[center][h2][color=00aeef][b]FALCON NEWS INTERVIEW ARCHIVES[/b][/color][/h2] [h3][color=0076a3][b]April 5th, 20xx -- 8:15 PM[/b][/color][/h3] [color=6ecff6][b][i]Interview with Patrick Seabird on the topic of The Game of Masters web series[/i][/b][/color] [url=https://youtu.be/cdFqvdekuvI?si=oFDoqjYFuhu9eyF0]{ ♪ ♫ ♪ }[/url][/center] [indent][indent][indent][indent][quote][b]Patrick Seabird:[/b] [...] and that's how I bested the [bleep] and escaped the labyrinth. [b]Alissa Fortune:[/b] Wow! That's really quite the story, Pat, you certainly had a remarkable experience. The fact that you live to tell the tale is truly impressive. [b]Patrick Seabird:[/b] Yeah, it's just a [bleep]-ing shame I didn't get the chance to gut that [bleep] in his own torture chamber. If I had another chance, I'd take it in a heartbeat. [b]Alissa Fortune:[/b] Wait, are you saying you'd be willing to go back in that place? [b]Patrick Seabird:[/b] [bleep] [bleep]-ing yeah, I'd go back in! You think that [bleep] scares me now? After I already bested the [bleep] at his own game? (Seabird laughs) Please, I [bleep]-ing challenge that putz to come at me another time! (Seabird turns to look directly into the camera) You hear that, Game Master? I challenge you to come get me for another round! In fact, I'll even make it easy for you. After Jerry's run, when the moon is full and you're lookin' to hunt, you can come find me at Miss Scarlet's Mystery Motel in Olde Town. I'll come back to Fortehaven just for you. So go ahead! Give me a second run! I'll take you down just like before, and more, just you see. I promise you it won't be a run to forget. [b]Alissa Fortune:[/b] O-okay! Um, w-well that's all the time we have left. Th-thank you, Mr. Seabird, a-and um, g-good luck with...wh-whatever that just was...n-now to Misty Vale with the weather![/quote][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent] [hr] [center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/577859824721592320/1215063893660012555/image.png?ex=65fb636f&is=65e8ee6f&hm=8742977626d7d13294991ba59611cff3e5ecee5813202e8dabf6d3f23f4a3d21&[/img] [url=https://youtu.be/YCi6znptiH8?si=Ud3VcQnbxf58blMN]{ ♪ ♫ ♪ }[/url] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/577859824721592320/1216543662071349491/image.png?ex=6600c593&is=65ee5093&hm=4f39f827192ca8002cf07179d3c07c1be1f1db07f27641aa8a7a7793bf78eeb4&[/img][/center] [center][h3][ [b][color=ed1c24]NO VACANCY[/color][/b] ][/h3][/center] [indent]The parking lot to Miss Scarlet's Mystery Motel was all but abandoned, with only a few cars being present. Despite this, the sign below the main marquee for the establishment showed the words 'no vacancy' burning brightly in large, red letters. The front office was left empty, with not an employee in sight, though the lights all remained on. A simple sign was left on the front desk.[/indent] [center][ Out to eat, be back in 15 mins ][/center] [indent]Yet anyone who had been watching the motel that night would know that the sign had been there for hours. In the back office, a team of investigators sat watching a set up of screens, silently observing the images displayed before them. The parking lot at three different views, just outside the office, both sides of the property, the back lot by the dumpsters at two different angles, and then one singular room in five different shots to show every possible angle and every corner, including the bathroom. A man sat in the room that was being shown, casually resting on one of the queen-sized beds and watching a B-tier, black and white horror film on the old T.V. set on top of a dresser. Glancing at the time displayed on the old alarm clock positioned on a nightstand between the two beds, the man let out a sigh and lifted a finger to his ear, "Seabird to Foxhole, how much longer are we gonna be sitting here?" Back in the office one of the investigators spoke into a microphone, "Just keep your post, Seabird. The Game Master could show any moment now. We all need to be ready, especially you." "It's practically morning," the man in the room argued, "He ain't fucking coming. I told you this plan was doomed to fail, and did anyone fucking listen to me? No." "Can it, Seabird," the lead investigator responded, "We're not dropping this until it's done. There's still plenty of time before morning for the GM to make an appearance, and we're not gonna pass that up just yet. So I suggest you make another coffee, sit back, and shut up because if you fuck this up, I swear you'll be living on the streets by next round, and if the GM doesn't try to grab you now, he'll certainly grab you when you're no more than a file in our books. Got it?" "Ma'am yes ma'am," Seabird rolled his eyes but saluted the camera all the same, then got up off the bed to walk over to a dinky little coffee bar in one corner of the room. Selecting a pod, he