It’s 2118. In a world devoid of culture, everything is grey. The buildings are grey, skyscraper’s mirrored panelling reflecting a gloomy, monotonous city. On the streets, cars are all grey, black, or white.
There is no colour, no vibrancy. It’s a world where everyone is the same. Exactly the same.
Skin colour is no longer an issue. Culture doesn’t exist anymore, and as a result, neither does religion.
It’s a robotic, peaceful society. Not post-apocalyptic, not post end-of-the-world, just… the same.
[[More ]] “We are reborn,” they said.
“We start fresh. No culture, no history, no conflict.”
The people began to forget, slowly, growing up in a world devoid of colour and culture.
Children grew up knowing only black and white. Working adults eventually accepted the reality – the colours they had grown up with fading with each passing day.
[[...]]Rules are strict, and disobedience is not tolerated.
Follow the rules and you'll survive. One wrong step, and life as you know it is over.
[[The Rules]]1. History studies and teachings are forbidden, unless otherwise approved
2. All artefacts found (books, paintings, songs, etc.) must be reported to enforcers immediately
3. Music, cultural poems and stories are strictly forbidden
4. No fabric other than the approved list is allowed ([[Fabric Approved List]])
5. No jewelry other than the approved list is allowed ([[Jewelry Approved List]])
6. Only food from the approved list can be consumed ([[Food Approved List]])
7. Attire must be uniformed and maintained at all times ([[Dress Code]])
[[Next]]
The following are the only fabrics approved for use:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Linen
- Denim
IMPORTANT: Winter jackets must be made of nylon and polyester, and be treated with water repellant, and are only to be worn from November to March.
[[The Rules]]The following are the jewelry that is approved for wear:
- Only plain silver stud earrings are allowed
- Only females are allowed piercings
- Only one lobe piercing is allowed per ear
[[The Rules]] The following are the only items that are approved for consumption:
- Fish
- Chicken
- Pork
- Beef
- Apples
- Oranges
- Spinach
IMPORTANT:
- Only salt and pepper is allowed
- Food can only be pan fried or steamed
- Chilli, and all other spices are strictly forbidden
[[The Rules]]
All members of society must dress identically. The following rules apply to both men and women alike.
The approved colours are: Black, white or grey
Attire:
- Straight cut blazer
- Single pleat pants
- Tucked in button-down shirt
For those working in the sun or outdoors (i.e. tradesmen, farmers, construction workers etc.):
Attire:
- Overalls in approved colours with high visibibity bands
- Short sleeved undershirt
- Black working boots
[[The Rules]] The elders fought, trying in secret to restart their stolen traditions, but punishment was swift and harsh.
It was the one piece of history taught, the government’s successful defeat of the rebellion.
There would be no tolerance – and with it, no resistance.
Until there was.
[[Start | Chapter 1]] (set: $name to (prompt: "Enter your name", ""))
Today marks 100 years since The Rebellion. Plain banners are hung everywhere, with the faces of the rebels who tried – and failed – to overthrow the government.
It serves as a sombre reminder of the consequences should anyone attempt the same. You greet the police officer patrolling your street on your way to your car, and the officer regards you coolly.
“Work?” he asks.
[[You nod politely | Chapter 1.1A]]
[[You roll your eyes, gesturing to your tools and uniform | Chapter 1.1B]] He nods brusquely, turning on his heel and walking away, back straight and eyes sharp. You make your way to your car, settling yourself in for the long drive to work.
[[Go to work]]
He narrows his eyes at you, watching you make your way to your car. You see him turning away in your rear view mirror. You shift nervously, diverting your eyes and quickly driving away.
It's going to be a long drive.
[[Go to work | Go to work 1]] Right as you arrive on the demolition site, you see an old man, dressed in his pressed black pants, black blazer, and white shirt. He nods at you with a knowing smile.
You stare after him, confused.
<i>Do I know you? </i>
[[Approach him and ask]]
[[Ignore him]]
"Not yet apparently," he chuckles, tipping his hat at you. "But it seems like you will soon."
He walks away, leaving you even more confused than before.
Your colleague approaches you, following your gaze as you watch the man disappear from view.
"$name, are you alright?" he asks.
[["Yes I'm fine." | Chapter 1.2A]]
[["Not really. Something strange just happened." | Chapter 1.2B]]You look at him curiously, but say nothing, turning away to focus on your work.
Your colleague approaches you.
"$name, are you alright?" he asks.
[["Yes I'm fine." | Chapter 1.2A]]
[["Not really. Something strange just happened." | Chapter 1.2B]]He nods and turns away, heading into the shambles of what was once a beautiful house. You pick up your crowbar and your toolbelt, heading in after him.
[[Go into House]] Your colleague listens to you, nodding thoughtfully. He glances up at the banner flapping softly in the breeze.
"The rebel in the banner looks a lot like you, perhaps that’s why.”
[["I’m not 125 years old, so that’s impossible. Let us begin the demolition.” | Chapter 1.2A.1]]
[[“Maybe it is.” | Chapter 1.2B.1]]
Your colleague looks at you, confused, but walks away. You pick up your crowbar and your toolbelt, heading into the ruins of the once beautiful house.
[[Go into House]]
You step through the doorframe, wood rotten and falling to pieces. The weight of the crowbar rests in your gloved hands, and you bend over, beginning your work.
The floor is quickly torn apart, the once-strong wood crumbling like dust, revealing the now-useless insulation and large wooden beams that are barely holding the house together.
You pry another plank from its place on the floor, and see a small, oddly coloured pouch.
