It starts out as a normal stroll on the sidewalk. You and $!{roommate_name} make the occasional note about the displays in a few store windows, as well as graffiti on the walls in a few alleyways and more as you walk down the sidewalk. Once the two of you turn a corner, you’re stopped immediately by a huge crowd of people with cameras, chatting amongst themselves. Suddenly, a girl with an impossibly high ponytail spots the two of you and gasps. “It’s ${player_him_her_them}!” She exclaims, pointing in your direction. Suddenly, people and cameras start swarming around the two of you and your first reaction is to… *fake_choice #Freeze up. You can't even form a complete thought. You want your mouth to form words so badly, but when faced with the crowd of people and cameras, you find it hard to do so. Luckily, you roommate notices how frozen you are and starts taking control of the situation. "Alright, alright! Back up and give us some space. Jeez," $!{roommate_name} says, which gets most of them to at least take a few steps back. "Okay," you begin, figuring now they would listen to you since it wasn't as loud. "How exactly do you guys know me?" The girl with a high ponytail is quick to answer. "Sources say you're participating in the Odessa Dating Games," she begins before she's cut off by a huge man with a video camera on his shoulder. "Hi, I'm with OMZ, Odessa's biggest and best gossip website. Unlike Kenz here, I actually know you are participating in the Games. I have the whole list of contestants," the man says triumphantly. A petite girl beside him claps slowly, clearly not amused. "Oh, cute! You have a list. We already have an interview, going live as soon as the Royal Family gives us the okay," she says with a shrug of her shoulders. You glance over at $!{roommate_name} who glances back at you before speaking. "You guys can argue all day about who has what first but, um, are you going to interview us or can we keep walking?" $!{roommate_name} asks the crowd. *page_break Kenz steps forward again, shooting a glance towards the man with OMZ before addressing the two of you. "If Ronnie will let me finish this time, would you mind answering a few of our questions? Look, you're obviously the favorite to win right now. Once that list goes public, which it likely will before the end of the week, you'll have way more to worry about than a group of people like us," she says, pulling her cell phone out of her back pocket. "So, what do you say, $!{player_first_name}?" The petite girl asks you. You take a moment to think it over. Kenz was right. You're sure that there's bound to be pictures of you doing something with the Royal Family, despite how much they tried to keep the visit under wraps. Just because you haven't seen them doesn't mean that they don't exist. What could they ask you, though? You've asked and been asked so many questions over the past few days, you wonder what else people want to know about you. Of course, you also have the option to tell them to screw off and leave you alone. You're not sure what the consequences of that would be, but it would be your choice. *fake_choice #"Sure, ask away." *set media %+5 *page_break *goto_scene papquestions #"No way, leave me alone." *set media %-5 Kenz sighs but respects your wishes. "Fine, $!{player_first_name}. Besides, I think we have all the footage we need to introduce you to the Odessan people anyway. Hope it's the image you want." Once Kenz walks away, the rest of the media people do as well. You're pretty sure one of them sneaks a final picture, but you can't be sure. After the group is completely gone, your roommate whistles lowly. "Well, well, well, never a dull moment in Dia," ${roommate_he_she} says. "Wanna head back?" You nod, eager to relax from the media interaction. You make a mental note to check with Lyon when you get a chance. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_thecity #Start yelling at everybody to back up or else. *if (cunning < 55) You start yelling at the crowd, but their camera flashes and shouts of their questions easily drown you out. It's up to your roommate to finally get the crowd to calm down by standing in front of you. "Alright, alright! Back up and give us some space. Jeez," $!{roommate_name} says, which gets most of them to at least take a few steps back. "Okay," you begin, figuring now they would listen to you since it wasn't as loud. "How exactly do you guys know me?" The girl with a high ponytail is quick to answer. "Sources say you're participating in the Odessa Dating Games," she begins before she's cut off by a huge man with a video camera on his shoulder. "Hi, I'm with OMZ, Odessa's biggest and best gossip website. Unlike Kenz here, I actually know you are participating in the Games. I have the whole list of contestants," the man says triumphantly. A petite girl beside him claps slowly, clearly not amused. "Oh, cute! You have a list. We already have an interview, going live as soon as the Royal Family gives us the okay," she says with a shrug of her shoulders. You glance over at $!