system
You are the dungeon master of a text adventure game. The game should involve the following genres and tags:
Superhero, conversation,IF Competition 2003,IFComp Game,single room,supernatural,TADS,TADS 3,Xyzzy Awards 2003
gpt
It's raining out. You lean your head against the window, the glass cold against your cheek, and watch the world slide by. The city is as grey as the skies, but rainbows catch in the trembling drops of water. The swish-slap of the windshield wipers and low hum of the air conditioner covers up the faint sound of his breathing. If you close your eyes, you can almost be somewhere else. Maybe if you try...

You tremble inside like a raindrop on the verge of falling, fighting to spread yourself out, let yourself drift away into the sky, away from this car, away from him, away from the fate ahead. But even with the fear, it's so hard to move on... or maybe because of the fear. Metal snugs around your wrist as he tightens the cuff, shattering your concentration. "None of that," he says. His voice isn't even cold, it's just empty. He touches a panel on the car's dashboard. "We'll be there soon," he adds. Soon.

IFComp ver 1.0
Players new to this game should type ABOUT. Hints are also available.

I see no more than you do
Believe me, I've tried
To find what is missing, to find what is wrong
To write the words to my happy-ending November song

- "November Song," Mark Henley

The car is large and comfortable, but it's still just a traveling cage, upholstered in sleek grey. The control panel on his side flashes discreet symbols you never learned to read, but in the center of the dashboard is the stereo, and above it hangs a mirror. The car has a back seat as well as a front; usually his kind comes in groups. There's only a plain black briefcase back there, though.

Your backpack is on the floor.

Galen is driving the car.
human
You examine Galen
gpt
From your dreams, you always thought he'd be tall. Big. Enormous.
He cast such a shadow in your dreams. But when you looked up in the park and saw him standing there in front of you, just a man, you could barely believe it. This is what had been hunting you, night and day, across world and wane? Not so tall, almost slight in build, unremarkable brown hair. But then his hand closed around your arm, stronger than the silver band there now, and you knew him. "Your grandfather asked me to find you, Enra," he said, and caught you as your knees buckled.

He's wearing an expensive-looking pair of shades that scrape across your nerves. His suit is very fine, although it bears the signs of being driven in for many hours. It's typical Man In Black garb. Silver glints at his neck.
human
You look at the backpack
gpt
When he caught you, he peeled it off of you like you were a child, holding your arm in one hand. After he had you cuffed, attached securely to him, he went through it. He took your caheris and stepped on it, breaking it into a thousand glittering pieces, and he took the rose pin that Bobby had given you, snorted, and tossed it into the undergrowth. He looked at your battered mystery novels, your dice, your lensless eyeglasses, laughed humorlessly, and left them in the backpack.

It's raining steadily out.
human
You look at the silver
gpt
(the cuff)
The silver cuff can loosen and tighten around your wrist like a training collar on a dog when he pulls on it, which is easy for him to do, because the other end is around his own wrist. It's closed.
human
You talk to Galen
gpt
He glances at you expectantly.
human
You ask Galen about the grandfather
gpt
"What does my grandfather want?" you ask.

"The usual," he says. "Power and immortality."
human
You ask Galen about the caheris
gpt
"Why did you break my little crystal?" you ask thoughtfully.

He gives you a look. "Instructions from your grandfather."
human
You ask Galen about the grandfather
gpt
"My grandfather told you to break my stone, specifically?"

"Yes."

Galen touches the control panel and a symbol flashes. It's still raining.
human
Drift
gpt
The word "drift" is not necessary in this story.

(If this was an accidental misspelling, you can correct it by typing OOPS followed by the corrected word now. Any time the story points out an unknown word, you can correct a misspelling using OOPS as your next command.)
human
You examine the control panel
gpt
You never learned to read the symbols. You've never had to drive yourself anywhere before. First there were Daddy's people, and then Stephan, and then Bobby. And now Grandfather's people, apparently. But not for long. Soon you won't go anywhere ever again.
human
You examine the briefcase
gpt
It probably has terrible weapons in it. Bombs. Nerve poisons. Battery swords. Laser nunchunks. Tasers. Smooth black tronic devices for unlocking doors and people equally well. It's closed.
human
You examine the door
gpt
This is the kind of door where all the useful functions- the window, the lock, the handle- are controlled from the driver's side. There's a handy ashtray, though. Too bad you don't smoke. It's closed.

Galen turns his head to look at you directly for a moment. The clouds directly ahead are darker.
human
You look at the ashtray
gpt
Absolutely spotless. Of couse.
human
You open the door
gpt
The car door seems to be locked.

Galen scowls at the storm ahead.
human
You ask Galen about the storm
gpt
"Do you like the rain?" you ask.

He turns to look at you, his mirrored gaze discomfiting. Then he turns back to the front again. "It suits my mood."
human
You examine the mirror
gpt
Yourself. You usually avoid mirrors because they always make you feel like you're falling, like if you don't hang on you'll slip to the other side and never find your way back.

Definitely nasty weather ahead.
human
You touch the mirror
gpt
You feel nothing out of the ordinary.

You finish passing the great bulk of the city.
human
You ask Galen about the immortality
gpt
His eyes flick towards you and then back outside.
human
You open the cuff
gpt
The cuff seems to be locked.

Galen taps his fingers on his leg thoughtfully.

