MT2.0 #2C

(align:"<==")+(bg:white)+(box:"X")+(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:black)[(text-style:"underline")[🔫SmartBoolet @[educatedbullet]] i dunno. gamepiece just seems- yknow. [[overdoing->c2]] it?] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> (text-style:"underline")[YTVxxKH.bU] Alright everybody, general thread for Chessboard. As much as i see people talking about this on this site, no one has the balls to actually make a thread, because the mods say that it's too much. It's no wonder they allow people to literally post sticks shoved up peoples' asses and not actual art- speaks to their priorities, huh. Let's talk shop before the thread gets nuked. (text-style:"underline")[cd0Pp0A.bcQ] How many nudes are we allowed to post lol (text-style:"underline")[YTVxxKH.bU] None, because you and I both know the jumpsuit stays on. Go fuck yourself and be serious. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(bg:white)+(box:"X")+(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:black)[(text-style:"underline")[🌹xXxCLOSESHAVExXx @[sharpestrazor]] I mean. It's an art piece. It's //meant// to be [[dramatic.->c3]] ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> (text-style:"underline")[IHM56Rer3s] i am liking the direction of it, honestly. it's been a bit since we've gotten an ARG that doesn't actually suck. monopoly is kind of a lame protagonist, but they put her in such fucked up situations that i cant stop watching. like, sure, cannibalism is par for the course for this lol but i can't get that scene in the first video- 2:39 in "Dinner for Two", for reference- out of my mind. it's like it's got a chokehold on me. powerful stuff. (text-style:"underline")[cd0Pp0AbcQ] What are you a vorehound? (text-style:"underline")[IHM56Rer3s] sure. as if that'd really matter about me enjoying a good fucking video. you really think you're better because you don't think about eating people? because honestly, i think it'd be awesome if someone served you a hand on a platter and let you have a sweet, sweet taste. do you have a girlfriend? because like, prime opportunity there. make it a date. girls love that shit. bring some salt and pepper while you're at it and you'll have the night of your life. bitches love it when you bring seasonings to the cannibalism date night. if you were even a poser fan of chessboard you would understand the sheer appeal of devouring someone for a meal. you deny its succulence. i feel bad for you. (text-style:"underline")[cd0Pp0AbcQ] What the fuck man </div></div>

//...[[tch->c4]].// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Raffel sits in his chair with his back straight. The massive, two-stories-tall aerosoul focuses on his PC, visor expressionless and hand-eyes irritated. RAFFEL: Lessers. LESSER: Clot is late, sir. RAFFEL: Mm. Fairly typical. If it had been a more important trial, he probably would have bothered to come up with some form of criticism. Not worth it this time, especially not when this was their funny little idea in the first place. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(bg:white)+(box:"X")+(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:black)[(text-style:"underline")[🔫SmartBoolet @[educatedbullet]] yeah like okay but that doesnt mean the acting is [[good->c5]].] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> (text-style:"underline")[6/mngPMB9g] >posts vore fetish in general thread >people get mad >it is a vore arg lol (text-style:"underline")[YTVxxKH.bU] It's not a fucking vore ARG. Shut up. (text-style:"underline")[IHM56Rer3s] thank you. sometimes i even wonder if it IS an ARG. there's so many details that stand out to me, and...you know, it's seamless with the other videos that crop up. (text-style:"underline")[YTVxxKH.bU] What, you mean like...Jeremy's? (text-style:"underline")[IHM56Rer3s] exactly. even with the filming style being different, and the found footage angle- like, it's straight up shot with a cell phone- you see the same characters cross over. it's cohesive. it goes beyond an ARG to me. i can't stop thinking about it. </div></div>

//Idiots. Why do they all just-// Monopoly [[freezes->c6]], staring in silence at the post on her screen. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> He doesn't turn his attention to the new console sliding in, ignoring the modular construct entirely. Dr. Clot does not bother to greet him in turn, just glaring and getting back to looking at their own live screens. RAFFEL: Survival rate on the teratoma type. LESSER: 25%. He can see Clot huff in one of his hand-eye's peripherals, visor trained on the graphs on the lessers' displays. RAFFEL: This was your idea. DR. CLOT: He has a higher score than that on my calcs. DR. CLOT: Your numbers are //faulty.// RAFFEL: Your lessers can barely count themselves, let alone manage a program. The construct seethes, trying and failing to hold their tongue. DR. CLOT: //You// wanted to- RAFFEL: I'd watch yourself. He turns his head slightly towards them, the closest thing he'd done to an acknowledgment. RAFFEL: Hmm? DR. CLOT: .... </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(bg:white)+(box:"X")+(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:black)[(text-style:"underline")[📦~lost message...~ @lostMessage] I know it's just a whole...puzzle, game, thing... But Gamepiece makes me so worried. Even if she's [[just a character->c7]], I really want her to be okay. :(] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> (text-style:"underline")[YTVxxKH.bU] What would that even entail, though? (text-style:"underline")[IHM56Rer3s] a lot of things. the structure is too meticulous, and the symbolism is...eerily consistent, and yet not at all. (text-style:"underline")[cd0Pp0AbcQ] lol get laid or something (text-style:"underline")[YTVxxKH.bU] Ignore him. Tell me more about the symbolism. You're the only person I've talked to who isn't a fucking moron about this. (text-style:"underline")[IHM56Rer3s] with pleasure. we have to discuss the nature of the tubes. they're a more recent introduction, but i swear i can predict when they show up. it's definitely not random...but it's definitely not planned. there's too many setups where it'd be PERFECT to do, but they don't. (text-style:"underline")[6/mngPMB9g] Dude, it's an ARG. What the hell do you mean it's not planned? (text-style:"underline")[IHM56Rer3s] you think they can get hundreds of flawless improv actors ready to go, and coordinate that shit? there's thousands of videos uploaded. that's insane. some of them are hours long. say what you want. but i think it's real. </div></div>

She doesn't move, unsure what to think or how to react. It's the first time someone's- (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[INTERCOM: Monopoly, it's [[your time for a trial!->c8]] MONOPOLY: ...] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Candy type is ready to go. RAFFEL: Handle it. RAFFEL: I'm busy. DR. CLOT: You can't even- They push their hand into their face as one of the lessers on Raffel's side takes the mic on their console- a special installation. LESSER: Monopoly, it's your time for a trial! Clot rolls their eyes at the sickeningly sweet affect. </div></div>

The candy type refuses to look up at the ceiling, shutting her flip phone. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[INTERCOM: [[Best of luck out there!->c9]]] //Up yours.// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Best of luck out there! LESSER: Is the chamber prepped? LESSER: Pretzel type is ready. Clot turns to their own screen, squinting before taking up the mic. DR. CLOT: Autopsy, can you hear me? DR. CLOT: ...good. I have your mission. DR. CLOT: You need to get resources for the hospital. DR. CLOT: Your performance has been slipping, and Syringe is paying for it. DR. CLOT: You can make it up to her by getting her some food. They turn off their mic for a moment, grumbling to themself. DR. CLOT: Preferably something //other// than junk. RAFFEL: What was that? Clot immediately goes back to the mic. DR. CLOT: The larger one is a candy type. Don't try to retrieve her. DR. CLOT: She doesn't have a lot of nutritional value, and her file says she's known for violence. Raffel's hand-eyes squint. DR. CLOT: It's not worth bringing her back to the operating room. DR. CLOT: ...you'll have to get the pretzel type alone. RAFFEL: Pick up the pace. A deep breath from Clot, their voice speeding up. DR. CLOT: The puzzle will be explained- but DR. CLOT: ... DR. CLOT: This is an opportunity to get the code, as well. Raffel looks over fully, now. RAFFEL: Are you disobeying, Clot? RAFFEL: That isn't on the schedule. DR. CLOT: ...do your best. They turn off the mic. </div></div>

It's been months since she's been here, according to the date on her phone. Seven months. A completely normal amount of time for someone to be in a hell dungeon, and a completely normal amount of time for someone to gain a significant internet following for posting about it on social media. The outside world wanted more! Of course they did, it was exciting- She picks up a fabric mask from the corner of her bed, checking the face over- <img src="./images/2-1-1.png" alt="monopoly getting dressed for a trial, standing in a standardized bedroom and putting on a cloth mask. her room has a laptop on the table, two posts for placing masks on, a mirror, and some more masks with silly faces."> //Spiral eyes will do today. A little bit disarming. Cute, but mysterious. ...should work.// -putting her false earnub headband on- -and slipping it onto her head, checking it over in a mirror before [[stepping out into the trial chamber.->c10]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: Hm. Clot sinks into their chair. RAFFEL: Lessers. DR. CLOT: For- RAFFEL: Can you get me Clot's resource request lineup. DR. CLOT: I- LESSER: Three orders of meat types products, packaged, as usual. RAFFEL: How are the farm's demands, currently? LESSER: Increase of meat requests from Cruller, we still have more supply than demand, but it's thinning. RAFFEL: Interesting. RAFFEL: Sounds like you have something to take up with Cruller, then. RAFFEL: I'm sure you'll be fine with giving her one. RAFFEL: Considering your affectations. The construct says nothing, motors whirring hard. Clot's lesser speaks up first. LESSER: Autopsy and Tightrope- DR. CLOT: I have //eyes.// They clam up. </div></div>

