The Experiments

*The Experiments* by Gabriella Anderson, Joshua Lee, and Tara Mann *The Experiments* is a text-based choose-your-own-adventure fantasy/sci-fi game that follows a group of outcasts—Varrence, Ohm, and Mara—who set out to steal a mad wizard’s crazy experiment that just might give them what they need to finally belong. These three misfits come together to plan a heist and hopefully make themselves whole again. But be warned, the choices you make influence the outcome. Will you succeed in your quest, or will you fall short in the end? Pay attention during the first 3 chapters, because once you meet the characters you will choose which of the 3 to play as for the rest of the game. One playthrough will take approximately 1 hour. [[Happy playing! -> Chapter 1]]

**Chapter 1: The Cyborg in the Junkyard** “Nothing is good enough here.” Varrence flings another metal scrap over his shoulder and continues scavenging. He maneuvers around dirt piles, oil cans, and miscellaneous trash, careful to watch for rats and mice. The Junkyard is an expansive trash deposit placed in the Centrum, an area filled with everything that everyone who lives in the other three districts don’t want—which is perfect for Varrence. It is a place that begs for creation and tinkering, a place where gears, gadgets, and broken parts from all around the world come together and make something else. Instinctively Varrence glances at his right robotic arm and stares at all the visible colorful wires that flow from his fingers and come to a stop once they reach his chest. He looks around and sees everything in a soft glow of red—the rusted metal piles of forgotten and lost items, the fluffy white clouds, and the patches of grass. All red. He closed his right eye—his only real eye—and all color but red vanishes. A light beeping noise shakes Varrence out of his thoughts and he turns around, opening his eyes again. No bigger than three feet is W1-DG3T, his most successful creation so far. W1-DG3T has a circular head with two small wires popping out of both sides connecting down to his small rectangular body. He waves around his metal claws and whirls around on his two wheels to get Varrence’s attention. Varrence gives him a small smile, [[“What now?”]]

W1-DG3T beeps and grabs onto Varrence’s tunic, pulling him. Varrence’s red robotic eye glows brighter in excitement, “Wait did you find something, W1-DG3T?” A million things run through his mind: the Medal of Tinkers, going around the districts and showcasing his famous art pieces, and finally beating his arch-nemesis, Bram, at being the best tinkerer in all the three districts. Varrence runs a hand through his dreadlocks and follows W1-DG3T around piles and piles of junk. W1-DG3T’s claw hand starts spinning. Oh, great. Varrence knows what’s about to happen. Thoughts of medals and famous tours melt away in his mind. He will never be able to be the first cyborg to win a medal and prove humans wrong if he can’t fix W1-DG3T’s malfunctions. “Oi! Come on W1-DG3T.” Varrence says, gritting his teeth, “Focus on the task. I know you’re excited but you have to calm down. Where is it?” A gruff voice startles them both, “What are you looking for in a junkyard?” W1-DG3T jumps and he starts powering down. Great. Varrence tilts his head to the side as three men twice as big as him come out from behind a massive pile of trash. “Just parts for my robot.” Varrence shrugs, oblivious to the men cracking their knuckles and adjusting their tool belts filled with hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches. “Not to be rude, but you guys totally spooked my robot, and now I’m going to have to carry him home.” Varrence stares at the guys and notices how big their muscles are. He has a robot arm that can blast them, yes, but will it work? He doesn’t know, as he hasn’t used his right arm like that since he was a kid. For all he knows it won’t even work—[[that would be embarrassing.]]

One of the men in a red tunic too small for his build—Varrence assumes the leader—steps forward and snickers, “You’re trying to build that piece of junk? We don’t need more scrapes of nothing like yourself. How do you live knowing half of you isn’t alive?” The man spits on the ground near Varrence’s feet, “You disgust me.” The clouds move slowly as Varrence pats himself down gently. Okay, just a hammer in his apron pocket. Oh gears, he must have left his All-Purpose Wrench back in his old shack in his home district, Gadegton. Aw man, Varrence frowns, that was his favorite tool, too. The men, although big, don't look too bright. He can talk his way out, or make a run for it, which might be harder since he will have to lug W1-DG3T with him. [[Talk it out with the Ruffians]] [[Grab W1-DG3T and run]]

“Disgust?” Varrence cocks an eyebrow, “I was full human like you, once.” A lie, as he's always been a cyborg, but maybe enough to gain sympathy from them. The Red Tunic looks at the other two, which Varrence has declared in his mind as Dumb One and Dumb Two. Dumb One shrugs and Dumb Two looks intently at Varrence to continue on. Red Tunic nods, “Oh yeah? What’s your position on the G.R.H?” The position on *what?* Oh my gears, Varrence should really get out of the Junkyard more often and pay attention to the district council rulings more often. Maybe they are more consciously aware of things than Varrence thought. Mentally smacking himself on the face, Varrence opens his mouth and says: [[“Oi! All for it, of course! The Centrum Council knows what’s right.”]] [[“Against it, you know? Centrum Council doesn’t always know what’s best.”]]

Varrence picks up W1-DG3T, and puffs out his chest, using his free robot arm and pointing his palm at the ruffians, “I’ll blast you to pieces if you come closer.” Also another lie. But the ruffians don’t know that. The three ruffians pause slightly, before Red Tunic roars in laughter, “Boys, go get him.” Dumb One and Dumb Two look uneasily at Varrence, “Sir, he says he’s going to blast us.” Red Tunic swings his hammer around and grunts, “If he doesn’t blast you, I’ll get to you first for disobeying me. I *said*, go get him.” Dumb One and Dumb Two look at each other, gulp, and turn back towards Varrence. This is not looking good. Varrence sprints, W1-DG3T bobbing up and down in Varrence’s arm, “I love blasting people’s faces for fun! Don’t come near me!” His voice sounds too panicked, he can hear Red Tunic bellowing with laughter. They don't believe him. He cuts through the Junkyard, recalling some things that he’s used as place markers before to not get lost, but he can’t think fast enough to go the right way. Man, he really misses Gadgeton, but they don’t give him the same access to materials that full humans and robots get, so he had no other choice but to come to the Centrum. W1-DG3T is getting heavier, but at least he doesn’t hear the pounding large footsteps of those ruffians. Where to go? Where to go? [[Hide in a pile in the Junkyard]] [[Keep running]]

“Oi! All for it, of course,” Varrence tugs on his apron and readjusts it, “The Centrum council, um, knows what’s right.” The Centrum is in the middle of the three other districts, and are normally where rulings happen. There’s a slight pause before Red Tunic gives Varrence a wide, eerie smile and walks up to him. Varrence shrinks a little. If this is how he goes out, in a junkyard no less, no one will ever remember him. Red Tunic swings his hand. Varrence is about to reach for his apron when Red Tunic laughs and claps him on the back, the metal plating on half of his back clinking against Red Tunic’s beefy hand. It probably would have hurt if he had hit the other half of Varrence—his human side. “The Grow Real Humans always need new faces to join down at the Centrum Council’s tower. The protesters against the Act need some reminding—” Red Tunic cracks his neck and flexes his arm, “that the real power is born, not made.” Red Tunic nudges Varrence, “You should join us tomorrow morning.” Varrence picks up W1-DG3T and laughs nervously. Grow Real Humans. Huh, sounds absolutely terrifying to him. He hopes he isn’t sweating. “Yeah, I mean. I—I planned on joining tomorrow! That’s why I was building, um, my robot.” He leans closer to Red Tunic and gets on his tippy toes, “Sabotage, you know? W1-DG3T here can really get on their side, and then, um, beat them up.” Red Tunic chuckles, “My boy, you are a genius!” Varrence nods proudly, “And then um, you know? Once they are down, I, uh, kick ‘em!” “You kick them?” “And then *punch* ‘em.” Varrence gives an awkward side punch in the air. “And then punch them!” Red Tunic points at Dumb One, “Write that down.” Dumb One blinks, “I don’t have paper sir.” Red Tunic grumbles, “Go get some then!” He turns back to Varrence, who is getting tiny electrical shocks from sweat slipping into his mechanical joints. The sun is covered by the looming clouds in the sky. “Those two can never do anything right. Anyways, meet up with us tomorrow at the C.C.’s tower, and we can go over some more of your genius ideas.” So maybe they were as dumb as he thought. Varrence nods and calls out to them as they disappear deeper into the Junkyard, [[“Yeah! Can’t wait to beat up protesters with you tomorrow!”]]

“Against it, you know? Centrum Council doesn’t always know what’s best.” Varrence tugs at the apron strings around his neck and picks up W1-DG3T. The Centrum is in the middle of the three other districts, and are normally where rulings happen. Red Tunic scoffs, “Full human? You are a traitor to your own kind then. I see that those robot parts have destroyed your heart.” Red Tunic crosses his arms, “You are more like full *stupid.*” He pauses and turns to Dumb One, “wait, write that down, I want to use that tomorrow on a protester.” Dumb One, “But sir, we don’t have any paper on us—” Red Tunic clenches his jaw, “Not *now*,” Red Tunic points at Varrence and W1-DG3T, “We get them first.” Varrence has the sinking feeling that maybe he said the wrong thing. They start creeping towards him menacingly, “Did I against? I—I meant I’m against whatever you’re against!” Red Tunic motions to Dumb Two to follow his lead and they both grab a tool from their tool belts and swing them around carelessly. “Did we tell you how we like beating up people against the Grow Real Humans? We don’t want any more hollow pieces of junk like you. You’ll never fit in.” Ouch. That hurt. But Grow Real Humans? Is he calling him a fake human because he’s a cyborg? [[Lame.]]

The weather is cloudy, and Varrence panics, although he can withstand heavy rain with only the occasional shocks, W1-DG3T isn’t built for rain completely. Also, he doesn't want to run into those guys again. Varrence takes his apron off and tries to wrap W1-DG3T in it. Lugging W1-DG3T in his arms he tries to half-run out of the Junkyard—he’s been there enough to recall some familiar trash and objects, but he doesn’t know his way around the Centrum. He really misses Gadgeton, but they don’t give him the same access to materials that full humans get, so he had no other choice but to come to the Centrum. His feet smack against the dirt pavement and he hops over small metal piles in the Junkyard as he nears one of the many openings in the Junkyard. He’s never been this way before and his red eye makes it hard to see. Sweat drips down his face and his red eye glitches unhappily. Where to go? Where to go? Varrence starts running, weaving himself around the stone and wooden buildings. He works his way around the edge of town homes that border the Junkyard and glances at a rundown warehouse up ahead. There’s not even a lantern out in front—maybe no one lives there. There’s no sign of life—the row of windows circling the warehouse are cracked open or broken, and the large door handles look like they will come off if he tugs on them too hard. The old wooden warehouse shutters. He clutches W1-DG3T and the apron covering him tighter, no way was going to have to replace W1-DG3T. The parts he obtained were already so hard to come by for a cyborg. Varrence stumbles towards the building and pulls a door handle open with his free arm, light barely pouring from the windows into the warehouse. A whirring noise rings in his ears and Varrence tears off the apron. W1-DG3T blinks his one blue eye and buzzes mischievously. Did he seriously fake power down so he wouldn’t have to run? Varrence puts his free hand on his hip, huffing, “Oh *now* you’re going to get it.” Varrence walks in with W1-DG3T, shutting the door behind him. He sighs, leaning against the door and slides down to the floor and squints at his surroundings, the only light coming from the windows. W1-DG3T’s single blue eye begins to glow in the semi-darkness and that’s when Varrence realizes there’s another person there. [[He’s not alone.->Chapter 2]]

**Chapter 2: A Fool and a Fraud** The sun is shining. The birds chirping. Sticky wooden floors creak when a hungover old man walks out the door of a bar. Ohm sits at the bar’s corner table, decorated in a stylish overcoat, fake mustache, and a monocle. With him is a distinguished gentleman of magical renown in dark blue robes and the freshest attempt at a beard, haggling over the price of a crystalline bowl. “This is a genuine article, Sir Badelus, guaranteed to see seventeen minutes into the future.” Ohm’s fingers gracefully frame the bowl, glittering in the crusty afternoon light seeping through cracked windows. “I’m not so sure. Seventeen minutes is awfully short, and why would you be so eager to sell it off to me?” This Sir Badelus is quite the inquisitive fellow. [[Deflect and change the subject.]] [[Convince him of your business integrity.]]

Varrence holds on tighter to W1-DG3T, and puffs out his chest, using his free robot arm and pointing his palm at the ruffians, “I’ll blast you to pieces if you come closer.” Also another lie. But the ruffians don’t know that. The three ruffians pause slightly, before Red Tunic roars in laughter, “Boys, go get him.” Dumb One and Dumb Two look uneasily at Varrence, “Sir, he says he’s going to blast us.” Red Tunic swings his hammer around and grunts, “If he doesn’t blast you, I’ll get to you first for disobeying me. I *said*, go get him.” Dumb One and Dumb Two look at each other, gulp, and turn back towards Varrence. This is not looking good. Varrence sprints, with W1-DG3T bobbing up and down in Varrence’s arm, “I love blasting people’s faces for fun! Don’t come near me!” His voice sounds too panicked, he can hear Red Tunic bellowing with laughter. They don't believe him. He cuts through the Junkyard, recalling some things that he’s used as place markers before to not get lost, but he can’t think fast enough to go the right way. Man, he really misses Gadgeton, but they don’t give him the same access to materials that full humans get, so he had no other choice but to come to the Centrum. [[W1-DG3T is getting heavier, but at least he doesn’t hear the pounding large footsteps of those ruffians.]]

Where to go? Where to go? Varrence weaves himself around the stone and wooden buildings. He works his way around the edge of town homes that border the Junkyard and glances at a rundown warehouse up ahead. There’s not even a lantern out in front—maybe no one lives there. There’s no sign of life—the row of windows circling the warehouse are cracked open or broken, and the large door handles look like they will come off if he tugs on them too hard. The old wooden warehouse shutters. He clutches W1-DG3T as he hears more shouts. The parts he obtained were already so hard to come by for a cyborg, he *wasn’t* going to lose W1-DG3T to ruffians. Varrence pulls a door handle open with his free arm, shutting the door behind him. He sighs, leaning against the door and slides down to the floor and squints at his surroundings, the only light coming from the windows. W1-DG3T’s single blue eye begins to glow in the semi-darkness and that’s when Varrence realizes there’s another person there. [[He’s not alone.->Chapter 2]]

Varrence dives into a pile of random junk and tries to see if the ruffians are close behind. He slows his breathing. Calm down, Varrence. Focus. At one moment he is hidden in the safety of trash and mechanical parts and then he’s hoisted up by his tunic and yanked out of the pile. W1-DG3T tumbles out of his arms and his single blue eye begins to glow again. Varrence kicks his feet in the air and see Red Tunic approach him and Dumb Two, who is dangling Varrence in the air. Dumb One snickers, “You’re not bright, but you eye sure is.” Oh Great, his stupid red eye gave him away. Of course they’d be able to see a glowing eye in a pile of junk. As Red Tunic walks up to the three of them, a loud buzzing noise pops and W1-DG3T’s claw hands start spinning. He rolls up into a standing position and start circling the Dumb duo. Varrence swings his foot at Dumb Two who immediately releases him. Dumb One screams, “Don’t let that robot infect me!” [[Stumbling to his feet Varrence grabs W1-DG3T and sprints.]]

Varrence weaves himself around the stone and wooden buildings. He works his way around the edge of town homes that border the Junkyard and glances at a rundown warehouse up ahead. There’s not even a lantern out in front—maybe no one lives there. There’s no sign of life—the row of windows circling the warehouse are cracked open or broken, and the large door handles look like they will come off if he tugs on them too hard. The old wooden warehouse shutters. He clutches W1-DG3T as he hears more shouts. The parts he obtained were already so hard to come by for a cyborg, he *wasn’t* going to lose W1-DG3T to ruffians. Varrence pulls a door handle open with his free arm, shutting the door behind him. He sighs, leaning against the door and slides down to the floor and squints at his surroundings, the only light coming from the windows. W1-DG3T’s single blue eye begins to glow in the semi-darkness and that’s when Varrence realizes there’s another person there. [[He’s not alone.->Chapter 2]]

Varrence weaves himself around the stone and wooden buildings. He works his way around the edge of town homes that border the Junkyard and glances at a rundown warehouse up ahead. There’s not even a lantern out in front—maybe no one lives there. There’s no sign of life—the row of windows circling the warehouse are cracked open or broken, and the large door handles look like they will come off if he tugs on them too hard. The old wooden warehouse shutters under the rumbling noise of shouts. He clutches W1-DG3T. The parts he obtained were already so hard to come by for a cyborg, he *wasn’t* going to lose W1-DG3T to ruffians. Varrence pulls a door handle open with his free arm, shutting the door behind him. He sighs, leaning against the door and slides down to the floor and squints at his surroundings, the only light coming from the windows. W1-DG3T’s single blue eye begins to glow in the semi-darkness and that’s when Varrence realizes there’s another person there. [[He’s not alone.->Chapter 2]]

“Sir Badelus, focus on the possibilities. A minute of preparation is a lifetime of success, and you can have seventeen whole minutes.” Sweat lines Ohm’s face, but only in the shadowed half away from the windows. Ohm’s done this dozens of times before, fooling wise old men out of pocket change for shiny trinkets and baubles he finds in waste bins and gift shops. And no one’s been the wiser. “Alright, then. If this is such a grand genuine artifact, give me a little test.” Sir Badelus leans forward in his chair, elbows grazing the tabletop and a strange red stain that sticks to his sleeve. No one so far has been the wiser. [[Fake the test.]] [[Distract Sir Badelus.]]

“I assure you that I have no qualms with my own product. But the fortunes I foresee with this bowl, for the both of us, outweigh whatever I could gain by keeping it.” A bead of sweat is running down Ohm’s face, hidden by the shade of his nose. Ohm’s done this dozens of times before, fooling wise old men out of pocket change for shiny trinkets and baubles he finds in waste bins and gift shops. And no one’s been the wiser. “Really? For the sake of business, what’s going to happen in the next seventeen minutes?” Sir Badelus leans back in his chair, the floor creaking from the weight of a man wearing two men’s worth of gilded robes. No one so far has been the wiser. [[Be cryptic about the future.]] [[Be specific about the future.]]

Ohm raises the crystal bowl to his chest, lifting with all ten fingers gripping the edge like a desperate mountain climber. “Very well. Nothing sells more than a practical demonstration.” Ohm begins spinning the bowl, half lit from the cracked window. As the reflections begin to glow from the minute etchings inside the bowl, Ohm chants. [[Chant some words Ohm read once from an old spellbook.]] [[Chant normally.]]

“Sir Badelus, you must have heard good things about me. Why else would you have gone to a crusty old bar in the Centrum when you could have met any licensed artifact dealer in Arcanis?” Ohm knows his marks. Too proud to admit they’ve been tricked by him to anyone else, and too down on their luck to go anywhere else. Studying came in handy during times like these. Sir Badelus says nothing. His face turned downwards as he leaned forwards, arms closed in. “So, do we have a deal or do I have to take my wares elsewhere?” Ohm sneaks in a quick smile while Sir Badelus is still contemplating. “Of course.” [[Start bargaining.]]

Ohm lifts the crystal bowl with the tips of his fingers, light from the nearby window seemingly pouring itself in. As the bowl begins to light up and scatter reflections all around the room, Ohm closes his eyes and remembers his script. “I hope he falls for this.” [[Here goes nothing.]]

“*Shallan Dimun Mucroix.*” Ohm knows the words were the magical equivalent of a formula for differentiating red and blue crystals, but most people didn’t bother learning the Old Script anymore. The younger wizards were too arrogant to learn from their ancient professors and too impatient to read up on dusty tomes. They would rather work on the latest experiments and fashionable theories. “Wait a minute.” Sir Badelus shoots up in his seat. “No, seventeen. These things take ti-” “That’s not a divination spell. It’s Jueldin’s Handy Crystal Division!” So not every young wizard was too arrogant or impatient to learn about the Old Script. Ohm would be impressed if he wasn’t being caught red-handed. [[This is not good.]]

“*Let me gaze into your reflection and see what lies before me.*” Ohm knows some Old Script that would make the divination ritual even more impressive, but taking a scam one step too far was asking for failure. “I see success, and a run-in with a hated rival. Blonde, crooked mustache, and robes decorated with terrible plaid.” Ohm rolls his eyes into the back of his head for dramatic effect. “Maddeus. That buffoon. What about him?” Ohm has him hooked. “The store across the street. It sells local and exotic fruits, but they always run out of spiced bananas. And it looks like Maddeus is the reason why.” Sir Badelus gets up and walks to the bar door, opening it up just a crack. Right on schedule, the plaid-adorned blonde wizard with a crooked mustache tosses over a small sack of coins to the fruit vendor across the street. In exchange, the vendor covertly slides a lumpy bag smelling of sinister cinnamon over the counter and into Maddeus’ garish robes. “Well? What do you think?” Ohm had been following Maddeus almost as long as he had been following Sir Badelus. Sir Badelus quickly sits back down, his eager eyes betraying his flat tone. “I’m interested in your crystal bowl. Shall we discuss payment?” [[Right on the mark.]]

“I believe we can start with twenty gold coins as a courtesy, Sir Badelus.” The young wizard scratches the few strands of hair that made up his beard and narrows his eyes. “Perhaps we could change it to ten, as a courtesy?” Of course twenty gold was too expensive for his marks. Ohm leans back in his char, the two front legs lifting off the ground. “I understand your financial situation, but I have my own stomach to fill and expenses to make.” “Twelve.” Ohm didn’t know that people’s brows could furrow that much. “I can go as low as twelve coins for you.” “You drive yourself a hard bargain, Sir Badelus. Deal.” Ohm always sets his price high, too high for his marks. Letting Sir Badelus drop the price gave him some control, some success in a losing game. It made them all the more willing to throw away money for worthless trinkets. [[Now we’re getting somewhere.]]

“I see misfortune coming this way. Not for you, but for this local community here. A misfortune of the most inconvenient style.” Sir Badelus’ eyes narrowed to a suspicious glare. The dancing lights bounce off his skin and back into Ohm’s eyes. “But wait, there’s more. I see a familiar face. Familiar and hostile to you.” [[Expand on the premonition.]] [[Keep it vague and stop there.]]

“I see your rival, Maddeus of the Plaid, coming to purchase all the spice bananas in the market today. Such a menace to the community.” “Maddeus? Here?” He shoots up in his seat and plants his hands on the table in front of Ohm. “Yes. Across the street at this very moment. He pays well to deprive us of our more exotic wares, such a fiend.” Sir Badelus leaps to a nearby window and peaks out towards the nearby fruit vendors. A figure robed in hideous plaid is carrying sacks of bananas, much to the chagrin of the angry crowd surrounding him. “Amazing. I never knew he would spend his time performing such nefarious deeds. What else is he doing today? Ohm has him hooked. “Well, if you’d like to know, I’m more than willing to sell you that information.” [[Make the sale.]]

“So I see you’re familiar with Jueldin’s practical magic. You don’t see too many people who are.” Sweat falls down Ohm’s face, tracing a thin line down the side of his chin. “He’s a personal favorite, but you are not.” Sir Badelus slowly stands up. His hands are glowing with a soft purple hue. “I don’t appreciate being tricked like this.” “To be honest, it is nice to see a fellow fan of Jueldin.” Ohm chuckles. [[This is definitely not good.]]

“Twelve gold coins it is, then. It has been the utmost pleasure doing business with you.” Another successful mark. “The pleasure was all mine, sir. You have done me a service with this crystal bowl.” Sir Badelus strokes the bowl, more than Ohm is comfortable watching. “I’ll leave you to it, then. Remember to fill it up with light before every use.” Ohm steps out of the bar as he gives more and more useless advice. Every word brought him another foot into the street. [[Time to leave.]]

“An old foe, Maddeus of the Plaid, is arriving across the street.” “Maddeus? Here?” “Yes. And he is wearing an appalling red and blue plaid.” Maddeus is a creature of habit. The past three weeks he’s worn that specific cloak each visit to the fruit vendor. “Red and blue?” asks Sir Badelus. “That’s an interesting shade of red, then.” Sir Badelus leans over and gives Ohm a view of the man across the street. A man wearing a plaid cloak, black and blue. “Well, divination is a picky subject. You can’t be one hundred percent right on ea--: “Tricks!” Sir Badelus’ hands begin to glow with a soft purple hue. This is not going according to plan. [[Ohm should have stayed to the script.]]

Coins exchange hands as Ohm gives the crystal bowl to Sir Badelus. Another successful sale. Another successful scam. “Thank you for being such a satisfied customer, Sir Badelus.” “Of course. I’m sure the bowl will come in handy.” Sir Badelus pulls out spare cloth and wraps the bowl before sequestering it in his cloak. “Well, ta ta. I have business to take care of, so I must make my leave.” And with a flourish, Ohm walks out the door before skipping away and out of Sir Badelus’ sight. Another successful scam indeed. [[Make your escape.]]

“You have three seconds to explain yourself before I pull the answers straight out of your mouth.” Ohm is at a loss for words, not because he’s not thinking, but because getting caught is unprecedented. Good with the bad, Ohm supposes. “So the crystal ball is not perfectly advertised.” “That’s not good enough.” With a flourish, Sir Badelus throws his hands at Ohm. [[Let’s try running.]]

Twelve gold coins in his pocket. A tricked wizard behind him in a musky bar. The cloudy sky beginning to peel away. Ohm skips away with a pep in his step. “This should tide me over a good month until the next one,” he says thinking of the shopping he’ll need to do later tonight. [[This is a good day.]]

Explosions erupt behind Ohm as he clears the window and scrambles through the city streets. The crowds disperse when they hear the explosions, and run when they see them, massive purple clouds plume outwards and towards him. “Gosh! This is not a good day.” Ohm adjusts his monocle and turns away from the main street towards an alley, but which one? [[Run into a well-lit alley.]] [[Run into a shadowy alley.]]

Walking down a busy main street with the bar behind him, Ohm is counting his coins again when he hears a riotous scream in the distance. “NOOOOOO!” It seems Sir Badelus figured out the crystal bowl was fake ahead of schedule. At least it got him twelve coins ahead this month. And he’ll be too proud to admit it to anyone that he was tricked in a dingy bar. [[Make your way downtown.]]

It’s easier to see, but easier to be seen, too. Perhaps the well-lit alley wasn’t the best place to lose someone in a chase. “Stop right there before there’s nothing left to stop.” “Hold on. I’m stopping.” Not a great line, to be honest. But Ohm is not in a position to judge. Sir Badelus’ hands are shining a fierce purple that hurt Ohm’s eyes. “No one tricks Sir Badelus the Superior. Any last words?” [[Actually…]]

Running through the shadowed alley, Ohm jumps over overturned crates and heaps of untended garbage. Sir Badelus, meanwhile, trips over garbage and piles of strange unknowable substances shouting obscenities before blasting them away with arcane energy. He doesn’t seem very suited to running around in darkened alleys. The alley splits into two paths. The right path is well lit, and the left path is filled with faint chatter from the busy main thoroughfare. [[Run towards the well lit right path.->Run into a well-lit alley.]] [[Run towards the busy main thoroughfare.->Make your way downtown.]]

Ohm takes a leisurely stroll through the main thoroughfare, glancing back at Sir Badelus who runs out the door, frantically turning around and scanning the crowd. As Sir Badelus turns towards Ohm for the briefest of moments, the two share a quick glance before Ohm turns away and disappears into the crowd. Sometimes it feels good to let them know who’s boss. [[Time to go home.]]

At the end of his hectic day, Ohm makes it to the abandoned warehouse he’s appropriated as his hideout. [[Home sweet home.->Chapter 3]]

“Let me just adjust my monocle. If this is how I go, I at least want to look my attacker in the eye.” Sir Badelus readies his hands, fingers pulsating with a vicious purple glow. “I don’t have the time for conmen to take any more luxury than they already have.” “Relax, Sir Badelus. I mean no ill will.” Ohm grabs the rim of his monocle and turns it ever so slightly towards a sky. “I’m just looking out for myself.” Ohm turns his monocle a hair’s breadth, reflecting the light from a stray beam of sunlight into Sir Badelus’ eyes. He yells out of surprise and blasts a hole through the wall next to him, Ohm’s ears ringing as the taste of brick powder and iron fills his mouth. [[Time to run.->Time to go home.]]

**Chapter 3: The Cursed Wizard** This is a mistake. Mara can already tell that she should have stayed home in Malvania. What was she thinking? No one can help her, no one has ever seen this before—at least, not that Mara has heard of. She must be the first person to ever exist that wants to get rid of her magic. Who could possibly know anything that would help her? Mara continues through the streets of The Centrum, keeping her head down to avoid attention. She has been here before, but that was back when she didn’t have magic and she was renowned for her healing skills. It was before the incident, before her reputation was ruined and her livelihood destroyed. The streets bustle with mid-afternoon crowds of merchants, travelers, and families as they go about buying and selling. The cloudy sky doesn’t worry them. Inn and tavern workers shout their rates from doorways, hoping to draw business from the plethora of travelers who don’t know any better. Mara spots a cluster of Malvanian healers on their way to the Council and her heart aches at the sight. She doesn’t recognize them, but she is sure they would recognize her. After the incident, there isn’t a healer in Malvania that doesn’t know who she is. There are too many people in this city, people that could get hurt if Mara loses control. She can feel the magic underneath her skin, itching to be free. She can’t lose focus. She needs to find help soon, but she doesn’t know where to start looking. She needs to find somewhere more secluded to figure out her next move. [[Mara turns into an alleyway.]] [[Mara continues down the street.]]

Mara ducks into a narrow alley between two buildings and catches her breath. She didn’t expect it to be so overwhelming here. If she slips up, so many things could go wrong. Why did she think coming here was a good idea? Why did she think she would find some miraculous cure? Her only lead is The Centrum’s promise of peddlers touting wares of all kinds, including magical. She knows the odds of them being scammers is high, but she has no other choice. One of them has to know something. There have to be others that have encountered Serronius Ryan Hertz. Mara doesn’t know what she’ll do if they don’t. This has gone on long enough, taken too much of her life from her. She can’t go back to Malvania empty-handed. Mara recalls her training, breathing deeply and pressing her arms into her chest. The pressure and rhythm work to calm her, slowing her heart rate and lessening the magic’s strength. Mara has dealt with it for a few months now. She can handle it a little longer, just until she finds a cure. Her next step is to find lodging with her meager funds and start talking to anyone claiming to know magic or selling magical objects. She has been traveling all day and desperately needs to rest, exhaustion weighing down her limbs. Mara just needs to step back into the streets and act like she knows exactly what she is doing. Easy, right? [[“What’s a pretty lady like you doing here?”]]

Mara wishes she could appreciate The Centrum more. She has always loved visiting it. It felt good to come here and share her knowledge and skills, help the sick and wounded. She longs for those days to return. With any luck, soon they will. Soon she will be rid of this curse and free to go back to her old life. The streets are lively. The usual smell of manure is overlaid with the mouth-watering scents of pastries, fruits, and meats. Children weave through the crowd, giggling happily and sucking on sweets. Perhaps one day Mara can go back to such a carefree life. Her only lead is The Centrum’s promise of peddlers touting wares of all kinds, including magical. She knows the odds of them being scammers is high, but she has no other choice. One of them has to know something. There have to be others that have encountered Serronius Ryan Hertz. Mara doesn’t know what she’ll do if they don’t. This has gone on long enough, taken too much of her life from her. She can’t go back to Malvania empty-handed. She won’t. Her next step is to find lodging with her meager funds and start talking to anyone claiming to know magic or selling magical objects. One of them is bound to know something, right? She has been traveling all day and desperately needs to rest, exhaustion weighing down her limbs. A wagon rumbles by, forcing Mara to one side of the street. Just before she can return to the middle of the street, a hand clamps around her arm and pulls her into a darkened alleyway. [[“What’s a pretty lady like you doing here by yourself?”]]

The man’s voice makes Mara jump as he emerges from the shadows of the alley to Mara’s right. He is unkempt and lanky, but the revolvers at his waist and his crooked nose tell Mara he can more than handle himself in a fight. His breeches are dirtied with dust and what Mara suspects is blood, his boots scuffed and worn. His shirt hangs off of his thin frame, also stained. His eyes peer at Mara like she’s a delicious piece of meat, and the calm she had just secured vanishes like a bird. Mara turns left to dash out of the alley, only to find another man blocking her escape. He is shorter than the other man, but with more muscle and busted knuckles. His clothing is similarly wrinkled and dirty. He, too, looks very interested in Mara, and her heart thumps painfully fast in her ribcage. Mara glances at the first man and chokes back a whimper when she notices another man behind him, previously hidden in the shadows. All she can see of him is the glint of a sharp dagger in his hand and hungry, menacing eyes. “It’s not safe to wander alone,” says the man to Mara’s left, leaning into her. Mara hugs the wall, her thoughts racing as she scrambles to find a way out of this mess. Her magic rises to the surface, begging to aid her, but that only worries her more. No matter what these men plan to do, she can’t risk it. Her next move is to speak. [[She lies. “I’m not alone. My husband will be back any second.”]] [[She pleads. “I don’t want any trouble. Just let me pass.”]]

The ruffians laugh and move closer. The first one cocks his head and says, “I don’t believe you. It’s not nice to lie.” The man to Mara’s left grabs her arm with a vice-like grip, unaffected by her struggling and whimpering. “Give us your money and maybe we’ll go easy on you.” “I don’t have any money,” Mara gasps. The first man growls, grabbing Mara’s other arm and yanking it toward him painfully. Her tugs on her cloak, gestures to her tailored dress. “These clothes tell me otherwise. What did I say about lying?” Tears pool in Mara’s eyes. This was a horrible plan. Mara never should have come to The Centrum, not alone. She knew this could happen, but she thought she was smart enough to avoid it. How could she have been so stupid? The magic pulses within her body, once again offering its services. Mara is almost desperate enough to comply at this point, but she remembers what happened the last few times she tried to bend it to her will. Then again, these aren’t her friends. Hurting them would help her get away. But her magic is unpredictable, and it might do more than that. [[There is no other option. Mara unleashes her magic.]] [[It’s too risky. Mara must escape without using her magic.]]

The ruffians laugh and move closer. The first one looks at his cohorts and says, “You hear that? She doesn’t want any trouble.” He turns back to Mara. “I’m glad you don’t want trouble. I don’t either. So give us your money and you can be on your way.” Mara thinks of the few coins stuffed into her boot. It took everything else just to get here, after her reputation was ruined and she couldn’t make money. She can’t part with those last coins. If she does . . . it’s all over. “I don’t have any money,” Mara gasps. The first man growls, grabbing Mara’s right arm and yanking it toward him painfully. Her tugs on her cloak, gestures to her tailored dress. “These clothes tell me otherwise. Stop lying.” Tears pool in Mara’s eyes. This was a horrible plan. Mara never should have come to The Centrum, not alone. She knew this could happen, but she thought she was smart enough to avoid it. How could she have been so stupid? The magic pulses within her body, once again offering its services. Mara is almost desperate enough to comply at this point, but she remembers what happened the last few times she tried to bend it to her will. Then again, these aren’t her friends. Hurting them would help her get away. But her magic is unpredictable, and it might do more than hurt them. [[There is no other option. Mara unleashes her magic.]] [[It’s too risky. Mara must escape without using her magic.]]

Rings of white light burst from Mara’s body and blast the three men backward. They slam into the side of the opposite building with sickening force and thud to the ground in a messy heap. Bile rises in Mara’s throat at the pleasure she takes from their pain, the bliss she feels from using her magic successfully. But then Mara notices the building behind her and the screaming in the air. The wall sports a gaping hole, revealing a tavern full of people gawking at Mara. Dust rises from the remains of the wall and the building groans, threatening to fall over. A few men and women lay groaning on the floor, bloodied and bruised. Mara presses a hand to her mouth, holding back a sob. She did this. She hurt them. A woman who must be the owner of the tavern stalks toward Mara, a furious look on her face. Behind Mara, the men who attacked her are starting to rise again. [[Mara panics and flees.]]

Mara doesn’t think, she moves on instinct. She tugs her right arm free and kicks the man on the left between the legs. He goes down hard and Mara doesn’t waste any time running out of the alley. No one would help her if she drew attention to the ruffians, unfortunately, and the authorities wouldn’t arrive fast enough. Mara continues running. She has no destination on her mind other than away. She doesn’t make it very far before an arm is wrapped around her waist and another clapped over her mouth. She screams futilely. The man lifts her clear off her feet and drags her back into the shadows of another alley. He puts her down but keeps his hand on her mouth as his buddies catch up. The man she kicked is clutching his groin but looks angrier than ever. The one who caught her, the one with the revolvers, now looks at Mara in a way that makes her think she won’t make it out of this alley alive. “Now we have to do this the hard way,” he snarls. His free hand strokes Mara’s hair, making her scalp crawl with discomfort. “We’ll take all the money you have, and then have a little fun.” Mara’s magic surges again, reminding her it is there and waiting. There is no choice now. It is her only option. [[Mara unleashes her magic.->There is no other option. Mara unleashes her magic.]]

Mara runs through the streets of The Centrum, no longer caring who stares at her. She knew she shouldn’t have used her magic, what else did she expect to happen? She can’t control it, she never should have relied on it. Magic is never the answer, the past few months have taught her that. She hears footsteps behind her and shouting as the tavern-owner calls for help. Mara quickens her pace. She has no money to pay for the damage and she hasn’t resorted to resigning herself to a life in prison, not yet. It would be safer for everyone, but there must be a way to rid her of this curse! Her life can’t be over. This curse won’t beat her, no matter how hard it tries. Mara pushes through the throng of people and tugs her hood over her hair, hoping to get lost in the crowd. She thinks it’s working, but she doesn’t dare turn and look. Running isn’t a sustainable escape, however. She needs to find somewhere to hide until the pressure cools down. There. Up ahead Mara spots what looks to be an abandoned house at the edge of town. The windows are cracked, the wood rotting and shredded in a few places. There are no horses or wagons outside. Mara doubts anyone has lived there for a long time, and it looks like the Council has decided to leave it be for now. In the distance she can see the Junkyard, filled to the brim with discarded objects from all of the districts. Mara weaves between vendor stalls and their wares. She rushes behind the house and slips through the back door. [[Finally. She lost them.->Character Selection]]

**Character Selection** Now that you have met all 3 characters, the time has come to choose which one you would like to play as for the rest of the game. [[Varrence the Cyborg->Chapter 4 (Varrence)]] - an outcast cyborg [[Ohm the Normal->Chapter 4 (Ohm)]] - a wizard who lost his magic [[Mara the Cursed->Chapter 4 (Mara)]] - a healer cursed with chaotic magic

Mara struggles free and turns to see three men who have cornered her in the alley. The one directly in front of her is unkempt and lanky, but the revolvers at his waist and his crooked nose tell Mara he can more than handle himself in a fight. His breeches are dirtied with dust and what Mara suspects is blood, his boots scuffed and worn. His shirt hangs off of his thin frame, also stained. His eyes peer at Mara like she’s a delicious piece of meat. The man to Mara’s left blocks her escape. He is shorter than the other man, but with more muscle and busted knuckles. His clothing is similarly wrinkled and dirty. He, too, looks very interested in Mara, and her heart thumps painfully fast in her ribcage. Mara chokes back a whimper when she notices the man behind the one who grabbed her, largely hidden in the shadows. All she can see of him is the glint of a sharp dagger in his hand and hungry, menacing eyes. “It’s not safe to wander alone,” says the man to Mara’s left, leaning into her. Mara hugs the wall, her thoughts racing as she scrambles to find a way out of this mess. Her magic rises to the surface, begging to aid her, but that only worries her more. No matter what these men plan to do, she can’t risk it. Her next move is to say something. [[She lies. “I’m not alone. I was going to meet my husband.”->She lies. “I’m not alone. My husband will be back any second.”]] [[She pleads. “I don’t want any trouble. Just let me pass.”]]

**Chapter 4: The Golden Gear** It’s a woman. At first it’s too dark to tell, but not a second later is a lit candle in her hand, and her face is illuminated by the flickering light. Her light gray eyes bore into Varrence’s, and she lowers her gaze to his robotic arm before taking a slight step back. W1-DG3T scurries quietly behind Varrence and beeps shyly. Is this her warehouse? He looks around at what he can see: hay molded into the shape of a bed, some blankets, trinkets most likely bought from the Centrum market, and in the other far corner, a metal table stacked with papers, glass bottles holding chemicals, and other science tools. [[He gulps and scratches the back of his head.]]

**Chapter 4** Ohm makes his way towards the rundown building he’s been using as a hideout for the past several months. It’s rent-free and no one knows you’re home as long as you know how to keep a low profile. It’s cold and worn-out, wooden board rotting in some places and eaten through in others. There are more cracked windows than there are clean ones, and the whole place is just a massive mess. But it’s Ohm’s mess. The birds with their ugly grey plumage make their nests in the rafters and leave their feathers and droppings everywhere, but their whistling songs lighten up the place. Ohm is used to the stench of bird droppings, and strange as it may be, it’s an almost soothing stench. Ohm walks around to the back door when he sees that it’s partially open. Now there’s muffled conversation inside. Someone’s broken into his hideout. And they’re not alone. [[Sneak Inside.]]

**Chapter 4: The Meeting** Like Mara expected, the house is completely empty. It isn’t anything special, just one large room with a front and back door plus some windows. There is a mound of hay on the floor, along with a few blankets and chicken bones, giving Mara the impression that the house has been used as a hideout before. Finally she can have some peace and quiet. Mara leans against the wall as she catches her breath. That was a narrow escape. She has never had to deal with something like that before, and her heart is still pounding from adrenaline. Her skin is flushed with warmth from using her magic, but she hates the feeling. She knew she shouldn’t have used it! It never ends well, why did she think this time would be different? How could she possibly believe that she would have control over it? Since the incident, she has never been able to use her magic properly. Mara must find someone or something to get rid of her magic. She can’t do this anymore. She hates feeling so vulnerable, so weak. She hates what Serronius did to her. This magic has robbed her of everything, she has to be rid of it before it takes anything else. She has already hurt so many people; friends, and now enemies, too. She used to put people back together as a healer. Now she can only take them apart. Her guild kicked her out back in Malvania because of her unpredictability. [[She has to find a solution so she can return to them.]]

Mara takes off her boot and counts her few coins. They’re only enough to feed her for a week, less if she has to rent a room. But this house looks promising. It’s nothing fancy, but as long as it keeps the rain out and hides her from those thugs, she’ll take it. She doesn’t have many belongings at this point, just a spare dress, a bundle of candles, a stale loaf of bread, and a small knife she’d bought for protection. Clearly she wasn’t meant to have it, since she hadn’t even thought to use it when the ruffians attacked her. She sold what else she could when her savings began to run out after she lost her income, and she left everything else back home in Malvania. Her rent there is paid until the end of the month, but if she doesn’t fix this curse or find a new job, soon she really will be homeless. Mara can’t think about that now. It has been a long day and there is nothing more she can do. Tomorrow she can begin her search in earnest. [[For now, she needs rest.]]

Mara examines the hay and blankets. It won’t be the most comfortable bed, but it will have to do. She naws on a hunk of bread, saving the rest for tomorrow, and pushes the hay into a mound resembling a bed. She takes one of the blankets to spread over it, but stops in her tracks. Moving the blanket revealed a pile of objects underneath. There are crystal bowls, feathers, coins, and a few other things she remembers seeing some of the merchants selling. The chicken bones beside them look fresh, and she can still smell the meat in the air. [[Someone has been here recently. This house isn’t as abandoned as she thought.]]

The front door slams open, startling Mara. A man runs inside, shoves the door closed, and slides against it to the floor with a sigh of relief. He sets down some sort of machine, a single blue circle shining in the darkness. Mara stares at them, frozen in place. There is very little light so she can’t see him very well, but there is a strange red glow to one of his eyes. Mara takes out one of her candles and focuses on the wick. This is the one trick she has been able to master, and with a simple thought, a flame flickers to life. She steps toward the man with the candle outstretched. “I didn’t know this house was occupied. I’ll leave if you want me to, but I really need some shelter for tonight,” Mara says. The man jumps to his feet, tucking the machine behind him. With the combined glow of his eye, the machine, and Mara’s candle, she can now study him properly. Instantly, Mara knows what he is: a cyborg. She has never met one in person before, though her fellow healers told her stories of ones they had treated. He has one mechanical eye, the glowing red one. His right arm is completely mechanical, a mess of colorful wires and metal plates that stops at his chest. Atop his head is a cluster of dreadlocks, and his human eye is wide with fear. His human skin is dark and he stands about a head taller than her. “This isn’t my house,” the man blubbers. “I—who are you?” Mara takes a defensive step back. “I was here first. Who are you?” [[“Both of you get out of my house before I make you.”]]

A new voice from behind makes Mara jump. She holds the candle in one hand and her other creeps to her knife. She’s learned her lesson. This time she will be better prepared. Another man walks into the light. He is human, at least all the parts Mara can see of him. A monocle covers one of his eyes, his dark hair a little scruffy and he has the wisps of a mustache on his face, although it looks a little strange. His skin is pale and he is even taller than the cyborg. He looks like he has been running, the same as Mara and the cyborg. The pockets of his stylish overcoat are overflowing with coins, feathers, and other crystal objects like the ones she found underneath the blanket. Mara’s eyes widen with realization. [[He is the one who has been squatting here, and he just found two trespassers.]]

The three of them gather in the middle of the room, light provided by Mara’s candle and the cyborg and his machine. Now that she can see better, she realizes the machine is actually a robot, and the blue circle is its eye. It is about three feet tall with a circular head connected by wires to a rectangular body. It has metal claws that are clinging to the cyborg’s leg and two wheels on which it is rolling back and forth almost nervously. “I said get out,” the new man repeats. “I just need a place to stay for the night,” Mara says. “I’ll leave tomorrow.” “Why are you here?” The man says, taking a step forward. “Did Sir Badelus send you?” “Let’s just calm down for a second, I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding,” says the cyborg. “I’m Varrence. This is my friend W1-DG3T.” He gestures to the robot. The man peers at Varrence. “Ohm, and you’re still trespassing in my house. Take your woman and your pet and leave.” Mara recoils. “I am not his *woman*. I’ve never even met him before today.” “That still doesn’t tell me who you are.” Now the two of them look at Mara. Besides their names, she has no idea who they are. She doesn’t know them or trust them, and she’s not sure she should stick around to find out. (link: "Mara says nothing and runs.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Mara says nothing and runs.")] (link: "Mara takes a chance and introduces herself.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Mara takes a chance and introduces herself.")]

Mara turns and dashes toward the doorway, but she doesn’t get far before the robot, W1-DG3T, rolls into her path and beeps angrily. When she faces Ohm and Varrence, they are both looking at her suspiciously. “I don’t want to cause any trouble, I just needed a place to stay and I thought this house was empty,” Mara says. Ohm stares her down. “I have enemies. I can’t let you leave until I know who you are.” Mara’s magic roils in her blood, enticing her to use it and escape these people. After what happened earlier, though, she’s not sure she should. But Ohm and Varrence are still watching her closely, looking more and more hostile by the second. (link: "This has gone on long enough. Mara uses her magic.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "This has gone on long enough. Mara uses her magic.")] (link: "Mara doesn’t want the situation to escalate any further. She gives in.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Mara doesn’t want the situation to escalate any further. She gives in.")]

“My name is Mara. I don’t want to cause any trouble. I just needed a place to lay low for the night.” Ohm’s eyes narrow and he steps toward Mara. “Why?” Screw it. What else does Mara have to lose? “I was running from some thugs. I’m from Malvania, I arrived in The Centrum this morning looking for a way to get rid of my magic. I was cursed with it a year ago. I can’t control it. When I was jumped . . . my magic hurt people. Innocent people.” Ohm grunts and considers Mara with a look of jealousy. Before she can guess what that’s about, he turns to Varrence. “You?” Varrence tugs W1-DG3T closer to him. “Radicals attacked me because I’m a cyborg when I was scavenging in the Junkyard for parts for W1-DG3T. He’s not complete yet.” As if on cue, the little robot rolls in a circle while his eye pulses in different colors. [[Varrence just sighs and pats him on the head.]]

Mara points her palm towards Ohm and Varrence and lets the energy flow through her fingertips. A blast of white light shoots from her hand but, to Mara’s dismay, it goes in every direction but the one she wanted. The magic blasts through the pile of hay and ricochets off the walls of the house, making scorch marks on the walls and floor with loud explosions. Mara stumbles backward, trips on her dress, and falls in a heap on the floor. Ohm and Varrence rise from their crouched positions and uncover their heads. W1-DG3T whistles nervously. They stare incredulously at Mara, almost fearfully. Mara watches them closely, her chest rising and falling rapidly from the adrenaline. “Great. You blew up my bed. Now tell me who you are,” Ohm demands. Well, that obviously didn’t go as planned. Once again, Mara’s magic did exactly what she didn’t want it to do. No one got hurt this time, although the bed of hay is on fire. She lost her candle in the commotion, but the flaming hay provides much more light than her meager flame did. The light allows Mara to spot a few tables laden with tools and more tricks in the back of the room. Mara needs to think fast. There may still be a way to salvage this situation. (link: "Mara summons her confidence and bluffs.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Mara summons her confidence and bluffs.")] (link: "This is too much pressure. Mara comes clean.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "This is too much pressure. Mara comes clean.")]

Mara shoves the magic down, refusing to let another mishap occur. She already hurt innocent people today, she *won’t* do it again. “I’m sorry. Things haven’t been going my way recently. I’m Mara,” she says. “Why are you trespassing in my house?” Ohm growls. “I . . . I was cursed with magic a year ago. I’m from Malvania, I came to The Centrum looking for a way to get rid of it. When I got jumped by some thugs, I tried to use my magic and it didn’t go so well. I can’t control it. I came here to lay low for the night,” Mara explains. Ohm grunts and considers Mara with a look of jealousy. Before she can guess what that’s about, he turns to Varrence. “You?” Varrence tugs W1-DG3T closer to him. “Radicals attacked me because I’m a cyborg when I was scavenging in the Junkyard for parts for W1-DG3T. He’s not complete yet.” As if on cue, the little robot rolls in a circle while his eye pulses in different colors. [[Varrence just sighs and pats him on the head.->Variation 3]]

Mara jumps to her feet, brushes the hay off of her dress, and says in the steadiest voice she can muster, “I was given powerful magic a year ago. I’m not afraid to use it against you.” Varrence shrinks back, drawing W1-DG3T closer to him. Ohm, on the other hand, has narrow eyes—which is a little strange with the monocle—and a deep frown. He looks angry, and maybe even a little jealous. Mara palms her knife. The look disappears as soon as Mara notices it. Ohm steps closer. “Good for you. I still need to know who you are and why you’re here, why both of you are here.” Mara takes a deep breath, racking her brain for ways out of this situation. She finds none. “Mara,” she finally says. [[“Like I told you, I just needed a place to stay. Some thugs were after me.”]]

Mara breaks. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I did that. I was cursed with magic a year ago. I can’t control it. My name is Mara.” Varrence looks at Mara almost like he understands. Mara has heard of how cyborgs are treated in Gadgeton. He, too, must know what it’s like to be shunned for existing. Ohm also seems a little less hostile now. He looks at Mara with pity, but also what could be jealousy. That makes Mara angry. She would give this magic away in a heartbeat, he could have it for all she cares! She didn’t ask for this. “I still need to know why you two are here. This is my house, and I don’t take illegal trespassing lightly,” Ohm says. Mara pushes to her feet and brushes the hay off of her dress, trying to ignore the call of her magic in her gut. “Some thugs jumped me and my magic was too destructive. I needed somewhere to stay until I figured out my next move. I’m from Malvania, I came to The Centrum hoping to find something to get rid of my magic.” “I also ran into some radicals in the Junkyard,” Varrence explains. “They don’t like cyborgs. I was just looking for parts to finish W1-DG3T. He’s not complete yet.” As if on cue, the little robot rolls in a circle while his eye pulses in different colors. [[Varrence just sighs and pats him on the head.->Variation 2]]

“Me too!” Varrence pipes up. “I mean, not the same thugs, but I also needed a place to lay low. You know how people are with cyborgs.” Varrence drops his head, fiddling with a knob on W1-DG3T’s head. An idea pops into Mara’s head. “Look, we were all running from something when we got here, right? Maybe we can help each other out. I made some people mad with my magic back in Malvania and came to The Centrum for a new start. Some people don’t like how powerful I am. That’s why I’m hiding here.” “I know what you mean,” Varrence says. “One look at me and people hate me. I ran into some thugs while I was scavenging for parts for W1-DG3T. He’s not complete yet.” As if on cue, the little robot rolls in a circle while his eye pulses in different colors. [[Varrence just sighs and pats him on the head.->Variation 1]]

Varrence seems to have a silent conversation with W1-DG3T before saying, “I’ve got nothing left to lose.” Ohm takes more time to respond. He scratches his chin and studies Varrence and Mara carefully, almost like he is debating with himself. Finally, he sighs and mutters something under his breath before saying louder, “There’s this thing I’ve heard of. The ‘Golden Gear.’ I’ve wanted it for a while now, but I can’t get it on my own. Maybe you two could help me.” Mara’s curiosity is piqued. “What is it?” “It’s said to be able to do anything you want. It could give me my magic back. It could fix your robot,” he gestures to Varrence, and then looks at Mara. “It could focus your magic.” Mara’s breathing picks up. If this “Golden Gear” can do anything, maybe it can get rid of her magic. [[For good.->"For good" Variation 1]]

Mara glances at the crystal bowls and feathers and tools on the floor, and something clicks in her mind. “You’re a con-artist, aren’t you?” She asks Ohm. Ohm straightens his back and Mara knows she’s right. She continues, “You conned the wrong person and had to make a run for it.” Ohm bends over and gathers up some of his belongings. He holds a crystal vial towards the bed of hay and the fire is instantly sucked into it, casting the room into darkness. A second later warm golden light illuminates the room, and Mara sees the source is a crystal ball in Ohm’s hand. Ohm glances at the two of them. “I used to have magic but now I don’t, and this is the only way I can survive. I’ve been doing this for a while, and this is my house. If you don’t like it, leave.” Mara’s breath catches in her throat. He used to have magic? He’s almost like her! Maybe Ohm can help her, if she could just convince him to let her stay for the night. [[“We’ve each got a problem, and we’ve each got a different skill set. Maybe we should work together to find a solution,” Mara says.]]

“So what do you two say? Wanna help me steal the ‘Golden Gear’?” Ohm asks. Varrence stares at W1-DG3T, most likely weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he nods and says, “I’ll do it.” Mara’s turn. Both Ohm and Varrence are watching her expectantly. She’s not sure she trusts these two yet, but the promise of the Golden Gear is too tempting. It’s exactly what she’s been looking for. “Okay,” she sheathes her knife. “Where is it?” “I don’t know about you two, but I’m exhausted,” Varrence says. “It’s already night time. Let’s get some rest and then get to work tomorrow.” “Fine,” Ohm agrees. “This way we’ll know if we can trust each other if we actually wake up in the morning.” That doesn’t reassure Mara very much, but the three of them retreat to their own corners of the house. Ohm gathers up some more hay for a makeshift bed, and Varrence pulls out a ratty blanket to cover himself, with W1-DG3T chirping beside him. [[Mara pulls her cloak tighter around her and uses her bag as a pillow.]]

The next thing she knows, Mara blinks her eyes open against the sunlight pouring in through the broken windows. Varrence and Ohm are already awake, talking quietly in the middle of the room. Mara brushes the dirt off of her clothes and joins them. Ohm’s mustache is mysteriously missing. “Well, no one killed each other,” Varrence says with a grin. Mara ignores him, focusing instead on Ohm. “Where is this Golden Gear?” Ohm crosses his arms. [[“In The Boundary. It belongs to Serronius Ryan Hertz.”->Chapter 5 (Mara)]]

**Chapter 5: The Golden Gear** “No!” Mara says without thinking. The smell of that lab comes back to her, the bright lights piercing her eyes, the sound of groaning and screaming filling the air. Mara sees Serronius standing over her with a smile as she measures the output of Mara’s magic. She remembers being forced to use her magic over and over no matter how many times she hurt herself or someone else. And then finally Mara escaped, and vowed never to return to The Boundary ever again. “Do you know Serronius?” Ohm asks. Varrence is sitting cross-legged on the floor, fiddling with some of W1-DG3T’s gears. He, too, looks at Mara curiously. Mara forces herself to sit down and hugs her knees to her chest. She’s told the story many times before, but it’s still hard to think about that time in her life. And as much as she hates and fears Serronius, she can’t deny how good it would feel to get her revenge. “I know Serronius Ryan Hertz,” Mara confesses. “My magic is a curse. She’s the one that cursed me. She captured me and experimented on me, and I ended up with magic, and I can’t control it. She’s the reason I’m like this. She ruined my life. If she has the Golden Gear, I—” Ohm chuckles morbidly and shakes his head. “You’re not the only life she’s ruined. I ran into her once and it ended badly. Serronius is the reason I don’t have magic anymore.” “Well I’ve never met Serronius or even heard of her,” Varrence interjects. “How bad is she?” “She’s not . . . evil,” Ohm says. “She’s demented. She has magic and she has no morals, no sense of right or wrong. She’s obsessed with figuring out how things work. Once she understands something, she’ll stop at nothing to improve it. To her, that means making it more dangerous. She sees people as opportunities for experiments.” Ohm glances at Mara with pity. “You’re not the first person I’ve heard of to be experimented on by Serronius.” That doesn’t make Mara feel any better. [[The thought of confronting Serronius again after everything that’s happened . . . Mara feels like she’s going to throw up.]]

Ohm scratches his chin and studies Varrence and Mara carefully, almost like he is debating with himself. Finally, he sighs and mutters something under his breath before saying louder, “Look, we’ve each got a problem, and we each keep running into trouble. Maybe we can help each other out.” Varrence seems to have a silent conversation with W1-DG3T before saying, “I’ve got nothing left to lose.” Mara still doesn’t trust these two completely, but she gets the feeling she might like where this conversation is going. Ohm is a con-artist, and he used to have magic. He might know something that could help her. “What do you have in mind?” Ohm lets out a deep breath. “There’s this thing I’ve heard of. The ‘Golden Gear.’ I’ve wanted it for a while now, but I can’t get it on my own. Maybe you two could help me.” Mara’s curiosity is piqued. “What is it?” “It’s said to be able to do anything you want. It could give me my magic back. It could fix your robot,” he gestures to Varrence, and then looks at Mara. “It could focus your magic.” Mara’s breathing picks up. If this “Golden Gear” can do anything, maybe it can get rid of her magic. [[For good.->"For good" Variation 2]]

“So what do you two say? Wanna help me steal the ‘Golden Gear’?” Ohm asks. Varrence stares at W1-DG3T, most likely weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he nods and says, “I’ll do it.” Mara’s turn. Both Ohm and Varrence are watching her expectantly. This is the only lead she’s gotten so far on a cure. The promise of the Golden Gear outweighs her suspicions. It’s exactly what she’s been looking for. “Okay,” she agrees. “Where is it?” “I don’t know about you two, but I’m exhausted,” Varrence says. “It’s already night time. Let’s get some rest and then get to work tomorrow.” “Fine,” Ohm agrees. “This way we’ll know if we can trust each other if we actually wake up in the morning.” That doesn’t reassure Mara very much, but the three of them retreat to their own corners of the house. Ohm gathers up some more hay for a makeshift bed, and Varrence pulls out a ratty blanket to cover himself, with W1-DG3T chirping beside him. [[Mara pulls her cloak tighter around her and uses her bag as a pillow.]]

