"I can't believe you're actually going through with this," $!{roommate_name} says while ${roommate_he_she} watches you pull on your gear for your jump. 

You chuckle and continue getting ready. This definitely wasn't your first idea for your arrival, but after comparing the other options you came up with, you decided that this one would definitely be the most memorable. 

Unless somebody decided to do this as well, but you figure the odds of that happening would be slim given how hard it was to get everything arranged for yourself. 

Luckily, Ross and Ryr helped you out by pulling a few strings to get you on a military plane. Nothing goes on in the Guard without King Frederick knowing about it, though, so he was made aware of the plan.
    
The King gave his okay, without revealing how he felt about the choice. His thoughts didn't matter as much as $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s would however. 

You break out of your thoughts when you hear your name being called. It was your flight instructor, Ricky, a man with quite tanned skin and blond hair that seemed to permanently stick up towards the sky.

"Alright, you ready to go? Weather is as clear as it's going to be all day, so there's no better time to jump," he says, smoothing his hands over his gear. 

*fake_choice
    #"Hell yeah!" 
        *set bold %+3
        "Awesome! That's what I love to hear!" Ricky exclaims, giving you a huge grin. "Join me when you're ready, okay?" 
        
        You nod and go over your gear once more. 
    #"As ready as I'll ever be."
        *set formal %-3
        "Great. Just follow me when you're ready, $!{player_first_name}," Ricky says, heading towards the outside of the hangar where your plane would be waiting. 
    #"Please don't let me die."
        Ricky chuckles, almost fondly. You're sure he's heard that line more times than he'd like to remember. 
        
        "Wouldn't dream of it, $!{player_first_name}. Follow me when you're ready," he says, leaving you to go over your clothing and gear one last time. 
    #"Of course, I just hope you're as good as you claim."
        *set snarky %+3
        Ricky smirks and waves a hand over in the direction of his numerous awards and certificates adorned on the wall. 
        
        "Very good. Guard's honor," he replies, doing a mock salute with his hand before heading towards the exit of the hangar. 
    #"Definitely."
        *set friendly %-3
        "Great. Join me when you're ready," Ricky says, leaving you in the hangar to finish preparing for your jump.
        
$!{roommate_name} watches you go over your clothing for the final time before ${roommate_he_she} begins to say ${roommate_his_her} goodbyes.

"Well, Roomie, I should be in the seating area by the time you land. Good luck!"

$!{roommate_name} gives you a quick hug and once ${roommate_he_she} is out of your sight, you head towards your plane. 

*page_break

"The plan is simple, $!{player_first_name}. You'll be tethered to me the entire time. So just enjoy the ride and figure out what you want to do or say once you arrive."

You're currently settled into your seat on the plane, nearing the Odessan Palace. Dia looks way different from an aerial view. Buildings that seemed like they could scrape the sky were now nothing but tiny shapes. 

Ricky ducks into the cockpit to talk to the pilot one final time before he comes back over to you and begins making the necessary preparations to keep you safety tied to him. Soon enough, it's time for your jump. 

"Any last words before we jump, $!{player_first_name}?" He asks you.

*fake_choice
    #"Let's do this!"
        "That's the spirit! On three!"
        
        You two count in unison and on three, Ricky jumps out of the plane, taking you along with him.
    #"I hope these aren't my actual final words."
        Ricky chuckles and triple checks the harness keeping the two of you together. 
        
        "You'll be just fine, $!{player_first_name}. I swear it."
        
        You hold on tightly to Ricky and after he counts to three, you find yourself falling out of the airplane. 
    #"Sorry in advance if I scream directly in your ear."
        Ricky laughs and checks the harness keeping the two of you together one last time.
        
        "Don't worry. I'm nearly deaf in one of my ears anyway."
        
        You laugh at the comment, not caring if it was true or not. 
        
        "Let's get this over with," you reply, bracing yourself for the fall. 
    #"God, I'm never doing this again."
        Ricky chuckles. "Everybody says that…then they become certified. Let's jump."
        
