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10

This is your birthday and you wanted to spend some quality time with your friends, instead of babysit your neighbor’s daughter.

“I can’t mom, please tell Mrs. Hiroshi I have plans today.” you frowned.

Your mother didn’t pushed you. After she went back outside to told Mrs. Hiroshi, you clean up the table and went upstairs to call your friends.

Who would you like to call first?

______________________________________________________

   

          Serena                                               Michelle

9

“Mm… Nothing, really… probably just chillin.” you said.

“Alright.  See you later, man.”

You blinked your eyes twice. The dream was awful… but for some reason you could not remember what was that you saw in the end. Shaking your head couple of times, you head to the shower.

---

After done shower and breakfast you were thinking of reading some comic books to pass time. You browsed your book shelves but you already each and every single book there… Your eyes stopped on its track and caught a maroon, unfamiliar book which for unknown reason found its way to the shelves next to Bleach and Naruto.

Puzzled, you took it out and examined the cover. The title was “The Life of an Unfortunate Kid”

What a sad title, who in the world wants to read it… Whose book is this anyway?

The cover was very unappetizing; gloom and dark, shown a site of a murder scene. You skipped through the pages nonchalantly.

Something extremely strange happened at the exact moment you skipped over the pages. The space and time was distorted, you felt yourself deteriorating into particles and sucked into the book. I must be dreaming…

Actually… you didn’t. You woke up in a strange place, like a storage area. You saw mountains of rations and weapons stored there. Somebody shouted at you, “Don’t spaced out! Take out the rations and put them on the trucks!”

You froze, bewildered. Fuck. This is not happening. I need to wake up now.

The man who shouted at you kick you from behind, make you fell hard on your knees. You felt the pain stinging. Dammit this isn’t a dream.

The man who’s holding a riffle now moved passed you and gave more commands. You saw many people there, boys, men, old men, they all looked ragged and dirty. You have to make a move now.

__________________________________________________________

If you choose to slip and escape

If you choose to obey obediently

8

Something extremely strange happened at the exact moment you turned on the game. The space and time was distorted, you felt yourself deteriorating into particles and sucked into the game. “Maruko!” you glanced to your side and saw Maruko was sucked in also.

You woke up in a strange place, but kind of beautiful. You found Maruko beside you, still unconscious. You woke her up and both of you looked around. “Where is this place? Are we in the game?” Maruko whispered.

“I guess so… Either that or New Zealand.” you stared at the blue lake before you, the hill which you were standing, and the forest landscape at the background. At the far sight you saw a village, with all the traditional looking houses and brick walls around the city. You recalled your favorite TV Series back then in your elementary years… It was very… medieval.

“Who are you??” a sharp and suspicious tone greeted you from behind. You and Mariko saw a young man with a spear and huge luggage on his bag.

You introduced yourself as Ezra and Maruko, and you said that you were transported here from another world. You knew that man won’t ever believe such non sense but what else can you said?

Unlike what you thought, this man actually taking your answer seriously. He told you to come with him and see the village chief. Well well well…

---

The chief village was a large cool guy with an eyepatch. His attire was a little bit too much, but it suits him. He also carried a huge sword and looked really strong. His name was Prime.

"Welcome to Falena, Miss Ezra. Are you trully a Savior from the other world?" Prime asked firmly.

You nodded, "I don't know about 'savior', but we definitely weren't from this universe."

Prime asked you to show him the proof that you were indeed the Savior. You didn't know what to do at first, but then he recognize your bracelet and his eyes beamed.

"As the prophecy said.. there will be the time when Messiah from other world will come save us from destruction, the one who bears the power of the Ancient Bracelet. I, Georg Prime, as the King of Falena, the United Nation of Human Race, hereby welcomed you."

Your jaw dropped.

"Err... Sir, uhm... Even if you say that, I don't know what I'm suppose to do."

"Don't worry about that, the propechy told to assist you with THIS, to become your guide on your journey." after saying that, Prime gestured at his men and one of them stepped up, holding a...

Stuffed animal. Moving, stuffed animal.

Rabbit mutant?? It doesn't look like any animal you ever saw in your 20 years of life!

OH LORD...

"His name is Mokona. Take him and please continue your journey. Oh and you can choose one of our soldier to help you along the way. Counselour , do we have anyone worthy to escort Miss Ezra on her mission?” Prime asked his advisor.

“General Xena has just arrived from Carvahall, Sire. Also Lord Gaara, the representative from Sand Village is now ready for mission.”

Georg Prime summoned both of them, and asked you to choose. General Xena was a strong looking woman with brunette hair, fully armored and carrying a chakram and a sword. Lord Gaara in the other hand, were unarmored at all and kinda looked young, with red hair and cold raccoon eyes, with a red tattoo on his forehead. He carried a huge and suspicious… peanut jar on his back. 

