<table class="menu-diario">
<tr>
<td class="diario-tab-inactiva diario-letra-mc" id="tab-you">
[[You|diario]]
</td>
<<if $PagFamilias>>
<td class="diario-tab-inactiva diario-letra-enrique" id="tab-families">
[[Families|familias]]
</td>
<</if>>
<<if $PagGlosarioD>>
<td class="diario-tab-inactiva diario-letra-derek" id="tab-glossary-derek">
[[Glossary|glosario-derek]]
</td>
<</if>>
<<if $PagGlosarioM>>
<td class="diario-tab-inactiva diario-letra-max" id="tab-glossary-max">
[[Glossary|glosario-max]]
</td>
<</if>>
<<if $PagPasado>>
<td class="diario-tab-inactiva diario-letra-mc" id="tab-personajes">
[[Characters|personajes]]
</td>
<</if>>
</tr>
</table><<set $paginaAbierta = "diario">>
<<include "diario-menu">>
<div class="contenedor-diario">
<div class="pagina-principal-diario">
<div class="contenedor-titulo-diario">
<span>Your name is </span><span id="txt-journal-name"><<print $name>> Moonlight</span>
</div>
<br>
<span>
<b>Nickname:</b> <<print $nickname.toUpperFirst() >>
</span>
<br>
<span>
<b>Maker:</b> <<print $maker.toUpperFirst() >>
</span>
<br>
<span>
<b>Hair length:</b> <<print $hair_length.toUpperFirst() >>
</span>
<br>
<span>
<b>Hair color:</b> <<print $hair_color.toUpperFirst() >>
</span>
<br>
<span>
<b>Hair texture:</b> <<print $hair_texture.toUpperFirst() >>
</span>
<br>
<span>
<b>Height:</b> <<print $height.toUpperFirst() >>
</span>
<br>
<span>
<b>Skin:</b> <<print $skin_tone.toUpperFirst() >>
</span>
<br>
<span>
<b>Eyes color:</b> <<print $eyes_color.toUpperFirst() >>
</span>
</div>
<hr>
<h3>Personality</h3>
<div class="progress-bar-container">
<div class="progress-bar-text-left">
<span data-title="If you like to speak your mind, and don’t have any problem with that."><<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>><i class="fa-solid fa-hand-fist"></i><</if>> Bold</span>
</div>
<progress @value="$bold_shy" max="100"></progress>
<div class="progress-bar-text-right">
<label data-title="If it costs you a bit to speak your mind with others.">Shy<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>> <i class="fa-solid fa-hands-praying"></i><</if>></label>
</div>
</div>
<div class="progress-bar-container">
<div class="progress-bar-text-left">
<span data-title="If you don’t mind helping others and give words of encouragement."><<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>><i class="fa-solid fa-hand-holding-hand"></i><</if>> Kind</span>
</div>
<progress @value="$kind_distant" max="100"></progress>
<div class="progress-bar-text-right">
<label data-title="If you don’t care much about helping people or even talking to them.">Distant<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>> <i class="fa-solid fa-hand"></i><</if>></label>
</div>
</div>
<div class="progress-bar-container">
<div class="progress-bar-text-left">
<span data-title="If you don’t lie and try to tell the truth always."><<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>><i class="fa-brands fa-microblog"></i><</if>> Honest</span>
</div>
<progress @value="$honest_adaptable" max="100"></progress>
<div class="progress-bar-text-right">
<label data-title="If you don’t mind bending the truth a little or lying directly.">Adaptable<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>> <i class="fa-solid fa-masks-theater"></i><</if>></label>
</div>
</div>
<div class="progress-bar-container">
<div class="progress-bar-text-left">
<span data-title="If you speak genuinely and from the heart."><<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>><i class="fa-solid fa-shield-heart"></i><</if>> Sincere</span>
</div>
<progress @value="$sincere_sarcastic" max="100"></progress>
<div class="progress-bar-text-right">
<label data-title="If you prefer jokes and silly comments.">Sarcastic<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>> <i class="fa-solid fa-lightbulb"></i><</if>></label>
</div>
</div>
<div class="progress-bar-container">
<div class="progress-bar-text-left">
<span data-title="If you tend to stumble in your words, be forgetful, or have two left feet."><<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>><i class="fa-solid fa-cloud"></i><</if>> Clumsy</span>
</div>
<progress @value="$clumsy_graceful" max="100"></progress>
<div class="progress-bar-text-right">
<label data-title="If you remain calm and composed in adversity, or if you are polite and you don’t forget your manners.">Graceful<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>> <i class="fa-solid fa-gem"></i><</if>></label>
</div>
</div>
<div class="progress-bar-container">
<div class="progress-bar-text-left">
<span data-title="If you trust others easily and have no problem believing in them."><<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>><i class="fa-solid fa-hand-holding-heart"></i><</if>> Naive</span>
</div>
<progress @value="$naive_cautious" max="100"></progress>
<div class="progress-bar-text-right">
<label data-title="If you don’t trust easily, question what others tell you to do, and don’t follow others blindly.">Cautious<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>> <i class="fa-solid fa-pen-ruler"></i><</if>></label>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<script>
$("#tab-you").removeClass("diario-tab-inactiva");
$("#tab-you").addClass("diario-tab-activa");
</script><table class="menu-diario">
<tr>
<td class="diario-tab-fam-inactiva diario-letra-enrique" id="tab-fam-mond">
[[Mond|fam-mond]]
</td>
<td class="diario-tab-fam-inactiva diario-letra-enrique" id="tab-fam-moonlight">
[[Moonlight|fam-moonlight]]
</td>
<td class="diario-tab-fam-inactiva diario-letra-enrique" id="tab-fam-delacroix">
[[Delacroix|fam-delacroix]]
</td>
<td class="diario-tab-fam-inactiva diario-letra-enrique" id="tab-fam-lovelace">
[[Lovelace|fam-lovelace]]
</td>
<td class="diario-tab-fam-inactiva diario-letra-enrique" id="tab-fam-rosemerte">
[[Rosemerte|fam-rosemerte]]
</td>
</tr>
</table><<include "diario-menu">>
<<set $paginaAbierta = "diario">>
<div class="contenedor-diario diario-letra-enrique">
<div class="contenedor-titulo-diario">
<span>Families</span>
</div>
<br><br>
<div>
<table>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center">
<div align="center"><img id="logo-mond" src="assets/logos_familias/Mond.png" class="diario-logo-familias"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center">
<span><b>[[Mond|fam-mond]]</b></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center">
<hr>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<div align="center"><img src="assets/logos_familias/Moonlight.png" class="diario-logo-familias"></div>
</td>
<td align="center">
<div align="center"><img src="assets/logos_familias/Delacroix.png" class="diario-logo-familias"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<span><b>[[Moonlight Family|fam-moonlight]]</b></span>
</td>
<td align="center">
<span><b>[[Delacroix Family|fam-delacroix]]</b></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center">
<hr>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<div align="center"><img src="assets/logos_familias/Lovelace.png" class="diario-logo-familias"></div>
</td>
<td align="center">
<div align="center"><img src="assets/logos_familias/Rosemerte.png" class="diario-logo-familias"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<span><b>[[Lovelace Family|fam-lovelace]]</b></span>
</td>
<td align="center">
<span><b>[[Rosemerte Family|fam-rosemerte]]</b></span>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
</div>
<script>
$("#tab-families").removeClass("diario-tab-inactiva");
$("#tab-families").addClass("diario-tab-activa");
</script><<include "familias-menu">>
<<set $paginaAbierta = "familias">>
<<set $paginaDiario = "familias">>
<div class="contenedor-diario diario-letra-enrique hoja-lila">
<div class="contenedor-titulo-diario">
<span>Mond</span>
</div>
<div class="contenedor-info-familias">
<p>Mond is the leader of us, vampires.</p>
<p>''—Layre:'' He is the first vampire to ever exist, and the one who saved us all.</p>
<p>''*Nicandro:'' Layre’s loyal butler. He is human. His family have been working for Layre for generations.</p>
<div align="center" style="font-family: 'montserrat';"><b>SECTION IN DEVELOPMENT</b></div>
</div>
</div>
<script>
$("#tab-fam-mond").removeClass("diario-tab-fam-inactiva");
$("#tab-fam-mond").addClass("diario-tab-fam-activa");
</script><<include "familias-menu">>
<<set $paginaAbierta = "familias">>
<<set $paginaDiario = "familias">>
<div class="contenedor-diario diario-letra-enrique hoja-lila">
<div class="contenedor-titulo-diario">
<span>Moonlight Family</span>
</div>
<div class="contenedor-info-familias">
<p>We mainly do the academic stuff, research, and document all we find about us vampires and any other supernatural creature.</p>
<p>''—Enrique, Head of family:'' I am Derek’s biological father and fatherly figure for Maximillian, Alexandre, and Jeremiah. I would be glad if I could be the same to you someday.</p>
<p>''*Derek, Second:'' -</p>
<p>''*Maximillian:'' -</p>
<p>''*Alexandre:'' -</p>
<p>''*Jeremiah:'' -</p>
<div align="center" style="font-family: 'montserrat';"><b>SECTION IN DEVELOPMENT</b></div>
</div>
</div>
<script>
$("#tab-fam-moonlight").removeClass("diario-tab-fam-inactiva");
$("#tab-fam-moonlight").addClass("diario-tab-fam-activa");
</script><<include "familias-menu">>
<<set $paginaAbierta = "familias">>
<<set $paginaDiario = "familias">>
<div class="contenedor-diario diario-letra-enrique hoja-lila">
<div class="contenedor-titulo-diario">
<span>Delacroix Family</span>
</div>
<div class="contenedor-info-familias">
<p>~</p>
<p>''—Belladonna, Head of family:'' -</p>
<p>''*Eira, Second:'' -</p>
<p>''*Siliva:'' -</p>
<p>''*Liath:'' -</p>
<p>''*$locke:'' -</p>
<div align="center" style="font-family: 'montserrat';"><b>SECTION IN DEVELOPMENT</b></div>
</div>
</div>
<script>
$("#tab-fam-delacroix").removeClass("diario-tab-fam-inactiva");
$("#tab-fam-delacroix").addClass("diario-tab-fam-activa");
</script><<include "familias-menu">>
<<set $paginaAbierta = "familias">>
<<set $paginaDiario = "familias">>
<div class="contenedor-diario diario-letra-enrique hoja-lila">
<div class="contenedor-titulo-diario">
<span>Lovelace Family</span>
</div>
<div class="contenedor-info-familias">
<p>~</p>
<p>''—Braxton, Head of family:'' -</p>
<p>''*Ivonne, Second:'' -</p>
<p>''*Drausio:'' -</p>
<div align="center" style="font-family: 'montserrat';"><b>SECTION IN DEVELOPMENT</b></div>
</div>
</div>
<script>
$("#tab-fam-lovelace").removeClass("diario-tab-fam-inactiva");
$("#tab-fam-lovelace").addClass("diario-tab-fam-activa");
</script><<include "familias-menu">>
<<set $paginaAbierta = "familias">>
<<set $paginaDiario = "familias">>
<div class="contenedor-diario diario-letra-enrique">
<div class="contenedor-titulo-diario">
<span>Rosemerte Family</span>
</div>
<div class="contenedor-info-familias">
<p>~</p>
<p>''—Madeleine, Head of family:'' -</p>
<p>''*Rasen:'' -</p>
<p>''*Ariel, Second:'' -</p>
<p>''*Rosa:'' -</p>
<div align="center" style="font-family: 'montserrat';"><b>SECTION IN DEVELOPMENT</b></div>
</div>
</div>
<script>
$("#tab-fam-rosemerte").removeClass("diario-tab-fam-inactiva");
$("#tab-fam-rosemerte").addClass("diario-tab-fam-activa");
</script><<include "diario-menu">>
<div class="contenedor-diario">
<div class="contenedor-titulo-diario">
<span>Terms you:</span>
</div>
<br>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="glosario-derek">
<b>Maker / Sire:</b> It refers to the vampire who has turned a human into one of them. That vampire is the maker/sire of the just turned vampire.
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-derek">
<b>Creation / Childe:</b> It refers to the just turned vampire. They are the creation/childe of the vampire that turned them.
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-derek">
<b>Mond:</b> He is the first vampire to exist and our leader.
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-derek">
<b>Mental Powers:</b> Vampires can influence to some extent the emotions and thoughts of humans. It also works on other vampires but said person has to have a stronger will than their objective to work. Furthermore, vampires can modify the memories of humans, whether adding false memories or removing existing ones.
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-derek">
<b>Physical Skills:</b> Vampires differ themselves from humans in physical strength, agility, speed, and perception. Equally, vampires’ senses are sharper, these being sight, smell, hearing, and touch.
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-derek">
<b>Contra Solem:</b> Potion that protects the vampire from the sun’s burns. It isn’t one hundred percent effective, even if a vampire uses it, it can leave them with minor burns.
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-derek">
<b>Remedium Solem:</b> Salve that accelerates the vampire’s regeneration against the sun’s burns.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<br>
<<if $maker == "Alexandre">>
<div align="right">
<del style="font-size: 1.4em;"> Derek Moonlight </del><br>
<del style="font-size: 0.8em;"> Note: If you have any questions, come and ask me. </del>
</div>
<hr style="border-color: black;">
<div align="center" class="diario-letra-alex">
I’ll admit this was a good idea, it’ll help you have some things clearer about your new life.<br>
But I don’t like he was the one to write it. He didn’t even let ME do it.<br>
Ignore that last part, if you have a question you come to me.<br>
<div align="right" style="font-size: 1.2em;">--Alex</div>
</div>
<<else>>
<div align="right">
<div style="font-size: 1.4em;">Derek Moonlight</div>
<div style="font-size: 0.8em;">Note: If you have any questions, come and ask me.</div>
</div>
<</if>>
</div>
<script>
$("#tab-glossary-derek").removeClass("diario-tab-inactiva");
$("#tab-glossary-derek").addClass("diario-tab-activa");
</script><<include "diario-menu">>
<div class="contenedor-diario">
<div class="contenedor-titulo-diario">
<span>Glosario</span>
</div>
<br>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="glosario-max">
<<if $creador == "Maximiliano">>
<b>Creador:</b> Es la persona que ha convertido a un humano en vampiro. Por ejemplo, yo soy tu creador.
<<else>>
<b>Creador:</b> Es la persona que ha convertido a un humano en vampiro. Por ejemplo, tu creador es <<print $creador>>.
<</if>>
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-max">
<<if $creador == "Maximiliano">>
<b>Creación de:</b> Se le dice así a la persona que fue convertida por tal vampiro. Siguiendo el ejemplo anterior, tu eres mi creación.
<<else>>
<b>Creación de:</b> Se le dice así a la persona que fue convertida por tal vampiro. Siguiendo el ejemplo anterior, tu eres la creación de <<print $creador>>.
<</if>>
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-max">
<b>Layre Mond:</b> Es quien convirtió en vampiros a los líderes de las familias. El primer vampiro que ha existido. Dice nunca haber sido humano.
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-max">
<b>Poderes mentales:</b> Los vampiros .
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-max">
<b>Habilidades físicas:</b> Las diferencias notables que poseemos son la fuerza física, la rápidez y la agilidad. Somos más rápidos, más fuertes, y más ágiles que los humanos. Nuestros sentidos también son más sensibles. Además, que nos curamos mucho más rápido que un humano, aunque necesitamos estar bien alimentados para que nuestra regeneración funcione completamente.
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-max">
<b>Contra Solem:</b> Es una poción que nos permite estar bajo el sol sin que nos queme, aunque incluso al usarla no es muy cómodo estar bajo el sol. La conseguimos con la señorita Krizia.
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-max">
<b>Remedium Solem:</b> Es un ungüento que nos cura más rápido las quemaduras ocasionadas por el sol. También los obtenemos con la señorita Krizia.
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="glosario-max">
<b>Señorita Krizia Knight:</b> Es la líder de las brujas. Nos ayuda dándonos pociones contra el sol y ungüentos que nos curan más rápido las quemaduras del sol.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<br>
Espero haberme explicado lo suficientemente bien. Si tienes más preguntas siéntete libre de venir y preguntarme. También puedes ir con Derek (no es tan malo como aparenta, si le preguntas algo seguro te responderá).
</div>
<script>
$("#tab-glossary-max").removeClass("diario-tab-inactiva");
$("#tab-glossary-max").addClass("diario-tab-activa");
</script><<include "diario-menu">>
<<set $paginaAbierta = "diario">>
<script>
$("#tab-personajes").removeClass("diario-tab-inactiva");
$("#tab-personajes").addClass("diario-tab-activa");
</script>K. KnightMoonlight<!-- ~~~~ Capítulos ~~~~ -->
<<set $nombreCapitulo = "">>
<<set $numeroCapitulo = 0>>
<<set $paginaAbierta = "">>
<<set $paginaDiario = "">>
<!-- ~~~~ Control de páginas del diario ~~~~ -->
<<set $diario = false>> <!--desbloqueo del diario-->
<<set $PagResumen = false>> <!--elecciones del capítulo-->
<<set $PagPersonajes = false>> <!--vista de relaciones-->
<<set $PagPasado = false>> <!--desbloqueo de resumen de pasados-->
<<set $PagGlosarioD = false>> <!--glosario Derek-->
<<set $PagGlosarioM = false>> <!--glosario Max-->
<<set $PagFamilias = false>> <!--info de familias Enrique-->
<!-- Settings -->
<<set $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad = true>>
<<set $config_mostrar_iconos_relaciones = true>>
<!-- ~~~~ Past MC ~~~~ -->
<<set $mc1_bold_shy = "-">>
<<set $mc1_kind_distant = "-">>
<<set $mc1_honest_adaptable = "-">>
<<set $mc1_sincere_sarcastic = "-">>
<<set $mc1_clumsy_graceful = "-">>
<<set $mc1_naive_cautious = "-">>
<<set $mc1_hair_color = "-">>
<<set $mc1_hair_length = "-">>
<<set $mc1_eyes_color = "-">>
<<set $mc1_eyes_mismatched = false>>
<!-- ~~~~ MC ~~~~ -->
<<set $birth_gender = "female">>
<<set $gender = "female">>
<<set $she_he = "she">>
<<set $her_his = "her">>
<<set $her_him = "her">>
<<set $hers_his = "hers">>
<<set $herself_himself = "herself">>
<<set $woman_man = "woman">>
<<set $miss_mister = "Miss">>
<<set $girl_boy = "girl">>
<<set $sister_brother = "sister">>
<<set $sis_bro = "sis">>
<<set $is_are = "is">>
<<set $s_re = "s">>
<<set $does_do = "does">>
<<set $doesnt_dont = "doesn't">>
<<set $has_have = "has">>
<<set $hasnt_havent = "hasn't">>
<<set $was_were = "was">>
<<set $wasnt_werent = "wasn't">>
<<set $s_0 = "s">>
<<set $name = "-">>
<<set $nickname = "-">>
<<set $maker = "-">>
<<set $hair_length = "-">>
<<set $hair_color = "-">>
<<set $hair_texture = "-">>
<<set $height = "-">>
<<set $skin_tone = "-">>
<<set $eyes_color = "-">>
<<set $eyes_mismatched = false>>
<<set $hairstyle = "">>
<!-- Personalidad -->
<<set $shy_rom = 0>>
<<set $bold_rom = 0>>
<<set $bold_shy = 50>>
<<set $kind_distant = 50>>
<<set $honest_adaptable = 50>>
<<set $sincere_sarcastic = 50>>
<<set $clumsy_graceful = 50>>
<<set $naive_cautious = 50>>
<!-- Habilidades -->
<<set $mental_will = 0>>
<<set $agility = 0>>
<<set $strenght = 0>>
<<set $wits = 0>>
<!-- ~~~ Relaciones ~~~ -->
<!-- Amistad -->
<<set $Derek_fri = 20>>
<<set $Max_fri = 30>>
<<set $Alex_fri = 30>>
<<set $Jere_fri = 50>>
<<set $Locke_fri = 30>>
<<set $Siliva_fri = 40>>
<<set $Krizia_fri = 30>>
<<set $Rizarex_fri = 0>>
<<set $Nade_fri = 0>>
<!-- Romance -->
<<set $Derek_rom = 0>>
<<set $Max_rom = 0>>
<<set $Alex_rom = 0>>
<<set $Jere_rom = 0>>
<<set $Locke_rom = 0>>
<<set $Siliva_rom = 0>>
<<set $Secret_rom = 0>>
<<set $Krizia_rom = 0>>
<<set $Rizarex_rom = 0>>
<<set $Nade_rom = 0>>
<!-- Secundarios -->
<<set $Enrique_rel = 30>>
<<set $Belladonna_rel = 30>>
<<set $Liath_rel = 30>>
<<set $Eira_rel = 30>>
<<set $Ivonne_rel = 30>>
<<set $Braxton_rel = 30>>
<<set $Drausio_rel = 30>>
<<set $Ariel_rel = 60>>
<<set $Rosa_rel = 10>>
<<set $Layre_rel = 30>>
<<set $Madeleine_rel = 30>>
<<set $Rasen_rel = 30>>
<<set $Dela_rel = 30>>
<<set $Gabby_rel = 30>>
<!-- ~~~~ Pasados ~~~~ -->
<<set $Derek_past = false>>
<<set $Max_past = false>>
<<set $Alex_past = false>>
<<set $Jere_past = false>>
<<set $Siliva_past = false>>
<<set $L_past = false>>
<<set $MC_past = false>>
<<set $Enrique_past = false>>
<<set $Enrique_past_2 = false>>
<<set $Belladonna_past = false>>
<<set $Belladonna_past_2 = false>>
<!-- ~~~~ Info Familias ~~~~ -->
<<set $MetMoonlight = false>>
<<set $MetDelacroix = false>>
<<set $MetRosemerte = false>>
<<set $MetLovelace = false>>
<<set $MetMond = false>>
<!-- :) -->
<<set $makers_blood = []>>
<<set $dupree = []>>
<<set $romance = "-">>
<<set $Rizarex = false>>
<<set $pet = "">>
<<set $parecido_lila = false >>
<<set $taste_blood_human = 0>>
<<set $taste_blood_maker = 0>>
<<set $taste_blood_animal = 0>>
<!-- ~~~~ Logros ~~~~ -->
<<if State.metadata.has("cant_logros") >>
<<else>>
<<run State.metadata.set("cant_logros", 0) >>
<</if>><<script>>
/*SPSC();*/
<</script>>
/* <<timed 10s>> */
<<script>>
Dialog.create("Author's note")
.wiki("Version 0.1.2<hr>I've made MANY changes that will break the game if you load from a previous save file. <b>So please start with a new playthrough.</b><br>The game's still in early development, so I apologize for any inconvenience, and I hope you enjoy the latest update :)")
.open();
<</script>>
/* <</timed>> */
<br>
<div class="contenedor-menu-principal">
<div class="imagen-superior">
<img src="assets/menu_principal/banner_superior.png">
</div>
<div class="main-title" align="center">
<span class="main-title-item">Moonlight</span>
</div>
<div class="menu-principal-opciones" align="center">
<<link "New Game" "tutorial">><</link>>
<b style="font-size: 1.5em;">||</b>
<<link "Load Game">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>>
<b style="font-size: 1.5em;">||</b>
<<link "Settings">><<script>>UI.settings()<</script>><</link>>
</div>
<div class="imagen-inferior">
<img src="assets/menu_principal/banner_inferior.png">
</div>
</div><<set $nombreCapitulo = "Tutorial">><div align="center" class="subtitulo">Tutorial</div>
You can access the game menu by clicking on the moon <span class="tutorial-resaltar"><i class="bi bi-moon-stars"></i></span> on the top left side of the screen.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar"><i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-left"></i> Hide</span> is to close the menu. Or you can click the moon <span class="tutorial-resaltar"><i class="bi bi-moon-stars"></i></span> again to close it.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar"><i class="fa-solid fa-book-quran"></i> Journal</span> will show the journal screen, where you will find important information, choices, relationships, and your character's personality.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar"><i class="bi bi-bookmark-star-fill"></i> Save</span> is where you can save or load the game. You can even download manual saves to store on your device and import them into the game whenever you want.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar"><i class="fa-solid fa-feather-pointed"></i> Settings</span> will show you the settings you can configure, such as entering fullscreen, entering dark mode, and changing the game's font and journal.
In <span class="tutorial-resaltar"><i class="fa-solid fa-medal"></i> Achievements</span> you can see all the ones you have unlocked.
With <span class="tutorial-resaltar"><i class="fa-solid fa-sun"></i> Restart</span> you can return to the main menu.
And in <span class="tutorial-resaltar"><i class="fa-solid fa-star-and-crescent"></i> Credits</span> are all the credits of the game.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|tutorial.icons]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><div align="center" class="subtitulo">Icons</div>
The game uses different icons depending the choices.
<div align="center" style="font-family: var(--fuentetitulo); font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.5em;">General</div>
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-custom"></span> This indicates that the choice will affect the customization of your character (Appearance, gender, pronouns, maker...)
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-capitulo-nuevo"></span> This means the current chapter or section is about to end.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-siguiente"></span> It is to advance to the next part of the story when your character doesn’t participate in dialogue.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-normal"></span> Shows when a dialogue/action of your character doesn’t affect their personality or relationships.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-noavanza"></span> This indicates that the choice won't advance the story. For example, when you ask a character multiple questions.
<hr>
<div align="center" style="font-family: var(--fuentetitulo); font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.5em;">Relationships</div>
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-amistad-mas"></span>Gain friendship.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-amistad-menos"></span>Lose friendship.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-romance-mas"></span>Gain romance.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-romance-menos"></span>Lose romance.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-romance-aceptado"></span>Enter a romance.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-romance-terminado"></span>Break off / Reject a romance.
<hr>
<div align="center" style="font-family: var(--fuentetitulo); font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.5em;">Personality</div>
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-bold" align='center'>Bold - </span> If you like to speak your mind, and don’t have any problem with that.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-shy" align='center'>Shy - </span> If it costs you a bit to speak your mind with others.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-kind" align='center'>Kind - </span> If you don’t mind helping others and give words of encouragement.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-distant" align='center'>Distant - </span> If you don’t care much about helping people or even talking to them.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-honest" align='center'>Honest - </span> If you don’t lie and try to tell the truth always.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-adaptable" align='center'>Adaptable - </span> If you don’t mind bending the truth a little or lying directly.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-sincere" align='center'>Sincere - </span> If you speak genuinely and from the heart.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-sarcastic" align='center'>Sarcastic - </span> If you prefer jokes and silly comments.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-clumsy" align='center'>Clumsy - </span> If you tend to stumble in your words, be forgetful, or have two left feet.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-graceful" align='center'>Graceful - </span> If you remain calm and composed in adversity, or if you are polite and you don’t forget your manners.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-naive" align='center'>Naive - </span> If you trust others easily and have no problem believing in them.
<span class="tutorial-resaltar d-cautious" align='center'>Cautious - </span> If you don’t trust easily, question what others tell you to do, and don’t follow others blindly.
<div class="tutorial-resaltar" style="font-size: 1.5em;" align='center'>The personality icons can be seen in the journal anytime. Hover over a stat to see its description.</div>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|tutorial.activar.iconos]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><div align="center" class="subtitulo">Showing Icons</div>
The relationship and personality icons are optional. You can enable or disable them.
''However, it can only be done so between chapters.''
You can enable or disable the icons every time you start a chapter with the following section:
----
<<include [[activar.iconos]]>>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-capitulo-nuevo">
[[End Tutorial|elegir-genero-humano]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><div align="center" class="subtitulo">Show Special Icons In Game</div>
<div align="center">Choose whether you want to see unique icon choices that influence your character’s personality and relationships with other characters.
If you choose not to see the unique icons, the choices will show the standard icon instead: <span class="tutorial-resaltar d-normal"></span></div>
<<nobr>>
<div align="center">
<span class="tutorial-resaltar" style="font-size: 1.6em;">Personality</span>
</div>
<div class="row">
<div class="col-6" align="center">
<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>>
<label><<radiobutton "$config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad" true checked>> Yes</label>
<<else>>
<label><<radiobutton "$config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad" true>> Yes</label>
<</if>>
</div>
<div class="col-6" align="center">
<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>>
<label><<radiobutton "$config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad" false>> No</label>
<<else>>
<label><<radiobutton "$config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad" false checked>> No</label>
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<br>
<div align="center">
<span class="tutorial-resaltar" style="font-size: 1.6em;">Relationships</span>
</div>
<div class="row">
<div class="col-6" align="center">
<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_relaciones>>
<label><<radiobutton "$config_mostrar_iconos_relaciones" true checked>> Yes</label>
<<else>>
<label><<radiobutton "$config_mostrar_iconos_relaciones" true>> Yes</label>
<</if>>
</div>
<div class="col-6" align="center">
<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_relaciones>>
<label><<radiobutton "$config_mostrar_iconos_relaciones" false>> No</label>
<<else>>
<label><<radiobutton "$config_mostrar_iconos_relaciones" false checked>> No</label>
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<script>>
Dialog.create("Tutorial")
.wiki("On this screen, you will determine some aspects of your character when they were still human, like hair, eye color, personality, and gender.<br>Click the links to cycle through the available choices.<br><br>The personality you choose here will not be the one you will have as a vampire. You will shape your personality as a vampire as you play the game.<br>Can the human and vampire have different personalities? Yes.<br>Can they have the same? Also yes. The choice is entirely yours.")
.open();
<</script>><div align="center" class="subtitulo">The You human</div>
When you were a human, you were a <<cycle "$birth_gender" autoselect>>
<<option "woman" "female">>
<<option "man" "male">>
<</cycle>>. You had <<cycle "$mc1_hair_color">>
<<option "black" "black" selected>>
<<option "brown" "brown">>
<<option "blonde" "blonde">>
<<option "ginger" "ginger">>
<<option "auburn" "auburn">>
<</cycle>> hair and <<cycle "$mc1_eyes_color">>
<<option "blue eyes" "blue" selected>>
<<option "green eyes" "green">>
<<option "hazel eyes" "hazel">>
<<option "brown eyes" "brown">>
<<option "gray eyes" "gray">>
<<option "black eyes" "black">>
<<option "mismatched eyes, one eye blue and the other black" "blue and black">>
<<option "mismatched eyes, one eye green and the other hazel" "green and hazel">>
<</cycle>>.
You considered yourself to be a <<cycle "$mc1_bold_shy" autoselect>>
<<option "bold">>
<<option "shy">>
<</cycle>> person. As well as <<cycle "$mc1_kind_distant" autoselect>>
<<option "very kind">>
<<option "somewhat distant" "distant">>
<</cycle>> towards other people. When it came to telling the truth, you <<cycle "$mc1_honest_adaptable" autoselect>>
<<option "were honest, always trying to when possible." "honest">>
<<option "didn't mind to twist it every now and then." "adaptable">>
<</cycle>> People around you quickly noticed <<cycle "$mc1_sincere_sarcastic" autoselect>>
<<option "how easily you could express your feelings" "sincere">>
<<option "your quick wit with your sarcastic humor" "sarcastic">>
<</cycle>> and <<cycle "$mc1_clumsy_graceful" autoselect>>
<<option "how clumsy you could be." "clumsy">>
<<option "how composed and careful you were." "graceful">>
<</cycle>> But something that maybe not everyone knew about you was how <<cycle "$mc1_naive_cautious" autoselect>>
<<option "easily you trusted people." "naive">>
<<option "distrustful you could be towards people." "cautious">>
<</cycle>>
Of course, that was before. When you knew who you were. When you were just another boring human.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom" style="font-size:1.1em;">
[[But now, you are something more.|elegir-personaje]]
</div>
</div>
<<set $nombreCapitulo = "???">>
<<set $finCapitulo = false>>
<</nobr>><br>
<div align="center" class="subtitulo">Choose your gender as a vampire</div>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[Female|elegir-pronombres][$gender = "female";]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[Male|elegir-pronombres][$gender = "male";]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[Non-Binary|elegir-pronombres][$gender = "non-binary";]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<script>>
Dialog.create("Tutorial")
.wiki("On this screen, you can choose your pronouns. You can either select one of the preset options (the buttons below the title), modify them as you please, or input your own pronouns.<br><br>You can also see an example of how the pronouns are used in-game by clicking the <i>Preview Pronouns</i> button.<br><br><b>Note that the pronouns will be used from the prologue onwards.</b>")
.open();
<</script>><div align="center" class="subtitulo">Choose your pronouns</div>
<table>
<tr>
<td><button style="width: 100%;" id="btn-fem-pro">She/Her Pronouns</button></td>
<td><button style="width: 100%;" id="btn-mal-pro">He/Him Pronouns</button></td>
<td><button style="width: 100%;" id="btn-cus-pro">They/Them Pronouns</button></td>
</tr>
</table>
<table>
<tr>
<td>Subject:</td>
<td><<textbox "$she_he" "she">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Object:</td>
<td><<textbox "$her_him" "her">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Possessive:</td>
<td><<textbox "$her_his" "her">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Possessive Pronoun:</td>
<td><<textbox "$hers_his" "hers">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reflexive:</td>
<td><<textbox "$herself_himself" "herself">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Noun:</td>
<td><<textbox "$woman_man" "woman">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Title:</td>
<td><<textbox "$miss_mister" "Miss">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><<textbox "$girl_boy" "girl">></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2"><<textbox "$sister_brother" "sister">></td>
</tr>
<tr><td colspan="2"> </td></tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center">Which one sounds better?</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center"><<radiobutton "$is_are" 1 checked >><label id="txt-is" for="radiobutton-is-are-0"> “<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst() >>’s unconscious, for God's sake!”</label></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center"><<radiobutton "$is_are" 2 >><label id="txt-are" for="radiobutton-is-are-1"> “<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst() >>’re unconscious, for God's sake!”</label></td>
</tr>
</table>
<button style="width: 100%;" id="btn-preview-pro">Preview Pronouns</button>
<p id="txt-preview"></p>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[Start Game.|c0][$she_he = $("#textbox-she-he").val(); $her_him = $("#textbox-her-him").val(); $her_his = $("#textbox-her-his").val(); $hers_his = $("#textbox-hers-his").val(); $herself_himself = $("#textbox-herself-himself").val(); $woman_man = $("#textbox-woman-man").val(); $miss_mister = $("#textbox-miss-mister").val(); $girl_boy = $("#textbox-girl-boy").val(); $sister_brother = $("#textbox-sister-brother").val(); ]]
</div>
</div>
<<script>>importScripts("Pronombres.js");<</script>>
<</nobr>><<if $birth_gender == "female">>
<br>
<div align="center" class="subtitulo">Bedroom</div>
<div align="center" class="subtitulo">[[???|c0-m-1]]</div>
<br>
<<else>>
<br>
<div align="center" class="subtitulo">Bedroom</div>
<div align="center" class="subtitulo">[[???|c0-h-1]]</div>
<br>
<</if>>They laugh in the garden.
My father encouraged me to read this etiquette book. He said I should keep improving my manners and learn all I can.
Another laugh from the garden.
We should indeed keep improving our skills and learning new things. My father teaches me himself whenever he has time, or I visit the neighbor’s house to read the books they kindly let us borrow. I want to learn as much as possible since I don’t want to disappoint my family.
Yet another laugh.
The candle’s soft light beside me is just enough for me to see the book in my lap. Now that I think about it, this might be the third or fourth time I read this book. No matter, I must study it one more time.
I look around my room, taking in the comfort I always feel here. At times like this, when I have to really focus on something, I really like my bedroom. It always gives me the peace and calm I need to fully concentrate.
Laughs, chuckles, giggles...
Darn, I forgot where I was reading. Now, I’ll have to start from the beginning. Again. I’ve lost count of the times this has happened. I seem incapable of finishing this simple paragraph. Why is this? Is it because it bores me to read this one more time? Or is it because the clouds are blocking the light more than usual? Or maybe because of the heavy silence that has fallen in the room? Or perhaps—
They laugh another //damn// time.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap0-m-2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>Could they shut up, for goodness’ sake?! Why are they making so much fuss?!
//“Hey, did you see? They are having so much fun without you.”//
To make matters worse, now she lets out an annoying and stressful giggle. And I don’t even have to look through the window to know she has that stupid smile on her face.
How can anyone stand her? Why do they waste time with her? I don’t get it. She’s no one, a nuisance, a hindrance. So, why?
//“You know what’ll happen someday, right? She’ll replace you.”//
What?
//“They’ll leave with her.”//
There’s no way.
//“They’ll forget about you.”//
You lie.
//“She’ll be the one they love the most.”//
Yeah, right! Replace me? Be the one they love the most? Sure!
//“Look through the window.”//
Why for? To make me nauseous?
//“You should see what they’re both doing.”//
Wasting time, as always. Fooling around like little kids.
//“Come on, look. Let’s see what they’re up to.”//
Why bother? I don’t care what they’re doing.
...I’m already at the window, moving the curtains away.
They haven’t laughed in these last few moments. What are they doing now? Why are they both so quiet?
There they are, sitting on the bench that faces my room. They are getting closer. Closer and closer. Why are you getting so close? What are you doing? Stop...
...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap0-m-3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>...
No...
//“How shameless of them both, right in front of your window. It almost looks like they wanted you to see them.”//
No, no, no, no.
//“How could you let her brush you aside so easily?”//
This can’t be. It’s not true. Why? Why her?
//“How could you let a dumb girl take your place?”//
It’s not right. It’s a lie. It isn’t what it looks like...
//“It’s about DAMN time you open your eyes. She’ll take your place. They’ll leave, and it’ll be her fault.”//
It’s her fault.
//“It’s all her fault.”//
If not for her, they’ll never leave me.
//“They’ll throw you away like trash if you don’t do something.”//
They can’t leave me.
//“They’ll abandon you for her.”//
No, no, no.
//“It’s just a matter of time. You have to do something.”//
Lately, they haven’t paid me much attention, they haven’t spent as much time with me as before, and they haven’t given me the same attention as before. They only think of her, talk to her, want to see her, talk about her, and spend time with her.
//“It’s all her fault.”//
They’ll abandon me, they’ll leave me, they’ll forget me.
//“If not for her...”//
If she wasn’t here.
//“Don’t let her have her way.”//
She...
“==''//She has to disappear.//''==”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-capitulo-nuevo">
[[???|c0-moonlight-black]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>It’s nothing.
