The Power to Choose

Your browser lacks required capabilities. Please upgrade it or switch to another to continue.

Loading…

<<button [[Begin | P1]]>><</button>> <<button [[About | Abouta]]>><</button>>

<<print END>>

<<button [[You are just a normal girl and life goes on around you. You go to school, live with your family, and try to enjoy every day to the fullest. | P2]]>><</button>>

<<button [[And this day may just be your most enjoyable yet! | P3a]]>><</button>>

Growing up on the magical girl genre of Japanese anime and Western media inspired by it, I found when delving into wider mainstreamed media that it was sorely lacking in similar inspiring stories for young women. Feminine minds deserve the same fantastic explorative experience as everyone else and it is my hope to deliver such in my work. My take on a choose-your-own-adventure based in the coming-of-age narratives of female heroes utilizes Twine 2 and short animation clips to explore and discuss the average issues of women today in a world often set up against them from the start.

<<button [[Out of the corner of your eye, you spot something. It's too odd to believe yet no one else seems to have noticed it.|P4]]>><</button>>

<<button [[A light shines out of the darkness. It beckons you, but is this really a safe CHOICE to make?|P4b]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Approach|P5]]>><</button>> <<button [[Pass|PE]]>><</button>>

<<button [[A door? And a glowing one at that - what on earth is that doing here?|P6]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Your mom warned you to stay away from dark, mysterious alleys and you doubt whatever's down there is worth the risk, so you carry on with your business, content with the CHOICES you've made.|NE]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Such a strange thing is begging to be touched so do you...|P6a]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Touch|P7]]>><</button>> <<button [[Don't touch|P6b]]>><</button>>

<<button [[AH! THE LIGHT - IT BURNS!!|P8]]>><</button>>

<<timed 2s>><<goto P7>><</timed>>

<<button [[Actually, that's not the only thing burning! What happened here - everything's a disaster! This is NOT fine. However, you have to do something, but where do you even BEGIN?| P9]]>><</button>>

<<button [[FIRE!! Everything is burning - Oh my God!! But you can't panic - you've been trained for this. Stop, drop, and roll! ...No, wait, that's for when you're ON fire. What do you do with a burning table? | pink1b]]>><</button>>

<<button [[A small, adorable creature stares at you with gleaming, imploring eyes. It looks soft and fluffy and perfect for hugging! | T1b]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You pet it eagerly, but something is amiss. What should be soft and silky fur turns out to be slimy, course hair - all around unnatural. | T3]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Looking closer into it's little, beady eyes, you feel a chill go down your spine. Deep in those dark pits, you see unfathomable horrors and your stomach churns. This...was a mistake. | T4]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Try again | T5]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Fire | Pink1]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Pet | T2]]>><</button>> <<button [[Strangle | T3]]>><</button>>

<<button [[This creature cannot be trusted - you should know better by now, but before you can save us all - | P8b]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Blow | blow]]>><</button>> <<button [[Dirt | dirt]]>><</button>> <<button [[Water | water]]>><</button>>

<<button [[The most obvious solution. Luckily, you always have a water bottle on you. Hydrate or Die-drate was never so serious. | pink2]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You look around frantically and spot a sweet, little succulent. Well, sacrifices have to be made. | pink2]]>><</button>>

<<button [[AAAAHHHH!! BAD IDEA! BAD IDEA!! | blow2]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Dirt | dirt]]>><</button>> <<button [[Water | water]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Fire dealt with, you assess the damage. It seems someone had tried to burn...a DECK OF CARDS?! And they mostly succeeded - almost the whole deck has been turned to ashes. | pink2a]]>><</button>>

<<button [[The only remaining cards are the tarnished QUEENS of the four suits and an amazingly unscathed JOKER card. You take the JOKER. | pink3]]>><</button>>

<<button [[The JOKER card is barely in your hand before it explodes and leaves behind...what is this thing? | pink4]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Not a thing - a TRUFFLE! <3' | pink4a]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Ah!' | pink4b]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Ah-lo to you, too! <3 You saved me!' | pink4c]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Accept | pink5]]>><</button>> <<button [[Doubt | pink5a]]>><</button>>

<<button [[A terrible FIEND tried to take me out and they won't stop with just me! Everyone and everything you know and LOVE is at risk, and you're the only one who can save them! >:< | pink4e]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Saved you? What happened here?' | pink4d]]>><</button>>

<<button [[WAIT. You're really going to just accept that crazy story just like that?! Think again! | pink5a]]>><</button>>

<<button [['ME?!?! But how can I do anything?! I'm just a normal girl, not some type of HERO.' | pink5b]]>><</button>>

<<button [['I know~ But don't worry! Just believe in the heart of the cards! <3 Particularly, the QUEEN OF HEARTS. For these aren't any normal cards. These cards contain great MAGICAL power - that's how they survived the fire. With them and the POWER OF FRIENDSHIP <3, you can save us all as ROYAL HEART!' | pink6a]]>><</button>>

<<button [['ROYAL HEART, huh? Can I really? I'm not anything special...' | pink6d]]>><</button>>

<<button [['You wouldn't be here if that were true! <3 But worry not, you'll have me and a whole TEAM to help you!' | pink6e]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Accept | pink7]]>><</button>> <<button [[Decline | pink6g]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Accept | pink7]]>><</button>> <<button [[Accept | pink7]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Well suck it up! <3 You've got no CHOICE.' | pink6i]]>><</button>>

<<button [['I'm not sure I can do this...' | pink6h]]>><</button>>

<<button [['In that case...' | pink6f]]>><</button>>

<<button [[As the newly crowned ROYAL HEART, you and TRUFFLE must begin your quest for the rest of your TEAM, but in the mayhem of your strange encounter, you've forgotten all about school - you're late! | pink8]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Luckily, you made it just in time - it's almost like no time at all passed inside the glowing door... | pink9]]>><</button>>

<<button [[No matter! The school day is over now and it's time for your mission to commence. You think it's best to start the search in the school courtyard. | pink10]]>><</button>>

<<set $diadone to false>> <<set $clovdone to false>> <<set $solo to false>> <<set $diateam to false>> <<set $cloverteam to false>> <<button [[Entering the beautiful courtyard, you get distracted by the trees in bloom and the sounds of children at play. Two girls stand out in particular. | pink10a]]>><</button>>

<<button [[A COOL, tall girl catches a frisbee, surrounded by FRIENDS and classmates. CLOVER excels at anything she tries. You've wanted to befriend her for forever, but her COOLNESS intimidates you. However, when you think of a HERO, you can't imagine anyone else. | pink10c]]>><</button>>

<<button [[A cute, short girl rests against a tree, engrossed in a book and ignoring the other kids around her. DIA is your best FRIEND and you can't imagine doing this adventure without her. | pink10b]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You decide to approach DIA first as you're most confident in being able to recruit her. | Dia1]]>><</button>>

<<set $diadone to false>> <<set $clovdone to false>> <<button [[Dia | Dia1]]>><</button>> <<button [[Clover | clover1]]>><</button>>

<<set $dia to false>> <<button [['That's my best FRIEND, DIA, TRUFFLE! She's super smart and level-headed - I'm sure she'd be a great HERO.' | dia2]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You approach DIA and don't hesitate to tell her all about your crazy day. DIA's always been there for you so you're not afraid to tell her anything and introduce TRUFFLE from inside your bag. | dia3]]>><</button>>

<<set $diaone to false>> <<button [[No, you're not! | dia6a]]>> <<set $diaone to true>> <</button>> <<button [[Doesn't matter! | dia6b]]>> <<set $diaone to false>> <</button>>

<<button [['That's why I'm hesitant, actually...I'm not really the HERO type - more like the tech-assistant-in-your-phone type...' | dia6]]>><</button>>

