TINY CAT PEOPLE: THE MAZE TRIALS

[skinstealer]

 

SEE: When I met with Monroe, they just...seemed scared.
SEE: If they really wanted to earn impressions through violence, I’d be screwed- I’m so small compared to them, and I was still injured from taking off that chunk of chocolate for Max!
SEE: They even warned me not to associate with them after giving me good advice and some skills, with no strings attached...no attempt to keep me by their side.
SEE: Even though we had a great time together, they still wanted us to keep our separate ways for my safety!
SEE: I just don’t know why they’d say that if they were out for violence, or why they wouldn’t attack.
 

TeeVee is looking at you now- they aren't saying anything though, just.... standing there.

 
SEE: I swear-
SEE: They're a good person, I know it.
MAX: Hmm.
 

Max studies you with an almost fierce gaze, the room silent as he thinks this over. 

 
MAX: I worried, when I heard their voice...
MAX: ...that less experienced TCPs would fall for their soft presentation.
 

TeeVee looks like they have something to say, but they aren't saying it yet. They back up a bit from the other three TCPs.

 
SUZANNE: TeeVee?
SUZANNE: Are you okay?
TEEVEE: I think so, there's just a lot of sorta conflicting things being said.
TEEVEE: And I don't know why anyone would say something if it wasn't... like... real.
TEEVEE: You know?
SEE: I mean...I don't think Max is...lying, just...
 

He is definitely staring you down now.

 
SEE: ...I just don't understand.
SEE: Wouldn't it make more sense for Monroe to avoid attacking once they learned Max's ability?
SEE: I wouldn't want to mess with that!
MAX: While I would never actually hurt anyone unless absolutely pushed to, I believe they saw my ability as an inherent threat to their existence. 
MAX: So...they struck me before they could be struck, in their eyes.
MAX: With that ability of theirs, they were able to make it so that I couldn't use my own.
TEEVEE: What is their ability?
MAX: From what I can derive...they can make someone terrified of failing.
MAX: Pure, utter terror.
 

You hate to admit that that part tracks from what Monty told you about their typing.

 
TEEVEE: ...Like they can just make people afraid?
TEEVEE: That sounds...
 

 

TeeVee trails off, and then turns to you.

 
TEEVEE: See, you trusted me right away.
TEEVEE: And Monroe, and Suzanne, right?
TEEVEE: What's wrong here?

[victorianflorist]

Max's explanation is not compelling, Monroe's actions are inconsistent with Max's descriptions of how they should behave. I can't in good conscious team up with someone unless I know they're not lying to me.

[Lilium Mortem]

I think what's wrong here is that what I've seen and what I've been told don't add up. It... it isn't us versus them. we can be wary of monroe while still figuring out how to help them. I'm not going to live in a world that makes me pick between my friends. I'm going to help as many people as I can.

[Pichi2214]

I honestly just want to give an honest answer, something along the lines of this:

I'm sorry, I don't want to doubt anyone. I consider both sides my friends, but at the same time I have not known either long enough to definitely know what is true and what isn't, but something isn't adding up so I am just really anxious.
I don't mean to just assume bad intentions... I am cautious of either side, I just didn't think to ask Monty more questions about this whole thing before i left.

Since being a group and friends needs us to have trust with each other there shouldn't be issues with asking questions and trying to figure out where things don't add up and why, right? Cause either no one is lying and the trust is confirmed and there was just a misunderstanding somewhere, or it turns out someone is not to be trusted which should be best for everyone to know.
I just really want to get to the bottom of this cause i don't want to have to doubt anyone...


Also we did come here to help Max, so we should definitely still do that regardless of what is going, Max is injured and needs help.

[King-Clod]

It's many things. I'd prefer to talk to you about some of it outside of this room later TeeVee, if I could. But I'll say for now that I don't entirely trust grouping up like he's saying. I'd rather just...help everyone I meet but still careful in case of untrustworthy folk. Grouping up can lead to uncomfortable power dynamics within the group, and to seeing the in-group as better than those who wouldn't/couldn't join. I think it just makes everything more complicated than it needs to be.

