*temp HP 15 *set health "0" *temp sitwgang false *temp tellthegang false *temp dontsitwithcal false *temp gstu false *temp bstu false *temp okstu false *image 4.png *line_break [i][b]February 17th[/b][/i] [b][i]When you finally wake up, you do not feel soreness in your muscles, or an ache deep in your bones.[/i][/b] You sit up, and slowly ease yourself out of bed. You expected to be awakened by Haris, or some alarm ${he} had set, but when you gaze around the room, you see that you are alone. There is a soft light filling the room. You can make out voices in the hallway, mingled in with soft laughter and cheerful Good Morning's. You look to your left toward the dresser and see that there is a crumpled piece of paper lying there. [i]I tried to wake you up for breakfast, but you were knocked out; sorry![/i] [i]Your uniform is hanging on the door.[/i] [i]You can get your schedule in the main office building.[/i] [i]Maybe I'll see you around campus.[/i] -H *page_break *set togglescenefade false [i]Uniform?[/i] you wonder. You look toward the door and see two outfits draped in plastic, along with a simple black backpack. [i]Gods,[/i] you think. The last time you were in a formal school, you were fourteen. *if Wit >=50 You have no doubt you'll prosper at the Institute with your intelligence, though. *line_break [i]Wit >=50)[/i] *if Wit <50 You wonder just how well you'll do at the Institute. *line_break [i](Wit <50)[/i] You walk toward the door, blinding your eyes from the sun that pours through the open window. You lift the first hanger from the hook of the back of the door and inspect the outfit. The attire bears a slight resemblance to your uniform at Preston Preparatory; a plaid skirt and white shirt, with a raquette collar, and a dark red blazer. You turn the hanger around, and spot several black ties, long socks, and practical black shoes, all clean, pressed, and polished. You set the first outfit down and lift the second one; long khaki pants and a white, ironed button up shirt, with an another dark red blazer. [i]Wait a second,[/i] you think, narrowing your eyes. On each of the blazers is a diamond shaped emblem, cross-stictched with fine gold threading; [i]An oi Theoí na evlogoún[/i] is written in fine script under twelve symbols, each belonging to one of the Gods. There are also four gold, polished pins resembling a symbol you do not recognize pinned into the lapels of each blazer. If you had to guess, the pins represent your fourth-year grade level status. *fake_choice #The skirt nearly gets caught on the hanger when I throw the outfit on the bed. *set clothing "an Institute uniform" You walk over to the back room, where you remember the bathroom was located, and enjoy a warm shower. You change quickly, then consider your appearance. You note the bags under your eyes and your messy ${haircolor} hair. How much effort will you put into getting ready? *fake_choice #Effort? As if I have time for that right now. You wash your face, brush your teeth, and leave. You grab your backpack, sling the strap over your shoulder, and open the door. *page_break The hallway is buzzing. *goto firstday1 #A little effort. I want to look presentable, at least. After you wash your face and brush your teeth, you file through the cabinets for a brush. You comb your hair and smile at your reflection. You grab your backpack, sling the strap over your shoulder, and open the door. *set Citizens +2 *set Allure +1 *page_break The hallway is buzzing. *goto firstday1 #As much effort as time can spare. I have to look my best. After you wash your face and brush your teeth, you file through the cabinets for a brush. You spend a considerate amount of time combing your hair and even more time making sure every detail of you is perfect. You grab your backpack, sling the strap over your shoulder, and open the door. *set Citizens +3 *set Allure +2 *page_break The hallway is buzzing. *goto firstday1 #The long khaki pants nearly get caught on the hanger when I throw the outfit on the bed. *set clothing "an Institute uniform" You walk over to the back room, where you remember the bathroom was located, and enjoy a warm shower. You change quickly, then consider your appearance. You note the bags under your eyes and your messy ${haircolor} hair. How much effort will you put into getting ready? *fake_choice #Effort? As if I have time for that right now. You wash your face, brush your teeth, and leave. You grab your backpack, sling the strap over your shoulder, and open the door. *page_break The hallway is buzzing. *goto firstday1 #A little effort. I want to look presentable, at least. After you wash your face and brush your teeth, you file through the cabinets for a brush. You comb your hair and smile at your reflection. You grab your backpack, sling the strap over your shoulder, and open the door. *set Allure +1 *page_break The hallway is buzzing. *goto firstday1 #As much effort as time can spare. I have to look my best. After you wash your face and brush your teeth, you file through the cabinets for a brush. You spend a considerate amount of time combing your hair and even more time making sure every detail of you is perfect. You grab your backpack, sling the strap over your shoulder, and open the door. *set Allure +2 *page_break The hallway is buzzing. *goto firstday1 *label firstday1 The students of the Institute are bright-eyed and smiling. They walk, and in some cases, run, through the dormitory halls and toward the elevators. You note that today, no one even notices you. Until you get into the cramped elevator. Although no one is quite bold enough to single you out, the quiet nature of the elevator and the even more noticeable staring is enough of a tip. When you step out of the building, the weather is warm and the sun makes the reflective material of the buildings glisten with kaleidoscopes of color. You make your way down the stone path toward the main building, and breath a sigh of relief when you feel the cool blast of air hit your face. There is a woman standing behind the glass counter, typing away on some sort hologram image of a Word document. The name on her desk reads MRS. JUDY GALVANI. *page_break You approach her, and before you can speak, she holds up a pink acrylic nail. "Now hold on just one second," Mrs. Galvani says. "Just...one..." When she finally looks up at you, her eyes widen to the size of meteorites and she sucks in her cheeks. "What can I do for you?" "I think I need my class schedule." you answer. Mrs. Galvani smiles kindly at you, nodding. She gestures behind her, and you follow her into a dimly lit office with a large mahogany desk taking up most of the free space. From behind the desk, the woman regards you with barely contained interest. When you catch her gaze, her red lips form a broad smile. "You're cutting it pretty close, honey." Mrs. Galvani sighs. "You're basically a lock in for chemistry and calculus. Classes filled up months ago." None the less, she pulls out a slip of paper. "You can pick your difficulty levels for history, English, and an alternative for training." *page_break [b]THE INSTITUTE CLASS SELECTIONS:[/b] [b]History:[/b] *line_break [i]AP Greek Mythology 05[/i] *line_break Advanced placement course specified to enrich students with an in-depth analysis of the historical significance behind some of the greatest myths in Greek history. *line_break (Note: This class is a heavy course load accompanied by long reading, extensive essays, and thorough exams.) *line_break Teacher: Clarke Edris *line_break *line_break [i]Greek Mythology 04[/i] *line_break This course covers the basic fundamentals of Greek mythologies, including analysis of heroes, legends and odysseys. *line_break Teacher: Clarke Edris *line_break *line_break [b]English:[/b] *line_break [i]AP English 05[/i] *line_break Alternative to general English. This course is a rigorous academic program that allows students to study and learn at the college level set for mortals. Students will be able to apply the skills and abilities they have learned in this class to align with higher-level standardized tests. Students will also engage in annual class debates. *line_break (Note: Students will be required to submit weekly essays on a predetermined topic and take weekly progress tests. There will be an AP test at the end of the year to determine the student's progress.) *line_break Teacher: Mage Serif *line_break [i]English 04[/i] *line_break General English that uses the high school level set for mortals. Students will engage in riveting class discussions and learn to use the skills they have attained in the class to further their literary intelligence. *line_break Teacher: Mage Serif *line_break *line_break [b]Alternates for Training (Tue. and Thur.):[/b] *line_break [i]Psychology of a Hero 01[/i] *line_break Students will analyze the modern and ancient Heroes, and diagnose them. *line_break (Note: Students will also be required to participate in a mandatory screening at the end of the semester.) *line_break Teacher: Behati Kali *line_break Teacher's Aid: St. Augustine *line_break *line_break [i]Forging 01[/i] *line_break This course is specifically designed to introduce students to the making of several melee and defense weapons, the mechanics of them, and how to forge them. *line_break (Note: Students will be required to participate in a showcase displaying their finished weapons at the end of the semester.) *line_break Teacher: Ariadna Nicoli *line_break Teacher's Aid: Adonis Amour *page_break "So, what's it going to be?" Mrs. Galvani asks. She turns her attention to another floating screen, her hands hovering over the glowing surface. "I choose..." *fake_choice #"AP Greek Mythology." I say. *set Wit +2 *set aphis true *set class1 "Advanced Placement Greek Mythology" *goto chooseclass1 #"General Greek Mythology." I say. *set class1 "Greek Mythology" *goto chooseclass1 *label chooseclass1 "And for English?" Mrs. Galvani says, tapping on her screen. *fake_choice #"I want to take AP English." I say. *set Wit +2 *set apeng true *set class3 "Advanced Placement English" *goto chooseclass2 #"I want to take General English." I say. *set class3 "English" *goto chooseclass2 *label chooseclass2 "Alright then, if you're sure." Mrs. Galvani says, tapping on her screen. "Now, what about your alternative?" You consider your options. *fake_choice #"I want to take Psychology of a Hero." I say. *set class2 "Psychology of a Hero" *set psy true *goto afterchoose #"I want to take Forging." I say. *set class2 "Forging" *set forg true *goto afterchoose *label afterchoose "Okay, honey," Mrs. Galvani says. She taps on a few more things that appear on the screen before turning around in her chair. She reaches for a piece of paper that has popped out of the printer. "Now, we've taken into account your...predicament. I'm not saying we're giving you a free-pass, but your teachers have been informed that you did not have any formal schooling past the age of fourteen. We've also take the liberty of assigning you a tutor that will go over your coursework with you at the end of the week. Don't hesitate to ask for help now." [b]Class schedule for: $!{name} Angelis.[/b] *line_break Student number 52788 | Grade: 12 | Locker #1356 *line_break [b]7:00 AM[/b] - [b]7:55 AM[/b] Breakfast *line_break [b]8:00 AM[/b] - [b]9:00 AM[/b] Chemistry *line_break [b]9:05 AM[/b] - [b]10:05 AM[/b] Calculus *line_break [b]10:10 AM[/b] - [b]11:10 AM[/b] ${class1} *line_break [b]12:15 AM[/b] - [b]1:00 PM [/b] Lunch *line_break [b]1:05 PM[/b] - [b]2:05 PM[/b] ${class3} *line_break [b]2:10 PM[/b] - [b]3:10 PM[/b] Training (Alt. ${class2}) *page_break After taking your schedule and leaving Mrs. Galvani's office, you check one of the clocks on the wall. [i]8:56. I've already missed breakfast.