Nothing or Another

A crisp, turbulent gust of [[wind|New Beginning]] surges through you. This is the first perception you acknowledge as the world takes presence around you. (if: $checkyourself > 0)[Now aware of yourself, you decide to... [[ > Observe your surroundings.|Snowstorm]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Awakening]] ] (set: $mood to $mood)

You observe a soft sensation cushioning the rugged ground beneath you. It is delicate, yet very cold. You acknowledge that within the presently coursing gusts are particles of this same substance. (if: $snow is 1)[A transient glimpse into a forgotten past has somehow allowed you to conclude that this substance is snow.] You decide to... [[ > Linger longer.|Close: Snow 💔]] [[ > Proceed elsewhere.|Cobblestone Path]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Snowstorm]] (set: $cobblestone_entry to 1)

(if: $cobblestone_entry is 1)[As you wander the unprovokingly featureless terrain, the howl of the wind begins to dwindle. You continue along until you stumble upon a substance that diverges from the level emptiness. ]Splitting the soft frosty blanket is a smooth rigid [[lump|Cobblestone 💗]] jutting out of the earth. There was not one, but many of these hard lumps arranged rather snugly amongst each other across the ground. They seem to lead off somewhere. You decide to... [[ > Follow the lumps.|Gate]] [[ > Proceed elsewhere.|Tree Near Path 💗]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Snowstorm]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Cobblestone Path]] (set: $cobblestone_entry to 0) (if: $mood < -3)[(goto: "Bad End")]

You begin to feel the sensation of this cold escalate to the point of being almost unbearably painful. The ferocity of the winds begin to pick up. You decide to... [[ > Linger longer.|Become: Snow]] [[ > Proceed elsewhere.|Cobblestone Path]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Linger Longer]] (set: $mood to $mood - 1)

The bitter cold begins to tease your very core. The sharp pain continues to course through you until you become numb to the searing sensations. All the while, you accumulate mass, materializing as the very same cold enveloping the world. You are now snow. You decide to... [[ > Linger longer.|Stay Frosty]] [[ > Proceed elsewhere.|Snowhere Else to Go...]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Become Snow]] (set: $snow to 1) (if: $mood < -3)[(goto: "Bad End")]

You make an attempt to reposition yourself, but you discover that you are be unable to do so. You realize you are now bound to the fluffy sheet that you once surmounted. (if: $frosty < 1)[Snowflakes perpetually clump onto you and detach off of you. Parts of you go blowing away with the wind. Others remain glued to the earth.] [[ > ...->Snowhere Else to Go... 2 💔]] (set: $frosty to 0)

You begin to perceive dreary yet consistent crunching sensations trodding by in the near distance. They steadily draw closer. And then suddenly, the inconsistent mass you encompass densens as the force of another's weight plods on top of you. An irritated mumble is trailed with various harsh groans. The heavy pattering slowly disappear into the desolate nothingness beyond. [[ > ...->Snowhere Else to Go... 3]] (set: $mood to $mood - 1) (set: $frosty to 0)

