Remnants Of The Past 2

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<h1><div style="text-align: center;">Remnants Of The Past - Act 2</div></h1> \ <div style="text-align: center;">//You find yourself in an unknown world. With time and powerful sources against you, you and your friends rush to end the corrupted cycle once and for all. However, a new setback leads you down a much different path. The light brought by hope shines bright around them, but few are the ones who know about the darkness lurking within. The queen is the most powerful piece of the board, but it all depends on how much you trust her to aid you on your quest. The Void is calling. Will you answer? //</div> Second act of the ''fantasy, adventure and romance story'' influenced by the Guanche culture where you'll face the destiny the gods have chosen for you and your loved ones. ------- <span class="title">__''Main features:''__</span> *Customise the main character. Choose their gender, appearance, personality, combat style and occupation. *Build and maintain strong friendships with your companions. *Choose one of the four main romance options available and experiment their story intertwined with the main plot. *An extensive codex where all the important information about the story, characters, places and crucial objects will be kept, and it will be updated as you progress in the plot. *Important choices that will shape the destiny of each world and lead to different endings. ------- <span class="title">__''Warning:''__</span> This story contains violence, blood, swearing, some optional sex scenes, and deals with serious topics such as depression, death and drug abuse. If you are sensitive to any of these topics, please proceed with caution. ------- <span class="title">__''Support:''__</span> Want to support this project? Visit <a href="https://patreon.com/RemnantsOfThePast" target="_blank">Remnants Of The Past's Patreon page</a> and consider becoming a patron! You will have access to exclusive content, art, and community posts. Depending on the tier you choose, the rewards may include: *Work-in-progress previews *Sneak peaks of future chapters *Characters Q&A *Characters POVs *Fun short extra scenes with characters *HD illustrations And more! ------- <div style="text-align: center;">''If you prefer to play without background music, you can turn off the audio in the options menu. You can access it by clicking the top left of the screen on PC, and the bottom on mobile.''</div> <div style="text-align: center;">''To avoid losing your progress in future updates it is better to save your game with the option "Save to Disk" <<button [[Begin the story|Begin]]>><</button>></div>

<span class="title">Remnants of The Past</span> <span class="author">Created by Domakir</span>

<<button [[Import your choices from Act One|Import]]>><</button>> <<button [[Create a new character from scratch|New character]]>><</button>>

<<import '$save' 'base64' 'Import Saved Data'>> <div style="text-align: center;">''Click on the button above and select your saved file form Act 1 to import your choices to Act 2. Then, click 'Continue' once you've imported your save file, or go back to create a new character if you don't have one to import.'' <<button [[Continue|1]]>><</button>> <<button [[Go back|Begin]]>><</button>></div>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "zombieH" loop play>>\ \ The darkness is thick in this place. Everywhere you look, you can only see absolute nothingness, but for some reason, you don't feel afraid. Not even when you hear the footsteps around you, or the thick fur of the creature stalking you, brushing against your legs. Suddenly, there's a sound behind you, one that scares off the seven-tailed creature and forces it to seek refuge in the darkness, now slightly less intense thanks to a light that has appeared out of nowhere. You turn around. The light filters in through the skylight and illuminates a full-length mirror. You slowly approach and observe the image reflected back at you, the face of... *[[A man|NC1][$gender to "Male"]] *[[A trans man|NC1][$gender to "FTM"]] *[[A woman|NC1][$gender to "Female"]] *[[A trans woman|NC1][$gender to "MTF"]] *[[A non bninary person|NC1][$gender to "NB"]]

<<widget "add_diplomacy">><<set $diplomacy to Math.clamp($diplomacy + $args[0], 0, 100)>><</widget>>\ <<widget "add_fun">><<set $fun to Math.clamp($fun + $args[0], 0, 100)>><</widget>>\ <<widget "add_blunt">><<set $blunt to Math.clamp($blunt + $args[0], 0, 100)>><</widget>>\ <<widget "add_corruption">><<set $corruption to Math.clamp($corruption + $args[0], 0, 100)>><</widget>>\ \ <<widget "add_MonarchAO">><<set $MonarchAO to Math.clamp($MonarchAO + $args[0], 0, 100)>><</widget>>\ <<widget "add_MonarchD">><<set $MonarchD to Math.clamp($MonarchD + $args[0], 0, 100)>><</widget>>\ <<widget "add_scene">><<set $scene to Math.clamp($scene + $args[0], 0, 100)>><</widget>>\ \ <<widget "add_BNRomance">><<set $BNRomance to Math.clamp($BNRomance + $args[0], 0, 100)>><</widget>>\ \ \ <<cacheaudio "revival" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Revival.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "wholesome" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Wholesome.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "cryptic" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Cryptic Sorrow.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "avecSoin" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Avec Soin.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "chasePulse" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Chase Pulse.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "chasePulseF" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Chase Pulse Faster.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "virtutes" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Virtutes Instrumenti.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "eveningOfChaos" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Evening of Chaos.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "zombieH" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Zombie Hoodoo.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "horror1" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Classic Horror 1.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "horror3" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Classic Horror 3.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "dimBar" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Fantastic Dim Bar.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "longNote1" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Long Note One.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "wounded" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Wounded.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "allThis" "audio/Kevin Macleod/All This.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "graveBlow" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Grave Blow.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "fight" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Volatile Reaction.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "static" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Static Motion.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "mourning" "audio/Kevin Macleod/Mourning Song.mp3">>\ \ <<cacheaudio "quietMorning" "audio/Justin Jet Zorbas/A Quite Morning - Relaxing Harp Music.wav">>\ <<cacheaudio "dungeon" "audio/Justin Jet Zorbas/Dungeon Crawlers - Dark Atmospheric Music.wav">>\ <<cacheaudio "sweetSerenade" "audio/Justin Jet Zorbas/Sweet Serenade - Baroque Guitar & Wooden Flute Music.wav">>\ <<cacheaudio "forgottenOnes" "audio/Justin Jet Zorbas/For the Forgotton Ones - Relaxing Harp Music.wav">>\ <<cacheaudio "fadeAway" "audio/Justin Jet Zorbas/Fade Away - Relaxing Harp & Bodhran Music.wav">>\ <<cacheaudio "byTheRiver" "audio/Justin Jet Zorbas/Resting by the River - Relaxing Harp Music.wav">>\ \ <<cacheaudio "liftingDreams" "audio/Aakash Gandhi/Lifting Dreams.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "AOTheme" "audio/Aakash Gandhi/Dancing Star - Ada.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "RGTheme" "audio/Aakash Gandhi/Dreamland - Rayco.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "ALTheme" "audio/Aakash Gandhi/Kiss the Sky - Albert.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "LLTheme" "audio/Aakash Gandhi/White River - Leire.mp3">>\ \ <<cacheaudio "unexploredFields" "audio/Alkakrab/Unexplored Fields.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "voiceOfEvil" "audio/Alkakrab/Voice Of Evil.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "callOfTheNight" "audio/Alkakrab/Call Of The Night.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "hidingInTheDarkness" "audio/Alkakrab/Hiding In The Darkness.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "ashesOfSadness" "audio/Alkakrab/Ashes Of Sadness.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "powerOfFear" "audio/Alkakrab/Power Of Fear.mp3">>\ \ <<cacheaudio "ghost" "audio/Tim Beek/Ghost.mp3">>\ \ <<cacheaudio "mischief" "audio/Zapsplat/mischief.mp3">>\ \ <<cacheaudio "erotic" "audio/Soundraw/Erotic Fantasy.mp3">>\ \ <<cacheaudio "pachabelly" "audio/Huma-Huma/Pachabelly.mp3">>\ \ <<cacheaudio "growl" "audio/Effects/Growl.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "windE" "audio/Effects/Wind Effect.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "drip" "audio/Effects/Water Drip.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "resistance" "audio/Effects/Resistance.wav">>\ <<cacheaudio "rockslide" "audio/Effects/Rockslide Trap.wav">>\ <<cacheaudio "bearTrap" "audio/Effects/Bear Trap 1.wav">>\ <<cacheaudio "lightningLure" "audio/Effects/Lightning Lure.wav">>\ <<cacheaudio "explosion" "audio/Effects/Explosion building.mp3">>\ <<cacheaudio "scoutRoar" "audio/Effects/Scout Roar.mp3">>\

<li><span class="credits">[[Credits]]</span></li> <li>[[Codex]]</li> <li>[[Old Diary]]</li>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Codex''</h1></div> * [[Main characters|Main_Characters]] * [[Secondary characters|Secondary_Characters]] * [[Gods]] * [[Places]] * [[Artefacts]] * <<if $faycansCodex is true>>[[Faycans]]<<else>>?????<</if>> * [[Tibicenas|Demons]] <<back>>

* [[Page of an old diary 1|DiaryPG1]] * [[Page of an old diary 2|DiaryPG2]] * <<if $showDiary3 is true>>[[Page of an old diary 3|DiaryPG3]]<<else>>?????<</if>> * ????? * ????? * ????? <<back>>

* [[$AO + " Arastelia"|Ada_Omar]] * [[$AL + " Terrastar"|Albert_Lavina]] * [[$LL + " Terrastar"|Leire_Luca]] * [[$RG + " Oramas"|Rayco_Gara]] * [[Enid]] ------- * <<if $faycansCodex is true>>[[$BN + " Oramas"|Belicar_Nisa]]<<else>>?????<</if>> * <<if $AACodex is true>>[[$AA + " Oramas"|Althos_Arminda]]<<else>>?????<</if>> <<back>>

''Thaon:'' * [[Mauro Arastelia]] * [[Daira Belmonte]] * [[Jonay Arastelia]] * [[Arianna Bravo]] * [[Javier and Frederic Bonneville]] ''Bucante:'' * <<if $SozaCodex is true>>[[Soza Qaled]]<<else>>?????<</if>> * <<if $SalvaCodex is true>>[[Salva Qaled]]<<else>>?????<</if>> * <<if $MICodex is true>>[[$MI + " Ulkrard"|MI]]<<else>>?????<</if>> * ????? <<back>>

* [[Abora Oramas|Abora]] * [[Alcorac Oramas|Alcorac]] * <<if $RG is "Rayco">>[[Rayco Oramas|Rayco_Gara]]<<else>>[[Gara Oramas|Rayco_Gara]]<</if>> * [[Enid Oramas|Enid]] * <<if $nauzet is true>>[[Nauzet Oramas]]<<else>>?????<</if>> * ????? * ????? * ????? <<back>>

* [[Thaon]] * <<if $bucanteCodex is true>>[[Bucante]]<<else>>?????<</if>> * ????? * ????? * ????? * [[Orahan]] * [[Echeide]] * [[Taoro]] <<back>>

* [[Verdiryum]] * [[Kalmitan]] * [[Moneiba's Orbs|Moneiba_Orbs]] * [[Eraorahan's Artefacts|Eraorahan_Artefacts]] * ????? <<back>>

The tibicenas are beings made of pure corruption born in the depths of Echeide and their sole reason for living is to steal the souls of mortals so they can multiply. Tibicenas are hierarchical, and depending on the level they are in, their abilities and appearance vary. * [[Scout]] * [[Behemoth]] * [[Guayota]] * ????? * ????? * ????? <<back>>

<span class="title">''Music by Kevin MacLeod''</span> <a href="https://incompetech.com">incompetech.com</a> Licensed under <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License</a> ------- * Revival * Wholesome * Cryptic Sorrow * Avec Soin * Chase Pulse * Chase Pulse Faster * Virtutes Instrumenti * Evening of Chaos * Zombie Hoodoo * Classic Horror 1 * Classic Horror 3 * Fantastic Dim Bar * Long Note One * Wounded * All This * Volatile Reaction * Grave Blow * Static Motion * Mourning Song ------- <span class="title">''Music by Justin Jet Zorbas''</span> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/rpgaudiovault/">RPG Audio Vault Patreon Page</a> ------- * A Quiet Morning - Relaxing Harp Music * Dungeon Crawlers - Dark Atmospheric Music * Fade Away - Relaxing Harp & Bodhran Music * For the Forgotton Ones - Relaxing Harp Music * Sweet Serenade - Baroque Guitar & Wooden Flute Music * Resting by the River - Relaxing Harp Music * Resistance Effect * Rockslide Trap Effect * Bear Trap 1 Effect * Lightning Lure Effect ------- <span class="title">''Music by Alkakrab''</span> <a href="https://alkakrab.itch.io/">Itch.io</a> ------- * Voice Of Evil * Unexplored Fields * Call Of The Night * Hiding In The Darkness * Power Of Fear ------- <span class="title">''Music by Aakash Gandhi''</span> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/79w3DwEB7TUjcbOfMpHh51?autoplay=true">Spotify</a> ------- * Lifting Dreams * Dancing Star * Dreamland * Kiss the Sky * White River ------- <span class="title">''Music by Tim Beek''</span> <a href="https://timbeek.com/">timbeek.com</a> ------- * Ghost ------- <span class="title">''Music by Huma-Huma''</span> <a href="https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCEuJ83iZ0TxhSREGaDlascQ">YoutTube</a> ------- * Pachabelly ------- <span class="title">''Music and sound effects from Zapsplat''</span> <a href="https://www.zapsplat.com/">zapsplat.com</a> ------- <span class="title">''Music from Soundraw''</span> <a href="https://soundraw.io//">soundraw.io</a> ------- <a href="https://opendyslexic.org">OpenDyslexic Font</a> by Abbie Gonzalez ------- <a href="https://awmorgan.itch.io/twine-sugarcube-template">UI Template</a> by a.w. morgan on itch.io ------- Made with <a href="https://twinery.org/">Twine 2.8.1</a>, SugarCube 2.36.1 <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Thaon''</h1></div> Founded in the year 13,000, the kingdom of Thaon comprises five expansive regions, boasting a total populace of 42.350 million souls. At its heart lies Gipulma, home to the illustrious city of Astian and the royal seat. Southward, nestled amidst snowy landscapes, lies Silbecan, renowned as the realm of fishermen. Across the vast expanse of the sea, one finds the twin domains of Dinituv and Thiayuv, the merchant islands. Lastly, in the western reaches of Thaon, the rugged terrain of Nustiria rises majestically. The kingdom's genesis can be traced back to the momentous year 13,000, specifically to the 15th of the third moon, when Selene Astinia, captain of the Silbecan region, initiated the conquest of Gipulma against its heretical ruler, San Tenoreo, in the name of the Creator. The ensuing conflict spanned five grueling years, exacting a heavy toll in lives due to staunch resistance, further intensified by the rallying of other regions to the cause. Ultimately, the culmination of the holy war was orchestrated by the Priests, who aided Selene in seizing control of the city. There, she baptized it with her own name, ascending as the inaugural queen of Thaon before the divine gaze of Abora. With the realms unified under a monarchy, Astian was anointed as the premier city and the sovereign's sanctuary. Despite ongoing discord between believers and non-believers, particularly within urban centers, Queen Selene proclaimed Thaon as a devout realm. Yet, despite the majority's adherence to the faith, the queen enacted a decree barring mages from ascending the throne, fearing the immense and unruly potential for destruction they wielded. This decree ignited decades of controversy. For hundreds of thousands of years the monarchy followed the Astinian family line, until King Lemor was assassinated without leaving an heir, passing the crown to the Arastelia family, who is still on the throne today with King Mauro Arastelia. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Orahan''</h1></div> In the realm where the sun dips into a sea of molten gold, where sky and earth meld seamlessly, Orahan stands as the sanctuary for departed souls, cradled in an oasis of serenity under the watchful gaze of the celestial spirits of the Creator. The crystal-clear waters of Orahan's meandering rivers are said to weave a gentle melody, embracing arrivals with a profound sense of calm and solace as they traverse the gracefully arched bridge that links the two worlds-a sacred passage to eternal tranquility. Here, souls shed their burdens and sorrows, finding respite in a realm of unparalleled peace. It is a celestial haven where the boundaries between life and death blur, where eternity unfolds in a symphony of harmony and boundless love. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Echeide''</h1></div> In books and ancient writings as well as in schools and temples, Echeide is spoken of as the most recondite place in the universe, beyond the deepest darkness. A place where demons reign in their maximum expression, roaming freely without law or compassion, where chaos and evil intertwine in an endless dance. A place of nightmares where the land is barren and parched, with sharp rocks and a wind that blows with constant violence, dominated by a huge red moon in the sky, emanating a sinister light that gives a scarlet glow to everything in its path. Where rivers of blood snake through the earth, feeding the black roots of withered trees that seem to spring from the very abyss and where the air is thick and heavy, permeated with the smell of death and decay. It is portrayed as a desolate wasteland, without life or vegetation, only the echo of tormented souls, the wailing of the condemned, and demons slithering in the shadows watching and waiting for their next prey. A dark, twisted and terrifying place, where evil flourishes and light is nonexistent, that should never be explored by mortal beings. Whether all this is true or not, no one knows for sure. Some think it is, and that Abora separated Echeide from the world to keep her creation safe from the clutches of corruption, one more reason to worship her. Others, on the other hand, don't believe a word. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Taoro''</h1></div> It is said that at the zenith of the universe beyond the veil of clouds, Taoro rests like a celestial gem, unseen by mortal eyes, for none have proven themselves worthy. There resides the supreme goddess Abora, encircled by her devoted disciples in a paradise of luminance and serenity, where vibrant hues and fragrant aromas saturate every breath. Taoro is described as an ode to existence in the sacred teachings, with lush greenery, blossoms of vivid hues, and succulent fruits reserved for the chosen few. Verdant trees provide shelter for birds and butterflies that roam freely, basking in the sunlight that bathes every corner, suffusing the realm with an aura of tranquility and peace. From this divine abode, the gods oversee and safeguard mortals, while the disciples of Abora dedicate themselves to upholding the balance and harmony of Thaon, far removed from mortal desires and transgressions. It is a realm untainted by the corruption that plagues the mortal world, as ancient texts proclaim that mortals and celestial beings cannot coexist without disrupting the natural order. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Bucante''</h1></div> Bucante is the home of the merfolk species, a world made mostly of water, with very few areas above the surface. ''Culture y customs:'' The merfolk are divided into clans, each with its own territory and leadership. Currently, however, all clan leaders are united under one banner with the goal of uncovering the mystery surrounding recent disappearances. Their hierarchy is based on age and wisdom, with elders serving as guides for the rest of the community, along with the counsel of a trusted guru. In maritime society there are two important groups : the Adventurers' Guild, which explores the secrets of the past in search of knowledge and adventure, and the Defenders, who care for the cities and their residents. The merfolk are expert artisans, known for their skill in coral sculpture, crafting marine jewelry, and making musical instruments. In Bucante, celebrations are offerings to the gods. During the Tides Festival, its people dance to the rhythm of the waves and pay their respects to Abora by sending flowers to the surface. There's also a tradition of "smacking" a loved one with inflated fish bladders to show affection. ''Flora and fauna:'' In addition to common fish and marine creatures, there are adorable aquatic snakes whose scales shimmer in different colours depending on their mood. On the other hand, there are also fearsome leviathans, once guardians of Bucante and its inhabitants. However, with the arrival of demons, these beings have turned violent against those they once protected. Once grand and protective near the surface, they have now retreated to the darkest ocean depths, where they lie in wait and attack anyone who dares to approach. In Bucante, there is a natural wonder known as the Coral Gardens, filled with brightly colored corals, dancing anemones, and swaying algae. These gardens are where artisans find the best materials for their creations, although few are brave enough to venture there now, fearing an encounter with a leviathan along the way. On the seafloor, between the cities of the clans and the Void, lies The Seaweed Forest. This forest is the gateway to the Void, where giant seaweed rises to the surface from the darkest depths, creating a place of shadows and mystery where leviathans and ghostly fish now reside. Most adventurers lose their lives here at the hands of leviathans and demons, trying to rescue their family members from their corrupted jaws. ''The Void:'' The darkest, and also most dangerous, region of all Bucante, where light barely reaches and demons lurk in the shadows. Long ago, legend held that the king leviathan dwelled here, a tale fueled by bones found in the area. Adventurers, eager to uncover its secrets, ventured forth to find it and learn more about their ancestors' history. However, the pressure and darkness of the Void repel most, and very few have dared to enter. None have returned. The Adventurers' Guild dedicated themselves to finding a safer, more effective way to enter. At least, until the demons arrived and the leviathans became aggressive. ''Life expectancy and height:'' Of all races, the merfolk have the shortest lifespan, living only up to 60 years if they are lucky. Their height ranges from 150 to 180 cm, with the latter being extremely rare among them and only possible for Clan Orcalius. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''$AO Arastelia''</h1></div> *''Age:'' 36 years old *''Height:'' 176 cm *''Species:'' Human *''Build:'' Slim. No muscle. *''Eye colour:'' Dark brown *''Hair colour:'' Black *''Skin colour:'' Black *''Notable attributes:'' Mole under the left eye *''Weapon:'' Magic ------- ''Relationship:'' <<if $AOLove is true>>Care<<else>>Friend<</if>> ''Romance:'' <<if $AOLove is true>>Active<<else>>Inctive<</if>> ------- Doctor of Sorrol from the great city of Astian, a place $AOhe_she left behind out of a desire to make a change in $AOhis_her life and flee from the politics that inhabits its streets. When $AOhe_she moved, $AOhe_she also had to say goodbye to $AOhis_her father, who apparently did not agree with his $AOson_daughter's decision to go to be a doctor in a remote village in the countryside, but you have no more information than that. When you ask you always get the same answer: 'I'm more needed here.' <<if $knowsAOStory is true>>------- $AO Arastelia. $AOHis_Her surname confirms that Sorrol's doctor is actually the $AOprince_princess and heir to the throne of Astian. Since $AOhis_her childhood, $AO was never interested in politics and always did $AOhis_her best to avoid $AOhis_her royal duties. As $AOhe_she grew older the abhorrence $AOhe_she felt towards these tasks only increased, having to use the royal guard to close the castle gates until the little $AOprince_princess had finished $AOhis_her duties. Although $AO points out that, apart from $AOhis_her strict study schedule, $AOhe_she enjoyed $AOhis_her childhood at the castle very much. The complications in $AOhis_her life came when $AOhe_she discovered that $AOhe_she could use magic, creating many tensions with the representatives of the noble houses and, above all, with the Hillorwe's, who thought that a mage $AOking_queen would be like a time bomb. There were many protests against it, but the King did not give in, convinced that his $AOson_daughter's magic would not do any harm to the kingdom of Thaon, but quite the opposite. <</if>><<if $AOQK is true>>------- Inspired by $AOhis_her friends and with great determination, $AO decided to take control of $AOhis_her life and embrace $AOhis_her royal title, becoming the new $AOking_queen of Thaon-a decision that surprised $AOhim_her more than anyone else. While it is still early to determine the consequences of having a mage on the throne, $AO is a highly respected figure among the citizens of Astian and the members of the Council. The leaders of Thaon are confident that the rest of the kingdom will be able to set aside archaic traditions and accept the $AOman_woman chosen by the gods as the monarch who will lead them to a brighter future. <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>No pressure for $AO, of course.<</if>> <<elseif $AOQK is false>>------- At the end of the conflict with the rebels of Astian, $AO completely relinquished $AOhis_her royal title and handed over the reins of the kingdom to Daira, relieving $AOhimself_herself of a responsibility $AOhe_she never wanted. This allowed $AOhim_her to pursue $AOhis_her true calling-aiding the less fortunate with $AOhis_her healing abilities. <</if>><<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''$AL Terrastar''</h1></div> *''Age:'' 34 years old *''Height:'' <<if $AL is "Albert">>160<<elseif $AL is "Lavina">>170<</if>> cm *''Species:'' Human *''Build:'' Chubby *''Eye colour:'' Green *''Hair colour:'' Red *''Skin colour:'' Pale *''Notable attributes:'' Scar on the chest *''Weapon:'' Great axe ------- ''Relationship:'' <<if $ALLove is true>>Care<<else>>Friend<</if>> ''Romance:'' <<if $ALLove is true>>Active<<else>>Inactive<</if>> ------- Kind, devoted, considerate and Sorrol's star builder, the oldest of the Terrastars does $ALhis_her best to take care of $ALhis_her little $LLbrother_sister, with whom $ALhe_she lives in one of the oldest houses in the area, which belonged to their parents. With a melomaniac soul, the red-haired $ALman_woman makes everyone see that $ALhe_she's not only good with the axe, but also very skilled with musical instruments, enjoying the touch of the strings of $ALhis_her lute whenever there is a gap in $ALhis_her schedule. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''$LL Terrastar''</h1></div> *''Age:'' 28 years old *''Height:'' 168 cm *''Species:'' Human *''Build:'' Strong and muscular *''Eye colour:'' Green *''Hair colour:'' Red *''Skin colour:'' Pale *''Notable attributes:'' Scars all over the body *''Weapon:'' Long sword and shield ------- ''Relationship:'' <<if $LLLove is true>>Care<<else>>Friend<</if>> ''Romance:'' <<if $LLLove is true>>Active<<else>>Inactive<</if>> ------- A fearless warrior, as fierce in battle as $LLhis_her hair is red and capable of making any demons tremble with a single glance. $LLHe_She works as a guard in the town of Sorrol, where $LLhe_she lives alone with $LLhis_her older $ALbrother_sister, $AL, in their parents' house since a tragic accident took them away when $LLhe_she was young. $LLHe_She highly values $LLhis_her privacy and it's not easy to get to know $LLhim_her, as $LLhe_she is very selective about the people $LLhe_she lets into $LLhis_her life. Luckily you are one of them, and you have been able to see that there is something more under that rough exterior that $LLhe_she tries so hard to maintain, even if it has been only a few times. Yet you get the feeling that you have only scratched the surface of $LLhis_her complex being. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''$RG Oramas''</h1></div> *''Age:'' 50,000 years old *''Height:'' <<if $RG is "Rayco">>198 cm<<else>>200cm<</if>> *''Species:'' $RGGod_Goddess *''Build:'' Strong and broad-shouldered *''Eye colour:'' Purple *''Hair colour:'' Purple *''Skin colour:'' Brown *''Notable attributes:'' Freckles on cheeks, nose and all over $RGhis_her back *''Weapon:'' Magic and spear ------- ''Relationship:'' <<if $RGLove is true>>Care<<else>>Friend<</if>> ''Romance:'' <<if $RGLove is true>>Active<<else>>Inactive<</if>> ------- Sorrol's tavern keeper. A friendly and generous $RGman_woman from an unknown and faraway place called Tamarant, which also gives $RGhis_her tavern its name. Although $RGhe_she has an open personality, $RGhis_her past is a mystery. Beyond the name of $RGhis_her hometown, the rest is a blank page, and the few stories $RGhe_she shares about $RGhis_her childhood are the most ordinary, almost identical to anyone else's. You've asked more than once, but your persistence hasn't gotten you very far. It's been pretty clear to you from $RGhis_her dodgy responses that $RGhe_she's not too keen on talking about $RGhis_her past, so eventually you stopped asking. ------- The attack on Sorrol led you to discover the truth about your so-called friend, and it's that the only human thing $RG has is the appearance, because it turns out that this $RGman_woman is actually a $RGgod_goddess. The guardian, or achimencey as $RGhe_she says, who has come from Taoro to end the Cycle and eradicate the tibicenas. However, this comes with a price, and that price is $RGhis_her own life. And if that wasn't enough, it's you who has to take it from $RGhim_her, since it's your blood that's linked to Eraorahan's pendant, the object that you must use to drain $RGhis_her soul when the time comes. There's no doubt that $RGhis_her title of achimencey seems to be one of the most important in the divine hierarchy, but then, why does $RGhe_she speak of $RGhimself_herself as if $RGhe_she's disposable? <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Enid Oramas''</h1></div> *''Age:'' Unknown *''Height:'' 30 cm long *''Species:'' Celestial spirit *''Build:'' Slim *''Eye colour:'' Purple *''Fur colour:'' Ashen blue *''Notable attributes:'' Huge nose and has a gem embedded on her forehead *''Weapon:'' Magic ------- ''Relationship:'' Friend ------- $RG's pet. A river otter that resides in Tamarant, notable for her large and unusual nose. Affectionate and gluttonous are words that describe her personality perfectly. She's adorable and she knows it, which makes her dangerous. More than once she has gotten away with multiple mischieves because of her cute appearance. And the thing is that behind those bright eyes hides a great intelligence that you've never seen in any other animal. ------- A celestial spirit. That's what Sorrol's lovable otter has turned out to be, accompanying $RG on $RGhis_her mission to save the world from the tibicenas. Although her appearance remains that of a normal animal, except for the colour of her fur and the diamond embedded on her forehead, Enid is much more powerful than she seems, being able to take down a behemoth with a single attack. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Scout''</h1></div> Though scouts are considered the most common and weakest of the tibicenas, they are by no means easy adversaries to overcome. Their canine visage, coupled with acute hearing, grants them a significant edge over mortals. Stealthily, they close in on their prey, launching assaults with razor-sharp claws and beams of light emitted from their jaws. Operating primarily in packs, they leverage their numerical superiority, particularly within urban settings. Rarely do they strike alone, unless assured of an advantageous position against their foe. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Behemoth''</h1></div> Despite their formidable size and weight, behemoths possess immense power, which makes them dangerous adversaries. While their bulk might seem like a hindrance, it proves advantageous in confined spaces, where dodging their relentless assaults becomes increasingly challenging. Although occupying a low rung in the hierarchy, just above the scouts, behemoths stand as the one of largest of the tibicenas, towering at over five meters in height and weighing around than six hundred kilograms. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Guayota''</h1></div> Born from the deepest wound of a corrupted soul, the guayota is a malevolent entity residing high up in the hierarchy of the tibicenas. It manifests in various forms and shapes, each one just as terrifying. The one encountered in Thaon during the civil war looked like a towering skeletal lizard, reaching ten meters in height. It is a formidable adversary, wielding potent magic that bends reality to its will. Its attacks are varied and devastating, ranging from conjured flames and explosive rays of magic to eldritch curses that corrode the very soul. But what makes a guayota particularly challenging to overcome is its unparalleled regenerative abilities. Its flesh knits back together with unnatural speed, outpacing even the most grievous injuries. This, mixed with its limited sense of pain, renders traditional methods of defeating demons ineffective. Even gods have been known to struggle against its resilience. The only known weapon that is able to defeat it, is the artefacts of Eraorahan, and if there are any other ways, it's not one that mortals know about. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Mauro Arastelia''</h1></div> $AO's father and monarch of Thaon. A man who stands out as a regal ruler, respected and loved by his people. He is very concerned about the safety of the kingdom and its inhabitants. Mauro maintains a rivalry with the representative and leader of the Silbecan house, Felipe Hillorwe, who is deeply envious of the monarch for having inherited the crown, a very problematic relationship that worsened considerably with the arrival of $AOPrince_Princess $AO and Mauro's intentions to put his $AOson_daughter on the throne. But this hasn't only given him problems with Felipe, since the rest of the leaders are also not happy about the idea of a mage ruling Thaon. Although he has a good relationship with his $AOson_daughter, $AO has made it clear that $AOhe_she doesn't want to be $AOking_queen, a desire that Mauro continues to ignore and that causes moments of tension between them. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Daira Belmonte''</h1></div> Raised in a plebeian family of royal attendants, Daira Belmonte continues the family tradition under the service of the current king, Mauro Arastelia, and $AOPrince_Princess $AO, her childhood best friend. Since she was a little girl, Daira already knew how her life was going to be and has always accepted her duties with pleasure and excitement, even if it meant sleepless nights, and, according to Daira herself, for someone who loves politics so much, those nights, rather than sinking into mountains of work, it was more like being in an amusement park trying out the thrilling ups and downs of the roller coaster. She is a capable, intelligent and professional woman, and cares deeply about the state of the kingdom and its citizens, to the point of overstepping the bounds of her regular duties and becoming overly involved with the king's approval, which some of the leaders find offensive. <<if $AOQK is false>>------- Surprised by the gods themselves, at the end of the conflict with the rebels of Astian, Daira was named the new successor to the throne of Thaon, a decision that left no one indifferent. What happens next in the world is still a great unknown, but many will think twice before going against the queen chosen by the gods. <</if>><<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Jonay Arastelia''</h1></div> Jonay was $AO's son, a four-year-old boy full of life and joy. As the only son of the $AOprince_princess, he was the center of everyone's attention in the city. His infectious laughter lit up any room and his innocence and sweetness were adored by all who knew him. Jonay was his <<if $AO is "Ada">>mother<<else>>father<</if>>'s most precious treasure. $AO loved him with all $AOhis_her heart and did everything $AOhe_she could to ensure his well-being and happiness. They spent long hours playing together, telling stories and exploring the streets of Pio Suave. Tragedy struck the city when, on one fateful day, a security breach allowed demons to enter Astian and take the lives of several of its citizens, little Jonay among them. That day, Jonay found solace amidst the chaos in his <<if $AO is "Ada">>mother<<else>>father<</if>>'s arms, but $AO was devastated by the loss of $AOhis_her beloved son, a loss that left a deep void in $AOhis_her heart that, after a year and a half, $AOhe_she has not been able to fill. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Arianna Bravo''</h1></div> Sister-in-law of $AOPrince_Princess $AO Arastelia. A woman of indomitable courage and steely determination. Born into a plebeian family, her life was turned upside down when she witnessed the brutality and insensitivity of the nobility when they executed her sick neighbours to preserve medicines for themselves. Moved by indignation and a thirst for revenge, Arianna decided to take the plunge and become the leader of the rebels, admired by them for her cunning and courage. Her spirit becomes the beacon of hope for the oppressed, who see her as the embodiment of their yearning for freedom. <<if $AriAlive is not true>>------- Unfortunately, you arrived late to save Arianna, and she ended up turning into a guayota and dying at the end of the war. <</if>><<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Javier and Frederic Bonneville''</h1></div> Javier and Frederic, or Fred, as he prefers to be called, are two commoner men known for their baking skills. Enthusiastic and energetic, uncle and nephew were demonstrating their amazing cooking skills in a small family business in the middle of Pio Suave before the rebellion, which they joined seeking a fairer treatment from the nobility and inspired by Arianna's utopian vision. As fate would have it, the men were tasked with escorting the $AOprince_princess of Thaon to the rebels' refuge, appearing at the cathedral of Calderon where an avalanche of demons ambushed $name and <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>his<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>her<<else>>their<</if>> group. <<if $FredAlive is true>>Pleasantly surprised by $name, Javier and Fred have invited <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>him<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>her<<else>>them<</if>> to stop by their bakery one day, promising a nice otter-shaped cake as a thank you for <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>his<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>her<<else>>their<</if>> help at the cathedral.<<else>>Unfortunately, Fred did not manage to survive the attack and was killed by a behemoth.<</if>> <<back>>

An order of fallen gods led by $BN. They seek to overthrow Abora from her throne and annihilate the mortal worlds to reshape them according to their ideals. The group includes the following members: *[[$BN + " Oramas"|Belicar_Nisa]] *[[Acaymo]] *[[Locto]] *[[Kazka]] *[[Cyanli]] <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''$BN''</h1></div> *''Age:'' ????? *''Height:'' <<if $BN is "Belicar">>207<<elseif $BN is "Nisa">>215<</if>> cm *''Species:'' Fallen $BNgod_goddess *''Build:'' Athletic *''Eye colour:'' Left eye yellow with a crossed-shaped pupil. Right eye white with hints of a very dull blue, likely blind *''Hair colour:'' White *''Skin colour:'' Dull blue *''Notable attributes:'' Scar on $BNhis_her jaw and corrupted arms *''Weapon:'' ????? ------- ''Relationship:'' <<if $afraidOfB is true>>Fear<<elseif $afraidOfB is false>>Caution<<else>>Curious<</if>> ''Romance:'' <<if $BNLove is true>>Active<<else>>Inactive<</if>> ------- The $BNman_woman of your dreams, literally. A strange $BNman_woman you met in your dreams. $BNHis_Her close and familiar attitude confuses you, $BNhe_she knows more than $BNhe_she says and doesn't try to hide it, in fact $BNhe_she seems to enjoy getting on your nerves. $BNHe_She claims to be a friend and assures you that you're safe with $BNhim_her, but you can't help but get the feeling that this protection comes with a price, and right now you don't know if it's worth paying. Pretenders. That word has been repeating in your head ever since you met. The gods are pretenders? There's something about all this that doesn't add up, and $BNhe_she has the answers. It's only a matter of time to see if $BNhe_she's willing to reveal them. ------- It seems that $BN was once a $BNgod_goddess, one of the most powerful among Abora's circle. This immense power corrupted $BN's mind, persuading $BNhim_her to betray $BNhis_her family and attempt to overthrow Abora in a bid to take her place. <<if $AACodex is true>>The attempt failed thanks to a warrior named $AA, and $BN was imprisoned in Echeide with the demons, where $BNhe_she remained until the seal weakened and allowed $BNhim_her to escape and seek revenge on the gods. <</if>>$BNHe_She is now the leader of the renegade order called faycans. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''$AA Oramas''</h1></div> *''Age:'' ????? *''Height:'' ????? *''Species:'' $BNGod_Goddess *''Build:'' ????? *''Eye colour:'' ????? *''Hair colour:'' ????? *''Skin colour:'' ????? *''Notable attributes:'' ????? *''Weapon:'' ????? ------- ''Relationship:'' ????? ------- A skilled warrior who was once among the most powerful of the gods. $BNHe_She was the celestial who sacrificed $BNhimself_herself to stop $BN from overthrowing Abora and destroying the mortal realms. However, this heroic act trapped $BNhim_her inside your necklace. It is only a matter of time before you discover if $BNhe_she can be freed. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Abora''</h1></div> Creator of everything material. After creating the world eons ago, Abora dedicated herself to create all species, using water and earth to mold the first men and women, to whom she gifted land and livestock to support themselves. She later created more people, but she didn't give them cattle, indicating that they should serve the first and thus beginning the different social classes. This consumed a large amount of her magic, which took a toll on her physical appearance. Her body became extremely thin from the loss of energy which greatly reduced her muscle mass, and her legs ceased to function, forcing her to use her wings to move and stand upright. The sacrifice she made for her new creation only increased her fame among mortals, and quickly cult groups led by 'The Priests' were created, who were considered the chosen ones as they had the ability to use magic just like the Creator, and who were the first to build temples in her name and write her deeds on sacred paper that they later used to preach her will and attract more devotees. These writings spread throughout the world and the Priests devoted themselves body and soul to teaching the history of the Creator in the temples. What the adults learned, they taught to their children, and those children to theirs. Although not everything was good. As the devout and the faith grew, so did the impious, giving rise to a holy war where for the first time the destructive power of magic was seen. Fortunately, the Priests took over the battle against the impious and ended a violent and bloody conflict, and although there are still people today who deny the existence of Abora and her disciples, discussions between believers and pagans are often more civilized in most cases. However, since the arrival of the demons, people have stopped feeling the warm touch of Abora, who seems to ignore all the pleas. Some say that the Creator has abandoned us in order to start her creation from scratch and improve it, others that she was never there to begin with, and others that the demons are a punishment for all our sins, pointing to the mages as the main culprits and leaving another part of the population that still has faith that Abora's disciples will come to our aid. Be that as it may, the reality is that the world is facing a fierce enemy for which it was not prepared. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Alcorac''</h1></div> Abora's consort and her most faithful follower. According to Enid, Alcorac is a well-respected and beloved god among his kind, and he's often the one who speaks on behalf of the Creator and represents her publicly. But even with his fame among celestial beings, for mortals he's quite a mystery, and apparently he tends to have a certain mistrust. If there was any writing that spoke of his accomplishments with Abora, these have long since disappeared. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>Verdiryum</h1></div> Verdiryum is a deep green crystal found in the depths of Thaon, a rare stone used to create an extremely potent drug. It is known as the mages' drug, as they use it to increase their magical abilities and also to increase their energy reserves, which allows them to cast more powerful spells and for longer periods of time. However, not only mages use verdiryum, it is also very popular among the rest of the population, who use it to considerably increase their stamina and physical strength. This drug is highly addictive, and people who use it over a long period of time can experience serious side effects. The most disturbing long-term effect of verdiryum is that the person who consumes it for a long time may become insane. They will hear a song whose title bears their own name, and become increasingly obsessed with it to the point of insanity. People who have suffered this side effect and survived are rare, but the few who have succeeded have described the song as a sad and melancholy melody that sticks in their mind and doesn't leave them alone, inciting them to do atrocities that none of them have dared to tell. Due to the dangers associated with verdiryum, its use is strictly forbidden unless prescribed by a doctor, always with strict control and in small quantities. Despite this, there are always people willing to take the risk of consuming it without limits to obtain the magical and physical benefits it provides, ignoring the dangers it may entail. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>Kalmitan</h1></div> Recently, a miner from Nustiria discovered a semi-thick, bluish liquid in the depths of a mine that attracted a lot of attention from a group of researchers in Thiayuv. After hundreds of experiments with the strange liquid, and seeing that it seemed to react to the corruption of the demons, the group of researchers, together with the most reputable doctors of Thaon, created a vaccine that would put an end once and for all to the poison of those corrupted creatures. However, the optimism was short-lived, since the only thing the kalmitan achieved was to slow down the transformation process, and one fateful day one of the patients, supposedly cured, ended up becoming one of those creatures and murdered the small group. Today the amount of kalmitan that can be found is scarce, and it's only used in medicine to buy the doctors some time when trying to remove the poison of the demons from the body of an infected person, but this still does not guarantee the survival and recovery. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Moneiba's Orbs''</h1></div> Sacred relics and the seeds of the drago, the celestial tree of Taoro. The five orbs of Moneiba are the cores of each world, giving them life and keeping them alive. If any of these relics were to fall into the wrong hands by some unfortunate event, the world as you know it would perish. This is the reason why the orbs of Moneiba are hidden and protected in the depths of each world, far from the greedy hands of anyone who would want to get their hands on them, and in places that can only be reached with the artifacts of Eraorahan. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>Eraorahan's Artefacts</h1></div> Eraorahan's artifacts are the keys that open and close the door to the cores of the worlds. They are linked to a specific lineage of each species and to the blood of the achimencey, being these artifacts the necessary weapons to drain the vital energy of these gods and create a powerful seal with to the orbs of Moneiba. The artifacts don't have a specific appearance, but are ordinary objects that were imbued with magical abilities at the beginning of the centuries, ranging from a pendant to a bottle. However, one characteristic they all share is that they have the mark of the gods engraved on them. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;">I've been looking at the stars for some time now in search of an answer. They have asked the planets, and the planets have asked the comets that were passing through, but not even the wisdom of the great Magek is capable of appeasing my doubts. The march of corruption weaves its way between worlds, and I'm sure the source is somewhere in this place. We cannot let it continue, this situation cannot be repeated. What will become of future generations? I feel like I have to do something but I don't know where to start. I'll ask my mother, I'm sure she knows. She knows everything.</div> <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;">I spoke to my mother, but I haven't found what I was looking for either. I left her room feeling something strange, something I had never felt before. It's here, something tells me, screams it from the depths of my soul. I run into aunt Fayna shortly after, her presence calming my tormented soul with her kind and elegant manners. She invited me to a little respite on her temple, offering some of those buttery cookies from the other worlds she loves so much as her lontros companion came back from a swim. I told her about my worries when she asked, she has a talent for sensing other's distress. She listened to my words with patience and no interruption. And then offered her help in my search. My surprise turned to confusion as she asked me about the next step. Then my eyes went directly to the tree whose shade my parents had forbidden me to step on, and I felt fear. Aunt Fayna was the first to say it aloud, and that's when our emotions mixed and I realised she felt it too. Suddenly my legs started to move on their own, followed by the blanket of my aunt's shadow behind me. I have to go. I have to go to its call. It's the only way to stop the tibicenas.</div> <<back>>

And... *[[Straight|NC3][$hairType to "straight"]] *[[Wavy|NC3][$hairType to "wavy"]] *[[Curly|NC3][$hairType to "curly"]] *[[Coily|NC3][$hairType to "coily"]]

Your body is... *[[Thin|NC6][$body to "Thin"]] *[[Chubby|NC6][$body to "Chubby"]] *[[Strong|NC6][$body to "Strong"]]

You are... *[[Tall|NC7][$height to "Tall"]] *[[Of average height|NC7][$height to "Average"]] *[[Short|NC7][$height to "Short"]]

You observe the image reflected back at you, the face of a <<if $gender is "Male">>man<<elseif $gender is "FTM">>trans man<<elseif $gender is "Female">>woman<<elseif $gender is "MTF">>trans woman<<else>>person<</if>> with <<if $hair is "Very short">>very short, <<elseif $hair is "Short">>short, <<elseif $hair is "Medium">>medium length, <<elseif $hair is "Long">>long, <<elseif $hair is "Very long">>very long, <<elseif $hair is "Shaved">>shaved, <</if>>$haircolour hair and $eyecolour eyes. You seem to be <<if $height is "Tall">>tall<<elseif $height is "Average">>of average height<<else>>short<</if>>, with a <<if $body is "Chubby">>chubby<<elseif $body is "Thin">>thin<<else>>strong<</if>> body and $skin skin. Is this the what the reflections shows? *[[Yes, that's me|NC9]] *[[Not really, no|New character]]

Yes, that's you. Mentally, you wonder how you could have forgotten your appearance. But it's not just your appearance you've forgotten, is it? The fingers that were sliding across your face, trying to recognize its features, stop when you look into your eyes and remember something else. "Right... My name is..." What is your name? <div style="text-align: center;"><<textbox "$name" "Eren">><<textbox "$lname" "Redwing">></div> <<button "Continue">> <<set $name to $name.trim()>> <<set $lname to $lname.trim()>> <<if $name is "" or $lname is "">> <<replace "#name-error">>Please choose a valid first and last name.<</replace>> <<elseif $name is "Rayco" or $name is "Ada" or $name is "Albert" or $name is "Leire" or $name is "Belicar" or $name is "Althos" or $name is "Nisa" or $name is "Arminda" or $name is "Acaymo" or $name is "Abora" or $name is "Alcorac" or $name is "Idaira" or $name is "Fayna" or $name is "Dailos" or $name is "Nauzet" or $name is "Airam" or $name is "Omar" or $name is "Gara" or $name is "Luca" or $name is "Lavina" or $name is "Moneiba" or $name is "Eraorahan" or $name is "Jonay" or $name is "Locto">> <<replace "#name-error">>There's already an important character with that name, please choose another.<</replace>> <<elseif $lname is "Oramas" or $lname is "Arastelia" or $lname is "Terrastar">> <<replace "#name-error">>There's already an important character with that last name, please choose another.<</replace>> <<else>> <<goto NC10>> <</if>> <</button>>    \ <span id="name-error"></span>

"My name is $name $lname." The words are nothing more than a whisper as you look into your eyes, but it's enough for the ground beneath your feet to tremble with a magical heartbeat. Around you, numerous semi-transparent spheres appear, each approaching you and showing a memory from your past. Like when... *[[You learned to use a sword|NC11][$weapon to "Sword"]] *[[You learned archery|NC11][$weapon to "Bow"]] *[[You began improving your magical skills|NC11][$weapon to "Magic"]]

They also show you your life in Aelmere, your hometown. When an illness took your mother away, or when strange creatures began appearing in Thaon. "Demons." You feel another pulse in your chest. If it weren't so strong, you'd say it was your heart. But the source of that tremor doesn't come from within you. You remember. The pendant around your neck bears the mark of the gods. Another sphere floats toward you. In it, you see yourself at the entrance of Sorrol, the village where you decided to settle down. At that moment, you decided to change your profession. What was it? *[[Doctor|NC12][$job to "Doctor"]] *[[Guard|NC12][$job to "Guard"]] *[[Builder|NC12][$job to "Builder"]] *[[Tavern keeper|NC12][$job to "Keeper"]]

A new sphere replaces the previous one. In it, you see yourself at Tamarant, the tavern, but you are not alone. Who accompanies you? Slowly, you begin to recognize them, starting with... *[[Ada, the doctor and lost princess of Thaon|NC13][$AO to "Ada"]] *[[Omar, the doctor and lost prince of Thaon|NC13][$AO to "Omar"]]

<<if $AO is "Ada">>\ <<set $AOMan_Woman to "Woman">>\ <<set $AOman_woman to "woman">>\ <<set $AOHe_She to "She">>\ <<set $AOhe_she to "she">>\ <<set $AOHis_Her to "Her">>\ <<set $AOhis_her to "her">>\ <<set $AOHim_Her to "Her">>\ <<set $AOhim_her to "her">>\ <<set $AOHimself_Herself to "Herself">>\ <<set $AOhimself_herself to "herself">>\ <<set $AOSon_Daughter to "Daughter">>\ <<set $AOson_daughter to "daughter">>\ <<set $AOPrince_Princess to "Princess">>\ <<set $AOprince_princess to "princess">>\ <<set $AOKing_Queen to "Queen">>\ <<set $AOking_queen to "queen">>\ <<elseif $AO is "Omar">>\ <<set $AOMan_Woman to "Man">>\ <<set $AOman_woman to "man">>\ <<set $AOHe_She to "He">>\ <<set $AOhe_she to "he">>\ <<set $AOHis_Her to "His">>\ <<set $AOhis_her to "his">>\ <<set $AOHim_Her to "Him">>\ <<set $AOhim_her to "him">>\ <<set $AOHimself_Herself to "Himself">>\ <<set $AOhimself_herself to "himself">>\ <<set $AOSon_Daughter to "Son">>\ <<set $AOson_daughter to "son">>\ <<set $AOPrince_Princess to "Prince">>\ <<set $AOprince_princess to "prince">>\ <<set $AOKing_Queen to "King">>\ <<set $AOking_queen to "king">>\ <</if>>\ \ Then you focus on... *[[Leire, the strong warrior|NC14][$LL to "Leire"]] *[[Luca, the strong warrior|NC14][$LL to "Luca"]]

<<if $LL is "Leire">>\ <<set $LLMan_Woman to "Woman">>\ <<set $LLman_woman to "woman">>\ <<set $LLHe_She to "She">>\ <<set $LLhe_she to "she">>\ <<set $LLHis_Her to "Her">>\ <<set $LLhis_her to "her">>\ <<set $LLHim_Her to "Her">>\ <<set $LLhim_her to "her">>\ <<set $LLHimself_Herself to "Herself">>\ <<set $LLhimself_herself to "herself">>\ <<set $LLBrother_Sister to "Sister">>\ <<set $LLbrother_sister to "sister">>\ <<elseif $LL is "Luca">>\ <<set $LLMan_Woman to "Man">>\ <<set $LLman_woman to "man">>\ <<set $LLHe_She to "He">>\ <<set $LLhe_she to "he">>\ <<set $LLHis_Her to "His">>\ <<set $LLhis_her to "his">>\ <<set $LLHim_Her to "Him">>\ <<set $LLhim_her to "him">>\ <<set $LLHimself_Herself to "Himself">>\ <<set $LLhimself_herself to "himself">>\ <<set $LLBrother_Sister to "Brother">>\ <<set $LLbrother_sister to "brother">>\ <</if>>\ \ And then... *[["The cheerful Albert, " + $LL + "'s older brother"|NC15][$AL to "Albert"]] *[["The cheerful Lavina, " + $LL + "'s older sister"|NC15][$AL to "Lavina"]]

<<if $AL is "Lavina">>\ <<set $Al_Lavi to "Lavi">>\ <<set $ALMan_Woman to "Woman">>\ <<set $ALman_woman to "woman">>\ <<set $ALHe_She to "She">>\ <<set $ALhe_she to "she">>\ <<set $ALHis_Her to "Her">>\ <<set $ALhis_her to "her">>\ <<set $ALHim_Her to "Her">>\ <<set $ALhim_her to "her">>\ <<set $ALHimself_Herself to "Herself">>\ <<set $ALhimself_herself to "herself">>\ <<set $ALBrother_Sister to "Sister">>\ <<set $ALbrother_sister to "sister">>\ <<elseif $AL is "Albert">>\ <<set $Al_Lavi to "Al">>\ <<set $ALMan_Woman to "Man">>\ <<set $ALman_woman to "man">>\ <<set $ALHe_She to "He">>\ <<set $ALhe_she to "he">>\ <<set $ALHis_Her to "His">>\ <<set $ALhis_her to "his">>\ <<set $ALHim_Her to "Him">>\ <<set $ALhim_her to "him">>\ <<set $ALHimself_Herself to "Himself">>\ <<set $ALhimself_herself to "himself">>\ <<set $ALBrother_Sister to "Brother">>\ <<set $ALbrother_sister to "brother">>\ <</if>>\ \ And finally... *[[Rayco, the kind tavern keeper and secret guardian god of Thaon|NC16][$RG to "Rayco"]] *[[Gara, the kind tavern keeper and secret guardian goddess of Thaon|NC16][$RG to "Gara"]]

<<if $RG is "Gara">>\ <<set $Ray_Gari to "Gari">>\ <<set $RGMan_Woman to "Woman">>\ <<set $RGman_woman to "woman">>\ <<set $RGHe_She to "She">>\ <<set $RGhe_she to "she">>\ <<set $RGHis_Her to "Her">>\ <<set $RGhis_her to "her">>\ <<set $RGHim_Her to "Her">>\ <<set $RGhim_her to "her">>\ <<set $RGHimself_Herself to "Herself">>\ <<set $RGhimself_herself to "herself">>\ <<set $RGBrother_Sister to "Sister">>\ <<set $RGbrother_sister to "sister">>\ <<set $RGGod_Goddess to "Goddess">>\ <<set $RGgod_goddess to "goddess">>\ <<elseif $RG is "Rayco">>\ <<set $Ray_Gari to "Ray">>\ <<set $RGMan_Woman to "Man">>\ <<set $RGman_woman to "man">>\ <<set $RGHe_She to "He">>\ <<set $RGhe_she to "he">>\ <<set $RGHis_Her to "His">>\ <<set $RGhis_her to "his">>\ <<set $RGHim_Her to "Him">>\ <<set $RGhim_her to "him">>\ <<set $RGHimself_Herself to "Himself">>\ <<set $RGhimself_herself to "himself">>\ <<set $RGBrother_Sister to "Brother">>\ <<set $RGbrother_sister to "brother">>\ <<set $RGGod_Goddess to "God">>\ <<set $RGgod_goddess to "god">>\ <</if>>\ \ Again, that sphere fades and another takes its place. You see the fall of Sorrol at the hands of the demons, and how $RG got you to safety and told you the harsh truth: that you are the companion of an achimencey with the mission to save the world from the demons, a mission entrusted by the gods. The gods... *[[You never believed in them|NC17][$belief to false]] *[[You always had faith|NC17][$belief to true]]

The spheres keep changing, showing you images of your adventure since then, like when... *[[A mysterious man visited you in a dream|NC18][$BN to "Belicar"]] *[[A mysterious woman visited you in a dream|NC18][$BN to "Nisa"]]

<<if $BN is "Nisa">>\ <<set $AA to "Arminda">> <<set $BNMan_Woman to "Woman">>\ <<set $BNman_woman to "woman">>\ <<set $BNHe_She to "She">>\ <<set $BNhe_she to "she">>\ <<set $BNHis_Her to "Her">>\ <<set $BNhis_her to "her">>\ <<set $BNHim_Her to "Her">>\ <<set $BNhim_her to "her">>\ <<set $BNHimself_Herself to "Herself">>\ <<set $BNhimself_herself to "herself">>\ <<set $BNGod_Goddess to "Goddess">>\ <<set $BNgod_goddess to "goddess">>\ <<set $BNSon_Daughter to "Daughter">>\ <<set $BNson_daughter to "daughter">>\ <<elseif $BN is "Belicar">>\ <<set $AA to "Althos">> <<set $BNMan_Woman to "Man">>\ <<set $BNman_woman to "man">>\ <<set $BNHe_She to "He">>\ <<set $BNhe_she to "he">>\ <<set $BNHis_Her to "His">>\ <<set $BNhis_her to "his">>\ <<set $BNHim_Her to "Him">>\ <<set $BNhim_her to "him">>\ <<set $BNHimself_Herself to "Himself">>\ <<set $BNhimself_herself to "himself">>\ <<set $BNGod_Goddess to "God">>\ <<set $BNgod_goddess to "god">>\ <<set $BNSon_Daughter to "Son">>\ <<set $BNson_daughter to "son">>\ <</if>>\ \ Or when... *[[You survived the ambush at the cathedral, though the young Fred died|NC19][$FredAlive to false]] *[[You survived the ambush at the cathedral without any casualties|NC19][$FredAlive to true]]

<<if $FredAlive is true>><<set $random to random(1,3)>><<if $random is 1>><<set $JaviStatus to "Alive">><<elseif $random is 2>><<set $JaviStatus to "Wounded">><<else>><<set $JaviStatus to "Dead">><</if>><<else>><<set $random to random(1,2)>><<if $random is 1>><<set $JaviStatus to "Alive">><<else>><<set $JaviStatus to "Dead">><</if>><</if>>\ \ And also when... *[[You helped purify and save Arianna|NC20][$AriAlive to true]] *[[You helped purify and save Lord Hillorwe|NC20][$AriAlive to false]]

And in the end of the war, when... *[[Daira became the heir to the throne of Thaon|NC21][$AOQK to false]] *[[$AO + " decided to become the " + $AOking_queen + " " + $AOhe_she + " was always meant to be"|NC21][$AOQK to true]]

Yes, without a doubt, you and your companions have experienced many intense moments in a short time. Speaking of your companions, by the way, when you think of them, is there someone who stirs new feelings in you? *[["Yes, you feel something for " + $AO|NC22AO][$AOLove to true]] *[["Yes, you feel something for " + $LL|NC22LL][$LLLove to true]] *[["Yes, you feel something for " + $AL|NC22AL][$ALLove to true]] *[["Yes, you feel something for " + $RG|NC22RG][$RGLove to true]] *[[No, you still see them as the good friends they are|NC23][$RO to false]]

And do you know what it is? *[[No, you just know it's something new|NC23][$feelingsAO to false]] *<<if $gender is "FTM" or $gender is "MTF" or $gender is "NB">>[["You know you're sexually attracted to " + $AOhim_her + " and have slept together"|NC22sex][$AOsex to true]]<<else>>[["You know you're sexually attracted to " + $AOhim_her + " and have slept together"|NC23][$AOsex to true]]<</if>> *[["You know you're sexually attracted to " + $AOhim_her + " but haven't slept together"|NC23][$feelingsAO to false]] *[[You know it's something different, but you're not sure what exactly|NC23][$feelingsAO to false]] *[["You know you're in love with " + $AOhim_her + ", but it's unrequited"|NC23][$feelingsAO to true]]

And do you know what it is? *[[No, you just know it's something new|NC23][$feelingsLL to false]] *[[You have a slight suspicion of what it could be|NC23][$feelingsLL to true]] *[["Yes, you like " + $LL|NC23][$feelingsLL to true]]

And do you know what it is? *[[No, you just know it's something new|NC23][$feelingsAL to false]] *[[You have a slight suspicion of what it could be|NC23][$feelingsAL to true]] *[["Yes, you like " + $AL|NC23][$feelingsAL to true]]

And do you know what it is? *[[No, you just know it's something new|NC23][$feelingsRG to false]] *[[You have a slight suspicion of what it could be|NC23][$feelingsRG to true]] *[["Yes, you like " + $RG|NC23][$feelingsRG to true]]

And what about the mysterious $BNman_woman who visited you in your dreams? What do you think of $BNhim_her? *[["You're afraid of " + $BNhis_her + " power"|NC24][$afraidOfB to true]] *[["You're angry at " + $BNhis_her + " attitude"|NC24][$afraidOfB to false]] *<<if $RO is false>>[["You find " + $BNhim_her + " interesting and, though it might be reckless to think so, attractive"|NC24][$BNRomance to 2]]<<else>>==You find $BNhim_her interesting and, though it might be reckless to think so, attractive==<</if>>

$BN assures you that $BNhe_she's your ally and that you can trust $BNhim_her, but do you? *[["No, you don't trust " + $BNhim_her|NC25]] *[["Yes, you trust " + $BNhim_her|NC25][$corruption to 2]]

How would you describe your personality? *[[You think calmly and rationally. You use diplomacy whenever possible|NC26][$diplomacy to 5]] *[[You don't take things too seriously, but who can blame you with the problems you're facing?|NC26][$fun to 5]] *[[You're a bit impulsive, and your attitude can be blunt and sharp|NC26][$blunt to 5]]

<<if $diplomacy is 5>><<set $fun to 0>><<set $blunt to 0>><<elseif $fun is 5>><<set $diplomacy to 0>><<set $blunt to 0>><<else>><<set $diplomacy to 0>><<set $fun to 0>><</if>>\ //"It's time to continue,"// a voice says. You look around to find its owner, only to come across the mirror again. Your reflection watches you, but its movements don't match yours. //"It's time to continue,"// the voice repeats. You through the mirror. You tilt your head in confusion, raising your hand to slowly place it on the cold surface of the glass. Your reflection disappears with a blast of a bright light that forces you to close your eyes. Then, you hear yourself one last time. //"Our story has only just begun."// <<button "[[Begin story|1]]">><</button>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dungeon" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ <<if $hairType is "Straight">><<set $hairType to "straight">><</if>>\ <<if $hairType is "Wavy">><<set $hairType to "wavy">><</if>>\ <<if $hairType is "Curly">><<set $hairType to "curly">><</if>>\ <<if $hairType is "Coily">><<set $hairType to "coily">><</if>>\ <<if $haircolour is "Black">><<set $haircolour to "black">><</if>>\ <<if $haircolour is "Brown">><<set $haircolour to "brown">><</if>>\ <<if $haircolour is "Light brown">><<set $haircolour to "light brown">><</if>>\ <<if $haircolour is "Red">><<set $haircolour to "red">><</if>>\ <<if $haircolour is "Blonde">><<set $haircolour to "blonde">><</if>>\ <<if $haircolour is "White">><<set $haircolour to "white">><</if>>\ <<if $eyecolour is "Black" or $eyeColor is "Black">><<set $eyecolour to "black">><</if>>\ <<if $eyecolour is "Brown" or $eyeColor is "Brown">><<set $eyecolour to "brown">><</if>>\ <<if $eyecolour is "Hazel" or $eyeColor is "Hazel">><<set $eyecolour to "hazel">><</if>>\ <<if $eyecolour is "Green" or $eyeColor is "Green">><<set $eyecolour to "green">><</if>>\ <<if $eyecolour is "Blue" or $eyeColor is "Blue">><<set $eyecolour to "blue">><</if>>\ <<if $eyecolour is "Gray" or $eyeColor is "Gray">><<set $eyecolour to "gray">><</if>>\ <<if $eyecolour is "Dispar" or $eyeColor is "Dispar">><<set $eyecolour to "disparate">><</if>>\ <<if $skin is "Pale">><<set $skin to "pale">><</if>>\ <<if $skin is "White">><<set $skin to "white">><</if>>\ <<if $skin is "Olive">><<set $skin to "olive">><</if>>\ <<if $skin is "Brown">><<set $skin to "brown">><</if>>\ <<if $skin is "Dark brown">><<set $skin to "dark">><</if>>\ <<if $skin is "Black">><<set $skin to "dark">><</if>>\ <<unset $AOQKCodex>>\ <<unset $showMysteriousNotes>>\ <<unset $showCodex>>\ <<unset $MauroCodex>>\ <<unset $DairaCodex>>\ <<unset $JonayCodex>>\ <<unset $AriannaCodex>>\ <<unset $JaviAndFred>>\ <<unset $MysteryousManCodex>>\ <<unset $codexRG>>\ <<unset $showGuayotaCodex>>\ <<unset $showDiary2>>\ <<unset $knowsAOStory>>\ <<unset $codexMoneibaOrbs>>\ <<unset $clothes>>\ <<unset $knowsBNName>>\ \ //''[In a withered world…]''// The scarlet light of the ancient star embraces the hunched figure of the dark being from behind, giving $BNhis_her white hair a bloody hue. $BNHis_Her eyes, the left a dull white and the right an intense yellow, watch with great interest the chessboard resting at the centre of the empty pedestal. The black pieces are arranged neatly and in order, like a submissive army awaiting their master's orders. Their white opponents, on the other hand, seem disoriented on the wooden battlefield. Yet, it is the latter that emerges victorious from the last crusade, and the individual continues to observe the board as one of $BNhis_her black pieces crumbles to ash before the yellow king. The red bishop is safe. …For now. $BN's smile forms slowly, and $BNhis_her fangs also bathe in the light of the red moon as the tips of $BNhis_her broken wings twitch with excitement. The cross that shapes the iris of $BNhis_her good eye fixes on another enemy piece. $BN extends $BNhis_her arm, $BNhis_her corrupted claws impatient to make $BNhis_her next move. But that move never comes. $BN stops before $BNhe_she can even touch the pawn to which $BNhe_she wants to entrust the new mission. $BNHis_Her hand remains suspended in the air as the solitude that accompanied $BNhim_her comes to an end. [[Continue|2]]

"You seem very calm despite recent events. They have the first orb," says a voice behind $BNhim_her. The tone, though tinged with a bit of reproach, remains cautious. The speaker tries to hide the fear of possibly awakening his master's fury, but $BN notices it immediately. And $BNhe_she loves it. "And //you// seem impatient. Have you forgotten everything I taught you?" $BN senses how $BNhis_her new companion tenses up, but the $BNhis_her gaze remains fixed on the board, smile unwavering and hand still halfway to grasping the black pawn. Except for $BNhis_her mouth as $BNhe_she speaks, $BN stays completely still. From the outside, one might think $BNhe_she is a very realistic statue, as $BNhe_she doesn't even appear to be breathing. Not that $BNhe_she needs to. $BNHis_Her vassal doesn't respond, afraid to say something wrong. $BN seizes the opportunity to continue. "I'm glad you came to find me, so I don't have to move. I'm quite comfortable here." $BN's gaze takes a few seconds to count the squares between $BNhis_her piece and the new target. "Tell me, Locto…" At last, $BNhis_her claws resume their journey, grabbing the black pawn and lifting it from the board. $BNHis_Her companion waits until $BN halts $BNhis_her slow movement, tentacles moving in a hypnotic dance at the level of his collarbone that betray his growing interest, for Locto has an idea of what the order might be. And it's one he's been waiting for millennia. $BN's arm finally stops, though the piece has yet to touch the wood. With the pawn still suspended in the air, and with the slow and deliberate pace that characterizes $BNhim_her, the being with mismatched eyes turns $BNhis_her head until $BNhis_her yellow eye meets Locto's face. $BNHis_Her smile is as sharp as ever, and $BNhis_her cross-shaped iris begins to rotate as $BNhe_she releases the question. "Do you think your world has changed much after all this time?" And $BN places $BNhis_her pawn in front of the blue knight. [[Continue|3]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "revival" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ <h1><div style="text-align: center;">''Act 2 The depths of Bucante''</div></h1> <span class="chapter">''Chapter 1''</span> <span class="chapterTitle">A sacred mission</span> //''[A couple of years ago…]'' "Are you sure you can't come with us?" In a modest house in a modest village lost in the green fields of Gipulma, a $ALman_woman peeks $ALhis_her head into $ALhis_her little $LLbrother_sister's room. The $LLman_woman finishes putting on $LLhis_her boots and tying the baldric around $LLhis_her waist. "Today is my first day," the $LLman_woman replies, shaking $LLhis_her head. "I have to patrol the area in case any demons show up." Upon hearing that, $LLhis_her parents appear right behind $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister. "Will you be alright?" $LLhis_her father asks. The $LLman_woman nods. "Nothing will happen, demons only hunt in cities. Besides, my superior will be with me the whole time." "Even so," $LLhis_her mother continues, now approaching the $LLman_woman to cup $LLhis_her cheeks in her hands. "Be very careful, okay?" The eldest watches $ALhis_her little $LLbrother_sister smile broadly when their mother gives $LLhim_her a kiss on the cheek before glancing at the shield at the foot of the bed. $ALHe_She picks it up with some effort; the shield much heavier than it looks, and hands it to $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister. "Here. Don't forget this." Everyone helps $LLhim_her strap the shield to $LLhis_her back. The days of intense training have paid off, because the extra weight doesn't seem to bother $LLhim_her at all. The family says their goodbyes for the day, with the parents going to gather their things for the journey ahead, leaving the siblings alone for a moment at the entrance of the house. The youngest starts to walk away, but $LLhis_her steps go from confident to hesitant until $LLhe_she stops. $LLHis_Her $ALbrother_sister looks at $LLhim_her, puzzled. "Is something wrong?" $ALHis_Her little $LLbrother_sister turns to $ALhim_her, doubt wrinkling $LLhis_her brow. "Do you… think I'll do well?" The worry the esldest felt vanishes, and the $ALman_woman relaxes $ALhis_her shoulders as $ALhe_she gives $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister a huge smile. "Sorrol has gained the best guard it could ask for." An embarrassed smile spreads across the $LLman_woman's face as $LLhe_she looks away and scratches the back of $LLhis_her head. Though the moment of embarrassment and gratitude passes quickly, replaced once again by fear. But this time, $LLhe_she isn't afraid for $LLhimself_herself. "Please be careful on your way to the temple," $LLhe_she tells $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister when their eyes meet once more. The eldest simply broadens $ALhis_her smile as $ALhe_she points to the sky. "Don't worry, the gods are on our side." At the entrance of the house, two pairs of green eyes meet as the sun illuminates the identical red hair of their owners. "May Abora guide your path, $LL." $LL brings $LLhis_her fists together and forms a triangle with $LLhis_her thumbs. With that divine gesture, $LLhe_she bids $LLhis_her older $ALbrother_sister farewell. "And yours, $AL."// [[Continue|4]]