[/i] You stand in the center of three intersecting paths, watching people rush to their classes; it's a sea of red blazers and ironed shirts. The sun beats down on you as you follow the herd, making your way to the academics building. Your stomach grumbles in protest, and you remind yourself to set an alarm so you won't miss breakfast again. You double check your schedule to make sure you have your class right, then try to recall the location of the Chemistry lab Calypso pointed out. You enter the air conditioned building right as a shrill bell rings throughout the nearly empty halls. A girl running past you nearly trips over her own foot when she sees you. She quickly recovers though, and begins running toward her initial direction once more. You stand before the large black doors of the chemistry lab. After a hesitant pause, you push the doors open. *page_break Hours later... Your first two classes, to say the least, dragged on. You didn't know any of the other students in either class, but of course, you received the same *if gender = "female" "Na Lavei," *if gender = "male" "Ne Lavei," *if gender = "they" "Ni Lavei," treatment as before. By the time third period comes around, you're more than ready for a change in pace. You consult the map on the back of your schedule once more, and begin making your way toward the second floor of the academics building. You find yourself rushing to class along with other students, getting confused among the masses. By the time the crowd clears up, the bell for third period rings, signifying your tardiness. You start speed walking up the stairs when you see two dark figures behind a pillar. Their heads are pulled together, nearly touching, and you can just barely make out furious whispers. One figure is larger with wide soldiers, wearing a Seeker's hood, and the other is smaller, wearing a standard uniform. The larger figure hisses something at the smaller figure, his face contorted into a snarl. He begins another round of rapid speech right as he catches your gaze. After whispering one last thing to the smaller figure, he moves away, rushing down the hall. They could just be two students caught in the heat of the moment before class. It really is none of your business, and if you pursue them, you'll be sure to be even later to class. But there is something...off about this entire dilemma. Aren't all the Seeker's rarely on Olympus, let alone in the Institute? What was he doing here? Running over the possibilities in your mind, you... *fake_choice #discreetly trail the Seeker. *set followseeker true *set Wit +2 You've been kept in the dark too long. There are always moments presented to you that you have to act on. If no one is going to tell you anything, you'll find out for yourself. *goto chaseseeker1 #put the situation out of your mind and rush to class. *set ignoreseeker false You have enough on your plate without adding more to it with useless goose chases. Casting one last look at the Seeker's retreating figure, you sigh and head to class. *goto history1 *label chaseseeker1 You hike up your backpack, then wait behind a tall pillar until the smaller figure turns a corner. Not wasting a single second, you begin to follow the Seeker's trail. Your heart beats faster than it should, and you see him turn the next corner. Still unfamiliar with the blueprint of the school, you follow blindly. The Seeker has led you to the back of a building. This is most likely one of the few neglected parts of the Institute. The building isn't made of shining glass and sleek marble, but instead old, decaying brick. You hide behind one of the large air vents near the corner, watching the Seeker stand still in the center of the deserted area. You can hear wind rustling nearby cherry blossoms. He doesn't move, and you don't dare breathe. Finally, another Seeker emerges from the shadows, seemingly out of nowhere. *page_break "Why the delay?" he asks. You will your ears to pick up their soft voices. They are whispering, but you note that there is something wrong. Their voices sound more like faint static than normal human vocal ranges. "It's more complicated now since ${he}'s arrived...are on high alert...just barely able to get past..." The second Seeker replies, but you are unable to interpret what was said. "No, not yet," the first Seeker answers, his chilling voice louder than before. "But I expect things to...once the Trials commence." [i]Why are they discussing the Hero Trials?[/i] you wonder, your inner voice frustrated. The voices speak for a moment longer, but you can't make out what they're saying. You lean in, just a little more, the risk of moving nearly paralyzing you. Finally, you can hear the second Seeker speak. "We need more intel on...there's been no word from my sources in days...and...is starting to worry...serves him right since he's...and to be doing this right under Zeus's nose?...love to attend [i]that[/i] funeral..." Your mind races with the new information. After another moment of whispering, the second Seeker throws a glance around the barren area, then disappears into the shadows, his feet patting against the pavement. The first Seeker stands still...as if he's waiting for something. You... *fake_choice #decide to confront the Seeker. This opportunity may not come again. *set sawseekerdie true *set health "1" Taking a deep breath, you stand up from your hunched position behind the vent and stride toward the Seeker. You keep your footsteps as light as possible until you're just a few steps away from him. You slowly reach out... ...and the Seeker swings around with impossible speed, slamming his fist into the left side of your face. The whiplash is the most painful part of the hit. Your vision swims, the corners of your consciousness blurring, and your face throbs with sharp pain. You quickly turn to face the Seeker, who stares at you under the shadows of his hood. Your blood runs cold. [i]His eyes[/i]. The same eyes as the brown-haired boy. That same haunting, nearly black gaze. He rushes you again, and in a swift moment, you dodge his attack, spinning to the left. You counter his rapid punches, attempting to detain him. You manage to grab his hood, hurling him toward the ground. You lean over him, your arm over his throat. "Who are you?" you hiss. "Why are you here?" The boy stares blankly at you, his face devoid of any emotion. *page_break "Tell me!" you shout. *goto seekerfight1 #decide to sneak away. There is too much of a risk in confronting the Seeker. *set snuckaway true You need to get away from here, [i]now[/i]. The entire situation screams danger. You wait for the Seeker to begin walking away from the building until you make your move, keeping your footsteps as quiet as possible. You manage to steer yourself back into the main hallway. Your mind lingers on the Seeker. *page_break *goto history1 *label seekerfight1 Your arms shake. *if Strength >= 45 You're strong enough to hold him down, but for how long, you aren't sure. *line_break [b](Stat check: Strength >=45)[/b] The Seeker struggles to bring his arm up, his body shaking violently under you. Then, in a single movement, he finally manages to bring his hand to his mouth. A single black pill expands when his saliva comes in contact with it. You watch, transfixed, as white foam begins to expand inside his mouth, his eyes going glassy, his body convulsing. After a few tense moments, he stops moving. And he will never move again. You move away from his body, your chest rising and falling with exhaustion. *goto afterseeker *if Strength < 45 You're not strong enough to hold him down. *line_break [b](Stat check: Strength >45)[/b] The Seeker escapes your grip, throwing you off of him. Thinking quickly, you reach your leg out, tripping him as he tries to scurry away. But the Seeker gets up quickly, kicking you deftly in the stomach in the process. Then, when he is only a few feet from where you lay, he slowly brings his hand to his mouth, placing a black pill on his tongue, his eyes intent on you the entire time. The black pill expands when his saliva comes in contact with it. You watch, transfixed, as white foam begins to expand inside his mouth, his eyes going glassy, his body convulsing. After a few tense moments, he stops moving. And he will never move again. You slowly pull yourself up, your chest rising and falling with rigor. *goto afterseeker *label afterseeker [i]What is going on?[/i] you think, slowly walking away from the Seeker's dead body. *page_break *goto history1 *label history1 When you finally find your classroom you gaze upon a door hosting a golden plaque that reads, "$!!{class1}." You cringe when you check the clock on a nearby wall. Surely they'll let you off the hook because it's your first day? You could simply say that you got lost, or that you went to the wrong classroom, or you overslept. Shaking away your excuses, you push open the door. *page_break The manifold of different voices that fill the room seem to dim at your entrance. The large room has wide, ceiling length windows complimenting every wall, and rows of long, wooden desks take up most of the room space. Maps of the world, old and new, hang on the walls along with various posters and charts. The teacher, a tall man with horn-rimmed glasses who was previously skittering around the room with a frantic energy, turns to you. He purses his lips and joins the other students in their observation of you. *fake_choice #"I guess I'm a little late." you say. *set earnest +1 A light chorus of chuckles fills the room. You hadn't meant to be funny, but the situation does seem humorous, now that you think about it. You stand awkwardly in the front of the room, waiting for the teacher's instructions. Finally, he speaks. "$!{name} Angelis, I presume?" you nod, noting his thick British accent. "I am Mr. Edris, and yes, you are indeed late. Take an empty seat anywhere, please. And, for future reference, do try to be on time from here on out. I beg of you." Without another glance in your direction, he turns back to his frantic walking, stopping at several desks to speak to other students. *goto chem1 #"I'm guessing this isn't the bathroom?" you muse. *set sarcastic +1 A filter of laughter sounds off in the room, some sounding nervous, others high-pitched giggles, and a few muffled chuckles accompanied by shy glances at the teacher. You stand confidently in the front of the room, waiting for the teacher's instructions. Finally, he speaks. "$!{name} Angelis, I presume?" you nod, noting his thick British accent. "I am Mr. Edris, and no, this is not the lavatory. Take an empty seat anywhere, please. And, for future reference, do try to be on time from here on out. I beg of you." Without another glance in your direction, he turns back to his frantic walking, stopping at several desks to speak to other students. *goto chem1 #Nod to the teacher, but say nothing. (Personality set: Reserved.) *set stoic +1 A silence cuts through the once lively room. Someone coughs. Two dozen heads turn toward the teacher, waiting for his verdict. You stand awkwardly in the front of the room, then finally, he speaks. "$!{name} Angelis, I presume?" you nod, noting his thick British accent. "I am Mr. Edris. Take an empty seat anywhere, please. And, for future reference, do try to be on time from here on out. I beg of you." Without another glance in your direction, he turns back to his frantic walking, stopping at several desks to speak to other students. *goto chem1 *label chem1 Your gaze scans the room, looking for an empty seat when your eyes land on a familiar face. Calypso sits in the center of the room next to a light haired boy. Her red Institute blazer hangs on her chair, and on her head is another intricate headband of glinting gold. *if hatecal = true You recall your earlier feelings about the warrior. She catches your gaze, hesitance written on her face. [i]"But I hope we can get along. Really."[/i] you recall her saying last night. Sensing your hesitance, Calypso whispers to the light-haired boy next to her. He narrows his eyes at her, and they have a silent battle of the wills between them. After a moment, the light haired boy sighs dramatically and gets up from his seat. He casts her a longing glance before turning around, taking a seat next to a bald-headed girl. Calypso turns to you, a silent question in her eyes. *goto histcal *if hatecal = false She catches your gaze, then whispers something to the light-haired boy. He narrows his eyes at her, and they have a silent battle of the wills between them. After a moment, the light haired boy sighs dramatically and gets up from his seat. He casts her a longing glance before turning around, taking a seat next to a bald-headed girl. Calypso, triumphant, smiles at you, gesturing to the newly empty seat. *goto histcal *label histcal To your far left, a girl with dark hair and impossibly pale skin sits alone as well, casting glances at you. Decision made, you hike up your backpack and make your way toward... *fake_choice #Calypso. *set Calypso +5 Calypso smiles at your approach. "Well if it isn't the infamous, all powerful being that haunts Zeus' nightmares." she teases. *if health = "1" Calypso looks at you more closely, and you know she's examining your bruises. You place a casual hand over them, turning your head. "Why hide it?" she asks. "That's like hiding a battle scar, $!