarok, Fenrir, is bound there by Gleipnir. Fenrir is hungry. Always hungry. </p><p>They will soon be devoured, and spend eternity contemplating their sins - until Ragnarok one day truly comes. They will become part of the myths they so long admired.)</p>
</i>
<br><Br>
[[> Continue|Prayer 4]]
</div>
<<done>><<addclass "#statsbox" "off-init">><<addclass "hr" "off-init">><</done>>
<div id="finale-type">
<i>(As you watch the Patron's fate with satisfaction, you remember that there is unfinished business to attend to.)</i><br><br>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<<toggleclass "#passages" "passages-grow passages-shrink">><<toggleclass "#statsbox" "off-init on-final">><<toggleclass "hr" "off-init on-final">>
<<timed 12s>>[[> Continue|Finale 1]]<</timed>>
<</linkreplace>>
</div><p>You - Arc - find yourself returned from the void and back in the Mob Boss's office deep within the bowels of the Super Mega Dome. You would happily assume that you'd passed out and dreamed it all, were it not for the god-like being standing in front of you.</p>
<p>You turn for a moment to find and care for the old man, but something stops you in your tracks.</p>
<div id="dia-god">Your old friend will be fine, you have my assurance. We must speak first, before I depart.</div><div id="dia-them-tag">GOD OF <<print $god.toUpperCase()>></div>
<div id="dia-you">I don't know how to thank you. What is the proper procedure for thanking a god? I wouldn't know where to start.</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<div id="dia-god">Before any gratitude can be rightfully shown, there is still an important matter at hand.<p>Draupnir now rests in your possession. You have earned it fairly through my intercession. What would you now do with it?</p>
<p>The choice - as it always has been - is yours, Arc.</p></div><div id="dia-them-tag">GOD OF <<print $god.toUpperCase()>></div>
<P>You look down and the ring is - indeed - resting in your cupped palm. The runes which encircle it call out to you.</p>
<div id="dia-you">
I will...<br><br>
<span id="_disable">
<<if $lawful >= 5>>
<label><<radiobutton "$finale_choice" "lawful" checked>> Destroy all the artifacts</label><br>
<<elseif $lawful < 5>><del>X Destroy the artifact (Lawful >= 5)<br></del><</if>>
<<if $enterprising >= 5>>
<label><<radiobutton "$finale_choice" "enterprising" checked>> Keep Draupnir for mysel</label>f<Br>
<<elseif $enterprising < 5>><del>X Keep Draupnir for myself (Enterprising >= 5)<br></del><</if>>
<<if $individualistic >= 5>>
<label><<radiobutton "$finale_choice" "individualistic" checked>> Destroy Draupnir, and keep the Death Mask</label> <br>
<<elseif $individualistic < 5>><del>X Destroy Draupnir, and keep the Death Mask (Invidiualistic >= 5)<br></del><</if>>
<label><<radiobutton "$finale_choice" "RNG" checked>> <i>(Let Arc decide - Weighted RNG)</i></label>
</span>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<if $finale_choice is "RNG">>
<<set $rngA to Math.random(0,1)>>
<<set $rngB to Math.random(0,1)>>
<<set $rngC to Math.random(0,1)>>
<<set $rngA *= $lawful>>
<<set $rngB *= $enterprising>>
<<set $rngC *= $individualistic>>
<</if>>
<<if $rngA > $rngB && $rngA > $rngC>><<set $finale_choice to "lawful">>
<<elseif $rngB > $rngA && $rngB > $rngC>><<set $finale_choice to "enterprising">>
<<elseif $rngC > $rngB && $rngC > $rngA>><<set $finale_choice to "individualistic">>
<</if>>
<<if $finale_choice is "lawful">><<replace "#_disable">>Destroy all of the artifacts. I don't think humanity can be trusted with these. (LAWFUL ENDING)<</replace>>
<<elseif $finale_choice is "enterprising">><<replace "#_disable">>Keep Draupnir for myself. This power is too great to leave behind. (ENTERPRISING ENDING)<</replace>>
<<elseif $finale_choice is "individualistic">><<replace "#_disable">>Destroy Draupnir, and keep the Death Mask. I want to have a memento. I don't want to forget. (INDIVIDUALISTIC ENDING)<</replace>>
<</if>>
<div id="dia-god">
Very well. Your choice has been made.