“I thought this house was empty and that I could use it to hide,” Varrence finishes. Mara glances at the crystal bowls and feathers and tools on the floor, and something clicks in her mind. “You’re a con-artist, aren’t you?” she asks Ohm. Ohm straightens his back and Mara knows she’s right. She continues, “You conned the wrong person and had to make a run for it.” Ohm bends over and gathers up some of his belongings. He shakes one of the crystal balls and it starts glowing with warm golden light, illuminating the room much better than Mara’s candle, which she extinguishes. Ohm glances at the two of them. “I used to have magic but now I don’t, and this is the only way I can survive. If you don’t like it, leave.” Mara’s breath catches in her throat. He used to have magic? He’s almost like her! [[Maybe Ohm can help her, if she could just convince him to let her stay for the night.->Variation 3A]]

Ohm scratches his chin and studies Varrence and Mara carefully, almost like he is debating with himself. Finally, he sighs and mutters something under his breath before saying louder, “Look, we’ve each got a problem, and we each keep running into trouble. Maybe we can help each other out.” Varrence seems to have a silent conversation with W1-DG3T before saying, “I’ve got nothing left to lose.” Mara still doesn’t trust these two completely, but she gets the feeling she might like where this conversation is going. Ohm is a con-artist, and he used to have magic. He might know something that could help her. “What do you have in mind?” Ohm lets out a deep breath. “There’s this thing I’ve heard of. The ‘Golden Gear.’ I’ve wanted it for a while now, but I can’t get it on my own. Maybe you two could help me.” Mara’s curiosity is piqued. “What is it?” “It’s said to be able to do anything you want. It could give me my magic back. It could fix your robot,” he gestures to Varrence, and then looks at Mara. “It could get rid of your magic.” Mara’s breathing picks up. Can it be true? Can this “Golden Gear” be the thing she’s been searching for? [[“So what do you two say? Wanna help me steal the ‘Golden Gear’?” Ohm asks.]]

Varrence stares at W1-DG3T, most likely weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he nods and says, “I’ll do it.” Mara’s turn. Both Ohm and Varrence are watching her expectantly. This is the only lead she’s gotten so far on a cure. The promise of the Golden Gear outweighs her suspicions. It’s exactly what she’s been looking for. “Okay,” she agrees. “Where is it?” “I don’t know about you two, but I’m exhausted,” Varrence says. “It’s already night time. Let’s get some rest and then get to work tomorrow.” “Fine,” Ohm agrees. “This way we’ll know if we can trust each other if we actually wake up in the morning.” That doesn’t reassure Mara very much, but the three of them retreat to their own corners of the house. Ohm gathers up some more hay for a makeshift bed, and Varrence pulls out a ratty blanket to cover himself, with W1-DG3T chirping beside him. [[Mara pulls her cloak tighter around her and uses her bag as a pillow.]]

“I thought this house was empty and that I could use it to hide,” Varrence finishes. Mara glances at the crystal bowls and feathers and tools on the floor, and something clicks in her mind. “You’re a con-artist, aren’t you?” she asks Ohm. Ohm straightens his back and Mara knows she’s right. She continues, “You conned the wrong person and had to make a run for it.” Ohm bends over and gathers up some of his belongings. He shakes one of the crystal balls and it starts glowing with warm golden light, illuminating the room much better than Mara’s candle, which she extinguishes. The light allows Mara to spot a few tables laden with tools and more tricks in the back of the room. Ohm glances at the two of them. “I used to have magic but now I don’t, and this is the only way I can survive. If you don’t like it, leave.” Mara’s breath catches in her throat. He used to have magic? He’s almost like her! [[Maybe Ohm can help her, if she could just convince him to let her stay for the night.]]

Ohm scratches his chin and studies Varrence and Mara carefully, almost like he is debating with himself. Finally, he sighs and mutters something under his breath before saying louder, “Look, we’ve each got a problem, and we each keep running into trouble. Maybe we can help each other out.” Varrence seems to have a silent conversation with W1-DG3T before saying, “I’ve got nothing left to lose.” Mara still doesn’t trust these two completely, but she gets the feeling she might like where this conversation is going. Ohm is a con-artist, and he used to have magic. He might know something that could help her. “What do you have in mind?” Ohm lets out a deep breath. “There’s this thing I’ve heard of. The ‘Golden Gear.’ I’ve wanted it for a while now, but I can’t get it on my own. Maybe you two could help me.” Mara’s curiosity is piqued. “What is it?” “It’s said to be able to do anything you want. It could give me my magic back. It could fix your robot,” he gestures to Varrence, and then looks at Mara. “It could get rid of your magic.” Mara’s breathing picks up. Can it be true? Can this “Golden Gear” be the thing she’s been searching for? [[“So what do you two say? Wanna help me steal the ‘Golden Gear’?” Ohm asks.]]

Mara glances at the crystal bowls and feathers and tools on the floor, and something clicks in her mind. “You’re a con-artist, aren’t you?” she asks Ohm. Ohm straightens his back and Mara knows she’s right. She continues, “You conned the wrong person and had to make a run for it.” Ohm bends over and gathers up some of his belongings. He holds a crystal vial towards the bed of hay and the fire is instantly sucked into it, casting the room into darkness. A second later warm golden light illuminates the room, and Mara sees the source is a crystal ball in Ohm’s hand. Ohm glances at the two of them. “I used to have magic but now I don’t, and this is the only way I can survive. I’ve been doing this for a while, and this is my house. If you don’t like it, leave.” Mara’s breath catches in her throat. He used to have magic? He’s almost like her! [[Maybe Ohm can help her, if she could just convince him to let her stay for the night.->Variation 2A]]

“Are we sure we want to steal from her?” Varrence asks. “She sounds like really bad news.” “We have to!” Ohm says, a hunger in his eyes. “She doesn’t deserve the things she has. She lives in The Boundary so none of the districts control her, not even The Centrum. No one has been brave enough to take her down, but she needs to be stopped. Think of what we could do with the Golden Gear! She’s bound to have even more valuable things that we can take.” Ohm looks at Mara as he finishes his speech. “Don’t you want to make sure she doesn’t do to anyone else what she did to you?” The arguments vanish from Mara’s mind. First and foremost, she is a healer. She made a vow to always help others in need. If doing this will stop Serronius’ horrific acts, maybe it’s worth a shot. And maybe it’ll help Mara find some closure. Mara relaxes her grip around her legs. [[“Fine. Do you have a plan?”']]

“She has defenses,” Ohm says. “She may be crazy, but she’s smart, too. Our first obstacle will be The Boundary itself.” Mara nods, remembering the swampy marshland she crawled through during her escape. It took her hours to cross it and the muck stuck with her for days. “I’ve heard the stories,” Varrence says. “I can create coverings for our shoes that will keep the swamp from swallowing us.” Ohm nods. “That’s only the beginning. Serronius has her experiments to guard her, the ones she’s bent to her will. Her mansion is huge, there are bound to be mazes and decoys and other tricks.” “So what do we do?” Mara asks. “We’ll have to work together. Varrence, you’re good with technology. Mara has magic. And I know about Serronius.” “And you’re a con-man,” Mara adds. He shrugs. “I had to make a living somehow.” “I mean we can use that to our advantage,” Mara clarifies. “You’ve got to have some tricks up your sleeve that can help us.” Ohm shrugs again. “Here’s what I’m thinking. We’ll work together to get through The Boundary. If we get stuck in the swamp, this is over before it begins. Then when we make it to Serronius’ mansion, we split up. We’re bound to draw more attention and get in each other’s way if we stick together.” (link: "Ohm doesn’t have much of a plan. Maybe this isn’t the best idea.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Ohm doesn’t have much of a plan. Maybe this isn’t the best idea.")] (link: "It could work. But Mara has a few ideas to make it better.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "It could work. But Mara has a few ideas to make it better.")]

“Splitting up is a horrible idea. We don’t know what we’re getting into,” Mara points out. “I do,” Ohm insists. “And we’ll know more once we get there. And don’t you remember anything from that place?” Mara flinches. “Only bits and pieces, and Serronius is bound to have created more dangerous experiments since then. Besides, what if we split up and one of us finds the Golden Gear and abandons the others? We may have made it through the night together, but how do I know the two of you won’t leave me there if we run into trouble?” “I wouldn’t do that,” Varrence says. “Maybe you wouldn’t,” Mara concedes, “but Ohm is clearly only out for himself.” “Oh sure, blame the con-man. You just have to trust me, I have the most experience with this kind of stuff. Splitting up is our only play.” Mara scoffs. “How? Clearly none of us is that good at fighting since we were all being chased yesterday when we came here. Serronius would beat us in a heartbeat.” “Then what do you think we should do?” Ohm asks, his anger barely veiled. (link: "Poking holes won’t help. An idea begins to form in Mara’s head.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Poking holes won’t help. An idea begins to form in Mara’s head.")] (link: "This was a bad idea from the beginning.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "This was a bad idea from the beginning.")]

“I agree we’ll need to work together to get through the swamp,” Mara begins. “But I think we should stick together after that, too. With someone like Serronius, we’ll have strength in numbers. Splitting up is an easy way to get caught one by one.” “But—” Mara cuts Ohm off. “I know you think we’ll get in each others’ way if we stay together. But Serronius is tricky, we’ll need all of our skills to get what we want. We won’t know what we’re up against until we get there. So to make sure we succeed, we need to know what each of us brings to the table.” “I agree,” Varrence says. “We have to be smart about this. Splitting up isn’t smart. Working together and combining our skills is.” Ohm grumbles under his breath and then says, “Fine, we’ll do it your way. Mara, you’re our powerhouse with your magic.” Mara steps back. “You shouldn’t rely on me. Like I said, I can’t control it. Small things like lighting a candle, that’s no problem. But whenever I try something bigger it doesn’t work. I got a spellbook when I first escaped Serronius hoping it would help me, but it did nothing. Whenever I try to make something happen, it backfires.” “Show us,” Varrence suggests. Mara shakes her head vigorously. “Trust me, you don’t want me to.” “Varrence is right, we need to know,” Ohm agrees. “What about you two? You should show what you can do.” Ohm snorts. “Varrence is obvious. He’s less vulnerable than us with his cybernetic enhancements, and he’s clearly good enough with technology to build his own robot.” Varrence straightens his back and pats W1-DG3T on the head. “And you said it yourself, I’m a con-man. I can smooth-talk my way out of any situation, and I mastered sleight-of-hand years ago.” Ohm pulls a small hammer out of his pocket. “Didn’t you notice something was missing, Varrence?” Ohm tosses the hammer to Varrence who fumbles to catch it. Varrence’s organic eye widens at the sight of it and he turns out his own pocket, finding it empty. “Not cool,” Varrence says as he tucks the hammer back into his pocket. “The point is, we’ve shown what we can do,” Ohm says. “Now it’s your turn.” Mara sighs. There’s no avoiding it at this point. If they’re going to steal from a powerful wizard together, they deserve to know the true extent of Mara’s magic. (link: "The spell is risky, so Mara should ask for permission first.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "The spell is risky, so Mara should ask for permission first.")] (link: "Light the rest of the hay on fire.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Light the rest of the hay on fire.")]

Mara shakes her head. “This was a mistake. I can’t believe I let you talk me into this. I give up, I’ll find something else to control my magic.” Mara scrambles to collect her things and head for the door. W1-DG3T barrels into her path, Varrence close behind. He stares at her with such a disappointed look that Mara almost feels guilty for leaving. “We all agreed to do this,” Ohm says, and Mara turns to face him. “You said you’d help us.” “Yeah, and what about Serronius? Don’t you want to get back at her?” Varrence asks. “The way it’s looking now, Serronius is about to have a new batch of humans to experiment on,” Mara retorts. She doesn’t miss Varrence’s cursory glance at himself and the following gleam of pride in his organic eye. “I can’t go back there like that.” “Then help us figure out a plan we’re all happy with, instead of pointing out what could go wrong,” Varrence pleads. Mara doesn’t miss the criticism of her earlier behavior. “My plan is already good,” Ohm interjects, peering at Mara with annoyance. “Not helping!” Varrence grumbles. “Look, the problem is right in front of us. We don’t know each other and we don’t trust each other. We need to be able to work together.” Mara sighs. This “Golden Gear” is the only solution she’s heard of since journeying to the Centrum. Ohm may be infuriating, and Varrence is too naive for his own good, but they’re all she has right now. (link: "“I still don’t think Ohm’s plan will work.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "“I still don’t think Ohm’s plan will work.”")] (link: "“Fine. We need to know what each of us brings to the table.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "“Fine. We need to know what each of us brings to the table.”")]

“We stay together,” Mara suggests. “With someone like Serronius, we’ll have strength in numbers. And we have no idea what else she might have in store for us when we get there. We have to be ready for anything, which means we need to work together.” “I agree,” Varrence says. “No offense, but the last time you encountered Serronius you were her prisoner,” Ohm points out. “You’re not the best person to plan an attack.” Mara clenches her fists. “And the last time you encountered her she took your magic away! You never even said where that happened, while I was held at her mansion. It’s true, I don’t remember much, but it’s probably more than you.” Ohm opens his mouth to continue arguing but before he can Varrence pipes up, “I’m on Mara’s side. We work together the whole time we’re there, or we don’t do this at all.” Ohm folds his arms and glares at the two of them, but finally he says, “Fine. We’ll do it your way.” “Now if we’re gonna work together, we need to know what each of us can do,” Varrence says. Ohm snorts. “Varrence is obvious. He’s less vulnerable than us with his cybernetic enhancements, and he’s clearly good enough with technology to build his own robot.” Varrence straightens his back and pats W1-DG3T on the head. “And you said it yourself, I’m a con-man. I can smooth-talk my way out of any situation, and I mastered sleight-of-hand years ago.” Ohm pulls a small hammer out of his pocket. “Didn’t you notice something was missing, Varrence?” Ohm tosses the hammer to Varrence who fumbles to catch it. Varrence’s organic eye widens at the sight of it and he turns out his own pocket, finding it empty. “Not cool,” Varrence says as he tucks the hammer back into his pocket. “The point is, we’ve shown what we can do,” Ohm says. “Now it’s your turn.” Mara sighs. There’s no avoiding it at this point. If they’re going to steal from a powerful wizard together, they deserve to know the true extent of Mara’s magic. (link: "The spell is risky, so Mara should ask for permission first.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "The spell is risky, so Mara should ask for permission first.")] (link: "Light the rest of the hay on fire.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Light the rest of the hay on fire.")]

“You’ve made that very clear.” Ohm rolls his eyes. “What’s *your* brilliant plan?” Mara shrinks back, and Ohm laughs. “That’s what I thought.” “Can we please just get along?” Varrence says. Ohm turns away from Mara, and even though he can’t see her, Mara does the same. “Ohm’s plan is a good start, but I agree, splitting up is a bad idea.” Varrence sits down and begins fiddling with W1-DG3T again, something Mara suspects is a nervous tic. “We have no idea what will be waiting for us. I’ve never met this Serronius, and it sounds like it’s been a while since the two of you have encountered her. We don’t know what nasty tricks she’ll have planned. Sticking together and combining our skills is the best plan.” Ohm turns around “But—” “Just stop!” Mara yells, facing him again. [[“You’re outvoted. We’re not splitting up.”]]

“And we’re not splitting up,” Mara adds before either of them can talk. “With someone like Serronius, we’ll have strength in numbers.” “I agree,” Varrence says. “Fine,” Ohm relents. “As for our respective skills, isn’t it obvious? Varrence’s strength is technology, we know he’s skilled enough to build his own robot.” Varrence straightens his back and pats W1-DG3T on the head. “Plus, his cybernetic enhancements make him less vulnerable than us. As for me, you said it yourself; I’m a con-man. I can smooth-talk my way out of any situation, and I mastered sleight-of-hand years ago.” Ohm pulls a small hammer out of his pocket. “Didn’t you notice something was missing, Varrence?” Ohm tosses the hammer to Varrence who fumbles to catch it. Varrence’s organic eye widens at the sight of it and he turns out his own pocket, finding it empty. “Not cool,” Varrence says as he tucks the hammer back into his pocket. “The point is, we’ve shown what we can do,” Ohm says. “Now it’s your turn, Mara.” Mara sighs. There’s no avoiding it at this point. If they’re going to steal from a powerful wizard together, they deserve to know the true extent of Mara’s magic. (link: "The spell is risky, so you should ask for permission first.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "The spell is risky, so you should ask for permission first.")] (link: "Light the rest of the hay on fire.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Light the rest of the hay on fire.")]

Ohm’s fists are clenched, and he looks like he wants to continue arguing. Instead, he says, “Fine, we’ll do it your way. Mara, you’re our powerhouse with your magic.” Mara steps back. “You shouldn’t rely on me. Like I said, I can’t control it. Small things like lighting a candle, that’s no problem. But whenever I try something bigger it doesn’t work. I got a spellbook when I first escaped Serronius hoping it would help me, but it did nothing. Whenever I try to make something happen, it backfires.” “Show us,” Varrence suggests. Mara shakes her head vigorously. “Trust me, you don’t want me to.” “Varrence is right, we need to know,” Ohm agrees. “What about you two? You should show what you can do.” Ohm snorts. “Varrence is obvious. He’s less vulnerable than us with his cybernetic enhancements, and he’s clearly good enough with technology to build his own robot.” Varrence straightens his back and pats W1-DG3T on the head. “And you said it yourself, I’m a con-man. I can smooth-talk my way out of any situation, and I mastered sleight-of-hand years ago.” Ohm pulls a small hammer out of his pocket. “Didn’t you notice something was missing, Varrence?” Ohm tosses the hammer to Varrence who fumbles to catch it. Varrence’s organic eye widens at the sight of it and he turns out his own pocket, finding it empty. “Not cool,” Varrence says as he tucks the hammer back into his pocket. “The point is, we’ve shown what we can do,” Ohm says. “Now it’s your turn.” Mara sighs. There’s no avoiding it at this point. If they’re going to steal from a powerful wizard together, they deserve to know the true extent of Mara’s magic. (link: "Light the rest of the hay on fire.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Light the rest of the hay on fire.")] (link: "The spell is risky, so you should ask for permission first.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "The spell is risky, so you should ask for permission first.")]

“Okay, back away,” Mara says as she approaches the rest of the hay. Varrence and Ohm do as she says, as well as W1-DG3T. There’s a small pile of hay left, so Mara pushes it closer together so there aren’t any stray pieces. She steadies her breathing and raises her hands, recalling one of the few spells that worked from that spellbook she’d acquired. Her magic rises to her fingertips eagerly, as if it had been eavesdropping and waiting for this exact moment. Mara recites the spell and the effect is instant. Flames shoot from her fingertips into the hay and set it on fire easily, but then the flames keep coming. The fire drips from her fingertips and flies toward the walls, dissipating just before setting the wood on fire. Mara shakes her hands frantically, but the flames just keep coming. She is about to panic when Varrence runs forward and dumps a bucket of water on her hands. Mara’s breathing slows, the adrenaline receding from her body. She’s had no trouble lighting small candles, but apparently summoning fire like that isn’t as easy as she thought. Ohm stomps out the few sparks that managed to escape the pile of hay, looking grumpy. Mara’s hands are still soaked and she wipes them on her cloak. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. I can’t control it very well, that’s why I need the Golden Gear.” “Well, that’s definitely some of the strongest magic I’ve ever seen,” Ohm says. [[“And that explains the problem. We need to get you a Magic Focus.”]]

“I need a volunteer,” Mara says. “What for?” Varrence backs away. “If you want to know what I can do, specifically offensive-type magic since we’ll need it to fight, then let me show you,” Mara explains. “But it’s dangerous. You could get hurt.” “Fine,” Ohm says. “I’ve been hurt by magic before.” Ohm positions himself in front of Mara while Varrence and W1-DG3T move behind her. Mara steadies her breathing and raises her hands, recalling one of the few spells that worked from that spellbook she’d acquired. Her magic rises to her fingertips eagerly, as if it had been eavesdropping and waiting for this exact moment. Mara recites the spell and the effect is instant. A bolt of black energy surges from her hands and slams into Ohm, sending him flying across the room and crashing into the wall. Another thud sounds behind her and Mara turns to see that Varrence, too, has been tossed backwards. W1-DG3T is rolling back and forth beside him, beeping erratically. Mara runs over to Varrence and helps him to his feet, his organic eye dazed and his mechanical eye dimmed. “I’m so sorry,” she gushes, “I didn’t mean to do that. That’s why I need the Golden Gear, I can’t control it.” Ohm stumbles over to them, already having recovered. [[“Well, that’s definitely some of the strongest magic I’ve ever seen. And that explains the problem. We need to get you a Magic Focus.”]]

“A what?” Mara asks. “A Magic Focus. People with magic use them to focus their power, they come as many different things. Sometimes they’re necessary for big spells, but most of the time they’re used as people are learning how to use their magic.” Ohm explains. “Yours is definitely on its own level, but a Magic Focus should help.” Mara’s heart leaps. There’s something that could help her control her magic? It’s not like the Golden Gear that will get rid of it for good, but this could change everything! Mara steps toward Ohm. “Where can I get one?” Ohm studies for a moment and seems to wrestle with himself. Finally, he says, “I have one, a jeweled egg.” Before Mara can say anything, he continues, “But it’s in Arcanis where I used to live.” “We have to get it!” Mara exclaims. The Magic Focus is all she can think about now. “Look, it’s not a good idea for the two of you to come to Arcanis,” Ohm says. Arcanis, the district that values magic above all else. When Mara was first cursed and starting to overstay her welcome in Malvania, she was tempted to try her luck in Arcanis. During her travels as a healer, though, she didn’t like what she saw and how people with weak magic were treated. “Why?” Varrence asks. Ohm seesaws his head. “I’m not the most popular there since I lost my magic. And they’re aren’t many cyborgs there, and Mara’s magic is too unpredictable. I’ll go to Arcanis and get the egg and meet you back here.” “While you do that, I’ll head back to Gadgeton and get my All-Purpose Wrench. I have a feeling we’ll need it.” Varrence adds. “Do you have anything that can help us, Mara?” Ohm turns to her. Mara thinks back to her belongings back in Malvania, just waiting for her in her room. She has quite a few supplies from her days as a healer, but she also has the spellbook. Her potion set could be useful in a pinch, while the spellbook would give her more options for her magic. That plus the Magic Focus . . . Mara would be able to protect herself very well, and make sure Ohm and Serronius don’t pull anything over on her. But with the potion set, she’d be able to heal any injuries they might sustain in half the normal time, and have a few potent weapons. (link: "“My spellbook. Once I have the Magic Focus, I’ll be able to do anything in the book.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 3) (go-to: "“My spellbook. Once I have the Magic Focus, I’ll be able to do anything in the book.”")] (link: "“My potion set. I’ve got some serums we can use as weapons and some healing elixirs.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 3) (go-to: "“My potion set. I’ve got some serums we can use as weapons and some healing elixirs.”")]

(set: $MaraItem to 'spellbook')“Okay,” Ohm says. “We all know where we’re going and what we’re getting. We’ll meet back here by midday tomorrow.” Varrence nods and so does Mara. The three of them gather their things and exit the house. Mara waves to Varrence and W1-DG3T as they part ways, and Mara heads back to Malvania. [[She just hopes she won’t run into any of her old friends along the way.->Chapter 6 (Mara)]]

(set: $MaraItem to 'potion set')“That’s great!” Varrence smiles. “Okay,” Ohm says. “We all know where we’re going and what we’re getting. We’ll meet back here by midday tomorrow.” Varrence nods and so does Mara. The three of them gather their things and exit the house. Mara waves to Varrence and W1-DG3T as they part ways, and Mara heads back to Malvania. [[She just hopes she won’t run into any of her old friends along the way.->Chapter 6 (Mara)]]

**Chapter 6: The Healer** As soon as Mara crosses the border into Malvania, the memories of her old life overwhelm her. She walks through streets with her hood up and her head down when only a year ago she strolled through them with confidence, sometimes riding a horse, as people called out greetings and thanks for her work as a healer. She traveled with her guild all through Malvania and even to Gadgeton, Arcanis, and the Centrum, renowned for her skill and loved by all. There wasn’t a single illness or injury she couldn’t cure, and she had plenty of money with which to buy her supplies. She was known for her generosity as well, willing on more than one occasion to treat someone out of the goodness of her heart. Mara had followed in her family’s footsteps. For generations they were healers, passing down their knowledge through the family tree. They were trusted and counted on by everyone, and when her family died the burden was left to her. After Serronius cursed her, all of that went away. Mara lost everything. Coming back here is harder than Mara thought. She spots bakers, farmers, and blacksmiths who used to be her most loyal customers. When it first happened her ability to heal hadn’t been affected, but her magic was so unpredictable that there were a few close calls. Once the truth came out, they all turned their backs on her. They all lost their faith in Mara, which hurt more than any of the pain she felt in Serronius’ lab. None of that matters now. Once Mara retrieves the $MaraItem, returns to Ohm and Varrence, and obtains the Golden Gear, [[she’ll finally be able to go back to her old life.]]

“A what?” Mara asks. “A Magic Focus. People with magic use them to focus their power. Sometimes they’re necessary for big spells, but most of the time they’re used as people are learning how to use their magic.” Ohm explains. “Yours is definitely on its own level, but a Magic Focus should help.” Mara’s heart leaps. There’s something that could help her control her magic? It’s not like the Golden Gear that will get rid of it for good, but this could change everything. Mara steps toward Ohm. “Where can I get one?” Ohm studies for a moment and seems to wrestle with himself. Finally, he says, “I have one.” Before Mara can say anything, he continues, “But it’s in Arcanis.” “We have to get it!” Mara exclaims. The Magic Focus is all she can think about now, and what it could do for her. “Look, it’s not a good idea for the two of you to come to Arcanis,” Ohm says. “Why?” Varrence asks. Ohm seesaws his head. “I’m not the most popular there since I lost my magic. And they’re aren’t many cyborgs there, and Mara’s magic is too unpredictable. I’ll go to Arcanis and get the egg and meet you back here.” “While you do that, I’ll head back to Gadgeton and get my All-Purpose Wrench. I have a feeling we’ll need it.” Varrence adds. “Do you have anything that can help us, Mara?” Ohm turns to her. Mara thinks back to her belongings back in Malvania, just waiting for her in her room. She has quite a few supplies from her days as a healer, but she also has the spellbook. Her potion set could be useful in a pinch, while the spellbook would give her more options for her magic. That plus the Magic Focus . . . Mara would be able to protect herself very well, and make sure Ohm and Serronius don’t pull anything over on her. But with the potion set, she’d be able to heal any injuries they might sustain in half the normal time, and have a few potent weapons. (link: "“My spellbook. Once I have the Magic Focus, I’ll be able to do anything in the book.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 3) (go-to: "“My spellbook. Once I have the Magic Focus, I’ll be able to do anything in the book.”")] (link: "“My potion set. I’ve got some serums we can use as weapons and some healing elixirs.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 3) (go-to: "“My potion set. I’ve got some serums we can use as weapons and some healing elixirs.”")]

It took her most of the day to get here, and the sun is very low in the sky. Mara wanders through the streets quietly, trying not to draw attention to herself. She recognizes so many people, but she keeps her face covered to avoid being spotted. That would either lead to hateful stares or questions she doesn’t want to answer. The sooner she makes it to her lodging, the better. Finally Mara sees the inn she had been forced to move into after escaping Serronius. Her family’s house had to be sold when she lost her income from her healing, and for a few months she lived in the small room with thin walls that meant cold nights. She stored as much of her supplies there as she could in the hope that she would one day become a healer again, but everything else non-essential she sold to support herself. Walking inside, Mara sees that the innkeeper, Rohan, and his staff are serving dinner to their patrons at wooden tables. Rohan is a large, pudgy man who takes his wife’s cooking far too much for granted. Mara heads to the back of the room to the staircase, hoping to escape unseen, but the innkeeper spots her immediately. Rohan approaches her. [[“Oi, only customers allowed up there!”]]

Mara turns to him with a sigh and lowers her hood. Rohan recoils. “Well I’ll be, if it isn’t Mara the Cursed. Haven’t seen you in a while.” Mara heaves another sigh and says, “Hello, Rohan. I came to retrieve some of my things, and then I’ll be leaving again. I’ll be back in a week.” “It’s a good thing you’re here.” Rohan crosses his arms. “You owe me for rent. If you don’t pay up soon, I’m kicking you out.” Mara gasps. “I already paid you for the month!” “And the price has gone up since then. Can you pay me or not?” Mara considers the few coins in her boot and the small stash upstairs. She’s running very low, and was already considering looking at what else she could sell. More rent and the supplies for her trip to The Boundary to steal the Golden Gear would drain her stores. She has nothing left. (link: "“I’ll find the money soon. I promise.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "“I’ll find the money soon. I promise.”")] (link: "“No. You gave me your word when I paid you that it would cover me for the month. Until next month, you’re not getting anything else from me.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "“No. You gave me your word when I paid you that it would cover me for the month. Until next month, you’re not getting anything else from me.”")]

“Good,” Rohan says. “You know what will happen if you don’t.” Mara nods. Rohan shakes his head with a sigh and turns away. Mara’s shoulders droop in relief, and she quickly makes her way upstairs to her room. Digging her key out of her pocket, she unlocks the door, slips inside, and closes and locks the door behind her. Mara leans against the door and closes her eyes. It was so stupid of her to come back here! She can’t go anywhere at this point. No one wants her, no one trusts her. Ohm and Varrence are her only hope now. They have to succeed in getting the Golden Gear. Mara can’t live like this much longer. [[Mara shakes out her body in anticipation and studies her room.]]

Rohan takes a step back, almost looking impressed by Mara’s ability to stand up for herself. She holds his gaze with confidence she didn’t know she had, refusing to back down. He looks her up and down, and Mara spots the tiniest bit of fear in his eyes. He’s heard the stories of what can happen with her magic. “All right, all right,” he finally says. “But if you’re late by even a day, you’re gone.” “I won’t be,” Mara replies. Rohan nods and turns away, moving as fast as his thick legs can carry him. Mara smiles and walks up the stairs feeling a bit lighter than she had when she entered Malvania, pleased with herself. [[Digging her key out of her pocket when she reaches her room, she unlocks the door, slips inside, and closes and locks the door behind her.]]

It looks exactly as she left it, thankfully. For all Rohan’s bullying, at least he protects his customers’ belongings well. Mara’s bed is still made, a candle halfway melted on the table next to it, and her spare cloak is draped over a chair by the window with her spare boots below it. Peeking under the bed, she smiles at the sight of her books about various healing techniques and the characteristics and uses of all the plants in Azora, her stock of bandages, needles, and threads, and her herbs, tinctures, pastes, and vials of serums. Mara trades out her dirty cloak for her clean spare, and then switches her boots as well for good measure. She fills her pockets with a few useful herbs, pastes, and bandages, and then moves to the corner of the room where she stored her most precious belongings. Prying up the loose floorboard, Mara reveals the ancient spellbook she acquired, bound in worn leather, and her carefully packaged potion set. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[When it became clear that Mara’s magic wouldn’t go away and that she couldn’t control it on her own, a traveling merchant had come through Malvania with magical items. The spellbook was among them, and surprisingly cheap, so Mara bought it. She didn’t expect much to come from it, but she tended to have more success with her magic when following the book’s directions rather than listening to her gut. If she needs to use her magic during this heist, it will increase her chances of success. [[With one last glance at the potion set, Mara tucks the spellbook into her bag.->Item Acquired]]](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[The difference between these serums and the ones under her bed isn’t much; these ones are harder to come by, much more difficult to create, and much more potent. The ingredients must be mixed exactly the right way and in the right amounts, otherwise the results could be catastrophic. Mara spent years cultivating this particular set, but the benefits are worth it. She can only imagine what Serronius will have in store for them, so this potion set will be very useful in their heist. [[With one last glance at the spellbook, Mara tucks the potion set into her bag.->Item Acquired]]]

It’s too late tonight to head back to the Centrum to meet up with Ohm and Varrence, and Mara is tired from all the traveling anyway. She closes the curtains, double checks the lock on the door, and settles in for the night. The next morning Mara doesn’t waste any time. The plan is to meet by midday, so she needs to head out soon in order to make it in time. Mara takes one more look around her room to make sure she’s gotten everything she needs, then secures her bag over her shoulder and opens the door. She is startled to find a woman standing there, her hand raised as if she had just been about to knock on Mara’s door. The woman lowers her hood and Mara takes a step back. The woman before her is Dania; that curly black hair, striking green eyes, and rosy cheeks are unmistakable. Mara and Dania grew up together and learned the art of healing at each other’s side. They were nearly inseparable, even when Dania married and had children. When her husband died, Dania grew very protective of her children and Mara supported her through the tough time. They worked in tandem effortlessly, and Dania was the first to insist that something was wrong when Mara disappeared. When Mara escaped Serronius and returned to Malvania, Dania healed her wounds and stayed with her as she recovered from the mental toll the ordeal took on her. But when she learned of Mara’s magic and her inability to control it, Dania abandoned Mara without a second thought. [[Mara missed her friend dearly, but her betrayal would forever be etched in her mind.]]

“So it’s true, you’re back,” Dania says. Mara can only find the strength to nod. “I ran into Rohan last night and he mentioned you had returned,” Dania explains, twisting her fingers. She looks good, healthy and happy. “What are you doing here?” Mara asks, pulling her cloak close around her. Dania looks down. “Could I come in for a bit?” Mara bites her lip. It’s been months since Mara saw Dania and they didn’t part on the best terms—which was no fault of Mara’s. Dania was the one who broke their friendship, and the look in her eye tells Mara she knows that. (link: "Mara shakes her head. “I need to be going.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "“I need to be going.”")] (link: "Mara nods. “I can’t talk long, I need to be going soon.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "“I can’t talk long, I need to be going soon.”")]

“Please?” Dania steps forward. “I really need to talk to you. And I—I’m sorry for what happened.” Mara stops in her tracks. Dania sounds sincere, as sincere as she’s ever heard her before. Studying her more closely, Mara notices a few shadows under Dania’s eyes. Maybe there is something serious going on. [[Mara can at least hear her out.->“I can’t talk long, I need to be going soon.”]]

Mara steps to the side and Dania slides past her into the room. Mara mentally congratulates herself for having tidied the room just a few minutes ago, as well as hiding her most valuable possessions that she won’t be taking with her. Mara closes the door behind them and sits on the bed while Dania takes the chair by the window. “It’s good to see you again.” Dania smiles. Mara looks away. Ohm and Varrence are waiting for her. This isn’t the time to get sucked back into her old life. She can’t go back to it, anyway. Moving forward with their plan and getting the Golden Gear is Mara’s only choice. “I made a mistake,” Dania says. Mara turns to her, curious now. “I shouldn’t have left you like that,” Dania continues. “You went through something traumatic and I abandoned you out of fear. You never asked for magic and I shouldn’t have held your lack of control against you. This wasn’t your fault.” Mara doesn’t know what to think. She certainly didn’t expect Dania to come out and admit her wrongdoings like this. (link: "“I already know that. You’re the one that ruined us.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "“I already know that. You’re the one that ruined us.”")] (link: "“Well, I didn’t make it easy to trust me.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "“Well, I didn’t make it easy to trust me.”")]

“Don’t say that,” Dania says. “It was me. Not you.” Mara plays with the hem of her dress. She feels now like she did when Dania married—forgotten, spurned, and worthless. “So why are you here now?” Dania rubs her hands together almost nervously. “I need your help.” Mara can’t stop herself from laughing. “You know no one will hire me as a healer anymore.” Dania shakes her head. “It’s not that.” She takes a deep breath. [[“I need your magic.”]]

Dania studies Mara as if seeing her differently, as if she didn’t expect such confidence. “Anyway,” she continues, rubbing her hands together almost nervously, “I wanted the chance to say that to you. And I . . . I need your help. Mara can’t stop herself from laughing. “You know no one will hire me as a healer anymore.” Dania shakes her head. “It’s not that.” She takes a deep breath. [[“I need your magic.”]]

Mara blanches. The only people who have ever wanted or needed her magic are Ohm and Varrence. Not a single person from her old life wanted anything to do with her or would brave the use of her magic, especially Dania. Why now? “That’s not funny,” Mara says, looking down. “I’m telling the truth,” Dania insists. Mara folds her arms. “What could you possibly want with my magic?” Dania sighs. “People know that you and I used to be . . . close.” Mara sucks in a deep breath, memories of candlelit nights and tender moments flitting through her mind. “And even though I, well, I abandoned you like that, they’ve been wary of me. I haven’t been hired as much as I used to, and I’m running out of money for myself and the children.” “What do you expect me to do, magically conjure up some money for you?” Dania frowns. “Can you do that?” Mara scoffs. Dania says, [[“I thought you could help me pick Starfires.”]]

Mara stares at Dania. “You can’t be serious.” “You know how valuable they are, and I need a magic-user to pick them. I know your magic is unstable, but I think you can do it. The last guild-ordered expedition was months ago. If I can get more, I can use some in my work and sell some to other healers. I’m sure you could use them, too.” Mara thinks of the $MaraItem in her bag, her plan to regroup with Ohm and Varrence in a few hours’ time. The Starfire fields are on the way to the Centrum, but Mara isn’t sure she’s ready to trust Dania. “Why would I help you?” Mara asks. “Because you’re my friend,” Dania pleads. “And because I am so sorry for what I did. You didn’t deserve that. I miss you and I want to help you. If you do this, I will do everything in my power to help you find a way to control or get rid of your magic. I promise.” [[Now that is something Mara didn’t see coming.]]

Mara’s heart leaps involuntarily. The thought of reuniting with her friend and searching for a cure with her . . . it’s almost too good to be true. But Mara still remembers how much it hurt when Dania left her. Mara would knock on her door and Dania would pretend she wasn’t home. She’d avoid Mara in the streets. Dania stole Mara’s most loyal customers. She said nothing as Mara lost her home and was forced to relocate to the inn. Mara lost everything. “You said you’d help me if I help you,” Mara says carefully. “Does that mean if I don’t help you, you won’t help me with my magic?” Dania looks down and adjusts the fall of her skirt. “I . . . I wouldn’t have the time or money. I’m sorry.” So this isn’t quite the reunion Mara thought it was. She can hear the hidden message. This offer of reconciliation is conditional upon the help Mara can give. Mara can either say no and return to Ohm and Varrence and hope their plan succeeds, or she can say yes, risk using her magic, and hope Dania can find something. Dania, her former best friend who abandoned her at the first sign of trouble, and now is only here for her own gain. The question is: is Mara that desperate to have a friend back? (link: "“Deal.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "“Deal.”")] (link: "“No deal.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "“No deal.”")]

A wide smile spreads across Dania’s face. Before she can say anything, however, Mara makes a split second decision and adds, “But we have to go now. There’s something I need to do in the Centrum today, and the fields are on the way.” Perhaps this will work. Perhaps her magic will cooperate and they’ll successfully pick the Starfires. Mara would have her friend back and her help in finding a cure for her magic. But Mara has been searching for months with no luck, it’s doubtful that with Dania by her side she would have more success. The Golden Gear is still the best option she has, and she told Ohm and Varrence she would help them steal it. She might as well go through with it. “Thank you, Mara.” Dania sighs. “I knew I could count on you.” Something about Dania’s words makes Mara feel uneasy, but she pushes the feeling away. “Can we go now?” Dania nods and rises to her feet. Mara makes sure that she still has everything she needs for the heist in her bag, then follows Dania out the door and locks her room behind her. [[Mara feels a bit more comfortable with Dania now, but the tension remains as they begin the journey to the Starfire fields.]]

Dania’s face falls but Mara doesn’t let it deter her. She forges on with a steady voice. “You abandoned me when I needed you most. I was hurting, I was lost, I had nothing. I needed you more than I ever have before, but you were too scared to help me.” Mara stares into Dania’s eyes, searching for any hint of remorse. “Did you ever stop to think that I was even more afraid than you were? Serronius abducted me and experimented on me and left me with magic that I can’t control. Nearly every time I try to use it, I hurt someone. All I asked for was your help and you couldn’t give that to me. “So no, I will not help you when it’s suddenly convenient for you to reconcile with me for your own gain. I’m sorry you are struggling, but that is not my fault.” Mara finishes, taking a deep breath. Wow. That felt much better than Mara thought it would. She’s been needing to get that off her chest longer than she thought. “Mara, please,” Dania pleads. “No,” Mara repeats. “I’ve found a lead to solve my magic problem since you refuse to help me out of the goodness of your heart, out of love and devotion for someone who used to be your best friend. I don’t need you anymore, and I will not be used by you.” Dania wipes at her face and Mara pretends not to notice the tears. She stands and opens the door. “You broke my heart, do you know that?” Mara asks. “I thought I would always be able to count on you. I thought we’d work together and be there for each other for the rest of our lives. I was wrong. “Now leave.” Dania simply nods and rises from her chair. She crosses the room to leave, but just outside the doorway she stops and faces Mara. “I wish you the best of luck,” she says. Mara presses her lips together and nods without a word. Dania lingers a moment longer before heading down the stairs. Mara takes a minute to calm herself before gathering her things and checking that she has everything she needs for the heist. [[Then she leaves the inn and heads back for the Centrum, feeling lighter than she has since Dania’s betrayal.]]

It takes them about an hour to get there, leaving Mara with a few more before she has to regroup with Ohm and Varrence. The fields are a few miles from the Centrum, and two hundred yards off the path. Nearly everyone who travels to and from the Centrum has seen them, but only healers are allowed to pick them and a magic-user is necessary to do so. When Mara was a healer she joined her guild’s expeditions every year to restock their supplies, and she was always fascinated by the magic required to pick them. Never did she think that the next time she would be here it would be her providing the magic. As they approach the fields Dania nods to the caretakers and explains their reason for being there. It’s unusual for healers to come on their own, but not unheard of. As long as they can find a magic-user, any healer can come any time they like. Once again, Mara is struck by the beauty of the flowers. They require a special purified water laced with gold dust and to be planted in direct sunlight in order to thrive. Only then will the delicate flowers colored in hues of pink, purple, orange, and gold bloom, and once they reach full maturity, tiny blue flames flicker within the center of the flower. Thousands of them stretch as far as Mara can see, the fires dancing in harmony. The petals, nectar, pollen, and leaves can be used in a wide variety of potions, pastes, and spells, which is what makes them so valuable for healers. Mara kneels by a row of flowers and holds her hand above one, feeling the warmth of the flame. Blue fire is typically very hot, but in the Starfire flowers it is just warm enough to remind Mara of her childhood, [[sitting by the fire wrapped in a blanket with a steaming cup of apple cider in her hands as her parents tell her bedtime stories.]]

Dania kneels next to Mara. “Do you know what to do?” Mara cocks her head. “Theoretically.” “I trust you,” Dania says. Somehow that makes Mara feel more uneasy. Nevertheless, she hovers her hands on either side of a flower. Mara recalls the words she’s heard uttered dozens of times before in her previous trips, and lets her magic slide into her hands. She begins to chant. Her hands glow the same blue as the flowers’ flames and a bubble of silver light emerges from her palms and encircles the flower. With a deep breath, Dania carefully plucks the flower from the ground and they watch it closely. After a few seconds, it becomes clear that the fire will hold. It droops a bit and its height decreases, but the flame is safe within the bubble and will maintain the flower’s properties until needed. “You did it!” Dania exclaims, laughing with glee. “I did,” Mara agrees, awestruck. It’s not quite as perfect as when proper magic-users do it, but it will suffice. “You might want to use it fast, though.” Dania gently places the flower in the wooden box she brought. “How many more can you do?” [[“Let’s find out.”]]

Mara moves to the next flower, feeling more confident and sure of her abilities. She recites the spell and lets her magic do its work, encircling the flower just like before and holding steady as Dania picks it. Dania nods, puts the flower away, and gestures for Mara to do more. Mara takes a deep breath and repeats the action with a half-dozen more of the flowers. Each one is on the same subpar level, but they should work. Just when Mara feels that she’s actually gotten the hang of it, that her magic won’t backfire on her like it always does, she jinxes it. As she casts the spell on the next flower, her magic wells up and escapes spectacularly. [[The rest of the row of flowers bursts into unnatural flames and burns to a crisp.]]

The caretakers of the fields shout and run about crazily, moving quickly to put out the fire and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the flowers. Mara backs away without needing direction, her shaking hands pressed to her chest. Dania joins her a few minutes later after order has been restored, clutching her box of Starfires. She takes Mara by the elbow and draws her away from the fields, telling her that she worked everything out with the caretakers but that they need to leave now. “I’m sorry, I thought I had it under control,” Mara stammers. “I thought for once that I could do it.” “It’s okay,” Dania assures her, but Mara hears the fear in her voice. “You got me enough to get back on my feet.” Mara shakes her head, trying to dispel the magic still flowing through her body. It makes her insides itch. She knew she shouldn’t have gone along with Dania’s plan. Starfires are incredibly valuable, what if her magic corrupted them somehow and they can’t be used? What if they hadn’t been able to put the fire out in time and she’d destroyed the entire crop? As they return to the path, Mara glances over at Dania. She stares lovingly into her box with the flowers, but stands a few feet away from Mara and looks tense, ready to run. Mara’s heart falls. Dania may have agreed to help Mara now, but their friendship will never be the same again. Even before this magic, Dania drifted away from her when she married. [[She will never truly have her friend back, no matter what happens with her magic.]]

“Thank you, Mara. Truly,” says Dania when they reach the path. Mara says nothing, only stares at Dania as the truth swims around in her head that Dania only wanted to reconcile because Mara was useful to her. “I have to get back to my children now and start preparing and selling these,” Dania continues. “But when you are done with your business in the Centrum, come back to Malvania and I will help you.” Mara nods, catching the reservation in Dania’s voice. She still doesn’t want Mara anywhere near her family. “Goodbye, Dania.” Mara steps away. Dania simply nods and turns away, heading back to the Centrum with seemingly no thought towards Mara. [[With lowered spirits, Mara resumes her journey back to the Centrum.]]

She returns to Ohm’s hideout just as the sun reaches the center of the sky above her. Ohm and Varrence are already waiting, Varrence toying with his All-Purpose Wrench while W1-DG3T rolls around the room aimlessly. Ohm sits cross-legged on the floor practicing a few of his scammers’ tricks. An egg-shaped object wrapped in cloth sits on the table in the middle of the room. Both of them look up as Mara enters the room. “Finally,” Ohm says with a grunt. “Thought you backed out again.” “I had faith in you,” Varrence says with a smile. W1-DG3T beeps encouragingly. “Well?” Ohm pushes himself to his feet. “How’d you do?” Mara decides not to tell them about her encounter with Dania and reaches into her bag and takes out the spellbook. Ohm glances at it and grunts again, looking unimpressed. Varrence, too, seems underwhelmed. Mara remembers Ohm’s description of the Magic Focus, and realizes that perhaps the spellbook was the wrong thing to retrieve. They have surprise and a wide range of skills on their side, an extensive book of spells that would take time for Mara to look through might not be that helpful. It’s too late now. There’s no time to go back. Mara asks, [[“What next?”->“What next?” 2]]

“It’s time to give this a test run,” Ohm says. He approaches the table with the covered object and Mara and Ohm join him. Ohm tugs the cloth off of the object to reveal a beautiful jewel-encrusted egg glowing with light. It’s about the size of W1-DG3T’s head, larger than Mara expected. She can feel the power emanating from it. “What does it do?” Varrence asks. Ohm ignores him and gestures for Mara to pick it up. With shaking hands, she does. She immediately feels her magic reawaken, but it’s different this time. It’s softer, gentler, calmer. For the first time since Serronius’ awful experiment, Mara feels comfortable in her own skin. “Well, go on. Try it out,” Ohm instructs. Mara nods, racking her brain. She should probably start simple, but they might need to know just how powerful she can be with this Magic Focus. (link: "Better to be safe than sorry. Mara decides to summon a flame.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Better to be safe than sorry. Mara decides to summon a flame.")] (link: "Starting small won’t help them. Mara decides to manifest a tree.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Starting small won’t help them. Mara decides to manifest a tree.")]

The egg grows hot in Mara’s hand as she chants, her other hand outstretched in front of her. Almost effortlessly, a flame sparks to life in her palm, as big as the egg itself. The fire is a mix of reds, oranges, and yellows, filling Mara’s hand with warmth. It doesn’t hurt her one bit, and she feels giddy for actually succeeding on her first try. She can feel her magic flowing steadily within her, completely under her control. Ohm and Varrence watch with enthusiasm. Though she would love to continue exploring her new abilities—something she never thought she would want—she knows that the spell has served its purpose. [[The Magic Focus will work for Mara, exponentially increasing their chances of success.]]

The egg grows hot in Mara’s hands as she chants. The ground cracks beneath them with a rumble, sending them careening away from the center of the room. The floor breaks open as a tree spirals upward from the fissure, growing with unbelievable speed and reaching all the way up to the ceiling. The tree continues growing, branches shooting from every angle and filling with bright green leaves. For a moment, Mara revels in her success. But the tree shows no signs of stopping and the house begins to shake around them, the tree threatening to crush everything. The egg is steadily heating up in her hands and her magic is strong, almost too strong. It takes all of Mara’s willpower to clamp it down and stop the tree’s growth, and she collapses on the floor. Varrence and Ohm slowly rise, brushing leaves out of their hair and clothes. “Well, we know it works!” Varrence beams. Mara nods, but part of her doesn’t want to touch that egg again. While it certainly amplifies her magic and helps focus it, [[she still has some work to do on establishing control.]]

“What’s our next move?” Varrence asks. “We need to go,” Ohm answers. “While I was in Arcanis I heard rumors that Serronius has been busy. She’s bound to have some new obstacles. It’ll take us the rest of the day to get to The Boundary. The sooner we do this, the better.” “Then let’s go,” Mara says, rising to her feet. The sooner they get the Golden Gear, the sooner she can put all of this behind her. [[The three of them, plus W1-DG3T, gather their things and begin the journey to The Boundary.->Chapter 7 (Mara)]]

“Well, we know it works!” Varrence beams. Mara returns his smile as she lets the flame die. “What’s our next move?” Varrence asks. “We need to go,” Ohm answers. “While I was in Arcanis I heard rumors that Serronius has been busy. She’s bound to have some new obstacles. It’ll take us the rest of the day to get to The Boundary. The sooner we do this, the better.” “Then let’s go,” Mara says, rising to her feet. The sooner they get the Golden Gear, the sooner she can put all of this behind her. [[The three of them, plus W1-DG3T, gather their things and begin the journey to The Boundary.->Chapter 7 (Mara)]]

Mara returns to Ohm’s hideout just as the sun reaches the center of the sky above her. Ohm and Varrence are already waiting, Varrence toying with his All-Purpose Wrench while W1-DG3T rolls around the room aimlessly. Ohm sits cross-legged on the floor practicing a few of his scammers’ tricks. An egg-shaped object wrapped in cloth sits on the table in the middle of the room. Both of them look up as Mara enters the room. “Finally,” Ohm says with a grunt. “Thought you backed out again.” “I had faith in you,” Varrence says with a smile. W1-DG3T beeps encouragingly. “Well?” Ohm pushes himself to his feet. “How’d you do?” (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Mara decides not to tell them about her encounter with Dania and reaches into her bag and takes out the spellbook. Ohm glances at it and grunts again, looking unimpressed. Varrence, too, seems underwhelmed. Mara remembers Ohm’s description of the Magic Focus, and realizes that perhaps the spellbook was the wrong thing to retrieve. They have surprise and a wide range of skills on their side, an extensive book of spells that would take time for Mara to look through might not be that helpful. It’s too late now. There’s no time to go back. Mara asks, [[“What next?”->“What next?” 1]]](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Mara decides not to tell them about her encounter with Dania and reaches into her bag and takes out the potion set. Ohm considers it with a cursory gaze. Varrence gasps and comes forward to study it like a giddy child. Mara smiles, feeling like a knowledgeable and respected healer once again. Her potions should be very useful in overcoming whatever they encounter. Filled with confidence for once, Mara asks, [[“What next?”->“What next?” 1]]]

The room looks exactly as she left it, thankfully. For all Rohan’s bullying, at least he protects his customers’ belongings well. Mara’s bed is still made, a candle halfway melted on the table next to it, and her spare cloak is draped over a chair by the window with her spare boots below it. Peeking under the bed, she smiles at the sight of her books about various healing techniques and the characteristics and uses of all the plants in Azora, her stock of bandages, needles, and threads, and her herbs, tinctures, pastes, and vials of serums. Mara trades out her dirty cloak for her clean spare, and then switches her boots as well for good measure. She fills her pockets with a few useful herbs, pastes, and bandages, and then moves to the corner of the room where she stored her most precious belongings. Prying up the loose floorboard, Mara reveals the ancient spellbook she acquired, bound in worn leather, and her carefully packaged potion set. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[When it became clear that Mara’s magic wouldn’t go away and that she couldn’t control it on her own, a traveling merchant had come through Malvania with magical items. The spellbook was among them, and surprisingly cheap, so Mara bought it. She didn’t expect much to come from it, but she tended to have more success with her magic when following the book’s directions rather than listening to her gut. If she needs to use her magic during this heist, it will increase her chances of success. [[With one last glance at the potion set, Mara tucks the spellbook into her bag.->Item Acquired]]](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[The difference between these serums and the ones under her bed isn’t much; these ones are harder to come by, much more difficult to create, and much more potent. The ingredients must be mixed exactly the right way and in the right amounts, otherwise the results could be catastrophic. Mara spent years cultivating this particular set, but the benefits are worth it. She can only imagine what Serronius will have in store for them, so this potion set will be very useful in their heist. [[With one last glance at the spellbook, Mara tucks the potion set into her bag.->Item Acquired]]]

**Chapter 7: The Heist** Night has fallen by the time they finally reach The Boundary. All three of them have blistered feet from the long journey, so Mara passes around a few herbs that will reduce the pain. The better shape they’re in for this heist, the higher their chances of success. W1-DG3T chirps cheerfully as he rolls along beside them. The Boundary stretches before them, an enormous swamp filled with muck, mud, moss, and miscellaneous vines and plants. A mile away, Serronius Ryan Hertz’s mansion looms high above them, built on an outcropping of rock that protects it from the swamp. Even from a distance, Mara can spot the boarded-up windows, the peeling paint, and feel the screams of Serronius’ victims. She never thought she’d be back here. But this time it was her choice, her own decision, and she isn’t alone. Mara might not be ready to call Varrence and Ohm her friends, but she knows she can count on them to help her succeed and finally get her revenge on Serronius Ryan Hertz. “Here we go,” Ohm says. “Serronius may be crazy, but she keeps to a normal schedule like most people. It’s getting late, so she’ll be wrapping up whatever she’s doing and getting ready to turn in for the night. She’ll have guards and traps in place, but this is our best shot.” “Let’s do it.” Varrence nods. He passes out a few small metal shoe-looking things, two to each of them, and instructs them to put them over their boots. “It’s the best I could do on short notice, but they should make it a bit easier to go through the swamp.” Mara does as he says, fitting the metal shoes onto her feet. They weigh her down a little bit, but after the first test step into the swamp, she can tell that they’ll diminish the marsh’s pull on her. “Are we ready?” Ohm asks. He pats his hands all over his coat, probably checking that he has all of his tricks and tools. Varrence readies his All-Purpose Wrench and stands taller, a determined look on his face. W1-DG3T moves in front of him and spins his claws, his blue eye glowing brighter, and he beeps with vigor. Mara looks into her bag, checking that she has all her herbs and bandages. She adjusts the $MaraItem within it and clutches the Magic Focus to her chest, letting it awaken her magic and prepare her for whatever comes next. Mara has never felt so nervous before today. (link: "“Maybe we should stake it out for a bit, wait until it really looks quiet.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "“Maybe we should stake it out for a bit, wait until it really looks quiet.”")] (link: "“It’s now or never. I’m ready.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "“It’s now or never. I’m ready.”")]

“Mara, you can’t back out now,” Varrence pleads. “We’re so close.” “He’s right,” Ohm agrees. “This is it. Serronius has no idea we’re coming and she won’t be on guard right now. We do this now or we don’t do it at all.” Mara nods, taking a deep breath. She hugs the Magic Focus closer and feels comfort in its warmth. [[“Okay. You’re right. I’m ready.”->“It’s now or never. I’m ready.”]]

With the cover of darkness to mask their approach, they forge into the swamp. Mara instantly remembers how difficult and disgusting it was last time, and quietly thanks Varrence for his metal shoes. She’ll have to wash her dress and cloak after this, if not purchase completely new ones. They move slowly to avoid making too much noise, Serronius’ mansion growing bigger and bigger as they come closer. The faint moonlight is the only source of light to guide them. It takes them about half an hour to cover the distance, much faster than the last time Mara made the crossing. She attributes the shortened time to Varrence's invention, her healthy body, and a clear mind--all of which she was lacking last time. They slow to a crawl once they’re a few yards away. Following Ohm’s lead, they creep around to the back door and carefully climb onto the rock, free from the slimy grasp of the swamp. [[“W1-DG3T, come on!” Varrence whisper-yells.]]

Mara turns and her heart sinks. W1-DG3T is still struggling through the bog a few yards away from them, covered in icky mud. Drops of water and clumps of dirt fly into the air behind him, kicked up by his wheels as he tries to move toward them. “This can’t be happening,” Ohm growls beside Mara. He starts digging through his pockets while Varrence slides back into the swamp and sloshes toward his robot. A door closes and Mara hears a voice in the distance, making her heart race. They’re running out of time. They need to free W1-DG3T and get into the mansion before a guard comes by. Varrence is struggling with W1-DG3T, starting to get weighed down himself. Ohm looks about ready to jump into the swamp with him. Mara glances at the Magic Focus in her hands. Perhaps she could try a levitation spell. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[She rifles through the spellbook, searching for the proper words. It’s tricky. She’s never done it before, and W1-DG3T is much heavier than the apple the book suggests trying it with first. Even with the Magic Focus, it could go wrong.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[She doesn’t have her spellbook with her, but she’s learned that some magic works just by feeling it. It’s tricky. She’s never done it before, and W1-DG3T is heavy. Even with the Magic Focus to aid her, it could go wrong.] (link: "Now is not the time to take an unnecessary risk.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 2) (go-to: "Now is not the time to take an unnecessary risk.")] (link: "Mara knew she would need to use her magic for this heist anyway. Why not start now?")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 2) (go-to: "Mara knew she would need to use her magic for this heist anyway. Why not start now?")]

