The first riddle hangs heavy in the air, its cryptic verse demanding your attention. Huddled together in the dim living room, you and your friends exchange anxious glances.
"Blue lamp..." Nicole mutters, tracing the outline of a nearby lampshade with her finger. "Do you think it means the one in the corner by the window?"
Zack shakes his head. "That one's green, not blue."
Danny runs a hand through his hair, frustration etching lines on his forehead. "Maybe it's not a literal color? Could it be referring to someone with blue eyes?"
Your mind sifts through possibilities. Suddenly, it hits you. "The living room lamp! It has a blue ceramic base, almost like teardrops."
Relief washes over your face as everyone agrees. Approaching the lamp, you carefully turn the framed picture it illuminates away from the room. Behind it, taped to the back, is another photograph. Your heart skips a beat as you recognize the scene: Danny, grinning mischievously, perched atop a car covered in colorful paint.
Dread settles in your stomach. You all remember the incident a few months back – the vandalized teacher's car, the hushed rumors, the unspoken fear of discovery. You exchange worried glances, the weight of the secret pressing down on you.
Danny looks pale, his carefree facade crumbling. "That's... that's from when Mr. Henderson gave me that unfair grade. I just wanted to scare him, get back at him, you know? But I didn't mean for the paint to be permanent. If anyone finds out it was me..." He trails off, leaving the unspoken consequences hanging in the air. They know what it means: expulsions and maybe even a vandalizsm charge.
A tense silence descends upon the group. "Let's keep going and [[focus on the riddles]]."Huddled together in the dim living room, you and your friends exchange various glances.
"Blue lamp..." Nicole mutters, "Do you think it means the one in the corner by the window?"
Zack shakes his head. "That one's green, not blue."
Your mind sifts through possibilities. "The living room lamp! It has a blue ceramic base."
Approaching the lamp, you carefully turn the framed picture it illuminates away from the room. Behind it, taped to the back, is a photograph. You recognize the scene: Danny, grinning mischievously, perched atop a car covered in colorful paint.
You all remember the incident a few months back – the vandalized teacher's car, the hushed rumors, the unspoken fear of discovery.
Danny looks pale, his carefree facade crumbling. "That's... that's from when Mr. Henderson gave me that D for forgetting my name on the paper. I just wanted to get back at him, you know? I didn't know the paint was permanent. If anyone finds out it was me..." He trails off, leaving the unspoken consequences hanging in the air.
A tense silence descends upon the group. "Let's find the [[next one|focus on the riddles]]."
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/webtoon%20style%20art%20image%20of%20the%20back%20of%20a%20picture%20frame.%20another%20photo%20is%20taped%20to%20the%20back%20sh.png?raw=true" />
<<set $officeClue to true>>
"Definitely the office," Nicole mutters, brows furrowed in concentration. "But with so many books, how do we even begin?"
Zack scratches his chin. "Maybe the 'ark' part is a clue? Like Noah's Ark?"
Danny snorts. "Yeah, because Emma totally reads the Bible for riddles."
You ignore his sarcasm, feeling a spark of intuition. "Maybe it's not literal. Maybe 'ark' represents knowledge, like an archive or... a story about gathering knowledge."
Your eyes settle on a worn Bible nestled among the classics. With a shared nod, you pull it out, its pages whispering forgotten memories. Flipping through the chapters, your gaze lands on the familiar story of Noah's Ark. But something catches your eye - the word "covenant" is highlighted in yellow.
What could this mean? "Huh, I expected like a <<if $kitchenClue is true>>[[flashdrive|flashdrive]]<<else>>[[flashdrive|focus on the riddles]]<<endif>> or a picture or something," Zack remarks.
"Maybe it's just a random word she highlighted," Danny suggests, his voice laced with doubt.
Nicole shakes her head. "There's no way it's random. It has to be connected somehow."
Despite the uncertainty, you make a note of the word, adding it to the growing list of clues. The revelation hangs heavy in the air, fueling both hope and trepidation. Could this be the key to understanding Emma's accusations, or is it just another twist in her elaborate game? Whatever it is, its best to just [[focus on the riddles]].<<set $officeClue to true>>
"Definitely the office," Nicole mutters, brows furrowed in concentration. "But how do we know which book to check?"
Zack scratches his chin. "Maybe the 'ark' part is a clue? Like Noah's Ark?"
Danny snorts. "Yeah, because Emma totally reads the Bible."
You ignore his sarcasm, feeling a spark of intuition.
Your eyes settle on a worn Bible nestled among the classics. With a shared nod, you pull it out. Flipping through the chapters, your gaze lands on the familiar story of Noah's Ark. But something catches your eye - the word "covenant" is highlighted in yellow.
What could this mean? "Huh, I expected like a <<if $kitchenClue is true>>[[flashdrive|flashdrive]]<<else>>[[flashdrive|#2]]<<endif>> or a picture or something," Zack remarks.
"Maybe it's just a random word she highlighted," Danny suggests, his voice laced with doubt.
Nicole shakes her head. "There's no way it's random. It has to be connected somehow."
Despite the uncertainty, you make a note of the word. Whatever it is, its best to just [[keep searching|focus on the riddles]].
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/cov.png?raw=true" />
<<set $kitchenClue to true>>
The riddle's cryptic reference to "frozen secrets" has your stomach churning as much as the prospect of Emma leading you on a wild goose chase. Huddled in the kitchen, you and your friends exchange bewildered glances.
