(NGX) The Zodiac Game (End) : Berry Big Circus

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 3:45 pm

JaytheBluPirate

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Dr. Uwem rushs over to check on Fujisaki after it was done.

"Fujisaki! Are you alright?!" The doctor asked, concerned about Fujisaki's wellbeing, as he quickly gives the one-armed man a checkup.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 4:13 pm

DootDootDoot

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After seeing Fujisaki get electrocuted and hearing the sound from beneath the throne, Amethyst decided the extra vote could probably wait for later. She went over to check beneath the throne. "I think it worked!"

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 4:27 pm

Planetbox

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Amethyst reaches under the throne, grabs something, and pulls it out. It’s a large grey keychain with a key attached to it, which likely used to be inside the throne. The key is very small—smaller even than Amethyst’s wrist. She wonders what it unlocks...

Vesti and Lauren's Interdimensional Investigations
This CYOA follows Vesti Gates and Lauren Tehra, two detectives who search for the truth, whether in their own dimension or otherwise.

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Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 4:44 pm

Southern Corn

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"Nice!" Monk laughed loudly, looking quite proud. "We're doing it, huh? Seems like we were expected though..."

"Anyway, that's a nice key you've got there, girl", he remarked to Amethyst. "Where'd you think that goes, ya think?"

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 4:48 pm

JesusMonroe

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“This is all incredibly suspicious!” Mao hypocritically shouted. “I’d sooner believe the lot of you are all in on this than this morphogenetic madness!”

He turns to Suyin. “Is this game a prank? You know I hate surprises! I’m a busy man!”

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 5:14 pm

Datamatt

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Mei decides to let Amandi handle Fujisaki. She turns to Mao, "It's not a prank! I don't know where those fucking words even came from, but it's working..."

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 5:32 pm

DootDootDoot

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JesusMonroe wrote:

“This is all incredibly suspicious!” Mao hypocritically shouted. “I’d sooner believe the lot of you are all in on this than this morphogenetic madness!”

He turns to Suyin. “Is this game a prank? You know I hate surprises! I’m a busy man!”

"If you're not going to help, could you at least be quiet?! I'm trying to think!" Amethyst shouted right back, and checked her bracelet for something like a keyhole.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 6:31 pm

Pierre

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"Mr Fujisaki!" Juanli gasped rushing over to check on him "I'm so sorry Mr Fujisaki! It seems we had no choice, are you alright?" she asked trying to help the man onto his side.

She looked up at the General "I'm inclined to agree General, I have no idea what is going on here but..." he gaze drifted to Amethyst and the key "...it seems to be doing something?" She looked over at the monitor "Don't worry Sunny! We'll get you soon sweetie we're just...trying...something."

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Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 6:40 pm

Planetbox

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Amethyst finds a small impression on the bottom of the bracelet. It’s quite small, but it might be a keyhole...and it looks like her key fits it.

Vesti and Lauren's Interdimensional Investigations
This CYOA follows Vesti Gates and Lauren Tehra, two detectives who search for the truth, whether in their own dimension or otherwise.

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Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 6:55 pm

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"... I found it."

She put the key inside and turned it.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:03 pm

Planetbox

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With a click, the bracelet breaks apart. Amethyst fumbles with it, letting the bracelet fall, its thin metal sections stretching across the floor.

Vesti and Lauren's Interdimensional Investigations
This CYOA follows Vesti Gates and Lauren Tehra, two detectives who search for the truth, whether in their own dimension or otherwise.

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Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:07 pm

Kachu

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Fujisaki slowly stands back up and looks at the rest of the group co fused as heck. “What on earth...?” Then he watches Amethyst take her bracelet off.

“What’s going on?”

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:09 pm

Southern Corn

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"I... It worked!" Monk seemed quite staggered. "Holy shit... So what does that mean? Without the bracelets on, we're free to go wherever we want, right? This must've been what the door of steel was referring to... Christ."

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:11 pm

DootDootDoot

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"It worked! It worked!" Amethyst beamed, holding the key up for anyone who wanted to open their bracelet next. Despite the game not even starting properly, the relief she felt from being rid of it was immense.

Last edited by DootDootDoot on Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:15 pm

JaytheBluPirate

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"Well, that key is the only way we can get these bracelets off. Although, Fujisaki and I will need some assistance on removing our bracelets." Dr. Uwen said as he looks down at his bracelet.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:17 pm

Kachu

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Fujisaki opens his mouth to interject, but quickly closes it again. "...The doctor is right..." He mumbles.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:19 pm

Pierre

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Juanli leapt to her feet waving her bracelet arm wildly "Oh me next please Miss Amethyst!" she looked over at Monk "Yes Mr Monk! Without these bracelets we can check this place out as we please! I'm sure we'll be able to find Sunny then!"

