Life Will Change

Chapter 1: Prologue

Let me begin by saying that I have the Royal edition of the game, which includes some added features. This is a Universe Alteration: same plot, a few tweaks.

Important warning: The game contains some subject matters I am not accustomed to writing about. I will be doing my best to handle these subjects with proper respect in context of the story. Because these topics are things that happen in the game's story, some of which are crucial details, they are not things I can avoid writing or skip over without losing context on what's going on. If you are sensitive to these topics, then you have been given your warning, and I understand completely if you back out of the story when they show up. Please remember, I do not wish to put these things in. They are not there to be supported or encouraged in any way, but they are necessary to the plot. This will not be a prolonged occurrence through the story, but it will be there for a small portion of it. The true fun of the game are the characters and their interactions with each other, and the moments of levity they share as they work to save the world, that is why I'm writing this story.

Begin!

~Normal POV

"Run."

"Run."

"Get the hell out of here."

A figure clad in all black with a mask over his face surveyed the area of the casino. Despite his desperate situation, the young man was confident in his mission. He was going to escape; make it back to his companions. They were waiting for him, and he wasn't planning to let them down. He stopped momentarily to look down. He was standing on the rafters above the main entrance floor. He could see guards moving in past the casino patrons, and the boy knew they were looking for him. There was no denying it, he was a thief after all.

He watched as one of the security guards spotted him and alerted the others. "Good," The boy thought. "That's exactly what I wanted." With the Treasure, a silver briefcase, gripped tightly in his hand, the boy began jumping across the rafters. In his ear was a communication device, and through it he heard the voices of his companions as he headed towards the balcony at the opposite end of the room.

"Showing yourself above the crowd, huh? Excellent maneuver, Joker," A female voice spoke to him.

"Only the best from our leader," A high-pitched male voice added, excitedly.

"Is everyone out safely," The boy called Joker asked.

"Most of us are," A different, softer, male voice responded. "Except for one. You still need to hand the Treasure off to-"

"Hold that thought, Crow!" The first female voice interrupted, "Shadows incoming!"

Joker had made it to the balcony where before him stood three hulking monsters called Shadows. They were vaguely human in shape; though much taller than the average man. They were dressed like security guards, with pale blue skin and glowing yellow eyes.

"These guys are nothing, take 'em down, Joker!" The female voice urged.

Joker pulled a pistol out of his belt and shot the three monsters dead in mere seconds. Their bodies disappeared on impact with the ground. He smirked. "Didn't even break a sweat, and still have bullets to spare." He returned his pistol to his holster and continued on.

"Good job, leader." The female voice said in his ear. "Now get moving; there's a door to your right, take it."

As Joker ran through the specified door, he spoke to his companions once more. "Oracle, are there any enemies this way?" He was now running through a darkened utility hallway of the casino.