The chamber door opens, and before Monopoly is a grisly scene- a body type of some sort on the left looking heavily burned... or is that just their skin? Their leg is missing, and fluid is starting to seep out onto the floor. They appear to be sitting down, wincing and attempting to pull their jumpsuit tighter to keep the fluid in. On the right is unmistakably a pretzel type, looking unharmed but visibly concerned about the state of the other TCP's leg. They're also sitting down, as if the two of them have been talking for some time now. Monopoly's whole body tenses, immediately on red alert. <img src="./images/2-1-2.png" alt="monopoly entering a trial chamber, faced with a fleshy, blue body type TCP with teeth for claws, and a pretzel type waving at her. the fleshy TCP's left leg is missing, instead replaced with a pool of fluid. there are no walls on the sides of the chamber, steep dropoffs on both sides."> //...no weapons. No fighting, and the smaller TCP [[couldn't have-->c11]] But that's-// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> The two teams of overseers watch the streams- all but Raffel, focusing on his own computer. LESSER: Trial has officially begun. DR. CLOT: We'll see how it goes- RAFFEL: Hmph. RAFFEL: Lesser, can you get me a readout on the farm's liquid stocks? LESSER: ... The sound of rapid typing. LESSER: Looks like it's better production than usual. LESSER: Are you sure? I'm seeing less energy boosters. LESSER: Hm... LESSER: Oh, you're right. The caffeine addiction must be spreading. LESSER: I told you, introducing the cafe commercials would spike it. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[PRETZEL TYPE: No, I really do appreciate the concern, and it's great to see someone with that perspective! I just- PRETZEL TYPE: You're going to have to jump through again, and with your leg like that, I don't know if you can... ????: Really...you don't have to do that for me. ????: My body grows back! It's a special talent of mine. ????: I'd much rather just sit and wait and not have you risk your own body. ????: A bit of patience is never a problem for me! PRETZEL TYPE: Well, thank you, but I'm not sure how long the overseers will let us just sit here. PRETZEL TYPE: It's not exactly exciting for- oh!] Monopoly takes a step back as the pretzel type spots her, praying that her fists would be enough if something were to go wrong. //I-! The body type's fucking [[huge...->c12]] But- it's not too big, the other one-// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Dr. Clot looks between Raffel and the screen, gritting their teeth. DR. CLOT: Raf- RAFFEL: Lessers. LESSER: They're seeming distressed at Autopsy botching it. DR. CLOT: **B-** RAFFEL: An easy analysis. RAFFEL: Anyone could make that judgment. </div></div>

The pretzel type addresses her, the thunking and squishing vocalizations coming out friendly, but wary. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[PRETZEL TYPE: Hey! PRETZEL TYPE: You must be the third person for this chamber- I'm Tightrope, it/its, and this is Autopsy, he/him. MONOPOLY: ... MONOPOLY: She/her.] She does not offer her name, standing completely still. Most trialgoers don't bother with those kind of formalities. //Just being kind, or...?// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: Oh! AUTOPSY: Glad for you to join us! AUTOPSY: As you can see, I'm in a bit of a pickle... AUTOPSY: I was just telling Tightrope here that I'll be just fine. TIGHTROPE: ...Yeah.] Tightrope does not seem [[convinced->c13]] at Autopsy's diagnosis. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Clot bites their lip. DR. CLOT: //you're fucking up you're fucking up neither of them buy it// The corner of Raffel's mouth twitches up, just for a moment. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Anyway. This looks like one of those cooperative puzzle chambers. TIGHTROPE: We're meant to hold the levers for each other, which slows down the giant fans so we can jump through.] <img src="./images/2-1-3.png" alt="a massive "hallway" made up of a straight flat path (which the three TCPs are on) and a humongous swirling fanblade, with monopoly looking up at the fan in shock as tightrope explains. there is a small lever in the distance."> It gestures behind them, towards the massive fan (and presumably more behind it). The breeze from them is unpleasant, but not strong enough to impede movement- and at the moment, they are spinning far too quickly to even think about jumping through. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: We got through the first one on our own, but the one after that has two levers at the opposite side- I'm //assuming// we need to hold both of them down at once. We decided to head back to the entrance, and, um...] It waves vaguely in the direction of Autopsy. Autopsy waves back, closing his huge wet eye in a pleasant gesture. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: That happened. I've been offering to heal him, and he's being really good about it, but... I mean, there's no way he'll be able to jump anywhere with his leg like that. No offense. AUTOPSY: Oh, [[none taken!->c14]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Raffel glances up. RAFFEL: Dangerous puzzle. DR. CLOT: ...It's necessary for the gimmick. RAFFEL: Sloppy. DR. CLOT: You don't give me much time- RAFFEL: I'm busy. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: I just worry... AUTOPSY: You know, it's so easy for food types like yourself to overdo it. AUTOPSY: And it's so common for people to take too much...] Monopoly has to keep from making a surprised sound, approaching slowly and trying to appear nonchalant. //Be normal, be normal.// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: ...do you regen fast?] Tightrope glances at Autopsy briefly with a sort of strained smile before turning back to Monopoly. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Uh... I think so? TIGHTROPE: I mean, I haven't met any other food types, but...] Tightrope holds up its hands, indicating a chunk about the size of Monopoly's head. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: I can do this much in a few hours if I'm resting? Probably? I don't know if that's fast or not. MONOPOLY: [[Decent.->c15]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Clot turns away from Raffel's harassment as they notice the conversation on the screen- Raffel's overseers talking over their feed. LESSER: Calculations done on energy boosters. DR. CLOT: G- LESSER: Not only do we have a rise in caffeine- DR. CLOT: Get me a live- LESSER: But, stimulants as a whole are up. LESSER: Are they snorting it? DR. CLOT: //a live transcript// LESSER: Like crazy. LESSER: Wow. RAFFEL: Increase production. We don't get a use for those types often. </div></div>

She turns to face Autopsy. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: You said you regenerate. AUTOPSY: Mhm! MONOPOLY: Would a small piece expedite that? AUTOPSY: ...you know, it just might! AUTOPSY: I've never thought about that...you know, the overseers really train people into an "all or nothing" mentality! TIGHTROPE: So we'll compromise, then. TIGHTROPE: I'll give you enough to get you your mobility back, and we can try the chamber again with more people? TIGHTROPE: Just... Don't you push yourself too hard, either. TIGHTROPE: You'll hurt yourself worse if you miss a jump, so if you're not sure you can move okay, just say something. AUTOPSY: That's a wonderful offer...I feel much better about that!] He turns to the candy type and gives her another eye-smile. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: Already a big helper! MONOPOLY: ...yeah. MONOPOLY: [[We should get moving.->c16]] TIGHTROPE: Alright.] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Suddenly, Raffel glances over. RAFFEL: Hm. RAFFEL: A regenerating body type. DR. CLOT: ...it's in his file. DR. CLOT: Did you //not-// He ignores them. RAFFEL: Lessers. LESSER: Its type isn't edible. LESSER: Possibly forcibly so, but I imagine not without side effects. RAFFEL: Controllable? LESSER: No. LESSER: You'd need to modify it. DR. CLOT: You are **NOT** RAFFEL: Clot. He taps a large finger on his desk. RAFFEL: Please. </div></div>

The pretzel type kneels down next to Autopsy and removes a small chunk from itself. Monopoly keeps her gaze on the pretzel type, but can't make out any reaction. //..hard to tell if it's comfortable like this.// The chunk is much smaller than the one it had indicated previously, easy enough to fit comfortably in one hand. Tightrope passes the chunk to Autopsy, who presses it gingerly against his...teeth?, his face warping into a little nibbling motion. He savors it, looking pleased as can be as his leg begins to reform. The body type wiggles it, pointing and making sure Tightrope and Monopoly can see it all back together before getting back to his feet. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: Thank you!! AUTOPSY: We'd be in a [[rough spot->c17]] without you! MONOPOLY: ... MONOPOLY: No problem.] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: You- DR. CLOT: I have **five** TCPs- RAFFEL: Six, formerly. RAFFEL: Am I wrong? Clot shuts their mouth. RAFFEL: Everyone knows about the crippled one you let get away. RAFFEL: As I said- RAFFEL: **Sloppy**. DR. CLOT: You don't know a //thing//- RAFFEL: I know that you can't manage a measly five subjects, when- He pauses, letting the sound of his lessers typing speak for him. LESSER: Calculating. LESSER: 2390 in the farm, 100 in the trials themselves, the latter cycling weekly. RAFFEL: Hm. LESSER: That's ten percent of active trialgoers. RAFFEL: Hmmm. LESSER: Five TCPs is....0.005% of trial subjects at any given time. RAFFEL: Not even a full percent. RAFFEL: Isn't that something. </div></div>

Tightrope stays next to Autopsy for a few moments, making sure he can stand and walk comfortably before starting down the walkway towards the first fan blade. Monopoly follows suit, her mind buzzing the closer she gets to the deafening noise. //This thing took his leg off. I need to be carefu-// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: You know!] Mono almost jumps out of her skin, the meaty body type suddenly very close behind her. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: I'm really glad to meet you both in this trial. AUTOPSY: A cooperative chamber with people willing to help... AUTOPSY: It's hard to get that kind of thing. MONOPOLY: ....] //Chattier than I'd like, but...// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Yeah. MONOPOLY: Brutal world out here. AUTOPSY: More reason to stick together. AUTOPSY: To the puzzle!] //...some kind of puzzle this is. More team building than anything. One of these two might be a [[newbie.->c18]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: You don't even //bother// with narratives. DR. CLOT: You're in no posit- RAFFEL: Does it look like I //need// to, Clot? LESSER: Ratings are up. LESSER: Positive comments across the board. DR. CLOT: Because //YOU// DR. CLOT: Are a **supplier**- RAFFEL: That's correct. RAFFEL: I'm not looking to be an auteur. RAFFEL: I don't **need** to be to know how to do my job. RAFFEL: Unlike you. </div></div>

Autopsy holds down the lever cautiously, making sure to check everyone is in the right place first before locking it in. The fan immediately slows down, now spinning at a speed that would look more at home in a miniature golf course. Tightrope steps forward and crouches down, waiting for its moment. It [[leaps...->c19]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: I rank higher than you in narrative scor- RAFFEL: And who is to credit for that? LESSER: Food production for Clot's subjects higher than the norm. LESSER: Higher protein products are especially common. LESSER: Far more expensive than others, even with the smaller subject count. DR. CLOT: **I!** </div></div>