[skinstealer]

 
SEE: I’m...sorry, I really don’t want to doubt anyone here.
SEE: What’s wrong is that I consider both sides to be friends at least potentially...and I don’t know enough to know what’s true and what isn’t.
SEE: But something isn’t adding up, and it’s making me anxious.
TEEVEE: It doesn't sound like both of these could be true though... you know? 
TEEVEE: I don't want anyone to be lying either but I don't see how it couldn't be that someone is.
SEE: I really don't want that to be the case, but...
SEE: I don't know. I can't in good conscience sign up with the group unless I know the full story.
 

Max continues to stare at you, the room silent once more.

 
MAX: ...I see.
 

TeeVee nods at you, but still just...seems uneasy in general.

 
TEEVEE: I get that, that's fair. But that's not something that could be resolved right now, right?
SEE: I guess not...I didn't get the chance to ask Monty more questions about what happened.
MAX: Monty?
SEE: ...Monroe. 
MAX: Ah. Nicknames.
MAX: Hm.
 

TEEVEE: ...If there's someone dangerous out there in the chambers I want to help. I like competing and I like fighting but I don't like hurting people.
TEEVEE: This seems kinda personal though, I don't know if I could help, even, cause I don't even know what's true...
MAX: It's personal in the sense of...I suspect that they're a danger to this group, to the people I love...
MAX: But at the very least, through working together, we'll have strength in numbers.
MAX: As soon as I'm healed, I plan on figuring out counter measures to protect those who are willing to commit to cooperation.
MAX: While I'd like to extend the offer to everyone in the trials, I've learned my lesson with trusting too much.
MAX: There are likely far more dangerous TCPs out there than just Monroe.
 

TeeVee nods again, and then turns back to you.

 
TEEVEE: Is there... uh... anything else you wanted to say?
 

SEE: ...I came here to heal Max, and I mean to stick to that.
SEE: I don't want to be torn between friends, and even if I can't sign up with the group...
SEE: I want to help as many people as I can.
 

You take a few steps forward, gesturing for Suzanne to put you on the box by Max's bed. She easily obliges, and you reach over towards Max's wound.
 
He shies away slightly.

 
MAX: I see.
MAX: In that case, I'd like some privacy while I get treated.
MAX: I have...things to discuss with you.
 

Suzanne backs up, clapping her fins together and approaching TeeVee. 

 
SUZANNE: You got it, Max!
SUZANNE: Let's go, TeeVee!
TEEVEE: Wait... 
TEEVEE: Wait a sec.
 

 
TeeVee takes a glance around the room, anticipating suddenly being the center of attention

Everyone turns to him. 

MAX: What's the matter, TeeVee?
MAX: Are you alright?
TEEVEE: Maybe there's a way for me to use my ability to help?
MAX: I'd really rather you didn't.
MAX: After all, I'd rather keep my future unspoiled-
SUZANNE: But! It could make See feel better, to know you're a good person! For sure!
SUZANNE: It'd be solid proof!
MAX: ....
MAX: See, do you consider this necessary?

[Lilium Mortem]

It's not necessary for me to help.

It might be for me joining, but that depends on what the most important moment in Max's life is. Is it what he considers most important? What TeeVee would consider most important? There's no way to know of it would give anything useful. But we could make a deal, max gets to know ours if we get to know his.

[cosmo]

i agree, i will if you will. it's only fair.

[King-Clod]

No, no ability needs to be used. I understand not wanting to see that. But I'd rather have someone else in the room with us. Can Suzanne please stay? I'm choosing her since you seem to be worried about privacy, and she's seen you injured before. She can be in the corner if you wanted to whisper something secret to me. I just like having someone I know nearby, at least when I'm in another TCP's room.

[skinstealer]

SEE: ...not necessary to help you, but...
SEE: I'll show you my future if you show me yours.
 

Max is silent for a few moments.

MAX: ...very well.
MAX: TeeVee, I'm going to insist that you remain truthful when telling us the results.
MAX: I promise not to get mad at anything you say, as it is not your fault as to what you'll see.
MAX: I doubt it will be any cause for alarm, but...
MAX: I want you to know that I consider your ability to be a gift, and even if this is not something I'd choose for myself outside of this situation, I solemnly swear not to judge you.
 

TeeVee nods, and then looks between you and Max.

TEEVEE: Who's gonna go first?
TEEVEE: Wait, actually... I have an idea.
 

TeeVee taps one of their pockets, hands a bit shaky.