//The journey to the temple was peaceful. $AL and $ALhis_her parents talked about a bit of everything, though the conversation mainly focused on current news. The number of demons was increasing every day, or so the city messengers claimed. They were undoubtedly a punishment for those who had turned their backs on the teachings of the Creator, and those who took advantage of those sacred writings to extort and kill in her name. None of that has anything to do with the sweet and empathetic words of Abora. The corruption of their sins had caused these beings to appear. The demons were their punishment for their greed and lack of faith. That morning, $AL had thought of going to the temple to show their respects. Perhaps that way Abora would see that not everyone was turning their backs on her, that there were still those faithful to her teachings, and she would send one of her disciples to save them. Abora's temple stands majestically amidst its natural protection. The dirt path leads $AL and $ALhis_her parents to a couple of stone steps. At the entrance, they pass between two pillars and cross the doorless threshold.// [[Continue|5]]

//Even if it is not the largest temple in Thaon, the place is quite spacious. The hall stretches out with rows of pews leading to the altar at the far end, where $AL and $ALhis_her parents kneel after lighting Abora's candles on the sides and begin to pray. "Goddess of Light and Hope, hear our plea in this dark hour," $AL's father begins, closing his eyes. "To you we lift our voices, with humble hearts and sorrowful souls." "Abora, protector of the righteous and guide of the lost," $ALhis_her mother continues. "You, who illuminate the paths in the shadows, descend among us with your glorious light and banish the terror that corruption sows in our souls." A light breeze enters the temple when it's $AL's turn, carrying with it a slight aroma of laurel. "Grant your faithful children the strength to resist and the courage to fight, mother of hope. We call upon you with devotion." $AL pauses. The smell of laurel is intense and has a spicy note that scratches $ALhis_her throat. The red-haired $ALman_woman swallows and focuses on pronouncing the final words of the prayer. "Guide us to victory and freedom so that your kingdom of light may prevail eternally." The light streaming through the window illuminates the face of Abora's statue, watching them from the other side of the altar. $AL gazes at the figure with devotion as a feeling of protection fills $ALhis_her chest. To $ALhimself_herself, $ALhe_she whispers one last prayer. "Please, grant love and healing to this family."// [[Continue|6]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "chasePulse" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //The intensity of the laurel scent increases until it becomes unpleasant. It's no longer fresh or spicy; it's more like... Sulphur. An alarm goes off in $AL's head. The forest shouldn't smell like this. As $ALhis_her anxiety spikes, the red-haired $ALman_woman turns $ALhis_her head to look at $ALhis_her parents. $ALHis_Her father wrinkles his nose and furrows his brow, opening his eyes and returning his <<if $AL is "Abert">>son<<else>>daughter<</if>>'s gaze with confusion, his wife doing the exact same thing. A sound at the entrance alerts them. $AL's father is the first to stand and turn around. "Who's there?" he asks sternly, only to be met with silence. Beyond the door, the forest is completely still, and that's precisely what's wrong. The birds have long since stopped chirping, the small creatures that live in the area have gone quiet, and even the nearby stream is silent. $AL's mother stands a step behind her husband, her voice tinged with fear. "We should go back. I have a bad feeling about this." $AL feels it too. The redhead slowly rises to $ALhis_her feet with trembling legs and nods at $ALhis_her mother's suggestion, never taking $ALhis_her eyes off the entrance. A shadow momentarily covers $ALhis_her face, causing all of $AL's muscles to tense instantly. There shouldn't be any shadow there, not from that angle. The redhead swallows hard before... <<linkreplace "looking up">><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "chasePulseF" volume 0.5 loop play>><<audio "growl" volume 0.1 play>>//A bloodshot gaze makes $AL's green eyes widen in horror. On the beams of the sacred temple of Abora, two corrupted beasts lurk, their seven tails casting terrifying shadows on the walls with the flickering candlelight. A growl is the only warning before one of them lunges at $AL. "Watch out!" $ALHis_Her father pushes $ALhim_her out of the way, taking the demon's deadly swipe with his own body, his blood splattering across Abora's altar and part of the floor. "Roman!" his wife screams in desperation. $AL quickly regains $ALhis_her footing and looks into $ALhis_her father's eyes. The green in his eyes pleads for them to escape, and that's exactly what $AL does. The redhead grabs $ALhis_her mother's arm and pulls her towards the exit. "We need to go!" Survival instincts take over, and mother and <<if $AL is "Albert">>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> run towards the forest. But before they can even reach the entrance, the second demon drops from the beam and blocks their path. The mother instinctively places herself in front of $AL to shield $ALhim_her, arms spread out as the demon lunges at them. Another swipe tears through flesh and muscle with a sickening sound. The woman falls backward, crashing into her <<if $AL is "Albert">>son<<else>>daughter<</if>>, both of them hitting the ground. "Mom!" $AL cries out, $ALhis_her voice breaking as $ALhe_she cradles $ALhis_her mother's body in $ALhis_her arms. The woman looks into $AL's eyes and forces herself to say, "Run." The growls make $AL snap $ALhis_her head up. $ALHis_Her eyes follow the next movement in slow motion. The demons advance a step. $AL scrambles backward in a desperate yet futile attempt to escape. With the next step of the beasts, their claws scrape the sacred ground. $AL fixes $ALhis_her gaze on those gray, lifeless orbs, $ALhis_her mouth going dry. This exchange of glances is followed by a growl, and then a leap. The demon's claws aim for $ALhis_her throat when…// [[Continue|7]]<</linkreplace>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "avecSoin" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //Suddenly, a reddish <<if $LL is "Leire">>mane<<else>>hair<</if>> identical to $ALhis_her own obscures $ALhis_her view. The wide back of $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister shields $ALhim_her from the fatal blow as $LLhe_she brings $LLhis_her sword down in a horizontal cut. The demon falls to the ground with a dull thud a few steps to the right before it starts to dissipate into ash. $AL takes a few seconds to remember how to breathe when someone else arrives beside $ALhim_her and kneels down. $LL's superior. "I'm sorry. We got here as fast as we could. Are you alright?" the man asks, his face a mixture of sympathy and guilt. It's then that $AL realizes he must have been the one who dealt with the second demon. The red-haired $ALman_woman then turns $ALhis_her gaze back to $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister. The warrior's arms tremble from the strength with which $LLhe_she's holding the sword and the heavy shield. Then $AL hears the sobs. $ALHe_She rises, trembling, helped by the general of Sorrol's guard, and walks over to $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister. $AL reaches out to place a hand on $LL's shoulder, but stops midway before lowering $ALhis_her arm. $ALHe_She opens $ALhis_her mouth to say something, but what? $ALHe_She closes it again, $ALhis_her jaw quivering as tears fill $ALhis_her eyes and spill over. This is all $ALhis_her fault. The general carries the siblings' father. "I'll take a look around; the temple is no longer safe. Take a moment to say your goodbyes," he announces gently, placing the body next to their mother. "We'll return when you're ready." After a final look of sympathy, the general leaves $AL and $LL in the temple. // [[Continue|8]]

//$AL watches $ALhis_her little $LLbrother_sister and recalls the smile from just hours ago. The pain of the loss pierces $ALhis_her heart like a dagger, and the self-reproaches only drive the blade deeper into $ALhis_her soul. The wound that has been created is impossible to heal. $LL is the first to collapse to $LLhis_her knees on the ground, punching the hard surface repeatedly until $LLhis_her knuckles are bruised and bleeding. $AL doesn't stop $LLhim_her; $ALhe_she simply kneels beside $LLhim_her and looks at their parents. The siblings stay with them in silence, accompanied only by their sobs as their parents' skin start to lose their natural colour. When their lifeless bodies begin to show faint twitches of malevolent consciousness, it's time to release them from the bitter fate that awaits.// [[Continue|9]]

//<div style="text-align: center;"><<fadein 3s>>In the end, it's $LL who does it, for $AL cannot. $ALHe_She doesn't know how. <<timed 3s>><<fadein 3s>>$ALHis_Her $LLbrother_sister raises the sword, and $AL commits the most despicable act of $ALhis_her life. <<timed 5s>><<fadein 3s>>The red-haired $ALman_woman looks away, $ALhis_her eyes fixing on the statue of Abora... <<timed 7s>><<fadein 3s>>...and on how a drop of blood that splashed her lower eyelid descends down her rugged cheek. <<timed 6s>><<fadein 3s>>The wish has been granted. <<timed 4s>><<fadein 3s>><<button [[Remnants Of The Past - Act 2]]>><</button>><</fadein>><</timed>><</fadein>><</timed>><</fadein>><</timed>><</fadein>><</timed>><</fadein>><</timed>><</fadein>></div>//

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "virtutes" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[In the present moment, with $name...]''// The chirping of the birds sounds different on this floating island. The various colours and sensations you experience as your eyes follow the enormous, manta ray-like creatures through the sky leave you in awe. But despite all of that, you still find it hard to believe what $RG just said. "So you're saying," you begin to ask as you tear your gaze away from the surreal spectacle to focus on your friend, "that we're in the world of the gods?" "In the actual, real one?" $AL interjects, just as surprised, if not more. $RG sighs heavily. "It shouldn't have happened like this. That renegade shouldn't have been able to send us all here so easily." "It takes an enormous amount of energy to teleport even one person without using the world's portals," Enid adds, her voice steady but curious. "Imagine the power required for all five of us." $AO shrugs. "When you put it that way, it almost sounds like $BNhe_she did us a favour, doesn't it?" <<if $corruption is 0>>"Maybe," you reply, frowning. "But I can't help wondering what the catch is." Because there //is// a price. Of that, you're certain. <</if>>$RG purses $RGhis_her lips, pausing for a moment before closing $RGhis_her eyes and taking a deep breath. $RGHe_She exhales slowly, turning fully to face the group. "Regardless of $BNhis_her motives, our mission is complete. We have the orb and $name with us. The rest is up to Abora." Your eyes fall to the orb of Moneiba, resting in $RG's palm. With a sense of curiosity guiding your movements, you reach out, and $RGhe_she allows you to take it. From the outside, it almost looks like an ordinary crystal ball, cool and smooth against your skin. But as you hold it, a subtle electric pulse tingles through your fingers, and a faint, rhythmic vibration echoes under your touch, almost like a heartbeat. You lift the strange object to eye level to get a better look. Inside, the concentration of magic is so intense that it is clearly visible, like a fluffy cloud of energy that seems to sweep away all your worries just by looking at it. It's... strangely comforting. [[Continue|10]]

<<audio "windE" volume 0.1 play>>\ \ A subtle vibration emanates from the orb before it begins to glow with a blinding light. You pull the object away from your face and close your eyes for the brief moment the radiance lasts. When you open them, you see an image projected in the air, connected to the orb by a brilliant beam. //"A great change is approaching. Do you feel it?"// "What is that?" $AL asks, stunned. The image is barely discernible, with only blurred figures visible here and there. One of them appears to be a person, although their face is unclear. This supposed person seems to be on what looks like a hill, though you can't tell if they're leaning against a tree or the pillar of some lost temple. //"The wind's breath has changed direction."// The image flickers, and the figure changes position, seeming to look upwards. //"What do you think it means, Master?"// Enid leans as far forward as she can from the rock she's sitting on, tilting her head to one side with growing interest. //"I don't know, Priest, but I feel something stirring beneath the earth,"// another continues. Both voices are male, and though distorted, they sound loud and clear. The figure moves, bringing a hand to his chin. //"I will gather the rest of the order. Together, we will find the solution."// //"And I will warn Father, for we'll need his wisdom. Tread carefully, Priest."// [[Continue|11]]

<<audio "windE" volume 0.1 play>>\ \ The image fades along with the orb's light. $AO lets out a low whistle. "Nice trick." You blink a few times. "Um... I swear I didn't do anything," you say as $RG gently takes the orb from your hands. "Incredible," you hear $AL whisper. "What did we just see?" "An echo of the past, from millennia ago, it seemed. Most likely triggered by the artifact $name is carrying," $RG responds, nodding in your direction. A mischievous glint flashes across $AO's face as $AOhe_she smirks. "So we can spy on what people did hundreds of thousands of years ago? Good to know." "This orb contains knowledge beyond our imagination. It's not something to toy with," the $RGgod_goddess reprimands, $RGhis_her tone firm. $AO rolls $AOhis_her eyes. "All right, all right. I won't touch the crystal ball that knows everything, you spoilsport." "Good. Now..." $RG smiles, a spark of excitement dancing in $RGhis_her eyes. "Let's get going. I'm looking forward to seeing my siblings again." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Right. And tell us..." $AO approaches the edge of the floating island, poking $AOhis_her head out slightly before making $AOhis_her way back with a wince. "How are we supposed to get down from up here, big guy?" <<else>>"Right. And tell us..." $AO approaches the edge of the floating island, poking $AOhis_her head out slightly before making $AOhis_her way back with a wince. "How are we supposed to get down from up here, big girl?" <</if>> *[[$RG + " will fly us there, I imagine?"|12_A]] *[[Race you all to the bottom!|12_B]] *[[I hope the descent is smoother than the arrival|12_C]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "You'll fly us there, I imagine?" you ask, glancing at $RG, though you hesitate as you look at the rest of your group. "Although there are too many of us to do it all at once." <<if $RGLove is true>><<set $flying to true>>$RG's posture tenses slightly as $RGhe_she meets your gaze. "That... wouldn't be a good idea." "Why?" you ask, blinking in confusion at the sudden change in mood. "God's wings are very sensitive. Just touching them is a symbol of great trust between celestials," Enid explains. "Flying together is the greatest gesture of love among gods. It's not something you'd do with just anyone, only with the one you consider your soulmate." If anyone says anything after that, you cannot hear it over the sound of your heart beating faster as you realise that, during the whole time, $RG's violet eyes remained on you. And the possible implication of that simple thing is enough to make you forget about everything else. <<if $feelingsRG is true>>You catch a flicker of sadness before $RGhe_she turns $RGhis_her gaze away from yours, and you cannot help the heavy sigh that comes out of you when you do the same. <<else>>In your mind you start to wonder about that flicker of sadness you manage to catch before $RGhe_she turns $RGhis_her gaze away from yours, and the same strange feeling you get every time something like this happens with $RGhim_her returns to constrict your chest. <</if>>"...But $RG and I had something ready for this," you hear Enid say as you focus your attention back on your companions. The otter shoots the achimencey a look. "$RG?" "Right," $RGhe_she replies with a short nod. <<else>>"Oh, no, no. That would be very inappropriate," $RG hurries to say, letting out a small uncomfortable chuckle as $RGhe_she shakes $RGhis_her head. "Inappropriate how?" you ask, a bit confused by the instant denial. "God's wings are very sensitive. Just touching them is a symbol of great trust between celestials," Enid explains. Your eyes travel to $RG's wounded wing, still bleeding slightly despite $RGhis_her ability to heal quickly from any cut. But this one remains, and judging by the small trace of sweat that covers $RGhis_her temples, and the laboured breaths $RGhe_she lets out every now and then, $RGhe_she must be in a lot more pain than $RGhe_she lets on. You don't keep quiet about it. "Is that why you're still wounded?" $RG glances at $RGhis_her wing. $RGHe_She closes $RGhis_her eyes and sighs before replying. "Yes. It's going to take a long time before it heals. Even here, the recovery is going to be slow, if it ever happens," $RGhe_she hesitantly explains, a frown creasing $RGhis_her features. $RGHis_Her wings flutter at $RGhis_her back, and $RG clears $RGhis_her throat to continue, "But that's not the real reason for not taking you all flying to main land." "What is, then?" you prompt. A tender smile curves $RG's lips up again. "Among celestials, flying with another is a symbol of the deepest, purest love you share with another. An act reserved only to soulmates that vow to protect the other's heart for all eternity." "That's… so romantic," a dreamy $AL comments. <<if $ALLove is true>>You cannot help to glance at $AL for a split second after that explanation, your heart skipping a beat as $ALhe_she does the same and $ALhis_her eyes meet yours. A tinge of red quickly rushes to $ALhis_her cheeks, and $ALhe_she looks away shyly while you try to suppress the smile that wants to spread across your face and the need to get a bit closer to $ALhim_her. <<if $feelingsAL is true>>In the end you force yourself to focus on the rest of your companions again, but butterflies still dance in your stomach at the image of you and $AL flying together in a clear sky. <<else>>The meaning of that celestial gesture of flying with your significant other is something that doesn't apply to you two, but you cannot say that you dislike the idea of flying with $AL in a clear sky, just the two of you for a while. Pushing that though away, you silently clear your throat and force yourself to focus on the rest of your companions again. <</if>>"Yeah, it's... very romantic, indeed," you say. "But who's going to carry us there, then? Enid?" <<elseif $AOLove is true>><<if $AOsex is true>><<if $height is "Tall">>$AO slides over to you, wrapping $AOhis_her arm around your waist and pulling you close to $AOhis_her body and shooting you a mischievous look. <<else>>$AO slides over to you, wrapping $AOhis_her arm around your shoulders and pulling you close to $AOhis_her body, giving you a mischievous look. <</if>>"Yeah, yeah, very romantic indeed, but I can think of a few other things I'd do with someone special if I could fly, right, sweetie?" You chuckle at the wiggle of $AOhis_her eyebrows, but the insinuation conjures a vivid image in your mind. A ripple of excitement courses through your lower regions at the steamy thoughts it brings, but you quickly push them away to focus on the current situation. You'd revisit this scenario with $AO later, if you can. You clear your throat to suppress the sultry grin you were going to shoot at the naughty doctor, and redirect the conversation. "So, who's going to carry us there, then? Enid?" <<elseif $feelingsAO is true>>You cannot help to glance at $AO for a split second after that explanation, your heart beating painfully at the sudden dream of you and $AOhim_her flying in a clear sky. You're not sure if you're glad that $AOhe_she doesn't return your gaze, or if it makes it hurt even more. In the end you force yourself to look away and focus on the rest of your companions again. "Yeah, it's, uh, very romantic," you say, your voice sounding a bit weak. But that changes quickly when you clear your throat. "But who's going to carry us there, then? Enid?" <<else>>$AO slides over to you, giving you a mischievous look and nudging you playfully a couple of times. "Yeah, yeah, very romantic indeed, but I can think of a few other things I'd do with someone special if I could fly, right, sweetie?" You chuckle at the wiggle of $AOhis_her eyebrows, but the comment stirs something inside you. It's a subtle sensation, but you notice it right in the middle of your chest. You clear your throat to get rid of that strange feeling, and redirect the conversation. "So, who's going to carry us there, then? Enid?" <</if>><<elseif $LLLove is true>>You cannot help to glance at $LL for a split second after that explanation, but the warm feeling you had is quickly replaced by one of concern. A frown creases your features as you realise that $LL is still in the same spot at the edge of the floating island. $LLHe_She hasn't moved a millimetre nor said anything ever since you appeared in Taoro. $LLHis_Her shoulders are tense, though $LLhis_her hands hang relaxed at $LLhis_her sides. $LLHis_Her mouth is slightly agape as $LLhe_she keeps looking in shock at the unknown world that unfolds before $LLhim_her. But there's something else that flickers in the refreshing green of $LLhis_her eyes. //"Is $LLhe_she… afraid?"// you can't help but wonder, your frown deepening a little. "Yeah, yeah, very romantic indeed, but I can think of a few other things I'd do with someone special if I could fly." $AO's comment, followed by $AOhis_her laughter, makes you focus back on your companions. You glance a few more times at $LL, worry creating a knot in your stomach, but you know it's best to leave $LLhim_her alone with $LLhis_her thoughts. "Right," you say, your voice weak until you clear your throat, making it sound steadier. "So, who's going to carry us there, then? Enid?" <<else>>"Who's going to carry us there, then? Enid?" you ask, pointing at the otter with your thumb. <</if>><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>The spirit places her paws on her hips, her face wrinkled with offence. "Do I look like a pack mule?" You were going to reply when Enid instantly raises her paw to stop you. "Do not dare to answer that, mortal." <<else>>The spirit places her paws on her hips, her face wrinkled with offence. "Do I look like a pack mule?" <</if>>"Don't worry, we already had something planned for this," $RG says. <</if>>The achimencey turns to look at the horizon. $RGHe_She raises a hand to $RGhis_her face, bending $RGhis_her index finger before putting it in $RGhis_her mouth, and whistles. It's a long, loud whistle, the pitch shifting as if $RG were speaking through it. When the sound stops, a guttural hiss echoes in response from the sky. It reminds you of a snake, but the sound is much deeper. It is soon accompanied by the powerful flap of wings growing louder with each passing second. Four creatures rise from the edge of the floating island, moving so fast that their shapes are a blur. They fly just a few meters above your heads before descending and landing near your group with a resonant thud. You raise your arm for a short moment to cover your face and avoid dirt getting into your eyes. When the cloud of dust the creatures created fades, you get a better look at the… [[Dragons!?|13]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "Race you all to the bottom!" <<if $AOLove is true>>"What the—!?" You barely hear $AO calling out to you as you sprint toward the edge of the floating island, fully intending to leap into the water below. You don't even consider the height or how likely it would be to die from such a fall. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>"$name!" You barely hear $AL calling out to you as you sprint toward the edge of the floating island, fully intending to leap into the water below. You don't even consider the height or how likely it would be to die from such a fall. <<else>>"Mortal!" You barely hear Enid calling out to you as you sprint toward the edge of the floating island, fully intending to leap into the water below. You don't even consider the height or how likely it would be to die from such a fall. <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>Just as you reach the edge, however, a strong arm wraps around your middle and pulls you against a warm body. The scent of lavender envelops you, making your pulse race as you realize your back is pressed against $RG's torso. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"What do you think you're doing?" his deep, raspy voice sounds right next to your ear. <<else>>"What do you think you're doing?" her deep, slightly raspy voice sounds right next to your ear. <</if>>$RGHis_Her tone is calm, and you think you can hear a little edge of amusement in it too. Not that there's a way you can be sure with the way your heart is hammering in your chest, though. $RG lets you go slowly, almost hesitantly, as if $RGhe_she wanted to drag the moment out as much as possible. You quickly erase the thought from your mind before you get lost in the hope it brings. "Jumping from this height is not something I'd recommend," $RGhe_she continues. "There's a much safer way to reach main land." <<else>>Just as you reach the edge, however, someone grabs the hood of your jacket and easily pulls you back. You fall to the ground at $RG's feet. The $RGgod_goddess watches you with $RGhis_her arms crossed and an arched eyebrow. The look $RGhe_she shoots your way is meant to be a reproachful one, but you don't miss the little spark of amusement in $RGhis_her gaze. "Just what do you think you're doing, $name?" "Uh… I was going down?" you reply with a sheepish grin. "You know, to see Abora and give her the orb to save the world?" $RG chuckles. "Well, the eagerness is appreciated, but there's a much safer way to reach main land." "Oh?" you prompt as you stand up. <</if>>The achimencey turns to look at the horizon. $RGHe_She raises a hand to $RGhis_her face, bending $RGhis_her index finger before putting it in $RGhis_her mouth, and whistles. It's a long, loud whistle, the pitch shifting as if $RG were speaking through it. When the sound stops, a guttural hiss echoes in response from the sky. It reminds you of a snake, but the sound is much deeper. It is soon accompanied by the powerful flap of wings growing louder with each passing second. Four creatures rise from the edge of the floating island, moving so fast that their shapes are a blur. They fly just a few meters above your heads before descending and landing near your group with a resonant thud. You raise your arm for a short moment to cover your face and avoid dirt getting into your eyes. When the cloud of dust the creatures created fades, you get a better look at the… [[Dragons!?|13]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ I just hope the descent is smoother than the arrival," you say, arching your back as your bones crack pleasantly, easing the soreness from the teleportation. You walk to the edge of the floating island and click your tongue after a quick peek down. "Although, from the looks of it, that seems unlikely." "Don't worry, mortal, $RG and I had something ready for this," Enid says as you focus your attention back on your companions. "That's right," $RG confirms with a nod. The achimencey turns to look at the horizon. $RGHe_She raises a hand to $RGhis_her face, bending $RGhis_her index finger before putting it in $RGhis_her mouth, and whistles. It's a long, loud whistle, the pitch shifting as if $RG were speaking through it. When the sound stops, a guttural hiss echoes in response from the sky. It reminds you of a snake, but the sound is much deeper. It is soon accompanied by the powerful flap of wings growing louder with each passing second. Four creatures rise from the edge of the floating island, moving so fast that their shapes are a blur. They fly just a few meters above your heads before descending and landing near your group with a resonant thud. You raise your arm for a short moment to cover your face and avoid dirt getting into your eyes. When the cloud of dust the creatures created fades, you get a better look at the… [[Dragons!?|13]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "wholesome" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ The exclamation bursts forth as you watch the massive beasts stand proud in front of you, a bit different to what you imagined dragons would look like. These look more like giant lizards, short-legged, their heads relatively larger compared to their bodies, and adorned with prominent scales and markings of vibrant hues of green, brown and gray. But contrary to what you've heard in children stories, these creatures are far from horrifying and scary. They seem rather friendly and, surprisingly, playful, specially with the way their tails wag from one side to the other, sweeping through the tall grass with each rhythmic motion. They almost act like dogs. One of them slithers to where $LL is still looking out at the world with a pensive face. Despite its massive size, the dragon attempts to nuzzle under the warrior's hand, though its efforts are hindered by its bulk. The beast succeeds only in pressing the tip of its snout against $LL's palm. The unexpected touch startles the red-haired $LLman_woman, jolting $LLhim_her out of $LLhis_her reverie. $LL shifts $LLhis_her gaze from the creature to the rest of you and then back again. $LLHe_She eyes the dragon with suspicion, though $LLhe_she looks more curious than fearful. "What the hell are these... //things//?" $LLhe_she asks, looking at $RG with $LLhis_her typical frown. "They're called gallotias," Enid replies as she jumps onto the head of one of them. "They're just one of the diverse species you'll find here. Remarkable creatures I have to say. Loyal, elegant, and imbued with a profound sensitivity to emotions." The gallotia lets out a happy hiss at the spirits' words, closing its eyes and opening its mouth a little to show very sharp teeth. It looks like it's smiling. "They are also the ones who will help you move around Taoro," $RG adds. [[Continue|14]]

<<if $AO is "Ada">>Ada approaches the gallotia closer to her to inspect it better. The creature smells her with curiosity before taking a portion of her coily hair into its mouth. <<else>>Omar approaches the gallotia closer to him to inspect it better. The creature smells him with curiosity before taking a few of his dreadlocks into its mouth. <</if>>$AO steps back with a scandalized yell. $AOHe_She then points $AOhis_her finger at the beast in a reprimand, moving it with each word. "No, no. Bad lizard. You can't eat my precious hair." The short-legged creature only tilts its head to the side in response. $AL approaches carefully to one of them, a bit unsure with the imposing size of the scaly beast. In the end it's the gallotia who ends up closing the distance, eagerly nuzzling its head against the $ALman_woman's body. "Woah! They're, um… they're very affectionate," $AL says through a chuckle as $ALhe_she hugs the head of the giant lizard as best as $ALhe_she can. "With those they like, yes," $RG comments as $RGhe_she pets the neck of the remaining one by $RGhis_her side. Out of the corner of you eye you catch the sight of $LL gently petting the snout of the gallotia who approached $LLhim_her, the creature hissing contently. The last short-legged beast stares at you expectantly, still wagging its tail. *[[Pet the gallotia with enthusiasm|15_A]] *[[Pet the gallotia… very carefully|15_B]] *[[Hesitate for a moment, then approach the gallotia|15_C]] *[[Wait for the gallotia to approach you… just in case|15_D]] *[[Stay back and eye the gallotia with suspicion|15_E][$gallotia to "uneasy"]]

Eager to touch a real dragon, or at least something similar, you step closer to the gallotia and begin petting the side of its enormous snout. Its scaly skin feels as rough as you expected against your fingers, and for a moment you worry that you might be hurting it or making it uncomfortable. But then the gallotia closes its eyes, clearly enjoying your touch, and an increasing tremble from its throat accompanies its hissing and makes your fingers tingle. It's purring. "There, there, good dragon," you praise it as it moves its tail a bit faster. In the end you end up like $AL, with its head resting against your body as you try to hug it. "Careful there, friend, you're too heavy for me!" you exclaim with a chuckle as it continues to snuggle closer. "Everyone ready?" the $RGgod_goddess asks, to which the rest of you nod. "Then let's not waste more time." [[Continue|16]]

You step closer to the gallotia, extending your arm toward it like a shield-though you know it won't help if the creature decides to attack. Still, it makes the approach a little less intimidating. Your palm touches the rough, scaly skin of its snout, and you give it a few tentative pats. "Nice dragon, nice dragon…" you mutter, more to yourself than to the massive lizard. Its sudden movement makes you jump for a second until you realise it only wanted to make it easier for you to pet the side of its neck. "There, there. There you go… please don't eat me," you finish with a nervous chuckle, speaking a bit faster than usual. After a few seconds you relax, seeing that the gallotia is completely harmless, your pets getting more confident until you end up like $AL, with its head against your body and you trying to hug it. "Well, look at that. You're not as scary as you look," you say, now with a genuine smile on your face. "Everyone ready?" the $RGgod_goddess asks, to which the rest of you nod. "Then let's not waste more time." [[Continue|16]]

You really don't know what to expect. The creature just keep staring at you, waiting for… something, and it makes you a bit uneasy. "Go on, mortal. It won't hurt you," Enid tries to encourage you, still on top of the creature's head. You purse your lips, still not convinced about any of it. But then you hear $AL's laughter as the gallotia that's with $ALhim_her tries to snuggle closer, almost making $ALhim_her fall to the ground. "Yes, I like you too!" you hear $ALhim_her say. Then you see $AO opening the jaw of the other and counting its teeth. Surprisingly, the gallotia doesn't seem to mind at all. "Ugh, you need a mint, buddy," $AOhe_she exclaims as $AOhe_she closes its mouth again and waves a hand in front of $AOhis_her nose. It's true that they don't look as dangerous as one might think, so after a few moments of hesitation, you step closer to the gallotia, extending your arm toward it like a shield-though you know it won't help if the creature decides to attack. Still, it makes the approach a little less intimidating. Your palm touches the rough, scaly skin of its snout, and you give it a few tentative pats. After a few seconds you relax, seeing that the gallotia is completely harmless, your pets getting more confident until you end up like $AL, with its head against your body and you trying to hug it. "Well, look at that. You're not as scary as you look," you say, now with a genuine smile on your face. "Everyone ready?" the $RGgod_goddess asks, to which the rest of you nod. "Then let's not waste more time." [[Continue|16]]

You really don't know what to expect. The creature just keep staring at you, waiting for… something, and it makes you a bit uneasy. "Go on, mortal. It won't hurt you," Enid tries to encourage you, still on top of the creature's head. You purse your lips, still not convinced about any of it. You prefer to let the creature approach you first, just in case it gets angry if you do something you shouldn't. "It won't get close if you're scared of it," $RG says, still petting the lizard's neck. "They can feel your emotions just as strongly as I do. If you hesitate, they'll stay back." Those words do manage to make you feel a bit better. Your shoulders relax as you look back at the gallotia who keeps standing at $RG's side. It seems to have no intention of moving towards you. But you're aware that it is this beast who's going to have to take you flying to Abora, so you cannot stay away from it forever. With tentative steps, you eventually walk towards the massive lizard, your arm stretched out like some kind of shield that won't protect you at all should the gallotia decides to attack, but it still makes the approach a little less intimidating. A few seconds later, your palm touches the rough, scaly skin of its snout, and you give it a few tentative pats. After a few seconds you relax completely, seeing that the gallotia is totally harmless, your pets getting more confident until you let out a chuckle that releases the tension remaining. "Well, look at that. You're not that bad, friend," you say, now with a genuine smile on your face. "Everyone ready?" the $RGgod_goddess asks, to which the rest of you nod. "Then let's not waste more time." [[Continue|16]]

Even as you hear $AL's laughter and $AO's occasional comments in the background, you can't shake the uneasy feeling. The creature makes you nervous, and its piercing gaze compels you to take a step back, wary of any threatening movement it might make. "It won't get close if you're scared of it," $RG says, still petting the lizard's neck. "They can feel your emotions just as strongly as I do. If you hesitate, they'll stay back." $RGHis_Her words do little to comfort you, and the frown on your forehead deepens slightly. You press your lips together and maintain a safe distance. "I'd rather they do, to be honest." $RG watches you for a moment before replying. "You only need to be with it until we arrive. After that, they'll leave and won't come near unless you want them to." You glance back and forth between $RG and the gallotia a couple of times. In the end, you relent, thinking that the sooner you take off, the sooner you'll be rid of these creatures. "Alright, but let's make it quick," you agree with a hesitant nod. "Everyone ready?" the $RGgod_goddess asks, to which the rest of you nod. "Then let's not waste more time." [[Continue|16]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "sweetSerenade" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ With $RG and Enid leading the way, you are soon mounted on the back of the gallotia, soaring through the clear skies of Taoro. The massive lizard's wings gently rise and fall as you descend from the floating island towards the mainland. The wind softly brushes your face as you gaze in awe at the strange creatures sharing the expanse of the blue sky. The enormous manta ray-like beings, much larger than the gallotias, glide through the world like guardians, their shadows drifting across the landscape like clouds, and the sound of their song echoing through the corners of their realm. You part your lips in wonder as small, luminous orbs travel between the floating islands like snowflakes on a cold winter's day, casting a blend of white, blue, and yellow hues. Feeling a bit braver, you lean slightly to one side to get a better view of what lies below. The main island of Taoro forms a large semicircle in the sea, its ends connected by a pair of bridges to the island where the enormous tree and a temple without walls rest-a temple worthy of a supreme god. A long staircase leads to a stone platform adorned with intricate white and golden details on the ground, mirroring the patterns on the pillars that support its roof. As you soar over the rocky terrain of tall mountains opposite the great tree, you find a fairly sizeable village below. The landscape transitions from arid and dry to lush and green. The scene is much more domestic than you had imagined. However, rather than houses, the buildings resemble small temples. Squinting a bit, you see several people in the streets, all with wings of various shapes and colours spread across their backs. All gods. The village is divided into two parts by a body of water, courtesy of the island's shape, and a dense forest hugs the edges that do not reach the sea. You leave the village behind and descend a bit further, flying over the water and passing above an island in the centre of the semicircle. A training ground, where gods of all ages, even some children, spar with each other under the watchful eye of an older deity. [[Continue|17]]

You catch a movement beneath the water. Moments later, a couple of fish leap from the surface before... taking flight? "Merfolk! They're merfolk!" you hear an excited $AO shout from $AOhis_her gallotia. You can't see $AOhim_her, too absorbed in the new world around you, but you imagine $AOhim_her pointing and bouncing with excitement. And that's probably what happened, as you soon hear $AOhis_her cry for help. Concerned, you look in $AOhis_her direction and find the doctor being carried, not on the back of the gallotia, but by the mouth of the creature holding onto the collar of $AOhis_her coat. $AO looks up as much as $AOhe_she can, smiling at the enormous lizard. "Thank you, friend." The gallotia hisses in response, and you chuckle lightly, shaking your head before turning your gaze back to the sea. The merfolk spread their wings and fly southward across the island, their tails gradually transforming into legs to adapt to the surface. From what you can see, the seasons blend in Taoro almost seamlessly. The merfolk land in a clear area covered with a thick layer of snow. White wolves raise their heads and watch them, while translucent deer momentarily pause their frolicking to glance before continuing toward a frozen lake in the distance. On the edge where the snow meets a field of grass, there is a structure: a stone staircase leading to a platform with a massive door, though there's nothing behind it. As you continue to soar over the water, the tree quickly obscures the sun and offers you shelter in its shadow. Colourful motes gather around the majestic trunk. Some brush against your cheek, and you feel their cool yet pleasant touch. A soft whistling emanates from them with each contact, as if somehow welcoming you. The journey ends when the gallotias land right next to the base of the tree, almost at the foot of the staircase leading up to the temple you saw from afar. You dismount from your temporary mounts, and $RG bids them farewell with another long whistle. The gallotias hiss in response and take flight as the $RGgod_goddess turns to face you. "We've arrived." [[Continue|18]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "forgottenOnes" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ With each step up the staircase, your nerves escalate. You have no idea what to expect from this meeting or how you should behave. A thousand questions flood your mind. Should you kneel, or is a sign and a bow enough? Maybe a reverence like you would for the king of Thaon? Perhaps Abora won't appreciate that... Should you speak, or wait to see what the Creator says? What do you actually have to do in the ritual? Will it start immediately? Will you even have time to say goodbye to $RG? That last question weighs heavily on you. In the end, you feel dizzy from so many doubts. Or perhaps it's the accumulated anxiety in your body. You shake your head and focus on climbing the stone steps, trying not to fall off the edges as the steps float in the air without any support. The staircase is long, but it doesn't take much to reach the top. By then, the nerves have formed a lump in your throat. You swallow that ball of emotions before it makes you sick and place your foot on the final step. [[Continue|19]]

The main platform stretches out before you, a broad disc of light-coloured stone. You pause for a moment to better observe the carved details that you saw from the air. Two glowing circles surround the platform, flanking symbols one after another around the edge, shifting in tone from white to gold and back again at regular intervals. You move toward the centre of the platform with some discomfort. The ground isn't smooth; it's composed of several interlocking stones, creating rocky squares that make walking difficult. //"Of course, what do gods care if they can fly?"// you reason to yourself. At least you manage not to stumble. Or not much. As if your mind was mocking you, on one of the steps you put your foot on the edge that separates one stone from another and almost slip. You stretch out your arms to maintain your balance and ensure you're not going to fall. You take another step, this one more stable than the last, and lift your gaze from the rough ground. In front of you, a platform levitates a couple of meters above the stone-paved floor, facing away from the tree trunk. On it are two high thrones that seem to be just as uncomfortable as the ground, and, sitting on them, you see two people. $RG steps forward and bows $RGhis_her head respectfully, $RGhis_her body slightly inclined. "Mencey. We have returned, at last." [[Continue|20]]

Both figures are so different from the image you have in your mind of them since you were a child that it's hard for you to think they are the creators of the universe as you know it. Abora and her husband share a few features, like elongated ears with tips that droop slightly from the weight, little muscle mass, and being so thin that you can almost see their bones, as well as the wrinkles in their skin that betray their advanced age. "Even gods aren't immune to the passage of time; even if it takes billions of years for them," you think, almost unconsciously. You first focus on Alcorac, seated on the throne to the right. His greying hair, mingling with a long beard, drapes just below his shoulders, though the crown of his head is bald. His eyes, a piercing light blue, are set beneath thick, greyish eyebrows. His wings are slightly spread to accommodate the seat. While similar in shape to $RG's, Alcorac's wings are translucent, giving them an even more magical and radiant touch. It's impossible to deny their beauty. The man glances over the group with a calm and welcoming, yet expectant, expression. His gaze ends on you, and there it stays. //"So this is the Creator's husband?"// you wonder. Speaking of the Creator, it's impossible to overlook her presence, and your eyes leave the elderly god to focus entirely on her. While Alcorac's hair shows grey, Abora's hair is completely white, including her eyebrows. A pure white colour that almost seems to shine on its own. Though this could be due to the sunlight filtering through the immense leaves of the tree behind her, dappling her pale skin, identical to her husband's. Her tired-looking eyes have a peculiar vibrant orange colour that completely draws you in. Three pairs of wings spread along her back, their feathers translucent like her husband's, but with some sort of leather armour covering the base of the muscles. Both are wearing outfits made of a kind of suede leather that reaches down to cover their knees. In Alcorac's case, the garment crosses diagonally over his arm, passing across his chest and back, while Abora's encircles her neck. The outfits are tied at the waist with a thin rope. They are very simple and modest clothes made from humble materials. They aren't even made of cotton, linen, or silk as you would expect from beings as important as them. There are two things that stand out about Abora: one is the fine scroll that slowly dances around her, glowing in the same way and with the same golden symbols as the floor. The other, besides the rope that ties her waist, is the ropes encircling her arms, abdomen, and chest, forming a cross and holding a white crystal at the centre. *[[Kneel before them|21_A]] *[[Make a holy gesture and bow your head|21_B]] *<<if $belief is true>>[[Look at your friends and imitate whatever they do|21_C]]<<else>>[[Look at your friends and imitate whatever they do|21_C2]]<</if>> *[[Don't do anything and wait for their reaction|21_D]]

Despite your initial doubts, you decide to show a respectful bow, slowly kneeling and letting the serenity that Abora's presence instills in you guide your movements. It might be a slightly exaggerated gesture, but you'd rather show your respects in any way possible than risk offending them by doing nothing. After a long silence during which you feel Abora's penetrating gaze fixed on you, you finally hear her tired yet melodious and welcoming voice, with an accent as distinct as $RG's. "You can rise, mortals. It is a pleasure to meet the new owner of Eraorahan's necklace." <<if $diplomacy > $fun and $diplomacy > $blunt>>You do as she says and raise from the ground, though you can't help but bow your head slightly as you meet her eyes. "I'm $name—" "$lname. We know," she interrupts. Her emotionless expression changes to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your brow creasing into a frown. <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You do as she says and rise from the ground. Your nerves suddenly evaporate, and your natural charm comes to the fore as you flash a friendly smile. "Hey there! Nice to finally meet you," you exclaim with a very informal wave of your hand. $AL elbows you and gives you a reproachful look. However, Abora doesn't seem to mind your attitude at all. In fact, the goddess starts laughing softly, and you know it's a laugh because her previously expressionless face shifts into a smile. Otherwise, you'd think she was coughing. "What an endearing human. It's a pleasant surprise," she says through more coughing laughter. But her smile fades shortly after, her expression changing to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your grin disappearing as your brow creases into a confused frown. <<else>>You do as she says and raise from the ground, giving her a quick nod of acknowledgement. "$name $lname," she continues, taking you a little by surprise at first. //"Of course she'd know, she's the great goddess Abora,"// you think shortly after. Her emotionless expression changes to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your brow creasing into a frown. <</if>>But you know. Your thoughts tug at a memory buried deep within your mind, and you hear your mother's last words echoing around you. //"The mark of the gods… keep it… safe. Until they… come."// <<if $job is "Keeper">>Your hand clutches at the necklace beneath your clothes, a movement that wakes a keen interest in Abora judging by the subtle twitch of her eyebrows, but the goddess turns her gaze elsewhere a second later. <<else>>Your hand clutches at the necklace beneath your clothes. //"Did she know?"// Your doubts fade as Abora's voice pulls you out of the spiral of thoughts that were swirling around you, thought this time she's not speaking to you. <</if>>"We've been awaiting your arrival for some time now, $RG. You took longer than necessary." Abora's eyes close as she lets out a short sigh. "Sentimentality has always been your greatest weakness, my child." Her words are a soft reprimand, one that seems to cut deep into $RG's soul. However, the achimencey is quick to shake the wince away, and $RGhe_she bows $RGhis_her head submissively again. "My apologies, mencey. Important matters delayed my mission." "No excuses should cast your duty aside. And it appears that's not the only rule you've broken," Abora replies, her eyes shifting to $LL, $AO and $AL before focusing back on $RG. "You were suppose to bring the offspring of $lname //only//. You know mortals are forbidden to set foot in this world." $RG doesn't reply to that, $RGhe_she's not going to deny it. Even Enid stays quiet as she lowers her ears. [[Continue|22]]

Despite your initial doubts, you end up making a divine gesture, clasping your fists together and forming a triangle with your thumbs while bowing your head. You're not even sure if this gesture means anything to them or if it was something simply invented by the priests centuries ago, but you can't think of anything else to do to show your respect and avoid offending them through inaction. After a long silence during which you feel Abora's penetrating gaze fixed on you, you finally hear her tired yet melodious and welcoming voice, with an accent as distinct as $RG's. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"You bring the new owner of Eraorahan's necklace. It is a pleasure to meet him at last." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"You bring the new owner of Eraorahan's necklace. It is a pleasure to meet her at last." <<else>>"You bring the new owner of Eraorahan's necklace. It is a pleasure to meet them at last." <</if>><<if $diplomacy > $fun and $diplomacy > $blunt>>You rise your head to meet her eyes. "I'm $name—" "$lname. We know," she interrupts. Her emotionless expression changes to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your brow creasing into a frown. <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You rise your head to meet her eyes. Your nerves suddenly evaporate, and your natural charm comes to the fore as you flash a friendly smile. "Hey there! Nice to finally meet you," you exclaim with a very informal wave of your hand. $AL elbows you and gives you a reproachful look. However, Abora doesn't seem to mind your attitude at all. In fact, the goddess starts laughing softly, and you know it's a laugh because her previously expressionless face shifts into a smile. Otherwise, you'd think she was coughing. "What an endearing human. It's a pleasant surprise," she says throught more coughing laughter. But her smile fades shortly after, her expression changing to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your grin disappearing as your brow creases into a confused frown. <<else>>You rise your head to meet her eyes, giving her a quick nod of acknowledgement. "$name $lname," she continues, taking you a little by surprise at first. //"Of course she'd know, she's the great goddess Abora,"// you think shortly after. Her emotionless expression changes to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your brow creasing into a frown. <</if>>But you know. Your thoughts tug at a memory buried deep within your mind, and you hear your mother's last words echoing around you. //"The mark of the gods… keep it… safe. Until they… come."// <<if $job is "Keeper">>Your hand clutches at the necklace beneath your clothes, a movement that wakes a keen interest in Abora judging by the subtle twitch of her eyebrows, but the goddess turns her gaze elsewhere a second later. <<else>>Your hand clutches at the necklace beneath your clothes. //"Did she know?"// Your doubts fade as Abora's voice pulls you out of the spiral of thoughts that were swirling around you, thought this time she's not speaking to you. <</if>>"We've been awaiting your arrival for some time now, $RG. You took longer than necessary." Abora's eyes close as she lets out a short sigh. "Sentimentality has always been your greatest weakness, my child." Her words are a soft reprimand, one that seems to cut deep into $RG's soul. However, the achimencey is quick to shake the wince away, and $RGhe_she bows $RGhis_her head submissively again. "My apologies, mencey. Important matters delayed my mission." "No excuses should cast your duty aside. And it appears that's not the only rule you've broken," Abora replies, her eyes shifting to $LL, $AO and $AL before focusing back on $RG. "You were suppose to bring the offspring of $lname //only//. You know mortals are forbidden to set foot in this world." $RG doesn't reply to that, $RGhe_she's not going to deny it. Even Enid stays quiet as she lowers her ears. [[Continue|22]]

Being in the presence of the Creator leaves you feeling paralyzed, unsure of what to do. You glance at your companions for guidance. $AL has immediately knelt, head bowed and hands raised in a divine gesture. $AO follows suit, not with as much enthusiasm as the redhead, but without hesitation in showing $AOhis_her respects to the Creator and her eternal companion. $LL, on the other hand, doesn't seem too convinced about following $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister's and the doctor's example. The warrior crosses $LLhis_her arms and slightly tucks $LLhis_her head between $LLhis_her shoulders, looking at Abora and Alcorac for a few seconds before averting $LLhis_her gaze. In the end, you decide to follow $AL and $AO's lead, slowly kneeling before the Creator and letting the serenity of her presence guide your movements. After a long silence during which you feel Abora's penetrating gaze fixed on you, you finally hear her tired yet melodious and welcoming voice, with an accent as distinct as $RG's "You can rise, mortals. It is a pleasure to meet the new owner of Eraorahan's necklace." <<if $diplomacy > $fun and $diplomacy > $blunt>>You do as she says and raise from the ground, though you can't help but bow your head slightly as you meet her eyes. "I'm $name—" "$lname. We know," she interrupts. Her emotionless expression changes to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your brow creasing into a frown. <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You do as she says and rise from the ground. Your nerves suddenly evaporate, and your natural charm comes to the fore as you flash a friendly smile. "Hey there! Nice to finally meet you," you exclaim with a very informal wave of your hand. $AL elbows you and gives you a reproachful look. However, Abora doesn't seem to mind your attitude at all. In fact, the goddess starts laughing softly, and you know it's a laugh because her previously expressionless face shifts into a smile. Otherwise, you'd think she was coughing. "What an endearing human. It's a pleasant surprise," she says through more coughing laughter. But her smile fades shortly after, her expression changing to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your grin disappearing as your brow creases into a confused frown. <<else>>You do as she says and raise from the ground, giving her a quick nod of acknowledgement. "$name $lname," she continues, taking you a little by surprise at first. //"Of course she'd know, she's the great goddess Abora,"// you think shortly after. Her emotionless expression changes to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your brow creasing into a frown. <</if>>><</if>>But you know. Your thoughts tug at a memory buried deep within your mind, and you hear your mother's last words echoing around you. //"The mark of the gods… keep it… safe. Until they… come."// <<if $job is "Keeper">>Your hand clutches at the necklace beneath your clothes, a movement that wakes a keen interest in Abora judging by the subtle twitch of her eyebrows, but the goddess turns her gaze elsewhere a second later. <<else>>Your hand clutches at the necklace beneath your clothes. //"Did she know?"// Your doubts fade as Abora's voice pulls you out of the spiral of thoughts that were swirling around you, thought this time she's not speaking to you. <</if>>"We've been awaiting your arrival for some time now, $RG. You took longer than necessary." Abora's eyes close as she lets out a short sigh. "Sentimentality has always been your greatest weakness, my child." Her words are a soft reprimand, one that seems to cut deep into $RG's soul. However, the achimencey is quick to shake the wince away, and $RGhe_she bows $RGhis_her head submissively again. "My apologies, mencey. Important matters delayed my mission." "No excuses should cast your duty aside. And it appears that's not the only rule you've broken," Abora replies, her eyes shifting to $LL, $AO and $AL before focusing back on $RG. "You were suppose to bring the offspring of $lname //only//. You know mortals are forbidden to set foot in this world." $RG doesn't reply to that, $RGhe_she's not going to deny it. Even Enid stays quiet as she lowers her ears. [[Continue|22]]

Despite $AL and $AO kneeling to show their respect, you remain standing, closely observing every detail of their faces. You pay attention to any changes in their calm and serene expressions, hoping to catch something that might give you a clue about what they could be thinking. You catch nothing. They don't react at all. An orange gaze watches you through half-closed lids. In fact, those eyes have been fixed on you since you arrived. She knows who you are. This realization does nothing to ease the nerves stirred by Abora's intense interest, nor does the peace that her mere presence seems to bring. In the end, you can't help but shift your weight from one foot to the other to try and relieve some of the tension. It doesn't work as well as you'd hoped. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>After a long moment of silence, Abora finally speaks. Her accent is as distinct as $RG's. "You bring the new owner of Eraorahan's necklace. It is a pleasure to meet him at last." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>After a long moment of silence, Abora finally speaks. Her accent is as distinct as $RG's. "You bring the new owner of Eraorahan's necklace. It is a pleasure to meet her at last." <<else>>After a long moment of silence, Abora finally speaks. Her accent is as distinct as $RG's. "You bring the new owner of Eraorahan's necklace. It is a pleasure to meet them at last." <</if>><<if $diplomacy > $fun and $diplomacy > $blunt>>"I'm $name—" you start, only to get interrupted by her tired, yet melodious and welcoming voice. "$lname. We know." Her emotionless expression changes to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your brow creasing into a frown. <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>Your nerves suddenly evaporate, and your natural charm comes to the fore as you flash a friendly smile. "Hey there! Nice to finally meet you," you exclaim with a very informal wave of your hand. $AL elbows you and gives you a reproachful look. However, Abora doesn't seem to mind your attitude at all. In fact, the goddess starts laughing softly, and you know it's a laugh because her previously expressionless face shifts into a smile. Otherwise, you'd think she was coughing. "What an endearing human. It's a pleasant surprise," she says through more coughing laughter. But her smile fades shortly after, her expression changing to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your grin disappearing as your brow creases into a confused frown. <<else>>You meet her eyes, giving her a quick nod of acknowledgement. "$name $lname," she continues, taking you a little by surprise at first. //"Of course she'd know, she's the great goddess Abora,"// you think shortly after. Her emotionless expression changes to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your brow creasing into a frown. <</if>>But you know. Your thoughts tug at a memory buried deep within your mind, and you hear your mother's last words echoing around you. //"The mark of the gods… keep it… safe. Until they… come."// <<if $job is "Keeper">>Your hand clutches at the necklace beneath your clothes, a movement that wakes a keen interest in Abora judging by the subtle twitch of her eyebrows, but the goddess turns her gaze elsewhere a second later. <<else>>Your hand clutches at the necklace beneath your clothes. //"Did she know?"// Your doubts fade as Abora's voice pulls you out of the spiral of thoughts that were swirling around you, thought this time she's not speaking to you. <</if>>"We've been awaiting your arrival for some time now, $RG. You took longer than necessary." Abora's eyes close as she lets out a short sigh. "Sentimentality has always been your greatest weakness, my child." Her words are a soft reprimand, one that seems to cut deep into $RG's soul. However, the achimencey is quick to shake the wince away, and $RGhe_she bows $RGhis_her head submissively again. "My apologies, mencey. Important matters delayed my mission." "No excuses should cast your duty aside. And it appears that's not the only rule you've broken," Abora replies, her eyes shifting to $LL, $AO and $AL before focusing back on $RG. "You were suppose to bring the offspring of $lname //only//. You know mortals are forbidden to set foot in this world." $RG doesn't reply to that, $RGhe_she's not going to deny it. Even Enid stays quiet as she lowers her ears. [[Continue|22]]

"That's not fair, it isn't $RGhis_her fault. We were sent here against our will," you blurt out without thinking. Abora's piercing orange eyes fix into yours, and you swallow hard at the intensity of it. Your mind reproaches your recklessness, and you begin to regret saying anything until your friends back you up. "It's… it's true, your ladyship. We only wanted to help find the orb." $AL speaks first, $ALhis_her voice a bit hesitant. "Which we did, by the way," $AO adds in a low voice before $AL continues. "It wasn't out intention to invade sacred ground, my lady, but the renegade—" $AL brings $ALhis_her hand up to cover $ALhis_her mouth when $ALhe_she mentions $BN, unsure of how the great goddess Abora would take the news. But she stays as calms as she's been the whole time. Alcorac turns to look at her, and places a thin hand on top of her wife's. They share a look before Abora closes her eyes and sighs. Her gaze returns to your group as she turns her palm up. "The orb," she simply says. $RG flies to her throne and gives her the heart of Thaon before returning to $RGhis_her original spot at your side. Abora takes the orb between her fingers with an exasperating slow movement, her gaze inspecting it for a few seconds. "So, $BN found you," she states. $RG's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "You know of $BNhim_her, mencey?" Abora's gaze finds yours again. She slowly raises her hand to point a skinny finger at you. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"I see it in his heart," she says before lowering her hand back to the stony armrest of her throne. "$BNHe_She's been visiting in your dreams, walking through your mind as if it was $BNhis_her own. Tell me, human, what has $BNhe_she seen?"<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"I see it in her heart," she says before lowering her hand back to the stony armrest of her throne. "$BNHe_She's been visiting in your dreams, walking through your mind as if it was $BNhis_her own. Tell me, human, what has $BNhe_she seen?"<<else>>"I see it in their heart," she says before lowering her hand back to the stony armrest of her throne. "$BNHe_She's been visiting in your dreams, walking through your mind as if it was $BNhis_her own. Tell me, human, what has $BNhe_she seen?"<</if>> *[[$BNHe_She + " says " + $BNhe_she + " wants to help me"|23_A]] *[[$BNHe_She + " just… plays chess with me"|23_B]] *[["Oh, " + $BNhe_she + "'s a giant pain in the ass"|23_C]] *[[(Lie) Nothing special|23_D]] *[[What? Can't you see it?|23_E]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "Every time $BNhe_she's showed up $BNhe_she always assures that $BNhe_she's an ally trying to help me," you answer with a slight shrug. "$BNHe_She calls you all pretenders." <<if $corruption > 0>>"$BNHe_She is lying." For some reason you stay quiet. A slight prick of annoyance draws your eyebrows together into a subtle frown at the sudden harsh tone that comes from Abora. //"Why does she sound so… defensive?"// The feeling only lasts a split second as her calm demeanour snaps back into place with the speed of a blink. //"Wait… did I imagine it?"// You shake your head, trying to clear the confusing thought. <<else>>"$BNHe_She is lying," Abora states. "Believe me, I know. $BNHe_She's very insistent about it, though," you say after a tired sigh. <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>$RG turns to you with a small frown on $RGhis_her face, $RGhis_her words gentle, but with a clear tone of reprimand. "You've never told me any of this." <<elseif $AOLove is true>><<if $feelingsAO is true>>"Wow, hell of a big thing to forget to mention, don't you think, $name?" $AO retorts with an eyebrow raised. <<else>>"Wow, hell of a big thing to forget to mention, don't you think, sweetie?" $AO retorts with an eyebrow raised. <</if>><<elseif $ALLove is true>>$AL turns to you, $ALhis_her eyes open wide in surprise and worry. "$BNHe_She's been bothering you all this time? Why didn't you say anything? We could have helped." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Why didn't you tell us about it?" $LL asks through a scowl. <<else>>$RG turns to you with a small frown on $RGhis_her face, $RGhis_her words gentle, but with a clear tone of reprimand. "You've never told me any of this." <</if>>@@#can; *<<link "I did once, in fact">><<replace "#can">><<if $AOLove is true or $LLLove is true>>"I //did// say it once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told $RG and $AL about $BNhim_her," you reply, placing your hands on your waist as you throw a reproachful look at your friends. $RG's confused frown creases $RGhis_her brow. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>"I //did// tell you once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told you and $RG about $BNhim_her," you reproach $ALhim_her, placing your hands on your waist. $RG's confused frown creases $RGhis_her brow. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <<else>>"I //did// tell you once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told you and $AL about $BNhim_her," you reproach $RGhim_her back, placing your hands on your waist. $RG's confused frown deepens as $RGhe_she looks away. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <</if>>[[Continue|24]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link "$BNHe_She didn't let me say anything">><<replace "#can">><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Well, it's not like I could. $BNHe_She cast a spell to avoid me saying anything about $BNhim_her," you reply, shrugging. Then you wave your hand in front of you in a nonchalant gesture, and add, "But relax, it all went fine in the end…" You clear your throat. "Mostly." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>"$BNHe_She cast a spell on me so I couldn't say anything. And it wouldn't have made much of a difference anyway," you reply with your arms crossed. <<else>>You shrug. "$BNHe_She didn't let me. Every time I tried to say anything about it, I just couldn't." <</if>>[[Continue|24]]<</replace>><</link>> @@

<<if $diplomacy > $fun and $diplomacy > $blunt>>"$BNHe_She just… wants to play chess with me for some reason?" you answer, a frown of confusion creasing your brow. <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"$BNHe_She just… plays chess with me," you answer. A smug half-grin begins to curve your lips upward as you place a hand on your hip and add, "I'm winning, by the way." <<else>>"$BNHe_She just… plays chess with me," you say, a slight frown creasing your brow. Crossing your arms over your chest, you add, "I'm not sure what $BNhis_her intentions are yet." <</if>>"$BNHe_She may be hiding $BNhis_her true purpose behind such a trivial thing, but make no mistake, human, $BNhe_she wants more than to play games with you." "Believe me, I've noticed. But the fact that I'm still standing means $BNhe_she's not getting what $BNhe_she wants out of it. Whatever it is." <<if $corruption > 0>>Abora watches you closely for a moment before replying. "I'm not so certain about that statement, human." <<else>>Abora watches you closely for a moment before replying. "I suppose you are right, human. But I wouldn't lower my guard, were I you." <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>$RG turns to you with a small frown on $RGhis_her face, $RGhis_her words gentle, but with a clear tone of reprimand. "You've never told me any of this." <<elseif $AOLove is true>><<if $feelingsAO is true>>"Wow, hell of a big thing to forget to mention, don't you think, $name?" $AO retorts with an eyebrow raised. <<else>>"Wow, hell of a big thing to forget to mention, don't you think, sweetie?" $AO retorts with an eyebrow raised. <</if>><<elseif $ALLove is true>>$AL turns to you, $ALhis_her eyes open wide in surprise and worry. "$BNHe_She's been bothering you all this time? Why didn't you say anything? We could have helped." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Why didn't you tell us about it?" $LL asks through a scowl. <<else>>$RG turns to you with a small frown on $RGhis_her face, $RGhis_her words gentle, but with a clear tone of reprimand. "You've never told me any of this." <</if>>@@#can; *<<link "I did once, in fact">><<replace "#can">><<if $AOLove is true or $LLLove is true>>"I //did// say it once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told $RG and $AL about $BNhim_her," you reply, placing your hands on your waist as you throw a reproachful look at your friends. $RG's confused frown creases $RGhis_her brow. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>"I //did// tell you once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told you and $RG about $BNhim_her," you reproach $ALhim_her, placing your hands on your waist. $RG's confused frown creases $RGhis_her brow. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <<else>>"I //did// tell you once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told you and $AL about $BNhim_her," you reproach $RGhim_her back, placing your hands on your waist. $RG's confused frown deepens as $RGhe_she looks away. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <</if>>[[Continue|24]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link "$BNHe_She didn't let me say anything">><<replace "#can">><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Well, it's not like I could. $BNHe_She cast a spell to avoid me saying anything about $BNhim_her," you reply, shrugging. Then you wave your hand in front of you in a nonchalant gesture, and add, "But relax, it all went fine in the end…" You clear your throat. "Mostly." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>"$BNHe_She cast a spell on me so I couldn't say anything. And it wouldn't have made much of a difference anyway," you reply with your arms crossed. <<else>>You shrug. "$BNHe_She didn't let me. Every time I tried to say anything about it, I just couldn't." <</if>>[[Continue|24]]<</replace>><</link>> @@

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ You let out a groan with a roll of your eyes. "I don't know, but $BNhe_she's a giant pain in the ass. But we've come to an agreement: $BNhe_she gets on my nerves, and I tell $BNhim_her to go fuck $BNhimself_herself." "I am concerned by your jesting about this situation, human," the goddess says through slightly narrowed eyes. "I'm not joking. It's literally all I can do against $BNhim_her," you reply, accompanying the words with a shrug. <<if $RGLove is true>>$RG turns to you with a small frown on $RGhis_her face, $RGhis_her words gentle, but with a clear tone of reprimand. "You've never told me any of this." <<elseif $AOLove is true>><<if $feelingsAO is true>>"Wow, hell of a big thing to forget to mention, don't you think, $name?" $AO retorts with an eyebrow raised. <<else>>"Wow, hell of a big thing to forget to mention, don't you think, sweetie?" $AO retorts with an eyebrow raised. <</if>><<elseif $ALLove is true>>$AL turns to you, $ALhis_her eyes open wide in surprise and worry. "$BNHe_She's been bothering you all this time? Why didn't you say anything? We could have helped." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Why didn't you tell us about it?" $LL asks through a scowl. <<else>>$RG turns to you with a small frown on $RGhis_her face, $RGhis_her words gentle, but with a clear tone of reprimand. "You've never told me any of this." <</if>>@@#can; *<<link "I did once, in fact">><<replace "#can">><<if $AOLove is true or $LLLove is true>>"I //did// say it once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told $RG and $AL about $BNhim_her," you reply, placing your hands on your waist as you throw a reproachful look at your friends. $RG's confused frown creases $RGhis_her brow. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>"I //did// tell you once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told you and $RG about $BNhim_her," you reproach $ALhim_her, placing your hands on your waist. $RG's confused frown creases $RGhis_her brow. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <<else>>"I //did// tell you once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told you and $AL about $BNhim_her," you reproach $RGhim_her back, placing your hands on your waist. $RG's confused frown deepens as $RGhe_she looks away. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <</if>>[[Continue|24]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link "$BNHe_She didn't let me say anything">><<replace "#can">><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Well, it's not like I could. $BNHe_She cast a spell to avoid me saying anything about $BNhim_her," you reply, shrugging. Then you wave your hand in front of you in a nonchalant gesture, and add, "But relax, it all went fine in the end…" You clear your throat. "Mostly." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>"$BNHe_She cast a spell on me so I couldn't say anything. And it wouldn't have made much of a difference anyway," you reply with your arms crossed. <<else>>You shrug. "$BNHe_She didn't let me. Every time I tried to say anything about it, I just couldn't." <</if>>[[Continue|24]]<</replace>><</link>> @@