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">GOD OF <<print $god.toUpperCase()>></div>
<<link "> Continue">>
<<set $money to 1000000>>
<<if $finale_choice is "lawful">><<goto "Lawful Finale">>
<<elseif $finale_choice is "enterprising">><<goto "Enterprising Finale">>
<<elseif $finale_choice is "individualistic">><<goto "Individualistic Finale">>
<</if>>
<</link>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>><<done>>
<<addclass "#montage-link" "off-init">>
<<addclass "#montage-subhead" "off-init">>
<</done>>
<<timed 2s>>
<<toggleclass "#montage-link" "off-init on-final">>
<</timed>>
<<timed 4s>>
<<toggleclass "#montage-subhead" "off-init on-final">>
<</timed>>
<br>
<center><h1 id="montage-link">[[PART THREE|Mob Boss 1]]</h1>
<h3 id="montage-subhead">Ragnarök</h3></center>
<Br>
<hr>
<br><br><<linkreplace "GO ->">>
<<set $rngA to Math.random(0,1)>>
<<set $rngB to Math.random(0,1)>>
<<set $rngC to Math.random(0,1)>>
A = $rngA, B = $rngB, C = $rngC
<br><br>
<<linkreplace "GO ->">>
<<set $rngA *= $lawful>>
<<set $rngB *= $enterprising>>
<<set $rngC *= $individualistic>>
A = $rngA, B = $rngB, C = $rngC
<br><br>
<<linkreplace "GO ->">>
<<if $rngA > $rngB && $rngA > $rngC>>ENDING A
<<elseif $rngB > $rngA && $rngB > $rngC>>ENDING B
<<elseif $rngC > $rngB && $rngC > $rngA>> ENDING C
<</if>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>><div id="dia-god">
Still, would you not ask anything else of me or these items before I depart?
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">GOD OF <<print $god.toUpperCase()>></div>
<p>You think it over for a moment. It is a difficult question with a difficult answer. Could you wind back time, to before any of this? Heal your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>> for good?</p>
<p>But, no...</p>
<div id="dia-you">
Part of me is screaming to say yes, but I know that I can't. I've seen what these artifacts can do to a person. They corrupt you. I don't want to be tempted any more than I already am.
<p>Besides, I have what I came here for. The money is mine.</p>
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-god">
It is often those who are most worthy of these trophies who are least likely to pursue them. You have done well, Arc, to ask for help in your time of need. Rest assured that I will sing your praises to the pantheons.
<p>Despite your good intentions, you will not be able to destroy the artifacts on your own. I will take them with me and see that they are disposed of.</p>
<p>Now, go. Your life awaits you.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">GOD OF <<print $god.toUpperCase()>></div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>A flash of bright light obscures your vision, and when you can see again the god of Choosing is nowhere to be found. The artifacts, too, are gone.</p>
<p>By the doorway, the old man is pushing himself to his knees with his one good arm. You run over to assist him. There are jagged, lightning-shaped scars running up and down the skin you can see.</p>
<div id="dia-them">
God almighty, kid. What happened? Who the hell was that?
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">
It was...someone I've been acquainted with for quite some time now. Even though I didn't know it.
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<p>You do your level best to explain everything that happened to the old man, beginning with the Patron's murder of the Mob Boss. You find yourself with little sympathy as you recount his death.</p>
<p>As you describe your time in...wherever you were, you realize that barely two minutes have passed since the Patron slipped on the ring Draupnir. However long you spent in that other space was not reflected in time on Earth. Midgard? No, you decide to stick with Earth for now.</p>
<p>The old man seems surprisingly placid as you explain it all.</p>
<div id="dia-them">I suppose it's not up to me to decide what actually happened. But here you stand, and your Patron has skedadled and the Mob Boss is a pile of ash on the floor. So you wanna tell me it was some Norse god doing you a solid then I'll believe it.
