Take It to the MAX

**Take it to the MAX** is the third chapter in Arcade Spirits. It details the Protagonist's time at MAX, and takes place at least two weeks after the previous chapter, with the bulk of the chapter taking place between July 6th and July 8th.

## Story

### Pre-Date

The chapter begins with the usual narration from the Protagonist, expressing how stressed they are about their day in question, as it has big relation to the event that they've been planning for The Funplex. They explain how if they fail, everyone at The Funplex would ridicule them for their failure, earning them the nickname "Funplex Failure".

The Protagonist snaps back into focus, revealing that they are at some sort of event. They explain their distaste for the incredibly large crowd, claiming that they're only used to dealing with smaller crowds at The Funplex. Juniper also happens to be at the event, thanking the Protagonist for giving them a ticket. They ask the Protagonist how they're holding up, to which the player can respond how they want.

Juniper expresses how she wants to help the Protagonist out, to which they theorise that it's likely due to the job offer situation that the two fell out over. Juniper asks the Protagonist what their plan is and exclaims her shock when she finds out that they don't have one. Juniper decides to help them start, handing them the fliers that she photocopied for the event.

This causes the Protagonist to have a flashback as to how they ended up in the situation, which began two weeks prior. The Protagonist and Ashley are running The Funplex on a particularly slow day when Teo rushes in with the announcement that MAX is soon. This causes both of the two to complain as Ashley, assuming that it wouldn't be for another month, has yet to create a cosplay, and Teo hasn't synchronised his dance troupe nor has he found a suitable location for the international Showtime Stage community gathering.

The Protagonist details their confusing, questioning as to what MAX actually is. The two explain that MAX stands for Mega Arcade Expo, and that it's usually held in the West Coast. However, this time it's being held right in their city in the East Coast, and the Protagonist admits that it does sound quite exciting. While arranging posters for the event around The Funplex, the Protagonist gains the idea to promote their own event at MAX itself.

They reveal this idea to the other two, to which they quiz them on the name. The player has the option to name it whatever they please, however the default name for this event is Funplex Rising. The two praise their naming of the event, however when the Protagonist asks how to get tickets, they inform them that unfortunately tickets sell out on day one in about 20 minutes, to which the Protagonist expresses their sadness.

Iris, however, comes to the rescue, explaining how they blackmailed ticket scalpers to buy two MAX tickets, one for the Protagonist and one for Juniper, who they suggest they take along since her Iris has revealed Juniper is going through a large amount of stress from her job. The Protagonist berates Iris for her very illegal blackmail, however Iris reassures them that they've erased all traces back to them, much to the Protagonist's annoyance.

Iris also informs the group of The Funplex's abandoned FaceWall account, which Ashley guiltily admits that she's supposed to be running. She explains that all the other members of The Funplex are too preoccupied or just uncaring to run it, leaving it to her. Ashley offers the Protagonist the job of running it, and whether the player chooses to accept or not, she'll give them the login info anyways since they're the event manager.

Whether the account has been left to Ashley of the Protagonist, Iris will chime and offer up her help, sending out notifications to all of the Protagonist's contacts. She also explains how they need more images on the account, to which Teo suggests they create a poster for Funplex Rising. The Protagonist takes him up on the offer, saying that they will make the poster for MAX, much to the other two's excitement.

The game cuts back to the present, however the flyers Juniper is presenting don't look like the ones the Protagonist made. She explains how she made a few touches, making fun of the Protagonist's poor font choice. Although reluctant at first, the Protagonist admits how her designs are a lot better than their own, applauding her for her art prowess.

Juniper attempts to advertise by simply shouting at those walking past, which the Protagonist objects to, explaining how they're going to wait for Ashley and Teo to arrive before they start advertising. Juniper does not oppose to this as it gives her time to attend a panel about entering the arcade art industry, however she quickly states that she only finds it interesting and it's not something she plans on doing.

The Protagonist is left alone by Juniper, and they take some time to admire the sheer magnitude of the event, pondering on how inspiring it is to see so many videogame fans band together as one. The Protagonist is greeted by Teo, who congratulates them for remaining untrampled. He explains how the Showtime Stage community is actually the second biggest one at the event, so he had to spend some more time organising his troupe's dance routine.

