IF - Mafiafell

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<div align='center'>[[New Life]] <<link "Continue">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> <<link "Delete">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>></div>

''This is a 16+ rated game. Please be mindful of this.'' ____ This game has / will have: *Violence *Drug usage *Alcohol *Sexism *Murder *Human trafficking *Kidnapping *Toxic relationships *Physical relationships *Physical abuse *Emotional abuse *Any warning you can think of when related to mafia tags, really. [[Return|$return]]

<<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $maam = "ma'am">><<elseif $gender eq "man">><<set $maam = "sir">><<else>><<set $maam = "mx">><</if>><<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>><<timed 3s>> <h2> ''Ch1 - Mundane''</h2><</timed>> ---- <<if $gender eq "woman">> <<set $Miss to "Miss">> <<elseif $gender eq "man">> <<set $Miss to "Mr.">> <<elseif $gender eq "person">> <<set $Miss to "Mx">> <</if>><<timed 5s>> You are awake. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Again.@@ <</if>> Your $eyecolor eyes stare up at the ceiling of your little apartment in the big city. There is a crack that runs from above your bed to the nearest window. The apartment above you is currently vacant; but when there was an occupant each step they took would rain ceiling dust from that crack. //Tick. Tick. Tick.// It's not the only issue with your apartment. The walls are thin, the floors creak, there's a good chance of your window getting stuck every time you open it. The stove only works half the time, and more than once your kitchen faucet has popped off and hosed you down. It's a wreck. You know it is. Anyone who walks in would know it is. With the money you make, you have to make do with what options you have. As it stands, you live in a studio apartment on the seedier side of the city. You do have some luck. The apartments above you and beside you are empty, so you don't have to worry much about noise. You've also been able to keep it well furnished to your tastes. A lot of the people who left the apartment complex would leave behind furniture, and the landlord gave it away for free. That, plus thrifting and //very// lucky sales. //Tick. Tick. Tick.// You look over at your alarm clock on your nightstand. It's a special clock. One of the very few magical items you own. It was a gift from your late grandfather many years ago, along with a matching magical pocket watch. Both of them are sturdy, black, and have a special enchantment. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;It was the only thing you took with you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;It was the only thing you took with you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;It was the only thing you took with you..@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;It was the only thing you took with you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;It was the only thing you took with you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;It was the only thing you took with you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;It was the only thing you took with you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;It was the only thing you took with you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;It was the only thing you took with you.@@ <</if>> The faces are black with their numbers in white. But if you touch them, they display a magical reading instead. You reach out and touch your alarm clock. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<else>> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <</if>> You do not work for several more hours so you have time, but you find it difficult to break your habit of waking up around this time. It's been years since you have needed to, yet you can't stop. [[Although you cannot sleep, it is difficult to get up. You wish you could keep sleeping.]] [[You get up without issue, instantly awake.]]<</timed>><<if $eyecolor eq "green">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "emeralds">> <<set $eyecolor = "clover-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "blue">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "sapphires">> <<set $eyecolor = "sky-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "brown">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "the sweetest of chocolates">> <<set $eyecolor = "honey-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "hazel">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "an untouched forest">> <<set $eyecolor = "warm-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "gray">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "labradorites">> <<set $eyecolor = "storm-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "black">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "obsidian">> <<set $eyecolor = "night-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "white">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "moonstones">> <<set $eyecolor = "star-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "purple">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "amethysts">> <<set $eyecolor = "violet-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "pink">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "spring itself">> <<set $eyecolor = "peony-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "red">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "rubies">> <<set $eyecolor = "rose-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "blue and green">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "the ocean">> <<set $eyecolor = "sea-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "pink and red">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "a vibrant field of flowers">> <<set $eyecolor = "flower-colored">> <</if>><<if $eyecolor eq "black and white">> <<set $eyecolor2 = "the starry night">> <<set $eyecolor = "starry">> <</if>>

<<if $soulcolor eq "green">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/a9b39b11992983610a20371bc703d3c4/c752fadc533a3721-94/s400x600/a23f8359bb1b12d0b9d638bc34858cd636962156.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/ad541c4ea66dee886b2c230caf401182/8a2f26783a1756a6-43/s400x600/7848d23757b994de3b6c986b2d4e8ff665ae064d.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/4dab7f4eef4616c4d6e7d921912ea9cf/8a2f26783a1756a6-c2/s400x600/56567ecd55a85f42439112acb27e2311d0d406a0.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/60a6a8a239de87f616c877d793d4574c/8a2f26783a1756a6-94/s400x600/c2a4a1acbde01f90d675ef0438613ba90276bd06.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/12844b1726d6faa8e8683202d7dc297f/8a2f26783a1756a6-0b/s400x600/84ae936bad979268bb51c2c20e77c5b87a80aaab.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "white">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/ac752c35c0dcb5c69a75c406f0da9ca4/8a2f26783a1756a6-3c/s400x600/dfbc1965fe90af661796330b558ac3a6e11a55ab.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/9813f6a9c7f4bc4de91db5604a5e1c15/8a2f26783a1756a6-1d/s400x600/b468a7ff89231f5d0fffd64fdea882e5b99ae13f.pnj" /> <<else>> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/3c4e220361b50bc440fb3650df7ad60d/c752fadc533a3721-f5/s400x600/1e91580a18abf98a2f72d53c5033c86e38dfb53a.pnj" /> <</if>>

<<cacheaudio "lobo" "aud/Lobo.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "nightmare" "aud/nightmare.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "twinkle" "aud/twinkle.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "wicked" "aud/wicked.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "bar" "aud/bar.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "room" "aud/room.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "citynight" "aud/ctynight.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "cityday" "aud/cityday.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "park" "aud/park.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "pier" "aud/pier.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "gunshot1" "aud/gunshot1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "gunshot2" "aud/gunshot2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "gunshot3" "aud/gunshot3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "scream1" "aud/scream1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "scream2" "aud/scream2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "scream3" "aud/scream3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "scream4" "aud/scream4.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "tirescreech" "aud/tirescreech.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "shatter" "aud/shatter.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "splat" "aud/splat.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "muffled" "aud/muffled.wav">> <<cacheaudio "crying" "aud/crying.m4a">> <<cacheaudio "fembreath" "aud/fembreath.wav">> <<cacheaudio "mascbreath" "aud/mascbreath.wav">> <<cacheaudio "ring" "aud/ring.wav">>

[[♪ Music Selection]] <<if $playerprofile eq 1>> [[🗒 Darling You]] <</if>> <<if $clues eq 1>> [[✐ᝰ.ᐟ Clues]]<</if>> [[Warnings]] [[Return|$return]]

Although you are mentally awake, your body still longs for the comfort of sleep. Your tired $eyecolor eyes struggle to keep open. <<set $morningperson = 0>> It takes you several minutes to find the energy to get out of bed. Once you do, you turn around to make your bed, a habit instilled into you. You smooth the blankets and prop up the pillows. Your bed is shoved in the corner of the room, underneath the largest window in your flat. You have a single screen divider to separate your "bedroom" from the rest of the studio. At the foot of your bed is your dresser, well worn and chipped. Your eyes flicker up to the view outside the north facing window. You can see the city every time you peek out. There is enough of a gap between the buildings that you get sunlight most of the day. With your bed made, you turn to look at your apartment. [[Your apartment is barebones - minimalist.]] [[Your apartment is filled with warm, calm colors - cozy.]] [[Your apartment is filled with cool, calm colors - tranquil.]] [[Your apartment is filled with plants and you make the most out of your windows.]] [[Your apartment is filled with antiques you've lucked into - old fashion.]] [[Your apartment is like any other city apartment.]]

You've always woken up without issue. <<set $morningperson = 1>> You get out of bed and immediately turn around to make your bed, another habit instilled into you. You smooth the blankets and prop up the pillows. Your bed is shoved in the corner of the room, underneath the largest window in your flat. You have a single screen divider to separate your "bedroom" from the rest of the studio. At the foot of your bed is your dresser: well worn and chipped. Your eyes flicker up to the view outside the north facing window. You can see the city every time you peek out. There is enough of a gap between the buildings that you get sunlight most of the day. With your bed made, you turn to look at your apartment. [[Your apartment is barebones - minimalist.]] [[Your apartment is filled with warm, calm colors - cozy.]] [[Your apartment is filled with cool, calm colors - tranquil.]] [[Your apartment is filled with plants and you make the most out of your windows.]] [[Your apartment is filled with antiques you've lucked into - old fashion.]] [[Your apartment is like any other city apartment.]]

You don't keep anything more than you need. It's mostly monotone with grays, whites, and blacks. You like it that way. Neat. Clean. <<set $apartment = "minimalist">> Ready to move at a moment's notice. In here you can forget all about the city you live-- No. --the city you //survive// in. Ebott City is the second largest city in the country. It rests at the foot of Mt. Ebott and stretches out to the ocean. The city is constantly growing with new citizens and companies arriving every week. Tourists visiting will swear up and down it's the prettiest city in all of Delta. They're not entirely wrong. It is a beautiful city, far as cities go. The streets are kept clean, and most of the city's main functions run on magic crystals instead of electricity or gas so the air always smells nice. All of the streets are paved with black metal lampposts posted on every corner. There's even a pretty park you visit often. With your bed made, you move to your small kitchen. You put on the kettle and prepare to make your morning drink. A nice cup of <<cycle "$drink" autoselect>>\ <<option "black coffee">> <<option "coffee with sugar">> <<option "milk coffee">> <<option "milk coffee with sugar">> <<option "tea">> <<option "tea with sugar">> <<option "milk tea">> <<option "milk tea with sugar">> <<option "hot chocolate">> <</cycle>>. You pour the drink in your $soulcolor mug and take a seat at your tiny kitchen table. You drink it slowly. Outside, you hear the city waking up. It's never quiet at night--not like out in the countryside or anything--but the noises change. At night you hear music, laughter, screams. . . gunshots. In the day you hear cars, conversation, children playing, and shops opening up. When you finish your drink, you rinse out your mug in the sink. There's a window above your sink that you keep open. You're on the seventh floor and there is no fire escape on this side of the building; you're reasonably confident no one will be climbing through it. Even if they could scale it, it'd be a tight fit. You have a hanging flower basket outside. It was left there by the previous owner when you moved in. It already had soil, but there were no flowers. Not until you came in. You never touched the basket, yet somehow in your first spring here, yellow roses grew. They took up the entire basket, blooming with cheerful vibrancy. They don't require much care. It's almost magical how easy they are to take care of. They blossom with or without your intervention and they come back every spring. Yellow roses. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <</if>> [[It's become your favorite flower.]] [[While pretty to admire, it's not your favorite flower.]]

Splashes of soft pinks, creams, and touches of green pop against your gray-colored walls. You have several hand-knitted blankets and pillows folded on your couch and coffee table. All your lights emit a gentle golden-glow that casts your whole apartment in a cozy warmth. <<set $apartment = "warm and cozy">> In here you can forget all about the city you live-- No. --the city you //survive// in. Ebott City is the second largest city in the country. It rests at the foot of Mt. Ebott and stretches out to the ocean. The city is constantly growing with new citizens and companies arriving every week. Tourists visiting will swear up and down it's the prettiest city in all of Delta. They're not entirely wrong. It is a beautiful city, far as cities go. The streets are kept clean, and most of the city's main functions run on magic crystals instead of electricity or gas so the air always smells nice. All of the streets are paved with black metal lampposts posted on every corner. There's even a pretty park you visit often. With your bed made, you move to your small kitchen. You put on the kettle and prepare to make your morning drink. A nice cup of <<cycle "$drink" autoselect>>\ <<option "black coffee">> <<option "coffee with sugar">> <<option "milk coffee">> <<option "milk coffee with sugar">> <<option "tea">> <<option "tea with sugar">> <<option "milk tea">> <<option "milk tea with sugar">> <<option "hot chocolate">> <</cycle>>. You pour the drink in your $soulcolor mug and take a seat at your tiny kitchen table. You drink it slowly. Outside, you hear the city waking up. It's never quiet at night--not like out in the countryside or anything--but the noises change. At night you hear music, laughter, screams. . . gunshots. In the day you hear cars, conversation, children playing, and shops opening up. When you finish your drink, you rinse out your mug in the sink. There's a window above your sink that you keep open. You're on the seventh floor and there is no fire escape on this side of the building; you're reasonably confident no one will be climbing through it. Even if they could scale it, it'd be a tight fit. You have a hanging flower basket outside. It was left there by the previous owner when you moved in. It already had soil, but there were no flowers. Not until you came in. You never touched the basket, yet somehow in your first spring here, yellow roses grew. They took up the entire basket, blooming with cheerful vibrancy. They don't require much care. It's almost magical how easy they are to take care of. They blossom with or without your intervention and they come back every spring. Yellow roses. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <</if>> [[It's become your favorite flower.]] [[While pretty to admire, it's not your favorite flower.]]

In here you can forget all about the city you live-- <<set $apartment = "like any other city apartment">> No. --the city you //survive// in. Ebott City is the second largest city in the country. It rests at the foot of Mt. Ebott and stretches out to the ocean. The city is constantly growing with new citizens and companies arriving every week. Tourists visiting will swear up and down it's the prettiest city in all of Delta. They're not entirely wrong. It is a beautiful city, far as cities go. The streets are kept clean, and most of the city's main functions run on magic crystals instead of electricity or gas so the air always smells nice. All of the streets are paved with black metal lampposts posted on every corner. There's even a pretty park you visit often. With your bed made, you move to your small kitchen. You put on the kettle and prepare to make your morning drink. A nice cup of <<cycle "$drink" autoselect>>\ <<option "black coffee">> <<option "coffee with sugar">> <<option "milk coffee">> <<option "milk coffee with sugar">> <<option "tea">> <<option "tea with sugar">> <<option "milk tea">> <<option "milk tea with sugar">> <<option "hot chocolate">> <</cycle>>. You pour the drink in your $soulcolor mug and take a seat at your tiny kitchen table. You drink it slowly. Outside, you hear the city waking up. It's never quiet at night--not like out in the countryside or anything--but the noises change. At night you hear music, laughter, screams. . . gunshots. In the day you hear cars, conversation, children playing, and shops opening up. When you finish your drink, you rinse out your mug in the sink. There's a window above your sink that you keep open. You're on the seventh floor and there is no fire escape on this side of the building; you're reasonably confident no one will be climbing through it. Even if they could scale it, it'd be a tight fit. You have a hanging flower basket outside. It was left there by the previous owner when you moved in. It already had soil, but there were no flowers. Not until you came in. You never touched the basket, yet somehow in your first spring here, yellow roses grew. They took up the entire basket, blooming with cheerful vibrancy. They don't require much care. It's almost magical how easy they are to take care of. They blossom with or without your intervention and they come back every spring. Yellow roses. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <</if>> [[It's become your favorite flower.]] [[While pretty to admire, it's not your favorite flower.]]

Splashes of soft blues, creams, and touches of purple pop against your gray-colored walls. You have several hand-knitted blankets and pillows folded on your couch and coffee table. All your lights emit a gentle white glow that casts your whole apartment in tranquil ambience. <<set $apartment = "tranquil">> In here you can forget all about the city you live-- No. --the city you //survive// in. Ebott City is the second largest city in the country. It rests at the foot of Mt. Ebott and stretches out to the ocean. The city is constantly growing with new citizens and companies arriving every week. Tourists visiting will swear up and down it's the prettiest city in all of Delta. They're not entirely wrong. It is a beautiful city, far as cities go. The streets are kept clean, and most of the city's main functions run on magic crystals instead of electricity or gas so the air always smells nice. All of the streets are paved with black metal lampposts posted on every corner. There's even a pretty park you visit often. With your bed made, you move to your small kitchen. You put on the kettle and prepare to make your morning drink. A nice cup of <<cycle "$drink" autoselect>>\ <<option "black coffee">> <<option "coffee with sugar">> <<option "milk coffee">> <<option "milk coffee with sugar">> <<option "tea">> <<option "tea with sugar">> <<option "milk tea">> <<option "milk tea with sugar">> <<option "hot chocolate">> <</cycle>>. You pour the drink in your $soulcolor mug and take a seat at your tiny kitchen table. You drink it slowly. Outside, you hear the city waking up. It's never quiet at night--not like out in the countryside or anything--but the noises change. At night you hear music, laughter, screams. . . gunshots. In the day you hear cars, conversation, children playing, and shops opening up. When you finish your drink, you rinse out your mug in the sink. There's a window above your sink that you keep open. You're on the seventh floor and there is no fire escape on this side of the building; you're reasonably confident no one will be climbing through it. Even if they could scale it, it'd be a tight fit. You have a hanging flower basket outside. It was left there by the previous owner when you moved in. It already had soil, but there were no flowers. Not until you came in. You never touched the basket, yet somehow in your first spring here, yellow roses grew. They took up the entire basket, blooming with cheerful vibrancy. They don't require much care. It's almost magical how easy they are to take care of. They blossom with or without your intervention and they come back every spring. Yellow roses. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <</if>> [[It's become your favorite flower.]] [[While pretty to admire, it's not your favorite flower.]]

Splashes of soft greens, creams, and touches of pink pop against your gray-colored walls. You have several blankets and pillows folded on your couch and coffee table. <<set $apartment = "filled with plants and natural lighting">> Every window has a flower basket outside, and every place in your apartment that receives enough sunlight has plants on shelves. Your kitchen has the most--you keep herbs you grow there--but you have an impressive collection at your bedroom window. In here you can forget all about the city you live-- No. --the city you //survive// in. Ebott City is the second largest city in the country. It rests at the foot of Mt. Ebott and stretches out to the ocean. The city is constantly growing with new citizens and companies arriving every week. Tourists visiting will swear up and down it's the prettiest city in all of Delta. They're not entirely wrong. It is a beautiful city, far as cities go. The streets are kept clean, and most of the city's main functions run on magic crystals instead of electricity or gas so the air always smells nice. All of the streets are paved with black metal lampposts posted on every corner. There's even a pretty park you visit often. With your bed made, you move to your small kitchen. You put on the kettle and prepare to make your morning drink. A nice cup of <<cycle "$drink" autoselect>>\ <<option "black coffee">> <<option "coffee with sugar">> <<option "milk coffee">> <<option "milk coffee with sugar">> <<option "tea">> <<option "tea with sugar">> <<option "milk tea">> <<option "milk tea with sugar">> <<option "hot chocolate">> <</cycle>>. You pour the drink in your $soulcolor mug and take a seat at your tiny kitchen table. You drink it slowly. Outside, you hear the city waking up. It's never quiet at night--not like out in the countryside or anything--but the noises change. At night you hear music, laughter, screams. . . gunshots. In the day you hear cars, conversation, children playing, and shops opening up. When you finish your drink, you rinse out your mug in the sink. There's a window above your sink that you keep open. You're on the seventh floor and there is no fire escape on this side of the building; you're reasonably confident no one will be climbing through it. Even if they could scale it, it'd be a tight fit. You have a hanging flower basket outside. It was left there by the previous owner when you moved in. It already had soil, but there were no flowers. Not until you came in. You never touched the basket, yet somehow in your first spring here, yellow roses grew. They took up the entire basket, blooming with cheerful vibrancy. They don't require much care. It's almost magical how easy they are to take care of. They blossom with or without your intervention and they come back every spring. Yellow roses. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <</if>> [[It's become your favorite flower.]] [[While pretty to admire, it's not your favorite flower.]]

From porcelain teasets to old clocks you salvaged, every surface has //something// on it. All of your furniture is worn old oak with scratches that you painstakingly painted over. Your blankets and couch look like they belong in a vintage catalogue. <<set $apartment = "vintage and filled with antiques">> You love it. In here you can forget all about the city you live-- No. --the city you //survive// in. Ebott City is the second largest city in the country. It rests at the foot of Mt. Ebott and stretches out to the ocean. The city is constantly growing with new citizens and companies arriving every week. Tourists visiting will swear up and down it's the prettiest city in all of Delta. They're not entirely wrong. It is a beautiful city, far as cities go. The streets are kept clean, and most of the city's main functions run on magic crystals instead of electricity or gas so the air always smells nice. All of the streets are paved with black metal lampposts posted on every corner. There's even a pretty park you visit often. With your bed made, you move to your small kitchen. You put on the kettle and prepare to make your morning drink. A nice cup of <<cycle "$drink" autoselect>>\ <<option "black coffee">> <<option "coffee with sugar">> <<option "milk coffee">> <<option "milk coffee with sugar">> <<option "tea">> <<option "tea with sugar">> <<option "milk tea">> <<option "milk tea with sugar">> <<option "hot chocolate">> <</cycle>>. You pour the drink in your $soulcolor mug and take a seat at your tiny kitchen table. You drink it slowly. Outside, you hear the city waking up. It's never quiet at night--not like out in the countryside or anything--but the noises change. At night you hear music, laughter, screams. . . gunshots. In the day you hear cars, conversation, children playing, and shops opening up. When you finish your drink, you rinse out your mug in the sink. There's a window above your sink that you keep open. You're on the seventh floor and there is no fire escape on this side of the building; you're reasonably confident no one will be climbing through it. Even if they could scale it, it'd be a tight fit. You have a hanging flower basket outside. It was left there by the previous owner when you moved in. It already had soil, but there were no flowers. Not until you came in. You never touched the basket, yet somehow in your first spring here, yellow roses grew. They took up the entire basket, blooming with cheerful vibrancy. They don't require much care. It's almost magical how easy they are to take care of. They blossom with or without your intervention and they come back every spring. Yellow roses. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The doctor's favorite. . . or maybe not. //What do yellow roses mean again?//@@ <</if>> [[It's become your favorite flower.]] [[While pretty to admire, it's not your favorite flower.]]

<<set $favoriteflower = "rose">> <<set $favoriteflowercolor = "yellow">> A cool breeze blows through your window and ruffles your $haircolor hair. On the wind you catch the subtle floral scent of your roses. <<set $favoriteflowers = "roses">> You set your mug on the drying rack beside your sink. It's time to continue getting ready. You need to stretch. You move out to the living room. There is only //just// enough space for you to stretch without banging on the furniture. You do your morning stretches. You'll have to go for your run soon. It's not a choice. You always have to be ready to run. //"You have to keep yourself safe, okay?"// <<if $soulcolor eq "red">> @@.blurred;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;So do you. . . why didn't you?.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <</if>> You promised. You promised you would. <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[You start by putting on men's clothes.]] <<else>> [[You get dressed in your running clothes.]]<</if>>

Your favorite flower is actually a <<cycle "$favoriteflowercolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "red">> <<option "orange">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "pink">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$favoriteflower" autoselect>>\ <<option "rose">> <<option "daisy">> <<option "gardenia">> <<option "carnation">> <<option "poppy">> <<option "daffodil">> <<option "begonia">> <<option "orchid">> <<option "tulip">> <<option "peony">> <<option "dahlia">> <<option "aster">> <<option "azalea">> <<option "buttercup">> <</cycle>>. A cool breeze blows through your window and ruffles your $haircolor hair. On the wind you catch the subtle floral scent of your roses. You set your mug on the drying rack beside your sink. It's time to continue getting ready. You need to stretch. You move out to the living room. There is only //just// enough space for you to stretch without banging on the furniture. You do your morning stretches. You'll have to go for your run soon. It's not a choice. You always have to be ready to run. //"You have to keep yourself safe, okay?"// <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;So do you. . . why didn't you?.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;So do you. . . why didn't you?@@ <</if>> You promised. You promised you would. <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[You start by putting on men's clothes.]] <<else>> [[You get dressed in your running clothes.]] <</if>>

Women don't go runnin' after all. Not in this city. Not outside of school. //Not alone.// You pin your hair up into an old cap. You bind your chest enough to help hide it but not too tight you won't be able to breathe. You slip on on a pair of brown pants and a loose-fitting t-shirt. These clothes used to belong to your brother. He wore them on the morning jogs you took together when he was training in the police academy years ago. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<else>> Soulcolor not loading error. <</if>> Now only you wear them. It's not a perfect disguise. Anyone who looked closely could tell you're a woman, but you don't plan to stay put long enough to let that happen. You run because you need to make sure you //can// run. You wear men clothes so you're less of a target to pick. This city that you survive in is as lethal as it is pretty. It's not the government or police in control of it. It's the gangs. //The mafias.// They don't normally pick public places like the park or pier you run through, but your brother always told you the best fight is the one you avoid. A woman runnin' by herself seems far easier a target than a young man. You slip on your shoes and go. [[It's a nice morning.]]

You slip on on a pair of brown pants and a loose-fitting t-shirt. These clothes used to belong to your brother. He wore them on the morning jogs you took together when he was training in the police academy years ago. . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Feels so long ago. How much time has past?@@ <</if>> Now only you wear them. You run because you need to make sure you //can// run. This city that you survive in is as lethal as it is pretty. It's not the government or police in control of it. It's the gangs. //The mafias.// It's them you have to be ready for. You slip on your shoes and go. [[It's a nice morning.]]

A very nice morning. You have two places you could do your morning run. The first is a park: it's a ten minute jog away. It's not the main park in the city, just a small one with a little pond. It's popular enough that you're unlikely to be harassed there, and it's close enough you can run home if you need to. The second is a fishing pier. It's a fifteen minute jog away, but more populated with workers. While further away, it does offer something the park can't provide: a view of the horizon. Being in the city can feel claustrophobic at times, so when you see that horizon--see the open space--you feel a level of freedom that is difficult to describe. It's like you can finally //breathe// after suffocating for so long. [[Today you'll go to the park.]] [[Today you'll go to the pier.]]<<if $favoriteflower eq "rose">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "roses">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "daisy">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "daisies">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "gardenia">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "gardenias">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "carnation">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "carnations">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "poppy">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "poppies">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "daffodil">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "daffodils">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "begonia">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "begonias">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "orchid">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "orchids">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "tulip">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "tulips">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "peony">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "peonies">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "dahlia">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "dahlias">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "aster">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "asters">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "rose">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "roses">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "azalea">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "azaleas">> <</if>><<if $favoriteflower eq "buttercup">> <<set $favoriteflowers = "buttercups">> <</if>>

<<set $breakfast = "oatmeal with fruit">> Yum. As you eat, you take a moment to comb through the newspaper. <img src="mafiaimages/firstpaper.jpg" /> That's a shame. You liked Mr. Rutherford. He was a no-nonsense man who was deadset on making the city a better place. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <</if>> Nothing you can do about it, though. You clean off your plate, wash it, then set it on the drying rack. It's time to start getting ready for work. You take a <<cycle "$bathe" autoselect>>\ <<option "hot shower">> <<option "cold shower">> <<option "hot bath">> <<option "warm bath">> <<option "bubble bath">> <</cycle>> and use your favorite soap so you smell like <<cycle "$smell" autoselect>>\ <<option "roses">> <<option "lavenders">> <<option "vanilla">> <<option "orange blossom">> <<option "citrus">> <<option "mint">> <<option "sandalwood">> <<option "sea salt">> <<option "cedar and sage">> <<option "honey">> <</cycle>>. You scrub your hair thoroughly. You use your $soulcolor towel to dry yourself when you get out. Your $skincolor skin feels soft and smooth under your touch. You've done a good job of taking care of yourself. That isn't easy. <<cycle "$selfcare" autoselect>>\ <<option "You have days you want to do nothing but lounge.">> <<option "It's hard, but you know it's worth it so you keep it up.">> <<option "It's a struggle. You're not sure how you've managed to do it.">> <</cycle>> You glance at your face in the mirror. <<cycle "$youth" autoselect>>\ <<option "A youthful face stares back at you. You've always been told you look younger than you are.">> <<option "A smooth face stares back at you, neither too young nor too wrinkled for your age.">> <<option "A harrowed face stares back at you. Stress and lack of good sleep has aged you beyond your years.">> <</cycle>> Once dried off, it's time to get dressed. <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Your knee-length dresses are usually plaid-style.]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually polka-dot-style.]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually mono-colored]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually floral-designed.]] <<else>> [[You wear casual tan slacks with a loose shirt.]] [[You wear casual blue slacks with a loose shirt.]] [[You wear your brother's blue suit.]] [[You wear your brother's gray suit.]] <</if>>

<<set $breakfast = "yogurt with fruit">> Yum. As you eat, you take a moment to comb through the newspaper. <img src="mafiaimages/firstpaper.jpg" /> That's a shame. You liked Mr. Rutherford. He was a no-nonsense man who was deadset on making the city a better place. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <</if>> Nothing you can do about it, though. You clean off your plate, wash it, then set it on the drying rack. It's time to start getting ready for work. You take a <<cycle "$bathe" autoselect>>\ <<option "hot shower">> <<option "cold shower">> <<option "hot bath">> <<option "warm bath">> <<option "bubble bath">> <</cycle>> and use your favorite soap so you smell like <<cycle "$smell" autoselect>>\ <<option "roses">> <<option "lavenders">> <<option "vanilla">> <<option "orange blossom">> <<option "citrus">> <<option "mint">> <<option "sandalwood">> <<option "sea salt">> <<option "cedar and sage">> <<option "honey">> <</cycle>>. You scrub your hair thoroughly. You use your $soulcolor towel to dry yourself when you get out. Your $skincolor skin feels soft and smooth under your touch. You've done a good job of taking care of yourself. That isn't easy. <<cycle "$selfcare" autoselect>>\ <<option "You have days you want to do nothing but lounge.">> <<option "It's hard, but you know it's worth it so you keep it up.">> <<option "It's a struggle. You're not sure how you've managed to do it.">> <</cycle>> You glance at your face in the mirror. <<cycle "$youth" autoselect>>\ <<option "A youthful face stares back at you. You've always been told you look younger than you are.">> <<option "A smooth face stares back at you, neither too young nor too wrinkled for your age.">> <<option "A harrowed face stares back at you. Stress and lack of good sleep has aged you beyond your years.">> <</cycle>> Once dried off, it's time to get dressed. <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Your knee-length dresses are usually plaid-style.]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually polka-dot-style.]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually mono-colored]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually floral-designed.]] <<else>> [[You wear casual tan slacks with a loose shirt.]] [[You wear casual blue slacks with a loose shirt.]] [[You wear your brother's blue suit.]] [[You wear your brother's gray suit.]] <</if>>

<<set $breakfast = "french toast with syrup">> Yum. As you eat, you take a moment to comb through the newspaper. <img src="mafiaimages/firstpaper.jpg" /> That's a shame. You liked Mr. Rutherford. He was a no-nonsense man who was deadset on making the city a better place. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <</if>> Nothing you can do about it, though. You clean off your plate, wash it, then set it on the drying rack. It's time to start getting ready for work. You take a <<cycle "$bathe" autoselect>>\ <<option "hot shower">> <<option "cold shower">> <<option "hot bath">> <<option "warm bath">> <<option "bubble bath">> <</cycle>> and use your favorite soap so you smell like <<cycle "$smell" autoselect>>\ <<option "roses">> <<option "lavenders">> <<option "vanilla">> <<option "orange blossom">> <<option "citrus">> <<option "mint">> <<option "sandalwood">> <<option "sea salt">> <<option "cedar and sage">> <<option "honey">> <</cycle>>. You scrub your hair thoroughly. You use your $soulcolor towel to dry yourself when you get out. Your $skincolor skin feels soft and smooth under your touch. You've done a good job of taking care of yourself. That isn't easy. <<cycle "$selfcare" autoselect>>\ <<option "You have days you want to do nothing but lounge.">> <<option "It's hard, but you know it's worth it so you keep it up.">> <<option "It's a struggle. You're not sure how you've managed to do it.">> <</cycle>> You glance at your face in the mirror. <<cycle "$youth" autoselect>>\ <<option "A youthful face stares back at you. You've always been told you look younger than you are.">> <<option "A smooth face stares back at you, neither too young nor too wrinkled for your age.">> <<option "A harrowed face stares back at you. Stress and lack of good sleep has aged you beyond your years.">> <</cycle>> Once dried off, it's time to get dressed. <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Your knee-length dresses are usually plaid-style.]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually polka-dot-style.]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually mono-colored]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually floral-designed.]] <<else>> [[You wear casual tan slacks with a loose shirt.]] [[You wear casual blue slacks with a loose shirt.]] [[You wear your brother's blue suit.]] [[You wear your brother's gray suit.]]<</if>>

<<set $breakfast = "bacon, cheese, and eggs on toast">> Yum. As you eat, you take a moment to comb through the newspaper. <img src="mafiaimages/firstpaper.jpg" /> That's a shame. You liked Mr. Rutherford. He was a no-nonsense man who was deadset on making the city a better place. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Of course they killed him. Why would they let someone incorruptable into power? It was as equally brave as it was foolish of him to even try.@@ <</if>> Nothing you can do about it, though. You clean off your plate, wash it, then set it on the drying rack. It's time to start getting ready for work. You take a <<cycle "$bathe" autoselect>>\ <<option "hot shower">> <<option "cold shower">> <<option "hot bath">> <<option "warm bath">> <<option "bubble bath">> <</cycle>> and use your favorite soap so you smell like <<cycle "$smell" autoselect>>\ <<option "roses">> <<option "lavenders">> <<option "vanilla">> <<option "orange blossom">> <<option "citrus">> <<option "mint">> <<option "sandalwood">> <<option "sea salt">> <<option "cedar and sage">> <<option "honey">> <</cycle>>. You scrub your hair thoroughly. You use your $soulcolor towel to dry yourself when you get out. Your $skincolor skin feels soft and smooth under your touch. You've done a good job of taking care of yourself. That isn't easy. <<cycle "$selfcare" autoselect>>\ <<option "You have days you want to do nothing but lounge.">> <<option "It's hard, but you know it's worth it so you keep it up.">> <<option "It's a struggle. You're not sure how you've managed to do it.">> <</cycle>> You glance at your face in the mirror. <<cycle "$youth" autoselect>>\ <<option "A youthful face stares back at you. You've always been told you look younger than you are.">> <<option "A smooth face stares back at you, neither too young nor too wrinkled for your age.">> <<option "A harrowed face stares back at you. Stress and lack of good sleep has aged you beyond your years.">> <</cycle>> Once dried off, it's time to get dressed. <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Your knee-length dresses are usually plaid-style.]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually polka-dot-style.]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually mono-colored]] [[Your knee-length dresses are usually floral-designed.]] <<else>> [[You wear casual tan slacks with a loose shirt.]] [[You wear casual blue slacks with a loose shirt.]] [[You wear your brother's blue suit.]] [[You wear your brother's gray suit.]] <</if>>

Your favorite color is $soulcolor so most of your dresses are in that, but you do have a few other options. <<set $dress = "plaid">> In addition to the dress you wear a<<cycle "$neckaccessory" autoselect>>\ <<option "$soulcolor scarf">> <<option "polk-dot scarf">> <<option "white scarf">> <<option "lacy scarf">> <<option "silk scarf">> <<option "$soulcolor neck bow">> <<option "polk-dot neck bow">> <<option "lacy neck bow">> <<option "white neck bow">> <<option "silk neck bow">> <<option "heart-shaped locket">> <</cycle>> around your neck. You <<cycle "$gloves1" autoselect>>\ <<option "do not wear gloves">> <<option "wear white gloves">> <<option "wear white lacy gloves">> <<option "wear $soulcolor gloves">> <<option "wear white leather gloves">> <<option "a pair of Lawrence's old black leather gloves">> <</cycle>> whenever you leave the house. <<cycle "$accessory3" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is nothing else you need to put on.">> <<option "You tie a belt around your waist.">> <<option "You tie a ribbon around your waist.">> <<option "You slip on a dainty wrist watch.">> <<option "You slip on Lawrence's spare wrist watch.">> <</cycle>> Now that you are dressed, it's time to finish your hair. <<if (($hairlength eq "long")) or ($hairlength eq "very long")>> Due to its length you have a lot of options. [[You sweep it up into a bun and pin a flower in it.]] [[You tie it up with a ribbon that matches your dress.]] [[You braid it off to the side.]] [[You wear a headband to push your bangs out of your face.]] [[You leave it loose. It's already pretty as is.]] [[You tie a scarf overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a tam overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a pillbox overtop your head.]] <<else>> [[You leave it as is. You keep it short because of how it is easy to take care of.]] [[You clip a flower in it.]] [[You wear a headband to push your bangs out of your face.]] [[You tie a scarf overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a tam overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a pillbox overtop your head.]]<</if>>

Your favorite color is $soulcolor so most of your dresses are in that, but you do have a few other options. <<set $dress = "polka-dot">> In addition to the dress you wear a<<cycle "$neckaccessory" autoselect>>\ <<option "$soulcolor scarf">> <<option "polk-dot scarf">> <<option "white scarf">> <<option "lacy scarf">> <<option "silk scarf">> <<option "$soulcolor neck bow">> <<option "polk-dot neck bow">> <<option "lacy neck bow">> <<option "white neck bow">> <<option "silk neck bow">> <<option "heart-shaped locket">> <</cycle>> around your neck. You <<cycle "$gloves1" autoselect>>\ <<option "do not wear gloves">> <<option "wear white gloves">> <<option "wear white lacy gloves">> <<option "wear $soulcolor gloves">> <<option "wear white leather gloves">> <<option "a pair of Lawrence's old black leather gloves">> <</cycle>> whenever you leave the house. <<cycle "$accessory3" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is nothing else you need to put on.">> <<option "You tie a belt around your waist.">> <<option "You tie a ribbon around your waist.">> <<option "You slip on a dainty wrist watch.">> <<option "You slip on Lawrence's spare wrist watch.">> <</cycle>> Now that you are dressed, it's time to finish your hair. <<if (($hairlength eq "long")) or ($hairlength eq "very long")>> Due to its length you have a lot of options. [[You sweep it up into a bun and pin a flower in it.]] [[You tie it up with a ribbon that matches your dress.]] [[You braid it off to the side.]] [[You wear a headband to push your bangs out of your face.]] [[You leave it loose. It's already pretty as is.]] [[You tie a scarf overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a tam overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a pillbox overtop your head.]] <<else>> [[You leave it as is. You keep it short because of how it is easy to take care of.]] [[You clip a flower in it.]] [[You wear a headband to push your bangs out of your face.]] [[You tie a scarf overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a tam overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a pillbox overtop your head.]]<</if>>

Your favorite color is $soulcolor so most of your dresses are in that, but you do have a few other options. <<set $dress = "$soulcolor">> In addition to the dress you wear a<<cycle "$neckaccessory" autoselect>>\ <<option "$soulcolor scarf">> <<option "polk-dot scarf">> <<option "white scarf">> <<option "lacy scarf">> <<option "silk scarf">> <<option "$soulcolor neck bow">> <<option "polk-dot neck bow">> <<option "lacy neck bow">> <<option "white neck bow">> <<option "silk neck bow">> <<option "heart-shaped locket">> <</cycle>> around your neck. You <<cycle "$gloves1" autoselect>>\ <<option "do not wear gloves">> <<option "wear white gloves">> <<option "wear white lacy gloves">> <<option "wear $soulcolor gloves">> <<option "wear white leather gloves">> <<option "a pair of Lawrence's old black leather gloves">> <</cycle>> whenever you leave the house. <<cycle "$accessory3" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is nothing else you need to put on.">> <<option "You tie a belt around your waist.">> <<option "You tie a ribbon around your waist.">> <<option "You slip on a dainty wrist watch.">> <<option "You slip on Lawrence's spare wrist watch.">> <</cycle>> Now that you are dressed, it's time to finish your hair. <<if (($hairlength eq "long")) or ($hairlength eq "very long")>> Due to its length you have a lot of options. [[You sweep it up into a bun and pin a flower in it.]] [[You tie it up with a ribbon that matches your dress.]] [[You braid it off to the side.]] [[You wear a headband to push your bangs out of your face.]] [[You leave it loose. It's already pretty as is.]] [[You tie a scarf overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a tam overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a pillbox overtop your head.]] <<else>> [[You leave it as is. You keep it short because of how it is easy to take care of.]] [[You clip a flower in it.]] [[You wear a headband to push your bangs out of your face.]] [[You tie a scarf overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a tam overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a pillbox overtop your head.]]<</if>>

Your favorite color is $soulcolor so most of your dresses are in that, but you do have a few other options. <<set $dress = "floral">> In addition to the dress you wear a<<cycle "$neckaccessory" autoselect>>\ <<option "$soulcolor scarf">> <<option "polk-dot scarf">> <<option "white scarf">> <<option "lacy scarf">> <<option "silk scarf">> <<option "$soulcolor neck bow">> <<option "polk-dot neck bow">> <<option "lacy neck bow">> <<option "white neck bow">> <<option "silk neck bow">> <<option "heart-shaped locket">> <</cycle>> around your neck. You <<cycle "$gloves1" autoselect>>\ <<option "do not wear gloves">> <<option "wear white gloves">> <<option "wear white lacy gloves">> <<option "wear $soulcolor gloves">> <<option "wear white leather gloves">> <<option "a pair of Lawrence's old black leather gloves">> <</cycle>> whenever you leave the house. <<cycle "$accessory3" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is nothing else you need to put on.">> <<option "You tie a belt around your waist.">> <<option "You tie a ribbon around your waist.">> <<option "You slip on a dainty wrist watch.">> <<option "You slip on Lawrence's spare wrist watch.">> <</cycle>> Now that you are dressed, it's time to finish your hair. <<if (($hairlength eq "long")) or ($hairlength eq "very long")>> Due to its length you have a lot of options. [[You sweep it up into a bun and pin a flower in it.]] [[You tie it up with a ribbon that matches your dress.]] [[You braid it off to the side.]] [[You wear a headband to push your bangs out of your face.]] [[You leave it loose. It's already pretty as is.]] [[You tie a scarf overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a tam overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a pillbox overtop your head.]] <<else>> [[You leave it as is. You keep it short because of how it is easy to take care of.]] [[You clip a flower in it.]] [[You wear a headband to push your bangs out of your face.]] [[You tie a scarf overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a tam overtop your head.]] [[You leave it loose and place a pillbox overtop your head.]]<</if>>

It's comfortable. <<set $outfit = "tan slacks">> In addition, you wear a<<cycle "$neckaccessory" autoselect>>\ <<option "$soulcolor necktie">> <<option "plaid necktie">> <<option "black necktie">> <<option "striped necktie">> <<option "silk necktie">> <<option "$soulcolor neck bow">> <<option "plaid neck bow>> <<option "black neck bow">> <<option "striped neck bow">> <<option "silk neck bow">> <<option "heart-shaped locket">> <</cycle>> around your neck. You <<cycle "$gloves1" autoselect>>\ <<option "do not wear gloves">> <<option "wear black gloves">> <<option "wear brown gloves">> <<option "wear $soulcolor gloves">> <<option "wear black leather gloves">> <<option "a pair of Lawrence's old black leather gloves">> <</cycle>> whenever you leave the house. <<cycle "$accessory3" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is nothing else you need to put on.">> <<option "You tie a belt around your waist.">> <<option "You slip on a bulky wrist watch.">> <<option "You slip on Lawrence's spare wrist watch.">> <</cycle>> Now that you are dressed, it's time to finish your hair. <<if (($hairlength eq "long")) or ($hairlength eq "very long")>> [[You tie it off so it won't get in your way while you work.]] [[You leave it loose.]] [[You tie it into a tight bun so it won't bother you.]] [[You tie it up and put on a hat.]] <<else>> [[You leave it loose.]] [[You use hairgel to slick it back.]] [[You comb it neat.]] [[You comb it neat and put on a hat.]]<</if>>

It's a comfortable outfit. <<set $outfit = "blue slacks">> In addition, you wear a<<cycle "$neckaccessory" autoselect>>\ <<option "$soulcolor necktie">> <<option "plaid necktie">> <<option "black necktie">> <<option "striped necktie">> <<option "silk necktie">> <<option "$soulcolor neck bow">> <<option "plaid neck bow>> <<option "black neck bow">> <<option "striped neck bow">> <<option "silk neck bow">> <<option "heart-shaped locket">> <</cycle>> around your neck. You <<cycle "$gloves1" autoselect>>\ <<option "do not wear gloves">> <<option "wear black gloves">> <<option "wear brown gloves">> <<option "wear $soulcolor gloves">> <<option "wear black leather gloves">> <<option "a pair of Lawrence's old black leather gloves">> <</cycle>> whenever you leave the house. <<cycle "$accessory3" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is nothing else you need to put on.">> <<option "You tie a belt around your waist.">> <<option "You slip on a bulky wrist watch.">> <<option "You slip on Lawrence's spare wrist watch.">> <</cycle>> Now that you are dressed, it's time to finish your hair. <<if (($hairlength eq "long")) or ($hairlength eq "very long")>> [[You tie it off so it won't get in your way while you work.]] [[You leave it loose.]] [[You tie it into a tight bun so it won't bother you.]] [[You tie it up and put on a hat.]] <<else>> [[You leave it loose.]] [[You use hairgel to slick it back.]] [[You comb it neat.]] [[You comb it neat and put on a hat.]]<</if>>

You. . . didn't want it to go to waste. <<set $outfit = "blue suit">> In addition, you wear a<<cycle "$neckaccessory" autoselect>>\ <<option "$soulcolor necktie">> <<option "plaid necktie">> <<option "black necktie">> <<option "striped necktie">> <<option "silk necktie">> <<option "$soulcolor neck bow">> <<option "plaid neck bow">> <<option "black neck bow">> <<option "striped neck bow">> <<option "silk neck bow">> <<option "heart-shaped locket">> <</cycle>> around your neck. You <<cycle "$gloves1" autoselect>>\ <<option "do not wear gloves">> <<option "wear black gloves">> <<option "wear brown gloves">> <<option "wear $soulcolor gloves">> <<option "wear black leather gloves">> <<option "a pair of Lawrence's old black leather gloves">> <</cycle>> whenever you leave the house. <<cycle "$accessory3" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is nothing else you need to put on.">> <<option "You tie a belt around your waist.">> <<option "You slip on a bulky wrist watch.">> <<option "You slip on Lawrence's spare wrist watch.">> <</cycle>> Now that you are dressed, it's time to finish your hair. <<if (($hairlength eq "long")) or ($hairlength eq "very long")>> [[You tie it off so it won't get in your way while you work.]] [[You leave it loose.]] [[You tie it into a tight bun so it won't bother you.]] [[You tie it up and put on a hat.]] <<else>> [[You leave it loose.]] [[You use hairgel to slick it back.]] [[You comb it neat.]] [[You comb it neat and put on a hat.]]<</if>>

You. . . didn't want it to go to waste. <<set $outfit = "gray suit">> In addition, you wear a<<cycle "$neckaccessory" autoselect>>\ <<option "$soulcolor necktie">> <<option "plaid necktie">> <<option "black necktie">> <<option "striped necktie">> <<option "silk necktie">> <<option "$soulcolor neck bow">> <<option "plaid neck bow>> <<option "black neck bow">> <<option "striped neck bow">> <<option "silk neck bow">> <<option "heart-shaped locket">> <</cycle>> around your neck. You <<cycle "$gloves1" autoselect>>\ <<option "do not wear gloves">> <<option "wear black gloves">> <<option "wear brown gloves">> <<option "wear $soulcolor gloves">> <<option "wear black leather gloves">> <<option "a pair of Lawrence's old black leather gloves">> <</cycle>> whenever you leave the house. <<cycle "$accessory3" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is nothing else you need to put on.">> <<option "You tie a belt around your waist.">> <<option "You slip on a bulky wrist watch.">> <<option "You slip on Lawrence's spare wrist watch.">> <</cycle>> Now that you are dressed, it's time to finish your hair. <<if (($hairlength eq "long")) or ($hairlength eq "very long")>> [[You tie it off so it won't get in your way while you work.]] [[You leave it loose.]] [[You tie it into a tight bun so it won't bother you.]] [[You tie it up and put on a hat.]] <<else>> [[You leave it loose.]] [[You use hairgel to slick it back.]] [[You comb it neat.]] [[You comb it neat and put on a hat.]]<</if>>

You pin the flower in it, happy with the final results. <<set $hairstyle = "bun with a flower pin">> <<set $hairisstyled = 1>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "spectator pumps">> <<option "kitten heels">> <<option "oxford heels">> <<option "slingback heels">> <<option "ankle strap heels">> <<option "peep-toe heels">> <<option "comfort strap heels">> <<option "oxford wedges">> <<option "sadle shoes">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "penny loafers">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You pick out your favorite $soulcolor ribbon and tie your hair up with it. <<set $hairstyle = "tied up with a ribbon">> <<set $hairisstyled = 1>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "spectator pumps">> <<option "kitten heels">> <<option "oxford heels">> <<option "slingback heels">> <<option "ankle strap heels">> <<option "peep-toe heels">> <<option "comfort strap heels">> <<option "oxford wedges">> <<option "sadle shoes">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "penny loafers">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You run your fingers through it, happy with it. <<set $hairisstyled = 0>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "spectator pumps">> <<option "kitten heels">> <<option "oxford heels">> <<option "slingback heels">> <<option "ankle strap heels">> <<option "peep-toe heels">> <<option "comfort strap heels">> <<option "oxford wedges">> <<option "sadle shoes">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "penny loafers">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

Your fingers work quickly to braid it. <<set $hairstyle = "braided off to the side">> <<set $hairisstyled = 1>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "spectator pumps">> <<option "kitten heels">> <<option "oxford heels">> <<option "slingback heels">> <<option "ankle strap heels">> <<option "peep-toe heels">> <<option "comfort strap heels">> <<option "oxford wedges">> <<option "sadle shoes">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "penny loafers">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You run your fingers through it, happy with it. <<set $hairstyle = "loose">> <<set $hairisstyled = 0>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "spectator pumps">> <<option "kitten heels">> <<option "oxford heels">> <<option "slingback heels">> <<option "ankle strap heels">> <<option "peep-toe heels">> <<option "comfort strap heels">> <<option "oxford wedges">> <<option "sadle shoes">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "penny loafers">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You really like this clip. <<set $hairstyle = "flower clip in it">> <<set $hairisstyled = 1>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "spectator pumps">> <<option "kitten heels">> <<option "oxford heels">> <<option "slingback heels">> <<option "ankle strap heels">> <<option "peep-toe heels">> <<option "comfort strap heels">> <<option "oxford wedges">> <<option "sadle shoes">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "penny loafers">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You push the headband in. <<set $hairstyle = "with a headband">> <<set $hairisstyled = 1>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "spectator pumps">> <<option "kitten heels">> <<option "oxford heels">> <<option "slingback heels">> <<option "ankle strap heels">> <<option "peep-toe heels">> <<option "comfort strap heels">> <<option "oxford wedges">> <<option "sadle shoes">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "penny loafers">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You make good money with it too. People find you pretty, and you have a natural charisma that makes people want to talk to you. And the more people talk to you, the more they like you. <<set $job = "waitress">> You don't work long hours--rarely more than six--but you make enough off tips alone to survive. Which is good. You need money. Everyone in this city needs money. The money you make now would have been enough to buy your own house in the countryside. Here, though? . . . @@.blurr;Ha, ha, ha.@@ Not so much. You like it, though. You like your coworkers, and you like your boss. The customers can get rowdy sometimes, but you're never alone in dealing with them. //Look, don't touch.// That's what the boss warns all of his customers. Even the. . . important ones. He and his food are well liked enough he can get away with it, too. As long as you play nice, you're safe there. And you need to be there. It's one of the only places in the city where the higher members of //all// the mafias will visit due to its neutral ground. [[It's your best lead to find your brother.]]

You make good money with it too. You've got the voice of an angel--or so you've been told. You're not sure about that, but you do know you can sing //well//. When you get up on that stage, all your worries melt away for those few blissful hours. You can sing whatever you want and the audience will be pleased. It doesn't hurt that people find you pretty to look at, so they'll even leave you tips. <<set $job = "singer">> You don't work long hours--rarely more than six--but you make enough off tips alone to survive. Which is good. You need money. Everyone in this city needs money. The money you make now would have been enough to buy your own house in the countryside. Here, though? Not so much. You like it, though. You like your coworkers, and you like your boss. The customers can get rowdy sometimes, but you're never alone in dealing with them. //Look, don't touch.// That's what the boss warns all of his customers. Even the. . . important ones. He and his food are well liked enough he can get away with it, too. As long as you play nice, you're safe there. And you need to be there. It's one of the only places in the city where the higher members of //all// the mafias will visit due to its neutral ground. [[It's your best lead to find your brother.]]

You make good money with it too. People find you handsome, and you have a natural charisma that makes people want to talk to you. And the more people talk to you, the more they like you. <<set $job = "waiter">> You don't work long hours--rarely more than six--but you make enough off tips alone to survive. Which is good. You need money. Everyone in this city needs money. The money you make now would have been enough to buy your own house in the countryside. Here, though? . . . @@.blurr;Ha, ha, ha.@@ Not so much. You like it, though. You like your coworkers, and you like your boss. The customers can get rowdy sometimes, but you're never alone in dealing with them. //Look, don't touch.// That's what the boss warns all of his customers. Even the. . . important ones. He and his food are well liked enough he can get away with it, too. As long as you play nice, you're safe there. And you need to be there. It's one of the only places in the city where the higher members of //all// the mafias will visit due to its neutral ground. [[It's your best lead to find your brother.]]

You make good money with it too. People find you handsome, and you have a natural charisma that makes people want to talk to you. And the more people talk to you, the more they like you. <<set $job = "bartender">> You don't work long hours--rarely more than six--but you make enough off tips alone to survive. Which is good. You need money. Everyone in this city needs money. The money you make now would have been enough to buy your own house in the countryside. Here, though? . . . @@.blurr;Ha, ha, ha.@@ Not so much. You like it, though. You like your coworkers, and you like your boss. The customers can get rowdy sometimes, but you're never alone in dealing with them. //Look, don't touch.// That's what the boss warns all of his customers. Even the. . . important ones. He and his food are well liked enough he can get away with it, too. As long as you play nice, you're safe there. And you need to be there. It's one of the only places in the city where the higher members of //all// the mafias will visit due to its neutral ground. [[It's your best lead to find your brother.]]

You quickly tie it off to the side. <<set $hairstyle = "tied off to the side">> <<set $hairisstyled = 1>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "plain oxfords">> <<option "wingtips">> <<option "reptile leather">> <<option "loafers">> <<option "canvas'">> <<option "saddle oxfords">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "mac toes">> <<option "monk strap shoes">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You run your fingers through it, happy with it. <<set $hairstyle = "loose">> <<set $hairisstyled = 0>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "plain oxfords">> <<option "wingtips">> <<option "reptile leather">> <<option "loafers">> <<option "canvas'">> <<option "saddle oxfords">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "mac toes">> <<option "monk strap shoes">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You quickly tie it. <<set $hairstyle = "pulled into a tight bun">> <<set $hairisstyled = 1>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "plain oxfords">> <<option "wingtips">> <<option "reptile leather">> <<option "loafers">> <<option "canvas'">> <<option "saddle oxfords">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "mac toes">> <<option "monk strap shoes">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You use your preferred gel to slick it back. <<set $hairstyle = "slicked back">> <<set $hairisstyled = 1>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "plain oxfords">> <<option "wingtips">> <<option "reptile leather">> <<option "loafers">> <<option "canvas'">> <<option "saddle oxfords">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "mac toes">> <<option "monk strap shoes">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You carefully comb it so not a single hair is out of place. <<set $hairstyle = "combed neat">> <<set $hairisstyled = 1>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "plain oxfords">> <<option "wingtips">> <<option "reptile leather">> <<option "loafers">> <<option "canvas'">> <<option "saddle oxfords">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "mac toes">> <<option "monk strap shoes">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You know he's here. . . somewhere. You simply don't know where. And that's the issue. Your brother went missing five years ago, and you have very little information to go on. Your only lead has brought you to this city, and so in this city you will remain until you find your next clue. Or until you find him. . . Lawrence. [[The sun shines above the city, casting everything in a bright warm light.]]

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" volume 1 loop play>>You are greeted by the smell of alcohol and cigars. Your $shoes sink into the red carpet as you quietly enter. You see your coworkers bustling about as they get ready to open. You have an earlier shift that day--you usually work the evening to night shifts, but today you are covering two shifts. <<if $job eq "singer">> You don't normally wait on tables, but you know how to. <<elseif $job eq "bartender">> You don't normally wait on tables, but you know how to. <<elseif $job eq "pianist">> You don't normally wait on tables, but you know how to. <<else>> You already work as a $job so waiting on more tables before it's time for your usual shift is no issue for you. <</if>> Besides, the boss always provides free meals for those working. "Hey $name," greets Anna. She's a bubbly young waitress who only works the day shift--a young mother who wants to be home at night for her children. "You workin' a double?" You confirm you are. It's not often you have to take an extra shift, but it's nothing new. Thankfully, Mr. Eala never forces anyone to take a shift or work a double if they don't want to. He's a casual boss. It's nice if you can find someone to cover your shift if you're gone, but if. . . in his words: //"Eh."// "Oh goody, I love it when we're on the same shift. Wendy is so lucky to always have you," she says happily. "Who are you covering for?" You say it's for Ray. "Less goody for that. You're covering the back tables then," she says with a frown. The back tables are for the VIP. The tip money is great. . . but their personalities are usually less so. <<cycle "$workingtheback" autoselect>>\ <<option "That's fine with you. More money.">> <<option "You don't really care.">> <<option "Ugh.">> <<option "You regret agreeing to cover the double shift.">> <<option "Oh well. Nothing you can do about it now.">> <</cycle>> "Call me if you need any help," she says. "I'll come over in a jiffy." [[You give her a thanks and then head into the backroom to change into your uniform.]]

<<audio "bar" stop>><<audio "citynight" volume 0.25 loop play>><<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>>When you get off work, it's late into the night. You walk home alone, and listen to the sound of the city that never sleeps. Another day has gone by. You had listened to the conversations between the customers, hoping for a sliver of information, but like every time before. . . you learn nothing new. It's hard to stave off the disappointment. Five years. //Five years.// . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You won't be deterred. You //will// save him.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You won't be deterred. You //will// save him.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You won't be deterred. You //will// save him.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You won't be deterred. You //will// save him.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You won't be deterred. You //will// save him.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You won't be deterred. You //will// save him.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You won't be deterred. You //will// save him.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You won't be deterred. You //will// save him.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You won't be deterred. You //will// save him.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You won't be deterred. You //will// save him.@@ <</if>> It's almost time to put up new posters. [[You re-enter your apartment and lock the door behind you.]]

You wish something would change. Anything. All you do is wait, and wait, and //wait// for some kind of clue--for //something// to happen. It's slowly driving you insane. //"You have to keep yourself safe, okay?"// You promised. You promised him, but this dreary wait is chipping away what sanity you had managed to recover from your childhood. You lay back in your bed and stare up at the crack in your ceiling. You want. . . [[. . . Romance.]] [[. . . Friendship.]]

Yes. . . romance. You want to fall in love, just once. [[You want someone who will love you with a fervor passion.]] [[You want someone who will love you kindly.]]

<<set $route = "friendship">> Companionship. Friendship. Comfort. You want someone to talk to. <<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "friendshipcursor">> Your brother was your whole world and with him gone you. . . you have no one. You miss him. You miss company. You close your eyes. [[You make a wish in your dream.]]

<<timed 3s>> <h2> ''Ch2 - Dreaming of You'' </h2> ----<</timed>> <<timed 5s>> <<audio "room" stop>> Your brother smiles easily. It doesn't matter how his day went. A small act of kindness at the end of it would always bring out a smile. That's what you miss the most. His smile. Your lives were turbulent and volatile, but he never stopped smiling for you. Maybe he knew how much that smile meant--//means//--to you. Most nights you dream about him. You dream of the happier memories as often as the scary ones. While the rough outweigh the bad, you try to focus on the good. You want to remember that he smiles easily. You want to remember the way he calls you. . . <<if (((($name eq "Frisk")))) or ((($name eq "Frisk "))) or (($name eq "frisk")) or ($name eq "frisk ")>> [["Risky-Frisky!"]] <<else>> [["Frisk!"]]<</if>><</timed>><<if $route is "sans">><<run $("html").removeClass()>><<addclass "html" "sanscursor">><<elseif $route is "papyrus">><<run $("html").removeClass()>><<addclass "html" "papyruscursor">> <<elseif $route is "wingding">><<run $("html").removeClass()>><<addclass "html" "wdcursor">><<elseif $route is "asriel">><<run $("html").removeClass()>><<addclass "html" "asrielcursor">><<elseif $route is "friendship">><<run $("html").removeClass()>><<addclass "html" "friendshipcursor">><</if>>

[[Someone wild and impulsive.]] [[Someone calm and collected.]]

[[Someone who can be your friend too.]] [[Someone who will treat you sweetly.]]

Someone like. . .<<timed 3s>> Sans? [[Yes - Lock in Sans Route.]] [[No - Manually choose your route.]] <</timed>>

Someone like. . .<<timed 3s>> Wingding? [[Yes - Lock in Wingding Route.]] [[No - Manually choose your route.]] <</timed>>

Someone like. . .<<timed 3s>> Asriel? [[Yes - Lock in Asriel Route.]] [[No - Manually choose your route.]] <</timed>>

Someone like. . .<<timed 3s>> Papyrus? [[Yes - Lock in Papyrus Route.]] [[No - Manually choose your route.]] <</timed>>

As you wish, dearest you. <<set $route = "sans">><<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "sanscursor">> [[You make a wish in your dreams.|He saw.]]

As you wish, dearest you. [[Wingding Route - Lock In]] Route tags: at-first-sight, cold, stubborn, obsessive [[Sans Route - Lock In]] Route tags; at-first-sight, intense, obsessive, physical-oriented [[Papyrus Route - Lock In]] Route tags: at-first-sight, awkward/shy, slow-burn [[Asriel Route - Lock in]] Route tags: friends-to-lovers, comfortable, physical-oriented [[Friendship Route - Lock in]] No romance is initiated on either side.

As you wish, dearest you. <<set $route = "wingding">><<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "wdcursor">> [[You make a wish in your dreams.|He knew.]]

As you wish, dearest you. <<set $route = "asriel">><<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "asrielcursor">> [[You make a wish in your dreams.|Haha.]]

As you wish, dearest you. <<set $route = "papyrus">><<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "papyruscursor">> [[You make a wish in your dreams.|He listened.]]

Yes, darling. <<set $route = "wingding">> <<set $routename = "Wingding">><<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "wdcursor">> [[You make a wish in your dreams.|He knew.]]

Yes, darling. <<set $route = "sans">> <<set $routename = "Sans">><<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "sanscursor">> [[You make a wish in your dreams.|He saw.]]

Yes, darling. <<set $route = "papyrus">> <<set $routename = "Papyrus">><<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "papyruscursor">> [[You make a wish in your dreams.|He listened.]]

Yes, darling. <<set $route = "asriel">> <<set $routename = "Asriel">><<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "asrielcursor">> [[You make a wish in your dreams.|Haha.]]

Yes, darling. <<set $route = "friendship">> <<set $routename = "Friendship">><<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "friendshipcursor">> [[You make a wish in your dream.]]

It slowly fills the room, unnoticed as it pools from the floor and rises up. Its warmth tingles across your skin. As it continues up, however, you no longer see your feet nor legs. It swallows you whole in deceptive comfort. As it reaches your face it forces its way inside your lungs. It fills your chest with with a smoky-spicy stench. It's too thick to breathe and you gasp and choke on it. You claw at your throat, desperate to catch your breath but each intake leaves you struggling more and more. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "nightmare" loop play>> Your legs grow weak and you collapse to the ground. You are overwhelmed by this cloud of crimson. All you see is red. You have been completely devoured. @@.red;//Hello, my darlin'.//@@ [[You wake with a gasp.]]

It comes without warning. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "nightmare" loop play>> There is no smoke, no heat, no change in the air to alert you. You are fine until you are not. Vermillion flames erupt around you. They sear the tips of your fingers and glaze through your skin. The pain is nearly unbearable yet you cannot even scream. You are engulfed in agony. //HELLO, HUMAN.// [[A silent scream is caught in your throat.]]

You cannot see. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "nightmare" loop play>> You cannot hear. You cannot speak. You can only run. You sprint through the darkness, breathing heavily as you struggle to escape. Your bare feet dig into cold sludge and with each step you sink further in. Hands grasp you in the dark. Frigid fingers grip your ankles, your calves, your hips, your wrists, your neck-- You are shoved through the inky sludge and dragged into the void. You cannot escape. @@.purple;//Why would you even try?//@@ [[You awaken with a whimper.]]

You are sprinting to escape. Your bare feet dig into the soft earth beneath you, kicking up grass and dirt. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "nightmare" loop play>> A thorny root erupts from the ground beneath you. It wraps around your right leg and yanks. You tumble into the grass, hitting the ground hard enough to make you winded. Your heart pounds as you scramble to escape. You desperately kick at the vine but more come out. They wrap around your legs, your arms, your chest, and eventually your neck. They hold you tight and every time you move their thorns dig into you. The more you try to escape, the more painful it gets. //Hello, $name.// [[Your eyes fly open.]]

You are heavier than you have ever been. You cannot move your limbs or turn your head as you fall back into the dark and unknown. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "nightmare" loop play>> All you can do is fall. Fall. Fall. Fall. [[Until you hit the ground and splatter into nothing.]]

You clutch at your throat, wheezing and hiccuping as you struggle to breathe. You suck in large gulps of air, desperate to breathe. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> Your heart pounds as you tremble in your bed. Bed. Oh. You're in your bed. You're okay. You can breathe. Slowly, shakily, you calm down. You try to take deep breaths, although you still hiccup when you breathe in. You glance at the clock. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<else>> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <</if>> You swallow roughly. Your throat hurts. It would completely throw off your entire schedule if you got up now. You try to lay back down. [[You hope you have a sweeter dream.]]

<<if $morningperson eq 1>> You wake up without issue in the morning. <<else>> It is even harder to get up than usual in the morning. You roll over and bury your face in your pillow. Why must the bed be so lulling when you have to get up? You heave a heavy sigh and force yourself to get out of bed. <</if>> You make your bed as you do every morning, although you feel more tired than normal. The nightmare lingers in the back of your mind. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">> Red is normally your favorite color, but after a dream like that seeing it makes you uncomfortable. <<else>> You take a peek at some of your clothes hung up to dry. You decide you don't want to wear any red for a while. <</if>> You move sluggishly. Even after you drink your $drink you still feel out of sorts. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You're afraid to tell him no too soon.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You're afraid to tell him no too soon.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You're afraid to tell him no too soon.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You're afraid to tell him no too soon.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You're afraid to tell him no too soon.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You're afraid to tell him no too soon.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You're afraid to tell him no too soon.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You're afraid to tell him no too soon.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You're afraid to tell him no too soon.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You're afraid to tell him no too soon.@@ <</if>> Hopefully your morning run will make you feel better. [[It doesn't. If anything you feel worse when you get back.]]

Pain lingers across your skin. You tremble in your bed, your heart pounding. You are afraid to move, terrified of the thorns ripping your skin apart. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> Bed. Oh. You're in your bed. You're okay. You can move. Slowly, shakily, you sit up. You try to take deep breaths, although you hiccup when you breathe in. You glance at the clock. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<else>> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <</if>> You swallow roughly. Your skin tingles like it's been rubbed raw. It would completely throw off your entire schedule if you got up now. You try to lay back down. [[You hope you have a sweet dream.]]

<<if $morningperson eq 1>> You wake up without issue in the morning. <<else>> It is even harder to get up than usual in the morning. You roll over and bury your face in your pillow. Why must the bed be so lulling when you have to get up? You heave a heavy sigh and force yourself to get out of bed. <</if>> You make your bed as you do every morning, although you feel more tired than normal. The nightmare lingers in the back of your mind. <<if $apartment eq "filled with plants and natural lighting">> While you normally love your plants all over your apartment, seeing them today makes you feel uneasy. <<else>> You're glad you only have the one flower box to look at. You take a peek at the golden roses in your kitchen window. You wonder if you get pricked by its thorns, would it hurt as badly as it did in the dream? <</if>> You move sluggishly. Even after you drink your $drink you still feel out of sorts. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You're afraid to be in the garden again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You're afraid to be in the garden again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You're afraid to be in the garden again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You're afraid to be in the garden again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You're afraid to be in the garden again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You're afraid to be in the garden again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You're afraid to be in the garden again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You're be in the garden again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You're afraid to be in the garden again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You're afraid to be in the garden again.@@ <</if>> Hopefully your morning run will make you feel better. [[It doesn't. You feel worse when you get back.]]

You take a long $bathe and scrub your $skincolor skin raw with your $smell scented soap. <<if $bathe eq "cold shower">> Normally the chill of the water is enough to fully wake you up, but it only turns you into a shivering mess by the end of it. <<else>> You end up taking too long in the bathroom and the steam fogs everything up. That's normally not an issue, but after a nightmare of not being able to breathe any difficulty is enough to trigger a panic. You scramble to open the bathroom door as soon as you realize what is going on. You throw it open and suck in a big gulp of air, still dripping wet from your $bathe. Once you can breathe easy again, you calm down. <</if>> This isn't good. You need to pull yourself together. You work the evening shift tonight so you have a lot of time. You finish getting ready. You force yourself to move slowly, carefully. You are in control of yourself. Not your nightmare. Not your memories. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You slip on a $dress dress. <<else>> You put on your $outfit. <</if>> You shiver. <<cycle "$warmup" autoselect>>\ <<option "You wrap yourself up in a blanket.">> <<option "You throw on a sweater.">> <<option "You throw on a sweater and wrap yourself up in a blanket.">> <</cycle>> <<if $hairisstyled eq 0>> You are glad you don't normally mess with your hair. You can leave it as is. <<else>> You'll finish your hair later, when it's closer to your time to leave. <</if>> You have hours left in your day before you have to go to work. You actually have time to do something extra for you. That will be nice. It might make you feel better too. [[You grab a book and start to read. You love reading.]] [[You grab a notebook and start to write. You love writing.]] [[You grab your sketch book and take a seat at the table. You love to draw.]] [[You pull out your easel and crack a window. You love to paint.]] [[You pull out your crochet needles and yarn. You love to crochet.]] [[You turn on the radio and listen to the music. You love listening to music.]] [[You pull out your knife and small block of wood. You love to whittle.]]

You curl up on your couch with the current book you are reading. You pull out your bookmark, your eyes already searching for the paragraph you ended on. As soon as you find it, you smile to yourself. You sink into your couch as your mind is pulled into a different world. <<set $hobby = "read">> <<set $hobbying = "reading">> You are currently reading a <<cycle "$hobbyproject" autoselect>>\ <<option "romance">> <<option "satire">> <<option "fantasy">> <<option "historical fiction">> <<option "non-fiction">> <<option "horror">> <<option "thriller">> <<option "mystery">> <</cycle>> novel. You become so engrossed that you don’t notice the passage of time. It barely feels like ten minutes but when you look up to check the time you notice it’s been an hour and a half. You feel much better. You enjoy your hobby. It makes you happy and relaxed. It’s not too expensive to maintain so it’s one of the simple pleasures you consistently allow yourself. Although you have to admit you have one other interest. If you were richer or had more free time, you’d love to be able to-- [[Go boating. You're drawn to the ocean. You'd also like to learn how to swim.]] [[Horseback ride. It’s always looked like a fun adventure to you.]] [[Attend an Opera. It's something the customers have talked about taking their spouses to a lot. It seems fun.]] [[Attend a University lecture. You never got to finish school, but you love to learn.]] <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Ballet dance. The classes have always been too expensive to make that much of a time commitment.]] <<else>> [[Play golf. It’s something customers constantly talk about at The Black Swan and it’s interested you for years now.]]<</if>>

You work with pencils. You don't have many colors left, so it's primarily just regular pencils. You crack your sketchbook open and flip through your previously completed drawings. It's halfway full. You'll need to get a new one soon. <<set $hobby = "sketch">> <<set $hobbying = "sketches">> You decide to sketch <<cycle "$hobbyproject" autoselect>>\ <<option "the ocean">> <<option "the night sky">> <<option "the dawn">> <<option "kittens">> <<option "the city">> <<option "your golden roses">> <<option "you and your brother">> <</cycle>>. As you sketch, you feel your tension from the nightmare start to ease. You feel much better. You enjoy your hobby. It makes you happy and relaxed. It’s not too expensive to maintain so it’s one of the simple pleasures you consistently allow yourself. Although you have to admit you have one other interest. If you were richer or had more free time, you’d love to be able to-- [[Go boating. You're drawn to the ocean. You'd also like to learn how to swim.]] [[Horseback ride. It’s always looked like a fun adventure to you.]] [[Attend an Opera. It's something the customers have talked about taking their spouses to a lot. It seems fun.]] [[Attend a University lecture. You never got to finish school, but you love to learn.]] <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Ballet dance. The classes have always been too expensive to make that much of a time commitment.]] <<else>> [[Play golf. It’s something customers constantly talk about at The Black Swan and it’s interested you for years now.]]<</if>>

There's nothing better than a home-made sweater. You made all of your sweaters. You used to make your brother's sweaters too. Anna, your coworker, shares this hobby with you. The two of you will sometimes hang out over the weekend and crochet together. You'll swap finished projects. It doesn't happen often as her children take up most of her time, but it's always nice when it does. <<set $hobby = "crochet">> <<set $hobbying = "crocheting">> Right now you're working on a <<cycle "$hobbyproject" autoselect>>\ <<option "blanket">> <<option "sweater">> <<option "scarf">> <<option "pair of gloves">> <<option "shawl">> <</cycle>>. You feel much better. You enjoy your hobby. It makes you happy and relaxed. It’s not too expensive to maintain so it’s one of the simple pleasures you consistently allow yourself. Although you have to admit you have one other interest. If you were richer or had more free time, you’d love to be able to-- [[Go boating. You're drawn to the ocean. You'd also like to learn how to swim.]] [[Horseback ride. It’s always looked like a fun adventure to you.]] [[Attend an Opera. It's something the customers have talked about taking their spouses to a lot. It seems fun.]] [[Attend a University lecture. You never got to finish school, but you love to learn.]] <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Ballet dance. The classes have always been too expensive to make that much of a time commitment.]] <<else>> [[Play golf. It’s something customers constantly talk about at The Black Swan and it’s interested you for years now.]]<</if>>

You grab a fresh block of wood. It’s time you started another project. You grab your designated towel and lay it down in front of your chair. You take a bin and set it on the towel, then you sit down your favorite chair and hold the block of wood over the bin to catch the woodchips. <<set $hobby = "whittle">> <<set $hobbying = "whittling">> Even with your precaution it can get messy. But that’s okay. You love it. You place the blade of your knife against the wood as you think about what you’re going to make next. You decide to make a <<cycle "$hobbyproject" autoselect>>\ <<option "little cat statue">> <<option "little dog statue">> <<option "little owl statue">> <<option "little snake statue">> <<option "little tree statue">> <<option "new mug">> <<option "new bowl">> <</cycle>>. You get to work, your mind going blank as your hands work. For the next hour and a half you feel content. You feel much better. You enjoy your hobby. It makes you happy and relaxed. It’s not too expensive to maintain so it’s one of the simple pleasures you consistently allow yourself. Although you have to admit you have one other interest. If you were richer or had more free time, you’d love to be able to-- [[Go boating. You're drawn to the ocean. You'd also like to learn how to swim.]] [[Horseback ride. It’s always looked like a fun adventure to you.]] [[Attend an Opera. It's something the customers have talked about taking their spouses to a lot. It seems fun.]] [[Attend a University lecture. You never got to finish school, but you love to learn.]] <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Ballet dance. The classes have always been too expensive to make that much of a time commitment.]] <<else>> [[Play golf. It’s something customers constantly talk about at The Black Swan and it’s interested you for years now.]]<</if>>

You turn on the radio and take a seat on your coach. You listen as the hosts talk about meaningless yet fascinating gossip and when the <<cycle "$hobbyproject" autoselect>>\ <<option "jazz">> <<option "swing">> <<option "rock">> <<option "opera">> <<option "orchestral">> <</cycle>> music finally starts to play you feel yourself drift away. <<if $job eq "singer">> You absentmindedly hum along. <</if>> For the next hour and a half you feel content. <<set $hobby = "listen to music">> <<set $hobbying = "music">> You feel much better. You enjoy your hobby. It makes you happy and relaxed. It’s not too expensive to maintain so it’s one of the simple pleasures you consistently allow yourself. Although you have to admit you have one other interest. If you were richer or had more free time, you’d love to be able to-- [[Go boating. You're drawn to the ocean. You'd also like to learn how to swim.]] [[Horseback ride. It’s always looked like a fun adventure to you.]] [[Attend an Opera. It's something the customers have talked about taking their spouses to a lot. It seems fun.]] [[Attend a University lecture. You never got to finish school, but you love to learn.]] <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Ballet dance. The classes have always been too expensive to make that much of a time commitment.]] <<else>> [[Play golf. It’s something customers constantly talk about at The Black Swan and it’s interested you for years now.]]<</if>>

You work with acrylics and oils--whichever is cheaper to purchase when you run out. The only downside is the smell lingers in your small apartment, so you have to open your windows to keep air fresh. <<set $hobby = "paint">> <<set $hobbying = "painting">> You put on your apron--it's splattered with accumulated paint over the years--and then stand before your easel. You decide to paint <<cycle "$hobbyproject" autoselect>>\ <<option "the ocean">> <<option "the night sky">> <<option "the dawn">> <<option "kittens">> <<option "the city">> <<option "your golden roses">> <<option "you and your brother">> <</cycle>>. As you paint, you feel your tension from the nightmare start to ease. You feel much better. You enjoy your hobby. It makes you happy and relaxed. It’s not too expensive to maintain so it’s one of the simple pleasures you consistently allow yourself. Although you have to admit you have one other interest. If you were richer or had more free time, you’d love to be able to-- [[Go boating. You're drawn to the ocean. You'd also like to learn how to swim.]] [[Horseback ride. It’s always looked like a fun adventure to you.]] [[Attend an Opera. It's something the customers have talked about taking their spouses to a lot. It seems fun.]] [[Attend a University lecture. You never got to finish school, but you love to learn.]] <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Ballet dance. The classes have always been too expensive to make that much of a time commitment.]] <<else>> [[Play golf. It’s something customers constantly talk about at The Black Swan and it’s interested you for years now.]]<</if>>

You pick up where you left off in your writing. You’ve halfway filled up your notebook with your current project; you’ll need to purchase a new one soon. <<set $hobby = "write">> <<set $hobbying = "writing">> As you write, your mind shuts off. Your hands and imagination work without focus and for the next hour and a half you feel content. You are currently writing a <<cycle "$hobbyproject" autoselect>>\ <<option "romance">> <<option "satire">> <<option "fantasy">> <<option "historical fiction">> <<option "non-fiction">> <<option "horror">> <<option "thriller">> <<option "mystery">> <</cycle>> story. You feel much better. You enjoy your hobby. It makes you happy and relaxed. It’s not too expensive to maintain so it’s one of the simple pleasures you consistently allow yourself. Although you have to admit you have one other interest. If you were richer or had more free time, you’d love to be able to-- [[Go boating. You're drawn to the ocean. You'd also like to learn how to swim.]] [[Horseback ride. It’s always looked like a fun adventure to you.]] [[Attend an Opera. It's something the customers have talked about taking their spouses to a lot. It seems fun.]] [[Attend a University lecture. You never got to finish school, but you love to learn.]] <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Ballet dance. The classes have always been too expensive to make that much of a time commitment.]] <<else>> [[Play golf. It’s something customers constantly talk about at The Black Swan and it’s interested you for years now.]]<</if>>

<<set $dreamhobby = "go horseback riding">> Lawrence used to always tell you to dream big when you went to school. Perhaps dreaming of horseback riding isn’t big, but when you live paycheck to paycheck the expense it’d take to make it happen feels big to you. You start to pick up your things. Your mug is dry so you put it back in your cabinet that creaks when you open it. Your eyes sweep over the countertop and you brush your hand over it. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. Your nose wrinkles and you immediately scratch at your ear. You hate remembering her sing-song voice. Already you can smell the overpowering stench of bleach and feel your hands burn. <<cycle "$grossreaction" autoselect>>\ <<option "Ugh.">> <<option "Gross.">> <<option ". . .">> <<option "$Curse.">> <<option "You feel sick.">> <</cycle>> You absently rub your hands. That nightmare must have tired you out more than you thought. You glance at your clock. You have time before work. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <</if>> You choose to leave. You put on your $shoes and you’re out the door. [[You head to the flower shop.]]

<<set $dreamhobby = "do ballet">> Lawrence used to always tell you to dream big when you went to school. Perhaps dreaming of dancing isn’t big, but when you live paycheck to paycheck the expense it’d take to make it happen feels big to you. You start to pick up your things. Your mug is dry so you put it back in your cabinet that creaks when you open it. Your eyes sweep over the countertop and you brush your hand over it. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. Your nose wrinkles and you immediately scratch at your ear. You hate remembering her sing-song voice. Already you can smell the overpowering stench of bleach and feel your hands burn. <<cycle "$grossreaction" autoselect>>\ <<option "Ugh.">> <<option "Gross.">> <<option ". . .">> <<option "$Curse.">> <<option "You feel sick.">> <</cycle>> You absently rub your hands. That nightmare must have tired you out more than you thought. You glance at your clock. You have time before work. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <</if>> You choose to leave. You put on your $shoes and you’re out the door. [[You head to the flower shop.]]

<<set $dreamhobby = "play golf">>Lawrence used to always tell you to dream big when you went to school. Perhaps dreaming of playing golf isn’t big, but when you live paycheck to paycheck the expense it’d take to make it happen feels big to you. You start to pick up your things. Your mug is dry so you put it back in your cabinet that creaks when you open it. Your eyes sweep over the countertop and you brush your hand over it. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. Your nose wrinkles and you immediately scratch at your ear. You hate remembering her sing-song voice. Already you can smell the overpowering stench of bleach and feel your hands burn. <<cycle "$grossreaction" autoselect>>\ <<option "Ugh.">> <<option "Gross.">> <<option ". . .">> <<option "$Curse.">> <<option "You feel sick.">> <</cycle>> You absently rub your hands. That nightmare must have tired you out more than you thought. You glance at your clock. You have time before work. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <</if>> You choose to leave. You put on your $shoes and you’re out the door. [[You head to the flower shop.]]