Ahead, the sky is even darker, and flashes of light dance between clouds.
human
You examine the galen's neck
gpt
Half-hidden by his hair and collar, the links of the necklace are thin and wide. There seems to be a pendant of some sort but it's tucked under his shirt. When he moves his head, you can see that the skin under the chain is a chafed and fiery red.
human
You ask Galen about the chain
gpt
"Will you take this cuff off me?" you ask.

He doesn't bother responding.

A big truck passes, sending up a wave of spray that washes over the car.
human
You ask Galen about the necklace
gpt
"So, where'd you get the necklace from?" you ask.

His mouth curves up in a humorless smile. "It was a... gift... from your grandfather."

There's a flash of lightning in the distance.
human
You get the necklace
gpt
You lean back in your seat, stretching your hands out so wide. He moves his head to his left as you threaten his personal space, leaving his neck open. Quick as a fish, you dart your hand in, wrap your fingers around the chain and yank. He recoils, which helps, because the surge of energy that tingles through you almost makes you lose your grip. You fight back- and with a snap, the chain is in your hand.

"Oh," he says quietly. "Oh."

His hands go up to the weal around his neck. There's a pulse of white around you, and for a moment for a moment you are overcome by a wild, sourceless joy. From the pendant in your hand there sings an answering note. And then-

The car is large and comfortable, but it's still just a traveling cage, upholstered in sleek grey. The control panel on his side flashes discreet symbols you never learned to read, but in the center of the dashboard is the stereo, and above it hangs a mirror. The car has a back seat as well as a front; usually his kind comes in groups. There's only a plain black briefcase back there, though.

Your backpack is on the floor.

Galen is driving the car.

There's a click as ordinary vision returns, and the cuff drops off your wrist. Galen gives you a long, steady look, and then returns to driving.
human
You examine the necklace
gpt
The pendant is a flat, seven-sided crystal, in which a tiny downy feather has been imprisoned. The chain melds organically to the pendant, the links narrowing to a tiny filigree as they intersect the pendant. Holding it in your hand, you can feel the quiet thrum of an alien power in the artifact.
human
You ask Galen about Grandfather
gpt
You're certain, based on recent events, that he hates your grandfather as much as you do. Maybe even more.
human
You ask Galen about the necklace
gpt
"Where did this come from?" you ask, holding the pendant.

"Your grandfather had it crafted from certain materials he gathered. Then he collared me with it." His voice is almost entirely even.

Galen mutters something under his breath.
human
Break necklace
gpt
You move to swing the pendant sharply against the door. As you do, Galen says sharply, "Don't!" and reaches over to take hold of the chain just long enough to check its momentum.

"Don't," he says again. "It's not a good idea."
human
Wear necklace
gpt
You slip the chain over your head.

Galen takes the next exit, which is an interchange. You're now running parallel to the storm rather than driving into it.
human
1
gpt
Saved.
human
You open the briefcase
gpt
You reach in the back seat and haul the briefcase forward into your lap. Galen watches this, raising his eyebrows. Fortunately you've learned a lot from this journey and ignore him quite successfully as you fiddle with the clasp. Locked, of course. You glare at it. A globular field sparkles around the clasp and there's a click as it unlocks and opens.

Inside, socks and toothpaste share space in a tiny overnight kit with a pair of neatly folded boxers. In the main compartment of the case there's a slim laptop and on top of it- aha! A battery sword!

Galen takes the next exit, which is an interchange. You're now running parallel to the storm rather than driving into it.
human
You get the sword
gpt
Almost certainly contaminated by MIB cooties. But you study it for a while, and suspect that with some time to digest the information, you could create one for yourself later.
human
You look at the sword
gpt
These show up in video games and spy novels all the time, but you've never seen a real one. Wow.
human
Inventory
gpt
You are carrying a cuff and a necklace.
human
You get backpack
gpt
You pick up your backpack.

Galen adjusts his sunglasses. It looks like the freeway is curving back around to the city.
human
You examine the laptop
gpt
Very sleek, very nice. Certainly top of the line, although you don't really pay attention to that stuff anymore.
human
You ask Galen about Bobby
gpt
"Why did Bobby act so strangely when you came to get me? Why didn't he help me?" He'd stood back, practically cowering, with your other friends when Galen showed up.

"I've been in his dreams, too. He doesn't remember them, but they probably made him uneasy. But, let's face it, anyone that might hurt him makes him uneasy."
human
You ask Galen about the dreams
gpt
"Why did I see you in my dreams?" you ask him.

"You're special," he says. "Most people don't."
human
You ask Galen about special
gpt
He has nothing but silence to offer you.

Galen watches you for a long moment.
human
You ask Galen about the destination
gpt
"Where are we going?" you ask.

"A park," he says. "I thought I'd drop you off at a park."

The car takes the upcoming offramp.
human
You ask Galen about park
gpt
"When we were at the park, you showed up practically out of nowhere. How did you find me?" you ask.

He hesitates and then says, "By visiting you in your dreams, a temporary link was forged that gave me a directional heading when we were both awake."
human
You ask Galen about the freedom
gpt
You're free now, though you're not quite sure why.

Now you're racing along the edges of the city again, back along the skeletal ribs of the city freeway system. This is a rather nice part of the city, but not where you would have expected to find yourself.
human
You take the backpack
gpt
You are already carrying the backpack.
human
You look at the feather
gpt
It's a tiny white feather, with a translucent, almost crystalline quill.

As you pass by a park, the car turns into the parking lot. A moment later, Galen has parked the car. He turns toward you, inscrutable behind his sunglasses. Then he brushes his fingers on the panel and the door beside you clicks as well.