TEEVEE: There's pieces of chalk in here, I'll stick my hand in without looking and grab some. You can pick odd or even before I do?
MAX: That's fine by me.
SEE: I'll...pick evens.
MAX: Odds, then.
 

 
TeeVee sticks his hand into the pocket, rummaging for a bit before withdrawing it. Quickly, he opens his hand, four small chunks of chalk sit there.

TEEVEE: Okay then.
SEE: Okay, so...how does this work?
 

TeeVee takes a step or two back.

TEEVEE: I've never done this, s-so
 

 

The first thing that happens is TeeVee's feet leaving the ground, beginning to hover. As he slowly rises upwards, a ring of chains forms around his head, floating just away from his body. Next, his jumpsuit suddenly grows two more sleeves, which are rapidly filled as TeeVee grows another pair of arms.

Finally, TeeVee's halo and eyes begin to glow with an eerie blue light, more of the same blue light seeping out from the outermost edges of her jumpsuit.

 
TEEVEE: I...
TEEVEE: I have more arms now.
 

You're pretty stunned- you've never seen anything like it before...well, that went for most things, but this is a pretty significant first.

 
SUZANNE: Wow! 
SUZANNE: That's so cool!!!
SEE: Amazing...
 
INTERCOM: TeeVee, you have made an impression.
MAX: Well, that bodes well for the rest of us getting our impressions from this...we may as well go ahead.
 

 

TeeVee gently floats over to you. They seem less distressed now and more just... overwhelmed.

 
TEEVEE: Okay See, I'm going to need to touch you.
 

They reach out and gently touch your head. You hold still for them, your nerves plainly visible.

  

TeeVee stays silent, seconds ticking by.

SEE: W-well?
TeeVee: G-give me a second.
 

 
TeeVee: I... uh...
 

They wait another five before speaking again.

TEEVEE: It was... faint and... blurry... See was there... obviously. And there was a large blue TCP I think... I don't know what they were doing.
 

No one speaks.

Your entire body feels cold.

You didn't see the vision yourself, but you know.

MAX: ...Hm.
MAX: Were they dripping, in any form?
 

Oh, god, no.

TeeVee nods slowly, turning to Max.

TeeVee: Your turn? We can discuss... after.
TeeVee: This feels... Scary.
 

Max avoids looking at you. 

 
MAX: How curious.
MAX: You're doing wonderful, TeeVee.
MAX: You can look at mine, now.
 

TeeVee slowly floats over, expression getting more strained as the seconds move past.

They reach out slowly, and place a hand on his shoulder.

TeeVee's eyes widen, and they pull back, looking between You and Max, their posture is tense and they're not saying anything.

MAX: Are you alright, TeeVee?
MAX: You can tell me the truth.

TeeVee tenses more, arms shaking a bit. Since they've changed it's been almost two minutes.

 
TEEVEE: It also was blurry... it was you and see, in a long corridor with pits? On both sides.
MAX: Just a normal chamber, then.
MAX: Nothing to be alarmed about!
MAX: Seeing as the two of us are friends, as See itself noted, it's most likely a meeting. 
MAX: If anything, I'm pleased that I've already met someone so vitally important to my future.
 

 

TeeVee drops to the ground, all the changes vanishing and the jumpsuit reforming to a two sleeved form.

He immediately sits down, eyes still wide, still looking freaked out.

TEEVEE: Yeah... you're right.
MAX: I am concerned about See's, though...
MAX: You see, TeeVee, the TCP you described...
MAX: They could only be Monroe.
MAX: There is no doubt in my mind, from that description.
MAX: And to me, that makes me concerned about safety.
MAX: Both to See, and my group.
 

TeeVee nods along, clearly only half paying attention.

 
MAX: The way I see it, this could be one of two things...
MAX: See in danger at their hands, about to be harmed brutally...
MAX: Or See making a horrible choice.

[Guest]

Yeah, alright. Rip off a chunk of healing and put it on the table. We're not discussing this further. I don't want to argue and make everyone else uncomfortable. Thank Teevee and leave the room if we can.

[Lilium Mortem]

EDIT: decided to remove the bits that were calling max out, don't think it's a good time for a confrontation.

to max: I'd also like to think I'm friends with Monroe. I'll be careful, I won't let them trick me, if there is something wrong with them, I'll help them if I can. I can still patch you up if you're comfortable with that, otherwise I can leave some more chocolate and go. But I don't think I'll feel comfortable with you on my own, or with your group. I also don't feel welcome, I don't like how you're talking to me, so I'm going to leave once everyone is feeling ok.