<<audio "room" stop>><<audio "cityday" volume 0.25 loop play>>The doorbell chimes when you enter the shop. It's a cute shop. The main room has rows of baskets filled with vibrant flowers. The front door has a floral design, and the main shop window is large enough to cover the entire front wall. There are vines covering it. It has a floral scent to it--a perfect combination of the numerous flowers in the shop--but it is not overpowering. The owner carefully selected pretty flowers with subtle scents so guests wouldn't feel overwhelmed when first walking in. Most days the owner also keeps the door open to let in a breeze and circulate the air. It's rare to find it closed. You soon realize why when you step in. You aren't the only customer today. The owner is with two others. The owner is an elderly woman who goes by the name Daisy. She doesn't like to be called a miss or a ma'am, only Daisy. She is a tall woman who laughs with her whole body and has many wrinkles on her tauny skin from spending her youth in the sun. She used to share the same apartment complex as you before she moved into the floor above her shop. For a time was also your boss. You used to work in the flower shop before your shift at the Black Swan. When Daisy broke her hip while her son was still on tour she didn't have many options. She couldn't afford much. You had just moved in and were desperate for money. You needed a second job, and while the pay was abysmal, it was easy work and better than nothing. She was a good boss--good woman. You helped her outside of work as well--carrying and putting away groceries, running a few errands--and in turn, endeared yourself to her. Now she makes you your favorite dessert (<<cycle "$dessert" autoselect>>\ <<option "chocolate pie">> <<option "apple pie">> <<option "pumpkin pie">> <<option "blueberry cobbler">> <<option "strawberry cobbler">> <<option "peach cobbler">> <<option "chocolate cake">> <<option "strawberry shortcake">> <<option "tiramisu">> <<option "brownies">> <<option "custard">> <<option "coffee pudding">> <<option "banana pudding">> <<option "macarons">> <<option "chocolate chip cookies">> <<option "sugar cookies">> <<option "vanilla ice cream">> <<option "chocolate ice cream">> <<option "strawberry ice cream">> <</cycle>>. Yum. ) on days you feel blue, and best of all you get a discount on-- "--the peonies will look lovely in your bouquet," says Daisy. "Are you sure?" frets a young woman. She's holding a magazine up to Daisy at the counter. "In this color, right?" "Yes, in that exact shade," reassures Daisy. "There, see? I told you this shop would carry them," says a tall bunny monster beside her. A monster. Growing up in the country, you didn't encounter them often. The ones that you did see were always just passin' through. Since moving to the big city, however, you see them daily. When you were able to attend school, you were taught that humans and monsters brokered peace centuries ago through a sacred union: a ''SOULBOND'' between a human princess and a monster prince. Before that union, it was not thought possible for a human and a monster to be ''SOULMATES''. In order to be ''SOULBONDED'' one partner needs a lot of magic. Only a quarter of humanity has magic, and less than half of that have enough magic to use. The power to bind two ''SOULS'' for all eternity takes an incredible amount. Prior to the first union, monsters thought they could only perform such an act with other monsters. Even with this knowledge, unions between monsters and humans are a rarity. Not for humans' lack of trying. Powerful monsters stop aging, and when they ''SOULBOND'' to a human, that partner stops aging. Last century there was a market for humans who would pay to try and force a union as a attempt for immortality. It nearly triggered another war between monsters and humans. Things have died down enough that there isn't overt tension, but the trust broken when that came to light. . . It's rare to see a monster and human couple. You stand off to the side and look at the flowers. You have business here so you don't want to leave; you also don't want the couple to feel like you're eavesdropping. You're certain they probably get plenty of side-eyes already. Jealous humans, distrustful monsters, and plenty of bigots look down on interracial couples. You don't want to be thrown into that lot. The couple talk with Daisy for several more minutes before they leave. Daisy notices you immediately. "My little $favoriteflower lover!" Daisy's entire demeanor is bright. "Did you see the couple that left? Aren't they adorable? They're getting married!" That's nice. "Isn't it, though?" agrees Daisy. "I love making bouquets for weddings. When you get married, you'll let me do the flowers at your venue, right?" You smile at her. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You tell her she can also do your bouquet. <<else>> You promise to let her do exactly that. <</if>> "Sweet child," she says. "Speaking of love--found anyone yet?" <<if $route eq "friendship">> [[No, and you don't want to.]] <<else>> [[No. It's just you.]]<</if>>

Your body throbs painfully, as if every bone in your body has been shattered. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> There is a disconnect between your mind and body, as if a part of you is still in that dream. It takes you several minutes of laying in pain until you process the fact that it was only a dream and there is no reason to be hurting. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<else>> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <</if>> You swallow roughly. Why do you still ache? It would completely throw off your entire schedule if you got up now. You try to lay back down. [[You hope you don't fall.]]

<<set $nickname = "Frisky">> <<set $nickname2 = "Risky-Frisky">> You love your brother. You love remembering him through your dreams. That night you don't dream of him. <<if $route eq "sans">> [[You dream of red smoke choking you.]] <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> [[You dream of vermillion fire engulfing you.]] <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> [[You dream of bony white hands dragging you into darkness.]] <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> [[You dream of vines ensnaring you as you run.]] <<elseif $route eq "friendship">> [[You dream of falling.]]<</if>>

<<set $nickname = "Frisk">> You didn't know why he chose that nickname. You asked him once and he gave you a strange smile. "It suits you," was all he told you. @@.blurwhite; I dreamed of another version of you. That was your nickname, too. That version was happy. I wanted you to be happy.@@ //It suits you.// <<if $gender eq "woman">> He has one more name for you. You are his <<cycle "$nickname2" autoselect>>\ <<option "Risky-Frisky">> <<option "Button">> <<option "Princess">> <<option "Angel">> <<option "Troublemaker">> <<option "Hellraiser">> <<option "Starlight">> <<option "Watson">> <<option "Pumpkin">> <</cycle>> <<else>> He has one more name for you. You are his <<cycle "$nickname2" autoselect>>\ <<option "Risky-Frisky">> <<option "Button">> <<option "Prince">> <<option "Angel">> <<option "Troublemaker">> <<option "Starlight">> <<option "Hellraiser">> <<option "Watson">> <</cycle>> <</if>> You love your brother. You love remembering him through your dreams. That night you don't dream of him. <<if $route eq "sans">> [[You dream of red smoke choking you.]] <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> [[You dream of vermillion fire engulfing you.]] <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> [[You dream of bony white hands dragging you into darkness.]] <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> [[You dream of vines ensnaring you as you run.]] <<elseif $route eq "friendship">> [[You dream of falling.]]<</if>>

You take a long $bathe and scrub your $skincolor skin raw with your $smell scented soap. You try to ignore the feeling of thorns pricking your skin. You scrub and scrub and //scrub.// Ouch. You scratched yourself with your nails. The blood is immediately swept away by the water. This isn't good. You need to pull yourself together. You end your $bathe and dry off. You work the evening shift tonight so you have a lot of time to sort yourself out. You finish getting ready. You force yourself to move slowly, carefully. You are in control of yourself. Not your nightmare. Not your memories. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You slip on a $dress dress. <<else>> You put on your $outfit. <</if>> You shiver. <<cycle "$warmup" autoselect>>\ <<option "You wrap yourself up in a blanket.">> <<option "You throw on a sweater.">> <<option "You throw on a sweater and wrap yourself up in a blanket.">> <</cycle>> <<if $hairisstyled eq 0>> You are glad you don't normally mess with your hair. You can leave it as is. <<else>> You'll finish your hair later, when it's closer to your time to leave. <</if>> You have hours left in your day before you have to go to work. You actually have time to do something extra for you. That will be nice. It might make you feel better too. [[You grab a book and start to read. You love reading.]] [[You grab a notebook and start to write. You love writing.]] [[You grab your sketch book and take a seat at the table. You love to draw.]] [[You pull out your easel and crack a window. You love to paint.]] [[You pull out your crochet needles and yarn. You love to crochet.]] [[You turn on the radio and listen to the music. You love listening to music.]] [[You pull out your knife and small block of wood. You love to whittle.]]

You shoot up in bed, scrambling to turn on the lights. It's a mad dash to hit the switch for the lamp on your nightstand. You miss it thrice, panic making you jittery. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> The light comes on. Your heart pounds as you tremble in your bed. Bed. Oh. You're in your bed. You're okay. You can breathe. Slowly, shakily, you calm down. You try to take deep breaths, although you hiccup when you breathe in. You glance at the clock. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<else>> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <</if>> You swallow roughly. You still feel the lingering touch of those fingers. It would completely throw off your entire schedule if you got up now. You try to lay back down. [[You decide to leave the light on and hope you have a sweeter dream.]]

<<if $morningperson eq 1>> You wake up without issue in the morning. <<else>> It is even harder to get up than usual in the morning. You roll over and bury your face in your pillow. Why must the bed be so lulling when you have to get up? You heave a heavy sigh and force yourself to get out of bed. <</if>> You make your bed as you do every morning, although you feel more tired than normal. You catch a shadow in the corner of your eye that makes your heart jump into your throat. It's nothing. //It's nothing.// The memory of those touches linger on your skin. You move sluggishly. Even after you drink your morning $drink you still feel out of sorts. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You can't afford to go in timeout again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You can't afford to go in timeout again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You can't afford to go in timeout again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You can't afford to go in timeout again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You can't afford to go in timeout again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You can't afford to go in timeout again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You can't afford to go in timeout again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You can't afford to go in timeout again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You can't afford to go in timeout again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You can't afford to go in timeout again.@@ <</if>> Hopefully your morning run will make you feel better. You'll be out in the daylight, //sunlight// with no darkness in sight. [[Even the sun can't chase away the shadows completely.]]

You take a long $bathe and scrub your $skincolor skin raw with your $smell scented soap. And then the bathroom lights go out. Your whole body seizes and you frantically scramble out of the bath. It is, blessedly, a tiny tiny tiny bathroom: the door is literally one step away. You throw it open with enough force it slams into the wall. The lights come back on. This isn't good. You need to pull yourself together. You work the evening shift tonight so you have a lot of time. You finish getting ready. You force yourself back into the bathroom to finish cleaning and drying yourself. You are in control of yourself. Not your nightmare. Not your memories. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You slip on a $dress dress. <<else>> You put on your $outfit. <</if>> You shiver. <<cycle "$warmup" autoselect>>\ <<option "You wrap yourself up in a blanket.">> <<option "You throw on a sweater.">> <<option "You throw on a sweater and wrap yourself up in a blanket.">> <</cycle>> <<if $hairisstyled eq 0>> You are glad you don't normally mess with your hair. You can leave it as is. <<else>> You'll finish your hair later, when it's closer to your time to leave. <</if>> You have hours left in your day before you have to go to work. You actually have time to do something extra for you. That will be nice. It might make you feel better too. [[You grab a book and start to read. You love reading.]] [[You grab a notebook and start to write. You love writing.]] [[You grab your sketch book and take a seat at the table. You love to draw.]] [[You pull out your easel and crack a window. You love to paint.]] [[You pull out your crochet needles and yarn. You love to crochet.]] [[You turn on the radio and listen to the music. You love listening to music.]] [[You pull out your knife and small block of wood. You love to whittle.]]

<<if $morningperson eq 1>> You wake up without issue in the morning. <<else>> It is even harder to get up than usual in the morning. You roll over and bury your face in your pillow. Why must the bed be so lulling when you have to get up? You heave a heavy sigh and force yourself to get out of bed. <</if>> You make your bed as you do every morning, although you feel more tired than normal. The nightmare lingers in the back of your mind. You move sluggishly. Even after you drink your $drink you still feel out of sorts. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You can't mess this up again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You can't mess this up again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You can't mess this up again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You can't mess this up again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You can't mess this up again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You can't mess this up again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You can't mess this up again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You can't mess this up again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You can't mess this up again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You can't mess this up again.@@ <</if>> Hopefully your morning run will make you feel better. You'll be out in the daylight, //sunlight// with no darkness in sight. [[You trip several times on your run, barely catching yourself each time.]]

You take a long $bathe and scrub your $skincolor skin raw with your $smell scented soap. You don't feel any better than when you first woke up. This isn't good. You need to pull yourself together. You work the evening shift tonight so you have a lot of time. You finish getting ready. You force yourself to move slowly, carefully. You are in control of yourself. Not your nightmare. Not your memories. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You slip on a $dress dress. <<else>> You put on your $outfit. <</if>> You shiver. <<cycle "$warmup" autoselect>>\ <<option "You wrap yourself up in a blanket.">> <<option "You throw on a sweater.">> <<option "You throw on a sweater and wrap yourself up in a blanket.">> <</cycle>> <<if $hairisstyled eq 0>> You are glad you don't normally mess with your hair. You can leave it as is. <<else>> You'll finish your hair later, when it's closer to your time to leave. <</if>> You have hours left in your day before you have to go to work. You actually have time to do something extra for you. That will be nice. It might make you feel better too. [[You grab a book and start to read. You love reading.]] [[You grab a notebook and start to write. You love writing.]] [[You grab your sketch book and take a seat at the table. You love to draw.]] [[You pull out your easel and crack a window. You love to paint.]] [[You pull out your crochet needles and yarn. You love to crochet.]] [[You turn on the radio and listen to the music. You love listening to music.]] [[You pull out your knife and small block of wood. You love to whittle.]]

You try to scream as you lurch up but you can't make any sound. Debilitating pain all over your skin brings teras to your eyes. You desperately suck in large gulps of air, <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> Your heart pounds as you tremble in your bed. Bed. Oh. You're in your bed. You're okay. You're. . . You look down at your hands, double checking. You're not on fire. Slowly, shakily, you calm down. You try to take deep breaths, although you hiccup when you breathe in. You glance at the clock. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <<else>> It reads: ''3:33 AM'' <</if>> You swallow roughly. Your skin tingles like a sunburn. It would completely throw off your entire schedule if you got up now. You try to lay back down. [[You hope you dream of some place cold.]]

<<if $morningperson eq 1>> You wake up without issue in the morning. <<else>> It is even harder to get up than usual in the morning. You roll over and bury your face in your pillow. Why must the bed be so lulling when you have to get up? You heave a heavy sigh and force yourself to get out of bed. <</if>> You make your bed as you do every morning, although you feel more tired than normal. The nightmare lingers in the back of your mind. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">> Red is normally your favorite color, but after a dream like that seeing it makes you uncomfortable. It's too close to the color of the fire. <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> Orange is normally your favorite color, but after a dream like that seeing it makes you uncomfortable. It's too close to the color of the fire. <<else>> You take a peek at some of your clothes hung up to dry. You decide you don't want to wear any reds or oranges for a while. <</if>> You move sluggishly. Even after you drink your $drink you still feel out of sorts. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You can still hear the music.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You can still hear the music.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You can still hear the music.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You can still hear the music.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You can still hear the music.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You can still hear the music.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You're afraid to be in the garden again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You can still hear the music.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You can still hear the music.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You can still hear the music.@@ <</if>> Hopefully your morning run will make you feel better. [[The run does nothing to ease you.]]

You take a long $bathe and scrub your $skincolor skin raw with your $smell scented soap. <<if $bathe eq "cold shower">> Normally the chill of the water is enough to fully wake you up, but it only turns you into a shivering mess by the end of it. <<else>> You normally like your water comfortably hot, but when the water touches your skin it feels unbearable. You flinch away from it. After a moment of thought, you reluctantly decide to take a cold shower today instead. <</if>> This isn't good. You need to pull yourself together. You work the evening shift tonight so you have a lot of time. You finish getting ready. You force yourself to move slowly, carefully. You are in control of yourself. Not your nightmare. Not your memories. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You slip on a $dress dress. <<else>> You put on your $outfit. <</if>> You shiver. <<cycle "$warmup" autoselect>>\ <<option "You wrap yourself up in a blanket.">> <<option "You throw on a sweater.">> <<option "You throw on a sweater and wrap yourself up in a blanket.">> <</cycle>> <<if $hairisstyled eq 0>> You are glad you don't normally mess with your hair. You can leave it as is. <<else>> You'll finish your hair later, when it's closer to your time to leave. <</if>> You have hours left in your day before you have to go to work. You actually have time to do something extra for you. That will be nice. It might make you feel better too. [[You grab a book and start to read. You love reading.]] [[You grab a notebook and start to write. You love writing.]] [[You grab your sketch book and take a seat at the table. You love to draw.]] [[You pull out your easel and crack a window. You love to paint.]] [[You pull out your crochet needles and yarn. You love to crochet.]] [[You turn on the radio and listen to the music. You love listening to music.]] [[You pull out your knife and small block of wood. You love to whittle.]]

"I can't see why!" she says. "You're the loveliest $gender in this whole city." You duck your head, a sheepishly pleased smile on your face. Daisy has a way of sincerely complimenting others that makes them feel warm. You aren't immune to this. And after the night you had, it feels good to be near someone kind. "You know I could try to set you up with someone," she offers. "There's a lot of moms at my bingo club who brag about their sons--" You assure her you are fine. "Are you sure?" she presses. Yes. Her face scrunches up. She gives you a long look. "Humor a poor old lady?" No. She sighs dramatically. "You break my poor fragile heart." You've seen her man-handle her military son and //win//. You refuse to believe she is fragile. You will not fall for this ruse. When she realizes this, she rolls her eyes and waves her hand dismissively. "Fine, fine. Here for the usual order?" Yes. Your usual order. As a bonus for Daisy liking you, you get a special discount in ordering posters. Her sister works at a printing press. Daisy takes your order, and comes back a few weeks later with stacks of new missing person posters of your brother Lawrence. It's almost time to put up a new batch, as the old ones have become worn down from the weather. You aren't sure if they make much of a difference. Five years of putting them up and you've yet to receive a clue, but. . . There's not much else you can do. You have to keep trying. He would never give up on you, and so you will never give up on him. "All right, little $favoriteflower lover," she says, her voice soft and eyes full of sympathy. You already have the money ready and you hand it to her over the counter, ignoring the look she gives you. She puts the money away. It will be some time until the posters are ready. "Before you go," she says, "how about a corsage?" For what? "Because," she says, "you're alive. Isn't that reason enough?" You give her a smile. She takes that as a yes and happily moves around her shop to pluck a few flowers. "Hypothetically," she says, "if you //were// interested in some company--" No. "You're no fun. Can't you answer a few questions?" She bats her eyes. "For me?" When you don't respond she offers a counter offer. "For some freshly made $dessert?" Not even for that. Her laughter bounces around the shop, lighter and brighter than the warm noon sun that filters in. "My darling $favoriteflower lover, I do adore your stubborness." You <<cycle "$happyreaction" autoselect>>\ <<option "giggle">> <<option "crack a small smile">> <<option "smirk">> <<option "beam">> <<option "smile">> <<option "grin">> <</cycle>>. She finishes quickly. "Ta-da! All done," she says. She takes the corsage made up of $soulcolor and $favoriteflowercolor flowers and <<if $gender eq "woman">> ties it around your wrist<<else>> pins it to your shirt<</if>>. "You going to work?" Yes. "Be safe," she says. You will. You always are. As you leave you get a rush of vertigo and for a brief moment you feel as if you are falling. At once you are reminded of that dream. The nightmare is lingering on you. . . . ? <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <</if>> $intuition $Curse. You know this feeling. You know what it means. [[Your Pa taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Da taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Father taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Dad taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Papa taught you many things growing up.]]

<<set $date = "dinner with a show">> She nods at that. "And what kind of gifts would you want to receive?" [[Flowers.]] [[Nice clothes.]] [[Good shoes.]] [[Your favorite foods.]] [[Jewelry.]]

<<set $date = "stroll through the park">> She nods at that. "And what kind of gifts would you want to receive?" [[Flowers.]] [[Nice clothes.]] [[Good shoes.]] [[Your favorite foods.]] [[Jewelry.]]

<<set $date = "walk on the beach">> She nods at that. "And what kind of gifts would you want to receive?" [[Flowers.]] [[Nice clothes.]] [[Good shoes.]] [[Your favorite foods.]] [[Jewelry.]]

<<set $date = "a nice restaurant with good food">> She nods at that. "And what kind of gifts would you want to receive?" [[Flowers.]] [[Nice clothes.]] [[Good shoes.]] [[Your favorite foods.]] [[Jewelry.]]

<<set $gift = "nice clothes">> She smiles at that. "And in a relationship. . . would you rather take the lead, or have your partner do it?" [[You would rather your partner initiated.]] [[You would rather initiate.]]

<<set $gift = "$shoes">> She smiles at that. "And in a relationship. . . would you rather take the lead, or have your partner do it?" [[You would rather your partner initiated.]] [[You would rather initiate.]]

<<set $gift = "$dessert">> She smiles at that. "And in a relationship. . . would you rather take the lead, or have your partner do it?" [[You would rather your partner initiated.]] [[You would rather initiate.]]

<<set $gift = "jewelry">> She smiles at that. "And in a relationship. . . would you rather take the lead, or have your partner do it?" [[You would rather your partner initiated.]] [[You would rather initiate.]]

<<set $gift = "a bouquet of $favoriteflowers">> She beams at that. "And in a relationship. . . would you rather take the lead, or have your partner do it?" [[You would rather your partner initiated.]] [[You would rather initiate.]]

"Ta-da! All done," she says. She takes the corsage made up of $soulcolor and $favoriteflowercolor flowers and <<if $gender eq "woman">> ties it around your wrist<<else>> pins it to your shirt<</if>>. <<set $shy = 10>> <<set $bold = 0>> You thank her for the corsage. "And thank //you// for your time," she says. "You going to work?" Yes. "Be safe," she says. You will. You always are. <<if $route eq "sans">> As you leave, you catch a whiff of something smoky and spicy. At once you are reminded of that dream. <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> As you step out into the sunlight, you flinch at the way it burned against your face for only a split second. At once you are reminded of that dream. <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> As you leave, you could have sworn you saw another shadow move. You shiver as you are reminded of that dream. <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> As you leave you brush pass a rose bush. The thorns prick you on your way out. At once you are reminded of that dream. <<else>> As you leave you get a rush of vertigo and for a brief moment you feel as if you are falling. At once you are reminded of that dream. <</if>> The nightmare is lingering on you. . . . ? <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <</if>> $intuition $Curse. You know this feeling. You know what it means. [[Your Pa taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Da taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Father taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Dad taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Papa taught you many things growing up.]]

"Ta-da! All done," she says. She takes the corsage made up of $soulcolor flowers and <<if $gender eq "woman">> ties it around your wrist<<else>> pins it to your shirt<</if>>. <<set $shy = 0>> <<set $bold = 10>> You thank her for the corsage. "And thank //you// for your time," she says. "You going to work?" Yes. "Be safe," she says. You will. You always are. <<if $route eq "sans">> As you leave, you catch a whiff of something smoky and spicy. At once you are reminded of that dream. <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> As you step out into the sunlight, you flinch at the way it burned against your face for only a split second. At once you are reminded of that dream. <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> As you leave, you could have sworn you saw another shadow move. You shiver as you are reminded of that dream. <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> As you leave you brush pass a rose bush. The thorns prick you on your way out. At once you are reminded of that dream. <<else>> As you leave you get a rush of vertigo and for a brief moment you feel as if you are falling. At once you are reminded of that dream. <</if>> The nightmare is lingering on you. . . . ? <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;The memory is lingering on you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The memory is lingering on you.@@ <</if>> $intuition $Curse. You know this feeling. You know what it means. [[Your Pa taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Da taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Father taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Dad taught you many things growing up.]] [[Your Papa taught you many things growing up.]]

<<set $Pa = "Pa">> He taught you how to be brave. <<set $Ma = "Ma">> How to be afraid. He taught you how to stand firm. How to take a hit. He taught you to perservere. No matter how badly it hurts. But the most important lesson he ever taught you was how to trust your instincts: trust your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>is special. It's strong. //Powerful.// Through your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>you have a near-flawless intuition when it comes to your safety. Under $Pa's lessons this ability grew to its current state. It's how you avoid death. It's how you and Lawrence succeeded in evadin' $Pa when you fled into the night. You instinctively know where to go in dangerous situations and how to survive. . . as if you have already done it before and learned from your mistakes. This ability isn't something you advertise. And the last time this ability was triggered it led to your brother's disappearance. There is something more about your dream. It's prophetic. It's a //warning.// [[Are you going to listen to it?]]

<<set $Pa = "Da">> He taught you how to be brave. <<set $Ma = "Ma">> How to be afraid. He taught you how to stand firm. How to take a hit. He taught you to perservere. No matter how badly it hurts. But the most important lesson he ever taught you was how to trust your instincts: trust your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>is special. It's strong. //Powerful.// Through your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>you have a near-flawless intuition when it comes to your safety. Under $Pa's lessons this ability grew to its current state. It's how you avoid death. It's how you and Lawrence succeeded in evadin' $Pa when you fled into the night. You instinctively know where to go in dangerous situations and how to survive. . . as if you have already done it before and learned from your mistakes. This ability isn't something you advertise. And the last time this ability was triggered it led to your brother's disappearance. There is something more about your dream. It's prophetic. It's a //warning.// [[Are you going to listen to it?]]

<<set $Pa = "Father">> He taught you how to be brave. <<set $Ma = "Mother">> How to be afraid. He taught you how to stand firm. How to take a hit. He taught you to perservere. No matter how badly it hurts. But the most important lesson he ever taught you was how to trust your instincts: trust your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>is special. It's strong. //Powerful.// Through your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>you have a near-flawless intuition when it comes to your safety. Under $Pa's lessons this ability grew to its current state. It's how you avoid death. It's how you and Lawrence succeeded in evadin' $Pa when you fled into the night. You instinctively know where to go in dangerous situations and how to survive. . . as if you have already done it before and learned from your mistakes. This ability isn't something you advertise. And the last time this ability was triggered it led to your brother's disappearance. There is something more about your dream. It's prophetic. It's a //warning.// [[Are you going to listen to it?]]

<<set $Pa = "Dad">> He taught you how to be brave. <<set $Ma = "Mom">> How to be afraid. He taught you how to stand firm. How to take a hit. He taught you to perservere. No matter how badly it hurts. But the most important lesson he ever taught you was how to trust your instincts: trust your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>is special. It's strong. //Powerful.// Through your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>you have a near-flawless intuition when it comes to your safety. Under $Pa's lessons this ability grew to its current state. It's how you avoid death. It's how you and Lawrence succeeded in evadin' $Pa when you fled into the night. You instinctively know where to go in dangerous situations and how to survive. . . as if you have already done it before and learned from your mistakes. This ability isn't something you advertise. And the last time this ability was triggered it led to your brother's disappearance. There is something more about your dream. It's prophetic. It's a //warning.// [[Are you going to listen to it?]]

<<set $Pa = "Papa">> He taught you how to be brave. <<set $Ma = "Mama">> How to be afraid. He taught you how to stand firm. How to take a hit. He taught you to perservere. No matter how badly it hurts. But the most important lesson he ever taught you was how to trust your instincts: trust your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>is special. It's strong. //Powerful.// Through your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>you have a near-flawless intuition when it comes to your safety. Under $Pa's lessons this ability grew to its current state. It's how you avoid death. It's how you and Lawrence succeeded in evadin' $Pa when you fled into the night. You instinctively know where to go in dangerous situations and how to survive. . . as if you have already done it before and learned from your mistakes. This ability isn't something you advertise. And the last time this ability was triggered it led to your brother's disappearance. There is something more about your dream. It's prophetic. It's a //warning.// [[Are you going to listen to it?]]

---- //Your profile has been unlocked.// ---- //Clues have been unlocked.// <<set $clues = 1>> ---- <h2> Appearance</h2> ---- Name: $name. Nicknames: $nickname & $nickname2 Eye color: $eyecolor. Soul color: $soulcolor. Hair length: $hairlength Hair color: $haircolor Hair type: $hairtype Skin color: $skincolor Scent: $smell ---- <h2> Preferences </h2> ---- Your favorite flower is a $favoriteflowercolor $favoriteflower. Your morning drink is $drink. Your preferred breakfast is $breakfast. Your favorite dessert is $dessert. Your apartment is $apartment. <<if $route eq "friendship">> <<else>> A nice date to you would be $date. A good gift would be $gift. <</if>> ---- <h2> Quirks </h2> ---- <<if $morningperson eq 1>> You wake up on time without issue. <<else>> You struggle to get out of bed most mornings. <</if>> Regarding your self-care routine: $selfcare You work as a $job. You like to $hobby, but one day you would like to $dreamhobby. When your intuition is triggered it feels like: $intuition When happy you tend to: $happyreaction. <<if $route eq "friendship">> You would rather not be in a romantic relationship. <<elseif $shy gt $bold>> In a romantic relationship you would rather your partner took the initiative. <<else>> In a romantic relationship you would rather take the initiative. <</if>> You are on the $route route. [[Commit.]] <<click "Restart">><<script>>UISystem.restart()<</script>><</click>>

<<if $route eq "sans">> As your $shoes click against the sidewalk you catch a whiff of that unique spicy-smoky scent on the wind. The smell tickles your nose. It's gone by the second sniff. $intuition Your $eyecolor eyes sweep the area around you. You try to find the source of the smell–the source of the //danger//–but you see nothing. . . . @@.blurr;Sans. . . @@ You absently rub your hands together as you start walking to work. Thirty minutes later you arrive at the Black Swan. You change into your provided uniform, check your appearance to ensure you look well-put together and not at all like you’ve been struggling with a lingering nightmare all day. Once satisfied you won’t get teased for a less-than acceptable presentation, you head out and start your work day. [[A week goes by.]] <<else>> As your $shoes click against the sidewalk you catch a whiff of a unique spicy-smoky scent on the wind. The smell tickles your nose. It's gone by the second sniff. Strange. Thirty minutes later you arrive at the Black Swan. You change into your provided uniform, check your appearance to ensure you look well-put together and not at all like you’ve been struggling with a lingering nightmare all day. Once satisfied you won’t get teased for a less-than acceptable presentation, you head out and start your work day. [[A week slips by.]]<</if>>

<h2> Darling You and. . . </h2> <<if $route eq "asriel">><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/bwHGRJMM/GMP-Q29tc-HJlc3-NHSDAx-3.gif" width=35%/> <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> <img src="mafiaimages/wd.gif" width=35%/> <<elseif $route eq "sans">> <img src="mafiaimages/sans.gif" width=35%/><<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> <img src="mafiaimages/pap.gif" width=35%/><<else>> <img src="mafiaimages/bro.gif" width=35%/><</if>> ---- <h2> Appearance</h2> ---- Name: $name. Nicknames: $nickname & $nickname2 Eye color: $eyecolor. Soul color: $soulcolor. Hair length: $hairlength Hair color: $haircolor Hair type: $hairtype Skin color: $skincolor Scent: $smell ---- <h2> Preferences </h2> ---- Your favorite flower is a $favoriteflowercolor $favoriteflower. Your morning drink is $drink. Your preferred breakfast is $breakfast. Your favorite dessert is $dessert. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You typically wear a $dress dress and $shoes. You wear your hair $hairstyle. <<else>> You typically wear $outfit and $shoes. You wear your hair $hairstyle. <</if>> Your apartment is $apartment. <<if $route eq "friendship">> <<else>> A nice date to you would be $date. A good gift would be $gift. <</if>> ---- <h2> Quirks </h2> ---- <<if $morningperson eq 1>> You wake up on time without issue. <<else>> You struggle to get out of bed most mornings. <</if>> Regarding your self-care routine: $selfcare You work as a $job. You like to $hobby, but one day you would like to $dreamhobby. When your intuition is triggered it feels like: $intuition When happy you tend to: $happyreaction. <<if $route eq "friendship">> You would rather not be in a romantic relationship. <<elseif $shy gt $bold>> In a romantic relationship you would rather your partner took the initiative. <<else>> In a romantic relationship you would rather take the initiative. <</if>> You are on the $route route. [[Return|$return]]

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" volume 1 loop play>>A week goes by. You wish you could say it goes by without issue, but there //is// an issue. <<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $sansnickname1 = "dollface">><<else>><<set $sansnickname1 = "pal">><</if>> You keep catching a whiff of that smell. It’s always in short bursts–on an unexpected breeze–and gone by the next time you inhale. You consistently search around you, yet you cannot find anyone near you when you smell it. <<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $sansnickname2 = "sweetheart">><<else>><<set $sansnickname2 = "buzz">><</if>> The first few days it happened you were taken back to that nightmare. <<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $sansnickname3 = "lil' lady">><<else>><<set $sansnickname3 = "lil' gent">><</if>> Now you’re plain frustrated. <<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $sansnickname4 = "cookie">><<else>><<set $sansnickname4 = "dish">><</if>> You aren’t insane–not yet–and you have complete faith in your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>’s instincts. Someone or something is producing that smell. They either have incredible timing to consistently avoid your attention. . . or you’re being stalked. <<cycle "$stalking" autoselect>>\ <<option "Which perplexes you. You haven’t done anything to warrant such focused attention.">> <<option "Which baffles you. There’s no reason for anyone to go to such lengths over you.">> <<option "Which aggravates you further. You hate waiting games.">> <<option "Which makes you uncomfortable. You hate unseen threats.">> <</cycle>> Happenstance or purposeful? <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You broke him. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You broke him. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You broke him. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You broke him. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You broke him. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You broke him. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You broke him. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You broke him. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You broke him. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You broke him. @@ <</if>> A week of this happening feels intentional, but you’ve seen stranger coincidences. There was one case your brother worked on–one of his first cases as a detective–where a man kept finding bodies. Everyone thought the man was the killer behind it all, but no. He was just //that// unlucky. All the victims were from different murders and the poor man unwittingly stumbled into them before the murderer could completely dispose of the body. Remembering that–and other strange cases your brother has told you about–makes you reserve judgment. That, and logically, you don’t see a reason for anyone to stalk you. <<cycle "$attraction" autoselect>>\ <<option "You are attractive, and have had to turn away persistent customers, but no one’s gone this far for you before.">> <<option "You are attractive, but not //that// attractive.">> <<option "You are only attractive to customers at work and you are 99% sure it’s because of the booze and uniform.">> <</cycle>> You don’t remember meeting anyone with that smell either–you would have definitely gone out of your way to memorize them due to your dream–which means you’d infer that //they// saw //you// without ever actually meeting you. . . and then decided to stalk you? You suppose stranger things have happened, but that’s a stretch either way. Someone who is potentially a lethal threat to you keeps ending up in the same places you visit–and leaves before you notice them–//or// they saw you at a distance and immediately decided to stalk you. You can’t tell which one is weirder. This situation has put you on edge. When you go into work at the end of the week, you feel your nerves are already frayed. No amount of $hobbying or deep breaths will ease you. You step into the Black Swan, the familiar low jazz plays in the background. Your $shoes sink into the red carpet. Your footsteps are swallowed up by the background noise, you move silently. You decide to try and put the situation from your mind. You need to focus on work. You'll have to pay the protection fee soon, and if they decide to unexpectedly hike up the amount again you want to ensure you won't be caught off guard. You need the money. "Good evenin', $Miss $name," says Ray--one of your coworkers. He's an older man with dark skin, coffee-colored eyes, and a friendly disposition. He does his job without complaint, has helped you deal with rougher customers, and is willing to take on extra shifts when someone is sick. It's rare to see him working the evening shift. <<if $job eq "bartender">> He's a bartender for the day shift, whereas you're the bartender for the evening shift. The only time the two of you are on the same shift is if one of you has to act as a waiter on a double shift. <<else>> He's a bartender for the day shift. You only ever see him when he works a double in the evening. <</if>> You return his greeting. "Thank you again for coverin' for me," he says. "Hope all went well?" Ah. That's right. You covered for Ray last week and were unexpectedly forced to work the back tables. At the time you had thought: //$workingtheback// <<if ((($workingtheback eq "That's fine with you. More money."))) or (($workingtheback eq "Oh well. Nothing you can do about it now.")) or ($workingtheback eq "You don't really care.")>> You smiled politely and assured him all went well. He looks relieved. "Good. I forgot what area I was until Anna mentioned it when I got back. I was worried you'd get stuck with the rougher crowd." You shook your head. All went well. "Good, good." <<else>> You raise an eyebrow. He hadn't warned you what area you were supposed to cover. "Apologies," he says when he catches your displeasure. "I forgot I was working in the back tables. Did you have any trouble?" No, thankfully all went well that night. He sighs. "At least there's that." <</if>> "Ray! Could we get your help in the back?" shouts one of the cooks from the kitchen. "Comin'," says Ray. He dips his head in your direction. "Have a good evenin', $Miss $name." <<if ((($workingtheback eq "That's fine with you. More money."))) or (($workingtheback eq "Oh well. Nothing you can do about it now.")) or ($workingtheback eq "You don't really care.")>> You wish him the same. <<else>> You incline your head to acknowledge you heard, but you do not respond. <</if>> <<if $job eq "singer">> You already did your vocal warm ups on the way in, you only need to change into the shimmery dress the boss provided for you to use when on stage. Looks better under a spotlight than your normal clothes. You continue your journey to the backroom. <<else>> You continue your journey to the backroom so you can change into your uniform. <</if>> $intuition . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You did this to him. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You did this to him. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You did this to him. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You did this to him. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You did this to him. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You did this to him. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You did this to him. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You did this to him. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You did this to him. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You did this to him. @@ <</if>> You pause. [[You catch a whiff of something spicy and smoky.]]

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" volume 1 loop play>>You step into the Black Swan, the familiar low jazz plays in the background. Your $shoes sink into the red carpet. Your footsteps are swallowed up by the background noise, you move silently. You'll have to pay the protection fee soon, and if they decide to unexpectedly hike up the amount again you want to ensure you won't be caught off guard. You need the money. "Good evenin', $Miss $name," says Ray--one of your coworkers. He's an older man with dark skin, coffee-colored eyes, and a friendly disposition. He does his job without complaint, has helped you deal with rougher customers, and is willing to take on extra shifts when someone is sick. It's rare to see him working the evening shift. <<if $job eq "bartender">> He's a bartender for the day shift, whereas you're the bartender for the evening shift. The only time the two of you are on the same shift is if one of you has to act as a waiter on a double shift. <<else>> He's a bartender for the day shift. You only ever see him when he works a double in the evening. <</if>> You return his greeting. "Thank you again for coverin' for me," he says. "Hope all went well?" Ah. That's right. You covered for Ray last week and were unexpectedly forced to work the back tables. At the time you had thought: //$workingtheback// <<if ((($workingtheback eq "That's fine with you. More money."))) or (($workingtheback eq "Oh well. Nothing you can do about it now.")) or ($workingtheback eq "You don't really care.")>> You smiled politely and assured him all went well. He looks relieved. "Good. I forgot what area I was until Anna mentioned it when I got back. I was worried you'd get stuck with the rougher crowd." You shook your head. All went well. "Good, good." <<else>> You raise an eyebrow. He hadn't warned you what area you were supposed to cover. "Apologies," he says when he catches your displeasure. "I forgot I was working in the back tables. Did you have any trouble?" No, thankfully all went well that night. He sighs. "At least there's that." <</if>> "Ray! Could we get your help in the back?" shouts one of the cooks from the kitchen. "Comin'," says Ray. He dips his head in your direction. "Have a good evenin', $Miss $name." <<if ((($workingtheback eq "That's fine with you. More money."))) or (($workingtheback eq "Oh well. Nothing you can do about it now.")) or ($workingtheback eq "You don't really care.")>> You wish him the same. <<else>> You incline your head to acknowledge you heard, but you do not respond. <</if>> <<if $job eq "singer">> You already did your vocal warm ups on the way in, you only need to change into the shimmery dress the boss provided for you to use when on stage. Looks better under a spotlight than your normal clothes. You continue your journey to the backroom. <<else>> You continue your journey to the backroom so you can change into your uniform. <</if>> [[You enter the backroom.]]

It's rich. Strong. It's nearby. You turn your head and look at a group of gentlemen entering the Black Swan. There are five men and one monster. Three of the men you recognize as regulars, and you know them to be part of the Vivacci family. The other two are fresh faces. And the monster? You haven't seen this monster before. You're certain of it. Monsters don't come into the Black Swan often. The ones that do are the ones that have ties to one of the families. Monsters are considered the best muscles-for-hire if you can afford them due to their incredible magic, tough durability, and some of them have immunity to common human weapons. Monsters are large. //Always.// Even "short" monsters easily hit 6 ft, and this monster is no exception to that rule. He's large by every account, and is dressed in a fine black business suit with a black tie. He wears a suit hat to match and on his hands--even at a distance--you can see gold rings on his fingers. It takes you a few seconds to realize his fingers are bony--he's a skeleton monster. You haven't met one of those before. The only monsters you've encountered prior have been canine or rodents. Your $eyecolor eyes move up to his face. You notice he's smoking some kind of cigar and exhales a red smoke that looks alarmingly familiar to you. You meet his gaze. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Your hand flies up to your chest as your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>> thumps in your chest. Your heart pounds in tune with it leaving a heavy feeling in your chest. Heat floods through you, warm and tingly. Your throat dries out. $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Oh $curse. $Curse, $curse, $curse, $curse, //$curse.// You can’t look away. The world could be on fire and you wouldn’t even notice. Everything comes to a stuttering halt in your mind. A hand slaps your back and you are freed from your delirium. “You okay, $name?” asks Wendy, one of the waitresses. She looks like she was stepping out of the backroom and came to a stop. You swallow roughly and look away. You tell her you are fine. “You sure?” Wendy places the back of her hand on your forehead, frowning. “You seem hot. If you’re sick, you should go home.” And miss the paycheck? No. You shake your head. “Okay, your call. Drink some water. If you need to leave just let me know, I can cover for you.” You nod and start to move away. You can’t resist flicking your eyes up at the skeleton again. He’s still looking at you. The man is talking to him, but the skeleton hasn’t stopped looking at //you//. When he notices your gaze he winks. <<if $shy gt $bold>> You feel a heatstroke coming on and immediately look away, fanning your cheeks. <<else>> You wink back without thought, another surge of heat rising through you. <</if>> $Curse. [[You hurry into the backroom for some water and. . . space. You need to think.]]

Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>> is screaming that man is dangerous in the same second its swooning for him. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Again.@@ <</if>> $Curse. You are, undeniably, attracted to someone who could potentially //honestly// murder you. $Curse, $curse, $curse. When your brother talked to you about dames and lads who stuck around their eventual killer you always thought that was insane. Have you finally gone insane? $grossreaction You bury your face in your hands. [[Okay. Deep breath.]]

In. <<timed 1s>>One.<</timed>><<timed 2s>> Two.<</timed>><<timed 3s>> Three.<</timed>> @@.delayed;Hold. One. Two. Three.@@ @@.delayed;Out. One. Two. Three.@@ @@.delayed;In. One. Two. Three.@@ @@.delayed;Hold. One. Two. Three.@@ @@.delayed;[[Focus on the facts and what you can do.]]@@

Fact one: you had a dream warning you about. . . well, about what specifically? He didn’t directly kill you in the dream, the smell matches the smoke you choked on. Smoke that looks exactly like the kind from his cig— Okay he probably did kill you in that dream. Maybe. Not for the first time in your life, you wish you had someone to talk to about your ability. You've only had one prophetic dream before and that went. . . terrible. Focus, $name. Fact two: You are intensely attracted to him. Not only in a physical sense but even your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>has a reaction. That’s. . . not normal. ''SOULS'' only react to other ''SOULS'' if they are ''SOULMATES''. A ''SOULMATE'' is something created after a union as far as your human knowledge goes, not. . . not whatever this is. You are absolutely certain you are not ''SOULBOUND'' to anyone--you would never forget that fact--which means your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>'s reaction is abnormal. Have you finally gone insane? Is your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>confusing terror for attraction? You now have a handful of choices. Option one: try to ignore the attraction and stay away from the potential threat. Option two: try to ignore the potential threat and give in to the attraction. Option three: escape out the back door and play sick for a week and hope you never ever run into him again. Option four: seriously consider hiring a hitman. Option five: carry on like normal until you have more information. Option six: treat this like a serious threat and escape now. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You can never escape him.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You can never escape him.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You can never escape him.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You can never escape him.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You can never escape him.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You can never escape him.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You can never escape him.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You can never escape him.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You can never escape him.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You can never escape him.@@ <</if>> Those are all good options. You have choices! Great. [[You can carefully think these over while you finish your shift.]] [[On second thought, you'll take option six. You're out of here.]]

You don't have to be looking at him to feel his presence. It's uncanny how conscious you are of him. You haven't been this on edge because of a man since-- No, no, this is different. Does that make it worse? Or better? --you were a child. Every time you hear laughter from his table, your eyes snap up to look for him. And there he is, //looking at you.// You hear a deep rumble--his laughter, perhaps?--and you've already zeroed your gaze in on him. You think you catch a glance of him standing up--bathroom visit?--and you're already half turned to get a better look. You think for a second you feel a tickling of magic against your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>> and you're already thinking of him. Everything, //every little thing//, keeps circling back to this strange skeleton monster. You get goosebumps when you hear his voice. You feel shivers down your spine when you catch another whiff of that smell. Your chest feels tighter than a constricter wrapped around its prey. You have never felt so out of control over your own body. Betrayed. Helpless. <<cycle "$stressed" autoselect>>\ <<option "It's almost enough to make you want to cry.">> <<option "It's almost enough to make you want to scream.">> <<option "All you want to do is run away.">> <<option "All you want to do is hide.">> <<option "//Help.//">> <</cycle>> By the end of your unreasonably long shift you feel unseasonably hot, buzzed with tingles, and <<if $gender eq "woman">> uncomfortably moist. <<else>> uncomfortable in your pants. <</if>> You’ve mentally committed yourself to sprinting out the restaurant as soon as you clock out and making a beeline home. The moment you are cleared to leave--the overnight shift has blessedly arrived--you go straight to the backroom. You change into your casual clothes, make sure your $shoes are on tight and decide to sneak out the backdoor instead of going out the front like you usually do. You make it exactly one step out the back door when suddenly he is in front of you. Because you already chose to start running as soon as you could, you threw your whole weight into that first step. You plough into him, your face slams into his bony chest. He is entirely unphased, not even taking a step back. <<if $gender eq "woman">> Rather, he places one hand on the small of your back. <<else>> Rather, he places one hand on your shoulder. <</if>> He looks down at you. You note, with a small voice in the back of your head, he has a pair of very pretty crimson eyelights. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> [[The skeleton monster smiles at you with sharp teeth.]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "citynight" volume 0.25 loop play>><<if $stressed eq "It's almost enough to make you want to cry.">> <<set $stressedreaction = "cry">> <</if>> <<if $stressed eq "It's almost enough to make you want to scream.">> <<set $stressedreaction = "scream">> <</if>> <<if $stressed eq "All you want to do is run away.">> <<set $stressedreaction = "run">> <</if>> <<if $stressed eq "//Help.//">> <<set $stressedreaction = "beg for help">> <</if>> <<if $stressed eq "All you want to do is hide.">> <<set $stressedreaction = "hide">> <</if>> You are a flurry of mixed emotions. You cannot tell if you want to $happyreaction or $stressedreaction. What do you do? When your very <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>> is split between warning you of danger and wanting you to jump in the arms of that very danger? "Where yeh runnin' to, $sansnickname1?" the skeleton asks in a low drawl. "You spent most of the night starin' at me and now yer runnin' out the back." <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>> You have the decency to wince. Ignoring your own struggle, you staring must have been weird. You don't even have a good explanation for it outside of-- Well. Instant attraction? Instant terror? Both? <<else>> You furrow your brow. . . . Yes, you suppose you had been staring at him a lot that night. But what can you say to that? You don't have any explanation for it outside of-- Well. Instant attraction? Instant terror? Both? <</if>> He doesn't give you a chance to respond. Instead, he continues, "'Course I was starin' first." <<if $gender eq "woman">> You are acutely aware of the fact that he has started to rub his thumb on the small of your back. Oh. My. <<else>> You are acutely aware of the fact that he has started to rub his thumb on your shoulder. <</if>> "I like what I've seen so far," he says, his smile stretching wider to show a glint of a gold tooth. "Now you tell me, $sansnickname1, do //you// like what you see?" <<if $bold gt $shy>> [[Absolutely yes.]] <<else>> [[You bite your lip and nod, not trusting your voice.]] <</if>> [[Yes, you do.]]

There's no use denying it. You're attracted to him. For some reason. He chuckles, the sound reverbates through his whole body and shakes yours. You feel his grip tighten on you. "Sweet thing aren't you?" he muses in a warm tone. He radiates so much smugness you almost regret admitting it. "Glad to know I had the right idea." <<if ((($hairlength eq "long"))) or (($hairlength eq "very long")) and ($hairisstyled eq 0)>> He raises his other hand to gently run his skeletal fingers through your hair. He slowly twirls a strand around his fingers. "Soft," he says. "Silky, too. A man of bones like me could really appreciate hair like yours, $sansnickname1." When the back of his fingers touch against your cheek, an involuntary shudder goes through you. $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> He lets go of your hair and grabs your chin to force your head to tilt up. <<else>> He raises his other hand to grab your chin and tilt your head up. <</if>> "Got a name, $sansnickname3?" he asks, his voice a low rumble. You answer, pleasantly surprised by how this situation is turning out. "$name," he repeats.<<if $gender eq "woman">> "Pretty name for a pretty lady."<<else>> "That's a nice name."<</if>> He slowly removes his hands from you and takes a step back. As soon as there is distance put between you two you feel a rush of cold. You hadn't noticed how comfortably warm he felt against you until he was no longer there. He offers his hand out to you and smiles. It's not a polite nor kind smile--rather it feels like the smile of an amused predator. It sends a shiver down your spine. "The name's Sans Gaster," he says. "At your service, $sansnickname2." $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You've already accepted his hand by the time you realize what you are doing. <<if $gender eq "woman">> He raises it and kisses the back of your hand.<<else>> He gives it a firm shake, his huge hand completely eclipsing yours.<</if>> "Are you free this Saturday, $sansnickname1?" he asks you. You nod. "Howsabout I take you out for a nice, little breakfast?" he offers. Absolutely yes. You nod along without realizing it. That's twice, you notice, that you've already reacted without thought. That's unlike you. "Good. I'll see you around, $sansnickname3." Sans steps aside, no longer blocking your exit. You step past him. You force yourself to move slowly. [[As soon as you turn the corner you break into a sprint.]]

It's embarrassing to admit, but you don't really think you can collect yourself well enough to lie. Not when you're body and <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>> so obviously give you away. He chuckles, the sound reverbates through his whole body and shakes yours. You feel his grip tighten on you. "Sweet thing aren't yeh?" he muses in a warm tone. He radiates smugness. "Glad to know I had the right idea." <<if ((($hairlength eq "long"))) or (($hairlength eq "very long")) and ($hairisstyled eq 0)>> He raises his other hand to gently run his skeletal fingers through your hair. He slowly twirls a strand around his fingers. "Soft," he says. "Silky, too. A man of bones like me could really appreciate hair like yers, $sansnickname1." When the back of his fingers touch against your cheek, an involuntary shudder goes through you. $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> He lets go of your hair and grabs your chin to force your head to tilt up. <<else>> He raises his other hand to grab your chin and tilt your head up. <</if>> "Got a name, $sansnickname3?" he asks, his voice a low rumble. You stumble over your answer. "$name," he repeats.<<if $gender eq "woman">> "Pretty name for a pretty lady."<<else>> "That's a nice name."<</if>> He slowly removes his hands from you and takes a step back. As soon as there is distance put between you two you feel a rush of cold. You hadn't noticed how comfortably warm he felt against you until he was no longer there. He offers his hand out to you and smiles. It's not a polite nor kind smile--rather it feels like the smile of an amused predator. It sends a shiver down your spine. "The name's Sans Gaster," he says. "At your service, $sansnickname2." $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You've already accepted his hand by the time you realize what you are doing. <<if $gender eq "woman">> He raises it and kisses the back of your hand.<<else>> He gives it a firm shake, his huge hand completely eclipsing yours.<</if>> "Are you free this Saturday, $sansnickname1?" he asks you. Your mind goes blank for a moment. Are you. . .? You slowly nod. "Howsabout I take you out for a nice, little breakfast?" he offers. You were not expecting that. You stare at him in surprise, torn again. "Nice and public," he adds. You feel a little more relaxed at that. You nod along without realizing it. "Good. I'll see you around, $sansnickname3." Sans steps aside, no longer blocking your exit. You step past him. You force yourself to move slowly. [[As soon as you turn the corner you break into a sprint.]]

There's no use denying it. He chuckles, the sound reverbates through his whole body and shakes yours. You feel his grip tighten on you. "Sweet thing aren't you?" he muses in a warm tone. He radiates smugness. "Glad to know I had the right idea." <<if ((($hairlength eq "long"))) or (($hairlength eq "very long")) and ($hairisstyled eq 0)>> He raises his other hand to gently run his skeletal fingers through your hair. He slowly twirls a strand around his fingers. "Soft," he says. "Silky, too. A man of bones like me could really appreciate hair like yours, $sansnickname1." When the back of his fingers touch against your cheek, an involuntary shudder goes through you. $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> He lets go of your hair and grabs your chin to force your head to tilt up. <<else>> He raises his other hand to grab your chin and tilt your head up. <</if>> "Got a name, $sansnickname3?" he asks, his voice a low rumble. You answer, pleasantly surprised by how this situation is turning out. "$name," he repeats.<<if $gender eq "woman">> "Pretty name for a pretty lady."<<else>> "That's a nice name."<</if>> He slowly removes his hands from you and takes a step back. As soon as there is distance put between you two you feel a rush of cold. You hadn't noticed how comfortably warm he felt against you until he was no longer there. He offers his hand out to you and smiles. It's not a polite nor kind smile--rather it feels like the smile of an amused predator. It sends a shiver down your spine. "The name's Sans Gaster," he says. "At your service, $sansnickname2." $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You've already accepted his hand by the time you realize what you are doing. <<if $gender eq "woman">> He raises it and kisses the back of your hand.<<else>> He gives it a firm shake, his huge hand completely eclipsing yours.<</if>> "Are you free this Saturday, $sansnickname1?" he asks you. You nod after a moment of thought. "Howsabout I take you out for a nice, little breakfast?" he offers. Yes. You nod along without realizing it. That's twice, you notice, that you've already reacted without thought. That's unlike you. "Good. I'll see you around, $sansnickname3." Sans steps aside, no longer blocking your exit. You step past him. You force yourself to move slowly. [[As soon as you turn the corner you break into a sprint.]]

Your $shoes hit the ground hard as you sprint. You do not stop until you can no longer hear the music of the clubs. You skid to a halt and look around you, desperate to see if you were followed. You were not. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>> has settled, your intuition no longer acting up. The heat from earlier is no longer dominating your mind. For the first time that night you feel like you can breathe easily. You suck in the chilled night air. You let it out slowly. You raise your hand to your throat as you recall the sensation of choking in your nightmare. What. . . was that? What has happened to you? You have never heard of an ability to affect one's ''SOUL'' so completely. Is it magical? Did Sans cast a spell over you? No, no--your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>> is strong, you would have noticed that. Wouldn't you? Stop. Doubting your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>> will get you nowhere--or worse, get you in a very bad spot. You don't understand this, but that's okay. You'll figure it out. You can do this. You can handle this. //"Don't doubt your heart, $nickname. It's the best one around."// You absently fix your clothes. [[You force yourself to calmly walk home.]]

This monster is large, easily compared to the tall monster out from of the Black Swan. He has white fur, long ears, and two curled horns. He wears a pair of black suit pants, a white suit shirt with a black vest and black armbands overtop. He stares up at the moon in the sky, a lost look on his face. As a monster, you know he could be dangerous, but when you look at him you feel no threat. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>> doesn't even react. You consider moving away from him, but something stops you. Maybe it's the listlessness in his gaze, or perhaps the way he stands in solitude, but you are stricken by a sense of kinship. For a moment, only a moment, you wonder what Lawrence would do in your situation. Ha. What a silly thought. Obviously, Lawrence would-- You walk up to him with a purposeful stride. You ask if he's okay. His golden eyes move to you. There is a sharp langurous haze to them that makes you reflexively stiffen, but he blinks and the fog is gone. He grins, his eyes brighten with focus. "Uh, hi there. Do you know this area?" You do. You nod. "Great! I'm lost. Spectacularly so," he laughs. "Do you know how to get to Brickwell?" You do, nodding again. The monster's shoulders minutely raise as a hopeful note enters his voice, "Would you--oh. Where are my manners? Howdy, I'm--As--er--I'm Ralsei." You introduce yourself. "$Miss $name," repeats Ralsei. "Would you mind showing me the way? I'm terrible with directions." $smilesmile You don't mind at all. Ralsei places a hand over his chest and lets out a sigh of relief. His shoulders, previously straight back, momentarily slump. "Thank you. If I'm late, my sibling will never let me hear the end of it." A memory of Lawrence scolding you for returning home late pops into your thoughts like a bubble blown too big. It makes your lips twitch, your smile strained by a pang of longing that you are forced to hide. Ralsei beams and folds his arms behind himself, his posture rigid as a board again. "How lucky for me." The two of you start walking. You take the lead and he matches your pace. "Do you work around here?" he asks. You answer that you do. "Oh really? What do you do?" You're a $job. Ralsei cocks his head to the side, his eyes widen in fascination. "I've never had a job like yours. It looks exhausting." <<cycle "$jobreaction" autoselect>>\ <<option "You like it well enough.">> <<option "It is exhausting.">> <<option "You are indifferent to it.">> <<option "You love your job.">> <</cycle>> You ask what kind of work he does. "Uh," Ralsei glances up at the night sky. "I mostly help my dad with his. He's a. . . manager of sorts. Family business, you know?" You nod. As you walk, Ralsei asks you more questions about your job. He keeps his tone casual and light, and any time you hesitate he's quick to notice and moves on to the next question. You don't feel a harm in answering his questions--and his genuine interest compels honesty from you--but it's been a long time since you've talked about yourself to someone new. Even if the information is superficial, there's a layer of awkwardness you can't take off. He must have noticed. It'd be impossible not to when you stumble or pause too long in your answers. Yet it doesn't deter him. He gracefully jumps from one question to the next, and as if sensing your discomfort in one area, he'll talk about himself. It's a shallow and meaningless conversation. You know more about the sky than you do him, but it's surprisingly pleasant. Outside of work, how long has it been since you've. . . //talked// to someone? Daisy will ramble, and your coworkers will vent, but it's mostly one-sided. Ralsei (seemingly) makes an effort to keep you in the conversation. It's nice. You're almost wistful when you arrive at his destination. But all good things come to an end. It was pleasant while it lasted; best to leave it at that. They put his head in a box. . . . Yes. . . best to leave it at that. Ralsei's grin pulls you out of your thoughts. He holds out his hand to you. "I couldn't have made it here on time without you. Thank you. Truly." You place your hand in his, and he gives it a firm but friendly shake. "It was a pleasure meeting you, $name," says Ralsei. Yes, same to him. There is a shout further down the road. Ralsei turns his head in the direction of the voice, then back to you. He releases your hand, "I hope we meet again!" They put his head in a box. You don't think that would be good, but the polite thing to do is-- $smilesmile You tell him likewise! "Bye, $Miss $name!" You bade him goodbye, and you turn to leave. You should not look back. One foot in front of the other. You do not look back. [[You make it home.]]

The backroom is a dingy little locker room that is shared by all staff at the Black Swan. There is a private room in the back for workers to change into uniforms, but it is only big enough for one person to comfortably go in at a time. As you enter, a waitress steps out of the changing room. She is Wendy, a waitress with sleek black hair kept in a ponytail. She's a college student, she works the evening shifts with you and goes to classes in the morning. Ebott University only recently started to accept women in their ranks. From the stories she's told you, the professors don't always agree with that policy change. She handles it well enough. She's a //keep your head down and do your work// kind of lady. Wendy smiles when she sees you. "Good evening, $name." You return her greeting. She started at the Black Swan evening shift same time as you four years ago. The two of you have out lasted several other coworkers. The only time you don't see her on the evening shift is if she needs to take the night off for an exam the next day. "You're looking better today," she says. "Sleep well?" Better. No new nightmares, at least. "Good," she says. "I'll see you out there." You give her a nod and step aside so she can leave. [[You finish getting ready a few minutes before your shift officially starts.]]

As you leave the back room, the front door to the Black Swan opens up. Your nose tickles. You catch a whiff of something spicy and smoky. You turn your head and look at a group of gentlemen entering the Black Swan. There are five men and one monster. Three of the men you recognize as regulars, and you know them to be part of the Vivacci family. The other two are fresh faces. And the monster? You haven't seen this monster before. You're certain of it. Monsters don't come into the Black Swan often. The ones that do are the ones that have ties to one of the families. Monsters are considered the best muscles-for-hire if you can afford them due to their incredible magic, tough durability, and some of them have immunity to common human weapons. Monsters are large. //Always.// Even "short" monsters easily hit 6 ft, and this monster is no exception to that rule. He's large by every account, and is dressed in a fine black business suit with a black tie. He wears a suit hat to match and on his hands--even at a distance--you can see gold rings on his fingers. It takes you a few seconds to realize his fingers are bony--he's a skeleton monster. You haven't met one of those before. The only monsters you've encountered prior have been canine or rodents. Huh. You dismiss it from your mind. You doubt anyone wants to be oggled at due to their appearance. You have work to do. <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[You are all too eager to finish your shift.]] <<else>> [[You complete your shift without fuss.]]<</if>>

You change into your casual clothes and walk out the front door. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>> "ALL WENT WELL?" You turn your head to the source of the loud voice, startled by it. You notice that the skeleton from before--the one with the red smoke--is standing beside another monster. This one is tall--//very// tall--with a similar black suit and hat. He is skinnier than the first one, and has a longer face with a bigger spiky mouth. "All went well," placates the shorter skeleton. "C'mon. I told yeh I could handle it, and I did." "YES, WELL. . ." the tall one's voice carries over to you. It's a booming voice. [[You don't stop. You continue to head home.]]

You change into your casual clothes and walk out the front door. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>> "ALL WENT WELL?" <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Whoa. You turn your head to the source of the loud voice, startled by it. You notice that the skeleton from before--the one with the red smoke--is standing beside another monster. This one is tall--//very// tall--with a similar black suit and hat. He is skinnier than the first one, and has a longer face with a bigger spiky mouth. "All went well," placates the shorter skeleton. "C'mon. I told you I could handle it, and I did." "YES, WELL. . ." the tall one's voice carries over to you. It's a booming voice. But you like it. <<if $job eq "singer">> You wonder what it'd be like in a duet with you. <</if>> As if sensing your attention, the tall skeleton glances in your direction. Vermillion. He has vermillion eyelights in his eye sockets. You notice, also, there are a couple scars running down the left side of his face, across his eyesocket. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Oh that's weird. You're used to your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>> only reacting to danger. You feel a warm, ticklish heat in your chest. The skeleton gives you a slow nod as an acknowledgement. You smile politely in return and start to head home. Huh. <<cycle "$papfirstimpression" autoselect>>\ <<option "He seems kind of cute.">> <<option "He seems nice.">> <<option "You like his voice.">> <<option "He was hot.">> <<option "You hope you can meet him again.">> <</cycle>> [[As you walk, you mentally count how much you have made, how much you have, and will it be enough.]]

Ebott City hasn't changed since the day you moved here. It, like many other cities, is a jungle of asphalt, concrete, and metal. All of the sidewalks are paved, but they show cracks in your neighborhood. The tiny pops of green grass that manage to poke through are always burned away by the unrelenting sun in the summer. The skyscrapers block the view of the ocean, and if you go far enough into the city you even lose sight of Mt. Ebott in the back. They reach high into the sky with their achromatic colors and cast much of the city in shade when the sun rises or sets. streetlights will come on early in the day due to the shadows cast by these massive buildings. Without the lampposts all of downtown would be in total darkness most of the time. Those lights dot every single street and corner and are one of the few things consistently well-maintained by the government. Likely because they were a gift by the Dreemur family. There are three families in this city you don't upset. One: the Vivacci family. A family of mafia who are the biggest providers of weapons and drugs for this city. Usually in the same night. Two: the Berstach family. A family of mafia who own all the brothels and ports. They deal with a lot of smuggling, and if rumors are to be believed, they aren't just smuggling //items.// Three: the Dreemur family. The Royal Monster family who live inside Mt. Ebott. They run the Fell Kingdom and are the largest suppliers of magic crystals in all of Delta. Officially and publically they are seen as a benevolent family. They've donated a lot to make the city look nice, and the queen runs a charity for the orphanages. Unofficially. . . Well. The mafias don't touch the Dreemur family, no matter how wealthy they could become if they hit their mining operations. There's a reason for it. Either the Dreemurs have some sway over the mafias, or they scared them enough that no amount of money is worth going against them. This side of the city where you live, you encounter the Vivacci group most often. They have a kind of uniform--all members wear a black suit hat with a green band with the //V// inscribed into it. You see anyone with that hat, you know it's best to keep on walkin'. [[When it's night the city transforms.]]

There is warmth in the day, and you like it at noon--before the sun dips and the shadows cover everything--but at night? At night the city is //alive.// Terrifyingly beautiful. The buildings that once loomed over you in the day are lit up like fireflies in summer. Each window a different light and hardly ever the same spot stays lit. People coming and going to and from work, home, events, and whatever keeps everything in a constant movement. Jazz and swing music blare throughout the streets. The lampposts chase away the harsher shadows. Men and women group together to have fun. They laugh and scream and cry out into the night. Someone might be having an awful, horrible, traumatic experience, but in that same night someone else is having the best time of their lives. In this city this is a constant truth. You are never truly safe here. You always have to be aware of your surroundings and mindful of the families. But you can't deny the loveliness of this city. It's a fatal attraction. You love it as much as you hate it. Even when you do find Lawrence--you will, you will, you will--you're not sure you want to leave. Maybe. [[You want to stay in the city. You've always wanted to go to school.]] [[You want to stay in the city. It's grown on you.]] [[You want to leave the city. You miss the countryside.]] [[You want to leave the city and travel, at least for a time.]]

<<set $finaldream = "school">> You wish. You were never able to finish going to school. You had to drop out at 17 after the fire. "--in' you, fucker was pissed." You quickly glance at the animated voice. You see a group of young men in suits resting in an alleyway. They're smoking, their cigarettes emit a trail of smoke with each wave of their hands. You note that their suit hats have a green band on them, which tells you they are part of the Vivacci family. The Vivacci family run your section of the neighborhood. It's them you have to pay a "protection fee" to. Unfortunately this alleyway is needed to go through to get to work. There's construction on the main street, and you would rather not take a detour or else you could end up in the sticks. You recognize a couple faces. They go to the Black Swan often enough for you to know their faces, but not so often to know their names. "Can skellies even get mad?" questions one of them. "They're all bone, ain't they? What part of 'em can get pissed?" One of them takes a drag. "How the fuck should I know? All I'm sayin' is this fucker was mad. Turned red!" "Shit." "I almost did," says the first one and they all laugh. "He didn't say anythin' though. No, no, he just grabs Mikey by the back of his head and slams into the table." They whistle. "So Mikey's out here bleedin' and his brain's all over the table, and some cockeyed fucker thought it'd be good to rag the skelly." "No, shit, who was it?" "Johnny," says the first one and the group groans. "The skelly flips his wig and it's over 'for I know it. Johnny and Mikey are practically jam by this point. Keep in mind, this fucker didn't use any magic--just his fists." He shakes his head. "Then the //other// one comes in." "Other one?" He groans. "I am not drunk enough to rehash that." "C'mon, let's get some drinks in ya," says another. "Fuckin' deal went to hell," he bemoans as his companions start to herd him down the alleyway. "Now my boss is gonna have to step in. My ass is roasted." "We can drink to that, pal." They leave. You are free to continue. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Sans?@@ <</if>> [[You've arrived at The Black Swan.]]

<<set $finaldream = "stay">> "--in' you, fucker was pissed." You quickly glance at the animated voice. You see a group of young men in suits resting in an alleyway. They're smoking, their cigarettes emit a trail of smoke with each wave of their hands. You note that their suit hats have a green band on them, which tells you they are part of the Vivacci family. The Vivacci family run your section of the neighborhood. It's them you have to pay a "protection fee" to. Unfortunately this alleyway is needed to go through to get to work. There's construction on the main street, and you would rather not take a detour or else you could end up in the sticks. You recognize a couple faces. They go to the Black Swan often enough for you to know their faces, but not so often to know their names. "Can skellies even get mad?" questions one of them. "They're all bone, ain't they? What part of 'em can get pissed?" One of them takes a drag. "How the fuck should I know? All I'm sayin' is this fucker was mad. Turned red!" "Shit." "I almost did," says the first one and they all laugh. "He didn't say anythin' though. No, no, he just grabs Mikey by the back of his head and slams into the table." They whistle. "So Mikey's out here bleedin' and his brain's all over the table, and some cockeyed fucker thought it'd be good to rag the skelly." "No, shit, who was it?" "Johnny," says the first one and the group groans. "The skelly flips his wig and it's over 'for I know it. Johnny and Mikey are practically jam by this point. Keep in mind, this fucker didn't use any magic--just his fists." He shakes his head. "Then the //other// one comes in." "Other one?" He groans. "I am not drunk enough to rehash that." "C'mon, let's get some drinks in ya," says another. "Fuckin' deal went to hell," he bemoans as his companions start to herd him down the alleyway. "Now my boss is gonna have to step in. My ass is roasted." "We can drink to that, pal." They leave. You are free to continue. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Sans?@@ <</if>> [[You've arrived at The Black Swan.]]

<<set $finaldream = "country">> You really do. "--in' you, fucker was pissed." You quickly glance at the animated voice. You see a group of young men in suits resting in an alleyway. They're smoking, their cigarettes emit a trail of smoke with each wave of their hands. You note that their suit hats have a green band on them, which tells you they are part of the Vivacci family. The Vivacci family run your section of the neighborhood. It's them you have to pay a "protection fee" to. Unfortunately this alleyway is needed to go through to get to work. There's construction on the main street, and you would rather not take a detour or else you could end up in the sticks. You recognize a couple faces. They go to the Black Swan often enough for you to know their faces, but not so often to know their names. "Can skellies even get mad?" questions one of them. "They're all bone, ain't they? What part of 'em can get pissed?" One of them takes a drag. "How the fuck should I know? All I'm sayin' is this fucker was mad. Turned red!" "Shit." "I almost did," says the first one and they all laugh. "He didn't say anythin' though. No, no, he just grabs Mikey by the back of his head and slams into the table." They whistle. "So Mikey's out here bleedin' and his brain's all over the table, and some cockeyed fucker thought it'd be good to rag the skelly." "No, shit, who was it?" "Johnny," says the first one and the group groans. "The skelly flips his wig and it's over 'for I know it. Johnny and Mikey are practically jam by this point. Keep in mind, this fucker didn't use any magic--just his fists." He shakes his head. "Then the //other// one comes in." "Other one?" He groans. "I am not drunk enough to rehash that." "C'mon, let's get some drinks in ya," says another. "Fuckin' deal went to hell," he bemoans as his companions start to herd him down the alleyway. "Now my boss is gonna have to step in. My ass is roasted." "We can drink to that, pal." They leave. You are free to continue. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Sans?@@ <</if>> [[You've arrived at The Black Swan.]]

<<set $finaldream = "travel">> So many places to go. "--in' you, fucker was pissed." You quickly glance at the animated voice. You see a group of young men in suits resting in an alleyway. They're smoking, their cigarettes emit a trail of smoke with each wave of their hands. You note that their suit hats have a green band on them, which tells you they are part of the Vivacci family. The Vivacci family run your section of the neighborhood. It's them you have to pay a "protection fee" to. Unfortunately this alleyway is needed to go through to get to work. There's construction on the main street, and you would rather not take a detour or else you could end up in the sticks. You recognize a couple faces. They go to the Black Swan often enough for you to know their faces, but not so often to know their names. "Can skellies even get mad?" questions one of them. "They're all bone, ain't they? What part of 'em can get pissed?" One of them takes a drag. "How the fuck should I know? All I'm sayin' is this fucker was mad. Turned red!" "Shit." "I almost did," says the first one and they all laugh. "He didn't say anythin' though. No, no, he just grabs Mikey by the back of his head and slams into the table." They whistle. "So Mikey's out here bleedin' and his brain's all over the table, and some cockeyed fucker thought it'd be good to rag the skelly." "No, shit, who was it?" "Johnny," says the first one and the group groans. "The skelly flips his wig and it's over 'for I know it. Johnny and Mikey are practically jam by this point. Keep in mind, this fucker didn't use any magic--just his fists." He shakes his head. "Then the //other// one comes in." "Other one?" He groans. "I am not drunk enough to rehash that." "C'mon, let's get some drinks in ya," says another. "Fuckin' deal went to hell," he bemoans as his companions start to herd him down the alleyway. "Now my boss is gonna have to step in. My ass is roasted." "We can drink to that, pal." They leave. You are free to continue. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Sans?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Sans?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Sans?@@ <</if>> [[You've arrived at The Black Swan.]]

He is. . . tall. Easily compared to the tall monster out from of the Black Swan. He has white fur, long ears, and two curled horns. He wears a pair of black suit pants, a white suit shirt with a black vest and black armbands overtop. He stares up at the moon in the sky, a lost look on his face. On the wind you catch a whiff of lavender. . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Shh, stay asleep Flowey.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Shh, stay asleep Flowey.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Shh, stay asleep Flowey.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Shh, stay asleep Flowey.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Shh, stay asleep Flowey.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Shh, stay asleep Flowey.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Shh, stay asleep Flowey.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Shh, stay asleep Flowey.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Shh, stay asleep Flow ey.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Shh, stay asleep Flowey.@@ <</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Your legs move before your mind even notices. You casually walk up to him. You<<if $shy gt $bold>> shyly<</if>> ask if he's okay. His golden eyes move to you. There is a sharp langurous haze to them that makes you reflexively stiffen, but he blinks and the fog is gone. He grins, his eyes brighten with focus. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You $happyreaction. It comes out unbidden. He grins, his ears briefly twitch up. "Uh, hi there. Do you know this area?" You do. You nod. "Great! I'm lost. Spectacularly so," he laughs. "Do you know how to get to Brickwell?" You do, nodding again. The monster's shoulders minutely raise as a hopeful note enters his voice, "Would you--oh. Where are my manners? Howdy, I'm--As--er--I'm Ralsei." <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Liar.@@ <</if>> You introduce yourself. "$Miss $name," repeats Ralsei. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> "Would you mind showing me the way?" he asks. "I'm terrible with directions." $smilesmile You don't mind at all. Ralsei places a hand over his chest and lets out a sigh of relief. His shoulders, previously straight back, momentarily slump. "Thank you. If I'm late, my sibling will never let me hear the end of it." A memory of Lawrence scolding you for returning home late pops into your thoughts like a bubble blown too big. It makes your lips twitch, your smile strained by a pang of longing that you are forced to hide. Ralsei chuckles. "How lucky for me. I'm almost happy I got lost now." Oh? His golden eyes are bright under the moonlight. "Because I got to see a <<if $gender eq "woman">>pretty lady<<else>>nice gent<</if>>." <<if $shy gt $bold>> You blush and demurely look down, at a loss for how to respond. <<else>> You chuckle, flattered. <</if>> Your reaction makes him turn his head to cough, strangely shy after making such a remark. He absently scratches behind his ear, his posture rigid as a board once again. A warm silence falls between you two for several minutes. "Do you work around here?" he asks. You answer that you do. "Oh really? What do you do?" You're a $job. Ralsei cocks his head to the side, his eyes widen in fascination. "I've never had a job like yours. It looks exhausting." <<cycle "$jobreaction" autoselect>>\ <<option "You like it well enough.">> <<option "It is exhausting.">> <<option "You are indifferent to it.">> <<option "You love your job.">> <</cycle>> You ask what kind of work he does. "Uh," Ralsei glances up at the night sky. "I mostly help my dad with his. He's a. . . manager of sorts. Family business, you know?" You nod. As you walk, Ralsei asks you more questions about your job. He keeps his tone casual and light, and any time you hesitate he's quick to notice and moves on to the next question. You don't feel a harm in answering his questions--and his genuine interest compels honesty from you--but it's been a long time since you've talked about yourself to someone new. Even if the information is superficial, there's a layer of awkwardness you can't take off. He must have noticed. It'd be impossible not to when you stumble or pause too long in your answers. Yet it doesn't deter him. He gracefully jumps from one question to the next, and as if sensing your discomfort in one area, he'll talk about himself. It's a shallow and meaningless conversation. You know more about the sky than you do him, but it's surprisingly pleasant. Outside of work, how long has it been since you've. . . //talked// to someone? Daisy will ramble, and your coworkers will vent, but it's mostly one-sided. Ralsei (seemingly) makes an effort to keep you in the conversation. It's nice. You're almost wistful when you arrive at his destination. But all good things come to an end. It was pleasant while it lasted; best to leave it at that. They put his head in a box. . . . Yes. . . best to leave it at that. Ralsei's grin pulls you out of your thoughts. He holds out his hand to you. "I couldn't have made it here on time without you. Thank you. Truly." When you place your hand in his, he raises it up and brushes the tip of his nose to the back of your hand. <<if $shy gt $bold>> You suck in a sharp breath, your stomach flip-flopping. <<else>> You squeeze his hand, pleasantly surprised. <</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> "It was a pleasure meeting you, $name," says Ralsei. Yes. . . same to him. There is a long pause. Neither of you have let go of the other's hand. There is a shout further down the road. Ralsei turns his head in the direction of the voice, then back to you. He releases your hand, "I hope we meet again!" They put his head in a box. You don't think that would be good, but-- <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> --you want to. You sincerely tell him likewise. "Bye, $Miss $name!" <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You bade him goodbye, and you turn to leave. You should not look back. One foot in front of the other. You look back. And you see him in the distance, looking back at you. From so far away, you can't see his face but you notice him lifting an arm up to wave at you. . . . You $happyreaction and wave back. Today is a good day. [[You make it home.]]

<<timed 2s>> <h2> ''Ch3 - In This City'' </h2> ----<</timed>> <<timed 5s>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> You enter your apartment. You kick off your $shoes as you run your fingers through your hair. You go to the bathroom to wash your face, brush your teeth, and change into your $pajamas. <<set $clues = 1>> <<if $apartment eq "filled with plants and natural lighting">> You check on your plants and water the ones that are thirsty. <</if>> You stretch your arms above your head; your tired body yearns for your bed the way a parched plant yearns for rain. You step to your bed, intent on getting a good night's sleep. $intuition <<if $route eq "sans">> $Curse. You want to $stressedreaction. Hasn't today been chaotic enough? <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> $Curse. You knew today had been going too well with meeting Ralsei. <</if>> You breathe out slowly. You turn away from your bed and the sensation stops. You frown. You turn back to your bed. $intuition Now you understand. With a sigh, you grab your blankets and one of your pillows off the bed. You make yourself a small nest on the couch. Before you lay down, you decide to open your bedroom window all the way. Hopefully, you can prevent unnecessary damage. You lay down on the couch. <<cycle "$sleep" autoselect>>\ <<option "You sleep hot, so you only use a light blanket to cover up.">> <<option "You sleep cold, so you use several blankets to cover up.">> <</cycle>> It's not comfortable by any means. The couch is old, patched up, and has had all the fluff and cushion beaten down by years of use. It can barely fit you when you sleep on it, and it has a pepertual stench of mold that you cannot get rid no matter what cleaners you try. It's better than the floor. Not by much. But definitely better. //And absolutely better than a park bench.// You close your eyes and let yourself sink further into the couch. It takes you a while to fall asleep. [[You are rudely awaken by gunshots.]]<</timed>><<if $route is "sans">> <<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "sanscursor">> <<elseif $route is "papyrus">> <<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "papyruscursor">> <<elseif $route is "wingding">> <<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "wdcursor">> <<elseif $route is "asriel">> <<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "asrielcursor">> <<elseif $route is "friendship">> <<run $("html").removeClass()>> <<addclass "html" "friendshipcursor">><</if>>

The gunshots are close enough they make your ears ring. You open your eyes, tiredly sitting up. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "gunshot1" play>> You glance at your bed. There’s a bullet hole in your pillow. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>’s intuition has successfully saved your life again. Your gaze moves around the room. You don’t see any holes in the wall. You hope that means the bullet came through the window and the only thing you’ll need to replace is your pillow. <<timed 10s>><<audio "tirescreech" play>><<audio "gunshot3" volume 0.5 play>> More gunshots are heard outside, along with the sound of cars screeching and men shouting. It's been a few months since the last one in this area. You close your $eyecolor eyes. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>is not reacting. You could go back to sleep if you want. You don't think you are in any immediate danger. Or you could move to the window and try to discern what's going on. [[Go to sleep. It doesn't matter what the reason is. You can't do anything about it anyway.]] [[Go to the window. You never know what information will be helpful.]] <</timed>>

The screams won't stop.<<audio "scream1" volume 0.5 play>> <<timed 1s>><<audio "scream2" volume 0.5 play>><<audio "gunshot1" volume 0.5 play>> //Bang.// <</timed>><<timed 2s>><<audio "gunshot2" volume 0.5 play>><<audio "scream4" volume 0.5 play>> //Bang.// <</timed>><<timed 3s>><<audio "gunshot3" volume 0.5 play>> <<set $sawthekidnapping = 1>>//Bang.// <<set $playerknowsaboutdeathless = 0>> Your hands curl into fists as you press them against your ears. You squeeze your eyes shut. Each //bang// from a gun ringing out makes your heart pound harder than a sledgehammer at a construction site. Your chest throbs from the pain. <</timed>><<timed 5s>> <<audio "scream3" volume 0.5 play>><<audio "gunshot1" volume 0.5 play>> The screams won't stop. It goes on for too many minutes. All you can do is stay curled up on your couch and wait for it to end. "LOAD 'EM UP!" Cars screech. You hear more crying. And eventually. . . slowly. . . everything becomes quiet again. You know it will stay quiet for the rest of the night. . . . The police will never come. No help will ever come. Not in this city. Not in this area. Not for you. You hug yourself tightly. //Your clues have been updated.// [[You wish Lawrence was here.]]<</timed>>

You push off the blankets. You move to sit on your bed and peer out the window. <<set $sawthekidnapping = 2>> <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "wicked" volume 0.25 loop play>><<audio "scream1" volume 0.5 play>> You see men rushing inside the apartment building across from yours. There are lights on in almost every apartment. Several windows have been smashed through. You see a--You see a body hanging partially out of one window. It's too dark to see the details, however given that you can see a piece of the window sticking straight through them, it is likely they are dead. You're tired of seeing corpses. There are flashes of light in some of the apartments. Men and women fighting with one another. [[Whoever has the gun wins.]]