The two are approached by someone dressed as an eloquent butler, much to many an attendee's awe. The Protagonist recognises them to be from a game named Melee Maidens, however does not explicitly realise that they are in fact Ashley until they're confronted by the butler. Ashley offers to let the Protagonist come with her to the cosplay parade, however Teo objects, saying that they were going to come with him to the flash mob. The player is then given the choice of hanging out with Ashley or Teo.

If Ashley's route is chosen, she will take the Protagonist to the Pac-Man stage where the cosplay parade is taking place, but not before the Protagonist is almost trampled by a crowd of excited cosplayers. The Protagonist, admiring the size of the stage, questions Ashley on what a cosplay parade actually is. Ashley gives a brief explanation on the event, including the fact that this one contains no prizes and is merely a meetup for cosplayers to enjoy themselves.

Ashley then runs into another attendee cosplaying Melee Maidens, and the two begin to ramble on about each other's costumes. The Protagonist takes this time to admire the event, feeling slightly self-conscious about their "comfy-as-heck" hoodie. Ashley returns to the Protagonist who praises them for being so popular in the cosplaying community, which Ashley modestly brushes off.

The Protagonist then finds the idea to hold a cosplay contest at Funplex Rising which excited Ashley. She delivers her prospects of winning and is joshed by the Protagonist who claims she's been practicing being competitive with QueenBee. Ashley admits that she has actually been doing as the Protagonist says, and the two laugh about it together.

However, the laughs are cut short when one of the judges prevents the Protagonist from entering, instigating their rule on cosplayers only. Ashley feels she has no choice and hands the Protagonist a maid outfit, asking them to wear it. The player is then given the choice to accept or decline the offer.

If choosing to accept, the Protagonist and Ashley will make their way into a bathroom where Ashley will help the Protagonist put it on. Depending on whether they reacted positively or negatively to the prospect, the Protagonist will either be overjoyed or disgusted when wearing the outfit. Either way, Ashley will wave to some of her cosplaying friends, Katie and Steph. She claims that her friends will allow them to advertise Funplex Rising during the parade.

The two chat happily together, and the Protagonist voices their intrigue on Ashley's fascination with crossplay. Ashley explains how they first started cosplaying boys because of her admiration for the characters, but the more she crossplayed the more she began to feel comfortable. She admits that she's still trying to figure out what it means in terms of who she is.

The Protagonist apologises for getting her to open up, however Ashley brushes it off, calling the Protagonist a cherished friend. The judge of the parade then announces the start of the show, to which Ashley and the Protagonist begin to get ready.

Ashley tries to ease the Protagonist's nerves as they enter the stage. Ashley leads the group front and centre completely in character. The player is allowed to choose the pose that the Protagonist uses as the audience of the parade take photos.

Once the group are done, one of the MCs hands Ashley a microphone, and she uses the opportunity to advertise the cosplay contest that is to be held at Funplex Rising. She hands the microphone to the Protagonist, who joins in on the advertisement. Once the two are done, the Protagonist notes how The Funplex's FaceWall is blowing up.

If the player chooses not to participate in the parade, they will instead see Ashley on the stage without them, and she advertises Funplex Rising to the same effect.

Iris, who's detailing the FaceWall's popularity, notes how Ashley failed to mention that it was being livestream. She does, however, reveal that they've generated 700% more traffic on their page than before, and the fact that she's bought advertisements in order to increase the spread of Funplex Rising, explaining how you're more likely to get one if you do something such as looking at maid outfits on the internet. Ashley then laughs at the Protagonist for receiving an advert themselves.

Ashley and the Protagonist celebrate the success of the event, and the Protagonist notes how they need to take a break. Ashley recommends visiting Gavin and Naomi's pop-up arcade in Hall B, however suggests they go on their own since she has to finish some touch-ups.

If Teo's route is chosen, Teo will lead the Protagonist through the crowd toward the location of the flash mob. The Protagonist ponders on their decision, expressing how they don't see any possible way to convince everyone at the event to attend Funplex Rising. Teo leads them to the atrium, to wich the Protagonist explains their surprise to see its much quieter nature compared to the rest of the event.

The Protagonist then notices the abundance of dancing games including DDR, ItG and the highlighted Showtime Stage. The Protagonist congratulates Teo on his location choice for the flash mob, but he hushes them in fear that they'll ruin the surprise. Teo thanks the Protagonist for coming and the Protagonist suggests that he advertises Funplex Rising at the event.