(if: $mood is -4)[(goto: "Bad End")](if: $mood is -3)[For a long while, nothing of note takes place. You agonize over this frozen hell in which you are imprisoned, unable to do anything more. Every so often, something scampers over you, rearranging you into a different, yet equally loathsome orientation. You curse at each disturbance. Similar incidents of this nature would continue to be the most significant change of pace in between these lengthy instances of stagnation. Eventually, your surroundings begin to warm up, and you begin to lose shape. Despite this, your unwavering resentment of your situation continues to fester, and you can not be any less interested in your physical change in state. What little left of you slowly begins to seep within the grainy surface below, while also simultaneously steaming away into the emptiness above. With so many pieces of you now scattered too far apart, you begin to drift from consciousness.](if: $mood is -2)[For a long while, nothing of note takes place. You agonize over this frozen hell in which you are imprisoned, unable to do anything more. Every so often, something scampers over you, rearranging you into a different, yet equally loathsome orientation. You curse at each disturbance. Similar incidents of this nature would continue to be the most significant change of pace in between these lengthy instances of stagnation. Eventually, your surroundings begin to warm up, and you begin to lose shape. Although your resentment of your situation continues to fester, you could not help but find interest in your physical change in state. What little left of you slowly begins to seep within the grainy surface below, while also simultaneously steaming away into the emptiness above. With so many pieces of you now scattered too far apart, you begin to drift from consciousness.](if: $mood is -1)[For a long while, nothing of note takes place. You cloud your thoughts to distract yourself from the detestable existence you are trapped in, unable to do anything more. Every so often, something scampers over you, rearranging you into a different orientation. You feel a strange anticipation for these occasional disturbances that would continue to be the most significant change of pace in between these lengthy instances of stagnation. Eventually, your surroundings begin to warm up, and you begin to lose shape. Although your distaste for your situation persists, you could not help but find interest in your physical change in state. What little left of you slowly begins to seep within the grainy surface below, while also simultaneously steaming away into the emptiness above. With so many pieces of you now scattered too far apart, you begin to drift from consciousness.](if: $mood is -0)[For a long while, nothing of note takes place. You make attempts to keep yourself occupied by counting the snowflakes flittering about around you, unable to do anything more. Every so often, something scampers over you, rearranging you into a different orientation. You feel a subtle anticipation for these occasional disturbances that would continue to be the most significant change of pace in between these lengthy instances of stagnation. Eventually, your surroundings begin to warm up, and you begin to lose shape. You found your prolonged inactivity somewhat disagreeable after a while, so you could not help but find interest in your change in state. What little left of you slowly begins to seep within the grainy surface below, while also simultaneously steaming away into the emptiness above. With so many pieces of you now scattered too far apart, you begin to drift from consciousness.](if: $mood is 1)[For a long while, nothing of note takes place. You make attempts to keep yourself entertained by studying the frenzied movement patterns of the snowflakes around you, unable to do anything more. Every so often, something scampers over you, rearranging you into a different orientation. You feel a genuine anticipation for these occasional disturbances that would continue to be the most significant change of pace in between these lengthy instances of stagnation. Eventually, your surroundings begin to warm up, and you begin to lose shape. You found your prolonged inactivity somewhat disagreeable after a while, so you could not help but find interest in your change in state. What little left of you slowly begins to seep within the grainy surface below, while also simultaneously steaming away into the emptiness above. With so many pieces of you now scattered too far apart, you begin to drift from consciousness.] [[ > ...->...]]

You are nothing but a conciousness capable of thought and perception. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go back.|Awakening]]

Some time has been consumed, and renewed once more. You begin to render thought yet again... (live: 5s)[(goto: "Awakening")] (set: $checkyourself to 0) (set: $makesense to 0) (set: $stonesteal to 0) (set: $wallsteal to 0) (set: $path_tree_steal to 0) (set: $wall_tree_steal to 0) (if: $ant is 1)[(set: $transient_ant to 1)] (set: $ant to 0) (set: $seen_path_tree to 0) (set: $seen_wall_tree to 0)

The wind continues to course by. Snowflakes perpetually clump onto you and detach off of you. Parts of you go blowing away with the wind. Others remain glued to the earth. You decide to... [[> Linger longer.->Stay Frosty]] [[> Proceed elsewhere.->Snowhere Else to Go...]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Stay Frosty]] (set: $frosty to 1)

You are currently snow. You are comprised of countless tiny crystals fragile to the touch. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go back.|Become: Snow]]

You are nothing but a conciousness capable of thought and perception. A discomforting sensation stings at you. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go back.->Linger Longer Status Checked]] (if: $mood < -3)[(goto: "Bad End")]

You begin to feel the sensation of this cold become stronger to the point of almost being painful. The ferocity of the winds begin to pick up. You decide to... [[ > Linger longer.|Become: Snow]] [[ > Proceed elsewhere.|Cobblestone Path]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Linger Longer]] (set: $cobblestone_entry to 1)

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Nothing or Another](stop:)] (live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[by Justin Chang](stop:)] (live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Thanks for Playing](stop:)]