Lawrence makes a tired noise when he comes home. <<if $gender eq "man">><<set $sister = "brother">><<set $sisters = "brothers">><<set $herself = "himself">> <<elseif $gender eq "woman">><<set $sister = "sister">><<set $sisters = "sisters">><<set $herself = "herself">> <<elseif $gender eq "person">><<set $sister = "sibling">><<set $sisters = "siblings">><<set $herself = "themself">><</if>> You look up from the floor where you sat. You are working on your homework, your textbooks sprawled out beside you and your worksheets on your right. You smile when you see your brother. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "twinkle" loop play>> "Why are you on the floor, $nickname?" Lawrence asks when he notices you. He tugs off his tie and runs his fingers through his $haircolor hair. You gesture to the kitchen table. It's covered in case boxes. "Oh $curse. Sorry, $nickname2," he laughs, a sheepish look on his face. "Golly, I was lookin' for those boxes at work too." He moves to sit on the floor beside you. "What're ya workin' on?" he asks. You show him your math homework. "Math, huh?" he asks. "Y'know I always hoped I'd never have to use math at work." You furrow your brow. Do detectives need to use math? "Thankfully not often," he says cheerfully. "But the transport department do //all the time.// Every time there's an accident they gotta measure all sorts of stuff and calculate. Awful stuff." You $happyreaction. Lawrence places a kiss on top of your head. "Better them than me, right? How are you likin' it?" <<cycle "$likemath" autoselect>>\ <<option "You like math.">> <<option "You hate math.">> <<option "You're indifferent to it.">> <</cycle>> "Can I see?" he asks. You hand him your worksheet. Lawrence squints at it. "I don't understand any of this. You're tellin' me you //do?//" You laugh. Lawrence sets your worksheet down and picks up another one you were working at. He whistles. "You already finished this one? Look at you go, $nickname." He rubs your back. "It's gettin' close to the end of the semester, ain't it? Got exams comin' soon?" In a couple weeks. "Golly," he says. "Where's the time goin'? Howsabout when you finish your exams, we hit the movies. Nice little treat to end the semester on." You $happyreaction. You'd love to. Would he have time for it? You both look over at the cases on that are stacked on the kitchen table. Lawrence purses his lips. "I love my job. But you know what I love more?" What? He pokes your nose. "You. I got a million and one cases, but I only got one $nickname." You poke his nose. You only have one Lawrence. "That's right, so you better love me," he teasingly warns you while wagging his finger. "You know what happens to baby $sisters who don't love their big brother?" You shake your head. "They. . . get. . . //tickled!//" Lawrence immediately goes for your sides. You scream and scramble to escape. [[Your eyes burn when you open them.]]

You wipe at them with the back of your hand. You look over at the clock. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <<else>> It reads: ''6:17 AM'' <</if>> <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>><<if $morningperson eq 1>> You throw off the blankets and move them over to the bed. You immediately make your bed. <<else>> You linger on the couch. It takes you several minutes to gather the energy to move. When you do, it's sluggish. You slowly move to make your bed. <</if>> Once done, you take a look at the bullet hole in your pillow. It went through your pillow and into the wall behind. An odd angle. It must have been shot from the seventh or eighth floor across from you. You check around your apartment. You do not see any more bullets nor holes in your apartment. Thankfully, because you opened your window last night, the only damage is to your pillow and the wall behind it. Guess it's time for a new pillow. You rub your face. You move away from your bed. //"I love my job. But you know what I love more?"// You let out a long breath. //"You. I only got one $nickname."// You turn back to your bed. You get on your knees and you reach underneath it. You pull out a box. It's an ordinary cardboard box. Standard issue at any police department. It's worn down from being carried and moved around over the years. You lift the lid off. Inside the box are a handful of folders, a notebook, and an old detective ID. This belongs to Lawrence. It is the last case he was working on before he disappeared. You reach inside and pull out one of the folders. It is a shame you cannot read any of it. For reasons not yet known to you, your brother encoded everything. Even his partner, Robert, was not able to decode this. Why? What was he looking into that required such extra security--and why did that <<cycle "$brotherinsult" autoselect>>\ <<option "dummy">> <<option "fool">> <<option "jerk">> <<option "dumb ass">> <<option "moron">> <<option "idiot">> <</cycle>> not think to leave a key behind--or some kind of extra security so you and Robert could decode it? Why didn't he prepare for his possible capture if he would go so far to encode? Why didn't he think that far ahead? Why did he-- Why-- You drop the folder into the box and shove it under your bed. It doesn't matter anymore. He did what he did. And now you'll do what you need to do. [[You start your morning off with a bitter taste in your mouth.]]

You drink your $drink then head out to go on your morning run. You ignore the blood stains on the sidewalks, and the broken windows. It all washes away in the next rain. You hear a sob. You stop. Why did you stop? You can't do anything. You anxiously rub your hands. You turn away and you look to see an older man sobbing over a stain in the street. <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> It's where the man was shot in the back of the head when he tried to run. <</if>> Others pass you. They ignore him. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Mr. Scott. . . @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Mr. Scott. . . @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Mr. Scott. . . @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Mr. Scott. . . @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Mr. Scott. . . @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Mr. Scott. . . @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Mr. Scott. . . @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Mr. Scott. . . @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Mr. Scott. . . @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Mr. Scott. . . @@ <</if>> [[Go to the man kneeling on the street.]] [[Duck your head and walk away.]]

You can't do anything. Stop. Walk away. <<audio "room" stop>><<audio "cityday" volume 0.25 loop play>> <<set $helpedtheman = 1>> You can't-- They put his head in a box. --you can't-- His face is contorted into a final look of horror. --//you can't//-- What did you see, Robert? Walk away. Walk away. Walk away. //"Why am I a detective? That's easy. It's the best way to help people."// Don't do this to yourself. Don't get involved. //"It's common sense to help someone in need, $nickname. Being a detective lets me help the most people.// $Curse. //"Well. Without being smart like a doc."// You kneel beside him. You place a hand on his back. This is Ebott City. Someone might be having an awful, horrible, traumatic experience, but in that same night someone else is having the best time of their lives. In this city this is a constant truth. This morning, this man is having his worst morning. <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> Watching it was horrible for you and you didn't even know the young man. <<else>> You didn't need to witness what had happened to understand what the amount of blood splatter means. <</if>> You stay beside him as he weeps, unaware of your presence for a long time. The city goes on, unchanging despite the horror. Eventually his sobs die down to hiccups as he notices you. He wipes at his pale face, wispy gray hair blows in the wind. You offer him your handkerchief. He accepts and rubs his eyes with it. "Thank you," he croaks. You murmur a response. His blue eyes move back to stare at the stain. "Why. . .?" Why indeed. You look up at the sky and wonder the same question. "We paid our fees," he mumbles. "My son doesn't--//didn't//--deserve--" He chokes back a sob and buries his wrinkled face in his hands. The protection fees is only a scam. They say it's to keep you safe from the other gangs, but the only gangs that would raid an apartment have an alliance together. The Vivacci and Berstach family don't go after each other--and they haven't for several years. There are smaller gangs in the city, but none would encroach on their territory. Even if there was a raid by another gang, your neighborhood is too poor to be considered worth the effort to retaliate. The protection fee is useless. Just a way to squeeze money out of the already desperate. You rub your hands. That being said. . . You look around the destruction. You haven't seen such a wide-scale assault in years. When they come by to rough someone up, it's usually only a few guys and it's over within minutes. <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> But you saw many of them. <<else>> But when you see this level of damage. . . no way only a few guys did this. <</if>> What were they after? What was so important they had to hurt so many people? You put your arm around the man. He turns into you and cries into your shoulder. [[You don't get to your morning run for another hour.]]

You can't do anything. <<audio "room" stop>><<audio "cityday" volume 0.25 loop play>> You can't-- They put his head in a box. --you can't-- His face is contorted into a final look of horror. --//you can't//-- What did you see, Robert? Keep walking. Keep walking. Keep walking. //"Why am I a detective? That's easy. It's the best way to help people."// You're almost around the corner. Almost there. You can make it. You can avoid it. //"It's common sense to help someone in need, $nickname. Being a detective lets me help the most people.// $Curse. //"Well. Without being smart like a doc."// [[You turn around and go over to the kneeling man.]] [[You break into a sprint, not wanting to get involved.]]

<<set $helpedtheman = 1>>You kneel beside him. You place a hand on his back. This is Ebott City. Someone might be having an awful, horrible, traumatic experience, but in that same night someone else is having the best time of their lives. In this city this is a constant truth. This morning, this man is having his worst morning. <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> Watching it was horrible for you and you didn't even know the young man. <<else>> You didn't need to witness what had happened to understand what the amount of blood splatter means. <</if>> You stay beside him as he weeps, unaware of your presence for a long time. The city goes on, unchanging despite the horror. Eventually his sobs die down to hiccups as he notices you. He wipes at his pale face, wispy gray hair blows in the wind. You offer him your handkerchief. He accepts and rubs his eyes with it. "Thank you," he croaks. You murmur a response. His blue eyes move back to stare at the stain. "Why. . .?" Why indeed. You look up at the sky and wonder the same question. "We paid our fees," he mumbles. "My son doesn't--//didn't//--deserve--" He chokes back a sob and buries his wrinkled face in his hands. The protection fees is only a scam. They say it's to keep you safe from the other gangs, but the only gangs that would raid an apartment have an alliance together. The Vivacci and Berstach family don't go after each other--and they haven't for several years. There are smaller gangs in the city, but none would encroach on their territory. Even if there was a raid by another gang, your neighborhood is too poor to be considered worth the effort to retaliate. The protection fee is useless. Just a way to squeeze money out of the already desperate. You rub your hands. That being said. . . You look around the destruction. You haven't seen such a wide-scale assault in years. When they come by to rough someone up, it's usually only a few guys and it's over within minutes. <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> But you saw many of them. <<else>> But when you see this level of damage. . . no way only a few guys did this. <</if>> What were they after? What was so important they had to hurt so many people? You put your arm around the man. He turns into you and starts to cry into your shoulder. [[You don't get to your morning run for another hour.]]

<<set $helpedtheman = 0>>The park has a dewy smell to it when you enter. Birds are gathered around the pond, quietly squawking at one another. A wind blows through and ruffles the leaves in the trees. <<audio "room" stop>><<audio "park" volume 0.25 loop play>> It's empty. Quiet. Peaceful. You breath in the fresh air, the morning put behind you. [[You finish your run and go back home.]]

<<audio "cityday" stop>><<audio "park" volume 0.25 loop play>>The park has a dewy smell to it when you enter. Birds are gathered around the pond, quietly squawking at one another. A wind blows through and ruffles the leaves in the trees. It's empty. Quiet. Peaceful. [[You breath in the fresh air, the morning put behind you.]]

You open the door. It's the woman from this morning. She looks disheveled, her skin paler than bone. "Hello," she greets you with a wane smile. "I--I want to return this before I forget." She holds out your handkerchief. You accept it. It looks like she cleaned it before giving it back to you. You hesitate for a split second before you open your door wider. You offer her a cup of $morningdrink. Her smile is tired but grateful. "Yes. . . thank you." You ask her if she knows what caused. . . the incident. "I'm not sure," she says. "It's all so blurry." She looks out your kitchen window and stares at your yellow roses. "Something. . . something about a shipment. Someone in the building stole it, or. . . destroyed it? They were shouting about it." A shipment? <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> You think you heard that word. And-- //You're the shipment now.// You purse your lips. They kidnapped people and said they were the shipment. From that, you can infer the original shipment was likely people as well. You hadn't heard the Vivacci family was in on human trafficking, but given that they're mafia it doesn't surprise you. <<else>> A shipment warrnts so much death? She laughs mirthlessly. "Not just death. They took--they took all the young men in the building. The ones that were alive." Took?! "Said they were a replacement," she whispers. A replacement. . .? You purse your lips. From that, you can infer the original shipment was likely people as well. You hadn't heard the Vivacci family was in on human trafficking, but given that they're mafia it doesn't surprise you. <</if>> Scum. "Stars know what'll happen to those poor lads," she whispers. She looks up at you with glassy, sad eyes. "Thank you for your kindness, $Miss." You smile at her. It's common sense to help people. She laughs. It almost sounds like a cry. "If only there were more SOULS like yours in this world." You reach over and pat her wrinkled hand. You ask her if she needs any more help. "Thank you. I--I can't think of anything. I have funeral arrangements to make first," she whispers. "But thank you. . . really. . . thank you." You pour her another drink. You ask her to tell you about her son. Her face lights up. Her smile becomes warmer. She talks. You listen. [[untilted again]]

Sans is waiting for you outside. He stands off to the side, lazily smoking a cigar. Each exhale from him generates a cloud of crimsone smoke that lingers in the air. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Heat surges through you as soon as you notice him. Your SOUL tingles, jittery and electric. Your throat dries out and you reflexively swallow. <<if $bold gt $shy>> You march over to him, head held high. <<else>> He looks up, sensing your gaze on him. He winks at you. The heat inside you swells. Your face burns and you shyly look away. "Evenin' $sansnickname1," he says. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You mumble a response. He sucks on his cigar. "All done with work?" You nod. "Howsabout I walk ya home then?" <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You absently fix your $accessory. Your tongue feels tied as you ask him if he's sure. "'Course. It's a dangerous world out there. 'Specially for a $sansnickname3 like yourself," he says. You swallow and step closer to him. You ask if he was waiting for you. "I was in the area," he says vaguely, his red eyelights flickering away from you. "Figured you'd get off around the same time as last night. This your usual time?" You nod. He smiles at you. Your chest gets tight. <</if>> NEW PASSAGE HERE One for woman + shy One for woman + bold One for gn + shy One for gn + bold <<if $gender eq "woman">> He offers you his arm. You tentatively put your arm through his. Closer to him, you smell that rich smoky-spicy scent. Is it a cologne? From his cigar? Or simply the natural smell of his magic? He starts to walk He's warm. You wouldn't have thought that--he's a skeleton--but he radiates heat. The arm you're holding is comfortably warm. Your sides only briefly touch when you walk, but in each brush you can feel the heat. You're getting hot. You don't think standing out in the sun for six hours could get you as hot as you feel now. Your gaze stays fixed on the sidewalk as you will your body to cool down. Or at least to not be so obvious. "Lookin' forward to the date?" he asks. You startle from his voice, your heart leaping. You look up at him in surprise, your eyes widening. You-- You are. Surprisingly? Or maybe it's not a surprise. Isn't this what you wished for? You smile shyly and confirm in a quiet voice that you are. The eyelights in his sockets move up to down as he looks at you. You feel a shiver crawl down your spine as you notice heat in his gaze. Is he as. . . warm as you are? . . . The thought of it sends your heart hammering inside your chest. "Good," he says. You lick your lips. They feel dryer than normal. His eyelights focus in on your lips. "I chose breakfast for a reason you know," he says dryly, a warm undertone in his voice. What reason is that? He raises a hand and gently grabs your chin. "You really don't know, $sansnickname2?" You swallow hard. You shake your head. He bends down. You reflexively close your eyes, your whole body going stiff as a board. Using the hand on your chin, he tilts your head to the right. A hot breath tickles the left side of your neck. He whispers in your ear, "Figured it'd be bad manners to try and fuck ya before the third date." You're swaying. You had thought--distantly--perhaps you'd get a kiss. You were not expecting him to hungrily whisper //that// in your ear. You shiver as he wraps his other arm around you. "But you're makin' it a lot harder than it needs to be," he continues murmuring into your neck. "Your skin is. . . so soft." Something wet and hot drags across your neck. "Taste like you smell, too: $scent." You make a noise in the back of your throat. A squeak? A whimper? A surprise gasp? Who knows. Your head is swimming in the stars while your body burns. When he pulls away you almost verbalize a protest. "I'm a gentleman," he says, the red in his eyesockets burning. "I can wait." . . . You swallow. You crack a small smile. Probably--Probably good to know him a little bit more. You only know his name, after all. You-- You still need to figure out what triggered your SOUL warning you about him. No need to wait - You feel ready now. You swallow back the haze. You thank him for waiting. Turn your head and kiss Sans. His hands move to grip the back of your head. One hand slides down to grab at your butt. You're burning inside and out. Every part of you is hotter than lava by that point. All you smell is him. All you feel is him. //All you want is him.// No need to wait - You feel ready now. He looks you up and down, a smug smirk on his face. "Are ya now? You know what you're getting into?" Yes. "I won't stop," he warns you. That's fine. "Then don't mind if I do," he says. He grips the back of your head and you feel bony lips against yours. He is a skeleton, but clearly the magic that allows him to wink and wink has turned his facial bones into something malleable. It's hard, but has a softness to it like skin. One hand moves down to grab your butt. "It'll have to be your place," he mumbles. Uh-- You don't have a time to respond when you get the sensation of falling.

''Clues'' ---- [[Detective Lawrence M. Holmes]] - Your missing brother. [[Vivacci Family]] [[Berstach Family]] [[Dreemur Family]] <<if $playerknowsaboutdeathless eq 1>> [[Deathless Beast]] <</if>> <<if $playerknowsaboutdoctorrose eq 1>> [[Doctor Rose]] <</if>> <<if $playerknowsconspiracy eq 1>> [[Police Conspiracy]] <</if>> [[Return|$return]]

Ralsei sits on a park bench, a crunched up cup of coffee in his right hand. As if sensing your presence, he turns his head and looks right at you. He beams, his golden eyes light up. Everything about him brightens. Why, if you didn't know any better you would swear that even the flowers nearby perked up around him."$Miss $name!" <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You can't hold back. You $happyreaction and take an immediate step closer to him. He stands up from the park bench and steps closer to you. In the same motion he tosses the coffee cup into the nearby bin. "G-Good morning." You <<if $shy gt $bold>>shyly <</if>>approach him. As you near him, you catch that familiar whiff of lavender. You wonder if he uses a cologne? You return his greeting and express that you're surprised to see him here. "Me too," he says. His brow furrows and he abashedly turns his head to clear his throat. "I, uh. . . might have gotten lost again." <<cycle "$look " autoselect>>\ <<option "You raise a pointed eyebrow.">> <<option "You give him a look of quiet disbelief.">> <<optoin "You shake your head pityingly">> <<option "You raise both your eyebrows in surprise.">> <<option "Your brow furrows as you stare at him in quiet disapproval.">> <</cycle>> "I n-normally, ah, go, um, everywhere with my sibling," he hurries to say, stumbling over his words in the rush to get them out. "I, uh, guess I never paid attention to //where// we go though. . . or how we, uh, g-get there." He scratches the back of his head. "I managed to kind of find my way where, um, we met before, and I, ah, suppose. . . I hoped I'd bump into you again." <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your eyes widen as your cheeks burn, pleasantly surprised by this. Albeit, you are flustered from how openly he admits it. <<else>> Your eyes widen. You are pleasantly surprised by this. <</if>> Ralsei's golden eyes go round, and he slaps a hand over his own mouth. "Uh." He clears his throat and tries out another smile, although it looks wobbly somehow. "//Um.// I mean--what I meant was--you seem like a nice $gender so, //uh//, maybe you could help me out again?" His expression becomes pinched. "Wait that sounds like I'm taking advantage of your kindness now. I don't--that wasn't--" Ralsei shifts his weight side to side. "Can we start this encounter over again?" he shyly asks. You $happyreaction again. Yes. "Great. Hi $Miss $name. I'm really happy to see you again," he says. You <<if $shy gt $bold>>quietly <</if>>tell him you're happy to see him again too. "Can I--Can I get you a cup of coffee?" he asks. "Or tea?" While you do have to go on your run. . . <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> . . . You want to spend more time with him. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You almost regret your disguise. You fiddle with your clothes. Your attire looks raggedy in comparison to Ralsei's pristine and expensive-looking clothes. <<else>> You hope your running clothes don't look too bad. Your casual attire pales in comparison to Ralsei's pristine and expensive-looking clothes. <</if>> You ask him if he'd be okay to wait for you to get changed--you came here to run. He tilts his head. "Are you uncomfortable?" You express concern making //him// uncomfortable standing next to you. He blinks. In between one blink and the next you see the briefest tinge of red around his slits and for a moment--just a moment--his face twists into a halfway scoff. . . . ? <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Peak-a-boo.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Peak-a-boo.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Peak-a-boo.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Peak-a-boo.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Peak-a-boo.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Peak-a-boo.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Peak-a-boo.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Peak-a-boo.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Peak-a-boo.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Peak-a-boo.@@ <</if>> In the next blink his expression is that of plain confusion as he frowns. "What? That's absurd. You look dashing." Oh. . . ? He quickly looks away and clears his throat. "Your appearance is fine, $Miss $name. Please don't worry about it." <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Oh. You smile as you look back down. //Dashing, huh?// [[Ralsei squints and looks around.]]

Ralsei sits on a park bench, a crunched up cup of coffee in his right hand. As if sensing your presence, he turns his head and looks right at you. He beams, his golden eyes light up. Everything about him brightens. "$Miss $name!" You smile back. He stands up from the park bench and tosses the coffee cup into the nearby bin. "Good morning." You approach him. As you near him, you catch a whiff of lavender. You wonder if he uses a cologne? You return his greeting and express that you're surprised to see him here. "Me too," he says. His brow furrows and he abashedly turns his head to clear his throat. "I might have gotten lost again." <<cycle "$look " autoselect>>\ <<option "You raise a pointed eyebrow.">> <<option "You give him a look of quiet disbelief.">> <<optoin "You shake your head pityingly">> <<option "You raise both your eyebrows in surprise.">> <<option "Your brow furrows as you stare at him in quiet disapproval.">> <</cycle>> "I normally go everywhere with my sibling," he hurries to say. "I, uh, guess I never paid attention to //where// we go though. . . or how we get there." He scratches the back of his head. "I was actually looking for you this morning. I managed to get to the area where we first met, but then got lost." What for? "I wanted to thank you for your kindness last night." You don't think you did anything to warrant the extra thanks. "Then maybe I just like you," he says with a shrug. "There's something about you. I think we could be great friends." . . . What? You can't stop your gobsmacked expression as you stare at him. //Friends?// That's-- They put his head in a box. You swallow back your nausea. He scratches the back of his head. "Uh, that's not too forward, is it?" You shake your head. Forwardness is not that issue, it's-- They put his head in a box. --is he certain? "Golly, I sure am," he says. He smiles at you with such open affability that for a second you see someone else in his place. Someone whose eyes are like yours, who wears a battered old fedora because he couldn't find a deerstalker cap like in Sherlock Holmes-- Your chest tightens. You should say no. You should politely refuse him. You're not someone to be involved with. --but you never could say no to that smile, could you? Your smile is shaky. You agree. A friend would be nice. "Wonderful," he says. "How about we go for ice cream this weekend then?" What time? "Around noon, okay? Do you know Malai Sunrise?" You nod. It's an upscale dessert shop on the upperside of town. "I'll make sure to follow a map so I won't get lost," he says. "Meet you there?" You agree, a mixture of tenative joy and dread at the notion. You try to focus on his smile. It's blessedly easy to do so when he keeps smiling so happily at you. How long has it been since anyone smiled that warmly at you? //For you?// When he leaves, you keep still and watch his retreating back until he's out of sight. [[You finish your run and go back home.]]

<<set $soulcolor = "green">> <<set $name = "Reneé">> <<set $gender = "woman">> <<set $route = "sans">> <<set $drink = "coffee">> <<set $eyecolor = "forest green">> <<set $hairlength = "long">> <<set $haircolor = "deep mahogany brown">> <<set $hairtype = "curly">> <<set $skincolor = "rosy">> <<set $dress = "$soulcolor">> <<set $neckaccessory = "white neck bow">> <<set $gloves1 = "wear white gloves">> <<set $hairisstyled = 0>> <<set $shoes = "kitten heels">> <<set $nickname = "Frisk">> <<set $nickname2 = "Angel">> <<set $curse = "biscuit">> <<set $Curse = "Biscuit">> <<set $CURSE = "BISCUIT">> <<set $drrosechoosesyou = 0>> <<set $deathrisk = 1>> <<set $playerheardconspiracy = 1>> [[It's time to end your day.]]

"I think I got my coffee. . . this way," he says. You know the nearest coffee shop is in the opposite direction. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You tug on his sleeve. <<else>> You pat his back. <</if>> He turns his head back to you. "Yes?" You point in the opposite direction and tell him there's another coffe place closer. "Oh. Uh. . . Actually might be best if you lead." <<if $bold gt $shy>> You smirk, bemused by his sheepish look. <<else>> You $happyreaction, endeared by his sheepishness. <</if>> Ralsei gestures for you to lead. You do, walking away with more energy in your step than you did this morning. It's almost like you didn't have to listen to-- --listen to-- --ah-- "You live around here?" he asks. You do, relieved by his question. "Is it nice?" . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;No.@@ <</if>> "<<cycle "$neighborhoodthoughts" autoselect>>\ <<option "It's nice.">> <<option ". . . It's all right.">> <<option "Um.">> <<option "It's a place.">> <<option "I like my neighbors.">> <<option "I like my apartment.">> <</cycle>>" Ralsei, as if sensing your hesitation, politely moves on to a different question. "Have you always lived in Ebott City?" You shake your head. You only came here five years ago. "Really? Where did you live before?" Rune City. "The capital?" Ralsei's voice raises up a pitch in surprise. "Why did you move away? I heard that place is wonderful." You stay quiet as yo uconsider how to respond. You are reluctant to bring up Lawrence. It's a heavy topic, not only for you but for anyone who listens. And after last night. . . you don't have the energy to go into details. You carefully answer that it was something you had to do. "I get it," he says, nodding. "Sometimes you have to do things that don't always make sense." He winks at you. "Like getting lost in a city to meet a pretty $gender." <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your cheeks burn as you look away, demurely covering your smile with your hand. <<else>> You laugh. <</if>> Ralsei's golden eyes are bright with warmth. He watches your reaction with a small smile. When you meet his gaze again, that warmth is replaced by surprise. He abruptly looks away to cough into his hand and clear his throat. <<if $bold gt $shy>> It's cute to watch him go from confident to flustered. <<else>> Seeing him go from confident to flustered only serves to fluster you more. <</if>> The two of you arrive at the coffee stand. There's only a couple people in line and when it's up to you, Ralsei gestures for you to order first. You order $drink. <<if (($drink eq "milk coffee with sugar")) or ($drink eq "milk tea with sugar")>> Ralsei beams at you and orders the same drink. "You've got a sweet tooth, too?" he asks. Yes! You love sugar. "I'm the same way," he says. "Can't get enough of it." He jovially says, "Glad to know we have something else in common." What's the first thing? "We both turn heads when we walk by." You snort into a chuckle. <<elseif $drink eq "chocolate milk">> Ralsei chuckles. "You and Chara would get along." . . . ? Ralsei shakes his head and places an order for a coffee with milk and sugar. Lots of sugar. It seems Ralsei has a sweet tooth. <<else>> Ralsei places his own order: coffee with milk and sugar. Lots of sugar. It seems Ralsei has a sweet tooth. <</if>> You both get your drinks and start the walk back to the park. "I know you probably have to get on with your day," he says, "so I won't keep you much longer. But, um. . ." Does he want you to walk him somewhere? "What? No, no--" Isn't he lost? "I am," he says. "However I have my mirror with me, so my sibling will be able to find me." He doesn't need your help? "No--I--I really was hoping to bump into you again," he admits then clears his throat. "I wanted to thank you for your kindness last night." You don't think you did anything to warrant the extra thanks. "Then maybe I just like you," he says with a shrug. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>>You gasp softly. <<else>>You raise an eyebrow. <</if>> His eyes bulge and he franctically waves his free hand. "Wait--um--not--I mean--Do you want to get ice cream this weekend?" Before you even have a chance to respond, he continues on rapidly. "Like friends! Friends. Right? We should be friends." . . . Friends? "Friends," he nervously repeats. "Since you're nice and--I get a good feeling about you, I suppose. Doesn't have to be ice cream. The dessert shop has other options." You smile. That sounds nice. You want to be. . . friends. "Great," he says. "Do you know Malai Sunrise?" You nod. It's an upscale dessert shop on the upperside of town. "I'll make sure to follow a map so I won't get lost," he says. "Meet you at noon?" You happily agree, glad you don't have work this weekend. "Then. . . " Ralsei offers his hand to you. You place your hand in his. Like before, he raises it up and brushes the tip of his nose to the back of your hand. <<if $shy gt $bold>> You suck in a sharp breath, your stomach flip-flopping. <<else>> You squeeze his hand. <</if>> When he lifts his gaze back up to you, you notice the barest hint of a red ring around his slits. His voice softens to something tantalizingly sweet as he murmurs into your hand, "I'll be counting the moments until we meet again, $Miss $name." <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> He blinks, the red ring gone. He stiffens and then straightens back up, dropping your hand like its a hot iron as he flusteredly stammers, "Uh--I mean--um--I hope you have a really, //really// swell day! Oh? What's that? I, um, think I hear my sibling calling so I'll, um, see you later!" He takes off into a jog away from you. As he turns the corner, you see that he has his face buried in his hands in embarrassment. . . . Heh. [[You finish your run and go back home.]]

You eat $breakfast, take a $bathe, and get dressed. <<audio "park" stop>><<audio "cityday" volume 0.25 loop play>><<set $firstmorning = 0>> <<set $projectprogress = 0>> You have some time before work. What should you do? [[You want to spend time on your hobby.]] [[You decide to go visit the flower shop and talk to Daisy.]] [[Since you've made enough money to cover the essentials, you decide to treat yourself to a nice lunch.]]

Lawrence is your older brother by five years. He loves you dearly, and you love him. He has your $eyecolor eyes, $skincolor skin and $haircolor hair. He keeps it short and neatly combed. When the two of you ran away from home, he took care of you while going to the police academy. He graduated early with honors and was invited into Rune City's homicide department. He was made detective in only six months after closing several famous cold cases. Five years ago he disappeared while in investigating something in Ebott City. //"It's common sense to help people who need it."// <<return>>

<<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" volume 1 loop play>> You look around, your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>a flutter. You find a familiar vermilion gaze. It's the monster from last night--the one with the nice, booming voice. He sits in the far back, alone at a table with one drink at the table. He notices you. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You<<if $shy gt $bold>> shyly<</if>> smile and nod to him. He tips his hat to you. Your smile widens, ticklish butterflies in your stomach. A hand is placed on your arm. You turn your head to Anna. She's already out of her uniform--she must be getting ready to leave, since her shift ends when yours starts. The bubbly mother whispers to you, "I see you've found our guest." You nod. "Boss introduced him on the first shift," she says. "Says to keep him well fed and watered, but ignore him outside of that." Oh. <<if (($job eq "singer")) or ($job eq "pianist")>> Not that it means much to you. You aren't a waitress. "Just keep in mind if you get pulled to help tables," she says. <<elseif $job eq "bartender">> Has he been ordering a lot of alcohol? Anna shakes her head. "None so far--but keep a look out. Priority guest, yeah?" <</if>> You nod and thank her for the heads up. Anna beams at you and pats your arm. "Have a good evenin' honey." You tell her to do the same and hope her kids are doing well. "Well enough," she says and rolls her eyes. "Jason broke a window playing baseball last night." <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> You see a body hanging partially out of one window, a piece of window stuck straight through them. You swallow. <</if>> Anna leaves and you go to the back room. You enter as you see Wendy hopping out of the changin room, clicking her tongue in annoyance. As soon as she sees you she beams. "$name! Help, please?" She turns around and you see part of her black hair is stuck in the zipper of her white work dress. You move over and immediately help untangle it. She sucks in sharply when you have to tug on part of it. <<cycle "$sorryforthehair" autoselect>>\ <<option "You quickly apologize to her but she waves you off.">> <<option "You wince in sympathy.">> <<option "You purse your lips and keep focus.">> <</cycle>> It takes you a couple minutes, but you do free her hair from the back zipper. She sighs with relief and runs her fingers through her hair. "Thanks, $name." She pulls her hair up into a ponytail. You offer to finish zipping her up. "Please," she says. You do. The work uniforms at the Black Swan are sturdy, but sometimes the zipper can be tricky. All waitresses wear a long-sleeved short white dress with a black vest and short black apron around the waist, and black high-heels. The waiters wear a long-sleeved white dress shirt, black vest, black pants, and a short black apron around the waist with black dress flats. Both waiters and waitresses must wear a black bow tie. <<if $job eq "bartender">> The bartender's uniform isn't much different from the waiter's. You don't have to wear an apron, and your bow tie is white-and-black striped. <</if>> The boss provides a complete uniform every six months working here, and if your uniform is damaged on the job he'll pay to have it repaired and cleaned. <<if $job eq "singer">> Your "uniform" as a singer is a shimmery white dress. On Friday's--the busiest night--you have to wear a red one. You do have the waitress uniform so you can take extra shifts when money is tight, but you prefer your stage dress. It's much easier to change into and you don't have to worry about your bow tie getting crooked. <<elseif (($job eq "pianist")) and ($gender eq "woman")>> Your "uniform" as a pianist is a plain black dress. It's formal enough that it belongs on stage, but plain enough it doesn't outshine the singer. <<elseif $job eq "pianist">> Your "uniform" as a pianist is similiar to a waiter's, but instead of an apron and vest you have a suit jacket with a fake pocket corsage. <</if>> "You notice the monster?" she asks you as you move to the changing room. She waits outside it while you change. You did. "Kind of strange," she says. "He looks strong. There aren't any regulars that are high-ranked enough to afford someone like him--right?" You can't think of anyone. "So who's he waiting for?" Why does she think he's waiting for someone? "Why else would he be here?" She chuckles. "Maybe he's got a date. This place can get romantic in the evening." <<if $job eq "singer">> She taps on the changing door. "You should sing a love song tonight. Bet he'll tip you well if put his date in the right mood." <<else>> She taps on the changing door. "Maybe if I get the singer to focus on love songs tonight for his date he'll be a happier tipper. What do you think?" <</if>> For some reason this makes you frown. You finish changing and step out. She notices your frown. "What? Not a good idea?" You raise a hand and touch your frown, curious for it. <<if $job eq "singer">> She smiles. "Well, sing what you want. Whatever you sing will be nice. Good luck tonight, $name." <<else>> She smiles. "Your bow tie is crooked." You raise your hands, but she's already beat you to it. She carefully fixes it on your collar. "There you are," she says. "Good luck tonight, $name." <</if>> [[You tell her the same and the two of you head out to work.]]

You look around, curious. <<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" volume 1 loop play>> <<if $route eq "sans">> There is a tall skeleton monster seated in the far back. He sits alone at a table with one drink in his hand. He is skinnier than Sans, and has a longer face with a bigger spiky mouth. Vermilion eyelights meet your gaze. <<else>> You see a familiar vermilion gaze. It's the monster from last night--the one with the nice, booming voice. He sits in the far back, alone at a table with one drink at the table. He notices you. <</if>> You smile politely and nod to him. He tips his hat to you. You feel a hand on your arm. You turn your head to Anna. She's already out of her uniform--she must be getting ready to leave, since her shift ends when yours starts. The bubbly mother whispers to you, "I see you've found our guest." You nod. "Boss introduced him on the first shift," she says. "Says to keep him well fed and watered, but ignore him outside of that." Oh. <<if (($job eq "singer")) or ($job eq "pianist")>> Not that it means much to you. You aren't a waitress. "Just keep in mind if you get pulled to help tables," she says. <</if>> <<if $job eq "bartender">> Has he been ordering a lot of alcohol? Anna shakes her head. "None so far--but keep a look out. Priority guest, yeah?" <</if>> You nod and thank her for the heads up. Anna beams at you and pats your arm. "Have a good evenin' honey." You tell her to do the same and hope her kids are doing well. "Well enough," she says and rolls her eyes. "Jason broke a window playing baseball last night." <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> You see a body hanging partially out of one window, a piece of window stuck straight through them. You swallow. <</if>> Anna leaves and you go to the back room. You enter as you see Wendy hopping out of the changing room, clicking her tongue in annoyance. <<if $route eq "sans">> Wendy is a waitress that you share a shift with. She's a college student, she works the evening shifts with you and goes to classes in the morning. Ebott University only recently started to accept women in their ranks and from the stories she's told you the professors don't always agree with that policy change. She handles it well enough. She's a //keep your head down and do your work// kind of lady. <</if>> As soon as she sees you she beams. "$name! Help, please?" She turns around and you see part of her black hair is stuck in the zipper of her white work dress. You move over and immediately help untangle it. She sucks in sharply when you have to tug on part of it. <<cycle "$sorryforthehair" autoselect>>\ <<option "You quickly apologize to her but she waves you off.">> <<option "You wince in sympathy.">> <<option "You purse your lips and keep focus.">> <</cycle>> It takes you a couple minutes, but you do free her hair from the back zipper. She sighs with relief and runs her fingers through her hair. "Thanks, $name." She quickly starts to pull her hair up into a ponytail. You offer to finish zipping her up. "Please," she says. You do. The work uniforms at the Black Swan are sturdy, but sometimes the zipper can be tricky. All waitresses wear a long-sleeved short white dress with a black vest and short black apron around the waist, and black high-heels. The waiters wear a long-sleeved white dress shirt, black vest, black pants, and a short black apron around the waist with black dress flats. Both waiters and waitresses must wear a black bow tie. <<if $job eq "bartender">> The bartender's uniform isn't much different from the waiter's. You don't have to wear an apron, and your bow tie is white-and-black striped. <</if>> The boss provides a complete uniform every six months working here, and if your uniform is damaged on the job he'll pay to have it repaired and cleaned. <<if $job eq "singer">> Your "uniform" as a singer is a shimmery white dress. On Friday's--the busiest night--you have to wear a red one. You do have the waitress uniform so you can take extra shifts when money is tight, but you prefer your stage dress. It's much easier to change into and you don't have to worry about your bow tie getting crooked. <<elseif (($job eq "pianist")) and ($gender eq "woman")>> Your "uniform" as a pianist is a plain black dress. It's formal enough that it belongs on stage, but plain enough it doesn't outshine the singer. <<elseif $job eq "pianist">> Your "uniform" as a pianist is similiar to a waiter's, but instead of an apron and vest you have a suit jacket with a fake pocket corsage. <</if>> "You notice the monster?" she asks you as you move to the changing room. She waits outside it while you change. You did. "Kind of strange," she says. "He looks strong. There aren't any regulars that are high-ranked enough to afford someone like him--right?" You can't think of anyone. "So who's he waiting for?" Why does she think he's waiting for someone? "Why else would he be here?" She chuckles. "Maybe he's got a date. This place can get romantic in the evening." <<if $job eq "singer">> She taps on the changing door. "You should sing a love song tonight. Bet he'll tip you well if put his date in the right mood." It's something to think about at least. She smiles. "Well, sing what you want. Whatever you sing will be nice. Good luck tonight, $name." <<else>> She taps on the changing door. "Maybe if I get the singer to focus on love songs tonight for his date he'll be a happier tipper. What do you think?" You wish her luck with that. She smiles. "Your bow tie is crooked." You raise your hands, but she's already beat you to it. She carefully fixes it on your collar. "There you are," she says. "Good luck tonight, $name." <</if>> [[You tell her to do the same and the two of you head out to work.]]

Exiting the backroom, you feel Wendy brush past you. Her hands are gentle as she kindly pats your back and heads to her section. Her black ponytail swishes side to side with each step as she forces herself to be perky.<<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $MISS = "MISS">><<elseif $gender eq "person">><<set $MISS = "MX">><<elseif $gender eq "man">><<set $MISS = "Mr.">><</if>> You can't resist a glance over at the skeleton monster in the back. As you do, he lifts his head. Vermillion eyelights peak out from underneath the shadow of his suit hat. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>> You quickly look away, your cheeks warm. You're smiling. <<else>> You smile widely at him. He nods to you again. <</if>> You start your work. <<if $job eq "singer">> [[You get up on stage.]] <<elseif $job eq "pianist">> [[You take a seat at your piano.]] <<elseif (($job eq "waitress")) or ($job eq "waiter")>> [[You move to your section of tables near the front of the stage.]] <<else>> [[You move to the back of the bar.]]<</if>>

<<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $MISS = "MISS">><<elseif $gender eq "person">><<set $MISS = "MX">><<elseif $gender eq "man">><<set $MISS = "Mr.">><</if>> Exiting the backroom, you feel Wendy brush past you. Her hands are gentle as she kindly pats your back and heads to her section. Her black ponytail swishes side to side with each step as she forces herself to be perky. You can't resist a glance over at the skeleton monster in the back. As you do, he lifts his head. Vermillion eyelights peak out from underneath the shadow of his suit hat. It's uncanny. Either your timing is impeccable, or this monster has a sixth sense for when he's being watched Still, you've been caught staring at him again. You don't see any noticeable markers on him that would affiliate him with one of the mafias, but that doesn't mean he's harmless. It would be in your best interest to politely introduce yourself. "HELLO," he says. $smilesmile Hello! "WHAT IS YOUR NAME?" he asks. You answer. "I AM THE MAGNIFICENT PAPYRUS GASTER," he says. "IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU." <<if $route eq "sans">> Oh. You wonder if he is related to Sans? Maybe you can ask about that later. <</if>> You say it's a pleasure to meet him too. "HAVE YOU WORKED HERE FOR LONG?" Four years. "DO YOU LIKE IT?" $jobreaction "I SEE," he says. "I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU WORK." Does he intend to watch you? "I INTEND TO WATCH EVERYONE," he says. "I LIKE TO BE INFORMED BEFORE I MAKE ANY DECISION." . . . ? <<cycle "$curious" autoselect>>\ <<option "You repeat what he said in confusion.">> <<option "You tilt your head to the side, inquisitive by what he means.">> <<option "Your curiosity is plain on your face.">> <</cycle>> "DO NOT WORRY, HUMAN. YOU WILL UNDERSTAND SOON ENOUGH." His tone, while not harsh, is firm. You sense an underlying warning to not ask further questions. You wish him a nice night. He smiles. It's cordial and lacks any warmth to it. "YOU AS WELL, $MISS $NAME." Off to work you go. Work goes off without issue, although it was far too busy for you to take a meal break. At the end of it, the boss has a hot meal prepared for you to take home. <<if $route eq "wingding">> [[You happily take your dinner home to go.]] <<else>> [[You take your dinner to go, happy with a productive day of work.]]<</if>>

You get up on stage, the stagelights turn on when you reach the microphone. Singers only work on the evening shift, and then a jazz band takes over the night shift. You work in one hour bursts, then take a small break to sit down, drink water, and take song requests. At the end of your shift, the boss always has a hot meal prepared for you to eat before you go home. With the stagelights focused on you, it's difficult to see faces in the audience. You hardly ever see someone's eyes. Tonight is different. You start with your usual set of songs. You stare out at the usual spots to focus your vision on so you don't get blinded. Then your $eyecolor eyes flicker to where the monster sits. You see vermilion lights pop out. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You look away--can't get caught staring at one member for too long--and your smile reflexively widens. A coincidence, you tell yourself. But something odd happens. //It keeps happening.// Throughout your entire work shift, you keep looking his way and he catches your gaze each time. You $happyreaction in the middle of your favorite song, and though you can't see his expression due to the spot lights on you. . . you feel as if he's smiling at you. //For you.// At the end of your last song, you curtsy and start to head off the stage. You can't see anything past the spot lights, so when you reach the steps you are surprised to see something new there. Something. . . wonderful. A large bony hand is extended out to you. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>> You nervously swallow and accept the hand. You look up to see those vermilion eyes fixated on you. <<else>> You take the hand, and look up to see those vermilion eyes fixated on you. <</if>> "YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL VOICE," says the monster. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You thank him. "YOU DID NOT INTRODUCE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU SANG," he says. "WHAT IS YOUR NAME?" You introduce yourself. He raises your hand and presses his jagged mouth to it. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Bubbly butterflies make you squirm. "I AM PAPYRUS GASTER," he says. "IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU." It's a pleasure to meet him too. He helps you off the stage. "HAVE YOU WORKED HERE FOR LONG?" Four years. "DO YOU LIKE IT?" $jobreaction "I SEE. DO YOU INTEND TO KEEP WORKING HERE?" Yes. "GOOD," he says. Good? "DO NOT WORRY, HUMAN. YOU WILL UNDERSTAND SOON ENOUGH." He has escorted you to the backroom, as if he knew that's where you were headed. "GOOD NIGHT, MISS $NAME." <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your cheeks burn as you whisper a goodnight to Papyrus. <<else>> You grin and wish Papyrus goodnight as well. <</if>> [[You take your dinner to go, happy with a productive day of work.]]

You move to your first table and greet your customers with your tried and true smile. It doesn't take long to get into a rythym as the place steadily fills up for the evening. Most nights you can focus on your job without issue. Tonight was different. You keep finding yourself looking in the direction of where the monster sits. You see vermilion lights looking back at you. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You smile and give him a polite nod. He nods back. It keeps happening. Throughout your entire work shift, you keep looking his way and he catches your gaze each time. You $happyreaction in the middle of a conversation with a customer when you catch him staring again. His spiky mouth curls at the end into a smile and it looks like he's chuckling. Wendy notices quick and gives you a wink. She meets you over at the drink station and nudges you playfully. "Maybe //you// should be his date." <<if $bold gt $shy>> Maybe you should. <<else>> You squawk and blush, burying your face in your hands. <</if>> She giggles. "You should take his order! It's been a while since someone was over." You hesitate. It's not in your section-- "It's fine," she insists. "I've read a //ton// of romance novels. This can only go good for you." You laugh at her reasoning, but you do agree to wait on the monster. You head over to his table. "HELLO," says the monster. Hello! "YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT ME A LOT THIS EVENING," he says. "WHY?" <<if $bold gt $shy>> You point out that he was looking at you as well. "ONLY BECAUSE I FELT YOUR STARE," he says, fixing his tie. Now that's not true. You recall plenty of times when you look up to find //him// staring at //you.// "OH. YOU NOTICED THAT." He taps his bony fingers on the table. "HM. WELL. IT WAS NECESSARY FOR ASSESSMENT, NOTHING MORE." Assessment? "WHAT IS YOUR NAME?" he asks. You answer. "I AM PAPYRUS GASTER," he says. "IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU." It's a pleasure to meet him too. "HAVE YOU WORKED HERE FOR LONG?" Four years. "DO YOU LIKE IT?" $jobreaction "I SEE. DO YOU INTEND TO KEEP WORKING HERE?" Yes. "GOOD," he says. Good? "DO NOT WORRY, HUMAN. YOU WILL UNDERSTAND SOON ENOUGH." Papyrus folds his hands together and sits forward in the booth. "YOU ARE HERE TO TAKE MY ORDER? TELL THE CHEF I AM READY TO TRY ONE OF EVERYTHING OFF THE MENU." You raise both eyebrows but nod. "THANK YOU." He's very welcome. <<else>> Your eyes bulge. Your whole body catches a flame as you hurriedly start to apologize. "IT IS FINE," he says, fixing his tie. "I AM NOT OFFENDED, ONLY CURIOUS." You-- Your throat is dry as you try to think of a reason. Your mind goes blank. Your flustered reaction causes him to take mercy. He raises a hand. "FORGET IT. NO HARM DONE." You apologize again. "WHAT IS YOUR NAME?" he asks. You answer. "I AM PAPYRUS GASTER," he says. "IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU." You mumble that it's a pleasure to meet him too. "HAVE YOU WORKED HERE FOR LONG?" Four years. "DO YOU LIKE IT?" $jobreaction "I SEE. DO YOU INTEND TO KEEP WORKING HERE?" Yes. "GOOD," he says. Good? "DO NOT WORRY, HUMAN. YOU WILL UNDERSTAND SOON ENOUGH." Papyrus folds his hands together and sits forward in the booth. "YOU ARE HERE TO TAKE MY ORDER? TELL THE CHEF I AM READY TO TRY ONE OF EVERYTHING OFF THE MENU." You nod. "THANK YOU." . . . You apologize one more time. Papyrus chuckles. "I AM NOT MAD, $MISS $NAME, YOU HAVE NO REASON TO APOLOGIZE." Is he sure--? "VERY. I AM--I HAVE ENJOYED IT." //Oh.// <</if>> It keeps happening even after you deliver his food (with the help of Wendy, Joseph, and Willy). It's done without thought. You look up and you see his eyes on you. For the rest of the night. Only now you both smile at each other when it happens, as if it's an inside joke. Your shift is busy--too busy for your dinner break--and with the repeat glances between you and Papyrus it flies by at a much faste rate. You're almost disappointed it's over. Your evening shift concludes without incident. You change out of your uniform as the night shift staff arrive. The boss prepares a hot meal for you, Wendy, and Joseph since the three of you were too busy to take a meal break. [[You take your dinner to go, happy with a productive day of work.]]

You move to the bar and greet your customers with your tried and true smile. It doesn't take long to get into a rythym as the place steadily fills up for the evening. Men flock to the bar, slumping into the stools and immediately start to talk about how rough their day was. You get paid to listen, and so you listen. Every so often they ask for your input, which you supply a tailor-made response depending on their moods. Most nights you can focus on your job without issue. Tonight was different. You keep finding yourself looking in the direction of where the monster sits. You see vermilion lights looking back at you. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You smile and give him a polite nod. He nods back. It keeps happening. Throughout your entire work shift, you keep looking his way and he catches your gaze each time. You $happyreaction in the middle of a conversation with a customer when you catch him staring again. His spiky mouth curls at the end into a smile and it looks like he's chuckling. Wendy notices quick and gives you a wink. She moves behind the bar to grab a wine bottle. She nudges you playfully. "Maybe //you// should be his date." <<if $bold gt $shy>> Maybe you should. <<else>> You blush and glance away. <</if>> She giggles. "You should take his order! It's been a while since someone was over." You hesitate. You shouldn't leave the bar-- "It's fine," she insists. "I've read a //ton// of romance novels. This can only go good for you. Plus I can watch the bar for a bit!" You laugh at her reasoning, but you do agree to check on the monster. You head over to his table. "HELLO," says the monster. Hello! "YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT ME A LOT THIS EVENING," he says. "WHY?" <<if $bold gt $shy>> You point out that he was looking at you as well. "ONLY BECAUSE I FELT YOUR STARE," he says, fixing his tie. Now that's not true. You recall plenty of times when you look up to find //him// staring at //you.// "OH. YOU NOTICED THAT." He taps his bony fingers on the table. "HM. WELL. IT WAS NECESSARY FOR ASSESSMENT, NOTHING MORE." Assessment? "WHAT IS YOUR NAME?" he asks. You answer. "I AM PAPYRUS GASTER," he says. "IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU." It's a pleasure to meet him too. "HAVE YOU WORKED HERE FOR LONG?" Four years. "DO YOU LIKE IT?" $jobreaction "I SEE. DO YOU INTEND TO KEEP WORKING HERE?" Yes. "GOOD," he says. Good? "DO NOT WORRY, HUMAN. YOU WILL UNDERSTAND SOON ENOUGH." Papyrus folds his hands together and sits forward in the booth. "YOU ARE HERE TO TAKE MY ORDER? TELL THE CHEF I AM READY TO TRY ONE OF EVERYTHING OFF THE MENU." You raise both eyebrows but nod. "THANK YOU." He's very welcome. <<else>> Your eyes bulge. Your whole body catches a flame as you hurriedly start to apologize. "IT IS FINE," he says, fixing his tie. "I AM NOT OFFENDED, ONLY CURIOUS." You-- Your throat is dry as you try to think of a reason. Your mind goes blank. Your flustered reaction causes him to take mercy. He raises a hand. "FORGET IT. NO HARM DONE." You apologize again. "WHAT IS YOUR NAME?" he asks. You answer. "I AM PAPYRUS GASTER," he says. "IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU." You mumble that it's a pleasure to meet him too. "HAVE YOU WORKED HERE FOR LONG?" Four years. "DO YOU LIKE IT?" $jobreaction "I SEE. DO YOU INTEND TO KEEP WORKING HERE?" Yes. "GOOD," he says. Good? "DO NOT WORRY, HUMAN. YOU WILL UNDERSTAND SOON ENOUGH." Papyrus folds his hands together and sits forward in the booth. "YOU ARE HERE TO TAKE MY ORDER? TELL THE CHEF I AM READY TO TRY ONE OF EVERYTHING OFF THE MENU." You nod. "THANK YOU." . . . You apologize one more time. Papyrus chuckles. "I AM NOT MAD, $MISS $NAME, YOU HAVE NO REASON TO APOLOGIZE." Is he sure--? "VERY. I AM--I HAVE ENJOYED IT." //Oh.// <</if>> It keeps happening even after you deliver his food (with the help of Wendy, Joseph, and Willy). It's done without thought. You look up and you see his eyes on you. For the rest of the night. Only now you both smile at each other when it happens, as if it's an inside joke. Your shift is busy--too busy for your dinner break--and with the repeat glances between you and Papyrus it flies by at a much faste rate. You're almost disappointed it's over. Your evening shift concludes without incident. You change out of your uniform as the night shift staff arrive. The boss prepares a hot meal for you, Wendy, and Joseph since the three of you were too busy to take a meal break. [[You take your dinner to go, happy with a productive day of work.]]

The streets are empty outside your apartment. You speed up when you see the front door of the building, anxious to get inside and eat. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> $intuition . . . ? <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Wings?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Wings?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Wings?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Wings?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Wings?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Wings?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Wings?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Wings?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Wings?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Wings?@@ <</if>> You nervously look around. You don't see anyone. It's only you, the flickering lampposts, and the dried blood stains from last night. You grip your dinner with one hand tighter. Anxiously, you speed up to reach the front door. As soon as you grab the handle you feel it again. $intuition Panic makes you fumble open the door. You rush inside and slam the door shut behind you, hopeful to have escaped whatever danger was out there. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Don't look.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Don't look.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Don't look.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Don't look.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Don't look.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Don't look.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Don't look.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Don't look.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Don't look.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Don't look.@@ <</if>> There is someone there. They are tall. You do not see their head or face immediately, instead you see a buttoned up black shirt tucked neatly into black suit pants. There is an expensive-looking black coat draped over the owner's shoulders, and you see black gloved hands clenched on either side. $intuition You slowly raise your gaze up. He is a skeletal monster with a bony-white face and a terrifying spiky mouth. There is a crack going down his right eyesocket to his mouth, and another crack from his left eyesocket across the top of his head. Two violet-red eyelights stare coldly down at you. A shiver of fear slides down your spine. "You can see me?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper. Why wouldn't-- It is then that you notice there are wisps of shadows around him. $intuition You swallow your response and nod. "Unfortunate," is all he says as he disappears into the shadows. You hope that was the right response. [[Your dinner is cold by the time you feel calm enough to eat.]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>>The streets are empty outside your apartment. You speed up when you see the front door of the building, anxious to get inside and eat. $intuition . . . ? <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Wings?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Wings?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Wings?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Wings?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Wings?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Wings?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Wings?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Wings?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Wings?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Wings?@@ <</if>> You nervously look around. You don't see anyone. It's only you, the flickering lampposts, and the dried blood stains from last night. You grip your dinner with one hand tighter. Anxiously, you speed up to reach the front door. As soon as you grab the handle you feel it again. $intuition Panic makes you fumble open the door. You rush inside and slam the door shut behind you, hopeful to have escaped whatever danger was out there. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Don't look.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Don't look.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Don't look.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Don't look.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Don't look.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Don't look.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Don't look.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Don't look.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Don't look.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Don't look.@@ <</if>> There is someone there. They are tall. You do not see their head or face immediately; instead you see a buttoned up black shirt tucked neatly into black suit pants. There is an expensive-looking black coat draped over the owner's shoulders, and you see black gloved hands clenched on either side. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> $intuition You slowly raise your gaze up. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> He is a handsome skeletal monster with a bony-white face and a spiky mouth. There is a crack going down his right eyesocket to his mouth, and another crack from his left eyesocket across the top of his head. Two beautiful violet-red eyelights stare coldly down at you. A shiver of fear slides down your spine in the same moment heat surges from within. You cannot tear your gaze away from him. He looks you up and down. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> "Fuck," he says, a displeased expression on his face. It takes you a split second to realize he's unhappy //because of you.// . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Freedom comes at his expense.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Freedom comes at his expense.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Freedom comes at his expense.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Freedom comes at his expense.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Freedom comes at his expense.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Freedom comes at his expense.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Freedom comes at his expense.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Freedom comes at his expense.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Freedom comes at his expense.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Freedom comes at his expense.@@ <</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>> For some reason, you feel hurt by this. You frown. <<else>> For some reason, this instantly irks you. You glare. <</if>> "You have //awful// timing," is all he says in response to your reaction as he disappears into the shadows. <<cycle "$wingdingfirstimpression" autoselect>>\ <<option "What?">> <<option "Rude.">> <<option "Um.">> <<option "That felt unnecessarily mean.">> <<option "Who was he?">> <</cycle>> You swallow. a hand over your chest. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> This is new. Is your. . . You think of the man and at once-- <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Cold heat wraps around you. $intuition Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>can't //really// be drawn to someone so dangerous? . . . Can it? No, no. Surely not. //Surely not.// You march up the stairs. Your thoughts circle back to the man you encountered. $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> $Curse. [[Your dinner is cold by the time you feel calm enough to eat.]]

It's still delicious. The boss knows how to make great food. You eat it slowly, cherishing the texture and savory flavors. As you eat, you glance over at your bed and the pillow with a bullet hole. You'll need a new pillow, but it will make do for now. The only furniture store you can afford is on the other side of the city, so you'll have to dedicate a portion of one of your days off to make the trip. On the brighter side of things, you do not sense any danger. You might be able to sleep well tonight. . . . Hopefully. Once you've eaten, you do your nightly routine. You wash your face, brush your teeth, change into $pajamas, and stretch your aching muscles. You are reminded of the man from before and shiver. <<if $helpedtheman eq 1>> [[There is a knock at your door. It's rather late for a visitor.]] <<elseif (($helpedtheman eq 0)) and ($route eq "wingding")>> [[The lights suddenly go out, you are instantly reminded of the nightmare.]] <<else>> [[The lights suddenly go out.]]<</if>>

You open the door. <<set $helpedtheman = 2>> It's the man from this morning. He looks disheveled, his skin paler than bone. He's now in a raggedy suit, patches on the elbows and chalk stains under the collar. His eyes are swollen. "Hello $Miss," he greets you with a wane smile. "I--I want to return this before I forget." He holds out your handkerchief. You accept it. It's crisp and smells of fresh linen. He cleaned it before giving it back to you. You hesitate for a split second before you open your door wider. You offer him a cup of $drink. His smile is tired but grateful. "Yes. . . thank you. I am sorry for coming by so late. I asked your first floor neighbor to let me know when you came home. I--I wasn't sure when you worked and. . ." It's fine, you reassure the elderly man. He steps into your apartment, pale blue eyes looking around. You help him to your kitchen table and he mumbles another //thank you.// You prepare two mugs of $drink. "You were the only one who stopped," he says quietly. You don't know how to respond to that. You quietly hand him a mug. "It's what this city has become," he says. "What the mafias turned it into." You don't disagree. You've only been in this city for five years, but. . . last night speaks for itself. He smiles mirthlessly and adjusts his glasses. "I'm William Scott, by the way." He holds out a hand to you. You accept it and introduce yourself. "You've got a good heart, child," he says. "You shouldn't stay in this city. Not unless you want something like last night to happen to you." <<if $survivor eq "guilt">> The instant rush of shame and guilt is almost enough to make you cringe. Almost. Years of practice, years of //surviving// helps you shove it back down. Now is not the time. <<else>> The reminder of last night rings hollow in your heart. With tired practice, you brush it from your mind. <</if>> You smile thinnly. Speaking of last night-- You ask him if he knows what caused. . . the incident. "I'm not sure," he says. "It's all so blurry." He looks out your kitchen window and stares at your yellow roses. "Something. . . something about a shipment. Someone in the building stole it, or. . . destroyed it? They were shouting about it." A shipment? <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> You think you heard that word. And-- //You're the shipment now.// You purse your lips. They kidnapped people and said they were the shipment. From that, you can infer the original shipment was likely people as well. You hadn't heard the Vivacci family was in on human trafficking, but given that they're mafia it doesn't surprise you. <<else>> A shipment warrants so much death? He laughs mirthlessly. "Not only death. They took--they took all the young men in the building. The ones that were alive." Took?! "Said they were a replacement," he whispers. A replacement. . .? You purse your lips. From that, you can infer the original shipment was likely people as well. You hadn't heard the Vivacci family was in on human trafficking, but given that they're mafia it doesn't surprise you. <</if>> //Your clues have been updated.// Scum. "Stars know what'll happen to those poor lads," he whispers. He looks up at you with glassy, sad eyes. "Thank you for your kindness, $Miss." You smile at him. It's common sense to help people. He laughs. It almost sounds like a cry. "If only there were more ''SOULS'' like yours in this world." You reach over and pat his wrinkled hand. You ask him if he needs any more help. "Thank you. I--I can't think of anything. I have funeral arrangements to make first," he whispers. "But thank you. . . really. . . thank you." You pour him another drink. You ask him to tell you about his son. His face lights up. His smile becomes warmer. He talks. You listen. [[You do not go to bed until very late, and when you do you have a familiar dream.]]

$intuition <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "nightmare" loop play>> $CURSE! $intuition Shivers crawl down you as cold fears rises into your heart. $intuition You look around, franctically searching for the source of the danger. $intuition A gasp escapes you as you sink into cold sludge. You look down and tendrils of shadows jump up and wrap around you. The shadows wrap around your eyes and mouth. "You came at the worst time, dearest," murmurs a voice in your ear. You feel a body press into you from behind. $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> The voice sends shivers down you, equally frigid and lava-hot. An arm wraps around you from behind, a cold hand presses into your stomach. Another hand comes around your chest and grips your chin. He forces you to tilt your head to the side. You feel a face press into your neck. "Such a pity," he murmurs into you. $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You try to speak. You try to move. You sink more into the shadows with each attempt. "Don't worry, dear," he says. "I'll take care of you when you're out." . . . ?! "I need to focus on work first though. You understand, don't you? Of course you do. You're //you.// You'll forgive me. You don't have a choice," the voice purrs. You feel him chuckling from behind. You are now up to your waist in the cold sludge. "One year--maybe five, max," he says. He smiles into your neck. "In my void, you'll only dream of me. Doesn't that sound nice?" <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You (try to) furiously shake your head. "You're adorable." $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You muster all your strength to fight the shadows that bind you. "Struggling is useless," he says. "Why bother?" He sighs into you. "You'll learn. I can teach you. . . when I have the time. For now--" You feel something hot and wet drag against your neck. "--mm. You taste as good as you smell, dearest." He lets you go and you are swallowed by the void. //Be good when I let you out.// BAD ENDING #1 - TRAPPED IN THE VOID.

The lights go out. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "nightmare" loop play>> You are thrown into darknesss. $intuition Shivers crawl down you as cold fears rises into your heart. $intuition You look around, franctically searching for the source of the danger. $intuition A gasp escapes you as you start to sink into cold sludge. You look down and tendrils of shadows jump up and wrap around you. You are completely ensnared and muffled when they gag you. A man--no, a //monster//--emerges from the shadows. It's the one you saw downstairs. "You have a lot of DETERMINATION," he says. "A troublesome ability." You rock back and forth, desperate to free yourself. "You live alone," he remarks, violet-red eyes moving around your apartment. "And it seems as though no one will miss you if you are gone." You try to speak. You try to move. You struggle against the shadows. The monster turns to you with a smile. The shadows snap your neck. You hear the pop and then you feel nothing. BAD ENDING #2 - BEWARE THE MAN WHO SPEAKS IN HANDS.

//Clues have been updated.// This was a fun chapter to write - so happy I got to include the first two bad endings! One made just special for Wingding-mancers that I feel half-tempted to do a continuation on after the main game is done haha. Truly appreciate all the feedback and comments. Thank you all so very much! If you see any typos or errors, please do leave a comment below with either a screenshot or with the first sentence of the passage so I can quickly find & fix it.

<<set $projectprogress += 1>> You enjoy $hobbying for an hour. <<set $firstmorning += 1>> <<if $firstmorning eq 1>> You still have time do one more thing. [[You decide to go visit the flower shop and talk to Daisy.]] [[Since you've made enough money to cover the essentials, you decide to treat yourself to a nice lunch.]] <<elseif (($firstmorning eq 2)) and ($route eq "papyrus")>> It's time to head to work. You head out. You arrive at work ten minutes before your shift starts. As soon as you walk in you notice a change in the air. [[The air feels fluttery and warm.]] <<else>> It's time to head to work. You head out. You arrive at work ten minutes before your shift starts. As soon as you walk in you notice a change in the air. [[There's a buzz of energy in the air.]]<</if>>

<<set $firstmorning += 1>> You head down to the flower shop. The front door is propped open today. <<set $playerknowsaboutdoctorrose = 1>> As you enter, Daisy greets you with a warm, "Good day, $name!" You return the greeting. Daisy leans against the front counter, her wrinkled smile softens. "I heard there was a scuffle in your area last night. You okay?" . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Not even a little bit.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Not even a little bit.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Not even a little bit.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Not even a little bit.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Not even a little bit.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Not even a little bit.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Not even a little bit.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Not even a little bit.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Not even a little bit.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Not even a little bit.@@ <</if>> It's nothing new. Daisy glances away and out the door. "I sell more flowers for funerals than anything else in this city." That doesn't surprise you. She looks back at you, her face creases with concern. "Do your best to make sure I don't sell any for yours." You promise. "Good child. Come to the back, I've got a fresh shipment of yellow roses that came in this morning," she says. "It's not often I get to order them without the police sniffin' around." Why would the police care? "You read MTT?" she asks you as the two of you move to the back room. MTT is a major media corporation. They own the biggest newspaper in the city. Their owner, Mettaton, is a wildly popular radio host. You haven't had much opportunity to listen to him as his hours are the same as when you work and the boss doesn't like the radio. <<cycle "$newspaper" autoselect>>\ <<option "You do like to read the newspaper, but unfortunately the paper boy stopped coming to your neighborhood last week and there aren't many newspaper stands on your way to work.">> <<option "You are normally very good about reading the newspaper. This week has been an off week for you.">> <<option "You only skim the newspaper when a coworker leaves it for you to read at work.">> <<option "You do not read the newspaper.">> <<option "You do not trust the newspaper, disliking how gossipy it reads.">> <</cycle>> "Oh," she goes. "Do you remember a couple years ago there were. . . deaths?" There are always deaths in this city? "No, no. . . not like gang deaths. Bad deaths. //Awful// deaths," she says. "The--" Daisy hesitates. Her eyes flicker to the front door, as if checking to see if anyone was about to enter. "--the //Doctor Rose// deaths." At once you are reminded of Ebott City two years ago. Scarcely a year after you were left alone in Ebott City a serial killer emerged. It all began with a curious murder. A young woman left naked on the street, her heart carefully removed and blooming yellow roses stuffed inside. She was a pretty singer, well known enough that her name was the headlines in the paper. It was a horrible murder, the city raged, and they wanted to catch the killer. Then another body turned up a week later, this one of a young man. Another well-known name--he was an actor at the city theater and had a starring role--and the public was stunned. Another week, a third body. The time wasn't always consistent--a week, a month, a day--but the bodies kept piling up. The first monster death happened a year in. The dust was swept into the shape of the monster. The Dreemur family officially invited and hired several well known detectives. An intense game of cat-and-mouse started as one by one the Detectives were removed. The yellow roses were stuffed down their throats and eyes, angry gashes and slashes across their chests and abdomen. Things were so tense in the city, even the gangs stopped prowling the streets at night. You remember a handful of nights where your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>warned you against even stepping outside. Two years ago it abruptly stopped. You tell Daisy you remember. However, the Doctor is gone. . . aren't they? Daisy sighs. "They found another body earlier this week. Heart gone and yellow roses in their place. The police came by yesterday evening to ask me if anyone has bought any yellow roses from me. No, of course not. Someone like that isn't going to let some flowershop owner lead to their arrest by ordering a bunch of yellow roses." You point out it could be a copycat. Daisy's expression becomes pinched. "Anything's better than them actually coming back, right?" She pulls up a basket of yellow roses, still in the soil. She smiles at them. "Such a bright flower. . . to think someone could use them for such evil. //Oh// it infuriates me." You rub your hands, wondering what this could mean for you and this city. "I've got some brighter things too," she says. "Want to see?" You let Daisy show off the new flowers she brought in, your mind still chewing over the news. . . . is Doctor Rose back? <<set $daisytoldyou = 1>> //Your clues have been updated.// <<if $firstmorning eq 1>> You still have time do one more thing. [[Since you've made enough money to cover the essentials, you decide to treat yourself to a nice lunch.]] [[You want to spend time on your hobby.]] <<elseif (($firstmorning eq 2)) and ($route eq "papyrus")>> It's time to head to work. You head out. You arrive at work ten minutes before your shift starts. As soon as you walk in you notice a change in the air. [[The air feels fluttery and warm.]] <<else>> It's time to head to work. You head out. You arrive at work ten minutes before your shift starts. As soon as you walk in you notice a change in the air. [[There's a buzz of energy in the air.]]<</if>>

<<set $firstmorning += 1>> You have a favorite shop on the nicer side of the city. It's a thirty-five-ish minute power walk there, but the journey and price are well worth the meal. It's not something you can swing often. When you can, you always have a perk in your step on the way. Today is no different. Despite the rougher night, you are in a good mood as you head out to grab some comfort food. Your neighborhood is on the less-maintained side of the city. Crossing over to the nice district there is a noticeable difference in how clean everything looks. The buildings rarely have cracks--when they do, they're fixed within a week--the sidewalks are even; there are numerous food and newspaper stands; and many more people freely walk the streets. When you arrive at your favorite shop, you are not surprised to see the line. Men in business suits and women in stylish dresses line up out the door. You take your place in line. There are a couple women ahead of you gossiping. "--went down to the station to bring him lunch, and you know what he said to me?" "What?" "Get out!" "No!" "Yes," the woman said, nodding furiously. "He said--that--that //jerk!//--he said that the station was no place for a woman of my standing." "Of your standing, or //any// woman?" her friend clicked her tongue disapprovingly. "You know they fired the receptionist again." "I know," she said with a roll of her eyes. "I don't understand them. If I didn't bring him lunch, he'd be a grump coming home. But if I bring him lunch he gets upset. It's the same way with their receptionists. They want a pretty little face to look at and hire the first youngin' off the street--then change their mind and drive her off!" Her friend makes an annoyed noise. "You think the police in other cities are this bad, or is it just ours?" "Let's hope ours is the exception," she replies in a huff. "So when I leave the station, can you guess who I ran into?" "Don't tell me--that reporter?" "The very same!" "What did he want this time?" "Askin' about my husband and his workers, of course. That monster is obssessed with the station. Talked a big game about some kind of conspiracy." Both women snort derisively at that. "Conspiracy," scoffs her friend. "Ain't it a requirement to be smart first?" She laughs in response. "You'd think! Honestly. A conspiracy--what a nut. //Oh// get this--can you guess what it's about?" "The mafia?" her companion snarks. "That's just common knowledge--no, no. He said it was about //love//." The two women laugh at that. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Lawrence always felt sick at first. . . but the next day he had enough energy to run a marathon. Why didn't you notice how odd that was? @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Lawrence always felt sick at first. . . but the next day he had enough energy to run a marathon. Why didn't you notice how odd that was?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Lawrence always felt sick at first. . . but the next day he had enough energy to run a marathon. Why didn't you notice how odd that was?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Lawrence always felt sick at first. . . but the next day he had enough energy to run a marathon. Why didn't you notice how odd that was?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Lawrence always felt sick at first. . . but the next day he had enough energy to run a marathon. Why didn't you notice how odd that was?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Lawrence always felt sick at first. . . but the next day he had enough energy to run a marathon. Why didn't you notice how odd that was?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Lawrence always felt sick at first. . . but the next day he had enough energy to run a marathon. Why didn't you notice how odd that was?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Lawrence always felt sick at first. . . but the next day he had enough energy to run a marathon. Why didn't you notice how odd that was?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Lawrence always felt sick at first. . . but the next day he had enough energy to run a marathon. Why didn't you notice how odd that was?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Lawrence always felt sick at first. . . but the next day he had enough energy to run a marathon. Why didn't you notice how odd that was?@@ <</if>> @@.blurwhite; I didn't notice either.@@ You get your food without issue, absently thinking about the gossip. //Clues have been updated.// <<set $playerknowsconspiracy = 1>> <<set $playerheardconspiracy = 1>> <<if $firstmorning eq 1>> You still have time do one more thing. [[You decide to go visit the flower shop and talk to Daisy.]] [[You want to spend time on your hobby.]]<<elseif (($firstmorning eq 2)) and ($route eq "papyrus")>> It's time to head to work. You head out. You arrive at work ten minutes before your shift starts. As soon as you walk in you notice a change in the air. [[The air feels fluttery and warm.]]<<else>> It's time to head to work. You head out. You arrive at work ten minutes before your shift starts. As soon as you walk in you notice a change in the air. [[There's a buzz of energy in the air.]]<</if>>

What you know: ---- *Doctor Rose is a notorious serial killer that targeted Ebott City and its surrounding areas for two years. *The murderer began their spree a year after you came to Ebott City and mysteriously stopped two years ago. *Despite joint efforts from the police and international detectives, the killer has not been caught. *Doctor Rose always chooses young, attractive victims regardless of gender. *They remove the heart from the victims with near surgical precision. *They replace the hearts with blooming yellow roses. <<if $daisytoldyou eq 1>> *Daisy told you another body with yellow roses in place of a heart was found. Is it possible that Doctor Rose is back? <</if>> <<if $drrosesecondvictim eq 1>> *You saw yellow roses were left outside a dessert shop. <</if>> <<return>>

What you know: ---- *One of the larger mafias in Ebott City, they supply most of the weapons and drugs in this city. *They run various "protection" schemes on your side of the city. You have to pay protection fees to them or risk their ire. *All members wear black suit hats with a green band. The more green on a member, the higher-ranked they are. <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> *You saw a dozen young men getting kidnapped by the Vivacci mafia in the apartment across from yours. *The mafiosos mentioned something about an Deathless Beast, a lost shipment, and replacing the shipment. <<elseif $sawthekidnapping eq 1>> *You heard something horrible happen. You did not investigate. <</if>> <<if $helpedtheman eq 0>> *You chose not to get involved. <<elseif $helpedtheman eq 2>> *William Scott told you the kidnapping was in relation to a stolen shipment. The Vivacci mafia kidnapped young men to replace the shipment, leading you to believe it's in relation to human trafficking. <</if>> <<if $sawsecondkidnapping eq 1>> *You witnessed a second kidnapping. The mafiosos mentioned they are working overtime to make up for someone else's mistake. They also said something about fighting a monster in a ring. <</if>> <<return>>

What you know: ---- *One of the larger mafia gangs in Ebott City, they run the brothels and ports in the city. *They deal with a lot of smuggling, and recent rumors imply they're getting into human trafficking. <<if $berstachtakestoo eq 1>> *William Scott told you that the Berstach family has started kidnapping civilians from their own territory. <</if>> <<return>>

What you know: ---- *The Royal Monster family who live inside Mt. Ebott. *They rule the Fell Kingdom, the largest provider of magic crystals in all of Delta. *Officially and publically they are seen as a benevolent family. They've donated a lot to make the city look nice, and the queen runs a charity for the orphanages. *You have doubts about this image: mafias don't ignore //nice// families. <<return>>

What you know: ---- *It's a phrase you've heard sparingly: in hushed whispers between patrons at the Black Swan. *People treat it like a boogeyman, always quick to shut up if someone brings it up. *From what you've gathered it seems like it's the mafia's top hitman. <<if $fiveclue eq 1>> *A monster who "began" five years ago. <</if>> <<if $deathrisk eq 1>> *This is the only beast you can think of who might have scared Ronnie. A beast who was quiet until "someone said risk." <</if>> <<return>>

What you know: ---- *Everyone in the city knows the police are in the mafia's hands. <<if $playerheardconspiracy eq 1>> *You heard two women talking about another conspiracy involving the police. Something about ''love''. <</if>> <<return>>

<h2> ''Ch4 - A New Boss'' </h2> ---- Your eyes flutter open, a sense of grogginess weighs on you. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> //Proud of you.// You're proud of him too. Did you tell him that? Does he know it? . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;No matter what he becomes?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;No matter what he becomes?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;No matter what he becomes?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;No matter what he becomes?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;No matter what he becomes?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;No matter what he becomes?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;No matter what he becomes?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;No matter what he becomes?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;No matter what he becomes?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;No matter what he becomes?@@ <</if>> You notice your apartment is brighter than normal. With a jerk, you sit up and look at the clock. You only have an hour until you have to be at work. $Curse. Your morning routine is discarded as you hurry to get ready. You don't even have time for breakfast as you rush out the door. It has been a long time since you stayed up so late, you're certain that is what caused you to sleep in. It's not as if you regret it--Mr. Scott clearly needed someone to talk to--however you wish you had woken up earlier. Next time you stay up late, you'll have to remember to set an alarm. Thankfully, it's a lovely day outside. The air is warm enough that even the shadows cast by the large buildings don't feel cold. There is a consistent breeze that keeps you from overheating as you power walk your way to work. You breathe in--well, it's not //fresh// air but it doesn't smell too foul that day. You can even catch a whiff of the sea. <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[The closer you get to work, the lighter you feel.]] <<else>> [[You get to work without needing to break a sweat.]]<</if>>

It's the end of breakfast. You are full, ''warm'', and tingly. BATHUMP. Sans reaches out a hand and gently caresses your cheek with the back of his fingers. "Soft as ever, $sansnickname1." You swallow. The heat you've been feeling all morning feels like it's been set ablaze by his touch. Goosebumps give you shivers down your spine. You can't resist leaning into his touch, closing your eyes. You nuzzle into it, loving the sensation. "Fuck," he murmurs, "you're really too cute, ya know?" You open your eyes just in time to see him lean down. He grips the back of your head and presses his lips against yours. He is made of bone and magic. The magic has allowed his bones--especially in his face--to be malleable. It's how he can furrow his brows and blink without issue. It's how he kisses you. There is a hardness to him, but it's not immoveable. DEEP You make a noise in the back of your throat as soon as you feel something hot and warm graze your lips. You open your mouth as he breathes his delicious magic into you. Your whole body is on fire and tingles as your SOUL thumps in unison to your heart. As you sink further into him a sense of rightness settles into you. Along with fervent desire. A //throbbing// desire. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You feel the extra moisture between your legs, and you know in the back of your head it's not from sweat. <<else>> You feel the extra tightening in your pants and you know in the back of your head it's not from needing to use the bathroom. <</if>> Sans squeezes you tightly against him as he kisses you with a deep passion. One hand trails down your back to firmly grip your butt. IF BOLD You take his hand in yours and you press your cheek into it, looking up at him with half-lidded eyes. "Ya know," he says, his voice a touch huskier, touch //deeper// than before, "whole reason I chose breakfast was to give ya a chance to take it slow. You're not making this easier." You don't need it to be slow. With your other hand you yank on his tie and pull him down. You press your lips against him. He is made of bone and magic. The magic has allowed his bones--especially in his face--to be malleable. It's how he can furrow his brows and blink without issue. It's how he kisses you back. There is a hardness to him, but it's not immoveable. DEEPEN or pull back? You deepen the kiss, opening his mouth and feeling his hot magic tickle your tongue. Your whole body is on fire and tingles as your SOUL thumps in unison to your heart. As you sink further into him a sense of rightness settles into you. Along with fervent desire. A //throbbing// desire. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You feel the extra moisture between your legs, and you know in the back of your head it's not from sweat. <<else>> You feel the extra tightening in your pants and you know in the back of your head it's not from needing to use the bathroom. <</if>> Sans returns your kiss with equal enthusiasm, one hand trails down your back to firmly grip your butt. Everything starts to melt away as you grip Sans tightly-- A loud car horn honk startles you and you pull away. The hazy cloud of lust temporarily lifted. Ah. Wait. You have plans. After this you have plans to meet your friend. . . . . . . . . . If you let this continue you'll feel rushed, or guilty for ditching a potential friend. You ask Sans if he would, instead, like to have dinner. "Dinner," he repeats faintly. "Ya want //dinner.//" You want to not rush. "Right," he says and lets out a slow breath. "No rush. Right." . . . Is he okay? "Gimme a moment and I will be, $sansnickname1." You $happyreaction. You give him a kiss on the cheek and thank him. "You," he says pointedly, "are well worth the wait." Yes. Yes you are. Or You blush. "Fuck," he says again. "I need another moment now." Oops. Or perhaps. . . Becuase you said yes--because you are with him-- Is the danger only present when he doesn't know if you will say yes? . . . What would have happened if you said no?