<img src="./images/2-2-1.png" alt="low angle wide shot of Tightrope leaping across the gap between two platforms and through a fan blade. unlike before, the individual blades are now visible instead of being a blur."> And sails through the blades unscathed. It sighs with relief, dusting itself off before turning back to the other two TCPs. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: The timing isn't too bad. TIGHTROPE: The trick is to jump when a blade's in front of you, because by the time you get there, it'll have moved.] The meaty TCP lets go of his lever just as slow. The fan spins back up for a moment...before being interrupted by Tightrope holding the lever down on its side. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: You next, Autopsy. I want one person on either side to help you if things get bad. AUTOPSY: [[Thank you,->c20]] Tightrope!] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: You have. RAFFEL: A **wasteful** group. RAFFEL: Five subjects, yes. RAFFEL: Five characters, to focus on- six, if you count your failure. RAFFEL: And you fail to utilize any of them. RAFFEL: So, tell me, Clot. RAFFEL: **Why I should care about that approach.** </div></div>

He takes a step back, bracing himself before making a proper leap- -and landing without a single issue, his hands triumphantly in the air. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: Five points! TIGHTROPE: Heh, nice. Is that out of five or out of ten? AUTOPSY: Seven. Still a good score!] It gets a snicker out of Monopoly before she can help herself, feeling her tension starting to ease up. A //little.// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: Your turn, [[friend!->c21]]] //...right.// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: ..... They shoot him a glare, mouth shut. RAFFEL: Go on. RAFFEL: Tell me. RAFFEL: I'm **listening.** </div></div>

She stretches before jumping- a lot less dramatically than the prior TCP- and landing just fine. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Alright, good job. TIGHTROPE: I want... uh... TIGHTROPE: Sorry, I didn't catch your name? MONOPOLY: You can just call me "the red one." MONOPOLY: Or "hey, you!" TIGHTROPE: Fair enough. TIGHTROPE: Me and Hey You should go first this time, I think. TIGHTROPE: Autopsy's clearly proven he can still jump with the best of them, and we don't actually know what's on the other side of this fan.] Autopsy grips the lever, giving a nod and a thumbs up. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: You got it! TIGHTROPE: You first, The Red One. You're the only one who hasn't been hurt yet. Just yell or something if you need help, okay? ] Monopoly nods, feeling more confident now. Having Tightrope not press the name issue...was more than a little appreciated. //Thank god.// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Will do.] She leaps, complete with perfect touchdown. //...still got it.// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Alright. MONOPOLY: Let's [[go,->c22]] Tightrope.] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: I can tell you're baiting me, Raffel. RAFFEL: And yet I see your urge to respond. RAFFEL: You're an easy book to read. RAFFEL: Just as predictable as your little home movies. RAFFEL: Isn't that what they are? RAFFEL: Following around a family, recording their misadventures. RAFFEL: Some drama, of //course.// RAFFEL: Trite romance. RAFFEL: Even some disability representation. RAFFEL: Shock content. RAFFEL: Death, and villainry. RAFFEL: But you lack **confidence.** RAFFEL: You and I both know that five is your limit. RAFFEL: You're an artist. RAFFEL: And in this industry, that means you are **food.** The aerosoul smiles wide, his sharp teeth visibly filling Clot with dread. RAFFEL: I would know, wouldn't I? RAFFEL: It //is// my business. </div></div>

Tightrope steps up, pauses to get its timing....and then jumps, landing with just a bit of a tumble on the other side. It pauses, trying to pick a bit of grime out of its wound. She looks down at it, trying to keep her voice soft. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Better to just peel it. MONOPOLY: You gotta watch it with the porous ends. MONOPOLY: Stuff gets in there, it's hard to get out.] Tightrope looks up at her, surprised. <img src="./images/2-2-2.png" alt="over-the-shoulder shot of Monopoly gesturing towards Tightrope, who is crouched on the ground, picking at the wound on their chest. Tightrope is looking back at Monopoly, an expression of confusion on its face."> (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Wh- yeah. Yeah, that makes sense. TIGHTROPE: ...Thank you.] It gently peels off a thin layer of bread, removing the offending chunk of dirt, and crumples the whole thing up before tossing it aside. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Probably not a big enough chunk to [[do->c23]] anything. TIGHTROPE: ...Plus, it's got floor lint in it.] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Clot says nothing. How can they? Raffel always wins. Raffel makes a soft chuckle, barely audible. RAFFEL: I thought so. </div></div>

It walks up to one of the two levers, reaching up with a short hop before pulling the lever down. Mono follows suit, giving Tightrope an affirmative nod. Autopsy waits for the fans to stop, jumping through without a hitch. He looks just as proud as before, raising his hand to ask for a high five. She hesitates before patting his hand, trying not to think about how moist it is. The body type seems incredibly pleased at that, darting over to bend down and offer the same to Tightrope. Tightrope seems equally taken back by how friendly the body type is being, but quickly slaps his hand so as not to appear impolite. Mono busies herself in the meantime- <img src="./images/2-2-3.png" alt=" a close-up of a large billboard. there are several paragraphs of unreadable Morbitian text, with two diagrams in opposite corners. in the top right corner, there is a picture of a bracelet with an arrow leading down from it. the arrow splits into three and points to three figures. beneath each figure is another symbol- a stylized feline, bird, and ladybug respectively. the second diagram depicts a large eye symbol above a picture of a figure jumping over a gap, complete with an arrow indicating their direction of movement. below the gap jumper is an illustration of a baton with small caps at either end."> (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: ...sign over here.] Tightrope quickly turns to look, and Autopsy follows behind. The three of them stand there in silence for a few moments, taking in the sign's [[cryptic instructions.->c24]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Raffel sits back in his chair, relaxing his posture and exaggeratedly letting the back of his hand face the live stream- the eyes on its surface looking bored and annoyed. The aerosoul's head still points at Clot, the size difference between the two of them feeling more and more prominent. RAFFEL: Look, Clot. RAFFEL: They're going to read your puzzle. </div></div>

(text-colour:black)+(bg:white)[This puzzle requires three participants. Each participant must don a colored bracelet and wear it for the duration of the puzzle. The RED bracelet represents the [(text-colour:#B22C2F)+(text-style:"shadow")[LYNX]], the blue bracelet represents the [(text-colour:#3065BC)+(text-style:"shadow")[LARK]], and the green bracelet represents the [(text-colour:#63a81f)+(text-style:"shadow")[LADYBUG].] All of these creatures must be transported from one end of the gap to the other. The [(text-colour:#442CB2)+(text-style:"shadow")[SEER]], represented by the baton, is able to bring order and safety to these creatures as they cross, as without him they would destroy one another. The [(text-colour:#442CB2)+(text-style:"shadow")[SEER]] allows one creature to cross the gap at a time. If multiple creatures attempt to cross the gap at the same, they will all perish. If a creature attempts to cross the gap without the assistance of the [(text-colour:#442CB2)+(text-style:"shadow")[SEER]], it will perish. The [(text-colour:#442CB2)+(text-style:"shadow")[SEER]] prevents conflict among the creatures it protects. Without him, chaos will ensue. If the [(text-colour:#B22C2F)+(text-style:"shadow")[LYNX]] is left with the [(text-colour:#3065BC)+(text-style:"shadow")[LARK]] without the [(text-colour:#442CB2)+(text-style:"shadow")[SEER]]'s protection, the [(text-colour:#3065BC)+(text-style:"shadow")[LARK]] will perish. If the [(text-colour:#3065BC)+(text-style:"shadow")[LARK]] is left with the [(text-colour:#63a81f)+(text-style:"shadow")[LADYBUG]] without the [(text-colour:#442CB2)+(text-style:"shadow")[SEER]]'s protection, the [(text-colour:#63a81f)+(text-style:"shadow")[LADYBUG]] will perish. The bracelets will not activate until they are worn by a TCP. The baton must be held close to a bracelet for the bracelet to receive its protection. The levers will not slow the fan blades unless all three bracelets are active. The trial door will not open until all three bracelets and the baton are safely on the other side of the gap. ] Just behind the sign is the usual lever, along with [[three bracelets and a baton->c25]] placed atop a pedestal. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: ... RAFFEL: Lessers- DR. CLOT: **Raffel** LESSER: Readouts say this took seven hours to write. LESSER: With lesser overseer help. DR. CLOT: How do you EVEN- RAFFEL: I don't. RAFFEL: Thank you for the confirmation. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: That's... TIGHTROPE: Poetic. AUTOPSY: It's not often that the overseers give a little story... AUTOPSY: Hopefully it's not too hard to figure out! AUTOPSY: I always struggle with this kind of thinking, but- we're a team! AUTOPSY: I'm sure we can do it! MONOPOLY: ...I've seen stuff like this a couple times. MONOPOLY: S'propaganda. AUTOPSY: ...you think so? AUTOPSY: It reads more as a whimsical framing device to me.] She tilts her head to look at him more carefully. <img src="./images/2-3-1.png" alt="autopsy looking nervous and rubbing the side of his face as monopoly glares him down, his clustered eyes looking different ways."> (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Doesn't mean it's not both.] Autopsy pales, nodding and averting his eyes. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: R-right! AUTOPSY: Well, let's [[put our heads together->c26]] and hash this out!] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: I- LESSER: Hold on, Raffel. His hand-eyes narrow. LESSER: This might be of interest. Clot whips their head around, a grin spreading across their face. RAFFEL: Do you //really// think he'll get the code, Clot? RAFFEL: He's the biggest idiot you have. RAFFEL: Even moreso than the two- DR. CLOT: Shut up. Sh- DR. CLOT: For two seconds. Somehow, the aerosoul listens. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Okay, so... The lynx kills the lark, and the lark kills the ladybug. TIGHTROPE: It would help if I knew what those were, but whatever. TIGHTROPE: And they need the seer to cross, and only one can cross at a time. TIGHTROPE: Doesn't seem like it matters who gets what bracelet, at least. That's something. TIGHTROPE: ...This //does// feel like some kind of fairy tale with a moral, doesn't it? AUTOPSY: It sounds like the seer's looking out for them... MONOPOLY: Think again. ] Both of her companions seem startled at the [[harshness->c27]] in her voice. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Clot looks over at Raffel- The aerosoul's eyes //and// face locked on the feed. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: They're animals. Fictional or real, I don't know. MONOPOLY: But I've heard of them. MONOPOLY: The lynx, the lark, and the ladybug. MONOPOLY: In the wild, they predate on each other. MONOPOLY: Lynxes are big, and kill birds- like the lark. MONOPOLY: Birds are small. But ladybugs are smaller, and they're eaten by birds. MONOPOLY: It's brutal, but it's how the natural world works.] She pulls back away from the sign, crossing her arms. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: ...but in the outside world, there's no such thing as a "seer." MONOPOLY: That's just **[[here->c28]]**.] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: I thought you weren't- RAFFEL: **Quiet.** </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: So they're bringing order to chaos, then? TIGHTROPE: Making our lives better, or having us serve a purpose rather than being wild and undefined? TIGHTROPE: ... TIGHTROPE: Yeah, that sounds about right.] Its voice is dry and bitter. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Figures they couldn't just make us a normal puzzle, they had to add an extra layer of [[self-righteousness->c29]] on top. ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Raffel knows that if he were to look over at Clot, the construct would see nothing but fear on his face. This isn't how he operates- -but this is a special occasion. </div></div>