(set: $MaraSavedRobot to false)No, Mara should save her strength for later. She puts down the egg and peers around the corner of the house, keeping watch while Varrence and Ohm struggle with W1-DG3T. Their grunts and whispers sound too loud in the night air, but no one has appeared yet. With a jarring *schlop!* they manage to yank W1-DG3T free of the swamp. The robot beeps in concern as they drag him back to the rock and climb up to join Mara, barely hiding themselves in time as she spies a guard down the wall looking at the spot they were just in. All three of them press against the wall and Varrence hugs W1-DG3T close, silencing him with a look. Mara looks around the house again and sighs with relief as the guard turns back around and disappears. She faces the others and finds Varrence wiping the muck off of his robot. Ohm glares at Mara. “Thanks for your help,” he mutters. Varrence glances up at them and Mara sees in his eye that he, too, isn’t happy with her. Ohm and Varrence are both desperately trying to clear off the muck on their clothes and skin. Mara lowers her head. She knew she should have done something! Now they probably think she’s a liability. “We can talk later,” Ohm says. [[“Let’s get moving.”]]

(set: $MaraSavedRobot to true)(if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[“Ohm,” Mara says. He turns to her. She shows him the levitation spell and he understands instantly. “Focus on W1-DG3T,” he instructs. “Let the Magic Focus center you, and hold on to W1-DG3T in your mind.” Mara nods and positions the egg in her hands. She closes her eyes as her power activates, and she allows it to flow throughout her whole body. When she opens her eyes, she transfers the now-warm egg to one hand and raises the other toward W1-DG3T. Ohm urges Varrence to get out of the way as Mara begins chanting.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[“Ohm,” Mara says. He turns to her. “Levitation spell.” He understands instantly and instructs, “Focus on W1-DG3T. Let the Magic Focus center you, and hold on to W1-DG3T in your mind. Concentrate on what you want to do and the magic will come.” Mara nods and positions the egg in her hands. She closes her eyes as her power activates, and she allows it to flow throughout her whole body. When she opens her eyes, she transfers the now-warm egg to one hand and raises the other towards W1-DG3T. Ohm urges Varrence to get out of the way.] Her magic warms up her hand and her arm shakes as she latches onto W1-DG3T with her mind. She can feel the strain as he slowly rises into the air, but she holds on with all her might. Mara is in control of her magic, and she won’t let it get away from her this time. Varrence shushes W1-DG3T as the robot whistles in alarm, now completely in the air and free of the swamp. “Hurry up, there’s a guard!” Ohm warns. Mara closes her eyes once more and draws her hand to her chest, bringing W1-DG3T with it. She opens her eyes just as his wheels touch down on the rock safely. Varrence grabs W1-DG3T and huddles close to the wall, and Ohm does the same with Mara. The three of them remain as still as possible, listening intently for any sign that they might be found. Ohm peers around the corner and lets out a sigh of relief. “We’re clear.” Mara lets out a deep breath as her magic relaxes. She holds the Magic Focus fondly. Mara wishes she’d had it months ago. “Well done,” Ohm tells her. “That was amazing!” Varrence gushes. Mara smiles. “I didn’t know magic could feel so good.” The two of them return Mara’s smile, but then W1-DG3T clicks his claws together and reminds them that they still have a long way to go before they can celebrate. Ohm stands. [[“Let’s get moving.”]]

After Ohm gives the back door a once-over to ensure there aren’t any traps, he gives the all clear and Varrence uses his All-Purpose Wrench to open the door. The three of them, followed by W1-DG3T, creep inside slowly and quietly and close the door behind them, shrouding them in darkness. A second later the room is filled with golden light from one of Ohm’s magic crystal balls. Mara only has time to notice they’re in a small unfurnished room, like an antechamber, before something roars and she jumps. [[Then she sees the bear.]]

Mara isn’t so sure that “bear” is the right word for what this is, not anymore. It stands on its hind legs, towering over them, and for the most part looks like a typical brown bear, but its arms are what distinguish it. Both are completely mechanical, and if Mara isn’t mistaken, one of them is a lethal-looking drill and the other is a flamethrower. They look to be grafted painfully into its shoulders. Behind the bear is another door, which is probably where they need to go next. Ohm, Varrence, and Mara huddle together by the door they just came through, staring at the beast across from them. W1-DG3T hides behind Varrence’s legs. The bear growls and takes a step toward them, its drill arm starting to spin menacingly. Its eyes are surprisingly observant, though, and Mara gets the feeling that it is smarter than it looks. The way it moves . . . it’s almost human. Suddenly, Varrence pushes in front of them and approaches the bear. “What are you doing?” Ohm hisses. “Trust me,” Varrence whispers over his shoulder, taking another step forward. He looks directly at the bear. “My name is Varrence. I’m like you, I’m not fully organic.” Varrence gestures to his arm, his eye, the rest of his cybernetic parts. “Serronius did this to you, didn’t she?” The bear grumbles but stays still. Varrence raises his hands in a placating manner. “I know what it’s like to not feel whole. I’ve been like this my whole life. I know what you’re dealing with. And I have a feeling you don’t want to be Serronius’ lackey.” Varrence looks back at them, his eye pleading for backup. Mara’s eyes widen as the bear makes a move toward Varrence. (link: "“Listen to him!” Mara pipes up. “We can help you.”")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "“Listen to him!” Mara pipes up. “We can help you.”")] (link: "Mara has no clue how she can help. Varrence is doing okay so far.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Mara has no clue how she can help. Varrence is doing okay so far.")]

(set: $BearHurtVarrence to true)Mara’s silence is costly. Varrence turns just in time to notice the bear, but he moves too slowly to escape the attack completely. A red-hot flame bursts from the tip of the bear’s flamethrower arm, and Varrence’s organic forearm is caught in the blast. He cries out and lurches backward, clutching his arm to his chest. Adrenaline pumps through Mara’s body, but she has no idea how to help. She can’t think straight. Things weren’t supposed to go wrong this quickly. Ohm tosses an object to the floor which cracks open and releases a bright flash of light, making the bear stumble backward and raise a limb to cover its eyes. “No!” Varrence yells, pushing to his feet again and facing the bear. He grimaces and Mara gulps at the sight of his blistered arm. “Please, I know what it’s like to be you. I know you don’t want this. I can help you.” The bear still looks guarded, but also seems to be listening. He hasn’t raised his weapons again, even as Varrence takes another step forward. “Serronius is a monster,” Varrence continues. “She did this to you against your will. She needs to pay for that atrocity. That’s why we’re here. You’re not the first being she’s ever hurt, and if we don’t do something, you won’t be the last. “Do you have a family?” Impossibly, the bear nods. Varrence smiles peacefully. “I bet you want to go back to them. But Serronius won’t let you, right?” The bear sniffles. “We can stop her. We can free you. And while I can’t give you your real arms yet, I can get rid of those weapons. [[All you have to do is let us pass.”]]

(set: $BearHurtVarrence to false)The bear stops in its tracks. A tiny flame spurts from its flamethrower arm, and Mara realizes it had been about to blast Varrence. Instead, it stares at Mara with curious eyes. “Listen to us. Listen to Varrence. You can trust him,” she says. Varrence nods appreciatively to her. He takes the opportunity to continue his speech. “Please, I know what it’s like to be you. I know you don’t want this. I can help you.” The bear still looks guarded, but also seems to be listening. It hasn’t raised its weapons again, even as Varrence takes another step forward. “Serronius is a monster,” Varrence continues. “She did this to you against your will. She needs to pay for that atrocity. That’s why we’re here. You’re not the first being she’s ever hurt, and if we don’t do something, you won’t be the last. “Do you have a family?” Impossibly, the bear nods. Varrence smiles peacefully. “I bet you want to go back to them. But Serronius won’t let you, right?” The bear sniffles. “We can stop her. We can free you. And while I can’t give you your real arms back, I can get rid of those weapons. [[All you have to do is let us pass.”]]

The bear considers the three of them and W1-DG3T, who lets out a solemn tone. Mara tries for a reassuring smile, but she’s not sure how much it does. Ohm has a few gadgets behind his back, poised to throw them if necessary. “Please. Help us defeat Serronius once and for all,” Varrence says. He holds out his (if: $BearHurtVarrence)[injured](else:)[mechanical] arm as a peace offering. The bear studies them even more. It almost looks like it has tears in its eyes. One thing is for sure—the mechanical limbs aren’t the only things Serronius did to this beast. The bear shuffles closer to Varrence and raises its drill arm. Mara and Ohm stiffen, but Varrence holds his ground. For a tense moment, the two of them stare at each other. Then the bear places its drill bit in Varrence’s hand, and bares its teeth in a menacing semblance of a smile. Varrence grins. “Thank you. Thank you.” The bear backs away and clears the way to the door. Mara and Ohm give the bear a wide berth as they skirt around him and tiptoe through the door. Varrence is the last to leave, exchanging a long glance with the bear. “When this is over, I’ll find you,” Varrence promises. “I’ll make this right.” The bear lets out a soft growl, one inexplicably filled with warmth and understanding. It nods, and Varrence follows them through the door. [[The bear closes it behind them.]]

(if: $BearHurtVarrence)[“That was amazing!” Mara exclaims. Ohm shushes her and she remembers to be quiet. Ohm keeps watch, scanning the hallway they’re in while Mara digs through her healing supplies. Now that they’re momentarily out of danger, Varrence leans against the wall and whimpers from the pain. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Since Mara doesn’t have her fancy potion set, Varrence will have to settle for a simple slow-acting salve and a bandage.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Mara knew it was a good idea to bring her potion set. She spreads a salve on Varrence’s burn, wraps his arm, and gives him an elixir to drink. He gulps it down eagerly, and after a moment, stares at his arm in wonder. “It doesn’t hurt!” Mara grins. “It’ll last a few hours. Once this is over I’ll need to change the bandage and give you another dose, but this will speed up the healing process a lot.”] “Are we ready to move?” Ohm asks. Mara nods and helps Varrence to his feet. “What’s next?”](else:)[“That was amazing!” Mara exclaims. Ohm shushes her and she remembers to be quiet. Ohm keeps watch, scanning the hallway they’re in while Mara checks in with Varrence. “Are you okay?” Varrence nods, his organic eye clouded. “Yeah, I’m fine. I didn’t expect that.” “What you did was unbelievable,” Mara assures him. “I’m proud of you.” Varrence smiles softly. “Thank you, Mara.” “You did good, kid,” Ohm grunts. “Are we ready to move?” Mara exchanges a look with Varrence and nods. “What’s next?”] Ohm snorts. [[“That was only the beginning. What comes next is harder.”]]

After regrouping, they creep down the hallway to the door at the end. The walls are filled with paintings; some are normal landscapes and portraits and others are depictions of what must be Serronius’ experiments. Mara swallows down bile at the gruesome sights and thanks her lucky stars that at least Serronius only altered her internally, instead of externally. Reaching the door, Mara notices that it is a slab of elaborately carved wood. The panels are smooth and polished, words in the ancient language used for magic are engraved around the edges, and other intriguing symbols decorate the door. It’s one of the most beautiful things Mara has ever seen, which means that whatever is behind the door must be important. Ohm gently runs his hands over the door, and it glows gold underneath his touch. He leans back and studies it. “As I thought. This door is rigged with a trap. Your All-Purpose Wrench won’t be enough. Through this door we’ll either find the Golden Gear or something just as valuable, but there are sure to be booby traps.” “Can you disarm them?” Mara asks. Ohm gives her a look as if he can’t believe she asked that question and then kneels by the door. He takes two slender pieces of metal from his pocket and fits them into the keyhole of the door. “You’re just gonna . . . pick the lock?” Varrence raises an eyebrow. Ohm rolls his eyes as he maneuvers the lock picks. “These are imbued with magic. Not only will they unlock the door, they’ll also disable any magical traps placed on it.” [[Right on cue, a click sounds and Ohm pushes the door open.]]

Mara is about to step forward when Ohm stops her. “That took care of the trap on the door, but I doubt it was the only one. Follow my lead.” Ohm waves his hand through the doorway like he’s testing the temperature. Apparently satisfied, he takes a cautious step forward. Then another, and he beckons for Mara and Varrence to follow him. Once inside, Mara gets a good look at the room. It’s more like a hallway, similar to the one they just came from, but it is much wider and there aren’t any paintings on the walls. A simple black carpet stretches across the middle of the floor. Display cases on pedestals fill the room, each one housing a mysterious object. Some of them glow or move in their cases. Mara peers at the one closest to her and gasps. It’s a round crystal vial filled with tiny glowing purple things that look like rocks, but Mara knows better. “Purified cat tears!” Ohm and Varrence look at her questioningly. “Do you know how rare those are, how valuable they are? They’re used in the most powerful healing potions, the ones that can heal almost anything in an instant. I’ve only ever used them once.” “Fascinating,” Ohm says dryly. “But remember, don’t touch anything. We don’t know what kind of traps there are, but I know they’re here.” Mara looks at the cat tears longingly. Once her magic is gone and she can be a healer again, those would be an invaluable help to her in building back up her reputation, finding clients, and, most importantly, making money. Mara doesn’t see any buttons, wires, liquids, or other countermeasures against taking something. (link: "Ohm has never seen this before, he can’t possibly know for sure what will happen. Mara reaches into the display case.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Ohm has never seen this before, he can’t possibly know for sure what will happen. Mara reaches into the display case.")] (link: "Mara’s gut tells her that Ohm is right. He has more experience with this. She should trust him.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Mara’s gut tells her that Ohm is right. He has more experience with this. She should trust him.")]

(set: $MaraStole to true)As soon as Mara’s hand closes around the vial, she knows she made a mistake. The vial instantly heats up even as she takes it out of the display case and steps away. To her horror, the case starts melting as if it’s made of butter and pools on the floor, where the bubbling liquid then starts to creep towards her. When it reaches the carpet beneath her feet, the fibers disintegrate and Mara scrambles backward. “I told you not to touch anything!” Ohm growls when he sees her predicament. W1-DG3T beeps frantically as he rolls away, Varrence wobbling behind him. Varrence trips over W1-DG3T and crashes into another display case, sending it careening to the floor and shattering the sculpted glass swan inside it. Instead of liquifying like the other one, the case vanishes into thin air and from a hidden trapdoor emerges a hissing and spitting creature. It looks like a regular black house cat, except for the fact that it is three times bigger and its tail is completely mechanical, the end sharpened like a sword—as if a cat needed any more sharp appendages. [[Another one of Serronius’ experiments.]]

(set: $MaraStole to false)As tempting as it is, Mara steps away from the case and rejoins Ohm, Varrence, and W1-DG3T. They make slow progress through the room as Ohm sweeps for traps. In the middle of the room, Ohm gestures for them to stop and he kneels on the carpet and studies the floor. Mara can’t see anything, but clearly he does. After a few moments, he leans back on his heels and sighs. “We can’t avoid this one. I need you both to do exactly what I say when I say it.” “Okay,” Varrence agrees. “We’re listening,” Mara adds. Ohm rubs his hands together. “Mara, prepare to absorb a magic blast.” Mara feels the blood leave her face. “What? I’ve never done that before!” Ohm turns to her, his eyes surprisingly soft. “It’s simple. You know that feeling you get when you call on your magic?” Tentatively, Mara nods. “You’re gonna feel it in the air around us. As soon as you do, grab onto it and draw it into you. The Magic Focus will help. You’re gonna feel a rush and it might be a little painful, but it’ll be over quickly.” Mara’s heart pounds faster. This doesn’t sound that simple. But she made her choice. [[“I trust you.”]]

W1-DG3T warbles and rolls away, tugging on Varrence’s arm. The cat launches itself at Mara who shrieks as she jumps out of the way. She knocks into Ohm who just barely manages to steady the two of them. They’re being backed into a corner of the room, the cat prowling on one side and the acidic liquid approaching from the other. Varrence and W1-DG3T are on the other side of this mess, free from danger. “You idiot!” Ohm hisses, his hands searching his pockets. “Why didn’t you listen to me?” “I’m sorry,” Mara blubbers, shoving the cat tears into her bag and cradling the Magic Focus. [[“Tell me what to do!”]]

Before Ohm can speak the cat leaps again, its gold eyes gleaming ferociously, and Mara reacts instinctively. The egg heats up in her hand as Mara reaches for her magic and stops the cat in midair. It yowls in confusion, glaring murderously at Mara, but remains still. Mara lashes out and sends the cat flying across the room, narrowly avoiding Varrence. “Trade places,” Ohm orders. He grabs Mara and pivots so that now he is facing the already-recovered cat and Mara is facing the acid. Ohm holds what looks like a crude collar made of rope and wire, watching the cat carefully. “You’ve got to take care of that acid. Repeat after me,” he says without looking at Mara, and tells her the incantation. Mara does as he instructs and latches onto her magic as she says the words. The acid instantly stops bubbling and advancing, and turns back into harmless glass. Mara turns to Ohm just in time to see the cat jump for him. Ohm twists out of the way, simultaneously slapping the collar around the cat’s neck. The cat slams into the wall and cries out. [[It struggles to its feet and rubs its paws against the collar angrily, meowing pitifully.]]

Ohm leans over, huffing, but still glares at Mara. She tries for an apologetic smile. “What did you do to it?” Varrence asks, approaching cautiously. “Nothing permanent,” Ohm says, standing up straight. “The collar will temporarily disorient it and keep it from thinking about anything else. It’ll disintegrate on its own in about an hour, so we need to be long gone by then.” Ohm turns to Mara who shrinks away. “What the hell was that? I told you not to touch anything, to follow my lead. What were you thinking?” Mara looks down. She doesn’t have a good answer. She thought it would be safe, or that she could somehow handle whatever would happen. She just wanted the cat tears for whatever came after today. [[But she doesn’t have an excuse for not trusting Ohm.]]

Ohm jabs a finger in Mara’s chest. “Don’t do anything like that again. From now on, you listen to me no matter what. Got it?” Mara nods, hugging the Magic Focus. “I’m sorry.” “You should be.” Ohm shakes his head. “If Serronius didn’t already know we’re here, she does now. We need to be very careful from now on.” Mara nods again. Ohm walks toward the end of the hall where there is another door, and Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T follow. Varrence looks at Mara with hesitation, perhaps even worry. This is going horribly. (if: $MaraSavedRobot is false)[First she failed to save W1-DG3T.](if: $BearHurtVarrence)[ Then Varrence got hurt.] Now this. Mara has been on her own too long, she’s not used to working with a team again. [[She needs to trust them, or next time the consequences might be worse.->Next Hallway]]

The door opens to reveal yet another hallway. Mara is beginning to think Serronius’ mansion is completely made up of hallways. Where are the sitting rooms and bedrooms, the labs and cells? Where are the stairs to the upper levels? If they don’t find the Golden Gear on this floor, what will they do? The hallway has a few doors on each side. As they walk down the hallway they peer through the few doors that are open, finding rooms with single beds, chains, or lab tables. Mara doesn’t look at them too long. She doesn’t want to be reminded of when she was in one of those rooms. They reach the end of the hallway where there is one door on each side, and both are locked. Varrence’s trusty All-Purpose Wrench opens the door on the left and they look inside cautiously. No one is in the room, but it is much busier than the others. [[By an unspoken agreement, they walk inside.]]

Ohm holds up his glowing crystal ball to illuminate the room. A few lab tables populate the floor, each one covered with tools, instruments, papers, journals, and substances. Racks of chemicals and compounds sit on shelves pushed against the walls. A few stools rest in front of the tables, and there are some disturbing stains marring the metal tables. Mara inspects the room, studying the materials on the tables. She arrives at the table in the middle and spots a few unmarked leatherbound journals. “Is it safe to touch things?” Mara asks Ohm. Ohm looks around and waves one of his trinkets in the air. “Yeah. We might even find stuff here that we can use against Serronius.” Satisfied, Mara tugs open the journal, it’s pages crackling under her fingers. She opens to a random page, and immediately wishes she hadn’t. Written at the top of the page are the words: [[“Subject 424 - Mara the Healer.”]]

Mara knows she shouldn’t, but she keeps reading. *Day 1: Subject 424 is unremarkable upon first examination - a human female in perfect health, mid-twenties, employed as a healer in Malvania. No magic whatsoever, the perfect candidate for my hypothesized theory of magical transference. Day 2: Subject 424 is uncooperative. Depriving her of food will weaken her enough to begin the experiment. There can be no resistance once the process begins, and dosing her with sedatives will interfere with the experiment. I will commence the experiment in four days. Day 6: The time has come. Subject 424 is ready for magical transference. Day 7: Incredible! Stupendous! Marvelous! The magical transference was a complete success. Subject 424 has gone from having zero trace of magic within her cells to 100% saturation. Tomorrow the testing begins. Day 8: Subject 424 is still too weak. She needs a few more days to recover from the starvation and the procedure before I can begin testing her abilities. Day 10: Subject 424 has recovered enough to begin examination. She cooperates with little resistance, but her magic is weak. So far she has only succeeded in lighting a candle. I will push her tomorrow. Day 12: What a discovery! Subject 424 has made quite the breakthrough with her powers. When tasked with summoning enough water to fill a small bowl, she conjured up a rainstorm, and couldn’t stop! Sedation was required. Subject 424 is most interesting and I look forward to seeing what else she can do. Day 15: Once again, Subject 424 has surpassed my expectations. When told to attack one of my beasts, she attempted to disobey. After the proper motivation, she cooperated and her magic did more than I could ever have expected. Instead of tossing the beast to the ground, Subject 424 blasted it through 3 solid walls and even knocked herself unconscious. Perhaps the transference put the magic in an unstable state. I hypothesize that with time Subject 424 may control it, but that won’t be necessary. She has served her purpose.* Mara yanks her eyes away and stumbles back, gasping for air. She can’t read any more. Her hands are shaking and her knees are weak. [[She feels like she’s going to throw up.]]

“Mara, what is it?” Varrence asks, his voice gentle. Mara only shakes her head and leans against another table. She can’t bring herself to even look at the journal again. Varrence and Ohm crowd around the journal. While they read, Mara casts her gaze around the room for something to take her mind off of what she read, but instead she spots syringes, chains, scalpels, and leather straps that send a torrent of memories through her mind. She can still feel their touch on her skin. She starts rubbing her arms and combing through her hair, trying to get rid of the blood. After a few minutes, Ohm and Varrence turn to Mara with pity in their eyes. Mara hugs her stomach and tries not to look at them. It takes a moment before either of them say anything. “I’m sorry,” Varrence says. “I didn’t know it was . . .” “Please stop,” Mara gasps. “I—I can’t. I just can’t.” “Serronius is a monster.” Ohm clenches his fists. [[“We’re going to make her pay for everything she’s done.”]]

Mara can barely think straight. Seeing Serronius’ journal, how she thought of Mara as a disposable object, like some lab rat. It’s too much. It’s all too much. She feels like the walls are closing in around her. W1-DG3T rolls up to Mara, grabs onto her cloak, and beeps at her, his eye inexplicably filled with warmth. Mara wants to run and never come back. But what if there’s something useful here? The room is filled with tools and substances they could use. And maybe the journal has more information. But can Mara brave it? “Do you need a minute?” Varrence says. (link: "Mara nods. She needs to get a handle on herself, and then maybe they can find something useful.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 2) (go-to: "Mara nods. She needs to get a handle on herself, and then maybe they can find something useful.")] (link: "Mara shakes her head. Screw looking for weapons. She just needs to get out of here.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 2) (go-to: "Mara shakes her head. Screw looking for weapons. She just needs to get out of here.")]

(set: $KnowAboutGear to true)“Just give me a second,” Mara breathes. She slides to the floor and hugs her knees to her chest. W1-DG3T leans into her and wraps his arms around her leg, and she smiles gratefully at the little robot. “You’re safe, Mara,” Varrence says. He kneels in front of her. “No one is controlling you but yourself. You came here of your own free will to take something from Serronius and make her pay for what she did to you. We’re going to make sure she never does anything like this ever again.” Mara nods, trying to steady her breathing. “You’re strong,” Varrence continues. “You can do this. We can do this.” Ohm nods. [[“Together.”]]

(set: $KnowAboutGear to false)“No, I just need to forget about this, get the Gear and get rid of my magic, and stop Serronius,” Mara insists. Without a second thought, she stumbles to the door and throws herself back into the hallway, as far away from that awful journal as she can get. Ohm, Varrence, and W1-DG3T follow a moment later. As Mara leans against the wall, she can feel their stares boring into the back of her head. She flinches when Varrence’s hand falls on her shoulder. “Are you sure?” He asks. “It might help to—” “No!” Mara barks. “I can’t go back in there, I can’t look at that stuff.” “Mara—” “Stop pushing me!” Mara yells, whirling around and throwing his hand off her shoulder. Varrence shrinks away from her. [[“Just stop.”]]

Varrence nods and backs away, looking hurt. Ohm tilts his head between the two of them and then folds his arms. “Look, we’ve already gotten into some trouble. Yelling in the hallway won’t help us. Pull yourself together and let’s keep moving.” Mara nods. She takes a deep breath and gives herself a little shake. They are so close. They’ve already made it through The Boundary, gotten past Serronius’ beast, and beaten her booby-trapped display hall. Serronius has to be next, and Mara is more than ready to give her what she deserves. Mara crosses to the other locked door, Ohm and Varrence trailing after her. Ohm puts his handy magic lock picks to work once more, just to be safe, and the lock clicks. After exchanging a look with everyone, Ohm pushes open the door and they step inside. The door slams closed behind them. Ohm, Varrence, W1-DG3T, and Mara are flung against the wall and held in place by an invisible force.(set: $OhmFire to false) “Perfect!” A nasally female voice says. [[“I was just thinking I needed more test subjects.”]]

Seeing Serronius again sends shivers down Mara’s spine. She is standing over a metal table with a bear strapped onto it, a bloody sheet covering the beast. Mara tries not to look at it too much. Serronius herself wears a white lab coat stained with blood and dirt over simple black pants and a gray shirt. Her frizzy red hair is pressed close to her head in some spots and in others it sticks out like she was just in a windstorm. Her murky brown eyes are covered by blue safety goggles. She doesn’t look surprised to see them, which makes sense given their current predicament. What is disturbing is how it seems like nothing has changed in the year since Mara last saw her. Serronius looks exactly the same as she did before, and Mara feels like she’s back in that cell fearing for her life. Serronius’ hand is outstretched in front of her, probably the reason why they’re pinned against the wall. Somehow, Mara still has hold of the Magic Focus. Serronius walks around the table to study them more closely, starting with Ohm. “I know you!” Serronius exclaims. “You proved my theory on the separation of magic.” “Shut up!” Ohm growls. “And you.” Serronius grins at Mara. “Your escape was impressive, but I knew you’d be back someday, Subject 424.” “My name is Mara,” Mara hisses. “I am not your toy.” Even as she says the words, she wants nothing more than to run away. Serronius smiles. [[“We’ll see about that.”]]

“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you,” Serronius says with a curious look towards Varrence. “I’ve always wanted to take apart a cyborg.” Varrence strains against the wall and falls back with a grunt. “Let us go.” Like a switch is flipped, Serronius’ face turns cold and she sends a piercing gaze their way. “Never.” She gives W1-DG3T a kick as she turns around to go back to the table, and the robot squeals. While her back is turned Mara takes the opportunity to reach for her magic. With the Magic Focus still in hand, it comes easily, and she breaks through the magical strings holding them to the wall. The four of them drop to their feet and ready their weapons. Serronius spins around and flings her hand forward and Mara senses another flow of magic. (link: "Mara panics and drops to the floor.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 2) (go-to: "Mara panics and drops to the floor.")] (link: "Mara sends out her own wave of magic.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 2) (go-to: "Mara sends out her own wave of magic.")]

Mara, Ohm, and Varrence flatten themselves to the floor, but W1-DG3T doesn’t move quick enough. W1-DG3T flies back into the hallway with a crash. (if: $OhmFire)[The fire Ohm started is extinguished.] Ohm rolls out of the way as Mara hops to her feet and holds out the Magic Focus in shaking hands, her heart beating faster than she’s ever felt. She would rather be anywhere but here. She yells and a blast of magic slams into Serronius. Serronius stumbles backwards and for a moment Mara congratulates herself, but then she hears a cry from behind her and turns just in time to see Varrence slide down the wall. (if: $BearHurtVarrence)[He clutches his injured arm to his chest.] “Varrence!” Mara cries out, shaking even more. Her magic has done it again, disobeying her and hurting a friend. Ohm launches himself at Serronius, grappling with her and trying to force a pair of strange metal cuffs around her wrists. She throws him off but he turns it into a roll and comes up kneeling. With dexterity Mara didn’t realize he possessed, Ohm tosses a handkerchief in Serronius’ face and, while she’s distracted, throws a flower-like gadget at the wall which immediately reaches out with long wires that seem to have a mind of their own and wrap around Serronius’ arms. “Now, Mara!” Ohm shouts. Mara thrusts out her hand and searches her memory for the right spell. (link: "Fire. That’s always a good choice.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Fire. That’s always a good choice.")] (link: "Smaller is better. Mara doesn’t need to do anything fancy.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Smaller is better. Mara doesn’t need to do anything fancy.")]

Mara doesn’t pause to think, and only reacts. The egg warms in her hand as she thrusts out her other hand and counteracts Serronius’ magic, the two forces colliding invisibly between them.(if: $OhmFire)[ The fire Ohm started is extinguished.] Serronius almost looks impressed. Ohm and Varrence seize the momentary distraction and rush Serronius. Varrence uses his cybernetic arm to pin one of Serronius’ behind her back while Ohm tries to fasten a pair of strange metal cuffs around her wrists. Serronius growls and reaches for Ohm’s throat, but Mara is faster. She attacks with her magic again, sending a bolt of lightning at Serronius. It hits her in the stomach and makes her double-over, giving Ohm the chance to put the cuff around one of her wrists. Serronius recovers quickly, however, and manages to throw Varrence to the ground and yank the cuff off. Serronius mutters something unintelligible and the floor beneath Mara grows slippery, causing her to fall on her rear. While she clambers to her feet, Serronius shoves Ohm away and then raises her hands and releases a burst of magic that smacks into Ohm and throws him across the room. He crashes end over end as he hits a table and falls to the floor in a clatter of sharp equipment. Ohm rolls onto his back and Mara gasps at the sight of his bloody side, and Ohm struggles to prop himself upright. Serronius walks toward Mara. She scrambles out of the way, but Serronius still knocks her to the ground and sends the Magic Focus rolling into the hallway. Serronius stalks towards Ohm, who is nearly helpless and bleeding profusely. Varrence rushes in and tackles Serronius, pushing her back, giving Mara a moment to make a decision. Ohm needs serious help, but Varrence is alone against Serronius. (link: "Ohm will be okay a little while longer. Now is the time to strike.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 2) (go-to: "Ohm will be okay a little while longer. Now is the time to strike.")] (link: "Ohm needs help now. Varrence will have to hold out a bit longer.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 2) (go-to: "Ohm needs help now. Varrence will have to hold out a bit longer.")]

The egg warms in Mara’s hand and so does her other palm as fire bursts from it in a steady stream. She laughs in delight, but it quickly fades as once again her magic begins to escape her grasp. Mara struggles to hold onto it. The Magic Focus is supposed to help with this! Why isn’t it working? Mara tries to keep calm and mentally stamp out the fire. That was the key, she remembers; remaining calm. If she panics, it won’t matter how powerful the Magic Focus is. It’s too strong. The fire is everywhere and Ohm and Varrence are coughing behind Mara. Serronius has freed herself from Ohm’s trap and is using magic to draw the fire to herself. Just as Mara puts a stop to the flames, Serronius turns it back on her. Mara shrieks and throws up her arm to shield her face and feels the merciless fire lick her skin. She screams in pain and falls to the ground, fighting the memories of the torture she underwent here a year ago. Varrence rushes forward with a pail of water--who knows where he got it--as Mara shuffles backward, her blistered arm shaking. She leans against the wall by the door and digs through her bag. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Damn! Why didn’t Mara grab her potion set? All she can do right now is spread ointment on her arm.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Mara praises herself for choosing her potion set and spreads ointment on her arm, then swallows the elixir that will minimize her pain and speed up her healing.] Mara knows she can’t afford to sit back and hide like this, but everything is going horribly wrong. Her magic is failing, they’re all getting hurt, and they’re no match for Serronius. What was she thinking? Why did she ever believe she could do this? A beeping sound draws Mara’s attention back outward. W1-DG3T stands next to her, almost hovering over her like he is protecting her. In front of them, Varrence and Ohm have managed to extinguish the fire and are now going head-to-head against Serronius, Ohm with his various tricks and nick-nacks and Varrence with his fortified limbs and All-Purpose Wrench. Serronius sends various spells their way, but they seem to be dodging or blocking them for the most part. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Mara reaches into her bag once more and pulls out the spellbook. She searches aimlessly for something that could help her, landing on the first offensive spell she sees. The Magic Focus is on the other side of the room, but there is no time to try and get it. [[Her voice trembles as she chants the spell.->Mara Attacks]]](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Mara reaches into her bag once more. She pulls out one of the most dangerous acids she has. She was surprised when she was first taught how to use it, but that surprise vanished when she began her practice and learned how useful it was in melting objects or organic matter that was preventing someone from receiving the medical care they needed. [[When she sees an opening, she tosses the acid at Serronius.->Mara Attacks]]]

The egg warms in Mara’s hand as she flings her other hand to the side, using her magic to grab onto Serronius and pin her to the wall. Serronius cries out as she is flung backwards, but manages to send out a burst of magic that smacks into Ohm and throws him across the room. He crashes end over end as he hits a table and falls to the floor in a clatter of sharp equipment. Ohm rolls onto his back and Mara gasps at the sight of his bloody side, and Ohm struggles to prop himself upright. Serronius has already freed herself and walks toward Mara. She scrambles out of the way, but Serronius still knocks her to the ground and sends the Magic Focus rolling into the hallway. Serronius stalks towards Ohm, who is nearly helpless and bleeding profusely. Varrence rushes in and tackles Serronius, pushing her back, giving Mara a moment to make a decision. Ohm needs serious help, but Varrence is alone against Serronius. (link: "Ohm needs help now. Varrence will have to hold out a bit longer.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 2) (go-to: "Ohm needs help now. Varrence will have to hold out a bit longer.")] (link: "Ohm will be okay a little while longer. Now is the time to strike.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 2) (go-to: "Ohm will be okay a little while longer. Now is the time to strike.")]

(if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[A lightning bolt strikes Serronius in the chest and sends her flying backwards. The lightning ricochets off the walls and barely avoids Mara’s friends.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Serronius ducks to avoid the acid, which shatters on contact with the wall and begins to eat right through it. Serronius’ loses her balance.] The spell Serronius had been about to throw at Ohm misses and instead heads straight for Mara. She flinches and closes her eyes reflexively, but instead of feeling pain she hears a robotic cry and the sound of something striking metal. When she opens her eyes, she gasps at W1-DG3T’s crumpled form in front of her. The glow of his eye is dim and his arms have been blasted off, and a dark scorch mark colors his main body. His beeps are quieter and more pitiful now. Mara looks up to gauge Varrence’s reaction. He and Ohm have seized the opportunity provided by Mara’s distraction, and Ohm has fitted Serronius with the cuffs he was trying to get on her earlier, which seem to negate her magic. Varrence cracks her over the head with his All-Purpose Wrench, and Serronius crumples. (set: $MaraEnding to 1)(if: $goodplace >= 8)[[[It’s over, but not without a cost.->Chapter 8 (Mara - Good)]]](else-if: $goodplace < 8)[[[It’s over, but not without a cost.->Chapter 8 (Mara - Bad)]]]

While Varrence distracts Serronius from one angle, Mara grabs a metal tray and swings it at Serronius’ head. Serronius ducks at the last second, making Mara stumble off-balance, and Serronius throws out her arm. The strike catches Mara in the stomach and sends her careening backwards, and before she can recover her balance, a blast of magic slams into her and throws her into the wall. The egg flies from Mara’s hands and her head cracks painfully against the wall. She blacks out for a few seconds, her head ringing with a sharp pain she only ever experienced back when Serronius had her. When Mara puts her hand on her head, it comes away bloody. Her eyesight is blurry and the room seems to be swaying when she tries to sit up. When she finally does, she sees Varrence and Serronius grappling on the ground beside Ohm, W1-DG3T butting in and smacking Serronius when he sees an opening. Mara begins crawling over to help, her eyes searching for the Magic Focus. As she does, Ohm manages to drag himself over to Serronius and fasten the cuffs on her that he was trying to use earlier, which seem to negate her magic. Varrence and W1-DG3T combined knock Serronius unconscious. (set: $MaraEnding to 2)(if: $goodplace >= 8)[[[It’s over, but not without a cost.->Chapter 8 (Mara - Good)]]](else-if: $goodplace < 8)[[[It’s over, but not without a cost.->Chapter 8 (Mara - Bad)]]]

“W1-DG3T, help Varrence!” Mara yells as she rushes over to Ohm. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[She doesn’t look to see if the robot obeyed, but the whir of his wheels and the sound of metal hitting flesh makes her think he did.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[She holds out one of her acids for the robot to grab as he rolls by. ] “No time, get Serronius,” Ohm chokes out, wincing as he presses his hands into his side. Mara just shakes her head and examines Ohm’s wound. Something must have impaled him when Serronius threw him across the room. The wound is shallow, but wide. He’ll live as long as she can stop the bleeding for now until she has more time to treat it. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Mara curses herself for not bringing her potion set. She has exactly the concoction to help in this instance, but it’s all the way back in Malvania. All she can do is wrap a bandage around the wound and instruct Ohm to keep pressure on it.](if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Mara sighs in relief as she digs through her potion set. She pulls out the required concoction and forces it down Ohm’s throat. Instantly, the bleeding slows and a bit of color returns to Ohm’s face.] Mara glances at her hands, and then back at Ohm. She’s never tried using magic to heal someone, but she knows it can be done. With her track record, should she risk it? There’s no time to find the Magic Focus. Ohm seems to know what she’s thinking. “I trust you,” he says. She takes pleasure in the warmth those words give her. But the choice remains. (link: "Ohm is out of the woods for now, why push her luck? Besides, Varrence needs help with Serronius.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 3) (go-to: "Ohm is out of the woods for now, why push her luck? Besides, Varrence needs help with Serronius.")] (link: "The only way to move forward is to take risks. Besides, three against one is better than two against one.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 3) (go-to: "The only way to move forward is to take risks. Besides, three against one is better than two against one.")]

“You’ll be okay?” Mara asks. Ohm nods and slowly pushes himself upright. “Go.” There is no more time for hesitation. Mara turns and runs at Varrence and Serronius. Varrence backs away when he sees her, both his and Serronius’ faces bloody and bruised, and Mara doesn’t think. She points her palm at Serronius and unleashes her magic. No Magic Focus this time. No second-guessing or panic. It’s just Mara and her power, and it feels amazing. Serronius goes flying into the wall once more, and this time she stays down. (set: $MaraEnding to 3)(if: $goodplace >= 8)[[[It’s over. Mara won.->Chapter 8 (Mara - Good)]]](else-if: $goodplace < 8)[[[It’s over. Mara won.->Chapter 8 (Mara - Bad)]]]

Mara hovers her hands above the wound and lets her magic flow through her body. She doesn’t need words this time, just energy, life, and feeling. Her hands begin glowing. She hooks the skin cells around Ohm’s wound and draws them closer, forcing them to touch and fusing the skin together. She reaches deep inside and merges the severed ends of the arteries and veins, sealing any escape for his precious blood cells. By the time she is finished, Mara’s magic is surging within her like she’s never felt it before, wholly in tune with her senses and desires. They are one, completely in sync, and ready to punish Serronius for her sins. Mara rises, and so does Ohm, and the two of them run at Varrence and Serronius. Varrence backs away when he sees them, both his and Serronius’ faces bloody and bruised. Serronius lunges for Ohm who ducks and kicks Serronius towards Mara. Mara doesn’t think. She points her palm at Serronius and unleashes her magic. No Magic Focus this time. No second-guessing or panic. It’s just Mara and her power, and it feels amazing. Serronius goes flying into the wall once more, and this time she stays down. (set: $MaraEnding to 4)(if: $goodplace >= 8)[[[It’s over. Mara won.->Chapter 8 (Mara - Good)]]](else-if: $goodplace < 8)[[[It’s over. Mara won..->Chapter 8 (Mara - Bad)]]]

Mara closes her eyes, leaning her head against the table. They’re right. Mara *can* do this. She’s come so far in just a few days since meeting Ohm and Varrence. The Magic Focus has done wonders for her magic. And she came back here voluntarily. She can’t lose herself now, not when they’re so close to achieving their goal. And Serronius needs to be stopped. Since no one else will do it, she will. Mara opens her eyes. “Thank you, Varrence. And Ohm.” She beams down at W1-DG3T. “You, too, little guy.” W1-DG3T trills happily and Varrence helps Mara to her feet. “Your call,” Ohm says. “Do you want to keep looking around or move on?” Mara takes a deep breath. “Serronius might have useful information or tools in here. Since no one has come after us yet, we should take the time to look around. We’ll need all the advantages we can get against Serronius.” [[“I’ll read the journals,” Varrence offers.]]

Mara gives him a grateful smile and she and Ohm begin looking through the equipment. They move quietly and are careful to put everything that isn’t useful back where they found it. Mara keeps an ear out for guards or servants or Serronius herself, but no one appears. Most of the equipment is pretty standard. Mara recognizes a lot of it from her time as a healer, and most others from her time here. She doesn’t linger on them for very long, instead moving on to unfamiliar objects. By the time she and Ohm have finished searching the room, she’s only come up with a pair of strange-looking goggles. “I didn’t find a whole lot in the journals,” Varrence says when they gather in the middle of the room. “It’s mostly just records of her experiments. But . . . she did mention when she got the Golden Gear. She stole it from some wizard or something.” “What is it?” Mara asks, sensing an edge in his voice. “I’m not entirely sure. But it sounds like the Golden Gear can only be used once. Serronius has been saving it.” The three of them exchange tense looks. If it can only be used once, who will get it? “We’ll figure it out later,” Ohm decides. “No use worrying ourselves when we don’t even have it yet.” “You’re right,” Mara nods, relieved. Whatever happens, they’ll make it work. “All I found were these.” She holds up the goggles. Varrence gasps and grabs them. “No way! These can see through any solid object, they’re super rare. The materials are hard to come by and the spell is difficult to cast.” “That should come in handy,” Ohm notes. “I grabbed some flammable liquids in case we need a distraction. Are we ready to move?” Varrence and Ohm clearly are, but they look to Mara. She’s the one who almost had a breakdown a few minutes ago. She nods. [[“Let’s go.”]]

They exit the room and cross the hallway to the other locked door. As Ohm readies his lock picks, Varrence stops him. “The goggles,” he says. Ohm nods and takes them from Varrence, fitting them over his eyes. He kneels in front of the door and looks through the wood. “What do you see?” Varrence wonders. “Shh,” he replies. They wait a few moments longer, and then Ohm stands up and takes off the goggles. “Okay, it’s a lab, and it looks like Serronius is inside. She’s standing over a table with another bear on it, I think she’s in the middle of an experiment. She’s facing us, so no matter how quietly we move, she’ll see us come in. We have to move quickly and efficiently.” Varrence grips his All-Purpose Wrench and W1-DG3T spins his claws. Ohm prepares to throw one of his strange gadgets. Mara readies the Magic Focus. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[She runs through the incantations for a few spells she memorized on the way to The Boundary.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[She checks that her potion set is safely packed in her bag so that nothing will break in what is most likely about to be a scuffle.] Ohm’s handy magical lock picks do the trick once more. The door swings open, and the three of them jump inside without hesitation. Mara immediately feels a blast of magic flung at them, and instinctively grabs it and absorbs it(if: $MaraStole is false)[ like she did before]. Ohm throws his gadget on the floor, which spreads a line of fire in between them and Serronius.(set: $OhmFire to true) [[“Perfect!” A nasally female voice says. “I was just thinking I needed more test subjects.”]]

Seeing Serronius again sends shivers down Mara’s spine. Like Ohm said, she is standing over a metal table with a bear strapped onto it, a bloody sheet covering the beast. Mara tries not to look at it too much. Serronius herself wears a white lab coat stained with blood and dirt over simple black pants and a gray shirt. Her frizzy red hair is pressed close to her head in some spots and in others it sticks out like she was just in a windstorm. Her murky brown eyes are covered by blue safety goggles. She doesn’t look surprised to see them, which isn’t too alarming. Mara already knew they had to have alerted her to their presence back in the display hall. What is disturbing is how it seems like nothing has changed in the year since Mara last saw her. Serronius looks exactly the same as she did before, and Mara feels like she’s back in that cell fearing for her life. “Give us the Golden Gear and maybe we’ll show you mercy,” Ohm says. Serronius touches her throat where Mara spots the cord of a necklace, but the pendant is tucked into Serronius’ shirt. “I know you!” Serronius exclaims. “You proved my theory on the separation of magic.” “Shut up!” Ohm growls. “And you.” Serronius grins at Mara. “Your escape was impressive, but I knew you’d be back someday, Subject 424.” “My name is Mara,” Mara hisses. “I am not your toy.” Even as she says the words, her legs feel weak and she wants nothing more than to run away. [[Serronius smiles. “We’ll see about that.”]]

“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you,” Serronius says with a curious look towards Varrence. “I’ve always wanted to take apart a cyborg.” Varrence clenches his fist and points his All-Purpose Wrench at Serronius. “Like Ohm said, give us the Golden Gear and we’ll make this easy.” W1-DG3T punctuates Varrence’s words with a few menacing gestures. Like a switch is flipped, Serronius’ face turns cold and she sends a piercing gaze their way. “Never.” Serronius flings her hand forward and Mara senses another wave of magic. (link: "Mara panics and drops to the floor.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 2) (go-to: "Mara panics and drops to the floor.")] (link: "Mara sends out her own wave of magic.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 2) (go-to: "Mara sends out her own wave of magic.")]

Ohm nods. “Varrence, how durable is your arm?” Varrence lifts his mechanical arm, a hint of concern in his eye.(if: $BearHurtVarrence)[ His injured arm hangs by his side awkwardly.] “More durable than a human arm, but not indestructible. It can withstand a small explosion at close range.” “Good. Come here,” Ohm says. Varrence obeys and Ohm positions him in the spot he was just in. “When I say ‘now,’ you put your hand here–” he points to a spot in the middle of the floor–“and brace yourself. Mara, you get ready to absorb the magic.” Mara tucks the Magic Focus into the crook of her arm to free her hands, just in case. Ohm exchanges a look with each of them and Mara nods determinedly at him. W1-DG3T hovers by Varrence, trilling nervously. Ohm takes a deep breath. [[“Ready? Now!”]]

As soon as he says the word, Ohm steps forward and Varrence thrusts his hand down on the spot he was instructed to. Three things then happen simultaneously. Ohm faceplants on the floor. Varrence grunts as an explosion goes off underneath his hand. And just as Ohm said, Mara feels a rush of magic in the air. She instantly grabs onto it and draws it to her, thankful for the presence of the Magic Focus to steady her. Like Ohm said, the magic comes with a painful burning sensation, but as soon as she finishes absorbing it, it vanishes. Mara sits down as she catches her breath. Varrence stands up and shakes out his hand, grumbling under his breath. Ohm flips onto his back with a groan. “See, what would have happened,” he grunts, “is I would have been pinned to the floor and you two would have been blasted with explosives and magic designed to kill you. Probably a countermeasure in case of exactly what we’re doing, to kill most of the intruders and leave one left to question and experiment on.” “How do you know that?” Mara wonders. “I had magic for most of my life, I know what the signs are. And I had to learn other ways to recognize it once I lost my magic, too. You learn a lot being a con-man.” “Well, thanks for that,” Varrence says. “Should we keep moving?” Mara helps Ohm to his feet. “If Serronius didn’t already know we were here,” Ohm says, “she probably does now. We need to be careful.” Mara nods as she follows him to the door. She knows the real challenge will come when they face Serronius—it’s unlikely that she’d keep something as valuable as the Golden Gear far from her. [[But if they can continue working together like this, they just might have a shot at success.->Next Hallway]]

“I’ll be right back,” Ohm says, and he races off before they can stop him. He returns a moment later, Serronius’ journal in hand. “Serronius must know how to use it.” He rifles through the journal, his eyes flicking back and forth across the pages. “Aha! ‘Placing the gear over one’s eye reveals what they truly want, but the gear’s magic is only activated by saying the incantation one sees while looking through it.’” Varrence spreads his hands. “What are you waiting for?” Ohm smiles again and lifts the Golden Gear to his eye. He gasps as he looks through it. “What do you see?” Mara asks. “Myself,” Ohm answers. “With my magic back. And I have a happy life.” Mara exchanges a happy glance with Varrence. They watch Ohm in silence as he chants the incantation. [[As soon as the last word falls from his lips, he is enveloped in a warm golden glow, shining so bright that Mara has to cover her eyes.]]

When it’s over, Ohm looks exactly the same and the Golden Gear has lost some of its sheen. Varrence asks Ohm, “How do you feel?” Ohm looks at the two of them, and for the first time since meeting him, Mara spots a tear in the corner of his eye. “Whole.” Ohm cups his hands and whispers into them, too quiet for Mara to make out what he says. A flame sputters to life in his palms and Ohm’s laugh tinkles through the air, his smile brighter than Mara has ever seen. Together they ransack the place. Serronius has nick nacks, gadgets, tools, ingredients, parts, and all sorts of useful things. Her lackeys must have found out what happened and fled, as they encounter no resistance. Mara has to admit—it feels very good to throw Serronius into one of her own cells and chain her up. (if: $goodplace >= 8)[[[They can’t do much with her since they’re out in The Boundary, but maybe this defeat will make her think twice before conducting experiments on unwilling subjects again.->Good Ending Talk Ohm]]](else:)[[[They can’t do much with her since they’re out in The Boundary, but maybe this defeat will make her think twice before conducting experiments on unwilling subjects again.->Bad Ending Talk Ohm]]]

(if: $MaraEnding is 1)[While Varrence digs through Serronius’ workshop for parts for W1-DG3T, Mara checks on her arm. Her skin is blistered and red, and it hurts to touch. Just as she is about to check her bag for bandages and ointments, Ohm comes up to her, the Golden Gear hanging around his neck, and says, “Let me.” Ohm passes his hand over Mara’s arm and chants. Before Mara’s eyes, the burn fades away and takes the pain with it, leaving behind nearly unblemished skin, save for a few red marks. Mara gasps and runs her hand over her skin. It feels completely natural and healthy. "How did you do that?" She asks.](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[While Varrence digs through Serronius’ workshop for parts for W1-DG3T, Mara touches the back of her head. The bleeding has stopped, leaving her hair matted and crusty with it. She can tell her headache won’t be going away for a while. Just as she is about to check her bag for a pain reliever, Ohm comes up to her, the Golden Gear hanging around his neck, and says, “Let me.” Ohm touches his hand to Mara’s forehead and chants. The pain instantly disappears, and the gash in the back of her head seals itself shut. "How did you do that?" She asks.](else:)[While Varrence digs through Serronius’ workshop for parts for W1-DG3T, Ohm and Mara disable the traps in the display hall so they can take Serronius’ treasures. She notices Ohm moving easily and asks about his injury.] Ohm grins, the Golden Gear hanging around his neck. (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[“I was actually pretty good at magic before all of this. Healing magic wasn’t my strong suit, but I got by.”](else-if: $MaraEnding is 4)[He lifts up his shirt and shows Mara that the wound is already healed, leaving his skin with a tiny white scar. “For your first time using magic to heal, you did very well.”](else:)[“I was actually pretty good at magic before all of this. Healing magic wasn’t my strong suit, but I got by.” He peels off the bandage around his side and shows Mara that he’s already healed himself, leaving his skin with a tiny white scar.] “That’s amazing,” Mara says, her spirits dropping. (if: $MaraEnding is 4)[If only she could control her magic well enough to do that all the time. Healing Ohm wasn't easy, and she doubts she could ever do it again. Even with the Magic Focus, her magic feels too unpredictable.](else:)[It seems that everyone is better than her at using magic. She can barely use hers without hurting someone, even with a Magic Focus, it seems.] “I could—” he pauses and looks down. “I could teach you. Help you figure this out.” Mara shakes her head. “Thank you, but this has shown me that no matter what I try my magic will always be unpredictable. I can’t rely on it. It has to be a last resort. I’m going back to Malvania and I’m going to suppress my magic and try to get back to my old life.” “Mara—” “No,” she cuts him off. “I’ve made my decision. This whole thing . . . it’s been more trouble than it’s worth. I’ve got a few things I can sell back home, plus some things I took from Serronius.(if: $MaraStole)[” She thinks of the cat tears in her bag. “They’ll help me get back on my feet. [[I’ll be okay.”]]](else:)[ They’ll help me get back on my feet. [[I’ll be okay.”]]]

Ohm seems to sense that her mind is made up. “Thank you for this. I—I didn’t know how much I needed it.” Mara just nods in response. She tugs on the strap of her bag as Varrence joins them, his arms bulging with new parts and tools. W1-DG3T rolls along next to him(if: $MaraEnding is 1)[—minus his arms and moving very slowly while emitting sparks every few seconds.](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[.] “If Serronius wasn’t so bad, I’d love to talk to her about her experiments and engineering. This stuff is amazing!” He gushes. “I’ve never seen some of these things before, and these tools are super rare and high-quality.” “Got everything you need to fix W1-DG3T?” Ohm asks. “And then some,” Varrence confirms. “With these, it won’t matter what people think of me. They’ll have to recognize I do good work.” “Good.” Mara smiles. “I’m glad. Do you need help carrying anything?” Varrence thanks her. They pack up his tools in a few bags they find and Mara takes one while Varrence takes the other. They make one last sweep through the house, and when Varrence finds the bear who let them pass, he tells it how to find him in Gadgeton so Varrence can fix its arms. [[Then Mara, Ohm, Varrence, and W1-DG3T finally leave Serronius’ mansion—for the last time, Mara hopes—and begin the trek back across The Boundary.]]

The sky above them is dark and swirling with clouds, threatening to break out in a storm. It only adds to the pit in Mara’s stomach, her guilt and self-loathing swarming within her. Everything went so wrong tonight, it’s a miracle they succeeded at all. Mara never should have agreed to this, she should have stayed in Malvania and continued looking for ways to deal with her magic there. She should have taken Dania’s offer and stayed with her. She should have done anything besides this. They make it through the mud without trouble this time, thanks to Varrence carrying W1-DG3T the whole way. Ohm and Varrence chat animatedly as they head back to the Centrum, Ohm regularly testing his restored magical abilities. Mara walks behind them silently, stewing in her own thoughts. She gave the Magic Focus back to Ohm but she can still feel what it awakened inside of her. She can still feel her magic clawing at her insides, fighting to be free. She won’t let it. She can’t let it. It causes too much pain, too much destruction. Mara has to lock it down and keep it under control. She can’t afford any more mistakes. She’s on her own now, and no matter how hard she tries, she’ll never be the same person she used to be. [[Not when she has to hold back the monster inside her.->The End!]]

**The End!** Thanks for playing *The Experiments!* We hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to play again as a different character, (link: "click here.")[ (set: $goodplace to 0) (go-to: "Character Selection")] If you would like to play again from the very beginning, (link: "click here.")[ (set: $goodplace to 0) (go-to: "The Experiments")] Happy gaming!

“I’ll be right back,” Varrence says, and he races off before they can stop him. He returns a moment later, Serronius’ journal in hand. “Serronius must know how to use it.” He rifles through the journal, his eyes flicking back and forth across the pages. “Aha! ‘Placing the gear over one’s eye reveals what they truly want, but the gear’s magic is only activated by saying the incantation one sees while looking through it.’” Mara spreads her hands. “What are you waiting for?” Varrence smiles again and lifts the Golden Gear to his human eye. He gasps as he looks through it. “What do you see?” Mara asks. “Myself,” Varrence answers. “With W1-DG3T by my side as I’ve always imagined him. And people respect me.” Mara exchanges a happy glance with Ohm. They watch Varrence in silence as he chants the incantation. [[As soon as the last word falls from his lips, he and W1-DG3T are enveloped in a warm golden glow, shining so bright that Mara has to cover her eyes.]]

When it’s over, Varrence looks exactly the same and the Golden Gear has lost some of its sheen. W1-DG3T, on the other hand, has been completely repaired and then some. Varrence rights W1-DG3T and the little robot rolls around with a vigor Mara has never seen from him. He beeps happily and there is no sign of the malfunctioning he was prone to before. Something about him seems different, too. With his fresh polish, delicate paint-job, and glowing eye, he looks professional. He looks like the most sought-after robots Mara saw whenever she visited Gadgeton. “Varrence, he’s wonderful,” Mara says. “You built this. You should be very proud. And when you go back to Gadgeton, no one will be able to deny your skill.” Varrence grins and hugs Mara again. Ohm pats him on the back. Together they ransack the place. Serronius has nick nacks, gadgets, tools, ingredients, parts, and all sorts of useful things. Her lackeys must have found out what happened and fled, as they encounter no resistance. Mara has to admit—it feels very good to throw Serronius into one of her own cells and chain her up. They can’t do much with her since they’re out in The Boundary, (if: $goodplace >= 8)[[[but maybe this defeat will make her think twice before conducting experiments on unwilling subjects again.->Good Ending Talk Varrence]]](else:)[[[but maybe this defeat will make her think twice before conducting experiments on unwilling subjects again.->Bad Ending Talk Varrence]]]

(if: $MaraEnding is 1)[While Varrence digs through Serronius’ workshop for spare parts and tools, Mara checks on her arm. Her skin is blistered and red, and it hurts to touch. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Until she gets back to Malvania all she can do is check on the bandage every so often and use up the rest of her ointment.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Another dose of the healing elixir dismisses the pain and adds to the healing. It’ll be as good as new in a day. ]](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[While Varrence digs through Serronius’ workshop for spare parts and tools, Mara touches the back of her head. The bleeding has stopped, leaving her hair matted and crusty with it. She can tell her headache won’t be going away for a while. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Until she gets back to Malvania all she can do is swallow a temporary pain-reliever.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[A dose of healing elixir dismisses the pain and speeds up the healing. She’ll be as good as new in a day. ]](else:)[Varrence digs through Serronius' workshop for spare parts and tools. ]Mara stands in the doorway as Ohm disables the rest of the traps in the display hall in order to steal the valuable objects. He can do so much even without his magic. Watching him lowers Mara’s spirits. Varrence has what he came for and Ohm has made peace with the fact that he’ll never have his old life back, and still has the skills to succeed with his new one. It seems that everyone is good at something. While Mara is still an amazing healer, she’ll never be the same. Not with this curse weighing her down. Even with a Magic Focus, there will always be the possibility that she could hurt someone. “Are you sure you don’t want to look through Serronius’ notes and try to find a way to get rid of your magic?” Ohm asks as he walks past her. Mara shakes her head. “Serronius wouldn’t know how to reverse this, all she cares about is progress and pushing limits, not going back. This has shown me that no matter what I try, my magic will always be unpredictable. I can’t rely on it. It has to be a last resort. I’m going back to Malvania and I’m going to suppress my magic and try to get back to my old life.” “Mara—” “No,” she cuts him off. “I’ve made my decision. This whole thing . . . it’s been more trouble than it’s worth. I’ve got a few things I can sell back home, plus some things I took from Serronius.(if: $MaraStole)[” She thinks of the cat tears in her bag. “[[They’ll help me get back on my feet. I’ll be okay.”]]](else:)[ [[They’ll help me get back on my feet. I’ll be okay.”]]]