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "twinkle" loop play>><<if $gender eq "person">> You have been dreading this moment. It's not an easy thing to admit, even less so to tell someone you love. Lawrence has only ever known you as one way after all. But you can't 't ignore it any longer. You have to be //you.// <<cycle "$whatyouwere" autoselect>>\ <<option "You can't be a sister anymore.">> <<option "You can't be a brother anymore.">> <</cycle>> You hope Lawrence understands that. All day you've been building up your courage to tell him. He doesn't come home until it's dinner time. You think you'll have a chance to tell him after dinner--his case load is light right now so the two of you will have an evening together. You don't make it to the end of dinner. <<cycle "$confessingtolawrence" autoselect>>\ <<option "It blurts out of you at dinner, sponataneous and loud.">> <<option "You awkwardly confess at dinner, uncomfortable and wanting desperately to get it over with.">> <<option "You whisper your confession in a halting manner, stumbling over your words.">> <<option "You bluntly tell him, unable to wait any longer.">> <</cycle>> Lawrence lowers his fork to the plate, his $eyecolor eyes widening. "What?" You repeat yourself. Lawrence stares at you for several long seconds. "Oh. Uh. . . okay. Then, uh, what do I call you?" You say you want to be his sibling. "Okay. . ." He nods slowly, his expression pinched up in thought. "Wait, um, no that's not what I meant. I get that. I mean I hope I do--you want me to call you with they/them, right?" You nod. "I get that. Do I still call you $name? What about my little $nickname2?" Lawrence asks earnestly. You. . . What? That's his question? "It's the most important one," he says. "If you're changing your name, and I can't use my $nickname or $nickname2 then I've got a long night ahead of me to think of alternatives. It's a critical process." Can't //you// pick your nicknames? "You can change your name and I'll respect it," he says, "but you cannot take away my right as the big brother to call you nicknames." He pauses. ". . . Please." You can't help it. You $happyreaction. "That's a good sign for me, right?" You reassure Lawrence he can call you $nickname and $nickname2. He sighs with relief. "Thank the stars above for that. I am //not// good with nicknames. It took me all your toddler years to settle on those two." He grins. "All right my cute sibling. In honor of your declaration, tonight I'm baking you a cake!" You pale in horror. Lawrence's cakes are edible--you won't get sick from them--but he has a terrible fascination of combining things that should never ever go in cakes. His last abonimation was a peanutbutter cake with shrimp. He did not tell you about the shrimp until after you had taken a bite of one. You cannot yell out a terrified plea of //NO// fast enough to your gleeful brother. He laughs. "Okay, okay. How about some pizza tomorrow instead?" Anything is better than him baking a cake. "Words hurt," he teases you. He gets up from the table and moves to stand beside you while you stay seated. He pulls you into a hug and kisses the top of your head. "Thanks for telling me, $name. I'm proud of you." You return his hug, squeezing him tightly. "Always have," he says, "and always will be." <</if>> <<if $gender eq "man">> "$Curse bro, well done!" You smile at your brother. Lawrence looks proudly down at your report card. <<cycle "$schoolwas" autoselect>>\ <<option "It had been a hard-fought struggle to do as well as you did.">> <<option "Your grades reflected your hard work. You did well.">> <<option "You passed! By the skin of your teeth, but you still passed!">> <<option "You excelled academically and it showed.">> <<option "School had always been easy for you, the real struggle was keeping your attention in class.">> <<option "School had always been easy for you, but it was still nice to be praised.">> <</cycle>> Lawrence bends down to kiss the top of your head. It's something you've started to notice about Lawrence--especially compared to what the other boys at school would tell you about their brothers or fathers. Lawrence is an affectionate person. For as long as you can recall, he has been quick to show his love through head kisses, hugs, and hair ruffles. You thought this was how love was //meant// to be displayed. You never questioned it until you started going to high school in Rune City. Through many conversations, snippets, and remarks; you came to learn that was not the norm. Men aren't supposed to be affectionate with their brothers or sons or fathers. Handshakes or back pats are the only thing acceptable to them. When Lawrence picked you up from school one day and greeted you with a hug, you were teased by your classmates for having a sister instead of a brother. Your face sours at the memory. "What's the matter?" he asks with a frown when he notices your expression. You're reluctant to admit it. Lawrence squints at you. He sets the report card down and immediately goes in to hook your head under his arm. "Tell me or get the noogie." You tap his elbow and roll your eyes. If the noogie didn't work he'd keep escalating. While your brother is careful to not hurt you--maybe careful is the wrong word. Terrified. He is //terrified// of ever hurting you like $Pa--he is stubborn like a bull. It issn't worth the fight, not over something like this. He lets you go. You fix your shirt and rub at the back of your neck. You chew on the inside of your cheek as you consider how to word it. <<cycle "$confessingtolawrence" autoselect>>\ <<option "You bluntly tell Lawrence what you have been thinking about.">> <<option "You hesitantly ask Lawrence why he's so affectionate.">> <<option "You hedge your words, haltingly and slowly explaining what you are thinking about.">> <<option "You casually explain yourself.">> <</cycle>> The detective gives you a curious look while you explain. He patiently waits for you to finish. "Okay. . . " He adjusts his tie, frowning thoughtfully. "Does it bother you? That I--uh--don't shake your hand or pat your back?" Not really. But it's not. . . normal, right? He shrugs. "Who cares? I love you. I want to make sure you know that." You do know. "The fact that we're both men, and some--" Lawrence gestures to the window that shows Rune City. "--old fuddy duddy feels like it'll emasculate him to show affection don't matter a lick. What matters is how //you// feel and how //I// feel. And //I// like hugging my little bro." Lawrence shrugs again. "I don't think that makes either of us weird. It's the world's that weird." Your lips quirk briefly up into a smile at that. The //world's// weird--not him? "Yeah," he says firmly. Bold of him to assume that. "Gotta be bold in this world," he says. "Gotta be confident in yourself." He looks you over. "There's enough hate in this world. Only way to fight it is to show love--be kind." Lawrence's gaze softens. He looks over at you fondly. "Don't you listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. You've got a good heart, $nickname. Don't be afraid to let others see it." Okay. Lawrence beams. He gives you another kiss on top of the head. "That's my little brother. I'm proud of you. Always have been--always will be." You joke even if you become a murderer. "The detective in me is thoroughly disappointed you'd ever have to do that--but the brother in me already has the shovel and an unmarked grave ready." You $happyreaction. <</if>> <<if $gender eq "woman">> You squint at what you have done. Your nails are covered in $eyecolor nail polish. It's a sloppy first attempt--you have as much on your fingers as you do your nails--and you feel a keen sense of embarrassment. Having your nails be painted has become a "popular" thing to do. <<cycle "$schoolwas" autoselect>>\ <<option "You fell in love with the idea right away. The colors look so pretty!">> <<option "It looks like fun. You want to give it a try.">> <<option "You like to stay up to date on the trends.">> <<option "You want to do this for yourself.">> <<option "You have little desire to be popular. Your only focus is to stay under the radar.">> <<option "You have little desire to be popular but this seems kind of fun to do.">> <<option "You want to participate. You want to fit in.">> <<option "You don't want to stand out. Standing out puts you at risk. You view this nail polish-thing as a type of camouflage.">> <</cycle>> The girls at school have pristine nails. A lot of them get it done professionally; something you cannot afford and you'd feel ashamed to ask Lawrence to spend money on. Your only option is to do it yourself. One of your classmates wanted to get rid of her polish so her mother could buy her more. She offered up her collection to the girls in homeroom. You grabbed a handful for yourself. Your favorites are the one in $eyecolor, the one in $soulcolor, and the one in <<cycle "$nailcolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "scarlet-red">> <<option "wine-red">> <<option "vermilion">> <<option "pumpkin-orange">> <<option "emerald-green">> <<option "pastel-mint">> <<option "blush-pink">> <<option "rose-pink">> <<option "sunflower-yellow">> <<option "summer-daffodil">> <<option "sky-blue">> <<option "midnight-blue">> <<option "ash">> <<option "obisidan">> <<option "pearl-white">> <<option "iridescent">> <</cycle>>. You shift in your seat at the kitchen table, sullen from your attempt. You didn't expect perfection right away. . . but you also didn't expect such a horrible first attempt. This does not bode well for you. You can easily imagine the remarks you will receive at school with such nails. Girls who come to school with a crooked skirt, uneven socks, or messy hair are relentlessly ridiculed for the entire day. //Lazy. Messy. Pathetic. Unwanted. A shame to ladies everywhere. Disgraceful. // Those are the milder insults. You have no intentions of being on the receiving end of that. You purse your lips. The front door to the apartment opens up. You do not bother to turn around. Lawrence comes up from behind you and looks down. "Wow. You sucked at drawing as a tyke, glad to know it hasn't improved at all," says Lawrence with great cheer. You make an annoyed noise. He laughs. "Don't worry, $nickname. You'll get better with practice." You look up at him with a furrowed brow, your expression a mixture of disbelief and general unhappiness. . . "Aw, c'mon $nickname2," says Lawrence. "You can practice on me tonight. Then once you feel better, you can have a go at yourself again, okay?" You perk up. Would that be okay? "Why not?" he asks with a shrug. "It's only paint." You hesitate and point out that none of the boys at school use nail polish. "Ah, yes. I forgot how fragile my poor ego is as a man," Lawrence dryly remarks. "To be taken down by //paint.// What's next? I have to burn my pink tie? It's my lucky tie." It was a white tie that he got soaked in blood and somehow washed it so poorly it is forever stained pink. "It's my lucky tie," he repeats himself. "It wasn't //my// blood." You offer to use pink nail polish on him. "Why not?" he asks with a shrug. He pulls up a seat at the kitchen table. He pulls off his black work gloves and places his hands on the table. "I leave myself in your very capable hands." You look down at your messy first attempt. "You'll get there," he says encouragingly. "I know you will." You offer him a small smile. How can he be so sure? "Because," he says, "you're //you.// You're my darling, baby sister who shines brighter than any star in the night." Your cheeks warm from the praise. Your smile widens a little more. "That's better," he says with a smile of his own. "Your smile is in a league of its own, $nickname2. Right up there with your heart. You keep being you and you'll do fine." With your brother's encouragement you practice on him for the evening. It takes you some tries, but you do get it. "That's it," he says. He leans over to kiss the top of your head. "Good job, $name. I'm proud of you." Over nail polish? "Over trying," he says. "Over giving something new a shot, and even when it didn't work right away. . . doing it again. Might seem like a small thing, sure, but you did it. Don't undervalue that. You did it, and that's something to be proud of. I'm proud of you." You $happyreaction. <</if>> [[The memory is as sweet as it is sharp.]]

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" loop play>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $gender eq "man">><<set $lass = "lad">><<set $lassy = "laddy">><<elseif $gender eq "woman">><<set $lass = "lass">><<set $lassy = "lassy">><<elseif $gender eq "person">><<set $lass = "lod">><<set $lassy = "loddie">><</if>> You breathe out slowly as your chest tightens. The moment you step into the //Black Swan//, you feel an unknown burden on your shoulders lighten. The world seems brighter; more colorful. Why, even the air smells cleaner. Taking a moment to relish the pleasant feeling, you look around the restaurant. You notice him right away. Vermilion eyelights are lifted up to meet your gaze. <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your cheeks warm as you smile at him. He returns your smile. <<else>> You smile at him, delighted that he returns it. <</if>> Papyrus is seated at the bar with the boss, Mr. Eala. Mr. Eala notices you coming in. He waves you over to them. You immediately make your way to them. Mr. Eala is the Black Swan owner. He prefers his employees refer to him as //boss//. A tough, grumbly old man with dark skin, darker hair, and unnaturally blue eyes. He is a rare human with enough magic in him to cast spells. Not enough to qualify for magic-training, but the vibrancy in his eyes mark him as special. You've never seen Mr. Eala use magic, although many patrons joke he uses it to make his food taste so good. "--easy 'ere, $lassy," says Mr. Eala. "No need fer ya ta rush o'er." <<if $shy gt $bold>> You shyly look away, embarrassed to be called out for hurrying over. <<else>> You smile sheepishly. <</if>> "Ya two know ea'other?" Mr. Eala asks you. "$MISS $NAME AND I HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED," says Papyrus. "Good," he says. "Child, I've sol' the Swan ta this 'ere gen'leman." <<cycle "$surprise" autoselect>>\ <<option "Your eyes widen in surprise.">> <<option "You suck in a sharp breath.">> <<option "You quirk an eyebrow up.">> <<option "You raise your brow in surprise.">> <<option "You let out a small //oh//.">> <</cycle>> You had not even known the restaurant was for sale. "It wasn'," Mr. Eala responds. "This 'ere lad simply drove a har' bargain." Your (old?) boss shrugs. "I ain't a spriggin no more. Bou' time I thin' of settlin' down." You know Mr. Eala isn't young--well into his seventies--but you never thought he'd retire. He has energy to spare while working. He's lively in the kitchen, constantly hollering and signing off-tune in the back with the cooks. He'll pop out to serve customers directly if the wait staff get overwhelmed. He'll even stare down rude mafiosos until they apologize for being rude to you. When he took you in as his employee, you knew you wouldn't work for him forever, but in the back of your mind you hadn't considered. . . you hadn't considered he'd retire //before// you found Lawrence. He is an excellent boss who took care of all of his employees. It's. . . it's a shame to see him leave. <<if $survivorstatus eq "guilt">> Somewhere, in the back of your mind, you wonder if you're somehow to blame for his premature departure. It's silly. You know that. Logically, you have nothing to do with a business transaction. You have to keep safe, okay? . . . and. . . yet. . . They put his head in a box. and. . . and. . . yet. . . The gunshots are close enough they make your ears ring. //and yet all these things have ''you'' in common.// You swallow the acid that rose to the back of your throat. You don't have time to deal with this. You violently rip those thoughts out of your mind and focus on the present. Focus on the //now//. Papyrus. The boss. Work. Right. //Work.// It's a shame that the boss is leaving. <<elseif $survivorstatus eq "apathy">> Oh well. It doesn't matter to you. As long as you get your next paycheck, you won't quit working here. <<elseif $survivorstatus eq "callous">> Honestly, you're surprised the old man made it as long as he did. As long as your new boss doesn't beat you senseless. You need the connections here--you need the //gossip.// Anything to find your brother. <</if>> Although. . . you have to privately admit. . . having //Papyrus// as your boss. . . You look over at Papyrus; the skeleton is keenly watching your reaction. <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your cheeks burn and you snap your attention back to Mr. Eala. <<else>> Your smile widens. <</if>> "Huh," says Mr. Eala, a faintly amused look on his face. You stiffen at his reaction. "//Huh,//" he says again, a wide smile on his face. "Ya know lil Wendy was tellin' me ya wouldn' be too bummed. Ya 'appy ta see me go, $lassy?" <<if $survivorstatus eq "guilt">> No, no, no! Stars above the thought of being //happy// to see someone you know leave--disappear from your life like Lawrence--sends a shot of panic into your heart. The vicious, gnawing guilt you previously shoved aside immediately roars back into your mind. You vehemently shake your head as you adamantly refute the notion. He laughs loudly, clapping his knees. "Yer panicked face, hahaha." He gives you a hard pat on your shoulder. "Don' ya worry, Mr. Pap-aye-ris promis' ta not replace any of ya withou' good concern. I know ye'll do jus' fine, $lass. And ya know how ta reach me if some'in comes up." <<elseif $survivorstatus eq "apathy">> You shrug. He snorts. "Yer loyalty is the stuff o' legends, $lass." He gives you a hard pat on your shoulder. "Even though ya might no' care 'bout lil' ol' me, //I// still had the decen'cee tah worry 'bout ya. Mr. Pap-aye-ris promis' ta not replace any of ya withou' good concern. I know ye'll do jus' fine, $lass. And ya know how ta reach me if some'in comes up." <<elseif $survivorstatus eq "callous">> You shrug. He snorts. "Yer loyalty is the stuff o' legends, $lass." He gives you a hard pat on your shoulder. "Even though ya might no' care 'bout lil' ol' me, //I// still had the decen'cee tah worry 'bout ya. Mr. Pap-aye-ris promis' ta not replace any of ya withou' good concern. I know ye'll do jus' fine, $lass. And ya know how ta reach me if some'in comes up." <</if>> "REST ASSURED, $MISS $NAME," says Papyrus, "YOU WILL NOT LOSE YOUR JOB." That's--that's good. The assessment Papyrus had talked about yesterday must have been related to this. You're curious now. How well did you do? Well enough not to lose your job, but perhaps. . . You lift your $eyecolor eyes to look into Papyrus' eyelights. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>> You feel warm and fluttery. A bubbly joy fills you up from the inside. It's difficult to keep his gaze without breaking out into a grin, something you feel too shy to do. You break away first. <<else>> You feel warm and fluttery. A bubbly joy fills you up from the inside. It's difficult to keep his gaze without breaking out into a grin. Papyrus clears his throat and looks away. <</if>> "Heh-heh," Mr. Eala seems tickled pink. "Looks li' I'll be comin' back as a guest sooner than planned." "YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME, MR. EALA," says Papyrus. "So's the $lass, eh?" Mr. Eala laughs again. Papyrus pointedly coughs, the barest hint of red color appears under his eye sockets. He says, "RETURNING TO BUSINESS, MR. EALA?" "Feh. All wor' an' no play makes fer a dull man, Mr. Pap-aye-ris." "WORK TIME IS FOR WORK," he says. "WE ARE AT WORK. WE SHOULD BE WORKING." Mr. Eala grumbles. "Aye, aye. Get along $lassy." Yes, sir. [[Work time is for work, so you get to work.]]

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" loop play>><<if $gender eq "man">><<set $lass = "lad">><<set $lassy = "laddy">><<elseif $gender eq "woman">><<set $lass = "lass">><<set $lassy = "lassy">><<elseif $gender eq "person">><<set $lass = "lod">><<set $lassy = "loddie">><</if>> You enter the Black Swan, the smell of cigars and booze instantly hits you. You sometimes wish Black Swan had windows so a fresh breeze could come in. Unfortunately there are no windows. The boss likes the dark lighting--he says it sets the mood. To your surprise, you notice that Papyrus is here today as well. He is seated at the bar with the boss, Mr. Eala. Mr. Eala notices you coming in. He waves you over to them. Mr. Eala is the Black Swan owner. He prefers his employees refer to him as //boss//. A tough, grumbly old man with dark skin, darker hair, and unnaturally blue eyes. He is a rare human with enough magic in him to cast spells. Not enough to qualify for magic-training, but the vibrancy in his eyes mark him as special. You've never seen Mr. Eala use magic, although many patrons joke he uses it to make his food taste so good. "--easy 'ere, $lassy," says Mr. Eala. You greet both of them. "Ya two know ea'other?" Mr. Eala asks you when you address Papyrus by his name. "$MISS $NAME AND I HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED," says Papyrus. "Good," he says. "Child, I've sol' the Swan ta this 'ere gen'leman." <<cycle "$surprise" autoselect>>\ <<option "Your eyes widen in surprise.">> <<option "You suck in a sharp breath.">> <<option "You quirk an eyebrow up.">> <<option "You raise your brow in surprise.">> <<option "You let out a small //oh//.">> <</cycle>> You had not even known the restaurant was for sale. "It wasn'," Mr. Eala responds. "This 'ere lad simply drove a har' bargain." Your (old) boss shrugs. "I ain't a spriggin no more. Bou' time I thin' of settlin' down." You know Mr. Eala isn't young--well into his seventies--but you never thought he'd retire. He has energy to spare while working. He's lively in the kitchen, constantly hollering and signing off-tune in the back with the cooks. He'll pop out to serve customers directly if the wait staff get overwhelmed. He'll even stare down rude mafiosos until they apologize for being rude to you. When he took you in as his employee, you knew you wouldn't work for him forever, but in the back of your mind you hadn't considered. . . you hadn't considered he'd retire //before// you found Lawrence. He is an excellent boss who took care of all of his employees. It's. . . it's a shame to see him leave. <<if $survivorstatus eq "guilt">> Somewhere, in the back of your mind, you wonder if you're somehow to blame for his premature departure. It's silly. You know that. Logically, you have nothing to do with a business transaction. You have to keep safe, okay? . . . and. . . yet. . . They put his head in a box. and. . . and. . . yet. . . The gunshots are close enough they make your ears ring. //and yet all these things have ''you'' in common.// You swallow the acid that rose to the back of your throat. You don't have time to deal with this. You violently rip those thoughts out of your mind and focus on the present. Focus on the //now//. Papyrus. The boss. Work. Right. //Work.// It's a shame that the boss is leaving. <<elseif $survivorstatus eq "apathy">> Oh well. It doesn't matter to you. As long as you get your next paycheck, you won't quit working here. <<elseif $survivorstatus eq "callous">> Honestly, you're surprised the old man made it as long as he did. As long as your new boss doesn't beat you senseless. You need the connections here--you need the //gossip.// Anything to find your brother. <</if>><<if $survivorstatus eq "guilt">> Your reaction makes the boss soften his demeanor. He gives you a hard pat on your shoulder. "Don' ya worry, Mr. Pap-aye-ris promis' ta not replace any of ya withou' good concern. I know ye'll do jus' fine, $lass. And ya know how ta reach me if some'in comes up." <<elseif $survivorstatus eq "apathy">> Your reaction amuses him. "Har'ly battin' an eye for meh, eh? 'Appy to see me go?" You shrug. He snorts. "Yer loyalty is the stuff o' legends, $lass." He gives you a hard pat on your shoulder. "Even though ya might no' care 'bout lil' ol' me, //I// still had the decen'cee tah worry 'bout ya. Mr. Pap-aye-ris promis' ta not replace any of ya withou' good concern. I know ye'll do jus' fine, $lass. And ya know how ta reach me if some'in comes up." <<elseif $survivorstatus eq "callous">> Your reaction amuses him. "Har'ly battin' an eye for meh, eh? 'Appy to see me go?" You shrug. He snorts. "Yer loyalty is the stuff o' legends, $lass." He gives you a hard pat on your shoulder. "Even though ya might no' care 'bout lil' ol' me, //I// still had the decen'cee tah worry 'bout ya. Mr. Pap-aye-ris promis' ta not replace any of ya withou' good concern. I know ye'll do jus' fine, $lass. And ya know how ta reach me if some'in comes up." <</if>> "REST ASSURED, $MISS $NAME," says Papyrus, "YOU WILL NOT LOSE YOUR JOB." That's--that's good. When Papyrus was watching everyone yesterday--it must have been an assessment. You're curious how well you did. Well enough not to lose your job right away, but what about down the line? You've worked at the Black Swan for four years. You're reluctant to have to find another job in this city, especially one with as great of a boss as Mr. Eala. Papyrus says, "MAY WE RETURN TO BUSINESS, Mr. EALA?" "Aye, aye, Mr. Pap-aye-ris. Get along $lassy." Yes, sir. <<if $route eq "sans">> [[You get along per orders.]] <<else>> [[You get along as ordered.]]<</if>>

Or you do your best. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> It truly is uncanny how often you keep meeting Papyrus' gaze. As with the previous night, you are instinctively drawn to him. You understand his sentiment of //work time is for work// so you actively try to fight the urge. But. Well. You aren't the only one struggling with it. <<if $bold gt $shy>> Vermilion eyelights shine every time they meet your $eyecolor eyes. The first few times it happens, he quickly looks away. Halfway through, he starts to smile. Near the end both of you exchange deeply amused looks. <<else>> Vermilion eyelights shine every time they meet your $eyecolor eyes. The first few times it happens, you quickly look away. Halfway through, you scrounge up the courage to meet his gaze. He smiles. Your heart wants to jump out of his chest and do a dance. Near the end of your shift it's as if the high school marching band did a performance in your chest; your poor heart is a mess every time he smiles at you. <</if>> You change out of your work uniform, then head out the front door. To your pleasant surprise, Papyrus is there. The tall monster has a hand in his suit pants pocket, and the other holds a black carton. It's the same type of carton that is used for carry-out food at the Black Swan. He stands at the bottom of the steps, his skull tilted up to watch the stars twinkling above. <<if $shy gt $bold>> You nervously look around, wondering if he is waiting for someone. He notices you. "GOOD EVENING, $MISS $NAME," says Papyrus. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You shyly return his greeting. "I NOTICED YOU DID NOT HAVE TIME TO EAT TONIGHT," he says. It was a busy night. "WORK IS IMPORTANT," he allows, "BUT SO IS YOUR HEALTH. GOING FORWARD, I EXPECT YOU TO TAKE APPROPRIATE BREAKS REGARDLESS OF HOW BUSY IT GETS." Oh. He holds out the carton to you. "MR. EALA PREPARED THIS FOR YOU BEFORE HE LEFT." He's tall enough that you do not need to go down any steps to take it. You gingerly accept it and mumble a soft //thank you.// When you lift your gaze back up to meet Papyrus' you see he is smiling at you. He notices that you noticed, and immediately stops. He adjusts his tie. "DO YOU LIKE THE FOOD AT THE BLACK SWAN?" It's good food. "FOR HUMAN FOOD," says Papyrus, a tinge of reluctance in his voice. You've never had monster food before so you have no way to compare. "REALLY?" Papyrus' brow raises as his eyelights shrink. His look of surprise is endearing to you. He recovers quickly enough. "THAT--THAT IS A SHAME. YOU SHOULD TRY IT." You nod as you look down. You fidget with the carton of food. "IF YOU--IF YOU WOULD LIKE--" You lift your head back up. Papyrus' cheekbones are a shade similiar to his eyes. "--I WILL MAKE SOME FOR YOU," he boldly offers. Your demeanor brightens. Yes. You would like that. "OF COURSE YOU WOULD. I AM AN EXCELLENT CHEF," he says. Papyrus offers you one of his hands. You accept it and $happyreaction. "YOU SHOULD BE CAREFUL GOING DOWN STEPS," he explains. While the steps outside the Black Swan can be a hazard at winter if covered in ice, you hadn't thought of them as dangerous on fair-weathered nights. But you aren't going to tell that to Papyrus. He "assists" you down the steps, acting as a handrail with surprising care. "HEAD STRAIGHT HOME," he says. "IT'S TOO LATE TO LINGER." Your face is burning but you can't hide your grin. You tell him you will. "GOOD. I WILL SEE YOU TOMORROW--" Tomorrow-- Your face falls. You don't work tomorrow. Normally you would enjoy your days off, however right then you are stung by disappointment. "--OH," says Papyrus. "WHEN IS YOUR NEXT SHIFT?" Monday. "I WILL SEE YOU MONDAY," he says. Yes! He smiles at you. "BE SAFE GOING HOME." Yes! <<else>> You immediately head over to him and greet him with a cheerful //good evening.// "GOOD EVENING, $MISS $NAME," says Papyrus. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> "I NOTICED YOU DID NOT HAVE TIME TO EAT TONIGHT," he says. It was a busy night. "WORK IS IMPORTANT," he allows, "BUT SO IS YOUR HEALTH. GOING FORWARD, I EXPECT YOU TO TAKE APPROPRIATE BREAKS REGARDLESS OF HOW BUSY IT GETS." Eh. He holds out the carton to you. "Mr. EALA PREPARED THIS FOR YOU BEFORE HE LEFT." He's tall enough that you do not need to go down any steps to take it. You gingerly accept it and give him a //thanks.// When you lift your gaze back up to meet Papyrus' you see he is smiling at you. You grin at him. He immediately stops smiling and glances away. He adjusts his tie. "DO YOU LIKE THE FOOD AT THE BLACK SWAN?" It's good food. "FOR HUMAN FOOD," says Papyrus, a tinge of reluctance in his voice. You've never had monster food before so you have no way to compare. "REALLY?" Papyrus' brow raises as his eyelights shrink. His look of surprise is endearing to you. He recovers too quickly. "THAT--THAT IS A SHAME. YOU SHOULD TRY IT." Would he make some for you? His shoulders tense. "THAT IS A BOLD QUESTION TO ASK OF YOUR NEW BOSS." He's the one that brought it up. You $happyreaction. And you'd like to try his food. "OF COURSE YOU WOULD. I AM AN EXCELLENT CHEF," he says. "VERY WELL. I WILL GIVE YOU THE HONOR OF SAMPLING MONSTER FOOD MADE BY ME." Wonderful! Papyrus offers you one of his hands. You accept it with a curious look. "YOU SHOULD BE CAREFUL GOING DOWN STEPS," he explains. While the steps outside the Black Swan can be a hazard at winter if covered in ice, you hadn't thought of them as dangerous on fair-weathered nights. But you aren't going to tell that to Papyrus. He "assists" you down the steps, acting as a handrail with surprising care. "HEAD STRAIGHT HOME," he says. "IT'S TOO LATE TO LINGER." You tell him you will, deeply (and fondly) amused by him. "GOOD. I WILL SEE YOU TOMORROW--" Tomorrow-- Your face falls. You don't work tomorrow. Normally you would enjoy your days off, however right then you are stung by disappointment. "--OH," says Papyrus. "WHEN IS YOUR NEXT SHIFT?" Monday. "I WILL SEE YOU MONDAY," he says. Yes! He smiles at you. "BE SAFE GOING HOME." <</if>> [[You stay safe on your journey home.]]

Get along, get along.<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> You get along per orders. You complete your terribly ordinary shift without fuss. You change back into your casual clothes and head home with uncharacteristic energy. Through the dark city, past the run down buildings, up the creaky stairs, and to your apartment. Your nose is tickled by something smokey and spicy when you near your apartment door. There is a little $favoriteflowercolor $favoriteflower taped to your door with a note. Carefully, you peel off the tape. It comes away with bits of paint from your door. You hope that won't ruin your deposit. . . . Ha, although you suppose your deposit is gone //regardless// of how well you've managed to preserve your apartment in this neighborhood. You can't stop the bullets, after all. You open the note. In small, scrawled handwriting is a time and address. It's signed by Sans. <img src="https://i.postimg.cc/jqzPypkL/sansnote.png" /> This must be for your date tomorrow. <<if $survivorstatus eq "guilt">> The surge of quick joy that makes your toes and smile curl is rapidly overshadowed by strangling guilt. You swallow it back down, bittered by how fast your mood soured. . . . What right do you have to feel happy when there's so much. . . //death// in your life? <<elseif $survivorstatus eq "apathy">> You stare at the note, a mixture of mellowed amusement and. . . detatchment. What you feel doesn't matter, does it? This date, regardless of how it goes, it won't matter. You're here for Lawrence. You don't have the luxury to care for others in any significant way. <<else>> You stare at the note, your joy exists for only a second until it is ruthlessly torn apart by your callous attitude. This date, regardless of how it goes, it won't matter. You're here for Lawrence. Nothing else will get in the way of that. . . . Honestly. You might not even go on this date. You don't have time to waste on it. <</if>> You take the flower and examine its petals. Pretty. Umblemished. He must have handled it with care. . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;He kept his promise.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;He kept his promise.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;He kept his promise.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;He kept his promise.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;He kept his promise.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;He kept his promise.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;He kept his promise.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;He kept his promise.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;He kept his promise.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;He kept his promise.@@ <</if>> You hold the flower loosely in your hand, mindful not to squash it. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;He doesn't understand it, does he?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;He doesn't understand it, does he?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;He doesn't understand it, does he?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;He doesn't understand it, does he?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;He doesn't understand it, does he?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;He doesn't understand it, does he?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;He doesn't understand it, does he?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;He doesn't understand it, does he?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;He doesn't understand it, does he?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;He doesn't understand it, does he?@@<</if>> You head inside and place it, alongside the note, on your kitchen table. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;No, of course not.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;No, of course not.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;No, of course not.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;No, of course not.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;No, of course not.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;No, of course not.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;No, of course not.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;No, of course not.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;No, of course not.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;No, of course not.@@<</if>> You slept in late, and despite a busy shift, you are not tired. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;He can't. . . He //can't.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;He can't. . . He //can't.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;He can't. . . He //can't.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;He can't. . . He //can't.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;He can't. . . He //can't.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;He can't. . . He //can't.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;He can't. . . He //can't.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;He can't. . . He //can't.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;He can't. . . He //can't.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;He can't. . . He //can't.//@@<</if>> How would you like to spend your night? [[Go to bed. You'll fall asleep eventually.]] [[Go for a run. You didn't get a chance to this morning. It's a little risky this late, but it could be exactly what you need to feel tired.]] [[Visit the pier. You probably shouldn't this late, but the smell of the ocean could be refreshing to you.]]

Through the dark city, past the run down buildings, up the creaky stairs, and to your apartment.<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> It's a relief to finally be home. You slept in late, and despite a busy shift, you are not tired. How would you like to spend your night? [[Go to bed. You'll fall asleep eventually.]] [[Go for a run. You didn't get a chance to this morning. It's a little risky this late, but it could be exactly what you need to feel tired.]] [[Visit the pier. You probably shouldn't this late, but the smell of the ocean could be refreshing to you.]]

You change into your $pajamas and collapse into bed. You do your best to ignore the bullet hole in your pillow. You close your eyes, It takes you several minutes to relax and drift off. <<if (($route eq "sans")) and ($survivorstatus eq "guilt")>> [[At least tomorrow you have your date with Sans.]] <<elseif $route eq "sans">> [[At least tomorrow is another day.]] <<else>> [[At least tomorrow you can spend time with Ralsei.]]<</if>>

<<audio "room" stop>><<audio "park" volume 0.25 loop play>>You change into your running clothes and put your dinner in the fridge. It'll be a nice treat when you come back. The night air is filled with city noise as you make your way to the park. The familiar humdrum of jazz music from late night bars, to men loudly laughing and chatting with one another, to escorts calling out at passerbys. Your run-down area really comes alive at night--especially on a //Friday// night. You pass many people in the street who pay you no mind. You hop over the cracks, keeping to the sidewalk that's lit by the magical amethyst-colored crystals in the lampposts. It's only Ebott City that uses colored lampposts. One of the many unique quirks about it. Rune City--the capital of Delta, and where you lived previously--uses electrical lampposts and they are only stationed on the main roads. The Dreemur's gift of light to this dark city is much appreciated. Especially right now, when you've chosen to take a jog near midnight, alone, in a mafia-run city. If Lawrence was with you, he'd definitely scold you. You're nearing the park. $intuition You stop, //immediately//. [[Turn around and sprint home.]] [[Linger and assess. Running could draw attention your way.]]

You don't hesitate. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "wicked" volume 0.25 loop play>> You turn on your heel and you sprint away. "OI! Look at 'em go!" you hear a voice a good distance behind you shout. "Where he runnin to?" laughs another. "Ask 'em!" You're almost around a corner-- $intuition [[Jump back unexpectedly.]] [[Leap for the corner.]] [[Drop to the ground.]]

You jump back. A bullet whizzes in front of you, hitting the street beside you as it misses. "The fuck?!" "Fucker dodged!" "Did you see that shit?" You don't linger. You sprint around the corner as the voices laugh behind you, their tones tinged with drunken glee. Footsteps pound behind you, uneven but strong. They giggle and yelp with glee, running you down with unrelenting pause. You are fast, though. Fast enough they can't catch you with their hands. //Click.// $intuition The gun, //however//-- [[Abruptly go into the alleyway on your left. It will take you longer to get home, but this way is too narrow for them to chase you.]] [[Scale the chain fence ahead of you. No way they can chase after you while so drunk.]]

You leap for the corner, your heart pounds in your chest. The breath is knocked out of you. Suddenly, there is sharp pain so cold it burns. Or burns so much it's cold? You can't breathe. You stumble and look down to see blood oozing out of your chest. There's a hole in your chest. //Oh.// Adrenaline keeps the pain at bay as you sway. "Nice shot!" laughs a voice. It's getting closer. You fall backwards, and while you are not in pain everything feels fuzzy and istant. "Strip 'em." Your vision is getting weaker. "Think they got money?" You've lost feeling. "Was more so thinkin' it'd be funy as f--" BAD ENDING #3 - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART

You drop to the ground. There is an instant pain in your head, the worst migraine you have ever encountered. And then it abruptly stops and you are thrown into darkness. BAD ENDING #4 - BAD DUCK

You shimmy through it with speed that only comes when fearing for your life. You hear a bullet go behind you. Your ears ring from them firing the gun so close to you. "Fu-uck! I ain't chasin down there!" "Why the fuck not?" "This is a //new// s-suit, y-you fuck!" "GET BACK, FUCKER!" There is laughter behind you as the group of men stumble into one another. One of them hiccups, and then another turns around and proceeds to throw up. You don't stop to watch. You make it through the alleyway and you bolt home. [[You do not stop until you are back inside your apartment, panting and out of breath.]]

You make a jump for the fence, frantically climbing it to get over. If you could only make it to the otherside before-- The breath is knocked out of you. Suddenly, there is sharp pain so cold it burns. Or burns so much it's cold? You can't breathe. You look down to see blood oozing out of your chest. There's a hole in your chest. //Oh.// Adrenaline keeps the pain at bay as you let go of the fence. You fall backwards and hit the pavement. "Nice shot!" laughs a voice. It's getting closer. While you are not in pain everything feels fuzzy and istant. "Strip 'em." Your vision is getting weaker. "Think they got money?" You've lost feeling. "Was more so thinkin' it'd be funy as f--" BAD ENDING #3 - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART

. . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Run, run, run. It's what you do best.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Run, run, run. It's what you do best.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Run, run, run. It's what you do best.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Run, run, run. It's what you do best.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Run, run, run. It's what you do best.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Run, run, run. It's what you do best.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Run, run, run. It's what you do best.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Run, run, run. It's what you do best.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Run, run, run. It's what you do best.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Run, run, run. It's what you do best.@@ <</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You'll leave Peterson behind, won't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You'll leave Peterson behind, won't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You'll leave Peterson behind, won't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You'll leave Peterson behind, won't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You'll leave Peterson behind, won't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You'll leave Peterson behind, won't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You'll leave Peterson behind, won't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You'll leave Peterson behind, won't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You'll leave Peterson behind, won't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You'll leave Peterson behind, won't you?@@ <</if>> You-- <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" loop play>> You change into your pajamas. You get into bed. You decide to not go running at night again. <<if (($route eq "sans")) and ($survivorstatus eq "guilt")>> [[At least tomorrow you have your date with Sans.]] <<elseif $route eq "sans">> [[At least tomorrow is another day.]] <<else>> [[At least tomorrow you can spend time with Ralsei.]]<</if>>

<<audio "cityday" volume 0.25 loop play>>You wake up refreshed and energized. You don't have as much time in the morning as you do before work, so for today you decide to forgo the morning run in favor of a longer skin and hair routine. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" loop play>> Once satisfied, you make your way to the address on the note Sans left for you. It's at an upscale breakfast-brunch café on the nicer part of town. It's not too far from the dessert shop where Ralsei wants to meet, so you'll be able to go there right afterward. You have a fun day ahead of you. A date, and then dessert with a friend! You run your fingers through your $haircolor hair, mindful of the wind. It isn't too warm outside--especially due to all the shadows cast by the skyscrapers--however the wind was fiercer than normal. You do take a trolley bus to reach your destination--you don't want to risk arriving sweaty--so you arrive earlier than planned. The breakfast shop sits at a corner. It's the bottom of a brick building with a fenced in patio on the side. <<if $shy gt $bold>> [[It's named Libellule.]] <<else>> [[It's named the Libellule.]]<</if>>

<<if $route eq "asriel">> You wake up refreshed and energized. You take extra care in your morning routine for your meet up with Ralsei. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" loop play>> Once satisfied with your appearance, you head out. You take a trolley bus to reach your destination--you don't want to risk arriving sweaty--so you arrive earlier than planned. [[Ralsei is waiting for you outside the shop.]] <<else>> You wake up refreshed and energized. You go through your morning routine, and once satisfied, you head out. You take a trolley bus to reach your destination--you don't want to risk arriving sweaty--so you arrive earlier than planned. [[You notice Ralsei waiting for you outside the shop.]]<</if>>

You lower yourself to the ground, your $eyecolor eyes scanning around you. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "wicked" volume 0.25 loop play>> //There.// A group of men--drunk, if their stumbling and clutching of bottles is any indication--are meandering down the opposite sidewalk. "--see it though?" one drawls. "Fuckin' //covered.//" "Howsthateven--howsthateven--" "--I know?" they nod, and you realize they are part of the Berstach family. It's rare to see mafioso from that family so close to your area. Where the Vivacci mark themselves with green, the Berstach mafioso wear suit hats with an orange band and an orange feather in them. The more feathers a member has in their hat, the higher ranked they are. "Was there when it first started. I saw it from the beginning, f-fi-ive--?" <<set $fiveclue = 1>> "It's a monster," slurs one of them. "Not even--" he hiccups. "--not even those guards could take it now." "That'd be fun--fun--to watch," laughs the highest-ranked member. "The--The Deathless Beast against a R-Royal Guard!" They all laugh at that. "Monsters fightin' monsters is somethin' I--I'd--I'd pay to see--" "Why don' they? Lotta peo--people would pay--//I'd// pay--" "Know what else I'd p-pay for? A fucking laugh." That one pulls out a gun and holds it aloft. $intuition //Your clues have been updated.// You can't stay any longer. You'll be spotted. [[Turn around and sprint home.]]

<<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $maam = "ma'am">><<elseif $gender eq "man">><<set $maam = "sir">><<else>><<set $maam = "mx">><</if>>It takes inspiration from Curseive, a small country known in the east. Curseive is regarded as the "center of high culture", almost all the current art and fashion trends originate from Curseive and their capital city, Notreri. Notreri is even known as the "City of Love." Lawrence always wanted to visit. <<cycle "$visitNotreri" autoselect>>\ <<option "As do you.">> <<option "Not you though.">> <<option "You feel indifferent to it.">> <</cycle>> Libellule's outside bricks are painted white. Their windows have mint-green ornate bars over them, and there are huge hanging white flowers draped all over the side of the building. The café takes up two floors of the building, and on the second floor all the windows are opened up. You can see many guests sitting at the tables by the window. One of the guests reaches out to pull in a white-flowering vine and sniff it. The patio outside is fenced in with a black iron fence that has a designed-top. There are vines wrapped around each fence pole, and the entire area is shaded by a built in canopy. The fence is high up enough that you can't see over it, and the vines growing around the poles are thick enough it's difficult to see through it. You do, however, catch a glimpse of something familiar. On the wind, you smell something spicy and smoky. $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Although you arrived early--perhaps not early enough? You step inside the café. It's much more crowded than you expected. The white-and-mint-green tiles have a pretty mosaic on them. All of the tables have a variety of different colored flowers in glass vases on them. The windy day has greatly benefited the shop, the wind constantly flowing in brings in fresh air and keeps the place cool despite how many bodies are crammed inside. The maître d' greets you with a smile at the front. "Table for two, $maam?" You explain you have plans to meet someone--and he might already be here. "Name?" You say Sans. The person seems surprised by this, but gestures for you to follow them. You are guided through the tables. "You have a spot reserved outside," they say. You thank them and step out. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> A hot wind blows down the back of your neck. Your throat dries out and you go to clear it. You glance behind you, wondering if anyone else was bothered by the heat surge. "Good mornin', $sansnickname3," drawls a familiar deep voice. You turn to the voice, your $eyecolor eyes meeting crimson eyelights in black sockets. You resist the urge to demurely look away. [[The patio is empty, save for you and Sans.]]

<<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $maam = "ma'am">><<elseif $gender eq "man">><<set $maam = "sir">><<else>><<set $maam = "mx">><</if>>It takes inspiration from Curseive, a small country known in the east. Curseive is regarded as the "center of high culture", almost all the current art and fashion trends originate from Curseive and their capital city, Notreri. Notreri is even known as the "City of Love." Lawrence always wanted to visit. <<cycle "$visitNotreri" autoselect>>\ <<option "As do you.">> <<option "Not you though.">> <<option "You feel indifferent to it.">> <</cycle>> Libellule's outside bricks are painted white. Their windows have mint-green ornate bars over them, and there are huge hanging white flowers draped all over the side of the building. The café takes up two floors of the building, and on the second floor all the windows are opened up. You can see many guests sitting at the tables by the window. One of the guests reaches out to pull in a white-flowering vine and sniff it. The patio outside is fenced in with a black iron fence that has a designed-top. There are vines wrapped around each fence pole, and the entire area is shaded by a built in canopy. The fence is high up enough that you can't see over it, and the vines growing around the poles are thick enough it's difficult to see through it. You do, however, catch a glimpse of something familiar. On the wind you smell something spicy and smoky. $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Although you arrived early--perhaps not early enough? You step inside the café. It's much more crowded than you expected. The white-and-mint-green tiles have a pretty mosaic on them. All of the tables have a variety of different colored flowers in glass vases on them. The windy day has greatly benefited the shop, the wind constantly flowing in brings in fresh air and keeps the place cool despite how many bodies are crammed inside. The maître d' greets you with a smile at the front. "Table for two, $maam?" You explain you have plans to meet someone--and he might already be here. "Name?" You say Sans. The person seems surprised by this, but gestures for you to follow them. You are guided through the tables. "You have a spot reserved outside," they say. You thank them and step out. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> A hot wind blows down the back of your neck. Your throat dries out and you go to clear it. You glance behind you, wondering if anyone else was bothered by the heat surge. "Good mornin', $sansnickname3," drawls a familiar deep voice. You turn to the voice, your $eyecolor eyes meeting crimson eyelights in black sockets. You resist the urge to fidget with your $accessory. [[The patio is empty, except for you and Sans.]]

The air is unnaturally warm to you. Sans is seated at a wide white-metal table in the back. The skeleton monster is in a black suit with a white vest and black tie today. His suit hat has been placed on the table. At your arrival, he smoothly stands up to greet you. The closer he steps to you, the stronger you smell that familiar spiciness. He holds out a hand to you. You notice he's wearing one of those fancy magic-watches. It's something you only see on the big, //big// tippers at work. You take his hand. <<if $gender eq "woman">> He raises it to smoothly kiss the back of your hand. He might as well had put a hot stone on the back of your hand with how much it starts to pleasantly burn. <<else>> He gives it a firm, but gentle squeeze. He might as well have dunked your hand in a pot of hot stones with how much it pleasantly burns in his grip. <</if>> "Come sit down," he says as he lets go of your hand. He pulls out a chair for you. You take a seat, struggling to keep your racing heart calm. There is a lava rock in your stomach. Your skin feels overly sensitive. Each wind--gentle or harsh--is like someone tracing a needle over you. It's not painful, but obviously distracting. Every time it happens you feel a rush of heat to your face. Sans takes his seat across from you. "Ya seem awful warm 'ere, $sansnickname2," Sans remarks. "Maybe we should go someplace else?" You are warm. You are very, //very// warm. But. This isn't the first night. You aren't overwhelmed. You aren't unprepared. You are you, and you are enough to remain in control of yourself. A waiter comes out and greets the both of you with a small smile. "Good morning. My name is Ron and I will be your waiter. May I get you started with something to drink?" Sans motions for you to order first. <<if $drink eq "black coffee">> You order a $drink. Sans' smile stretches as he orders the same. Once the waiter is gone, Sans says, "Aren' ya a $gender after my own hear'." Does Sans always order his coffee black? "Ye-ep. Coffee is part of my daily //grind//." <<else>> You order a $drink. Sans orders a black coffee. The waiter says he'll be back shortly with exactly that. When he leaves, Sans says, "That what ya always get?" It is. "I'll remember that then," he says. Does Sans always order his coffee black? "Ye-ep. Coffee is part of my daily //grind//." <</if>> You $happyreaction at the pun. Your shoulders relax--you had not noticed you were tense until that moment. You shyly ask Sans what has he //bean// up to? Sans lets out a //heh-heh//. "Hadda take care of some family business for my brother yesterday. Some punks were really cruisin' for a //brew//-sin.'" Sounds like he had a //latte// on his plate! His smile turns into a grin. "//Sip// happens." [[The two of you laugh as the waiter brings you your drinks.]]

The rest of your breakfast continues in the same manner. Your nerves are allayed by Sans. He has a natural talent for making you feel comfortable. And then the wind will prick your skin and you become acutely aware of how close you are sitting. Or you stretch your leg, accidentally grazing his, and feel like you're dipping your leg in hot bath water. It is a careful balance of light fun--puns and knock knock jokes abound--and surges of heat and goosebumps. By the end of breakfast, you are full, ''warm'', and tingly. Sans takes the check before you even get the chance--the waiter gives it directly to him--and pays with an impressive amount of cash. You would never carry that much cash on you. Then again, you aren't a massive monster. You both stand up from the table. Sans steps close to you. Sans reaches out a hand and gently caresses your cheek with the back of his fingers. "Soft as ever, $sansnickname1." You swallow. The heat you've been feeling all morning feels like it's been set ablaze by his touch. Goosebumps give you shivers down your spine. There is something in the air; a buzzing tension. $intuition [[You can't resist leaning into his touch, closing your eyes. You nuzzle into it, loving the sensation.]] [[You aren't ready yet. Take a step back with a soft "Sorry."]]

"Fuck," he murmurs, "you're really too cute, ya know?" You open your eyes just in time to see him lean down. He grips the back of your head and presses his lips against yours. He is made of bone and magic. The magic has allowed his bones--especially in his face--to be malleable. It's how he can furrow his brows and blink without issue. It's how he kisses you. There is a hardness to him, but it's not immoveable. You make a noise in the back of your throat as soon as you feel something hot and warm graze your lips. You open your mouth as he breathes his delicious magic into you. Your whole body is on fire and tingles as your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>thumps in unison to your heart. As you sink further into him a sense of rightness settles into you. Along with fervent desire. A //throbbing// desire. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You feel the extra moisture between your legs, and you know in the back of your head it's not from sweat. <<else>> You feel the extra tightening in your pants and you know in the back of your head it's not from needing to use the bathroom. <</if>> Sans squeezes you tightly against him as he kisses you with a deep passion. One hand trails down your back to firmly grip your butt. Everything starts to melt away as you grip Sans tightly-- A loud car horn honk startles you and you pull away. The hazy cloud of lust temporarily lifted. $intuition Ah. Wait. You have plans. After this you have plans to meet your friend. . . . . . . . . . If you let this continue you'll feel rushed, or guilty for ditching a potential friend. You ask Sans if he would, instead, like to have dinner. "Dinner," he repeats faintly. "Ya want //dinner.//" You want to not rush. "Right," he says and lets out a slow breath. "No rush. Right." . . . Is he okay? "Gimme a moment and I will be, $sansnickname1." You $happyreaction. You give him a kiss on the cheek and thank him. "You," he says pointedly, "are well worth the wait." You blush. "Fuck," he says again. "I need another moment now." Oops. [[You and Sans smile at each other.]]

$intuition <<set $sansbadending = 1>> You ask Sans if he would like to have dinner. "Dinner," he repeats. "Ya want //dinner.//" You want to not rush. $intuition "Right," he says. "No rush. Right." He smiles at you. It doesn't feel as warm as it was before. "Okay," he agrees. "Let's meet for dinner." [[With your date concluded, you walk over to the dessert shop.]]

You make dinner plans easily. Sans offers to walk you home, but you tell him you plan to meet a friend for dessert. "You still have room for more?" Sans teases you. You have a second stomach //just// for treats. He laughs. "Can't blame ya for that. I've got a //treat// tooth mahself." Does he have a favorite? "Hmm. A cin-pretzel?" he says with a wink. "I like to get //knotty.//" <<if $gender eq "woman">> Your hands fly up to cover your mouth to hide your flustered giggle. <<else>> Your eyes widen from surprise. You let out out a flustered chuckle. <</if>> He grins happily from your reaction. "Next time I'll take ya to the sweet shop afterward." He has a preferred spot? "Oh I make the best treats at home--" You immediately look away, your face burning. You ask him if he's //trying// to set you on fire. "Who me?" Sans asks in a tone too innocently to be sincere. "Ya think I would tease ya for my own amusement. I am appalled. Hurt, even, $sansnickname2." You give him a //look.// He laughs again, his whole body shaking. He reaches forward to cup your face and kisses you gently on the lips. "Have fun with your friend, $sansnickname1," he says. "I'll see ya again real soon." You're too flustered to come up with a response before he disappears in a haze of red smoke. You take a deep breath and work on calming down. [[With your date concluded, you walk over to the dessert shop.]]

The air is unnaturally warm to you. Sans is seated at a wide white-metal table in the back. The skeleton monster is in a black suit with a white vest and black tie today. His suit hat has been placed on the table. At your arrival, he smoothly stands up to greet you. The closer he steps to you, the stronger you smell that familiar spiciness. He holds out a hand to you. You notice he's wearing one of those fancy magic-watches. It's something you only see on the big, //big// tippers at work. You take his hand. <<if $gender eq "woman">> He raises it to smoothly kiss the back of your hand. He might as well had put a hot stone on the back of your hand with how much it starts to pleasantly burn. <<else>> He gives it a firm, but gentle squeeze. He might as well have dunked your hand in a pot of hot stones with how much it pleasantly burns in his grip. <</if>> "Come sit down," he says as he lets go of your hand. He pulls out a chair for you. You take a seat, struggling to keep your racing heart calm. There is a lava rock in your stomach. Your skin feels overly sensitive. Each wind--gentle or harsh--is like someone tracing a needle over you. It's not painful, but obviously distracting. Every time it happens you feel a rush of heat in your chest. Sans takes his seat across from you. "Ya seem awful warm 'ere, $sansnickname2," Sans remarks. "Maybe we should go someplace else?" You are warm. You are very, //very// warm. But. This isn't the first night. You aren't overwhelmed. You aren't unprepared. You are you, and you are enough to remain in control of yourself. You smoothly reassure Sans that you are fine to stay here. Your lips curl into a smile. If //he's// too warm, they can move. Sans grins at you, his scarlet eyelights have a twinkle of amusement in them. "Mighty kind of you." You shrug. You like to be considerate of those who don't have the benefit of skin to keep them insulated. He loudly laughs at that. A waiter comes out and greets the both of you with a small smile. "Good morning. My name is Ron and I will be your waiter. May I get you started with something to drink?" Sans motions for you to order first. <<if $drink eq "black coffee">> You order a $drink. Sans' smile stretches as he orders the same. Once the waiter is gone, Sans says, "Aren' ya a $gender after my own hear'." Does Sans always order his coffee black? "Ye-ep. Coffee is part of my daily //grind//." <<else>> You order a $drink. Sans orders a black coffee. The waiter says he'll be back shortly with exactly that. When he leaves, Sans says, "That what ya always get?" It is. "I'll remember that then," he says. Does Sans always order his coffee black? "Ye-ep. Coffee is part of my daily //grind//." <</if>> You $happyreaction at the pun. Your shoulders relax--you had not noticed you were tense until that moment. You slyly ask Sans what has he //bean// up to? Sans lets out a //heh-heh//. "Hadda take care of some family business for my brother yesterday. Some punks were really cruisin' for a //brew//-sin.'" Sounds like he had a //latte// on his plate! His smile turns into a grin. "//Sip// happens." [[The two of you chuckle as the waiter brings you your drinks.]]

The rest of your breakfast continues in the same manner. Sans is delightfully charming. It's easy and comfortable to talk to him. You almost could believe you're talking to an old time friend, rather than a skeleton monster you only met a few days ago. Almost. And then the wind will prick your skin and you become acutely aware of how close you are sitting. Or you stretch your leg, accidentally grazing his, and feel like you're dipping your leg in hot bath water. It is a careful balance of light fun--puns and knock knock jokes abound--and surges of heat and goosebumps. By the end of breakfast, you are full, ''warm'', and tingly. Sans takes the check before you even get the chance--the waiter gives it directly to him--and pays with an impressive amount of cash. You would never carry that much cash on you. Then again, you aren't a massive monster. You both stand up from the table. Sans steps close to you. Sans reaches out a hand and gently caresses your cheek with the back of his fingers. "Soft as ever, $sansnickname1." You swallow. The heat you've been feeling all morning feels like it's been set ablaze by his touch. Goosebumps give you shivers down your spine. There is something in the air; a buzzing tension. $intuition [[You take his hand in yours and you press your cheek into it, looking up at him with half-lidded eyes.]] [[You aren't ready yet. Take a step back with a soft "Sorry."]]

"Ya know," he says, his voice a touch huskier, touch //deeper// than before, "whole reason I chose breakfast was to give ya a chance to take it slow. You're not making this easier." You don't need it to be slow. With your other hand you yank on his tie and pull him down. You press your lips against him. You deepen the kiss, opening his mouth and feeling his hot magic tickle your tongue. Your whole body is on fire and tingles as your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>thumps in unison to your heart. As you sink further into him a sense of rightness settles into you. Along with fervent desire. A //throbbing// desire. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You feel the extra moisture between your legs, and you know in the back of your head it's not from sweat. <<else>> You feel the extra tightening in your pants and you know in the back of your head it's not from needing to use the bathroom. <</if>> Sans returns your kiss with equal enthusiasm, one hand trails down your back to firmly grip your butt. Everything starts to melt away as you grip Sans tightly-- A loud car horn honk startles you and you pull away. The hazy cloud of lust temporarily lifted. $intuition Ah. Wait. You have plans. After this you have plans to meet your friend. . . . . . . . . . If you let this continue you'll feel rushed, or guilty for ditching a potential friend. You ask Sans if he would, instead, like to have dinner. "Dinner," he repeats faintly. "Ya want //dinner.//" You want to not rush. "Right," he says and lets out a slow breath. "No rush. Right." . . . Is he okay? "Gimme a moment and I will be, $sansnickname1." You $happyreaction. You give him a kiss on the cheek and thank him. "You," he says pointedly, "are well worth the wait." Yes. Yes you are. [[You and Sans grin at each other.]]

You make dinner plans easily. Sans offers to walk you home, but you tell him you plan to meet a friend for dessert. "You still have room for more?" Sans teases you. You have a second stomach //just// for treats. He laughs. "Can't blame ya for that. I've got a //treat// tooth mahself." Does he have a favorite? "Hmm. A cin-pretzel?" he says with a wink. "I like to get //knotty.//" You wink. He's //knot// alone in that. He grin widens in delight. "Next time I'll take ya to the sweet shop afterward." He has a preferred spot? "Oh I make the best //salty// treats at home--" You snort at the implication. <<cycle "$pretzelreact" autoselect>>\ <<option "Heh.">> <<option "Cute.">> <<option "You'd rather //knot.//">> <<option "You'd rather //knot.//. . yet.">> <</cycle>> "You don't like my pretzel joke? I am in-salted," he says with a voice too saccharine to be sincere. You reassure him that you like his //twisted// humor, but you also don't want to rush. He laughs again, his whole body shaking. You can't resist smiling at it. You reach forward and tug on his tie to pull him down to your level. You kiss him on the mouth. "Have fun with your friend, $sansnickname1," he says when you pull away. "I'll see ya again real soon." With some treats? "Your favorite kinds," he promises with a wink. [[With your date concluded, you walk over to the dessert shop.]]

Ralsei waits for you outside the dessert shop. The tall monster casually leans against the brick wall. He's in a similar attire to the last times you met him; today he wears a yellow tie. It matches well with his golden-red eyes. He notices you right away. His ears perk up. He smiles at you. "Hey, $Miss $name." <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You immediately smile back and echo his greeting. As you approach, you catch a whiff of something floral in the air. You notice he's also holding a small cigarette. Ah, wait no. It smells nothing like a cigarette. The smoke it emits is strangely a bright yellow, and it seems to be the source of the floral scent. "Mari-rolls," he explains when he notices your curious expression. "Magic flowers my Mother and sibling grow together. When burned, the smoke soothes magic." Soothes magic? "Mm-hmm. Humans do something called incense, right?" You have heard some humans burn candles or incense to reduce stress. Ralsei crushes the mari-roll in his palm. He brushes the debris out of his palm and into the street. "Think of it like that, then. Are you ready for something sweet?" <<if $bold gt $shy>> Like him? Ralsei cocks his head to the side, his hackles raised back to a playful smirk. "I'm afraid I'm not that sweet, $Miss $name." That's for you to find out, isn't it? "Heh-heh." <<else>> You beam. Definitely. His smile softens. "Although I'm not sure the desserts inside will be as sweet as you though." Your cheeks burn. Ralsei's eyes bulge as if he only now realizes what he said. He clears his throat. "Uh--well--let's head in, huh?" <</if>> [[The two of you enter the dessert shop.]]

Malai Sunrise is a brightly colored dessert shop. Splashes of orange, rose-pink, yellow, and purple cover most of the shop. Rows of ice creams, cakes, macarons, pies, and many more sweet delights are on full display. The Black Swan did not have desserts often--too much sugar and sauce tended to lead to patrons getting sick in the bathroom. After walking in on a patron emptying his guts in the bathroom, you're grateful for that foresight. Especially because you lost the coin toss on who had to clean it up. Malai Sunrise does not have any place to sit. It's intended to purchase your food then leave, so most of it is designed to be hand-held. Even with no place to sit, the entire shop is packed with people. You squeeze in tighter than sardines in a can. There's no room to breathe, let alone chat, so all you and Ralsei can do is hunch shoulders and wait your turn. Feeling him press against you, you firmly smell that faintly floral aroma that came from his mari-roll. You also, nervously, note that he feels. . . firm. Warm. And firm. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;A squeeze too tight and the eyes pop out.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;A squeeze too tight and the eyes pop out.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;A squeeze too tight and the eyes pop out.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;A squeeze too tight and the eyes pop out.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;A squeeze too tight and the eyes pop out.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;A squeeze too tight and the eyes pop out.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;A squeeze too tight and the eyes pop out.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;A squeeze too tight and the eyes pop out.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;A squeeze too tight and the eyes pop out.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;A squeeze too tight and the eyes pop out.@@ <</if>> Thankfully, the line moves quickly. Ralsei and you each place an order once at the front. Ralsei gets a triple-stack butterscotch ice cream cone. You order a <<cycle "$malaitreat" autoselect>>\ <<option "kulfi">> <<option "saffron-rose ice cream cone">> <<option "butterscotch ice cream cone">> <<option "coffee ice cream cone">> <<option "coconut and mango ice cream cone">> <<option "vanilla ice cream cone">> <<option "chocolate ice cream cone">> <<option "box of hotteok">> <<option "box of dangos">> <<option "box of red bean buns">> <<option "box of cham chams">> <<option "box of laddoos">> <<option "box of eclairs">> <<option "box of madeleines">> <<option "box of red velvet cupcakes">> <<option "box of strawberry cupcakes">> <<option "box of raspberry petits fours">> <<option "box of vanilla petits fours">> <<option "box of blackberry petits fours">> <</cycle>> [[With your treats in hand, you both decide to enjoy the nice weather and go for a walk while eating.]]

<<if $malaitreat eq "butterscotch ice cream cone">> Ralsei is delighted you picked the same thing as him. He holds out his massive ice cream cone to you. You smile and tap yours against him. The two of you go "cheers", using your ice creams as substitute wine glasses. "Great minds think alike," he says happily. You absolutely agree! <</if>> You take the lead, recalling that Ralsei isn't familiar with the city. You decide to head to a less crowded part of the city so the two of you don't have to compete for space on the side walk. There is a comfortable, companionable silence between the two of you as you eat. Despite the fact that his ice cream cone is larger than your head, Ralsei makes quick work of it. By the time you're halfway through your $malaitreat, he's already licking his fingers clean. "I should have ordered two," he sighs. <<if $bold gt $shy>> You offer to share yours. He looks genuinely tempted. He clears his throat. "Uh, n-no. Thank you, though." You shrug. His loss. <<else>> You nervously hold yours out to him, a silent offer to share. He looks genuinely tempted. He clears his throat. "Uh, n-no. Thank you, though." You withdraw your offer. <</if>> Ralsei pulls out another mari-roll. "Do you mind?" You shake your head. He breathes out a small plume of fire, igniting it as the two of you walk. . . . He said it was similiar to what humans do with incense to help with stress. So. . . You ask him if he's stressed. "Everyone is stressed," he says casually. He smiles at you. "But it's better when I'm in the city." Does he not live in the city? "Ah, uh, not exactly," he says. "Not, uh, actually allowed in the city." You raise an eyebrow at that. "Strict parents and all that," he says. Ah. You can relate to that. "Yeah?" You're. . . You hesitate. You haven't talked to anyone about your past. Lawrence is the only one who knows, and that's because he lived it alongside you. <<if $gender eq "man">> //"You've got a good heart, $nickname. Don't be afraid to let others see it."// <</if>> You absently rub your hands. Whatever. Would it really be so terrible to tell him? You quietly admit you aren't on speaking terms with your parents. "Strict?" Ralsei inquires. In a sense. You remain vague. Not wholly on purpose. You don't know //how// to explain it. You've never had to put it to words. Thinking about it makes you feel <<cycle "$ptsd1" autoselect>>\ <<option "deeply uncomfortable. Like wearing an itchy sweater and you aren't allowed to scratch.">> <<option "deeply hurt. Time stopped the bleeding, but the wounds still feel raw.">> <<option "deeply enraged. The instantaneous anger you feel about those memories is hard to control.">> <<option "deeply disgusted. Like eating rotten food, your stomach is filled with squirming maggots.">> <<option "deeply ashamed. What did you do wrong? Why couldn't you have been better?">> <<option "hollow. Looking back on your memories feels like watching someone else go through it instead of //you.//">> <<option "lost. You wish someone could help you.">> <<option "confused. You can't put it into words. You feel many things and nothing at all.">> <</cycle>> He studies your face. Clarity comes over him. His golden-red eyes widen briefly then soften. "I understand," he says. [[You meet his gaze, searching to see if he truly does.]]

<<if $ptsd1 eq "deeply uncomfortable. Like wearing an itchy sweater and you aren't allowed to scratch.">> <<set $ptsd = "discomfort">> <</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "deeply hurt. Time stopped the bleeding, but the wounds still feel raw.">> <<set $ptsd = "hurt">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "deeply enraged. The instantaneous anger you feel about those memories is hard to control.">><<set $ptsd = "rage">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "deeply disgusted. Like eating rotten food, your stomach is filled with squirming maggots.">><<set $ptsd = "disgust">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "deeply ashamed. What did you do wrong? Why couldn't you have been better?">><<set $ptsd = "shame">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "hollow. Looking back on your memories feels like watching someone else go through it instead of //you.//">><<set $ptsd = "emptiness">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "lost. You wish someone could help you.">><<set $ptsd = "another lost ''SOUL''">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "confused. You can't put it into words. You feel many things and nothing at all.">><<set $ptsd = "confusion">><</if>> You see $ptsd reflected back at you. It's enough to make you smile. There is no warmth or joy to your smile. Rather, it's one made out of bitter relief. "Here's to shitty situations," Ralsei dryly says, he holds out his mari-roll to you like a wine glass. You bump your $malaitreat against it as you both mirthlessly celebrate your childhood. "You still live with them?" he asks you. No. You and your brother ran away. "Wow. How old?" You were twelve, he was seventeen. Ralsei's eyes widened. "You were both kids. Where did you go?" You explain that you and your brother ran to Rune City. Your brother had saved enough over the years to get a little apartment. "On his own? You two--you two were completely on your own?" Ralsei is gaping at you. "//As children?//" You shrug. It wasn't like either of you had a choice. You'd both be dead if you stayed. "That's--you're incredible," he says, glancing down and away from you. "That must have been hard." In comparison to living with your parents, it was much easier. Does Ralsei still live with his parents? "Yes," he says then foces out a short, derisive laugh. "It's more suffocating than anything there," he says. "You wouldn't think it. Mother keeps a pretty home. But I feel like I can only breathe when I'm outside of it." You understand. Like walking on eggshells. "Yeah," he says. "Ha. . . I knew your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>felt nice. Who would have thought we're kindred? You, ah, got a hobby?" You $hobby. He grins, his whole demeanor brightening. "Really? I actually do, too." You $happyreaction. <<if $hobby eq "listen to music">> You ask Ralsei what he likes to listen to. He says, "Mostly $hobbyproject." Aha. That's what you like too. <<elseif $hobby eq "read">> You ask Ralsei what kind of genres he likes to read. He says, "Mostly $hobbyproject." Aha. That's what you like too. <<elseif ((($hobby eq "whittle"))) or (($hobby eq "crochet")) or ($hobby eq "write")>> You ask Ralsei what he's currently working on. "Uh, actually a I'm $hobbying a $hobbyproject." You can't resist laughing at that. You're doing the exact same thing. <<elseif $hobby eq "sketch">> You ask Ralsei what he's currently working on. "Uh, actually a I'm sketching a picture of $hobbyproject." You can't resist laughing at that. You're doing the exact same thing. <<elseif $hobby eq "paint">> You ask Ralsei what he's currently working on. "Uh, actually a I'm $hobbying a picture of $hobbyproject." You can't resist laughing at that. You're doing the exact same thing. <</if>> "Golly," he says, "I feel like I found my ''S''--" He stops himself and gives you a funny look. "--we, uh, seem to get along well so far, huh?" he asks, his tone a tinge nervous. You think so! "Good," he says. "That's. . . good." You've reached a point in the road where you need to decide where to lead the two of you next. <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> [[There's a swan park not far from here. You have a good feeling about going there.]] <</if>> [[There's a good shopping district not far from here, it has a variety of hobby stores, and your favorite book store.]] <<if $playerknowsaboutdoctorrose eq 1>> [[There's another dessert shop close to your apartment. It's smaller and not as well known as Malai.]]<</if>>

Malai Sunrise is a brightly colored dessert shop. Splashes of orange, rose-pink, yellow, and purple cover most of the shop. Rows of ice creams, cakes, macarons, pies, and many more sweet delights are on full display. All of the cases are magically enchanted to keep the food fresh for a very long time. You aren't certain how long--you could never afford such an enchantment--but you did hear the boss off-handedly tell you it could keep a pie fresh for a month. The Black Swan did not have desserts often--too much sugar and sauce tended to lead to patrons getting sick in the bathroom. So you have been told, at least. Malai Sunrise does not have any place to sit. It's intended to purchase your food then leave, so most of it is designed to be hand-held. Ralsei and you each place an order. Ralsei gets a triple-stack butterscotch ice cream cone. <<if $route eq "sans">> You order a <<cycle "$malaitreat" autoselect>>\ <<option "cinnamon sugar soft pretzel">> <<option "cinnamon sugar pretzel bites">> <<option "caramel apple pretzel bites">> <<option "kulfi">> <<option "saffron-rose ice cream cone">> <<option "butterscotch ice cream cone">> <<option "coffee ice cream cone">> <<option "coconut and mango ice cream cone">> <<option "vanilla ice cream cone">> <<option "chocolate ice cream cone">> <<option "box of hotteok">> <<option "box of dangos">> <<option "box of red bean buns">> <<option "box of cham chams">> <<option "box of laddoos">> <<option "box of eclairs">> <<option "box of madeleines">> <</cycle>>. <<else>> You order a <<cycle "$malaitreat" autoselect>>\ <<option "kulfi">> <<option "saffron-rose ice cream cone">> <<option "butterscotch ice cream cone">> <<option "coffee ice cream cone">> <<option "coconut and mango ice cream cone">> <<option "vanilla ice cream cone">> <<option "chocolate ice cream cone">> <<option "box of hotteok">> <<option "box of dangos">> <<option "box of red bean buns">> <<option "box of cham chams">> <<option "box of laddoos">> <<option "box of eclairs">> <<option "box of madeleines">> <</cycle>>. <</if>> [[With your treats in hand, the two of you decide to enjoy the nice weather and go for a walk while eating.]]

<<if $malaitreat eq "butterscotch ice cream cone">> Ralsei is delighted you picked the same thing as him. He holds out his massive ice cream cone to you. You smile and tap yours against him. The two of you go "cheers", using your ice creams as substitute wine glasses. "Great minds think alike," he says happily. You absolutely agree! <</if>> You take the lead, recalling that Ralsei isn't familiar with the city. You decide to head to a less crowded part of the city so the two of you don't have to compete for space on the side walk. There is a comfortable, companionable silence between the two of you as you eat. Despite the fact that his ice cream cone is larger than your head, Ralsei makes quick work of it. By the time you're halfway through your $malaitreat, he's already licking his fingers clean. "I should have ordered two," he sighs. You offer to share yours. "Really?" Sure. He bends over and takes a bite out of your offering. He licks his lips. "Yeah, that's good stuff. Thank you for sharing." You're glad to! Ralsei pulls out another mari-roll. "Do you mind?" You shake your head. He breathes out a small plume of fire, igniting it as the two of you walk. . . . He said it was similiar to what humans do with incense to soothe his magic. So. . . You ask him if he's stressed. "Everyone is stressed," he says casually. He smiles at you. "But it's better when I'm in the city." Does he not live in the city? "Ah, uh, not exactly," he says. "Not, uh, actually allowed in the city." You raise an eyebrow at that. "Strict parents and all that," he says. Ah. You can relate to that. "Yeah?" You're. . . You hesitate. You haven't talked to anyone about your past. Lawrence is the only one who knows, and that's because he lived it alongside you. <<if $gender eq "man">> //"You've got a good heart, $nickname. Don't be afraid to let others see it."// <</if>> You quietly admit you aren't on speaking terms with your parents. "Strict?" Ralsei inquires. In a sense. You remain vague. Not wholly on purpose. You don't know how //how// to explain it. You've never had to put it to words. Thinking about it makes you feel <<cycle "$ptsd1" autoselect>>\ <<option "deeply uncomfortable. Like wearing an itchy sweater and you aren't allowed to scratch.">> <<option "deeply hurt. Time stopped the bleeding, but the wounds still feel raw.">> <<option "deeply enraged. The instantaneous anger you feel about those memories is hard to control.">> <<option "deeply disgusted. Like eating rotten food, your stomach is filled with squirming maggots.">> <<option "deeply ashamed. What did you do wrong? Why couldn't you have been better?">> <<option "hollow. Looking back on your memories feels like watching someone else go through it instead of //you.//">> <<option "lost. You wish someone could help you.">> <<option "confused. You can't put it into words. You feel many things and nothing at all.">> <</cycle>> He studies your face. Clarity comes over him. His golden-red eyes widen briefly then soften. "I understand," he says. [[You meet his gaze to see if he truly does.]]

<<if $ptsd1 eq "deeply uncomfortable. Like wearing an itchy sweater and you aren't allowed to scratch.">> <<set $ptsd = "discomfort">> <</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "deeply hurt. Time stopped the bleeding, but the wounds still feel raw.">> <<set $ptsd = "hurt">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "deeply enraged. The instantaneous anger you feel about those memories is hard to control.">><<set $ptsd = "rage">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "deeply disgusted. Like eating rotten food, your stomach is filled with squirming maggots.">><<set $ptsd = "disgust">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "deeply ashamed. What did you do wrong? Why couldn't you have been better?">><<set $ptsd = "shame">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "hollow. Looking back on your memories feels like watching someone else go through it instead of //you.//">><<set $ptsd = "emptiness">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "lost. You wish someone could help you.">><<set $ptsd = "another lost ''SOUL''">><</if>><<if $ptsd1 eq "confused. You can't put it into words. You feel many things and nothing at all.">><<set $ptsd = "confusion">><</if>> You see $ptsd reflected back at you. It's enough to make you smile. There is no warmth or joy to your smile. Rather, it's one made out of bitter relief. "Here's to shitty situations," Ralsei dryly says, he holds out his mari-roll to you like a wine glass. You bump your $malaitreat against it as you both mirthlessly celebrate your childhood. "You still live with them?" he asks you. No. You and your brother ran away. "Wow. How old?" You were twelve, he was seventeen. Ralsei's eyes widened. "You were both kids. Where did you go?" You explain that you and your brother ran to Rune City. Your brother had saved enough over the years to get a little apartment. "On his own? You two--you two were completely on your own?" Ralsei is gaping at you. "//As children?//" You shrug. It wasn't like either of you had a choice. You'd both be dead if you stayed. "That's--you're incredible," he says, glancing down and away from you. "That must have been hard." In comparison to living with your parents, it was much easier. Does Ralsei still live with his parents? "Yes," he says then foces out a short, derisive laugh. "It's more suffocating than anything there," he says. "You wouldn't think it. Mother keeps a pretty home. But I feel like I can only breathe when I'm outside of it." You understand. Like walking on eggshells. "Yeah," he says. "Ha. . . I knew your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>felt nice. Who would have thought we're kindred? You, ah, got a hobby?" You $hobby. He grins, his whole demeanor brightening. "Really? I actually do, too." You $happyreaction. <<if $hobby eq "listen to music">> You ask Ralsei what he likes to listen to. He says, "Mostly $hobbyproject." Aha. That's what you like too. <<elseif $hobby eq "read">> You ask Ralsei what kind of genres he likes to read. He says, "Mostly $hobbyproject." Aha. That's what you like too. <<elseif ((($hobby eq "whittle"))) or (($hobby eq "crochet")) or ($hobby eq "write")>> You ask Ralsei what he's currently working on. "Uh, actually I'm $hobbying a $hobbyproject." You can't resist laughing at that. You're doing the exact same thing. <<elseif (($hobby eq "sketch")) and ($hobbyproject eq "you and your brother")>> You ask Ralsei what he's currently working on. "Uh, actually a I'm sketching a picture of me and my sibling." You can't resist laughing at that. You're doing the exact same thing. <<elseif $hobby eq "sketch">> You ask Ralsei what he's currently working on. "Uh, actually a I'm sketching a picture of $hobbyproject." You can't resist laughing at that. You're doing the exact same thing. <<elseif (($hobby eq "paint")) and ($hobbyproject eq "you and your brother")>> You ask Ralsei what he's currently working on. "Uh, actually a I'm painting a picture of me and my sibling." You can't resist laughing at that. You're doing the exact same thing. <<elseif $hobby eq "paint">> You ask Ralsei what he's currently working on. "Uh, actually a I'm $hobbying a picture of $hobbyproject." You can't resist laughing at that. You're doing the exact same thing. <</if>> "Golly!" You've reached a point in the road where you need to decide where to lead the two of you next. <<if $sawthekidnapping eq 2>> [[There's a swan park not far from here. You have a good feeling about going there.]] <</if>> [[There's a good shopping district not far from here, it has a variety of hobby stores, and your favorite book store.]] <<if $playerknowsaboutdoctorrose eq 1>> [[There's another dessert shop close to your apartment. It's smaller and not as well known as Malai.]]<</if>>

The two of you make it to the district in little time. It's fun to window shop with him for the next hour. Even if neither of you purchase anything, his company is appreciated. Eventually, however, Ralsei has to leave. "$Miss $name," Ralsei says. "I want you to have something." He digs out something from his suit pants pocket. It's a small handheld mirror. "This is an enchanted mirror," he says. "It can act as a way to communicate. I have another one at home, a-and I share this connection with my sibling. I want you to have this one." That--That thing is likely more expensive than all the buildings in your neighborhood. "For my peace of mind," he insists. "If--If you get in trouble you can contact me." He pauses. "Not only trouble. I like you, $Miss $name. I want to be your friend. I can't visit the city often, but this way we can still reach each other." You hesitate. He places it in your hand and folds your fingers over it. "Please?" he asks you. You give him a small smile. Okay. . . Since he's your friend. His eyes shine like the dawn, his whole demeanor brightening. "Thank you, $Miss $name." You tell him that the $Miss is not necessary. "$name," he repeats then smiles widely. "My friend." [[Lawrence had a friend.]]

You ask Ralsei if he likes swans. <<set $sawsecondkidnapping = 1>> "They're pretty little menaces, I love them," he says. You let out a small snort at that. Swans are graceful to watch, however they can get aggressive. You have yet to be attacked by a swan, but you have seen them go after others. You distinctly recall one morning you were whistled at by an older man. The man ended up straying too close to a group of swans while whistling at you, and by consequence was immediately attacked and pecked at. There have been a couple of times where you run into a group of swans to avoid being followed. For some reason they never minded your presence. A lot of animals are like that with you. Lawrence told you it's because of your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>. You take Ralsei through the alleyways and off the crowded sidewalk, intent on the park. "You really know your way around the city, huh?" Ralsei asks. You have to. "Do you always take the alleyways?" In the day. You try to avoid them at night. Ralsei frowns at that. "Why?" In part because it's dangerous, and also they get //dark.// You gesture to a lamppost on the sidewalk. The light of the lamppost rarely reaches into alleyways. "You don't have a portable light?" <<if $shy gt $bold>> You furrow your brow. Unfortunately, you do not. <<else>> You raise an eyebrow at that. <</if>> "They're not--" Ralsei stops himself and scratches his cheek. "Er--are they too expensive?" Most magic items have a steep cost. It's not something you can splurge on. "Oh," he says. You shrug. It's always been this way. "I--" $intuition "--watch it, Johnny!" The harsh voice coming from outside the alleyway sends a shiver of disgust down your spine. You immediately press yourself against the brickwall and push Ralsei behind you. <<if $route eq "asriel">> He jumps from your touch. <</if>> He doesn't fight against you. "What are we doing?" You inch to the end of the alleyway and peer around the corner. There are a few Vivacci mafiosos standing outside a black van. A familiar black van. It's the one you saw the other night--the one that they used to kidnap those young men. "What's going--" Ralsei tries to step out. You immediately grab his arm and shove him back behind you, shushing him. He gives you a confused look. You quietly point to the Vivacci men. Ralsei frowns. Thankfully, he doesn't try to step out again. You continue to watch the scene unfold from behind the corner. The men are stationed outside a small hardware store. Two of them stand outside the van, each of them puff a cigerette. "You flick your bud at me again, I'll bust your chops," threatens one of them. "Don't snap your cap, rookie," sneers the second one. "Miss your joe this mornin'?" "Ain't got time for it nowadays! This fuckin' overtime is bullshit. Why we gotta deal with this 'cause some cockeyed knucklehead fucked up?" complains the first one. "We get bupkis for this." "I wouldn't say that," the second one says mildly, amused by the first one's temper. "We get to live. 'Less that ain't what ya want anymore?" "Don't rag me." "Would //you// rather fight that ugly fucker?" The first one grimaces. "C'mon. Hop in the ring. Bet he'd give ya a face as handsome as his!" laughs the second one. "Hell no. Ain't even a mother could love a face like that." "Ain't that true for all monsters?" [[The two snicker at that.]]

You ask Ralsei if he wants to visit another dessert shop.<<set $drrosesecondvictim = 1>> "A different one?" he asks. Yes. "Sure," he says. "I like finding new sweet spots." You smile at Ralsei and start to guide the two of you to the shop. You take him through the alleyways and off the crowded sidewalk. "You really know your way around the city, huh?" Ralsei asks. You have to. "Do you always take the alleyways?" In the day. You try to avoid them at night. Ralsei frowns at that. "Why?" In part because it's dangerous, and also they get //dark.// You gesture to a lamppost on the sidewalk. The light of the lamppost rarely reaches into alleyways. "You don't have a portable light?" <<if $shy gt $bold>> You furrow your brow. Unfortunately, you do not. <<else>> You raise an eyebrow at that. <</if>> "They're not--" Ralsei stops himself and scratches his cheek. "Er--are they too expensive?" Most magic items have a. . . steep cost. It's not something you can splurge on. "Oh," he says. You shrug. It's always been this way. Out of the alleyway, the two of you get a rare moment of sunshine peeking out from the buildings and shining on the street. The street is cast in a golden glow and-- You both stop. There are police outside one of the storefront buildings. It's the dessert shop you planned to take Ralsei to. There's a small crowd of people by the police. "W-We should probably leave," says Ralsei. You agree. The police in this city make you uneasy. What could they be there for anyway? There area's roped off. You can't get close enough to listen in to any conversation either. The dessert shop doesn't look broken in to-- A wind ruffles your $haircolor hair, and on the breeze you catch a familiar scent. $intuition You know that smell better than your own bodywash. You smell it every morning when you open your kitchen window. The smell of yellow roses. . . . //Your clues have been updated.// [[This does not bode well for the neighborhood.]]

