Chikaroo

(set: $name to (prompt: "What is your name?")) (set: $money to 50) (set: $day to 1) (goto: "Beginning")

When you board the bus, you have (print: $money) dollars in your pocket and your worn, gray Jansport (link: "backpack")[backpack *- containing a single hat, an extra set of undergarments, your iPod, cheap headphones and one sweater -*] hanging off of your shoulders. Your destination is (link: "unknown.")[unknown.* You just know you can't stay here anymore. Whether it's the overly joyous people, the continuous scent of maple syrup wafting through the air or the sensation that you just don't belong in such a cheerful community, you're not sure.*] You purchased the cheapest ticket there was and, now that you've taken a seat towards the end of the bus, you notice that the town listed as your destination is Chikaroo, a town you've never heard of before. You pull out iPod and shove your earbuds in your ears, droning out any background sounds emerging from the three other passengers on the bus. You suppose it makes sense that very few people are fleeing the town the evening before Christmas. [[As you lean your head against the moist, cool window, you drift to sleep.|Morning]]

(if: $day is 1)[You arrive to your (link: "lavish hotel room.")[ lavish hotel room. *Christmas lights hang from the ceiling, following the walls. Your bed is canopy style, covered with rich green silk sheets and a thick, lucious red comforter.*] After you set your backpack down, you climb into the the overwhelming bed. On the night stand, you notice a steaming bronze mug with a card attached - with red ribbon - to the handle. You read the note, which says the beverage is the perfect nightly brew.] You choose to [[drink it.|Sleep]] You choose to [[push it aside.|Sleepless]] <hr> Today is day (print: $day). You have (print: $money) dollars.

(if: $day is 1)[The abrupt cease of (link: "vibration,")[ vibration, * caused by the bus navigating poorly made asphalt covered streets,*] wakes you out of your slumber. You wipe the dew off of the (link: "glass surface")[ glass surface,* that served as your pillow for the duration of your journey.*] All of the streets within sight are laced with ribbons of holly, pine and bright, white Christmas lights. The bottom of the sun has barely lifted above the horizon, yet the people of the town are vibrant and wandering the brown cobblestone streets. As you exit through the double-panneled bus door, you notice three prominent establishments, all labeled by (link: "signs.")[signs. *All of the names are carved neatly into solid wood planks, resembling an illustration you might have seen in a fairytale book.*] You decide to venture into either the [[tavern|Tavern]], the [[market|Market]] or the [[bakery|Bakery]].] (if: $day is 2)[(if: (history:) contains "Barkeep")[]] <hr> Today is day (print: $day). You have (print: $money) dollars.

(if: $day is 1)[You arrive at the Inn just as the sun sinks below the horizon. A (link: "younger man")[ younger man *with bifocals and a light five o'clock shadow whisping his chin*] stands behind the counter. He glances up at you as he hears the bell above the door chime. "Ah, a new face. Will you be staying with us tonight?" He asks in a seductive, (link: "rich voice.")[ rich voice, *that somehow reminds you of creamy hot chocolate covered with whipped creme and garnished with a peppermint stick.*] You nod your head in response. "And what is your name, friend?" The man behind the counter asks. "My name is (print: $name)." He (link: "smiles slowly.")[ smiles slowly. *His expression is filled with knowledge and impatience. His encompassing manner is terrifying, yet inviting at the same time.*] He reaches behind himself and grabs an old, brass skeleton key off of the wall. Handing it to you, he says, "That will be twenty dollars."(set: $money to it - 20) After you pay him the cash, he says, "You'll be staying in room 22. Have a goodnight and see you in the morn, $name." [[You go to your room|Night]]] <hr> Today is day (print: $day). You have (print: $money) dollars.

(if: $day is 1)[You enter the festivally lit tavern, shimmering in shades of emerald and red, and notice a (link: "little woman standing behind the counter.")[ little woman standing behind the counter. * As you move closer to her, you notice how her periwinkle eyes glitter brightly, reflecting the exuberant holiday colors. *] "Well hello there! Are you the new barkeep?" She says, in a voice that seems to almost twinkle in the air. [[You hesitantly glance around, making sure she's not speaking to someone else|Not Barkeep]] [[You immediately respond by saying yes|Barkeep]]]] <hr> Today is day (print: $day). You have (print: $money) dollars.

Double-click this passage to edit it. <hr> Today is day (print: $day). You have (print: $money) dollars.

The lady behind the bar never stops staring at you. "Well, out with it! Are you the new barkeep or not?" Still mildly confused, your hesitant to answer. The woman behind the bar steps out and walks near you. "Perhaps we should start with a simpler question. What is your name?" "My name is (print: $name)." "Ah, yes, I've heard of you $name. You are not my new barkeep, though." Instantly confused, you wonder, "How have you heard of me? I just arrived." The woman laughs and it sounds similar to the notes of Christmas Carols flowing from a harp. She pauses long enough to say, "Of course I have heard of you, my dear $name. We've all heard of you. For this is Chikaroo, city of dreams, where everything isn't quite as it seems! Hurry along now, the tavern isn't open yet." You choose to go to the [[market|Not Market]] next. You choose to go to the [[bakery|Not Bakery]] next. <hr> Today is day (print: $day). You have (print: $money) dollars.

(if: $day is 1)["Oh, of course you are. For this is Chikaroo, city of dreams, where everything isn't quite as it seems. You say your the barkeep, isn't that right? Then come here, grab an apron and help me prep for tonight!" Entranced by her melodic voice, you walk to her. Grabbing the apron, you tie it around your waste and watch as she shows you what you need to do. You watch her mix a little of this and a little of that. Before long, you are mixing a bit of this and bit of that. Soon there are rows of martini glasses filled with a shimmering emerald beverage. Curious, you reach to grab one. The woman quickly slaps your wrist, "Oh my dear, don't do that. These aren't what they seem, not even at all. In fact, if you drink one, you'll fall under a spell." You heed her warning, thinking that maybe tomorrow you'll try the odd drink. You glance out the window and notice the sky has darkened. You ask, "Is there somewhere I can stay for the night?" "Oh, of course my dear friend, there's an inn down the street. But first let me pay you," she hands you a few bills. "See you in the morning, my dear friend."(set: $money to it + 50) You go to the [[Inn|Evening]].] <hr> Today is day (print: $day). You have (print: $money) dollars.

(if: $day is 1)[You fall fast asleep, not waking a single time during the night. (live: 6s)[(goto: "Morning")]] <hr> Today is day (print: $day). You have (print: $money) dollars. (set: $day to it + 1)

(if: $day is 1)[You're night continues on into a long, sleepless affair. You find yourself hoping the sun will rise and shine brightly in your window. (live: 8s)[(goto: "Morning")]] <hr> Today is day (print: $day). You have (print: $money) dollars. (set: $day to it + 1)

(if: (history:) contains "Not Bakery")[The market is closed, as well, and you are forced to go to the [[inn|Evening]].](else:)[There is a sign posted that says the market is closed. You must decide whether you go to the [[bakery|Not Bakery]] or the [[inn|Evening]].]

(if: (history:) contains "Not Market")[The bakery is closed, as well, and you are forced to go to the [[inn|Evening]].](else:)[There is a sign posted that says the market is closed. You must decide whether you go to the [[market|Not Market]] or the [[inn|Evening]].]