Ohm seems to sense that her mind is made up and leaves her be. She tugs on the strap of her bag as Varrence joins them, his arms bulging with new parts and tools. W1-DG3T rolls along next to him. Varrence wears the Golden Gear around his neck. “If Serronius wasn’t so bad, I’d love to talk to her about her experiments and engineering. This stuff is amazing!” He gushes. “I’ve never seen some of these things before, and these tools are super rare and high-quality.” “Got everything you need to become Gadgeton’s next big engineer?” Ohm asks. “And then some,” Varrence confirms. “With these, it won’t matter what people think of me. They’ll have to recognize I do good work.” “Good.” Mara smiles. “I’m glad. Do you need help carrying anything?” Varrence thanks her. They pack up his tools in a few bags they find and Mara takes one while Varrence takes the other. They make one last sweep through the house, and when Varrence finds the bear who let them pass, he tells it how to find him in Gadgeton so Varrence can fix its arms. Then Mara, Ohm, Varrence, and W1-DG3T finally leave Serronius’ mansion—for the last time, Mara hopes—[[and begin the trek back across The Boundary.]]

The sky above them is dark and swirling with clouds, threatening to break out in a storm. It only adds to the pit in Mara’s stomach, her guilt and self-loathing swarming within her. Everything went so wrong tonight it’s a miracle they succeeded at all. Mara never should have agreed to this, she should have stayed in Malvania and continued looking for ways to deal with her magic there. She should have taken Dania’s offer and stayed with her. She should have done anything besides this. They make it through the mud without trouble this time, thanks to W1-DG3T’s upgrade. Ohm and Varrence chat animatedly as they head back to the Centrum, Varrence going on and on about the projects he wants to start. Mara walks behind them silently, stewing in her own thoughts. She gave the Magic Focus back to Ohm but she can still feel what it awakened inside of her. She can still feel her magic clawing at her insides, fighting to be free. She won’t let it. She can’t let it. It causes too much pain, too much destruction. Mara has to lock it down and keep it under control. She can’t afford any more mistakes. She’s on her own now, and no matter how hard she tries, she’ll never be the same person she used to be. [[Not when she has to hold back the monster inside her.->The End!]]

(if: $MaraEnding is 1)[While Varrence digs through Serronius’ workshop for parts for W1-DG3T, Mara checks on her arm. Her skin is blistered and red, and it hurts to touch. Just as she is about to check her bag for bandages and ointments, Ohm comes up to her, the Golden Gear hanging around his neck, and says, “Let me.” Ohm passes his hand over Mara’s arm and chants. Before Mara’s eyes, the burn fades away and takes the pain with it, leaving behind nearly unblemished skin, save for a few red marks. Mara gasps and runs her hand over her skin. It feels completely natural and healthy. "How did you do that?" She asks.](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[While Varrence digs through Serronius’ workshop for parts for W1-DG3T, Mara touches the back of her head. The bleeding has stopped, leaving her hair matted and crusty with it. She can tell her headache won’t be going away for a while. Just as she is about to check her bag for a pain reliever, Ohm comes up to her, the Golden Gear hanging around his neck, and says, “Let me.” Ohm touches his hand to Mara’s forehead and chants. The pain instantly disappears, and the gash in the back of her head seals itself shut. "How did you do that?" She asks.](else:)[While Varrence digs through Serronius’ workshop for parts for W1-DG3T, Ohm and Mara disable the traps in the display hall so they can take Serronius’ treasures. She notices Ohm moving easily and asks about his injury.] Ohm grins, the Golden Gear hanging around his neck. (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[“I was actually pretty good at magic before all of this. Healing magic wasn’t my strong suit, but I got by.”](else-if: $MaraEnding is 4)[He lifts up his shirt and shows Mara that the wound is already healed, leaving his skin with a tiny white scar. “For your first time using magic to heal, you did very well.”](else:)[“I was actually pretty good at magic before all of this. Healing magic wasn’t my strong suit, but I got by.” He peels off the bandage around his side and shows Mara that he’s already healed himself, leaving his skin with a tiny white scar.] “That’s amazing,” Mara says. Even her best potions couldn’t do that so quickly. She begins to think of the possibilities. (if: $MaraEnding is 4)[“I know that was a spur of the moment thing, but I could–”](else:)[“I could–”] he pauses and looks down. “I could teach you. Help you figure this out.” Mara perks up immediately. “I’d like that! (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[The things I've learned and seen today . . . I think it's time I try embracing my magic instead of fighting it.](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[The things I've learned and seen today . . . I think it's time I try embracing my magic instead of fighting it.](else:)[What I was able to do today . . . I’ve never been able to do that. Not once since I was cursed. And I did it without the Magic Focus. It felt amazing.”] Ohm nods. (if: $MaraEnding is 1)["If you come with me to Arcanis, I know some people who can help you. You won't have to be scared anymore."](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)["If you come with me to Arcanis, I know some people who can help you. You won't have to be scared anymore."](else:)[It was impressive. If you come with me to Arcanis, we can make sure you feel like that every time you use your magic. You won’t have to be scared anymore.”] “I’d really like that.” Ohm bumps her shoulder. “Good. And—thank you for this.” He taps the Golden Gear. [[“I didn’t know how much I needed it.”]]

Mara just nods in response. She tugs on the strap of her bag as Varrence joins them, his arms bulging with new parts and tools. W1-DG3T rolls along next to him(if: $MaraEnding is 1)[—minus his arms and moving very slowly while emitting sparks every few seconds.](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[.] “If Serronius wasn’t so bad, I’d love to talk to her about her experiments and engineering. This stuff is amazing!” He gushes. “I’ve never seen some of these things before, and these tools are super rare and high-quality.” “Got everything you need to fix W1-DG3T?” Ohm asks. “And then some,” Varrence confirms. “With these, it won’t matter what people think of me. They’ll have to recognize I do good work.” “Good.” Mara smiles. “I’m glad. Do you need help carrying anything?” Varrence thanks her. They pack up his tools in a few bags they find and Mara takes one while Varrence takes the other. They make one last sweep through the house, and when Varrence finds the bear who let them pass, he tells it how to find him in Gadgeton so Varrence can fix its arms. [[Then Mara, Ohm, Varrence, and W1-DG3T finally leave Serronius’ mansion—for the last time, Mara hopes—and begin the trek back across The Boundary.->Good Ending Ohm]]

The sky above them is dark and filled with stars. As they walk, green, blue, and purple lights ignite in the sky, adding to Mara’s happy mood. They had a few hiccups along the way, but this went better than Mara could have hoped. Serronius is taken care of, Varrence has a new outlook on life, Ohm has his magic back, and Mara might not have to live in fear anymore. They make it through the mud without trouble this time, thanks to Varrence carrying W1-DG3T the whole way. Ohm and Varrence chat animatedly as they head back to the Centrum, Ohm regularly testing his restored magical abilities. Mara walks behind them silently, stewing in her own thoughts. She gave the Magic Focus back to Ohm but she can still feel what it awakened inside of her. She can still feel her magic flowing within her, begging to be used. For the first time since being cursed with it, she wants to use it. (if: $MaraEnding is 3)[She wants to see what else she can do. ](else-if: $MaraEnding is 4)[She wants to see what else she can do. ]She wants to know who she can become with magic on her side. Mara doesn’t need to choose one or the other now. She doesn’t need to resort to Dania’s shameful offer. She can make a new name for herself in Arcanis as a magical healer—even after everything that’s happened, Mara is still a healer. That will never change. (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[If anything, she'll be an even better healer once she learns how to use her magic properly.](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[If anything, she'll be an even better healer once she learns how to use her magic properly.](else:)[If anything, she’ll be an even better healer with these new tools.] As far as she knows, there are only magical and non-magical healers. [[Mara could be the first that embraces both.->Good Ending Ohm 2]]

“So what are you going to do now, Mara?” Varrence says over his shoulder. Mara jogs a bit to catch up and walk in line with them. “I’m going to sell some of my things back in Malvania and pack up the rest and join Ohm in Arcanis. He’s going to help me learn how to use my magic properly.” “I think you could be a very powerful magic-user,” Ohm says. Mara shrugs. “I don’t care about that. I’m still a healer. I want to help people, like I always have. (if: $MaraEnding is 4)[Ohm, do you know anyone who is good with healing magic?](else:)[Ohm, you said you’re not the best with healing magic, but do you know someone who is?]” Ohm nods. “Once I make amends with some people from my past, I’m sure we can find someone who can help you.” “Could I—could I come visit you two every once in a while?” Varrence asks, looking at the ground. Mara nudges him playfully. “Of course! You’ve got to show us all your amazing inventions and robots. And once you’re well-known, Ohm and I will be the envy of everyone when we tell them we’re friends with you.” Varrence and Ohm laugh, and Mara can’t help but join in. It’s hard to believe she only met them a few days ago, and that they started out with such hostility. She was in such a bad place before she met them, but now she can’t imagine going back to that ever again. “Keep in touch, buddy,” Ohm says. “I mean it.” Varrence smiles. “I will. I promise.” [[Mara looks up at the sky again. She has never seen anything so beautiful.->The End!]]

(if: $MaraEnding is 1)[While Varrence digs through Serronius’ workshop for spare parts and tools, Mara checks on her arm. Her skin is blistered and red, and it hurts to touch. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Until she gets back to Malvania all she can do is check on the bandage every so often and use up the rest of her ointment.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Another dose of the healing elixir dismisses the pain and adds to the healing. It’ll be as good as new in a day. ]](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[While Varrence digs through Serronius’ workshop for spare parts and tools, Mara touches the back of her head. The bleeding has stopped, leaving her hair matted and crusty with it. She can tell her headache won’t be going away for a while. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Until she gets back to Malvania all she can do is swallow a temporary pain-reliever.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[A dose of healing elixir dismisses the pain and speeds up the healing. She’ll be as good as new in a day. ]](else:)[Varrence digs through Serronius' workshop for spare parts and tools. ]Ohm and Mara disable the rest of the traps in the display hall in order to steal the valuable objects. Ohm can do so much even without his magic. Mara is still a little surprised he gave up the Golden Gear, but proud of him for it. If he can accept his new life with an open mind, she can, too. After they finish a particularly complicated trap, Ohm pauses and says, “Are you sure you don’t want to look through Serronius’ notes and try to find a way to get rid of your magic?” Mara shakes her head. “Serronius wouldn’t know how to reverse this, all she cares about is progress and pushing limits, not going back. And besides, this is who I am now. It’s time to embrace that. I’m a magic user.” “I could teach you,” he offers casually. “Help you figure out your magic. I might not have mine anymore, but I can still help you control yours.” Mara perks up immediately. “I’d like that! (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[The things I've learned and seen today . . . I think it's time I try embracing my magic instead of fighting it.](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[The things I've learned and seen today . . . I think it's time I try embracing my magic instead of fighting it.](else:)[What I was able to do today . . . I’ve never been able to do that. Not once since I was cursed. And I did it without the Magic Focus. It felt amazing.”] Ohm nods. (if: $MaraEnding is 1)["If you come with me to Arcanis, I know some people who can help you. You won't have to be scared anymore."](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)["If you come with me to Arcanis, I know some people who can help you. You won't have to be scared anymore."](else:)[It was impressive. If you come with me to Arcanis, we can make sure you feel like that every time you use your magic. You won’t have to be scared anymore.”] “I’d really like that.” Ohm bumps her shoulder. [[“Good.”]]

A few minutes later Varrence joins them, his arms bulging with new parts and tools. W1-DG3T rolls along next to him. Varrence wears the Golden Gear around his neck. “If Serronius wasn’t so bad, I’d love to talk to her about her experiments and engineering. This stuff is amazing!” He gushes. “I’ve never seen some of these things before, and these tools are super rare and high-quality.” “Got everything you need to become Gadgeton’s next big engineer?” Ohm asks. “And then some,” Varrence confirms. “With these, it won’t matter what people think of me. They’ll have to recognize I do good work.” “Good.” Mara smiles. “I’m glad. Do you need help carrying anything?” Varrence thanks her. They pack up his tools in a few bags they find and Mara takes one while Varrence takes the other. They make one last sweep through the house, and when Varrence finds the bear who let them pass, he tells it how to find him in Gadgeton so Varrence can fix its arms. [[Then Mara, Ohm, Varrence, and W1-DG3T finally leave Serronius’ mansion—for the last time, Mara hopes—and begin the trek back across The Boundary.->Good Ending Varrence]]

The sky above them is dark and filled with stars. As they walk, green, blue, and purple lights ignite in the sky, adding to Mara’s happy mood. They had a few hiccups along the way, but this went better than Mara could have hoped. Serronius is taken care of, Varrence is poised for the success he deserves, Ohm has a new outlook on life, and Mara might not have to live in fear anymore. They make it through the mud without trouble this time, thanks to Varrence carrying W1-DG3T the whole way. Ohm and Varrence chat animatedly as they head back to the Centrum, Varrence going on and on about the projects he wants to start. Mara walks behind them silently, stewing in her own thoughts. She gave the Magic Focus back to Ohm but she can still feel what it awakened inside of her. She can still feel her magic flowing within her, begging to be used. For the first time since being cursed with it, she wants to use it. She wants to see what else she can do. She wants to know who she can become with magic on her side. Mara doesn’t need to choose one or the other now. She doesn’t need to resort to Dania’s shameful offer. She can make a new name for herself in Arcanis as a magical healer—even after everything that’s happened, Mara is still a healer. That will never change. If anything, she’ll be an even better healer with these new tools. As far as she knows, there are only magical and non-magical healers. [[Mara could be the first that embraces both.->Good Ending Varrence 2]]

“So what are you going to do now, Mara?” Varrence says over his shoulder. Mara jogs a bit to catch up and walk in line with them. “I’m going to sell some of my things back in Malvania and pack up the rest and join Ohm in Arcanis. He’s going to help me learn how to use my magic properly.” “I think you could be a very powerful magic-user,” Ohm says. Mara shrugs. “I don’t care about that. I’m still a healer. I want to help people, like I always have. Ohm, do you know anyone who can teach me healing magic?” Ohm nods. “Once I make amends with some people from my past, I’m sure we can find someone who can help you.” “Could I—could I come visit you two every once in a while?” Varrence asks, looking at the ground. Mara nudges him playfully. “Of course! You’ve got to show us all your amazing inventions and robots. And once you’re well-known, Ohm and I will be the envy of everyone when we tell them we’re friends with you.” Varrence and Ohm laugh, and Mara can’t help but join in. It’s hard to believe she only met them a few days ago, and that they started out with such hostility. She was in such a bad place before she met them, but now she can’t imagine going back to that ever again. “Keep in touch, buddy,” Ohm says. “I mean it.” Varrence smiles. “I will. I promise.” [[Mara looks up at the sky again. She has never seen anything so beautiful.->The End!]]

She has unruly light blonde hair that flows down past her shoulders and her skin is a little lighter than his. She’s about a head shorter than him, but he doesn’t think that a fight would be inevitable, so he doesn’t worry too much about what she would do (although he’s pretty sure that he would win). The woman looks exhausted and stares at him in shock, “I didn’t mean to intrude,” She looks at him, or rather—because he has gotten that look his whole life from humans—his glowing red eye. She continues, “I just wanted a place to rest.” The woman reaches down and Varrence tilts his head when she picks up a piece of bread and rips it in half, offering a piece, “For your troubles. I’ll leave you be.” Varrence blinks walking up to her, “Huh? Wait, this isn’t your home?” The woman lowers her arm, “Is this not yours?” [[“It’s mine.” A voice bellows behind both of them.]]

W1-DG3T makes a loud beeping noise and his claws spin frantically before he goes to Varrence in a panic. The woman looks past Varrence and Varrence turns around. A tall man with a mustache and monocle is standing at the entrance Varrence had been at seconds ago. The man has pale skin and short black hair that flares out at the ends. Varrence notes that the man looks too fancy for a place like this. The man sighs as he looks at W1-DG3T and massages his temples, “And I don’t appreciate the illegal trespassing. It’s not something I take lightly.” The woman shifts and Varrence catches a knife that gleams in in the candlelight. Wait how come she didn’t perceive *him* as a threat? I mean, this guy looks a little bougie and intimidating, yes, but wasn’t Varrence the cyborg with a hand that can shoot lasers? Varrence thinks about his encounter with the Ruffians. No one really takes him seriously, except, maybe W1-DG3T, but he doesn’t count because Varrence made him. He points at Varrence, “You and your woman need to leave this instance.” W1-DG3T rumbles forward, beeping angrily, and the man rolls his eyes, “and your pet.” Satisfied with being recognized, W1-DG3T rolls back on his wheels to Varrence. The woman’s grip on her knife tightens, “I’m not *his* woman. And I have a name, monocle man.” She stands up straighter and Varrence follows her lead, trying to puff his chest, “It’s Mara.” She points the knife at the tall man and nods up at him, [[“Name?”]]

Okay so maybe he was wrong and she would fight someone at any given chance. Varrence motions at her to calm down, “First off, he’s not my pet—he’s my friend. And I’m sure we can figure something out—” The man gives a grunt, unphased by both the knife and Varrence, “Ohm.” He doesn’t miss a beat, “Sir Badelus sent you.” He’s asking, but it seems more like an accusation. “Who?” Mara moves past Varrence, staring Ohm down. “I just need one night, I’ll be gone before you wake up.” She looks like she’s going to attack him, but Varrence notices the knife in her hand shaking. A bluff? Maybe. Varrence gives an exasperated sign, “Maybe we can all talk about—” Ohm snorts at Mara, ignoring him, “You are in no position to set conditions within my home.” Why weren’t they listening to him? “Guys.” He says impatiently, his red eye glowing brighter, casting a light on both the strangers. They turn towards him and Mara takes a step back. “Let’s all settle down and figure this out.” W1-DG3T beeps in agreement and Varrence nods, “Thank you, W1-DG3T.” Ohm scratches his chin, “If Sir Badelus didn’t send you, what other reason does a cyborg have for trespassing?” The red glow dims and Varrence notices that Mara’s knife points at him. They are finally listening. (link: "Lie about who he is.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Lie about who he is")] (link: "Be honest.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Be honest")]

Varrence clears his throat, the best path would be to lie to get in their good graces. Two humans, what would they want to hear? He thinks about the medals he wants to win and a small smile forms on his face. “Oi!” He puts his hands on his hips, “Do you have any idea who I am?” Ohm looks him up and down, “No, that’s why I’m asking you—” Varrence falters a little, *right*. Of course, that was a stupid opening. W1-DG3T comes to his rescue, trying to look a little taller on his wheels. Varrence shakes his head and places a hand to his chest dramatically, “I’ll ignore your rude comment and by the looks of this place,” He takes a moment to look around the warehouse in fake disgust, “You are not of status enough to even speak to me.” That pushes a button, Ohm looks like he’s going to step forward, his nose flaring, while Mara is observing both of them, the knife that was in her hand pocketed in her dress pocket. Varrence clenches his teeth, Ohm looks almost convinced, but Mara hasn’t given any reaction. (link: "Keep lying")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Keep lying")] (link: "Come clean")[ (set: $goodplace to it + .50) (go-to: "Come clean")]

Varrence fiddles with the wires peeking out between his mechanical fingers, “I didn’t mean to trespass.” He motions to his robotic eye, arm, and half his chest, “I don’t do well in Gadgeton because I’m a cyborg.” He gulps, looking back and forth between Mara and Ohm who are not giving him much to work with. Should he keep going? (link: "Come clean")[ (set: $goodplace to it + .50) (go-to: "Come clean")] (link: "Lie about who he is.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Lie about who he is")]

Mara just wants to hear him out first, Varrence nods to himself. She must have put her knife away because her hand had been shaking and didn’t want to give away how frightened she is. He turns his nose up in the air for effect and tries to sound intimidating, “Varrence is the name. I’m the best tinkerer in Gadgeton, or dare I say the whole world of Azora, possibly.” As if W1-DG3T had known his plan all along, W1-DG3T tries to perform some fight attacks to demonstrate his skill, but it only looks like he’s shutting down again. Mara and Ohm look at each other before Ohm claps his hands slowly, “I may not be of what you call ‘high status,’ but at least I can discern this idiocy you call a lie.” Mara frowns, “What would a tinkerer like yourself even be doing here in an abandoned warehouse?” Okay, he didn’t think this through, like, at all. He looks at W1-DG3T who is still trying to perform cool tricks but failing tremendously and hangs his head, “W1-DG3T—W1—Oh my gears *W1-DG3T* stop.” W1-DG3T beeps in confusion, [[“W1-DG3T they know.”]]

He shakes his head, firm in his decision this time. What would lying do? He’s not the best tinker in the entire world who's looking to shelter away from adoring fans—he’s just Varrence. And if they don’t want to be seen with a simple cyborg then they don’t deserve his talents anyways. Varrence takes in a deep breath, “I ran into some ruffians and I wanted to make sure we wouldn’t cross paths again, so I came here.” He looks down at W1-DG3T, “I made my buddy W1-DG3T, but he’s not completed yet, so I’ve been looking for his final part, but nothing is good enough so far.” Ohm crosses his arms and Varrence holds his breath. “What’s your name?” “Varrence.” “And you were running from ruffians because...you are homeless and live off of spare parts?” Varrence frowns, Ohm was summarizing everything in the meanest way possible, “Well I don’t eat them I build things. That’s what a tinker is.” “Don’t you have to have awards and medals to be considered a tinker?” Ohm raises an eyebrow and looks W1-DG3T up and down. Despite Ohm’s obvious suspicions, he doesn’t question him further, so Varrence assumes that they trust him to *some* degree. He feels a lot better for trusting his instincts and telling the truth. That wasn’t so bad, was it? See, even if he wasn’t this qualified, famous person, they still listened to him anyways. Ohm glares at Mara when she scoffs at him and pockets her knife back into her dress pocket, “Why are you giving him the run-down on his qualifications as a tinker when I’m pretty sure with all the jobs you do, you aren’t qualified for a [[single one.”]]

Ohm mutters, “If you are going to lie, at least make it good. It wasn’t even entertaining, just plain embarrassing.” Mara shoots Ohm a look but Ohm ignores it. She pipes up and clears her throat, “I was running from some thugs, I really just wanted somewhere to stay until tomorrow, okay?” Varrence nods, his eyes train onto the ground. He kicks the floor, “Yeah, I mean, that’s why I’m here too.” He glances up at them and sees their dubious looks. Great, now it looks like he’s copying her story. He puts his hands up in defeat, “No, really.” He points to his red eye and gestures to his robotic arms and half of his chest, “Cyborg hate is real in the Centrum. I—I was in the Junkyard and some ruffians ran into me.” He turns towards Mara, tilting his head, “Wait was it *Red Tunic*? Man, those three guys were a pain.” Honestly that would be pretty funny, but also scary. He wonders how she was able to get away from them, being so small. Well, she wasn’t *that* small, but her little knife would look pathetic compared to the ruffians’ tools. Mara jumps, “*Who?*” Varrence babbles, trying to make up for his lying, “Well you see they were all ugly and ill-mannered, I’m sure you’d recognize them on sight. One had—” “Now is not the time for more stories, save those for someone who cares.” Ohm interrupts, folding his arms, and turning towards Mara, “You. Why are *you* here?” Varrence huffs but stays silent, they seem to be more suspicious of him, but it looks like they believe his real story. Mara blinks, her hand sliding in her pocket again, “Well, I told you. Some thugs—” Ohm shakes his head, “No, why are you both *here*. Why the night here? [[Why can’t you go home?”]]

Mara is silent for a second before deciding to not pull out her knife again. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, “I’m cursed.” Varrence tilts his head, “Like contagious?” Mara smiles at his comment, “No, not exactly. I used to be a regular human.” Varrence squints, trying to find any robotic parts, but she seems fully human. “But then about a year ago, I was cursed with magic.” Ohm sucks in a quick breath, his eyes flashing at her before returning to his normal, deadpan expression. Varrence's voice gives away how excited he is, “Magic? That doesn’t sound like a curse to me. I’d turn myself human.” He raises an eyebrow, “Wait can you do that?” Mara shakes her head, her voice somber, “I can’t control it. That’s why I’m here, to find a cure. I don’t want this magic.” Mara glances behind Varrence towards the piles of hay resembling a bed, “As easy as Varrence’s lie was to see through,” Mara gives Varrence a look of disappointment before training her eyes on Ohm, “It takes a liar to know one. You really shouldn’t berate people for pulling the exact same stunts as them.” Ohm narrows his eyes, “Have you been snooping through my belongings?” She looks baffled, “Not *intentionally*.” She pauses, “You’re a con-artist aren’t you? [[I can tell by the tricks and magic items you keep by your bed.”]]

Ohm pulls out a deck of cards and shuffles them. Varrence is looking back and forth between them, “Oi! So you are a liar too. I only lied because I want to protect myself and W1-DG3T. He’s not completed yet, so I was looking for his final part. You lie for profit.” W1-DG3T clanks his claws together and points an accusing claw towards Ohm. “I simply don’t tell the truth, there’s a difference. It’s entertainment.” Ohm puts the deck of cards away, “I had magic, and then I lost it. That’s all there is to it. I make money from what I do and that’s the only way to survive here.” Mara stares incredulously at Ohm, “You lost your magic?” Ohm looks away, “Yes. And not voluntarily. I want it back, of course.” Varrence thinks, “Well why don’t we all help each other out.” He points at Mara and then Ohm, “You have magic you can’t control and you don’t,” Mara sulks at his comment on not being able to control it. Varrence pats W1-DG3T’s head, “I need an expensive part for W1-DG3T to become the best tinkerer. Looks like we all need money.” Ohm looks back at them both. He scratches his chin and then mutters to himself before sighing, “There is *one* thing I can think of, that could help us all at once.” Varrence claps his hands together, “Wait, for real? Cause I’m getting tired of rummaging through trash.” Ohm pinches his nose, “Yes, ‘*for real,*’ it’s called,” He pauses, “The Golden Gear.” “The Golden Gear?” Varrence repeats back to Ohm. He pictures a huge golden gear inside of W1-DG3T. [[“What is it?” Mara inquires, fidgeting with her hands.]]

Ohm rakes his hand through his hair, “I’ve been trying to get it, but I don’t think I can do it alone, unfortunately. I don’t know what it is, per say, but it is said to be able to do anything.” Ohm looks at Mara, “It could cure you; Give me power,” He then glances at W1-DG3T, “And Varrence, it would fix your robot.” Varrence stares at W1-DG3T who is looking up at him with his big blue eye. This magical Golden Gear can fix him finally? Something worth presenting to Gadgeton Clockwork Stadium. They will finally take a cyborg seriously. Ohm eyes them both, “I guess I’m proposing that we go and get this Golden Gear. Are you up for it?” Varrence’s heart speeds up and he watches W1-DG3T who beeps in excitement, “Oh, I’m so down.” Mara is looking down at her palms, “Get rid of my magic, you say?” She nods, “I’m in.” Varrence’s red eye glows and he pumps his mechanical fist in the air, “Sweet! You hear that W1-DG3T? You are going to be the most powerful creation in the world.” W1-DG3T twirls around and bumps into the wall. Mara chuckles but Ohm looks serious, “But it’s not easy.” Varrence puts his arm down slowly, “What do you mean?” [[“We have to steal it.”->Chapter 5 (Varrence)]]

**Chapter 5: The Mad Scientist** “We have to steal it?” Varrence’s real eye widens. The three of them huddle together and sit in a circle on the ground. W1-DG3T wanders around the place, audible beeps coming from all around the warehouse as he curiously explores. Ohm sits up straighter while Mara sits cross-legged, her dress draping over her legs and shoes. Mara puts her elbow on her leg and rests her palm on her chin, “From whom?” Ohm dusts off his stylish overcoat, as if sitting on the ground repulses him, “A mad scientist named Serronius Ryan Hertz.” A mad scientist? Why can’t it be a nice old man who likes giving things away for free without consequence? Varrence leans back and props himself up with his hands, almost jolting when Mara jumps up to her feet and steps back, “No!” “Mara?” Varrence says, his voice laced in concern. All color has drains from her face and she looks like she’s going to pass out. W1-DG3T rolls up to her side and tugs at her dress gently. Varrence’s voice seems to knock her out of her trance and calm her down. She takes a shaky breath before lowering herself to the ground again. She’s hugging herself as W1-DG3T nudges her softly, “Serronius...cursed me, captured me, and experimented on me...” Her voice gets all choked up, “I used to be a healer in Malvania, and [[she’s the reason I lost everything.”]]

Ohm narrows his eyes, “Have you been snooping through my belongings?” She looks baffled, “Not *intentionally*.” She pauses, “You’re a con-artist aren’t you? I can tell by the tricks and magic items you keep by your bed.” Ohm pulls out a deck of cards and shuffles them. Varrence is looking back and forth between them, “Oi! You lie for profit.” Varrence says as W1-DG3T clanks his claws together and points an accusing claw towards Ohm. “I simply don’t tell the truth, there’s a difference. It’s entertainment.” Ohm puts the deck of cards away, “I had magic, and then I lost it. That’s all there is to it. I make money from what I do and that’s the only way to survive here.” Mara stares incredulously at Ohm, “You lost your magic?” Ohm looks away, “Yes. And not voluntarily. I want it back, of course.” Mara is silent for a second before deciding to not pull out her knife again. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, “I’m cursed.” Varrence tilts his head, “Like contagious?” Mara smiles at his comment, “No, not exactly. I used to be a regular human.” Varrence squints, trying to find any robotic parts, but she seems fully human. “But then about a year ago, I was cursed with magic.” Ohm sucks in a quick breath, his eyes flashing at her before returning to his normal, deadpan expression. Varrence's voice gives away how excited he is, “Magic? That doesn’t sound like a curse to me. I’d turn myself human.” He raises an eyebrow, “Wait can you do that?” Mara shakes her head, her voice somber, “I can’t control it. That’s why I’m here, to find a cure. [[I don’t want this magic.”]]

Varrence thinks, “Well why don’t we all help each other out.” He points at Mara and then Ohm, “You have magic you can’t control and you don’t,” Mara sulks at his comment on not being able to control it. Varrence pats W1-DG3T’s head, “I need an expensive part for W1-DG3T to become the best tinker. Looks like we all need money.” Ohm looks back at them both. He scratches his chin and then mutters to himself before sighing, “There is *one* thing I can think of, that could help us all at once.” Varrence claps his hands together, “Wait, for real? Cause I’m getting tired of rummaging through trash.” Ohm pinches his nose, “Yes, ‘*for real,*’ it’s called,” He pauses, “The Golden Gear.” “The Golden Gear?” Varrence repeats back to Ohm. He pictures a huge golden gear inside of W1-DG3T. “What is it?” Mara inquires, fidgeting with her hands. Ohm takes a hand through his hair, “I’ve been trying to get it, but I don’t think I can do it alone, unfortunately. I don’t know what it is, per say, but it is said to be able to do anything.” Ohm looks at Mara, “It could cure you; Give me power,” He then glances at W1-DG3T, “And Varrence, it would fix your robot.” Varrence stares at W1-DG3T who is looking up at him with his big blue eye. This magical Golden Gear could fix him finally? Something worth presenting to Gadgeton. [[They’d finally take a cyborg seriously.]]

Ohm eyes them both, “I guess I’m proposing that we go and get this Golden Gear. Are you up for it?” Varrence’s heart speeds up and he watches W1-DG3T who beeps in excitement, “Oh, I’m so down.” Mara is looking down at her palms, “Get rid of my magic, you say?” She nods, “I’m in.” Varrence’s red eye glows and he pumps his mechanical fist in the air, “Sweet! You hear that W1-DG3T? You are going to be the most powerful creation in the world.” W1-DG3T twirls around and bumps into the wall. Mara chuckles but Ohm looks serious, “But it’s not easy.” Varrence puts his arm down slowly, “What do you mean?” [[“We have to steal it.”->Chapter 5 (Varrence)]]

Varrence doesn’t know what to say to make her feel better, and how could she? To go back to the one person who took everything from her? Varrence shuddered, thinking of his arch-nemesis, an orange-haired man named Bram, who was currently everything Varrence wanted to be: a renowned tinker and fully human. Bram didn’t deserve his awards for the way he treated people, even if he was (and Varrence hated to admit) talented. If he ran into the guy that made his life miserable and lonely when he was younger, he wouldn’t know what to do either. Varrence touches Mara on the shoulder hesitantly, the warmth of her clothes contrasting against the cool metal of his robotic hand, “Nothing is permanent, and neither is your magic, we will cure you, together.” Mara squeezes his hand and thanks him. Ohm is frozen in place and his mustache looks crooked. “Serronius...” Ohm goes eerily quiet, his lip twitches and then he bursts out in a maniacal cackle, “That mad woman. That crazy, messed up woman.” Varrence is looking at them both, before glancing at Ohm, “Oh uh, Ohm…” Ohm’s mustache is no longer fully attached to his face, but rather dangling at the corner. “You’re mustache is uh…” Ohm, already on edge as it is, lets out another manic laugh, and Varrence almost thinks Ohm has disregarded his mustache comment until Ohm quickly pins his fake mustache on his face again. Mara is rubbing her temples and looks up at the two men, [[“Ohm, keep it together please, someone will hear us.”]]

Ohm’s monocle gleams in the moonlight, “Keep it together?” He shakes his head, muttering, “*She’s* the one who stole my magic from me. That’s it, we *must* steal the Golden Gear.” Varrence gives them a bewildered look, “I’ve never heard of this mad scientist, is she as bad as you say she is? How come no one has stopped her?” W1-DG3T’s metal pieces clank together as he trembles next to Mara. Mara pats W1-DG3T gently and glances back at Varrence, “I’m afraid so.” Her voice sounds so meek compared to the entire time he’s known her (which is like only an hour or so, which is not long, but still). “I don’t think it’s possible to defeat her, I mean after all, she has already taken everything from me and Ohm.” Ohm pauses and seems lost in thought and adjusts his monocle.Varrence looks at both of them and then at W1-DG3T, who stopped trembling once Mara calmed him down. Both have been completely torn from the lives they once had because of someone who took advantage of them and treated them like experiments. Varrence’s red eye starts glowing and he clenches his jaw. No one should be treated like an experiment—like they aren’t a person. Varrence pushes himself up and puffs his chest, his red eye illuminating the space before them, “No. It *is* possible.” Mara tucks a strand of light blonde hair behind her ear and stares at him, [[“How? She’s taken away my livelihood—the things I’m best at.”]]

Varrence shakes his head, “That’s not true. You said you’re a healer, right? You might not be able to control your magic, but you still know how to heal, whether you can do it or not.” He turns to Ohm, “And you do magic, maybe not in the way you want, but you can still persuade others to believe the things you show them or tell them through illusions.” They are both silent so Varrence continues, “Your knowledge and passion are not gone. And I like to believe that’s enough as long as we stick together. We’ve all made it this far without the things we need, I think we can make it!” Ohm sighs and folds his arms, “I can’t believe your sentimental speech worked.” Varrence beams, “Thank you!” “That wasn’t a compliment.” Ohm looks at Mara, “Should we make a plan with you in it or not?” Mara glances at Varrence and nods, giving them a small smile, [[“Where do we start?”]]

Ohm cracks his knuckles, “Well since I know the most about Serronius and the Golden Gear, I will have agency over our planning.” Varrence isn’t exactly Ohm’s favorite person. He knows that agreeing with Ohm would get him in favor with Ohm and possibly gain him some points with Mara for going with the intelligent guy’s plan, but Varrence knows that it also might be best for everyone to have equal input. (link: "Agree with Ohm")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Agree with Ohm")] (link: "Disgree with Ohm")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Disagree with Ohm")]

Ohm looks at Varrence, daring him to speak up or say something unusual, but Varrence decides to let Ohm take the lead despite them being in this all together. He is willing to sacrifice his own ideas to make Ohm pleased with him. Ohm nods, satisfied that no one is disagreeing with him and adjusts his mustache. “Varrence—to some degree—is correct in that we should focus on what we have to completely annihilate the enemy.” He clenches his jaw, “The enemy, Serronius Ryan Hertz, will go to any extent possible to test out a theory or experiment. Therefore, we should equip ourselves with weapons before we go.” Mara mutters under her breath loud enough for Varrence to pick up, “Why do you always speak like you’re a council member in the Centrum?” Varrence gets the feeling that getting along with each other is going to take awhile. Ohm glares at Mara, “Did you say something? Or are you mumbling words that don’t contribute to our success? At least be helpful if you are going to speak.” Ohm ignores Mara’s death glare and looks at Varrence, “You need the Infinite Lightbulb with your technological expertise.” Varrence thinks about him missing his All-Purpose Wrench that he left in Gadgeton—it would be able to repair or build anything he would get his hands on. But, Ohm wouldn’t like him going against his ideas, and Mara and him are already at each other’s necks. Mara looks like she’s going to blast him with magic and Ohm is looking at Varrence for backup, what should he do? (link: "Pitch his idea")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Pitch his idea")] (link: "Go with Ohm's idea")[ (set: $goodplace to it - .50) (go-to: "Go with Ohm’s idea")]

Ohm looks at Varrence, daring him to speak up or say something unusual, and Varrence puffs his chest, “Everyone should have equal input, Ohm.” He isn’t willing to sacrifice his own ideas to make Ohm pleased with him—they were all in this together equally, and they should all be treated as such, regardless of what Ohm thinks of him. Ohm looks like he’s about to speak up when Mara shushes him and waits for Varrence to continue. Varrence gulps, but stands his ground, “We—we are *all* in this, you know? We are all putting our lives in danger. I think we should be able to create something together if we are risking everything for the Golden Gear.” Mara gives Varrence a sympathetic smile and pats his back. She turns to Ohm and shoots him a death glare, “What Varrence is too nice to say, I’ll say it: You aren’t our boss. We agreed to steal the Golden Gear together, and so [[we should all have agency in what we are doing.”]]

Varrence looks back at Ohm with a new sense of determination in his eyes, “Ohm, I think my All-Purpose Wrench is the best tool for me to use. It’s in my old shack in Gadgeton.” He sees Ohm’s nostrils flare and Varrence flinches a little but keeps going, “Since I’ve used it more, I think it will benefit the group better.” Ohm frowns, “You are sure this *All-Purpose Wrench* will work? I think my idea is more efficient than yours.” Varrence shakes his head, “I’m sure yours is great too, but I know my stuff.” Varrence comes to the realization as he says it, “I’m a tinker.” He *knows* he’s a tinker, of course, but this time, it feels like a sense of pride. He *knows* what he was doing, and he doesn’t need Ohm to tell him what is right or wrong. Whether it is the way Varrence says it or the look on his face, Ohm nods, a newfound respect for the young cyborg, “From now on, I’ll pose ideas, and then *together*, perhaps we can propose a somewhat *decent* plan.” Ohm turns to Mara and she still looks pretty upset, but calms down seeing Varrence stand up against Ohm, “So, Mara, I think I’ll get the magical focus egg for you in my district, Arcanis, and you can get some healing potions back in Malvania.” Both Mara and Varrence give Ohm a look and Ohm rolls his eyes, adding, “Only if you *want* to, that is.” He mumbles, [[“Of course, my plan is foolproof, but feel free to argue.”]]

Varrence doesn’t want to cause anymore friction between the group, so he stays quiet. Besides, Ohm is intelligent and probably knows what’s best for the group. And he doesn’t want to get on his bad side even more. Varrence has the feeling that Ohm doesn’t really see him as an equal, and Varrence thinks that agreeing with Ohm is the best way to show that he’s intelligent too. Ohm turns to Mara, who still looks pretty upset that Ohm is taking control of everything, “So, Mara, I think I’ll get the magical focus egg for you in my district, Arcanis, and you can get some healing potions back in Malvania.” Mara huffs, annoyed at Ohm’s sense of entitlement, “I’m glad you’ve paid enough attention to someone other than yourself to know that I would have something back in Malvania.” Ohm rolls his eyes, “I’ve come to the conclusion that you live there based on your attire, mannerism, and well, you are a simpleton.” If Mara was a cyborg with glowing eyes, they would probably light up the whole room with how deadly her glare was at Ohm, “A *simpleton*?” Varrence looks at them both, they don’t seem to be figuring this out on their own, and W1-DG3T starts beeping quietly in panic. Varrence coughs to get their attention, “Guys! Can we just focus on the mission?” He turns to Ohm, “I’ll get the Infinite Lightbulb since you think it’s best. And Mara—” He gives Mara a pleading look and she clenches her jaw but stays silent, “Do you think you’d be able to get the healing supplies [[Ohm mentioned?”]]

Mara huffs, but has a small smile on her face, “I’m glad you’ve paid enough attention to someone other than yourself to know that I would have something back in Malvania.” Ohm’s face flushes, “I mean, I assume that a human with no magical abilities would live there—” Mara reaches her hand out towards Ohm, “I’m messing with you, Ohm.” Ohm takes her hand and they shake on it, “Even though I’m not super liked in Malvania, there is one person who wouldn’t let me down.” Varrence notices her face is pink and he makes a silly face at her, “Mara has a crush!” Mara shakes her head quickly, pressing her palms against her cheeks to hide her blush, “No! It’s-it’s not like that. I mean,” Varrence and Ohm raise an eyebrow and Mara puts her hands out in front of her in a stopping motion, “*No*. It’s not like that. She’s just an old friend.” W1-DG3T beeps and Mara huffs again as Varrence lets out a laugh. From the corner of his eye, he notices Ohm trying to suppress a chuckle by clearing his throat. Varrence clasps his hands together and Mara and Ohm look at him, “We’ll reconvene here, right? After tonight, [[I can go and come back in a day.”]]

(set: $vitem to 'All-Purpose Wrench')Ohm nods, “Yes, we mustn’t delay this any longer, the quicker we can get the stuff and steal the Golden Gear, the quicker we can return to the lives we deserve.” Varrence thinks about the All-Purpose Wrench, his favorite tool. This tool could aid him in defeating Serronius. His right robotic arm makes a small buzzing sound and he glances at his palm. It has a red circle in the middle that shoots out blasts of red laser energy. Varrence hasn’t used it in a long time because the schoolkids used to make fun of him when he was younger. It probably wouldn’t work, he doesn’t know if he can even control it anymore, and he doesn’t want to be seen as a machine anymore. He wants to be human. Clenching his robotic hand, he smiles at Mara and Ohm, [[“Let’s kick some mad scientist butt.”->Chapter 6 (Varrence)]]

Ohm sighs and messes with the buttons on his coat, “Varrence I commend you on your argument.” Varrence tilts his head, “Wait, so is that a yes?” Mara grumbles at Ohm, “You always speak like a Centrum Council member.” Ohm runs a hand through his black hair, “Yes Varrence, I will *consider* your proposal. He nods, adjusting his mustache. “Varrence—to some degree—you are correct in that we should focus on what we have to completely annihilate the enemy.” He clenches his jaw, “The enemy, Serronius Ryan Hertz, will go to any extent possible to test out a theory or experiment. Therefore, we should equip ourselves with weapons before we go. You need the Infinite Lightbulb with your technological expertise, Varrence.” Varrence thinks about his missing All-Purpose Wrench that he left in Gadgeton—it will be able to repair or build anything he can get his hands on. Ohm won’t like him going against his ideas again, and Mara and him are already at each other’s necks. Mara looks like she’s going to blast him with magic and Ohm is looking at Varrence for backup. (link: "Pitch his idea")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Pitch his idea")] (link: "Go with Ohm's idea")[ (set: $goodplace to it - .50) (go-to: "Go with Ohm’s idea")]

(set: $vitem to 'Infinite Lightbulb')“Even though I’m not super liked in Malvania, there is one person who wouldn’t let me down.” Varrence notices her face is pink and he makes a silly face at her, trying to ease the tension, “Mara has a crush!” Mara shakes her head quickly, and frowns, pressing her palms against her cheeks to hide her blush, “*No*. It’s not like that. She’s just an old friend.” W1-DG3T beeps and Mara huffs again as Varrence lets out a laugh. Ohm clears his throat, a little uncomfortable with the whole situation, “Enough dilly-dallying, we need to get our weapons as soon as possible, so we can get the lives we deserve.” He leans forward, “I'll let the both of you sleep here and then, we get one day. Go in and out, and meet back here and start our journey to the Boundary, where Serronius lives.” Varrence thinks about the Infinite Lightbulb, although it’s not an All-Purpose Wrench, it could be handy in defeating Serronius. His robotic arm makes a small buzzing sound and he glances at his palm. It has a red circle in the middle that shoots out blasts of energy. Varrence hasn’t used it in a long time because the schoolkids used to make fun of him when he was younger. It probably won’t work, he doesn’t know if he can even control it anymore, and he doesn’t want to be seen as a machine anymore. He wants to be human. Clenching his robotic hand, he smiles at Mara and Ohm, [[“Let’s kick some mad scientist butt.”->Chapter 6 (Varrence)]]

**Chapter 6: The Arch-nemesis** As sweat trickles into the wires and panels of his metal plating, Varrence jolts a little when loose wiring shocks him. He forgot how much he hated the heat of Gadgeton. Gadgeton is home to all robots and humans, and everything in between (aka, *Varrence*) and had been his home until a few months ago when he lost his thirtieth competition. It’s not that he wasn’t good, it was that they wouldn’t even *consider* his application because he had to have a certain status. And robots and cyborgs are practically bottom-tier compared to their human counterparts. If he wanted a name for himself he needed to get in good graces with humans—but humans usually only interact with themselves, ergo, his networking pool was very, *very* small. So he left for the Centrum, basically a mesh-pit of everything like Gadgeton, but more tolerant of robots and cyborgs (at least he thought, until he met those ruffians). And now he’s back in the hometown that doesn’t want him. Gadgeton is the hottest district on Azora, the terrain is blanketed in red sand. Varrence tugs on his dreads and groans, the heat always manages to make his dreads frizzy. And because he doesn’t live there anymore, he left his helmet in his shack, which he isn’t going to visit because he needs to look for the (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench') [All-Purpose Wrench](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb') [Infinite Lightbulb] first. Well, Varrence rubs his chin in an Ohm-like manner, it couldn’t hurt to just stop by the shack and see his old stuff. His fingers twitch in excitement, (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[getting the All-Purpose Wrench was the right decision. It'll be easy to find since it's larger than most [[wrenches.->Continue]]](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[maybe his shack has a spare Infinite Lightbulb. Ohm said it will be pretty obvious to spot because while a regular lightbulb has a plain screw base at the bottom, Infinite Light Bulbs are dainty and have intricate details carved on the glass and base to resemble frost. And well, the fact that they glow without a power source helps too, all he had to do was twist the base: [[left for on, right for off.->Continue]]]

Varrence enters the main trading center of Gadgeton, a hub for newbie and professional tinkers and craftspeople, and makes his way around trading tents and scrap piles of metal and other materials. It’s loud, so Varrence grabs his left mechanical ear, and turns a knob that’s hidden behind his ear. The chattering and bargaining between the traders instantly lower to a normal volume. Varrence doesn’t like that he is a cyborg, but he does have some perks, especially when he has to focus on a project in semi-silence. He’s been through the trading center more times than he can count on his fingers, and knows how to swiftly dodge oncoming tinkers who bury their heads in the new pieces they get from trading. Instinctively, he finds himself holding his robotic arm and bowing his head, trying to keep to himself. Varrence glances up only in-between split pathways and almost knocking into other people, but he can’t help but stare once he gets closer to The Clockwork Stadium. His heart jumps in his chest as he passes by the enormous stadium. Through the walls of moving gears that clink against each other in a soft lullaby, Varrence can see people littered in the metal stands of the stadium and tinkers in the middle on a platform, probably doing a contest of some [[sort.]]

As he rounds the stadium, he comes to the entrance, which is even more crowded than the trading center. He *can* go the back way, it’s usually longer, but because of the crowd by the stadium, it will probably take him the same amount of time without having to rummage through the people. He wishes W1-DG3T was here, it would be a great chance to show him off to the other competitors and maybe make some friends. Too bad he has to find (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[his All-Purpose Wrench](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[a lightbulb]. But...if either way Varrence went will take the same amount of time, it doesn’t hurt to just peek into the crowd and see competitors enter and leave? He grins, nah, it would be totally fine. Plus, Varrence peeks at the sun in the sky, it is almost noon, so he is right on track with time. He doesn’t need to be back until the next morning. Varrence skirts around the parameter of the crowd but can’t really see anything except a mixture of human and robot hands frantically waving in the air. Once in a while a person jumps to get a better glimpse. Suddenly the crowd starts pushing back as gruff voices start yelling at the crowd, “Back away from the entrance, he needs room to go.” There’s an uproar of joyful screams and beeping noises from the crowd and Varrence stumbles back a little as the crowd gets more rough. Yeah, this isn’t worth the pain of someone clanging into him. Varrence looks around and sighs, it’s not like he can see anything anyways. Maybe the back of the Clockwork Stadium will have a better view. Varrence promises himself that it will only take a second, he just wants to see if Pudgie, the only robot tinker that even human tinkers adore, is at the competition. Just thinking about her winning another award fills him with hope, and he gleefully walks around the stadium until he finally reaches a back entrance. Some humans pass him by hurriedly and he hears the literal worst sentence in his entire life: “Oh my gears, Hugo just dove-messaged me that Bram finished his performance, [[if we hurry we can catch him before he leaves!”]]

Varrence thinks about throwing up in his mouth and makes an audible gagging noise, *Bram?!* He knows it can’t be any other Bram than the one he is thinking of: his arch-nemesis. There’s no other Bram that’s as well-known as him. Varrence clenches his right mechanical hand, the metal creaking. The Godwin family are the upper-class auburn-haired tinkers, with the son, Bram, following in his parents footsteps. Varrence starts mumbling, almost forgetting about Pudgie and her tinkering abilities when he spots a figure in a hooded cloak coming out the back entrance. No one really pays the figure any mind, and Varrence almost ignores them until he notices the way the figure walks. Almost mechanically... [[Catch the figure’s attention quick!]] [[Follow the figure until Varrence can be sure who it is.]]

Varrence hops a little and starts jogging towards the figure walking down an alleyway in between tall clay houses, there’s only *one* contestant that has a robot body: the famous Pudgie. If he can just *talk* to her, he might be able to figure out her secret to getting in the stadium and rising to fame. How did she get the humans to like her? Anything she had to do, Varrence nods, he’ll do. “Hey Pudg—.” The figure stiffens and starts picking up the pace, the red sand flying around their shoes. He glances behind them as they venture into another alleyway, they are going the *opposite* direction of the shack, there’s no time to waste. Varrence starts running and the figure tries to outrun him, but the figure stumbles in the cloak and slows down. Varrence reaches them and grabs their shoulder—which doesn’t feel cold or hard under the cloak, but squishy and bone-y—like flesh. Varrence flinches and swipes his hand away as the figure turns, “Wha—” The hooded figure removes their hood and out topples curly orange hair, a toothy grin, and red blazing eyes taunting him. When they both recognize each other, Varrence tries to not scoff, [[“Bram?”]]

Varrence slows down and crosses to the side of a building towards the figure walking down a street in between tall clay houses. He eyes the figure, there’s only one contestant that has a robot body: the famous Pudgie. The mechanical movement as the figure was walking was so obvious, Varrence almost couldn’t contain his glee. If he can just talk to her, he might be able to figure out her secret to getting in the stadium and rising to fame. How did she get the humans to like her? Anything she had to do, Varrence nods, he’ll do it. Varrence glances behind them as they venture into another alleyway, they are going the *opposite* direction of the shack, there is no time to waste. Varrence starts creeping forward as the mysterious person (that can only be Pudgie!) strolls through the alleyway. Varrence reaches them and grabs their shoulder—which doesn’t feel cold or hard under the cloak, but squishy and bone-y—like flesh. Varrence flinches and swipes his hand away as the figure turns, “Wha—” The hooded figure removes their hood and out topples curly orange hair, a toothy grin, and red blazing eyes taunting him. When they both recognize each other, Varrence tries to not scoff, [[“Bram?”]]

Bram widens his eyes, the grin vanishing, “V-Varrence?” There’s no dirty look, no snickering, and no taunting insults immediately jabbed at Varrence that he can only open his mouth. Bram gives a hesitant smile and jokingly says, “You want a signed gear?” Varrence waits for an insult that never comes. Bram squirms a bit and his eyes shift around, looking for fans, “Why don’t we...I dunno, catch up, yeah? It’s been awhile.” Varrence gives him a doubtful look and is lost in his own train of thought, “I could have sworn you were Pudgie...the way a robot or cyborg with mechnical legs or feet walk are anatomically different than a human of course.” Bram goes red, “I don’t know what you are talking about, but you have to stop blabbing.” Varrence looks Bram up and down, “Why do you walk like that?” “Stop babbling!” “I’m not babbling!” “Why are you avoiding my question?” “I’m not avoiding it!” Someone’s head pops out from the end of the alleyway and she screams, “Oh my gears, not the *God* of the Godwin family, the winner *himself*, Bram Godwin! I found him, he’s over here!” Bram face-palms, “Oh gears, look what you’re babbling has done!” “My babbling? How about when you—” Bram is about to grab Varrence’s wrist when he realizes that it’s his mechanical side and grabs the other wrist instead, [[“Come on!”]]

Varrence tries to wiggle his arm out of Bram’s grasp, “No way am I coming with you. I’d rather wear Ohm’s fake mustache.” “What?” “You wouldn’t get it. You aren’t cool enough.” He looks at Varrence like he’s going to argue but shakes his head, “They’ve seen us both, that means they will hunt you because of your association with me.” “Hunt?” Bram shudders, putting his hood back on, “Godwin fanatics don’t play around.” Before the fanatic can gather other people, Bram and Varrence dash back the way they came and Varrence pulls Bram to the right, “We can go back to my place.” “You mean that shack?” “Yeah? What about it?” Bram doesn’t say anything so Varrence pulls him harder and makes him stumble a little more, “Hey! I’m not good at running.” He doesn’t say anything, because Bram was exceptionally good at catching Varrence running away from him during playtime at school. They make their way through alleyways and behind tall clay houses stacked on top of each other until the clay houses become wooden shacks and piles of metal. Varrence smells the burning of metal and copper and smiles, [[home sweet home.]]

When they reach Varrence’s shack, it looks completely unlivable and run-down. It’s just big enough to fit Varrence’s bed, W1-DG3T’s bed, a counter, and a workstation. There’s a window, but that’s putting it nicely. Varrence thinks about when he didn’t screw on W1-DG3T’s claw arm tight enough. The claw arm spun out of control during one of W1-DG3T’s shutdowns and shot right through the side of the wall, creating a circular hole. Varrence had been mad, but now he didn’t have to light a million candles during the wee nights of tinkering (which had cost him a lot, since he basically worked all the time). Bram pinches his nose, “You live like this? Why am I not surprised.” Varrence ignores his comment, “*Used* to. I moved to the Centrum a little while ago.” There’s heaps of projects and materials all over the floor, so Varrence has to step around everything, he points to each project, “Don’t step on that, or that. And *especially* not that.” Bram mumbles, “I’m going to have to hover then because you have trash *everywhere*.” Varrence furrows his eyebrows, “Trash? These are my projects.” “You’re a hoarder.” Varrence starts digging through piles of materials, (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[where is his All-Purpose Wrench? He flings small wrenches behind him, causing Bram to duck every once in a while.](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[there just *has* to be a lightbulb here. He flings a broken *plain* lightbulb behind him, making Bram duck. Nope, not it. Regular lightbulb, regular lightbulb, regular lightbulb.] Bram taps his foot on the ground and it clunks against a metal piece, [[“What are you doing?”]]

Varrence slowly looks back at Bram in annoyance, “Not that *you’d* understand, but I’m looking for a special item.” Bram leans forward, “Okay? What’s it called? Or do you not know that?” Varrence takes a breath, “I *do* know my materials, Orangehead.” “Red-eye.” “Squishy-skin!” “Cyborg!” Varrence stops rummaging and glares at Bram, the comment hitting too close to their childhood days, “You know what? I don’t care if the fanatics find me, just leave me alone.” Bram shakes his head, “No, I didn’t mean—Varrence, I thought we were playing.” Varrence scoffs extra loud, “Like when we were younger?” Bram goes silent before softly apologizing, “That’s why I wanted to catch up, you see.” “Oh?” Varrence’s red eye glows, “So you can hurl another round of insults at me?” Bram steps back and his foot clinks on another project, “No I—” “And I *told* you not to step on those!” As Varrence dives down and grabs Brams ankle, Bram yelps and kicks him squarely in the face. “My face!” Varrence screams, his hands flying over his nose. “My ankle!” Bram yelps, “It’s still new!” The pain in Varrence’s face ceases for a second as Varrence registers what Bram says, “You’re ankle?” Bram looks frozen, “No—I mean…” “You had a replacement?” “*No!* I meant it’s still healing. The—the bone, is um...” “Cold and metal? Because that’s what your ankle felt like when [[I touched it.”]]

Varrence rubs his red and bruised nose and hopes that the kick didn’t dent the plating around his red eye, that would be another expense he can’t afford. Bram runs a hand through his orange locks, and looks at his foot, “I was in a motor accident last week going to a tournament in Malvania.” Varrence briefly remembers one of the Godwin family members being in an accident of some sort, but he didn’t have television in the Centrum and he was more focused on competition news than anything anyway. “Oh.” “Yeah, and my right foot was crushed. So while I was there, I got surgery from the best healer they had.” He adds quickly, “You can’t tell anyone.” Varrence bites his lip and chews on the skin. He looks away, “I won’t.” Varrence stares at Bram’s foot, which at first glance looks completely human, but upon further inspection... “Well, d-don’t stare at it!” Bram whips his cloak over his feet and goes red, “It’s embarrassing as it is. I’ll do anything for you to keep it under lock and key.” Anything? [[Tell Bram about what he needs for the heist]] (link: "Ask about Pudgie's secret to getting into competetions as a robot")[ (set: $goodplace to it - .50) (go-to: "Ask for Pudgie’s secret to getting into competition with other humans")]

(set: $secret to 'pudgies secret')“The robot lady?” Bram clenches his jaw, “How’d you know she did my ankle?” “What?” “So I’m guessing you want the surgery too, huh? I would if I looked like you.” Varrence furrows his eyebrows, “What are you talking about? I’m asking about Pudgie, not the surgery.” Bram rolls his eyes, “Not so bright, are we now? Why else do you think humans would let a *robot*, much less a full robot participate in competitions?” And then it clicks. Varrence blinks, “She does surgeries to disguise robots and cyborgs as humans in exchange for entry to the contests?” Bram shakes his head, “No, she does surgeries to those who are *of status*. Humans, they make mistakes,” “Like getting into a motor accident.” Bram glares, “Yes. And she is the best at hiding the fact that I’m…” [[“Like me?”]]