Autopsy says nothing, back to avoiding eyespot contact. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: It tracks for them. MONOPOLY: To them, we're nothing but something to poke and prod at best. MONOPOLY: And at worst, well-] //It's an art piece. It's meant to be dramatic.// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Our suffering makes for a great performance. MONOPOLY: ... MONOPOLY: ........ MONOPOLY: Let's do this and [[get out of here.->c30]] TIGHTROPE: Right.] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: Lessers. His voice is quiet. LESSER: ... LESSER: It's gone off course. RAFFEL: Mmgh. Discomfort. LESSER: Leaning more towards Cruller's track. Clot's eyes widen. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: So...] Tightrope glances back at the sign, doing its best to ignore the symbolism. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: It doesn't say anywhere that the lynx kills the ladybug, so the lark- oh fuck it- the blue bracelet can cross over just fine. TIGHTROPE: But then how would the baton get back to the start to carry the other two bracelets over? MONOPOLY: ...could just throw it.] Tightrope looks at Monopoly with a blank expression for a moment. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Right. It doesn't say you can't do that. TIGHTROPE: So blue tosses the baton back, and then green comes over, and... TIGHTROPE: But then blue would kill green as soon as the baton leaves again. AUTOPSY: I don't think any of us are going to kill each other! MONOPOLY: Whether //we// do or not doesn't matter- it's just a dumb puzzle. MONOPOLY: But...] She crosses her arms, jiggling her foot and making a distinct //thunkthunkthunk// on the ground. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Fuck. [[I don't know.->c31]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: You //never// care about transfers. DR. CLOT: Are you- RAFFEL: Julie. RAFFEL: Julie is getting in my way. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: ....] The meaty TCP presses a hand to his chin, rubbing it. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: ...in times like this, I //really// wish I had that special trick I keep hearing about. ] Tightrope blinks a bit at that, its concentration broken. <img src="./images/2-3-2.png" alt="divided panel: tightrope trying to think over the puzzle, only to be startled with a small pop effect over its head as it loses its train of thought"> (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Sorry, what?] Mono looks over carefully, trying to be discrete. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: It's just... AUTOPSY: Something that you said earlier. AUTOPSY: About this being a performance! AUTOPSY: I remembered that I've heard some other trialgoers saying that. MONOPOLY: ...you have? AUTOPSY: Mhm! AUTOPSY: And some of them even have a [[way to get around it.->c32]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: ... RAFFEL: You understand, then. RAFFEL: You've seen it happen. DR. CLOT: Y...yes. DR. CLOT: I have. Raffel finally breaks his calm appearance, his face turning into a massive snarl. RAFFEL: No one else in this place can challenge me. RAFFEL: You know that as well. Clot looks away, grimacing. RAFFEL: Even Vile caves to my will. RAFFEL: But a significant subject going to Cruller- DR. CLOT: ...brings them closer to Julie. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: A whole secret language...a //code.//] The candy type feels a [[cold, chilling feeling->c33]] go through her whole body. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: Usually, I wouldn't worry about your awful little games with her. RAFFEL: ... RAFFEL: Usually. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: I just think... AUTOPSY: That would be cool. And useful! AUTOPSY: A way to speak without the seers, well- seeing! AUTOPSY: ...or hearing? I dunno! AUTOPSY: But you have to be in some kind of secret club or something...] Tightrope turns towards Autopsy. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: I've, uh... I've heard similar things. TIGHTROPE: Never heard about the... 'secret club' bit, though.] The last few words almost feel like a [[question. ->c34]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: It's.. DR. CLOT: ...... DR. CLOT: That one, isn't it. Raffel doesn't respond. DR. CLOT: //Shit-// RAFFEL: You've seen it. RAFFEL: It mauled your favorite, didn't it? RAFFEL: I heard Cepheus couldn't walk for a week. DR. CLOT: .... DR. CLOT: It's- RAFFEL: It's getting stronger. RAFFEL: My lessers are watching it. RAFFEL: And now- </div></div>

//[[I sure have.->c35]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: This idiotic candy type is leaning more protagonist. RAFFEL: Just like it did. RAFFEL: ... DR. CLOT: .... DR. CLOT: And I just p-planted the seed. RAFFEL: As much as I'd like to //fully// blame you- RAFFEL: No. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: There's a whole group that knows it, and you have to get in with them- MONOPOLY: Don't know if that's something you want to touch. AUTOPSY: Oh?] The body type peers over at her, his wet eyes blinking in a curious expression. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: Do you kno- MONOPOLY: It drives you mad. The code. MONOPOLY: The group you're looking for-] More leg jiggling. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: They're trouble. AUTOPSY: ...are you sure? AUTOPSY: I mean, I heard they're nice- MONOPOLY: From who? MONOPOLY: No one in their right mind would call that group [[friendly.->c36]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: No, this- RAFFEL: It all goes back to them. RAFFEL: To Julie. RAFFEL: The orchestrator of the code. </div></div>

//.... .................... ..................................now we see how he [[reacts.->c37]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: Like a trainwreck in motion. RAFFEL: And I gave them that tiny, //useless// chocolate- RAFFEL: The second I thought it'd be too annoying to handle. </div></div>

<img src="./images/2-4-1.png" alt="profile shot of autopsy in a wide stance, looking terrified. the ground and the world around him seem to be distorting and withering away."> Autopsy is... He's frozen. Deer in the headlights, she thinks. Not an expression she fully gets, but- //[[Caught.->c38]]// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: W-well! MONOPOLY: You see-] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: Unless your cancerous tumor kills both of mine- DR. CLOT: ...we're screwed. DR. CLOT: They'll find the Survivors- RAFFEL: Correct. </div></div>

She uncrosses her arms. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: I've never talked to any of them. I don't really do that. MONOPOLY: But I **know** MONOPOLY: That not a single person in that bunch would want to be called "nice." MONOPOLY: And they'd say it to your face.] A step towards him. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: So //where// did you hear that rumor? MONOPOLY: Because I don't think it's from a [[trialgoer.->c39]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: And they'll find See. </div></div>

Tightrope stands up, sensing what's to come. It quickly glances both ways- the fans on either side are still going full speed, and the ground is a long way down beneath the platform they're all standing on. It looks from Monopoly to Autopsy warily. <img src="./images/2-4-2.png" alt="wide shot of the fan hallway with the blade and two levers visible in the background. monopoly is gesturing aggressively towards autopsy, who is backing up towards the edge of the platform. blue pretzel and salt crystal details can be seen around the edge of the frame, revealing that the viewer is peering through one of tightrope's loops."> (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: W-what are you accusing me of, haha? AUTOPSY: I just, yknow! AUTOPSY: I just thought it'd be helpful, right? AUTOPSY: Like, wow! What a thing! A code like that! MONOPOLY: Yeah. Real helpful. MONOPOLY: Especially to someone watching over us, huh?] The fear in the body type's eyespots is palpable. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: M-maybe this should wait until after the puzzle? We still haven't finished it yet, and we might ne- MONOPOLY: I'm not going [[anywhere->c40]] near those fans with this guy. ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: ...do you think yours can kill mine, Clot? DR. CLOT: .... DR. CLOT: I- </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: Please, I- AUTOPSY: I don't mean any harm! AUTOPSY: We're all in this together, right? AUTOPSY: I mean- AUTOPSY: It's important for us to rally [[together!->c41]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: N...no. DR. CLOT: Not this one. DR. CLOT: Not her. </div></div>

