Dust and Shadows

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<<fadein 2s>><span class="logo"> <img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Twine_vector_logo.svg/896px-Twine_vector_logo.svg.png"> </span><</fadein>> <<timed 4s t8n>><span class="game-start-timed"> Click anywhere to continue... </span><</timed>> <<cont>><<goto 'start-menu'>><</cont>>

<<fadein 1s>> <div id="start-title">Dust and Shadows</div> <div id="start-subtitle">by Emma M.</div> <<nobr>><div id="start-menu"> <<nobr>><<if Save.autosave.ok() and Save.autosave.has()>><<button "Resume Game">><<run Save.autosave.load()>><</button>><</if>><</nobr>> <<button "New Game" "prologue">><<set $chapter to "Prologue">><</button>> <<button "Load Game">><<run UI.saves();>><</button>> <<button "Settings">><<run UI.settings();>><</button>> <<button "Credits">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("credits","credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>> </div><</nobr>> <</fadein>>

<h2>Twine + Sugarcube</h2> <li>Twine by Chris Klimas - <a href="https://twinery.org/cookbook/" target="_blank">Twine Cookbook</a></li> <li>Sugarcube by Thomas Michael Edwards - <a href="https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/" target="_blank">Sugarcube 2 Documentation</a></li> <li>Custom Macros - <a href="https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2" target="_blank">ChapelR Custom Macros Collection</a></li> <h2>Resources</h2> <li>Icons - <a href="https://fontawesome.com/" target="_blank"> Font Awesome Icons</a></li> <li>Fonts - <a href="https://fonts.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Fonts</a>, <a href="https://opendyslexic.org/" target="_blank">Open Dyslexic</a></li> <li>CSS + HTML Tutorials - <a href="https://www.w3schools.com/">W3Schools</a></li> <h2>Disclaimer</h2> Dust and Shadows is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

<<nobr>> <<set $chapter = "Character Creation">> <</nobr>> Before we get to the story what is your name? <<textbox "$name" "Eli">> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Masculine Name Options |malenames]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Femine Name Options |girlnames]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Gender Neutral Name Options |names]]</div> </div><</nobr>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Next |Character Creation]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<h1>Heading 1</h1> <h2>Heading 2</h2> <h3>Heading 3</h3> <<button "Button">><</button>> <<textbox "$textbox" $textbox>> <<listbox "$listbox">> <<option "Listbox 1">> <<option "Listbox 2">> <<option "Listbox 3">> <</listbox>> <<cycle "$cycle">> <<option "Cycling 1">> <<option "Cycling 2">> <<option "Cycling 3">> <</cycle>> <li>List Item</li> <li>List Item</li> <li>List Item</li> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue|prologue]]</div> <div class="flirt-choice-item">[[Continue|prologue]]</div> <div class="special-choice-item">[[Continue|prologue]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<if settings.notifs>><<if tags().includes('autosave')>><<notify 3.5s>>Saving...<</notify>><</if>><</if>> /* autosaving -- the autosave notif needs to be 'present' at all times so is stored in the passageheader, only popping up when you add the [autosave] tag onto one of your passages. this is mainly for aesthetics as the autosave function is currently set up to save on EVERY passage. this can be changed in the javascript settings, e.g. you could configure it to only autosave on passages with the [autosave] tag notify is also a ChapelR macro, not a default sugarcube macro, so make sure to familiarise yourself with the documentation!*/ <script> var myDiv = document.getElementById('passages'); myDiv.scrollTop = 0; </script> /* scroll top -- this script makes the page scroll back to the top every time you move on to the next passage -- do not delete it! */

<h1>Profile</h1> Under construction for now:3 <div id="stat-title"> <span>Friendly ($friendly%)</span> <span>Stoic (<<print 100 - $friendly>>%)</span> </div> <<showmeter 'Friendly' `$friendly/ $max_friendly`>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>Strength ($strength%)</span> <span>Weakness (<<print 100 - $strength>>%)</span> </div> <<showmeter 'Strength' `$strength/ $max_strength`>>

/* comment -- this is where to set up your variables -- you can delete the examples below. note that $chapter is used to change the chapter title in the title bar. you can either delete this, change the variable name, or change the variable(s) used entirely note that $chapter and $name are also used for the autoname save function. you can either delete this, change the variable name, or change the variable(s) used entirely (in the Javascript file) */ <<set $chapter = "">> <<set $name = "Unknown">> <<set $textbox = "textbox">> <<set $listbox = "listbox">> <<set $cycle = "cycle">> /* ChapelR Meter Macro set up */ /* these stat meter set ups are purely examples and do not need to be used */ <<set $friendly = 50>> <<set $max_friendly = 100>> <<newmeter 'Friendly' $friendly>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $strength = 50>> <<set $max_strength = 100>> <<newmeter 'Strength' $strength>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>>

<div id="title-container"> <span class="title-item"> </span> <span class="chapter-item">$chapter</span> </div>

<<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-bookmark" alt="saves"></i>'>><<run UI.saves();>><</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-gear" alt="settings"></i>'>><<run UI.settings();>><</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-user" alt="profile"></i>'>> <<script>> Dialog.setup("profile","profile"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("profile").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-arrow-rotate-left" alt="return"></i>'>><<run Engine.backward();>><</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-door-open" alt="restart"></i>'>><<run UI.restart();>><</link>>

Set up your widgets here!

<<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue|p_01]]</div> <div class="flirt-choice-item">[[Continue|p_01]]</div> <div class="special-choice-item">[[Continue|p_01]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

And so, you continue to fight. You fight and fight with every ounce of strength you still have; hoping and praying that it’ll be just enough. Through all your efforts you're finally able to sense something other than the pain. There in the distance you can see a spot of darkness. You’re not sure what it is but in this moment you don’t care. Maybe it’ll lead to even worse suffering or maybe just maybe it’ll be an escape. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue|dark]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You feel the white-hot agony spread from your hand up your arm and engulf your entire body. You’d scream till your vocal cords tore if you could, maybe you are? It doesn’t matter. Nothing matters anymore. All you have to do now is wait till the pain finally kills you. Just as you get to the point where you can bear the pain no longer, you notice a spot of darkness in the distance. An escape maybe? Not that it matters. You’ve resigned yourself to this fate, there’s no point in wondering about the possibility of escape. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue|dark]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Suddenly the darkness begins to grow and wraps itself around you, engulfing you. Every part of you that it touches the pain disappears until you’re left feeling, despite everything, normal. Without the pain you realize how utterly exhausted you are, and you can feel yourself begin to drift off into sleep. The darkness, this void, seems to be protecting you. Allowing you to rest, to heal whether you want to or not. Just as you finally begin to lose yourself in sleep you hear a voice whispering “Run child. Run as far as you want but know that you’ll always make your way back to me.” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Chapter One|chap1]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <<set $chapter = "Chapter One">> <</nobr>> When you reawaken the first thing you notice is the utter lack of pain. What was an all-consuming almost maddening pain is now nothing more than a light sting on your hand. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You open your eyes and try to sit up. The pain may be gone now but if it comes back you want to at least know if you’re somewhere safe enough to deal with it.|situp]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You take a deep breath trying to collect yourself before you make any move to get up. You just went through hell and back you deserve a minute to breathe. |breathe]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

When you open your eyes, you’re met with the sight of a night sky. It’s dark but you can’t see any stars or much of the sky for that matter; tall buildings obscuring what probably would've been a nice view. As you sit up you see exactly where you are and quickly realize that the pain from coming back is the least of your worries. All you see is red. Blood. It drenches the alleyway almost as if someone had painted it in the stuff. The copper smell so strong it leaves you on the brink of throwing up. You go to run your hand down your face only to realize that too is covered in blood. You try to wipe your hands off on your clothes, but it does almost nothing. The blood is almost dry and just sticks to your shirt instead of coming off. At least that means you're not actively bleeding from somewhere, right? <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Next|shape]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

