noir

In the city, night falls. Rain falls softly, enough to give the air a slight chill, but not enough to need an umbrella. Which is lucky, because you don't have an umbrella. You walk past an old-fashioned diner, out of place among the clean, white lines and bright lights of the modern city. [[Enter the diner->Enter diner]]

You enter the diner. It's empty except for the staff and a person sitting in a booth near the window, face obscured by a hood. Elton John's "//Rocket Man//" plays from a faded jukebox. [[Change the song->Change song]] [[Speak to the person in the booth->Speak to stranger]]

You put a coin into the jukebox. [[Change the song to David Bowie's "//Space Oddity//"->Song change]] [[Change the song to Van Halen's "//Jump//"->Song change]] [[Press the unlabelled button->Unlabelled song]]

You walk over to the booth. "Any chance I could sit here?" "Of course." Their voice is quiet, and it's hard to tell their gender. You slide into the seat opposite them. They lift their head to look at you. "No point being alone on a night like this." [[What do you mean?->What do you mean]] [[I suppose so->I suppose so.]]

The music begins to waft from the speakers. The waitress behind the counter smiles at you. The smile doesn't quite meet her eyes. You look away. [[>>>->Music]]

A song you've never heard before drifts lazily from the speakers. There are no words, yet it seems to be full of questions. Not that you'd know the answers to any of them. [[>>>->Music]]

You turn back to the rest of the diner. It's empty except for the staff and the person sitting in the booth near the window. The song continues to play. [[Speak to the person in the booth->Speak to stranger]]

"What do you mean?" you ask. The stranger grins. "Nights like this are when adventures happen. Things that can //change your life//." "What does that have to do with me?" They stand up and walk towards the door. "You? You have to choose. Come with me and see what happens, or stay here and risk the consequences of never knowing what could have been." And they walk out of the diner, leaving the door swinging behind them. [[Go->Go]] [[Stay->Stay]]

"I suppose so." The stranger grins. "Nights like this are when adventures happen. Things that can //change your life//." "What does that have to do with me?" They stand up and walk towards the door. "You? You have to choose. Come with me and see what happens, or stay here and risk the consequences of never knowing what could have been." And they walk out of the diner, leaving the door swinging behind them. [[Go->Go]] [[Stay->Stay]]

You decide to follow the stranger, stepping out of the diner and into the cold night air. They're standing a short way away, hood still covering their face. "You took a while." They announce. "I almost thought you weren't going to join me." [[Me too->Me too]] [[Look, do you want me to go with you on your stupid adventure or what?->Me too]]

You decide to stay in the diner. Whoever that person was, they didn't seem very trustworthy. You glance at the menu. For some strange reason, there are only two drink options. [[Tea->Order tea]] [[§ºΩ‡∆«≠¶◊->Order juice]]

You wait, staring out the window. After roughly five minutes, the waitress brings the tea. [[Drink tea->Drink tea]] [[Wait->Don't drink tea]]

You wait, staring out the window. After roughly five minutes, the waitress brings the drink, smiling strangely. It's purple in colour, with swirls of grey throughout. [[Drink it->Drink juice]] [[Don't->No juice]]

You drink the tea. It's hot, hotter then it should be, and you burn your mouth. [[Wait for the tea to cool->Don't drink tea]]

After waiting for a few minutes, you drink the tea. It's cooled by now. You spend the rest of the evening in the diner reading a book you bought earlier in the day, and then you return to your home. To your ordinary, mundane, normal life. And as you [[fall asleep->Ending: Mundane]], you feel a pang of... something. As if you missed an opportunity.

You shrug, and drink the drink anyway. It tastes of cinnamon and forgotten memories. The room begins to spin and the world tips [[sideways->the world tips]]

You decide not to drink it. You're pretty sure //nothing// natural is supposed to be that colour. You spend the rest of the evening in the diner reading a book you bought earlier in the day, and then you return to your home. To your ordinary, mundane, normal life. And as you [[fall asleep->Ending: Mundane]], you feel a pang of... something. As if you missed an opportunity.