"Frozen secrets?" Nicole muses, tapping her chin. "Does that mean the ice cream? Or maybe...?"
Danny snorts. "Guys, are we really taking this egg thing seriously? Emma wouldn't hide a clue in a carton of breakfast food."
Zack shrugs. "But we don't have any other leads. Remember the lamp clue? It was weird, but it worked."
A tense silence descends, punctured only by the hum of the refrigerator. You can't ignore the nagging feeling that Emma wouldn't resort to such silliness – or could she?
Suddenly, Danny pulls out the carton of eggs, his eyes widening. "Hold on... there's something inside this one!"
Inside, nestled amidst the white ovals, you find a small <<if $officeClue is true>>[[flashdrive|flashdrive]]<<else>>[[flashdrive|focus on the riddles]]<<endif>> and a folded note. Relief washes over you, quickly replaced by suspicion as you read the note:
"Cracked the code, have you? But even the yolkiest detective needs the key from the 'ark' to unlock this prize. Choose wisely, for time is not your friend."
A collective groan fills the air. The note throws another layer of absurdity onto the already confusing puzzle. [[What now?|focus on the riddles]]<<set $kitchenClue to true>>
Huddled in the kitchen, you and your friends exchange bewildered glances.
"Frozen secrets?" Nicole muses, tapping her chin. "Its obviously the egg carton, but why did she say frozen?"
Danny snorts. "Let's not take Emma's riddle skills too seriously here."
Zack shrugs. "Whatever, just open the fridge and look at the stupid eggs."
Danny pulls out the carton of eggs, his eyes widening. "She put a flashdrive in the fridge?"
Inside the carton, you find a small <<if $officeClue is true>>[[flashdrive|flashdrive]]<<else>>[[flashdrive|#3]]<<endif>> and a folded note. You ignore Danny's question as you read the note:
"Cracked the code, have you? But even the yolkiest detective needs the key from the 'ark' to unlock this prize. Choose wisely, for time is not your friend."
A collective groan fills the air. "She's really using puns in her threats," Nicole remarks. [[Well, what now?|focus on the riddles]]
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/in%20korean%20webtoon%20art%20style%20an%20empty%20open%20fridge%20except%20for%20a%20carton%20of%20eggs%20with%20a%20flash%20dri.png?raw=true" />
"Seriously? Her diary?" someone grumbled, pointing at the nightstand in the corner of the bedroom.
A collective groan filled the room. This one was a little lazy on Emma's part, not that it was important to keep everyone guessing. What were they really expecting from their teenage friend and her petty scavenger hunt?
Zack, unusually quiet and fidgety, avoided your gaze, his every twitch betraying a growing nervousness. You knew he suspected where this was leading.
With a shared sigh, you open the nightstand containing her monogrammed diary, the silence thick with unspoken expectations.
Zack's apprehension became palpable, his breathing shallow, fingers drumming nervously against his leg. You scanned the diary, skimming entries about school, friends, family. Just as you were about to give up, you landed on a frantic entry with a crumpled receipt tucked inside. The pharmacy logo and the bold "MIPS (steroids)" sent a jolt through you.
Zack's face paled, his entire body tensing. Emma's accompanying diary entry paint the whole picture. She caught him at the pharmacy and blew up at him. Why would he do such a stupid thing? She was so mad that she almost threatened to tell his coach, but she couldn't ruin his future like that.
"It's true. I needed the scholarship, the pressure was… I don't even know anymore. All I know is that if i don't get a scholarship, my parents definitely aren't paying for my school. I have to get out of here," Zack confessed. No one had any reaction or words, just small nids between us. Who would judge in this room anyway? We also can't forget. there's [[one more|focus on the riddles]] secret to uncover."Seriously? Her diary?" someone grumbled, pointing at the nightstand in the corner of the bedroom.
This one was a little lazy compared to the whole Bible puzzle, not that it was important to keep everyone guessing. What were they really expecting from their teenage friend and her petty scavenger hunt?
With a shared sigh, you open the nightstand containing her monogrammed diary, the silence thick with unspoken expectations.
You scanned the diary, skimming entries about school, friends, family. Just as you flipped the book, a crumpled receipt fell out from an entry. The pharmacy logo and the bold "MIPS (steroids)" sent a jolt through you.
Zack's face paled, his entire body tensing. Emma's accompanying diary entry paints the whole picture. She caught him at the pharmacy and blew up at him. Why would he do such a stupid thing? She was so mad that she almost threatened to tell his coach, but she couldn't ruin his future like that.
"..I needed the scholarship, the pressure was… I don't even know anymore. All I know is that if I don't get a scholarship, my parents definitely aren't paying for my school. I have to get out of here," Zack confesses.
Well, no one could really judge in this room anyway. You also can't forget. there's [[one more|focus on the riddles]] secret to uncover.
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/webtoon%20style%20art%20image%20of%20a%20diary%20open%20on%20a%20bedroom%20floor%20with%20a%20crumpled%20receipt%20inside%20it.png?raw=true" />
Frustration hung heavy in the air as you descended into the basement, Emma's final clue echoing in your ears. After all the cryptic riddles and hidden messages, you expected something substantial, not the eerie emptiness that greeted you. Minutes ticked by as you meticulously searched the dusty shelves, the silence broken only by the occasional cough or muttered curse.
