Late Night Transit English

(text-style:"shadow")["There you go. Sorry about that. Forgot to change numbers when I took over,"] the driver says as he gestures to the open door. You spring up from your seat and hurry out of the bus, right in front of your apartment building. You quickly turn back towards the bus as the door closes. The driver puts back on his sunglasses and drives off. As the bus passes you by, the windows blackout and the back of the bus changes from #17 to #13. [[Home Sweet Home: Ending 1/7->Late Night Transit]]

<center><h3>Late Night Transit</h3></center> <center>Kemba Drakes</center> <center>Illustration: Raxa Lux</center> <center><h3>(text-style:"shadow")[ [[Start]] ]</h3></center>

After a fun and late night out, you leave the bar with your bestie, Oakley. They offer to accompany you home, but you insist that you’ll be all right since you didn’t drink much. Besides, they live on the other side of town and it’d be an inconvenience. So, after some convincing, you leave Oakley’s side and rush towards the nearest subway station to catch the last train. [[Enter the station]]

As you enter the station, you check your phone and see that the time reads 3:14am. The last train is at 3:15am. You run down the escalator and swing 'round the corner. You see the train. You dash towards the turnstiles and swipe your transit pass. It //beeps// and you dart onto the platform, but it's too late. The train has left you behind. [[...->Too late]]

You groan in frustration and turn to leave. But as you do so, you see the headlights of an oncoming train. You were sure that the one that just left was the last one for the night, but maybe you were wrong. As the train pulls up, you immediately note that it doesn’t look like the regular subway trains. It’s more rustic, antique; almost as if it were from a time long before you were born. The doors open to let you in, but you could also try walking home. [[Enter the subway car]] [[Leave the subway station]]

You hazard a guess that they probably updated the transit schedule. You’re typically not out this late, so how would you really know? So, you enter the subway car. [[...->Inside the car]]

For whatever reason, you get the sense that you shouldn’t board the subway train. You can’t explain why, but something isn’t sitting right with you. So, you back away and leave the platform; making your way back up to ground level. As you exit the station with a heavy sigh, you look to your left and see that the #17 bus is still running. It won’t take you directly to your street, but close enough. You then look to your right. You could always walk home. It’d take some time, but you know your way around town. [[Take the bus]] [[Walk home]]

You look up and down the subway car. It’s one of those trains that have really long cars, so you can see the bend when it turns a corner. However, the end of the car can usually still be seen. You can’t see the end of either side of this car. Actually, you don’t see a single passenger either. You know it’s late, but wouldn’t there be at least some drunk college students travelling at this time? [[....]]

You notice that the subway car is eerily quiet, and not just because there's no one else around. For an old-looking train, it's pretty silent compared to the ones you're used to. It kind of makes you feel uneasy, so you pull out your phone and earbuds. Some chill music will help fill the void until you reach your stop. Just drown out the world around you. You'll be home in no time, whenever that will be... [[Dead Battery: Ending 5/7->The End]]

As soon as you cross the threshold, you feel a chill up your spine and a pull on your body, but it’s gone just as quickly. The train departs as you take the first seat next to the door. [[Look at your surroundings]] [[Listen to music]]

Curiosity then gets the best of you, and you figure that taking a quick walk down the subway car would pass the time. So, you stand and begin making your way towards the tail. Aside from the occasional wobble here and there, the walk is fairly smooth and quiet. Remarkably quiet... How long have you been walking for? And still no sign of anyone else. Wait, when was the last stop? Did you even pass a station? [[Look for a subway map]]

<center>Thanks for playing!</center> <center>[[Restart->Late Night Transit]] </center>

Okay, you've taken this subway line far more times than you care to count. If there's one thing you know, it's the number of stops it takes to get to yours, so why haven't you seen any other platforms yet? You look at the walls around you for a map. As you do, you also notice that the entire car is devoid of any ads. Not that it's a bad thing, but it's very odd. Ah, snap out of it! You don't have time to be worrying about public transit's overuse of ads and the effects of it on society... [[...->Find a map]]

You finally see a map further down and make your way to it. But as soon as you arrive in front of the ripped map, you see something is very, very wrong. [[Look for another map]]

Nope! You were taught only to do this in dire situations, and you're pretty sure this counts as one, so you quickly look for and find the emergency brake. You pull on it without hesitation and are thrown forward as the subway train comes to a screeching halt. You hurry to stand up and get to a door. With as much force as you can, you pry the door open and jump out; prepared to land safely in the subway tunnel. [[SPLASH!]]