_______________________________________________________

Which one would you take with you?

  

7

“I guess I have no choice, I’ll help watch over Maruko-chan…” you said half heartedly.

“Wonderful! I’ll let Mrs. Hiroshi know.” Your mother turned and hurry go back to the front door, “Come on, she’s waiting!” she gestured you to hurry.

You quickly eat the rest of your bread and walked to the door. Your mom had already informed Mrs. Hiroshi by then.

“Oh thank you, thank you, Ezra-san! Now here, I’ll leave you with the house key, please watch over her for a while, I’ll be back as soon as possible!”

You smiled, “No worries, Sumire-san, I’ll take care of Maruko for you. I hope Kotake-san will get better soon.”

“Hontou ni arigato!”

“Doita shimasta.” you returned the gratitude and took both the house key and Maruko’s hand.

After she left, you went to her house with Maruko. “Hmm… it’s early, Maruko. What do you want to do?” you bend over and smiled to the little girl.

Maruko was a cute nine year old girl who was always there for as long as you remember. And with her silent and diligent sister which was quite the opposite of her, she’s closer to you than to her and looked up to you as an older sister.

“I’m sorry to have bothered you, Ezra… I know it’s boring to watch over me in a sunny day like this.”

You blinked twice, and laughed, “You still talk like an adult, don’t you, Maruko?”

“Hehe! How old are you, Ezra?”

“Mm! Good question. I am, in fact, 20 today!” ^^

“Is that mean today is your birthday??”

“Yup!”

Maruko grinned and laughed, “Awesome! Happy birthday!! Oh oh~ we should play *that* game! It’s so pretty I got it yesterday! I want to play with Grandpa but then Grandma went ill so I guess I’ll play with you!” You can barely heard her words as she dashed away upstairs to her room, apparently fetching the game she was talking about.

“Here!” she came running, holding a huge board game and grinning happily.

You took the board and examine it. It titled “Enchanted Forest” and looked a bit dark but most definitely pretty.




“How do you play this?” you asked. Maruko took over the board and open it. When unfolded, to your surprise it wasn’t a usual 2D board game, but 3D instead. Like a 3D wishes card or story book, you may say.

The board game changed into some kind of detailed map with regions mark and landscape. Also in your astonishment, it also have levels, like some hanging ‘islands’ that was connected by just a silver lining. A hell of a lining, it must be made of stainless steel to be able to hold that many islands. You counted there were four levels including the board.

“Where did you get this game?? It’s awesome!”

“I found it in the secret basement, it seems like it was there since forever.”

You laughed, “Secret basement?”

“Yeah, the basement of our basement. No one knows that place exists except for me.” she said proudly. “This is the second time I open this, but I never play it… Do you know how to play this?”

“Hmmm… let see…” you looked for the manual and started to read. “Mmm… It’s a game of Tale,” you explained, “There are territories on this map, the village of Men, the village of Beasts, and the village of Elves, they are constantly at war with one another. Far in the hidden forest somewhere in level 2, there was a village of the Fairies, and there are the Destined Twins who hold the key to the future of this world. One of the twin hold the path to the world peace and the other hold path to destruction because the Twin has the power to awaken the Legendary Dragon. Once the Dragon are summoned, it will be the End of all races. The highest level of this game,” you pointed to the only island on level fourth, “was the Dragon lair.”

“Sounds cool! And what is our objective?” Maruko stared in excitement.

“The Player must seek cooperation from the Three Nations to assist you finding the village of Fairies, and find the Twins and eliminate the one whom hold the Power to Summon. However, the tricky part is we don’t know which one of the Twins was the good or the bad one...”

Maruko blinked. “That’s a cool story but what are the rules? How’s the game play?”

You were thinking exactly the same thing. You scanned through the manual again, flipped it, and searched more, but you can’t find the game rules.

“Err… oh here, it’s the pieces!” you picked a tube which inside it you found 5 gold pieces, like the ones you used on chess, but smaller. You chose one randomly, so did Maruko.

“Should we... put this piece there?" Maruko pointed the area near the “Start” button on the side of the board.

You started the initiative to place your piece and Maruko followed. After you two placed your pieces, you press the start button.

6

You were humming happily while descending the stairs, already showered and ready to rule the day.

“So what’s your plan now? It’s still holiday, are you going out?” your mother asked.

“Mmm… maybe heading out and join Kati and the girls at the mall… But I’m totally broke now so I don’t know. Are you going somewhere?” you sat at the table, reaching for the toasted bread and jam.

“Hmm.. yeah I have my high school reunion at 10 today. Would you be okay being home alone? You might as well call Kati and the girls.” she said, a little worried.

“Oh sure mom, please, it’s fine.”

