*temp saveteam false
*temp getbeast false
*temp alone false
*temp cc 0
*temp tp 0
*temp ll 0
*temp hh 0
*temp calypso false
*temp santiago false
*temp sage false
*temp scout false
*temp stay false
*temp sun"0"
*temp gun false
*temp dagger false
*temp pill false
*temp takeit false
*temp foughtsage false
*set clothing "light-weight linen"
*image http://i.imgur.com/C3HioVP.png

[b][i]You do not remember waking up.[/i][/b] In fact, you do not even remember going to sleep. So, when you feel yourself falling several hundred feet in the air, you are more than a little stunned.

You land onto the ground with a soft [i]thud[/i], your knees taking most of the fall.

You are on your knees in the middle of a desert, the dry winds whipping against you. You wear loose, white linen, which moves against the breeze. You slowly stand up. There is nothing for miles and miles except you, endless sand, and the blue sky.

Then, a voice that sounds more like an echo than a real thing, whispers into your ear.

*page_break "${name} Angelis," it says. "This is your first trial."
*set togglescenefade false
The ground shakes beneath you. You turn on your heel, just in time to watch a crystal cylinder rise up from the ground... 

*if dad1 = true
    ...And lying on the cylinder's flat top is a lethal black gun. 
*if dad2 = true
    ...And lying on the cylinder's flat top is a long, seafoam green spear.
*if dad3 = true
    ...And lying on the cylinder's flat top is a single blue pill.

"Take it, ${name}." the voice commands.

You...
*fake_choice
    #take it.
        *set empty_inventory false
        *set dadgift true
        *set takeit true
        *if dad1 = true
            *set dadgift_name "A black gun"
            The slick gun feels heavy and cold in your hands, but you grip it tightly. 
        *if dad2 = true
            *set dadgift_name "A long spear"
            The spear feels heavy in your hand, but you grip it tightly.
        *if dad3 = true
            *set dadgift_name "A blue pill"
            The blue pill feels small and insignifigant in the palm of your hand, but the power in it is unmistakable.
        *goto next
    #step away.
        *set takeit false
        "Take it," the voice says again, flat and emotionless.

        You shake your head, taking a step away.

        "So be it." the voice says indifferently.
        *goto next
*label next

Another swift gust of wind sends your shirt twirling around you, and sand sprays into your eyes. You bring your arm up to cover your face, and turn away from the wind.

*page_break You once again feel the sensation of falling through the air.
This time, when you land, you feel soft earth, wet under your knees.

You look up, and see that you are surrounded by lush rainforest. The tall trees seem to overflow with moisture; the leaves unrealistically large with perfect tips. The animals are of active motion and pleasant sound, their squeaks and hisses an roars blending into a perfect melody. The humidity seems to stick to your skin, casting a dewy sweat on your forehead and cheeks.

You stand.

Then, a body falls out of the sky.

They land the same way you did a minute ago...or was it longer ago? Time seems to be immeasurable in this strange place.

The person fell into the clearing right at your feet. Their clothes are not like yours; they are dressed in camoflogue. You see the mess of red hair, the curls seemingly collapsing onto one another, reaching for each tendril like fingertips...

*page_break Sage groans, and lifts herself off the floor.
There is only a second between when she sees you and when she's on her feet, a lethal machete aimed at you. Or, more specifically, your throat.

"You have five seconds to tell me what's going on," she says, arms braced before her. "Four now."

There are leaves in her hair, and smudged of dirt from the wet earth on her face. The only sound is that from a faraway body of water that sounds like it's crashing against rocks. Your throat is dry, screaming for water.

*fake_choice
    #"I don't know what's going on," I insist. "I just appeared here, same as you."
        Sage narrows her eyes at you, machete still aimed at you. Her shoulders are tense. After a minute of dreadful silence, she cautiously lowers her weapon, dropping her arm to her side.

        *if (dad1 = true) and (takeit = true)
            She eyes the gun in your hand with wariness.  
        *if (dad2 = true) and (takeit = true)
            She eyes the spear in your hand with a raised eyebrow.
        *if (dad3 = true) and (takeit = true)
            She doesn't seem to notice the pill, but she must see that you clutch something tightly in your hand.
        *if (dad1 = true) and (takeit = false)
           She twirls the machete absently in her hand.   
        *if (dad2 = true) and (takeit = false)
           She twirls the machete absently in her hand.  
        *if (dad3 = true) and (takeit = false)
           She twirls the machete absently in her hand.  

        "This must be the first trial, then," she mutters to herself. "Typical."

        *goto rainforest1
    #"Does it [i]look[/i] like I have any idea what's going on?" I sneer.
        Sage narrows her eyes at you, then takes a sudden step toward you. You tense your muscles, preparing yourself...but then she pauses, stepping back. After a minute of dreadful silence, she cautiously lowers her weapon, and takes a step away from you.

        *if (dad1 = true) and (takeit = true)
            She eyes the gun in your hand with wariness.  
        *if (dad2 = true) and (takeit = true)
            She eyes the spear in your hand with a raised eyebrow.
        *if (dad3 = true) and (takeit = true)
            She doesn't seem to notice the pill, but she must see that you clutch something tightly in your hand.
        *if (dad1 = true) and (takeit = false)
           She twirls the machete absently in her hand.   
        *if (dad2 = true) and (takeit = false)
           She twirls the machete absently in her hand.  
        *if (dad3 = true) and (takeit = false)
           She twirls the machete absently in her hand.  

        "This must be the first trial, then," she mutters to herself. "Typical."

        *goto rainforest1
    #I say nothing, staring her down.
        *set foughtsage true
        Sage smirks, amusement in her eyes. Her weapon is still poised at you, the tip of it gleaming.

        "Three seconds," she recites, her shoulders tensing. "You have three seconds."

        *if (dad1 = true) and (takeit = true)
            She quickly eyes the gun in your hand with wariness, then returns her attention to your face.
        *if (dad2 = true) and (takeit = true)
            She quickly eyes the spear in your hand with a raised eyebrow, then returns her attention to your face.
        *if (dad3 = true) and (takeit = true)
            She doesn't seem to notice the pill, but she must see that you clutch something tightly in your hand.
        *if (dad1 = true) and (takeit = false)
           She twirls the machete absently in her hand.   
        *if (dad2 = true) and (takeit = false)
           She twirls the machete absently in her hand.  
        *if (dad3 = true) and (takeit = false)
           She twirls the machete absently in her hand.  

        "Two seconds," she says.
        *fake_choice
            #"I don't know what's going on, alright?" I say finally.
                Sage shakes her head. "Why didn't you just say that in the first place. Do you understand how impossible you're being?"

                "[i]Me?[/i]" you ask incredulously. "You have a machete pointed at my throat!"

                Sage looks down at the weapon, as if just remembering it was there. She presses her lips together, glancing at the epitome of nature around her. She must just now realize that she's in a rain forest, having been too occupied with threatening you to take in her surroundings.