You make a beeline for the head of the subway train. You don't know what's going on, but if there's one person who'd know it'd be the conductor. You run and run and run... and run until you finally stop. You curl forward to catch your breath and look towards the front of the train. Okay, you know for a fact that you didn't walk //THAT// far, but why does it look like you haven't made any progress? [[...->Hello again]]

You quickly look for another map, one not filled with gashes. It's probably a mistake! You briskly walk further down the subway car and come across an intact map, but it's the same thing. [[...->Find a goddamn map]]

You rush to another one then another... All the same: one line. An end, no beginning, and not a single stop in between. [[Pull the emergency brake]] [[Head towards the conductor]]

You force yourself upright and get ready for another sprint until you catch a glimpse of a map in the corner of your eye. But not just any map... The ripped map. You completely turn towards it, taking a frantic moment to think. There's no way that's the same map, but the tears are in the same places, right? You're not sure... [[Test your theory]] [[Pull the emergency brake]]

You quickly pull out your phone and take a picture of the map. You then sprint forward for as long as you can until you need to stop; crouched over, gasping for air. You look up and there it is, the ripped map. You take out your phone again and study the picture, comparing it to what's on the wall. All the tears are indeed in the same exact places. No! That can't be true, that's not right! Your eyes could be playing tricks on you. You need something better, something undeniable. [[...->Find something else]]

You scramble on your person in search of anything that could help you until you find a pack of gum in your pocket. You immediately toss a pink strip in your mouth and chew like your life depended on it. You then take the wod of gum, stick it on the map, and run... [[run]]

As you run, you pass the ripped map with the pink gum stuck to it. No... [[run...]]

Not again... [[RUN!]]

This can't be... [[run.....]]

Stop it!! [[Stop.]]

[[run....]]

You stop running; collapsing to the ground from exhaustion. Your lungs feel like they're being compressed. You push yourself onto your back and lay there for a few moments, waiting for the dizziness to subside. You close your eyes for just a second, but once you open them you find that the lights have gone out. [[...->Darkness]]

The pure darkness scares you to your feet despite the throbbing of your legs. You fumble with your phone to turn on the flashlight and sweep it through the air all around you. If panic hadn't settled in before, it was now as you watch a substance begin oozing out from the walls and windows. It seeps onto the seats then onto the floor, accumulating into pools that block your path; not that there was anywhere you could go... [[...->Ending 6]]

As the pools merge into one and sting your ankles, you lunge onto a seat for higher ground, but the substance continues to rise. You scream and thrash against the window in an attempt to break it, but it won't even crack. The substance reaches your ankles again then your knees and your waist. It feels like thousands of needles pricking you over and over, and you inadvertently drop your phone. You flail around to find it, but the substance is so thick that the light can't shine through. Soon enough, you sink into the substance as well. [[Down With the Ship: Ending 6/7-->The End]]

Instead, you fall into some kind of thick substance. You panic as you try to resurface. It stings all over making it harder to hold whatever breath you had before jumping out. You need to break the surface, now! You gasp for air as your head emerges from the substance. You cough some of it out of your burning mouth. You then twist and turn as you tread through the substance, searching for the subway train. You see it, but somehow it has drifted away from you, or you away from it. Everything around you is dark, cold, and empty except for the light from the train, so you start swimming. [[.....]]

