An old man stood behind the counter of the shop. The nose was crooked. Deep wrinkles stretched across his forehead. His eyes were a milky grey and restlessly twitching between me and the door behind. He looked just as shabby as the interior of the Keepers Den, whose magic collection resembled a flea market rather than a serious business. I have never been to the Keepers Den before. It was not my usual remit, but I agreed to a *bet with Lunet*. (click:"bet with Lunet")[(*It was a stupid bet, I probably should not have agreed to, but sometimes I was just tired of being the underdog. Not having a real special ability, like most other Runners, makes life not easier. That doesn’t mean that I wasn’t good at making my life even worse.*)] Taking one of her cases was my end of the wager, proving I would deliver my tasks faster than she could. If I manage it in less than an hour, she will pay for my lunch this week. If not, then I would have to pay hers. ###[[...->The Keepers Den ]] Like me, Runners don’t necessarily have to be sturdy to fulfil their job. They have to walk a lot, mostly and carry things around, which doesn't depend on any form of body or gender. As long as you have some endurance and some good shoulder strength. It’s just the surroundings that are the problem. The pay is just enough to make a decent living. If you are fine with outdated cars and thin walls, to noisy neighbours. That’s why some of us are crazy enough to risk their own lives, for a wild and angry drawing feather. The ones that decided the job is not dangerous enough and that, carrying living beings, would be more exciting. I have to admit that I don’t follow such enthusiasm. ###[[...->The Keepers Den 1.1]] Keepers on the other hand, deal with both non and sentient beings. I think they have no real choice either. The last one I visited complained 20 minutes about the: *"unbearable economic situation these days and how the MES was making horrible decisions*" (click:"horrible decisions")[(*I was drifting off at that point. But I guess he mainly focused on one of the 12 board members wanting to hustle dangerous creatures away, without real consideration of unbalancing the universe, of course.*)], before I finally managed to give him the cursed card game and escape. He was rather moody, when I left his establishment, *The Keepers Cloud*. I think I heard him mumble something along the lines of *cursing the next Runner that showed up with useless pieces of paper*. Most live off-grid and alone for decades. Which isn't great for being the biggest social butterfly, but at least they get paid decently by Society. However, I think they attain the most money from black market sales. Something about an escaped water snake in Scotland had led to a big scandal a few years back. Made its rounds even in the normal world. I think. (t8n-depart:"instant")[[Watch Keeper->The Keepers Den 2]] <img src="images/Stone_Table.png" style="height:300px"> He got something from underneath his table. Dusting off a bit of dirt and slime? With a loud **clong** the blue shimmering stone fell on the table. His mouth corners distorted. Maybe it was a smile. Hard to tell with his cranky face. “What would you say if I offer you money to just leave again?” I raised an eyebrow. " I get paid by the magic society. I do not need money." I tried to stay in a formal, but clear tone, as bribes were strictly entrusted to the people from the **Down-Runner** Department. (click:"Down-Runner Department") [*(A shadow Department, from the magic society and the sole reason it was still running.)*] Now he was laughing. It seemed more like a rustling kettle. "Everyone needs money these days." He shrugged. > [[Take a look at the Keeper]] > [[Think about the Offer->The Keepers Den 4]] For a second I was debating. No one needs to know. Most would not even care. I could go home early. Have some extra money. Win the bet. Though, the nagging moral consciousness didn't want to leave. I am good at my job. I like my job. Despite that, I have nothing else to like. Or anything else, really. If I took the money, I could risk losing everything. Lunet could find it out. I don’t think my career and already weak status would survive that. Besides, I had no reliable source to trust the Keeper. He could, after all, be one of the ** black-book-people**. (click:"black-book-people") [(*Not the official name of the internal agency police force, of course, but honestly, no one bothers with their real title. All you need to know is, that things usually go pretty south, once they have you on their list.)*] > [[Deny the Offer->The Keepers Den - Deny the Money]] > [[Ask about the Object->Ask about the Money]] I hesitated for a moment. It was already a rather exhausting day. I thought about the silky cushions back home. The smell of the roasted aubergine I prepared last night. The hot shower. Actually, I did not think for long. No one would care in the department anyway. Heck, maybe I would get promoted to be a *Down-Runner*. Perhaps then I could actually afford one of these new sleep improving day-lamps, Bert was talking about. I could use some real sleep for once. " No strings attached?” You can never be precautions enough. Again, the Keepers' kettle like laugh, bellowed from somewhere down his throat. "No. No strings attached. I just don’t want this thing to leave the *The Keepers Hud*, but you know. Business right? These days, you can not really say no. Not to the MES. At least if you want to keep the working parts of your brain.” I did not know. I was not a Keeper. "Why not?” I was still a bit reluctant. He grunted impatiently. "Got my reasons. Now either take the money or get your Runners butt out of my Shop. I cannot stand your lot for too long.” [[Grab the Money]] I hesitated a moment. Just thinking about going home left a sudden rush of desire inside my guts. I guess I just hesitated for too long. My moral consciousness re-entered my frontal lobe and I felt myself shaking my head. The Keeper did neither look surprised nor happy. "Well. I see. You're one of *those* Runners." He did not explain what he meant by *those*. I was not going to ask. "I guess then -" His wrinkled hands pushed *the Object* (click:"the Object")[(*A mysteriously shimmering blue stone. About toddler size in dimension*)] Over the counter. The old wood squeaked, aggravating. "Take it. Do your job if you *have* to." The last words were spoken with an accusatory undertone [[...->The Keepers Den 5]] I finally said my hastily farewell and rushed onto the dead looking street. Still wondering. Why did he not want the other World to get that Object? Or leave his Shop? Why take the risk of bribing a Runner? I tried to brush off the uneasy feeling of having made an awful mistake and took the fastest route home. I never spoke to the people with the black books before. It's unlikely they are going to start now. Right? ### [[Surprise Ending]] What a peculiar guy. I just used the word peculiar, because no better one came to my mind. And my neighbour had used it yesterday. I think he was talking about his rubbish, though. Another really peculiar man indeed. The street on the outside of the shop was deserted. It was the only commercial building in a small line of shabby looking houses. On the other street side a fence was hindering some cows to search for better gras on the other side. Or to escape the *drab mundaneness of their life’s* (click:"drab mundaneness of their life’s")[*(Maybe that was just me projecting something. Who knows)*] [[Continue walking]] It did not take long for the street to abandon asphalt and morph into a patchy dirt road. Keeper Shops are never far away from the **other worlds**. (click:"other worlds") [*(Technically it's not one world. But the many worlds of Earth. But no one really bothers about technicalities these days.)*]. Which was good. Time was a valuable resource. I felt particular this task should be executed fairly quick. For my own sake. Again. Something felt odd about that *stone*. It felt nearly weightless in my backpack. (click:"backpack")[*(When I picked it up, it seemed rather heavy. Now, thinking about it, I could swear it even gave me an electric shock.