{name}." *goto afterbruise *label afterbruise You two chat for a while, waiting for class to officially begin. *page_break *goto chem2 #the dark haired girl. *set dontsitwithcal true Calypso frowns briefly, then taps on the light haired boys shoulder, gesturing to the empty seat she'd just made him vacate. He smiles shyly at her for a moment, then relents and reclaims his seat. The girl looks up at you as you approach. She moves some of her books out of the way to make room for you. "Thanks," she says. "My partner hasn't been here for a while, and Mr. Edris never got around to re-assigning." You nod, then ask, "What's your name?" "Rada," she replies, smiling. *if health = "1" She looks at you more closely, and you know she's examining your bruise. You place a casual hand over it, turning your head. *goto afterrada *label afterrada You two chat for a while, waiting for class to officially begin. *page_break *goto chem2 *label chem2 Finally, Mr. Edris steps in front of the large blackboard, and the class turns toward the front of the room. "Lot's of excitement this morning, hm?" he says. His hair is a mess of spikes that seem to reach up toward the ceiling of their own free will. "None the less, it seems we all need a little reminder of the expectations for this class." He turns, then writes a single word on the chalkboard. [b]EFFORT.[/b] "That's all I want people. Grades last semester were absolutely horrid. I failed, at least, ten of you. That's pretty much half the class." He turns to face a group of students at the back of the room, who seem to be paying more attention to the scenery outside the windows than what Mr. Edris is saying. "History, especially the history of your very own Gods, is not that hard. In fact, it is, I dare say, [i]interesting[/i]. Now, if you want to pass, let me tell you the secret to doing so; take notes. Do your homework. Study. Isn't that amazing, ladies and gentlemen? It almost seems quite simple, hm?" The rest of the class is spent reviewing subject material, maybe for your sake, or maybe for the students who failed last semester. Mr. Edris is a vivid lecturer, using various hand signals and body language to capture the class's attention. As the class goes on, slight grogginess and hunger gnaw at you, and you look down at your notebook. You... *fake_choice #took in depth notes, nearly writing down everything that was said, then went back to highlight various points that were repeated. *set Wit +2 *set gstu true *set bstu false *set okstu false [i]What is the point of being in this class and not to paying attention?[/i] you wonder. You look down proudly at your notes, all written in your neat, elegant script. By the time class is over, you have at least three full pages of organized notes with several reference points to the large textbook you've just acquired. Someone hands you the homework, which you immediately place in a separate folder. As you make your way out of the classroom, Mr. Edris smiles at you approvingly, nodding. *page_break Lunch *goto lunch #listened for the most part, and wrote down what I considered the most important details. *set Wit +2 *set gstu false *set bstu false *set okstu true [i]I might as well try,[/i] you think. You look down at your notes, all written in your neat, elegant script. By the time class is over, you have a full page of notes along with some recommended pages from the textbook you've just acquired. Someone hands you the homework, which you place in your notebook. As you make your way out of the lab, Mr. Edris nods to you. *page_break Lunch *goto lunch #just barely paid enough attention. *set gstu false *set bstu true *set okstu false [i]Honestly, what is the point?[/i] you wonder. You look down at your notes, a collection of briefly detailed topics. By the time class is over, you barely have a page full of notes, and you begrudgingly accept the history textbook given to you. Someone also handed you the homework, which you sigh and shove into your backpack. *page_break Lunch *goto lunch *label lunch You follow a crowd of students from ${class1} as you all make your way toward the cafeteria. You find yourself in a large lunchroom, students carrying black lunch trays laden with large portions of food. Several food stations are set up in a circle around the rooms, lines forming quickly. You join one of the lines, filling your plate with as much food as it can hold. Afterwards, you follow the crowd out to the pavilion. Before you are rows of glass tables, their surfaces glinting. Students occupy nearly every one of them, chatting and eating. But over time, as you stand under an arched entrance, they turn to you. To your left, a large group of students occupy the glass table near a large cherry blossom. They all seem to gleam with the same beauty as the glass tables. Although they are all a wide varity of races, shapes and sizes, their smiles are brilliant and they each hold the same kind of electric confidence. If you had to guess, you'd say these were Zeus's children. The other large group sits closer to Zeus's children, but still an island of themselves. They lounge on the tables, laughter abundant. Like Zeus's children, they look nothing alike, but have a smiliar air of carelessness around them. These are Poseidon's children. You can't help but briefly wonder if Hades has any children, however unlikely it may be. There are other groups in the pavilion, some sticking to their own, but the majority of the students are mixed. You see Demeter's glowing children sitting with Hestia's children near the fountain. Ares' children, with their sleek combat suits, lounge on the grass with a few of Hermes' kids. Aphrodite's beautiful offspring stand near the balcony, surrounded by children from every God. *page_break A glass table sits unoccupied in the center of the chaos, right in front of the roaring fountain. You watch as a hooded figure gloomily makes his way into the pavilion. For once, all eyes are not on you. Everyone watches the Seeker, their gazes filled with mild interest, their whispers curious. The figure takes his white hood off, his gleaming silver hair catching the sun's rays. Saints takes a seat at the empty table, his posture is bored, waiting. From the corner of your eye, you see a figure emerge from the group of Ares children. Calypso glances back at the group, her smile wide. They throw jeering taunts and obscene gestures at her. You realize that this is a sign of affection. Calypso makes her way over to the table and sits next to Saint. Another figure emerges from the group of Aphrodite's children. Adonis, his blazer slung over his shoulder, takes a seat next to Calypso, his smile brilliant. Aphrodite's children pout at his retreat, but say nothing. *page_break You watch the trio, and then each of them turn to look at you in turn. Adonis raises an eyebrow, gesturing to the empty seat beside him. You spot another empty table, hidden behind a large cherry blossom. You contemplate sitting with Zeus' children, or Poseidon's, given that any one of them could share the same Godly parent as you, but you doubt they'd be as accepting until you know for sure. Your lunch tray begins to feel heavy in your hands, and you're beginning to attract attention. *fake_choice #I make my way over to the empty table near the edge of the pavilion. You sit under the shade of the clustered cherry blossoms, attempting to dispel the loud chatter and laughter around you. You eat your lunch, which is delicious. A medley of delicious flavours and spices dance on your tongue. You catch glances from many of the Demigods, some frown, some smile, many just stare. [i]This is fine,[/i] you think. [i]Best to keep my distance.[/i] *page_break Suddenly, you hear a crash sound off, interrupting your thoughts. *goto hellosage #I make my way over to where Saint, Calypso, and Adonis sit in front of the fountain. *set sitwgang true *set Calypso +2 *set Saint +5 *set Adonis +5 You make your way toward their table. Saint is eating French fries off Adonis's plate while Calypso chatters excitedly about something, and Adonis nods at her, amusement in his eyes. They look up as you approach. *if dontsitwithcal = false Calypso smiles at you as you take an empty seat next to Adonis. You catch hostile glances from the Ares kids, their apparent dislike of you matching their father's. *goto lunchtalk *if dontsitwithcal = true Calypso just barely acknowledges you, glancing your way before continuing her story. You see the smug smiles of the Ares kids at Calypso's cold treatment of you. It seems that their father's dislike of you has become common knowledge. *goto lunchtalk *label lunchtalk Adonis nods to you, pleased with your descision, then bats Saint's hand away as he tries to sneak another French fry. *page_break *goto sitwgang #I make my way out of the pavilion, away from the Demigods. You turn on your heel with a sigh, desperate to make it out of here. *page_break But before you make it out of the pavilion, you hear a crash sound off. *goto hellosage *label sitwgang "...There were some signs of struggle, too. A few bruises on his body, a rip in his hood, some unidentified substance on his face." Calypso finishes, sighing. "I wish I could've been there to see it." *if sawseekerdie = true Your breath catches. [i]They're talking about the Seeker who killed himself. Someone must have found his body after I left.[/i] *goto ihatevariables *if ignoreseeker = true Your interest is spiked. [i]Who are they talking about?[/i] *goto ihatevariables *if snuckaway = true Your breath catches. [i]They're talking about the Seeker I trailed earlier. He was murdered?[/i] *goto ihatevariables *label ihatevariables Adonis raises an eyebrow. "You wish you were at the scene of a murder?" "I do. I mean, obviously, there's more to this than what we're being told." Saint says, leaning back in his chair. "If either of us were there, we would have been able to actually get some clues." "What are you guys talking about?" you ask, trying to keep your voice nonchalant. "Some second years found a body behind the academics building. He was a Seeker, a fourth year named Alec. He was supposed to be retrieving some Demigod from Chicago, but instead..." Adonis trails off, seeing no point in finishing his sentence. [i]His name was Alec,[/i] you think. Calypso nods grimly. "We won't know the cause of death until the autopsy is released, and even then it'll be reported as some sugar-coated 'freak accident.'" "It wouldn't be the first, and it won't be the last." Saint murmurs. "What do you mean?" you ask, your attention spiked. Adonis, Saint, and Calypso share a three-way glance. *if (Calypso >40) and (Saint >25) You see that even though they have smallest amount of trust in you, something holds them back. They must want to divulge this information to you, but something is holding them back. Or maybe there are just some things that cannot be discussed under the suns' gaze. *goto lunchtalk2 *if (Calypso <40) and (Saint <25) You see their mild distrust of you in their eyes. Maybe they would tell you if you got along better. Or maybe there are just some things that cannot be said out loud under the suns' gaze. *goto lunchtalk2 *label lunchtalk2 You need to think fast. This is information that may explain just what is going on with the Seekers. *fake_choice *selectable_if (sawseekerdie = true) #"I was there," I blurt out. "I saw what happened." *set tellthegang true The trio shares equal looks of confusion. No one speaks, your revelation setting in. Then, Adonis asks, "What do you mean 'you were there?'" "I was there when Alec killed himself," you say, his name bitter and foreign on your tongue. "It wasn't a murder. I confronted him and he poisoned himself before I could get any answers." "Wait, wait," Saint says, his palms raised. "Why were you going to confront him? What answers?" "Something just felt...off. And like you said, he wasn't even supposed to be on campus, let alone Olympus. I saw him talking to a student, and when he saw me, he ran away. I followed him to the academics building, and when I got there, he was talking to another Seeker. I was going to confront him, and he attacked me, so we fought. Before I could do anything, he pulled out this black pill and swallowed it. And then..." you say this all without pausing, then take a second to catch your breath. "And then he was dead." You study the trio, wondering how your story is being interpreted. [i]Do they believe me, or have I just eternally screwed myself?