<p>Guess I gotta figure out how to get right with some new gods before I die, huh? Aren't they the ones who live in Van Halen?</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You shrug, help the old man to his feet, and go back to grab your prize winnings.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>In the coming weeks, the city's underworld is thrown into chaos. Power abhors a vacuum.</p>
<p>You lay low for some time, until the predominant narrative propagated through whisper networks and local news suggests that a deranged professor from a local university took out a grudge on the Mob Boss, killing them both in a fiery blaze. No one comes looking for you; no one asks any questions.</p>
<p>While the money you have earned can't heal your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>> outright, it goes a long way. You pay off your debt, find a new apartment for the both of you, and see a noticeable increase in the quality of care which you're able to afford. It takes you some time to find work, but find work you do.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>For weeks after the tournament you dream of B.O.Xing and mob bosses and gods. Your memory begins to lose the sharp edges of the event, leaving only soft corners which force you to question what <i>really</i> happened that day.</p>
<p>You often wonder what would have happened if you had kept the artifacts. What would you have done in the Patron's place? Still, you sleep more soundly knowing that the temptation has passed your house, and you made the best choice you could.</p>
<p>Prayer is a novel concept to you, but still you find yourself raising an occasional toast to the god of Choosing. </p>
<p>At the end of the day, you know the best offering you can give them is to continue your life, and doing your best.</p>
<br><h1 id="montage-link" style="text-align:right;">[[THE END]]</h1>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>><div id="dia-god">
I must warn you: you will hear the call for as long as you are the bearer of this artifact. You must be of strong will to resist it. Should you find the burden too great, you need only reach out to me. I will hear it.
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">GOD OF <<print $god.toUpperCase()>></div>
<p>You nod, vowing to keep the memory of the Patron at the forefront of your mind as a cautionary tale. You will not fall into the same trap.</p>
<div id="dia-god">
I will take the Mask and the Cloak with me for safe-keeping. You have done well, Arc. You are a worthy champion indeed.
<p>Now, go. Your life awaits you.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">GOD OF <<print $god.toUpperCase()>></div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>A flash of bright light obscures your vision, and when you can see again the god of Choosing is nowhere to be found. The artifacts, too, are gone - save Draupnir, which rests on your finger as if it was meant to be there.</p>
<p>By the doorway, the old man is pushing himself to his knees with his one good arm. You run over to assist him. There are jagged, lightning-shaped scars running up and down the skin you can see.</p>
<div id="dia-them">
God almighty, kid. What happened? Who the hell was that?
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">
It was...someone I've been acquainted with for quite some time now. Even though I didn't know it.
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<p>You do your level best to explain everything that happened to the old man, beginning with the Patron's murder of the Mob Boss. You find yourself with little sympathy as you recount his death.</p>
<p>As you describe your time in...wherever you were, you realize that barely two minutes have passed since the Patron slipped on the ring Draupnir. However long you spent in that other space was not reflected in time on Earth. Midgard? No, you decide to stick with Earth for now.</p>
<p>The old man seems surprisingly placid as you explain it all.</p>
<div id="dia-them">I suppose it's not up to me to decide what actually happened. But here you stand, and your Patron has skedadled and the Mob Boss is a pile of ash on the floor. So you wanna tell me it was some Norse god doing you a solid then I'll believe it.
<p>Guess I gotta figure out how to get right with some new gods before I die, huh? Aren't they the ones who live in Van Halen?</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You shrug, help the old man to his feet, and go back to grab your prize winnings.</p>
<p>As you see the pile of ash formerly known as the Mob Boss on the floor, you remember quite clearly the potential of the ring you now wear on your finger.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>In the coming weeks, the city's underworld is thrown into chaos. Power abhors a vacuum.</p>
<p>You lay low for some time, until the predominant narrative propagated through whisper networks and local news suggests that a deranged professor from a local university took out a grudge on the Mob Boss, killing them both in a fiery blaze. No one comes looking for you; no one asks any questions.</p>
<p>While the money you have earned can't heal your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>> outright, it goes a long way. You pay off your debt, find a new apartment for the both of you, and see a noticeable increase in the quality of care which you're able to afford. And as the ring Draupnir multiplies itself every ninth night - just like it did for the Mob Boss - you find yourself never needing to work again.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>Months pass and things return to normal.</p>
