Mission:Troubled Times - Part Five: Retrieval: Difference between revisions

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'''Notable NPCs'''
'''Notable NPCs'''
* [[Frostfire]] (Boss, Ally) (0-3 souvenirs only)
* [[Frostfire]] (Boss, Ally) (0-3 souvenirs only)
* [[Mender Roebuck]] (Boss, Ally) (4 souvenirs only)
* [[Mender Roebuck]] (Boss, Ally) (4 souvenirs only) ''One of the mysterious Menders of Ouroboros, Roebuck typically provides the important, if dull, service of buying and selling equipment to the heroes and villains who access the Pillar of Ice and Fire. Something has brought him outside of their temporal plane for the time being.''
* [[Marcus Stribbling]] (Elite Boss or Arch-villain, Ally)
* [[Marcus Stribbling]] (Elite Boss or Archvillain, Ally)


{{EdNote|Note=Marcus Stribbling is an Elite Boss unless the player has all four souvenirs from this story arc, in which case he becomes an Arch-villain. The EB version gains additional powers if the player killed him on a previous run.}}
{{EdNote|Note=Marcus Stribbling is an Elite Boss unless the player has all four souvenirs from this story arc, in which case he becomes an Archvillain. The EB version gains additional powers if the player killed him on a previous run.}}


{{divbox|green|Default|
{{divbox|green|Default|
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::::*{{green|You're right... Ok, Frostfire. I'll let him go.}}
::::*{{green|You're right... Ok, Frostfire. I'll let him go.}}


:::::{{missing}}
:::::{{DialogueLoop}}


::::*{{green|If he comes back with me, I can bring Dr. Stribbling to justice.}}
::::*{{green|If he comes back with me, I can bring Dr. Stribbling to justice.}}
Line 111: Line 111:
:::*{{green|You're right... Ok, Frostfire. I'll let him go.}}
:::*{{green|You're right... Ok, Frostfire. I'll let him go.}}


::::{{missing}}
::::{{DialogueLoop}}


:::*{{green|If he comes back with me, I can bring Dr. Stribbling to justice.}}
:::*{{green|If he comes back with me, I can bring Dr. Stribbling to justice.}}
Line 293: Line 293:
:{{darkorange|He grimaces at you.}}
:{{darkorange|He grimaces at you.}}


:Well, maybe you haven't come to speak with me yet from your reference frame. But I've seen you many times. I am Mender Roebuck. I've... unfortunately been tasked with trying to dissuage you from the course of action you've unwisely chosen to take.
:Well, maybe you haven't come to speak with me yet from your reference frame. But I've seen you many times. I am Mender Roebuck. I've... unfortunately been tasked with trying to dissuade you from the course of action you've unwisely chosen to take.


:*{{green|And what course of action is that?}}
:*{{green|And what course of action is that?}}
Line 483: Line 483:
:::*{{green|Fine. I'm not going to force you to go with me. (Complete mission)}}
:::*{{green|Fine. I'm not going to force you to go with me. (Complete mission)}}


::::{{missing}}
::::{{DialogueLoop}}


:::*{{green|I can't let you do that, kid. I'm sorry. (Attack)}}
:::*{{green|I can't let you do that, kid. I'm sorry. (Attack)}}
Line 537: Line 537:
:::*{{green|I won't stop you. (Complete mission)}}
:::*{{green|I won't stop you. (Complete mission)}}


::::{{missing}}
::::{{DialogueLoop}}


::*{{green|My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}
::*{{green|My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}
Line 567: Line 567:
:::*{{green|Alright. Fine. I won't force you to go. (Complete mission)}}
:::*{{green|Alright. Fine. I won't force you to go. (Complete mission)}}


::::{{missing}}
::::{{DialogueLoop}}


:*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
:*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
Line 629: Line 629:
}}
}}


{{Flashback|title=[[Flashback]] only, arc was completed at least once before|text=
{{Flashback|title=[[Flashback]] only|text=


{{divbox|blue|One souvenir from this arc, didn't kill Marcus last time|
{{divbox|green|First time, but through Flashback|


{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Text=
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Text=
Line 637: Line 637:
{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}
{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}


{{divbox|white|Freed last time|
{{darkorange|Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?}}
{{darkorange|Last time, you let him walk away, but is it right to allow him to become a villain? If you say something different, can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?}}
}}
 
{{divbox|yellow|Arrested last time|
{{darkorange|Last time, you sent him to the Zig, only for him to escape. This time, can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Is his father the only one who can contain him?}}
}}
 
{{divbox|green|Returned last time|
{{darkorange|Last time, you sent him back to his father. This time, can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Should you try sending him to the Zig this time?}}
}}


{{darkorange|Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.}}
{{darkorange|Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.}}


Huh... So it's you. Why are you here?
Who... Who are you? Where's Lenny? What do you want with me? What... What's with those ripples?


*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}
*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}


:{{darkorange|Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away.}}
:{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:I'm not going anywhere with you! I don't know why you think I'm gonna change my mind!
*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}


:*{{green|You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.}}
:{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
*{{green|Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}


:*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}
:{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}


:*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
:{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
*{{green|Ripples?}}


:*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}
:Yeah, around you... Like... You're not all that you should be.


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
:Whatever, it doesn't matter! Answer my question!


*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}
:*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}


:{{darkorange|Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more suspicion.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:Trust you? I still don't know who you are! Get away from me!
:*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}


:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
:*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I want to help you.}}
:*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:*{{green|My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}
:*{{green|I've traveled through time to come back and save you.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::Save me?! Time travel? What are you... Man, just tell me what's going on!


*{{green|Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
}}


:{{darkorange|He frowns and shakes his head.}}
}}


:You think you know all about me now? You still don't know anything! You're just like all the others, trying to get me to go back to ''him.'' I'm never going back, you hear? Never!
{{divbox|blue|One souvenir from this arc, didn't kill Marcus last time|


:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Text=


::{{DialogueLoop}}
{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}


:*{{green|Whoa there. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father down.}}
{{divbox|white|Freed last time|
{{darkorange|Last time, you let him walk away, but is it right to allow him to become a villain? If you say something different, can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?}}
}}
 
{{divbox|yellow|Arrested last time|
{{darkorange|Last time, you sent him to the Zig, only for him to escape. This time, can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Is his father the only one who can contain him?}}
}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
{{divbox|green|Returned last time|
{{darkorange|Last time, you sent him back to his father. This time, can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Should you try sending him to the Zig this time?}}
}}


*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}
{{darkorange|Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.}}


:{{darkorange|Your words don't seem to have much effect.}}
Huh... So it's you. Why are you here?


:I know you don't mean you're gonna help me take down that monster. Not the way I want to!
*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}


:*{{green|If by monster, you mean your father, then I do! I want to bring him to justice.}}
:{{darkorange|Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
:I'm not going anywhere with you! I don't know why you think I'm gonna change my mind!


:*{{green|No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.}}
:*{{green|You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


}}
:*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}


}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


{{divbox|red|One souvenir, killed Marcus last time|
:*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}


{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Image=Contact Small Marcus Stribbling Enraged.jpg|Text=
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}
:*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}


{{darkorange|You killed him last time, but was there another way? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


{{darkorange|Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.}}
*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}


You... you. Why are you here?! You're here to hurt me, aren't you?!
:{{darkorange|Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more suspicion.}}


*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}
:Trust you? I still don't know who you are! Get away from me!


:{{darkorange|Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away, clearly terrified.}}
:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}
 
:I knew it! Why are you doing this?! I'm not going anywhere with you!
 
:*{{green|You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}
:*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I want to help you.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
:*{{green|My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}
*{{green|Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
:{{darkorange|He frowns and shakes his head.}}


*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But I'm not here to hurt you.}}
:You think you know all about me now? You still don't know anything! You're just like all the others, trying to get me to go back to ''him.'' I'm never going back, you hear? Never!


:{{darkorange|Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more fear.}}
:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}


:I... I don't believe you! I know what people like you are capable of! You're going to kill me.
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}
:*{{green|Whoa there. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father down.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I want to help you.}}
*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
:{{darkorange|Your words don't seem to have much effect.}}


:*{{green|My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}
:I know you don't mean you're gonna help me take down that monster. Not the way I want to!


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
:*{{green|If by monster, you mean your father, then I do! I want to bring him to justice.}}


:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


::I... Because...
:*{{green|No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.}}


::{{darkorange|He is breathing deeply, eyes never leaving you.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


::Because that's what you do, right? I... I just know you're going to do it.
}}


::*{{green|Look, I'm not going to kill you, but you're coming back to Paragon with me.}}
}}


:::{{DialogueLoop}}
{{divbox|red|One souvenir, killed Marcus last time|


::*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I don't kill people like you.}}
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Text=


:::{{DialogueLoop}}
{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}


::*{{green|You're wrong. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}
{{darkorange|You killed him last time, but was there another way? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?}}


:::{{DialogueLoop}}
{{darkorange|Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.}}


*{{green|Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
You... you. Why are you here?! You're here to hurt me, aren't you?!


:{{darkorange|Eyes wide with fear, Marcus shakes his head wildly.}}
*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}


:And what, if I don't go, you're gonna kill me?! You're just like all the others, trying to get me to go back to ''him.'' I'm never going back, you hear? Never! I'd rather die!
:{{darkorange|Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away, clearly terrified.}}
 
:I knew it! Why are you doing this?! I'm not going anywhere with you!


:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}
:*{{green|You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|Whoa there. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father down.}}
:*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}
:*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you, not hurt you.}}
:*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}


:{{darkorange|Your words only seem to make him more afraid.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:No... No, you're just like that monster! I know... I know you're not going to help me kill him. You're going to kill me.
*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But I'm not here to hurt you.}}


:*{{green|If by monster, you mean your father, then I do! I want to bring him to justice.}}
:{{darkorange|Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more fear.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
:I... I don't believe you! I know what people like you are capable of! You're going to kill me.


:*{{green|No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.}}
:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}
:*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I want to help you.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


}}
:*{{green|My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}


}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


{{divbox|blue|Two different souvenirs, neither from killing Marcus|
:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}


{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Text=
::I... Because...


{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}
::{{darkorange|He is breathing deeply, eyes never leaving you.}}


{{divbox|white|Freed and arrested|
::Because that's what you do, right? I... I just know you're going to do it.
{{darkorange|You've tried sending him to the Zig and just letting him go. But in the former, he escaped. Either way, he'll go on to become a villain. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. Should you really return him to his father? That might be the best thing... But if he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?}}
}}


{{divbox|green|Freed and returned|
::*{{green|Look, I'm not going to kill you, but you're coming back to Paragon with me.}}
{{darkorange|{{missing}}}}
}}


{{divbox|yellow|Arrested and returned|
:::{{DialogueLoop}}
{{darkorange|You've tried returning him to his father and sending him to the Zig. But in the former, he'll just be experimented on. In the latter, he escaped to become a villain. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. But if the choice is between him being tortured for the rest of his life or becoming a villain no matter what you do, isn't it best just to end him? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?}}
}}


{{darkorange|Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.}}
::*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I don't kill people like you.}}


You... I've seen you before, haven't I? Who are you? I know Lenny didn't send you.
:::{{DialogueLoop}}


*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}
::*{{green|You're wrong. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}


{{darkorange|Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away.}}
:::{{DialogueLoop}}


I ''told'' you I'm not going anywhere with you! I don't know why you think I'm gonna change my mind!
*{{green|Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}


:*{{green|You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.}}
:{{darkorange|Eyes wide with fear, Marcus shakes his head wildly.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
:And what, if I don't go, you're gonna kill me?! You're just like all the others, trying to get me to go back to ''him.'' I'm never going back, you hear? Never! I'd rather die!


:*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}
:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
:*{{green|Whoa there. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father down.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}
:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}
*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you, not hurt you.}}


:{{darkorange|Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more suspicion.}}
:{{darkorange|Your words only seem to make him more afraid.}}


:Trust you? Even if I have seen you before, I don't trust you! I don't know a thing about you! Get away from me, for real!
:No... No, you're just like that monster! I know... I know you're not going to help me kill him. You're going to kill me.


:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}
:*{{green|If by monster, you mean your father, then I do! I want to bring him to justice.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I want to help you.}}
:*{{green|No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}
:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


*{{green|Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
}}
 
}}


:{{darkorange|He frowns and shakes his head.}}
{{divbox|blue|Two different souvenirs, neither from killing Marcus|


:Why do you think you know so much about me? You're not inside my head. You can't ever know what I've been through! You're just like all the others, trying to get me to go back to ''him.'' I'm never, ever going to go back with you! Never! Get it?!
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Text=


:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}
{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
{{divbox|white|Freed and arrested|
{{darkorange|You've tried sending him to the Zig and just letting him go. But in the former, he escaped. Either way, he'll go on to become a villain. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. Should you really return him to his father? That might be the best thing... But if he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?}}
}}


:*{{green|Whoa there. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father down.}}
{{divbox|green|Freed and returned|
{{darkorange| You've tried sending him back to his father and just letting him go. But in the former, he's going to be experimented on. In the latter, he'll just go on to villainy. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. Would the Zig be able to hold him? That might be the best thing... But if he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?}}
}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
{{divbox|yellow|Arrested and returned|
{{darkorange|You've tried returning him to his father and sending him to the Zig. But in the former, he'll just be experimented on. In the latter, he escaped to become a villain. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. But if the choice is between him being tortured for the rest of his life or becoming a villain no matter what you do, isn't it best just to end him? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?}}
}}


*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}
{{darkorange|Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.}}


:{{darkorange|Your words don't seem to have much effect.}}
You... I've seen you before, haven't I? Who are you? I know Lenny didn't send you.


:What do you think saying that is gonna do? You think I'm going to believe that you want to bring down that monster? I know you won't. You won't!
*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}


:*{{green|If by monster, you mean your father, then I do! I want to bring him to justice.}}
{{darkorange|Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
I ''told'' you I'm not going anywhere with you! I don't know why you think I'm gonna change my mind!


:*{{green|No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.}}
:*{{green|You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


}}
:*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}


}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


{{divbox|red|Two different souvenirs, one from killing Marcus|
:*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}


{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Image=Contact Small Marcus Stribbling Enraged.jpg|Text=
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}
:*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}


{{divbox|blue|Freed and killed|
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
{{darkorange|You tried just letting him go, but allowing him to become a revenge obsessed villain can't be how it's meant to go. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. Should you return him to his father and doom him to torture? Or maybe the Zig can hold him... Though if he escapes, that might even be worse. You killed him once before... But that can't be the way this should end, can it?}}
}}


{{divbox|yellow|Arrested and killed|
*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}
{{missing}}
}}


{{divbox|green|Returned and killed|
:{{darkorange|Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more suspicion.}}
{{darkorange|You returned him to his father, but that just means he'll be tortured. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? Would the Zig be able to hold him or will he just escape anyway? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. You killed him once before... But that can't be the way this should end, can it?}}
}}


{{darkorange|Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.}}
:Trust you? Even if I have seen you before, I don't trust you! I don't know a thing about you! Get away from me, for real!


You... you. I... know you from somewhere, don't I? Are you... Are you here to hurt me?
:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}


*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:{{darkorange|Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away, clearly terrified.}}
:*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I want to help you.}}


:No! I know you're just trying to get me to trust you so you can kill me! I'm not stupid!
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.}}
:*{{green|My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}
*{{green|Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
:{{darkorange|He frowns and shakes his head.}}


:*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
:Why do you think you know so much about me? You're not inside my head. You can't ever know what I've been through! You're just like all the others, trying to get me to go back to ''him.'' I'm never, ever going to go back with you! Never! Get it?!


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}


:*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
:*{{green|Whoa there. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father down.}}


:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


::I... Because...
*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}


::{{darkorange|He is breathing deeply, eyes never leaving you.}}
:{{darkorange|Your words don't seem to have much effect.}}


::Because... I know he sent you. I know what you can do! I don't want to die, but I'd rather die than go back to him. So you're gonna have to kill me if you want to take me back!
:What do you think saying that is gonna do? You think I'm going to believe that you want to bring down that monster? I know you won't. You won't!


::*{{green|Look, I'm not going to kill you, but you're coming back to Paragon with me.}}
:*{{green|If by monster, you mean your father, then I do! I want to bring him to justice.}}


:::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


::*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I don't kill people like you.}}
:*{{green|No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.}}


:::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


::*{{green|You're wrong. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}
}}


:::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
}}


*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But I'm not here to hurt you.}}
{{divbox|red|Two different souvenirs, one from killing Marcus|


:{{darkorange|Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more fear.}}
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Text=


:You... You're just trying to trick me! Pretending to be friendly so you can kill me. ''He'' sent you, didn't he?!
{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}


:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}
{{divbox|blue|Freed and killed|
{{darkorange|You tried just letting him go, but allowing him to become a revenge obsessed villain can't be how it's meant to go. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. Should you return him to his father and doom him to torture? Or maybe the Zig can hold him... Though if he escapes, that might even be worse. You killed him once before... But that can't be the way this should end, can it?}}
}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
{{divbox|yellow|Arrested and killed|
{{darkorange| You tried to return him to the Zig, but he just escaped to become a villain. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. You killed him once before... But that can't be the way this should end, can it?}}
}}


:*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I want to help you.}}
{{divbox|green|Returned and killed|
{{darkorange|You returned him to his father, but that just means he'll be tortured. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? Would the Zig be able to hold him or will he just escape anyway? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. You killed him once before... But that can't be the way this should end, can it?}}
}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
{{darkorange|Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.}}


:*{{green|My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}
You... you. I... know you from somewhere, don't I? Are you... Are you here to hurt me?


::{{DialogueLoop}}
*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}


:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}
:{{darkorange|Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away, clearly terrified.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
:No! I know you're just trying to get me to trust you so you can kill me! I'm not stupid!


*{{green|Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
:*{{green|You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.}}


:{{darkorange|Eyes wide with fear, Marcus shakes his head wildly.}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:You're going to kill me if I don't go back?! What, did he get tired of dealing with me and decided to just try to finish me off if I won't be his prisoner again? Well, it's too late! I'm never going back to him! I'd rather die a million times!
:*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}
 
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}
:*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|Whoa there. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father down.}}
:*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}
:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
::I... Because...


*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you, not hurt you.}}
::{{darkorange|He is breathing deeply, eyes never leaving you.}}


:{{darkorange|Your words only seem to make him more afraid.}}
::Because... I know he sent you. I know what you can do! I don't want to die, but I'd rather die than go back to him. So you're gonna have to kill me if you want to take me back!


:Are you... Are you really here to help? To help me kill that monster? No... Are you going to kill me? Why are you trying to confuse me?!
::*{{green|Look, I'm not going to kill you, but you're coming back to Paragon with me.}}


:*{{green|If by monster, you mean your father, then I want to bring him to justice.}}
:::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
::*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I don't kill people like you.}}


:*{{green|No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.}}
:::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}
::*{{green|You're wrong. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}


:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}
:::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


::{{DialogueLoop}}
*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But I'm not here to hurt you.}}


}}
:{{darkorange|Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more fear.}}


}}
:You... You're just trying to trick me! Pretending to be friendly so you can kill me. ''He'' sent you, didn't he?!


{{divbox|blue|Three different souvenirs, never killed Marcus|
:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}


{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Text=
::{{DialogueLoop}}


{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}
:*{{green|Hey, hold on. I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I want to help you.}}


{{darkorange|You returned him to his father and doomed him to painful experimentation for the rest of his life. You tried letting him go, but that just means he's going to be a revenge obsessed villain. And when you sent him to the Zig, he just escaped to become a villain anyway! You've dedicated yourself to protecting people no matter the cost... A clean death is far better than a life of constant torture. Right?}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


{{darkorange|Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.}}
:*{{green|My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father to justice.}}


You... Why are you here? Do you think you can change what's going to happen?
::{{DialogueLoop}}


*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}
:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}


:{{darkorange|Marcus widens his eyes and takes a stiff step back. He lets out a sigh.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:What makes you think I'll go with you? What in your experience makes you think I'll just give up and go?
*{{green|Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}


:*{{green|You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.
:{{darkorange|Eyes wide with fear, Marcus shakes his head wildly.}}


::You'll have to kill me before I go back, you know. You can't make me go back any other way. I die or he dies. The two choices; a binary. Walk or run. Negative or positive. Hot or cold. You've already faced the contradictions.
:You're going to kill me if I don't go back?! What, did he get tired of dealing with me and decided to just try to finish me off if I won't be his prisoner again? Well, it's too late! I'm never going back to him! I'd rather die a million times!


::*{{green|You mean when I fought Frostfire?}}
:*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}


:::Hmm... Was that Frostfire? Did you fight him? I don't know, maybe it happened differently this time.
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:::But sure, if that's what you think I mean, it might as well be right. I don't know what I mean either.
:*{{green|Whoa there. My name is {{Character}}. I want to bring your father down.}}


:::*{{green|This... this isn't how it's supposed to happen.}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


::::No? How's it supposed to happen? Do you give me back to him, turn me over to the police, or let me go? Your choices, your consequences. Or do you kill me? You could do that... It's better than forcing me back into the lab; I said I'd rather die than go back and I meant it. So if you think my father's life is more important than mine, then kill me this time. Or let me go so I can kill him, then stop messing with me.
:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}


::::*{{green|I didn't want to do this... (Attack)}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:::::{{darkorange|Everything seems to speed up as Marcus focuses his powers on you.}}
*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you, not hurt you.}}


:::::Around and around it goes.
:{{darkorange|Your words only seem to make him more afraid.}}


:::::{{green|(Get ready)}}
:Are you... Are you really here to help? To help me kill that monster? No... Are you going to kill me? Why are you trying to confuse me?!


::::*{{green|I can't kill you... (Complete mission)}}
:*{{green|If by monster, you mean your father, then I want to bring him to justice.}}


:::::{{missing}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:::*{{green|You're more dangerous than I thought. I have to stop you!}}
:*{{green|No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.}}


::::Sure, sure. Each time I'm stronger, you know, if you hadn't realized that. Eventually I'll beat you until you stop getting up. But you've made your choice this time. This time one of us ends up dead.
::{{ReverseGray|The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.}}


::::{{darkorange|You start to feel the passage of time changing around you erratically.}}
:*{{green|Why do you think I want to kill you?}}


::::*{{green|(Attack)}}
::{{DialogueLoop}}


:::::{{DialogueLoop}}
}}


::*{{green|I can force you without killing you! (Attack)}}
}}


:::{{DialogueLoop}}
{{divbox|blue|Three different souvenirs, never killed Marcus|


::*{{green|Whoa, whoa! Hold on. No one wants you to die.}}
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Text=


:::You still believe that? After everything you've seen, everything you've learned? He doesn't care about me! If I die, that's just an inconvenience to him. I died the day my brother did, in his mind.
{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}


:::So he's going to die instead. I'll make sure of it.
{{darkorange|You returned him to his father and doomed him to painful experimentation for the rest of his life. You tried letting him go, but that just means he's going to be a revenge obsessed villain. And when you sent him to the Zig, he just escaped to become a villain anyway! You've dedicated yourself to protecting people no matter the cost... A clean death is far better than a life of constant torture. Right?}}


:::*{{green|You sound like a villain.}}
{{darkorange|Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.}}


::::Yeah. I am. That much is established by now. Nothing's going to change that. A good, wholesome life isn't something I get to have. It was taken away from me, just like I took it away from my brother. So I've got to embrace it. I'm the big bad. I will kill the people who get in my way. It's the only way forward... Unless I die first.
You... Why are you here? Do you think you can change what's going to happen?


::::*{{green|I'm trying to look out for you, Marcus.}}
*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}


:::::Yeah, so what? Why do you care so much, huh? No one asked you to look out for me. The only thing anyone asked you to do was to drag me back to my prison in that lab. Nothing you're going to do will change that or anything else.
:{{darkorange|Marcus widens his eyes and takes a stiff step back. He lets out a sigh.}}


:::::So make your choice. Is it going to be new this time?
:What makes you think I'll go with you? What in your experience makes you think I'll just give up and go?


:::::*{{green|What about Frostfire and Miss Thystle? They brought you here! They didn't lie.}}
:*{{green|You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.