I hear them laughing in the garden.
Everything’s alright.
They laugh again.
He’s busy. He told me he was occupied...
More laughing.
They just crossed paths by coincidence, and he’s making small chat, yes, he can’t be rude and not respond when they talked to him. Everything’s okay, surely—
They laugh another //damn// time.
Why so many laughs?!
I realize the book in my lap had fallen when I hear the thud it makes on the ground. I don’t even know when I stood up.
No, no. Calm down. It’s alright. It’s him, of course he wouldn’t lie to you. They just crossed paths by coincidence. He’s busy, it’s just a mishap...
//“Hey, did you see? They’re both having so much fun without you.”//
Don’t you dare start.
//“How grumpy you look. Are you finally realizing he doesn’t want to be with you?”//
What? No way. That could never be true.
//“Just admit it. You invited him over to spend time together, he said he was busy, and now he’s chatting and laughing with someone else.”//
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|c0-h-2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>Of course he hasn’t lied to me. It’s just a mishap, a coincidence. It’s not important.
//“Worst of all, the person he’s with is—”//
//''“SHUT UP.”''//
//“I’m just saying, you should notice the hints.”//
What hints?
//“He’s been somewhat distant. He doesn’t spend time with you. He makes excuses to go outside.”//
It couldn’t be farther from reality. Sure, he couldn’t find time to be with me as I took a lot of his time before when he wouldn’t leave my side.
//“Another observation, I have never heard him laugh that way with you.”//
Of course. With me, his laughs are genuine, not forced for being simply polite.
//“Look through the window.”//
What?
//“You should see what those both are up to.”//
That’s not necessary.
However, I could save him from wasting time on that pointless chat. Yeah, I should do it. So he can return to what he was doing and finish up faster so we could meet—
What?
Why are they leaning so close together? Why does he allow it? What are they gonna do? What are you doing? Stop—
...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|c0-h-3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>...
No...
//“Has he no shame? How can they do that right where you can see them?”//
No no no no.
//“I told you something was wrong.”//
No, it’s not true. No.
//“How could you let him grow distant from you?”//
//It’s not true. It’s not true. It’s not true.//
//“How could you let him stop loving you?”//
He doesn’t love me anymore.
//“Did he ever love you?”//
He doesn’t love me. He’ll leave me.
//“He grew bored of you. He’s sick of you. So much that he had to replace you.”//
Wasn’t I enough? Why? //Why?//
//“He just used you. You were just a game.”//
I was nothing to him.
//“Will you let him do it again?”//
I can’t let him do it again.
//“Will you let him have his way?”//
I have to do something.
//“Make him pay.”//
No one can play with me like this.
//“Destroy him.”//
If he doesn’t want to be with me...
“//==''He’ll be with no one else.''==//”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-capitulo-nuevo">
[[???|c0-moonlight-black]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<nobr>><<timed 2s>>
/*<<goto "c0-moonlight">>*/
<<script>>
SCTituloPrincipal();
<</script>>
<</timed>><</nobr>>
<div class="div_centrar" id="div_centrar" hidden>
<div align="center" class="div_centrado">
<span class="titulo-principal">[[Moonlight|cap0.start]]</span>
<span class="titulo-1863">~ 1 8 6 3 ~</span>
</div>
</div><<set $paginaAbierta = "creditos">><div class="row"><div class="col-md-12 subtitulo" align="center">Writing & Coding</div></div>
<div class="row k-credits"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://moonlight-if-knight.tumblr.com/" target="_blank" style="font-family: var(--fontk); font-size: 50px;"><i class="bi bi-moon-stars"></i> K. Knight</a></div></div>
<hr>
<div class="contenido-creditos"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-12 subtitulo" align="center">Engine</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center">Twine | SugarCube v2.37.3</div></div>
<hr>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12 subtitulo" align="center">Template</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center">Twine Sugarcube Template by Cerberus</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://ccrberus.itch.io/twine-sugarcube-template" target="_blank">itch.io</a></div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://cerberus-writes.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a></div></div>
<hr>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12 subtitulo" align="center">Fonts:</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://fonts.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Fonts</a></div></div>
<hr>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12 subtitulo" align="center">Icons:</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://fontawesome.com/icons" target="_blank">Font Awesome - Icons</a></div></div>
<hr>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12 subtitulo" align="center">Documentation</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/" target="_blank">SugarCube v2 Documentation</a></div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://astriddalmady.com/resources/#csstools" target="_blank">Resources for Interactive Fiction</a></div></div>
<hr>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12 subtitulo" align="center">Macros</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2" target="_blank">Chapel's Custom Macro Collection - Github</a></div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://twinelab.net/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2/#/" target="_blank">Chapel's Custom Macro Collection</a></div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> The Notify Macro</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> The File System</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> The Typing Simulation Macro</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> The Swap Macro Set</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://github.com/mikewesthad/twine-resources" target="_blank">Twine Resources</a></div></div>
<hr>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12 subtitulo" align="center">Images</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://www.canva.com" target="_blank">Canva</a></div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> Moonlight's family crest</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> Delacroix's family crest</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> Lovelace's family crest</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> Rosemerte's family crest</div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> Mond's crest</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> Tulip, main background</div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://www.freepik.es/" target="_blank">Freepik</a></div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://www.freepik.es/vectores/coleccion" target="_blank"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> "Flower 1" - Vector de coleccion creado por freepik - www.freepik.es</a></div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://www.freepik.es/vectores/coleccion" target="_blank"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> "Flower 2, Flower 3 & Flower 4" - Vector de coleccion creado por freepik - www.freepik.es</a></div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://www.freepik.es/vectores/dibujos-vintage" target="_blank"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> "Flower 5, Flower 6 & Flower 7" - Vector de dibujos vintage creado por pikisuperstar - www.freepik.es</a></div></div>
<div class="row"><div class="col-md-12" align="center"><a href="https://www.freepik.es/vectores/filigrana"><i class="bi bi-stars"></i> Main Menu - Vector de filigrana creado por macrovector - www.freepik.es</a></div></div>
</div><div class="header-flex">
<div class="header-item" style="width: 145px;" align="left">
<<nobr>>
<<if $paginaAbierta == "">>
<a><span id="zero" onclick="toggle(header)"><i class="bi bi-moon-stars"></i></span></a>
<<else>>
<<link '<span class="header-color header-button"><i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-left"></i> Return</span>' $return>><<set $paginaAbierta = "">><<set $paginaDiario = "">><</link>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>
</div>
<div class="header-item">
<<nobr>>
<<switch $paginaAbierta>>
<<case "diario">>
<span class="header-color">Journal</span>
<<case "familias">>
<span class="header-color">Families</span>
<<case "creditos">>
<span class="header-color">Credits</span>
<<case "logros">>
<span class="header-color">Achievements</span>
<<default>>
<span class="header-color"><<print $nombreCapitulo>></span>
<</switch>>
<</nobr>>
</div>
<div class="header-item" style="width: 145px;" align="right">
<<nobr>>
<<switch $paginaDiario>>
<<case "familias">>
<<link '<span class="header-button"><i class="fa-solid fa-chevron-left"></i> Journal</span>' 'familias'>><<set $paginaDiario = "">><</link>>
<<case "resumen">>
<<link '<span class="header-button"><i class="fa-solid fa-chevron-left"></i> Journal</span>' 'diario'>><<set $paginaDiario = "">><</link>>
<<case "pasados">>
<<link '<span class="header-button"><i class="fa-solid fa-chevron-left"></i> Journal</span>' 'diario'>><<set $paginaDiario = "">><</link>>
<<default>>
<</switch>>
<</nobr>>
</div>
</div><<set $paginaAbierta = "logros">>
There are 5 achievements in total. You have unlocked <<print State.metadata.get("cant_logros"); >>.
<br><br>
<div align="right">[[Delete Achievements|logros][State.metadata.delete('logro01'); State.metadata.delete('logro02'); State.metadata.delete('logro03'); State.metadata.delete('logro04'); State.metadata.delete('logro05'); State.metadata.set("cant_logros", 0); ]]</div>
<<if State.metadata.get("cant_logros") > 0>>
<hr>
<div align="center"><h2>Achievements Unlocked:</h2></div>
<<if State.metadata.get("logro00") >>
<b>Where all began:</b> You shouldn’t be seeing this :)
<</if>>
<br>
<<if State.metadata.get("logro01") >>
<b>Derek's Creation:</b> He isn’t as bad as he seems, or so says Max... Good luck.
<br><br>
<</if>>
<<if State.metadata.get("logro02") >>
<b>Maximillian's Creation:</b> Could be the best option out of the four... Just don’t cross the line.
<br><br>
<</if>>
<<if State.metadata.get("logro03") >>
<b>Alexandre's Creation:</b> Not even K knows if he’s a good or a bad choice.
<br><br>
<</if>>
<<if State.metadata.get("logro04") >>
<b>Jeremiah's Creation:</b> The youngest of the four turned you into a vampire… At least he’s the nicest one.
<br><br>
<</if>>
<<if State.metadata.get("logro05") >>
<b>Runaway:</b> Even the sun is more pleasant than Derek.
<br><br>
<</if>>
<</if>><<link '<div class="menu-item" onclick="toggle(header)"><i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-left"></i> Hide</div>'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="menu-item" onclick="toggle(header)"><i class="fa-solid fa-book-quran"></i> Journal</div>' 'diario'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="menu-item" onclick="toggle(header)"><i class="bi bi-bookmark-star-fill"></i> Save</div>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="menu-item" onclick="toggle(header)"><i class="fa-solid fa-feather-pointed"></i> Settings</div>'>><<script>>UI.settings()<</script>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="menu-item" onclick="toggle(header)"><i class="fa-solid fa-medal"></i> Achievements</div>' 'logros'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="menu-item" onclick="toggle(header)"><i class="fa-solid fa-sun"></i> Restart</div>'>><<script>>UI.restart()<</script>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="menu-item" onclick="toggle(header)"><i class="fa-solid fa-star-and-crescent"></i> Credits</div>' 'creditos'>><</link>><<nobr>>
<!-- Notificaciones -->
<!-- <<if tags().includes("bookmark")>>
<<notify 4s 'notify-bookmark'>>Saved<</notify>>
<</if>> -->
<<if tags().includes("pagina_hab_familias")>>
<<notify 8s 'notify-journal'>>Journal Updated<hr>You have unlocked the section “Families” in your journal.<</notify>>
<</if>>
<!-- ~~~~ Logros ~~~~ -->
<!-- Derek Prologo -->
<<if tags().includes("logro01")>>
<<if State.metadata.get("logro01") != true>>
<<run State.metadata.set("logro01", true); >>
<<run $cant = State.metadata.get("cant_logros"); $cant++; State.metadata.set("cant_logros", $cant); >>
<<notify 6s 'notify-logro'>>Achievement Unlocked<hr><div align='center'>Derek's Creation</div><</notify>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<!-- Max Prologo -->
<<if tags().includes("logro02")>>
<<if State.metadata.get("logro02") != true>>
<<run State.metadata.set("logro02", true); >>
<<run $cant = State.metadata.get("cant_logros"); $cant++; State.metadata.set("cant_logros", $cant); >>
<<notify 6s 'notify-logro'>>Achievement Unlocked<hr><div align='center'>Maximillian's Creation</div><</notify>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<!-- Alex Prologo -->
<<if tags().includes("logro03")>>
<<if State.metadata.get("logro03") != true>>
<<run State.metadata.set("logro03", true); >>
<<run $cant = State.metadata.get("cant_logros"); $cant++; State.metadata.set("cant_logros", $cant); >>
<<notify 6s 'notify-logro'>>Achievement Unlocked<hr><div align='center'>Alexandre's Creation</div><</notify>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<!-- Jere Prologo -->
<<if tags().includes("logro04")>>
<<if State.metadata.get("logro04") != true>>
<<run State.metadata.set("logro04", true); >>
<<run $cant = State.metadata.get("cant_logros"); $cant++; State.metadata.set("cant_logros", $cant); >>
<<notify 6s 'notify-logro'>>Achievement Unlocked<hr><div align='center'>Jeremiah's Creation</div><</notify>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<!-- Cap 1 - Escape -->
<<if tags().includes("logro05")>>
<<if State.metadata.get("logro05") != true>>
<<run State.metadata.set("logro05", true); >>
<<run $cant = State.metadata.get("cant_logros"); $cant++; State.metadata.set("cant_logros", $cant); >>
<<notify 6s 'notify-logro'>>Achievement Unlocked<hr><div align='center'>Runaway</div><</notify>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<!-- Title -->
<<if tags().includes("sc_title")>>
<script>$("html").addClass("sc_title");</script>
<<else>>
<script>$("html").removeClass("sc_title");</script>
<</if>>
<!-- Nightmare -->
<<if tags().includes("nightmare")>>
<script>$("html").addClass("nightmare");</script>
<<else>>
<script>$("html").removeClass("nightmare");</script>
<</if>>
<!-- a little script to boop longer passages back up to the top when going to new pages -->
<script>
var myDiv = document.getElementById('passages');
myDiv.scrollTop = 0;
</script>
<</nobr>><!-- story interface stuff goes here -->
<div id="container">
<div id="header">
<span id="header-text">
<div class="header-flex"></div>
</span>
<div class="menutoggle">
<span id="one">
<div class="menu-flex">
</div>
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div id="div_story">
<div id="passages">
<!-- actual game content appears in here -->
</div>
</div>
</div>
<script>
//Splash screen
/*function SPSC() {
// Duration of the splash image's fade in.
var fadeIn = 2000; // in milliseconds
// Delay before the splash screen begins to fade out.
var linger = 3000; // in milliseconds
// Duration of the splash screen's fade out.
var fadeOut = 2000; // in milliseconds
// Splash image.
var $image = $('<img src="assets/k.png">').hide();
// Display the splash screen.
$(document.body)
.append('<div id="splash-screen"></div>')
.find('#splash-screen')
.append($image)
.find('img')
.fadeIn(fadeIn)
.end()
.delay(linger)
.fadeOut(fadeOut);
// Set up the removal of the splash screen.
setTimeout(function () {
$('#splash-screen').remove();
}, fadeIn + linger + fadeOut + 1000);
}*/
function toggle() {
var x = document.getElementById("one");
let computedStyle = getComputedStyle(x);
var width = computedStyle.width;
if (width === '300px') {
//Pantalla
if (!x.style.left || x.style.left === '-40%') {
x.style.left = '0%';
} else {
x.style.left = '-40%';
}
} else {
//Celular
if (!x.style.left || x.style.left === '-100%') {
x.style.left = '0%';
} else {
x.style.left = '-100%';
}
}
}
//Titulo Principal
function SCTituloPrincipal() {
$("#passage-c0-moonlight-black").addClass("front-screen");
$("#div_centrar").fadeIn(3000);
}
</script><!-- storyinterface doesn't let you code variables in, so this is how u cheat the system -->
<<replace ".menu-flex">><<include "menu-flex">><</replace>>
<<replace "#header-text">><<include "header-text">><</replace>>
<!-- <<script>>importScripts("assets/js/iconos.js");<</script>> -->
<<script>>
//Botones headers
$(".header-button").hover(function(){
$(this).addClass("fa-fade");
}, function(){
$(this).removeClass("fa-fade");
});
//Botones menú lateral
$(".menu-item").hover(function(){
$(this).addClass("fa-fade");
}, function(){
$(this).removeClass("fa-fade");
});
//Animación iconos elecciones
$(".choice-item").hover(function(){
$(this).find("i").addClass("fa-beat");
$(this).find("i").prop("style", "--fa-animation-duration: 1s;");
}, function(){
$(this).find("i").removeClass("fa-beat");
});
//Iconos elecciones
$(".d-custom").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-star-half-stroke"></i> - ');
$(".d-capitulo-nuevo").prepend('<i class="fa-regular fa-moon"></i> - ');
$(".d-siguiente").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-caret-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-normal").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-noavanza").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-angles-right"></i> - ');
<</script>>
/* ICONOS PERSONALIDAD */
<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_personalidad>>
<<script>>
$(".d-bold").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-hand-fist"></i> - ');
$(".d-shy").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-hands-praying"></i> - ');
$(".d-kind").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-hand-holding-hand"></i> - ');
$(".d-distant").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-hand"></i> - ');
$(".d-honest").prepend('<i class="fa-brands fa-microblog"></i> - ');
$(".d-adaptable").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-masks-theater"></i> - ');
$(".d-sincere").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-shield-heart"></i> - ');
$(".d-sarcastic").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-lightbulb"></i> - ');
$(".d-clumsy").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-cloud"></i> - ');
$(".d-graceful").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-gem"></i> - ');
$(".d-naive").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-hand-holding-heart"></i> - ');
$(".d-cautious").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-pen-ruler"></i> - ');
<</script>>
<<else>>
<<script>>
$(".d-bold").find("i").remove();
$(".d-bold").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-shy").find("i").remove();
$(".d-shy").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-kind").find("i").remove();
$(".d-kind").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-distant").find("i").remove();
$(".d-distant").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-honest").find("i").remove();
$(".d-honest").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-adaptable").find("i").remove();
$(".d-adaptable").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-sincere").find("i").remove();
$(".d-sincere").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-sarcastic").find("i").remove();
$(".d-sarcastic").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-clumsy").find("i").remove();
$(".d-clumsy").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-graceful").find("i").remove();
$(".d-graceful").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-naive").find("i").remove();
$(".d-naive").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-cautious").find("i").remove();
$(".d-cautious").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
<</script>>
<</if>>
/* ICONOS RELACIONES */
<<if $config_mostrar_iconos_relaciones>>
<<script>>
$(".d-romance-mas").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-heart-circle-plus"></i> - ');
$(".d-romance-menos").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-heart-circle-minus"></i> - ');
$(".d-romance-aceptado").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-heart"></i> - ');
$(".d-romance-terminado").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-heart-crack"></i> - ');
$(".d-amistad-mas").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-thumbs-up"></i> - ');
$(".d-amistad-menos").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-thumbs-down"></i> - ');
<</script>>
<<else>>
<<script>>
$(".d-romance-mas").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i>></i> - ');
$(".d-romance-menos").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i>></i> - ');
$(".d-romance-aceptado").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-romance-terminado").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-amistad-mas").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
$(".d-amistad-menos").prepend('<i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right"></i> - ');
<</script>>
<</if>><br><br><br>
<div align="center" class="titulo-comienzo-fin">[[Prologue|cap0.1]]</div>
<br><br><br><<nobr>>
<<set $nombreCapitulo = "Prologue">>
<<set $numeroCapitulo = 0>>
<<if $is_are == 1>>
<<set $is_are = "is">>
<<set $s_re = "s">>
<<set $does_do = "does">>
<<set $doesnt_dont = "doesn't">>
<<set $has_have = "has">>
<<set $hasnt_havent = "hasn't">>
<<set $was_were = "was">>
<<set $wasnt_werent = "wasn't">>
<<set $s_0 = "s">>
<<else>>
<<set $is_are = "are">>
<<set $s_re = "re">>
<<set $does_do = "do">>
<<set $doesnt_dont = "don't">>
<<set $has_have = "have">>
<<set $hasnt_havent = "haven't">>
<<set $was_were = "were">>
<<set $wasnt_werent = "weren't">>
<<set $s_0 = "">>
<</if>>
<<if $sister_brother == "sister">>
<<set $sis_bro = "sis">>
<<elseif $sister_brother == "brother">>
<<set $sis_bro = "bro">>
<<else>>
<<set $sis_bro = "sib">>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>Year 1863.
It’s a beautiful night. A clear sky illuminated by her queen and her countless stars. A fresh breeze caresses your face as you walk, and the night’s quietness is drowned by the crickets and the sounds of other night creatures. Undoubtedly, it’s a beautiful night.
Of course, not counting the trail of blood you’re leaving behind as you walk.
Bruises cover your arms and legs, some of the cuts in your arms are still open, the wound on your face stains your face with blood, and finally, there’s the wide cut on your abdomen, slowly drenching your clothes with a deep crimson.
Not paying attention to the pain, you press into the wound on your stomach to stop the bleeding all you can. The road to town, barely lightened by the moonlight, is surrounded by a dense forest.
You’ve just got out of a clearing where they have left you to die, and even now, you still can’t believe your luck. If those two had cut any deeper on your abdomen or had hit your head harder, you wouldn’t be alive right now. But never mind, you must return home to treat your injuries since you can’t go to the doctor.
It’s getting harder and harder to keep standing. The pain in your body is intense, and you still have a road to walk. Tears start to cloud your eyes, being the physical or emotional pain fault. Who cares? You’ve just remembered the words that person kept repeating while you were there.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
<<if $birth_gender == "female">>
[[Next|cap0.2-m]]
<<else>>
[[Next|cap0.2-h]]
<</if>>
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>//“This is all your fault.”//
What did you do that was so bad?
//“You had to get carried away by your little fantasy.”//
You only wanted to be close to them all.
//“Nothing was real.”//
You only wanted to be part of them.
//“They grew bored of you.”//
You only wanted to be together with...
//“They never cared about you.”//
<<include [[cap0.2]]>>//“This is all your fault.”//
They were not to blame for your mistakes.
//“You’ve hurt me so much.”//
You never wanted to hurt anyone.
//“You were used too.”//
You didn’t want to deceive anyone.
//“They grew bored of you.”//
You only wanted to be together with...
//“They never cared about you.”//
<<include [[cap0.2]]>>Now you’re all alone.
After letting out a sigh, you stop walking and close your eyes.
That’s right, you’re all alone now. This is the only moment you’ve had in these past few hours to think about what has happened. Who could have thought someone’s life could be completely destroyed in two days?
You close your eyes and raise your head, trying to stop the tears, and let out a sigh full of melancholy.
When you open your eyes, the moon is the first thing you see, with all her shine and splendor reigning in the sky. But while she always has a beautiful silver glow, her light today is tinted with a faint blue hue that almost makes her look sad.
//Do you feel sorry for seeing me in such a pitiful state?// You whisper to her in your heart.
A dry laugh escapes your lips when you drop your gaze. Sure, as if the queen of the night would worry about the problems of mere mortals like yourself.
Gacing again at the sky, now you look at the children of the moon, the stars. They look so small from here, each shining with a light of their own but always with the moon, always together. They have a place they belong to and always will. They belong to the moon, as the moon belongs to the night, as the night belongs to the sky, as you belong to—
No, that is not right.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[As you once thought you belonged to him and believed he was the one for you.|cap0.3.secret-pareja][$gender_secret = "man"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[As you once thought you belonged by his side and believed you and he would be friends forever.|cap0.3.secret-amigo][$gender_secret = "man"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[As you once thought you belonged to her and believed she was the one for you.|cap0.3.secret-pareja][$gender_secret = "woman"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[As you once thought you belonged by her side and believed you and she would be friends forever.|cap0.3.secret-amigo][$gender_secret = "woman"]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $rel_secret = "love">>
<<if $gender_secret == "man">>
<<set $she_he_secret = "he">>
<<set $her_his_secret = "his">>
<<set $her_him_secret = "him">>
<<set $hers_his_secret = "his">>
<<else>>
<<set $she_he_secret = "she">>
<<set $her_his_secret = "her">>
<<set $her_him_secret = "her">>
<<set $hers_his_secret = "hers">>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>//“Count the stars, and you’ll understand the depth of my feelings for you.”//
That’s what $she_he_secret used to tell you, and like a fool, you believed it every time $she_he_secret said it.
<<print $her_his_secret.toUpperFirst()>> pretty words made you let down your guard around $her_him_secret.
The sweet promises $she_he_secret used to make had such a profound impact that they led you to believe in $her_him_secret without question.
Those eyes of $hers_his_secret that looked back at you with so much warmth and tenderness were your weakness, even more so when they lit up like two stars in the night sky every time they landed on yours.
You were drawn in by $her_his_secret laugh and fell for the radiant smile that illuminated $her_his_secret face...
Exactly. You hopelessly fell in love with $her_him_secret.
<<nobr>>
<<if $birth_gender == "female">>
<<include [[cap0.3.m]]>>
<<else>>
<<include [[cap0.3.h]]>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $rel_secret = "friends">>
<<if $gender_secret == "man">>
<<set $she_he_secret = "he">>
<<set $her_his_secret = "his">>
<<set $her_him_secret = "him">>
<<set $hers_his_secret = "his">>
<<else>>
<<set $she_he_secret = "she">>
<<set $her_his_secret = "her">>
<<set $her_him_secret = "her">>
<<set $hers_his_secret = "hers">>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>//“I’ve never felt a connection with anyone like the one I share with you. You are not just my best friend. You are my family.”//
It’s what $she_he_secret used to tell you, and to your regret, you never doubted its truthfulness one bit.
All the words that came from $her_his_secret lips sounded right all the time.
All those long conversations you both had, the times when you could even finish the other’s sentence, the private jokes no one else could understand but you both, the silly games you played, the laughs you shared, the knowing glances...
Every moment felt incredibly genuine. You truly believed that the time $she_he_secret spent with you was as heartfelt and sincere as all you shared with $her_him_secret.
<<nobr>>
<<if $birth_gender == "female">>
<<include [[cap0.3.m]]>>
<<else>>
<<include [[cap0.3.h]]>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>“Of course, everything was too perfect to be true,” you whisper to no one and look reproachfully at the stars.
It was crystal clear it couldn’t be true. Everything was going too well. Everything was perfect. Something was bound to shatter, and in the end, it was all a cruel lie.
“<<print $she_he_secret.toUpperFirst()>> only used you.”
But the worst part was $her_his_secret cowardice, $her_his_secret inability to face you with the truth. <<print $she_he_secret.toUpperFirst()>> hid behind another to deliver the blow from a safe distance. It was a clear message that you were not even worth $her_his_secret time.
It would have never even crossed your mind to think of $her_him_secret to be so cowardly. Did you really know the $gender_secret who only used you and discarded you when $she_he_secret grew bored of you? The same $gender_secret you thought you knew as kind, loving, and supportive?
No, you absolutely never knew that person. Not a single word $she_he_secret spoke was true.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.4]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Of course, everything was going so well. At some point, I would get caught,” you whisper to no one and look reproachfully at the stars.
The worst thing of all was $her_his_secret lie. Why lie like that? Only to use you, like supposedly you used...
“You’ve hurt me so much.”
You didn’t mean to. Things were never like that for you. It was a total misunderstanding, one you didn’t bother to clear out, and it cost you everything.
You should’ve acted when you had the chance, clarified things, distanced yourself, or even left for good. But no, you let things be, went with the flow, and now see where it’s led you.
Finally, when you wanted to clear things out and finally decided to do something, it was too late.
Even if you never intended to hurt anyone, maybe you truly deserve this.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.4]]
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<</nobr>>“Stop thinking,” you whisper again as you drop your gaze to the ground and wipe the tears in your eyes.
It's futile to dwell on that. You must return home. You’ll have ample time to deal with whatever you’re feeling there.
You start walking again, dodging a big rock on the way.
Once you get home, which will be unavoidably empty, you’ll tend to your wounds, and then... then what? You can’t stay here. Where will you go?
The thought of the future preoccupies you, but for now, you have nothing else to do—
Something happens to your foot, and you start to fall backward. The moon and the stars invade your sight once again. Then you feel a sudden pain in your head, and finally...
''Nothing.''
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.5]]
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</div>
<</nobr>><br>
<div align="center" class="subtitulo">In the forest</div>
<div align="center" class="subtitulo">~ [[Jeremiah|cap0.6]] ~</div>
<br><br>Two figures are walking in the woods late at night. The shorter of the two looks around him, determined to remember the path they’re walking. This time, he will learn the way from the house to town and back.
The taller man, Max, walks a few steps ahead of Jeremiah. Since he still gets lost when he leaves the house alone, he accompanies Max to learn how to get around.
While looking around, he searches for references he can use to locate himself. For example, the road is made of dirt, with lots of trees and rocks. The tree over there is crooked, and there’s a blackberry bush on the right. Wait, left or right? On the way to town, it’s on the right, and on the way home, it’s on the left. Easy.
They keep walking. New references to locate himself: the road’s still made of dirt, there are trees and rocks, those two trees are crooked, there’s a bush... another bush? How is he supposed to differentiate them?
//As if you could tell apart all the trees and rocks you’ve come across so far.//
He sighs with resignation after insulting himself.
“Are you sure you want to come with me?” Max breaks the silence between them.
“Yes, I don’t want you or Alex to escort me whenever I want to go out anymore, so I have to learn the way myself.”
“Then,” he says with a playful smile, “are you coming with me only because you’re using me as a map?”
“Don’t see it like that. I also wanted to accompany you.”
“I thought you disapproved when the others or I did this kind of thing.”
“It still bothers me. But indeed, I’m not sure how you do it, so I am somewhat curious as well.”
“We already told you, didn’t we?” Max holds some tree branches that get in the way and lets Jeremiah go first. “We just talk with someone, and if necessary, we influence their mind a little to ensure they don’t get scared. We convince them, make them forget anything happened, and that’s it.”
“I’m still not sure I can successfully influence people’s minds. Or even make them forget. As for convincing them...” He hesitates. “It’s easy for you to say, being the most charismatic of the family.”
“That’s not true,” he replies with a chuckle. “We all know you’re the best of us at talking to people.”
“Yeah, well, that could have been before the change.” He scratches the palm of his right hand. “Now, I’m unsure how to treat or talk to others. Or if I have to change...”
“Hey, there’s no need for you to alter anything about your personality,” Max says with a warm smile, reassuring him. “You can continue being yourself.”
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.7]]
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<</nobr>>They’re almost out of the forest, as he can now see the road that leads to town.
Ultimately, he ends up talking with Max more than paying attention to where they are going. It doesn’t matter, he’s a lost cause. He only sees trees and rocks. How on earth do the others don’t get lost?
Once they finally leave the forest, they start their walk towards town.
For most people, the road would be too dark to walk as the moon doesn’t radiate enough light to see clearly. However, for them, that isn’t a problem.
“Don’t you smell...?” Max starts, looking down at the ground.
“What?” Jeremiah follows Max’s gaze.
“Blood.”
Deep crimson stains the dirt on their feet. Jeremiah follows the trail of blood with both eyes and smell to find the source just ahead of them. A person collapsed on the ground.
“It’s a person!”
“So it seems.”
In less than a flicker, he is by the person’s side. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’$s_re lying on $her_his back with $her_his eyes closed and $her_his head beside a big rock.
“<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’$s_re hurt!”
“<<print $is_are.toUpperFirst()>> $she_he conscious?” Slowly, Max walks closer to Jeremiah, looking around.
“No.”
Judging by the trail of blood, $she_he must have come from the noble district. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> $has_have a wound on $her_his forehead, maybe a hit? Jeremiah starts to panic a bit at the silence but sighs of relief when he hears the heartbeats of the $woman_man.
“<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’$s_re still alive!”
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.8]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>Not wasting more time, he places an arm behind $her_his knees, the other on $her_his back, and scoops $her_him up in his arms. Once he has a firm grip on the $woman_man, he walks towards the forest where they just came out.
“Hey, what are you doing?” Max asks him.
“We have to get $her_him to Father quickly. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> $doesnt_dont have much time.”
“I agree that we should help $her_him, but wouldn’t it be best to take $her_him to the town’s doctor?”
“I don’t think it’ll be enough.” He looks down at the $woman_man’s body again and finds the wound on $her_his stomach. “I don’t think a simple doctor can save $her_him in this state. Not counting all the blood $she_he $has_have already lost.”
“Even so, I’m unsure if it’s right,” Max protests hesitantly.
“Max, come on. You and I both know very well Father will help. Like when he helped us.”
“Well, I can’t deny that...” He sighs. “Very well, we’ll take $her_him home. But I’m still worried about Derek’s reaction.”
“As long as Father agrees, he can’t do anything.” He reaches the forest’s border and turns his head to look at Max. “Can we go now?”
“After you.” He pauses as if he just realized what he said and corrects himself. “No, I go first, you behind me.”
And they go home, going through the forest faster than before.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.10]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>They arrive home shortly, walking through the front entrance and meeting Isaac.
“Welcome home,” the older man greets them with a slight bow and his usual warm smile.
“Do you know where’s Father?” Jeremiah asks right away.
“He’s in the library with your other brothers.”
“Derek’s with Father,” Max murmurs apprehensively. “Would it be prudent to go now?”
“If you allow me to make a suggestion, I could go get the necessary things to tend the $miss_mister’ wounds.”
“It’s no use. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> $has_have already lost so much blood and losing more by the second. We have to go with Father.”
“What’s going on here?”
<<nobr>>
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<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap0.11]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>The voice behind them startles him. Alex’s going down the stairs, looking with vague interest at the scene before him.
“Now, who are you bringing to the renowned Moonlight clinic?” Alex asks with a light smirk.
“We found $her_him unconscious while going to town, and $she_he’$s_re losing so much blood,” Jeremiah explains.
“That explains why it stinks of blood.”
“Did Derek and Father notice it?” asks Max.
“Derek was the first to point it out, and Father told me to come to look at what was going on. Anyway, why did you bring a dying $woman_man here?” His voice turns mocking, “Max, did you bring a snack for us too?”
“Don’t start joking,” Max sighs.
“We brought $her_him here to stop $her_his death, not make it quicker,” Jeremiah protests, not hiding his distaste for the comment.
“Yeah, yeah, not the time for jokes,” Alex rolls his eyes. “Father’s in the library, so take your $girl_boy to him before $she_he lose$s_0 all $her_his blood. By the way, Derek’s in a bad mood. Nothing new, but you better expect complaints on his part.”
Without wasting more time, Jeremiah goes up the stairs quickly.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.12]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“As stubborn as always,” comments Alexandre, observing Jeremiah’s brisk ascent up the stairs.
Isaac bows respectfully and silently slips away, leaving Alexandre and Maximillian alone in the room.
“When he stops helping others, he’ll stop being himself, and I’ll worry. Come, we should go back him up.”
“I don’t get why you always support him in this kind of thing. I know you don’t care if all those people he brings survive.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Maximillian says, his voice dripping with sarcasm and a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “I care about them as much as you care about Derek’s opinion.”
Alexandre can’t stop the laugh that escapes his lips and immediately groans as he remembers what awaits them when they join Jeremiah.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m not in the mood to hear one of //Sr. Perfecto//’s sermons.”
The smirk leaves Maximillian’s face, returning to his kind expression.
“Derek can be—”
“A jerk?” Alex cuts him off.
“—difficult to deal with in some things.”
“Just some things? And how is that our fault?”
“It isn’t about that. Now stop complaining, and let’s go with Jeremiah already.”
Alexandre grumbles and looks at Maximillian, intending to complain again, but he stops himself when he sees his expression.
“Hey, what’s with that face?”
Maximillian looks at him for an instant without responding and starts to climb up the stairs.
Alexandre doesn’t say more and goes after him. He knows that whatever troubles his mind, Max will tell him on the way.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.13]]
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</div>
<</nobr>>Jeremiah arrives at the door, which luckily is open, pushes it with his foot, and enters the library. Father is sitting on the sofa in the center of the room, book in hand. The door to Father’s study is open, so Derek must be there. Good, he has some time to speak with Father before Derek interferes.
“Father.”
“What happened?” Father was already looking at the door, sitting on the sofa that faces it. He closes the book in his hands and leaves it on the side table.
“We were going to town and found this person on the road.”
“Lay $her_him down on the sofa.” He gets on his feet and moves to the side.
Jeremiah walks closer to the sofa and slowly and gently lays $her_him down. Father examines $her_his wounds.
“First of all, how are you feeling?” he asks, looking over his shoulder at Jeremiah. “You are covered in $her_his blood.”
“I’m okay,” he replies quickly and scratches the palm of his hand.
“Very well.”
Jeremiah was so focused on Father and the stranger that he did not realize when Max had come to stand at his side.
Alex is standing at the door’s threshold, leaning on it and crossing his arms.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.14]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Severe blood loss caused by that cut in $her_his stomach and those wounds on $her_his head. Not counting the several cuts in $her_his arms.”
“I do not get it. What could possibly have transpired for $her_him to end up like this?” Max asks.
“Problems with the wrong people. Getting into a fight you won’t win. Could probably be a...” Alex pauses when he feels Max’s stare boring into him. “//Ya, hombre.// Let’s just leave it in ‘$she_he’$s_re really just that unlucky.’”
“We can guess later,” Father speaks seriously. “Well, that is the current state of this young one. I suppose you know $she_he cannot be saved by ordinary treatment, so that is why you brought $her_him to me.”
“Yes, with so much loss of blood, I—”
“Why $is_are $she_he here?”
Oh no.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.15]]
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</div>
<</nobr>>Standing at the study’s doorway is Derek, their beloved older brother. His gaze is fixed on the person on the sofa, and he looks at $her_him with apathy and tiredness.
“We found $her_him unconscious on the ground—”
“And, pray tell, what was your reasoning to bring $her_him here?”
“Look at $her_him! We couldn’t just leave $her_him there!”
“You should have.”
“If we had left $her_him there, $she_he would have di—”
“And so, what are you? A saint to save every person you come across with?” He walks into the room and stands beside the sofa, his expression a mix of annoyance and disbelief. “You can’t take care of every single person in trouble. You cannot save everyone. It is about time you understand that.”
“But we can still save $her_him! <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> just need$s_0 the potion, I’ll give my—”
“That will not work. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> $has_have lost much blood, $her_his body’s too wounded, and $her_his heart is barely beating.”
“T-That’s not true, $she_he can still...” He looks to Father, hoping he contradicts what Derek’s telling, but his eyes don’t lie. Derek’s right.
“It is too late to save $her_him with that method,” Father confirms, lowering his gaze towards the person on the sofa. “It is as Derek says. Furthermore, we don’t know the gravity of those wounds on $her_his head. We cannot ascertain if there is any internal damage that may not be visible to us.”
“<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> can’t be saved. You just wasted time bringing $her_him here.”
Frustration grows inside Jeremiah at those words. How can Derek be like this? A person is dying right in front of him, and he doesn’t care one bit. Even says trying to help is a waste of time. Time isn’t an obstacle to them. It is what they have the most.
Wait...
“What if $she_he stay$s_0 with us?” Jeremiah asks in a low voice, not thinking through before speaking.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.16]]
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<</nobr>>A tense silence falls in the room after his words. Everyone’s looking at him. He isn’t sure what to think about Father’s neutral expression, but the others don’t hide their reaction. Max’s looking at him with wide eyes, surprised by his words. Alex’s bewildered. He even straightened his posture. And Derek...