[cosmo]

as a medic, our priority right now is to make sure teevee is okay. abilities sometimes damage the user right? apologize to max and say you're willing to discuss after making sure teevee is alright. after all, they just used their ability to help us try to reach an agreement. after that, i'll heal you too and then i'm leaving. feel free to request my help as a medic at any time, but i don't enjoy being pressured or treated like i'm too helpless for my own good. i wish you well with your group but i'm more interested in helping others than gaining impressions so i don't think i would've been a good fit anyway.

[victorianflorist]

I have the feeling Max will remember this.

Max's vibes are rancid, we're going. Peace. TeeVee and Suzanne are welcome to make their own choice but my gut is telling me we gotta go. Give Max some snackies and jet.

[Pichi2214]

Seconding making sure TeeVee is okay. They used an ability which likely hurt them and also they seemed distressed prior to that.
They helped us so we should at least check in with them and see if we can do anything for them.

Also make sure to properly thank them for their help.

[Lilium Mortem]

Thirding making sure TeeVee is ok first thing, didn't think of it in my original post but he doesn't look like he's doing too hot.

[skinstealer]

 

You get the feeling that Max will remember this interaction, and that only fills you with more dread. Right now though, there are more important priorities.

You ignore Max’s comments and hop off the box, heading towards TeeVee.

SEE: Hey, are you okay?
SEE: I can heal you if you need it.
 

TeeVee seems to be calming down a little bit.

 
TEEVEE: I'm not... really hurt, I don't think? 
TEEVEE: My head just feels weird.
TEEVEE: That... felt really strange.
SEE: Are you sure? 
SEE: Like, I can help.
TEEVEE: ...
TEEVEE: Yeah, I'm sure.
SEE: Okay...be careful.
SEE: And...thank you for helping, I really appreciate it.
TEEVEE: Yeah, of course, it was just really weird to experience.
SEE: You did great, I mean it.
 

 

You take a moment to gather your courage before walking over towards Max's bed. 

SEE: Max...
SEE: I can't join your group.
MAX: Hm.
MAX: Why is that, See? We have so much we could offer you.
SEE: I m-mean, I wish you well with it and all...
SEE: And personally, I'm fine with healing you or anyone else when you need it.
SEE: I just feel pressured right now, and I don't like that. 
SEE: I'm not...helpless, or ignorant. I may be new, but I can make my own choices.
SEE: I'd like to think I'm just as much friends with Monro- Monty.
SEE: So...I'm going to make my own calls on that.
 

Max is silent for a few moments.

 
MAX: Very well.
MAX: I cannot stop you from choosing your own path.
SUZANNE: But-!
MAX: It's okay, Suzanne. 
MAX: Let See make its own decisions, as it wishes.
MAX: It will learn on its own that our path is the safer, more cooperative one.
 

 

You step forward and pop a piece of chocolate off of the other side of your head, placing it on the box with a bit of struggle. Your health had healed some since your last break, but it is now at POOR.

You don’t feel so good.

SEE: Here.
SEE: I'm out.
 

TeeVee waves to you, still just chilling where he sat down. Suzanne says nothing, looking down at her feet.

 
INTERCOM: See, you have made an impression.
SEE: ...whatever.
 

 

You head out the door.

It looks like the way to your room has been made easier, something you can't help but feel relief over. You just keep walking, every footstep feeling heavier and heavier.

 

 

You're back in your room now, the door closing behind you.

INTERCOM: Welcome back, See.
INTERCOM: You have one reward remaining.
INTERCOM: You have three questions remaining.

[MarxzVulpez]

Can we just plop down and rest for a while before proceeding with reward and questions? our health is kind of shot right now and we could use the time to process what's happened so far

[Lilium Mortem]

do some research on your computer before deciding on a reward or asking questions
-how to protect people
-how to get stronger
-how to get strong fast and free
-how to protect yourself if you're small and weak
-what skills are usefull in resisting manupulation
-what skills are good at understanding people
-what skills are good at helping people
-what is destiny

also play pinball. enjoy yourself a bit.

[victorianflorist]

See really needs to wind down after that.

But I also want to ask if we can ask about other people in the Maze.