You continue along the trail of these meticulously placed objects, feeling the presense of their varied arrangements until you happen to approach what appears to be a tall wide barrier comprised of seemingly the same [[material|Brick Wall 💗]] as the path. This structure spans far to both the left and right where you are unable to feel the ends from your immediate vicinity. (if: $brick_wall is 1)[You are somehow able to identify this structure as a brick wall.] You decide to... [[ > Trace the structure following left.|Tree Near Wall 💗]] [[ > Trace the structure following right.|Tree Near Wall 💗]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Cobblestone Path]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Gate]] (set: $cobblestone_entry to 1)

You proceed to observe one of these lumps with greater attention. You notice a light brushing of the cold particles resting on top. With further inspection, you realize the object is not as smooth as it initially seemed. A steady balance of sheen and roughness makes up its texture. Despite this, it still retains a round unwavering complextion. You begin to appreciate the distinctive properties that make up not only that particular object, but also those around it. (if: $cobblestone is 1)[A transient glimpse into a forgotten past has somehow allowed you to conclude that these lumps are rocks making up a cobblestone pathway.] You decide to... [[ > Continue observing.|Close: Cobblestone]] [[ > Go back.|Cobblestone Path]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Cobblestone]] (if: $stonesteal < 1) [ (if: $mood < 3) [(set: $mood to $mood + 1)] ] (set: $stonesteal to 1)

Completely captivated by the unique properties of this surface. You sought to delve even deeper. The natural flow of nothingness gradually fell to a hault and a pulse of darkness came to fruition. You suddenly feel very rigid, bound in place and unable to move in any capacity. You are now a cobblestone amongst a path of cobblestone. You decide to... [[ > Linger Longer.|Cobblestone Job]] [[ > Follow the lumps.|Cobblestone Still]] [[ > Proceed elsewhere.|Cobblestone Still]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Cobblestone Still]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Become Cobblestone]] (set: $cobblestone to 1)

(if: $mood is -4)[(goto: "Bad End")](if: $mood is -3)[It didn't take very long for your patience to run thin. Once again, you have been ensnared in what now seems like another preposterously punishing purgatory where your paltry perceptions are perpetually penalized. You wish to scream for the slightest glimmer of relief, but you are incapable of doing so. And though you wish for death, you have no means to end yourself. Exhausting your energy, you eventually stopped thinking.[(set: $mood to $mood - 1)]](if: $mood is -2)[What has occurred to you seemed absolutely absurd. You assert that there must have been a way out of this situation. The irritation smoldering within you has finally sprung to a point of unbearable agony. You begin to bargain with some sort of unknown deity you have conjured on the spot, but alas, nothing hears your cries. Ironic as you were once in a state of nothing yourself, and even then was that a boundless bliss compared to this immobile purgatory. With a proper cloud of hopelessness finally settling in, you finally accept your fate. Content with what seemed like your final destination, you eventually stopped thinking.[(set: $mood to $mood - 1)]](if: $mood is -1)[What has occurred to you didn’t seem real at first. You assert that there must have been a way out of this situation. The irritation smoldering within you has finally sprung to a point of unbearable agony. You begin to bargain with some sort of unknown deity you have conjured on the spot, but alas, nothing hears your cries. Ironic as you were once in a state of nothing yourself, and even then was that a boundless bliss compared to this immobile purgatory. With a proper cloud of hopelessness finally settling in, you finally accept your fate. Content with what seemed like your final destination, you eventually stopped thinking.[(set: $mood to $mood - 1)]](if: $mood is 0)[At first, this realization of immobility did not faze you. You felt indifferent to what seems to now be your final resting place. You lay amongst the other cobblestones comfortably, occasionally sensing vibrations from whatever may have briefly passed on top of you. However, as time continues its march, your thoughts further develop. Perhaps you could've been more. Or perhaps, something far worse. In any case, it really did not seem to matter in the end. With this melancholy rationale, you eventually stopped thinking.[(set: $mood to $mood - 1)]](if: $mood is 1)[An air of melancholy dawns upon you as you realize what seems like your final fate. Perhaps you could've experienced more, been more. However, it seems like none of that matters now. You somberly pass time motionlessly acknowledging anything that brushes up against your surface from light patters to weighty trods, but it wasn't like you could tell exactly what was going on either way as anything that passes by does not stay for too long. Bored out of your mind, you eventually stopped thinking.[(set: $mood to $mood - 1)]](if: $mood is 2)[To your surprise, the realization of immobility does not really faze you. You are certain that there was something to look forward to, just at a later time. You just simply had to have patience. Although you could not exactly tell what brushes against your surface as anything that does so really doesn’t stay for too long, you spend your time imagining the details of what such things may be based on the intensity of contact. However, this type of repetition could only last so long before taking a toll on your mind, so you eventually stopped thinking.](if: $mood is 3)[Despite your current condition, you feel completely content with all that you have accomplished, making a dumb pun about finally being put in your place to mark the occasion. You recount all of your blessings and think about the values of being a proper guide rock. Once the fleeting high from this newfound realization has died off, you were left with time for continued discovery. Although you could not exactly tell what brushes against your surface as anything that does so really doesn’t stay for too long, you spend your time imagining the details of what such things may be based on the intensity of contact. However, this type of repetition could only last so long before taking a toll on your mind, so you eventually stopped thinking.] [[ > ...|...]]