                She drops her arm to the side, gazing up at a low swung tree. "This must be the first trial," she says, a tone of awe in her voice. "Typical."
                *goto rainforest1
            #I lunge at her, taking this opportunity to make my move.
                She smiles when she sees your sudden attack, then side steps your lunge. You reel back, landing on your knees. Sage pounces on you, the blade of the machete swinging dangerously close toward your head. 
                *if takeit = false
                    You dodge the blow, but Sage is faster. She moves with...an unnatural speed, her arms raising to swing the blade down toward your neck, your chest, your gut.

                    You're still on the ground, crawling away, when she raises her arms again, that blade prepared to swing down on your once more. A split second before the blade comes down, you dodge again. You land on your elbows, and when you turn, looking over your shoulder, Sage's machete is sunk into the earth, the exact spot you had been less than two seconds ago. But she pulls the machete out of the ground, already beginning to swing it at you when you stick out your foot, causing her to trip.

                    She stumbles, falling onto the weapon's handle. You quickly scurry up, pushing down on her shoulders before she can get on. She wraths under you, but you hold her down, pushing most of your weight onto her back.

                    She stops moving.
                *if (dad1 = true) and (takeit = true)
                    You pull out the gun a split second before the blade strikes down on you.

                    Sage pauses, and for a moment, her eyes widen before returning to their normal size.

                    You briefly wonder how this scene would look to an unbiased bystander; one opponent with a long machete, and another with a gun, both pointed at one another, left in a standstill. 
                *if (dad2 = true) and (takeit = true)
                    You bring up the spear a second before the blade strikes down on you, using it to block the blunt of the swing. You two struggle for a moment, your teeth grinding against one another as you push against the blade.
                *if (dad3 = true) and (takeit = true)
                    You clamp your palm around the pill and your roll to the left, a split second before the blade swings down on you. Sage's machete sunk into the earth, the exact spot you had been less than two seconds ago. She pulls the machete out of the ground, already begining to swing it at you when you stick out your foot, causing her to trip.

                    She stumbles, falling onto the weapon's handle. You quickly scurry up, pushing down on her shoulders before she can get on. She wraths under you, but you hold her down, pushing most of your weight onto her back.

                    She stops moving.
                *goto rainforest1a

*label rainforest1a

*if takeit = false
    She speaks.

    "Fine," she says, her vice muffled by either her hair or the earth that must be suffocating her. "I said [i]fine[/i]!"

    She moves with newfound strength, arching her back up and promptly dethroning you from her spine. She reaches down to pick up her machete, takes a step back, and presses her lips together, glancing at the epitome of nature around her. She must just now realize that she's in a rainforest, having been too occupied with fighting you to take in her surroundings.

    She gazes up at a low swung tree. "This must be the first trial," she says, a tone of awe in her voice. "Typical."

    You rise from the ground.
    *page_break You both stand there, silent.
    *goto rainforest1
*if dad1 = true
    Your hands shake, and so does the gun. You note that Sage's hands are steady, a promise that her strike will not miss.

    She speaks.

    "Fine," she says with the flippancy of someone talking about the weather. "Next time, then."

    She moves her machete away from you, dropping her arm to the side. She takes a step back, pressing her lips together, glancing at the epitome of nature around her. She must just now realize that she's in a rainforest, having been too occupied with fighting you to take in her surroundings.

    She gazes up at a low swung tree. "This must be the first trial," she says, a tone of awe in her voice. "Typical."
    *page_break You both stand there, silent.
    *goto rainforest1
*if dad2 = true
    She speaks.

    "Gods," she says with an annoyed groan. "Fine. [i]Fine[/i]. Next time, then."

    She moves her machete away from you, dropping her arm to the side. She takes a step back, pressing her lips together, glancing at the epitome of nature around her. She must just now realize that she's in a rainforest, having been too occupied with fighting you to take in her surroundings.

    She gazes up at a low swung tree. "This must be the first trial," she says, a tone of awe in her voice. "Typical."
    *page_break You both stand there, silent.
    *goto rainforest1
*if dad3 = true
    She speaks.

    "Fine," she says, her vice muffled by either her hair or the earth that must be suffocating her. "I said [i]fine[/i]!"

    She moves with newfound strength, arching her back up and promptly dethroning you from her spine. She reaches down to pick up her machete, takes a step back, and presses her lips together, glancing at the epitome of nature around her. She must just now realize that she's in a rainforest, having been too occupied with fighting you to take in her surroundings.

    She gazes up at a low swung tree. "This must be the first trial," she says, a tone of awe in her voice. "Typical."

    You rise from the ground.
    *page_break You both stand there, silent.
    *goto rainforest1
*label rainforest1

Sage casts one more wary look at you. "I don't know what kind of Trial this is; maybe we're supposed to work together, Demeter be damned, or maybe I'm suppose to fight you. I'm not sure. But just in case, I rather not deal with your Daddy's wrath."

She distractedly looks at her reflection in the blade, picking the leaves from her hair. Then, she turns to leave.

"Where are you going?" you ask. "Didn't you just say you weren't sure if we should work together or not? You could be damning us both by leaving."

She doesn't pause at your warning, walking through a wild bush. "I'll take my chances."

She pulls aside some greenery, preparing to walk even further away from you when...
*page_break Another body falls out of the sky, landing in the bush next to Sage.
Sage leaps back in relfex, a small shriek escaping her mouth. Her machete is in front of her in an instant, her body tense. You walk closer, trying to get a better look at the person. A white shirt, dark, curly hair...

The person groans, rubbing the side of their head in pain.

It's Santiago, you realize.

He slowly stands up to his full height, then ducks under a tree when a low branch bangs against the top of his head. You note that he's nearly soaking wet, water dripping from his hair.

"...Santiago?" Sage asks cautiously, rushing over to him.

He peeks down at her under his dripping wet hair, wincing when the sun comes in contact with his face. "Yes...although I really wish I was anyone else."

Sage smiles, the first time you've seen her do so, a lone dimple appearing on her cheek.

You notice that Santiago has nothing in his possesion. [i]Is there even anyone else around but us three? Will more Demigods fall out of the sky?[/i] Your questions run circles in your head. You turn your attention back to Sage and Santiago's conversation.

"...in the middle of the ocean. I thought I was dreaming." Santiago explains. 

"I woke up on the beach," Sage explains. "I thought I was dreaming, too. Then this monotone voice told me to pick up the machete. It was so creepy."

*if metsanti =true
    Santiago suddenly turns, noting your presence. He grins. "One step closer to saving the world, right Angelis?"  
    
    "That's up for debate..." Sage mutters.
    
    "Is that any way to regard your fellow team mate, Sage?"
    
    Sage narrows her eyes in your direction. "Team mate, huh? You really think so?"
*if metsanti =false
    Santiago turns, suddenly noting your presence. "Am I finally in the presence of the Chosen One?" he asks. "At least this means victory is in our team's near future."

    "That's up for debate..." Sage mutters. "and what do you mean 'team'?"