[[Pick it up and look inside | Chapter 1.3A]]
[[Leave it there | Chapter 1.3B]]
[[Crush it and whatever’s in it with the crowbar | Chapter 1.3B]]
[[Report it because you’re worried about what it might contain | Chapter 1.3C]]
You open the strange pouch, and see a necklace with a bright coloured stone. You’re amazed at the way it sparkles.
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You’ve never seen such a colour, and you’re mesmerized for a moment, staring at the seemingly swirling colours in the necklace’s coloured stone. You hear your colleague yell for you.
[[Panicked, you put it in your jacket pocket | Chapter 1.4]]
[[You curse, throwing the pouch back to where you found it | Chapter 1.3B]]
You continue with your work, ignoring the strange pouch. You rip the rest of the floorboards, making sure the pouch, and whatever is in it, is buried under the splintered wood pieces.
Your colleague tells you that the demolition team is here. You leave the house and the team uses their heavier machinery to demolish the rest of the house. Your colleague tells you that he will see you the next day, for work on the house next door.
[[Continue | FAIL]]
You look around, nervous, heart pounding from what you’ve just found. It’s illegal. You know it’s illegal, but something compels you to conceal it, and look at it while you’re in the relative safety of your home.
You consider asking for early leave, citing illness, or just waiting until the day is done, but your colleague calls for you again, telling you the demolition team is here.
[[Continue | Chapter 1.5]]You have failed.
Your past is written in stone, but what does your future hold?
[[Start Again |The Beginning - Home ]]Within minutes, government officals swarm the house, and your colleague asks you what you found.
Before you can explain, the same police officer from earlier appears, staring at you in surprise.
"Well done for reporting this find so quickly. We'll ensure you're well rewarded." he congratulates you, taking your details and wishing you a nice day.
[[Continue | Chapter 1.3C.1]]
Right as you arrive on the demolition site, you see an old man, dressed in his pressed black pants, black blazer, and white shirt, nod at you with a knowing smile.
You stare after him, confused.
<i>Do I know you? </i>
[[Approach him and ask | Approach 1]]
[[Ignore him | Ignore 1]]"Not yet apparently," he chuckles, tipping his hat at you. "But it seems like you will soon."
He walks away, leaving you even more confused than before.
Your colleague approaches you, following your gaze as you watch the man disappear from view.
"$name, are you alright?" he asks.
[["Yes I'm fine." | Chapter 1.2A1]]
[["Not really. Something strange just happened." | Chapter 1.2B1]]You look at him curiously, but say nothing, turning away to focus on your work.
Your colleague approaches you.
"$name, are you alright?" he asks.
[["Yes I'm fine." | Chapter 1.2A1]]
[["Not really. Something strange just happened." | Chapter 1.2B1]]He nods and turns away, heading into the shambles of what was once a beautiful house. You pick up your crowbar and your toolbelt, heading in after him.
[[Go into House | House 1]] Your colleague listens to you, nodding thoughtfully. He glances up at the banner flapping softly in the breeze.
"The rebel in the banner looks a lot like you, perhaps that’s why.”
[["I’m not 125 years old, so that’s impossible. Let us begin the demolition.” | Chapter 1.2A1.1]]
[[“Maybe it is.” | Chapter 1.2B1.1]] You step through the doorframe, wood rotten and falling to pieces. The weight of the crowbar rests in your gloved hands, and you bend over, beginning your work.
The floor is quickly torn apart, the once-strong wood crumbling like dust, revealing the now-useless insulation and large wooden beams that are barely holding the house together.
You pry another plank from its place on the floor, and see a small, oddly coloured pouch.
[[Pick it up and look inside | Chapter 1.3A]]
[[Leave it there | Chapter 1.3B]]
[[Crush it and whatever’s in it with the crowbar | Chapter 1.3B]]
[[Report it because you’re worried about what it might contain | Chapter 1.3C1]] Your colleague looks at you, confused, but walks away. You pick up your crowbar and your toolbelt, heading into the ruins of the once beautiful house.
[[Go into House | House 1]] Within minutes, the government swarms the house, and your colleague asks you what you found.
Before you can explain, the same police officer from earlier appears, staring at you in disdain.
“You’re under arrest for treason. Anything you say can and will be held against you in court,” he recites, snapping the cold metal cuffs around your wrists," He smirks knowingly down at you. "I knew you were trouble, right from when I saw you this morning."
[["I didn’t do anything!" | Chapter 1.3C2]]
[["This is ridiculous, I reported the find!" | Chapter 1.3C3]]
Once the government officials have cleared the site you were working on, you turn your focus back to the demolishing team, who have arrived to finish the job.
You leave the house and the team use their heavier machinery to demolish the rest of the house.
Your colleague tells you that he will see you the next day, for work on the house next door.
[[Continue | FAIL]]The officer ignores you completely, taking you away for questioning. As he walks you out of the house, everyone you work with, and even strangers stare at you, whispering that you’re trying to restart the rebellion.
A person, child really, no more than five, stares at you and says you look exactly like one of the rebels in the banners hung all over the city.
You’re shoved into the police van, and know your life as you know it is over.
[[Continue | FAIL]]The officer snorts. "You probably reported it because you stole it in the first place. Think you're so smart, but I caught you being suspicious this morning, and I knew something was up," he huffs, roughly dragging you out of the house.
Everyone you work with, and even strangers stare at you, whispering that you’re trying to restart the rebellion.
A person, child really, no more than five years old, stares at you and says you look exactly like one of the rebels on the banners.
You’re shoved into the police van, and know your life as you know it is over.