        You hold on to him as tightly as possible before he jumps out of the plane. 
    #"Is it too late to turn this plane around?"
        "Much too late. Don't worry, the fall will be over before you know it," Ricky assures, turning back slightly to give you a smile before focusing on the jump again. 
        
        "Ready? We'll go on three."
        
        You two count down together and on three, Ricky jumps out of the plane.
        
You forget to breathe for the first few seconds of the fall. The Odessan Palace was below you, but you saw Dia to the west and a few other towns to the east and south. Various pines and oaks dotted the skyline and clouds as far as the eye could see. Your fall is slowed considerably when Ricky deploys a parachute.

"Great job, $!{player_first_name}!" Ricky yells in your ear. You can barely hear him with the wind combined with your beating heart. "We'll be coming in for a landing very shortly."

You can hardly believe your jump is over so quickly, but with the way the crowds gathered for the contestants' arrival are quickly becoming larger and larger, this was obviously the case. Once you two land and your heartbeat stops being the only thing you can hear, the roaring from the crowd instantly replaces it. A figure that you vaguely remember as Tiggy  is grinning over at you and shouting a quite excited introduction about you into their microphone. 

You've jumped out of plane and landed safely with your whole being in tact. What's the first thing that you do to get the $!{royal_title}'s attention?

*achieve freefallin
*fake_choice
    #I wave over in $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s direction before bowing. Customs and all of that.
        *set charming +1
        *set polished %+5
        *set charisma %+5
        *if (royal_personality = "shy")
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} looks absolutely queasy at your choice of arrival, but manages to give you a wave and a weak smile. 
            
            You return it, glad that ${royal_he_she_they}, along with the rest of the Royal Family, enjoyed the jump as well. 
            
            Once your gear is off, you take off for your reserved seat, passing the incredibly spirited Tiggy along the way. They're the announcer for the entire competition, supposedly. You assume that a proper introduction would come very soon. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "sarcastic")
            "You jumped that far down and still couldn't even manage a flip?"
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} grins after exclaiming that question and once the crowd roars with laugher, you can't resist letting out one yourself. 
            
            Once your gear is off, you take off for your reserved seat, passing the incredibly spirited Tiggy along the way. They're the announcer for the entire competition, supposedly. You assume that a proper introduction would come very soon. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "charming")
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} grins and waves back at you. Mozelle looks absolutely starstruck at what you just did, while Queen Ramona and King Frederick don't show emotions one way or the other. 
            
            Once your gear is off, you take off for your reserved seat, passing the incredibly spirited Tiggy along the way. They're the announcer for the entire competition, supposedly. You assume that a proper introduction would come very soon. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "flirty")
            The $!{royal_title} smirks and gives you a wave and what is very clearly ${royal_his_her_their} best bedroom eyes. The rest of the Royal Family can barely hold back their eye rolls, but you do let out a small chuckle at ${royal_his_her_their} antics as you head to your seat.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "aloof")
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} barely acknowledges your existence, but after some prompting from King Frederick, gives you a nod in your direction. Mozelle and Queen Ramona are much more expressive towards you, giving you very wide smiles of their own. 
            
            As $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} turns ${royal_his_her_their} attention back to Tiggy, you take it as a hint to take your own seat as well. Clearly, that was all the reaction you would be getting from $!{royal_title}.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "rude")
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} doesn't even acknowledge you! $!{royal_his_her_their} phone was much more interesting apparently, if the way ${royal_he_she_they} had it clutched tightly in ${royal_his_her_their} hand was any indication. 
            
            Before you can help yourself, you shout:
            *fake_choice
                #"Surely that phone isn't more entertaining than me?" I bat my eyes playfully afterwards.
                    *set flirty +1
                    You can hear $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s scoff from where you stood. 
                     
                    "It is, $!{player_first_name}. I've seen people jump out of planes before. Didn't interest me then and doesn't interest me now," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies. 
                     