Suddenly you heard knocking on the door. Your mother got up and greeted the guest at the front. You cannot hear what they were speaking about, but it didn’t take long, your mother soon returned to the dining room.

“What’s wrong?”

“Uhh… that was Mrs. Hiroshi, she said her mom just hospitalized and she really has to go taking care of her. But she couldn’t take little Maruko with her, since she didn’t want her to caught the disease.”

"What about her older sister?"


"She's gone since yesterday on a field trip with her school, and Mr. Hiroshi is currently out on business trip." your mother frowned. “I know this is your birthday, but if you’re free, could you please babysit little Maruko? Just for half a day, Mrs. Hiroshi said she won’t be leaving for long.”

 “Umm…” you took a bite of your bread while thinking…

---

If you choose to help babysit little Maruko-chan, continue to

If you choose to go to the mall, continue to

If you choose to stay at home, continue to

5

“Take it, it’s free, I have a lot.” without waiting for your answer, the blond girl grabbed your hand and put a tiny white pill on your palm.

“What is this?” you asked. She laughed. “You don’t need to know, but you’ll feel great once you take it.”

Jenny might not be the wisest kid around, but she’s popular and fun to be with. You, in the other hand, weren’t quite a party girl. Sure, you have your friends and go to clubs in occasions, but you were nowhere near a party animal.

Oh well, it won’t hurt… I guess, you thought and swallowed it on one gulp with a beer.

Minutes later you started to feel its effect. Damn… I’m not used to this stuff… I should have taken a half.

Under its effect you started to lose your senses to your surroundings. You felt someone grab your waist and dance with you. Responding to the guy—and to the drug—you wrapped your arms around him.

You felt him getting closer, you felt his head on your side and felt his heat around your neck. Damn. Who’s this guy?

You tried to avoid him but he forcefully hold your arms, making you unable to move. You felt him started to force his way and kissed your shoulder, you were disgusted but were weak compare to him. Your mind was hazy. Soon you might won’t be able to defend yourself.

“Let me… GO!!” collecting whatever strength left in you, you screamed and pushed him.

---

A Bon Jovi intro played loud and clear from beside you, brought you back to consciousness.

“It ain’t a song for the broken hearted~”

Half awake, you searched for your cell and turned off the alarm. Ughh… you felt nausea just from remembering the dream.

“Ez, you’re awake?” a kind voice chirped from outside your room.

“Yes mom...”

The door slide open and your mom came in.

“Happy birthday!!” she smiled and bent to give you a kiss on the cheek.

“Mom please I’m not a teen anymore!” you laughed and rolled away, hiding under your blanket.

“Oh but you’re still my daughter!” she smiled, “Here look, what I got for you.” she took out a shining jewelry from her pocket, grab your hand and placed it on your palm.

Dejavu.

You admired the bracelet in your palm, it looks antique and … very valuable. “Oh mom, thank you so much…” you whispered, “Is this… silver?”

“Darling, it’s better than silver. It’s platinum.”

Your eyes widened in shock. This must be the most expensive gift you ever had!

“Listen, Ezra. This is a family heirloom. There was a legend that it wields a mysterious power, that bracelet.” your mother winked.

Hahaha, no way.

“Mom, when I said I’m not a teen, that doesn’t mean I'm nine.” you laughed.

Your mother stood up, “Oh well... is it? Haha! Well come down stairs when you’re ready.” ^^

4

There is NO TURNING BACK!!

You were thrown to this parallel universe much unprepared. The Demon that sealed you within his fingers was now taking full control over you, you won't be able to leave this world.

When you woke up, you found yourself in a forest-like landscape. You heard howling from afar and the sun almost setting on the west. You saw a house near your perimeter, and you were thinking of visiting the house, seeing if you can find anyone there to help you. Big mistake.

(click the house to see ending)


BAD ENDING 1

3

“Mm… Nothing, really… probably just watch TV.” you said.

“Alright.  See you later, man.”

You blinked your eyes twice. The dream was awful… but for some reason you could not remember what was that you saw in the end. Shaking your head couple of times, you head to the shower.

--- 

After shower you sat back on your bed and turn on the TV. You browse through the channels with hazy focus. What did I saw in the end…? I remember I was crawling… and then I saw… Damn I can’t remember!!

In frustration you turned off the TV and lie in your bed. After a while you accept the fact that you cannot remember it, and so you let your mind relax a bit. Your gaze wandering to the ceiling, but your mind was somewhere else.  In the back ground, a gentle tune was playing from your MP3.

Hypnotic sound… it’s a miracle that you can feel almost peaceful, because your mind was usually… restless.