Suddenly, a glint of metal catches your eye- is that a phone? A collective sigh of relief escaped your lips, quickly replaced by a new hurdle – a five-digit code stared back, mocking your progress.
The tension escalated as everyone tossed out their theories.
"Her birthday? [[61799|ending 2]]?" Danny suggested.
"Maybe its our anniversary? [[21220|ending 2]]!" Zack exclaimed.
"Maybe it's realted to the game? The clues had random numbers on the sheet that i couldn't mkae sense of. [[53741|ending 4]]?" Nicole offered waving the sheet of clues in her hand.
"I don't know, she is pretty predictable in some ways. I'm guessing she's trying to throw us off. It could just be [[00000|ending 2]]" you consider as Emma didn't even bother making her phone password more complicated than that.Frustration with this game hangs heavy in the air as you descend into the basement, everyone else following after you. Whatever is down here should supposedly answer the question you were all wondering: what betrayal did Emma believe has occurred?
A glint of metal catches your eye from an empty shelf- is that a phone? Seems like an easy conquest until you realize it requires a 5-digit code.
Everyone tosses out their theories.
"Her birthday? [[61799|fail]]?" Danny suggested.
"Maybe its our anniversary? [[21220|fail]]!" Zack exclaimed.
"Maybe it's realted to the game? The clues had random numbers on the sheet that I couldn't make sense of. [[53741|unlocked]]?" Nicole offered waving the sheet of clues in her hand.
"I don't know, she is pretty predictable in some ways. I'm guessing she's trying to throw us off. It could just be [[00000|fail]]" you consider as Emma didn't even bother making her phone password more complicated than that.
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/word.png?raw=true" />
The scent of pine needles hangs heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the unseasonably chilly breeze that bites at your exposed skin. Graduation looms heavy on the horizon, its shadow stretching across your thoughts like a storm cloud. Tonight, though, is meant to be a celebration, a respite from the swirling uncertainties of the future. Emma's birthday, always held at her family's secluded cabin in the woods, usually offers laughter and memories to last a lifetime. But tonight, a different feeling prickles at your nerves, a sense of unease that the woods themselves seem to whisper.
The cabin, shrouded in twilight, appears uncharacteristically still. You pull up along with Zack, Emma's ever-present boyfriend, and your two other friends, Danny, the life of the party, and Nicole, Emma's sharp-witted cousin whose gaze flickers nervously towards the darkened windows.
"Think she's [[inside]]?" Zack asks, his voice echoing in the silence. Everyone's phones remain unanswered, amplifying the strange quietude.
A part of you longs to [[turn away]], to seek the comfort of textbooks and looming exams. But Emma is your friend, and the silence gnaws at your curiosity, mingled with a prickle of worry.The scent of pine needles hangs heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the unseasonably chilly breeze that bites at your skin. Graduation is just around the corner, only two more finals standing in the way. Tonight is meant to be about your friend and her exciting 18th birthday. Emma's birthday, always held at her family's secluded cabin in the woods, usually offers laughter and memories to last a lifetime. A different feeling prickles at your nerves, a sense of unease that the woods themselves seem to whisper. Maybe you're still thinking too much about your finals.
The cabin stands familiar right in front of you as multiple headlights fill the front yard. You pull up to see Zack, Emma's ever-present boyfriend, and your two friends, Danny, the life of the party, and Nicole, Emma's sharp-witted cousin whose gaze flickers nervously towards the darkened windows.
"Think she's [[inside|inside]]?" Zack asks, his voice echoing in the silence. Everyone's phones remain unanswered, despite the attempts to reach Emma to let you in.
A part of you longs to [[turn away|turn away]], to seek the comfort of textbooks and looming exams. But Emma is your friend, and the silence gnaws at your curiosity, mingled with a prickle of worry. Where is she?
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/Designer%20(2).png?raw=true" />
<strong>ENDING 6:</strong>
"It was me."
A wave of confusion washed over the others. Zack blurted, "You don't have to take the blame, you know?" But a strange thing happened. Everyone else seemed to fall silent, nodding slowly as if a shared understanding dawned.
"I'm not taking the blame," you clarified, your voice firm, "I am to blame."
You recount the day at Emma's house when you overheard her parents discussing how bad Michael was doing after his time in the facility, so bad that they admitted him to a psychiatric hospital. He was declining mentally. You couldn't take the guilt anymore. You got his email address from them under the guise you wanted to check in on him.
You go home and you recover all the evidence you kept of Emma's plan. You never understood why you archived all of this, but you may have thought you might do this one day. You send all of it to Michael, and apologize for everything you did.
He responds, and like the angel he is, he forgives you. He doesn't even want to tell his parents about it, he just wants to know if Emma is sorry too. He must've reached out to her, and kindly didn't even reveal it was you who told him.
This is the great betrayal Emma has uncovered, but you don't feel guilty this time.
Everyone nods and agrees, you did the right thing. They should've done the same. Now it's up to Emma. "And you?"
You can all hear Emma crying. She says she's sorry, she didn't know of her brother's troubles. Her parents never told her (even if that shouldn't be the only cause for her apology). Finally, she's done playing her game and you all go home. You feel hopeful that Emma will reconcile with Michael. And maybe now you will all think more about the consequences of your [[actions.|intro]]
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/end.jpeg?raw=true" />
Shame gnawed at your conscience, the truth echoing in your silence. You stole a glance at your friends – Zack, his jaw clenched, Nicole tears glistening in her eyes, Danny fidgeting nervously.