<<button [['That's nice, I guess...but what SUIT would I even be?' | dia8]]>><</button>>

<<button [['DIA, you're practially a genius and you have a heart of gold. If that's not HERO material, I don't know what is!' | dia7]]>><</button>>

<<button [['I know! That's why I need you to help me get through this - lives are at stake!' | dia5]]>><</button>>

<<set $diatwo to false>> <<button [[Diamond | dia8a]]>><<set $diatwo to true>><</button>> <<button [[Club | dia8b]]>><<set $diatwo to false>><</button>> <<button [[Spade | dia8c]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Even if you're not HERO material, I can back you up!' | dia7]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Magic? FIENDS? Sounds like something out of one of my books! | dia4]]>><</button>>

<<timed 1s>> <<if $diaone is true and $diatwo is true>> <<goto dia12>> <<if $diaone is true and $diathree is true>> <<goto dia12>> <<if $diatwo is true and $diathree is true>> <<goto dia12>> <<if $diatwo is true and $diathree is true and $diaone is true>> <<goto dia12>> <<else>> <<goto dia13>> <</if>> <</timed>>

<<button [['FRIENDSHIP has nothing to do with this! The heart of the cards is calling your name.' | dia11]]>><</button>>

<<button [['ROYAL SPADE! It's sharp, just like your wit and...I don't know what else to say, what even is a spade???' | dia9]]>><</button>>

<<button [['OK, I guess I can't let you do something so dangerous without me - count me in!' You've recruited DIA! Now, you try your luck with CLOVER.| clover1]]>><<set $dia to true>><</button>>

<<button [['And if I am? This might be the hardest thing I'll ever do in my life - I can't imagine any good scenario without my best FRIEND there with me.' | dia11]]>><</button>>

<<set $diathree to false>> <<button [[Yes | dia10a]]>><<set $diathree to true>><</button>> <<button [[No | dia10b]]>><</button>>

<<button [['I'm sorry, I just can't see me being a hero...but I'll be rooting for you!' That's a shame, but maybe you'll have better luck with CLOVER.| clover1]]>><<set $dia to false>><</button>>

<<button [['OK, but you're not just CHOOSING me because I'm your best FRIEND, are you? | dia10]]>><</button>>

<<button [['You're into green things, right - save the earth and what not? I think ROYAL CLUB would fit you well. Plus, it kind of looks like your hair so it's meant to be!' | dia9]]>><</button>>

<<button [['DIA, you're the jewel of my eye; no one's more precious to me than you so of course, you're ROYAL DIAMOND.' | dia9]]>><</button>>

<<set $clover to false>> <<button [['See that girl, TRUFFLE? That's CLOVER - she's basically a school-wide HERO already!' | clover2]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Alrighty, but what about me screams 'HERO' to you?' | clover6]]>><</button>>

<<button [['You're the COOLEST kid in school - top of the class, soccer team captain, super popular. What about that doesn't say 'HERO'?' | clover7]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Well, that was a LOT, but why are you asking me for help? We're not exactly FRIENDS.' | clover4]]>><</button>>

<<button [['You're not afraid to help people in need. You tutor kids even when you're busy and carried your teammate to the clinic when she was injured. I think you say 'HERO' inside and out.' | clover7]]>><</button>>

<<set $clovtwo to false>> <<button [[You're cool | clover6a]]>><</button>> <<button [[You're nice | clover6b]]>><<set $clovtwo to true>><</button>>

<<button [[You tap CLOVER on the arm and manage to get her away from the game. You pause, not sure how to explain such a fantastical story, but CLOVER gives you a kind smile, pushing you to spill out everything in an embarassed rush. | clover3]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Uh...actually, TRUFFLE picked you out so....there must be something real special about you!' | clover5]]>><</button>>

<<button [['I know, but that's something I want to CHANGE. I really admire you as a person and would LOVE to call you a FRIEND.' | clover5]]>><</button>>

<<set $clovone to false>> <<button [[Tell the truth | clover3a]]>> <<set $clovone to true>> <</button>> <<button [[Get embarassed | clover3b]]>><</button>>

<<button [['A SPADE's like a shovel, right? And I'm sure uf the situation arises, you'll DIG us out of trouble! *wink wonk*' | clov9]]>><</button>>

<<set $clovthree to false>> <<button [[Diamond | clover8a]]>><</button>> <<button [[Club | clover8b]]>><<set $clovthree to true>><</button>> <<button [[Spade | clover8c]]>><</button>>

<<button [['A CLUB is a clover and that's lucky, represents life. You breath life into everything you're a part of and glow with charm. ROYAL CLUB was made for you.' | clov9]]>><</button>>

<<button [['You're the star of the school and a star is like a jewel so I think ROYAL DIAMOND suits you best.'| clov9]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Oh really? Then what SUIT would I be, then?' | clover8]]>><</button>>

<<timed 1s>> <<if $clovone is true and $clovtwo is true>> <<goto clover10>> <<if $clovone is true and $clovthree is true>> <<goto clover10>> <<if $clovtwo is true and $clovthree is true>> <<goto clover10>> <<if $clovtwo is true and $clovthree is true and $clovone is true>> <<goto clover10>> <<else>> <<goto clover11>> <</if>> <</timed>>

<<button [['Well, that sounds like more than enough reason for me. Let's do this! | jade1]]>><<set $clover to true>><</button>>

<<button [[Did you get just Dia? | dteam1]]>><</button>> <<button [[Did you get just Clover? | cteam1]]>><</button>> <<button [[Did you get Dia and Clover? | team1]]>><</button>> <<button [[Did you get Jade? | foursome1]]>><</button>> <<button [[Did you get no one? | solo1]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Your team is now assembled and just in the nick of time for as soon as you leave the courtyard, a scream erupts from within the city. You rush to the scene and stare in shock at what you see. | pink12]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Nah, that doesn't really sound like my thing. Good luck, though.' | jade1]]>><<set $clovdone to true>><</button>>

<<button [['CLOVER study harder. CLOVER run faster. CLOVER do this for me. CLOVER CLOVER CLOVERCLOVERCLOVER!. I'm sick of it. You all demand my best all the time so here's my best VILLAIN!' Oh no, CLOVER's been taken over by a FIEND - this must be your fault, you must save her!| dteam2]]>><</button>>

<<button [['So you don't think I'm cut out to be a hero? You just want me to be some timid damsel for you to rescue, but no more! If I can't be your hero, then I'll be your VILLAIN!' Oh no, DIA's been taken over by a FIEND - this must be your fault, you have to save her!| cteam2]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Look out, ROYAL HEART, the JACK of all trades is here! It's time to show you how to really use this power as only a man can.' | solo2]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Look out, ROYAL SUITS, the JACK of all trades is here! It's time to show you how to really use this power as only a man can.' | team2]]>><</button>>

<<button [['SUIT UP!!' | solo3]]>><</button>>

<<button [['HEART STOPPER!!' | solo4]]>><</button>>

<<button [['HEART STOPPER!!' | dteam4]]>><</button>>

<<button [['SUIT UP!!' | dteam3]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You give it everything you got, but life was not meant to be tackled alone. The FIEND overpowers you and in your final moments, TRUFFLE is nowhere to be seen... | pinkBAD]]>><</button>>

<<button [['DIAMOND CUT' | dteam5]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You defeated the FIEND, but not without sacrifices. You're first battle was a hard one - physically and emotionally, but you survived and became stronger for it. | team7]]>><</button>>

<<button [['So you've come, ROYAL SUITS. Color me impressed, but it won't do you any good. This is the end for you and the entire city!' | pink14]]>><</button>>

<<button [['GOOD CLUBBING!!' | cteam5]]>><</button>>

<<button [['SUIT UP!!' | cteam3]]>><</button>>

<<button [['HEART STOPPER!!' | cteam4]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You defeated the FIEND, but not without sacrifices. You're first battle was a hard one - physically and emotionally, but you survived and became stronger for it. | team7]]>><</button>>

<<button [['DIAMOND CUT!!' | team5]]>><</button>>

<<button [['HEART STOPPER!!' | team4]]>><</button>>

<<button [['SUIT UP!!' | team3]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You defeated the FIEND and (reluctantly) freed the victim, but most importantly you did it as a team. You all reel closer than ever and at this rate the future looks bright. | team7]]>><</button>>

<<button [[More battles awaited you, but you handled them like champions. Now comes your final battle: the sky goes dark and everyone in the city has fallen into a deep slumber. The FIEND KING has stolen their energy and awaits you at the top of the school. | pink13]]>><</button>>

<<button [['GOOD CLUBBING!!' | team6]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Even with your newly gained power, the FIEND KING is too much for you. The power he has stolen from the city has made him too strong. Is this the end? | pink18]]>><</button>>

<<button [[If with DIA | pink15]]>><</button>> <<button [[If with CLOVER | pink16]]>><</button>> <<button [[If with DIA and CLOVER | pink17]]>><</button>> <<button [[If with DIA, CLOVER, and JADE | withjade1]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Even with your newly gained power, the FIEND KING is too much for you. The power he has stolen from the city has made him too strong. Is this the end? | pink18]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Fight | pink19]]>><</button>> <<button [[Endure | pink20]]>><</button>>

<<button [[From within yourselves, you summon all the LOVE you have for each other and this city, and hold on TOGETHER through the FIEND KING'S blast. This is a power than he could never understand and in LOVE's harsh light, he disintegrates. | pinkGood]]>><</button>>

<<button [[With all your strength, you manage to pull yourself up and come at the FIEND KING. He fires off his final blast and you shield your FRIENDS, taking the blow. This may be the end for you, but your determination to save you FRIENDS rebounds and takes the FIEND KING with you. | pinkNeutral]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Fire | Pink1]]>><</button>> <<button [[??? | T1]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Doubt | pink5a]]>><</button>> <<button [[DOUBT | pink5a]]>><</button>> <<button [[D O U B T | pink5a]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Look out, ROYAL SUITS, the JACK of all trades is here! It's time to show you how to really use this power as only a man can.' | four2]]>><</button>>

<<timed 1s>> <<if $diadone is true and $clovdone is false>> <<goto clover1>> <<if $diadone is false and $clovdone is true>> <<goto Dia1>> <<if $diadone is true and $clovdone is true and $dia is true and $clover is true>> <<goto jade1>> <<else>> <<goto pink11>> <</if>> <</timed>> me

<<set $jade to false>> <<set $four to false>> <<button [[With DIA and CLOVER at your side, you feel just about ready to take on anything! Although, there's still one SUIT left, but before you can ask your next CHOICE, you get cornered. | jade3]]>><</button>>

<<timed 1s>> <<if $dia is true and $clover is true>> <<goto jade2>> <<else>> <<goto pink11>> <</if>> <</timed>>

<<button [['That's not what I've been hearing~! What was it again? Something about FIENDS, MAGIC, and HEROES, right?' Of course, she was eavesdropping - you should've been more careful. | jade6]]>><</button>>

<<button [['That's none of your business,' you say, but this girl is always three steps ahead of you. | jade5]]>><</button>>

<<button [['And what exactly have been up to?' Her name is JADE and you feel a headache forming already. JADE is rich, beautiful, and powerful - the QUEEN of the school and your personal nightmare. She's never been anything but cruel to you and you can't think of anyone less HEROIC. | jade4]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You can't be serious! | jade8]]>><</button>> <<button [[And what makes you quallified for the position? | jade8b]]>><</button>> <<button [[I suppose you already have a SUIT picked out? | jade8c]]>><</button>>

<<button [['I'm perfectly serious. I already know the situation and I'm used to being a superstar so how much more difficult can being a HERO be?' | jade9]]>><</button>>