As you breathe you mentally check over your body for any injuries. Anything that might explain what the hell just happened: finding everything still seemingly there and intact. You do, however, begin to smell something metallic. Is that blood? Are you bleeding out somewhere and you’re just too dazed to feel it? You quickly open your eyes and sit up the fear of bleeding out overcoming any other thoughts. What you see is far worse than anything you could’ve imagined. All you see is red. Blood. It drenches the alleyway almost as if someone had painted in the stuff. The copper smell so strong it leaves you on the brink of throwing up. You go to run your hand down your face only to realize that too is covered in blood. You try to wipe your hands off on your clothes, but it does almost nothing. The blood is almost dry and just sticks to your shirt instead of coming off. At least that means you're not actively bleeding from somewhere, right? <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Next|shape]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Looking over yourself the only worrying thing that you can find is an odd symbol on your <<cycle "$hand">> <<option "left">> <<option "right">> <</cycle>> hand. Looking at it, you would think it's just a tattoo, but the stinging pain and odd feeling that radiates from the mark lets you know it’s very much not. The mark is a problem for later. As long as it's not actively killing you there are other things you need to worry about. One being the blood drenched alley that you managed to find yourself in. Looking past the gore you're able to see a trail of blood leading down further into the alley heading towards an odd shape on the ground. Part of you already knows what it is without having to see it. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Walk toward the odd shape on the ground|walk]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Stay where you are. You already know what it is, there’s no point in going to see it closer.|stay]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

As you walk towards the shape you very quickly realize you were usurpingly correct about what it was. A body. Looking past the gore you're able to see who they were. A young man with blond hair and glazed over green eyes. It’s hard to tell how long he’s been dead but with the blood now drying on your hands you’re able to take a guess. Just as you’re about to turn away, the sight making you slightly nauseous, you notice something ''//odd//'' about the man. You shift to take a closer look, the shimmering starts pulsating then all at once it shatters. Suddenly everything about the man changes. His eyes are still green but now with cat-like slit pupils, pointed ears just barely visible through his now golden hair. His skin once a pale ivory now lavender and littered in cuts. No, not cuts. ''//Runes//'' Someone has carved runes ''deep'' into the man’s skin. The sticky blood on your hands telling you who exactly might have been the one to do it. But //why//? Why would someone do this? And if it really was you ''why'' do you have no memory of it? As you start to feel yourself spiraling trying to figure out what happened you notice something moving out of the corner of your eye. ''//You’re not alone//'' <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Stay still and try to figure out the fastest way to get out of the alley before whoever they are figures out you know you’re not alone. |staystill]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Turn around and confront them. Running off without a word probably won’t make you look any less guilty than you already seem.|turnaround]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Call out to them without turning around. It’s probably a good idea to make sure they know you’re not a threat before you start moving. |callout]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Run. It doesn’t matter what they think or do just as long as you're faster than them.|run]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Even as you decide you don’t want to get any closer you find yourself walking towards the shape on the ground. No matter how hard you try to stop yourself from moving it’s like something has taken control of you. //Forcing// you forward. Soon you find yourself standing over the shape on the ground. A body. Looking past the gore you're able to see who they were. A young man with blond hair and glazed over green eyes. It’s hard to tell how long he’s been dead but with the blood now drying on your hands you’re able to take a guess. Just as you’re about to turn away, the sight making you slightly nauseous, you notice something ‘’//odd//’’ about the man. You shift to take a closer look, the shimmering seemingly pulsating then all at once it shatters. Suddenly everything about the man changes. His eyes are still green but now with cat-like slit pupils, pointed ears just barely visible through his now golden hair. His skin once a pale ivory now lavender and littered in cuts. No, not cuts. ‘’//Runes//’’ Someone has carved runes ‘’deep’’ into the man’s skin. The sticky blood on your hands telling you who exactly might have been the one to do it. But //why//? Why would someone do this? And if it really was you ‘’why’’ do you have no memory of it? As you start to feel yourself spiraling trying to figure out what happened you notice something moving out of the corner of your eye. //You’re not alone// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Stay still and try to figure out the fastest way to get out of the alley before whoever they are figures out you know you’re not alone. |staystill]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Turn around and confront them. Running off without a word probably won’t make you look any less guilty than you already seem.|turnaround]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Call out to them without turning around. It’s probably a good idea to make sure they know you’re not a threat before you start moving. |callout]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Run. It doesn’t matter what they think or do just as long as you're faster than them.|run]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

To your left you’re able to see some streetlights. That was the direction you saw the figure, but you might be able to make it there before they can react. Or at least have a head start; not that it would do much seeing you have absolutely no clue where you are. To the right you can tell the alleyway takes a turn and you can just barely see the edge of a fire escape. Even if it ends in a dead end, you might have just enough time to climb up the fire escape and get onto the rooftop. Definitely not the safest route but a few bruises is better than having to explain why you're currently kneeling in front of a dead man covered in blood. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Run left|left]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Run right.|right]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You slowly turn around to face them trying your best to not look like someone who may or may not have just killed a man. For a second you don’t see them a bit of hope rising in you that maybe your mind was playing tricks on you, and nobody was there with you at all. But then they’ve move out of the shadows into the moonlight killing that hope. Standing in front of you is a short girl no older than nineteen. Her hair and eyes are dark but, in the moonlight it’s hard to properly see their color. The one thing that's easy to see is her bright red lipstick. Red so vibrant it reminds you of the blood currently stained on your clothes. She’s beautiful. Almost unnaturally so. “You’ve really made a mess of things haven’t you.” Of all the things you expected her to say that is definitely not one of them. You expected her to say “What the fuck what did you do, you monster” or //something// like that. She sounds almost bored and you’re very quickly realizing that this girl is ‘’not’’ just some girl. There’s something distinctly off about her. It’s difficult to place exactly what's off about her. Maybe it’s the fact that her skin is too perfect or it’s her hair that doesn’t even look slightly disheveled. Or maybe you’re just being paranoid and have been staring at her for way too long. “Do you want to keep standing there awkwardly or do you want to get the hell out of here before someone finds this mess?” Okay... <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Why are you so calm about all of this?|wtf]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’m not going anywhere with you.|refuse]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Can I at least know your name first?”|name]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Yeah, let's get the hell out of here.”|leave]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

You take a breath to calm yourself before you speak. You’ve got no idea what you’re going to say. Does it really matter? Nothing you say in this situation is going to help you “Uhm Hello?” For a moment nobody responds, and a bit of hope starts to rise in your chest. Maybe your mind was playing tricks on you, and nobody was there at all. The slight shuffle behind you kills that hope almost immediately. Someone is there and they’re just watching you. It's getting a bit awkward as the silence draws. Part of you wants to get up and turn around but something tells you that's not the best option for this situation. Especially not when the stranger finally speaks “Are you just going to kneel like that forever?” A woman. The voice feminine with a slight accent but you can't place where it's from or how old she is. “I mean I won’t stop you, but it’d probably be a lot easier to have this conversation face to face.” You’re beginning to get the feeling that this woman is very much not just an innocent passerby. You finally stand up and turn around, coming face to face with this stranger in the shadows. Standing in front of you is a short girl no older than nineteen. Her hair and eyes are dark but, in the moonlight it’s hard to properly see their color. The one thing that's easy to see is her bright red lipstick. Red so vibrant it reminds you of the blood currently stained on your clothes. She’s beautiful. Almost unnaturally so. “You’ve really made a mess of things haven’t you.” Of all the things you expected her to say that is definitely not one of them. You expected her to say “What the fuck what did you do, you monster” or //something// like that. She sounds almost bored and you’re very quickly realizing that this girl is ''not'' just some girl. There’s something distinctly off about her. It’s difficult to place exactly what's off about her. Maybe it’s the fact that her skin is too perfect or it’s her hair that doesn’t even look slightly disheveled. Or maybe you’re just being paranoid and have been staring at her for way too long. “Do you want to keep standing there awkwardly or do you want to get the hell out of here before someone finds this mess?” Okay... <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Why are you so calm about all of this?|wtf]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’m not going anywhere with you.|refuse]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Can I at least know your name first?”|name]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Yeah, let's get the hell out of here.”|leave]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