You are currently a cobblestone. You possess the remarkable commitment to remain still. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go back.|Become: Cobblestone]]

(text-color:"darkred")[This is just about as much as you could handle. You feel absoultely devastated. It seems as everything you do from here on out would just amount to more pain. Wallowing in your despair, your sanity drips away little by little until the spark of thought went dim one final time...] (live: 6s)[(goto: "Bad End: Silence")]

Upon further inspection, you realize that unlike those lining along the ground, these were considerably rectangular in shape and stacked in a tighter uniform manner. The orderliness of this layout is a stark contrast to the sponteneous placement of the objects making up the path. As while each lump in the path exposes some of the ground underneath, the blocks here leave very little gaps. You feel a tingle of pleasure observing these differences. (if: $brick_wall is 1)[Somehow, you are also able to identify these objects as bricks making up a wall.] You decide to... [[ > Continue observing.|Brick Wall Close]] [[ > Go back.|Gate]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Brick Wall]] (if: $wallsteal < 1) [ (if: $mood < 3) [(set: $mood to $mood + 1)] ] (set: $wallsteal to 1)

In an attempt to defy your very being, you try to move. Unremarkably, you did not move. [[[ > ...|Cobblestone End 💙]]] (set: $mood to 2)

You approach closer to see what more intricacies you may discover. You get a sense of how this raw material was tamed to produce such a purposeful use. Each ridge has smoothened out manually so that the adjacent object can rest securely on top. As you continue pondering these sensations, a force of stiffness begins to pull at you. You decide to... [[ > Continue observing.|Become Brick Wall]] [[ > Go back.|Gate]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Brick Wall Close]]

Completely captivated by the unique properties of these blocks, you seek to delve deeper. The natural flow of nothingness suddenly fell to a hault. You suddenly become overwhelmed by that stiffness, rendering yourself rigid and unable to move in any capacity. You are now a brick wall. You decide to... [[ > Linger Longer.|Brick Wall Job]] [[ > Trace the structure following left.|Brick Wall Still]] [[ > Trace the structure following right.|Brick Wall Still]] [[ > Continue along the path.|Brick Wall Still]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Brick Wall Still]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Become Brick Wall]] (set: $brick_wall to 1)

You are nothing but a conciousness capable of thought and perception. An odd stiffness is creeping up on you. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go Back.->Brick Wall Close]]

You are currently a brick wall encircling a large area full of various structures and living beings. You possess the sensational quality of being a sturdy barrier. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go Back.->Become Brick Wall]]

In an attempt to defy your very being, you try to move. Unremarkably, you did not move. (if: $mood is -3)[[[ > ...|Brick Wall End -3]]](if: $mood is -2)[[[ > ...|Brick Wall End -2]]](if: $mood is -1)[[[ > ...|Brick Wall End -1]]](if: $mood is 0)[[[ > ...|Brick Wall End 0]]](if: $mood is 1)[[[ > ...|Brick Wall End 1]]](if: $mood is 2)[[[ > ...|Brick Wall End 2]]](if: $mood is 3)[[[ > ...|Brick Wall End 3]]]

You discover that you are nothing but a conciousness capable of thought and perception. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[> Go back.|Awakening]] (set: $checkyourself to 1) (set: $makesense = 1)

You attempt to [[make sense|Status: Make Sense]] of yourself.