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Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:25 pm

DootDootDoot

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"... And there you go!" Amethyst cheerfully found the keyhole in Juanli's bracelet and it opened it. And what the heck, she also helped the doctor and Fujisaki out of their bracelets while she was at it. What joy.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:30 pm

Datamatt

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Mei, after a bit of hesitation, offers her arm, "Don't look up my sleeve. Just get it off."

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:32 pm

Southern Corn

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"Sure, why not", Monk grinned, giving his arm to Amethyst as well.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:38 pm

DootDootDoot

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Click! Off went Mei's bracelet, and no looking up any sleeves was needed. And click! Off went Monk's too. This is taking a lot of posts.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:47 pm

Doctor Nanjo

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X tilts her head, “I suppose it’s for the best that I keep my bracelet on. I would not want to make the Cat upset by participating in this insurrection. Perhaps we should walk through a meridian gate and see if Cat makes good on their promise.”

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:58 pm

KamiPanda

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Sun Taikong shrugged at X's suggestion. "I see no harm in this! We're doing great!" He held out his wrist to get debraceletted as well.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 8:06 pm

JesusMonroe

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Mao held up his arm too, still suspicious but not caring enough about all that right now.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 8:28 pm

DootDootDoot

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Amethyst removed Taikong's bracelet without a fuss, and then paused right before Mao's.

She still unlocked it eventually, she just didn't like it.

Doctor Nanjo wrote:

X tilts her head, “I suppose it’s for the best that I keep my bracelet on. I would not want to make the Cat upset by participating in this insurrection. Perhaps we should walk through a meridian gate and see if Cat makes good on their promise.”

"Uh, that seems a little-" Amethyst started, then realized something that made her mood drop like a rock.

"... Is this an insurrection? Or is it just another part of the game?"

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 8:50 pm

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JesusMonroe wrote:

“This is all incredibly suspicious!” Mao hypocritically shouted. “I’d sooner believe the lot of you are all in on this than this morphogenetic madness!”

He turns to Suyin. “Is this game a prank? You know I hate surprises! I’m a busy man!”

“Look I’m just as confused as you are.” Suyin replied. “It’s no prank though.”

Suyin holds up her arm for Amethyst to unlock her bracelet.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 9:22 pm

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Amethyst unlocked Suyin's bracelet and then went back to being VERY spooked about this possibly not being the end.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 9:29 pm

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After everyone’s bracelets are unlocked (except X) the group considers what to do next.

“What now?” Monk asks, “Even if we can get through the Meridian Gates, we still don’t have a way out of this facility.”

“We must need to find the ‘door of steel,’” Amandi replies, “But what could that be referring to?”

Knitting his brow curiously, Taikong heads into the antechamber behind the throne room. He stops in front of the strange metal door with it’s twelve keyholes arranged in a circle, which had yet to be opened.

“This must be the door it’s referring to,” Taikong says.

“Most likely. But how do we open it?” Amandi asks.

“Let me try something,” Juanli says.

She sticks something bulky and metal into one of the keyholes and turns it with a click. The hole burns with bright white light.

“Huh? Where’s you get that from?” Suyin asks.

“It was actually really simple,” Juanli explains, “The bracelet is divided into several individual pieces, and they have small hinges and magnets between them. If you fold it just right, you can form it into a shape that fits into the door. It’s sort of like a papercraft, really.”

Everyone tries it out and they get it to work pretty easily. Soon all of the keyholes are lit up except for three—and only one of those bracelets is accounted for.

The group feels an unexplainable tension in their heads—like buried memories are threatening to rise violently to the surface.

“Now we just need the Dragon and Snake bracelets,” Amandi mumbles, “But we don’t know where they are.”

“I think I have a solution,” Fujisaki says, “Come with me, Juanli. We’re going to get your son out.”

“Oh, alright,” Juanli replies, “Amethyst, you should come too. You have the key!”

“Wait for me outside the Snake door,” Fujisaki says.

The others nod and then enter the West Wing as Fujisaki returns to the throne room. The others wait in the antechamber for their return.

————————

Eventually, Fujisaki enters the room with a bracelet bearing the character for Snake in his hand. Juanli and Amethyst enter behind him, Sunny walking between them.

“I believe these are what you were looking for,” he says.

Fujisaki folds up the Snake bracelet and slots it in the door. Then Juanli takes Sunny’s bracelet and does the same. Now eleven of the keyholes are lit up, leaving just one vacant.

The group turns expectantly to Patient X, who still wears hers around her wrist.

Vesti and Lauren's Interdimensional Investigations
This CYOA follows Vesti Gates and Lauren Tehra, two detectives who search for the truth, whether in their own dimension or otherwise.