Santiago turns to her, raising his eyebrows. "You must have bumped your head on the way down. Isn't it obvious?" he says. "If they wanted us to duke it out, they'd have thrown us in an arena with weapons and tell us to spare each other's eyeballs. Zeus could use them for decorations in his living room."

*if dad3= true
    Santiago glances at you. "No offense."

Sage smiles wryly, raising her machete. "We've got the weapons part down."
*page_break The now familiar sound of someone falling from the sky  behind you all.
Sage and Santiago exchange looks, then rush off toward the clearing you and Sage had just been in. When Santiago sees your hesitance, he points at you. 

"Come on, ${name}," he calls out. "If there's danger, we need you to be our shield."

You follow with a groan, pushing aside branches and maneuvering around sparse greenery.

When you finally spot Sage's red hair and Santiago's curly locks, they're both staring down at something. 

You take a few steps closer. 

Before you is Calypso, crouched on the ground, a silver bow slung over her shoulders. She has a critical eye, surveying her surroundings before even acknowledging any of you. Her hair is in a sleek ponytail, and there are faint smudges of dirt on her deep brown skin.

Then, she speaks.
*page_break "This is Artemis's Trial," she says.
Santiago stretches his arms above his head, reaching for the sky. "And how, exactly, do you know that?"

Calypso stands to her full height, then turns around, her eyes analyzing the jungle. "This is her domain," she states, pointing out a glinting, seemingly silver flower. "I read about it when I was younger; this is where she brings her hunters to train."

"What does that mean then?" Sage asks. "Is this whole place rigged with booby traps or something?"

"I didn't read about any booby traps," Calypso admits. "All I know is that Artemis sent her hunters here to test their skills. It's the perfect hunting ground; tall trees with sweeping canopies, weaving paths, wildlife-"

"Yes, that's wonderful Girl Scout Calypso," Sage interrupts, "But how does that make this any easier for [i]us[/i]?"

Calypso cuts her a glare. "Listen, whatever issues you have with me, you won't be doing any favors for the team by-"

"We're not a 'team'!" Sage groans. "Stop [i]saying[/i] that."

"You're in denial Sage," Santiago muses. "I would have thought you'd be the first to pounce at the chance of being rewarded for slaughtering your fellow classmates."

The three continue to bicker, their voices rising in sync with their frustration and anger. You look up just in time to watch the dark, omnious clouds form over the once perfect azure sky. There is a low rumble that emits, and a flash of lighting.

[i]A storm,[/i] you realize. And you're all standing in the eye of it.

You turn to your team, and find that somehow, Calypso is holding a feral Sage back as Santiago explains the steps required to move on from a traumatic experience. 

You need to get their attention. And quickly.
*fake_choice
    *selectable_if (dad1 = "true") #I stand on top of a fallen branch, and aim my gun toward the sky, my finger resting on the trigger.
        Once atop the branch, you feel the cold metal of the gun underneath your fingertips. You take a breath, pushing back your shoulders.

        Then, you fire.

        The single shot that rings out through the clearing leaves the trio speechless. Calypso's grip on Sage slackens, and Sage herself looks at you with annoyance. Santiago raises his eyebrows, then grins widely.

        "Gee, Angelis," he says. "I think a simple 'Hey!' would have sufficed."

        You step down from the branch, waving the gun near your head, waiting for the smoke to clear.

        "Listen," you begin. "There's a storm coming, alright? Pair that with the fact that we're standing on a low part of the entire forest, and it's a no brainer that we'll be flushed out if we don't move to high ground. And [i]soon[/i]."

        The three glance at the sky, and then back at you.

        Calypso nods. "Lead the way."
        *page_break The jungle is undoubtedly beautiful.
        *goto part1
    *selectable_if (dad2 = "true") #I grip my spear, then set my sights on the tree nearest to the trio.
        You find an easy vantage point, in between two fallen branches, and grip the spear.

        *if Strength <40
            Of course, you can barely lift the thing above your waist, but your try anyway, struggling with the weight of it.
        *if Strength >40
            Naturally, you lift the spear with ease, the weapon feeling light in your hand.

        You pull your arm back, and with one eye closed, you throw the spear toward the tree.

        *if (Strength <40) and (Warrior = "1")
            You may not be the strongest, but your training instincts kick in the second the spear leaves your grip. It doesn't fly that far, but the sound of the spear landing on the soft earth catches the trio's attention.

            Calypso purses her lips, holding in a laugh, while Sage raises an eyebrow. Santiago bursts into laughter.

            "Hercules must feel incredibly threatened right about now," he says between gasps for air. "He's probably on his this very moment to defend his title."
        *if Strength <40
            It doesn't even make it five feet past where you stand, barely catching any air, but the loud thud of the spear dropping uselessly onto the soft earth catches the trio's attention.

            Calypso purses her lips, holding in a laugh, while Sage raises an eyebrow. Santiago bursts into laughter.

            "Hercules must feel incredibly threatened right about now," he says between gasps for air. "He's probably on his way this very moment to defend his title."
        *if Strength >40
            The spear soars in a perfect spiral, right toward the tree.

            Santiago only has a second to react before the spear sinks its sharp tip into the tree behind him.

            Calypso stares at you, nodding in approval, while Sage rolls her eyes. Santiago stands up from his position on the ground, glaring at you.

            "I think a simple 'Hey!' would have worked too." he says, rubbing the top of his head.

        "Listen," you begin. "There's a storm coming, alright? Pair that with the fact that we're standing on a low part of the entire forest, and it's a no-brainer that we'll be flushed out if we don't move to high ground. And [i]soon[/i]."

        The three glance at the sky, and then back at you.

        Calypso nods. "Lead the way."
        *page_break The jungle is undoubtedly beautiful.
        *goto part1
    #I stand on top of a tall boulder, and try to get their attention.
        Once atop the boulder, you square your shoulders and take a deep breath.

        Then, you scream. "HEY!"

        Your voice echoes through the clearing, and the trio all turn to glare at you.

        "${name}," Santiago says. "I think you woke up the sloths."

        "Listen," you begin. "There's a storm coming, alright? Pair that with the fact that we're standing on a low part of the entire forest, and it's a no-brainer that we'll be flushed out if we don't move to high ground. And [i]soon[/i]."

        The three glance at the sky, and then back at you.

        Calypso nods. "Lead the way."
        *page_break The jungle is undoubtedly beautiful.
        *goto part1
    #I close my eyes, and reach for the magic within me.
        *if Magician = "1"
            You think up a simple flare spell, a rather elementary one from your early days studying magic, and focus on the power flowing through your veins.

            [i]Lux, Lux, Lux,[/i] you chant softly.

            It starts off as a warm, caressing sensation that builds up in your chest, and spreads to your fingertips. You ignore the usual sharp pain at the back of your head and brilliant, spiraling bursts of light shoot out of your fingertips.
        *if Warrior = "1"
            You can't think of any spells, but you focus on the power flowing through your veins.

            You think of something bright and vibrant that will get their attention, and sear the image into your mind.