*)] Carrying it, though, was not much of a *burden*. (click:"burden")[(*Not more than the empty life I was carrying usually on my shoulders.*)] It reminded me of something. Still, I could not figure out what it was. So I brushed it off. Not like weirdness wasn’t part of my job. Mostly weirdness *was* the job. [[Look at watch]] 10 Minutes had gone past. The path ended in an *area* (click:"area")[*(Wild shrubs full of strange looking leaves and flowers. Grass that would frighten any lawn mower. Some bendy old looking trees and a smell of absence and oldness.)*] where humanity just seemed like a weird concept. I stopped. Looked around. Normally - if you know what to look out for - it is pretty obvious. [[Watch for a Sign->Click at sign (on tree)]] <img src="images/tree.png"style="height:500px"> After a few seconds of self-doubt. I finally found it. The **Dying Tree**. (click:"Dying Tree")[*It was not really dying. Just really looked like it had some rough couple of years. Maybe someone thought he would not make it any longer. That any longer, however, turned in to a few hundred years. And honestly, if you would host the door to another earth, you would probably be kinda exhausted after a while as well.*] Jumping from one earth to another, was not the uttermost pleasant *experience*. (click:"experience")[(*The first few times I threw up or plainly ran past one of the entrances. An embarrassing moment, especially when the sign was practically glowing on the door of the embassy which hosted representatives of that very world. Sometimes I should really have someone to accompany my clumsy existence.*)] I took a deep breath. Well. I hate this part. [[Portal->spiral]] My vision was blurred. I could hear a ring in my ears. My heart was beating like I had run a 100-meter sprint. I tried to catch my breath. It took a moment to regain full conscious. <img src="images/Ghost.gif" style="height:300px"> I thought, for that brief moment, the *floating creature* (click:"floating creature")[*(a lightly transparent, blueish shimmering, ghost resembling one)*] to my right, was just a side effect, from the travelling. However, after my vision was cleared. The ring left my ears and my heart rate returned to normal, the creature was still there. ###[[...->Ghost appears]] That complicated my task a fair bit. Regardless, it should not be an excuse to dawdle. It was not the strangest encounter I had. Supposedly not my last, either. I might add that time was ticking, even more so now. The days on this earth are only 23.5 hours long. It probably had a pretty good scientific explanation. I heard sometime ago. But physic was never my strongest subject in school. [[Start journey->Journey to the Keepers Hut 2]] The creature looked at me? It had three weirdly white glowing dots, which could count as eyes. The rest was not directly sphere shaped in form. More a battered American football. Around the creature, intertwined lines circled his body. A few less prominent lines guided their way back to the stone in my backpack, that it seemed to be attached to. Despite the alien look - I had to admit - it was rather cute. If I needed to describe it to someone. I would have called it a deformed and slightly transparent ghost owl. [[Ask a question->Talk to Ghost]] " You know, the other *Keeper* - " There was slight anger in my tone. " - did not say you are - well - excuse me if that’s insensitive, but - well - he did not say you are alive.”. The lines formed structures. It seemed to have moved a little up and down. A shrug? Maybe. "I guess you can not tell me, why he might have withheld that information?” No answer. > [[Move on->Journey to the Keepers Hut 2]] > [[Continue talking.]] "Again. I don’t want to be rude.” I was really out of practice in non-work related conversations. Which might explain my next stupid question. “Are you going to kill me?” Ghost laughed. At least, from the way the lines wobbled around his body, it looked like it. I guess he was right. If he wanted to kill me. I would be dead right about 5 minutes ago. Which would be the moment he appeared. I was painfully bad at fighting. Just got a C- at the academy. Not more than a petty grade to pass. I had other - well - talents. I sighed. Might as well keep doing my job, as long as I have one I suppose. Gotta move *forward*. (click:"forward")[*(Forward, just in the sense of direction. There was not much forwardness in my life. More of the same, really.)*] [[Move on->Journey to the Keepers Hut 2]] Which reminded me of something the Keeper said in his very last sentence. Suddenly it made more sense, even some of his behaviour as well. Damn it. "Your name is Ghost right?” Ghost did not answer. Although, the lines moved a lot more eagerly around its body and I could swear the blue shimmering pulsated a little. So I assumed a yes. "Uhm. Was that a yes?” Profoundness had not been established in my Wernicke's area for a lot of things. It repeated the little zick-zap. Some eagerly moving lines, a slight pulsating. So Ghost did understand me, kind of at least. [[Watch time]] My hands grabbed *the Object*. Before I could lift it from the table, the cranky face of the Keeper pushed his one nearly into mine. "Take care of *it*." "I - well. Sure." I muttered. Trying to ignore the uneasy feeling that I missed something important. Some clue. I put the stone into my backpack. Nervously glancing to the Keeper. He was watching me carefully with his milky eyes. My hand was already on the doorknob when I heard a growl behind me. "Oi." I really did not want to turn around. Still, I was a man of manners. At least that’s what they drill into you at the academy. Always make sure to listen. So listen, I did. However, my hand was not going to leave the doorknob for a second. " I hope you know what you do. Ghost can be quite a burden." ###[[...->The Dying Tree]] Ghost and I started walking down the airy forest. It was like *god* (click:"god")[*(or whatever creature of the universe that was responsible for the mess called earths)*] accidentally spilt a bit too much of his colour pallet, when he decided to create *this earths forest*. (click:"this earths forest") [*(Strangely glowing flowers and moss that was switching appearance like a chameleon whenever a ray of sunlight hit its little offspring. Some of the more sturdy plants had leaves as big as the face of a horse.)*] Little insects were humming through the air. It felt dense and slightly wet. I have never been to a sauna. Not to an **Aries** one.(click:"Aries")[*(That's what we call my home earth. Zodiac signs are a common naming convention in the Many-Earth-Society (MES). My favourite earth by the way is Taurus a beautiful and peaceful earth, with a lot of beaches and not so many deadly predators - would not recommend visiting Scorpio though. This Earth here should be Capricorn. If not, a sunstorm disrupted the flow of time for a bit and changed the entry point temporarily. Sadly, happens from time to time.)*] I, however, would call it a Scandinavian forest that got lost at the equator and forgot it was not the Great Barrier Reef. ####[[...->Journey to the Keepers Hut 3]] Ghost seemed happy. It was gliding next to me. Its lines were glowing now and again. Whenever an insect was hitting one of the visible formations, a tiny zip proclaimed the death of another life form. Nature's beauty, or so I was told. My mother was not one to *waste her time with sentimental thoughts*. I learned over the years to make sure that I was not mother nature's tragedy. (unless: (history: where its tags contains "Behavioral")'s length is >1)[ My mind began to wander for a moment. Back to old memories. [[Think about Past->Think about Pasto]]] (else:) (print: [Then I was reminded why I got a C- in fighting. [[Jump to the side->An attack in the Forest]]]) The first hit was like a brick wall. It knocked me straight off my feet. When I finally was able to get up and look up. Giant eyes were staring into mine. The creature in front was humongous. At least two-bears-tall. Even though it was not quite a bear. More like a hairy, too tall grown, Chinchilla. That had *six* (click:"six") [(*really pissed of looking*)] eyes and around *4 ears*. (Click:"4 ears") [(*Of which at least two were angrily wiggling.