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Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 10:17 pm

JaytheBluPirate

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“X? Your bracelet need to be put into the last keyhole... Why did you decided to wear it instead of unlocking it?” Dr. Uwem asked, an eyebrow raised.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 10:43 pm

Doctor Nanjo

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"The Cat seems to have the incorrect belief about what I will do. I have no interest in opening this door, just as I have no real interest in being here. I am challenging the Cat to allow me to leave without putting me through any more of their machinations."

"You can of course force me to go against my own wishes. I understand that this duress Cat puts you in will push you to take drastic measures against me," X's fingers twitch in anticipation. "But it is not my fault you are all locked behind this door and so you would only be tackling me because I am defenseless."

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Fri Jan 22, 2021 11:59 pm

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"... What?" Amethyst asked. "The cat isn't just going to let you leave- what?" she asked again.

"No one is going to take drastic measures, but you need to put your bracelet here to get out. If you don't want to leave and you don't want to stay, what do you want?"

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Sat Jan 23, 2021 12:17 am

Doctor Nanjo

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"I want to leave, but I also wish to stop this charade," X says quickly, waving her bandaged hand through the space between her and Amethyst.

"It is obvious that this is just an extension of Cat's plan, and probably the crown jewel of it. I was taken here against my will, and now the Cat will get what they want from me if I comply," she moves to clutch the bracelet at her chest. "I don't want the Cat to get what they want. The Cat does not want me to have what I want. We should be released without any more of this game."

"Perhaps Cat knows this would be my choice and has a plan anyway," she adds, clearly thinking aloud.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Sat Jan 23, 2021 12:36 am

KamiPanda

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"Maybe Cat has your best interests at heart?" Sun Taikong suggested. "You can't really know either way. It sounds like your life before now was being stuck in a hospital while the good doctor experimented on you. Now you and he are on the same level, and you're no longer stuck in that life. Who knows what the future could hold!"

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Sat Jan 23, 2021 12:48 am

Doctor Nanjo

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"Someone who has my best interests at heart would not act as the Cat does," X says, her eyebrows pressing down against her bandaged eyes. "Why would the Cat deny me a choice in this matter? Why is there no compromise? If Cat cared about my will, they would have tried to get my agreement. And so since my agreement has not been asked for, I will not give it."

"Dr. Uwem, certainly was similar to this, but he did not hide himself and his intentions, and he was not nearly so forceful. Maybe that's just as bad."

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Sat Jan 23, 2021 12:55 am

JaytheBluPirate

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“What are you talking about, X? You’re not making any sense here!” Dr. Uwem said, a look of utter confusion on his face.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Sat Jan 23, 2021 1:05 am

Doctor Nanjo

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"The Cat is hanging our lives over our heads and asking we do the things Cat wants. It is immoral. I will not indulge this person and spoil them."

She turns to Dr. Uwem and shakes her head, "You must see yourself and Cat as quite different. Taikong said it well. Before now, you were my captor and would ask me to do what you want. Now Cat has turned the tables on you."

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Sat Jan 23, 2021 8:14 am

Southern Corn

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"So what's your plan, then?" Monk asked. "If we're not gonna make it through this door, what do you want us to do? Go look further into this facility? Do something else Cat would've wanted us to do anyway?" He shook his head. "I'm not saying I don't find this fishy. It all adds up far too neatly, but it does seem like our best choice at the moment."

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Sat Jan 23, 2021 9:39 am

JaytheBluPirate

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“Well, X’s the only one who still have her bracelet on... We can’t afford to let her go through a Meridian Gate, otherwise we may be screwed if she does that...” Dr. Uwem said.

“I wish we knew what is it that Cat wanted us to do...” The doctor mumbles.

Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Sat Jan 23, 2021 9:49 am

Pierre

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Juanli picks Sunny up and swings him around in glee, a behaviour he may or may not consider himself too old for but she hugs him close as she holds him up off the ground.

"Oh Sunny! My brave little boy! You've done so well for Mama. We're going to get you out of here soon ok?"

She rapidly explains his estranged Auntie and Uncle (if that's been revealed in this timeline) to him.

She turns to X with Sunny still in her arms.

"So...Miss X you mean to refuse Cat out of spite?" She frowned and gently rubbed Sunny's back. "The alternative I think is just to stay here and die. We all need to make compromises in life at some point. If you want to get back at Cat you can find another way later but at least let us out for now."

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Re: (NGX) The Zodiac Game (Grey Timeline)

Sat Jan 23, 2021 11:45 am

Datamatt

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"You're not making much sense to me, and if we want to have a shot at getting out of whatever this fucking place is, this is probably the best choice we have." Mei complains, "Can you get it over with already?"