You bolt down the alley without looking behind you seeing no point in running the risk of making yourself identifiable. Before you’re able to make it more than a couple of steps you hear them behind you. They’re fast. //Really fast.// They somehow manage to catch up to you and get ahead of you in seconds. Shoving you back so hard they send you flying back down the alley. You hit the ground. ‘’Hard.’’ With the air knocked out of your lungs and your head practically spinning you’re not able to get back up before they’re standing over you. Standing in over you is a short girl no older than nineteen. Her hair and eyes are dark but, in the moonlight it’s hard to properly see their color. The one thing that's easy to see is her bright red lipstick. Red so vibrant it reminds you of the blood currently stained on your clothes. She’s beautiful. Almost unnaturally so. “You’ve really made a mess of things haven’t you.” Of all the things you expected her to say that is definitely not one of them. You expected her to say “What the fuck what did you do you monster” or //something// like that. She sounds almost bored and you’re very quickly realizing that this girl is ‘’not’’ just some girl. There’s something distinctly off about her. It’s difficult to place exactly what's off about her. Maybe it’s the fact that her skin is too perfect or it’s her hair that doesn’t even look slightly disheveled. Or maybe you’re just being paranoid and have been staring at her for way too long. “Do you want to keep standing there awkwardly or do you want to get the hell out of here before someone finds this mess?” Okay... <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Why are you so calm about all of this?|wtf]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’m not going anywhere with you.|refuse]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Can I at least know your name first?”|name]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Yeah, let's get the hell out of here.”|leave]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

You slowly turn your body to the left ready to run when you hear the person call out to you somehow knowing what you’re about to do. “There’s no point in trying to run. I hope you know that.” The voice is feminine and young with a slight accent that you’re not able to place. It doesn’t really matter. Once you make it out of this alley, you’ll never have to deal with her again. You bolt to the left without looking behind you, seeing no point in running the risk of making yourself identifiable. Before you’re able to make it more than a couple of steps you hear her behind you. She’s fast. //Really fast.// She somehow manages to catch up to you and get ahead of you in seconds. Shoving you back so hard it sends you flying back down the alley. You hit the ground. ''Hard.'' With the air knocked out of your lungs and your head practically spinning you’re not able to get back up before she’s standing over you. “I told you not to run, didn’t I?” Standing in over you is a short girl no older than nineteen. Her hair and eyes are dark but, in the moonlight it’s hard to properly see their color. The one thing that's easy to see is her bright red lipstick. Red so vibrant it reminds you of the blood currently stained on your clothes. She’s beautiful. Almost unnaturally so. “You’ve really made a mess of things haven’t you.” Of all the things you expected her to say that is definitely not one of them. You expected her to say “What the fuck what did you do you monster” or //something// like that. She sounds almost bored and you’re very quickly realizing that this girl is ''not'' just some girl. There’s something distinctly off about her. It’s difficult to place exactly what's off about her. Maybe it’s the fact that her skin is too perfect or it’s her hair that doesn’t even look slightly disheveled. Or maybe you’re just being paranoid and have been staring at her for way too long. “Do you want to keep standing there awkwardly or do you want to get the hell out of here before someone finds this mess?” Okay... <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Why are you so calm about all of this?|wtf]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’m not going anywhere with you.|refuse]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Can I at least know your name first?”|name]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Yeah, let's get the hell out of here.”|leave]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

You slowly turn your body to the right ready to run when you hear the person call out to you somehow knowing what you’re about to do. “There’s no point in trying to run. I hope you know that.” The voice is feminine and young with a slight accent that you’re not able to place. It doesn’t really matter. Once you make it out of this alley, you’ll never have to deal with her again. You bolt to the right without looking behind you, seeing no point in running the risk of making yourself identifiable. Just as you round the corner, you’re able to see that the end of the alley is blocked by several dumpsters. Looking up you see that the fire escape is low enough that you might be able to jump and grab onto it. For a second you feel a bit of hope that you’ll be able to get out. But it doesn’t last long The girl has caught up and she slams into you. ''Hard.'' The force so strong you're sent flying into the dumpsters that were blocking your escape. Head spinning and unable to catch your breath you're unable to do anything more than look up at the girl. “I told you not to run, didn’t I?” Standing over you is a short girl no older than nineteen. Her hair and eyes are dark; in the moonlight it’s hard to properly see their color. The one thing that's easy to see is her bright red lipstick. Red so vibrant it reminds you of the blood currently stained on your clothes. She’s beautiful. Almost unnaturally so. “You’ve really made a mess of things haven’t you.” Of all the things you expected her to say that is definitely not one of them. You expected her to say “What the fuck what did you do you monster” or //something// like that. She sounds almost bored and you’re very quickly realizing that this girl is ‘’not’’ just some girl. There’s something distinctly off about her. It’s difficult to place exactly what's off about her. Maybe it’s the fact that her skin is too perfect or it’s her hair that doesn’t even look slightly disheveled. Or maybe you’re just being paranoid and have been staring at her for way too long. “Do you want to keep standing there awkwardly or do you want to get the hell out of here before someone finds this mess?” Okay... <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Why are you so calm about all of this?|wtf]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“I’m not going anywhere with you.|refuse]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Can I at least know your name first?”|name]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Yeah, let's get the hell out of here.”|leave]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

“Why are you so calm right now? I look like I just killed a man.” You probably //did// kill him but that’s not important right now. Besides, you can’t really admit to doing something that you have no memory of doing. Right? Being calm right now is //not// normal. Not that she seems all that normal, but now she’s on the boarder of being kind of disturbing “Trust me this is nothing. I’ve seen a lot worse.” The lack of emotion in her voice sends a shiver of fear down your spine. What does she mean she's seen worse? Has she //just// seen it or has she done worse herself. Before you’re able to reply she’s stepped forward wrapping her hand around your wrist and begins to pull you down the alleyway. Her grip is firm but not tight or painful. For a split second you contemplate trying to pull away but the strength of the grip she has on your wrist lets you know there is no way you’d be able to set yourself free. You’re left to do nothing but follow this strange girl and hope that she isn’t dragging you to a police station. “I’m Juliette by the way.” For the first time since you’ve met her there’s finally some sort of emotion in her voice. She sounds like she's almost trying to calm you? You’d be lying if you said it wasn’t working. //''Don't trust her.''// What the fuck. That was not your voice. Are you going insane? Why are you suddenly hearing voices that are very much not your own in your head? ''//She’s not human. Really look at her.//'' <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Really look at her.|vamp]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

“Yeah, no I’m not going anywhere with you.” You don’t care who she is or what she wants. You sure as hell aren’t going to follow her and just hope she’s not leading you to a police station, ready to turn you in. You go to turn away sure that you’re better off on your own when she stops you with a hand wrapping around your wrist. Her grip is firm but not tight or painful. You try to set yourself free, but her grip only tightens. She’s not going to let you go. That doesn’t mean you aren’t going to keep fighting her. “Do you really have to make this a fight? I’m just trying to help you.” She’s annoyed. Very annoyed, and your fighting isn’t making her any happier. “Oh, I’m so sorry that I'm not willing to follow some random girl that I just met and hope she isn’t lying about wanting to help me.” “I’m not just some random girl. Right now, I’m the only person in this city that’s actually willing to help you.” Now what does //that// mean. Do you have enemies here or is this place just hostile to everyone? For a split second you stop fighting leaving the girl with just enough time to yank you down the alleyway. “I'm Juliette by the way, and I’m serious about wanting to help you. You don’t have to trust me, but you need to listen to me.” For the first time since you’ve met her there’s finally something besides annoyance in her voice. She sounds like she's almost trying to calm you? You’d be lying if you said it wasn’t working. //''Don't trust her.''// What the fuck. That was not your voice. Are you going insane? Why are you suddenly hearing voices that are very much not your own in your head? ''//She’s not human. Really look at her.//'' <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Really look at her.|vamp]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

“Can I at least know your name first?” “I’m Juliette. Now let's go.” Before you’re able to reply she’s stepped forward wrapping her hand around your wrist and begins to pull you down the alleyway. Her grip is firm but not tight or painful. For a split second you contemplate trying to pull away but the strength of the grip she has on your wrist lets you know there is no way you’d be able to set yourself free. You’re left to do nothing but follow this strange girl and hope that she isn’t dragging you to a police station. Almost as if she can feel your reluctance, she speaks again. “I promise I’m not going to hurt you or anything like that. I’m just here to help” For the first time since you’ve met her there’s finally some sort of emotion in her voice. She sounds like she's almost trying to calm you? You’d be lying if you said it wasn’t working. ‘’////''Don't trust her.''////’’ What the fuck. That was not your voice. Are you going insane? Why are you suddenly hearing voices that are very much not your own in your head? ''//She’s not human. Really look at her.//'' <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Really look at her.|vamp]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