                    "Well, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, if you're jealous of my jumping ability, you should just come out and admit it, instead of pretending that my jumping arrival wasn't totally cool as hell!"
                     
                    The $!{royal_title} trades fiddling around with ${royal_his_her_their} phone for massaging one of ${royal_his_her_their} temples. 
                     
                    "Please take a seat, $!{player_first_name} before I form a migraine."
                     
                    $!{royal_he_she_they} did not have to tell you twice. You head towards your reserved seating, very glad to have a moment to rest before beginning whatever else this competition would have in store for you.
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
                #"Hey!" I immediately regret it though as hundreds of eyes stare at me at once.
                    *set shy +1
                    You swallow thickly and try to focus on literally anything else. Your eyes catch the reserved contestant stands and you book it over there, not even bothering to listen to what $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} had to say. It's not until you're settled in your seat do you hear Mozelle say incredibly loudly,
                     
                    "You really thought $!{player_first_name}'s entrance was amazing?"
                     
                    You quickly look over at $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} and again feel loads of eyes on you, but at least most of them were trained on ${royal_him_her_them}. 
                     
                    "I said [i] adequate [/i], Mozelle." 
                     
                    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} looks quite annoyed, no more than usual, but at least meets your eyes this time and gives you the faintest of nods. Before you could analyze it further, Tiggy is moving on from your introduction and on to the next.
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
                #"I just jumped out of a plane and all you can do is look at your phone?" I'm pretty flabbergasted to be honest.
                    *set charming +1
                    "Wow, you're so cool," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, still not looking up from ${royal_his_her_their} phone. 
                     
                    You scoff and turn to Ricky, thanking him for assisting you with the jump before you head towards your reserved seat. You're never going to do anything  this extravagant for somebody ever again. Just what was $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s problem? Would it have killed ${royal_him_her_them} to pretend to be impressed? 
                     
                    Eventually, you push all of these thoughts out of your head, flop down inside of your seat and begin to get comfortable, waiting to see who else would arrive.
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
                #"Hello, earth to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}!"
                    *set sarcastic +1
                    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} looks up from ${royal_his_her_their} phone, narrowing ${royal_his_her_their} eyes. 
                     
                    "What? Do you want me to congratulate you for jumping out of a plane and not dying?"
                     
                    "I mean, that would be a start," you reply, removing the last piece of gear from your body before moving towards the Royal Family's part of the stands. Both Ross and Ryr look at you with amused looks on their faces which makes you wonder if anybody had ever challenged $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} like this. Given how high ${royal_his_her_their} shoulders currently were, you're leaning towards the no side. 
                     
                    "Well, keep dreaming," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, taking a short breath to continue further when Queen Ramona loops her arm through ${royal_his_hers_theirs}. 
                     
                    "Dear," the Queen begins, giving a look to her child. It looks fairly normal to you, but causes $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} to groan and focus ${royal_his_her_their} attention back to you.
                     
                    "Hm, congrats on your jump, $!{player_first_name}," The $!{royal_title} grumbles out. Queen Ramona smiles at her ${royal_son_daughter_child} before she turns to you.
                     
                    "I second that, $!{player_first_name}. Very brave of you!" She exclaims. 
                     
                    You nod, definitely surprised at both the comment from the Queen and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s reluctant compliment.
                     
                    "Thank you, Queen Ramona. You as well, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}," you reply, pivoting towards your actual seat now. You've taken up enough of our allotted arrival time, you believed.
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
                     
                #"Well, nice to see you again, too!"
                    *set sarcastic +1
                    "That has to be sarcasm," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, but does look up from ${royal_his_her_their} phone. 
                     
                    "Oh! You do know I exist. I can't believe it!" You exclaim, knowing that $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} would probably get pissed at you soon, but you just couldn't help it. The $!{royal_title} was just so much fun to mess with. 
                     
                    "Of course I do, $!{player_first_name}. For all intensive purposes, we've been forcibly tangled by some invisible string, or if you want to be more honest, my father."
                     