[[Continue | FAIL]]“Our day here is done, the team will take care of the rest. Do you want to have lunch?” he asks, and you’re conflicted.
[[Yes | Chapter 1.5A]]
[[No | Chapter 1.5B]]You agree reluctantly, but you’re nervous and jittery the entire lunch. Your colleague is concerned, but also suspicious.
He tells you to go home and rest, and turns away to pull out his phone.
[[Take his phone from him forcefully | Chapter 1.5A.1]]
[[Peek over his shoulder | Chapter 1.5A.2]]
[[Ask him what he’s doing | Chapter 1.5A.3]]
You regretfully shake your head, politely declining his offer, using your exhaustion as an excuse.
He looks at you with sympathy, patting you encouragingly on the back.
"Rest well. You've worked really hard."
He leaves, and you’re free to go back home.
[[Go Home | Chapter 1.6]]You look at his phone in a panic, embarrassment filling your body when you see that he’s just booking a taxi.
You return it to him sheepishly, and he storms off, offended.
[[Continue | Chapter 1.5A.1.1]]He doesn’t notice you leaning over his shoulder. You breathe a quiet sigh of relief when you realize that he isn't going to call you in or report you for suspicious behaviour.
He was just booking a taxi to get himself home. You wait until he's gone before you begin your own journey home.
[[Go Back Home | Chapter 1.6]]
He looks up at you, confused.
"I am just booking a taxi. My car is under repair at the moment. The mechanic said it would take three days."
You nod, telling him that you are going to head home.
[[Go Back Home | Chapter 1.6]]You reach home after an uneventful drive. At the lobby you wait for the slow creaky lift. You're full of nervous energy, and a mild panic sets in when you see your chatty neighbour approach you.
[[Take the stairs | Chapter 1.6A]]
[[Wait for the lift | Chapter 1.6B]]You want to go after him, to apologize, but you also really want to go home and look at the pouch. The necklace feels heavy in your jacket pocket.
You sigh, turning away and heading to your car to begin the journey home.
[[Go Back Home | Chapter 1.6]]You smile briefly at your neighbour, waving as you head towards the stairs.
[[Climb Stairs | Chapter 1.6A1]]"Hey neighbour!" he greets cheerily. You smile at him, hoping it doesn't come off as too nervous.
[[Greet him | Chapter1.6B1]]
[[Ignore him | Chapter 1.6C]]He chuckles at your joke, turning away and heading into the shambles of what was once a beautiful house. You pick up your crowbar and your toolbelt, heading in after him.
[[Go into House]] He chuckles at your joke, turning away and heading into the shambles of what was once a beautiful house. You pick up your crowbar and your toolbelt, heading in after him.
[[Go into House | House 1]] You’re finally in your apartment.
Taking the necklace out, you watch the way it sparkles in the sunlight.
You hold the pendant in your palm, stroking the gem gently.
[[Next | Chapter 2]]"How was work? Did you know, today my ..."
You're wondering if the stairs would've just been easier, but your neighbour seems content to talk about his dog (you think, it could have been a cat, but you weren't really paying attention).
The lift thankfully arrives and you both enter.
"So, how was work?" he asks.
[[Talk about work | Chapter 1.6B2]]
[[It was alright | Chapter 1.6C]]
You both fall into silence as the lift brings you up to your floor.
The bell dings, and you've never felt more relieved.
"Well, I'll see you soon $name!" Your neighbour waves as you exit.
You offer a meek wave in return, hurrying to the safety of your apartment.
[[Go Home | Chapter 1.7]]"We tore down a 100 year old house today," you say, feeling the necklace's weight in your jacket pocket.
“Oh? Tell me about it, did you find some anything interesting? I love a good story," he beams.
You hesitate. <i> Can you really trust him? </i>
[[Nothing interesting happened | Chapter 1.6B3]]
[[Talk about the necklace | Chapter 1.6B4]]
You're breathless and panting by the time you reach your floor.
<i> Not the smartest idea, $name </i>, you groan, entering your apartment.
At least here you're safe from nosy neighbours.
[[Next | Chapter 1.7]]"Oh there was nothing interesting, just rotting wood, and a weak structure," you say, but your neighbour looks so interested.
"You'd think you'd find at least some sort of treasure in there," he laughs, and thankfully the lift bell dings.
"Well, this is my floor, maybe next time."
You hurry out of the lift, breathing a sigh of relief when the door closes.
[[Go Home | Chapter 1.7]]His eyes bug, and you immediately know you've made a mistake. The lift dings, breaking the sudden tension, and you back away.
"I'm going to report you! This is illegal!" he yells, phone already out and dialling.
[[Next | Chapter 1.6B5]]
You run to your apartment, throwing the necklace in the trash.
<i> Stupid, stupid stupid! </i>
You're pacing nervously, thinking of how else you can destroy the evidence, when the officers burst in, ordering you to freeze.
The officer from this morning glares at you, arresting you immediately.
“I knew you were trouble,” he sneers, throwing you into the back of the police van.
[[Next | FAIL]]<style> img {
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[[Look Around | Chapter 2.1]]You blink, and suddenly you're standing in a street, with a whole myriad of sounds, smells, and <i> colour </i> attacking your senses.
Everything is so… vibrant. You glance around in awe, trying to take in everything you see.
It looks like a market, the kind you had only heard whispers about. This was forbidden back home, wherever home was.
[[Explore market | Chapter 2.1A]]
[[Stand there looking lost | Chapter 2.1B]]
A lady with a colourful skirt and a bright headband holds up a tray with some sort of sugary bread. “Would you like a sample?”