Teo agrees to, however specifies that it has to be after the flash mob. As Teo frantically waits for his crew to arrive, he explains to the Protagonist how he fears that everything will collapse beneath him. He talks about his sister and how she used to outperform in every dance routine she did. Teo explains how he feels comfortable playing Showtime Stage because of its restrictions.

The Protagonist notes Teo's shaking hands, and decides to try and calm him down. Teo thanks the Protagonist for the help and goes to begin the flash mob, bringing his crew with him. They move up onto the stage, stopping the music that had been playing.

Teo and his crew then proceed with the flashmob, and end it with Teo jumping into the crowd. The crowd applaud immensely and Teo announces his gratitude towards the Protagonist to the crowd. He then, as promised, hands them the mic, saying that they should advertise Funplex Rising. The Protagonist announces the event to the crowd, which prompts the player with an option of what extra event to host.

They can choose between a Showtime Stage tournament, free Showtime Stage plays for the entire day or a special live visit from DJ Showtime, a very prominent mixer in the dancing game community. Similarly to Ashley's route, The Funplex's FaceWall will begin to go viral, and the Protagonist notes the buzz about the event in the atrium

Teo describes how exhausted he is and the Protagonist agrees, expressing their hunger. Teo mentions the pop-up arcade Gavin and Naomi are running, and he goes on ahead, leaving the Protagonist to catch up.

#### Date

The two paths intertwine, and the Protagonist heads to Hall B, noting the similarities to Hall A where they started. They spot the romanceable options and decide to talk to one of them. Since they are featured more dominantly in the chapter, Ashley and Teo are not available to take on a date.

##### Gavin

The Protagonist approaches Gavin, who after some convincing allows them a few minutes to talk to him. The Protagonist asks him why he decided to work at The Funplex, and Gavin explains his philosophy of bringing order to chaos to them. He mentions that his family doesn't understand this idea, especially his business-minded father.

He explains how it wasn't his father who brought the Coopers success, but rather his grandfather who had extra struggle due to the colour of his skin. Ever since his grandfather's death, his father has claimed to be the cause of their success, however Gavin disagrees, also claiming that his brothers and sisters share the same mindset.

He reveals that he turned down a loan from his father as to not repeat his mistakes. Gavin explains how he wants to live up to his grandfather, starting from zero. The Protagonist points out that with his upbringing he isn't exactly starting from zero, but Gavin agrees, claiming that he at least wants to live up to his grandfather's legacy instead.

To cheer him up, the Protagonist can either question Gavin's choice of job or crack a joke about what he would've done with his father's money. When the former is chosen, Gavin proceeds to list multiple video game companies that have been bought up by larger companies, including Sinneslöschen which rings a bell for the Protagonist. The latter causes him to express his resentment for his father, claiming he wouldn't take his money either way.

To change the topic, the Protagonist tells Gavin about their happy childhood and unhappy adolescence. Gavin notes the Protagonist's fighting spirit and vows to protect their dream as much as he protects Naomi's, but he advises them to tell him whether or not he is stepping on their dream, and to not be afraid to hurt his feelings. He also reveals his desire to better himself as a person.

##### Naomi

The Protagonist finds Naomi trying to fix a Galaga machine. Noting how frustrated she is, the Protagonist suggests she take a break. Although she is initially reluctant, Gavin orders that she does, claiming she's making no progress on fixing the game. The Protagonist suggests they find a quieter spot, and Naomi leads them to a niche between two display booths.

Naomi expresses her annoyance with the tendency for retro games to break down, and the Protagonist questions why she thinks people nowadays are into them. Naomi calls the Protagonist's bluff, stating that they're really asking why she herself is into them. She raves about the magic of retro games, detailing why she adores them so much, and comments on the Protagonist's taste in arcade games depending on which one they chose to keep in the previous chapter.

She explains how her older brother was forced to babysit her, and he used to have to take her along to the arcades he went to. She quickly figured out the scams that were ticket games, and also noted that she disliked them due to the crowds they brought, detailing a bit on her social anxiety. She called the retro games her paradise as they had a lack of players and were actually fun.