                    You grin and rid yourself of the rest of your flying gear before continuing the conversation. 
                     
                    "Don't act like our garden conversations weren't amazing and stimulating. I was just about to propose right there, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}!" You exclaim, watching said royal's eyebrow twitch. 
                     
                    "Take your seat so we can move on, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} mutters, waving you off before fixing a pointed towards Tiggy. Well, you obviously knew how to take a hint, but wanted to have the last word as well. 
                     
                    "Of course, my $!{royal_title}. Anything for you," you reply, giving $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} a deep bow before you head off towards your seat. If steam could come out of a person's ears, it would've came out of $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s at that moment. Making fun of ${royal_him_her_them} was simply too easy.
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
    #I do what any normal person would do after jumping out of a plane. I throw up. 
        You definitely get the $!{royal_title}'s attention with a move like that. 
        
        No sooner does Ricky finish getting you out of your gear, you're throwing up in the palace's very manicured hedges. 
        
        *if (royal_personality = "rude")
            *set royal %-5
            "Ugh, you have to be kidding me," you hear $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} groan behind you, but you're too busy throwing up to care too much. Once you think you're completely done, you're ushered over to the contestant seating with bottles of water and saltine crackers to settle your stomach.
            
            You don't need to look over at the $!{royal_title} to hear ${royal_his_her_their} displeasure about the situation. King Frederick gets ${royal_him_her_them} to calm down, but you can still hear $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} grumble about why somebody would jump out of a plane if they couldn't handle it. You're glad when Tiggy moves on to introduce the next contestant. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "shy")
            *set royal %+3
            Ricky chuckles and pats your shoulder as you finish throwing up.
            
            "Hey, it happens," he says, giving you space to gather yourself before helping you over to your reserved seat. You're glad to find some water and crackers waiting for you, but you can't help but to wonder how the hell they managed to be prepared so fast. As you continue to get your barrings again, you sneak a glance over at $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} who is looking over at you with a concerned glance. Once you two lock eyes, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quickly looks away and starts fiddling with ${royal_his_her_their} clothing, apparently quite embarrassed that you caught ${royal_him_her_them} looking. 
            
            You can't help but to fight as smile as you turn your attention back to Tiggy and the next contestant. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "sarcastic")
            *set royal %+3
            "Wow, what a natural!" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims as you straighten up again. The $!{royal_title} gets a few laughs at your expense, but most people seem either in awe of you, or pitying you. You're relieved when you see bottles of water and saltine crackers near your seat as you head up the stands, once Ricky and Tiggy make sure you're truly okay. 
            
            As you begin to relax, you suddenly feel a pair of eyes on you. You turn towards where the Royal Family is sitting and meet $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s eyes. The $!{royal_title} gives you a grin and two thumbs up.
            
            "Nice!" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims, or so you think. It's hard to hear still, but ${royal_his_her_their} smile says it all. You turn back towards and finally allow yourself to relax and take a few sips of water. Before long, Tiggy is introducing the next contestant.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "flirty")
            *set royal %+3
            "Oh dear," you hear $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} say behind you, but you're too busy throwing up to care too much. Once you think you're completely done, you're ushered over to the contestant seating with bottles of water and saltine crackers to settle your stomach.
            
            You didn't need to look over at the $!{royal_title} to hear what ${royal_he_she_they} thought about the situation. 
            
            "$!{player_first_name} is definitely fun at parties. I just know it."
            
            King Frederick's shoulders deflate ever so slightly and if he could, you bet he would've rolled his eyes in response. You're glad when Tiggy moves on to introduce the next contestant as the attention off of you would help your stomach settle.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "aloof")
            *set royal %-2
            Ricky chuckles and pats your shoulder as you finish throwing up.
            
            "Hey, it happens," he says, giving you space to gather yourself before helping you over to your reserved seat. You're glad to find some water and crackers waiting for you, but you can't help but to wonder how the hell they managed to be prepared so fast. As you continue to get your barrings again, you sneak a glance over at $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} who is looking over at you with an indifferent look.
            