Ralsei places a hand on your shoulder. "Are you okay? You're shaking." You had not noticed. <<if (($route eq "asriel")) and ($bold gt $shy)>> You step into Ralsei and rest your forehead agaisnt his chest. He wraps his arms around you, engulfing you in a warm hug. He soothingly says, "It's okay." You want to believe that. Even if you don't--even if you //can't//-- For at least one moment. . . you want to believe that. He rubs a hand on your upper back. "They're all gone." You take a deep breath. Ralsei smells like marigolds and dandelions. You count to three. You let it out slowly. "You know them?" he asks you. You tell him they recently raided your area. You explain how they kidnapped a lot of young men in the apartment across from you. Ralsei's arms around you tighten. His voice is low as he mutters, "What for?" You aren't certain. You think it's related to human trafficking. "How crude." His sneering tone drips in venomous disapproval. It's so unusually acidic, you can't resist reflexively looking up at him. His golden eyes look down at you, a ring of red around his slitted pupils. They are as warm as ever. . . . Did you, perhaps, imagine the tonal shift, then? He gently asks you, "Would you like to go to the police?" You can't hold back your bitter snort at that. The police will never help. Especially not you. "Are you safe at your home?" he asks you. Safe enough. A somber silence falls like a heavy blanket around you two. "$Miss $name," Ralsei whispers. "I want you to have something." He pulls away from you. He digs out something from his suit pants pocket. It's a small handheld mirror. "This is an enchanted mirror," he says. "It can act as a way to communicate. I have another one at home, a-and I share this connection with my sibling. I want you to have this one." That--That thing is likely more expensive than all the buildings in your neighborhood. "For my peace of mind," he insists. "If--If you get in trouble you can contact me." He pauses then mumbles, "Not only trouble. Any time, really. . . you don't have to hesitate." He places it in your hand and folds your fingers over it. "Please?" he asks you. You give him a small smile. Okay. . . For him. His eyes shine like the dawn, his whole demeanor brightening. "Thank you, $Miss $name." You tell him that the $Miss is not necessary. "$name," he repeats then smiles widely. "My--My companion." <<elseif (($route eq "asriel")) and ($shy gt $bold)>> Arms are wrapped around you. Ralsei pulls you into him, holding you close as he soothingly says, "It's okay." You want to believe that. Even if you don't--even if you //can't//-- For at least one moment. . . you want to believe that. He rubs a hand on your upper back. Ralsei smells like marigolds and dandelions. "They're all gone." You take a deep breath. You count to three. You let it out slowly. "You know them?" he asks you. You tell him they recently raided your area. You explain how they kidnapped a lot of young men in the apartment across from you. You aren't certain. You think it's related to human trafficking. "How crude." His sneering tone drips in venomous disapproval. It's so unusually acidic, you can't resist reflexively looking up at him. His golden eyes look down at you, a ring of red around his slitted pupils. They are as warm as ever. . . . Did you, perhaps, imagine the tonal shift, then? He gently asks you, "Would you like to go to the police?" You can't hold back your bitter snort at that. The police will never help. Especially not you. "Are you safe at your home?" he asks you. Safe enough. A somber silence falls like a heavy blanket around you two. "$Miss $name," Ralsei whispers. "I want you to have something." He pulls away from you. He digs out something from his suit pants pocket. It's a small handheld mirror. "This is an enchanted mirror," he says. "It can act as a way to communicate. I have another one at home, a-and I share this connection with my sibling. I want you to have this one." That--That thing is likely more expensive than all the buildings in your neighborhood. "For my peace of mind," he insists. "If--If you get in trouble you can contact me." He pauses then mumbles, "Not only trouble. Any time, really. . . you don't have to hesitate." He places it in your hand and folds your fingers over it. "Please?" he asks you. You give him a small smile. Okay. . . For him. His eyes shine like the dawn, his whole demeanor brightening. "Thank you, $Miss $name." You tell him that the $Miss is not necessary. "$name," he repeats then smiles widely. "My--My companion." <<else>> "It's okay," he says soothingly, rubbing his large hand up and down your back. "They're gone." You take a deep breath. You count to three. You let it out slowly. "You know them?" he asks you. You tell him they recently raided your area. You explain how they kidnapped a lot of young men in the apartment across from you. Disgust darkens his face. His upper lip curls back in a sneer and for a split second you see something ugly. It's gone before you have a moment to process. "//Kidnapped?// What for?" You aren't certain. You think it's related to human trafficking. "Do you--do you want to go to the police--?" You can't hold back your bitter snort at that. The police will never help. Especially not you. "But--" Ralsei falls quiet at your withering look. A somber silence falls like a heavy blanket around you two. "$Miss $name," Ralsei whispers. "I want you to have something." He digs out something from his suit pants pocket. It's a small handheld mirror. "This is an enchanted mirror," he says. "It can act as a way to communicate. I have another one at home, a-and I share this connection with my sibling. I want you to have this one." That--That thing is likely more expensive than all the buildings in your neighborhood. "For my peace of mind," he insists. "If--If you get in trouble you can contact me." He pauses. "Not only trouble. I like you, $Miss $name. I want to be your friend. I can't visit the city often, but this way we can still reach each other." You hesitate. He places it in your hand and folds your fingers over it. "Please?" he asks you. You give him a small smile. Okay. . . Since he's your friend. His eyes shine like the dawn, his whole demeanor brightening. "Thank you, $Miss $name." You tell him that the $Miss is not necessary. "$name," he repeats then smiles widely. "My friend." <</if>> [[Lawrence had a friend.]]

As you walk, you have time to reflect. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>continues to have a strong reaction to Sans. It's a curious, albeit not bad, thing. You did not sense as much danger this time around him. You wonder what could be the cause for it? Your interaction with him didn't feel //too// different. Although there were those couple moments near the end. The first one was where you considered stepping back from him, and the second moment was when you did after that car startled you-- . . . Your first meeting, you also considered avoiding him. It seems almost silly to think, but your sharp mind can't help but notice the pattern. Is your sense of danger triggered if you consider pulling back from him? Avoiding him? //Telling him no?// It's too early to draw a definite conclusion from that. You've only met the monster twice, and clearly a huge part of your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>craves him. You don't want to consider the thought of your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>being attracted to dangerous monster who could kill you for going against him. Surely your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>wouldn't betray you like that. <<cycle "$souldoubt" autoselect>>\ <<option "Would it?">> <<option ". . . ">> <<option "Right. . . it won't do that.">> <<option "You trust your ''SOUL''.">> <<option "Why do you have such a sinking feeling?">> <</cycle>> Ralsei is waiting for you outside the dessert shop. The tall monster casually leans against the brick wall, He's in a similar attire to the last times you met him, only today he wears a yellow tie. It matches well with his golden-red eyes. He notices you right away. He smiles at you. "Hey, $Miss $name." You immediately smile back and echo his greeting. You are happy to put the pessimistic thoughts about Sans behind you. As you approach, you catch a whiff of something floral in the air. You notice he's also holding a small cigarette. Ah, wait no. It smells nothing like a cigarette. The smoke it emits is strangely a bright yellow, and it seems to be the source of the floral scent. "Mari-rolls," he explains when he notices your curious expression. "Magic flowers my Mother and sibling grow together. When burned, the smoke soothes magic." Soothes magic? "Mm-hmm. Humans do something called incense, right?" You have heard some humans burn candles or incense to reduce stress. Ralsei crushes the mari-roll in his palm. He brushes the debris out of his palm and into the street. "Think of it like that, then. Are you ready for something sweet?" You beam. Definitely. "Then let's not wait." [[You two enter the dessert shop.]]

Very special thanks to overplays & Dawn!! on itchio who have gone out of their way to help me amend typos / mistakes made in this story! Much much appreciation! <<return>>

You and Sans are escorted to a table in the corner. There are The light of his eyes are focused wholly on you. His smile is soft but has an undertone of smug confidence. BOLD>> You reach across the table and grip his hand. SHY>> He reaches across the table and puts his hand over yours. Ba-thump. There's tension in your gut. A mounting desire. [[Tonight, you want to act on it. [[You do not yet want to act on it. [[Tonight, you want to act on it. SHY>> Does he? You hope so. You've never done this before. You aren't sure what to do in this situation. Do you ask? Do you--do you start? Would it be too awkward or needy or--? "Ready to leave, $sansnickname2?" Your heart jumps to your throat. You can scarcely manage a nod. You demurely lower your eyes. He squeezes your hand. Sans calls over the waiter and asks for the check. It couldn't have been more than a minute when the man returns. Sans drops a wad of cash on the table. The two of you leave. Even the night air isn't enough to cool you. Ba-thump. You look up at Sans, biting your lip. You don't know how to convey-- His lips are crashing againt yours. He's pulled you into his arms. IF WOMAN He grips your butt with one hand and lifts you up. You have to spread your legs and the moment you do, everything shifts. It's as if you're falling. You pull your head back, panting to catch your breath as you look around. You're no longer outside the restaurant. You're--you're home? "Figured you'd be more at ease here," he says. "'Course we can always go to my place if you want." Your eyes widen. //He wants you, too.// You tell him here is fine. "Good," he says. "'Cause I don't know how much longer I can wait, $sansnickname1." Ba-thump. Your head is swimming as he bends his head down to drag a large tongue across your neck. It's wet and hot, and leavers a trail behind that chills your skin. You close your eyes. "I don't have to wait anymore, do I?" You shake your head. He smiles into your neck and starts to tug down your dress. [[

Wingding Gaster takes a long drag of his cigarette. The end of it burns a violet hue. Lavendar colored smoke curls slowly into the air. The tall monster breathes out. A low groan comes from the floor. Wingding ignores it and takes another drag. He breathes out slowly, violet smoke intermingling with his exhale. The groan turns into a loud moan. Wingding moves his gaze down to look at the noise maker. A human man lays on hardwood floor. His legs are snapped in half at the knee, each in a different direction. The knees were pounded in by a baseball bat, which lays splintered beside the man. His face is bloodied and bruised, his jaw dislocated so all he can do is make gurgles and moans. The swelling on his face has puffed up to the point where the man cannot even open his eyes. He is dying. The fact that he hasn't already died from either blood loss or shock shows how strong the man's will to live is. A futile effort. Wingding didn't come here to leave survivors. The monster takes another drag from his cigaratte as he watches the man struggle. He blows smoke in his face, causing the man to choke and wheeze. Wingding looks away and assesses the area again. He is certain it is perfectly staged, but it never hurts to check thrice. This was a beautiful mansion on the east side of Ebott City. This neighborhood is only for the rich, elite, and powerful. Wealthy businessmen, visiting diplomats, noble monsters, and of course. . . high-ranking mafiosos. It's the kind of neighborhood where everyone has servants to tend to their homes, and the wives spend their days drinking wine and gossiping. This mansion belonged to a valued member of the Berstach family. The son of the head, to be precise. He and his wife lived here. Now he sits slouched in the recliner with a gunshot to the head, and his wife is hung from the chandelier in a most unflattering manner. The main room--where Wingding currently is--is a chaotic mess of bodies, bullet holes, and gore. Furniture has been destroyed with many men and women dangling across it. Each of them were either beaten with a bat, or shot. They had to die by "human" means. The servants are strewn across the mansion. There's one on the front lawn with their head smashed in by a sledgehammer. Wingding takes another drag of his cigarette. It's a mess. He detests how. . . //barbaric// it looks. But it is perfect for what he needs it to be. Violent. Impulsive. //''Human.''// It's a very //human// stage. It wasn't easy to use their tools. Wingding prefers his magic any day over the sensation of beating a meatsack with a glorified stick. And the smell of gunpowder is difficult to get rid of, even with his cigarettes. Wingding is pleased by his review of the area. Not a single thing where it should not be. It's not an elaborate scheme, this play he is beginning. It doesn't need to be. Rather, Wingding has found that the simpliest solution is always the best. Over complicating matters raises the risk of things going wrong or taking an unexpected turn. He is a patient monster. He knew the opportunity would come, and he seized it the moment it did. The man groans again. It's time for him to leave. The courier should be arriving shortly. Wingding steps on the man's neck and crushes his throat. The groans stop. <<if $route eq "wingding">> [[He disappears into the shadows.]] <<else>> [[He leaves.]] <</if>>

<h2> ''Ch5 - One. Two. Three.'' </h2> ---- <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> You don't eat breakfast that morning.<<set $groceries = 0>><<if $route is "sans">><<run $("html").removeClass()>><<addclass "html" "sanscursor">><<elseif $route is "papyrus">><<run $("html").removeClass()>><<addclass "html" "papyruscursor">><<elseif $route is "wingding">><<run $("html").removeClass()>><<addclass "html" "wdcursor">><<elseif $route is "asriel">><<run $("html").removeClass()>><<addclass "html" "asrielcursor">><<elseif $route is "friendship">><<run $("html").removeClass()>><<addclass "html" "friendshipcursor">><</if>> Tomorrow is Monday and you'll have to go to work. <<set $day2 = 0>> Today, however, you are free. You have already done your morning run, and are dressed for the day. What should you do? [[Relax at home.]] [[Visit Daisy at the flower shop.]] <<if $route eq "wingding">> [[You need to buy groceries, might as well pick up a new pillow as well.]] <<else>> [[You need to buy a new pillow, might as well pick up groceries as well.]]<</if>>

<<set $day2 += 1>> You make yourself a cup of $drink. It feels good to relax. No threat. No work. No. . . <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>thumps. You sit at your kitchen table, $hobby, and drink your $drink. The smell of your golden roses gently waft in through your cracked window. The sounds of children playing out on the street act as white noise to you. It's peaceful. Comfortable. It's the kind of easy moment you would have loved to share with Lawrence. It didn't happen often when he became a detective. He was busy, always running from case to case. His mind could rarely settle down at home. If he had a free moment, he spent it with you. Or passed out from exhaustion. Some nights you'd go to bed and wake up to find that he hadn't //quite// made it all the way to his room. You'd walk out into an odd scene: shoes kicked off, tie half-undone, and your brother snoring loudly on the floor in a position that did not look remotely comfortable. Good nights he'd make it to the couch and you'd drape a blanket over him. Bad nights. . . //Real// bad nights neither of you could sleep. You'd bring your blankets and pillows into the living room and make a fort. You'd read to each other or play games with each other. Anything to not be alone with your thoughts. Anything for him to not be alone with his memories. You take a sip of your $drink. <<if $sawsecondkidnapping eq 1>> . . . You wonder how Mr. Scott is doing since the loss of his son. Is he enjoying a peaceful moment? Or is he alone and mourning? Your $eyecolor eyes move to stare at your yellow roses. You can't-- You //don't want// to imagine what it's like to mourn family. [[You decide to check up on him.]] [[Not at the moment. You would rather use your time differently.]] <<else>> [[You enjoy yourself.]]<</if>>

<<set $day2 +=1>> <<if $playerknowsaboutdoctorros eq 0>> You head down to the flower shop. The front door is propped open today. <<set $playerknowsaboutdoctorrose = 1>> As you enter, Daisy greets you with a warm, "Good day, $name!" You return the greeting. Daisy leans against the front counter, her wrinkled smile softens. "I heard there was a scuffle in your area. You okay?" It's nothing new. Daisy glances away and out the door. "I sell more flowers for funerals than anything else in this city." That doesn't surprise you. She looks back at you, her face creases with concern. "Do your best to make sure I don't sell any for yours." You promise. "Good child. Come to the back, I've got a fresh shipment of yellow roses that came in this morning," she says. "It's not often I get to order them without the police sniffin' around." Why would the police care? "You read MTT?" she asks you as the two of you move to the back room. MTT is a major media corporation. They own the biggest newspaper in the city. Their owner, Mettaton, is a wildly popular radio host. You haven't had much opportunity to listen to him as his hours are the same as when you work and the boss doesn't like the radio. <<cycle "$newspaper" autoselect>>\ <<option "You do like to read the newspaper, but unfortunately the paper boy stopped coming to your neighborhood last week and there aren't many newspaper stands on your way to work.">> <<option "You are normally very good about reading the newspaper. This week has been an off week for you.">> <<option "You only skim the newspaper when a coworker leaves it for you to read at work.">> <<option "You do not read the newspaper.">> <<option "You do not trust the newspaper, disliking how gossipy it reads.">> <</cycle>> "Oh," she goes. "Do you remember a couple years ago there were. . . deaths?" There are always deaths in this city? "No, no. . . not like gang deaths. Bad deaths. //Awful// deaths," she says. "The--" Daisy hesitates. Her eyes flicker to the front door, as if checking to see if anyone was about to enter. "--the //Doctor Rose// deaths." At once you are reminded of Ebott City two years ago. Scarcely a year after you were left alone in Ebott City a serial killer emerged. It all began with a curious murder. A young woman left naked on the street, her heart carefully removed and blooming yellow roses stuffed inside. She was a pretty singer, well known enough that her name was the headlines in the paper. It was a horrible murder, the city raged, and they wanted to catch the killer. Then another body turned up a week later, this one of a young man. Another well-known name--he was an actor at the city theater and had a starring role--and the public was stunned. Another week, a third body. The time wasn't always consistent--a week, a month, a day--but the bodies kept piling up. The first monster death happened a year in. The dust was swept into the shape of the monster. The Dreemur family officially invited and hired several well known detectives. An intense game of cat-and-mouse started as one by one the Detectives were removed. The yellow roses were stuffed down their throats and eyes, angry gashes and slashes across their chests and abdomen. Things were so tense in the city, even the gangs stopped prowling the streets at night. You remember a handful of nights where your intuition warned you against even stepping outside. Two years ago it abruptly stopped. You tell Daisy you remember. However, the Doctor is gone. . . aren't they? Daisy sighs. "They found another body earlier this week. Heart gone and yellow roses in their place. The police came by yesterday evening to ask me if anyone has bought any yellow roses from me. No, of course not. Someone like that isn't going to let some flowershop owner lead to their arrest by ordering a bunch of yellow roses." You point out it could be a copycat. Daisy's expression becomes pinched. "Anything's better than them actually coming back, right?" She pulls up a basket of yellow roses, still in the soil. She smiles at them. "Such a bright flower. . . to think someone could use them for such evil. //Oh// it infuriates me." You rub your hands, wondering what this could mean for you and this city. "I've got some brighter things too," she says. "Want to see?" You let Daisy show off the new flowers she brought in, your mind still chewing over the news. . . . is Doctor Rose back? <<set $daisytoldyou = 1>> //Your clues have been updated.// <<elseif $drrosesecondvictim eq 1>> The first thing you notice when you enter Daisy's shop is that everything yellow has been removed. . . . ? Daisy greets you at the counter. "Hello, $name." You ask her what happened to all her yellow flowers. "Another victim was found yesterday," she says. "Police came by askin' who was buyin' my stock. Not only for the yellow roses--but anything yellow." You close your eyes. Yes, you remember seeing the dessert shop had been broken into. It was startling to see it with Ralsei. You ask her if the police confirmed. "Not outright," she says. "They don't need to with something like this. Everyone in the city knows what yellow roses mean." You rub your hands together. Yes, you suppose so. Doctor Rose is back. "I don't want them coming around anymore, so until that maniac is caught I won't be selling anything yellow," she says. "Sorry, $favoriteflower lover." It's better she keeps herself safe. You, of all people, know how dangerous the police in this city are. They put his head in a box. "You okay?" Daisy asks you with a furrowed brow. "You seem shaky." You swallow back the lump in the back of your throat. You force a smile on your face to reassure Daisy that you're fine. You're fine. //Really.// . . . "If you insist. . . " Daisy trails off. She gives you a grin. "Have you thought any more about me setting you up on a blind date?" Oh, Daisy. You chuckle at her enthusiasm. The two of you talk about unimportant things for a couple of hours. She gives you a homemade $dessert as thanks for indulging her questions earlier in the week. <<else>> The first thing you notice when you enter Daisy's shop is that everything yellow has been removed. . . . ? Daisy greets you at the counter. "Hello, $name." You ask her what happened to all her yellow flowers. "Another victim was found yesterday," she says. "Police came by askin' who was buyin' my stock. Not only for the yellow roses--but anything yellow." What? Where? "At the cute pastry shop on the upper side of the city," she sighs. No! "I'm afraid so." You ask her if the police confirmed. "Not outright," she says. "They don't need to with something like this. Everyone in the city knows what yellow roses mean." You rub your hands together. Yes, you suppose so. Doctor Rose is back. "I don't want them coming around anymore, so until that maniac is caught I won't be selling anything yellow," she says. "Sorry, $favoriteflower lover." It's better she keeps herself safe. You, of all people, know how dangerous the police in this city are. They put his head in a box. "You okay?" Daisy asks you with a furrowed brow. "You seem shaky." You swallow back the lump in the back of your throat. You force a smile on your face to reassure Daisy that you're fine. You're fine. //Really.// "If you insist. . . " Daisy trails off. She gives you a grin. "Have you thought any more about me setting you up on a blind date?" Oh, Daisy. You chuckle at her enthusiasm. The two of you talk about unimportant things for a couple of hours. She gives you a homemade $dessert as thanks for indulging her questions earlier in the week. <</if>> [[You leave Daisy' shop.]]

The apartment across the street has been mostly tidied up since the raid. He gave you his address from his last visit. You find the apartment and knock on the door. William Scott opens it up. His pale blue eyes widen in surprise. "$Miss $name?" You politely explain you thought about him and wanted to see how he is doing. "That's very kind of you. . . I appreciate your thoughts," he says. He steps back and opens the door. "Please come in. I've got a lot of left over food people brought over that I could never eat on my own." You step inside. Mr. Scott's home looks like a fisherman's dream. It's painted ocean blue with many pictures of the sea hung up. There are fishing poles stacked against the wall, and the shelves are filled with various sea-chantry memorabilia. The smell of seasalt tickles your nose. You can see he has salt rocks in a glass tub near the front door--the source of the smell. Mr. Scott offers you a seat on his white couch. His coffee table has many flowers on it. From the funeral, perhaps? "I thought about you as well," he says. "M-Mostly about our conversation. The kidnappings." Yes. . . it has been on your mind, too. "My son--" Mr. Scott croaks. "--isn't the only boy lost. When I went down to the parlor, there were other folks. Folks from the west side." The west side, near the ports, is controlled by the Berstach family. It's where most of the human trafficking comes in. Taking from the city is bad for business--or so Lawrence told you long, long ago. Most mafias and gangs are protective of their territory, like a mad dog over a bone. Vivacci taking others as a replacement for a shipment makes a cruel kind of sense--but the Berstach doing it as well? What could warrant both families dipping into the city's populace? //Your clues have been updated.// <<set $berstachtakestoo = 1>> "It's terrible," Mr. Scott goes on to say. <<if $gender eq "man">> "As a young man yourself, you have to take extra care." Perhaps. <<else>> You agree. <</if>> "I thought you ought to know," he says. "Decent ''SOULs'' like yours are a rarity. Promise you'll be mindful?" //"You have to keep yourself safe, okay?"// You'll stay safe. You have to. "Good," he says. His smile wobbles, becoming strained. "I know you youngin's can get impulsive, but keep your mind sharp." You're. . . very good at not acting on impulse. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL''<<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>has been an excellent guide for you. "My son was much the same way," he chuckles, his eyes watering at the mention of his recently deceased son. [[Carefully change the subject.]] [[Gently ask about his son.]]

<<if $day2 lt 3>>What else would you like to do? [[Visit Daisy at the flower shop.]] [[You need to buy a new pillow, might as well pick up groceries as well.]] <<else>> It seems your day is over. It's time to eat dinner and get ready for bed. [[End your day.]]<</if>>

It's gone by surprisingly fast. <<if $groceries eq 1>> [[You move to the kitchen]] <<elseif (($groceries eq 0)) and ($route eq "wingding")>> [[The lights suddenly go out, you are instantly reminded of the nightmare.]] <<else>> [[The lights suddenly go out.]]<</if>>

You don't want to upset him. You gesture to the fishing tackle and ask him how often he fishes. "Every Saturday," he says. "Got a small boat at the pier. Do you fish?" [[No, but you'd like to learn.]] [[No, you do not fish.]] [[You did when you were smaller. You wish you could again.]] [[You did when you were smaller. It was not a fun experience.]]

"Ronnie was a good kid," he says. "Real smart. He had what it takes to go far in life." Mr. Scott sniffles loudly and looks down. "Got good grades in school, kept his head down, and always came with me on my fishin' trips. He was a good kid. Real good kid." Where did he go to school? "The public school on the east side," Mr. Scott says. His expression sours. "He //did// 'til he got involved with that no good Edward." Edward? "S-Some rich brat," says Mr. Scott. "He was a bad influence on my boy. Talked him into skippin' school." Mr. Scott leans forward on the couch. "Smug as can be! I knew he was trouble the moment Ronnie introduced us. I //told// him, too. He didn't listen." Mr. Scott swallows roughly and sits back. His eyes are red with unshed tears. [[Carefully change the subject.]] [[Inquire about Edward.]]

<<if $day2 eq 1>>What else would you like to do? [[Visit Daisy at the flower shop.]] [[You need to buy a new pillow, might as well pick up groceries as well.]] <<else>> It seems your day is over. It's time to eat dinner and get ready for bed. [[End your day.]]<</if>>

He puts his black suit hat back on and takes all of the groceries from your arms. He leaves you the pillow. "Thank you, my dear," he says. "Ah, where are my manners? I am Wingding Gaster." <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Oh. That's the same last name Papyrus has. Wingding briefly frowns. "You. . . know my brother?" Yes. He's your new boss. You really like him. "How interesting," he says slowly. Small world. His mouth turns up in a half-smirk-half-smile manner. "Surprisingly so. How long have you worked at the--ah--Black Swan, is it?" Yes, the Black Swan. You've worked there for four years. "Do you enjoy it?" $jobreaction <<if $jobreaction eq "It is exhausting.">> He squints at you. "Then why continue to work there?" You don't have a lot of options. "And those options are equally exhausting?" You shrug. <<else>> "Better than you hating it," he muses. <</if>> And him? "Pardon?" What does he do? "Ah. I'm a consultant," he says. "I help manage businesses." What kind of businesses? "A variety," he says vaguely. "Never in the food industry, however. I'm interested to see how Papyrus does." He turns his head, his amethyst eyelights connecting with your $eyecolor gaze. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>> You can't hold it. You have to look away first. You look down as you feel your ears burn. "WHOA!" The startled shout comes from above you. You sharply look up to see something fall toward you. A tendril of black shadows slap it from the air and into the road where it shatters. A flower pot, you realize. Its soil and flowers are scattered in the road. The shadow retreats to Wingding. "You shouldn't look away," he says in a teasing tilt. "Who knows what you'll miss?" <<else>> You can't look away, too mesmerized. His mouth turns up into a more defined smirk as you do. "WHOA!" The startled shout comes from above you. You sharply look up to see something fall toward you. A tendril of black shadows slap it from the air and into the road where it shatters. A flower pot, you realize. Its soil and flowers are scattered in the road. The shadow retreats to Wingding.@@.blurr;He's the one that knocked it over in the first place.@@ "You should pay more attention to your surroundings," he says in a teasing tilt. "Whatever could be distracting you?" <</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your face burns and you abruptly look away again. It takes you several seconds to scrounge up a small--but no less sincere--//thank you.// "You are more than welcome, my dear," he says. "I will happily go to war with any flower pot for you." You hold the pillow close to your chest, hoping it can smother the sound of your pounding heart. <<else>> You smirk and tell him it's his own fault for being so distracting. "I am deeply sorry, my dear," he says. You $happyreaction. You //suppose// you can forgive him this time. "How furtuitous for me," he says with a lazy smirk. <</if>> "Sorry!" a voice shouts from above. You and Wingding look up to see a man and woman leaning out a window. "We're sorry," the woman calls out. "It was an accident." "<<cycle "$flowerpotattack " autoselect>>\ <<option "It's fine!">> <<option "No worries.">> <<option "Just be more careful.">> <<option ". . .">> <</cycle>>" Wingding silently watches you. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> The two of you continue on. <<if $shy gt $bold>> [[You arrive home, still clutching the pillow tight.]] <<else>> [[You arrive home, clutching the pillow tight.]] <</if>>

$intuition You. . . You need to leave. So you do. You hurry away, your footsteps loud as you speedwalk away from the monster. You keep to the main street, determined to not be caught alone. You-- "WHOA!" The startled shout comes from above you. You sharply look up to see something fall toward you. It hits you square in the face and everything goes black. BAD ENDING #5 - HE ABSOLUTELY USED HIS MAGIC TO DO THAT ON PURPOSE.

He puts his black suit hat back on and takes all of the groceries from your arms. He leaves you to only carry a pillow. $intuition "Thank you," he says. "Ah, where are my manners? I am Wingding Gaster." <<if $route eq "sans">> Oh! That's the same last name Sans has. Wingding briefly frowns. "You. . . know my brother?" You're dating him. The sensation of danger immediately vanishes. <<cycle "$ohreally" autoselect>>\ <<option "Oh. That's interesting.">> <<option "What? Why?">> <<option "Huh.">> <<option "Good to know.">> <<option ". . . ">> <</cycle>> "I see," he says. His spiky mouth curls at the end in a ghost of a smile. "He's my younger brother." Your demeanor brightens. You're happy to meet one of Sans' brothers. "And I," he says with a strange smile, "am //delighted// to find out about you." <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> Oh! That's the same last name Papyrus has. Wingding briefly frowns. "You. . . know my brother?" At the mention of the tall skeleton, your heart skips a beat and you can't hold back your $happyreaction. You tell him that, luckily, Papyrus is your new boss. Wingding studies your reaction and looks away. "I see. You seem. . . fond of him." Your cheeks warm. You clear your throat and glance away. The sensation of danger immediately vanishes as you hear Wingding chuckle. <<cycle "$ohreally" autoselect>>\ <<option "Oh. That's interesting.">> <<option "What? Why?">> <<option "Huh.">> <<option "Good to know.">> <<option ". . . ">> <</cycle>> "Papyrus is my youngest brother," he says. <<else>> Oh! That's the same last name Papyrus has. Wingding briefly frowns. "You. . . know my brother?" Yes. He's your new boss. You really like him. The sensation of danger immediately vanishes as you hear Wingding chuckle. <<cycle "$ohreally" autoselect>>\ <<option "Oh. That's interesting.">> <<option "What? Why?">> <<option "Huh.">> <<option "Good to know.">> <<option ". . . ">> <</cycle>> "Papyrus is my youngest brother," he says. "I'm glad the two of you get along." <</if>> Wingding cordially assists you all the way up to your apartment. He sets the groceries outside your front door. He tips his hat to you. <<if $gender eq "woman">> "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss $name," he says politely. "I am deeply grateful you gave me the opportunity to atone for my earlier rudeness." You're happy to meet him too. You thank him for his help. He smiles at you. "You are far too kind. . . heh. Take care of yourself, young lady." <<elseif $gender eq "man">> "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mister $name," he says politely. "I am deeply grateful you gave me the opportunity to atone for my earlier rudeness." You're happy to meet him too. You thank him for his help. He smiles at you. "You are far too kind. . . heh. Take care of yourself, young man." <<else>> "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mx $name," he says politely. "I am deeply grateful you gave me the opportunity to atone for my earlier rudeness." You're happy to meet him too. You thank him for his help. He smiles at you. "You are far too kind. . . heh. Take care of yourself, young one."<</if>> [[You watch him leave, then go to put away your groceries.]]

Wingding returns home in the early hours of Monday morning. He steps out of the shadows, the tendrils linger around his shoes. As soon as he steps inside he hears the familiar shout of his youngest brother. "CIGARETTE, //OUT.//" Wingding clicks his tongue. He steps outside, he then crushes his cigarette in his left hand. He dumps the ashes outside before he re-enters his home. The tall monster tugs his tye loose. He takes off his black jacket and hangs it on the standing coat rack, along with his hat. He notices that it has two other hats on it. He heard Papyrus already, but it looks like his other young brother is home as well. He takes off his shoes and neatly sets them off to the side. All of their shoes are perfectly lined up at the front. Neither he, nor Papyrus, would tolerate a messy home. Sans Gaster enters the front room. The large skeleton monster must have returned home recently, he still has his tie on. "Hey, yer back." "I am," says Wingding. "Where were ya?" asks Sans. "Missed a helluva game." Wingding murmurs, "Opportunity arose unexpectedly." "Which kind?" asks Sans. "Do we need ta go out tonight?" "No. I have finished it," he says. "It simply took. . . time." "All night?" Sans sniffs. "Yeh reek of gunpowder." "I had to do it the brutish way." "Yeh hate that way." "Yes," agrees Wingding. Sans thinks for a moment. His eyelights shrink as his eyesockets widen. "Wait. Did--Which?" "Berstach's prodigial son." San grins. "Heh-heh. Yeh shoulda let me know. I woulda helped." "You had plans," says Wingding. "I did not." Papyrus enters the front room. "STOP LOITERING. BREAKFAST WILL BE READY SOON." "Thank you/yeh," Wingding and Sans say. "YOU ARE WELCOME." Wingding asks Sans, "Did you come home recently?" "Yeah, ten minutes 'for yeh," says Sans. "Got into a hot streak at Grillby's." "Ah. All the usuals?" "Plus Chara," says Sans. "Brat snuck out again." Sans snickers. "Undyne hada drag them home. Again." "You should not antagonize the Dreemur family by letting their brats play at the bar," Wingding warns. Papyrus adds, "IT IS NOT WORTH GETTING ON THEIR BAD SIDE, SANS." "Ehh." Sans shrugs. "'Nything else go on with yer night, Wings?" Wingding's expression darkens. "Night? No." "That's a nasty face," observes Sans. "What's wrong?" Wingding closes his eyes. He immediately thinks of $her. $name. <<if $gender eq "person">> The one with the vibrant $eyecolor eyes and intoxicating smell of $smell. They didn't even react when they almost died from the flower pot. Didn't even //flinch.// As if they knew they would be fine--that they weren't in any danger. They weren't--Wingding knocked over to get a reaction out of them--but he hadn't anticipated such a calm response. It both impressed and aggravated him. He re-opens them. They've been a constant thought in his head, a distracting whisper that he can't ignore. He knows-- . . . @@.blurpurple;But that can't be. $name can't be.@@ --but it doesn't make sense. How could it be? He'd think he'd remember something so. . . . . . @@.blurpurple;Stars above, why can't he remember?@@ "Nothing," he says quietly. "Nothing I have time for anyway." Not when everything has been primed. The gas has been poured, the city well and drenched. Wingding made the spark last night. "IS IT SOMETHING WE CAN HELP WITH?" Papyrus asks. Wingding does not respond right away. ". . . That worker of yours, $Miss $name." "YES?" "Keep them out of trouble," says Wingding. "Why--?" Sans' question is cut off when Papyrus says, "OKAY." "I'm going to wash up first, then I'll eat. Thank you, dear babybones." "YOU ARE WELCOME," says Papyrus. "Whatever you need bro," says Sans. //What if I need a $name? Will you bring them to me with a pretty little bow on top?// Wingding absently thinks to himself. He doesn't say that outloud. Doesn't dare. He's still struggling to accept it, let alone tell his brothers. His little. . . @@.blurpurple;SOULMATE.@@ Wingding decides on a cold shower instead. <<elseif $gender eq "woman">> The $gender with the vibrant $eyecolor eyes and intoxicating smell of $smell. She didn't even react when she almost died from the flower pot. Didn't even //flinch.// As if she knew she would be fine--that she wasn't in any danger. She wasn't--Wingding knocked over to get a reaction out of her--but he hadn't anticipated such a calm response. It both impressed and aggravated him. He re-opens them. She's a constant thought in his head, a distracting whisper that he can't ignore. He knows-- . . . @@.blurpurple;But that can't be. $name can't be.@@ --but it doesn't make sense. How could it be? He'd think he'd remember something so. . . . . . @@.blurpurple;Stars above, why can't he remember?@@ "Nothing," he says quietly. "Nothing I have time for anyway." Not when everything has been primed. The gas has been poured, the city well and drenched. Wingding made the spark last night. "IS IT SOMETHING WE CAN HELP WITH?" Papyrus asks. Wingding does not respond right away. ". . . That worker of yours, Miss $name." "YES?" "Keep her out of trouble," says Wingding. "Why--?" Sans' question is cut off when Papyrus says, "OKAY." "I'm going to wash up first, then I'll eat. Thank you, dear babybones." "YOU ARE WELCOME," says Papyrus. "Whatever you need bro," says Sans. //What if I need a $name? Will you bring her to me with a pretty little bow on top?// Wingding absently thinks to himself. He doesn't say that outloud. Doesn't dare. He's still struggling to accept it, let alone tell his brothers. His little. . . @@.blurpurple;SOULMATE.@@ Wingding decides on a cold shower instead. <<elseif $gender eq "man">> The $gender with the vibrant $eyecolor eyes and intoxicating smell of $smell. He didn't even react when he almost died from the flower pot. Didn't even //flinch.// As if he knew he would be fine--that he wasn't in any danger. He wasn't--Wingding knocked over to get a reaction out of him--but he hadn't anticipated such a calm response. It both impressed and aggravated him. He re-opens them. He's a constant thought in his head, a distracting whisper that he can't ignore. He knows-- . . . @@.blurpurple;But that can't be. $name can't be.@@ --but it doesn't make sense. How could it be? He'd think he'd remember something so. . . . . . @@.blurpurple;Stars above, why can't he remember?@@ "Nothing," he says quietly. "Nothing I have time for anyway." Not when everything has been primed. The gas has been poured, the city well and drenched. Wingding made the spark last night. "IS IT SOMETHING WE CAN HELP WITH?" Papyrus asks. Wingding does not respond right away. ". . . That worker of yours, Mister $name." "YES?" "Keep him out of trouble," says Wingding. "Why--?" Sans' question is cut off when Papyrus says, "OKAY." "I'm going to wash up first, then I'll eat. Thank you, dear babybones." "YOU ARE WELCOME," says Papyrus. "Whatever you need bro," says Sans. //What if I need a $name? Will you bring $him to me with a pretty little bow on top?// Wingding absently thinks to himself. He doesn't say that outloud. Doesn't dare. He's still struggling to accept it, let alone tell his brothers. His little. . . @@.blurpurple;SOULMATE.@@ Wingding decides on a cold shower instead. <</if>> [[End of Interlude]]

The walk to work on Monday feels off. It's hard to describe it exactly. There's a tension in the air. A lot of the men and women you see on the streets walk quickly with their heads bowed. A glance at the newspaper headlines doesn't help at all--you don't see anything noteworthy--but you can't dismiss your instincts. //Something// happened. . . . Right? The streets are oddly empty of the usual mafiosos you'd seen on your way to work. No green or orange banded hats in site. It feels like the calm before a storm. You absently rub your hands together. <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[You enter the Black Swan, excited to see Papyrus again.]] <<else>> [[You enter the Black Swan.]]<</if>>

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" volume 1 loop play>>That tension in the air is thick. There are a lot more patrons at the bar than normal, and you see an abundance of alcohol on the tables. . . . What happened? You frown and look around for Papyrus. You don't see him. A flash of disappointment makes you frown. You go to the backroom. Wendy has finished changing and is tying her hair up. "Hey, $name," Wendy greets you. You return her greeting. "Weird day, huh?" she asks. You absently nod. Does she have any idea what's going on? She shrugs. "Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe someone died?" A lot of people die every day. "Maybe someone important?" Maybe. Wendy walks out. You get changed into your uniform and hang your casual clothes up in your locker. You step back out, content to simply focus on your work. "$MISS $NAME." A shot of joy makes you $happyreaction. You turn to Papyrus when he calls for you. The tall skeleton tips his hat to you, a smile on his face. His vermilion eyelights brighten the moment your eyes meet. "I WANTED TO APOLOGIZE ON MY BROTHER'S BEHALF," says Papyrus. "IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION HE WAS RUDE TO YOU." It's fine! Wingding said he was sorry and even helped you carry your groceries. Papyrus smiles at you. "THAT IS GOOD. STILL, I HOPE YOU DO NOT FIND WORKING HERE UNCOMFORTABLE BECAUSE OF HIM--" <<if $shy gt $bold>> Oh no! Not at all! You are quick to reassure Papyrus that he is an amazing boss. Your voice comes out squeakier than intended and you hope Papyrus does not notice how warm your cheeks are. <<else>> Oh no! Not at all! You are quick to reassure Papyrus that he is an amazing boss. <</if>> The skeleton monster seems pleased by this, a faint reddish hue forms under his eye sockets. "O-OF COURSE. I AM AN EXCELLENT BOSS. I'VE HAD YEARS OF PRACTICE MANAGING MY BROTHERS." You $happyreaction. Papyrus' vermilion eyelights glimmer. "IF EITHER OF MY BROTHERS BOTHER YOU, YOU MAY COME TO ME. I WILL SET THEM STRAIGHT." <<if $bold gt $shy>> You thank him. <<else>> You shyly thank him. <</if>> "YOU ARE WELCOME. AH. WHILE I HAVE YOU HERE. . . WEDNESDAY, THE BLACK SWAN WILL BE CLOSED." Papyrus clears his throat. "YOU--YOU SHOULD COME HERE, THOUGH. I WILL COOK FOR YOU." <<if $bold gt $shy>> Oh? "YES. I AM--I AM TESTING RECIPES IN THE KITCHEN TO ENSURE THE HUMAN CHEFS WILL BE ABLE TO REPLICATE THEM HERE," says Papyrus. "YOU MENTIONED YOU WANTED TO TRY MY COOKING. I AM GRANTING YOU THAT OPPORTUNITY." You gladly accept. "GOOD. BE HERE BY NOON." You will. <<else>> "YES. I AM--I AM TESTING RECIPES IN THE KITCHEN TO ENSURE THE HUMAN CHEFS WILL BE ABLE TO REPLICATE THEM HERE," says Papyrus. "I AM OFFERING YOU THE CHANCE TO TRY MY COOKING." Oh. Your eyes brighten. . . . Yes. Yes, that sounds very nice. You gladly accept. "GOOD. BE HERE BY NOON." You will. <</if>><<if $playerknowsconspiracy eq 1>> [[You found out what was weird.]] <<else>> [[Blank]]<</if>>

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" volume 1 loop play>>That tension in the air is thick. There are a lot more patrons at the bar than normal, and you see an abundance of alcohol on the tables. . . . What happened? You go to the backroom. Wendy has finished changing and is tying her hair up. "Hey, $name," Wendy greets you. You return her greeting. "Weird day, huh?" she asks. You nod. Does she have any idea what's going on? She shrugs. "Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe someone died?" A lot of people die every day. "Maybe someone important?" Maybe. She pulls her black hair back into a tight pony tail. She shrugs again as she walks out. You get changed into your uniform and hang your casual clothes up in your locker. You step back out, content to simply focus on your work. "$MISS $NAME." You turn to Papyrus when he calls for you. The tall skeleton tips his hat to you. "I WANTED TO APOLOGIZE ON MY BROTHER'S BEHALF," says Papyrus. "IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION HE WAS RUDE TO YOU." It's fine! Wingding said he was sorry and even helped you carry your groceries. Papyrus smiles at you. "THAT IS GOOD. STILL, I HOPE YOU DO NOT FIND WORKING HERE UNCOMFORTABLE BECAUSE OF HIM--" Oh no! Not at all. Papyrus seems like a fine boss. The skeleton monster seems pleased by this. "OF COURSE. I AM AN EXCELLENT BOSS. I'VE HAD YEARS OF PRACTICE MANAGING MY BROTHERS." You $happyreaction. Papyrus' vermilion eyelights glimmer. "IF EITHER OF MY BROTHERS BOTHER YOU, YOU MAY COME TO ME. I WILL SET THEM STRAIGHT." You thank him. "YOU ARE WELCOME. AH. WHILE I HAVE YOU HERE, DO NOTE THAT THE BLACK SWAN WILL BE CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY." How come? "I AM TESTING THE KITCHENS TO SEE WHAT RECIPES WILL WORK BEST USING THE HUMAN APPLIANCES," he says. You offer your assistance. "ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THESE TOOLS?" he asks you. You know your way around a kitchen. //You had to learn to feed yourself and your brother, after all.// "VERY WELL. I WILL PERMIT YOU TO JOIN ME ON WEDNESDAY," he says. "YOU SHOULD FEEL HONORED TO HAVE THE CHANCE TO TRY MY FOOD. I AM AN EVEN BETTER COOK THAN A BOSS." You're looking forward to it. <<if $playerknowsconspiracy eq 1>> [[You found out what was weird.]] <<else>> [[Blank]]<</if>>

Mr. Scott smiles. "I'd be happy to take you out on my boat. Nothin quite like catchin' your own dinner." You $happyreaction. That sounds nice. The two of you chat for an hour over small things. [[You leave Mr. Scott in a very good mood.]]

Mr. Scott smiles. "I'd be happy to take you out on my boat if you ever change your mind. Nothin quite like catchin' your own dinner." Maybe. The two of you chat for an hour over small things. [[You leave Mr. Scott in a very good mood.]]

Mr. Scott laughs. "I'd be happy to take you out on my boat, if you ever want to try again. Nothin quite like catchin' your own dinner." Maybe. The two of you chat for an hour over small things. [[You leave Mr. Scott in a very good mood.]]

Why did Mr. Scott dislike Edward exactly? "Arrogant," he says. "Always throwin' money around." Mr. Scott wipes at his eyes with the back of his hand. "Sorry." [[Carefully change the subject.]] [[Is that the only reason?]]

"No," he rasps out. "He took my boy out one weekend and when Ronnie came back he was white as sheet. Scared out of his mind." What happened? "He wouldn't say much," Mr. Scott admits, tears falling from his eyes. "Shakin' more than a leaf in a storm, though. My boy, my baby boy." [[Something about this tickles your mind. You softly ask him to tell you what he knows.]] [[Carefully change the subject.]]

"He said--he said--he saw a beast," he stammers out. "Said it was quiet, real quiet, until it wasn't. Someone said a risk he said." Mr. Scott buries his face in his hands. "Oh my poor Ronnie. My poor boy. . ." <<set $deathrisk = 1>> As the man starts to sob, you reach forward and place a hand on his back. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Edward Blind.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Edward Blind.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Mr.Edward Blind.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Edward Blind.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Edward Blind.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Edward Blind.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Edward Blind.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Edward Blind.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Edward Blind.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Edward Blind.@@ <</if>> //Your clues have been updated.// [[It takes a long time for Mr. Scott to calm down.]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>>You leave Mr. Scott heartbroken and exhausted. <<if (($day2 eq 1)) and ($route eq "wingding")>> You return home. What else would you like to do? [[Visit Daisy at the flower shop.]] [[You need to buy groceries, might as well pick up a new pillow as well.]] <<elseif $day2 eq 2>> It seems your day is over. It's time to eat dinner and get ready for bed. [[End your day.]] <<else>> You return home. What else would you like to do? [[Visit Daisy at the flower shop.]] [[You need to buy a new pillow, might as well pick up groceries as well.]]<</if>>

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>><<if (($day2 eq 1)) and ($route eq "wingding")>> You return home. What else would you like to do? [[Visit Daisy at the flower shop.]] [[You need to buy groceries, might as well pick up a new pillow as well.]] <<elseif $day2 eq 2>> It seems your day is over. It's time to eat dinner and get ready for bed. [[End your day.]] <<else>> You return home. What else would you like to do? [[Visit Daisy at the flower shop.]] [[You need to buy a new pillow, might as well pick up groceries as well.]]<</if>>

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>><<if (($day2 eq 1)) and ($route eq "wingding")>> You return home. What else would you like to do? [[Relax at home.]] [[You need to buy groceries, might as well pick up a new pillow as well.]] <<elseif $day2 eq 2>> It seems your day is over. It's time to eat dinner and get ready for bed. [[End your day.]] <<else>> You return home. What else would you like to do? [[Relax at home.]] [[You need to buy a new pillow, might as well pick up groceries as well.]]<</if>>

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>><<if $day2 eq 1>> You're glad you have groceries now. What else would you like to do? [[Visit Daisy at the flower shop.]] [[Relax at home.]] <<else>> It seems your day is over. It's time to eat dinner and get ready for bed. [[End your day.]]<</if>>

You purchase a new pillow from the furniture shop down the road, and then you get your groceries for the week.<<set $groceries = 1>><<set $day2 +=1>> You carry your groceries in black bags that you bring with you to the store. The paper bags provided by the store don't have handles and more than once you've had the bags split open on your walk home. You, unfortunately, ran out of a lot of things this week so the bags are bulging with how full they are. Your arms are tired halfway home. "Good day, $Miss," a smooth voice interrupts you. $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You stumble. You twist around to see a tall monster leaning against a wall in an alleyway. It's the monster you saw outside your home. The one who said you had bad timing. Your mouth goes dry, a cold snake slithers down your spine as your stomach tightens into a knot. The handsome monster takes off his black suit hat and offers you a disarmingly charming smile as he bows. In a sweeter-than-sugar he says,"Thank you for stopping. I was hoping to run into you again." $intuition <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Your chest feels uncomfortably tight, your breathing quickens. Anxious discomfort intermingles with odd urges that you can't explain. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>is torn and the opposing sides strain you. You want to turn away from him in the same moment you want to step closer. This is not a situation you are accustomed to. You trust your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>and having it tell you to go left and right at the same time deeply unsettles you. There's something fundamentally dangerous about this man--dangerous //to you//--yet you are drawn to him regardless. It takes you a minute to find your voice, your throat dry as you crack out a small: //Why?// "To apologize, of course," he says, his voice low and velvety smooth with a honey-sweet coat. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> "I was terribly rude to you," he says. "I am deeply sorry for that. You caught me at an awful time and I took it out on you. I understand that's no excuse, but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." He speaks in flowery words with a saccharine voice. Lawrence told you those are the most dangerous folks. The ones who can use pretty words to hide their knives. $intuition "If you would allow me, I would be happy to help you carry those," offers the monster. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Liar .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Liar.@@ <</if>> You shift your weight side to side. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;But what did you expect?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;But what did you expect?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;But what did you expect?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;But what did you expect?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;But what did you expect?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;But what did you expect?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;But what did you expect?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;But what did you expect?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;But what did you expect?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;But what did you expect?@@ <</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You're the one thing he can't control.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You're the one thing he can't control.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You're the one thing he can't control.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You're the one thing he can't control.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You're the one thing he can't control.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You're the one thing he can't control.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You're the one thing he can't control.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You're the one thing he can't control.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You're the one thing he can't control.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You're the one thing he can't control.@@ <</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;. . . and the one thing he must at all costs.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;. . . and the one thing he must at all costs.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;. . . and the one thing he must at all costs.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;. . . and the one thing he must at all costs.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;. . . and the one thing he must at all costs.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;. . . and the one thing he must at all costs.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;. . . and the one thing he must at all costs.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;. . . and the one thing he must at all costs.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;. . . and the one thing he must at all costs.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;. . . and the one thing he must at all costs.@@ <</if>> [[Let him carry your groceries.]] [[Shake your head no. You need to leave.]]

$intuition You. . . You need to leave. You don't trust this situation, and frankly you don't want the connection. The only thing important to you is finding Lawrence. Everyone, and everything else, can wait. You hurry away, your footsteps loud as you speedwalk away from the monster. You keep to the main street, determined to not be caught alone. You-- "WHOA!" The startled shout comes from above you. You sharply look up to see something fall toward you. A tendril of black shadows slap it from the air and into the road where it shatters. A flower pot, you realize. Its soil and flowers are scattered in the road. The shadow retreats to the monster who stands behind you. $intuition "Oh dear, dear," he says, clicking his tongue. "I can't leave you alone, can I?" You-- You can only suck in a sharp breath as you fall into a pit of shadows. You are enveloped within seconds, your scream silenced before it could even escape you. There is only darkness as cold air fills your lungs. You cannot move. You cannot see. You cannot speak. You are bound and helpless in this expansive void. //Be good when I let you out.// BAD ENDING #4 - TRAPPED IN THE VOID.

Robert Haufer holds out a large bronze key.<<masteraudio stop>> You accept it. "Keep it on you at all times," he says. The freckled ginger closes your hands around the key. "Don't set it down anywhere outside." You nod. "Okay," he says. "Go on and open the door with it." You step around him. Robert's the same height as you and is skinnier than Lawrence. A pale-faced man with more freckles than you can count. His hair is a shocking red with many tight curls, and eyes bluer than the sky. He is Lawrence's partner. You insert the key and twist. There is a //click.// You try to turn the doorknob. It doesn't budge. "Annoying thing, ain't it?" he asks you. "You gotta lift the knob when you turn it. Figures we get the one hotel room with a busted door." You lift the knob and turn it. The door opens. "All right," he says. "Go on in. I'll grab our stuff from the car." You can h-- He waves you off. "You're dead on your feet, kid. Grab a bed and get some rest." . . . Okay. You enter the hotel room and immediately smell sterile cleaners and musk. He shuts the door behind you with a click. You listen to his footsteps go down the hallway until you can't hear him anymore. It's only you. You anxiously rub your hands. <<if $gender eq "woman">> Your nail polish is starting to chip. <</if>> It's a decent hotel room. Maybe. You've never been in one before, you have nothing to compare it to. There's one large room with green-gold two beds. There's a table shoved under one of the windows with two chairs. No kitchen, but there is a bathroom. It's barren otherwise--no pictures, no calendars, no lamps. That's fine. You and Robert don't plan to be here long. A week, //tops,// he said. Ebott City is no place to linger in, after all. He'll find Lawrence, and then you can go back to Rune City with your brother. You're certain Lawrence will scold you for missing school--you're supposed to start your senior year--but that's a lecture you're willing to accept. As long as you find him. Which you will! Even if it takes the whole week--or even a whole month and you miss so much school you have to repeat! You'll find him. You won't leave without him. [[A month later, there's a knock on your hotel door.]]

There is a box at the door.<<masteraudio stop>> You frown and look up and down the hallway. You don't see anyone. You take the box and bring it in. You set it down on the table. There's no name to it. After a moment of thought, you decide to open the box. You can always apologize to Robert later if it's something you should not have seen. [[You take off the lid and at once you smell something sickenly sweet and coppery.]]

You hesitate at your door. . . . Do you invite him in? You consider it. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>doesn't negatively react. Then is it safe to let him in? //What made him dangerous in the first place?// <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Liar .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You.@@ <</if>> Wingding has stepped behind you, close enough that you can feel the warmth of his body. He bends down and whispers in your hear, "Everything okay?" <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> A shiver goes up your spine. You twist your head to see that he has shifted to hold the groceries with his shadows. Heat rises to your face as your heart thumps. "You seem flushed, my dear," he says in a low voice. "Do you require assistance?" You swallow roughly and mutely shake your head. You turn your head away from him to fumble with your keys. As soon as the door is unlocked you step inside and move to put space between the two of you. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You move too quickly. Your foot catches on something--your own feet? You aren't normally this clumsy.--and you trip forward. Before you can hit the ground, Wingding grabs your hips and pulls you back up. He easily lifts you off the ground. Your eyes are wide. You haven't been lifted off the ground by anyone since-- Lawrence grabs you. You wrap your arms and legs around him as he starts to run. You hear it. You hear $Pa screaming but he doesn't stop. $intuition You tell him to duck and he does as the sound of a gunshot rings through the air. Your stomach curdles as your heart flutters. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>sings at being lifted up by him, at being close to him, //at feeling his touch on you//; in the same instant its ripped apart by a surge of anxiety and bitterness at the memory. The inner conflinct silently rages inside of you as you fight to keep it from showing. Your whole body is tense like a coiled spring, ready to jump away at any moment. "Gracious," he says, "you're rather accident prone. However did you manage before me?" You--//You did.// You really aren't normally so-- Your tongue is tied, unable to get the words out. You want to defend yourself, but the longer you keep his gaze the harder it gets to think. Wingding gently sets you down. His shadows place the groceries on the kitchen table. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> He keeps his hands on your hips. You look away, flushed from the toxic mixture of wanting to make new memories. . . and cling to the old ones. "You are a dangerous temptation." You jolt at that whispered confession. Wingding steps away from you, his hat tipped down to cover his eyes as he offers you a bow. "Until we meet again, my dear," he says and he's gone in a flurry of shadows. . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Again, and again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Again, and again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Again, and again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Again, and again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Again, and again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Liar .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Again, and again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Again, and again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Again, and again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Again, and again.@@ <</if>> [[You are left alone in your apartment, struggling not to feel disappointed.]]

Select back ground music to play. <<button "Stop All Music">><<masteraudio stop>><</button>> <<button "Default">><<masteraudio stop>><<audio "lobo" loop play>><</button>> <<button "Lawrence">><<masteraudio stop>><<audio "twinkle" loop play>><</button>> <<button "Black Swan">><<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" loop play>><</button>> [[Return|$return]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" loop play>> Default music is now playing. [[Return|$return]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "twinkle" loop play>> Sweet dreams music is now playing. [[Return|$return]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "nightmare" loop play>> Nightmare music is now playing. [[Return|$return]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "wicked" volume 0.25 loop play>> Dangerous situation music is playing. [[Return|$return]]

In. <<timed 1s>>One.<</timed>><<timed 2s>> Two.<</timed>><<timed 3s>> Three.<</timed>> @@.delayed;Hold. One. Two. Three.@@ @@.delayed;Out. One. Two. Three.@@ <<timed 9s>> With each breath out, you force yourself to calm down. The mess of your emotions cannot control you. They are not //allowed// to. You are strong. You have faced danger. You have //survived// worse. Emotions--feelings--cannot control you. Don't let the memories drag you down. You tell him to duck and he does as the sound of a gunshot rings through the air. You rub your hands together, your face pinches up as you keep trying to breathe. In. One. Two. Three. Hold. One. Two. Three. Out. One. Two. Three. A stone weighs your stomach down, your legs feel weak and wobbly. They put his head in a box. No, no, no. In. One. Two. Three. Hold. One. Two-- Bile rises to the back of your throat, your vision doubles. --Three. Out. One. Two. Three. Your body quivers, temors going through it. You can taste blood in your mouth as a hammer is taken to your chest. In--In--//In//-- You try to suck in a gulp of air but nothing happens. In--In--//Breathe//--//Breathe, $name, breathe// Before you can hit the ground, Wingding grabs your hips and pulls you back up. He easily lifts you off the ground. . . . He turns his head, his amethyst eyelights connecting with your $eyecolor gaze. . . . You breathe in. You hold. You breathe out. You refocus your thoughts, aided by the hum of your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>. Your $eyecolor eyes close shut. It takes you several minutes, but you do regain control. You are okay. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Liar .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Liar.@@ <</if>> . . . You //will// be okay. [[At least you have a new pillow.]]<</timed>>

<<if $day2 eq 1>> You're glad you have groceries now. What else would you like to do? [[Visit Daisy at the flower shop.]] [[Relax at home.]] <<else>> It seems your day is over. It's time to eat dinner and get ready for bed. [[End your day.]]<</if>>

You hesitate at your door. . . . Do you invite him in? You consider it. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>doesn't negatively react. Then is it safe to let him in? //What made him dangerous in the first place?// <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Liar .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You.@@ <</if>> Wingding has stepped behind you, close enough that you can feel the warmth of his body. He bends down to whisper in your hear, "Everything okay?" <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> A shiver goes up your spine. You twist your head to see that he has shifted to hold the groceries with his shadows. You smile coyly at him. "You seem to be taking your time," he says in a low voice. "Do you require assistance?" Maybe you're simply prolonging the moment. "Is that right?" Wingding asks. "None of these are perishables, then?" . . . Oh, right. Your groceries. You click your tongue. You turn your head away from him unlock your door. You then take a couple steps inside. You move too quickly. Your foot catches on something--your own feet? You aren't normally this clumsy?--and you trip forward. Before you can hit the ground, Wingding grabs your hips and pulls you back up. He easily lifts you off the ground. Your eyes are wide. You haven't been lifted off the ground by anyone since-- Lawrence grabs you. You wrap your arms and legs around him as he starts to run. You hear it. You hear $Pa screaming but he doesn't stop. $intuition You tell him to duck and he does as the sound of a gunshot rings through the air. Your stomach curdles as your heart flutters. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>sings at being lifted up by him, at being close to him, //at feeling his touch on you//; in the same instant its ripped apart by a surge of anxiety and bitterness at the memory. The inner conflinct silently rages inside of you as you fight to keep it from showing. Your whole body is tense like a coiled spring, ready to jump away at any moment. "Gracious," he says, "you're rather accident prone. However did you manage before me?" You--//You did.// You really aren't normally so-- Your tongue is tied, unable to get the words out. You want to defend yourself, but the memory has thrown you off. It doesn't help that the longer you keep his gaze the harder it gets to think. Wingding gently sets you down. His shadows place the groceries on the kitchen table. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> He keeps his hands on your hips. You can't look away, even as you feel a toxic mixture of wanting to make new memories. . . and cling to the old ones. "You are a dangerous temptation." You jolt at that whispered confession. Wingding steps away from you, his hat tipped down to cover his eyes as he offers you a bow. "Until we meet again, my dear," he says and he's gone in a flurry of shadows. . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Again, and again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Again, and again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Again, and again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Again, and again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Again, and again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Liar .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Again, and again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Again, and again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Again, and again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Again, and again.@@ <</if>> [[You are left alone in your apartment, struggling not to feel disappointed.]]

<<masteraudio stop>> In. <<timed 1s>>One.<</timed>><<timed 2s>> Two.<</timed>><<timed 3s>> Three.<</timed>> @@.delayed;Hold. One. Two. Three.@@ @@.delayed;Out. One. Two. Three.@@ <<timed 10s>> With each breath out, you force yourself to calm down. The mess of your emotions cannot control you. They are not //allowed// to. You are strong. You have faced danger. You have //survived// worse. Emotions--feelings--cannot control you. Don't let the memories drag you down. Lawrence grabs you. You wrap your arms and legs around him as he starts to run. You hear it. You hear $Pa screaming but he doesn't stop. You rub your hands together, your face pinches up as you keep trying to breathe. In. One. Two. Three. Hold. One. Two. Three. Out. One. Two. Three. A stone weighs your stomach down, your legs feel weak and wobbly. You tell him to duck and he does as the sound of a gunshot rings through the air. No, no, no. In. One. Two. Three. Hold. One. Two-- They put his head in a box. Bile rises to the back of your throat, your vision doubles. --Three. Out. One. Two. Three. Your body quivers, temors going through it. You can taste blood in your mouth as a hammer is taken to your chest. In--In--//In//-- You try to suck in a gulp of air but nothing happens. In--In--//Breathe//--//Breathe, $name, breathe//. <</timed>><<if $route eq "sans">><<timed 8s>> He looks down at you. You note, with a small voice in the back of your head, he has a pair of very pretty crimson eyelights. . . . Sans reaches out a hand and gently caresses your cheek with the back of his fingers. . . . <</timed>> <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">><<timed 8s>> He has vermillion eyelights in his eye sockets. . . . He tips his hat to you. Your smile widens, ticklish butterflies in your stomach. . . . It truly is uncanny how often you keep meeting Papyrus' gaze. You are instinctively drawn to him. <</timed>> <<elseif $route eq "asriel">><<timed 8s>> When you place your hand in his, he raises it up and brushes the tip of his nose to the back of your hand. . . . Then maybe I just like you. <</timed>> <</if>><<timed 9s>> You breathe in. You hold. You breathe out. You refocus your thoughts, aided by the hum of your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>. Your $eyecolor eyes close shut. It takes you several minutes, but you do regain control. You are okay. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Liar.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Liar .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Liar.@@ <</if>> . . . You //will// be okay. <</timed>><<timed 10s>> [[It's a new day.]] <</timed>>

Wingding's lips curl at the ends. "I met that ''SOUL'' today," he says in a light tone. "Eh. . . the one that saw yeh?" Sans asks. "DID YOU DEAL WITH THEM?" Papyrus inquires. "No," says Wingding. Sans snorts. "Don' tell me the bag of flesh escaped yeh." "I wouldn't say that," Wingding says in an even tone, his smile stretching. "Yeh look too damn smug. What? Yeh fuck 'em first?" Sans rolls up his sleeves. "Go get tested if it burns." Wingding chuckles. He waits until both of his brothers turn their heads to look at him so that way he can see their reactions. <<if $gender eq "woman">>"Her name is $name," says Wingding. <<elseif $gender eq "man">> "His name is $name," says Wingding.<<else>>"Their name is $name," says Wingding.<</if>> <<if $route eq "sans">> [[Sans freezes, his red eyelights shrinking.]] <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> [[Papyrus stiffens.]] <<else>> [[Papyrus lets out an "OH."]]<</if>>

A home must be neat for you to get a treat.<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "nightmare" loop play>> A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. [[A home must be neat for you to get a treat.]]

You didn’t make your bed one morning. You woke up late this one time, and you didn’t have time. You thought it’d be worse if you kept $Pa waiting. You were wrong. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. [[You were very, very wrong.]]

Lawrence once asked you who you thought was worse. You, at the time, answered $Pa. He was loud, big, and his hits hurt for weeks. Your brother’s face scrunched up at that. He disagreed with you. He said, “She’s worse.” You thought that was absurd. $Ma was tiny. She never raised her voice, and her slaps were healed by the end of the day. “You haven’t made her real angry yet,” he said. “Let’s hope you never do.” [[But you did.]]

You didn’t make your bed. When you got home, $Ma asked you to make it then. You did it without fuss. She then asked you why you hadn’t before. You explained you were running late. She asked if that was her fault. No. Then why was she being punished for it? . . . ? You hadn’t heard your mother scream until that day. She didn’t hit you. She hit herself. She asked you //why, why, why// did you hurt her? And you, at eight, did not know what to do. You didn’t know how to react when she bashed her head so hard into the drywall it made a hole. You didn’t know what to say or do when $Pa came in and she screamed that you did that to her. [[You did this to her.]]

You had a bed but you were not allowed to sleep in it. Instead, you slept on the floor next to a perfectly made bed. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. [[Neither of you can forget this.]]

When you ran away with Lawrence, the two of you couldn’t afford much. You made even less than what you do now. For the first year, you had to share everything. A room, a bed, clothes, food. . . Your dingy apartment with your brother was little more than a hovel. But you two always kept it clean, and you always made your bed. [[You kept it clean.]]

You didn’t do it because of her. You did it for Lawrence, for your brother, who flinches at a mess in the home. It don’t matter he knows how to fight. It don’t matter he knows how to hold a gun. It don’t matter he graduated top of his class at the academy. None of that matters when the battle is inside. And if keeping a clean home helps him fight. . . you could do that much. [[She wasn't the only one who gave you lessons.]]

Your $Pa taught you a lot. They weren’t conventional lessons, but they were instructive nonetheless. //Permanent.// You learned how to be quiet—real quiet—in a home with squeaky floorboards. You learned how to talk your way out of difficult questions people thoughtlessly asked. You learned how to hide. You learned how to make yourself small. You learned how to make yourself forgettable for days on end. You learned how to dig food out of the trash when you got real, real good at that. So good, in fact, that you did it for you and your brother on days $Pa kept him in the cellar. But your favorite lesson $Pa taught you was that you are a [[survivor.]]

Tiny. Tiny. Tiny. Twelve years old and you looked like you were eight. One too many days without food made for a near-skeleton of a child. Trash can only provide so much sustenance. Hunger pains gnaw at you, sharp and unrelenting. You ignore it. You’re used to it. The entirety of your right face throbs. Your right eye has been swelled shut. You lay on your left side on the sticky wooden floors. The summer heat has turned the air humid and muggy. Sweat makes your clothes stick to you. $Pa sits at the kitchen table. He stares at the bottle in his hands. You do not move. You do not dare. You know better than to draw attention to yourself. So you lay there, quiet, still, and tense. Your whole body is tighter than a rubber band pulled at the edges. You focus on your breathing as you actively try to be as silent as possible. Quiet. Quiet. Quiet. Lawrence enters the kitchen. Scrawny and gangly. He’s outgrown boyhood but isn’t yet a man. $Pa looks up at him and snarls, “Yer past curfew, boy.” Lawrence doesn’t respond right away. He looks to you. The handprints on his neck are starting to fade. You stay tiny, tiny, tiny. Lawrence moves to you. He reaches out-- --you reach out. He takes your hand and you squeeze his. Your eyes burn and your vision blurs. You cannot stop the relief and fear that comes every time you are with him. Relief that he will //try// to protect you. Fear that he will //fail//. “I’m talkin’ to yah, boy,” $Pa growls. He grabs Lawrence’s shoulder. You squeeze your eyes shut as you let go of his hand. You hear that familiar, sickening, horrible SMACK. The sound of a bottle breaking as it hits the floor makes you [[open your eyes.]]

It is not Lawrence who has been hit. It is Lawrence who hit $Pa. $Pa fell back and stumbled over the kitchen chair. He’s on his back, dazed and wide-eyed. Lawrence grabs you. Your head throbs as adrenaline shoots through you. He runs. You wrap your arms and legs around him as he starts to run. You hear it. You hear $Pa screaming, but he doesn't stop. $intuition $Pa is up at the front door. You see the gun. $intuition You tell him to duck and he does as the sound of a gunshot rings through the air. And the two of you run, and run, and run. [[You run to Rune City.]]

Lawrence had been saving up for a long time. It's not a lot. Hardly anything, really. But it's all he could do. You, at twelve, and he, at seventeen, start a new life more than a day's journey away from where you grew up. [[Lawrence taught you a lot of things.]]

As did $Ma.<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "twinkle" loop play>> As did $Pa. But the things Lawrence taught you are things you //want// to keep. [[Like how to laugh at horrible jokes.]] [[Like how to dance in the rain when unexpectedly caught out.]] [[Like how to boil water so badly you set it on fire.]] [[Like how to sing like you don't have a care in the world.]] [[Like how to use the stars to navigate.]]

Lawrence proudly brandishes his new detective badge. "Knock, knock, $nickname!" Who's there? "Dishes." Dishes who? "DISHES DETECTIVE LAWRENCE, OPEN UP!" He proceeds to loudly laugh at his own joke and you join in. He taught you how to $happyreaction. He taught you how to laugh with your whole body. He taught you how to save money. He taught you how to read. He taught you how to follow your instincts. He taught you how to <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''trust'' <<else>>''trust''<</if>>. He taught you how to <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''love'' <<else>>''love''<</if>>. [[He taught you how to live.]]

"The trick is to take off the shoes first," he says with a laugh. "Keep them dry at least--you never want to walk home with wet shoes!" He taught you how to $happyreaction. He taught you how to laugh with your whole body. He taught you how to save money. He taught you how to read. He taught you how to follow your instincts. He taught you how to <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''trust'' <<else>>''trust''<</if>>. He taught you how to <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''love'' <<else>>''love''<</if>>. [[He taught you how to live.]]

He kept adding oil to it. "To enhance the flavor," he would insist as he struggles in vain to put it out with more water. "WHY IS IT ONLY GETTING BIGGER?!" He taught you how to $happyreaction. He taught you how to laugh with your whole body. He taught you how to save money. He taught you how to read. He taught you how to follow your instincts. He taught you how to <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''trust'' <<else>>''trust''<</if>>. He taught you how to <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''love'' <<else>>''love''<</if>>. [[He taught you how to live.]]

"Belt it out with all your might, $nickname!" He taught you how to $happyreaction. He taught you how to laugh with your whole body. He taught you how to save money. He taught you how to read. He taught you how to follow your instincts. He taught you how to <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''trust'' <<else>>''trust''<</if>>. He taught you how to <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''love'' <<else>>''love''<</if>>. [[He taught you how to live.]]

"Find the north star, $nickname2," he says. "See it up there?" You nod. "It's the brightest star in the sky," he says. He ruffles your hair. "Like how you're the brightest star down here." You $happyreaction. He taught you how to $happyreaction. He taught you how to laugh with your whole body. He taught you how to save money. He taught you how to read. He taught you how to follow your instincts. He taught you how to <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''trust'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''trust'' <<else>>''trust''<</if>>. He taught you how to <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''love'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''love'' <<else>>''love''<</if>>. [[He taught you how to live.]]

Which is why. . . You promised him to be safe. [[As long as he keeps his promise, too.]]

When you wake up it'll be time to start the process over again. You'll have to put up the posters after work. //His missing person posters.// . . . He is that, right? Missing. Not dead. Just. . . missing. He can't be anything else. He has to be okay. . . . You'll find him. You'll find him. . . Please let me find him. [[You arrive at the Black Swan for your unexpected shift.]]

<h2> ''Ch6 - Lessons'' </h2> ---- <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "cityday" volume 0.25 loop play>>That odd, tense, silence that permeates the city is the same silence before the storm hits. After a pleasant night--you can't remember what you dreamed about--you went on your morning run. In the early hours, you were surprised to find a newspaper boy hollering about juicy news. <<if (($newspaper eq "You do not read the newspaper.")) or ($newspaper eq "You do not trust the newspaper, disliking how gossipy it reads.")>> You would normally ignore such. $newspaper //However//, given the recent shift in the atmosphere, you are compelled to take a peek. <</if>> There, in big bold letterings, it reads: ''SEAN BERSTACH MURDERED AT HOME.'' You bought the newspaper from the boy and read it on your walk to the park. <img src="mafiaimages/secondpaper.jpg" /> You continued to read the paper, flipping to see if there was anything else of use. In short, the Berstach heir had a fight with the Vivacci Don's sons. Berstach ends up dead the next morning, beaten and shot. From your time at the Black Swan, you recall that some customers would let it slip that Antonio prefers to use a baseball bat, and Metteo prefers guns. The paper doesn't report the specifics of the weapons used, only saying //beaten// or //shot// for each of the victims. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The humans can't see the shadows pulling the strings.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The humans can't see the shadows pulling the strings.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The humans can't see the shadows pulling the strings.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The humans can't see the shadows pulling the strings.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The humans can't see the shadows pulling the strings.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;The humans can't see the shadows pulling the strings.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The humans can't see the shadows pulling the strings.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The humans can't see the shadows pulling the strings.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The humans can't see the shadows pulling the strings.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The humans can't see the shadows pulling the strings.@@ <</if>> The lack of confirmation speaks volumes. The police are in a difficult spot. If you liked them, you might sympathize, but, well. . . There's a reason why you don't go to the police for help. Regardless of your opinion, if the Berstach and Vivacci were to fight it would mean a lot of bloodshed in the city. Utter chaos. <<if $playerknowsaboutdoctorrose eq 1>> Fear on par for when Doctor Rose was most active. <</if>> If it's too bad. . . if it's //too// dangerous. . . //"You have to keep yourself safe, okay?"// Your grip tightens on the newspaper. When you get to the park, you toss it in the trash. //Not if it means leaving you behind, Lawrence.// <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[The following day, you get to cook with Papyrus.]] <<else>> [[The following day, you cook with Papyrus.]]<</if>>

<<type 15ms>> Suffocatingly silent. <<masteraudio stop>> You do not hear anything, not even your own heartbeat. Are you dead? . . . No. You can’t be. You promised <<if $gender eq "woman">> her.<<elseif $gender eq "man">> him.<<elseif $gender eq "person">> them.<</if>> You promised. You promised. Promised. Promise. Promised. Promised. Promised. promised. promised. promised. promised. promised. promisedpromisedpromised promisedpromisedpromised Prommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm<</type>> <<timed 6s>> \<<goto "You found out what was weird.">> \<</timed>>

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" volume 1 loop play>>You step into the Black Swan during the early hours of the morning. It feels unusual to be there so early, but it's not unpleasant. You call out a greeting. Papyrus answers back, "IN THE KITCHEN, $MISS $NAME." A surge of giddy joy makes you move faster. You head into the kitchen. . . . ! The Black Swan's kitchen is normally pristine, sleek, and well-organized. Today, the counters are covered in crates food that are so full they spill over the edge. Even the floor has stacks, and stacks, of boxes and crates of food. You see numerous egg cartons, milk jugs, bags of flour. . . it's a lot. <<cycle "$amazed" autoselect>>\ <<option "Your eyes widen in surprise.">> <<option "You let out a small gasp.">> <<option "You whistle.">> <<option "While inwardly shocked, you remain stoic.">> <<option "What?">> <<option "Um.">> <<option "Oh.">> <<option ". . .">> <</cycle>> "I KNOW IT'S A LOT," Papyrus says quickly. "//BUT// IT WILL ALL BE USED." And who will eat it? "WE WILL." . . . Papyrus laughs at your incredulous look. "I JEST! YOU MAY HAVE SOME OF THE FOOD, AND WHAT IS LEFT OVER I WILL BRING TO MY FRIENDS IN THE ROYAL GUARD. THEY ALL HAVE VERY LARGE APPETITES." You $happyreaction, relieved you won't have to disappoint him with your inability to consume an entire kitchen's worth of food in one sitting. Papyrus smiles at you, pleased by your reaction. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> "DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MONSTER FOOD AND REGULAR FOOD?" Papyrus asks you. You shake your head. "THEN ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN. THE FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE IS THE LACK OF MAGIC," he says. He picks up an apple. "HUMAN FOOD IS GROWN ON THE SURFACE AND NORMALLY WITHOUT MAGIC." He holds the apple out to you. You accept the apple. <<if $shy gt $bold>> The moment your fingers graze his skeletal hand, a jolt goes through you. Both of you flinch away. You can feel your cheeks start to burn as a pleasant sensation tightens in your chest. <<else>> The moment your fingers graze his skeletal hand, a jolt goes through you. Both of you flinch away. Your stomach flip-flops excitedly, and you look up to observe his reaction. When your $eyecolor eyes meet his, you find that he is staring intently at you. <</if>> "WHAT--" Papyrus takes a deep breath, as if to calm himself. "WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO YOU?" he asks. <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your breathing hitches. Your eyes widen. He wants to know how you feel? You sharply look up at him, your face aflame. Papyrus' shoulders raise up as he tenses. "THE--THE APPLE. HOW--HOW DOES THE--THE APPLE FEEL IN YOUR HANDS?" The-- Oh. <<else>> Oh? He wants to know how you f-- Oh, wait. He's likely referring to the apple. <</if>> You turn the apple over. It's smooth, red, and looks like a perfectly normal apple. You explain such to him. "IT IS," he says. "MAY I HAVE IT BACK?" He holds out his hand and you place it inside. When your fingers graze his palm, you feel a jolt again. Better prepared, you don't flinch away. Your gaze moves up to meet his. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> The two of you hold each other's gazes. Papyrus is the first to break away, a darkening hue forms under his eyesockets. He clears his throat several times. His eyelights refocus on the apple. Vermilion light briefly shines around the fruit. You wonder what it'd feel like to have that light around you. . . Papyrus offers it to you again. You place a hand over the apple, and he places his hand over top yours. He folds your hand around the apple, and holds it entirely in his two large hands. <<if $shy gt $bold>> Shivers go down your spine. Your lips twitch and you can't fight back a $happyreaction. You can't bring yourself to look up at Papyrus. You focus entirely on the apple in your hand and the warmth of his hands around yours. His voice is low and soft as he asks, "And now?" <<else>> Shivers go down your spine. Your lips twitch and you can't fight back a $happyreaction. You look up at Papyrus, eager to see his reaction. His eyelights are focused in on you. Only you. His voice is low and soft as he asks, "And now?" <</if>> It's smooth, red, and. . . . . . ? There's a fuzzy warmth to it. You feel a strange fuzzy sensation around the entire apple. You describe it to Papyrus. Papyrus removes his hands. "CORRECT. IT IS--AS YOU MIGHT GUESS--IMBUED BY MY MAGIC. MONSTER FOOD IS FOOD WITH MAGIC. WE TYPICALLY GROW THE FOOD IN THE FELL KINGDOM USING MAGIC-ENRICHED SOIL SO DO NOT HAVE NEED TO ADD MAGIC WHILE COOKING," explains Papyrus. Is it important for monsters to only eat magic-food? "IT IS BETTER FOR US," says Papyrus. "MOST OF US DO NOT HAVE DIGESTIVE SYSTEMS LIKE YOU HUMANS DO." Your cheeks warm from that, slightly embarrassed to have asked an obvious question. Papyrus waves you off. "QUESTIONS DO NOT BOTHER ME," he insists. "HOW ELSE WILL YOU LEARN?" You relax at that. "WE CAN CONSUME NON-MAGIC FOOD, BUT TOO MUCH WILL MAKE US SICK," he says. "IN //MY// CASE MY MAGIC IS STRONG ENOUGH TO BREAK DOWN THE FOOD WITHOUT ADDITIONAL MAGIC. I CAN EAT A LOT MORE THAN, SAY, A CHILD MONSTER WHOSE MAGIC IS STILL GROWING." So. . . it's really the magic that the monsters need to consume? Magic that breaks things down for them? "YES." Could humans eat it without issue? "YES," says Papyrus. "GO AHEAD AND TRY THE APPLE." You take a bite of the apple. A burst of sweet, juicy, flesh enters your mouth. It tastes normal, albeit when you swallow you feel a cottony-aftertaste in your mouth. It's strange. "IN ITS RAW FORM IT WILL LINGER," says Papyrus. "EXCELLENT COOKS--LIKE MYSELF--CAN USE OUR MAGIC TO TRANSFORM DISHES INTO SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY. I WILL GLADLY SHOW YOU TODAY." You thought he was testing the human gadgets? "I AM," he says, "BUT YOU DESERVE A REWARD FOR COMING IN ON A DAY OFF." You $happyreaction. You won't say no to free food. Especially if it's good. Papyrus chuckles. "LET US START WITH SOMETHING SIMPLE FIRST. I WANT TO KNOW HOW YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO USE AN OVEN." Right away! [[The two of you spend a few hours in the kitchen.]]

$happyreaction - all routes $stressed - sans route edward dies from dr. rose next chapter 'cause the doctor sees him instead of mc.