After commenting on her admiration for retro games, Naomi admits that it's slightly abnormal for her to like retro games so much. They share a moment of celebration for days to come for The Funplex, with Naomi thanking the Protagonist for promoting the arcade instead due to her incompetence when it comes to crowds.

##### Percy

The Protagonist finds Percy playing Nibbler, and jokes about him chasing the record. Percy claims that the current Nibbler record holder deserves to hold on to it, and claims he's just goofing off. The two go off to find a more secluded spot. If the player has not yet been on a date with Percy prior, the dialogue will be the same as the dialogue in Percy's date in Chapter 2, bar a few situational changes.

If the player went on a date with Percy in Chapter 2, the Protagonist will ask Percy how he's enjoying MAX. He responds happily, although his mood is brought down when he notes that he's been to MAX ever since Stella passed away. Percy describes his love for the games at MAX, and states that he was thinking about buying one to donate to The Funplex as there would be no room in his tiny flat.

The Protagonist notes that parts of his backstory don't fit together, and they question Percy on why he's living in such conditions if he is at a well-paying job. Percy admits that he never intended to spend any of his money on himself, and that it was all for Stella. He explains that once his parents found out about Stella's heart condition, they searched far and wide for a specialist that could cure her, however the only one they found who'd work with paediatric patients was in America.

Percy notes that his family's lack of wealth meant that they spent most of their money to get him through university, and that they hardly had the funds to bring Stella over to America. He decided to take action and defy the laws that governed the poor's place in society. He put his mind to money and began trying to make as much money as possible in order to save Stella's life.

He and Stella immigrated to America, and with plenty of money the doctors operating on her were happy to give her treatment. However, Stella was too far gone to have life-saving treatment, and she passed away a few years prior to the present day. Percy angrily describes all the ways he could've saved her, creating the idea that it was his fault that she died.

He details his resentment for himself for being in such a comfortable situation after her death. The Protagonist tells Percy they understand his decisions, and he shows his fear that it was all for nothing, giving a reason to his tendency to help others around him with his money. He calls his desire to obtain the Moopy world record silly and sentimental.

The Protagonist questions Percy's financial situation in terms of The Funplex, however he warns that he still needs to be careful with his money, stating that he can't help everyone around him all the time. He does, however, support the Protagonist's desire to help The Funplex with Funplex Rising, stating that he'll stand by them no matter what.

##### QueenBee

The Protagonist finds QueenBee looking incredibly worried, and when questioned she explains how she's in the loser's bracket of the Fist of Discomfort tournament that they're holding at MAX. Seeing her anxiety for being called up for her next match, the Protagonist suggests that they talk, and they find a private location. If the player has not yet been on a date with QueenBee prior, the dialogue will be the same as the dialogue in QueenBee's date in Chapter 2, bar a few situational changes.

If the player went on a date with QueenBee in Chapter 2, the Protagonist will inquire about her stress, but she will reassure them that, win or lose, her fans will have her back, even if the FoD community or even her own team L7 Gaming doesn't. She details her early days of streaming, even before she settled for playing FoD, claiming that her fans have always been there for her throughout her career.

She notes her excitement for the FoD tournament that is planned to be held at Funplex Rising and she illustrates her relationship with all of the locals, comparing it to a "Venn Diagram" of friendships, rivalries and being straight up enemies.

She reveals to the Protagonist the amount of harassment she gets being a female in streaming, and explains that in an arcade, it's no longer anonymous, and that nobody can truly harass her in that way. The player can choose how to encourage her or question her relationship with her fans further, which she will not appreciate.

QueenBee claims that she's built up enough confidence to go back into Round 2 of the tournament, and thanks the Protagonist for their help. She leaves to loiter around the FoD machines in Hall C.

#### Post-Date

The Protagonist finds themselves sitting in the pop-up arcade, exhausted. They predict what Gavin would say if he saw them slacking, however they see Gavin and Naomi trying to fix the Galaga machine. Relieved, the Protagonist basks in the comfort of sitting down.

They are then approached by Ashley and Teo, who question as to what they're doing. The Protagonist explains that they're hiding from Gavin, however Ashley criticises their hiding spot, claiming that any moment that Gavin thinks somebody isn't watching they're on the pinball machines that the Protagonist is hiding behind. Ashley and Teo laugh as they discuss the candid photos Ashley's taken of Gavin playing pinball.