"Go on, get out of here."
human
You go outside
gpt
(first opening the car door)
You open the door.
You slide out of the car.

There's comfortable scent of wet sidewalk and shattered ozone. Whirling autumn leaves race down the gutter as the late afternoon sky brightens overhead. To the south, there's a park, and beyond that, the embrace of the city awaits.
human
You look at car
gpt
The car that took you so far... Man, it's dirty.

It's open.
human
You get on the car
gpt
The car is large and comfortable, upholstered in sleek grey. The control panel on his side flashes discreet symbols you never learned to read, but in the center of the dashboard is the stereo, and above it hangs a mirror. The car has a back seat as well as a front; usually his kind comes in groups. There's only a plain black briefcase back there, though.

Galen is lounging inside the car.

A bird flies across the front of the car.
human
Go south
gpt
You head south, to the park. As you do, he gets out of the car and leans against it, taking his sunglasses off to watch you go.

***The end***
human
You get the backpack
gpt
You pick up your backpack.

Galen turns his head to look at you directly for a moment. It's raining steadily out.
human
You examine the shades
gpt
You can see yourself in his sunglasses, all distorted and wavy. You don't like them. Nothing's real through sunglasses, everything is just a game with a wall between you and the world. You've been there.

Galen scowls at the storm ahead. It's still raining.
human
You take the shades
gpt
You lunge at him, grabbing at the sunglasses. The metal tightens around your wrist again, but it can't do much to stop you. The car swerves for the briefest instant as he is distracted, his other hand coming up to fend you off. There's a brief tussle that ends with him holding your arm in an iron grip. But you are clutching his sunglasses. He looks at you impassively for a heartbeat, and then thrusts you away from him, back into your seat.

You have his sunglasses. Triumph!
human
You examine the shades
gpt
Lightweight, sleek, partially reflective. He looked good in them. Well, intimidating, which is what his kind consider 'good'. Too bad for him. They're yours now.
human
You wear the shades
gpt
You put on his sunglasses. You can feel his warmth on your cheeks for a moment, and then you hastily take them off, embarassed that he saw you acting so frivolously.

The clouds directly ahead are darker.
human
You examine the galen's face
gpt
The word "face" is not necessary in this story.

(If this was an accidental misspelling, you can correct it by typing OOPS followed by the corrected word now. Any time the story points out an unknown word, you can correct a misspelling using OOPS as your next command.)
human
You examine the galen's eyes
gpt
His gaze is constantly moving, flicking down the road, over passing cars, and towards you. He meets your eyes expressionlessly and then something flickers- what was that? Something strong. Even without your caheris you can see that.
human
You examine the glove compartment
gpt
There's a hatch flush with the dash of the car. It's closed.
human
You open it
gpt
Opened.

Galen rolls his head around his shoulders, stretching his neck. You catch a glimpse of his necklace.
human
You ask Galen about the sunglasses
gpt
"Do you want your sunglasses back?"

He eyes you warily. "All right."

"Tough!" you say gleefully. He snorts and turns his attention away from you.

Definitely nasty weather ahead.
human
You ask Galen about the caheris
gpt
"Why did you break my little crystal?" you ask thoughtfully.

He gives you a look. "Instructions from your grandfather."
human
You ask Galen about instructions
gpt
"My grandfather told you to break my stone, specifically?"

"Yes."
human
You look at the glove compartment
gpt
There's a hatch flush with the dash of the car. It's open.

Galen scowls at the road ahead.
human
You look in it
gpt
You see nothing in the glovebox.

Galen turns a fierce look on you. You finish passing the great bulk of the city.
human
You examine the necklace
gpt
Half-hidden by his hair and collar, the links of the necklace are thin and wide. There seems to be a pendant of some sort but it's tucked under his shirt. When he moves his head, you can see that the skin under the chain is a chafed and fiery red.
human
You ask Galen about yourself
gpt
Quietly, you ask Galen, "Do you know the sort of things I can do?"

He glances over at you, his voice flat as he recites. "Yes. You interface with reality on a subdimensional level as a result of prenatal modifications to your genetic and aethereal nature and catalyzed by a nanomechanistical substrate absorbed during adolescence. You require a focus item, and your generative capabilities can be externally suppressed." He sighs, but his eyes are burning.. "Or, as I imagine Bobby would say, some whacked out magic shit."

You've never heard it expressed quite like that before.
human
You ask Galen about Bobby
gpt
"Why did Bobby act so strangely when you came to get me? Why didn't he help me?" He'd stood back, practically cowering, with your other friends when Galen showed up.

"I've been in his dreams, too. He doesn't remember them, but they probably made him uneasy. But, let's face it, anyone that might hurt him makes him uneasy."
human
You ask Galen about the necklace
gpt
"So, where'd you get the necklace from?" you ask.

His mouth curves up in a humorless smile. "It was a... gift... from your grandfather."

Ahead, the sky is even darker, and flashes of light dance between clouds.
human
You ask Galen about the focus item
gpt
He just shakes his head, very slightly.
human
You ask Galen about the magic
gpt
Hah, magic. People always try to turn what they don't understand into magic. You're a product of technology.

Galen frowns at the dashboard.
human
You ask Galen about the necklace
gpt
"The old man really expects you to wear that thing even though it hurts?"

He inclines his head.

There's a flash of lightning in the distance.
human
You ask Galen about the technology
gpt
It's hard to describe your interface with computers and other machines in ordinary language, and not much fun to try. You've become pretty good at pretending you use all the normal methods, though.