            It starts off as a warm, caressing sensation that builds up in your chest, and spreads to your fingertips. You ignore the usual sharp pain at the back of your head.

            Then, violent shocks of light shoot out from your body in all directions, bouncing off trees and branches.

        Calypso, Sage, and Santiago look at you in shock, their mouths agape. It wasn't what you were going for...but at least you have their attention.

        "Listen," you begin. "There's a storm coming, alright? Pair that with the fact that we're standing on a low part of the entire forest, and it's a no-brainer that we'll be flushed out if we don't move to high ground. And [i]soon[/i]."

        The three glance at the sky, and then back at you.

        Calypso nods. "Lead the way."
        *page_break The jungle is undoubtedly beautiful.
        *goto part1
*label part1
You reach for a low branch just as your foot slips.

Luckily for you, the beautiful greenery provides many secure holdings. You trek on upward the winding path, the sky angrily thundering above you, along with Sage and Santiago, who speak in low, intimate voices.

Calypso hikes along confidently beside you, her steps sturdy. 

*if (Calypso = ">40")
    Earlier, when you had all began your trek up the path, she had turned her attention to you, a wide grin on her face.

    "Lucky Leda," she declared, her eyes bright. "You and me? We've practically already won."
*if (Calypso= "<40")
    Earlier, when you had all began your trek up the path, she had turned her attention to you.

    She had smiled reassuringly, acknowledging you with a quick nod.

Now, Calypso moves a loose branch out of the path, holding it by as you pass. The top of the slope is fast approaching now, and you know that whatever the challenge will be lies straight ahead.

You contemplate your role in the Trials as Santiago sings a song about a wax statue that fell in love with the sun. Calypso groans, but once Santiago reaches the second verse, she too begins to sing along. 

Although Sage may be right, and for all you know, you could be split up as soon as the challenge arraises and be forced to fight one another, Santiago could be right as well. Maybe this is all a team effort.

Either way, you know how you'll play the Trials. Your life depends on it.
*label strategies
*allow_reuse
*fake_choice
    #I have to win no matter what; and no one is going to get in my way. (Strategy set: Cunning Competetor)
        *set cc true
        [i]This is by far the most ruthless of the four strategies. This stategy relies heavily on manipulation, charm, and high intelligence. You will have a wide variety of options when faced with certain situations, but you will be penalized if you do not act accordingly to the values of this strategy.[/i]

        [i]Choosing this strategy will not only increase your Allure and Wit stats, but your Immoral stat as well.[/i]
        *goto strategycheck
    #I need as much help as I can get. No one can face this alone. (Strategy set: Team Player)
        *set tp true
        [i]The most reliant of the stats. This strategy relies heavily on forging alliances with other players. Due to this, you will often be faced with situations that go against your alliances, and you will be penalized if you do not act accordingly.[/i]

        [i]Choosing this strategy will increase your Strength and Moral stat.[/i]
        *goto strategycheck
    #I need to win without any distractions. That means looking out for myself first, above all else. (Strategy set: Lone Lavei)
        *set ll true
        [i]The most independant and flexible of the stats. This strategy allows more freedom in your choices without the fear of being penalized for going against the moral quota of your strategy. Although, once this strategy is chosen, you cannot forge alliances with any other PO's.[/i]

        [i]Choosing this strategy will not initially increase any of your stats.[/i]
        *goto strategycheck
    #I have to play this right; I can't risk showing any weaknesses. I have to give them what they want in order to survive. (Strategy set: Honorable Hero)
        *set hh true
        [i]The most beneficial but difficult stat to abide by. This strategy relies on high Allure and Wit, and the ability to act as a Hero (whether that is who you truly are or not) convincingly.[/i]

        [i]Choosing this strategy will increase your Allure, Wit and Strength stats, and in some cases, your Moral stat as well. In addition to that, picking specific choices will raise your Citizen and Council stats.[/i]
        *goto strategycheck
*label strategycheck
Are you sure this is the strategy you've decided on?
*fake_choice
    #Yes.
        *goto part2
    #No, I change my mind.
        *goto strategies
*label part2
You briefly wonder if this is all worth it, but then an imagine of your own funeral flashes into your mind, along with Hera's taunting words; [i]"If the child is not on our side, why not avoid this silly war altogether and just kill ${him}?"[/i]

Your life is on the line. As you are now, even with all that abundance of power so close yet so far...you are truly vulnerable; to the Gods, to Cronus...even your fellow Demigods.

Santiago's voice breaks you out of your stream of conciousness.

"Holy Hera," he says. "What is [i]that[/i]?"

You and Calypso turn your attention to the peak of the hill. From your viewpoint, there are what appear to be four large floating balls of light. They shine against your gloomy surroundings, illuminating the trees.

Your team heads up the path, toward the mysterious lights. The closer you get, the darker the sky becomes; the clouds now thunder angrily at you all, as if protesting your advancement up the slope.

When you all finally reach the floating lights, you all wait expectantly.

Then, the Goddess appears.
*page_break
If not for the already blinding effect of the lights, you all may have noticed Artemis's arrival. She floats above your heads in all her natural glory. Her hair, curly and unruly, is braided with leaves and speckled with moondust. Her chiton hangs off her body, kept together by endless straps of bows, spears and satchels.

She speaks, her voice strong and pleasing to the ears.

"The lights will guide you." she states simply, glancing at the sky. "I declare with a heavy heart that that is all I can aide you in."

"Thanks for the help," Sage mutters.

Artemis ignores her. "The only piece of advice I can spare you is to stay within the trees. They will protect you."

Beside you, Calypso gapes at the Goddess, a childlike sense of admiration twinkling in her eyes..and also an alarmingly loud heartbeat. You wonder briefly if she needs medical attention.

Artemis finally gazes upon her, then raises an eyebrow, a faint smile growing on her face. 

"Calypso," the Goddess says. "I'm watching."
*page_break With that final address, the Goddess disappears.
"I've never seen Artemis that close before," Sage says. "She looks like Penelope Cruz if you ask me."

"Good thing no one asked." Santiago retorts. Sage pushes him with what you suspect is far less force than what'd she'd use on you. Still, she smiles at Santiago's snuff.

You turn your attention to the floating sources of light. [i]The lights will guide you[/i]. 

Calypso, Sage and Santiago look at you expectantly.

You begin to approach the first floating light, the heat of it already intensifying. You hear the remnants of thunder begin to sound off in the distance, then fade off second my second. By the time your hands graze the warmth of the lights, a flash of lightning goes off...

And then, silence.

The light source is no longer there, instead replaced by a camoflogue backpack. It floats above you until you take a hold of the strap, and gravity takes over.

Soon, Calypso, Sage and Santiago approach the remaining lights, each attaining a similar backpack as yours.

Calypso, the first to dig into her backpack, produces a blue vest, then another, and another, and another. One for each of you, it seems.

Sage opens hers next, and pulls out a large tarp, and several bottles of water.

Santiago finally opens his as well, and produces a small round ball.

"Oh, no," Sage says as soon as Santiago lifts the flag above his head. "No, no, no."