“Yeah, let’s get the hell out of here.” You genuinely cannot bring yourself to care about who she is or where you’re going. Right now, all you want to do is put as much distance as you can between yourself and this alleyway as you can. The girl grabs your wrist and begins to pull you towards the way out. Her grip is firm but not tight or painful. For a split second you contemplate trying to pull away but the strength of the grip she has on your wrist lets you know there is no way you’d be able to set yourself free. You’re left to do nothing but follow this strange girl and hope that she isn’t dragging you to a police station. “I’m Juliette by the way, and I promise I’m not here to cause you anymore problems. I'm just trying to help.” For the first time since you’ve met her there’s finally some sort of emotion in her voice. She sounds like she's almost trying to calm you? You’d be lying if you said it wasn’t working. //''Don't trust her.''// What the fuck. That was not your voice. Are you going insane? Why are you suddenly hearing voices that are very much not your own in your head? ''//She’s not human.//'' <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Really look at her.|vamp]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

For a moment you don’t notice what exactly could prove that she’s not human. She looks normal enough, but then you notice it. Just there barely peeking out past her lips. Fangs. She has fangs. //She’s a vampire.// The realization crashes down on you forcing you to stop. Thankfully she doesn’t force you to keep walking and stops turning to face you, the streetlights now illuminating just how not human she is; her skin not just pale but almost white as if it’s she's never been in the sun add that to how cold her hand is and the fangs that you now realize have been out on display the entire time she’s spoken to you. It’s so blatantly obvious what she is you’re almost embarrassed that you didn't catch it before. “You’re a vampire.” The words slip out before you can stop them. Is it rude to say that to her? For some reason you’re not afraid of her being a vampire, but you are oddly worried that you might offend her. “Wow, you really cracked the case on that one Sherlock.” Her voice is practically dripping with sarcasm. Seems you annoyed her. Again. “If me being a vampire is going to be a problem, let me know now. I really don’t want to make that discovery later when I've actually started to like you.” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Nope, no problem don’t worry.” Does it really matter what she is? She says she wants to help you and you’re not exactly in a place where you can say no.|notruth]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Nope, no problem here.” You’re lying but you still need her help. You can deal with this vampire situation later.|nolie]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

Juliette looks at you for a moment and you try your best to seem as genuine as possible. You might not be lying, but if she thinks you are and leaves you here, you’re kind of fucked. After what feels like an eternity, she nods and starts walking again. “Good. Now make sure to keep up and out of the light. We don’t need anyone seeing you right now.” For a split second, you’re offended, but then you remember the very bloody state your clothes are currently in. You nod at her even though you know she won’t see it and race to keep up. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[For someone so short, she sure does walk fast.|otwnira]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

Juliette looks at you for a moment and you try your best to seem as genuine as possible. If she realizes you're lying, you’re kind of fucked. After what feels like an eternity, she nods and starts walking again, and you sigh in relief. “Good. Now make sure to keep up and out of the light. We don’t need anyone seeing you right now.” For a split second, you’re offended, but then you remember the very bloody state your clothes are currently in. You nod at her and race to keep up. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[For someone so short, she sure does walk fast.|otwnira]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

“Where are we going?” “I have a friend that can help us. They’re not that far from here.” Her response is short and you’re starting to get the feeling that anymore questions are going to annoy her further. Either Juliette is incredibly easy to bother, or you’re just that annoying. Or both. It could definitely be both. ''//It’s both.//'' It takes everything in you to not stumble when you hear the voice again. You’re half tempted to look around in hopes that someone else is walking with you, but you know there isn’t. Just you, Juliette, and the random voice in your head. //Thats kind of rude to say,// you think hoping that you might get a response from the voice, and a couple of seconds later you do. ''//It’s the truth.//'' You go to respond but some part of you just knows you won’t be getting an answer. It’s almost like it's closed a door. You can’t hear it and it can’t hear you. Hopefully it’ll stay like that till you figure out how to deal with it, but something tells you that the voice will be back soon. Suddenly, Juliette comes to a stop, tearing you from your thoughts. Looking up, you see that you’ve stopped in front of an apartment building. An old one that you probably could never dream of affording. Are they even going to let you in there with the state you’re in? “Okay, we’re here.” Juliette relaxes slightly. It seems she hasn’t been as calm about this whole situation as you had thought, not that you can blame her. “From here on forward, I need you to follow my lead. Don’t say or do anything unless I tell you to. Got it?” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Got it.” She hasn’t led you astray yet what could she possible do now?|trust]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“You can’t keep expecting me to follow you around without any answers, you know that right?” Follow The follow-my -orders -and -don’t -ask -any -questions game is getting really very old really very quick. If she wants you to listen, she’s got to offer you something in exchange.|question]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“Yeah, alright I got it.” You’re getting really tired of her telling you what to do but you’re so close to being free from her it doesn’t matter.|distrust]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

“I don’t know if you’re too kind or just stupid for trusting me so much ,but thank you. Seriously.” She looks at you, and you can practically feel her appreciation radiating from her. Juliette may be a stranger to you, but she’s a stranger that seems to be risking a lot for you. You’ll get answers on what's happening later right now you just need to follow her lead. You watch her take a breath and reach to open the door; throwing a quick smile at you over her shoulder before stepping in. As you follow her, you’re left awestruck looking at the lobby of the building: marble floors so shiny you could see your reflection off them, and a sitting area with leather couches that cost more than you’ll ever be worth. You want to sit on one of them, but with how filthy you are, they’d probably have to be thrown away as soon as you got up. Looking at the equally expensive desk, you don’t see anyone sitting there, but that doesn’t seem to slow Juliette down. Juliette walks right for the elevator and hits one of the buttons, apparently having been here often enough to know where to go without any help. The elevator doesn’t take long, and next thing you know you’re standing in front of an apartment door. //Apartment 131.// You try to fight back the urge to ask who exactly lives here, but just as Juliette goes to knock on the door the urge wins. “Juliette, who exactly are we here to see?” For a moment she seems almost taken aback, as if she can’t understand how you don’t know whose apartment you’re at right now. That doesn’t seem like a good sign. “We’re here to see Ianira Clarke, the High Warlock of Seattle.” You can tell that name is supposed to mean something; High Warlock seems like a rather important title, but it means nothing to you. For a moment, something stirs in your mind, but it disappears almost as quickly as it came. Not waiting for your response, Juliette lifts her fist and knocks three times on the door. You can hear someone walking towards the door, and you find yourself holding your breath, somewhat terrified of who you’re about to meet. //It’s going to be okay. Juliette trusts them. Nothing bad is going to happen.// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[The door opens.|niraintro]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Instead of moving inside, she just stares at you, a scowl forming on her face. “You will get the full explanation when we’re off the god damn street. Now promise you’re going to do what I say, or I’m not telling you shit,” Juliette says shortly. Now you really have no choice but to agree or risk being left behind. You nod at her, and she just stares at you. After a moment, let's out an aggravated sigh and turns to walk inside, not sparing you another glance. You’ll get answers on what's happening later. Right now you just need to follow her lead. As you follow her, you’re left awestruck looking at the lobby of the building: marble floors so shiny you could see your reflection off them, and a sitting area with leather couches that cost more than you’ll ever be worth. You want to sit on one of them, but with how filthy you are, they’d probably have to be thrown away as soon as you got up. Looking at the equally expensive desk, you don’t see anyone sitting there, but that doesn’t seem to slow Juliette down. Juliette walks right for the elevator and hits one of the buttons, apparently having been here often enough to know where to go without any help. The elevator doesn’t take long, and next thing you know you’re standing in front of an apartment door. //Apartment 131.// You try to fight back the urge to ask who exactly lives here, but just as Juliette goes to knock on the door the urge wins. “Juliette who exactly are we here to see?” For a moment she seems almost taken aback, as if she can’t understand how, you don’t know whose apartment you’re at right now. That doesn’t seem like a good sign. “We’re here to see Ianira Clarke, the High Warlock of Seattle.” You can tell that name is supposed to mean something; High Warlock seems like a rather important title, but it means nothing to you. For a moment, something stirs in your mind, but it disappears almost as quickly as it came. Not waiting for your response, Juliette lifts her fist and knocks three times on the door. You can hear someone walking towards the door, and you find yourself holding your breath, somewhat terrified of who you’re about to meet. //It’s going to be okay. Juliette trusts them. Nothing bad is going to happen.// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[The door opens.|niraintro]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Instead of moving inside she just stares at you; a slight scowl forming on her face. She knows you’re lying, but right now it seems like she isn’t going to call you out for it. “I promise I’ll explain things later,” she says shortly and turns to walk inside, not sparing you another glance. You’ll get answers on what's happening later. Right now, you just need to follow her lead. As you follow her, you’re left awestruck looking at the lobby of the building: marble floors so shiny you could see your reflection off them, and a sitting area with leather couches that cost more than you’ll ever be worth. You want to sit on one of them, but with how filthy you are, they’d probably have to be thrown away as soon as you got up. Looking at the equally expensive desk, you don’t see anyone sitting there, but that doesn’t seem to slow Juliette down. Juliette walks right for the elevator and hits one of the buttons, apparently having been here often enough to know where to go without any help. The elevator doesn’t take long, and next thing you know you’re standing in front of an apartment door. //Apartment 131.// You try to fight back the urge to ask who exactly lives here, but just as Juliette goes to knock on the door the urge wins. “Juliette who exactly are we here to see?” For a moment she seems almost taken aback, as if she can’t understand how, you don’t know whose apartment you’re at right now. That doesn’t seem like a good sign. “We’re here to see Ianira Clarke, the High Warlock of Seattle.” You can tell that name is supposed to mean something; High Warlock seems like a rather important title, but it means nothing to you. For a moment, something stirs in your mind, but it disappears almost as quickly as it came. Not waiting for your response, Juliette lifts her fist and knocks three times on the door. You can hear someone walking towards the door, and you find yourself holding your breath, somewhat terrified of who you’re about to meet. //It’s going to be okay. Juliette trusts them. Nothing bad is going to happen.// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[The door opens.|niraintro]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