The Protagonist snaps the two out of their conversation, affirming that they have work to do. Teo reveals that he has a friend who's working on an indie game, Magical Moon Cuties. He suggests talking to her to see if she'll let them premiere it at Funplex Rising. The Protagonist and Teo are about to leave before Ashley stops them with an idea.

She suggests that they break into the main communication centre in charge of the large billboards that are broadcasting advertisements across MAX. This idea is met with shock from Teo, who Ashley shushes due to the plan being very illegal. She notes that to distract people from their face, the Protagonist will have to wear the maid outfit that they either did or didn't wear prior. The player is then given a choice between Teo's idea and Ashley's idea.

If Teo's route is chosen, the Protagonist dismisses the idea of breaking the law and chooses to opt for the much safer route, however they encourage Ashley, convincing her that she can manage it on her own. She happily leaves the two and Teo reassures the Protagonist that Ashley knows what she's doing.

The Protagonist and Teo make their way through the crowd, being stopped every few minutes by fans of Teo's eager to say hello. The Protagonist notes their discomfort, and eventually Teo leads them to a location near the atrium similar to the other tightly-packed arcade centres at the convention. The Protagonist doesn't recognise any of the titles, prompting Teo to explain that this was the Indie Mega Arcade, an event at MAX that showcases various upcoming indie titles from a number of different developers.

Teo gives the Protagonist a briefing on the indie arcade scene, to which they respond with their acknowledgement that they know hardly anything about it. Teo explains how being an indie developer gives freedom of creativity, and notes how anyone can make an arcade game. He suggests that the Protagonist themselves should create one too. Teo pressures them into describing what kind of game they would make, and the player can respond with their chosen ideas.

The Protagonist realises the scope of Teo's involvement in the Indie Mega Arcade, and comments on how popular he is. Teo brushes the statement off, explaining how being popular isn't all great. He explains his fear of not living up to his friends' expectations, and the Protagonist makes note of his anxious nature. The Protagonist attempts to cheer Teo up and he thanks them for their consideration.

Teo explains that they entered the indie scene through Michelle, an incredibly popular indie developer who he met a few years prior at MAX. Overhearing their conversation, Michelle approaches the two, and Teo and herself have some playful banter with each other. Teo introduces her to the Protagonist, and they mention how they look awfully similar to the federal agent they met in the previous chapter. Michelle states that isn't her, however unsubtly mentions that her sister may work in that kind of area.

Teo describes the Protagonist's role at The Funplex to Michelle, who expresses her interest in the classic style of arcade. Teo and the Protagonist pitch their idea to debut her game, Magical Moon Cuties, at Funplex Rising, prompting Michelle to give a synopsis of how the game works. Teo praises Michelle's ingenuity, to which she responds with excitement for the game's release. She notes how she needs a big release no matter what, so they will need to do more convincing if she were to premiere it at Funplex Rising.

The Protagonist does their best to convince Michelle to work with them, however she reveals that she was only sassing them, claiming that she decided to premiere the game at Funplex Rising when she first met up with Teo. She explains how it was a decision between The Funplex and Deco's Palace, the latter of which wouldn't suit her dreams.

The Protagonist agrees to keep the game's reveal a secret, and Michelle gives her thanks. She is dragged off by a reporter and bids the two goodbye, but not before mentioning to the Protagonist that their social media is going to blow up. The two celebrate their victory and the Protagonist claims that Funplex Rising will be a success. Their celebrations are cut short by a P.A. announcement calling the ending of the event in 30 minutes.

Teo sadly wishes he had seen more, with the tired Protagonist voicing their envy of his energy. If his route was chosen both times, Teo will nervously suggests that they get dinner together. Depending on the flirting options chosen at the start of the game, the Protagonist can either accept his advances (which will change Teo's dialogue for the rest of the game) or remain adamant with friendship, which Teo won't seem to mind. The two will get dinner together regardless of choice.

If Ashley's route is chosen, the Protagonist gets Ashley to hand them the maid costume, with the dialogue changing based on whether or not they had worn it previously. The Protagonist tells Teo that they have full trust in him, and demonstrates how he should act towards her with lots of winking. Teo jokingly claims they should leave the flirting to him. Teo wishes the two luck and instructs Ashley to snap a photo of the Protagonist in the maid outfit.

**WIP**