[[Yes | Chapter 2.1A1]]
[[No | Chapter 2.1A2]]
You’re overwhelmed. Everything is too bright, too loud, too... much.
A lady, seated on a small stool, mixing some sort of leaves in a bucket.
“Kimchi, fresh and handmade” she explains kindly, sensing your confusion. “Try?” she asks, holding up a piece of the coloured leaf.
[[Yes | Chapter 2.1B1]]
[[No | Chapter 2.1B2]]“What is it?”
She laughs, shaking her head. “It’s a donut.”
You try it, and it’s sweet and soft, warm from just being cooked.
You look at her with wide eyes, chewing as you feel overwhelmed from all the flavours.
[[Next | Chapter 2.1A3]]“No, thank you,” you answer, and she nods, turning away to offer it to someone else.
[[Next | Chapter 2.1A3]]You’re curious now, wandering over to an older lady who’s mixing some sort of leaves in a bucket.
“Kimchi, fresh and handmade,” she explains kindly. “Try?” she asks, holding up a piece of the coloured leaf.
[[Yes | Chapter 2.1B1]]
[[No | Chapter 2.1B2]]
You’ve heard them before, warning sirens.
They're the same sirens that are played every year to remind citizens of the harsh but necessary methods of achieving precious peace and stability.
You spot the soldiers, clad in their black, white and grey, the three colours you do recognize.
“Hey! You! Hand over the necklace! That's illegal!” one soldier barks, pointing directly at you.
[[Fight | Chapter 2.2A]]
[[Flight | Chapter 2.2B]]
You grip it tighter, a spark of mad bravery coursing through your veins.
“Make me.”
The soldier glares at you, charging towards you. You’re ready to throw a punch, steeling yourself for the inevitable pain.
[[Continue | Chapter 2.3]]
You freeze, panicked, hand gripping the necklace tighter out of fear. The soldier huffs, walking towards you, determined to take the necklace from you.
[[Continue | Chapter 2.3]]Someone grabs you, forcefully tugging you away from the soldier. You sprint blindly down a dark alley with the stranger, panting as you're shoved into an abandoned shack.
<i> Is this really a better option? </i> You think briefly, opening your mouth to protest.
[[Next | Chapter 2.4]]“Shh!!!!!” they warn, clapping a hand over your mouth and leading you down into a trapdoor under the carpet.
You wait in silence, tensions high and hearts racing.
[[Next | Chapter 2.5]]You both lie in wait anxiously, breaths held as long as possible. You see the shadow of the soldier slowly pass, his low grumbles about runaway civilians fading as he walks further away. You look at the stranger curiously.
[[She's so young... | Chapter 2.6]]
She can’t be any older than 19 or 20, but the haunted look in her eyes tells you she’s seen, and been through, far more than she should have.
“Do you trust me?” she whispers.
[[Maybe? You did save me | Chapter 2.6A]]
[[No? I'm a criminal now! | Chapter 2.6B]]She turns away to scan the surroundings, and you hold in a gasp, noticing a long scar along her cheek, and a wisp of kimchi-coloured hair slipping from her hood.
"Look, I know it's confusing. It’s 2018–
[[<i>WAIT. 2018?! </i> | Chapter 2.6A1]]
“Well you’re gonna have to, if you want to go back to your time,” she huffs. "It’s 2018, when the ruling government first announced their plans for a revolutionary change–"
Wait... <i> What?! </i>
"How is that possible!" you whisper, and she waves your question away.
[[Next | Chapter 2.7]]You stare at her in horror and she rolls her eyes.
“I know where, or when, you’re from. You’re from the future where the government succeeds in their crazy mission,” she whispers, and you nod shakily.
<i> 100 years back in time?! How did this even happen? </i>
[[Next | Chapter 2.7]]
“Join the rebellion. Help us save our future, and we’ll help you get home. Look for the old house with the Lion,” she says sternly.
You’re confused, reeling from the realization of <i> time travel </i>, unsure of everything.
She falls silent suddenly, pointing discreetly at the returning shadows.
[[Wait silently | Chapter 2.8]]<i> “Whatever you do, don’t lose the necklace,” </i> she breathes, inching the trapdoor open slowly.
“I’ll see you back at the house.”
[[Wait! | Chapter 2.8A]]
[[Good Luck | Chapter 2.8B]]“Yes?” she hesitates, looking at you curiously.
<i> Are you really going to do this? </i>
[[We’ll do it together | Chapter 2.8A1]]
[[Good luck | Chapter 2.8B]]She smiles at you, nodding and stepping out of the trap door.
“Stay here until I’ve led them away, then use this to find the Lion House. We’re in the Town Square now.”
[[Take Map]]“I don’t want to leave you alone," you insist, "and this way you can take me to the house. Tell me what I have to do.” You grip her wrist, firm and determined.
You have no idea what you're doing, but you want a (mostly) guaranteed way to the Lion House. She frowns, shaking her head.
“The instructions are clear. Here.”
[[Take Map]]<style> img {
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[[Next | Chapter 2.9]]“One more thing, before I forget,” she whispers, crouching back down. “When in doubt, go left.”
<i> Left? What? </i>
[[Next | Chapter 2.10]]She shoots you a warning glance to stay hidden. She runs out of the house yelling at the guards, provoking them and leading them away from you.
You slip out the door quickly, walking away from the noise and chaos the girl was creating. You pause in the middle of the Town Square, unsure of where to go.
[[Look at map]]You look up and see the police station on your right, and a familiar looking house on your left, although you can’t place why you would recognize a house from 100 years ago.
You see the bank and the museum in front of you, although the museum seems to be closed, and heavily guarded.