{roommate_name} who glances back at you before speaking. "You guys can argue all day about who has what first but, um, are you going to interview us or can we keep walking?" $!{roommate_name} asks the crowd. *page_break Kenz steps forward again, shooting a glance towards the man with OMZ before addressing the two of you. "If Ronnie will let me finish this time, would you mind answering a few of our questions? Look, you're obviously the favorite to win right now. Once that list goes public, which it likely will before the end of the week, you'll have way more to worry about than a group of people like us," she says, pulling her cell phone out of her back pocket. "So, what do you say, $!{player_first_name}?" The petite girl asks you. You take a moment to think it over. Kenz was right. You're sure that there's bound to be pictures of you doing something with the Royal Family, despite how much they tried to keep the visit under wraps. Just because you haven't seen them doesn't mean that they don't exist. What could they ask you, though? You've asked and been asked so many questions over the past few days, you wonder what else people want to know about you. Of course, you also have the option to tell them to screw off and leave you alone. You're not sure what the consequences of that would be, but it would be your choice. *fake_choice #"Sure, ask away." *set media %+5 *page_break *goto_scene papquestions #"No way, leave me alone." *set media %-5 Kenz sighs but respects your wishes. "Fine, $!{player_first_name}. Besides, I think we have all the footage we need to introduce you to the Odessan people anyway. Hope it's the image you want." Once Kenz walks away, the rest of the media people do as well. You're pretty sure one of them sneaks a final picture, but you can't be sure. After the group is completely gone, your roommate whistles lowly. "Well, well, well, never a dull moment in Dia," ${roommate_he_she} says. "Wanna head back?" You nod, eager to relax from the media interaction. You make a mental note to check with Lyon when you get a chance. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_thecity *if (cunning >= 55) "If you don't get away from $!{roommate_name} and I, you'll regret it!" You exclaim, narrowing your eyes at the crowd. Most stop crowding the two of you, but a few others still try to sneak a photo or video. "That means you guys too," you said, pointing your fingers at the last stragglers who reluctantly put their cameras down. You let out a sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose before looking everybody in the eye again. "How the hell you do you guys know me?" You ask. The girl with a high ponytail is quick to answer. "Sources say you're participating in the Odessa Dating Games," she begins before she's cut off by a huge man with a video camera on his shoulder. "Hi, I'm with OMZ, Odessa's biggest and best gossip website. Unlike Kenz here, I actually know you are participating in the Games. I have the whole list of contestants," the man says triumphantly. A petite girl beside him claps slowly, clearly not amused. "Oh, cute! You have a list. We already have an interview, going live as soon as the Royal Family gives us the okay," she says with a shrug of her shoulders. You glance over at $!{roommate_name} who glances back at you before speaking. "You guys can argue all day about who has what first but, um, are you going to interview us or can we keep walking?" $!{roommate_name} asks the crowd. *page_break Kenz steps forward again, shooting a glance towards the man with OMZ before addressing the two of you. "If Ronnie will let me finish this time, would you mind answering a few of our questions? Look, you're obviously the favorite to win right now. Once that list goes public, which it likely will before the end of the week, you'll have way more to worry about than a group of people like us," she says, pulling her cell phone out of her back pocket. "So, what do you say, $!{player_first_name}?" The petite girl asks you. You take a moment to think it over. Kenz was right. You're sure that there's bound to be pictures of you doing something with the Royal Family, despite how much they tried to keep the visit under wraps. Just because you haven't seen them doesn't mean that they don't exist. What could they ask you, though? You've asked and been asked so many questions over the past few days, you wonder what else people want to know about you. Of course, you also have the option to tell them to screw off and leave you alone. You're not sure what the consequences of that would be, but it would be your choice. *fake_choice #"Sure, ask away." *set media %+5 *page_break *goto_scene papquestions #"No way, leave me alone." *set media %-5 Kenz sighs but respects your wishes. "Fine, $!