*page_break "Capture the beast, anyone?" Santiago grins.
"Capture...the beast?" you repeat.

Calypso takes the ball from Santiago's grasp, then places the small object on the ground, just a few feet away from where you all stand.

"No, not there," Santiago argues. "Let's trek up higher. The higher it is, the harder it'll be for offense to get it."

"That makes it easier to spot it and harder to defend. " Calypso retorts.

"Capture the beast?" you ask again.

Surprisingly, it's Sage who answers you. 

"It's like capture the flag, except with monsters. Each team has to defend their beast from the other team's fire-power, all while trying to kill the other team's beast." she turns toward Calypso and Santiago, who are still arguing on location. "It's the worst."

You turn back toward Calypso and Santiago, who have decided to place the ball on high ground, just like Santiago suggested. There is a triumphant grin on Santiago's face, which Calypso looks more than willing to slap off.

"Alright, we need a plan of action." Calypso announces, taking a seat on the soft earth beside Santiago. They both strap on their blue vests, then throw some to you and Sage.

"Easy; we wait for them to attack, then we kill them." Sage states, adjusting her strap.

You all stare at her.

"What?" she asks. "Like anyone else has a plan of the century."

It's then that they all turn to you. Whether you like it or not, you've been recognized as a sort of leader for this trial.

You gather your thoughts before presenting your plan.
*choice
    #[i]We need to be aggresive,[/i] I think. The sooner we kill the other team's beast, the sooner this is all over. (Offense)
        *set sun "1"
        You stand atop a tall, flat boulder, next to the tiny ball containing your beast. "We go in for the kill, without hesitation. We make the first move, forcing them to retaliate."
        
        Sage makes a noncommital sound beside you, sinking the blade of her machete into the ground. Calypso nods, agreement on her face.
        
        It's Santiago that argues. "We just go ahead and attack, without even thinking about all the elements at play?"
        
        You nod, resolve in your eyes. "We'll work out the finer details later; what's important is that we make the first move and catch them off guard. Our priority is killing that thing, right? The 'other elements at play' are irrelevant."
        
        Santiago says nothing, but nods. "If you say so, Angelis."
        
        With that final sign of approval, you jump off the boulder, pleased with your choice. Calypso pats you on the shoulder before making her way toward the previously discarded ball. You watch her position her foot over the object, then turn to look at you.
        
        "Might wanna step back; this isn't Just Add Water." she warns.
        
        You just barely have enough time to put as much distance between you and the beast before she bring her foot down atop the ball with a satisfying [i]thud[/i]. Calypso quickly moves away from the crushed object, and steam begins to rise from the crushed pieces. 
        
        Then, the steam begins to solidify.
        
        You watch as the steam curls together to create an ambiguous shape; an animal with four legs and a large, long body. Then, the steam begins to fade away, reavealing what may be the most gruesome excuse of an animal your eyes have ever laid upon.
        *page_break "Crap, it's just an Erymanthian!" you hear Sage whine.
        *goto beasty
    #[i]We need to be cunning,[/i] I think. We have to carefully plan out a strategy that will best secure our victory. (Defense)
        *set sun "3"
        You stand atop a tall, flat boulder, next to the tiny ball containing your beast. "We need to be smart about this. The other team will expect us to make the first move, and if not, then they'll be planning to strike first. It won't matter if we're not prepared. I say that we think about each possibility, and best asses how to use every element in play to [i]our[/i] advantage."
        
        Sage groans beside you, sinking the blade of her machete into the ground. "Might as well give up now. We're sitting ducks coming up with plans while the other team sharpens their blades."
        
        Santiago comes to your defense. "It's smart; this isn't just some game you played with dogs when you were a kid- this decides the fate of Olympus. I think Artmeis is expecting more than the simple gorilla attack from us."
        
        You nod, resolve in your eyes. "We need to sit down and think this through; what's important is that we're one step ahead of them."
        
        Calypso finally speaks, nodding. "If you say so, $!{name}."
        
        With that final sign of approval, you jump off the boulder, pleased with your choice. Calypso pats you on the shoulder before making her way toward the previously discarded ball. You watch her position her foot over the object, then turn to look at you.
        
        "Might wanna step back; this isn't Just Add Water." she warns.
        
        You just barely have enough time to put as much distance between you and the beast before she bring her foot down atop the ball with a satisfying [i]thud[/i]. Calypso quickly moves away from the crushed object, and steam begins to rise from the crushed pieces. 
        
        Then, the steam begins to solidify.
        
        You watch as the steam curls together to create an ambiguous shape; an animal with four legs and a large, long body. Then, the steam begins to fade away, reavealing what may be the most gruesome excuse of an animal your eyes have ever laid upon.
        *page_break "Crap, it's just an Erymanthian!" you hear Sage whine.
        *goto beasty
    #[i]We need to be patient[/i], I think. Eventually the other team will come looking for their kill, and that's when we attack. (Defense)
        *set sun "2"
        You stand atop a tall, flat boulder, next to the tiny ball containing your beast. "With luck, the other team breaks first. We stay here on defense and wait for them to attack. By the time they do, we'll be ready for them; that's when we go in for the kill."
        
        Sage groans beside you, sinking the blade of her machete into the ground. "Might as well give up now. We're sitting ducks coming up with plans while the other team sharpens their blades."
        
        Santiago comes to your defense. "It's smart; this isn't just some game you played with dogs when you were a kid-this decides the fate of Olympus. I think Artmeis is expecting more than the simple gorilla attack from us."
        
        You nod, resolve in your eyes. "We need to prepare for the attack; it won't matter what they throw at us if we're ready to defend ourselves."
        
        Calypso finally speaks, nodding. "I like it; we're not being overly passive, but at the same time we're not being reckless."
        
        With that final sign of approval, you jump off the boulder, pleased with your choice. Calypso pats you on the shoulder before making her way toward the previously discarded ball. You watch her position her foot over the object, then turn to look at you.
        
        "Might wanna step back; this isn't Just Add Water." she warns.
        
        You just barely have enough time to put as much distance between you and the beast before she bring her foot down atop the ball with a satisfying [i]thud[/i]. Calypso quickly moves away from the crushed object, and steam begins to rise from the crushed pieces. 
        
        Then, the steam begins to solidify.
        
        You watch as the steam curls together to create an ambiguous shape; an animal with four legs and a large, long body. Then, the steam begins to fade away, revealing what may be the most gruesome excuse of an animal your eyes have ever laid upon.
        *page_break "Crap, it's just an Erymanthian!" you hear Sage whine.
        *goto beasty
    #[i]We need to be (?? I'm out of adjectives dude)[/i], I think. We need to slowly bring down the other team's defensives, making it easier to kill their beast. (Offense)
        *set sun "4"
        You stand atop a tall, flat boulder, next to the tiny ball containing your beast. "We break down their defensives; they're the only thing standing between us and the kill. We get rid of them, and the rest is history. That means that we strike first."
        
        Sage makes a noncommittal sound beside you, sinking the blade of her machete into the ground. Calypso nods, agreement on her face.
        