Then, the phone pierced the tense silence. It was Emma. You could almost hear the smirk in her voice as she spoke, "Remember what you saw? Well, its time to come clean. Who told our secret?"
Who would break the silence? Who would dare face the fallout?
Impulsive and fiercely loyal, [[Zack|ending 2.1]] might see exposing the truth as an act of redemption, but was he really that selfless?
Easily swayed and fearful of confrontation, [[Danny|ending 2.2]] wouldn't likely face the wrongs he had committed. Did he even really feel that guilty about anything?
Driven by empathy and compassion, [[Nicole|ending 2.3]] could have confessed. She was probably the least involved in Michael's incident but still chose Emma's side. She apparently has a habit of betraying people she was close to.
And then there's you... but why would you [[betray your own friend?|THE ending]]
Immediately you call Emma.
"Let's get this over with. We all know each other, and we can all come to our own conclusions on who would leak your secrets, Em."
Everyone looks at you expectantly, knowing that you're Emma's best friend and she'll probably believe you before anyone else here.
"I agree. Who do you think would betray me?" Emma asks.
[[Zack|ending 2.1]] is her boyfriend, but he's a bit of a hot head and could've leaked something from jealousy.
[[Danny|ending 2.2]] is a great friend, but he always goes to far with pranks. She probably knows something about that and he decided to get her first.
[[Nicole|ending 2.3]] seems too sweet to betray her own cousin, but you know she's not as loyal as she seems.
It doesn't matter who it is, as long as it isn't you.
There isn't much reason to trust the others with your secret. In fact, forget solving clues and figuring out secrets.
You want to get out of here and you want to make sure nothing Emma knows about you gets out.
After reading the back of the paper with all of Emma's ridiculous riddles, you think about your options.
[[You can go along with her last riddle and uncover the mysterious betrayal.|#5]] Your friends will most likely follow.
[[Or you could just call her and get the blame game over with so you can leave.|betrayal2]] Its every person for themself here.
The phone glowed an ominous red, mocking your failed attempt. 24 hours. A day lost, all because of one wrong guess. Disappointment hung heavy in the air, thick enough to choke on. Frustration simmered in each gaze, threatening to boil over into accusations and finger-pointing.
Yet, just as the silence threatened to shatter, your own phone jolted you back to reality. It was Emma, her voice crackling through the speaker on max volume.
"Alright, my friends," she began, her tone laced with amusement and a hint of exasperation. "Looks like my little test proved more challenging than anticipated. But fear not, I'm a generous soul. One more chance. One person steps forward, takes the blame for all the snooping around, or it can even be a group vote, doesn't really matter to me. Otherwise, secrets start flying at midnight."
You look around at everyone. Who's secret is the worst to have exposed?
Zack?
Danny?
Nicole?
...You?
You all have to decide. Or... technically you don't.<strong>ENDING 2:</strong>
You check the call to make sure Emma is on the line.
"Emma," you begin, your voice firm, "we aren't playing this stupid game." One by one, your friends echo your sentiment.
For a moment, the phone is completely silent. Then a loud scoff carries through the room.
"You think you can avoid the consequences?" she laughs, her voice regaining its usual edge. "Go ahead. What happens next? Everyone loses something."
But her words carry less weight now. You see through her veiled threats, recognizing the desperation beneath the bravado. "We're not scared of you, Emma," Nicole declares, her voice resolute. "We won't be your pawns in your petty scheme to threaten us."
Silence stretches, thick with tension. "Fine," she mutters. "I can't force you to be sorry, just know that it might catch up to you eventually."
With that, she hangs up. You look at your friends, each you seeming reassured and completely over Emma's nonsense. As you walk out of the house, the weight of Emma's parting words linger. You knew the secrets wouldn't vanish entirely, but they didn't hold the power to control you.
The mystery of Emma's motives remain unsolved, a lingering question mark in the narrative of your lives. Maybe no one will ever know, but in reality, one of you [[already does.|intro]]
<strong>ENDING 3:</strong>
Emma's ultimatum resonated in your ears, forcing you to make a choice no one wanted to make. With trembling fingers, you point at Zack, his jaw tightening in surprise.
"Zack?" you whisper, unsure if you dared believe your own accusation.
The others, hesitant at first, eventually follow your lead. They nod slowly, voices barely audible amidst the suffocating silence. Nicole glances at you, eyes wide with shock, while Danny maintains a stoic expression.
Zack erupts in protest, his frustration echoing off the bare concrete walls. "Me? Are you kidding? You think I...?" His voice cracks, betrayal simmering in his eyes.
But Emma interrupts. "Good choice," she says, "The rest of you can leave."
Relief washes over you as you file out, leaving Zack behind with his unspoken worries. The weight of your accusation hangs heavy, and doubt gnaws at the edges of your mind. But what else could you have done?
Days turn into weeks, then months. Emma never reveals the whole truth, leaving you with a void where understanding should be. Zack gets kicked off his football team, ending all chances of a scholarship. The memory of Zack's anguished face fuels your unease, and you can't help but wonder: [[Did you choose the right person?|intro]]
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/in%20korean%20webtoon%20style,%20a%20boy%20is%20leaving%20an%20american%20football%20field%20alone%20looking%20heartbroke.png?raw=true" /><strong>ENDING 4:</strong>
Emma's ultimatum resonated in your ears, forcing you to make a choice no one wanted to make. With trembling fingers, you point at Danny, his jaw tightening in surprise.