<<add_corruption +1>>\ <<set $lie to true>>\ \ You open your mouth to respond, but for some reason, you hesitate. Your eyes become lost in the two orange orbs watching you, patiently waiting for your response. From the outside, it must look like you're thinking carefully about what to say, or perhaps that you're confused by her words. But the truth is, there's something in Abora's gaze that makes you think twice. For a moment, her saffron eyes shift in color-one turns a bright yellow, the other an dull white. You blink, and they return to their original hue, but the unease they caused lingers. In the end, you shrug and respond with, "Nothing special. $BNHe_She just appears and then disappears soon after." It's not exactly a lie, right? //"Right,"// you reassure yourself, though the slight sense of unease continues to brew inside you. If Abora noticed your hesitation, the goddess doesn't comment on it. <<if $RGLove is true>>$RG turns to you with a small frown on $RGhis_her face, $RGhis_her words gentle, but with a clear tone of reprimand. "You've never told me any of this." <<elseif $AOLove is true>><<if $feelingsAO is true>>"Wow, hell of a big thing to forget to mention, don't you think, $name?" $AO retorts with an eyebrow raised. <<else>>"Wow, hell of a big thing to forget to mention, don't you think, sweetie?" $AO retorts with an eyebrow raised. <</if>><<elseif $ALLove is true>>$AL turns to you, $ALhis_her eyes open wide in surprise and worry. "$BNHe_She's been bothering you all this time? Why didn't you say anything? We could have helped." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Why didn't you tell us about it?" $LL asks through a scowl. <<else>>$RG turns to you with a small frown on $RGhis_her face, $RGhis_her words gentle, but with a clear tone of reprimand. "You've never told me any of this." <</if>>@@#can; *<<link "I did once, in fact">><<replace "#can">><<if $AOLove is true or $LLLove is true>>"I //did// say it once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told $RG and $AL about $BNhim_her," you reply, placing your hands on your waist as you throw a reproachful look at your friends. $RG's confused frown creases $RGhis_her brow. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>"I //did// tell you once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told you and $RG about $BNhim_her," you reproach $ALhim_her, placing your hands on your waist. $RG's confused frown creases $RGhis_her brow. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <<else>>"I //did// tell you once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told you and $AL about $BNhim_her," you reproach $RGhim_her back, placing your hands on your waist. $RG's confused frown deepens as $RGhe_she looks away. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <</if>>[[Continue|24]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link "$BNHe_She didn't let me say anything">><<replace "#can">><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Well, it's not like I could. $BNHe_She cast a spell to avoid me saying anything about $BNhim_her," you reply, shrugging. Then you wave your hand in front of you in a nonchalant gesture, and add, "But relax, it all went fine in the end…" You clear your throat. "Mostly." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>"$BNHe_She cast a spell on me so I couldn't say anything. And it wouldn't have made much of a difference anyway," you reply with your arms crossed. <<else>>You shrug. "$BNHe_She didn't let me. Every time I tried to say anything about it, I just couldn't." <</if>>[[Continue|24]]<</replace>><</link>> @@

<<add_corruption +1>>\ <<add_blunt +1>>\ \ A wave of annoyance makes you quirk an eyebrow and fold your arms. "What? Can't you see it like you say you've seen everything else?" "$name!" $AL urgently whispers. Maybe you should be worried about offending her, but you don't regret the challenge in your voice. You're starting to get a little tired of meeting people who can read your mind and then immediately dare you to lie to them. Because you're pretty sure that's what they want, to test you. All eyes present move from you to Abora. You feel your companions tense beside you and glance sideways in your direction. If your comment bothered her, however, Abora doesn't show it. Her expression is completely unreadable, and the seconds pass slowly without the goddess even blinking. <<if $RGLove is true>>$RG turns to you with a small frown on $RGhis_her face, $RGhis_her words gentle, but with a clear tone of reprimand. "You've never told me any of this." <<elseif $AOLove is true>><<if $feelingsAO is true>>"Wow, hell of a big thing to forget to mention, don't you think, $name?" $AO retorts with an eyebrow raised. <<else>>"Wow, hell of a big thing to forget to mention, don't you think, sweetie?" $AO retorts with an eyebrow raised. <</if>><<elseif $ALLove is true>>$AL turns to you, $ALhis_her eyes open wide in surprise and worry. "$BNHe_She's been bothering you all this time? Why didn't you say anything? We could have helped." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Why didn't you tell us about it?" $LL asks through a scowl. <<else>>$RG turns to you with a small frown on $RGhis_her face, $RGhis_her words gentle, but with a clear tone of reprimand. "You've never told me any of this." <</if>>@@#can; *<<link "I did once, in fact">><<replace "#can">><<if $AOLove is true or $LLLove is true>>"I //did// say it once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told $RG and $AL about $BNhim_her," you reply, placing your hands on your waist as you throw a reproachful look at your friends. $RG's confused frown creases $RGhis_her brow. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>"I //did// tell you once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told you and $RG about $BNhim_her," you reproach $ALhim_her, placing your hands on your waist. $RG's confused frown creases $RGhis_her brow. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <<else>>"I //did// tell you once, in fact. Remember the morning after Sorrol was attacked? I told you and $AL about $BNhim_her," you reproach $RGhim_her back, placing your hands on your waist. $RG's confused frown deepens as $RGhe_she looks away. "I didn't feel $BNhim_her…" $RGhe_she ends up whispering, more to $RGhimself_herself than to you. <</if>>[[Continue|24]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link "$BNHe_She didn't let me say anything">><<replace "#can">><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Well, it's not like I could. $BNHe_She cast a spell to avoid me saying anything about $BNhim_her," you reply, shrugging. Then you wave your hand in front of you in a nonchalant gesture, and add, "But relax, it all went fine in the end…" You clear your throat. "Mostly." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>"$BNHe_She cast a spell on me so I couldn't say anything. And it wouldn't have made much of a difference anyway," you reply with your arms crossed. <<else>>You shrug. "$BNHe_She didn't let me. Every time I tried to say anything about it, I just couldn't." <</if>>[[Continue|24]]<</replace>><</link>> @@

"There is a reason for that." For the first time since you arrived, Alcorac speaks. His voice is as tired as his wife's, but it carries a much gentler, less authoritative tone. His aura is also less overwhelming. "$BNHe_She was once one of our own," he continues. "Among one of the most powerful, in fact. Even more so than the achimenceys." "How is that possible?" you wonder aloud. "I thought the only one stronger than the achimenceys was the mencey herself." Alcorac and Abora share a look before he replies. "$BNHis_Her upbringing… was a special case. Even before $BNhe_she was created inside $BNhis_her father's vessel, $BNhis_her soul was stronger than any other we've ever witnessed. Eventually, that power went to $BNhis_her head and poisoned $BNhis_her mind. $BNHis_Her heart became corrupted, and $BNhe_she corrupted others along with $BNhim_her." "$BN wasn't the only one we saw, there was another, who looked human," you comment, gesturing and pointing to each part of the body you mention for emphasis. "Brown skin, muscular build, navy blue eyes, same colour as his hair. I assume this other renegade is one of those $BNhe_she corrupted?" Alcorac gives you a severe look. "Indeed, he is. Just as dangerous." "They call themselves faycans," Abora's voice suddenly reverberates across the platform. "An order created by renegade celestials, corrupted under the hand of $BN." "Faycans? We heard the Blue Coyotes scream that name in battle," $AL exclaims. "They poison the minds of any being and wither their will, just like their own," the Creator continues, and you even notice a barely perceptible shift in the neutral tone of her voice. Something more serious, with a hint of anger. "How many of them are there, exactly?" $AO asks. "As far as we know, they are only five," Alcorac answers. "The first, their leader, you already know. Then they have Kazka and Cyanli." The god looks at his wife again, and when she nods, he continues, "These two are the last of their species, a minotaur and a fae. Both remarkable warriors, but they let themselves be tricked by $BN's lies. They surrendered their respective worlds to $BNhim_her, and the tibicenas destroyed them." "They sold their species out? Just like that?" you exclaim. Alcorac's expression saddens. "Corruption is merciless." "That's… so sad," $AL comments. "The next one on the list is Locto. He too belongs to a species that no longer exists, but it wasn't the tibicenas who eradicated them, but Locto himself." "He wiped out his own people?" $AO says quietly, $AOhis_her fists clenching at $AOhis_her sides. Alcorac nods. "This attracted $BN's attention, and soon after, Locto became one of the faycans." "And last, that other man you saw," Abora continues, her eyes closing for a moment. "Another skilled and exceptional fighter. Loved and respected, devoted to his duty. He belonged to our most trusted circle. His betrayal left a hole that's impossible to fill within us." The Creator opens her eyes, fixing her piercing orange eyes on $RG. "Your predecessor. Acaymo, the last achimencey of the human realm." "My predecessor?" $RG's shoulders tense visibly, $RGhis_her expression growing into a severe one as the feathers of $RGhis_her wings spread like the hackles of an enraged animal. "You told me he was dead." On $RGhis_her shoulder, Enid's eyes open wide. "Acaymo? Argh—" [[Continue|25]]

<<set $faycansCodex to true>>\ <<notify 5000>>''New codex entry:'' Faycans<</notify>>\ \ Enid groans in pain and squeezes her eyes shut. She grabs her head, claws out and teeth bared. $RG's stern look completely disappears and transforms into worry as $RGhe_she turns $RGhis_her head to look at Enid. "What is it, amidi?" But the pain the otter is experiencing seems too intense for her to respond. The celestial spirit grits her teeth while her claws keep digging into her fur. "Enid?" You and the rest of your companions make a move to approach and help the otter, but a mote of light travelling slowly towards her stops you in your tracks. The moment the glowing orb touches her forehead, Enid's groans of pain cease. The spirit opens her eyes, hides her claws, and lowers her paws. "What… happened?" she asks, blinking in confusion. You turn towards the direction from which the luminous orb came, and see Abora with her arm raised towards the celestial spirit. A mournful expression crosses the goddess's face as she slowly rests her hand back on the throne. "You have been away from Orahan for far too long, my dear amidi. I have relieved some of your suffering, but you should visit the Well of Eternity soon, when we're done here. It will grant you peace and ease your pain," Abora tells her, her voice as delicate as a feather. There's an obvious tenderness in her way of speaking that catches you by surprise. She has barely let any emotions show so far, and yet, when it comes to Enid, Abora seems to have no hesitations in showing her affections towards the otter. She really must have summoned her more than once if she shares such a strong connection with her. "I… yes, that would be best. I do feel the need to be among the stars for a while," Enid responds. She shakes her head and rubs her forehead. "Phew, that was a strong one. I apologize for the interruption. Where were we?" Her face is no longer haunted by excruciating pain, and a little smile curves her whiskers up. Still, $RG's worried frown never leaves, and $RGhe_she raises $RGhis_her hand to scratch under the spirit's chin. A gesture that seems to be intended to calm $RGhimself_herself more than Enid. [[Continue|26]]

"The answer you're seeking, $RG," Abora continues once the short moment of concern has passed. "We thought he would have succumbed to the wounds he had the last time we faced him. It seems $BN found him first and allowed him to join the faycans." $RG stays deep in thought for a few seconds before giving a nod of acknowledgement. "What is it they're after, mencey?" "They are seeking the orbs of Moneiba to overthrow us and rule over all our worlds." "How original," $AO mutters sarcastically after a snort, and $LL elbows $AOhis_her side in reprimand. "Ouch." "I don't understand, why would anyone want to do that?" $AL asks. "What the gods do for us... caring for us and protecting us from all harm, why would anyone want to challenge that?" "Because they blame you, mortals, for all the evil that exists in the worlds." "We are the evil?" $LL snaps angrily after a scoff. "How funny that statement is, coming from people who wither everything they touch." "Your kind has been known to be… selfish throughout history," Alcorac replies after a second of thinking. Somehow you have the impression that he wanted to use a completely different word. "But while we strive for peace through serenity and stability, they seek it through chaos and destruction." "But $BN //gave us// the orb. $BNHe_She had it in $BNhis_her hands, but $BNhe_she let us have it before sending us here," you say with a confused frown. "$BNHe_She is a manipulative and patient being. $BNHis_Her actions are meant to be an insult to your capabilities. $BNHe_She believes you lack the power to stop $BNhim_her, but never forget this," Abora says, blinking slowly. Her expression changes as her eyes meet yours again, her brow creasing into a deep frown that accentuates the wrinkles on her skin. "The faycans will stop at nothing until they burn the worlds down and rebuild them with their own views. Their hatred for your kind, they created the tibicenas with it to accomplish that goal." "You never told me or my siblings about any of this, Mencey, only the surface of the destiny the minotaurs and the fae had," $RG says, lips pursed slightly as $RGhis_her face twists in worry. Abora sighs, her eyes closing as a trace of guilt seems to pronounce the curve or her long ears. "We hoped they wouldn't have time to do any real damage before we ended this cycle. We hoped we had more time. We were wrong." She opens her eyes, giving $RG a knowing look. "And neither you nor your siblings stand a chance against them." Her last words are gentle, a silent apology hidden within them. Still, $RG visibly tenses and steps forward determinedly. <<if $RGLove is true>>"If they are that powerful, we need to perform the ritual as soon as possible," $RGhe_she says, chest puffed with resolve while you try to ignore the sting $RGhis_her words cause you. <<else>>"If they are that powerful, we need to perform the ritual as soon as possible," $RGhe_she says, chest puffed with resolve. <</if>>"...We cannot," Abora replies after a few moments of silence. $RG's firmness wavers, and $RGhe_she subtly flinches. "Mencey?" [[Continue|27]]

"Your siblings have yet to return," the Creator says after a pause. $RG's eyebrows shoot up, $RGhis_her mouth slightly agape with surprise. Still, it's Enid who speaks next. "They're not here?" "You are the firsts to arrive. We can only wait for now," Alcorac answers. "But the longer it takes-" $RG begins to say, but Abora interrupts $RGhim_her. "Have faith in your siblings, my child. Whatever happens, they have been trained for this, and we will intervene should it come to it." Your purple-haired friend closes $RGhis_her mouth, jaw clenched and muscles taut, but $RGhe_she doesn't insist further. $RG stands tall and nods. "So what happens now? How do we proceed?" $RGhe_she asks. "First, you put the orb in place," Abora replies. She makes the orb of Moneiba levitate towards $RG, who carefully cradles the divine sphere on $RGhis_her already open palms. "Then, until further notice, you, my child, will prepare yourself in case $BN appears." $RG looks up from the orb and frowns. "You believe $BNhe_she'll be able to enter in this realm?" Abora closes her eyes. "I'm afraid $BNhe_she knows more than I am willing to admit." "As you command, my Mencey," $RG replies with a slight bow of $RGhis_her head. "Your companion will train too," the goddess continues, her intense orange gaze finding yours. "You hold the power of healing the corruption in your hands, mortal. You must know how to wield it. If $BN has taken a liking of you, $BNhe_she will sure visit you again in your dreams, and the artefact of Eraorahan will serve you well." <<if $corruption > 1>>There's a subtle sense of annoyance bubbling inside you. If she wants you to train, it means she thinks you'll have to face more demons at some point. And although you've seen how effective it is against them, the constant pressure weighing on your shoulders only frustrates you further, and with Abora's request-or rather, demand-added to it, the feeling only intensifies. You take a deep breath to manage the discomfort before responding, knowing you can't deny it would be an advantage, even though it doesn't erase your furrowed brow. "All right, I'll do it," you finally reply. <<else>><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You can't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the expectations placed on you. If Abora wants you to train, it means she thinks you'll have to face more demons at some point, and honestly, that's not a very appealing idea. Still, it wouldn't hurt to learn how to use the artefact without causing yourself harm, like last time. That was an experience you'd rather not repeat. <<if $hair is "Very short" or $hair is "Shaved">>You finally sigh and run a hand over your head. It looks like your adventure isn't going to end as quickly as you thought after all. <<else>>You finally sigh and run a hand over your slightly dishevelled hair. It looks like your adventure isn't going to end as quickly as you thought after all. <</if>>"Well, I guess I don't have much of a choice. I just hope the next dream I have with $BN doesn't leave me with the terrible headache it did last time," you finally reply. <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>It's the most efficient approach, you think to yourself. If she wants you to train, it means she believes you'll have to face more demons at some point, and you've seen how effective the artifact is against them. Being able to use it without harming yourself like last time would be a significant advantage. You cross your arms and nod, your eyes reflecting a cold determination. It looks like your adventure isn't going to end as quickly as you thought after all. "Very well. If there's no other choice, I'll do it," you finally reply. <<else>>You feel the weight of Abora's gaze on you, but you manage to maintain a firm posture and a serene expression despite the nerves. If she wants you to train, it means she thinks you'll have to face more demons at some point, and you've already seen how effective the artifact is against them. If there's any chance of using it without causing yourself harm like last time, it would undoubtedly be a great advantage. It seems your adventure isn't going to end as quickly as you thought after all. "Of course, my lady. It wouldn't hurt to have some extra power to defend myself, even if just a little," you finally reply. <</if>><</if>>[[Continue|28]]

Abora nods slowly, satisfied. "And lastly, regarding these other mortals..." The goddess's penetrating gaze slowly sweeps over your companions. $AO remains seemingly calm under Abora's scrutiny, although the way $AOhe_she fiddles with a thread dangling from the edge of $AOhis_her trousers betrays $AOhis_her nerves. $AL is much less subtle. The redhead swallows hard and rubs $ALhis_her hands against $ALhis_her clothes before shoving them into $ALhis_her pockets. After a moment, $ALhe_she pulls them out with a silent cough and repeats the process. As for $LL, the warrior keeps $LLhis_her arms crossed, as if that alone could shield $LLhim_her from the intense scrutiny of the orange orbs. You get the feeling that if $LLhe_she had $LLhis_her shield in hand, $LLhe_she wouldn't hesitate to use it. When Abora's gaze lands on $LLhim_her, $LL looks away and starts biting $LLhis_her tongue. You can't blame any of them for feeling this way. Even you find it hard to ignore the overwhelming presence of the Creator for long. Even now, though she's not focused on you, you can feel the power radiating from her even from several meters away. Abora turns to look at her husband. He returns her gaze, engaging in a silent conversation that's impossible to decipher. After a moment, both of them nod, casting a quick glance at you that makes your brows twitch in both confusion and curiosity. "For your safety, we will allow you to stay among us until the achimenceys return and you can go back to your home," Abora declares as she refocuses on your group. "Your world is in a state of relative peace, but do not be fooled-it is nothing but another lie. The tibicenas will act again when $BN commands them." "You allow them to stay, Mencey?" $RG asks with no small amount of surprise in $RGhis_her voice. "Temporarily, yes," Alcorac replies. "They will stay with you in your temple. You brought them here, they are your responsibility. Anything they do, you will be held accountable for, and, if necessary, you will also suffer the consequences." The god's gaze turns sombre, even somewhat severe. "Just like last time." The mention of "last time" makes you furrow your brow and turn to look at $RG. The $RGman_woman tenses up next to you once more, so much so that it seems like the bracelet around $RGhis_her bicep might burst at any moment. You can't help but wonder, //"What last time?"// Your friend clenches $RGhis_her fists, only to relax them a moment later. "I understand," $RGhe_she replies. $RGHis_Her voice sounds strained, though you can't discern the emotion behind it. "Then you may leave," Abora announces with a satisfied nod. "And $RG? I hope you return once you have fulfilled your duties. You must pay the price for your sins." The goddess's words are gentle, but you notice $RG swallowing hard. Even Enid's face falls along with her ears. Still, $RG simply nods and bows $RGhis_her head submissively before guiding you all out of the platform and back to the base of the tree. [[Continue|29]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "virtutes" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ "...That went well," $AO says, breaking the silence that has fallen over the group. "Hey," $AL starts hesitantly, placing a hand on $RG's arm. "What Abora said, about... the price to pay for your sins... will you be all right?" $RG closes $RGhis_her eyes and takes a deep breath. $RGHe_She lets out a long, slow sigh before $RGhe_she turns to look at everyone. "I will be," $RGhe_she assures with a nod, though $RGhis_her attempted smile doesn't reach $RGhis_her eyes. "I appreciate you defending me, but I knew what was going to happen the moment that renegade sent us here." "But that wasn't your fault. Why blame yourself for something that's clearly beyond your control?" you say, folding your arms as a prick of annoyance passes through you. $RGHis_Her shoulders slump. "I should have been more careful. Our enemies are no excuse to break the rules. They exist for a reason." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"As almighty as you may be, you cannot see the future, big guy. No one expected the renegade to be there," $AO intervenes. Then $AOhe_she raises an eyebrow, and adds, "Otherwise I would have already asked you a few things." <<else>>"As almighty as you may be, you cannot see the future, big girl. No one expected the renegade to be there," $AO intervenes. Then $AOhe_she raises an eyebrow, and adds, "Otherwise I would have already asked you a few things." <</if>><<if $LLLove is true>>"I am more worried about the fact that that renegade tortures $name at night," $LL says, glancing your way, a frown creasing $LLhis_her brow, as always. Still, you feel touched by $LLhis_her words and the fierce protectiveness in $LLhis_her refreshing green gaze. <<else>>"I am more worried about the fact that that renegade tortures $name at night," $LL says, glancing your way, a frown creasing $LLhis_her brow, as always. <</if>>"I wouldn't call it torture, really. $BNHe_She just… appears, says something cryptic, and leaves shortly after," you reply. "So $BNhe_she's just like a pesky fly," $AO says with a shrug. "A pesky fly that could kill you if $BNhe_she wanted to," $LL clarifies sternly. "The thing is… $BNhe_she //has// been helping me. At least from time to time," you continue your thought. "For example?" $AL prompts. "Back in Thaon, when we were in the middle of the war, $BN came to warn me that Arianna wasn't the only one who was going to transform into the gua… whatever it was." "Guayota," Enid reminds you. "Yes, that. $BNHe_She also told me that the rebels had something hidden in their refuge, even if $BNhe_she didn't say at the time that it was demons," you continue. <<if $AriAlive is true>>$RG's frown deepens, $RGhis_her fists clenching tightly. "Don't be deceived by the false good intentions of a corrupt being. $BNHe_She was the one who poisoned the hearts of the rebels by exploiting their desperation. And $BNhe_she was also the one who drove your ruler to the brink of the abyss and turned him into a guayota." <<else>>$RG's frown deepens, $RGhis_her fists clenching tightly. "Don't be deceived by the false good intentions of a corrupt being. $BNHe_She was the one who poisoned the hearts of the rebels by exploiting their desperation. And $BNhe_she was also the one who Arianna to the brink of the abyss and turned her into a guayota." <</if>>"Yes… that's true," you murmur thoughtfully. Enid sighs. "There's no point in dwelling on it. We're here and we're safe. Let's move along so I can get to Orahan. This headache is unbearable." "Are you still in pain, amidi?" $RG asks softly. "It's not the pain that troubles me." Enid purses her lips, her whiskers twitching. "I feel... strange. Disoriented, perhaps? Ugh, I really need to return to Orahan." <<if $gallotia is "uneasy">>"Then let's waste no more time," the $RGgod_goddess says with a nod. "We don't have to ride the dragons again, do we?" you ask, wincing slightly. $RG laughs and shakes $RGhis_her head. "No, that's not necessary. I thought this time we could go on foot. That way, you'll get to familiarize yourselves with the place more easily, and the walk is quite pleasant." $RGHe_She then gestures for you all to follow $RGhim_her. "Come." <<else>>"Then let's waste no more time," the $RGgod_goddess says with a nod. $RGHe_She then turns to the rest of you and beckons to follow with a gesture of $RGhis_her hand. "Come. We'll go on foot. The walk is quite pleasant." <</if>>[[Continue|30]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "fadeAway" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ <<unset $gallotia>>\ \ The grass slowly starts to disappear and is replaced by snow the more you walk along the path, and the temperature descends radically until your hands seek comfort in the warmth of the pockets of your jacket. Surprisingly enough, there are flowers that stand strong in the cold, thought their petals changed from an intense blue to a more icy tone. Some even look like they're made of glass. "How is it possible it's this cold in just a few minutes?" you wonder aloud as you pull your jacket a bit higher to cover your neck from a particular freezing breeze, the icy steam coming from your mouth accompanying every word. "Every mortal world are zoned here. This one represents Valegon. The elven world, so you understand me," Enid explains. She gestures towards the horizon where the mountains loom beyond the central lake. "See that area over there in the mountains? That desert is the representation of Feron, the dwarves world. It's like that with each one." $AO hugs $AOhimself_herself, sinking $AOhis_her head into $AOhis_her shoulders to escape the biting cold. "Brr, I hate the cold. Is there a beach anywhere?" $RG chuckles. "Really? I find snow and ice rather comforting." $AL rolls down $ALhis_her sleeves to cover $ALhis_her bare arms. However, it's $LL who catches your eye. The warrior plunges $LLhis_her hands deep into the pockets of $LLhis_her tight breeches, but $LLhis_her torso remains exposed to the weather in a simple tank top. Despite $LLhis_her efforts to hide it, the slight shivering of $LLhis_her arms betrays $LLhis_her discomfort. <<if $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|31LL]]<<else>>[[Continue|31]]<</if>>

Without a second thought, you approach $LLhim_her and place a hand on $LLhis_her shoulder to get $LLhis_her attention while undoing the buttons and straps of your jacket with the other hand. The touch of $LLhis_her skin is comfortingly warm compared to the chilly air. "Here," you say, a smile curving your lips as you offer $LLhim_her your jacket. $LL's eyes widen in surprise, looking from you to the jacket and then back to you. $LLHe_She lets out a small cough and averts $LLhis_her gaze. "No need, I'm fine." "Uh-huh... so why are your teeth chattering?" you counter, raising an eyebrow. $LL makes a face, slightly tucking $LLhis_her head between $LLhis_her shoulders. A subtle blush begins to cover $LLhis_her cheeks and nose, though you're not sure if it's from your comment or the temperature. "Come on, take it. I have more layers than you anyway," you insist, tugging at the edge of your shirt for emphasis. The red-haired warrior looks at you again before glancing down at the jacket. Though $LLhis_her movement is hesitant, $LLhe_she eventually accepts your offer. $LLHis_Her fingers brush against yours as $LLhe_she grabs the fabric, the touch sending a pleasant shiver up your arm. You both linger there a second longer than necessary, until $LL clears $LLhis_her throat and takes the jacket from your hands. "Thanks," you hear $LLhim_her say quietly. <<if $height is "Tall">>Your jacket fits $LL almost perfectly. $LLHis_Her broad shoulders and prominent muscles make it a bit difficult for $LLhim_her to button it up, but since the jacket is a few sizes bigger than $LLhe_she is, $LLhe_she manages to do so in the end. //"Now $LLhe_she'll be more protected from the cold,"// you think with a satisfied smile on your face. The feeling of seeing $LL in your jacket warms you up more than the garment itself. <<else>>Your jacket isn't tight at all, but with $LL's musculature, it almost seems like it is. So much so that $LLhe_she can't button it up even if $LLhe_she wanted to. //"At least $LLhe_she'll be more protected from the cold now,"// you think with a satisfied smile on your face. The feeling of seeing $LL in your jacket warms you up more than the garment itself. <</if>>[[Continue|32]]

$AO has also noticed the little detail, and the doctor removes $AOhis_her white coat and offers it to $LL. "Here, take it before you turn into a strawberry popsicle." $LL watches the garment flutter in front of $LLhim_her, $LLhis_her face creasing in a frown at the doctor's words. "Didn't you just complain about the cold like five seconds ago?" "Yeah, but I have a sweater thick enough to handle it without a coat," $AO responds with a shrug. $AOHe_She then flashes an amused smirk at the warrior. "Unless this is your way of exercising your jaw with the way you're chattering your teeth." $LL growls and snatches the coat from the $AOman_woman's hands. "I'm only taking it so you'll shut up and leave me alone." The warrior shelters $LLhimself_herself from the cold with $AO's coat, which miraculously doesn't tear despite $LLhis_her broad musculature, though $LLhe_she can't button it up even if $LLhe_she wanted to. Once $LLhe_she's better protected from the cold, $LL averts $LLhis_her gaze and mutters, "Thanks." $AO gives $AOhim_her a friendly nudge. "You're welcome, Red." [[Continue|32]]

After traversing the stretch of snowy forest, the terrain opens up to a meadow that extends to the edge of the frozen lake. Just across, a few meters away, is a staircase leading up to a small platform that only holds the enormous stone gate you saw from the sky, the one that leads nowhere. This is where $RG and Enid lead you as you skirt the lake. At the top of the stairs, you see an otter that looks very similar to Enid, although its fur is a much more natural light brown compared to the ashen blue of $RG's celestial companion. The otter wears a simple leather cuirass and holds a spear in its paws, fitting its thirty centimetre height. "Kebehi $RG and Maese Enid! You're back! I knew I could feel your presence," exclaims this new otter upon seeing you arrive. Its voice deeper than its appearance suggests. "I can't believe it. More talking otters?" $AO mutters to $AOhimself_herself, though everyone hears $AOhim_her, earning a stern glare from the otter atop $RG's shoulder. "He's not an otter, he is a //lontros//. A much superior species than those otters you have back on Thaon, and they deserve some respect, mortal," Enid snaps, putting her paws on her hips. "And for the last time, I'm a celestial spirit. I only take the form of a lontros to interact with the material world without using magic." $AO raises $AOhis_her hands in surrender but leans toward you to whisper, "Still looks like an otter." "Ahul, Abhau. It's been a while," $RG greets, ignoring the exchange between the doctor and Enid. "Ahul and sansofé, Kebehi," the otter, the //lontros//, replies with a nod and a friendly smile. He also ignores the minor squabble, seeming not to care about $AO's comments. "If you're back, and judging by those who accompany you and Maese Enid, I trust that your quest has gone well?" "Indeed it has," $RG replies, slightly raising the hand that holds the orb of Moneiba as proof of $RGhis_her success. $RGHe_She then turns to introduce each of you. "These are $AO, $AL, $LL, and my mortal companion, $name." The lontros' eyes widen in pleasant surprise at your mention, and the creature gives you a bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, especially you, Maese $name." The lontros stands tall and puffs out his chest with pride. "Custodian Abhau at your service. Are you seeking entrance to the Well of Eternity?" $RG nods. "Yes, Abora gave us permission. Enid has been feeling unwell lately." "I wouldn't say unwell. More like.. low on energy," Enid corrects. The lontros nods. "Very well. Here." [[Continue|33]]

Abhau faces the gate and places a paw on the rough stone while closing his eyes. A wave of magic pulses like a heartbeat beneath your feet, and the door starts to glow until the stone becomes a translucent screen. "Done. You may enter the Well of Eternity now," the lontros announces. "I'm sure your loved ones will be very happy to see you, even if they cannot interact with you directly." You frown in confusion. "Our loved ones?" "We're going to Orahan. The souls of the dead are all there, as are the ones of those you know who have passed away," Enid says. "Some may even come to say hello. They cannot speak, nor move, though. You'll only see how they used to look when they were alive, but it's them choosing to come and see you." A glimmer of hope fills your chest as the image of your mother crosses your mind. Will she come to see you? There are so many things you want to tell her, so many things you want to ask her... Even if you don't get answers, just seeing her face again will be enough. "I... I'll wait here," $LL says, $LLhis_her voice somewhat tense. $AL shoots $LLhim_her a look, but the warrior avoids $ALhim_her by looking to the side and down at the ground, crossing $LLhis_her arms. "Very well, we won't be long," Enid says with a nod as she jumps to the ground. "The rest of you, do you want to come?" "Yes!" $AL exclaims. The $ALman_woman clears $ALhis_her throat to keep $ALhis_her impatience in check and rubs $ALhis_her neck. "I mean... yes, I do. Please." $AO hesitates for a second, but eventually nods. "Me too." "So will I," you finally say. "Follow me then," Enid instructs before passing through the glowing screen. $AL and $AO follow almost immediately, and you're about to go after them when you suddenly realize that $LL isn't the only one staying behind. "You're not coming with us, $RG?" you ask, tilting your head slightly. $RG shoots you a gentle smile before shaking $RGhis_her head. "No. I'm afraid that my shadow is unworthy to mingle with the souls of the departed." You blink a few times at $RGhis_her words, frowning a bit as you catch the concerned look Abhau throws at the achimencey, but you can't manage to decipher the meaning behind it. "And I have other matters to attend to, anyway," $RGhe_she continues, raising the hand that holds the orb. "Enid will take you to our house when you're done. I'll see you there when I'm finished with my tasks." You hesitate for just a second before you end up nodding. "All right. See you later, $RG." Turning your back to $RGhim_her, $LL and Abhau, you place your hand on the glowing screen, surprisingly warm to the touch, and push a little to see your hand disappear. You close your eyes and take a step forward. [[Continue|34]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "quietMorning" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ All your worries seem to vanish the moment you arrive on the other side. The light envelops you like a warm blanket, shielding you from the cold and repelling all your fears. You find yourself on another stone platform similar to the one you were on with Abora, but here, the intricate details in the rock are replaced by patches of loose vegetation scattered about, and tall trees with vibrant green leaves. It's as if you've stepped into ancient ruins that have gradually been reclaimed by nature. Flowers of all colours greet you in this place, their delicate petals dancing alongside orbs of light that swirl around you like snowflakes, so bright that you wonder how it's possible not to go blind from looking at them. The entrance behind continues to radiate light. In front of you, there is a bridge made of heptagonal tiles of iridescent crystals leading to a central platform, and from there, six more bridges extend to other platforms with gates identical to the one behind you, gates that seem to lead nowhere and are not attached to any walls. In fact, there are no walls in this place. Instead, there is only an infinite space filled with stars and pastel-coloured nebulae-a blend of greens, blues, and oranges decorating a rosy sky. There are a few small islets from which rivers of crystalline water flow, disappearing into the depths of this paradise. You approach the edge with cautious steps to confirm what you already suspected: there's nothing beneath. The space stretches into an endless abyss, but curiously enough, you don't feel afraid. [[Continue|35]]

What does startle you, however, is something else. So absorbed are you in observing your new surroundings that you don't see the ball of fur suddenly pass in front of your eyes, flying through that starry sky as if swimming. "Welcome to the Well of Eternity, mortals," Enid says from the air. She doesn't even have her wings out, yet she levitates around the place with the most joyful expression you've ever seen on her face. The spirit closes her eyes and tilts her head back as she takes a deep breath. "Ah, this is much better. I almost forgot how good it feels to be back home." "This is... incredible," $AL exclaims, $ALhis_her mouth agape, unable to stop marvelling at the new and beautiful scenery. "Am I the only one seeing a pink sky?" $AO asks, spinning around to get a good look at everything. Then $AOhe_she raises $AOhis_her hands and adds, "I swear I haven't taken anything weird." "Is this Orahan?" "Yes, mortal. This part is known as the Well of Eternity, the place where all worlds are connected," Enid replies to your question. The otter turns for a moment and points to another platform. "See that? That's the portal that leads to yours, for example. And yes, the sky is pink." You glance at the bridges and platforms with growing curiosity. "So, we could go to other worlds from here if we wanted to?" "We could, yes. If we had permission and the ability to do so, of course," Enid answers. "Only a god's power can open these portals. Not even I can do it." "Right... what about the other otter?" $AO asks, raising an eyebrow and pointing $AOhis_her thumb towards the gate behind. "Abhau is an exception. As a custodian, Abora granted him the ability to fulfil his mission and protect these portals. If those with ill intentions were to set foot here..." Enid's whiskers twitch with a frown. "It's better not to think about it." "The sacred texts have always described this place as a paradise where all evil vanishes, leaving only the most beautiful aspects of nature," $AL says as $ALhis_her fingers brush the soft petals of a blue flower, still looking around with a devout emotion that lights up $ALhis_her green eyes. "To see it with my own eyes, to //experience it//... I never thought I'd feel something like this," $ALhe_she concludes as $ALhe_she straightens up and smiles at you all. "And that's not all," Enid responds. The otter pauses to look at the central platform before focusing on you again. Her eyes soften. "Follow me. There are a few souls who want to greet you." [[Continue|36]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "liftingDreams" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ Your steps resonate on the iridescent bridge like ripples on water. The scent of flowers and fresh grass makes you take a deep breath and cleanse you from within. Enid floats happily around as you step slowly onto the central platform, your gaze immediately drawn to a glowing orb of light levitating at the edge, directly ahead. The mere sight of this sphere tugs at your heart, a pure and warm love embracing you and inviting you to approach. The intensity is such that it makes you want to laugh. $AL and $AO slowly drift to either side, each drawn to other orbs similar to the one that has captured your attention, though these do not evoke the same feelings in you as the first.<<if $AOLove is true>> [[Continue|AOScene]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>> [[Continue|ALScene]]<<else>> *[["Go with " + $AO|AOScene]] *[["Go with " + $AL|ALScene]] *[[Approach the orb at the front|37]] <</if>>

<<set $AOfam to true>>\ \ <<if $ALfam is true>>The orb continues to wait for you, but before you reunite with it, you want to see how $AO is doing. <<else>>Somehow, you know that the orb of light calling you will wait patiently. It doesn't mind if you delay your meeting a little longer; it understands. It's because of this sentiment that you decide to approach $AO first. <</if>><<if $AriAlive is true>>The doctor stands very close to the edge, the tips of $AOhis_her boots slightly extending beyond the platform as $AOhis_her glazed eyes are lost in the glow of the two spheres that have come to see $AOhim_her. $AOHis_Her mouth is slightly open, and $AOhis_her breathing is slow and heavy with emotion. <<if $AO is "Ada">>As you get closer and closer, the orbs gradually transform into two transparent silhouettes. The first is a man with fair skin and short dark hair. His brown, kindly eyes remind you of Arianna's. You had seen him before, inside Ada's sister-in-law's soul.<<else>>As you get closer and closer, the orbs gradually transform into two transparent silhouettes. The first is a woman with fair skin, brown eyes, and long dark hair. Her resemblance to Arianna is unmistakable. You had seen her before, inside Omar's sister-in-law's soul.<</if>> <<else>>The doctor stands very close to the edge, the tips of $AOhis_her boots slightly extending beyond the platform as $AOhis_her glazed eyes are lost in the glow of the three spheres that have come to see $AOhim_her. $AOHis_Her mouth is slightly open, and $AOhis_her breathing is slow and heavy with emotion. <<if $AO is "Ada">>As you get closer and closer, the orbs gradually transform into three transparent silhouettes. The first is a man with fair skin and short dark hair. His brown, kindly eyes remind you of Arianna, who is the other adult figure standing next to him.<<else>>As you get closer and closer, the orbs gradually transform into two transparent silhouettes. The first is a woman with fair skin, brown eyes, and long dark hair. Her resemblance to Arianna is undeniable, especially since the former leader of the Blue Coyotes is the other adult figure standing beside her.<</if>> <</if>>The last... the silhouette of a child. $AOHis_Her son. You stand next to $AO and tilt your head to look at $AOhim_her. The $AOman_woman doesn't even glance at you, completely focused on $AOhis_her family, who are looking at $AOhim_her with the brightest smiles you have ever seen, but $AOhe_she knows you're there. $AOHis_Her lips barely curve as $AOhe_she lets out a half-hearted laugh, a sound most like a snort. "Curious," $AOhe_she says thoughtfully while keeping $AOhis_her gaze on $AOhis_her son. "I didn't remember he was wearing that shirt." You look at the vibrant orange cotton shirt, featuring a brown horse with a white mane in full gallop. *[[Was it special to him?|AOScene1_A]] *[[Did he like horses?|AOScene1_B]] *[[He had good taste|AOScene1_C]]

<<set $ALfam to true>>\ \ <<if $AOfam is true>>The orb continues to wait for you, but before you reunite with it, you want to see how $AL is doing. <<else>>Somehow, you know that the orb of light calling you will wait patiently. It doesn't mind if you delay your meeting a little longer; it understands. It's because of this sentiment that you decide to approach $AL first. <</if>>As you get closer and closer, the orbs gradually transform into two transparent silhouettes. The images of an elderly couple gaze back at $AL with ear-to-ear smiles. The man appears to be short, with fair skin and a few extra kilos. Prominent bald patches leave the top of his head exposed, with gray hair tinged with reddish hues on the sides. Bushy eyebrows sit above honey-coloured eyes, and a thick moustache rests over his lips. The woman, also with fair skin, has long gray hair with a few dark strands. Her green eyes light up with a kind expression, one that strongly reminds you of your red-haired friend. You now know where $ALhe_she got it from. "You look a lot like them," you comment with a gentle smile as you reach $ALhis_her side. $AL startles at your arrival, and you instinctively raise your hands. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." "Don't worry. I had my mind elsewhere and wasn't expecting it," $ALhe_she replies after wiping $ALhis_her tearful eyes. The $ALman_woman does $ALhis_her best to put on the most genuine smile $ALhe_she can, but $AL isn't very good at hiding $ALhis_her feelings. You press your lips together in a thin line. "Are you okay?" "Yes, yes. I was just thinking," $ALhe_she hurries to say. $ALHis_Her smile gradually turns into a subtle grimace as $AL turns $ALhis_her gaze back to $ALhis_her parents. There's a brief pause before $ALhe_she continues. "People said that often, you know? That I'm like my father, but with my mother's eyes." *[[And you don't believe it?|ALScene1_A]] *[[What were they like?|ALScene1_B]] *<<if $ALLove is true>>[[I see where you got your good looks from|ALScene1_C]]<<else>>[[You definitely got the best from both|ALScene1_C]]<</if>>

<<if $AOfam is true or $ALfam is true>>You've been stalling enough. The ball of light still waits for you to approach at the edge of the platform, its words gently calling your name in the back of your head. <</if>>The air in Orahan feels sweet with the scent of the blooming flowers and the dancing orbs that dot the pink-tinged sky. Some of them graze your skin with a cool touch as you approach that orb of light. A sense of peace and serenity envelops you as you walk closer, the orb pulsating with such warmth and love that it's overwhelming, and it makes the corners of your eyes start to well up with some tears. Once you're near enough, the light begins to coalesce and slowly transform into a familiar figure, a woman with kind eyes and a sweet smile, the same she always had when she tucked you in at night or when she prepared lunch. Even when she scolded you, she had the same eyes, that gentle glimmer she always had in that $eyecolour colour that you inherited. "Mom..." *[[Let the tears fall freely|38_A]] *[[Try to hold the tears back, but fail to do so|38_B]] *[[Swallow hard and hold back the tears|38_C]] *[[Reach out to her|38_D]] *[[Be too shocked and caught up in emotion to do anything|38_E]] *[[Stare blankly at her|38_F]]

"Was it special to him?" you ask as you refocus on $AO. $AO nods, $AOhis_her eyes shining with a hint of nostalgia. "Yes, I bought it for him on his birthday. You should have seen the jumps of joy he made that day." $AOHe_She laughs, a bit more enthusiastically this time. "There was a farm outside of Astian with a huge stable full of... I don't know how many horses. Jonay was in love with one of the mares, a beautiful Percheron that he named Cloud. Even though her real name was Pearl! But he insisted on calling her Cloud." The doctor lets out another genuine laugh that broadens both $AOhis_her smile and yours. You can almost picture $AOhim_her trying to explain that the horse already had a name, while the child, with his innocent stubbornness, refused to relent. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"There were days when I had a full schedule and we couldn't go," she continues. "And sometimes he would look out the window and shout, 'Look, Mom, Cloud has come to see me!' and point at a cloud that looked like a horse. Most of them were pretty misshapen, I have to add." She laughs. Her gaze then shifts from little Jonay to her late husband. "He liked horses too. I always told him he should have been a farmer instead of a merchant." Your eyes follow Ada's, focusing on the smiling man beside the child. <<else>>"There were days when I had a full schedule and we couldn't go," he continues. "And sometimes he would look out the window and shout, 'Look, Dad, Cloud has come to see me!' and point at a cloud that looked like a horse. Most of them were pretty misshapen, I have to add." He laughs. His gaze then shifts from little Jonay to his late wife. "She liked horses too. I always told her she should have been a farmer instead of a merchant." Your eyes follow Omar's, focusing on the smiling woman beside the child. <</if>><<if $blunt > $fun and $blunt > $diplomacy>>"It must be comforting to see them together like this," you say after making a sound of understanding. <<else>>"It looks like they had a lot in common," you say with a gentle smile before turning to $AO. "It's nice that they can share that now." <</if>>$AO nods, thoughtful. <<if $AriAlive is true>>"They never met in life," the doctor says after a brief pause. "I don't know if the pain will ever go away, but knowing they're here together... that they're safe and at peace, away from all suffering…" $AOHis_Her words trail off. $AO makes some short, quick nods as a small smile tugs at the corner of $AOhis_her lips. $AOHe_She then turns to meet your gaze. "That helps."<<else>>"They never met in life," the doctor says after a brief pause. $AOHis_Her eyes struggle to find Arianna's. "And Ari... do you think she'll forgive me?" $AOhe_she asks with a slightly trembling voice. You observe $AOhis_her sister-in-law's face. The former leader of the Blue Coyotes looks back at $AO with a joy and serenity she didn't have when she was alive. "I think she's already forgiven you, $AO," you respond with a smile. "Yes... I think so too. I //feel it//," $AO says. You both remain silent for a few seconds before the doctor continues. "I don't know if the pain will ever go away, but knowing they're here together... that they're safe and at peace, away from all suffering..." $AOHis_Her words trail off. $AO makes some short, quick nods as a small smile tugs at the corner of $AOhis_her lips. $AOHe_She then turns to meet your gaze. "That helps."<</if>> *[["Wipe away the tear that falls down " + $AOhis_her + " cheek"|AOScene2_A]] *[[Say, "I'm here to help, if you need to."|AOScene2_B]] *[["Leave " + $AOhim_her + " alone"|AOScene2_C]]

"Did he like horses?" you ask as you refocus on $AO. $AO laughs, a bit more enthusiastically this time. "Oh, he loved them. There was a farm outside of Astian with a huge stable full of... I don't know how many horses. Jonay was in love with one of the mares, a beautiful Percheron that he named Cloud. Even though her real name was Pearl! But he insisted on calling her Cloud." The doctor lets out another genuine laugh that broadens both $AOhis_her smile and yours. You can almost picture $AOhim_her trying to explain that the horse already had a name, while the child, with his innocent stubbornness, refused to relent. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"There were days when I had a full schedule and we couldn't go," she continues. "And sometimes he would look out the window and shout, 'Look, Mom, Cloud has come to see me!' and point at a cloud that looked like a horse. Most of them were pretty misshapen, I have to add." She laughs. Her gaze then shifts from little Jonay to her late husband. "He liked horses too. I always told him he should have been a farmer instead of a merchant." Your eyes follow Ada's, focusing on the smiling man beside the child. <<else>>"There were days when I had a full schedule and we couldn't go," he continues. "And sometimes he would look out the window and shout, 'Look, Dad, Cloud has come to see me!' and point at a cloud that looked like a horse. Most of them were pretty misshapen, I have to add." He laughs. His gaze then shifts from little Jonay to his late wife. "She liked horses too. I always told her she should have been a farmer instead of a merchant." Your eyes follow Omar's, focusing on the smiling woman beside the child. <</if>><<if $blunt > $fun and $blunt > $diplomacy>>"It must be comforting to see them together like this," you say after making a sound of understanding. <<else>>"It looks like they had a lot in common," you say with a gentle smile before turning to $AO. "It's nice that they can share that now." <</if>>$AO nods, thoughtful. <<if $AriAlive is true>>"They never met in life," the doctor says after a brief pause. "I don't know if the pain will ever go away, but knowing they're here together... that they're safe and at peace, away from all suffering…" $AOHis_Her words trail off. $AO makes some short, quick nods as a small smile tugs at the corner of $AOhis_her lips. $AOHe_She then turns to meet your gaze. "That helps."<<else>>"They never met in life," the doctor says after a brief pause. $AOHis_Her eyes struggle to find Arianna's. "And Ari... do you think she'll forgive me?" $AOhe_she asks with a slightly trembling voice. You observe $AOhis_her sister-in-law's face. The former leader of the Blue Coyotes looks back at $AO with a joy and serenity she didn't have when she was alive. "I think she's already forgiven you, $AO," you respond with a smile. "Yes... I think so too. I //feel it//," $AO says. You both remain silent for a few seconds before the doctor continues. "I don't know if the pain will ever go away, but knowing they're here together... that they're safe and at peace, away from all suffering..." $AOHis_Her words trail off. $AO makes some short, quick nods as a small smile tugs at the corner of $AOhis_her lips. $AOHe_She then turns to meet your gaze. "That helps."<</if>> *[["Wipe away the tear that falls down " + $AOhis_her + " cheek"|AOScene2_A]] *[[Say, "I'm here to help, if you need to."|AOScene2_B]] *[["Leave " + $AOhim_her + " alone"|AOScene2_C]]

"The kid had good taste," you comment with a soft chuckle as you point to the bright orange colour. "Yes, Jonay loved to stand out," $AO replies with a laugh, a bit more animated this time. "There was a farm outside of Astian with a huge stable full of... I don't know how many horses. Jonay was in love with one of the mares, a beautiful Percheron that he named Cloud. Even though her real name was Pearl! But he insisted on calling her Cloud." The doctor lets out another genuine laugh that broadens both $AOhis_her smile and yours. You can almost picture $AOhim_her trying to explain that the horse already had a name, while the child, with his innocent stubbornness, refused to relent. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"There were days when I had a full schedule and we couldn't go," she continues. "And sometimes he would look out the window and shout, 'Look, Mom, Cloud has come to see me!' and point at a cloud that looked like a horse. Most of them were pretty misshapen, I have to add." She laughs. Her gaze then shifts from little Jonay to her late husband. "He liked horses too. I always told him he should have been a farmer instead of a merchant." Your eyes follow Ada's, focusing on the smiling man beside the child. <<else>>"There were days when I had a full schedule and we couldn't go," he continues. "And sometimes he would look out the window and shout, 'Look, Dad, Cloud has come to see me!' and point at a cloud that looked like a horse. Most of them were pretty misshapen, I have to add." He laughs. His gaze then shifts from little Jonay to his late wife. "She liked horses too. I always told her she should have been a farmer instead of a merchant." Your eyes follow Omar's, focusing on the smiling woman beside the child. <</if>><<if $blunt > $fun and $blunt > $diplomacy>>"It must be comforting to see them together like this," you say after making a sound of understanding. <<else>>"It looks like they had a lot in common," you say with a gentle smile before turning to $AO. "It's nice that they can share that now." <</if>>$AO nods, thoughtful. <<if $AriAlive is true>>"They never met in life," the doctor says after a brief pause. "I don't know if the pain will ever go away, but knowing they're here together... that they're safe and at peace, away from all suffering…" $AOHis_Her words trail off. $AO makes some short, quick nods as a small smile tugs at the corner of $AOhis_her lips. $AOHe_She then turns to meet your gaze. "That helps."<<else>>"They never met in life," the doctor says after a brief pause. $AOHis_Her eyes struggle to find Arianna's. "And Ari... do you think she'll forgive me?" $AOhe_she asks with a slightly trembling voice. You observe $AOhis_her sister-in-law's face. The former leader of the Blue Coyotes looks back at $AO with a joy and serenity she didn't have when she was alive. "I think she's already forgiven you, $AO," you respond with a smile. "Yes... I think so too. I //feel it//," $AO says. You both remain silent for a few seconds before the doctor continues. "I don't know if the pain will ever go away, but knowing they're here together... that they're safe and at peace, away from all suffering..." $AOHis_Her words trail off. $AO makes some short, quick nods as a small smile tugs at the corner of $AOhis_her lips. $AOHe_She then turns to meet your gaze. "That helps."<</if>> *[["Wipe away the tear that falls down " + $AOhis_her + " cheek"|AOScene2_A]] *[[Say, "I'm here to help, if you need to."|AOScene2_B]] *[["Leave " + $AOhim_her + " alone"|AOScene2_C]]

You return $AOhis_her expression and reach out to catch a solitary tear that falls down $AOhis_her cheek with your thumb. <<if $AOLove is true and $feelingsAO is true>>A pleasant tingling runs through your hand at the mere touch. Your finger traces the smoothness of her dark skin, feeling every nuance and texture as if you want to etch this moment into your memory. The pink light of Orahan gives a special glow to Ada's brown eyes, with the dancing orbs in the endless, colourful paradise. For a moment, neither of you move. There is only that silent connection between her eyes and yours. But then you remember where you are, and with //whom//. <<if $AriAlive is true>><<if $AO is "Ada">>Ada clears her throat and looks away as you lower your arm. You feel somewhat awkward knowing that both her son and her late husband have been watching, but when you turn to gauge their reactions, you're surprised to see that they don't seem to mind at all. You're especially surprised to see Ada's husband shifting his gaze from her to you as his smile widens. <<else>>Omar clears his throat and looks away as you lower your arm. You feel somewhat awkward knowing that both his son and his late wife have been watching, but when you turn to gauge their reactions, you're surprised to see that they don't seem to mind at all. You're especially surprised to see Omar's wife shifting her gaze from him to you as her smile widens. <</if>><<else>><<if $AO is "Ada">>Ada clears her throat and looks away as you lower your arm. You feel somewhat awkward knowing that her son, her late husband, and her sister-in-law have been watching, but when you turn to gauge their reactions, you're surprised to see that they don't seem to mind at all. You're especially surprised to see Ada's husband shifting his gaze from her to you as his smile widens. <<else>>Omar clears his throat and looks away as you lower your arm. You feel somewhat awkward knowing that his son, his late wife, and his sister-in-law have been watching, but when you turn to gauge their reactions, you're surprised to see that they don't seem to mind at all. You're especially surprised to see Omar's wife shifting her gaze from him to you as her smile widens. <</if>><</if>>"I, um, I'll leave you alone so you can say your goodbyes," you say after clearing your throat. $AO looks gratefully at you and nods. With one last glance at $AOhis_her family, you turn and walk away. <<elseif $AOLove is true and $feelingsAO isnot true>>Your finger traces the smoothness of $AOhis_her dark skin, feeling every nuance and texture as if you want to etch this moment into your memory. The pink light of Orahan gives a special glow to $AO's brown eyes, with the dancing orbs in the infinite, colourful paradise. It feels... strange. You experience a slight and pleasant tingling that runs through your hand from the simple touch, but neither of you move for a few extra seconds. Eventually, you lower your arm, sliding your hand over $AOhis_her shoulder with a caress meant to show your support. <<if $AriAlive is true>><<if $AO is "Ada">>You both turn to look at Jonay and Ada's late husband. The doctor's family shifts their gazes between her and you a few times before glancing at each other and widening their smiles. <<else>>You both turn to look at Jonay and Omar's late wife. The doctor's family shifts their gazes between him and you a few times before glancing at each other and widening their smiles. <</if>><<else>><<if $AO is "Ada">>You both turn to look at Jonay, Arianna, and Ada's late husband. The doctor's family shifts their gazes between her and you a few times before glancing at each other and widening their smiles. <<else>>You both turn to look at Jonay, Arianna, and Omar's late wife. The doctor's family shifts their gazes between him and you a few times before glancing at each other and widening their smiles. <</if>><</if>>"I, um, I'll leave you alone so you can say your goodbyes," you say after clearing your throat. $AO looks gratefully at you and nods. With one last glance at $AOhis_her family, you turn and walk away. <<else>>Your finger traces the smoothness of $AOhis_her dark skin. The pink light of Orahan gives a special glow to $AO's brown eyes, with the dancing orbs in the endless, colourful paradise. Once you have removed the crystal droplet, you lower your arm, but not before giving $AOhis_her a gentle, friendly squeeze on the shoulder. "I'll leave you alone so you can say your goodbyes," you say after a nod. $AO looks gratefully at you and nods. With one last glance at $AOhis_her family, you turn and walk away. <</if>> *<<if $ALfam isnot true>>[["Check on " + $AL|ALScene]]<<else>>==Check on $AL==<</if>> *[[Approach the orb at the front|37]]

<<if $AOLove is true and $feelingsAO is true>>"I'm here to help, if you need to, $AO," you say, your voice low. The pink light of Orahan gives a special glow to $AO's brown eyes, with the dancing orbs in the endless, colourful paradise. "I know, and I appreciate it," $AOhe_she replies, $AOhis_her smile widening. For a moment, neither of you move. There is only that silent connection between $AOhis_her eyes and yours. But then you remember where you are, and with //whom//. <<if $AriAlive is true>><<if $AO is "Ada">>Ada clears her throat and looks away, and you do the same. You feel somewhat awkward knowing that both her son and her late husband have been watching, but when you turn to gauge their reactions, you're surprised to see that they don't seem to mind at all. You're especially surprised to see Ada's husband shifting his gaze from her to you as his smile widens. <<else>>Omar clears his throat and looks away, and you do the same. You feel somewhat awkward knowing that both his son and his late wife have been watching, but when you turn to gauge their reactions, you're surprised to see that they don't seem to mind at all. You're especially surprised to see Omar's wife shifting her gaze from him to you as her smile widens. <</if>><<else>><<if $AO is "Ada">>Ada clears her throat and looks away, and you do the same. You feel somewhat awkward knowing that her son, her late husband, and her sister-in-law have been watching, but when you turn to gauge their reactions, you're surprised to see that they don't seem to mind at all. You're especially surprised to see Ada's husband shifting his gaze from her to you as his smile widens. <<else>>Omar clears his throat and looks away, and you do the same. You feel somewhat awkward knowing that his son, his late wife, and his sister-in-law have been watching, but when you turn to gauge their reactions, you're surprised to see that they don't seem to mind at all. You're especially surprised to see Omar's wife shifting her gaze from him to you as her smile widens. <</if>><</if>>"I, um, I'll leave you alone so you can say your goodbyes," you say after clearing your throat. $AO looks gratefully at you and nods. With one last glance at $AOhis_her family, you turn and walk away. <<elseif $AOLove is true and $feelingsAO isnot true>>"I'm here to help, if you need to, $AO," you say, your voice coming out quieter than you intended. The pink light of Orahan gives a special glow to $AO's brown eyes, with the dancing orbs in the endless, colourful paradise. "I know, and I appreciate it," $AOhe_she replies, $AOhis_her smile widening. It feels... strange, like a slight and pleasant tingling running down your spine from the simple eye contact. Neither of you move for a few extra seconds. <<if $AriAlive is true>><<if $AO is "Ada">>You both turn to look at Jonay and Ada's late husband. The doctor's family shifts their gazes between her and you a few times before glancing at each other and widening their smiles. <<else>>You both turn to look at Jonay and Omar's late wife. The doctor's family shifts their gazes between him and you a few times before glancing at each other and widening their smiles. <</if>><<else>><<if $AO is "Ada">>You both turn to look at Jonay, Arianna and Ada's late husband. The doctor's family shifts their gazes between her and you a few times before glancing at each other and widening their smiles. <<else>>You both turn to look at Jonay, Arianna and Omar's late wife. The doctor's family shifts their gazes between him and you a few times before glancing at each other and widening their smiles. <</if>><</if>>"I, um, I'll leave you alone so you can say your goodbyes," you say after clearing your throat. $AO looks gratefully at you and nods. With one last glance at $AOhis_her family, you turn and walk away. <<else>>"I'm here to help, if you need to, $AO," you say as you give $AOhim_her shoulder a light, friendly squeeze. "I know, and I thank you for it," $AOhe_she replies, drawing you into a half-embrace. "I'll leave you alone so you can say your goodbyes," you say after a pause. $AO looks gratefully at you and nods. With one last glance at $AOhis_her family, you turn and walk away. <</if>> *<<if $ALfam isnot true>>[["Check on " + $AL|ALScene]]<<else>>==Check on $AL==<</if>> *[[Approach the orb at the front|37]]

"I'll leave you alone so you can say your goodbyes," you say after returning $AOhis_her expression. $AO looks gratefully at you and nods. With a squeeze on the doctor's arm and one last glance at her family, you turn and walk away. *<<if $ALfam isnot true>>[["Check on " + $AL|ALScene]]<<else>>==Check on $AL==<</if>> *[[Approach the orb at the front|37]]

You chuckle. "Well, they were right! And yet…" Your smile decreases a bit as you shoot $ALhim_her a knowing look. "you sound as if you don't believe it." $AL bites $ALhis_her lip. "I wish I resembled them more, not just physically." "For example?" you ask, observing $ALhis_her expression closely. $AL looks down and sighs. "I wish I were as strong as they were." "Not many people would have made it this far, you know?" You smile at $ALhim_her. "You're stronger than you think." $AL keeps $ALhis_her gaze distant, a slight frown creasing $ALhis_her forehead as $ALhe_she nods thoughtfully. [[Continue|ALScene2]]

"What were your parents like?" you ask, tilting your head slightly towards $ALhim_her, but keeping your gaze on the smiling couple. "Oh, my father was what you'd call a busybody; he always had to be doing something. He was a carpenter and filled the house with furniture. There came a point when my mother scolded him because we had no more space for another shelf, but he would just stroke his moustache and laugh, saying, 'Calm down, woman! Everything fits if it's well arranged!'" $ALhe_she replies with a contagious laugh. "Sounds like he was a handful," you say, laughing yourself. <<if $AL is "Albert">>Albert nods with a nostalgic smile. "My mother would agree," he says, focusing on the image of his mother. They share such a similar expression that you can't help but widen your own smile. "She... was the heart of the home, always full of life. She was a seamstress. It was common to see her buried under piles of fabric, creating new outfits for the family." <<else>>Lavina nods with a nostalgic smile. "My mother would agree," she says, focusing on the image of her mother. They share such a similar expression that it feels like they're looking at a mirror, and you can't help but broaden your smile at that thought. "She... was the heart of the home, always full of life. She was a seamstress, and it was common to see her buried under piles of fabric, creating new outfits for the family." <</if>>"So, you've picked up your father's knack for handiwork and your mother's kindness?" you tease, giving $ALhim_her a gentle nudge. "You really are a perfect mix of the two." $AL's smile loses some of its brightness, and $ALhis_her eyelids cover half of $ALhis_her eyes as $ALhe_she looks down at the ground. "Not as perfect as I'd like to be," $ALhe_she whispers. [[Continue|ALScene2]]

<<if $ALLove is true>>You let out a hearty chuckle. "Well, now I know where you got your good looks from," you tease. $AL's cheeks turn a soft pink as $ALhe_she scratches the back of $ALhis_her head. "I, um, thank you." $AL's parents look at each other and widen their smiles before turning their focus back to you both. $AL's laughter and embarrassment start to fade. The $ALman_woman remains with a small smile on $ALhis_her face, but it's not as bright as usual. $ALHis_Her eyelids cover half of $ALhis_her eyes as $ALhe_she looks down at the ground. <<else>>You let out a hearty chuckle. "You definitely got the best from both!" Your joke and gentle nudge manage to bring a smile to $ALhis_her face, though it's not as bright as usual. $ALHis_Her eyelids cover half of $ALhis_her eyes as $ALhe_she looks down at the ground. <</if>>"I wish I had inherited other traits from them, to be honest," $ALhe_she whispers. [[Continue|ALScene2]]

"I thought they'd be angry with me," $ALhe_she murmurs in a barely audible voice. You frown and look at $ALhim_her. "Why would you think that?" $AL avoids your gaze, nervously playing with $ALhis_her fingers. "I don't know, I... After what I did, I thought maybe..." $ALHe_She lets out another sigh, as if the weight of $ALhis_her thoughts is too much to bear. "I guess it was easier." "After what you did?" you repeat, your frown deepening as you turn fully toward $ALhim_her. "What do you mean?" $AL doesn't answer immediately. The smiles of $ALhis_her parents turn into a softer, more tender expression, as if they're asking their <<if $AL is "Albert">>son<<else>>daughter<</if>> to stop punishing $ALhimself_herself for $ALhis_her mistakes. $AL meets $ALhis_her parents' gaze for a moment before $ALhe_she looks away, and you wait patiently until $ALhe_she finds the courage to speak. "Something..." $ALHis_Her words trail off for a short pause as $ALhe_she shakes $ALhis_her head. "Something despicable." You're taken aback by the harsh tone $ALhe_she uses on $ALhimself_herself, and you roll your lips as you observe $ALhim_her. The movement of a nebula causes the rose-coloured light to reflect in $AL's thoughtful eyes, and there's something in $ALhis_her expression that you don't like one bit. You turn your head to $ALhis_her parents, taking a deep breath that you release in a sigh. "I'm not going to push you when you clearly don't want to talk about it, but..." you begin, turning back to your friend as you place a hand on $ALhis_her shoulder. You smile. "I'm here whenever you need to talk, $AL." $AL looks up, $ALhis_her mouth slightly open in surprise. Then, a shy smile forms on $ALhis_her lips as $ALhis_her eyes shine with emotion. The $ALman_woman nods, and you widen your smile. [[Continue|ALScene3]]

<<if $ALLove is true>>"I'll give you three a moment by yourselves. Catch you later," you say before leaning in to give $ALhim_her a brief kiss on the cheek, followed by a gentle caress with your thumb. You glance back one last time to see $AL with $ALhis_her hand covering the spot where your lips rested. $ALHe_She finally manages a genuine smile before turning back to $ALhis_her parents with a slightly more cheerful spirit. <<else>>"I'll give you three a moment by yourselves. Catch you later," you say before giving $ALhim_her a soft squeeze and stepping away. You glance back one last time to see $AL turning back to $ALhis_her parents, trusting that your friend will come to you when $ALhe_she's ready. <</if>> *<<if $AOfam isnot true>>[["Check on " + $AO|AOScene]]<<else>>==Check on $AO==<</if>> *[[Approach the orb at the front|37]]

You don't even try to hold back the tears that well up in your eyes. Warm salty drops stream down your cheeks as you stand frozen in place, gazing at your mother. "Mom?" you repeat as you take another step forward. Your feet almost touch the edge of the platform now. Each tear feels like a release, a cathartic moment that washes away the pain and regret you've been carrying within you since the moment she passed. Since the moment you realised it was too late to try and save her. A gentle weight falls onto your shoulder, and Enid's whiskers tickle the skin of your right cheek. "Are you all right, mortal?" she softly asks. "I never thought I'd see her again," you whisper in response, your mind trying to burn every single details of your mother's face into your memory. You feel Enid's weight shift on your shoulder as she looks at your mother. "I can see the similarities between you," she says after a pause. "What was she like?" *[[Sweet and kind|39_A]] *[[Laid-back and playful|39_B]] *[[Firm but loving|39_C]]

You bite your lip and clench your fists, desperately trying to keep your emotions in check. However, despite your efforts, tears begin to spill over and blur your vision. "Mom?" you repeat as you take another step forward. Your feet almost touch the edge of the platform now. It's a losing battle, and soon, silent sobs rack your body. Each tear feels like a release, a cathartic moment that washes away the pain and regret you've been carrying within you since the moment she passed. Since the moment you realised it was too late to try and save her. A gentle weight falls onto your shoulder, and Enid's whiskers tickle the skin of your right cheek. "Are you all right, mortal?" she softly asks. "I never thought I'd see her again," you whisper in response, your mind trying to burn every single details of your mother's face into your memory. You feel Enid's weight shift on your shoulder as she looks at your mother. "I can see the similarities between you," she says after a pause. "What was she like?" *[[Sweet and kind|39_A]] *[[Laid-back and playful|39_B]] *[[Firm but loving|39_C]]

Your nails dig into your palms and your jaw is so clenched you believe you might break it, but you manage to force down the lump that forms in your throat. You take a deep breath as you fight to maintain your composure. The effort is almost painful, but you keep the tears at bay, even as your heart aches with the pain and regret you've been carrying with you since the moment your mother passed. Since the moment you realised it was too late to try and save her. A gentle weight falls onto your shoulder, and Enid's whiskers tickle the skin of your right cheek. "Are you all right, mortal?" she softly asks. You swallow hard again before answering. "No. But I will be." You feel Enid's weight shift on your shoulder as she looks at your mother. "I can see the similarities between you," she says after a pause. "What was she like?" *[[Sweet and kind|39_A]] *[[Laid-back and playful|39_B]] *[[Firm but loving|39_C]]