        It's Santiago that argues. "We just go ahead and attack, without even thinking about all the elements at play?"
        
        You nod, resolve in your eyes. "We'll work out the finer details later; what's important is that we make the first move and catch them off guard. Our priority is killing that thing, right? The 'other elements at play' are irrelevant."
        
        Santiago has a troubled expression on his face, but nods. "If you say so, Angelis."
        
        With that final sign of approval, you jump off the boulder, pleased with your choice. Calypso pats you on the shoulder before making her way toward the previously discarded ball. You watch her position her foot over the object, then turn to look at you.
        
        "Might wanna step back; this isn't Just Add Water." she warns.
        
        You just barely have enough time to put as much distance between you and the beast before she bring her foot down atop the ball with a satisfying [i]thud[/i]. Calypso quickly moves away from the crushed object, and steam begins to rise from the crushed pieces. 
        
        Then, the steam begins to solidify.
        
        You watch as the steam curls together to create an ambiguous shape; an animal with four legs and a large, long body. Then, the steam begins to fade away, revealing what may be the most gruesome excuse of an animal your eyes have ever laid upon.
        *page_break "Crap, it's just an Erymanthian!" you hear Sage whine.
        *goto beasty
*label beasty
Before you is a large, hog-like animal. You take a step closer to the beast, its smell hitting your nostrils instantly. You cover your nose as you approach, your teams footsteps behind you. Where the beasts' face should be are large, weather-worn horns that end with wicked curves. It's skin is wrinkled with fine lines and drastic folds, with a fluff of hair protruding out of its skull and forming a mohawk-like resemblance down its back.

Sage sighs behind you. "That thing is going to lie down and let the other team slaughter it! Everyone knows Ery's are passive."

Santiago approaches the beast, gazing up at its form. "It's not that bad; it's about how we utilize its advantages and--"

"Maybe you can explain that to the other team while they're skinning it." Sage retorts, turning away in a fit. 

Santiago watches her leave, then turns back to the beast. "Don't listen to her."

The beast doesn't seem to be acknowledging its surroundings, let alone listening to anything any of you have to say. Its head is angeled straight ahead, and the only sign of life comes from its labored breathing. You each try in turn to catch the beasts attention, but to no avail.

"I guess it'll be entirely up to us to keep it alive, since there's no way it'll defend himself." Calypso says, twisting her bow around her shoulders. "I still think the first thing we should do is scout for the other team--we need to actually know where the target is before we move in."

Sage walks back to where you group stands, crossing her arms. "Right; me and Santiago will go."

Both you and Calypso turn toward her.

"Yeah…" Calypso muses. "Because we trust you to covertly sneak up on people that have been acknowledged as your competition. [i]With a machete[/i]."

"I swear you and your little group," Sage groans, throwing you a pointed look. "All have that same annoying ass sense of humor. Bet you all get off on that dry-"

Santiago turns away from them, rolling his eyes at, and addresses you.
*page_break "So, Lavei, who's going?"
You consider your options.

It wouldn't be too unfathomable to have Sage seek out the other team's location. Her source power is speed. Having someone who could quickly infiltrate the other team's territory without being detected has its advantages...but then again...it's [i]Sage[/i]. You may not know much about her, but it's obvious that she's both quick to anger and has little regard for authority--especially from you. Keeping her under wraps, whether you accompany her or not, would be like playing a game of chance.

Calypso is a more palpable choice; she has more knowledge of the land than any of you combined from her obssess--um…interest, in Artemis. Not only that, but as a child of Ares, she's more than qualified to be able to determine the other team's strengths and weaknesses. But, on the other hand, it may be more beneficial to have her stay back as a strong defense; she could certainly hold her own.

Santiago is the unknown. As of now, you have no idea what source power he could have. Apollo is the God of the sun, medicine, music, academia...and interestingly enough archery, something that Calypso already excels at. You briefly wonder if by being a direct descendant of the God of medicine, Santiago is able to heal himself and others. Besides that initial knowledge of Apollo's domains, Santiago himself seems…smart. Maybe smart isn't the most accurate word; [i]cunning[/i], more like it. He could be the medium of both Sage and Calypso.

After gathering your thoughts, you come up with what you think is a the best decision.
*choice
    #"Sage and I will go," I say. "Santiago and Calypso will stay here and defend the area in case the other team makes a move."
        *set sage true
        Sage narrows her eyes. She opens her mouth as if to protest, then catches Calypso's cold stare. Competition must overcome her hatred, because she grins, stalking away.
        
        Calypso turns to you. "Do you honestly think going deep into the forest alone with someone who has vowed--literally [i]vowed[/i] to all the Gods in the sky to get revenge on you is the smartest idea?"
        
        Over Calypso's shoulder, you watch Sage swing her machete dangerously close to Santiago's face. He doesn't even flinch. When she catches you staring, she sinks the blade into a nearby tree trunk.
        
        [i]Gods[/i].
        *page_break You and Sage leave as soon as you're able.
        *goto scouting1
    #"Calypso and I will go," I say. "Santiago and Sage will stay here and defend the area in case the other team makes a move."
        *set calypso true
        *set Calypso +5
        Calypso grins at Sage, whose face is stone cold as she briefly regards you. It's not hard to guess what thoughts are flickering into her mind.
        
        Calypso turns to you. "That was a smart choice; you shouldn't trust Sage to go anywhere near the other team until we're ready to strike; not while she's in a mood."
        
        "This is a 'mood'?" you ask, raising an eyebrow.
        
        Calypso nods, smiling. "One of her better ones."
        
        Over Calypso's shoulder, you watch Sage swing her machete dangerously close to Santiago's face. He doesn't even flinch. When she catches you staring, she sinks the blade into a nearby tree trunk, her gaze dark.
        
        [i]Gods[/i].
        *page_break You and Calypso leave as soon as you're able.
        *goto scouting1
    #"Santiago and I will go," I say. "Calypso and Sage will stay here and defend the area in case the other team makes a move."
        *set Santiago true
        *set Santiago +7
        Sage's face is stone cold as she briefly regards you. It's not hard to guess what images are flickering into her mind.
        
        Calypso turns to you. "That was a smart choice; you shouldn't trust Sage to go anywhere near the other team until we're ready to strike; not while she's in a mood. Besides--and don't tell him I said this--Santi's smart as hell. He'll know the best way to destroy the other team."
        
        Over Calypso's shoulder, you watch Sage swing her machete dangerously close to Santiago's face. He doesn't even flinch. When she catches you staring, she sinks the blade into a nearby tree trunk, her gaze dark.
        
        [i]Gods[/i].
        *page_break You and Santiago leave as soon as you're able.
        *goto scouting1
*label scouting1
The storm seems to be coming back in full force. What was once believed to be a way to get your team up the path to convene with Artmeis must now be another obstacle to intensify the Trial--there is almost nothing more inconvenient than rain.
    
The air is thick with moisture.