[/i] you wonder. *page_break *goto lunchtalk3 *selectable_if (snuckaway = true) #"I followed him," I blurt out. "I didn't see what happened, but I followed him." *set tellthegang true The trio shares equal looks of confusion. No one speaks, your revelation setting in. Then, Adonis asks, "What do you mean 'you were there?'" "I followed Alec," you say, his name bitter and foreign on your tongue. "I wanted to get some answers, so I followed him." "Wait, wait," Saint says, his palms raised. "What answers?" "Something just felt...off. And like you said, he wasn't even supposed to be on campus, let alone Olympus. I saw him talking to a student, and when he saw me, he ran away. I followed him to the academics building, and when I got there, he was talking to another Seeker. I got away before either of them saw me." you say this all without pausing, then take a second to catch your breath. "And I guess, after I left..." You study the trio, wondering how your story is being interpreted. [i]Do they believe me, or have I just eternally screwed myself?[/i] you wonder. *page_break *goto lunchtalk3 #[i]I need this information.[/i] "I won't tell anyone," I insist. "I swear." The trio shares equal looks of hesitation. Then, Adonis says, "There's nothing to tell; Saint was just having an episode of Demigod teen angst." Saint laughs, "Yeah, I'm just full teen angst." The conversation shifts onto other topics, your opportunity to find out more information gone. *page_break Suddenly, a loud crash sounds off from behind you. *goto hellosage *label lunchtalk3 Calypso's eyebrows are raised high, her mouth transforming into a wicked grin. "Holy Hera." "What were they talking about, ${name}?" Adonis asks you, his gaze intense. You... *fake_choice #tell them everything, not leaving out a single detail. *set Calypso +2 *set Saint +3 *set Adonis +8 You talk about their voices, the static unnaturalness of them. You tell them about their attempts in trying to get past the barrier, and the way they talked about the Trials. You mention the traitor they kept bringing up, and how he was "right under Zeus' nose," too. They stare at you, processing the new information. "Gods," Adonis says, running a hand through his thick hair. Saint is silent, staring at something beyond the pavilion. Calypso simply shakes her head. *page_break *goto lunchtalk5 #tell them most of it, but leave out a few details. *set Saint +2 *set Adonis +4 You talk about their voices, the static unnaturalness of them. You tell them about their attempts in trying to get past the barrier, and the way they talked about the Trials. But you keep the information about the traitor they kept bringing up, and how he was "right under Zeus' nose," to yourself. They stare at you, processing the new information. "Gods," Adonis says, running a hand through his thick hair. Saint is silent, staring at something beyond the pavilion. Calypso simply shakes her head. *page_break *goto lunchtalk5 *label lunchtalk5 "Gods, I [i]knew[/i] it!" Calypso exclaims, suddenly standing up. "Didn't I tell you guys?" The people nearby look over, trying to see what all the noise is about. Adonis grabs Calypso's hand, pulling her down. "We have something to tell you," she says, her eyes blazing. "We weren't going to until Aeson came back, but this is huge. Huge." Saint snaps to attention. "No. No way. Are you kidding me, Cal?" Calypso keeps her gaze on you, but her words are directed at Saint. "Why not, Saint? I knew from the beginning ${he}'d be the one to help us." Adonis looks at you too, nodding. His voice is soft. "I agree." Saint throws his arms up dramatically, letting out a groan. "Am I the only one with my head on straight? What's wrong with you people? One little confession from ${him} and you're ready to roll over and spill your guts! There is a process to this, and there's no way I'm going to be the one to tell Aeson that we let shit hit the fan and--" Adonis rolls his eyes, turning to Saint. "[i]Fine.[/i] Anything to get you to shut up." Calypso sighs, breaking her eye contact with you. "Whatever," *page_break Before you can even plead your case, a loud crash sounds off from behind you. *goto hellosage *label hellosage *if sitwgang = true You, Saint, Calypso, and Adonis all simultaneously turn to the sound of the crash. A girl emerges from the entrance, her long, dark red hair trailing behind her. "WHERE ARE THEY?!" she shrieks, looking around frantically. From beside you, Saint lets out a groan. "I was hoping we'd be able to hold this off until, I don't know, graduation." Calypso shakes her head. "You're a dreamer, Saint. This is happening. Now." "What's happening? Who is that?" you ask, their nervous energy bouncing off onto you. Adonis turns to you. "We should probably hide you." "From what?" you ask. "Not from what, from [i]who[/i]." Saint says, standing up from his seat. Calypso and Adonis follow, trying to hurry you out through the back path that is discreetly hidden by trees. *goto hellosage1 *if sitwgang = false A girl emerges from the entrance, her long, dark red hair trailing behind her. "WHERE ARE THEY?!" she shrieks, looking around frantically. You see every person in the pavilion turn to you. *goto hellosage1 *label hellosage1 "YOU!" the voice shrieks again. Your eyes widen as you see the red-haired girl fast approaching you. Suddenly, she jumps, reaching out with her hands. *if sitwgang = false Her hands are around your neck, squeezing. Her eyes are furious, raging. She slams your head against the concrete path before you even have a second to process what's going on. You reach your hands out, trying to push her off you. Suddenly, her weight is lifted off of you, and you reach for your neck, gasping for air. Saint and Calypso stand in front of you, creating a wall between you and the girl. Adonis holds her back, ignoring her violent threats. *set health "2" *goto hellosage2 *if sitwgang = true But Calypso and Saint move faster, creating a wall between you and the girl. You look to the other Demigods, who have gathered you in a cluster, some shouting and others simply glaring. Adonis holds the girl back, and she snaps at you, her voice rising up like a viper. *goto hellosage2 *label hellosage2 "How can you just stand there?!" she yells at you, her face reddening with rage. "Don't you [i]dare[/i] look at me like that!" "Calm down Sage," Adonis says, placing a hand on the girl's forearm. She calms slightly at his touch but still struggles against his hold. "Don't tell me to calm down when a cold blooded murderer walks among us!" she yells. "How can you of all people stand there and defend this...this [i]thing[/i]?" Your own anger begins to rise. [i]This thing?[/i] *fake_choice #"If you want to settle this, we can settle it. Let her go, Adonis." I say, throwing my backpack down. *set Moral -5 *set Strength +5 *set Combat +5 You begin to lunge for Sage, but Saint holds you back. The crowd pushes in on you all, voices rising in protest. They were looking forward to a fight. "Are you crazy?" Saint asks, gripping your arm. Calypso allows herself to grin. "You have to admit, it would be a simpler way to settle this." Adonis sighs. "We can't do this here." *goto hellosage3 #"I have no idea what you're talking about," I say, trying to remain calm. *set Wit +5 This only anger's the girl, who tries to attack you again, a feral war cry tearing her throat. "YOU GODS DAMNED LIAR! YOU SHOULD BE THROWN DOWN INTO THE PITS OF TARTARUS!" *goto hellosage3 #Still, I stay silent, not letting my anger get the best of me. *set Wit +5 You and the girl have a silent showdown, the tension palpable in the air. She seethes with so much anger, it's a wonder how she hasn't brought this place down to the ground. *goto hellosage3 *label hellosage3 "Listen, Sage, it's not what you think," Calypso says finally, her voice calm. "$!{he} didn't do it." *page_break The girl stops. Adonis, sensing her sudden calm, reluctantly lets go of her. She glares at you, her blue eyes darkening. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you didn't kill my brother on that rooftop," she says, her voice flat and lifeless. She clutches her fists at her side, her skin turning white. *if var2 = true And then the pieces of her accusations fit together, just like that. [i]The brown-haired Seeker on the rooftop all those years ago was her brother.[/i] [i]And I killed him.[/i] *goto hellosage4 *if var2 = false The pieces of her accusations fit together, just like that. [i]The brown-haired Seeker on the rooftop all those years ago was her brother.[/i] [i]And she thinks I killed him. [/i] *goto hellosage4 *label hellosage4 The crowd is silent, holding their breaths, waiting for you to speak. Steeling your resolve, you take a step toward the girl, and say... *fake_choice #"I didn't kill him." I say, my voice calm. The girl studies you for a moment, her eyes narrowing. Then, she opens her mouth, screaming. "LIAR!" Her hands are around your neck, squeezing the life out of you. For someone so lithe, she has impossible strength. This is what you think as the edges of your vision go black. She pulls her face close to you, her voice a feral whisper. "I will have you tried and hung for murder if it is the last thing I do. I don't give a damn who, or what you are. My brother's death will not go unavenged." Finally, hands pry her off you. You lay on the ground, your breath coming in short, strained huffs. Your vision clears. Adonis holds out a hand to you, steadying you up off the floor. You look around and see the girl being pulled away by a few students. She catches your eyes, fury raging beneath the surface. You will never forget that look. *page_break #"And what proof do you have?" I ask, my voice calm. The girl's eyes widen, her face contorting with barely contained rage. Suddenly, her hands are around your neck, squeezing the life out of you. For someone so lithe, she has impossible strength. This is what you think as the edges of your vision go black. She pulls her face close to you, her voice a feral whisper. "I will have you tried and hung for murder if it is the last thing I do. I don't give a damn who, or what you are. My brother's death will not go unavenged." Finally, hands pry her off you. You lay on the ground, your breath coming in short, strained huffs. Your vision clears. Adonis holds out a hand to you, steadying you up off the floor. You look around and see the girl being pulled away by a few students. She catches your eyes, fury raging beneath the surface. You will never forget that look. *page_break #"And if I did?" I ask, my voice calm, teasing even. *set Moral -8 *set Citizens -15 The girl's eyes widen, her face contorting with barely contained rage. Suddenly, her hands are around your neck, squeezing the life out of you. For someone so lithe, she has impossible strength. This is what you think as the edges of your vision go black. She pulls her face close to you, her voice a feral whisper. "I will have you tried and hung for murder if it is the last thing I do. I don't give a damn who, or what you are. My brother's death will not go unavenged." Finally, hands pry her off you. You lay on the ground, your breath coming in short, strained huffs. Your vision clears. Adonis holds out a hand to you, steadying you up off the floor. You look around and see the girl being pulled away by a few students. She catches your eyes, fury raging beneath the surface. You will never forget that look. *page_break You barely pay attention in ${class3}. You mind lingers on Alec, the dead Seeker, and Sage, the red-haired girl who wants you dead. [i]Does she know that something was wrong with her brother? Does she know that the same thing was wrong with Alec? How do I explain this all without sounding completely insane?[/i] "$!