“So,” Varrence says after explaining how (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[an All-Purpose Wrench](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[an Infinite Lightbulb] differs from a regular one, “Can you help me look for it?” Bram gives him a deadpan look before straightening up, “I know what an (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[an All-Purpose Wrench](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[an Infinite Lightbulb] is. So yes, I can help you find one.” He scans Varrence’s tunic and cloth pants, which do very little to cover up his robotic parts. “But, on one condition.” “I don’t think you’re in a position to make conditions, Orangehead.” “Look,” Bram glances out the hole in the wall before leaning closer to Varrence, “if I’m seen frolicking with a robot...” “*Frolicking?*” Bram rolls his eyes, “Yes, being in cohorts with a cyborg could be detrimental to my standing in the Clockwork Stadium. I can’t lose the colleagues my parents have been with for years by frolicking around the district with the likes of you.” “Please stop saying ‘frolicking.’” “Being in an accident will be understandable, and it’s only my foot, so the leak could harm me, but not as much as being *friends* with a born cyborg. The tinkers for the Grow Real Humans Act would despise me trying to befriend a cyborg tinker.” Varrence motions to his body, [[“Look, I can’t exactly hide this with a cloak.”]]

Bram gives a long sigh and says, “I suppose.” He waves his hand dismissively. “But, you see, the healer who did my foot was good, yes, but Pudgie’s tinkering abilities are exceptional. She was able to mask the metal and wiring from the surgery and create an illusion of flesh.” He notices Varrence’s doubtful expression, “I mean, you weren’t able to tell until you touched it. I can take her to you quickly. You can be human, Varrence. And my doors will always be open for *anything* you need: colleagues, admission to competitions, anything. You just can’t say a word of my predicament. Obviously,” Bram glances out the hole in the wall before leaning closer to Varrence, “these rewards will be harder to achieve if I’m seen frolicking with a robot.” “*Frolicking?*” Bram rolls his eyes, “Yes, being in cohorts with a cyborg could be detrimental to my standing in the Clockwork Stadium. I can’t lose the colleagues my parents have been with for years by frolicking around the district with the likes of you.” “Please stop saying ‘frolicking.’” “Being in an accident will be understandable, and it’s only my foot, so the leak could harm me, but not as much as being friends with a *born* cyborg. The tinkerers for the Grow Real Humans Act would despise me trying to befriend a cyborg tinkerer. Being a human would help you get in graces with the arena, and it would help [[my reputation.”]]

With the wealth and connections Bram has, Varrence knows that Bram must know where to find (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[an All-Purpose Wrench. "Well, I originally came here for my All-Purpose Wrench, but I can't seem to find it."](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[an Infinite Lightbulb. “Well, I originally came here for an Infinite Lightbulb, but I can’t seem to find it.”] Bram stumbles, “While Pudgie works on you, I can send someone to grab (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[an All-Purpose Wrench."](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[an Infinite Lightbulb."] Bram’s only condition was to hide his robot parts that Varrence already hates himself? It seems too good to be true that he can be human. Well, a cyborg disguised as a human. He would never have to worry about getting weird looks, or competition judges denying his entry forms and paperwork again. It would be a straight ticket to fame, after he gets the Golden Gear of course. A human with the best creation in the world? He wonders how different he would look. Would Mara and Ohm recognize him? Would W1-DG3T? He thinks about how seeing Pudgie in competitions as the only non-full human was inspiring to look up to and gave him hope. But he is also tired of being denied every single competition because of who he is. (link: "Accept Bram's condition")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 6) (go-to: "Accept Bram's condition")] (link: "Decline Bram’s condition")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 6) (go-to: "Decline Bram’s condition")]

(set: $cyborg to 'nocyborg')It is such a simple answer that Varrence doesn’t have to think about it when Bram finishes his proposition. “Let’s do it.” He says, his red eye dimming a little. Bram tells Varrence to follow closely behind him, but far enough away that it doesn’t attract attention—a figure in a cloak walking with a cyborg *is* pretty strange. “I think we are in the clear from the fanatics, so we should be safe. I’ll send a dove-message to Pudgie so she knows we are on our way.” Although Varrence feels a little uneasy at being poked and prodded at like an experiment. Oh *gears*, just the thought of that made him think of the mad scientist he’ll be confronting soon. His stomach twists in a knot and he gulps, giving Bram a thumbs up because he feels like he’ll throw up if he talks. After carefully weaving around the stadium, which is partly filled as fanatics and other audience members start to fan out and leave, Varrence ducks underneath a tent and reaches the trading center. Bram darts to the left and Varrence follows. He slows down every now and then as Bram isn’t too fast. That’s why he can’t run that well anymore, Varrence realizes, Bram’s not used to his mechanical foot yet. When they finally reach a small bakery, Bram is out of breath, “I’m never walking again. There’s a reason I have motors to carry me around.” “But last week—” [[“Oh shush, I know.”]]

(set: $cyborg to 'yescyborg')Varrence steps back, banging into one of his trash piles (which, he will argue, is not trash). He winces at the noise before answering Bram, “I can’t do that.” Bram looks at Varrence incredulously, “What do you mean? Of course you can! Is it the money? I’ll pay for it.” Varrence bites his lip, “I’m a cyborg, not a human. Disguising myself means that people don’t even like the real me.” Bram stutters, “Come on, Varrence. *Please*. You can’t tell anyone.” He stares him square in the eyes, “I won’t.” “You won’t? “Why would I?” Bram gives him a deadpan look, “I could list a million and one reasons why I deserve to be treated the way you are.” [[“No one deserves to be treated the way I am.”]]

Bram looks at the ground, “Yeah.” He pinches the bridge of his nose, “I’m sorry, Varrence, but I can’t help you unless you do the surgery. I hope you understand.” Varrence didn’t expect help from anyone starting his journey, and he knows that he’ll eventually find (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[an All-Purpose Wrench](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[an Infinite Lightbulb], it is just a matter of *when*. Bram has his hand on the door frame, about to push it open when he pauses, “You didn’t hear it from me, but an old (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[tool and gear company](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[lightbulb company] is down the block from the arena. I’m sure you’ll find some there.” Varrence smiles and Bram scowls, [[“Don’t smile. I’m not helping you, remember?”]]

(if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[It takes a while on foot, but once Varrence reaches the abandoned tools and gears factory, he walks around the giant clay building to find piles of metal, steel, copper, hammers, screwdrivers, and other tools scattered across the sand. And he must be very lucky, because there is a table near the back entrance with a single wrench on it. Varrence walks up to it and sure enough it is an All-Purpose Wrench. Attached to it is a dove-message. It reads:](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[It takes a while on foot, but once Varrence reaches the abandoned lightbulb factory, he walks around the giant clay building to find piles of lightbulbs scattered across the sand. And he must be very lucky, because there is a table near the back entrance with a single light bulb on it. Varrence walks up to it and sure enough it is the Infinite LightBulb. Attached to it is a dove-message. It reads:] (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[*Guess you are pretty bright. I wish to make amends one day in time if you’ll forgive me. The offer for the surgery is always on the table, I know it will help you get to where you want to be. And no, I didn’t send a dove-message for one of my staff members to find and locate an All-Purpose Wrench and place it on the table for you, so don’t ask.*](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[*Guess you are pretty bright. I wish to make amends one day in time if you’ll forgive me. The offer for the surgery is always on the table, I know it will help you get to where you want to be. And no, I didn’t send a dove-message for one of my staff members to find and locate an Infinite Lightbulb and place it on the table for you, so don’t ask.*] [[- B]]

Varrence arrives back at the Centrum just in time to see Ohm already back in the warehouse (of course he would be first) and Mara looking like she had arrived a few moments earlier. W1-DG3T makes a loud beeping noise in alarm, rolling up to Varrence, and both Ohm and Mara look up from their conversation and stare at Varrence. (if: $cyborg is 'yescyborg')[“Buddy!” Varrence smiles and kneels down, arms open wide for W1-DG3T and they crash into each other. Smiling Mara finishes taking out the rest of her potion set, “Nice to see you back safely, Varrence.” Ohm tries to hide a grin, “You *were* a couple minutes late though.” “Better late than never! Are you guys ready to go?” Ohm nods, “Of course. I had extra time while waiting and stocked up on some food and water.” He gingerly lifts up a sack filled with the supplies and sets it back down on the ground. Mara squirms, the bags under her eyes more pronounced, “I’m ready. Once you’re packed we’ll head out. “Yeah, let me just finish making the shoes for the swamp.” Mara puts her hands on her hips, “That’s our tinker.” Ohm crinkles his nose, “Now we *are* going to be late.” Mara rolls her eyes, “We don’t have an appointment with Serronius, Ohm. I’m sure we’ll be fine.” Varrence smiles and gets up, walking to one of Ohm’s metal tables where the shoe supply is located. He looks at his mechanical arm and his eye glows a little brighter. He feels full. [[Facing Serronius should be a piece of cake, right?->Chapter 7 (Varrence)]]](else-if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[“Buddy!” Varrence smiles and kneels down, arms open wide for W1-DG3T, but W1-DG3T twirls around and halts before reaching him. Mara blinks, “Varrence?” Varrence looks at the three of them, “Am I late?” Ohm, although clearly looking shocked, manages to mutter under his breath, “Yes, technically, but I had planned for that because,” Ohm looks him up and down in disapproval, “I knew you would get yourself into trouble.” Mara rushes forward and studies Varrence, “Are you okay? What happened? Did Serronius get to you? How come—?” “—I look human?” Varrence finishes, silencing her thoughts. “I had a procedure. I’m still a cyborg,” He clinks the metal half of his chest and it rumbles, “But, I look human. Like you guys.” Ohm and Mara give each other looks. Ohm steps forward and Mara glares at him, “Don’t you dare—” Ohm shakes his head, his fake mustache twitching, “You’re telling me that you *willingly* transformed your body?” Varrence stands up and brushes himself off, confused, “I don’t understand, being human was something I wanted to do. Why are you so upset?” “I’d never willingly give up my magic.” Oh, so it was the fact that Serronius stole his magic that he was upset. Varrence frowns, “I understand you lost something that meant a lot to you. But, do you know what I lost by being seen as a cyborg? No competitor in Gadgeton sees me as their equal because of what I am. Now they’ll accept me.” “Correction, they’ll accept you as a human, which you aren’t.” Ohm adjusts his monocle, “So therefore, they never will accept you.” Varrence goes silent. Mara touches his shoulder, and Varrence gently takes her hand off. “I need to go pack.” Varrence wanders away from them as they talk about Ohm’s dumb magical focus egg and Mara’s potion kit. He crouches down and pulls out materials from boxes on the floor to make the shoe protectors for the Boundary. Ohm didn’t mean that, but the phrase, *they never will accept you*, bounces in Varrence's head anyways. He signs and puts a tool back safely in a box. They have to accept him now. He looks human. Being a cyborg has never gotten him anywhere but in a junkyard. Varrence knocks on the metal part of his chest, feeling it rumble. No one will ever know—[[he’ll just pretend forever.->Chapter 7 (Varrence)]]]

**Chapter 7: The Heist** The moon shines above them as the four of them trail towards the Boundary. Unlike Gadgeton, the Boundary is a cool, swampy area with muck filled rivers and drooping trees. As they get closer to the Boundary, the scenery slowly moves from the Centrum’s pebble and dirt trails with patches of grass, to mud. Varrence trails behind Mara and Ohm, trying to sidestep the pools of mud that blur the trail to the Boundary. (if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[Ohm's still clearly upset at Varrence for undergoing Pudgie's surgery. Varrence hopes it will pass soon, because to get the Golden Gear, they need to work as a team.] Mara peeks behind her shoulder and slows down next to W1-DG3T who is beeping happily at the sights. She licks her lips and clasps her hands in front of her as they stroll forward, “You okay?”(if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[Even though Mara doesn't agree with his choice, at least she respects it.] (if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[Varrence felt like what Ohm had said back in the warehouse had been somewhat true. Is he never destined to become the greatest tinker because of what he is? Would he never be good enough for the world? ]“Just nervous about Serronius.” Mara glances at him sideways, “Me too. Can’t believe I’m back here. Once we get the Golden Gear, I’m never looking back again.” She wraps her arms around herself in a hug. As he drags his feet against the path, Varrence wonders what it’s like for Mara to come back to a place filled with bad memories. He looks past her to Ohm, who was reading a map and muttering a plan to himself. (if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[Although he and Ohm were on uncomfortable terms, ]Ohm had also been a victim of Serronius too. Just because Ohm doesn't voice his feeling doesn't mean they aren't there. Ohm halts and points ahead, [[“We’re here.”]]

When they reach Pudgie’s house, it’s a clay bakery. “It’s her youngest sister’s shop. She lives in the clayhouse above.” Bram explains once Varrence catches up to him by the door. They walk in and there stands Pudgie, waiting for them. She is thicker than both Bram and Varrence, her body compiled entirely of materials and metal. Her eyes are like Varrence’s red one, but purple, and her hair is just long strings of pink and purple thick wires. She smiles at them robotically and motions to them to follow behind the counter into another room. She lifts up the curtain that acts as a door and both Varrence and Bram duck and enter the room, which has a table set up and tools scattered everywhere. The floor is no longer clay with bits and pieces tracked in sand, but cold tile surrounded by metal walls. Once they get set up in the room, Varrence lays on the metal table and they get to work. Bram dove-messages a guard to retrieve (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[an All-Purpose Wrench."](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[an Infinite Lightbulb."]while Pudgie delicately works on Varrence. Pudgie is whistling a tune and Varrence has his eyes closed because he’s nervous at what he would see when he opens them. “How...how did you get into competition by being a robot?” Pudgie stops whistling, but continues on working on his right mechanical arm, which is the last part left, “How do ya think? Half of the humans come to me after an accident or when they want to be stronger, but they want to be seen as human. We are powerful, [[and that’s why humans restrain us.”]]

Varrence can hear Bram shuffle around and knows he’s probably uncomfortable. “Is that why you haven’t done the surgery on yourself?” Pudgie contemplates for a moment, “This is the reputation I've built. People would find out if I suddenly was lookin’ human.” “Oh.” “Do not worry, boy, surgery does not remove ya mechanics, it simply disguises them as human. Ya are still the same to ya-self, different to everyone else. That is what ya wanted, no? To be with the humans?” “Yes.” “Well then open your eyes, we're done, boy.” Varrence blinks and still sees the world partly in red, “I don’t see a difference?” Bram pokes his head in front of Varrence and eyes him up and down, “My gears, Pudgie, you actually made him look decent.” What does *that* mean? As always, Bram manages to insult Varrence as he compliments him too. Varrence ignores Brams comment, “I still see red, Pudgie.” Pudgie cracks her mechanical knuckles, and sparks fly from the wires, “Look, I told ya. Everythin’ is the same for ya. I work on ya eye to look human, but ya cannot *be* human. Not unless ya were the most powerful being with magic. [[It would be a miracle, then.”]]

Varrence shakes his head thinking of a certain Golden Gear, “Wait—” Bram holds up his finger and a guard comes in carrying (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[an All-Purpose Wrench.](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[an Infinite Lightbulb.] Bram looks at him, “Before you start blabbing, here’s your (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[wrench thingy."](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[light bulb thingy."] Bram grabs the (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[All-Purpose Wrench](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[Infinite Lightbulb] and places it gingerly in Varrence’s hands and stares at him, “So, um, I think this is where we part.” Varrence nods, and glances down at his arms and his chest, which looks so different. It doesn’t feel like his body, even though technically nothing has changed. Bram runs a hand through his hair, “And you know, since you actually look like someone I can affiliate with now,” Varrence gives Bram a look, before Bram cracks a snarky grin, “Then when you come back we can get you into one of those tournaments you’ve been wanting.” Varrence perks up, “Really?” He has to admit, having these perks without having to do anything but be human is pretty great. He'd never have to worry again. Bram looks away and mumbles, “Yeah, yeah.” He looks back and Varrence is smiling. Bram rolls his eyes, “Yeah, don’t get too excited, you’ll definitely lose because you’ll be in competition with me.” He looks at Bram, who, because of Varrence’s eye, is covered in a light red hue,[[“We’ll see about that.”->- B]]

“But, you see, that’s where you’re wrong. The healer who did my foot was good, yes, but Pudgie’s tinkering abilities are exceptional. She was able to mask the metal and wiring from the surgery and create an illusion of flesh.” He notices Varrence’s doubtful expression, “I mean, you weren’t able to tell until you touched it. I can take her to you quickly, and while she works on you, I can send someone to grab (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[an All-Purpose Wrench](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[an Infinite Lightbulb]. You can be human, Varrence. And my doors will always be open for anything you need: colleagues, admission to competitions, anything.” Bram’s only condition was to hide his robot parts that Varrence already hates himself? It seems too good to be true that he can be human. Well, a cyborg disguised as a human. He would never have to worry about getting weird looks, or competition judges denying his entry forms and paperwork again. It would be a straight ticket to fame, after he gets the Golden Gear of course. A human with the best creation in the world? He wonders how different he would look. Would Mara and Ohm recognize him? Would W1-DG3T? He thinks about how seeing Pudgie in competitions as the only non-full human was inspiring to look up to and gave him hope. But he is also tired of being denied every single competition because of who he is. (link: "Accept Bram's condition")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 6) (go-to: "Accept Bram's condition")] (link: "Decline Bram's condition")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 6) (go-to: "Decline Bram’s condition")]

Mara grips onto her satchel where her potions are stored and takes a deep breath. She turns to Varrence, “Do you have the shoe protectors? Varrence pats his a cloth bag that he found in the warehouse and takes out the metal shoe casings. He slips them over his boots and then hands them two each. He watches as they put them on and glances out in the distance. There’s a mix of brown and purple dark hues encasing the land. Deadly looking trees bend over into a river filled with muck. The river they have to cross. Great. “Serronius has guards, but I don’t think they can see us from here, as long as we are quiet. Since it's late, she’ll be finishing whatever sick experiment she’s doing this time.” Ohm straightens his coat. “Let’s go ahead and start crossing.” W1-DG3T tugs at Varrence’s apron and Varrence realizes that there’s a light shining in the distance. Is that one of the guards? (if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[He's annoyed with Ohm, so why should he listen to him? But, at the same time, they *should* be trying to get along and that would make Ohm happy. He sees the light flicker in the distance again and his stomach twists in knots.] (link: "Listen to Ohm")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Listen to Ohm")] (link: "Don't listen to Ohm")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Don't listen to Ohm")]

(set: $bear to 'bear')The lights beams towards them and Mara grabs both Ohm and Varrence and pulls them to the ground. Varrence bangs his knee and grimances. W1-DG3T whirls behind a tree, the leaves drooping around him. Ohm shakes Mara’s hand off him, “What?” Mara puts a finger to her lips and nudges her head towards the light. Once the light passes, Varrence squints at them and his stomach twists.(if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[ And to make it worse, Ohm looks even *more* frustrated.] How can he be trusted to help them when [[he can’t even pay attention?->Mara pats W1-DG3T]]

Before the light even reaches their way Varrence grabs both Mara and Ohm, W1-DG3T whirling behind them. “This way!” Varrence whispers frantically. They encompass themselves within a drooping tree as a bright light blares around them. Ohm is about to speak but Varrence shakes his head. Good thing he listened to his gut (and W1-DG3T, which is technically his gut since he made him). Once the light passes, Varrence holds his arm out before making sure that no other light is shining. He nods at them and puts his arm down. “That was a close one.” Ohm lets out a deep breath, “Good call...I’ll admit I didn’t see that.”(if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[ Ohm seems to have calmed down, which makes Varrence feel better. Ohm's anger must be more about himself than Varrence, Varrence thought. He's glad that trusting his instincts got Ohm to calm down.] Varrence can’t stop the smile forming on his face and musters up enough courage to try and take charge. “I think we should go slow. Like you said, they go in rotation, so another light will probably come back soon. If we are going to go, now is the time. [[We can do this.”->Mara pats W1-DG3T]]

Mara pats W1-DG3T and the four of them start trodding through the bog, Ohm frequently making gagging noises. Mara lifts her satchel above her head, the bog almost reaching her knees, whereas for Ohm and Varrence, the bog barely passes their ankles. W1-DG3T squirms and lets out a long beep before kicking up mud around him, half of his body submerged in the bog. They trudge through, and after various grunts, Ohm is the first to get out of the bog, yanking his legs out. He turns around and pulls Varrence.(if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[This must mean they've reached some sort of truce, right? Because Ohm would've left him to pull himself out of the bog. He turns to Ohm who gives him a small nod. Varrence beams, so Ohm is fine now, that'll make everything a little easier.] Varrence reaches out to grab Mara, and eventually after a couple of tugs she’s free. W1-DG3T is still too far (and too small) to grab. He wishes he had built W1-DG3T a little taller, but he couldn't get his hands on enough material to do so. Mara starts motioning at W1-DG3T to come closer, an encouraging look on her face when Varrence sees a light again. Oh no. W1-DG3T’s claw arms start spinning and he knows that the little robot is going to shut down in panic. Out of all the times to shut down, this is the worst one. All three of them are starting to get along now and everything’s going to be ruined. There’s no time to think—what should he do?! (link: "Stay")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Stay")] (link: "Hide")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 2) (go-to: "Hide")]

Varrence thinks for a moment, with W1-DG3T’s claw arm going crazy an idea suddenly pops in his head. “Mara, Ohm!” He hisses at them and motions them over to a drooping tree on their side. “Swing one of the low hanging bent vine-branches at W1-DG3T’s arm.” Varrence’s heart is pounding as the light starts getting brighter. Any minute now. Ohm and Mara don’t even have time to suggest anything better, so they both nod and the three of them swing a long vine-branch at W1-DG3T’s spinning claw arm. The leaves wrap around the twirling arm and W1-DG3T’s arm becomes jammed. “Pull!” Varrence says, trying to keep his voice down. *Tug, tug, tug, smack!* The muck makes a gurgling sound as W1-DG3T is yanked out of the bog, and pulled underneath the cover of the tree just as the light blares in their direction. They all hold their breath (besides W1-DG3T, who of course, does not need to breathe) [[until the light passes them.->Lock]]

W1-DG3T’s claw arms are spinning too fast to get close to him, and the light is beaming. There’s no way he can find a way to save him. Varrence looks at the light and then at Mara and Ohm, “Let’s hide!” Varrence starts making his way towards a drooping tree and turns around to find that Mara and Ohm aren’t following him. Are they crazy?! But Mara starts to climb back in, “We can’t just leave him, Varrence! I’m not letting Serronius take anyone else!” Ohm pulls her back before she can fully submerge again, sighs, and says, “You’re too short, which means you’ll move too slow. Since the *tinker* has zero confidence in his abilities, I’ll do it.” Ouch, that was low. Mara looks like she’s going to protest, but Ohm angrily motions for her to stand by Varrence when the light grows brighter. Ohm rolls his coat sleeves and tries as fast as he can to reach W1-DG3T. The light is growing in the distance and any minute the light will shine upon them. Ohm grabs W1-DG3T as he’s spinning, the claws banging against Ohm. He grunts, lifting the robot and pulls them both towards where Varrence and Mara are. Mara looks above at the drooping branches, “Pull them down toward the bog, it’ll bring them cover, they won’t be able to get out fast enough.” Feeling guilty, Varrence listens to Mara and they both grab as many as they can and bring them as low to the bog as they can, the leaves creating a cover over parts of the muck and themselves. As the light shifts towards them, Ohm makes one last attempt to duck underneath the tree leaves and holds his breath. W1-DG3T starts powering down and goes silent when the light goes from left to right and then vanishes. Ohm grabs a branch and pulls him and W1-DG3T out in a few tugs, [[“We’ll never speak of this.”->Lock]]

After making sure W1-DG3T is okay, they wipe the muck from their clothes, and take off the metal shoes. Varrence wipes away the muck on W1-DG3T. They move quickly, leaving no time to waste. Ohm nods his head in the direction away from the light and leads them to a back entrance. He jiggles the handle and then looks at Varrence expectantly, “It’s locked.” (if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[Varrence pulls out the All-Purpose Wrench and throws it in the air, the wrench flipping as he catches it. His red eye gleams, “Don’t worry I got this.” In a second there’s a whirring noise and a soft *click* that comes from the door as Varrence gets to work. Varrence tips an imaginary hat down and grins up at them, opening the door, “Lead the way.” Mara looks approvingly at his skills. Not that he needed that, but it did feel good to be appreciated.](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[Varrence rummages around in his pack, but the only thing he has is his Infinite Lightbulb, which can’t unlock a door. He frowns, thinking how handy his All-Purpose Wrench would have been. Ohm rolls his eyes, “I’ll need light then.” Varrence’s face goes red as he pulls out the Infinite Lightbulb and twists the base slowly to make sure it wouldn’t be *too* bright and catch the attention of the guards. It glows softly in a golden light. He hovers it above the door lock and Ohm crouches to get a good look. It takes so long that if Varrence had used his real arm to hold the light it would ache. After series of grunting noises, there’s an audible *click!* And then Ohm swings the door open.] [["Let's get moving."]]

The four of them make their way into a small antechamber. Varrence’s heart leaps in his chest when he sees the towering bear near another hallway, *correction*, the only hallway. Well, it isn’t really a bear...kind of. It’s arms are replaced with a drill on one side and a lethal flamethrower on the other. Varrence can see that the bear had not been like this before, because the craftsmanship of the weapons was good, yes, but the implementation onto its body was wonky. It looked like it would be painful to fully move its arms for long periods of time. Varrence flinches just thinking about it. The bear sees them and narrows its eyes, letting out a low growl. Ohm stares back and tries to calmly talk to Mara and Varrence. W1-DG3T trembles by Varrence’s side. “Mara, you flank the left side, Varrence and I will go right to create a distraction. Mara, you can use your magical focus?” Mara looks hesitant, “My magic isn’t controlled yet, but I might be able to.” Varrence gives a glance at the bear, it has had all this time to attack, and it hasn't. On the other hand, maybe it doesn’t want to move from the door until it has to. Varrence starts to speak up about his concerns but Ohm shushes him. (link: "Be quiet")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Be quiet")] (link: "Speak up")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Speak up")]

(set: $marahurt to 'Marahurt')Varrence stays quiet, the bear has too many weapons to be concerned with the vibe it gives off. Serronius is a trickster and a manipulator, the only way to get past the bear is to knock it out. Varrence gives W1-DG3T a signal to stay put when Ohm counts. *1.* The bear tilts its head at the four of them. *2.* Varrence grips onto his item a little tighter. *3!* The three run forward, Mara splitting away from the group and tumbling to the left, pulling out her magical focus. The boys wave their arms at the bear and try to get it’s attention, but the magical focus gem sparkles as Mara is trying to concentrate and the bear swipes forward. The drill barely hits her face as she moves to escape him. “Mara!” Ohm and Varrence scream trying to run up to the bear. She’s gonna die, she’s gonna die! She closes her eyes and yells an incantation quickly, and energy bursts from her fingertips. It all happens in a flash the bear crumbles in an instant and Ohm flings backwards into Varrence as they slam into the wall behind them. Then it’s silence, only broken by the whirls of W1-DG3T rolling back and forth between Mara and then Ohm and Varrence. Ohm shakes his head and Varrence gently shoves him off. They both groan and Varrence feels like he’s been punched in his ribs. (if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[A human wouldn't notice because of the surgery, but there's](else-if: $cyborg is 'yescyborg')[There's] a small dent on his chest from the impact, and he has to shake his head because his red eye glitches a little. It takes him a while to register that Mara has been silent. He scrambles up as fast as he can and makes his way to Mara, who is lying on the ground cradling the focus egg. The left side of her face is lined with scratches that are bleeding a little. Some of the potions have tumbled out of her satchel. Ohm is next to her not a second later, “Mara?” Mara’s eyes flutter open, and she winces in pain, “I’m okay. I think.” Ohm rolls up his coat sleeves, “No you aren’t.” Mara tries to smile but it hurts too much, “Oh now you care—oh gears, ouch.” Varrence is mentally hitting himself, he should have talked through Ohm’s plan more or at least come up with something better. Now Mara is hurt, and Ohm and Varrence are out of it. Ohm rifles through her satchel and pulls out the magical herbs that Mara says to. They all chew slowly and wait a minute for them to kick in. Ohm hands her a potion, and she drinks it slowly before coughing. “Good thing I brought these, huh? Let’s continue, by the time we get up and move, [[I’ll feel better.”->W1-DG3T vrooms]]

(set: $maraok to 'Maraok')“Ohm wait!” Varrence grabs his arm, “Look at the bear, it hasn’t attacked yet.” Ohm looks at him like he’s crazy, “The key word there is ‘*yet*,' Varrence.” “Guys, he’s in pain, I can tell by the way he’s been designed. You got to trust me.” Mara looks at them both, before looking at Varrence, “I don’t know, Varrence.” “He’s not a weapon, I promise.” Varrence stares at the bear, “he’s a victim.” Ohm and Mara stand back as Varrence steps forward. The bear towers above him, but doesn’t move. Varrence holds his hands up in the air, and pulls his cloth shirt sleeve to show more of his mechanical arm. (if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[Since it looks like human skin, he hits it with his other hand to show that it is indeed metal.](else-if: $cyborg is 'yescyborg')[He faces his right palm and in the center a red circle like his red eye is shown, except it's not glowing.]His red eye glows steadily. “Hey buddy, we don’t want to hurt you. We’re here to help you.” The bear seems to understand and glares, his flamethrowing arm powers up. Varrence’s eyes widen, “No, no! Not experiment; we can see you are in pain. Especially using your arms.” Halting, the arm powers down. The bear makes a soft growling noise as if to say “Well? Continue.” Varrence explains how Serronius mistreated Ohm and Mara, and how, like Varrence, he is also a cyborg. “I’ve been like this my whole life. Always trying to follow humans orders because they are the ones in power. But now I have the chance to be something else, and I want to take it.” The bear’s eyes look foggy, “I want the same for you too, Mr. Beast.” Varrence hears Ohm groaning at the name but he ignores him, waiting for the bear to react. Gradually the bear looks him up and down, [[and then steps aside.->W1-DG3T vrooms]]

W1-GD3T vrooms off to the door immediately, Mara and Ohm trailing behind. Varrence looks at the bear before continuing closer and closer to where they will face Serronius. Varrence walks through the hallways feeling a little better now that they’ve got through the bear. There’s a lump in his throat as they pass by paintings of gruesome depictions of death and various made-up creations that Varrence can only assume Serronius tried to create. They reach an ornate door that’s decorated with golden flowers and intricate carvings that Varrence almost believes they are in a house, rather than a scary mansion. (if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[Ohm huffs, pulling a magical pin out from his bag of tricks, “You really went to Gadgeton and didn’t bring back a single tool, *knowing* that you’re a tinker?” He checks for any magical locks or traps before picking the lock. Varrence was silent, but Ohm was right, the Infinite Lightbulb is helpful, but maybe a tool would've been more appropriate with his skillset.](else-if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[Ohm inspects the door for any magical locks or traps and when he sees none he lets Varrence unlock it with his All-Purpose Wrench.] The door opens up into a display room full of Serronius’ trophies. But not the award kind, [[like Varrence would imagine.]]

But not the award kind, like Varrence would imagine. There are objects, some probably magical, but the most horrifying are the mechanical body parts, or weapons that look like body parts. A laser gun leg, a feathered neck, and so forth. A chill runs down their backs, and W1-DG3T beeps uneasily, staying close to Varrence’s side. (if: $maraok is 'Maraok')[Mara runs](if: $marahurt is 'Marahurt')[He looks at Mara, and seeing her feel better makes him feel better. She walks] up to one of the display cases and lights up about a certain ingredient that would be useful after they finish. Ohm rolls his eyes, “Mara you simply would not be able to survive. Can’t you see that half of these—if not more—are rigged with traps? You think Serronius would seriously just display these so easily? You’d have to be a master to say, get that.” Ohm points to a display case filled with [[a singular eyeball.]]

Varrence analyzes the eyeball case. It doesn’t *look* rigged. “I don’t know, Ohm, Serronius probably assumes no one would come to the mansion anyways. I mean the bear is hard enough to get through safely. Plus, Serronius is terrifying based off of what you guys have told me.” “Look, I can already tell this door has some sort of magical seal on it. It’s most likely rigged as we get closer to Serronius.” Ohm points at the black door at the end of the hallway. Varrence pauses. Forget what Ohm says, Varrence is useful. Ohm wants competent people, of course, and Varrence will prove it to him. He eyes the eyeball case with a new determination in his eyes. (link: "Don't get the eyeball")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Don't get the eyeball")] (link: "Get the eyeball")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Get the eyeball")]

Ohm mutters that he is the only one with skill and Varrence motions to Mara that he’s going to check out the other display cases. Varrence can be useful to Ohm, he will do what he has to, to get Ohm to finally respect him. So if Ohm thinks a worthy person will steal that eyeball, then he will get the eyeball. The eyeball is in a bubbling jar, it’s silver eye staring as he approaches it. It...isn’t alive, right? After seeing a bear with arms for weapons, Varrence doesn’t know what to believe anymore. And in his lifetime of tinkering, he’s seen a lot of weird stuff. Ohm is busy inspecting the door, but Varrence knows that with his help, it will go a lot faster and then Ohm is bound to acknowledge him. Still wary of any traps, Varrence circles around the object and W1-DG3T beeps in confusion. Varrence put a finger to his lips, “Don’t worry I know what I’m doing.” He does not, but that’s not the point. The point is, well, to prove to Ohm that he’s worthy. Varrence taps the jar with his metal finger. It makes a soft *clink* and he turns around to see if anyone has noticed. Mara’s shuffling through her herbs and potions, and Ohm’s still analyzing the door. [[The room starts rumbling.]]

Ohm mutters that he’s the only one with skill and Varrence motions to Mara that he’s going to check out the other display cases. Varrence can be useful to Ohm, he’ll do what he has to, to get Ohm to finally respect him. So if Ohm think a worthy person will steal that eyeball, then he will get the eyeball. The eyeball is in a bubbling jar, it’s silver eye staring as he approaches it. It...isn’t alive, right? After seeing a bear with arms for weapons, Varrence doesn’t know what to believe anymore. And in his lifetime of tinkering, he’s seen a lot of weird stuff. Ohm is busy inspecting the door, but Varrence knew that with his help, it would go a lot faster and then Ohm is bound to acknowledge him. Still wary of any traps, Varrence circles around the object and W1-DG3T beeps in confusion. Varrence put a finger to his lips, “Don’t worry I know what I’m doing.” But Varrence really didn’t. He looks back and forth between Ohm and the display case. Is it really worth it to risk everyone’s safety by trying to get the eyeball so Ohm will respect him? Mara softly appears by Varrence’s side, her hands behind her back, “You’re not thinking of taking the eyeball Ohm talked about, [[right?”]]

W1-DG3T squeals and Varrence scoops him up, “What’s going on? Did you get the door open?” Ohm narrows his eyes, yelling through all the noise, “I have not even touched it!” Mara wobbles her way towards Ohm, shoving her potions back in her satchel, “Does Serronius know we’re here?” “If she did not before, she will now!” Ohm furrows his eyebrows as Varrence jogs up to them with W1-DG3T in his arms. “Did you touch anything?” Varrence looks at Mara, who crosses her arms, “Why would I touch anything? You said the display cases were traps.” Varrence looks sheepishly at them, “No, he said that at least *half* of them were.” Mara raises an eyebrow, “Does his wording matter—?” Ohm sucks in a breath, “—unless you touched something! My gears, do you have your sound on your ear when I am speaking?” He looks frantically around the room as they lurch back a little, “What did you touch?” “I swear I didn’t touch anything!” Varrence yells back at Ohm, “I might have flicked the eyeball glass, but [[I did not take anything!”]]

“Flicking!” Ohm speeds towards the eyeball display case, which is unmoving, except for the eyeball wildly swishing in the bubbling water. In fact, all the display cases were unmoving, as if they are bolted to their stands, and their stands are bolted to the floor. “Flicking! Tapping! Poking! Do you know what they all have in common? They have to *come into contact* with something else.” The moving stops and Ohm lurches forward and hits the stand. The lights shut off and a loud cackling laugh rings over an intercom. Mara goes pale, her voice barely audible over the laugh, “Serronius.” The intercom cuts off and then red lasers beam in every direction. Varrence and Mara try to pin themselves against the door, making sure not to touch it, and Varrence clutches W1-DG3T tight. Left, right, up, down. Mara looks like she’s going to cry and W1-DG3T’s claw seems one twitch away from spinning out of control. “Ohm! Hug the stand!” Mara calls out. Ohm wraps his arms and legs around the stand as lights beams around the room, separating Ohm from the rest of them at the exit. “Fantastic.” Ohm says dryly, his face pressed against the leg of the [[display stand.]]

There’s no way Ohm will be able to get out of this. “How could I have known, Ohm?” Varrence makes sure W1-DG3T is safe from the lasers before putting him on the ground. “I told you!” “Well maybe you did!” “I did!” “Well you could have been more clear.” “How is ‘do not touch anything’ not clear?!” Varrence motions to the floor and Ohm groans. “Guys.” Mara says, “I know how to get out of this.” They both swivel their heads towards her, “Huh?” They say in unison before [[glaring at each other.]]

“While you both were busy bickering in the middle of a life-and-death situation, I realized that there’s three white boxes on three corners of the room, so I assume that—” Varrence jumps up, “The lasers!” Mara smiles, “—Yes, Varrence, the lasers are probably controlled by those boxes—Let me finish, please. Anyways, Ohm do you have anything in your bag we could use?” Ohm takes out a couple of items: a slingshot with several rocks, some magic tricks, and other magical gadgets Varrence doesn’t recognize. He makes a mental note to incorporate more magic into his creations. Ohm coats the rocks in a gloss, carefully placing a rock on his slingshot. Mara scratches her head, “Ohm, are you kidding me? There’s no way—” He launches the rock and as soon as it touches the first box nearest to Varrence, Mara, and W1-DG3T, it explodes. W1-DG3T makes a loud *beep!* and both Varrence and Mara cover their heads. Some of the lasers flicker and then vanish. Ohm smirks as he prepares the next rock, “You were saying?” Mara turns beet red and huffs, “You could have killed us!” “I did not aim for you, I aimed for the boxes.” Mara rolls her eyes as Ohm prepares another shot. *Bam!* The rock explodes at the second box near where they entered. Ohm angles himself and turns around towards the last box and hits it smoothly. *Bam!* The lights flicker like a light show and then dissipate. W1-DG3T twirls happily while Mara crosses her arms, “Where’d you learn to do that?” “A con I was trying to pull.” [[“Of course, why did I even ask?”]]

Ohm picks up his magic tricks and carefully puts them in his bag before brushing himself off and standing up. He adjusts his mustache, which had become crooked during the commotion earlier and looks at Varrence, “Never do that again.” Varrence looks at the ground, it’s like everytime he tries to show people that he’s worth it, he always seems to mess something up. Now Serronius knows they are here, and they still don’t know how long until they come face-to-face with her. He shudders and remembers her cackling laugh. It sounded so...*evil.* Mara and Varrence step back and let Ohm check for any tricks or traps. “I did not think I saw any before the room rumbled, but I will double-check in case something has changed.” Varrence pips up, trying to get on Ohm’s good side, “You’re really good at knowing these types of things.” Mara cocks her head, “It’s because he’s a con artist. He probably knows every trick in the book.” Ohm holds a hand up and the other two look at him. W1-DG3T stops spinning. “We are good to go. Varrence, [[would you like to do the honors?"->pulling the black handle.]]

Varrence clears his throat and scratches his head, “I dunno what you’re talking about, Mara.” Mara raises an eyebrow. Varrence sighs and says, “Okay so maybe I was thinking about it. But thinking is not the same as doing.” “Why?” Varrence clenches his jaw, pondering over how he can say he wants Ohm’s approval without sounding like a kid. “Well I thought it would be useful for, uh, fighting...yes, fighting, um, Serronius.” Mara gives Varrence a small smile and places a hand on his shoulder, the cold metal touching her warm skin, “You know, I like to think we’ve made it this far because of our own individual talents.” Varrence thinks about the past room with the bear and shrugs. She continues, “Plus, I don’t think an eyeball would do much but creep us out. Well, anyway, what I’m trying to say is that we are all we need. I mean, Ohm is a con artist, I’m a healer, and you’re a tinker.” Varrence's mouth turns up in a smile, “You think I’m a good tinker?” W1-DG3T beeps and Mara laughs, “You are what *you* think. But yes, I think you are a good tinker.” Varrence beams at her and pats W1-DG3T’s head, [[“But what if I don’t know what I think of myself?”]]

Mara stops laughing and rubs her arms, “Well, I’m not exactly sure what the right answer to that is. Maybe you haven’t let yourself think about yourself, does that make sense?” “Uh, not really.” She sighs and smiles, “Well I know I’m a healer, a human, and I guess, now I have magic. That’s like *what* I am. But for *who* I am, I think about what I value the most or what I believe in.” Well, Varrence is a cyborg (if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[(unfortunately, but now since he had the surgery, it wouldn't really matter)], and a tinker. Hm, a lot of humans won’t *agree* with the latter part though. Varrence furrows his eyebrows, trying to decide what makes him a tinker. He remembers other cyborgs and robots similar to him, who also weren’t considered tinkers to the human tinkers, but Varrence thought they were talented. Varrence shakes his head, *no*, it’s whatever Varrence thinks, not what Bram, Pudgie, Red Tunic, or any person thinks. What does Varrence think? As he tries to process this, Ohm grunts at them to come to the door, losing Varrence’s train-of-thought. Mara pats him on the shoulder when they reach Ohm, “Don’t worry so much, it takes awhile to understand ourselves. We have a whole lifetime to figure it out.” W1-DG3T beeps in agreement. “Unless we die.” Ohm says nonchalantly while unlocking the door and [[pulling the black handle.]]

They go into the next hallway, which has several rooms. All the doors are open wide. Ohm, Mara, and Varrence peek into each one and shudder. Some rooms look like prison cells. Gray walls and stains that look too bloody that Varrence’s mind begins to wonder about what crimes Serronius has committed without anyone’s knowledge. He looks at Ohm and Mara and a lump forms in his throat. It must be hard for them to come back. Ohm is staring straight ahead, his chest puffed up, clearly trying to avoid seeing anything too triggering. But Mara, on the other hand, is glancing at each room. She has her arms wrapped around herself, giving her comfort in some way, Varrence assumes. At the end of the hall there is a plain door on the left and an extravagant gold door designed with swirls and flowy lines that sparkle from the overhead lights above them. Ohm rolls his eyes, “She was never one to trick, usually it’s just traps.” He inspects each door and shakes his head, “I don’t see anything. I think the gold door is the way to go.” Mara puts her hand on the handle of the gold door and purses her lips, “Wait, I want to see what’s in the other door, first.” Varrence frowns, “Are you sure, Mara? The doors we’ve walked by have been...a lot to see.” W1-DG3T beeps in agreement and Ohm nods, “In addition to the unpleasantness we have seen so far, we also must get the Golden Gear from Serronius as quickly as possible and leave.” Mara puts her hand on her hips, “Who’s to say the Golden Gear isn’t in the other room? Why does she have this room locked up?” She begins to fiddle with her dress, [[“What if...what if someone is trapped in there?”]]

Ohm and Varrence look at each other and realize that Mara isn’t going to give in. Ohm nods, “I suppose it wouldn’t *hurt* to see if there’s anything there that can help us defeat Serronius.” Varrence nods with him, “Wouldn’t hurt at all.” Mara’s shoulders relax as Ohm opens the door. He puts up a hand, signaling them not to move. The lights are off in the room and it smells sterile, almost like cleaning supplies. (if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[Varrence rummages through his bag and pulls out the Infinite LightBulb. It glows as he twists its’ base and he hands it to Ohm. Ohm leans forward and flashes the Infinite LightBulb towards the wall next to him. With his other hand, Ohm clicks a light switch inside of the room on the wall.](if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[Ohm leans forward and with his free hands, feels the wall. His hand connects with something and he presses it. The lights flicker on and illuminate the room.] “Serronius’ lab.” Ohm says, inspecting the room before the four of them creep (and roll) inside the lab. There’s metal tables, on top of them are tools, instruments, lab papers, reports, stacks of journals, and droplet-size stains on the metal tables that resemble blood… Ohm nods at them that it should be safe and the gang gets to work. Varrence eyes the chemical tubes stacked on a rack next to a bookcase filled with disturbing titles like *How to Cremate A Body Properly* or *Research Study on Flies with Seven Heads*. Varrence wishes he couldn’t read in that instance. W1-DG3T follows closely behind him and accidentally hits the bookcase. Varrence lifts a finger to his lips, [[“W1-DG3T! We can’t make too much noise.”]]

Five or so books and journals fall to the floor. Varrence looks up at Ohm and Mara, who are too busy reading papers to focus on him and W1-DG3T. He exhales in relief, glad they didn’t see him mess up. He picks them up one by one, examining them. *Top Fifty Chemicals and How They React on Humans*, and *Why Robots Should Be Pets*. Varrence narrows his eyes, not liking these books at all. *Research Study: Hamsters and How Long They Can Breathe Underwater*, *Research Study: How To Build A Bear*, and a leather-bound journal titled *400-424* scratched across the leather. He casts the remaining books aside, sits on the floor, and opens the journal. He reads the first one, it’s an experiment Serronius was doing on a robot, *Subject 400*, was on the top of the page, *Name: Loui the Mechanic*. Varrence closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before continuing the journal entries. Based on the subject number, that meant Serronius had tested on over 400 people, unless of course, he finds more journals with even higher numbers. He skips to the a few pages at the end to see if Serronius had outlined that she was going to continue more experiments. He freezes and his red eye glows so bright Ohm and Mara glance up from what they were doing, but Varrence can’t stop reading [[the top of the page.]]

Written at the top of the page are the words: **“Subject 424 - Mara the Healer.”** *Day 1: Subject 424 is unremarkable upon first examination - a human female in perfect health, mid-twenties, employed as a healer in Malvania. No magic whatsoever, the perfect candidate for my hypothesized theory of magical transference. Day 2: Subject 424 is uncooperative. Depriving her of food will weaken her enough to begin the experiment. There can be no resistance once the process begins, and dosing her with sedatives will interfere with the experiment. I will commence the experiment in four days. Day 6: The time has come. Subject 424 is ready for magical transference. Day 7: Incredible! Stupendous! Marvelous! The magical transference was a complete success. Subject 424 has gone from having zero trace of magic within her cells to 100% saturation. Tomorrow the testing begins. Day 8: Subject 424 is still too weak. She needs a few more days to recover from the starvation and the procedure before I can begin testing her abilities. Day 10: Subject 424 has recovered enough to begin examination. She cooperates with little resistance, but her magic is weak. So far she has only succeeded in lighting a candle. I will push her tomorrow. Day 11: What a discovery! Subject 424 has made quite the breakthrough with her powers. When tasked with summoning enough water to fill a small bowl, she conjured up a rainstorm, and couldn’t stop! Sedation was required. Subject 424 is most interesting and I look forward to seeing what else she can do. Day 12: Once again, Subject 424 has surpassed my expectations. When told to attack one of my beasts, she attempted to disobey. After the proper motivation, she cooperated and her magic did more than I could ever have expected. Instead of tossing the beast to the ground, Subject 424 blasted it through 3 solid walls and even knocked herself unconscious. Perhaps the transference put the magic in an unstable state. I hypothesize that with time Subject 424 may control it, but that won’t be necessary. She has served her purpose.* Varrence gulps and slams the [[leather journal closed.]]

Mara scrambles to Varrence, all the while looking hesitant to ask, “Did—Did you find something Varrence?” Ohm looks disinterested, “Tell us what you found so we can continue looking for something actually useful.” Varrence stands up and puts the journal behind his back. He didn’t want Mara to be thrown back to a time where she was hurt. It wouldn’t help with battling Serronius. But Ohm peeks around the back and snatches it up, “What are you—” Ohm goes silent, his eyes rapidly scanning Serronius’ entry about Mara. “Oh.” Mara glares at Ohm, “What *is* it?” Ohm shuts the journal and swiftly puts it with the other books and journals on the bookcase. “Just research studies,” He adjusts his mustache, “Nothing you need to concern yourself with.” “What are you talking about? Any useful information on Serronius can only help us.” “Not this.” “Explain.” Ohm shoots low, “Do you not trust us, dear Mara?” She takes a step back, opens her mouth, and then closes it. She licks her lips, “It’s not that I don’t trust you guys, but I don’t like feeling like you aren’t showing me something because you don’t want me to see any of the gruesome things Serronius has done. We’ve walked through this mansion this whole way, seen headless animals and body parts like eyeballs in jars, and read those papers over there on Serronius testing chemicals on different species. I’ve seen it all. I’ve been *through* it myself. I can handle this.” Ohm looks at Varrence and they train their eyes at the ground. Varrence steadies his breath, “I found a journal on test subjects.” He doesn’t look up at Mara, but he hears her suck in a sharp breath. “And I found Serronius’ entry on you. That’s why I didn’t want to tell you.” W1-DG3T beeps in a low, [[depressing tone.]]

Ohm clenches his jaw as he grabs the journal and hands it over to Mara, “It’s almost the last entry.” Mara takes the book in her hands, sits down, and then flips to her entry. At first, she’s fine, but then she starts breathing fast and the journal is shaking because of her hands, and finally her teardrops hit the worn pages. Varrence looks at Ohm, who turns around to give her more space (or more likely because Ohm would cause more harm than good). Mara shuts the journal, still crying silently. Her eyes and nose are red, and she keeps sniffling, “I hated feeling like a test subject, or,” she sniffles again, “an experiment. Reading this makes it feel like yesterday and it hurts to feel like you are labelled in a way that demeans you and makes you feel like you're nothing.” Ohm looks over his shoulder, but can’t seem to find the right words. If Mara doesn’t get it together, she’ll be too emotionally exhausted to fight Serronius, and she’s definitely the strongest out of all three of them. Varrence has never seen Mara cry, in fact Ohm would probably cry before he thought Mara would. But after reading that, Varrence can see why she broke. Maybe not specifically because it hurt, but because she had lost who she was because of Serronius. What can Varrence say to make her compose herself? (link: "Try and relate to her as a human")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Human")] (link: "Try and relate to her as a cyborg")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Cyborg")]

Varrence clears his throat and reaches down to gently remove the journal from her hands. He gives it to Ohm, who pockets it in one of his coat pockets. He clears his throat again and Mara glances up at him through her glossy gray eyes. “I’m half-human, so I know where you are coming from. I think that it’s okay to feel out of place and we can always fix our imperfections. You know?” Mara frowns, “This part of my life wasn’t an imperfection. I like to think I’m fine the way I am, even when I feel down.” She stands up and Varrence walks backwards until he hits a metal table with chemical tubes and paperwork scattered across it. One tube rolls down and W1-DG3T speed-rolls fast enough to catch it. Varrence lets out a breath of relief, “Thank the gears because—” *SMASH!* A second tube rolls over and crashes onto the tile floor, the yellow liquid bursting out of the smashed glass tube. It emits a yellow cloud and covers the entire room, hitting Varrence first since he was the closest. And then they all scream, with W1-DG3T beeping rapidly and his claws start spinning. In an instance Varrence covers his eyes and he can feel the air touch his skin. “My eyes!” Mara yells while rubbing her eyes. One of them grabs Varrence’s hand and pulls him around the room, he bangs into another bookcase but the pain in his eye is so potent that he doesn’t even register the *bang!* from his mechanical arm hitting the bookcase. It feels like his eye is sizzling. He uncovers his eyes and immediately regrets it. More yellow clouded air rushes at him as he runs with whoever grabbed his arm. His human eye goes dark and he panics, as the yellow clouds turn red, Mara, Ohm, and W1-DG3T turn red, and the room turns red. He almost freaks out and yanks his arm away, but the person who grabs him [[holds on tight.]]

Varrence clears his throat and reaches down to gently remove the journal from her hands. He gives it to Ohm, who pockets it in one of his coat pockets. He clears his throat again and Mara glances up at him through her glossy gray eyes. “As a cyborg, I’ve faced a similar situation where people always want to tell me who I am or what I should become so they can feel at peace. I know that we can’t control how people see us, or the things we lost because of other people, but we can change the way we view the labels we create for ourselves. We are so close, Mara. Let’s make sure Serronius does not write any more entries and cause the same pain you have felt.” Mara is silent and Ohm finally turns back around to look at her, “I believe Varrence is right, which is horrifyingly surprising.” “It’s not *that* surprising—” “I’ve always been a con artist since Serronius stole from me. I am always what anybody needs. A magician, a fortune teller, a dealer, a professor...*anything.* But I do not want to be something people tell me to be, that’s why I am going to steal the golden gear for us. Mara,” She looks up at him as he pulls up the sleeves of his coat, which are still a little muddy, [[“Get it together.”]]

(set: $redeye to 'redeye')They finally make it out of the room and all four of them gasp for air. Mara had scooped up W1-DG3T and Ohm had grabbed both Mara and Varrence’s arms and dragged them towards the exit, slamming the door shut behind them. (if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[Varrence feels even worse, not only has both Ohm and Mara gotten hurt, but now he's messed up *big time*.] Mara has to blink a couple of times, “I can’t see very well but I know I have some herbs in my bag we can chew on.” She blindly searches through her bag and pulls out one purple leaf. She puts it in her mouth, chews it, and swallows, and a minute later she sighs. “It works.” She rummages through the bag again and finds another one and hands it to Ohm who can’t stop rubbing his eyes. He shoves the leaf in his mouth and swallows it whole. He too, sighs in relief. Varrence doesn’t feel much pain, but he can only see out of his red eye now, which is the worst. Mara searches through her bag, tilts her head, and then dumps out the contents in her bag. There’s a bunch of herbs and medicinal tubes and containers. She scratches her head and glances at Varrence, “Are you in pain? I don’t think you seem too fazed unlike Ohm and me.” Varrence shakes his head, “I was at first, but I can’t see out of my human eye.” Mara looks concerned, “I don’t have anything that can cure it right away, but you can take this,” she hands him this liquid sapphire drink, “and it should gradually take away any discomfort. I’m so sorry, I swear I had taken more.” Varrence takes the drink and chugs it. To his surprise, it takes like fresh fruit in the marketplace. His eye already feels better, but he still can’t see anything out of it. W1-DG3T has calmed down, but keeps tugging at Varrence’s tinker apron. Varrence looks at him, “I’m okay buddy, just can’t see out of one eye. Don’t worry about it.” W1-DG3T beeps and rolls towards [[the golden door.]]

“If everyone is okay, are we good to go?” Varrence asks, glancing at the other three. (if: $redeye is 'redeye')[Of course, besides getting their eyes freaking burned from the yellow cloudy chemical.]Everyone is hesitant, knowing that they might see Serronius five doors from now, or on another floor, or right after this door. Eventually everyone nods and Ohm cracks his knuckles, “Serronius will be defeated.” Mara sighs, muttering, “Why do you speak like an old man?” Varrence looks back at the long hallway and then at the golden door as Ohm unlocks it and pushes it [[open.]]

Mara picks herself up from the floor and wipes of any dust on her puffy dress. She hands the journal to Ohm, who pockets it in one of his trench coats. “You guys are right. I can’t change what happened, but I can change what will happen.” W1-DG3T beeps and rolls into Mara softly, trying to wrap his claw arms around her legs in an embrace. A smile tugs at her lips and she wipes her tears. “Let’s leave this room.” They walk out of the room and Mara shuts it, giving one last glance inside the lab. The four of them look at the [[looming golden door in front of them.->the golden door.]]

Varrence hears the cackling laughter before he sees Serronius. The four of them walk into a large room, filled with small junk piles, a desk that has stacked papers scattered on it, and a metal table where a bear lays with everything but his head covered by a sheet. There’s so much blood on the floor that Varrence wants to gag. W1-DG3T rolls quietly behind them, trying to maneuver around the blood stains. He follows the laughter to the center of the room and sees her for the first time.(if: $redeye is 'redeye')[ Despite him mostly seeing red, the medicine Mara gave him must have started kicking in, because his vision keeps going from full red, to slightly seeing other colors.] Serronius is wearing an apron similar to Varrence’s except the fact that it’s completely covered in blood. He prays that the apron was originally red and is in fact, not covered with blood at all. But, he can’t ignore the stench of copper that fills the air. Serronius slings her white gloves off and adjusts the blue goggles on her face. Her frizzy red hair spikes up in different directions, to where it looks like cones are situated on her head. She has pale white skin from probably never leaving her mansion, and when she looks at them from behind the metal table the bear’s on, she cackles again. Her voice is deep and scratchy, “Oh so you actually survived getting through my home?” Varrence looks around, staring a little too long at the unmoving bear, muttering, “*This* is what you call a home?” Mara elbows him and he glances at her face, which is lost of all color. Her bottom lip trembles every so often, like she’s either going to [[cry or scream.]]

“Well? I guess I need new subjects,” She squints at them, pointing to Ohm and Mara, “You two look familiar.” Ohm tenses up, “No need for formalities,” He points at her, “We want the Golden Gear.” Varrence notices Serronius’ hand reach for her neck. He tries to squint, but he can't see that far. She goes serious, raising an eyebrow and lifting her head a little higher, “I believe that I’d rather dispose of you.” And at once, she lets out a blood curdling scream and shoots balls of energy at them. Oh gears, what should Varrence do? (link: "Jump out of the way and diver under a metal table.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Dive")] (link: "Jump out of the way and attack Serronius with your item.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Attack")]

Varrence runs past Ohm and Mara, who are standing in place, with Mara holding her magic focus and Ohm holding his exploding slingshot rocks. There’s no time to dodge the bullets, and he can’t attack like Ohm and Mara. All he has is his (if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[Infinite Lightbulb.](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[All-Purpose Wrench.] He’s just a tinker. He jumps and slides on the floor towards a metal table on the left side of the room and hides underneath, barely missing one of Serronius’ shots. Mara uses her magical focus and hits one of the energy balls with one of her own, causing them to explode. Serronius covers her head with her hands. Ohm momentarily looks at Mara to see if she’s okay and is hit with another energy ball. He’s thrown against the wall and yells in pain as he slides down and slams against the floor. Varrence covers his mouth, glancing at Ohm before his stomach twists, where is W1-DG3T? He can’t let his best creation be destroyed. He scrambles out from under the table and looks around the room. There’s no sign of W1-DG3T anywhere. He turns to Serronius who shoots another blast from her palms. He dives and it slings past him. Mara closes her eyes as the egg glows and casts another energy ball at Serronius, but it doesn’t seem to work as well this time and it misses Serronius and hits the wall, leaving a black scorch mark. She keeps her eye on Ohm and stands in front of him. He’s awake, but based on his face, Ohm won’t be moving for a while. Varrence regrets hiding, it’s time to attack. Because he hid, his friends are now in pain. Can he even do this? Varrence rolls his shoulders back, pulls out the (if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[Infinite Lightbulb](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[All-Purpose Wrench] and flings it as hard as he can at Serronius. Mara screams, “No Varrence!” Serronius sly smile twists and Varrence realizes why they call her the mad scientist. This lady would truly push any limit, sacrificing everything and anyone [[to keep her precious experiments and tools.]]