*if calypso= true
    Calypso trudges along ahead of you, eyes straight ahead, bow tightly gripped in one hand. She had scouted before you, checking for any signs of those booby traps Sage mentioned earlier.
*if santiago= true
    Santiago trudges along beside you, steps careful but determined. There haven't been any signs of those booby traps Sage speculated about, but you're both careful nonetheless.
*if sage= true
    Sage trudges along behind you, and you can hear her heavy steps on the soft earth. You speculate that she's letting you lead because she wouldn't dare expose her back to you, rather than because she trusts your leadership.
    
    On the plus side, you haven't come across any of those booby traps she speculated about earlier.

You two walk for a considerable amount of time before deviating off the main path. The forest seems to be darker here, more lonely without the sounds of the animals and the flashes of lightning.

It isn't until you begin to consider turning back that you see the smoke; it rises up from between the canopies like fingers, beckoning you two forward.

*if (calypso= "true")
    Calypso's steps become slower and she hunches over, taking cover behind a large tree trunks. It's only a minute before she motions for you to follow. You do, attempting to keep your steps light.
*if (santiago= "true")
    Santiago's steps become slower, then he crouches down and maneuvers his way over a large decaying tree trunk. You follow, careful not to step on a twig.
    
    You've seen enough movies to know how badly that could play out.
*if (sage= "true")
    Sage makes it past you before you know it, the only indication of her moving lying in the gust of wind that blows past you. You turn and see her crouched behind some wild bushes, her body completely still.
    
    You follow, careful to keep your steps light.

The source of the smoke seems to be a discarded fire-pit, no doubt belonging to the other team. Your eyes scour the area for the beast they should be guarding...but neither it or the team are anywhere to be seen.

*if calypso= true
    Calypso creeps through the bushes, still out of sight, but in closer view of the abandoned camp. Her eyes scan the area, like yours did, but you know she can easily detect any signs of hidden traps better than you can.
    
    "They're gone," she says. "and from the look of that smoke, they left a while ago."
*if santiago= true
    Santiago passes through the bushes surrounding the perimeter, then looks up, as if searching for something within the trees. After a moment, he takes a step into the camp. He walks over to the fire, the smoke fading away with each passing second.
    
    "They left a while ago," he announces. "The smoke would've been thicker if it was recently put out."
*if sage= true
    Sage quickly scans the area, then stands up abruptly. 
    
    "No one's here," she mutters.

You approach the makeshift beds, thick leaves piled atop eachother, four in all. "So, if they're gone, where's the beast? I thought they'd have to keep it in one place."

*if calypso= true
    "They do," Calypso says. "Once you break the beast out of the enclosure it has to stay in that general area. There's about a 10 by 10 feet boundary around it."
    
    Calypso walks away from the firepit. "I'm guessing they set up camp away from the beast, to throw us off. Crap. Who knows where they hid it?" 
*if santiago= true
    "That's the idea," Santiago says. "Once you break the beast out of the enclosure it has to stay in that general area. There's about a 10 by 10 feet boundary that it can't pass."
    
    Santiago regards the camp with one last wary look, then turns to you. "We need to keep moving forward; I doubt they'd keep the beast out of sight. It's bound to be close." 
*if sage= true
    "Hm." Sage replis. "There's a 10 by 10 boundary that the beast has to reside in. They probably set it farther away from their camp." 
    
    You watch her kick one of the logs from the firepit. "Let's keep going; the thing's gotta be around here somewhere."
*page_break It's then that a loud scream echoes behind you.
It wasn't human.

The sound was decidely animalistic, a loud roar rather than a scream.

*if calypso= true
    "Crap!" Calypso curses, "That's why they're not here; they've been heading toward us while we've been heading here."
    
    You rush out of the clearing, the abandoned camp forgotten. "It's two against four, not counting the erymanthian. What do you think their chances are?"

    Calypso sinks her hands into her hair. "Sage can hold them off for a while, and Santiago's a good offensive warrior...but, eventually they'll turn their attention towrard the erymanthian. Then it's game over."
    
    She closes her eyes. "Listen...you can't lose. I [i]know[/i] that, I get it. But, we have to go back for them. Their beast could be close, but who knows just how close. We could spend too long trying to find it while Sage and Santi gets ambushed. The fight is in the opposite direction, ${name}. [i]Our team[/i] is in the opposite direction. If we hurry, we--"
    
    Another violent roar rises up, making Calypso wince.
*if santiago= true
    A grin slides its way onto Santiago's face. "That's the sound of a very pissed of erymanthian."
    
    You rush out of the clearing, the abandoned camp forgotten. "It's two against four, not counting the erymanthian. What do you think their chances are?"

    Santiago looks back the path toward your camp. "Sage can hold them off for a while, and Calypso can alternate between her fists and her arrows for a long time...but, eventually they'll turn their attention towrard the erymanthian. Then it's game over."
    
    He glances at you. "Here's the thing; Sage, Calypso and I will get out of this with a few scars and maybe, if we're lucky, only a broken bone or two. If you lose, you get out of here with nothing; [i]they will kill you[/i]."
    
    "You think I don't get that?" you snap.
    
    "Maybe your gut instinct is to turn back and try to save them, but think logically here. By the time to get there, Calypso and Sage will probably be too exhausted to hold them off, or the other team will have already killed the erymanthian because we decided to take a leisurely fucking stroll through the forest." Santiago lokos back down the path away from the camp. "We find their beast, and we kill it." 
    
    Another violent roar rises up. "[i]Quickly[/i]."
*if sage= true
    Sage's face contorts with anger. "Are you kidding me? How'd they make it to our camp that quickly?"
    
    You rush out of the clearing, the abandoned camp forgotten. "It's two against four, not counting the erymanthian. What do you think their chances are?"

    Sage shakes her head. "Calypso's like a knockoff version of Artmeis with that bow, and Santiago...don't worry about him. Don't worry about them at all; they're fine. We need to go!"
    
    You watch, or rather [i]feel[/i], her zoom past you down the path, away from the sounds of danger.
    
    "What are you doing?" you yell.
    
    Sage turns back and looks at you like you might be deranged. "We need to go kill their beast before they kill ours; Santi and Calypso can hold them off for ages, but we have to go. [i]Now.[/i]"
    
    Another violent roar rises up. Sage narrows her eyes. "Stay or come along; either way, I'm going."

You feel the pressure of your decision lie heavy on your chest.
*choice
    *selectable_if (Allure>55) #I try to rationalize; there's no way we're doing that.
        *if calypso= true
            *set alone true
            *set getbeast true
            *set cc +2
            *set ll +2
            *set Calypso -10
            "No," you say. You're almost shocked by the authority you hear in your voice. "We're not going back. It's too far away, and by the time we make it there, it'll be too late. You said it yourself; their beast isn't far. We keep moving forward. It's the only way."
            
            Calypso lets out a humorless laugh. "Are you serious? That thing could be anywhere! We have no idea where it is, but we [i]do[/i] know where Sage and Santiago are. That's the only way, ${name}."
            
            You shake your head, your will made of steel, refusing to give in.
            