[(align:"<==")+(bg:white)+(box:"X")+(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:black)[(text-style:"underline")[♟️''gamepiece ''@gamepiece] solidarity is the only way out of this. but you can't [[trust->c42]] anyone.]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> (text-style:"underline")[''DINNER FOR TWO''] //Uploaded by InFlightMeal on [3/15/316]// (text-colour:#4d4d4d)[15,048 views 739 likes] (text-style:"underline")[Description:] A feast. (text-style:"underline")[''HIGHLIGHTS:''] 0:00: //A candy type in a jumpsuit walks down a hallway, her steps unsteady. The frilly wrapper on the side of her head is crumpled, as if pulled on too hard without coming off. As she turns to face the camera- startled by some noise that doesn't pick up- the viewer can see that she's missing a hand, the hard candy stump jagged and sharp-edged underneath the loose wrapper. // </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: We can't survive this place without [[sharing things->c43]], right?] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: L-lessers. Her name. LESSER: Monopoly, sir. DR. CLOT: ....She's not supposed to be here. Raffel says nothing, his attention completely on Clot. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(bg:white)+(box:"X")+(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:black)[(text-style:"underline")[♟️''gamepiece ''@gamepiece] the way the act of sharing your selfhood is treated in these trials is sick. nothing but greed. needless consumption. torn to shreds, all in the name of "service". give me your type. your name. your ability. your body. your mind. [[everything.->c44]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> 1:30: //She is approached by two large body types. One of which is made out of oozing, multicolored liquid- a hemophobia type- and the other, covered in needles- a trypanophobia type. The hemophobia type hangs back, standing somewhat shyly behind the larger, sharper TCP. // //The trypanophobia TCP waves, and has a pleasant expression in its posture and eyespots. It says something that makes the candy type come closer, her nervous steps turning to shy, yet reassured, confidence. She feels comfortable enough approaching.// </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: And it's not like- AUTOPSY: You know! It's, haha- AUTOPSY: [[Right?!->c45]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: We had her months ago, pre nurse-spawning. DR. CLOT: Resource collection. DR. CLOT: Standard. DR. CLOT: You let me leave before her death could be confirmed. DR. CLOT: You //posted the video.// DR. CLOT: I figured it wouldn't be an issue either way. DR. CLOT: Th- DR. CLOT: The wounds weren't survivable. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(bg:white)+(box:"X")+(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:black)[(text-style:"underline")[♟️''gamepiece ''@gamepiece] they will act kind to you. like they need you. like only you can save them. and then you will be devoured, the second the overseers ask for it. when they manufacture the situation. when they set you up to [[fail.->c46]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> 2:38: //The candy type is on the ground, a massive sewing pin staked through her one remaining wrist. The jumpsuit covering it is torn, revealing layers of torn wrapper and cracks in her entire arm. The hemophobia type keeps her in place. Another pin stakes through. Another. One through the head, just to be sure. She is secured, unable to move. The needle-covered TCP steps back. The hemophobia type draws a butcher's knife. // </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: I just think if we talk this out, we can get through this [[just fine!->c47]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: .... DR. CLOT: You didn't realize either. DR. CLOT: You weren't even watching. Still no response. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(bg:white)+(box:"X")+(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:black)[(text-style:"underline")[♟️''gamepiece ''@gamepiece] i'm calling out to you people because i am a pawn surrounded by pawns. i refuse to give my identity to anyone because i know what happens to those who make themselves a known quantity. you become more valuable to them. more of a tool. an actor in a grand story that [[they->c48]] devised. ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> 4:21: //The candy type is on the ground, in pieces. Everything but her head has been sliced into, her wrapper torn to shreds. All of the sewing pins have been removed, their functions complete. She does not move. // 30:19: //The candy type's shoulders have regenerated. Consciousness is restored. She screams.// 42:16: //The candy type's left arm is fully restored. Her right arm is halfway reformed.// 59:54: //The candy type's torso is regenerated. A gerbil type enters the trial chamber. He sees the candy type and panics. She tries to ask him for help, and he rushes off screen.// 1:10:32: //The candy type realizes the gerbil will not return. // 1:49:11: //The candy type is nearly fully regenerated, and she pulls herself into a sitting position.// </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: I didn't mean anything by it, r-really!] His voice is shrill, [[panicking.->c49]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: //and neither of us checked// RAFFEL: No. Neither of us did. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(bg:white)+(box:"X")+(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-colour:black)[(text-style:"underline")[♟️''gamepiece ''@gamepiece] will you watch as i'm chewed to pieces like the others? or have you [[already->c50]] done so?] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> 1:57:04: //The candy type is on her feet, staring down at the wrapper shreds on the floor. Her body is intact, but the wrapper has not regenerated yet. She pushes the eyespot-marked piece that used to be her face around with her foot. Her head is a round, featureless piece of hard candy outside of her eyespots- the same shape as the wrapper's. Confetti falls on her, the candy type unmoving.// </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: .... MONOPOLY: You didn't answer my question. TIGHTROPE: Uh... TIGHTROPE: Look, i-it's not that big of a deal! Just tell her where you heard the rumor and we can get through the puzzle and call it a day! [[Okay?->c51]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: A new protagonist. Raffel makes a soft, irritated huff. RAFFEL: Cruller for sure, then. DR. CLOT: //Shit.// DR. CLOT: We don't need- DR. CLOT: I'm all for survivors of attacks, but- DR. CLOT: She's been off our radar for months. </div></div>

Tightrope looks pointedly at Monopoly. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: We're //not upset!// MONOPOLY: Don't speak for me. TIGHTROPE: I-!] It raises its hand to say more, but it [[can't.->c52]] It just looks nervously at Autopsy. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Clot's face turns to a nasty snarl. DR. CLOT: She could have picked up anything. Anything at all. DR. CLOT: Any information, skills-! DR. CLOT: Do you even- DR. CLOT: Do you even know //anything// about her?! Raffel waves his wing. LESSER: Sugar content is- DR. CLOT: Shut **UP** with the goddamn NUTRITION facts! DR. CLOT: Your- your //job// DR. CLOT: Is more than a **MENU!** </div></div>

Autopsy is shaking. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: [[Answer->c53]] me. ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: .... DR. CLOT: Go on. DR. CLOT: **Answer for yourself.** </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: I- AUTOPSY: I don't know //where// I heard it- MONOPOLY: Not good enough. AUTOPSY: C-cmon- MONOPOLY: You've been real cheery this whole time. Very confident. MONOPOLY: And I thought- maybe you're just //[[sweet.->c54]]//] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: .... RAFFEL: What is there to say? DR. CLOT: //**PLENTY**// RAFFEL: And what is the //point// of you raising your voice, Clot? RAFFEL: Is this one of your famed temper tantrums? RAFFEL: Pity. I thought you'd at least have that much sense. </div></div>

She takes a step forward, keeping her voice low- just [[barely audible->c55]] to Tightrope over the fans. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: This is **YOUR FAULT-!** RAFFEL: //**And?**// RAFFEL: I tried to be gentle. RAFFEL: To point out how much Julie is our common enemy. RAFFEL: But you just need to point fingers. RAFFEL: So let me be **immensely** clear. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: But isn't it convenient how I walked in right at that moment? MONOPOLY: When you were soooo nice to Tightrope. MONOPOLY: You even told it- MONOPOLY: "You don't need to do that!" MONOPOLY: "It's so common for people to take too much." MONOPOLY: Where's that attitude now? MONOPOLY: Now, that I'm refusing to give you what //you// want- MONOPOLY: You're talking about how important it is to share. MONOPOLY: Just like that. TIGHTROPE: Wait-] Tightrope glances at Monopoly, realization in its eyes. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: You weren't-?] Tightrope looks at Autopsy again, its expression [[shifting.->c56]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: My //job// RAFFEL: Is to //supply// **you** RAFFEL: With //**food**//. RAFFEL: The butchering is on **you.** RAFFEL: //You// are the one who insists on it being a spectacle. RAFFEL: The entire trial- RAFFEL: Even **now** RAFFEL: Is your //asinine// idea. His voice is as cold as ice, dripping with contempt. RAFFEL: I could have sliced up a dozen candy types for you in the span of ten minutes. RAFFEL: I do this every single day. RAFFEL: //Every hour.// RAFFEL: **As we speak.** RAFFEL: But **you**. RAFFEL: You consider yourself a director. RAFFEL: How //**cute**//. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[AUTOPSY: A- AUTOPSY: I wouldn't- MONOPOLY: No such thing as an unscripted scene in this play. MONOPOLY: Everything's gotta be in the right place. MONOPOLY: The right setup. ] Another step forward, Autopsy dangerously close to the edge. <img src="./images/2-4-3.png" alt="low-angle wide shot from below the platform. autopsy is still backing towards the edge, and the very top of monopoly's body is visible behind the edge of the platform. it is a very long way down."> (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: You're a big guy. MONOPOLY: Strong. You've nailed every jump without a single hitch. MONOPOLY: And what was that earlier-? MONOPOLY: That you can //regenerate//. MONOPOLY: We even saw you do it. MONOPOLY: You were content to wait for it to happen. MONOPOLY: Or maybe- MONOPOLY: //You were [[content->c57]] to wait for someone to show up or not.//] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: And now. RAFFEL: I have to worry about Julie. RAFFEL: I handed See to them. This was a mistake. RAFFEL: Even with Cruller's being the more ideal thematically, this is **not a mistake I will make twice**. RAFFEL: Do you understand me, Clot? DR. CLOT: I- DR. CLOT: But- DR. CLOT: She's //going// to get transferred-! RAFFEL: Will it? RAFFEL: I override you. RAFFEL: Cruller as well. RAFFEL: Julie is on top of the rankings. But I take priority on transfers. RAFFEL: You want to question my effectiveness in this little "game"? </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: S-slow down! TIGHTROPE: We won't be able to get out if you- MONOPOLY: Taking a chunk of pretzel- MONOPOLY: It would be so //easy// to regrow it. MONOPOLY: Took a few moments with a little piece. MONOPOLY: Didn't need much! MONOPOLY: And you know what I think-] She [[leans in.->c58]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: It is mine. RAFFEL: This candy type. It's mine. RAFFEL: Because //you// RAFFEL: Could not even help yourself. RAFFEL: From meddling in **my** business. Clot looks like their circuits are overloading. This is the most Raffel has spoken in front of anyone. RAFFEL: I will play your idiotic game. RAFFEL: I will "make movies." </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: I think you're just //shit// at playing your role. ] There's [[silence->c59]] aside from the fans. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: **And you will regret this.** </div></div>

Autopsy's shoulders are heaving, his eyes darting everywhere. Monopoly glances away for a [[single second->c60]], trying to check on Tightrope- <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Clot's eyes slowly look back towards the live feed, unable to speak- or even blink. </div></div>

-only for a tooth-clawed hand to grip at her throat, the body type in front of her having lunged at terrifying speeds. Monopoly immediately grabs at Autopsy's claw, trying to pry it off of her neck. She pushes on the ground with her feet, causing Autopsy to [[stumble back.->c61]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: please </div></div>

Suddenly, with a soft thump, Autopsy's foot [[goes over the edge-->c62]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: please, just- </div></div>

And as Monopoly looks, Tightrope is there, recovering from a shoulder bash. Autopsy slips down off the edge of the platform, Monopoly's neck in one claw and the edge of the platform in the other, his feet dangling into the [[darkness.->c63]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> The eyes on Raffel's hand squeeze shut as the aerosoul lets out a long, loud huff of anger. </div></div>