You feel compelled to reach out to this air, but alas, you have nothing to reach out with. (if: $makesense > 0 )[[[ > Go back.|Awakening]]](else:) [ [[ > Check status.|First Status Check]] ]

(text-color:"darkred")[And then a permanent silence followed.] (live: 5s)[(goto: "Credits")]

You overlap yourself against these lumps in an attempt to gain more insight on what hidden secrets they may hide. A peculiarly gritty force beckons for your continued approach. You decide to... [[ > Answer the call.|Become: Cobblestone]] [[ > Go back.|Cobblestone Path]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Close: Cobblestone]]

You are nothing but a conciousness capable of thought and perception. A gritty aura is dragging at you. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go back.->Close: Cobblestone]]

A tall slender rod, coarse in texture, appears before you protruding out of the ground and jutting into the sky. Rustling motions are conducted by breezes present at the top of the pillar where it branches out into thinner, equally dry appendages wide enough to produce a prominent shade underneath. Within the area are various similarly-shaped forms projecting from the ground in a nonspecific arrangement. The chilly particle makeup of the frosted ground zestfully traces about their stalky bodies, providing a chaotic accompaniment to the wavering limbs above. (if: $seen_wall_tree is 1)[You recall passing by similar objects elsewhere. ](if: $tree is 1)[A transient glimpse into a forgotten past has somehow allowed you to conclude that this structure and those surrounding it are trees. ]There are signs of life present within and around these structures. (if: $path_tree_steal is 0)[Just simply being here lifts up your spirits.] You decide to... [[ > Observe closer.|Close: Ant]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Cobblestone Path]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Tree Near Path]] (if: $path_tree_steal < 1) [ (if: $mood < 3) [(set: $mood to $mood + 1)] ] (set: $path_tree_steal to 1) (set: $cobblestone_entry to 1) (set: $seen_path_tree to 1)

Upon the patchy panels that make up the shaft of the structure is an aggregation of extraordinarily tiny lifeforms wiggling their way upward and downward in two distinct lines flowing opposite of each other with one creature following closely behind another. These perplexingly puny critters give off the vibe of unwavering responsibility. (if: $transient_ant is 1)[A transient glimpse into a forgotten past has somehow allowed you to conclude that these creatures are ants scavenging for food. ](if: $ant is 1)[That unfavorable experience you had earlier has allowed you to conclude that these creatures are ants scavenging for food. ] You decide to... [[ > Observe closer.|Ant Closer]] [[ > Go back.|Tree Near Path 💗]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Close: Ant]]

Although these creatures were very tiny, you were able to shrink your perception to grasp the intricacies of these delicate critters. Their hard segmented bodies project the light and shade casted from above. Attached to the creatures' heads are protruding appendages not clawing up the structure like the others, but rather extended in the space in front of them. On each head are two notably sharp pincers, some grappled to objects twice or thrice the size of their entire bodies. An invisible wavelength makes its presense known; its shape bending at the whim of the creatures' collective movement. Its raw nature contours itself into an aura of compatibility in reaction to your approach. You decide to... [[ > Reciprocate the connection.|Become: Ant]] [[ > Go back.|Tree Near Path 💗]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Ant Closer]]

You trace along the barrier until a tall slender rod, coarse in texture, appears before you protruding out of the ground and jutting into the sky. Overhanging the top of the barrier are thinner, raggedy appendages branching out from the top of the pillar. They are dense and wide enough to project a prominent shade against and underneath the barrier. Within the area are various similarly-shaped forms projecting from the ground in a nonspecific arrangement. The chilly particle makeup of the frosted ground zestfully traces about their stalky bodies, providing a chaotic accompaniment to the wavering limbs above. (if: $seen_path_tree is 1)[You recall passing by similar objects elsewhere. ](if: $tree is 1)[A transient glimpse into a forgotten past has somehow allowed you to conclude that this structure and those surrounding it are trees. ]There are signs of life present within and around these structures. (if: $wall_tree_steal is 0)[Just simply being here brings your spirits up.] You decide to... [[ > Observe closer.|Close: Tree Near Wall]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Gate]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Tree Near Wall]] (if: $wall_tree_steal < 1) [ (if: $mood < 3) [(set: $mood to $mood + 1)] ] (set: $wall_tree_steal to 1) (set: $seen_wall_tree to 1)