::::::Yeah... So I keep getting told. But does it matter? You can't change fate. I live, he dies. I die, he lives. Those are the two outcomes. It doesn't matter if Frostfire and Miss Thystle care about me. It doesn't matter if you care about me for some reason. It winds up the same in the end.
::You'll have to kill me before I go back, you know. You can't make me go back any other way. I die or he dies. The two choices; a binary. Walk or run. Negative or positive. Hot or cold. You've already faced the contradictions.


::::::*{{green|You leave me no choice... I have to stop you! (Attack)}}
::*{{green|You mean when I fought Frostfire?}}


:::::::{{DialogueLoop}}
:::Hmm... Was that Frostfire? Did you fight him? I don't know, maybe it happened differently this time.


::::::*{{green|Fine... I can't stop you, kid. Go. (Complete mission)}}
:::But sure, if that's what you think I mean, it might as well be right. I don't know what I mean either.


:::::::{{missing}}
:::*{{green|This... this isn't how it's supposed to happen.}}


:::::*{{green|Fine, kid. I'll take you down. But remember, you asked for this.}}
::::No? How's it supposed to happen? Do you give me back to him, turn me over to the police, or let me go? Your choices, your consequences. Or do you kill me? You could do that... It's better than forcing me back into the lab; I said I'd rather die than go back and I meant it. So if you think my father's life is more important than mine, then kill me this time. Or let me go so I can kill him, then stop messing with me.


::::::{{DialogueLoop}}
::::*{{green|I didn't want to do this... (Attack)}}


::::*{{green|Frostfire and Miss Thystle begged me to let you go. They care about you.}}
:::::{{darkorange|Everything seems to speed up as Marcus focuses his powers on you.}}


:::::{{DialogueLoop}}
:::::Around and around it goes.


::::*{{green|You're already too far gone. I'm going to stop you!}}
:::::{{green|(Get ready)}}


:::::{{DialogueLoop}}
::::*{{green|I can't kill you... (Complete mission)}}


:::*{{green|Don't turn into a killer, kid. Let me do it for you.}}
:::::Have you finally figured out that you can't stop me from doing what I need to do? That it won't change no matter what you do? Hey, don't feel too bad. At least you tried, right? Gotta give you some credit for that. More than most people ever did for me.


::::{{darkorange|He laughs at you.}}
:::::I don't know how this all works. I guess I'll walk out of here and figure it out. I'll kill him and put this all to an end. Or will you try to stop me again?


::::You're gonna seriously try to tell me that? He's evil, but he's brilliant and paranoid. He doesn't trust you, so the first sign that you're going to betray him, he'll disappear. You know I'm telling the truth! No, the only one who can do it is me. It has to be me who kills him. Not just because I deserve to have revenge, but because I'm the only one who can pull it off.
{{Mission Clue|Name=Marcus's Fate|Text=You decided you could not force Marcus to return to Paragon City... either to his father or to the authorities. You let him go into the Rogue Isles, to whatever fate may await him.}}


::::*{{green|You're too far gone, kid. I have to stop you!}}
:::::*{{green|I will. Just... Don't let darkness take you over, kid.}}


:::::{{DialogueLoop}}
::::::{{darkorange|He turns his back to you and slowly starts to walk away.}}


::::*{{green|... Fine. I can't stop you.}}
::::::Don't know if you were expecting something different, but it ain't happening.


:::::{{missing}}
::::::*{{green|(Leave)}}


:::*{{green|Fine. I'm not going to force you to go with me.}}
:::::*{{green|You... know more than you should.}}


::::{{missing}}
::::::{{missing}}


:::*{{green|I can't let you do that, kid. I'm sorry. (Attack)}}
:::::*{{green|Bye, kid. Good luck. (Leave)}}


::::{{DialogueLoop}}
:::*{{green|You're more dangerous than I thought. I have to stop you!}}


::*{{green|Your father just wants to help you.}}
::::Sure, sure. Each time I'm stronger, you know, if you hadn't realized that. Eventually I'll beat you until you stop getting up. But you've made your choice this time. This time one of us ends up dead.


:::You ''know'' that's not true! You've gotten all the evidence that he didn't care anything about me! I am nothing more than a reminder of everything he lost, so he did all he could to destroy me. Pumped me full of drugs, kept me in stasis. But maybe now I'm just in another type of stasis?
::::{{darkorange|You start to feel the passage of time changing around you erratically.}}


:::It doesn't matter. This ends in one of two ways. I kill him or you kill me. There aren't any different options this time.
::::*{{green|(Attack)}}


:::*{{green|Well, guess I'll just have to make you come back. (Attack)}}
:::::{{DialogueLoop}}


::::{{DialogueLoop}}
::*{{green|I can force you without killing you! (Attack)}}


:::*{{green|Kill him? You sound like a villain!}}
:::{{DialogueLoop}}


::::{{DialogueLoop}}
::*{{green|Whoa, whoa! Hold on. No one wants you to die.}}
 
 
:::*{{green|Sometimes it hurts to be helped. Your father understood that.}}
:::You still believe that? After everything you've seen, everything you've learned? He doesn't care about me! If I die, that's just an inconvenience to him. I died the day my brother did, in his mind.
 
 
::::That is... really the least convincing thing that you've said to me, you know? I'm surprised you think it could work. Figured you'd know better by now... You gotta know it's not true, so you're just lying to me... for what?
:::So he's going to die instead. I'll make sure of it.
 
 
::::So, yeah, sometimes being helped hurts. And sometimes it doesn't matter how much you're helped, the hurting doesn't stop. So it's time we end this again.
:::*{{green|You sound like a villain.}}
 
 
::::{{darkorange|You start to feel the passage of time changing around you erratically.}}
::::Yeah. I am. That much is established by now. Nothing's going to change that. A good, wholesome life isn't something I get to have. It was taken away from me, just like I took it away from my brother. So I've got to embrace it. I'm the big bad. I will kill the people who get in my way. It's the only way forward... Unless I die first.
 
 
::::*{{green|You made this choice, kid. (Attack)}}
::::*{{green|I'm trying to look out for you, Marcus.}}
 
 
:::::{{DialogueLoop}}
:::::Yeah, so what? Why do you care so much, huh? No one asked you to look out for me. The only thing anyone asked you to do was to drag me back to my prison in that lab. Nothing you're going to do will change that or anything else.
 
 
:*{{green|I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}
:::::So make your choice. Is it going to be new this time?
 
 
::{{darkorange|Marcus half-heartedly pulls himself away.}}
:::::*{{green|What about Frostfire and Miss Thystle? They brought you here! They didn't lie.}}
 
 
::Do you think you've earned my trust? Why do you think I'm going to just trust you?
::::::Yeah... So I keep getting told. But does it matter? You can't change fate. I live, he dies. I die, he lives. Those are the two outcomes. It doesn't matter if Frostfire and Miss Thystle care about me. It doesn't matter if you care about me for some reason. It winds up the same in the end.
 
 
::*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}
::::::*{{green|You leave me no choice... I have to stop you! (Attack)}}
 
 
:::{{DialogueLoop}}
:::::::{{DialogueLoop}}
 
 
::*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I want to help you.}}
::::::*{{green|Fine... I can't stop you, kid. Go. (Complete mission)}}
 
 
:::If you really want to help me, then let me go! Stop talking to me, stop trying to change things! It won't work. It won't. I'm going to kill him, {{Character}}, and there's nothing you can do to stop me.
:::::::{{missing}}
 
 
:::*{{green|That sounds like the words of a villain.}}
:::::*{{green|Fine, kid. I'll take you down. But remember, you asked for this.}}
 
::::::{{DialogueLoop}}
 
::::*{{green|Frostfire and Miss Thystle begged me to let you go. They care about you.}}
 
:::::{{DialogueLoop}}
 
::::*{{green|You're already too far gone. I'm going to stop you!}}
 
:::::{{DialogueLoop}}
 
:::*{{green|Don't turn into a killer, kid. Let me do it for you.}}
 
::::{{darkorange|He laughs at you.}}
 
::::You're gonna seriously try to tell me that? He's evil, but he's brilliant and paranoid. He doesn't trust you, so the first sign that you're going to betray him, he'll disappear. You know I'm telling the truth! No, the only one who can do it is me. It has to be me who kills him. Not just because I deserve to have revenge, but because I'm the only one who can pull it off.
 
::::*{{green|You're too far gone, kid. I have to stop you!}}
 
:::::{{DialogueLoop}}
 
::::*{{green|... Fine. I can't stop you.}}
 
:::::{{missing}}
 
:::*{{green|Fine. I'm not going to force you to go with me.}}
 
::::{{missing}}
 
:::*{{green|I can't let you do that, kid. I'm sorry. (Attack)}}
 
::::{{DialogueLoop}}
 
::*{{green|Your father just wants to help you.}}
 
:::You ''know'' that's not true! You've gotten all the evidence that he didn't care anything about me! I am nothing more than a reminder of everything he lost, so he did all he could to destroy me. Pumped me full of drugs, kept me in stasis. But maybe now I'm just in another type of stasis?
 
:::It doesn't matter. This ends in one of two ways. I kill him or you kill me. There aren't any different options this time.
 
:::*{{green|Well, guess I'll just have to make you come back. (Attack)}}
 
::::{{DialogueLoop}}
 
:::*{{green|Kill him? You sound like a villain!}}
 
::::{{DialogueLoop}}
 
:::*{{green|Sometimes it hurts to be helped. Your father understood that.}}
 
::::That is... really the least convincing thing that you've said to me, you know? I'm surprised you think it could work. Figured you'd know better by now... You gotta know it's not true, so you're just lying to me... for what?
 
::::So, yeah, sometimes being helped hurts. And sometimes it doesn't matter how much you're helped, the hurting doesn't stop. So it's time we end this again.
 
::::{{darkorange|You start to feel the passage of time changing around you erratically.}}
 
::::*{{green|You made this choice, kid. (Attack)}}
 
:::::{{DialogueLoop}}
 
:*{{green|I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}
 
::{{darkorange|Marcus half-heartedly pulls himself away.}}
 
::Do you think you've earned my trust? Why do you think I'm going to just trust you?
 
::*{{green|Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.}}
 
:::{{DialogueLoop}}
 
::*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I want to help you.}}
 
:::If you really want to help me, then let me go! Stop talking to me, stop trying to change things! It won't work. It won't. I'm going to kill him, {{Character}}, and there's nothing you can do to stop me.
 
:::*{{green|That sounds like the words of a villain.}}


::::{{DialogueLoop}}
::::{{DialogueLoop}}
Line 1,367: Line 1,442:
{{divbox|red|Three different souvenirs, one for killing Marcus|
{{divbox|red|Three different souvenirs, one for killing Marcus|


{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Image=Contact Small Marcus Stribbling Enraged.jpg|Text=
{{Mission Briefing|Contact=Marcus Stribbling|Text=


{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}
{{darkorange|You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.}}
Line 1,471: Line 1,546:
:::::::*{{green|Maybe you're right. Take the knowledge you learned and get him. (Complete mission)}}
:::::::*{{green|Maybe you're right. Take the knowledge you learned and get him. (Complete mission)}}


::::::::{{missing}}
::::::::I'll do my best! You know, you might not like the results of what happens after all. You might come back here again. If you do, I'll let it play out the same as long as you do. Maybe you can do something different and surprise us both!
 
::::::::{{darkorange|You feel time begin to warp around you, then Marcus suddenly blinks out of existence. He must have stopped time and left. His powers certainly seem to be stronger... But it seems apparent that he'll still be walking down the path of the villain.}}
 
{{Mission Clue|Name=Marcus's Fate|Text=You decided you could not force Marcus to return to Paragon City... either to his father or to the authorities. You let him go into the Rogue Isles, to whatever fate may await him.}}
 
::::::::*{{green|(Leave)}}


:::::::*{{green|We should work together! Take him down the right way.}}
:::::::*{{green|We should work together! Take him down the right way.}}
Line 1,491: Line 1,572:
::::::::::*{{green|I hope so, Marcus. Good luck.}}
::::::::::*{{green|I hope so, Marcus. Good luck.}}


:::::::::::I'll do my best! You know, you might not like the results of what happen after all. You might come back here again. If you do, I'll let it play out the same as long as you do. Maybe you can do something different and surprise us both!
:::::::::::{{DialogueLoop}}
 
:::::::::::{{darkorange|You feel time begin to warp around you, then Marcus suddenly blinks out of existence. He must have stopped time and left. His powers certainly seem to be stronger... But it seems apparent that he'll still be walking down the path of the villain.}}


:::::::::*{{green|Maybe there's another way.}}
:::::::::*{{green|Maybe there's another way.}}
Line 1,693: Line 1,772:
:::{{darkorange|Before you can answer, he shakes his head and lets out a sigh.}}
:::{{darkorange|Before you can answer, he shakes his head and lets out a sigh.}}


:::But I dunno, I'm still confused about all of this. I guess it doesn't matter much, does it? Even with me powers, I can't travel through time. They can.
:::But I dunno, I'm still confused about all of this. I guess it doesn't matter much, does it? Even with my powers, I can't travel through time. They can.