Congradulations! You have completed the story. The ending you got was: //Mundane//. Click [[here->Beginning]] to return to the beginning.

and everything goes [[`black`->everything goes black]]

[[. . .->blk1]]

[[. . .->blk2]]

[[. . .->blk3]]

[[. . .->blk4]]

[[. . .->blk5]]

You [[wake up->wake from blk]]

You [[open your eyes->open eyes from blk]]

and everything's bright. Too bright. You [[sit up->sit up from blk]]

and look around. You're in your bed, in your room. It's morning. Your head feels heavy. There's a crumpled piece of paper in your hand. [[Open the paper->Open paper]] [[Throw it away->Throw away paper]]

All that's written on the paper is the same symbols as before, and one sentance. [[§ºΩ‡∆«≠¶◊->Forget]]

You throw the paper in the bin. Yesterday's events are as faint as a dream. You walk over to the door, turning to look at the paper before you leave. As you [[start your day->Ending: Mundane]] , you feel a pang of... something. As if you missed an opportunity.

Except, after you read the sentance, you can't //quite// [[remember->Forget2]] what it said.

And, the memories of yesterday start to [[slip away->Forget3]].

[[Except`,` weren't those `"memories"` a dream?->Forget4]]

Except, weren't those "memories" a dream? [[`None of that` actually happened, right?->Forget5]]

Except, weren't those "memories" a dream? None of that //actually// happened, right? No, of course not. Don't be stupid. [[`It was all a dream.->Ending:Forgotten]]

Congradulations! You have completed the story. The ending you got was: //Forgotten Memories//. Click [[here->Beginning]] to return to the beginning.

They laugh as they begin to lead the way down the street. After a short while, you reach a fork in the road. To the right is the bright lights and whirlwind sound of the Neon District. You can hear people laughing and singing. The very air seems electric, full of whispered secrets. To the left is the Technological District. It seems quieter at first, but once you stop and listen, you can hear the gentle hum of machinery. Although it's late, there are almost certainly Inventors and Engineers at work building the newest products. "Your choice." The stranger says, "Choose wisely." [[Go left->Left]] [[Go right->Right]]

Hi there human (or non human)! I hope you've enjoyed this test run/demo of 'Noir'! The full story will be updated soon. [[Return to beginning->Beginning]]

"Left." You answer. They raise an eyebrow. "Are you sure?" "If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have said it." You retort. They smile and lead the way. Unfortunately, you don't get far before your path is blocked by a group of four people. All guys, all much taller and stronger-looking than you, and all angry-looking. They seem to be glaring mostly at the stranger. [[Immediately turn and walk in the other direction->Run away]] [[Try to talk your way out of the situation->Talk]]

"Right." You answer. They raise an eyebrow. "Are you sure?" "If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have said it." You retort. They smile and lead the way. As you step out onto the street, you're met with a rush of colour, swept up into a wave of excitement. A gathering of people wearing all black are cheering and laughing. You can see wires attatched to the clothes of those nearest to you. A young girl, around fifteen or so, steps up onto the bonnet of a nearby car. Instantly, the crowd falls silent. "Y'all ready?" She shouts. The crowd cheers in response. "A'ight then. Three!" The group joins the chant. "Two! One!" On one, hidden buttons are pressed. Switches are flicked. And the people dressed all in black are suddenly covered with neon lights. Some have only a few lights, accenting parts of their outfit. Others are almost completely covered, only parts of their black clothing visible. Passers-by stop to see what's going on. Somebody passes around a box of glowing bracelets in different colours. The stranger takes two, and offers one to you. [[Take the bracelet->Take bracelet]]

You take the bracelet and put it on your wrist. It's slightly warm, and hums with energy. Probably developed in the Technological District. You examine the set of symbols etched into the inside of the bracelet. -------------------------------- §ºΩ‡∆«≠¶◊ -------------------------------- So, not made in the Tech District, then. Somewhere else. Suddenly, the crowd begins to move. The stranger and you are pushed along with the group. You turn to them. They're smiling, hood still up. After walking, laughing and talking with the group, you eventually end up outside a brick building. It has a purple neon sign displaying the symbols. The girl stands up on a step. "Now, y'all better make sure you have your bracelets, 'cause they're your ticket to get in. Just swipe your bracelet as you go in." "What is this, a Regulator's party?" Some guy shouts. Others call out their agreement. "It's a safety precaution." The girl replies in an even voice. "In case of a fire or similar emergency, we need to make sure everyone is accounted for. Unless you'd prefer for everyone to sign in manually?" There are murmurs, but no-one speaks up. Signing in anywhere allows Regulators to know your location, and they've started shutting down large gatherings recently. "Everyone a'ight?" The girl asks. The crowd cheers. "Well then, [[let`'s` go->enter purple]]!"