inserted it into the single-cup brewer, set his mug in place, pressed a button, and waited as a stream of dark brown liquid began to pour. Bored eyes watched the last few drops drip, before he took the cup and headed over to the window overlooking the parking lot. Patrick looked over the empty lot, searching the shadows between the warm glow of lights dotting the perimeter, before letting his gaze travel beyond the property line of the motel, "Hey, director?" he spoke after a moment, "How's the perimeter looking to you guys?" "Uneventful, why?" the woman replied. "Just...got a feeling, I guess..." Patrick replied, "We got anyone posted by any of the surrounding buildings?" The woman sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, "We couldn't get the warrants cleared in time to take up post anywhere else," she told him, "What's going on, Seabird, do you see something?" "Negative," Patrick responded, "Lighting fucking sucks out there, most I can see is your shitty ass car--you know you're taking up two parking spaces?" "Please try to stay on task, Seabird, and do watch that mouth of yours." "Just saying," Patrick said with a shrug. There was silence for a while, and then finally the woman responded again, "I'll send Carter and Vargas out to check over the surrounding area. You just keep on sitting pretty and we'll let you know if anything changes, alright?" With a nod Patrick turned away from the window and headed back to the bed, "Affirmative," he responded, pausing before adding, "and thanks...I'll be able to rest a little more easy knowing that there's less of a chance for any surprises." "We got you, Seabird, don't worry." "Easier said than done, honestly, but I trust you, director. We'll get this fucker. One way or another..."[/indent] [center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/577859824721592320/1216603103030411355/image.png?ex=6600fcef&is=65ee87ef&hm=5f68f4981433351633881e214862580760f69e67b6db2c354d045839f9b773c1&[/img][/center] [indent]A short, dark figure stood in the shadows between two buildings across the way from Miss Scarlet's, hollow gaze set on the brightly-lit building across the street. A white mask was all that could be seen in the darkness, the figure being cloaked all in black, white-gloved hands being tucked away into pockets unseen. The being had stood there for some time, studying the establishment. With a light inhale and a sigh, the figure took a step forward, followed by another, slowly making their way towards the end of the alley.[/indent] [center][color=7ea7d8][i]...scff scff...[/i][/color][/center] [right][color=7ea7d8][i]...dumbadum...[/i][/color][/right] [color=7ea7d8][i]...tuk...tuk...tuk...[/i][/color] [center][url=https://youtu.be/ucRq1AhZzro?si=-Ns00Y-6hO7n1CnA]{ ♪ ♫ ♪ }[/url][/center] [indent]The figure was brought to a hault at the sudden commotion behind them and stood stone still, listening as a voice spoke out of the darkness, "I wouldn't." Slowly, the entity turned to look back, masked face settling on the sight of a man standing further back in the alley. Seemingly cautiously, the Game Master spoke in return, their overlaying voice remaining calm though their stance was tight, "Wouldn't what?" they questioned. "Go there," the green-eyed man responded bluntly, "Go after Seabird? It's a trap, you know. There's investigators all over that place, and Seabird is one of them. They did this to draw you out." "I know," the Game Master responded simply, then tilted their head, "Why would you tell me this?" For a moment, there was no answer, then with a confident step forward, the man spoke, "Username summersEND, known as August Sarton. She was a player in your game about three years ago. She went in looking to bring your reign of terror to an end, and she almost made it. She [i]should have[/i] made it. She beat the labyrinth. She defeated the fiend. Then? You made one last roll. A roll to determine how far along the [i]poison[/i] has spread. Calla lily. She died. She won. But she died. And all because you made a roll that wasn't even necessary. You killed her. The people who fell in the dungeon. They died. But her...you [i]killed[/i] her. Why? Why did you even do it?" The Game Master was silent, watching him, still frozen where they stood. Eventually, they turned their masked face downward and let out a soft sigh, "Continuity," they explained shortly, "It was for continuity." "Fucking [i]bullshit[/i]!" he snapped, "You [i]knew[/i] why she was there! You [i]knew[/i] what her goal was. You [i]knew[/i] you couldn't let her leave with all the information she had on you after going along with your sadistic-ass game! You made that roll because it was your only chance to protect yourself. Admit it!" Silence again as the Game Master shifted their stance, then raised their head to look at the man once more, "You didn't come here