Tightrope hammers and pries at Autopsy's claw as Monopoly focuses on [[holding onto the ground for dear life,->c64]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: //just **kill** her-// </div></div>

and [[slowly,->c65]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Their hands clench into fists, their entire body trembling and stuttering. </div></div>

[[slowly->c66]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Even their lessers are frozen, eyes on the screen. </div></div>

Autopsy's grip starts to [[weaken.->c67]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Raffel's, too. Everyone is watching. </div></div>

With a final wrench, Monopoly breaks free of the horrible claw and [[rises to her feet. ->c68]] (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: T-thank-] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Clot's motors hitch. </div></div>

Mono shrieks as the body type does one last [[lunge->c69]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Their eyes widen. </div></div>

[[grabbing onto her ankle.->c70]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Their mouth moves in one more silent plea. </div></div>

There's a horrible, shooting pain through her leg, the candy type just barely getting the focus to stamp on Autopsy's hand [[hard enough to splatter the meaty flesh flat->c71]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Clot shoots into a standing position, slamming their desk hard enough to make their PC jostle. DR. CLOT: **YES** RAFFEL: Sit //down.// </div></div>

<img src="./images/2-5-1.png" alt="autopsy falling into the abyss in an extreme forced perspective- one of his eyes enranged, one conflicted"> -sending him fully slipping off the edge, [[into the void below.->c72]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Clot does so, only to scramble, bringing up readouts themselves. DR. CLOT: I- RAFFEL: Clot. DR. CLOT: I need health scans- RAFFEL: **Clot.** Dr. Clot flinches, looking up at the massive overseer. RAFFEL: Would you like me to do my job now. DR. CLOT: I- RAFFEL: Would you? They're barely cognizant, shaking their head. </div></div>

Tightrope backs away from the edge and sits down, exhausted. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: S-sorry. TIGHTROPE: I should've backed you up sooner. TIGHTROPE: I just- TIGHTROPE: There's two levers on that side, and the puzzle on this side- TIGHTROPE: I don't know how we're going to get out now. MONOPOLY: It-] She crumples to the ground, [[clutching->c73]] at her leg. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: Chance of teratoma being malignant. His lessers immediately start pulling up scans. LESSER: Over 50% in a typeless TCP. LESSER: .... RAFFEL: **What is it.** LESSER: Inconclusive data on food types. LESSER: ...and no specific interaction data from Clot's simulations. RAFFLE: **Hm.** Clot can feel themself freeze up, Raffel's attention fully on them. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: //Shit-//] It takes her a moment to get her bearings. When she can finally [[focus again-->c74]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: How **irritating.** RAFFEL: Did you know: RAFFEL: Much of my information is derived from the TCPdex Research Facility- They press their face into their hand. DR. CLOT: //fuck// </div></div>

She sees the [[blue, meaty mass ->c75]] fused into her foot. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Oh //for fuck's-// ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: Which RAFFEL: I believe RAFFEL: Was **your job** RAFFEL: Before you came in and meddled in **my** business RAFFEL: So, congratulations, Clot, this //is// actually your fault. RAFFEL: I have to go do tests, to see if a singular TCP will live or die. RAFFEL: Because your moronic, waste of electricity, outdated *hull* RAFFEL: **Could not even write down whether //your// subject could give //mine// cancer.** </div></div>

Tightrope looks up, following Monopoly's gaze. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Oh //shit-// TIGHTROPE: He- TIGHTROPE: Oh, **//shit.//**] Tightrope rushes to Monopoly's side. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Come on, let's get you away from the edge. TIGHTROPE: We need to get you out of here //now.// MONOPOLY: That //[[little->c76]] //-] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: What was it, Clot? RAFFEL: "I have five TCPs"? RAFFEL: And you couldn't even bother to make RAFFEL: **A spreadsheet**. RAFFEL: For **one** of them. RAFFEL: And **ANY** food types. DR. CLOT: It- DR. CLOT: It wasn't relevant- RAFFEL: **Clot.** RAFFEL: **//That is an entire category.//** His voice booms. RAFFEL: AND THAT RAFFEL: (text-style:"shadow")[**WAS YOUR JOB**] </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Idiot doesn't even realize he's a //tool//- MONOPOLY: Literally worthless move. Pointless. Completely idiotic. MONOPOLY: //Unless they told him to do it those fucking snakes didn't care if he lived or died he was just **USED** and he **FELL** for it//] She pounds her fist into the ground, wincing at the slight crack it made in her hand. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: .... MONOPOLY: ......[[fine.->c77]] ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: You literally RAFFEL: On day one RAFFEL: Bragged about how //perfect// you were for the job. RAFFEL: You rolled your eyes at anyone else. RAFFEL: And you couldn't even make good on a singular. Singular interaction. RAFFEL: For a type category that has a formulaic ability design DR. CLOT: I- RAFFEL: Oh, what //is// it? RAFFEL: Are you going to say //I// should have checked? </div></div>

With a bit of an unpleasant sway, Mono gets back to her feet, doing her best to keep the shakes out of her posture. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: How do we solve the [[stupid puzzle.->c78]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: **She shouldn't even be alive.** RAFFEL: **//Because of you.//** </div></div>

<img src="./images/2-5-2.png" alt="tightrope running from place to place to solve the puzzle, a disorienting blur. the image is distorted, likely from monopoly's dissociated state."> Tightrope is already sprinting over to the three bracelets, slapping the blue one on its wrist before hurriedly shoving the red one into Monopoly's hands. A small chime sounds and the bracelet lights up. It slaps the green bracelet on its other wrist. A small chime sounds and the bracelet lights up. It removes the bracelet, and [[the light goes out->c79]] . <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: It- DR. CLOT: //I couldn't ha-// RAFFEL: Excuses. RAFFEL: Endless excuses, from a sorr- LESSER: Pretzel type is on the move. RAFFEL: //And-?// LESSER: It's solving the puzzle. DR. CLOT: W- DR. CLOT: It needs //three// participants- RAFFEL: Well, apparently all it **needs** is two scraps of food barely dignified enough to sell at a mall kiosk. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: shitshitshit] It slaps it back on again, and [[the light turns on->c80]]. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Even so, he turns his attention. Tapping his desk. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: ahhhh, fuck it-] And with a horrible tearing noise, it wrenches its hand off, the bracelet staying attached- and the light staying on. It hurriedly places its hand on the ground before shouting instructions at Monopoly at near incomprehensible speed. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Okay so the lark goes first since the lynx and the ladybug [[go together-->c81]] ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: Hm. The expression on his hands furrows. </div></div>

Tightrope grabs the baton and practically shoves Monopoly towards the lever before turning and running back for the fan. As if in a daze, Mono pulls the lever, [[barely able to formulate a thought beyond that.->c82]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: ... RAFFEL: ............. RAFFEL: Run a health scan. RAFFEL: I want to see how the damage is. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: come on come on come on] Tightrope leaps across the gap, just barely reaching the ledge on the other side. It turns on its heel and throws the baton back through, then runs to the lever on its side, pulling it down. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Pick that up and [[go through!->c83]] ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Scans are going to be inconclusive until we get biopsies. RAFFEL: //Tch.// RAFFEL: Do it anyway. DR. CLOT: //oh god it's doing it// LESSER: Scanning now. </div></div>

//...the [[baton->c84.]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: ....got some initial data. Clot's leg is jiggling violently. LESSER: The tumor is growing, at least to some degree. RAFFEL: Mm. LESSER: ...it looks slow, though. LESSER: It's hurting the candy type, but- LESSER: Its health regen is keeping up. RAFFEL: You've //really// done it now, Clot. </div></div>

[[Everything's moving really fast. ->c85]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: We'd need to run more tests- RAFFEL: We certainly do. LESSER: But it's very likely that the regeneration will be overtaken with time. LESSER: ...unconfirmed, but likely. RAFFEL: And it dies, then? </div></div>

She feels herself lean down to pick it up, weighing it in her hand. //[[And then I go through.->c86]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Ideally. RAFFEL: How soon? </div></div>

Every step sends a [[shooting pain->c87]] through her leg. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: .... RAFFEL: I see. </div></div>

//Doesn't matter. Solve the puzzle.// (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Okay goodgoodgood] Tightrope snatches the baton out of Monopoly's hands and shoves her towards the lever on that side, mumbling to itself as it goes. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Then the lark goes back across since [[it can't be left with the lynx-->c88]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: In the meantime, her pain levels are fairly extreme. LESSER: To be completely honest with you- LESSER: I don't think most subjects would be able to pull this off. LESSER: It's likely that Clot's blunder toughened it up. DR. CLOT: Nn- RAFFEL: Incredible. RAFFEL: And, would you look at that. </div></div>

Another lever pull. Tightrope leaps across and hits the ground running, heading for its dismembered hand. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: The ladybug [[goes across-->c89]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: It even has a **sidekick.** </div></div>

Tightrope presses the hand closed around the baton and throws it back to Monopoly. It lunges for the lever on its side before calling out to Monopoly. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: [[Take the hand off and throw the baton back!->c90]] ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: A little friend. RAFFEL: Look at it //go//. </div></div>

//[[Its hand.->c91]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: Is this the kind of thing you like, Clot? </div></div>

She pries the pretzel type's [[dismembered hand->c92]] off of the baton, registering crumbs on her own. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: The so-called fabled power of friendship? RAFFEL: Where's your film theory now? RAFFEL: What's your marketing pitch? </div></div>

<img src="./images/2-5-3.png" alt="monopoly holding the baton and tightrope's dismembered hand in her own, everything surreal and distorted, almost as if she's melting away."> //[[It gave its hand for me.->c93]]// <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: What //themes// are so **important** to this RAFFEL: **//Cute//** RAFFEL: Little story of yours? </div></div>