<i> So this is where it all began, </i> you think, a somber feeling settling in the pit of your stomach.
[[Next | Chapter 2.12]]
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[[Next | Chapter 2.11]]You follow the map, all the while checking over your shoulder to make sure the guards aren’t paying you any mind.
Passing the stores, you see the kimchi lady shoot you a knowing smile, shooting you two thumbs up before turning back to her coloured leaves.
<i> Is she in on it too? </i> you wonder to yourself, starting your journey towards this mysterious Lion House.
[[Look At Map]]
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[[Back | Chapter 2.12]]You walk for what seems like forever, sweat beading along your brow, until you finally come to the edge of a forest.
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[[Next | Chapter 2.14]]You try it, and it’s cold and sweet but also fills your mouth with an unfamiliar pain.
You gasp in shock, trying to push through the surprising pain.
“It hurts!” you yelp, and she laughs.
“Not good with spicy food? It’s not that spicy.”
So this is what spicy tastes like. It hurts, but it’s also kind of nice.
[[Next | Chapter 2.1B1.1]]“No, thank you,” you answer, and she nods, turning away to offer it to someone else.
Another lady comes up to you and offers you a handful of strange, hard coloured things.
<i> Sweets, she called them. </i>
You take them confusedly, thanking her and putting them in your pockets.
You try and make sense of the chaos, when you hear them.
[[Next | Chapter 2.2]]You stare up at the tall trees, wondering if you’re really going to do this. Why did you follow that girl’s instructions?
<i> Did you want to help with the rebellion?
Did you want to keep things the way they were? </i>
You thought about the vibrancy, the happiness, all the different (and weird) things you saw in that little town square.
[[Next | Chapter 2.15]]
If you helped with the rebellion, your future might still have these colours.
If not… well you already knew what it was like without it. You’d known nothing about this world before your time.
[[Look At Map | Map 2.15]]
[[Walk away | Chapter 2.15A]]
[[Go into the forest | Chapter 3]]
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[[Back | Chapter 2.15]]You didn’t want to help with the rebellion.
You wanted to explore and learn about this new world, live and take in whatever you’d missed out on.
You’re going to do what you should’ve done at first – surrender the necklace.
[[Go back to Town | Chapter 2.15B]]You can’t help the grin on your face as you step into the cool forest, following the well-worn path.
Enjoying the soft breeze, you feel calmer than you have since you were sucked into this madness.
Until you see the fork.
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[[Go Left | Chapter 3.1]]
[[Go Right | Chapter 3A]]You make the trek back to the town square, entering the police station and handing over the necklace.
[[Surrender necklace | Chapter 2.15C]]The police are suspicious, and question you endlessly, but ultimately let you go.
You walk out of the station, knowing you had helped shape the future to the way you always knew, but for now, maybe you’d like to try more food.
"Would you like to try a popsicle?" A cheery voice asks.
You smile, looking at his array of coloured sticks.
"Why yes, I'd love to."
[[Continue]]The rebellion will fail, and therefore so has your mission.
You'll never go back to the time, or people, you knew. Your future remains the same, monotonous and colour-free, but your present self is content.
Happy.
[[Start Again |The Beginning - Home ]]You remembered that girl’s words, turning left and continuing down the path.
It's rockier, a little more unstable, but still breathtakingly beautiful nonetheless.
[[Keep walking | Chapter 3.2]]You head down the well-worn path, wondering if you should have taken the left. You continue walking, feeling excitement when you see the never-ending line of trees starting to thin out. You’ve found it–
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[[Next | Chapter 3B]]
You see the line of trees thin out, and in the clearing, is a beautiful old house, with tall brass lamps, and two majestic iron lions guarding the front.
The day has flown by, and you can feel the temperature dropping around you.
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[[Next | Chapter 3.3]]
<i>“When in doubt, go left” </i>
You groan, about to turn back, when you see officers running towards you. Panicked, you stumble and fall, dangerously close to the edge of the cliff.
[[Jump – Maybe you'll survive | Chapter 3C]]
[[Try and explain the situation | Chapter 3C.1]]
You feel your body hit the water hard, and slowly feel yourself lose consciousness, sinking deeper into the chillingly cold water.
[[You're Dead]]They arrest you, refusing to believe your outlandish story. You will be tried and charged in court for acts of rebellion.
They take the necklace from you, and with it, your only way home.
[[Continue | FAIL]]You have failed. And Died.
Your past is written in stone, but what does your future hold?
[[Start Again |The Beginning - Home ]]You step closer towards the house, nervous. The house is intimidating, and the lions seem to be watching your every move.
There’s a tension in the air, even if no one’s around you.
[[Turn away | Chapter 3.3A]]
[[Keep walking towards the house | Chapter 3.4]]
You turn away, running back the way you came.
You’ll find some way back, or build a new life here.
Everything is going to be okay… right?
[[Continue | Chapter 3.3B]]You step up the porch’s grand steps, staring at the big mahogany door.
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[[Go into Lion House | Chapter 3.5]]You have failed.
Your past is written in stone, but what does your future hold?
[[Start Again |The Beginning - Home ]]The door opens with an eerie creak, revealing the mansion and its messy foyer.
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[[Keep walking into the house | Chapter 3.5A]]
[[Ask if anyone is home | Chapter 3.5B]]You hear vague, soft noises, almost as if someone was arguing. You decide to search for the noise… Maybe there were people here.
That girl wouldn’t lead you into an empty house for nothing… would she?
[[Explore the house | Chapter 3.6]]No one answers you, but you can hear vague, soft noises, almost as if someone was arguing.