You continue to swim for a few moments. The train is almost in reach, but something reaches for you first. It wraps around your ankle and begins dragging you back. You scream, splash around, and flail. You kick at whatever it is with your other foot, but it won't let go. You're then dragged under the surface towards whatever's got you as you struggle in the opposite direction. [[...->back again]]

But suddenly, an intense light shines through the thick substance. It causes the grip around your ankle to release while something else grabs the back of your shirt. In a moment, you find yourself lifted from the substance and back on the subway train. [["Glad I got t'ye 'n time."]]

You cough out more of that substance as whoever saved you pats you on the back. (text-style:"shadow")["There ye go, ge'it all out,"] the voice says. You look up to thank them, but clam up at the sight of their oozing black hair and stained conductor's uniform. You push yourself away in fear. [[...->Thanks]]

You feel the subway train come to a stop, and you open your eyes. You're back at the platform you started at. You stand up as the doors open. You cautiously approach a door and peer onto the platform. There's a paramedic and a station worker tending to someone on the floor. They don't seem to notice the train or you. So, you take a step onto the platform. [[Gasp!]]

(text-style:"shadow")["Oh, dun't ye worry, lad. I dun't bite, unlike these slimy lil' bastards,"] the otherwordly woman says, spitting into the substance. (text-style:"shadow")["Now, let's get ye home."] The woman turns away, flicking black stains in her wake, and enters the conductor's cabin. The door near you closes and the train moves once again, unlike you. You rather stay put on the floor, closing your eyes and hugging your knees; praying that you really do get home. [[Last Stop]]

You suddenly wake with a start, staring up at a paramedic and a station attendant. They explain that you had suddenly collapsed on the platform and weren't breathing, but you're only half listening. You look past them at the tracks, but nothing's there. You look at your phone and the time reads 3:20am. [[Return Ticket: Ending 7/7->The End]]

You can just imagine Oakley’s disappointed face if they find out that you walked home. You’d rather avoid that. The bus it is. You walk over to the #17 bus, but find that there’s no driver and the door is wide open. You figure that the driver might just be on break and should be back fairly soon. Besides, there are a few other people onboard, so it should be fine. You enter the bus and swipe your transit pass. It doesn't //beep//. You try again. It still doesn't //beep//. You know that your pass is still valid, so what gives? [[Walk home]] [[Stay on the bus]]

On second thought, the walk might be good for you. Clear your head from some of the alcohol. Your bestie will most definitely be upset, but home isn't THAT far away, so it's all good, right? [[Safe Travels: Ending 3/7->The End]]

You're typically a law abiding citizen, but tonight you just want to get home. You take a quick peek outside the bus. No driver in sight. You then look at the other passengers, but they're not paying any attention to you. So, you forgo trying your pass again and take a seat near the back door. After a few minutes, the driver enters the bus, takes his seat, closes the door, and drives off. You lean back and rest your head on the window, watching the nighttime scenery go by. However, in the reflection of the window, you catch a glimpse of one of the passengers staring at you. [[Oookay...]]

If there was one thing your mom taught you about city life, it’s to ignore the weirdos. So, you avert your eyes and focus back on the outside world. After a while, however, you start to feel like it’s taking a rather long time to get to your place’s neighbourhood. Actually, you don’t recognise where you are. [[Check GPS on phone]] [[Talk to the driver]]

You quickly pull out your phone to check your GPS location. You open the app and look at the map, but there’s no location marker for you. You swipe to your settings to make sure that the location feature is on, but it is. You check that your data is on as well and it also is. [[Pull on the cord]] [[Talk to the driver]]

You stand up and turn to slide out of your row. As you do, you notice that the passenger that was staring at you is no longer there. You swear the bus hadn't made a stop yet, but maybe they just changed seats. It's none of your concern, though, you need to find out where you are. You leave your row and make your way to the front of the bus. You grab onto one of the poles for balance and lean in slightly towards the driver. You wonder why he's wearing sunglasses at night. [[Ask where you are]] [[Tap on his shoulder]]

You don't want to startle the man while he's driving. It's dark out, too dark actually. So you ask your question out loud, but the driver doesn't respond. Maybe he didn't hear you, so you repeat yourself a bit louder. Again, no answer. What's with this guy? [[Tap on his shoulder]] [[Sit back down]]