:::So what do we do now?
:::So what do we do now?
Line 2,169: Line 2,248:
::*{{green|What are these ripples you're talking about?}}
::*{{green|What are these ripples you're talking about?}}


:::Yeah, around you... Like... You're not all that you should be.
:::{{ReverseGray|This dialogue option leads into Marcus's first-time Flashback dialogue. This is probably a bug.}}
 
:::Whatever, it doesn't matter! Answer my question!
 
:::*{{green|Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.}}
 
::::{{ReverseGray|This dialogue option leads into Marcus's default, first-time dialogue. This is probably a bug.}}
 
:::*{{green|Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.}}
 
::::{{ReverseGray|This dialogue option leads into Marcus's default, first-time dialogue. This is probably a bug.}}
 
:::*{{green|Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.}}
 
::::{{ReverseGray|This dialogue option leads into Marcus's default, first-time dialogue. This is probably a bug.}}
 
:::*{{green|I'm {{Character}}. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.}}
 
::::{{ReverseGray|This dialogue option leads into Marcus's default, first-time dialogue. This is probably a bug.}}
 
:::*{{green|I've traveled through time to come back and save you.}}
 
::::Save me?! Time travel? What are you... Man, just tell me what's going on!


:*{{green|How do you know that?}}
:*{{green|How do you know that?}}
Line 2,305: Line 2,362:


*{{green|(Return him.)}}
*{{green|(Return him.)}}
{{EdNote|Note=[[File:Align Status Villain.png|left]] Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Villainous Alignment Point.}}


:{{darkorange|You kneel down and place a mediporter on him which will send him back to his father. It may seem a cruel fate for the boy, but sometimes the best choice is merely the least worst choice. At least now he won't kill his father and become a dangerous villain.}}
:{{darkorange|You kneel down and place a mediporter on him which will send him back to his father. It may seem a cruel fate for the boy, but sometimes the best choice is merely the least worst choice. At least now he won't kill his father and become a dangerous villain.}}
Line 2,316: Line 2,375:
*{{green|(Finish him off.)}}
*{{green|(Finish him off.)}}


{{EdNote|Note=[[File:Align Status Villain.png|left]][[File:Align Status Hero.png|left]] Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Villainous and one Heroic Alignment Point, while claiming to award four additional Heroic Alignment Points. This is probably a bug.}}
{{EdNote|Note=[[File:Align Status Vigilante.png|left]][[File:Align Status Villain.png|left]][[File:Align Status Hero.png|left]] Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Vigilante, one Villainous, and one Heroic Alignment Point, while claiming to award four additional Heroic Alignment Points. This is probably a bug.}}


:{{darkorange|Despite everything that has happened to him, Marcus is still a threat to everyone. He has proven he will use his powers to evil ends. He pretty much vowed that he would. Someone like that can't be allowed to exist. You make it a quick end.}}
:{{darkorange|Despite everything that has happened to him, Marcus is still a threat to everyone. He has proven he will use his powers to evil ends. He pretty much vowed that he would. Someone like that can't be allowed to exist. You make it a quick end.}}

Latest revision as of 00:39, 8 August 2024

Part Five: Retrieval

Unnecessary Solicitation

Remember, the mutant is important to capture alive. If anything should happen to him... Just, please, do your best.

Mission Objective(s)

Out across the port you can see the idle energies of someone's powers, waiting for you.

  • Recover the mutant
    • Talk with Frostfire
      • Talk with Marcus
        • Decide the mutant's fate
  • Talk with... a Mender of Ouroboros?

You have dealt with Marcus in your own way. Now to talk to his father...

Enemies

Rogues Gallery
Freakshow

Notable NPCs

  • Frostfire (Boss, Ally) (0-3 souvenirs only)
  • Mender Roebuck (Boss, Ally) (4 souvenirs only) One of the mysterious Menders of Ouroboros, Roebuck typically provides the important, if dull, service of buying and selling equipment to the heroes and villains who access the Pillar of Ice and Fire. Something has brought him outside of their temporal plane for the time being.
  • Marcus Stribbling (Elite Boss or Archvillain, Ally)
Editor's Note:

Marcus Stribbling is an Elite Boss unless the player has all four souvenirs from this story arc, in which case he becomes an Archvillain. The EB version gains additional powers if the player killed him on a previous run.

Default
Frostfire Dialogue

Bug! Although this message is clearly meant to play when approaching Frostfire, it plays at the beginning of combat with him instead and doesn't play at all if the player gets past Frostfire peacefully.

Briefing

Character... I'm guessing you're here for Marcus? You realize that it was Marcus himself who contacted me, asked me to get him out of there, right? That despite everything that was happening to him, he somehow managed in the few seconds he was free from his stasis pod, to freeze time and send a distress call, begging to be freed. He's done nothing wrong and just wanted to have his life back.

So before you go in there and try to get him back, let me ask you something... Why?

  • He's a danger to everyone.
A danger? No, he's just a dumb kid who has been abused by his father.
He seems to be watching you for a reaction.
You didn't know that, did you? That Marcus is Marcus Stribbling. That for the past six years, instead of being in school, making friends, going on a first date, all of that stuff, he has been kept in a stasis pod, only waking up when his dad was going to jab him with a needle to harvest cells from him or to test some new experimental drug on him.
Tell me, Character, does that sound like someone who is dangerous?
  • His father?!
Yeah, it's pretty messed up, isn't it? I don't know about you, Character. Do you have parents or someone you think of as parents? Even if you don't, I'm sure you can understand how cruel you have to be to do what Stribbling did to his own son.
The doctor would fit pretty well here in the Isles, wouldn't he? But he's sitting comfy in Paragon City while his own son had to run off to the Isles to escape him.
  • The doctor is horrible, yes. But I can't let the Isles have this kid.
You know what? I agree with you. The Isles will chew this kid up. He'll probably wind up dead or become a villain. But I tried to convince him to go back, to talk to Longbow or the police or Positron or something. He wouldn't listen. He's been broken by what's happened to him. He can't trust anyone except for himself.
If he's forced to go back, he'll never trust anyone and will lash out at every chance he gets. He'll eventually kill his father. He already killed his little brother. You think he'll ever recover from that? At least in the Isles, he can make his own choices, can forge his own destiny.
  • You're right. I can't force him to go home. He's free to go.
Editor's Note:
Align Status Hero.png
Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Heroic Alignment Point.
Really?
Frostfire looks shocked, then nods his head slowly.
Alright. Good. I'll let him know what you did for him, Character. I'll look out for the kid, try to help channel his anger for something constructive.
Thank you.
  • Don't make me regret this. (Leave)
  • Maybe I can convince him. We can bring Dr. Stribbling to justice for his crimes together.
Justice? You really think you can?
Frostfire stands in pensive silence for a few seconds, considering your words.
Alright. You've done some pretty awful things in the past, Character. Everyone says you're a vigilante who doesn't care about true justice. But maybe they're wrong. And even if they're not, maybe that's the type of person Marcus needs to get through to him.
I'll let you go in and talk to him without a fight. But if he refuses, I won't let you take him without a fight. Understand?
  • Completely.
  • Better a villain in Paragon, where he can be stopped, than in the Isles.
Fire begins to flicker around Frostfire's hands.
I can't let you take him back against his will. He'll fight you, then he'll get sent to jail. I know how that can ruin a person. You hate villains? Then don't turn Marcus into another Frostfire. Let him go. Maybe, just maybe, he'll find his way through here and come out better the other side.
  • You're right... Ok, Frostfire. I'll let him go.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • If he comes back with me, I can bring Dr. Stribbling to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I can't risk it. He comes back whether he wants to or not.
Then you leave me no choice!
White hot flames burst around Frostfire's arms. Get ready to fight!
  • (Get ready!)
  • I don't blame the kid for wanting to run.
Then why stop him? Let him go free. Maybe the Isles will chew him up and spit him out. But maybe it won't? Maybe he'll come through this all a better person. And no matter what, it'll be his choice. He'll finally have freedom. That's worth the risk.
  • You're right... Ok, Frostfire. I'll let him go.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • If he comes back with me, I can bring Dr. Stribbling to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I can't risk it. He comes back whether he wants to or not.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Even so, the kid is a murderer. He needs to be brought in.
A murderer? The kid's powers activated without him realizing it! He had to witness his own little brother revert to nothingness before his very eyes! It was a trauma to him. It's a miracle that he didn't break down right there and de-age himself out of existence.
But his father treated him like a monster, locked him up in that stasis tube, and started experimenting on him. The kid has suffered enough! You need to understand that.
  • That doesn't mean he should run to the Isles!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You're right, I don't blame him for running.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • It doesn't matter. He has to come back with me, no matter what.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • He still killed someone!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • He can't control his powers.
You really believe that, after all I've told you? The kid is in full control of his powers. He's been out of that stasis pod for how long now? He's completely lucid and in control. I watched him use his powers, then stop using his powers. If he wasn't in control, how did he manage to freeze time long enough to get to his dad's computer and send a distress call?
  • Even worse. I can't let a powerful mutant like him be corrupted by the Isles.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I don't blame the kid for wanting to run.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Even so, the kid is a murderer. He needs to be brought in.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I still believe in the doctor's work.
Frostfire shakes his head in disbelief.
After all you've learned, you still trust him? He's a liar and a monster! What, did he tell you he'd only use his research to take away powers from "evil" people? When he counts his own son as evil just because the kid's powers activated at the worst possible time?
He's not going to stop with just villains, Character. Penny Yin, Aurora Borealis, Synapse, Mynx... He'll figure out some way to have their powers stolen from them too. And why stop at taking away people's powers? What about other genetic differences? It's eugenics, plain and simple.
Even if he doesn't do it, imagine what happens when the research falls into the hands of someone like Nemesis or the 5th Column. Who do you think they'll use the research on?
  • We can't stop progress just because someone evil might use it.
There's nothing progressive about what the doctor's doing. And there's no way in Hell I am letting that kid go back to be experimented on and tortured in the name of "progress". That's the same type of stuff Crey and the Council spout. Now you're saying the same thing? You realize what that makes you sound like, right?
  • You're right... But I can't let the Isles have him!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Stribbling does sound like the Council... Marcus can help bring him to justice!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Considering that, I don't blame the kid for running.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • That's rich, coming from a villain. I'm not letting the kid run.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Alright, you've convinced me... But I still can't let the kid be eaten by the Isles.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You're right. And I don't blame the kid for running.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You think the doctor will stop just because Marcus got away? It'll only make him more obsessed!
Yeah, maybe so. So what? Let him find another guinea pig for his experiments. Or better yet, you stop him. You're supposed to bring down evil no matter the cost, right? So go do that, Character. Stop the real evil. Take down Dr. Stribbling.
  • I can't stop progress.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I will. But I can't let Marcus be lost to the Isles either!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I want to bring Dr. Stribbling to justice. But I'll need Marcus's testimony to do it.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • The kid still killed someone.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I believe in the doctor's work.
You believe in the doctor's work? You *really* think that what the doctor is doing is right? You know that Marcus is his son?
He seems to be watching you for a reaction.
You didn't know that, did you? Or maybe you figured it out and didn't care... But Dr. Stribbling was experimenting on his own child. He had Marcus locked up in a stasis tube for the past six years, only allowed to wake up when he was going to have his cells harvested or get some experimental drug pumped into him.
That's torture, Character. You understand that, right? Do you really believe that a man who'd do such horrible things to his own son would use his research for good?
  • His father?!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • He still killed someone!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • He can't control his powers.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I still believe in the doctor's work.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • He killed someone. He must face justice.
Killed someone?! You mean what happened to his little brother? That was a terrible, tragic mistake, Character! It doesn't meant the kid should be punished for it by being turned into a guinea pig by his own father!
He seems to be watching you for a reaction.
You didn't know that, did you? That Marcus is Marcus Stribbling. That for the past six years, instead of being in school, making friends, going on a first date, doing homework, all of that stuff, he has been kept in a stasis pod, only waking up when his dad was going to jab him with a needle to harvest cells from him or to test some new experimental drug on him.
Does that sound like justice, Character?
  • His father?!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • He still killed someone!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • He can't control his powers.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I still believe in the doctor's work.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
Frostfire Combat Dialogue
Ouroboros.png Flashback only, player owns all four souvenirs from this story arc
Briefing

Instead of Frostfire standing here, as you have witnessed so many times before, now stands one of the Menders of Ouroboros.