{player_first_name}. Besides, I think we have all the footage we need to introduce you to the Odessan people anyway. Hope it's the image you want." Once Kenz walks away, the rest of the media people do as well. You're pretty sure one of them sneaks a final picture, but you can't be sure. After the group is completely gone, your roommate whistles lowly. "Well, well, well, never a dull moment in Dia," ${roommate_he_she} says. "Wanna head back?" You nod, eager to relax from the media interaction. You make a mental note to check with Lyon when you get a chance. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_thecity #Grab on to my roommate, hoping ${roommate_he_she} will say something on my behalf. *if (roommate < 55) $!{roommate_name} jumps a bit when you grab on to ${roommate_him_her} and allows you a few moments to collect yourself before stepping away from you a bit. "You should probably say something," ${roommate_he_she} murmurs, glancing between you and the group. "Even if it's like…hi." You sigh and turn to the crowd. "Er…what's all of this?" You ask and after a moment, the girl with a high ponytail answers. "Sources say you're participating in the Odessa Dating Games," she begins before she's cut off by a huge man with a video camera on his shoulder. "Hi, I'm with OMZ, Odessa's biggest and best gossip website. Unlike Kenz here, I actually know you are participating in the Games. I have the whole list of contestants," the man says triumphantly. A petite girl beside him claps slowly, clearly not amused. "Oh, cute! You have a list. We already have an interview, going live as soon as the Royal Family gives us the okay," she says with a shrug of her shoulders. You glance over at $!{roommate_name} who glances back at you before speaking. "You guys can argue all day about who has what first but, um, are you going to interview us or can we keep walking?" $!{roommate_name} asks the crowd. *page_break Kenz steps forward again, shooting a glance towards the man with OMZ before addressing the two of you. "If Ronnie will let me finish this time, would you mind answering a few of our questions? Look, you're obviously the favorite to win right now. Once that list goes public, which it likely will before the end of the week, you'll have way more to worry about than a group of people like us," she says, pulling her cell phone out of her back pocket. "So, what do you say, $!{player_first_name}?" The petite girl asks you. You take a moment to think it over. Kenz was right. You're sure that there's bound to be pictures of you doing something with the Royal Family, despite how much they tried to keep the visit under wraps. Just because you haven't seen them doesn't mean that they don't exist. What could they ask you, though? You've asked and been asked so many questions over the past few days, you wonder what else people want to know about you. Of course, you also have the option to tell them to leave you alone. It's not like they exactly made the best first impression anyway. *fake_choice #"Sure, I guess." *set media %+5 *page_break *goto_scene papquestions #"No, please, leave me alone." *set media %-5 Kenz sighs but respects your wishes. "Fine, $!{player_first_name}. Besides, I think we have all the footage we need to introduce you to the Odessan people anyway. Hope it's the image you want." Once Kenz walks away, the rest of the media people do as well. You're pretty sure one of them sneaks a final picture, but you can't be sure. After the group is completely gone, your roommate whistles lowly. "Well, well, well, never a dull moment in Dia," ${roommate_he_she} says. "Wanna head back?" You nod, eager to relax from the media interaction. You make a mental note to check with Lyon when you get a chance. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_thecity *if (roommate >=55) $!{roommate_name} immediately takes charge and wraps an arm around your waist. $!{roommate_he_she} narrows ${roommate_his_her} eyes at the crowd. "$!{player_first_name} won't be saying anything until you guys back up," $!{roommate_name} says firmly. "Just who the hell are you?" Somebody asks from the back of the crowd, which only makes $!{roommate_name}'s narrow even more. "I'm ${player_his_her_their} roommate and $!{player_first_name} definitely won't be answering any questions from your organization," ${roommate_he_she} snaps back. There's a pretty uncomfortable silence after that, which the girl with the high ponytail eventually breaks with an apology. "Look…sorry. Sources say you're participating in the Odessa Dating Games," she begins before she's cut off by a huge man with a video camera on his shoulder. "Hi, I'm with OMZ, Odessa's biggest and best gossip website. Unlike Kenz here, I actually know you are participating in the Games. I have the whole list of contestants," the man says triumphantly. A petite girl beside him claps slowly, clearly not amused. "Oh, cute! You have a list. We already have an interview, going live as soon as the Royal Family gives us the okay," she says with a shrug of her shoulders. You glance at $!