You decide to search for the noise… Maybe there are people here.
That girl wouldn’t lead you into an empty house for nothing… would she?
[[Explore the House | Chapter 3.6]]There's a room on your left, but it looks like it's been blocked by the fallen debris.
The stairs leading upstairs are largely intact, and you think it might be a good place to start, but the two big doors on the main floor have piqued your interest.
[[Go upstairs | Chapter 3.6A]]
[[Go into Main Room | Chapter 3.7]]
[[Go into Left Room | Chapter 3.6B]]You head up the stairs, wincing with every creak that echoes throughout the house.
Once you're on the second floor, you find three young kids huddled together, looking at you worriedly.
[[Approach them | Chapter 3.6A1]]You push the doors open, and the voices grow louder, sounding angrier and more frustrated.
“… We can’t keep waiting!”
“… Kill her!”
“… Let’s not rush things, please.”
You freeze, not wanting to alert whoever was arguing of your presence.
[[Quietly leave | Chapter 3.7A]]
[[Enter Dining Room | Chapter 3.8]]It’s blocked by debris. You try and move it but it’s too heavy.
Something must have happened here. It’s a beautiful house, but why is it so damaged?
You can only peek into the room, glimpsing odd-looking objects sparkling from the fading sunlight.
[[Go back to foyer | Chapter 3.6]]
“Are you here to take us away?” one asks, clinging to the other two children tightly. “Like you did with the other kids?”
You feel your heart break, shaking your head and reassuring them that you weren’t here to take them anywhere.
"In fact, I have something to give you," you tell them gently, pulling out the colourful hard stones you were given earlier.
[[Give them sweets | Chapter 3.6A2]]
They take them hesitantly, thanking you and looking far more relaxed than when they first saw you.
“The adults are in the main room, the two big doors downstairs,” one of the boys, whispers. “Us kids are supposed to stay here, safe from the bad people.”
You thank them, telling them to listen to the adults' instructions, and to stay safe.
[[Go back to foyer | Chapter 3.6]]
You back away slowly, but trip on a broken plank and fall.
<i> Damn it... </i>
The dining room is suddenly deathly silent, and you look up to see a gun pointed at you, and several people standing around, staring at you.
[[Continue | Chapter 3.8]]“Who are you?” one of them demands, fixing you with a hostile glare.
[[I'm $name. A girl sent me | Chapter 3.8A]]
[[Nobody, I’m just trying to go home| Chapter 3.8B]]“What did that girl look like? What was her name?” the man demands, gun pressed to your skull.
You flounder, trying to remember her features.
[[She has a scar, and bright hair | Chapter 3.8A1]]
[[I don’t know her name, but she saved my life | Chapter 3.8A1]]
“This isn’t your home. Tell us the truth or we’ll kill you for being a spy,” the man demands, pressing the gun harder against your head.
“Who sent you here?!”
[[A girl. She saved my life | Chapter 3.8A1]]"Prove it.” Another woman, older this time, snarls at you. You sneak a glance at her, noting that she has similar features, as the girl who saved you, and the same kimchi-coloured hair.
<i> Sisters, maybe? </i>
[[Take out the map and give it to them | Chapter 3.8A2]]
[[Take out the necklace and show it to them | Chapter 3.9]]
“You stole this! What else?” the man roars, ripping the map you were given clean in half.
<i> Shit… I’m really going to die. Wait, the necklace! </i>
[[Show them the necklace | Chapter 3.9]]
“You’re the one,” the man scoffs, dropping his gun from your head. "She risked her life to save this idiot. The time traveller.”
You feel lightheaded, body sagging with relief that they believe you. He waves his gun around casually, and you flinch, hoping he doesn’t accidentally fire it.
[[Yes – Who is she? | Chapter 3.9A]]
[[Where is she? | Chapter 3.9B]]
“Who is she? Red’s the leader of our rebellion. You know of the government’s radical plans, yes?" You nod, not wanting to seem rude by interrupting him.
"Well, she’s the leader in fighting those plans. I’m Ace. That’s Red’s older sister Fia,” he introduces, going round the room until your head is spinning with names and faces.
[[Where's Red then? | Chapter 3.9A2]]“Her stupid little distraction for your escape got her caught," He grouses, and you shrink into yourself a little.
"She got cornered at the end of the alleyway, cut off by officers,” The man sighs. “For a leader she can be so incredibly foolish.”
[[Leader? | Chapter 3.9B1]]“Her stupid little distraction for your escape got her caught. She got cornered at the end of the alleyway, cut off by officers,” Ace sighs.
“For a leader she can be so incredibly foolish.”
[[Continue | Chapter 3.10]]“Yes. The girl who saved you, that’s Red’s, leader of our rebellion. I’m Ace. That’s Red’s older sister Fia,” he introduces, going round the room until your head is spinning with names and faces.
[[Continue | Chapter 3.10]]“Well, they’re here now, so what are we waiting for? Let’s go already!” Fia snaps, hand poised over her gun, ready to fight and save her sister.
[[Next | Chapter 3.11]]
“We have to be patient. We don’t even know where she is, let alone their plans for her–" Ace turns to her, trying to convince her to wait until they have more news.
The radio crackles, and a voice filters through the static, each sentence declaring worse news than before.
[[Next | Chapter 3.12]]
<b> "CITIZENS REJOICE!
TODAY MARKS THE DOWNFALL OF THE REBELLION!
THE LEADER HAS BEEN CAPTURED.
SHE WILL BE EXECUTED PUBLICLY TOMORROW.