Character... You're here again.

  • Who are you?
He grimaces at you.
Well, maybe you haven't come to speak with me yet from your reference frame. But I've seen you many times. I am Mender Roebuck. I've... unfortunately been tasked with trying to dissuade you from the course of action you've unwisely chosen to take.
  • And what course of action is that?
To ensure that your actions proceed as they are supposed to. Marcus Stribbling is a lost cause. Perhaps you think you can change what fate has in store for him. You are mistaken. The more you fight against his destiny, the more you threaten a ripple becoming a reality which undermines all Ouroboros fights for.
  • So do I let Marcus go?
Arrest him, let him go, kill him... It doesn't matter. Either he dies or he becomes a villain and gets himself killed before he becomes a problem. Perhaps you are coming back here to just experience doing one of those things again. If so, then Ouroboros's caution is unwarranted.
But know this, attempting to free him from that path will only lead to pain for yourself. Make it easy on us both and don't try anything cute.
  • Is that a threat?
Yes. I am very thankful you're capable of understanding that. Ouroboros is threatening you. So take the easy path and do as we say.
  • I'll do what I believe is best. You have no say in it.
He lets out a groan.
In matters of time, Ouroboros has all of the say. But if you wish to allow yourself to be pierced by the arrow of time, it is to your own jeopardy.
And while I have all the time in eternity, I have no more of it for this little diversion. You've been warned.
There is a flash of light and he disappears.
  • (Leave)
  • Fine. I won't try to do anything different this time.
Oh yes, well, I certainly believe you fully. Maybe you are speaking honestly, though. Regardless, the message has been delivered. And while I have all the time in eternity, I have no more of it for this little diversion. You've been warned.
There is a flash of light and he disappears.
  • (Leave)
  • So do I kill Marcus?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • So do I give Marcus back to his father?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • So do I arrest Marcus so he can escape?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • What happened to Frostfire?
He lets out an exasperated sigh.
Is he really the most important thing right now? Worry not about him. He's important to the timeline as a... safeguard against certain potential future... calamities.
He looks you up and down with contempt.
He's been put into a temporal cavity while we deal with this little conundrum you're attempting to cause. Assuming you allow the timeline to play out as it should, this reality will be little more than a ripple and collapse into nonexistence. None of this will have ever happened.
  • And what conundrum is that?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Calamities?
There are potential timelines where someone attains... an unthinkable amount of power and acts very recklessly with it. The ripples which lead to that timeline are weak, but Frostfire must survive in case they become strong.
There is no more I will say on this matter.
  • Then why are you here?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • What happened to Frostfire?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • What are you doing here?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Again?
He rolls his eyes and hooks his thumbs into his belt.
Yes, Ouroboros knows that you have been coming back to deal with these particular... troubled times repeatedly.


First time
Briefing

You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.

Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?

Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.

Who... Who are you? Where's Lenny? What do you want with me?

  • Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.
Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away.
What?! No, I'm not going with you anywhere! Who are you?! Get away from me!
  • You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.
No! No, I'll never go back to him! I'd rather die!
  • I'll just have to make you! (Attack)
Everything seems to speed up around you as Marcus focuses his powers on you.
  • (Get ready!)
  • Whoa, whoa! Hold on. No one wants you to die.
You think that, huh? Well, the doctor wants to kill me. Or take away my powers, which is just as good as dead. So I'm gonna kill him before he can kill me. And if you try to stop me, I'll kill you too.
  • You sound like a villain.
Yeah, so? I want to be a villain! I'm a bad guy, right? I'm a killer! You heroes aren't worth a damn thing. If you were, one of you would have saved me. I wouldn't have had to save myself. No one's gonna look out for me but me. I'm going to kill the doctor, kill anyone who tries to stop me, and then kill anyone who ever tries to lock me up again. I don't care what I've gotta do to get my revenge.
  • I'm trying to look out for you, Marcus.
You?! You're just here to try to get me to go back! You're lying to me, just like everyone else lied to me. You wanna lock me up? You're gonna have to kill me first!
  • What about Frostfire and Miss Thystle? They brought you here! They didn't lie.
He hesitates for a second, almost like you're getting through to him. Then he shakes his head angrily.
Yeah, maybe they did, but so what?! They're the bad guys, right? The only people who did right by me are people you guys call evil. So why wouldn't I want to be one of them?
Besides, if I go back to Paragon City, they won't let me kill the doctor. They'll stop me before I'm strong enough to do it. It's only here that I'll be able to do what I want. You want to take me back, you're gonna have to kill me first.
  • You leave me no choice... I have to stop you! (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Fine... I can't stop you, kid. Go. (Complete mission)
Editor's Note:
Align Status Hero.png
Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Heroic Alignment Point.
For the first time since you started talking to him, Marcus looks genuinely surprised.
You won't? You're just going to let me go?
A curious expression crosses his face. Relief? Happiness? Fear? Regret? Maybe all of them. But it quickly disappears and a bravado emerges.
Hah, of course you will. You're weak and worthless, just like every other hero. You couldn't help me, so you sure as hell can't stop me. So yeah, I'll let you go too. Get out of here!
  • I will. Just... Don't let darkness take you over, kid.
He stares at you for a moment, then turns his back to you and slowly starts to walk away.
  • (Leave)
  • Bye, kid. Good luck. (Leave)
Clue
Marcus's Fate

You decided you could not force Marcus to return to Paragon City... either to his father or to the authorities. You let him go into the Rogue Isles, to whatever fate may await him.

  • Fine, kid. I'll take you down. But remember, you asked for this. (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Frostfire and Miss Thystle begged me to let you go. They care about you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You're already too far gone. I'm going to stop you! (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Don't turn into a killer, kid. Let me do it for you.
What? NO! He's mine! He didn't hurt you. He hurt me! You don't get to take that away from me! If you try to kill him, I'll kill you first!
  • You're too far gone, kid. I have to stop you! (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • ... Fine. I can't stop you. (Complete mission)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Fine. I'm not going to force you to go with me. (Complete mission)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I can't let you do that, kid. I'm sorry. (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Your father just wants to help you.
Help me?! He tortured me. He kept me locked up in a pod for who knows how long?! He pumped me full of drugs so I couldn't keep my powers in check! Half the time I was slowing time down for myself, so it was like every second was an hour! It was horrible! The rest of the time I was speeding things up so much that it was all a blur. I could barely understand what was happening.
He's a monster! The only thing I want to do with him is to kill him!
  • Well, guess I'll just have to make you come back. (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Kill him? You sound like a villain!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Sometimes it hurts to be helped. Your father understood that.
Stop calling him my father! If you are helping him, I'll kill you too!
You start to feel the passage of time changing around you erratically.
  • You made this choice, kid. (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more suspicion.
Trust you? I don't even know you! Get away from me!
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Hey, hold on. I'm Character. I'm a hero. I want to help you.
You want to help me, then you can just let me go. Let me get stronger so that I can come back and kill that monster. I want to stop him from ever hurting anyone again. And I want let anyone stop me. Not you, not Longbow, not even Positron! Nobody!
  • That sounds like the words of a villain.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Don't become a killer. I already am one. You want him dead, I'll do it.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I won't stop you. (Complete mission)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • My name is Character. I want to bring your father to justice.
Justice? Justice?!
Marcus laughs at that.
I don't want him to be brought to "justice". I know what happens to people like him! They just get back out on the street, working for the government or Longbow or something. Doing the same thing they were doing before, just "legit". I only want him dead. So he can't hurt anyone else ever again.
And stop calling him my "father". That man is not my father! He's just a monster.
  • Kill him? Those are villain words.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You want him dead? Fine. Let me take care of it.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You have to come back to Paragon with me, Marcus!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I just want to help you!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Alright. Fine. I won't force you to go. (Complete mission)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
He frowns and shakes his head.
What do you know about me? You don't know anything! You're just like all the others, trying to get me to go back to him. I'm never going back, you hear? Never!
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Whoa there. My name is Character. I want to bring your father down.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
Your words seem to calm him down a little.
A hero? Did Lenny send you? You're going to help me take out that monster?
  • If by monster, you mean your father, then yes. I want to bring him to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.
What?! He sent you? He's a monster! I'm never going back to him, not until I'm strong enough to kill him! I'm not going to let him hurt me or anyone else ever again! Him and everyone else that hurt me!
  • Marcus, no... You want to stop your father, do it the right way. Bring him to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You want him dead? Fine. Let me take care of it.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Those sound like the words of a villain.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Look, you're coming back with me one way or another.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
Ouroboros.png Flashback only
First time, but through Flashback
Briefing

You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.

Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?

Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.

Who... Who are you? Where's Lenny? What do you want with me? What... What's with those ripples?

  • Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Ripples?
Yeah, around you... Like... You're not all that you should be.
Whatever, it doesn't matter! Answer my question!
  • Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I've traveled through time to come back and save you.
Save me?! Time travel? What are you... Man, just tell me what's going on!
One souvenir from this arc, didn't kill Marcus last time
Briefing

You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.

Freed last time

Last time, you let him walk away, but is it right to allow him to become a villain? If you say something different, can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?

Arrested last time

Last time, you sent him to the Zig, only for him to escape. This time, can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Is his father the only one who can contain him?

Returned last time

Last time, you sent him back to his father. This time, can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Should you try sending him to the Zig this time?

Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.

Huh... So it's you. Why are you here?

  • Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.
Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away.
I'm not going anywhere with you! I don't know why you think I'm gonna change my mind!
  • You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more suspicion.
Trust you? I still don't know who you are! Get away from me!
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Hey, hold on. I'm Character. I'm a hero. I want to help you.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • My name is Character. I want to bring your father to justice.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
He frowns and shakes his head.
You think you know all about me now? You still don't know anything! You're just like all the others, trying to get me to go back to him. I'm never going back, you hear? Never!
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Whoa there. My name is Character. I want to bring your father down.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
Your words don't seem to have much effect.
I know you don't mean you're gonna help me take down that monster. Not the way I want to!
  • If by monster, you mean your father, then I do! I want to bring him to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
One souvenir, killed Marcus last time
Briefing

You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.

You killed him last time, but was there another way? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. If he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?

Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.

You... you. Why are you here?! You're here to hurt me, aren't you?!

  • Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.
Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away, clearly terrified.
I knew it! Why are you doing this?! I'm not going anywhere with you!
  • You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But I'm not here to hurt you.
Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more fear.
I... I don't believe you! I know what people like you are capable of! You're going to kill me.
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Hey, hold on. I'm Character. I'm a hero. I want to help you.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • My name is Character. I want to bring your father to justice.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Why do you think I want to kill you?
I... Because...
He is breathing deeply, eyes never leaving you.
Because that's what you do, right? I... I just know you're going to do it.
  • Look, I'm not going to kill you, but you're coming back to Paragon with me.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Hey, hold on. I'm Character. I'm a hero. I don't kill people like you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You're wrong. My name is Character. I want to bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
Eyes wide with fear, Marcus shakes his head wildly.
And what, if I don't go, you're gonna kill me?! You're just like all the others, trying to get me to go back to him. I'm never going back, you hear? Never! I'd rather die!
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Whoa there. My name is Character. I want to bring your father down.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Why do you think I want to kill you?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you, not hurt you.
Your words only seem to make him more afraid.
No... No, you're just like that monster! I know... I know you're not going to help me kill him. You're going to kill me.
  • If by monster, you mean your father, then I do! I want to bring him to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Why do you think I want to kill you?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
Two different souvenirs, neither from killing Marcus
Briefing

You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.