As if two things have become one, you have taken in the aura for yourself. Your shapeless form has taken structure, granting you weight and definition to boot. You find yourself fastened against the towering structure at six distinct locations. This sudden change has surprised you, making you release the oversized carcass of a fatter creature you were carrying from the grasp of your newfound mouth. Adjusting to this new form with the assistance of your now sharply enhanced vision and perception, you notice the creatures you were just observing passing by you as if you were a mere obstacle. You are now an ant. You decide to... [[ > Follow along the ant highway.|Queen 💔]] [[ > Go against the ant current.|Queen 💔]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Become: Ant]] (if: $transient_ant is 0)[(set: $ant to 1)]

As you attempt to take your first step as an ant, your thoughts begin to tug against your desires. A clot forms within your mind, and you start to realize your true objective: to provide food to your queen to keep the colony alive. Repositioning yourself to advance upward in search of food, you suddently halt in place as you start to perceive visions of your ant body from angles physically impossible. A conflicting energy pummels at your conciousness, as if trying to force it out of your body. Your connection to your body severs, rendering it unresponsive, and in your confusion, you lose all six grips of the rough surface, and prove that gravity is now a relevant consideration of yours. Your mind goes dim. [[ > ...|Rejected 💔]] (set: $mood to $mood - 1)

You are currently an ant. You are a tiny insect with a keen sense of responsibility. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go back.|Become: Ant]]

When you finally come to be, you find yourself at the foot of the tall structure next to the body that was once temporarily yours. The various appendages twitch spontaneously, blowing with the wind. Your mind aches a throbbing pain that seems to worsen the more your use it. [[ > Check status.|Status: Rejected]] (set: $mood to $mood - 1) (if: $mood < -3)[(goto: "Bad End")]

Despite the pain, you attempt to [[make sense|Become: Nothing]] of yourself. (if: $mood < -3)[(goto: "Bad End")]

You are once again nothing but a conciousness capable of thought and perception. A throbbing pain plagues you. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go back.|Rejected 2]]

The ant, now back on its feet, begins its way towards the base of the tall structure, as if unafflicted by the mental invasion that has just transpired. You reason that the life force of the conciousness already inhabiting the ant fought back when you took over it and has ejected you from itself with its natural determination. After all, you no longer possess the vehement desire to acquire food for an ant queen. Now aware of yourself, you decide to... [[ > Observe your surroundings.|Tree Near Path 💗]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Rejected 2]]

You are nothing but a conciousness capable of thought and perception. Currently, a throbbing pain plagues you. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go back.|Rejected 2]]

You remain still. You decide to... [[ > Linger Longer.|Cobblestone Job 2]] [[ > Go back.|Cobblestone Still]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Cobblestone Job]]

You continue remaining still. You decide to... [[ > Linger Longer.|Cobblestone Job 2]] [[ > Go back.|Cobblestone Still]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Cobblestone Job]]

You remain still. You decide to... [[ > Linger Longer.|Brick Wall Job 2]] [[ > Trace the structure following left.|Brick Wall Still]] [[ > Trace the structure following right.|Brick Wall Still]] [[ > Continue along the path.|Brick Wall Still]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Brick Wall Still]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Brick Wall Job]]

Closer inspection of this structure reveals the patchy panels that make up the shaft of the structure. Fuzzy shaggy clumps emitting a weak life force accumulate in certain areas between these panels. A prominent hole bores into one side of this structure, revealing a hollow opening where a web of thin sticky silk hang against. At the base of the opening is a different sticky substance, thick and oozing outward. Deeper within the gaping nook is an concealed energy coaxing at you towards it. You decide to... [[ > Draw towards the energy.|Become: Tree Near Wall 💗]] [[ > Go back.|Tree Near Wall 💗]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Close: Tree Near Wall]]