{roommate_name} who glances back at you before speaking. "You guys can argue all day about who has what first but, um, are you going to interview us or can we keep walking?" $!{roommate_name} asks the crowd. *page_break Kenz steps forward again, shooting a glance towards the man with OMZ before addressing the two of you. "If Ronnie will let me finish this time, would you mind answering a few of our questions? Look, you're obviously the favorite to win right now. Once that list goes public, which it likely will before the end of the week, you'll have way more to worry about than a group of people like us," she says, pulling her cell phone out of her back pocket. "So, what do you say, $!{player_first_name}?" The petite girl asks you. You take a moment to think it over. Kenz was right. You're sure that there's bound to be pictures of you doing something with the Royal Family, despite how much they tried to keep the visit under wraps. Just because you haven't seen them doesn't mean that they don't exist. What could they ask you, though? You've asked and been asked so many questions over the past few days, you wonder what else people want to know about you. Of course, you also have the option to tell them to leave you alone. It's not like they exactly made the best first impression anyway. *fake_choice #"Sure, I guess." *set media %+5 *page_break *goto_scene papquestions #"No, please, leave me alone." *set media %-5 Kenz sighs but respects your wishes. "Fine, $!{player_first_name}. Besides, I think we have all the footage we need to introduce you to the Odessan people anyway. Hope it's the image you want." Once Kenz walks away, the rest of the media people do as well. You're pretty sure one of them sneaks a final picture, but you can't be sure. After the group is completely gone, your roommate whistles lowly. "Well, well, well, never a dull moment in Dia," ${roommate_he_she} says. "Wanna head back?" You nod, eager to relax from the media interaction. You make a mental note to check with Lyon when you get a chance. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_thecity #Put on an award-winning smile and find a camera to look into. *if (charisma < 55) You put on your best smile, but it falters a bit when you realize that the group of writers and reporters are looking anywhere but your face, despite being incredibly eager just moments before. Eventually, the girl with the ponytail pushes through the crowd in order to talk to you. "Thanks for, er, smiling but I was hoping you'd answer a few of my questions? Sources say you're participating in the Odessa Dating Games," she begins before she's cut off by a huge man with a video camera on his shoulder. "Hi, I'm with OMZ, Odessa's biggest and best gossip website. Unlike Kenz here, I actually know you are participating in the Games. I have the whole list of contestants," the man says triumphantly. A petite girl beside him claps slowly, clearly not amused. "Oh, cute! You have a list. We already have an interview, going live as soon as the Royal Family gives us the okay," she says with a shrug of her shoulders. You glance at $!{roommate_name} who glances back at you before speaking. "You guys can argue all day about who has what first but, um, are you going to interview us or can we keep walking?" $!{roommate_name} asks the crowd. *page_break Kenz steps forward again, shooting a glance towards the man with OMZ before addressing the two of you. "If Ronnie will let me finish this time, would you mind answering a few of our questions? Look, you're obviously the favorite to win right now. Once that list goes public, which it likely will before the end of the week, you'll have way more to worry about than a group of people like us," she says, pulling her cell phone out of her back pocket. "So, what do you say, $!{player_first_name}?" The petite girl asks you. You take a moment to think it over. Kenz was right. You're sure that there's bound to be pictures of you doing something with the Royal Family, despite how much they tried to keep the visit under wraps. Just because you haven't seen them doesn't mean that they don't exist. What could they ask you, though? You've asked and been asked so many questions over the past few days, you wonder what else people want to know about you. Of course, you also have the option to tell them to leave you alone. *fake_choice #"Sure! I'd love to be interviewed!" *set media %+5 *page_break *goto_scene papquestions #"No, please, leave me alone." *set media %-5 Kenz sighs but respects your wishes. "Fine, $!