            You manage a weak smile over at $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, which isn't returned, but ${royal_his_her_their} shoulders do relax a bit. Progress enough.
            
            You can't help but to fight a smile as you turn your attention back to Tiggy and the next contestant. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "charming")
            "Wow, $!{player_first_name}!" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims as you straighten up again. You watch ${royal_him_her_them} race down the stands to get reach you. 
            
            "Water and crackers, if you'd please," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks a nearby guard, who runs to get the items right away. The $!{royal_title} stays relatively close to you the entire time, making sure nothing else happens to you further. 
            
            "Sorry, $!{player_first_name}. You jumping out of that plane was quite amazing, but when you got ill immediately afterwards and just…instinct took over, I suppose," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says to you sheepishly. "I've been doing the same thing over Mozelle for ages…"
            
            *fake_choice
                #"Thanks for checking up on me," I say, trying to fight off my increasingly warm cheeks.
                    *set shy +1
                    *set royal %+5
                    "Of course, $!{player_first_name}. The crackers and water should be here soon," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} assures. No sooner do the words leave ${royal_his_her_their} mouth, the guard arrives with the requested items. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} helps you to your reserved seat, even though you could've easily found it yourself. 
                    
                    "If you're still not feeling alright later on, we'll get the palace physician to look you over," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a smile. You nod and give ${royal_him_her_them} a smile of your own before you're dropped off at your seat.
                    
                    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quickly moves back to ${royal_his_her_their} seat, giving King Frederick a sheepish smile before focusing on Tiggy once again. You turn to focus on the energetic announcer as well. 
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
                #"Well, I'm not Mozelle, you know," I huff, a bit touched $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} came to check on me, but of course, I couldn't act like it.
                    *set rude +1
                    *set royal %+2
                    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles and glances back at ${royal_his_her_their} younger sister, who was trying her hardest not to join the two of you, if her incessant foot tapping wasn't enough of a clue. 
                    
                    "That you aren't, $!{player_first_name}. Though you're every bit as lovely as her," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a wide grin. 
                    
                    If you didn't know any better, you would think that ${royal_he_she_they} knew what to say to get you to flush. 
                    
                    "Thank you, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}. I would love to go to my seat, however," you say, giving a pointed look to the contestant section of the stands. The $!{royal_title} quickly picks up the hint and accompanies you over to it. Your water and crackers arrive around the same time and you take them gratefully. 
                    
                    "Until we meet again, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. You reward ${player_him_her_them} with a pleased nod of your own beore sitting down and getting comfortable. 
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
                #"Less talking, more snacking," I reply, my stomach churning once again. 
                    *set rude +1
                    *set royal %-2
                    "Right!" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims, glancing around for the guard ${royal_he_she_they} sent off earlier. You straighten up as you catch sight of them with a basket full of items to help settle your stomach. You gratefully take the basket and let even let $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}  lead you to your seat.
                    
                    "Please let me know if you need anything else, $!{player_first_name}."
                    
                    You're a bit too busy stuffing crackers in your mouth, but you do give ${royal_him_her_them} a nod in thanks. Once $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is settled back into ${royal_his_her_their} seat, Tiggy continues with the introductions. 
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
                #"Yes, thanks," I say, already looking for a way out of this conversation. 
                    *set aloof +1
                    *set royal %-2
                    "Of course, $!{player_first_name}. The crackers and water should be here soon," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} assures. No sooner do the words leave ${royal_his_her_their} mouth, the guard arrives with the requested items. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} helps you to your reserved seat, even though you could've easily found it yourself. 
                    
                    "If you're still not feeling alright later on, we'll get the palace physician to look you over," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a smile before leaving you to your devices.
                    