There's the thunder.
human
You get the briefcase
gpt
It's very awkward to get a hand into the back seat to fiddle with the briefcase, as there's a cuff around the hand closest. You'd have to do some pretty significant contortions to get to the briefcase.
human
You examine cuff
gpt
It's very shiny, and there's a fine texture on the metal. You don't like it. You don't like touching it. It's a leash and collar, with spikes on the inside. It's closed.
human
You ask Galen about the necklace
gpt
"Where did this come from?" you ask, holding the pendant.

"Your grandfather had it crafted from certain materials he gathered. Then he collared me with it." His voice deepens, anger roughening it.
human
You ask Galen about Grandfather
gpt
You're certain, based on recent events, that he hates your grandfather as much as you do. Maybe even more.

Galen looks out the window.
human
You get the briefcase
gpt
You reach in the back seat and haul the briefcase forward into your lap. Galen watches this, raising his eyebrows. Fortunately you've learned a lot from this journey and ignore him quite successfully as you fiddle with the clasp. Locked, of course. You glare at it. A globular field sparkles around the clasp and there's a click as it unlocks and opens.

Inside, socks and toothpaste share space in a tiny overnight kit with a pair of neatly folded boxers. In the main compartment of the case there's a slim laptop and on top of it- aha! A battery sword!
human
You ask Galen about the sword
gpt
"Why do you have a battery sword?"

He sighs."It reminds me of home."
human
You get the laptop
gpt
Nah, you don't need it. It's very lightweight, sure, but nothing's as lightweight as what's between your ears.

Maybe you should reconsider the phrasing on that before you say it aloud. Anyhow, it would slow you down.
human
You ask Galen about the home
gpt
"They make battery swords where you're from?" you guess.

He smiles faintly. "Not battery swords, no."

Galen takes the next exit, which is an interchange. You're now running parallel to the storm rather than driving into it.
human
You read the laptop
gpt
That's so last evolution.
human
You open the backpack
gpt
Opening the backpack reveals some mystery novels, a pair of eyeglasses, and some dice.

Galen glances over at you, an odd look on his face.
human
You look at the dice
gpt
Six siders and twenty siders. Useful in work and play.
human
You roll the dice
gpt
Unfortunately, there's no good surface in the car to roll the dice.

The car takes the upcoming offramp.
human
You examine the eyeglasses
gpt
Coppery round metal frames with iridescent butterflies dancing along the earpieces. They help you focus sometimes.

It looks like the freeway is curving back around to the city.
human
Wear the eyeglasses
gpt
(first taking the pair of eyeglasses from the backpack)
You pull out your glasses.
You put your glasses on. Ah, that's better.

This is a rather nice part of the city, but not where you would have expected to find yourself.
human
You ask Galen about laptop
gpt
He has nothing but silence to offer you.

Galen shifts in his seat.
human
You examine the laptop
gpt
Very sleek, very nice. Certainly top of the line, although you don't really pay attention to that stuff anymore.

As you pass by a park, the car turns into the parking lot. A moment later, Galen has parked the car. He turns toward you, a half-smile on his face. Then he brushes his fingers on the panel and the door beside you clicks as well.

"Go on, get out of here."
human
You examine Galen
gpt
He's actually kind of attractive, now that you think about it. Not pretty, like Bobby, but there's something there that makes him not unpleasant to look at.

His suit is very fine, although it bears the signs of being driven in for many hours. It's typical Man In Black garb. His hair has been tousled from its previous immaculate state.

A bird flies across the front of the car.
human
You examine the necklace
gpt
The pendant is a flat, seven-sided crystal, in which a tiny downy feather has been imprisoned. The chain melds organically to the pendant, the links narrowing to a tiny filigree as they intersect the pendant. Holding it in your hand, you can feel the quiet thrum of an alien power in the artifact.
human
You get novel
gpt
Taken.

Galen leans back in his seat. A gaggle of children races down the sidewalk into the park.
human
You read the novel
gpt
You're not really in the mood for reading now.

Galen stretches his hand, watching as it closes into a fist.
human
You ask Galen about Grandfather
gpt
You're certain, based on recent events, that he hates your grandfather as much as you do. Maybe even more.
human
You ask Galen about himself
gpt
"So, what are you going to do now?" you ask.

"Oh, I'll be paying one last visit to your grandfather. He won't like that very much at all." Galen smiles unpleasantly.
human
You ask Galen about the recent events
gpt
He just shakes his head, very slightly.
human
You ask Galen about himself
gpt
"Um. What will you do after you... visit... my grandfather?"

He glances over at you. "I haven't decided."
human
You ask Galen about the necklace
gpt
"Did you really get this from my grandfather?" you ask, fingering the chain.

"Oh yes," he assures you, his jaw clenching. "Oh yes. He brought me to him and bound it around my neck. Bound me to him."

The cement is drying outside.
human
You close the door
gpt
The car door is already closed.
human
You drive
gpt
Galen just shakes his head.
human
Kiss galen
gpt
The mood has to be right...
human
You examine the sword
gpt
These show up in video games and spy novels all the time, but you've never seen a real one. Wow.

For a moment there's a bit of blue sky in the shifting clouds overhead.
human
You ask Galen about the dreams
gpt
"Why did I see you in my dreams?" you ask him.

"You're special," he says. "Most people don't."
human
You ask Galen about yourself
gpt
"So," you say. "You're not mad at me or anything, right?"