"Danny?" you whisper, unsure if you dared believe your own accusation.
The others, hesitant at first, eventually follow your lead. They nod slowly, voices barely audible amidst the suffocating silence. Nicole glances at you, eyes wide with shock, while Zack maintains a stoic expression.
Danny erupts in protest, his frustration echoing off the bare concrete walls. "Me? Are you kidding? You think I...?" His voice cracks, betrayal simmering in his eyes.
But Emma interrupts. "Good choice," she says, "The rest of you can leave."
Relief washes over you as you file out, leaving Danny behind with his unspoken heartbreak. The weight of your accusation hangs heavy, and doubt gnaws at the edges of your mind. But what else could you have done?
Days turn into weeks, then months. Emma never reveals the whole truth, leaving you with a void where understanding should be. Danny gets caught for the vandalism, but is only suspended from school since graduation is so close. The memory of Danny's anguished face fuels your unease, and you can't help but wonder: [[Did you choose the right person?|intro]]
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/PASSWORD%20(1).png?raw=true" />
<strong>ENDING 5:</strong>
Emma's ultimatum resonated in your ears, forcing you to make a choice no one wanted to make. With trembling fingers, you point at Nicole, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Nicole?" you whisper, unsure if you dared believe your own accusation.
The others, hesitant at first, eventually follow your lead. They nod slowly, voices barely audible amidst the suffocating silence. Zack glances at you, eyes blown with shock, while Danny maintains a stoic expression.
Nicole erupts in protest, her frustration echoing off the bare concrete walls. "Me? Are you kidding? You think I...?" Her voice cracks, betrayal simmering in his eyes.
But Emma interrupts. "Good choice," she says, "The rest of you can leave."
Relief washes over you as you file out, leaving Nicole behind with her unspoken heartbreak. The weight of your accusation hangs heavy, and doubt gnaws at the edges of your mind. But what else could you have done?
Days turn into weeks, then months. Emma never reveals the whole truth, leaving you with a void where understanding should be. There are rumors and nasty words passed around about Nicole after her breakup, but you don't hear much after graduation. The memory of Nicole's anguished face fuels your unease, and you can't help but wonder: [[Did you choose the right person?|intro]]
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/in%20korean%20webtoon%20style,%20a%20girl%20is%20upset%20and%20alone%20in%20a%20graduation%20cap%20and%20gown%20as%20she%20stares.png?raw=true" />
Your heart jumps as you recognize your name on the document, then your sister's on the next one. The essays are identical, word for word.
You knew you were desperate for that A, for that scholarship, but plagiarism… shame burns through you at the thought of being exposed to your teachers and family.
"I used my sister's paper to get an A, I didn't know what else to do. I'm barely at the GPA to beat Gaby for Valedictorian. I haven't gotten higher than an 84 on my other papers for this class."
You felt it was reasonable to just borrow the paper. You know its wrong, but you proved yourself in other ways to be top of the class. Guilt still presents itself at your actions, but at least you didn't [[cheat on your boyfriend.|flashdrive]]
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/Designer%20(1).png?raw=true" />
The phone glowed an ominous red, mocking your failed attempt. 24 hours. Answers lost, all because of one wrong guess. Disappointment hung heavy in the air.
Yet, just as the silence threatened to shatter, your own phone jolted you back to reality. It was Emma, her voice crackling through the speaker on max volume.
"Alright, my friends," she began, her tone laced with amusement and a hint of exasperation. "Looks like my little test proved more challenging than anticipated. Your time is up, though. One person steps forward, takes the blame for all the snooping around, or it can even be a group vote, doesn't really matter to me. Otherwise, secrets start flying at midnight."
You look around at everyone. Who's secret has to be exposed?
[[Zack?|ending 2.1]]
[[Danny?|ending 2.2]]
[[Nicole?|ending 2.3]]
You all have to decide. Or... technically you [[don't|ending 2]].
The flash drive gleams in your hand, a tiny key to secrets yet unknown. Your friends huddle around, anticipation thick with a touch of apprehension. You insert the drive into the computer, the whirring fans a mechanical whisper. On the screen, a video player icon beckons.
But a password prompt slams the door shut. Frustration ripples through the group. Then, Danny strikes his forehead, a light bulb flashing above him.
"The note! It said the 'ark' holds the key. Remember the highlighted word in the Bible – 'covenant'?"
Hope flickers in your eyes. You type "covenant", fingers trembling with anticipation. The click of acceptance resonates like a victory bell. The video player springs to life.
Two files stare back at you. One, innocuous – a scan of two essays. Your heart jumps as you recognize your own handwriting, then your sister's. You click it open, dread gnawing at your insides. The essays are identical, word for word.
A cold sweat prickles your skin. You knew you were desperate for that A, for that scholarship, but plagiarism… betrayal… those words echo in your head. Shame burns through you.
Before you can dwell on it, another video file demands your attention. You press play, bracing yourself for whatever it reveals.