He’s just a tinker, but Mara is just a cursed human, and Ohm is just a cursed wizard. They’ve all made it this far, he has to at least try. Papers whirl around the room. He ducks and rolls out of the line of fire, barely missing an energy ball. Varrence runs to Ohm and Mara, who are standing in place, with Mara holding her magic focus and Ohm holding his exploding slingshot rocks. Ohm nods, “In order!” Varrence pulls out his (if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[Infinite Lightbulb](else-if: $vitem is 'All-Purpose Wrench')[All-Purpose Wrench] and swings his arm back. He throws it at Serronius. Serronius cackles and with her free hand she casts a spell and stops the item in place. It drops to the ground by her feet. Ohm doesn’t waste any time slinging a rock coated in explosion power right after Varrence’s attack. It comes near her as Mara warms up her focus egg. Serronius stops shooting energy balls to block the rock. She casts another spell quickly and the rock hits an invisible wall, but instead of bouncing off, it explodes as it touches the wall. Serronius falls and hits the ground, gripping her shoulder in pain. “Oh? I must have underestimated your reluctance to become test subjects.” She gets up and doesn’t even bother to dust herself off. “You win. I cannot perform my experiments if [[I lose an arm.”]]

As the (if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[Infinite Lightbulb](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[All-Purpose Wrench] heads straight towards Serronius, she flings her head back and laughs, her free hand moves in a motion Varrence doesn’t understand, and the (if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[Infinite Lightbulb](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[All-Purpose Wrench] bounces off an invisible wall next to Serronius. Mara fights off more energy balls, but can’t get away from Serronius’ spells to help Varrence. And now that Ohm is hurt and W1-DG3T seems missing, there’s no one to save him. He looks at his right arm and his palm, which has a slight red glowing circle in the middle of his palm. He swore he’d never use it, it’s too risky, and he doesn’t even know if they work or how to control them either. His (if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[Infinite Lightbulb](else-if: $vitem is 'Infinite Lightbulb')[All-Purpose Wrench] turns around in the air as Serronius juts her hand at Varrence, and it heads straight towards his heart. (link: "It's risky, but use his laser beams to evade the attack")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 6.5) (go-to: "Laser")] (link: "Dive away from Serronius' counterattack to evade the attack")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 5) (go-to: "Dive away")]

Mara opens her eyes and the egg dims. They all look at each other. W1-DG3T appears from a pile of junk near the entrance and whirls towards them. Suddenly, Serronius’ mouth twists and she tilts her head slowly. She shoots another energy ball. Mara quickly tries to cast a counterattack, but can’t focus and in an instance Ohm jumps in front of them two, the energy ball hitting him. Ohm goes flying above them into the back wall, and hits the floor. Mara keeps trying to counterattack but her anger makes it harder to focus. Serronius sends two more energy balls, and Mara screams in frustration, shaking the magic focus egg. She looks up at Varrence, and her eyes are glossy. Varrence looks at his arm and his palm, a slight red glow in the middle of his hand. He swore he’d never use it, it’s too risky, he doesn’t even know if it works or how to control it. What should he do? (link: "It's risky, but use his laser beams to evade the attack")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 6.5) (go-to: "Laser")] (link: "Dive away from Serronius' counterattack to evade the attack")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 5) (go-to: "Dive away")]

(set: $whurt to 'whurt')Varrence jumps out of the way and dives away from everyone, but Serronius sees it coming, because another blast of energy comes his way. Mara tries to shoot a spell at the ball, but her magic starts acting up. It misses Serronius and she ducks as one comes her way. There are tears streaming down her face as she blocks more of Serronius’ attacks, “You *monster!*” It’s too late to get up from the floor and jump out of the shot again, Varrence closes his eyes, this is it. At least it’s not in a junkyard. Beeping noises fill his ears. *W1-DG3T!* He opens his eyes and sees the glowing ball just as W1-DG3T whirls towards Varrence and bounces in front of it. A scream rips through Varrence and his body slides backwards from the impact, but he doesn’t hit the wall as hard as Ohm did. The light encompasses the room and everyone is momentarily blind. As it dims down Mara seizes her chance and focuses her energy, screaming as she casts her spell. The energy ball she throws doubles in size and barrels towards Serronius. Still recovering from the light, Serronius turns her head towards Mara just as the energy ball slams into her chest. She flies backwards, hitting the wall so hard that it leaves cracks, and her head slams against the floor, [[her body goes limp.]]

(set: $wless to 'wless')He has to shoot lasers beams from his palm to save them both, it is the only way. It will be quick enough to catch them both. Everything feels blurry and suddenly it is harder for Varrence to hear Serronius’ cackles and Mara’s screams. He shakes his hands, feeling the energy rushing through him. He is a tinker, but he’s also a cyborg, and it’s time to stop the madness Serronius causes. His red eye glows and his palms light up in bright red. The energy balls come flying his way and he lifts both of his arms, adjusting his stance. He slides his foot back for support and looks at Mara, she is looking back at him and nods. Varrence yells and red beams shoot out of his palm, he aims it quickly at both energy hitting both energy balls. They explode and everyone covers their heads. Varrence’s mouth tips up in a smirk, he gazes at his palm. It worked! This was something to get used too. Mara looks relieved and closes her eyes, focusing on her egg. Serronius blinks in surprise but recovers quickly, her face contorting into fury. “You would make a nice pet!” Varrence's palm glows again and Serronius cackles, “Let’s play then.” She shoots energy balls rapidly at Mara and him, but changes course and shoots some away from them. [[And they are heading straight towards W1-DG3T]].

It was over. It should be a happy thing. But Varrence feels his insides twist. Varrence shakes as he gets closer to W1-DG3T, who is covered in a black scorch marks. One of his claws is missing and the two wheels are spinning slowly. Mara collapses, panting and turning around, crawling to Ohm, who looks on the verge of passing out. Varrence cradles W1-GD3T in his arms and turns W1-DG3T to face him. Even while seeing red from his eye, he can tell that the glow of W1-DG3T’s blue eye is gone. Varrence’s voice cracks, “W—W1-DG3T?” No response. “W1-DG3T this isn’t funny.” Mara tends to Ohm, her hands shaking too, she looks at Varrence and W1-DG3T and bursts into tears again. She hiccups and wiggles her hands before letting out a shaky breath. Varrence is staring at W1-DG3T in his arms, wondering how everything went wrong. He should have used his laser beams, no, he should have rammed into Serronius like a bull. No! He should have grabbed a piece of junk and used it as a weapon. *He should, he should, he should*...Varrence runs through what happened, still trying to process it all. Ohm is hurt. Mara is breaking down. His best creation, gone. W1-DG3T saved him. And now he doesn’t know if he’ll be able to save W1-DG3T. (if: $goodplace >= 12)[[[He doesn't know if he'll be able to save any of them.->Chapter 8 (Varrence)Good]]](else-if: $goodplace <= 11 and >=0)[[[He doesn't know if he'll be able to save any of them.->Chapter 8 (Varrence)Ok]]](else-if: $goodplace <= -1 and >=-11 )[[[He doesn't know if he'll be able to save any of them.->Chapter 8 (Varrence Not Okay]]](else-if: $goodplace <= -12 and >=-22 )[[[He doesn't know if he'll be able to save any of them.->Chapter 8 (Varrence)bad]]]

“No!” Varrence screams, he shoots a few coming at him and glances at Mara. “Mara, duck!” Varrence dives out of the way and charges his laser beams. He can do it again. This is who he is. This is a part of him. Varrence clenches his jaw and holds his palm towards the energy balls heading towards W1-DG3T and blasts them away, his arm recoiling and pushing him a step back. One of the energy balls scratch W1-DG3T’s side and he beeps in pain. Mara opens her eyes and blasts the remaining energy balls away. There are tears streaming down her face as she blocks more of Serronius’ attacks, “You *monster!*” Serronius cackles and shoots another one at her. Varrence sees an opening. He looks at his palm, one more time...he’s got to hit her. He glances behind him at Ohm and this hardens his resolve. He powers up, more quickly this time as it becomes more natural. Varrence thinks about what Serronius did to Mara. What Serronius did to Ohm. What Serronius did to the bears. A scream rips through his throat and the room is bathed in red as Varrence glows and blasts a single shot at Serronius. Still recovering from the red light, Serronius turns her head towards Varrence just as the laser beam slams into her chest. She flies backwards, hitting the wall so hard that it leaves cracks, and [[her head slams against the floor. Her body goes limp.]]

It goes immediately silent aside from Mara and Varrence’s labored breathing. Varrence powers down and looks for W1-DG3T, who, with all the commotion, had dived into another junk pile. Mara whips her head around, “Ohm!” Varrence follows suit as W1-DG3T slowly rolls up to them, still recovering from the energy ball hitting his side. “Ohm!” She repeats, “Come on, stay with me.” No response. W1-DG3T beeps in alarm and Varrence thinks about how he should have used his lasers even earlier. Then Ohm stirs and his eyes flutter open. He groans, “Are we dead?” Mara’s shoulders sag down and Varrence lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. They both wrap their arms around Ohm carefully and Ohm groans again. They let go and Varrence looks Ohm up and down, “Did we hurt you?” Ohm glances between the two, “I do not enjoy hugs.” Mara huffs, pushing her hair away from her face, “Don’t mess with us like that!” “I do not enjoy messing with you both either.” But Ohm’s mouth tips up in a small smile. Mara pulls out herbs from her bag, (if: $goodplace >= 12)[[["Let's get you patched up."->Chapter 8 (Varrence)Good]]](else-if: $goodplace <= 11 or >=0)[[["Let's get you patched up."->Chapter 8 (Varrence)Ok]]](else-if: $goodplace <= -1 or >=-11 )[[["Let's get you patched up."->Chapter 8 (Varrence Not Okay]]](else-if: $goodplace <= -12 or >=-22 )[[["Let's get you patched up."->Chapter 8 (Varrence)bad]]]

**Chapter 8: The Showcase** As Ohm eats some herbs and downs some liquid medicine that Mara orders him to take, he starts feeling better. Varrence doesn’t even pay attention to them, he is completely focused on W1-DG3T, who is injured. Mara tries to lift up Ohm, she glances at Varrence, “Can you help me?” Varrence comes out of his trance and looks away from W1-DG3T. He gets up, “Yeah, sorry I just—” Mara gives a sad smile, “It’s okay, I understand.” Varrence scrambles to them and lifts up Ohm’s other shoulder and they prop him into a standing position. Ohm wobbles but then steadies out his balance and gives a deep sigh, “I feel a lot better.” Mara looks at him and smirks, “Well you don’t look too good.” “I could say the same of you, Mara.” Mara huffs and turns around, trying to flatten down the hair pieces that stick out, “Well let’s—let’s look for the [[Golden Gear now.”]]

**Chapter 8: The Bakery** As Ohm eats some herbs and downs some liquid medicine that Mara orders him to take, he starts feeling better. Varrence doesn’t even pay attention to them, he is completely focused on W1-DG3T, who is injured more than he thought. Mara tries to lift up Ohm, she glances at Varrence, “Can you help me?” Varrence comes out of his trance and looks away from W1-DG3T. He gets up, “Yeah, sorry I just—” Mara gives a sad smile, “It’s okay, I understand.” Varrence scrambles to them and lifts up Ohm’s other shoulder and they prop him into a standing position. Ohm wobbles but then steadies out his balance and gives a deep sigh, “I feel a lot better.” Mara looks at him and smirks, “Well you don’t look too good.” “I could say the same of you, Mara.” Mara huffs and turns around, trying to flatten down the hair pieces that stick out, [[“Well let’s look for the Golden Gear now.”]]

**Chapter 8: The Letter** As Ohm eats some herbs and downs some liquid medicine that Mara orders him to take, he starts feeling better. Varrence doesn’t even pay attention to them, he is completely focused on W1-DG3T, who is injured. Mara tries to lift up Ohm, she glances at Varrence, “Can you help me?” Varrence doesn’t move. Mara groans and finally is able to get Ohm in a standing position. He steadies himself, “Thanks for nothing.” Ohm and Mara gradually move around the room, looking for the gear. Varrence remembers Serronius clutching her neck when Ohm threatened her. Varrence doesn’t deserve the Golden Gear. He doesn’t deserve it knowing that his creation is almost irreplaceable. But Mara and Ohm deserve it, Varrence thinks, they deserve it after all the mistreatment from Serronius. He picks up his head slowly. It feels so heavy. His heart feels heavy. Varrence licks his lips, “The Golden Gear is on Serronius. She clutched her neck.” All this time Varrence had thought that the Golden Gear would be huge and easy to find, but maybe it was a lot smaller than he thought. Varrence looks back at W1-DG3T in despair. [[He wants to cry but the tears don’t come out.]]

**Chapter 8: The Cyborg** As Ohm eats some herbs and downs some liquid medicine that Mara orders him to take, he starts feeling better. Varrence doesn’t even pay attention to them, he is completely focused on W1-DG3T, who is injured badly. Mara tries to lift up Ohm, she glances at Varrence, “Can you help me?” Varrence doesn’t move. Mara groans and finally is able to get Ohm in a standing position. He steadies himself, “Thanks for nothing.” Ohm and Mara gradually move around the room, looking for the gear. Varrence remembers Serronius clutching her neck when Ohm threatened her. Varrence doesn’t deserve the Golden Gear. He doesn’t deserve it knowing that his creation is almost irreplaceable. But Mara and Ohm deserve it, Varrence thinks, they deserve it after all the mistreatment from Serronius. He picks up his head slowly. It feels so heavy. His heart feels heavy. Varrence licks his lips, “The Golden Gear is on Serronius. She clutched her neck.” All this time Varrence thought that the Golden Gear would be huge and easy to find, but maybe it was a lot smaller than he thought. Varrence looks back at W1-DG3T in despair. He wants to cry but the tears don’t come out. Mara catches his attention, “It was on a necklace!” She and Ohm are by Serronius’ unmoving body. Mara lifts up a string and Varrence gets up, still holding onto W1-DG3T, making his way toward them. The cord holds a small gear, a little bit bigger than an eye, with a wide circular gap in the middle. Varrence sits down next to them on the floor, next to Serronius’ unconscious body. [[A shiver goes down his back when he sees her face.]]

Varrence remembers Serronius clutching her neck when Ohm threatened her and it gives him an idea. He walks back to W1-DG3T, gently carrying him as he shuffles towards her unconscious body and crouches down, his hand hovering over her neck. If Serronius wakes up Varrence will faint. He can *not* deal with her for a second time. He scrunches up his face as he feels around her neck and his hands come in contact with a necklace. He slips it off of her, making sure to place her head gently on the floor. Attached to the necklace hangs a small gold gear a little bigger than his eye, with a wide circular gap in the middle. Mara and Ohm gradually walk together, with Mara giving Ohm some balance. They sit down next to him and revel at the sight of it. Ohm sighs and says, “Of course.” He puts his hand in his coat pocket and pulls out Serronius’ journal. “There was an entry about an eye-sized gear after the entry about Mara, but Serronius never mentioned it was the Golden Gear. She probably didn’t want people to know any information about it.” Mara doesn’t even flinch when he pulls the journal. Her eyes are red and puffy from crying, but Varrence knows she’s come a long way from distrusting people. And Ohm too, in the beginning Varrence thought that Ohm would pull a scam and use the Golden Gear for himself, but here he is, sharing information with them and teaming up with them to get through this.(if: $redeye is 'redeye')[ Mara's medicine seems to work, because Varrence's vision comes back in his human eye.] [[He looks at W1-DG3T again and closes his eyes.]]

Ohm flips towards the end of the journal, and Mara and Varrence hold their breath, waiting. Ohm shakes his head and his eyes move left and right across the pages. He slams the book shut, “We have a new problem.” Mara leans forward and Varrence frowns. Ohm clears his throat, “The gear only grants one wish.” All three of them squirm but Ohm continues, “One of us looks through it and we can see what we desire. I think there’s an incantation, but it’s not written down.” Varrence looks at the tiny Golden Gear in her hands and looks back up. Ohm glances at them both and grimaces. Mara is staring off in the distance, having an internal battle with herself. They seem to struggle with what to say next. Varrence stares at W1-DG3T and then looks at the gear. It sucks that so many people got hurt, they traveled across districts, and now they have to choose. Varrence speaks up first, [[“So who gets it?”]]

They all exchange looks and Varrence confirms his answer. Just as he’s about to speak Mara says, “I think Varrence should have the Golden Gear.” Ohm nods, “I agree.” Varrence blinks, “What?! No way.” He can’t believe Mara would give up the ability to return to normal and be cursed for life, and Ohm is willing to sacrifice his desire to get his magic back. Varrence looks at W1-DG3T, who stirs a little, and shakes his head at them, [[“Ohm should have the Golden Gear.”]] [[“Mara should have the Golden Gear.”]]

Ohm looks him up and down, “And what drove you to *this* conclusion?” “You’ve been trying to get you magic back for so long. I understand that you can feel out of place in a world that outcasts you. As a cyborg, I face it all the time. Not to mention the fact you took a hit from Serronius. You have survived by being a con artist to make your way back. Plus, you knew about the Golden Gear in the first place, so you should have the honors of using it.” Ohm blinks, “*Oh,* I see.” Mara nods in agreement, placing the Golden Gear in his hands, “You’ve mostly led the group and got us out of tough situations. Besides, I think I do pretty well with the magic I have. It’s kind of growing on me. I’m sure there’s a way for me to be a healer and magical at the same time. Don’t worry about us.” “Who said I was worried?” Mara looks like she is about to say something but she closes her mouth when she sees Ohm’s monocle fog up and his eyes water. He blinks the tears away quickly and says pointedly, “You’ll only hear this once, so listen close.” They both lean in, “Thank you for helping me. Thank you for coming on this journey. I could not have done it without you all.” Varrence raises an eyebrow, “Is that...*praise?”* “I said I would only say it once.” Ohm’s face gives him away, and Varrence knows that he is the one who has earned the Golden Gear. Ohm tosses the Golden Gear back and forth in his hands before lifting it up to his eye. He raises his eyebrows, “Fascinating.” Mara tilts her head, [[“Well? Does it work?”]]

She leans away, “Me?” Varrence nods, “Reading that journal, Mara, I can’t believe how strong you are in the midst of all of this. You're a cool healer, and I know that’s what you want to be. Why would I deny you of this? W1-DG3T doesn’t have to be perfect, I know this now. All I really want is W1-DG3T to be W1-DG3T, no matter what that brings.” Ohm steps in, “He’s right, Mara.” Ohm closes her hands and they close around the Golden Gear, “Without magic, I am able to get this far. I do not have to position myself in jobs and cons anymore, because I’m so much more than magic. I’ve always looked out for me. But you guys have shown me that looking after everyone is just as important too.” Mara’s eyes get watery and Ohm groans, “Do not get sentimental on me! Go use the Golden Gear. We will be fine.” Varrence reassures her, knowing that he will fix W1-DG3T's injury. Like Ohm said, he’s so much more than a cyborg. And he will let everyone know his labels don’t define him. Varrence smiles and nods with Ohm. Mara stands up, and looks through the hole in the gear, “Oh gears! I see everything.” Ohm raises his eyebrows in curiosity, “What do you see?” “I’m at home, working with patients. The magic slowly unfurls around me, and then vanishes.” She gets choked up, “I am free.” Mara squints, “There’s a spell written in the air.” “That must be the incantation.” Ohm observes, “Once you say it, your wish will be granted.” She pulls away from the Golden Gear and looks at them, “Thank you guys,” Varrence gives a soft smile, “Anytime.” Ohm adjusts his mustache, “We do not have all day to wait around for Serronius to wake up.” Mara nods, “Right! Of course!” She looks through the Golden Gear again, takes a deep breath, and says the incantation in a language that Varrence doesn’t understand. She blinks and looks at them, “I don’t *feel* differ—” Then, the Golden Gear starts glowing brightly and lights shoot out of it and wrap around Mara. Varrence and Ohm almost reach for her in alarm, but she starts giggling. “Mara?” Varrence says. [[“It tickles!”]]

Ohm shakes his head, a smile on his lips. Both of them cover their eyes as the lights wrap around Mara completely. In an instant, the strands of lights explode into golden sparkles that float softly to the ground around the entire room. Mara gasps and opens her eyes, “I don’t feel the energy anymore!” Ohm tells her to test it out a few times, just to make sure. Varrence stands back as she points her palms to the walls, with nothing coming out. He can’t help but smile—Mara deserves this. He’s at least glad for that. Ohm and Mara bring what they think would be good tools for a tinker, but Varrence laughs as he informs them that those are not the right tools. They walk back through the way they came, the three of them digging through the lab for anything useful, and Ohm disabling the displays one by one to get the cool objects. They finally reach the first room with the bear. The bear is awake and looking at them intensely. Varrence sucks in a deep breath, he will make this right. Varrence puts his tools, materials, and W1-DG3T down, and then raises his hands in the air, “We aren’t here to hurt you, Mr. Beast.” “Seriously? That name needs to go.” Ohm groans, stuffing another magical eyeball in his bag. Mara gives Ohm a look and grabs his arm, dragging him towards the back entrance they came from. “Take your time, we’ll wait.” Ohm calls out as the door closes, “Unless Serronius wakes up, then it’s every person for themselves.” “Ohm!” [[“My gears, Mara, I’m kidding.”]]

The bear sniffs around him and stays back a few feet. (if: $bear is 'bear')[He feels really bad for knocking the bear out, "I'm sorry that we hurt you, but I want to make this right. I know your arms must hurt, and I would like to help you."]Varrence fiddles with the wires that connect his fingers, “We...We defeated Serronius.” The bear perks up and starts roaring in happiness. Varrence panics and goes up to the bear, a finger against Varrence’s lips, “Roar later. Fix arms now.” (if: $bear is 'bear')[He feels better that the bear has forgiven him.] Mr. Beast nods and finally lets Varrence get to work. Varrence grabs his tools, “Before we start, do you want to keep the weapons?” Mr. Beast nods, and from years of understanding W1-DG3T’s beeps, Varrence understands the bear does in fact, wish to have a flamethrower arm and a drill arm. Interesting choice, but Varrence gets to work nonetheless, trying to make the arms easier to work with and more comfortable on Mr. Beast. After about thirty minutes, Varrence is finished. Mr. Beast looks teary-eyed and Varrence beams, “Are those good tears or bad tears? I think they're good tears but—” Mr. Beast pulls Varrence in close and nudges his head against Varrence’s. Varrence hugs the bear’s torso, his hands not even coming close to wrapping around the bear, though. He’s really grateful the bear didn’t try and hug him back with his weapon arms. “I live in Gadgeton, but you can also find Ohm in Arcanis and Mara in Malvania if you need. Malvania is a lot nicer for animals, but since you are technically a machine too, I’m sure Gadgeton would be okay too.” Varrence instructs the bear how to get to his house (er, shack) and tells him [[he can crash there any time.]]

After gathering his things and waving goodbye to Mr.Beast, Varrence starts walking towards the back entrance and tests out how well W1-DG3T can move. Mara and Ohm are talking a few feet away. He sets all the tools and materials he took from the mansion down and uses some of them to reprogram W1-DG3T. W1-DG3T’s eye glows bright blue and he springs to life, beeping like crazy. He rams into Varrence and Varrence laughs (or cries, he isn’t really sure), “I missed you too buddy. And yes, we did win.” Mara and Ohm turn around from the commotion and see W1-DG3T whirling around. They both beam at him and walk up to Varrence, “You fixed him!” They say. Varrence blushes, “I mean, W1-DG3T kind of overreacts, it was just a few scratches that made him a little wonky.” Mara points to his tools and materials, “You look like you could use some help.” Varrence looks up at Mara, “That would be great actually, if you could shove some of the stuff I got in your satchel.” Mara quickly takes a big chunk of stuff and places them in her bag with care. She looks down at the Golden Gear around her neck and looks back at W1-DG3T, “Varrence, I—” Varrence shakes his head and gives her a smile, “You don’t need to feel regret. What I said about you was true. I’m going to go back to Gadgeton to show people what I’m capable of. I don’t need a magical gear to tell me that.” Mara nods, “I know, I just—.” Varrence takes a deep breath and stands up, giving Mara an embrace, “Everything will be okay, I promise.” Ohm pats them both on the back, which is the most affection he has ever shown, and says, [[“Let’s go home.”]]

Ohm and Mara start walking towards the Boundary's mucky river and Varrence looks around them, picking up W1-DG3T. “This is a new start, W1-DG3T. Do you think we’ll make it?” W1-DG3T spins around and beeps gleefully, making Varrence laugh. Maybe cyborgs *do* have [[happy endings.]]

**One Year Later** W1-DG3T looks out of the motor van’s window, the rain hitting the van softly. He beeps in concern. Varrence looks at the driver’s side, which is empty. A bunch of cords and gadgets keep it moving on its own. Varrence named the motor van, VOM-1T, in honor of his family. Varrence sits next to W1-DG3T while he works on another project, “I don’t think the rain will be too much of a problem. I kind of like it.” Malvania was the opposite of Gadgeton. Each three districts had their own unique quality. For instance, Gadgeton welcomed visitors by giving them sun burns and sand in their eyes. Yay. And also it never rained, unlike Malvania, which had farmland that stretched for miles, and cottages built with wood rather than Gadgeton’s infamous clay houses (unless of course you lived near the junkyard, then you lean into shack-house territory). Varrence feels giddy with excitement as they get closer and closer to one of the bigger towns in Malvania. He hopes Mara and Ohm are able to make it in time to see him showcase his work in front of hundreds of people. He has even heard rumors of some of the council members in the Centrum making the trip out here to see him. [[Varrence couldn’t believe the past year he’s had.]]

Ohm grins, “Yeah, I’m standing in Arcanis casting spells with other esteemed magical beings. It’s simply wonderful. This gear is fascinating. I wonder if I could examine the properties…” Varrence nudges him playfully, “Are you going to make your wish come true or?” Ohm clears his throat, “Yes, yes. I see the incantation written in the air.” He takes a deep breath and recites it in a language Varrence doesn’t recognize. At first, nothing happens, but then the Golden Gear shoots out gold lights in different directions, the lights wrapping around Ohm. Mara and Varrence both start to get up in alarm, but Ohm shakes his head, “It’s not a trap.” They sit back down and watch Ohm slowly become encased in golden light. It glows brighter and brighter and then the light strands burst into a million golden sparkles that rain down on the entire room. Ohm opens his eyes and takes a deep breath, “I feel it again.” He looks at them, almost smiling entirely, “I feel the magic again.” Mara tells Ohm to test it out and Ohm conjures up a flower. Mara claps, “It works!” Varrence stands back as Ohm conjures more miscellaneous items. He can’t help but smile—Ohm deserved this. He’s at least glad for that. Ohm and Mara bring what they think would be good tools for a tinker, but Varrence laughs as he informs them that those are not the right tools. They walk back through the way they came, the three of them digging through the lab for anything useful, and Ohm disabling the displays one by one to get the cool objects. They finally reach the first room with the bear. The bear is awake and looking at them intensely. Varrence sucks in a deep breath, he will make this right. Varrence puts his tools, materials, and W1-DG3T down, and then raises his hands in the air, “We aren’t here to hurt you, Mr. Beast.” “Seriously? That name needs to go.” Ohm groans, stuffing another magical eyeball in his bag. Mara gives Ohm a look and grabs his arm, dragging him towards the back entrance they came from. “Take your time, we’ll wait.” Ohm calls out as the door closes, “Unless Serronius wakes up, then it’s every person for themselves.” “Ohm!” “My gears, Mara, [[I’m kidding.”]]

After gathering his things and waving goodbye to Mr. Beast, Varrence starts walking towards the back entrance and tests out how well W1-DG3T can move. Mara and Ohm are talking a few feet away. He sets all the tools and materials he took from the mansion down and uses some of them to reprogram W1-DG3T. W1-DG3T’s eye glows bright blue and he springs to life, beeping like crazy. He rams into Varrence and Varrence laughs (or cries, he isn’t really sure), “I missed you too buddy. And yes, we did win.” Mara and Ohm turn around from the commotion and see W1-DG3T whirling around. They both beam at him and walk up to Varrence, “You fixed him!” They say. Varrence blushes, “I mean, W1-DG3T kind of overreacts, it was just a few scratches that made him a little wonky.” Ohm points to Varrence’s collection of Serronius’ things, “I think you took too many tools and materials from Serronius. Obviously, you did not think this through.” Varrence looks up at Ohm, “Yeah...I just got carried away.” Without asking, Ohm starts pick up a few materials and tools and shoves them in his bag to lessen Varrence's load. He looks down at the Golden Gear around his neck and looks back at W1-DG3T, “Varrence, I—” Varrence shakes his head and gives him a smile, standing up, “You don’t need to feel regret. What I said about you was true. I’m going to go back to Gadgeton to show people what I’m capable of. I don’t need a magical gear to tell me that.” Ohm nods, “Obviously. I just—.” Varrence takes a deep breath and stands up, giving Ohm an embrace, “Everything will be okay, I promise.” Ohm freezes up, “If I say I believe you, would you stop this sign of affection?” Varrence pulls away and they both burst out in laughter. Ohm isn’t *all* that bad, he just talks funny, really. Mara pats them both on the back and says, [[“Let’s go home.”]]

After Varrence arrived at Gadgeton, he found himself stuck when he received rejection after rejection from competition simply because he wasn’t ‘of status’ which really is code for ‘not fully human.’ So he cultivated a group of cyborgs, robots, and friendly humans who want to showcase their work someday. He didn’t know that his little club would grow by the hundreds, as tons of people wanted to see change too. He learned a lot from other tinkers more experienced than him. He even saw Bram walk by while he was teaching outside of his shack. Varrence pats W1-DG3T over the head, hoping that Bram eventually joined the club. Soon, with the coins he made from selling small projects, he bought a used motor van. It’s deemed one of the ugliest motor cars, but Varrence went to work once again, decorating it and replacing old parts with newer ones. As he got dove-messages from several different areas in Gadgeton, he started showcasing his work motor car-style. He gave the shack to Mr. Beast, who is now a mascot in Gadgeton, and started traveling in his motor van with his lifelong pal, W1-DG3T. It only went up from there. And now, finally, he has his first change at showcasing his work *outside* of [[Gadgeton.]]

The droplets of rain gradually stop as the motor van beeps and says in Varrence’s voice, “Oi! This is the place.” The whirring of the vehicle stops and Varrence types in a code on the side of the motor van. It clicks in place and the side of the van opens up. “W1-DG3T, hop down, you make it heavy.” Varrence instructs. He sets up two poles a few feet in front of the side opening and strings across a drape so his viewers can see his creations once he’s done setting it up. He grabs a floorboard *underneath* the main floorboard they were just sitting on, and pulls slightly, yanking a little when it locks in place. Varrence makes a mental note to fix that later. The second floorboard slides out and clicks into place. He reaches the underside of the second floorboard and grabs the two legs in, pulling them down and jamming them into the ground. He hangs up the few awards he’s won in Gadgeton on the inside of the other wall in the motor van and steps back to make sure they’re all even. A person peeks through the drape as Varrence is placing each project and creation in specific places. Panicking, he jumps in front of the floorboard showcase, spreading his arm out as if that would hide the many, many displays he has. Varrence laughs and puts his hands down. It's just Ohm. He almost doesn’t recognize him if it wasn’t for the mustache and the monocle. Ohm’s hair grew a couple inches from the last time he saw him, and Ohm has it tied in a single ponytail. Varrence places a hand on his metal chest, “Oi! My gears, Ohm, you scared me so bad [[I almost shut down.”]]

Ohm adjusts his monocle, peering at Varrence’s showcase, he nods, “I see why people would pay money to see this.” Mara pops her head in suddenly, “Ohm! You left me! I fought hard for the second-row seats all by myself.” Her light blonde hair is cut short, but long enough to be put in a low bun. She blows her bangs out of her face. “Oh Varrence! This is so lovely.” W1-DG3T beeps at them happily and his blue eye glows brighter. Varrence beams, “You both were able to make it!” Ohm tilts his head, “I dove-messaged you that I would come. I am a man of my world, am I not?” Mara puts her hands on her hips, “Well of course, we wouldn’t miss your big international premiere!” Varrence chuckles, “You guys saw that the front-row is sectioned off for council members, specific tinkerers, and you two?” Mara and Ohm look at each other, “Nope.” Varrence shakes his head and smiles, “Well I’m almost done, so find your seats and get ready.” Ohm nods, “Fascinating showcase you have here, Varrence. I will review the showcase and promptly give you my feedback via dove-message.” Mara rolls her eyes, grabbing Ohm’s arm, “I’m proud of you Varrence, can’t wait for everyone else to see the talent we’ve always seen.” Varrence’s heart swells as they leave to go to their seats, and he looks back at his showcase, [[“Oh gears, this is all misplaced!”]]

W1-DG3T beeps a few pointers to Varrence on where some pieces should go. Varrence steps back and pulls out pieces of paper the size of his hand. On them are written pieces of information for the showcase. He’s read it a thousand times, but one more look can’t hurt. W1-DG3T beeps and tries to grab the cards with his claw hands, but he’s too short. Varrence laughs, “I know, I know. I do know these by heart, just a little nervous, I think.” He puffs up his chest and glances at W1-DG3T, giving him the signal to unveil the curtain. W1-DG3T rams into Varrence happily and Varrence pats him on the head before W1-DG3T slips through the curtains. A couple of yelps happen from the audience, but soon it turns to clapping. He feels like he just drank one of Mara’s energy drinks, or when he gifted Ohm a new mustache. Varrence breathes in and out slowly, and puts the pieces of paper in his apron. The curtain starts moving from the right, and the audience starts clapping and yelling even louder. When W1-DG3T finishes pulling the curtain back fully, Varrence bows. He stands up straight and stares into the crowd. Mara gives him a thumbs up while Ohm intensely gazes at the showcase, a pencil and blank pieces of paper in hand. He scans the room, and [[the audience starts to die down.]]

Varrence didn’t have to change himself to fit in, he’s slowly changing the world to fit *him*, one showcase at a time. When he clears his throat and steps forward, the audience trains their eyes on him and silently waits. W1-DG3T rolls to his side—where he’s always been—and Varrence opens his mouth, his red eye glowing a little brighter. [[“Hi I’m Varrence. I’m a cyborg and a tinker.”->The End!]]

Ohm flips towards the end of the journal, and Mara and Varrence hold their breaths, waiting. Ohm shakes his head and his eyes move left and right across the pages. He slams the book shut, “We have a new problem.” Mara leans forward and Varrence frowns. Ohm clears his throat, “The gear only grants one wish.” All three of them squirm but Ohm continues, “One of us looks through it and we can see what we desire. I think there’s an incantation, but it’s not written down.” Varrence looks at the tiny Golden Gear in her hands and looks back up. Ohm glances at them both and grimaces. Mara is staring off in the distance, having an internal battle with herself. They seem to struggle with what to say next. Varrence stares at W1-DG3T and then looks at the gear. It sucks that so many people got hurt, they traveled across districts, and now they have to choose. [[Varrence speaks up first, “So who gets it?”]]

They all exchange looks and Varrence confirms his answer. Just as he’s about to speak Mara says, “I think Varrence should have the Golden Gear.” Ohm nods, “I agree.” Varrence blinks, “What?! No way.” He can’t believe Mara would give up the ability to return to normal and be cursed for life, and Ohm is willing to sacrifice his desire to get his magic back. Varrence looks at W1-DG3T, who stirs a little, and shakes his head at them, [[“Ohm you should have the Golden Gear.”]] [[“Mara you should have the Golden Gear.”]]

Ohm looks him up and down, “And what drove you to *this* conclusion?” “You’ve been trying to get you magic back for so long. I understand that you can feel out of place in a world that outcasts you. As a cyborg, I face it all the time. Not to mention the fact you took a hit from Serronius. You have survived by being a con artist to make your way back. Plus, you knew about the Golden Gear in the first place, so you should have the honors of using it.” Ohm blinks, “*Oh,* I see.” Mara nods in agreement, placing the Golden Gear in his hands, “You’ve mostly led the group and got us out of tough situations. Besides, I think I do pretty well with the magic I have. It’s kind of growing on me. I’m sure there’s a way for me to be a healer *and* magical at the same time. Don’t worry about us.” “Who said I was worried?” Mara looks like she is about to say something but she closes her mouth when she sees Ohm’s monocle fog up and his eyes water. He blinks the tears away quickly and says pointedly, “You’ll only hear this once, so listen close.” They both lean in, “Thank you for helping me. Thank you for coming on this journey. I could not have done it without you all.” Varrence raises an eyebrow, “Is that...*praise?”* “I *said* I would only say it once.” Ohm’s face gives him away, and Varrence knows that he is the one who has earned the Golden Gear. Ohm tosses the Golden Gear back and forth in his hands before lifting it up to his eye. He raises his eyebrows, “Fascinating.” Mara tilts her head, “Well? Does it work?” Ohm grins, “Yeah, I’m standing in Arcanis casting spells with other esteemed magical beings. It’s simply wonderful. This gear is fascinating. I wonder if I could examine the properties…” Varrence nudges him playfully, “Are you going to make your wish come true or?” Ohm clears his throat, “Yes, yes. I see the incantation written in the air.” He takes a deep breath and recites it in a language Varrence doesn’t recognize. At first, nothing happens, but then the Golden Gear shoots out gold lights in different directions, [[the lights wrapping around Ohm.]]

She leans away, “Me?” Varrence nods, “Reading that journal, Mara, I can’t believe how strong you are in the midst of all of this. You are a cool healer, and I know that’s what you want to be. Why would I deny you of this? I can always make another robot.” Ohm steps in, “He’s right, Mara.” Ohm closes her hands and they close around the Golden Gear, “Without magic, I am able to get this far. I do not have to position myself in jobs and cons anymore, because I’m so much more than magic. I’ve always looked out for me. But you guys have shown me that looking after everyone is just as important too.” Mara’s eyes get watery and Ohm groans, “Do not get sentimental on me! Go use the Golden Gear. We will be fine.” Varrence reassures her, knowing that he will fix W1-DG3T. Like Ohm said, he’s so much more than a cyborg. And he will let everyone know his labels don’t define him. Varrence smiles and nods with Ohm. Mara stands up, and looks through the hole in the gear, “Oh gears! I see everything.” Ohm raises his eyebrows in curiosity, “What do you see?” “I’m at home, working with patients. The magic slowly unfurls around me, and then vanishes.” She gets choked up, “I am free.” Mara squints, “There’s a spell written in the air.” “That must be the incantation.” Ohm observes, “Once you say it, your wish will be granted.” She pulls away from the Golden Gear and looks at them, “Thank you guys,” Varrence gives a soft smile, “Anytime.” Ohm adjusts his mustache, “We do not have all day to wait around for Serronius to wake up.” Mara nods, “Right! Of course!” She looks through the Golden Gear again, takes a deep breath, and says the incantation in a language that Varrence doesn’t understand. She blinks and looks at them, “I don’t feel differ—” Then, the Golden Gear starts glowing brightly and lights shoot out of it and wrap around Mara. Varrence and Ohm almost reach for her in alarm, but she starts giggling. “Mara?” Varrence says. “It [[tickles!”]]

Ohm shakes his head, a smile on his lips. Both of them cover their eyes as the lights wrap around Mara completely. In an instant, they explode into golden sparkles that float softly to the ground around the entire room. Mara gasps and opens her eyes, “I don’t feel the energy anymore!” Ohm tells her to test it out a few times, just to make sure. Varrence stands back as she points her palms to the walls, with nothing coming out. He can’t help but smile—Mara deserves this. He’s at least glad for that. But, he can’t help but glance down at W1-DG3T. It would have been so much easier to use the Golden Gear on his best friend. Varrence shakes his head, if he made it this far, he can fix W1-DG3T. Ohm and Mara bring what they think would be good tools for a tinker, but Varrence laughs as he informs them that those are not the right tools. They walk back through the way they came, the three of them digging through the lab for anything useful, and Ohm disabling the displays one by one to get the cool objects. They finally reach the first room with the bear. And Varrence looks at the bear and glances away. Mara and Ohm look at each other in concern but brush it off when Varrence starts walking towards the back entrance and tests out how well W1-DG3T can move. He sets all the tools and materials he took from the mansion and uses some of them to reprogram W1-DG3T. W1-DG3T beeps softly, his blue eye repeatedly glowing and dimming in [[color.]]

“You look like you could use some help.” Varrence looks up at Mara as he works on W1-DG3T, “That would be great actually, if you could shove some of the stuff I got in your satchel.” Mara quickly takes a big chunk of stuff and places them in her bag with care. She looks down at the Golden Gear around her neck and looks back at W1-DG3T, “Varrence, I—” Varrence shakes his head and gives her a smile, “You don’t need to feel regret. What I said about you was true. I’m going to go back to Gadgeton to show people what I’m capable of. I don’t need a magical gear to tell me that.”(if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[He looks at his body. Maybe he doesn't need to be human to succeed. Just maybe...he can be himself?] Mara nods, “I know, I just—.” Varrence takes a deep breath and stands up, giving Mara an embrace, “Everything will be okay, I promise.” Ohm pats them both on the back, the most affection he has ever shown, [[and says, “Let’s go home.”]]

Ohm and Mara start walking towards the Boundary's mucky river and Varrence looks around them, picking up W1-DG3T. “This is a new start, W1-DG3T. Do you think we’ll make it?” W1-DG3T gives a soft incoherent beep. [[Varrence doesn’t know the answer.]]

**Five Months Later** “A cyborg can’t compete! A robot can’t win! Living like that, is living with sin!” The Red Tunic guy chants on Pudgie’s ratty old TV screen. Varrence shuts it off. The way some people think that just being who he is, is wrong? That’s the real problem. Varrence never did anything to humans, except for Serronius, but...she kind of deserved it. “Are ya still listenin’ to that load of junk? Come help me, boy.” A voice calls out from another room. Varrence glances at the metal table in the back against the wall, where W1-DG3T is resting. He’s only been working on W1-DG3T for the past five months, and this time, W1-DG3T is responding to him verbally, but still has a hard time moving. Varrence has tried everything. He’s even listened to Mara and Ohm when they come and visit every couple of weeks. But he’s getting close, he can feel it in his bones (and mechanical wires). (if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[He got surgery (again) and decided to be a cyborg. But now he's out of money. Oops.] People (humans specifically, ugh) give him the same sly looks every single time, but Varrence concentrates on where he wants to go rather than where he should go. Every once in a while, Bram does show up at the shop and once again tries to make the same offer of looking human. Although it kind of sounds appealing, [[it also sounds like he’d be giving up a part of who he is.]]

Mara and Varrence both start to get up in alarm, but Ohm shakes his head, “It’s not a trap.” They sit back down and watch Ohm slowly become encased in golden light. It glows brighter and brighter and then the light strands burst into a million golden sparkles that rain down on the entire room. Ohm opens his eyes and takes a deep breath, “I feel it again.” He looks at them, almost smiling entirely, “I feel the magic again.” Mara tells Ohm to test it out and Ohm conjures up a flower. Mara claps, “It works!” Varrence stands back as Ohm conjures more miscellaneous items. He can’t help but smile—Ohm deserved this. He’s at least glad for that. But, he can’t help but glance down at W1-DG3T. It would be so much easier to just use the gear to save him. Varrence shakes his head, no, he can fix W1-DG3T, [[and he won’t stop trying until he does.]]

Ohm and Mara bring what they think would be good tools for a tinker, but Varrence laughs as he informs them that those are not the right tools. They walk back through the way they came, the three of them digging through the lab for anything useful, and Ohm disabling the displays one by one to get the cool objects. They finally reach the first room with the bear. And Varrence looks at the bear and glances away. Mara and Ohm look at each other in concern but brush it off when Varrence starts walking towards the back entrance and tests out how well W1-DG3T can move. He sets all the tools and materials he took from the mansion and uses some of them to reprogram W1-DG3T. W1-DG3T beeps softly, his blue eye repeatedly glowing and dimming in color. “I think you took too many things from Serronius. Obviously, you did not think this through.” Varrence looks up at Ohm as he works on W1-DG3T, “Yeah...I just got carried away.” Without asking, Ohm starts pick up a few materials and tools and shoves them in his bag, he looks down at the Golden Gear around his neck and looks back at W1-DG3T, “Varrence, I—” Varrence shakes his head and gives him a smile, “You don’t need to feel regret. What I said about you was true. I’m going to go back to Gadgeton to show people what I’m capable of. I don’t need a magical gear to tell me that.” (if: $cyborg is 'nocyborg')[He looks at his body. Maybe he doesn't need to be human to succeed. Just maybe...he can be himself?] Ohm nods, “Obviously. I just—.” Varrence takes a deep breath and stands up, giving Ohm an embrace, “Everything will be okay, I promise.” Ohm freezes up, “If I say I believe you, would you stop this sign of affection?” Varrence pulls away and they both burst out in laughter. Ohm isn’t *all* that bad, he just talks funny, really. [[Mara pats them both on the back and says, “Let’s go home.”]]

Ohm and Mara start walking towards the Boundary's mucky river and Varrence looks around them, picking up W1-DG3T. “This is a new start, W1-DG3T. Do you think we’ll make it?” W1-DG3T gives a soft incoherent beep. [[Varrence doesn’t know the answer.]]

“Boy!” The same voice calls out again. “Coming, Pudgie, I swear!” Varrence hops up from his seat and lifts up the flap that acts as a door and into the back of the register. The place is flooded with customers. “Oh gears.” A thick woman made entirely out of metal and materials appears in his line of vision. Her purple eyes glow as she flings back her hair (which really is just strings of pink and purple wires, but Varrence doesn’t correct her). Pudgie puts her hands on her hips, “Now ya see why I was callin’ for ya?” Varrence gives a weak smile, a little guilty that he was just watching the news and says, “I’ll do whatever you need me to do.” Pudgie nods, “Now that’s more like it. I need ya to cover the next two batches of those scraggly humans near the window, pronto.” Working at Pudgie’s sister’s bakery had some ups (doing cool projects in the back room) and downs (if he wants to live in the back room he has to work in the bakery). Varrence doesn’t understand why people were so *specific.* They ask for a chocolate croissant and he hands them a strawberry one, like, who cares? What’s the big deal? (Apparently, Pudgie’s sister found it to be a very big deal). The two humans are sitting at a small metal bistro table by the window, a mechanical sculpture that Pudgie made is blocking his view. He skirts around it and looks down, pulling his pencil and paper out, “So what’ll it be today?” “You did not even formally introduce yourself, Varrence, that’s considered quite rude.” A voice says and [[Varrence immediately recognizes it.]]

His head snaps up and he sees Ohm giving him his trademark smirk and adjusting his mustache (Varrence makes a mental note to see if Ohm replaces his mustache frequently). Mara smacks Ohm on the shoulder, “Don’t be bossy, he’s doing great. He’s new to this, Ohm.” “New? It’s been five months. I would have fired you.” Varrence chuckles and pats both of them on the back, “Nice to see you guys again, what are you doing here?” Mara and Ohm look at each other before Mara bites her lip, “Well we wanted to check in on you again!” Varrence tilts his head, “Check in?” Ohm groans, “Mara, I told you that it would be better if *I* delivered the reason why we are here. You make it sound like a healing appointment with a patient.” Mara huffs, “What? No I don’t.” She turns to Varrence, crossing her arms, “Wait, do I?” Varrence shakes his head, “No I don’t think you do, I think—” Ohm face palms his forehead, “Stop derailing, Mara. He needs a push.” Mara goes silent and puts her elbow on the table, resting her chin on her head. She blows a piece of hair out of her face and sighs. Varrence looks at them both, “What are you talking about? What push?” What possible push did Varrence need? He had a job (the bakery), a home (the bakery), and a side-job (the bakery’s *back room*). What could they possibly say? Varrence thought they were borderline parenting him sometimes, and he usually doesn’t mind it, [[until they start giving unwanted advice.]]

Ohm interlocks his hands and places them on the table, “It’s been five months. And I—” Mara clears her throat and Ohm rolls his eyes, “I mean, *Mara* and I think you are stagnant.” Varrence’s eyes widen, “Huh? *Stagnant?”* “Yes, Varrence, in which we believe you are not growing—” “I know what stagnant means, Ohm.” “Oh, so maybe you *are* growing.” They glare at each other. Mara cuts in. “Varrence, what he’s trying to say is that you wanted to compete and do contests and stuff. But you never leave the bakery, except to run errands *for the bakery.* I thought you wanted to be a tinker?” Varrence rubs the back of his neck, “It’s not as easy as that. I’ve *tried* and have been turned down a million times. Pudgie lets me work on her patients that need to look fully human. I don’t like it, but I have a roof and a place to fix W1-DG3T.” Mara looks towards the back room, “How—how is W1-DG3T doing?” Varrence catches them up on the progress he’s made so far. He knows W1-DG3T will be back to normal soon, but it’s the recovery process that will take the longest time. After an hour or two of Varrence showing them the changes on the bakery and the back room, he hugs Mara and Ohm goodbye. This costs him an extra shift tomorrow, but it's worth it to hang with his family. Ohm starts gathering his things and Mara hangs back, “Remember: You are what you think.” Varrence gives a small smile, Mara was so corny sometimes, “Mara, *I know,* [[you’ve told me a million times.”]]

He watches them go, shielding his hand from the sun setting, wishing W1-DG3T was awake and healthy enough to see them. Varrence thinks about what Mara and Ohm said. Yeah, maybe he couldn’t accomplish his dream that he wanted, but for now, this was enough. It has to be. Varrence speaks to no one in particular, but likes to think that the sun is listening, [[“Is this all there is for me?”->The End!]]

Mara catches his attention, “It was on a necklace!” She and Ohm are by Serronius’ unmoving body. Mara lifts up a string and Varrence gets up and—still holding onto W1-DG3T—makes his way toward them. The cord holds a small gear, a little bit bigger than an eye, with a wide circular gap in the middle. Varrence sits down next to them on the floor, next to Serronius’ unconscious body. A shiver goes down his back when he sees her face.(if: $redeye is 'redeye')[ Mara's medicine seems to work, because Varrence's vision comes back in his human eye.] Ohm sighs and says, “Of course.” He puts his hand in his coat pocket and pulls out Serronius’ journal. “There was an entry about an eye-sized gear after the entry about Mara, but Serronius never mentioned it was the Golden Gear. She probably didn’t want people to know any information about it.” Mara flinches a little when he pulls it out. Her eyes are red and puffy from crying and Varrence feels like he could have helped them more during the fight. He looks at W1-DG3T again and closes his eyes. He sees a lot clearer now. Ohm flips towards the end of the journal, and Mara and Varrence hold their breath, waiting. Ohm shakes his head and his eyes move left and right across the pages. [[He slams the book shut, “We have a new problem.”]]

Mara leans forward and Varrence frowns. Ohm clears his throat, “The gear only grants one wish.” All three of them squirm but Ohm continues, “One of us looks through it and we can see what we desire. I think there’s an incantation, but it’s not written down.” Mara looks at the tiny Golden Gear in her hands and looks back up. Ohm glances at them both and grimaces. They seem to struggle with what to say next. Varrence stares at W1-DG3T and then looks at the gear. It sucks that so many people got hurt, they traveled across districts, and now they have to choose. Varrence makes up his mind, he won’t take it. He ruined everything for them, W1-DG3T is almost irreparable and Ohm was badly hurt. He knows that he can never live up to greatness, not unless he is human. Varrence speaks at the same time Ohm does, “I don’t deserve it.” Varrence says. “I think Varrence needs the gear the most.” Ohm says, glancing at W1-DG3T. Mara nods and holds out the Golden Gear to Varrence, “I agree with Ohm, you can have it.” But Varrence shakes his head, his voice cracking, “No—no, I can’t take it. I don’t deserve it.” How can Mara offer him the Golden Gear, knowing that she’d be cursed for eternity with magic she doesn’t want? And Ohm...he wants his magic back the Serronius stole. Why would they give up their wishes for a cyborg? Varrence looks at both of them. [[“Mara, you need the Golden Gear.”]] [[“Ohm, you need the Golden Gear.”]]

She leans away, “Me?” Varrence nods, “Reading that journal, Mara, I can’t believe how strong you are in the midst of all of this. You are a cool healer, and I know that’s what you want to be. Why would I deny you of this? I can always make another robot.” Ohm steps in, “He’s right, Mara.” Ohm closes her hands and they close around the Golden Gear, “Without magic, I am able to get this far. I do not have to position myself in jobs and cons anymore, because I’m so much more than magic. I’ve always looked out for me. But you guys have shown me that looking after everyone is just as important too.” Mara’s eyes get watery and Ohm groans, “Do not get sentimental on me! Go use the Golden Gear. We will be fine.” But Varrence doesn’t feel fine. He has a bad feeling that W1-DG3T will take a long time to fix. He doesn’t deserve the Golden Gear. A cyborg doesn’t deserve happy endings, and Varrence knows this now. But Varrence plasters a smile on his face anyways and nods with Ohm. Mara stands up and looks through the hole in the gear, “Oh gears! I see everything.” Ohm raises his eyebrows in curiosity, “What do you see?” “I’m at home, working with patients. The magic slowly unfurls around me, and then vanishes.” She gets choked up, “I am free.” Mara squints, “There’s a spell written in the air.” “That must be the incantation.” Ohm observes, “Once you say it, your wish will be granted.” She pulls away from the Golden Gear and looks at them, “Thank you guys,” Varrence gives a weak smile, “I don’t deserve your thanks.” Mara frowns, “You do in my book.” Ohm adjusts his mustache, [[“We do not have all day to wait around for Serronius to wake up.”]]

Ohm looks him up and down, “And what drove you to *this* conclusion?” “You’ve been trying to get you magic back for so long. I understand that you can feel out of place in a world that outcasts you. As a cyborg, I face it all the time. Not to mention the fact you took a hit from Serronius. You have survived by being a con artist to make your way back. You knew about the Golden Gear in the first place, so you should have the honors of using it.” Ohm blinks, “*Oh,* I see.” Mara nods in agreement, placing the Golden Gear in his hands, “You’ve mostly led the group and got us out of tough situations. Besides, I think I do pretty well with the magic I have. It’s kind of growing on me. I’m sure there’s a way for me to be a healer and magical at the same time. Don’t worry about us.” “Who said I was worried?” Mara looks like she is about to say something but she closes her mouth when she sees Ohm’s monocle fog up and his eyes water. He blinks the tears away quickly and says pointedly, “You’ll only hear this once, so listen close.” They both lean in, “Thank you for helping me. Thank you for coming on this journey. I could not have done it without you all.” Varrence raises an eyebrow, “Is that...*praise?”* “I said I would only say it once.” Ohm’s face gives him away, and Varrence knows that he is the one who has earned the Golden Gear. Ohm tosses the Golden Gear back and forth in his hands before lifting it up to his eye. He raises his eyebrows, “Fascinating.” [[Mara tilts her head, “Well? Does it work?”]]

Mara nods, “Right! Of course!” She looks through the Golden Gear again, takes a deep breath, and says the incantation in a language that Varrence doesn’t understand. She blinks and looks at them, “I don’t *feel* differ—” Then, the Golden Gear starts glowing brightly and lights shoot out of it and wrap around Mara. Varrence and Ohm almost reach for her in alarm, but she starts giggling. “Mara?” Varrence says. “It tickles!” Ohm shakes his head, a smile on his lips. Both of them cover their eyes as the lights wrap around Mara completely. In an instant, the light strands explode into golden sparkles that float softly to the ground around the entire room. Mara gasps and opens her eyes, “I don’t feel the energy anymore!” Ohm tells her to test it out a few times, just to make sure. Varrence stands back as she points her palms to the walls, with nothing coming out. Even though Varrence’s insides feel twisted, he can’t help but smile. Mara deserves this. He’s at least glad for that. But he can’t help but glance down at W1-DG3T. [[Everything left for him is broken.]]

Mara and Ohm start walking back through the way they came, Mara and Ohm yelling that they are going to go back to the lab real quick. Varrence shakes his head and motions for them to go without him. He wants to explore Serronius’ lair. He sets W1-DG3T down and picks up papers that were scattered on the floor after the battle. There are blueprints of inventions and different creations Serronius either made or planned on making. He stashes a few in his apron. In the far back corner he finds journals filled with drawings of ideas Serronius had. He shoves those in his apron too, almost making it look like he has a belly that pops out. His eyes scan the room quickly and anything that Serronius wrote down he takes. He keeps taking and taking and taking that he doesn’t even notice Ohm and Mara calling his name. Varrence snaps out of it when his apron pocket is close to bursting. He finds W1-DG3T where Varrence left him, and runs out of the room, feeling a little more light-hearted. They all gather together and walk back through the way they came, with Mara and Ohm digging through the lab for anything useful again, and Ohm disabling the displays one by one to get the cool objects. They finally reach the first room with the bear. And Varrence looks at the bear and glances away. Mara and Ohm look at each other in concern but brush it off when [[Varrence starts walking towards the back entrance.]]

“Why didn’t you take any tools, Varrence? I think they would help you.” Varrence smiles and shakes his head, pointing to Serronius’ papers and journals in his pocket with his free hand. “Mara, I found something much better: Serronius’ ideas. She looks down at the Golden Gear around her neck and looks back at Varrence, “Varrence, but your ideas are so much bet—” Varrence shakes his head and gives her a sad smile, “What I said about you was true. I’m going to go back to Gadgeton and be human. Someone I know has a spot for me back home in Gadgeton.” He signals to his apron pocket, “and with these, I can become the best.” Mara goes silent, an itching worry about Varrence tugging at her. Ohm comes up to them and pats them both on the back, [[the most affection he has ever shown, and says, “Let’s go home.”]]

Ohm and Mara start walking towards the Boundary’s mucky river and Varrence looks around the Boundary. “Is this all I am, W1-DG3T? Am I just a cyborg trying to reach for the impossible?” But, W1-DG3T doesn’t respond. [[And Varrence doesn’t know the answer.]]

**One Month Later** Varrence yawns and blinks a couple of times to gage his surroundings. Orange hair clouds his vision, and it takes him a minute to recognize that it’s Bram. Bram ruffles Varrence’s dreads and laughs, “You passed out.” “I...passed out?” Varrence sits up and looks around. He’s sitting on a bright orange couch. He must be at Bram’s place. “I think you work too hard.” “I don’t think you work *enough.”* Varrence shoots back at him. “Hey! Be thankful that I checked on you and found you cradling some tools and research papers outside your little shack.” “Checked? What are you, my servant?” Bram rolls his eyes, “Anyways—” “Oh gears!” Varrence stands up too fast and starts seeing gears float around him. He shakes his head and they disappear. “I forgot the presentation for my research is at noon.” [[“Presentation? That sounds boring.”]]

