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<<audio "tick" loop play>><<audio "amb" loop play>> You're sitting alone in a dark, damp, underground room. A single exposed lightblub hangs from the ceiling, filling your circular room with a dim yellow glow. 2 empty beds sit across the wall from you, flanking a rusted metal door. You shift nervously on your bed- a slab of concrete with a few blankets draped over. Your eyes dart to a dufflepack sitting beside you. A clock rests above the door, gently ticking away. ><span class="phi">//"It's been an hour. No one is coming... It's probably safe. Right?"//</span> !!![[>> Nervously pace around and worry about how you'll get caught.|Nervously pace around and worry about how you'll get caught.]] !!![[>> Open the dufflepack.|Open the dufflepack]] <span class="tape">Your tape is whirring away.</span> You suddenly stand up. "No... they could be back any minute... what happens if they walk in right as I'm checking???" It's time to pace. !!![[>> Pace in a circle|Pace in a circle]] !!![[>> Pace back and forth|Pace back and forth]] ><span class="phi">//"Ok. Think about it. I have $timeleft <<if $timeleft is 1>>hour<<else>>hours<<endif>> left until its my turn for watch duty."//</span> ...you pass by one of the empty beds... ><span class="phi">//"I'm running out of time... I'm wasting so much time thinking about how I'm running out of time."//</span> ...you pass by the other empty bed... ><span class="phi">//"I should just check. I should just check and get it over with. Why am I so worried? I know it's not going to happen."//</span> <<set $timeleft -= .25>> ...you pass by your own bed...<<if $timeleft > 1>> !!![[>> Pace some more|Pace in a circle]] !!![[>> Open the dufflepack|Open the dufflepack]] <<else>> !!![[>> Open the dufflepack|Open the dufflepack]] <<endif>> ><span class="phi">//"Ok. Think about it. I have $timeleft <<if $timeleft is 1>>hour<<else>>hours<<endif>> left until its my turn for watch duty."//</span> ...you reach the end of the room and turn in place... ><span class="phi">//"I'm running out of time. I'm wasting so much time thinking about how I'm wasting my time."//</span> ...you reach the end of the room and turn in place... ><span class="phi">//"I should just check. I should just look at it and get it over with. Why am I so worried. I know it's not going to happen." <<set $timeleft -= .25>>//</span> ...you reach the end of the room and turn in place...<<if $timeleft > 1>> !!![[>> Pace some more|Pace back and forth]] !!![[>> Open the dufflepack|Open the dufflepack]] <<else>> !!![[>> Open the dufflepack|Open the dufflepack]] <<endif>> You can't wait any longer. It's time to find out. You slide over to the dufflepack and reach inside. It clanks as you feel around inside it. //You feel something metal inside.// You pull it out. It's a stainless steel case. An engraving of the letters //"R U"// enclosed in a dotted circle is visible. It's about the size of... an envelope...? <span class="tape">Your tape spins more quickly.</span> ><span class="phi">//"No way..."//</span> You quickly walk back to your bed. The impact of your heavy body on your bed is cusioned by your thick blankets as you excitedly slam yourself down to take a seat. !!![[>> Open the case.|Open the case.]] You undo the latches on the case. It hisses lightly, as if it were pressurized. Your mind is racing. your hands are shaking now. <span class="tape">Your tape spins and spins.</span> You open the lid, revealing an envelope with... could it be? a roya- Just then, you hear a voice coming from behind the door. ... Two voices? They're shouting about something. !!//''[[>> Close the case!|Close the case]]''// Panicking, slam the case shut. The door is opening!! >//Quick!// !!!''[[>> Try and throw the case into the dufflepack|Throw the case into the dufflepack]]'' !!!''[[>> Sit on the case|Sit on the case]]'' <<audio "dooropen" play>> The door swings open. Your roommates, <span class="dalet">Dalet</span> and <span class="wynn">Wynn</span> walk in. ><span class="phi">//"Welp. Here we go."//</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' ...Not to mention the //mental// challenge. Are they going to toss left? Toss double?? How many arms do they have??? There's so many things to factor in...</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' You call that a "mental challenge"?? //"How many arms do they have?"// Is that difficult?? You just look at them! ...I guess that might be hard for you with that huge hat getting in the way.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Why do you even care??? It's not like you'll ever be able to play. You never do anything active. You just sit around all day--</span> !!!<span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //THROWING ROCKS AROUND IS NOT A SPORT. STOP PRETENDING ITS A SPORT.//</span> Wynn crosses her arms. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:''</span><span class="phi"> Phi?</span> <span class="wynn">weigh in here.</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Yeah. let's settle this. ''//2 against 1 style.//''</span><<set $centrist to 0>><<set $timeleft to 30>> !!!//[[Uh oh...|is it a sport]]// <<if $centrist is 1>><span class="phi">"Ok. fine. What are you two even arguing about anyway?"</span><<else>><span class="phi">"What are you two arguing about now?"</span><<endif>> <<if $casepos is "sit">>You shift uncomfortably on the case.<<else>>you fight the urge to glance over to the case.<<endif>> Wynn rolls her eyes. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Phi, //Is Rocksball a sport?//</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //Or is it a game??// you can't just not give another option. Don't try and rig the test.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' It's not a test?? I'm just asking him...</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' yeah right...</span><<set $dumbass to 0>> !!![[Oh no...|sport choice]] Dalet and Wynn shake their heads and roll their eyes with such intensity that you fear for your life. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //Thats not an answer.//</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Wow. look at the //enlightened centrist// over here. </span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //''" bOTh sIDeS "''//</span> Wynn laughed as Dalet contorted his face and assumed a rude pose. In your attempt to please both of them, you've proven yourself to be a fucking loser.<<set $centrist to 1>> !!!//[[Ugh...|"what?"]]// <<audio "case" play>> You toss the case towards the dufflepack, but you... slightly overshoot. The case lands on the damp floor next to your roommate's bed with a soft thud.<<set $casepos to "floor">> !!!//[[>> Shit.|roommates enter.5]]// !!!//[[>> Crap.|roommates enter]]// You quickly sit on the case. you feel a soft //crunch.// <<audio "crush" play>> It's not positioned very well, and you already feel off balance...<<set $casepos to "sit">> <<set $envelopestate to "crinkled">> !!![[>> ...|roommates enter]] Dalet and Wynn are now staring expectantly at you. <<if $casepos is "floor">>You resist the urge to glance at the case. the knowledge that it's just sitting there, out in the open terrifies you.<<else>>You shift uncomfortably on the case. It feels like it's at an angle...<<endif>> !!![[>> "What?"|"what?"]] !!![[>> "You're both right...?"|"You're both right?"]] <<set $sportstat to "sport">> <<set $sidewith to "Wynn">> Wynn closed her eyes and smiled. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' //Thank// you!</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //NO NO NO!// That doesn't count. </span> <<if $dumbass is 1>><span class="dalet">He didn't even know what Rocksball was! He's just agreeing with you because... Ugh...</span> <span class="phi">//"Oh- this again...."//</span> ---- Dalet is still convinced you have a crush on Wynn. He wasn't totally wrong, (in fact, you suspected it might be the other way around...), but his tendency to bring it up as the cause of, "so, so many problems..." was pretty annoying. ---- <<endif>> <span class="phi">"I thought you agreed to 2 against 1 style!"</span> You smile nervously and <<if $casepos is "floor">>glance over to the case.<<else>>shift your weight around.<<endif>> ---- Although you and Dalet had always been on good terms, you had to admit- He could be a bit immature, despite being the oldest of the three of you. ---- <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Whatever. I'm just saying- even //Demos// can even play Rocksball.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' If anything, It's beautiful that a //SPORT// exists that can be enjoyed by such a wide demographic.</span> Dalet scowled and shook his head as he exited the room, fuming. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //*mumble mumble* ...least common denominator...//</span> !!!//[[Oh, Dalet...|exit Dalet]]// <<set $sportstat to "game">> <<set $sidewith to "Dalet">> Dalet raises his fist in the air. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' VICTORY.</span> ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Stop staring at me.</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' What? Can't stand the fact that I'm right?</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' you're not //'right'// Phi just... happened to agree with you.</span> Dalet looks to you grinning like a character possessed. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' That's right, Phi's always got my back.</span> Wynn looks at you, frowning. !!![[>> ...|dont speak up]] !!![[>> "I'm not trying to take sides, you just asked for my opinion."|speak up]] <<set $dumbass to 1>> Wynn facepalmed with a sigh. Dalet just grined. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' See? He doesn't even know what Rocksball is! If it were a //real// sport then he'd know.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Rocksball is the //SPORT--// </span> she exclaimed, staring daggers at Dalet. <span class="wynn">--With the 3 teams? The Tosser tosses rock at the hitter, The hitter tries to use their club to hit the rocks into the safepads... Come on Phi, you used to love Rocksball...</span> !!![[>> "Ohhh ROCKSBALL, yeahh"|sport choice]] <span class="tape">Your tape slows to a crawl. </span> You can't believe this is happening. <<if $casepos is "floor">>You can't stop thinking about the case. ><span class="phi">//"Are they going to see it?"//</span> <<else>>The case is starting to get //really// uncomfortable...<<endif>> !!![[>> "Yeah, it's a sport."|"Yeah, it's a sport."]] !!![[>> "I'd say it's more of a game."|"I'd say it's more of a game."]] <<if $dumbass is 0>>!!![[>> "What is rocksball?"|"what is rocksball?"]]<<endif>> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Can you believe him?? Ridiculous.</span> <span class="phi">"I know. He can get like that sometimes. You know how he is."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' ... yeah. Do you remember the "watering can" argument???</span> You try to resist smiling, but you lose control. <span class="phi">"YES. Oh my god!"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' //RIGHT??// He got so angry at us!! //"GUYS. I SWEAR. IT'S SHORT FOR CANNON. WATERING CANNON!!!!"//</span> She pulled up her sleeves and held up a clentched fist in parody of Dalet. ---- ><span class="phi">You,</span> <span class="wynn">Wynn,</span> and <span class="dalet">Dalet</span> had been close friends ever since you had been born. The three of you were always getting into trouble. With your co-workers, with <span class="bogstav">Bogstav,</span> and with eachother. Despite your differences, you (mostly) got along. Down here, you either get along, or you go crazy. ><span class="wynn">Wynn</span> was a Weaver. Weavers were responsible for supplying the Parasol with fabric products. Her delicate hands were always tucked away in her oversized sleeves to prevent exposure. Most of her body was hidden under her thick navy blue cloak, save for her head, which was topped by a large circular weaver's hat. (Come to think of it, you had only ever seen her screen and hands.) There were rumors that she had an extra set of arms, but those were just rumors. Besides, you never saw her using them. Whenever you asked about it, she would always laugh. <span class="wynn">//"Ha ha. Very funny. Hey, while we're at it, may I see your antenna?"//</span> ><span class="dalet">Dalet</span> was a Core Miner. Core miners were smaller characters who drilled small shafts to be filled with bomb- an explosive powder. These core bombs loosened up rock that was too hard to drill through. His short, stocky build was reflected by his persona- stubborn, opinionated, and viciously loyal. It was hard not to feel a little envious of how well his body suited his character. He didn't have many friends, but he had no shortage of, <span class="dalet">//"Nemeses".//</span> He and Wynn were always arguing about something, and you often found yourself caught in the crossfire. >And then there was you, <span class="phi">Phi.</span> The smith. Compared to everyone else in the Parasol, you were a giant. A good 3-and-a-half feet taller than Dalet, your powerful build allowed you to shape hot metal with your hands alone. You're responsible for forging broken peices on carts, pipes, armors, you name it. If it's made of metal, you've probably ended up fixing it at one point. Your heavy build was somewhat of a liability outside of the Forge- especially during the dreaded //wet season.// You could often feel yourself sinking into the dirt in lower tunnels of the Parasol. >The Parasol was your home. A long-forgotten portable storm shelter, the Parasol resembled a large umbrella, about 10 feet in diameter. These shelters could be found abandoned throughout the desert every couple of miles. This particular parasol happened to be dug in right over a rich magnesium deposit, and so <span class="bogstav">Bogstav,</span> your parent/supervisor, set up shop and started a family. You lived here, in a network of tunnels underneath the shelter, using it as a door to the outside world. ---- You and Wynn share a laugh reminiscing your petty disputes with Dalet. For a brief moment, you forget about the case. //...The case.// !!![[>> ...|Wynn case]] <<set $spokeup to 0>> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' hmmph.</span> Wynn turned to exit, swishing her cloak with a dramatic flourish. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Phi, it's your turn on watch duty tonight. Are you ready?</span> <span class="phi">"I know. Isn't that in $timeleft minutes? " You respond.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Yes. Please don't be late again this time. Bogstav is going to-</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' HE'S FINE.</span> Wynn shook her head and left without another word. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' HAHA! We showed her, didn't we?</span> !!!!Dalet goes in for a high five. !!![[>> Accept the high five|highfive]] !!![[>> Don't|highfive]] <<set $spokeup to 1>> Wynn smiles and shakes her head. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Whatever. I get it. </span> Wynn nods her head in Dalet's direction <span class="dalet">Dalet</span> is almost crying with joy. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Phi, it's your turn on watch duty tonight. Are you ready? <span class="phi">"Oh yeah! That's in... " You respond trailing off. Had you really already forgotten?</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' $timeleft minutes, yes.</span> <span class="phi">"Yeah!"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Please don't be late again. Bogstav is going to be very angry if you keep showing up late. And then he'll be angry at me.. and then-</span> <span class="phi">"I'll be there!" You smile and give a thumbs-up.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Okay, just making sure.</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' HE'LL BE FINE!</span> <span class="wynn">Wynn</span> leaves without another word. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' HAHA! We showed her, didn't we?</span> !!!!Dalet goes in for a high five. !!![[>> Accept the high five|highfive]] !!![[>> Don't|highfive]] Before you can do anything, Dalet high fives himself. !!!//[[Ugh...|...]]// <<if $casepos is "floor">> Wynn walked over to her bed and swept her dark blue cloak under herself before taking a seat. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' You know, the ''Spire City Strikers'' are on tour this season... I wonder if I could get tickets. Actually, you know what? Let me check their tour schedule...</span> Wynn pulls a small magazine out of her sleeve and begins rifling through the pages. <span class="phi">"o-oh yeah?"</span> Wynn was sitting right next to the case now. Your are trying your hardest to make eye contact. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Oh! yeah! It's their first play-off game. Look here! They'll be in Glass Valley 2 months from now!!</span> Wynn looked down and away with a smile. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Hey, if the tickets aren't too expensive... umm... would you wanna come with me? To one of their games?</span> <span class="phi">"oh!"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' I mean, like, you don't have to, I know you're not super into Rocksball, but--</span> !!![[>> "No I'd love to!"|"No I'd love to!"]] !!![[>> "...Oohh uhhhh..."|"oohh uhh..."]] <<else>> Wynn walked over to her bed and swept her cloak under herself before taking a seat. You feel yourself slipping off the case... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' You know, the ''Spire City Strikers'' are on tour this season... I wonder if I could get tickets. Actually, you know what? Let me check their tour schedule...</span> Wynn pulls a small magazine out of her sleeve and begins rifling through the pages. You need to reposition the case. Quick! while Wynn isn't looking! !!![[>> Reposition the case.|casers]] <<endif>> <<set $rocksballgo to 1>> !!!<span class="wynn">''Wynn:''// Really?!//</span> She looked stunned. a light blush was spreading across her screen. <span class="phi">"y-yeah!"</span> You respond, nervously. <span class="phi">"I've always wanted to go to a Rocksball game."</span> Wynn's screen flashed as she broke into a grin. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Awesome! You're really gonna love them- the Spire City Strikers, that is. They have this really unique style of tossing, it's called "battery transit", which is sort of-- well ok, so like- you know how in the 4th period of the defending team's volley phase, there's a chance for the attacking team to double their current foul-out's?</span> <span class="phi">"...uhhh"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Well, the current Rocksball meta is to NEVER double up on your foul-outs. but the Strikers always do!!!</span> <span class="phi">"Oh!"</span> You smile lightly. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Right?! It's such a risky play! And it enables this tactic called, "battery transit" Which is where</span><<if $dumbass is 1>><span class="wynn">...well, I'm getting ahead of myself... I know you don't know that much about Rocksball. I just got kind of excited. Sorry...</span> <span class="phi">"haha! no it's ok, I don't mind. It's cool you're so passionate about something!"</span> <<else>> <span class="wynn">the Tossers all assemble in a huge line and just... Well, it's awesome.</span> Wynn's screen is beaming. She looks to your blank smile. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself... I know you're not super into Rocksball...</span> <span class="phi">"haha! no it's ok, I don't mind. It's cool you're so passionate about something!"</span> <<endif>> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Haha... Dalet doesn't seem to think so.</span> She sighs and looks over at Dalet's bed. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' He's so... ugh. He never does anything but work! It's like his only hobby is "being a cynical...Ugh." Dalet is--</span> Just then, the door opens. <span class="dalet">Dalet</span> stands in the threshhold. !!![[>> "Uhhh..."|somethingdumb]] <<if $casepos is "floor">> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Don't worry, I know you're not super into Rocksball.<<if $dumbass is 1>> I mean, you didn't even know what it was until I reminded you! Haha!</span><<endif>> <span class="wynn">At least you can tolerate it's existance. //Unlike others.//</span> She shot a mean look at Dalet's bed. <span class="wynn">Haha, anyway, well, there's only 5 minutes left until...you...</span> Wynn's gaze was now locked on the case resting below her. <span class="tape">Your tape is spinning like mad.</span> !!![[>> ...|Wynn discovery]] <<endif>> <<if $casepos is "bed">> ''Wynn:'' Don't worry, I know you're not super into Rocksball.<<if $dumbass is 1>> I mean, you didn't even know what it was until I reminded you! Haha!<<endif>> //At least you can tolerate it's existance...// Wynn looks over to Dalet's bed in disgust. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' He's so... ugh. He never does anything but work! It's like his only hobby is "being a cynical..."</span> !!!<span class="phi">...</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Sorry. I'm just mad at him right now. I wish he would just listen to me sometimes. Like you, Phi!!</span> Wynn's gaze fell onto the crushed case. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' I also wish he would stop leaving trash on his bed...</span> Wynn got up to pick up the case. <span class="tape">Your tape is spinning like mad</span> !!![[>> "Wynn, wait."|Wynn discovery]] <<endif>> If anyone was going find out, it might as well be Wynn. ... <span class="phi">"Here, can you give me that?"</span> You gesture to the case with a whisper. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Oh- yeah, here.</span><<if $casepos is "bed">> <span class="wynn">Why is it so... crushed?</span> ... <span class="phi">"I, uh, was sitting on it..."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' What? Why??</span> She begins violently wiping her hands on her cloak. <span class="phi">"uh... don't worry about it."</span> <<endif>> <span class="phi">"So. This case."</span> You hold it up between the two of you.<<if $casepos is "bed">> It's crushed surface scatters the pale yellow light around the room.<<endif>> <span class="phi">"You know what it is?"</span> You look to Wynn. Her eyes are locked on the case. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Y-Yes... it's from the //Royal University??//</span> She stammered incredulously. <span class="phi">"Right."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Oh my god, Phi. //The Royal University?// This is crazy! Why are they sending you letters?</span> <span class="phi">"I-...I applied."</span> Wynn froze. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' What.</span> !!![[>> "I applied." You reply calmly.|talkin bout RU 2]] <<audio "tick" stop>> <span class="tape">The clock stops ticking.</span> <<if $casepos is "floor">> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Where did this... come from... oh my god? Is this from the Roya--</span> <span class="phi">"SHSHshhsh..."</span> You shush Wynn as you turn towards the door, followed by Wynn. Her screen flickered. A silence filled the room. !!!<span class="phi">...</span> !!!<span class="wynn">...</span> !!!<span class="phi">...</span> "Wynn... Can you keep a secret?" <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' A-a secret?! yeah! yeah. of course!</span> !!![[...|talkin bout RU]] <<endif>> <<if $casepos is "bed">> Wynn continued to march over to the bed, shaking her head. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' I've told him, what, 50 times? Stop leaving garbage every...wait a second. What is this?</span> You shoot upright. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Where did this... come from... oh my god? Is this from the Roya--</span> <span class="phi">"SHSHshhsh..."</span> You quickly shush Wynn as you look towards the door. Wynn followed your gaze. A silence filled the room. !!!<span class="phi">...</span> !!!<span class="wynn">...</span> !!!<span class="phi">...</span> <span class="phi">"Let's just... here."</span> You sit Wynn down across from you. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' ...How did</span><span class="phi"> //Dalet// </span><span class="wynn">get a letter from--</span> "Actually... it's.. it's mine." You mutter. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' What?! Phi...</span> <span class="phi">"Wynn... Can you keep a secret?"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' A-a secret?! yeah! yeah. of course!</span> !!![[...|talkin bout RU]] <<endif>> No luck! you slip off the bed and slam into the ground with a thud. One of your shoulder pads sticks into the damp floor. You feel stuck. ''Wynn:'' Oh my god! Not again! Are you ok?" Wynn quickly shuffled over to help. "I'm ok, just... lost my balance." You groan. ''Wynn:'' How did that even happen... wait... what is this? Wynn bent down and picked up the case. ''Wynn:'' Wait a second... "Hey, Wynn, could you help me up here?" You quickly say. ''Wynn:'' "OH-! yes! sorry, here--" Wynn's long, sleeved arm set the case on the ground in front of you. The combination of your heavy build and the damp, sticky floor makes righting yourself a real challenge. ... //"...no no, my shoulder is stuck.."// //"...Try pulling it from..."// //"...ok, now if you could just get above me..."// ''Wynn:'' *phew* ok... You're really stuck... Here, let me get Bogstav... "eh...No!" You blurt out. "Don't... Don't get him..." ''Wynn:'' What? Why? "Wynn... can you keep a secret?" ''Wynn:'' A-a secret?! yeah! yeah. of course. [[talkin bout RU stuck]] If anyone were to find out, it might as well be Wynn. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Ahhhhhh.... I love being right. Thanks for backing me up.</span> <<if $spokeup is 1>> <span class="phi">"Hey, like I said, I wasn't trying to choo--"</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' She pisses me off so much... She was INSISTANT. she's so stubborn.</span> You roll your eyes. <<if $casepos is "floor">>Dalet walked to his bed and took a seat. You're lucky the case is on the other side of the room...<<else>>Dalet ran over to his bed and belly-flopped onto it. You shift uncomfortably on the case.<<endif>> <<else>> "It must have been a heated argument..." You say with a light smile. <<if $casepos is "floor">>Dalet walked to his bed and took a seat. You're lucky the case is on the other side of the room...<<else>>Dalet ran over to his soft bed and belly-flopped onto it. You shift uncomfortably on the case.<<endif>> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Ahhhhh... yeah. She pisses me off so much sometimes. So stubborn.</span> You roll your eyes.<<endif>> ---- ><span class="phi">You,</span> <span class="wynn">Wynn,</span> and <span class="dalet">Dalet</span> had been close friends ever since you had been born. The three of you were always getting into trouble. With your co-workers, with <span class="bogstav">Bogstav,</span> and with eachother. Despite your differences, you (mostly) got along. Down here, you either get along, or you go crazy. ><span class="dalet">Dalet</span> was a Core Miner. Core miners were smaller characters who drilled small shafts to be filled with bomb- an explosive powder. These core bombs loosened up rock that was too hard to drill through. His short, stocky build was reflected by his persona- stubborn, opinionated, and viciously loyal. It was hard not to feel a little envious of how well his body suited his character. He didn't have many friends, but he had no shortage of, <span class="dalet">//"Nemeses".//</span> He and Wynn were always arguing about something, and you often found yourself caught in the crossfire. ><span class="wynn">Wynn</span> was a Weaver. Weavers were responsible for supplying the Parasol with fabric products. Her delicate hands were always tucked away in her oversized sleeves to prevent exposure. Most of her body was hidden under her thick navy blue cloak, save for her head, which was topped by a large circular weaver's hat. (Come to think of it, you had only ever seen her screen and hands.) There were rumors that she had an extra set of arms, but those were just rumors. Besides, you never saw her using them. Whenever you asked about it, she would always laugh. <span class="wynn">//"Ha ha. Very funny. Hey, while we're at it, may I see your antenna?"//</span> >And then there was you, <span class="phi">Phi.</span> The smith. Compared to everyone else in the Parasol, you were a giant. A good 3-and-a-half feet taller than Dalet, your powerful build allowed you to shape hot metal with your hands alone. You're responsible for forging broken peices on carts, pipes, armors, you name it. If it's made of metal, you've probably ended up fixing it at one point. Your heavy build was somewhat of a liability outside of the Forge- especially during the dreaded //wet season.// You could often feel yourself sinking into the dirt in lower tunnels of the Parasol. >The Parasol was your home. A long-forgotten portable storm shelter, the Parasol resembled a large umbrella, about 10 feet in diameter. These shelters could be found abandoned throughout the desert every couple of miles. This particular parasol happened to be dug in right over a rich magnesium deposit, and so <span class="bogstav">Bogstav,</span> your parent/supervisor, set up shop and started a family. You lived here, in a network of tunnels underneath the shelter, using it as a door to the outside world. ---- <<if $casepos is "floor">> !!![[You try not to look at the case.|dalet sit]]<<else>> !!![[He's facing away from you... maybe you could re-adjust the case...|readjust]]<<endif>> The two of you sit there for awhile, not saying anything. Dalet is grinning at the floor. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' So.. what have you been up to?</span> Dalet breaks the silence. He seems relaxed. Or at least, as relaxed as Dalet can get. <span class="phi">"Oh! uhh.. nothing really..."</span> You're caught off guard by his question. Dalet never cares about what you're up to... <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Nothing? like you've just been sitting here?</span> <span class="phi">"Yeah I guess... I've got watch duty soon, so I didn't want to start anything."</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Oh... wait, start anything? Do you have left over work?</span> <span class="phi">"Uhh..."</span> Dalet isn't normally this inquisitive. Usually he just talks about himse-- <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' I never have unfinished work. I always finish every task I'm assigned the day it's assigned. Haha, yeah... Honestly it's sort of a problem.</span> <span class="bogstav">Bogstav</span> <span class="dalet">thinks I'm TOO productive... But I mean, what can you do haha...</span> you eyeroll internally. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Let me guess, you're working on another "project"?</span> <span class="phi">"Nope."</span> You quickly answer. <span class="dalet">Dalet</span> leans in and squints. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' ...You ''//are//'' aren't you!</span> <span class="phi">"I'm not. I swea--"</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Oh this is just great! Bogstav is gonna be so mad... If he finds out, that is. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me!</span> <span class="phi">//-_-//</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' So what is it? Is it another... >//...sword??// </span> <span class="phi">"No. I'm not working on a sword, dude... Just drop it."</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' No, you're up to something, I can tell. I'm really good at reading people... //...as you know.//</span> <span class="phi">"uhhh.... w-what?"</span> You stammer. //How could he know?// <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Well... you know...</span> <span class="wynn">Wynn...</span> You raise one brow in confusion. Dalet is blushing and staring at the celling. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' ...you know... you //like// her and everything...</span> !!![[*Facepalm*|give it back]] <span class="phi">"//Oh my god dude//... It's not like that."</span> You say with a mixture of exasperation and relief. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //YES IT IS. I CAN TELL!// You're so in love! </span> Dalet shoots to a standing position. He's almost the same height as when he's sitting... <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' It's obvious. When are you going to tell her?</span> You shake your head and laugh nervously. At least he doesn't know about the case... <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //*GASP*// what is this???</span> Dalet runs over to Wynn's bed. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Is this a love note?!?</span> !!![[>> Crap.|givitback2]] !!![[>> Shit.|giveitback2.1]] <<if $spokeup is 1>>The two of you sit there, not saying anything. Dalet is just scowling at the floor. ... Dalet broke the slience. ''Dalet:'' Can you believe her? Despite his, "victory" it's obvious Dalet is still upset. Hopefully he doesnt work himself up-- ''Dalet:'' //It's just,// she always has to be "better" than me, ya know?? like, what was with that, //"it's not like you'll ever be able to play."// bullshit. Like what??? You roll your eyes. Maybe it's best not to get on his bad side... "Yeah, that seemed unwarented." Dalet folds his stubby arms and turns away. ''Dalet:'' ...I could totally play... It's not even hard. "I mean, I don't if I'd say that, but I think you could definitely play..." ''Dalet:'' I mean, all you do is hit rocks. How hard could it be? "Yeah, but you have to //throw// them too." You reply with a smile. Dalet smirks. ''Dalet:'' That's easy. look. Dalet gets up and picks up a nearby stone. ''Dalet:'' Catch! //EHH// Dalet throws the rock over to Wynn's bed. It doesn't even make it halfway before hitting the ground. The stone bounces a few feet and then lands next to the case. Oh no... ''Dalet:'' //DID YOU SEE THAT??// "E-Excellent..." ''Dalet:'' That was twice as far as last time. And I wasn't even trying! Here, let me try again. Before you can react, begins walking over to Wynn's bed. "Wait!" ''Dalet:'' I'm getting better! I'll show //her// who's not active...She thinks she... wait... what's this?? Dalet picked up the case lying next to Wynn's bed. Shit. You jump up and start walking over. "Wait!" You cry out. ''Dalet:'' Wait a second... I know what this is. "You don't understand--" ''Dalet:'' ...This is a love note!!! <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' What is... what is this??</span> You manage to yank yourself free from the wall. Your left shoulderpad is covered in a thick layer of dirt. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Is this from... N-no way."</span> Dalet is standing in shock in the center of the room. You lumber over to him. <span class="phi">"I said give that back." You say in a half-growl.</span> Dalet slowly looks up at you. Your towering body eclipses his. You hold out your arm to take the envelope. Dalet's screen flickers. !!<span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //NO.//</span> Dalet suddenly jumps backwards. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //SPIRE CITY??// Why did //you// get a letter from Spire City??</span><<if $envelopestate is "crinkled">><span class="dalet"> And why is it so... crinkled?!</span><<endif>> Dalet must have recongnized the city's red insignia pressed into the wax seal. <span class="phi">"It's not from //Spire City...// ...It's from the Royal University of Spire City."</span> ... !!<span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' whAT?!</span> Dalet backs up a few feet. He stares at the envelope. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' This... this document. Who did you steal it from!? Gimel!? Eszett??</span> Your built up anxiety is starting to turn to anger. <span class="phi">"I didn't steal it."</span> You take a step towards Dalet. !!!<span class="phi">//''"You did."''//</span> Without breaking eye contact, Dalet starts to open the<<if $envelopestate is "crinkled">> crushed<<endif>> envelope. He slides out a peice of paper. His gaze flicks to the first line. <span class="phi">//"''D-DALET!''"//</span> You bark, [[horrified of what you'll hear...|defeat2]] You stand up, quietly. Or at least, as quietly as you can. Your hydraulics hiss lightly as you rise into a half squat. Keeping your eyes on Dalet, you reach around yourself to grab the case. It's slightly ...smashed. Your 2 ton body may be partially to blame. ><span class="phi">//"not again..."//</span> It doesn't seem like a good idea to sit on the case anymore. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' So.. what have you been up to? </span> Dalet speaks into his pillow. You're caught off guard by his question. Dalet //never// cares about what you're up to. <span class="phi">"Oh! uhh.. nothing really..."</span> You hold the case in your hands. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Nothing? like you've just been sitting here?</span> >//Quick!// !!![[Throw the case into the dufflepack|throwers]] [[Sit on it again.|sitter]] [[Throw the case into the dufflepack|thrower]] "Yeah I guess... I've got watch duty soon, so I didn't want to start anything." Dalet rolls away to face the back wall. ''Dalet:'' Oh... wait, start anything? Do you have left over work? "Uhh..." Dalet isn't normally this inquisitive. Usually he just talks about himse-- ''Dalet:'' I never have unfinished work. I always finish every task I'm assigned the day it's assigned. Haha, yeah... Honestly it's sort of a problem. Bogstav thinks I'm TOO productive... But I mean, what can you do haha... you eyeroll internally. ''Dalet:'' Let me guess, you're working on another "project"? "Nope." You quickly answer. Dalet leans in and squints. ''Dalet:'' ...You are aren't you! "I'm not. I swea--" ''Dalet:'' Oh this is just great! Bogstav is gonna be so mad... If he finds out, that is. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me! //[Internal eyerolling intensifies]// ''Dalet:'' So what is it? Is it another... //sword??// "No. I'm not working on a sword, dude... Just drop it." ''Dalet:'' No, you're up to something, I can tell. I'm really good at reading people... //as you know.// "uhhh.... w-what?" you stammer. //How could he know?// ''Dalet:'' Well... you know... Wynn... You raise one brow in confusion. Dalet is blushing and staring at the celling. ''Dalet:'' ...you know... you //like// her and everything... you slowly lower yourself onto the case without looking. you feel it slip Double-click this passage to edit it. <<audio "case" play>> You quickly toss the case towards the dufflepack, undershooting slightly. It falls to the ground next to Wynn's bed. !!!//[[>> Shit.|shit.5]]// !!!//[[>> Crap.|shit]]// <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Phi?</span> <span class="phi">"Huh?"</span> You respond- your mind elsewhere. you quickly lower yourself into a sitting position. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' I asked you a question.</span> <span class="phi">"Oh...Oh! yeah, I've been sitting here this whole time. yeah I guess... I've got watch duty soon, so I didn't want to start anything."</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Oh... </span> Dalet rolls over to face you. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' ...wait, start anything? Do you have left over work?</span> <span class="phi">"Uhh..."</span> Dalet isn't normally this inquisitive. Usually he just talks about himse-- <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' I never have unfinished work. I always finish every task I'm assigned the day it's assigned. Haha, yeah... Honestly it's sort of a problem.</span> <span class="bogstav">Bogstav</span> <span class="dalet">thinks I'm TOO productive... But I mean, what can you do haha...</span> You eyeroll internally. Dalet rises from the bed and falls into what only could be described as an, "insecure squat." <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Let me guess, you're working on another quote-unquote //project// quote-unquote?</span> <span class="phi">"Nope."</span> You quickly answer. Dalet leans in and squints. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' ...You ''//are//'' aren't you!</span> <span class="phi">"I'm not. I swea--"</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Oh this is just great! Bogstav is gonna be so mad... If he finds out, that is. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me! You know how good I am at keeping secrets. //THE BEST.//</span> ><span class="phi">//-_-//</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' So what is it? Is it another</span> ><span class="dalet">//...sword??//</span> <span class="phi">"No. I'm not working on a sword dude. Or anything, for that matter. Just drop it."</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' No, you're up to something, I can tell. I'm really good at reading people... //...as you know.//</span> <span class="phi">"uhhh.... w-what?"</span> you stammer. //How could he know?// <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' You know...</span><span class="wynn"> //Wynn...//</span> You raise one brow in confusion. Dalet is blushing and looking wistfully up at the ceiling. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' ...you know... you //like// her and everything...</span> !!![[*Facepalm*|give it back]] No luck! you slip off the bed and slam into the ground with a thud. One of your shoulder pads sticks into the damp floor. You feel stuck. ''Wynn:'' Oh my god! Not again! Are you ok?" Wynn quickly shuffled over to help. "I'm ok, just... lost my balance." You groan. ''Wynn:'' How did that even happen... wait... what is this? Wynn bent down and picked up the case. ''Wynn:'' Wait a second... "Hey, Wynn, could you help me up here?" You quickly say. ''Wynn:'' "OH-! yes! sorry, here--" Wynn's long, sleeved arm set the case on the ground in front of you. The combination of your heavy build and the damp, sticky floor makes righting yourself a real challenge. ... //"...no no, my shoulder is stuck.."// //"...Try pulling it from..."// //"...ok, now if you could just get above me..."// ''Wynn:'' *phew* ok... You're really stuck... Here, let me get Bogstav... "eh...No!" You blurt out. "Don't... Don't get him..." ''Wynn:'' What? Why? "Wynn... can you keep a secret?" ''Wynn:'' A-a secret?! yeah! yeah. of course. [[talkin bout RU stuck]] You quietly stand up. Or at least, as quietly as you can. Your hydraulics hiss lightly as you rise into a half squat. Keeping your eyes on Wynn, you reach behind yourself and feel the case. It's slightly ...smashed. Your 2 ton body may be partially to blame. <span class="phi">//"not again..."//</span> It doesn't seem like a good idea to sit on the case anymore. But now what are you going to do!? <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Oh! yeah! It's their first play-off game. Look here! They'll be in Glass Valley 2 months from now!!</span> Quick! !!![[>> Throw the case away from you!|throrth]] <<audio "case" play>> Without thinking, you quickly toss the case away before Wynn looks back to you. It lands on Dalet's bed.<<set $casepos to "bed">> !!!//[[Phew...|phew]]// You quickly look back to Wynn. She's looking at the floor with a smile. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Hey, if the tickets aren't too expensive... umm... would you wanna come with me? To one of their games?</span> <span class="phi">"oh!"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' I mean, like, you don't have to, I know you're not super into Rocksball, but--</span> !!![[>> "No I'd love to!"|"No I'd love to!"]] !!![[>> "...Oohh uhhhh..."|"oohh uhh..."]] Wynn jumped to her feet. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' WHAT!? When!? How!??</span> <span class="phi">//"Shshshs!//</span> <span class="wynn">//Wynn...//</span><span class="phi">//"//</span> You hiss, trying to maintain a whisper. She sat back down. Her gaze not leaving yours. <span class="phi">"I can explain everything."</span> Wynn Sighed. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Ok. So you applied. But, did you... get in?</span> <span class="phi">"I don't know." </span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' When do you find out??</span> You nod to the <<if $casepos is "bed">>crushed <<endif>>case. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' *gasp* D-Did... you..."</span> <span class="phi">"I haven't opened--"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' //YOU HAVEN'T OPENED IT YET??//</span> <span class="phi">"Please... try to keep your voice low. I know this is crazy, but If</span> <span class="bogstav">Bogstav</span> <span class="phi">hears--"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Ok ok... When did you get this?</span> <span class="phi">"A few days ago."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' ...Days!? Phi. You have to open it! Why haven't you already??</span> <span class="phi">"I uhh..."</span> <span class="tape">Your tape clicks as it spins</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Why didn't you tell me as soon as you got it?? Why didn't you even tell me you applied!</span> You sit there, staring blankly at the floor. <span class="wynn">''Wynn'': ??? Phi.</span> !!![[>> "I've been too nervous..."|nervous]] !!![[>> "I've been waiting for the right time..."|righttime]] <<set $nervous to 1>> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Nervous about what?! Me finding out?!</span> Her screen flickers. <span class="phi">"N-No!"</span> You hiss back, still not meeting her gaze. <span class="tape">Your tape stutters.</span> <span class="phi">"I-I... I'm just afraid I didn't get in"</span> Your mind is racing. Wynn scrowls at you. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' OH. Really? You're afraid you didn't get in?? Shut up Phi. We both know you got it.</span> She crosses her arms. <span class="phi">"What? No! Characters are applying from all over the world! There's no way..."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Yeah? Why did they send you a... what is this, stainless steel!? A stainless steal lettercase??? Come on. That's a pretty expensive rejection.</span> <span class="phi">"That doesn't prove anything. It's //Spire City!!// I'm suprised they didn't send out a whole parade to reject me."</span> Wynn's screen flickers again. She covers her face with a thick sleeve. <span class="phi">"Wynn..."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' UGH... Phi come on! You need to get this over with. You need to find out if you got in. You need to find out if you have to...</span> Wynn trails off and looks away. He screen is starting to static up. <span class="phi">"To what?"</span> You ask, already knowing the answer... <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Please just open it.</span> <span class="phi">"I'm sorry..."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Open the case, Phi.</span> ...<<if $casepos is "floor">> You undo the latches on the case and open the lid. !!![[It doesn't hiss this time.|takout]] <<endif>> <<if $casepos is "bed">> You struggle to undo the latches on the smashed case. Your large fingers keep slipping over the smooth metal surface. Wynn rolls her eyes. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Here, give it to me.</span> She pulls down her sleeves and reaches out for the case. Her magazine falls onto your bed. //Sportsinformer Seasonal: Spire City Strikers Strike out! What went wrong at Gimbowl #59!! Inverviews and tour season inside// She struggles with the box for a moment. It seems she is also having issues with the smashed case. After a minute, she lets out a reluctant sigh. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Turn around, Phi.</span> <span class="phi">"What?"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Just turn around for a second. I need to get this open.</span> <span class="phi">"Ok..." You turn around.</span> You sit there and stare at the wall behind you. This was all wrong. No one was supposed to find out. You were supposed to get your letter in the mail, open it, find out you got rejected, and then go on with your life with everyone else. There was no reason to drag anyone else into this. Honestly, you should probably just-- <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Ok... let me just... There.</span> You whip your head around in a panic. This was it. you were going to find out-- !!//[[>> "...WOAH."|4arms]]''// <<endif>> You take out the envelope. <<if $envelopestate is "crinkled">> Pressed in red wax, the Royal Seal is smashed and smeared all over the paper. You and Wynn stare at it blankly for a bit. <<else>> Pressed in red wax, The Royal Seal is proudly displayed in the center of the paper. You and Wynn stare at it blankly for a bit. <<endif>> ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Well??</span> You hold the envelope in your trembling hands. <span class="phi">~~//"I can't..."//~~</span> <span class="tape">Your tape stutters.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Phi???</span> <span class="phi">//"I..."//</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Well if you aren't gonna do it--</span> Wynn swipes the envelope from you. You just sit there staring at your empty hands. You listen to the ripping of paper as Wynn peels off the royal seal and starts opening the envelope. Wynn sits silently. ... ... ... <span class="phi">"Wynn...?"</span> You look up at-- !!BANG. BANG. BANG. <span class="bogstav">''???:'' //SMITH. YOU'RE 10 MINUTES LATE FOR WATCH DUTY.//</span> <span class="tape">Your tape jolts back into overdrive</span> <span class="phi">''"C-COMING, SIR!!"''</span> <span class="phi">You</span> and <span class="wynn">Wynn</span> both look at eachother for a brief moment. Her screen is full of static. Without another word, Wynn starts shoving the envelope back into the case. You stand and ridgedly march to the door. <<set $letterwith to "Wynn">> !!//''[[>> SHIT.|late!.1]]''// !!//''[[>> CRAP.|late!]]''// //''4 Arms!?!''// Wynn was sitting there, stunned. Two un-sleeved hands covering her mouth, her //other two// holding up the now-open case. <span class="phi">"Wynn... //holy shit..."//</span> You whisper in disbelief. She suddenly snaps out of her shock. all 4 arms snap to her hips in a disaproving gesture. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' //I DIDN'T SAY TURN AROUND YET!!//</span> <span class="phi">"SHSHSH!!!"</span> you desperately look to the door. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Stop shushing me!</span> <span class="phi">"Wynn I had no idea... Why didn't you tell me?"</span> She crossed her arms. Twice. <<if $nervous is 1>><span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' //''Oh.''// Sorry Phi. Maybe I was, //"Too nervous."//<<set $wynnarms to 4>></span><<else>><span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' //''Oh.''// Sorry Phi. Maybe I was, //"waiting for the right time."//<<set $wynnarms to 4>></span><<endif>> She said the last part with quadruple air quotes. <span class="phi">"I-I'm sorry..."</span> You manage to wrench yourself away from Wynn's display to stare at the floor in shame and excitement. ...Again. >... <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' *sigh* ... It's ok. I mean, now we're even, right?</span> <span class="phi">"Haha...! I mean-- I guess... I'm sorry Wynn"</span> You look up. Wynn was slipping her second set of grabbers back under her cloak. She smiles at you. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Haha... It's fine. Really.</span> <span class="phi">"Are you sure?"</span> <<set $wynnsecret to 1>> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Yes. Now here, open it</span> !!![[She hands you the crushed case.|takout]] ---- <span class="ach">//''Achievment Get!''// >Wynn's Secret<<set $achievements += 1>> //''~Number of achievements is $achievements out of $numach!~''//</span> ... You open the door. <span class="bogstav">Bogstav's</span> slender body stands just outside, His thin arms crossed. <span class="phi">"I'm sorry sir."</span> You bow. <span class="bogstav">''Bogstav:'' I can't let this one go, Smith. You know the rules.</span> <span class="phi">"I-I... ~~yes sir.~~"</span> <span class="bogstav">''Bogstav:'' Follow me.</span> Bogstav turns and beckons to you. You follow after him as he walks down the hall... >//You look back.// <span class="wynn">Wynn</span> is peering out of the room with a terrified expression. <span class="phi">//"Hide it"//</span> You mouth, silently. She nods and quickly shuts the door.<<set $letterwith to "Wynn">> <span class="bogstav">''Bogstav:''</span> Smith. I said //follow.// <span class="phi">"Yes sir."</span> !!![[You follow Bogstav down the hall.|End]] <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' *AHEM* ....</span> !!!<span class="daletoffical">//BY HOLY DECREE OF... YOUR... M-MAJESTY...//</span> Dalet shudders and trails off- his voice dropping to a whisper. His volume rises again. !!!<span class="daletoffical">//...A-AND ROYAL UNIVERSITY DEAN EPSILON, THE CHARACTER://</span> ><span class="phioffical">''ϕ''</span> !!!<span class="daletoffical">//HAS BEEN ASKED TO APPEAR BEFORE...//</span> Dalet peeters off again. His eyes transfixed on a single point on the paper. <span class="phi">"//WHAT?!?// WHAT DOES IT SAY!?</span> You take another step towards Dalet. !!!<span class="phi">//"Dalet."//</span> Dalet looks to you. His screen is starting to static. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' T-This is... heh... this is //against the rules//.</span> Dalet shakes his head and glares at you. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' All postage must be cleared by high command. Upon recieving any sort of mail or postage, any parasol f-family member or f-..ffriend...</span> You recognize his recital from //The Bogstav Book of Professional Parasol Operations: A Helpful Character's guide.// <span class="phi">"Dalet, //Tell me what it says."//</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' ...M-Must report immediately to...</span> !!!<span class="phi">//"Enough"//</span> !!![[>> March forward at Dalet.|defeat3]] Dalet stops his speech. you both stand there in silence for a few seconds. !!!<span class="dalet">...</span> !!!<span class="phi">...</span> !!<span class="dalet">...//!//</span> Suddenly, <span class="dalet">Dalet</span> dashes to your <<if $envelopestate is "crinkled">>right!<<else>>left!<<endif>> !!!<span class="phi">//"HEY!"//</span> >//Quick!// !!![[>> Go in for a grab!|grab]] !!![[>> Run for the door!|rundoor]] You go in for a grab, but too late! Dalet's tiny arms slip between your fingers! He's making a break for the door! !!!<span class="phi">"GET BACK HERE!"</span> You catch yourself and begin to lumber towards the exit. Dalet reaches the metal door, and swings it open, revealing-- !!!//[[>> "WYNN!?" Everyone freezes.|wynn?]]// You turn around and start heading for the door. Your bulky form makes accelerating quite the ordeal. Dalet hobbles past you, clutching the envelope above his head. He's almost at the door! !!!<span class="phi">//"GET BACK HERE"//</span> you begin picking up speed!! Dalet reaches the door and starts to pull it open-- but too late! !!<span class="dalet">//[[Dalet: AAH!!|doorcollide]]//</span> You shuffle over to Dalet's motionless body. "Oh god... Dalet??" You crouch down and prod him lightly. No response. <span class="phi">"Dalet...???"</span> Fearing the worst, you gently reach down and begin to turn Dalet over. A thin crack runs runs down the length of his now blank screen. The the swinging light fixture occasionally reflected by glossy blackness. <span class="phi">"Oh god. Dalet. I-I'm so sorry-"</span> Suddenly, with a light //*pop*//, a distant <span class="dalet">yellow</span> light fades into view in the center of the cracked square. It softly crackles as it expands, eventually filling the entire screen, revealing Dalet's glowing face. ><span class="phi">//Thank god.//</span> <span class="phi">"Oh god, Dalet. I-I thought you were..."</span> You stammer. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' uughhh...</span> Dalet opens his eyes and looks up at you. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' what happened... *UGh* </span> He winces in pain. Dalet reaches up and puts a small hand to his screen, sliding a small finger down the newly formed crack. He closes his eyes again. !!!<span class="dalet">Dalet: //UGHHHHHHHhhhh....//</span> <span class="phi">"Dalet I'm sorry... I didn-"</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' EIGHT YEARS WITHOUT A CRACK. //Eight....// My perfect record...</span> <<set $daletscreen to 1>> You roll your eyes. <span class="phi">"Oh //get over yourself.// My screen cracks every season. You get used to it." </span> You look over to the envelope. You sigh. <span class="phi">"...Dalet, Im sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. But Dude- honestly, that was kind of called for."</span> You stand. Dalet is just laying there now. Both hands covering his face, his flickers of static visible through his fingers. He sobs lightly. You pick up the envelope resting on the ground. <span class="phi">"I thought we were friends, Dalet..."</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' WE AREEeeee....*sob*</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' I-I'M SORRYYYEEEYyyeyee~~yyeyeyyeee~~....</span> !!!//[[This is exactly why I didn't want anyone to find out...|ughdalet]]// !!//WHAM.//<<audio "wham" volume 2 play>> your two ton body crashes into the door at great speed. Dalet is yanked along by the handled- sending him slamming screen-first into the rusted metal. <span class="dalet">Dalet</span> falls to the floor with a thud. The envelope flies across the room and collides with the lightblub, turning the hanging light fixture into a pendulum.<<set $lightswing to 1>> The room is dead quiet. You turn to Dalet. He's lying screen-down on the damp earth. <span class="phi">"Dalet?"</span> You whisper. ... !!!![[...No response.|noresponsedalet]] <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' AHHHhhhhhh *sob* PHIIIIiiiii... DON'T LEAVEeee...</span> Dalet crawls to your leg. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //DON'T GO TO SPIRE CIt-mpHHm//</span> You reach down and put a finger to Dalet's chin, covering his speaker. <span class="phi">"Dalet, you need to be quiet."</span> You crouch and whisper. Dalet's mouth let's out a cry silently. You nod your head to the door.<<if $daletscreen is 1>> A huge, loud, <span class="phi">//you-shaped//</span> dent is briefly illuminated by the swinging light. You reach up and grab the light, stopping it's sway.<<endif>> <span class="phi">"No one can know about this..."</span> You look at the envelope. The first third of the letter is still dangling out<<if $envelopestate is "crinkled">> of the crushed envelope<<endif>>. Your eyes linger on one passage. ---- !!!<span class="officalneutral">//...THE CHARACTER: >'' ϕ '' HAS BEEN ASKED TO APPEAR...//</span> ---- You look back to Dalet's wide eyes.<<if $lightswing is 1>> The lightbulb is still gently swinging back and forth.<<endif>> He's still clutching your leg. "Promise me you'll keep your voice down..." You take your finger off of Dalet's speaker. Dalet collects himself. <span class="dalet">''Dalet (whispering):'' W-Who else knows?</span> Dalet's static seems to be clearing up. <span class="phi">"Just you actually..." You chuckle nervously and glance to the envelope.</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' UGHHHHHhhhh</span> Dalet facepalms. The crack running down his screen spreads. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' OWW....ow ow...</span> <span class="phi">"Keep your voice down! And uh... you should probably get that checked out. Sorry again."</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet (whispering):'' <<if $daletscreen is 1>>ow...ugh... It's ok... I kind of... was asking for it... I-<<endif>>...I knew you were gonna do it. L-Leave. Last season. We were in Slag Harbor for Day of the Ashes... You kept talking about how you wanted to...</span> He trailed off. ... <span class="phi">//"Share a dream with Wynn?"// You suggest with a smile.</span> !!![[''Dalet (whispering):'' y-yeah... w-waIT WHAT!??|whaaaaat?]] <span class="phi">"Hahah!"</span> You let out a laugh. Dalet shoots upright. !<span class="dalet">''Dalet:''// I KNEW--//</span> <span class="phi">"I'm only kidding! Keep your voice down..."</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Don't... UGH!</span> Dalet lets out a long sigh and throws his arms in the air, letting them linger for a comical amount of time before dropping them to his sides. <span class="dalet">''Dalet (whispering):'' Like I was //SAYING...// I saw it in your eyes. I could tell. Do you really want to leave that bad? //The Royal University?// I mean...</span> <span class="phi">"Oh... I... Well..."</span> You look around the room. //How am I supposed to answer that??// Dalet looks to you, expectantly. <span class="phi">"..."</span> <span class="tape">Your tape whirrs away.</span> He turns away from you, shaking his head. <span class="dalet">''Dalet (whispering):'' Well, you've got your letter now. Why don't you just open it.</span> <span class="phi">"How much did you see."</span> you whisper, deadly serious. !!![[>> "Did I... Did I get in?"|getin]] Room after room flies past you on your right. Pale yellow light leaks under each doorframe, casting huge shadows of you and Wynn onto the bare wall to your left. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' What did he take??</span> <span class="phi">"Something important. Remember! sshshs!"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Oh shshsh yourself. Your stomping alone is gonna wake up half the Parasol!</span> She has a point. Your one and-a-half ton body isn't exactly graceful. Each step in your run might have registered on the richter scale. <span class="phi">"Ok ok... let's slow down."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Yes. Lets.</span> The two of you slow your pace to a light jog. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Now then... What did he take??</span> <span class="phi">"Ugh..."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Phi.</span> ><span class="phi">//*sigh*//</span> <span class="phi">"He took a... letter."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' From who?</span> <span class="phi">"From me!"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' No, no. Who was the letter from?</span> You continue to jog down the hallway. The elevator comes into view. <span class="phi">"Look! The elevator! Dalet must have taken it."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Phi. Who was the letter from??</span> You reach the elevator. Luckily you were on the top floor. <span class="phi">"Heh... good thing the only way he could have gone is dow-"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Phi??? It worries me that your ignoring--</span> <span class="phi">"So many questions, Wynn..."</span> Wynn crosses her arms. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' ~~Yeah... //One...//~~</span> >//*Ding!*//<<set $wynnpissed to 0>><<set $firsttimeelevator to 1>><<set $currentfloor to 3>><<set $floor3checked to 0>><<set $floor2checked to 0>><<set $floor1checked to 0>><<set $pussyout to 0>><<set $wynnknows to 0>> !!![[The elevator arrives.|enter elevator2]] <<audio "elevatording" play>><<audio "amb" stop>> <<removeclass "html" "underground">><<addclass "html" "elevator">> <<audio "mine" stop>> <<if $firsttimeelevator is 1>> <span class="phi">"Ok. Which floor do you think he went to??"</span> Wynn doesn't respond.<<set $wynnpissed to 1>> <span class="phi">"Ok... let's try..."</span> <<if $floor3checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 3 - Quarters|floor3]]<<else>>Floor 3 -Quarters <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>><<if $floor2checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 2 - Aux. Work/Baths|floor2]]<<else>>---- Floor 2 - Aux. Work/Baths <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>><<if $floor1checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 1 - Mine Entrace|floor1]]<<else>>---- Floor 1 - Mine Entrace <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>> <<else>> <span class="phi">//Ok, where too next?//</span> <<if $floor3checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 3 - Quarters|floor3]]<<else>>Floor 3 -Quarters <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>><<if $floor2checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 2 - Aux. Work/Baths|floor2]]<<else>>---- Floor 2 - Aux. Work/Baths <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>><<if $floor1checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 1 - Mine Entrace|floor1]]<<else>>---- Floor 1 - Mine Entrace <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>> <<endif>> You press the button labled "3" <<if $currentfloor is 3>> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Uh...</span> The elevator doors close. <<audio "elevatording" play>> They immediately open, revealing... >... The same hallway you just entered from. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Well he's not here...?</span> Wynn turns to you <span class="phi">"I-Im just making sure the buttons work."</span> She raises an eyebrow. <span class="phi">"Sometimes they don't work!"</span> <<set $floor3checked to 1>> <<if $floor3checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 3 - Quarters|floor3]]<<else>>Floor 3 -Quarters <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>><<if $floor2checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 2 - Aux. Work/Baths|floor2]]<<else>>Floor 2 - Aux. Work/Baths <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>><<if $floor1checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 1 - Mine Entrace|floor1]]<<else>>Floor 1 - Mine Entrace <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>> <<else>> The two of you ride the elevator to floor 3.<<set $currentfloor to 3>> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Huh. He's not here.</span> She's right. I mean, You //did// start from here. <<set $floor3checked to 1>> <<if $floor3checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 3 - Quarters|floor3]]<<else>>Floor 3 -Quarters <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>><<if $floor2checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 2 - Aux. Work/Baths|floor2]]<<else>>Floor 2 - Aux. Work/Baths <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>><<if $floor1checked is 0>>---- !!![[Floor 1 - Mine Entrace|floor1]]<<else>>Floor 1 - Mine Entrace <span class="wynn">//"We already checked here"// - Wynn</span><<endif>> <<endif>> <<audio "elevstart" play>><<audio "elevatorsound" loop play>> The doors close. <<if $currentfloor > 2>>You feel lighter as the elevator accelerates downwards.<<endif>><<if $currentfloor < 2>>You feel heavier as the elevator accelerates upwards.<<endif>><<if $firsttimeelevator is 1>><<set $firsttrip to 2>> !!![[...|floor2 elevatorinitial1]] <<else>> !!![[...|floortwo]] <<endif>> <<audio "elevatordooropen" play>><<audio "elevstart" play>><<audio "elevatorsound" loop play>> The doors close. <<if $currentfloor > 1>>You feel lighter as the elevator accelerates downwards.<<endif>> <<if $firsttimeelevator is 1>> <<set $firsttrip to 1>>[[...|floor2 elevatorinitial1]] <<else>> ... ... ... [[...|floorone]] <<endif>> //*Ding!*//<<audio "amb" loop play>> <<audio "elevatorsound" stop>><<audio "elevatording" play>> <<removeclass "html" "elevator">><<addclass "html" "underground">> The two of you step out of the elevator. You stand at the end of a short hallway that ends in a fork. ---- This floor was were all non-mining facilities were located. To your left, you would find the Baths, Storeroom, and Conference Hall. The right branch contained the Weaver's Den, and of course, the Forge. ---- <span class="phi">"Ok. Let's split up. You have an //all-access key//, right? Here, you take the right, I'll go left."</span> <<set $firsttimeelevator to 0>> !!![[Wynn nods.|goleft]] <<set $storeroomchecked to 0>><<set $conferencehallchecked to 0>> You head to the left, Wynn heads to the right. ... <<audio "hottub" volume 0 fadeoverto 5 1>> <<audio "hottub" loop>> ><span class="phi">//"Ok... If I were Dalet, where would I be-- hang on, what's this?"//</span> To your surprise, light spills in from a door just down the hall. ><span class="phi">//"Who could be taking a bath at this hour??"//</span> As you approach, you hear the light bubble of a tap. You can make out a pair of voices. They sound... familiar.. <span class="siot">''???:'' ahh~! it's so cold! How do you stand this??</span> <span class="dhal">''???:'' I like the cold!</span> <span class="siot">''???:'' ugh... I'm turning it up, this is like- ice...</span> You hear a suspiciously ice-like crackling noise as of the characters adjusts themselves. <span class="dhal">''???:'' Aww, ok. Sorry about the schedule this week. I know it's really late.</span> <span class="siot">''???:'' I don't know, it's kind of nice not having to deal with waking up early. And I mean, since when do we have the baths all to ourselves?</span> <span class="dhal">''???:'' Well, //I// don't mind bathing with others around,</span> <span class="siot">Siot.</span> <span class="dhal">I'm just -- //*yawn*// so tired...</span> <span class="siot">''Siot:'' You don't? I can't stand it.</span> ... Someone starts turning a tap handle. It's squeaks it drown out the rest of the conversation. <<set $follower to "none">> !!![[>> Peek into the room|peak]] You peak into the room. It's <span class="dhal">Dhal</span> and <span class="siot">Siot!</span> ><span class="phi">//"Ohhh right, they've been on nightshift this week..."//</span> Dhal is soaking in the icebath, Her back turned to you. Dhal's tall body is about half way in. Even still, a good 4 feet of her is above water. You wonder how she manages to fit down these tunnels... <span class="dhal">''Dhal:'' I don't get that! like, everyone does it. There isn't any shame. Does bathing around me make you uncomfortable?</span> <span class="siot">''Siot:'' No! And I know... I didn't say it was a rational fear.</span> <span class="dhal">''Dhal:'' Fair enough I guess...</span> Siot dips her tiny foot into the water. <span class="siot">''Siot:'' Ahhh that's better...</span> She quickly lowers herself into the (now steamy) bath. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- <span class="dhal">''Dhal''</span> and <span class="siot">''Siot''</span> were inseperable. It was almost impossible to find one without the other, like they were joined at the hip. You always got along with <span class="dhal">''Dhal''.</span> She was the Mine Commander, in charge of overseeing the day to day operations in the mine. Being 7 feet tall, (although not nearly as heavy) you often bonded over your shared pain of being-- ''"Just... just too big for your own good."'' >//-The entire Parasol, in unison.// <span class="siot">''Siot''</span> a was the second Core Miner in the Parasol, just like Dalet. Just unlike Dalet however, She was... quiet; Extremely shy, to the point of being almost comical. The longest conversation you had with her was in the deep mine elevator a few seasons ago. ><span class="phi">//"Floor?"//</span> ><span class="siot">''Siot:'' //B-6.//</span> ><span class="phi">//"You sunk my dreadnought! haha :)"//</span> ><span class="siot">//''Siot:''//</span> ><span class="phi">//"haha..."//</span> ----------------------------------------------------------------------- <span class="siot">Siot</span> dips under the soapy water in a plume of bubbles. The water sloshes around, spilling over of the edge of the spa and fully drenching <span class="dhal">Dhal.</span> You can feel your screen fogging up. <span class="dhal">''Dhal:'' ~Eeah! This is really hot! What did you set the tap to... 130?!?!</span> >//Quick!// !!![[>> Slip by while they're not looking!|slipby]] <<if $conferencehallchecked is 0 and $storeroomchecked is 0>><<audio "hottub" volume 1 fadeoverto 5 0>> You quickly zip by the door as silently as you can manage. Siot and Dhal's voices fade away as you reach the Storeroom and Conference hall. !!![[>> Open the door to the Storeroom|storeroom]] !!![[>> Open the door to the Conference hall|confhall]] <<endif>> <<if $conferencehallchecked + $storeroomchecked is 1>> You stand in the hallway. !!![[>> Open the door to the Storeroom|storeroom]] !!![[>> Open the door to the Conference hall|confhall]] <<endif>> <<if $conferencehallchecked is 1 and $storeroomchecked is 1>><<if $follower is "none">> You stand in the hallway. Looks like you've checked everything here-- Someone taps you on the back. <span class="wynn">''???:'' All clear?</span> <<set $follower to "wynn">> You jump and turn around- <span class="phi">"^^GO^^d, Wynn don't scare me like that..."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Sorry! No signs of him in the Forge or Den.</span> <<set $floor2checked to 1>> <span class="phi">"Alrighty</span>[[...|storeroomsecret]]<span class="phi">"</span> !!![[>> Head back to the elevator|enter elevator2]] <<else>> The two of you stand in the hallway[[...|storeroomsecret]] <<set $floor2checked to 1>> !!![[>> Head back to the elevator|enter elevator2]] <<endif>> <<endif>> <<if $follower is "none">><<audio "locked" play>>You try and open the door to the Storeroom, but it looks like it's locked. The handle won't budge... !!![[>> Go back|slipby]]<<set $storeroomchecked to 1>><<else>> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (Whispering):'' You think he's in here?</span> <span class="phi">"I mean, it's locked. So not really. Wait, doesn't Dalet have a key to the Storeroom?"</span> You ponder, staring into the door's tiny black window. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (Whispering):'' I think so...</span> ><span class="phi">//"Why does everyone else get special access...//"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (Whispering):'' I actually just locked this before leaving the Den tonight. Here--</span> Wynn pulls out a small key. ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn (Whispering):'' ... Ok.</span> The door swings open... !!![[>> Enter Storeroom.|enterstoreroom]] <<endif>> You open the door to the conference hall. It's pitch black in here... <<audio "dooropen" play>> You slide your hand around the wall looking for a lightswitch-- >//*click*// <<if $doorclosed is 1>> 15 empty chairs are positioned along a long table. A clock gently ticks away. <span class="phi">//"I'm so late for watch duty... Bogstav is gonna kill me..."//</span> <<set $conferencehallchecked to 1>> !!![[>> Leave|slipby]] <<else>> 15 empty chairs are positioned along a long table. A clock gently ticks away. ---- The Conference Hall was a the largest room in the parasol, able to hold the entire-- ---- !!!<span class="bogstav">''???:'' Well... If it isn't the Smith. //Having a nice time?//</span> !!![[You freeze.|bogstavinconfhall]] <<endif>> <<audio "wood" play>> ... The two of you enter the Storeroom. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' It's so dark, hang on...</span> >//*click*// <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' //*gasp*//</span> <span class="phi">//"//</span><span class="zee">Zee???</span><span class="phi">//"//</span> You blurt out. <span class="zee">Zee</span> is asleep on a sack of cinderblocks. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' </span><span class="zee">//Zee?//</span><span class="wynn"> What the hell?? How did you get in here?</span> ... <span class="zee">Zee</span> sleeps soundly. His his black hat rests loosely over his screen. <span class="phi">"Uh oh... he must have gotten locked out of his own room again..."</span> You say, shaking your head. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Ok... but I swear, I locked this room before I left. I mean, miners don't have keys... so how did--</span> <span class="zee">''Zee:'' //*~~yyy~~yyeAAWNNnnn~~nn...~~*// ugh... Aye saw 'em run in here...</span> <span class="phi">"Really?? Where'd he go???"</span> ... ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn (Whispering):'' Zee..?</span> ... ... ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn (Whispering): ''//Zee--//</span> <span class="zee">''Zee:'' Zee's.</span> ... ... ... !!!//[[>> ...Zee-|zee'snuts]]// ... ... ... Wynn still has her arms crossed. ... ... ... ... ... !!![[...|floor2 elevatorinitial2]] ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... !!![[...|floor2 elevatorinitial3.5]] <<if $wynnknows is 0>>... ... ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' It wasn't from //Ash//, was it?</span> <span class="phi">"What? Oh, the letter. No."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' o-oh.</span> Wynn turns around. Her screen is unusually bright...<<set $wynnpissed to 0>> ... ... !!![[...|floor2 elevatorinitial4]] <<else>>... ... ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' So are you gonna tell me anything?</span> <span class="phi">"Wynn... I'll tell you what. I'll explain everything when we catch Dalet. Besides, there's a lot I don't know right now."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Ok...</span> ... ... ... !!![[...|floor2 elevatorinitial4]] <<endif>> <<audio "amb" loop play>><<audio "elevatording" play>><<audio "elevatorsound" stop>><<removeclass "html" "elevator">><<addclass "html" "underground">> <<if $firsttrip is 2>> The doors open onto the Second floor. <<set $currentfloor to 2>> !!![[You step out, followed by Wynn.|floortwo]]<<endif>> <<if $firsttrip is 1>> The doors open onto the First floor. <<set $currentfloor to 1>> !!![[You step out, followed by Wynn.|floorone]]<<endif>> ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... !!![[...|floor2 elevatorinitial5]] <<if $wynnknows is 0>>... ... ... ... ... ><span class="phi">//"...Who?"//</span> ... ... ...<<if $firsttrip is 2>> !!![[...|floortwo]]<<else>> !!![[...|floorone]]<<endif>><<else>> ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...<<if $firsttrip is 2>> !!![[...|floortwo]]<<else>> !!![[...|floorone]]<<endif>> <<endif>> <<audio "elevatordooropen" play>><<audio "mine" loop play>><<audio "elevatorsound" stop>> <<removeclass "html" "elevator">><<addclass "html" "blackness">> <<if $floor2checked is 0>><<set $firsttimeelevator to 0>><<if $pussyout is 0>> The two of you step out into the darkness. The dim elevator light barely lights up the cavern. "Wow it's really... really dark..." You say, squinting into the pitch black tunnel. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' You really think he came down here?</span> You stare into the void. A cold wind faintly rolls past. ... "...Honestly, not really... Dalet is //way// too afraid of the dark." <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Dalet is?</span> <span class="phi">"Y-yeah, Dalet hates the dark."</span> <span class="tape">Your tape spins faster.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Oh.</span> <span class="phi">"Anyway, let's get going..."</span> [[You quickly re-enter the elevator. Wynn quickly follows you.|turnback]]<<else>> The elevator doors open to reveal the pitch black mine entrance. You sit there, not moving. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Are you coming?</span> Wynn is half-way out the door. <span class="phi">"W-Whoops! I hit the floor 1 button by mistake..."</span> Wynn rolls her eyes and steps back into the elevator. !!![[>> ...|enter elevator2]] <<endif>> <<else>> <span class="phi">"Well... We checked the whole 2nd floor... I guess he really //did// come down here..."</span> <span class="phi">You</span> <span class="wynn">both</span> walk out into the cavern. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' ''Dalet!! Dalet!!!!'' </span> ... Wynn's voice echos through the cavern. ... No response. <span class="phi">"How big is this place..."</span> ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' You said Dalet's afraid of the dark, right?</span> <span class="phi">"Yeah, he's terrifed."</span> <span class="tape">You tape stutters.</span> ... The two of you walk further into the pitch dark mine. The dim elevator light is your only point of reference in the inky blackness. !!![[>> ...|stepout1.3]] <<endif>> <span class="phi">//"oh god oh god..."//</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' I-It's ok! It's ok. We just need to get back to the elevator... Ow.. Phi, you're squeezing really tight...</span> You look around the void. >//Where were the two of you!??// <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' We didn't... make any turns did we??</span> ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' uhh... W-We can just reverse! Reversing always works..."</span> The <span class="phi">two</span> of <span class="wynn">you</span> shift into reverse... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' See? Just one step at a time...</span> !!![[...|indark1]] ... ... You can feel your screen flickering. ... ... !!![[...|indark3]] ... You slam into the elevator door. <span class="phi">"OH thank goD."</span> You whip around. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' We made it! haha! I knew that would work.</span> <span class="phi">"where's the buttons?! Where ARE THEY!?"</span> You frantically feel the door to find the call button. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Here!</span> !!![[Wynn presses the button.|machine]] ... ... ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' "Reversing always works..."</span> ... ... !!![[...|indark2]] ... ... ... >//*ding!*// <<audio "elevatording" play>><<audio "mine" stop>> !!![["YES~"|hellavator]] <<audio "elevatording" play>> The doors open, just in time for Dalet to come //FLYING// into the elevator, straight into Wynn. !!!''<span class="dalet">Dalet</span> + <span class="wynn">Wynn</span>:'' AHHHH-- //OOF// !!![[The doors close, and the elevator starts to rise.|elevatorride1]] <span class="ach">//''Achievement Get!''// >//Dalet Hunt// <<set $achievements += 1>>//''~Number of achievements is $achievements out of $numach!~''//</span> <<set $dalethunt to 1>> ''<span class="dalet">Dalet</span> + <span class="wynn">Wynn</span>:'' ..uguhhh... <<audio "elevstart" play>><<audio "elevatorsound" loop play>> <span class="phi">"Dalet! Wynn! Are you guys ok??" </span> Dalet's body is dripping in dirt and mud. Wynn's cloak is ruined... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' I'm... I'm fine...</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' GHOST.GHOST.GHOST.GHOST.GHOST.GHO-</span> Dalet was curled into a ball on the floor and stuck in a loop. <span class="phi">"D-Dalet-- snap out of it!"</span> You reach down and lift Dalet to his feet. <<removeclass "html" "blackness">><<addclass "html" "elevator">> He looks up at you. He tries to wipe some mud off of his screen but ends up smearing it everywhere. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' P-Phi...</span> His screen starts to static up. He suddenly shoots forward and hugs you! <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' pHI!!! THE GHOST IS REAL. i sAW IT.</span> All your previous anger at Dalet has turned to relief. <span class="phi">"I'm so glad your safe! We were looking-- wait, REALLY?! You saw the ghost??"</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' YES. I HAD TO HIDE! I DUG A HOLE. I DUG A HOLE PHI AND THEN I LAID IN THE HOLE THAT I DUG. I HEARD THE ELEVATOR DOORS-</span> <span class="phi">"Dalet- calm down. Calm down! You're safe!"</span> Dalet has you in a vice-like grip. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' SOrry.. sorry. I'M JUST SO EXCITED! Excited and terrified. MOSTLY TERRIFIED ACTUALLY!!"</span> Wynn finally pulls herself off the floor of the elevator. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Wynn... WYNN! THERE'S A GHOST IN THE MINE! I SAW IT.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' So I heard.</span> Dalet releases you from his death grip. Wynn uses her sleeve to wipe the mud off her once-blue cloak. Now her sleeves are muddy. She shakes her head with a sigh.<<if $wynnclothesdirty is 1>> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:''</span> Well, At least it was already dirty... <<endif>> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' IT WAS.... IT WAS... GLOWING A-AND--</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Dalet, you probably just saw our screens. We were down there too...</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' NO THIS WAS D-DIFFERENT- I SWEAR. I-IT DIDNT LOOK LIKE A SCREEN.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Did it look like two?</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' NO! I SWEAR! IT LOOKED AT ME.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Ugh. Dalet, do you have Phi's letter or not.</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' IT COULD FLY! AND IT HAD EIGHT- ...Oh..</span><<if $wynnknows is 0>> !!![[Dalet freezes.|elevatorride2]]<<else>> !!![[Dalet freezes.|elevatorride2.5]]<<endif>> You and Wynn look to Dalet. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' ...yyeah... Yes, Here.</span> He reaches into a small pouch on his leg and pulls out... >//The letter!// Wynn grabs it out of his hand and hands it to you. <span class="phi">"Thanks..."</span> You take the letter with fumbling hands. ... <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' I... I didn't read it.</span> <span class="phi">"You didn't?"</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Well... not anymore than I... did earlier...</span> Dalet turns to face the wall. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' What is this all about, anyway? Who is that letter from, Phi?</span> <span class="phi">"It's... it's from--"</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //The Royal University.//</span> ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' shut up.</span> <span class="phi">"No, he's right. Look--"</span> You show her the Royal Seal stamped into the red wax. Wynn's screen flickers. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Why is... why are they sending you letters?</span> !![[...|elevator2.5]] <<removeclass "html" "blackness">><<addclass "html" "elevator">>You quickly re-enter the elevator. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' It's ok to be afraid--</span> <span class="phi">"I'm not afraid! It just doesn't make sense. We would've seen him. You know how bright he keeps his screen..."</span> Wynn smiles and raises her eyebrows. <<set $pussyout to 1>> !!!//[[Ugh...|enter elevator2]]// ... ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' ...Are you afraid of the dark, Phi?</span> <span class="phi">"a...a little...."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Why?</span> Wynn asks with a politely curious tone. <span class="phi">"W-Why? Why what??"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Why you're afraid of the dark? Have you ever thought about it?</span> Her question catches you off guard. <span class="phi">"I... Well... A long time ago, Dalet told me about this ghost..."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' A ghost?</span> She rolls her eyes. <span class="phi">"It's stupid, I know. There's this myth that Dalet heard from the other miners..."</span> You try to remember the story that Dalet told you when you were younger. <span class="phi">"It's an old miner's tale. Apparently, when the Parasol opened, it's original owner died, and his tape was shattered... Now he haunts the mine, trying to find a body--</span> Wynn is smiling at you. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' This sounds really made up.</span> !!![[>> "I didn't say I believed it!"|ghost]] ... ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Anyway, that's just what I think. I think there's--</span> <span class="phi">"ok ok ok... l-let's just... stop talking about this. You're freaking me out..."</span> ... ... !!![[>>...|inthedark001]] <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Yeah yeah... but you're still afraid! I think it's something else. Something a lot more interesting...</span> <span class="phi">"uhhh..."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' A lot of people say we fear the dark because we fear the unknown. That us characters are loaded with a desire to aquire knowledge. To make patterns. They say our ability to make sense of the world around us gives us a sense of comfort.</span> <span class="phi">"Oh..o-okay--"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' --They say that, in darkness, our information is restricted. We can't know what's around us, we can't form patterns, and we can't predict what will happen next to us. That's why the dark is frightning.</span> <span class="phi">"...That sounds--"</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' I think that's stupid.</span> !!![[>> "Stupid?"|stupiddeep]] ... ... <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Sorry...</span> <span class="phi">"You're fine..."</span> ... ... [[...|indark002]] ... ... ... >~~//...*clang*...//~~ Suddenly- you hear a noise from behind you. All light vanishes. <span class="phi">//"WHAT?! WHAT'S HAPPENING!? WYNN?!"//</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' It's ok! I'm here. The elevator closed! Don't worry.</span> You grab Wynn and pull her close. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' ~Ah!!</span> !!!//[[...|findelevator]]// <<set $rocksballgo to 1>> <<if $casepos is "floor">> ''Wynn:'' Really?! She looked stunned. a light blush was spreading across her screen. "y-yeah!" you respond, nervously. "I've always wanted to go to a Rocksball game." Wynn's screen flashed as she broke into a grin. ''Wynn:'' Awesome! You're really gonna love them- the Spire City Strikers, that is. They have this really unique style of tossing, it's called "battery transit", which is sort of-- well ok, so like- you know how in the 4th period of the away team's volley phase there's...this.... woah... Wynn's fangirling was cut short as her gaze was now locked on the case resting below her. Your tape is spinning like mad. [[...|Wynn discoveryjjj]] <<endif>> <<if $casepos is "bed">> ''Wynn:'' Really? She looked shocked. a light blush was spreading. "y-yeah!" you respond, nervously. "I've always wanted to go to a Rocksball game." Wynn's screen flashed as she broke into a grin. ''Wynn:'' Awesome! You're really gonna love them- the Spire City Strikers, that is. They have this really unique style of tossing, it's called "battery transit", which is sort of-- well ok, so like- you know how in the 4th period of the defending team's volley phase, there's a chance for the attacking team to double their current foul-out's? "...uhhh" ''Wynn:'' Well, the current Rocksball meta is to NEVER double up on your foul-outs. but the Strikers always do!!! "Oh!" you respond with a light smile. ''Wynn:'' Right?! It's such a risky play! And it enables this tactic called, "battery transit" Which is where<<if $dumbass is 1>>...well, I'm getting ahead of myself... I know you don't know that much about Rocksball. I just got kind of excited. Sorry... "haha! no it's ok, I don't mind. It's cool you're so passionate about something!" <<else>> the Tossers all assemble in a huge line and just... Well, it's awesome. Wynn's screen is beaming. She looks to your blank smile. ''Wynn:'' Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself... I know you're not super into Rocksball... "haha! no it's ok, I don't mind. It's cool you're so passionate about something!" <<endif>> ''Wynn:'' Haha... Dalet doesn't seem to think so. She sighs and looks over at Dalet's bed. ''Wynn:'' He's so... ugh. He never does anything but work! It's like his only hobby is "being a cynical dick"... ... ''Wynn:'' Sorry. I'm just mad at him right now. I didn't mean that. I wish he would just listen to me sometimes. Like you, Phi!! Wynn's gaze fell onto the crushed case. ''Wynn:'' I also wish he would stop leaving trash on his bed... Wynn got up to pick up the case. Your tape is spinning like mad. [["Wynn, wait."|Wynn discoveryjjj]] <<endif>> Double-click this passage to edit it. Double-click this passage to edit it.<<if $casepos is "floor">> ''Wynn:'' Don't worry, I know you're not super into Rocksball.<<if $dumbass is 1>> I mean, you didn't even know what it was until I reminded you! Haha!<<endif>> At least you can tolerate it's existance. //Unlike others.// Haha, anyway, well, there's only 5 minutes left until...you... Wynn's gaze was now locked on the case resting below her. Your tape is spinning like mad. [[...|Wynn discoveryjjj]] <<endif>> <<if $casepos is "bed">> ''Wynn:'' Don't worry, I know you're not super into Rocksball.<<if $dumbass is 1>> I mean, you didn't even know what it was until I reminded you! Haha!<<endif>> //At least you can tolerate it's existance...// Wynn looks over to Dalet's bed in disgust. ''Wynn:'' He's so... ugh. He never does anything but work! It's like his only hobby is "being a cynical dick"... ... ''Wynn:'' Sorry. I'm just mad at him right now. I didn't mean that. I wish he would just listen to me sometimes. Like you, Phi!! Wynn's gaze fell onto the crushed case. ''Wynn:'' I also wish he would stop leaving trash on his bed... Wynn got up to pick up the case. Your tape is spinning like mad. [["Wynn, wait."|Wynn discoveryjjj]] <<endif>> <<if $casepos is "floor">> <<audio "dooropen" play>> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Did I hear my name?</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' D-Dalet?? You were listening?</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //NO//</span> <span class="phi">"Then how did you hear your name??"</span> Dalet's screen flashes with anger. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //YOU GUYS ARE TALKING ABOUT ME. I KNOW IT.//</span> Dalet marches into the room, leaving the door ajar... <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Now... What's this all about.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Phi and I were just talking about the Spire City Strikers.</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' heh... //Phi// was talking about the Spire City //Suckers?//</span> Dalet says, turning to you with a grin. Wynn rolls her eyes. ''Wynn:'' //Strikers.// I was just talking about how they're playing in Glass Valley this season... He takes a seat on his bed, crossing his arms. He's grinning at you like a character possessed. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' ~Ahhh... And I take it you're going to see them, Wynn?</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' I was thinking about it, yes.</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //Alone?//</span> Dalet turns to you and comically winks. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' U-Ummmm...</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Well, You know, Phi is always talking about how he wants to explore outside the Parasol... You should take Phi with you!</span> Dalet is beaming at you now. Wynn glares at him, blushing intensely. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' I-...</span> <span class="phi">"I'm already going."</span> Dalet springs upright. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' REALLY?? hahahah!!</span> Dalet gets up and starts prancing around the room. <span class="dalet">//I knew it!//</span> <span class="phi">"Dalet.... Dude..."</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' I knew it! I was right! Phi has a--</span> //*CRUSH*// Dalet steps on the case, flattening it. ... <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' What's this?</span> Dalet reaches down and picks up the flattened case. !!!//[[>> Shit...|shit2]]// !!!//[[>> Crap...|shit2]]// <<else>> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Did I hear my name?</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' D-Dalet?? You were listening?</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //NO//</span> <span class="phi">"Then how did you hear your name??"</span> Dalet's screen flashes with anger. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //YOU GUYS ARE TALKING ABOUT ME. I KNOW IT.//</span> Dalet marches into the room. The door slams shut behind him. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Now... What's this all about.</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Phi and I were just talking about the Spire City Strikers.</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' heh. //Phi// was talking about the Spire City //Suckers?//</span> Dalet says, turning to you with a grin. Wynn rolls her eyes. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' //Strikers.// I was just talking about how they're playing in Glass Valley this season...</span> He walks over to his bed to take a seat- eyes locked on a stainless steel case... <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //What's this?//</span> Dalet reaches down and picks up the smashed case. !!!//[[>> Shit...|shit2.1]]// !!!//[[>> Crap...|shit2]]// <<endif>> <<if $casepos is "bed">> ''Wynn:'' Really? She looked shocked. a light blush was spreading. "y-yeah!" you respond, nervously. "I've always wanted to go to a Rocksball game." Wynn's screen flashed as she broke into a grin. ''Wynn:'' Awesome! You're really gonna love them- the Spire City Strikers, that is. They have this really unique style of tossing, it's called "battery transit", which is sort of-- well ok, so like- you know how in the 4th period of the defending team's volley phase, there's a chance for the attacking team to double their current foul-out's? "...uhhh" ''Wynn:'' Well, the current Rocksball meta is to NEVER double up on your foul-outs. but the Strikers always do!!! "Oh!" you respond with a light smile. ''Wynn:'' Right?! It's such a risky play! And it enables this tactic called, "battery transit" Which is where<<if $dumbass is 1>>...well, I'm getting ahead of myself... I know you don't know that much about Rocksball. I just got kind of excited. Sorry... "haha! no it's ok, I don't mind. It's cool you're so passionate about something!" <<else>> the Tossers all assemble in a huge line and just... Well, it's awesome. Wynn's screen is beaming. She looks to your blank smile. ''Wynn:'' Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself... I know you're not super into Rocksball... "haha! no it's ok, I don't mind. It's cool you're so passionate about something!" <<endif>> ''Wynn:'' Haha... Dalet doesn't seem to think so. She sighs and looks over at Dalet's bed. ''Wynn:'' He's so... ugh. He never does anything but work! It's like his only hobby is "being a cynical dick"... ... ''Wynn:'' Sorry. I'm just mad at him right now. I didn't mean that. I wish he would just listen to me sometimes. Like you, Phi!! Wynn's gaze fell onto the crushed case. ''Wynn:'' I also wish he would stop leaving trash on his bed... Wynn got up to pick up the case. Your tape is spinning like mad. <<endif>> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' This is... This is a letterbox...Wynn?</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' It's not mine... Who is it from?</span> Dalet looks to you. You tape spins faster. Wynn stands up and grabs the case from Dalet. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' I don't know, It just says, //"R U"...//</span> She looks at the case, stunned. <span class="phi">//"This isn't happening..."//</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' ...Stainless steel...</span> You shoot upright as Wynn begins opening the case. <span class="phi">"Wynn..."</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Phi? Is this yours?</span> Wynn wordlessly pops the case open, sending a crinkeled envelope falling to the floor. Dalet swipes the envelope from the air. <span class="phi">"Dalet, give that back."</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Hehe.. this is //SO// against the rules... Don't worry though, I won't tell any-- </span> Dalet's assertion of good faith is cut short when his eyes catch the red wax seal in the center of the envelope. !!![[He turns the envelope over and over in his hands in disbelief.|defeat1]] <<audio "tick" stop>> <span class="tape">The clock stops ticking.</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' Is this from... N-no way."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Phi... How did... Why is //Spire City// sending you letters??</span> Dalet is standing in shock in the center of the room. You lumber over to him. <span class="phi">"I said... give. that. back." </span>You growl. Dalet slowly looks up at you. Your towering body eclipses his. You hold out your arm to take the envelope. Dalet's screen flickers. <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Dalet.. give Phi--</span> !!<span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //NO.//</span> Dalet suddenly jumps backwards. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' //SPIRE CITY??// Why did //you// get a letter from Spire City??</span><<if $envelopestate is "crinkled">><span class="dalet"> And why is it so... crinkled?!</span><<endif>> <span class="phi">"It's not from //Spire City...// It's from the //Royal University// of Spire City."</span> The room goes dead silent. ... You glance over at the open door. <span class="phi">"Now... I can explain.. You just need to keep your voices down--"</span> !!<span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' whAT?!</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Phi... the //Royal University??//</span> Dalet backs up a few feet. He looks at the floor. <span class="dalet">''Dalet (whispering):'' This is... this document. Who did you steal it from!? Gimel!? Eszett??</span> Your built up anxiety is starting to turn to anger. <span class="phi">"I didn't steal it."</span> You take a step towards Dalet. <span class="phi">//''"You did."''//</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' Dalet, give it back. It's Phi's...</span> Wynn's gaze flicks between <span class="phi">you</span> and <span class="dalet">Dalet.</span> Without breaking eye contact, Dalet starts to open the<<if $envelopestate is "crinkled">> crushed<<endif>> envelope. He slides out a peice of paper and begins to read aloud. <span class="phi">//"''D-DALET!''"//</span> You bark, [[horrified of what you'll hear...|defeat2.5]] <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' *AHEM* </span> You look to the open door... !!<span class="daletoffical">//BY HOLY DECREE OF... YOUR... M-MAJESTY...//</span> Dalet shudders and trails off- his voice dropping to a whisper. Wynn covers her mouth with her sleeved hands. His volume rises again. !!<span class="daletoffical">//...A-AND ROYAL UNIVERSITY DEAN EPSILON, THE CHARACTER://</span> ><span class="phioffical">''ϕ''</span> !!<span class="daletoffical">//HAS BEEN ASKED TO APPEAR BEFORE...//</span> Dalet peeters off again. His eyes transfixed on a single point on the paper. <span class="wynn">''Wynn (whispering):'' W-what...??</span> <span class="phi">"//WHAT?!?// WHAT DOES IT SAY!?"</span> You take another step towards Dalet. <span class="phi">"DALET."</span> <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Dalet, what does it say???</span> Dalet looks to you. His screen is starting to static. He backs up again. He bumps into his bed. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' T-This is... heh... this is //against the rules//.</span> Dalet shakes the static out of his screen glares at you. <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' A-All postage must be cleared by high command. Upon recieving any sort of mail, postage or parcle, any parasol f-family member or f-..ffriend...</span> You recognize his recital from //The Bogstav Book of Professional Parasol Operations: A Helpful Character's guide.// <span class="wynn">''Wynn:'' Dalet..</span> <span class="phi">"Dalet, //Tell me what it says."//</span> <span class="dalet">''Dalet:'' ...M-Must report immediately to...</span> <span class="phi">//"Enough"//</span> !!![[>> March forward 