"Mom?" you repeat as you take another step forward. Your feet almost touch the edge of the platform now. Your hand lifts slowly, almost on its own accord. A pang of longing hits you as you try to reach out to her, but your fingers only brush the empty air. Her figure remains still as your hand passes through her transparent body, a spectral reminder of what you have lost. A gentle weight falls onto your shoulder, and Enid's whiskers tickle the skin of your right cheek. "The souls of the dead cannot interact with material things. I'm sorry, mortal," she softly says. "I… I know. I was expecting it. But still... I just–" A tear fall down your cheek, and you swallow hard. "I just wanted to try. Just in case." You feel Enid's weight shift on your shoulder as she looks at your mother. "I can see the similarities between you," she says after a pause. "What was she like?" *[[Sweet and kind|39_A]] *[[Laid-back and playful|39_B]] *[[Firm but loving|39_C]]

Your breath catches in your throat, and you find yourself unable to move. Emotions crash over you like waves and leave you paralysed. You can only stare at her, your mind struggling to process the moment. A tear falls down your cheek without you even realizing. It feels like a release, a cathartic moment that washes away the pain and regret you've been carrying within you since the moment she passed. Since the moment you realised it was too late to try and save her. A gentle weight falls onto your shoulder, and Enid's whiskers tickle the skin of your right cheek. "Are you all right, mortal?" she softly asks. "I–" Your voice wobbles, and you swallow hard to try and compose yourself. "I don't know." You feel Enid's weight shift on your shoulder as she looks at your mother. "I can see the similarities between you," she says after a pause. "What was she like?" *[[Sweet and kind|39_A]] *[[Laid-back and playful|39_B]] *[[Firm but loving|39_C]]

You stand there, your mind a blank slate. The world around you fades away, and all you can do is look at her. Your emotions are locked away, leaving you feeling numb and detached, as if you're merely an observer in this surreal encounter. A gentle weight falls onto your shoulder, and Enid's whiskers tickle the skin of your right cheek. "Are you all right, mortal?" she softly asks. "With everything I've done, and everything I've seen, sometimes I wonder… if I've stopped feeling at all," you murmur in reply, more to yourself than to Enid. "You haven't," the celestial otter says just as gently as before. "You feel so much and so intensely that your mind just cannot bear it." You huff out a listless chuckle, the sound barely escaping your lips. "Maybe that's it." You feel Enid's weight shift on your shoulder as she looks at your mother. "I can see the similarities between you," she says after a pause. "What was she like?" *[[Sweet and kind|39_A]] *[[Laid-back and playful|39_B]] *[[Firm but loving|39_C]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ <<if $diplomacy > $fun and $diplomacy > $blunt>>"She was sweet and patient, and the kindest person in the world. Always encouraging me to explore and experiment, and always there to help me stand up when I fell," you reply as a little smile forms on your lips. "Sounds like you take after her," the otter comments, which makes your smile grow wider. "Maybe… She was an incredible woman. But…" Your words trail off, and a subtle frown begins to form between your brows. <<else>>"She was sweet and patient, and the kindest person in the world. Always encouraging me to explore and experiment, and always there to help me stand up when I fell," you reply as a little smile forms on your lips. "She was an incredible woman. But…" Your words trail off, and a subtle frown begins to form between your brows. <</if>>"But what, mortal?" Enid prompts when you spend several seconds in silence. There's something about your mother that has been bothering you since your talk with Abora. You search for the answer on your mother's face, but her warm and loving smile doesn't give you the response you seek. "I just keep wondering…" You grab the necklace over your clothes. "She knew about all of this. Why wouldn't she tell me?" Your question is a desperate plea. The thought that she hid such an important detail about your family is deeply confusing, to say the least. "I cannot say, mortal. We were just as surprise to know about your lack of knowledge as you are right know," Enid replies after a moment. "So you knew too," you state flatly. "That you should have been aware of $RG's arrival? Yes. It was an unplanned inconvenience, but not one that could stop us from doing what we must." Enid turns to you, tilting her head. "Are you upset?" *[[No, just very confused|40_A]] *[[I'm frustrated, but not angry|40_B]] *[[A little, yes|40_C]] *[[She should have told me|40_D]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Oh, you could never get a straight answer from her. Everything was a joke," you reply with a hearty chuckle. "Sounds like you take a bit after her," the otter comments with a raised eyebrow, which makes you laugh a little more. "Yeah… a lot of people from Aelmere said the same thing. She was an incredible woman. But…" Your words trail off, and a subtle frown begins to form between your brows. <<else>>"Oh, you could never get a straight answer from her. Everything was a joke," you reply with a hearty chuckle. "She was playful, patient, and encouraged me to enjoy life at it fullest. Truly an incredible woman. But…" Your words trail off, and a subtle frown begins to form between your brows. <</if>>"But what, mortal?" Enid prompts when you spend several seconds in silence. There's something about your mother that has been bothering you since your talk with Abora. You search for the answer on your mother's face, but her warm and loving smile doesn't give you the response you seek. "I just keep wondering…" You grab the necklace over your clothes. "She knew about all of this. Why wouldn't she tell me?" Your question is a desperate plea. The thought that she hid such an important detail about your family is deeply confusing, to say the least. "I cannot say, mortal. We were just as surprise to know about your lack of knowledge as you are right know," Enid replies after a moment. "So you knew too," you state flatly. "That you should have been aware of $RG's arrival? Yes. It was an unplanned inconvenience, but not one that could stop us from doing what we must." Enid turns to you, tilting her head. "Are you upset?" *[[No, just very confused|40_A]] *[[I'm frustrated, but not angry|40_B]] *[[A little, yes|40_C]] *[[She should have told me|40_D]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ <<if $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>"She was firm, strict. Always had high expectations," you reply. Still, a ghost of a smile curves your lips slightly upwards. "But she was also loving, and I have very sweet memories of us in Aelmere. She never yelled either, not even when she was angry or disappointed." "Sounds like you take after her," the otter comments with a raised eyebrow, which makes you let out a listless laugh. "Maybe. She... was an incredible woman. But…" Your words trail off, and a subtle frown begins to form between your brows. <<else>>"She was firm, strict. Always had high expectations," you reply. Still, a ghost of a smile curves your lips slightly upwards. "But she was also loving, and I have very sweet memories of us in Aelmere. She never yelled either, not even when she was angry or disappointed. She... was an incredible woman. But…" Your words trail off, and a subtle frown begins to form between your brows. <</if>>"But what, mortal?" Enid prompts when you spend several seconds in silence. There's something about your mother that has been bothering you since your talk with Abora. You search for the answer on your mother's face, but her warm and loving smile doesn't give you the response you seek. "I just keep wondering…" You grab the necklace over your clothes. "She knew about all of this. Why wouldn't she tell me?" Your question is a desperate plea. The thought that she hid such an important detail about your family is deeply confusing, to say the least. "I cannot say, mortal. We were just as surprise to know about your lack of knowledge as you are right know," Enid replies after a moment. "So you knew too," you state flatly. "That you should have been aware of $RG's arrival? Yes. It was an unplanned inconvenience, but not one that could stop us from doing what we must." Enid turns to you, tilting her head. "Are you upset?" *[[No, just very confused|40_A]] *[[I'm frustrated, but not angry|40_B]] *[[A little, yes|40_C]] *[[She should have told me|40_D]]

<<if $hair is "Very short" or $hair is "Shaved">>"No, I'm just very confused," you admit, running a hand across you head. "There's already so much I don't understand, and this…" You sigh. "I cannot help but wonder what other secrets she kept from me if she was able to hide something like this." <<else>>"No, I'm just very confused," you admit, running a hand through your hair. "There's already so much I don't understand, and this…" You sigh. "I cannot help but wonder what other secrets she kept from me if she was able to hide something like this." <</if>>Enid's expression softens. "Sometimes secrets are kept to protect, not deceive. Perhaps she didn't want you to worry about a task that was supposed to be hers. At least not until you were older, or when her time came." "She… I think she did try in the end, now that you mention it," you say thoughtfully. You click your tongue, a sharp sound breaking the short silence. "But it was already too late by then." A gentle breeze caresses your face. The leaf from one of the trees passes in front of your eyes as Enid gently bumps her muzzle against your cheek. "We should go. Mortals shouldn't spend too much time in here. I'll give you a minute to say goodbye." She then gets off your shoulder and flies away to reunite with $AL and $AO in the centre of the platform, leaving you alone with your mother. [[Continue|41]]

<<if $hair is "Very short" or $hair is "Shaved">>"Angry? Not really. Frustrated? Very much so," you reply, a hint of bitterness in your voice. You let out a sigh as you run a hand across your head. "I just with she trusted me enough to tell me the truth." <<else>>"Angry? Not really. Frustrated? Very much so," you reply, a hint of bitterness in your voice. You let out a sigh as you run a hand through your hair. "I just with she trusted me enough to tell me the truth." <</if>>Enid's expression softens. "I do not believe she didn't trust you, mortal. Perhaps she just wanted to shield you from the worry of a task that was supposed to be hers. At least until you were older, or when her time came." "She… I think she did try in the end, now that you mention it," you say thoughtfully. You click your tongue, a sharp sound breaking the short silence. "But it was already too late by then." A gentle breeze caresses your face. The leaf from one of the trees passes in front of your eyes as Enid gently bumps her muzzle against your cheek. "We should go. Mortals shouldn't spend too much time in here. I'll give you a minute to say goodbye." She then gets off your shoulder and flies away to reunite with $AL and $AO in the centre of the platform, leaving you alone with your mother. [[Continue|41]]

"A little, yes," you confess, feeling a pang of guilt for admitting it under your mother's kind gaze. "I can't help but feel hurt. She should have told me everything from the start." Enid's expression softens. "Perhaps she just wanted to shield you from the worry of a task that was supposed to be hers. At least until you were older, or when her time came." "She… I think she did try in the end, now that you mention it," you say thoughtfully. You click your tongue, a sharp sound breaking the short silence. "But it was already too late by then." A gentle breeze caresses your face. The leaf from one of the trees passes in front of your eyes as Enid gently bumps her muzzle against your cheek. "We should go. Mortals shouldn't spend too much time in here. I'll give you a minute to say goodbye." She then gets off your shoulder and flies away to reunite with $AL and $AO in the centre of the platform, leaving you alone with your mother. [[Continue|41]]

"Why didn't she tell me the truth from the start?" you ask, frustration evident in your tone, and the unchanging kindness in your mother's gaze only manages to increase your irritation. You shake your head and look away. "I deserved to know." Enid's expression softens. "Sometimes those who love us make mistakes, and this is a delicate topic. Perhaps she just wanted to shield you from the worry of a task that was supposed to be hers. At least until you were older, or when her time came." "She… I think she did try in the end, now that you mention it," you say thoughtfully. You click your tongue, a sharp sound breaking the short silence. "But it was already too late by then." A gentle breeze caresses your face. The leaf from one of the trees passes in front of your eyes as Enid gently bumps her muzzle against your cheek. "We should go. Mortals shouldn't spend too much time in here. I'll give you a minute to say goodbye." She then gets off your shoulder and flies away to reunite with $AL and $AO in the centre of the platform, leaving you alone with your mother. [[Continue|41]]

<<unset $AOfam>>\ <<unset $ALfam>>\ \ A lump forms in your throat. The tranquillity of the celestial surroundings might soothe your senses, yet the weight of this last moment bears down on your heart. You step closer to your mother's ethereal form, her smile a beacon of love. <<if $weapon is "Sword">>"Mom," you begin, trembling slightly despite your efforts to remain composed. "I wish I had enough time to talk about so many things that happened these years that you weren't with me. I've travelled a lot, and I've grown stronger. Remember when I couldn't even pick up the sword because it was too heavy? Well, look at me now!" You let out a chuckle as you raise your sword with ease and make a couple of gentle swings. Your mother watches your every move with no small amount of pride shining bright in her $eyecolour eyes. <<if $AOLove is true>>After a few move swings, you slowly lower your arm as you watch your reflection on the blade. "See? Now it's as light as a feather," you say in a whisper. You sheathe your weapon, and look at your mother again. "And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause, and take a quick look back to meet $AO's eyes. The doctor smiles, and you return the gesture before focusing back on your mother. "To say $AOhe_she's intense is an understatement. $AOHe_She's always joking, and good luck in trying to make $AOhim_her take anything seriously from the start!" you continue as a genuine chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "But $AOhe_she's loyal, and caring. You would have liked $AOhim_her." <<elseif $ALLove is true>>After a few move swings, you slowly lower your arm as you watch your reflection on the blade. "See? Now it's as light as a feather," you say in a whisper. You sheathe your weapon, and look at your mother again. "And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause, and take a quick look back to meet $AL's eyes. The red-haired $ALman_woman smiles, and you return the gesture before focusing back on your mother. "$ALHe_She's the sweetest and kindest soul that I've ever met. Just being around $ALhim_her is enough to make your day better," you continue as a happy chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "You would have loved $ALhim_her, I'm sure." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>After a few move swings, you slowly lower your arm as you watch your reflection on the blade. "See? Now it's as light as a feather," you say in a whisper. You sheathe your weapon, and look at your mother again. "And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause as the image of $LL appears in your mind. You cannot help the smile that just the thought of $LLhim_her brings to your face. "$LLHe_She takes… a while to get to know. $LLHe_She's very private, and can come off as a bit aggressive at first," you continue as an amusing chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "But it's all just $LLhis_her appearance. There's actually a lot of sweetness under that rough exterior, and $LLhe_she's protective of those $LLhe_she cares about. I'm sure you would have liked $LLhim_her eventually." <<elseif $RGLove is true>>After a few move swings, you slowly lower your arm as you watch your reflection on the blade. "See? Now it's as light as a feather," you say in a whisper. You sheathe your weapon, and look at your mother again. "And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause as the image of $RG appears in your mind. You cannot help the smile that just the thought of $RGhim_her brings to your face. "$RGHe_She's just... so kind. Very loving too, even if $RGhe_she sometimes expresses it in weird or infuriating ways," you continue as a gentle chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "$RGHe_She's the $RGgod_goddess that we're meant to help, you know? The bravest and most fierce protector you'll ever see. You would have liked $RGhim_her, no doubt." <<else>>After a few move swings, you slowly lower your arm as you watch your reflection on the blade. "See? Now it's as light as a feather," you say in a whisper. You sheathe your weapon, and look at your mother again. "And I've met some very wonderful people too. Three of them are with me right now, actually." You continue as you point behind you with your thumb. "They are a crazy bunch but… they are //my// crazy bunch. So you don't have to worry about me being alone, okay? We take care of each other, and we always will." <</if>><<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>"Mom," you begin, trembling slightly despite your efforts to remain composed. "I wish I had enough time to talk about so many things that happened these years that you weren't with me. I've travelled a lot, and I've grown stronger. Remember when I couldn't even hit a target with the bow? Well, look at this!" With a grin spreading across your face, you grab your bow and take an arrow from the quiver. Your eyes fall on a leaf dancing in the air several meter away. With your target chosen, you tense the bow and shoot. The arrow ends up stuck on a tree with the leaf right in the centre. <<if $AOLove is true>>Your smile slowly decreases, just at the same time you lower your weapon. "See? Bullseye," you say in a whisper. You strap the bow back on your back, and look at your mother again, a good amount of pride shining bright in her $eyecolour eyes."And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause, and take a quick look back to meet $AO's eyes. The doctor smiles, and you return the gesture before focusing back on your mother. "To say $AOhe_she's intense is an understatement. $AOHe_She's always joking, and good luck in trying to make $AOhim_her take anything seriously from the start!" you continue as a genuine chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "But $AOhe_she's loyal, and caring. You would have liked $AOhim_her." <<elseif $ALLove is true>>Your smile slowly decreases, just at the same time you lower your weapon. "See? Bullseye," you say in a whisper. You strap the bow back on your back, and look at your mother again, a good amount of pride shining bright in her $eyecolour eyes."And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause, and take a quick look back to meet $AL's eyes. The red-haired $ALman_woman smiles, and you return the gesture before focusing back on your mother. "$ALHe_She's the sweetest and kindest soul that I've ever met. Just being around $ALhim_her is enough to make your day better," you continue as a happy chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "You would have loved $ALhim_her, I'm sure." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>Your smile slowly decreases, just at the same time you lower your weapon. "See? Bullseye," you say in a whisper. You strap the bow back on your back, and look at your mother again, a good amount of pride shining bright in her $eyecolour eyes."And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause as the image of $LL appears in your mind. You cannot help the smile that just the thought of $LLhim_her brings to your face. "$LLHe_She takes… a while to get to know. $LLHe_She's very private, and can come off as a bit aggressive at first," you continue as an amusing chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "But it's all just $LLhis_her appearance. There's actually a lot of sweetness under that rough exterior, and $LLhe_she's protective of those $LLhe_she cares about. I'm sure you would have liked $LLhim_her eventually." <<elseif $RGLove is true>>Your smile slowly decreases, just at the same time you lower your weapon. "See? Bullseye," you say in a whisper. You strap the bow back on your back, and look at your mother again, a good amount of pride shining bright in her $eyecolour eyes."And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause as the image of $RG appears in your mind. You cannot help the smile that just the thought of $RGhim_her brings to your face. "$RGHe_She's just... so kind. Very loving too, even if $RGhe_she sometimes expresses it in weird or infuriating ways," you continue as a gentle chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "$RGHe_She's the $RGgod_goddess that we're meant to help, you know? The bravest and most fierce protector you'll ever see. You would have liked $RGhim_her, no doubt." <<else>>Your smile slowly decreases, just at the same time you lower your weapon. "See? Bullseye," you say in a whisper. You strap the bow back on your back, and look at your mother again, a good amount of pride shining bright in her $eyecolour eyes. "And I've met some very wonderful people too. Three of them are with me right now, actually." You continue as you point behind you with your thumb. "They are a crazy bunch but… they are //my// crazy bunch. So you don't have to worry about me being alone, okay? We take care of each other, and we always will." <</if>><<else>>"Mom," you begin, trembling slightly despite your efforts to remain composed. "I wish I had enough time to talk about so many things that happened these years that you weren't with me. I've travelled a lot, and I've grown stronger. Remember when I couldn't control my magic and froze the entire backyard when I tried to make an ice ball? Well, check this out!" With deliberate focus, you extend your hands before you. Small, frosty particles dance around your fingertips, coalescing into a shimmering sphere of ice. The sphere grows in size, its surface smooth and reflective like a polished mirror, yet pulsating with an inner glow as a soft blue aura spirals around it. <<if $AOLove is true>>After a few seconds longer, you let your magic fade and the sphere disappears between little snowflakes that the breeze carries away. "See? No frozen furniture involved this time," you say in a whisper as you lower your hands and look at your mother again. There's a good amount of pride shining bright in her $eyecolour eyes. "And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause, and take a quick look back to meet $AO's eyes. The doctor smiles, and you return the gesture before focusing back on your mother. "To say $AOhe_she's intense is an understatement. $AOHe_She's always joking, and good luck in trying to make $AOhim_her take anything seriously from the start!" you continue as a genuine chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "But $AOhe_she's loyal, and caring. You would have liked $AOhim_her." <<elseif $ALLove is true>>After a few seconds longer, you let your magic fade and the sphere disappears between little snowflakes that the breeze carries away. "See? No frozen furniture involved this time," you say in a whisper as you lower your hands and look at your mother again. There's a good amount of pride shining bright in her $eyecolour eyes. "And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause, and take a quick look back to meet $AL's eyes. The red-haired $ALman_woman smiles, and you return the gesture before focusing back on your mother. "$ALHe_She's the sweetest and kindest soul that I've ever met. Just being around $ALhim_her is enough to make your day better," you continue as a happy chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "You would have loved $ALhim_her, I'm sure." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>After a few seconds longer, you let your magic fade and the sphere disappears between little snowflakes that the breeze carries away. "See? No frozen furniture involved this time," you say in a whisper as you lower your hands and look at your mother again. There's a good amount of pride shining bright in her $eyecolour eyes. "And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause as the image of $LL appears in your mind. You cannot help the smile that just the thought of $LLhim_her brings to your face. "$LLHe_She takes… a while to get to know. $LLHe_She's very private, and can come off as a bit aggressive at first," you continue as an amusing chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "But it's all just $LLhis_her appearance. There's actually a lot of sweetness under that rough exterior, and $LLhe_she's protective of those $LLhe_she cares about. I'm sure you would have liked $LLhim_her eventually." <<elseif $RGLove is true>>After a few seconds longer, you let your magic fade and the sphere disappears between little snowflakes that the breeze carries away. "See? No frozen furniture involved this time," you say in a whisper as you lower your hands and look at your mother again. There's a good amount of pride shining bright in her $eyecolour eyes. "And I've met some very wonderful people too. One of them…" You make a pause as the image of $RG appears in your mind. You cannot help the smile that just the thought of $RGhim_her brings to your face. "$RGHe_She's just... so kind. Very loving too, even if $RGhe_she sometimes expresses it in weird or infuriating ways," you continue as a gentle chuckle comes out of you. You bite your lips for a moment as your laughter subsides. "$RGHe_She's the $RGgod_goddess that we're meant to help, you know? The bravest and most fierce protector you'll ever see. You would have liked $RGhim_her, no doubt." <<else>>After a few seconds longer, you let your magic fade and the sphere disappears between little snowflakes that the breeze carries away. "See? No frozen furniture involved this time," you say in a whisper as you lower your hands and look at your mother again. There's a good amount of pride shining bright in her $eyecolour eyes. "And I've met some very wonderful people too. Three of them are with me right now, actually." You continue as you point behind you with your thumb. "They are a crazy bunch but… they are //my// crazy bunch. So you don't have to worry about me being alone, okay? We take care of each other, and we always will." <</if>><</if>>Your mother's smile grows softer, more radiant. She understands every word. You search her face, tears gathering in your eyes as memories flood your mind, of moments shared, lessons learned, and the unspoken bond that transcends life and death. "I want you to know that I'll carry you with me always," you say after you swallow hard and make your voice sound as steady as you can. A good amount of gratitude fills you completely. "I'll remember your kindness, your strength, and how you always believed in me. And despite me questioning your decision, I know you would have never hidden any of this from me if you didn't have a good reason." You wet your lips and take a deep breath. You reach out a hand, wanting desperately to touch her, to hold her one last time, but you know it's impossible. Instead you let your hand linger in the space between you, basking in the warmth of her presence that you'll never feel again. <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Goodbye, Mom. I want to say 'See you soon,' but the implications of that are not a good thing," you joke, managing to let out one last chuckle. "Thank you for everything. I love you." <<else>>"Goodbye, Mom," you whisper, your voice barely audible above the gentle rustling of leaves. "Thank you for everything. I love you." <</if>>You mother's smile remains brighter as ever before slowly, ever so slowly, her body begins to fade, transforming back into a ball of light that drifts farther away with each passing second. You stand there, watching until she is but a faint glimmer in the distance, blending with the pink sky of Orahan. A weight lifts off your shoulders now that you and your mother finally received the farewell that life had denied you both all those years ago. With a heavy heart, yet a newfound sense of peace, you turn away and go join your friends in the centre of the platform. "All good?" Enid asks. You nod. "Yes, we can go." [[Continue|42]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "cryptic" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ "Huh? Who is that?" You all turn and look to where $AL is pointing. Another blinding sphere approaches slowly, its presence just as warm and loving as the others. But, at least for you, it's not as magnetic as your mother's, so you already know that whoever that soul belongs to, it's not here to see you. "Another dead relative of yours?" $AO asks, looking at you, then at $AL. "It's not calling me." $AL shakes $ALhis_her head. "No, I don't feel it calling me either." "Nor me," you say. "It's calling… //me//." You turn to the sound of Enid's confused voice. The otter stares at the soul waiting at the edge of the platform, right where you were a few minutes ago. Her maw is slightly open, and her ears drop back with the frown that creases the fur between her brows. "Enid?" you call her, but the celestial spirit is too absorbed in the feeling of that soul. It's not long before Enid starts to approach that blinding sphere. Slowly, almost hesitantly, as if she was in a trance. You and your companions look at each other in a silent question. $AO shrugs, then you all focus back on the otter again and follow her to the edge. [[Continue|43]]

Just like it happened with the other souls, this one starts to morph into the body of the being it belonged to the closer you get. It's one of those otters. Lontros, as Enid called the species earlier. But you're surprised to see it's not just any lontros. It's... //Enid//. The image of the celestial spirit stares back at her, with the same ashen blue colour of her fur, her purple eyes, and the shimmering gemstone on her forehead. If it wasn't for Enid's shocked face, she would be looking at a mirror. However, unlike your mother's soul, this image of Enid is much more transparent, and her body abruptly stops at her middle too. The image is static, and it flickers as if it was struggling to maintain its form. Something about it feels... unsettlingly incomplete. "Well, that's not creepy at all," $AO says with no short amount of sarcasm in $AOhis_her tone. You answer $AOhim_her with a nudge as a reprimand. "How is that possible?" $AL wonders aloud. "It… It shouldn't be," Enid replies from the ground, her eyes glued to her own face. You notice her whiskers trembling slightly, her claws grazing the stone's surface at the same time her hackles raise. "This only happens with the souls of the dead, and I'm very much alive! Celestial spirits cannot die!" She seems to be muttering the words more to herself than anyone else, as if she's trying to force herself to believe her own words. "You said earlier that you took the form of a lontros, didn't you?" you say, catching Enid's attention. "Could it be that this particular lontros summoned you long ago, and you took their appearance without realising? "Perhaps you were close once but you don't remember, with your memory loss and all…" $AL adds. You're mostly rambling, taking a wild guess and trying to find the logic of the situation. Still, it seems to calm Enid down, if only a little. Maybe you're not so far off. "It... could be, yes," she eventually says. She looks back at her transparent replica. "I'm sorry, lost soul, we probably shared a strong bond if you bothered to visit, but I'm afraid I do not remember you." The image doesn't show any kind of emotion. It stay unmoving, and keeps flickering like the unsettling shimmer of a mirror reflecting an unseen presence. "But why is it torn in half, though?" $AO's question remains unanswered. For the looks of it, not even Enid knows how to respond to that. You all stare at the image for a moment longer, before the celestial spirit shakes her head and turns away. "Let's leave. You've been here for far longer than you should have." She takes one last glance back to her own image, hesitating for a second before forcing her voice. "Goodbye, lost soul. I hope you find rest." Enid flies back to the portal you came from, and you all follow her after looking back one last time to see the image of the otter turn back to a ball of light, and fly away towards the stars on the pink sky. [[Continue|44]]

The magical sight of Taoro welcome you once again as you step through the portal. Both Custodian Abhau and $LL look up from the ground at your arrival. $RG is nowhere to be seen. You sense a certain tension in the air. The red-haired warrior and the custodian are keeping as much distance as possible from each other, but given $LL's demeanour with strangers, this isn't a surprising sight. "Have you finished?" $LL asks, approaching with urgency. "Yes, I'm feeling better now," Enid responds, though her voice still sounds a bit strained. //"Seeing herself in Orahan must have unsettled her more than she's willing to admit,"// you think to yourself as you press your lips together. "We're heading to $RG's temple now," the spirit continues, addressing Abhau. "Ar timililit, Abhau. It's been a pleasure to see you again after so long." "Ar timililit, Maese Enid," Abhau replies with a bow of his head before turning to the rest of you. "Maese $name, everyone, it's been an honour to meet you. Kebehi $RG left shortly after you disappeared. $RGHe_She will join you soon in $RGhis_her temple." You all say your goodbyes to the little lontros, and follow Enid down the stairs. [[Continue|45]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "avecSoin" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[At the gate that leads to Orahan, with Abhau...]''// Abhau sighs heavily once Enid leaves with the mortals. The gesture dispels some of the accumulated tension from the brief moment he spent a few minutes ago with $RG and that burly mortal $LLman_woman, though part of the sorrow he felt remains. The lontros grabs his spear with both paws to support his slumped body. The negative feelings and accumulated sadness feel much closer, making Abhau wish he could do more for them. The custodian shakes his head and stands upright to continue with his duty. Abora's will shall guide them in time. Shortly after, however, Abhau feels someone else coming up the stairs, and the initial surprise turns into a feeling of sorrow upon seeing the purple hair appearing over the steps. There is only one reason why $RGhe_she would be here. Neither says anything as $RG advances to place $RGhis_her hand on the gate, activating the portal to the Well of Eternity once again. "It will only be a moment," the achimencey whispers. Abhau's ears lower as he watches his superior's figure pass through the luminous white portal. Only a few seconds pass before the lontros follows $RGhim_her. [[Continue|46]]

When Abhau arrives on the other side, $RG is already at the edge of the central platform. The lontros approaches slowly, the tip of his tail dragging through the grass as he keeps his gaze fixed on the achimencey, surrounded by the dancing lights of small souls that welcome $RGhim_her with joy. But it is another soul that has all of $RG's attention. Abhau reaches $RGhis_her side, the lontros' face just as sorrowful as $RGhis_her kebehi feels. The soul that $RG has come to see transforms into a distinct figure, one that Abhau also came to know. There is a long silence where neither of them moves; they simply stand there looking at that person until Abhau looks up and sees that $RG has $RGhis_her eyes closed. $RGHe_She has been that way since the beginning. Not even gods are immune to loss. "You never open your eyes when you're here, Kebehi." Abhau softly says. "I dread what I could find if I do." "You're afraid of seeing resentment in her eyes?" the lontros asks, glancing at the image of the woman. But he knows the truth. He is looking at it. "...Among other things," $RG whispers in response. Abhau understands what the achimencey means, but he pushes the thought away before it can make him relive that fateful moment. The lontros rolls his lips together and lets out a silent sigh through his nose. He looks up at $RG, but stays quiet the entire time they spend there, just keeping $RGhim_her company until $RGhe_she is ready to leave. And $RGhe_she is after a few short minutes longer, still with $RGhis_her eyes closed even after the soul has joined the stars again. They say their goodbyes with smiles that don't really reach their eyes. Abhau keeps his gaze on $RG while $RGhe_she flies away towards $RGhis_her temple until he can no longer see $RGhim_her in the sky. The weight of grief is still heavy in the air. But Abhau knows that Abora's will shall guide $RGhim_her in time. [[Continue|47]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "fadeAway" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[With $name...]''// You run your hand along the cold metal railing, watching the fish disappear beneath the bridge that connects one island to another. Electric blue petals drift from the flowers of the trees, decorating the dirt path ahead flanked by a blanket of fresh grass that glistens under the sunlight. Your eyes focus on a squirrel, which darts away to find refuge when it notices your attention. You watch in owe as it climb living rocks that gather and form a large, hulking creature wandering slowly across the meadow, the gaps between the stones glowing with a yellowish light. "An earth elemental," Enid says when she notices what you're staring at. "Don't worry, despite their intimidating appearance, they are peaceful beings." It takes several long seconds to tear your gaze away from the elemental, which continues its leisurely march through the meadow. Turning your eyes forward, you spot the village entrance just in time, your gaze landing on a sign stuck in the grass. Tamarant. But instead of following the winding path towards the houses that resemble small temples and adapt to the island's natural terrain, you follow Enid as she takes a turn to the right and border the celestial village. "Didn't $RG say $RGhe_she lived in a place called Tamarant? Why aren't we entering?" you ask the otter as you keep looking at the village. Each structure is an intricate blend of stone and nature, with vines creeping up the walls and flowers blooming in every crevice. The only artificial thing seems to be the dirt roads forming the streets. "Because $RGhis_her temple isn't inside. It's on the outskirts of the village," she replies. [[Continue|48]]

<<set $random to random(1,4)>>\ \ It only takes a few more minutes to arrive. After leaving behind the path surrounded by native vegetation and the scent of thyme and broom, you spot $RG's house, or the temple, as the gods call it, practically by the sea. A platform of smooth white stone rises a few centimetres above the sand, acting as the porch of a modest square-shaped house made of the same light material. A simple wicker chair with a cushion faces the ocean, accompanied by a wooden box that serves as a low table. Upon stepping up, you pass by some stairs on the left side that lead to the roof and enter through the doorless entrance. But not without first glancing at the small space on the right. A covered terrace with U-shaped stone benches along the house's walls, adorned with pastel-coloured cushions around a table made of two rectangular wooden pieces with a board on top. As soon as you enter, a pleasant lavender scent fills your nose. To your right, there's a bench with an old painting above it, and an open window looking out to the terrace you just saw. Straight ahead, a partition made of a rustic screen full of medium-sized holes, like small circular windows, reveals a wooden dining table behind it. The seats include a bench on one side and two simple chairs on the other. As you venture further in, taking short, curious steps, you see several perfectly carved square recesses in the wall, holding decorative figures and vases. A bit further, in a corner, there's a small kitchen consisting of a couple of countertops-again made of the same stone as the walls-a built-in pantry, and a few light-coloured cabinets. There's another entryway at the back, the only one in the house with any kind of covering, a thick, dark fabric curtain that serves as a makeshift door. To the right, a couple of steps lead to a cosy living room. Like the terrace, a U-shaped bench with cushions forms the couch, surrounding another wooden table on a wicker rug. And on the far wall, another doorway leads out to the sand. "Welcome to our home, mortals!" exclaims a smiling Enid from the dining table. "What do you think?" *[[It's cosy, I like it|49_A]] *[[I'm surprised it's not dirtier|49_B]] *[[A bit small for all of us, don't you think?|49_C]] *[[I've always wanted to have a house by the sea|49_D]] *[[It looks so... human|49_E]]

"It's very cosy, I like it," you reply as you take a look around, but you quickly notice one small detail. "Although it seems very small if we're all going to live here, don't you think?" "That's exactly what I was going to say," $AL agrees with a nod. "There's not much space for five people." "Six, if we include Furball," $AO adds, pointing $AOhis_her thumb at Enid. "The inclusion is appreciated, mortal," the celestial spirit says. "I'm aware of it." You all turn to the entrance at the sound of $RG's voice. The achimencey steps into $RGhis_her house and joins you in the space between the living room and the dining room. $RGHe_She doesn't have the orb with $RGhim_her anymore. "I'll build some rooms for you on the mountain. You'll have more privacy that way," $RGhe_she says as $RGhe_she points out the window, to a mountain that's just a few meters away. "As for supplies, I'll make sure to gather everything you need once Abora releases me." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Once she //releases// you? Just what kind of punishment you're going to suffer, big guy?" $AO asks, folding $AOhis_her arms. <<else>>"Once she //releases// you? Just what kind of punishment you're going to suffer, big girl?" $AO asks, folding $AOhis_her arms. <</if>>$RG smiles, and shakes $RGhis_her head. "Nothing you should worry about, I'll be fine. It sounds harsher than it actually is." Knowing $RGhim_her, you don't know if you should believe that or not. "I'll be back soon," $RGhe_she continues. "In the meantime, make yourselves at home. I just have one rule." $RGHe_She stretches $RGhis_her arm at the curtain that hides the room next to the kitchen. A wave of magic surges from $RGhis_her palm and creates a barrier that covers the access. "That is off-limits." "What's in there?" you ask with a tilt of your head, curiosity getting the better of you. $RG gives a faint and amused half smile. "My room." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Something scandalous to hide, big guy?" $AO teases with a playful nudge. <<else>>"Something scandalous to hide, big girl?" $AO teases with a playful nudge. <</if>>"Even I need a bit of privacy from time to time," the $RGgod_goddess responds after a chuckle. $RGHe_She then turns to look at you, a bit of a guilty expression on $RGhis_her face. "Alcorac will come and get you in a minute to start your training. I wish you had more time to rest, but I'm afraid you won't have that luxury. I'll do what I can to make things easier for you." You nod. "Understood. Thank you." <<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|RGScene1]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|LLScene1]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|ALScene1]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|AOScene1]]<<else>><<if $random is 1>>[[Continue|RGScene1]]<<elseif $random is 2>>[[Continue|LLScene1]]<<elseif $random is 3>>[[Continue|ALScene1]]<<elseif $random is 4>>[[Continue|AOScene1]]<</if>><</if>>

"A house by the sea? I'm surprised it's not dirtier," you remark as you glance around. The walls are free from mold, algae, or any grime. In fact, there's barely any dust on the furniture, just a bit of sand on the floor. Even that seems minimal, considering the house is practically on the shore. "Haven't you been away from years?" you ask, turning to Enid. "We have," Enid replies. "But the spirits of this world keep everything clean and healthy-from the earth to the sea, and even the gods' temples. They're the little dots of colourful light that fly around. And besides, time here moves much slower than in the mortal worlds." "Isn't it... a bit small? There's not much space for five people," $AL says. "Six, if we include Furball," $AO adds, pointing $AOhis_her thumb at Enid. "The inclusion is appreciated, mortal," the celestial spirit says. "I'm aware of it." You all turn to the entrance at the sound of $RG's voice. The achimencey steps into $RGhis_her house and joins you in the space between the living room and the dining room. $RGHe_She doesn't have the orb with $RGhim_her anymore. "I'll build some rooms for you on the mountain. You'll have more privacy that way," $RGhe_she says as $RGhe_she points out the window, to a mountain that's just a few meters away. "As for supplies, I'll make sure to gather everything you need once Abora releases me." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Once she //releases// you? Just what kind of punishment you're going to suffer, big guy?" $AO asks, folding $AOhis_her arms. <<else>>"Once she //releases// you? Just what kind of punishment you're going to suffer, big girl?" $AO asks, folding $AOhis_her arms. <</if>>$RG smiles, and shakes $RGhis_her head. "Nothing you should worry about, I'll be fine. It sounds harsher than it actually is." Knowing $RGhim_her, you don't know if you should believe that or not. "I'll be back soon," $RGhe_she continues. "In the meantime, make yourselves at home. I just have one rule." $RGHe_She stretches $RGhis_her arm at the curtain that hides the room next to the kitchen. A wave of magic surges from $RGhis_her palm and creates a barrier that covers the access. "That is off-limits." "What's in there?" you ask with a tilt of your head, curiosity getting the better of you. $RG gives a faint and amused half smile. "My room." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Something scandalous to hide, big guy?" $AO teases with a playful nudge. <<else>>"Something scandalous to hide, big girl?" $AO teases with a playful nudge. <</if>>"Even I need a bit of privacy from time to time," the $RGgod_goddess responds after a chuckle. $RGHe_She then turns to look at you, a bit of a guilty expression on $RGhis_her face. "Alcorac will come and get you in a minute to start your training. I wish you had more time to rest, but I'm afraid you won't have that luxury. I'll do what I can to make things easier for you." You nod. "Understood. Thank you." <<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|RGScene1]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|LLScene1]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|ALScene1]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|AOScene1]]<<else>><<if $random is 1>>[[Continue|RGScene1]]<<elseif $random is 2>>[[Continue|LLScene1]]<<elseif $random is 3>>[[Continue|ALScene1]]<<elseif $random is 4>>[[Continue|AOScene1]]<</if>><</if>>

You roll your lips as you look around. "It's a bit small if we're all going to live here, don't you think?" "That's exactly what I was going to say," $AL agrees with a nod. "There's not much space for five people." "Six, if we include Furball," $AO adds, pointing $AOhis_her thumb at Enid. "The inclusion is appreciated, mortal," the celestial spirit says. "I'm aware of it." You all turn to the entrance at the sound of $RG's voice. The achimencey steps into $RGhis_her house and joins you in the space between the living room and the dining room. $RGHe_She doesn't have the orb with $RGhim_her anymore. "I'll build some rooms for you on the mountain. You'll have more privacy that way," $RGhe_she says as $RGhe_she points out the window, to a mountain that's just a few meters away. "As for supplies, I'll make sure to gather everything you need once Abora releases me." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Once she //releases// you? Just what kind of punishment you're going to suffer, big guy?" $AO asks, folding $AOhis_her arms. <<else>>"Once she //releases// you? Just what kind of punishment you're going to suffer, big girl?" $AO asks, folding $AOhis_her arms. <</if>>$RG smiles, and shakes $RGhis_her head. "Nothing you should worry about, I'll be fine. It sounds harsher than it actually is." Knowing $RGhim_her, you don't know if you should believe that or not. "I'll be back soon," $RGhe_she continues. "In the meantime, make yourselves at home. I just have one rule." $RGHe_She stretches $RGhis_her arm at the curtain that hides the room next to the kitchen. A wave of magic surges from $RGhis_her palm and creates a barrier that covers the access. "That is off-limits." "What's in there?" you ask with a tilt of your head, curiosity getting the better of you. $RG gives a faint and amused half smile. "My room." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Something scandalous to hide, big guy?" $AO teases with a playful nudge. <<else>>"Something scandalous to hide, big girl?" $AO teases with a playful nudge. <</if>>"Even I need a bit of privacy from time to time," the $RGgod_goddess responds after a chuckle. $RGHe_She then turns to look at you, a bit of a guilty expression on $RGhis_her face. "Alcorac will come and get you in a minute to start your training. I wish you had more time to rest, but I'm afraid you won't have that luxury. I'll do what I can to make things easier for you." You nod. "Understood. Thank you." <<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|RGScene1]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|LLScene1]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|ALScene1]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|AOScene1]]<<else>><<if $random is 1>>[[Continue|RGScene1]]<<elseif $random is 2>>[[Continue|LLScene1]]<<elseif $random is 3>>[[Continue|ALScene1]]<<elseif $random is 4>>[[Continue|AOScene1]]<</if>><</if>>

You smile as you take a look at the ocean from the window. The gentle sound of the waves and the fresh air of the beach take away all the tension in your shoulders. "I've always wanted a house by the sea. It's so calm and quiet… and the view is breathtaking too. It must be nice to wake up to the sound of the ocean every day," you comment with a little chuckle. "Isn't it... a bit small? There's not much space for five people," $AL says as $ALhe_she glances around. "Six, if we include Furball," $AO adds, pointing $AOhis_her thumb at Enid. "The inclusion is appreciated, mortal," the celestial spirit says. "I'm aware of it." You all turn to the entrance at the sound of $RG's voice. The achimencey steps into $RGhis_her house and joins you in the space between the living room and the dining room. $RGHe_She doesn't have the orb with $RGhim_her anymore. "I'll build some rooms for you on the mountain. You'll have more privacy that way," $RGhe_she says as $RGhe_she points out the window, to a mountain that's just a few meters away. "As for supplies, I'll make sure to gather everything you need once Abora releases me." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Once she //releases// you? Just what kind of punishment you're going to suffer, big guy?" $AO asks, folding $AOhis_her arms. <<else>>"Once she //releases// you? Just what kind of punishment you're going to suffer, big girl?" $AO asks, folding $AOhis_her arms. <</if>>$RG smiles, and shakes $RGhis_her head. "Nothing you should worry about, I'll be fine. It sounds harsher than it actually is." Knowing $RGhim_her, you don't know if you should believe that or not. "I'll be back soon," $RGhe_she continues. "In the meantime, make yourselves at home. I just have one rule." $RGHe_She stretches $RGhis_her arm at the curtain that hides the room next to the kitchen. A wave of magic surges from $RGhis_her palm and creates a barrier that covers the access. "That is off-limits." "What's in there?" you ask with a tilt of your head, curiosity getting the better of you. $RG gives a faint and amused half smile. "My room." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Something scandalous to hide, big guy?" $AO teases with a playful nudge. <<else>>"Something scandalous to hide, big girl?" $AO teases with a playful nudge. <</if>>"Even I need a bit of privacy from time to time," the $RGgod_goddess responds after a chuckle. $RGHe_She then turns to look at you, a bit of a guilty expression on $RGhis_her face. "Alcorac will come and get you in a minute to start your training. I wish you had more time to rest, but I'm afraid you won't have that luxury. I'll do what I can to make things easier for you." You nod. "Understood. Thank you." <<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|RGScene1]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|LLScene1]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|ALScene1]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|AOScene1]]<<else>><<if $random is 1>>[[Continue|RGScene1]]<<elseif $random is 2>>[[Continue|LLScene1]]<<elseif $random is 3>>[[Continue|ALScene1]]<<elseif $random is 4>>[[Continue|AOScene1]]<</if>><</if>>

You bite the inside of your cheek in thought. Your eyes travel from all the pillows on the stony couch to the dining table and chairs, and lastly to the small kitchen on the corner. It's not much, but it has all that's necessary to live well enough. ...For a mortal, that is. "It looks so… human," you reply after a moment, your eyebrow drawing closer in confusion as you turn to Enid. "There's a lot of furniture for a $RGgod_goddess who doesn't need to sleep or eat. Do you ever use any of it?" Enid's ears lower slightly. Her whiskers twitch as her gaze drops to the floor. "...Not as much anymore." $AL clears $ALhis_her throat, making the unexpected sombre expression of the otter fade. "Isn't it... a bit small? There's not much space for five people." "Six, if we include Furball," $AO adds, pointing $AOhis_her thumb at Enid. "The inclusion is appreciated, mortal," the celestial spirit says. "I'm aware of it." You all turn to the entrance at the sound of $RG's voice. The achimencey steps into $RGhis_her house and joins you in the space between the living room and the dining room. $RGHe_She doesn't have the orb with $RGhim_her anymore. "I'll build some rooms for you on the mountain. You'll have more privacy that way," $RGhe_she says as $RGhe_she points out the window, to a mountain that's just a few meters away. "As for supplies, I'll make sure to gather everything you need once Abora releases me." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Once she //releases// you? Just what kind of punishment you're going to suffer, big guy?" $AO asks, folding $AOhis_her arms. <<else>>"Once she //releases// you? Just what kind of punishment you're going to suffer, big girl?" $AO asks, folding $AOhis_her arms. <</if>>$RG smiles, and shakes $RGhis_her head. "Nothing you should worry about, I'll be fine. It sounds harsher than it actually is." Knowing $RGhim_her, you don't know if you should believe that or not. "I'll be back soon," $RGhe_she continues. "In the meantime, make yourselves at home. I just have one rule." $RGHe_She stretches $RGhis_her arm at the curtain that hides the room next to the kitchen. A wave of magic surges from $RGhis_her palm and creates a barrier that covers the access. "That is off-limits." "What's in there?" you ask with a tilt of your head, curiosity getting the better of you. $RG gives a faint and amused half smile. "My room." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Something scandalous to hide, big guy?" $AO teases with a playful nudge. <<else>>"Something scandalous to hide, big girl?" $AO teases with a playful nudge. <</if>>"Even I need a bit of privacy from time to time," the $RGgod_goddess responds after a chuckle. $RGHe_She then turns to look at you, a bit of a guilty expression on $RGhis_her face. "Alcorac will come and get you in a minute to start your training. I wish you had more time to rest, but I'm afraid you won't have that luxury. I'll do what I can to make things easier for you." You nod. "Understood. Thank you." <<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|RGScene1]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|LLScene1]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|ALScene1]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|AOScene1]]<<else>><<if $random is 1>>[[Continue|RGScene1]]<<elseif $random is 2>>[[Continue|LLScene1]]<<elseif $random is 3>>[[Continue|ALScene1]]<<elseif $random is 4>>[[Continue|AOScene1]]<</if>><</if>>

<<if $RGLove is true>>"Well, you heard $RGhim_her. Take some time to-" "$RG, wait!" You rush outside, ignoring Enid's words and the severe look she throws your way when you call out to the $RGgod_goddess before $RGhe_she takes flight and leaves again, but she doesn't try to stop you. $RG turns around, $RGhis_her eyebrows raised with curiosity. "Is there something the matter, $name?" "It's just…" You roll your lips, watching $RGhim_her for a moment before continuing. "I know you keep saying you'll be fine, but I can't help but worry. You really looked troubled back there when Abora mentioned the punishment. Are you sure you're okay?" "Ah, I see." $RG's wings droop slightly along with $RGhis_her shoulders. $RGHe_She adverts $RGhis_her gaze to the side, letting out a listless chuckle. "I really cannot hide anything from you anymore, can I?" "Is it that bad?" you hesitantly ask, your brow furrowing as you see $RGhim_her scratching the back of $RGhis_her head. $RGHis_Her violet eyes lock onto yours once more, $RGhis_her face contorted in a pained grimace that only deepens your unease. $RGHe_She opens $RGhis_her mouth to speak, but then quickly closes it, pressing $RGhis_her lips into a thin line as if searching for the right words. "I have endured worse," $RGhe_she carefully replies, but it still makes you click your tongue in annoyance. "I still don't like the idea of you getting hurt, $RG." $RGHis_Her features soften, a tender smile playing at the corners of $RGhis_her mouth as $RGhe_she turns to watch the waves. For a couple of seconds $RGhe_she stays quiet, until $RGhis_her gaze drops to the sand. "About what I said on the ship… I mean it," $RGhe_she says as $RGhe_she finds your gaze again. "Let's not make our feelings over destiny bring us apart before it's time to depart for good." "You expect me to just forget about it? That tomorrow I might be forced to-" You abruptly stop the sentence. Just thinking about it is painful enough without saying it out loud. You swallow hard, looking into those violet eyes that captivate you so much, and at an expression so tender it only drives the knife deeper into your heart. You take a deep breath to fill your lungs slowly, and force yourself to finish the thought. "…to kill you?" "I would never dare ask such a thing of you," $RGhe_she says with the same gentleness as in $RGhis_her gaze. "I'm only begging you to forgive me." "For what?" "For not being what you deserve, but it's for your own good." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"And now you're telling me you know what I deserve?" you snap back with irritating bitterness, but not even your harsh tone wipes the small, soft smile from the god's face. <<else>>"And now you're telling me you know what I deserve?" you snap back with irritating bitterness, but not even your harsh tone wipes the small, soft smile from the goddess' face. <</if>>"No," $RGhe_she replies, shaking $RGhis_her head. "But I know what I'm worth." $RG takes a step back before turning around and walking to the edge of the porch, but your voice stops $RGhim_her before $RGhe_she can take flight. "By the way, $RG, just so you know..." *[[I forgive you|RGScene1_2A]] *[[I cannot forgive you|RGScene1_2B]] *[[There's nothing to forgive|RGScene1_2C]] *[[You're worth more than anyone|RGScene1_2D]] *[[I'll find a way to save you|RGScene1_2ERO]]<<else>>"$RG, wait!" You rush outside and call out to the $RGgod_goddess before $RGhe_she takes flight and leaves again. $RG turns around, $RGhis_her eyebrows raised with curiosity. "Is there something the matter, $name?" "It's just…" You roll your lips, watching $RGhim_her for a moment before continuing. "I know you keep saying you'll be fine, but I can't help but worry. You really looked troubled back there when Abora mentioned the punishment. Are you sure you're okay?" "Ah, I see." $RG's wings droop slightly along with $RGhis_her shoulders. $RGHe_She adverts $RGhis_her gaze to the side, letting out a listless chuckle. "You noticed that." Your brow furrows as you see $RGhim_her scratching the back of $RGhis_her head. "Is it that bad?" you eventually ask. $RGHe_She sighs. "It'll be painful, I admit, but nothing I haven't endured before." You raise an eyebrow. "That's not really reassuring, you know?" A smug smile tugs at $RG's lips when $RGhe_she meets your gaze. "You'll survive. And so will I." You'd laugh if a small weight around your neck didn't remind you that there's something not even $RGhe_she can face and live through. "You can't survive everything," you say in a low tone, clutching the necklace over your clothes. $RGHis_Her features soften, a tender smile playing at the corners of $RGhis_her mouth. "No one lives forever, $name. Not even gods. And I've lived for long enough." $RG takes a step back before turning around and walking to the edge of the porch, but your voice stops $RGhim_her before $RGhe_she can take flight. "By the way, $RG, just so you know…" *[[You will be remembered|RGScene1_2F]] *[[I'll find a way to save you|RGScene1_2ENRO]] <</if>>

"Well, you heard $RGhim_her. Take some time to rest, mortals," Enid says once the $RGgod_goddess has left the house and taken flight. "So we're just supposed to be caged in here?" $LL asks, $LLhis_her tone harsh. "You can go outside if you want. But for the time being, it'd be best if you don't go past the forest. Just stay on the perimeter of the beach," the otter replies. "Then it's time we start to adapt!" $AO begins to cheerfully shed $AOhis_her clothes at an astonishing speed until $AOhe_she's standing in nothing but $AOhis_her thin underwear, which covers just enough. You see $LL rolling $LLhis_her eyes as $LLhe_she lets out a groan. "Really? Couldn't you wait just for a few minutes before stripping in front all of us?" the warrior grumbles. "Come on, chin up, Red! We're at a beach in paradise, and it's not like we can leave anyway, so we might as well enjoy it," the doctor replies with a wide grin as $AOhe_she walks to the exit. "Don't take your underwear off, $AO!" $AL yells urgently as $ALhe_she goes after $AOhim_her, $ALhis_her cheeks turning a shade of pink. "Oh, for fuck's sake! You don't know how to enjoy life, do you?" you hear $AO reply. <<if $LLLove is true>>$LL lets out a tired sigh and turns to leave through the other exit. <<else>>$LL lets out a tired sigh, takes off $AO's coat, and turns to leave through the other exit. <</if>>"Wait, $LL, I'm coming with you!" You throw your backpack on the couch and give Enid a quick goodbye before following the warrior outside. [[Continue|LLScene1_2]]

"Well, you heard $RGhim_her. Take some time to rest, mortals," Enid says once the $RGgod_goddess has left the house and taken flight. "So we're just supposed to be caged in here?" $LL asks, $LLhis_her tone harsh. "You can go outside if you want. But for the time being, it'd be best if you don't go past the forest. Just stay on the perimeter of the beach," the otter replies. "Then it's time we start to adapt!" $AO begins to cheerfully shed $AOhis_her clothes at an astonishing speed until $AOhe_she's standing in nothing but $AOhis_her thin underwear, which covers just enough. You see $LL rolling $LLhis_her eyes as $LLhe_she lets out a groan. "Really? Couldn't you wait just for a few minutes before stripping in front all of us?" the warrior grumbles. "Come on, chin up, Red! We're at a beach in paradise, and it's not like we can leave anyway, so we might as well enjoy it," the doctor replies with a wide grin as $AOhe_she walks to the exit. "Don't take your underwear off, $AO!" $AL yells urgently as $ALhe_she goes after $AOhim_her, $ALhis_her cheeks turning a shade of pink. "Oh, for fuck's sake! You don't know how to enjoy life, do you?" you hear $AO reply. "Hey, wait for me!" You throw your backpack on the couch and give Enid a quick goodbye before following $AL and $AO outside. [[Continue|ALScene1_2]]

"Well, you heard $RGhim_her. Take some time to rest, mortals," Enid says once the $RGgod_goddess has left the house and taken flight. "So we're just supposed to be caged in here?" $LL asks, $LLhis_her tone harsh. "You can go outside if you want. But for the time being, it'd be best if you don't go past the forest. Just stay on the perimeter of the beach," the otter replies. "Then it's time we start to adapt!" $AO begins to cheerfully shed $AOhis_her clothes at an astonishing speed until $AOhe_she's standing in nothing but $AOhis_her thin underwear, which covers just enough. You see $LL rolling $LLhis_her eyes as $LLhe_she lets out a groan. "Really? Couldn't you wait just for a few minutes before stripping in front all of us?" the warrior grumbles. "Come on, chin up, Red! We're at a beach in paradise, and it's not like we can leave anyway, so we might as well enjoy it," the doctor replies with a wide grin as $AOhe_she walks to the exit. "Don't take your underwear off, $AO!" $AL yells urgently as $ALhe_she goes after $AOhim_her, $ALhis_her cheeks turning a shade of pink. "Oh, for fuck's sake! You don't know how to enjoy life, do you?" you hear $AO reply. "Hey, wait for me!" You throw your backpack on the couch and give Enid a quick goodbye before following $AO and $AL outside. [[Continue|AOScene1_2]]

"...you're forgiven," you finish softly. $RG turns $RGhis_her torso to look you in the eyes. You catch a glimpse of mild surprise before the achimencey smiles faintly again. "Can't I change your mind?" "No," you respond firmly. "My mind is mine, and only I can change it." <<if $hair is "Short" or $hair is "Very short" or $hair is "Shaved" or $hair is "Shaved sides" or $hairType is "coily">>$RG approaches again, stopping only a few centimetres away. $RGHe_She lifts $RGhis_her hand, fingers delicately brushing your cheek and trailing down to your jaw. The feather-light touch washes away all remnants of frustration and causes you to close your eyes. <<else>>$RG approaches again, stopping only a few centimetres away. $RGHe_She lifts $RGhis_her hand, fingers brushing your forehead and trailing to your temple to nestle a loose strand of hair behind your ear. The feather-light touch washes away all remnants of frustration and causes you to close your eyes. <</if>><<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio "windE" volume 0.1 play>>"Thank you." As the wind swirls around you, it brings the gentle whisper of $RGhis_her voice. When you open your eyes, $RG has vanished. <<if $random is 1>>[[Continue|RGScene1_AO]]<<elseif $random is 2>>[[Continue|RGScene1_LL]]<<elseif $random is 3>>[[Continue|RGScene1_AL]]<<else>>[[Continue|RGScene1_Enid]]<</if>><</linkreplace>>

"...I cannot forgive you," you finish with a tense voice. $RG chuckles, a slightly bitter sound that tightens your chest. "I expected nothing less." $RGHis_Her wings unfold proudly on $RGhis_her back before $RGhe_she gives a nod of goodbye and then causes the wind to swirl around you as $RGhe_she takes off. <<if $random is 1>>[[Continue|RGScene1_AO]]<<elseif $random is 2>>[[Continue|RGScene1_LL]]<<elseif $random is 3>>[[Continue|RGScene1_AL]]<<else>>[[Continue|RGScene1_Enid]]<</if>>

"...there's nothing to forgive," you finish softly, with a smile of your own. $RG turns $RGhis_her torso to look you in the eyes. You catch a glimpse of mild surprise before the achimencey smiles faintly again. "Can't I change your mind?" "No," you respond firmly. "My mind is mine, and only I can change it." <<if $hair is "Short" or $hair is "Very short" or $hair is "Shaved" or $hair is "Shaved sides" or $hairType is "coily">>$RG approaches again, stopping only a few centimetres away. $RGHe_She lifts $RGhis_her hand, fingers delicately brushing your cheek and trailing down to your jaw. The feather-light touch washes away all remnants of frustration and causes you to close your eyes. <<else>>$RG approaches again, stopping only a few centimetres away. $RGHe_She lifts $RGhis_her hand, fingers brushing your forehead and trailing to your temple to nestle a loose strand of hair behind your ear. The feather-light touch washes away all remnants of frustration and causes you to close your eyes. <</if>><<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio "windE" volume 0.1 play>>"Thank you." As the wind swirls around you, it brings the gentle whisper of $RGhis_her voice. When you open your eyes, $RG has vanished. <<if $random is 1>>[[Continue|RGScene1_AO]]<<elseif $random is 2>>[[Continue|RGScene1_LL]]<<elseif $random is 3>>[[Continue|RGScene1_AL]]<<else>>[[Continue|RGScene1_Enid]]<</if>><</linkreplace>>

"...you're worth more than anyone. In this world or any other," you finish firmly. $RG turns $RGhis_her torso to look you in the eyes. You catch a glimpse of mild surprise before the achimencey smiles faintly again. <<if $hair is "Short" or $hair is "Very short" or $hair is "Shaved" or $hair is "Shaved sides" or $hairType is "coily">>$RGHe_She approaches again, stopping only a few centimetres away to lift $RGhis_her hand, fingers delicately brushing your cheek and trailing down to your jaw. The feather-light touch washes away all remnants of frustration and causes you to close your eyes. <<else>>$RGHe_She approaches again, stopping only a few centimetres away to lift $RGhis_her hand, fingers brushing your forehead and trailing to your temple to nestle a loose strand of hair behind your ear. The feather-light touch washes away all remnants of frustration and causes you to close your eyes. <</if>><<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio "windE" volume 0.1 play>>"Liar." As the wind swirls around you, it brings the gentle whisper of $RGhis_her voice. When you open your eyes, $RG has vanished. <<if $random is 1>>[[Continue|RGScene1_AO]]<<elseif $random is 2>>[[Continue|RGScene1_LL]]<<elseif $random is 3>>[[Continue|RGScene1_AL]]<<else>>[[Continue|RGScene1_Enid]]<</if>><</linkreplace>>

"...I'll find a way to save you. Mark my words," you finish firmly. $RG chuckles, a slightly bitter sound that tightens your chest. <<if $helpRG is true>>"I believe I said this before." $RGHe_She turns $RGhis_her torso to look you in the eyes. "That determination is truly something to admire." <<else>>"That determination of yours is something I... Something I truly admire," $RGhe_she replies. <</if>>$RGHis_Her wings unfold proudly on $RGhis_her back before $RGhe_she gives a nod of goodbye and then causes the wind to swirl around you as $RGhe_she takes off. <<if $random is 1>>[[Continue|RGScene1_AO]]<<elseif $random is 2>>[[Continue|RGScene1_LL]]<<elseif $random is 3>>[[Continue|RGScene1_AL]]<<else>>[[Continue|RGScene1_Enid]]<</if>>

"When the time comes, when all of this is over… You won't be forgotten, my friend. I'll make sure of it," you finish firmly. $RG turns $RGhis_her torso to look you in the eyes. You catch a hint of mild surprise before the achimencey laughs heartily, a sound that lightens the weight of the heavy conversation. "I couldn't ask for a greater honour than that." $RGHis_Her wings unfold proudly on $RGhis_her back before $RGhe_she gives a nonchalant salute, and then makes the wind swirl around you as $RGhe_she takes off. "Don't take your underwear off, $AO!" you hear $AL yell behind you. Suddenly, $AO appears at your side, looking back with $AOhis_her hands on $AOhis_her waist. "Oh, for fuck's sake! You don't know how to enjoy life, do you?" $AOhe_she complains before glancing at you. "Hey, $name. Wanna you join me?" $AO doesn't even wait for a response before directly jumping into the sea. You look up, watching $RG's silhouette disappear among the clouds. The sight that should evoke a sense of freedom does little to ease the worry you have for your friend, however. You only hope that whatever $RGhe_she has to face isn't too hard for $RGhim_her. [[Continue|50]]

"...I'll find a way to save you. Mark my words," you finish firmly. $RG laughs heartily, a sound that lightens the weight of the heavy conversation. <<if $helpRG is true>>"I believe I said this before." $RGHe_She turns $RGhis_her torso to look you in the eyes with a wide smile. "That determination of yours is truly something to admire." <<else>>"That determination of yours is truly admirable," $RGhe_she replies with a wide smile. <</if>>$RGHis_Her wings unfold proudly on $RGhis_her back before $RGhe_she gives a nonchalant salute, and then makes the wind swirl around you as $RGhe_she takes off. "Don't take your underwear off, $AO!" you hear $AL yell behind you. Suddenly, $AO appears at your side, looking back with $AOhis_her hands on $AOhis_her waist. "Oh, for fuck's sake! You don't know how to enjoy life, do you?" $AOhe_she complains before glancing at you. "Hey, $name. Wanna you join me?" $AO doesn't even wait for a response before directly jumping into the sea. You look up, watching $RG's silhouette disappear among the clouds. The sight that should evoke a sense of freedom does little to ease the worry you have for your friend, however. You only hope that whatever $RGhe_she has to face isn't too hard for $RGhim_her. [[Continue|50]]

<<if $AO is "Ada">>You sense someone approaching. The scent of Ada's expensive perfume replaces the salty sea air for a moment as she stops beside you, looking at the clouds. <<else>>You sense someone approaching. The scent of Omar's expensive cologne replaces the salty sea air for a moment as he stops beside you, looking at the clouds. <</if>>"You know, one good thing about the world going to shit is how close it brings people together. Much faster than usual." You sigh. "Yeah. I've noticed." "Matters of the heart are always complicated. That much I know." <<if $feelingsRG is true>>"They shouldn't be," you say with a shake of your head. "It should be simple." $AO chuckles lightly. "In life, you rarely get what you want, but always what you need. Whether you like it or not." $AOHe_She turns to head back into the house, but before doing so, $AOhe_she leans towards you with a playful smile to add, "By the way, that goes for both you and $RGhim_her." <<else>>You turn to $AOhim_her with a frown. "Matters of the heart?" $AO laughs, waving a hand dismissively. "Nothing, just old people things." $AOHe_She turns and heads back into $RG's house. "Don't overthink it, $name. Whatever happens, happens." <</if>>$AOHe_She winks, and then disappear into the house. You sigh and following $AOhim_her inside a few seconds later. [[Continue|50]]

You turn and find $LL leaning against the wall by the entrance, arms crossed. $LLHe_She's supporting $LLhis_her weight on one leg while crossing the other over it. "It's better to forget it," $LLhe_she states sternly. You sigh. "That's easy to say, $LL." You start to walk past $LLhim_her to go inside, but the warrior's voice stops you before you can enter. "$RGHe_She's right, you know?" $LL tilts $LLhis_her head towards you. "You don't deserve $RGhim_her." You spend a few seconds mulling over $LLhis_her words. There's a subtle hint of sorrow beneath $LLhis_her aggressive tone. After a moment, you give $LLhim_her a forced smile that barely makes it to a grimace, cast $LLhim_her a grateful look, and enter $RG's house. [[Continue|50]]

"I'm sorry." A soft voice startles you, and you turn abruptly to meet the apologetic gaze of its owner. "$AL?" "I didn't mean to eavesdrop; I just wanted to make sure you were okay," $ALhe_she says, raising $ALhis_her hands with a guilty expression. "It's hard for you to let go too, isn't it?" <<if $feelingsRG is true>>You sigh. "I'm afraid it's more than that, $AL." <<else>>You sigh. "Yes. More than I imagined." <</if>>$ALHe_She presses $ALhis_her lips together and nods in understanding. "If you need anything, I'm here for you," $ALhe_she says after a few seconds. A resigned but genuine smile spreads across your face, and you put an arm around $ALhis_her shoulder in a half-hug. "Thanks." $AL returns the gesture, and together you head back inside $RG's house. [[Continue|50]]

After a while, you turn and head back inside $RG's house, just as Enid is stepping out. You give her a smile as you pass by, a gesture that lifts your spirits a bit even if the otter doesn't return it, though you don't stop to check her reaction. The otter watches your back for a few seconds before shifting her gaze to the clouds. "Attachment harms a person's will far more than any deadly wound. Do not forget that," Enid says, although you're already too far away to hear her words. [[Continue|50]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "eveningOfChaos" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[Somewhere else…]'' "When you return, you can go,"// he had told him a few hours ago. A man stands with his eyes fixed on the reports on the table, his hands resting on the metal surface supporting his weight. Long strands of blond hair create a curtain that hides his tired face. It's nighttime, but he cannot sleep. When he returns, he can go. But how can he wait when this is about his mother's research? The blue scales patching his legs and part of his back shudder, and the man looks behind him with a sharp movement. He finds himself in a completely dark room, with only the light from the street lamps and the dim bulb hanging above the metal table, just enough to read the reports. There are open wardrobes with clothes in disarray, and chairs nearby serving as hangers for another pile of rags. Tables with misplaced utensils and open drawers hold crumbling stacks of books at their feet. The only relatively tidy thing is the old sofa in the corner, next to a circular window, yet it still serves as a seat for a couple of books. The man is utterly alone in that room, yet he can't shake the feeling that there is someone else with him, merely watching. His imagination, he tells himself as he returns his gaze to the reports, reading the same sentence over and over. All because the figure stalking him escapes mortal sight. ...Unless $BNhe_she wants to be seen, of course. [[Continue|51]]