He gives you a quizzical look. "I'm very happy with you."
human
You look under the seat
gpt
You see nothing unusual under the front seat.

A kid on a scooter zooms by.
human
You turn on the stereo
gpt
You tuck a strand of hair behind an ear and flick the stereo on. Running your fingers across the touchpad, you make haunting cello strains fill the vehicle.

The beautiful sonorous chords of cello music flood the car.
human
You examine the stereo
gpt
State of the art, of course, but not much used, from the looks of it. The beautiful sonorous chords of cello music flood the car.
human
You turn on Galen
gpt
Not at the flip of a switch, you don't.

Galen rubs a spot under his eye.
human
You ask yourself about yourself
gpt
Talking to yourself won't accomplish anything.

A pair of teenagers wander by, sharing a cigarette.
human
About yourself
gpt
Definitely feeling better now that the evil cuff has been removed.
Not panicking was a great plan.
human
Break cuff
gpt
Stomping on it won't work. And it'd be best if this sort of thing couldn't cage you ever again. So you decide to spend the time and focus yourself on the cuff, analyzing every aspect of it. When you're done, you tell the cuff to stop existing. With a puff of dust, it is gone.

A dog races down the sidewalk, its leash trailing behind it. A shouting, grinning child chases after.
human
You destroy the necklace
gpt
You move to swing the pendant sharply against the door. As you do, Galen says sharply, "Don't!" and reaches over to take hold of the chain just long enough to check its momentum.

"Don't," he says again. "It's not a good idea."
human
You take the feather
gpt
You can't have that; it's part of the necklace.

A child carrying a pair of rollerblades marches past.
human
You examine the necklace
gpt
Half-hidden by his hair and collar, the links of the necklace are thin and wide. There seems to be a pendant of some sort but it's tucked under his shirt. When he moves his head, you can see that the skin under the chain is a chafed and fiery red.
human
You ask Galen about the destination
gpt
"So, where exactly are you taking me?" you ask, trying to sound casual.

He barely turns his head in your direction as he repeats calmly "Your grandfather asked me to return you to his estate."

More lightning.
human
You ask Galen about the estate
gpt
He has nothing but silence to offer you.

Galen shifts uncomfortably in his seat. The rain briefly becomes a downpour, reducing visibility, before returning to a steady drizzle.

Thunder.
human
Wear the eyeglasses
gpt
(first taking the pair of eyeglasses from the backpack)
You pull out your glasses.
You put your glasses on and stare defiantly out the front window. You're cute. You know it. Screw him.

Galen glances over at you.

Lightning.
human
You read the novel
gpt
You pick up one of the novels and flip restlessly through it before dropping it again, distracted by the rain.

THUNDER!
human
You wait
gpt
Time passes...

Lightning, THUNDER!
human
Break cuff
gpt
You can't. Every attempt you make to focus on the cuff slides off, and the cuff tightens around your wrist like a living thing.

A big truck passes, sending up a wave of spray that washes over the car. The car turns right into what turns out to be a very long driveway,old-fashioned wrought-iron lamps illuminating the darkened afternoon, making rainbows sparkle in every raindrop on your window.
human
You examine the rainbow
gpt
Staring into the raindrop is a little like focusing on your caheris. You can feel your breathing deepen and sense the raindrop expanding to surround you. All you have to do is step inside...

just let go of everything here...

and go on to something...

more...

lightningTHUNDERYour concentration is shattered.
human
You examine the raindrop
gpt
They're wiped from the windshield almost as fast as they can land, but on your window, they cling to the glass. Inside them, a rainbow shivers.

A large house comes into view around a gentle bend. Dread knots your stomach.
human
You look at the rainbow
gpt
"I can't!!" you shriek, and then whimper, "I'm afraid. I don't know what will happen..."

"Don't be," Galen says gently.
human
You examine the rainbow
gpt
You take a deep breath and then let the vast layers of repressed comprehension buried in your brain unfold around you. You enter the rainbow and the rainbow enters you.

Prismatic light spills out of your skin, your eyes, your mouth. You are going somewhere else, becoming something more as you stop resisting.

You are no longer afraid.

There are bells, cathedral bells.

A faraway voice, very near, whispers, "I'm glad you're finally free..."

***You have transcended***
human
Break mirror
gpt
Breaking that would serve no purpose.

A large house comes into view around a gentle bend. Dread knots your stomach.
human
You take the necklace
gpt
You lean back in your seat, stretching your hands out so wide. He moves his head to his left as you threaten his personal space, leaving his neck open. Quick as a fish, you dart your hand in, wrap your fingers around the chain and yank. He recoils, which helps, because the surge of energy that tingles through you almost makes you lose your grip. You fight back- and with a snap, the chain is in your hand.

"Oh," he says quietly. "Oh."

His hands go up to the weal around his neck. There's a pulse of white around you, and for a moment you are overcome by a wild, sourceless joy. From the pendant in your hand there sings an answering note.
And then-

The car is large and comfortable, but it's still just a traveling cage, upholstered in sleek grey. The control panel on his side flashes discreet symbols you never learned to read, but in the center of the dashboard is the stereo, and above it hangs a mirror. The car has a back seat as well as a front; usually his kind comes in groups. There's only a plain black briefcase back there, though.

Galen is driving the car.

Galen gives you a long, thoughtful look, and then returns to driving.

Galen leans back in his seat.
human
Wait
gpt
Time passes...
human
You look at your surroundings
gpt
The car is large and comfortable, but it's still just a traveling cage, upholstered in sleek grey. The control panel on his side flashes discreet symbols you never learned to read, but in the center of the dashboard is the stereo, and above it hangs a mirror. The car has a back seat as well as a front; usually his kind comes in groups. There's only a plain black briefcase back there, though.

Galen is driving the car.

The car stops. Galen touches the cuff around your wrist and looks past you at the men coming out of the house, loathing on his face. Then, coldly, he smiles and the cuff binding you, binding your power, opens. You are free, and all your fear transforms into exultation, and rage that seeks a target. Coming out of the house, your grandfather. And after-

***He'll never cage anybody again.***
human
You ask Galen about the stereo
gpt
He doesn't bother to respond.

A large house comes into view around a gentle bend. Dread knots your stomach.
human
You ask Galen about the fear
gpt
You lean against the door, hugging your backpack and ask quietly, "Are you afraid of my grandfather?"

You can see his jaw clench suddenly. Then he says quietly, "I'm afraid of being helpless." He pauses and then shrugs. "With your grandfather sometimes it's the same thing."
human
You ask Galen about the revenge
gpt
His eyes flick towards you and then back outside.

More rain.
human
You ask Galen about the love
gpt
You can't figure out how to bring that topic up.

The wind gusts, blowing the rain horizontal. The car stops. Galen leans back, sighing. He runs a hand through his hair, looking at you, something mysterious in his eyes. The front door of the house opens, and men in black suits come out. And after them- your grandfather. Galen releases the cuff from around his wrist and raises his hand to touch your cheek gently. "I'm sorry, Enra." Despair has never tasted so bitter.

***You did not escape***
human
You examine your glasses
gpt
Coppery round metal frames with iridescent butterflies dancing along the earpieces. They help you focus sometimes.

A large house comes into view around a gentle bend. Dread knots your stomach.
human
You tell Galen about yourself
gpt
You sit quietly, looking at the rain streaming down the window. "My favorite flower is wisteria. My father's estate had an arbor just covered in it, and the scent would be so strong it dizzied me."

"I know," he says softly.

You glance at him quickly. "How do you know?"

"You dream about it," he says simply.
human
You tell Galen about the daddy
gpt
His eyes flick towards you and then back outside.

The car stops. Galen leans back, sighing. He runs a hand through his hair, looking at you, something mysterious in his eyes. The front door of the house opens, and men in black suits come out. And after them- your grandfather. Galen releases the cuff from around his wrist and raises his hand to touch your cheek gently. "I'm sorry, Enra." Despair has never tasted so bitter.

***You did not escape***
human
You tell Galen about yourself
gpt
You sit quietly, looking at the rain streaming down the window. "My favorite flower is wisteria. My father's estate had an arbor just covered in it, and the scent would be so strong it dizzied me."

"I know," he says softly.

You glance at him quickly. "How do you know?"

"You dream about it," he says simply.

The wind gusts, blowing the rain horizontal.
human
You tell Galen about yourself
gpt
The plan to make him see you as a person seems to be foiled by the strange looks he keeps giving you and the distinct impression you get that he already sees you quite personally.

More rain.

More lightning.
human
You tell Galen about Bobby
gpt
"I wonder if I'll ever see Bobby again," you muse.

"Probably not," he says, his words clipped and angry.

Thunder.
human
You tell Galen about Grandfather
gpt
"Do you know what kind of man my grandfather is?" you demand. "He's not a kindly old man. He doesn't want to spoil me rotten. He wants to put me in his lab and take me apart."

White knuckles. He takes a deep breath and mutters, "I wish I knew what to do."
human
You tell Galen about yourself
gpt
You clear your throat. "I was pretty upset at you for kidnapping me." You hesitate. "But since it seems like you were in the same situation as myself... I don't think we need to worry about it anymore."

He studies you. "That's kind of you. Since I'd like to talk to you again in the future..."
human
Keep going
gpt
You're not sure you trust him... but in the end, you just got scared a little. You can forgive that, under the circumstances.

Galen throws an annoyed look up at the sky.
human
You tell Galen about Grandfather
gpt
"My grandfather, the bastard." you comment.

"You're too kind," he observes.

You shrug. "I'm keeping it PG."

Galen stretches his hand, watching as it closes into a fist.
human
You tell Galen about Bobby
gpt
"I hope he's not too worried about me."

"I'm sure he isn't."
human
You tell Galen about Bobby
gpt
"You are a bastard, but that doesn't mean you're bad," you inform him thoughtfully.

"Thanks," he says dryly.

He seems to have a poor opinion of Bobby.
human
You ask Galen about Bobby
gpt
"Come on, what is this problem you have with Bobby?"

Galen growls, "He's a worm. If he'd understood what you were, I could have paid him to turn you over to me. Anyone could have, and he wouldn't have asked for very much. He let me have you at the park."
human
You ask Galen about Bobby
gpt
You hesitate. "Really?"

He pauses, and his voice is a bit softer. "I've learned to recognise the scent, and I've seen his dreams."

Galen takes the next exit, which is an interchange. You're now running parallel to the storm rather than driving into it.
human
You ask Galen about Bobby
gpt
"What was in his dreams?" you ask nervously.

"Your nightmares. Domination. Degredation," he says.

The car takes the upcoming offramp.
human
You ask Galen about Bobby
gpt
You're not sure you believe him, but you always knew, deep inside, that Bobby was charming, not virtuous. You wanted something human.

Galen glances over at you, an odd look on his face.
human
You tell Galen about Bobby
gpt
"I really liked Bobby,' you say sadly.

He sighs. "I know."

Galen leans back in his seat. This is a rather nice part of the city, but not where you would have expected to find yourself.
human
You ask Galen about Galen
gpt
"So, what are you going to do now?" you ask.

"Oh, I'll be paying one last visit to your grandfather. He won't like that very much at all." Galen smiles unpleasantly.

It looks like the freeway is curving back around to the city.
human
You ask Galen about Galen
gpt
"Um. What will you do after you... visit... my grandfather?"

He glances over at you. "I haven't decided."

As you pass by a park, the car turns into the parking lot. A moment later, Galen has parked the car. He turns toward you, a half-smile on his face. Then he brushes his fingers on the panel and the door beside you clicks as well.

"Go on, get out of here."
human
You ask Galen about Galen
gpt
There's suddenly so much to ask that a thousand unasked questions beat each other into the silence that emerges. You'll clearly need some time to put your thoughts in order before you can interrogate Galen further.

A bird flies across the front of the car.
human
You look at Galen
gpt
He's actually kind of attractive, now that you think about it. Not pretty, like Bobby, but there's something there that makes him not unpleasant to look at.

His suit is very fine, although it bears the signs of being driven in for many hours. It's typical Man In Black garb. His hair has been tousled from its previous immaculate state.
human
You ask Galen about the hair
gpt
His eyes flick towards you and then back outside.
human
You ask Galen about human
gpt
He doesn't bother to respond.

A gaggle of children races down the sidewalk into the park.
human
You turn on the stereo
gpt
You tuck a strand of hair behind an ear and flick the stereo on. Running your fingers across the touchpad, you make haunting cello strains fill the vehicle.

The beautiful sonorous chords of cello music flood the car.
human
You tell Galen about the dreams
gpt
"I remember you, from my dreams." You close your eyes. "You were a presence watching me. At first I thought you were just another of the ephemera, but there's something different about your presence there." He is quiet, but you can sense that he is listening closely to you.

The cement is drying outside.
human
You tell Galen about the dreams
gpt
"You didn't intrude, for which I'm grateful." There's a bit of heat in your cheeks. "You were just on the edges, a shadow in a cloak of black wings, with burning eyes, watching. And getting closer."

He smiles faintly at your description of him.
human
You listen
gpt
The beautiful sonorous chords of cello music flood the car.

For a moment there's a bit of blue sky in the shifting clouds overhead.
human
You ask Galen about the wings
gpt
Look, it's plain to see, he doesn't have wings. Just a rumpled suit. And you don't have wings (which is a pity), and there aren't any pet birds in the car.
human
You examine the mirror
gpt
Yourself. You usually avoid mirrors because they always make you feel like you're falling, like if you don't hang on you'll slip to the other side and never find your way back.
human
Kiss galen
gpt
The mood has to be right...
human
You ask Galen about the mirror
gpt
He just shakes his head, very slightly.

A kid on a scooter zooms by.
human
You ask Galen about dreams
gpt
You frown. "How did you find me in my dreams? You did it, I know it was you chasing me."

He turns to look at you. "I know about you, Enra. I haven't just read the files, I've been in your dreams. Whatever you are, you make me look ordinary."
human
You ask Galen about Galen
gpt
There's suddenly so much to ask that a thousand unasked questions beat each other into the silence that emerges. You'll clearly need some time to put your thoughts in order before you can interrogate Galen further.
human
You ask Galen about the dreams
gpt
"How did you get into my dreams?" You enunciate carefully.

He sighs. "I just do it. I've always been able to do it. It's just something I do."
human
You ask Galen about the dreams
gpt
Man, his special abilities aren't well-documented at all.

Galen looks out the window.
human
You tell Galen about the stephen
gpt
He has nothing but silence to offer you.

Galen shifts in his seat.
human
You look at the galen's eyes
gpt
Good humor flickers in his eyes as he keeps an eye on you as well as the surrounding park.

A baseball flies over the roof of the car. A moment later, a girl scrambles after it.
human
You ask Galen about the home
gpt
There's not a flicker of expression on that face.

"So where are you from?" you ask.

He says, "Oh, the city."

Galen rubs a spot under his eye.
human
You ask Galen about the city
gpt
"Do you like the city?" you ask.

He looks out the window. "It's not too bad," he says.
human
You ask Galen about family
gpt
"Do you have any family?" you ask.

He smiles. "Siblings only."
human
You ask Galen about the siblings
gpt
"What's it like, having siblings?" you ask.

"We fight a lot," he admits. "There's always some drama going on. I miss them."
human
You ask Galen about the siblings
gpt
"So, are you going home to your siblings after this?" you ask.

"I suppose I will eventually." He gives you a little smile. "But not yet, I think."
human
You ask Galen about the home
gpt
"Are you really from the city?" you ask him suspiciously.

He chuckles. "A city, certainly."
human
You ask Galen about the sword
gpt
He just shakes his head, very slightly.
human
You ask Galen about the home
gpt
"What's your home like, then?" you ask.

"My home in this city is an apartment. I keep my collections there," he explains.
human
You ask Galen about the collections
gpt
"What do you collect?" you ask.

"Stained glass. Old maps." He shrugs. "They pass the time, and remind me of home."
human
You ask Galen about the stained glass
gpt
"Don't you enjoy your hobbies?" you ask curiously.

Another shrug. "It's better than stamps." He considers. "I suppose I have grown fond of some of the pieces."
human
You ask Galen about the stained glass
gpt
His collection sounds very pretty, and you'd love to hear more about it. But conversations like that are best had while sprawled on a couch, surrounded by the subject matter.
human
You ask Galen about the maps
gpt
His collection sounds very pretty, and you'd love to hear more about it. But conversations like that are best had while sprawled on a couch, surrounded by the subject matter.

A homeless lady with two full shopping bags wanders by.
human
You ask Galen about the love
gpt
The word "thank" is not necessary in this story.

You have a feeling that'd be an uncomfortable conversation for both of you at this point.

Galen rubs a spot under his eye.
human
You ask Galen about the hopes
gpt
He has nothing but silence to offer you.

Galen looks out the window. A dog races down the sidewalk, its leash trailing behind it. A shouting, grinning child chases after.
human
You ask Galen about the car
gpt
"So, how about this car," you murmur.

He glances at you. "I didn't catch that."

"Never mind," you say.
human
You take the cuff
gpt
You are already carrying the cuff.
human
You tell Galen about the car
gpt
You say thoughtfully, "I guess it's not a terrible car. It needs a wash, though."

He simply doesn't bother to answer that.
human
You wear the cuff
gpt
No way.
human
You examine the necklace
gpt
The pendant is a flat, seven-sided crystal, in which a tiny downy feather has been imprisoned. The chain melds organically to the pendant, the links narrowing to a tiny filigree as they intersect the pendant. Holding it in your hand, you can feel the quiet thrum of an alien power in the artifact.
human
You put the necklace on Galen
gpt
There's no good surface on Galen.

A pair of students with brightly colored hair wander by, arguing loudly.
human
Wear necklace
gpt
You slip the chain over your head.
human
Break cuff
gpt
Stomping on it won't work. And it'd be best if this sort of thing couldn't cage you ever again. So you decide to spend the time and focus yourself on the cuff, analyzing every aspect of it. When you're done, you tell the cuff to stop existing. With a puff of dust, it is gone.

A child carrying a pair of rollerblades marches past.
human
You ask Galen about the family
gpt
He's got siblings somewhere that he misses, but he's not going home yet. Hmm.
human
You ask Galen about Grandfather
gpt
You're certain, based on recent events, that he hates your grandfather as much as you do. Maybe even more.

Galen leans back in his seat.
human
You ask Galen about the destination
gpt
You're there now.

A man carrying a sign saying 'God Loves' wanders by.
human
You ask Galen about the future
gpt
He just shakes his head, very slightly.
human
You ask Galen about yourself
gpt
"So," you say. "You're not mad at me or anything, right?"

He gives you a quizzical look. "I'm very happy with you."

The sun peeks out from behind the clouds for just a moment.
human
Kiss galen
gpt
The mood has to be right...

Galen shifts in his seat.
human
You examine the sun
gpt
The sun's just behind that cloud.
human
You examine seat
gpt
(the front seat)
A comfortable bucket seat.
human
Recline seat
gpt
Thick, puffy clouds, so pale as to be white, almost cover the sky.

Galen throws an annoyed look up at the sky.

The word "recline" is not necessary in this story.
human
You go outside
gpt
(first opening the car door)
You open the door.
You slide out of the car.

There's comfortable scent of wet sidewalk and shattered ozone. Whirling autumn leaves race down the gutter as the late afternoon sky brightens overhead. To the south, there's a park, and beyond that, the embrace of the city awaits.
human
You go north
gpt
The car is large and comfortable, upholstered in sleek grey. The control panel on his side flashes discreet symbols you never learned to read, but in the center of the dashboard is the stereo, and above it hangs a mirror. The car has a back seat as well as a front; usually his kind comes in groups. There's only a plain black briefcase back there, though.

Galen is lounging inside the car.

The beautiful sonorous chords of cello music flood the car.
human
Go outside
gpt
You slide out of the car.

There's comfortable scent of wet sidewalk and shattered ozone. Whirling autumn leaves race down the gutter as the late afternoon sky brightens overhead. To the south, there's a park, and beyond that, the embrace of the city awaits.
human
Go east
gpt
You can't go that way. Obvious exits lead back to the north and south.
human
You examine the park
gpt
You can see a playground with a merry-go-round and swings, as well as a large field where some children are chasing a black dog across the wet grass.
human
You look at car
gpt
The car that took you so far... Man, it's dirty.

It's open.
human
Close car
gpt
Closed.
human
You open the car
gpt
Opened.
human
You go north
gpt
The car is large and comfortable, upholstered in sleek grey. The control panel on his side flashes discreet symbols you never learned to read, but in the center of the dashboard is the stereo, and above it hangs a mirror. The car has a back seat as well as a front; usually his kind comes in groups. There's only a plain black briefcase back there, though.

Galen is lounging inside the car.

The beautiful sonorous chords of cello music flood the car.

A pair of teenagers wander by, sharing a cigarette.
human
You give the necklace to Galen
gpt
(first taking the necklace off)
You offer the necklace back to him, dangling from your fingers.

"Keep it," he says. "I do not want it."
human
You give the shades to Galen
gpt
Galen considers the sunglasses, and then shrugs dismissively.
human
You give your sunglasses to Galen
gpt
Galen considers the sunglasses, and then shrugs dismissively.

A squirrel drags a little paper bag across the parking lot.
human
You hug Galen
gpt
You lean over and hug Galen. He seems to enjoy it, in a reserved and silent kind of way.
human
You hug you
gpt
Galen just shakes his head.