You and the stranger follow the crowd, waving your bracelets over a scanner near the door. Inside, music plays and people begin to dance. The girl walks over to the stranger. "Hey, Ly." [[Ly?->strangers name]] [[Who are you?->Who r u]]

"'Ly'?" You ask. The girl smiles. "You mean he hasn't told you his name?" 'Ly' frowns. "Look, Amira, I didn't know if I could trust them, okay?" Amira laughs. "That is //so// not true. You were trying to be all cool and mysterious again, weren't you. Now, why don't you introduce yourself." 'Ly' smiles, and removes his hood. He has blond-brown hair and dark eyes that almost look black. "Hello. My name is Elyjah Scott. Pleased to meet you." [[You too->You too]] [[Who are you guys?->Who are you guys]]

"Who are you?" You ask. The girl smiles. "You mean he hasn't told you his name?" 'Ly' frowns. "Look, Amira, I didn't know if I could trust them, okay?" Amira laughs. "That is //so// not true. You were trying to be all cool and mysterious again, weren't you. Now, why don't you introduce yourself." 'Ly' smiles, and removes his hood. He has blond-brown hair and dark eyes that almost look black. "Hello. My name is Elyjah Scott. Pleased to meet you." [[You too->You too]] [[Who are you guys?->Who are you guys]]

"You too." You answer, smiling. He returns the smile. Amira rolls her eyes, and walks a little way away from you to talk to Elyjah. You act nonchalant, but can't help but overhear their conversation "You really think they can help?" Amira asks. "Of course they can!" Elyjah answers. "They might seem ordinary now, but I can guarentee that they're not." Amira sighs. "Fine. But this'd better not be a repeat of Samuel." "It won't be." There's a moment of unease, then Amira nods. The two walk back over to you. [[Tell them you heard what they said->Overheard]] [[Don't->Don't tell overheard]]

"Who are you guys?" You ask, voice rising in volume. "What //is// this place?" Amira smiles. "You'll find out." Elyjah rolls his eyes, and walks a little way away from you to talk to Amira. You act nonchalant, but can't help but overhear their conversation "You really think they can help?" Amira asks. "Of course they can!" Elyjah answers. "They might seem ordinary now, but I can guarentee that they're not." Amira sighs. "Fine. But this'd better not be a repeat of Samuel." "It won't be." There's a moment of unease, then Amira nods. The two walk back over to you. [[Tell them you heard what they said->Overheard]] [[Don't->Don't tell overheard]]

You turn to the stranger, holding their gaze for a moment before slightly inclining your head in the direction you just came. They nod. [[Run->Run1]]

"Um... hi." You stutter out. Not your best conversation starter, but not your worst. One of the men steps towards the stranger. As he steps forward, you notice what he and the others are wearing. Regulator's uniforms. Crap. When he speaks, his voice isn't loud, but it still cuts through the air. "Elyjah Scott." The stranger nods once, seemingly unfazed by his identity being revealed. The Regulator continues. "You are under arrest for breaking law 26-1-14-5. Allow yourself to be detained without disruption, and you will not be harmed. [[Try to run away->Run away]] [[Try to fight->Try to fight]] [[Go with them->Go with them]]

You turn and run as fast as you can, hearing the footsteps of the stranger and the men pounding behind you. [[Run->Run2]]

You push to run faster. The stranger catches up to you, and guides you down a series of narrow alleyways. [[Run->Run3]]

At some point, you lose your pursuers and end up in a crowd. The Neon District. As you step out onto the street, you're met with a rush of colour, swept up into a wave of excitement. A gathering of people wearing all black are cheering and laughing. You can see wires attatched to the clothes of those nearest to you. A young girl, around fifteen or so, steps up onto the bonnet of a nearby car. Instantly, the crowd falls silent. "Y'all ready?" She shouts. The crowd cheers in response. "A'ight then. Three!" The group joins the chant. "Two! One!" On one, hidden buttons are pressed. Switches are flicked. And the people dressed all in black are suddenly covered with neon lights. Some have only a few lights, accenting parts of their outfit. Others are almost completely covered, only parts of their black clothing visible. Passers-by stop to see what's going on. Somebody passes around a box of glowing bracelets in different colours. The stranger takes two, and offers one to you. [[Take the bracelet->Take bracelet]]