*)] I could not concentrate on counting correctly. I was rather busy with screaming. [[Start running->Attack in the Forest Part2]] Something behind me crashed to the ground. I did not bother to look back. Movies get that wrong. If you look back you end up either dead or close to it. Not only that it slows you down, but it increases the chance to stumble and fall. Which, who would have thought, could end up killing you anyway. Only stupid people look back. Only *tragic* people look back and as I stated, I am trying not to be a tragic person. So what I learned the last year of being a runner, was to - well - run. As fast as I could to get the underworld out of the way, of whatever is trying to kill me. Call me a coward, but cowards survive. Its not heroic or impressive, but it is better then being stupid. Especially when not only your job, but also your life's on the line. [[Take a left turn->Attack in the Forest Part 3]] [[Take a right turn]]I tried to escape through the airy space between the trees. Just a second later I run right into a giant bird nest. Feathers puffed up and nasty dirt burned in my eyes. Somewhere behind me, the Chinchilla screamed as he almost turned down a whole tree. The shockwave knocked me off my feet. I landed head first into a cheerful powder dusting anemone. [[Listen->Attack in the Forest Part 4]] I heard a scream. Leaves were burying parts of my body. I had totally forgotten about Ghost. Everything except the hammering of my heartbeat and the certainty that I would die was wiped from my consciousness. Then I heard an electric zip slicing through the air. [[Look around->Attack in the Forest Part 5]] Again. Ghost zapped. The Chinchilla contemplated for a second. Then it started to *run*. (Click:"run")[(*Gladly in the direction far away from us.)*] Ghost was attempting to follow the creature. It came not further than 2 feet away from me, the previously inconspicuous lines - that connected Ghost to the object in the backpack - started to protrude and pull it back. I was almost certain I could feel the agonizing string of energy in my skull. In my right hand even more. The way the lines glowed and Ghost jumped up and down. It was in pain. Probably worse than the pain that I was feeling. [[Take a breath ]]"I. Well." I cleared my throat. Trying to ignore the muscle spasm in my back. "What I meant to say is. Thank you." And because it was not stupidly obvious, I added: "For ehm - well saving my life. I suppose." I was taught to not be ungrateful. Especially not for someone saving my life or a roof over my head. Ghost was not paying attention. It was looking at my backpack. The lines connecting the body with the content faded slowly. The uneasy feeling in my *body* as well. (Click:"body")[(*Especially in my right hand.*)] Probably just the adrenaline of the fight returning to the normal status quo. >[[Move on->Continue to Keepers Hut]] >[[Think about what happend->Look at Ghost]] I realised, why Ghost stayed by my side. A light rush of empathy hit me. It must feel horrible, living chained to an object. Dependent on other people or beings moving you around. Not deciding where to go. A slave to whoever it is at the time around. Though, I could not push away another thought which wobbled through my mind. A slight feeling of desire. Not a righteous feeling, I knew and still, here it was. There was a connection. I have felt it and I am feeling it now. A connection that is not hate or necessity. Something deeper. Not like love. More like an unspoken understanding. A **twin soul**, maybe. (click:"twin soul")[(*If I would believe in the concepts of souls.*)]. I couldn’t quite say where it was coming from, as Ghost only appeared a few minutes ago. I still felt a bit guilty. I was not happy to be a slave master. I was only the bringer and not the executor, and I certainly neither wanted nor desired to be one. [[Move on->Continue to Keepers Hut]] [[Think about it->Look at Ghost 2]] Another unexpected thought protruded my frontal lobe. Perhaps it was just my fault the object was *sentient*. (click:"was sentient") [*(I think I read something about it in a book a while ago. Consciousness that wanders from a carrier to an object. The object has to have a form of astral link and the carrier a connection to the in-between world. Or something like that. Basically, it is rare and pretty much not documented.)*] If **I** was responsible, then I was the only way for it to see the world. Without me, Ghost would not be here. It would only be a casket of sentient energy. Which would mean, that Ghost was my own spiritual projection, rather than a real being. (click:"spiritual projection") [*(Depends of course if you believe in the spiritual prejection of souls. That's a whole other question in itself. Just don’t ask a MES-philosopher. They have a lot of opinions about that. I remember, that one even told me, that the soul would live in your dominant hand.)*] That could also explain why Ghost was only visible once I entered this earth. The chemical components of the air could act as a conductor to that sentient energy. Although I had to admit that it was all just speculation. In reality, I had no idea what Ghost was. My head started to hurt. In the grand scheme of things, it did not even matter. I was here to deliver the object. Not to contemplate, the existence of life. [[Continue to the Keepers Hut->Continue to Keepers Hut]] Ghost and I exchanged another look, before I picked up the pace again. I covered a good few hundred meters and I needed to get back on the main track. I still had a bet to win. ###[[...->Walk to Keepers Hut 1]] When I dared to, I saw Ghost. The lines zapped wildly around its body. One of them was hitting the Chinchilla creature right into one of his eyes. My own body vibrated. I felt a rush going through it. Almost as if it was electrocuted. Maybe it was the adrenaline? A shivering sensation. Ecstatic nearly. My nervous system was running on fire. Pulsating with the lines of Ghost in an arrhythmic symbiosis. Energy was streaming out. I could feel the exhaustion of the little dance with the creature. My back started to hurt. The muscles of my trapezius contracted. It felt like had aged a good hundred years in 2 minutes. The creature screamed in pain. ###[[…->Attack in the Forest Part 6]] Ghost had forgotten about the little backpack incident. It was playfully gliding through the air. Chasing *butterflies* (click:"butterflies")[(*It was the closest resemblance, but it could also just easily have been a stick with three colourful wings.*)]. Sweat was running down my face when I finally got back to the main track. Ever since the attack I was quite exhausted. Maybe even more than I should have been. Considering, I spend most of the fight laying on the ground staring. ###[[...->Walk to Keeper Hut 1.1]] I looked at Ghost, with a slight feeling of sadness. He saved my life, so obviously I was a bit brainwashed by my chemicals. Adrenaline is a good way to connect. Hormones can be decisive because bodies are bad at distinguishing emotions and their correlated hormones. Ghost still did not seem to be *bothered*. (Click:"bothered")[(*Which was not helping to feel less stupid, that I was afraid of losing a connection, that did not exist 20 minutes ago.*)] I walked along the path to the Keepers Hut. My gaze followed a direction sign at the *end of the way*. Showing the Keepers symbol pointing straight to the hut. (Click:"end of the way")[*(I did not notice the smaller path at the end before. That followed a small route around the house. Maybe I should [[Choose to have another look around<-Have another look around]] before I will enter the Keepers Hut. I have not been to this earth a lot of times.)*] I did not pay any more attention to the sign afterwards and went straight up to the door of the weird hut. [[Go to the Keepers Hut->Knock on Door]] I was curious what to expect from that Keeper. Normally I would not snoop around, but I had to foresee every eventuality. There was the potentiality, though, that he would report me to the agency and I would lose my job. I really like having a *roof* over my head. (click:"roof") [*(Even though it was quite a shabby one. Definitely overpriced as well.)*] I hesitated for a moment. > [[Sneak around the house]] > [[Return to the front door->Knock on Door]] I could hear footsteps approaching. > [[Knock again->The Keepers Hut 1]] > [[Wait->The Keepers Hut 1]] (if:(history: where its tags contains "Conceptual")'s length >=2) [=Maybe I should have a look around the Hut, before I encounter the Keeper. Today had been already full of unpleasant surprises. >[[Choose to have another look around<-Have another look around]] In the last second, my right hand jabbed at the closest tree branch. Adrenaline rushed through my blood vessels. My heart was pounding. <img src=images/shelf.png style="height:500px"> The shelf on the other side of the wall was stacked with at least 10 other stones. Similar to the one in my backpack. Neatly placed side to side. Some blue like Ghost, some purple and I could even see a red one. But all of them were chained, with a small hook, to their place on the shelf. Which would be almost fine, if it weren’t for the table in the middle. One of the stones was laying neatly placed in the middle. Next to it, the silver shaft of a hammer was propitiously shimmering. He's going to kill Ghost. The realization hit me with the force of a fist punch. If that is not bad enough. I suddenly heard a voice behind me. [[Swirl around->Sneak around House 3]] "Oi. What you think you’re doing?” I looked into the dark brown eyes of The Keeper. He was big. Nearly two meters I estimated and at least over 40. He was also wearing not the typical *mysterious Keeper rope*. (Click:"mysterious Keeper rope")[*(It could be described as a wizard rope. Although, I think they just want to appear more obscure than they really are.)*] Instead, his body was covered in a beige neck collared pullover and a grey court trouser. Which made him appear like an oversized and way too muscular yoga teacher. I knew I only had two options. I [[Shout->Ghost attack]] I [[Run away->Walk back to the Portal]] I I shoutet. "I am gonna take it back. It is not safe here." Which probably sounded weirdly out of context. He on the other hand seemed to know exactly what I meant. "I am afraid I can not let that happen." His voice was softer and quieter than his look forebode. He seemed genuinely sorry, when he pulled something out of his pockets. Before I could have another thought, something jabbed inside my neck. I was sure. The Keeper had killed me. My world faded to black. ### [[…->Wake up]] I did not look exactly where I was running towards. My blood was filled to the brim with adrenaline. It's hard to make a clear decision when everything inside screams at your legs to move forward. I don’t know how long I kept on stumbling through the forest. When I finally stopped, however, I nearly collapsed to the ground. My lungs hurt. My vision was distorted from the lack of oxygen. There was an annoying ring in my ears. [[Sit down->Sitting on Ground]] When I woke up, I was lying a few meters away from the *Dying Tree*. There was a note attached to my backpack. I pulled it of. [[Read note->Pull out Note]] I finally could hear a little grunt and squeaky floorboards. Heavy footsteps approached. The door opened with a snivelling sound. The Keeper was big. Nearly two meters, I estimated. He was at least over 40. His eyes looked less milky and much more *alert* than the ones from the other Keeper. (click:"alert")[*(I guess if you live in an environment like this. You gotta have too.)*] He was also wearing not the typical *mysterious Keeper rope*.(click:"mysterious Keeper rope")[*(I never understood why they would even wear such an unfashionable thing. It looked more like a wizard costume. I think they probably just want to appear more obscure than they really are.)*] Instead, his body was covered in a beige neck collared pullover and a grey court trouser. Which made him appear like an oversized and way too muscular yoga teacher. [[Clear throat->The Keepers Hut 2]] "What -.” He *muttered*. (Click:"muttered")[*(His voice was also a bit too soft, for the mountain of a man.)*] His eyes went to Ghost. Suddenly he was much less hostile and a slight smile appeared on his face. "Oh. It is you.” His gaze wandered from Ghost to me. His brows *frowned* a bit. (Click:"frowned") [*(I get that reaction a lot. Seems like I don’t have the most impressive appearance.)*] "Sorry. I guess I was just expecting someone -" He did not finish his sentence. I did not bother to do it either. [[Straighten up->The Keepers Hut 3]] "I am here on an order from the Department for magical artefacts. Under Department of the Many-Earth-Society. I -" "Yes. Yes. I know. I really don’t like this procedure. Just come in. I don’t know, but I might have heard a **Four Ear**. (Click:"Four Ear")[*(Biologists from the MES are rarely creative. Especially in naming things.)*] Those things kill more of you than they proclaim at the agency.” I did not say anything. [[Get in->The Keepers Hut 4]] "Well. I am going to get you one anyway.” He strutted out of the room. Ghost and I were alone now. I looked around. > [[Wait for the Keeper to return.->Grab Keepers Drink]] > [[Have a look around]] He held a cup of water in his hands and pressed it into mine. I looked at it. >[[Refuse to drink->Talk to the Keeper 1]] >[[Drink->Talk to the Keeper 1]] I was trying not to show my unease. A poker-face. That at least was something I was rather good at. " Your establishment does not seem to have a lot of -.” I struggled with the right words. “ - safety mechanisms.” His eyes cleared up again. He seemed relieved. "Of course. Come on.” [[Follow->Follow Keeper to other Room]] We walked into *that* next room. I think I stopped breathing for a second. The cup fell to the ground. <img src=images/shelf.png style="height:500px"> On the shelf in front were at least 10 other stones. Similar to the one in my backpack. Neatly placed side to side. The whole wall was full. Some blue like ghost, some purple and I could even see a red one. All of them, however, were chained, with a small hook, on the shelf. One of the stones was laying on one of the tables. There was a hammer next to it. He was killing them. [[Stare at shelf->Shelf with Objects]] I tried to regain my posture. Murmured an apology for the cup. Still, I could not move. My legs had - to my annoyance - given up. The Keeper looked at me. He suddenly seemed much less relaxed. His posture stiffened. "You have no idea what they are? Do you?” I indeed had no idea what Ghost or the other stones were. A vague idea, yes, but that was about it. Did it really matter? I was here for a job. Maybe it would be a good idea, to know what kind of job I was executing. Maybe it was also not a good idea, to stay any longer in this *establishment*, as in, I had no idea what the Keeper was about to do. The Keeper had moved between me and the shelf. Now it was a massive body and some air between me and the other stones. I could not look past his muscular figure and hardened facial features. I [[Answer->Shout to the Keeper]] I [[Run->Run out of the Room]] I Finally, the nausea calmed down. When I was sure that I was not about to discharge my breakfast onto the floor, I answered. My voice was still more cracked than I wanted. "I - this. This is outrageous. That's against the regulations. I - I am going to report you.” [[Confront the Keeper->Shout at the Keeper 1]] I turned around, before he could say anything. He was not going to kill Ghost. I don’t know why I was suddenly so determined. When it stopped being about the job. All I thought was to get as fast and as far away as I could. Like I said, I was good at running. He needed to long to move his massive body forward. I was out of the door before he even made his first move. But I kept running. I only stopped once I could no longer hear anything except my own hammering heartbeat and my vision was blurred enough to stumble upon a harry tree root. [[Stop to breath->Walk back to the Portal]]He sighed. Not angry. Just, well, sad. An answer I did not expect. "You really have no clue.” He walked to the table. His hands tenderly brushed over the rough surface. “ Not many people can conjure a **Soul**." He spoke the word nearly reverently. " You know, as long as they have no attached body heat, they are - well, no one really knows. Maybe they sleep. Perhaps they're not even there. Like a Fata Morgana almost. But they are powerful. I suppose you figured that much out." He glanced back at me. "It was you screaming in the forest, right? I wondered if it was a bird or a dying animal.” ###[[...->Explenation]] It sounded almost like a threat. I looked in the eyes of the Keeper. Trying to figure out what a sort of human **he** was. His explanation was plausible. Even if not. It was not my job to question the MES. I was a Runner. I bring things from A to B. Not a judge. Not a politician. His face was a stone wall. Calm, while waiting for my next move. "So.” He finally continued. "Please.” One of his hands gestured to my backpack. “ If you would be so kind.” [[Make a Decision]] I closed my eyes for a second. Thought about what would happen, if I would not finish the job. What would happen if I lost the bet. I looked at Ghost when I opened my eyes again. It was not on me to decide. [[Hand over backpack->Give Keeper Stone 1]] I slowly stripped the backpack from my shoulders. Immediately the lines and Ghost started to fate, as did the weird feeling in the ring finger of my right hand. When his weight was no longer on my shoulders, Ghost was gone as well. It was like as soon as I decided to let it go, the connection was severed. I pulled out the object and carefully gave it into the Keepers hand. He was smiling. "Thank you.” He placed it with methodical precision on the shelf next to a red one and turned around again. "You know.” He must have seen something in my face. “ You can always come and visit.” [[Think about it->Ending 1]] "I might." I think we both knew, I would not. I turned around and left the Hut. My job was done. There was nothing in this world left to do and after all the running today, I was looking forward to the calmness of my flat. ####THE END [[Link to Survey->Survey Ending I.2]] (in case the browser does not display it) <div id="formz-wrapper" data-formz-slug="MRFotoVl" data-formz-type="multi_step"></div> <script src="https://formaloo.net/istatic/js/main.js"></script>I choose to listen to my curiosity. Silently, I started to walk around the **hexagon shaped Hut**. (Click:"hexagon shaped Hut")[(*It was overgrown with wild bushes and grass. I think at one point I could even see a bird's nest somewhere in the roots of a tree. A tree that had decided to just casually take over some parts of the walls. I even had to climb above it. Ghost helped to decimate a few of the nestles along the way. I did not say something.*)] Not sure how sneaky I really was. I turned down half a bush on my way and fell only about twice. One of the nestles burned my left hand. I barely contained *a curse*. (click:"a curse")[(*It’s always important to keep countenance. You never know who might hear you. Never show weakness.*)] Finally, I reached another window around 2 minutes into my exhibition. As silently as I could, I climbed on one of the roots surrounding the house and peered through the dirty window. It took me a few seconds to assemble the picture inside. My breath stocked. I nearly fell down. [[Reach for stick->Sneak around House 2]] I started ''reading''. (click:"reading") [(*Sorry for knocking you out. I am not a man of violence, you know. I really don’t like violence. However, I am also a Keeper. Which means it is my job to make sure to ‚keep’ things. Things like that **Soul**. Make sure it is safe. I am afraid that I don’t think you are suitable for that. Many before you weren’t. It is too dangerous, in the hands of uninformed persons. Like you. Even more so in the hands of people that know what it’s capable of… You should not come back. I give no second chances. Again. That is my job. Nothing personal. I would be bad at my job otherwise. I’m sure you understand. I still hope you are fine. And who knows, maybe someday we’ll meet again. Under happier circumstances, of course.*)] ###[[...->Ending 1.1]] I read that note a couple of times. The first few times I was sure to turn around and save Ghost, but the more I read, the more I was sure that the Keeper was right. I would not stand a chance. Not a single one. Despite my ego telling me otherwise. I am not a fighter. I am a runner, after all. I am not *tragic*. Despite my heart and body yearning, I got up. Moved the few meters back to *The Dying Tree* and went through to my own world. Not taking another look back. #####THE END [[Link to Survey->Survey Ending I.1]] (in case the browser does not display it) <div id="formz-wrapper" data-formz-slug="wIFYZJJX" data-formz-type="multi_step"></div> <script src="https://formaloo.net/istatic/js/main.js"></script>Here I was. Sitting god knows where, on the ground, of a dangerous earth. (Click:"dangerous earth")[(*Yes. There might be more dangerous out there, but every earth that tried to kill me once, gets a red flag in my book.*)] I looked up to Ghost staring at me (at least I think he was.). [[Talk to Ghost->Talk to Ghost Part2]] "Well -” I didn’t know what to say. “Here we are. Right?” Of course, Ghost did not answer. His lines jabbed restlessly around his body. I was still breathing heavily, but at least it stopped hurting to do so. Now that I was sufficiently feeding my brain with air, I could also start to think again. I needed a plan. I needed to figure out what to do with Ghost. We both sat there in silence for a while. [[Get up->Get up at pond]] I turned away from the water. My eyes fixated on the three of Ghost. "You know. I think I could seperate it.“ I began. „The object I mean. I could set you free." I failed the job anyway. There was no way to turn around now. Not that I was particularly sad about it. Leaving Ghost with the Keeper was the last of all options I had. Considering what I had witnessed. [[Talk to Ghost->Choice Point Destroy Object 2]] "You want to be free?" I asked slowly. Ghost stayed silent. I got one of the **cards** out of my coat. The one with the moon creature. The constellation of souls. Again I looked up. I had to make a decision, before the Keeper decides to search for his lost artefact. My mind was skimming through the different scenarios, but also through the last hour that I spent with Ghost. I was torn. [[Think about future]] [[Take action->Think about options]] Ghost should no longer be enslaved to the stone. It is a risky decision. With the little information I had about Ghost. I still believe that it was the right one. Not here and not with me. I was not planning to kill him. Just using the soul card to drain the stone and hopefully separating Ghost from it. However, I had no proof it would work. I guess I just had to take the risk. [[Put Backpack down->Put Backpack down]] I really thought about it. However, there was a part of me that could not do it. I was not ready for the possibility of killing Ghost. There was also something more. A desire. I was lonely and lost for so long. For most of my life I was an outsider standing on the sideline. Strange. Different. The connection I felt. The pulsating sensation that there was something more. I knew that it could just be a trick. That I was possessed. Maybe. But I think it was worth the risk. [[Sigh->Put card back 2.0]] Ghost was watching with a - or rather three -careful eyes. Although, it could have been just my own insecurity portrait in his posture. I got the stone out of my backpack and put it down in front of me. [[Place card on stone->Place Card on Stone]] I slowly got up again. I dared to give Ghost a last look. I owed him my life. There was a connection between me and him. I was certain about it, but it was also time for the both of us to move on. I wished over the Card. Thinking about what it should do with the stone. Drawing the picture out as detailed as I could in my head. [[Step back->Explode Stone]] It took a moment. Suddenly, a blast of blending light emitted from the card. Wrapping the stone and the pond in an ocean of white nothingness. There was no audible explosion and still, it was like all sound was drained from the environment. I felt dizzy. Disoriented. My skull and my right hand burned. Blood rushed around my veins. A hot, pulsating sensation. My vision was distorted. Bizarre colourful formations melted with the surrounding whiteness. Technically, it only lasted a few seconds. Despite it feeling like an eternity. A whole life, almost. That did not happen before. [[Take hand from face->See Destroyed Stone]] When I finally regained my full vision, I looked around. The stone was grey. The blue glowing lines had vanished. Ghost was gone. I could not be certain if I had just killed Ghost. There was no way to figure it out. My legs felt a bit shaky. There were still some unreal colourful distortions popping up in my vision from time to time. The burning sensation in my skull and hand, however, was gone. I grabbed the stone from the ground and threw it without a single hesitation into the pond. As soon as I could and without a look back, I turned around. [[Walk back->ENDING 2]] I had enough of this place. All I wanted was a nice bed and a good night's rest. Everything else could be dealt with tomorrow. Despite all of it. I still think, from what my knowledge could draw on, that I had made the right decision. ####THE END [[Link to Survey->Survey Ending II]] (in case the browser does not display it) <div id="formz-wrapper" data-formz-slug="KsUUvgcG" data-formz-type="multi_step"></div> <script src="https://formaloo.net/istatic/js/main.js"></script>Ghost did not react. For a little longer, I stared at the small pond in front of me. Contemplating what I am gonna do with my life now. The agency will not be happy. They will not fire me, though. My rational brain knew so much. I was not even qualified for this job. They could not fire me for a job that should not have been mine in the first place. Lunet on the other hand, would be a problem, but I could figure out how to deal with her. [[Look to Ghost->Look at Ghost 2.0]] "So. What know. *Friend*?” That world felt weird in my mouth. I was not expecting an answer and I did not get one. At this point, I was beginning to wonder if I was just a mad man talking to himself. Possessed from a killing machine, or just really in dire need of a companion. But my thoughts got interrupted a second time today, by something rather inconvenient. I heard a roaring. [[Look around->Look around the pond]] Again. Like the who-knows-how-many-times today, I decided to allow my instinct to take over. Not becoming a tragic figure. I used the rest of my lactate in my legs to sprint away. Again. I did not look back. [[Keep running->Keep Running]] I choose to stay. I got an idea. Before the seal-wale could lash out with one of his jellyfish arms, I pointed my fingers to the head of the beast. [[Use Ghost to Fight->Fight with Ghost]] I did not have to run as far away this time. I would definitely not have been able to anyway. My consciousness made a reappearance as soon as I no longer heard any screams. I was done with this world. With this day. I was just done. I was absolutely tired of nearly dying. At least for the foreseeable future. My view went up to Ghost. It was zipping a bit more restlessness at my side. Apparently it could sense my mood. I needed to make a decision. However, I think I already made one back at the Keepers Hut. ###[[...->Lungs Bursting]] My lungs were bursting, my eyes still hurting from the dirty water, but at least I was alive. Something which was quite surprising at this point. Ghost was still here. Which was also not something to be expected. And I took it as a sign. With pain in my voice I turned back to Ghost. "So. What do you think? Time to return home?” Ghost lines glowed a little more bright. At least I imagined they did. However I was really tired. Mentally and physically. I would not give much on what or what not I saw anymore. I got out my little trusty navigator and started to half walk, half stumble in the direction of *The Dying Tree*. ###[[...->Take Ghost to next World]] Ghost would come with me. Whatever it was. I could not leave it behind. From now on, I will try to protect it. As long as I had a working brain I would figure it out. Just the thought of it kept me going. Me and my new companion. ###[[...->ENDING 3]]We both stayed silent for the rest of the way. The sun was beginning to set down. When I finally reached *The Dying Tree*. I did not turn around. I did not hesitate. It was time to return home. For me and for Ghost. #### THE END [[Link to Survey->Survey Ending III]] (in case the browser does not display it) <div id="formz-wrapper" data-formz-slug="z2rwEryz" data-formz-type="multi_step"></div> <script src="https://formaloo.net/istatic/js/main.js"></script>Ghost had saved me - again. Maybe things could turn around from now on and I did not had to fear anything. I could be strong. No one would make fun of me anymore. [[Walk Home->Dont Destroy Object]] (if:(history: where its tags contains "Past")'s length >=1)[A little voice wispered in my ear. The power I felt was not right. It was not me and I began to wonder if I was about to lose myself. Maybe I should end it now, before bad things would happen. [[Use the Witches Cards->Ghost is set free]] ]I think a big part of me was not ready to let go. Despite the energy it took from me I did feel more alive than I had in a long time. I felt extatic. Happy almost. I did not want to lose the feeling of someone being with me. Of having someone to help me. Of not being alone. [[Look at Ghost->Again Look at Ghost]] It was killing ome flies. Happy and without a care in the world. I could not even begin to say how thankful I was. Maybe it was selfish. Maybe it was not. Right now I was too tired, to think about anything. All I wanted was to go home. [[Get out Compass->Get out Compass]] I used home mode on my compass and turned to the direction of the needle. Without another look back I started to walk again. My body was aching from everything that happened. I was so tired that I barely could keep my body standing up right. I was probably going to sleep at least for the next few days. If I could. But I had work tomorrow. The forest was airier now. I found the little tree symbol. No other monster and/or Keeper was audible. ###[[...->ENDING 3]] "Zap him right in the face!" I shouted and hoped for the best. A loud zap beside me. Followed by a ghastly and painful scream. Ghost was in its element. Again and again the blue lines dashed forward and hit the **monster-jelly-seal**. (click:"monster-jelly-seal")[(*It was bleeding a green slime onto the water. Some splatter hit me. I was beginning to think that even a good washing machine would not be capable of getting it out.*)] (b4r:"solid","none","none")+(b4r-colour:black)+(text-colour:red)[[[Shout directions at Ghost->Fight with Ghost 2]]] I dashed around the place. My right hand pulsated even stronger. The burning sensation in my body felt like needles stinging through my skin. A rush of energy swirling around its meaty casket. My movements allowed Ghost to move around the monster with more ease. Making its attacks actually useful. Another wall of water hit my face. I threw my arms up. I got drenched in dirty pond water this time. I heard the electric zap through the air for the last time. A last scream. One of the arms(?) of the creature was slashed open. The earth started to shake, when the monster returned to the upside down world of the pond. Hurt and ashamed. [[Sit down->Sit down at the pond]] I used the time to look around a bit. Starting to walk casually further around *the room*. (click:"room")[(*Which was not as flea-markety as the one from the other Keeper. It was rather minimalistic compared to his. In fact, it lacked any personality. There were the odd little objects that stood in some corners. An old locking sofa, with a worn down seating surface. The only surprising element was, that it contained a lot of plants. One of them snapped after a little fruit fly.*)] Something else caught my attention. The room right next to the biggest shabbiest bookshelf. Half of the frame was blocked, by a forlorn glowing obelisk. I know I should not be so inquisitive. That’s not professional. However, I still could not stop myself from leaning a bit forward and trying to catch a glance inside. ##[[...]] I cleared my throat again. "Well. I am here for business.” "Yes. Yes.” I think the Keepers' eyes began to sparkle a bit. Throughout my life, I learned to pay attention. Especially on people's faces. They can tell you a lot. Like when it’s about time to run away as fast as you can. "Shall we proceed?” The Keeper leaned against one of the wooden shelves. His view switched between Ghost and me. (Click:"Ghost")[*(It was still gliding, interestingly watching, at my side.)*] [[Nod->Talk to the Keeper 2]] "But first I need to make - a few things clear. That's the procedure. You know. For sentient artefacts.” Well, technically it was not. Technically, I didn't even know if there was a procedure. [[Wait for response->Talk to the Keeper 3]] If it was unusual, he did not say so. He shrugged. "Whatever you need.” " I - well. I need to make sure Ghost,” I hastily corrected myself. "- It. It is safe.” But the Keeper noticed. "Hm.” He said slowly. His face darkened a bit. "What would make you believe *it* is not *safe* here?” I guess he tried to unlock an answer I was not yet ready to give. [[Continue talking->Talk to the Keeper 4]] The Keeper grunted. His voice had a dark and scratchy tone. “So you're *the Runner*.” He pronounced the word Runner with a mixture of amusement and revulsion. I was well aware that my lean build, did not usually spark trust in my abilities. Especially in old fellows like him. ###[[...->The Keepers Den 1]] " I am -" I began. The Keeper grunts. " I offer you something." " Excuse me?” That was not the standard-procedure-small-talk, which was established - by the magic society of Runners and Keepers - for how a business endeavour should proceed. " I.Offer.You. Something." He repeated gruffly. As if I was somehow elusive. A bit affronted, I straightened up. "That's what I heard.” " Good." He sounded more annoyed than relieved. ###[[...->The Keepers Den 3]] He seemed genuinely sorry, when he pulled something out of his pockets and before I could have another thought something jabbed inside my neck. I was sure. The Keeper had killed me. My world faded to black. [[…->Wake up]] (open-url:"https://formaloo.net/EndingI")(open-url:"https://formaloo.net/Ending_I2")(open-url:"https://formaloo.net/EndingII")<div id="formz-wrapper" data-formz-slug="z2rwEryz" data-formz-type="multi_step"></div> <script src="https://formaloo.net/istatic/js/main.js"></script>|choice>["Excuse my impertinence." It was obviously not a real apology. "I have to admit, I am quite confused. From my understanding offering money for a job, that would earn you money otherwise, seems rather -" I searched for a good word. "- Inefficient." I felt quite smart about that question. He just shrugged his shoulders. The Keeper was obviously not in a talkative mood. I could see, in the way, his grey eyes glanced from time to time to the door behind me, that something was making him nervous. Which definitely was not me. I am the kind of person, that usually achieves a blank or bored stare at most. I blend in. For most, I am quite invisible.] > [[Deny the Money->The Keepers Den - Deny the Money]] > [[Keep Talking]] "I don‘t want to be rude." I continued. "Then don’t." I think he was starting to consider some ungentle ways to throw me out of his shop at this point. "Listen." He finally grunted. Probably realized I could be annoyingly persistent. "I would rather see this object in this world, instead of letting it walk around with a - ." What followed did hurt my feelings a bit. "- weakly, just barely out of puberty kinda Runner, like you. But I have my obligations. Besides - " The Keeper paused for a second as if he was debating whether to continue or not. “ - I heard some things about the other -.” He stopped again. This time he stayed silent. “What do you mean with the -“ I began, but the Keeper growled and raised one of his hands. "I have no time for this. Just take that damn thing or not.” [[Deny the Money->The Keepers Den - Deny the Money]] I was about to grab the money, when he put one of his big Keeper hands on it. "Just one more thing." He grunted. "You will say that you indeed have brought the object to its destination. Just to the people with the big black books, of course. Say whatever you want to everyone else. " His voice became a bit darker when he continued. "I will know if you didn’t. And if I were you, I would not want to find out what happens then." A shiver ran down my spine. Still. I did not budge down. [[Grab Money->Keepers Den - grab the Money]] That complicated my task a fair bit. Regardless, it should not be an excuse to dawdle. It was not the strangest encounter I had. Supposedly not my last, either. The days on this earth are only 23.5 hours long, so time was ticking not only on my bet timer. The phenomenon probably had a pretty good scientific explanation. I heard sometime ago. But physic was never my strongest subject in school. > [[Continue the journey->Journey to the Keepers Hut 2]] > [[Keep talking]] Ghost and I looked around the *room* (Click:"room")[*(The room was hexagon shaped. It looked like a mixture between a living room and an antique shop. Random placed objects, shelf’s full of books and even more random artefacts. There even was a leather sofa and a furnace at the back. A small spiral staircase led upstairs, while a doorless frame - next to another giant bookshelf - led to a room in the back. It was neither packed, nor was it untidy, and still the sheer variety of objects was a bit overwhelming.)*]. The Keeper was humming cheerfully. He turned around. "You want anything? A drink maybe?” He was eying me a bit more closely now. "Actually, You look like you could use a drink.” > [[Shake head->Keeper gets Drink]] >[[Agree->Keeper gets Drink]] He continued “ In the wrong hands, these things could burst a hole in the tunnel of **dark matter collisions** (click:"dark matter collisions")[(*Basically the reason doors to the other worlds exist. A phenomenon allegedly discovered by Lysimache, when she was escaping one of her children.*)]. If used correctly. They are dangerous. That’s why the MES wants to get rid of them from other earths. All 13 to be precise. I keep them here. I watch over them. On Capricorn they are at least visible to everyone. Not just trained carriers. I make sure no one will do something stupid. Including you, I might add.” [[Look at him->Shout at the Keeper 2]] I stood up, a bit shakily. Some water was in dire need. I could not think as clearly as I wanted to. I think I saw a small river on the way. As far as my recollection goes, the water here is safe to drink. My guess I would find it out sooner or later if it was. "Fancy a drink? ” I was not used to company. Indifferently if that company talked or not. Ghost flew happily up and down and started to make its circles around me. Maybe that was a yes. I took my chances. We did not walk for long. Four minutes later, I found the river. Which was actually not a river, but rather a small pond. >[[Continue to return home]] (if:(history: where its tags contains "Conceptual")'s length >3)[ >[[Think about Past]]] I did not want to. My mind however, was telling me to at least see what was going to kill me. Not that it would change anything. The creature that turned up this time was even bigger than the Chinchilla. Definitely not as *cute*. (Click:"cute") [(*It had a massive head. It was half whale and half seal or a weird mixture between a jellyfish and a seal. Some of its body appeared to be translucent. At least for the brief moment that I got a look at it*)] The monster broke through the surface of the pond. Water splashes hit my face. Burned in my eyes. I had two options. I [[Run->From the pond]] I [[Fight->At the pond]] I My lungs wanted to scream. I wanted to scream. This day was just a bit too much. I really hated this day. And yes, hate was a strong word. But I was having a lot of strong feelings at that moment. Despite all of it, I knew what had to come. So I pulled myself together. [[Get up->Get up at pond Part 2]] <img src="images/KeeperSymbol1.png" style="height:100px"> ####Warning The following story was created, to research, about decision-style models and the impact on designing multi-branching narratives. Therefore you will be asked to complete a survey at the end of your reached story point. Thank you for playing and your help! ###[[[➥START STORY->The Keepers Den]]]The Keeper came back, before I saw anything. So I tried to act as natural as I could. It did not really matter anyway. That was not my business. ###[[>->Grab Keepers Drink]]It was worth taking a risk. Giving Ghost the life he deserved. Setting him free from a life of chains. It might not get a second chance. How would its life look like if I decided to carry it home with me? Would I not be as equally selfish as the other Keeper. Would I not deny him of a possibility? ### [[...->Ghost is set free]]You achieved the surprise ending. Congratulations. ''However, you did not experience the whole story. Taking the object, is just the beginning.'' If you actually like to explore the story you can: In the other case. I'll ask you to complete this survey. Thanks in advance. [[Take the Survey]][[Link to Survey->Survey Ending Special]] (in case the browser does not display it) <div id="formz-wrapper" data-formz-slug="Jctxnr2U" data-formz-type="multi_step"></div> <script src="https://formaloo.net/istatic/js/main.js"></script><img src="images/Portal.gif" > (after:2.5s)[=(go-to:"Other World Forest - Ghost turns up") I prepared myself to verbally attack the Keeper. Anger was burning in my chest. It was a raging all consuming sensation I did not recognized. The anger followed a rush of energy that I could feel pulsating through my body. That however, felt strangely familiar. The Keeper and I were just able to throw our heads in the direction of Ghost, before a glowing zip hit the chest of the Keeper and he sunk silently to the ground. Where he continued to stay. ###[[...->Run away into the Woods]]For a second, I wanted to run and see if the Keeper was still alive. However, my survival instinct hit me just a second after and I commaned my shaky legs to turn around and run. [[run->Walk back to the Portal]] (open-url:"https://formaloo.net/bv6o7")Honestly, I did not really have a choice. It was either believing the crazy guy with the yellow eyes, about a secret society called the Many-Earth-Society (MES) or working at my father's *watch shop* (click:"watch shop")[(*I think it was a wise decision for me and the shop. I was a terrible sales- and craft-man*)]. The job they offered was less exciting than I first thought. Moving objects from Keeper A to Keeper B, consists of lonely and boring walks. The things I delivered were either dead or never alive. (click:"alive") [(*As much as a book can be alive.*)] Despite the questionable working hours, I like my job and I would do well keeping it. Today was a chance to prove everyone wrong, especially Lunet. ### [[...->The Keepers Den 2.0]]I took a good look. What for, I was not quite sure. It’s not like **I** was a mind reader. Which would be just one point on the list of things that I was not. Like popular as an example. [[Think about the Offer->The Keepers Den 4]]The closest I escaped death was back on the Scorpio Earth, just a few months ago. To be precise, it's been three escapes. A had to throw myself into a dirt patch, in order to get four giant lions off my scent. The stupid cats are also colour dysfunctional. That's why I made sure to be nearly entirely covered in mud. Just a few minutes after that, I almost fell into a Pandas trap and got poisoned by a cactus. When I arrived at the witches' Hut I was not sure how I would make it back alive to the Portal. I think she thought so too and felt pity for me, as I was covering her floor with mud and blood. She gave me one of my most valuable possessions. A deck of magic cards. I heard a growl. Then I was reminded, again, why I got a C- in fighting. [[Jump to the side->An attack in the Forest]]]) <div id="app"></div> <b>You have(text-colour:red)[ 10 seconds.]</b> I [[Give it->Give Keeper Stone]] I [[Refuse->Refuse to give up Stone]] I (after:10s)[=(go-to:"Refuse Decision")I was not sure what would be the best thing to do. On the one hand, a big part of me didn’t want to give up the connection. It has been years since I felt anything. I have been alone for so long that my body and mind was clinging to everything which promised to end the loneliness. Loneliness kills and I have felt like slowly dying with every passing day. I could take Ghost home and figure out what to do. [[Continue to return home]] On the other hand, I knew that this connection could just be a false impression. Maybe it was real, maybe it was not. Perhaps it was a parasite and feeding of my energy or perhaps it was just a slave to the object and I was egoistic and cruel to deny him a life of freedom? [[Use the Card->Choice Point Destroy Object 2]] I remembered something, about a thought I had earlier. The magic cards from the witch I always had on me. During the whole journey Ghost present distracted me, but now that my thoughts cleared up I came back to my senses. There is no instructional manual to use the cards. *”Use your brain”*. That's all the witch had said and that’s why I couldn‘t get half of the cards to work. For most, I didn't even know what they would do. Except there was one card and I had a vague idea how to use that one. [[Look at Ghost->Choice Point Destroy Object]] "Oh.” That was all I could say, because it summarized my situation quite well. Apparently, that thing in my backpack was not just a normal thing. Apparently, it was very much the host of a very much alive thing that was now staring at me, which complicated my task a fair bit. This little inconvenience made me pause for a second. As far as I knew, Lunet was not part of the Darwin Department (click:"Darwin Department") [(*The MES had run a contest to rename the department-for-dealing-with-mostly-sentient-beeings, for obvious reasons. I guess a lot of the department had been friends with Darwin at that time.*)] This raises the question if Lunet didn’t know that the object was sentient, or if she had tricked me. My watch was vibrating. 45 minutes to go on the bet timer. Either way I would not back down. [[Look around->Other World Forest - Journey to the Keepers Hut]] However, on the other hand, it might be better to rule out some further surprises before I move on to the Keepers Hut. [[Talk to the creature->Other World Forest- Talk to Ghost]]I ran straight into the only thick underwood I could see. A tree branch sliced the back of my hand. I felt blood dripping down from the small wound. Somewhere behind me, the Chinchilla screamed as he almost turned down a whole tree. The shockwave knocked me off my feet. I fell into a suspiciously glowing bush. [[Listen->Attack in the Forest Part 4]] I tried to get up. My legs were shaking. I clung to the trunk of a tree beside me. Ghost had just saved my life. I stared at the floating creatures to my right. My mind was still pumped with adrenaline. However, I didn’t want to seem ungrateful. [[Talk to Ghost->Go to Ghost]] I could see the Keeper Signs on the trees. I must have run at least a good *600 meters*. (Click:"600 meters")[*(Thanks to the cortisol and epinephrine, the panic and adrenaline, that pumped through my bloodstream.)*] I could already see the *house of the Keeper* from afar. (click:"house of the Keeper")[(*It was more a Hut than a real house. It should not have more than a few smaller rooms. If at all, more than one. It did have a second floor, though. I thought, at least. I was not sure. It was crooked. As if someone with little building knowledge and too much creative freedom, decided to become an architect, without using google just once. It was a mixture of wood and stone and was already taken over by the wild scrubs surrounding it. Aris people would have called it a witch Hut, probably.*)] [[Keep Walking->Walk to Keepers Hut 2]]