The door swings open to reveal a disheveled looking person, their long curly hair pulled back into a braid that's barely holding itself together. Looking at them, you can see sleep lines still marked on her skin, and with the glare they have aimed at Juliette, it's easy to put together that you two have woken her from a dead sleep. “You better have a damn good reason for being here right now.” They practically growl the words at Juliette, and you’re beginning to think that maybe this was all a mistake. You don’t even notice that you’ve started to shift backwards until you hear the floorboards creak. You look up, just for Ianiras gaze to pin you in place, the sight of her eyes leaves you breathless. The green of her eyes feels unnatural, and yet they’re still breathtaking. The slight glow radiating from them has left you entranced, and for some reason you’ve seemed to have left Ianira in a similar state. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You can hear Juliette still talking, but you can't get yourself to break eye contact. It’s almost like she’s trapped you in her gaze.|normaloption]]</div> <div class="flirt-choice-item">[[You can feel your cheeks heat up and part of you wants to look away, but you can’t bring yourself to do-it.|flirtinaira1]] </div> <div class="flirt-choice-item">[[They’re beautiful and you’re not afraid to admit it. You’d have no problem standing here, just staring at her all day if she’d let you.|boldflirtnira1]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

After a moment, you're finally able to break eye contact and can feel your cheeks flush. You look down to take a breath-, but when you look back up Ianira has already turned back to Juliette, who apparently had been speaking the whole time. However you do catch her quick glimpse back to you, causing your heart to stutter for a moment. Apparently, whatever Juliette had been saying to Ianira was enough to convince her to let the both of you in. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[With nothing more than a sigh, Ianira opens the door and ushers the two of you in.|enterapartment]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

After a moment, she finally breaks eye contact, and you can see a slight flush on her cheeks. You can’t help but smile a little and this seems to only make it worse. They quickly glance back at Juliette, who apparently had been speaking the whole time, and let out a sigh. Whatever Juliette had been speaking about, it seems that Ianira has already made up her mind. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[With nothing more than a sigh, Ianira opens the door and ushers the two of you in.|enterapartment]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You finally manage to break eye contact, but when you look up, Ianira is still staring at you, contemplating something. In that moment, it’s almost as if she’s not even seeing //you// when she looks at you, but a ghost of someone else. With a shake of her head, she stops looking at you and turns back to Juliette. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Apparently having already made up her mind, Ianira lets out a sigh and steps back, opening the door for the two of you to come in. |enterapartment]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

The apartment door closes behind you and you’re greeted with the sight of an apartment that is worth ten times anything you’ll ever be able to have. While the rest of the building //is// fancy it almost feels fake, like they’re putting on a show that makes sure everyone knows that you can’t afford to be here. All shiny, metallic and modern and honestly kind of ugly when you compare it to the apartment you’re standing in now. Everywhere you look, there seems to be something green. If it was anyone else, you’re sure it would be too much, but here it seems to be just perfect. Elegant furniture- with a mixture of hard wood and vibrant wall papers, it’s very clear that Ianira has invested a lot of time and money into making everything in her home just perfect. Juliette walks past you farther into the apartment and you go to follow her. From here you can see the living room; the sight of the lush green couch makes you realize just how badly you want to sit down and take a moment to breathe, but you’re abruptly stopped from moving any further when a hand firmly grabs your shoulder. “Don’t you even think about sitting on my furniture in the state that you’re in.” Ianira looks you up and down and you’re reminded that you are still, in fact, covered in blood. “I don’t exactly have anything I can change into,” you say, trying to keep the awkwardness out of your voice. It’s not like she’s going to kick you out or anything. Right? “I’ll find you a set of clothes.” They pause for a moment once again looking you up and down, a look of disgust on their face. “Just get out of those ones before you start spreading a disease or something around my home.” Ianira stops and opens a door, opening to a bathroom that seems to be lacking the elegance of the rest of her apartment. With a slight shove- she pushes you in and turns away. “Don’t worry about staining anything. I’ll be throwing out whatever you use anyways,” and with that, they’re rounding the corner back into the living room. Probably to hound Juliette on why the hell she thought it was a good idea to bring you here. Closing the bathroom door, you look around-, noticing the mirror across the room; a wave of nervousness washing over you at the thought of what you might look like. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[There’s no point in avoiding the enviable. Just look in the mirror and get this over with. |lookmirror]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Let’s take a shower first. Some part of you already knows you’re not going to like what you see in the mirror, and it’ll probably be easier to deal with when you aren’t drenched in blood. |showerfirst]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

The moment you feel the warm water hit your body, a wave of exhaustion rushes over you. The water helping you finally feel your body again, you realize you’re not as unscathed as you previously thought. You can feel cuts on your face and arms stinging as the soap makes contact with them. Looking at the ones on your arms, you suddenly realize they aren’t just cuts; they're scratches from someone clawing at you. Whatever you do or whoever you hurt put up one hell of a fight. //’’Oh, they certainly did, $name, but you got the best of them. You always do.’’// The voice speaking again almost makes you stumble in the shower. You manage to catch yourself, but your heart is still racing. You don’t even need to respond. You can feel the smugness radiating off them. It’s toying with you. Whoever they are, it seems they’re enjoying every minute of your terror. The brief encounter with the voice effectively ruins any peace you were able to find in the shower. You step out as quickly as you can, just so that you don’t have to be alone with it anymore. As you wrap your towel around yourself, you look around and notice that your bloodstained clothes are gone, replaced by a set folded neatly by the sink. Stepping forward you notice a note is placed on top of them. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Next|shower2]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Walking across the cold tile floor, you stand in front of the mirror. Taking a deep breath, you look up; almost immediately a sense of unease washes over you. The first thing you notice are your eyes. They’re golden. Leaning closer, it looks like the color is almost moving; like a river of gold trapped in them. You don’t have to remember much to know that this is //not// normal. These are not your eyes. Panic begins to wash over you-, and you force yourself to look away from your eyes and the rest of your face-, not that the rest of you is any better at calming you down. With the amount of blood your face is covered in-, you’re shocked that Juliette didn’t run screaming from you in that alleyway. You look like a beast after its just killed its prey-, blood running down your mouth and chin like you ripped someone's throat out. Raising up your hand-, you can more so feel the cuts and scratches on your face than see them. Whatever you did or whoever you hurt put up one hell of a fight. //''Oh, they certainly did, but you got the best of them. You always do.''// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[ “Shut up.” You don’t want to deal with the voice in your head right now. All you want to do is take a shower and try to forget what you look like right now. |shutshower]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[“What do you mean?” you manage to whisper. You’re afraid. Not just of the voice, but of yourself too. What did you do? What happened that you can’t remember? |questionvoice]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