“Don’t even think about it,” he retorts with a voice so cold it destroys his hope a bit.
“Are you fully aware of what you are proposing, Jeremiah?” Father's voice cuts through the tension, his tone softer.
“<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> could stay with us. You could turn $her_him and...”
“And who’s going to take care of $her_him?” Derek narrows his eyes. “Out of all of us, you’re the least qualified to take the role of tutor of another. For the Moon, you’re the youngest. You still have not learned enough just for you.”
“If that’s a problem, I could help with that,” Max exclaims suddenly. “It doesn’t bother me to teach someone else.”
Jeremiah sighs with relief at hearing Max’s voice.
“Maximillian, it is true that you are older and have much more experience than him,” Derek says calmly but annoyed. “Nevertheless, I do not believe you’re ready to tutor someone.”
“I don’t see why I can’t do both,” Max answers calmly. “I could still learn and teach them what I already know.”
“Because it’s inefficient. Dividing your time like that, you won’t be able to focus properly on one thing or the other.”
“If those two are so incompetent to you, why don’t you teach $her_him yourself?” Alex adds, looking defiant at Derek. He seems offended by the mere thought.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.17]]
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<</nobr>>Father intervenes at this point, stopping whatever dispute is about to take over.
“That is enough.” Father intervenes swiftly and decisively, halting the growing dispute. “While you quarrel, the less time $she_he $has_have. We must determine the $girl_boy’s fate.”
“Are you seriously considering turning $her_him?”
Father’s gaze sharpens, and his tone becomes stern as he says, “Derek, I taught you the importance of helping others, not just those dear to you, as you never know what those strangers could mean to you tomorrow.”
“Which can be both good and bad. If we help strangers, we don’t know anything about them, their intentions, or what type of person they are. How can we trust someone when we have no knowledge of them?”
“One thing is help, and the other completely different is trust.”
Silence. It looks like Derek is at a loss for words. The moment lasts at least a breath before he finds another thing to say.
“Either way, it’s impossible for two reasons. One: before we turn a human, we must consult with Lord Mond. Ask him his permission.”
“Maybe this could be another exception?” Jeremiah asks Father.
“Second,” Derek continues as if he hadn’t been interrupted, “Father can’t turn anyone else.”
What?
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.18]]
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</div>
<</nobr>>“What do you mean by that?” Max is as confused as him. And so is Alex.
“I told you there are things you still ignore, like the fact that every family leader is only authorized to turn four humans into vampires.”
Silence fills the room once more. When they look at Father, he only nods.
“That is correct. My good old friend Layre explicitly forbade us from turning more than four humans,” he says, turning his gaze towards Jeremiah. “You were my last.”
Jeremiah starts to get scared again, his hope crushing down completely. They can’t save $her_him. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’ll die right here with them...
“And likewise, all of you are allowed to turn one human. This is so we can still pass unnoticed by humans. Besides, Layre likes to think of us all as a big family and wants to know every one of his descendants personally.”
“You’re not thinking—”
“Yes, I am thinking that.”
<<nobr>>
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[[As soon as Father finishes his sentence, Derek speaks again.|cap0.derek.1]]
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[[Suddenly, Father turns to look at Maximillian.|cap0.max.1]]
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[[Silence falls once more, and then, Father looks at Alexandre.|cap0.alex.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[Slowly, Father turns his gaze back to Jeremiah.|cap0.jeremiah.1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<set $nombreCapitulo = "">>
<br><br><br>
<div align="center" class="titulo-comienzo-fin">End of<br>~ [[Prologue|cap01.icons]] ~</div>
<br><br><br>Alex stares back at him without saying anything.
“Alexandre, would you be willing in saving this $woman_man’s life?”
“Please, he’s the worst—”
“You will share your opinion when asked for it.”
Derek falls silent and looks away.
“Your answer, Alexandre?”
His eyes flicker to the person laying on the sofa briefly, then gazes back at Father.
“If that’s what you want,” he answers like it is nothing.
“Do you want to do it?”
They lock eyes, a tense silence hanging between them. Will Alex refuse? Will he say something? What’s going through his head?
“I won’t refuse to help someone,” Alex finally clarifies.
He signals the sofa. “Then, do it.”
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.alex.2]]
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<</nobr>>They exit the room, leaving Father and Alex alone with the human. Max is clearly worried, while Derek looks at the door with narrowed eyes. On the other hand, Jeremiah is relieved the person will survive.
“I can’t believe he’ll do it,” Derek comments, his gaze not straying from the door.
“If I’m being honest, for a second or two, I was certain he would refuse,” Max agrees.
“I mean, it is true he never says no to my father, but even this...”
“It’s a relief he’s doing it!” Jeremiah interrupts, smiling.
“Even Alexandre ended up caught in your problem,” Derek adds, rolling his eyes. “The worst possible option that $woman_man had.”
“Don’t expect the worst,” Max tries to comfort him.
“At this point, I don’t even know what to expect anymore. I’m unsure if Alexandre will ruin everything or $her_him... or both of them.” He sighs again. “Or if the best option would have been if I had turned $her_him.”
“Would you really have done it?”
“If $she_he had had only two options, Alexandre or me, I think it is pretty obvious who was the best option. Even between the four of us.”
“You underestimate Alex.”
“Not without reason.” Another sigh. “Really, it would have been better...”
“Why are you complaining now when you did nothing but refuse to help $her_him just a few moments ago?” Jeremiah couldn’t hold back the question.
“Because the best option for all this problem would have been if $she_he had never entered this house.”
“We couldn’t just leave $her_him there!”
“Have you ever thought about the consequences of what you just did to $her_him?”
“Hey, I don’t think...” Max tries to join the discussion.
“What could be worse than $her_his death? This was for the best!”
“For who?” His voice turns cold.
“Who else? For $her_him!”
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.alex.3]]
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<</nobr>>“Really now?” Derek laughs bitterly. “How is it possible that you cannot see how selfish you have been since you brought $her_him here?”
“Me, selfish!? It’s you—”
“Since you stepped foot here with $her_him, you have not put yourself in $her_his shoes for one second,” Derek interrupts him, voice colder and holding his gaze unwavering. “You have only been thinking about yourself. In the peace of mind and satisfaction it’ll bring you for //saving another life//. How is it you cannot see things from $her_his side? Are you not conscious of what you have done to that $woman_man?
“Because of your insistence on saving $her_him, you have sentenced $her_him to a life we have no idea $she_he would have wanted for $herself_himself, given the choice. Do you think that is fair? When $she_he wakes up, $she_he’ll have to stay here. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’ll have to adapt to this life. One $she_he didn’t choose. One we imposed on $her_him. And will have to leave $her_his previous life behind.”
Jeremiah is stunned, unable to meet Derek’s gaze.
He’s right. He didn’t stop to think about all that Derek just said. It didn’t even cross his mind anything like that.
“That’s what I thought,” he continues, his gaze not straying from the younger man. “My father indeed turned all of you in similar circumstances, but I want you to answer me one thing. Before turning you, what did my father ask you?” Since he does not get an answer from Jeremiah, he turns to look at Max. “Maximillian. Before my father turned you, what was the first thing he did?”
“Derek.” Maximillian tries to ease the conversation, keeping his worried eyes on Jeremiah. “I think it’s enough—”
“It’s but a simple question. What did my father do before turning you?”
Max doesn’t find a way to evade the question and finally answers while looking away. “He asked me if I wanted to be a vampire.”
“He let you choose.” Derek nods and looks at Jeremiah. “He did the same thing with Alexandre and with you. You’re all here because you wanted to.”
All the relief from moments ago vanished and transformed into guilt. How is it possible? How is it that he didn’t think about all that before? The only thing on his mind was for $her_him to live. Nothing else crossed his mind...
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.alex.4]]
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<</nobr>>“Jeremiah.”
He jumps at hearing Derek’s voice again, and it surprises him when he notes the harshness in his voice isn’t there.
Now Derek’s voice is... softer. “My point is, before acting, we must think carefully about the consequences of our actions. Especially when said actions affect other people. What you did today affected that $woman_man’s future. It’s done. Now, we have to face the consequences.”
“Which not may be all bad,” Max enters the conversation again, standing beside Jeremiah with a consoling hand on his back. “What we can do is wait until $she_he wake$s_0 up and mend things over with $her_him. Explaining it all and supporting $her_him in whatever $she_he need$s_0 from now on.”
Jeremiah turns to look at Max, who smiles at him. Then, he slowly turns to look at Derek. The gray in his eyes isn’t as cold as before, and his stance’s more relaxed for Derek’s standards. He nods, which Jeremiah interprets as a peace gesture, making him relax.
“I’m sorry...”
“If someone deserves an apology, it’s $her_him,” Derek turns his gaze to the door again.
“I’m positive $she_he’ll understand the situation once we talk to $her_him.” Max smiles again, and Jeremiah returns a bit weaker.
“And if not, the only thing left to do is do our best to make up for what $she_he $has_have lost,” Derek whispers. His eyes are glued to the door, waiting.
The door swings open. Father holds the door while Alex stands behind the sofa, his arms crossed, and his eyes look down at the person on the couch. Father’s and Derek’s eyes meet, holding each other’s gaze meaningfully without saying anything.
Max looks at Alex insistently, trying to catch his eyes. But the redhead doesn’t look away from the human.
Jeremiah looks at the person nervously. A part of him is relieved when he hears $her_his heartbeats are more constant now, while the other part dreads the moment when those eyes would open, and he’ll have to face that stranger.
Alex’s eyes finally leave the human, meeting Max’s worried eyes and then noticing Jeremiah’s gloomy mood. He frowns and throws an angry look at Derek. He doesn’t know what happened but knows it’s Derek’s fault.
Jeremiah looks closely at Alex’s behavior. His firm stance, the crossed arms, his determined gaze, how close he’s to the sofa, no trace of his easy smile or relaxed aura...
This is the Alex who has an objective to accomplish. The Alex who has been given an order that he’ll fulfill at all costs. And, despite already knowing what Alex did, it’s at that moment that he really assimilates it.
Alex did it. He really did it.
He turned $her_him.
<<nobr>>
<<set $maker = "Alexandre">>
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[[Next|cap0.end]]
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<</nobr>>“But none of them—”
“Maybe they are not ready to turn someone else, but you are.”
“What? But—”
“You have everything that, according to you, your brothers lack. You have the experience and the knowledge. You are my son. You have as much time in this as I do. You are the most qualified to help this person.”
“But Father, I don—”
Derek doesn’t get to finish his sentence, not with Father’s unwavering gaze on him, a silent command that says //‘Shut up and obey.’//
“Come here now,” Father beckons Derek toward the $woman_man. “You have to do it now.”
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.derek.2]]
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<</nobr>>They exit the room, leaving Father and Derek alone with the human. Alex seems indifferent, while Max’s worry is etched on his face. Jeremiah, however, feels relieved.
“I cannot imagine what Derek must feel,” starts Max. “He has to turn someone so suddenly.”
“I’m sure that’s not what bothers him,” Alex points out. “It must annoy him the fact he couldn’t control the situation. Also, that he doesn’t know that $woman_man, ya know how mistrustful he is.”
“Derek is not as heartless as you make him sound. Furthermore... don’t get me wrong, I’m glad the human will survive, but the price being a lost choice to Derek is—”
“A lost choice? How?” Jeremiah intervenes, confused.
Max looks at him for a moment, unsure, then he looks at Alex. They hold each other’s gaze without saying anything.
“It’s nothing important. We’ll talk about it later,” Max concludes.
At that moment, Father exits the library.
“Maximillian, could you tell Delilah and Gabrielle to prepare the bedroom next to yours?”
“Of course, Father.”
“Thank you. Alexandre, I need you to help me with another matter.”
“Whatever you need.”
“Thank you. Jeremiah, you wait for Derek to come out and take the $girl_boy to the bedroom beside Maximillian’s. That will be $her_his room from now on.”
“Understood, Father.”
Once the instructions are given, Father walks down the corridor with Alex behind him. Max squeezes Jeremiah’s shoulder reassuringly as he passes by and smiles at him before following Father and Alex.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.derek.3]]
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<</nobr>>Jeremiah, left to his own musings, is still grappling with the reality of his recent success. This isn’t the first time he’s saved someone since he became a vampire. However, he had always used the potion, crafted with a vampire’s blood, to accelerate a human’s regeneration speed.
Once healed, the memories of Jeremiah and anything supernatural were erased. He would then return them to town so they could continue with their human lives.
But this time is different. Now $she_he’ll stay here. Forever.
Oh no.
<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’ll stay with them. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> won’t be able to go back to $her_his former life, and $she_he won’t be able to return to $her_his family. He was so focused on saving $her_his life that he overlooked those consequences. He knows from first-hand experience how it feels to no longer be able to see one’s family.
He’ll have to come up with a solution. At the very least, $she_he should be allowed to bid a proper farewell to $her_his loved ones. They’ll find some excuse to tell them later. Furthermore, he’ll commit himself to honing the skill of altering and manipulating human memories, just in case something goes amiss or they start to suspect something. Yes, he’ll do that, it’s the least he can do—
Wait. Shouldn’t Derek be the one who goes with $her_him? He’s $her_his maker, after all.
The door opens suddenly, making him jump a little.
Derek exits the room, taking wide steps as he walks down the corridor without saying anything or even looking at him.
Did he really just leave $her_him there like that? Well, it looks like it’s his turn to step inside.
He walks into the library, and $she_he’$s_re still on the sofa, just like he left $her_him before. In fact, everything looks almost the same, but when he looks again, he notices $her_his arms no longer have cuts in them, nor there’s a trace of blood left in them or $her_his face. Did Derek clean up the blood?
And then, he hears it. A heartbeat. And another, and another. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’$s_re still alive, and $she_he’ll live.
He returns his gaze to $her_his face again, noticing a small dark red stain on $her_his bottom lip.
Did he give $her_him his blood? Derek gave $her_him his blood...
Derek did it. He really did it.
He turned $her_him.
<<nobr>>
<<set $maker = "Derek">>
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[[Next|cap0.d.pov0]]
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<</nobr>><br>
<div align="center" class="subtitulo"> Library </div>
<div align="center" class="subtitulo">~ [[Derek|cap0.d.pov1]] ~</div>
<br><br>How did I end up like this?
The others just left the library, leaving me alone with Father and that human. The pauses between each heartbeat are getting longer, an obvious sign that $she_he $doesnt_dont have much time left.
“You know how to do it.”
It wasn’t a question but a fact coming from him. How am I supposed to be sure how to do it if I’ve never done it before?
“I do not know how,” I finally find my voice.
“You saw me turn the others into vampires.”
“Just because I saw you does not mean I know how to do it myself.”
“You have never needed to have things explained to you in order to do them.”
Have I ever had any other choice?
“I still believe this is not right,” I try to change the subject.
It would seem like my father didn’t hear me, but that’s not true. He only chooses to remain silent while taking out a handkerchief from his pocket and starting to clean the face of the human.
“Why is that seeing someone in this state doesn’t affect you one bit?” he asks me as he cleans dirt and blood from $her_his face.
I’m not Jeremiah. I don’t have the immaturity to still see humans in an emotive or affective way. I can’t afford that.
Although, if I’m honest, even with myself, I would have to admit that even after all these years, I still haven’t gotten used to the fact that humans come and go. I would have to admit that one part of me, however small it is, freaks out seeing a $woman_man like this and screams for me to do something.
But I will not do it.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.d.pov2]]
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<</nobr>>“And just because it affects me I should turn $her_him into a vampire without knowing if this is what $she_he want$s_0?”
“Is it better if $she_he die$s_0?”
“Only $she_he can answer that.”
Because I know there’s something worse. And is someone who’s suffering by their mere existence.
“Have you thought of the possibility of $her_him ending up like Lady Madeleine?”
“And now you bring that up once again.” His voice sounds annoyed.
“How can we be sure that $she_he will adapt as well as us?”
“You said that when I turned Alexandre and Jeremiah. And as far as I see, I think the results are obvious.”
“But Maxi—”
“Maximillian is also fine. He had a little more trouble getting used to this life, but now he has no trouble at all.”
“And what if $she_he $has_have troubles, too? We know nothing about $her_his situation and what $she_he’ll be leaving behind when $she_he wake$s_0 up, and we tell $her_him $she_he can’t go back to $her_his home. What if $she_he $doesnt_dont want to? Or if $she_he can’t adapt to the night?”
“That’s what you will do for the rest of your existence?” His voice changes again, sounding like one scolding a disobedient child. “Will you never act out of fear of the ending not being the one you want?”
“You were the one who taught me to think about the consequences of my actions before acting.”
“But not in letting your doubts control you. You will not always have all the time you want to act. If you keep like this, you’ll achieve nothing new because when you have decided, it will be too late. Time doesn’t wait for anyone, not even us.”
“And this is a case when I have to act first before thinking carefully?” I extend my hands towards the sofa, pointing at the $woman_man on it. “According to my criteria, this situation is when I have to think about what I’ll do. Because what I choose to do will affect not only me or our family but also $her_his life. That $woman_man will carry the consequences of what I do today for the rest of $her_his existence.”
“<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> will have a chance, and that is what matters most. When $she_he wake$s_0 up—”
“We aren’t even sure $she_he will wake up.”
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.d.pov3]]
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<</nobr>>...
There’s a deathly silence after my words.
I don’t dare to look into my father’s eyes.
“You have your order. Do it already.”
He turns away sharply and walks to the door. He stops before opening it, sighs heavily, and exits the library, resuming his act in front of my brothers.
Again. I talked too much //again.//
I always have to keep talking. I can’t let things be as they are. If only I could remain silent for once...
A heartbeat interrupts my thoughts.
That’s right. Now I’m alone with the human.
I look at $her_him. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’$s_re still on the sofa, looking like $she_he $doesnt_dont have many heartbeats left. I have to acknowledge $her_his tenacity for being alive as long as $she_he $has_have and with so little strength left.
My eyes trace $her_his face. I think this is the first time I have let myself really see $her_him. <<print $her_his.toUpperFirst()>> $mc1_hair_color hair is a mess, with a few branches and leaves tangled in it. <<print $her_his.toUpperFirst()>> stomach is barely visible through $her_his torn clothes, letting in plain view the cut in it. And $her_his skin is a few shades paler than it should be.
If I’m going to do it, it has to be now, before...
//May the Moon forgive me.//
I approach $her_him and start cleaning the dirt that has gotten to $her_his arm.
These cuts aren’t because of falls or hits. They’re too clean to be the reason.
Hits, bruises, cuts... What happened to $her_him? Did someone do this to $her_him?
...I hope that, later, $she_he would like to tell me what happened.
When I finish cleaning $her_his arms, I bring my thumb to my mouth and rip my skin open with my fang.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.d.pov4]]
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<</nobr>>//For us vampires to share our curse with humans, we must give our blood. We have to be the first blood they taste, and it also has to come into contact with theirs. The human must also give their blood, as it’s a reciprocal act. This is how both end up marked forever, sealing the pact with the most important thing we can give...//
Blood.
I remember the words Lord Mond told us all those decades ago when we newly witnessed the world without human eyes.
I let the drops of blood fall from my finger to $her_his arms. With this, it should close all those wounds.
Then, I cut open the palm of my hand with my nail, clenching my fist to draw more blood and let it fall onto $her_his abdomen. With this, it should start to heal that deep cut.
I bring my hand closer to $her_his mouth, letting my blood slip between $her_his lips.
Will this be enough? Maybe just a little more...
After a few moments, I retire my hand and clean it with my handkerchief. When I look at my hand again, there’s no hint of any wound in my palm or thumb. Also, I use the cloth to clean the stains my blood left on the $woman_man’s arms, and once they’re clean, $she_he $doesnt_dont have any wounds at all.
There’s only one thing left. I clean the $woman_man’s hand and lean closer, bringing it to my lips.
Just a little bit. I can’t take too much blood for all that has already been lost—
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.d.pov5]]
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<</nobr>>My fangs had barely pierced the skin, and the blood touched my lips when I jumped away with a start.
What was that? Why was it different?
I can’t find the words to explain what just happened. This is not the first time I have drunk blood from a human, but this time...
It’s because I turned $her_him. I did it. What have I done? No...
//Forgive me. I am genuinely sorry.//
I’ve no idea when I opened the door and left the room. I walk without stopping towards my bedroom.
I have to do something, anything. I don’t want to think about what will happen when $she_he open$s_0 $her_his eyes. Or worse, if $she_he $does_do not.
The only thing I know is that if $she_he happen$s_0 to wake up, I’ll be the one who will take the blame for $her_his mistakes and the one responsible for $her_him. It’s the least I can do for $her_him.
As soon as I enter my bedroom, a sigh escapes my lips, and I close the door.
//If you wake up, you will surely hate me for what I have just done.//
<<nobr>>
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[[End|cap0.end]]
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<</nobr>>Father keeps his eyes on him for a few seconds. Without knowing what to do, Jeremiah holds his gaze.
“Jeremiah, are you aware of the change it will bring for us if $she_he stay$s_0 here?”
“Evidently, he does not—”
“Silence, I’m talking to him.”
Derek falls silent and looks away, retreating a few steps back.
“Jeremiah?” asks Father.
“Yes, Father,” he answers, his voice steady and his eyes unwavering. “I know it’ll be a great change for everyone, especially for $her_him, but I’m willing to help $her_him every step of the way... Just like how you’ve helped me all these years.”
“Then, will you turn $her_him?”
“Yes,” he replies without a doubt.
There’s a heavy silence after his words. Jeremiah isn’t sure about the other’s expressions.
Max, who is usually very expressive, now wears a neutral mask, his eyes darting between Jeremiah and Father, not revealing what he thinks about all of this.
Surprisingly, Alex’s gaze is fixed on the human as if trying to decide something, his brows furrowed in deep thought.
Derek doesn’t look away from Father, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“I’m still willing to help him in whatever he needs,” Max speaks suddenly, catching everyone’s attention. “Jeremiah may be the one who turns $her_him, but I can support them both without an issue.”
“I can help him as well,” Alex’s voice startles Jeremiah. He hadn’t noticed when Alex had abandoned the door to come to stand at his other side.
“Even you?” Derek asks in disbelief.
Alex just shrugs. “I don’t see what’s wrong with that.”
“What could you possibly teach them? How to laze around?”
“Everything I can provide counts. Besides, why are you complaining? You have no right to say anything if you haven’t offered to help.” He turns to Derek sideways, smirking. “Not that we need it.”
Derek just snorts.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.jeremiah.2]]
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<</nobr>>“Maximillian, Alexandre, do you really agree to help Jeremiah and this young human?” Father asks in confirmation.
“Of course,” replies Max immediately.
Alex gives him a silent nod.
“Very well.”
Yes. Father agreed. The person is going to survive, $she_he’ll—
“So that’s how it’ll be.”
Derek’s leaning on the wall farthest from the others, hands in his pockets and eyes closed. He doesn’t look as angry as Jeremiah thought. In fact, he only looks... resigned.
“I’ll take my leave. I have to start writing the letters we’ll send to the other leaders... Also, I must think what we’ll say to Lord Mond about this.”
“What we’ll say to him?” Jeremiah repeats, confused.
“Yes. I don’t know if you remember, but we must notify Lord Mond about every human we plan to turn. You were our first exception. And now $she_he’$s_re the second.”
“That is true. We have to talk to Layre about this,” Father agrees.
“The letters are to notify the other leaders about the new member of our family.”
“I suppose that after this, I’ll—”
“I’ll do it,” Derek cuts him off, walking to the door.
“But I’m—”
“I’ll do it,” he says one last time before leaving the room. Jeremiah keeps his eyes on the door for a moment or two.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.jeremiah.3]]
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<</nobr>>“That’s his way to help,” Max breaks the silence, smiling softly at the closed door.
“I don’t know who’s weirder, he for being the way he is or you for understanding him.” Alex rolls his eyes.
“Enough about that, Jeremiah.” Father motions him to get closer to the couch. “It’s time you do it.”
Jeremiah nods and looks at the person on the sofa. Now that he’ll really turn $her_him, the nervousness just presented itself. Max places a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it lightly, while Alex pats him on the back. He smiles gratefully at both of them and walks forward.
Now his eyes are fixed on $her_him, his mind racing with the things that could happen with $her_him here, in how things will change for everyone. And it’s at that moment he decides with resolve.
He will do it. He’ll turn $her_him.
But, more than anything, more than just saving $her_him right now, he’ll be there for $her_him whenever $she_he need$s_0 him.
As long as $she_he allow$s_0 him to be by $her_his side, he will always support $her_him.
<<nobr>>
<<set $maker = "Jeremiah">>
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<</nobr>>“Maximillian,” Father speaks tentatively.
“Yes, Father,” Max declares, straightening his posture.
“Do you stand by your word to support and take responsibility for $her_him?”
“But Maxi—”
“You have talked enough. Now, let the others speak.”
Derek shuts his mouth and crosses his arms, looking away.
“Of course,” states Max.
“Even if it means turning $her_him?”
<<if $gender == "female">>
Something passes in Max’s face for a brief moment. It was so quick that Jeremiah barely noticed.
He looked at the human with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. Is he unsure?
Jeremiah didn’t have time to decipher Max’s expression. In the next second, Max had already turned slightly to meet his gaze, and, just as swiftly, he redirected his attention back to Father, delivering his response with tact and diplomacy.
“I will be fully responsible for $her_him. I will help $her_him with whatever $she_he needs. Like turning $her_him at this moment to save $her_his life.”
<<else>>
“Absolutely. I am willing to help this young $woman_man. I will also help $her_him adapt to our lifestyle. Additionally, I will be accountable for $her_him in front of the other families and Lord Mond.”
<</if>>
Father looks at Max for a few seconds, looking for something in his eyes.
“Very well. Come here.” He makes a gesture towards the $woman_man. “And fulfill your responsibility.”
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.max.2]]
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<</nobr>>They exit the library, leaving Father and Max alone with the human. Alex doesn’t bother to hide his teasing grin as he looks at Derek, while the latter looks anywhere else but the redhead. Jeremiah is in his own world, relieved the person will survive.
“What’s with that long face? Aren’t you happy the $woman_man will survive?” Alex teases Derek.
“I am as happy as when my father turned you,” he replies, gaining a laugh from Alex.
“You loved me since that first day. I’m sure you can’t hold back your happiness.”
“I couldn’t care less.”
“Don’t be so heartless. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’ll live.”
“And why that should matter to me?”
“Because there’ll be someone new with us.” His grin widens. “I know how much you love to meet new people.”
“Just shut up already.” Derek lets out a sigh. It sounded so tired. Like he had just aged ten years. “I do not care if that $woman_man stays or not.”
“So you don’t want $her_him to stay.”
“Evidently.”
“Why? Don’t you want a new little $sister_brother? I sure don’t mind.<<if $gender == "female">> It was about time a woman joined our family. I was getting tired of being surrounded by only men.<<elseif $gender == "male">> Even if it’s another brother.<</if>>”
“You are not my brother,” Derek grumbles softly.
“Thank the Moon,” Alex retorts with his usual smirk.
“Just shut up.”
“Alright, come on. Be honest. What bothers you is how Father pushed you away, and you couldn’t do anything.”
Derek doesn’t reply, turning his gaze away and keeping silent. Alex smirks triumphantly.
Jeremiah considers intervening in their silly dispute but remembers how useless that would be and decides to change the subject.
“Hey Derek, how long will they take to turn $her_him?”
“The process is fairly quick, but Maximillian does not know how to do it,” Derek answers. “Surely, my father is guiding him at this exact moment.”
“Must we let $her_him die first so $she_he can resurrect later as a vampire or something like that?” Alex asks casually.
<<nobr>>
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[[Next|cap0.max.3]]
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<</nobr>>Derek looks at Alex momentarily, incredulous. Then he turns to Jeremiah and points an accusing thumb toward Alex. “Be grateful this brute is not the one turning $her_him.”
“Hey, I’m hurt.” Alex brings one hand to his chest. “It was an honest question.”
“No, we must do it before the human dies. Once they die, there is no way to revive them. Not even Lord Mond can do it,” he says the last part with a softer voice.
“And how do we do it?” Jeremiah intervenes.
Derek looks at him with a brow raised. “You just wanted to turn $her_him a moment ago, and now you are asking how?”
Jeremiah looks away, biting his lip.
“Don’t talk to him like that,” Alex demands.
Derek sighs again. “I cannot believe Maximillian let himself be caught in your problem.”
“It was his choice,” Alex comments. He crosses his arms and leans on the wall.
“It was only because he wanted it.” Derek signals the younger vampire with his head.
“So what?”
“He does not know how to say no to Jeremiah.”
“Just as you don’t know how to say anything other than no,” Alex taunts him, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“That’s no—”
“See?” Alex grins mockingly at him while Jeremiah laughs softly.
Derek crosses his arms and shuts his mouth.
“I still think this is the right thing to do,” Jeremiah adds.
“I reiterate my point from earlier.” Derek pauses for a second or two and continues, “There will come a time when you will stop being able to save them all.”
“Did you really stop to think your words so you wouldn’t say no?” Alex asks with an eyebrow raised.
“If you allow me, I’m talking with Jeremiah,” he replies quickly to Alex, who chuckles.
“Why should that be? We’ve helped many people. And we can keep helping many more with our power and all the time our immortality gifts us. What’s wrong with that?”
“I say this for you. What do you gain by helping all those people? They do not even remember it when they leave.”
“I don’t help them so they can thank me later, remember, be in my debt, or whatever. It’s the right thing.”
“You do not even know what kind of people you have saved. Maybe you did your ‘good deed’ of the day by helping someone who has committed a thousand bad deeds.”
“Why such negativity!? Why is it so hard for you to believe there are people with good intentions for just once!?”
“That’s a good question,” Alex comments.
“And why you cannot acknowledge there are also people with foul intentions? That not everyone can be saved?” Derek argues, ignoring Alex’s comment.
“That’s the negativity Jere’s talking about,” Alex interjects again mockingly. “By the way, you said no again. Three times, to be exact, and in the last three times you have spoken. That’s really your favorite word.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap0.max.4]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“And just because of a couple of bad people, we should turn our back on all the good ones!?” Jeremiah yells at Derek, his temper getting the best of him. “Hasn’t anyone ever helped you for no reason!? As far as I know, your mother—!”
“Don’t you dare talk about what you don’t know!” Derek snaps before turning sharply and striding down the corridor.
Jeremiah bites his tongue, regretting his words immediately.
Alex sighs and places his hand on Jeremiah’s shoulder to give him a pat. “Hey, I know he’s usually a jerk, but this time, you were the jerk. That was a low blow. Even I don’t touch that subject.”
“I know, I know!” Jeremiah throws his hands up to his head. “When I realized what I was saying, I had already blurted it out.”
“Don’t ya stress yourself.” Alex gives him a firm pat on his back. He meant the gesture to be reassuring. But if Jeremiah were not a vampire, he would already be face-first on the opposite wall. “He’s gonna be his serious and annoying self by tomorrow.”
“Even so...”
“Well, see it this way.” Alex tries again, now shaking his shoulder. “You’ve returned him back one of many times he made you feel bad.”
Jeremiah barely catches himself from stumbling to the side. “I didn’t want to make him feel bad.”
Alex sighs, defeated, and releases Jeremiah. “Ya, I know. You’ll have to wait for Max to get good advice.”
The door behind them opens. Father holds it while Max exits the library with the $woman_man in his arms. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’$s_re still unconscious, but there’s a noticeable change about $her_him. <<print $her_his.toUpperFirst()>> heartbeat’s more constant now.
Max gives Jeremiah a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, but Jeremiah doesn’t notice. He only sighs, relieved.
Max really did it.
He turned $her_him.
<<nobr>>
<<set $maker = "Maximillian">>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap0.m.pov0]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><br>
<div align="center" class="subtitulo"> Library </div>
<div align="center" class="subtitulo">~ [[Maximillian|cap0.m.pov1]] ~</div>
<br><br>Keep it together.
I stare blankly as my brothers exit the room.
//Keep it together.// Hold your smile.
<<if $gender == "female">>
My eyes involuntarily dart to the $woman_man on my right, and in that split second, my heart skips a beat. The mere sight of $her_him is enough to send my almost non-existent pulse racing. What on earth am I supposed to do?
//Keep it together. Hold your smile.// ''Don’t look at $her_him.''
<<else>>
My eyes go to the $woman_man on my right for a split second, looking at the form laying on the sofa and trying to ignore the rising nervousness.
<</if>>
Looking back at Alex and my brothers, I see all three have just stepped outside the room, all three pairs of eyes looking at us. Derek’s eyes, curiously enough, are set on the $woman_man, and there is no trace of frustration left in them. Since I’ve known him, his eyes have always said the truth that his mouth cannot. It may annoy him when I say it, but it’s a trait I’ve always admired of him. His honest eyes.
And speaking of eyes, Alex’s are the most insistent, demanding that I look at him. When I relent and gold meets gray, he pins me with his stare, promising to not let go until I answer his question. The way he stands, arms crossed and the tension on his shoulders, as well as the squint in his eyes as he examines my face, all of them are a clear sign of his worry and a vow to intervene if I so much as hesitate to answer him.
//Do you want to do it?//
<<if $gender == "female">>
He’ll do it. If I say no, hesitate, or show fear... he’ll take my place. And honestly, it’s a very tempting offer.
But with just one glance at Jere’s face, I know I can’t take Alex’s offer.
<<else>>
He’ll do it. If I say no, hesitate, or show fear... he’ll take my place. A kind offer but unnecessary. With just one glance at Jere’s face, I know I can’t take Alex’s offer.
<</if>>
I can’t take away that joy from him, that excitement he feels knowing he has helped another person. It’s written all over his face. More so knowing his big brother has supported him, as always.
And I’ll first be stranded alone on the sea than take that away from him.
<<if $gender == "female">>
So, I will do the only thing I know. What I am best at.
<<else>>
So, Alex can’t know I’m nervous to do this. And I will do the only thing I know. What I am best at.
<</if>>
I’ll hide behind a smile and lie.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap0.m.pov2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>Instantly, Alex’s tense stance relaxes, and his eyes soften. He believes me.
Just before Father closes the door, I see the teasing smile Alex shoots at Derek and how the latter, feeling Alex’s stare, avoids his eyes at all costs. And Jere’s bright smile as he’s lost in his thoughts, surely thinking about how he’s happy we got to help this $woman_man.
<<if $gender == "female">>
My smile gets more manageable just by looking at them.
“Maximillian.” Father’s voice yanks me back to reality.
“Yes, Father.” My voice responds on its own.
<<else>>
My smile turns genuine just by looking at them.
“Maximillian.” Father’s voice brings me back to reality.
“Yes, Father,” I reply.
<</if>>
“Do you remember the first step?”
“Giving $her_him my blood.”
“Normally, yes,” he corrects me. “But in this case, given the state of $her_his injuries, it will be best to clean and close those wounds first.”
There’s a glass of water on Father’s desk. I take out my handkerchief, let it soak in the water, and walk back to the $woman_man.
Father stands a few steps behind me as I start cleaning the $woman_man’s arms. The more dirt I remove, the more cuts appear on $her_his arms with only a few bruises.
Looking closely at the cuts, it’s obvious they’re no mere accident. Someone did this. As for who, I’ve no the slightest idea. But nevertheless, I’m curious. Why would someone end up like this?
<<if $gender == "female">>
No, now that I think of it... I don’t care. It’s not my business.
When $her_his arms are as clean as necessary, I lift up $her_his shirt just enough to clean the deep cut on $her_his belly.
<<else>>
When $her_his arms are as clean as can be, I lift up $her_his shirt just enough to clean the deep cut on $her_his belly.
<</if>>
Now, this is more serious...
I’m no expert, but I would bet $she_he $was_were stabbed. A quick thrust with a knife or dagger. But it’s strange. Now that I look at it closely, it’s not that deep, and it does not seem to be cutting anything important. Could $she_he had survived if we had found $her_him sooner?
<<if $gender == "female">>
Would $she_he be out of my life now if I had found $her_him just a little sooner?
<</if>>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap0.m.pov3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>My eyes drift to $her_his face. Unconsciously, I clean $her_his cheeks and forehead. <<print $her_his.toUpperFirst()>> $mc1_hair_color hair has a few branches and leaves tangled in it. The color of $her_his skin is paler than I suppose it should be, the blame falling on all the blood $she_he $has_have lost.
<<if $gender == "female">>
This face. From now on, I’ll be seeing this face every day. Every single day.
<<print $her_his.toUpperFirst()>> eyes remain closed. What color could they be? I swear if $she_he $has_have those same wretched eyes...
<<else>>
This face. From now on, I’ll be seeing this face every day.
<</if>>
“That should be enough.”
<<if $gender == "female">>
Father’s voice startles me. I spring back towards the desk, feigning that I intended to clean my handkerchief with water.
When I turn back, Father’s kneeling beside $her_him, most likely examining $her_his injuries.
<<else>>
Father’s voice startles me. I stand straight and move to the side, letting Father pass. He kneels beside $her_him, examining $her_his injuries.
<</if>>
“Did you notice?” he asks.
“That those cuts don’t look accidental?”
“And what else?”
“And it looks like $she_he $was_were stabbed. The wound is not that deep, almost as if it was not meant to be lethal.”
“Perfect.” I smile a little at my father’s compliment. “What a mystery, don’t you think? To know what happened to this $girl_boy. But I am more worried at what this implies.”
I know what he means. “Someone is after $her_him.”
He nods. “We cannot be sure until $she_he confirm$s_0 it, but it could be possible. I will instruct Alexandre to be alert until $she_he wake$s_0 up, in any case. Better to be safe.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap0.m.pov4]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<if $gender == "female">>I nod, take a breath, and walk towards them again. Father stands up and gestures for me to kneel beside the sofa.
<<else>>I nod, and Father stands up, gesturing for me to kneel beside the sofa.
<</if>>
“Close those wounds with your blood,” he instructs.
<<if $gender == "female">>
Trying not to think much, I rip open the skin of my index finger with my nail. My cold blood slips slowly from the cut.
<<else>>
I rip open the skin of my index finger with my nail. My cold blood slips slowly from the cut.
