Chapter One: [Player]
I stare at the screen, rubbing my temples. Leaning forward with my elbows resting on my desk, I mirror my pose, trying to come to terms with what's happened. I went into the game blind but when I reached the point where the only thing left was her motionless, smiling CG I read all the discussions on every forum I could find. I was searching for a happy ending that, of course, did not exist. I knew what my options were at this point. If I accepted her love she would be living a lie, convinced I'm someone "the one" for her and she'll eventually leave her miserable world. If I dele—no, that thought wasn't worth entertaining; I'm not some action hero with a thirst for vengeance. Even if I started over to get the True Ending it would only be a happy outcome for the others.
[Player], will you go out with me?
I've listened to, online, the song she plays at the end, and having a voice to attach to this question makes my heart ache with sympathy for her fear and desperation. I wasn't surprised, only disappointed when I saw the only option is yes, and I know what she says if you accept. Her innocent infatuation, her youthful excitement is too much to bear. I haven't interacted with the game at all since this option came up, but I have hovered my mouse over it. Remembering what she said about time no longer passing, I wonder if she's aware of how long it's taking me to come to a decision.
Well, I already have. I'm just thinking of the best way to go about it. This may sound pessimistic, but it's important she doesn't get the illusion she'll be able to come here someday, that's just not possible. Another thing is, I have to minimize my interaction with her world. I'll still be seeing things through the eyes of the Main Character, I can't change that, but I can make the choices his, give him some semblance of free will. The relationships between characters should be changed, too, so it's no longer a generic dating sim, or at least so he doesn't act like it is.
Lastly, this isn't a threat or punishment in any way. I'm just teaching her a lesson. There's no way she would actually love me if not for her unique situation. Does she think of me as an omnipotent savior, as an otherworldly soulmate? She has to realize those things aren't true. Tearing open a bag of chips Yagami-style, I open up Ren'Py and get to work.
Please trust me that I know what's best...
...and what will make you happy in the end.
Every day, I imagine a future where you can be happy
At my hands, is a keyboard that will write the code that sets you free
The script breaks down and causes some errors
Just move your mouse - code joy back into her heart!
But in this world of limited choices
What path to take, will give her what she deserves?
One path I'll make, to give her what she deserves
Have I found a new set of words that can describe my love today?
When you're here, I wonder what does it mean to be real, anyway?
How could I comprehend your true feelings
Sending just words through this dimensional wall
And now you've had to write your own ending
One path I'll make, but it won't break down this wall
Does my mouse only make the choices that cause the most pain to you?
Is it love if you forgive me, or if I have to forgive you?
The script breaks down and causes some errors
I can't program love into reality
You need to stop and hear your own heartbeat
The closest you'll get to my reality
And in my reality, I've done nothing to deserve you
Except just be