There's Nicole, radiant in a prom dress, laughter dancing in her eyes. Her hand is intertwined with another boy's, his face unfamiliar. They sway to the music, a picture-perfect moment… shattered by the knowledge of her real boyfriend.
The video ends abruptly. Silence hangs heavy in the air, thick with unspoken accusations. Nicole speaks first, her voice barely a whisper.
"We broke up the next day. He wouldn't understand why, wouldn't let go. He became… possessive, controlling. I knew I needed to end it, but I was scared. Scared of his anger, of rumors, of hurting someone else just by being free."
Tears well up in her eyes. "I know what I did was wrong, but the consequences wouldn't just fall on me."
The air crackles with emotions – guilt, understanding, empathy. You reach out, offering a comforting hand.
"We all make mistakes," you say, your voice hoarse. "But we can learn from them, together."
In the dim glow of the computer screen, secrets laid bare, you and your friends face the weight of your choices. Only, you realize that there is [[still more|focus on the riddles]] yet to learn.The flash drive gleams in your hand. Danny pointed out it could be viewed on the computer in the office. You insert the drive into the computer, but a password prompt appears as the computer stirs to life.
"The note said the 'ark' holds the key. Remember the highlighted word in the Bible – 'covenant'?"
You type "covenant", into the password bar. "Okay, that's dramatic" mumbled Nicole as the computer accepts the password. "She's really putting on the theatrics for this 'betrayal'."
Two files stare back at you- a scan of [[two essays|essay]].
Before you can dwell on it, Zack reaches over and clicks the other file, and a video starts to play
There's Nicole, radiant in a prom dress, smiling at a boy before they kiss romantically outside of the school gym. A picture-perfect moment… shattered by the knowledge of her real boyfriend.
Silence hangs heavy in the air, thick with unspoken accusations. Nicole speaks first, her voice barely a whisper.
"I don't know why I did that. I love Chris, it was just a one time thing. I don't want him to leave me over a single mistake."
No one really offers any response to the reveals, and you can't say that you mind. Only, you realize that there is [[still more|focus on the riddles]] yet to learn.
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/a%20computer%20screen%20in%20an%20office%20with%20a%20clip%20playing%20on%20it%20of%20a%20couple%20dressed%20up%20kissing%20outsi.png?raw=true" />
Taking a deep breath, you collectively choose to face the unknown together. With a shared resolve, you turn the page, the anticipation crackling in the air. There, scrawled in messy yet familiar handwriting, are five riddles, each promising a piece of the puzzle:
[[#1|#1]]
Where the blue lamp weeps,
A silent portrait secrets keeps.
Flip it away, where shadows convene,
And a chilling truth you'll glean.
[[#2|#2]]
Whispers of untold tales,
Bound in leather, secrets exhale.
Seek a word that shines, bold and stark,
A key to unlock the hidden ark.
[#3|#3]]
Within a frozen embrace,
Cartons of silence hold a hidden trace.
Break one apart, a number etched within,
A fractured whisper, a hint to begin.
[[#4|#4]]
Where moonbeams gleam,
A diary whispers a forgotten dream.
Find where the starry sky unfolds,
A numbered page, a story untold.
[[#5|#5]]
Fragments gathered, whispers ignite,
The final truth still shrouded in night.
Weave their essence, soft and low,
To unlock the depths where secrets flow.
Remember, friends, the sands of time fall fast,
With each step, the shadows amass.
Unite your clues, let wisdom unfold,
For the basement's heart holds stories untold.You collectively choose to look for the supposed evidence together. If Emma has proof of something awful you did... well its best to know exactly what that was.
"This is a little ridiculous, right?" Danny asked pointng to the paper. There, scrawled in familiar handwriting, are five riddles:
<div class= "riddle">
[[#5|#1]]
Where the blue lamp weeps,
A silent portrait secrets keeps.
Flip it away, where shadows convene,
And a chilling truth you'll glean.
[[#3|#2]]
Whispers of untold tales,
Bound in leather, secrets exhale.
Seek a word that shines, bold and stark,
A key to unlock the hidden ark.
[[#7|#3]]
Within a frozen embrace,
Cartons of silence hold a hidden trace.
Break one apart, a number etched within,
A fractured whisper, a hint to begin.
[[#4|#4]]
Where moonbeams gleam,
A diary whispers a forgotten dream.
Find where the starry sky unfolds,
A numbered page, a story untold.
[[#1|#5]]
Fragments gathered, whispers ignite,
The final truth still shrouded in night.
Unite your clues, let wisdom unfold,
For the basement's heart holds stories untold.
</div>
"We might as well just go check," you say.
The creaking door hinges groan behind you as you step into the darkened cabin. A chill that has nothing to do with the night air wraps around you, prickling your skin. The only source of light emanates from the dining room, spilling in a warm glow through the open doorway.
In the center of the table, bathed in that golden light, sits a single object: a pristine envelope emblazoned with your names. A hand-drawn candle beside it flickers, casting long, unsettling shadows across the room. The silence seems to press in, broken only by the nervous coughs and muttered questions from your companions.
"Think Emma's playing some kind of prank?" Danny asks, his voice barely a whisper.
Nicole steps closer, tracing the outline of the envelope with a hesitant finger. "This is weird, even for her," she murmurs.
Zack shrugs, a forced smile on his face. "Maybe she forgot we were coming and left something for us? Do you want to [[read it]]?""We might as well just check," you suggest.