You show him how to use the appliances. He's clever, so it doesn't take him long to grasp it. As soon as he understands, he cooks with you acting as his sous chef. The two of you make a variety of dishes--sampling and tasting each one along the way--and chat while you do so. Papyrus is happy to talk while he works. He answers any questions you might have without hesitation, and freely indugles your curiosity. You ask him. . . <<set $papquestion1 = 1>><<set $papquestion2 = 1>><<set $papquestion3 = 1>><<set $papquestion4 = 1>><<set $papquestion5 = 1>> [[How does he know the Royal Guards?]] [[How big is his family?]] [[What does he think of the surface?]] [[Has he always wanted to be a resaurant owner?]] [[What made him choose the Black Swan?]] <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides it would be good to start making a dessert.]] <<else>> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides wants to start making a dessert.]]<</if>>

"I TRAINED WITH THEM FOR SOME TIME," says Papyrus. <<set $papquestion3 = 0>> Papyrus wanted to be a Royal Guard? "FOR A TIME," he says. "I HAVE SINCE REALIZED THAT I AM HAPPIER WORKING WITH MY BROTHERS, SO I DID NOT COMPLETE THE PROCESS." Papyrus cocks his head. "BUT I AM ON GOOD TERMS WITH THEM. WE LIKE TO GET TOGETHER FOR TRAINING SESSIONS." Papyrus must be very strong. <<if $route eq "papyrus">> He grins, a red dust under his eyesockets. "YES. I AM VERY STRONG. VERY RELIABLE." You $happyreaction. <<else>> He grins. "YES." <</if>><<if $papquestion4 eq 1>> [[How big is his family?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion2 eq 1>> [[What does he think of the surface?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion1 eq 1>> [[Has he always wanted to be a resaurant owner?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion5 eq 1>> [[What made him choose the Black Swan?]]<</if>> <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides it would be good to start making a dessert.]] <<else>> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides wants to start making a dessert.]]<</if>>

"I HAVE TWO OLDER BROTHERS," says Papyrus. "SANS AND WINGDING. IT IS ONLY US NOW." <<set $papquestion4 = 0>> Oh. "AND YOU?" You have a brother. "AH. YOU ARE THE YOUNGEST?" Yes. Papyrus sighs. "IT CAN BE TROUBLING. OLDER BROTHERS CAN BE BOTH PROTECTIVE AND. . . NEED PROTECTING." Yes. "WE WILL BOTH HAVE TO DO OUR BEST AS THE YOUNGEST." Yes. <<if $papquestion3 eq 1>> [[How does he know the Royal Guards?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion2 eq 1>> [[What does he think of the surface?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion1 eq 1>> [[Has he always wanted to be a resaurant owner?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion5 eq 1>> [[What made him choose the Black Swan?]]<</if>> <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides it would be good to start making a dessert.]] <<else>> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides wants to start making a dessert.]]<</if>>

"IT IS LOUD," says Papyrus. "THE SUN IS THE THING THAT TOOK THE LONGEST TO GET USED TO."<<set $papquestion2 = 0>> The sun? "MY BROTHERS AND I LIVED IN THE FELL KINGDOM FOR MOST OF OUR CHILDHOOD AND YOUNG ADULT YEARS," explains Papyrus. "WE DID NOT GO TO THE SURFACE AT ALL UNTIL WE WERE OLDER. WE NEVER SAW THE SUN BEFORE. IT IS. . . VERY BRIGHT. IT IS GOOD TO BE IN THE CITY, AS THE BUILDINGS BLOCK OUT MOST OF IT." Papyrus pauses. "I DO ENJOY THE WIND," he says. "IT IS A PLEASANT SENSATION. WE DO NOT HAVE THAT UNDERGROUND. AND YOU?" You grew up in a small country town. You're accustomed to all sorts of weather. "DO YOU LIKE THE CITY?" <<if $finaldream eq "country">> No. You want to leave the city and go back to the country. You pause. One day. Not now. . . but one day. Papyrus frowns at that. "I SEE." <<elseif $finaldream eq "stay">> Yes. The city has grown on you. Papyrus smiles. "I AM GLAD. I WOULD BE REMISS TO SEE YOU LEAVE." <<elseif $finaldream eq "travel">> You're not sure. To be honest, you want to travel. Papyrus' eyelights brighten. "I HAVE CONSIDERED THAT MYSELF. HAVE YOU HEARD OF OF THE AURORA BOREALIS?" You shake your head. You privately wonder if it's something that would have been taught to you in school. . . had you finished. "LIGHTS IN THE SKY. SUPPOSEDLY THEY STRETCH FOR MILES AND ARE BRIGHTER THAN ANY STARS," explains Papyrus. "I ALWAYS WANTED TO VISIT THE NORTHERN COASTS TO SEE THEM." You'd like that too. "PERHAPS WE CAN TRAVEL TOGETHER THEN." You $happyreaction. <<elseif $finaldream eq "school">> You're not sure. You want to stay and finish school one day. "YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED SCHOOL?" Circumstances. . . forced you to leave early. "AH. I UNDERSTAND," says Papyrus. "MY BROTHERS BOTH HAD TO DO THE SAME." Would they ever want to go back? "UNLIKELY," he says. "WINGS PREFERS TO SELF-STUDY AND SANS DOES NOT HAVE THE PATIENCE." <</if>><<if $papquestion3 eq 1>> [[How does he know the Royal Guards?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion4 eq 1>> [[How big is his family?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion1 eq 1>> [[Has he always wanted to be a resaurant owner?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion5 eq 1>> [[What made him choose the Black Swan?]]<</if>> <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides it would be good to start making a dessert.]] <<else>> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides wants to start making a dessert.]]<</if>>

"YES," says Papyrus. "DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO WORK AT A RESTAURANT?" <<set $papquestion1 = 0>> You don't know. You've never given it any thought. Dreams? Aspirations? You're lucky to be alive, and you owe it all to Lawrence. You consider Papyrus' question for several moments, stewing it over in silence. You finally admit to him that you don't know. "THAT'S OKAY," he says. "YOU HAVE ALL THE TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT." <<if $papquestion3 eq 1>> [[How does he know the Royal Guards?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion4 eq 1>> [[How big is his family?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion2 eq 1>> [[What does he think of the surface?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion5 eq 1>> [[What made him choose the Black Swan?]]<</if>> <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides it would be good to start making a dessert.]] <<else>> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides wants to start making a dessert.]]<</if>>

"MY BROTHER SANS SUGGESTED IT," says Papyrus. "I SCOUTED IT, LIKED IT, AND CHOSE IT." <<set $papquestion5 = 0>> Why did Sans suggest it? "I DO NOT KNOW." <<if $papquestion3 eq 1>> [[How does he know the Royal Guards?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion4 eq 1>> [[How big is his family?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion2 eq 1>> [[What does he think of the surface?]]<</if>> <<if $papquestion1 eq 1>> [[Has he always wanted to be a resaurant owner?]]<</if>> <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides it would be good to start making a dessert.]] <<else>> [[As you approach noon, Papyrus decides wants to start making a dessert.]]<</if>>

He instructs you to open the flour jar while he works on tempering the chocolate. You struggle with the flour jar. Papyrus notices, and turns to help you. //Pop.// Flour shoots out and covers you both. There is a moment of stunned silence. You stare at your boss, a tall skeleton monster with jagged scars and vermilion eyes, who is now covered in flour. You <<cycle "$laughreaction" autoselect>>\ <<option "giggle">> <<option "cackle">> <<option "chuckle">> <<option "chortle">> <<option "laugh">> <<option "guffaw">> <</cycle>>. Papyrus stares at you for another moment and then he starts to laugh as well. “YOU LOOK LIKE A GHOST,” he says. <<if $shy gt $bold>> He lifts a hand out to you and gently brushes the back of his knuckles against your cheek. The flour rubs off with ease, although you can feel your face heating up once more. Papyrus steps closer to you and raises another hand. He hesitates for a moment, then uses his hand to start to brush the flour off your other cheek. Your heart clenches. He cups your face in both of his hands. "$Miss $name," he says softly. <<else>> He lifts a hand out to you and gently brushes the back of his knuckles against your cheek. The flour rubs off with ease. He moves to pull his hand away but you grab it. You hold his hand against your cheek and nuzzle into it. His thumb grazes under your eye. Papyrus steps closer to you and cups your face with both of his hands. You move to grip his tie, fully prepared to pull him closer to your level. "$Miss $name," he says softly. <</if>> “Looks like I came back at the perfect time,” drawls a deep voice. Papyrus jumps and immediately steps away from you. <<if $bold gt $shy>> You make a noise of protest and annoyance in the back of your throat. You glare the newcomer who looks entirely unbothered. <<else>> You frown, disappointment crashing into you. You give the newcomer a withering stare. <</if>> A familiar large skeleton enters the kitchen. It takes you several moments to recall where you saw this monster before. He was the first skeleton monster you saw, he came to the Black Swan several nights ago as a customer. You saw him and Papyrus talking to each other outside the Black Swan. He reminds you of both Papyrus and Wingding. . . . Brothers, perhaps? You met Wingding, so maybe this is Sans. You wonder if they are as close as you and Lawrence wer--//are//. You and Lawrence //are.// The skeleton winks. “What’sa matta, babybones? Yer lookin’ paler than usual. Is it //flour hour// now at the Black Swan?” Papyrus’ eyesockets narrow. You glance between the two. “HELLO, SANS,” says Papyrus. “YOU HAVE THE //WORST// TIMING. LEAVE.” “I dunno,” says Sans. His grin stretches wider as he struggles not to outright laugh. “Ya look like ya //knead// some help.” He snickers. “//Dough// ya really want to say no?” His snickers turn louder as he laughs at his own puns. “Heh-heh-heh. I could be yer man of the //flour// in yer--heh-heh-heh--time of //knead//.” Sans laughs with his whole body. What comes next is too fast for you to follow. One moment, Sans is laughing. The next, he has two eggs splattered on his face. Papyrus smirks. He juggles five eggs. “WHAT’S WRONG, BROTHER? NOT IN SUCH AN EGG-CELLENT MOOD NOW?” “HA!” Sans loudly laughs as he glares. His matching grin looks downright menacing. “Forgo’ how funny ya can be Paps.” There is a zoom of something going by you. The bowl of melted chocolate that was once beside you now sits upside down on Papyrus’s head: chocolate drips down him. “HA. HA. HA,” Papyrus growls. And so the war has begun. Food flies everywhere. You do your best to dodge and duck out of the way. Once you are in the safe zone, you realize you have a choice to make. Side with Papyrus. . . or side with Sans, Papyrus’ brother. You carefully consider your options. If the situation was reversed, what would you want? If you and Lawrence were playfully fighting, would you want Papyrus to join your side, or join Lawrence? <<cycle "$pickaside" autoselect>>\ <<option "You would want Papyrus to team up with Lawrence so the two could bond.">> <<option "You would want Papyrus to choose you, regardless of the situation.">> <</cycle>> [[Throw a carton of eggs at Papyrus.]] [[Throw a carton of eggs at Sans.]] [[Take two cartons and throw one at Sans and one at Papyrus.]]

He instructs you to open the flour jar while he works on tempering the chocolate. You struggle with the flour jar. Papyrus notices, and turns to help you. //Pop.// Flour shoots out and covers you both. There is a moment of stunned silence. You stare at your boss, a tall skeleton monster with jagged scars and vermilion eyes, who is now covered in flour. You <<cycle "$laughreaction" autoselect>>\ <<option "giggle">> <<option "cackle">> <<option "chuckle">> <<option "chortle">> <<option "laugh">> <<option "guffaw">> <</cycle>>. Papyrus stares at you for another moment. He suddenly starts to laugh. “YOU LOOK LIKE A GHOST,” he lightly says. You raise a hand to touch your face and realize you are also covered in flour. This makes you laugh harder. “Looks like I came back at the perfect time,” drawls a deep voice. <<if $route eq "sans">> Sans enters the kitchen. You $happyreaction, delighted to see Sans. Sans winks at you, then turns to Papyrus. “What’sa matta, babybones? Yer lookin’ paler than usual. Is it //flour hour// now at the Black Swan?” Papyrus’ eyesockets narrow. “HELLO, SANS,” says Papyrus. “YOU HAVE COME AT AN INOPPORTUNE TIME. LEAVE.” “I dunno,” says Sans. His grin stretches wider as he struggles not to outright laugh. “Yeh look like yeh //knead// some help.” He snickers. “//Dough// yeh really want to say no?” His snickers turn louder as he laughs at his own puns. “Heh-heh-heh. I could be yer man of the //flour// in yer--heh-heh-heh--time of //knead//.” You find it hard not to laugh. It slips out of you. <<else>> A familiar large skeleton enters the kitchen. It takes you several moments to recall where you saw this monster before. He was the first skeleton monster you saw, he came to the Black Swan several nights ago as a customer. You saw him and Papyrus talking to each other outside the Black Swan. He reminds you of both Papyrus and Wingding. . . . Brothers, perhaps? You met Wingding, so maybe this is Sans. You wonder if they are as close as you and Lawrence wer--//are//. You and Lawrence //are.// The skeleton winks. “What’sa matta, babybones? Yer lookin’ paler than usual. Is it //flour hour// now at the Black Swan?” Papyrus’ eyesockets narrow. You glance between the two. “HELLO, SANS,” says Papyrus. “YOU HAVE COME AT AN INOPPORTUNE TIME. LEAVE.” “I dunno,” says Sans. His grin stretches wider as he struggles not to outright laugh. “Ya look like ya //knead// some help.” He snickers. “//Dough// ya really want to say no?” His snickers turn louder as he laughs at his own puns. “Heh-heh-heh. I could be yer man of the //flour// in yer--heh-heh-heh--time of //knead//.” <</if>> Sans laughs with his whole body. What comes next is too fast for you to follow. One moment, Sans is laughing. The next, he has two eggs splattered on his face. Papyrus smirks. He juggles five eggs. “WHAT’S WRONG, BROTHER? NOT IN SUCH AN EGG-CELLENT MOOD NOW?” “HA!” Sans loudly laughs as he glares. His matching grin looks downright menacing. “Forgo’ how funny ya can be Paps.” Something zooms by you. The bowl of melted chocolate that was once beside you now sits upside down on Papyrus’s head: chocolate drips down him. “HA. HA. HA,” Papyrus growls. And so the war has begun. Food flies everywhere. You do your best to dodge and duck out of the way. <<if $route eq "sans">> Once you are in the safe zone, you realize you have a choice to make. Side with Sans. . . or side with Papyrus, Sans’ brother. You carefully consider your options. If the situation was reversed, what would you want? If you and Lawrence were playfully fighting, would you want Sans to join your side, or join Lawrence? <<cycle "$pickaside" autoselect>>\ <<option "You would want Sans to team up with Lawrence so the two could bond.">> <<option "You would want Sans to choose you, regardless of the situation.">> <</cycle>> [[Throw a carton of eggs at Papyrus.]] [[Throw a carton of eggs at Sans.]] [[Take two cartons and throw one at Sans and one at Papyrus.]] <<else>> Once you are in the safe zone, you realize you have a choice to make. Side with Papyrus. . . or side with Sans, Papyrus’ brother. You carefully consider your options. [[Throw a carton of eggs at Papyrus.]] [[Throw a carton of eggs at Sans.]] [[Take two cartons and throw one at Sans and one at Papyrus.]]<</if>>

You take a carton of eggs in each hand and throw it at both skeleton monsters. Papyrus splutters as Sans gapes at you. Then they exchange a long look. Grins split across their faces. “A’ight,” says Sans. “Free fer all it is.” “IT IS ONLY FAIR!” They both proceed to pelt you with nearby fruit. Revenge will be yours! Within an hour, you have run out of food to throw. The kitchen is a mess: the three of you look like you went dumpster diving behind a dinner at the end of a slow night. You’re grinning. [[You only have a moment to catch your breath when someone else walks in.]]

You decide it’s time to help out your boss like any loyal worker. You throw a box of eggs at the back of Sans’s head. <<if $route eq "sans">> Sans gapes at you as Papyrus cackles. The moment you and Papyurs high five, his whole expression shifts into delight. For a split second you see Sans positively beaming at you. Then it’s replaced with playful outrage. “How dare yeh betray me like this!” “NYEH HEH HEH,” Papyrus loudly laughs. “$NAME IS A LOYAL WORKER!” “Too damn loyal if yeh ask me!” <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> Papyrus cackles with delight. “WELL DONE!” Sans growls, “Yeh’ve made yer choice!” Yes, yes you did. <<else>> Papyrus howls with laughter at San’s incredulous face. You wheeze and clutch at your gut, tickled pink to catch him by surprise. <</if>> Sans pelts you with tomatoes hard enough that they splatter against you. Oh, that’s cold and squishy! Revenge will be yours! Within an hour, you have run out of food to throw. The kitchen is a mess: the three of you look like you went dumpster diving behind a dinner at the end of a slow night. You’re grinning. [[You only have a moment to catch your breath when someone else walks in.]]

You decide to side with Sans. You take a egg carton and throw it at Papyrus. <<if $route eq "papyrus">> Papyrus splutters and stares at you in disbelief. You $happyreaction He smiles widely. “I WILL NOT HOLD BACK, EVEN FOR //YOU.//” “Eyyy, welcome to the winnin’ team, kiddo,” says Sans with a wink. Papyrus hurls a bag of powdered sugar at Sans. It explodes and sugar goes everywhere. You cough and sputter as your vision is covered. <<elseif $route eq "sans">> Papyrus splutters. “I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN!” “HA! That’s my $sansnickname4!” Sans cackles. Papyrus hurls a bag of powdered sugar at Sans. It explodes and sugar goes everywhere. You cough and sputter as your vision is covered. <<else>> Papyrus splutters and stares at you in disbelief. “TRAITOR!” “Eyyy, welcome to the winnin’ team, kiddo,” says Sans with a wink. Papyrus hurls a bag of powdered sugar at Sans. It explodes and sugar goes everywhere. You cough and sputter as your vision is covered. <</if>> Revenge will be yours! Within an hour, you have run out of food to throw. The kitchen is a mess: the three of you look like you went dumpster diving behind a dinner at the end of a slow night. You’re grinning. [[You only have a moment to catch your breath when someone else walks in.]]

And in walks another skeleton. “Sans, how long does it take to fetch–//What the fuck.//” Ah. It’s Wingding. Wingding Gaster surveys the kitchen. He looks at the food covered walls and appliances. The floor is so messy you cannot even see the tiles anymore. He looks at his brothers--and you--who are as equally dirty. He stares at the three of you in disbelief. “You are //adults.//” “He started it.” / “HE INSTIGATED IT.” “You are //adults,//” Wingding repeats numbly. You offer Wingding an apology. <<if $route eq "wingding">> His face pinches up as if he bit into a sour lemon. ". . . Clean this up. All of you." <<else>> He places a hand over his face. “Clean this up. All of you.” <</if>> To your surprise, you see that he uses his shadows to grab a stool from the bar and pull it into the kitchen. He takes a seat on it. Sans looks mildly concerned. “Are yeh. . . gonna watch us. . .?” “Evidently I must,” he mutters. “You two cannot be trusted //to behave like adults.//” Papyrus looks embarrassed. The color under his eyesockets darkens to red and he glances away. <<if $route eq "papyrus">> You feel a twinge in your chest. You ask if this is a common occurrence. <<else>> You wonder out loud if this is a common occurrence. <</if>> “Yes,” says Wingding at the same time Papyrus and Sans deny it. “Oh c'mon,” says Sans. “I ain’t ever done a food fight with Paps before.” “But you two have destroyed several restaurants and bars,” snides Wingding, disdain evident in his tone. “Destroyed seems too harsh ‘ah word–” “If the stains and damages are so atrocious that the owner cannot re-open: then //destroy// is absolutely the correct word to use.” Oh. “Ehhh,” goes Sans. Sans shrugs. “We can hire a cleanin’ staff fer this. Pay ‘em well. No need fer //us// ta--” “Need a time out?” Wingding says quietly. Papyrus and Sans shake their heads. Time out? “DON’T ASK,” Papyrus warns you immediately. “Your mess. You clean it up,” stresses Wingding. The three of you exchange glances. Well. Your mess. You help them clean it up. [[You are sore, stinky, and sticky by the end of it.]]

Once the kitchen is immaculate, //you// are not. <<if $gender eq "woman">> <<set $HER = "HER">> <</if>><<if $gender eq "person">> <<set $HER = "THEIR">><</if>><<if $gender eq "man">> <<set $HER = "HIS">><</if>> All you want to do is take a $bathe. It wasn't a bad time, though. Sans, Papyrus, and Wingding would bicker with one another in a comforting familiarty that put you at ease. You didn't feel like the odd one out, as each brother would make it a point to include you in the conversation. <<if $route eq "papyrus">> Esepcially Papyrus. He kept hovering around you. The two of you constantly exchanged quick smiles when you made eye contact. If his brothers noticed, they politely ignored it. <<elseif $route eq "sans">> Especially Sans. He was always nearby, within arm's reach. He'd give you a wink every time you made eye contact. Sometimes, when both of his brothers were engrossed in coversation he'd lean over, and whisper to you, "Yer welcome to take a shower at //my// place after this." It'd be a lie to say you aren't tempted, but being covered in slimy food did //not// put you in that kind of mood. Especially when part of it has dried into your hair and was pulling at your scalp so you could feel a headache coming on. Very flattering of him to offer regardless. <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> Especially Wingding. He made it a point to keep asking you questions. So many, in fact, your throat was dry from talking so much and he got you a glass of water. He did not dare clean up--he clearly was averse to touching any of the food--but his shadows playfully danced around your feet. Sometimes they would brush up against your calves when Sans and Papyrus weren't looking. <</if>> It is late afternoon by the time everything had been restored. “$MISS $NAME,” says Papyrus. “THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.” Of course. You helped make it, it's only fair for you to help clean it up. “I APPRECIATE IT,” says Papyrus. “IT," He hesitates,"HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT WE ARE SHORT STAFF TOMORROW. WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO COME IN?” You hesitate. You have evening plans. You have to-- “I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT,” says Papyrus. Ah. Well. Okay then. "Would you like one of us to escort you home?" Wingding politely offers you. All three of them look at you expectantly. You shake your head, but thank them. <<if $route eq "sans">> "Yeh sure?" Sans asks. "No trouble." You're sure. You want to be able to go inside and head straight for the shower. Sans leers. "In //that// case--" Papyrus smacks Sans' back. "RESPECT $HER CHOICE." Sans rolls his eyelights. <<elseif $route eq "papyurs">> "ARE YOU CERTAIN? IT IS NO TROUBLE." You're sure. You want to be able to immediately go inside and head straight for the shower. Papyrus dips his head. "VERY WELL." <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> "Really?" Wingding frowns. "It's no issue. If you're refusing out of politeness, please don't. It's a sincere offer." And you are sincerely rejecting it. You want to be able to immediately go inside and head straight for the shower. "All the more reason to accept the offer. You won't be stopped--" You give him an amused, albeit flat look. You //highly// dobut anyone would stop you on the street like this. You reek of eggs. Wingding is about to respond when Papyrus sternly says, "RESPECT $HER CHOICE." You warmly thank Papyrus. <</if>> "Very well," says Wingding. "Do. . . keep safe." Yes. You always do. [[You head home.]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>>You take a $bathe. It lasts a lot longer than usual to scrub the yolks out of your hair. You end up needing to pause to clean out your drain. Unfortunately, you have to go for a second $bathe. But! You are clean, at long, long last. You dry off and change into your $pajamas. Thankfully, Papyrus packed food before the fight that managed to stay unharmed in the war. You decide to eat it as your dinner. Before you get the chance, you hear an odd sound like tinkling bells. It chimes from your night stand. You follow the noise and see the magical mirror Ralsei gave you is shining. You pick it up. Ralsei appears in the reflection. <<if $route eq "asriel">> You immediately flush, and start to fiddle with your wet hair. <</if>> "Hey," he greets you. "My sibling and I are catching a movie in an hour. Want to join us?" Uh. . . You're pretty tuckered out, and tomorrow you'll have a long, long day considering it's time to put up the posters again. <<if $route eq "asriel">> [[Yes. You want to see him.]] <<else>> [[Sure. You'll meet up with them.]] <</if>> [[Not tonight. You're tired.]]

<<set $movie = 1>> Why not? <<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $girl = "girl">><<elseif $gender eq "man">><<set $girl = "boy">><<elseif $gender eq "person">><<set $girl = "child">><</if>> You might be tired, but. . . you want to spend time with your friend. You change back out of your pajamas, and towel dry your hair more. Once you're certain it won't drip, you head out to the movie theater in the upper part of town. You see Ralsei standing outside. He's easy to spot as one of the few monsters in the crowd. There's a human standing next to him. A young. . . man? Woman? You're not certain. Their features are androgynous. Their chestnut brown hair is pulled back into a low pony tail, and their bright red eyes flicker over to you. They're dressed similarly to Ralsei. Ralsei smiles when he sees you. "Hello my friend." You greet him. "This is my sibling, Chara," says Ralsei. "Chara, this is $name." "Hi," says Chara. They look you up and down. "Huh. You look surprisingly normal." . . . Thank you? "If that's what you accept as a compliment, you're welcome," flippantly says Chara. "Chara!" Ralsei scolds. "Eh," goes Chara. They squint at you. "You look like you grew up in the hicks. You a country $girl?" What does it matter? "It doesn't," says Chara. "Merely asking." Why? "Why sidestep the question?" Why ask the question? "I see we're at a stand still here," says Chara. "I like it. You like chocolate?" <<if $drink eq "chocolate milk">> [[Yes, you like chocolate. You drink chocolate milk every morning.]] <<else>> [[Yes, you like chocolate.]] <</if>> [[No, you don't like chocolate.]]

<<set $movie = 1>> <<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $girl = "girl">><<elseif $gender eq "man">><<set $girl = "boy">><<elseif $gender eq "person">><<set $girl = "child">><</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>> You do. You really, really do. You get dressed and towel dry your hair more. Once certain it won't drip, you head out to the movie theater on the upper part of town. You see Ralsei standing outside. He's easy to spot as one of the few monsters in the crowd. There's a human standing next to him. A young. . . man? Woman? You're not certain. Their features are androgynous. Their chestnut brown hair is pulled back into a low pony tail, and their bright red eyes flicker over to you. They're dressed similarly to Ralsei. Ralsei beams as soon as he sees you. His eyes brighten. You can feel your heartbeat skip, a shy smile on your face as you hurry over to him. Ralsei reaches out to you and as soon as you are within reach he pulls you into a tight hug. "Hey," he says softly. You quietly return his greeting. Someone clears their throat. Ralsei stiffens and pulls away. He clears his throat and sheepishly apologizes. "S-Sorry, sib. U-Um. $name, this is Chara, my sibling. Chara, this is $name." "Hi," says Chara. They look you up and down. "Huh. You look surprisingly normal." . . . Thank you? "If that's what you accept as a compliment, you're welcome," flippantly says Chara. "Chara!" Ralsei scolds. "Eh," goes Chara. He squints at you. "You look like you grew up in the hicks. You a country $girl?" What does it matter? "It doesn't," says Chara. "Merely asking." Why? "Why sidestep the question?" Why ask the question? "I see we're at a stand still here," says Chara. "I like it. You like chocolate?" <<else>>You do. You really, really do. You get dressed and towel dry your hair more. Once certain it won't drip, you head out to the movie theater on the upper part of town. You see Ralsei standing outside. He's easy to spot as one of the few monsters in the crowd. There's a human standing next to him. A young. . . man? Woman? You're not certain. Their features are androgynous. Their chestnut brown hair is pulled back into a low pony tail, and their bright red eyes flicker over to you. They're dressed similarly to Ralsei. Ralsei beams as soon as he sees you. His eyes brighten. You can feel your heartbeat skip, an excited smile on your face as you hurry over to him. You both reach out to one another. As soon as he's within reach, you barrel into his outstretched arms and hug him tightly. You happily greet him. He softly returns your greeting. Someone clears their throat. Ralsei stiffens and pulls away. He clears his throat and sheepishly apologizes. "S-Sorry, sib. U-Um. $name, this is Chara, my sibling. Chara, this is $name." "Hi," says Chara. They look you up and down. "Huh. You look surprisingly normal." . . . Thank you? "If that's what you accept as a compliment, you're welcome," flippantly says Chara. "Chara!" Ralsei scolds. "Eh," goes Chara. He squints at you. "You look like you grew up in the hicks. You a country $girl?" What does it matter? "It doesn't," says Chara. "Merely asking." Why? "Why sidestep the question?" Why ask the question? "I see we're at a stand still here," says Chara. "I like it. You like chocolate?" <</if>> <<if $drink eq "chocolate milk">> [[Yes, you like chocolate. You drink chocolate milk every morning.]] <<else>> [[Yes, you like chocolate.]] <</if>> [[No, you don't like chocolate.]]

"Fair enough," says Ralsei. "Sweet dreams!" <<set $movie = 0>> Yes, sweet dreams. You enjoy your dinner and relax for the night. [[You have a dreamless night.]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>>You awaken refreshed and ready for the day. Which is good. Today you have to put up the posters. //His missing person posters.// . . . You're glad you got a good night's rest. [[You arrive at the Black Swan for your unexpected shift.]]

<<if $route eq "asriel">> It's literally your favorite thing to drink. You drink chocolate milk every morning. "I love you," says Chara. "What?" Ralsei squawks. "You can't confess your love every time someone says they like chocolate." "I feel a kindred soul in this one," says Chara. "We were meant to be." "No! You--you--" Ralsei splutters. "Step aside little bro," says Chara. Chara winks at you. "Want to turn this into a date?" "NO!" Ralsei smacks Chara's back. You pointedly shuffle closer to Ralsei. "I see how it is," says Chara. They're smiling. "All right. I'll let it go for now." "You better," Ralsei grumbles. "Uh-huh." <<elseif $route eq "sans">> It's literally your favorite thing to drink. You drink chocolate milk every morning. "I love you," says Chara. Ralsei rolls his eyes. "You do not." "I feel a kindred soul in this one," says Chara. "We were meant to be." "Ugh, please stop embarrassing me." "Step aside little bro," says Chara. Chara winks at you. "Want to turn this into a date?" You already have someone you like. "That's a shame. Hit me up if it doesn't work out?" . . . No, thank you. <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> It's literally your favorite thing to drink. You drink chocolate milk every morning. "I love you," says Chara. Ralsei rolls his eyes. "You do not." "I feel a kindred soul in this one," says Chara. "We were meant to be." "Ugh, please stop embarrassing me." "Step aside little bro," says Chara. Chara winks at you. "Want to turn this into a date?" You already have someone you like. "That's a shame. Hit me up if it doesn't work out?" . . . No, thank you. <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> It's literally your favorite thing to drink. You drink chocolate milk every morning. "I love you," says Chara. Ralsei rolls his eyes. "You do not." "I feel a kindred soul in this one," says Chara. "We were meant to be." "Ugh, please stop embarrassing me." "Step aside little bro," says Chara. Chara winks at you. "Want to turn this into a date?" No. "Okay," he says. . . . <<else>>It's literally your favorite thing to drink. You drink chocolate milk every morning. "I love you," says Chara. Ralsei rolls his eyes. "You do not." "I feel a kindred soul in this one," says Chara. "We were meant to be." "Ugh, please stop embarrassing me." "Step aside little bro," says Chara. Chara winks at you. "Want to turn this into a date?" No. "Okay," he says. . . . <</if>> "Oh well. I tried," says Chara. They look entirely unbothered. "Ready to watch the movie?" Ralsei sighs. "Sorry about them." <<set $movie = 2>> It's fine. [[The three of you watch a family friendly movie.]]

"We can't be friends," says Chara. "Azzy, I'll see you after the movie." "What--//Chara!//" But Chara's already turned on their heel and left. "Sorry about them," Ralsei apologizes. "They can be. . . difficult sometimes." It's okay. Maybe the two of you could become friends later. Ralsei smiles. "I hope so. Do you have a movie preference?" You shake your head. "Then may I pick?" Sure. [[Ralsei picks a comedy instead to try and lighten the mood.]]

"Okay, we can be friends," decides Chara. <<set $movie = 2>> Ralsei smiles in relief. "I'm glad. $name, do you know any of the movies out now?" No. "Do you care if we pick?" No. "Great. How about something easy to watch like a family movie?" <<if $route eq "asriel">> "No," says Chara. "Let's pick a romance." Ralsei stiffens. "Wh-Why?" "Because I want to see how awkward you can get," says Chara with a wide grin. Ralsei makes an annoyed noise. Chara chuckles. "Fine," they say. "Family friendly it is." <</if>> [[The three of you watch a family friendly movie.]]

The movie is awful. Atrocious feels too small of a word. It's. . . //boring.// You are not alone in feeling this. Chara makes a noise of disgust fifteen minutes in. "We paid money for this garbage?" "It might get better," says Ralsei, although he doesn't sound very hopeful. "It's offensively dull," says Chara. "That's not nice, Chara," says Ralsei. "I know," they say. You are seated between the two brothers--per Chara's insistence. This forces you to be much more involved in their bickering than you would want to. Chara leans across you to swat at Ralsei. "Awful pick." Ralsei flicks their nose. "It could get better! Give it a chance." "It could also //not// get better," Chara points out. They shrug and resettle into their seat. "Oh no. The main character is sad." Oh no, you morosely repeat. And then something surprising happens. The main character--or who you thought was the main character--gets stabbed from behind. Chara lights up like a child given a new toy. Ralsei, meanwhile, loudly gasps. You <<cycle "$moviereact" autoselect>>\ <<option "$happyreaction">> <<option "$laughreaction">> <<option "widen your eyes">> <<option "gasp">> <<option "squeal">> <<option "scream">> <<option "cringe">> <</cycle>>. "I thought this was a family movie!" Ralsei is utterly horrorfied. Chara cackles. "This is fantastic. I can get behind this." "I'm so sorry, $name," Ralsei says nervously. "I--I really--" It's okay! You've seen far worse. Ralsei relaxes at the insistence that you're fine. "Who do you think will be the next to go?" Chara asks you. Hmm. The movie's premise--as previously described to you by Ralsei--is about a group of classmates going camping over the summer to celebrate their last summer before adulthood. A coming-of-age type movie. The characters are all bland and stereotypes. [[You think the jock character will be the next to go.]] [[You think the cheerleader character will be the next to go.]] [[You think the nerdy character will be the next to go.]] [[You think the preppy character will be the next to go.]] [[You think the pessimistic character will be the next to go.]]

It's a fine enough movie. The two of you enjoy it and at the end Ralsei bids you goodnight and you head home. [[You have a dreamless night.]]

"Interesting," says Chara. "Personally, I think the jock will be the final survivor." Why? "He's a young man," says Chara. "Who do you think wrote this movie?" . . . That's not necessarily-- <<if $gender eq "woman">> "You're a woman," says Chara. "You already know what I mean, don't you? Who do you think the people want to survive more? Someone like you. . . or someone like him?" You can't argue against that. Women are considered second-class compared to men. <<elseif $gender eq "person">> "You're nonbinary like me, aren't you?" asks Chara. "You already know what I mean. Who do you think the people want to survive more? Someone like us. . . or someone like him?" You can't argue against that. <</if>> Chara gives you a considering look. Then it brightens and they say, "Don't look so glum. It's fantasy at the end of the day. Who knows. Maybe he won't be the final survivor." Chara leans back in their seat. "Meanwhile, let's sit back and enjoy the gorefest," they say brightly. "Ugh," goes Ralsei. <<if $route eq "asriel">> [[You give Ralsei a concerned look.]] <<else>> [[You give Ralsei a sympathetic look.]]<</if>>

"Interesting," says Chara. Chara leans back in their seat. "We'll find out, eh? Let's sit back and enjoy the gorefest," they say brightly. "Ugh," goes Ralsei. <<if $route eq "asriel">> [[You give Ralsei a concerned look.]] <<else>> [[You give Ralsei a sympathetic look.]]<</if>>

When Ralsei notices your look, he reaches over to take your hand and give it a squeeze. <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your cheeks warm. You squeeze his hand back. <<else>> You smile and squeeze back. <</if>> Thankfully, in spite of your worries, Ralsei stops being bothered by the gore pretty quick. Which is good, as the movie has a lot of it. A startling amount, actually. You're surprised this is even showing in theaters. The three of you watch the horror film that becomes increasingly absurd as it goes on. Chara adds clever commentary, and even Ralsei begins to snidely chime in when the characters do something stupid. "Why walk toward the rustling bush alone?" Chara shrewdly asks. When the bush, unsurprisingly, had the serial killer pop out, Ralsei sighs. "I refuse to believe anyone in this world could be that dumb," he says. "You clearly haven't visited a pub," Chara remarks. "That character was sober! No excuse." Chara points to the screen. "I don't know, she must be on something. She's tripped over her fifth root." Ralsei studies the movie as the character proceeds to trip over air. "Huh. Maybe you're right." "I mean," Chara goes, "they can't show underage drinking, right? Against the rules?" "Yeah?" "Mass murders, that's okay. But //drinking?//" "Clearly crosses a line." "A very important one." The siblings sigh. This type of commentary continues on. Chara and Ralsei will prompt you to join in--which you do--and it turns what would have been a boring movie into a fun experience. While Chara and Ralsei can bicker, it's clear they both love each other. Ralsei will affectionately pat Chara's head, and Chara will go around you to give Ralsei's shoulder a squeeze. In moments like these they remind you of how you and Lawrence would act. You haven't been to the theaters since. . . At the end of the movie, it's late enough that you know you should head home. "Are you sure you can't stay out longer?" Chara asks you. You have work tomorrow, so no. "Boo. Where do you work?" they ask you. The Black Swan. "That place serves some great food," says Chara. They nudge Ralsei. Ralsei offers you a warm. "Thank you for coming out." <<if $shy gt $bold>> You lower your gaze and mumble you were happy to do so. <<else>> You thank them for the invite. <</if>> [[It's very late by the time you make it back home.]]

In spite of your worries, Ralsei stops being bothered by the gore pretty quick. Which is good, as the movie has a lot of it. A startling amount, actually. You're surprised this is even showing in theaters. The three of you watch the horror film that becomes increasingly absurd as it goes on. Chara adds clever commentary, and even Ralsei begins to snidely chime in when the characters do something stupid. "Why walk toward the rustling bush alone?" Chara shrewdly asks. When the bush, unsurprisingly, had the serial killer pop out, Ralsei sighs. "I refuse to believe anyone in this world could be that dumb," he says. "You clearly haven't visited a pub," Chara remarks. "That character was sober! No excuse." Chara points to the screen. "I don't know, she must be on something. She's tripped over her fifth root." Ralsei studies the movie as the character proceeds to trip over air. "Huh. Maybe you're right." "I mean," Chara goes, "they can't show underage drinking, right? Against the rules?" "Yeah?" "Mass murders, that's okay. But //drinking?//" "Clearly crosses a line." "A very important one." The siblings sigh. This type of commentary continues on. Chara and Ralsei will prompt you to join in--which you do--and it turns what would have been a boring movie into a fun experience. While Chara and Ralsei can bicker, it's clear they both love each other. Ralsei will affectionately pat Chara's head, and Chara will go around you to give Ralsei's shoulder a squeeze. In moments like these they remind you of how you and Lawrence would act. You haven't been to the theaters since. . . At the end of the movie, it's late enough that you know you should head home. "Are you sure you can't stay out longer?" Chara asks you. You have work tomorrow, so no. "Boo. Where do you work?" they ask you. The Black Swan. "That place serves some great food," says Chara. They nudge Ralsei. Ralsei offers you a smile. "Thank you for coming out." You thank them for the invite. [[It's very late by the time you make it back home.]]

It's been a busy day. A fun day! But a busy one. You change into your $pajamas and crawl into bed. As you close your eyes, you find it hard not to compare the relationships you've seen. Chara and Ralsei. . . Sans, Papyrus, and Wingding. . . They all clearly care for one another. You wonder. . . You wonder what Lawrence would make of them. You wonder what they would think of him. Lawrence. . . You close your eyes as sleepy memories bubble to the surface. [[A home must be neat.]]

-if william known player goes to check them. -otherwise player Hidden text: You did this to him. He can't remember enough, but he remembers //the pain.// He begged you. He begged and pleaded with you. //Stay with me//, he pleaded. //Don't leave me, darlin'//, he begged as you made him watch. Made him watch you die. When you saw the truth. When you learned of ''//what he had done.//'' The knife was in your hand without a second thought. It didn't matter how hard he pressed his hand to your throat, or how loudly he sobbed. The knife had done it's job. And so you had to yours. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. You broke him. (ADDED) You did this to him. (ADDED) He doesn't understand. (ADDED) He doesn't know why looking at you ''hurts so much.'' He can't. (ADDED) If he did. . . ''He would never let you go.'' <<if $route is "sans">> <<addclass "html" "sanscursor">> <<elseif $route is "papyrus">> <<addclass "html" "papyruscursor">> <<run console.log("ddd")>> <<elseif $route is "wingding">> <<addclass "html" "wingdingcursor">> <<elseif $route is "asriel">> <<addclass "html" "asrielcursor">> <<elseif $route is "friendship">> <<addclass "html" "friendshipcursor">> <</if>>

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" volume 1 loop play>>You arrive at the Black Swan, fully prepared to only see one or two other workers inside. <<set $drrosechoosesyou = 0>> <<set $playerprofile = 1>> That is the entire reason you are there, after all. //“I APPRECIATE IT,” says Papyrus. “IT," he hesitates,"HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT WE ARE SHORT STAFF TOMORROW. WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO COME IN?”// Upon entering the restaurant, you found that to be untrue. You see several waiters and waitresses bustling about as they prep the restaurant to open. <<if $job eq "bartender">> You see the usual first-shift bartender behind the counter. <<elseif $job eq "singer">> You see the jazz band playing up on stage. <<elseif $job eq "pianist">> You see the jazz band playing up on stage. <</if>> . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Oh, Pappy. Too kind in your own way.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Oh, Pappy. Too kind in your own way.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Oh, Pappy. Too kind in your own way.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Oh, Pappy. Too kind in your own way.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Oh, Pappy. Too kind in your own way .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Oh, Pappy. Too kind in your own way.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;LOh, Pappy. Too kind in your own wayiar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Oh, Pappy. Too kind in your own way.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Oh, Pappy. Too kind in your own way.@@ <</if>> This is not short-staffed. <<if $job eq "bartender">> You’ve worked as a waiter for back up before, but you don’t see anyone missing from the staff. <<elseif $job eq "singer">> You’ve worked as a waitress for back up before, but you don’t see anyone missing from the staff. <</if>> Ray is the first to spot you. He greets you with a warm–albeit slightly confused--tone, “Good mornin’, $Miss $name.” You return his greeting, equally confused. “What are you doin’ here?” he asks as he approaches. “Coverin’ for someone?” You explain that Papyrus asked you to come in, as he said this shift was short-staffed. Ray’s brow furrows. “. . . Odd. Well, uh. . .” <<if $job eq "bartender">> Ray pointedly looks at the bar counter. <<elseif $job eq "singer">> Ray pointedly looks at the stage. <<elseif $job eq "pianist">> Ray pointedly looks at the stage. <<else>> Ray pointedly looks at the waiters and waitresses wiping down tables. <</if>> “. . . Want to be the maître d?” he asks. Normally the position was shared by all the waiters and waitresses. Whoever was closest to the front door at the time the guests would arrive would step into the role if the guests lingered. This is because most of the guests prefer to pick their spots to sit at, and some will get grouchy if forced to sit in a spot they don’t like. Your expression becomes pinched. “I’m not sure what else you can do,” he says apologetically. “We’re fully staffed this shift.” Perhaps Papyrus was mistaken, then? If you’re not needed, then there is no reason to stay. You could be putting up Lawrence’s missing posters instead. [[Leave. You’d rather put up the posters before it gets dark.]] [[Stay. You don’t want to leave when Papyrus asked you to come in.]]

You head home. $intuition As you near your apartment, your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>begins to react. $intuition You hear gunshots, screams, and tires screeching. You barely have time to think, let alone react, when suddenly a huge van careens down the road. Mafioso men are hanging out the window and the second you make eye contact with one of them-- //BANG!// Suddenly, there is sharp pain so cold it burns. Or burns so much it's cold? You can't breathe. You look down to see blood oozing out of your chest. There's a hole in your chest. //Oh.// Adrenaline keeps the pain at bay as you let go of the fence. You fall backwards and hit the pavement. BAD ENDING #8 - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART (AGAIN)

You get dressed in a <<if $gender eq "woman">> waitress <<else>> waiter <</if>>uniform and move to stand up front. The beginning shift is rarely busy. The Black Swan is not a breakfast place, after all, so the shift is primarily used to prep for the evening and night shifts. After a solid thirty minutes of standing up front with nothing happening, you decide to do something else. You grab several trays of the silverware from the kitchen, along with some polish and towels. You set them down on a table and take a seat. You start to polish the silverware. After ten minutes, you are joined by another waiter and waitress who also have nothing else to do. Ray and the chefs bring you more things to polish as time goes on. It’s better than standing around and doing nothing. Some customers start to arrive. Your coworkers leave to tend to them. You keep your head down and work on the silverware. <<if (($movie eq 2)) and ($route eq "asriel")>> [[You feel the booth you are seated in sink down. Two people have slid in on either side of you.]] <<elseif $movie eq 2>> [[You feel the booth you are in sink down. Two people have slid in on either side of you.]] <<else>> It is a long, tedious, shift. [[You are relieved when it is over.]]<</if>>

It’s Ralsei and Chara. Chara casually drapes an arm around the back of your shoulders. “Hello fellow chocolate lover.” <<if ((($route eq "sans"))) or (($route eq "papyrus")) or ($route eq "wingding")>> You carefully remove Chara’s arm. <</if>> You say, "<<cycle "$greeting" autoselect>>\ <<option "Hello.">> <<option "Good day.">> <<option "Hi.">> <<option "Hey.">> <<option "Um?">> <<option ". . . ">> <</cycle>>" “Thought we’d stop by and spice up your day,” says Chara. “A good thing too. //Polishing silverware?// There isn’t enough money in the world to make me do that.” “Is this what you normally do?” Ralsei inquires. You explain the situation. “Either you’ve got an idiot for a boss or he lied to you,” says Chara. <<if (($route eq "papyrus")) and ($shy gt $bold)>> You feel immediately offended on behalf of Papyrus. “Oh great,” says Chara. “You’ve got the hots for him, huh?” You suck in a sharp breath. Your ears burn as you lower your gaze. “That is adorable,” cooes Chara. “Chara, be nice,” says Ralsei. “This is me being nice,” says Chara. “Maybe the boss has the hots for you too. Wants you //all// to himself so he’s monopolizing your time.” Papyrus isn’t like that. <<elseif (($route eq "papyrus")) and ($bold gt $shy)>> You feel immediately offended on behalf of Papyrus. “Oh great,” says Chara. “You’ve got the hots for him, huh?” You tilt your chin up. So what? "Hope he gives it to you then." “Chara, don't be vulger,” says Ralsei. “Virgin,” dismisses Chara--Ralsei squawks in indigination at that--and Chara continues, “Maybe the boss has the hots for you too. Wants you //all// to himself so he’s monopolizing your time.” Papyrus isn’t like that. <<else>> You frown. Papyrus is not stupid. You don’t. . . you don’t think he lied to you, either. It’s perfectly possible he made an honest mistake. <</if>> Chara makes a noncommittal noise. “. . . Wait, uh. . . Papyrus is his name?” Yes. “Papyrus Gaster?” Yes. “Huh,” goes Chara. You ask Chara if they know Papyrus. Chara shrugs. “We’ve met a few times. When you live in the Fell Kingdom, you get a chance to meet all sorts of monsters. Right A–Ralsei?” “Yes,” says Ralsei slowly. “From what I remember of Papyrus, he’s not the type of monster to, um. . . I don’t think he’d lie to you out of malice. It’d be a surprise if this was an honest mistake since he’s normally very, um, you know. . . ?” “Put together?” offers Chara. “Organized,” agrees Ralsei. Hmm. “What are you doing after work?” asks Chara. “Wanna catch 'nother movie? There’s a thriller airing–” You briefly smile but shake your head. You have something important to do. “What could possibly be more important than watching another horrible movie?” asks Chara. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <</if>> [[Sidestep the question. You don’t feel ready to tell them about Lawrence.]] [[Answer honestly. You don’t mind if they know.]]

It’s Ralsei and Chara. Chara casually greets you with a, “Hello fellow chocolate lover.” <<if $bold gt $shy>> You look at Ralsei. You look at his arm. You pick it up and put it around your shoulders as you shift in closer to him. Ralsei makes a happy noise in the back of his throat, similar to a hum. “I like you,” says Chara. “I like you very much.” You wink at Chara. You like yourself, too. <<else>> Ralsei semi-casually puts his arm around your shoulders. You can barely feel it; it’s clear he’s hovering it in case you want to pull away. You swallow roughly, your heart pounding in your chest as you quietly shift closer to him. When he feels you press your back and side into him, he lowers his arm fully. You can’t fight the $happyreaction as you shyly focus on polishing the silverware. “You two are adorable,” says Chara. “It makes me both happy as a sibling, and disgusted as a single person.” <</if>> You ask them what brings them here today? “Thought we’d stop by and spice up your day,” says Chara. “A good thing too. //Polishing silverware?// There isn’t enough money in the world to make me do that.” “Is this what you normally do?” Ralsei inquires. You explain the situation. “Either you’ve got an idiot for a boss or he lied to you,” says Chara. You frown. Papyrus is not stupid. You don’t. . . you don’t think he lied to you, either. It’s perfectly possible he made an honest mistake. Chara makes a noncommittal noise. “. . . Wait, uh. . . Papyrus is his name?” Yes. “Papyrus Gaster?” Yes. “Huh,” goes Chara. You ask Chara if they know Papyrus. Chara shrugs. “We’ve met a few times. When you live in the Fell Kingdom, you get a chance to meet all sorts of monsters. Right, Ralsei?” “Yes,” says Ralsei slowly. “From what I remember of Papyrus, he’s not the type of monster to, um. . . I don’t think he’d lie to you out of malice. It’d be a surprise if this was an honest mistake since he’s normally very, um, you know. . . ?” “Put together?” offers Chara. “Organized,” agrees Ralsei. Hmm. “What are you doing after work?” asks Chara. “Wanna catch another movie? There’s a thriller airing–” You briefly smile but shake your head. You have something important to do. “What could possibly be more important than watching another horrible movie?” asks Chara. . . . . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Sometimes it feels like your life is a horror movie.@@ <</if>> [[Sidestep the question. You don’t feel ready to tell them about Lawrence.]] [[Answer honestly. You don’t mind if they know.]]

You work until the end of your shift. You get dressed in your casual clothes, and when you step back out, <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[Papyrus is waiting for you.]] <<elseif $route eq "sans">> [[Sans is waiting for you.]] <<else>> [[Your boss is waiting for you.]]<</if>>

You're good at avoiding questions. Chara and Ralsei keep you company for another hour. It's fun chatting with them. Eventually, they decide to leave. Both of them are craving treats. You work until the end of your shift. You get dressed in your casual clothes, and when you step back out, <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[Papyrus is waiting for you.]] <<elseif $route eq "sans">> [[Sans is waiting for you.]] <<else>> [[Your boss is waiting for you.]]<</if>>

You have to put up posters of your missing brother. Chara and Ralsei sit back, both of their eyes wide. “What?” Ralsei quietly asks. His grow scrunches in the middle, as his golden-red eyes remain wide. In a soft, worrying tone he asks, “Your brother is missing?” . . . Yes. “How long?” Chara inquires, their voice is surprisingly gentle. Five years. Ralsei and Chara exchange unreadable looks. <<if $route eq "asriel">> Ralsei pulls you close against his chest. He hugs you tightly. You can feel Chara rub up and down your back in a friendly manner. <<else>> They both wrap their arms around you. <</if>> “That sucks ass,” says Chara. “I’m so sorry, my friend,” says Ralsei. “We’ll help,” says Chara. “C’mon, let’s leave.” What? Leave? “Yes, it’d be better to do it before it gets dark,” says Ralsei. “Between the three of us, we can get it done in no time. We can stop by Malsai afterward and get some more $malaitreat.” You bite your lip. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;What happens next? We so rarely make it this far.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;What happens next? We so rarely make it this far.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;What happens next? We so rarely make it this far.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;What happens next? We so rarely make it this far.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;What happens next? We so rarely make it this far.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;What happens next? We so rarely make it this far.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;What happens next? We so rarely make it this far.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;What happens next? We so rarely make it this far.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;What happens next? We so rarely make it this far.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;What happens next? We so rarely make it this far.@@ <</if>> @@.blurwhite;That's my fault.@@ On one hand, they’re right. It’s better to do it before it gets dark, and if you have their help, it’ll go by much quicker. On the other hand, Papyrus specifically asked you to be here. Ditching could be. . . bad. Very bad. . . . What do you want to do? [[You think it’s more important to stay.]] [[You think it’s more important to leave.]]

You'd rather stay. Chara and Ralsei keep you company for another hour. It's fun chatting with them. Eventually, they decide to leave. Both of them are craving treats. You work until the end of your shift. You get dressed in your casual clothes, and when you step back out, <<if $route eq "papyrus">> [[Papyrus is waiting for you.]] <<elseif $route eq "sans">> [[Sans is waiting for you.]] <<else>> [[Your boss is waiting for you.]]<</if>>

Chara and Ralsei scoot out of the booth to let you out. You head over to Ray and let him know that you’re leaving. “Okay,” says Ray. “See you later.” You, Chara, and Ralsei, leave the restaurant. As you anticipated needing to start putting them up right after work, you brought a duffel bag filled with them in. “I’ve seen these,” Chara mumbles when they see the poster. “You’ve been pretty consistent.” You try to be. “Have you gotten any leads?” asks Chara. Nothing new. “Is there. . . “ Ralsei trails off. “Can we. . . I mean, we have some. . . friends. We could ask around. Do you mind if we keep a few?” Of course not. Any lead at this point would be. . . good. “Any idea what, uh, might have. . . caused this?” asks Chara. "Was he with a bad crowd?” Your brother was a detective in Rune City. A very good one at that. He came to Delta on a case, and disappeared while investigating it. “Oh no,” Ralsei whispers. Chara looks uneasy. “He was a. . . good cop, then? Not the type to. . . ?” "<<cycle "$lawrencewas" autoselect>>\ <<option "Take a bribe from the mafia and look away, like the police here do?">> <<option "Look the other way?">> <<option "Choose profit over justice?">> <</cycle>>", you dryly ask. Chara nods, their brow furrowed. No. He was–//is//–not the type. For some reason Ralsei looks sick. “I–I’m so sorry th–that he’s missing.” “Yeah,” Chara says hollowly, their gaze downcast. “. . . Sorry.” [[It takes only two hours between the three of you to put up the posters.]]

It could have been worse. You’re very grateful for their help. Chara and Ralsei ask you about Lawrence. It’s been such a long time since you were able to do that. To. . . talk about your brother in a positive manner. You tell them about his bad jokes, and his inability to cook. They laugh at how he managed to set a pot of water on fire. You tell them about his time in the academy, and how he was so excited on his first day he forgot to put on pants and almost walked out the door. If it weren’t for your panicked intervention, he would have likely walked to school in only boxers. Some of the stories ring familiar with them. Chara tells you about a time that Ralsei wore his shirt backwards for an entire day–the tag stuck out in front. Ralsei tells you about a time Chara tried to make a hat out of chocolate, but then forgot to account for how chocolate melts in the sun and. . . well. You can imagine the results. They ask you about some of the cases he did–and they actually recognize a fair few of them. “I read about that in the paper!” says Chara. “Wow, that was your brother who solved it?” “He sounds like an incredible detective,” praises Ralsei. “Sounds like we coulda used him back when D.R. was active,” says Chara. “Bet he woulda solved it.” You $happyreaction, pride swells inside you. Yes. You bet he could have. [[What would have normally taken you four to five hours was done in two, and you were in a good mood by the end of it.]]

<<if (((((($guess eq "Raindrop cake")))))) or ((((($guess eq "Raindrop cake "))))) or (((($guess eq "raindrop cake")))) or ((($guess eq "raindrop cake "))) or (($guess eq "Raindrop")) or ($guess eq "Raindrop ")>>Chara looks at you in disgust and awe. “How did you guess that? Yes. You’re right. It was a sugarless raindrop cake.” Their face pinches up as if they bit into a rotten lemon. “It was revolting.” <<else>> Chara shakes their head. “A sugarless raindrop cake. Essentially flavorless goo with flowers inside.” Their face pinches up as if they bit into a rotten lemon. “It was revolting.” <</if>> Ralsei stares off into the distance. “. . . Terrible, simply terrible.” You give them sympathy pats on the shoulders. “Which is why,” Chara continues, “we cherish moments like these. Sneaking out and eating sweets. . . what could be better?” Chara pauses. They wink at you. “And spending time with our friend, of course.” Your lips twitch. You can’t fight smiling at them. Friend, huh? “I should warn you,” says Chara. They sling an arm around your shoulder. “I’m very clingy as a friend.” Ralsei snorts. You think you can adjust to that. “I’m glad we’ve reached an understanding,” says Chara. [[You spend another hour with Chara and Ralsei.]]

It was a good time. <<if $route eq "wingding">> [[You start to walk home in a fast pace.]] <<elseif $route eq "sans">> [[You make an attempt to go home.]] <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> [[You head back to the Black Swan.]] <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> [[Ralsei walks you home.]] <<else>> [[Of course the day couldn't have ended easily for you.]]<</if>>

When you arrive at your apartment, there are police there. Of course. //Of course.// It looks like there was a raid or //something// while you were at work. Ralsei assesses the scene quietly. You tiredly rub your eyes. You don't want to have to deal with this, but what choice do you have? You're about to walk up to the DO NOT CROSS tape, but Ralsei pulls you back. "Um. . . let's avoid them." How? Ralsei smiles at you. "Do you trust me?" Yes. He opens his arms. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You step into them. He easily picks you up and swings you to carry you bridal-style. You wrap your arms around the back of his neck and hold tightly. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Suddenly you are both very high off the ground. You suck in a sharp breath as you look down. Ralsei. . . can fly? "Levitate," he corrects. "I, uh, can't go too far off the ground. But it's enough. . . which window is yours?" You point to your apartment window with the yellow roses. You always leave the window open. It'll be too big for Ralsei to fit through, but you could manage. Ralsei floats above everyone and helps you through the window. Once you're firmly on the ground inside, he gives you a smile. "Sweet dreams, $name," he says to you. Sweet dreams, Ralsei. Ralsei grips the window. "Hey, um. . . $name?" <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> "Can I--um--Would it be okay if I came inside for a minute? To, um, properly say goodnight?" <<if $shy gt $bold>> [[You shyly nod your head.]] <<else>> [[You wink. Absolutely.]]<</if>>

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" volume 1 loop play>>You head back to the Black Swan, anxious to see if Papyrus would be there. While you do not regret your choice, you do want to check up on Papyrus and. . . You enter the restaurant and feel your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>thump in your chest. Your $eyecolor eyes scan the area, searching for him. You find him the same second he finds you. Papyrus Gaster steps out of the kitchen and immediately notices you. The tall skeleton monster strides forward and grasps both of your arms. “WHERE DID YOU GO?” You– “WHY DID YOU LEAVE?” he asks. He then starts to turn you around. “ARE YOU HURT?” No! You’re fine. Only after he is satisfied you are not hurt, he stops turning you around. He glares at you. "YOU LEFT." Yes, you're sorry. ". . . I FORGIVE YOU," he says. "DO NOT DO IT AGAIN." You won't. Papyrus smiles at you. "SINCE YOU. . . CAME BACK. I WILL WALK YOU HOME." You $happyreaction. [[Papyrus walks you home.]]

When you arrive at your apartment, there are police there. Of course. //Of course.// It looks like there was a raid or //something// while you were at work. You tiredly rub your eyes. You don't want to have to deal with this, but what choice do you have? You walk up to the DO NOT CROSS tape and (im)patiently wait for an office to come over to address you. The one that does is young--fresh face--and warily asks you, "Yes $maam?" You point to your apartment. You explain you need to cross the line to get home. "Yes, $maam. . ." the officer lifts the line. He has to escort you. . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Don't look too close.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Don't look too close.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Don't look too close.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Don't look too close.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Don't look too close.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Don't look too close.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Don't look too close.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Don't look too close.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Don't look too close.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Don't look too close.@@ <</if>> You try not to look at the fresh bloodstains. It must have been a bloodbath to warrant police intervention. Not only from your building, but the surrounding buildings. Lucky you for working. The officer takes you up the flight of stairs. To your surprise, however, someone is waiting for you at your door. $intuition Sans. His red eyelights zero in on you. He growls out, "Where the fuck were yeh?" You reflexively stiffen at his aggressive tone. "Uh," goes the officer. "//Scram,//" Sans snaps at him. The officer does not need to be told twice. He leaves immediately. Sans makes a move to grab your arm. $Pa tries to grab at you, furious with what you did. You step out of his reach. "Do //not//," he warns. You ask him why he is upset with you? "What do yeh mean? Yeh weren't there, yeh weren't here, and this whole place has been shot up," Sans says testily. "Where the fuck were yeh?" You were with your friends-- "Yeh ditch work to hang out with some bozos?" Sans demands, his voice getting louder. . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;He's scared.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;He's scared.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;He's scared.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;He's scared.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;He's scared.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;He's scared.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;He's scared.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;He's scared.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;He's scared.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;He's scared.@@ <</if>> You also had something important to do. Sans snorts derisively. "What's that?" He leans in close to you, then apparently gets a whiff of something he doesn't like His eyesockets narrow, and his eyelights shrink into thin slits. He asks in a low, dangerous tone, “Who the hell touched ya?” <<if $shy gt $bold>> What? You startle at the shift. <<else>> What? Your brow furrows in confusion. <</if>> “Yeh reek of men’s cologne,” he says, roughly grabbing your wrists. “I can’t even smell $smell on yeh anymore.” He pulls you up to him, his expression dark and furious. “Who. Touched. You?” //Ralsei and Chara exchange unreadable looks. Then they both wrap their arms around you.// You. . . hugged your friends? "And they both men?" One is. “Don’t do it again.” <<if $sansbadending eq 1>> [[What? You feel angered.]] <<else>> [[What? You feel confused.]]<</if>>

"Good evening, $Miss $name," casually greets a familiar voice. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Your lips twitch into an unwitting smile. You murmur a soft hello to Wingding Gaster as he steps out of the shadows. "You," he says, "were not at the Black Swan earlier." No. "You normally ditch work?" he asks. No. "Have something more important to do?" he inquires. Yes. "Ah," he says. "I can understand that." Wingding cocks his head. "It is, however, growing late. Would you care for some company back?" <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your cheeks burn as you mutely nod. <<else>> You beam. Absolutely! <</if>> Wingding offers his arm. You accept it. Wingding is a perfect gentleman as he walks you back to your apartment. Unfortunately, your apartment has seen better days. When you arrive at your apartment, there are police there. Of course. //Of course.// It looks like there was a raid or //something// while you were at work. You tiredly rub your eyes. You don't want to have to deal with this, but what choice do you have? "How unfortunate," says Wingding. "Perhaps it would be better if you stayed elsewhere for the night?" . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;It will be too late if you let him take you again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;It will be too late if you let him take you again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;It will be too late if you let him take you again.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;It will be too late if you let him take you again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;It will be too late if you let him take you again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;It will be too late if you let him take you again .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;It will be too late if you let him take you again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;It will be too late if you let him take you again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;It will be too late if you let him take you again.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;It will be too late if you let him take you again.@@ <</if>> Like where? Wingding smiles. "Well I have a nice, spacious, spare area--" $intuition "--if you'd like to stay in it? It's very safe." Something tells you accepting that would be a very bad idea. [[Accept it anyway.]] [[Politely refuse, you would like to sleep in your own bed.]]

If it were a stranger yelling at you, you'd walk or run away. Someone you like, however? You don't want to leave, but you don't feel comfortable with his aggression.

$intuition Your anger was not something he expected. He leans back for a moment, then glares back at you. "What do ya mean //what?// Ya have me, don't ya?" You have friends, too. Friends you like. Friends you want to hug. "More than me? Yeh want them to touch yeh more than me?" he asks you. Your face turns hot with anger. You ball up your hands into tight fists. That's not what this is about-- "Why the fuck do yeh need them, when yeh have //me?//" You DON'T need any of them, you angrily snap. Sans stares at you for a long moment. "Yeh don't need me?" he asks you quietly. No. //You don't.// $intuition Sans breathes out slowly, red smoke pools out of his mouth as he does. You stiffen, suddenly reminded of your nightmare. "Yeh don't need me," he starts to chuckle hollowly, mirthlessly You turn to leave, but suddenly he grabs your arm with enough force you know you can't break away. You struggle in vain but he effortlessly lifts off the ground as more and more red smoke billows out of him. It fills the hallway in seconds and clings to you. "Sure, darlin," he says. "//Sure.//" You struggle and try to fight back. You kick and claw at the hand gripping your arm, but Sans is entirely undeterred. "It's okay," he tells you. "Yer gonna figure it out soon enough." Red smoke starts to choke you. It fills your chest with with a smoky-spicy stench. It's too thick to breathe and you gasp and choke on it. You're desperate to catch your breath but each intake leaves you struggling more and more. Your limbs start to grow weak and you hang limply in his grasp. BAD ENDING #6 - NIGHTMARE REALIZED

Why? You’re not. . . angry or anything. You simply don’t understand. The confusion in your tone is enough to make him frown. Sans shifts his weight side to side. Your calm demeanor and sincere perplexion throws him off balance. He carefully thinks it over. “Well. . . ‘cause I don’t like it,” he says after a moment. You ask again. You don't understand. “What’dya mean //why?//” He scowls. “No one else should touch yeh. ‘Specially not enough to get their cologne all over yeh.” You want to be able to hug your friends. It was really nice. Sans’s eyes narrow again. “I can hug yeh.” His hugs are different. “How so?!” How you feel for him is different from how you feel for your friends. It’s like comparing hugging him to. . . how you hugged your brother. “//Still//,” he presses. You don’t understand why he’s upset. If the smell bothers him you can always take a $bathe. “Because--because--” Sans waves his hands. “Ah fuck it. If yeh don’t get it, just--fuck it.” He waves both of his hands and and moves to march past you. [[You move to catch his hand. You don't want to see him leave upset.]] [[You let him go. Maybe he'll be able to better explain when he's calmer and you want to respect his boundary.]]

Sans stops at your <<if $shy gt $bold>> hesitant<</if>> grip on his jacket. <<if $gender eq "woman">><<set $gal = "gal">> <</if>> <<if $gender eq "man">><<set $gal = "pal">> <</if>> <<if $gender eq "person">><<set $gal = "kid">> <</if>> You sincerely ask him to please stay and help you understand. <<set $sansstatus = "stayed">> The combination of your genuine tone and pleading eyes make him wince. He sags and sighs. "$name, $sansnickname1, $sansnickname2. . . I ain't the kind of man who likes ta share. 'Specially on someone I'm sweet on, yeh understand?" It's different, though. He has brothers. Does he not hug them? "I do," he says evenly. You tell him that what you feel for your friends is similar. "I understand that," he says slowly after a minute of silence. "I don't like it." Why? Sans gives you a long look. He stares into your eyes so long that you can feel your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>swell with affection. His eyelights expand and soften. He steps closer to you and gently cups your face. "I wanna be enough for ya," he says quietly. "I can take care of ya. Whatever ya need, whatever ya want. . . I can provide it." Your smile is small and soft as you look up at him. <<if $bold gt $shy>> You turn your head to gently kiss his hand. He takes that as invintation, and he bends down to sweetly kiss you. <<else>> Sans bends down to sweetly kiss you. <</if>> "Yeh make my head fuzzy, $sansnickname3," he says. ". . . Sorry." It's okay. You can try to refrain-- "No, no. . . just, ah, let me meet with 'em 'for ya do it next time, 'kay?" he asks you. You agree to that. He kisses you again. "That's my $gal." He kisses your nose, then your forehead. "I'm glad yeh made it back safe." You too. He chuckles at that. "Get some shut-eye. I'll talk to yeh tomorrow." You're looking forward to it. [[It's time to end your day.]]

You watch him stomp down the hallway and disappear around the corner. <<set $sansstatus = "left">> [[It's time to end your day.]]

When you arrive at your apartment, there are police there. Of course. //Of course.// It looks like there was a raid or //something// while you were at work. You tiredly rub your eyes. You don't want to have to deal with this, but what choice do you have? "PLEASE, ALLOW ME," says Papyrus. . . . ? Papyrus steps over the DO NOT CROSS tape with ease. Some of the officers spare him a glance, but after they realize who he is, they pointedly ignore him. Papyrus lifts the tape up for you. You duck underneath. . . . Papyrus has connections to the police? "POLICE, ROYAL FAMILY, BUSINESSES. . . MANY CONNECTIONS," he muses. "SOME OF MY OWN MAKING, AND SOME FROM MY BROTHERS. YOU DO NOT NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THIS." You see. . . Papyrus escorts you up to your apartment. He offers you a gracious bow. "WE HAVE ARRIVED SAFE. I HOPE YOU HAVE A PLEASANT NIGHT." <<if $shy gt $bold>> Papyrus hesitates. He then bends over and places a quick kiss on your cheek. <<else>> You tug down at Papyrus' tie. Not hard, but enough to make him bend over. You kiss his cheek. <</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Papyrus straightens up and clears his throat, a red hue under his eyesockets. "AH-HEM." <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your face burns and you can't fight the silly grin you get. "I HOPE THAT IS, AH, FINE WITH YOU. . . ?" More than fine. Papyrus smiles at you, his skull darkening to cute red. "GOOD. //GOOD.// HAVE A PLEASANT NIGHT, $MISS $NAME." You tell him to do the same. <<else>> You hope that's okay with him? "IT IS GO--I MEAN--YES," he says, stumbling over his words. "YES. IT IS FINE. OKAY. WITH. ME. YES. GOOD NIGHT, $MISS $NAME." You $happyreaction. Good night, Papyrus. <</if>> [[It's time to end your day.]]

Wingding smiles at you. And abruptly you fall into his shadows up to your nose. "Don't worry, darling," he says, "when I have more time to dedicate to you, you'll come out. Things are simply. . . very busy." He playfully pokes your nose. "But you understand that," he says, "that's why you chose this. Thank you, my dear, for being so patient with me." . . . The shadows swallow you completely. BAD ENDING #7 - WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>>"Very well," he says. He shifts to move his arm and place it <<if $gender eq "woman">> around your waist <<else>> around your shoulders <</if>>. Shadows lift up around you and obscure your view. When they are gone, you are in your apartment with him. Oh! Wingding steps away and offers you a polite bow. "At your service, my dear." You thank him. He straightens up and smiles at you. <<if (($hairlength eq "long")) or ($hairlength eq "very long")>> He raises a hand and gently pulls forward a lock of your $haircolor hair. He raises it to his lips and gently kisses it. <</if>> "Anything for you my dear." <<if $bold gt $shy>> . . . Anything? you slyly ask. Wingding chuckles. "Within my power." That means the moon is out of the picture? "If I could give you the moon, I would," he assures you. Very gracious of him, considering the two of you don't know much about each other. . . yet. "Yet," he concurs. Would he be willing to change that? "I," he says slowly, "am a very busy man. . . but if that is what you wish. . ." It is. ". . . I will make time for you," he says. <<else>> You shyly $happyreaction and demurely look away. You tell him you're already very grateful for what he has done. Wingding chuckles, "I have hardly done anything yet, my dear." Yet? "Yet," he repeats. He pauses. ". . . I am, unfortunately, a very busy man at this point in time." You frown. ". . . but if you are willing to be patient with me, I would like to set aside some time to meet with you again," he says. <</if>> You'd like that very much. Wingding smiles. "Then I will come to you the next time I have more than a few minutes to spare. [[It's time to end your day.]]

You're glad you can finally go to bed, completely spent from the long day. <<if $drrosechoosesyou eq 1>> [[A nightmare takes you.]] <<elseif $sansstatus eq "left">> [[A nightmare takes you.]] <<elseif $deathrisk eq 1 and $playerheardconspiracy eq 1>> [[Memories bleed into your dreams again.]] <<else>> [[A nightmare takes you.]]<</if>>

"THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK," he says. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>swells with happiness. "IF YOU WOULD GIVE ME THE HONOR OF WALKING YOU HOME, I WOULD BE MOST GRATEFUL," says Papyrus. You $happyreaction. [[The two of you leave together. In spite of Papyrus' long legs, he slows down to match your pace.]]

Sans gives you a wink. "Hey, $sansnickname2. How was work?" You $happyreaction at seeing him. You tell him it was boring. "What a shame," he says. He reaches out a hand and rubs the back of his fingers across your cheek. "Good on yeh ta stick 'round regardless." You shrug. You try not to leave work early. "Admire yer ethic, darlin'," he says. He offers you a hand. "Mind if I walk yeh home?" <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your cheeks burn, a pleasant blush crawls across your face. <</if>> You grin. [[How could you say no?]]

"THANK YOU FOR COMING IN, $MISS $NAME," says Papyrus. He is most welcome. "DO BE CAREFUL GOING HOME," he says. "IF ANYTHING HAPPENS, YOU ARE WELCOME TO RETURN." That is nice of him. You thank Papyrus for the offer, and then you head home. Unfortunately. . . [[When you arrive at your apartment, there are police there.]]

You grab the duffel bag filled with Lawrence's missing posters and you head out. <<set $drrosechoosesyou = 1>> It takes you five hours to put up the posters. You are largely undisturbed in the process. Every time you feel your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>alert you about a dangerous alleyway, you avoid it and carry on. Your fingers, arms, and neck ache from constantly putting up the posters. It is very late by the time you get back home and the police are mostly gone. [[It's time to end your day.]]

You smell the booze before you hear the door open. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "twinkle" loop play>> It's late in the night--almost morning--when you hear it. You stayed up late to work on an essay you procrastinated. You look up from the kitchen table to see Lawrence stumble in. He shuts the door and slumps to the floor against it. You get up and hurry over to him. He stares numbly at his hands. You squat beside him and reach out to cup his cheeks. They're flushed. He reeks of the sauce and cigars. Your brow furrows as you frown. Lawrence isn't one to drink. He's never been drunk in his life. //Too afraid to end up like $Pa.// You ask him what happened. "Peterson took me out so I wouldn't smell the--so I wouldn't smell of--to hide the, the, the," he mumbles, his $eyecolor eyes continue to stare at his hands. "I. . . I did somethin' bad, $nickname2. Real bad." You ask again what happened. Lawrence shakes, his eyes turn glassy. "I killed someone today, $name." Tears spill out of him. He takes a trembling breath. "I shot him. A man is dead because of me, $nickname2." He buries his face in his hands. "I don't--I never wanted to hurt anyone," he continues, his speech slurs. "Never ever. //Never ever.//" You move to sit beside him, uncertain what to do. You know your brother better than anyone else. If he killed someone, it was for a good reason. You tell him it's okay. You tell him //he's// okay. "It's not--//It's not okay,//" he blubbers, starting sob. More and more tears run down his cheeks. His bottom lip trembles as he fights to contain himself. "I shouldn't--I shouldn't--I--" You open your arms and your brother pulls you close into a hug. It's tight and fierce. You can feel his entire body shake. You pat his back as he drunkenly weeps into your shoulder. You ask him to explain more of what happened. "He was gonna--He was gonna shoot me," Lawrence hiccups. "I--I panicked. I didn't--I didn't--" He did good then. "I didn't--" You reiterate that //he did good.// You gently pat the back of his head. If you have to stay safe, then so does he. No matter what it takes. No matter the cost. You tell him you'll keep your end of the bargain as long as he keeps his. "$name. . . " You shush him. It's okay to cry. He taught you that. It's okay to be uspet. He imparted that lesson to you. But more importantly-- "It's okay to live," you whisper to him. "It's okay to come home." "Even if--Even if I smell of blood?" "Even then." [[Lawrence cried a lot that night.]]

<<masteraudio stop>>@@.delayed;You promised to stay safe, $name.@@ @@.delayed;I know I don't have a lot of room to judge any more.@@ @@.delayed;But. . .@@ @@.delayed;. . . @@ @@.delayed;I'm sorry.@@ @@.delayed;[[I'm so, so sorry.]]@@ <<timed 16s>>\<<goto "I'm so, so sorry.">>\<</timed>>

<<if $soulcolor eq "green">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/de1bedc0f893cefe0a0a43d9253f0cca/7ee477c609a0b224-5b/s250x400/19cbe706a36bbe9afbee06220fa303af0ea42966.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/bc5e31ada1dd83f2299234e1591501d3/7ee477c609a0b224-d1/s250x400/93690ee5639a85aa2672c5b9b7b480313720a8a8.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/ffc51e49b4d47926c7817028f3a1b890/7ee477c609a0b224-83/s250x400/6d5e456a02e2c6c28430bd218d953f0602a807a0.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/b54c3662721244c7564236b003f4d195/7ee477c609a0b224-7f/s250x400/a81121ad7a7b4a8e72ff96ce0ad7bcd4227e1c7c.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/3fd1e2d705023ea7f908e0b0ec1dcdb9/7ee477c609a0b224-49/s250x400/c635cf517bf2935427bfe49661cda9ac0c65e555.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "white">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/ac752c35c0dcb5c69a75c406f0da9ca4/8a2f26783a1756a6-3c/s400x600/dfbc1965fe90af661796330b558ac3a6e11a55ab.pnj" /> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/35d45158a728e7a84b3d2bdbf0dd4e19/7ee477c609a0b224-52/s250x400/578bc569fa4d86636e7ae841fab8ab48111d46db.pnj" /> <<else>> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/86349418cfc2c7aa21063c4f4f059214/7ee477c609a0b224-19/s250x400/555da196e83c5ed8466727827ade0ef98b9d5059.pnj" /> <</if>> <h2> ''Ch7 - Detective Peterson'' </h2> ---- Your head feels fuzzy from your dream. You sit up slowly in bed. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" loop play>> <<set $vitalclue = 0>> You stare down at the street below you. Last night you did not have much of a chance to look over the neighborhood. Raids haven’t been common in your area for years, but you’re no stranger to death and destruction. Your hands curl into fists. It's hard to say if you're numb to it, or acclimated. Your life has always been filled with violence except for the period where it was just you and Lawrence. For a handful of years you got to experience what life could be like in a safe spot with family who loves you. And then it was taken away. [[You'll do what you must.]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>><h2> ''Ch7 - Detective Peterson.'' </h2> ---- That's right, Lawrence.<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> No matter what he did. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;What he became.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;What he became.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;What he became.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;What he became.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;What he became.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;What he became .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;What he became.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;What he became.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;What he became.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;What he became.@@ <</if>> No matter what he //didn't// do. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;What he didn't become.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;What he didn't become.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;What he didn't become.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;What he didn't become.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;What he didn't become.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;What he didn't become .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;What he didn't become.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;What he didn't become.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;What he didn't become.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;What he didn't become.@@ <</if>> He could always come home to you. He told you he hated taking lives. He said he felt sick with each one done on the job. He'd weep throughout the entire night, mourning the piece of his heart lost with the dead man. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;E.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;E.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;E.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;E.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;E.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;E .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;E.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;E.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;E.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;E.@@ <</if>> Come morning he was back to his sunshiney self, as if the light lets him distance himself from what he did. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;X.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;X.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;X.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;X.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;X.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;X .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;X.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;X.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;X.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;X.@@ <</if>> You sit up in bed and glance out your window. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;P.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;P.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;P.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Liar.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;P.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;P .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;P.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;P.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;P.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;P.@@ <</if>> You don't know how to take a life. You only ever learned how to get hit instead of doing the hitting. Lawrence thought about teaching you to fight, but after he killed a man on the job he made you swear up and down to never do it. //"I'll do it for you," he says. "I never--I never want you to feel this way, $nickname2."// @@.blurwhite; I can't stand the thought of you gaining ''LV''.@@ So you run. @@.blurwhite; I won't let it happen.@@ You're good at running, and if running makes your brother feel better about your safety and wellbeing--well. It's no issue for you. @@.blurwhite; He can't know about you.@@ You stare down at the street below you. Last night you did not have a chance to look over the neighborhood. Raids haven’t been common in your area for years, but you’re no stranger to death and destruction. Your hands curl into fists. If only you were stronger. If only you were smarter. If only-- //--if only Lawrence was here.// He wouldn't let this stand. He wouldn't look away from the blood on the concrete. He'd //do// something. Anything. But you? . . . @@.blurwhite; Stay alive.@@ You look away. You hide in your apartment when the gunshots and screams ring through the night air. You ignore the blood and gore that splatters the streets the next morning. You focus on survival. . . so only you survive. It's all you know how to do. . . . @@.blurwhite; Stay alive.@@ Your life has always been filled with violence except for the period where it was just you and Lawrence. For a handful of years you got to experience what life could be like in a safe spot with family who loves you. And then it was taken away. . . . @@.blurwhite; Stay alive.@@ [[You'll do what you must to get it back.]]

<<if $morningperson eq 1>>You get out of bed immediately, without issue. <<else>> You linger in bed. It takes considerable effort to drag yourself out. <</if>> You start your day like any other. You drink your $drink, admire your yellow roses, and get dressed to go running. Stepping out of your apartment, you notice it's oddly quiet. Normally, you could hear //someone// moving about the apartment. Even if you no longer have immediate neighbors, the walls are thin in the hallway. It's dead silent as you go down the stairs. Is anyone left? . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;No.@@ <</if>> The only other person in the area you would mourn if dead is Daisy. She used to stay in this apartment complex before she moved out to live above her flower shop. You don't recall seeing her area hit on your way home, or when you were putting up posters, but it won't hurt to check. You’ll swing by her shop on the way to work. A thought occurs to you when you reach the bottom stairs. William Scott, the kindly old man across the street. While not as close to you as Daisy, he is someone you know and you doubt anyone would think to check on him. His family is dead, just like yo-- . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;He's not dead yet.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;He's not dead yet.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;He's not dead yet.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;He's not dead yet.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;He's not dead yet.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;He's not dead yet.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;He's not dead yet.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;He's not dead yet.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;He's not dead yet.@@ <</if>> His family is dead. Yours is just missing. You could stop by his apartment before your run or after your run since it's only across the street. [[Stop by after your morning run.]] [[Stop by before your morning run.]]

You adjust your cap and walk across the street. The front door to the apartment building offers no resistance when you open it. It creeks loudly, and when you fully open it, it falls off the hinges. It clatters to the ground. A moment of silence. A portly man steps out from one of the apartments down the hall. He has a cherub face and wispy hair. He squints at you. "Fuck are yeh?" You explain you're here to see Mr. Scott. "Family?" Friend of the family. "Close enough," he says. He nods his head at you and beckons you over. You quietly walk over. The man holds out a hand to you and you shake it. "Arnold Schaff, I'm the landlord." You introduce yourself. "I've seen yeh, yer a tennate 'cross the street?" You nod. Mr. Schaff pulls his hand away and turns to Mr. Scott's apartment. He opens the door. . . . It was unlocked? //Wait, why is--// "Yeh already know what happned then," he says and your blood goes cold as you stare at a mess. "If yeh got things, take 'em. What remains is gettin' tossed tomorrow." Mr. Schaff starts to walk away. "I've got other apartments to start clearin' out. Take care." [[Step into Mr. Scott's home.]] [[No. No, no, no. You leave for your morning run.]]

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "cityday" volume 0.25 loop play>><<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>>You adjust your cap and walk across the street. The front door to the apartment building offers no resistance when you open it. It creeks loudly, and when you fully open it, it falls off the hinges. It clatters to the ground hardwood floor. A moment of silence. A portly man steps out from one of the apartments down the hall. The floorboard creaks underneath him. He has a cherub face and wispy hair. He squints at you. "Fuck are yeh?" You explain you're here to see Mr. Scott. "Family?" Friend of the family. "Close enough," he says. He nods his head at you and beckons you over. You quietly walk over. The man holds out a hand to you and you shake it. "Arnold Schaff, I'm the landlord." You introduce yourself. "I've seen yeh, yer a tennate 'cross the street?" You nod. Mr. Schaff pulls his hand away and turns to Mr. Scott's apartment. [[He opens the door.]]

Mr. Scott's home looks like a fisherman's dream. It's painted ocean blue with many pictures of the sea hung up. There are fishing poles stacked against the wall, and the shelves are filled with various sea-chantry memorabilia. The smell of seasalt from his salt rocks in a glass tub near the door used to tickle your nose. Now all you smell is sweet copper. It's not much. One splatter that covers the entry way. A single bullet to the head would do the trick. Mr. Scott, that wiry old man, must have opened his door and been greeted with a gun. From the height and the-- Your eyes narrow as you look at the bits and pieces of brain on the back wall. --gore, it must have been a headshot. As far as deaths go, that's as painless as can be. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You would know, wouldn't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You would know, wouldn't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You would know, wouldn't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You would know, wouldn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You would know, wouldn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You would know, wouldn't you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You would know, wouldn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You would know, wouldn't you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You would know, wouldn't you?@@ <</if>> You rub your hands together and step over the blood. Why? Why him? Why these apartments? You can follow the train of thought for the last raid here. They lost a shipment of humans for whatever reason, for whatever cause, and so they've been taking young men across the city to fill their quota. Th-- . . . Young men? //Young men?// [[That doesn't seem right.]]