// Wasn’t sure what size you are but I tried my best. Sorry if you were attached to your old clothes, but I’m burning them. When you’re dressed, come to the kitchen. - Ianira// Putting on the clothes, you finally find yourself in front of the mirror. Bracing yourself, you look up, and almost immediately a sense of unease washes over you. The first thing you notice are your eyes. They’re golden. Leaning closer, it looks like the color is almost moving; like a river of gold trapped in your eyes. You don’t have to remember much to know that this is ''not'' normal. These are not your eyes. A sense of panic begins to wash over you, and you force yourself to look away from your eyes and the rest of your face— not that the rest of you is any better at calming you down. Glancing over the rest of your face, you see the scratches you felt earlier in the shower. None of them are so deep that they’ll scar, but they’re certainly going to take their time healing. Now, with the blood washed out, you're finally able to see that the true shade of your <<nobr>><<cycle "$hairtype">> <<option "curly">> <<option "straight">> <<option "coily">> <<option "wavy">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$haircolor">> hair <<option "brown">> <<option "red">> <<option "blonde">> <<option "black">> <<option "auburn">> <</cycle>> <</nobr>> still wet from the shower. Your <<nobr>><<cycle "$skincolor">> skin <<option "ivory">> <<option "warm beige">> <<option "cool beige">> <<option "rosy">> <<option "tawny">> <<option “olive”>> <<option “light brown”>> <<option “golden brown” <<option “russet brown”>> <<option “dark brown”>> <<option “warm black”>> <<option “cool black”>> <<option “deep black”>> <</cycle>> <</nobr>>now clean of any dried blood, feeling slightly achy from how hard you had to scrub to get it all off. You look exhausted and about ready to drop, but thankfully you finally look normal again and not like some blood-soaked psycho. Hopefully you’re clean enough for Ianira to grant you couch privileges. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Giving yourself one final look in the mirror you think you’re finally ready to brave whatever storm awaits you in the kitchen. |kitchen]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

Shockingly, the voice listens, but you can feel the smugness radiating off of them. It’s toying with you. Whoever they are, it seems they’re enjoying every minute of your confusion and fear. Whatever. It doesn’t matter right now. What does matter is having a shower and the chance to finally sit down and relax after this night from hell. The moment you feel the warm water hit your body, a wave of exhaustion rushes over you. The water helping you finally feel your body again, you realize you’re not as unscathed as you previously thought. You can feel cuts on your face and arms stinging as the soap makes contact with them. The brief encounter with the voice earlier ruins any sort of peace you’re able to find in the shower. Afraid of it reappearing, you step out of the shower as quickly as you can, just so that you don’t have to risk be alone with it. As you wrap your towel around yourself, you look around and notice that your bloodstained clothes are gone, replaced by a set folded neatly by the sink. Stepping forward, you notice a note is placed on top of them. // Wasn’t sure what size you are, but I tried my best. Sorry if you were attached to your old clothes, but I’m burning them. When you’re dressed come to the kitchen. - Ianira// Looking up into the mirror again, you’re finally able to see what you look like when not completely drenched in someone's blood-, Now freshly washed you're finally able to see that the true shade of your <<nobr>> <<cycle "$hairtype">> <<option "curly">> <<option "straight">> <<option "coily">> <<option "wavy">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$haircolor">> hair <<option "brown">> <<option "red">> <<option "blonde">> <<option "black">> <<option "auburn">> <</cycle>> <</nobr>> still wet from the shower. Your <<nobr>><<cycle "$skincolor">> skin <<option "ivory">> <<option "warm beige">> <<option "cool beige">> <<option "rosy">> <<option "tawny">> <<option “olive”>> <<option “light brown”>> <<option “golden brown” <<option “russet brown”>> <<option “dark brown”>> <<option “warm black”>> <<option “cool black”>> <<option “deep black”>> <</cycle>> <</nobr>>skin now clean of any dried blood, feeling slightly achy from how hard you had to scrub to get it all off. You look exhausted and about ready to drop but thankfully you finally look normal again and not some blood-soaked psycho. Hopefully you’re clean enough for Ianira to grant you couch privileges. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Giving yourself one final look in the mirror you think you’re finally ready to brave whatever storm awaits you in the kitchen. |kitchen]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

They don’t respond, but you can feel the smugness radiating off them. They’re toying with you. Whoever they are, it seems they’re enjoying every minute of your terror. A part of you wants to curl up and cry. Who on earth did you wrong so horribly for this cruel being to be stuck in your head? You catch yourself before you spiral even more. Having a breakdown right now probably isn’t the best idea, not with two strangers down the hall waiting to grill you for answers that you probably don’t even have. You take a deep breath, grounding yourself; what you need to do is take a shower and finally sit down and relax. The moment you feel the warm water hit your body, a wave of exhaustion rushes over you. The water helping you finally feel your body again, you realize you’re not as unscathed as you previously thought. You can feel cuts on your face and arms stinging as the soap makes contact with them. The brief encounter with the voice earlier ruins any sort of peace you’re able to find in the shower. Afraid of it reappearing, you step out of the shower as quickly as you can, just so that you don’t have to risk being alone with it. As you wrap your towel around yourself, you look around and notice that your bloodstained clothes are gone, replaced by a set folded neatly by the sink. Stepping forward, you notice a note is placed on top of them. // Wasn’t sure what size you are but I tried my best. Sorry if you were attached to your old clothes, but I’m burning them. When you’re dressed, come to the kitchen. - Ianira// Looking up into the mirror again, you’re finally able to see what you look like when not completely drenched in someone's blood. Now, with the blood washed out, you're finally able to see that the true shade of your <<nobr>><<cycle "$hairtype">> <<option "curly">> <<option "straight">> <<option "coily">> <<option "wavy">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$haircolor">> hair <<option "brown">> <<option "red">> <<option "blonde">> <<option "black">> <<option "auburn">> <</cycle>> <</nobr>> still wet from the shower. Your <<nobr>><<cycle "$skincolor">> skin <<option "ivory">> <<option "warm beige">> <<option "cool beige">> <<option "rosy">> <<option "tawny">> <<option “olive”>> <<option “light brown”>> <<option “golden brown” <<option “russet brown”>> <<option “dark brown”>> <<option “warm black”>> <<option “cool black”>> <<option “deep black”>> <</cycle>> <</nobr>>now clean of any dried blood, feeling slightly achy from how hard you had to scrub to get it all off. You look exhausted and about ready to drop, but thankfully you finally look normal again, and not some like blood-soaked psycho. Hopefully you’re clean enough for Ianira to grant you couch privileges. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Giving yourself one final look in the mirror you think you’re finally ready to brave whatever storm awaits you in the kitchen. |kitchen]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

Stepping into the kitchen you see Ianira and Juliette talking quietly at the table. Juliette is the first to notice you, abruptly stopping the conversation she was having with Ianira. “Well, would you look at that? There really is a person underneath all that mess,” Juliette says, the annoyance from before seemingly gone. Maybe she also just needed to sit down for a moment and breathe. The mere thought of sitting down makes your legs feel like they’re going to collapse. You collapse into one of the dining chairs; not caring if Ianira has some type of objection to where you go. Unless she prefers you to collapse on her floor, this is the best option for everyone. Looking at the two of them, you just now notice the awkwardness in the air. Nobody says a word. The two of them just stare at you, and you feel yourself begin to fidget. “So, what are we talking about?” you ask, your voice shaking slightly, you can’t tell if it's from nervousness or just exhaustion. If you were more awake, you’d probably feel embarrassed, but right now all you want to do is get this conversation over with. “We were just discussing what we think might’ve happened to you.” Ianira is the one to speak this time. It’s still difficult to make eye contact with her but you force yourself to do it anyway. “We’re also trying to figure out what to do with you.” //We’re also trying to figure out what to do with you.// The words ring in your head. What could that possibly mean? Are they not just going to let you go on your way in the morning? Are they going to turn you into the authorities or something? Panic bubbles up in your chest; what if they really don’t plan on helping you at all, and this was all some trick? “$name.” The sound of your name snaps you out of your panic. Slowly looking up, you realize it was Juliette who called out to you. When the hell did you ever tell her your name? You didn’t even remember it ‘til right now. Suspicion replaces your earlier panic and the urge to leave the apartment starts to sound more and more enticing. Before you can move, Ianira is already speaking, trying to calm you down. “Yes $name, we know your name, and no, we’re not going to turn you in, so calm down.” They stand up and grab a plate off the counter and set it down in front of you. “Now eat while we talk about what the hell we’re going to do”. You don’t offer Ianira a response; you’re more focused on eating everything on the plate. You had no idea how hungry you were, but now it’s all you can think about; if sitting here and listening is all you’ve got to do, then you’re more than happy to let it happen. “Maybe we should contact the Clave and let $him be their problem.” “I’d rather spend months doing literally anything else than ever voluntarily speaking to the Clave, Juliette.” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[“Who the hell is the Clave”, you say around the food in your mouth |dinnerquestion]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You don’t say anything. Not that you’re sure they’ll give you much of an answer right now even if you did ask. You’d much rather sit here and let them fight it out, means less work for you. |dinnersilent]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <<set $chapter = "Prologue">> <</nobr>> Pain. Hot, searing pain. It’s the only thing you can feel. The only thing you can remember. You can’t think of anything other than the agony coming from your hand; white and hot blinding you. You don’t know where you are. You don’t know who you are. Pain is devouring you; mind, body, and soul. There is no escape, no relief. You will be forced to experience this hell for eternity, and you don’t even remember why it’s happening. There is nothing left to but resign yourself to this fate. Maybe one day it’ll end but that end is nowhere in sight. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Fight through the pain. There must be a way to make it stop.|fightpain]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Let it consume you. If this is all you are there's no point in fighting it.|consume]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Ianira and Juliette don't even spare you a glance. It seems you’ll have to wait until their little debate is over before you get any answers. “If you’re so against going to the Clave then we’ve still got to find a place for him to stay while we figure out what to do.” Juliette’s irritated tone has returned, and you’re thankful it’s finally not directed at you. Looking over at Ianira, it seems they’re just as irritated; she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. When she opens them, they’re looking directly at you. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You stare back at her not particularly feeling anything. They have your full cooperation if it means you get to sit here and do almost nothing. |neutrallook]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You stare back at her with wide eyes, not entirely sure what you’re supposed to do. Should you try and talk now or are they just going to ignore whatever you say? |questionlook]]</div> <div class="flirt-choice-item">[[Your face heats and you try to look away. It’s honestly getting very embarrassing how much of an effect they can have on you with just one look. |flirtlook]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