{player_first_name}. Besides, I think we have all the footage we need to introduce you to the Odessan people anyway. Hope it's the image you want." Once Kenz walks away, the rest of the media people do as well. You're pretty sure one of them sneaks a final picture, but you can't be sure. After the group is completely gone, your roommate whistles lowly. "Well, well, well, never a dull moment in Dia," ${roommate_he_she} says. "Wanna head back?" You nod, eager to relax from the media interaction. You make a mental note to check with Lyon when you get a chance. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_thecity *if (charisma >= 55) "Yes, $!{player_first_name}, keep it coming!" Somebody exclaims from the back of the group and you do so, even blowing a kiss into a nearby camera. "See, I told you guys! $!{player_first_name} is a natural in front of the camera!" You keep smiling until your roommate interrupts all the action. "Uh…am I the only one that remembers that you guys almost mobbed us just a few minutes ago?" $!{roommate_name} asks incredulously. You chuckle sheepishly. "My roommate does have a point," you say. "Just why exactly are you so excited to see me?" The girl with the high ponytail pushes through the crowd to face you. "Well, sources say you're participating in the Odessa Dating Games," she begins before she's cut off by a huge man with a video camera on his shoulder. "Hi, I'm with OMZ, Odessa's biggest and best gossip website. Unlike Kenz here, I actually know you are participating in the Games. I have the whole list of contestants," the man says triumphantly. A petite girl beside him claps slowly, clearly not amused. "Oh, cute! You have a list. We already have an interview, going live as soon as the Royal Family gives us the okay," she says with a shrug of her shoulders. You glance at $!{roommate_name} who glances back at you before speaking. "You guys can argue all day about who has what first but, um, are you going to interview us or can we keep walking?" $!{roommate_name} asks the crowd. *page_break Kenz steps forward again, shooting a glance towards the man with OMZ before addressing the two of you. "If Ronnie will let me finish this time, would you mind answering a few of our questions? Look, you're obviously the favorite to win right now. Once that list goes public, which it likely will before the end of the week, you'll have way more to worry about than a group of people like us," she says, pulling her cell phone out of her back pocket. "So, what do you say, $!{player_first_name}?" The petite girl asks you. You take a moment to think it over. Kenz was right. You're sure that there's bound to be pictures of you doing something with the Royal Family, despite how much they tried to keep the visit under wraps. Just because you haven't seen them doesn't mean that they don't exist. What could they ask you, though? You've asked and been asked so many questions over the past few days, you wonder what else people want to know about you. Of course, you also have the option to tell them to leave you alone. *fake_choice #"Sure! I'd love to be interviewed!" *set media %+5 *page_break *goto_scene papquestions #"No, please, leave me alone." *set media %-5 Kenz sighs but respects your wishes. "Fine, $!{player_first_name}. Besides, I think we have all the footage we need to introduce you to the Odessan people anyway. Hope it's the image you want." Once Kenz walks away, the rest of the media people do as well. You're pretty sure one of them sneaks a final picture, but you can't be sure. After the group is completely gone, your roommate whistles lowly. "Well, well, well, never a dull moment in Dia," ${roommate_he_she} says. "Wanna head back?" You nod, eager to relax from the media interaction. You make a mental note to check with Lyon when you get a chance. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_thecity #Cross my arms and wait for them to explain why they’re hounding me. *if (friendly < 55) You cross your arms tightly and stare back at the group of reporters and writers, letting the camera go off. Sure, they annoyed you, but you weren't saying anything to these people until they explained themselves. $!{roommate_name} followed suit and stared the group down as well. Eventually, a hush falls over the crowd, which is only broken by the same girl that called you out in the first place. "Silent and brooding type? Alright. $!{player_first_name}, our sources say you're participating in the Odessa Dating Games," she begins before she's cut off by a huge man with a video camera on his shoulder. "Hi, I'm with OMZ, Odessa's biggest and best gossip website. Unlike Kenz here, I actually know you are participating in the Games. I have the whole list of contestants," the man says triumphantly. A petite girl beside him claps slowly, clearly not amused. "Oh, cute! You have a list. We already have an interview, going live as soon as the Royal Family gives us the okay," she says with a shrug of her shoulders. You glance at $!{roommate_name} who glances back at you before speaking. "You guys can argue all day about who has what first but, um, are you going to interview us or can we keep walking?" $!