{name}?" Your head snaps up, the voice pulling you away from your thoughts. Miss Serif looks at you, along with the rest of the class. You sit to the left of the circle of desks, the only available seat being that between a child of Zeus and a child of Aphrodite. "Sorry, what?" you ask. She smiles. Miss Serif is only in her mid-twenties, with long brown hair and rosy cheeks. "I asked what specific interpretation can be made from the poem." You look down at the poem before you. [b]ITHAKA[/b] BY C.P. CAVAFY You... *fake_choice #tell her my answer, confident that it's right. *if Wit >50 "Cavafy was trying to depict that Poseidon and the Cyclops's were all figments of the narrator's mind, and the island itself was just an excuse to embark on the long journey. He wanted to signify that the journey is more important than the destination, and the sea, acting as destiny, will lead you to your destination." you answer. *line_break [b](Stat check: Wit >50)[/b] Miss Serif smiles at you, nodding. "Very well said." She turns away to write on the blackboard, continuing her lecture. "Now, the mention of Poseidon and the Cyclops's can be seen as..." *goto afterq *if Wit <50 "Cavafy was trying to insinuate that fate would protect the narrator throughout his journey, against Poseidon and the Cyclops's. He wanted to depict that the journey to Ithaka as a challenge instead simply a journey." you answer. *line_break [b](Stat check: Wit <50)[/b] "Nearly, $!{name}," Miss Serif says. "But what Cavafy was really trying to say is that the journey is more important than the destination, and the sea, acting as destiny, will [i]lead[/i] you to your destination." She turns away to write on the blackboard, continuing her lecture. "Now, the mention of the mysterious island can be seen as..." *goto afterq *label afterq *page_break Training *goto training #make something up, hoping I sound confident enough to pull it off. *if Allure >48 "Personally, I think the poem can be interpreted in many ways; as an odyssey for some unknown greater good, or simply an excuse to get lost in the bountiful sea," You pause for dramatic effect. "Don't you think that the way it's interpreted reveals more about the reader than the actual poem? I just don't see the point in looking for a straight and steady answer to such a complex question, Miss Serif. Surely you can resonate." *line_break [b](Stat check: Allure >48)[/b] Miss Serif smiles at you, nodding. "To be honest, I never thought of it that way, $!{name}. Thank you for your enlightening thoughts." She turns away to write on the blackboard, continuing her lecture. "Now, the mention of the mysterious island can be seen as..." *goto afterq2 *if Allure <48 "Well, I don't think there is a true interpretation. The poem itself has too many complex layers to settle on, you know..." you stumble for the right words. "...just one answer?" *line_break [b](Stat check: Allure <48)[/b] "Interesting answer $!{name}," Miss Serif says, an eyebrow raised. "but please do try to pay attention." She turns away to write on the blackboard, continuing her lecture. "Now, the mention the mysterious island can be seen as..." *goto afterq2 *label afterq2 *page_break Training *goto training #don't even bother, knowing I have no idea how to answer the question. "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention." you admit. Miss Serif nods sadly, disappointment written on her face. After an awkward silence, she turns away to write on the blackboard, continuing her lecture. "Now, the most controversial interpretation was..." *page_break Training *goto training *label training *set clothing "a standard Institute training suit" By the time your last period of the day rolls around, you feel exhaustion tugging at you. [i]And it's only February,[/i] you think. You go into the locker room, changing into the mandated training suit. The suit is a deep charcoal made of some slick material that clings to you. There is a belt around the waist with empty straps that will hold whatever weapons you'll be given. You strap on the velcro shoes along with the protective practice armor. Whatever they have you so strapped up for, it can't be good. Making your way out of the locker room, you enter the large training facility. Demigods, maybe a hundred or so, warm up at several stations, waiting for the instructor to assign sparring partners. You see Saint running the long, wide track to your left, keeping pace with a group of Seekers. You turn to your right, and spot Calypso sparring with another brown skinned, blonde haired girl. They both have grins on their faces as they slash each other with swords that, from your viewpoint, seem very real. Near her, Adonis and a group of what you can only guess to be children of Aphrodite do seemingly impossible tricks on the twenty feet balance beams. *fake_choice #I walk over to join Saint and the Seekers on the track field. *set Saint +5 You wait until the group nears toward you before joining them in a fast paced jog. Saint smiles at you, playfully pushing you aside when you run by him. You push him back, not as playfully. A grin spreads on your face when he stumbles, narrowing his eyes at you. *goto saint1 #I walk over to join Adonis near the beams. *set Adonis +10 You make your way over to the tall beams, being mindful of the swinging feet that nearly knock you out. A dark haired girl, with both hands dusted with white chalk, swings in an endless spiral on the beams, her posture erect and impeccable. You spot Adonis swinging from the highest beam with one hand, raising half his body over the beam and twisting around. He then somehow manages to transfer the weight onto his feet, balancing on the high beam. His movements have an effortless lethality and fluidity to them. You wave up at him, and when he spots you he waves back, spinning until he's hanging upside down. *goto adonis1 #I walk over to join Calypso near the rows of weapons. *set Calypso +5 You make your way over to Calypso and her sparring partner, who hit each other with such force it's a wonder they're not bruised and exhausted. You watch for a moment, transfixed, and she slashes and jabs her partner with lethal looking hits, her movements fluid and sharp. When she spots you, she pauses, then bows to her partner. *goto calypso1 *label saint1 "We need to talk about Alec later," he says after a moment, slowing his pace so that the other Seekers are out of earshot. "You can meet us in dorm 1402 after midnight." [i]Talk about Alec?[/i] you think. [i]Are they finally going to tell me what they know if I go?[/i] "I'm worried this is one of the few times we'll get the chance to meet up. The Trials will be starting two days from now." "Two days?" you stop in your tracks. "Since when?" Saint smiles, amusement on his face. "No one tells you anything, huh?" Saint nods to a bench near the track, and you follow. Once you're both seated, chugging down water, he says, "Alright. Ask away." *label saintsq *fake_choice *disable_reuse #"Who is competing in the trials?" "Ah, you want to know who your competition is." You nod. "Or, the people who will try to kill me." "Only the best of the best compete; the Gods want their Hero to be the one to lead them to victory." You wait. "Me, Calypso, Adonis, Sage, Santiago, Psyche--" "Wait," you say, cutting him off. "I don't know those last two." Saint nods. "But you will." *goto saintsq *disable_reuse #"What exactly are the trials I'll have to complete?" "The trials are specialized tests given to you by specific Gods. Each one is meant to test an individual Demigod on their skill; a skill that relates to whichever God is testing them. If you get a trial from Ares, expect it to be tied in with his source; war and conflict." "That's it?" you ask. Saint shakes his head. "There are also battles you have to win. Your fellow opponents vote for two people to battle each other, and the loser is automatically disqualified. The winner gets to continue, and they cannot be voted in again. Of course, when it's down to two people, they fight it out until only one of them is left standing." "You mean..." Saint shrugs. "Not to get all Highlander on you, but, there can be only one." *goto saintsq *disable_reuse #"What is the prize then? For all that trouble?" "Immortality is the prize, $!{name}," Saint says. "That, in addition to your name in the Hero books along with the greats. Not only that, you get to be on the front lines of the war." [i]Immortality,[/i] you think. [i]The one thing the Bearer and the Bestower have never had.[/i] *goto saintsq *disable_reuse #"What happens if I don't win?" "If it's early on in the Trials, you're simply disqualified. But, like I said, the Gods only need one Hero." *goto saintsq #Say nothing and finish your water. You and Saint set your waters down then join the Seekers in their jog. You note that a tall, pale blonde boy keeps glancing at you, his unfriendly eyes scrutinizing. *page_break A shrill whistle sounds off. *goto training1 *label adonis1 "Are you afraid of heights?" he asks. You pause, considering. *fake_choice #"No, I'm not." you reply honestly. Adonis spins one last time, then jumps down from the beam, landing softly on his feet with little effort. "You should go up there, then," he says. "It's not that bad, I swear." "Easy for you to say," you reply. gazing at the tall beams. "You're like a Gods damn monkey." Adonis laughs his melodious laugh, drawing stares from some of the spinning girls nearby. "I'll even help you if you think you need it," he says, walking back over to the beams. *goto adonis2 #"No, not at all." you lie. Adonis spins one last time, then jumps down from the beam, landing softly on his feet with little effort. "You should go up there, then," he says. "It's not that bad, I swear." "Easy for you to say," you reply, gazing at the tall beams. "You're like a Gods damn monkey." Adonis laughs his melodious laugh, drawing stares from some of the spinning girls nearby. "I'll even help you if you think you need it," he says, walking back over to the beams. *goto adonis2 #"Yeah, I am." you reply honestly. Adonis spins one last time, then jumps down from the beam, landing softly on his feet with little effort. "I get that," he says. "But the best way to get over your fears is to face them head on. It's not that bad, I swear." You raise a skeptical eyebrow, looking toward the twenty-foot tall beam. "You can try the tiny beams if you want, oh [i]Great Lavei[/i]." Adonis teases. "This is easier for you," you reply. "You're like a Gods damn monkey." Adonis laughs his melodious laugh, drawing stares from some of the spinning girls nearby. "I'll even help you if you think you need it," he says, walking back over to the beams. *goto adonis2 *label adonis2 *fake_choice #"Sure. I'll do it if you keep me from you know, dying." *set Adonis +2 *if loveadonis = true You feel your cheeks flush as Adonis lifts you up onto the lowest beam and you try to ignore the glares from some Aphrodite children. Adonis shows you how to balance long enough to navigate the beam, and you two spend a moment trying complicated twists and flips. After another moment, Adonis turns to you. From this angle, you can't help but notice that he looks like an angel. *goto onthebeam *if loveadonis = false You try to ignore the sneers from Aphrodite's children when you two make your way up the beam. You obviously have no idea what you're doing. But, Adonis shows you how to balance long enough to navigate the beam, and you two spend a moment trying complicated twists and flips. After another moment, Adonis turns to you. *goto onthebeam *label onthebeam *page_break #"Sure. But I think I can manage on my own." *if loveadonis = true You feel your cheeks flush when Adonis smiles encouragingly at you from a higher beam. You grip the beam tightly, trying to ignore the glares from Aphrodite's children. Adonis shows you how to balance long enough to navigate the beam, and you two spend a moment trying complicated twists and flips. After another moment, Adonis turns to you. From this angle, you can't help but notice that he looks like an angel. *goto onthebeam *if loveadonis = false You try to ignore the sneers from Aphrodite's children when you two make your way up the beam. You obviously have no idea what you're doing. But, Adonis shows you how to balance long enough to navigate the beam, and you two spend a moment trying complicated twists and flips. *goto onthebeam2 *label onthebeam2 After another moment, Adonis turns to you. *page_break *label adonis3 "We need to talk about Alec later," he says, lowering his voice. "You can meet Saint, Calypso and me in my dorm, room 1402, after midnight. Be discreet." [i]Talk about Alec?