You really need to get the driver's attention, so you lightly tap him on the shoulder. The driver jolts in his seat. You apologize for startling him, but want to know where you are. (text-style:"shadow")["No worries, not used to passengers talking to me,"] the driver says taking a quick glance in the rearview mirror. He then does a double-take. (text-style:"shadow")["Wait a minute..."] The driver lets go of the steering wheel and stands up to face you. [[...->Face the driver]]

You scramble to the nearest seat to you and pull yourself up. You sit as still as a statue. You look over to the other passengers, who seem to have dwindled in number, and wonder why no one reacted to the event just now. But it matters little as, not even a few minutes later, the bus comes to a full stop and the door opens. (text-style:"shadow")["There you go. Sorry about that. Forgot to change numbers when I took over,"] the driver says as he gestures to the open door. [[...->Home Sweet Home]]

Panicked, you ask what he's doing, but discover that the bus is driving perfectly straight. You take a step back as the driver approaches you. (text-style:"shadow")["You're not supposed to be here,"] he says, removing his sunglasses. He has black sockets where eyes should be. [[...->Have a nice drive]]

You spring up from your seat and hurry out of the bus, right in front of your apartment building. You quickly turn back towards the bus as the door closes. The driver puts back on his sunglasses and drives off. As the bus passes you by, the windows blackout and the back of the bus changes from #17 to #13. [[Home Sweet Home: Ending 1/7->The End]]

Okay, clearly this guy isn't listening to you, and you no longer have the energy to deal with this. You'll just wait until whenever the next stop is, get off, and cab it home. You were really trying to avoid spending on a taxi, but desperate times call for desperate measures. So, you return to your seat. [[...->Dark Outside]]

As you look out the window, you notice that it's gotten darker and darker. Actually, where are the street lights? Where are any lights? Did the power go out? Damn it, you hope it hasn't affected your place. You let out an exasperated sigh and look at your phone. No signal either. Great... You lean against the window and close your eyes. The driver will surely wake you up at the end of the line. [[No Way Home: Ending 2/7->The End]]

You stumble back onto the bus floor in shock and fear. (text-style:"shadow")["Damn it... Now I've got to turn around,"] the driver continues then returns to his seat. (text-style:"shadow")["Didn't plan on doing overtime tonight. Sorry, but could you sit down, please? Not really safe just standing there, you know."] [[...]]

Okay, it's time to get off. You pull on the yellow cord to request a stop, but you don't hear the usual //ding// or a light turn on up front. You try again, but nothing happens. So, you attempt to use the button on the pole closest to you. Nothing... You groan and briskly leave your row to speak to the driver. [[Demand your stop!]]

You don't have time for this. You need to get home. You demand to be let off the bus, but the driver doesn't acknowledge your presence. You get more upset and raise your voice to him, but not even a flinch. [[Smack his shoulder]] [[Sit back down]]

Your mom taught you better, but those teachings have flown out the window. You smack the driver across the shoulder. He immediately looks at you. Somehow, you can feel his intense glare through his blackened shades. [[...->Smack him good]]

(text-style:"shadow")["Hey now! Were you raised under a bridge?"] the driver snaps. He then looks you up and down, and his frown deepens. He removes his sunglasses, revealing deep holes where eyes should be. (text-style:"shadow")["Of course... You lot think you can just wander on my bus and treat me however you want."] You let out a gasp and stumble back. The driver stands up, allowing the steering wheel to maneuver itself, grabs you by the arm, and forces you to sit down. [[Obey]]

(text-style:"shadow")["Now, you're not supposed to be here, but until my shift is done, you're gonna stay there,"] he says then returns to his seat. You protest and try to stand up, but you can't. Your bottom half feels like it's been bolted down. You look for help amongst the other passengers, but no one seems to care. In fact, there are less passengers than before, but the bus never stopped. You look outside at the passing darkness and try not to think of where you could be headed. [[Lesson Learned: Ending 4/7->The End]]