{roommate_name} asks the crowd. *page_break Kenz steps forward again, shooting a glance towards the man with OMZ before addressing the two of you. "If Ronnie will let me finish this time, would you mind answering a few of our questions? Look, you're obviously the favorite to win right now. Once that list goes public, which it likely will before the end of the week, you'll have way more to worry about than a group of people like us," she says, pulling her cell phone out of her back pocket. "So, what do you say, $!{player_first_name}?" The petite girl asks you. You take a moment to think it over. Kenz was right. You're sure that there's bound to be pictures of you doing something with the Royal Family, despite how much they tried to keep the visit under wraps. Just because you haven't seen them doesn't mean that they don't exist. What could they ask you, though? You've asked and been asked so many questions over the past few days, you wonder what else people want to know about you. Of course, you also have the option to tell them to leave you alone…which is what you're leaning towards more. *fake_choice #"Sure! I'll talk." *set media %+5 *page_break *goto_scene papquestions #"No, I'm good." *set media %-5 Kenz sighs but respects your wishes. "Fine, $!{player_first_name}. Besides, I think we have all the footage we need to introduce you to the Odessan people anyway. Hope it's the image you want." Once Kenz walks away, the rest of the media people do as well. You're pretty sure one of them sneaks a final picture, but you can't be sure. After the group is completely gone, your roommate whistles lowly. "Well, well, well, never a dull moment in Dia," ${roommate_he_she} says. "Wanna head back?" You nod, eager to relax from the media interaction. You make a mental note to check with Lyon when you get a chance. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_thecity *if (friendly >= 55) It doesn't exactly give you the result you wanted, but they do eventually calm down, at least enough to ask you why you're not saying anything. "Well, you've kind of bombarded me with a lot of questions," you begin, slowly lowering your arms. "Why exactly would I be jumping to talk to you guys?" The girl with the high ponytail pushes through the crowd to face and talk to you. "Fair, $!{player_first_name}. Our sources say you're participating in the Odessa Dating Games," she begins before she's cut off by a huge man with a video camera on his shoulder. "Hi, I'm with OMZ, Odessa's biggest and best gossip website. Unlike Kenz here, I actually know you are participating in the Games. I have the whole list of contestants," the man says triumphantly. A petite girl beside him claps slowly, clearly not amused. "Oh, cute! You have a list. We already have an interview, going live as soon as the Royal Family gives us the okay," she says with a shrug of her shoulders. You glance at $!{roommate_name} who glances back at you before speaking. "You guys can argue all day about who has what first but, um, are you going to interview us or can we keep walking?" $!{roommate_name} asks the crowd. *page_break Kenz steps forward again, shooting a glance towards the man with OMZ before addressing the two of you. "If Ronnie will let me finish this time, would you mind answering a few of our questions? Look, you're obviously the favorite to win right now. Once that list goes public, which it likely will before the end of the week, you'll have way more to worry about than a group of people like us," she says, pulling her cell phone out of her back pocket. "So, what do you say, $!{player_first_name}?" The petite girl asks you. You take a moment to think it over. Kenz was right. You're sure that there's bound to be pictures of you doing something with the Royal Family, despite how much they tried to keep the visit under wraps. Just because you haven't seen them doesn't mean that they don't exist. What could they ask you, though? You've asked and been asked so many questions over the past few days, you wonder what else people want to know about you. Of course, you also have the option to tell them to leave you alone…which is what you're leaning towards more. *fake_choice #"Sure! I'll talk." *set media %+5 *page_break *goto_scene papquestions #"No, I'm good." *set media %-5 Kenz sighs but respects your wishes. "Fine, $!{player_first_name}. Besides, I think we have all the footage we need to introduce you to the Odessan people anyway. Hope it's the image you want." Once Kenz walks away, the rest of the media people do as well. You're pretty sure one of them sneaks a final picture, but you can't be sure. After the group is completely gone, your roommate whistles lowly. "Well, well, well, never a dull moment in Dia," ${roommate_he_she} says. "Wanna head back?" You nod, eager to relax from the media interaction. You make a mental note to check with Lyon when you get a chance. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_thecity