As you continue to eat, the two continue their debate, not even sparing you a glance. You’ve got a feeling that if you even tried to ask a question right now, they’d completely ignore it. “If you’re so against going to the Clave then we’ve still got to find a place for him to stay while we figure out what to do.” Juliette’s irritated tone has returned, and you’re thankful it’s finally not directed at you. Looking over at Ianira, it seems they’re just as irritated; she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. When she opens them, they’re looking directly at you. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="flirt-choice-item"[[Your face heats and you try to look away. It’s honestly getting very embarrassing how much of an effect they can have on you with just one look. |flirtlook]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[You stare back at her with wide eyes, not entirely sure what you’re supposed to do. Should you try and talk now or are they just going to ignore whatever you say? |questionlook]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[You stare back at her not particularly feeling anything. They have your full cooperation if it means you get to sit here and do almost nothing. |neutrallook]] ]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Nira blinks a couple of times at you, apparently having noticed how flustered you are, but thankfully says nothing. Suddenly, you recognize the look she has on her face is the same look she had when they first saw you. It’s like when they look at you, they’re seeing someone else. The urge to ask is strong, but you don’t want to risk pushing any sensitive topics right now. When the time is right, you’ll ask, but right now isn’t that time. “$He can stay with me,” Ianira says, finally looking away from you, “at least until we find out what happened.” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[A wave of relief floods through your body. You don’t have to worry about being kicked out, well for the moment at least. |relief]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[You feel uneasy about this, but you know ultimately you don’t really have any other options. |unease]] </div> <div class="flirt-choice-item">[[The thought of staying in Ianiras apartment makes you a little nervous but you’re also excited. Maybe you’ll be able to be friends with them. Just friends. Nothing more. |flirtfirend]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

You two stare at each other for a moment, and then you see it. The look she had on her face when they first saw you is back; it’s almost like she's looking at you and seeing someone else. The urge to ask is strong, but you don’t really want to risk any sensitive topics right now. When the time is right, you’ll ask, but for now, you’ll keep your questions to yourself. “$He can stay with me,” Ianira says, finally looking away from you, “at least until we find out what happened.” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[A wave of relief floods through your body. You don’t have to worry about being kicked out, well for the moment at least. |relief]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You feel uneasy about this, but you know ultimately you don’t really have any other options. |unease]]</div> <div class="flirt-choice-item">[[The thought of staying in Ianiras apartment makes you a little nervous but you’re also excited. Maybe you’ll be able to be friends with them. Just friends. Nothing more. |flirtfirend]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Looking at her, you see an odd but familiar look come across her face, and suddenly you’re reminded of where you’ve seen it before. It’s the same look they gave you when they first saw you; it’s almost like when she looks at you, she’s seeing a ghost of someone else. The urge to ask who you remind her of is tempting, but with the sadness in their eyes you can tell that it’s a sensitive topic. It’s probably a bad idea to push it right now. “$He can stay with me,” Ianira says, finally looking away from you, “at least until we find out what happened.” <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[A wave of relief floods through your body. You don’t have to worry about being kicked out, well for the moment at least. |relief]] </div> <div class="choice-item">[[You feel uneasy about this, but you know ultimately you don’t really have any other options. |unease]] </div> <div class="flirt-choice-item">[[The thought of staying in Ianiras apartment makes you a little nervous but you’re also excited. Maybe you’ll be able to be friends with them. Just friends. Nothing more. |flirtfirend]] </div> </div><</nobr>>

“Thank you.” The words slip out of your mouth before you’re able to stop them. Looking between Ianira and Juliette, the gratitude you feel towards them is beyond belief. Maybe they’ve got other motives than just wanting to help you, but you can’t think about that right now. You refuse to think about it. All that's on your mind is the fact you’ll have a warm bed to sleep in tonight, and hopefully some time to be able to sit and try to remember anything that's happened to you. Now that your initial fear of not having a safe place to stay is gone, you can feel the fear that you don’t remember anything starting to creep up on you. Thankfully, Ianira stands up and leads all of you out of the kitchen, back into the entryway. Ianira leads you through the hallway and Juliette falls back to walk next to you. You can feel she wants to say something, but she keeps hesitating. After an awkwardly long minute, she seems to have finally made up her mind on what she wants to say. “Look, I know this is all confusing, but I promise it’s safe here. Ianira won’t let anything happen to you,” she pauses, and you see a smirk working its way onto her face, “even if they can be a bit of a bitch sometimes.” You can’t stop yourself from letting out a laugh, and the look Ianira throws the two of you over her shoulder only makes you laugh harder. Ianira comes to a stop in front of a door and looks at you very pointedly. “You can stay here. Don’t go into any of the other rooms; I don’t appreciate people snooping through my things,” she says with a stern tone. Honestly, the idea of snooping around hadn’t even crossed your mind, but now it's kind of tempting. Ianira turns to walk further down the hall and Juliette moves to follow her, both offering you a goodnight; part of you wants to follow them, but you can practically hear the bed in your room calling your name. Tomorrow, you’ll make sure they include you in their conversations, but right now you can’t bring yourself to care. Opening the door, you look around the room to see it’s just as elegant as the rest of the apartment. It’s beautiful, but what’s most breathtaking about the room is the bed against the wall. You cut your examination of the room short, the temptation of finally being able to sleep too strong. The moment your head touches the pillow you know you’re down for the night. You don’t even manage to get yourself under the blankets before you can feel yourself drifting off, but as you fall asleep, flashes of memories fill your mind. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Blood. |sleep]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You’re hesitant about staying here. Two strangers decide to help you and ask for nothing in return, and now one of them is offering you their //home// to stay in. Something about it seems off and it’s bothering you to no end. They must have something further down the line that they need you to do. You want to ask what the catch is, but Ianira and Juliette are already standing and walking out of the kitchen, leaving you no choice but to follow. Ianira leads you through the hallway and Juliette falls back to walk next to you. You can feel she wants to say something, but she keeps hesitating. After an awkwardly long minute, she seems to have finally made up her mind on what she wants to say. “Look, I know this is all confusing, but I promise it’s safe here. Ianira won’t let anything happen to you,” she pauses, and you see a smirk working its way onto her face, “even if they can be a bit of a bitch sometimes.” You can’t stop yourself from letting out a laugh, and the look Ianira throws the two of you over her shoulder only makes you laugh harder. Ianira comes to a stop in front of a door and looks at you very pointedly. “You can stay here. Don’t go into any of the other rooms; I don’t appreciate people snooping through my things,” she says with a stern tone. Honestly, the idea of snooping around hadn’t even crossed your mind, but now it's kind of tempting. Ianira turns to walk further down the hall and Juliette moves to follow her, both offering you a goodnight; part of you wants to follow them, but you can practically hear the bed in your room calling your name. Tomorrow, you’ll make sure they include you in their conversations, but right now you can’t bring yourself to care. Opening the door, you look around the room to see it’s just as elegant as the rest of the apartment. It’s beautiful, but what’s most breathtaking about the room is the bed against the wall. You cut your examination of the room short, the temptation of finally being able to sleep too strong. The moment your head touches the pillow you know you’re down for the night. You don’t even manage to get yourself under the blankets before you can feel yourself drifting off, but as you fall asleep, flashes of memories fill your mind. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Blood. |sleep]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