<p>You find yourself tempted to use the ring on several occasions. You witness an injustice in the streets, on the bus, on the news. Something tugs at your mind.</p>
<p><i>Why not use me?</i> it asks. Each time, you find it more difficulty to answer satisfactorily.</p>
<p>Your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>'s illness lingers, though. Worsens, every so often, only to see a rebound. It wears on you, too. Money is longer an object but your patience is tested. You possess a means to solve this issue. The ring tells you this. And why did you take the ring if not to use it?</p>
<p>You continue to train, continue to stay involved with the B.O.X.ing circuit. Try to force the issue out of your mind.</p>
<p>But it pulls harder and harder every day, until you are forced to make a choice:</p>
<span id="_disable">
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice1" checked>> Give in to the call of Draupnir</label><Br>
<label><<radiobutton "_temp" "choice2">> Call upon the god of Choosing</label><br><Br>
</span>
<<linkreplace "> Select & Continue">>
<<if _temp is "choice1">>
<<set $finale_choice to "Enterprising (Evil)">>
<<replace "#_disable">>You allow yourself to give in to the call of Draupnir.<</replace>>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>It is the start of a long road.</p>
<p>First you heal your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>>. It is a miracle.</p>
<p>Then, you begin to adjust the world in minor ways. Conveniences, simple wrongs to right.</p>
<p>Then, in major ones. Some people need to be hurt, you realize, to understand the error of their ways.</p>
<p>You have climbed into a deep, deep well and every day the light grows fainter. It is a darkness of your own choosing, but you feel that the only option is to keep exploring its depths until you truly understand and can wield the full power of the ring.</p>
<p>Before long, you find that you quite like it down here.</p>
<h1 id="montage-link" style="text-align:right;">[[THE END]]</h1>
<<elseif _temp is "choice2">>
<<set $finale_choice to "Enterprising (Good)">>
<<replace "#_disable">>You call upon the god of Choosing for assistance.<</replace>>
<hr>
<p>They look happy to see you.</p>
<div id="dia-god">
You have resisted the call longer than most would be capable of, Arc. I am glad that you have asked for help. I will relieve you of this burden with happiness in my heart.
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">GOD OF <<print $god.toUpperCase()>></div>
<p>As the god leaves, you find yourself filled by two conflicting emotions:</p>
<p>First, a sense of relief. A great weight has been lifted from your shoulders, though you didn't realize until now that you were carrying it.</p>
<p>Second, a great longing. A most valuable thing has been taken from you, and you want it back now more than ever.</p>
<p>Over time, the longing fades.</p>
<p>But it never completely goes away.</p>
<h1 id="montage-link" style="text-align:right;">[[THE END]]</h1>
<</if>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>><div id="dia-god">
An interesting choice. You forsake the power of the ring Draupnir and yet you still desire the power and familiarity of the Mask.
<p>I did not know Baldr well, but if you would wear his Death Mask you would step into the shoes of a great being. Wear it well.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">GOD OF <<print $god.toUpperCase()>></div>
<div id="dia-you">
I will do my best.
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<div id="dia-god">
I believe that you will. Draupnir will come with me, and I will dispose of it as I see fit.
<p>Now, go. Your life awaits you.</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">GOD OF <<print $god.toUpperCase()>></div>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<p>A flash of bright light obscures your vision, and when you can see again the god of Choosing is nowhere to be found. The artifacts, too, are gone - except the Mask, which sits on the table behind you.</p>
<p>By the doorway, the old man is pushing himself to his knees with his one good arm. You run over to assist him. There are jagged, lightning-shaped scars running up and down the skin you can see.</p>
<div id="dia-them">
God almighty, kid. What happened? Who the hell was that?
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<div id="dia-you">
It was...someone I've been acquainted with for quite some time now. Even though I didn't know it.
</div><div id="dia-you-tag">ARC</div>
<p>You do your level best to explain everything that happened to the old man, beginning with the Patron's murder of the Mob Boss. You find yourself with little sympathy as you recount his death.</p>
<p>As you describe your time in...wherever you were, you realize that barely two minutes have passed since the Patron slipped on the ring Draupnir. However long you spent in that other space was not reflected in time on Earth. Midgard? No, you decide to stick with Earth for now.</p>
<p>The old man seems surprisingly placid as you explain it all.</p>
<div id="dia-them">I suppose it's not up to me to decide what actually happened. But here you stand, and your Patron has skedadled and the Mob Boss is a pile of ash on the floor. So you wanna tell me it was some Norse god doing you a solid then I'll believe it.