$AO jumps from the porch into the water, splashing the stone edge. $AOHe_She makes $AOhis_her way into the sea as quickly as $AOhe_she can, with the waves gently pushing $AOhim_her back. When $AOhe_she's deep enough, $AO dives headfirst and reappears a moment later with a look of pure satisfaction lighting up $AOhis_her features. "Ah, this is the life!" $AOhe_she exclaims, brushing the wet hair from $AOhis_her face. $AOHe_She looks over at you and $AL. "Are you going to join me or what?" $AL laughs but shakes $ALhis_her head. "I'll stay here." "Suit yourself," the doctor replies. [[Continue|ALScene1_3]]

In the distance, $AO begins to swim on $AOhis_her back with $AOhis_her eyes closed, enjoying the calm that the sea provides. The salty fragrance of the sea fills your lungs, the waves gently swaying and creating deep blue water tunnels that reach and kiss the shore with the contrast of their white foam. It's stunningly beautiful, like pretty much everything you've seen in this world so far. Although, for some reason, there's a sense of melancholy that surrounds this place, one you haven't felt anywhere else. You move closer to $AL and nod towards the water. "Aren't you tempted to take a dip?" "I am, to be honest," $ALhe_she replies with a smile before looking back at the water. "Maybe later. For now, I'm content with just sitting here." $AL sits down on the edge of the porch. $ALHe_She takes off $ALhis_her boots and sets them aside, then rolls up $ALhis_her jeans below the knees to dip $ALhis_her feet in the water as it reaches the stone every so often. You mimic $ALhim_her, removing your own boots and sitting beside $ALhim_her, leaning slightly back to support your weight on your arms. $AL fills $ALhis_her lungs with the sea's aroma before letting out a sigh of satisfaction. "It's incredible, isn't it? We're in Taoro. In the world of the gods! There are people who would give their lives just to get a glimpse of what this place is like, and we're experiencing it in person!" $ALhe_she exclaims. <<if $belief is true>>"Yeah… although it's not exactly under the best circumstances," you reply with a slight grimace. <<else>>"Not by choice, I should remind you. It's not that we're in the best circumstances," you say with a grimace. <</if>>$AL's enthusiasm deflates slightly. "That's true. There's the matter of the demons and the renegades. But… but we're safe here. We're with Abora; she'll protect us." *[[Do you really believe that?|ALScene1_4A]] *[[Yes, you're right|ALScene1_4B]] *[[I have my doubts|ALScene1_4C]] *[[We need a more solid plan|ALScene1_4D]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ You search for $ALhis_her gaze. The furrow in your brow shows that you've noticed the doubt in $AL's tone. "Do you really believe that?" you ask, fully aware of the answer. $AL looks at you with a clear glimmer of uncertainty but still nods. "I want to believe it. The alternative… it's too frightening." A larger wave crashes against the shore and splashes your leg. Although the sun isn't as intense as Thaon's, the combination of the water and the breeze cools you from the warmth of the beach. You're still struck by the sudden shift from the winter cold before to the pleasant weather now. "Hey… that $BN…" the redhead begins after a moment of comfortable silence. $AL hesitates slightly before finishing the sentence, searching for the right words in the movement of the sea. "…doesn't $BNhe_she scare you?" "Scare me?" you repeat with a slight tilt of your head. "Yes," $ALhe_she replies with a nod. $ALHe_She leans forward a bit, letting $ALhis_her hands drop between $ALhis_her knees. "You heard what they said. The thought of someone even more powerful than $RG... A renegade, on top of that. Someone who's after you…" $AL looks up at you. "Doesn't that scare you?" <<if $afraidOfB is true>>You give $ALhim_her a smile, though it's not as genuine as you'd like. "To be honest, yeah, I am scared," you admit. A sigh of resignation escapes your nose as you look down, but you soon force yourself to find that small trace of determination that makes you lift your gaze forward. "But whether I'm scared or not doesn't change things, does it?" $AL's shoulders slump. "No… I suppose it doesn't." <<elseif $afraidOfB is false>>You shake your head, your gaze determined. "No, not at all. $BNHe_SHe can try to come after me all $BNhe_she wants; I won't fall into $BNhis_her trap. If I can, I'll help the gods stop $BNhim_her." For a moment, a spark of admiration passes through $AL0s green eyes, though it's quickly overshadowed by a blanket of concern as the redhead lowers $ALhis_her shoulders. "Be careful with that, $name. That $BNman_woman… gives me the creeps." <<else>>You shake your head. "No, not at all. If anything, I'm curious." "Curious?" "Yeah." You push off with your hands to lean forward, crossing your arms as you watch the waves with a thoughtful look. "I don't know how to explain it, but I have a feeling there's more we don't know. And $BNhe_she might help me figure it out." $AL's shoulders slump as $ALhe_she gives you a worried look. "Be careful with that, $name. That $BNman_woman… gives me the creeps." <</if>><<if $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|ALScene1_5RO]]<<else>>[[Continue|ALScene1_5NRO]]<</if>>

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ $ALHis_Her words make you feel the slight weight of the pendant around your neck. Whether it's optimism or logic, the fact that both you and your companions have the Creator's protection is undeniable. "Yes, you're right," you say with a nod. "The gods are on our side." Your comment seems to dispel any trace of doubt the redhead might have had and encourages $ALhim_her to smile, visibly relieved. A larger wave crashes against the shore and splashes your leg. Although the sun isn't as intense as Thaon's, the combination of the water and the breeze cools you from the warmth of the beach. You're still struck by the sudden shift from the winter cold before to the pleasant weather now. "Hey… that $BN…" the redhead begins after a moment of comfortable silence. $AL hesitates slightly before finishing the sentence, searching for the right words in the movement of the sea. "…doesn't $BNhe_she scare you?" "Scare me?" you repeat with a slight tilt of your head. "Yes," $ALhe_she replies with a nod. $ALHe_She leans forward a bit, letting $ALhis_her hands drop between $ALhis_her knees. "You heard what they said. The thought of someone even more powerful than $RG... A renegade, and on top of that. Someone who's after you…" $AL looks up at you. "Doesn't that scare you?" <<if $afraidOfB is true>>You give $ALhim_her a smile, though it's not as genuine as you'd like. "To be honest, yeah, I am scared," you admit. A sigh of resignation escapes your nose as you look down, but you soon force yourself to find that small trace of determination that makes you lift your gaze forward. "But whether I'm scared or not doesn't change things, does it?" $AL's shoulders slump. "No… I suppose it doesn't." <<elseif $afraidOfB is false>>You shake your head, your gaze determined. "No, not at all. $BNHe_SHe can try to come after me all $BNhe_she wants; I won't fall into $BNhis_her trap. If I can, I'll help the gods stop $BNhim_her." For a moment, a spark of admiration passes through $AL0s green eyes, though it's quickly overshadowed by a blanket of concern as the redhead lowers $ALhis_her shoulders. "Be careful with that, $name. That $BNman_woman… gives me the creeps." <<else>>You shake your head. "No, not at all. If anything, I'm curious." "Curious?" "Yeah." You push off with your hands to lean forward, crossing your arms as you watch the waves with a thoughtful look. "I don't know how to explain it, but I have a feeling there's more we don't know. And $BNhe_she might help me figure it out." $AL's shoulders slump as $ALhe_she gives you a worried look. "Be careful with that, $name. That $BNman_woman… gives me the creeps." <</if>><<if $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|ALScene1_5RO]]<<else>>[[Continue|ALScene1_5NRO]]<</if>>

The sense of uncertainty makes it impossible to disregard $ALhis_her words. The weight of the pendant reminds you of everything that's at stake and also who is against you. "I have my doubts, to be honest," you comment quietly, pursing your lips. A larger wave crashes against the shore and splashes your leg. Although the sun isn't as intense as Thaon's, the combination of the water and the breeze cools you from the warmth of the beach. You're still struck by the sudden shift from the winter cold before to the pleasant weather now. "Hey… that $BN…" the redhead begins after a moment of comfortable silence. $AL hesitates slightly before finishing the sentence, searching for the right words in the movement of the sea. "…doesn't $BNhe_she scare you?" "Scare me?" you repeat with a slight tilt of your head. "Yes," $ALhe_she replies with a nod. $ALHe_She leans forward a bit, letting $ALhis_her hands drop between $ALhis_her knees. "You heard what they said. The thought of someone even more powerful than $RG... A renegade, and on top of that. Someone who's after you…" $AL looks up at you. "Doesn't that scare you?" <<if $afraidOfB is true>>You give $ALhim_her a smile, though it's not as genuine as you'd like. "To be honest, yeah, I am scared," you admit. A sigh of resignation escapes your nose as you look down, but you soon force yourself to find that small trace of determination that makes you lift your gaze forward. "But whether I'm scared or not doesn't change things, does it?" $AL's shoulders slump. "No… I suppose it doesn't." <<elseif $afraidOfB is false>>You shake your head, your gaze determined. "No, not at all. $BNHe_SHe can try to come after me all $BNhe_she wants; I won't fall into $BNhis_her trap. If I can, I'll help the gods stop $BNhim_her." For a moment, a spark of admiration passes through $AL0s green eyes, though it's quickly overshadowed by a blanket of concern as the redhead lowers $ALhis_her shoulders. "Be careful with that, $name. That $BNman_woman… gives me the creeps." <<else>>You shake your head. "No, not at all. If anything, I'm curious." "Curious?" "Yeah." You push off with your hands to lean forward, crossing your arms as you watch the waves with a thoughtful look. "I don't know how to explain it, but I have a feeling there's more we don't know. And $BNhe_she might help me figure it out." $AL's shoulders slump as $ALhe_she gives you a worried look. "Be careful with that, $name. That $BNman_woman… gives me the creeps." <</if>><<if $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|ALScene1_5RO]]<<else>>[[Continue|ALScene1_5NRO]]<</if>>

"Still, sitting around and waiting isn't a good idea," you say with a slightly furrowed brow. "We need a more solid plan." $AL remains thoughtful for a few seconds, gazing at the horizon. "But what can we do when faced with something beyond our abilities? They're gods, $name, and we… we're not up to their level." "So, that's it? We just stay on the sidelines and see what happens? It doesn't seem very sensible. We might be able to help in some way." $AL's mouth twists as $ALhe_she looks down at the water. The subtle wrinkles forming on $ALhis_her brow are the only response you get. A larger wave crashes against the shore and splashes your leg. Although the sun isn't as intense as Thaon's, the combination of the water and the breeze cools you from the warmth of the beach. You're still struck by the sudden shift from the winter cold before to the pleasant weather now. "Hey… that $BN…" the redhead begins after a moment of comfortable silence. $AL hesitates slightly before finishing the sentence, searching for the right words in the movement of the sea. "…doesn't $BNhe_she scare you?" "Scare me?" you repeat with a slight tilt of your head. "Yes," $ALhe_she replies with a nod. $ALHe_She leans forward a bit, letting $ALhis_her hands drop between $ALhis_her knees. "You heard what they said. The thought of someone even more powerful than $RG... A renegade, and on top of that. Someone who's after you…" $AL looks up at you. "Doesn't that scare you?" <<if $afraidOfB is true>>You give $ALhim_her a smile, though it's not as genuine as you'd like. "To be honest, yeah, I am scared," you admit. A sigh of resignation escapes your nose as you look down, but you soon force yourself to find that small trace of determination that makes you lift your gaze forward. "But whether I'm scared or not doesn't change things, does it?" $AL's shoulders slump. "No… I suppose it doesn't." <<elseif $afraidOfB is false>>You shake your head, your gaze determined. "No, not at all. $BNHe_SHe can try to come after me all $BNhe_she wants; I won't fall into $BNhis_her trap. If I can, I'll help the gods stop $BNhim_her." For a moment, a spark of admiration passes through $AL0s green eyes, though it's quickly overshadowed by a blanket of concern as the redhead lowers $ALhis_her shoulders. "Be careful with that, $name. That $BNman_woman… gives me the creeps." <<else>>You shake your head. "No, not at all. If anything, I'm curious." "Curious?" "Yeah." You push off with your hands to lean forward, crossing your arms as you watch the waves with a thoughtful look. "I don't know how to explain it, but I have a feeling there's more we don't know. And $BNhe_she might help me figure it out." $AL's shoulders slump as $ALhe_she gives you a worried look. "Be careful with that, $name. That $BNman_woman… gives me the creeps." <</if>><<if $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|ALScene1_5RO]]<<else>>[[Continue|ALScene1_5NRO]]<</if>>

You smile at $ALhim_her. "Don't worry, $AL. Everything will be fine." "I always worry. I can't help it when… when it comes to you." $ALHis_Her words fill you with an unexpected warmth, a feeling that blends with the gentle murmur of the waves and the distant call of seagulls flying by. "Really?" you ask, lowering your voice to a softer tone, one reserved just for $ALhim_her. $AL's face turns crimson, and $ALhe_she nervously rubs the back of $ALhis_her neck. "Y-yeah. I hope it doesn't bother you. I mean," $ALHe_She clears $ALhis_her throat. "Does… does it bother you?" <<if $AL is "Albert">>You lean slightly closer to him, widening your smile until your shoulder brushes against his. "Not at all." <<else>>You lean slightly closer to her, widening your smile until your shoulder brushes against hers. "Not at all." <</if>>"Good… good." You notice the blush on $ALhis_her cheeks deepen when you slide your hand along the stone until it touches $ALhis_her fingers-a subtle but powerful contact. You feel $ALhis_her thumb tremble slightly under your skin, and that small gesture makes you smile even more. $AL lowers $ALhis_her gaze but doesn't pull $ALhis_her hand away. Instead, $ALhis_her fingers intertwine with yours a bit more confidently after a few moments, and then $ALhis_her eyes meet yours with a shy smile. [[Continue|ALScene1_6RO]]

<<if $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>"Let's not dwell on it, $AL. There's nothing more we can do right now," you say seriously. "Let's enjoy the calm while it lasts." <<else>>You laugh and give $ALhim_her a friendly pat on the back. "Let's not dwell on it, okay? Like $AO said, there's not much we can do at the moment. Let's enjoy the calm while it lasts." <</if>>The sound of the waves brings back a sense of tranquility. After a while, $AO joins you and lets the sun dry $AOhis_her wet body. The three of you pass the time joking, comparing Taoro and Thaon, and engaging in silly, trivial conversations until duty calls and it's time to start your training. Whatever happens next, you'll be ready for it. [[Continue|50]]

The romantic atmosphere is suddenly interrupted when a splash of water drenches you both from head to toe. Looking back towards the sea, you find $AO standing in front of you, one hand on $AOhis_her hip while $AOhe_she raises the other and wags $AOhis_her index finger in a scolding gesture. The doctor accompanies each movement with a playful click of $AOhis_her tongue. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Save the lovey-dovey stuff for private, lovebirds. Respect your elders," $AOhe_she says, $AOhis_her voice a mix of amusement and affection. "$AO!" You both jump apart. If $AL was blushing before, now $ALhis_her face could blend in with the colour of $ALhis_her hair. $AO laughs and joins you on the edge of the stone porch. "Relax, I was just kidding." The three of you pass the time joking, comparing Taoro and Thaon, and engaging in silly, trivial conversations until duty calls and it's time to start your training. But not before giving $AL a knowing look, a promise to spend more time together when you return. With a bit of luck, $AO won't be there to interrupt... for the third time. [[Continue|50]]

$AO jumps from the porch into the water, splashing the stone edge. The $AOman_woman makes $AOhis_her way out to sea as quickly as $AOhe_she can, with the waves gently pushing $AOhim_her back. When $AOhe_she's deep enough, $AO dives headfirst, reemerging a second later with a look of pure satisfaction lighting up $AOhis_her features. "Ah, this is the life!" $AOhe_she exclaims as $AOhe_she pushes $AOhis_her wet hair away from $AOhis_her face. "Hey! Are you guys joining me or what?" $AOHis_Her eyes lock onto you, a challenging half-smile curving $AOhis_her lips. "$name?" <<if $AOLove is true>>The silent invitation sends a tingling sensation down your spine. You swallow the feeling and puff out your chest confidently as you begin to take off your clothes. <<else>>You raise an eyebrow and stare at $AOhim_her for a few seconds. A cocky smile spreads across your face as you start to take off your clothes. <</if>><<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$AO laughs, satisfied. "That's my boy!" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$AO laughs, satisfied. "That's my girl!" <<else>>$AO laughs, satisfied. "That's my $name!" <</if>><<if $AOLove is true>>You ignore the pleasure $AOhis_her comment gives you, leaving your clothes on the chair before jumping into the water to join the doctor. You hear $AL's laughter behind you. <<else>>You leave your clothes on the chair and jump into the water to join the doctor. You hear $AL's laughter behind you. <</if>>"Be careful, and have fun." <<if $AOLove is true and $feelingsAO is true>>[[Continue|AOScene1_Love]]<<elseif $AOLove is true and $feelingsAO isnot true>>[[Continue|AOScene1_NoLove]]<<else>>[[Continue|AOScene1_Friend]]<</if>>

The cool water paralyzes you for a second as it reaches your waist, but you bear the chill and continue walking out to sea until you reach $AO's side. <<if $AO is "Ada">>The woman gives you a smile before completely submerging herself in the water, only to emerge a second later, throwing her hair back. Her afro distorts with the water but maintains its natural curls. <<else>>The man gives you a smile before completely submerging himself in the water, only to emerge a second later, running his hands through his head to push his dreadlocks back. <</if>>"Gods! This is just what I needed," $AOhe_she says with a pleasurable groan. You watch as $AO stretches $AOhis_her arms upward in a cat-like stretch, $AOhis_her eyes closed, the water making $AOhis_her dark skin glisten. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Your eyes follow a droplet that slides down her jaw and neck, disappearing into the delicious cleavage outlined by a thin red bra that shows through at the sides. <<else>>Your eyes follow a droplet that slides down his short beard and neck, nearing his smooth bare chest, close to the nipple. <</if>>The enjoyment of the view doesn't last long, as the $AOman_woman sinks back into the water shortly after, repeating the same gesture of pushing $AOhis_her hair back. This time, instead of standing up, $AOhe_she begins to swim backwards around you. "Ah, we really needed a vacation like this," $AOhe_she comments shortly after. *[[We really did|AOScene1_3A]] *[["We're not on vacation, " + $AO|AOScene1_3B]] *[[You seem very calm, considering the situation|AOScene1_3C]] *[[How do you manage to relax so easily?|AOScene1_3D]]

The cool water paralyzes you for a second as it reaches your waist, but you bear the chill and continue walking out to sea until you reach $AO's side. <<if $AO is "Ada">>The woman gives you a smile before completely submerging herself in the water, only to emerge a second later, throwing her hair back. Her afro distorts with the water but maintains its natural curls. <<else>>The man gives you a smile before completely submerging himself in the water, only to emerge a second later, running his hands through his head to push his dreadlocks back. <</if>>"Gods! This is just what I needed," $AOhe_she says with a pleasurable groan. You watch as $AO stretches $AOhis_her arms upward in a cat-like stretch, $AOhis_her eyes closed, the water making $AOhis_her dark skin glisten. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Your eyes follow a droplet that slides down her jaw and neck, disappearing into the delicious cleavage outlined by a thin red bra that shows through at the sides. <<else>>Your eyes follow a droplet that slides down his short beard and neck, nearing his smooth bare chest, close to the nipple. <</if>>You hear the doctor clear $AOhis_her throat, so you blink and look away from $AOhis_her chest, meeting a cheeky glance and a mischievous smile. "My eyes are up here, you know?" $AOhe_she says, pointing to $AOhis_her face. *[[Oh, um… Sorry|AOScene1_NoLoveA]] *[[You did that on purpose|AOScene1_NoLoveB]] *<<if $AOsex is true>>[[It's nothing I haven't seen before|AOScene1_NoLoveC]]<<else>>==It's nothing I haven't seen before==<</if>> *[[Any problem?|AOScene1_NoLoveD]]

The cool water paralyzes you for a second as it reaches your waist, but you bear the chill and continue walking out to sea until you reach $AO's side. <<if $AO is "Ada">>The woman gives you a smile before completely submerging herself in the water, only to emerge a second later, throwing her hair back. Her afro distorts with the water but maintains its natural curls. <<else>>The man gives you a smile before completely submerging himself in the water, only to emerge a second later, running his hands through his head to push his dreadlocks back. <</if>>"Gods! This is just what I needed," $AOhe_she says with a pleasurable groan. You watch as $AO stretches $AOhis_her arms up in a cat-like stretch, $AOhis_her eyes closed, the water making $AOhis_her dark skin glisten. $AOHe_She then sinks back into the water, repeating the gesture of pushing $AOhis_her hair back, but this time, instead of standing up, $AOhe_she starts to swim backwards around you. "Ah, we really needed a vacation like this," $AOhe_she comments shortly after. *[[We really did|AOScene1_3A]] *[["We're not on vacation, " + $AO|AOScene1_3B]] *[[You seem very calm, considering the situation|AOScene1_3C]] *[[How do you manage to relax so easily?|AOScene1_3D]]

"Oh, um..." You blush and look away towards the horizon, rubbing the back of your neck. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude." <<if $AOsex is true>><<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Rude?" $AOhe_she inquires, widening $AOhis_her smile and licking $AOhis_her lips. $AO moves closer, aligning $AOhis_her face with yours. $AOHis_Her voice drops to a provocative whisper as you feel $AOhis_her finger slowly trace along your neck. "Are you going to get shy on me now, handsome? I still remember your wild side." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Rude?" $AOhe_she inquires, widening $AOhis_her smile and licking $AOhis_her lips. $AO moves closer, aligning $AOhis_her face with yours. $AOHis_Her voice drops to a provocative whisper as you feel $AOhis_her finger slowly trace along your neck. "Are you going to get shy on me now, beautiful? I still remember your wild side." <<else>>"Rude?" $AOhe_she inquires, widening $AOhis_her smile and licking $AOhis_her lips. $AO moves closer, aligning $AOhis_her face with yours. $AOHis_Her voice drops to a provocative whisper as you feel $AOhis_her finger slowly trace along your neck. "Are you going to get shy on me now, gorgeous? I still remember your wild side." <</if>>You swallow hard, feeling a warmth spread from your chest to your core as images of your steamy encounter play in your mind. $AOHis_Her lips are mere inches from yours. You would only need to lean in a little more to brush them. However, amidst your daydream, $AO suddenly pulls away, raising $AOhis_her hands with palms up and shrugging, giving you a playful sideways glance as you blink in confusion. "Buuut, we'll have to leave it aside for the moment. Not that I have a problem with getting frisky in public, but we should have a bit of respect for the gods, at least," $AOhe_she says, $AOhis_her smile shifting from mischievous to amused. <<else>><<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$AO moves closer, aligning $AOhis_her face with yours. $AOHis_Her voice drops to a provocative whisper as you feel $AOhis_her finger slowly trace along your neck. "Have you heard me complain about your attention, handsome?" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$AO moves closer, aligning $AOhis_her face with yours. $AOHis_Her voice drops to a provocative whisper as you feel $AOhis_her finger slowly trace along your neck. "Have you heard me complain about your attention, beautiful?" <<else>>$AO moves closer, aligning $AOhis_her face with yours. $AOHis_Her voice drops to a provocative whisper as you feel $AOhis_her finger slowly trace along your neck. "Have you heard me complain about your attention, gorgeous?" <</if>>You swallow hard, feeling a warmth spread from your chest to your core. $AOHis_Her lips are mere inches from yours. You would only need to lean in a little more to brush them. However, amidst your daydream, $AO bursts into laughter, louder than your racing heartbeat, as $AOhe_she pulls away again, and you blink in confusion. "You should see your face," $AOhe_she says, still laughing. <</if>>"You're teasing me!" you exclaim, embarrassed. $AOHe_She laughs again, raising $AOhis_her hand and pinching $AOhis_her index finger and thumb together. "Just a little." You splash $AOhim_her playfully, and $AO flinches back instinctively, but $AOhe_she maintains $AOhis_her easy smile. $AOHe_She then closes $AOhis_her eyes and starts swimming backwards around you. "Ah, we really needed a vacation like this," $AOhe_she comments shortly after. *[[We really did|AOScene1_3A]] *[["We're not on vacation, " + $AO|AOScene1_3B]] *[[You seem very calm, considering the situation|AOScene1_3C]] *[[How do you manage to relax so easily?|AOScene1_3D]]

You raise an eyebrow and return the mischievous smile. "You did that on purpose. You knew exactly what you were doing." $AO laughs, raising $AOhis_her hands in mock surrender. "Guilty as charged." You splash $AOhim_her playfully, and $AO flinches back instinctively, but $AOhe_she maintains $AOhis_her easy smile. $AOHe_She then closes $AOhis_her eyes and starts swimming backwards around you. "Ah, we really needed a vacation like this," $AOhe_she comments shortly after. *[[We really did|AOScene1_3A]] *[["We're not on vacation, " + $AO|AOScene1_3B]] *[[You seem very calm, considering the situation|AOScene1_3C]] *[[How do you manage to relax so easily?|AOScene1_3D]]

You shrug, letting a knowing smile cross your lips. "It's nothing I haven't seen before, you know." <<if $gender is "Male" or $crotch is "c">>$AO chuckles softly, $AOhis_her eyes glinting with mischief as $AOhe_she moves closer. "You don't need to remind me, sweetie. It's impossible to forget your..." $AOHe_She wets $AOhis_her lips, $AOhis_her fingers grazing your thigh. "huge asset. In fact..." $AO tilts $AOhis_her head to align it with yours. $AOHis_Her next words come with your lips brushing against each other. "I'm dying to taste it again." <<else>>$AO chuckles softly, $AOhis_her eyes glinting with mischief as $AOhe_she moves closer. "You don't need to remind me, sweetie. It's impossible to forget your..." $AOHe_She wets $AOhis_her lips, $AOhis_her fingers grazing your thigh. "extraordinary abilities. In fact..." $AO tilts $AOhis_her head to align it with yours. $AOHis_Her next words come with your lips brushing against each other. "I'm dying to taste them again." <</if>>That last whisper sends a delicious current to your crotch, images of your torrid encounter replaying in your mind and making you acutely aware of your proximity. You're not far from claiming $AOhis_her lips and losing yourself in a world of pleasure with $AOhim_her again, right there in the water. However, amidst your daydream, $AO suddenly pulls away, raising $AOhis_her hands with palms up and shrugging, giving you a playful sideways glance as you blink in confusion. "Buuut, we'll have to leave it aside for the moment. Not that I have a problem with getting frisky in public, but we should have a bit of respect for the gods, at least," $AOhe_she says with a playful wink. "You're teasing me!" you exclaim, embarrassed. $AOHe_She laughs again, raising $AOhis_her hand and pinching $AOhis_her index finger and thumb together. "Just a little." You splash $AOhim_her playfully, and $AO flinches back instinctively, but $AOhe_she maintains $AOhis_her easy smile. $AOHe_She then closes $AOhis_her eyes and starts swimming backwards around you. "Ah, we really needed a vacation like this," $AOhe_she comments shortly after. *[[We really did|AOScene1_3A]] *[["We're not on vacation, " + $AO|AOScene1_3B]] *[[You seem very calm, considering the situation|AOScene1_3C]] *[[How do you manage to relax so easily?|AOScene1_3D]]

"Just enjoying the view," you calmly reply, returning $AOhis_her mischievous look. "Do you have a problem with that?" $AO moves closer, aligning $AOhis_her face with yours. $AOHis_Her voice drops to a provocative whisper as you feel $AOhis_her finger slowly trace your neck. "Not at all, sweetie. You can enjoy this view and much more if you wish." You swallow hard as a heat travels from your chest to your core. $AOHis_Her lips are just inches from yours. It would only take a slight lean forward to brush against them. However, in the midst of your daydream, $AO suddenly pulls back, raising $AOhis_her hands with palms up and shrugging, giving you a playful sideways glance as you blink in confusion. "Buuut, that will have to wait for another occasion. We should have a bit of respect for the gods, at least," $AOhe_she says with a playful wink. "You're teasing me!" you exclaim, embarrassed. $AOHe_She laughs again, raising $AOhis_her hand and pinching $AOhis_her index finger and thumb together. "Just a little." You splash $AOhim_her playfully, and $AO flinches back instinctively, but $AOhe_she maintains $AOhis_her easy smile. $AOHe_She then closes $AOhis_her eyes and starts swimming backwards around you. "Ah, we really needed a vacation like this," $AOhe_she comments shortly after. *[[We really did|AOScene1_3A]] *[["We're not on vacation, " + $AO|AOScene1_3B]] *[[You seem very calm, considering the situation|AOScene1_3C]] *[[How do you manage to relax so easily?|AOScene1_3D]]

"Yeah, we really did," you reply, sinking into the water up to your shoulders and letting out a silent sigh of satisfaction. "We needed a break." "You more than anyone," $AOhe_she says, stopping $AOhis_her swimming. "I didn't know you were so popular among the gods. You even have your own fan among the renegades." <<if $afraidOfB is true>>"Don't remind me..." you mutter after feeling a shiver. "I'd like to forget about that for a moment." <<elseif $afraidOfB is false>>"Ugh, don't remind me. I've got enough on my plate," you say with a grunt of displeasure. "I'd like to forget about that for a moment." <<else>>"I wouldn't call $BNhim_her a fan, really," you say with a frown. You then shake your head slightly. "But let's leave that aside. I'd like to not think about it for a while." <</if>>"Fair enough." $AO leans back, half-submerging $AOhis_her head in the water as $AOhe_she watches the clouds in a moment of silence. "I wonder what my father is doing right now." "Are you worried about what's happening in Thaon?" you inquire as a wave rocks your body to the side. You dig your feet into the sand to keep from being carried away by the current. <<if $AOQK is true>>"Of course I am, but I wouldn't be a good leader if I didn't trust my people." $AOHe_She straightens up and looks at you with a smile. "Everything will be fine, I'll make sure of it, and I'll return to serve my kingdom as I should." <<else>>"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't, but the kingdom is in good hands." $AOHe_She straightens up and looks at you with a smile. "I'm sure everything will be fine." <</if>><<if $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|AOScene1_4Love]]<<else>>[[Continue|AOScene1_4Friend]]<</if>>

"We're not on vacation, $AO," you reply with a serious tone. "You sound just like $LL. Do you guys know how to relax?" $AO retorts, more amused than judgmental. "It's hard to when we're stuck in a place we don't know." "I know, but since we can't change it, we might as well enjoy it, right?" "That easy?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. "Easy is relative. But yeah, that easy," $AOhe_she responds with sudden seriousness. $AO stops swimming and leans back, half-submerging $AOhis_her head in the water as $AOhe_she watches the clouds in a moment of silence. "I wonder what my father is doing right now." "Are you worried about what's happening in Thaon?" you inquire as a wave rocks your body to the side. You dig your feet into the sand to keep from being carried away by the current. <<if $AOQK is true>>"Of course I am, but I wouldn't be a good leader if I didn't trust my people." $AOHe_She straightens up and looks at you with a smile. "Everything will be fine, I'll make sure of it, and I'll return to serve my kingdom as I should." <<else>>"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't, but the kingdom is in good hands." $AOHe_She straightens up and looks at you with a smile. "I'm sure everything will be fine." <</if>><<if $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|AOScene1_4Love]]<<else>>[[Continue|AOScene1_4Friend]]<</if>>

"You seem very calm, considering the situation we're in," you comment, more as an observation than a judgment. <<if $AOQK is true>>"Someone has to keep calm. Or at least pretend to, so morale doesn't collapse," $AOhe_she replies and stops swimming. "It works like magic, by the way. There were plenty of times I had to do it at court when I lived in Astian, and it's good practice to get used to it again." $AO leans back, half-submerging $AOhis_her head in the water as $AOhe_she watches the clouds in a moment of silence. "I wonder what my father is doing right now." <<else>>"Someone has to keep calm. Or at least pretend to, so morale doesn't collapse," $AOhe_she replies and stops swimming. "It works like magic, by the way. There were plenty of times I had to do it at court when I lived in Astian." $AO leans back, half-submerging $AOhis_her head in the water as $AOhe_she watches the clouds in a moment of silence. "I wonder what my father is doing right now." <</if>>"Are you worried about what's happening in Thaon?" you inquire as a wave rocks your body to the side. You dig your feet into the sand to keep from being carried away by the current. <<if $AOQK is true>>"Of course I am, but I wouldn't be a good leader if I didn't trust my people." $AOHe_She straightens up and looks at you with a smile. "Everything will be fine, I'll make sure of it, and I'll return to serve my kingdom as I should." <<else>>"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't, but the kingdom is in good hands." $AOHe_She straightens up and looks at you with a smile. "I'm sure everything will be fine." <</if>><<if $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|AOScene1_4Love]]<<else>>[[Continue|AOScene1_4Friend]]<</if>>

"How do you always find a way to relax?" you ask, admiring $AOhis_her ability to stay calm. "Would you prefer if I cried? There are things you can't control. This is one of them." $AO stops swimming and lowers $AOhis_her gaze, thoughtful. "I don't know about you, but I'd rather be trapped and feel good at the very least, than be trapped and feel bad about it." "That easy?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. "Easy is relative. But yeah, that easy," $AOhe_she responds with sudden seriousness. $AO stops swimming and leans back, half-submerging $AOhis_her head in the water as $AOhe_she watches the clouds in a moment of silence. "I wonder what my father is doing right now." "Are you worried about what's happening in Thaon?" you inquire as a wave rocks your body to the side. You dig your feet into the sand to keep from being carried away by the current. <<if $AOQK is true>>"Of course I am, but I wouldn't be a good leader if I didn't trust my people." $AOHe_She straightens up and looks at you with a smile. "Everything will be fine, I'll make sure of it, and I'll return to serve my kingdom as I should." <<else>>"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't, but the kingdom is in good hands." $AOHe_She straightens up and looks at you with a smile. "I'm sure everything will be fine." <</if>><<if $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|AOScene1_4Love]]<<else>>[[Continue|AOScene1_4Friend]]<</if>>

Please choose your specific genitalia for explicit scenes. *<<link "Full breasts and a vagina" "NC23">><<set $chest to "breasts">><<set $crotch to "p">><</link>> *<<link "Full breasts and a penis" "NC23">><<set $chest to "breasts">><<set $crotch to "c">><</link>> *<<link "Smooth chest and a vagina" "NC23">><<set $chest to "chest">><<set $crotch to "p">><</link>> *<<link "Smooth chest and a penis" "NC23">><<set $chest to "chest">><<set $crotch to "c">><</link>>

A larger wave breaks prematurely halfway to the shore and pushes you both. It catches $AO by surprise, and $AOhe_she ends up in your arms. "Wow, there. Are you all right?" you ask, holding $AOhim_her closer to steady $AOhim_her in an unconscious movement. "Yes, yes. Gods, I didn't see that coming," $AOhe_she exclaims with a laugh, resting one hand on your collarbone and the other on your lower back. Your body tenses up as you suddenly become aware of the heat of $AOhis_her skin against yours. Your eyes meet $AO's, and the proximity makes your heart start to race in your chest. $AO clears $AOhis_her throat and pulls away once $AOhe_she regains $AOhis_her balance, taking a piece of you with $AOhim_her. "I'm fine, thanks," $AOhe_she says with forced neutrality, looking away towards the shore. "We should-" Another wave hits you, this time catching you both by surprise and briefly submerging you. You surface and spit out some water before wiping your face. $AO laughs, doing the same, and the melodious sound encourages you to laugh too. "We'd better head back before another wave hits us," you say with a laugh, pointing towards the shore. "Yeah, that's what I was going to say," $AO responds, already heading towards $RG's house. "Besides, if we stay in the water much longer, I'll wrinkle like a prune, and that's not a good look for me." You want to tell $AOhim_her that any look suits $AOhim_her. Instead, you simply say, "I'm right behind you." You join $AL, sitting on the edge of the porch with $ALhis_her feet in the water. Ignoring the sympathetic look $ALhe_she gives you, you let your body dry in the sun while you all hang out, joking around, comparing Thaon and Taoro, and engaging in light-hearted conversations that border on the silly until duty calls, and it's time to start your training. At least it will be a good distraction. [[Continue|50]]

A larger wave breaks prematurely halfway to the shore and pushes you both. It catches $AO by surprise, and $AOhe_she ends up in your arms. "Wow, there. Are you all right?" you ask, holding $AOhim_her closer to steady $AOhim_her in an unconscious movement. "Yes, yes. Gods, I didn't see that coming," $AOhe_she exclaims with a laugh, resting one hand on your collarbone and the other on your lower back. Your eyes meet $AO's, and your body ignites at the mischievous look $AOhe_she gives you. The $AOman_woman flashes a playful smile as $AOhe_she points at you. "Well, hello there. Look at the sexy fish I caught." You raise an eyebrow. "More like //I// caught //you//. Wait, are you calling me a fish?" "Well, not quite. You'd have to look…" $AO squeezes your cheeks together with one hand, making your lips pout. "…more like this." "Ha, ha, very funny," you say as best you can without being able to move your mouth as usual. $AO laughs and lets you go. "Come on, let's head back. If we stay in the water any longer, I'm going to wrinkle up like a raisin, and that's not a look that suits me." "I'm following," you reply, already walking back toward the porch. You rejoin $AL, who is sitting on the edge of the porch with $ALhis_her feet in the water, and let your bodies dry in the sun while you pass the time with jokes, comparisons between Thaon and Taoro, and light-hearted conversations that verge on silliness until duty calls and it's time to start your training. Whatever happens from now on, you'll be ready for it. [[Continue|50]]

A larger wave pushes you both towards the shore. $AO gets up and nods towards $RG's house. "We'd better get out now. If we stay in the water any longer, I'm going to wrinkle up like a prune, and that's not a look that suits me." "I'm following," you reply, already heading towards the porch of the house. You rejoin $AL, who is sitting on the edge of the porch with $ALhis_her feet in the water, and let your bodies dry in the sun while you spend the time joking, comparing Thaon and Taoro, and engaging in light-hearted conversations that verge on silliness until duty calls and it's time to start your training. Whatever happens from now on, you'll be ready for it. [[Continue|50]]

A larger wave breaks prematurely halfway to the shore and pushes you both. It catches $AO by surprise, and $AOhe_she ends up in your arms. "Wow, there. Are you all right?" you ask, holding $AOhim_her closer to steady $AOhim_her in an unconscious movement. "Yes, yes. Gods, I didn't see that coming," $AOhe_she exclaims with a laugh, resting one hand on your collarbone and the other on your lower back. Your eyes meet $AO's, and your body ignites at the mischievous look $AOhe_she gives you. The $AOman_woman flashes a playful smile, trailing $AOhis_her hand from your collarbone, grazing your neck, and then brushing $AOhis_her thumb across the corner of your lips. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Well, well. I've always dreamed of being rescued by a handsome man." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Well, well. I've always dreamed of being rescued by a beautiful woman." <<else>>"Well, well. I've always dreamed of being rescued by someone just as gorgeous as you." <</if>>You raise an eyebrow. Your grip doesn't loosen. "Is that so?" "Uh-huh," $AOhe_she says with a nod. $AO moves $AOhis_her face closer to yours. "Though in my dream, we did more than just hold each other." Your gaze falls to $AOhis_her tempting lips. You hold your breath as $AO slowly licks them. *[["Kiss " + $AOhim_her|AOScene1_6SexA]] *[["Let " + $AOhim_her + " kiss you"|AOScene1_6SexB]] *[[Pull away|AOScene1_6SexC]]

A larger wave breaks prematurely halfway to the shore and pushes you both. It catches $AO by surprise, and $AOhe_she bumps into you, ending up... *<<if $feelingsAO is true>>[[In your arms|AOScene1_5Love]]<<elseif $feelingsAO is false and $AOsex isnot true>>[[In your arms|AOScene1_5NoLove]]<<else>>[[In your arms|AOScene1_5Sex]]<</if>> *<<if $feelingsAO is true>>[["Catching you in " + $AOhis_her + " arms"|AOScene1_5Love2]]<<elseif $feelingsAO is false and $AOsex isnot true>>[["Catching you in " + $AOhis_her + " arms"|AOScene1_5NoLove2]]<<else>>[["Catching you in " + $AOhis_her + " arms"|AOScene1_5Sex2]]<</if>>

A larger wave breaks prematurely halfway to the shore and pushes you both. It catches $AO by surprise, and $AOhe_she ends up catching you in $AOhis_her arms. "Wow, there. Are you all right?" you ask, resting one hand on $AOhis_her collarbone and wrapping the other around $AOhis_her waist. "Oops, sorry, $name. Gods, I didn't see that coming," $AOhe_she exclaims with a laugh, pulling you closer in an unconscious movement. Your body tenses up as you suddenly become aware of the heat of $AOhis_her skin against yours. Your eyes meet $AO's, and the proximity makes your heart start to race in your chest. $AO clears $AOhis_her throat and lets you go once $AOhe_she regains $AOhis_her balance, taking a piece of you with $AOhim_her. "I'm fine, thanks," $AOhe_she says with forced neutrality, looking away towards the shore. "We should-" Another wave hits you, this time catching you both by surprise and briefly submerging you. You surface and spit out some water before wiping your face. $AO laughs, doing the same, and the melodious sound encourages you to laugh too. "We'd better head back before another wave hits us," you say with a laugh, pointing towards the shore. "Yeah, that's what I was going to say," $AO responds, already heading towards $RG's house. "Besides, if we stay in the water much longer, I'll wrinkle like a prune, and that's not a good look for me." You want to tell $AOhim_her that any look suits $AOhim_her. Instead, you simply say, "I'm right behind you." You join $AL, sitting on the edge of the porch with $ALhis_her feet in the water. Ignoring the sympathetic look $ALhe_she gives you, you let your body dry in the sun while you all hang out, joking around, comparing Thaon and Taoro, and engaging in light-hearted conversations that border on the silly until duty calls, and it's time to start your training. At least it will be a good distraction. [[Continue|50]]

A larger wave breaks prematurely halfway to the shore and pushes you both. It catches $AO by surprise, and $AOhe_she ends up catching you in $AOhis_her arms. "Wow, there. Are you all right?" you ask, resting one hand on $AOhis_her collarbone and wrapping the other around $AOhis_her waist. "Oops, sorry, $name. Gods, I didn't see that coming," $AOhe_she exclaims with a laugh, pulling you closer in an unconscious movement. Your eyes meet $AO's, and your body ignites at the mischievous look $AOhe_she gives you. The $AOman_woman flashes a playful smile as $AOhe_she points at you. "Well, hello there. Look at the sexy fish I caught." You raise an eyebrow. "Are you calling me a fish?" "Well, not quite. You'd have to look…" $AO squeezes your cheeks together with one hand, making your lips pout. "…more like this." "Ha, ha, very funny," you say as best you can without being able to move your mouth as usual. $AO laughs and lets you go. "Come on, let's head back. If we stay in the water any longer, I'm going to wrinkle up like a raisin, and that's not a look that suits me." "I'm following," you reply, already walking back toward the porch. You rejoin $AL, who is sitting on the edge of the porch with $ALhis_her feet in the water, and let your bodies dry in the sun while you pass the time with jokes, comparisons between Thaon and Taoro, and light-hearted conversations that verge on silliness until duty calls and it's time to start your training. Whatever happens from now on, you'll be ready for it. [[Continue|50]]

You mirror $AOhis_her smile and lean towards $AOhim_her, whispering against $AOhis_her lips. "Interesting. Let's see if I can guess what happens next." Before $AOhe_she can even respond, you capture $AOhis_her lips with a passionate kiss, pulling $AOhim_her closer. You move a hand to the back of $AOhis_her head to keep $AOhim_her in place and deepen the kiss. $AO smiles, $AOhis_her hand sliding down your chest to your side as your tongues dance together. After a moment, you pull back, your noses brushing with the few centimetres of space left between your faces. "Am I on the right track?" you ask with a smug smile. $AO laughs. "You //were// on the right track. You shouldn't have stopped." "My bad. Let me fix it," you reply and move to claim $AOhis_her mouth again. And you would have, if not for another wave hitting you both, catching you off guard and slightly submerging you. You separate and come back to the surface, spitting out some water before wiping your face. $AO laughs, doing the same, the melodic sound encouraging you to laugh as well. "We'd better get back before another wave gets us," you say with a chuckle, pointing to the shore. "Yeah, I was going to say that," $AO responds, already walking towards $RG's porch. "Raincheck?" $AO's smile widens. "Definitely." You head back to the house and sit on the edge of the porch, letting your bodies dry in the sun while you pass the time with jokes, comparisons between Thaon and Taoro, and light-hearted conversations that verge on silliness until duty calls and it's time to start your training. You'll finish what you started later. [[Continue|50]]

You mirror $AOhis_her smile and lean towards $AOhim_her, whispering against $AOhis_her lips. "Interesting. Tell me more." "I'd rather show you." Before you can even respond, the doctor captures your lips in a passionate kiss, pulling you closer. $AOHe_She moves a hand to the back of your head to keep you in place and deepen the kiss. You smile against $AOhis_her mouth, responding with the same intensity. Your hand slides down $AOhis_her chest to $AOhis_her side as your tongues dance together. After a moment, you pull back, your noses brushing with the few centimetres of space left between your faces. "Is that all?" you ask with a smug smile. "Oh, sweetie, I'm just getting started," $AOhe_she replies with a laugh before moving to claim your mouth again. And $AOhe_she would have, if not for another wave hitting you both, catching you off guard and slightly submerging you. You separate and surface, spitting out some water before wiping your face. $AO laughs, doing the same, the melodic sound encouraging you to laugh as well. "We'd better get back before another wave gets us," you say with a chuckle, pointing to the shore. "Yeah, I was going to say that," $AO responds, already walking towards $RG's porch. "Raincheck?" $AO's smile widens. "Definitely." You head back to the house and sit on the edge of the porch, letting your bodies dry in the sun while you pass the time with jokes, comparisons between Thaon and Taoro, and light-hearted conversations that verge on silliness until duty calls and it's time to start your training. You'll finish what you started later. [[Continue|50]]

You mirror $AOhis_her smile and lean towards $AOhim_her, whispering against $AOhis_her lips. "Interesting." You feel $AOhim_her pull you closer, and your smile widens. In a sudden move that catches $AOhim_her as off-guard as the wave did, you release $AOhim_her and step back, leaving $AOhim_her blinking in confusion with $AOhis_her lips ready for a kiss. "But it's going to stay a dream. It's time to head back," you finish, pointing to the shore. $AO snorts, but $AOhe_she's still smiling in amusement. "Spoilsport." You laugh and give $AOhis_her a playful slap on the butt as you rejoin $AL, who is sitting on the edge of the porch with $ALhis_her feet in the water. You let your bodies dry in the sun while you pass the time with jokes, comparisons between Thaon and Taoro, and light-hearted conversations that verge on silliness until duty calls and it's time to start your training. You'll look forward to those moments of rest just like this one. [[Continue|50]]

You walk side by side a few meters from $RG's house until you reach a giant rock and lean against it to face the sea. The waves crash gently on the shore, spreading through the sand until they touch your and $LL's boots, but neither of you seem to care. You both watch from a distance as $AO leaps gracefully into the ocean, while $AL sits on the edge of the platform, dipping $ALhis_her feet in the water. $LL sinks $LLhis_her hands deep into the pockets of $LLhis_her breeches, a tight knot wrinkling $LLhis_her brow. But despite $LLhis_her disapproving stare directed at your friends, the warrior stands quietly for a few minutes, showing no intention of breaking the silence anytime soon. *[[Ask, 'What do you think about all of this?'|LLScene1_3A]] *[["Tease " + $LLhim_her + ". 'Disapproving of our friends having fun?'"|LLScene1_3B]] *[[Cross your arms. 'Not the best moment for a swim.'|LLScene1_3C]] *[[Say, 'It's hard to relax, isn't it?'|LLScene1_3D]] *[["Stay quiet and watch the waves with " + $LLhim_her|LLScene1_3E]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "What do you think about all of this?" you ask, tearing your eyes away from $AO and $AL to glance at $LL. $LL lets out a grunt, but just when you think $LLhe_she's going to reply, $LLhe_she sighs silently, and turns $LLhis_her gaze to the ocean. "Does it matter? It's not like it's going to change anything." "Maybe, but I'd still like to hear your opinion," you say. "Why?" $LLhe_she hesitantly asks, looking at you from the corner of $LLhis_her eye. <<if $LLLove is true>>"Because I care for you, and I want to know how you're holding up," you state. You heart pounds against your ribs with the strong sincerity behind your words, especially when $LL turns $LLhis_her head towards you, $LLhis_her eyes open wide in astonishment. That moment lasts very little, however, as the warrior breaks the contact and sinks $LLhis_her head between $LLhis_her shoulders. <<if $LL is "Leire">>You think you catch a slight tone of pink colouring her cheeks, but she shakes her head before you can be certain, and a frown replaces the surprise. <<else>>You catch a slight tone of pink colouring his ears, but he shakes his head to get rid of it quickly, and a frown replaces the surprise. <</if>><<else>>"Because you're my friend, and I respect you," you state. $LL's eyes open wide in astonishment as $LLhe_she tilts her head towards you, though it only last a second before $LLhe_she breaks the contact and $LLhis_her head sinks between $LLhis_her shoulders. $LLHe_She shakes $LLhis_her head a second later, and a frown replaces the surprise. <</if>>"It was supposed to be simple. Get the orb, do whatever you needed to do to fix this mess, and return home. That's it," $LLhe_she angrily states, $LLhis_her muscles tensing with each word. "Instead, we're trapped here until further notice with a bunch of renegade gods walking freely through the words, and we cannot do anything about it but just… wait and see how it turns out?" $LLHe_She huffs, shaking $LLhis_her head in disbelief. "What a joke." "The plan has… taken an unexpected turn, that's for sure." you reply after a tired sigh. You tilt your head back and lean it against the rock to look at the clouds. "It makes you wonder if it's ever going to end." "Not soon. Of that I have no doubt," $LLhe_she curtly says. "You heard what they said, they expect more trouble soon. You wouldn't be force to train otherwise." <<if $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|LLScene1_4Love]]<<else>>[[Continue|LLScene1_4Friend]]<</if>>

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "You know, $LL? Frowning like that might give you wrinkles," you tease $LLhim_her with a gentle nudge, an amused smirk tugging at your lips. You point at $AO and $AL with your thumb. "Disapproving of our friends having fun?" $LL lets out a grunt, but just when you think $LLhe_she's going to reply, $LLhe_she sighs silently, and turns $LLhis_her gaze to the ocean. "No. They should take advantage of the calm before the storm arrives." "And yet you look like you want to kill someone right here, right now. Wait…" You take a step away from $LLhim_her. "I'm safe, right?" $LLHis_Her lips curve into a snarl, clearly unamused by your joking. $LL takes $LLhis_her hands out of $LLhis_her pockets and folds $LLhis_her arms on $LLhis_her chest. "It was supposed to be simple. Get the orb, do whatever you needed to do to fix this mess, and return home. That's it," $LLhe_she angrily states, $LLhis_her muscles tensing with each word. "Instead, we're trapped here until further notice with a bunch of renegade gods walking freely through the words, and we cannot do anything about it but just… wait and see how it turns out?" $LLHe_She huffs, shaking $LLhis_her head in disbelief. "What a joke." "The plan has… taken an unexpected turn, that's for sure." you reply after a tired sigh. You tilt your head back and lean it against the rock to look at the clouds. "It makes you wonder if it's ever going to end." "Not soon. Of that I have no doubt," $LLhe_she curtly says. "You heard what they said, they expect more trouble soon. You wouldn't be force to train otherwise." <<if $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|LLScene1_4Love]]<<else>>[[Continue|LLScene1_4Friend]]<</if>>

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ "I know what you're thinking and I agree," you say, crossing your arms without tearing your haze away from $AO and $AL. "This isn't exactly the best moment for a swim." $LL lets out a grunt, but just when you think $LLhe_she's going to reply, $LLhe_she sighs silently, and turns $LLhis_her gaze to the ocean. "No, it truly isn't. But at least it will make them forget about all this mess for a while." "But you won't?" you ask, turning you head to look at $LLhim_her. The $LLman_woman purses $LLhis_her lips in response, the frown deepening once again. $LLHe_She takes $LLhis_her hands out of $LLhis_her pockets and folds $LLhis_her arms on $LLhis_her chest. "It was supposed to be simple. Get the orb, do whatever you needed to do to fix this mess, and return home. That's it," $LLhe_she angrily states, $LLhis_her muscles tensing with each word. "Instead, we're trapped here until further notice with a bunch of renegade gods walking freely through the words, and we cannot do anything about it but just… wait and see how it turns out?" $LLHe_She huffs, shaking $LLhis_her head in disbelief. "What a joke." "The plan has… taken an unexpected turn, that's for sure." you reply after a tired sigh. You tilt your head back and lean it against the rock to look at the clouds. "It makes you wonder if it's ever going to end." "Not soon. Of that I have no doubt," $LLhe_she curtly says. "You heard what they said, they expect more trouble soon. You wouldn't be force to train otherwise." <<if $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|LLScene1_4Love]]<<else>>[[Continue|LLScene1_4Friend]]<</if>>

"It's hard to relax, isn't it?" you says as you shoot a quick glance at $LL before focusing on $AO and $AL again. You let out a heavy sigh, your shoulders slumping under the weight of your worries. "I envy them. Even in moments like this I can't help but think it's not going to last long." $LL lets out a grunt, but just when you think $LLhe_she's going to reply, $LLhe_she sighs silently, and turns $LLhis_her gaze to the ocean. "Same," $LLhe_she replies after a while. You stay silent for a moment, just watching the waves and your friends having a good time in the ocean. Eventually, you see out of the corner of your eye how $LL takes $LLhis_her hands from $LLhis_her pockets and folds $LLhis_her arms on $LLhis_her chest. $LLHe_She purses $LLhis_her lips, the frown $LLhe_she had deepening one again. "It was supposed to be simple. Get the orb, do whatever you needed to do to fix this mess, and return home. That's it," $LLhe_she angrily states, $LLhis_her muscles tensing with each word. "Instead, we're trapped here until further notice with a bunch of renegade gods walking freely through the words, and we cannot do anything about it but just… wait and see how it turns out?" $LLHe_She huffs, shaking $LLhis_her head in disbelief. "What a joke." "The plan has… taken an unexpected turn, that's for sure." you reply after a tired sigh. You tilt your head back and lean it against the rock to look at the clouds. "It makes you wonder if it's ever going to end." "Not soon. Of that I have no doubt," $LLhe_she curtly says. "You heard what they said, they expect more trouble soon. You wouldn't be force to train otherwise." <<if $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|LLScene1_4Love]]<<else>>[[Continue|LLScene1_4Friend]]<</if>>

You lean your whole weight on the rock and take in the scenery in a comfortable silence. The salty fragrance of the sea fills your lungs, the waves gently swaying and creating water tunnels of a deep blue that reach the shore and kiss your boots with the contrast of their white foam. It's stunningly beautiful, like pretty much everything you've seen in this world so far. Although, for some reason, there's a sense of melancholy that surrounds this place, one you haven't felt anywhere else. Eventually, $LL lets out a grunt, taking $LLhis_her hands from $LLhis_her pockets and folding $LLhis_her arms on $LLhis_her chest as the frown $LLhe_she had deepens. "It was supposed to be simple. Get the orb, do whatever you needed to do to fix this mess, and return home. That's it," $LLhe_she angrily states, $LLhis_her muscles tensing with each word. "Instead, we're trapped here until further notice with a bunch of renegade gods walking freely through the words, and we cannot do anything about it but just… wait and see how it turns out?" $LLHe_She huffs, shaking $LLhis_her head in disbelief. "What a joke." "The plan has… taken an unexpected turn, that's for sure." you reply after a tired sigh. You tilt your head back and lean it against the rock to look at the clouds. "It makes you wonder if it's ever going to end." "Not soon. Of that I have no doubt," $LLhe_she curtly says. "You heard what they said, they expect more trouble soon. You wouldn't be force to train otherwise." <<if $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|LLScene1_4Love]]<<else>>[[Continue|LLScene1_4Friend]]<</if>>

Despite the serious tone of the conversation, you can't help but tease $LLhim_her by saying, "Feeling disappointed it's not you who has to train with the gods? It would be a good new challenge." "I couldn't care less about that, but how am I supposed to protect you if I'm over here doing absolutely nothing?" The words catch you off guard. You weren't expecting such an honest response. Direct, yes, but not this intense. A mixture of happiness wells up in your chest, so strong that it bursts into a laughter you can't contain. $LL tenses up at your reaction, a pink blush creeping from $LLhis_her neck to $LLhis_her cheeks. "What?" the red-headed warrior snaps. "Nothing, it just makes me happy to hear you say that." $LL arches $LLhis_her back and lets out a silent cough. "Well, it's nothing." You stare at $LLhim_her with a smile that you can't wipe off your face. The gentle sun of Taoro reflects off one of the metal buckles on your jacket, still covering $LL's muscular torso, and it makes your heart skip a beat at the sight. "You're still wearing my jacket," you think out loud. "Huh? Oh, I-" If you thought $LLhe_she was blushing before, now the red covers almost all of $LLhis_her pale face. $LL clears $LLhis_her throat again, loudly this time, and quickly starts taking off the garment. "Sorry. Here you go." "Oh, I didn't mean it like that. You can keep it-" you start to say as you raise your hands, but $LL interrupts, extending $LLhis_her arm and handing you the jacket anyway. "No, I don't need it," $LLhe_she replies, doing $LLhis_her best not to look you in the eye. When you take it from $LLhim_her, $LLhe_she crosses $LLhis_her arms again, as usual. "It's... comfortable." You give $LLhim_her another smile. "If you ever want it, just ask." "Right." $LL shifts $LLhis_her weight from one foot to the other. $LLHe_She scratches the back of $LLhis_her head and points towards $RG's house. "I'm going to… I'm going to clean my sword. I'll… I'll start training too." Another cough. "See you." $LL doesn't wait for you to respond and hurries back into the house, leaving you alone on the beach with your jacket in your hands. "See you…" you whisper. You look down at the red garment, your thumbs stroking the fabric without really knowing why, but it makes your smile widen a little. [[Continue|LLScene1_5Love]]

Despite the serious tone of the conversation, you can't help but tease $LLhim_her by saying, "Feeling disappointed it's not you who has to train with the gods? It would be a good new challenge." "Well, now that you mention it, it wouldn't be bad. Better that than staying here doing nothing." $LL puffs out $LLhis_her chest with pride. "And I guarantee I'd give them a hard time." You chuckle. "I'd love to see that." The creases on $LLhis_her brow soften a bit, and $LL responds with a proud half-smile. The two of you stand there in comfortable silence, watching the waves for a long time until duty calls and it's time for you to start your training. You'll share what you learn with the warrior when you return. [[Continue|50]]

"Well, well, what do we have here?" $AO's mocking tone startles you. The doctor is watching you from the sea, $AOhis_her body submerged up to $AOhis_her jaw. $AOHe_She's only a few meters away, so the water shouldn't even reach $AOhis_her waist. $AOHe_She's crouched at the shore so that only $AOhis_her head is visible. "What are you doing, $AO?" you ask, squinting at $AOhim_her. "I saw everything. I didn't know you had the power to melt ice," $AOhe_she replies, still with that mischievous tone and an impish expression. $AOHe_She lifts a hand from the water and points in the direction $LL went as $AOhe_she starts to twitch $AOhis_her eyebrows. "I've never seen Red so… red." Your muscles tense, and heat rises to your cheeks at the comment. $AO continues with $AOhis_her witty remarks, adding fuel to the embarrassing moment, at least until you spot a sizeable wave forming in the distance. $AO hasn't noticed yet. As it approaches, the wave grows larger and larger, big enough to give someone a good scare if caught off guard. Are you going to be mean enough not to warn the doctor? "It must be quite a distraction having a bodyguard with such a well-sculpted physique, right?" $AO goes on. "And what about...?" You //could// warn $AOhim_her… but you won't this time. You mentally calculate the wave's final size and take a couple of steps back. A smug smile curls your lips as you watch $AO, one eyebrow raised. "Three… two… one…" "And when-? Huh? Ah!!" Just as you finish the countdown, the wave crashes over the doctor, covering $AOhim_her completely. The surge of water splashes onto the shore, lightly splashing you as $AO is revealed a few seconds later, getting up on all fours and coughing. "By the gods!" $AOhe_she exclaims as $AOhe_she catches $AOhis_her breath. You laugh and start heading back to $RG's house. "That's what you get for not keeping your eyes on the sea, $AO." You hear the doctor's laughter behind you. With a broad smile, you put on the jacket and continue walking, the scent of $LL's <<if $LL is "Leire">>perfume<<else>>cologne<</if>> lingering on the garment accompanying you along the way. [[Continue|50]]

$BN leans against the wall beside the table, arms and legs crossed. $BNHe_She has been observing this mortal for a long time, the power of $BNhis_her dangerous smile and sharp gaze sending shivers down the poor man's spine. $BNHis_Her crossed pupil begin to spin with excitement as $BNhe_she moves away from the wall and slowly approaches the mortal, two of $BNhis_her claws tapping across the metal table with an echoing sound in the night's silence, though only $BNhe_she can hear it. <<linkreplace "Continue">><span class="slowfade"><<timed 0s t8n>>Tap... <</timed>></span><span class="slowfade"><<timed 1s t8n>>tap... <</timed>></span><span class="slowfade"><<timed 2s t8n>>tap... <</timed>></span><span class="slowfade"><<timed 3s t8n>>tap... <</timed>></span> <span class="slowfade"><<timed 4s t8n>>$BN's claws reach the man's side and start to crawl up his arm. The mortal shudders and shakes his arm while looking around again, but $BN has already reached his shoulder and slides over his neck to the other arm. The beast with mismatched eyes circles $BNhis_her prey. $BNHe_She squeezes the man's shoulder with more force than necessary as $BNhe_she leans in to bring $BNhis_her face closer to the blond man's ear. "Your mother wouldn't hesitate," $BNhe_she whispers in a venomous tone. The mortal's eyes widen as if having a moment of clarity, and he looks back at the report. "Mother wouldn't hesitate," he repeats, thinking the voice in his head is his own. Soon, he nods to himself with determination, grabs the bag filled with provisions at his feet, and leaves through the door. He only hopes Nauzet can forgive him. [[Continue|52]]<</timed>></span><</linkreplace>>

$BN is left alone in the room. $BNHe_She lets $BNhis_her arm drop to $BNhis_her side but stays by the table. $BNHis_Her gaze falls on the sentence in the report that had distracted the mortal so much. <<"Remains of an ancient civilization found in The Seaweed Forest.>> $BN chuckles to $BNhimself_herself. Now $BNhe_she only has to wait. $BNHe_She turns toward the window. If $BNhe_she were any other being, $BNhe_she wouldn't be able to see beyond the darkness painting the horizon, but for $BNhim_her, it's no problem, and $BNhe_she soon spots the figure $BNhe_she's looking for. $BNHis_Her pets are eager for the fun to begin. "Soon," $BNhe_she says to $BNhimself_herself. "Very soon." $BN steps toward the window, raising $BNhis_her arm in the few steps it takes for $BNhis_her claws to tear through the painting above the old sofa. $BNHe_She continues walking until $BNhe_she disappears into a cloud of black smoke before hitting the wall. The pieces on the board start to move again. [[Continue|53]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "forgottenOnes" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[A couple of days later, with $name...]''// The days have flown by since your training under Alcorac's guidance began, and in a short time, you've made great strides. You're getting better at controlling the power of the pendant, and although there's still much to learn, the Creator's husband seems excited about your progress. The breaks are few, just enough for you to recover when you're tired or eat when you're hungry. Fortunately, they allow you eight hours of sleep each night. <<if $RGLove is true>>It's the end of the fourth day in Taoro, and as usual, a gallotia drops you off on the beach between $RG's house and the mountain. With tired steps, you drag yourself through the sand to the room your guardian created for you. <<else>>It's the end of the fourth day in Taoro, and as usual, a gallotia drops you off on the beach between $RG's house and the mountain. With tired steps, you drag yourself through the sand to the room your friend created for you. <</if>>The room is more like a cave carved into the rock of the mountain. A square opening serves as the entrance to a small hallway that turns to the side after a couple of steps. Behind a curtain placed for more privacy, there's enough space for a bed, a nightstand on one side, and an armchair made of wood with a couple of cushions brought from the main house. All the caves $RG made are the same, places solely intended for you to sleep comfortably and have some privacy if you wish, as they are at considerable distances from each other. The rest of the time, your friends spend it at $RG's. You collapse on your back on the bed and cover your eyes with your arm, letting out an exhausted sigh. Right now, you feel like your muscles wouldn't move for all the gold in the world, no matter how much you command them. //"The pendant's use depends on your life energy. If you don't know how to use it, it will shorten your life."// That's what Alcorac told you, and it's also the reason for the tremendous fatigue coursing through you from head to toe. But better to go through this than die accidentally when fighting a demon. Your eyes have been slowly closing for a while, and you're gradually falling asleep. At least until you start feeling something furry repeatedly tapping your cheek. "Mortal." More taps. "Wake up, mortal." "Hmm?" You blink a couple of times, the face of an otter becoming clearer with each blink. "Enid? What are you doing here?" "Abora requires your presence at her temple. All of you." <<if $belief is true>>You frown and prop yourself up on your elbows, forgetting your fatigue. "Sounds urgent." "It must be. She doesn't summon anyone lightly," the spirit replies seriously. "Let's go, then," you say with a nod, getting out of bed. <<else>>You groan, rolling over on the mattress to face the wall. "Can't it wait until morning? I'm exhausted." "It's important, mortal. Abora doesn't summon anyone lightly," the spirit replies seriously. You can almost imagine her placing her paws on her hips by the reproachful tone she uses. You sigh and turn over again to get out of bed. "Alright. Let's see what she wants." <</if>>[[Continue|54]]