Freed and arrested

You've tried sending him to the Zig and just letting him go. But in the former, he escaped. Either way, he'll go on to become a villain. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. Should you really return him to his father? That might be the best thing... But if he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?

Freed and returned

You've tried sending him back to his father and just letting him go. But in the former, he's going to be experimented on. In the latter, he'll just go on to villainy. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. Would the Zig be able to hold him? That might be the best thing... But if he's going to become a villain no matter what you do, isn't it better to stop him now, before he can hurt anyone else? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?

Arrested and returned

You've tried returning him to his father and sending him to the Zig. But in the former, he'll just be experimented on. In the latter, he escaped to become a villain. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. But if the choice is between him being tortured for the rest of his life or becoming a villain no matter what you do, isn't it best just to end him? He's already shown that he's willing to let others get hurt for his own freedom. Isn't that wrong too?

Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.

You... I've seen you before, haven't I? Who are you? I know Lenny didn't send you.

  • Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.

Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away.

I told you I'm not going anywhere with you! I don't know why you think I'm gonna change my mind!

  • You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more suspicion.
Trust you? Even if I have seen you before, I don't trust you! I don't know a thing about you! Get away from me, for real!
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Hey, hold on. I'm Character. I'm a hero. I want to help you.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • My name is Character. I want to bring your father to justice.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
He frowns and shakes his head.
Why do you think you know so much about me? You're not inside my head. You can't ever know what I've been through! You're just like all the others, trying to get me to go back to him. I'm never, ever going to go back with you! Never! Get it?!
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Whoa there. My name is Character. I want to bring your father down.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
Your words don't seem to have much effect.
What do you think saying that is gonna do? You think I'm going to believe that you want to bring down that monster? I know you won't. You won't!
  • If by monster, you mean your father, then I do! I want to bring him to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
Two different souvenirs, one from killing Marcus
Briefing

You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.

Freed and killed

You tried just letting him go, but allowing him to become a revenge obsessed villain can't be how it's meant to go. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. Should you return him to his father and doom him to torture? Or maybe the Zig can hold him... Though if he escapes, that might even be worse. You killed him once before... But that can't be the way this should end, can it?

Arrested and killed

You tried to return him to the Zig, but he just escaped to become a villain. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. You killed him once before... But that can't be the way this should end, can it?

Returned and killed

You returned him to his father, but that just means he'll be tortured. Can he be talked down? Can he be convinced to go back to Paragon City without a fight? Maybe. Maybe not. If he can't be talked down, should you let him go? If you do, will it just doom him to the life of villainy? Would the Zig be able to hold him or will he just escape anyway? His powers are clearly dangerous, but he's still young and doesn't know how to fully use them. You killed him once before... But that can't be the way this should end, can it?

Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.

You... you. I... know you from somewhere, don't I? Are you... Are you here to hurt me?

  • Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.
Marcus's eyes flare wide and he backs away, clearly terrified.
No! I know you're just trying to get me to trust you so you can kill me! I'm not stupid!
  • You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Why do you think I want to kill you?
I... Because...
He is breathing deeply, eyes never leaving you.
Because... I know he sent you. I know what you can do! I don't want to die, but I'd rather die than go back to him. So you're gonna have to kill me if you want to take me back!
  • Look, I'm not going to kill you, but you're coming back to Paragon with me.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Hey, hold on. I'm Character. I'm a hero. I don't kill people like you.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • You're wrong. My name is Character. I want to bring your father to justice.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But I'm not here to hurt you.
Marcus immediately pulls away and looks at you with even more fear.
You... You're just trying to trick me! Pretending to be friendly so you can kill me. He sent you, didn't he?!
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Hey, hold on. I'm Character. I'm a hero. I want to help you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • My name is Character. I want to bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Why do you think I want to kill you?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
Eyes wide with fear, Marcus shakes his head wildly.
You're going to kill me if I don't go back?! What, did he get tired of dealing with me and decided to just try to finish me off if I won't be his prisoner again? Well, it's too late! I'm never going back to him! I'd rather die a million times!
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Whoa there. My name is Character. I want to bring your father down.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Why do you think I want to kill you?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you, not hurt you.
Your words only seem to make him more afraid.
Are you... Are you really here to help? To help me kill that monster? No... Are you going to kill me? Why are you trying to confuse me?!
  • If by monster, you mean your father, then I want to bring him to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.
The rest of this branch of the conversation is the same as before.
  • Why do you think I want to kill you?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
Three different souvenirs, never killed Marcus
Briefing

You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.

You returned him to his father and doomed him to painful experimentation for the rest of his life. You tried letting him go, but that just means he's going to be a revenge obsessed villain. And when you sent him to the Zig, he just escaped to become a villain anyway! You've dedicated yourself to protecting people no matter the cost... A clean death is far better than a life of constant torture. Right?

Maybe there is no right choice here... But you have to make one.

You... Why are you here? Do you think you can change what's going to happen?

  • Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.
Marcus widens his eyes and takes a stiff step back. He lets out a sigh.
What makes you think I'll go with you? What in your experience makes you think I'll just give up and go?
  • You're dangerous. You need to be stopped and taken in. Don't resist.
You'll have to kill me before I go back, you know. You can't make me go back any other way. I die or he dies. The two choices; a binary. Walk or run. Negative or positive. Hot or cold. You've already faced the contradictions.
  • You mean when I fought Frostfire?
Hmm... Was that Frostfire? Did you fight him? I don't know, maybe it happened differently this time.
But sure, if that's what you think I mean, it might as well be right. I don't know what I mean either.
  • This... this isn't how it's supposed to happen.
No? How's it supposed to happen? Do you give me back to him, turn me over to the police, or let me go? Your choices, your consequences. Or do you kill me? You could do that... It's better than forcing me back into the lab; I said I'd rather die than go back and I meant it. So if you think my father's life is more important than mine, then kill me this time. Or let me go so I can kill him, then stop messing with me.
  • I didn't want to do this... (Attack)
Everything seems to speed up as Marcus focuses his powers on you.
Around and around it goes.
(Get ready)
  • I can't kill you... (Complete mission)
Have you finally figured out that you can't stop me from doing what I need to do? That it won't change no matter what you do? Hey, don't feel too bad. At least you tried, right? Gotta give you some credit for that. More than most people ever did for me.
I don't know how this all works. I guess I'll walk out of here and figure it out. I'll kill him and put this all to an end. Or will you try to stop me again?
Clue
Marcus's Fate

You decided you could not force Marcus to return to Paragon City... either to his father or to the authorities. You let him go into the Rogue Isles, to whatever fate may await him.

  • I will. Just... Don't let darkness take you over, kid.
He turns his back to you and slowly starts to walk away.
Don't know if you were expecting something different, but it ain't happening.
  • (Leave)
  • You... know more than you should.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • Bye, kid. Good luck. (Leave)
  • You're more dangerous than I thought. I have to stop you!
Sure, sure. Each time I'm stronger, you know, if you hadn't realized that. Eventually I'll beat you until you stop getting up. But you've made your choice this time. This time one of us ends up dead.
You start to feel the passage of time changing around you erratically.
  • (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I can force you without killing you! (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Whoa, whoa! Hold on. No one wants you to die.
You still believe that? After everything you've seen, everything you've learned? He doesn't care about me! If I die, that's just an inconvenience to him. I died the day my brother did, in his mind.
So he's going to die instead. I'll make sure of it.
  • You sound like a villain.
Yeah. I am. That much is established by now. Nothing's going to change that. A good, wholesome life isn't something I get to have. It was taken away from me, just like I took it away from my brother. So I've got to embrace it. I'm the big bad. I will kill the people who get in my way. It's the only way forward... Unless I die first.
  • I'm trying to look out for you, Marcus.
Yeah, so what? Why do you care so much, huh? No one asked you to look out for me. The only thing anyone asked you to do was to drag me back to my prison in that lab. Nothing you're going to do will change that or anything else.
So make your choice. Is it going to be new this time?
  • What about Frostfire and Miss Thystle? They brought you here! They didn't lie.
Yeah... So I keep getting told. But does it matter? You can't change fate. I live, he dies. I die, he lives. Those are the two outcomes. It doesn't matter if Frostfire and Miss Thystle care about me. It doesn't matter if you care about me for some reason. It winds up the same in the end.
  • You leave me no choice... I have to stop you! (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Fine... I can't stop you, kid. Go. (Complete mission)
+++ Missing Information +++
  • Fine, kid. I'll take you down. But remember, you asked for this.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Frostfire and Miss Thystle begged me to let you go. They care about you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You're already too far gone. I'm going to stop you!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Don't turn into a killer, kid. Let me do it for you.
He laughs at you.
You're gonna seriously try to tell me that? He's evil, but he's brilliant and paranoid. He doesn't trust you, so the first sign that you're going to betray him, he'll disappear. You know I'm telling the truth! No, the only one who can do it is me. It has to be me who kills him. Not just because I deserve to have revenge, but because I'm the only one who can pull it off.
  • You're too far gone, kid. I have to stop you!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • ... Fine. I can't stop you.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • Fine. I'm not going to force you to go with me.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • I can't let you do that, kid. I'm sorry. (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Your father just wants to help you.
You know that's not true! You've gotten all the evidence that he didn't care anything about me! I am nothing more than a reminder of everything he lost, so he did all he could to destroy me. Pumped me full of drugs, kept me in stasis. But maybe now I'm just in another type of stasis?
It doesn't matter. This ends in one of two ways. I kill him or you kill me. There aren't any different options this time.
  • Well, guess I'll just have to make you come back. (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Kill him? You sound like a villain!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Sometimes it hurts to be helped. Your father understood that.
That is... really the least convincing thing that you've said to me, you know? I'm surprised you think it could work. Figured you'd know better by now... You gotta know it's not true, so you're just lying to me... for what?
So, yeah, sometimes being helped hurts. And sometimes it doesn't matter how much you're helped, the hurting doesn't stop. So it's time we end this again.
You start to feel the passage of time changing around you erratically.
  • You made this choice, kid. (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
Marcus half-heartedly pulls himself away.
Do you think you've earned my trust? Why do you think I'm going to just trust you?
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I want to help you.
If you really want to help me, then let me go! Stop talking to me, stop trying to change things! It won't work. It won't. I'm going to kill him, Character, and there's nothing you can do to stop me.
  • That sounds like the words of a villain.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Don't become a killer. I already am one. You want him dead, I'll do it.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I won't stop you. (Complete mission)
+++ Missing Information +++
  • Wait... How did you know who I am?
I wonder... Must have seen you before. On the news or the TV. It must be that, right? No other reason makes sense.
But it doesn't matter. Make your choice. Let me kill him or kill me. Those are your choices.
  • That sounds like the words of a villain.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Don't become a killer. I already am one. You want him dead, I'll do it.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I won't stop you. (Complete mission)
+++ Missing Information +++
  • My name is Character. I want to bring your father to justice.
You think I haven't heard this all before? So many times, so many times... And it never convinces me! Do you know why? Because there's no other way it can be. Some things never change and one of those is how much I hate that monster.
The only justice that can come for him is death. It's the only way.
  • Kill him? Those are villain words.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You want him dead? Fine. Let me take care of it.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You have to come back to Paragon with me, Marcus!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I just want to help you!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Alright. Fine. I won't force you to go. (Complete mission)
+++ Missing Information +++
  • I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
He sighs and shakes his head.
Do you think you've learned enough about me to talk me out of what I'm going to do? You're kidding yourself. You're delusional. I think the definition of insane is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results, right? I heard that once, sometime...
So get it through your skull... I'm not going back with you. Not now, not before, not ever.
  • Look, kid, you're coming back to Paragon City with me, whether you like it or not.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Whoa there. My name is Character. I want to bring your father down.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
Your words don't seem to have much effect.
You know, even if you wanted to help me bring down that monster, it's not going to work. He's smarter than you. He's smarter than either of us. The only way to stop him is to let me go, so I can plan to kill him when he gets complacent. You can't keep me from that.
  • If by monster, you mean your father, then I want to bring him to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • No, your father sent me. I'm supposed to bring you back.
I know he did. Why else would you be coming after me? He must have done something... He's smart enough to do it. That's why I can't go back to him, not willingly. He'll do worse than whatever's going on now. So I have to kill him. It has to be me. It can't be anyone else.
  • Marcus, no... You want to stop your father, do it the right way. Bring him to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You want him dead? Fine. Let me take care of it.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Those sound like the words of a villain.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Look, you're coming back with me one way or another.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But you can trust me.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Change? What do you mean, change?
You don't know? You've walked through blizzards and conflagrations to get to me. I can still see the marks on you. I just didn't understand what it was until just now.
But you can't change things. You can't. Someone dies in the end. Me or the monster who made me. I guess you get to choose.
  • You mean you see how I fought Frostfire?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • This... this isn't how it's supposed to happen.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Blizzards and conflagrations... Ice and Flame?
Yeah. Yeah, that's it. Ice and Flame. I can mess with time a little bit, but that's on another level. Big bang and heat death. Past and future. Life and death. I kill my father or I get killed by you. Those are the only two outcomes, you know?
So which do you choose?
  • I have to stop you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I can't kill you. (Complete mission)
+++ Missing Information +++

Three different souvenirs, one for killing Marcus
Briefing

You come face to face with Marcus Stribbling. He really does look like a little kid. A scared kid. But fear is dangerous. And there's more than just fear there. There's anger, hate, and paranoia. He doesn't trust anyone. Not his father, not Frostfire, not Longbow, and not you.

Freed, arrested, killed

You tried arresting him, letting him go, even killing him. None seem right. Maybe returning him to his fa -

Freed, returned, killed

You tried sending him back to his father, letting him go, even killing him. None seem right. Maybe the Zig could h -

Arrested, returned, killed

You tried arresting him, sending him back to his father, even killing him. Maybe letting him go -

Do you really need to stand there and think about this again?! You know what the choices are here! Don't try convincing me. I've heard it all before, over and over and over! You already killed me once... Or did you do it more than that? Are you coming back to do it again?

Whatever! I don't care! Are you gonna let me go this time or are we going to fight?

  • Whoa! Ok, fine. I'll let you go!
He immediately turns and runs, giving you no more chance to do anything else.
That... That wasn't how it was supposed to go down.
  • (Leave)

Bug! Although this choice is probably supposed to complete the mission, it actually just ends and resets the conversation. Talking to him again and choosing any other dialogue option allows the player to fight and defeat him, then choose to free him.

  • What are you talking about?!
No! I'm not listening to you any more!
Everything seems to speed up around you as Marcus focuses his powers on you.
  • (Get ready)
  • How do you remember?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But I'm not here to hurt you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus, listen. I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you, not hurt you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
All four souvenirs
Briefing

You come to Marcus Stribbling, expecting the repeat of a scene you've experienced so many times before. Instead, he sits on the deck of the ship, facing away from you.

You took a bit longer to get here this time than before.

  • Before?
Yeah, the other times you've been here. The other times you tried to... Well, I don't know what you were trying to do. Why'd you keep coming back to me, same time and same time again? Were you trying to stop me? Trying to catch my father?
  • I wanted to stop you.
Really? But you did that a couple of times. Turned me over to my father once; killed me once. So I guess you just killed me twice, to be honest.
  • You really think your father would have killed you?
You don't? He was gonna do it eventually. Maybe he was telling himself that he'd "cure" me. But even if he did figure out how to get rid of my powers, I know he'd never stop at that with me. He didn't hate my powers. He hated me. And I hate him back.
So do you still want to stop me?
  • I was looking for a different way.
A different way? You've tried this again and again. What different way is there? You let me go, I go and kill my father. You arrest me, my father runs, I escape, and I kill him. You turn me over to him and he keeps me locked up for the rest of my life. Or you kill me. Those are the ways.
What different way is there?
  • You walk away from all this.
You know that's not going to happen. I can't live in peace while the man who tormented me for so long is out there, still trying to hurt others. If he's allowed to just walk free, he'll eventually figure out how to steal the powers from mutants like me. I can't let that happen.
  • So let me kill him.
You? No... You know that won't work, right? You've seen it time and time again. If you don't come back with me, he runs. He's prepared for you to betray him. Even if you do send me back, he won't stay where he is. You know too much. He'll be gone before you ever get there. Only I can kill him.
  • Wait, you're still going after him?
Yeah. Of course. Every time you came after me, it was just more proof that my father is a monster who needs to be stopped. I've had this day repeated for me so many times, each time the hate for him building up in me. It's just compounding. Plus, I know you never were able to get him. Only I can do it. It'll make the world a better place!
  • Maybe you're right. Take the knowledge you learned and get him. (Complete mission)
I'll do my best! You know, you might not like the results of what happens after all. You might come back here again. If you do, I'll let it play out the same as long as you do. Maybe you can do something different and surprise us both!
You feel time begin to warp around you, then Marcus suddenly blinks out of existence. He must have stopped time and left. His powers certainly seem to be stronger... But it seems apparent that he'll still be walking down the path of the villain.
Clue
Marcus's Fate

You decided you could not force Marcus to return to Paragon City... either to his father or to the authorities. You let him go into the Rogue Isles, to whatever fate may await him.

  • (Leave)
  • We should work together! Take him down the right way.
Justice, huh. What does that even mean? Like, my father was... is... Damn, I don't even know the right terms to use. Whatever, he's a monster. Letting me go off and kill him would be justice. Right?
  • But that leads to you becoming a villain.
Yeah, so? I don't care. Even now, I don't care. Who gets called a villain or a hero depends on who you ask. I'm going to do something I know is right. My father doesn't deserve to live.
  • You're right.
Yeah. I am. Which is why the only way to stop him is for me to kill him. Maybe if you let me go this time, I can finish him. I know enough now. All this fighting, over and over, it's made me stronger. So let me go and I'll finish this, once and for all.
  • So if I let you go, you're going to kill him?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I hope so, Marcus. Good luck.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Maybe there's another way.
No there isn't. You keep trying, but you keep failing. If you don't come back with me, he runs. He's prepared for you to betray him. Even if you do send me back, he won't stay where he is. You know too much. He'll be gone before you ever get there. Only I can kill him.
  • So if I let you go, you're going after him?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Maybe we can use that against him, though.
Huh? What do you mean?
  • We trick him. Trap him. He doesn't know about all of this.
You're right. Yeah... Yeah, we can do this! I got it. I can put myself into temporal stasis, then you send me back to my father. He'll think you're working for him still and try to drug me again. But it won't work because I'm in stasis.
Then I'll release myself and send you the location of the lab. I'll disable his alarms. You can come in. We can take him down together!
  • Let's do it. (Complete mission)
Alright. I'll put myself in stasis now. Once I'm down, send me back to him like you've done before. He'll never know what's coming.
Marcus lays down on the ground and closes his eyes. The change is almost imperceptible... or maybe you just imagine it. But there is definitely a now-familiar warping of time as he activates his powers. You kneel down and place the teleporter on him to return him to his father's lab.
Clue
Marcus's Fate

After continually trying to change the past and save Marcus, you seem to have finally succeeded. You sent Marcus back to his father's lab, though he has used his powers to protect himself from being put into stasis. You'll be meeting him there soon to bring justice to his father.