Mara and Ohm start walking back through the way they came, with Mara and Ohm yelling that they are going to go back to the lab real quick. Varrence shakes his head and motions for them to go without him. He wants to explore Serronius’ lair. He sets W1-DG3T down and picks up papers that were scattered on the floor after the battle. There are blueprints of inventions and different creations Serronius either made or planned on making. He stashes a few in his apron. In the far back corner he finds journals filled with drawings of ideas Serronius had. He shoves those in his apron too, almost making it look like he has a belly that pops out. His eyes scan the room quickly and anything that Serronius wrote down he takes. He keeps taking and taking and taking that he doesn’t even notice Ohm and Mara calling his name. Varrence snaps out of it when his apron pocket is close to bursting. He finds W1-DG3T where he left him, and runs out of the room, feeling a little more light-hearted. They all gather together and walk back through the way they came, with Mara and Ohm digging through the lab for anything useful again, and Ohm disabling the displays one by one to get the cool objects. They finally reach the first room with the bear. And Varrence looks at the bear and glances away. Mara and Ohm look at each other in concern but brush it off when Varrence starts walking towards the [[back entrance.]]

“You should have taken the tools. They will only help you succeed in your venture.” Varrence smiles and shakes his head, pointing to Serronius’ papers and journals in his pocket with his free hand. “Ohm, I found something much better: Serronius’ ideas. Ohm clutches the Golden Gear around his neck and looks back at Varrence, “Varrence, I—” Varrence shakes his head and gives him a sad smile, “You don’t need to feel regret. What I said about you was true. I’m going to go back to Gadgeton and be human. Someone I know has a spot for me back home in Gadgeton.” Ohm nods, “Is that the path you wish to take?.” Varrence takes a deep breath looking at W1-DG3T in his arms, “It is.” Ohm pats him and Mara on the back, the most affection he has ever shown, and says, [[“Then, let’s go home.”]]

Ohm and Mara start walking towards the Boundary's mucky river and Varrence looks around them. “Is this all I am, W1-DG3T? Am I just a cyborg trying to reach for the impossible?” But, W1-DG3T doesn’t respond. [[And Varrence doesn’t know the answer.]]

It’s only been a month since Varrence arrived home, but he has quickly risen up the ranks thanks to Serronius’ research and Bram. (if: $cyborg is 'yescyborg')[Even though he’s still a cyborg, the surgery made him look like a human now. Once Varrence came back to Gadgeton, Bram said humans are the way to get to the top.] “It’s not boring. It’s on the issue of regulating poorer areas in Gadgeton.” “So...regulating robots and cyborgs?” “No!” “Ok, Red-Eye.” Varrence huffs, “Ok, Orangehead.” “Ouch, you know that hurts.” Bram says in a playful tone. Varrence smiles, “My bad.” Bram pats Varrence on the back, “Stop babbling and get going, it’s almost noon.” Varrence’s eyes widen and he scrambles to get the papers Bram set on the couch next to him. He starts running out the door, [[“Oi! I’m not babbling!”]]

Bram jogs after him, “Wait! I forgot.” Varrence pauses, “What is so important that—” Bram pulls out a dove-message from his pocket. Scribbled on the rolled up paper are the names *Mara and Ohm.* Varrence shuts his mouth and slowly takes the dove-message in his hands with his research papers. Bram tilts his head, “Oh! Those are the people you left me for a month ago. Is this their first message?” Varrence nods silently, examining the handwriting. Was it Ohm’s? Was it Mara’s? He couldn’t tell anymore. They were together? Without him? Varrence shrugs it off, well, he has been busy, so it’s not like he has time for them anyways. He’s sure they understand. “I’ll read it on my way to the tinker convention in the Clockwork Stadium.” Varrence walks through the door as Bram calls out to bring him food from the convention. Varrence stuffs his research papers in his apron pouch and unrolls the message. [[It reads:]]

*From Mara and Ohm, We hope this reaches you well!* Just from the first line, Varrence knows Mara wrote this. Her handwriting was surprisingly messy, but isn’t that the trademark for healers? He keeps reading as he swiftly maneuvers around people in Gadgeton. *You should visit me in Malvania...or Ohm in Arcanis, but I think Malvania is prettier. Maybe that’s just me. Ok, Ohm says that’s just me, but I think he’s wrong. Well, all is well over here for the most part. I’m working my way up as a healer! Ohm says he’s working on ‘top secret stuff’ but at least he’s not conning people, so I don’t push it. What are you creating this time?* Varrence stops running. He hasn’t touched a tool or anything in ages, except for research purposes, but never to create. In fact, he hasn’t created anything in the month he’s been in Gadgeton. [[What would he tell Mara and Ohm?]]

*We both hope you are doing well, and if you don’t write us back Ohm says he will come after you and see what’s better than seeing us. So, I would come visit because I’m not going to stop him. There’s so many questions and stuff we need to catch up on. Did you know I have a girlfriend now? She’s really pretty, even Ohm agrees. He’s rolling his eyes right now, but I swear I’ve seen him drool when she walks in the room. She’s also a healer, a little new to the profession, but she’s intelligent. Well! Enough about me, tell me how's it going over there? Ohm also wants to know.* Someone bumps into him and he panics, did they notice that he’s a cyborg in disguise? But the person passes without a second-thought, so Varrence looks for the place he left on, and realizes the letter is almost over. His eyes skim the last sentence and his red eye flickers. His heart pounds in his chest and he rips up the letter. He can pretend he didn’t read it, that it never reached him, or even that Bram destroyed it on accident. Varrence can’t stomach telling them himself. He had to leave everything in his past behind. Bram said it was for the best, that he needed to refresh and let new ideas to rise up to be successful. Varrence feels a lump in his throat, he just had to. It was the only way to leave everything behind that made him feel like a cyborg. Even Serronius’ journals wrote: “Move on to something better. There's always better.” Varrence collects himself, taking a deep breath and straightening his clothing. He pulls the research papers out of his apron and looks up, trying to not glance at [[the dove-message pieces on the red sand.]]

He always seems to never have the time to write them back. And he doesn’t realize that he steps on a teared piece while heading to the convention, and it sticks to the bottom of his shoe. As he walks, upon closer inspection, there is one single sentence written on the teared piece. It reads: *Oh, and how’s W1-DG3T?* [[Cont.->The End!]]

Ohm sighs and says, “Of course.” He puts his hand in his coat pocket and pulls out Serronius’ journal. “There was an entry about an eye-sized gear after the entry about Mara, but Serronius never mentioned it was the Golden Gear. She probably didn’t want people to know any information about it.” Mara flinches a little when he pulls it out. Her eyes are red and puffy from crying and Varrence feels like he could have helped them more during the fight. He looks at W1-DG3T again and closes his eyes. Ohm flips towards the end of the journal, and Mara and Varrence hold their breath, waiting. Ohm shakes his head and his eyes move left and right across the pages. He slams the book shut, “We have [[a new problem.”]]

Mara leans forward and Varrence frowns. Ohm clears his throat, “The gear only grants one wish.” All three of them squirm but Ohm continues, “One of us looks through it and we can see what we desire. I think there’s an incantation, but it’s not written down.” Mara looks at the tiny Golden Gear in her hands and looks back up. Ohm glances at them both and grimaces. They seem to struggle with what to say next. Varrence stares at W1-DG3T and then looks at the gear. It sucks that so many people got hurt, they traveled across districts, and now they have to choose. Varrence makes up his mind, he won’t take it. He ruined everything for them, W1-DG3T is almost irreparable, and Ohm was badly hurt. He knows that he can never live up to greatness, not unless he is human. Varrence speaks at the same time Ohm does, “I don’t deserve it.” Varrence says. “I think Varrence needs the gear the most.” Ohm says, glancing at W1-DG3T. Mara nods and holds out the Golden Gear to Varrence, “I agree with Ohm, you can have it.” But Varrence shakes his head, his voice cracking, “No—no, I can’t take it. I don’t deserve it.” How can Mara offer him the Golden Gear, knowing that she’d be cursed for eternity with magic she doesn’t want? And Ohm...he wants his magic back the Serronius stole. Why would they give up their wishes for a cyborg? Varrence looks at both of them. [[“Mara, you deserve the Golden Gear.”]] [[“Ohm, you deserve the Golden Gear.”]]

She leans away, “Me?” Varrence nods, “Reading that journal, Mara, I can’t believe how strong you are in the midst of all of this. You are a cool healer, and I know that’s what you want to be. Why would I deny you of this? I can always make another robot.” Ohm steps in, “He’s right, Mara.” Ohm closes her hands and they close around the Golden Gear, “Without magic, I am able to get this far. I do not have to position myself in jobs and cons anymore, because I’m so much more than magic. I’ve always looked out for me. But you guys have shown me that looking after everyone is just as important too.” Mara’s eyes get watery and Ohm groans, “Do not get sentimental on me! Go use the Golden Gear. We will be fine.” But Varrence doesn’t feel fine. He has a bad feeling that W1-DG3T will take a long time to fix. He doesn’t deserve the Golden Gear. A cyborg doesn’t deserve happy endings, and Varrence knows this now. But Varrence plasters a smile on his face anyways, and nods with Ohm. Mara stands up, and looks through the hole in the gear, “Oh gears! I see everything.” Ohm raises his eyebrows in curiosity, “What do you see?” “I’m at home, working with patients. The magic slowly unfurls around me, and then vanishes.” She gets choked up, “I am free.” Mara squints, “There’s a spell written in the air.” “That must be the incantation.” Ohm observes, “Once you say it, your wish will be granted.” She pulls away from the Golden Gear and looks at them, “Thank you guys,” Varrence gives a weak smile, “I don’t deserve your thanks.” Mara frowns, “You do in my book.” [[Ohm adjusts his mustache, “We do not have all day to wait around for Serronius to wake up.”]]

Ohm looks him up and down, “And what drove you to *this* conclusion?” “You’ve been trying to get you magic back for so long. I understand that you can feel out of place in a world that outcasts you. As a cyborg, I face it all the time. Not to mention the fact you took a hit from Serronius. You have survived by being a con artist to make your way back. You knew about the Golden Gear in the first place, so you should have the honors of using it.” Ohm blinks, “*Oh,* I see.” Mara nods in agreement, placing the Golden Gear in his hands, “You’ve mostly led the group and got us out of tough situations. Besides, I think I do pretty well with the magic I have. It’s kind of growing on me. I’m sure there’s a way for me to be a healer and magical at the same time. Don’t worry about us.” “Who said I was worried?” Mara looks like she is about to say something but she closes her mouth when she sees Ohm’s monocle fog up and his eyes water. He blinks the tears away quickly and says pointedly, “You’ll only hear this once, so listen close.” They both lean in, “Thank you for helping me. Thank you for coming on this journey. I could not have done it without you all.” Varrence raises an eyebrow, “Is that...*praise?”* “I said I would only say it once.” Ohm’s face gives him away, and Varrence knows that he is the one who has earned the Golden Gear. Ohm tosses the Golden Gear back and forth in his hands before lifting it up to his eye. He raises his eyebrows, “Fascinating.” Mara tilts her head, “Well? [[Does it work?”]]

Ohm and Mara try to cheer him up by bringing what they think would be good tools for a tinker, but Varrence refuses. They walk back through the way they came, with Mara and Ohm digging through the lab for anything useful, and Ohm disabling the displays one by one to get the cool objects. They finally reach the first room with the bear. And Varrence looks at the bear and glances away. Mara and Ohm look at each other in concern but brush it off when Varrence starts walking towards the back entrance. “You should have taken the tools. They would only help you succeed in your venture.” Varrence sighs and says, “Only being human will help me, Ohm.” Ohm clutches the Golden Gear around his neck looks back at Varrence, “Varrence, I—” Varrence shakes his head and gives him a sad smile, “You don’t need to feel regret. What I said about you was true. I’m going to go back to Gadgeton and be human. Someone I know has a spot for me back home in Gadgeton.” Ohm nods, “Is that the path you wish to take?.” Varrence takes a deep breath looking at W1-DG3T in his arms, “It is.” [[Ohm pats him and Mara on the back, the most affection he has ever shown, and says, “Then, let’s go home.”->Ohm pats them both on the back, the most affection he has ever shown, and says, “Let’s go home.”]]

Mara nods, “Right! Of course!” She looks through the Golden Gear again, takes a deep breath, and says the incantation in a language that Varrence doesn’t understand. She blinks and looks at them, “I don’t *feel* differ—” Then, the Golden Gear starts glowing brightly and lights shoot out of it and wrap around Mara. Varrence and Ohm almost reach for her in alarm, but she starts giggling. “Mara?” Varrence says. “It tickles!” Ohm shakes his head, a smile on his lips. Both of them cover their eyes as the lights wrap around Mara completely. In an instant, the light strands explode into golden sparkles that float softly to the ground around the entire room. Mara gasps and opens her eyes, “I don’t feel the energy anymore!” Ohm tells her to test it out a few times, just to make sure. Varrence stands back as she points her palms to the walls, with nothing coming out. Even though Varrence’s insides feel twisted, he can’t help but smile. Mara deserves this. He’s at least glad for that. But [[he can’t help but glance down at W1-DG3T. Everything left for him is broken.]]

Ohm and Mara try to cheer him up by bringing what they think would be good tools for a tinker, but Varrence refuses. They walk back through the way they came, with Mara and Ohm digging through the lab for anything useful, and Ohm disabling the displays one by one to get the cool objects. They finally reach the first room with the bear. And Varrence looks at the bear and glances away. Mara and Ohm look at each other in concern but brush it off when Varrence starts walking towards the back entrance. “Why didn’t you take any tools, Varrence? I think they would help you.” Varrence sighs and says, “Only being human will help me, Mara.” She looks down at the Golden Gear around her neck and looks back at Varrence, “Varrence, I—” Varrence shakes his head and gives her a sad smile, “You don’t need to feel regret. What I said about you was true. I’m going to go back to Gadgeton and be human. Someone I know has a spot for me back home in Gadgeton.” Mara nods, “If that is what you want, I can’t convince you, I suppose.” Varrence takes a deep breath looking at W1-DG3T in his arms, “It is.” [[Ohm pats them both on the back, the most affection he has ever shown, and says, “Let’s go home.”]]

**A Year Later** Varrence hears the cheers and shouts of his name as he prepares to step out of the fancy motor car. (if: $cyborg is 'yescyborg')[Even though he’s still a cyborg, the surgery made him look like a human now. Once Varrence came back to Gadgeton, Bram said humans are the way to get to the top.] As Varrence waits for the servant to open his motor car door, he thinks that Bram is right. He has to finish this contest quickly, because he doesn’t want to be late helping Pudgie—the only robot to participate in competitions—with surgeries like the one he had on himself. He looks to the seat next to him and looks away. W1-DG3T is laying there, good as new, but he’s not the same. After getting feedback from Bram and other human tinkers, he made a couple more changes to W1-DG3T, but W1-DG3T doesn’t even look like W1-DG3T anymore. The crowds love him though. Listening to the human tinkers' critiques got him where he is today, even if that meant changing up his greatest creation. It had to be done, so people would see how great Varrence can be. Varrence shakes his head and puts on a smile as a servant opens the door. Screaming fills his ears and Varrence slyly pretends to itch his mechanical ear to lower the volume. He looks up at the Clockwork Stadium and grins. A year ago, he had been trying to find something to defeat Serronius, wishing he could go in, and now [[everyone welcomes him with open arms.]]

The servant whispers to him, “You have received another dove-message from Mara and Ohm. Should I discard them again?” Varrence narrows his eyes and clenches his jaw, “Yes.” He doesn’t want Mara and Ohm criticizing how he got successful *again.* This is his life. *His* choice. Why aren’t they happy for him? This is what he wants. He goes up to some human fans, trying his best to ignore the *others.* Bram had said it would ruin his reputation to talk to robot and cyborg fans, and Varrence can’t afford that if he wants to be the best. If they touch him where his robot parts are, like his arm, they would find out in an instance, so he makes sure to watch out for any grabby hands as he signs autographs and reassures them that one day they can be just like him. Varrence smiles, this is what he wanted: to be accepted, and now everyone loves him. Well, they don’t know he’s actually a cyborg, but now Varrence considers himself human, even though he’s *technically* not. Being a cyborg got him nowhere, but a human can be *anything.* Varrence walks up to the entrance as guards make sure the crowds stand back and he enters through the doors, but one person slips through, [[unnoticed.]]

She’s a robot, with a glowing pair of red eyes. Varrence tenses up, looking around the stadium hallway that wraps around the stadium to see if anyone is coming. She clasps her mechanical hands together and smiles widely, “Mr. Varrence! I am such a fan.” Varrence sighs and says, “You aren’t allowed through here.” She looks at him sheepishly, her eyes boring into his. It makes him uncomfortable to see her standing here. The only other robot to get through those doors is Pudgie, but she was able to because she did surgeries on rich humans who had accidents. “Is W1-DG3T not coming with you today?” Varrence ignores her comment, “What’s your name?” “Mava!” “Are you here to go into the contest?” “I wish…” She has a far off look before focusing on Varrence again, “I wanted to, um, talk to you.” Varrence blushes, but wants to make this quick, because he’s not allowed to converse with the *others.* He shakes his head, [[“Well, speak.”]]

“You are my—my favorite tinker...” She fiddles with the wires connecting her fingers, like Varrence used to do. He can’t do it anymore without arousing suspicion. “And I was wondering if I’d be able to get to where you are too.” Varrence is about to speak but Mava continues, “I know I’m a robot. And my friends tell me to try something else, but I thought maybe you could give me the secret.” “The secret?” The door handles wiggle, almost like someone with tinkering skills messed with the locks... Mava looks at the door in alarm but tries to mask it when she answers him, “I’m sure there’s something that can help me. I mean, Ms. Pudgie is a robot like me.” She goes silent, and her red eyes dim a little, [[“Do you know if I could be a tinker like you and her?”]]

Right as the question comes out of her mouth, guards burst through the door and grab her, and Varrence is whisked away before he can answer. He looks back at her as she is pulled away, the guards being a little too rough for Varrence’s liking. Because she is a robot, Varrence knows. He plays the question over and over in his head. *Do you know if I could be a tinker like you and her?* [[But he really didn’t know.->The End!]]

Ohm starts with the woman, clutching her sack with the look of a small enraged dog, not experienced in a fight but slightly terrifying, anyways. “I’m going to have to ask you two to leave.” Ohm looks down at the cyborg’s feet and sees the mechanical animal beside him. “Sorry, the three of you leave.” They won’t, but Ohm doesn’t need to ask them directly to learn why. The woman was the first to respond. “I just need somewhere safe to stay the night. I promise to stay out of your business.” Now that he is closer, Ohm sees the state of her clothes: well-made and expensive, but scuffed and dirtied like a dishrag. “I’m not in the renting business. Too many crooks. You’ll need to find someplace else to take off your shoes.” If they were Sir Badelus’ lackeys, he was awfully quick about it. That or he set him up just in case the deal went south for him. “Please,” the cyborg whimpered. “We don’t want any trouble.” Ohm has a plan to try and weasel some more information out of them. “If Sir Badelus sent you, then you made it yourself.” His coat was thick enough to grab a blade, and his crystal bowl was still solid enough to knock someone out. He slowly reaches into his pocket. The woman immediately pulled out a small knife from her sack, letting it drop to the ground. She has good instincts. The cyborg, on the other hand, is more flabbergasted than anything. It’s safe to assume that he’s harmless. “Just a place to stay the night, huh?” Ohm keeps his hand in his pocket, feigning a weapon of his own, just in case. “You don’t seem like a harmless traveler.” Anything to prompt them into sharing more about them is helpful, if risky. But all plans carry risk, and Ohm is pretty good at running. “Like I said, I just need someplace safe to lay low for the night.” The way she’s holding her knife, fingers clenched and shaking, suggests she doesn’t know how to use it at all, but that’s dangerous in its own way. “This is my place, and no-” “Hi! My name is Varrence!” Ohm shoots a look at the cyborg, sweating daggers and buckling knees. “And this is W1-DG3T with a one and a three. Can we at least get your names?” (link: "Interrogate them.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Interrogate them.")] (link: "De-escalate the situation.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "De-escalate the situation.")]

Ohm tries to take the initiative, but it looks like the two trespassers are already engrossed in their own conversation. A tall scruffy cyborg and a disheveled woman holding a candle are staring each other down like old newspaper illustrations, panicking about whose home this is. “Wait, this isn’t your house?” The woman backs away, her hands slowly curling into fists. “No, this isn’t- who are you?” the cyborg squeaked. The woman, grasping her sack like a sad club, plants her feet into the ground. “I don’t know who you are, but I was here first.” That’s as good a transition as any. “Actually, I was here first.” Ohm steps out into the room, flourishing his coat and doffing his monocle. “And this is my home you’re trespassing in.” Presenting an aesthetic of authoritative confidence, his feet were quaking slightly in his metaphorical boots. Ohm doesn’t want to get into another scuffle in his own hideout, but he has to draw the line. [[Start questioning them.]]

“Ohm.” If they were from Sir Badelus, they would already know his name. No point in hiding it. “And yours, miss?” She slowly lowered her knife, candle wax dripping onto the floor as she slid it into her belt and picked up her sack. Ohm could swear that he saw the knife blade glow, but maybe it’s just the candlelight. “My name is Mara.” “So, Mara and Varrence,” Ohm circles around them to reach his bed and the supplies he stores under the covers, his back facing the wall. “How did the two of you come across my humble abode?” He doesn’t have much in the way of weapons, but forks and sewing needles are just as good. “Um, so there were these guys,” Varrence stutters. “And we were just-” “I was running from some street thugs and needed to lie low.” Mara’s knuckles are nearly white, forming a pale band around the knife. The tension between them is clearly divisive. They’re not working together in the slightest. Varrence takes a step forward, but steps back Ohm shoots him a quick glance. “So was I. I was just mindin’ my own business when these goons started a thing and ran us off.” The little mechanical creature’s whistles and chirps sound like agreement. (link: "Continue to interrogate them.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Continue to interrogate them.")] (link: "Keep de-escalating.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Keep de-escalating.")]

Ohm loosens his shoulders. A guy this chipper isn’t someone to rough a guy up for his boss. And even if he is, telling him his name wouldn’t be changing much. “My name’s Ohm. I hope it’s a pleasure. And you, miss?” “It’s Mara, if it helps.” That’s some tone. “Well, Varrence and Mara. You two seem like a couple of gents, so we can negotiate a bit.” Ohm isn’t going to throw them out. Yet. They may not seem like Sir Badelus’ goons, but they might be regular goons. “This place is a little out of the way for a wizard, and most mechanics tend to keep to the busier streets.” “Well, we had to run a bit out of our usual haunts.” Varrence motions towards himself and the little mechanical creature, W1-DG3T, clearly not including Mara in the picture. “But if I don’t know this place, then the guys chasing me certainly don’t.” A small relief to Ohm’s ears. “And as for you? I can’t imagine why a wizard would be slumming it up.” Mara takes a deep breath and sighs before answering. “I’m a bit lost, and I would appreciate a little hospitality.” The corner of Ohm’s mouth twitches ever so slightly. “But I can tell I’m not wanted, so I’ll be out of your hair.” “Now, hold on. I didn’t say I would be kicking you out. After all, what kind of person would I seem to be if I didn’t treat guests right, as long as they offered a little something in return.” Mara raises her knife hand towards Ohm as Varrence is taken aback by the sudden shift in hostilities. “What do you mean?” A warm smile breaks out on Ohm’s face. “You two seem to be interesting strangers. And I’m sure you have some interesting stories to tell.” [[Share some stories.->Keep de-escalating.]]

“That doesn’t explain why the two of you ended up here, right as I arrived.” Ohm turns his head to the side like an owl, Or trying to, at least. “That was just a coincidence. Lots of people go home in the afternoons, right?” The panic in Varrence’s voice is palpable and sweaty. “We didn’t even know where we were running, right W1-DG3T?” The small mechanical creature spins around to match Varrence’s tone. “Look, we didn’t mean anything by this. We were in trouble and we needed a place to hide. Now that we’ve hid, we can go.” Despite the knife pointing towards him, Ohm could feel her voice shaking. She’s certainly trying to be the voice of reason. “Let’s not be hasty. We’re all calm, collected individuals. No need to be so negative.” Ohm needs to know if the thugs chasing them could be coming in here to stir up even more trouble. “You two don’t seem like the criminal type, and I can empathize with that.” Varrence’s shoulders drop as if he put down a ten ton weight, but Mara’s hands stay clenched even as she lowers her knife. “Why don’t we start with where everyone’s from? I’m Ohm, and I used to live in Arcanis before I set up here in the Centrum.” Hopefully, a little honesty will go a long way. “Uh. I’m Varrence. And, uh, I live in Gadgeton, so I don’t really know too much about here.” “What’s it matter where we came from?” Mara lowers her knife all the way, blood slowly flowing back into her knuckles. [[Why don't you explain?]]

“That was a scary glow coming from your knife, there. I’d keep that hidden, if I were you.” Mara immediately puts her knife away, grabbing her sack from the floor and clutching it with both hands. “What’s a wizard doing skulking about in the Centrum?” Ohm sits down on the floor and puts away his monocle. “I’m trying to hide it. That’s why I came here from Malvania. Not too much help there for wizards.” Mara leans back against the wall, a bit more comfortable now that Ohm is shorter than her. “That sounds like an interesting story.” “It’s not a story for you.” There’s the tension again. “Um, I’m on a quest to become the best gadgeteer in the Centrum.” Varrence sheepishly leans in and sits on the floor between Ohm and Mara, legs crossed. “I mean, I’d like to, at least.” “That’s another, neat, story.” To be honest, Ohm wasn’t as interested in him as he was in why Mara wanted to hide her magic. Depending on what her skills were, she could be swimming in gold or recognition. “Trying to hide a gift sounds a little conceited to us nobodies, right, Varrence?” A look of confusion shoots across Varrence’s face. “Sure?” “It’s not a gift. Out of nowhere, it just explodes out of me and I don’t know how to control it. I didn’t know how to control it just now. It’s already been a whole year and I’m tired of having to act like it’s not a problem.” Ohm’s eyes light up with curiosity. Ohm sits straight up, leaning towards Mara and dirtying the knees on his clean satin trousers. “A year ago, you say? You just got magic?” “Yeah, what about it?” Varrence looks at the two of them, apprehension joining the confusion on his face. “What a coincidence. I lost mine a year ago.” [[What about coincidences?]]

“I’m what you would call a normal guy. But I wasn’t always normal.” Ohm spins his monocle between his fingers, light twinkling like a firefly. “I used to be a bit of a wizard.” Mara’s eyes narrow and the corner of her mouth pulls back, ready to retort. “What do you mean, you were a wizard?” interrupts Varrence. “Don’t wizards live in fancy mansions a hundred feet tall or something like that?” “Well, yes. Which is why I’m stuck here. Can’t afford hundred feet-tall mansions without the magic to show for it.” Ohm takes a few steps back towards the wall and leans back against it as he plops down on the ground. “Then the stories start flying and now I’m a criminal, a charlatan, or a never-has-been.” Mara takes a step forward, her grip on her knife loosening enough for blood to flow back into her knuckles. “You mean you actually lost your magic, as in you can’t use it at all” “It does sting when you repeat it that way, yes.” Ohm rubs the back of his neck, easing down the goosebumps. “What’s it to you?” “I got my magic about a year ago. One day I was normal, then one day I accidentally lit a chair on fire ten feet away.” Mara puts her knife away. This is quite the development. One person losing their magic and another gaining it, both one year ago, meeting today. Could it be… (link: "Ask some questions first.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Ask some questions first.")] (link: "Share some details about yourself.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Share some details about yourself.")]

“What do you mean you lost your magic?” Mara’s voice is filled with disbelief. “With your words, out of nowhere, I just lost it and couldn’t do anything I used to. Lift objects, read minds, shoot lightning out of my fingertips, nothing. And like I said, it’s been a year, just like you.” Ohm’s eyes are filled with more than just curiosity. Now there’s opportunity. (link: "Push Mara.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Ask some questions first.")] (link: "Be forthcoming and honest.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Share some details about yourself.")]

(set: $ohmsays to 'nice')“One year ago, while I still boasted some magical ability, I volunteered for a little experiment for a scientifically-minded wizard of ill-repute.” Mara and Varrence are leaning in, almost ready for the hook. “I hadn’t thought about the possibility of being a test subject rather than a researcher, and a few unceremonious escapades and one thrilling escape later, I found myself alone in the Centrum, lacking my usual skills.” “Why didn’t you ask for help?” The bottom of Varrence’s eye is raised, confused and curious all the same. “Didn’t you have any friends or someone looking for you?” “I would have if I didn’t find myself in a situation where I would volunteer for such an experiment in the first place. Let’s just say it wasn’t a good time.” Ohm rubs his eyes. Just thinking back to it gave him a headache in his brow. “I assume that our good friend here was in a similar situation before she obtained her unstable magic.” Mara nods, clearly in deep thought. The sky is beginning to glow a bright orange, the clouds gathering in the sky. [[Time to reel them in.->Go to Page 12.]]

(set: $ohmsays to 'mean')“I think I know what happened. Almost.” Don’t be hasty. Ohm needs to get just a bit more information, but this could be the solution to all his problems. “Are you sure you just got your magic a year ago? No strange circumstances or chance encounters?” Mara’s feet shift. “I...I don’t want to talk about it.” Sore subject. Ohm should have known. “That’s fine. But did it have a cause?” “Yes.” “And was it because someone did it to you?” Ohm is getting dangerously close to hitting a nerve. How far should he go for answers? “...Yes.” Mara answers barely above a whisper this time. That is far enough. “Good. Because I think there’s a solution.” Mara’s and Varrence’s ears perk up at this, and Mara seems to jump before settling again. “And I think it can help everyone here." [[What's the solution?->Go to Page 12.]]

“Mara, I have a proposition for you.” Ohm pauses for effect as sunlight shoots through the boarded up windows “We find ourselves in fortuitous circumstances, and maybe we can help each other .” Mara shifts about, contemplating this sudden turn of events. Varrence, meanwhile, scratches his chin. “What about me?” “Having our own little gadgeteer will be helpful, and I’m sure that you’ll find a sizable reward along the way.” Ohm knows what kind of goodies can be found in the lab where he lost his magic. That is, if it’s who he thinks it is. “I have an idea where we can correct this little magical imbalance between us, and get a little compensation for all our efforts. What do you say?” After a moment, Mara and Varrence speak. “We’re in.” [[Then let's get started, shall we?->Chapter 5 (Ohm)]]

**Chapter 5** Ohm is sitting on the cold stone floor as Mara and Varrence scoot closer, curiosity in their eyes. His own eyes glimmer with the possibilities, everything he could gain. “Let’s start with the good stuff. We’re going to steal something called the Golden Gear from Serronius Ryan Hertz. Mad scientist extraordinaire and infamous recluse. Now we’ll-” “Wait just a minute,” Varrence squeaks. “We have to steal something?” “Yes.” “From, from a mad scientist?” “Yes.” Varrence gulps down the giant lump in his throat at Ohm’s answer. Mara, meanwhile, is quietly taking this in, obviously thinking through her own decision. (if: $ohmsays is 'nice')[[[Ease them in->Ease them in (nice)]]](else-if: $ohmsays is 'mean')[[[Ease them in->Ease them in (mean)]]]

“Now that we’re acquaintances, why don’t we get to know each other a bit more? I like long walks and gemstones, and not to brag, but I’m quite the talker.” The best way to get results is to be as honest as can be, within reason, of course. Mara sits down on the cold floor, her back straight and head held high. “I’ve established that I’m not very comfortable with magic, but I can make medicinal potions and tinctures. I used to be an herbalist before I got my magic and had to leave Malvania.” Mara’s opening up some more. This bodes well. “Umm, I’m a pretty good tinkerer, if I do say so myself. I even made W1-DG3T here,” points Varrence as the aforementioned robot spins around and beeps a rudimentary orchestra performance. “I don’t have the tools or supplies to make anything fancy, but the stuff I make works well enough.” A tinkerer with a supply problem. Ohm has plenty of experience rectifying that issue. [[That’s a good start.->This is good.]]

“First things first. Let’s share some tidbits about ourselves. Are there any strengths or specialties you have?” Ohm changes the subject to something a little less directed at him. “Um, I’m a pretty good tinkerer. My inventions don’t always work out or have the nicest polish, but I make do.” Varrence seems to be honest, if a little lacking in the self-confidence department. That could be a minor problem. Mara is more hesitant, speaking slowly. “My magic isn’t my strong suit, and I hope you keep that in mind.” She straightens her back, her legs neatly tucked beneath her. “My medicinal skills are topnotch, though. Herbs and plants, too.” [[This is good.]]

“Splendid. I’m so glad that we’re able to share, but any good plan needs to start somewhere. I think some context is necessary.” Mara and Varrence share a quick glance, mixed confusion and curiosity in both of their faces. Ohm is taking a bit of a gamble with this, in his own mind. Sharing personal details like this is not the most comfortable feeling in the world, but the outcome is worth it. “Okay. It all started one year ago, on a lovely sunny day in the Centrum. I was wandering around when I saw a dirty poster advertising a research position for Serronius Ryan Hertz.” What next? [[Simplify the tale]] [[Pause for a second]]

“I was in a bit of a financial bind, so I was willing to overlook Hertz’ social stigma. ‘Accidentally’ releasing a mutant croc-topus in the Arcanum square tends to do that.” “Who does something like that by accident?” Varrence was beside himself as he asked his little mechanical friend. Mara and Ohm both look at him with curiosity, as if he truly believed it was an accident. “Keep going. What else?” Mara patiently pushed Ohm on, eagerly waiting for any insight for her own situation. “Right. I followed the instructions to find her lab out in the Boundary, which was a pain and a half, but I did it. The work I did was mostly clerical and dreadfully boring, so I’ll skip it and get to the relevant bits.” Ohm takes a two second pause for effect, glancing at their faces to see how invested they are. “One day, I awoke from a night of dull note compilation to find myself strapped to a machine while Serronius was tinkering with some controls. I demanded to know what was happening, and she merely told me that I was serving out the full extent of my contract, which I didn’t remember signing. The next thing I remember is waking up back in the Centrum with a devilish headache and a lack of ability to magically wipe it away.” Varrence’s face is absolutely enthralled at the mention of a secret lab with fancy machinery, but Mara is concerned. “This feels dangerous, and I mean more than I thought. She just tied you down and you don’t remember anything else?” “I wasn’t looking out for kidnapping or being turned into a lab rat, if that’s what you’re thinking. But this is a chance to fix things. For me and for you. And Varrence can even get some cool toys out of it. [[Well? How does that sound?]]

“I was in a bad spot, and money was tight. When I was wandering around the Centrum looking for any opportunity to make some quick money, I found the poster and thought that it couldn’t be worse than running some scams where people didn’t know my face.” “But why were those your only options?” Varrence asks a question that Ohm internally recoils at. “Yeah, cons and working for a shady scientist?” Mara leans back onto her hands, pulling away from Ohm. He needs to draw them back in. “Desperate people tend to be desperate because they don’t have a lot of options. And working for Serronius gave me the most between the two. I worked as her assistant in some gloomy lab in the Boundary outside the districts for a few weeks before it happened.” Ohm takes a deep breath. This is a little difficult to explain. “One day, I just woke up strapped to a machine that she was tinkering with. I wanted to know what I was strapped to, but she just kept mumbling something about cycling energy between objects and vessels. Everything was dark and flashing and made my eyes and ears burn. The next thing I knew, I was lying in an alley in the Centrum.” Varrence and Mara share a mixed look that has more than what Ohm wants to delve into. Regardless, they seem hooked. “Well? Do you still want to join me in this little venture?” Mara is the first to respond. “If you went through that, and you still think you can go back, then I think I can try.” Varrence is a bit more reluctant, but he nods with W1-DG3T. [[I guess this means we can start working on the plan.->Well? How does that sound?]]

“I have a question. What are we even stealing?” Varrence hits the nail on the head. “I’m glad you asked, because I was just about to start with the plan.” Ohm takes a few seconds to review his thoughts, trying to remember what little he actually knows. “It’s called the Golden Gear, and it’s the heart of what was behind that magic draining experiment.” [[Do they buy it?]]

Varrence furrows half his brow, the human half at least. “Well, it is technically possible to siphon energy and bind it to a physical anchoring object stable enough to limit the energy dissipation.” Mara and Ohm look at Varrence with a somewhat dumbfounded look. “What? It’s the same basic principle I learned about when making W1-DG3T.” As if to prove his point, the miniscule machine rode circles around the three of them and whistled and booped. “Um, thank you for the science lesson.” Ohm meant to sound sarcastic, but this was the first time he’s heard of it. Varrence is smarter than he thinks. “Now we can get to the actual planning.” [[Let's Begin]]

“The first obstacle is finding the laboratory, which I’ve graciously resolved for us one year prior. The second is getting there. The Boundary is a swampy mess of a place, but nothing some good rope and boots can solve.” “A swamp?” Varrence fiddles with his fingers when he says that, the worry bleeding out all over his expression. “W1-DG3T doesn’t do well in muddy places.” “That’s why we’re planning. To figure out how to solve problems before we face them.” That seems to calm Varrence down. “Although there is the issue of the cyborg bear Serronius sometimes has guarding the place.” “Cyborg bear!?” Mara and Varrence jump up in their seats as Ohm continues to calmly walk them through the plan’s outline. “From there, we just need to get in, find the lab without falling prey to the traps I’m sure she’s added since I worked there, grabbing the Golden Gear, and getting out safely.” [[Any questions?]]

“I don’t know. The cyborg bear seems like a pretty big obstacle. How do you think we can get past it?” Mara’s concern is warranted. Ohm only got through it before because he worked for Serronius. “Yeah. I’ve never seen a bear before, but I heard that they’re pretty big and scary.” Varrence’s insight is boundless. “I learned a few tricks on how to handle him. Serronius doesn’t feed him all that much, so we just need to bring about eighty pounds of fish and meat and we won’t have a problem. Anything else?” (link: "Assuage their fears.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Assuage their fears.")] (link: "Continue explaining.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Continue explaining.")]

“It’s been a year, but I’ve memorized everything about Serronius’s lab in the few times I worked there. The traps I had to walk around, the hallways and the rooms they led to, and the locks on the doors.” The anxiety that slowly spread on Varrence’s face slowed down, but the creases in the corner of his eye narrowed. Mara’s own eyes betray a sense of caution in his plan. “I understand your worry, but this is why we’re preparing now. Isn’t the reward worth the risk? Mara, I know you want this. Varrence, how about you?” “Well, W1-DG3T does need new parts, and I can’t seem to find anything to make the repairs.” That is what Ohm wants to hear. “If you have any worries about the plan or what we’re doing, say it. We’re all working together to get this Golden Gear, so we should all share the dangers and work.” [[Let’s get into everyone’s roles.]]

“What about, I don’t know, the rest of the plan?” Mara does have a point. “It all seems kind of thin.” “A fair point. The door locks are complex, but if I can’t finesse them, I’m sure Varrence can break through with his tools.” “You’re sure?” The look on Varrence’s face is palpable. Ohm knows how far a little compliment and confidence can go. Hopefully it works. “I guess I can.” “Absolutely. And once we’re in the lab, you can trust me to guide you two through. Serronius might have changed her lab over the year, but if there’s any trouble, Varrence and I can handle the traps and you can heal us up, just in case.” Mara’s eyebrows raise slightly. Compliments don’t seem to work as much on her, but this is just the start. “I hope it doesn’t have to come to that. If at all possible, I’d like to not have to do anything.” “If we work through the details together, ideally none of us have to do anything.” [[Tell everyone their roles.]]

“We all have different strengths and preferences, so lets lean into that. The supplies we need can wait, but to ensure that the plan goes off without a hitch, everyone needs specific tools.” “What do you mean?” Varrence’s empty hands fiddle with his anxieties. “I don’t think I got any, at least not on me.” “Don’t worry, Varrence. I know where you can find a nice Infinite Lightbulb to make our little swamp hike more bearable.” Not having any tools is a bit of a problem, but if Varrence can get the lightbulb, that’s a good start. “The specialized tools can come later.” “I think I can get some herbalism and potion-making supplies in Malvania, but that could take some time.” Mara’s voice is full of a quiet trembling. Clearly, she’s more stressed out by the task than she’s letting on. “Don’t worry if you can’t find some. We can always make a list of supplies we need, anyways.” Ohm lied, but only slightly. If Mara didn’t get her herbalism supplies, he wouldn’t be nearly as confident in their chances of making it out of Serronious’ lab in good condition. Not that he would tell them, now. [[Now for the elephant in the room.]]

“While we’re on the subject of supplies, Mara, I think there’s something that would be highly beneficial to you.” Working with wizards in the past will never pay off as much as it will right now. “Me? What do you mean by ‘highly beneficial?’” The doubt and curiosity in her voice is subtly palpable. “I know about some wizards who use focusing crystals to help channel their magic sometimes.” Mara’s ears prick up and she turns towards Ohm with an almost violent rotation. “And most wizards don’t like to admit that there’s a black market for this kind of stuff. Pride and professionalism and all that.” “You can help me control my magic? What’s the catch?” “There’s no catch. This is a mutually beneficial development. That’s all there is to it.” (link: "Time to lead the way.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 2) (go-to: "Time to lead the way.")] (link: "Trust them to work individually.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 2) (go-to: "Trust them to work individually.")]

“Varrence, I’ll be needing you to get some tools to help deal with any mechanical mishaps we might be facing.” The more he could direct things, the easier everything will be. “The first thing is an Infinite Lightbulb, although we’ll be working on getting you a larger toolkit.” “Um, okay. I think I could get something else, too. I know where to find an All Purpose Wrench that could-” “That’s good, Varrence. Get that, and we’ll be doing great.” While Varrence sulks at the edge of their little circle, Mara jumps in. “Why are you just telling us what to do? Aren’t we all supposed to be working on this plan?” “Absolutely, but we need someone to direct the whole thing. I’ve been to Serronius’s lab before, so I know what we’ll be needing. If you have any suggestions, I’ll gladly listen.” “I don’t need direction. I know where to get my own supplies without a con man telling me.” Ohm doesn’t respond, for diplomatic reasons. “As long as you get it, then.” [[Now for the elephant in the room.]]

Ohm directs the two of them to the different districts where they could get supplies and their specific item, much to Mara’s annoyance. Varrence is overwhelmed by the planning, but he stays quiet while W1-DG3T beeps loudly for him. The rest of the day slowly goes by as they make lists of supplies, note where to find markets to buy eighty pounds of meat and fifty feet of rope, and cooking what probably shouldn’t count as dinner. Ohm writes a letter to a supposed friend, in preparation for the next day. When it’s finished, he sends it off with one of the pigeons loitering in his ceiling beams. The morning could not come sooner, and as the orange glow of sunset gives way to a dark sky whose stars are overcrowded by modern lighting, the three odd characters convene one more time. [[(NEEDS TO BE FIXED)Let’s go over the plan.]]

With a new day comes new worries. Ohm looks around at his team before getting ready to leave for Arcanis. It’s not the prettiest sight. His little hideout is full of scattered straw and old blankets. The little fire they used last night to cook a stray pigeon is full of broken charcoal and burnt feathers. Varrence is pacing with a brave face and Mara is checking and rechecking her satchel. [[It’s time to head out.]] (if: $var is 0 or 3)[ [[Check in with Varrence.]]] (if: $var is 0 or 1)[ [[Check in with Mara.]]] (set: $var to 0) (if: (history: ) contains "Check in with Varrence.")+(replace: ?links) [Varrence seems fine.] (if: (history: ) contains "Check in with Mara.")+(replace: ?links) [Mara seems fine.]

“So we know that Varrence is going to Gadgeton to get the Infinite Lightbulb and some extra tools, Mara is going to Malvania for her herbalism and potion supplies, and I’m going to Arcanis to find Mara a focusing crystal. Clear as day.” With the middle of the night fast approaching, the three of them came to a consensus of goals. Tomorrow, they would leave in preparation for their ad-hoc heist. [[Go to bed.->(NEEDS TO BE FIXED)Let’s go over the plan.]]

“Alright, everybody. We only have so many hours of daylight before nightfall. It’s best if we leave now so we don’t have to do any nighttime walking.” “Yeah.” Varrence’s answer is less than enthusiastic. Mara leaves without a word. Ohm heads off to meet an old friend in Arcanis. [[No time like the present.]]

“Varrence, what’s wrong?” Ohm has a lot of experience knowing when a person’s down on their luck or in the dumps. “I’m fine. I’m fine. I’ve been in a few scrapes over tools, so I was just thinking them over in my head. Like a rehearsal.” W1-DG3T is tugging at his trousers and gently bumping into his leg. Not a sign of confidence. More like assurance. (link: "Let Varrence be.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Let Varrence be.")] (link: "Press him further.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Press him further.")] (set: $var to +1)

“Anything you want to talk about, Mara?” Straight to the point. No use trying to be roundabout with her. “There’s nothing to talk about.” (link: "Leave Mara alone.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Leave Mara alone.")] (link: "Press her further.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 1) (go-to: "Press her further.")] (set: $var to +2)

Varrence has enough on his mind right now. It’s better for Ohm to focus on his own job rather than worry about someone else. At the very least, Varrence’s desire to please can work here. [[That’s finished.->It’s time to head out.]]

“There’s nothing wrong with being nervous, Varrence. It’s a completely natural feeling.” Ohm should know. It’s what makes his cons work. “What do you mean? I’m not nervous. I’m excited.” “You’re sweating and your knees are buckling a bit.” “From excitement. I’m excited. This is exciting.” W1-DG3T beeps unconvincingly. Even it knows how obvious this lie is. “Well, if you need any help to ease that excitement, just let me know.” Comforting isn’t Ohm’s forte, but self-confidence is a con in and of itself. “If you want.” [[You did what you could.->It’s time to head out.]]

It’s best not to pry into her business. If Mara can handle herself with magic for a year, then she can handle a little shopping trip. [[Go back and get ready.->It’s time to head out.]]

“If it’s about your magic, most people tend to be amazed or dumbstruck by it. Helps with the getaway, at least.” Ohm’s past experience is surprisingly relevant. Mara just looks out a nearby window. The pigeons are loitering about, bobbing their heads at nothing. “Did people ever look at you like you were different?” “Plenty. I was a wizard and I was rich. Was rich. What about it?” “When I got my magic, it’s like people only saw that and forgot who I was, who I used to be.” Mara’s voice grows quieter with each word. “Then I guess they didn’t really know you.” Mara rolls her eyes. “Thanks a lot, Ohm. That really helps” “What I meant is that they aren’t worth your time and worry. You have yourself to worry about.” Comforting people is not Ohm’s strength. “Thanks.” [[You tried.->It’s time to head out.]]

“Alright. To time like the present.” Mara, Varrence, and Ohm all leave the hideout, each heading for the three districts surrounding the [[Centrum.->Chapter 6 (Ohm)]]

**Chapter 6** Ohm makes his way to the district Arcanis, where all the wizards live and present themselves as superior in every sense of the word. “Did they install new lanterns?” One year has passed since Ohm lost his magic and left the district for grayer pastures. “I wonder if he’s still in the antiques business.” [[Who?]]

Ohm finds his way to a gilded antique shop, glass display cases filled with fruity paintings and jewel-encrusted foreign trinkets from hundreds of miles away. Even the dust that lines the top shelves seem to glitter and smell faintly of cinnamon. A young man with a thin beard is manning the counter with his sleeves tied around his wrists. “Hello, Azoro. It’s been too long.” Ohm’s voice carries throughout the entire shop, empty of any regular customers. The man behind the counter perks up and grabs Ohm, rushing him to a backroom and slamming the door shut. His brow is furrowed. The corners of his eyes are crinkled. His voice spits outwards. “Ohm! Where the hell have you been?” “Calm down. Didn’t you get my letter?” Sweat is running down Ohm’s left cheek. “One year.” Azoro paces the small, dingy backroom. A fly is buzzing around the lone lamp hanging on the wall above their heads, synchronizing with its flickering hums. “Out of the blue, you send me a letter after a whole year!” “Come on. I’m in a real bind, here. Can’t you help a friend out?” The sly desperation in Ohm’s voice is half truth, half lie. “I don’t have any skin in whatever scheme or con you have this time.” Azoro’s fingernails on his left hand are biting into his palm. “Find someone else to get you your toys.” The air is silent except for the humming lamp. The fly leaps into the fire and leaps out as a spark. The shadows dance around the crowded table and dusty stools sitting in the corner. “Azoro, it’s not for some crazy scheme. It’s not even for me.” Being honest is a valuable tool in Ohm’s toolbox, but not one that he’s used often. “They’re in a bad spot, and I can’t just not help them.” “You’ve always helped some friends more than others.” (link: "Try to smooth things out.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 4) (go-to: "Try to smooth things out.")] (link: "Try to convince him.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 5) (go-to: "Try to convince him.")]

“The girl who needs it is in a really rough spot. I don’t know how to explain it, but I need your help.” Ohm does not like being the desperate one. Why is he? “Please don’t let your bad blood with me hurt them.” [[What is he doing?]]

“Come on, Azoro. What will it take for me to get a magical focus?” And so the bargaining begins. “Nothing, because I’m not going to get one.” Once he gets like this, there’s not much that can change his mind. This is a big gamble. “When I left, I was scared, and I asked for help. When I didn’t get it, I had to leave.” Ohm doesn’t like going this far. It makes his skin crawl. Azoro’s face pales. “You don’t get to say that.” [[What else can Ohm say?]]

“No, and I can’t make you help me. Then don’t help me.” Normally, Ohm would pause for dramatic effect. But he doesn’t. Not on purpose. “I need to help her.” Azoro’s eyes are downcast. He’s quiet. “Do you really feel that strongly for them?” “No. But we made a deal.” Azoro’s eyes turned back up. Ohm can’t meet his stare. Azoro takes a deep breath, sighs. “Guess it’s serious.” “So you’ll help?” “On one condition.” [[What is it?]]

Azoro gazes into Ohm’s eyes. It’s unnerving. “I need you to tell me why. I’m not just going to give you a focus for nothing.” Ohm has never squirmed harder in his life. “Fine. But it’s not my place to share secrets.” “I figured.” Azoro’s posture loosens and his shoulders drop like a waterfall. Ohm relaxes, not realizing how tense his own bones were. The blood in his knuckles flow back to a pulsing warmth. “Remember what you just promised when I tell you, okay, Azoro?” Azoro squints before rubbing his brow. “A deal’s a deal.” “So I’m back from a con when I find two strangers hiding out in my hideout and we start talking.” “Please don’t make me regret this, Ohm.” Azoro pulls out a nearby stool and plomps down, rubbing his neck with a masseuse’s pressure. Ohm recounts the events of the past two days, his shared experience with Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T chief among them. The revelation of why Ohm left Arcanis struck Azoro, less for its suddenness but for Ohm’s willingness to share with a complete stranger. “You wound me.” Azoro’s voice lifts slightly, and Ohm catches it. “Like when I tried to get back your mother’s antique pottery set when you accidentally sold it to a nobleman for his daughter’s birthday tea party?” Time is passing. Just a few minutes? An hour? More? “Bringing that up only aggravates my injury.” The corner of Azoro’s mouth peaks, a vague smile for a vague memory. “Injuries you recovered from because I traded that girl’s antique pottery for the doll I stole from her birthday pile?” The tension is gone. Why is Ohm still reminiscing? [[Get back to business.]]

“We were a real mess together, huh?” Azoro leans back in his stool, dangerously close to tipping over. Right before he falls, he stands up. “Right.” “You said you needed a magical focus?” “Yeah.” After spending all his life making deals and making out like a bandit, this makes Ohm’s stomach turn. “For my friend.” Azoro turns towards the door, opening it with a creak to let in all the morning light. “I’ll be sure to get it to you within the hour. I hope your friend can make good use of it. And he leaves. [[How melancholic he sounds.]]

The sun is hanging in the sky, casting shadows that hug the walls and bodies and cobblestones. The heat bends the light in front of Ohm, rippling in the air like rising puddles. The smell of old porcelain and varnished lumber is faint. The leather bag on his side bobs with each step and the strap presses slightly into his shoulder. The wrapped device is worth ten of his little cons, but for the first time in a long time, it’s not for him. Walking back from Arcanis, Ohm is silent. [[There’s the hideout.]]

The sun is now past noon, and the shadows are dancing along the ground. As Ohm steps inside, he hears a bit of celebration. Varrence is in high spirits, holding not one, but two objects of note. His left hand is holding an Infinite Lightbulb, but in his right is a shiny, albeit beat up, wrench. Mara is less spirited, but Ohm some force in her. Her eyes are steady. “Mara, this is for you.” Ohm takes out the jeweled egg and hands it off to her. “Try not to break it.” The jeweled egg glistens in the afternoon sun, reflecting shards of blue and red onto the walls like a kaleidoscope. “This, this can really help?” Mara’s voice isn’t trembling, at least not on the surface. “As much as a giant egg can. Just make sure you’re holding it.” Ohm cracks his back and counts the supplies in the room. Everything’s set. “Looks like we’re ready to leave in a few hours. [[I’m going to take a nap, first.”->Chapter 7 (Ohm)]]

**Chapter 7** The sky is awash with a burning orange glow as the sun moves steadily towards the horizon. Varrence, Mara, and Ohm are making their final preparations, checking their bags and supplies for their little heist. Rope, lockpicks, a sack full of meat, and their special tools. Anticipation and anxiety fill the air in equal measure. [[Check up on everyone.->Page 2]]

Azoro raises his voice, not fully angry. Ohm doesn’t know what the rest is. “You go on with your little schemes, messing around and having your fun. You weren’t scared. You were held responsible.” Ohm doesn’t say anything. “Please say something. Tell me how it’s in the past.” Azoro crosses his arms. Ohm doesn’t move. “Say something.” Ohm looks up again. “I’m sorry I left. I’m sorry I can’t say anything else.” [[Is he?]]

“This isn’t the Ohm I know, lacking for words and schemes.” Ohm’s eyes flitter around the room. The corner table is covered in knickknacks and dusty bowls worth copper coins. Two stools lean against the table legs while the wall hooks are holding extravagant coats that no one with any sense would wear in public or good company. Nothing useful. Azoro’s eyes are locked with Ohm’s. (link: "Appeal to past favors.")[ (set: $goodplace to it - 1) (go-to: "Appeal to past favors.")] (link: "Appeal to past friendship.")[ (set: $goodplace to it + 2) (go-to: "Appeal to past friendship.")]

“Come on, Azoro. Think of us. What we’ve been through, all the stupid plans and shenanigans we’ve made.” Appeals to the past are risky. Azoro could look back with rose-colored glasses or cracked lenses. “Remember how we stole the rune professor’s favorite piece of chalk and he exploded in the lecture hall?” “... Yeah.” Nothing else. “What about the time we had to pretend we were foreign merchants because we promised our parents that we found employment with a lucrative foreign business venture.” “Almost an age ago.” “And the time-” Azoro holds up a hand, quietly. “That’s enough, Ohm.” [[What does he mean?]]

“Azoro, please. It’s me, Ohm.” He knows that. Ohm knows that. The shopkeeper’s face remains unmoving. “I was scared, Azoro. I lost my magic and I didn’t know why. Azoro!” Ohm is trembling. His fingers are curling. Azoro’s face remains unmoving. “If I was a friend, like you say, you seemed to forget.” Azoro pulls out one of the stools and dusts it before sitting down gently. “You didn’t ask. Then you left.” “I’m asking now. And it’s not for me. It’s for someone who doesn’t have someone to turn to.” Azoro grabs his face and leans forward, as if in pain. “How do I say no to that?” [[“Thank you.”->What does he mean?]]

“I’ll get you your magic focus.” The poison is back in his voice. A weak poison, but poison nonetheless. This is all Ohm can ask for. “Than-” “Stop.” Azoro stands up and turns towards the door, his back to Ohm. “I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing this for me.” Ohm pauses. “What do you mean?” Ohm’s confusion couldn’t be anymore present in his mind. “I help you with this, then I’m done.” Azoro opens the door and takes a step back into the shop. A slight bustle of window shoppers and children in the streets wafts in. “Then that’s that.” “Wait. Let’s talk this through. We can figure something out.” Why is Ohm pushing this? He’s getting what he wants. “You left. I waited for a time, and you didn’t come back. So I left, too.” Azoro walks out into the shop back behind the counter and picks up a brass bell to polish. “Come back in an hour.” [[Leave]]

The sun is hanging in the sky, casting shadows that hug the walls and bodies and cobblestones. The heat bends the light in front of Ohm, rippling in the air like rising puddles. The smell of old porcelain and varnished lumber is faint. Ohm is walking back home with an old leather case. Inside the leather case is a leather-wrapped package. Inside the package is a jeweled egg, a magical focus. All this trouble and it’s not even for him. The heist better work. [[There’s the hideout.]]

Varrence is fiddling with his mechanical pieces while W1-DG3T pokes at his toolbox. The Infinite Lightbulb and dinged wrench they brought back from Gadgeton are packed away in between coils of copper wire, nuts and bolts, and other miscellaneous pieces of scrap. Mara is turned away from Ohm, kneeling over her bag, seemingly pulling things out and putting them back in different orders and arrangements. Ohm hears faint muttering coming. Ohm wipes away the nervous sweat from the back of his neck and smooths down the goosebumps on his arms. [[It's time to go.->Page 10]]

After a hike through the Centrum and past the districts, the three of them make it to the edge of the Boundary, a vast swampy expanse that runs for miles. The sun is just about to set, bathing the murky pools and patches of muddy grass in a harsh glow. "Alright, everybody. I've been through this way before, so follow me." [[Ohm takes full charge. He knows what he's doing.]]

"Watch your step and make sure to stay in line. There's plenty of pits that'll swallow you up if you aren't careful." "Got it. Be careful, W1-DG3T," Varrence says to the machine as it struggles to roll over the lumpy grass. "How long will it take until we reach Serronius' lab?" Mara is looking all around them, checking the terrain on all sides. "The quicker we're out of here, the better." "I couldn't agree more, Mara. Hopefully, we'll be out within the hour. Varrence, can you pull out the Infinite Lightbulb? It's getting pretty dark." Varrene pulls out the magical lightbulb, which reveals the mess of boggy grass and dirt paths in front of them. One hour of uncomfortable and soggy hiking later, the laboratory is still nowhere in sight. Mumbling and complaining break out between the three of them over directions and instincts when they hear the faint sound of panicked whirring behind them. [[What is that?->Page 13]]

The three of them turn back, frantically searching through the brush and muddy puddles as the whirring in their ears only accelerates. Varrence yells out for W1-DG3T while he rushes back. In a low pool, W1-DG3T is stuck in some sort of quicksand and is sinking rapidly. Only the spinning of its wheels is keeping it barely afloat. (link: "Jump in. There's no time to waste.")[ (set: $goodplace to it +1) (goto: "Ohm jumps in headfirst and pulls W1-DG3T out by formulating a quick plan of action.")] (link: "Figure out a way to get W1-DG3T out of there.")[ (set: $goodplace to it -1) (goto: "Ohm directs the others as Mara and Varrence pull out W1-DG3T.")]