Once again, you find yourself before Abora on her temple. The long scroll that encircles her floats slowly around as the goddess remains with her eyes closed. Your companions and you stand in a line, side by side, as soon as you arrive. "We have reached a decision," announces Abora in a voice that reverberates around you. "A decision?" you repeat with a slight tilt of your head. "About what?" "About your status in this world," Alcorac responds. "I must admit, I have not been entirely truthful with you, mortals. There is another reason why we let you stay, and encouraged you to master the use of Eraorahan's artefact," continues Abora, opening her eyes. "This cycle is unlike any other. I'm afraid our strength is not enough to stop what is coming." "The previous cycle... had disastrous consequences," Alcorac says with a sigh. "We have been weakened. The gods need the help of mortals." "Weakened? How is that possible?" $AL exclaims. "Nearly fifty thousand years ago, $BN almost achieved $BNhis_her goal. $BNHe_She claimed the portals of the worlds and came here to Taoro," Abora explains. "It was a gruelling battle, and an enormous amount of energy had to be used to expel all the corrupted beings and seal them in Echeide again. We are still recovering." "What do you mean by that, Mencey? Wasn't the sacrifice of the achimenceys enough?" $RG asks with a frown. "The sacrifice was made, both by our warriors and their mortal companions," the Creator responds with a nod. Her shoulders slump after a pause, as do her ears. "But it was not enough, and the betrayal of your predecessor left a fragile and incomplete seal. Alcorac and I had to intervene, which left us exhausted." "We would have failed were it not for the intervention of our greatest warrior. Only $BNhis_her power would be capable of confronting $BN," Alcorac adds sadly. "I assume that, from the way you speak of $BNhim_her, $BNhe_she died in that war. Which basically leaves us screwed," comments $AO. Abora shakes her head. "$BNHe_She did not perish, but $BNhe_she disappeared. $BNHe_She was lost…" The goddess fixes her intense orange gaze on you as she slowly raises her hand. "…until you brought $BNhim_her back to us." All eyes in the room follow Abora's finger and turn to you while you're still processing the goddess's words. Your jaw drops, and you remain stunned for a few seconds until you find your voice again. "Me?" you say, pointing to yourself. <<if $BN is "Belicar" and $gender is "Male">>"Him?" $AO and the Terrastar siblings exclaim simultaneously, while $RG and Enid simply watch you with confused expressions. <<elseif $BN is "Belicar" and $gender is "FTM">>"Him?" $AO and the Terrastar siblings exclaim simultaneously, while $RG and Enid simply watch you with confused expressions. <<elseif $BN is "Nisa" and $gender is "Female">>"Her?" $AO and the Terrastar siblings exclaim simultaneously, while $RG and Enid simply watch you with confused expressions. <<elseif $BN is "Nisa" and $gender is "MTF">>"Her?" $AO and the Terrastar siblings exclaim simultaneously, while $RG and Enid simply watch you with confused expressions. <<elseif $BN is "Belicar" and $gender is "Female">>"Her?" the Terrastar siblings simultaneously exclaim, while $RG and Enid simply watch you with confused expressions. "An ancestor of yours, $name? Unless you've been a guy this whole time, of course," $AO says, but $AOhis_her mocking tone doesn't hide $AOhis_her surprise. <<elseif $BN is "Belicar" and $gender is "MTF">>"Her?" the Terrastar siblings simultaneously exclaim, while $RG and Enid simply watch you with confused expressions. "An ancestor of yours, $name? Unless you've been a guy this whole time, of course," $AO says, but $AOhis_her mocking tone doesn't hide $AOhis_her surprise. <<elseif $BN is "Nisa" and $gender is "Male">>"Him?" the Terrastar siblings simultaneously exclaim, while $RG and Enid simply watch you with confused expressions. "An ancestor of yours, $name? Unless you've been a woman this whole time, of course," $AO says, but $AOhis_her mocking tone doesn't hide $AOhis_her surprise. <<elseif $BN is "Nisa" and $gender is "FTM">>"Him?" the Terrastar siblings simultaneously exclaim, while $RG and Enid simply watch you with confused expressions. "An ancestor of yours, $name? Unless you've been a woman this whole time, of course," $AO says, but $AOhis_her mocking tone doesn't hide $AOhis_her surprise. <<else>>"Them?" $AO and the Terrastar siblings exclaim simultaneously, while $RG and Enid simply watch you with confused expressions. <</if>>"No, not you," Abora quickly clarifies. She turns her hand palm up in an inviting gesture. Her gaze softens visibly into a melancholy expression as your pendant begins to glow on your collarbone. "$AA... Trapped in a cell because of that beast, but just as strong as ever." <<if $AriAlive is true>>"$AA?" $AO turns to you. "Wasn't that the name of that freaky voice that helped us when we were inside Ari's soul?" <<else>>"$AA?" $AO turns to you. "Wasn't that the name of that freaky voice that helped us when we were inside Lord Hillorwe's soul?" <</if>>"$BNHis_Her soul was trapped in Eraorahan's pendant after thwarting $BN's plans," Abora says as she lowers her hand. "$BNHe_She has been stuck there ever since." *[["Can we free " + $BNhim_her + "?"|55_A]] *[[What do we do? |55_B]] *[[Well, that's a bummer|55_C]] *[[That's… a long time|55_D]] *[[$BNHe_She + " couldn't have been that powerful if " + $BNhe_she + " ended up like that"|55_E]]

"Is there a way to get $BNhim_her out of here?" you ask, lifting the pendant slightly for emphasis. "We have been testing during your training, mortal, as only you have the ability to wield the power of the artefact," Alcorac answers. "But all attempts have failed." "If there is a way, I fear only $BN knows it. Which brings us to the reason I've summoned you all here," Abora says, pushing herself off her throne with her arms to begin levitating. You observe her legs hanging like a dead, useless weight, while her three pairs of wings keep her body aloft in a divine and radiant image that moves toward the centre of the platform. "$BN is moving. $BNHe_She will not be content as a mere spectator for much longer, which means $BNhe_she will soon come for you, mortal," Abora continues. "We can't delay any longer. We must free $AA and gather the rest of the achimenceys to defeat $BN and create a new seal, and we need your help to do it." She extends an arm forward, her palm wide open. A light envelops her hand, and flashes of light that last for a few seconds cover each of you. Suddenly, you feel lighter, more energized. You feel more powerful. "From this moment on, you are Guayres, our celestial warriors," she announces. "Go to each world and gather the achimenceys. Find a way to free $AA so we can defeat $BN and perform the ritual." "Us?" $AL speaks with a clear tinge of doubt. "We can't fight a god, it's impossible!" "Precisely because $BNhe_she won't see you as a real threat, you are our best weapon. And our gift will protect you from corruption," Alcorac replies. *[[It's a great honour|56_A]] *[["But not from " + $BNhis_her + " spells, just saying"|56_B]] *[[This wasn't part of the plan!|56_C]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "So, what do we do?" you ask, bringing a hand to your chin. "What's the next step?" "That is the reason I've summoned you all here," says Abora, pushing herself off her throne with her arms to begin levitating. You observe her legs hanging like a dead, useless weight, while her three pairs of wings keep her body aloft in a divine and radiant image that moves toward the centre of the platform. "$BN is moving. $BNHe_She will not be content as a mere spectator for much longer, which means $BNhe_she will soon come for you, mortal," Abora continues. "We can't delay any longer. We must free $AA and gather the rest of the achimenceys to defeat $BN and create a new seal, and we need your help to do it." She extends an arm forward, her palm wide open. A light envelops her hand, and flashes of light that last for a few seconds cover each of you. Suddenly, you feel lighter, more energized. You feel more powerful. "From this moment on, you are Guayres, our celestial warriors," she announces. "Go to each world and gather the achimenceys. Find a way to free $AA so we can defeat $BN and perform the ritual." "Us?" $AL speaks with a clear tinge of doubt. "We can't fight a god, it's impossible!" "Precisely because $BNhe_she won't see you as a real threat, you are our best weapon. And our gift will protect you from corruption," Alcorac replies. *[[It's a great honour|56_A]] *[["But not from " + $BNhis_her + " spells, just saying"|56_B]] *[[This wasn't part of the plan!|56_C]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "Well, that's a bummer," you say as you put your hands behind your head. "For a moment, I got excited." $AO laughs. "Did you think you'd be a demigod?" "Would've been nice," you reply with a shrug. Alcorac groans, but Abora ignores your comment, pushing herself off her throne with her arms to begin levitating. You observe her legs hanging like a dead, useless weight, while her three pairs of wings keep her body aloft in a divine and radiant image that moves toward the centre of the platform. "$BN is moving. $BNHe_She will not be content as a mere spectator for much longer, which means $BNhe_she will soon come for you, mortal," Abora continues. "We can't delay any longer. We must free $AA and gather the rest of the achimenceys to defeat $BN and create a new seal, and we need your help to do it." She extends an arm forward, her palm wide open. A light envelops her hand, and flashes of light that last for a few seconds cover each of you. Suddenly, you feel lighter, more energized. You feel more powerful. "From this moment on, you are Guayres, our celestial warriors," she announces. "Go to each world and gather the achimenceys. Find a way to free $AA so we can defeat $BN and perform the ritual." "Us?" $AL speaks with a clear tinge of doubt. "We can't fight a god, it's impossible!" "Precisely because $BNhe_she won't see you as a real threat, you are our best weapon. And our gift will protect you from corruption," Alcorac replies. *[[It's a great honour|56_A]] *[["But not from " + $BNhis_her + " spells, just saying"|56_B]] *[[This wasn't part of the plan!|56_C]]

"That's…" You lower your gaze, a subtle frown creasing your brow. "That's a long time." Abora's expression saddens. She closes her eyes and lowers her head slightly in solemnity. "Indeed it is, mortal." When she opens her eyes again, the sadness is replaced by determination. "But it has been long enough. That is the reason I've summoned you all here," she says, pushing herself off her throne with her arms to begin levitating. You observe her legs hanging like a dead, useless weight, while her three pairs of wings keep her body aloft in a divine and radiant image that moves toward the centre of the platform. "$BN is moving. $BNHe_She will not be content as a mere spectator for much longer, which means $BNhe_she will soon come for you, mortal," Abora continues. "We can't delay any longer. We must free $AA and gather the rest of the achimenceys to defeat $BN and create a new seal, and we need your help to do it." She extends an arm forward, her palm wide open. A light envelops her hand, and flashes of light that last for a few seconds cover each of you. Suddenly, you feel lighter, more energized. You feel more powerful. "From this moment on, you are Guayres, our celestial warriors," she announces. "Go to each world and gather the achimenceys. Find a way to free $AA so we can defeat $BN and perform the ritual." "Us?" $AL speaks with a clear tinge of doubt. "We can't fight a god, it's impossible!" "Precisely because $BNhe_she won't see you as a real threat, you are our best weapon. And our gift will protect you from corruption," Alcorac replies. *[[It's a great honour|56_A]] *[["But not from " + $BNhis_her + " spells, just saying"|56_B]] *[[This wasn't part of the plan!|56_C]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ "$BNHe_She couldn't have been that powerful if $BNhe_she ended up like that," you say with a shrug, a mix of defiance and scepticism in your tone. Alcorac looks at you seriously. "Do not underestimate $BN's power, mortal. $AA fought valiantly and managed to thwart $BNhis_her plans, but the cost was high." "True strength is not always measured by immediate victories," says Abora with a grave expression. She closes her eyes for a second, her orange gaze shining with determination when she reopens them. "$AA sacrificed $BNhis_her freedom to protect us; it's time we return the favour," she continues, pushing herself off her throne with her arms to begin levitating. You observe her legs hanging like a dead, useless weight, while her three pairs of wings keep her body aloft in a divine and radiant image that moves toward the centre of the platform. "$BN is moving. $BNHe_She will not be content as a mere spectator for much longer, which means $BNhe_she will soon come for you, mortal," Abora continues. "We can't delay any longer. We must free $AA and gather the rest of the achimenceys to defeat $BN and create a new seal, and we need your help to do it." She extends an arm forward, her palm wide open. A light envelops her hand, and flashes of light that last for a few seconds cover each of you. Suddenly, you feel lighter, more energized. You feel more powerful. "From this moment on, you are Guayres, our celestial warriors," she announces. "Go to each world and gather the achimenceys. Find a way to free $AA so we can defeat $BN and perform the ritual." "Us?" $AL speaks with a clear tinge of doubt. "We can't fight a god, it's impossible!" "Precisely because $BNhe_she won't see you as a real threat, you are our best weapon. And our gift will protect you from corruption," Alcorac replies. *[[It's a great honour|56_A]] *[["But not from " + $BNhis_her + " spells, just saying"|56_B]] *[[This wasn't part of the plan!|56_C]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ <<if $belief is true>>You look at your palms, completely awed by the new sensations running through your body. You clench your fists with determination and lower your arms to bow. "It is an honour to serve you, your ladyship. We will do our best to gather the achimenceys and free $AA." <<else>>You look at your palms, completely awed by the new sensations running through your body. You clench your fists with determination and lower your arms, looking at Abora with a serious expression. "We will do our best to gather the achimenceys and free $AA," you say with a nod. <</if>>"What if we fail?" $AO asks, $AOhis_her tone serious. "You need not fear, mortals," Abora continues before looking to the side. "$RG, you will accompany them and protect them. This is your new duty." You see $RG hesitate for a moment, $RGhis_her posture stiff. But in the end, $RGhe_she bows $RGhis_her head submissively, placing $RGhis_her fist on $RGhis_her chest. "Their lives are my priority, Mencey." [[Continue|57]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "Great. And if you also have something to protect us from $BNhis_her attacks, that would be perfect," you comment with a hand gesture, forming a circle with your index finger and thumb. Alcorac raises an eyebrow. "I'm afraid not." You sigh in resignation, massaging the back of your neck. "We're going to get crushed," you mutter under your breath. "You need not fear, mortals," Abora continues before looking to the side. "$RG, you will accompany them and protect them. This is your new duty." You see $RG hesitate for a moment, $RGhis_her posture stiff. But in the end, $RGhe_she bows $RGhis_her head submissively, placing $RGhis_her fist on $RGhis_her chest. "Their lives are my priority, Mencey." [[Continue|57]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ "Wait, wait, not so fast," you say, raising your hands. "Don't we have a say in this? The plan was to come here, and I've done that. No one mentioned a crusade against a rogue $BNgod_goddess who is clearly much more powerful than us. I'd rather stay alive." "If $BN succeeds, you'll die anyway, mortal. And you, as the bearer of the artefact, have no choice. We need you," Alcorac responds gently. "You need not fear, mortals," Abora continues before looking to the side. "$RG, you will accompany them and protect them. This is your new duty." You see $RG hesitate for a moment, $RGhis_her posture stiff. But in the end, $RGhe_she bows $RGhis_her head submissively, placing $RGhis_her fist on $RGhis_her chest. "Their lives are my priority, Mencey." [[Continue|57]]

<<set $AACodex to true>>\ <<notify 5000>>''New codex entry:'' Main characters: $AA Oramas<</notify>>\ \ "Any other question, mortals?" You observe your companions, all with expressions of doubt on their faces, though a bit more subtle in $AO's case. $AL looks for confidence in the rest of your group, while $LL examines $LLhis_her hands with a hard look. The warrior closes $LLhis_her eyes shortly after and lets out a resigned sigh, dropping $LLhis_her arms to $LLhis_her sides and assuming a rigid posture. "Where do we start?" $LLhe_she asks. "I sense a more prominent halo of corruption coming from Bucante. Start there," Abora replies. "What world is that?" you ask with a tilt of your head. $RG, who had kept somewhat distant until now, steps closer to the group. There's a spark of amusement in $RGhis_her eyes as $RGhe_she looks at $AO. "Do you like the ocean?" <<button[[Chatper 2|58]]>><</button>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Acaymo''</h1></div> Last achimencey of the human relam who apparently belonged to Abora's most trusted circle. He is described as a skilled fighter who was loved and respected among celestials. However, something caused him to betray the gods and become a renegade under $BN's command. Whatever his reasons were for turning his back on his family and joining the faycans, remains unknown. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Locto''</h1></div> As the last of his kind, Locto betrayed not only his world but also his own people when he wiped them out to absorb their powers and become stronger than any other mortal. This dark act piqued $BN's curiosity. After locating Locto, the leader of the faycans offered for him to join their ranks, and Locto accepted. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Kazka''</h1></div> Last being of the species once known as minotaurs. A renegade goddess who betrayed her family to join $BN to help $BNhim_her achieve $BNhis_her goal. You don't know more about her for now. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Cyanil''</h1></div> Last being of the species once known as fae. A renegade god who betrayed his family to join $BN to help $BNhim_her achieve $BNhis_her goal. You don't know more about him for now. <<back>>

Being in the presence of the Creator leaves you feeling paralyzed, unsure of what to do. You glance at your companions for guidance. $AL has immediately knelt, head bowed and hands raised in a divine gesture. $AO follows suit, not with as much enthusiasm as the redhead, but without hesitation in showing $AOhis_her respects to the Creator and her eternal companion. $LL, on the other hand, doesn't seem too convinced about following $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister's and the doctor's example. The warrior crosses $LLhis_her arms and slightly tucks $LLhis_her head between $LLhis_her shoulders, looking at Abora and Alcorac for a few seconds before averting $LLhis_her gaze. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, you ultimately stand like $LL, putting your hands in your pockets while shifting your weight from one foot to the other, trying to ignore the orange eyes observing you intently through half-closed lids. Despite the serenity exuded by her mere presence, the intense interest Abora shows in you does nothing to help you relax. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>After a long moment of silence, Abora finally speaks. Her accent is as distinct as $RG's. "You bring the new owner of Eraorahan's necklace. It is a pleasure to meet him at last." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>After a long moment of silence, Abora finally speaks. Her accent is as distinct as $RG's. "You bring the new owner of Eraorahan's necklace. It is a pleasure to meet her at last." <<else>>After a long moment of silence, Abora finally speaks. Her accent is as distinct as $RG's. "You bring the new owner of Eraorahan's necklace. It is a pleasure to meet them at last." <</if>><<if $diplomacy > $fun and $diplomacy > $blunt>>"I'm $name—" you start, only to get interrupted by her tired, yet melodious and welcoming voice. "$lname. We know." Her emotionless expression changes to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your brow creasing into a frown. <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>Your nerves suddenly evaporate, and your natural charm comes to the fore as you flash a friendly smile. "Hey there! Nice to finally meet you," you exclaim with a very informal wave of your hand. $AL elbows you and gives you a reproachful look. However, Abora doesn't seem to mind your attitude at all. In fact, the goddess starts laughing softly, and you know it's a laugh because her previously expressionless face shifts into a smile. Otherwise, you'd think she was coughing. "What an endearing human. It's a pleasant surprise," she says through more coughing laughter. But her smile fades shortly after, her expression changing to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your grin disappearing as your brow creases into a confused frown. <<else>>You meet her eyes, giving her a quick nod of acknowledgement. "$name $lname," she continues, taking you a little by surprise at first. //"Of course she'd know, she's the great goddess Abora,"// you think shortly after. Her emotionless expression changes to give you a soft, almost sad look. "You've had a difficult life, child. Your forebear hid many things from you to protect you. Alas, it only made your destiny much sour." "What does that mean?" you wonder aloud, your brow creasing into a frown. <</if>>But you know. Your thoughts tug at a memory buried deep within your mind, and you hear your mother's last words echoing around you. //"The mark of the gods… keep it… safe. Until they… come."// <<if $job is "Keeper">>Your hand clutches at the necklace beneath your clothes, a movement that wakes a keen interest in Abora judging by the subtle twitch of her eyebrows, but the goddess turns her gaze elsewhere a second later. <<else>>Your hand clutches at the necklace beneath your clothes. //"Did she know?"// Your doubts fade as Abora's voice pulls you out of the spiral of thoughts that were swirling around you, thought this time she's not speaking to you. <</if>>"We've been awaiting your arrival for some time now, $RG. You took longer than necessary." Abora's eyes close as she lets out a short sigh. "Sentimentality has always been your greatest weakness, my child." Her words are a soft reprimand, one that seems to cut deep into $RG's soul. However, the achimencey is quick to shake the wince away, and $RGhe_she bows $RGhis_her head submissively again. "My apologies, mencey. Important matters delayed my mission." "No excuses should cast your duty aside. And it appears that's not the only rule you've broken," Abora replies, her eyes shifting to $LL, $AO and $AL before focusing back on $RG. "You were suppose to bring the offspring of $lname //only//. You know mortals are forbidden to set foot in this world." $RG doesn't reply to that, $RGhe_she's not going to deny it. Even Enid stays quiet as she lowers her ears. [[Continue|22]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "unexploredFields" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[Many years ago...]'' The fresh morning breeze brushes your face as you walk beside your mother through the streets of Aelmere. Your boots crunch on the dry leaves, the autumn crackle they make is something you love to hear. The sun's rays barely pierce through the gray clouds covering the sky, and the subtle shadows of the dark stone houses stretch across the alleys. "Mom," you call, looking up and holding her warm hand while your small, innocent mind fills with curious questions. "Where are we going today?" She looks at you with a gentle smile, her $eyecolour eyes shining like the water in the streams that cross the mountains of Nustiria. "To the temple," she replies in an equally gentle tone. "We need to thank the gods for their protection." <<if $belief is true>>"Again?" you ask, tilting your head. "We went yesterday." Your mother's smile widens slightly. "Do you want to go back home?" "No," you answer, shaking your head and holding your teddy bear tighter against your chest. Your mother laughs softly, and you continue walking at a leisurely pace. <<else>>You huff in annoyance. "Again? But it's boring!" Your mother's smile widens slightly. "Don't you want to go? I've heard that Priestess Teresa has saved you a couple of her famous chocolate cookies. I guess I'll have to eat them myself." "No!" you exclaim suddenly. "I want the cookies." You immediately quicken your pace, tugging at your mother's hand while holding your teddy bear even tighter against your chest. "Come on, or they'll be gone!" Your mother laughs softly and hurries to keep up with you.// <</if>>[[Continue|59]]

//The market is bustling at this hour. The commotion in the square mingles with the smells of freshly baked bread, spices, and somewhere nearby, the sound of a lute being skilfully played. Your eyes wander over the different faces in the crowd. People seem busy selling, buying, and chatting. You recognize some faces while others are unfamiliar. Your gaze eventually settles on the friendly shopkeeper, who always gives you some of his sweetest fruit. You watch him carefully and quickly notice something unusual about him. The shopkeeper looks tired and his gaze seems a bit lost. He interacts with the locals as usual, but you notice his eyes are dim, as if he's somewhere else. His smile isn't as cheerful as those of the others in the square. No one else seems to notice. People approach his stall to buy something and perhaps engage in a brief chat before turning around and going back the way they came, too absorbed in themselves to notice others. You seem to be the only one who has noticed the sadness in his eyes. "Mom," you call out again, "if the gods protect us, why are some people sad?" Your mother follows your gaze, and for a moment, her eyes also become sad. A few days ago, you overheard adults talking about the shopkeeper, but you didn't understand what they were saying. The expression on your mother's face only deepens the confusion you were already feeling. "Sometimes," she begins, her tone a bit distant as she subtly plays with the chain of her pendant, "the gods put us in difficult situations to help us grow." She looks into your eyes with a slow blink, her smile returning to her face. She kneels to be at your level. "But they can also be an opportunity for us to connect with each other." "How?" you ask with innocent curiosity. Your mother chuckles. "Any gesture can remind someone of how valuable they are to us, even a small one. What does your heart tell you, pup?" Your eyes turn towards the shopkeeper, and you feel a strange urge to make him feel better in some way.// [[Continue|60]]

//You catch the swaying of a small flower out of the corner of your eye, courtesy of a light autumn breeze. Its white petals swirl around a yellow pistil that contrasts with the green stem. For some reason, it catches your attention. You let go of your mother's hand and give your teddy bear to her before crouching down to pick up the flower and make your way towards the friendly shopkeeper. With your small stature, it's easier for you to navigate through the crowd, dodging legs and making your way until you reach the fruit stand. You edge around the tablecloth of the counter and tug gently on the shopkeeper's apron to get his attention. "It's for you," you announce with a wide smile, offering him the flower. The shopkeeper stands frozen for a moment, his eyes wide open, lighting up with a new sparkle and turning a bit red. Then, the man breaks into a smile, not like the ones he gave to his customers a few moments ago-forced and lifeless-but a sincere and warm one. He bends down and accepts the flower while ruffling your hair, chuckling. "Thank you so much, young one. Here…" The shopkeeper reaches for a sweet apple from his stand, but you shake your head. "No, thank you. I don't want it now," you say, surprising him once again. You turn around and walk away from his stall, waving your hand. "Bye!"// [[Continue|61]]

//"I'm back," you say to your mother when you return to her side, hugging her waist. Your mother laughs and strokes your hair. "You did very well, $name. Ivor seems to be in better spirits, don't you think?" You follow her gaze to the friendly shopkeeper. The man has straightened up and taken a tall glass with some water to place the flower inside. He sets the glass on the main counter, looking at the beautiful daisy with tenderness while gently caressing one of its petals. When another customer approaches his stand, his demeanour seems much more lively than before. The sight brings a pleasant feeling to your chest, and you find yourself standing a bit taller without realizing it. You don't know what this feeling is, but you know you like it. "Remember, my child," your mother's voice makes you look back at her. "A small act of kindness can heal many hidden wounds." You tilt your head at the strange word. "Kindness? Does that help me heal when I get a cut?" Your mother laughs again as she takes your hand once more, and you resume your walk towards the temple with you asking more innocent questions that remain partially answered.// [[Continue|62]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "voiceOfEvil" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ <<audio "drip" volume 0.1 loop play>>\ \ <span class="chapter">''Chapter 2''</span> <span class="chapterTitle">A world under the sea</span> //''[In the present moment…]''// Darkness envelops you like a thick blanket. The feeling of loneliness compresses your chest and makes it hard to breathe. You try to take a deep breath but end up coughing up smoke and dust. Your boots crunch the gravel beneath as you take a few steps across the rocky, cracked terrain. A small stone breaks loose from somewhere and collides with others before hitting the ground, the sound echoing around you. You place your hand on the rough surface of the dark rock forming the walls, and feel all its crevices. Your fingers detect a change in the texture of the wall, like depressions repeating at irregular intervals. The mist clears slightly to reveal a series of intricate symbols on the rock. <span class="guanche">DESPICABLE</span> [[Continue|63]]

<<audio "drip" stop>>\ \ You try to remember. What's the last thing you recall? You dismounted the gallotia and crawled to the cave, collapsing onto the mattress. The rest is a blur. You're fairly certain you're asleep, which means you're in… "Finally you arrive. I was almost getting tired of waiting," a mocking voice suddenly announces from behind. With a sharp turn, you see the mist forming a corridor from your position to a pillar rising from the ground to form a table. A chessboard rests on it, its pieces scattered in a half-started game. And, right on the opposite side, with $BNhis_her elbows propped on the table and eyes fixed on the board, you're greeted by $BN's sharp smile. "Did you miss me?" $BNhe_she asks, lifting $BNhis_her gaze from the board without moving $BNhis_her head, a glint of amusement in $BNhis_her mismatched eyes. * [[I was wondering when you were going to show up again|64a]] * [[Don't you have anything better to do?|64b]] * [["In your dreams, " + $BN|64c]] * <<if $RO is false>>[[I'm glad to see you|64d]]<<else>>==I'm gald to see you==<</if>>

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ <<if $afraidOfB is true>>"I was beginning to wonder when you were going to show up again," you say in an attempt to hide the shiver that runs down your spine. Your voice doesn't sound as calm as you'd like, though. <<elseif $afraidOfB isnot true and $BNRomance is 0>>"I was beginning to wonder when you were going to show up again," you say, taking a couple of steps closer but keeping a safe distance. The way you scrutinize $BNhim_her with your gaze seems to amuse $BNhim_her. <<else>>"I was beginning to wonder when you were going to show up again," you say, taking a couple of steps closer. You stop halfway and ignore that part of you that would like to get even closer, precisely because you know you shouldn't. //"Why do I feel so drawn to $BNhim_her?"// you wonder. <</if>>"I apologize for the delay, I'm a busy $BNman_woman," $BNhe_she responds after a short laugh, "but I will always make it to our meetings. That, you don't have to worry about." $BNHis_Her smile widens, making $BNhim_her look darker. More sinister. The hairs on your body stand on end under the mix of yellow and white in $BNhis_her gaze. "What do you think of meeting the boss of the universe? A bit disappointing, isn't she?" $BN leans back, resting $BNhis_her arm on the back of $BNhis_her chair. "A charming woman. You always have to do what she says. Freedom of choice is a luxury." You raise an eyebrow. "Would it be any different with you?" <<if $BN is "Belicar">>"Unlike her, I //do// let you choose, my adorable human. Look, thanks to the freedom I give you, you're gaining ground," he says, pointing to the chessboard. Belicar places his hand on his chin, slowly stroking his goatee as he examines the pieces closely. "Though now your knight is in danger." <<else>>"Unlike her, I //do// let you choose, my adorable human. Look, thanks to the freedom I give you, you're gaining ground," she says, pointing to the chessboard. Nisa places her hand on her chin and examines the pieces closely. "Though now your knight is in danger." <</if>>With hesitant steps but unstoppable curiosity, you approach the table to observe the board. The last time you saw it, two pawns wrapped in corrupt energy threatened both your yellow king and the red bishop. Now, both have disappeared, and the red bishop is safe in the same spot as before, while the yellow king has advanced one square, leading the charge of the white army. But a couple of squares away, a black pawn has infiltrated your pieces, landing right in front of your blue knight. You frown and point to them, shaking your head. "No, it isn't. The pawn can only capture pieces diagonally. If anything, you've taken it out of the game until my knight moves or another piece captures it." $BN's tongue slowly moistens $BNhis_her lips, which curve into a venomous smile, the daggers of $BNhis_her sharp teeth showing in a silent and amused threat. "Are you sure about that, $name?" [[Continue|65]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ <<if $afraidOfB is true and $BNRomance is 0>>"You seriously have nothing better to do than come and disturb my sleep?" you spit out after a snort. A futile attempt to hide the shiver that runs down your spine, since your voice doesn't sound as calm as you'd like. <<elseif $afraidOfB isnot true and $BNRomance is 0>>"You seriously have nothing better to do than to come and disturb my sleep?" you spit out after a snort, crossing your arms. <<else>>"You seriously have nothing better to do than come over here and disturb my sleep?" you spit out after a snort. An attempt to ignore the part of you that's glad to see $BNhim_her, even though you know you shouldn't. //"Why do I feel so drawn to $BNhim_her?"// you wonder. <</if>>"I'm a busy $BNman_woman, that's true," $BNhe_she responds after a short laugh, "but I will always make it to our meetings. That, you don't have to worry about." $BNHis_Her smile widens, making $BNhim_her look darker. More sinister. The hairs on your body stand on end under the mix of yellow and white in $BNhis_her gaze. "What do you think of meeting the boss of the universe? A bit disappointing, isn't she?" $BN leans back, resting $BNhis_her arm on the back of $BNhis_her chair. "A charming woman. You always have to do what she says. Freedom of choice is a luxury." You raise an eyebrow. "Would it be any different with you?" <<if $BN is "Belicar">>"Unlike her, I //do// let you choose, my adorable human. Look, thanks to the freedom I give you, you're gaining ground," he says, pointing to the chessboard. Belicar places his hand on his chin, slowly stroking his goatee as he examines the pieces closely. "Though now your knight is in danger." <<else>>"Unlike her, I //do// let you choose, my adorable human. Look, thanks to the freedom I give you, you're gaining ground," she says, pointing to the chessboard. Nisa places her hand on her chin and examines the pieces closely. "Though now your knight is in danger." <</if>>With hesitant steps but unstoppable curiosity, you approach the table to observe the board. The last time you saw it, two pawns wrapped in corrupt energy threatened both your yellow king and the red bishop. Now, both have disappeared, and the red bishop is safe in the same spot as before, while the yellow king has advanced one square, leading the charge of the white army. But a couple of squares away, a black pawn has infiltrated your pieces, landing right in front of your blue knight. You frown and point to them, shaking your head. "No, it isn't. The pawn can only capture pieces diagonally. If anything, you've taken it out of the game until my knight moves or another piece captures it." $BN's tongue slowly moistens $BNhis_her lips, which curve into a venomous smile, the daggers of $BNhis_her sharp teeth showing in a silent and amused threat. "Are you sure about that, $name?" [[Continue|65]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ <<if $afraidOfB is true>>"In your dreams, //$BN//," you growl, taking a threatening step toward $BNhim_her. Even so, it's impossible to stop the shiver running down your spine from having $BNhim_her so close again, especially with the recent revelations. And you know $BN has noticed. The $BNman_woman laughs. "Right now, we're in yours." <<elseif $afraidOfB isnot true and $BNRomance is 0>>"In your dreams, //$BN//," you growl, taking a threatening step toward $BNhim_her, clenching your fists tightly. $BNHis_Her laughter only fuels your rage. "Right now, we're in yours." <<else>>"In your dreams, //$BN//," you growl, taking a threatening step toward $BNhim_her. Still, your voice doesn't sound as aggressive as you intended. The part of you that you're trying to ignore is very insistent. The part that is pleased to see $BNhim_her, even though you know you shouldn't. //"Why do I feel so drawn to $BNhim_her?"// you wonder. The $BNman_woman closes $BNhis_her eyes and inhales your words with an expression of pure satisfaction. "Ah, how lovely my name sounds on your lips, my little human." Your threatening stance falters as a shiver runs down your spine. But it's not fear that paralyses you; it's something entirely different, and you mentally reproach yourself for it. <</if>>$BNHis_Her smile widens, making $BNhim_her look darker. More sinister. The hairs on your body stand on end under the mix of yellow and white in $BNhis_her gaze. "What do you think of meeting the boss of the universe? A bit disappointing, isn't she?" $BN leans back, resting $BNhis_her arm on the back of $BNhis_her chair. "A charming woman. You always have to do what she says. Freedom of choice is a luxury." You raise an eyebrow. "Would it be any different with you?" <<if $BN is "Belicar">>"Unlike her, I //do// let you choose, my adorable human. Look, thanks to the freedom I give you, you're gaining ground," he says, pointing to the chessboard. Belicar places his hand on his chin, slowly stroking his goatee as he examines the pieces closely. "Though now your knight is in danger." <<else>>"Unlike her, I //do// let you choose, my adorable human. Look, thanks to the freedom I give you, you're gaining ground," she says, pointing to the chessboard. Nisa places her hand on her chin and examines the pieces closely. "Though now your knight is in danger." <</if>>With hesitant steps but unstoppable curiosity, you approach the table to observe the board. The last time you saw it, two pawns wrapped in corrupt energy threatened both your yellow king and the red bishop. Now, both have disappeared, and the red bishop is safe in the same spot as before, while the yellow king has advanced one square, leading the charge of the white army. But a couple of squares away, a black pawn has infiltrated your pieces, landing right in front of your blue knight. You frown and point to them, shaking your head. "No, it isn't. The pawn can only capture pieces diagonally. If anything, you've taken it out of the game until my knight moves or another piece captures it." $BN's tongue slowly moistens $BNhis_her lips, which curve into a venomous smile, the daggers of $BNhis_her sharp teeth showing in a silent and amused threat. "Are you sure about that, $name?" [[Continue|65]]

<<add_BNRomance +1>>\ \ You shouldn't feel this way, you're aware, but you can't avoid it either. No matter how imprudent it is, you can't deny the fact that you have missed $BNhim_her, a revelation that might be leading you down a path of ruin. And the worst part? You might not mind if it does. "$BN…" you say slowly, savouring each syllable of $BNhis_her name as you can't prevent the truth from slipping out. "I'm glad to see you." The $BNman_woman closes $BNhis_her eyes and inhales your words with an expression of pure satisfaction. "Ah, how lovely my name sounds on your lips, my little human." You try to swallow with your dry mouth. Suddenly, the air feels charged with an exhilarating emotion. A very dangerous one. $BNHis_Her smile widens, making $BNhim_her look darker. More sinister. The hairs on your body stand on end under the mix of yellow and white in $BNhis_her gaze. "What do you think of meeting the boss of the universe? A bit disappointing, isn't she?" $BN leans back, resting $BNhis_her arm on the back of $BNhis_her chair. "A charming woman. You always have to do what she says. Freedom of choice is a luxury." You raise an eyebrow. "Would it be any different with you?" <<if $BN is "Belicar">>"Unlike her, I //do// let you choose, my adorable human. Look, thanks to the freedom I give you, you're gaining ground," he says, pointing to the chessboard. Belicar places his hand on his chin, slowly stroking his goatee as he examines the pieces closely. "Though now your knight is in danger." <<else>>"Unlike her, I //do// let you choose, my adorable human. Look, thanks to the freedom I give you, you're gaining ground," she says, pointing to the chessboard. Nisa places her hand on her chin and examines the pieces closely. "Though now your knight is in danger." <</if>>With hesitant steps but unstoppable curiosity, you approach the table to observe the board. The last time you saw it, two pawns wrapped in corrupt energy threatened both your yellow king and the red bishop. Now, both have disappeared, and the red bishop is safe in the same spot as before, while the yellow king has advanced one square, leading the charge of the white army. But a couple of squares away, a black pawn has infiltrated your pieces, landing right in front of your blue knight. You frown and point to them, shaking your head. "No, it isn't. The pawn can only capture pieces diagonally. If anything, you've taken it out of the game until my knight moves or another piece captures it." $BN's tongue slowly moistens $BNhis_her lips, which curve into a venomous smile, the daggers of $BNhis_her sharp teeth showing in a silent and amused threat. "Are you sure about that, $name?" [[Continue|65]]

You straighten up from your hunched position over the board and take a cautious step back as you meet $BN's gaze, your eyes travelling from $BNhis_her good eye to the blind one, and back again a few times. "Abora told us everything," you say after a long pause. "You're a renegade, the leader of the faycans." All traces of amusement immediately vanish from $BN's face. $BNHis_Her mouth stays slightly open, revealing the tip of one of $BNhis_her numerous fangs, and $BNhis_her gaze remains fixed on yours without blinking. The sudden intensity of $BNhis_her presence takes your breath away, and you start to regret being so blunt. You swallow and take another short step back as $BN begins to rise from $BNhis_her seat in an exasperatingly slow movement. "Renegade," $BNhe_she says with an unsettling calm, tilting $BNhis_her head slightly. "Such a… //mortal// word. And with an even weaker meaning." $BN huffs a simple chuckle, though $BNhis_her eyes remain just as cold. "Yes… Abora never liked to admit her own mistakes." The question slips from your lips. "What mistakes?" $BN doesn't answer, merely staring at you as $BNhis_her cross-shaped pupil begins to rotate slowly. [[Continue|66]]

<<if $lie is true>>"I must say you impress me once again, human," $BNhe_she begins, circling the table to approach you with slow steps. "You decided to lie to Abora. I wonder why?" You swallow again as $BN approaches like a predator to its prey, but you force yourself to stand upright and not look away. "My reasons are my own." You resist taking another step back. $BN stands directly in front of you, leaving only a few centimetres of distance. You have to tilt your head back more than usual due to the significant height difference to keep looking $BNhim_her in the eye. The $BNman_woman raises $BNhis_her arm, the claw of $BNhis_her index finger almost grazing you at the level of your sternum. "But you know what I seek. //Whom// I seek," $BNhe_she says in a barely audible malicious whisper, $BNhis_her eyebrows furrowing menacingly. "You just have to hand $BNhim_her over, and I'll leave. You can return to your insignificant mortal life."<<else>>"You know what I seek," $BNhe_she says, circling the table to approach you with slow steps. "//Whom// I seek." You swallow again as $BN approaches like a predator to its prey, but you force yourself to stand upright and not look away. Your stance doesn't intimidate $BNhim_her at all, and $BNhe_she continues advancing. You resist taking another step back. $BN stands directly in front of you, leaving only a few centimetres of distance. You have to tilt your head back more than usual due to the significant height difference to keep looking $BNhim_her in the eye. The $BNman_woman raises $BNhis_her arm, the claw of $BNhis_her index finger almost grazing you at the level of your sternum. $BNHis_Her voice drops to a malicious whisper, $BNhis_her eyebrows furrowing menacingly. "You just have to hand $BNhim_her over, and I'll leave. You can return to your insignificant mortal life."<</if>> * [[What if I refuse?|67a]] * [[How do I know I can trust you?|67b]] * [[If I give it to you, will you leave the worlds in peace?|67c]] * [[Over my dead body!|67d]] * [["I'll protect " + $AA + " from you, renegade"|67e]] * <<if $RO is false>>[[What if I don't want you to leave?|67f]]<<else>>==What if I don't want you to leave?==<</if>>

<<notify 5000>>This choice will have consequences in the future<</notify>>\ \ You press your lips together and return $BNhis_her gaze. "And what if I refuse?" "For your own good, human..." $BNHe_She slowly brings $BNhis_her face closer to yours, a small smile forming on $BNhis_her lips. "you better not." The intensity of $BNhis_her gaze becomes overwhelming. You feel small and helpless, but no matter how much you want to run away from that sensation, your muscles won't respond. Instead, you ask, "Why do you want to kill $AA?" $BN raises an eyebrow, amused. "Is that what Abora told you?" $BNHe_She laughs and shakes $BNhis_her head. "Oh... my plans are very different. You could almost say that $BNhe_she..." The $BNman_woman takes a deep breath, showing $BNhis_her teeth in a sly grin. "...//completes me//." You roll your eyes. "Can't you be less cryptic?" $BNHis_Her lips form a thin line, and $BN shows the palm of $BNhis_her hand. "The artifact, mortal. I won't repeat myself." <<if $corruption > 2>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin. The movement hypnotizes you so much that your body begins to move on its own. Slowly, you raise your hand until you grasp the pendant's chain, the gesture causing $BN to display a sinister expression of satisfaction. A part of you screams to stop, but you can't listen to it right now. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket. You're about to remove the chain from your neck when… <<else>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin, freezing you in place. In fact, the more you try and resist, the more you feel invisible chains tightening around your limbs. In your vulnerability and desperation, $BN displays a sinister expression of satisfaction. The pendant's chain wraps around $BNhis_her claw, the sharp tip brushing your neck like a silent threat as $BNhe_she pulls at the artifact. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket, and then... <</if>>[[Continue|68]]

<<notify 5000>>This choice will have consequences in the future<</notify>>\ <<add_corruption +1>>\ \ For a moment, you consider $BNhis_her offer. You truly do. And it seems that the very act of contemplating it seems to please $BNhim_her. However, you still have doubts. "And what about the demons?" you ask after a moment. "I'll order them to retreat. They won't harm any world again," $BNhe_she responds with a small smile. You press your lips together. "How do I know I can trust you? You could be lying right now." "Have I lied to you so far? I have my reasons for keeping certain things silent, but none for lying to you, human. Everything I've told you is nothing but the truth." $BN slowly brings $BNhis_her face closer to yours. "You just have to give me the pendant, and I'll show you." The intensity of $BNhis_her gaze becomes overwhelming. You feel small and helpless, but no matter how much you want to run away from that sensation, your muscles won't respond. Instead, you ask, "Will you kill $AA?" $BN raises an eyebrow, amused. "Is that what Abora told you?" $BNHe_She laughs and shakes $BNhis_her head. "Oh... my plans are very different. You could almost say that $BNhe_she..." The $BNman_woman takes a deep breath, showing $BNhis_her teeth in a sly grin. "...//completes me//." You roll your eyes. "Can't you be less cryptic?" $BNHis_Her lips form a thin line, and $BN shows the palm of $BNhis_her hand. "The artifact, mortal. I won't repeat myself." <<if $corruption > 2>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin. The movement hypnotizes you so much that your body begins to move on its own. Slowly, you raise your hand until you grasp the pendant's chain, the gesture causing $BN to display a sinister expression of satisfaction. A part of you screams to stop, but you can't listen to it right now. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket. You're about to remove the chain from your neck when… <<else>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin, freezing you in place. In fact, the more you try and resist, the more you feel invisible chains tightening around your limbs. In your vulnerability and desperation, $BN displays a sinister expression of satisfaction. The pendant's chain wraps around $BNhis_her claw, the sharp tip brushing your neck like a silent threat as $BNhe_she pulls at the artifact. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket, and then... <</if>>[[Continue|68]]

<<notify 5000>>This choice will have consequences in the future<</notify>>\ <<add_corruption +1>>\ \ For a moment, you consider $BNhis_her offer. You truly do. And it seems that the very act of contemplating it seems to please $BNhim_her. You grip the pendant over your clothes and return $BNhis_her gaze. "If I give it to you, will you leave the worlds in peace?" $BN gives a small smile. "I'll leave them better than they are now, mortal." You press your lips together. "And what does that mean?" The renegade slowly brings $BNhis_her face closer to yours. "Give me the pendant, and I'll show you." The intensity of $BNhis_her gaze becomes overwhelming. You feel small and helpless, but no matter how much you want to run away from that sensation, your muscles won't respond. Instead, you ask, "Will you kill $AA if I do?" $BN raises an eyebrow, amused. "Is that what Abora told you?" $BNHe_She laughs and shakes $BNhis_her head. "Oh... my plans are very different. You could almost say that $BNhe_she..." The $BNman_woman takes a deep breath, showing $BNhis_her teeth in a sly grin. "...//completes me//." You roll your eyes. "Can't you be less cryptic?" $BNHis_Her lips form a thin line, and $BN shows the palm of $BNhis_her hand. "The artifact, mortal. I won't repeat myself." <<if $corruption > 2>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin. The movement hypnotizes you so much that your body begins to move on its own. Slowly, you raise your hand until you grasp the pendant's chain, the gesture causing $BN to display a sinister expression of satisfaction. A part of you screams to stop, but you can't listen to it right now. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket. You're about to remove the chain from your neck when… <<else>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin, freezing you in place. In fact, the more you try and resist, the more you feel invisible chains tightening around your limbs. In your vulnerability and desperation, $BN displays a sinister expression of satisfaction. The pendant's chain wraps around $BNhis_her claw, the sharp tip brushing your neck like a silent threat as $BNhe_she pulls at the artifact. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket, and then... <</if>>[[Continue|68]]

<<notify 5000>>This choice will have consequences in the future<</notify>>\ \ A fiery rage ignites your chest and makes your blood boil. You grip the pendant over your clothes and take a step back. "Over my dead body!" you exclaim in a severe tone. "You'll have to kill me before I give you my mother's pendant." $BN barely reacts to your sudden display of anger; the $BNman_woman simply brings $BNhis_her face slowly closer to yours. "If you leave me no other choice..." $BNHe_She gives a small smile. "...maybe I will." $BNHis_Her gaze chills the heat of your anger with an overwhelming intensity. You feel small and helpless, but no matter how much you want to run away from that sensation, your muscles won't respond. Instead, you ask, "Why do you want to kill $AA?" $BN raises an eyebrow, amused. "Is that what Abora told you?" $BNHe_She laughs and shakes $BNhis_her head. "Oh... my plans are very different. You could almost say that $BNhe_she..." The $BNman_woman takes a deep breath, showing $BNhis_her teeth in a sly grin. "...//completes me//." You roll your eyes. "Can't you be less cryptic?" $BNHis_Her lips form a thin line, and $BN shows the palm of $BNhis_her hand. "The artifact, mortal. I won't repeat myself." <<if $corruption > 2>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin. The movement hypnotizes you so much that your body begins to move on its own. Slowly, you raise your hand until you grasp the pendant's chain, the gesture causing $BN to display a sinister expression of satisfaction. A part of you screams to stop, but you can't listen to it right now. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket. You're about to remove the chain from your neck when… <<else>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin, freezing you in place. In fact, the more you try and resist, the more you feel invisible chains tightening around your limbs. In your vulnerability and desperation, $BN displays a sinister expression of satisfaction. The pendant's chain wraps around $BNhis_her claw, the sharp tip brushing your neck like a silent threat as $BNhe_she pulls at the artifact. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket, and then... <</if>>[[Continue|68]]

<<notify 5000>>This choice will have consequences in the future<</notify>>\ \ You frown, gripping the pendant over your clothes as you return $BNhis_her gaze with a severe tone. "Never. I will protect $AA from you, renegade." $BN barely reacts to your sudden show of determination; the $BNman_woman simply brings $BNhis_her face slowly closer to yours. "You know, I've always enjoyed a good game of cat and mouse, but tell me..." $BNHe_She gives a small smile. "...who do you think is the prey, and who is the predator in this case, adorable human?" The intensity of $BNhis_her gaze becomes overwhelming. You feel small and helpless, but no matter how much you want to run away from that sensation, your muscles won't respond. Instead, you ask, "Why do you want to kill $BNhim_her?" $BN raises an eyebrow, amused. "Is that what Abora told you?" $BNHe_She laughs and shakes $BNhis_her head. "Oh... my plans are very different. You could almost say that $BNhe_she..." The $BNman_woman takes a deep breath, showing $BNhis_her teeth in a sly grin. "...//completes me//." You roll your eyes. "Can't you be less cryptic?" $BNHis_Her lips form a thin line, and $BN shows the palm of $BNhis_her hand. "The artifact, mortal. I won't repeat myself." <<if $corruption > 2>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin. The movement hypnotizes you so much that your body begins to move on its own. Slowly, you raise your hand until you grasp the pendant's chain, the gesture causing $BN to display a sinister expression of satisfaction. A part of you screams to stop, but you can't listen to it right now. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket. You're about to remove the chain from your neck when… <<else>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin, freezing you in place. In fact, the more you try and resist, the more you feel invisible chains tightening around your limbs. In your vulnerability and desperation, $BN displays a sinister expression of satisfaction. The pendant's chain wraps around $BNhis_her claw, the sharp tip brushing your neck like a silent threat as $BNhe_she pulls at the artifact. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket, and then... <</if>>[[Continue|68]]

<<notify 5000>>''PLAYING WITH FIRE'' Keep going down this path, and you might not be able to return<</notify>>\ <<add_corruption +1>>\ <<add_BNRomance +1>>\ \ It's clear that $BNhe_she's tempting you. $BNHe_She's been doing it from the start and has no intention of hiding it. And even though you know you shouldn't, you can't help but feel that pull drawing you closer to $BNhim_her, encouraging you to fall completely into $BNhis_her grasp. And you fear $BNhe_she might succeed. "...What if I don't want you to leave?" you dare to say, the thrill of the forbidden reverberating in your ribs. "I was hoping you'd be here for me, not for the artifact." $BN's eyebrow raises with amusement. "Oh? Is that so?" The renegade $BNgod_goddess gives a new arrogant smile, placing $BNhis_her claw under your chin to tilt your head a little more toward $BNhim_her as $BNhe_she slowly brings $BNhis_her face closer to yours. "Don't be sad about that, my little human. While you may not be my primary object of desire right now, I can't deny that I find your presence quite… appealing." You wet your dry lips under $BNhis_her hungry gaze. $BNHe_She's so close that the halo of corruption surrounding $BNhim_her envelops you too. Involuntarily, you inch a little closer. The gesture allows your nose to catch something more hidden beneath the sulphurous smell of $BNhis_her poisoned skin, a surprisingly tropical fragrance, much more pleasant than you expected. A blend of coconut and vanilla, you'd say. And it's about to eclipse all your senses and make you fall into the abyss. "Why do you want to kill $AA?" you ask, regaining some composure with the sound of your own voice. $BN raises an eyebrow, amused. "Is that what Abora told you?" $BNHe_She laughs and shakes $BNhis_her head. "Oh... my plans are very different. You could almost say that $BNhe_she..." The $BNman_woman takes a deep breath, showing $BNhis_her teeth in a sly grin. "...//completes me//." You roll your eyes. "Can't you be less cryptic?" $BNHis_Her lips form a thin line, and $BN shows the palm of $BNhis_her hand. "The artifact, mortal. I won't repeat myself." <<if $corruption > 2>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin. The movement hypnotizes you so much that your body begins to move on its own. Slowly, you raise your hand until you grasp the pendant's chain, the gesture causing $BN to display a sinister expression of satisfaction. A part of you screams to stop, but you can't listen to it right now. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket. You're about to remove the chain from your neck when… <<else>>$BNHis_Her slit pupil starts to spin, freezing you in place. In fact, the more you try and resist, the more you feel invisible chains tightening around your limbs. In your vulnerability and desperation, $BN displays a sinister expression of satisfaction. The pendant's chain wraps around $BNhis_her claw, the sharp tip brushing your neck like a silent threat as $BNhe_she pulls at the artifact. The mark of the gods peeks out from the edge of your jacket, and then... <</if>>[[Continue|68]]

<<audio "resistance" volume 0.1 play>>\ \ <<if $corruption > 2>>A sudden burst of energy pushes $BN back, breaking you free from the strange trance. The renegade falls to the ground on $BNhis_her back, but $BNhe_she quickly rolls backward, landing in a crouched position. <<else>>A sudden burst of energy pushes $BN back, breaking the invisible chains. The renegade falls to the ground on $BNhis_her back, but $BNhe_she quickly rolls backward, landing in a crouched position. <</if>>You gasp for the breath you were missing and focus on the pendant. The mark of the gods glows in steady, radiant intervals, pushing away the darkness. $BN tilts $BNhis_her head exaggeratedly to one side, observing the light with a neutral expression more unsettling than any other. "I see. I should've seen this coming. You can still use your powers even from in there," $BNhe_she says as $BNhe_she stands, dusting off $BNhis_her tattered coat. Suddenly, $BNhe_she closes $BNhis_her eyes and bursts into laughter, the tips of $BNhis_her teeth gleaming with each flash of the pendant. "Very well. This will make our little game more interesting." The mist swirls around $BN. The last thing you see is $BNhis_her yellow eye glowing as $BNhis_her pupil spins. When the dark smoke clears, $BN is gone. [[Continue|69]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "callOfTheNight" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ The pendant emits one last blinding flash. You instinctively shield your face with your arm and close your eyes. When you open them a few seconds later, the surroundings are much brighter than before. The ground and rocky walls are no longer of a dark, muted tone, and the sinister mist that once enveloped everything has largely cleared, leaving only a cloudy carpet at your feet. You can now see beyond just a few steps, but there's something that grabs your attention more than your current location. A sphere of white energy, about the size of your head, levitates before you. Its smooth, glass-like surface is surrounded by an aura of sky-blue waves gently dancing around it. A voice comes from it, one you recognize. "Achi $lname." "$AA?" you say $BNhis_her name as you recover from the shock. "My apologies. Summoning my powers has been more demanding than I expected." "Was that you?" you ask, gesturing with your hand. "That explosion that knocked $BN back?" <<if $corruption > 2 and $BNRomance is 0>>"Yes," $BNhe_she replies. "$BNHis_Her words can be as sweet as honey, and just as deadly." The aura around $BNhim_her darkens to a deep navy blue. "You should be careful. $BNHe_She did the same to me." <<elseif $corruption < 2 and $BNRomance is 0>>"Yes," $BNhe_she replies. "$BNHis_Her words can be as sweet as honey, and just as deadly." The aura around $BNhim_her darkens to a deep navy blue. "I know that all too well." <<else>>"Yes," $BNhe_she replies. "$BNHis_Her words can be as sweet as honey, but $BNhe_she no longer understands their meaning." The aura around $BNhim_her darkens to a deep navy blue. "A soul as pure as yours doesn't deserve to be poisoned in that way. Not like $BNhe_she did to mine." <</if>>You press your lips together in a subtle frown. "Abora told us something about what happened, but the way you two speak about each other... it sounds like you knew $BNhim_her quite well." "I am aware of the knowledge you've gained, achi $lname. I was listening." Your eyebrows twitch with surprise. "You were?" "Yes. I listen, and I feel. That way, I can help." [[Continue|70]]

"Then you know we're trying to find a way to free you. Abora says you're the only one who has any chance against $BN," you say, stepping closer to $BNhim_her. "How can we get you out of the pendant?" Once again, the blue aura darkens, more than before. $AA takes several seconds to respond, so long that you begin to think $BNhe_she won't, but then you hear the unmistakable hint of sadness in $BNhis_her velvety voice. "I'm afraid only $BN possesses the power to do that." You sigh, your shoulders slumping along with your hope. "Then there's nothing we can do." "There's still something," $BNhe_she replies, the blue returning to its sky-coloured tone. "What is it?" "Gather the power of others," $BNhe_she replies. "Combine the power of the Seven, and they will be able to match $BN's." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"I guess speaking so cryptically is part of your charm, but the human in this conversation is completely lost. Who exactly are the Seven?" <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>You frown. "Speak clearly, $AA. Who are these Seven you're talking about?" <<else>>You tilt your head to the side. "The Seven?" <</if>>"The seven achimenceys. Your guardians. Together, they can break my chains." "But two of them are faycans," you say, your tone serious. "...Yes," $BNhe_she responds, a melancholic note slipping into $BNhis_her voice. "But their wounds can still heal. Their souls can still be purified." The words land like a hard truth. How could you possibly purify fallen gods when they're so deeply consumed by the dark abyss of corruption? It's an idea you struggle to believe, and $AA seems to notice. "What are you thinking, achi $lname?" "Are you sure about this? I highly doubt they'll cooperate," you finally answer. "They have strayed from the path, it's true, but they can still turn back. This, I know." You bite the inside of your cheek. The certainty in $BNhis_her voice leaves you silent, and you glance to the side as if searching the horizon for some sort of sign, but you find nothing specific. In the end, you close your eyes and take a deep breath, only to release it in a soft sigh shortly after. "It's not going to be easy," you remark, raising your gaze to the sphere. "No, but I can help. As I've done before." [[Continue|71]]

$BNHis_Her words, filled with a calm and seemingly unshakable determination, comfort you somehow. "All right," you say with a couple of short nods. "So, once we free you, I assume we'll defeat $BN? Or rather, you will?" The next pause feels strange. The imprisoned $BNgod_goddess remains in tense silence as $BNhis_her sphere levitates in front of you, almost as if $BNhe_she's analysing you. $BNHis_Her aura darkens slightly before returning to its usual shade. When $BNhe_she finally speaks, $BNhis_her response surprises you even more. "No." You blink a few times. "No? What do you mean by 'no'?" "I will aid you in your task, achi $lname. I will help you gather the achimenceys," $BNhe_she replies with soft calm. "But even if you manage to free me, I will not raise my steel against $BN." "What? But why?" you ask, your voice rising in obvious confusion. "$BNHe_She's destroying our worlds, corrupting their people! $BNHe_She wants to kill //you//, and your kind! Why wouldn't you want to stop $BNhim_her?" <<if $BNRomance > 2>>And why does a part of you feel relieved to hear that? <</if>>"Just because you can eliminate darkness doesn't mean you always should," $BNhe_she says. "Contrary to what you may think, $BNhe_she is not beyond salvation either. I do not wish to hurt $BNhim_her, only to heal $BNhim_her. Together, we can." [[Continue|72]]

You follow $AA's sphere as it slowly levitates toward the spot where $BN disappeared. "Once, I was a protective soul, far more sensitive than expected. I could feel the suffering of others like no one else could." The sphere rotates, as if turning to look at you. "$BNHis_Her suffering… it called to me. It was louder than the others, and I wanted to help." "What did you feel?" you ask, glancing at the sphere after staring at the empty space left by the renegade $BNgod_goddess. Somehow, you know you're meeting $BNhis_her gaze. "Sorrow," $BNhe_she replies sadly. "$BNHe_She felt trapped, mistaken for a mere observer. A veil of resentment shrouded $BNhis_her soul as $BNhe_she watched what once was $BNhis_her home become an unfamiliar world. Then, $BNhe_she desperately sought to return to a past that no longer existed." The dancing waves of $BNhis_her aura shift to a deep indigo. "When you can't find a place to belong, sometimes the pain overwhelms all senses." "And what did you do? You don't sound like someone who would just sit idly by after realizing something like that." "I tried to help." "Which, clearly, didn't work," you add with a subtle twitch of your eyebrow. "No. I made mistakes. I won't make them again, not with your help." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Me?" You point to yourself. Why does everyone insist on dragging you into their problems? What am I supposed to do?" <<else>>"Me?" You point to yourself. "What am I supposed to do?" <</if>>"You carry my prison, and have the ability to see the souls of the living. With our combined strength, we can purify $BNhim_her," $BNhe_she says, $BNhis_her aura turning a lighter blue tinged with desperation. "Please, achi $lname. //$name//. Will you help me save $BNhim_her?" With a heavy sigh, you cross one arm and rest the elbow of the other on it, pressing two fingers into the space between your brows as you close your eyes to think. Would it really be a good idea to even attempt this, considering what you know? * [[All right, I'll help you|73a][$saveBN to true]] * [[I'm sorry, but no|73b][$saveBN to false]] * [["We'll see, " + $AA|73c][$saveBN to "maybe"]] * [[I doubt Abora will agree|73d][$saveBN to "maybe"]]

Maybe it is, your mind tells you. If there really is a chance to purify $BN and end the cycle peacefully, it's worth straying a bit from the path Abora and Alcorac have set for you. $AA seems sure of it, and the emotion in $BNhis_her voice inspires you to give it a try. You take a deep breath and open your eyes, looking at $AA's sphere with a faint smile and nodding. "Alright, I'll help you save $BN." The waves surrounding the sphere light up with an intense neon blue, and you can almost feel the joy radiating from $BNhim_her. <<if $BNRomance > 1>>"I… thank you, achi $lname, from the bottom of my soul. There are no words powerful enough to convey how much I appreciate your aid. You are… truly magnificent." A warmth spreads through your chest, ignited by $AA's sincere words. But there's something you can't help but wonder. "I only have one question," you add right after. "Why does this matter so much to you?" <<else>>"I… thank you, achi $lname, from the bottom of my soul. There are no words powerful enough to convey how much I appreciate your aid." "I only have one question," you add right after. "Why does this matter so much to you?" $AA pauses for a few seconds before answering, "I see myself in $BNhim_her." <</if>>[[Continue|74]]

No, it wouldn't be a good idea. It's clear that $BN has no interest in giving up on $BNhis_her goal, and if even Abora thinks $BNhe_she's a lost cause, then risking the well-being of all worlds and their inhabitants for a slim chance that likely won't happen doesn't seem sensible at all. You take a deep breath and open your eyes, shaking your head as you look at $AA's sphere. "No, it's too risky. We've been told to free you and stop $BNhim_her, and that's what we're going to do. Nothing more." "I… expected as much," $BNhe_she says, $BNhis_her aura darkening with disappointment. "I understand your decision, achi $lname. I will still aid you in your task, and I'll wish you luck once you and your companions face $BN." $BNHis_Her aura returns to its original blue. "But I will not stop trying to find a way to save $BNhim_her." "I don't understand," you can't help but say, frowning. "Why does this matter so much to you?" $AA waits a few seconds before responding, "I see myself in $BNhim_her." You press your lips together at the defeated tone in $BNhis_her voice. Whatever $BNhis_her reasons for caring so much about $BN, they don't convince you. "Then I'm sorry for what I have to do," you reply sadly. "I know, achi $lname. So am I." [[Continue|74]]

This could go either way. It's clear that $BN has no interest in giving up $BNhis_her goal, but if there really is a chance to purify $BNhim_her and end the cycle peacefully, it might be worth the effort, right? $AA seems pretty sure about it, even though Abora sees $BNhim_her as a lost cause. "Maybe," you finally say before you get a headache. You open your eyes and look at $AA's sphere. "I'm willing to give it a shot, but we'll see." "Thank you. That's all I ask, achi $lname," $BNhe_she says as $BNhis_her aura brightens slightly. "I only have one question," you add with a frown. "Why does this matter so much to you?" $AA pauses for a few seconds before answering, "I see myself in $BNhim_her." [[Continue|74]]

Even Abora doesn't think it's possible. To her, $BN is already a lost cause. Even if you agree to try to save $BNhim_her, you seriously doubt the Creator would even want to attempt it. "Abora and her husband seemed pretty dead set on killing $BN. Do you really think it's worth it?" you ask as you open your eyes. "They will respect my decision," $AA replies without hesitation. "How can you be so sure?" "The bond and trust that tied us together is not so easily broken. Not even by a few millennia." $BNHis_Her voice is sure and determined, and you can't help but wonder why there isn't even an ounce of doubt in $BNhis_her success. The strength of that thought surpasses yours. "I don't understand," you can't help but say, frowning. "Why does this matter so much to you?" $AA pauses for a few seconds before responding, "I see myself in $BNhim_her." You press your lips together at $BNhis_her defeated tone. Whatever $BNhis_her reasons for caring so much about $BN, your doubts remain. "Maybe, $AA. I can't promise anything more," you finally reply. "Thank you. Just considering it is enough, achi $lname," $BNhe_she says as $BNhis_her aura brightens slightly. [[Continue|74]]