                    Once settled, the $!{royal_title} gives King Frederick a sheepish smile before focusing on Tiggy once again. You turn to focus on the energetic announcer as well, awaiting the next arrival. 
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
                #"If this counts as our first date, I'm going to be really upset," I tease.
                    *set flirty +1
                    *set royal %+5
                    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles and fondly shakes ${royal_his_her_their} head. 
                    
                    "Certainly not, $!{player_first_name}. I would take you to a proper restaurant to throw up in, at the very least."
                    
                    You catch a hint of a smirk on ${royal_his_her_their} face which softens once he catches sight of the guard returning with a basket full of things for you. With a simple nod from $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, the guard makes themselves scarce. With basket in hand, you follow ${royal_him_her_them} towards the reserved contestant stands.
                    
                    "What did I get? Diamond encrusted crackers and water from the freshest ice caps in all of Odessa?" You ask $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} as you two walk. Your question amuses the $!{royal_title}, who doesn't answer until you're settled into your own seat. 
                    
                    "Of course not, $!{player_first_name}. You'll find gold entrusted crackers and water from Tisley, actually."
                    
                    You laugh despite yourself. "Is that how you charm everybody around you?" You ask and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} grins.
                    
                    "Yes, tends to work most of the time. I must go now, but feel better $!{player_first_name}.
                    
                    Soon enough, the $!{royal_title} is making ${royal_his_her_their} way back to ${royal_his_her_their} seat. As you nibble on a cracker to help settle your stomach, you quick realize that $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was definitely flirting with you. You didn't even know ${royal_he_she_they} could be capable of being anything other than a charming, cookie cutter royal. 
                    
                    There was definitely more to ${royal_him_her_them} than met the eye. Before you could decide if you liked it or not, Tiggy was beginning to announce the next contestant. 
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
                #"I'm honored you came to check on me, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}. Thank you very much," I reply, wanting to bow in thanks, but deciding against it given the condition of my stomach at the moment. 
                    *set charming +1
                    *set royal %+3
                    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles and motions towards the reserved section of the stands that were for contestants only. 
                    
                    "Go on ahead, $!{player_first_name}. The water and crackers should help with your stomach, but if not, we have a wonderful palace physician," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a wide grin. 
                    
                    "Thank you," you say once more, before heading up towards the stands with slightly shaky legs. 
                    
                    "Until we meet again, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says behind you. before heading back to ${royal_his_her_their} seat. 
                    *page_break
                    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
    #I smooth over my clothing and head over to the reserved section. Either ${royal_he_she_they} liked it or ${royal_he_she_they} didn't. Oh well. 
        *set friendly %-5
        *set formal %-5
        *if (royal_personality = "sarcastic")
            "Wow, $!{player_first_name} has nothing to say? I'll admit, I'm pretty impressed," you hear $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} say as you walk. "If I jumped out of a plane, I would probably be throwing up afterwards…"
            
            You let out a chuckle before settling into your seat. Looks like ${royal_he_she_they} liked it. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "rude")
            "Here we go," you hear $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} moan, obviously preparing for some sort of battle of wits or combats or something. You keep on walking, giving a small smile towards Ross and Ryr before you settle into your seat. 
            
            "Wait, what?"
            
            You hear Mozelle's laughter all the way from where you were sitting. 
            
            "Somebody doesn't care about you. Jeez, what will you do?" She jokes, reveling in her sibling's reaction. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} crosses ${royal_his_her_their} arms and pouts, but says nothing further. You hold back a smile as you get comfortable in your seat, waiting to see who would be arriving next.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "charming")
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s eyebrows raise a bit as you walk past the section ${royal_his_her_their} family sat in. Mozelle looks absolutely starstruck at what you just did and immediately starts chatting animatedly about your jump. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods at the appropriate spots but can't keep ${royal_his_her_their} attention off of you. 
            