<</if>>
“You will need more than that to close the bigger wound.”
I make another cut, deep and longer, on my palm. My blood flows more freely and constantly now. I place my palm on $her_his arm, spreading my blood all over $her_his skin. Then, the other. Lastly, I make a fist and let my blood fall over the cut on $her_his belly.
When I open my hand again, my wound has disappeared, as well as all $her_his cuts.
“Your blood has come into contact with $hers_his. Now, $she_he $has_have to drink your blood.”
I make another cut on my hand, letting my blood slip between $her_his lips.
“That’s enough,” Father says, and I take back my hand. “It’s time you drink $her_his blood. Do not take much, or else $she_he won’t survive.”
<<if $gender == "female">>
I was dreading this moment.
//Don’t think. Just do it.//
I lean in, not daring to look at $her_his face again, close my eyes, and bury my face in $her_his neck. And before my head has a chance to think, I sink my teeth into $her_his skin.
<<else>>
I was nervous of this moment.
Okay, I can do this. Just a little sip.
I lean in, close my eyes, and bury my face in $her_his neck. And before my head has a chance to think, I sink my teeth into $her_his skin.
<</if>>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap0.m.pov5]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>I barely took a sip before I was forced to back away.
“What was that?” I blurt out as I stand up and take a few steps back.
What the hell? That never happened before. That thrill, that feeling, that //connection.// It never happened before, not even when Father turned me into a vampire.
“That’s what a vampire feels when turning a human into their creation.”
<<if $gender == "female">>
No. I did it. No. //No. ''No.''//
''//Bloody hell, I did it.//''
What am I gonna do? I’m stuck with $her_him. For fucking //eternity.//
<<else>>
No. I did it. No. //No.//
''//Bloody hell, I did it.//''
What am I gonna do? Now, we’re stuck together. For all eternity. I don’t even know if $she_he wanted this, if $she_he approve$s_0, or if...
<</if>>
“You’re not alone, Maqueas.”
Father’s voice brings me back, his face full of worry. Damn, now I’ve made him worry. I’ve let my mask fall.
“We are with you. I am with you. You won’t be doing this alone.”
<<if $gender == "female">>
I nod and gulp, trying to forget the blasted taste of $her_his blood. Why does $her_his blood have to be so...
“I’m sorry, I’m fine. It’s just... It just dawned on me. All this.”
<<else>>
I nod and gulp, trying to forget the taste of $her_his blood.
“I’m fine. It just dawned on me. All this.”
<</if>>
He doesn’t respond, blink, or look away.
With slow steps, he walks to me, standing before me. Before I can do anything, I feel his hand on my head.
Even though our skin is cold, my senses tell me his touch is warm. Warm, reassuring, and protective. He has always felt like this to me.
“I know you can do this, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone.”
My heartbeat returns to its slow and almost imperceptible rhythm. I didn’t even realize it was beating fast before.
When he’s sure I’m okay, he takes his hand back from my head and goes to the door. I walk towards the $woman_man and carry $her_him in my arms like Jere did before. I turn towards the door, and Father opens it.
Derek’s nowhere to be found. But Alex and Jere are standing there, waiting for us.
Seeing both of them calms my mind. Father is right. I have them. All of them.
I’ll be fine.
Looking at Jere’s smile, I know I can’t let him down. So, I have to be okay for them.
<<if $gender == "female">>
//Even if I lie to myself.//
<</if>>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-capitulo-nuevo">
[[End|cap0.end]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<include [[activar.iconos]]>>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[Start Chaper One|cap01.start]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<set $numeroCapitulo++>>
<br><br><br>
<div align="center" class="titulo-comienzo-fin">Chapter One<br>~ [[Change|cap01.1]] ~</div>
<br><br><br><<nobr>>
<<set $nombreCapitulo = "Change">>
<<set $delilah_talk = false>>
<<set $nombre_delilah = false>>
<<set $delilah_woman = "the woman">>
<<set $Derek_fight = 0>>
<<set $reaction_01_unknown = "-">>
<<set $drank_vial = false>>
<<set $tomar_frasco = false>>
<<set $cap1_broma_recuerdos_perdidos = false>>
<<set $cap01_A_drankvial_okay = false>>
<<set $cap1_D_broma_estaca = false>>
<<set $cap1_D_broma_panico = false>>
<<set $cap1_reaccion_vampiro = '-' >>
<<set $cap1_tellmaker_memoryloss = false>>
<<set $cap1_D_pelea = false>>
<<set $cap1_D_res_pelea = 0>>
<<set $cap1_D_res_pelea2 = 0>>
<<set $cap1_D_res_pelea3 = 0>>
<<set $cap1_ExplainD = false>>
<<set $know_blood = false>>
<<set $not_blood_conse = false>>
<<set $cap1_fin = 0>>
<<set $Gabby_name = false>>
<<if $gender == "female">>
<<set $name_temp = "Krizia">>
<<elseif $gender == "male">>
<<set $name_temp = "Killian">>
<<else>>
<<set $name_temp = "Kendall">>
<</if>>
<<if $gender_secret == "man">>
<!-- ARIEL -->
<<set $ariel_she_he = "he">>
<<set $ariel_her_his = "his">>
<<set $ariel_her_him = "him">>
<<set $ariel_daughter_son = "son">>
<<set $ariel_woman_man = "man">>
<<set $ariel_sister_brother = "brother">>
<<set $ariel_lady_lord = "Lord">>
<!-- LOCKE -->
<<set $locke = "Locke">>
<<set $l_lory_locky = "Loky">>
<<set $l_she_he = "he">>
<<set $l_her_his = "his">>
<<set $l_her_him = "him">>
<<set $l_daughter_son = "son">>
<<set $l_woman_man = "man">>
<<set $l_sister_brother = "brother">>
<<set $l_lady_lord = "Lord">>
<!-- NADE & ZANDER -->
<<set $nade = "Nade">>
<<set $zander = "Zander">>
<<set $z_nickname = "Zan">>
<<set $nz_she_he = "he">>
<<set $nz_her_his = "his">>
<<set $nz_her_him = "him">>
<<set $nz_girl_boy = "boy">>
<<set $nz_daughter_son = "son">>
<<set $nz_woman_man = "man">>
<<set $nz_sister_brother = "brother">>
<<else>>
<!-- ARIEL -->
<<set $ariel_she_he = "she">>
<<set $ariel_her_his = "her">>
<<set $ariel_her_him = "her">>
<<set $ariel_daughter_son = "daughter">>
<<set $ariel_woman_man = "woman">>
<<set $ariel_sister_brother = "sister">>
<<set $ariel_lady_lord = "Lady">>
<!-- LORIAN -->
<<set $locke = "Lorian">>
<<set $l_lory_locky = "Lory">>
<<set $l_she_he = "she">>
<<set $l_her_his = "her">>
<<set $l_her_him = "her">>
<<set $l_daughter_son = "daughter">>
<<set $l_woman_man = "woman">>
<<set $l_sister_brother = "sister">>
<<set $l_lady_lord = "Lady">>
<!-- NADIA & ZARINA -->
<<set $nade = "Nadia">>
<<set $zander = "Zarina">>
<<set $z_nickname = "Zari">>
<<set $nz_she_he = "she">>
<<set $nz_her_his = "her">>
<<set $nz_her_him = "her">>
<<set $nz_girl_boy = "girl">>
<<set $nz_daughter_son = "daughter">>
<<set $nz_woman_man = "woman">>
<<set $nz_sister_brother = "sister">>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>Silence.
There’s no other noise but your quick heartbeat.
Is it normal for everything to be so quiet?
You move your hands frantically, wanting the rope keeping them captive to let go.
Where the hell are you? What are you doing here?
The rope doesn’t let go. It’s tightly tied around your hands, so much that you feel pins and needles. Even worse, you’re surrounded by darkness thanks to the cloth around your eyes.
Come on, you only need the rope to let loose a little...
You start to feel your hands again. If you keep up, you’ll get your hands free soon.
Footsteps. Your head turns instinctively towards the sound, trying to know its source.
“Are you awake yet? I was getting tired of waiting.”
What?
A breeze caresses your right cheek. Then, something cold touches the skin of your neck, slowly sliding down to your shoulder. The cold sensation against your skin makes you shiver.
Are those fingers...?
“I wanted to see that dumb face of yours.”
Leaving you no chance to talk, something sharp as a knife breaks the skin of your shoulder. You feel your warm blood run down your arm.
''//“You’ll regret what you have done.”//''
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap01.2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>You open your eyes with a start, your breathing ragged and your head spinning.
What happened? What—
Wait.
There’s something on your arms and legs.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-clumsy">
[[You quickly try to free yourself.|cap01.3.free][$clumsy_graceful += 1; $fall_bed = true;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-bold">
[[You try to fight whatever is holding you.|cap01.3.fight][$bold_shy += 1; $fall_bed = true;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[You look at whatever is holding you.|cap01.3.look][$naive_cautious -= 1; $fall_bed = false;]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>You try to free your legs by kicking with all your might. This causes more pressure on your arms and whatever is holding you to pull them. Your body is propelled forward after a strong kick from you.
You’re not sure what you expected, but falling to the ground certainly didn’t cross your mind.
When you open your eyes, you see your arms and the blanket tangled in them, and following its length, you see it’s also tangled in your legs.
So then... you just threw yourself out of bed.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-shy">
[[At least no one saw you.|cap01.4][$bold_shy -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[You didn’t expect to start your day this way.|cap01.4][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>You sit and take hold of that thing holding your arm, trying to free it from imprisonment. After a few tugs, you notice a certain pressure on your arm every time you pull. Also, the thing on your arm is not trying to move.
Looking more closely, you realize that what you’ve been trying to fight is... a blanket. Its length runs through your arms and legs.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-bold">
[[At least no one saw you.|cap01.4][$bold_shy -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[You didn’t expect to start your day this way.|cap01.4][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>You stay calm, trying to see what’s exactly happening. Since you don’t feel it moving, you gather the courage to get a bit closer.
And it’s... a blanket.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[At least it’s nothing serious.|cap01.4][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-shy">
[[At least you didn’t try anything silly.|cap01.4][$bold_shy -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>You look at your surroundings. The room where you are in is unknown to you. The bed has four posts in each corner with an almost transparent curtain across them. There’s a wooden wardrobe on the opposite wall and, on the left, a dresser. A desk and chair, crafted from dark wood, sit on the other side.
In front of the bed, there’s a sofa with a small table and a large carpet covering the bed to the table. Two shelves are at both ends of the wall, with a couch and a floor lamp.
Also, there are three doors: one on the wall at the right of the bed, another one on the opposite wall, pretty close to the previous one, and the last one on the left wall. The last one is bigger than the other two. The one on the right wall is made of glass with a curtain to hide the interior of the bedroom. The one on the left wall is made of wood, noticeably smaller and less conspicuous than the other two.
You notice a peculiar aroma coming from the glass door. Dirt, grass, but most of all, flowers.
The rich crimson curtains, starkly contrasting with the dark wood and beige walls, exude luxury and elegance.
What is this place?
Then, you notice the windows. There are two on either side of the glass door. The last one is in an odd place, between the wardrobe and the dresser, almost hidden. What’s more strange is that there seems to be a person on the other side.
Wanting to know who that person is, you get up from the <<if $fall_bed>>floor<<else>>bed<</if>> and walk towards the window.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap01.5]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>As you walk closer, you notice the person on the other side is looking at you, also walking closer to you.
The one on the other side has...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...short hair.|cap01.6][$hair_length = "short"; $mc1_hair_length = "short"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...shoulder-length hair.|cap01.6][$hair_length = "shoulder"; $mc1_hair_length = "shoulder"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...mid-back length hair.|cap01.6][$hair_length = "mid-back"; $mc1_hair_length = "mid-back"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...waist-length hair.|cap01.6][$hair_length = "waist"; $mc1_hair_length = "waist"]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>Their hair color is...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...red.|cap01.7][$hair_color = "red"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...dark red.|cap01.7][$hair_color = "dark red"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...black.|cap01.7][$hair_color = "black"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...blond.|cap01.7][$hair_color = "blond"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...brown.|cap01.7][$hair_color = "brown"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...orange.|cap01.7][$hair_color = "orange"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...white.|cap01.7][$hair_color = "white"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...silver.|cap01.7][$hair_color = "silver"]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>The texture of their hair is...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...straight.|cap01.8][$hair_texture = "straight"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...wavy.|cap01.8][$hair_texture = "wavy"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...curly.|cap01.8][$hair_texture = "curly"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...coiled.|cap01.8][$hair_texture = "coiled"]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>When you’re close enough, you notice they are...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...very tall. (186 - 190 cm)|cap01.9][$height = "very tall"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...tall. (176 - 185 cm)|cap01.9][$height = "tall"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...of average height. (166 - 175 cm)|cap01.9][$height = "average"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...short. (156 - 165 cm)|cap01.9][$height = "short"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...very short. (155 cm or shorter)|cap01.9][$height = "very short"]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>Their skin color is...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...dark brown.|cap01.10][$skin_tone = "dark brown"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...brown.|cap01.10][$skin_tone = "brown"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...bronze.|cap01.10][$skin_tone = "bronze"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...tan.|cap01.10][$skin_tone = "tan"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...beige.|cap01.10][$skin_tone = "beige"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...pale.|cap01.10][$skin_tone = "pale"]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>You’re now face to face, with only the crystal of the window between you. This close, you can see that the color of their eyes is...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...light blue.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "light blue"; $eyes_mismatched = false;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...dark blue.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "dark blue"; $eyes_mismatched = false;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...turquoise.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "turquoise"; $eyes_mismatched = false;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...light green.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "light green"; $eyes_mismatched = false;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...dark green.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "dark green"; $eyes_mismatched = false;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...brown.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "brown"; $eyes_mismatched = false;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...black.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "black"; $eyes_mismatched = false;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...gold.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "gold"; $eyes_mismatched = false;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...gray.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "gray"; $eyes_mismatched = false;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...violet.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "violet"; $eyes_mismatched = false;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...one eye gray and the other violet.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "gray and violet"; $eyes_mismatched = true;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...one eye gold and the other green.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "gold and green"; $eyes_mismatched = true;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[...one eye blue and the other turquoise.|cap01.11][$eyes_color = "blue and turquoise"; $eyes_mismatched = true;]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>Now that you’re facing each other, you let your eyes wander through the stranger’s face. The other person is doing the exact same thing with you.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-kind">
[[You decide to talk to them.|cap01.12.talk][$kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[Remaining silent, you keep watching their movements.|cap01.12.watch][$naive_cautious -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-bold">
[[Raising your hand, you move it towards the window.|cap01.12.touch][$bold_shy += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Hello?”
No answer. But you did notice something strange. The stranger’s lips moved at the exact moment you talked. In fact, you haven’t seen them blink... unless they do it at the same time you do.
Wait, this is not a window...
<<include [[cap01.13]]>>Their posture, the position of their hands, the way they’re also examining you through the window, it’s almost...
No, this is not a window...
<<include [[cap01.13]]>>You raise your hand and reach it slowly to the crystal. The person on the other side has decided to do the same. Your hands are almost touching...
But the crystal of the window separates them.
When you extend your fingers, the person copies your movements.
Now you realize. This is not a window...
<<include [[cap01.13]]>>It’s a mirror.
The $woman_man on the other side is you. Those $eyes_color eyes are yours, and that <<if $hair_length == "short">>$hair_length<<else>>$hair_length-length<</if>> $hair_color messy hair is yours.
That person is //you.//
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[It can’t be you.|cap01.14]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[That face is unfamiliar. You don’t recognize it.|cap01.14]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[How can it be you?|cap01.14]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Why don’t you recognize yourself?|cap01.14]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>That face staring back is yours. How can it be you don’t recognize it? Your eyes, your lips, your nose, your whole face... Why are they so unfamiliar?
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[That’s you.|cap01.15.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[No, no, no...|cap01.15.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Your face...|cap01.15.3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[What should you do?|cap01.15.4]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>That’s... you. For some reason, you can’t recognize yourself. Why? Why don’t you know who you are?
<<include [[cap01.16]]>>No, no, it can’t be. How is it possible you can’t recognize your own reflection? What’s happening?
<<include [[cap01.16]]>>Your face... You don’t recognize your own face. What does that mean?
<<include [[cap01.16]]>>This is... too much. What are you supposed to do in situations like this?
<<include [[cap01.16]]>>How can this be? Why don’t you remember—?
Wait...
Your name. What’s your name? Who are you?
//Who are you?//
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You take a deep breath, calming your racing heart and thoughts.|cap01.17]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Your hands are trembling, your thoughts racing in your head.|cap01.17]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You have to do something. You must get your memories back.|cap01.17]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[What the hell is happening? Why can’t you remember who you are?|cap01.17]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>By the way... where are you?
You look at your surroundings again. The bed, the doors, the sofa... nothing is familiar.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[Of course, if you can’t even recognize your own face, what can you expect from the place where you are?|cap01.18][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[You can’t recognize it. What is this place?|cap01.18][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>//Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.//
Something interrupts your thoughts: soft sounds from outside the larger wooden door get louder every time. Then, whatever is causing them stops just outside the door. You have no idea how, but you can feel a presence on the other side of the door, and somehow, you immediately know it’s a person.
A second later, that person knocks on the door and opens it.
A sudden smell overwhelms you. Something like ash, grass, earthy, and another one you can’t entirely put a name on.
A woman enters. Her black hair is tied in a bun, her skin is pale, and she wears a black dress with a white apron that goes from her waist to the end of the dress.
She opens her eyes wide when she sees you. And you can even hear her holding her breath for a second.
“Ah, I’m sorry. I thought you were still sleeping,” the woman says with a gentle smile and hands on her back. “I’m glad to see you’re awake now. How do you feel?”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Eh?”|cap01.19.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Who are you?”|cap01.19.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Where am I?”|cap01.19.3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You stare back at her silently.|cap01.19][$delilah_talk = false]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Eh?” you ask her puzzled.
“As far as I can see, you’re alright.” She gives you a nod.
You keep staring at her, wondering what she might mean by that.
“I know you may have questions, but I’m afraid I’m not the one who can answer them,” she says apologetically.
<<include [[cap01.19.try_questions_dela]]>>“Who are you?” you ask her.
“I’m just a maid working here. I’m no one important,” she says casually.
A maid?
“And I don’t think I’m the one who should answer any questions,” she adds with a regretful smile.
<<include [[cap01.19.try_questions_dela]]>>“Where am I?” you ask her.
“You’re in the Moonlight’s residence. If I were you, I would get used to this house.” She giggles. “Although that isn’t something bad. This //is// a pretty nice house.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Something that I shouldn’t have said.” She looks to the side, clearing her throat. “Forget I said anything.”
<<include [[cap01.19.try_questions_dela]]>><<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-graceful">
[[“Is there really nothing you can tell me?”|cap01.19.1questions_dela][$delilah_talk = true; $clumsy_graceful -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-kind">
[[“I would really appreciate it if you could tell me something about this.”|cap01.19.2questions_dela][$delilah_talk = true; $kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“I want to know what’s happening.”|cap01.19.3questions_dela][$delilah_talk = false; $kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Don’t insist.|cap01.19][$delilah_talk = false]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Is there really nothing you can tell me?” you ask her softly.
“I shouldn’t...” she starts saying, but you see when her resolve fades after one look at you. “Yeah, I think you deserve to know something, at least. But know that I can’t say much.”
<<nobr>>
<<set $preg1 = false>>
<<set $preg2 = false>>
<<set $preg3 = false>>
<<set $preg4 = false>>
<<set $tell_memories = false>>
<<set $preg5 = false>>
<<set $preg6 = false>>
<<set $preg7_dis = false>>
<<set $preg7 = false>>
<</nobr>>
<<include [[cap01.19.questions_dela]]>>“I would really appreciate it if you could tell me something about this,” you say, looking at her hopefully.
“I...” She gives up trying to say no after one look at you. “I guess I have no choice. Were I in your place, I would also want to know anything.”
<<nobr>>
<<set $preg1 = false>>
<<set $preg2 = false>>
<<set $preg3 = false>>
<<set $preg4 = false>>
<<set $tell_memories = false>>
<<set $preg5 = false>>
<<set $preg6 = false>>
<<set $preg7_dis = false>>
<<set $preg7 = false>>
<</nobr>>
<<include [[cap01.19.questions_dela]]>>“I want to know what’s happening,” you say dryly to the woman.
“I am sorry, but I really can’t say anything,” she says abruptly with a forced smile.
Well, it was worth a try.
<<include [[cap01.19]]>><<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<<if $preg1 == false>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“What is this place?”|cap01.19.qu_dela1]]
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“What is this place?”==//
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $preg2 == false>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“Who are you?”|cap01.19.qu_dela2]]
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“Who are you?”==//
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $preg3 == false>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“What am I doing here?”|cap01.19.qu_dela3]]
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“What am I doing here?”==//
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $preg4 == false>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[Should you tell her about your missing memories?|cap01.19.qu_dela4]]
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==Should you tell her about your missing memories?==//
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $tell_memories == true>>
<<if $preg5 == false>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“Who is ‘Gabby’?”|cap01.19.qu_dela5]]
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“Who is ‘Gabby’?”==//
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $preg6 == false>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“Who are these ‘Masters’?”|cap01.19.qu_dela6]]
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“Who are these ‘Masters’?”==//
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $preg7_dis == true>>
<<if $preg7 == false>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza d-amistad-mas">
[[“You’re talking too much for someone who couldn’t say much.”|cap01.19.qu_dela7][$Dela_rel += 5]]
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“You’re talking too much for someone who couldn’t say much.”==//
</div>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“That’s all.”|cap01.19.qu_dela_end]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“What is this place?”
“This is the residence of the Moonlight family. Have you ever heard about them?”
“I don’t think so...”
“Well, anyway, they’re one of those rich families that aren’t noble.” She smiles conspiratorially at you and adds, “The people in town whisper and talk about them quite a lot. Some say nice things, and others aren’t so nice, but they’re just jealous. And I don’t blame them,” she finishes with a wink.
<<set $preg1 = true>>
<<include [[cap01.19.questions_dela]]>><<if $kind_distant >= 50 >>“What is your name?”<<else>>“Who are you?”<</if>>
“I’m called Delilah. At your service.” She takes a step back and makes an exaggerated bow. “I’m but a humble maid working with this family.” When she straightens, there is a playful smile dancing on her face.
<<set $preg2 = true>><<set $nombre_delilah = true>><<set $delilah_woman = "Delilah">>
<<include [[cap01.19.questions_dela]]>><<if $sincere_sarcastic >= 50 >>“Do you know what am I doing here?”<<else>>“Hey, I just have one tiny little irrelevant question. What am I doing here?”<</if>>
“Well, you were sleeping and just woke up.”
There’s a silence after that.
“Um, I’m not really sure what else I’m supposed to say...” Her eyes wander to the side.
Maybe it’s best to leave it at that.
<<set $preg3 = true>>
<<include [[cap01.19.questions_dela]]>>Maybe she could help you...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[Surely, she must know you.|cap01.19.qu_dela_memories][$tell_memories = true; $naive_cautious += 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[You should keep quiet for the time being.|cap01.19.qu_dela_memories_no][$naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>She could even help you, tell you who you are, and help you recover your memories.
Yeah, maybe you should tell her.
“Actually, I—”
“No, no. Any request, complaint, or suggestion should be delivered to the Master or any of his sons. I am but a humble servant with no power whatsoever.”
<<print $delilah_woman.toUpperFirst()>> responds quickly with a stern face. But the facade falls right away, and she giggles.
“Those would be Gabby’s words. But seriously, I shouldn’t be the first to hear any backstory, protest, or trouble you were about to say.”
“How did you know that?”
“It was written all over your face,” she says with a smile. “Although, after you’ve talked to my masters, if you still want to share anything with me or need assistance, just call for me.”
<<set $preg4 = true>>
<<include [[cap01.19.questions_dela]]>>Yeah, maybe it’s best not to mention that now.
<<set $preg4 = true>>
<<include [[cap01.19.questions_dela]]>><<set $Gabby_name = true>>“You mentioned someone’s name before. Who is Gabby?”
“Gabby works here as a maid, just like me. She’s really awesome, serious, and worries a lot.” A bright smile appears on her face. “We work a lot together and get along so well. Should you need anything and I’m not around, you can seek her out, too.”
She lets out a soft giggle.
“And a little advice: Don’t feel bad if she acts too nervous or stumbles around with words a lot. She’s a good gal, but she can be very shy with... well, everyone.”
<<set $preg5 = true>>
<<include [[cap01.19.questions_dela]]>>“You’ve mentioned a ‘Master’ before...” you say.
“Yep, I did.”
“Who is that?”
“Well, that would be Lord Moonlight.”
“And his sons?”
“The Young Masters. Never a dull moment with those four around,” she says and giggles.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Could you tell me more about Lord Moonlight?”|cap01.19.masters.enrique]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“So, Lord Moonlight has four sons?”|cap01.19.masters.boys]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Leave it at that.|cap01.19.questions_dela][$preg6 = true]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<set $preg7_dis = true>>“Could you share anything about Lord Moonlight?”
“Well, what do you expect me to say about my boss?” She smiles and continues, “Well, can’t really complain about him. He’s a good person, a good Master, and he looks after his employees and sons. And I don’t say this just because he pays me. He truly is like that.”
She pauses and keeps her warm smile.
“Anyway, it’s better if you get to know him personally. I’m sure he’ll do anything he can to help you.”
<<set $preg6 = true>>
<<include [[cap01.19.questions_dela]]>><<set $preg7_dis = true>>“Before, you said Lord Moonlight has four sons.”
“Yes, you’ll get to know them soon. And before you ask, I won’t tell you about them.”
“Can’t tell me that either?”
“Well, I could, but it’s better if you get to know them personally. It’s more fun that way.”
<<print $delilah_woman.toUpperFirst()>> gives you a playful smile.
<<if $maker == "Derek">>
“Although,” she continues as her smile fades, “You’re going to spend a lot of time with the eldest, and it would be cruel of me if I didn’t warn you.”
Her eyes wander to the side, thinking carefully about her words. “He is... scary. You can see the frown almost engraved on his face. It is a miracle he hasn’t wrinkled already.”
She doesn’t say anything more.
<<elseif $maker == "Maximillian">>
“You don’t need to worry. The second-eldest son will help you out with whatever you need. He’s kind, handsome, and has the most charming and perfect smile I have ever seen... In fact, sometimes it seems too perfect.”
She looks away from you.
<<elseif $maker == "Alexandre">>
“As I understand, you’ll spend some time with the third son. He looks big and scary, but is the most relaxed of the four. And the most funny, too.”
She lets out a giggle.
“His jokes are pretty bad sometimes. But they grow on you.”
<<elseif $maker == "Jeremiah">>
“You’re the luckiest, I swear.” Her smile widens. “The youngest will help you with anything you need. Also, he is the sweetest and the smartest. In my opinion, the best one out of the four.”
You notice her voice slightly changes when she speaks about him.
<</if>><<set $preg6 = true>>
<<include [[cap01.19.questions_dela]]>>“I noticed you’re talking too much despite saying you couldn’t say much.”
Her eyes widen as she inhales a sharp breath.
“Have I said too much?”
<<if $sincere_sarcastic >= 50 >>“You’ve managed to say too much and simultaneously nothing.”<<else>>“You gotta teach me how to do that—to talk much but not really say anything vital. It’s a useful trick.”<</if>>
<<print $delilah_woman.toUpperFirst()>> chuckles softly and smiles. “Well, I worked with a noble family before. Really liked the political game, that bunch. Always throwing parties and whatnot. You had to learn to avoid saying anything that could damage the boss’s reputation, but not be rude as not to say anything when asked.”
She sighs dramatically.
“It’s fun for a time but gets boring pretty quickly. This family is so much fun.”
“Very different from the last one, I assume?”
“Oh, you have no idea,” she answers with a cryptic smile.
<<set $preg7 = true>>
<<include [[cap01.19.questions_dela]]>>“I hope I cleared some of your doubts.” She smiles at you. “Oh, and let’s keep this a secret between you and me. Gabby would scold me if she knew I talked this much to you without permission.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-sincere d-naive">
[[It was nice of her to share what little information she could give.|cap01.19][$naive_cautious += 2; $sincere_sarcastic += 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[Wait, isn’t it strange she didn’t ask why you don’t know those things?|cap01.19][$naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<unset $preg1, $preg2, $preg3, $preg4, $preg5, $preg6, $preg7>>“Anyway, I should tell the Master you awoke,” she says suddenly.
<<print $delilah_woman.toUpperFirst()>> turns to the door but looks at you from over her shoulder before she leaves.
“Ah, I guess I should help you get dressed first.” She walks towards the wardrobe, opens it, and moves things inside it.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-bold">
[[Curiosity gets the best of you, and you get close, trying to see what she’s doing.|cap01.20.getclose][$bold_shy += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[You patiently wait for her to finish whatever she’s doing.|cap01.20.wait][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-shy">
[[You look nervously at her and then to the door where she came from.|cap01.20.look][$bold_shy -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<switch $height>>
<<case "very tall" "tall">>
When you’re behind her, the difference in your height lets you see the clothes she’s moving. She’s separating a couple of dresses, jackets, shirts...
<<case "average">>
You stand behind her and look over her shoulder. You see her take some vests, dresses and...
<<case "short" "very short">>
You get close to her, but she’s taller than you, and you can’t see what she’s doing.
<</switch>>
<</nobr>>
“I’ll take care of the clothes, don’t worry. You can wait for me sitting on the bed, and I’ll be there in a minute.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-kind">
[[“Okay.”|cap01.21][$kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[You keep quiet and go sit on the bed.|cap01.21][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You nod and go sit on the bed.|cap01.21]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“You can wait for me sitting on the bed.” <<print $delilah_woman.toUpperFirst()>> looks at you from over her shoulder. “I’ll take the clothes to you in a minute.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-kind">
[[“Okay.”|cap01.21][$kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[You keep quiet and go sit on the bed.|cap01.21][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You nod and go sit on the bed.|cap01.21]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>What’s on the other side of the door? Maybe you could...
“You can wait for me sitting on the bed. I’ll take the clothes to you in a minute.”
You jump a little when you hear her voice. You nod and go sit on the bed.
<<include [[cap01.21]]>>You wait for a few moments as she keeps looking in the wardrobe.
“What would you like to wear? There are a variety of suits and even a couple of dresses, which surprises me, considering only men live here.”
She chuckles and brings many outfits to the bed. After she drops them, she starts to separate and organize them. Finally, she presents three suits and two dresses to you.
“Well, you would look good in any of this.” <<print $delilah_woman.toUpperFirst()>> looks at you and smiles kindly. “Please choose one.”
You nod and carefully examine the outfits in front of you.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A red jacket with a black shirt and black pants.|cap01.22.suit1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A black jacket with a red vest, a white shirt, and black pants.|cap01.22.suit2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A white shirt with a red vest and grey pants.|cap01.22.suit3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[The red dress with long sleeves.|cap01.22.dress1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[The sleeveless red dress.|cap01.22.dress2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>The jacket is dark red, embroidered with darker thread, and has silver buttons. The shirt and pants are plain black.
“Classic and discreet. What draws the attention is the jacket. I think it would look great on you,” $delilah_woman comments with a smile and a nod.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[“I want to wear this.”|cap01.23][$outfit = "suit1"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A black jacket with a red vest, a white shirt, and black pants.|cap01.22.suit2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A white shirt with a red vest and grey pants.|cap01.22.suit3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[The red dress with long sleeves.|cap01.22.dress1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[The sleeveless red dress.|cap01.22.dress2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>The black jacket and white button-down shirt are simple. The dark red vest has little silver details.
“If I may share my opinion, this is my favorite. It would look fantastic on you,” the woman comments sincerely. “In fact, I saw a handkerchief around here somewhere.”
She starts rummaging around the clothes.
“Here it is!”
<<print $delilah_woman.toUpperFirst()>> turns and shows you a small white cloth with embroidered blue edges. On one of the corners are blue letters embroidered in it. //E.S.?//
“You can put this in the vest’s pocket.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[“I want to wear this.”|cap01.23][$outfit = "suit2"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A red jacket with a black shirt and black pants.|cap01.22.suit1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A white shirt with a red vest and grey pants.|cap01.22.suit3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[The red dress with long sleeves.|cap01.22.dress1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[The sleeveless red dress.|cap01.22.dress2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>The white shirt has flowers and leaves embroidered with red thread, the dark red vest has silver details, and the end of the grey pants is black.
“This one is a little more striking than the others. It’s practical and looks good,” $delilah_woman says with a smile. “In fact, I think there’s something around here that would look good with it.”
She walks to the dresser and looks for something in the drawers. A second later, she faces you and shows you a golden locket with a white tulip engraved in the front.
“I’ve no idea what’s inside. I’ve never been able to open it. But it would look cute hanging from the vest’s pocket,” she suggests.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[“I want to wear this.”|cap01.23][$outfit = "suit3"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A red jacket with a black shirt and black pants.|cap01.22.suit1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A white shirt with a red vest and grey pants.|cap01.22.suit2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[The red dress with long sleeves.|cap01.22.dress1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[The sleeveless red dress.|cap01.22.dress2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>The dress is dark red with black roses and silver details on the skirt. The front of the dress is made of black fabric, from the chest to the end of the skirt. The dark red sleeves reach to the wrists, where they have black lace.
“Both dresses are so beautiful I wouldn’t know how to choose one,” comments $delilah_woman with a shining smile. “By the way, I think this necklace would look fantastic with it.”
She walks to the dresser and shows you a necklace with small red stones hanging along it and a bigger black stone in the center. This one looks like it has a silver flower engraved on it.
Is that a tulip?
“They’ve always stored this necklace here, so it would be a shame if it continued gathering dust.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[“I want to wear this.”|cap01.23][$outfit = "dress1"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A red jacket with a black shirt and black pants.|cap01.22.suit1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A black jacket with a red vest, a white shirt, and black pants.|cap01.22.suit2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A white shirt with a red vest and grey pants.|cap01.22.suit3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[The sleeveless red dress.|cap01.22.dress2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>This dress, like the other one, is dark red. The corset has black lace borders and a long black ribbon in the center of the chest. The front of the skirt is black, and the rest is dark red. Both sets of fabric have silver glitters.
“This dress is lovely, but so is the other one. Both dresses are so cute, I can’t choose between them,” $delilah_woman says with a smile. “Oh, that’s right. I think this necklace would look perfect with it.”
She goes to the dresser and takes a necklace from the drawer. It’s made of gray fabric with small black stones hanging along it and a bigger red stone with a black tulip engraved on it.
“I don’t know why they abandoned this here, but it’ll be a shame if it stays forgotten.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[“I want to wear this.”|cap01.23][$outfit = "dress2"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A red jacket with a black shirt and black pants.|cap01.22.suit1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A black jacket with a red vest, a white shirt, and black pants.|cap01.22.suit2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[A white shirt with a red vest and grey pants.|cap01.22.suit3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[The red dress with long sleeves.|cap01.22.dress1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Perfect choice!”
She takes the clothes you didn’t choose and puts them in the wardrobe.
<<nobr>>
<<if $hair_length != "short">>
“Now,” she continues, turning around to face you, “I’ll help you with your hair. I could help you cut it if you want it shorter. Or, perhaps, I could help you comb it.”
<br><br>
You nod silently to her.
<br><br>
“Okay. So, what would it be?”
<br><br>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-kind">
[[“I would like my hair shorter, please.”|cap01.23.cuthair][$kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“I’d like you to cut my hair.”|cap01.23.cuthair][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-kind">
[[“It’s okay like this, thank you.”|cap01.23.nocuthair][$kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“No, it’s fine like this.”|cap01.23.nocuthair][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>
<<else>>
<<include [[cap01.23.end]]>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>She smiles at you. “Very well. Please take a seat on the desk’s chair. I’ll be back in a moment.”
She disappears through the small door while you walk to the desk. You distractedly look at the desk’s surface, seeing a few blank sheets of paper and an ink bottle. As you sit on the chair, you hear the door opening and her footsteps as she gets closer.
“Alright,” you hear her say from behind you, “how short do you want me to cut your hair?”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[Short.|cap01.23.cuthair.1][$hair_length = "short"]]
</div>
<<if $hair_length == "mid-back" || $hair_length == "waist">>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[Shoulder-length.|cap01.23.cuthair.1][$hair_length = "shoulder"]]
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $hair_length == "waist">>
<div class="choice-item d-custom">
[[Mid-back length.|cap01.23.cuthair.1][$hair_length = "mid-back"]]
</div>
<</if>>
</div>
<</nobr>>There’s silence for a few minutes as she starts cutting your hair. You see as $hair_color locks fall to the ground.
“It’s all done,” she says at last.
<<if $hair_length== "short">>
You look into the mirror and see your now short $hair_color hair just passing your ears.
<<else>>
You look into the mirror and see your $hair_color hair now reaches your $hair_length.
<</if>>
“With all due respect, you look even better like this,” $delilah_woman says, not holding back her smile.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-shy">
[[You choose to remain silent, giving her a nod and nervously biting your lip.|cap01.23.end][$bold_shy += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-bold">
[[“Thank you. I like it better this way.”|cap01.23.end][$bold_shy -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>She nods at you with a smile. “Very well.”
<<include [[cap01.23.end]]>>“It’s time for the clothes,” she continues, “I can help you get dressed.”
With a smile, she walks closer to you, intending to help you with your clothes.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-shy">
[[A little nervous, you let her help you.|cap01.24.delilah_dress][$bold_shy -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-bold">
[[With a nod, you let her help you.|cap01.24.delilah_dress][$bold_shy += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-kind">
[[Smiling back at her, you thank her for her help.|cap01.24.delilah_dress][$kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[You shake your head. You can get dressed on your own.|cap01.24.dress_alone][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>Who are you? Doesn’t this room seem like a little too much? Did you live here?
At least someone seems kind enough to answer some of your questions. However, this also raises another one...
Why does she help you like this?While she helps you with your clothes, your mind drifts, making you think about all this.
<<include [[cap01.24.common]]>>
“You’re ready,” she says. You hadn’t noticed she had left your side and was looking at you with her hands behind her back.
You look down to see your clothes.
“Okay, that’s all on my part for now. I have to tell the Master you’re awake.” She smiles at you one last time before walking through the door and leaving the room.