"$name" you hear the echo of a voice calling you. "$name, wake up." Reality begins to distort around you. Things become blurry, and you feel something pulling you upward. $AA's voice sounds somewhat distant. <<if $BNRomance > 1>>"Your companions await your presence. I will come to you when you need me." <<else>>"Your companions await your presence. I will come to you when you call." <</if>>"Wait!" you shout, trying to hold on a little longer before leaving your dream. "How will I find you again?" Whatever is pushing you upward pulls harder. The ground disappears beneath your feet, and you watch as $AA's' sphere drifts away as your body rises against your will. "Look within." That is the last thing you hear from the imprisoned $BNgod_goddess before losing consciousness. <<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|RGPathCh2]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|AOPathCh2]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|ALPathCh2]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|LLPathCh2]]<<else>>[[Continue|BFFPathCh2]]<</if>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "fadeAway" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You jump out of bed, propping yourself up on your elbows as you look around, disoriented. A violet gaze watches you with concern. "$RG?" you pronounce the name of its owner as you see $RGhim_her kneeling beside you, and you sit up in bed. "I felt…" $RGhe_she begins to say but doesn't finish the sentence, closing $RGhis_her mouth instead. $RGHis_Her jaw tightens, and $RGhis_her eyes study you for a few seconds before $RGhe_she tries again. "You were tossing and turning. It was //$BNhim_her//, wasn't it?" Even as $RGhe_she asks the question, $RGhe_she already knows the answer. You divert your gaze to the drawn curtain of the cave-turned-room, where the first rays of light illuminate the stone walls. "What time is it?" you ask. $RG follows your gaze. "Early. Everyone is already up and ready to leave for Bucante." You throw off the sheets with a sudden movement and get out of bed. "Come. I have something to tell you all." You put on your boots with surprising speed and head toward the exit with determined steps. Yesterday, you didn't even bother to change out of your clothes, falling asleep fully dressed. "Wait a moment, $name," $RG says gently as $RGhe_she grabs your wrist, $RGhis_her touch relaxing your muscles and stopping you before you cross the curtain. "Whatever you have to say, we'll listen. But first, take this." $RGHe_She offers you a couple of folded clothes, and it's at that moment you notice $RGhis_her outfit. The $RGgod_goddess wears a different ensemble than in previous days. $RGHis_Her indigo tunic has been replaced by a dark sleeveless one with golden trim, fading into a vibrant blue with sparkling details scattered along the bottom. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>Loose dark trousers are tucked into his brown leather boots, and the new white shirt has a V-neck that reaches halfway down his torso. He still has the orange cloth tied around his waist as a belt, but the bandages that once covered his tattoo are now replaced by bracers with golden details, similar to those on the tunic. Your gaze roams over $his exposed skin before you can stop it, curiously travelling from the firmness of his collarbone to getting lost in the definition of his abs. <<else>>Loose dark trousers are tucked into her brown leather boots, and the new white top reveals her strong abdomen. She still has the orange cloth tied around her waist as a belt, but the bandages that once covered her tattoo are now replaced by bracers with golden details, similar to those on the tunic. Your gaze roams over her exposed skin before you can stop it, curiously travelling from the firmness of her collarbone to getting lost in the beginning of her cleavage. <</if>>$RG clears $RGhis_her throat softly, a sound that breaks the spell in an instant as $RGhe_she raises the clothes a little higher, trying to shield $RGhimself_herself from the intensity of your attention. $RGHis_Her wings tremble at $RGhis_her back, betraying the subtle blush that overtakes $RGhis_her freckled cheeks. "Enid made these for you. For everyone," $RGhe_she says, placing them in your free hand. "We'll be waiting outside." "Yeah, sure," you reply, a bit embarrassed for getting carried away. "Thank you." Still, neither of you moves, suspended in a moment that lingers longer than necessary. $RG opens $RGhis_her mouth, as if about to say something, but $RGhis_her lips close again and trap the words that never came to be. Then you do the same, taking a breath and holding it in your chest as you get lost in $RGhis_her gaze, wishing one of you would break the silence that has settled between you. You don't do it either. Then you realize $RGhis_her hand is still wrapped around your wrist in a gentle, almost ethereal grip. The contact lasts a few seconds longer, and when $RGhe_she finally releases you, $RGhis_her fingers brush against yours with a delicacy that leaves you longing for more. $RG circles you without saying anything, $RGhis_her steps resonating in the silence, and leaves the room. [[Continue|RGPathCh2_2]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "fadeAway" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You jolt awake, propping yourself on your elbows as you look around, disoriented. Your eyes quickly scan the room, trying to get your bearings, until you find dark eyes staring back at you from above. "$AO?" you say $AOhis_her name, still somewhat dazed, as you sit on the bed. The doctor's figure rises next to you, hands firmly on $AOhis_her hips and one eyebrow arched with that familiar mix of disapproval and humour you know well. "Sleeping in, are you?" $AOhe_she begins with a tone of false severity, wagging $AOhis_her index finger from side to side in a scolding gesture while shaking $AOhis_her head. "Tsk, tsk, tsk, none of that. Get a move on. The rest of us are already awake and ready whenever you are." <<if $hair is "Very short" or $hair is "Shaved">>You run a hand over your head and look at the morning light streaming into the cave, illuminating the stone walls. <<else>>You run a hand over your head, fingers tangling in your hair, and look at the morning light streaming into the cave, illuminating the stone walls. <</if>>"What time is it?" you ask, frowning slightly. "It's still early, but we agreed to leave as soon as possible, remember?" $AO responds. The $AOman_woman lowers $AOhis_her arms and watches you for a few seconds, tilting $AOhis_her head slightly. The amusement in $AOhis_her eyes fades, replaced by genuine concern. "Hey, don't take this the wrong way, but you look terrible. Did you sleep well?" You don't even answer the question and yank the covers off with a sudden movement. The doctor watches you with blinking eyes and a confused expression as you get up with equal intensity. "Is everyone outside?" "Yes, but-" $AO tries to respond. "I need to tell you something important!" you exclaim. $AO raises a hand, $AOhis_her index finger extended as if asking for a moment to speak. "$name-" "Have you seen my boots?" you interrupt again, looking around. Last night you didn't even bother to change and fell asleep in your clothes, except for your boots. You crouch down to look under the bed but don't find your footwear there either. Suddenly, something smacks your shoulder. "Agh! What-?" You turn towards $AO, finding $AOhim_her half-leaning forward, holding your boots in $AOhis_her hand with an expression of exasperation on $AOhis_her face. "Can you calm down? The day's barely started and you're already acting like you're about to have a heart attack," $AOhe_she scolds as $AOhe_she drops the boots at your feet. "Now, what's got you so worked up?" "$BN appeared in my dreams last night," you blurt out as you hurry to put on your boots. $AO makes a sound of understanding, though the slight furrow in $AOhis_her brow suggests $AOhe_she's processing the information. "You're clearly fine, so I assume $BNhe_she just came to visit and reiterate how $BNhe_she, the baddest $BNgod_goddess of all, is going to destroy the world." "Not just that, $AA was also there," you continue as you finish lacing the other boot. "$BNHe_She told me things that all of you should know." "$AA? Our guiding light was there too?" $AO asks with clear surprise. $AOHis_Her expression shifts from concern to a sharper alertness. [[Continue|AOPathCh2_2]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "fadeAway" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You jolt awake, propping yourself up on your elbows as you look around in confusion. A warm olive gaze watches you with concern, its owner sitting on the edge of the mattress. "$AL?" you say $ALhis_her name as you see $ALhim_her next to you, and you sit up in bed. "Sorry for coming in like this and waking you up, we thought you'd be awake," $ALhe_she says with a guilty expression. "We?" You glance momentarily at the drawn curtain of the cave-turned-room, where the first rays of light illuminate the stone walls. "Is everyone up already?" "Yeah," the redhead responds with a nod, standing up to give you space to do the same. "They're all waiting outside." "Good. I have something important to tell you all," you say as you take $ALhis_her place at the edge of the bed and look around. "Have you seen my boots?" "Um… $name?" Something in $ALhis_her voice makes you pause the search and look up at $ALhim_her. $AL presses $ALhis_her lips into a thin line, $ALhis_her brow furrowed with concern as $ALhe_she fidgets with $ALhis_her fingers. "Is something wrong?" you prompt. "It's just that…" $AL glances at the door for a moment. "When I came in, it seemed like you were having a nightmare. Are you… are you okay?" The air seems to freeze for an instant, the short silence between you both thick with a sweet and vulnerable tension. An inexplicable warmth begins to bloom in your chest, slowly pushing away the remnants of the unease left behind by the dream with $BN and $AA. $ALHis_Her eyes, always so bright, are now filled with genuine worry, and something in you melts. Even though the red-haired $ALman_woman always wears $ALhis_her emotions on $ALhis_her sleeve for all to see, the intensity of $ALhis_her feelings never ceases to surprise you. "Yeah, I'm okay now," you answer with a soft smile. $ALHis_Her fingers stop fidgeting, but your response doesn't seem to fully convince $ALhim_her. "It was $BN, wasn't it?" $ALHis_Her voice drops to almost a whisper, $ALhis_her frown deepening slightly. "You don't have to act strong all the time, you know?" $ALHis_Her words are a balm to the tension that had been numbing your body. $BN's presence may be powerful, but even the strength of a god can't compete with $AL's in this moment. Your smile widens, and you get up from the bed to stand in front of $ALhim_her. Without thinking, your hands move on their own, resting on $ALhis_her shoulders and gliding down $ALhis_her arms in a gentle caress that tickles your skin. "$AL," you begin softly, looking into $ALhis_her eyes, "I'm okay, I promise." The words linger in the air for a few seconds, everything else fading away. It's just the two of you, and the smile slowly spreading across $AL's face. You feel $ALhis_her muscles relax under your hands before $ALhe_she nods. "Alright," $ALhe_she simply replies, $ALhis_her eyes once again showing that warm green spark you love so much. [[Continue|ALPathCh2_2]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "fadeAway" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You jolt awake, propping yourself up on your elbows as you look around, feeling disoriented. A refreshing green gaze watches you with serious intensity from above. "$LL?" you say, pronouncing the name of its owner as you see $LLhim_her beside you, and you sit up in bed. "Was that renegade tormenting you again?" $LLhe_she asks directly, though it sounds more like a statement given $LLhis_her tone. You think you see a flicker of genuine fear beneath $LLhis_her stoic appearance, though it's probably just the result of sleepiness. You rub your eyes and blink, your gaze drifting toward the drawn curtain of the cave-turned-room. "At first, yes, but then…" You quickly remember the rest and throw the sheets aside in a sudden motion to get out of bed, catching $LL off guard and making $LLhim_her take a startled step back. "Is everyone else awake?" you ask urgently. $LL looks at you with narrowed eyes. "...Yes, they're all out there. Why?" "Come on. I need to tell you something," you say as you put on your boots at a speed that surprises even you before striding purposefully toward the exit. You hadn't even bothered to take off your clothes yesterday, falling asleep in your usual outfit. "Slow down, $name," $LL interrupts your march, stepping in front of you. $LLHe_She looks at you with a furrowed brow and a suspicious expression. "What did that renegade say? I swear, if $BNhe_she did anything to you…" You would love to lose yourself in the warm refuge $LLhis_her protective tone offers and let it envelop you completely, but you can't afford that luxury right now. With a strength of will you didn't know you had, you force yourself to break the silence $LLhis_her intense gaze has imposed on you. "No, nothing like that," you respond quickly. "It's about $AA." "That $BNgod_goddess we need to free?" You nod. "Yes. $BNHe_She protected me from $BN and told me a bit more about $BNhim_her and what we need to do to free $BNhim_her." You decide to keep the suggestion of sparing the renegade's life to yourself for later, when you're with the rest of your friends. $LL seems about to say something, but you interrupt $LLhim_her by grabbing $LLhis_her hand. "There's no time to waste, it's important!" "Hey!" You ignore $LLhis_her protests and pull $LLhim_her outside. [[Continue|LLPathCh2_2]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "fadeAway" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You jolt awake, propping yourself up on your elbows as you look around, feeling a bit disoriented. Your gaze quickly lands on the pile of clothes resting on your abdomen. "What the-?" Suddenly, the head of a smiling otter pops out from the clothes. "Good morning, mortal." "Enid?" you say, slightly furrowing your brow. "What are you doing here?" "I came to wake you up, of course. Did you forget we were leaving early today?" she replies, sliding off your body to make room and settling beside you on the mattress. Enid's smile widens as she points to the clothes on top of you. "I also brought you a gift. I made these for you, so you can finally get rid of that impractical outfit you always wear." "You made new clothes for me?" you ask, sitting up in bed and glancing at the garments the otter has brought. Enid nods. "For you and everyone else. We're embarking on a new mission, and you need to be prepared, so I took the liberty of creating suitable gear for each of you. Do you like it?" At the mention of the mission, you recall your encounter with $BN and $AA and look at Enid urgently. "Is everyone else awake?" "They are. They're waiting for you outside." "Good," you say with a nod. "I need to tell you something important about $BN and $AA." Enid studies you for a few seconds before nodding. "All right. I'll go tell them while you get ready." [[Continue|BFFPathCh2_2]]

"Come on, I'll tell you everything," you say, making a decisive gesture with your hand as you walk straight toward the exit. However, you barely take a few steps before $AO steps into your path, raising $AOhis_her hands as an unexpected barrier. "Hold on, hold on. Wait a second, okay?" The $AOman_woman places $AOhis_her hands on $AOhis_her hips. "I understand the urgency, but at least take a few minutes to wake up properly, all right? And you might want to try on the new clothes too." You blink. "New clothes?" $AO points to the foot of the bed, and your gaze follows $AOhis_her finger to find a small pile of clothes and accessories you hadn't noticed before. "Enid made them for you," $AOhe_she replies to your confusion. "For everyone, actually. She also made mine, which, by the way, I'm offended that you haven't said anything about how great they look on me." You were so rushed that you hadn't even noticed $AO's new look. $AOHe_She's traded $AOhis_her doctor's coat for an elegant tunic, adorned with red trim and fastened with blue buttons. The garment is cinched at $AOhis_her waist with a dark ribbon, and the wide sleeves of the tunic fall just below $AOhis_her elbows, revealing elastic protective sleeves that cover the rest of $AOhis_her arms and hands except for $AOhis_her exposed fingers. On $AOhis_her wrists, $AOhe_she wears silver bracelets decorated with a small blue sphere in the centre, connected to armlets halfway up $AOhis_her forearms engraved with the mark of the gods. $AOHis_Her pants remain dark but are made of a finer, lighter fabric. And $AOhis_her boots are much simpler and sleeker, reaching just below $AOhis_her knees, nothing like the ostentatious and extravagant ones $AOhe_she used to wear. You can't help but let your eyes travel over $AOhis_her body from top to bottom, noting every small change in $AOhis_her appearance. $AO seems to enjoy the attention, turning slowly so you can see every detail of $AOhis_her new outfit. "What do you think? Pretty cool, right? It highlights my figure nicely." With a playful gesture, $AOhe_she runs $AOhis_her hands over $AOhis_her abdomen, causing the tunic to cling even more to $AOhis_her figure in a deliberately provocative way. Your eyes follow the movement of $AOhis_her hands as the air around you seems to become a bit thicker. You feel your mouth dry and your heart quicken slightly. "Yes, it looks…" You clear your throat in an attempt to regain control of your words. "It looks good on you, $AO." <<if $AOsex is true>>$AOHis_Her smile widens at your reaction, and $AOhis_her eyes light up with a spark of mischief. "You know, it's a bit tricky to get into the new clothes." You raise an eyebrow, perfectly guessing where the conversation is headed. "Oh, really?" $AO takes a step closer to you, approaching with intentional slowness until $AOhis_her face is a few inches from yours. "Maybe you'll need a hand." "A generous offer," you reply playfully, your gaze involuntarily sliding towards $AOhis_her lips. "That's just me," $AO whispers, $AOhis_her words brushing your ears like a soft caress. "Always happy to help." Your breaths mix in the air, creating a palpable tension that intensifies with each passing second, a spark on the verge of becoming a blazing fire. Your senses focus on that moment, on the anticipation of what is about to happen. But just as the spark is about to ignite, an authoritative voice breaks the bubble you had created, pouring a cold bucket of water over your desires. "$AO and $name, don't dawdle!" $RG shouts from outside. $AO clicks $AOhis_her tongue and steps away from you with a frustrated sigh, $AOhis_her eyes rolling in disappointment. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Spoilsport, the big guy," $AOhe_she mutters with annoyance, giving you one last look before walking away. "Anyway, as I said. I'd love to stay, but I'm afraid we have things to do. So get dressed quickly, we're waiting for you outside." <<else>>"Spoilsport, the big girl," $AOhe_she mutters with annoyance, giving you one last look before walking away. "Anyway, as I said. I'd love to stay, but I'm afraid we have things to do. So get dressed quickly, we're waiting for you outside." <</if>>You nod, though part of you also regrets the interruption. "I won't be long." $AO gives you a casual wave, $AOhis_her hand rising in a carefree gesture before $AOhe_she exits the cave. The warm atmosphere you shared dissipates, leaving you alone in the silence of the cave, with the echo of what might have been still resonating in your mind. <<else>>$AOHis_Her smile widens at your reaction, but the gesture is short-lived as $AO clears $AOhis_her throat and points to the clothes on your bed. "Anyway, as I said, don't worry and get dressed. I'll go inform the others that you're awake." "Huh? Oh, yes. Sure, I won't be long." <</if>>[[Continue|AOPathCh2_3]]

//''[With $AO...]''// $AO calmly walks out of the cave, hands in $AOhis_her pockets, heading toward the shore where the rest of $AOhis_her friends look at $AOhim_her with questioning gazes. "Where's $name?" $AL asks, glancing behind $AOhim_her toward $name's cave. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"He's changing," $AO responds. "Apparently he has something to tell us." "About…?" $LL prompts, but $AO shrugs. "No idea. Something about $BN and $AA. Both visited him last night." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"She's changing," $AO responds. "Apparently she has something to tell us." "About…?" $LL prompts, but $AO shrugs. "No idea. Something about $BN and $AA. Both visited her last night." <<else>>"They're changing," $AO responds. "Apparently they have something to tell us." "About…?" $LL prompts, but $AO shrugs. "No idea. Something about $BN and $AA. Both visited them last night." <</if>><<if $AOsex is true>>Surprisingly, $AO isn't in the mood to mask the seriousness of the situation with a joke. $AOHe_She blames it on $RG's interruption a few seconds ago, but it seems like a stupid reason to feel frustrated. So what is it, then? $AOHe_She's not sure. <<else>>Surprisingly, $AO isn't in the mood to mask the seriousness of the situation with a joke. $AOHe_She blames it on worry. After all, the danger is very real. But $AO has the strange feeling there's more to it than that. What is it? $AOHe_She's not sure. <</if>><<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Is he okay?" $AO barely hears $LL's question over all the noise in $AOhis_her own head. Luckily for $AOhim_her, it's $RG who answers. "I don't sense any distress in him, the renegade hasn't harmed him," the achimencey says, $RGhis_her calm words and tone helping everyone to relax. "We'll see what he has to tell us when he comes out." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Is she okay?" $AO barely hears $LL's question over all the noise in $AOhis_her own head. Luckily for $AOhim_her, it's $RG who answers. "I don't sense any distress in her, the renegade hasn't harmed her," the achimencey says, $RGhis_her calm words and tone helping everyone to relax. "We'll see what she has to tell us when she comes out." <<else>>"Are they okay?" $AO barely hears $LL's question over all the noise in $AOhis_her own head. Luckily for $AOhim_her, it's $RG who answers. "I don't sense any distress in them, the renegade hasn't harmed them," the achimencey says, $RGhis_her calm words and tone helping everyone to relax. "We'll see what they have to tell us when they come out." <</if>>Everyone nods and disperses a bit along the beach, waiting patiently. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>[[Continue|AOPathCh2_4a]]<<else>>[[Continue|AOPathCh2_4b]]<</if>>

$AO doesn't even bother looking for a comfortable spot to wait; $AOhe_she simply drops onto the dry sand near the shore. The sea breeze caresses $AOhis_her skin as $AOhe_she leans back, placing $AOhis_her hands behind $AOhis_her head and closing $AOhis_her eyes. $AOHe_She crosses one leg over the other in a posture that might seem relaxed but hides an inner tension only $AOhe_she knows. The sounds of the ocean fill the silence around $AOhim_her, and for those long seconds, $AOhe_she allows $AOhimself_herself to be alone with $AOhis_her thoughts, though not completely at peace. The soft crunch of sand tells $AOhim_her someone is approaching, and although $AOhe_she doesn't open $AOhis_her eyes, $AOhe_she can feel the presence beside $AOhim_her. "How's $name?" $RG's deep voice envelops $AOhim_her like a wave, and $AO has a slight suspicion of where the conversation is headed. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Fine, I already told you. But you could figure that out yourself with your powers, couldn't you?" $AOhe_she replies with a casual tone that barely hides $AOhis_her discomfort. "By the way, you're blocking my sun, big guy." <<else>>"Fine, I already told you. But you could figure that out yourself with your powers, couldn't you?" $AOhe_she replies with a casual tone that barely hides $AOhis_her discomfort. "By the way, you're blocking my sun, big girl." <</if>>"I can discern the superficial," $RG says, $RGhis_her tone calm but loaded with meaning. "But matters of the heart are a hazy mystery. They vary as much as the people involved." $AO exhales heavily. This was exactly what $AOhe_she feared $RGhe_she'd ask, and yet, how could $AOhe_she avoid it? After all, $RG isn't just a $RGgod_goddess; $RGhe_she's a $RGgod_goddess who reads thoughts. Still, the doctor barely reacts or moves from $AOhis_her spot. "With any luck, $name will move on soon." $AOHis_Her words come out with a slight edge, and $AOhe_she opens $AOhis_her eyes to add with a half-smile that tries, unsuccessfully, to be light-hearted. "It's not that hard." The smile $AOhe_she offers is a façade that crumbles under $RG's perceptive gaze. $RGHe_She tilts $RGhis_her head slightly at $AOhis_her response, $RGhis_her wings shifting as well, but $RGhe_she makes no further comment. "And how are you?" $RGhe_she asks after a brief silence. $AO averts $AOhis_her gaze, thinking for a few seconds about what $AOhe_she could say. But how can $AOhe_she answer when $AOhe_she doesn't even know the answer $AOhimself_herself? "I keep hurting the people I care about. How do you think I'm doing?" $AOhe_she speaks after a moment of reflection, trying to substitute a direct answer. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>$AOHis_Her dark eyes meet Rayco's, and the intensity in the achimencey's gaze makes $AOhis_her stomach tighten. For an instant, $AO feels completely vulnerable, as if all $AOhis_her fears and insecurities are laid bare under the god's watchful eyes. <<else>>$AOHis_Her dark eyes meet Gara's, and the intensity in the achimencey's gaze makes $AOhis_her stomach tighten. For an instant, $AO feels completely vulnerable, as if all $AOhis_her fears and insecurities are laid bare under the goddess' watchful eyes. <</if>>But then, $RG's serious expression softens into a kind smile, one that seems to offer $AO a brief reprieve before $RGhe_she gently breaks eye contact. "Everything will be okay, $AO." And $AO believes $RGhim_her. [[Continue|AOPathCh2_5]]

$AO doesn't even bother looking for a comfortable spot to wait; $AOhe_she simply drops onto the dry sand near the shore. The sea breeze caresses $AOhis_her skin as $AOhe_she leans back, placing $AOhis_her hands behind $AOhis_her head and closing $AOhis_her eyes. $AOHe_She crosses one leg over the other in a posture that might seem relaxed but hides an inner tension only $AOhe_she knows. The sounds of the ocean fill the silence around $AOhim_her, and for those long seconds, $AOhe_she allows $AOhimself_herself to be alone with $AOhis_her thoughts, though not completely at peace. The soft crunch of sand tells $AOhim_her someone is approaching, and although $AOhe_she doesn't open $AOhis_her eyes, $AOhe_she can feel the presence beside $AOhim_her. "Is something bothering you?" $RG's deep voice surrounds $AOhim_her like a wave, and $AO opens $AOhis_her eyes to see $RGhim_her settling beside $AOhim_her. "Honestly, I wouldn't know what to tell you," the doctor replies, pursing $AOhis_her lips as $AOhe_she watches a cloud drift across the sky. "Have you ever been fine one moment, and suddenly you're in a bad mood? Well, that's where I'm at." "And what happened to cause such a change, I wonder?" $AO shrugs, the gesture almost indifferent. "How should I know? You're the one who can read minds. You could help me a little, don't you think?" $RG's laughter is soft, almost a whisper that seems to blend with the sound of the sea. "I always try not to. I don't enjoy invading people's privacy, no matter how inevitable it is sometimes." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"You're not invading anything if I allow it, right?" $AO sits up slightly, turning towards $RGhim_her with a spark of defiance in $AOhis_her eyes. $AOHe_She sits cross-legged and points to $AOhis_her head. "Come on, big guy. Take a stroll through my mind, see what you find." <<else>>"You're not invading anything if I allow it, right?" $AO sits up slightly, turning towards $RGhim_her with a spark of defiance in $AOhis_her eyes. $AOHe_She sits cross-legged and points to $AOhis_her head. "Come on, big girl. Take a stroll through my mind, see what you find." <</if>>$RG raises an eyebrow, the shadow of a smile barely curving $RGhis_her lips. "Are you sure?" "I'm an open book," the doctor says, spreading $AOhis_her arms and flashing a mischievous smile. "Unless you're afraid of the scandals you might uncover." A spark of amusement flickers in $RG's eyes, one that seems to light them with an almost inhuman glow when their gazes meet. $AO feels a shiver run down $AOhis_her spine, a tingle of nervousness mixed with a strange fascination. What initially seemed like a simple game now takes on a different tone, deeper and, in some way, more terrifying. The intensity of the achimencey's gaze makes $AOhim_her feel small, as if $AOhe_she suddenly realizes how much $AOhe_she's risking by inviting $RGhim_her into $AOhis_her thoughts. $AOHe_She was curious about what was hidden in $AOhis_her mind. Now, $AOhe_she's not so sure $AOhe_she wants to find out. But then, the intensity that almost overwhelms $AOhim_her dissipates when $RG offers a kind smile, one that seems to give $AO a moment of relief just before the $RGgod_goddess gently breaks eye contact. The question escapes $AOhim_her before $AOhe_she can stop it, and the uncertainty in $AOhis_her voice surprises $AOhim_her. "…What did you see?" "Nothing you need to worry about," $RG replies, $RGhis_her smile widening slightly. "Everything's fine, $AO." Though $RG doesn't give $AOhim_her a real answer, $AO doesn't feel bothered by it. In fact, the moment seems to have dissolved the tension. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>The doctor rests $AOhis_her hands in the sand and leans back, $AOhis_her body relaxing as a small smile forms on $AOhis_her lips. "Whatever you say, big guy." <<else>>The doctor rests $AOhis_her hands in the sand and leans back, $AOhis_her body relaxing as a small smile forms on $AOhis_her lips. "Whatever you say, big girl." <</if>>[[Continue|AOPathCh2_5]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "cryptic" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[With $name...]''// <<if $weapon is "Sword">>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit, much more comfortable than you expected. A lightweight, hardened metal breastplate protects you over vital areas like your chest and shoulders, along with simple bracers and greaves. It's far more comfortable than you thought, offering enough protection for close combat while allowing much more agility than other types of armour. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit. A leather jacket replaces your old one, reinforced on the forearms to protect from the bowstring, along with reinforced leather greaves and fingerless gloves. Simple, agile, and comfortable. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <<else>>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit. A long silk robe embroidered with mystical runes replaces your red jacket, tied at the waist with a fine, dark cloth acting as a belt. You tuck the bottom of your loose pants into high leather boots and open the robe slightly to reveal your pendant and a simple shirt. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <</if>><<if $RG is "Rayco">>They've all received a slight wardrobe update. Rayco's indigo tunic has been replaced by a sleeveless dark one with golden edges, fading into a vibrant blue at the bottom, dotted with shimmering details. The tunic covers a white V-neck shirt that reaches halfway down his torso and is tied with his orange cloth to loose, dark trousers. <<else>>They've all received a slight wardrobe update. Gara's indigo tunic has been replaced by a sleeveless dark one with golden edges, fading into a vibrant blue at the bottom, dotted with shimmering details. The tunic covers a white top that reveals her strong abdomen, and is tied with her orange cloth to loose, dark trousers. <</if>>$AL now wears a white shirt beneath a sleeveless blue sweater, with a short cloak and hood of the same colour draping over $ALhis_her shoulders. Comfortable brown pants replace $ALhis_her old jeans, tucked into $ALhis_her new white boots. A golden badge bearing the symbol of the gods is attached to a belt that wraps around $ALhis_her torso, centred on $ALhis_her chest. Finally, $LL's old armour has been replaced by a sleek outfit of thick leather covered by gleaming steel plates, with darker details decorating parts of the silver surface, and the mark of the gods etched into the pauldrons and breastplate. A green cloth hangs from $LLhis_her waist beneath the armour, and another wraps around $LLhis_her neck, further highlighting $LLhis_her fiery red hair. The armour is much less bulky than Sorrol's guards', far more agile. A perfect blend of comfort and functionality for combat that will undoubtedly serve $LLhim_her well. Everyone seems a bit impatient as they see you, with $AL being the first to speak. "Good morning, $name. $AO mentioned you had something to tell us?" You nod. "Yes." [[Continue|75]]

<<if $LLLove is true>>You tell them everything from start to finish, from the tense conversation with $BN to the unsettling proposal from $AA. You leave nothing out, not even your response to the imprisoned god. Your friends listen in silence, their faces darkening as the words leave your lips, but none of them interrupt until you're finished. <<else>>You tell them everything from start to finish, from the tense conversation with $BN to the unsettling proposal from $AA. You leave nothing out, not even your response to the imprisoned god. Your friends listen in silence, their faces darkening as the words leave your lips, but except for the occasional interruption from $LL and $AO, everyone waits until you finish. <</if>>"That's… concerning," Enid finally says, breaking the brief silence that had formed. "To say the least," $AO adds, raising an eyebrow. "What do you all think?" you ask before another silence sets in. <<if $saveBN is true>>"It's too risky. I can't believe you agreed to such a thing!" $LL responds instantly, $LLhis_her frown deepening, if that's even possible. <<else>>"It's too risky," $LL responds immediately, $LLhis_her frown deepening, if that's even possible. "Either this $AA is grasping at straws, or it's a trap." <</if>>$AL presses $ALhis_her lips together. "I don't know… $BNHe_She's one of Abora's warriors. If $BNhe_she thinks it's possible, it wouldn't hurt to try, right?" You look away when $ALhis_her eyes meet yours, searching for some kind of confirmation. Unfortunately, you can't give it to $ALhim_her. "Well, Red's right, it //is// very risky," the doctor comments, putting $AOhis_her hands on $AOhis_her hips. "But on the other hand, can you imagine how much we'd save if we pull it off? I can't say I care much about $BN, but we'd save a lot of innocent lives." <<if $saveBN is true>>You nod. "We have far more to gain than to lose. In the best-case scenario, we purify a $BNgod_goddess and avoid an unnecessary war. And in the worst case, we stick to the current plan and destroy $BNhim_her." $LL inhales slowly, letting it out in a deep sigh. "I still don't like it, but…" $LLHe_She crosses $LLhis_her arms, $LLhis_her gaze dropping for a moment before returning to you. "I guess there are worse ideas." "We'll need to find an alternative in case it doesn't work," Enid interjects from $RG's shoulder. "Without $AA's power, defeating $BN won't be easy." <<elseif $saveBN is false>>You shake your head, your voice firm as the words come out with conviction. "I'm telling you, it won't work. $BN has no interest in abandoning $BNhis_her crusade. We'd be wasting time and giving $BNhim_her the opportunity $BNhe_she needs to win. We have to stop $BNhim_her." $AL nods, but there's a shadow of sadness in $ALhis_her eyes. "Without $AA's help, it's going to be difficult." "Almost impossible, I'd say," $AO adds. "Then we'll find another way, but I'm not going to let that $BNman_woman destroy our world," you respond with determination, raising your voice a little more than you intended. $LL approves with a nod. <<else>>You sigh. "Honestly? I'm not sure. It could go either way." You cross your arms, thinking. "I don't see $BN being interested in abandoning $BNhis_her crusade, but $AA doesn't doubt it's possible to redeem $BNhim_her." "Either way, the possibility that it won't work is there, and we'll need an alternative if that happens," Enid interjects from $RG's shoulder. "Without $AA's power, defeating $BN won't be easy." <</if>>[[Continue|76]]

More slowly than you should, and even though you don't want to, you lower your arms and step away from $AL to keep looking for your boots. But now that your mind is clearer, you notice a detail you had overlooked before. You point to $ALhis_her outfit. "Is that new?" The question is a bit silly, since it obviously is. $ALHis_Her flannel shirt has been replaced by a white T-shirt under a sleeveless blue sweater, with a short cloak and hood of the same colour covering $ALhis_her shoulders. Comfortable brown pants have replaced $ALhis_her old jeans, the lower part tucked into new white leather boots. In the centre of $ALhis_her chest, a golden badge bears the mark of the gods, attached to a belt that wraps around $ALhis_her torso. <<if $AL is "Albert">>If you thought Albert couldn't look any more handsome, this just proved you wrong. <<else>>If you thought Lavina couldn't look any more beautiful, this just proved you wrong. <</if>>"Oh, this?" $ALhe_she says, grabbing $ALhis_her sweater. "Yeah, Enid made it. Do you like it?" * [[Are you kidding? You look amazing!|ALPathCh2_3a]] * [[I like you more|ALPathCh2_3b]] * [[Enid made that for you?|ALPathCh2_3c]]

<<if $AL is "Albert">>"Are you kidding? Look at you, you look so handsome!" you reply, pointing at his new clothes. <<else>>"Are you kidding? Look at you, you look so beautiful!" you reply, pointing at her new clothes. <</if>>$AL scratches the back of $ALhis_her head and lets out a nervous laugh, a light blush tinting $ALhis_her cheeks with a pinkish hue. "You think so? I was worried it wouldn't suit me. I've never worn travel clothes like this." $AL lets out another embarrassed laugh, then clears $ALhis_her throat. "Actually, that's the other reason I came to find you. Enid has made clothes for everyone. Here, she said these would suit us better than the others for our journey." $AL grabs the pile of clothes and accessories $ALhe_she had left on the bedside table without you noticing and hands them to you. "Thanks," you say. $AL smiles. "I'll go tell the others that you're awake now and that you've got something to say. Take your time getting changed, we'll be waiting for you outside." [[Continue|ALPathCh2_3]]

"The clothes are fine," you say, pausing to give $ALhim_her another once-over before stepping closer, a half-smile curving your lips. "But I like the person wearing them more." A deep blush colours $AL's cheeks a reddish hue as $ALhis_her eyes widen. The $ALman_woman freezes for a second before letting out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of $ALhis_her head with one hand and resting the other on $ALhis_her belly. "Oh! Um… I, uh… Thanks! I… I like you more than your clothes too," $ALhe_she says without thinking, only to grow even more nervous afterward. "I mean- I didn't mean-" $AL stumbles over $ALhis_her words, unable to form a coherent sentence. Meanwhile, you can't help but let out a chuckle, which does nothing but deepen $ALhis_her blush. After a few more seconds of battling $ALhis_her own words, $AL gives up and sighs. "Sorry…" You laugh again. "You're adorable, did you know that?" $AL covers $ALhis_her mouth with $ALhis_her hand and clears $ALhis_her throat, trying to hold back $ALhis_her embarrassment. "A-Anyway, what I was trying to say is that the other reason I came to find you is that Enid has made clothes for everyone. Here, she said these would suit us better than the others for our journey." $AL grabs the pile of clothes and accessories $ALhe_she had left on the bedside table without you noticing and hands them to you. "Thanks," you say. $AL smiles. "I'll go tell the others that you're awake now and that you've got something to say. Take your time getting changed, we'll be waiting for you outside." [[Continue|ALPathCh2_3]]

"Yeah, the clothes look great on you, but what's that about Enid making them?" "Oh, right!" $AL exclaims, raising $ALhis_her eyebrows as if $ALhe_she just remembered something. "That was the other reason I came to find you. Enid has made clothes for everyone. Here, she said these would suit us better than the others for our journey." $AL grabs the pile of clothes and accessories $ALhe_she had left on the bedside table without you noticing and hands them to you. "Thanks," you say. $AL smiles. "I'll go tell the others that you're awake now and that you've got something to say. Take your time getting changed, we'll be waiting for you outside." [[Continue|ALPathCh2_3]]

//''[With $AL...]''// The redhead leaves $name's cave feeling happier than when $ALhe_she entered. Despite the circumstances, the $ALman_woman can't help the feelings $ALhis_her friend stirs in $ALhim_her. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>But is "friend" really the best word to define him? He is nothing more, $AL reminds $ALhimself_herself, no matter how much it sometimes seems like he could be. Perhaps $ALhe_she should just ask outright, another part of $ALhim_her suggests immediately after, but $AL fears the answer more than anything. What if it's all in $ALhis_her head, and $ALhe_she's misinterpreting everything? <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>But is "friend" really the best word to define her? She is nothing more, $AL reminds $ALhimself_herself, no matter how much it sometimes seems like she could be. Perhaps $ALhe_she should just ask outright, another part of $ALhim_her suggests immediately after, but $AL fears the answer more than anything. What if it's all in $ALhis_her head, and $ALhe_she's misinterpreting everything? <<else>>But is "friend" really the best word to define them? They are nothing more, $AL reminds $ALhimself_herself, no matter how much it sometimes seems like they could be. Perhaps $ALhe_she should just ask outright, another part of $ALhim_her suggests immediately after, but $AL fears the answer more than anything. What if it's all in $ALhis_her head, and $ALhe_she's misinterpreting everything? <</if>>A voice interrupts that chain of thought before $AL gets lost in it. "Everything okay?" "Huh?" $AL blinks, lifting $ALhis_her gaze from the ground, where $ALhe_she hadn't even realized it had drifted, to meet the eyes of the rest of $ALhis_her friends. "Where's $name?" $AO asks again. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"He's getting changed," $AL replies, snapping back to the present. "Apparently, he has something important to tell us." "About what?" Enid speaks over $RG's shoulder. $AL presses $ALhis_her lips together. "I think it's about the renegade $BNgod_goddess. When I came in, he was having a nightmare." The redhead seeks reassurance in $RG's violet gaze, and the achimencey nods in understanding. "I don't sense any distress in him, the renegade hasn't harmed him," $RG says, $RGhis_her calm words and tone helping $AL to relax. "We'll see what he has to say when he comes out." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"She's getting changed," $AL replies, snapping back to the present. "Apparently, she has something important to tell us." "About what?" Enid speaks over $RG's shoulder. $AL presses $ALhis_her lips together. "I think it's about the renegade $BNgod_goddess. When I came in, she was having a nightmare." The redhead seeks reassurance in $RG's violet gaze, and the achimencey nods in understanding. "I don't sense any distress in her, the renegade hasn't harmed her," $RG says, $RGhis_her calm words and tone helping $AL to relax. "We'll see what she has to say when she comes out." <<else>>"They're getting changed," $AL replies, snapping back to the present. "Apparently, they have something important to tell us." "About what?" Enid speaks over $RG's shoulder. $AL presses $ALhis_her lips together. "I think it's about the renegade $BNgod_goddess. When I came in, they were having a nightmare." The redhead seeks reassurance in $RG's violet gaze, and the achimencey nods in understanding. "I don't sense any distress in them, the renegade hasn't harmed them," $RG says, $RGhis_her calm words and tone helping $AL to relax. "We'll see what they have to say when they come out." <</if>>Everyone nods and scatters a bit along the beach, waiting patiently. [[Continue|ALPathCh2_4]]

$AL doesn't stray far from $name's cave. $ALHis_Her steps are short and hesitant, as if one wrong move could make $ALhim_her lose the fragile control $ALhe_she feels over $ALhimself_herself. $ALHe_She bites $ALhis_her lower lip with some force, glancing nervously at the entrance of the cave every few moments. "Relax. You're going to lose your hair if you keep this up." $LL's voice pulls $ALhim_her out of $ALhis_her thoughts. $AL turns, finding $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister leaning against the wall beside $ALhim_her. The playful tone in $LL's voice, though faint, is a distant echo of the closeness they once shared, something $AL had long thought lost. That spark brings a small flicker of joy. "We've all been a bit on edge lately," $AL replies with a brief laugh, one that doesn't fully reach $ALhis_her eyes but tries. "The gods have chosen us to do something important." The atmosphere shifts at the mention of the gods. $AL feels $LL's body tense immediately, and $ALhis_her own smile fades. Guilt washes over $ALhim_her for $ALhis_her choice of words. $LL crosses $LLhis_her arms, and $LLhis_her expression hardens as a heavy silence settles between them. A few seconds pass, feeling like an eternity, before the warrior speaks, $LLhis_her voice quieter, almost as if testing the words before letting them out. "You don't have to come. You know that, right?" "I know," $AL answers, $ALhis_her body mirroring the tension in the warrior. "Neither do you." The defensiveness in $ALhis_her tone rings in $ALhis_her ears, and $AL curses $ALhimself_herself internally for not controlling it. $LL averts $LLhis_her gaze, focusing $LLhis_her eyes on some distant point. $LLHis_Her silence weighs on $AL, and $ALhe_she feels the urge to say something, anything, to fill the void $ALhe_she's created between them. But $ALhe_she doesn't. [[Continue|ALPathCh2_5]]

"Is it because of $name?" $LL breaks the silence after a while. $AL looks up at $LLhim_her again, $ALhis_her heart beating a little faster. $ALHe_She wants to find $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister's eyes, but $LL continues staring at the horizon. $AL presses $ALhis_her lips together before responding, $ALhis_her expression hardening slightly. The protective instinct runs in the family. "And because of you too, $LL." "I can take care of myself," the warrior replies in a neutral tone. The emptiness in $LLhis_her voice hits $AL harder than anything else could. "I'm your older $ALbrother_sister… It should be my duty," $AL replies sadly. Finally, $LL meets $ALhis_her gaze. Two pairs of emeralds reflect on each other. "You… you already do more than enough for me, $Al_Lavi." No, I don't, the eldest Terrastar thinks automatically as $ALhis_her heart tightens at $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister's words. If $ALhe_she were a good older $ALbrother_sister, the roles would be reversed. $ALHe_She should be the one protecting $LLhim_her, the one carrying the weight of the world on $ALhis_her shoulders instead of watching $LL's back in every battle. $ALHe_She should be the one bearing the burdens that $LL's had to endure due to $ALhis_her inaction. The air between them becomes charged with unspoken emotions, shared fears, and concerns neither dares to fully express. In the end, the silence grows so dense that neither can find a way to break it again. [[Continue|ALPathCh2_6]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "cryptic" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[With $name...]''// <<if $weapon is "Sword">>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit, much more comfortable than you expected. A lightweight, hardened metal breastplate protects you over vital areas like your chest and shoulders, along with simple bracers and greaves. It's far more comfortable than you thought, offering enough protection for close combat while allowing much more agility than other types of armour. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit. A leather jacket replaces your old one, reinforced on the forearms to protect from the bowstring, along with reinforced leather greaves and fingerless gloves. Simple, agile, and comfortable. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <<else>>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit. A long silk robe embroidered with mystical runes replaces your red jacket, tied at the waist with a fine, dark cloth acting as a belt. You tuck the bottom of your loose pants into high leather boots and open the robe slightly to reveal your pendant and a simple shirt. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <</if>>They've all received a slight wardrobe update. $AO has set aside $AOhis_her doctor's robe for an elegant tunic, adorned with red edges and fastened with blue buttons. The garment is cinched at $AOhis_her waist with a dark sash, and the wide sleeves of the tunic fall just below $AOhis_her elbows, revealing protective fitted sleeves that cover the rest of $AOhis_her arms and hands, except for $AOhis_her exposed fingers. On $AOhis_her wrists, $AOhe_she wears silver bracelets decorated with a small blue sphere in the centre, connected to cuffs that sit halfway up $AOhis_her forearms. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>Rayco's indigo tunic has been replaced by a sleeveless dark one with golden edges, fading into a vibrant blue at the bottom, dotted with shimmering details. The tunic covers a white V-neck shirt that reaches halfway down his torso and is tied with his orange cloth to loose, dark trousers. <<else>>Gara's indigo tunic has been replaced by a sleeveless dark one with golden edges, fading into a vibrant blue at the bottom, dotted with shimmering details. The tunic covers a white top that reveals her strong abdomen, and is tied with her orange cloth to loose, dark trousers. <</if>>Finally, $LL's old armour has been replaced by a sleek outfit of thick leather covered by gleaming steel plates, with darker details decorating parts of the silver surface, and the mark of the gods etched into the pauldrons and breastplate. A green cloth hangs from $LLhis_her waist beneath the armour, and another wraps around $LLhis_her neck, further highlighting $LLhis_her fiery red hair. The armour is much less bulky than Sorrol's guards', far more agile. A perfect blend of comfort and functionality for combat that will undoubtedly serve $LLhim_her well. Everyone seems a bit impatient to see you, with $RG being the first to greet you with a nod. "$name. $AL told us you have something to share. We're all ears." [[Continue|75]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "cryptic" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ <<if $weapon is "Sword">>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit, much more comfortable than you expected. A lightweight, hardened metal breastplate protects you over vital areas like your chest and shoulders, along with simple bracers and greaves. It's far more comfortable than you thought, offering enough protection for close combat while allowing much more agility than other types of armour. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit. A leather jacket replaces your old one, reinforced on the forearms to protect from the bowstring, along with reinforced leather greaves and fingerless gloves. Simple, agile, and comfortable. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <<else>>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit. A long silk robe embroidered with mystical runes replaces your red jacket, tied at the waist with a fine, dark cloth acting as a belt. You tuck the bottom of your loose pants into high leather boots and open the robe slightly to reveal your pendant and a simple shirt. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <</if>><<if $RG is "Rayco">>They've all received a slight wardrobe update. Rayco's indigo tunic has been replaced by a sleeveless dark one with golden edges, fading into a vibrant blue at the bottom, dotted with shimmering details. The tunic covers a white V-neck shirt that reaches halfway down his torso and is tied with his orange cloth to loose, dark trousers. <<else>>They've all received a slight wardrobe update. Gara's indigo tunic has been replaced by a sleeveless dark one with golden edges, fading into a vibrant blue at the bottom, dotted with shimmering details. The tunic covers a white top that reveals her strong abdomen, and is tied with her orange cloth to loose, dark trousers. <</if>>$AL now wears a white shirt beneath a sleeveless blue sweater, with a short cloak and hood of the same colour draping over $ALhis_her shoulders. Comfortable brown pants replace $ALhis_her old jeans, tucked into $ALhis_her new white boots. A golden badge bearing the symbol of the gods is attached to a belt that wraps around $ALhis_her torso, centred on $ALhis_her chest. $AO has set aside $AOhis_her doctor's robe for an elegant tunic, adorned with red edges and fastened with blue buttons. The garment is cinched at $AOhis_her waist with a dark sash, and the wide sleeves of the tunic fall just below $AOhis_her elbows, revealing protective fitted sleeves that cover the rest of $AOhis_her arms and hands, except for $AOhis_her exposed fingers. On $AOhis_her wrists, $AOhe_she wears silver bracelets decorated with a small blue sphere in the centre, connected to cuffs that sit halfway up $AOhis_her forearms. Finally, $LL's old armour has been replaced by a sleek outfit of thick leather covered by gleaming steel plates, with darker details decorating parts of the silver surface, and the mark of the gods etched into the pauldrons and breastplate. A green cloth hangs from $LLhis_her waist beneath the armour, and another wraps around $LLhis_her neck, further highlighting $LLhis_her fiery red hair. The armour is much less bulky than Sorrol's guards', far more agile. A perfect blend of comfort and functionality for combat that will undoubtedly serve $LLhim_her well. Everyone seems a bit impatient as they see you, with $AL being the first to speak. "Good morning, $name. Enid mentioned you had something to tell us?" You nod. "Yes." [[Continue|75]]

The warm rays of the sun hit you square in the face. Waiting patiently near the entrance of your cave, the rest of your friends turn toward you as you and $LL make your way to the shore with them. "Guys, I have something to tell you!" you exclaim urgently without even greeting them. "Good morning, $name," $AL says first, wearing that friendly smile of <<if $AL is "Albert">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. $ALHe_She looks you up and down, tilting $ALhis_her head. "Didn't you like the new clothes?" You stop short, furrowing your brow in confusion. "New clothes?" Enid sighs in defeat. "After all the effort I put into making them specifically for you." $RG chuckles. "You just snapped your fingers." "It's the magic expenditure that counts," the otter retorts. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>It's during this little exchange that you take a closer look at your companions. They've all received a slight wardrobe update. Rayco's indigo tunic has been replaced by a sleeveless dark one with golden edges, fading into a vibrant blue at the bottom, dotted with shimmering details. The tunic covers a white V-neck shirt that reaches halfway down his torso and is tied with his orange cloth to loose, dark trousers. <<else>>It's during this little exchange that you take a closer look at your companions. They've all received a slight wardrobe update. Gara's indigo tunic has been replaced by a sleeveless dark one with golden edges, fading into a vibrant blue at the bottom, dotted with shimmering details. The tunic covers a white top that reveals her strong abdomen, and is tied with her orange cloth to loose, dark trousers. <</if>>$AO has set aside $AOhis_her doctor's robe for an elegant tunic, adorned with red edges and fastened with blue buttons. The garment is cinched at $AOhis_her waist with a dark sash, and the wide sleeves of the tunic fall just below $AOhis_her elbows, revealing protective fitted sleeves that cover the rest of $AOhis_her arms and hands, except for $AOhis_her exposed fingers. On $AOhis_her wrists, $AOhe_she wears silver bracelets decorated with a small blue sphere in the centre, connected to cuffs that sit halfway up $AOhis_her forearms. $AL now wears a white shirt beneath a sleeveless blue sweater, with a short cloak and hood of the same colour draping over $ALhis_her shoulders. Comfortable brown pants replace $ALhis_her old jeans, tucked into $ALhis_her new white boots. A golden badge bearing the symbol of the gods is attached to a belt that wraps around $ALhis_her torso, centred on $ALhis_her chest. As for $LL… You were so distracted by what you experienced in your dream that you missed $LLhis_her new armour. A soft outfit of thick leather is covered by shining steel plates, with darker details adorning parts of the silver surface, and the mark of the gods etched into the pauldrons and breastplate. A green cloth drapes from $LLhis_her waist beneath the armour, and another wraps around $LLhis_her neck, accentuating $LLhis_her red hair and matching $LLhis_her eyes. It's a much less bulky armour than the guards of Sorrol wear, and far more agile. A perfect blend of comfort and functionality in combat that will undoubtedly be useful. And… the new look suits $LLhim_her wonderfully. "Wow… You look amazing, $LL," you can't help but say as your gaze roams over the armour. The warrior sinks $LLhis_her head between $LLhis_her shoulders, avoiding your gaze. "If it were up to me, I wouldn't be wearing it. But since I don't have my own armour, it's better than nothing." A smile spreads across your face before you can stop it as you watch $LLhim_her try to hide the blush creeping onto $LLhis_her cheeks against the rough leather of the outfit. And how do you know it's rough? Because your hand is still holding <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> tightly. The contact feels so natural that you barely register it, and that warm sensation makes your smile widen as you squeeze $LLhis_her hand a bit tighter without even realizing it. The gesture doesn't go unnoticed by the warrior, whose gaze drifts to your intertwined hands. $LLHe_She frowns and stares at them as you feel your heart pounding in your ears. The seconds stretch, and slowly, $LL's expression begins to soften until, suddenly, $LLhis_her eyes widen, locking with yours. [[Continue|LLPathCh2_3]]

Your mouth goes dry, but you force yourself to swallow. You're about to say something, though you have no idea what. However, someone else has noticed the small detail and doesn't hesitate to approach with a mischievous smile and a raised eyebrow. "Does what you wanted to tell us," $AO begins, pointing at your hands, "have anything to do with that?" "What?" Your gaze travels from $AO to your hand holding $LL's, and back again. You feel the heat rising to your cheeks, but before you can do anything, $LL is already pulling $LLhis_her hand away with a sharp motion, leaving you missing the contact. "Don't be ridiculous," the redhead huffs as $LLhe_she crosses $LLhis_her arms, shooting a glare at the doctor before turning to you and pointing toward the entrance of your cave. "And you, go get dressed. The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can get back to our normal lives." With that, $LL stomps $LLhis_her way toward $RG's house. [[Continue|LLPathCh2_4]]

//''[With $LL...]''// $LL quickly sits on the porch bench, arms and legs crossed. $LLHis_Her foot taps nervously as $LLhe_she bites $LLhis_her tongue, staring out at the sea. Away from everyone, $LLhe_she can think more clearly. A soft but persistent fire ignites deep in $LLhis_her chest, a feeling $LLhe_she knows all too well by now that keeps $LLhim_her awake at night. $LLHe_She tries to ignore it with a couple of deep breaths, now that there's no one around. A technique that has always worked when $LLhe_she didn't have $LLhis_her vial on hand and the thirst consumed $LLhim_her before it was time. But this time, it doesn't work. $LL checks the pocket of $LLhis_her pants beneath the new armour to ensure $LLhis_her medicine is still there. Medicine. It's curious how the meaning of the word has changed for $LLhim_her. Many wouldn't call it like that in $LLhis_her case. $LLHe_She's tempted to take another sip to quiet the noise in $LLhis_her head, but $LLhe_she's surprised to realize that it's not the vial what $LLhe_she really wants at this moment. $LL furrows $LLhis_her brow. The sensation is nearly identical, an insatiable, ravenous hunger. A longing that doesn't fade but grows with each passing second. A shadow that follows $LLhim_her everywhere, and a constant presence that won't leave $LLhim_her in peace. "//Is this one of the side effects too?//" $LLhe_she wonders, but deep down, $LLhe_she has a strange certainty that it has nothing to do with $LLhis_her medicine. Leaning forward, $LL massages $LLhis_her temples, barely able to control the rising fear. "//What the fuck is happening to me?!//" [[Continue|LLPathCh2_5]]

"$LL?" The warrior jolts $LLhis_her head up to meet the soft gaze of $LLhis_her older $ALbrother_sister. $AL approaches the porch, offering a small smile that seems to be struggling for control. "Are you okay?" $ALHis_Her mere presence calms $LL. How strange; that usually doesn't happen. But then again, $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister has always been a special case for $LLhim_her. $LL sinks back with a sigh, burying $LLhimself_herself into the comfortable cushions. "I don't know." $LLHis_Her honesty softens $AL's expression even more. The oldest of the Terrastars walks around the low wall of the porch, letting $ALhis_her hand glide over the surface, and sits next to $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister. They stay in silence for a few moments, simply watching the sea until $AL breaks it. "I just realized we've never talked about this. I'm not an expert, but I can help if you want." $LL gives $ALhim_her a cautious look. "...About what?" $AL turns to $LLhim_her. "You don't know?" The surprise in $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister's voice makes $LL tense in response, pulling $LLhis_her head slightly between $LLhis_her shoulders. "What don't I know?" "So you never…" The older Terrastar blinks a couple of times and then chuckles softly. "Sorry, had I known, I would have approached the topic in a different way." Irritation begins to bubble in $LL's blood, and $LLhis_her voice becomes sharper. "Never //what//, $AL?" $AL simply gives $LLhim_her a gentle smile and replies, "The first time is much more meaningful when you discover it on your own." The warrior furrows $LLhis_her brow even more, but before $LLhe_she can retort, $AL places a hand on the part of $LLhis_her arm not covered by plates, giving a light squeeze that manages to ease some of $LL's tension. "It'll be okay, $LL. Trust me," $ALhe_she finishes. And $LLhe_she does, unconditionally. Frustration and fear fade away at $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister's words, and the warrior realizes $LLhe_she no longer hears the persistent whisper that never shuts up. $LLHe_She no longer wants to seek solace in the vial. $LL feels a strong urge to hug $AL, and just thinking about it stirs $LLhis_her emotions. How long has it been since $LLhe_she last received one from $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister? When was the last time $LLhe_she //let// $ALhim_her hug $LLhim_her? $LLHe_She can't remember. But, as usual, $LL suppresses those emotions before they can even begin to surface, crossing $LLhis_her arms and nodding. "...Okay." [[Continue|LLPathCh2_6]]

//''[With $RG...]''// The $RGgod_goddess steps out of the cave at a quick pace, trying to distance $RGhimself_herself from the emotions that haunt $RGhim_her, though it hardly matters when $RGhe_she's still practically next to $name. The rocky walls are not a sufficient barrier to block out the feelings so similar to $RGhis_her own that emanate from $RGhis_her mortal companion. And $RG is sure that the yearning echo formed by the mix of both can drive $RGhim_her to madness. As an alternative, $RG searches for the balm to soothe the wound of $RGhis_her rejection in the questions that $RGhis_her friends' looks scream at $RGhim_her. "Where's $name?" $AO asks first. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Getting dressed," the $RGgod_goddess replies without stopping $RGhis_her stride toward the shore. "He'll be out soon. He wants to tell us something." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Getting dressed," the $RGgod_goddess replies without stopping $RGhis_her stride toward the shore. "She'll be out soon. She wants to tell us something." <<else>>"Getting dressed," the $RGgod_goddess replies without stopping $RGhis_her stride toward the shore. "They'll be out soon. They want to tell us something." <</if>>"About what?" $AL inquiries. $RG shakes $RGhis_her head. "I'm not certain, but it seemed important." "Strange that you're not using your powers to find out," $LL comments. If $RG hadn't caught the hidden meaning behind $LLhis_her words, the look the warrior gives $RGhim_her would have been enough to pick up on the hint. Unfortunately, right now there's little the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess can do to remedy the tension between them. $RGHe_She thinks that perhaps over time $RGhe_she can help $LL break free from $LLhis_her chains, but for now, $RG simply responds, "We'll know soon." [[Continue|RGPathCh2_3]]

As $RGhe_she waits, $RG closes $RGhis_her eyes, facing the sea. $RGHe_She lets the sound of the water and the whisper of the wind guide $RGhim_her to clear $RGhis_her thoughts. Or at least, $RGhe_she tries. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$RGHis_Her attention drifts more than once to $name's cave, trying to determine if the renegade has let him rest well despite the unexpected visit. $BN. Thinking of $BNhim_her makes $RG's blood boil, and knowing that $BNhe_she's been so close to $RGhis_her companion, yet unable to protect him, stirs a furious feeling alongside desperate uncertainty. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$RGHis_Her attention drifts more than once to $name's cave, trying to determine if the renegade has let her rest well despite the unexpected visit. $BN. Thinking of $BNhim_her makes $RG's blood boil, and knowing that $BNhe_she's been so close to $RGhis_her companion, yet unable to protect her, stirs a furious feeling alongside desperate uncertainty. <<else>>$RGHis_Her attention drifts more than once to $name's cave, trying to determine if the renegade has let them rest well despite the unexpected visit. $BN. Thinking of $BNhim_her makes $RG's blood boil, and knowing that $BNhe_she's been so close to $RGhis_her companion, yet unable to protect them, stirs a furious feeling alongside desperate uncertainty. <</if>>//"Calm down,"// $RGhe_she commands $RGhimself_herself, relaxing the bristly feathers of $RGhis_her wings. It works, though the tension in $RGhis_her shoulders remains. $RGHis_Her violet eyes open slowly, $RGhis_her steely gaze fixed on the horizon. //"By my life, I swear I won't let anything happen to you."// $RG wants to believe it's because it's $RGhis_her duty as an achimencey, but $RGhe_she stopped fooling $RGhimself_herself a long time ago. Short footsteps reach $RGhis_her ears, and $RGhe_she turns $RGhis_her head to see the otter leap onto $RGhis_her shoulder, leaving a bit of damp sand on $RGhis_her tunic that the spirit easily shakes off with her paw. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Maybe you should just tell him directly," Enid says bluntly. "He deserves a clear explanation, don't you think?" $RG looks away sadly. "And what will he think of me when he finds out what I did?" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Maybe you should just tell her directly," Enid says bluntly. "She deserves a clear explanation, don't you think?" $RG looks away sadly. "And what will she think of me when she finds out what I did?" <<else>>"Maybe you should just tell them directly," Enid says bluntly. "They deserve a clear explanation, don't you think?" $RG looks away sadly. "And what will they think of me when they find out what I did?" <</if>>"You need to stop seeking punishment for it, $RG," the spirit sternly says. "It wasn't your fault." "I could have prevented it," the $RGgod_goddess replies. Enid doesn't respond to that. Her shoulders sag with sorrow, and she reaches out to stroke $RG's cheek, inviting $RGhim_her to meet her gaze. "You saved me." $RG's eyes meet Enid's, and $RGhe_she smiles faintly-a still sad gesture, but genuine. "Yes. And I would do it again every time." Enid returns the smile and affectionately rubs her snout against $RG's cheek. [[Continue|RGPathCh2_4]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "cryptic" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[With $name...]''// <<if $weapon is "Sword">>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit, much more comfortable than you expected. A lightweight, hardened metal breastplate protects you over vital areas like your chest and shoulders, along with simple bracers and greaves. It's far more comfortable than you thought, offering enough protection for close combat while allowing much more agility than other types of armour. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit. A leather jacket replaces your old one, reinforced on the forearms to protect from the bowstring, along with reinforced leather greaves and fingerless gloves. Simple, agile, and comfortable. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <<else>>You glance at yourself from head to toe after putting on your new outfit. A long silk robe embroidered with mystical runes replaces your red jacket, tied at the waist with a fine, dark cloth acting as a belt. You tuck the bottom of your loose pants into high leather boots and open the robe slightly to reveal your pendant and a simple shirt. With a satisfied nod, you drape the dark, fine fabric that replaces your hood around your shoulders and head out to join your companions. <</if>>They've all received a slight wardrobe update. $AO has set aside $AOhis_her doctor's robe for an elegant tunic, adorned with red edges and fastened with blue buttons. The garment is cinched at $AOhis_her waist with a dark sash, and the wide sleeves of the tunic fall just below $AOhis_her elbows, revealing protective fitted sleeves that cover the rest of $AOhis_her arms and hands, except for $AOhis_her exposed fingers. On $AOhis_her wrists, $AOhe_she wears silver bracelets decorated with a small blue sphere in the centre, connected to cuffs that sit halfway up $AOhis_her forearms. $AL now wears a white shirt beneath a sleeveless blue sweater, with a short cloak and hood of the same colour draping over $ALhis_her shoulders. Comfortable brown pants replace $ALhis_her old jeans, tucked into $ALhis_her new white boots. A golden badge bearing the symbol of the gods is attached to a belt that wraps around $ALhis_her torso, centred on $ALhis_her chest. Finally, $LL's old armour has been replaced by a sleek outfit of thick leather covered by gleaming steel plates, with darker details decorating parts of the silver surface, and the mark of the gods etched into the pauldrons and breastplate. A green cloth hangs from $LLhis_her waist beneath the armour, and another wraps around $LLhis_her neck, further highlighting $LLhis_her fiery red hair. The armour is much less bulky than Sorrol's guards', far more agile. A perfect blend of comfort and functionality for combat that will undoubtedly serve $LLhim_her well. Everyone seems a bit impatient as they see you, with $AL being the first to speak. "Good morning, $name. $RG mentioned you had something to tell us?" You nod. "Yes." [[Continue|75]]

For a moment, silence takes over the group as you all turn in unison toward $RG. The $RGgod_goddess has kept $RGhis_her arms crossed and $RGhis_her eyes closed the entire time, listening to every word but not participating in the debate. "What do we do, $RG?" you ask, catching $RGhis_her attention. A couple of seconds pass before $RG opens $RGhis_her eyes. $RGHis_Her expression is serious, though not harsh. "We take it step by step. First, we stick to the plan and gather my siblings. Then we can decide how to obtain the power of the corrupted achimenceys," $RGhe_she replies in a neutral tone before $RGhis_her brow furrows slightly. "After that… we'll see what to do." "Sounds good to me," you say after the brief pause you take to process $RGhis_her words. You turn to the rest of your companions with a silent question that they all answer with a nod. "Let's start with the first one, then." [[Continue|77]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "virtutes" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ Upon returning to the Well of Eternity, you thought you'd see your mother again, but no soul has come to greet you this time. The soft touch of a spirit grazes your cheek as you cross the transparent-tiled bridge toward the portal that will take you to your next destination-the submerged world of Bucante. "Everyone ready?" $RG asks in front of the still inactive portal. Beside you, $AO bounces with barely contained excitement, accompanied by a high-pitched sound that escapes $AOhis_her lips. $RG responds with an amused look and the hint of a restrained smile. "Is there anything we should know about the world before we enter?" you ask. "Basically what I've already told you, Bucante is an aquatic world. All of its structures and inhabitants live underwater, so don't expect to see much of the sky. The merefolks rarely go to the surface," the $RGgod_goddess replies. "There isn't much land for them to do so anyway," Enid adds. "Unfortunately, I can't tell you much more. It's been millennia since I've last been there," $RG finishes. "I'm more interested in knowing how the hell we're supposed to breathe underwater," $LL comments. "I'll cast a spell, so you don't need to worry about that," the achimencey reassures. * [[I can't wait to see it!|78a]] * [[How will we find your brother?|78b]] * [[I left my fishtail in Thaon|78c]] * [[Bad news, I'm scared of the ocean|78d][$fear to true]] * [[I'm ready, let's not waste any more time|78e]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "A world completely underwater..." A grin spreads across your face as you rub your hands together with growing excitement. "This is going to be amazing!" "Right?!?" $AO responds with the same enthusiasm, unable to contain $AOhis_her bouncing anymore. "Just imagine it, an entire city under the water like in children's stories! I'm going to cry just thinking about it." "And all the fish? And the corals with light filtering down from the surface?" You gasp, your eyes widening. "$AO, we're going to swim with the mermaids!" $AO lets out a silent scream with you, your smiles widening as much as possible, your eyes gleaming with shared excitement. $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes and groans, turning toward $RG and Enid. "Do we really have to bring these two with us?" $LLhe_she says, pointing at you and $AO with $LLhis_her thumb. But neither of you pay $LLhim_her any mind, too absorbed in your bubble to care about the red-haired warrior's judgment. "And just wait until you see the endemic species. Those are a sight to behold," Abhau adds, joining the conversation with a smile. His comment only fuels your eagerness to depart. "Gods, can you imagine if we come across some gigantic creature?" you say out loud. "That would be awesome!" $AO replies, bouncing again. $AL shudders, $ALhis_her face scrunching up in a grimace. "I hope not…" $ALhe_she mutters quietly. "That enthusiasm will come in handy," $RG says after a chuckle. $RGHe_She turns and throws a half-smile at Abhau. "Care to do the honours?" Abhau straightens up, placing a paw over his chest. "With pleasure, Kebehi." [[Continue|79]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "I assume Bucante isn't small. How will we find your brother?" you ask, bringing a hand to your chin. "//He// will find //us//, if we're lucky. He'll sense us when we arrive," $RG replies. "If not, I'll try to locate him myself, but my powers in other worlds aren't as strong as they are here or in Thaon. We'll likely have to wander around the place, in that case." "So you mortals better behave yourselves. We don't want to draw attention or cause any incidents that could compromise us, understood?" Enid warns seriously. "Which reminds me, the spell will also make the locals see us as one of their own, so just act as usual," the achimencey finishes before turning and offering a half-smile to Abhau. "Care to do the honours?" Abhau straightens up, placing a paw over his chest. "With pleasure, Kebehi." [[Continue|79]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "Does that spell come with scales included? Because I'm afraid I left my fishtail back in Thaon," you joke, raising your arms and glancing down at the lower half of your body. $RG nods with a small smile. "The spell will also make the locals see us as one of them, yes. Just act as usual and avoid any incidents that might give us away." $RGHe_She turns, offering a half-smile to Abhau. "Care to do the honours?" Abhau straightens up, placing a paw over his chest. "With pleasure, Kebehi." [[Continue|79]]

"I don't want to be a downer, but… I don't get along with the ocean's depths," you admit, a shiver running down your spine as the thought of being underwater, alone, surrounded by vast, dark nothingness sends your hairs on end. "The idea of being submerged all the time gives me… chills." "Same here," $AL adds with an uncomfortable grimace. $RG's expression softens, and $RGhe_she offers you both a reassuring smile as $RGhe_she places $RGhis_her hands on your shoulders. The gesture helps ease some of your anxiety. "I understand. I'll be with you the whole time to make it easier. But you'll see once we're in the city that it's not so different from your world, I promise." $AL and you exchange a look. You're still not entirely convinced, but knowing $RG will be with you brings some comfort. "Okay," you finally say with a nod, taking a deep breath and exhaling. "Okay, I think we can manage." $RG's smile widens. "Good." $RGHe_She then turns and throws a half-smile at Abhau. "Care to do the honours?" Abhau straightens up, placing a paw over his chest. "With pleasure, Kebehi." [[Continue|79]]

"I'm ready," you say firmly. "Let's not waste any more time." $RG nods before turning to Abhau with a half-smile. "Care to do the honours?" Abhau straightens up, placing a paw over his chest. "With pleasure, Kebehi." [[Continue|79]]

<<audio "rockslide" volume 0.1 play>>\ \ The brightness of the portal makes you close your eyes for a brief moment. Abhau removes his paw from the surface and puffs out his chest with pride. "It's done. The portal to Bucante is connected." A slight shiver runs down your spine as you hear those words. A mix of nerves and excitement settles in your chest at the thought that in just a few moments, you will be in a completely new world. "And now..." $RG raises $RGhis_her hand, and a soft trace of magic begins to envelop you all, rising up your bodies like a spiralling dance of glowing specks that leave a blue trail in their wake. The tingling of the spell is delicate, but you can still feel the energy coursing over your skin and adapting to you. You don't feel anything special beyond that, but the satisfied expression on $RG's face assures you that everything has gone as planned. "Now you can breathe underwater," $RGhe_she announces with a slight smile. "Only thing left-" "Oh, come on, enough with the chatter! Let's go already!" $AO bursts in before $RG can finish, $AOhis_her overwhelming energy something you should have anticipated by now. Without asking permission, $AOhe_she wraps $AOhis_her arms around you all and pushes, hurrying you toward the edge of the portal with impatience. The gesture is so sudden that you barely have time to process what $AOhe_she's doing. $RG steps forward to try to stop $AOhim_her, $RGhis_her eyes wide. "Wait, I'm not-!" But it's too late. $AO's momentum is unstoppable, and with one final shove, you plunge into the abyss of light. The portal swallows you with an overwhelming flash. You feel the presence of $AL and $LL by your side, but you can barely perceive anything else. Your senses blur, and all you can hear is the distorted sound of shouting. Just before you completely lose perception, the echo of $AO's voice resonates in the distance, $AOhis_her excitement as clear as that of a child. And, almost mixed with that shout, you catch one last roar from the warrior, cursing at the doctor. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Ada, you fucking bi-!" <<else>>"Omar, you son of a bi-!" <</if>>Little by little, reality dissolves. The colours fade into shapes you can't distinguish, and the entire world seems to fold in on itself. A few seconds later, you can no longer see or feel anything. [[Continue|80]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "mischief" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[Back at the Well of Eternity...]''// "...I'm not finished with the spell," $RG finishes with a sigh just after watching $RGhis_her companions disappear through the portal, letting $RGhis_her wings droop limply by $RGhis_her shoulders. Custodian Abhau stares at the iridescent screen, his mouth slightly agape in amazement. He remains motionless, gripping his spear with both paws as he tries to process what just happened. "You've made..." He blinks a couple of times before looking up at $RG. "interesting friends among humans, Kebehi." "Mortals," mutters Enid disapprovingly, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. "Come on, we need to find them before they inevitably get into trouble." "Yes..." the $RGgod_goddess replies with a grimace, placing $RGhis_her hands on $RGhis_her hips. "I'm afraid Nauzet will have to wait a little." $RG finishes the spell for $RGhimself_herself and bids farewell to Abhau before stepping through the portal. With a little luck, nothing will happen to $name and the others. [[Continue|81]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "horror1" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[With $name...]''// The sudden cold seeps through your clothes and chills you to the bone. The first thing you notice as you regain consciousness is that you're not touching the ground; instead, you seem to be floating. The radiant light of the portal has vanished, and you slowly dare to open your eyes. The world around you is tinted in a dark blue as you watch the hypnotic movements of faint waves creating patterns on your skin. You exhale the breath you didn't realize you were holding, only to see a stream of bubbles rise from your mouth. You're underwater. Your heart races, and instinctively, you hold your breath again. A light filters in from above, allowing you to make out the unmistakable sway of the waves. You're not too far from the surface, but not close enough either. Your lungs are already begin to crave air. * [[Keep holding your breath and swim to the surface|82a]] * [[Try breathing underwater|82b]]