She throws the baton, visibly [[struggling to stand now.->c94]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: Well. RAFFEL: I suppose it's my story now. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: **Good! Back to the lever!**] Tightrope grabs the baton and sprints towards the fan. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: The lynx and the ladybug are [[fine together->c95]] and the lark can come back across-] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: I'm sure everyone will be **thrilled**. </div></div>

Lever. [[Again.->c96]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: Health still at an equilibrium. LESSER: Losing and gaining at a perfect balance. </div></div>

Tightrope leaps through the fan one last time, barely grazing the blade as it passes. It heads straight for Monopoly as she [[collapses,->c97]] peeling the jumpsuit off her ankle with its good hand. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Hold still I need to see-] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: And a chance at successful excision? </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: [[H-hey-->c98]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: As best as I can make out from these readings, 0%. </div></div>

The growth is already deeply embedded, blue lines running across Monopoly's leg past where Tightrope can see. Tightrope pulls the jumpsuit futher away, but the lines [[keep going.->c99]] It stops... <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> LESSER: That thing is in deep. LESSER: And- even if you //could// take it out, there's a lot of unknowns when you're attaching a tumor to a living piece of candy. </div></div>

And [[stares...->c100]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: I- DR. CLOT: //she's just a food type// DR. CLOT: H-how was I supposed to- </div></div>

All its momentum suddenly gone. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: **//FUCK//**] It pitches the baton [[off the edge of the platform->c101]] into the void. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Raffel doesn't volunteer snark, this time. Allowing Dr. Clot to stew in it with no guidance. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: //fucking piece of shit **BASTARD**//] It goes to the lever, slamming it up and down, over and over again until it suddenly stops, exhausted. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: ... TIGHTROPE: (text-style:"italic","condense")[fuck.] MONOPOLY: ...you know [[what he is,->c102]] then.] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Clot flinches as the baton makes contact with Autopsy's head, causing the teratoma type to yelp- startling them out of their haze with zero warning. </div></div>

Her voice is soft. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Tell me. TIGHTROPE: He...] Tightrope's voice is just as [[quiet.->c103]] It slowly walks towards Monopoly. <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: They're talking about it now. RAFFEL: Can you see that on my screen? DR. CLOT: Y...yes. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: He explained it to me. He's something called a teratoma type. TIGHTROPE: It's some kind of sickness thing that people can get, or something. TIGHTROPE: Some kind of... lump of bad stuff that grows and eats away at your body. Maybe. TIGHTROPE: I didn't catch some of the words he used. TIGHTROPE: It's probably a bad thing. TIGHTROPE: It's probably a really, [[really->c104]] bad thing.] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> They wait for him to keep going, to rail into them. But he just lets them watch, the implications of Autopsy divulging such valuable information so easily hanging over Clot like a guillotine. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: I was hoping I could get you across the gap before it spread too far, because he got your ankle and you wouldn't have been able to make it without it, but it... TIGHTROPE: It's already embedded. TIGHTROPE: I don't know if it can be removed at all. TIGHTROPE: I- he didn't make it sound like you could. TIGHTROPE: I don't know. Maybe he was lying about that, too. TIGHTROPE: Maybe he was [[lying->c105]] about it being...] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> Raffel makes a small, dismissive growl, his lessers immediately jumping into work. LESSER: Extracting transcript. LESSER: Running background checks- I don't know if we have footage on hand. LESSER: It'll be in the archives, send a request. LESSER: Done. LESSER: Psych exams? LESSER: I'll have to ask Molina. He's the only one who has the current software update. LESSER: Ugh. LESSER: Mmmhm. RAFFEL: Get on with it. LESSER: Body scans ordered, sedatives requested. LESSER: Should be able to do a full examination after they return to their rooms. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: I don't know. [[I'm sorry.->c106]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: With //any// luck. </div></div>

Monopoly stares at the ground. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: .... MONOPOLY: ...dumbass.] She rubs the side of her face, itching at [[her mask. ->c107]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: That will be enough. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: An ability like that- MONOPOLY: P...prime fucking target. MONOPOLY: Probably sicc'd on me just to take me out. No regard for if h-he'd make it if I fought back. MONOPOLY: All that mattered- is that he did his role as a [[tool->c108]].] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: And I'll go ahead and make my own little protagonist. RAFFEL: With a cute accessory of a sidekick, no less. Clot says nothing. RAFFEL: You will get me samples from your TCP, and I will use them in conjunction with my scans. Clot keeps their mouth shut, nodding on instinct. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: A [[b-bullet from a gun.->c109]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: A done deal, then. </div></div>

She lets herself get down on the floor, hunched over as she sits. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Just one more stupid, idiot cat dancing for them. MONOPOLY: Falling for it all, a cog in the machine. MONOPOLY: And for what. He fell down a pit. Probably splattered on the floor down there. MONOPOLY: [[...->c110]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: I- </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: [[.........->c111]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> They flinch, waiting for the interruption that never comes. Raffel simply stares. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: [[I hate this fucking place.->c112]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: I- DR. CLOT: I should give- DR. CLOT: I-impressi- RAFFEL: Mm. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: I can see him.] Monopoly turns to see Tightrope standing at the edge of the walkway once more. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: ...He dead? TIGHTROPE: He's not moving. But he's also not scraps. TIGHTROPE: Probably [[faking it->c113]] again. MONOPOLY: Mm.] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> The construct rotates their chair slowly, gripping the sides of it as they roll over to their mic. It takes them a moment. They turn on the mic. DR. CLOT: Autopsy. </div></div>

The candy type scoots a little closer to the edge. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: //HEY// MONOPOLY: //NEXT TIME YOU PLAY GAMES FOR THEM// MONOPOLY: //**PICK A TARGET THAT WONT [[TALK SHIT LATER->c114]]**//] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> They do their best to keep their voice even. DR. CLOT: Don't speak. They pause, sighing hard at the screaming from Raffel's TCPs, waiting for it to stop. DR. CLOT: Only you can hear me. DR. CLOT: **You failed.** They keep themself focused on the live feed, doing everything they can to avoid seeing if Raffel is looking. </div></div>

She scoots back. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: ... MONOPOLY: He'll either learn, or die when one of the Survivors gets him. MONOPOLY: He's already poking the bear with asking about their code. MONOPOLY: All I have to do-] She points to the mass on her leg. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Is get this to [[them. ->c115]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: I will give you the infirmary. DR. CLOT: Have Syringe tend to your wounds. DR. CLOT: .... DR. CLOT: I will require samples of your body. DR. CLOT: F- DR. CLOT: For testing. They can hear the aerosoul snort, their nerves spiking high. DR. CLOT: **To fix your mistake.** </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Same color as his body, same material. MONOPOLY: They'll hunt his ass down no sweat if he keeps doing shit for the overseers. MONOPOLY: It'll b-] Another shooting pain from her ankle, causing her to loudly wince. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: ... MONOPOLY: ...... MONOPOLY: I...don't usually talk this much. To people. MONOPOLY: Don't get used to it. TIGHTROPE: S'fine. I get it. TIGHTROPE: I probably won't either, after [[this.->c116]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> They grit their teeth, all of the stress of the trial so far building up and boiling over into a sadistic rage- all targeted at Autopsy, and all only loud enough for the teratoma type to hear. DR. CLOT: ...you get one impression as a an act of pity for your sorry ass. DR. CLOT: Set reward. An extremely sharp scalpel. DR. CLOT: **You** will get me the samples. DR. CLOT: You are not allowed to request help. DR. CLOT: Or painkillers, or food after. DR. CLOT: You have a restorative body. I need to see how long it takes to grow back. Practically spitting the words out now. DR. CLOT: Set up a camera, even. DR. CLOT: Give yourself and the others footage to dissect. DR. CLOT: Why don't I even throw in a television to go with it? DR. CLOT: Something to put the tapes on? DR. CLOT: **You'll have time in bed to watch.** They realize their shoulders are violently shaking. DR. CLOT: ...go ahead. DR. CLOT: Go back to your fucking room, before I roast your insides. DR. CLOT: Only use you have for me now is as a walking tissue sample. </div></div>

Tightrope picks up its hand, removing the bracelet from it before passing it to Monopoly. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: This might help with the pain. Hopefully. Mostly I just want to do this.] Tightrope stomps back over to the edge and chucks the bracelet vaguely in Autopsy's direction. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: There. That's yours, you piece of shit.] Its voice is barely louder than a mutter- it's exhausted and frustrated, but most of all, it's [[resigned.->c117]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> A lesser toggles the impressions, while another starts plugging in Clot's preset rewards. The construct stays there, not relaxing yet, another flinch hitting them as the thrown bracelet makes harsh contact with Autopsy's trembling body. RAFFEL: Impressive. RAFFEL: A small glimpse into your true self. Clot dares to look up. Raffel is sneering, an awful smirk on his face. RAFFEL: Pathetic, isn't it? </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Okay, we did the thing. Give us our impressions and go torment someone else for a while. INTERCOM: Congratulations! You did it! MONOPOLY: //Great//, it's my guy. INTERCOM: Monopoly and Tightrope! INTERCOM: You have //earned impressions//! MONOPOLY: [[Mmm.->c118]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> One of Raffel's lessers moves to their mic. LESSER: Congratulations! You did it! LESSER: Monopoly and Tightrope! LESSER: You have //earned impressions!// </div></div>

<img src="./images/2-5-4.png" alt="a quick, hurried sketch of monopoly and tightrope sitting on the floor and staring in irritation at the ceiling as confetti surrounds them."> Some confetti falls from the ceiling, Monopoly refusing to react outside of looking upwards. Tightrope gestures to the ceiling with its stump. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Feel free to imagine [[whatever gesture you like there.->c119]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> They push the button launching confetti into the chamber, Raffel turning to his own PC. DR. CLOT: ...and...that's it? RAFFEL: Mm. DR. CLOT: We just- RAFFEL: Get me my samples. RAFFEL: Until then- </div></div>