Alone with your thoughts, your eyes wander until they find the mirror again.
<<include [[cap01.25]]>>“No, thank you, I can do it alone.”
“Okay. I’ll be nearby. You can call me if you need help.”
You nod, and she exits the room, leaving you alone again.
While you get dressed, you can’t help but think about all this.
<<include [[cap01.24.common]]>>
And what are you supposed to do now?
You finish getting dressed and let out a sigh.
When you turn towards the mirror, your eyes land on your reflection.
<<include [[cap01.25]]>><<nobr>>
<<switch $outfit>>
<<case "suit1">>
Your hands trace the embroidery and the silver buttons of the jacket.
<<case "suit2">>
Your hands slide down your black jacket and dark red vest. The handkerchief catches your eyes once more, leaving you with the question of those two letters embroidered on it. What could they mean?
<<case "suit3">>
Your hands slide down the sleeves of your shirt and then down your dark red vest, stopping once they reach the golden locket. You take it in your hand, tracing the white tulip on the front.
Curiosity overtakes you, and you try to open it, but it remains firmly locked. You shake your head and return it to your vest’s pocket. Maybe later you’ll try to open it again.
<<case "dress1">>
Your hands slide down your corset, your skirt flowing softly on your legs as you move. Considering all the fabric on the bottom, it’s surprising it doesn’t feel heavy or restricting.
Your eyes stop to look at the necklace adorning your neck. The silver tulip shines when the candle’s light touches it.
<<case "dress2">>
Your hands slide down your corset, your skirt flowing softly on your legs as you move. Considering all the fabric on the bottom, it’s surprising it doesn’t feel heavy or restricting.
Your eyes stop to look at the necklace adorning your neck. The black tulip adorns the bright red stone at the center.
<</switch>><</nobr>>
Seeing yourself in these clothes...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[It makes you feel strange.|cap01.25.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You can’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable.|cap01.25.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You like how you look in them, but you feel kinda... guilty?|cap01.25.3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You like your clothes, and you feel good in them.|cap01.26][$dupree[0] = 0]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>As if you hadn’t worn clothes like this before...
<<set $dupree[0] = 1;>>
<<include [[cap01.26]]>>It’s not because of the clothes. They’re soft, and they adjust well to your body. It’s more like a feeling...
<<set $dupree[0] = 1;>>
<<include [[cap01.26]]>>Like, as if you knew you shouldn’t wear clothes like this...
<<set $dupree[0] = 1;>>
<<include [[cap01.26]]>>Someone’s coming again. The sound of footsteps, heavier than $delilah_woman’s, can be heard outside the door. Even before they open the door, you can already smell them.
Ink, grass, and flowers, several of them. And there’s a scent that faintly resembles $delilah_woman’s, but this one is stronger, more potent, and something like...
The door opening interrupts your train of thought.
A man enters the room, not bothering to knock first.
<<nobr>>
<<switch $height>>
<<case "very tall">>
He’s a little shorter than you,
<<case "tall">>
He’s about your height,
<<case "average">>
He’s taller than you,
<<case "short" "very short">>
He’s significantly taller than you,
<</switch>>
<</nobr>> with dark brown hair long enough to reach his mid-back. He wears a suit; his black jacket is buttoned up, and what little can be seen of the dark red vest underneath is that it has silver thorns embroidered. The ends of his jacket’s sleeves are folded back, revealing their dark grey color. His sharp features match his reserved and distant expression. All this is complemented by a pair of cold grey eyes.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas">
[[Your eyes are drawn to his.|cap01.27.1][$Derek_fri += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Your gaze gets lost on his face, trying to remember if you know him.|cap01.27.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You meet his stern gaze, not liking how he looks at you.|cap01.27.3][$Derek_fight += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>At first glance, his eyes appear cold and indifferent, but if you pay close attention, there seems to be more than that.
What is he trying to hide?
“Are you done scrutinizing my face?” he asks curtly.
<<include [[cap01.28]]>>Your eyes trace his face once more. Those cold eyes, stern frown, those pale cheeks, that sharp chin...
But nothing seems familiar or even ignites a little recognition in you.
Who is this man? And more importantly, what is he to you? Why is he here?
“I know not what you are looking for, but I assure you, you will not find it on my face.”
His voice reminds you to stop staring at him so intently. You notice how he seems to relax when your eyes aren’t on him.
<<include [[cap01.28]]>>What’s up with him and that look he’s giving you? With his frown like that, he appears to be anything but friendly.
The man seems to sense your distaste. His posture becomes rigid, and his eyes become unbelievably colder.
<<include [[cap01.28]]>>There’s a short silence after that.
“So, I guess you owe us an explanation,” he demands.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“What?”|cap01.28.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Me?”|cap01.28.2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<if $sincere_sarcastic >= 50 >>“What are you—?”<<else>>“Hold on there—”<</if>>
<<include [[cap01.29]]>>“Me? I—”
<<include [[cap01.29]]>>“Yes, about what you were doing that night and how you ended up injured like that.”
So, you were in an accident? Maybe that’s why you don’t remember anything.
“My brothers found you while they were going into the town.” The man looks away from you. “It was very well past midnight. You were unconscious on the ground and covered in wounds.”
He stops speaking to look at your face again, likely expecting you to explain yourself.
“Any normal person would be at their house at that hour,” he continues after being tired of your silence. “And the way you were hurt was not normal either. Just what were you doing?”
Wait, now he is scolding you for... getting hurt and being home late?
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“Are you scolding me for getting hurt?”|cap01.29.1][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-bold">
[[“Are you seriously scolding me for getting hurt?”|cap01.29.2][$bold_shy += 1; $Derek_fight += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“What, you want me to apologize or something?”|cap01.29.3][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1; $Derek_fight += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Am I being scolded for... getting hurt?” you ask him, puzzled.
<<include [[cap01.30]]>>“I can understand being scolded for getting into trouble. But for getting hurt? How in the world is that my fault?”
<<include [[cap01.30]]>>“Really? I’m getting scolded for getting hurt //and// being home late? If you’re waiting for my apology, you better sit down. Wouldn’t want you to get tired.”
<<include [[cap01.30]]>>“That’s not the point,” he says.
“Then, what is it?” you ask back.
“Your injuries, they were...”
He stops speaking, sighs, and walks further into the room, sitting on the sofa without saying a word. Then, his eyes find yours, and he indicates the spot beside him on the couch with his head. You follow his steps and take a seat.
“Well, I think it is better if you speak first.” His voice, profound and unwavering, keeps his formal tone. “Tell me who you are and how you ended up like that.”
Wait. What did he just say?
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“What do you mean ‘who you are’?”|cap01.31.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Aren’t you supposed to know me?”|cap01.31.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Don’t you know me?”|cap01.31.3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“By ‘who you are,’ you mean...?
“I am talking about your name and what you want to share about yourself,” he answers calmly. “We’ll see a lot of each other, after all.”
<<include [[cap01.32]]>>“Wait, aren’t you supposed to know me?”
“What kind of question is that? This is obviously the first time we have met.”
<<include [[cap01.32]]>>“Hold on, don’t you know me?”
“Am I supposed to? If you mean to say we have met in town before, I am afraid to tell you I don’t remember you.”
<<include [[cap01.32]]>>He doesn’t know you.
His voice doesn’t show any hint of malice or anything resembling a joke. He doesn’t even seem capable of joking.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[You had assumed this was your home, that you belonged here.|cap01.33][$naive_cautious += 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[You were starting to suspect something wasn’t right, and it was that. This isn’t your house.|cap01.33][$naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>This isn’t your house. No one here knows you.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[A shiver runs down your spine.|cap01.34.1][$reaction_01_unknown = "fear"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[If they don’t know you, why did they help you?|cap01.34.2][$reaction_01_unknown = "confusion"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Should you even trust him?|cap01.34.3][$reaction_01_unknown = "distrust"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Whatever you’re feeling, it’s best to save it for later.|cap01.34.4][$reaction_01_unknown = "hide"]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>He doesn’t know you.
How are you supposed to know who you are if they don’t? And an accident? What happened to you?
But most strange of all...
Why would they help a total stranger? Are they expecting something in return? What’s going to happen now? Why would—
“Hey.”
<<if $maker is "Derek">>
Looking back up, you find a pair of gray eyes staring back at you. They are less cautious now and have something like... worry in them.
“I’ll be honest. While we don’t know what happened to you or how, I can assure you this: You are safe here.”
Something deep inside you wants to believe in his words.
“Whatever happened to you will not happen again while you are here.”
<<else>>
Looking back up, you find him staring at you with confusion.
“I won’t lie. I cannot give you answers about what happened that night. I can only assure you that you are safe here.”
Is it a good idea to trust his words? Do you even believe him?
“We will help you in whatever you may need. You can be sure of that.”
<</if>>
You don’t answer him, just giving him a light nod. He accepts the gesture, and his stern expression returns to his face.
<<include [[cap01.encuentro_creador]]>>If they don’t know you, then why did they help you? And what’s that about you being unconscious? Were you in an accident? If that’s so, what happened?
“I understand that I am not giving you much information and that this can be confusing. But first, I need to know a few things.”
You don’t answer him, just giving him a light nod. He accepts the gesture with a nod of his own.
<<include [[cap01.encuentro_creador]]>>If they don’t know you, then why are you here? What’s this about?
He says they found you unconscious, and more importantly, they don’t know you, so why bring you here? Should you even trust him?
“I am aware that I am not giving enough information for you to trust us.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Remain silent.|cap01.34.3.3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“You can say that again.”|cap01.34.3.1][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“You think so?”|cap01.34.3.2][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“To say the least.”
<<include [[cap01.34.3.3]]>>“Try to imagine being in an unknown place with strangers. The only thing worse would be if I lost my memories, too.”
Which, by the way, you lost them. How lucky of you.
<<set $cap1_broma_recuerdos_perdidos = true>>
<<include [[cap01.34.3.3]]>>“It’s normal to be distrustful, and I assure you we will answer as many questions as you have. But first, we need to talk about other things.”
You don’t answer him, just giving him a light nod. He accepts the gesture with a nod of his own.
<<include [[cap01.encuentro_creador]]>>Now’s not the time to let him see how that news affected you.
If he’s really a stranger to you, saving your emotions for later is better.
He doesn’t insist on an answer but looks at you straight into the eyes. After a moment, he shrugs and looks away.
<<include [[cap01.encuentro_creador]]>><<nobr>>
<<switch $maker>>
<<case "Derek">>
<<include cap01.D.1>>
<<case "Maximillian">>
<<include cap01.M.1>>
<<case "Alexandre">>
<<include cap01.A.1>>
<<case "Jeremiah">>
<<include cap01.J.1>>
<</switch>>
<</nobr>>“Well, then, we can discuss that topic later.” He leans back on the sofa and closes his eyes for a moment. Then, he takes out a small crystal vial from the inside of his jacket. Inside, there’s a dark red liquid.
“Before anything else, you need to drink this,” he says sternly, extending the vial to you.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[“What is that?”|cap01.D.2.1][$naive_cautious -= 1; $tomar_frasco = false]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[“Why do I need to drink that?”|cap01.D.2.2][$naive_cautious -= 1; $tomar_frasco = false]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“This has to be a joke.”|cap01.D.2.3][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1; $tomar_frasco = false]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[Take the vial.|cap01.D.2.4][$naive_cautious += 1; $tomar_frasco = true]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“What is that thing?” you ask as you look closer at the vial.
“I will explain everything after you drink it first,” he insists.
“Can’t you explain first?”
<<if $reaction_01_unknown is "fear">>
“It will make more sense if you drink that first,” he explains. “Also, I will repeat myself: you’re safe here. We will do nothing to harm you.”
<<else>>
“It will make more sense if you drink that first,” he explains. “I assure you, no harm will come to you while you’re here.”
<</if>>
<<include [[cap01.D.3]]>>“Why do I need to do that?”
“I will explain everything after you drink it first,” he insists.
<<include [[cap01.D.3]]>>“Did your parents fail to teach you it’s dangerous to accept drinks from strangers? If not, this better be an awful joke.”
“It’s nothing harmful.”
“Yeah, sure. I’m reassured by that,” you reply.
“I will explain everything after you drink it,” he insists.
“And I still don’t feel very reassured.”
He does not respond, still holding the vial toward you.
<<include [[cap01.D.3]]>>You take the vial in your hand, rolling it in your fingers. It’s barely larger than your hand and filled to the brim with a viscous dark red liquid.
And this close, you also notice the smell. It’s the same one you smelled with $delilah_woman, similar, but not quite. Wait...
You look back up again at him, who is looking at you with a reserved but expectant expression.
//It smells just like him.//
“I promise I will explain everything after you drink that,” he continues, giving you a nod.
<<include [[cap01.D.3]]>>With nothing more than that promise, will you still drink the vial’s content?
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[Drink it.|cap01.D.drank.1][$naive_cautious += 3; $drank_vial = true; $makers_blood[0] = 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[Don’t drink it.|cap01.D.nodrank.1][$naive_cautious -= 3; $drank_vial = false; $makers_blood[0] = 0]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious d-bold">
[[Hell no.|cap01.D.hellnodrank.1][$naive_cautious -= 3; $bold_shy += 1; $drank_vial = false; $makers_blood[0] = 0; $Derek_fight++]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<if $tomar_frasco is false>>You take the vial in your hands, open it, and slowly bring it to your lips, letting its content slip between them.<<else>>You slowly open the vial and bring it to your lips, letting its content slip between them.<</if>>
The crimson liquid is cold. It leaves a metallic aftertaste on your tongue and a strange bittersweet taste. Its smell is also peculiar, strong, metallic, fresh, and sweet all at the same time, with a distinctive note of him. Not the part of the flowers or the grass, but //him.//
How can you tell? Not even you know.
Even so... it doesn’t taste bad. It also quenches a thirst you hadn’t noticed you had.
Once empty, you leave the vial on the table and attempt to ignore the stare the man has given you since you opened the vial.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Can you now tell me what I just drank?”|cap01.D.drank.2.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Could you not stare at me like that?”|cap01.D.drank.2.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Are you satisfied now?”|cap01.D.drank.2.3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Well, I did it. Now, can you tell me what I just drank?”
“Just one more question. Are you not thirsty any longer?”
<<include [[cap01.D.drank.3]]>><<if $bold_shy >= 50 >>“Don’t stare at me like that.”<<else>>“Um, could you not stare at me like that?”<</if>>
“I was just making sure,” he responds with his eyes still on your face.
“About what?”
“Whether you’re still thirsty or not.”
<<include [[cap01.D.drank.3]]>>“There. Are you satisfied now?”
“Are you?” he asks, carefully examining your expression.
“What do you mean?”
“Are you not thirsty any longer?”
<<include [[cap01.D.drank.3]]>>“What?” His question catches you off guard.
“It should have been enough,” he continues. “But I must confirm. Tell me, are you still thirsty?”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“No.”|cap01.D.drank.3.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-clumsy">
[[“No, I—I don’t think so.”|cap01.D.drank.3.2][$clumsy_graceful += 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-graceful">
[[“No, thank you.”|cap01.D.drank.3.3][$clumsy_graceful -= 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You shake your head.|cap01.D.drank.4]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“No.”
<<include [[cap01.D.drank.4]]>>“No, I—I don’t think so.”
<<include [[cap01.D.drank.4]]>>“No, thank you.”
<<include [[cap01.D.drank.4]]>>He seems satisfied with your answer, giving you a nod.
“Since you did your part, it’s time I do mine as well.”
He sits straighter and does his best to not look at your eyes.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacionvampiros]]>><<if $tomar_frasco is true>>You shake your head, putting the vial on the table. “No, I can’t just drink it without knowing what it is.”<<else>>You shake your head. “No, I can’t just drink it without knowing what it is.”<</if>>
“You need to drink this,” he repeats with a hint of annoyance.
“Why should I when you don’t even bother with some explanation first? Did you really think I would drink some odd red liquid that a stranger gives me?”
<<if $tomar_frasco is true>>“Do I have to remind you that this stranger saved your life?” he declares, putting the vial on the table and facing you. “Maybe I deserve a little bit of trust and respect on your part.”<<else>>“Do I have to remind you that this stranger saved your life?” he declares and faces you. “Maybe I deserve a little bit of trust and respect on your part.”<</if>>
<<include [[cap01.D.nodrank.fight.1]]>><<if $tomar_frasco is true>>You shake your head, putting the vial on the table. “There’s no way I’m drinking that just because you asked so nicely.”<<else>>You push his hand away, shaking your head. “There’s no way I’m drinking that just because you asked so nicely.”<</if>>
“Do I really need to repeat myself?” The man doesn’t try to hide his annoyance.
“Don’t bother. I won’t change my mind.”
<<nobr>>
<<if $Derek_fight >= 2>>
“Must you always be so rude?” The man protests, placing a hand over his eyes. “Seriously, I have enough with one Alexandre around.”
<br><br>
“I have no idea who you’re talking about, but you don’t have to put up with me. You can always leave,” you say defiantly, turning your head to the other side.
<br><br>
“I can’t,” he responds instantly, almost on instinct.
<br><br>
“No one’s stopping you.”
<br><br>
<<include [[cap01.D.hellnodrank.3]]>>
<<else>>
He sighs heavily. “Look, I only insist because this is for your own good. Otherwise, I wouldn’t bother to.”
<br><br>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“No one told you to look out for me.”|cap01.D.hellnodrank.2.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“I’m sorry for being a bother.”|cap01.D.hellnodrank.2.2][$Derek_fight++; $sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“A bother, huh?”|cap01.D.hellnodrank.2.3][$Derek_fight++; $sincere_sarcastic -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>“As far as I know, you have no obligation to look out for me.”
“I have to,” he responds instantly, almost on instinct.
“No, you don’t,” you insist, holding his stern glare.
<<include [[cap01.D.hellnodrank.3]]>>“Well, I’m sorry for bothering you.”
“No, that’s not what I meant.” His voice betrays him for a second, letting you hear the regret in it.
“You were pretty clear with what you said.”
<<include [[cap01.D.hellnodrank.3]]>>“A bother, huh? Well, excuse me for being such a bother.”
“That’s not what I meant.” His voice betrays him for a second, letting you hear the regret in it.
“Then, what? What did you mean?”
<<include [[cap01.D.hellnodrank.3]]>>“I have to make sure you’re okay,” he argues. That sole line has more emotion in his voice than everything else he had said since he entered the room. That emotion is anger, of course. “They brought you here. I saved your life. The least I deserve is a little respect and trust from you.”
<<include [[cap01.D.nodrank.fight.1]]>><<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Respect?”|cap01.D.nodrank.fight.2.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Trust?”|cap01.D.nodrank.fight.2.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-menos">
[[“You?”|cap01.D.nodrank.fight.2.3][$Derek_fight += 2; $Derek_fri -= 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“How about a compromise?”|cap01.D.nodrank.fight.2.4][$Derek_fight--]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“How do you expect me to respect someone I just met who hasn’t told me everything he knows?”
“Or with just a bit of cooperation. That would be nice,” he mumbles as he crosses his arms.
“I could say the same,” you retort.
<<include [[cap01.D.nodrank.fight.3]]>>“How on earth am I supposed to trust you if you don’t tell me anything?”
“We have to go step by step,” he reasons.
“The problem here is we are on the first step since you arrived.”
<<include [[cap01.D.nodrank.fight.3]]>>“You said your brothers were the ones who brought me here.”
//Maybe I should thank them instead.//
You didn’t finish your sentence—you didn’t need to. He seemed to understand what you were going to say, and his cold silence was proof enough of that.
“Yeah, what I did was nothing compared to them,” he murmured the words so low that maybe you weren’t supposed to hear him. But you did, and what surprised you wasn’t the anger that still lingered on his tone but the resignation and hurt in his voice.
<<include [[cap01.D.nodrank.fight.3]]>>“Okay, let’s do this. You explain, and then I decide if I change my mind about drinking that thing.”
<<include [[cap01.D.nodrank.fight.3]]>>He sighs, brushing his eyes with his fingers.
“Let’s do this. I will explain everything first and try to adopt a better attitude if you promise to give me at least a chance.”
“I agree.” You nod, wanting more answers than to keep fighting with him.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacionvampiros]]>>“Okay,” he begins. “I’ll start with what we know. When my brothers found you, you were severely injured. For all things, you should not have survived.”
He pauses to see your reaction.
“Whatever happened to you, you should not be here. You would be dead now if we were //normal// people.”
“What do you mean ‘normal’?”
“By //normal// I mean human.”
He pauses after that declaration, maybe wanting a reaction out of you.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“So you’re not human?”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sincere">
[[“What are you supposed to be?”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.2][$sincere_sarcastic += 1; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sarcastic">
[[“Looks like I’m very unlucky.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.3][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[“You don’t have to lie.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.4][$naive_cautious -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“So... you’re saying you’re not human?”
“Exactly,” he responds quickly.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sincere">
[[“What are you supposed to be?”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.2][$sincere_sarcastic += 1; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sarcastic">
[[“Looks like I’m very unlucky.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.3][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[“You don’t have to lie.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.4][$naive_cautious -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“If you’re not human, what are you supposed to be?”
He looks at you for a brief moment as if trying to detect sarcasm or hostility in your words. But your question was genuine, and he sees that.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.2]]>>“I’m starting to see I’m not very lucky. Out of all the people who could have helped me, it had to be the crazy ones.”
He does something you didn’t expect. He snorts a small laugh.
“Not the reaction I was expecting, but maybe that’s for the best,” he mutters and recomposes.
“What were you expecting?”
<<nobr>>
<<if $Derek_fight >= 3>>
“Well, for starters, for you to keep your uncooperative attitude,” he answers bluntly.
<br><br>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Look who’s talking.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.3.1][$Derek_fight++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Doesn’t look like you’re joking.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.3.2][$Derek_fri--]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas">
[[“I promised to listen.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.3.3][$Derek_fight--; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>
<<elseif $Derek_fight < 3 && $drank_vial == true>>
“Well, maybe you could take me for a crazy man and run away,” he says seriously. Then, a small side smile appears on his lips. “Or perhaps even panic and start trying to stab me with a stake.”
<br><br>
With surprise, you realize he’s //joking.//
<br><br>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sarcastic">
[[“Too bad I don’t see any stakes near.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.3.4][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1; $Derek_fri++; $cap1_D_broma_estaca = true;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sincere">
[[“I could still panic.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.3.5][$sincere_sarcastic += 1; $Derek_fri++; $cap1_D_broma_panico = true;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Let’s not get distracted.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.3.6]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>
<<else>>
“At this point? I don’t even know,” he sighs. “It’s better to always expect the worst.”
<br><br>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“There’s some truth in that.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.3.7][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-kind">
[[“I don’t think so.”|cap01.D.explicacion.1.3.8][$kind_distant += 1; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>“I’ll remind you, you’re just as uncooperative as me.”
“I will restrain myself from answering that for the sake of us keeping talking about important things,” he says fast, and his voice turns stern again.
You shake your head, annoyed, but stop yourself from making another comment.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.2]]>>“Well, you don’t look like you’re joking.”
“Good, because I am not.”
You nod at him and let him continue.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.2]]>>“I promised to give you a chance, so I’m listening.”
He nods at your words. “Thank you, it’s... refreshing. To hear that.”
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.2]]>>You let a grin appear on your face, and your voice turns playful. “You know, the thought did cross me. Too bad I don’t have any stakes near.”
“Good thing we threw them all away yesterday,” he deadpans, but you could swear there’s a small laugh at the start of his sentence.
You chuckle, and he clears his throat, returning to the previous conversation.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.2]]>>You chuckle. “I could still panic, but it depends on what vampires can do.”
“To you? Nothing harmful, that’s for sure.”
“Then, that’s a relief. I assure you I won’t start panicking anytime soon.”
He gives you a small smile but quickly clears his throat.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.2]]>>“Let’s not get distracted,” you answer him curtly.
He doesn’t say anything, only clears his throat and continues.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.2]]>>“Well, there’s some truth in that.”
He nods.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.2]]>>“Just because you don’t know the outcome doesn’t mean it is for the worst.”
He doesn’t say anything, his gaze lost far away as if he hadn’t heard you. But you know he did, and he’s thinking carefully in your words.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.2]]>>“You know, you don’t need to lie just because you don’t want to tell me the truth.”
<<if $drank_vial == false>>
“I believe we agreed to you giving me a chance to explain myself.”
“Fine,” you say begrudgingly.
He ignores your tone and keeps talking.
<<else>>
“I assure you, I’m not lying,” he responds, almost emotionless. “Give me a chance to speak first.”
You nod, and he keeps talking.
<</if>>
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.2]]>>“We are called vampires. Have you heard that term before?”
You shake your head.
“I don’t want to overwhelm you with information all at once, so I’ll cover the basics.” He turns his gaze back towards you. “We’re pretty similar to humans, with a few exceptions. The biggest one is our inability to walk in the sun.”
“You can’t walk in the sunlight?”
“Precisely. And it’s not only us. You too.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You look back at him, confused.|cap01.D.explicacion.3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“What do you mean by that?”|cap01.D.explicacion.2.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Are you saying that...”|cap01.D.explicacion.2.2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“And that means...?”
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.3]]>>“Are you saying what I think...?”
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.3]]>>“You are a vampire too. We had to turn you into one to save your life.”
His complete attention is with you again, eyes examining your face.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[You stare back at him, slowly taking in this new information.|cap01.D.explicacion.3.1][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "pensativo"; $naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[You give him a silent nod, accepting this new information.|cap01.D.explicacion.3.2][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "accepting"; $naive_cautious += 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[You shake your head, not believing him.|cap01.D.explicacion.3.3][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "incredulo"; $naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
<<if $cap1_D_broma_estaca == false and $cap1_D_broma_panico == false>>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“There goes my morning routine.”|cap01.D.explicacion.3.4][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "bromear"; $sincere_sarcastic -= 2]]
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $cap1_D_broma_estaca>>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“Forget about the stakes.”|cap01.D.explicacion.3.5][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "bromear"; $sincere_sarcastic -= 2]]
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $cap1_D_broma_panico>>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“I take back what I said before.”|cap01.D.explicacion.3.6][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "bromear"; $sincere_sarcastic += 2]]
</div>
<</if>>
</div>
<</nobr>>So, you’re a //vampire,// and from his words, it looks like you don’t have much time as one.
No matter what, it’s best to keep learning as much as possible about this new life.
Although it may be more challenging to learn about your previous life...
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.4]]>>He raises an eyebrow at you. “Do you believe me?”
“Yes,” you reply.
He looks like he wants to say something else but keeps quiet.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.4]]>>“That sounds—”
“Ridiculous, crazy, insane, //impossible,//” he retorts. “We can say all the adjectives you want, but it doesn’t change the truth. I have absolutely no reason to lie to you.”
As you don’t find a better argument, you remain silent for now.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.4]]>>“Looks like my plan to take morning strolls is dashed,” you say disappointedly.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.4]]>>“Now that I think of it, it’s a good thing there aren’t any stakes near.”
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.4]]>>“I take back what I said before. I can start panicking anytime now.”
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.4]]>>“I can understand it can be intimidating to learn that your whole existence has changed drastically,” he says.
//Even more so, considering you don’t remember anything from before.//
“But that is why we are here for. To help you in all of this.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-honest d-naive">
[[You believe him and trust his words. Maybe you could trust him with your memory loss, too?|cap01.D.explicacion.5][$honest_adaptable += 2; $naive_cautious += 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-adaptable d-naive">
[[You believe in his words, but it’s better to remain cautious for now.|cap01.D.explicacion.5][$honest_adaptable -= 2; $naive_cautious += 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-adaptable d-cautious">
[[You don’t trust him completely, but you’ll play along for now.|cap01.D.explicacion.5][$honest_adaptable -= 2; $naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-honest d-cautious">
[[You don’t trust him, so you’ll remain cautious.|cap01.D.explicacion.4.1][$honest_adaptable += 2; $naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>No. What little he has told you isn’t enough for you to trust him. He’s still holding back information, and you’re sure of it.
If he holds back information, you can do the same.
It’s for the best to remain quiet about your memory loss.
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.5]]>>“As I said before,” he starts speaking again, pulling you out of your thoughts, “I don’t want to overwhelm you with information all at once. We’ll go step by step.”
“Is there anything important that I should know?”
“The most pressing one is to stay away from the sunlight. Dawn is near, so you can’t leave the house.”
“Why can’t we stand in the sun? What does it do to us?”
“It burns.” He raises an eyebrow at you. “I hope, for your own good, that you don’t try to get burnt on purpose.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“It was just a question.”|cap01.D.explicacion.5.1][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Why would I do that?”|cap01.D.explicacion.5.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“Sure, right under the midday sun.”|cap01.D.explicacion.5.3][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“No, it was just a question.”
He nods, satisfied with your answer.
“If a bit of light touches you, it’ll just burn or sting at best. But it’ll be more painful if it comes into contact with your skin for longer periods.”
You nod at him. “Okay.”
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.6]]>>“Why would I do that if I knew it would hurt me?”
“You would not be the first one to do that. I’ve met all kinds of strange people in all my years.”
“You sound old when you say it like that.”
He can’t be that much older than you, right? He appears to be close to your age...
Oh, no. You don’t remember your own age, either.
“You have no idea,” he says with a small sigh.
What’s that supposed to mean?
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.6]]>>“Why not? I plan to stand right under the midday sun to confirm if what you say is true.”
<<if $Derek_fight >= 4>>
“I just told you it’s harmful for you,” he says, almost tiredly. “Why would you insist on getting yourself hurt?”
“It looks like you can’t even recognize a joke. Also, it’s my problem if I get burnt.”
“It’s my problem, too,” he replies immediately.
“I don’t think so.”
He doesn’t answer, only crosses his arms.
<<else>>
“I hope you’re not serious about that,” he says, skeptical.
“Just a joke. I’m curious but not eager to get burned,” you answer.
He simply nods.
<</if>>
<<include [[cap01.D.explicacion.6]]>>“Also, there are not that many vampires,” he explains. “Each of us belongs to one family, and there are five families in total.”
“Are there many members in each family?”
“As I just said, there are very few of us. Every family is composed of five vampires at most.”
He looks at you briefly from the corner of his eye.
“Well, our family has broken that rule with you.”
<!-- VA A LA EXPLICACIÓN DE LAS FAMILIAS -->
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Our family...?”|cap01.familias.1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Anyway, let’s change the subject,” he turns to face you again. “I want to know about you.”
Oh, no.
“Me?”
“Yes, there will be a lot of changes for you. I need to know what to expect.”
Well...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-naive d-honest">
[[Tell him you lost your memories.|cap01.D.recuerdos.1][$cap1_tellmaker_memoryloss = true; $naive_cautious += 3; $honest_adaptable += 3; $Derek_fri += 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious d-adaptable">
[[Try to change the subject.|cap01.D.recuerdos.2][$naive_cautious -= 3; $honest_adaptable -= 3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious d-honest">
[[You won’t tell him anything.|cap01.D.recuerdos.3][$naive_cautious -= 3; $honest_adaptable += 3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“The truth is... I don’t remember anything.”
He seems lost in thought for a moment.
“I thought so,” he says quietly. <<if $cap1_broma_recuerdos_perdidos>>“That joke you made about not having memories, and the confusion you have shown since we started talking<<else>>“Your confusion<</if>> was too great for you not to remember a single night of your life... In fact, you don’t remember anything of your life.”
“Yes,” you admit honestly.
“Thank you for telling me the truth.”
“It’s easier that way,” you shrug.
He doesn’t know what to answer.
<<include [[cap01.D.endroute]]>><<if $clumsy_graceful >= 50 >>“Um, I would like to know about us first... not us, as in //us//, I mean vampires. In general.”<<else>>“You know, first, I’d like to know a little bit more about us ‘vampires’ and what I’m getting myself into.”<</if>>
You try to return to the previous topic, but you only gain a suspicious look from him.
“Why are you so reluctant to talk about yourself?”
“I—”
“I understand that you don’t remember that night, but to refuse to talk about before that...”
“I don’t know what you’re getting at—”
“When you told me you don’t remember that night, I had my suspicions.” His eyes lock on yours. “Now, you’ve confirmed them. You have lost your memories. All of them. Is it not?”
“No—”
“Do not lie.”
You sigh, defeated. “Okay, you win,” you finally relent.
“I do not blame you for trying to hide it. You do not trust me enough, and that is understandable. However, I need to remind you that I am here to help you with this change, so to speak. Do try to keep that in mind for the future.”
Giving him a nod, he seems satisfied.
<<include [[cap01.D.endroute]]>><<if $Derek_fight >= 4>>“I won’t tell you anything.”
“Are you still being difficult?” An exasperated sigh escapes his lips.
“Not any less than you.”
“I can’t help you if you don’t let me.”
“I don’t—”
“Especially considering you have lost your memories.”
“What?”
“Did you seriously plan to hide something so important from me?” His voice rises just a little bit to project his annoyance. “I need to know something so important about you. How could...”
He falls silent and closes his eyes for a moment, recomposing himself.
<<else>>“I won’t tell you anything, not right now, at least.”
Just until you figure out a convincing story or something like that.
“You don’t remember anything, do you?” His calm tone and sharp answer caught you off guard.
“I—”
“Don’t lie.”
You sigh, defeated. “Okay, you win,” you finally relent.
“I do not blame you for trying to hide it. You do not trust me enough. It’s understandable. However, I need to remind you that I am here to help you with this... change, so to speak. Do try to keep that in mind for the future.”
Giving him a nod, he seems satisfied.
<</if>>
<<include [[cap01.D.endroute]]>>“Anyway, this changes things drastically for the better.”
Did he just sound... //relieved?//
<<include [[cap01.RC.1]]>>/*~~~~ FIN RUTA DEREK - BRINCA A RUTA COMUN PARA TERMINAR EL CAPÍTULO ~~~~*/“I would like to—”
The man is interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Come in,” he answers, and the door opens.
“Excuse me.”
A second man enters the room. His blond hair is tied back in a low ponytail, with two locks falling on both sides of his face.
You notice his clothes are similar to those of the first man: a dark red jacket, a black shirt, and black dress pants with silver branches embroidered on the fabric below his knees.
Your nose reacts again, taking in the newcomer’s scent. This man smells strongly of paint. In fact, the smell of paint is so strong that it almost disguises the strange smell you noticed on $delilah_woman and the brown-haired man.
Almost.
Like in the other two cases, the smell is similar but not the same. In fact, his scent is more like that of the other man than of $delilah_woman. Hers was warmer and sweeter, while the scent of these two is colder, stronger, and more powerful.
However, there is a stark contrast between these two men: the way those golden eyes of the blond man are looking at you. They are not stern, serious, or demanding like the pair of cold gray eyes that have been looking at you since they entered the room.
Those golden eyes are curious and calm, but most of all... kind.
“I’m glad to see you are awake.” Even his voice is softer than the brown-haired man’s. “How are you feeling?”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-kind d-graceful">
[[“I’m okay, thank you.”|cap01.M.2.1][$kind_distant += 1; $clumsy_graceful -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-honest">
[[“Confused.”|cap01.M.2.2][$honest_adaptable += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[“With no idea what’s happening.”|cap01.M.2.3][$naive_cautious -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“I’m feeling good, thank you for asking,” you answer him.
“It’s a relief to hear that.” His golden eyes light up with his gentle smile. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll help you in any way I can.”
<<include [[cap01.M.3]]>>“A bit confused, to be honest,” you answer him.
“It’s totally understandable. Take all the time you need to assimilate all this, and please don’t hesitate to ask for anything you may require. We’re here to help you.”
<<include [[cap01.M.3]]>>“I still don’t know what is happening,” you answer him.
“Don’t worry. I understand all of this can be very confusing and intimidating. But that’s what we are here for, to help you in any way we can.”
<<include [[cap01.M.3]]>>That’s a very noticeable change. This golden-haired man seems much more approachable and kind than his companion, who you just noticed has stood up from his seat. He gives the newcomer a nod towards the sofa.
“We were just beginning to talk. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> told me $she_he $doesnt_dont remember what happened that night.”
The blond man takes a seat beside you. “That’s unfortunate.” He turns his gaze towards you. “But if you don’t remember, it’s better not to force yourself. I’m sure those memories will come back eventually.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-honest">
[[“I hope you’re right.”|cap01.M.4.1][$honest_adaptable += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-adaptable">
[[“Yes, I’m sure of it.”|cap01.M.4.2][$honest_adaptable -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“I...really hope you’re right.”
Of course, you were talking about all your memories, not just those of your accident.
<<include [[cap01.M.5]]>>“Yes, I’m sure it will all come back.”
It certainly would be nice to remember all your past, not just the night of your accident.
<<include [[cap01.M.5]]>>His eyes search yours, and then he gives you a reassuring smile.
“Would you like me to tell you what we do know?”
You nod instantly. Finally, someone is willing to talk first rather than wanting you to do the talking.
“My name is Maximillian Moonlight.” He brings his right hand to his chest. “I’m the second-eldest son of this family. And I’m sure you already know, but I would like to repeat it anyway.” He nods towards the brown-haired man standing cross-armed on the other side of the table. “He is Derek Moonlight, my older brother.”
He pauses, likely expecting you to agree.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Remain silent.|cap01.M.6.1][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“No, I didn’t know.”|cap01.M.6.2][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“How polite of you to introduce yourself first.”|cap01.M.6.3][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself,” the brown-haired man, who you now know as Derek, confesses.
“Well, it’s a good thing I did it, then,” says Maximillian with a light chuckle.
<<include [[cap01.M.7]]>>“Actually, no, I didn’t know his name.”
“I’ll guess he went straight to the point,” Maximillian comments, glancing towards the brown-haired man.
“I just got here. We didn’t really get the chance to talk a lot,” the man you now know as Derek replies.
“Well, it’s a good thing I started with introductions, then,” Maximillian answers with a chuckle.
<<include [[cap01.M.7]]>>“You introduce yourself before asking questions. How very polite of you. You know, considering there are people who don’t do that.” You don’t bother to hide the sarcasm or even the pointed look you give to Derek.
“I didn’t get the chance,” he murmurs, glancing away.
“Well then, it’s a good thing I started with introductions,” Maximillian adds with a light chuckle.
<<include [[cap01.M.7]]>>“What I did tell you,” Derek adds while turning to look at you, “was that two of my brothers found you unconscious and brought you here. Maximillian was one of them.”
“Yes,” Maximillian confirms. “I was walking with our younger brother towards town. We found you gravely injured and carried you here to help you with your wounds.”
“He saved your life,” Derek remarks, pointing at Maximillian.
“I wouldn’t take all the credit. Jeremiah was the most vocal about saving you,” he deflects the comment with a modest smile.
“But in the end, Maximillian took all the responsibility upon himself,” Derek insists.
“Well, I...” Maximillian seems, for once, at a loss for words.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-kind d-graceful">
[[“You still helped me. I’m grateful.”|cap01.M.8.1][$kind_distant += 1; $Max_fri += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“What happened then?”|cap01.M.9][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Regardless of how it happened, you still helped me. Thank you.”
“Oh, of course. Ah, anyone would,” he stammers. His golden eyes opened wider.
“It’s strange to see you without words,” Derek interjects, and you could swear you saw him trying to hide a small smile.
“By the Moon, I must be making a terrible first impression,” Maximillian laments, a little too dramatic to be sincere.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sincere">
[[“I’ll forgive you if you tell me what happened next.”|cap01.M.8.1.1][$sincere_sarcastic += 1; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sarcastic">
[[“I’m getting a very impolite first impression of all this.”|cap01.M.8.1.2][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“You could tell me what happened next.”|cap01.M.8.1.3][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“I’ll consider letting this slide if you tell me what happened next.” You join in with a small smile.
“If that’s my atonement, I have no option but to obey,” Maximillian inclines his head towards you, letting a smile play on his thin lips. You even hear a chuckle coming, surprisingly, from Derek.
<<include [[cap01.M.9]]>>“Yes, I’m getting a very impolite first impression. The least you could do is tell me what happened next.” You join in, allowing a smile to appear on your face.
“Of course, it’s the very least I can do to correct my rude behavior.” Maximillian inclines his head towards you, letting a smile play on his thin lips. You even hear a chuckle coming, surprisingly, from Derek.
<<include [[cap01.M.9]]>>“You could just tell me what happened next.” You don’t join in on their jokes; you are more interested in what happened to you.
<<include [[cap01.M.9]]>>“Anyway,” Max continues, returning to his kind smile. “Once here, we treated your wounds, and you were unconscious for three days.”
“Three days,” you murmur, taking in that new information. “I must have been really wounded.”
“Exactly. It took a special treatment for us to save you.”
“Special? As in rare or unusual?”
“Well... you could say both of them,” Maximillian responds, looking at Derek.
“We are not humans. We are vampires,” Derek deadpans.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“What does that mean?”|cap01.M.9.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Is that a bad thing?”|cap01.M.9.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Okay.”|cap01.M.9.3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“What does that mean?”
<<include [[cap01.M.10]]>>“Is that a bad thing?”
<<include [[cap01.M.10]]>>“Okay...”
<<include [[cap01.M.10]]>>“Have you heard something about vampires?” Maximillian asks you.
“No,” you answer.
“Well, we’re basically humans... with a few drawbacks.”
“And some enhancements,” Derek adds.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Drawbacks?”|cap01.M.10.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“What kind of enhancements?”|cap01.M.10.2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Drawbacks, you say?”
<<include [[cap01.M.11]]>>“Enhancements? What kind of enhancements?”
<<include [[cap01.M.11]]>>“We’ll talk about that later.” Maximillian gives you an apologetic smile. “I don’t want to overwhelm you with information.”
“Just know to stay away from the sun.” Derek stares at you seriously. “Whatever you do, do not go out in the sun.”
“What? Why do you mention the sun so suddenly?” you ask, looking at both men.
“The thing is, that special treatment we talked about earlier,” Maximillian says, doubting for a second. “Well, we had to turn you into a vampire as well. It was the only way for us to save you.”
“That is why you must stay away from the sun,” Derek continues. “Vampires cannot touch the sunlight without burning themselves.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“So you’re not humans?”|cap01.M.11.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[You stare back at them, slowly taking in this new information.|cap01.M.11.2][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "pensativo"; $naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-naive">
[[You give them a silent nod, accepting this new information.|cap01.M.11.3][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "accepting"; $naive_cautious += 2; $Max_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-menos d-cautious">
[[You shake your head, not believing them.|cap01.M.11.4][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "incredulo"; $naive_cautious -= 2; $Max_fri--]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sarcastic">
[[“There goes my morning routine.”|cap01.M.11.5][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "bromear"; $sincere_sarcastic -= 2; $Max_fri++; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“So... you’re saying you’re not humans?”
“Yes,” Max confirms.
“And you’re saying I’m not human either,” you continue.
“Correct,” Derek says.
They don’t elaborate further.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[You stare back at them, slowly taking in this new information.|cap01.M.11.2][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "pensativo"; $naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-naive">
[[You give them a silent nod, accepting this new information.|cap01.M.11.3][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "accepting"; $naive_cautious += 2; $Max_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-menos d-cautious">
[[You shake your head, not believing them.|cap01.M.11.4][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "incredulo"; $naive_cautious -= 2; $Max_fri--]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sarcastic">
[[“There goes my morning routine.”|cap01.M.11.5][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "bromear"; $sincere_sarcastic -= 2; $Max_fri++; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>So, you’re a //vampire,// and from their words, it looks like you don’t have much time as one.
No matter what, it’s best to keep learning as much as possible about this new life.
Although it may be more challenging to learn about your previous life...
<<include [[cap01.M.12]]>>“I’m glad you take us seriously,” Derek exclaims after giving you a glance.
“Or $she_he think$s_0 we’re crazy and $has_have decided to go with the flow for now,” Maximillian comments with a crooked smile, almost resembling a smirk.
“No, I don’t—”
“I know,” he interrupts you, and you notice a slight change in his expression. While his smile has returned to genuine and kind, his golden eyes aren’t as warm as before.
<<include [[cap01.M.12]]>>“That sounds—”
“Ridiculous, crazy, insane, //impossible,//” Derek retorts.
“Believe me, I know how this sounds,” Maximillian interjects. All we can ask of you is that you listen to us. We have no reason nor interest in deceiving you at this point.”
He looks at you, then at Derek, and settles his gaze on you again. The golden eyes staring back at you seem almost... pained.
“You’re one of the family now. Why would we lie to our family?”
You look to the side when hearing his words, unable to hold his gaze.
<<include [[cap01.M.12]]>>“Looks like my plan to take morning strolls is dashed,” you say disappointedly.
Derek shoots you an exasperated glance, and if he plans to say anything, he gets interrupted by Maximillian’s chuckle.
“I have the feeling you’re going to get along so well with Alex.”
“Hate to admit that you might be right,” Derek adds, rolling his eyes.
“I assume he is your brother?” you ask.
“Precisely,” Maximillian nods.
“Don’t listen to anything he says,” Derek warns. “He’ll probably just waste your time.”
“Alex likes to joke and laze around,” Maximillian says. Then, he leans closer to you and whispers conspiratorially. “You can probably guess why he and Derek don’t always see eye to eye.”
You turn your head to look at Derek and then turn again to whisper to Maximillian, “Yeah, I think it’s pretty obvious.”
He nods, all serious. “So, when you hear any of them comment negatively on the other, don’t take it too seriously. That’s the way they express love for each other.”
“Max,” Derek admonishes his brother, but it’s obvious he isn’t as serious as his frown might let you think.
Maximillian straightens in his seat with an air of innocence. Looking back at you, he shoots you a wink.
<<include [[cap01.M.12]]>>“Another thing you should know,” Derek says, turning his head to look at you. “We aren’t the only vampires around.”
“We are not many,” Maximillian continues, “but we all know each other. And we are divided into different families.”
“Our family is Moonlight, as in our last name,” Derek explains, raising his hand and extending all five fingers. “There are five vampire families.”
“All five families have a leader, a family head. Each one is also conformed by five members at most.”
“Well,” Derek adds as he crosses his arms again, “Our family has just broken that rule with you.”
Maximillian gives you a small smile.
<!-- VA A LA EXPLICACIÓN DE LAS FAMILIAS -->
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“We are the Moonlights, right?”|cap01.familias.1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“There’s one thing you need to do,” Derek speaks as his eyes land on his brother.
“Right,” you hear him whisper as he reaches for the inside of his jacket. “Right...”
He takes out a small vial filled with a dark red liquid, turns to you, and hands it for you to take.
<<if $cap1_reaccion_vampiro is "pensativo">>
“I understand you’re being cautious. You don’t know us.” Maximillian looks straight into your eyes. “But I’m afraid I must ask you to do something for me...”
<<elseif $cap1_reaccion_vampiro is "accepting">>
“Now,” Maximillian says almost in a whisper. “Seeing as you accepted so graciously that you’re a vampire like us, I hope you keep an open mind for something else...”
<<elseif $cap1_reaccion_vampiro is "incredulo">>
“As I have said, you are now part of our family.” Maximillian looks straight into your eyes. “I know you don’t trust us, but I’m afraid I must ask you to do two things for me. The first one is for you to remember we helped you recover, we helped you when you were most vulnerable, and that we really mean no harm to you. As for the second one...”
<<else>>
“Jokes aside.” Maximillian looks straight into your eyes, all traces of his playful demeanor gone. “I’m afraid I must ask you to do something for me...”
<</if>>
He raises his hand, ensuring you see the vial in his hand.
“I must ask you to drink this,” he declares.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[“What is that?”|cap01.M.13.1.1][$naive_cautious -= 1; $tomar_frasco = false]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[“Why do I have to drink this?”|cap01.M.13.1.2][$naive_cautious -= 1; $tomar_frasco = false]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-cautious d-sarcastic">
[[“My parents taught me better.”|cap01.M.13.2][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1; $naive_cautious -= 1; $Max_fri++; $tomar_frasco = false]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[Take the vial.|cap01.M.13.3][$naive_cautious += 1; $tomar_frasco = true]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“What is that?”
<<include [[cap01.M.13.1]]>>“Why do I have to drink this?”
<<include [[cap01.M.13.1]]>>“It’s something that we, as vampires, need to survive,” Maximillian explains carefully.
“Don’t you have a more specific name?”
“I do. But I’ll say it after you drink it.”
“That doesn’t seem fair.”
He doesn’t answer that. Limiting himself to look at the vial in his hand and to your eyes again.
<<include [[cap01.familias.14]]>>“I’m sorry, but my parents taught me it’s bad to accept drinks from strangers.”
That’s not entirely a lie, isn’t it? Sure, you don’t remember your parents, but all parents say that to their children, right?
“Even if those strangers have done nothing but help you and keep you alive since the very beginning?” Maximillian raises an eyebrow questioningly.
“Especially from strangers who claim to help me,” you retort.
“But on a scale of suspicious strangers, those aren’t so bad, no?”
“I think they are. They are just below the type of strangers who don’t say anything, poison your cup of wine, and wait patiently until you drink it.”
“How imaginative of you. You could almost be talking from experience. Alas, if I wanted to poison someone, it wouldn’t be like that. I wouldn’t have that type of patience.”
“It looks like it, as you’re directly giving it to me and asking me to drink it. That’s rather bold of you, Mr. Stranger.”
Maximillian remains silent but can’t entirely hide the slight smirk tugging on his lips.
<<include [[cap01.familias.14]]>>You take the vial slowly from his hand, looking at it carefully from all sides.
It’s small, barely larger than your hand, and filled to the brim with a mysterious, viscous dark red liquid.
And this close, you also notice the smell. It’s the same one you smelled with $delilah_woman and Derek, similar, but not quite. Wait...
You look back up again at Maximillian, who’s looking at you with a carefully neutral expression.
<<include [[cap01.familias.14]]>>“You can count on us explaining things after you drink the vial’s content,” Derek speaks suddenly.
Of course, he’d also be on Maximillian’s side.
The real question is whether you trust them enough to do as they say...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[Drink it.|cap01.M.drank.1][$naive_cautious += 3; $drank_vial = true; $makers_blood[0] = 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[Don’t drink it.|cap01.M.nodrank.1][$naive_cautious -= 3; $drank_vial = false; $makers_blood[0] = 0; $Derek_fight++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious d-bold">
[[Hell no.|cap01.M.hellnodrank.1][$naive_cautious -= 3; $bold_shy += 1; $drank_vial = false; $makers_blood[0] = 0; $Derek_fight += 2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<if $tomar_frasco>>After looking at the strange liquid again, you slowly open the vial and down it in one gulp.<<else>>Slowly, you take the vial from the man’s hand and while looking at the strange liquid inside, you down it in one gulp.<</if>>
The crimson liquid is cold. It leaves a metallic aftertaste on your tongue and a strange bittersweet taste. Its smell is also peculiar, strong, metallic, fresh, and sweet all at the same time, with a distinctive note of him. Not the part of the paint. But //him.//
How can you tell? Not even you know.
Even so... it doesn’t taste bad. It also quenches a thirst you hadn’t noticed you had.
Once empty, you leave the vial on the table and attempt to ignore the stares both men have given you since you opened it.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“There. Happy now?”|cap01.M.drank.1.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“I’ve done my part.”|cap01.M.drank.1.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“You’re staring at me too much.”|cap01.M.drank.1.3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Are you happy now?”
“I’m happy you decided to trust us,” Maximillian answers. “And now, we just have one more question.”
“Are you not thirsty any longer?” Derek suddenly asks.
<<include [[cap01.M.drank.2]]>>“I’ve done my part. Now, can one of you explain what did I just drink?”
“In a moment,” Maximillian answers. “Now, we just have one more question.”
“Another one?”
“The last one,” Derek replies. “Are you not thirsty any longer?”
<<include [[cap01.M.drank.2]]>><<if $bold_shy >= 50>>“Don’t stare at me like that.”<<else>>“Um, could you not stare at me like that?”<</if>>
“We are sorry for our rudeness,” Maximillian answers, but neither his eyes nor Derek’s leave your face. “Let’s say we’re just making sure of something.”
“About what?”
“Whether you’re still thirsty or not,” Derek replies.
<<include [[cap01.M.drank.2]]>>“How did you know?” you can’t help asking.
“Let’s call it a lucky guess,” Maximillian smiles.
“Yes, I’m not thirsty any longer.”
Both men seem relieved with your answer.
“Now, you have to tell us about you,” Derek announces.
“I don’t really think—”
“Do not try to avoid it. It is natural for us to want to know about you,” he insists.
“Well—”
“At least tell us your name,” Maximillian intervenes. “That’s an easy one, right? Just tell us your name.”
<<include [[cap01.M.nombre]]>><<if $tomar_frasco>>You shake your head, putting the vial on the table. “No, I can’t just drink it without knowing what it is.”<<else>>You shake your head. “No, I can’t just drink it without knowing what it is.”<</if>>
“I’m really sorry, but I must insist,” Maximillian says, giving you an apologetic smile.
“Whatever your motive, I think asking me to drink an unknown liquid that’s been handed to me by a pair of total strangers is a little too much.”
“By strangers that have done nothing but help since the start, I might add,” Derek says guardedly.
“I won’t deny that you’ve shared things about yourselves. But we must admit that it is not enough,” you argue.
<<include [[cap01.M.pelea]]>><<if $tomar_frasco>>You shake your head and put the vial on the table. “No, no. Don’t think that charming smile of yours will not be enough to convince me to drink that.”<<else>>You shake your head and push his hand back. “No, no. Don’t think that charming smile of yours will not be enough to convince me to drink that.”<</if>>
“Even after all we have done to help you, you still refuse to trust us?” Derek interjects before Max can say anything.
“As I only have your word as evidence, you could say so.”
<<include [[cap01.M.pelea]]>>“We talked first. We shared information about us. Unlike you, who has decided so conveniently to remain silent about yourself all night. Don’t you think we are the ones at a disadvantage here?”
“Do you consider that a disadvantage?” <<if $bold_shy >= 50>>You protest.<<else>>You manage to find your voice.<</if>> “Why not try waking up surrounded by strangers who claim to not be humans and order you to drink some suspicious thing?”
“Well, let us be even, then,” Derek’s eyes turn even more serious as he looks directly into your eyes. “Tell me your name.”
“What?” you ask, taken aback.
“Can’t even tell us your name?” he insists.
<<include [[cap01.M.nombre]]>><<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-honest d-clumsy">
[[“W—Well...”|cap01.M.nombre.1][$honest_adaptable += 1; $clumsy_graceful += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-adaptable d-graceful">
[[“My name is...”|cap01.M.nombre.2][$honest_adaptable -= 1; $clumsy_graceful -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“This is not the time for that.”|cap01.M.nombre.3][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“W—Well, I—”
<<include [[cap01.M.norecuerdos.1]]>>“Of course.” You try to muster all your confidence into your words. “My name is...”
“Don’t lie,” Derek cuts you abruptly.
“How dare—”
<<include [[cap01.M.norecuerdos.1]]>>“This is not the time for that.”
“Why?” he questions you again.
<<include [[cap01.M.norecuerdos.1]]>>“You don’t know,” Maximillian says suddenly.
You turn your surprised eyes at him.
His face is carefully neutral, and his eyes explore every inch of yours. “You don’t know your name,” he repeats.
“No name. No memories<<if $cap1_broma_recuerdos_perdidos>>. You even joked about it,<<else>>,<</if>>” Derek adds, agreeing with Max’s guess. “How long did you think you could hide that from us?”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“Ideally, for as long as I could.”|cap01.M.norecuerdos.1.1][$kind_distant -= 1; $Derek_fight++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-menos d-adaptable d-bold">
[[“It is none of your business.”|cap01.M.norecuerdos.1.2][$Max_fri--; $honest_adaptable -= 1; $bold_shy += 2; $Derek_fight += 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-honest d-sincere">
[[“I just wanted to be sure...”|cap01.M.norecuerdos.1.3][$Max_fri++; $honest_adaptable += 1; $sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Well, the plan was for you to never find out, ideally,” you answer them.
“Did you really think you could hide something like that from... us?” Max asks.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-menos d-adaptable d-bold">
[[“It is none of your business.”|cap01.M.norecuerdos.1.2][$Max_fri--; $honest_adaptable -= 1; $bold_shy += 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-honest d-sincere">
[[“I just wanted to be sure...”|cap01.M.norecuerdos.1.3][$Max_fri++; $honest_adaptable += 1; $sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Honestly, it is none of your business,” you tell them bluntly. “This was and still is my problem, you—”
<<if $gender is "female">>
“Sorry for interrupting,” Maximillian declares, “But that’s where you’re wrong.”
He lowers his voice, and even though he leans just the slightest bit closer to you, it feels like his golden locks could graze your face at any moment.
“Unfortunately, everything that happens to you now is also my business. Every problem of yours is my burden now.”
<<if $eyes_color is "gold">>
His eyes lose all warmth as he holds your golden gaze with his own, yet he still maintains his smile.
<<else>>
His eyes hold your gaze unwavering, yet he still maintains his smile.
<</if>>
“So, my dear, it would be wise to tell me everything that may be a nuisance... to you. Remember that I am here to help you in any way I can.”
<<else>>
“Pardon my rudeness by interrupting you,” Maximillian interjects, “I just feel the need to make something very clear.”
He leans a little bit closer to you, and his voice lowers.
“I am here to help you. Every problem of yours is my problem, too. My role here is to help you in everything.”
<</if>>
<<include [[cap01.M.norecuerdos.2]]>>“I just wanted to be really sure,” you tell them honestly.
“About?” Max asks softly.
“That it was okay to trust you.”
<<if $gender is "female">> <<if $eyes_color is "gold">>
His eyes have been on your face for some time, but it wasn’t until he heard your words that he dared look into your eyes. His golden eyes met your own golden ones, and for a moment, he seemed so far away.
However, in the next instant, the warmth was gone, replaced by the coldest gold imaginable. Maximillian’s smile, once warm, turned fake in an instant, and he abruptly turned his head to the side.
<<else>>
His eyes search your own for a moment before looking away from you.
<</if>>
“I hope we soon can be worthy of your trust.”
<<else>>
“I’m sorry I wasn’t deemed worthy of your trust,” Maximillian gives you a small smile. “I can only hope that in the future you consider me someone reliable and confide your problems in me.”
<</if>>
“I didn’t mean—”
“I know,” he cuts you short and sighs. “I just want to make sure you understand my position here. I am here to help you.”
<<include [[cap01.M.norecuerdos.2]]>>“Why?”
“Pardon me?” Maximillian exclaims.
“Why so keen on helping me? Why the insistence on helping a stranger?”
<<if $Derek_fight >= 4>>
“Why does it matter?” Derek blurts out. And if it weren’t for his annoyed tone, his eyes would undoubtedly give you an idea of his rising anger. “Even though he saved you, even though he gave you his help and shared his home with you when you needed it most, you still have the gall to question him?”
“Derek—”
“Why, do you ask?” you interrupt Maximillian. “Isn’t it obvious? I don’t know you.”
“We saved you.”
“Still strangers.”
“I really don’t understand your obsession with that,” Derek sighs loudly. “Now that I think about it, you do not know anyone. It is evident that your lack of memories really improves your situation.”
<<else>>
“Because you’re one of the family now,” Derek interjects.
“Kind of difficult to believe that,” you mutter back.
“It is what it is,” he simply says. “And anyway, this changes things drastically for the better.”
Did he just sound... //relieved?//
<</if>>
<<include [[cap01.RC.1]]>>/*~~~~ FIN RUTA MAX - BRINCA A RUTA COMUN PARA TERMINAR EL CAPÍTULO ~~~~*/“Before anything else, I would like to—”
The man stops speaking as the door suddenly opens.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap01.A.2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“What do you want to talk about with the $girl_boy without me present?” says a deeper voice from the newcomer. He closes the door behind him and strides confidently inside towards the sofa.
His lips rest above a strong, square jaw. The dark gray color of his eyes stands out on his tanned skin. But that’s not the most remarkable feature this man possesses. No, it’s that very tall and muscled frame of his that gives him an intimidating aura.
You also note that his colors match the other man’s. He’s wearing a black shirt with little silver details along the sleeves and dark red pants. Even his hair is a deep red, with the upper half tied in a ponytail and the rest falling like a waterfall just past his shoulders.
He stops walking before you and gives the brown-haired man a lazy grin.
“It wounds me, dear brother, that had I not encountered Delilah, I wouldn’t be here,” he says, more mocking than anything else. “Why did you not call for me?”
“You would have come anyway, and I needed to talk to $her_him,” the brown-haired man answers plainly.
“Yeah, //without me//,” the newcomer insists, rolling his eyes. “Now, you’re in my place.”
“Alexandre, do I need to remind you I am the older one?”
“And I’m the maker. Now scoot over.” The red-haired man moves between you both and sits down. He doesn’t squish or even touch you, clearly being careful not to invade your personal space. However, he isn’t as considerate with the other man, leaning all his weight on him.
“You big oaf!” he shouts indignantly and squirms to escape beneath the bigger man. When he finally stands up from the couch, he adjusts his suit and hair, giving his companion an indignant glare.
“That’s better,” he exclaims triumphantly while getting comfortable on the corner of the couch, throwing his arms on the backrest. He gives the other man a smug look. “Come on, complain that I’m heavy. I dare ya.”
“I cannot believe your inability to behave in front of...” The brown-haired man trails off, glancing at you.
“We’re a family. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst() >> might as well get used to us.”
His eyes land on you for the first time.
“Well, first thing first, Sunshine. My name’s Alexandre. Don’t mind if you just call me Alex. Alexandre is too long and formal, anyway.”
“About the only thing decent about you,” grumbles the other man.
“Yup, thank my //Mamá//. She had to give me a dull name like yours,” Alexandre responds sarcastically. Then, he turns his attention back to you. “So, Alex will do. What’s your name?”
Oh no.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sarcastic d-graceful">
[[“I like Sunshine.”|cap01.A.3.1][$Alex_fri++; $sincere_sarcastic -= 1; $clumsy_graceful -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere d-clumsy">
[[“Um, not yet.”|cap01.A.3.2][$sincere_sarcastic += 1; $clumsy_graceful += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“You know what? I like Sunshine, so let’s keep it for now.”
“Sunshine it is, then,” he says with a smile.
<<include cap01.A.4>>“Um, I—I’d rather not share my name. Not yet, anyway.”
Alex shrugs. “Suit yourself. Then, Sunshine it is for now.”
<<include cap01.A.4>>“Really?” The other man asks.
“What? I’m not here to interrogate $her_him. I’m sure $she_he $has_have had enough with you.”
“I only asked—”
“No, you didn’t,” Alex interrupts and turns to you. “Tell me, Sunshine. What was the first thing this man did when he entered the room? I bet he demanded you to explain yourself to him.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“Basically.”|cap01.A.5.1][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“He asked what I was doing so late at night.”|cap01.A.5.2][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“He scolded me for getting hurt.”|cap01.A.5.3][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“He entered through that door and said, ‘You owe us an explanation,’ without even introducing himself first.”
“Didn’t even tell you his name?” Alex asks with incredulity while shaking his head. “And I’m the rude one.”
<<include cap01.A.6>>“He said his brothers found me past midnight while unconscious. Then, he asked what I was doing outside at that hour and why I was hurt.”
“Of course,” Alex rolls his eyes. “And I’m sure he didn’t bother to share anything first.”
“I don’t even know his name,” you say honestly.
“//Ni lo más básico//,” Alex mutters under his breath with incredulity.
<<include cap01.A.6>>“The first thing he did was scold me for being home late and getting hurt. Because, you know, it seems I like getting hurt on purpose.”
“Of course he did,” Alex rolled his eyes. “Because that’s the first thing a person wants to hear upon awakening.”
“Obviously, I enjoy being scolded first thing once I wake. Don’t you? Especially by mysterious men whose names I don’t even know.”
Alex sighs loudly. “Because it wasn’t creepy enough.”
<<include cap01.A.6>>“I don’t see what’s wrong,” the other man defensively says.
“One, it’s common sense. Two, you can’t seriously expect cooperation with an attitude like that.”
“It’s information we need. Might as well tell us right away.”
“Sorry you had to bear with this idiot all alone,” Alex says with an exaggerated sigh. “Hope he hasn’t bothered you too much.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-kind">
[[“Not at all.”|cap01.A.7.1][$kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“Only a little bit.”|cap01.A.7.2][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“The window was starting to look tempting.”|cap01.A.7.3][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Not really,” you answer. “I understand you have as many questions as me.”
“See? <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> understand$s_0 better than you,” the brown-haired man says.
“Sweetie, don’t,” Alex shakes his head. “You don’t have to tolerate his insufferable self when he’s being a jerk.”
“Shut up.”
<<include cap01.A.8>>“I was starting to get tired of not getting anywhere.”
He nods. “Ya. I understand.”
The other man doesn’t answer and just crosses his arms.
<<include cap01.A.8>>“Honestly? I was starting to think about throwing myself out the window.”
He nods exaggeratedly. “And I don’t blame you at all. He tends to have that effect on people. Good thing I arrived on time.”
“For all the...” The other man mutters.
<<include cap01.A.8>>“His name is Derek, by the way. ‘Cause it looks like the fool doesn’t even know how to do introductions,” says Alex.
“I can do it just fine,” the other man, Derek, replies. “I just didn’t have the opportunity.”
“Sure, because just saying your name at the start of a conversation with a stranger is absurd,” Alex exclaims sarcastically.
“My name is Derek Moonlight,” he declares and faces you. “I’m the eldest son of this family. So any problem you have concerns me. I hope you understand my past urgency in getting to the point of your situation.”
“Good boy,” Alex taunts, his tone smug. “That sounded decent enough, and you did it all alone. I feel so proud.”
“Just shut up,” Derek scowls. “There are more pressing matters to discuss.”
“Hate to admit it, but you’re right.” Alex turns back to you. “Sunshine, there are some things we need to talk about.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap01.A.9]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Like what?” you ask him.
“Well, for starters, how you got here. Two of my brothers were going to town when they found you very injured and unconscious. They carried you here so we could help you,” Alex explains.
“What I said earlier,” Derek comments.
“That so? Might as well get straight to the point.” Alex looks straight into your eyes. “Well, Sunshine, we did help. That you’re still breathing is proof enough of that. But, we had to turn—”
“Don’t just—” Derek tries to interrupt him.
“—you into a vampire.” Alex ignores Derek. “Just like us. You know, those night-stalking and bloodthirsty monsters? Well, welcome to the family.”
A silence falls into the room after his words.
“Why would you say it like that?” Derek reprimands Alex with a stern glare.
“Don’t like beating around the bush.” Alex shrugs indifferently. “And we’re gonna tell $her_him anyway.”
“But not like that! Have you ever heard about subtlety before?”
“Subtlety, really? That’s rich coming from you.”
“Wait,” you intervene before they can keep bickering, and both men turn to you. “So, it’s true? You’re not humans?”
“Yes,” Derek affirms.
“And you neither,” Alex adds.
“So, what means that?” you ask again.
“Well, your di—”
“The most important thing you must know is to stay away from the sun,” Derek cuts off Alex.
“The sun?”
“Yeah, that too,” Alex says. “You see, the sun is an annoying idiot who doesn’t like us that much. It will burn you whenever your skin is exposed to sunlight.”
“So don’t ever try to go out during the day,” Derek speaks again.
“Or at least let us know if you’re feeling like trying so we can go and get the broom.” Alex smiles lazily, and a moment later, a pillow is thrown on his face. He doesn’t even flinch and just lets the pillow fall on his lap. “Ya, I deserved that.”
“Imbecile.” Derek sighs heavily and closes his eyes.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[You stare back at them, slowly taking in this new information.|cap01.A.10.1][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "pensativo"; $naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[You give them a silent nod, accepting this new information.|cap01.A.10.2][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "accepting"; $naive_cautious += 2;]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[You shake your head, not believing them.|cap01.A.10.3][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "incredulo"; $naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sarcastic">
[[“There goes my morning routine.”|cap01.A.10.4][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "bromear"; $sincere_sarcastic -= 2; $Alex_fri++; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>So, you’re a //vampire.// And a new one at that.
No matter what, it’s best to keep learning as much as possible about this new life.
Although it may be more challenging to learn about your previous life...
<<include cap01.A.11>>“I’m glad you take us seriously,” Derek exclaims after giving you a glance.
“Or $she_he think$s_0 we’re some lunatics and is abiding $her_his time to escape,” Alex says with an eyebrow raised.
“No, I don’t—”
“I know, Sunshine,” Alex replies with a sigh. “Which worries me. Looks like I’ll have to keep an eye on you at all times.”
<<include cap01.A.11>>“That sounds—”
“Ridiculous, crazy, insane, //impossible,//” Derek retorts.
“I get how it sounds,” says Alex. “But really, we have no reason to lie to you. You know how injured you were before passing out. Look at you now. You’re brand new after how badly your body was. No bruises, no scars, no pain, am I right? Surely, you must know that’s not normal.”
That’d make sense if you knew how injured you were before. Which you don’t.
“So hear us out,” Alex insists.
You give him a nod.
<<include cap01.A.11>>“Looks like my plan to take morning strolls is dashed,” you say disappointedly.
“Don’t worry, Sunshine,” Alex says with a grin. “I’ll get you a parasol.”
“How kind of you,” you reply. “Wait. Will that even work?”
“Honestly? I don’t know. Only one way to find out.”
“So, can I get one last morning stroll?”
“More if it works, darling.”
“Please tell me you’re not talking seriously,” Derek complains.
“Me? I would never,” Alex answers innocently.
“I was talking to $her_him,” Derek nods your way.
“Going outside when the sun is high, knowing it can harm me?” you ask him sarcastically. “Why not? Sounds like a wonderful plan.”
Alex laughs while Derek shakes his head.
<<include cap01.A.11>>“You should also know,” Derek explains, “We are not the only vampires around here.”
Alex nods. “There are other vampires in town, but don’t worry. We all get along so well and are best friends.”
“We are not many,” Derek says, “But we’re all here. Five families. Each family has a leader and has four members at most.”
“Except us now, thanks to you, Sunshine.”
<!-- VA A LA EXPLICACIÓN DE LAS FAMILIAS -->
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Us?”|cap01.familias.1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Well, that covers all the families,” Alex says.
Derek sends him a pointed look, and Alex sighs after holding glances for a moment.
“//Sí, sí, lo haré//,” he mutters, taking out a small vial filled with dark red liquid from his pocket. “Sunshine, I gotta ask you to do something for me.” He takes your wrist and places the vial on your hand. “Drink this.”
You carefully turn the vial in your hand, looking at it from all sides.
It’s small, barely larger than your hand, and filled to the brim with a mysterious dark red liquid.
Your nose reacts again, taking in the particular smell of the vial. It’s the same one you smelled with Delilah and Derek. It’s similar but not quite the same. In fact, the smell is more like that of Derek than Delilah. Hers was warmer and sweeter, while this one is colder, stronger, and more powerful.
Wait...
Turning to Alex, you notice his scent. Similar to Derek’s but... No.
The vial. //It smells just like him.//
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[“What is that?”|cap01.A.12.1.1][$naive_cautious -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[“Why do I have to drink this?”|cap01.A.12.1.2][$naive_cautious -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-cautious d-sarcastic">
[[“My parents taught me better.”|cap01.A.12.2][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1; $naive_cautious -= 1; $Alex_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[“Okay.” (DRINK THE VIAL)|cap01.A.12.3][$naive_cautious += 3; $cap01_A_drankvial_okay = true]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“What is this?”
<<include cap01.A.12.1>>“Why do I have to drink this?”
<<include cap01.A.12.1>>“It’s—”
“Something that you, as a vampire, need from now on,” Derek interrupts Alex.
“Can’t be more specific?” you ask him.
“After you drink it.”
“That doesn’t seem fair.”
“//No lo es//,” Alex grumbles.
<<include cap01.A.13>>“I’m sorry, but my parents taught me it’s bad to accept drinks from strangers.”
That’s not entirely a lie, isn’t it? Sure, you don’t remember your parents, but all parents say that to their children, right?
“Good. I’d be worried otherwise,” Alex says with a chuckle. “And I know it looks strange. I really do. But the only thing I can do is promise it’s for your own good.”
<<include cap01.A.13>>“Okay,” you say and open the vial.
“Wait!” Alex places his hand on the vial, stopping you from drinking. “I know I just told you. But I don’t know. Ask something. Show some caution. I don’t know!”
“What do you mean?”
“Alexandre, just let $her_him drink that,” Derek scolds him.
“It’s just—” he continues and takes his hand back. “<<print $girl_boy.toUpperFirst()>>, you gotta have at least a little bit of a survival instinct. Don’t just accept drinks from strangers. I mean, this one’s fine, but still...”
“<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> $has_have to,” Derek insists.
Alex sighs. “At least I hope you are so cooperative because you trust us and not just because you were told to do it.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sincere">
[[“I trust you.”|cap01.A.12.2.1][$sincere_sarcastic += 1; $Derek_fri++; $Alex_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-clumsy">
[[“Uh, yeah?”|cap01.A.12.2.2][$clumsy_graceful += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“I do trust you,” you tell them sincerely.
“I’m glad you do,” Derek says solemnly.
“Sweetie,” Alex starts and shakes his head. “//No sé qué haré contigo...//”
“What... does that mean?” you ask him, confused.
“He says he is grateful for your trust,” Derek answers for him and shoots him a pointed look.
“Yeah, whatever,” Alex answers with a shrug.
<<set $makers_blood[0] = 1>><<set $drank_vial = true>>
<<include cap01.A.drink>>“Uh... yeah?” you answer.
“No, Sunshine,” Alex says with a severe tone. “Don’t just follow whatever some strangers tell you.”
“Besides us,” Derek adds.
“//No estás ayudando. Se lo digo por su bien,//” Alex turns to Derek and says irritably.
“//Para eso estás tú. Ahora cállate y deja que se lo beba,//” Derek answers calmly.
Alex grumbles incoherently and crosses his arms.
“What did you just say?” you ask them, confused.
“He apologized for interrupting you and will let you continue,” Derek answers, while Alex remains silent.
Your eyes land on Alex. He doesn’t look that apologetic...
“Just drink it, Sunshine,” Alex says after feeling your gaze on him. He turns back to you and relaxes. “I’ll worry later.”
<<set $makers_blood[0] = 1>><<set $drank_vial = true>>
<<include cap01.A.drink>>With nothing more than that promise, will you still drink the vial’s content?
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[Drink it.|cap01.A.drink][$naive_cautious += 3; $drank_vial = true; $makers_blood[0] = 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[Don’t drink it.|cap01.A.nodrink][$naive_cautious -= 3; $drank_vial = false; $makers_blood[0] = 0; $Derek_fight++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious d-bold">
[[Hell no.|cap01.A.hellnodrink][$naive_cautious -= 3; $bold_shy += 1; $drank_vial = false; $makers_blood[0] = 0; $Derek_fight+= 2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>After looking at the vial for one last time, you down it in one gulp.
The crimson liquid is cold. It leaves a metallic aftertaste on your tongue and a strange bittersweet taste. Its smell is also peculiar, strong, metallic, fresh, and sweet all at the same time, with a distinctive note of //him.//
How can you tell? Not even you know.
Even so... it doesn’t taste bad. It also quenches a thirst you hadn’t noticed you had.
Once empty, you leave the vial on the table and attempt to ignore Derek’s stare at you since you opened it.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“There. Happy now?”|cap01.A.drink.1.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“I’ve done my part. Now, can one of you explain what did I just drink?”|cap01.A.drink.1.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“You’re staring at me too much.”|cap01.A.drink.1.3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Are you happy now?”
“Derek will finally relax and shut up, at least,” Alex says.
“Just one more thing,” Derek asks you, ignoring Alex. “Are you not thirsty any longer?”
<<include cap01.A.drink.2>>“Well, I’ve done my part. Now, can one of you explain what did I just drink?”
“I think it’s time—”
“Just one more thing,” Derek interrupts Alex. “Are you not thirsty any longer?”
<<include cap01.A.drink.2>><<if $bold_shy >= 50>>“Don’t stare at me like that.”<<else>>“Um, could you not stare at me like that?”<</if>>
“Yeah, don’t creep $her_him out,” Alex tells Derek and rolls his eyes.
“I’m just wondering,” Derek says slowly, his eyes still locked on yours.
“About what?” you ask him.
“Whether you’re still thirsty or not,” Derek replies.
<<include cap01.A.drink.2>>“How did you know?” you can’t help asking.
“Lucky guess.” Alex grins.
“Just, please answer me,” Derek insists.
“Yes, I’m no longer thirsty.”
He seems relieved with your answer.
“Hope you’ll finally relax or something,” Alex complains to Derek.
“I’m more worried than you,” Derek glares at him. “And it should be the other way around.”
“<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> would’ve done it anyway. If not now, another time. No need to pressure $her_him now.”
“No, it’s your responsibility to make sure $she_he drink$s_0 this. I already told you.”
“And I told you I wouldn’t insist if $she_he didn’t want to. <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’$s_re cooperating, yeah? No need to worry.”
<<include cap01.A.DAPelea>>You shake your head, putting the vial on the table. “No, I can’t just drink it without knowing what it is.”
Alex gives you a nod. “Don’t worry. I’ll leave it for now.”
“No,” Derek protests, shooting an angry glare at his brother. “Alexandre, you have to look after $her_him. That includes making sure $she_he drink$s_0 that.”
“And I told you before I wouldn’t insist if $she_he said no,” Alex replies, giving the other man an apathetic stare. “<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’ll drink when $she_he’$s_re ready. Or when we have proven to $her_him that it’s okay to trust us.”
<<include cap01.A.DAPelea>>You shake your head and put the vial on the table. “Don’t think you can intimidate me with those muscles of yours to drink that strange thing.”
Instead of looking upset, Alex throws his head back and laughs. “Oh, you’re fun.”
“Don’t encourage $her_him,” Derek scolds him.
“What do you wanna me to do, then? Force $her_him to drink this thing? <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> said no. Can’t do anything about it.”
“No,” Derek protests, shooting an angry glare at his brother. “Alexandre, you have to look after $her_him. That includes making sure $she_he drink$s_0 that.”
“And I told you before I wouldn’t insist if $she_he said no,” Alex replies, giving the other man an apathetic stare. “<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’ll drink when $she_he’$s_re ready. Or when we have proven to $her_him that it’s okay to trust us.”
<<include cap01.A.DAPelea>>“It has to be during the first days of $her_his change.”
“We still have time. If you could just shut up and let me talk—”
“It’ll make things worse!”
“You’re no seer to know that for sure!”
“And you’re so sure of yourself!”
“It’s better than your square mind!”
“Better to behave oneself than going around life without caring about the consequences!”
“//¡Y lo dice el que solamente piensa en las consecuencias negativas sin permitirse un poco de libertad!//”
“And so says the fool who prefers to hide behind his betters when the time to make decisions arrives! Instead, he feels contented with himself, thinking just following orders is some kind of freedom!”
“//¡Eres un—!//” Alex stands up from the sofa and walks towards Derek, who raises his chin defiantly at the taller man.
“Hey!”
Your shout makes both men stop arguing and look at you in surprise.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-bold d-graceful">
[[“Would you stop behaving like children?”|cap01.A.DAPelea.1.1][$bold_shy += 1; $clumsy_graceful -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-shy d-clumsy">
[[“Please, stop.”|cap01.A.DAPelea.1.2][$bold_shy -= 1; $clumsy_graceful += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“You are such children, the two of you! Can one of you behave like a proper man and stop provoking the other?”
“Hey, I was defending you!” Alex exclaims, offended. “He’s the one who started with the insults!”
“Typical of you to not recognize when you’re wrong,” Derek declares with a roll of his eyes.
“Oh, that’s it!” Alex turns to Derek again.
“Alexandre!” At the sound of your voice, he freezes. “Stop it already!”
“How am I the bad guy here?!” Alex complains, throwing his arms above his head.
At the sight of Derek’s grin, you continue, “Derek, you’re no better than him!”
His grin disappears instantly, and he quickly crosses his arms. You could swear you saw a hint of red on his face just before he turned his head away from you.
“Yeah, that’s better,” Alex smirks mockingly at his brother.
“Alex,” you repeat.
“Fine,” he grumbles and walks to you, flopping on the sofa beside you again with his arms on the backrest.
“Just so you know, I expect more cooperation from you.” Derek recovers his voice, and his icy glare lands on you.
“Excuse me?”
<<include cap01.A.nombre>>“P-Please don’t fight,” you say lower, suddenly nervous under both men’s stares.
“Great, now you’ve scared $her_him, you idiot,” Alex sighs and throws another angry glare at Derek.
“Me?” he asks indignantly. “I am not the one acting like a barbarian and causing a scene.”
“You think you’re better just because of your so sophisticated vocabulary?”
“At least I talk in only one language when I get angry,” Derek answers smugly.
“Oh, you’re so—” Alex cuts himself off after one look at you, and then his gaze drops guiltily to the floor. “Aw, man. I’ve gotta be the nice guy here,” he laments with a sigh.
He retreats to the sofa and flops beside you, spreading his arms on the backrest.
“I’ll let this one go just for Sunshine’s sake,” he tells his brother with a warning tone. “So, you better drop it too. Poor thing looks like will panic any moment.”
“Shouldn’t surprise me,” Derek says lower.
“Drop that face, Sunshine.” Alex ignores his brother and bumps your shoulder lightly. “Don’t look so scared.”
“Just so you know, I expect more cooperation from you.” Derek’s icy glare lands on you.
“W-What?” you ask.
<<include cap01.A.nombre>>“We talked first.” Derek lowers his voice, anger slowly rising. “We shared information about us. Unlike you, who has decided so conveniently to remain silent about yourself all night. Don’t you think we are the ones at a disadvantage here?”
“Do you consider that a disadvantage?” <<if $bold_shy >= 50>>You protest.<<else>>You manage to find your voice.<</if>> “Why not try waking up surrounded by strangers who claim to not be humans and order you to drink some suspicious thing?”
“Well, let us be even, then,” Derek’s eyes turn even more serious as he looks directly into your eyes. “Tell me your name.”
“What?” you ask, taken aback.
“Can’t even tell us your name?” he insists.
“You’re one of us now,” Alex interjects. “//Sunshine Moonlight.// Sorry to tell you, but it sounds awful. Might as well tell us your real name now.”
It looks like Alex won’t back you up on this one.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-honest d-clumsy">
[[“W—Well...”|cap01.A.nombre.1][$honest_adaptable += 1; $clumsy_graceful += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-adaptable d-graceful">
[[“My name is...”|cap01.A.nombre.2][$honest_adaptable -= 1; $clumsy_graceful -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“This is not the time for that.”|cap01.A.nombre.3][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“W—Well, I—”
<<include cap01.A.recuerdos>>“Of course.” You try to muster all your confidence into your words. “My name is...”
“Don’t lie,” Derek cuts you abruptly.
“How dare—”
<<include cap01.A.recuerdos>>“This is not the time for that.”
<<include cap01.A.recuerdos>>“No name. No memories of that night,” Derek continues. “The latter has sense to some extent. But not remembering your own name?”
“Now I see where you’ve been hinting at,” Alex says, nodding and looking far away. “Sunshine here doesn’t remember anything. Makes sense, I guess.”
“I—”
“I will guess again. You’re not only missing your memories from that night, am I right? You don’t remember anything about you.<<if $cap1_broma_recuerdos_perdidos>> Just like you joked about earlier.<</if>>”
You remain silent, not knowing how to respond. Derek speaks again after a minute, taking your silence as confirmation.
“For how long were you planning to hide it?”
“Well—”
“Sunshine, I understand you want to be careful, but, well, even I know that wouldn’t have worked for long.” Alex sighs and turns to you, resting his chin on his hand. “Especially with this lunatic around.” He nods towards Derek.
Derek doesn’t respond. Although, Alex’s words only seemed to sour his mood even further. The frown on his face is evidence enough.
“I hope you were planning to tell me soon, at least,” Alex continues after a moment. “When there wasn’t a certain nosy and grumpy man around.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-adaptable d-cautious">
[[“I was going to tell you... eventually.”|cap01.A.recuerdos.1][$honest_adaptable -= 1; $naive_cautious -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-honest d-naive">
[[“I was waiting for the right moment to tell you both.”|cap01.A.recuerdos.2][$honest_adaptable += 1; $naive_cautious += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-adaptable d-naive">
[[“My intention was to tell you in a bit.”|cap01.A.recuerdos.3][$honest_adaptable -= 1; $naive_cautious += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-honest d-cautious">
[[“The plan was for neither of you to find out.”|cap01.A.recuerdos.4][$honest_adaptable += 1; $naive_cautious -= 1; $Derek_fight += 2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Of course, I was going to tell you...”
Much, much later, maybe.
<<include cap01.A.final>>“Honestly? I was waiting for the right moment to tell you. But you kept telling me new stuff, so...”
<<include cap01.A.final>>“I was just waiting for you to finish speaking to tell you that tiny detail.”
A half-truth doesn’t hurt anyone.
<<include cap01.A.final>>“Ideally, I would hold onto that fact for as long as possible.”
“Ouch,” Alex says.
<<include cap01.A.final>>“Really?” Derek asks with frustration.
“Well, yes. What do you want me to tell you?”
<<if $Derek_fight >= 4>>
“What, you ask?” he blurts out, no longer trying to hide his rising anger. “I’m expecting at least a little trust from you regarding matters like this. We have done nothing but help. We don’t deserve such distrust from you.”
“Hey, man—”
You interrupt Alex, “Then, what could possibly deserve the people who haven’t been straight with me from the beginning?”
“We have shared more information than you.”
“Really, guys—” Alex tries again.
<<if $drank_vial>>
“But not everything! Like what is that damned thing you made me drink! Really, I don’t know why I even did it!”
<<else>>
“But not everything! Like what is that damned thing you tried to make me drink! Good thing I’m not so foolish to just follow you blindly!”
<</if>>
“Just a minor detail.” He waves his hand dismissively. “And besides that, we’ve been completely sincere.”
“I give up,” Alex says, and throws his arms and head on the backrest, settling his gaze on the ceiling.
“A minor detail?” You sit straight on your seat and lean forward to point to the vial resting on the table between you both. “This thing can be anything!”
“It’s for your own good!”
“Now,” Alex says to himself, “Madame Belladonna told me something about my posture in the last training... //¿qué diablos dijo?//”
“I’ve got nothing but your word backing up that statement!”
“And it’s all you’ll get. Do you know why? Because with no memories of your own, you have nothing but our word and help.” After a snort, he continues, “And if you think about it, you couldn’t have it easier. You’re lucky your memories are gone.”
<<else>>
“Nothing... I think.” Derek sighs heavily and closes his eyes for a moment. “Well, I guess I wanted to be sure you trusted us.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re one of the family now.”
“That’s right, Sunshine,” Alex adds.
“Kind of difficult to believe that completely,” you mutter back.
“It is what it is,” Derek says. “And anyway, this changes things drastically for the better.”
Did he just sound... //relieved?//
<</if>>
<<include [[cap01.RC.1]]>>/*~~~~ FIN RUTA ALEX - BRINCA A RUTA COMUN PARA TERMINAR EL CAPÍTULO ~~~~*/“I would like to—”
The man is interrupted by someone barging in through the door.
“Delilah told me $she_he $has_have awo—”
At the door’s threshold stands a man staring directly at you with wide hazel eyes.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap01.J.2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“I—I, sorry, I just,” he stammers, not daring to take another step into the bedroom.
“You have already interrupted,” says the man beside you with a sigh. “Might as well just come inside.”
“Ye—Yeah. Right.”
He enters the room and turns to close the door. You jump in your seat when you hear the door loudly slamming shut.
“I didn’t mean to!” exclaims the man from the door, raising his hands.
“Just enter and sit down,” the brown-haired man chastises the other and stands up from the sofa.
The other one mumbles something in agreement, eyes not stranding from the floor, walks to your side, and awkwardly sits down, making sure to sit as far away from you as possible.
A tense silence fills the room, and you take the opportunity to really see the nervous person beside you.
He has a rather round face, warm dark-brown skin, and short, wavy black hair. His hands are playing with the hem of his dark red, long-sleeved shirt. His vest is bright silver, with leaves embroidered at the ends with black thread. In contrast, his pants and shoes are plain black, with no other adornments.
As your gaze wanders up to his face, you find a pair of hazel eyes also examining your face.
“Sorry!” he exclaims while quickly averting his eyes. “I didn’t mean to stare. I just—”
“Jeremiah,” the other man interrupts him.
“Derek?” he asks.
“Stop wasting time,” the one who appears to be called ‘Derek’ chastises him.
“Right...” he murmurs and then stands up, taking a few steps closer to you. He meets your eyes with an uncertain smile. “Um, you already know Derek, my older brother. I’m Jeremiah.” He extends his hand towards you, waiting. “And I just want to say... I’m so glad to see you’re okay.” His smile turns into a genuine one by the time he stops speaking.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-graceful">
[[You reach out to his hand in a shake.|cap01.J.handshake.1][$clumsy_graceful -= 1; $Jere_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-clumsy">
[[You stare at his hand in confusion.|cap01.J.handshake.2][$clumsy_graceful += 1; $Jere_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[You don’t take his hand.|cap01.J.nohandshake][$kind_distant -= 2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Nice to meet you, Jeremiah,” you say as you confidently shake his hand.
<<include cap01.J.handshake.3>>You momentarily look at his outstretched hand in confusion before realizing what it means.
“Ah, yes,” you say and immediately take his hand in a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you, Jeremiah.”
<<include cap01.J.handshake.3>>His hand is cold to the touch, but the smile he gives you feels like a warm summer day. “I really hope we get the chance to talk about everything. And whatever you need, I’ll be happy to help.”
Neither of you have released the other’s hand.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You let go of his hand.|cap01.J.handshake.4.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-romance-mas">
[[You don’t let go of his hand.|cap01.J.handshake.4.2][$Jere_rom++]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>You release his hand. He nods and sits down by your side once again.
<<include cap01.J.3>>The two of you keep the handshake and look into each other’s eyes. Three to five seconds pass in silence.
“Shall we continue?” the other man’s voice startles you both.
Jeremiah laughs awkwardly as he gently lets go of your hand to scratch his head. “Right. I—I was just... I mean—”
“Jeremiah,” Derek says impatiently.
“What?”
“Sit down,” he orders.
He sits down by your side again, his gaze locked on the ground.
<<include cap01.J.3>>You stare at his hand and then look at him, not making any movement.
After a moment, his smile turns ruefully, and he retreats his hand. “I hope soon we get the chance to talk about... everything. And whatever you need, I’ll be here to help you.”
Giving you a last nod, he sits by your side again.
<<include cap01.J.3>>“By the way,” you say, turning to the brown-haired man.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“Your name is Derek.”|cap01.J.4.1][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-kind">
[[“Derek, isn’t it?”|cap01.J.4.2][$kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-bold">
[[“Jeremiah at least has the courtesy of introducing himself.”|cap01.J.4.3][$bold_shy += 1; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“I finally learned the name of my interrogator.”|cap01.J.4.4][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“So, your name is Derek,” you affirm him.
“It is,” he simply says.
“It’s nice to finally put a name to the person I’ve been talking to for the last while.”
Derek looks away from you.
<<include cap01.J.5>>“You’re Derek, right?” you ask him.
“I am,” he simply says.
“I’m glad I finally got to know your name.”
Derek looks away from you, almost guilty.
<<include cap01.J.5>>“You’re so quick to scold Jeremiah.” You turn to look at Derek and raise an eyebrow at him. “At least he is polite enough to introduce himself.”
<<if $gender is "female">>
Derek widens his eyes as he turns to look at you. “You...”
Not feeling intimidated, you hold his gaze, and finally, he breaks eye contact first.
“I agree it was ill-mannered on my part, though I considered more important other topics than my own name.”
<<else>>
Derek rolls his eyes at you and replies, “There were more important matters than my name to discuss.”
<</if>>
“And yet, following common sense, Jeremiah introduced himself first, ” you insist.
You hear a low chuckle from your side, but he is quickly silenced by Derek’s scowl.
<<include cap01.J.5>>“So ‘Derek,’ huh? I finally learn the name of the mysterious interrogator,” you point out to him.
Derek rolls his eyes at you.
<<include cap01.J.5>>“I thought you two would already be past the introductions,” adds Jeremiah, but it only gains him another angry glare from Derek.
“If it upsets you so much, let me correct myself.”
He turns to you entirely and places his right hand on his chest, over his heart.
“I am Derek Moonlight, the first son and Second of the Moonlight family,” he says with severity.
“Second?” you ask, confused.
“It’s like an heir,” Jeremiah explains. “The one who makes the decisions if the head of the family isn’t around.”
“...Yes,” Derek confirms.
After a tense second in silence, Jeremiah looks at you.
“In any case, if you’re okay with that, I’d like to know more about you.” He smiles kindly at you.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[Just your luck.|cap01.J.6][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[What now?|cap01.J.6][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Later.” You’re saved, surprisingly, by Derek. “Jeremiah, stop playing dumb and do it already.”
“There’s no need to rush,” Jeremiah complains. “We’ll get there eventually.”
“Do I have to repeat again how important it is to do it as soon as possible?”
“Ugh, no,” he groans in annoyance. “You’ve been pretty clear these last three days. I don’t need to hear it again.”
“Then, do it,” Derek orders.
“Just like that? Without telling $her_him what $she_he’$s_re getting $herself_himself into?”
“It’s better if $she_he $doesnt_dont know.”
“No, it isn’t right! <<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> deserve$s_0 to know!”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-bold">
[["“"+$she_he.toUpperFirst()+" can decide that.”"|cap01.J.7.1][$bold_shy += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[["“"+$she_he.toUpperFirst()+" can hear you.”"|cap01.J.7.2][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“Could you stop talking as if I’m not here?”|cap01.J.7.3][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-shy">
[[You decide to not interfere.|cap01.J.7.4][$bold_shy -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“I’m sure $she_he can decide for $herself_himself whatever you’re talking about.”
<<include cap01.J.8>>“If I were you, I’d lower my voice. I’m pretty sure $she_he can hear you.”
<<include cap01.J.8>>“Can you stop pretending I’m not right here and speak plainly?”
<<include cap01.J.8>>Remaining quiet, you look at both men as they keep arguing.
“Do you really think $she_he would agree if $she_he knew?”
“Even if $she_he disagree$s_0, it’s $her_his choice. We can’t force $her_him.”
“It wouldn’t count as forcing $her_him.”
“Of course it would!” Jeremiah throws his arms into the air. “How can you not see it?”
Derek falls silent, whether out of guilt, realization, or simply because he realizes he won’t change Jeremiah’s mind.
<<include cap01.J.8>>Both men turn to look at you.
“Do it your way,” he growls in a low voice and crosses his arms, leaning his back to the wall.
“I see that Alex isn’t that wrong about you,” Jeremiah murmurs and turns to you before Derek processes what he just said. “Okay, first of all, there’s something we should tell you.”
He clears his throat as if buying time to formulate his following words.
“I found you with my brother unconscious and hurt, badly hurt. We had to bring you home to cure you. But, the cure was... more drastic than I first intended.”
He gulps and scratches the palm of his hand.
“You see, we’re not... ‘normal people.’ We can’t walk in the sunlight without burning ourselves, but we thrive in the night. We can’t enjoy food like before but can be up for days with boundless energy. We can’t return to what we were before, but that doesn’t mean we must be alone.”
He looks into your eyes again. Timid, nervous, vulnerable.
“What I’m trying to say is that we— that I had to make you one of us to save you. A vampire. And for that, there is no going back. I’m sorry.”
He falls silent and drops his gaze to the ground as if waiting for your judgment.
“So you’re the one who brought me here,” you say slowly.
You see Jeremiah’s shoulders tense.
“Yes, it was my decision to bring you here, and I’m the one who insisted Father let you stay,” he quickly explains, guilt in his voice. “I’m sorry I did what I did without your thoughts on the matter, but had we waited more, you could’ve not made it, and I was afraid it would come to that. Still, I know it was wrong, and I have no excuse. So if you must get angry at anyone for this situation, it’s at me. And I swear I’ll help you in any way I can—”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-kind">
[[“I’m not angry.”|cap01.J.9.1][$kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sarcastic">
[[“I’m not gonna have you arrested for saving my life.”|cap01.J.9.2][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1; $Derek_fri++; $Jere_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“How could I get mad for being saved?”|cap01.J.9.3][$sincere_sarcastic += 1; $Derek_fri++; $Jere_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-menos d-distant">
[[“You should have consulted me first.”|cap01.J.9.4][$kind_distant -= 2; $Derek_fight += 2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Jeremiah, I’m not angry,” you say softly.
“Really?” he exclaims hopefully, his round eyes lifting to meet yours.
“Really,” you reassure him.
He lets out a sigh of relief, but his expression falls again.
<<include cap01.J.10>>“Hey, relax. I’m not gonna have you arrested for saving my life,” you say in a light tone, hoping to make Jeremiah less tense.
Jeremiah chuckles softly. “Heh, maybe not arrested, but I at least expected a bit of yelling.”
“I can yell at you if it makes you feel better.”
“I’m fine with this outcome.”
Jeremiah’s smile fades once again.
<<include cap01.J.10>>“Jeremiah, how could I get mad for someone saving my life?” you say sincerely.
“Really?” he exclaims hopefully, his round eyes lifting to meet yours.
“Really,” you reassure him.
He lets out a sigh of relief, but his expression falls again.
<<include cap01.J.10>>“If it was so drastic, you should have waited for my opinion.”
Your words make Jeremiah flinch a bit.
“Even though waiting would have killed you?” Derek intervenes in a cold tone.
“Even then, it was my choice,” you retort.
“Could have been. But I doubt you would have had the time to make it.”
“<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’$s_re right, Derek,” Jeremiah cuts in, gaze still on the floor.
Derek falls silent.
<<include cap01.J.10>>“Still, I hope you believe us,” Jeremiah says hopefully.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[You stare back at them, slowly taking in this new information.|cap01.J.11.1][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "pensativo"; $naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-naive">
[[You give them a silent nod, accepting this new information.|cap01.J.11.2][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "accepting"; $naive_cautious += 2; $Jere_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[You shake your head, not believing them.|cap01.J.11.3][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "incredulo"; $naive_cautious -= 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-sarcastic">
[[“There goes my morning routine.”|cap01.J.11.4][$cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "bromear"; $sincere_sarcastic -= 2; $Jere_fri++; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>So, you’re a //vampire.// And a new one at that.
No matter what, it’s best to keep learning as much as possible about this new life.
Although it may be more challenging to learn about your previous life...
<<include cap01.J.12>>“Yeah... I do.”
“I’m glad you take us seriously,” Derek exclaims after giving you a glance.
Jeremiah gives you a grateful nod. “Thank you.”
<<include cap01.J.12>>“That sounds—”
“Ridiculous, crazy, insane, //impossible,//” Derek retorts.
“I know it is hard to believe,” Jeremiah chuckles nervously. “I guess all I can do is ask you to trust us. We really mean no harm to you and only want to help you.”
You listen carefully to his voice, to his tone. And you have not heard a more sincere person speak to you before.
That is, out of the three people you’ve spoken to so far.
<<include cap01.J.12>>“Well, it looks like I won’t be able to keep taking my morning stroll.” You let out a dramatic sigh. “I’ll have to rearrange my schedule.”
Jeremiah laughs softly. “If you would like, I could accompany you on a nightly stroll. How about that?”
“Mmm, sure. I could make some space in the night for you.”
“Such an honor.”
You hear Derek snort.
<<include cap01.J.12>>“Well, now there’s one more thing to settle, and this time, the choice will be entirely yours,” says Jeremiah with a grave tone.
He takes out a small vial from his pocket and turns to face you fully.
“The most important thing you have to know about us vampires, as we are called, besides our inability to withstand the sunlight, is how we feed—”
“Don’t do it,” Derek tries to interrupt him with a warning in his voice, but it is ignored.
“—I said before, we can’t enjoy food like we once did, like when we were humans, but it’s more than that. Instead of eating food, we have to drink this.”
He takes your hand gently, places the vial on your hand, and keeps his hand on top of yours.
“And what is this?”
<<set $know_blood = true>>
“Blood. We have to drink blood to keep going. We can’t go back to eat food like normal people.” He takes his hand away from yours. “And what you have in your hand is my blood.”
You look down at the red vial. It’s barely larger than your hand and filled to the brim with a viscous dark red liquid. Blood.
And this close, you also notice the smell. It’s the same one you smelled with $delilah_woman, similar, but not quite. Wait...
You look back up again at him, who looks at you with a serious expression.
//It smells just like him.//
<<set $preg1 = false>><<set $preg2 = false>><<set $preg3 = false>><<set $preg4 = false>><<set $preg5 = false>><<set $preg6 = false>>
<<include cap01.J.blood.menu>><<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<<if $preg1>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“Is this really your blood?”==//
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“Is this really your blood?”|cap01.J.blood.1]]
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $preg2>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“Why does this smell like you?”==//
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“Why does this smell like you?”|cap01.J.blood.2]]
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $preg2>>
<<if $preg3>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“Did my smell also change?”==//
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“Did my smell also change?”|cap01.J.blood.3]]
</div>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $preg4>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“Do I really have to drink it?”==//
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“Do I really have to drink it?”|cap01.J.blood.4]]
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $preg4>>
<<if $preg5>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“What consequences?”==//
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“What consequences?”|cap01.J.blood.5]]
</div>
<</if>>
<</if>>
<<if $preg6>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“Derek, did you really want me to blindly drink this?”==//
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“Derek, did you really want me to blindly drink this?”|cap01.J.blood.6]]
</div>
<</if>>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Ask no more questions.|cap01.J.13]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Is this really your blood?” you ask Jeremiah.
“Yes. On the first days of your change, it is advised to drink the blood of your ‘maker,’ the vampire who took away your humanity.” Jeremiah pauses and barely whispers, “And that’s me.”
<<set $preg1 = true>>
<<include cap01.J.blood.menu>><<if $sincere_sarcastic >= 50>>“This is strange. Why does this smell like you?”<<else>>“No offense, but why does this smell just like you?”<</if>>
“Your sense of smell also changed.” Jeremiah ruefully smiles. “It improved if you want to see it like that. Now you can smell the blood of everything that it has. People, animals...”
Jeremiah stops briefly and looks towards Derek briefly before returning his eyes to you.
“You’ll discover that every person has a different aroma. And that humans and vampires also smell different. Even amongst us. We smell different.”
You take a moment to take a deep breath. You smell once again Derek, strong and powerful, and Jeremiah, somewhat more subdued than Derek.
Also, remembering $delilah_woman, you notice the difference. She smelled sweeter than these two and was also less potent.
Now you understand. Less threatening. Because she’s human.
And these two are not.
<<set $preg2 = true>>
<<include cap01.J.blood.menu>>“So, did my... smell also change?”
“Yes, but it will change again, eventually,” Jeremiah says slowly, looking away from you.
“Why?”
“Well, because you will develop your own aroma,” he almost stumbles on his words.
“What does that mean?”
Jeremiah grumbles under his breath before answering, “Yes, when you turn into a vampire, you take your maker’s scent, the smell of their blood.
“Oh,” you say and look away too.
“Yeah,” he says awkwardly.
So, right now, you smell just like this vial. Just like him.
“Is there a reason for that?” you ask.
“To know who made you,” Derek answers instead of Jeremiah. “To know who you belong to.”
“That sounds so wrong,” Jeremiah grumbles under his breath.
“Then, to know to //which family// you belong to,” Derek adds exasperately. “It’s all the same.”
<<set $preg3 = true>>
<<include cap01.J.blood.menu>>“Do I really have to drink this?”
You turn the vial in your hand, seeing how the red liquid moves slowly.
“No,” Jeremiah answers firmly. “If you don’t want to drink it, you won’t.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Some will say you have to,” he says as he glares at Derek. “But you will always choose whether you want to do it. I promise that.”
“You don’t know the consequences,” Derek speaks suddenly tensely.
“I’m $her_his maker,” Jeremiah pushes harshly. “If $she_he $doesnt_dont want to, $she_he will not do it.”
Derek sighs loudly and falls silent again, closing his eyes.
<<set $preg4 = true>>
<<include cap01.J.blood.menu>>“Something bad will happen if I don’t drink this?” you ask, Derek.
Jeremiah shifts uncomfortably from beside you.
“There are consequences if you don’t drink your maker’s blood frequently in the first days after your transformation,” Derek explains. “You even have to drink it regularly after that for the rest of your days.”
“And if not?”
“Your powers could not develop correctly. You’ll get tired more easily.” Derek pauses again and adds, “Among other unpleasant symptoms.”
<<set $not_blood_conse = true>><<set $preg5 = true>>
<<include cap01.J.blood.menu>>Turning towards Derek, you ask him, “Would you have made me drink that without telling me what it was? Really, Derek?”
<<set $preg6 = true>>
“If I was your maker, yes,” Derek answers directly.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Ouch.”|cap01.J.blood.6.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“How considerate.”|cap01.J.blood.6.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“What else did I expect?”|cap01.J.blood.6.3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“That’s cruel.”
<<include cap01.J.blood.6.4>>“How thoughtful of you.”
<<include cap01.J.blood.6.4>>“Of course you would. What did I even ask?”
<<include cap01.J.blood.6.4>>“In that case, you would have been my responsibility directly. And that means making sure you can develop correctly.”
He pauses to pinch the bridge of his nose while frowning.
“As it is, all I can do is be a guide. Jeremiah has the last word on how you will be introduced into this life.”
His cold, gray gaze lands on you again. Not angry, not tense, more like a warning.
“Even so, you can still rely on all of us, not only Jeremiah. I hope you consider asking for our counsel and opinion so you can make educated choices.”
<<include cap01.J.blood.menu>><<unset $preg1, $preg2, $preg3, $preg4, $preg5, $preg6>>“So, all in all,” you say as the new information sinks in, “I could not drink the blood.”
“Yes,” affirms Jeremiah.
“But it is recommended that I do,” you continue.
“For your own good,” Derek agrees.
With what they both told you, what will you do?
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[Drink it.|cap01.J.drink][$naive_cautious += 2; $drank_vial = true; $Derek_fight -= 2; $Derek_fri++; $makers_blood[0] = 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[Don’t drink it.|cap01.J.nodrink][$naive_cautious -= 2; $drank_vial = false; $Derek_fight += 2; $makers_blood[0] = 0]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“I’ll do it,” you say as you bring it to your lips and down it in one gulp.
The blood is cold. It leaves a metallic aftertaste on your tongue and a strange bittersweet taste.
Even though you know what it is... you don’t dislike its taste. In fact...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[His blood tastes good.|cap01.J.drink.1][$taste_blood_maker++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[No, you won’t go down that road. Not now.|cap01.J.drink.1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>It also quenches a thirst you hadn’t noticed you had.
“Satisfied?” asks Derek, who has moved closer to the sofa to look at you closely.
“I’m good,” you answer.
Derek nods.
Jeremiah doesn’t meet your gaze as he accepts the vial back from you and returns it to his pocket.
<<include cap01.J.14>>“I can’t do it,” you say, returning the vial to Jeremiah.
He accepts it with a smile and places it in his pocket again. “It’s alright. Whenever you’re ready.”
Derek remains silent, but you can feel his disapproval and his incredible self-control in biting back his tongue.
“As you wish.” It’s all he allows himself to say in a brusque tone.
<<include cap01.J.14>>“Now, with that out of the way,” Jeremiah speaks again, less tense than before. “I don’t remember if I said it already, but there are other vampires besides our family.”
“Five more families, to be exact,” Derek adds. “Each family has a leader and four members at most.”
“Well, except the Moonlight,” he chuckles.
<!-- VA A LA EXPLICACIÓN DE LAS FAMILIAS -->
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Moonlight?”|cap01.familias.1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“There is one thing I must ask,” Derek says, looking directly at you.
Jeremiah looks between you two.
<<nobr>>
<<if $Derek_fight >= 4>>
<br>
“Before, you scolded me for not sharing my name. Well, you haven’t done it either. Why don’t you correct your mistake?” he demands.
<br><br>
“It would be nice to know your name,” Jeremiah says, giving you a smile.
<br><br>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-honest d-clumsy">
[[“W—Well...”|cap01.J.nombre.1][$honest_adaptable += 1; $clumsy_graceful += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-adaptable d-graceful">
[[“My name is...”|cap01.J.nombre.2][$honest_adaptable -= 1; $clumsy_graceful -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“This is not the time for that.”|cap01.J.nombre.3][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<<else>>
<br>
“When will you tell us the truth?”
<br><br>
“About what?” you ask him.
<br><br>
“Your name. Your memories... You don’t remember any of it.”
<br><br>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You remain silent.|cap01.J.nombre.4]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Um...”|cap01.J.nombre.5]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“That is...”|cap01.J.nombre.6]]
</div>
</div>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>“W—Well, I—”
<<include cap01.J.pelea>>“Of course.” You try to muster all your confidence into your words. “My name is...”
“Don’t lie,” Derek cuts you abruptly.
“How dare—”
<<include cap01.J.pelea>>“This is not the time for that.”
<<include cap01.J.pelea>>You keep silent, widening your eyes in surprise.
<<include cap01.J.nopelea>>“Um, you see...”
<<include cap01.J.nopelea>>“Well, that is...”
<<include cap01.J.nopelea>>“Why would you be so resistant to share your name?”
“Derek...”
“Since I got here, you’ve done nothing but ask without sharing anything.”
“<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’$s_re confused—” Jeremiah tries to intervene again.
“Quiet,” Derek firmly orders, raising a hand towards him.
Then, turning again to you, he continues, “When will you stop stalling? When will you deign us with the truth?<<if $cap1_broma_recuerdos_perdidos>>You even joked about it earlier.<</if>>”
“What do you mean?” you ask him.
“For what fool do you take me? It’s clear you’re not only missing your memories from that night. You don’t remember anything.”
You don’t answer him, but your silence is all he wants.
“I tried to give you the chance to come clean yourself. Guess now I know what to expect from you in the future.”
He laughs bitterly.
“And in the end, all this is for the better. You’re so lucky you have no memories of your previous life.”
<<include [[cap01.RC.1]]>>/*~~~~ FIN RUTA JERE - BRINCA A RUTA COMUN PARA TERMINAR EL CAPÍTULO ~~~~*/“There’s no need to keep hiding it,” he tells you and sighs.
“Do you really not remember anything?” Jeremiah asks from your side, looking at you with worried eyes. “I had no idea...”
Acknowledging, you give him a nod.
“There was no need to hide that,” Derek says again. “In fact, it’s better this way.”
<<include [[cap01.RC.1]]>>/*~~~~ FIN RUTA JERE - BRINCA A RUTA COMUN PARA TERMINAR EL CAPÍTULO ~~~~*/<<nobr>>
<<set $preg_fam_dela = false>>
<<set $preg_fam_love = false>>
<<set $preg_fam_rose = false>>
<<set $preg_fam_mond = false>>
<<if $maker is "Derek">>
<<include cap01.familias.1.D>>
<<elseif $maker is "Maximillian">>
<<include cap01.familias.1.M>>
<<elseif $maker is "Alexandre">>
<<include cap01.familias.1.A>>
<<elseif $maker is "Jeremiah">>
<<include cap01.familias.1.J>>
<</if>>
<</nobr>>“Our family?”
“We are the Moonlight family. My father is in charge, and we are four sons.”
“That’s right, you mentioned you had brothers.”
“Maximillian, Alexandre, and Jeremiah are my brothers. Maximillian and Jeremiah are the ones who found you and brought you here.”
You repeat the names in your head to remember them.
Wait a second.
“You haven’t told me your name,” you say to the man.
He remains silent and then says quietly, “You’re right.” Then, he turns to face you again and looks into your eyes. “My name is Derek Moonlight, and I’m the eldest son. As such, any question or problem you may have must be directed to me. I’m the one responsible for you and tasked to help you through all of this.”
His voice and expression remain serious as he says those words, almost like he is making a promise, a vow.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-romance-mas">
[[His words made your heart skip a beat.|cap01.familias.1.D.1][$Derek_rom++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas">
[[His words made you trust him a little more.|cap01.familias.1.D.1][$Derek_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Knowing him a little more would be best to see if you can trust him.|cap01.familias.1.D.1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“You will meet the others soon enough,” Derek keeps speaking. “I will introduce them to you. Jeremiah will certainly be the most eager to meet you.”
<<include [[cap01.familias.2]]>>“We are the Moonlight family, right?”
“That’s right.” Maximillian gives you a nod.
“Our family is led by my father, and we are four sons.”
<<if $cap1_reaccion_vampiro = "bromear">>“We’ve already mentioned both of them. Alex is the third son, while Jeremiah is the youngest.<<else>>“We’ve already mentioned Jeremiah, the youngest. And the other one is Alexandre.<</if>>
You’ll get to meet them soon enough. I’m sure Jeremiah is the most excited to meet you.”
“You can say that again,” Derek mutters softly.
“There’s one more thing I’d like to say,” Maximillian says as he turns to face you, sitting straighter and dropping his voice to a serious tone. “While we are all interested in your well-being, I am more than the others. I’ll explain the details another time, but I want to ensure you know you can always count on me. I’ll always help you, whatever you may need.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-romance-mas">
[[His words made your heart skip a beat.|cap01.familias.1.M.1][$Max_rom++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas">
[[His words made you trust him a little more.|cap01.familias.1.M.1][$Max_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Knowing him a little more would be best to see if you can trust him.|cap01.familias.1.M.1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>You don’t answer him, limiting yourself to a little nod at him. He nods back at you and gives you a warm smile.
<<include [[cap01.familias.2]]>>“And we are...?”
“We belong to the Moonlight family, hence our last name,” Derek answers. “Our leader is my father.”
“And we have two other brothers. The ones who found you,” Alex adds. “Maximillian and Jeremiah. You’ll meet them soon. Jere can’t wait to.”
“You can say that again,” Derek mutters softly with a roll of his eyes.
“Also, I gotta say something.” Alex’s voice turns serious for the first time. “We all are together in this. Whatever problems you may have, you’re not alone. Not now, not never. We’re here for you.”
He pauses for a moment and then continues with his easy grin. “And you gotta tell me who made all those things to ya when you feel ready. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” He leans close and whispers conspiratorially. “If you want me to, I can leave ’em even worse.”
“Alexandre!” Derek reprimands him.
“Gotta defend the family,” he says with a chuckle. “Always the priority.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-romance-mas">
[[His words made your heart skip a beat.|cap01.familias.1.A.1][$Alex_rom++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas">
[[His words made you trust him a little more.|cap01.familias.1.A.1][$Alex_fri++]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Knowing him a little more would be best to see if you can trust him.|cap01.familias.1.A.1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<if $sincere_sarcastic >= 50>>“Thanks, Alex,” you say.<<else>>“I’ll think about it,” you say with a smile.<</if>>
“The offer will always be available,” he assures you.
Derek shakes his head but doesn’t say anything.
<<if $gender is "female">>
“So, we’re four sons and a daughter now. Finally, some change,” Alex comments. “Still, we’ll probably get in trouble.”
<<elseif $gender is "male">>
“So, instead of four sons, now we’re five,” Alex comments. “We’ll get in trouble.”
<<else>>
“So, now we’re five children instead of four,” Alex comments. “Still, we’ll probably get in trouble.”
<</if>>
“Trouble? Why?” you ask him.
“We will not get into trouble,” Derek quickly intervenes. “It’s... tradition, let’s call it, to have a leader and four vampires in each family.”
<<include [[cap01.familias.2]]>>“Moonlight... That’s us, right?”
“Yes,” Jeremiah confirms. “We have two more brothers, and our Father is the leader of our family.”
“I am the eldest,” says Derek. “Maximillian is the second son, Alexandre is the third, and Jeremiah the youngest. You’ll get to know the other two soon enough.”
“I was with Max when I found you. He’s very reliable and dependable. I’m sure he’ll be happy to help us.”
“As long as you don’t go with Alexandre. He will only cause you more problems.”
“He’s not that bad,” Jeremiah intervenes with a chuckle. “He just likes to joke a bit too much.”
Derek just shrugs but doesn’t say more.
<<include [[cap01.familias.2]]>><<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Who are the other families?”|cap01.familias.3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<set $PagFamilias = true>>Derek takes out some folded papers from the inside of his jacket.
“My father wrote this for you.”
He hands it to you, and you take it. Noticing the papers, you unfold them and read the first page’s contents. Five names are written on it, each with a crest above it. Curious enough, they all have one thing in common: a moon.
“Those papers contain the family names and its members. With this, it would be easier for you to remember all of them.”
<<if $maker is "Maximillian">>
“How thoughtful of Father to have written this,” Maximillian comments. Derek gives him a nod.
<<elseif $maker is "Alexandre">>
“You sure came prepared, huh?” Alex says after leaning closer to you to peek at the papers in your hand. “It didn’t even cross my mind to do something like this.”
“It is my father who wrote that,” Derek replies defensively. “And anyhow, I’m not surprised you didn’t think of something like this for your charge. You’re all muscle but not brains, after all.”
Alex throws his head back and laughs. “That’s why I’m here for. I’m just the muscle, and you’re the brains. Well, at least that’s how it’s supposed to be. //Don Perfecto// can be such an idiot sometimes.”
Derek remains reluctantly silent.
<<elseif $maker is "Jeremiah">>
“Father sure does think of everything, huh?” Jeremiah asks after leaning a bit closer to you and taking a peek at the papers in your hand. “He gave me something similar when I first came into this house.”
<</if>>
“Mond, Moonlight, Delacroix, Lovelace, and Rosemerte,” you read out loud. Derek squints his eyes at you. “These are the families’ names, right?”
“That is correct,” he answers. “As I said before, we are the Moonlight family.”
He gets closer to you and points to the second row of names in the paper. His finger lands on the Moonlight name.
“All families have a leader, my father being ours,” Derek explains. “Lord Mond is the only member of the Mond family.”
Derek moves his finger upwards to the row with only one family name: Mond. Then, his finger moves down again to the second row beside the Moonlight family.
“The leader of the Delacroix family is my aunt, Belladonna Delacroix, and the other members are my four cousins.”
Derek continues lowering his finger on the last row, pointing to the Lovelace family.
“Braxton and Ivonne, his wife, lead the Lovelace family in equal parts. Braxton’s brother is also in that family. They’re doctors.”
Finally, his finger moves to the Rosemerte family.
“The Rosemerte family are, basically, diplomats. Lady Madeleine is the head of that family, but she and her husband don’t really attend to their duties. Their $ariel_daughter_son usually deals with the family issues and responsibilities.”
He takes his hand back.
“Those are all the vampire families,” he concludes.
<<if $maker is "Alexandre">>
“Finally,” Alex laments from beside you. “Was getting bored of your voice.”
<</if>>
<<include cap01.familias.menu>><<nobr>>
<<if $preg_fam_dela is true and $preg_fam_love is true and $preg_fam_rose is true and $preg_fam_mond is true>>
<!-- RETORNO A RUTA CORRESPONDIENTE -->
<<if $maker is "Derek">>
<<include cap01.D.retorno>>
<<elseif $maker is "Maximillian">>
<<include cap01.M.retorno>>
<<elseif $maker is "Alexandre">>
<<include cap01.A.retorno>>
<<elseif $maker is "Jeremiah">>
<<include cap01.J.retorno>>
<</if>>
<<else>>
<div class="choices">
<<if $preg_fam_dela>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“You’re related to the Delacroix family?”==//
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“You’re related to the Delacroix family?”|cap01.familias.dela]]
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $preg_fam_love>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“The Lovelace family are doctors?”==//
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“The Lovelace family are doctors?”|cap01.familias.love]]
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $preg_fam_rose>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“Diplomats?”==//
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“Diplomats?”|cap01.familias.rose]]
</div>
<</if>>
<<if $preg_fam_mond>>
<div class="choice-item-disabled d-noavanza">
//==“The Mond family is just one vampire.”==//
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item d-noavanza">
[[“The Mond family is just one vampire.”|cap01.familias.mond]]
</div>
<</if>>
</div>
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<set $preg_fam_dela = true>>“You’re related to the Delacroix family?”
“Yes, Belladonna is my aunt. I also have four cousins. Eira and Siliva are twins. There is also $locke and Liath,” Derek explains with indifference.
“You don’t get along with them?”
“$locke is the most sane of the four. Eira and Siliva are very loud, and Liath always tries to compete with me, even when I have no interest in indulging him.”
<<if $maker is "Maximillian">>
“I agree with Derek about $locke,” Maximillian comments, letting out a small chuckle. “<<print $l_she_he.toUpperFirst()>>’s all serious and overly polite, very unlike any of <<print $l_her_his>> siblings.”
<<elseif $maker is "Alexandre">>
Alex shrugs. “The most sane one in that family is Madame Belladonna, in my opinion.”
“I wish you showed me half the respect you show to my aunt,” Derek adds.
Alex grins and says, “You gotta be half the ferocious fighter she is, beat me spectacularly every time we train, and always come up with new tricks and surprises in each fight. With all that, I might consider it.”
<</if>>
“That doesn’t answer my question,” you insist.
Derek’s gaze looks far away. “I remember playing with them when we were kids. We grew up together. And my aunt has always been there for me, no matter what.” He looks back at you. “They’re my family. I don’t know what more is there to say,” he concludes.
<<include [[cap01.familias.menu]]>><<set $preg_fam_love = true>>“The Lovelace are a family of doctors?”
“Actually,” Derek answers, “Only Ivonne and Drausio, Braxton’s brother, are doctors. Braxton is a businessman. He manages several shops in town, gaining quite the profit and distributing it among the families.”
<<if $maker is "Alexandre">>
“Wait until you see him in action,” Alex says with a slight smirk. “Don’t let his cheerful demeanor trick you. Braxton’s a total shark when it comes to making money.”
<<elseif $maker is "Jeremiah">>
“Mrs. Lovelace doesn’t only act as a medic to us but also takes human patients,” Jeremiah adds. “She has a clinic in town where she cares for her human patients and doesn’t charge them that much. It’s not like she needs the money. That’s her husband’s job. She just does it to help people,” he ends with a bright smile.
<</if>>
<<include [[cap01.familias.menu]]>><<set $preg_fam_rose = true>>“For what would vampires need diplomats for?”
“You’ll understand soon enough,” Derek responds. “They’re amiable and polite people. Ariel, the eldest, interacts with humans the most, making sure humans don’t get too close to us or start asking too many questions. I don’t envy <<print $ariel_her_his>> job. Having to deal with so many people sounds exhausting.”
<<if $maker is "Alexandre">>
Alex chuckles. “Of course you would say that.”
<</if>>
“Why is $ariel_she_he the one doing that when $ariel_she_he’s not the leader?”
Derek’s shoulders tense.
<<nobr>>
<<if $maker is "Jeremiah">>
Jeremiah shifts uncomfortably beside you.<br><br>
<</if>>
<<if $maker is "Maximillian">>
“<<print $ariel_her_his.toUpperFirst()>> mother is the leader, but she’s... indisposed,” Maximillian cuts in quickly, answering for Derek. “And Ariel’s father, Rasen, stays with his wife. So it falls to <<print $ariel_her_him>> to take the responsibility.”
<<else>>
“<<print $ariel_her_his.toUpperFirst()>> mother is the leader,” Derek explains slowly, “but she’s currently not fit to meet with humans. So, the task falls to Ariel.”
<</if>>
<</nobr>>
He doesn’t explain more.
<<include [[cap01.familias.menu]]>><<set $preg_fam_mond = true>>“There is only one Mond.”
“Yes, Layre Mond is the only one. He has a butler with him, but he’s human, so he doesn’t really count.”
“So he has never turned anyone into a vampire?”
“He’s the one who turned the leaders of the families into vampires. And in turn, each leader turned their own family. It’s because of him we are still here.”
“And who turned Mond into a vampire?” you ask.
“No one,” Derek concludes.
<<if $maker is "Maximillian">>
“Lord Mond doesn’t say much about how he is... what he is,” Max doubts a little as he speaks. “I can’t read him enough to know if he’s holding back information or doesn’t know himself.”
<<elseif $maker is "Alexandre">>
“So says him,” Alexandre adds with a shrug.
<<elseif $maker is "Jeremiah">>
“The air around him changes when someone asks him how he is what he is,” Jeremiah says in a lower voice. “He never stops smiling, but I think the question angers him.”
<</if>>
After a short pause, Derek looks to the side and says, “Not even my father knows. Or if he does, he hasn’t told me.”
<<include [[cap01.familias.menu]]>>“What did you say?” you ask.
“Without memories holding you back, you’ll have no issues leaving behind a life you can’t even remember. So, you’ll be able to adapt to this new life without much difficulty.”
Derek ends his sentence with a satisfied nod.
“Yes, think of this as a better turn of events. You are better off without memories burdening you. And even if you had your memories, you would be—”
<<if $Derek_fight >= 4>><<include cap01.RC.pelea>><<else>><<include cap01.RC.nopelea>><</if>><<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Enough is enough.|cap01.RC.pelea.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[How dare he say it’s better for you to have lost your memories?|cap01.RC.pelea.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You feel hurt. How can he say such a thing?|cap01.RC.pelea.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You bite back your anger and remain silent, letting him keep speaking.|cap01.RC.pelea.1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“—forced to give up your previous life. So, as you don’t have any memories of any family or loved ones, you will have no problems staying here with us since you no longer have any unnecessary feelings in the way—”
Okay, no. You can’t keep listening.
<<include cap01.RC.pelea.2>><<set $cap1_D_pelea = true>>“Stop right there.”
Standing up from the sofa, you interrupt and turn to face him.
“You have no right to say what //you// think is better for me. Even less without knowing what it is like to wake up in a strange room without any idea who you are.”
Your voice trembles at the end, so you take a deep breath to compose yourself.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“You have no idea how lost I’ve felt since I woke up.”|cap01.RC.pelea.3.1][$cap1_D_res_pelea = 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“You have no idea how confusing and strange it has been for me since I woke up.”|cap01.RC.pelea.3.2][$cap1_D_res_pelea = 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“How dare you talk about my memory loss as if it’s nothing?”|cap01.RC.pelea.3.3][$cap1_D_res_pelea = 3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Of course, you say it like it’s nothing since it’s not your head that has forgotten its entire life.”|cap01.RC.pelea.3.4][$cap1_D_res_pelea = 4]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Do you have any idea how lost I’ve felt since I woke up?”
<<include cap01.RC.pelea.4>>“Do you have any idea how confusing and strange all this has been for me?”
<<include cap01.RC.pelea.4>>“How dare you talk about it like it’s nothing?”
<<include cap01.RC.pelea.4>>“Of course, it’s so easy for you to say it since it’s not your head that’s forgotten everything, even its name.”
<<include cap01.RC.pelea.4>>“Nevertheless, you don’t need your memories in your new life,” Derek continues. If he notices your anger or not, you cannot tell.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“I want to know who I was!”|cap01.RC.pelea.5.1][$cap1_D_res_pelea2 = 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“What if I have family waiting for me back home?”|cap01.RC.pelea.5.2][$cap1_D_res_pelea2 = 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“I don’t even know my name!”|cap01.RC.pelea.5.3][$cap1_D_res_pelea2 = 3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“But I want to know who I was! I lost everything, even my name.”
“It’s irrelevant who you were. You should focus on who you can be now.” Derek waves his hand dismissively. “And a forgotten name should not be something concerning to you. You can have a new name.”
<<include cap01.RC.pelea.6>>“What if I have a family waiting for me? Or someone who depends on me?”
“You don’t know that. That’s the whole point of this.” Derek waves his hand dismissively. “Also, you’d need your name to even try to find your family if you even have one. In here, you’ll have a new name.”
<<include cap01.RC.pelea.6>>“I don’t remember anything, not even my own name!”
“A name doesn’t mean anything.” Derek waves his hand dismissively. “You can have a new one here. It’s not like you’ve lost much just by losing your name.”
<<include cap01.RC.pelea.6>>“You didn’t just say that,” you say in a low voice, anger building in you.
“If a name means so much to you, you can choose one now.” He stops talking as if expecting you to say a name and live by it. “If you can’t decide on one right now, we can help you decide on one name later.” Another pause. “Or, I don’t know, you can be called ‘$name_temp.’ Or maybe—”
“Shut up.”
“What—”
“Just stop talking.”
“There is no need for that.”
<<nobr>>
<<if $maker is "Derek">>
<<switch $height>>
<<case "very tall">>
He stands as well, looking into your eyes.
<<case "tall">>
He stands as well, looking directly into your eyes.
<<case "average" "short" "very short">>
He stands as well, looking down into your eyes.
<</switch>>
<<else>>
He moves to stand closer to you, looking directly into your eyes.
<</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<switch $maker>>
<<case "Maximillian">>
“Hey, you two, I think—” Maximillian stands as well, trying to appease you both.
<<case "Alexandre">>
“Man, you’re really crossing—” Alexandre intervenes, standing as well.
<<case "Jeremiah">>
“Derek! How can you—” Jeremiah speaks for the first time in a while.
<</switch>>
“I am just saying that it’s more practical this way for you,” Derek continues.
“For me? Or for you?” you remark.
“It’s beneficial for both—”
“No, I don’t want to hear it.”
“If you could just give me five minutes—”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“I’ve had enough of you.”|cap01.RC.pelea.7.1][$cap1_D_res_pelea3 = 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“I don’t want to talk to you anymore.”|cap01.RC.pelea.7.2][$cap1_D_res_pelea3 = 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Just give me time.”|cap01.RC.pelea.7.3][$cap1_D_res_pelea3 = 3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“I have listened to you for more than five minutes and had enough of you.”
<<include cap01.RC.pelea.fin>>“I don’t want to keep talking to you.”
<<include cap01.RC.pelea.fin>>“Just give me some time. I can’t do this right now.”
<<include cap01.RC.pelea.fin>><<nobr>>
<<switch $maker>>
<<case "Derek">>
You turn around and storm off the room, closing the door loudly behind you.
<<case "Maximillian">>
You turn around and head straight for the door. Ignoring the feeling of Maximillian’s stare on your back, you open the door and close it loudly behind you.
<<case "Alexandre">>
You turn around and head straight for the door. And just when you’re closing the door loudly behind you, you hear Alex’s voice.
<br><br>
“By the moon, ya couldn’t be more of an idiot!”
<<case "Jeremiah">>
You turn around and head straight for the door.
<br><br>
“Wait! Please—!”
<br><br>
You ignore Jeremiah’s plea and close the door loudly behind you.
<</switch>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap01.escape.1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-kind">
[[“That’s not very kind to say.”|cap01.RC.nopelea.2.1][$kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-bold">
[[“How can it be good that I lost my memories?”|cap01.RC.nopelea.2.2][$bold_shy += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-graceful">
[[“I don’t know if you know it or not. But you’re being rude right now.”|cap01.RC.nopelea.2.3][$clumsy_graceful -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-shy">
[[“Having lost my memories doesn’t reassure me.”|cap01.RC.nopelea.2.4][$bold_shy -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Wait,” you interrupt him. “That’s not very kind to say.”
“Excuse me?” He looks at you, confused. Honestly confused.
<<include cap01.RC.nopelea.3>>“How can you think memory loss is a good thing?”
“It is good because it makes things easier for you—”
“I heard you the first time, but it still doesn’t sound right,” you interrupt him again.
He looks at you, confused. Honestly confused.
<<include cap01.RC.nopelea.3>>“I don’t know if you’re doing it intentionally, but you’re being disrespectful.”
“All I said is that it makes things easier—”
“Still rude,” you interrupt him again.
“I don’t see how that is being rude,” he says, confused. Honestly confused.
<<include cap01.RC.nopelea.3>>“Um, losing my memories does not make me particularly reassured.”
“It may not be very reassuring, but it certainly makes things easier—”
“Don’t keep saying that,” you interrupt him again.
He stops talking and looks at you, confused. Honestly confused.
<<include cap01.RC.nopelea.3>><<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-kind">
[[Explain to him why what he’s saying bothers you.|cap01.RC.nopelea.4.1][$kind_distant += 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[Don’t explain to him.|cap01.RC.nopelea.4.2][$kind_distant -= 2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Yeah, well... Telling somebody that has just lost their memories it’s a //good// thing may not be the best option. No matter how //convenient// it may be. You’re undermining my problem.”
Derek remains silent for a few seconds, contemplating your words carefully.
“I see,” he says softly and looks away. “Now I understand it wasn’t my place to assume your feelings on the matter.”
You nod at him.
“I apologize for sounding so indifferent to your plight,” he says as he turns his head towards you and inclines his head. “And I want to thank you. For explaining to me what I did wrong.”
<<switch $maker>>
<<case "Maximillian">>
<<set $Max_fri++>>Maximillian, who has been silent for a while, shoots you a grateful smile.
<<case "Alexandre">>
“Suit yourself, $girl_boy. Just know you don’t have to put up with this jerk.” Alex shrugs.
<<case "Jeremiah">>
<<set $Jere_fri++>>Jeremiah, who has been silent for a while, sighs with relief.
<</switch>>
<<include cap01.enrique.1>>“Just don’t keep saying that.”
Derek remains silent, seemingly trying to figure out what he did wrong. And seeing your lack of response, he gives up and sighs.
“As you wish.”
<<switch $maker>>
<<case "Maximillian">>
He then turns to look at Maximillian, who gives him a smile.
<<set $Max_fri-->>
“Let’s move on,” he says.
<<case "Alexandre">>
<<set $Alex_fri++>>“Right answer, $girl_boy. That this jerk lacks common sense, it’s not your problem,” says Alex, throwing Derek an exasperated glance.
<<case "Jeremiah">>
“How can you not see how insensitive you just sounded?!” Jeremiah, who had been silent, protests to his older brother.
<</switch>>
<<include cap01.enrique.1>><<set $cap1_fin = 1>>Looking around, you see a corridor with a few candle lamps fixed on the walls. You glance quickly to both sides of the hallway before deciding where to go.
You squint your eyes to the left, and it looks like it’s at a dead end. And with that, you go to the right. Shortly after, another corridor appears on the left. So, without thinking, you follow it. At the end of it, there’s a set of stairs.
Looks like luck is on your side.
Walking quickly, you go down the stairs.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-bold">
[[“To Hell with this place!”|cap01.escape.2.1][$bold_shy += 1]]
</div>
<<if $maker is "Derek">>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“I don’t need him.”|cap01.escape.2.2][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“I don’t need them.”|cap01.escape.2.2][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<</if>>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[“I just want to get far away from him.”|cap01.escape.2.3][$naive_cautious -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“I don’t want to be here.”|cap01.escape.2.4][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“To Hell with this place!” you complain loudly, not caring if someone hears you.
<<include cap01.escape.3>>“I don’t need <<if $maker is "Derek">>him<<else>>them<</if>>,” you mutter angrily.
<<include cap01.escape.3>>“I just want to get as far away from him as possible,” you murmur, looking behind your back in case //he// decides to follow you, even though you doubt he would follow you.
And you’re right.
<<include cap01.escape.3>>“I don’t want to be here,” you say to yourself, quickening the pace.
Anywhere is better than here.
<<include cap01.escape.3>>Once you go down the last step, you head straight ahead of you, running right into a big door. If you imagine what an entrance door looks like, this must be it.
“Wait!” you hear a familiar voice from behind you.
You turn and find the woman from before, Delilah. There’s a trail of clothes behind her as she drops them to catch up to you.
“$miss_mister, it’s almost dawn! The sun! You musn’t leave the house!”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“I’m sorry, I can’t stay.”|cap01.escape.4.1][$cap1_dela_escape = 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“I’d rather risk the sun than stay here.”|cap01.escape.4.2][$cap1_dela_escape = 2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You remain silent.|cap01.escape.4.3][$cap1_dela_escape = 3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“I’m sorry. I really can’t stay here,” you say as you turn and head again for the door.
<<include cap01.escape.5>>“Believe me, I’d rather risk the sun than spend another minute here,” you answer as you turn and head again for the door.
<<include cap01.escape.5>>Without a word, you turn and head towards the door.
<<include cap01.escape.5>>“But the Master! I’m sure... There must be—” She tries again, but her words fall on deaf ears. You’ve already opened the door.
“You’ll end up hurt! Please!” She pleads again.
Ignoring what appears to be a front garden, you race towards the front gate, and as soon as you cross it, there’s nothing but trees and barely darkness surrounding you.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap01.escape.6]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>You roam aimlessly for a while. It’s been a few minutes since you lost the road, and it’s not as dark as before.
In fact, a few rays of sunshine are starting to appear between the trees. And there’s one right in front of you.
<<switch $maker>>
<<case "Derek">>
As you stop by the tree’s shadow, you contemplate the sun’s light and Derek’s words.
//“We’re pretty similar to humans, with a few exceptions. The biggest one is our inability to walk in the sun.”//
//“Why can’t we stand in the sun? What does it do to us?”//
//“It burns.”//
<<case "Maximillian">>
As you stop in the shadows of the trees, you remember Derek and Maximillian’s words.
//“Just know to stay away from the sun. Whatever you do, do not go out in the sun.”//
//“What? Why do you mention the sun so suddenly?”//
//“The thing is, that special treatment we talked about earlier. Well, we had to turn you into a vampire as well. It was the only way for us to save you.”//
//“That is why you must stay away from the sun. Vampires cannot touch the sunlight without burning themselves.”//
<<case "Alexandre">>
As you stop in the shadows of the trees, Derek and Alexandre’s words come to mind.
//“The most important thing you must know is to stay away from the sun.”//
//“The sun?”//
//“Yeah, that too. You see, the sun is an annoying idiot who doesn’t like us that much. It will burn you whenever your skin is exposed to sunlight.”//
//“So don’t ever try to go out during the day.”//
<<case "Jeremiah">>
Jeremiah’s words come to mind as you stop in the shadows of the trees.
//“You see, we’re not... ‘normal people.’ We can’t walk in the sunlight without burning ourselves, but we thrive in the night. We can’t enjoy food like before but can be up for days with boundless energy. We can’t return to what we were before, but that doesn’t mean we must be alone.”//
<</switch>>
“So the sun burns...” you mutter, eyes wandering in the light.
Would it be a bad idea if...?
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[No. Better to be careful.|cap01.escape.arm][$naive_cautious -= 2; $cap1_burn = "arm"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[Would it really burn?|cap01.escape.hand][$naive_cautious += 2; $cap1_burn = "hand"]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>No. No. Bad idea.
You were already told what would happen. You shouldn’t—
A sharp pain in your arm startles you.
You had taken a few steps back, and in doing so, your arm came in contact with a stray ray of sunshine you hadn’t noticed before.
<<include cap01.escape.burn>>What would happen if you let it touch you just a little bit? Would it really burn you?
Perhaps...
You reach out with your...
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Left hand.|cap01.escape.hand.1][$cap1_burn_hand = "left"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[Right hand.|cap01.escape.hand.1][$cap1_burn_hand = "right"]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[No, no. Bad idea.|cap01.escape.arm][$naive_cautious -= 4; $cap1_burn = "arm"]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>You reach out to the sunlight with your $cap1_burn_hand hand...
And you immediately withdraw it back after a sharp pain spreads on it.
<<include cap01.escape.burn>><<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-sincere">
[[“Ouch!”|cap01.escape.burn.1][$sincere_sarcastic += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-sarcastic">
[[“It’s true.”|cap01.escape.burn.2][$sincere_sarcastic -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[Remain silent.|cap01.escape.burn.3][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Ouch!” you exclaim as your <<if $cap1_burn is "hand">>other <</if>>hand flies to the hurtful part. “It really burns...”
<<include cap01.escape.burnlook>>“Okay, <<if $maker is "Derek">>he<<else>>they<</if>> really didn’t lie,” you murmur as your <<if $cap1_burn is "hand">>other <</if>>hand flies to the part where it hurts. “The sun doesn’t like me anymore...”
<<include cap01.escape.burnlook>>You opt to suffer in silence and bring your <<if $cap1_burn is "hand">>other <</if>>hand to the part that hurts.
<<include cap01.escape.burnlook>><<nobr>>
<<if $cap1_burn is "arm">>
<<switch $outfit>>
<<case "dress2">>
You turn to look at your arm, and you see it near your elbow. A fresh burn so intense that if you hadn’t just seen it with your own eyes, you wouldn’t believe a second the sunlight could cause it.
<br><br>
Will it always be this intense? How is it possible for the sun to affect you in this way?
<<case "suit1" "suit 2">>
You take your arm out of your jacket, roll up your sleeve, and see it there.
<br><br>
A fresh burn adorning your skin near your elbow. The sun trespassed your layers of clothing as if nothing and still burned you this bad.
<br><br>
If not for your clothes, would it be even worse?
<<default>>
You roll up your sleeve, and there you see it.
<br><br>
A fresh burn adorning your skin near your elbow. The sun trespassed your layers of clothing as if nothing and still burned you this bad.
<br><br>
If not for your clothes, would it be even worse?
<</switch>>
<<else>>
You look down to see your hand. A fresh burn spreads through your fingers to your knuckles. It looks so intense that if you hadn’t just seen it with your own eyes, you wouldn’t believe a second the sunlight could cause it.
<br><br>
Will it always be this intense? How is it possible for the sun to affect you in this way?
<</if>>
<</nobr>>
Another detail you noticed is that your burned skin let out a strange smell for a moment.
It was like the remnants of a fireplace, or when you put off a torch, or what you imagine a burning stove might smell like.
Okay, enough about that, you learned your lesson. You’ll stay far away from the sun from now on.
And looking around, it’ll be harder with the sun rising any time now.
You run through the shadows to hide behind a large tree to protect you from the sun.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-clumsy">
[[“What do I do?!”|cap01.escape.7.1][$clumsy_graceful += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-graceful">
[[“Okay, you got this.”|cap01.escape.7.2][$clumsy_graceful -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You look around for a place to hide.|cap01.escape.7.3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Oh no, what do I do? Where do I go? What...” you mutter to yourself, looking around frantically.
<<include cap01.escape.tree>>“It’s alright,” you encourage yourself in a low voice. “You got this. You just have to find somewhere to hide until night...”
<<include cap01.escape.tree>>You focus on your surroundings, looking for a place where the sun won’t be able to touch you...
<<include cap01.escape.tree>>There’s a rustling sound coming from your right.
What...?
You stumble as the tree’s trunk, where your hand was resting, gives in. It falls to the ground inside the tree, revealing that it is hollow.
“It’s this or nothing...”
After entering, you look down at the bark that fell off.
“It looks like a makeshift door...”
You place it back on the entrance, engulfing yourself in near darkness. Looking up, you see what could be called a window very up in the tree, a small opening in the trunk. The sunlight slowly enters, announcing the sun’s time to reign in the sky.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-naive">
[[You’re so lucky you found this tree.|cap01.escape.fin.1][$naive_cautious += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-cautious">
[[Isn’t this tree strange?|cap01.escape.fin.2][$naive_cautious -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>Without this tree, you would already all be burned over by the sun, if not...
<<include cap01.escape.fin>>How on earth would a hollow tree end up here? It even has a convenient door to enter and keep the sun out. Even a window up there to let you know when the sun hides...
This isn’t normal, right? Maybe the people who rescued you made this thing in case of emergency or something like that?
And if that’s true, you have to get away from here as soon as the sky darkens.
<<include cap01.escape.fin>>You let out a heavy sigh, letting yourself relax a little.
Well, all you have to do now is wait.
You sit down and rest your back on the tree, facing the “door.”
Unconsciously, your hand finds its way to the burned part of your skin, covering it.
“This is all so strange...”
Your memories, that house, those people, and now the sun. It looks like you have a lot of problems to deal with.
Leaning your head back and hugging your knees, you close your eyes momentarily and realize how tired you feel.
And soon after, you drift off to sleep.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-capitulo-nuevo">
[[End|cap01.end]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>You nod.
“In that case—”
A knock on the door interrupts him. Suddenly, Derek sits straighter, and his shoulders tense.
“Come in.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap01.enrique.2]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>The door opens, and an older man enters. He’s like the older version of Derek. They share many similarities: the exact shape of eyes, straight nose, and thin lips. He even has those same cold gray eyes.
“Father.” <<if $maker is "Derek">>Derek stands up and walks to the other side of the table, leaving a clear path for his father to you.<<else>>Derek greets his father.<</if>>
Derek’s father tilts his head at you, his long hair cascading over his shoulder. That’s the only difference between them. While they share the same hair length, Derek’s hair is dark brown, while his father’s is a deep black.
<<if $eyes_color is "light blue">>
Something passes on his eyes when they meet yours. The cold in his gray eyes falters as he examines yours. You can even hear the way he catches his breath for a moment.
And just as suddenly, it vanishes. He regains his composure and closes his eyes for a second too long.
<</if>><<switch $maker>>
<<case "Maximillian">>
“Father,” Maximillian stands up and greets the older man with a smile.
“I am glad you are here as well, Maximillian,” he returns his smile.
“Of course, it is my responsibility.”
And then, their father’s eyes are upon you.
<<case "Alexandre">>
“Father,” Alex greets the older man and quickly stands up.
“It is good to see you are already here, Alexandre.”
“Of course, I had to.” The formal tone in which he spoke surprised you. Then, he goes to lean against the nearest wall, and their father’s eyes are on yours.
<<case "Jeremiah">>
“Father.” Jeremiah immediately brightened up at the sight of him. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“And I was sure you would be the first to be here,” his father said with a chuckle.
After a soft laugh from Jeremiah, the older man’s eyes catch yours.
<</switch>>
“Greetings. I hope you are feeling well,” Derek’s father greets you, gaze not stranding from yours. His voice is deep and rich. It makes you give him your complete attention.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[There’s something about him, his presence. He seems so... reliable.|cap01.enrique.3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[The way he speaks makes you less guarded around him.|cap01.enrique.3]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[His eyes express another emotion besides politeness. Almost as if he’s worried about you.|cap01.enrique.3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Now tell me, $girl_boy,” he continues. “Who are you?”
You’re about to answer, say something, anything, but get interrupted by Derek’s back entering your sight, making you break eye contact with his father. You blink a few times.
“Father,” Derek’s voice is defensive. “<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> $has_have just woken up, I don’t think it is a good idea.”
You can’t look at either of the men’s faces from your seat.
“I only wanted to talk,” the father says in a calm voice. “I want to get to know our newest family member.”
You stand up and walk to stand beside Derek and see how his jaw tenses at his father’s words.
“We have already talked—”
“Then, I have to introduce myself.” There is amusement in his eyes when they meet yours again. “My name is Enrique Moonlight, and I am the head of this family. As such, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our family.”
He extends his hand towards yours.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-bold">
[[Immediately, you take his hand.|cap01.enrique.4.1][$bold_shy += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-shy">
[[Nervously, you take his hand.|cap01.enrique.4.2][$bold_shy += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-amistad-mas d-shy">
[[You look at Derek for guidance.|cap01.enrique.4.3][$bold_shy += 1; $Derek_fri++]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>As if on instinct, you reach out immediately to take his hand.
<<include cap01.enrique.5>>You doubt a little before taking his hand.
<<include cap01.enrique.5>>Looking at the hand offered to you, you first look toward Derek.
He returns your gaze, searching your eyes. And after a nod from him, you take Enrique’s hand.
<<include cap01.enrique.5>>His skin is cold, his grip firm. He lets go of your hand after a moment.
“You did not give me your name,” he says.
“<<print $she_he.toUpperFirst()>> $doesnt_dont remember it,” Derek answers before you can say anything.
“Your memories are missing, then,” Enrique concludes.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[“Yes.”|cap01.enrique.6.1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You nod.|cap01.enrique.6.2]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-normal">
[[You glare at Derek.|cap01.enrique.6.3]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>“Yes,” you admit.
<<include cap01.enrique.7>>You nod your head at him.
<<include cap01.enrique.7>>You send a glare to Derek. You didn’t want to talk about your memory loss.
Derek catches your eyes and raises an eyebrow. “Surely you didn’t expect me to keep it a secret. We all have to know about your missing memories.”
<<include cap01.enrique.7>>“Regardless, we will have to consider that,” Enrique continues. “I had planned for us to contact your family and let them know you are safe.” He gives you a sad smile. “I guess it will not be so easy, then.”
Here’s a short silence between you.
“We can help you find your family if you want to.”
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-kind">
[[“I would appreciate that.”|cap01.enrique.8.1][$kind_distant += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-distant">
[[“Yes.”|cap01.enrique.8.2][$kind_distant -= 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-honest">
[[“You saved me, you have done enough for me.”|cap01.enrique.8.3][$honest_adaptable += 1]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item d-adaptable">
[[“No, that won’t be necessary.”|cap01.enrique.8.4][$honest_adaptable -= 1]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><<if $clumsy_graceful >= 50>>“That would be great. I—I’d appreciate it.”<<else>>“That would be so kind of you, and I’ll be very grateful for your help.”<</if>>
“Of course.” He smiles at you. “We will do anything in our power to help you find your family. You have my word.”
<<include cap01.enrique.9>>“Yes, I’d like that.”
“Of course.” He smiles at you. “We will do anything in our power to help you find your family. You have my word.”
<<include cap01.enrique.9>>“Oh, you have already saved me. I couldn’t dare ask for more.”
“Please, let us help you. That is why we are here.”
<<include cap01.enrique.9>>“Don’t worry, that won’t be necessary. I’m okay with this.”
Not true, but you can always find them on your own.
“You do not have to lie, child,” Enrique says with a kind smile. We will try to help you find them, I promise you.”
<<include cap01.enrique.9>>You give him a grateful nod.
“Well, it is quite late,” he says, looking out the window. “It will be best to leave introductions with all the family for tomorrow.”
Derek nods and looks your way. “The sun is almost up. You should rest.”
“If you find yourself in need of anything, you can call for one of our maids to aid you. Otherwise, please remain in your room while the sun is still up and wait for our call.”
After a nod from you, Enrique turns and heads to the door.
<<switch $maker>>
<<case "Derek">>
Derek walks past you to follow his father but pauses at the door and turns to you.
“Remember to stay in your room,” he emphasizes. “If you must go out, at least call for me. I’ll be in my room, the last door of the hallway on the right.”
He nods and starts closing the door behind him before stopping and addressing you again.
“But if you can, you must rest. It’s good for you in these first days.”
Then he finally closes the door.
<<case "Maximillian">>
“You should rest,” Maximillian comes to a stop beside you. “Resting as much as possible in these first days is good for you. Besides, it’s not like we can exit the house with the sun in the sky.”
He gives you a last smile and heads for the door.
Derek follows after them, gives you a last nod when he’s at the door, and closes it behind him.
<<case "Alexandre">>
“Rest up, kid,” Alex says from your side. “No funny business while the sun’s up. Not even opening the curtains. I don’t wanna see no scar on you when I check up on you tomorrow.”
With that, he follows Enrique and exits the room.
Derek walks past you, gives you a last nod, and closes the door behind him.
<<case "Jeremiah">>
Derek walks past you to follow his father.
“I hope you rest well,” Jeremiah says, standing up and walking to your side. If I can help you with anything, remember I’m right next door.”
“Jeremiah,” Derek calls him from the door.
“Sleep well.” With that and a last smile, Jeremiah exits the room.
From the door, Derek gives you a last nod and closes the door.
<</switch>>
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-siguiente">
[[Next|cap01.enrique.fin]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>>And you’re finally alone once more.
This... was not how you expected things to turn out.
It’s not like you had much to go on besides your imagination. Or anxiety.
You sigh and, with a last look at your surroundings, decide to rest on the bed. If you can’t sleep, you could as well explore the house, at least.
But as soon as your head hits the pillow, exhaustion washes over you, and you’re fast asleep.
<<nobr>>
<div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item d-capitulo-nuevo">
[[End|cap01.end]]
</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><br><br><br>
<div align="center" class="titulo-comienzo-fin">End of<br>~ [[Chapter One|end.demo]] ~</div>
<br><br><br><<set $nombreCapitulo = "~">>
<br><div align="center" class="titulo-comienzo-fin"><<type 200ms>>End of demo<</type>></div>
<hr>
<div align="center" class="k-message">Hi, guys!
This is as far as the game goes for the time being.
Thank you for your patience, and for playing!
<span class="k-credits"><a href="https://moonlight-if-knight.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">- K</a></span>
</div>
<hr>
<div align="center" class="text-end-demo">Version: 0.1.2
Last Updated: 23/04/2025
Prologue Word Count: 9,110 -> <b>12,600</b>
Chapter 1 Word Count: 7,700 -> <b>27,550</b>
Total Word Count: 16,810 -> <b>40,150</b></div>
<br>