You stare at each other for a moment, and once again you feel yourself being trapped in a trance. Being near Ianira already makes you feel like you're drunk. You wonder what it'll be like to live so close to them. Will you be perpetually stuck in a trance until Juliette comes and breaks it, or will you finally be able to act like a normal person around her? You’re honestly not sure which you’d prefer. “$name” Ianira calls you, worry in her tone. You manage to shake yourself out of the daze, and, looking around, you see that both Juliette and Ianira are gone from the table. They stand at the doorway, apparently waiting for you to follow. //Great job, $name, they probably think there’s something wrong with you.// //''That’s because there is something wrong with you.''// This time, you’re able to stop a reaction to hearing the voice, honestly feeling too tired to even care about it right now. //It’ll still be there tomorrow which means it’s a tomorrow problem.// With a shake of your head, you stand and follow Ianira into the hall Juliette disappeared into. Ianira leads you through the hallway and Juliette falls back to walk next to you. You can feel she wants to say something, but she keeps hesitating. After an awkwardly long minute, she seems to have finally made up her mind on what she wants to say. “Look, I know this is all confusing, but I promise it’s safe here. Ianira won’t let anything happen to you,” she pauses, and you see a smirk working its way onto her face, “even if they can be a bit of a bitch sometimes.” You can’t stop yourself from letting out a laugh, and the look Ianira throws the two of you over her shoulder only makes you laugh harder. Ianira comes to a stop in front of a door and looks at you very pointedly. “You can stay here. Don’t go into any of the other rooms; I don’t appreciate people snooping through my things,” she says with a stern tone. Honestly, the idea of snooping around hadn’t even crossed your mind, but now it's kind of tempting. Ianira turns to walk further down the hall and Juliette moves to follow her, both offering you a goodnight; part of you wants to follow them, but you can practically hear the bed in your room calling your name. Tomorrow, you’ll make sure they include you in their conversations, but right now you can’t bring yourself to care. Opening the door, you look around the room to see it’s just as elegant as the rest of the apartment. It’s beautiful, but what’s most breathtaking about the room is the bed against the wall. You cut your examination of the room short, the temptation of finally being able to sleep too strong. The moment your head touches the pillow you know you’re down for the night. You don’t even manage to get yourself under the blankets before you can feel yourself drifting off, but as you fall asleep, flashes of memories fill your mind. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Blood. |sleep]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Your screams. Pain. Brown eyes. Music. Glowing blades. A foul smell. Someone calling your name. People and places you don’t remember lull you into the darkness, leaving you with one thought before you’re fully gone. //Just what the hell happened to you?// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Next |chap1pt2]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

*<<radiobutton "$name" "Silas" autocheck>> Silas *<<radiobutton "$name" "Zenon" autocheck>> Zenon *<<radiobutton "$name" "Jonathan" autocheck>> Jonathan *<<radiobutton "$name" "William" autocheck>> William <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Next |Character Creation]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Let me see the other name options. |prologue]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

*<<radiobutton "$name" "Claudia" autocheck>> Claudia *<<radiobutton "$name" "Elizabeth" autocheck>> Elizabeth *<<radiobutton "$name" "Aya" autocheck>> Aya *<<radiobutton "$name" "Roseline" autocheck>> Roseline <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Next |Character Creation]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Let me see the other name options. |prologue]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

* <<radiobutton "$name" "Lark" autocheck>> Lark * <<radiobutton "$name" "Wren" autocheck>> Wren * <<radiobutton "$name" "Blyth" autocheck>> Blyth * <<radiobutton "$name" "Amias" autocheck>> Amias <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Next |Character Creation]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Let me see the other name options. |prologue]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

What are your pronouns? <<radiobutton "$pronouns" "She/Her" autocheck>> She/her <<radiobutton "$pronouns" "He/Him" autocheck>> He/him [[Next |quinnpronouns]]

What are Quinns pronouns? <<radiobutton "$qpronouns" "She/Her" autocheck>> She/her <<radiobutton "$qpronouns" "He/Him" autocheck>> He/him [[Next |farrahpronouns]]

What are Farrahs pronouns? <<radiobutton "$fpronouns" "She/Her" autocheck>> She/her <<radiobutton "$fpronouns" "He/Him" autocheck>> He/him [[Next |check]]

<<nobr>> <<if $pronouns is 'She/Her'>> <<set $son to 'daughter'>> <<set $he to 'she'>> <<set $boy to 'girl'>> <<set $him to 'her'>> <<set $his to 'hers'>> <<set $He to 'She'>> <<set $Son to 'Daughter'>> <<set $Him to 'Her'>> <<set $Boy to 'Girl'>> <<set $His to 'Hers'>> <<elseif $pronouns is 'He/Him'>> <<set $son to 'son'>> <<set $he to 'he'>> <<set $boy to 'boy'>> <<set $him to 'him'>> <<set $his to 'his'>> <<set $He to 'He'>> <<set $Son to 'Son'>> <<set $Him to 'Him'>> <<set $Boy to 'Boy'>> <</if>> <<if $qpronouns is 'She/Her'>> <<set $qson to 'daughter'>> <<set $qhe to 'she'>> <<set $qboy to 'girl'>> <<set $qhim to 'her'>> <<set $qhis to 'hers'>> <<set $qHe to 'She'>> <<set $qSon to 'Daughter'>> <<set $qHim to 'Her'>> <<set $qBoy to 'Girl'>> <<set $qHis to 'Hers'>> <<elseif $qpronouns is 'He/Him'>> <<set $qson to 'son'>> <<set $qhe to 'he'>> <<set $qboy to 'boy'>> <<set $qhim to 'him'>> <<set $qhis to 'his'>> <<set $qHe to 'He'>> <<set $qSon to 'Son'>> <<set $qHim to 'Him'>> <<set $qBoy to 'Boy'>> <</if>> <<if $fpronouns is 'She/Her'>> <<set $fson to 'daughter'>> <<set $fhe to 'she'>> <<set $fboy to 'girl'>> <<set $fhim to 'her'>> <<set $fhis to 'hers'>> <<set $fHe to 'She'>> <<set $fSon to 'Daughter'>> <<set $fHim to 'Her'>> <<set $fBoy to 'Girl'>> <<set $fHis to 'Hers'>> <<elseif $fpronouns is 'He/Him'>> <<set $fson to 'son'>> <<set $fhe to 'he'>> <<set $fboy to 'boy'>> <<set $fhim to 'him'>> <<set $fhis to 'his'>> <<set $fHe to 'He'>> <<set $fSon to 'Son'>> <<set $fHim to 'Him'>> <<set $fBoy to 'Boy'>> <</if>> <</nobr>> You are a $boy and you go by $name is that correct? <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Yes! Now onto the story. |real prologue]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Wait no thats not right. |Character Creation]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

Thats all for now. The rest of the chapter will be posted at the end of the month! Thank you so much for reading. If you have an questions or thoughts feel free to ask me on tumblr<3

<<nobr>> <<cycle "$hairtype">> <<option "curly">> <<option "straight">> <<option "coily">> <<option "wavy">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$haircolor">> hair <<option "brown">> <<option "red">> <<option "blonde">> <<option "black">> <<option "auburn">> <</cycle>> <</nobr>> still wet from the shower. Your <<nobr>><<cycle "$skincolor">> skin <<option "ivory">> <<option "warm beige">> <<option "cool beige">> <<option "rosy">> <<option "tawny">> <<option “olive”>> <<option “light brown”>> <<option “golden brown” <<option “russet brown”>> <<option “dark brown”>> <<option “warm black”>> <<option “cool black”>> <<option “deep black”>> <</cycle>> <</nobr>>