ALL REMAINING REBELS ARE TO SURRENDER PEACEFULLY
SHOULD THEY WISH TO AVOID A SIMILAR FATE." </b>
[[Continue | Chapter 3.13]]
The radio falls silent, the room frozen in shock. Fia moves first, grabbing you violently by the collar.
“THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!” she screams, shoving you backwards in anger. “If she hadn’t tried to save your stupid, useless ass, she’d still be here with us!”
[[Look, look, I’ll help you save her! | Chapter 3.13A]]
[[Hey, I didn’t want to be brought into any of this! I just wanted to go home! | Chapter 3.13B]]
“Maybe we can intercept the execution,” you reason with her, desperately glancing around the room for some help.
[[Continue | Chapter 3.14]]“Well too bad pipsqueak, you’re stuck with us now,” Ace snorts.
“Besides, Red’s the only one of us who knows how you got here, so if you want to go back to your time, you’re helping us save her."
[[Continue | Chapter 3.14]]“The president will likely be in attendance. Maybe we can use it as our chance to eliminate him,” another rebel – <i>Jung, was it? </i>– suggests.
Fia glares angrily at the floor, debating his suggestion carefully.
“Fine. But if she dies, then so do you,” she sneers, shoving a chair out of the way as she storms out of the dining room.
[[Continue | Chapter 3.15]]
Ace shakes his head, ordering the other rebels to gather as much information as they can for the attack tomorrow. He turns to you, holding out a gun.
“You any good?”
[[I don’t like guns | Chapter 3.16]]
[[I don’t know how to use one | Chapter 3.16]]
“Well you might want to learn how to use one in the next 24 hours, or you could stick em in the gut with this,” Ace chuckles, waving a dagger at you.
[[Take gun | Chapter 3.16A]]
You spend the next few hours in the basement of the mansion, learning how to hold, aim, and fire a gun, understanding it’s recoil and how it would affect where you’re shooting.
Ace is patient, standing behind you to show you the proper stance and technique, and soon you're firing your first shot.
[[Next | Chapter 3.16A1]]
“A lot louder than I thought,” you muse, ears ringing from the loud bang. “Thank you for teaching me.”
Ace grins lightly. “There are numerous rooms up the foyer stairs. Feel free to choose one and rest for tonight. Tomorrow’s a big day. Have a good night.”
[[Rest | Chapter 4]]
[[Stay and practice shooting | Chapter 3.16A2]]
You’re not sure how long you’re down there for. You practice shot after shot, but a voice startles you out of your focus.
You turn around to see Fia regarding you curiously.
“You’re a terrible shot,” she muses, raising an eyebrow at your haphazard bullet holes. “Why did my sister want to save you so badly?”
[[Tell her the truth | Chapter 3.16A3]]
[[“I don’t know why” | Chapter 3.16A4]]
You explain that you’re from the future, and her eyebrows disappear into her hairline.
“So in your future… we failed?” she asks, frown marring her delicate features.
“It’s what we’re trying to change tomorrow, isn't it?” you reassure her, and she thanks you, shooting you an unsure smile.
“Get some rest. No use practicing all night and being exhausted tomorrow,” she shrugs, turning away.
[[Rest | Chapter 4]]She narrows her eyes at you.
“Get some rest. No use practicing all night and being exhausted tomorrow,” she shrugs, turning away. "You'll still be terrible."
[[Rest | Chapter 4]]You lie in bed, tossing and turning until the sun starts to peek through the trees.
You sigh, trying to shut your eyes to maybe try and get some sleep, when you feel a hand shaking your shoulder.
[[Open your eyes | Chapter 4.1]]You open your eyes to see Ace hovering over you, already dressed and ready. He hands you a clean set of clothes, as well as both dagger and gun.
“We’ll meet downstairs in 15 minutes.”
[[Get ready | Chapter 4.2]]You settle in the car with Fia and Ace, shifting nervously as you drive towards the town square.
You wanted to keep all this beauty and colour, grow up knowing what all these shades of colours were, eating all the foods you had in that little town square.
Before you exit the car, Fia presses a coin into your hand.
[["What's this?" | Chapter 4.3]]“If you make it back, keep this as a memento,” she pats your closed fist, stepping out of the car.
You look down at the coin. It’s simple, nothing more than a silver coin with four hands interlocked to form a square, but you hold it tighter, knowing how much this now means to you.
The three of you slip into the quickly growing crowd, looking for the other members of the rebellion.
[[Continue | Chapter 4.4]]
You look out at the stage, stripped bare with nothing but a single chair in the middle.
It's an imposing image, the wooden chair with strong leather straps on its arms and legs.
Wires run from behind the chair to the generator under the stage. Fia tugs your sleeve, pulling you to the side and quietly telling you to distract the guard while she disconnects the generator from the electric chair on stage.
[[Distract guard | Chapter 4.5]]You go up to the guard, greeting him politely.
“What’s going on today?” you ask, feigning innocence. The guard raises an eyebrow, pointing at the chair.
“Public execution. The Rebellion’s leader was caught a couple days ago and the president wants to make a big show of it,” he explains.
[[How long does the chair take to kill someone? | Chapter 4.5A]]
[[What time is it going to be? | Chapter 4.5B]]
"How long does it take to kill someone in that thing?” you ask, pointing at the chair. The guard shrugs, lip curling in disinterest.
“Anywhere from 2 to 15 minutes, depending on how much the person’s body can take. The president usually likes to make it a big show and so we’re asked to torture the prisoner publicly before we up the voltage and shock them to death.”
[[Next | Chatper 4.5A1]]“What time will the execution be?” you ask, pretending you’re not sickened by the very thought of watching someone get killed in front of hundreds of people.
The guard regards you impassively. “Should be soon, in about five minutes or so. Move along if you want to get a clearer view.”
He motions for you to scat, and you breathe a sigh of relief when you see Fia slip back into the crowd, unnoticed.
[[Reunite with Fia | Chapter 4.6]]
You’re horrified, backing away in fear and disgust.
You spot Fia shooting you a thumbs up and losing herself in the crowd. Turning on your heel, you walk away as calmly as you can, trying to calm the churning in your stomach.
<i> How could that be a humane way of killing?! It’s terrible! </i>
[[Reunite with Fia | Chapter 4.6]]
“We needed a bigger distraction, so I rigged the generator to explode when I press this button,” Fia whispers, and you supress a smile.
“Ace is dressed as one of the guards, and will take Red to safety before the generator goes off.”
[[What about everyone else here? | Chapter 4.7]]
[[Okay, got it. What do I do? | Chapter 4.8]]
“It’s about sacrifice. We can’t win without some losses,” Fia says firmly, and you nod, not wanting to make things more stressful for her.
[[Next | Chapter 4.9]]“Make sure the president is dead, if the blast doesn't kill him first. Shoot at him, throw your knife, whatever, and then run,” Fia warns darkly. “If they catch you, you’re dead.”
[[Next | Chapter 4.9]]You want to ask Fia what her role is going to be, but she’s disappeared, melting into the massive crowd.
The president takes the stage, and you move further back, not wanting to be within the blast range of the generator.
[[Listen to his speech | Chapter 4.10]]“Welcome, citizens,” the president begins, voice booming from the mic he holds in his hands.
“Today, we celebrate! Today, we rejoice the end of the Rebellion, and the beginning of a new age," he raises his hands triumphantly, and raucous cheers erupt from all sides.
"A new beginning of peace, harmony, and equality.”
[[Continue | Chapter 4.11]]“But first,” the president pauses, regarding his captivated audience.
“We must demonstrate the consequences, should anyone try and defy us,” he announces, and you resist the urge to roll your eyes.
[[Next| Chapter 4.12]]“Today we will witness the execution of Rebellion leader known as Red.
"It will serve as a reminder for centuries to come, that whoever dare defy the law will face severe consequences. I present, Red!”
[[Next | Chapter 4.13]]The president waves his hand dramatically, and the audience waits with bated breath to see the infamous Rebellion leader.
[[Silence. | Chapter 4.14]]
[[A beat. | Chapter 4.15]]
[[Another. | Chapter 4.16]][[And then chaos. | Chapter 4.17]]The explosion throws the president off his feet. You hear the warning sirens go off immediately, and spot the president being assisted to stand.
[[Shoot at him | Chapter 4.17A]]
[[Throw dagger | Chapter 4.17B]]
You fire four shots consecutively, ignoring the loud cries of people around you.
Staring hard through the billowing smoke, you're dismayed that you failed to kill him, but satisfied that he was at least injured.
You spot guards running towards you, yelling and demanding you to drop your weapon.
[[Shoot them | Chapter 4.17A1]]
[[Throw gun and run | Chapter 4.17A2]]
You throw the knife, grinning triumphantly when you see the hilt of your dagger buried in his leg.
You spot guards running towards you, yelling and demanding you to drop your weapon.
[[Shoot at them | Chapter 4.17A1]]
[[Throw gun and run | Chapter 4.17A2]] You fire at their feet, turning and running through the crowd as fast as you can.
You’re not sure where to run to, when you pass that awfully familiar house, and it hits you.
<i> That’s the house I was assigned that morning. </i>
[[Run to the house | Chapter 4.18]]
You throw the gun at them, snickering when it hits one of them in the face. Turning on your heel, you sprint through the crowd as fast as you can.
You’re not sure where to run to, when you pass that awfully familiar house, and it hits you.
<i> That’s the house I was assigned that morning. </i>
[[Run to the house | Chapter 4.18]]You’re dazed, utterly disoriented by the sunlight and the sudden lack of chaos.
It’s so… quiet.
You look around, disappointed that nothing has changed. Everything is still the same.
[[Black, white, grey. | Epilogue 1.1]]
It feels like a lifetime ago, but you sprint into the house, noting the lack of furniture and loose floorboards.
You rip off your necklace, shoving it into its original pouch and hiding it under the floorboards.
[[“HEY! STO–" |EPILOGUE]]The Rebellion had failed.
You spot an old man, the same one from before, dressed in his pressed black pants, black blazer, and white shirt, nod at you with a knowing smile.
You stare after him, confused.
[[<i> Do I know you? </i> | Epilogue 1.2]]He reaches into his pocket, flashing you something round and silver.
A coin.
You gape, hand slipping into your own pant pocket, fingers curling around the silver coin Fia had given you.
[[<i> The Rebellion survived </i> | Epilogue 1.3]]Your colleague glances at you. "Hey, $name, are you alright?"
[[I will be | Epilogue 1.4]]“The rebel in the banner looks a lot like you,” your colleague muses, and you hold back an amused smile.
“Maybe it is.”
Your colleague walks away, confused, heading into the 100 year old house.
[[Continue | THE END]]
History might have failed you, but it didn’t mean the future was going to.
The End.
[[Play Again? |The Beginning - Home ]] Another lady comes up to you and offers you a handful of strange, hard coloured things.
<i> Sweets, she called them. </i>
You take them confusedly, thanking her and putting them in your pockets.
You try and make sense of the chaos, and the spicy feelings, when you hear them.
The sirens.
[[Next | Chapter 2.2]]