  • (Leave)
  • We go together. He can't face both of us.
Together? Maybe, but... We can't just go to him. He'll realize something is wrong if you go to him without sending me. He'll run, just like he did every other time.
No... No, we need to trick him. We need to trap him! I have an idea. You send me back, but... let me put myself in a temporal stasis first. It will look like you've knocked me out and he'll try to drug me again, but because I'll be in stasis it won't affect me.
Then I'll release myself and send you the location of the lab. I'll disable his alarms. You can come in. We can take him down together!
  • Let's do it. (Complete mission)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • No. He deserved to be punished by the law.
Does he?! Why? You know what happens to people like him, right? They sit in prison for a while, then they break out or someone breaks them out... Or worse, someone important decides that he's worth letting out, so long as he works for them. Then he gets protected so that no one can touch him.
No, he doesn't deserve to be let go. I have to kill him. That's the only way.
  • Maybe there's another way.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • So you still plan to kill him?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I really wanted to kill him though.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Maybe we can use that against him, though.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Maybe you're right.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • What if there's another way?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I kill him.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • We work together to bring him to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Maybe you're right.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I enjoyed the fight.
You do? Well... Why not go around again? I feel like each time we fight, I get a little bit stronger. So do you too, I bet. Maybe this is the point of all this. We keep fighting until one of us gets strong enough.
  • Let's go! (Attack)
He nods and you start to feel the familiar sensations of time warping around you. This time you can see flashes of the Pillar of Ice and Fire that brought you back to this moment in time. It seems as if time is being warped even more than normal.
Maybe it'll be different this time.
  • (Get ready)
  • Wait. No. I want to try a different way!
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I was looking for a different way.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I enjoyed the fight.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I wanted to save you.
To save me? Just let me go, that's what you need to do. You've done it before. I go and kill my father. Why not just do it again?
  • But that leads to you becoming a villain.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • No. He deserved to be punished by the law.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I really wanted to kill him though.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I wanted to save your father.
Really? Why would you want to save him? You told me you believed in his work once. I think. It might not have been the you who is you, but a you who might have been or wasn't. It's real confusing, man.
Besides, you turned me over to him at least once. That didn't work?
  • To save him from his own hate.
He shakes his head.
I don't know if that can happen. How would he? He'll never let me be free... If I go back, he'll try to capture me again. Or run because he's afraid. No. He can't be saved. I think you know that.
  • Maybe you're right.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • But why not try a different way?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I honestly don't know.
He chuckles.
Man, after all this, and you still don't know something? I figured you must have figured everything out by now!
Oh well. I don't know anything either. So... What do we do now?
  • I think we fight again. (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Since you've realized things, I let you go.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • We break fate. We bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I wanted to stop your father.
Hmm, yeah. I guess that makes sense. He kept getting away from you, didn't he? He was ready to skip town the second anything felt off to him. I think that's why he went back to his lab before you went back to the city. Hedging his bets in case you didn't bring me back.
Sorry you never could catch him.
  • So you don't want to kill him any more?
Huh? What made you think that? Every time you came after me, it was just more proof that my father is a monster who needs to be stopped. I've had this day repeated for me so many times, each time the hate for him building up in me. It's just compounding. Plus, I know you never were able to get him. Only I can do it. It'll make the world a better place!
  • Maybe you're right. Take the knowledge you learned and get him.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • We should work together! Take him down the right way.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • There's still a way.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I just wanted to see what would happen.
Heh. Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Try messing around with time, see what gets spit out. Gotta admit, it sounds pretty cool. But why me? Why not, like... stop Statesman from getting killed or warn people about the Rikti? Why bother with me?
  • I don't know.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Those can't be changed.
Says who? Them? What if they're lying?
Before you can answer, he shakes his head and lets out a sigh.
But I dunno, I'm still confused about all of this. I guess it doesn't matter much, does it? Even with my powers, I can't travel through time. They can.
So what do we do now?
  • I think we fight again. (Attack)
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Since you've realized things, I let you go.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • We break fate. We bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Changing something big can be dangerous. Changing something small...
Really? I guess that makes sense.
He laughs.
I guess I'm just a small thing, then. Not big in the whole scheme of things. That kinda... feels good, yeah? I'd been worried with all this that I was someone important.
So what do we do now?
  • I think we fight again. (Attack)
+++ Missing Information +++
  • Since you've realized things, I let you go.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • We break fate. We bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Ouroboros doesn't want it changed. That's enough reason for me.
Orborbus? What's that?
  • No. Or-oh-boar-os.
Or-oh-boar-os. Ouroboros. Ok...
Still doesn't answer my question about who they are.
  • They're a group of time travelers who prevent other people from messing with the past.
But they're letting you keep coming back to change things around? Why?
  • I really don't know.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • It's complicated.
Alright. Yeah. I barely understand what's going on and I can control time, so... I believe you.
So... What do we do now?
  • I think we fight again. (Attack)
+++ Missing Information +++
  • Since you've realized things, I let you go.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • We break fate. We bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Well, it's more they want time changed to prevent the destruction of the universe.
The destruction of the universe? Uh...
His eyes are wide with awe.
Well. Ok. I don't know how I could have anything to do with that. But, uh... I don't really want to think about that either.
So what do we do now?
  • I think we fight again. (Attack)
+++ Missing Information +++
  • Since you've realized things, I let you go.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • We break fate. We bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Honestly, I don't know. They're kinda weird.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I had to see justice done.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I had complications getting here.
Oh, yeah. You mean the Crooked Eights, I bet. I was wondering what they were up to. They didn't hurt Lenny, did they?
  • Crooked Eights?
Yeah. You know, those guys with the big eights on their shirts. There's the one guy with the big, spiky hair, the dude with the weird glasses, the pretty lady with the crazy eyes, that other dude with the weird glasses.
  • They're called Ouroboros.
Orborious? What's that mean?
  • No. Or-oh-boar-os.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • They're a group of time travelers who prevent other people from messing with the past.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Honestly, I don't know. They're kinda weird.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
Silos?
You describe Mender Silos to him.
Yeah, that's the one. He sounds pretty important. That's pretty cool, that someone so important is keeping watch on me. I wonder why, though?
  • I don't know.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • It must be because you can manipulate time.
Yeah, those guys are time travelers too, right? I never really got a close look at them to make sure, but it always seemed like they had some ripples around them too. So it makes sense that they're after me.
Do you think they want me to join them?
  • Yeah, that must be it.
He gives you a wry smile.
Alright. Well, I guess they're having you come back in time over and over to test me, make me stronger.
So... What do we do now?
  • I think we fight again.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • Since you've realized things, I let you go.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • We break fate. We bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • No... They didn't care if you died.
Oh.
He looks away and takes a deep breath.
Well... It's happened before. Hopefully it doesn't need to happen again, huh?
What are we going to do now?
  • I think we fight again.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • Since you've realized things, I let you go.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • We break fate. We bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I don't know.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • What are these ripples you're talking about?
It's hard to explain... It's like, when I look at you, I see a bunch of afterimages. Like everything is a few milliseconds out of sync. I think it's me seeing different possibilities, different things that you've done or will do in this moment but aren't doing now. That doesn't make sense, does it?
  • I have no idea.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Yeah, time travel is really weird.
He laughs.
Yeah, I'm the one on this side of it and I think it's strange. I can't imagine how weird it is for you actually being the one going back and changing stuff. That's pretty wild! I wonder if I'll ever get to do that?
He shakes his head.
Well, this isn't time to think about the future. The present - or I guess the past to you - is what we gotta pay attention to. So what are we gonna do?
  • I think we fight again. (Attack)
+++ Missing Information +++
  • Since you've realized things, I let you go.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • We break fate. We bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You must be important to the timeline somehow...
Really?
He looks down at his feet and remains silent for a few moments.
I... I can't be important, can I? No, maybe... Maybe it's because of you? That must be it. It's because you're important and this is important for you.
  • I don't know...
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Yeah, that must be it.
Yeah... Yeah...
He shakes his head as if to clear his thoughts.
So, I guess the only thing left is for us to decide what happens next.
  • I think we fight again. (Attack)
+++ Missing Information +++
  • Since you've realized things, I let you go.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • We break fate. We bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm pretty sure he's actually Nemesis.
Nemesis? He's a pretty bad dude, right? Guess it just goes to show that I become a serious villain, if that guy is watching me! You think I become some sort of rival to him in the future?
  • I don't know.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • It must be because you can manipulate time.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You must be important to the timeline somehow...
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • That's an infinity symbol, not an eight.
Oh, huh... Ok. Is that important?
  • Not really. Why are they so interested in you?
I dunno. You know more about them than I do. What do you think?
  • I don't know.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • It must be because you can manipulate time.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You must be important to the timeline somehow...
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I don't know.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You've seen Ouroboros?
Yeah, but like never straight on. I used to think I was crazy or something. I'd see a weird person in a uniform in the corner of my vision where there shouldn't be anyone. Watching me, like they were trying to figure out what my deal was. But the past couple of loops they've been more visible. One of them was with the Freaks that Miss T was working with. Another was part of the ship crew that brought me here. They weren't wearing the uniforms then, but they were the same people I'd seen before.
  • Why are you so important to them?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • How do you remember all of this? Me coming back?
Yeah, but no one else seemed to realize anything was happening... Even you acted like things were still the same, mostly. I knew I was acting different, but not you. I guess you did that on purpose. Probably because I wasn't supposed to realize it. But eventually I started seeing the ripples... And you did let it slip a little bit, eventually.
I bet it's because of my time powers. They're messing with the time loop that you're stuck in, making it so that I realize what's happening. And I figured you're stuck in the loop because of me, right?
  • This isn't a time loop.
It's not? If it's not a time loop, then how come the day keeps repeating?
  • I'm time traveling and replaying these events.
Really?
His eyes actually widen in excitement.
So... You keep coming back to do all this? Why?
  • I wanted to stop you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I wanted to save you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I wanted to save your father.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I wanted to stop your father.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I just wanted to see what would happen.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I had to see justice done.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • It doesn't matter. I don't think Ouroboros wants you to know.
Ouroboros? You must mean those Crooked Eight guys. There's the one guy with the big, spiky hair, the dude with the weird glasses, the pretty lady with the crazy eyes, that other dude with the weird glasses.
  • Wait, you've seen Mender Silos?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • That's an infinity symbol, not an eight.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • You've seen Ouroboros?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • No one else has ever noticed when I time traveled.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • This explains why Ouroboros is so interested in you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • What are these ripples you're talking about?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Mender Roebuck said he's fine.
Oh. You trust them?
  • Yes.
Alright. Well, I hope you're right. Lenny's a pretty good guy. He tried to save me in every loop, you know, always trying to get me on the straight and narrow.
  • Why didn't you listen to him?
I'm too angry. I bet you're thinking, "Hey, he doesn't seem angry!" That's because I tried being angry with you and you kept coming back. So I'm being friendly with you. So, while I'm still friendly, what do we do now?
  • We go back to being enemies and fight. (Attack)
+++ Missing Information +++
  • If we're friendly, I let you go.
+++ Missing Information +++
  • We use this friendship to bring your father to justice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • He's still a villain.
I don't think he wants to be one any more. He wants to be a good guy... I don't know why. But like I said, he was trying to help me out, so I want him to be alright.
  • Why didn't you listen to him?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I don't know if he ever will.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I don't know about that.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I don't know.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • No.
Oh...
He looks rather bothered by that.
Well... If you decide to go through this all again, can you make sure he's ok? I don't want him to get hurt. He tried to save me in every loop, you know, always trying to get me on the straight and narrow.
  • Why didn't you listen to him?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • He's still a villain.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I don't know about that.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus Stribbling. You're coming with me.
He laughs, though he doesn't sound amused, then stands and turns around.
You don't gotta do that anymore, man. I've finally figured it out. We've been through this all before. How many times has it been?
  • Before?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Five.
Really? That's it? It seems like a lot more to me. I didn't understand what was happening at first, I just thought it was the drugs wearing off me. But it kept happening, so I thought I was stuck in a time loop, like in that old movie? Like I had to figure something out and fix it before I could get to another day. But things didn't seem to change much based on me doing stuff different. So then I thought maybe it was Lenny, that he was stuck until he figured out how to beat you...
Eventually I realized that I only saw the ripples around you. That's when I realized it was you who was stuck in the time loop.
  • I'm not in a time loop.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I don't think you're supposed to notice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I've lost count.
Yeah, me too. You know, at first I thought I was stuck in a time loop, like in that old movie? Like I had to figure something out and fix it before I could get to another day. But things didn't seem to change much based on me doing stuff different. So then I thought maybe it was Lenny, that he was stuck until he figured out to beat you...
Eventually I realized that I only saw the ripples around you. That's when I realized it was you who was stuck in the time loop.
  • I'm not in a time loop.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I don't think you're supposed to notice.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • What are these ripples you're talking about?
This dialogue option leads into Marcus's first-time Flashback dialogue. This is probably a bug.
  • How do you know that?
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus. I know you're scared... But I'm not here to hurt you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • Marcus, listen... I know what happened to you. But running to the Isles isn't the answer.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.
  • I'm Character. I'm a hero. I'm here to help you, not hurt you.
This selection loops to another branch of this conversation which is already documented.


Marcus Stribbling Combat Dialogue

Ambush! If the player bypassed Frostfire without fighting, damaging Marcus Stribbling triggers an ambush by Frostfire and one wave of Freakshow.

Frostfire Ambush Dialogue
Ouroboros.png Flashback only (replaces combat dialogue if arc was completed by killing Marcus at least once)
Marcus Stribbling Combat Dialogue (killed Marcus before)
Marcus Stribbling Combat Dialogue (all four souvenirs)


Default
Briefing

The young mutant lies defeated before you on the ground. Like this, he appears so weak and fragile...

The fight you just had with him proves that he is not. He is a very powerful mutant and, given more time, he might become one of the most powerful mutants alive.

Of course, you've been here before. Though even still, his power was surprising...

Now you're just left to decide what to do with him this time.

  • (Let him go.)
Even though you fought and beat him, in the end you can't bring yourself to finish the job... He deserves to go free and make of his life what he will.
Hopefully, your victory will dissuade him from the life of villainy, but... You have a feeling that won't be the case.
Regardless, you've made your choice. The consequences are still to be seen.
Clue
Marcus's Fate

You decided you could not force Marcus to return to Paragon City... either to his father or to the authorities. You let him go into the Rogue Isles, to whatever fate may await him.

  • (Leave)
  • (Arrest him.)
Editor's Note:
Align Status Villain.png
Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Villainous Alignment Point.
You kneel down and place a mediporter on him which will take him to the Zig. They'll treat his injuries and put him in custody. That way they can protect him from his father while keeping him from taking his revenge... You hope.
Regardless, you've made your choice. The consequences are still to be seen.
Clue
Marcus's Fate

You decided that while it was wrong to turn Marcus over to his father, you also couldn't let him go free. You sent him to the Zig for the police to deal with him.

  • (Leave)
  • (Return him.)
Editor's Note:
Align Status Villain.png
Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Villainous Alignment Point.
You kneel down and place a mediporter on him which will send him back to his father. It may seem a cruel fate for the boy, but sometimes the best choice is merely the least worst choice. At least now he won't kill his father and become a dangerous villain.
Regardless, you've made your choice. The consequences are still to be seen.
Clue
Marcus's Fate

You decided that Marcus couldn't be allowed to go free and that the safest bet was to return him to his father's control.

  • (Leave)
  • (Finish him off.)
Editor's Note:
Align Status Vigilante.png
Align Status Villain.png
Align Status Hero.png
Choosing this dialogue option will award the character one Vigilante, one Villainous, and one Heroic Alignment Point, while claiming to award four additional Heroic Alignment Points. This is probably a bug.
Despite everything that has happened to him, Marcus is still a threat to everyone. He has proven he will use his powers to evil ends. He pretty much vowed that he would. Someone like that can't be allowed to exist. You make it a quick end.
You've made your choice. The consequences are still to be seen.
Clue
Marcus's Fate

You decided Marcus's powers were too dangerous to exist. You ended his life, ending whatever threat he might become.

  • (Leave)
Ouroboros.png Flashback only, all four souvenirs
Briefing

Once more, the young mutant lies defeated on the ground before you. He was even stronger this time around. How strong could he get if allowed to grow? Will he continue to get stronger every time you come back here?

Is that why Ouroboros was so insistent on you not changing things? Do they fear his powers of time manipulation?

Whatever it is, you are faced with the choice you've had many times before. What will you do with him?

  • (Let him go.)
+++ Missing Information +++
Clue
Marcus's Fate

You decided you could not force Marcus to return to Paragon City... either to his father or to the authorities. You let him go into the Rogue Isles, to whatever fate may await him.

  • (Arrest him.)
+++ Missing Information +++
Clue
Marcus's Fate

You decided that while it was wrong to turn Marcus over to his father, you also couldn't let him go free. You sent him to the Zig for the police to deal with him.

  • (Return him.)
+++ Missing Information +++
Clue
Marcus's Fate

You decided that Marcus couldn't be allowed to go free and that the safest bet was to return him to his father's control.

  • (Finish him off.)
+++ Missing Information +++
Clue
Marcus's Fate

You decided Marcus's powers were too dangerous to exist. You ended his life, ending whatever threat he might become.


Debriefing

Character, I assume your call means that you have finished the job?

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