            You suspect ${royal_he_she_they} would want to talk about your jump once you had a free moment, as long as you were interested as well. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "flirty")
            "Oh Sweetness, don't tease me like that!" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims, running a hand across ${royal_his_her_their} face. $!{royal_he_she_they} damn near jumps out of ${royal_his_her_their} seat to approach you, but King Frederick rests a hand on ${royal_his_her_their} shoulder and looks at ${royal_his_her_their} child with narrowed eyes. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} pouts and settles down, but given the previous outburst, it's safe to say that ${royal_he_she_they} really liked it. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "aloof")
            If $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was surprised or cared about you heading directly to your seat, ${royal_he_she_they} didn't show it. Tiggy rushes to fill the silence with more information about you, including your hometown and anything else that would make you sound interesting. 
            
            You're relieved once you're sitting in your reserved seat and away from all the watchful eyes. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (royal_personality = "shy")
            You spare a glance up at $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} before you look away and you're a bit surprised at what you see. The $!{royal_title} is at the edge of ${royal_his_her_their} seat, hands gripping ${royal_his_her_their} knees. $!{royal_his_her_their} eyes are wide as saucers with a smile to match. 
            
            Wow, you had no idea $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} would be into that. You decide to tuck that reaction away for a later time to ask ${royal_him_her_them} more about it.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
    #I exclaim the first joke that comes to my mind.
        *set bold %+3
        "Sorry, couldn't I couldn't find a taxi so I caught a plane instead!"
        *if (bold < 60)
            The joke makes a decent amount of people in the crowd laugh, but not a good amount of them like you hoped. It was likely because of your nervous delivery. Tiggy luckily helps smooth over the awkwardness with a hearty laugh of their own.
            
            "Man, if I don't watch out, I think I'll be out of a job soon. Remind me to work on my announcing skills," they say as they motion over towards the reserved contestant stands. You quickly take your seat, ready to see who would be joining you in the competition. 
            
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        *if (bold >= 60)
            You're met with roaring applause and laughter. Your joke landed well and even got the Royal Family laughing.
            *if (royal_personality = "flirty")
                $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smirks at your joke and exclaims one of ${royal_his_her_their} own. 
                
                "How about you let me know when you catch feelings instead? Preferably for me."
                
                You send a quick grin ${royal_his_her_their} way as you keep it moving. 
                
                "Let me move on before I find myself unemployed and stuck at my partner's shop all day!" Tiggy exclaims, sending a wink your way before continuing on with the introductions. You quickly settle into your seat and relax, wondering who would be the person to follow you. 
                *page_break
                *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
            *if ((royal_personality = "charming") or (royal_personality = "shy"))
                $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smiles politely at you as you pass by their stand and you return it. The least you could do, you figured.
                
                Tiggy laughs along with the crowd, joking themselves that you were about to steal their job. The host moves around with the grace of a ballet dancer, keeping the crowd active and on their toes. 
                
                "Let me move on before I find myself unemployed and stuck at my partner's shop all day!" Tiggy exclaims, sending a wink your way before continuing on with the introductions.
                *page_break
                *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
                
            *if (royal_personality = "sarcastic")
                "Great, now I have somebody to compete with jokes wise!" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims as you pass but the laughter afterwards betrays that ${royal_he_she_they} didn't care that much. 
                
                Tiggy laughs along with the crowd, joking themselves that you were about to steal their job. The host moves around with the grace of a ballet dancer, keeping the crowd active and on their toes. 
                
                "Let me move on before I find myself unemployed and stuck at my partner's shop all day!" Tiggy exclaims, sending a wink your way before continuing on with the introductions.
                *page_break
                *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
            *if ((royal_personality = "aloof") or (royal_personality = "rude"))
                $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} rolls ${royal_his_her_their} eyes at your joke, but does give you a small smile. It's the little things, you muse on your way to your reserved seat. Tiggy laughs along with the crowd, joking themselves that you were about to steal their job. The host moves around with the grace of a ballet dancer, keeping the crowd active and on their toes. 
                
                "Let me move on before I find myself unemployed and stuck at my partner's shop all day!" Tiggy exclaims, sending a wink your way before continuing on with the introductions.
                *page_break
                *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive