The Forest We Deserve

<b>The Forest We Deserve</b> by Ryoma Marta-Sugawara Made for Tad Leckman's CMPM 80K (Intro to Game Design) class at UCSC, Spring Quarter 2020. Special thanks to my TAs, tutors, and playtesters for their feedback! Thanks for playing! [[New Game->I1]] [[Gallery]] [[Scene select]] [[Guide]](Spoilers!)

<h3>Gallery</h3> <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/welcome_forest.gif" /> "Welcome Forest", UCSC Upper Campus <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/broken.gif" /> "Broken", UCSC Redwood Grove <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/city.gif" /> "City", San Francisco <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/continue.gif" /> "Continue", UCSC Upper Campus <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/danger.gif" /> "Danger", UCSC Rachel Carson College <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fires.gif" /> "Fires", UCSC OPERS Field <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/freedom.gif" /> "Jump", UCSC Porter Squiggle <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fullest%20moon.gif" /> "Meadow", UCSC Painted Barrels <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/glowing_forest.gif" /> "Glowing Forest", UCSC Rachel Carson College <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/lamp.gif" /> "Lamp" <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/middleroad.gif" /> "Middle Road", UCSC College Ten <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/p2.gif" /> "Penitentiary", UC Berkeley <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/shirt.gif" /> "Shirt", Danville, CA <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/statue.gif" /> "Saint", St. Isodore's Catholic Curch, Daville, CA <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <b>Unused Pictures</b> <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/holysun.gif" /> "Holy Sun", UCSC OPERS Field <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/jung.gif" /> "Jungle", UCSC College Ten <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/loneliness.gif" /> "Loneliness", Walnut Creek, CA <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/mask.gif" /> "Mask", Walnut Creek, CA <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/penitentiary.gif" /> "Old Competition", UCSC Baskin Engineering <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/road.gif" /> "Road", UCSC Natural Sciences <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/rose.gif" /> "Rose", St. Isodore's Catholic Church, Danville, CA <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/wall.gif" /> "Wall", UCSC Thimann Lecture Hall <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/void.gif" /> "Void", UCSC College Ten Bridge <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/buraeucracy.gif" /> "Bureaucracy", UCSC Math Department [[Back to title->Title]]

<img src = "https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/welcome_forest.gif" /> (set: $seenkoi to false)(set: $seencallbox to false)(set: $seenstatue to false)(set: $seenshirt to false)(set: $tiktok to 0)(set: $TimesForward1 to 0)(set: $Previous to "do nothing")(set: $Backward to 0)(set: $Right to 0)(set: $Left to 0)(set: $Forward to 0) You stare into the gaping maw of a new frontier. For some reason, you feel as though you could cry at its discovery, But you can't remember ever feeling depressed. [[Were you ever sad?->I2]] <br /> <br /> <br /> Content Warning: click to view. (click-replace: "click to view.")[<i>This game contains sequences of mild horror, mentions of underage drug use, mentions of depression, and external links to content that contain severe abuse, murder, and disease.</i>]

<img src = "https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/welcome_forest.gif" /> After a long night of studying, you decided to take a shortcut home from the library. Your roommates spoke briefly about a backroad by the old firehouse that led directly to your dormitory's entrance. They had described the shortcut as woodsy, But you certainly weren't expecting this. [[In fact, what made you think this was a good idea in the first place?->I3]]

<img src = "https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/welcome_forest.gif" /> You're honestly not sure if you're even trying to get home at this point. Your clock reads **00:13.** It's a Friday night. Your mind and eyes are tired-- your form sags with exauhstion. Your gut is already asleep. However, Something parasitic in your brain is wide awake. It's irrational, And it begs for acknowledgement. Are you more interested in losing yourself or finding your way home? [[Indulge your brain and enter the forest.->I4]] [[Give your body the rest it needs and return home.->i1]]

<img src = "https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/welcome_forest.gif" /> In a last ditch effort to save you, the remaining conciousness of your mind kicks your adrenaline up and reminds you of the potential dangers ahead. There could be animals. You could fall and break a bone, or worse, your neck. You could get lost and stranded and no one would find you. There could be [[serial killers.->I4-1]] Do you really continue into the forest? [[Yes.->I5]] [[Nah.->i1]]

You take one last look at the entrance of the forest, and decide that [[you'll try the shortcut during the day.->i2]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/middleroad.gif" /> As you approach your dorm, you walk in the middle of the road, simply because you can. There's something magical about exploring your agency, free from the law, Free from shame. You could even rest here [[if you wanted to.->ii1]] But you don't. [[You march home in peaceful rebellion.->i3]]

After five or so minutes of your civil disobedience, you arrive at your dorm. You tap your card to the main entrance, Take the elevator up to your floor, [[And unlock the door.->i4]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/lamp.gif" /> Welcome back. <h3> Ending 1 of 4: Dormitory </h3> [[To title.->Title]]

Actually, yeah. That seems like a good idea. You spread your body out like a starfish onto the middle of the road. From here, you can see the texture of the yellow lane divider quite easily. What a relaxing and curious way to rebel against the law! [[Continue to relax on the road.->ii2]] [[Get up and walk home.->iii2]]

The remaining part of your concious mind suddenly kicks your adrenaline up, and you envision your pathetic body being rolled over by some student's raggedy old sedan. You'd rather die more elegantly. [[You stand up, and start walking home again.->i3]]

You continue to peacefully rebel against the universe. It feels good to be in control of yourself. [[Continue relaxing.->ii2]] [[We're done here.->iii2]]

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Kemper" target="_blank" ><img class="edk" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2c/Kempermugshot.jpg" width="100" height="133" align="center"/></a> [[Let's not think about him.->I4]]

You indulge your subconcious and [[step into the forest.->I6]]

<div style="text-align: center">[[Welcome.->A1]]</div>

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/continue.gif" /> Inside the forest, a straight path lies in front of you. (set: $TimesForward1 to 0)[[You follow it.->A2]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/continue.gif" /> (if: $TimesForward1 <= 13)[(set: $TimesForward1 to it + 1)[[Continue onward.->A2]]] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 3)[The trail is steep,] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 4)[ as if it were reminding you to turn back.] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 5)[But you continue onward, as if something were beckoning you.] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 6)[You feel like an ant infected with [[cordyceps.->a1]]] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 7)[Are you normal?] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 8)[That's a good question.] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 9)[You certainly don't feel normal right now. This isn't a normal thing to do.] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 10)[You wonder if your roommates are worried about you.] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 11)[Nah.] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 12)[They're probably doing their own thing.] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 13)[You can't remember the last time you had a conversation with them.] (if: $TimesForward1 >= 14)[[[It's funny how you share a room together.->A3]]]

After a while, you come across a wide, moonlit opening with three paths branching out along its perimeter. One points [[westward->A-WEST1]], one points [[northward->A-NORTH1]], and one points [[eastward.->A-EAST1]] In the center of the opening lies [[an emergency callbox.->A4]] Behind you lies [[the trail you came from.->aa1]]

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophiocordyceps_unilateralis" target="_blank"><img class="edk" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Ophiocordyceps_unilateralis.png" /></a> [[Thanks, didn't ask for the visual.->A2]]

You walk to the entrance of the eastern pathway. To the left, by a manzanita shrub, a sign reads: <h4 class="signpost"> KOI POND </h4> But you don't see a koi pond anywhere nearby. It must be ahead. Do you follow the path? [[Yes.->D1]] [[No.->aaa1]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/continue.gif" /> You walk to the opening of the northern pathway. It looks very similar to the path you came from. Do you follow it? [[Yes.->B1]] [[No.->aaa1]]

You walk up to the emergency callbox... (set: $seencallbox to true) <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/broken.gif" /> ...and find that it's broken. Luckily, you're not in an emergency. [[Walk back.->aaa1]] [[Sit down by the callbox.->A5]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/continue.gif" /> You look at the trail you came from. If you've come into the forest at this hour, who's to stop anyone else from doing the same? [[Return to the opening.->aaa1]] [[Leave the forest.]]

There are three paths that branch along the perimeter of the opening. One points [[westward->A-WEST1]], one points [[northward->A-NORTH1]], and one points [[eastward.->A-EAST1]] In the center of the opening lies [[an emergency callbox.->A4]] Southward lies [[the trail you came from.->aa1]]

You sit down with your back to the callbox. Its cold metal frame pierces the warmth of your sweatshirt, but it eventually warms up, and you look up at the full moon. <img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fullest%20moon.gif" /> There's a ring around her. It might rain soon. [[Get up off the ground.->A5-A1]] [[Remain sitting.->A5-B1]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/broken.gif" /> You get off the ground and thank the broken callbox for its service. Even if it didn't serve its original job, [[It served your purposes just fine.->aaa1]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fullest%20moon.gif" /> There's something comforting about a full moon. It's a sliver of daylight in the dead of night. [[Remain Sitting.->A5-B2-B]] [[Close your eyes.->A5-B2]] [[Get up.->A5-A1]]

You walk to the opening of the eastern pathway. A square sign, to the right of the opening, reads: <h4 class="signpost"> 1.5 MI EAST </h4> This might be useful for someone, but it means nothing to you. Do you follow the path? [[Yes.->C1]] [[No.->aaa1]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fullest%20moon.gif" /> You remain seated, staring at the full moon. [[Continue to stare.->A5-B2-B]] [[Close your eyes.->A5-B2]] [[Get up.->A5-A1]]

You close your eyes and bask in the moonlight, and begin to [[drift.->callbox-b-1]]

You recall another instance in which you ventured into the woods against your better judgement. In high school, two friends of yours once suggested that you accompany them on a small journey to smoke in the woods by their house at midnight. Being the friend that you are, you obliged. However, these friends were relatively new. No one in the party knew each others' secrets as intimately as year-long or decade-long friends. Once you made it to an opening, much like the one you're resting in, you and your friends set up a blanket, and turned on some music. It disturbed the forest. You were unwelcome. One friend lit a freshly-rolled joint and passed it to the other. But before they had a chance to take a drag, [[they pointed at the trees that lined the opening.->callbox-b-2]]

"W-wolves! Th-there's w-wolves!" They cried, joint in hand, "W-wolves!" The other friend, well baked, began to brush your friends' cries off as a secondhand high. "Phew, paranoia's already gettin' to ya, and you haven't even--" But they insisted. "I. I know what I saw. They're staring at us. They're staring at us." You exchanged looks with your high friend, then turned toward the trees. The shadowy shillouettes of the night seemed to bend into impossible shapes. They could've beenn inerpreted as wolves, or a crowd of tree nymphs. The trees could have been anything, for all you knew. "Oh god. Oh god. It's coming." Your scared friend continued. "It's coming." Concerned, you looked at them for guidance. "What's coming?" You ask. [["What's coming?"->callbox-b-3]]

"Oh yeah... shoulda prolly mentioned this... when they get stressed enough, they faint," your high friend casually replies. "The wolf thing though... that's kinda new." Soon enough, they faint, and their head lands on a small, sharp pebble. Luckily, it doesn't break any skin. "H-how long until they wake up?" you ask. "Uhh... idk, like, uhh... two minutes or so? It's like some kind of neuro-condition or whatever," your high friend says before prying the joint out of your other friend's hands. [[You're paralyzed with incredulity that both of your friends would forget to mention something so vital to your mutual safety.->callbox-b-4]]

Is this what it means to know another person? To live peacefully until their secrets spring out at the least opportune moments? You have never managed to keep friends longer than five years. [[Maybe people just aren't made to know each other.->callbox-b-5]]

Eventually, your other friend wakes up, but they're in no condition to walk. They insist that you call another friend of yours to pick the lot of you up. They'd be ashamed to admit their lack of forethought. But you don't have many friends. There's only one acquiantance in your phonebook who lives nearby, and you haven't talked to them since middle school. [[Regardless, you call them anyway.->callbox-b-6]]

When they arrive, it is a painfully awkward ride home. [[Shame swims heavily through the heated air.->callbox-b-7]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fullest%20moon.gif" /> You wake up, and see the moon once again. [[Remain seated.->callbox-b-8]] [[Get up.->A5-A1]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fullest%20moon.gif" /> [[Remain seated.->callbox-b-8]] [[Get up.->A5-A1]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/danger.gif" /> You follow the path for what seems like two miles, until you realize that you're no longer on a path. You're stepping on fresh peat. Where do you go next? (link: "Left.")[(set: $Left to 0)(set: $Backward to 0)(set: $Previous to "turn left")(goto: "Control Panel")] (link: "12 O'clock.")[(set: $Forward to 0)(set: $Backward to 0)(set: $Previous to "head straight")(goto: "Control Panel")] (link: "Right.")[(set: $Right to 0)(set: $Backward to 0)(set: $Previous to "turn right")(goto: "Control Panel")] [[About face.]]

You follow the eastern path for a little while, [[until you come across another opening.]]

You follow a winding path for about half a mile, until, unsurprisingly, you reach a [[koi pond,->D2]] seemingly carved into the earth, with no streams flowing into it. You have no idea who takes care of it, but whoever does must have to put a lot of work into preserving it.

<h3>Scene Select</h3> By choosing a scene from this menu, your variables will carry over from your previous run and you may miss out on content. To complete a fresh run, please select "New Game" from the title screen instead. [[First Opening->I5]] [[Callbox->A4]] [[Koi Pond->D1]] [[Statue->until you come across another opening.]] [[View->Main Ending]] [[Back to title->Title]]

A white statue lies in the center of the opening. Behind the statue, the path continues. [[Continue following the path.->B1]] [[Examine the statue.->C2-Examine]] [[Turn back.->D2-Shoo-Leave]]

You walk up to the koi pond, bend down, and shine your phone's flashlight into it. There's a few koi swiming around. (if: $seenkoi is false)[To your surprise, a golden koi fish swims to the perimeter of the pond to greet you. Unfortunately, you don't have any food. (set: $seenkoi to true)[[[Say hello to the koi fish.->D2-Sayhello]]] (set: $seenkoi to true)[[[Shoo the koi away.->D2-Shoo]]]] [[Leave.->D2-Shoo-Turn]]

"Hello," you say to the koi fish. Unexpectedly, it replies to you. "Your scope undermines your ability," it blubs. [[Protest in indignation.->D2-Hello-Pro]] [[Ignore the koi fish and leave. You clearly need some rest.->D2-Shoo-Turn]]

You shoo the koi away by flashing your light up and down at the fish, but it continues to eerily stare back at you. [[Yell at it.->D2-Shoo-Yell]] [[Turn around. That's enough koi time for today.->D2-Shoo-Turn]]

You yell at the fish like a caveman, but it seems unphased. It just continues to stares at you. [[This is stupid.->D2-Shoo-Turn]]

You stand up and [[turn down the path from whence you came.->D2-Shoo-Leave]] What a curious anomaly in the woods.

After some walking, you reach the opening with the callbox and three paths again. Where shall you go next? [[Approach the callbox.->A4]] [[The eastern route.->A-EAST1]] [[The western route, back to the koi pond.->A-WEST1]] [[The northern route.->A-NORTH1]] [[The southern route, where you originally entered the forest.->aa1]]

You continue down the path that led you into the forest and finally reach the exit. [[It's time to go home and get some rest.->i2]]

"Excuse me?" you jab back. "I didn't walk out all the way to the middle of the woods to be criticized by some fish!" "Sorry," it replies, looking away in shame. "I get carried away sometimes. Bad habit. I forgot to ask for your consent. Would you like to listen to some advice?" [[Accept its advice, despite your foul first impression.->D2-Hello-2]] [[Refuse its advice.->D2-Hello-Pro-1]]

"Thank you," the fish says as it bows. "I swear this isn't a roast fest. "It's just that... You think everything has to be a certain way. You fixate on certain things, [[and seek to have them achieved.]]

"Nope," you reply. "Like I said-- I came out here to stop thinking. Not think more about what a fuck up I am." "That's fair," the fish says. "You'll know when you're ready to hear advice." [[It then swims away into the abyss.->D2-Shoo-Turn]]

"Not that it's a bad thing," it continues, "having goals is important. "But what you're doing isn't making goals. Well, it's partially related, "But you're fixating on images in your head so hard that you refuse anything else to be actualized. "It's such an impossible standard you hold yourself up to." You reply: [["..."->Koitalking2]] [["What do you mean?"->Koitalking2]]

"Take your work, for instance. "The image of your completed product is so vivid and powerful in your mind that you can't imagine what actually creating it would look like. "Sure, you know where to start, "But the process of starting, and starting, and starting is so painful for you that it's easier to either: "A) Make your work about starting, or "B) Refuse to make art at all." [["So next you're gonna tell me that I have so much potential and that I need to apply myself?"->Koitalking3]]

"No." The fish lowers its head slightly as it thinks. "You're already applying yourself. "You deeply care about the work you do. "If you didn't, you wouldn't be torturing yourself. "Just look at how long you spent at the library today." [["..."->Koitalking4]]

"There is nothing more to be done than the work itself. "Not everything has to be definitive. "Everything is a work in progress, "Even you!" [["..."->Koitalking6]]

"Just know that you are fine as you are. "You are bright. "You are intelligent. "You care. "You are enough. "Allow yourself and your work the luxury of being good enough. "You got this." [["..."->Koitalking7]]

"I'm, uh, gonna go. But I'll just leave you to do your thing." Tears have apparently been streaming out of your face and into the pond, but you don't know when they started. [["..."->Koitalking8]] [["Thank you."->Koitalking8-1]]

The koi [[swims away.->Koitalking9]]

The koi swims away, [[ignoring your thanks.->Koitalking9]]

Your tears continue to feed the pond. [[Remain.->Koitalking9]] [[Leave.->Koitalking10]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/continue.gif" /> You wipe your tears away, stand up, turn around, and make down the path that led you to the koi pond. [[What a kind creature.->D2-Shoo-Leave]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/statue.gif" /> (set: $seenstatue to true) [[...->until you come across another opening.]]

You turn around, only to find a chainlink fence with a shirt draped over it. (set: $Left to 0)(set: $Right to 0)(set: $Forward to 0)(set: $Backward to 0) [[Examine the shirt.]] (link: "Turn left.")[(set: $Left to $Left + 1)(set: $Previous to "turn left")(goto: "Control Panel")] (link: "Turn right.")[(set: $Right to $Right + 1)(set: $Previous to "turn right")(goto: "Control Panel")] (link: "About face.")[(set: $Backward to $Backward + 1)(set: $Previous to "turn around")(goto: "Control Panel")]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/shirt.gif" /> (set: $seenshirt to true) It appears that the shirt has been here for a while. You decide to name it Chekov's shirt. Cheeky. (link: "Turn left.")[(set: $Left to $Left + 1)(set: $Previous to "turn left")(goto: "Control Panel")] (link: "Turn right.")[(set: $Right to $Right + 1)(set: $Previous to "turn right")(goto: "Control Panel")] (link: "About face.")[(set: $Backward to $Backward + 1)(set: $Previous to "turn around")(goto: "Control Panel")]

(if: $Left >= 1 and $Right >= 1 and $Forward >= 1 and $Backward >= 1)[<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/glowing_forest.gif" />](else: )[<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/danger.gif" />] You $Previous, only to find more trees. (if: $Left >= 1 and $Right >= 1 and $Forward >= 1 and $Backward >= 1)[They seem friendlier, though. (if: $Previous is "turn left")[Something tells you you're going the right way.]] (if: $Left < 3 or $Right < 1 or $Forward < 1 or $Backward < 1)[ Where do you head? (link: "Left.")[(set: $Left to $Left + 1)(set: $Previous to "turn left")(goto: "Control Panel")] (link: "12 O'clock.")[(set: $Forward to $Forward + 1)(set: $Previous to "head forward")(goto: "Control Panel")] (link: "Right.")[(set: $Right to $Right + 1)(set: $Previous to "turn right")(goto: "Control Panel")] (link: "About face.")[(set: $Backward to $Backward + 1)(set: $Previous to "turn around")(goto: "Control Panel")] ](else: )[ (link: "You head forward.")[(goto: "Main Ending")]]

You walk through the trees and brush. The foliage is thick. But you make it through, [[and you see...]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fires.gif" /> ...the town [[below.]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fires.gif" /> Behind you lies a [[bench.]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fires.gif" /> You sit down while staring at the [[view.]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fires.gif" /> It's easy to forget how big the town near campus is. [[Especially when you spend all your days removed from it.]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fires.gif" /> You stare down at the town below. [[Remain.->Especially when you spend all your days removed from it.]] [[Look up at the moon.]] [[Stretch out on the bench and sleep.]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/fullmoon.gif" /> You glance up at the moon. It really does look like it might rain tomorrow. [[Or is that today?]] Either way, it's certainly pretty. [[Look down at the city.->Especially when you spend all your days removed from it.]] [[Stretch out on the bench and sleep.]]

You stretch out on the bench, and get comfortable. Or, at least as comfortable as you can get when laying on a bench. Luckily, your body is so immensely heavy that it doesn't even matter. (if: $seenkoi and $seencallbox)[(link: "You drift into dreams..")[(goto: "DREAMTWO")]] (else-if: $seencallbox)[(link: "You drift into dreams.")[(goto: "DREAMONE")]] (else:)[(link: "You drift into dreams...")[(goto: "DREAMTHREE")]]

[[For all you care, the next day doesn't start until the sun rises.->Look up at the moon.]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/city.gif" /> You find yourself riding in the back of your friend's luxury SUV, through the streets of the Embarcadero. They're driving. "What are the buildings lined in lights over there?" you ask from the passenger seat. "Oh, my good friend lives there. He's the richest man on earth." "Really? How much does he make?" "More than us, clearly." What an unsatisfying answer. "Alright. We're here," your friend announces as they break. The two of you step out of the car and find yourselves at the foot of one of the lighted buildings. "We're robbing your friend!?" you stammer in panic. "Why!?" "Because he's the richest man on earth, duh." <h3>Ending 3 of 4: Robbery</h3> [[To title.->Title]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/freedom.gif" /> You find yourself on the field of a college campus. A friend of yours is in front of you, teaching you how to fly. "See? You just need to jump up and you'll go soaring in the air!" They make it sound a lot easier than it is. You try with all your might to jump as high as you can, and gravity pulls your dense body straight back down to earth. Your friend, meanwhile, is flying in circles above you. "C'mon!" they say. "I know you can do it!" You begin to cry, and frustration bubbles in your throat. "Fuck you!" you shout. "I can't fucking do it! "I've tried all my fucking life, and I've never been able to fly! "What makes you think I can fucking fly right now? "You just invited me out here to taunt me!" They look at you with pity, yet remain unoffended as they fly back down to assist you. "Here," they say. "eat this." Your friend pulls a golden fish out of thin air and hands it to you. "You can always summon him in times of need." You accept the fish, close your eyes, and open your mouth, But before you can put the fish in your mouth yourself, it squirms in your hands and jumps straight down your throat. It feels cold and slick as it squirms its way into your stomach, and once it finally reaches its destination, your abdomen feels as though it's frozen. But after a minute or so of discomfort, your body begins to warm up, and you feel energized. "Ready to give it one last shot?" your friend asks. You wipe the tears off your face and nod with confidence. "Okay then! On one!" They start to count down. "Three!" "Two!" "One! Jump!" You jump into the air, and finally, You're free. <h3>Ending 4 of 4: Fly</h3> [[To title.->Title]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/p2.gif" /> (set: $tiktok to 0) You find yourself in [[hallways you've never seen before.]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/p2.gif" /> Not much makes sense here, but you do know that [[you're late.]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/p2.gif" /> Stupid. Inadequate. Incompetent. Lazy. Hurry up, The clock is [[ticking.]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/p2.gif" /> [[Tick.->Tock.]]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/p2.gif" /> (set: $tiktok to $tiktok + 1) [[Tock.->Tick.]] (if: $tiktok > 6)[ <h3>Ending 2 of 4: Time</h3> [[To title.->Title]] ]

<img src="https://ryoma.ms/Twine%20Assets/p2.gif" /> (set: $tiktok to $tiktok + 1) [[Tick.->Tock.]] (if: $tiktok > 6)[ <h3>Ending 2 of 4: Time</h3> [[To title.->Title]] ]

<h3>Guide</h3> [[Back to title->Title]] Endings: <b>Ending 1: Dormitory</b> This ending can be obtained by: 1) <i>choosing to not enter the forest, or</i> 2) <i>turning around at the main opening (with the callbox) and leaving the forest.</i> <b>Ending 2: Time</b> If the player ignores the koi pond and callbox by NOT visiting either, then upon passing the final Puzzle, the player will fall asleep and dream about this ending. <b>Ending 3: Robbery</b> If the player examines the callbox, but DOESN'T visit the koi pond, then upon passing the final Puzzle, the player will fall asleep and dream about this ending. <b>Ending 4: Fly</b> If the player examines both the callbox and koi pond, then upon passing the final Puzzle, the player will fall asleep and dream about this ending. <br /> <br /> Directions to locations: <b>Koi pond</b> Take the WESTERN path upon entering the main opening. <b>Final puzzle</b> There are two ways to get here: 1) <i>take the NORTHERN path upon entering the main opening, or</i> 2) <i>take the EASTERN path upon entering the main opening, and continue past the statue.</i> <b>Dormitory</b> Refuse to enter the forest, or exit the forest upon entering the main opening. <b>Chainlink fence</b> Take the NORTHERN entrance upon entering the main opening, then as soon as you are given the option to choose a cardinal direction, immediately about face. <i>Note: this only works on initial playthroughs, and will not work if you scene select.</i> <br /> <br /> Special attractions: <b>Golden koi</b> If it's the player's first time visiting the koi pond, the golden koi will greet the player. If you do not shoo the koi away, you will get to hear its advice. This can only be found once. <b>Teenage drama</b> If the player closes their eyes by the callbox, they will recall a memory from their adolescence. This memory will be recalled each time the player rests by the callbox. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />