DT: Final

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[[Main Menu|Content]] <<set $karma to 100>> Your Karma points: $karma <<timed 1s t8n>> Here I am once again at one of these stupid parties. I'm not sure why I even keep coming to them, it's probably due to my friend Allie. Allie is always very convincing. Allie runs a charity organization that educates and supplies folks with archaeology training. She hosts at least one of these parties every season to recruit new trainees and find sponsors. <<linkreplace "...">> She says she likes having me here because we're friends and she enjoys my company, but I know the real reason is because she thinks my status as an award winning archaeologist will help draw sponsors' eyes. Which I can’t blame her. <</linkreplace>> [[...|the man]] <</timed>>

[[Main Menu|Content]] Your Karma Points: $karma <<timed 1s t8n>> As I stand gazing into the half empty drink in my hand I’m aggressively shoved by a man who is clumsily trying to crawl onto one of the bar stools. <<linkreplace"...">> <<type 45ms>> “Excuse you,” I grumble.<</type>> <<type 45ms>>“Actually excuse you,”He snapped back and squinted quizzingly at me. “You would be kinder if you knew what I know.”<</type>> I furrowed my brow. What is this guy even talking about?<</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "...">> <<type 45ms>>“What?”<</type>> <<type 45ms>>“I’ve heard about your debts, those are probably weighing pretty heavy on your shoulders right about now, huh?” The guy asked and my blood ran cold. As if he hadn’t just spilled my extremely confidential information he then calmly ordered a drink <</type>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "...">> <<type 45ms>>“Who do you think you are?” I hissed and slammed my drink down on the bar. The bartender glared before going back to his drink.<</type>> <<type 45ms>> “I’m the man who’s going to help you pay off those debts and make you rich.” He grinned. I was stunned and intrigued. I owed a lot of money to a lot of important people. If this guy could actually help me…<</type>> <<type 45ms>>His smile only seemed to grow larger at my silence, “Now, will you listen to me?” I will... [[Listen|listen]] [[Not Listen|dont listen]]<</type>><</linkreplace>> <</timed>>

[[Main Menu|Content]] Your Karma Points: $karma “I’ll let you speak, but it doesn’t mean I’m listening.” I state with a smirk. The guy looks at me slightly disgusted before rolling his eyes. “God, you really are insufferable,” He mutters and I glare, “I met up with a guy a few weeks back and he said he had something to show me. I asked him what it was and he pulled out a scroll. At first, I thought it might have been a museum gift shop item, y’know?” I waved my hand prompting him to continue. “Anyways, to make a long story short, the scroll turned out to be a map. The map leads to a secret treasure, hidden away in a temple which appears to be in the heart of the jungle.” “You can’t possibly think that I would believe that?” I asked with a raised brow, this guy has to be joking. “Believe me I thought it was a prank at first as well, but I poked around and asked a few of my colleagues and it appears to be the real deal.” He then pulled out an old photograph from inside his jacket pocket. The photo depicted a tall golden-bricked temple shimmering in the sun surrounded by trees and vines. It had clearly been neglected for many years, but still held remnants of its past beauty. As I looked at the photograph I felt my tides shifting, if this was real it could be a solution to my debts… a path to freedom.. “How do I get there?” I asked. The man smirked and handed me a long poster tube. I looked at it in awe, “Keep it hidden, keep it safe.” When I looked up he was gone. [[ask allie]]

[[Main Menu|Content]] <<set $karma to 90>> Your Karma Points: $karma <<timed 1s>> <<type 45ms>>“Absolutely not!” I growl and snatch my glass from the bar before stomping away. What kind of madman walks up to a guy and says a thing like that? <</type>> <</timed>> [[END|end 1]]

[[Main Menu|Content]] Your Karma points: After the party I scrambled to find Allie. “Allie!” She turned to look at me and her eyes widened as I nearly barreled right into her. But I quickly side stepped, grabbed her arm, and yanked her into a secluded room to the side of the main banquet hall. “Woah, woah, woah, slow down!” She nervously laughed and shoved at my chest which caused me to stumble back slightly. “What has gotten into you?” “I found an expedition!” I exclaimed and shoved the poster canister towards her. She took it gingerly and slipped the map from the container. The material was worn and yellowed with age, but the visuals had remained strikingly vibrant and shown from the paper in bold colorful lines and images. “What…” Allie spread her hands over the paper to smooth it, her eyes were filled with wonder. “What is this?” “It’s a map that leads to a temple that holds a secret treasure, it’s deep in the jungle, but I assumed with our combined techniques we could get to it easily.” “It’s a treasure map, duh!” “It’s a map that leads to a secret treasure. I thought you would enjoy coming along to see my sweet archaeologist moves in action!” “Where did you even get this?” “Some creepy old man gave it to me.” “That’s not important, what’s important is the money!” “ Ummm…an old colleague…yeah… colleague.” She gave me a weird look, but rolled her eyes and traced the laid out path from the city center to the deep part of the jungle. “This will be at least a few day journey, I’ll have a lot of things to get in order…” “That’s alright, we can go as soon as you’re ready.” “Ew! Work, just quit already.” “Ugh, just don’t take too long, I have deadlines to meet.” [[dont convince]] [[convince]]

“You’re crazy! Where did you really find this map? The dumpster behind the building?” She exclaimed and scrunched up the map roughly, ripping the edges harshly, “There is no way I’m risking my life for you again.” Before I could even argue she stormed out of the room, slamming the door as she did so. [[ending 2]]

“Alright, let's do it.” She smiled and began to roll up the map. “I can schedule the plane to the city as soon as I have my affairs in order.” “Wonderful! This is going to be a good one Allie, I can feel it.” I hugged her tightly before taking the canister and heading out the door. [[travel]]

Within the week Allie and I had prepared our arrangements and were scheduled to fly to the city. We had talked over our plan to reach and excavate the site and Allie had talked to a few members of her team to gain some more solid evidence of the temple's existence. Predictably there was very little to go on, but a few more grainy photographs of the temple emerged and had solidified our belief in it's existence. [[plane]]

Boring. We had boarded the plane earlier this morning and were nearly halfway to the city, but my left leg was asleep and my laptop had unexpectedly died on me. I already have a deep seeded hate for plane rides, they’re crowded and cold and make me feel like a sardine packed into a can, but this was unbearable. I heavily sighed and rested my head back gazing up at the boring gray ceiling. Allie was snoring softly besides me and I wished that I could keep as easily as she does on planes. “Excuse me,” I jumped and turned quickly to see the stewardess peering at me with overly widened eyes. Her smile seemed unnatural and her eyes shifted over me and Allie with an evil I didn’t understand. “Would you like a drink?” She asked and extended a platter with two cups of what I guessed was water. [[accept drink]] [[dont accept drink]]

With my gut screaming for me to say no I said, “Yes, thank you.” Her smile grew wider than what I thought was humanly possible and she handed me both glasses. I placed one on Allie’s table. “Enjoy.” The stewardess replied before slinking off to the back of the plane. I took a deep gulp of my drink… my vision blurring. [[wake up]]

With my gut screaming for me to say no I said, “No, thank you.” The woman’s eyes seemed to light up with rage, but she just quietly slinked to the back of the plane. I shivered… creepy. [[hotel]]

I woke up to a blurred light due to some sort of fabric covering my eyes and my hands bound behind my back. “Allie?!” I coughed out, my throat was completely dry. “Here! I’m here!” I heard her yelp. It sounded like she was in pain. “Get that bag off their head!” A gruff voice barked. In seconds the bag was ripped away and my vision focused on a man that stood in front of me. He had Allie under his arm with a knife placed to her throat. A man was standing behind me clutching my hands closely behind my back so I couldn’t move. “Hello, good you've finally woken up, this girl here already has told me everything.” The man chuckled and leaned towards Allie as he said it causing her to whimper in fear. “Let her go!” I shouted and struggled to pull away, but the man behind me just twisted my arm until I stopped. “I’ll let you both go the minute you hand over the map.” The boss demanded. [[hand over map]] [[keep map]]

Without even considering the consequences. I handed over the map. The man dropped the knife and shoved Allie away from him to grab at the map. Allie gasped for breath before hurrying over to me, clutching onto my arm as we waited for the mens next moves. “Is that the real thing boss?” “Definitely. Get them out of here, we have some planning to do.” The leader spoke and waved his hand at us. The bags were placed back over our heads. [[escape]]

“I’ll never give you the map!” I yelled. “Then it looks like we’re doing this the hard way.” Before I could react the world went dark. [[end 4]]

We reached the hotel just as the sun had begun to set. The sky radiated a pink glow over the windows of the city and the streets were covered by a dusty purple haze. We trudged up to our room, and despite the overwhelming need to explore this new city all I could bring myself to do was flop onto the stiff hotel bed. Allie however paced around the room, glancing at me and then glancing out the window. She only ever did this when she was really contemplating something. I sat up and cocked my head at her. “Allie, what’s wrong?” I asked. [[complication w/ allie]]

“We never really discussed what we were going to do with the treasure after we found it…” She trailed and chewed at her lip nervously. “What were your plans with that?” “Oh, well obviously I was going to spend it on my debts.” I shrugged. Allie scoffed, “ I should have known… And here I thought you invited me along because you wanted to help out my organization.” “Why would I want to help out your stupid organization anyways?” “Allie, I hadn’t thought about it like that.” “What? But I need it!” “You really planned to use ALL of it to pay off your debts? How selfish are you?” She glared and crossed her arms. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think past getting the debts off my shoulders.” “It’s not selfish! You have no idea who I owe to!” “No, I planned to use the rest to rent a yacht.” [[make her mad]] [[make her disappointed]]

“Whatever! You’re such a jerk!” She yelled and stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door. I rolled my eyes. She’s just being dramatic. There was no way she really thought I would be giving the money to her organization. There are too many important and powerful people asking for their payments to risk it. [[she steals map]]

“Whatever, I don’t know why I even agreed to this…” She grumbled and sat down on her bed with her head in her hands. I stood up and reached out to place my hand on her shoulder, “Allie-” “No!” She yelled then shrunk down and looked at the ground, “Just leave me alone.” [[go to bar]]

I woke up the next morning and Allie was gone. Along with her so was the map. [[end 5]]

I chose to give Allie some space by heading to one of the local bars. I was too nervous to part with the map so I kept the canister slung over my shoulder as I sipped from my drink on my lonely bar stool. “All alone tonight?” The bartender asked as he rubbed a smudge from a glass with a towel. I nodded, “My expedition partner and I had an argument and she kicked me out.” “Expedition?” He asked. “My partner and I are heading into the jungle tomorrow tomorrow to search for the rumored temple.” The bartender chuckled, “Trust me when I say this kid, I’ve had a lot of people like you waltz in here claiming they’re going to find it. None of them have succeeded.” My shoulders slumped, great, more bad news. “Well, I’m hoping that I’ll be the real deal,” I chuckled and winced at how down my voice sounded. The bartender nodded solemnly and turned to help another customer. “Hey, did you say you’re heading into the jungle?” [[meet group]]

A group of four people had stepped towards me and were eyeing the canister with hungry eyes. “Yes, my partner and I are heading there in the morning.” I replied and turned to fully face them. “You know,” The man, who appeared to be the leader began, “the jungle is full of creatures and dangerous fauna. It’s no place for someone not familiar of teh area to go.” “Well, the two of us are professionals, I’m sure we’ll be okay.” I started, but the group quickly began protesting. “No! Trust us, we lead parties of tourists and travel through the jungle quite often. We have equipment and experience.” A woman spoke up and they all nodded enthusiastically. The group did seem quite eager and as we chatted more they told me of many experiences and encounters with the wildlife they had expertly gone through. I was thoroughly impressed and the added knowledge of the area could prove to be quite useful in our expedition. The four people were named: Tia, Romeo, Miguel, and Lindsey. “Well, alright, can we meet at the city gates by sunrise tomorrow?” I asked. “Of course! But first we must know where we are going,” Miguel smirked and pointed to the canister. “That is a map, isn’t it?” [[reveal map]] [[dont reveal map]]

“Oh, yes it is!” I exclaimed, but as I reached around to sling the canister off my shoulder, I felt a stabbing pain in my side and the world fell away. [[end 6]]

Their eagerness was extremely off putting so on instinct I shook my head, “No, this is just a collectible I bought earlier today.” My life was fluent and the group seemed to accept it without suspicion. I paid for my drink and thanked the bartender. “I’ll see you all bright and early.” I smiled and shook the group’s hands before heading out the door. [[forest]]

The next morning the six of us met at the gate of the city. The group of four was loaded with gear and Allie was in a brighter mood, but still avoided meeting my eye. We plunged into the jungle, machetes swinging and hopes high. The air was humid and the shade that the thick leaves provided did little to dampen the heat. As we neared a clearing I waved Allie over to check the map with me. It took a few minutes, but we figured out where our next destination was and headed west. [[bugs]]

“STOP!” I froze causing Allie to run into my back, she started to yell at me, but Miguel waved his hands and Tia slapped her hands over Allie’s mouth. “Everyone be quiet,” Miguel whispered and pointed towards the cove of trees upahead. On every surface there were swarms of unimaginably large shiny beetles that shown purple, green, and blue in the heavy sun. “What are those?” Lindsey asked. “I-I’m not sure,” Miguel stuttered. It was clear the bugs were making him very nervous, but they were blocking our way. We now had to come to the decision to go through the bugs and trust that they would lay dormant or prepare to attack. [[attack]] [[trust]]

“Let’s fight our way through! If we go fast enough we can break through the other side of the trees and the bugs will be too big to follow!” I exclaimed. My enthusiasm inspired the group and with our machetes raised we charged into the swarm of bugs. We slashed and swung our blades until with minimal scratches and bites we broke through the opposite side of trees. I hunched over with my hands on my knees catching my breath. I glanced over my shoulder to see the display of splatter bug guts and colorful wing slippings scattered across the jungle floor. At least we made it through. [[conforntation with allie]]

“I’m sure as long as we go slow, they’ll stay peaceful.” I shrugged. The group seemed to agree and we began our descent into the swarm, but within a second teh bugs surrounded us and all hope was lost. [[end 7]]

Once we had all caught our breath we began heading down the path. So far things were going much more smoothly than I had imagined even despite the gigantic insects and boiling heat. The four group members had gained a few feet and their composer as they slashed through the foliage. “Hey,” I jumped as Allie placed her hand on my shoulder and fell in line beside me. “Can we talk for a second?” “Sure, what’s up?” “What? Are you still mad about last night?” “Not right now, I’m busy.” “Listen,” She sighed, “I want to help you with your debts, you’re my friend, even though you drive me crazy. I just thought that this would be a joint accomplishment…” “It is a joint accomplishment! You get the fame of being my co-adventure.” “I’m sorry, we can split the treasure, I’m sure my debts won't even take up half of it.” “I’m sorry… But you know I need the money more.” [[dont apologize]] [[apologize]]

“Wow. And here I thought you would finally grow up. You’ll never learn.” She scoffed and quickened her pace so she was in line with the group. I’ll never learn? What does that even mean? [[group sets off]]

“Thank you, that really means a lot. I hope things all work out.” Allie smiled and we walked along together chatting. I realized she’s actually kind of funny when she’s not nagging me to go to her parties. [[group sets off]]

“There!” Tia yelled and pointed up ahead at a large golden-bricked structure. “The temple!” Allie exclaimed. With the excitement of finding out what was inside we raced into the temple and were met with a musky, dark, dust-coated room. Barely any light could penetrate this room and yet the walls were crawling with vines and leaves. But besides the obvious cobwebs and hidden spiders the room was completely empty. “What?! Where is the treasure?!” Romeo demanded. “This can’t be.” I spoke, my chest heavy with dread as I walked deeper into the room searching for a lever or a pressure plate we missed. There was no way we came all that way for nothing? “Let me see the map,” Allie spoke and held out her hand for the canister. I handed it to her and she quickly began pondering over the map. “Maybe we missed something, It has to be here!” “Allie-” But before I could even finish my sentence there was a loud creaking and something grabbed my ankle. I was swept up into the air and my machete clanged to the floor. I watched in discombobulated horror as the floor cracked open to reveal a giant wriggling mess of which my machete fell into. As my vision cleared and I was able to gain a bit of my bearings I realized the mass was a pit of snakes. I screamed and looked around me. I was hanging by my ankle from a rope attached to a pulley which appeared to be slowly reeling me towards the snakes which hissed and rattled ominously. “Guys! Help!” “Not today!” I looked towards the door we had all entered to see Allie clutching the canister in her hands and the group all flanking behind her with evil smirks. “The treasure is ours now!” Lindsey laughed. [[allie leaves]]

“Have fun with your new friends,” Tia giggled and waved as she and the rest of the group headed towards the door. But Allie stayed still, staring at me as I hung over this pit of death. “Allie, please!” I begged. She hesitated, but simply shook her head and turned to leave with the group. “Allie! No! Help!” I yelled after her, but it was no use. [[comtemplation]]

How did I get here? Sweat beaded on my forehead as I stared down at the pit of snacks looming ominously two feet below my nose. I could feel my face growing warm with the blood that pooled due to my upside-down state. Just a few minutes ago I felt that I was finally coming to the end of this cumbersome journey and yet here I was tied up and facing imminent snake doom. I wish I had been kinder to Allie, it only took me till now to realize how big of a jerk I had been to her. Dragging her along on this journey and refusing to share the profits. I’m such an idiot. The snake loomed closer and when some of them raised their thin faces towards me their tongues could touch my hair. Here it comes… I closed my eyes in preparation. [[snake death]] [[allie comes back]]

The first bit stung, but the venom was quick and in a second the snakes no longer mattered. [[end 8]]

“Up here!” My eyes snapped open and I looked just in time to see Allie raising the lever to pull the rope back up. I was hoisted back into the air and the floor snapped closed with a deafening boom. Allie walked over and slashed the rope with her blade. I tumbled to the floor roughly, but hardly cared due to the joy coursing through me. [[saved]]

“You came back!” I exclaimed as I shook the rope from my ankle. I quickly embraced her in a hug, “I’m so glad you came back,” “Of course I came back.” Allie said and when I pulled away from the hug I didn't miss the blush that dusted her cheeks. “I couldn’t leave you to die.” “Thank you,” I smiled. “I found something, while those goons were setting off the trap.” Allie gasped and dragged me over to the far wall. She cleared away some of the vines to reveal a patterned brick. With a bit of force she shoved it into the wall. A loud popping noise sounded and the wall slowly began singing into the floor. “Allie! You’re amazing!” I laughed and clapped her on the back. She rolled her eyes, but smiled nonetheless. [[last test]]

Allie and I walked together into the next room, this one too was dust ridden and dank, but in the center sat a pedestal with a basin atop it. We moved closer into the room. Also atop the pedestal was a small plaque. “To prove your devotion, drop the map into the basin.” Allie read from it. The second the words left her lips the basin erupted into flames. We jumped back quickly, but I still feel like I burned some of my eyebrows off. “Drop the map there?” I gasped in disbelief. “I think we have to,” Allie frowned. “But if it doesn't work the treasure will be lost forever!” I worried aloud. Allie grabbed my hand in reassurance. “But if we don’t try we’ll never know.” She explained, her eyes soft with sympathy and her hold on my hand tightened. [[do]] [[dont]]

“Okay.” I sighed. With Allie’s support I tossed the map into the flames. As we watched the map quickly become engulfed by the flames the fire began to turn a bright shade of blue. A loud grinding noise filled the room as the pedestal sunk into the floor. [[treasure]]

“No.” Instead of the map I tossed in my bandana. Allie covered her mouth in horror. As we watched the map quickly become engulfed by the flames the fire began to turn a bright shade of green. A loud grinding noise filled the room as the pedestal sunk into the floor. [[lava]]

The temperature of the room suddenly began to rise and within seconds lava poured from the ceiling vents coating the floor with teh hot magma. “Allie! Run!” I shouted and the two of us fled from the temple. As we flung ourselves into the forest floor, lava spewed from the door of the temple, singeing the grass and causing small fires to engulf the surrounding bushes. “I can’t believe you did that!” Allie screamed and chucked a branch from the ground at me. “Hey!” “No! You don’t get to hey me! This whole expedition has been a disaster and it’s all due to your selfishness!” She exclaimed. We stood there in the clearing of the temple screaming at one another for hours until Allie got fed up and tried to call us any help. [[epilogue 1]]

Another strange metallic noise was heard from overhead and suddenly gold began to pour from the vents of the walls. Coins, chains, challaces, platters, and gems all began to coat the floor. “We did it!” Allie shouted with joy and we embraced one another once again. [[epilogue 2]]

Allie and I went on to pay off my debts easily and teh use the rest of the money to push for funding for her organization. I agreed to become one of the lead members, teaching classes, giving speeches and running campaigns to help others pursue their need for adventure. I’ve never been so happy and fulfilled and with lots of asking and time Allie and I are now happily dating and sharing the joys of her organization together. [[end 9]]

After we managed to get back home Allie cut all contact with me and I had to pick up a job at the local grocery store to start paying off my debts. It’s going to take a lot of double shifts and long nights, but the people I owe the money to find my predicament so entertaining they are willing to cut me some slack… how humiliating. [[end 10]]

Selfish Trials by Abby Pajeau Art/Writing/Programming

[[Main Menu|Content]] Your Karam Points: $karma You have found ending 1 of 10! Try last choice again? [[Yes|the man]] [[No|credits]]

[[credits]]

“I can’t believe you handed the map over so easily.” Allie said to me as we walked along the road. We had been shoved into a dark van and drove along for 20 minutes. Then we were thrown from the van onto the side of this dark road. But we found a sign that stated the city was 10 miles East and had begun walking that direction. “Of course I wasn’t going to let you get hurt.” I explained. Allie blushed, and looked away from me. “Thank you.” She slipped her hand into mine and we walked that way till we reached the city. [[end 3]]

[[credits]]