You clench your hands into fists and turn to Elyjah. He nods, and takes a step towards the lead Regulator. You turn to one of the other Regulators. [[Punch him->Punch]] [[Kick him->Kick]] [[Run away->Run away]]

"Okay." You anounce. "I'll go with you." The Regulator laughs harshly. "You're just a civilian. Walk away now, and none of this is your problem." [[Stay and try to fight->Try to fight]] [[Walk away->Walk away from fight]]

You swing your hand towards the Regulator's head. Surprisingly, it connects, but doesn't seem to do much damage. He looks at you as if confused as to why you even //tried// to fight him. And then [[he hits you back.->Punch1]]

You kick in the general direction of the Regulator, and are surprised when it actually connects. He looks at you as if confused as to why you even //tried// to fight him. And then [[he hits you back.->Punch1]]

Your head [[feels like it`'s` splitting in two->Punch2]]

And as the world goes black, you [[realise you've made a bad choice.->Ending: Regulator]]

Congradulations! You have completed the story. The ending you got was: //Regulator//. Click [[here->Beginning]] to return to the beginning.

You turn, and walk in the other direction, back towards the diner, not looking back at Elyjah who could have certainly used your help. After a few minutes, you arrive at the diner and walk in. You glance at the menu. For some strange reason, there are only two drink options. [[Tea->Order tea]] [[§ºΩ‡∆«≠¶◊->Order juice]]

"Hey." You say, somewhat awkwardly. "Hey yourself." Elyjah responds. Amira clears her throat to get your attention. "So-" "-I heard what you said." You interrupt, realising more and more as you say each word that that probably wasn't a //great// idea. "You did?" Elyjah asks. His voice is neutral so it's hard to tell if he's annoyed or not. [[Apologise->Apologise]] [[Explain->Explain]]

"Hey." You say, somewhat awkwardly. "Hey yourself." Elyjah responds. Amira clears her throat to get your attention. "So, I'd like to offer you a job." [[What?->Job what]] [[`.`..`okay->Job okay]]

"I- sorry." Elyjah smiles. "It's alright. We weren't really standing that far away, so it's not an issue." "Right." Amira agrees. "Now, about the job... Are you in?" [[Yes->Job okay]] [[You haven't even told me what it is yet!->Job what]]

"It's just that you weren't actually standing that far away or anything! So I couldn't help overhearing. I'm sorry." Elyjah smiles. "It's alright. Don't worry." "Right." Amira agrees. "Now, about the job... Are you in?" [[Yes->Job okay]] [[You haven't even told me what it is yet!->Job what]]

"What? You haven't told me anything about it! Am I just //supposed// to accept a job offer from a //random person// I don't even know? Is that how everything works, now?" Amira holds up her hands. "Woah, calm down. I'll explain everything later. Ly?" Elyjah holds out a small, scanner-like device and waves it over your bracelet. The glow shifts from blue to purple. Suddenly you realise that the only people other than you who have purple bracelets are Amira, Elyjah and the other employees. And then the [[lights go out->lights go out]]

"Yes." You reply. "I'd like the job." Amira smiles. "That's great! Ly?" Elyjah holds out a small, scanner-like device and waves it over your bracelet. The glow shifts from blue to purple. Suddenly you realise that the only people other than you who have purple bracelets are Amira, Elyjah and the other employees. And then the [[lights go out->lights go out]]

The only light that can be seen is the bracelets. The front door is flung open, and uniformed people run inside. "Regulators!" Someone shouts as you are pulled away from the door and into a back room. A torch flickers on and you see Amira. She holds a finger to her lips and motions for you to follow her out of the building. [[Follow her->Follow Amira]] [[Stay where you are->TESTING VERSION]]

You follow Amira. It's probably safer this way. The torch flickers as you are guided through two rooms and out into a back alleyway. Amira turns the torch off, and tugs her sleeve down to cover her bracelet. You do the same. Then, the two of you [[walk out onto the street.->Walk into the street]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

You see a group of Regulators standing out the front of the building, checking people's bracelets and sending certain people to a van with barred windows. Good thing you decided to go with Amira. A Regulator points towards you. You pretend that you didn't see and start to walk away from them, but Amira grabs your hand and guides you towards them. "Just follow my lead." She hisses. You [[walk over to the Regulator.->TESTING VERSION]]

The Regulator