to yell at me, Emmett," they spoke slowly, "So let's do what needs to be done." With that, they began to pull their hand from their pocket, a glimpse of blue shining in their fingertips. Emmett stepped forward, reaching into his own pocket, "Actually," he said, bringing the Game Master to a stop, "I brought my own," he pulled out a simple black and grey, marbled die and held it up for the other being to see, then added, "If you don't mind, that is." The Game Master tilted their head, slipping their hand back into their pocket and gave a hum, "Amusing..." they commented, "Very well, I'll allow it. Roll for initiative." Taking a moment to grip the die in his hand and give a silent plea, Emmett tossed the object lightly, sending it bouncing up the alley toward the Game Master. The Game Master stepped toward the die as it came to a stop and looked down at it.[/indent] [center][ 16 ][/center] [indent]"Sixteen," the Game Master announced as they pinched the die and brought it into their grasp. They gave it a little shake in their palm, then let it drop to the pavement and awaited its stop.[/indent] [center][ 14 ][/center] [indent]"Fourteen," they read again, nodding respectfully, then scooped the die back in their hand and straightened back up, "In a dark alley, you come across a fiend planning their next act. For reasons unclear, you warn this monster of one simple fact. Privy, already, the demon does not fear, for you see, wise hero, the target is right here. You let out your heart on the villain you can't even blame, searching for reasons to hate them much greater by name. You challenge the foe, thinking luck on your side, briming with vengeance for a love who has died. Yes hero, I know of your sad little tale, but don't get wrapped up or surely you'll fail. Now you hold the drive, yes, you get first hit, to face of this beast and show off your wit. So think now, wise hero, take your time, no rush, I'll give you a moment as I finally hush." Patiently, Emmett listened to the Game Master speak, watching them all the while as they moved their hands in various motions, dramatically emphasizing their words and putting on a grand display as though an audience were already watching. He gave little reaction to their reveal that he had been their target all along. A part of him knew it, before he'd even approached. He doubted the Game Master had actually been after the investigator across the street. The villain was too smart to fall for such a trap. Cocky, perhaps, and full of themself, no doubt, but definitely not reckless enough to fall for the trick. All this, he knew, which led him to think that the Game Master must be there for somebody else, though he had to admit, he might not have thought it would be himself, had he not been knowing walking into a trap of his own creation. Emmett took his time as he thought through his options. He had his gun in a holster over his shoulder, but was that the right move? He could charge at the beast, but what would that do? Flexing his fingers, Emmett considered it all. Then, finally, he let out a soft breath like a laugh and shook his head with a smile, "This fight is rigged," he said simply, "There's nothing I can do to take you out here. The story is already written, isn't it? We face off, but in the end you reign supreme, then it's off to your dungeon, the same old regime." With a cock of their head, the Game Master gave a light little laugh, "Not a bad rhyme," they paused, then tilted their head the other way as they continued, "I must say, you do pique my interest. Then again...maybe I'm biased..." straightening back up, they shook out their stiffness, then went on to say, "You choose not to fight, with a heart so contrite. You long for a trial, refuse to sit idle. So you ask of the beast..." As the Game Master trailed off they motioned to Emmett to speak, and for a moment he wasn't quite sure what to say, but after some thought, and a tilt of his head, he spoke the words as though they were placed there instead, "I seek out your dungeon, I long for a run. For myself to redeem...or to fall to the fiend..." "With a smile unseen, your foe gives a laugh, here's to your dream, and to a well-written epitaph." With that, the Game Master dropped Emmett's die and let it roll once more. It bounced only twice, then stuck right in place, displaying a number that was rarely seen in true.