            Calypso stares at you with a look that she reserves for Sage...and now you, you suppose. Something passes between you two, and it's dripping with contempt. Calypso's eyes shine with an understanding; whatever she's just inferred about your character from this argument, it's not good.
            
            Calypso seems to be weighing her chances in her head.
            
            She doesn't spare you a second glance when she begins running down the path, away from the screams of the erymanthian.
            
            You can't help thinking that she's blinded by emotion. Doesn't she see that your chances of survival, and for the entire team, are better this way?
            
            With those thoughts circling your mind, you turn and sprint through the dark jungle.
        *if santiago= true
            *set alone false
            *set saveteam true
            *set ll +2
            *set tp +2
            *set hh +2
            "There's no way we're abandoning them," you say. The authority and finality of your voice surprises the both of you. You press on. "We go back as fast as we can, and we help them fight off the other team. The odds will be better that way. Besides, who knows where their beast is hidden? For all we know it could be further away than we think, and we'd be wasting our time running in circles. We go back. Now."
            
            Santiago throws his head back, hands gripping his hair. He takes a deep breath, then regards you, a low hum of intrigue in his voice. "Why?"
            
            You only have to think for a second before your reasoning is clear. But, before you can reply, Santiago begins heading back up the path, toward your team's camp. "Actually...don't tell me, Angelis. I won't pretend to agree with this, but I think I understand. It doesn't make sense, but neither do you."
            
            With those strange words clinging in the air, you two sprint back through the hazards of the dark jungle.
        *if sage= true
            *set alone true
            *set saveteam true
            *set ll +2
            *set tp +2
            *set hh +2
            Sage regards you coldly. "It's not as if you'd be heartbroken if they died or anything. Don't psychopaths get off on that kind of thing?"
            
            "I'm not-"
            
            "Save it," she hisses. "I'm going to find that thing and kill it. Have fun sprinting through the jungle, trying to reach for something that won't be there when you finally arrive."
            
            With those words spat at you, she becomes of blur of motion through the dark forest.
        *page_break The sky protests your advancement.
        *finish
    #I make my way down the path, away from my team.
        *set getbeast true
        *set cc +2
        *set ll +2
        *if calypso= true
            *set alone true
            *set Calypso -15
            "No," you say. You're almost shocked by the authority you hear in your voice. "It's too far away, and by the time we make it there, it'll be too late. You said it yourself; their beast might not be far. We keep moving forward. It's the only way."
            
            She lets out a humorless laugh. "Are you serious? That thing could be anywhere! Who knows just how well they hid it? We have no idea where it is, but we know where Sage and Santiago are! [i]That's[/i] the only way, ${name}."
            
            You shake your head, your will made of steel.
            
            Calypso stares at you in shock with a look that she reserves for Sage...and now you, you suppose. "Well…it's nice to know."
            
            With those final words, she takes off up the path, away from the enemy camp, and away from you.
            
            You can't help thinking that she's blinded by emotion. Doesn't she see that your chances of survival, and for the entire team, are better this way?
            
            With those troubling circling your mind, you turn and sprint through the dark jungle.
        *if santiago= true
            *set alone false
            *set Santiago +10
            "Fine," you say. "Let's go. If you're right, and they kept their beast within a reasonable distance, then there must be some kind of trail they left or..."
            
            Santiago stares at you. "No arguments? You're just going to go in the opposite direction of where your team is? Turn your back on them in hopes of finding the other teams beast, which may or may not be within a reasonable distance?"
            
            You narrow your eyes. "Why are you saying it like that? It was [i]your[/i] idea."
            
            "I didn't actually think you'd go along with it. Not without a fight, anyway." he muses. "This is...interesting."
            
            With those final words clinging in the air, you both take off down the path, away from the screams of your team mates.
        *if sage= true
            *set alone false
            *set Sage +5
            "Fine," you say. "Let's go. If you're right, and they kept their beast within a reasonable distance, then there must be some kind of trail they left or--"
            
            You turn, and see that Sage is almost out of sight, her feet barely touching the ground and she heads down the dark path.
            
            You narrow your eyes. "No, no. Don't wait for me or anything."
            
            You shake your head, casting one last look up the road, then take off down the path, away from the screams of your team mates.
        *page_break The sky protests your advancement.
        *finish
    #I make my way up the path, toward my team.
        *set saveteam true
        *if calypso= true
            *set alone false
            *set Calypso +12
            "Alright," you say. "We'll get there as fast as we can; if you're right and Sage and Santiago can hold off the other team for that long...we might have a chance. Or, a better chance than wandering the forrest looknig for their beast."
            
            Calypso regards you with a wide grin full of relief. A moment passes between you two, one that seems to swell with understanding and content. "Thanks, ${name}. Really. It's...it's good to know."
            
            You turn around, regarding the winding path ahead of you. You nod to Calypso. "Let's go."
            
            You two sprint up the path through the dark jungle, toward the screams of your team mates.
        *if santiago= true
            *set alone true
            "There's no way we're abandoning them," you say. The authority and finality of your voice surprises the both of you. You press on. "We go back as fast as we can, and we help them fight off the other team. The odds will be better that way. Besides, who knows where their beast is hidden? For all we know it could be further than we think, and we'd be wasting our time running in circles. We go back. Now."
            
            Santiago throws his head back, hands gripping his hair. He takes a deep breath, then regards you, a low hum of intrigue in his voice. "Why?"
            
            You only have to think for a second before your reasoning is clear. But, before you can reply, Santiago begins heading back up the path, toward your team's camp. "Actually...don't tell me, Angelis. If you did, it probably wouldn't make much sense to me anyway."
            
            With those strange words clinging in the air, you watch as Santiago sprints down the path, further into the darkness, away from the screams of your team mates.
            
            You two sprint back through the hazards of the dark jungle.
        *if sage= true
            *set alone true
            Sage regards you coldly. "It's not as if you'd be heartbroken if they died or anything. Don't psychopaths get off on that kind of thing?"
            
            "I'm not-"
            
            "Save it," she hisses. "I'm going to find that thing and kill it. You can have a good ol' time sprinting through the jungle, trying to reach for something that won't be there when you finally arrive."
            
            With those words spat at you, she becomes of blur of motion through the dark forest.
        *page_break The sky protests your advancement.
        *finish

*label saveteam
It began raining sometime after you past a large, ominous crow perched atop a tree branch. If that isn't foreshadowing something, you don't know what is.

Now rain soaks through your clothes, making them cling to your body. You wipe your forehead with your free hand, unknowingly rubbing even more dirt onto your face, if possible.

*if dad1= true
    The gun is slick in your other hand, despite your tight grip.
*if dad2= true
    The spear is slick in your other hand, despite your tight grip.
*if dad3= true
    The spill is clutched in your palm, and you're careful not to get it wet.
    
You feet slap against the soggy earth as you continue running on the path, avoiding large tree trunks and low branches. This is not an easy feat, especially with the constant bouts of lightning and the darkness brought on by the storm.
*finish