<<button [[ With a terrible feeling in your gut, you ask her what she wants from you. 'Oh, little ol' me,' she says, 'naturally, I want in!' | jade7]]>><</button>>

<<button [[I'm student council president, popular, and my parents have paid for years of private lessons in dance, violin, and fencing. I've got loads of skills you won't find anywhere else!' | jade9b]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Of course, I'm always well-prepared. I am ROYAL SPADE - highest ranking and armed for victory!' | jade9c]]>><</button>>

<<button [[And what makes you quallified for the position? | jade10]]>><</button>> <<button [[I suppose you already have a SUIT picked out? | jade11]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You can't be serious! | jade10b]]>><</button>> <<button [[I suppose you already have a SUIT picked out? | jade11b]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You can't be serious! | jade10c]]>><</button>> <<button [[And what makes you quallified for the position? | Jade11c]]>><</button>>

<<button [[I suppose you already have a SUIT picked out? | jade14]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Of course, I'm always well-prepared. I am ROYAL SPADE - highest ranking and armed for victory!' | jade13]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Of course, I'm always well-prepared. I am ROYAL SPADE - highest ranking and armed for victory!' | jade16]]>><</button>>

<<button [[And what makes you quallified for the position? | jade15]]>><</button>>

<<button [[No matter how you look at it, JADE presents a strong argument, but still - do you really want to work with her? | jade17]]>><</button>>

<<button [[Accept her | getjade]]>><<set $jade to true>><</button>> <<button [[Reject her | byejade]]>><</button>>

<<button [[And what makes you quallified for the position? | jade14c]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You can't be serious! | jade15b]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Of course, I'm always well-prepared. I am ROYAL SPADE - highest ranking and armed for victory!' | jade13b]]>><</button>>

<<button [[I suppose you already have a SUIT picked out? | Jade14b]]>><</button>>

<<button [['I'm perfectly serious. I already know the situation and I'm used to being a superstar so how much more difficult can being a HERO be?' | jade12b]]>><</button>>

<<button [['I'm perfectly serious. I already know the situation and I'm used to being a superstar so how much more difficult can being a HERO be?' | jade12c]]>><</button>>

<<button [['I'm perfectly serious. I already know the situation and I'm used to being a superstar so how much more difficult can being a HERO be?' | jade16]]>><</button>>

<<button [['Of course, I'm always well-prepared. I am ROYAL SPADE - highest ranking and armed for victory!' | jade16]]>><</button>>

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<<button [[You can't be serious! | jade15c]]>><</button>>

<<button [['I'm perfectly serious. I already know the situation and I'm used to being a superstar so how much more difficult can being a HERO be?' | jade16]]>><</button>>

<<button [[You still can't forgive JADE for everything she'd done to you and maybe it's petty, but right now you can't bring yourself to care. 'You'll regret this!' JADE yells and who knows, maybe you will... | pink11]]>><</button>>

<<button [[JADE looks surprised and frankly, so are you, but you must give her the benefit of the doubt and that's what you tell her. 'Oh,' she says, still a bit confused, '...Thanks...for, you know, giving me a CHANCE.' | pink11]]>><</button>>

<<button [['GOOD CLUBBING!!' | four6]]>><</button>>

<<button [['HEART STOPPER!!' | four4]]>><</button>>

<<button [['SUIT UP!!' | four3]]>><</button>>

<<button [['DIAMOND CUT!!' | four5]]>><</button>>

<<timed 1s>> <<if $dia is true>> <<goto pink11b>> <<else>> <<goto pick11c>> <</if>> <</timed>>

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<<timed 1s>> <<if $clover is true>> <<goto team1>> <<

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<<button [['SPADE THRUST!!' | four7]]>><</button>>

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<<button [[Even with your newly gained power, the FIEND KING is too much for you. The power he has stolen from the city has made him too strong. Is this the end? | pink18]]>><</button>>

Double-click this passage to edit it.