[/indent] [center][ 1 ][/center] [hr] [center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/577859824721592320/1216664175737176194/image.png?ex=660135d0&is=65eec0d0&hm=fda8a7d665d323e4d07c9079cafc52556a0cbf04c08654d6eb0f263e1c995a30&[/img] [url=https://youtu.be/g1MwpgsksJc?si=AdwIPtL3qpdKLxEi]{ ♪ ♫ ♪ }[/url][/center] [indent]As the morning approached, the director soon pulled away from her watch of the surveillance screens, giving a heavy sigh and running her fingers back through her hair as she got up from her spot and started to pace around the small office. Other investigators glanced at the woman, but no one said a word, and not one of them made a move to intercept her. After a while, she stopped, looking to one of them as she spoke, "What's the word from Carter and Vargas?" "No response, ma'am," the investigator responded, "It's been radio silence for about half an hour now." "And you didn't think to mention this?" the director questioned, "There's a cold-blooded [i]killer[/i] out there, Nielsen!" The investigator shrunk back in his seat and gave no defense. The director huffed and pointed at the radio, "Try again. And don't stop until you get ahold of one of them, got it?" With a nod, the man took the radio in hand and began calling for the two who had been sent to search the perimeter. Meanwhile, the director walked back over to the screens and took a look at one of the ones showing the room where Patrick was. Seeing the man by the window again, she spoke into the mic once more, "What's the news, Seabird? I could really use a positive update right about now." On the screen, the man shifted, lifting his fingers to his ear again as he leaned against the side of the window frame, "Sorry, I ain't got nothing here. Haven't had anything happen out of place all night. No movement, no sound, nothing but that damned cockroach earlier. As much as I've been on edge all night, I'm really starting to think he ain't comin'-- oh hold up," he shifted to take a better look out the window, "I see something," he paused and the director held her breath as she waited for him to continue. When he did though, she simply let out a sigh of annoyance, "Nah, just Carter and Vargas," Patrick muttered, "Looks like they're headin' your way. Keep me in touch, and lemme know when I can come down." "Will do, Seabird, and thank you. Stand by for now, and don't let your guard down just yet. We still have a while til sunrise." Leaving the man to his duty, the director turned her attention to the office door as two other investigators walked in, shuffling and twitching, fidgeting where they stood. "Where in God's name have you two been?" she questioned them sternly. One of them looked at her a moment, before looking away once more, and then the other spoke without even glancing over, "Seabird was right," he told her, "That freak was on to us from the start." "What happened, Vargas?" the director pressed. Vargas shifted anxiously, scratching at his head furiously in a nervous tick before responding shortly, "Lured us into an alley. Across the street. Cornered us at a dead end... I...I-i've never seen someone move that fast, it was...unnatural...took our radios and weapons before we even knew what was happening...but..." he trailed off. "But what?" the director pressed again, "Out with it, man!" It was Carter who spoke next, looking to the director with large eyes, "The Game Master..." he started, "He...[i]it[/i] didn't attack us, not really, that thing...that [i]creature[/i]...it just...asked us to pass on a message..." The director watched the two men, taking note of their obvious state of fear, and tried to be more gentle as she pushed them to continue, "Well," she said, coaxing them lightly, "What was the message?" Vargas reached into a pocket and pulled out what looked like a business card, holding it out to the woman as he spoke, "The Game Master didn't trust us to get the right... cadence? But um...ma'am?" he questioned hesitantly. "What is it, Vargas?" the director questioned softly as she took the card. The man hesitated, seeming like he was going to back out of whatever he was going to say, but then finally he spoke, locking eyes with the woman as he did, "The Game Master," he started again, "It...it mentioned you by name..." The director stared at him a moment then shook her head, "Impossible," she said, then looked down at the card to read what it said.[/indent] [center][color=00aeef][i]Greetings, Director Mullens, hello from a foe. On top of it all, I wish you a happy tomorrow! The sun soon will be rising as you read this note, And I would be lying to say I'm not one to gloat. You made your best effort, with a plan well thought through, But alas, while no one was hurt, my dastardly deeds still were made true. No, Seabird is fine, he's safe and he's sound, Nothing but bait I chose to decline, for a much better hero was to be found. Young Emmett Diemaco! A hero if ever there be! He entered this fiasco, knowing the faults you couldn't see. Yes, the curtain now draws, with the end of a scene, So we'll put this on pause, as I take to the screen. But fear ever not, for our feud is not done. A battle was fought, but the war was not won. ─ The Game Master[/i][/color] [h1]-- End Episode 1 --[/h1] [url=https://youtu.be/Epak9TqrKLs?si=IrCVjr0hZUGlXuLG]{ ♪ ♫ ♪ }[/url][/center]