As soon as he sees W1-DG3T, Ohm rushes in, weaving between the pools of water and pulling out the rope they packed for just such an emergency. "Varrence! Mara! Hold onto the rope." With a shout, Ohm tosses them one end of the rope as he jumps out towards the quicksand and the sinking robot holding the other end. He grabs W1-DG3T by its wheels, stuck from the gunk and mud, and yells out for Varrence and Mara to pull him out. After a quick heave, the two of them pull Ohm and W1-DG3T back onto drier land. [[That was exciting.->Page 16]]

As Varrence rushes towards W1-DG3T, Ohm's mind is rushing to think of a way to save the robot without endangering them. His thoughts turn towards the rope they prepared. "Varrence! Grab on." Ohm pulls out the rope and throws one end towards the cyborg as he ties the other end around his waist. Mara reaches him and grabs onto the rope to secure the anchor. With rope in hand, Varrence jumps into the quicksand and fishes out W1-DG3T as Ohm and Mara fish him out. Sand and mud cling to their clothes and metal plating, and the faint sound of grinding sand radiates out from their internal mechanisms. "This is going to be a pain to clean," Varrence mutters as Ohm and Mara untie their makeshift anchor. [[That can wait.->Page 17]]

Ohm, Varrence, and Mara just lie on the grass, damp and muddy. "What a relief." Varrence wipes the mud off W1-DG3T with his dirty sleeves. "Thanks, Ohm. I don't know what I'd do if I lost W1-DG3T." "It was just quicksand, but you're welcome. At least we got that out of the way early." "Yeah. After this, it's going to be smooth sailing." Mara's sarcastic. That's a nice change from stern, at least. [[Let's keep walking.->Page 18]]

"That was a minor detour, but we should still be making decent time." Mara helps up Varrence and W1-DG3T and helps wipe off some mud. "I think we can afford to take a little respite, then." W1-DG3T whirs in agreement, although it starts and stops as sand shoots out from its exposed gears. Ohm lets out a soft sigh. "Fine. We can take a break to clean up and take a breather. Five minutes, then we leave. I don't want us taking too long to get to the lab. "Yes sir," Mara unenthusiastically replies. [[We get going in five minutes.->Page 18]]

After some tiresome walking and soggy boots, they see a faint silhouette of a massive steepled structure towering over the horizon. It's built on a rocky outcropping, with a single door at the base of the foundation. And there is a giant bear standing guard. "That's a bear." Varrence rubs his one eye and wipes his other lens with his dirty sleeve. "And it has robot arms." "Yeah. A drill and flamethrower." Ohm takes a look around the lab, trying to see if there are any other entrances or perhaps a balcony. "What's the plan, now?" Mara lightly punches Ohm in the arm. "This is your time to shine, Ohm." [[Ohm tries to sneak around to find a different entrance.]] [[Ohm tries to scout out a window or balcony to an upper level.]] [[Convene with the others.]] (if: $var is 0 or 3)[ [[Ohm tries to sneak around to find a different entrance.]]] (if: $var is 0 or 1)[ [[Ohm tries to scout out a window or balcony to an upper level.]]] (set: $var to 0)

"Wait here for a minute. I'm going to take a quick look around." Ohm circles the lab, giving the bear a wide berth, at least a hundred feet. "Bears don't have good eyesight, right?" he whispers to himself, keeping low to the ground and wading in shallow puddles to break his silhouette. Ohm finishes his circle, and there's no second door. [[Go back to the others.->Page 18]] (set: $var to +1)

Ohm looks up at the lab, cupping his hands around his eyes to improve his vision to no avail. There aren't any balconies or windows, at least any that are open or within 50 feet from the ground. Serronius has no sense of natural lighting, whatsoever. [[Look back at the group.->Page 18]] (set: $var to +2)

"The main plan was to use this to distract the bear while we sneak inside." Ohm pulls out the bag full of meat, a massive weight that has a faint smell of preservative wafting out. "That's your plan? Distract it with food?" Mara pinches the bridge of her nose. "If I knew that was your plan, I would have brought it a fruit basket, too." "Don't dismiss the plan, Mara. This'll work." Ohm heaves the bag over his shoulder. "Will you lure the bear somewhere else, at least?" Mara pulls out the jeweled egg, shaking only slightly. "Of course. I'm not an idiot." "Umm, I can try talking to it," interrupts Varrence. "I mean, we're both cyborgs." Ohm and Mara look at each other, then back at Varrence. W1-DG3T is silent. If the robot could roll its eyes, it would. "I guess we can try diplomacy, save the bear meat for later," says Ohm. "And if worse comes to worse, we can make a run for it." Mara puts the egg back in her bag, but leaves the top open, just in case. [[Here goes nothing.->Page 22]]

Varrence walks up the the bear, W1-DG3T trailing behind and leaving a trail of dried mud. Ohm and Mara are hiding behind a large lump of dirt and grass, ready to jump in at any moment. The bear sees Varrence, then stands up on its hind legs and roars out a warning. Its robotic left arm gleans in the moonlight, which has just begun to rise. Its robotic right arm is just a drill. "Um, hello. My name is Varrence. This is W1-DG3T with a three, and we were wondering if some friends and I could come inside." Ohm and Mara groan internally. The bear roars violently, taking a step forward. Its robotic arms reveal themselves to be covered in rust and creak with every movement. Varrence's face melts with fright, but when he notices the rust, he stands his ground. W1-DG3T whirs and wheels back behind him. "Your arms look a little banged up. I could help fix them for you." The bear immediately stops, leaning down to face the diminutive cyborg stanidng in front of him. With a long pause, it sits down and bellows. "Wow. Thanks for listening. Your boss must not take very good care of your arms." Varrence pulls out his banged-up wrench some dirty rags, and a bottle of black liquid. He pours some on the rag and begins wiping off the rust, which peels off instantly. The bear vibrates with satisfaction as it flexes its newly-cleaned arms. Varrence then tightens some screws, lubricates some joints, and pops in some ill-fitting panels. "That should do it." The bear roars with glee, and Varrence waves Ohm and Mara over. But when they arrive, the bear stands back up and blocks their way. "Please, Mr. Bear. Have half a heart." Varrence looks up at the bear with a singular pleading eye. "We also have some food if you'd like." Without a pause, Ohm tosses the bag of preserved meat onto the ground in front of the bear. "MMRam." The bear sits back down and begins to rip the bag apart. "Thanks, Mr. Bear." As Varrence finished his thanks, Ohm pulls him towards the door while Mara grabs W1-DG3T, and the four of them get inside as quickly as possible. [[That worked out nicely.->Page 23]]

Safely inside the building, they look around to find themselves in an elaborate entrance hallway filled with glass and gold display cases. The hallway itself extends for what seems to be a mile, with tapestries depicting various monsters and storms decorating the walls. "Wow. So this is a mansion." Varrence touches one of the tapestries, leaving a black oil stain. "If no one seems to like Serronius very much, why does she have so much stuff? Mara looks at the nearby display cases, jewel-encrusted crowns and goblets. "Don't tell me she got these illegaly?" "When you're an unscrupulous mad scientist wizard, you find ways to get what you want." Ohm casually looks around, judging their monetary worth and potential enchantments and traps. "I got to get me some of these sometime." (link: "Can't hurt to take a souvenir.")[ (set: $goodplace to it -1) (goto: "Can't hurt to take a souvenir.")] (link: "No time to waste.")[ (set: $goodplace to it +1) (goto: "No time to waste.")]

Ohm looks around. Varrence is busy trying to wipe the stain off a tapestry. Mara is absorbed looking at some of the display cases. There's a display case containing a large ring with several embedded gemstones. The ambient lighting, which Ohm just noticed seems to come from nowhere, bathes everything in a golden glow that makes them taht much more luxurious and desirable. "I could use an extra bit of cash after this," he thinks to himself. (link: "What Mara and Varrence don't know won't hurt them.")[ (set: $goodplace to it -1) (goto: "What Mara and Varrence don't know won't hurt them.")] (link: "Everyone could use a little more money. It's a team effort.")[ (set: $goodplace to it +1) (goto: "Everyone could use a little more money. It's a team effort.")] (set: $var to true)

Ohm decides against stealing something. In the middle of a heist, unplanned expenditures like this could cost them more than whatever they try to steal in the first place. "Come on, let's go. No time to waste now that we're inside." Varrence quickly folds the tapestry so that the corner with the stain is behind the rest of the fabric and scurries towards Ohm with W1-DG3T in tow. Mara scratches her brow and turns around to face them. "I'm going to take the lead here, since I definitely have a vague memory of traps all over the place." Varrene gulps and Mara softly rolls her eyes. As they walk down the hallway, the glittering display cases begin to hurt they eyes more than draw their attention. At the end, they come across a large mahogany door with no apparent lock. Ohm pulls out a thin stick of metal from his back and gently runs it along the edges of the door. Nothing catches, so he proceeds to check the handle itself. There's a small hidden mechanism behind the handle that looks like it triggers when the door opens. (link: "Pick it yourself.")[ (set: $goodplace to it -1) (goto: "Do it yourself.")] (link: "Varrence knows some mechanical tips.")[ (set: $goodplace to it +1) (goto: "Varrence knows some mechanical tidbits.")] (set: $var to false)

"This is just a little keepsake, nothing more," Ohm mutters to himself as he pulls out his lockpicking tools and begins to fiddle with the display case lock. Just as the mechanism clicks and he delicately opens the case, another silent mechanism triggers that Ohm can't hear. Ohm pockets the ring and replaces it with a shiny stone he found in the Boundary before closing the display case. "Alright, everyone. Enough gawking. We got to keep moving." [[Head down the hallway.->Page 28]]

"Varrence, I need your help." Ohm waves him over, pulling out his lockpicking tools. Varrence quickly flips the massive tapestry over to hide the black oil stain and rushes over. "What do you need me for?" "I want to open this display case." Ohm is already examining the locking mechanism. "This ring can tide us over for quite a while after we finish this." Mara turns with a look of surprise. "Ohm. We don't have time to be filling our pockets. We have more important things to worry about." "Making sure we have the money to pay for food after this is important." Their preparations for the heist had used up all the money that had, although they hadn't given it much thought before. "And being able to afford an actually nice place to live and clothes to wear would be nice, too." Mara looks down at her soggy boots and grass-stained clothes with the remnants of old burns on them. "Just make it quick," she blurts out as she looks ahead towards the end of the hallway. "Varrence, I need you to hold this up while I slide the lever away, okay?" Ohm is fully engrossed in his task. "Yeah, sure, no problem." Varrence's words don't reach Ohm's ears as the two of them pick the lock and lift the display case. With a quick swipe, Ohm pockets the ring and gently lowers the display case. Unbeknownst to them, Ohm triggers a silent alarm. "Okay. We got the ring. Let's get going." [[Continue down the hallway.->Page 28]]

"Hold up for a minute. Let me get this." Ohm pulls out his lockpicking tools, a few thin wires and pliers. With some careful insertion, finagling, and couple of tense minutes, the lock clicks. "Stand to the side, everyone." As Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T quickly step to the left and right, Ohm stands right next to the handle and uses his metal stick to turn the door handle. It turns, and the door opens. [[Ohm was worried for a second.->Page 28]]

"Varrence, can you give me a hand?" Ohm pulls out his lockpicking tools, a few thin wires and pliers. "Bring your tools." "Sure. What for?" Varrence quietly steps beside Ohm. "I think there's a catch that will trigger the mechanism when the door handle turns. What do you think?" Varrence looks at the lock, pulling out his Infinite Lightbulb to get a better look. "It seems like a regular Boonesian lever. I can disable it in a second." "Be our guest." Ohm steps aside and holds the lightbulb for him as Varrence takes the lockpicking wires and works the mechanism. After a quiet minute of clicking and scraping, Varrene takes a step back. "Okay, that should do it." Without aplomb, Varrence opens the door. [[Nice work.->Page 28]]

Past the hallway, Ohm, Varrence, and Mara walk down winding corridor after winding corridor. They continue running into deadends and storage closets when they finally come across what looks to be an abandoned wing of the laboratory. They lock the door behind them and take a breather. The dust in the air is soft and fuzzy, like stray hair from a household pet. [[Look around->Page 33]]

On one of the dusty lab tables, Ohm sees an old leather-bound book. He wipes off the dust and reads the cover. "Daily Journal Recordings." "What is it?" asks Varrence. His eye bulges at the title. "Is that an actual scientist's lab journal? "Mara's ears prick up at the mention of Serronius' journal. "Read it." She all but jumps at Ohm and reaches for the book. "Calm down, Mara. I'm reading." Ohm turns opens the book to a random page before flipping around to one year ago. "Looks like it goes all the way back to when I lost my magic and you got yours." Ohm eventually turns to one specific journal entry. *Dear journal, I have just made a miraculous discovery.* [[Keep reading.->Page 34]]

*Wizards and their connection to magic has long since fascinated me. Why are some people born with it? Why can't other people get magic if they weren't? Where is my bear?* "This is fascinating." Ohm says. "I never knew that-" "Great," interrupts Mara. "Great. We can talk later. Keep reading." Ohm blows lip bubbles and skips ahead. *I think I've figured out a way to siphon magical energy from one being and transfer it to another. It's not perfect, and the loss of energy during the energy exchange leaves the final result lacking, in all honesty. They either blow up almost immediately or about three hours later. But hopefully, this latest test subject will be different.* Ohm stops reading aloud. Silence fills the room. Mara takes the book and flips ahead, and ahead. She sits down on one of the dusty tables. (link: "Do you need a moment?")[ (set: $goodplace to it +2) (goto: "Do you need a moment?")] (link: "We need to get going.")[ (set: $goodplace to it -2) (goto: "They need to get going.")]

Ohm walks towards Mara. This is a new and uncomfortable situation for him. Emotional honesty is not one of his strengths. "I know this is hard, and I can't say that I understand." Ohm doesn't know what else to say, but he's not thinking now. "Do you need a minute?" Mara breathes deeply. Ohm can't see her eyes. "Yeah," croaks Mara. Ohm sits down on the table next to her while Varrence and W1-DG3T stay to the other side of the room. Varrence's face is blank for a moment, then lights up as if he thought of a brilliant idea before throwing Ohm a thumbs up. Ohm throws back a confused look. "If it's been a whole year, I don't think you have to worry about spntaneously denotating." Mara chuckles softly. "I guess not." They don't say anything for a few minutes, then Mara gets off the table and dusts off her pants. "I guess it's time to keep going." "Yeah, I guess it is." Ohm leaps off the table and lands on his boots with a squash. The moisture from the quicksand still hasn't gone away. "Thanks." "For what?" "Nothing." [[Let's go.->Page 43]]

After their brief respite, the three of them make their way back through the winding maze of dark corridors and poorly-lit hallways before Ohm remembers the actual way to Serronius' main laboratory. The door is massive, wreathed in gold and heavy iron. Instead of a lock, there are just two massive ringed handles. Ohm scrapes the gold with his fingers. "It's just gold leaf." "What?" Varrence asks as he marvels at the size of the door, which is at least four times his height and more expensive than any other door he's ever seen. "Nothing important." Ohm would have thought that Serronius would at least make her fancy doors with full gold if she was going to make them this massive and gaudy. "Behind this door is the lab, right?" Mara pulls out her magical focusing crystal and holds it in both hands. "She could be right there, waiting for us." "100% correct. No time like the present." [[Open the door.->Page 44]]

Ohm, Varrence, Mara, and W1-DG3T push the doors open. The two walls for doors slowly scrap against the ground with a deafening screech as they struggle to push the heavy iron frame. After several seconds of intense exertion, they find themselves facing a massive domed room filled nearly to the brim with gadgets, industrial raw materials, barrels of chemicals, and power generators sparking with energy. In the center is a lone figure leaning over a grey examination table. A bear is lying on the cold metal while the figure standing over it slowly turns towards them. Her bright red hair shoots outwards like she was electrocuted, and her white lab coat contrasts with her black boots and gloves. Serronius Ryan Hertz. [[Take the lead.]] [[Be cautious.]]

Ohm steps forward for this sudden meeting, against his better judgment. Heading into danger was not one of his strengths, but there's only one of her and three of them. And one of them might even be able to use magic. Mara grasps her magical focus tightly in both hands while Varrence and W1-DG3T stay behind the both of them, clenching his wrench. (if: $var is false)[ [[No time like the present.->Page 47]]] (if: $var is true)[ [[No time like the present.->Page 48]]]

When the three of them enter the room, Ohm and Varrence let Mara take the lead. It's safer and tactically advantageous to put it simply. Meeting Serronius head-on like this is not ideal, but plans aren't foolproof, as much as Ohm would like to believe otherwise. [[Page 47]] [[Page 48]] (if the alarm was triggered)

"Well, I seem to have uninvited guests." Serronius turns to record something in a nearby journal, whispering her thoughts aloud. "I either seem to have forgotten to lock the cages or the front door." Mara steps forward, a strong move for someone with shaky knees. "You probably don't remember me, but I remember you." "That was a cool line," Varrence says. "You're right, I don't remem-. Wait, oh no, I do." Serronius chuckles to herself. "How nice of you to come back for a progress report. I was thinking about checking in after I dropped you off at your house after the experiment. But since you're here, let's not waste any time." [["You'll do no such thing."->Page 49]]

"Normally, I would be surprised at the sight of three ragtag folk barging into my lab unannounced, but one of you did trip the alarm to one of my display cases." Varrence is shocked, but Mara instantly turns towards Ohm, who turns to face no one in partcular. "No matter. I have contingencies for these kinds of things, not that I ever had to test them before. But this will be a good learning experience." [["We all make mistakes."->Page 49]]

"Guys, I want you to wait for my signal, then move." Ohm bounces up and down on the balls of his feet. "Wait. What do you mean by move? We didn't plan any of this?" The frustration in Mara's voice is warranted, but Ohm is a flexible tactician. "I'll whisper it right before I give the signal." An excellent plan. But what will Ohm do? (link: "Go to the front and distract Serronius Ryan Hertz.")[ (set: $goodplace to it +1) (goto: "Go to the front and distract Serronius Ryan Hertz.")] (link: "Sneak around to ambush Serronius Ryan Hertz.")[ (set: $goodplace to it -1) (goto: "Sneak around to ambush Serronius Ryan Hertz.")]

"Sneak around while I distract her." Truly an excellent plan. Mara is dumfounded. "That's your plan? What'll you do? Sell her snake oil?" "First, that was uncalled for. Second, there's a lot of junk here. If she's looking at me, there's a miniscule chance she'll even be able to see you until you knock her down or something." "Fine." "Thanks. Varrence, you think you can knock her out with that wrench." "Well, it is an All-Purpose Wrench." The uncertainty in his voice is almost palpable, but that's good enough. "When I start talking, you start running." Mara and Varrence nod and grab W1-DG3T as Ohm steps forward. "Dear Serronius Ryan Hertz, I saw the bear outside your door and found its mechanical prosthetics wanting. A rat could make better flamethrowers." [[Did it work?->Page 53]]

"Use your magic to distract her while I sneak around and knock her out." Ohm realizes how selfish this sounds right as he says it. "What? Me? I barely practiced with the focus crystal. I thought it was a last resort?" Mara is understandably frustrated. "I know, but this is kind of a 'last resort' situation right now." Ohm looks around for a good way to reach Serronius from behind. "Besides, you just need to make a big show. Nothing fancy." "I think I should stay behind," Varrence says as he steps back. "I don't want to get in anyone's way." Mara sighs and collects herself. "Fine, but don't blame me if I end up blowing up the whole lab." And holding her focus crystal in one hand and flicking the wrist of the other, she let's loose a wave of magical energy. [["Here goes nothing.->Page 54]]

Serronius just stands there for a moment before she pulls out a massive flamethrower, crackling with electricity, from beneath the examining table. "Oh, that's a really nice flamethrower." Ohm gets ready to run for his life. "You don't think I meant that, did you?" Fire and lightning shoot out of the massive weapon, nearly scorching Ohm's face off. "At least it worked." [[Let's try not dying.->Page 56]]

Ohm creeps his way through the piles of supplies, tools, old experiments, and arcing power generators as explosions and fire erupt all around him. Mara seems to be doing a fine job distracting Serronius. After some searching, he finds an opening behind Serronius, who is completely surrounded by flame and arcing electricity. In the distance, Mara is cornered between a wall of fire and a wall of steel. Varrence is off to the side, throwing little trinkets and gadgets at Serronius with little effect. No or never. Ohm jumps in and catches Serronius off-gaurd as she charges up her lightning flamethrower. [[Here goes nothing.->Page 60]]

A frantic shootout begins as Ohm bobs and weaves between piles of junk and failed experiments while Serronius fires bolts of lightning and searing blazes of flaming gelatin at his back. The near-misses alone are singing his clothes and the tips of his hair, and Ohm is desperately not thinking about what would happen if he actually got hit. Then Ohm trips and falls to the ground. "Looks like I've got you dead to right with this crappy rat-made flamethrower." Serronius seems to tower over Ohm, and her massive hair only exaggerates the height difference. "Any last words?" "Would you consi" "No." Just as Serronius is about to charbroil Ohm, Mara and Varrence leap out from behind her. Mara's hands and eyes are glowing, the energy flowing into the magical focus. Varrence is crying while he runs headlong into danger. Just in the nick of time. [["Watch out!"->Page 59]]

"Don't think I forgot about you two," Serronius cackles as she swings her flamethrower around. "If you burn to a crisp, I can just study the ashes, instead." This is Ohm's chance. He jumps up and grabs Serronius and her aiming arm. "But it looks like you forgot about me." [[Try ot disrupt her aim.->Grab Serronius and disrupt her aim.]]

Just as Serronius is about to burn Mara to a crisp, Ohm jumps out and tackles her from behind, pulling her aim upwards as lightning and fire shoot out and strikes the domed ceiling. The knockback from the raw energy throws Ohm back, not according to plan. The first thing Ohm sees when he gathers his senses is Serronius turning towards him with a nearly charged lightning flamethrower, aimed directly at him. Mara is behind her, trying to channel more of her energy into the focus crystal while Varrence and W1-DG3T are running in, wrench in hand. [[Try to close in before Serronius can fully charge up her shot.]]

Ohm grapples with Serronius and manages to pull her aim upwards. The lighting arcs into the ceiling and all around them while the flames spray everywhere. Mara channels her magical energy from the focus around herself and Varrence, shielding them from the fire and lighting. But the magic explodes outwards and pushes everyone back. Ohm and Serronius get tossed into a pile of mechanical parts while Mara and Varrence are cushioned by bags of potatoes and powders. Ohm's vision blurs as he sees Serronius' body lying next to him on the ground. He can't hear anything except a deep ringing in his ears as Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T run over to him. [["Did we win?"->Page 68]]

Ohm is in an awkward space. There's not much room to run except straight forward or towards Varrence. Might as well minimize collateral damage. If he can reach Serronius before the flamethrower finishes charging, he might make it. Right as Ohm leaps forward, Mara finishes channeling magic into her crystal focus and launches a wave of multicolor energy at Serronius and Varrence throws his wrench at Serronius' head. A wave of bright light fills Ohm's vision as he feels his body colliding. But with what? [[Close your eyes.->Page 68]]

"I feel pretty okay, all things considered. Granted, I don't feel much of anything, right now." Mara and Varrence don't laugh. They're too busy pulling Ohm out of the debris and laying him on the ground. Ohm feels the burning pain and muscle spasms now. "Now I'm feeling it," Ohm barely manages to wheeze out. "Come one, Ohm, just stay awake. Stay with me." Mara pulls out her herbalism kit and tries to mix a concoction on the fly while Varrence keeps patting Ohm down with a wet rag. Ohm doesn't know where Varrence got the clean rag during this mess. "Alright, Ohm, I need you to drink this." Mara's voice grows blurrier and softer. No, that's just Ohm's consciousness fading. [[Black out.->Chapter 8 (Ohm) B]]

**Chapter 8** Ohm wakes up to Mara's and Varrence's faces as they look down on him with looks of worry. Ohm's own face is full of pain and grogginess. "What happened after I blacked out?" Ohm's speech is slurred from the shock. "Where are we?" "We're still in Serronius' lab." Varrence points over to an unconscious Serronius Ryan Hertz, her mouth gagged and her hands and legs secured with rope. "We thought it was safer to wait until you woke up before we grabbed our stuff and ran." Ohm looks around at the mess around them, scorch marks and electrical burns everywhere. "You two are really growing on me." Mara finishes up bandaging a cut on Ohm's leg. "Don't get too sentimental. We still have something to talk about." [[What is it?->Everyone's okay.]]

"Oh, that's right." Varrence scurries around the edge of the laboratory, scavenging for various parts while Mara helps Ohm sit up. "We were looking through Serronius' old journal and found out waht the Golden Gear was?" Mara pulls out a little necklace with an eye-sized bronze gear hanging from the chain. The middle of the gear glowed faintly in pulses. "And that's not all." Ohm cracks his neck. "What did you learn?" "It seems like Serronius was still trying to perfect the magic siphoning process. This gear thing is fragile, and once we use it, it'll break." Mara was putting on a stoic face, but the look behind her eyes was terribly conflicted. "And we got to choose who gets it." Ohm leans back, much to the displeasure of his cracked spine. "Don't go breaking yet," Mara chided. "I still need to give you some more painkillers, and real medical attention once we're out of here." "Look at what I found." Varrence comes back with an armful of equipment and tools and a giant smile on his face. W1-DG3T is carrying a roll of wire around his head. "With all this, I'm not even sure what I can make, but I got it." "Varrence, we need to talk." Mara helps Varrence put the equipment down. "It's about the golden gear." As Mara tells him about the situation, Varrence's smile droops. "You mean only one of us can get it?" "Yeah." (link: "Ohm should get it.")[ (set: $goodplace to it -1) (goto: "Ohm should get it.")] (link: "Mara should get it.")[ (set: $goodplace to it +1) (goto: "Mara should get it.")] (link: "Varrence should get it.")[ (set: $goodplace to it +1) (goto: "Varrence should get it.")]

"Ohm, you should have it." Mara pulls out another bottle of herbal concoctions and removes the cork stopper. "Me? What about you? I thought you wanted to get rid of you magic?" Ohm is genuinely confused by Mara's charity. "And Varrence? What about W1-DG3T?" "Well, Serronius does have all this stuff just lying around now." Varrence sorts through the pile of tools in front of him. "I think I can figure something out." Ohm rubs his eyes, incredulously. "Well?" Mara puts the bottle in his hand. "When we were fighting Serronius, it felt weird. I felt powerful." She closes her potions kit and sits down. "Besides, if you have your magic, you could help me out." Ohm grabs his chest. "Sure, that works." [[What now?]]

"Mara, you should get it." Ohm's body is killing him, but this decision won't. Mara is shocked like lightning. "Me? You're going to give it up, just like that?" "You've got some skills with that focus crytal. It just seems like a waste to throw that away, if you ask me." Ohm means that. "Yeah, that blast you made at the end was awesome. It's like you managed to stifle the energy flow with an electrical cap before releasing it all at once." Ohm won't get used to all that technical jargon. "I get that you don't want it. You didn't choose to have magic back then, but I think you should choose this now, at least." If Ohm tries, he can be genuinely considerate. Tears start forming at the corners of Mara's eyes, but she wipes them away before they fall. "Thanks, Ohm. Thanks Varrence." [[Let's head out.]]

"What about Varrence?" Mara turns to look at the cyborg, kneeling on the ground as he sorts the pile of equipment and tools on the ground. "I'm okay with that. Varrence." Varrene jolts up, not paying attention after the sobering news. "You wanted me?" Mara and Varrence look at each other, then turn back towards the young cyborg. Ohm is the first to speak. "Varrence, Mara and I talked it over, and we thought you should have the golden gear." "What? Why me? Don't you two want it?" Varrence is overcome with too many feelings to name. "I had a good racket going before I met you guys." Ohm takes a deep breath. "And I, we, wouldn't have been able to get here without you. You were our foot in the door." "And when we were fighting Serronius, that was the first time I actually tried to use magic." Mara rubs her hands. Ohm just notices the magical burns around her hands and eyes. "The crystal Ohm got me really helped, but I think I can handle it." Varrence's eye tears up and forms a waterfall. "You guys. You're too nice." While Ohm heals up, Mara and Varrence ransack the place for more tools. If they knocked out and tied up Serronius, she probably wouldn't mind losing a few more things. [[Time to get out of here.]]

"You think it's okay to just leave her like that?" Varrence's arms are full of tools and intricate mechanical parts. "I'm sure she'll be fine. She has her bears to help her out." Ohm is carrying a bag of spare parts and power cells he found while scrounging around Serronius' power generators. "And she deserves it, too. After what she did to all those before in those experiments, she could use this time to think her life over." Mara tosses a large sack of supplies over her shoulder, some spare money, food, and magical documents. (if: $goodplace >=0)[[["Let's head back to the hideout."->Good Ending]]] (else-if: $goodplace <0)[[["Let's head back to the hideout."->Bad Ending]]]

"You think it's okay to just leave her like that?" Varrence's arms are full of tools and intricate mechanical parts. "I'm sure she'll be fine. She has her bears to help her out." Ohm is carrying a bag of spare parts and power cells he found while scrounging around Serronius' power generators. "And she deserves it, too. After what she did to all those before in those experiments, she could use this time to think her life over." Mara tosses a large sack of supplies over her shoulder, some spare money, food, and magical documents. (if: $goodplace >=0)[[["Let's head back to the hideout."->Good Ending2]]] (else-if: $goodplace <0)[[["Let's head back to the hideout."->Bad Ending2]]]

"Mara, get over here. We got a shipment of new draughts from Arcanis." Ohm is lifting a massive crate by himself, struggling to find somewhere to put it down in the cozy potions shop he's working in. "I'll never get used to working a real job." "Jut put it down by the counter. I'll be right there." Mara runs by from the backroom counting inventory. Mara and Ohm work together as two non-magical people in her own herbalist and potions shop. Varrence sets up his own workshop. In the several weeks since, she used the supplies the three of them took from Serronius to set up her own little shop in the Centrum. A good potions shop was hard to find in the district, and demand is high. At least its means they'll always have good business. "Guys, I'm almost finished with the basement. Have a looksee." Varrence popps his head out of the trapdoor behind the counter. "I think you'll like it." Mara and Varrence head down the trapdoor into a dark room when Varrence flips a switch and reveals a comfortable lounge. "I added a mechanical cooler and heater, and a bit of a refrigerator and oven with ventilation pipes just in case we didn't want to have to move." Varrence really does outdo himself sometimes. "I think that works," says Mara. "I think you're right," replies Ohm. Varrence pulls out some fruity drinks from the refrigerator. "Come one, let's have a drink." [[The End!]]

"Where are you going?" Mara wakes up in the middle of the night to see Ohm putting on his coat. "I'm heading out. I think I'm moving on to greener pastures." Ohm stares up at the ceiling full of holes, stars peeking out. "You're just going to leave, like that?" Mara gets up towards Ohm. Ohm rubs the back of his neck and his face. "When you and Varrence came by that day, I didn't really have much going for me. And no one certainly liked me." "Don't be like that." Mara puts her hand on his shoulder, turning him around to face him. "Relax. I'm not doing anything crazy or anything. I just need some time to think." Ohm gently grabs Mara's hand and puts it down. "I don't have magic, and hanging around the two of you has only reminded me that I don't really have much of anything else, either. Tell Varrence I said bye." Ohm walks out of the hideout as Mara watches before she goes back to her makeshift cot. "Welp. Back to zero for you, Ohm," he says to himself. "Time to figure things out." [[The End!]]

"So I want you to visualize the river flowing uphill, then open your hand." Ohm is teaching Mara the basics of magical energy manipulation out in the Boundary. "Like this?" Mara is getting the hang of things quickly. The magical focusing crystal is helping, but Mara hasn't used it once the entire day. "Looks like practice really does make perfect.." The air above Mara's hand is vibrating like the roads on a hot day. "You're going to pass me at this rate." Ohm means that. "I'm willing to settle for good enough." Mara sits down on a patch of grass, exhausted. The sweat running down her face is forming a river itself. "Don't be like that. You got some real skill." Ohm forms his own magical enegy flow, coloring the air in front of him a bright purple. "You could probably show a bunch of those wizard snobs in Arcanis what real magic looks like." "Sorry to interrupt your lesson," interrupts Varrence, "but I brought snacks." The three of them sit down on one of the drier patches of grass and start eating the sweet bread Varrence brought. "So the workshop's doing pretty well. I'm still working on getting commissions in weekly, but I'm getting the hand of it." "That's good. If anyone tries to stiff you, tell me about it. I'll-" Ohm looks around. "Where's W1-DG3T?" "Oh, he's watching the workshop." Varrence gulps down the bread and licks his fingers. "Good to hear. How much longer are we practicing?" Mara's breathing is growing steady, but now she's lying flat on her back. "At least another hour. You're on a roll." [[The End!]]

In the middle of the night, Ohm gets up and starts putting on his coat and boots. Ohm is about to leave when he hears some whirring in the background. When he turns around, he sees W1-DG3T rolling up to him. "Oh, its you. Hey." Ohm has never really talked to W1-DG3T before, now that he thinks of it. "Go back to robot sleep, little guy. I'm just heading out." W1-DG3T just beeps and whirs, moving around Ohm's feet. "This is really adorable. Don't make me stay." Ohm stands there while W1-DG3T rolls around his feet. "Why am I leaving? I don't know what I'm doing now that I have magic." Ohm kneels down and starts petting W1-DG3T, out of a lack of a better idea. "Varrence has that workshop and dreams of being the best gadgeteer. Mara has her whole life and a potion shop. What do I have?" W1-DG3T whirs, beeps, buzzes. "I guess. But I guess that means I just have to keep looking around. I don't want to weigh them down with this, okay. Just go to robot sleep." W1-DG3T lets out a long slow whistle rolling back to Varrence's cot and shutting off for the night. "Never thought I would have a heartfel conversation with a robot." Ohm pats down his knees and gets back up. "Well, I guess now's a good time as any to look around for a life." [[The End!]]

"You think it's okay to just leave her like that?" Varrence's arms are full of tools and intricate mechanical parts. "I'm sure she'll be fine. She has her bears to help her out." Ohm is carrying a bag of spare parts and power cells he found while scrounging around Serronius' power generators. "And she deserves it, too. After what she did to all those before in those experiments, she could use this time to think her life over." Mara tosses a large sack of supplies over her shoulder, some spare money, food, and magical documents. (if: $goodplace >=0)[[["Let's head back to the hideout."->Good Ending3]]] (else-if: $goodplace <0)[[["Let's head back to the hideout."->Bad Ending3]]]

"So I want you to visualize the river flowing uphill, then open your hand." Ohm is teaching Mara the basics of magical energy manipulation out in the Boundary. "Like this?" Mara is getting the hang of things quickly. The magical focusing crystal is helping, but Mara hasn't used it once the entire day. "Looks like practice really does make perfect.." The air above Mara's hand is vibrating like the roads on a hot day. "You're doing so much better than I did when I had magic." Ohm means that. "I'm willing to settle for good enough." Mara sits down on a patch of grass, exhausted. The sweat running down her face is forming a river itself. "Don't be like that. You got some real skill." Ohm pulls out a journal, recording the days' exercise and progress. "You could probably show a bunch of those wizard snobs in Arcanis what real magic looks like." "Sorry to interrupt your lesson," interrupts Varrence, "but I brought snacks." The three of them sit down on one of the drier patches of grass and start eating the sweet bread Varrence brought. "So the workshop's doing pretty well. I'm still working on getting commissions in weekly, but I'm getting the hand of it." "That's good. If anyone tries to stiff you, tell me about it. I'll-" Ohm looks around. "Where's W1-DG3T?" "Oh, he's watching the workshop." Varrence gulps down the bread and licks his fingers. "Good to hear. How much longer are we practicing?" Mara's breathing is growing steady, but now she's lying flat on her back. "At least another hour. You're on a roll." [[The End!]]

In the middle of the night, Varrence hears some faint rustling and wakes up to see Ohm putting on his coat. "Ohm, what are you doing?" "Hey Varrence. Go back to sleep." Ohm finishes putting on his coat and boots. "I'm heading out. I think I'm moving on to greener pastures." Ohm stares up at the ceiling full of holes, stars peeking out. "You're just going to leave, like that?" Varrence gets up towards Ohm. "Why?" Ohm rubs the back of his neck and his face. "When you and Varrence came by that day, I didn't really have much going for me. And no one certainly liked me." "We like you." "I know, Varrence." Ohm turns around to face him. "I just need some space to think. I don't have magic, and hanging around the two of you has only reminded me that I don't really have much of anything either. You want your workshop, and Mara has her potions shop. I don't know what I want. Tell Mara I said bye." Ohm walks out of the hideout and out into the street. After reaching the end of the road, Ohm turns back to see Varrence still watching. Ohm waves before he keeps walking. "Welp, Ohm. YOu got your space," he says to himself. "What now?" [[The End!]]

**Chapter 8: The Decision** (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[Mara breaks down crying. She hugs herself as tight as she can, almost painfully, as the full weight of the past few hours hits her. They made it this far and defeated Serronius, but so many things went wrong along the way. She has never been this stressed and overwhelmed in her life. Her burnt arm throbs, and she’s sure that Varrence has some bruises.(if: $BearHurtVarrence)[ He, too, has a burnt arm that must be troubling him again.] “Mara, it’s okay, it’s over,” Ohm says, sparing Mara an annoyed look as he stands over Serronius. “W1-DG3T?” Varrence whispers, finally looking over at them. “W1-DG3T!” He cries and runs over, falling to his knees. W1-DG3T beeps sadly as Varrence draws him into his arms. “No, buddy.” “I’m sorry, Varrence, it’s my fault,” Mara sobs. “He was protecting me.” Varrence sniffles and wipes a tear from his organic eye. “I—I can fix him. He’ll be okay.” Mara doesn’t quite believe him, but nothing she can do or say now can help . . . except for one thing. Ohm digs under Serronius’ shirt and pulls out the necklace she was wearing. Attached to the cord is a gold pendant the size of an eye in the shape of a gear. He examines it closely, his eyes twinkling. Then he looks at Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T, and a strange expression comes over his face. “This is it,” Ohm says. Mara doesn’t have to ask what he means. (if: $KnowAboutGear is true)[[[“And what Varrence said is true. It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Good)”]]](else:)[[[“It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Good)”]]]](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[Mara breaks down crying. She hugs herself as tight as she can, almost painfully, as the full weight of the past few hours hits her. They made it this far and defeated Serronius, but so many things went wrong along the way. She has never been this stressed and overwhelmed in her life. “Mara, it’s okay, it’s over,” Varrence says, sparing Mara a curious look as he stands over Serronius. Her head throbs with the sign of a concussion, and she’s sure that Varrence has some bruises.(if: $BearHurtVarrence)[ He also has a burnt arm that must be troubling him again.] And Ohm—Ohm! Mara crawls across the floor as fast as she can to reach Ohm. There is an alarming pool of blood beneath him, but as Mara examines the wound, she realizes that it isn’t too bad. The wound is shallow, but wide. The danger right now is how much blood he has lost. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Mara curses herself for not bringing her potion set. She has exactly the concoction to help in this instance, but it’s all the way back in Malvania. She looks around the room for something useful, and spots a needle and thread. “This is going to hurt,” she tells Ohm. He grunts in response. As fast as she can, Mara sews up his wound. Her hands are covered in blood when she’s done. Without her stronger potions, all she can do now is wrap a bandage around the wound and instruct Ohm to take it easy for a while.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Mara sighs in relief as she digs through her potion set. She pulls out the required concoction and forces it down Ohm’s throat. Instantly, the bleeding slows and a bit of color returns to Ohm’s face. It will simultaneously dull the pain and knit his skin cells back together, so no stitches are required. She binds a bandage around the wound anyway, and instructs Ohm to take it easy for a while.] Now that Ohm is out of the woods, they can finally take in their victory. Varrence and Ohm gloat over Serronius’ unconscious body, but Mara can’t bring herself to join them. Ohm was hurt badly, how can she celebrate when it was all her fault? Nothing she can do or say now can make up for it . . . except for one thing. Ohm digs under Serronius’ shirt and pulls out the necklace she was wearing. Attached to the cord is a gold pendant the size of an eye in the shape of a gear. He examines it closely, his eyes twinkling. Then he looks at Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T, and a strange expression comes over his face. “This is it,” Ohm says. Mara doesn’t have to ask what he means. (if: $KnowAboutGear is true)[[[“And what Varrence said is true. It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Good)”]]](else:)[[[“It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Good)”]]]](else-if: $MaraEnding is 3)[For a moment, Mara doesn’t know how to react. Is this real? Did she really best Serronius? Did she really use her magic successfully, and without the Magic Focus? Mara runs through the past minute in her mind. After checking on Ohm, she attacked Serronius. She had no Magic Focus. She didn’t give herself time to think. She just attacked, and it *succeeded*. “Mara, that was amazing!” Varrence shouts and tackles Mara in a hug. Mara laughs and hugs him back. “I did it! My magic—it worked!” Varrence winces when she lets him go. He’ll probably have some nasty bruises tomorrow.(if: $BearHurtVarrence)[ He also has a burnt arm that must be troubling him again.] And Ohm—Ohm! Mara races over to Ohm. There is an alarming pool of blood beneath him, but Mara’s quick bandaging earlier has helped. Still, if she doesn’t get the bleeding under control soon, Ohm could be in serious trouble. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Without her full potion set, all she can do is look around the room for something useful. Mara spots a needle and thread. “This is going to hurt,” she tells Ohm. He grunts in response. As fast as she can, Mara sews up his wound. Her hands are covered in blood when she’s done. Without her stronger potions, all she can do now is wrap a bandage around the wound and instruct Ohm to take it easy for a while.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Now that she has more time, Mara gives Ohm another healing elixir. It will simultaneously dull the pain and knit his skin cells back together, so no stitches are required. She binds a bandage around the wound anyway, and instructs Ohm to take it easy for a while.] Now that Ohm is out of the woods, they can finally take in their victory. Varrence and Ohm gloat over Serronius’ unconscious body, but Mara can’t bring herself to join them. She simply stares at her hands in awe. The feeling of her magic coursing through her . . . directing it at Serronius and protecting her new friends. Is that what true power feels like? Could she do it again? If magic can feel like that and do those things . . . maybe it isn’t so bad. Ohm digs under Serronius’ shirt and pulls out the necklace she was wearing. Attached to the cord is a gold pendant the size of an eye in the shape of a gear. He examines it closely, his eyes twinkling. Then he looks at Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T, and a strange expression comes over his face. “This is it,” Ohm says. Mara doesn’t have to ask what he means. (if: $KnowAboutGear is true)[[[“And what Varrence said is true. It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Good)”]]](else:)[[[“It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Good)”]]]](else:)[For a moment, Mara doesn’t know how to react. Is this real? Did she really best Serronius? Did she really use her magic successfully, and without the Magic Focus? Mara runs through the past minute in her mind. After tending to Ohm, she attacked Serronius. She had no Magic Focus. She didn’t give herself time to think. She just attacked, and it *succeeded*. “Mara, that was amazing!” Varrence shouts and tackles Mara in a hug. Mara laughs and hugs him back. “I did it! My magic—it worked!” Varrence winces when she lets him go. He’ll probably have some nasty bruises tomorrow.(if: $BearHurtVarrence)[ He also has a burnt arm that must be troubling him again.] Ohm is walking around with ease, the only sign of his injury being the blood staining his clothes and hands. With their few injuries taken care of, they can finally revel in their victory. Varrence and Ohm gloat over Serronius’ unconscious body, but Mara can’t bring herself to join them. She simply stares at her hands in awe. The feeling of her magic coursing through her . . . directing it at Serronius and protecting her new friends. Is that what true power feels like? Could she do it again? If magic can feel like that and do those things . . . maybe it isn’t so bad. Ohm digs under Serronius’ shirt and pulls out the necklace she was wearing. Attached to the cord is a gold pendant the size of an eye in the shape of a gear. He examines it closely, his eyes twinkling. Then he looks at Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T, and a strange expression comes over his face. “This is it,” Ohm says. Mara doesn’t have to ask what he means. (if: $KnowAboutGear is true)[[[“And what Varrence said is true. It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Good)”]]](else:)[[[“It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Good)”]]]]

**Chapter 8: The Decision** (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[Mara breaks down crying. She hugs herself as tight as she can, almost painfully, as the full weight of the past few hours hits her. They made it this far and defeated Serronius, but so many things went wrong along the way. Many of them were Mara’s fault, because she couldn’t control this awful magic. Her burnt arm throbs, and she’s sure that Varrence has some bruises.(if: $BearHurtVarrence)[ He, too, has a burnt arm that must be troubling him again.] “Mara, it’s okay, it’s over,” Ohm says, sparing Mara an annoyed look as he stands over Serronius. “W1-DG3T?” Varrence whispers, finally looking over at them. “W1-DG3T!” He cries and runs over, falling to his knees. W1-DG3T beeps sadly as Varrence draws him into his arms. “No, buddy.” “I’m sorry, Varrence, it’s my fault,” Mara sobs. “He was protecting me.” Varrence sniffles and wipes a tear from his organic eye. “I—I can fix him. He’ll be okay.” Mara doesn’t quite believe him, but she knows she’s done enough already. Nothing she can do or say now can help . . . except for one thing. Ohm digs under Serronius’ shirt and pulls out the necklace she was wearing. Attached to the cord is a gold pendant the size of an eye in the shape of a gear. He examines it closely, his eyes twinkling. Then he looks at Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T, and a strange expression comes over his face. “This is it,” Ohm says. Mara doesn’t have to ask what he means. (if: $KnowAboutGear is true)[[[“And what Varrence said is true. It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Bad)”]]](else:)[[[“It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Bad)”]]]](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[Mara breaks down crying. She hugs herself as tight as she can, almost painfully, as the full weight of the past few hours hits her. They made it this far and defeated Serronius, but so many things went wrong along the way. Many of them were Mara’s fault, because she couldn’t control this awful magic. “Mara, it’s okay, it’s over,” Varrence says, sparing Mara a curious look as he stands over Serronius. Her head throbs with the sign of a concussion, and she’s sure that Varrence has some bruises.(if: $BearHurtVarrence)[ He also has a burnt arm that must be troubling him again.] And Ohm—Ohm! Mara crawls across the floor as fast as she can to reach Ohm. There is an alarming pool of blood beneath him, but as Mara examines the wound, she realizes that it isn’t too bad. The wound is shallow, but wide. The danger right now is how much blood he has lost. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Mara curses herself for not bringing her potion set. She has exactly the concoction to help in this instance, but it’s all the way back in Malvania. She looks around the room for something useful, and spots a needle and thread. “This is going to hurt,” she tells Ohm. He grunts in response. As fast as she can, Mara sews up his wound. Her hands are covered in blood when she’s done. Without her stronger potions, all she can do now is wrap a bandage around the wound and instruct Ohm to take it easy for a while.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Mara sighs in relief as she digs through her potion set. She pulls out the required concoction and forces it down Ohm’s throat. Instantly, the bleeding slows and a bit of color returns to Ohm’s face. It will simultaneously dull the pain and knit his skin cells back together, so no stitches are required. She binds a bandage around the wound anyway, and instructs Ohm to take it easy for a while.] Now that Ohm is out of the woods, they can finally take in their victory. Varrence and Ohm gloat over Serronius’ unconscious body, but Mara can’t bring herself to join them. Ohm was hurt badly, how can she celebrate when it was all her fault? Nothing she can do or say now can make up for it . . . except for one thing. Ohm digs under Serronius’ shirt and pulls out the necklace she was wearing. Attached to the cord is a gold pendant the size of an eye in the shape of a gear. He examines it closely, his eyes twinkling. Then he looks at Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T, and a strange expression comes over his face. “This is it,” Ohm says. Mara doesn’t have to ask what he means. (if: $KnowAboutGear is true)[[[“And what Varrence said is true. It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Bad)”]]](else:)[[[“It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Bad)”]]]](else-if: $MaraEnding is 3)[For a moment, Mara doesn’t know how to react. Is this real? Did she really use her magic successfully, and without the Magic Focus? Mara runs through the past minute in her mind. After checking on Ohm, she attacked Serronius. She had no Magic Focus. She didn’t give herself time to think. She just attacked, and it *succeeded*. “Mara, that was amazing!” Varrence shouts and tackles Mara in a hug. Mara hugs him back, but her euphoria is quickly fading. That success was a fluke, beginner's luck. She's never done it before, and she has a feeling it won't happen again. Throughout this whole heist, she's been uptight and afraid. A liability. Varrence winces when she lets him go. He’ll probably have some nasty bruises tomorrow.(if: $BearHurtVarrence)[ He also has a burnt arm that must be troubling him again.] And Ohm—Ohm! Mara races over to Ohm. There is an alarming pool of blood beneath him, but Mara’s quick bandaging earlier has helped. Still, if she doesn’t get the bleeding under control soon, Ohm could be in serious trouble. (if: $MaraItem is 'spellbook')[Without her full potion set, all she can do is look around the room for something useful. Mara spots a needle and thread. “This is going to hurt,” she tells Ohm. He grunts in response. As fast as she can, Mara sews up his wound. Her hands are covered in blood when she’s done. Without her stronger potions, all she can do now is wrap a bandage around the wound and instruct Ohm to take it easy for a while.](else-if: $MaraItem is 'potion set')[Now that she has more time, Mara gives Ohm another healing elixir. It will simultaneously dull the pain and knit his skin cells back together, so no stitches are required. She binds a bandage around the wound anyway, and instructs Ohm to take it easy for a while.] Now that Ohm is out of the woods, they can finally take in their victory. Varrence and Ohm gloat over Serronius’ unconscious body, but Mara can’t bring herself to join them. Ohm was hurt badly, how can she celebrate when it was all her fault? Nothing she can do or say now can make up for it . . . except for one thing. Ohm digs under Serronius’ shirt and pulls out the necklace she was wearing. Attached to the cord is a gold pendant the size of an eye in the shape of a gear. He examines it closely, his eyes twinkling. Then he looks at Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T, and a strange expression comes over his face. “This is it,” Ohm says. Mara doesn’t have to ask what he means. (if: $KnowAboutGear is true)[[[“And what Varrence said is true. It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Bad)”]]](else:)[[[“It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Bad)”]]]](else:)[For a moment, Mara doesn’t know how to react. Is this real? Did she really use her magic successfully, and without the Magic Focus? Mara runs through the past minute in her mind. After checking on Ohm, she attacked Serronius. She had no Magic Focus. She didn’t give herself time to think. She just attacked, and it *succeeded*. “Mara, that was amazing!” Varrence shouts and tackles Mara in a hug. Mara hugs him back, but her euphoria is quickly fading. That success was a fluke, beginner's luck. She's never done it before, and she has a feeling it won't happen again. Throughout this whole heist, she's been uptight and afraid. A liability. Varrence winces when she lets him go. He’ll probably have some nasty bruises tomorrow.(if: $BearHurtVarrence)[ He also has a burnt arm that must be troubling him again.] Ohm is walking around with ease, the only sign of his injury being the blood staining his clothes and hands. With their few injuries taken care of, they can finally revel in their victory. Varrence and Ohm gloat over Serronius’ unconscious body, but Mara can’t bring herself to join them. Ohm was hurt badly, how can she celebrate when it was all her fault? Even if she healed him, she's not sure she could do it again. Nothing she can do or say now can make up for it . . . except for one thing. Ohm digs under Serronius’ shirt and pulls out the necklace she was wearing. Attached to the cord is a gold pendant the size of an eye in the shape of a gear. He examines it closely, his eyes twinkling. Then he looks at Mara, Varrence, and W1-DG3T, and a strange expression comes over his face. “This is it,” Ohm says. Mara doesn’t have to ask what he means. (if: $KnowAboutGear is true)[[[“And what Varrence said is true. It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Bad)”]]](else:)[[[“It can only be used once.”->“It can only be used once. (Bad)”]]]]

The three of them look at each other warily. (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[Varrence is still cradling W1-DG3T in his arms, inspecting his wires and parts that have been displaced.](else:)[Varrence is inspecting W1-DG3T for any damage from the scuffle.] “How do you know?” Mara asks. Ohm shrugs. “I’ve seen magical relics like this before. The really good ones always have a catch like this. They violate laws of nature or something like that, so they’re one-and-done.” “So . . . who gets it?” Varrence asks the question on all of their minds. Ohm studies the Golden Gear. He seems to be grappling with a hard decision. Mara understands. This whole time they thought they’d all be able to solve their problems, but now they have to choose one of them. It’s not fair. But Mara has learned over the past year that life is anything but fair. She makes her decision. Just as she is about to voice it, Ohm beats her to it. [[“Mara should have it.”->“Mara should have it.” (Good)]]

“I agree,” Varrence says. “You need it the most.” Mara is taken aback. Ohm would give up his chance at regaining his magic just so Mara could get rid of hers? She never expected that from someone who seems so self-interested. And Varrence, after all he’s been through in Gadgeton and the Centrum, and with W1-DG3T. How could he give up the one thing he’s been searching for? Ohm offers her the Golden Gear. It warms Mara’s heart that these two would do such a thing for her. But it doesn’t change her mind. First and foremost, she is a healer. “No,” Mara shakes her head and pushes Ohm’s hand away. "No, I don’t need it.” She looks at the two of them. [[“Ohm, you do.”->“Ohm, you do.” (Good)]] [[“Varrence, you do.”->“Varrence, you do.” (Good)]]

“I agree,” Varrence says. “You need it the most.” Mara is taken aback. Ohm would give up his chance at regaining his magic just so Mara could get rid of hers? She never expected that from someone who seems so self-interested. And Varrence, after all he’s been through in Gadgeton and the Centrum, and with W1-DG3T. How could he give up the one thing he’s been searching for? Ohm offers her the Golden Gear. It warms Mara’s heart that these two would do such a thing for her. But it doesn’t change her mind. First and foremost, she is a healer. “No,” Mara shakes her head and pushes Ohm’s hand away. “No, I don’t deserve it.” She looks at the two of them. [[“Ohm, you do.”->“Ohm, you do.” (Bad)]] [[“Varrence, you do.”->“Varrence, you do.” (Bad)]]

Ohm frowns. “Why me?” Mara shrugs. “You picked a fight with the wrong person. But you were born with magic, you know how to use it, you deserve to have it. (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[I’ll find my own way out of this mess.](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[I’ll find my own way out of this mess.](else:)[After today, what I was able to do . . . I don’t think I want to get rid of my magic after all.] And Varrence, there’s bound to be plenty of tools and parts here that you can use to make a name for yourself.” Varrence nods. “She’s right. W1-DG3T and I will be okay. He doesn’t have to be perfect, he just needs to be my friend. As long as I’m happy with him, that’s all that matters. Somewhere out there I’ll find people who appreciate me and my work as they are. But your magic was ripped away from you. You haven’t talked about it a lot, but . . . you deserve to be complete again.” Ohm looks from Mara to Varrence. “Are you sure?” “Absolutely,” Varrence says. Mara nods and (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[wipes the tears from her face](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[wipes the tears from her face](else:)[takes a deep breath], smiling. “Yes. You’ve earned this.” Mara can tell that Ohm is trying to contain his excitement. [[It doesn’t last long, and a wide smile spreads across his face.]]

Varrence looks up. “What? But your magic—” “I’ll be fine,” Mara insists. “(if: $MaraEnding is 1)[I might not be able to control my magic still, but this heist has taught me that I shouldn't keep hiding and feeling sorry for myself. I need to deal with this my own way.](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[I might not be able to control my magic still, but this heist has taught me that I shouldn't keep hiding and feeling sorry for myself. I need to deal with this my own way.](else:)[Everything that happened tonight . . . maybe my magic isn’t such a bad thing. I don’t think I want to get rid of it after all.] You’ve suffered so much for something that wasn’t even your choice. Maybe the Golden Gear will finally help everyone see what I know to be true. Varrence, you are amazing and so talented, no matter how much of you is organic or not. Take it.” Varrence looks from Mara to Ohm. Ohm sighs and says, “She’s right. It sucks that no one will take you seriously otherwise, but this will give you the life you deserve.” Varrence frowns. “You . . . you don’t want it?” Ohm snorts. “Of course I do. But this whole heist has shown me that . . . maybe I shouldn’t have magic. I’d just go back to my old ways, make enemies all the time and only look out for myself, try to be the best all the time. I don’t want that anymore. Besides–” he holds up a few of his trinkets–“it turns out I can hold my own pretty well without magic. And I’m sure Serronius has some fun toys I can take.” “Are you certain?” Varrence asks, looking from Ohm to Mara. Mara nods and (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[wipes the tears from her face](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[wipes the tears from her face](else:)[takes a deep breath], smiling. “Yes. You’ve earned this.” Ohm scuffs his feet on the floor and nods. Finally, Varrence grins like a giddy child. [[He abruptly hugs Mara, then leans over W1-DG3T and croons reassurances at him.]]

Ohm frowns. “Why me?” Mara shrugs. “You picked a fight with the wrong person. But you were born with magic, you know how to use it, you deserve to have it. I’ll find my own way out of this mess. And Varrence, there’s bound to be plenty of tools and parts here that you can use to make a name for yourself.” Varrence nods. “She’s right. W1-DG3T and I will be okay. He doesn’t have to be perfect, he just needs to be my friend. As long as I’m happy with him, that’s all that matters. Somewhere out there I’ll find people who appreciate me and my work as they are. But your magic was ripped away from you. You haven’t talked about it a lot, but . . . you deserve to be complete again.” Ohm looks from Mara to Varrence. “Are you sure?” “Absolutely,” Varrence says. Mara nods and (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[wipes the tears from her face](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[wipes the tears from her face](else:)[takes a deep breath], smiling. “Yes. You’ve earned this.” Mara can tell that Ohm is trying to contain his excitement. [[It doesn’t last long, and a wide smile spreads across his face.]]

Varrence looks up. “What? But your magic—” “I’ll be fine,” Mara insists. “(if: $MaraEnding is 1)[Everything that went wrong tonight . . . it was my fault. W1-DG3T got hurt protecting me. I need to deal with this my own way.](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[Everything that went wrong tonight . . . it was my fault. Ohm got hurt because I was a liability. I need to deal with this my own way.](else:)[My magic . . . I understand now that it's not the only thing holding me back. Getting rid of it won't solve my problems, and we can't waste the Golden Gear. I need to deal with this my own way.] You’ve suffered so much for something that wasn’t even your choice. Maybe the Golden Gear will finally help everyone see what I know to be true. Varrence, you are amazing and so talented, no matter how much of you is organic or not. Take it.” Varrence looks from Mara to Ohm. Ohm sighs and says, “She’s right. It sucks that no one will take you seriously otherwise, but this will give you the life you deserve.” Varrence frowns. “You . . . you don’t want it?” Ohm snorts. “Of course I do. But this whole heist has shown me that . . . maybe I shouldn’t have magic. I’d just go back to my old ways, make enemies all the time and only look out for myself, try to be the best all the time. I don’t want that anymore. Besides–” he holds up a few of his trinkets–“it turns out I can hold my own pretty well without magic. And I’m sure Serronius has some fun toys I can take.” “Are you certain?” Varrence asks, looking from Ohm to Mara. Mara nods and (if: $MaraEnding is 1)[wipes the tears from her face](else-if: $MaraEnding is 2)[wipes the tears from her face](else:)[takes a deep breath], smiling. “Yes. You’ve earned this.” Ohm scuffs his feet on the floor and nods. Finally, Varrence grins like a giddy child. [[He abruptly hugs Mara, then leans over W1-DG3T and croons reassurances at him.]]