[/i] you think. [i]Are they finally going to tell me what they know if I go?[/i] "The problem is, with the Trials coming up two days from now, we won't get many chances to meet up like this," Adonis admits, sighing. "Two days?" you echo, nearly falling off the beam. "Since when?" Adonis grins. "People really don't tell you much, do they?" Adonis helps you off the high beam, and you two sit on the floor near the balancing beams. You chug down a bottle of water. "Ask me anything," Adonis says. "I'll answer as best I can." *label adonisq *fake_choice *disable_reuse #"Who is competing in the trials?" "You want to know who you need to look out for." You nod. "Well, only the best of the best compete; the Gods want their Hero to be the one to lead them to victory." You wait. "Me, Calypso, Saint, Sage, Santiago, Psyche--" "Wait," you say, cutting him off. "I don't know those last two." Adonis winces. "But you will." *goto adonisq *disable_reuse #"What exactly are the trials I'll have to complete?" "The trials are specialized tests given to you by specific Gods. Each one is meant to test an individual Demigod on their skill; a skill that relates to whichever God is testing them. If you get a trial from Ares, expect it to be tied in with his source; war and conflict." "That's it?" you ask. Adonis shakes his head. "There are also battles you have to win. Your fellow opponents vote for two people to battle each other, and the loser is automatically disqualified. The winner gets to continue, and they cannot be voted in again. Of course, when it's down to two people, they fight it out until only one of them is left standing." "You mean..." Adonis smiles sadly. "Fight to the death." *goto adonisq *disable_reuse #"What is the prize then? For all that trouble?" "Immortality is the prize, $!{name}," Adonis says. "That, in addition to your name in the Hero books along with the greats. Not only that, you get to be on the front lines of the war." [i]Immortality,[/i] you think. [i]The one thing the Bearer and the Bestower have never had.[/i] *goto adonisq *disable_reuse #"What happens if I don't win?" "If it's early on in the Trials, you're simply disqualified. But, like I said, the Gods only need one Hero." *goto adonisq #Say nothing and finish your water. You and Adonis set your waters down then make your way back up the intricate beams, trying more gravity defying moves. You note that a tall, pale blonde boy keeps glancing at you, his unfriendly eyes scrutinizing. *page_break A shrill whistle sounds off. *goto training1 *label calypso1 "Come to spar, $!{name}?" she asks, throwing you a practice sword. You catch it, and nod, then you two begin to circle each other. Calypso watches you with amused eyes, her footsteps light. You note the group of Ares kids watching you with hostile glances. You... *fake_choice #Wait for her to make the first move. *set Wit +3 She seems to have the same idea, and you two circle each other for a moment more, before a loud shout is thrown at you. "Are you two ball dancing or fighting?!" a buff, dark haired boy calls out. He sits upon a stack of mats, his entourage around him, laughing. At that taunt, you two charge each other, your swords clashing. Calypso uses her weight to push off on your sword, sending it to the side and leaving your shoulder vulnerable. She begins to attack you with swift blows, using the edge of her blade. *page_break *goto calypso2 #Try to mimic her movements. *set Allure +3 She seems to have the same idea, and you two mirror each other's slashes for a while, her blows matching yours and your slashes matching hers. "Are you two ball dancing or fighting?!" a buff, dark haired boy calls out. He sits upon a large stack of mats, his entourage around him, laughing. At that taunt, you two charge each other, your swords clashing. Calypso uses her weight to push off on your sword, sending it to the side and leaving your shoulder vulnerable. She begins to attack you with swift blows, using the edge of her blade. *page_break *goto calypso2 #Charge her before she can charge you. *set Strength +3 She seems to have the same idea, and you clash with a bang, your armor slamming against hers and her sword slamming against yours. Calypso uses her weight to push off on your sword, sending it to the side and leaving your shoulder vulnerable. She begins to attack you with swift blows, using the edge of her blade. *page_break *goto calypso2 *label calypso2 *if Warrior = "1" Remembering the fight you had before, you try to find a pattern in her attack, but she seems to have learned her lesson from last time. You are on defense, trying to parry her blows with your own and keep her from pushing you back. You remember a move from your training days; allowing your opponent to take ground, then using your lower body strength to push off, swiftly disarming them. The only downside is that while you have to keep your opponent distracted trying to disarm you, you leave your chest unprotected. You begin to back off, allowing Calypso to corner you. She takes ground, as planned, then begins closing in on you. You wait until she's close enough to slash her sword the other way, but... Calypso simply smiles, keeping a safe distance. You blink. She charges. She raises her sword in a swift movement, and as soon as you realize what she's up to, she slashes as your side. You two stand eye to eye. Then the wild cheers from the Ares kids sound off, their cries deafening. *goto afterfight *if Magician = "1" You are on defense, trying to parry her blows with your own and keep her from pushing you back. You decide to start aggressively attacking her, your slashes mimicking her swiftness. She catches on, though, and refusing to allow you to corner her, she begins backing off, trying to keep distance. But now you have her cornered, and you raise your sword, ready to strike down... And she ducks under your arm, then twists on her knees, popping back up behind you. The plastic of her sword lightly taps your lower back. You turn around slowly, meeting her gaze. She rises up. You two stand, eye to eye. Then the wild cheers from the Ares kids sound off, their cries deafening. *goto afterfight *label afterfight *page_break Both exhausted, you two make your way over to a stack of mats, chugging down water bottles. Calypso turns to you, her expression serious. "We need to talk about Alec later," she says, trying to keep her voice low. "You can meet the guys and me in dorm room 1402 after midnight. Don't get caught." [i]Talk about Alec?[/i] you think. [i]Are they finally going to tell me what they know if I go?[/i] Calypso continues, "The problem is, with the Trials coming up two days from now, we won't get many chances to meet up like this." "Two days?" you echo. "Since when?" Calypso's brows furrow. "Man, you really are kept out of the loop, huh?" You nod. What an understatement. "Well, I can give you some information." *label calypsoq *fake_choice *disable_reuse #"Who is competing in the trials?" "Want to know who to take down, huh?" You stare. "Well, only the best of the best compete; the Gods want their Hero to be the one to lead them to victory." You wait. "Me, Adonis, Saint, Sage, Santiago, Psyche--" "Wait," you say, cutting him off. "I don't know those last two." Calypso grins. "Enjoy it while you can." *goto calypsoq *disable_reuse #"What exactly are the trials I'll have to complete?" "The trials are specialized tests given to you by specific Gods. Each one is meant to test an individual Demigod on their skill; a skill that relates to whichever God is testing them. If you get a trial from Ares, expect it to be tied in with his source; war and conflict." "That's it?" you ask. Calypso shakes her head. "There are also battles you have to win. Your fellow opponents vote for two people to battle each other, and the loser is automatically disqualified. The winner gets to continue, and they cannot be voted in again. Of course, when it's down to two people, they fight it out until only one of them is left standing." "You mean..." Calypso looks at you. "They'll make you fight until one of you is left in a pool of your own blood." *goto calypsoq *disable_reuse #"What is the prize then? For all that trouble?" "Immortality is the prize, $!{name}," Calypso says. "That, in addition to your name in the Hero books along with the greats. Not only that, you get to be on the front lines of the war." [i]Immortality,[/i] you think. [i]The one thing the Bearer and the Bestower have never had.[/i] *goto calypsoq *disable_reuse #"What happens if I don't win?" "If it's early on in the Trials, you're simply disqualified. But, like I said, the Gods only need one Hero." *goto calypsoq #Say nothing and finish your water. You and Calypso set your waters down then make your way back to the rows of weapons. You note that a tall, pale blonde boy keeps glancing at you, his unfriendly eyes scrutinizing. *page_break A shrill whistle sounds off. *goto training1 *label training1 A woman wearing a thick, black training chest piece steps into the center. She has a white, faint scar on the side of her face, a bright contrast against her healthy glow. She is tall, with a subtle build. Her face is a combination of hard lines and tightly sealed lips. Her hair is a long, single braid down her back. She must have some degree of respect because all the Demigods begin to line up, their moves practiced. Soon, there are five straight rows of Demigods, there hands behind their backs, their heads held high. Scurrying to catch up, you join the last row, trying to mimic their stance. "Normally, this is about the time that I'd call your name, and you'd walk over to your partner," Her voice is like the edge of a razor blade. "But we have a very special guest today, and I think that, instead of boring each other with the same old drills, we switch it up." All eyes turn to you. "$!{name} Angelis," the woman says. "Make your way over." You stand for a moment, hesitant. But, when you catch her cold gaze, you maneuver through the rows and stand before her. She stares at you, her dark eyes blank. You stare back, refusing to back down. Then, she speaks. "I am General Xene. Welcome to the Institute. Today we'll start with a PFT, just to see what you've got." She turns away, scanning the rows. "Polyas!" she bellows. "You're up!" A girl with long blonde hair makes her way over from the rows. "Me?" she asks, an eyebrow raised. She glances at you, uncertain at first, but then, a triumphant smile settles onto her face. She nods. "Let's do it." *page_break [b]Beta HP Test.[/b] [i]You will start the fight with a set amount of Health Points, with each move resulting in a decrease of a certain amount of HP. Your stats will affect your choices, so choose carefully. [i]At the end of the fight, a certain amount of remaining HP will be needed to win.[/i] *page_break [b]Current HP:[/b] 15 You and Virginia Polyas stand across each other on a dangerously high platform. There are floating rings of light surrounding you, casting a shadow under each of your eyes. It doesn't take a genius to know that the last thing you want to do is touch one of those buzzing rings. You're both strapped up in additional padding and what seems to be metal armor draped over your shoulders. Virginia Polyas is a giant. She stands six feet and three inches tall, her limbs long yet strong. She has a pretty face, with wide brown eyes and a smiling pink mouth. She looks ready to charge into Athens in her armor and laser-focused eyes. When General Xene's voice calls up, you both turn and look down. "Here's the drill: Last one standing wins, or until the other person calls mercy." "What are the rules?" you call back. The Demigods around you break into loud laughter, some shaking their heads, others suffering from second-degree embarrassment on your behalf. "You want a rule, Angelis? Don't kill each other," General Xene finally answers. "On my count." You turn to Virginia, who throws you a sharp looking blade. You inspect it. It's real. [i]"Three,"[/i] General Xene's voice is the only sound in the entire center. [i]"Two,"[/i] You grip the sword, and you and Virginia begin to pace each other, sizing one another up. [i]"One,"[/i] You can hear the underlying excitement in her voice. She wants to see blood drawn, you realize. They all do. [i]"Begin!"