The creaking door hinges groan behind you as you step into the darkened cabin. The only source of light emanates from the dining room, spilling in a warm glow through the open doorway.
In the center of the table, illuminated slightly by the candle beside it, sits a single object: a pristine envelope marked with your names. The silence seems to press in, broken only by the nervous coughs and muttered questions from your companions.
"Think Emma's playing some kind of prank?" Danny asks, his voice slightly annoyed.
Nicole steps closer. "This is weird, even for her," she murmurs.
Zack shrugs, a forced smile on his face. "Maybe she left a letter to tell us she'll be late ? Do you want to [[read it|read it]]?"
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/webtoon%20art%20style%20of%20a%20table%20in%20the%20dining%20room%20of%20a%20wood%20cabin%20with%20a%20lit%20candle%20and%20a%20small.png?raw=true" />
The envelope's crispness crumples under your trembling fingers. Unfolding it, Emma's neat handwriting stares back, laced with ice-cold fury.
"The jig is up, you backstabbing liars," it blares. "One of you, crawled behind my back and decided to ruin my life. Think you can just get away with it? Think again. I know your secrets, the deepest, darkest ones you wouldn't dare let see the light of day. And let me be clear, I will bring you all down with me."
"Here's the deal," she continues, her words cold and calculating. "On the back, you'll find riddles leading to proof of what I know. Use them to find the dirt, then decide: convince the traitor to confess, or vote out the guiltiest amongst you. You have five hours. Tick-tock. Choose wisely, because when that clock strikes zero, your secrets become everyone's business."
Flipping the page, you're met not with photos or texts, but with cryptic riddles. Each verse hints at a hidden location within the cabin, supposedly holding evidence of her knowledge. Everyone looks shocked, and you realize that Emma really must have something on all of you. Its not a bad idea to [[talk to the group]] and figure out what to do. On the other hand, your secrets are on the line... maybe its best to [[continue solo]].The envelope's crispness crumples under your fingers. Unfolding it, Emma's neat handwriting stares back, laced with ice-cold fury.
"The jig is up, you backstabbing liars," it blares. "One of you, crawled behind my back and decided to ruin my life. Think you can just get away with it? Think again. I know your secrets, the deepest, darkest ones you wouldn't dare let see the light of day. And let me be clear, I will bring you all down with me."
"Here's the deal," she continues, her words cold and calculating. "On the back, you can figure out what proof I have on you. Go find it or don't, I don't care, it's up to you guys if you want to be sure of how I can ruin your life too. You have three hours. Someone has to come clean or take the blame, otherwise your secrets become everyone's business."
Flipping the page, you're met with cryptic riddles. Each verse hints at a hidden location within the cabin, supposedly holding evidence of her knowledge. Everyone looks shocked, and you still can't tell if this is a joke or not. Its not a bad idea to [[talk to the group|talk to the group]] and figure out what to do. On the other hand, your secrets are on the line... maybe its best to [[continue solo|continue solo]].
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/Designer%20(5).png?raw=true" />
You all nod in agreement, you're all friends here. "Okay, lets spill!" Everyone looks at one another expectantly.
Zack, his jaw clenched tight, blurts out first, "It's about the steroids, probably? I needed to ensure my scholarship or my parent's won't pay for school." Everyone is quiet, unsure of what to say.
Danny, fidgeting nervously, confesses next. "i think she has a picture of me…on the car…Mr. Henderson's car…" Shame tinges his voice. Everyone knows about the Mr. Henderson incident and the unknown person who vandalized his car with permanent paint.
Nicole, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, admits her secret. "I don't know why, but I kissed Darren at prom. I love Chris, but the moment just got away from me. I told Emma, so.." she drifts off.
Finally, your own secret tumbles out. "The paper for AP U.S Government…was my sister's. I need an A in that class, but I haven't gotten higher than an 84 on any of my other essays." The words feel foreign.
"Since we all came clean, what should we do? I read the riddles and it looks like we have to check the [[basement|#5]] to figure out what this whole "betrayal" thing is about," Danny finally speaks up.
"Or we could just tell Emma to [[suck it and leave|ending 2]]," Nicole shrugs.
Emma's accusation of betrayal and the threat of exposed secrets leave you and your friends reeling. You glance at each other, faces etched with fear, confusion, and a flicker of anger.
"She's lost it," Danny scoffs, his bravado barely masking the tremor in his voice.
Nicole clutches her chest, her eyes wide with worry. "But what if she has proof? What if our secrets..."
Zack interrupts, his jaw clenched tight. "We can't let her blackmail us like this. Who even does that?"
Silence descends, thick with unspoken anxieties. "Listen," you propose, drawing their attention. "Maybe we should just… get our [[secrets out of the way]]? If everyone reveals what they're worried about, Emma loses some leverage. We can just focus on what she thinks one of us did the betray her." There's a very long pause with a heavy silence. "Or," you suggest, sensing their hesitation, "let's [[focus on the riddles]]. Solving them might clarify what Emma 'knows' and give us a clearer picture. We can discuss the secret thing later."Emma's accusation of betrayal and the threat of exposed secrets leave you and your friends reeling. You glance at each other, faces etched with confusion and a flicker of anger.
"She's lost it," Danny scoffs, his bravado barely masking the tremor in his voice.
Nicole clutches her chest, her eyes wide with worry. "She has proof? What kind of proof..."