Something doesn’t feel right…  A little bit strange. Something in the air was just different, it doesn’t fit…  and something inside you, your inner sense, was trying so hard to warn you. But you felt really sleepy… so sleepy you were about to ignore the warning.  I was just shower. This is impossible. I never get sleepy after shower. It was like fighting a strong sleeping drug.  The gentle back sound was now the only thing you can hear.

And then you realized you hadn’t turned on your MP3 at all this morning.

At the exact moment of awareness, you felt like everything around you was come crashing down. Once again the image of what exactly you saw at the end of your dream come flashing on your mind... In horror, you realized what the dream really was; it was Evil incarnation and it will not let you go. It will continue to chase you in dream and reality.

Closing your eyes, you know you will wake up some place else. In a world set pretty much similar to what you experienced in your last dream.

___________________________________________________

It’s too scary! I want to go back!

I must say I’m intrigued. Demon or Ghost, I’m not afraid!! Let’s get though this!!

2

“Mm… Nothing, really… probably just doing things on my computer.” you said.

“Alright.  See you later, man.”

You blinked your eyes twice. The dream was awful… but for some reason you could not remember what was that you saw in the end. Shaking your head couple of times, you head to the shower.

---

After done shower you sat on your desk, checking all those ‘offline’ messages. You never turn off your computer, so you can find some messages easily when you’re back. Hmm… one message. Wonder who sent a message between 4 and 8 in the morning?

Oh… it’s her. So a new game, huh?

To be honest, you were long since retired from playing online games. This girl, you met on a certain online game about six months ago, and even after you stopped playing MMORPG, the two of you still have ways to maintain communication.

With only half interest, you went ahead and download the game as she recommended. It was pretty big file, you felt tired waiting. Oh well… might as well have breakfast. And so you did.

Your cell phone rang again. This time, fully awake, you glanced at the caller’s ID first before answering.

What the …

In the caller ID, you clearly read the girl’s name, EZ short for Easy. Yep, the one who just left you the message on your YM.

After a while, you pressed the cancel button. She was probably going to miscall anyway. Not a chance she’s gonna risk making an international phone call.

It looks like your download was done by then. Patiently you waited for the game to be installed properly. It turned out that it was a typical MMORPG with classes and race, one genre you’re more than accustomed with.

Now Play.

A familiar theme song was played though the speaker, but you can’t remember when or where you heard it. The game then prompted you to choose character. Wonder what will you choose?

_____________________________________________________

If you choose to be a Warrior, continue à  

If you choose to be a Mage, continue à  

If you choose to be an Archer, continue à  

If you choose to be a Thief, continue à  

If you choose to be a Healer, continue à  

1

You were lying on the floor, immobilized. Where is this? But then you noticed right away without being told, that you were on your own bedroom. You tried to wake up and move, but your body felt really heavy it’s almost impossible to move a muscle.  This is crazy, I have to get out.  You had no choice, you started to crawl.

You passed your chair, and lucky, the door was opened, so you crawled through.

That’s the living room, you thought, hoping that you can find your family. You crawled further until you get there… but there was no one. You started to feel wary, and you close your eyes, determined to get up and leave this eerie place. Second later you opened your eyes, only to find you were back to your bedroom. The same state, still couldn’t move. “What the hell…”

You were crawling again, passing your drawer, your computer, and through the open door once again. It was creepy, your house was dark, the floor was cold, and you can’t sense anyone around...

 “The living room…”

You were sweating in exhaustion.  You crawled with all the power left in your body, closer and closer to the living room. “Somebody… help…”

Finally you stopped, caught your breath then slowly reaised your head. And you froze. It took you a few seconds to grasp understanding of what lies before you. Your eyes widened in terror and you started to suffocated.

---

A loud annoying sound brought you back to consciousness. And you find yourself back in your bedroom. But instead of lying helplessly, you felt comfortable and warm. 

You turned off the alarm and caught your breath. The dream was too real and vivid.

You gazed to your clock. Eight thirty in the morning. You slept at four, and so you got 4 hours of sleep, which is enough for you. Suddenly your cell phone rang. Naturally you picked it up.

“Hello?”

“Hey, did I wake you up?” said a familiar voice.

“Not really. ‘Sup?”

“The class is cancelled today. I do you a favor and telling you.”

“Oh… okay. Thanks.” you mumbled, eyes still half closed.

The guy over the phone chuckled, “I thought you’ll be wasted after last night.”

You smiled a bit, remembering the blast you had last night at the club. Always the same old tradition with the same old guys… getting drunk all night at club celebrating your special day. “Yea man it’s too bad you couldn’t come.”

“Yea I know it sucks I wanted to come too. Anyway happy birthday man, maybe we can chill later.”

“We will.”

“What’s your plan now?”

“Mm. Let see…”

___________________________________________________________

If you choose to watch TV , continueà  

If you choose to play online games, continue à  

If you choose to read manga, continue à