[/i] For a blissful second, no one moves. *page_break Then Virginia charges like a bull. She has one arm held to the side, sword raised high, and the other blocking her vulnerable stomach. Her feet pat against the soft floor, but you quickly note a slight limp in her steps. Thinking fast, you... *fake_choice #jump out of the way before she reaches me! *set HP -1 You swiftly move out of the way just as her sword comes swinging down. Where you were just seconds ago is where Virginia's sword slices through, empty air. she turns to you, lifting her sword up once again. You two circle each other, you keeping an eye on her shaking hand and her watching your unsteady feet. *page_break *goto fight1 #block her attack! *set HP -2 You brace yourself for the impact of Virginia's hit, and when it comes, you feel it full force. Her weight is nearly unbearable. *if Strength >=45 But you gather up your strength and push her back, watching her stagger away from you. *line_break [b](Stat check: Strength >=45)[/b] *goto t1 *if Strength <45 You try to gather up enough strength to push her off you, but you aren't strong enough. Instead, you attempt to duck under her, throwing her off balance. You do this successfully, crawling on your knees and standing up when you're behind her. *line_break [b](Stat check: Strength <45)[/b] *set HP -1 *goto t1 *label t1 You two circle each other, you keeping an eye on her shaking hand and her watching your unsteady feet. *page_break *goto fight1 *label fight1 Virginia narrows her eyes at you. For some reason, she must have thought this would be a quick victory. Obviously, people need to stop underestimating you. You feel a trickle of liquid running down your right arm. Somehow, in the scuffle, she managed to cut you. You ignore the blood, though, and decide to concentrate on your next move. The cheers and howling from the Demigods cannot be ignored now. You... *fake_choice #rush at her, my sword steady in front of me. *set HP -2 You steady your feet and charge her, your teeth gritted together. But Virginia senses your attack, her dodge is quick, almost too quick, and you only slash at air. You turn around, and she's attacking you, using her right arm, her slashes swift and merciless. Blow after blow you're sent reeling back, barely able to keep your ground. *if Wit >=46 But you gather your wits and realize that in her frenzy, she's left her side vulnerable. You allow her to swipe at you for a moment longer, until you can barely keep parrying her blows, then reach out with your sword and slash her side. *line_break [b](Stat check: Wit >=46)[/b] Virginia reels back, a cry escaping her throat. The part of her abdomen not covered by padding bleeds. The cheers from the Demigods increase, an animalistic tone in their voices. *goto t22 *if Wit <46 You try to think of a way out of her range, but your mind goes blank, entirely focused on blocking her attacks. *line_break [b](Stat check: Wit <46)[/b] Virginia roars, then lunges, her sword slashing against your vulnerable side. You spent too much time trying to block her instead of retaliating. You reel back, clutching your side. When you bring your hand up to your face, blood coats it, slick and dark. *set HP -2 *set health "3" *goto t22 *label t22 *page_break *goto fight2 #stay on the defense, waiting for her to attack me. You steady your feet and stand still, a silent dare in your eyes. Virginia takes the bait, her feet like lightning as she rushes you. *if Wit >=46 But you pay attention to her limp, the way she leans slightly to the right. Smiling to yourself, you fake a dodge to the left, and as she comes closer to you, she falls for it, leaning on her bad side. She winces and has to brace herself as she falls, landing deftly on her arm. *line_break [b](Stat check: Wit >=46)[/b] You monopolize on the advantage, bringing the weight of your foot onto her chest, holding her down. She tries to push your foot off her, but you're relentless, a surge of strength overcoming you. Your sword is over her neck, her breath leaving fog on the steel blade. You push down, inch by inch, drawing blood. [i]Just say mercy already,[/i] you plead. Your blade digs in even deeper, blood trickling from the wound. *page_break "Arg! Fine," Virginia screams, her voice strained. "Mercy!" *goto t2p *if Strength >=40 Smiling to yourself, you fake a dodge to the left, and as she comes closer to you, she falls for it, leaning on her bad side. She winces and has to brace herself as she falls, landing deftly on her arm. *line_break [b](Stat check: Strength >=40)[/b] You monopolize on the advantage, bringing the weight of your foot onto her chest, holding her down. She tries to push your foot off her, but you're relentless, a surge of strength overcoming you. Your sword is over her neck, her breath leaving fog on the steel blade. You push down, inch by inch, drawing blood. [i]Just say mercy already,[/i] you plead. Your blade digs in even deeper, blood trickling from the wound. *page_break "Arg! Fine," Virginia screams, her voice strained. "Mercy!" *goto t2p *if (Wit <46) or (Strength <40) You block her charge again, and send her back, but she is relentless. She presses her blade against your hand, pushing forward, and you scream, dropping your blade. *line_break [b](Stat check: Wit <46 or Strength <40)[/b] Virginia roars, then lunges, her sword slashing against your vulnerable side. You spent too much time trying to block her instead of retaliating. You reel back, clutching your side. When you bring your hand up to your face, blood coats it, slick and dark. *set HP -2 *set health "3" *page_break *goto t2 *label t2 *page_break *goto fight2 *label t2p *set Combat +15 *set Strength +10 There is silence. Then, deafening cheers. Virginia stands up, her hand on her neck. She looks at you, and you expect to see anger, but instead, she grins. She nods. "Good fight." The platform lowers slowly until it sinks completely back into the ground. General Xene grins at you, her scar stretching. "Fine job, Angelis. Took a little longer than I would have hoped, but fine none the less." You are suddenly surrounded by the grinning faces of Demigods and are lifted up by them, sitting on a wave of hands and shoulders. "$!{name}, $!{name}, $!{name}!" they chant. You feel invincible. *page_break *goto nightadv *label fight2 You can feel the fight draining the energy out of both of you. Both your steps are heavy, a little sloppy, too. But neither of you are willing to give up. This time, Virginia makes a move, riskier than her others. She charges you from the left, and, instinctively, you block your left side and slash with your right. [i]It was a trick,[/i] you realize too late. Just when you think she'll clash her sword against yours, she slashes your right side, the one undefended part of you. You go down, landing soundly on your knees. The pain is nearly blinding. Virginia stands above you. *if HP >=6 Seeing her triumphant grin reappear awakens something inside of you. Yes, you're injured, but you're not out of the running yet. You bring up the very last of your strength, and lunge for her legs, your arms outstretched before you. *line_break [b](HP >=6)[/b] You both go down, you landing on top of her. Her head slams against the soft floor with and sound [i]thud[/i]. You hold her arm down, then reach for her sword, snatching it from her hands. Hurrying before she regains her senses, you stand up, ignoring the protests from your body. You place a foot on her chest, then push down with all your weight, holding her down. Your sword is over her neck, her breath leaving fog on the steel blade. You push down, inch by inch, drawing blood. [i]Just say mercy already,[/i] you plead. Your blade digs in even deeper, blood trickling from the wound. *page_break "Arg, fine!" Virginia screams, her voice strained. "Mercy!" *goto t2k *if HP <6 You see her haughty grin reappear, and although some sort of anger swirls around within you, you cannot conjure enough strength to stand back up. The pain and exhaustion cripple you. *line_break [b](HP <6)[/b] Virginia kicks you in the chest, and you go down, your head landing soundly on the soft ground. You feel a sharp pain pressing on to your neck. Then warm liquid running out of a new wound. "Say it," Virginia says, her face placid. "Let's just get this over with." Silence. *page_break "Mercy." you say, your voice a whisper. *goto t2e *label t2k *set Combat +15 *set Strength +10 There is silence. Then, deafening cheers. Virginia stands up, her hand on her neck. She looks at you, and you expect to see anger, but instead, she grins. She nods. "Good fight." The platform lowers slowly until it sinks completely back into the ground. General Xene grins at you, her scar stretching. "A fine job, Angelis. Took a little longer than I would have hoped, but a fine job none the less." You are suddenly surrounded by the grinning faces of Demigods and are lifted up by them, sitting on a wave of hands and shoulders. "$!{name}, $!{name}, $!{name}!" they chant. You feel invincible. *page_break *goto nightadv *label t2e There is silence. Then, deafening cheers. Virginia pulls her sword back, a grin on her face. She helps you up slowly. She nods. "It was a good fight." The platform lowers slowly until it sinks completely back into the ground. General Xene watches you, a frown on her face. "Fine job, Polyas. Took a little longer than I would have hoped, but fine none the less. I wish I could say the same for you, Angelis." You are suddenly surrounded by the grinning faces of Demigods, and they lift Virginia up, on their hands and shoulders. "Virginia, Virginia, Virginia!" they chant. *page_break *goto nightadv *label nightadv *set clothing "an Institue uniform" When you finally make your way back to your dorm, you realize you have no key. Cursing, you knock. Haris opens the door. $!{his} mouth hangs open. "What happened to you?" *fake_choice #"Just your average first day of school injuries." I reply. Haris gapes at you, holding open the door. *goto dr1 #"I got my ass kicked." I reply. Haris winces, holding open the door for you. *goto dr1 #"A hoard of loan faeries got mad that I didn't pay them back the 100,000 Drachmas I owed." I reply. Haris blinks at you, holding open the door. *goto dr1 #"Use your imagination, Haris." I reply. Haris's eyes widen, and ${he} holds open the door. *goto dr1 *label dr1 You sit on your bed, your injuries inflicting pain onto every single atom in your body. The nurse, Mrs. Riay, tried her best to heal you, binding your wounds and prescribing you some pain medication. She didn't even blink when she saw the blood. [i]She must be used to this, by now.[/i] *if gender = "male" "I wish I would have been there to see you fight, Saoro $!{name}," Haris says, sighing. "I bet you were amazing!" *goto varc *if gender = "female" "I wish I would have been there to see you fight, Saora $!{name}," Haris says, sighing. "I bet you were amazing!" *goto varc *if gender = "they" "I wish I would have been there to see you fight, Saor $!{name}," Haris says, sighing. "I bet you were amazing!" *goto varc *label varc You just barely nod, your eyelids feeling heavier. "Oh, and this note is for you," Haris says. $!{he} hands you a small piece of parchment paper, your name written on it in neat, narrow writing. "Someone slid it under the door." [b]1402. AFTER MIDNIGHT.[/b] Remembering the meeting you were invited to, you turn to Haris. "Did you read it?" you ask. Haris shakes ${his} head. "No, I swear...I mean, I considered it, but my conscious got in the way." You look back to the paper. *fake_choice #I have to go. *set meetwgang true You crumble up the paper, the dorm number burning itself onto your mind. This is what you need to do. There is something happening in the land of the Gods, something that maybe even the immortals know nothing about. And you're going to get to the bottom of it. *page_break "Haris," you say. "I have a small favor to ask you..." *goto meetwgang #There's no way I can go. *set meetwgang false You crumble up the paper, sighing. Not only are you too beat up to go anywhere, but you have no desire to sneak out. Yes, there is something happening in the land of the Gods, something that maybe even the immortals know nothing about, but you need to figure it out for yourself, some other way. You make your way to the bathroom, getting ready for bed. Haris watches you walk across the room, a confused look on ${his} face. But ${he} doesn't say anything, and neither do you. *page_break For the first time in a long time, you do not dream. *finish *label meetwgang Sneaking out was the easy part. After years spent walking among the shadows, you've become an expert at coming and going without being noticed. It also doesn't hurt that Haris promised to cover for you and leave the key under the mat. *if gender = "female" A little after midnight, you manage to find the dorm, which Haris drew you a map to. Room 1402 is in the boys housing building, so you had to sneak out and walk through the cold night to reach it. *goto varkde *if gender = "male" A little after midnight, you manage to find the dorm, which Haris drew you a map to. Room 1402 is in the boys housing building, so lucky for you, you didn't have to sneak out. *goto varkde *if gender = "they" A little after midnight, you manage to find the dorm, which Haris drew you a map to. *goto varkde *label varkde The hallway the room was in was dark, like most of them, save for a few stray lights. You finally stand before the room door. You knock. No one answers. Not wanting to knock even louder, lest you draw more attention to yourself, you wait. [i]They said after midnight,[/i] you think, slightly annoyed. *page_break A figure emerges from down the hall. Saint, wearing a dark hood, walks toward you. From behind him, you can just barely make out Calypso's form behind him, wearing a matching hood that conceals most of her blonde hair. "You're late," you hiss, trying to keep your voice low. "Blame him," Calypso hisses back, pointing a finger at Saint. "The idiot fell asleep." "I'm [i]right here[/i]." Saint seethes. "Did you knock?" You nod. "No answer." Calypso leans closer to the door, leaning her head against it. "Well, he's in there; I hear voices." Saint mimics her , pressing his head against the door. After a moment, his face breaks out in a grin "Ah, man." *page_break Suddenly, the door swings open. Saint and Calypso spring away from the door just as a girl stumbles out, her face flushed. She stares at you three. You all stare back. "Hi," she says. "Goodnight." She scurries off down the hall. Adonis comes to the door, holding it open for you all. Saint and Calypso exchange amused glances. "Oh, Donny, what would your mother say?" Calypso teases, walking inside the dark room. "Probably something along the lines of 'Well done, son. You bring honor to the Aphrodite clan.'" Saint muses. Adonis rolls his eyes. "Just get in." *if loveadonis = true You feel heat gather in your cheeks when Adonis nods to you. Keeping your face placid you nod back in greeting, rushing into the room. *goto greeneyed *if loveadonis = false Adonis smiles at you in greeting, and you smile back in amusement. You walk into the room. *goto greeneyed *label greeneyed *page_break The room is nearly pitch black. "Turn on the light, Adonis." Calypso's voice says from somewhere in the darkness. There are papers everywhere. Everywhere. Not just papers but pictures of students and teachers, even some of the Gods are captured. The pictures hang in a web on red strings, swinging back and forth due to the wind that flows in through the window. There are black and white copies of places around Olympus; the hospital on the hill, the castle that held your summoning, the Institute, a few cafes. And, in the corner, a picture of you. "What [i]is[/i] all of this?" you ask, turning to catch a glimpse of ever detail of the room. "This is what the inside of Aeson's mind looks like," Saint says, throwing himself onto Adonis's bed. You note that there is only one bed in the room. "We contribute, of course." "Who is this Aeson guy you all keep mentioning?" you ask. The trio glance at each other. "The Bestower," Adonis answers, his eyebrows raised. "Ne Díneis." [i]Aeson is the Bestower. He holds the other half of the Essence.[/i] "But we're not here to talk about Aeson," Calypso says, pulling off her hood. *page_break "Somethings going on with the Seekers. Something really bad." "We've been paying close attention to the disappearances," Saint says. "Remember how I told you someone was abducting Seekers?" You nod, remember the conversation you had in Athens. "Well, since it's not you, we started looking around for clues," Adonis says. "Twelve Seekers have turned up dead over the last three years, and they're the ones who have been reported missing." "You know two of them," Saint says, walking over to the pictures. He points out a brown haired boy. The Seeker from the rooftop. "Saxon Cosse, older brother to Sage Cosse." "And Alec Malia," Calypso says, nodding to the picture of Alec that hangs off a red string. "He was pretty hot. May he rest in peace." Saint rolls his eyes. "Yeah, you may wanna hold off on the peace part." "Wait, why?" you ask. Saint looks to Adonis, who sits at his desk, spinning a finely made dagger. Sensing Saint's gaze, he turns to you. *page_break "Those Seekers weren't [i]our[/i] Seekers." he says. "What do you mean?" "Something was wrong with each and every one of their deaths. The Gods would never give us a full report on them. They'd always say it was a suicide or they were murdered by a civilian. As if a mortal could kill a Demigod!" Calypso exclaims. "People reported that they were acting out of character before they disappeared, or that they began to become distant, aggressive, even." Adonis says. You... *fake_choice #tell them about Saxon's eyes, and how black they were. "When I was fighting Saxon, something was off about him," you admit. "About all the Seekers, really." "What was wrong?" Saint asks. "His eyes..." you struggle to describe them. "They were black, but not just that...there was something about them that looked like death." *goto nightadv1 *selectable_if (sawseekerdie) #tell them about Alec's eyes, and how black they were. "When I was fighting Alec, something was off about him," you admit. "I mean, the entire situation was off, but still." "What was wrong?" Saint asks. "His eyes..." you struggle to describe them. "They were black, but not just that...there was something about them that looked like death." *goto nightadv1 #don't tell them about Saxon or Alec, but hint that somethings wrong. Your face contorts into confusion. "What was wrong?" Saint asks. You struggle to describe them. "It's like they're something [i]other[/i] than Demigods." *goto nightadv1 *label nightadv1 At first, no one speaks. "Then we're right," Adonis says, suddenly. "The Seekers are somehow being...influenced by some--" "Don't sugar-coat it, Adonis," Calypso interrupts. "They're being fucking possessed." No one argues with her. *label nightadvq *fake_choice *disable_reuse #"But by who?" you ask. "Someone who has insider knowledge," Saint says. "The whereabouts of Seekers are classified information." "And who holds all the information in Olympus?" Calypso asks. "The Gods." you all answer. *goto nightadvq *disable_reuse #"But what would be their motive?" you ask. "Maybe it's because of the War." Calypso suggests. "Maybe they want some all powerful renegade group of Seekers as a secret weapon." "They already [i]have[/i] a secret weapon," Adonis says. "And they're in the room with us." *goto nightadvq *disable_reuse #"Yeah, that doesn't make sense." you point out. "I agree," Saint says. "They already have an army of highly trained Demigods at their beck and call. In addition to that, they have you. What more could they need?" "Maybe...maybe it's not the Gods," Calypso says hesitantly. "Maybe it's someone, or [i]something[/i] else. Someone who doesn't have an army already." Neither of you says what you're thinking. *goto nightadvq #Stay silent. *page_break *goto nightadv2 *label nightadv2 You all spend the next few hours going over clues, checking stories, and pulling up theories. It feels like you're going in a circle, creating endless questions but coming up with no answers. It's nearly 3 AM when you all decide to call it a night. You... *fake_choice #walk silently to your dorm, your mind racing. You try to keep your thoughts in order, but the race around in your mind. There's too much to process, and you need to do it alone. You silently make your way over to your dorm. *page_break *goto goodnight #ask Saint to walk you to your dorm. *set Saint +3 Saint agrees with a begrudging groan, and you two make your way over to your dorm. You two talk over more theories, but that only leaves you both frustrated and confused. As you enter the hall your room is held in, you say goodnight to Saint, keeping your voice down. Before he turns the corner, he salutes to you. "Night, $!{name}." *page_break *goto goodnight #ask Calypso to walk you to your dorm. *set Calypso +3 Calypso points to the bags under her eyes, but relents. You two make your way over to your dorm. You try to talk to Calypso about more theories, but she shuts you down, raising a hand. "I refuse to make any logical decisions past 3 AM." Seeing your hurt expression, she softens. "Sorry. I'm exhausted. Try doing this every night for the last two weeks; the guys never stop talking about it." *if hatecal = true You turn to her. "I just wanted to say sorry, about earlier." You leave your apology vague, not sure exactly what you're apologizing for. Calypso nods, smiling. "Consider it forgotten, $!{name}." As you enter the hall your room is held in, you say goodnight to her, keeping your voice down. Before she turns the corner, she shoots an invisible arrow at you. "Night night, $!{name}." *goto ca *if lovecalypso = true You turn to her. "Today was wild, huh?" Calypso nods, smiling. "All because of you, no doubt. I knew you'd make things fun." You shake your head. "Nah. But I'm glad you were around." Calypso pauses, her lips pursed. "Oh." she says, her cheeks reddening. "Uh, thanks." As you enter the hall your room is held in, you say goodnight to her, keeping your voice down. Before she turns the corner, she shoots an invisible arrow at you, smiling coyly. "Night night, $!{name}." *goto ca *if hatecal = false You turn to her. "Today was wild, huh?" Calypso nods, smiling. "All because of you, no doubt. I knew you'd make things fun." You shake your head. "Nah, I think it's all you. I'm glad you were around." Calypso smiles. "Thanks, but you don't have to say that. Really." As you enter the hall your room is held in, you say goodnight to her, keeping your voice down. Before she turns the corner, she shoots an invisible arrow at you. "Night night, $!{name}." *goto ca *label ca *page_break *goto goodnight #ask Adonis to walk you to your dorm. *set Adonis +3 Adonis agrees somewhat hesitantly, and you two make your way over to your dorm. You discuss more theories, going over the same evidence as before until you're both left silent by confusion. *if loveadonis = true You turn to him. "So, who was that girl earlier?" Adonis glances at you. "Giana Vasquez." "Oh," you say simply. "She was a friend?" Adonis smiles his angel smile, all innocence. "A friend like Saint, or a friend like you?" You pause. "Is there a difference?" Adonis laughs, the sound bouncing off the walls like a music note. Then, he stops, turning to you. The moonlight reflects off the side of his face, outlining his cheekbones, his nose, his lips. He leans in. Then he pauses, noting your expression. You stare. "I'm not sure." he says, finally. He leans away from you. You two continue walking, and as you enter the hall your room is held in, you say goodnight to him, keeping your voice down. Before he turns the corner, he turns back around. "Sweet dreams, $!{name}." *goto ca *if loveadonis = false You turn to him. "Hey, Adonis, who was that girl earlier?" Adonis glances at you. "Giana Vasquez." "Oh," you say simply. "She was a friend?" "No, she wasn't." You pause, but apparently, that's all there is to say. You two continue walking, and as you enter the hall your room is held in, you say goodnight to him, keeping your voice down. Before he turns the corner, he turns back around. "Sweet dreams, $!{name}." *goto ca *page_break *goto goodnight *label goodnight You enter your room as quietly as possible. After brushing your teeth and changing into your hospital clothes, which you've resigned to wear as pajamas, you settle into bed, your muscles praising you for your kindness. You try to calm your racing mind. [i]The Gods, The Trials, the War, the Seekers...[/i]all those thoughts float around in your mind, taunting you. They beg for you to deal with them, to solve them, to get to the bottom of it all. You shut them up. *page_break For the first time in years, you do not dream. *finish