Zack interrupts, his jaw clenched tight. "We can't let her blackmail us like this. Who even does that?"
Silence descends, thick with unspoken anxieties. "Listen," you propose, drawing their attention. "Maybe we should just… get our [[secrets out of the way]]? If everyone reveals what they're worried about, Emma loses some leverage. We can just focus on what she thinks one of us did the betray her." There's a very long pause with a heavy silence. "Or," you suggest, sensing their hesitation, "let's [[focus on the riddles]]. Solving them might clarify what Emma 'knows' and give us a clearer picture. We can discuss the secret thing later."
You stare at the screen, the video having flickered out moments ago. Memories rise like ghosts, vivid and unsettling. Michael, Emma's older brother, had been a fixture in your life since middle school. To you, he was everything you secretly admired: smart, kind, effortlessly popular. He was good at everything, seemingly perfect in your eyes.
Yet, to Emma, he was the bane of her existence, the sun leaving her perpetually in the shadows. She resented his effortless achievements, the adoration from their parents, the way he navigated life with ease. "Just once," she'd often mutter, "if he'd mess up, they'd finally see me."
High school brought Zack, her knight in shining armor. Emma spun a twisted narrative, and Zack, fueled by misguided protectiveness, was easily manipulated. You knew Michael. You knew the truth tucked beneath Emma's carefully constructed lies. Yet, a misplaced loyalty, a fear of breaking the fragile bond with your friend, kept your lips sealed.
The plan unfolded with chilling precision. Zack confronted Michael and Nicole and Danny served as witnesses to the incident. And you, well someone had to record the video. It went viral, painting Michael as a bully to his little sister resulting in her broken wrist.
Zack, Nicole and Danny would come to realize Emma had made the whole thing up. You didn't know the effects it would have, or you would have reconsidered. Michael was expelled from school and his parents sent him to an anger mangement facility. You never saw him [[again.|betrayal]]
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/fam.png?raw=true" />
ENDING 1:
You hesitate, the weight of leaving heavy on your conscience. Danny's brows furrow, "Leaving already? We just got here." Nicole fiddles with a strand of hair, her gaze lingering on the darkened windows. "Do you think something's wrong?"
Zack shrugs, he seems like he ,ight be consiering an escape as well. "Suit yourself, but Emma will probably wonder where you went."
"Just let her know I didn't feel well and went to study. I'll call her later"
With a lingering glance at the silent cabin, you climb back into your car and pull away, the headlights slicing through the gathering darkness.
Days turn into weeks, weeks into months. You never learn what happened and you ddin't see your friends much after that day anyway. Graduation arrives, a whirlwind of goodbyes and bittersweet promises. Emma is there, surrounded by well-wishers, but your paths rarely cross. Exams and new beginnings consume you, and despite a nagging guilt, the memory of the abandoned party gradually fades.<div class="content"><strong>ENDING 1:</strong>
You hesitate before turning back to your car, the weight of leaving heavy on your conscience. Danny's brows furrow, "Leaving already? We just got here." Nicole fiddles with a strand of hair, her gaze lingering on the darkened windows. "Do you think something's wrong?"
Zack shrugs, he seems like he might be considering an escape as well. "Suit yourself, but Emma will probably wonder where you went."
"Just let her know I didn't feel well and went to study. I'll call her later."
With a lingering glance at the silent cabin, you climb back into your car and pull away, the headlights slicing through the gathering darkness.
Days turn into weeks, weeks into months. You never learn what happened and you ddin't see your friends much after that day anyway. Graduation arrives, a whirlwind of goodbyes and bittersweet promises. Emma is there, surrounded by well-wishers, but your paths rarely cross. New beginnings consume you, and despite a nagging guilt, the memory of the abandoned party gradually fades.
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/Designer%20(4).png?raw=true" />
[[RESTART?|intro]]
</div>The phone suddenly shifts to a screen with a video already waiting to be played. With a shared breath, you press play.
The video unfolds, showcasing a familiar scene – Emma stepping up to a boy with his back turned, shouting "Michael, stop!" You knew it instantly.
You flinch as the boy, Michael, shoves Emma with surprising force. She crashes onto the ground, a sickening thud and a piercing chime erupts, synchronized perfectly with Emma's fall. Her wrist struck a nearby pole, the metallic clang chilling you to the bone.
You knew this video, knew this incident held the power to expose long-hidden truths.
Another video was also in the camer roll. his one showing Zack, fueled by rage, screaming at Michael, spewing hurtful words before shoving him. But before Michael could retaliate, Emma steps in, the echo of the first video plays again.
Your gaze darted to the periphery of the video, catching Nicole in the background. A whisper, barely audible: "Zack, what are you doing?" she pleads, concern etching her features. And on the other side, a fleeting glimpse of Danny, his hand making a film-style "cut" gesture, his face unreadable.
You all know this video in fact, but you don't all know why Emma has dug this up. Except... actually one of [[you|the truth]] does.
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/in%20webtoon%20art%20style,%20someone's%20arm%20is%20holding%20out%20a%20cell%20phone%20with%20a%20video%20on%20it%20showing%20a.png?raw=true" />
<div class="content"><div class="start"><h1>[[Start Game|intro]]</h1></div>
<img src="https://github.com/chickenjenders/guiltymasks/blob/main/PASSWORD.png?raw=true" />
</div>