You approach the energy, and before you could second-guess yourself, you are embraced by an alluring presense. A hearty undulation instantly befalls you and the flow of nothingness is then replaced with the large stalky figure itself. You feel the gratifying vigor life coursing within and all around you, keeping you good company. You are now a tree. You decide to... [[ > Linger Longer.|Tree Job]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Tree Still]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Become: Tree Near Wall]] (if: $wall_tree_steal2 < 1) [ (if: $mood < 3) [(set: $mood to $mood + 1)] ] (set: $tree to 1)

You are nothing but a conciousness capable of thought and perception. A hidden energy is dragging at you. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go Back.|Close: Tree Near Wall]]

You remain still. There are various creatures nestling above in your branches. You decide to... [[ > Linger Longer.|Tree Job 2]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Tree Still]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Tree Job]]

You are currently a tree. Various creatures depend on your existence for survival. (if: $mood is -3)[You are feeling (text-color:"darkred")[utterly defeated] right now.](if: $mood is -2)[You are feeling (text-color:"red")[very frustrated] right now.](if: $mood is -1)[You are feeling (text-color:"orange")[somewhat irritable] right now.](if: $mood is 0)[You don't know how you feel right now.](if: $mood is 1)[You are feeling (text-color:"cornflowerblue")[hopeful] right now.](if: $mood is 2)[You are feeling (text-color:"aquamarine")[somewhat happy] right now.](if: $mood is 3)[You are feeling (text-color:"lawngreen")[quite content] right now.] [[ > Go Back.|Become: Tree Near Wall 💗]]

In an attempt to defy your very being, you try to move. Unremarkably, you did not move. (if: $mood is -2)[[[ > ...|Tree End -2]]](if: $mood is -1)[[[ > ...|Tree End -1]]](if: $mood is 0)[[[ > ...|Tree End 0]]](if: $mood is 1)[[[ > ...|Tree End 1]]](if: $mood is 2)[[[ > ...|Tree End 2]]](if: $mood is 3)[[[ > ...|Tree End 3]]]

You remain still. A tiny creature is crawling at where you are rooted into the ground. You decide to... [[ > Linger Longer.|Tree Job 3]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Tree Still]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Tree Job 2]]

You remain still. The sap in your hole drips a little. You decide to... [[ > Linger Longer.|Tree Job 4]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Tree Still]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Tree Job 3]]

You remain still. Nothing else of note takes place. You decide to... [[ > Linger Longer.|Tree Job 4]] [[ > Return to the previous area.|Tree Still]] [[ > Check status.|Status: Tree Job 4]]

The entire incident that has just transpired has found you some long-desired solace, though you did not believe that it would last due to your incapacity to move. Despite this, the life around you has made time pass eventfully, constantly giving you something new to experience. Over longer periods of time, the white blanket below would vanish in the face of the warming weather, revealing the hidden lush life underneath. Around this time would you begin to blossom colorful flowers decorating your branches amongst countless leaves. Eventually, the world would become cold once more, and frosty particles would return to obscure the ground accompanied by harsh breezes. You would come to discover this cycling pattern and revel in each change. However, as you have already observed numerous times, life could only last so long, and yours would also eventually run out. On one particularly humid day, you begin to drift from consciousness. [[ > ...|...]] (set: $mood to 1)

The entire incident that has just transpired has found you some long-desired solace, though you did not believe that it would last due to your incapacity to move. Despite this, the life around you has made time pass eventfully, constantly giving you something new to experience. Over longer periods of time, the white blanket below would vanish in the face of the warming weather, revealing the hidden lush life underneath. Around this time would you begin to blossom colorful flowers decorating your branches amongst countless leaves. Eventually, the world would become cold once more, and frosty particles would return to obscure the ground accompanied by harsh breezes. You would come to recognize this cycling pattern and revel in each change. However, as you have already observed numerous times, life could only last so long, and yours would also eventually run out. On one particularly humid day, you begin to drift from consciousness. [[ > ...|...]] (set: $mood to 1)

The entire incident that has just transpired has found you some desirable solace. Despite your inability to move, the life around you has made time pass eventfully, constantly giving you something new to experience. Over longer periods of time, the white blanket below would vanish in the face of the weather, revealing the hidden lush life underneath. Around this time would you begin to blossom colorful flowers decorating your branches amongst countless leaves. Eventually, the world would become cold once more, and frosty particles would return to obscure the ground accompanied by harsh breezes. You would come to recognize this cycling pattern and revel in each change. However, as you have already observed numerous times, life could only last so long, and yours would also eventually run out. On one particularly humid day, you begin to drift from consciousness. [[ > ...|...]] (set: $mood to 2)