<<set $vitalclue = 0>>It's a perfectly ordinary morning run. You return home, eat, take a $bathe, get dressed, and head out for work. You make a quick stop at Daisy's on the way to make sure she's okay. To your relief, the elderly woman is perfeclty fine. Daisy greets you with that warm smile of hers. "$name, my $favoriteflower lover. How are you? I heard your neighborhood had it rough last night. Are you okay?" You reassure her you're okay. You came to check on her, actually. "Aren't you a doll?" she says. "Come sit. How have you been?" . . . Ha, ha. . . How do you answer that? <<if $route eq "sans">> [[You think of Sans. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> [[You think of Papyrus. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> [[You think of Wingding. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> [[You think of Ralsei. You smile.]] <<else>> [[Okay? You think?]]<</if>>

Able-bodied men are not the common victims for human trafficking. Women for the sex trafficking, and children for the--well, everything. Young men? They're the most likely to fight back and win. They'd be a hassle every step of the way. Why target them? Why is the Vivacci family so determined to fill a quota that they'd gut their own piggybanks to meet it? That's what the men in these apartments. The families get their money from people like them. What could make them desparate enough that they'd cut open their people and ruin their cash flow? Mafia are greedy. They'd sell their mothers to make a profit. There's no way--simply //no// way that there's enough of a profit to be made on targets who would cause so much issue. And the Bertsch heir dead-- This stinks. This whole situation stinks. [[Two powers are at play here.]] [[Three powers are at play here, you can't forget the third one.]] [[What if they're all connected?]]

The mafias and then whatever power terrifies them into behaving this way. It's possible, you muse, that the heir was killed that that hidden second power. That power. . . for whatever reason. . . needs able-bodied men. You stare at the blood stained walls. That power is what got Mr. Scott killed. It got a lot of people killed. For what reason? Power? Money? Fame? Your lips curl back in disgust. What reason does a father hit a child? What reason does an officer starve a prisoner? What reason does a doctor cut out hearts? No reason is ever good enough. . . . [[You offer a quiet apology to the stain that was Mr. Scott.]]

The mafia needing men for some hidden power. . . the police constantly cleaning things up. . . and the Berstach heir murder. What if. . . //Just what if. . . // There's a hidden power pulling for all of this? You have no evidence. You have //nothing// to prove this line of thought, but something in your gut tells you, you're right. Lawrence always trusted his gut, just as firmly as you trust your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>. You are no detective. This isn't your fight. But. . . It is a thought. A consideration. This shadowy power--//if it even exists//--demands able-bodied men, has control over the police, and murdered the Berstach heir. You stare at the blood stained walls. That power is what got Mr. Scott killed. It got a lot of people killed. For what reason? Power? Money? Fame? Your lips curl back in disgust. What reason does a father hit a child? What reason does an officer starve a prisoner? What reason does a doctor cut out hearts? No reason is ever good enough. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;How could you ever forgive this?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;How could you ever forgive this?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;How could you ever forgive this?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;How could you ever forgive this?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;How could you ever forgive this?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;How could you ever forgive this?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;How could you ever forgive this?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;How could you ever forgive this?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;How could you ever forgive this?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;How could you ever forgive this?@@ <</if>> [[You whisper a quiet apology to the stain that was Mr. Scott.]]

The mafias, whatever power terrifies them into behaving this way, and that corrupted police force. It's possible, you muse, that the heir was killed that that hidden second power That power. . . for whatever reason. . . needs able-bodied men. The police--//heh//--those rotten apples are a whole other force to consider. Impossible to understand in this dangerous city. You stare at the blood stained walls. The fight between those powers are what got Mr. Scott killed. It got a lot of people killed. For what reason? Power? Money? Fame? Your lips curl back in disgust. What reason does a father hit a child? What reason does an officer starve a prisoner? What reason does a doctor cut out hearts? No reason is ever good enough. . . . [[You offer a quiet apology to the stain that was Mr. Scott.]]

You are not a detective. You can't even find your brother, let alone offer him closure by finding out who did this to him. . . . You're sorry. //"I thought you ought to know," he says. "Decent ''SOULs'' like yours are a rarity. Promise you'll be mindful?"// You let out a slow breath. //"You have to keep yourself safe, okay?"// You make a promise to them both. Mindful and safe. . . that's the best you can do. [[You leave for your morning run.]]

It's a perfectly ordinary morning run. You return home, eat, take a $bathe, get dressed, and head out for work. You make a quick stop at Daisy's on the way to make sure she's okay. To your relief, the elderly woman is perfeclty fine. Daisy greets you with that warm smile of hers. "$name, my $favoriteflower lover. How are you? I heard your neighborhood had it rough last night. Are you okay?" You reassure her you're okay. You came to check on her, actually. "Aren't you a doll?" she says. "Come sit. How have you been?" . . . Ha, ha. . . How do you answer that? <<if $route eq "sans">> [[You think of Sans. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> [[You think of Papyrus. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> [[You think of Wingding. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> [[You think of Ralsei. You smile.]] <<else>> [[Okay? You think?]]<</if>>

You are not a detective. You can't even find your brother, let alone offer Mr. Scott closure by finding out who did this to him. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;It's all the same.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;It's all the same.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;It's all the same.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;It's all the same.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;It's all the same.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;It's all the same.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;It's all the same.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;It's all the same.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;It's all the same.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;It's all the same.@@ <</if>> You're sorry. //"I thought you ought to know," he says. "Decent <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>like yours are a rarity. Promise you'll be mindful?"// You let out a slow breath. //"You have to keep yourself safe, okay?"// You make a promise to them both. Mindful and safe. . . that's the best you can do. [["And who are you?"]]

You turn to the voice. It belongs to someone standing in the entry way of Mr. Scott's home. You see a young man with slicked back blond hair, an expensive suit, and pale blue eyes staring at you. He is accompanied by other young men in equally expensive suits. He looks you up and down, as if you're a rat. He quirks an eyebrow. An interesting rat, then. You ask him the same thing. "Heh, don't recognize me?" he asks. "Not surprising. You look like you live in this area." You stare coolly back at the man, your expression unchanging. "Edward Blind," he says, as if that name should mean something to you. It does. The first name--Edward--is the name of the rich boy that Mr. Scott's son, Ronnie, would hang around with. Blind is the surname of the Police Commissioner for Ebott City. The Blind family has been in control of the police force for generations and has close ties to the Vivacci, Berstach, and Dreemur family. It is curious, then, that someone so important would bother to visit Mr. Scott. You politely introduce yourself with a fake name. It's the name of a boy who works on the piers who has your hair color. Robert gave you that name when you came into the city. He told you to always pick a name of someone else who can pass as you. Easier to disappear from others who would look for you. "That right, huh?" goes Edward. "And what are you doing here?" You tell him you're a friend of Mr. Scott. You ask him if he's here to see Ronnie. Edward looks surprised. "Yeah. I heard this place got hit. Wanted to check up on my old friend." Ronnie is dead, as is Mr. Scott. Edward looks at the blood behind you. ". . . So I see. All right. Let's leave boys." [["Wait," you say.]] [[You watch them leave.]]

Edward sighs. Loudly. "What?" Edward might have more information about this situation. You remember the only story Mr. Scott told you about him; how Edward showed something horrifying to Ronnie--the Deathless Beast. If Edward has a connection to the mafia's infamous hitman or monster or whatever, he has enough power to //have// information. Any information at this point is good information. You can do this. You can get it out of him. Think of your time at the Black Swan. You know his type. Arrogant. Spoiled. //Delusional.// You know what to do. //So do it.// [["Do you know why the families are so desparate?" you ask.]] [["How well did you know Ronnie and Mr. Scott?" you ask.]] [["I like your watch--Rollox, right? It looks nice," you say.]] [["Why did you come by really? Ronnie's been dead for a while," you say.]]

Once they are gone, you head out for your morning run. <<set $vitalclue = 0>> It's a perfectly ordinary morning run. You return home, eat, take a $bathe, get dressed, and head out for work. You make a quick stop at Daisy's on the way to make sure she's okay. To your relief, the elderly woman is perfeclty fine. Daisy greets you with that warm smile of hers. "$name, my $favoriteflower lover. How are you? I heard your neighborhood had it rough last night. Are you okay?" You reassure her you're okay. You came to check on her, actually. "Aren't you a doll?" she says. "Come sit. How have you been?" . . . Ha, ha. . . How do you answer that? <<if $route eq "sans">> [[You think of Sans. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> [[You think of Papyrus. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> [[You think of Wingding. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> [[You think of Ralsei. You smile.]] <<else>> [[Okay? You think?]]<</if>>

He stares at you. Edward then turns around and walks out the door, along with his friends. They don't give you a chance to respond. [[You watch them leave.]]

Edward blinks in surprise. He turns back around to smile at you. "Yeah. Good eye for watches?" "It is a beauty," says one of the men beside him. "I wish I had one like it," adds the others. Edward sniffs, smug. "Heh. My dad bought me thirty. One for every day in a month." [["Do you know why the families are so desparate?" you ask.]] [["Wow! That's amazing," you say.]] [["How well did you know Ronnie and Mr. Scott?" you ask.]] [["Why did you come by really? Ronnie's been dead for a while," you say.]] [["Your father must be very proud of you," you say.]]

"Very well, obviously," goes Edward. He pulls out a pocket watch. "Well, I must be going," he says. "Sorry to hear about Mr. Scott and dear ol' Ronnie. Do send a message to the station when the funeral is arranged, I'll--ahhh--send flowers." They don't give you a chance to respond. [[You watch them leave.]]

He stares at you. Edward then turns around and walks out the door, along with his friends. They don't give you a chance to respond. [[You watch them leave.]]

"Thank you," goes Edward. He pulls out a pocket watch. "Well, I must be going," he says. "Sorry to hear about Mr. Scott and dear ol' Ronnie. Do send a message to the station when the funeral is arranged, I'll--ahhh--send flowers." They don't give you a chance to respond. [[You watch them leave.]]

Edward rolls his eyes. "Naturally. Why are you saying that, though?" [["It's what Mr. Scott told me. Mr. Scott adored you," you lie.]] [["It's what Ronnie told me. I know Mr. Scott wasn't very fond of you, but Ronnie was," you lie.]] [["It seems obvious. You've gone out of your way to check on an old friend. You must be very kind. Any father would be proud of that," you say.]]

"Mm-hmm," goes Edward. He pulls out a pocket watch. "Well, I must be going," he says. "Sorry to hear about Mr. Scott and dear ol' Ronnie. Do send a message to the station when the funeral is arranged, I'll--ahhh--send flowers." They don't give you a chance to respond. [[You watch them leave.]]

Edward grins at you. "That's right! HA! He always gave me a rough time, but he's that kind of guy." Edward steps toward you with his hands in his pockets. "He tell you anything else about me?" [["How most days Ronnie came home excited to share stories," you lie.]] [["How he looked forward to each of your visits," you lie.]] [["How you always dressed so nicely--and I can see it myself," you say.]]

Edward's eating up your lies. <<set $vitalclue = 1>> You add on to them. You fabricate the delusion he wants to hear. He wants to feel loved and admired by a man who acted like he hated him. And Mr. Scott did hate him, but Edward doesn't need to know that yet. Not if it means opening up to you. Slowly. Casually. Sweetly. You steer the conversation into his friendship with Ronnie. You've got a good feel for what Edward wants, and so you heap praise and compliments with each story. Until you get to the meat of what you want to know. You ask Edward about a time Ronnie came home scared. You tell him that Mr. Scott knows Edward would never endanger Ronnie on purpose. You tell him Mr. Scott was simply worried about Edward since Edward didn't come around much after that incident. Won't he tell you what happened? You'd like to put Mr. Scott at ease with the truth. "That time, huh?" goes Edward. "Heh, yeah that was rough. Took Ronnie to see The Beast." The Deathless Beast? "You know it? The very same. It's prime entertainment." He has the power to visit it? "There's nothing a Blind can't do in this city," Edward says with a cocky smile. "Ronnie got spooked by it. Can't blame him. Thing's a nasty monster." Edward pulls out a pocket watch. "Well, I must be going," he says. "Sorry to hear about Mr. Scott and dear ol' Ronnie. Do send a message to the station when the funeral is arranged, I'll--ahhh--send flowers." You watch him leave. Nothing a Blind can't do? Another thought occurs to you. What if it is not the mafias who own the police, but the police who own them? They put his head in a box. You clench your jaw. [[You go for your morning run.]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>>You return home. Has it always been so drab and dreary? You force yourself to eat. It tastes like blood and ash. You take a $bathe. You can't bring yourself to look in the mirror when step out. You get dressed. Everything is too tight and itchy. [[You leave.]]

"I'm worried you're going to stay alone forever," she sighs. "Don't you want a wedding, sweetheart?" . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <</if>> You don't want to get married without your brother. Daisy's expression softens. "I understand he means a lot to you, $name, but you can't put your life--your happiness--on pause indefinitely." . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <</if>> You give her a smile. She doesn't understand how stubborn you are. It won't be indefinite. It won't be forever. You //will// find him. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <</if>> . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <</if>> [[You and Daisy chat for several more minutes before you leave for work.]]

Daisy's eyes brighten. "My! What a smile, $favoriteflower lover. Who are you thinking of?" You hesitate only for a moment. You're not against telling Daisy, you simply don't know the right words. Ralsei is. . . well. You're awfully sweet on him, aren't you? He's sweet on you, too. . . you think. You tell Daisy you met someone. Someone sweet, silly, and friendly. Daisy gasps. She enthusiastically pats on the counter. "Tell me everything. Where did you meet?" On the street, on your way home from work. "Have you gone on a date?" Not officially, but he's taken you out for sweets. Daisy reaches forward to affectionately give your cheeks a couple pinches. "You sweet thing! You look smitten as can be. What's he like? He must be a gentleman." He is. "Adorable," says Daisy. "You're happy with him?" Yes. "That's the most important thing--and that he treats you well, of course!" Daisy leans on her elbows on the counter. "I guess no blind dates for you." You never agreed to a blind date-- "And here I was worried you'd stay alone forever," she teases. "You remember our deal?" It takes you a moment to think. //"Isn't it, though?" agrees Daisy. "I love making bouquets for weddings. When you get married, you'll let me do the flowers at your venue, right?"// You $happyreaction. You tell Daisy that's still some time away. "Time can be funny," says Daisy. "Could pass by in the blink of an eye." She looks out her shop window. "'Sides, with the way this city is goin', a lot of the youngins' are jumpin into marriage sooner than most. //Live while you can// is what they say." She gives you a wink. "As long as you don't elope! I want a wedding for you. Something magical. You deserve no less." . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <</if>> You don't want to get married without your brother. Daisy's expression softens. "I understand he means a lot to you, $name, but you can't put your life--your happiness--on pause indefinitely." . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <</if>> You give her a smile. She doesn't understand how stubborn you are. It won't be indefinite. It won't be forever. You //will// find him. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <</if>> . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <</if>> [[You and Daisy chat for several more minutes before you leave for work.]]

Daisy's eyes brighten. "My! What a smile, $favoriteflower lover. Who are you thinking of?" You hesitate only for a moment. You're not against telling Daisy, you simply don't know the right words. Wingding is. . . well. You're awfully sweet on him, aren't you? He's sweet on you, too. . . you think. You tell Daisy you met someone. Someone suave, calm, and charming. Daisy gasps. She enthusiastically pats on the counter. "Tell me everything. Where did you meet?" At your apartment, he was stepping out as you were entering it. "Have you gone on a date?" Not officially, but he did carry your groceries home for you. Daisy reaches forward to affectionately give your cheeks a couple pinches. "You sweet thing! You look smitten as can be. What's he like? He must be a gentleman." He //can// be. "Precious," says Daisy. "You're happy with him?" Yes. "That's the most important thing--and that he treats you well, of course!" Daisy leans on her elbows on the counter. "I guess no blind dates for you." You never agreed to a blind date-- "And here I was worried you'd stay alone forever," she teases. "You remember our deal?" It takes you a moment to think. //"Isn't it, though?" agrees Daisy. "I love making bouquets for weddings. When you get married, you'll let me do the flowers at your venue, right?"// You $happyreaction. You tell Daisy that's still some time away. "Time can be funny," says Daisy. "Could pass by in the blink of an eye." She looks out her shop window. "'Sides, with the way this city is goin', a lot of the youngins' are jumpin into marriage sooner than most. //Live while you can// is what they say." She gives you a wink. "As long as you don't elope! I want a wedding for you. Something magical. You deserve no less." . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <</if>> You don't want to get married without your brother. Daisy's expression softens. "I understand he means a lot to you, $name, but you can't put your life--your happiness--on pause indefinitely." . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <</if>> You give her a smile. She doesn't understand how stubborn you are. It won't be indefinite. It won't be forever. You //will// find him. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <</if>> . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <</if>> [[You and Daisy chat for several more minutes before you leave for work.]]

Daisy's eyes brighten. "My! What a smile, $favoriteflower lover. Who are you thinking of?" You hesitate only for a moment. You're not against telling Daisy, you simply don't know the right words. Papyrus is. . . well. You're awfully sweet on him, aren't you? He's sweet on you, too. You tell Daisy you met someone. Someone kind, loud, and endearing. Daisy gasps. She enthusiastically pats on the counter. "Tell me everything. Where did you meet?" At work, he's actually you're new boss. She raises an eyebrow at that. "He didn't pressure you or anything, did he?" No, no. He's been nothing but kind to you. She relaxes at that. "Have you gone on a date?" Not officially, but you've spent time together and he did walk you home. Daisy reaches forward to affectionately give your cheeks a couple pinches. "You sweet thing! You look smitten as can be. What's he like? He must be a gentleman." He is. "Lovely," says Daisy. "You're happy with him?" Yes. "That's the most important thing--and that he treats you well, of course!" Daisy leans on her elbows on the counter. "I guess no blind dates for you." You never agreed to a blind date-- "And here I was worried you'd stay alone forever," she teases. "You remember our deal?" It takes you a moment to think. //"Isn't it, though?" agrees Daisy. "I love making bouquets for weddings. When you get married, you'll let me do the flowers at your venue, right?"// You $happyreaction. You tell Daisy that's still some time away. "Time can be funny," says Daisy. "Could pass by in the blink of an eye." She looks out her shop window. "'Sides, with the way this city is goin', a lot of the youngins' are jumpin into marriage sooner than most. //Live while you can// is what they say." She gives you a wink. "As long as you don't elope! I want a wedding for you. Something magical. You deserve no less." . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <</if>> You don't want to get married without your brother. Daisy's expression softens. "I understand he means a lot to you, $name, but you can't put your life--your happiness--on pause indefinitely." . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <</if>> You give her a smile. She doesn't understand how stubborn you are. It won't be indefinite. It won't be forever. You //will// find him. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <</if>> . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <</if>> [[You and Daisy chat for several more minutes before you leave for work.]]

Daisy's eyes brighten. "My! What a smile, $favoriteflower lover. Who are you thinking of?" You hesitate only for a moment. You're not against telling Daisy, you simply don't know the right words. Sans is. . . well. You're awfully sweet on him, aren't you? He's sweet on you, too. You tell Daisy you met someone. Someone loud, charming, and who makes your heart jump right out of your chest. Daisy gasps. She enthusiastically pats on the counter. "Tell me everything. Where did you meet?" At the Black Swan. He noticed you and was waiting for you outside after your shift. "Have you gone on a date?" Yes. "Did it end well?" Very well. Daisy reaches forward to affectionately give your cheeks a couple pinches. "You sweet thing! You look smitten as can be. What's he like? He must be a gentleman." He makes you laugh as often as he makes you nervous--in a good way, you think. "Suave," says Daisy. "You're happy with him?" Yes. "That's the most important thing--and that he treats you well, of course!" Daisy leans on her elbows on the counter. "I guess no blind dates for you." You never agreed to a blind date-- "And here I was worried you'd stay alone forever," she teases. "You remember our deal?" It takes you a moment to think. //"Isn't it, though?" agrees Daisy. "I love making bouquets for weddings. When you get married, you'll let me do the flowers at your venue, right?"// You $happyreaction. You tell Daisy that's still some time away. "Time can be funny," says Daisy. "Could pass by in the blink of an eye." She looks out her shop window. "'Sides, with the way this city is goin', a lot of the youngins' are jumpin into marriage sooner than most. //Live while you can// is what they say." She gives you a wink. "As long as you don't elope! I want a wedding for you. Something magical. You deserve no less." . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Do you really believe you deserve that?@@ <</if>> You don't want to get married without your brother. Daisy's expression softens. "I understand he means a lot to you, $name, but you can't put your life--your happiness--on pause indefinitely." . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Ha, ha, ha.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Ha, ha, ha.@@ <</if>> You give her a smile. She doesn't understand how stubborn you are. It won't be indefinite. It won't be forever. You //will// find him. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;No matter how many tries it takes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;No matter how many tries it takes.@@ <</if>> . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The thought of seeing your brother again fills you with ''DETERMINATION''.@@ <</if>> [[You and Daisy chat for several more minutes before you leave for work.]]

"All sorts of neighborhoods were hit last night," says Daisy. You close your eyes. The chaos in the city has only gotten worse. "They say some of the mafiosos are randomly targeting shops. Drive-bys," whispers Jennnifer. "What if they do it here?" This place doesn't have windows and it's now owned by a monster. You doubt they would do that. Jennifer shivers. "It's insane. It's like they've gone completely crazy. Berstach and Vivacci are trying to destroy each other, but are ruining the city in their fight." Detective Peterson was the lead Detective in Rune City. He was the one who trained Lawrence, and recommended Lawrence as his replacement when he retired. You met him several times years ago. He is the closest thing to a mentor Lawrence had. "You grew up," he says gruffly. Yes. "Not at my hip." More than one meal a day helps with growth. "Imagine so." What is he doing here? "Here for you," he says. "Time for a coffee?" . . . You have never missed a day of work in your life. But for this, you make the exception. You nod and follow him. . "Visitin' Rob's mum," he mumbles. He takes a long drag of his cigarette. "She passed not long ago." They put his head in a box. You're sorry to hear that. Detective Peterson pulls out an envelope from his jacket. He sets it on the table. It's un-opened. Your brow furrows as you look at it. It's dated five years ago. The handwriting is familiar-- You inhale sharply. "Rob sent this to his mum before he went died'," says the retired detective. "She got it after she was phoned that he died." Your eyes are glued to the letter. "She didn't have the heart to open it then went comatose a week after it arrived. When she passed last month, chief called me to help check for any old case files at her home," he says. "Saw that. Saw the date." He didn't open it? "Can't," he says. "Sealed. See that wax seal on it?" You nod. "Made with magic," he says. "Trick I taught him and Lawrence. Someone else tries ta open it when it ain't for them, whole thing burns up. Robby had enough magic in him to make stuff like that." Peterson chuckles mirthlesssly. "Woulda lived longer as a mage instead of a dumbass detective." Detective Peterson's face clouds over briefly with grief. He coughs to clear it away, a mask of stoic coldness back in place. "Willin' ta bet," he says, "that ya can open it. The two of ya were workin' together to find Lawrence, weren't ya?" Yes. "Robby shared his findings with ya?" Some of them. "It's either you or no one left on this earth," he says. "I'm bettin' on ya, kid." You reach forward and take the envelope. Your hands are trembling when you realize this was sent //the day he was taken.// This could be it. This could be your breakthrough. //What did you see Robert?// What was so important they had to take you--had to kill you--that you didn't have time to tell-- No, no. --that was too dangerous to say out loud. Too terrifying, too risky to do anything else but send a letter to someone outside the city. //What did you find, Robert?// You grip the edge of the envelope and tear it open. It doesn't catch fire. [[The window shatters beside you.]]

$intuition<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "wicked" volume 0.25 loop play>><<audio "shatter" play>><<audio "gunshot1" volume 0.5 play>> You're already diving under the table, but not before you see Detective Peterson's head explode. Brain, blood, saliva, and skull fragments rocket out. The warmth of his blood splatters across your face, along with the sharp pricks of his shattered bones. [[Oh.|Diner1]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<if $gender eq "woman">> <<audio "fembreath" loop play>> <<else>> <<audio "mascbreath" loop play>> <</if>>You run for hours around the city, circling through alleyways and cutting across the parks. It's late in the night, and all over the city you hear the chaos. Stars above, this mayhem-- Damn whoever started this. //Damn them.// Detective--Detective Peterson-- You can't tell if you want to laugh or cry. You hiccup to catch your breath as you continue to flee through the city. You can't stop. What are the odds? The chances? Detective Peterson comes to the city and gets immediately shot--? No. //No way that's a coincidence.// That was a headshot. A clean headshot. They opened with his death. You recall their words. //"Got 'em?" "The detective? Fuck yeah I did."// They targeted him. <<if $vitalclue eq 1>> [[Was Lawrence a target, too?]] <<else>> [[Was your brother a target, too?]]<</if>>

<<if $drrosechoosesyou eq 1>> [[A nightmare takes you.]] <<elseif $sansstatus eq "left">> [[A nightmare takes you.]] <<elseif $deathrisk eq 1 and $playerheardconspiracy eq 1>> [[Memories bleed into your dreams again.]] <<else>> [[A nightmare takes you.]]<</if>>

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "bar" volume 1 loop play>>The air in the Black Swan feels darker than normal. You brush past the patrons and enter the backroom. Jennifer is fiddling with her waitress uniform. You casually greet her. "Hey," she mumbles without looking up. You ask if she's okay. "I--yeah," she says. "Things are kind of. . . crazy in the city, huh?" These things happen. "They //shouldn't// happen," she says. "One of my classmates works at a laundry mat. There was a drive-by. No survivors." She looks up at you with glassy eyes. "They say some of the mafiosos are randomly targeting shops. What if they do it here?" This place doesn't have windows and it's now owned by a monster. You doubt they would do that. Jennifer shivers. "It's insane. It's like they've gone completely crazy. Berstach and Vivacci are trying to destroy each other, but are ruining the city in their fight." You reach forward and give her arm a squeeze. "It's scary," she whispers. "I don't want to die." . . . . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Neither do you. But you don't always get that choice, do you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Neither do you. But you don't always get that choice, do you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Neither do you. But you don't always get that choice, do you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Neither do you. But you don't always get that choice, do you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Neither do you. But you don't always get that choice, do you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Neither do you. But you don't always get that choice, do you?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Neither do you. But you don't always get that choice, do you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Neither do you. But you don't always get that choice, do you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Neither do you. But you don't always get that choice, do you?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Neither do you. But you don't always get that choice, do you?@@ <</if>> You. . . . . . . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;. . . And other times you make that choice yourself.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;. . . And other times you make that choice yourself.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;. . . And other times you make that choice yourself.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;. . . And other times you make that choice yourself.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;. . . And other times you make that choice yourself.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;. . . And other times you make that choice yourself.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow; . . And other times you make that choice yourself.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;. . . And other times you make that choice yourself.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;. . . And other times you make that choice yourself.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;. . . And other times you make that choice yourself.@@ <</if>> You tell her if she feels unsafe working here-- "No--" Jennifer pauses. "Yes. I do, but--but I don't want to quit. Not a lot of places willing to hire a student--a woman on top of that--and have flexible hours. I--I just wish this situation would go away. It's Doctor Rose all over again, except I think worse this time." Yeah. . . <<if $vitalclue eq 1>> [[You and Jennifer focus on work.]] <<else>> [[Jennifer and you focus on work.]]<</if>>

It's slow today. Not surprising, given everything that's going on. The families are at war with one another. The Black Swan was previously seen as neutral ground--but now? You see no mafiosos in attendance. You doubt you'll see any of them here for the duration of what's going on. Normally quiet shifts are nice, but this just feels like listening to a time bomb tick down. //Tick. Tick. Tick.// Where will it blow? Who will be caught in the crossfire next? It's unsettling. <<if $route eq "papyrus">> To make matterw worse, it doesn't look like Papyrus is here today. <</if>> You leave for home. [[This repeats itself for a few more days.]]

It's much slower today than normal. Not surprising, given everything that's going on. The families are at war with one another. The Black Swan was previously seen as neutral ground--but now? You see no mafiosos in attendance. You doubt you'll see any of them here for the duration of what's going on. Normally quiet shifts are nice, but this just feels like listening to a time bomb tick down. //Tick. Tick. Tick.// Where will it blow? Who will be caught in the crossfire next? It's unsettling. <<if $route eq "papyrus">> To make matterw worse, it doesn't look like Papyrus is here today. <</if>> You leave for home. [[Oh.]]

<<masteraudio stop>><<audio "citynight" volume 0.25 loop play>><<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>>Every day you hear of another area being hit. The body count is. . . intense. <<if $route eq "papyrus">> A couple days after work, Papyrus makes it a point to escort you home and highly encourage you to stay put. He can never linger long--although you get the feeling he very much would like to--but he does kiss you on the cheek before he leaves. <<elseif $route eq "sans">> A couple days after work, Papyrus makes it a point to escort you home and highly encourage you to stay put. He says he's doing it on behalf of Sans who has become "swamped" with work. You're grateful for the escort. <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> A couple days after work, Papyrus makes it a point to escort you home and highly encourage you to stay put. He says he's doing it on behalf of Wingding who is "swamped" with work. You're grateful for the escort. <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> Every day after work, you call Ralsei on the mirror and talk to him as you walk home. It feels safer that way, for some reason. <<else>> You don't dally in the streets. <</if>> Even with the extra protection, you don't dare dally in the streets. Everyone is on edge. It's like you're back to being a child and walking on egg shells. It's suffocating. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You're tired.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You're tired.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You're tired.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You're tired.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You're tired.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You're tired.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You're tired.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You're tired.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You're tired.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You're tired.@@ <</if>> Like with any upset in this city. . . it will pass. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Only if you end it.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Only if you end it.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Only if you end it.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Only if you end it.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Only if you end it.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Only if you end it.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Only if you end it.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Only if you end it.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Only if you end it.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Only if you end it.@@ <</if>> [[Hopefully.]]

On your way to work one evening, you're stopped by someone. "Kiddo." The gruff, raspy voice gets your attention. You feel that it is directed at you, and so you pause and look around. You see a scruffy older man in a suit, trench coat, and suit hat. He has dark circles under his eyes, a lit cigerette in his mouth, and a rough beard. He looks exhausted. And familiar. . . . Detective Peterson? Detective Peterson was the Lead Detective in Rune City. He was the one who trained Lawrence, and recommended Lawrence as his replacement when he retired. You met him several times years ago. He is the closest thing to a mentor Lawrence had. You haven't seen him in years. He looks every bit as grouchy and old as you remember. "Ya grew up," he says curtly, his voice low from the decades of smoking. Yes. "Not at my hip 'nymore." Your lips twitch at that. Detective Peterson sponsored Lawrence through the academy. You met him shortly after you and Lawrence moved to the city so you were still heavily malnourished. You tell him that having more than one meal a day helps with that. He takes a drag from his cigerette. "Imagine so." What is he doing here? "Here for you," he says. "Time for a coffee?" . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You're sorry. You're so, so sorry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You're sorry. You're so, so sorry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You're sorry. You're so, so sorry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You're sorry. You're so, so sorry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You're sorry. You're so, so sorry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You're sorry. You're so, so sorry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You're sorry. You're so, so sorry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You're sorry. You're so, so sorry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You're sorry. You're so, so sorry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You're sorry. You're so, so sorry.@@ <</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Why can't you remember better?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Why can't you remember better?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Why can't you remember better?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Why can't you remember better?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Why can't you remember better?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Why can't you remember better?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Why can't you remember better?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Why can't you remember better?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Why can't you remember better?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Why can't you remember better?@@ <</if>> You have never missed a day of work in your life. But for this, you make the exception. [[You nod and follow him.]]

It's evening, and by the time Detective Peterson leads you to a diner, it's dark outside. The lampposts glow ominously as the two of you enter. The diner is small. It's on a corner of a popular street with massive windows. Several table booths are built under the windows, and the front section of the diner has a mid-high counter with stools. It's the type of place for men and women who get off late to grab a cuppa joe or greasy meal before heading home. There's even a couple families at the booths. Detective Peterson and you take a booth near the back. He slides in on one side, and you slip in opposite of him. A waitress in a short uniform comes over. "Can I get you two anything?" "Coffee," he says. He looks over at you. "You?" You order a $drink. The waitress nods and leaves. "Some things never change, huh," says Detective Peterson. [[You agree. Things never change.]] [[You disagree. Things can change.]]

Quiet. Quiet. Quiet. Make yourself quiet and small. Men shuffle in, jeering and loud. You can't see much from your spot under the table. "Got 'em?" "The detective? Fuck yeah I did." $intuition "Easiest fuckin' job." They move closer to your spot. One hops the counter and busts open the register. "Bonus cash too." Deep breath. What do you do? How do you run away from this? Your seat is covered glass. If you climb into it to escape out the window, you'll make a lot of noise and attract their attention. As soon as they spot you, they'll shoot you. You move to stare at the deceased Detective Peterson. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You know what you have to do.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You know what you have to do.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You know what you have to do.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You know what you have to do.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You know what you have to do.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You know what you have to do.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You know what you have to do.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You know what you have to do.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You know what you have to do.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You know what you have to do.@@ <</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You're sorry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You're sorry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You're sorry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You're sorry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You're sorry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You're sorry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You're sorry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You're sorry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You're sorry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You're sorry.@@ <</if>> You move into his booth, careful not to directly touch it, to not disturb the glass. Some of it shifts underneath you, but it is quiet enough to not draw attention. [[You grip Detective Peterson's still warm corpse.]]

As you shimmy into the booth beside him, you flip him over to use as a shield. You stand up, struggling to keep him lifted to cover you. "HEY!" [[You shove your butt through the window as the first gunshot rings.]]

You hear something whiz by you.<<audio "gunshot3" volume 0.5 play>> You don't stop. <<if $shoes eq "pumps" or $shoes eq "kitten heel shoes" or $shoes eq "wedges">> Your heel breaks when you run, but $CURSE you do NOT care. You do not stop. <</if>> You run. You sprint with all of your speed and you do not stop. You do not dare look back. $intuition You run and run and run. [[Because that's what you do best.]]

You hear something whiz above you.<<audio "gunshot3" volume 0.5 play>> You don't stop. <<if $shoes eq "pumps" or $shoes eq "kitten heel shoes" or $shoes eq "wedges">> Your heel breaks when you run, but $CURSE you do NOT care. You do not stop. <</if>> You run. You sprint with all of your speed and you do not stop. You do not dare look back. $intuition You run and run and run. [[Because that's what you do best.]]

You do not dare return to your apartment until it's late and you're absolutely certain no one could have followed you.<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>> You return with trembling legs, and an exhausted heart. You've barely shut the door when you hear a knock. . . . $Curse. "$Miss Holmes, this is the police. We saw you enter. Open up." Holmes. The last name Lawrence gave the both of you when you ran away. You don't want to open that door, but you don't think you have a choice in the matter. You are physically drained from escaping the dinner. There's no way for you to sneak out of your apartment as is. With shaky hands, you open the door. You see two officers outside. No. Three. One is hiding just barely out of sight. You swallow roughly. You ask what's going on. The first officer--John, from his nametag--flatly asks you, "Do you know a Detective Peterson?" You give them a blank look. The second officer--Ben, from his nametag--adds, "Did you meet with him earlier today?" //"Easiest fuckin' job."// You don't say anything. $intuition You don't need to. You quietly ask them what they want from you. “$Miss $name,” the officer says slowly, quietly, “we’ve left you be these past few years out of courtesy.” Your hand tightens on the doorway. $intuition “You’re blood of one of our own,” he continues, “and you were a child then. You’re not anymore.” You swallow roughly. What do they want? “It’s time to stop searching,” answers Ben. “You understand?” . . . @@.blurwhite;Run.@@ You do not respond. You clench your jaw and you give a tiny nod. “Good. Evenin’ $miss.” You slam the door shut. $intuition. You look down at yourself. Stars, you're a mess. There's still glass in your cuts, and you're covered in blood. Your palms and knees look a mess, and you're certain your ass isn't any better since you slid back out the window. Adrenaline can only carry you so far. You've reached the edge of what you can do. Stars. //Stars.// What do you do. . . ? $intuition You’re not safe here. Not anymore. You need help. <<if $route eq "sans">> [[You need him.]] <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> [[You need him. . .]] <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> [[You need his help. . .]] <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> [[You need his help.]] <<else>> [[You need their help.]]<</if>>

<<audio "room" volume 0.5 stop>>Papyrus takes a long drink from his coffee. The skeleton monster sits at his recliner, enjoying the rare moment of peace. Everything has been frantically busy since Wingding set things off. He and his brothers have had to constantly run around and put out fires that would impede their business //too// much. He understands some chaos is inevitable, but stars it's boardering on madness. The city is ready to boil over. //Ring-ring-ring.// Papyrus does not sigh. He has too much self control for that. But. He wants to. He forces himself to stand back up. He sets his coffee down. He picks up the phone. <<if $gender eq "woman">> A soft voice goes, “Hello?” <<else>> A low voice goes, “Hello?” <</if>> Papyrus frowns. “$MISS $NAME?” “I--Is Sans there. . . ?” “ONE MOMENT.” Papyrus carefully sets the phone down. He goes through the house and enters the garage, where Sans sits at his workbench. The skeleton has his sleeves rolled up as he tinkers with some new weapon. It looks like a very big gun, although Papyrus can’t be certain. Sans taps his foot absently on the concrete as he works. “SANS.” “Uh-huh?” Sans doesn’t look up from his work. “PHONE FOR YOU.” “Take a message, elbow deep in grease buddy,” absently answers Sans. <<if $gender eq "woman">> “IT IS MISS $NAME.” <<elseif $gender eq "man">> “IT IS MISTER $NAME.” <<else>> “IT IS MX $NAME.” <</if>> At once, Sans stands up and is reaching for his towel to wipe his hands. “Why didn’t yeh lead with that?” Papyrus snorts. “I AM NOT YOUR MESSENGER, SANS.” “Yeah, yeah,” says Sans. “Thanks for lettin’ me know, I’ll take care of it.” “YOU ARE NOT ENTERING THE HOUSE IF ANY GREASE WILL DRIP OFF YOU,” warns Papyrus. “That’s why we installed a phone in the garage,” dismisses Sans. Papyrus is disgusted to notice that the garage phone handle is covered in black oil. Sans picks up the phone and says, “Hey $sansnickname2. What’s goin' on?” <<if $gender eq "woman">> “Sans, I--I need help,” $name says, her voice cracks. <<elseif $gender eq "man">> “Sans, I--I need help,” $name says, his voice cracks. <<else>> “Sans, I--I need help,” $name says, their voice cracks. <</if>> Alarm shoots through Sans. His ''SOUL'' tightens. “What’s goin’ on? Where are yeh? Yeh safe?” “I’m at the Black Swan. I--I need a place to stay, I’m s--” “Sit tight, I’m comin’ to get yeh,” says Sans. “Thank you.” “Be there soon, babydoll,” says Sans. He hangs up. He’s about to reach for his suit hat when he realizes that he is absolutely covered in oil and grease. He grimaces. “WHAT’S GOING ON?” asks Papyrus. “$name needs ta stay with us,” says Sans. “I FIGURED. $NAME LIVES IN A DANGEROUS AREA. THAT APARTMENT WAS BOUND TO GET HIT. I WILL PREPARE THE GUEST ROOM. I SUGGEST YOU AT LEAST CHANGE BEFORE YOU GET YOUR HUMAN, BECAUSE YOU WILL //NOT// BE ALLOWED TO STEP FOOT IN THE HOUSE LIKE THAT.” Sans sighs. “Can yeh toss me a couple of clean rags from the bin?” “YES.” <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[Sans leaves as soon as he can.]] <<elseif $gender eq "man">> [[Sans leaves as soon as he can.|SansxM]] <<else>> [[Sans leaves as soon as he can.|SansxNB]]<</if>>

<<audio "room" volume 0.5 stop>>Papyrus takes a long drink from his coffee. The skeleton monster sits at his recliner, enjoying the rare moment of peace. Everything has been frantically busy since Wingding set things off. He and his brothers have had to constantly run around and put out fires that would impede their business //too// much. He understands some chaos is inevitable, but stars it's boardering on madness. The city is ready to boil over. //Ring-ring-ring.// Papyrus does not sigh. He has too much self control for that. But. He wants to. He forces himself to stand back up. He sets his coffee down. He picks up the phone. <<if $gender eq "woman">> A soft voice goes, “Hello?” <<else>> A low voice goes, “Hello?” <</if>> Papyrus’s ''SOUL'' tightens. “$MISS $NAME?” “Papyrus, I--I need help.” “WHERE ARE YOU? ARE YOU SAFE?” <<if $gender eq "woman">> “I’m at the Black Swan,” she/he/they say. “I. . . I need someplace safe to stay. I’m sorry--” “STAY THERE. I’M COMING.” Papyrus hangs up the phone. He straightens his tie and grabs his suit hat. He’s about to leave when Wingding enters the room. The eldest gives Papyrus a curious look. “Leaving so soon?” “$MISS $NAME NEEDS HELP,” says Papyrus. “SHE NEEDS A PLACE TO STAY.” Wingding’s spiky smile stretches. “Maybe you should have finished your training with the Royal Guards. You could be a proper //knight//.” Papyrus’ eyesockets narrow threateningly. Wingding holds up his hands. “I tease. I trust your judgment. If you welcome her to our home, I won’t object.” “THANK YOU.” “You’re welcome. Do note, if she sneaks into my office or prematurely wake me, I will put her in a timeout.” <<elseif $gender eq "man">> “I’m at the Black Swan,” he say. “I. . . I need someplace safe to stay. I’m sorry--” “STAY THERE. I’M COMING.” Papyrus hangs up the phone. He straightens his tie and grabs his suit hat. He’s about to leave when Wingding enters the room. The eldest gives Papyrus a curious look. “Leaving so soon?” “$MISS $NAME NEEDS HELP,” says Papyrus. “HE NEEDS A PLACE TO STAY.” Wingding’s spiky smile stretches. “Maybe you should have finished your training with the Royal Guards. You could be a proper //knight//.” Papyrus’ eyesockets narrow threateningly. Wingding holds up his hands. “I tease. I trust your judgment. If you welcome him to our home, I won’t object.” “THANK YOU.” “You’re welcome. Do note, if he sneaks into my office or prematurely wake me, I will put him in a timeout.” <<else>> “I’m at the Black Swan,” they say. “I. . . I need someplace safe to stay. I’m sorry--” “STAY THERE. I’M COMING.” Papyrus hangs up the phone. He straightens his tie and grabs his suit hat. He’s about to leave when Wingding enters the room. The eldest gives Papyrus a curious look. “Leaving so soon?” “$MISS $NAME NEEDS HELP,” says Papyrus. “THEY NEED A PLACE TO STAY.” Wingding’s spiky smile stretches. “Maybe you should have finished your training with the Royal Guards. You could be a proper //knight//.” Papyrus’ eyesockets narrow threateningly. Wingding holds up his hands. “I tease. I trust your judgment. If you welcome them to our home, I won’t object.” “THANK YOU.” “You’re welcome. Do note, if they sneak into my office or prematurely wake me, I will put them in a timeout.” <</if>> “NOTED.” [[End ch7]]

<<audio "room" volume 0.5 stop>>Papyrus takes a long drink from his coffee. The skeleton monster sits at his recliner, enjoying the rare moment of peace. Everything has been frantically busy since Wingding set things off. He and his brothers have had to constantly run around and put out fires that would impede their business //too// much. He understands some chaos is inevitable, but Stars it's boardering on madness. The city is ready to boil over. //Ring-ring-ring.// Papyrus does not sigh. He has too much self control for that. But. He wants to. He forces himself to stand back up. He sets his coffee down. He picks up the phone. <<if $gender eq "woman">> A soft voice goes, “Hello?” <<else>> A low voice goes, “Hello?” <</if>> “H-Hello. I’m sorry to bother, boss, um, would it be okay if I stayed at the Black Swan for a few days?” “WHAT DO YOU MEAN? WAS YOUR APARTMENT HIT?” “Something like that.” <<If $gender eq "woman">> Papyrus is about to answer when Wingding enters the room. Wingding notices the phones and tilts his head. Papyrus places his hand over the phone and says quietly, “It is Miss $name.” <<elseif $gender eq "man">> Papyrus is about to answer when Wingding enters the room. Wingding notices the phones and tilts his head. Papyrus places his hand over the phone and says quietly, “It is Mister $name.” <<else>> Papyrus is about to answer when Wingding enters the room. Wingding notices the phones and tilts his head. Papyrus places his hand over the phone and says quietly, “It is Mx $name.” <</if>> Wingding immediately plucks the phone from Papyrus. Papyrus makes a noise of annoyance. “Dear $name, are you all right?” “Oh, hello Mr. Wingding. Yes, I’m fine. I was simply asking a favor from Mr. Papyrus--” “What favor? Is there something I can assist with?” Wingding asks. $name goes silent. Wingding looks to Papyrus. <<if $gender eq "woman">> “SHE ASKED TO STAY AT THE BLACK SWAN. HER APARTMENT WAS HIT.” <<elseif $gender eq "man">> “HE ASKED TO STAY AT THE BLACK SWAN. HIS APARTMENT WAS HIT.” <<else>> “THEY ASKED TO STAY AT THE BLACK SWAN. THEIR APARTMENT WAS HIT.” <</if>> “Dear, dear, dear,” cooes Wingding, “you can stay here.” “WHAT?” “What?” $name goes. “You’re at the Black Swan? Stay right there. I’m coming for you.” “No, no, no--” <<if $gender eq "woman">> Wingding hangs up, amused from the sound of her panicked voice. <<elseif $gender eq "man">> Wingding hangs up, amused from the sound of his panicked voice. <<else>> Wingding hangs up, amused from the sound of their panicked voice. <</if>> [[End ch7]]

<<audio "room" volume 0.5 stop>>Asriel Dreemur lays on his stomach in bed. He has several medical textbooks opened and sprawled around him as he reads. His golden gaze follows the words as he tries to understand the diagrams. A familiar chiming fills his room. He brightens immediatley, recognizing it as the mirror's call. He keeps the mirror with him at all times. It currently sits on his nightstand. He rolls over to grab it and answers it with a big smile. "$name!" he says happily. <<if $gender eq "woman">> A soft voice goes, “Hello?” <<else>> A low voice goes, “Hello?” <</if>> "What's going on?" Asriel asks, his ''SOUL'' tightens at the sound of $name's distressed voice. "I--I need help." Asriel sits up. "What's going on? What do you need?" "Can I stay with you? F-For a bit? I'm not safe here anymore." "Yes, of course." Asriel’s grip tightens on the mirror. “Stay there. I’m coming to get you. And. . . I’m sorry.” “Sorry--?” Asriel hangs up. He lets out a slow breath. “Chara, I know you were eavesdropping.” Chara’s head pops out from under Asriel’s bed. They frown. “Damn it, how long have you known I was there?” “Chara, you can only jump out from under my bed to scare the shit out of me so many times. I’m going to learn to check underneath there.” “Fuck.” “You heard, right?” “Yeah. . . I’ll start slippin’ the good stuff to Mom now.” “Thanks. The tipsier she is, the easier it’ll be to pull this off.” “What are siblings for? You know, $name is //welcome// to share my bed--” Asriel pulls Chara into a headlock and starts ruffling their hair. “Huh? Wanna say that again?” “NO! NOT MY HAIR! I NEED IT TO LOOK COOL.” [[End ch7]]

<<audio "room" volume 0.5 stop>>Asriel Dreemur lays on his belly in bed. He has several medical textbooks opened and sprawled around him as he reads. A familiar chiming fills his room. He brightens immediatley, recognizing it as the mirror's call. He keeps the mirror with him at all times. It currently sits on his nightstand. He rolls over to grab it and answers it with a big smile. "$name!" he says happily. <<if $gender eq "woman">> A soft voice goes, “Hello?” <<else>> A low voice goes, “Hello?” <</if>> "What's going on?" Asriel asks. "I--I need help." Asriel sits up. "What's going on? What do you need?" "Can I stay with you? F-For a bit? I'm not safe here anymore." "Yes, of course." Asriel’s grip tightens on the mirror. “Stay there. I’m coming to get you. And. . . I’m sorry.” “Sorry--?” Asriel hangs up. He lets out a slow breath. “Chara, I know you were eavesdropping.” Chara’s head pops out from under Asriel’s bed. They frown. “Damn it, how long have you known I was there?” “Chara, you can only jump out from under my bed to scare the shit out of me so many times. I’m going to learn to check underneath there.” “Fuck.” “You heard, right?” “Yeah. . . I’ll start slippin’ the good stuff to Mom now.” “Thanks. The tipsier she is, the easier it’ll be to pull this off.” “What are siblings for? You know, $name is //welcome// to share my bed--” Asriel pulls Chara into a headlock and starts ruffling their hair. “Huh? Wanna say that again?” “NO! NOT MY HAIR! I NEED IT TO LOOK COOL.” [[End ch7]]

:) Thank you all to my discord buddies who helped keep me inspired to continue writing this. Hope you all had fun finding the hidden text since the cat slipped out of the bag now! This chapter is the gatekeep / transition chapter. Everyone on this screen has found all the necessary clues needed to start putting things together. . . and taking action. Well done to you! ETA Update: July/August?

Oh. There’s a bouquet of flowers outside your door. Vivid red roses with complimentary white flowers tucked inside. It’s a beautiful bouquet. It makes you smile to yourself as you pick it up. There’s a note tucked inside. ''//My love is like a red, red rose That’s newly sprung in June; My love is like a melody That’s sweetly played in tune; So fair is your heart That without it I would fall apart.//'' You tilt your head to the side as you read the poem. <<cycle "$poem" autoselect>>\ <<option "What a. . . quaint poem.">> <<option "That’s cute.">> <<option "Kind of uncomfortable.">> <<option "Huh.">> <</cycle>> <<if $route eq "sans">> It doesn’t look like something that Sans would write. But then again, who else would it be from? <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> It doesn’t look like something that Papyrus would write. But then again, who else would it be from? <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> You can’t think of anyone who would send you a poem and bouquet. You briefly think about Wingding Gaster. . . . @@.blurr; This is new.@@ This doesn’t seem like his style. But then again, who else would it be from? <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> It doesn’t look like something that Ralsei would write. But then again, who else would it be from? <<else>> You can’t think of anyone who would send you a poem and bouquet. <</if>> [[You carry the bouquet inside.]]

Every day you hear of another area being hit. The body count is. . . intense. <<if $route eq "papyrus">> A couple days after work, Papyrus makes it a point to escort you home and highly encourage you to stay put. He can never linger long--although you get the feeling he very much would like to--but he does kiss you on the cheek before he leaves. On the days that he doesn't escort you, there's a bouquet with another poem waiting for you. As if it's an apology for not escorting you. <<elseif $route eq "sans">> A couple days after work, Papyrus makes it a point to escort you home and highly encourage you to stay put. He says he's doing it on behalf of Sans who has become "swamped" with work. You're grateful for the escort. On the days that he doesn't escort you, there's a bouquet with another poem waiting for you. As if it's an apology for not escorting you. <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> A couple days after work, Papyrus makes it a point to escort you home and highly encourage you to stay put. He says he's doing it on behalf of Wingding who is "swamped" with work. You're grateful for the escort. On the days that he doesn't escort you, there's a bouquet with another poem waiting for you. As if it's an apology for not escorting you. <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> Every day after work, you call Ralsei on the mirror and talk to him as you walk home. It feels safer that way, for some reason. Every day there's a bouquet with another poem waiting for you. You mentioned it Ralsei and he guessed it was probably Chara playing a prank with you. The poems are cheesy enough the two of you can get a good laugh out of it. <<else>> You don't dally in the streets. Every day there's a bouquet with another poem waiting for you. You mentioned it Ralsei and he guessed it was probably Chara playing a prank with you. The poems are cheesy enough the two of you can get a good laugh out of it. <</if>> Even with the extra protection, you don't dare dally in the streets. Everyone is on edge. It's like you're back to being a child and walking on egg shells. It's suffocating. . . . @@.blurr; You're tired.@@ Like with any upset in this city. . . it will pass. . . . @@.blurr; Only if you end it.@@ [[Hopefully.]]

You're exhausted. Stars above, you are //exhausted.// You start to make your way back to your apartment. As you pass an alleyway, a hand grabs you and pulls you close. You are pressed up to a warm body. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>doesn't react, so you don't tense up. Not that you even have the energy for it. Your body is literally trembling from exertion. You're an absolute mess. There's glass in your cuts, and you're covered in blood. Your palms and knees look a mess, and you're certain your ass isn't any better since you slid back out the window. It wouldn't surprise you if you're dealing with massive blood loss on top of it all. "Hello," whispers a voice. It's melodic and pleasant. "I'm here to help. There are cops waiting for you at your apartment." @@.blur; This is new.@@ "It's okay," says the voice--a man, you think, from the low tone. "None are out here." . . . @@.blurr; Who is this person?@@ "I can offer you a safe house," he says. "You can stay there. . . hide from them. @@.blur; Why?@@ You ask why would he go that far. If the police are looking for you-- He chuckles from behind. "Why does anyone do anything? For love." A chill goes down your spine. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>does not react, but-- @@.blur; It can only tell you when something is wrong. . . if you've already died to it. It remembers for you.@@ @@.blur; This is new.@@ --you feel uneasy about this situation. You try to wretch yourself out of the man's grip and step away. His hold on your wrist tightens. "You're injured," he says. You turn your head to face him and see a plague's mask staring back at you. The masked man tilts his head. "You should rest, love." Disgust swells in you. You curl back your lip and snap that you are //not// his love. "But I love you," he says. "I love you. I love you. I've loved you since the moment I saw you. You love me too, don't you? You grow my favorite flowers. We're meant to be, don't you agree?" [[Absolutely not.]]

You don't have strength. But $curse, you are //not// going without a fight. With all your energy you pull hard. You use your entire body weight to pull away from him the same moment you kick up with one of your [[legs.]]

<<type 100ms>> Everything turns fuzzy and dark. He laughs as he lets you go. You fall to the ground, limp. "Already bleeding. Poison moves fast, doesn't it, love? It's okay. . . I'll take good care of you." [[Your world fades to nothingness.]]<</type>>

Again. Ha, ha, ha. You have died. ''Again.'' Ha, ha, ha. This one is new. Doctor Rose, huh? Ha, ha, ha. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>will remember even when you don't. Ha, ha, ha. . . Again, then. . . //Let's start again.// BAD ENDING #6 - YELLOW ROSES WERE YOUR FAVORITE AS A CHILD.

Able-bodied men are not the common victims for human trafficking. Women for the sex trafficking, and children for the--well, everything. Young men? They're the most likely to fight back and win. Why target them? Why so determined to fill a quota that you'd gut your own piggybanks to meet it? That's what the men in these apartments. The families get their money from people like them. What could make them desparate enough that they'd cut open their people and ruin their money? And the Bertsch heir dead-- This stinks. This whole situation stinks. . . . @@.blurr; You hate this.@@ [[Two powers are at play here.]] [[Three powers are at play here, you can't forget the third one.]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>>You aren't sure how he'll fit-- He shimmers in and out of existence before re-appearing in front of you. Oh! "Shortcut," he explains, "Had a friend, uh. . . anyway. Goodnight, $name." <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Goodnight, Ralsei. The monster's golden eyes brighten. "C-Could you do me a favor?" Yes? He motioned for you to turn your head away. You did. Suddenly, you feel something cold brush against your neck. There's a gentle pressure against it. As quickly as it arrived, it disappeared. Your cheeks burn brightly and you whip your head around to look at Ralsei with wide eyes. He can't meet your gaze, sheepishly looking away. "I--Sorry if that was too out of the blue--" It's not! He looks back at you, hopeful. "Really?" Really, really! He beams. Ralsei leans forward and nuzzles against the top of your head. He pulls you into a tight hug. "Good. I'm--I'm glad." You hug him back. "Goodnight, $name. I hope you have sweet dreams." You wish the same for him. [[It's time to end your day.]]

You aren't sure how he'll fit-- He shimmers in and out of existence before re-appearing in front of you. Oh! "Shortcut," he explains, "Had a friend, uh. . . anyway. Goodnight, $name." Goodnight, Ralsei. . . . Actually. Ralsei? The monster's golden eyes brighten. "Um, yes?" You grab him by the tie and yank him down. You kiss his nose. He makes a squawking sound. You pull away. He stares at you in bewildermant. "Um?! UM?!" You shrug. You've been wanting to do that for a while now. Is that okay? "YES!" Really? "Really, really!" He beams. Ralsei leans forward and nuzzles against the top of your head. He pulls you into a tight hug. "I--I'm glad you did." You hug him back. "Goodnight, $name. I hope you have sweet dreams." You wish the same for him. [[It's time to end your day.]]

It might surprise people to know that Sans can be very fast. He doesn't have much need to expend the effort; humans are laughably slow, and the monsters. . . well. No one with a lick of self-worth would go against Sans. Not since his appointment. Scrubbing the oil off his hands took the longest. The moment he was free of the grease and grime, he changed shirts and immediately left to pick her up. He folds his magic in on itself to create a hole between spaces: a shortcut, he likes to call it. He steps through the hole, walking inside the Black Swan. It surprises him she called from there. It's far past closing time since Papyrus cancelled the night shifts while the city is in chaos. Her shift should have ended hours ago. How did she get in? Sans' dark dress shoes press into the carpet. His red eyelights move to scan the area. It's dark inside, except a single stream of light from underneath one of the doors. The backrooom. Sans strides forward. Without hesitation, he opens the door. He exepcted her to be upset. She sounded distraught, so maybe she would be crying? She lives in a rough neighborhood. She must be ready to move out. That's fine with Sans. He's ready to take care of her. //Keep her.// He did not expect her to be. . . bloodied. $name leans tiredly against a wall, her $dress dress ripped apart in several areas, each outlined in crimson red. Her legs and arms are littered with scratches that oddly glisten--//Is that glass?//--under the room light. Blood drips down her legs, enough of it has fallen to leave a small pool beneath her feet. Her $skincolor skin is ashen-toned, with dark circles under her eyes. With each thing noted, a pocket of anger bursts inside the pit of his chest. His hands clench into fists as his magic bubbles and boils underneath the surface. It takes a considerable amount of self-discpline to not visibly react further. But by the Stars, ''someone was going to pay for this.'' Her $eyecolor gaze moves up to meet his. [[And at once, she bursts into tears.]] [[Sans can see how utterly exhausted she is.]]

Sans is already moving forward to her, panic shoots him like a cold bullet in the heart. It interrupts his enraged thought process, as rational reminds him that //she's bleeding, she's hurt, she needs help.// He grabs her arms and immediately lets go when he hears the crunching sound of glass. Tears spill over her eyes as she silently cries. "Sans. . . " "I'm here," he says quickly, trying to keep the bite and anger out of his voice. Not her fault. She needs help. Deal with the enemies later. "I'm--I'm gonna get ya some help, $sansnickname2." His wide hands are gentler this time as he moves to pick her up. "No, no--my--" $name shies away from him. Her face pinches. "There's glass in my lower back and. . . below." "Did a window fuckin' explode next ta ya?" Sans snaps as he tries to pick her up again. The surge of hot anger is impossible to ignore. Every inch of Sans feels pricked and uncomfortably hot. His hands ache to crush something between them--to //do// something to fix this. He's the Judge and Executioner. Fighting and killing is what he does best. This? This is out of his realm and he detests it. The uncertainty in exacerbates everything. He struggles to soften his voice, not wanting to snap again, "I'll be careful, but it looks like you've lost a lotta blood." She doesn't resist this time when he picks her up. She mumbles something affirmative. Now in his arms, he folds the space around them. Shortcutting is never easy when taking someone along. He takes her to his home, directly to Wingding's office. Don Wingding Gaster’s office is a library on its own. The walls are lined to the ceiling with books--primarily textbooks--and a handful of rare artifacts he’s proud to own. At the far end of the room is a tall window with dark red curtains drawn back to let in sunlight. In front of the window is his massive oak desk that is kept clean and paper free when not in use. He does not look up at Sans' abrupt entrance. "Done picking up your toy--?" "//Wings,//" Sans testily interrupts, barely keeping the growl out of his voice. Wingding looks up. He sees Sans. He sees $name. He sighs. "One day, I won't be interrupted from my work and I'll get to go to bed //before// the sun rises. Set her down." "She's bleedin' bad," says Sans. He turns his head to see $name looking up at him with a glazed-over expression. "Hey. //Hey.// Don't go ta sleep, yet." She mumbles an apology. "I can see the blood dripping on my freshly cleaned carpet, Sans," drawls Wingding. "I can also see the magic oozing off you. Leave her and get out. I can't deal with your temper while tending to her." [[. . .]]

Sans quickly walks over to her. He grabs her arms and immediately lets go when he hears the crunching sound of glass. She sighs out his name. "I'm here," he says quickly, trying to keep the bite and anger out of his voice. Not her fault. She needs help. Deal with the enemies later. "I'm--I'm gonna get ya some help, $sansnickname2." His wide hands are gentler this time as he moves to pick her up. "No, no--my--" $name shies away from him. Her face pinches. "There's glass in my lower back and. . . below." "Did a window fuckin' explode next ta ya?" Sans snaps as he tries to pick her up again. The surge of hot anger is impossible to ignore. Every inch of Sans feels pricked and uncomfortably hot. His hands ache to crush something between them--to //do// something to fix this. He's the Judge and Executioner. Fighting and killing is what he does best. This? This is out of his realm and he detests it. The uncertainty in exacerbates everything. He struggles to soften his voice, not wanting to snap again, "I'll be careful, but it looks like you've lost a lotta blood." She doesn't resist this time when he picks her up. She mumbles something affirmative. Now in his arms, he folds the space around them. Shortcutting is never easy when taking someone along. He takes her to his home, directly to Wingding's office. Don Wingding Gaster’s office is a library on its own. The walls are lined to the ceiling with books--primarily textbooks--and a handful of rare artifacts he’s proud to own. At the far end of the room is a tall window with dark red curtains drawn back to let in sunlight. In front of the window is his massive oak desk that is kept clean and paper free when not in use. He does not look up at Sans' abrupt entrance. "Done picking up your toy--?" "//Wings,//" Sans testily interrupts, barely keeping the growl out of his voice. Wingding looks up. He sees Sans. He sees $name. He sighs. "One day, I won't be interrupted from my work and I'll get to go to bed //before// the sun rises. Set her down." "She's bleedin' bad," says Sans. He turns his head to see $name looking up at him with a glazed-over expression. "Hey. //Hey.// Don't go ta sleep, yet." She mumbles an apology. "I can see the blood dripping on my freshly cleaned carpet, Sans," drawls Wingding. "I can also see the magic oozing off you. Leave her and get out. I can't deal with your temper while tending to her." [[. . .]]

Things get blurry for you after the phone call with Sans. You barely remember running back to the Black Swan--the only place that has a phone you can use. You know you called him. . . you know you tried to sit down but your butt hurt far too much, so you leaned against the wall. Sans came. Now you're in an unfamiliar room, stripped with Wingding Gaster plucking out shards of glass from you. Sans and Papyrus come in and out of the room to bring towels, bandages. They're talking, but you can't follow along. Wingding moves you left and right, like a puppet without strings. His shadows keep you aloft as he plucks, slathers ointment, then bandages. Your head is stuffed with cotton, your body weighed down by lead. You want to sleep. You want to //rest//, but every time you close your eyes someone's pinching you awake. Wingding grips your face and turns your head. You feel the glass shards slide out of your cheek. He says something. You can't follow. Your eyes slowly shut, but then he yanks hard enough on your ear, you re-open them. More and more of your body sags as an invisible weight presses on you. As glass is removed, the throbbing pain is replaced by pulsating warmth. Your limbs hang listlessly and when you close your eyes. . . <<if $mcview eq "determined">> [[. . . no one can wake you.]] <<else>> [[. . . no one can wake you.|Such a shame you have to wake up.]]<</if>>

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<h1>Mafiafell</h1>

[[Menu]]

Undertale belongs to Toby Fox. Mafiafell is the combination of Mafiatale and Underfell. The AU is written by Staringback** and the comic was made by Cutthroat-Jutsu on Deviantart and by Melikas on Twitter. This twine game was written & coded by Darkpetal16. This game has taken inspiration from Staringback's story //Sooner or Later You're Gonna Be Mine.// Music used: Horrible by Lesfm, Jazz Thriller by Lobo Loco, Twinkle Like a Star by MondayHopes, Grimly by Wicked Cinema.

test <h1> T E S T TEST </h1> TEST [[TEST LINK]] <<cycle "$soulcolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "red">> <<option "blue">> <<option "purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "orange">> <<option "white">> <</cycle>> @@.blurr;Hello, hello.@@ <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "white">> @@.blurwhite;Hello, hello.@@ <</if>> @@.secret;Hello, hello.@@ How to be afraid. Not for you. background-color: transparent; background-color: rgba(34, 34, 34, 0.6)

test <<audio "room" volume .5 loop play>> TEST [[TEST LINKh]] <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Hello, hello.@@ <</if>> How to be afraid. Not for you.

test test test

<<set $playerprofile = 0>> <a data-passage="Pink" class="link-internal link-image"> <img src="mafiaimages/pinkheart.png" /> </a> <a data-passage="Red" class="link-internal link-image"> <img src="mafiaimages/redheart.png" /> </a> <a data-passage="Orange" class="link-internal link-image"> <img src="mafiaimages/orangeheart.png" /> </a> <a data-passage="Honey" class="link-internal link-image"> <img src="mafiaimages/honeyheart.png" /> </a> <a data-passage="Yellow" class="link-internal link-image"> <img src="mafiaimages/yellowheart.png" /> </a> <a data-passage="Green" class="link-internal link-image"> <img src="mafiaimages/greenheart.png" /> </a> <a data-passage="Aqua" class="link-internal link-image"> <img src="mafiaimages/aquaheart.png" /> </a> <a data-passage="Blue" class="link-internal link-image"> <img src="mafiaimages/blueheart.png" /> </a> <a data-passage="Lavender" class="link-internal link-image"> <img src="mafiaimages/lavenderheart.png" /> </a> <a data-passage="Purple" class="link-internal link-image"> <img src="mafiaimages/purpleheart.png" /> </a>

<<set $soulcolor = "pink" >> <img src="mafiaimages/pinkheart.png" /> @@.blurpink; I am you. You are me.@@ @@.pink; Pink like the sunset over the city harbor.@@ When it calls out to you it feels like. . . <<cycle "$intuition" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is a warm tingle in your chest.">> <<option "You feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise.">> <<option "There’s a tickle in the back of your thoughts.">> <<option "You feel an itch in your mind.">> <<option "//It// skips a beat.">> <<option "There is a ringing in your ears.">> <<option "You hear an inaudible whisper.">> <<option "A tragic note sings in your mind.">> <</cycle>> Is this correct? [[Yes.]] [[No.|Start Anew]] @@.blurwhite; Did you forget yet?@@

<<set $soulcolor = "red" >> <img src="mafiaimages/redheart.png" /> @@.blurred; I am you. You are me.@@ @@.red; Red like the roses blooming in spring.@@ When it calls out to you it feels like. . . <<cycle "$intuition" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is a warm tingle in your chest.">> <<option "You feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise.">> <<option "There’s a tickle in the back of your thoughts.">> <<option "You feel an itch in your mind.">> <<option "//It// skips a beat.">> <<option "There is a ringing in your ears.">> <<option "You hear an inaudible whisper.">> <<option "A tragic note sings in your mind.">> <</cycle>> Is this correct? [[Yes.]] [[No.|Start Anew]] @@.blurwhite; Did you forget yet?@@

<<set $soulcolor = "orange" >> <img src="mafiaimages/orangeheart.png" /> @@.blurorange; I am you. You are me.@@ @@.orange; Orange like the tabby cats that prowl the streets freely.@@ When it calls out to you it feels like. . . <<cycle "$intuition" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is a warm tingle in your chest.">> <<option "You feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise.">> <<option "There’s a tickle in the back of your thoughts.">> <<option "You feel an itch in your mind.">> <<option "//It// skips a beat.">> <<option "There is a ringing in your ears.">> <<option "You hear an inaudible whisper.">> <<option "A tragic note sings in your mind.">> <</cycle>> Is this correct? [[Yes.]] [[No.|Start Anew]] @@.blurwhite; Did you forget yet?@@

<<set $soulcolor = "yellow" >> <img src="mafiaimages/yellowheart.png" /> @@.bluryellow; I am you. You are me.@@ @@.yellow; Yellow like the bumblebees in the city park.@@ When it calls out to you it feels like. . . <<cycle "$intuition" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is a warm tingle in your chest.">> <<option "You feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise.">> <<option "There’s a tickle in the back of your thoughts.">> <<option "You feel an itch in your mind.">> <<option "//It// skips a beat.">> <<option "There is a ringing in your ears.">> <<option "You hear an inaudible whisper.">> <<option "A tragic note sings in your mind.">> <</cycle>> Is this correct? [[Yes.]] [[No.|Start Anew]] @@.blurwhite; Did you forget yet?@@

<<set $soulcolor = "green" >> <img src="mafiaimages/greenheart.png" /> @@.blurgreen; I am you. You are me.@@ @@.green; Green like the country woods you escaped from.@@ When it calls out to you it feels like. . . <<cycle "$intuition" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is a warm tingle in your chest.">> <<option "You feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise.">> <<option "There’s a tickle in the back of your thoughts.">> <<option "You feel an itch in your mind.">> <<option "//It// skips a beat.">> <<option "There is a ringing in your ears.">> <<option "You hear an inaudible whisper.">> <<option "A tragic note sings in your mind.">> <</cycle>> Is this correct? [[Yes.]] [[No.|Start Anew]] @@.blurwhite; Did you forget yet?@@

<<set $soulcolor = "aquamarine" >> <img src="mafiaimages/aquaheart.png" /> @@.bluraqua; I am you. You are me.@@ @@.aqua; Aquamarine like the waves on a sunny day.@@ When it calls out to you it feels like. . . <<cycle "$intuition" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is a warm tingle in your chest.">> <<option "You feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise.">> <<option "There’s a tickle in the back of your thoughts.">> <<option "You feel an itch in your mind.">> <<option "//It// skips a beat.">> <<option "There is a ringing in your ears.">> <<option "You hear an inaudible whisper.">> <<option "A tragic note sings in your mind.">> <</cycle>> Is this correct? [[Yes.]] [[No.|Start Anew]] @@.blurwhite; Did you forget yet?@@

<<set $soulcolor = "blue" >> <img src="mafiaimages/blueheart.png" /> @@.blurblue; I am you. You are me.@@ @@.blue; Blue like the summer sky.@@ When it calls out to you it feels like. . . <<cycle "$intuition" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is a warm tingle in your chest.">> <<option "You feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise.">> <<option "There’s a tickle in the back of your thoughts.">> <<option "You feel an itch in your mind.">> <<option "//It// skips a beat.">> <<option "There is a ringing in your ears.">> <<option "You hear an inaudible whisper.">> <<option "A tragic note sings in your mind.">> <</cycle>> Is this correct? [[Yes.]] [[No.|Start Anew]] @@.blurwhite; Did you forget yet?@@

<<set $soulcolor = "lavender" >> <img src="mafiaimages/lavenderheart.png" /> @@.blurlavender; I am you. You are me.@@ @@.lavender; Lavender like the fields of wildflowers outside the city.@@ When it calls out to you it feels like. . . <<cycle "$intuition" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is a warm tingle in your chest.">> <<option "You feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise.">> <<option "There’s a tickle in the back of your thoughts.">> <<option "You feel an itch in your mind.">> <<option "//It// skips a beat.">> <<option "There is a ringing in your ears.">> <<option "You hear an inaudible whisper.">> <<option "A tragic note sings in your mind.">> <</cycle>> Is this correct? [[Yes.]] [[No.|Start Anew]] @@.blurwhite; Did you forget yet?@@

<<set $soulcolor = "purple" >> <img src="mafiaimages/purpleheart.png" /> @@.blurpurple; I am you. You are me.@@ @@.purple; Purple like the city skyline at twilight.@@ When it calls out to you it feels like. . . <<cycle "$intuition" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is a warm tingle in your chest.">> <<option "You feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise.">> <<option "There’s a tickle in the back of your thoughts.">> <<option "You feel an itch in your mind.">> <<option "//It// skips a beat.">> <<option "There is a ringing in your ears.">> <<option "You hear an inaudible whisper.">> <<option "A tragic note sings in your mind.">> <</cycle>> Is this correct? [[Yes.]] [[No.|Start Anew]] @@.blurwhite; Did you forget yet?@@

<<set $soulcolor = "honey" >> <img src="mafiaimages/honeyheart.png" /> @@.blurhoney; I am you. You are me.@@ @@.honey; Honeyed gold like the freshly baked bread from the bakery.@@ When it calls out to you it feels like. . . <<cycle "$intuition" autoselect>>\ <<option "There is a warm tingle in your chest.">> <<option "You feel the hairs on the back of your neck raise.">> <<option "There’s a tickle in the back of your thoughts.">> <<option "You feel an itch in your mind.">> <<option "//It// skips a beat.">> <<option "There is a ringing in your ears.">> <<option "You hear an inaudible whisper.">> <<option "A tragic note sings in your mind.">> <</cycle>> Is this correct? [[Yes.]] [[No.|Start Anew]] @@.blurwhite; Did you forget yet?@@

Hello you. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Hello, hello.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Hello, hello.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Hello, hello.@@ <</if>> Darling you. You perfect $gender. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;. . .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;. . .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;. . . .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;. . .@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;. . .@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;. . .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;. . .@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;. . .@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;. . .@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;. . .@@ <</if>> You, with those beautiful <<cycle "$eyecolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "brown">> <<option "chocolate brown">> <<option "coffee brown">> <<option "gingerbread brown">> <<option "tawny brown">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "fawn">> <<option "latte">> <<option "buttermilk">> <<option "golden">> <<option "citrine">> <<option "green">> <<option "lime green">> <<option "pear green">> <<option "shamrock green">> <<option "forest green">> <<option "sacremento green">> <<option "sage green">> <<option "seafoam green">> <<option "blue">> <<option "aquamarine">> <<option "sapphire">> <<option "cerulean">> <<option "lapris">> <<option "cobalt">> <<option "indigo">> <<option "grey">> <<option "pewter grey">> <<option "ash">> <<option "silver">> <<option "dove grey">> <<option "black">> <<option "obsidian">> <<option "red">> <<option "cherry">> <<option "rose red">> <<option "scarlet">> <<option "wine red">> <<option "pink">> <<option "rose pink">> <<option "pastel pink">> <<option "purple">> <<option "violet">> <<option "lavender">> <<option "amethyst">> <<option "lilac">> <<option "blue to purple">> <<option "blue to pink">> <<option "purple to pink">> <<option "pink to red">> <<option "red to orange">> <<option "orange to gold">> <<option "green to blue">> <<option "pearlescent">> <<option "iridescent">> <</cycle>> eyes of yours Yes, you. Beloved you. With that <<cycle "$hairlength" autoselect>>\ <<option "long">> <<option "very long">> <<option "short">> <<option "very short">> <<option "shoulder-length">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$haircolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "black brown">> <<option "darkest brown">> <<option "darkest ash brown">> <<option "dark brown">> <<option "dark ash brown">> <<option "dark golden brown">> <<option "deep mahogany brown">> <<option "brown">> <<option "ash brown">> <<option "golden brown">> <<option "copper golden brown">> <<option "mahogany brown">> <<option "chocolate brown">> <<option "light brown">> <<option "light ash brown">> <<option "light golden brwon">> <<option "light golden copper brown">> <<option "dark chestnut blonde">> <<option "dark blonde">> <<option "dark ash blonde">> <<option "dark beige blonde">> <<option "dark golden blonde">> <<option "copper golden blonde">> <<option "chocolate blonde">> <<option "medium blonde">> <<option "ash blonde">> <<option "light ash golden blonde">> <<option "beige blonde">> <<option "golden blonde">> <<option "light blonde">> <<option "light ash blonde">> <<option "light beige blonde">> <<option "lightest blonde">> <<option "lightest ash blonde">> <<option "lightest beige blonde">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$hairtype" autoselect>>\ <<option "tightly curled">> <<option "loosely curled">> <<option "coily">> <<option "bouncy">> <<option "fine">> <<option "straight">> <<option "thick">> <<option "thin">> <<option "wavy">> <</cycle>> hair of yours. Precious you. Sweet you and that smooth <<cycle "$skincolor " autoselect>>\ <<option "white">> <<option "ivory">> <<optoin "porcelain">> <<option "pale ivory">> <<option "warm ivory">> <<option "sand">> <<option "rose beiege">> <<option "limestone">> <<option "beige">> <<option "senna">> <<option "honey">> <<option "band">> <<option "brown">> <<option "almond">> <<option "chestnut">> <<option "bronze">> <<option "umber">> <<option "golden">> <<option "expresso">> <<option "cacao">> <<option "black">> <<option "vitiligo">> <</cycle>> skin. You are a delight. You are so very, very loved. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;So is he.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;So is he.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;So is he.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;So is he.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;So is he.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;So is he.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;So is he.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;So is he.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;So is he.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;So is he.@@ <</if>> Oh, $name. [[Such a shame you have to wake up.]] <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;//This// life won't end in failure.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;//This// life won't end in failure.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;//This// life won't end in failure.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;//This// life won't end in failure.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;//This// life won't end in failure.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;//This// life won't end in failure.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;//This// life won't end in failure.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;//This// life won't end in failure.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;//This// life won't end in failure.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;//This// life won't end in failure.@@ <</if>>

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" loop play>>''THIS GAME IS RECOMMENDED TO PLAY WITH SOUND.'' Please enter your name properly: <<textbox "$name" "">> Ex: Frisk, Chara, Sans, Papyrus, Wingding <<set $playerprofile = 0>> Please enter your name in ALL CAPS: <<textbox "$NAME" "">> Ex: FRISK, CHARA, SANS, PAPYRUS, WINGDING Please enter your go-to curse word lower case: <<textbox "$curse" "">> Ex: biscuits, hell, shoot Please enter your go-to curse word as a proper noun: <<textbox "$Curse" "">> Ex: Biscuits, Hell, Shoot Please enter your go-to curse word in ALL CAPS: <<textbox "$CURSE" "">> Ex: BISCUITS, HELL, SHIT ''Gender'': <<cycle "$gender" autoselect>>\ <<option "woman">> <<option "man">> <<option "person">> <</cycle>> ''Children'': <<cycle "$kids" autoselect>>\ <<option "You are not capable of carrying a child.">> <<option "You are capable of carrying a child.">> <<option "You are capable of carrying a child, but deeply do not want one.">> <</cycle>> ---- Are you ready? [[Start Anew]]

You always had a knack for music, and for one year you were lucky enough to receive tutoring at school for the piano. Who knew learning such a skill would give you a job opportunity. <<set $job = "pianist">> You don't work long hours--rarely more than six--but you make enough off tips alone to survive. Which is good. You need money. Everyone in this city needs money. The money you make now would have been enough to buy your own house in the countryside. Here, though? Not so much. You like it, though. You like your coworkers, and you like your boss. The customers can get rowdy sometimes, but you're never alone in dealing with them. //Look, don't touch.// That's what the boss warns all of his customers. Even the. . . important ones. He and his food are well liked enough he can get away with it, too. As long as you play nice, you're safe there. And you need to be there. It's one of the only places in the city where the higher members of //all// the mafias will visit due to its neutral ground. [[It's your best lead to find your brother.]]

<<audio "room" stop>><<audio "cityday" volume 0.25 loop play>>It's a thirty-minute walk from your apartment to where you work. It's a route you are familiar with, as it's what you've been taking for four years. You move briskly, your shoes clicking against the paved, cracked sidewalk. You work at an upscale bar named //The Black Swan//. <<if $gender eq "woman">> [[You worked as a waitress.]] [[You worked as a singer.]] <<else>> [[You worked as a waiter.]] [[You worked as a bartender.]] <</if>> [[You work as a pianist.]]

<<audio "room" stop>><<audio "park" volume 0.25 loop play>>In the early hours of the morning, you see a handful of others at the park--mostly elderly. The smell of dew and freshly cut grass intermingles with the stench of cars and the city sewer. Pigeons and other birds fly over head, chirping and tweeting at one another. You pass by a wrinkled woman in an overly large coat on a bench who mindlessly tosses breadcrumbs around her. You've seen her often--almost every morning you visit the park--and she gives you a courtesy nod. <<cycle "$parklady" autoselect>>\ <<option "You always return the nod.">> <<option "You always smile at her.">> <<option "You always ignore her.">> <<option "You always give a little wave.">> <</cycle>> You run on the uneven pavement, mindful of any trip hazards. You've run this route so often you could do it with your eyes closed. You know each hole and stray tree root like you know your own apartment. The sun continues its ascent as you run. Your mouth dries and your throat tightens with thirst. You used to have a beat up water bottle that you'd bring with you on your runs, but a month or so ago you had to sacrifice it. A couple hooligans, still drunk from their night out, thought it would be //hilarious// to chase you. You chucked the metal water bottle at one of their foreheads when they got alarmingly close. A small price to pay for your safety. You've been meaning to get another one, but <<cycle "$nature" autoselect>>\ <<option "you keep forgetting. You're a forgetful person by nature.">> <<option "it's not enough of a necessity to justify spending the money. You're a frugal person by nature.">> <<option "you haven't found one you like. You're a picky person by nature.">> <<option "you can't bring yourself to. That one had sentimental value and you don't want to replace it. You're a stubborn person by nature.">> <<option "just don't for some unknown reason. You're an indecisive person by nature.">> <<option "get distracted easily whenever you try. You're an impulsive person by nature.">><</cycle>> In spite of your mounting desire for water, you press on with your morning run, [[You do five laps around then circle home.]]