<p>Guess I gotta figure out how to get right with some new gods before I die, huh? Aren't they the ones who live in Van Halen?</p>
</div><div id="dia-them-tag">OLD MAN</div>
<p>You shrug, help the old man to his feet, and go back to grab your prize winnings and the Mask.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>In the coming weeks, the city's underworld is thrown into chaos. Power abhors a vacuum.</p>
<p>You lay low for some time, until the predominant narrative propagated through whisper networks and local news suggests that a deranged professor from a local university took out a grudge on the Mob Boss, killing them both in a fiery blaze. No one comes looking for you; no one asks any questions.</p>
<p>You place the Mask quietly and discreetly in a little-used drawer and do your best not to think about it.</p>
<p>While the money you have earned can't heal your <<print $family.toLowerCase()>> outright, it goes a long way. You pay off your debt, find a new apartment for the both of you, and see a noticeable increase in the quality of care which you're able to afford. It takes you some time to find work, but find work you do.</p>
<<linkreplace "> Continue">>
<hr id="story-hr">
<p>The Mask still calls to you, every now and again.</p>
<p>You read about the god Baldr. You read about his life as Odin's son, his death at the hands of Loki, and his second-life in the halls of mythology. You see a passive, sacrificial figure and empathize deeply with his struggles. You were not far from meeting the same end.</p>
<p>Eventually, you find your way back to B.O.X.ing. Every time you enter a bout, you don the Mask once again. Sometimes it gives you visions of the past; other times it does not. You come to crave the visions. They become a crutch. When they do not arrive to start your match, your temper explodes.</p>
<p>After a point, you realize the corrupting influence the Mask has had on you. It wants to be wanted. Is this what happened with the Patron and Draupnir?</p>
<p>With the greatest exertion of effort, you pack the Mask away. It goes into a box in your attic, taped shut.</p>
<p>Sometimes, you can still hear it calling to you. Sometimes.</p>
<p>If nothing else, you are glad that you cannot forget what happened. No muddying of the waters. The Mask is proof enough of your divine encounter, and of something greater than yourself.</p>
<p>You take the Mask to your own grave, so that the cycle cannot start anew.</p>
<p>It is the final and most important choice you make.</p>
<p>The god of Choosing smiles.</p><h1 id="montage-link" style="text-align:right;">[[THE END]]</h1>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>>
<</linkreplace>><center><h1>Thank you for playing!</h1></center>
<hr>
<h2>Recap</h2>
You chose the <b><<print $finale_choice.toUpperCase()>></b> ending.<br>
<b>Weapon:</b> $weapon<Br>
<b>Pronouns: </b> $pronouns
<hr>
<h2>Credits</h2>
Created by <b><a href="https://groggydog.itch.io/" target="_blank">groggydog</a></b><br><br>
Written in Twine/Sugarcube.<br><br>
Pixel art images made in Paint and Gimp.<br><Br>
Music by <b><A href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/gigakoops" target="_blank">gigakoops</a></b> in order of appearance:
<ul>
<li>Intro (from Third Time's a Charm, Fourth Time is Routine)</li>
<li>Honey is Sweet, But Nostalgia is Bitter</li>
<li>Death in General</li>
</ul>
<i>(Licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY-NC-SA</a>)</i><br><br>
With a million thanks to my playtesters:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://manonamora-if.tumblr.com" target="_blank">manonamora</a></li>
<li>jbeebs305</li>
<li><A href="https://gamesbyalbie.tumblr.com" target="_blank">albie</a></li>
</ul>
<Br><center><img src="images/cover.png" style="max-width: 100%;"></center>There will be a few songs which play automatically in the background throughout this game. <br>
<p>If you choose to turn the audio off here on the menu, you can turn it back on again after starting the game by clicking on "Toggle Audio On/Off" in the header.</p><h2>Credits</h2>
Created by <b><a href="https://groggydog.itch.io/" target="_blank">groggydog</a></b><br><br>
Written in Twine/Sugarcube.<br><br>
Pixel art images made in Paint and Gimp.<br><Br>
Music by <b><A href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/gigakoops" target="_blank">gigakoops</a></b> in order of appearance:
<ul>
<li>Intro (from Third Time's a Charm, Fourth Time is Routine)</li>
<li>Honey is Sweet, But Nostalgia is Bitter</li>
<li>Death in General</li>
</ul>
<i>(Licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY-NC-SA</a>)</i><br><br>
With a million thanks to my playtesters:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://manonamora-if.tumblr.com" target="_blank">manonamora</a></li>
<li>jbeebs305</li>
<li><A href="https://gamesbyalbie.tumblr.com" target="_blank">albie</a></li>
</ul>