The entire incident that has just transpired has left you absolutely ecstatic. Despite your inability to move, the life around you has made time pass eventfully, constantly giving you something new to experience. With so many experiences to relish, you make fond comparisons between every new one to those renewed. Over longer periods of time, the white blanket below would vanish in the face of the weather, revealing the hidden lush life underneath. Around this time would you begin to blossom colorful flowers decorating your branches amongst countless leaves. Eventually, the world would become cold once more, and frosty particles would return to obscure the ground accompanied by harsh breezes. You would come to recognize this cycling pattern and revel in each change. However, as you have already observed numerous times, life could only last so long, and yours would also eventually run out. On one particularly humid day, you begin to drift from consciousness, completely content with your existence. [[ > ...|...]]

It didn't take very long for your patience to run thin. Once again, you have been ensnared in what now seems like another preposterously punishing purgatory where your paltry perceptions are perpetually penalized. You wish to scream for the slightest glimmer of relief, but you are incapable of doing so. And though you wish for death, you have no means to end yourself. Exhausting your energy, you eventually stopped thinking. [[ > ...|Bad End Shortcut]]

What has occurred to you seemed absolutely absurd. You assert that there must have been a way out of this situation. The irritation smoldering within you has finally sprung to a point of unbearable agony. You begin to bargain with some sort of unknown deity you have conjured on the spot, but alas, nothing hears your cries. Ironic as you were once in a state of nothing yourself, and even then was that a boundless bliss compared to this immobile purgatory. With a proper cloud of hopelessness finally settling in, you finally accept your fate. Content with what seemed like your final destination, you eventually stopped thinking. [[ > ...|...]] (set: $mood to 1)

What has occurred to you didn’t seem real at first. You assert that there must have been a way out of this situation. The irritation smoldering within you has finally sprung to a point of unbearable agony. You begin to bargain with some sort of unknown deity you have conjured on the spot, but alas, nothing hears your cries. Ironic as you were once in a state of nothing yourself, and even then was that a boundless bliss compared to this immobile purgatory. With a proper cloud of hopelessness finally settling in, you finally accept your fate. Content with what seemed like your final destination, you eventually stopped thinking. [[ > ...|...]] (set: $mood to 1)

At first, this realization of immobility did not faze you. You felt indifferent to what seems to now be your final resting place. You lay amongst the other cobblestones comfortably, occasionally sensing vibrations from whatever may have briefly passed on top of you. However, as time continues its march, your thoughts further develop. Perhaps you could've been more. Or perhaps, something far worse. In any case, it really did not seem to matter in the end. With this melancholy rationale, you eventually stopped thinking. [[ > ...|...]] (set: $mood to 1)

An air of melancholy dawns upon you as you realize what seems like your final fate. Perhaps you could've experienced more, been more. However, it seems like none of that matters now. You somberly pass time motionlessly acknowledging anything that brushes up against your surface from light patters to weighty trods, but it wasn't like you could tell exactly what was going on either way as anything that passes by does not stay for too long. Bored out of your mind, you eventually stopped thinking. [[ > ...|...]] (set: $mood to 1)

To your surprise, the realization of immobility does not really faze you. You are certain that there was something to look forward to, just at a later time. You just simply had to have patience. Although you could not exactly tell what you are protecting as this great barrier, you spend your time coming up with stories that may have taken place at the place where the wall splits. Over time, however, your tales have started to sound similar and the repetition would numb your mind, so you eventually stopped thinking. [[ > ...|...]] (set: $mood to 1)

Despite being embedded into a seemingly neutral wall, you feel completely content with all that you have accomplished, inspiring you to allocate a positive outlook towards this new situation. Although you could not exactly tell what you are protecting as this great barrier, you spend your time coming up with stories that may have taken place at the place where the wall splits. Over time, however, your tales have started to sound similar and the repetition would numb your mind, so you eventually stopped thinking. [[ > ...|...]] (set: $mood to 1)

(goto: "Bad End")