With that, it slinks towards the hallway. But before it passes through the door, it stops. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[TIGHTROPE: Hey, um... TIGHTROPE: Red one. Monopoly, if that's okay. TIGHTROPE: Thank you for the advice earlier. TIGHTROPE: I know you said you're not much of a talker, but... TIGHTROPE: Would you mind if I came with you? TIGHTROPE: You said 'them', like you had somewhere to take that wound. TIGHTROPE: I want to help. TIGHTROPE: We don't have to talk or anything, just... TIGHTROPE: I want whoever's up there to feel [[the same shit->c120]] we're feeling right now. ] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: **I don't want to see your face.** The room is silent. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: ...yeah.] She gets to her own feet, lifting her mask just enough to start absorbing the pretzel chunk. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: [[Mono->c121]] works. Name-wise. MONOPOLY: ...] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> DR. CLOT: I- DR. CLOT: I'll. Get them. RAFFEL: See that you do. His lessers are in motion, Raffel shooting Clot one last glare before the button to move his console chamber is pushed. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: You're right. I'm gonna need help getting this info to the [[Survivors.->c122]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> RAFFEL: I have a show to put on. </div></div>

(align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: Hope you're ready to see some [[wild shit.->c123]]] <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> (text-style:"underline")[''TRIAL END''] ''NAME: ''Tightrope ''TYPING:'' Pretzel ''KILLS: ''0 ''MEAL COUNT:'' 24 noted acts of small-scale consumption, all willing. ''OVERSEER:'' Raffel, rejected farm candidate ''STRENGTHS:'' Fast regeneration ''WEAKNESSES:'' Low nutrition value ''RATINGS:'' Average Calories | // 340// Total Fat | //2g// Saturated Fat | //0g// Cholesterol | //15 mgz// Total Carbohydrate | //70g// Dietary Fiber | //2g// Sugars | //16 g// Protein | //10 g// Regen | //4.2 in³/hr// //-Raffel// ''NAME: ''Monopoly ''TYPING: ''Candy ''KILLS: ''0 ''MEAL COUNT: ''2 acts of consumption, one small-scale, and one nearly-fatal. Both were unwilling. ''OVERSEER:'' Raffel, rejected farm candidate ''STRENGTHS: ''Size allows for large portions, energy boost ''WEAKNESSES:'' Fragile, low nutrition value ''RATINGS:'' High Total Fat | //0g// Saturated Fat | //0g// Cholesterol | //0g// Total Carbohydrate | //11g// Dietary Fiber | // 0g// Sugars | //8g// Protein | //0g// Regen | //1.5 in³/hr // ''NOTE:'' Currently afflicted with malignant teratoma. Do not encourage consumption until biopsies are obtained from Dr. Clot. //-Raffel// ''NAME: ''Autopsy ''TYPING:'' Teratoma KILLS: 0 ''OVERSEER: ''Dr. Clot ''STRENGTHS:'' Kind demeanor leading to (usually) an excellent lure, physically strong, obedience ''WEAKNESSES: ''Low intelligence, frightening appearance, clear aversion to violence ''REPUTATION: ''Well liked in the trials by those who are intentionally allowed to survive encounters. Tests with preceding TCPs to ensure he has no marks despite acting as a lure for the rest of the team's experiments have been successful. Any that dislike him are usually not allowed to live. ''RATINGS: ''High. Very much enjoyed as a dim-witted but effective antagonist, especially when playing into his sweet nature. Often causes commentators to cheer for him over luring subjects they don't like, and booing him for they don't. ''RELATIONSHIPS OF NOTE: ''Near-exclusively connected to the rest of Clot's TCPs, due to his effectiveness being based on others not knowing his actual role. Seems nervous around the others, but obedient. Need to kill him off as soon as possible. Writing a satisfying ending for him is going to be a fucking pain- potentially need to coordinate an execution with the Survivors with Cruller. //-Dr. Clot// </div></div>

She walks over with a limp, gesturing for it to follow. (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[MONOPOLY: [[People with the angel code don't play by the rules.->c124]]] <img src="http://homebrewdeviants.com/static/story/twine/MT2-2C/images/raffel.png" alt=" a headshot of an aerosoul, an aeromorph species, in white and blue colors. his face is boxy yet rounded on the edges, and has rounded axolotl-like frills. his black facial visor is blank. the image is presented as if on a CRT screen."> <div class="commentary"><div class="shareware"> ''NAME: ''Dell Raffel ''SPECIES: ''Aerosoul ''AGE: ''63 ''PRIOR OCCUPATION: ''CEO of the TinyWell Corporation ''TRIAL FOCUS:'' Supplies, farm oversight ''STATUS: ''Alive. High ratings due to consistently providing supporting cast members for trials. Raffel is an old friend of mine- I even did advertisements for him back when he was just getting started. You need to be cutthroat to exist in the food production business, and man, what a nasty piece of work he is. I've got nothing but respect for the guy. Even in my ancient age, he's taught me //plenty// about the ins and outs of being a good businessman. It's no wonder he's got good ratings with his fingers in so many pies...or would they be pie types? //-Technicality// <img src="http://homebrewdeviants.com/static/story/twine/MT2-2C/images/clot.png" alt=" a headshot of a purple bear-like robot species, their cute proportions contrasting with their furious, grumpy expression and tired gaze. the image is presented as if on a CRT screen."> ''NAME:'' Dr. Spinal Clot ''SPECIES: ''Modular Construct ''AGE:'' 48 ''PRIOR OCCUPATION: ''TCPdex Researcher ''TRIAL FOCUS: ''Manufacturing "villains", primarily with a medical horror theming. Very fond of horror movies as inspiration. ''STATUS: ''Alive. Excellent ratings across the board, but a niche crowd. Clot's a weird one. They insist on having a small cast...Syringe, Peachy Cream, and Candid are the //only// additional TCPs they've gotten to their main lineup of three...and refuses any more opportunities. I've prodded them about this so many times- Peachy //turned//, why wouldn't you want something new and exciting to shake things up? People love a new character! But...they're set in their ways, and seem to think they can make this work no matter what. Who am I to judge, with ratings like that? //-Technicality// </div></div>

#END ISSUE #2C (set: $overseer to true) ###Credits: (align:"<==")+(box:"X")[ **Project Direction-** (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://www.furaffinity.net/user/ringor')] + (link:"Knux400")[(goto-url:'https://www.reddit.com/user/knux400/')] **Writing-** (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://www.furaffinity.net/user/ringor')] + (link:"Knux400")[(goto-url:'https://www.reddit.com/user/knux400/')] **Panel Composition-** (link:"Knux400")[(goto-url:'https://www.reddit.com/user/knux400/')] **Panelwork-** (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://www.furaffinity.net/user/ringor')] **Designs-** (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://www.furaffinity.net/user/ringor')] **Setting-** (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://www.furaffinity.net/user/ringor')] + (link:"Comorant")[(goto-url:'https://bsky.app/profile/baftcomorant.bsky.social')] **Twine Coding-** (link:"Vyn")[(goto-url:'https://portfiend.quest/')] (Primarily), (link:"Mortis Velasquez")[(goto-url:'https://www.furaffinity.net/user/ringor')] ''Special Thanks''- Many friends and loved ones for testing! and **YOU,** for your support!] thank you for reading our twine! please stay tuned for more episodes coming soon- which will be paid, but have a LOT more content. you can keep up with our work on our (link:"Forums") [(goto-url: 'https://homebrewdeviants.com/forum/')], and (link:"Discord!") [(goto-url:'https://discord.gg/gZVx7Zu') ] if you enjoyed this, please consider leaving a comment and/or review. it both helps our visibility and gives us feedback on what you liked and what you didn't, and we really appreciate that. **OVERSEER COMMENTARY UNLOCKED!** [[Ready to see the other side?|c1]]

(if:$overseer is true) [ <a href="#" id="toggleDev" class="link-button">Toggle Overseer Commentary</a> <script> function toggleDevCommentary() { const twStory = document.querySelector('tw-story') twStory.classList.toggle('show-commentary') } document.querySelector('#toggleDev').onclick = toggleDevCommentary </script> <div class='page-number'>(print:(passage:)'s name)</div> ]

<img src="./images/2C-cover.png" alt=" a cover image for the first issue of maze trials 2.0, named "the angel code." a melting brown TCP has half of her face covered in a cloth mask, detailed with swirly eyes and a wiggly mouth. her expression is distressed, even from eyespots alone, and her face is melting into red fluid. a blue pretzel type seems caught up in the fluid as it carries it away, a fleshy-looking body type's face looming in the background."> welcome to The Maze Trials- more specifically, our updated followup to a now-retired project. ''you do not have to have read the original to enjoy this project:'' in fact, i recommend you go in without it if you're not already familiar. there's a lot of reasons why we retired it, but this is meant to be a new, much more polished introduction to the setting and characters, and so long as you're ready to pick up worldbuilding concepts as you go (vs our usual Tutorial Ass Shit in stuff like this), you'll do just fine. ###CONTENT WARNINGS this series contains these topics overall, as they're constantly present in the setting itself: //heavy themes of surveillance and exploitation (of all kinds), violence, gore, torture, and severe psychological manipulation. most of these will be common in the project, regardless of issue.// this specific issue contains, on top of the above: //cannibalism, sexual assault analogues, implications of mass death, ableism, slurs // while this specific issue of MT2.0 does not include explicit sexual/kink content, future issues //will//, though they will be labeled. please remember to take breaks if you need it! ###INSTRUCTIONS the way this twine works is simple- towards the end of a passage, there'll be a link to the next page. you can click it and keep reading, until the linear end of the story- pretty typical for our twines. you can also use left/right arrow keys to navigate! ''HOWEVER'' in this twine, you will unlock a bonus, extra side to the story, after you've progressed through it once. this extra side- labelled "overseer commentary", will run in parallel to the main story, and shows you what's happening on the other side of the cameras as the main story plays out. this story content is exclusive to the twines, and Not available in any free forum postings- consider it a special treat for helping support our efforts. fair warning: these overseer commentaries are often a few degrees more severe on the heavy themes front, but are well worth your time if you want the full Maze Trials story. with that, you're ready to go. let's [[begin|c1]].