<<audio "room" stop>><<audio "pier" volume 0.25 loop play>>The moment you see the horizon on the harbor you breathe a sigh of relief. Tension you didn't notice you were carrying eases out of you. The boat horns blare as the seagulls cry out from above. The waves slam against the boats and piers with rhythmic force. With the risen sun, many fishermen are returning to shore to sell their freshest stock, their boisterous voices carry on the wind as they dock. Men and monsters haul heavy cargo on and off boats. Containers too large or heavy for even a monster to comfortably lift are transported using massive cranes. You avoid entering the harbor whenever you come here for your runs. It's always jam-packed with workers, and the last thing you want to do is get in the way of someone doing their job. Instead, you run along the designated fishing pier. It's a long wooden deck that stretches out to sea alongside the harbor. You can watch the coming and goings of the harbor without issue as you run up and down it. The sun continues its ascent as you run. Your mouth dries and your throat tightens with thirst. You used to have a beat up water bottle that you'd bring with you on your runs, but a month or so ago you had to sacrifice it. A couple hooligans, still drunk from their night out, thought it would be //hilarious// to chase you. You chucked the metal water bottle at one of their foreheads when they got alarmingly close. A small price to pay for your safety. You've been meaning to get another one, but <<cycle "$nature" autoselect>>\ <<option "you keep forgetting. You're a forgetful person by nature.">> <<option "it's not enough of a necessity to justify spending the money. You're a frugal person by nature.">> <<option "you haven't found one you like. You're a picky person by nature.">> <<option "you can't bring yourself to. That one had sentimental value and you don't want to replace it. You're a stubborn person by nature.">> <<option "just don't for some unknown reason. You're an indecisive person by nature.">> <<option "get distracted easily whenever you try. You're an impulsive person by nature.">><</cycle>> In spite of your mounting thirst, you continue with your run. [[You run up and down the pier five times before you return home.]]

<<audio "park" stop>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>>You return home, grab the newspaper at the front door, and down an entire glass of water to quench the sandpaper sensation in the back of your throat. You wipe the sweat from your forehead and wash your hands. Your stomach loudlly rumbles. It's time for breakfast. A glance at the clock shows you have a few more hours until you have to go to work. [[You eat a cold breakfast: yogurt with fruit.]] [[You eat a hot breakfast: oatmeal with fruit.]] [[You eat a sweet breakfast: french toast with syrup.]] [[You eat a hearty breakfast: bacon, cheese, and eggs on toast.]]

<<audio "pier" stop>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>>You return home, grab the newspaper at the front door, and down an entire glass of water to quench the sandpaper sensation in the back of your throat. You wipe the sweat from your forehead and wash your hands. Your stomach loudlly rumbles. It's time for breakfast. A glance at the clock shows you have a few more hours until you have to go to work. [[You eat a cold breakfast: yogurt with fruit.]] [[You eat a hot breakfast: oatmeal with fruit.]] [[You eat a sweet breakfast: french toast with syrup.]] [[You eat a hearty breakfast: bacon, cheese, and eggs on toast.]]

Once appropriately dressed, you step out onto the floor. There's already a full table in the back. They must have come in while you were getting dressed. You see eight men in suits loudly talking to one another in the red leathered booth. You see the green band with the //V// insignia and you know that these men are from the Vivacci mafia. You approach the table. As you do, you. . . $intuition [[. . . put on a big smile.]] [[. . . keep a flat face.]] <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Don't be stupid. Smile.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Don't be stupid. Smile.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Don't be stupid. Smile.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Don't be stupid. Smile.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Don't be stupid. Smile.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Don't be stupid. Smile.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Don't be stupid. Smile.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Don't be stupid. Smile.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Don't be stupid. Smile@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Don't be stupid. Smile.@@ <</if>> [[. . . barely hide your contempt.]] <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Don't be even stupider. Smile.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Don't be even stupider. Smile.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Don't be even stupider. Smile.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Don't be even stupider. Smile.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Don't be even stupider. Smile.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Don't be even stupider. Smile.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Don't be stupid. Smile.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Don't be even stupider. Smile.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Don't be even stupider. Smile@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Don't be even stupider. Smile.@@ <</if>>

That's right. You have to. Anything less could be seen as discourteous and men like these will jump at an opportunity for violence. A show of their power is the best way for them to maintain their reputation, or climb to a higher rank. And what better way to show that power than through asserting dominance? <<cycle "$smilesmile " autoselect>>\ <<option "You put on a warm smile; your expression softens.">> <<option "You put on a kind smile; it's a small smile that shows your dimples.">> <<option "You put on a plastic smile; it's a wide smile that shows your teeth.">> <<option "You put on a professional smile; it's a wide smile with your lips pressed together.">> <<option "You put on a playful smile; it curls higher on one side.">> <</cycle>> Regardless of your feelings, you can always fake it for customers. That's your job. As you approach the table, you hear their boisterous voices more clearly. The youngest at the table is regalling the others with a story. ". . . so I says--I says to the bagman, y'know, the capo ain't gonna be happy ya don't got the money, yeah?" the young man says. A few snort at the table. "More like flip his fuckin' lid," mutters one. "None of that talk at the table," cuts in the oldest man among the group. He notices your approach and gives you a curt nod. You courtesouly greet them. <<if (($job eq "singer")) and ($soulcolor eq "red")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" "Hey now," cuts in another with a grin, "ain't you normally up on stage, honey?" You confirm that you are the evening singer. The group reasses you as a whole, with the exception being the oldest man. He waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Never got a full view of you up on stage." . . . @@.blurred;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($job eq "singer")) and ($soulcolor eq "pink")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" "Hey now," cuts in another with a grin, "ain't you normally up on stage, honey?" You confirm that you are the evening singer. The group reasses you as a whole, with the exception being the oldest man. He waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Never got a full view of you up on stage." . . . @@.blurpink;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($job eq "singer")) and ($soulcolor eq "orange")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" "Hey now," cuts in another with a grin, "ain't you normally up on stage, honey?" You confirm that you are the evening singer. The group reasses you as a whole, with the exception being the oldest man. He waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Never got a full view of you up on stage." . . . @@.blurorange;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($job eq "singer")) and ($soulcolor eq "honey")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" "Hey now," cuts in another with a grin, "ain't you normally up on stage, honey?" You confirm that you are the evening singer. The group reasses you as a whole, with the exception being the oldest man. He waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Never got a full view of you up on stage." . . . @@.blurhoney;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($job eq "singer")) and ($soulcolor eq "yellow")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" "Hey now," cuts in another with a grin, "ain't you normally up on stage, honey?" You confirm that you are the evening singer. The group reasses you as a whole, with the exception being the oldest man. He waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Never got a full view of you up on stage." . . . @@.bluryellow;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($job eq "singer")) and ($soulcolor eq "green")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" "Hey now," cuts in another with a grin, "ain't you normally up on stage, honey?" You confirm that you are the evening singer. The group reasses you as a whole, with the exception being the oldest man. He waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Never got a full view of you up on stage." . . . @@.blurgreen;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($job eq "singer")) and ($soulcolor eq "aqua")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" "Hey now," cuts in another with a grin, "ain't you normally up on stage, honey?" You confirm that you are the evening singer. The group reasses you as a whole, with the exception being the oldest man. He waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Never got a full view of you up on stage." . . . @@.bluraqua;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($job eq "singer")) and ($soulcolor eq "blue")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" "Hey now," cuts in another with a grin, "ain't you normally up on stage, honey?" You confirm that you are the evening singer. The group reasses you as a whole, with the exception being the oldest man. He waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Never got a full view of you up on stage." . . . @@.blurblue;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($job eq "singer")) and ($soulcolor eq "lavender")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" "Hey now," cuts in another with a grin, "ain't you normally up on stage, honey?" You confirm that you are the evening singer. The group reasses you as a whole, with the exception being the oldest man. He waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Never got a full view of you up on stage." . . . @@.blurlavender;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($job eq "singer")) and ($soulcolor eq "purple")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" "Hey now," cuts in another with a grin, "ain't you normally up on stage, honey?" You confirm that you are the evening singer. The group reasses you as a whole, with the exception being the oldest man. He waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Never got a full view of you up on stage." . . . @@.blurpurple;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($gender eq "woman")) and ($soulcolor eq "pink")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" The oldest man waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Would love a full view." . . . @@.blurpink;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($gender eq "woman")) and ($soulcolor eq "red")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" The oldest man waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Would love a full view." . . . @@.blurred;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($gender eq "woman")) and ($soulcolor eq "orange")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" The oldest man waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Would love a full view." . . . @@.blurorange;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($gender eq "woman")) and ($soulcolor eq "honey")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" The oldest man waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Would love a full view." . . . @@.blurhoney;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($gender eq "woman")) and ($soulcolor eq "yellow")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" The oldest man waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Would love a full view." . . . @@.bluryellow;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($gender eq "woman")) and ($soulcolor eq "green")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" The oldest man waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Would love a full view." . . . @@.blurgreen;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($gender eq "woman")) and ($soulcolor eq "aqua")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" The oldest man waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Would love a full view." . . . @@.bluraqua;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($gender eq "woman")) and ($soulcolor eq "blue")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" The oldest man waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Would love a full view." . . . @@.blurblue;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($gender eq "woman")) and ($soulcolor eq "lavender")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" The oldest man waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Would love a full view." . . . @@.blurlavender;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<elseif (($gender eq "woman")) and ($soulcolor eq "purple")>> A few of them men leer at you. You can feel their eyes rake up and down your form. One of them does a low whistle. "All the waitresses this pretty in the day?" The oldest man waves his hand dismissively. "Don't be crass in front of me, boys. The lady is here to take our orders, not dance for you." "I'd pay to see that dance," says one of them. "How about one little turn around for us, sweetcheeks? Would love a full view." . . . @@.blurpurple;//You'd be on the floor if he heard you say that.//@@ You don't respond to him. You keep the gaze of the older man--the clear leader of the group--and hold up your notepad and pen. "One more word outta you and I'll drag you out back and show you manners," the older man reprimands the others. "The food here is too good for you to spoil it with your pea brain." The younger men look away from you, and that is that. Had this been any other restaurant than the //Black Swan//, you're certain it wouldn't have ended there. But here, you are safe. . . well, safe enough. You finish taking their orders without issue. <<else>> They barely take note of you. You're able to take their orders without fuss. <</if>> [[This is how you spend your day.]]

You can't smile. Not for them. As you approach the table, you hear their boisterous voices more clearly. The youngest at the table is regalling the others with a story. ". . . so I says--I says to the bagman, y'know, the capo ain't gonna be happy ya don't got the money, yeah?" the young man says. A few snort at the table. "More like flip his fuckin' lid," mutters one. "None of that talk at the table," cuts in the oldest man among the group. He notices your approach and narrows his eyes. "Hey. Forget something?" You shake your head. "How about a proper smile, kid?" Your lips twitch into a painfully fake smile. The group's attention is solely focused on you, and you can feel their own contempt at your rudeness. But you smiled, and you're in the //Black Swan//, so they don't say anything more. [[You take their orders and finish your day.]]

You can't smile. You can't even fake it if you wanted to. Not for them. //Not for these scumbags.// As you approach the table, you hear their boisterous voices more clearly. The youngest at the table is regalling the others with a story. ". . . so I says--I says to the bagman, y'know, the capo ain't gonna be happy ya don't got the money, yeah?" the young man says. A few snort at the table. "More like flip his fuckin' lid," mutters one. "None of that talk at the table," cuts in the oldest man among the group. He notices your approach and narrows his eyes. "Hey. Forget something?" You shake your head. "How about a smile, brat?" The best you manage is a sneer. One of the men get up with a snarl, "Show some respect, ya fucking swine." "Enough," snaps the oldest man at the table. He levels you with an icy glare. "Not here. Sit back down." The young man glowers at you, but does obey his superior. The group's attention is solely focused on you, and you can feel their own contempt at your rudeness. But you're in the //Black Swan//, so they don't say anything more. [[You take their orders and finish your day.]]

When you get off work, it's late into the night. You walk home alone and listen to the sound of the city that never sleeps. Another day has gone by. Uneventful as every other has been since you started working at the //Black Swan.// $intuition As you round another street corner, you are abruptly grabbed from behind by cold, leathered, gloved hands. The yands grip your face from behind you and pull you b ack with enough force you are slammed into the stone streets. The back of your head hits the ground with dizzying force that leaves you seeing stars. You blink away the dark spots in your vision and look up to see familiar faces. It's the young mafiosos you served earlier today. The men glare down at you with dark eyes. One of them bounces a baseball bat off their shoulder. THey lower it and point it at you. "Since no one taught ya manners, figured we'd teach ya." Another one brushes a pipe against your cheek. "Aren't ya grateful?" "Better see a fuckin' smile as thanks for our lessons." They jeer and chuckle at that. You have no time to respond when the baseball bat hits your abdomen with alarming force. The air is immediately shoved out of you without a hint of remorse. The next thing to hit you is the pipe straight to the face. Blow by blow. Hit by hit. You are bludgeoned repeatedly without pause. You can't even shield yourself because the third blow broke your elbows and now they won't work. They hit you. They beat you. They break your body until you are nothing but a pulverised lump of flesh in the middle of the street. BAD ENDING #1 - SMILE NEXT TIME

<<audio "citynight" stop>><<audio "room" volume 0.5 loop play>>Not that it'd matter. It's a flimsy piece of wood and in a world of monsters and guns, it won't keep you safe. It's only there to buy you time so you can run. //"You have to keep yourself safe, okay?"// <<if $gender eq "woman">> You change into a <<cycle "$pajamas" autoselect>>\ <<option "short white night dress">> <<option "short night dress">> <<option "short polka-dot night dress">> <<option "short floral night dress">> <<option "short $soulcolor night dress">> <<option "long night dress">> <<option "long white night dress">> <<option "long polka-dot night dress">> <<option "long floral night dress">> <<option "long $soulcolor night dress">> <<option "lacy night dress">> <<option "lacy white night dress">> <<option "lacy polka-dot night dress">> <<option "lacy floral night dress">> <<option "lacy $soulcolor night dress">> <<option "pair of shorts and your brother's old shirt">> <</cycle>> and take a seat on your couch. <<else>> You change into a <<cycle "$pajamas" autoselect>>\ <<option "pair of pants and a shirt">> <<option "pair of plaid pants and a shirt">> <<option "pair of polka dot pants and a shirt">> <<option "pair of $soulcolor pants and a shirt">> <<option "pair of black pants and a shirt">> <<option "pair of shorts and a shirt">> <<option "pair of plaid shorts and a shirt">> <<option "pair of polka dot shorts and a shirt">> <<option "pair of $soulcolor shorts and a shirt">> <<option "pair of black shorts and a shirt">> <<option "pair of boxers">> <<option "pair of plaid boxers">> <<option "pair of polka dot boxers">> <<option "pair of $soulcolor boxers">> <<option "pair of black boxers">> <<option "pair of pants and your brother's old shirt">> <<option "pair of shorts and your brother's old shirt">> <</cycle>> and take a seat on your bed. <</if>> You look over at your clock. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> It reads: ''11:55 PM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> It reads: ''11:55 PM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> It reads: ''11:55 PM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> It reads: ''11:55 PM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> It reads: ''11:55 PM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> It reads: ''11:55 PM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> It reads: ''11:55 PM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> It reads: ''11:55 PM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> It reads: ''11:55 PM'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> It reads: ''11:55 PM'' <<else>> It reads: ''11:55 PM'' <</if>> It's time to go to sleep, you think. You'll go to bed, wake up, and repeat. This has been your life for the past five years. [[Mundane.]]

You make a wish in your dream. . . . @@.blurwhite; He knew.@@ You make a wish in your dream. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;What does he know?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;What does he know?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;What does he know?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;What does he know?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;What does he know?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;What does he know?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;What does he know?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;What does he know?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;What does he know?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;What does he know?@@ <</if>> [[You make a wish in your dream.]]

You make a wish in your dream. . . . @@.blurwhite; He saw.@@ You make a wish in your dream. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;What did he see?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;What did he see?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;What did he see?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;What did he see?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;What did he see?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;What did he see?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;What did he see@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;What did he see?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;What did he see?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;What did he see?@@ <</if>> [[You make a wish in your dream.]]

You make a wish in your dream. . . . @@.blurwhite; Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.@@ You make a wish in your dream. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You didn't mean to make him cry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You didn't mean to make him cry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You didn't mean to make him cry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink; You didn't mean to make him cry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You didn't mean to make him cry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You didn't mean to make him cry.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You didn't mean to make him cry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You didn't mean to make him cry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You didn't mean to make him cry.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You didn't mean to make him cry.@@ <</if>> [[You make a wish in your dream.]]

You make a wish in your dream. . . . @@.blurwhite; He listened.@@ You make a wish in your dream. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;What did he hear?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;What did he hear?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;What did he hear?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;What did he hear?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;What did he hear?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;What did he hear?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;What did he hear@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;What did he hear?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;What did he hear?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;What did he hear?@@ <</if>> [[You make a wish in your dream.]]

You really like this scarf. <<set $hairstyle = "scarf">> <<set $hairisstyled = 3>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "spectator pumps">> <<option "kitten heels">> <<option "oxford heels">> <<option "slingback heels">> <<option "ankle strap heels">> <<option "peep-toe heels">> <<option "comfort strap heels">> <<option "oxford wedges">> <<option "sadle shoes">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "penny loafers">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You really like this hat. <<set $hairstyle = "tam hat">> <<set $hairisstyled = 3>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "spectator pumps">> <<option "kitten heels">> <<option "oxford heels">> <<option "slingback heels">> <<option "ankle strap heels">> <<option "peep-toe heels">> <<option "comfort strap heels">> <<option "oxford wedges">> <<option "sadle shoes">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "penny loafers">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You really like this hat. <<set $hairstyle = "pillbox hat">> <<set $hairisstyled = 3>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "spectator pumps">> <<option "kitten heels">> <<option "oxford heels">> <<option "slingback heels">> <<option "ankle strap heels">> <<option "peep-toe heels">> <<option "comfort strap heels">> <<option "oxford wedges">> <<option "sadle shoes">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "penny loafers">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

You put on a <<cycle "$hairstyle autoselect>>\ <<option "fedora">> <<option "trilby">> <<option "homburg">> <<option "pork pie">> <<option "newsboy'">> <<option "tweed">> <<option "leather visor">> <</cycle>>. <<set $hairisstyled = 3>> You slip on your <<cycle "$shoes" autoselect>>\ <<option "plain oxfords">> <<option "wingtips">> <<option "reptile leather">> <<option "loafers">> <<option "canvas'">> <<option "saddle oxfords">> <<option "sandals">> <<option "mac toes">> <<option "monk strap shoes">> <</cycle>>. All set. It's time to go to work. [[You leave your apartment, locking the door behind you.]]

<<set $dreamhobby = "go boating">> Lawrence used to always tell you to dream big when you went to school. Perhaps dreaming of that isn’t big, but when you live paycheck to paycheck the expense it’d take to make it happen feels big to you. You start to pick up your things. Your mug is dry so you put it back in your cabinet that creaks when you open it. Your eyes sweep over the countertop and you brush your hand over it. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. Your nose wrinkles and you immediately scratch at your ear. You hate remembering her sing-song voice. Already you can smell the overpowering stench of bleach and feel your hands burn. <<cycle "$grossreaction" autoselect>>\ <<option "Ugh.">> <<option "Gross.">> <<option ". . .">> <<option "$Curse.">> <<option "You feel sick.">> <</cycle>> You absently rub your hands. That nightmare must have tired you out more than you thought. You glance at your clock. You have time before work. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <</if>> You choose to leave. You put on your $shoes and you’re out the door. [[You head to the flower shop.]]

<<set $dreamhobby = "go to an Opera">> Lawrence used to always tell you to dream big when you went to school. Perhaps dreaming of that isn’t big, but when you live paycheck to paycheck the expense it’d take to make it happen feels big to you. You start to pick up your things. Your mug is dry so you put it back in your cabinet that creaks when you open it. Your eyes sweep over the countertop and you brush your hand over it. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. Your nose wrinkles and you immediately scratch at your ear. You hate remembering her sing-song voice. Already you can smell the overpowering stench of bleach and feel your hands burn. <<cycle "$grossreaction" autoselect>>\ <<option "Ugh.">> <<option "Gross.">> <<option ". . .">> <<option "$Curse.">> <<option "You feel sick.">> <</cycle>> You absently rub your hands. That nightmare must have tired you out more than you thought. You glance at your clock. You have time before work. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <</if>> You choose to leave. You put on your $shoes and you’re out the door. [[You head to the flower shop.]]

<<set $dreamhobby = "go to a lecture">> Lawrence used to always tell you to dream big when you went to school. Perhaps dreaming of that isn’t big, but when you live paycheck to paycheck the expense it’d take to make it happen feels big to you. You start to pick up your things. Your mug is dry so you put it back in your cabinet that creaks when you open it. Your eyes sweep over the countertop and you brush your hand over it. A home must be neat for you to get a treat. Your nose wrinkles and you immediately scratch at your ear. You hate remembering her sing-song voice. Already you can smell the overpowering stench of bleach and feel your hands burn. <<cycle "$grossreaction" autoselect>>\ <<option "Ugh.">> <<option "Gross.">> <<option ". . .">> <<option "$Curse.">> <<option "You feel sick.">> <</cycle>> You absently rub your hands. That nightmare must have tired you out more than you thought. You glance at your clock. You have time before work. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Too much time, yet it hasn't been enough.@@ <</if>> You choose to leave. You put on your $shoes and you’re out the door. [[You head to the flower shop.]]

As you walk, you mentally count how much you have made, how much you have, and will it be enough. You cross the street and go through the alleyway. You do the mental math and recall what's in your hidden savings box. You keep your money in a <<cycle "$piggybank" autoselect>>\ <<option "little piggy bank">> <<option "sock hidden under the mattress">> <<option "box under the floorboard">> <<option "puzzle box">> <<option "potpourri bag hidden with your undies">> <</cycle>>. Yes, you made enough. Way to go you. Actually, you made more than enough. Everything you earn for tomorrow and the day after can go straight to savings. You'll be able to purchase another round of posters at this rate. Maybe even hire a detective. . . You exit the alleyway and step onto your main street. You stop. <<if $route eq "asriel">> [[There is a monster standing under a lamppost.]] <<else>> [[There is a monster standing under a lamppost. He is a tall monster.]] <</if>>

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "lobo" volume 1 loop play>><<audio "citynight" volume 0.25 loop play>>You cross the street and go through the alleyway. You do the mental math and recall what's in your hidden savings box. You keep your money in a <<cycle "$piggybank" autoselect>>\ <<option "little piggy bank">> <<option "sock hidden under the mattress">> <<option "box under the floorboard">> <<option "puzzle box">> <<option "potpourri bag hidden with your undies">> <</cycle>>. Yes, you made enough. Way to go you. Actually, you made more than enough. Everything you earn for tomorrow and the day after can go straight to savings. You'll be able to purchase another round of posters at this rate. Maybe even hire a detective. . . You exit the alleyway and step onto your main street. You stop. [[There is a monster standing under a lamppost. He is a tall monster.]]

<<audio "gunshot1" volume 0.5 play>>//Bang.// <<timed 2s>> <<audio "gunshot2" volume 0.5 play>>//Bang.//<</timed>> <<timed 5s>><<audio "gunshot1" volume 0.5 play>>//Bang.// <</timed>> <<timed 6s>><<audio "gunshot3" volume 0.5 play>> <<audio "shatter" volume 0.25 play>> Shot after shot rings out. More cars arrive, a dozen men pouring of them. Under the lamppost lights you finally get a good look at who is behind this. The mafia invading are the ones you pay your protection fee to: the Vivacci. These aren't lower grunts. Not only do they have a green band around their suit hats, but many of them wear green vests overtop. The more green a member wears, the higher-ranked they are. [[You see one man grab a woman in the apartment.]] <</timed>>

She screams, scrambling for the fire escape at her window. He pulls her to the ground. <<audio "scream1" play>><<audio "gunshot1" play>> You don't see her come back up. <<timed 3s>> <<audio "scream3" volume 0.5 play>><<audio "scream2" volume 0.5 play>> A man yells as he is thrown from the tenth floor. <</timed>><<timed 10s>>[[He hits the pavement head first.]]<</timed>>

You strain to listen. It's difficult to discern the words over the wind and general noise of the city at night. "--traitor--could get away?" The man with the gun is angrily shoving it into their faces. "--underground. Who else--fight the Deathless Beast--lost shipment--you're the shipment now." <<set $playerknowsaboutdeathless = 1>> The last remark causes a reaction. [[One of the men on the ground bolts up and tries to make a break for it.]]

He is shot in the back of his head. He falls to the ground, dead in his pajamas.<<audio "gunshot2" play>> "LOAD 'EM UP!" shouts the man with the gun. There are whimpers and cries in the apartment across from you. You raise your $eyecolor gaze and see mothers, fathers, wives, and daughters weeping from the windows. The mafiosos load the eleven men they rounded up into the back of a black van. Even at a distance, you see their hunched postures and wide-eyes filled with raw terror. They know this is a one way trip. Would they have been better off dead? The van drives off with another car, it screeches into the night. [[There is a long lull of somber silence on the street.]]

It is broken when the first woman begins to numbly clean up the broken glass from her window. She is followed by another. And another. And another. . . Only hushed whimpers and strangled sobs break the silence. They know. //They know.// You--and they--are alone in this fight for survival. The police will never come. No help will ever come. Not in this city. Not in this area. Not for you. You move away from your window. $warmup You quietly move back to the couch. You curl your knees up to your chest and hug them tightly. It's nothing new. You squeeze your eyes shut. It's. . . nothing new. //Your clues have been updated.// [[You wish Lawrence was here.]]

<<audio "splat" play>>It's like watching a water balloon pop. His head explodes out and coats the men at the street in brain guts and blood. "Argh--" "--Gross--" "--watch where--'em!" <<timed 5s>> <<audio "scream4" play>><<audio "scream1" volume 0.5 play>><<audio "gunshot2" play>> You hear men from below yell up at their cohorts in the building, unhappy to be splattered. The Vivacci mafia drag out several young men into the streets. One by one you see them struggle against their captors. If they struggle too hard they get socked in the stomach until they go quiet. A dozen men are lined up on the street, forced to their knees. The mafia men surround them, with one man stepping up and pointing a pistol to one of their head's. [[Everything falls quiet below.]] <</timed>>

Out of sight, out of mind. It's not the first time you've witnessed a raid and it won't be the last. At least they weren't after you this time. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;//This// time.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;//This// time.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;//This// time.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;//This// time.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;//This// time.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;//This// time.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;//This// time.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;//This// time.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;//This// time.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;//This// time.@@ <</if>> Is it callous of you to think that? Is it wrong to have a spark of relief that //you// weren't the target for this raid? That //you// were spared from the violence? People died. People lost their families. Lost their fragile sense of safety in their own home. Lost //everything// in one fell, cruel swoop. And you? //You're relieved it wasn't you?// [[No. . . yes. . . Your relief is swept up by gnawing guilt.]] [[Yes. Better them than you.]] [[What you feel doesn't matter. You couldn't stop the raid from happening any more than you can stop the sun from coming up.]]

<<set $survivorstatus = "guilt">> It eats away at you like a starved wolf on a piece of meat. Your stomach is in knots, and if you allow your thoughts to drift back to last night you will surely retch. If only you were stronger. If only you were smarter. If only-- //--if only Lawrence was here.// He'd know what to do. He wouldn't have stayed in the apartment--wouldn't have //hidden like a ''coward''//-- He would have rushed out to help. He would have fought them tooth and nail. He would have done everything in his power to protect those people. But you? You hid. That's all you can do. Hide and run away. What good are you to Lawrence? What good are you to anyone? Nothing. You are //nothing.// Your face screws up and you shake your head to banish the thoughts. What you are doesn't matter anymore. You have a goal here. Find Lawrence. It doesn't matter what you are, or what you become to do it. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Even a coward can find courage for the right reason. You will find him. You will. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Even a coward can find courage for the right reason. You will find him. You will. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Even a coward can find courage for the right reason. You will find him. You will. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Even a coward can find courage for the right reason. You will find him. You will. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Even a coward can find courage for the right reason. You will find him. You will. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Even a coward can find courage for the right reason. You will find him. You will. @@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Even a coward can find courage for the right reason. You will find him. You will. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Even a coward can find courage for the right reason. You will find him. You will. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Even a coward can find courage for the right reason. You will find him. You will. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Even a coward can find courage for the right reason. You will find him. You will. @@ <</if>> You start your warm-up jog. You circle half-way through the park when you spot a familiar monster. <<if $route eq "asriel">> [[It's Ralsei! What is he doing here?]] <<else>> [[Is that Ralsei? What is he doing here?]]<</if>>

<<set $survivorstatus = "callous">> That's right. Let the city rot for all you care. Let the people fight amongst each other. Let them kill each other. <<set $wdlockedin = 1>> You don't care. You will never care. You have a goal here. Find Lawrence. And as far as you're concerned, that's the only thing that truly matters. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;//You will burn this city down if that's what it takes.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;//You will burn this city down if that's what it takes.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;//You will burn this city down if that's what it takes.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;//You will burn this city down if that's what it takes.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;//You will burn this city down if that's what it takes.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;//You will burn this city down if that's what it takes.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;//You will burn this city down if that's what it takes.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;//You will burn this city down if that's what it takes.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;//You will burn this city down if that's what it takes.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;//You will burn this city down if that's what it takes.//@@ <</if>> You start your warm-up jog. You circle half-way through the park when you spot a familiar monster. <<if $route eq "asriel">> [[It's Ralsei! What is he doing here?]] <<else>> [[Is that Ralsei? What is he doing here?]]<</if>>

<<set $survivorstatus = "apathy">> That's right. Lingering on it changes nothing. You have a goal here.<<set $wdlockedin = 1>> Find Lawrence. No matter what. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Nothing will dissuade you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Nothing will dissuade you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Nothing will dissuade you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Nothing will dissuade you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Nothing will dissuade you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Nothing will dissuade you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Nothing will dissuade you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Nothing will dissuade you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Nothing will dissuade you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Nothing will dissuade you.@@ <</if>> You start your warm-up jog. You circle half-way through the park when you spot a familiar monster. <<if $route eq "asriel">> [[It's Ralsei! What is he doing here?]] <<else>> [[Is that Ralsei? What is he doing here?]]<</if>>

You get up on stage and take your seat at the piano. Singers only work on the evening shift, and then a jazz band takes over the night shift. You work in one hour bursts--in tandem with the singer--then take a small break to sit down, drink water, and rest your fingers. At the end of your shift, the boss always has a hot meal prepared for you to eat before you go home. With the stagelights on, it's difficult to see faces in the audience. You hardly ever see someone's eyes. Tonight is different. You start with your usual set of songs. When you glance out at the audience, you stare out at the usual spots to focus your vision on so you don't get blinded. Then your $eyecolor eyes flicker to where the monster sits. You see vermilion lights pop out. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You look away--can't get caught staring at one member for too long--and your smile reflexively widens. A coincidence, you tell yourself. But something odd happens. //It keeps happening.// Throughout your entire work shift, you keep looking his way and he catches your gaze each time. You $happyreaction in the middle of your favorite song, your fingers still in surprise. Although you can't see his expression due to the spot lights on you. . . you feel as if he's smiling at you. //For you.// At the end of your last song, you take a bow with the singer and start to head off the stage. You can't see anything past the spot lights, so when you reach the steps you are surprised to see something new there. Something. . . wonderful. A large bony hand is extended out to you. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $shy gt $bold>> You nervously swallow and accept the hand. You look up to see those vermilion eyes fixated on you. <<else>> You take the hand, and look up to see those vermilion eyes fixated on you. <</if>> "YOU PLAY BEAUTIFULLY," says the monster. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> You thank him. "YOU DID NOT INTRODUCE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU SANG," he says. "WHAT IS YOUR NAME?" You introduce yourself. He raises your hand and presses his jagged mouth to it. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Bubbly butterflies make you squirm. "I AM PAPYRUS GASTER," he says. "IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU." It's a pleasure to meet him too. He helps you off the stage. "HAVE YOU WORKED HERE FOR LONG?" Four years. "DO YOU LIKE IT?" $jobreaction "I SEE. DO YOU INTEND TO KEEP WORKING HERE?" Yes. "GOOD," he says. Good? "DO NOT WORRY, HUMAN. YOU WILL UNDERSTAND SOON ENOUGH." He has escorted you to the backroom, as if he knew that's where you were headed. "GOOD NIGHT, MISS $NAME." <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your cheeks burn as you whisper a goodnight to Papyrus. <<else>> You grin and wish Papyrus goodnight as well. <</if>> [[You take your dinner to go, happy with a productive day of work.]]

<<audio "room" stop>><<audio "pier" volume 0.25 loop play>>The ocean waves crash against the shore. You stand at the very edge of the pier, as far removed from the city as can be. You stare out at the ocean, lost in the view. Wave after wave pushes against the harbor. The tang of sea salt burns your nose as you deeply inhale. Continual mist sprays across your face as you stand on the precipice. You wipe at your eyes when it gets too much, but you don't dare move away. Staring out at the dark waters you can--if only for a moment--forget everything behind you. The noise of the city is drowned out by the waves. It is dark, somber, and terribly. . . peaceful. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;If only death could be so kind.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;If only death could be so kind.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;If only death could be so kind.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;If only death could be so kind.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;If only death could be so kind.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;If only death could be so kind.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;If only death could be so kind.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;If only death could be so kind.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;If only death could be so kind.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;If only death could be so kind.@@ <</if>> @@.blurwhite; Don't say that, $nickname2.@@ You let out a long sigh.<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;. . .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;. . .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;. . .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;. . .@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;. . .@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;. . .@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;. . .@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;. . .@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;. . .@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;. . .@@ <</if>> Each exhale takes away a molecule of stress. Since the raid, for the first time, you are able to properly //breathe.// In. Out. In. Out. You wish you could remain like this. Ha. . . If only. [[It is nice while it lasts.]]

But all things must come to an end. It is late. [[Take the quickest path home.]] [[Take a longer path home and enjoy the night.]]

You make it home without issue. You change into your $pajamas and collapse into bed. You do your best to ignore the bullet hole in your pillow. You close your eyes, It takes you several minutes to relax and drift off. <<if (($route eq "sans")) and ($survivorstatus eq "guilt")>> [[At least tomorrow you have your date with Sans.]] <<elseif $route eq "sans">> [[At least tomorrow is another day.]] <<else>> [[At least tomorrow you can spend time with Ralsei.]]<</if>>

<<audio "pier" stop>> <<audio "park" stop>><<audio "citynight" volume 0.25 loop play>>Yes. . . let's enjoy the night. The night air is filled with city noise as you make your way to the park. The familiar humdrum of jazz music from late night bars, to men loudly laughing and chatting with one another, to escorts calling out at passerbys. Your run-down area really comes alive at night--especially on a //Friday// night. You pass many people in the street who pay you no mind. You hop over the cracks, keeping to the sidewalk that's lit by the magical amethyst-colored crystals in the lampposts. It's only Ebott City that uses colored lampposts. One of the many unique quirks about it. Rune City--the capital of Delta, and where you lived previously--uses electrical lampposts and they are only stationed on the main roads. The Dreemur's gift of light to this dark city is much appreciated. Especially right now, when you've chosen to take a jog near midnight, alone, in a mafia-run city. If Lawrence was with you, he'd definitely scold you. You're nearing the park. $intuition You stop. [[Turn around and sprint home.]] [[Linger and assess. Running could draw attention your way.]]

Today is the day that Sans has set up a date for you. You. . . you cannot deny your attraction to the man. . . . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;How could you, after what you did to him?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;How could you, after what you did to him?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;How could you, after what you did to him?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;How could you, after what you did to him?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;How could you, after what you did to him? @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;How could you, after what you did to him?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;How could you, after what you did to him?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;How could you, after what you did to him?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;How could you, after what you did to him?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;How could you, after what you did to him? @@ <</if>> But. . . if you go on this date, you'll likely end up in a relationship with him. Do you really have that kind of time? That kind of //freedom?// You have to find Lawrence. You're here for //Lawrence.// Not romance. Not love. Not--Not whatever attraction is between you and Sans. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;It's too late to stop this now.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;It's too late to stop this now.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;It's too late to stop this now.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;It's too late to stop this now.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;It's too late to stop this now. @@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;It's too late to stop this now.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;It's too late to stop this now.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;It's too late to stop this now.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;It's too late to stop this now.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;It's too late to stop this now.@@ <</if>> It would. . . It would be best to not go. You couldn't think straight last time you were in his vacinity. And so. . . . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Do you regret it? Does he?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Do you regret it? Does he?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Do you regret it? Does he?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Do you regret it? Does he?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Do you regret it? Does he?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Do you regret it? Does he?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Do you regret it? Does he?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Do you regret it? Does he?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Do you regret it? Does he?@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Do you regret it? Does he?@@ <</if>> . . . you won't go. You'll keep away. It's too much of a commitment. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;It's too late to stop this now. Sometimes you need an earlier rest.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;It's too late to stop this now. Sometimes you need an earlier rest.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;It's too late to stop this now. Sometimes you need an earlier rest.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;It's too late to stop this now. Sometimes you need an earlier rest.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;It's too late to stop this now. Sometimes you need an earlier rest.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;It's too late to stop this now. Sometimes you need an earlier rest.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;It's too late to stop this now. Sometimes you need an earlier rest.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;It's too late to stop this now. Sometimes you need an earlier rest.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;It's too late to stop this now. Sometimes you need an earlier rest.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;It's too late to stop this now. Sometimes you need an earlier rest.@@ <</if>> [[You'll spend the day checking up on the missing peron's posters for Lawrence.]] [[You'll still meet Ralsei. It won't be as big of a commitment as dating Sans (you think).]]

You walk up and down the city streets, taking your time to closely inspect the missing person poster's for Lawrence. You know you'll have to replace them soon--they've been worn down by the weather--but you weren't expecting to see a handful of them completely gone from their spots.<<set $nofriendship = 1>> They're more likely to be defaced by meddlesome children. It's rare to see a poster outright taken down. In fact, it's //so// odd that when you see the empty spot you double take and second guess yourself on if you actually placed one there. You go down the street and see that //all// of the posters on that street have been removed. Strange. . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;This is new.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;This is new.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;This is new.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;This is new.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;This is new.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;This is new.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;This is new.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;This is new.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;This is new.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;This is new.@@ <</if>> You walk the city streets throughout the day and well into the night. [[You return to your apartment.]]

You wake up refreshed. You go through your morning routine, and once satisfied, you head out. You take a trolley bus to reach your destination--you don't want to risk arriving sweaty--so you arrive earlier than planned. [[You notice Ralsei waiting for you outside the shop.]]<</if>>

Maybe even sleep on it. The man is clearly here for business so there’s no reason for you to need to interact with him. <<if $job eq "singer">> You don't even have to look at him while you're on stage. Stare at the backawall. <<elseif $job eq "pianist">> You don't even have to look at him while you're on stage. Stare at the piano keys. <<elseif $job eq "bartender">> You don't even have to leave your bar. Let the waitresses serve him. <<else>> He's not even in your section. You have no reason to be near him. <</if>> You get yourself a drink of water, get dressed, and head out. [[You are forced to acknowledge that ignoring the man will be impossible when he is near.]]

No further thoughts eneded, you trust your instincts with your life. Literally. Without hesitation, you sprint out the back door. You run as fast as your legs can carry you. You do not stop for anything, and you make it a point to take the back alleys and serpentine as if you're being followed. Your calves are burning as you stomp up the stairs to your apartment. When you reach the front door, your hands are trembling with the adrenaline rush. You struggle to open your front door but once you do, you take off again. Everything essential can be carried in one bag. Lawrence's notes, old clothes, emergency funds, and a water flask. You change into a set of baggy, dirty, raggedy clothes. You take off anything of value. You tuck all of your hair into a cap and you wrap a scarf around the lower half of your face. [[And then you're gone.]]

This route contains HEAVY SPOILERS and is best played on a second playthrough. To start this route, enter the password found at the end of a route: [REDACTED; ROUTES NOT PUBLISHED AT THE MOMENT]

The tingle of spice tickles your nose as you approach your front door. <<set $wdlockedin = 1>> $intuition Sans leans against your front door, his arms folded together. When he sees you, he smiles. It doesn't feel like a warm smile. "Missed ya today," he says. [[You reflexively apologize.]] [[You shrug.]] [[You stare at him, blank faced.]]

You admit to him that you're nervous about entering a relationship. He nods at this. "I can understand that." You tell him you don't want to rush things. His eyelights squint as he continues to nod. His smile hasn't left, but it makes you uncomfortable. Reminds you of some of the men at the //Swan//. <<set $sansbadending = 1>> $intuition "Right," he says. "No rush. Right. Howsabout I treat you to a. . . //friendly// dinner, then? No pressure. No strings." You don't think he'll take no as answer. . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;You took away his //no//. He'll take away //yours.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;You took away his //no//. He'll take away //yours.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;You took away his //no//. He'll take away //yours.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;You took away his //no//. He'll take away //yours.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;You took away his //no//. He'll take away //yours.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;You took away his //no//. He'll take away //yours.//@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;You took away his //no//. He'll take away //yours.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;You took away his //no//. He'll take away //yours.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;You took away his //no//. He'll take away //yours.//@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;You took away his //no//. He'll take away //yours.//@@ <</if>> [[You agree to dinner.]] [[You say no.]]

At your shrug, he shrugs back. "Nothin ta say? Cat got yer tongue?" [[You reflexively apologize.]] [[You stare at him, blank faced.]]

"Real quiet, huh?" he drawls out in a slow, low voice. $intuition [[You reflexively apologize.]]

His smile widens. He steps away from your front door, no longer blocking it, and tips his hat. "Glad we could come to agreement on that. I'll see ya real soon, $name" $intuition He whistles a familiar tune as he walks around you and goes around the corner. You watch him descend the steps, and only once he is out of view do you enter your apartment. . . . You're tired. You collapse onto your bed, wondering what will happpen next. [[Lawrence had a friend.]]

Sans stares at you for a long moment. "Ya don't mean that." $intuition [[Take it back. You agree to dinner.|You agree to dinner.]] [[Remain firm. You say no.]]

$intuition Sans breathes out slowly, red smoke pools out of his mouth as he does. You stiffen, suddenly reminded of your nightmare. "Ya don't know what yer sayin'," he starts to chuckle hollowly, mirthlessly You turn to leave, but suddenly he grabs your arm with enough force you know you can't break away. You struggle in vain but he effortlessly lifts off the ground as more and more red smoke billows out of him. It fills the hallway in seconds and clings to you. You struggle and try to fight back. You kick and claw at the hand gripping your arm, but Sans is entirely undeterred. "It's okay," he tells you. "Yer gonna understand soon enough." Red smoke starts to choke you. It fills your chest with with a smoky-spicy stench. It's too thick to breathe and you gasp and choke on it. You're desperate to catch your breath but each intake leaves you struggling more and more. Your limbs start to grow weak and you hang limply in his grasp. BAD ENDING #6 - NIGHTMARE REALIZED

<<audio "muffled" play>>"MMPH!" A third, fourth, and fifth mafioso exit the hardware store. They struggle to carry a thrashing man who is tied up and gagged. The first two mafioso open the van door and all five of them wrestle the victim inside. <<timed 3s>>It doesn't take them long, especially when one of them slams the back of their gun against the man's head. You hear the sickening crack of a skull being fractured, followed by uncomfortable silence as the man goes limp. Then the van doors are slammed shut. <</timed>> <<timed 6s>> <<audio "tirescreech" play>>The tires screech as as it disapears from view. //Your clues have been updated.// [[You've witnessed yet another kidnapping.]]<</timed>>

<<masteraudio stop>> In the box is Robert's head. They put his head in a box. His face is contorted into a gaping, horrorified expression. His blue eyes are milky and vacant as they stare lifelessly ahead. His nose was crushed in, dried blood all around it and his mouth. They put his head in a box. //Did they put Lawrence in a box?// Your world stops. Your body goes cold, colder than winter, and starts to tremble. You try to breathe. You try to catch your breath but you have been thrown into glacial water that relentlessly drags you down. Your hands shake as your knees give out from under you. Everything tilts. What did you see, Robert? . . . @@.blurwhite; Run, $nickname.@@ <<if $route eq "wingding">> [[It's a new day.]] <<else>> [[It's hard to breathe.]]<</if>>

With a fully stocked kitchen, you have a variety of choices. You pull out your one skillet--a cast iron Lawrence snagged at a police auction; it was a murder weapon--and set it over one of your two stovetops. The back burner has your kettle on it. As the cast iron heats up, you fill the kettle with water from the kitchen sink. You set the kettle back down and turn on the back burner. The blue flames flicker from under the pan and kettle. They go in an out often enough to remind you how faulty your kitchen is, but stay consistent enough you'll know they'll get the job done. Eventually. There is no way to control the temperature. It's max or nothing. This, of course, means you have to wear mitts when touching the handles on the skillet and the kettle. <<if $nature eq "you keep forgetting. You're a forgetful person by nature.">> You're so forgetful, you've burned yourself so often you've developed a permanent scar in the palm of your dominant hand. <<elseif $nature eq "get distracted easily whenever you try. You're an impulsive person by nature.">> You're such a rash person, you impulsively grab the hot handles even as you remember not to. You've done it so often you've developed a permanent scar in the palm of your dominant hand. <<else>> Thankfully, you've kept your hands from getting burned //too// much. <</if>> You pull out some <<cycle "$chicken" autoselect>>\ <<option "chicken thighs">> <<option "pork chops">> <<option "salmon fillets">> <<option "firm tofu">> <</cycle>> from your fridge. You prep your protein on the tiny counter space you have between the fridge and kitchen sink. By the time you're done, the cast iron has heated up enough you're ready to use. You drop it in, along with stock and pasta. One pot dishes are your specialty. You use the term "specialty" lightly. You're not a professional chef by any stretch--food is too precious to waste on practicing pretty dishes in the magazines--but you and Lawrence made it a point to learn how to do the basics. A small kitchen and a smaller budget forced you to develop a standard rotation of meals you can reliably make. As your dinner cooks, you move to the bathroom to change into your $pajamas and wash your face. You scrub the built up oils. You have a pittance of lotion left; a gift from Jennifer several months ago. You squeeze out the last bit. It comes out with a squelch. At least it smells like $smell. You doubt you'll have the extra funds to purchase something like this for yourself. <<if $nature eq "it's not enough of a necessity to justify spending the money. You're a frugal person by nature.">> And, frankly, you wouldn't want to even if you could. It's not a necessity and you would hate to waste money on something so. . . materialistic. <<elseif $nature eq "you haven't found one you like. You're a picky person by nature.">> Which is honestly such a shame. You're a picky person so finally finding something you like is rarer than a good tip at the Swan. <</if>> You move back over to your food and finish cooking it. It smells delicious, and you know it'll taste great. Not a bad day, all things considering. [[Interlude]]

Of course. //Of course.// It looks like there was a raid or //something// while you were at work. You tiredly rub your eyes. It must have been recent enough, you see dozens of officers carting off bodies. You don't want to have to deal with this, but what choice do you have? You walk up to the //DO NOT CROSS// tape and (im)patiently wait for an office to come over to address you. The one that does is young--fresh face--and warily asks you, "Yes $maam?" You point to your apartment. You explain you need to cross the line to get home. "Yes, $maam. . ." the officer lifts the line. He has to escort you. . . .<<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Don't look too close.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Don't look too close.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Don't look too close.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Don't look too close.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Don't look too close.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Don't look too close.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Don't look too close.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Don't look too close.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Don't look too close.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Don't look too close.@@ <</if>> You try not to look at the fresh bloodstains. It must have been a bloodbath to warrant police intervention. Not only from your building, but the surrounding buildings. Lucky you for working. The officer leaves you at your apartment door. [[All that's left is to put up the posters.]]

"I UNDERSTAND YOU TOOK THE INITIATVE TO POLISH THE SILVERWARE?" Papyrus inquires. Yes, it didn't seem like your services were needed elsewhere. "YES. . . I WAS PREVIOUSLY TOLD SEVERAL PEOPLE WOULD BE CALLING IN SICK," says Papyrus. "HOW FORTUNATE THEY ALL FELT MIRACULOUSLY BETTER." The trip to your apartment is painfully short. And, unfortunately, what you find there kills the happy butterflies you previously felt. When you arrive at your apartment, there are police there. Of course. //Of course.// It looks like there was a raid or //something// while you were at work. You tiredly rub your eyes. It must have been recent enough, you see dozens of officers carting off bodies. "PLEASE, ALLOW ME," says Papyrus. . . . ? Papyrus steps over the DO NOT CROSS tape with ease. Some of the officers spare him a glance, but after they realize who he is, they pointedly ignore him. Papyrus lifts the tape up for you. You duck underneath. . . . Papyrus has connections to the police? "POLICE, ROYAL FAMILY, BUSINESSES. . . MANY CONNECTIONS," he muses. "SOME OF MY OWN MAKING, AND SOME FROM MY BROTHERS. YOU DO NOT NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THIS." . . . <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;The flames were agonizingly sweet.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;The flames were agonizingly sweet.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;The flames were agonizingly sweet.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;The flames were agonizingly sweet.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;The flames were agonizingly sweet.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;The flames were agonizingly sweet.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;The flames were agonizingly sweet.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;The flames were agonizingly sweet.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;The flames were agonizingly sweet.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;The flames were agonizingly sweet.@@ <</if>> You see. . . Papyrus escorts you up to your apartment. He offers you a gracious bow. "WE HAVE ARRIVED SAFE. I HOPE YOU HAVE A PLEASANT NIGHT." <<if $shy gt $bold>> Papyrus hesitates. He then bends over and places a quick kiss on your cheek. <<else>> You tug down at Papyrus' tie. Not hard, but enough to make him bend over. You kiss his cheek. <</if>> <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> Papyrus straightens up and clears his throat, a red hue under his eyesockets. "AH-HEM." <<if $shy gt $bold>> Your face burns and you can't fight the silly grin you get. "I HOPE THAT IS, AH, FINE WITH YOU. . . ?" More than fine. Papyrus smiles at you, his skull darkening to cute red. "GOOD. //GOOD.// HAVE A PLEASANT NIGHT, $MISS $NAME." You tell him to do the same. <<else>> You hope that's okay with him? "IT IS GO--I MEAN--YES," he says, stumbling over his words. "YES. IT IS FINE. OKAY. WITH. ME. YES. GOOD NIGHT, $MISS $NAME." You $happyreaction. Good night, Papyrus. <</if>> [[All that's left is to put up the posters.]]

You take his hand and the two of you walk out together. His bony hand is massive around yours and exudes warmth that makes your <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>>sing. Being near him fills you with heat you are growing increasingly more comfortable with. <<if $soulcolor eq "green">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''//Ba-thump.//'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''//Ba-thump.//''<<else>>''//Ba-thump.//''<</if>> He absently rubs his thumb along the back of your hand. "Lookin' flushed again, darlin'," he says, his smile turns into a playful leer. "Feelin' okay?" <<if $bold gt $shy>> You give him an amused look. <<else>> Your blush deepens and you glance away. <</if>> Sans chuckles, deeply endeared. He gives your hand a squeeze. The trip to your apartment is painfully short. And, unfortunately, what you find there kills the fluttering butterflies you previously felt. When you arrive at your apartment, there are police there. Of course. //Of course.// It looks like there was a raid or //something// while you were at work. You tiredly rub your eyes. It must have been recent enough, you see dozens of officers carting off bodies. Sans pulls you closer. "Lucky yeh were at work, huh?" he goes. Yes, lucky you. Sans frowns. "This area. . . it ain't safe fer yeh. Maybe yeh should think about movin." Move where? Sans' eyelights brighten. "I got a place." . . . Does he, now? "Plenty of room for yeh," he says. "Think about it?" You'll think about it. "Good," he says. "Now sit pretty, I'll have a word with these fellas." Sans steps away from you. A few of the officers notice him right away and approach him. He has a quick word with them and they lift up the DO NOT CROSS tape. Sans beckons you over. You join him. Sans is quick to put an arm around you and hurry you across the bloodied street. He escorts you up the stairs and down the hall. ". . . Yeh sure yeh don't wanna think a bit faster on that offer?" he asks you at your front door. <<if $bold gt $shy>> You gently poke his cheek. <<else>> He gently pokes your cheek. <</if>> You reassure him you'll be fine. You trust yourself. Or, rather, you trust your ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "red">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> ''SOUL'' <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> ''SOUL''<<else>>''SOUL''<</if>> You pause. You promise him, however, when you do not feel safe anymore. . . you will let him know. "A'ight," he says. He kisses your forehead, then your nose, and then your lips. "Mm. If I didn't have a meetin' ta get ta tonight. . . " <<if $bold gt $shy>> You tug him down and kiss him more. Excitement flutters in your stomach. <<else>> He grips the back of your head to kiss you more deeply. Your heart thumps in your chest. <</if>> You are forced to pull away to breathe. He takes the opportunity to nibble at your neck. "Take care, darlin'," he whispers into your neck. "I'll see yeh again real soon." Mm-hmm. [[All that's left is to put up the posters.]]

The three of you visited Malsai where you ordered a $malaitreat for yourself. Ralsei made sure to get two ice cream cones this time, and Chara got a miniature chocolate cake. You remark that a sweet tooth must run in the family. “It’s because we’re rebels,” says Chara. “Our parents don’t let us eat sweets at home. This is our only opportunity.” Oh. “Our parents. . . “ Ralsei trails off. Chara uses their fingers to wipe off some of the chocolate icing. They lick it off. “Honestly, if you heard our mother talk about sugar, you’d think we were snortin’ dust instead.” “Ew,” says Ralsei. “I’m not wrong.” Chara gives you a flat look. “You know what she got for my birthday cake this year?” You shake your head. “Wanna guess?” <<textbox "$guess" "">> [[You guess.]]

. . . It was unlocked? //Wait, why is--// "Yeh already know what happned then," he says. Your blood goes cold as you stare at a mess. "If yeh got things, take 'em. What remains is gettin' tossed tomorrow." Mr. Schaff starts to walk away. "I've got other apartments to start clearin' out. Take care." [[Step inside Mr. Scott's home.]] [[No. No, no, no. You leave for your morning run.]]

You make a stop at Daisy's on the way. Surely, not //everyone// you know is dead? To your relief, the elderly woman is perfeclty fine. Daisy greets you with that warm smile of hers. "$name, my $favoriteflower lover. How are you? I heard your neighborhood had it rough last night. Are you okay?" You reassure her you're okay. You came to check on her, actually. "Aren't you a doll?" she says. "Come sit. How have you been?" . . . Ha, ha. . . How do you answer that? <<if $route eq "sans">> [[You think of Sans. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "papyrus">> [[You think of Papyrus. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "wingding">> [[You think of Wingding. You smile.]] <<elseif $route eq "asriel">> [[You think of Ralsei. You smile.]] <<else>> [[Okay? You think?]]<</if>>

<<set $mcview = "fatalist">>"Pity," he says. "Hope'd you'd keep some of Lawrence's optimism." Optimism vanished with him. "Fair." You ask the detective what he wants. He hasn't reached out to you before. "Had nothin' to add," he says. "Not 'til now." What? "Visitin' Rob's mum," he mumbles. He takes a long drag of his cigarette. "She passed not long ago." They put his head in a box. You're sorry to hear that. Detective Peterson pulls out an envelope from his jacket. He sets it on the table. It's un-opened. Your brow furrows as you look at it. It's dated five years ago. The handwriting is familiar-- You inhale sharply. "Rob sent this to his mum 'for he went 'n died," says the retired detective. "She got it after she was phoned that he died." Your eyes are glued to the letter. "She didn't have the heart ta open it. . . went comatose a week after it arrived. When she passed last month, chief called me ta help check for any old case files at her home," he says. "Saw that. Saw the date." He didn't open it? "Can't," he says. "Sealed. See that wax seal on it?" You nod. "Made with magic," he says. "Trick I taught him and Lawrence. Someone else tries ta open it when it ain't for them, whole thing burns up. Robby had enough magic in him to make stuff like that." Peterson chuckles mirthlesssly. "Woulda lived longer as a mage instead of a dumbass detective." Detective Peterson's face clouds over briefly with grief. He coughs to clear it away, a mask of stoic coldness back in place. "Willin' ta bet," he says, "that ya can open it. The two of ya were workin' 'gether ta find Lawrence, weren't ya?" Yes. "Robby shared his findins' with ya?" Some of them. "It's either you or no one left on this earth," he says. "I'm bettin' on ya, kid." You reach forward and take the envelope. Your hands are trembling when you realize this was sent //the day he was taken.// This could be it. This could be your breakthrough. //What did you see Robert?// What was so important they had to take you--had to kill you--that you didn't have time to tell-- No, no. --that was too dangerous to say out loud. Too terrifying, too risky to do anything else but send a letter to someone outside the city. //What did you find, Robert?// You grip the edge of the envelope and tear it open. It doesn't catch fire. [[The window shatters beside you.]]

<<set $mcview = "determined">>"Ain't you sweet?" You ask the detective what he wants. He hasn't reached out to you before. "Had nothin' to add," he says. "Not 'til now." What? "Visitin' Rob's mum," he mumbles. He takes a long drag of his cigarette. "She passed not long ago." They put his head in a box. You're sorry to hear that. Detective Peterson pulls out an envelope from his jacket. He sets it on the table. It's un-opened. Your brow furrows as you look at it. It's dated five years ago. The handwriting is familiar-- You inhale sharply. "Rob sent this to his mum 'for he went 'n died," says the retired detective. "She got it after she was phoned that he died." Your eyes are glued to the letter. "She didn't have the heart ta open it. . . went comatose a week after it arrived. When she passed last month, chief called me ta help check for any old case files at her home," he says. "Saw that. Saw the date." He didn't open it? "Can't," he says. "Sealed. See that wax seal on it?" You nod. "Made with magic," he says. "Trick I taught him and Lawrence. Someone else tries ta open it when it ain't for them, whole thing burns up. Robby had enough magic in him to make stuff like that." Peterson chuckles mirthlesssly. "Woulda lived longer as a mage instead of a dumbass detective." Detective Peterson's face clouds over briefly with grief. He coughs to clear it away, a mask of stoic coldness back in place. "Willin' ta bet," he says, "that ya can open it. The two of ya were workin' 'gether ta find Lawrence, weren't ya?" Yes. "Robby shared his findins' with ya?" Some of them. "It's either you or no one left on this earth," he says. "I'm bettin' on ya, kid." You reach forward and take the envelope. Your hands are trembling when you realize this was sent //the day he was taken.// This could be it. This could be your breakthrough. //What did you see Robert?// What was so important they had to take you--had to kill you--that you didn't have time to tell-- No, no. --that was too dangerous to say out loud. Too terrifying, too risky to do anything else but send a letter to someone outside the city. //What did you find, Robert?// You grip the edge of the envelope and tear it open. It doesn't catch fire. [[The window shatters beside you.]]

<<audio "shatter" play>><<audio "gunshot1" volume 0.5 play>>Window <<audio "scream4" play>> <<timed 2s>><<audio "shatter" play>><<audio "gunshot2" volume 0.5 play>>after window <</timed>><<timed 4s>><<audio "shatter" play>><<audio "gunshot1" volume 0.5 play>>after window<<audio "scream1" play>> <</timed>><<timed 6s>><<audio "shatter" play>><<audio "gunshot2" volume 0.5 play>>shatters from gunshots. You slip under the table, your heart hammering in your chest. [[You stare at the lower half of Peterson's body.]] <</timed>>

<<audio "shatter" play>><<audio "gunshot1" volume 0.5 play>><<audio "scream1" play>><<audio "scream2" play>><<audio "scream3" play>><<audio "crying" loop play>>Men, women, and children fall around you. Screams pierce the air, louder than the gunshots that make your ears ring. $intuition You can't stay under the table any longer. It's dangerous to linger. You need to run. You need to get out of here. Your gaze moves to the envelope still in your hands. You clutch it tightly. <<if $gender eq "woman">> You fold it and shove it in your bra. <<else>> You fold it and shove it your pants pockets. <</if>> [[You stare out from under the table you have hidden.]]

Glassy eyes of dead patrons stare at you. A handful were headshots; you see their brains oozing out of their skulls. Blood pools over the tiled floor of the dinnner. The waitresses are slumped over the counter, their trays of food and coffee are scattered on the floor. One of the children who survived the first round is clutching at a woman and sobbing hysterically. The woman is choking on her blood, but you see with the last bit of her strength she tries to soothe her baby. All of the windows have been shattered by this point. $intuition You have to leave. The guns won't stop, and soon-- [[You wince when you hear the front door get kicked down.]]

//BANG.//<<audio "gunshot3" volume 0.5 play>> <<timed 2s>><<audio "crying" stop>>[[The child has been silenced.]] <</timed>>

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "twinkle" loop play>>@@.blurwhite;Are you alive?@@ <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Yes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Yes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;Yes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Yes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Yes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Yes.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Yes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Yes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Yes.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Yes.@@ <</if>> @@.blurwhite;Will you run away?@@ <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;No.@@ <</if>> @@.blurwhite;I wish you would.@@ <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;No.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;No.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;No.@@ <</if>> @@.blurwhite;There's nothing left of me now.@@ <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>@@.blurred;Despite everything, you're still you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">>@@.blurblue;Despite everything, you're still you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">>@@.blurpurple;What did he see?@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">>@@.blurpink;Despite everything, you're still you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "aqua">> @@.bluraqua;Despite everything, you're still you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">> @@.blurgreen;Despite everything, you're still you.@@<<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">>@@.bluryellow;Despite everything, you're still you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "honey">> @@.blurlavender;Despite everything, you're still you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "orange">> @@.blurorange;Despite everything, you're still you.@@ <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">> @@.blurlavender;Despite everything, you're still you.@@ <</if>> @@.blurwhite;$nickname2. . .@@ [[. . . open your eyes.]]

<h2> ''Ch8 - On The Hunt.'' </h2> ----

//BANG! BANG!// <<audio "gunshot1" volume 0.5 play>><<audio "gunshot2" volume 0.5 play>> You feel a powerful force slam into you--//into Detective Peterson's body.// Blood sprays everywhere. You tumble back through the window with his body still shielding you. You breathe out as you fall to land correctly. The moment your back hits the pavement, you shove his body off you and scramble to get up. There's glass shards //everywhere.// You know you're getting cut up but you don't care. $intuition You sprint. "SHOOT THAT BITCH! THEY SAID //NO// WITNESSES!" [[Side step to your left.]] [[Side step to your right.]] [[Duck.]]

It might surprise people to know that Sans can be very fast. He doesn't have much need to expend the effort; humans are laughably slow, and the monsters. . . well. No one with a lick of self-worth would go against Sans. Not since his appointment. Scrubbing the oil off his hands took the longest. The moment he was free of the grease and grime, he changed shirts and immediately left to pick him up. He folds his magic in on itself to create a hole between spaces: a shortcut, he likes to call it. He steps through the hole, walking inside the Black Swan. It surprises him he called from there. It's far past closing time since Papyrus cancelled the night shifts while the city is in chaos. His shift should have ended hours ago. How did $name get in? Sans' dark dress shoes press into the carpet. His red eyelights move to scan the area. It's dark inside, except a single stream of light from underneath one of the doors. The backrooom. Sans strides forward. Without hesitation, he opens the door. He exepcted him to be upset. $name sounded distraught, so maybe he would be crying? He lives in a rough neighborhood. He must be ready to move out. That's fine with Sans. He's ready to take care of him. //Keep him.// He did not expect him to be. . . bloodied. $name leans tiredly against a wall, his $outfit ripped apart in several areas, each outlined in crimson red. His legs and arms are littered with scratches that oddly glisten--//Is that glass?//--under the room light. Blood drips down his legs, enough of it has fallen to leave a small pool beneath his feet. His $skincolor skin is ashen-toned, with dark circles under his eyes. With each thing noted, a pocket of anger bursts inside the pit of his chest. His hands clench into fists as his magic bubbles and boils underneath the surface. It takes a considerable amount of self-discpline to not visibly react further. But by the Stars, ''someone was going to pay for this.'' His $eyecolor gaze moves up to meet his. [[And at once, he bursts into tears.|SansxM2CRY]] [[Sans can see how utterly exhausted he is.|SansxM2]]

It might surprise people to know that Sans can be very fast. He doesn't have much need to expend the effort; humans are laughably slow, and the monsters. . . well. No one with a lick of self-worth would go against Sans. Not since his appointment. Scrubbing the oil off his hands took the longest. The moment he was free of the grease and grime, he changed shirts and immediately left to pick them up. He folds his magic in on itself to create a hole between spaces: a shortcut, he likes to call it. He steps through the hole, walking inside the Black Swan. It surprises him they called from there. It's far past closing time since Papyrus cancelled the night shifts while the city is in chaos. Their shift should have ended hours ago. How did they get in? Sans' dark dress shoes press into the carpet. His red eyelights move to scan the area. It's dark inside, except a single stream of light from underneath one of the doors. The backrooom. Sans strides forward. Without hesitation, he opens the door. He exepcted them to be upset. They sounded distraught, so maybe they would be crying? They live in a rough neighborhood. They must be ready to move out. That's fine with Sans. He's ready to take care of them. //Keep her.// He did not expect them to be. . . bloodied. $name leans tiredly against a wall, their $outfit ripped apart in several areas, each outlined in crimson red. Their legs and arms are littered with scratches that oddly glisten--//Is that glass?//--under the room light. Blood drips down their legs, enough of it has fallen to leave a small pool beneath their feet. Their $skincolor skin is ashen-toned, with dark circles under their eyes. With each thing noted, a pocket of anger bursts inside the pit of his chest. His hands clench into fists as his magic bubbles and boils underneath the surface. It takes a considerable amount of self-discpline to not visibly react further. But by the Stars, ''someone was going to pay for this.'' Their $eyecolor gaze moves up to meet his. [[And at once, they burst into tears.|SansxNBCRY]] [[Sans can see how utterly exhausted they are.|SansxNBNOTCRY]]

Sans quickly walks over to $name. He grabs his arms and immediately lets go when he hears the crunching sound of glass. $name sighs out his name. "I'm here," he says quickly, trying to keep the bite and anger out of his voice. Not his fault. He needs help. Deal with the enemies later. "I'm--I'm gonna get yeh some help, $sansnickname2." His wide hands are gentler this time as he moves to pick her up. "No, no--my--" $name shies away from him. His face pinches. "There's glass in my lower back and. . . below." "Did a window fuckin' explode next ta ya?" Sans snaps as he tries to pick her up again. The surge of hot anger is impossible to ignore. Every inch of Sans feels pricked and uncomfortably hot. His hands ache to crush something between them--to //do// something to fix this. He's the Judge and Executioner. Fighting and killing is what he does best. This? This is out of his realm and he detests it. The uncertainty in exacerbates everything. He struggles to soften his voice, not wanting to snap again, "I'll be careful, but it looks like you've lost a lotta blood." He doesn't resist this time when Sans picks him up. He mumbles something affirmative. Now in his arms, he folds the space around them. Shortcutting is never easy when taking someone along. He takes him to his home, directly to Wingding's office. Don Wingding Gaster’s office is a library on its own. The walls are lined to the ceiling with books--primarily textbooks--and a handful of rare artifacts he’s proud to own. At the far end of the room is a tall window with dark red curtains drawn back to let in sunlight. In front of the window is his massive oak desk that is kept clean and paper free when not in use. He does not look up at Sans' abrupt entrance. "Done picking up your toy--?" "//Wings,//" Sans testily interrupts, barely keeping the growl out of his voice. Wingding looks up. He sees Sans. He sees $name. He sighs. "One day, I won't be interrupted from my work and I'll get to go to bed //before// the sun rises. Set him down." "He's bleedin' bad," says Sans. He turns his head to see $name looking up at him with a glazed-over expression. "Hey. //Hey.// Don't go ta sleep, yet." He mumbles an apology. "I can see the blood dripping on my freshly cleaned carpet, Sans," drawls Wingding. "I can also see the magic oozing off you. Leave him and get out. I can't deal with your temper while tending to him." [[. . .]]

Sans is already moving forward to them, panic shoots him like a cold bullet in the heart. It interrupts his enraged thought process, as rational reminds him that //they're bleeding, they're hurt, they need help.// He grabs their arms and immediately lets go when he hears the crunching sound of glass. Tears spill over their eyes as they silently cry. "Sans. . . " "I'm here," he says quickly, trying to keep the bite and anger out of his voice. Not their fault. They need help. Deal with the enemies later. "I'm--I'm gonna get yeh some help, $sansnickname2." His wide hands are gentler this time as he moves to pick them up. "No, no--my--" $name shies away from him. Their face pinches. "There's glass in my lower back and. . . below." "Did a window fuckin' explode next ta yeh?" Sans snaps as he tries to pick them up again. The surge of hot anger is impossible to ignore. Every inch of Sans feels pricked and uncomfortably hot. His hands ache to crush something between them--to //do// something to fix this. He's the Judge and Executioner. Fighting and killing is what he does best. This? This is out of his realm and he detests it. The uncertainty in exacerbates everything. He struggles to soften his voice, not wanting to snap again, "I'll be careful, but it looks like you've lost a lotta blood." They don't resist this time when he picks him up. They mumble something affirmative. Now in his arms, he folds the space around them. Shortcutting is never easy when taking someone along. He takes them to his home, directly to Wingding's office. Don Wingding Gaster’s office is a library on its own. The walls are lined to the ceiling with books--primarily textbooks--and a handful of rare artifacts he’s proud to own. At the far end of the room is a tall window with dark red curtains drawn back to let in sunlight. In front of the window is his massive oak desk that is kept clean and paper free when not in use. He does not look up at Sans' abrupt entrance. "Done picking up your toy--?" "//Wings,//" Sans testily interrupts, barely keeping the growl out of his voice. Wingding looks up. He sees Sans. He sees $name. He sighs. "One day, I won't be interrupted from my work and I'll get to go to bed //before// the sun rises. Set them down." "They're bleedin' bad," says Sans. He turns his head to see $name looking up at him with a glazed-over expression. "Hey. //Hey.// Don't go ta sleep, yet." They mumble an apology. "I can see the blood dripping on my freshly cleaned carpet, Sans," drawls Wingding. "I can also see the magic oozing off you. Leave them and get out. I can't deal with your temper while tending to them." [[. . .]]

Sans quickly walks over to them. He grabs their arms and immediately lets go when he hears the crunching sound of glass. They sigh out his name. "I'm here," he says quickly, trying to keep the bite and anger out of his voice. Not their fault. They need help. Deal with the enemies later. "I'm--I'm gonna get yeh some help, $sansnickname2." His wide hands are gentler this time as he moves to pick them up. "No, no--my--" $name shies away from him. Their face pinches. "There's glass in my lower back and. . . below." "Did a window fuckin' explode next ta yeh?" Sans snaps as he tries to pick them up again. The surge of hot anger is impossible to ignore. Every inch of Sans feels pricked and uncomfortably hot. His hands ache to crush something between them--to //do// something to fix this. He's the Judge and Executioner. Fighting and killing is what he does best. This? This is out of his realm and he detests it. The uncertainty in exacerbates everything. He struggles to soften his voice, not wanting to snap again, "I'll be careful, but it looks like you've lost a lotta blood." They don't resist this time when he picks him up. They mumble something affirmative. Now in his arms, he folds the space around them. Shortcutting is never easy when taking someone along. He takes them to his home, directly to Wingding's office. Don Wingding Gaster’s office is a library on its own. The walls are lined to the ceiling with books--primarily textbooks--and a handful of rare artifacts he’s proud to own. At the far end of the room is a tall window with dark red curtains drawn back to let in sunlight. In front of the window is his massive oak desk that is kept clean and paper free when not in use. He does not look up at Sans' abrupt entrance. "Done picking up your toy--?" "//Wings,//" Sans testily interrupts, barely keeping the growl out of his voice. Wingding looks up. He sees Sans. He sees $name. He sighs. "One day, I won't be interrupted from my work and I'll get to go to bed //before// the sun rises. Set them down." "They're bleedin' bad," says Sans. He turns his head to see $name looking up at him with a glazed-over expression. "Hey. //Hey.// Don't go ta sleep, yet." They mumble an apology. "I can see the blood dripping on my freshly cleaned carpet, Sans," drawls Wingding. "I can also see the magic oozing off you. Leave them and get out. I can't deal with your temper while tending to them." [[. . .]]

Sans is already moving forward to him, panic shoots him like a cold bullet in the heart. It interrupts his enraged thought process, as rational reminds him that //he's bleeding, he's hurt, he needs help.// He grabs his arms and immediately lets go when he hears the crunching sound of glass. Tears spill over his eyes as he silently cries. "Sans. . . " "I'm here," he says quickly, trying to keep the bite and anger out of his voice. Not his fault. He needs help. Deal with the enemies later. "I'm--I'm gonna get yeh some help, $sansnickname2." His wide hands are gentler this time as he moves to pick her up. "No, no--my--" $name shies away from him. His face pinches. "There's glass in my lower back and. . . below." "Did a window fuckin' explode next ta ya?" Sans snaps as he tries to pick her up again. The surge of hot anger is impossible to ignore. Every inch of Sans feels pricked and uncomfortably hot. His hands ache to crush something between them--to //do// something to fix this. He's the Judge and Executioner. Fighting and killing is what he does best. This? This is out of his realm and he detests it. The uncertainty in exacerbates everything. He struggles to soften his voice, not wanting to snap again, "I'll be careful, but it looks like you've lost a lotta blood." He doesn't resist this time when Sans picks him up. He mumbles something affirmative. Now in his arms, he folds the space around them. Shortcutting is never easy when taking someone along. He takes him to his home, directly to Wingding's office. Don Wingding Gaster’s office is a library on its own. The walls are lined to the ceiling with books--primarily textbooks--and a handful of rare artifacts he’s proud to own. At the far end of the room is a tall window with dark red curtains drawn back to let in sunlight. In front of the window is his massive oak desk that is kept clean and paper free when not in use. He does not look up at Sans' abrupt entrance. "Done picking up your toy--?" "//Wings,//" Sans testily interrupts, barely keeping the growl out of his voice. Wingding looks up. He sees Sans. He sees $name. He sighs. "One day, I won't be interrupted from my work and I'll get to go to bed //before// the sun rises. Set him down." "He's bleedin' bad," says Sans. He turns his head to see $name looking up at him with a glazed-over expression. "Hey. //Hey.// Don't go ta sleep, yet." He mumbles an apology. "I can see the blood dripping on my freshly cleaned carpet, Sans," drawls Wingding. "I can also see the magic oozing off you. Leave him and get out. I can't deal with your temper while tending to him." [[. . .]]

<<if $gender eq "woman">> "THAT IS THE NAME OF ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES," says Papyrus. "Uh," goes Sans. Papyrus immediately notices Sans' reaction. He growls, "BROTHER. ARE YOU TOYING WITH ONE OF MY WORKERS?" "N-No, 'course not, bro," says Sans. "I'm bein' sincere with her." "You? //Sincere?//" Wingding's eyes narrow suspciously. "That's a bigger lie than when I apologize to someone." "Normally, yeah," says Sans, a red hue under his eyesockets. He scratches the back of his head in a strangely sheepish manner. Papyrus and Wingding stare at Sans in a mixture of surprise and wonder. Wingding shrewdly asks, "Are you being //bashful?//" "Shaddap," snaps Sans, his cheekbones reddening. Papyrus smiles. "YOU LIKE $NAME." "I--yeah. So?" "It's not a bad thing," says Wingding, "although it is unexpected." "You're tellin' me," sighs Sans. He rubs his face. "Bein' around her drives me crazy." "What do you mean?" inquires Wingding. "Firs' time I saw her, took all my self-control not to yank her off the street off the street then and there," he says. "Been wantin' them ever since, nonstop." "Why didn't you?" Sans frowns. "What?" "Why didn't you take her?" Wingding asks. "If you want her, just take her." "THAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE, BROTHER," says Papyrus. He pats Sans on the back. "IT IS GOOD SANS DID NOT." Wingding shrugs. "Agree to disagree." Wingding clears his throat. "So. . . is she someone we should meet in a more formal setting?" <<elseif $gender eq "man">> "THAT IS THE NAME OF ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES," says Papyrus. "Uh," goes Sans. Papyrus immediately notices Sans' reaction. He growls, "BROTHER. ARE YOU TOYING WITH ONE OF MY WORKERS?" "N-No, 'course not, bro," says Sans. "I'm bein' sincere with him." "You? //Sincere?//" Wingding's eyes narrow suspciously. "That's a bigger lie than when I apologize to someone." "Normally, yeah," says Sans, a red hue under his eyesockets. He scratches the back of his head in a strangely sheepish manner. Papyrus and Wingding stare at Sans in a mixture of surprise and wonder. Wingding shrewdly asks, "Are you being //bashful?//" "Shaddap," snaps Sans, his cheekbones reddening. Papyrus smiles. "YOU LIKE $NAME." "I--yeah. So?" "It's not a bad thing," says Wingding, "although it is unexpected." "You're tellin' me," sighs Sans. He rubs his face. "Bein' around him drives me crazy." "What do you mean?" inquires Wingding. "Firs' time I saw him, took all my self-control not to yank him off the street off the street then and there," he says. "Been wantin' 'em ever since, nonstop." "Why didn't you?" Sans frowns. "What?" "Why didn't you take him?" Wingding asks. "If you want him, just take him." "THAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE, BROTHER," says Papyrus. He pats Sans on the back. "IT IS GOOD SANS DID NOT." Wingding shrugs. "Agree to disagree." Wingding clears his throat. "So. . . is he someone we should meet in a more formal setting?" <<else>> "THAT IS THE NAME OF ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES," says Papyrus. "Uh," goes Sans. Papyrus immediately notices Sans' reaction. He growls, "BROTHER. ARE YOU TOYING WITH ONE OF MY WORKERS?" "N-No, 'course not, bro," says Sans. "I'm bein' sincere with them." "You? //Sincere?//" Wingding's eyes narrow suspciously. "That's a bigger lie than when I apologize to someone." "Normally, yeah," says Sans, a red hue under his eyesockets. He scratches the back of his head in a strangely sheepish manner. Papyrus and Wingding stare at Sans in a mixture of surprise and wonder. Wingding shrewdly asks, "Are you being //bashful?//" "Shaddap," snaps Sans, his cheekbones reddening. Papyrus smiles. "YOU LIKE $NAME." "I--yeah. So?" "It's not a bad thing," says Wingding, "although it is unexpected." "You're tellin' me," sighs Sans. He rubs his face. "Bein' around them drives me crazy." "What do you mean?" inquires Wingding. "Firs' time I saw them, took all my self-control not to yank them off the street off the street then and there," he says. "Been wantin' them ever since, nonstop." "Why didn't you?" Sans frowns. "What?" "Why didn't you take them?" Wingding asks. "If you want them, just take them." "THAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE, BROTHER," says Papyrus. He pats Sans on the back. "IT IS GOOD SANS DID NOT." Wingding shrugs. "Agree to disagree." Wingding clears his throat. "So. . . are they someone we should meet in a more formal setting?" <</if>> Sans shifted his weight side to side. ". . . Maybe." "Oh," mumbles Wingding. Papyrus beams. "THAT IS EXCELLENT NEWS. I WILL BE SURE TO TREAT $NAME KINDLY AT WORK FOR YOU." "Uh, thanks bro," says Sans. "YOU ARE WELCOME." [[End of Interlude]]

"That's interesting," says Wingding. "WHAT?" Papyrus asks, an edge to his tone. As soon as Sans hears the tone, he turns to face Papyrus. He tilts his head and goes, "//Huh.//" "WHAT?" Papyrus asks again, his eyesockets narrow. "Yer reaction is--" Sans waves his right hand. "--interesting," says Wingding. "Uncharacteristic." "WHAT REACTION? I DID NOT REACT." Sans and Wingding glance at one another. "Okay babybones," says Wingding. "Since you did not react--" "I DID NOT." "--you clearly have no attachment to this human," continues Wingding. "$NAME IS MY EMPLOYEE," says Papyrus stiffly. <<if $gender eq "woman">> Wingding nods, his tone dubious. "I see. So you care for her in a professional manner?" <<elseif $gender eq "man">> Wingding nods, his tone dubious. "I see. So you care for him in a professional manner?" <<else>> Wingding nods, his tone dubious. "I see. So you care for them in a professional manner?" <</if>> ". . . YES." "Mn. Needed a moment ta think that over?" Sans grins. Papyrus glares at both of them. "CEASE THIS. YOU WILL NOT GET A RISE OUT OF ME." "Of course," cooes Wingding. "Please forgive us." "UGH. YOU ARE NEVER SINCERE WHEN YOU ASK THAT." "He's catchin' on ta yeh, Wings," Sans says as he elbows Wingding. "I knew this day would come," sighs Wingding. "I WILL HURT YOU BOTH." "Oh dear," says Wingding, not at all bothered by the threat. Sans snickers. "Uh oh. Babybones about throw a temper." "However will we survive?" Wingding teases. Papyrus tilts his head. Wingding and Sans chortle to themselves until they realize they can no longer move. Their is a green outline around their bodies. They immediately stop laughing. Wingding clears his throat. "Dearest brother--?" "UNDYNE TAUGHT ME A NEW TRICK," says Papyrus. "YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO RUN AWAY." Sans and Wingding look at one another, silently coming to an agreement. "Death before dishonor," Wingding says solemnly. He smiles wickedly. "//Babybones.//" [[End of Interlude]]

Wingding nods to his brother. "I didn't want to take away one of your workers, babybones." "APPRECIATED," says Papyrus. "I LIKE $NAME." <<if $gender eq "woman">> "Then I will leave her in your care," he says. "Keep her out of our business and I'll leave her alone." <<elseif $gender eq "man">> "Then I will leave him in your care," he says. "Keep him out of our business and I'll leave him alone." <<else>> "Then I will leave them in your care," he says. "Keep them out of our business and I'll leave them alone." <</if>> "This human ain't enough of a threat?" asks Sans. "While I dislike loose ends," says Wingding slowly, "I dislike upsetting our babybones even more." "YOU DO NOT NEED TO KEEP CALLING ME THAT." Sans grins. "Aww, is babybones getting grumpy? Time for a nap?" Papyrus takes in a deep breath. "I LET IT GO ONCE TODAY. I WILL NOT LET IT GO AGAIN." Wingding and Sans exchange a look. "Babybones," cooes Sans and Wingding. Papyrus nods, as if expecting this reaction. He raises both of his hands. Vermilion magic flares to life and engulfs his hands as he conjures long magic bones. "Oh //no//, not the babybones' magic," Sans mocks. "However will we survive?" Wingding teases. Papyrus tilts his head. Wingding and Sans chortle to themselves until they realize they can no longer move. Their is a green outline around their bodies. They immediately stop laughing. Wingding clears his throat. "Dearest brother--?" "UNDYNE TAUGHT ME A NEW TRICK," says Papyrus. "YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO RUN AWAY." Sans and Wingding look at one another, silently coming to an agreement. "Death before dishonor," Wingding says solemnly. He smiles wickedly. "//Babybones.//" [[End of Interlude]]