You kick with all your strength and try to reach the surface as quickly as possible as more bubbles escape from your nose. But the distance is too great, and you run out of air before you make it to the top. Panic sets in when you can't stop yourself from taking a gasp of air... only to realize seconds later that you're not drowning. With a couple of confused blinks, you try breathing normally. Oxygen fills your lungs effortlessly, as if you were already on the surface. "$RG's spell worked," you whisper cautiously, another test to see if you can speak. You let out a sigh of relief. "Thank the gods." Now a bit calmer, you take a look around. Sunlight glimmers on clusters of rocks that form underwater mountains and plains. Among them, coral branches and labyrinthine structures peek out. Some match the colour of the stone, while others shine in vibrant purples, oranges, and pinks. <<if $fear is true>>You make the mistake of looking down, only to be met by the dark abyss. The ocean floor seems to have no end, and your mind conjures up thousands of terrifying images in less than a second, making your heart pound against your ribs. Survival instinct kicks in, and you swim toward the surface to escape the void beneath you. However, you don't get far, as a small voice inside you draws your attention to another detail. <<else>>You glance down and are met with a dark abyss staring back at you. The unsettling emptiness beneath your feet makes your heart race, and your survival instinct urges you to get away from it. However, a small voice inside you draws your attention to another detail. <</if>>[[There isn't any fish in sight|83]]

Even though your mind screams otherwise and fear quickens your pulse, you take a small breath. You're surprised as oxygen fills your lungs effortlessly, as if you were already on the surface. "$RG's spell worked." You sigh in relief. "Thank the gods." Now a bit calmer, you take a look around. Sunlight glimmers on clusters of rocks that form underwater mountains and plains. Among them, coral branches and labyrinthine structures peek out. Some match the colour of the stone, while others shine in vibrant purples, oranges, and pinks. <<if $fear is true>>You make the mistake of looking down, only to be met by the dark abyss. The ocean floor seems to have no end, and your mind conjures up thousands of terrifying images in less than a second, making your heart pound against your ribs. Survival instinct kicks in, and you swim toward the surface to escape the void beneath you. However, you don't get far, as a small voice inside you draws your attention to another detail. <<else>>You glance down and are met with a dark abyss staring back at you. The unsettling emptiness beneath your feet makes your heart race, and your survival instinct urges you to get away from it. However, a small voice inside you draws your attention to another detail. <</if>>[[There isn't any fish in sight|83]]

And not only that. As you spin around, you realize there are no signs of life for miles around. No trace of your companions. "$AL? $LL?" You call out for your friends, but there's no response. You raise your voice as much as you can. "$AO? $RG? Enid?" With each second of silence, your words begin to tremble. "Is anyone there? Hello?" During one of your turns, something catches your eye at the edge of your vision, startling you. Sunlight barely manages to filter through the giant kelps, which forms a labyrinth of twisted and tangled columns. Their stems, as thick as trees, sway with an unsettling slowness, reaching up to the surface to create a tangled canopy of long leaves that darken the water. The kelps seem to grow even more as they descends into the overwhelming darkness. //They look more alive.// Amidst the hypnotic swaying, you think you see a misshapen figure gliding through the dense marine vegetation. The deafening silence is broken only by the rustling of the kelps as they brush against themselves and the pounding of your heart in your ears. A chill runs down your spine, and everything in you screams to get out of there. When the shadow you've been following suddenly stops and its owner turns, the scrutiny of two glowing eyes convinces you that it's time to flee. With a gasp, you summon all your strength into your arms and legs, swimming as fast as you can. [[Continue|84]]

You leave the tangled mass of kelps behind. Whatever it was that you saw, fortunately for you, has decided not to follow. Now, you drift in the vast ocean, desperately searching for your companions-or at least someone who can guide you to safety. "Where the hell are they?" you murmur, glancing nervously from side to side. A white light peeks through two rocks. Squinting, you manage to make out a group of people gathered in a circle. "There!" Using one of the rocks for cover, you settle behind it and cautiously peek over the edge. They're not your friends, but a group of four merfolk. Their humanoid appearance might have fooled you for a moment if not for the fish tails sprouting from their waists and the scales covering their torsos. All of them are alert and heavily armed, one sharpening his spear while the rest keep a watchful eye on their surroundings. The one sharpening his weapon is about to turn his head in your direction. * [[Hide behind the rock|85a]] * [[Come out with your hands raised|85b]] * [[Approach carefully|85c]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "chasePulse" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //"These guys don't seem very friendly,"// you think as you quickly hide behind the rock, just before they spot you. You hold your breath and strain to listen. The seconds crawl by, and the sharp sound of the stone sharpening the spear abruptly stops. No other movements or voices can be heard. The silence is unnerving. That's why you nearly jump when, out of nowhere, the four merfolk appear in front of you, their weapons pointed at you, scrutinizing you from head to toe. "Wait, wait!" you exclaim, raising your hands. "I'm not a threat, I was just looking for-" "Oinomed," one of them spits venomously, glancing at his companions. The rest of the merfolk nod, responding in words you don't understand. Swallowing nervously, you try again, this time speaking slower. "I'm looking for my companions. We got separated. Have you by any chance seen a-?" The merfolk with the spear cuts you off by pressing the tip against your throat. Instinctively, you pull your head back, hitting the rock behind you. //"All right, talking is not an option,"// you conclude, trying to stay as still as possible to avoid provoking them further. The merfolk exchange a few more words, and one of them pulls out a chain from his pouch, pulsing with a bluish magic. * [[Resist being tied down|86a]] * [[Go with them peacefully|86b][$wound to false]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "chasePulse" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ Before they catch you spying and the situation becomes dangerous, you decide to step out of hiding with your hands raised in surrender. Even so, the merfolk are startled and immediately grab their weapons. "Hello," you greet them in a friendly tone, trying to defuse the tension. "My name is $name $lname. I got separated from my companions and wanted to know if-" But your words have no effect. In the blink of an eye, you're surrounded by the sharp tips of their spears and swords. "Oinomed!" one of them hisses venomously, looking at his comrades. "Wait! I'm not a threat, I was just-" Another thrust, this time from multiple weapons. You hold your breath as the edge of one of the blades grazes your clothing. //"All right, talking is not an option,"// you conclude, trying to stay as still as possible to avoid triggering any more reactions. The merfolk exchange more words before one of them pulls out a chain from his pouch, pulsing with a bluish magic. * [[Resist being tied down|86a]] * [[Go with them peacefully|86b][$wound to false]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "chasePulse" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ Before they discover you spying and the situation turns dangerous, you decide to step out of hiding and approach slowly. "Hello," you greet them with a friendly tone. The merfolk are startled and immediately grab their weapons, so you stop in your tracks and raise your hands in surrender to calm things down. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. My name is $name-" But your words have no effect. In the blink of an eye, you're surrounded by the sharp tips of their spears and swords. "Oinomed!" one of them hisses venomously, glancing at his companions. "Wait! I'm not a threat, I was just-" Another thrust, this time from multiple weapons. You hold your breath as the edge of one of the blades grazes your clothing. //"All right, talking is not an option,"// you conclude, trying to stay as still as possible to avoid triggering any more reactions. The merfolk exchange more words before one of them pulls out a chain from his pouch, pulsing with a bluish magic. * [[Resist being tied down|86a]] * [[Go with them peacefully|86b][$wound to false]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "chasePulseF" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ What choice do you have? You're completely alone in an unfamiliar world, speaking different languages, and you're clearly outmatched in both numbers and terrain. Fighting will only make things worse. The merfolk doesn't even come close; instead, he throws the chains into the water. They seem to have a mind of their own, instantly wrapping around your arms and abdomen. "What the-!" The chains tighten, crushing the breath out of you. You thrash instinctively, kicking and twisting in place, trying desperately to free yourself as they coil around your limbs with increasing pressure. You're so focused on escaping that you don't notice one of the merfolk approaching from behind until the blow lands. He hits you hard on the back of the neck, and everything goes black. [[Continue|87B]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "chasePulseF" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You frown. "Not a chance." Tensing your body, you bat their weapons away with a swift hand. The merfolk shout at each other, but you press your advantage, lunging at one with your fist raised. However, you quickly realize you're at a severe disadvantage-not only are they more numerous, but you're fighting in their domain. The water slows your movements, and your punch travels sluggishly through it. The merfolk dodges easily, while another throws the chain into the water. It springs to life, shooting toward you as if guided by a will of its own. <<if $weapon is "Sword">><<set $wound to false>>You attempt to dodge the incoming chains, but a second merfolk intervenes. His blade slices through the water, striking your side. Fortunately, the new armour you're wearing absorbs the worst of the blow, sparing you from what could have been a fatal wound. But the force of the hit leaves you off-balance, making you vulnerable as the chains wrap tightly around your body. The metal constricts painfully, squeezing the air from your lungs. You thrash, kicking and writhing in desperation, but the bindings only grow tighter, crushing your limbs. You're so focused on trying to escape that you don't notice the merfolk approaching from behind until it's too late. His weapon smashes into the back of your neck. You lose consciousness instantly. [[Continue|87B]]<<else>><<set $wound to true>>You try to dodge the chains, but another merfolk intercepts you. His blade cuts through the water with deadly precision, and before you can react, a searing pain erupts in your side. The force of the blow sends you reeling, and the chains close in, binding your arms and torso. The constricting metal is agonizing, but your primary concern is the freezing cold spreading from your wound. You feel the warmth of your blood leaking out in slow, crimson plumes. Gritting your teeth, you fight to stay conscious, but the relentless throb of pain steals your breath. As your vision blurs, one of the merfolk approaches and strikes you hard on the back of the neck. You fall unconscious immediately. [[Continue|87A]]<</if>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dimBar" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You feel a jolt before falling onto something hard. Someone grabs your hands and drags you a few steps. Then, you feel yourself being lifted until your feet no longer touch the ground, and something cold and metallic wraps around your wrists. <<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio "bearTrap" volume 0.1 play>>You hear a click above your head, and shortly after, the sound of a metal door closing. You blink a few times as you finish coming to your senses. You find yourself alone in a damp and dark place, breathing normal air instead of being surrounded by water. //"They brought me to the surface?"// you wonder, looking up. Your hands are chained to the wall, illuminated only by a small skylight through which cold droplets of water fall onto your forehead. That's the only thing in the small space surrounded by black bars. There are more similar cells beside you. The same across, on the other side of the wide room. But you are the only one in this prison, except for a pile of stacked boxes on one side. You tug a little on your chains in an attempt to free yourself, but you only manage to get a couple of grazes on your wrists. After a few minutes of futile struggling, your mind begins to fill with defeatist thoughts. <<if $RGLove is true>>//"Is this how I'm going to end? Locked up in the prison of an unknown world?"// The image of one specific person appears right in front of you, someone who is carving out a permanent place in your heart. //"Without seeing $RG again... Without being able to tell $RGhim_her that-"// You catch yourself before falling deeper into the spiral of negativity, shaking your head. That last thought, and the clear face of the person you care about, gives you the motivation and energy you need to keep fighting. //"No. I have to get out of here. I have to-"// <<elseif $AOLove is true>>//"Is this how I'm going to end? Locked up in the prison of an unknown world?"// The image of one specific person appears right in front of you, someone who is carving out a permanent place in your heart. //"Without seeing $AO again... Without being able to tell $AOhim_her that-"// You catch yourself before falling deeper into the spiral of negativity, shaking your head. That last thought, and the clear face of the person you care about, gives you the motivation and energy you need to keep fighting. //"No. I have to get out of here. I have to-"// <<elseif $ALLove is true>>//"Is this how I'm going to end? Locked up in the prison of an unknown world?"// The image of one specific person appears right in front of you, someone who is carving out a permanent place in your heart. //"Without seeing $AL again... Without being able to tell $ALhim_her that-"// You catch yourself before falling deeper into the spiral of negativity, shaking your head. That last thought, and the clear face of the person you care about, gives you the motivation and energy you need to keep fighting. //"No. I have to get out of here. I have to-"// <<elseif $LLLove is true>>//"Is this how I'm going to end? Locked up in the prison of an unknown world?"// The image of one specific person appears right in front of you, someone who is carving out a permanent place in your heart. //"Without seeing $LL again... Without being able to tell $LLhim_her that-"// You catch yourself before falling deeper into the spiral of negativity, shaking your head. That last thought, and the clear face of the person you care about, gives you the motivation and energy you need to keep fighting. //"No. I have to get out of here. I have to-"// <<else>>//"Is this how I'm going to end? Locked up in the prison of an unknown world?"// You catch yourself before falling deeper into the spiral of negativity, shaking your head. //"No. I have to get out of here. I have to-"// <</if>>[[Continue|88B]]<</linkreplace>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dimBar" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You feel a jolt before falling onto something hard. Someone grabs your hands and drags you a few steps. Then, you feel yourself being lifted until your feet no longer touch the ground, and something cold and metallic wraps around your wrists. <<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio "bearTrap" volume 0.1 play>>You hear a click above your head, and shortly after, the sound of a heavy door closing. You blink a few times as you finish coming to your senses, the sharp pain in your side making you hiss in agony. You focus your gaze on the wound. It's not fatal, but if you keep losing blood, it won't be long before it becomes so.<<if $job is "Doctor">> Between fifteen and forty minutes… minus however much time has already passed.<</if>> Trying to divert your attention from the pain, you take in your surroundings. The place is damp and dark, and you're breathing normal air instead of being surrounded by water. //"They brought me to the surface?"// you wonder, looking up. Your hands are chained to the wall, illuminated only by a small skylight through which cold droplets of water fall onto your forehead. That's the only thing in the small space surrounded by black bars. There are more similar cells beside you. The same across, on the other side of the wide room. But you are the only one in this prison, except for a pile of stacked boxes on one side. You pull a bit at your chains in an attempt to free yourself, but the wound in your side protests with more bubbling blood, its metallic smell making you nauseous. <<if $RGLove is true>>//"Is this how I'm going to die? Bleeding out in a prison in an unknown world?"// you ask yourself. Your thoughts drift to one specific person, someone who is carving out a permanent place in your heart. //"Without being able to tell $RG that-"// $RGHis_Her face soothes the pain of your wound, and the feeling $RGhe_she inspires in you gives you the energy and motivation you need to keep fighting. //"No,"// you tell yourself with a shake of your head. //"I have to get out of here. I have to-"// <<elseif $AOLove is true>>//"Is this how I'm going to die? Bleeding out in a prison in an unknown world?"// you ask yourself. Your thoughts drift to one specific person, someone who is carving out a permanent place in your heart. //"Without being able to tell $AO that-"// $AOHis_Her face soothes the pain of your wound, and the feeling $AOhe_she inspires in you gives you the energy and motivation you need to keep fighting. //"No,"// you tell yourself with a shake of your head. //"I have to get out of here. I have to-"// <<elseif $ALLove is true>>//"Is this how I'm going to die? Bleeding out in a prison in an unknown world?"// you ask yourself. Your thoughts drift to one specific person, someone who is carving out a permanent place in your heart. //"Without being able to tell $AL that-"// $ALHis_Her face soothes the pain of your wound, and the feeling $ALhe_she inspires in you gives you the energy and motivation you need to keep fighting. //"No,"// you tell yourself with a shake of your head. //"I have to get out of here. I have to-"// <<elseif $LLLove is true>>//"Is this how I'm going to die? Bleeding out in a prison in an unknown world?"// you ask yourself. Your thoughts drift to one specific person, someone who is carving out a permanent place in your heart. //"Without being able to tell $LL that-"// $LLHis_Her face soothes the pain of your wound, and the feeling $LLhe_she inspires in you gives you the energy and motivation you need to keep fighting. //"No,"// you tell yourself with a shake of your head. //"I have to get out of here. I have to-"// <<else>>//"Is this how I'm going to die? Bleeding out in a prison in an unknown world?"// you ask yourself. Soon, you're aware of your defeatist thoughts and shake your head, finding the energy and motivation you need. //"No. I have to get out of here. I have to-" // <</if>>[[Continue|88A]]<</linkreplace>>

@@#can; *<<link "The prison door opens once more. A merman...">><<replace "#can">><<set $MI to "Mako">><<set $MIMan_Woman to "Man">><<set $MIman_woman to "man">><<set $MIHe_She to "He">><<set $MIhe_she to "he">><<set $MIHis_Her to "His">><<set $MIhis_her to "his">><<set $MIHim_Her to "Him">><<set $MIhim_her to "him">><<set $MIHimself_Herself to "Himself">><<set $MIhimself_herself to "himself">><<set $MIBrother_Sister to "Brother">><<set $MIbrother_sister to "brother">><<set $MIMermaid to "Merman">><<set $MImermaid to "merman">><<if $RG is "Gara">>The prison door opens once more. A $MImermaid enters, pushing a cart loaded with more long boxes. The $MIman_woman has legs instead of a tail, though turquoise scales decorate part of $MIhis_her ashen skin, mostly along $MIhis_her back. $MIHis_Her thick, abundant black hair falls to $MIhis_her waist. It could rival Gara's. <<else>>The prison door opens once more. A $MImermaid enters, pushing a cart loaded with more long boxes. The $MIman_woman has legs instead of a tail, though turquoise scales decorate part of $MIhis_her skin, mostly along $MIhis_her back. $MIHis_Her thick, abundant black hair falls to $MIhis_her waist. <</if>>The gold bracelets and belt briefly glint in the dim prison light. The cart moves forward with high-pitched squeaks as the merman pushes it, one of his arms covered in a white tattoo that runs up to the beginning of his strong bare chest. $MIHis_Her white sarong flutters to a stop as $MIhe_she reaches your cell. The $MImermaid watches you through the bars. * [[Ask for help|89Aa]] * [[Say that there must have been a mistake|89Ab]] * [[Shoot him a stern look|89Ac]] * [[Ignore him|89Ad]] <</replace>><</link>> *<<link "The prison door opens once more. A mermaid...">><<replace "#can">><<set $MI to "Iasa">><<set $MIMan_Woman to "Woman">><<set $MIman_woman to "woman">><<set $MIHe_She to "She">><<set $MIhe_she to "she">><<set $MIHis_Her to "Her">><<set $MIhis_her to "her">><<set $MIHim_Her to "Her">><<set $MIhim_her to "her">><<set $MIHimself_Herself to "Herself">><<set $MIhimself_herself to "herself">><<set $MIBrother_Sister to "Sister">><<set $MIbrother_sister to "sister">><<set $MIMermaid to "Mermaid">><<set $MImermaid to "mermaid">><<if $RG is "Gara">>The prison door opens once more. A $MImermaid enters, pushing a cart loaded with more long boxes. The $MIman_woman has legs instead of a tail, though turquoise scales decorate part of $MIhis_her ashen skin, mostly along $MIhis_her back. $MIHis_Her thick, abundant black hair falls to $MIhis_her waist. It could rival Gara's. <<else>>The prison door opens once more. A $MImermaid enters, pushing a cart loaded with more long boxes. The $MIman_woman has legs instead of a tail, though turquoise scales decorate part of $MIhis_her skin, mostly along $MIhis_her back. $MIHis_Her thick, abundant black hair falls to $MIhis_her waist. <</if>>The gold bracelets and belt briefly glint in the dim prison light. The cart moves forward with high-pitched squeaks as the mermaid pushes it, one of her arms covered in a white tattoo that runs up to the beginning of her breasts, disappearing under her simple top. $MIHis_Her white sarong flutters to a stop as $MIhe_she reaches your cell. The $MImermaid watches you through the bars. * [[Ask for help|89Aa]] * [[Say that there must have been a mistake|89Ab]] * [[Shoot her a stern look|89Ac]] * [[Ignore her|89Ad]] <</replace>><</link>> @@

@@#can; *<<link "The prison door opens once more. A merman...">><<replace "#can">><<set $MI to "Mako">><<set $MIMan_Woman to "Man">><<set $MIman_woman to "man">><<set $MIHe_She to "He">><<set $MIhe_she to "he">><<set $MIHis_Her to "His">><<set $MIhis_her to "his">><<set $MIHim_Her to "Him">><<set $MIhim_her to "him">><<set $MIHimself_Herself to "Himself">><<set $MIhimself_herself to "himself">><<set $MIBrother_Sister to "Brother">><<set $MIbrother_sister to "brother">><<set $MIMermaid to "Merman">><<set $MImermaid to "merman">><<if $RG is "Gara">>The prison door opens once more. A $MImermaid enters, pushing a cart loaded with more long boxes. The $MIman_woman has legs instead of a tail, though turquoise scales decorate part of $MIhis_her ashen skin, mostly along $MIhis_her back. $MIHis_Her thick, abundant black hair falls to $MIhis_her waist. It could rival Gara's. <<else>>The prison door opens once more. A $MImermaid enters, pushing a cart loaded with more long boxes. The $MIman_woman has legs instead of a tail, though turquoise scales decorate part of $MIhis_her skin, mostly along $MIhis_her back. $MIHis_Her thick, abundant black hair falls to $MIhis_her waist. <</if>>The gold bracelets and belt briefly glint in the dim prison light. The cart moves forward with high-pitched squeaks as the merman pushes it, one of his arms covered in a white tattoo that runs up to the beginning of his strong bare chest. $MIHis_Her white sarong flutters to a stop as $MIhe_she reaches your cell. The $MImermaid watches you through the bars. * [[Say that there must have been a mistake|89Ba]] * [[Shoot him a stern look|89Bb]] * [[Ignore him|89Bc]] <</replace>><</link>> *<<link "The prison door opens once more. A mermaid...">><<replace "#can">><<set $MI to "Iasa">><<set $MIMan_Woman to "Woman">><<set $MIman_woman to "woman">><<set $MIHe_She to "She">><<set $MIhe_she to "she">><<set $MIHis_Her to "Her">><<set $MIhis_her to "her">><<set $MIHim_Her to "Her">><<set $MIhim_her to "her">><<set $MIHimself_Herself to "Herself">><<set $MIhimself_herself to "herself">><<set $MIBrother_Sister to "Sister">><<set $MIbrother_sister to "sister">><<set $MIMermaid to "Mermaid">><<set $MImermaid to "mermaid">><<if $RG is "Gara">>The prison door opens once more. A $MImermaid enters, pushing a cart loaded with more long boxes. The $MIman_woman has legs instead of a tail, though turquoise scales decorate part of $MIhis_her ashen skin, mostly along $MIhis_her back. $MIHis_Her thick, abundant black hair falls to $MIhis_her waist. It could rival Gara's. <<else>>The prison door opens once more. A $MImermaid enters, pushing a cart loaded with more long boxes. The $MIman_woman has legs instead of a tail, though turquoise scales decorate part of $MIhis_her skin, mostly along $MIhis_her back. $MIHis_Her thick, abundant black hair falls to $MIhis_her waist. <</if>>The gold bracelets and belt briefly glint in the dim prison light. The cart moves forward with high-pitched squeaks as the mermaid pushes it, one of her arms covered in a white tattoo that runs up to the beginning of her breasts, disappearing under her simple top. $MIHis_Her white sarong flutters to a stop as $MIhe_she reaches your cell. The $MImermaid watches you through the bars. * [[Say that there must have been a mistake|89Ba]] * [[Shoot her a stern look|89Bb]] * [[Ignore her|89Bc]] <</replace>><</link>> @@

"Please," you say in the weak whisper that your pain allows, your gaze meeting <<if $MI is "Mako">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "I need help." You're not even sure if $MIhe_she understands what you're saying, but at least this $MImermaid doesn't look at you with the hatred the others did. A fresh wave of pain interrupts you. You grit your teeth and close your eyes until the worst of it passes, though you can still feel the warm trickle soaking your clothes. Surprisingly, when your gaze meets the stranger's again, it isn't filled with the hate the others had. The $MImermaid leaves the cart and approaches your cell, resting $MIhis_her hands on the bars. Something unexpected reflects in the curve of $MIhis_her pursed lips-an emotion that confuses you. Compassion. With a soft gesture, $MIhis_her hand begins to glow as $MIhe_she extends it toward your wounded side through the bars. The pain eases slightly, though the cut remains. "You're… a mage?" you ask, your voice a bit broken. "Ásm recah odeup on orep," $MIhe_she begins, lowering $MIhis_her arm. "Elbapluc oerc et on. Adamón, otneis ol." You don't understand $MIhis_her language, but $MIhis_her tone is gentle, carrying a note of melancholy that surprises you. Without another word, the $MImermaid continues $MIhis_her task, placing the boxes beside others that had already been set. Then, $MIhe_she turns and leaves the room. [[Continue|90A]]

"Please," you say in the weak whisper that your pain allows, your gaze meeting <<if $MI is "Mako">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "There must have been a mistake. I didn't-" A fresh wave of pain interrupts you. You grit your teeth and close your eyes until the worst of it passes, though you can still feel the warm trickle soaking your clothes. Surprisingly, when your gaze meets the stranger's again, it isn't filled with the hate the others had. The $MImermaid leaves the cart and approaches your cell, resting $MIhis_her hands on the bars. Something unexpected reflects in the curve of $MIhis_her pursed lips-an emotion that confuses you. Compassion. With a soft gesture, $MIhis_her hand begins to glow as $MIhe_she extends it toward your wounded side through the bars. The pain eases slightly, though the cut remains. "You're… a mage?" you ask, your voice a bit broken. "Ásm recah odeup on orep," $MIhe_she begins, lowering $MIhis_her arm. "Elbapluc oerc et on. Adamón, otneis ol." You don't understand $MIhis_her language, but $MIhis_her tone is gentle, carrying a note of melancholy that surprises you. Without another word, the $MImermaid continues $MIhis_her task, placing the boxes beside others that had already been set. Then, $MIhe_she turns and leaves the room. [[Continue|90A]]

Although the $MImermaid's eyes remain fixed on yours, you find no trace of the fury that consumes your own. You watch $MIhim_her with a deeply furrowed brow, a stern look that could freeze anyone's bones, until another wave of pain forces you to close your eyes and grit your teeth. The anger dissolves, fading along with the warm trickle of blood soaking your clothes. When the pain recedes enough for you to open your eyes with a pitiful whimper, you find the $MImermaid right in front of the bars of your cell, $MIhis_her hands resting on the cold metal. Something unexpected reflects in the curve of $MIhis_her pursed lips-an emotion that confuses you. Compassion. With a soft gesture, $MIhis_her hand begins to glow as $MIhe_she extends it toward your wounded side through the bars. The pain eases slightly, though the cut remains. "You're… a mage?" you ask, your voice a bit broken. "Ásm recah odeup on orep," $MIhe_she begins, lowering $MIhis_her arm. "Elbapluc oerc et on. Adamón, otneis ol." You don't understand $MIhis_her language, but $MIhis_her tone is gentle, carrying a note of melancholy that surprises you. Without another word, the $MImermaid continues $MIhis_her task, placing the boxes beside others that had already been set. Then, $MIhe_she turns and leaves the room. [[Continue|90A]]

You let out a slow sigh as you close your eyes and drop your head forward, completely ignoring the $MImermaid. A fresh wave of pain forces you to grit your teeth, mentally cursing as you feel the warm trickle soaking your clothes. The moment passes, and you open your eyes with a pitiful whimper. To your surprise, the stranger has left the cart and is now right in front of the bars of your cell, $MIhis_her hands resting on the cold metal. Something unexpected reflects in the curve of $MIhis_her pursed lips-an emotion that confuses you. Compassion. With a soft gesture, $MIhis_her hand begins to glow as $MIhe_she extends it toward your wounded side through the bars. The pain eases slightly, though the cut remains. "You're… a mage?" you ask, your voice a bit broken. "Ásm recah odeup on orep," $MIhe_she begins, lowering $MIhis_her arm. "Elbapluc oerc et on. Adamón, otneis ol." You don't understand $MIhis_her language, but $MIhis_her tone is gentle, carrying a note of melancholy that surprises you. Without another word, the $MImermaid continues $MIhis_her task, placing the boxes beside others that had already been set. Then, $MIhe_she turns and leaves the room. [[Continue|90A]]

"I'm here," you try to shout, but your voice fails you. Still, your friends seem to hear you. Your eyelids feel heavy again, and the world begins to fade around you. You hear the harsh sound of the box opening, followed by the frantic voices of your friends searching for you. Then, hurried footsteps approach your cell. "$name!" The clash of metal against metal rings in your ears, and you blink just in time to see $AL forcing the blade of $ALhis_her axe into the gap of the door that holds you captive. With $LL and $AO's help, the cell door gives way, and $AL rushes in, moving quickly toward you. "$name!" $ALhe_she exclaims, $ALhis_her voice trembling. "Gods, tell me it's not too late." <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$AO is right behind $ALhim_her, $AOhis_her dark eyes scanning your condition with medical precision. "The wound isn't fatal, but he's lost a good amount of blood. Give me some space." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$AO is right behind $ALhim_her, $AOhis_her dark eyes scanning your condition with medical precision. "The wound isn't fatal, but she's lost a good amount of blood. Give me some space." <<else>>$AO is right behind $ALhim_her, $AOhis_her dark eyes scanning your condition with medical precision. "The wound isn't fatal, but they've lost a good amount of blood. Give me some space." <</if>>Without wasting a second, $AO places $AOhis_her hands over the wound, and you feel the cold, revitalizing chill of $AOhis_her healing magic spreading through your body. The warm trickle of blood stops, and gradually, the wound begins to close. $AL stays by your side the whole time. "Everything will be fine, $name," the redhead whispers gently. "Just hang in there, please." You don't have the strength to articulate a word, but you find the energy to meet $ALhis_her olive gaze and give $ALhim_her a smile that relieves a tiny fraction of $ALhis_her worry. After $ALhe_she returns the gesture, your eyelids start to close again. "Don't fall asleep on me, sweetie. This isn't a good place for a nap." In another time, $AO's joke might have made you laugh, but you're too exhausted to react. Suddenly, a commotion outside the room bursts into the momentary calm, and you hear $LL's alarmed voice shout, "We have company!" "Keep them busy!" $AO responds. The next events become a blur. You close your eyes just before the prison door swings open violently. You hear footsteps in every direction, the clash of weapons, unfamiliar voices shouting things you can't understand, and your companions yelling back. The last thing you perceive before slipping back into unconsciousness is the warmth from before, replacing the coolness of the magic. [[Continue|92A]]

"I'm here," you try to shout, but your voice fails you. Still, your friends seem to hear you. Your eyelids feel heavy again, and the world begins to fade around you. You hear the harsh sound of the box opening, followed by the frantic voices of your friends searching for you. Then, hurried footsteps approach your cell. "$name!" $LL's growl makes you blink. The warrior grips the bars of the cell with clenched teeth, $LLhis_her face reddening with effort. Whether it's the adrenaline from the urgency of the moment or sheer brute strength, the metal begins to bend, and $LLhe_she manages to separate the bars. When there's enough space for $LLhis_her wide body to squeeze through, $LL steps in without hesitation and quickly moves toward you. "Hold on, $name. I'm getting you out of here." $LLHis_Her voice is firm, though you can detect a slight tremor in $LLhis_her words. Without wasting any time, $LL grabs the chains binding your wrists and pulls hard until they snap. $LLHe_She and $AO carefully place you on the floor and kneel beside you. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"The wound isn't fatal, but he's lost a good amount of blood." $AO says, $AOhis_her dark eyes scanning your condition with medical precision. "Give me some space." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"The wound isn't fatal, but she's lost a good amount of blood." $AO says, $AOhis_her dark eyes scanning your condition with medical precision. "Give me some space." <<else>>"The wound isn't fatal, but they've lost a good amount of blood." $AO says, $AOhis_her dark eyes scanning your condition with medical precision. "Give me some space." <</if>>$AO places $AOhis_her hands over your wound, and you feel the cold, revitalizing chill of $AOhis_her healing magic spreading through your body. The warm trickle of blood stops, and slowly, the wound begins to close. "They will pay for this," you hear $LL growl. You lack the strength to articulate a word, but you find the energy to meet $LLhis_her intense emerald gaze, and a smile spreads across your face at $LLhis_her protective expression. The gesture has a calming effect on $LL, smoothing the creases in $LLhis_her furrowed brow, though $LLhis_her fists remain clenched. Your heavy eyelids begin to close again. "Don't fall asleep on me, sweetie. This isn't a good place for a nap." In another time, $AO's joke might have made you laugh, but you're too exhausted to react. Suddenly, a commotion outside the room bursts into the momentary calm, and you hear $AL's alarmed voice shout, "They're coming!" "Keep them busy!" $AO responds. The next events become a blur. You close your eyes just before the prison door swings open violently. You hear footsteps in every direction, the clash of weapons, unfamiliar voices shouting things you can't understand, and your companions yelling back. The last thing you perceive before slipping back into unconsciousness is the warmth from before, replacing the coolness of the magic. [[Continue|92A]]

"I'm here," you try to shout, but your voice fails you. Still, your friends seem to hear you. Your eyelids feel heavy again, and the world begins to fade around you. You hear the harsh sound of the box opening, followed by the frantic voices of your friends searching for you. Then, hurried footsteps approach your cell. "$name!" The sound of bars being struck makes you blink, and you see your friends pushing against the door with all their strength, but it doesn't budge even a little. "Damn it," $AO mutters with effort, giving the door another shove. "This thing won't open." "We need to find the key," $AL says urgently. "There's no time, get out of the way," $LL replies. The first kick reverberates in your head, but the door remains closed. $LL growls, takes a deep breath, and repeats the movement with more force. The door finally gives way on the second kick, crashing against the bars with a noise that pierces your ears. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$AO is the first to rush in, moving quickly toward you. "The wound isn't fatal, but he's lost a good amount of blood. Give me some space," $AOhe_she says, and $AL and $LL step aside. "Don't worry, $name, we're getting you out of here. But next time you want a free check-up, just ask. No need to get chained up and stabbed," $AOhe_she adds with a playful smile.<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$AO is the first to rush in, moving quickly toward you. "The wound isn't fatal, but she's lost a good amount of blood. Give me some space," $AOhe_she says, and $AL and $LL step aside. "Don't worry, $name, we're getting you out of here. But next time you want a free check-up, just ask. No need to get chained up and stabbed," $AOhe_she adds with a playful smile.<<else>>$AO is the first to rush in, moving quickly toward you. "The wound isn't fatal, but they've lost a good amount of blood. Give me some space," $AOhe_she says, and $AL and $LL step aside. "Don't worry, $name, we're getting you out of here. But next time you want a free check-up, just ask. No need to get chained up and stabbed," $AOhe_she adds with a playful smile.<</if>> * [[I'd punch you if I could|91ARGNRO2a]] * [[It's an effective way to skip the waitlist|91ARGNRO2b]] * [["Bad timing, " + $AO|91ARGNRO2c]]

"Please," you begin to say, your tone desperate. "There must be a mistake. I haven't done anything wrong! I just arrived in this world!" You're not even sure if $MIhe_she understands what you're saying, but at least this one doesn't look at you with the hatred the others did. The $MImermaid leaves the cart and approaches your cell, resting $MIhis_her hands on the bars. Something unexpected reflects in the curve of $MIhis_her pursed lips-an emotion that confuses you. Compassion. "Ásm recah odeup on orep. Elbapluc oerc et on. Adamón, otneis ol." You don't understand $MIhis_her language, but $MIhis_her tone is gentle, carrying a note of melancholy that surprises you. Without another word, the $MImermaid continues $MIhis_her task, placing the boxes beside others that had already been set. Then, $MIhe_she turns and leaves the room. [[Continue|90B]]

Although the $MImermaid's eyes remain fixed on yours, you find no trace of the fury that consumes your own. You watch $MIhim_her with a deeply furrowed brow, a stern look that could freeze anyone's bones, yet the $MImermaid doesn't seem intimidated. $MIHe_She leaves the cart and approaches your cell, resting $MIhis_her hands on the bars. Something unexpected reflects in the curve of $MIhis_her pursed lips-an emotion that confuses you. Compassion. "Ásm recah odeup on orep. Elbapluc oerc et on. Adamón, otneis ol." You don't understand $MIhis_her language, but $MIhis_her tone is gentle, carrying a note of melancholy that surprises you. Without another word, the $MImermaid continues $MIhis_her task, placing the boxes beside others that had already been set. Then, $MIhe_she turns and leaves the room. [[Continue|90B]]

You let out a slow sigh as you close your eyes and drop your head forward, completely ignoring the $MImermaid to focus on figuring out how to escape. You hear the sound of footsteps approaching, and when you open your eyes again, you find the stranger right in front of the bars of your cell, $MIhis_her hands resting on the cold metal. Something unexpected reflects in the curve of $MIhis_her pursed lips-an emotion that confuses you. Compassion. "Ásm recah odeup on orep. Elbapluc oerc et on. Adamón, otneis ol." You don't understand $MIhis_her language, but $MIhis_her tone is gentle, carrying a note of melancholy that surprises you. Without another word, the $MImermaid continues $MIhis_her task, placing the boxes beside others that had already been set. Then, $MIhe_she turns and leaves the room. [[Continue|90B]]

Silence wraps the prison in a suffocating shroud once more. The relief the $MImermaid provided is fleeting, and the loss of blood weighs heavily on your limbs. You struggle to stay conscious, though your eyelids refuse to obey. Suddenly, a faint sound catches your attention. With an effort that feels like it's tearing you apart inside, you turn your head toward a pile of boxes in the corner. The light filtering through the skylights illuminates just enough for you to make them out, but you still squint, forcing yourself to focus. One of the boxes is… moving? //"I'm starting to hallucinate,"// you think with a weary sigh, resigning yourself to an inevitable end. But then, another more pronounced movement shakes the same box, accompanied by a muffled sound. "Do you think it's safe now?" The voice is soft from inside the box, but in the silence, it feels like a shout. Your heart races, and without realizing it, you open your eyes wide. A spark of hope ignites in your soul when you recognize that voice. "$AO?" you whisper, almost fearing it might all be a figment of your imagination. "Shh! You're going to give us away," comes another, much firmer voice, $LL's. You wet your cracked lips and, with the little strength you have left, try to raise your voice. "Guys! Help… I need help!" "Isn't that $name?" you hear a third voice, $AL's. "Shit. Get ready and open the box!" <<if $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|91AO]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|91AAL]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|91ALL]]<<else>>[[Continue|91ARGNRO]]<</if>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "mischief" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You're left completely alone in the prison once again. You tilt your head back and glance at the chains. A few small tugs only manage to bruise your wrists even more. You give up and hang your head with a frustrated sigh. "Well, this mission is off to a great start…" Suddenly, a faint sound catches your attention. You squint and spot the pile of boxes in the corner, the light filtering through the skylights just enough to see them. One of the boxes is… moving? You raise an eyebrow. //"I must be going crazy."// But then, another, more forceful movement shakes the same box, accompanied by a muffled sound. "Do you think it's safe now?" The voice is soft from inside the box, but in the silence, it feels like a shout. Your eyes widen, blinking a few times, a spark of hope igniting in your chest when you recognize that voice. //"$AO?"// "Shut up! You're going to give us away," says another, much firmer voice. $LL's. "I can't believe this…" you murmur in disbelief. Still, you can't deny the relief washing over you knowing they've come to rescue you, no matter how unorthodox their methods are. You take a deep breath and raise your voice. "Guys! I'm here!" "Is that $name?" you hear a third voice, $AL's "Damn it. Get ready and open the box!" <<if $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|90BAO]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|90BAL]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|90BLL]]<<else>>[[Continue|90BRGNRO]]<</if>>

Your companions spring out of the box with a quick and coordinated movement, weapons ready and magic pulsing in the doctor's hands. They're covered in tangled seaweed clinging to their bodies like a second skin. "There are no enemies in sight," $LL informs, lowering $LLhis_her sword and starting to peel off the seaweed hanging from $LLhis_her shoulders. "Where is $name?" $AO asks, looking around, a huge strand of seaweed draped over $AOhis_her head and covering half $AOhis_her face. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"There he is!" $AL exclaims, pointing at you. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"There she is!" $AL exclaims, pointing at you. <<else>>"There they are!" $AL exclaims, pointing at you. <</if>>You feel a wave of relief; you're finally about to be freed. $AO, however, squints and crinkles $AOhis_her nose, as if straining to see you clearly. "That's not $name!" $AOhe_she says with hilariously misplaced conviction. You roll your eyes, and shout, "Of course it's me!" $AO touches $AOhis_her face, brushing aside the seaweed that had obscured $AOhis_her view. "Damn, I couldn't see a thing with this on," you hear $AOhim_her murmur, throwing the seaweed to the ground. Your companions quickly approach your cell, with $AO being the first to arrive. The $AOman_woman leans an arm against the bars and looks you up and down. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Hey, handsome. Did you miss me?" $AOhe_she says with a playful smile. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Hey, beautiful. Did you miss me?" $AOhe_she says with a playful smile. <<else>>"Hey, gorgeous. Did you miss me?" $AOhe_she says with a playful smile. <</if>><<if $AOsex is true>>"You're much more pleasant company than those fishes, that's for sure," you respond with a raised eyebrow. You know that smile all too well. "You know? I'm disappointed that the first time I see you tied up is under these circumstances." $AOHe_She bites $AOhis_her lower lip. "What a shame; I had plans for that." And there it is. "Really?" You wet your lips. "You'll have to tell me about it when we get out of here." $AO's smile widens. "Better to show you, don't you think?" $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes and shakes $LLhis_her head disapprovingly. "Could you two //not// right now?" $LLhe_she grumbles before nudging $AO. "You, help us with this and stop messing around." $AO gives you one last knowing glance before shrugging and crouching down to inspect the lock. <<elseif $feelingsAO is true>>Your heart responds with a strong beat that reverberates in your chest up to your throat. You clear your throat, trying to control the smile spreading across your face, and swallow hard. "Please, get me out of here." "Aye, aye, Captain," $AO replies in $AOhis_her playful tone, saluting before crouching down with $LL and $AL to examine the lock. <<else>>"You're a sight for sore eyes," you respond with a smile. $AO laughs. "Then keep those pretty eyes of yours on me, sweetie. I'll get you out of there in a jiffy." $AOHe_She then crouches down with $LL and $AL, starting to inspect the lock. <</if>>"I don't know how to open it," the eldest Terrastar says after a glance. "I've never seen this kind of lock in my life." "Don't worry," $AO interjects with a proud smile, raising $AOhis_her hand, which starts to glow with fiery magic. "There's no material that can't be melted." [[Continue|91B]]

//''[Some time later...]''// <<if $LLLove is true>>When you regain consciousness, you realize you're once again chained to the wall. The pain in your side lingers, but the bleeding has stopped. You let out a grunt, trying to move your numb wrists. <<else>>When you regain consciousness, the first thing you notice is the cold metal biting into your skin, still chained to the wall. The pain in your side persists, but at least the bleeding has stopped. You let out a low grunt, trying to move your numb wrists. <</if>>"$name! You're awake! Thank the gods." $AL's voice sounds closer than you expected. Turning your head, you realize $ALhe_she, along with the others, is chained to the cobblestone wall, just like you. "I managed to close the wound before those fish people took us out," $AO says, $AOhis_her eyes shining with concern. "How are you feeling?" You try to take a deep breath, but the pain cuts through you. "I've been better… but at least I'm still here," you manage to say, though your voice is a bit weaker than you'd like. The doctor sighs. "I'm sorry. This is all my fault." "Of course it's your damned fault!" $LL snaps. "Couldn't you just stay still for once in your life?" "Red, you're not going to tell me anything I haven't berated myself for this whole time," $AO replies with unusual seriousness. "Instead of criticizing me, we could think about what to do next, don't you think?" $LL snorts disdainfully. "Sure. And what's your next great idea, huh? Try to negotiate? I'm sure you'll get us all killed the moment you open your mouth." $AO smiles, but the tension is evident in $AOhis_her eyes. "Oh, you'd be surprised what I can achieve using my mouth." "Guys, this isn't helping," $AL interjects in a calming tone to ease the situation. "This isn't the time to fight; we need to stay calm." $LL huffs but doesn't respond to $AL, remaining focused on $AO. "What you should have done is not follow your crazy ideas in the first place. What the hell were you thinking?" "I got carried away, okay?" $AO shrugs and tilts $AOhis_her head to one side. "Yeah, I messed up! I'm passionate about marine biology, and I let myself get swept away, but at least I admit it was my fault. You don't have to remind me every two minutes." <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Of course I will! As many times as it takes!" $LL raises $LLhis_her voice, $LLhis_her face red with anger. "Your recklessness brought us here, and look," $LLhe_she points at you, "he's hurt because of your stupid curiosity!" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Of course I will! As many times as it takes!" $LL raises $LLhis_her voice, $LLhis_her face red with anger. "Your recklessness brought us here, and look," $LLhe_she points at you, "she's hurt because of your stupid curiosity!" <<else>>"Of course I will! As many times as it takes!" $LL raises $LLhis_her voice, $LLhis_her face red with anger. "Your recklessness brought us here, and look," $LLhe_she points at you, "they're hurt because of your stupid curiosity!" <</if>>The words hit $AO like a bucket of cold water, and $AOhe_she swallows hard. $AOHe_She looks at you, $AOhis_her eyes reflecting a guilt that seems to deepen with every reproach from $LL. "I know," $AOhe_she says in a quieter tone, lowering $AOhis_her head. "I know, $LL. Believe me." The change in atmosphere is palpable. Seizing the silence, $AL speaks up again. "This isn't what we need right now; we're just making a horrible situation worse. We need to get out of here." * [["It's okay, " + $AO + ". I've been in worse situations"|93Aa]] * [["It's okay " + $LL + ", I'm fine"|93Ab]] * [[$AL + "'s right"|93Ac]] * [[Oh, no, please, keep fighting. This is fun|93Ad]] * [[Will you shut up already?|93Ae]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ "If I could move, I'd punch you," you reply with difficulty, shooting $AOhim_her a reproachful look. $AO chuckles. "Threats? That's a good sign." The doctor places $AOhis_her hands over your wound, and you feel the cold, revitalizing chill of $AOhis_her healing magic spreading through your body. The warm trickle of blood stops, and slowly, the wound begins to close. Suddenly, a commotion outside the room breaks the momentary calm, and you hear $LL's alarmed voice shout, "We have company!" "Keep them busy!" $AO responds. The next events become a blur. You close your eyes just before the prison door swings open violently. You hear footsteps in every direction, the clash of weapons, unfamiliar voices shouting things you can't understand, and your companions yelling back. The last thing you perceive before slipping back into unconsciousness is the warmth from before, replacing the coolness of the magic. [[Continue|92A]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "You have to admit it's an effective way to skip the waitlist," you respond, managing a half-smile. $AO chuckles. "You're joking, huh? That's a great sign." The doctor places $AOhis_her hands over your wound, and you feel the cold, revitalizing chill of $AOhis_her healing magic spreading through your body. The warm trickle of blood stops, and slowly, the wound begins to close. Suddenly, a commotion outside the room breaks the momentary calm, and you hear $LL's alarmed voice shout, "We have company!" "Keep them busy!" $AO responds. The next events become a blur. You close your eyes just before the prison door swings open violently. You hear footsteps in every direction, the clash of weapons, unfamiliar voices shouting things you can't understand, and your companions yelling back. The last thing you perceive before slipping back into unconsciousness is the warmth from before, replacing the coolness of the magic. [[Continue|92A]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "I know by now I should be used to your bad timing, but this is a horrible moment for jokes," you say with a pained groan. $AO chuckles. "It's part of my charm." The doctor places $AOhis_her hands over your wound, and you feel the cold, revitalizing chill of $AOhis_her healing magic spreading through your body. The warm trickle of blood stops, and slowly, the wound begins to close. Suddenly, a commotion outside the room breaks the momentary calm, and you hear $LL's alarmed voice shout, "We have company!" "Keep them busy!" $AO responds. The next events become a blur. You close your eyes just before the prison door swings open violently. You hear footsteps in every direction, the clash of weapons, unfamiliar voices shouting things you can't understand, and your companions yelling back. The last thing you perceive before slipping back into unconsciousness is the warmth from before, replacing the coolness of the magic. [[Continue|92A]]

"It's okay, $AO. Trust me, I've been in worse situations." Your words are gentle, though speaking is a struggle. "You're saying that to make me feel better," the doctor replies, the weight of guilt keeping $AOhis_her head down. "I assure you it's not. Or should I remind you how we met?" you say, forcing a playful smile. "Besides, none of us thought we'd end up in different places." You try to ignore the sting of the wound as you turn toward $LL. "I didn't, at least. Did you?" $LL holds your gaze for a moment before breaking contact with a faint sigh, the severity of $LLhis_her expression softening. "No… I didn't either." "$AL is right," you continue, letting out a slight grunt as you arch your back from the discomfort of being suspended by your wrists for so long. "We're lucky to be together again; we need to make the most of it and find a way to free ourselves." <<if $RGLove is true>>//"If only $RG were here…"// Even in your state, it's impossible to get the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess out of your head. You'd laugh at how absurd it is if your side didn't hurt so much. <</if>>The silence that follows is heavy until $LL sighs and nods. "Fine. But if $AO does anything impulsive again, I won't hold back." $AO gives $LL a quick, small smile. Then $AOhe_she turns $AOhis_her head toward the cell door, $AOhis_her eyes filled with determination even as $AOhis_her shoulders remain slightly slumped. "Alright… this time, whatever I do will be thought out. And I promise not to screw up again. But, $LL, we're getting out of here. Somehow." "Any ideas?" you ask. <<if $LLLove is true>>"$LL, you broke $name's chains earlier," $ALhe_she says, flashing a half-smile at the warrior. "Impressive, by the way. Do you think you could do it again?" $LL tenses up and avoids everyone's gaze. "No, I can't. The angle doesn't let me manoeuvrer properly," $LLhe_she quickly adds. "Alright. It was worth a try," $AO says after a resigned sigh. $AOHe_She looks toward the chains. "Let's see… Maybe I can melt the metal. It'll take a lot of magic, but if I focus..." <<elseif $AOLove is true>>"I used a lot of magic earlier," $AOhe_she replies, glancing at the chains. "It'll be hard, but if I focus I might be able to do it again." <<else>>The doctor looks up and hums in thought. "Let's see… Maybe I can melt the metal. It'll take a lot of magic, but if I focus..." <</if>>[[Continue|94]]

You make an effort to turn toward $LL, the sting of the wound barely bearable. "It's okay, $LL. I'm fine, really." "That does not look fine to me, $name," $LLhe_she mutters, frowning even more as $LLhis_her gaze fixes on your side. "I could be a lot worse," you reply. "If the wound were still open, I'd have bled out a while ago, but I'm still alive. Thanks to $AO, I should add." The doctor raises $AOhis_her head, giving you a grateful look as $LL glances at $AOhim_her sideways. The red-haired warrior softens $LLhis_her expression, the anger fading along with the tension in $LLhis_her body as $LLhe_she lets out a small sigh. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"True… $AOhe_she saved your life in the end," the warrior murmurs. $LLHe_She pauses until $LLhis_her eyes meet $AO's once again. "But you're still a crazy bitch." <<else>>"True… $AOhe_she saved your life in the end," the warrior murmurs. $LLHe_She pauses until $LLhis_her eyes meet $AO's once again. "But you're still a crazy son of a bitch." <</if>>$AO lets out a tense chuckle. "That's fair." "$AL's right," you continue, letting out a slight grunt as you arch your back from the discomfort of being suspended by your wrists for so long. "We're lucky to be together again. We should make the most of it and figure out how to get out of here." <<if $RGLove is true>>//"If only $RG were here…"// Even in your state, it's impossible to get the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess out of your head. You'd laugh at how absurd it is if your side didn't hurt so much. <</if>>The silence that follows is heavy until $LL sighs and nods. "Fine. But if $AO does anything impulsive again, I won't hold back." $AO gives $LL a quick, small smile. Then $AOhe_she turns $AOhis_her head toward the cell door, $AOhis_her eyes filled with determination even as $AOhis_her shoulders remain slightly slumped. "Alright… this time, whatever I do will be thought out. And I promise not to screw up again. But, $LL, we're getting out of here. Somehow." "Any ideas?" you ask. <<if $LLLove is true>>"$LL, you broke $name's chains earlier," $ALhe_she says, flashing a half-smile at the warrior. "Impressive, by the way. Do you think you could do it again?" $LL tenses up and avoids everyone's gaze. "No, I can't. The angle doesn't let me manoeuvrer properly," $LLhe_she quickly adds. "Alright. It was worth a try," $AO says after a resigned sigh. $AOHe_She looks toward the chains. "Let's see… Maybe I can melt the metal. It'll take a lot of magic, but if I focus..." <<elseif $AOLove is true>>"I used a lot of magic earlier," $AOhe_she replies, glancing at the chains. "It'll be hard, but if I focus I might be able to do it again." <<else>>The doctor looks up and hums in thought. "Let's see… Maybe I can melt the metal. It'll take a lot of magic, but if I focus..." <</if>>[[Continue|94]]

"$AL's right," you murmur with effort, making everyone look at you. "It doesn't matter how we got here… what matters is how we're going to free ourselves before the merfolks decide what to do with us." <<if $RGLove is true>>//"If only $RG were here…"// Even in your state, it's impossible to get the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess out of your head. You'd laugh at how absurd it is if your side didn't hurt so much. <</if>>The silence that follows is heavy until $LL sighs and nods. "Fine. But if $AO does anything impulsive again, I won't hold back." $AO gives $LL a quick, small smile. Then $AOhe_she turns $AOhis_her head toward the cell door, $AOhis_her eyes filled with determination even as $AOhis_her shoulders remain slightly slumped. "Alright… this time, whatever I do will be thought out. And I promise not to screw up again. But, $LL, we're getting out of here. Somehow." "Any ideas?" you ask. <<if $LLLove is true>>"$LL, you broke $name's chains earlier," $ALhe_she says, flashing a half-smile at the warrior. "Impressive, by the way. Do you think you could do it again?" $LL tenses up and avoids everyone's gaze. "No, I can't. The angle doesn't let me manoeuvrer properly," $LLhe_she quickly adds. "Alright. It was worth a try," $AO says after a resigned sigh. $AOHe_She looks toward the chains. "Let's see… Maybe I can melt the metal. It'll take a lot of magic, but if I focus..." <<elseif $AOLove is true>>"I used a lot of magic earlier," $AOhe_she replies, glancing at the chains. "It'll be hard, but if I focus I might be able to do it again." <<else>>The doctor looks up and hums in thought. "Let's see… Maybe I can melt the metal. It'll take a lot of magic, but if I focus..." <</if>>[[Continue|94]]

A playful smile spreads across your face. "Oh no, please, keep fighting. It's so much fun!" You shrug, instantly regretting the motion as a sharp pain shoots through your side. After a slight grunt, you continue. "After all, we've got nothing better to do while we're chained to a wall, right? Because I assume looking for a way out before they kill us all isn't part of your plans, huh?" $AO lets out a tense laugh. "Well, at least your sense of humour is still intact." "I can't say the same about my internal organs, but I'll take the small victories," you reply with a laugh of your own. <<if $RGLove is true>>//"If only $RG were here…"// Even in your state, it's impossible to get the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess out of your head. You'd laugh at how absurd it is if your side didn't hurt so much. <</if>>$LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes and shoots you a hard look, but says nothing. Instead of continuing the argument, $LLhe_she lets out a deep sigh and nods. "Fine. But if $AO does something impulsive again, I won't hold back." $AO gives $LL a quick, small smile. Then $AOhe_she turns $AOhis_her head toward the cell door, $AOhis_her eyes filled with determination even as $AOhis_her shoulders remain slightly slumped. "Alright… this time, whatever I do will be thought out. And I promise not to screw up again. But, $LL, we're getting out of here. Somehow." "Any ideas?" you ask. "One that actually helps?" <<if $LLLove is true>>"$LL, you broke $name's chains earlier," $ALhe_she says, flashing a half-smile at the warrior. "Impressive, by the way. Do you think you could do it again?" $LL tenses up and avoids everyone's gaze. "No, I can't. The angle doesn't let me manoeuvrer properly," $LLhe_she quickly adds. "Alright. It was worth a try," $AO says after a resigned sigh. $AOHe_She looks toward the chains. "Let's see… Maybe I can melt the metal. It'll take a lot of magic, but if I focus..." <<elseif $AOLove is true>>"I used a lot of magic earlier," $AOhe_she replies, glancing at the chains. "It'll be hard, but if I focus I might be able to do it again." <<else>>The doctor looks up and hums in thought. "Let's see… Maybe I can melt the metal. It'll take a lot of magic, but if I focus..." <</if>>[[Continue|94]]

The pain in your side, combined with the constant exchange of reproaches, makes you lose patience, and you can't stop the words from spilling out of your mouth like a sharp arrow. "Will you two just shut up already?" you snap harshly, a mix of pain and frustration in your voice. "You either help find a way to get out of these chains, or keep your mouth shut, but this fucking fight is going to get us nowhere." Your words echo forcefully in the cell, and both $AO and $LL stare at you in surprise, while $AL watches cautiously, taken aback by your sudden outburst of anger. <<if $RGLove is true>>//"If only $RG were here…"// Even in your state, it's impossible to get the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess out of your head. You'd laugh at how absurd it is if your side didn't hurt so much. <</if>>The silence that follows is heavy until $LL sighs and nods. "Fine. But if $AO does anything impulsive again, I won't hold back." $AO gives $LL a quick, small smile. Then $AOhe_she turns $AOhis_her head toward the cell door, $AOhis_her eyes filled with determination even as $AOhis_her shoulders remain slightly slumped. "Alright… this time, whatever I do will be thought out. And I promise not to screw up again. But, $LL, we're getting out of here. Somehow." "Any ideas?" you ask. "One that actually helps?" <<if $LLLove is true>>"$LL, you broke $name's chains earlier," $ALhe_she says, flashing a half-smile at the warrior. "Impressive, by the way. Do you think you could do it again?" $LL tenses up and avoids everyone's gaze. "No, I can't. The angle doesn't let me manoeuvrer properly," $LLhe_she quickly adds. "Alright. It was worth a try," $AO says after a resigned sigh. $AOHe_She looks toward the chains. "Let's see… Maybe I can melt the metal. It'll take a lot of magic, but if I focus..." <<elseif $AOLove is true>>"I used a lot of magic earlier," $AOhe_she replies, glancing at the chains. "It'll be hard, but if I focus I might be able to do it again." <<else>>The doctor looks up and hums in thought. "Let's see… Maybe I can melt the metal. It'll take a lot of magic, but if I focus..." <</if>>[[Continue|94]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "longNote1" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ The prison door swings open with a bang, the echo of the slam reverberating through the room. Seconds later, it closes just as violently. Confident footsteps resonate in the shadows, advancing toward your cell with a calm that chills the air. As the figure approaches, the owner of those steps is revealed. A merman stops in front of the bars, his eyes scanning you with an intensity that pierces through you. His long dark hair is streaked with blue strands that make him look even more exotic, and the sapphire scales of his skin contrast with the bright orange fins adorning his back and forearms. The merfolk you've seen so far aren't particularly tall, but this one… there's something about him that instils immense respect just by looking into his electric blue eyes, an imposing aura that you can't explain. From the silence of your companions, it's clear they feel it too. He opens the door and steps inside the cell, stopping right in the centre, making the light filtering through the skylight reflect off the red stone that adorns the diadem on his forehead. The merman's hard expression deepens as he furrows his brow. He tightens the grip on his trident while casting one last glance at each of you. ...Until his gaze settles on you. [[Continue|95]]

Suddenly, a commotion outside the room disrupts the momentary calm. The prison door bursts open, allowing a group of armed merfolk to rush in and quickly surround your companions. "Nepacse euq siéjed on! Soinomed sose a dednerp!" shouts the mermaid leading the group as your friends take a defensive stance. "Great, just what we needed," $LL murmurs, $LLhis_her shield raised and sword ready. "What now, $AO? Did you have anything planned in case your //perfect// plan failed?" $LLhe_she snaps sarcastically. $AL tenses and takes a step back. "There are a lot of them…" "Oh, come on! We've been in worse situations than this," $AO says with a wave of $AOhis_her hand. $AOHis_Her arms begin to blaze with the fire of $AOhis_her magic. "We can definitely take these guys." [[Continue|92B]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "I guess it could be worse," you reply with a weary sigh. "But I'd appreciate it if you could get me out of here as soon as possible, please." "Don't worry, $name! You'll be out in a moment," $AL says before crouching in front of the lock, followed by $LL and $AO. Long seconds pass as $AL inspects the cell door from various angles, $ALhis_her face gradually scrunching up as $ALhe_she furrows $ALhis_her brow while trying a few pulls here and there. "I don't know how to open it," the redhead finally admits. "I've never seen this kind of lock in my life. We need to find the key." "There's no time. There has to be another way to open this," $AO says. "Make way," $LL orders. The $LLman_woman takes $LLhis_her sword and wedges it into the gap between the door and the bars as $AO and $AL step aside. "Help me push." [[Continue|91B]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "Oh, you know, just chilling here. Trapped in a cell and soaked to my underwear. A typical Tuesday," you reply with your own amused smile. "Though honestly, I could really use a change of scenery." "Don't worry, $name! You'll be out in a moment," $AL says before crouching in front of the lock, followed by $LL and $AO. Long seconds pass as $AL inspects the cell door from various angles, $ALhis_her face gradually scrunching up as $ALhe_she furrows $ALhis_her brow while trying a few pulls here and there. "I don't know how to open it," the redhead finally admits. "I've never seen this kind of lock in my life. We need to find the key." "There's no time. There has to be another way to open this," $AO says. "Make way," $LL orders. The $LLman_woman takes $LLhis_her sword and wedges it into the gap between the door and the bars as $AO and $AL step aside. "Help me push." [[Continue|91B]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ "What do you think?" you growl, the discomfort from your sore wrists adding to your growing frustration. "Get me out of here, I'm begging you." "Don't worry, $name! You'll be out in a moment," $AL says before crouching in front of the lock, followed by $LL and $AO. Long seconds pass as $AL inspects the cell door from various angles, $ALhis_her face gradually scrunching up as $ALhe_she furrows $ALhis_her brow while trying a few pulls here and there. "I don't know how to open it," the redhead finally admits. "I've never seen this kind of lock in my life. We need to find the key." "There's no time. There has to be another way to open this," $AO says. "Make way," $LL orders. The $LLman_woman takes $LLhis_her sword and wedges it into the gap between the door and the bars as $AO and $AL step aside. "Help me push." [[Continue|91B]]

//''[Some time later...]''// "I just want to make one thing clear." From your right, $LL leans as much as the chains allow $LLhim_her to face $AO on your left, and throws $AOhim_her an angry look. "This is //your// fault. Couldn't you stay still for once in your life?" You blink slowly, staring straight ahead with pursed lips. It was too much to expect to get out of here easily, of course. $AO mimics $LL, poking $AOhis_her head forward with an innocent expression. "How was I supposed to know they had flying chains?" "I tried to warn you, but you didn't listen," you interject, already tired of the chaos that always seems to follow. $AL sighs, looking up at the ceiling. "Gods… how are we getting out of here now?" "Good question…" you mutter, not holding much hope for a quick escape anymore. $AO lets out a long sigh, allowing $AOhis_her body to hang completely from the chains. "Well, I can only think of one thing to do in this situation." "What?" $LL asks, ready for action. "...I spy." You frown, turning your head towards $AO. "What do you mean, 'I spy'?" $AO shows an amused smile. "With my little eye..." $LL lets out an exasperated growl. "You've got to be kidding me." "What do you spy?" $AL asks next. * [[Play along. 'What letter?'|93Ba]] * [[Frown 'Really? That's your idea?'|93Bb]] * [["Stare at " + $AOhim_her + ". 'I thought you had a plan!'"|93Bc]] * [[Roll your eyes while your friends bicker and stay quiet|93Bd]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ With not much else to do, you tilt your head, giving in to your curiosity. "What letter?" $LL glares at you in disbelief. "You too!?" "Is it in this room?" $AL adds, intrigued. "I cannot believe you three." The red-haired warrior looks like $LLhe_she's about to explode, but $AO ignores $LLhis_her frustration. "Not exactly in this room, but we saw it recently. Something that starts with the letter… W." "Water," the warrior answers dryly. $AO's eyes widen in surprise. "How did you know?" $LL closes $LLhis_her eyes, trying to muster the last of $LLhis_her patience. If $LLhis_her hands were free, $LLhe_she'd probably be pinching the bridge of $LLhis_her nose. "Gods, someone put an end to this torture." [[Continue|94]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ You narrow your eyes at $AO, a frown creasing your brows. "Seriously? //That's// your idea? Playing 'I spy'?" "It's better than waiting silently to be executed," $AO shrugs, a mischievous glint in $AOhis_her eyes. "Got a better plan?" "Is it in this room?" $AL asks, intrigued. You shake your head disapprovingly. "I cannot believe you two," $LL growls. "Not exactly in this room, but we saw it recently." $AO continues, undeterred. "Something that starts with the letter… W." "Water," the warrior answers dryly. $AO's eyes widen in surprise. "How did you know?" $LL closes $LLhis_her eyes, trying to muster the last of $LLhis_her patience. If $LLhis_her hands were free, $LLhe_she'd probably be pinching the bridge of $LLhis_her nose. "Gods, someone put an end to this torture." [[Continue|94]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ You stare at $AO, your mouth agape in disbelief. "Wait, I thought you had a plan!" "This //is// a plan," $AOhe_she says matter-of-factly. "A plan to keep us from dying of boredom." "I mean a plan to get us //out// of here!" "Oh." The doctor shrugs. "Then no, I have none of those." "Is it in this room?" $AL chimes in again. $LL lets out a growl. "I cannot believe you two." "Not exactly in this room, but we saw it recently." $AO continues, undeterred. "Something that starts with the letter… W." "Water," the warrior answers dryly. $AO's eyes widen in surprise. "How did you know?" $LL closes $LLhis_her eyes, trying to muster the last of $LLhis_her patience. If $LLhis_her hands were free, $LLhe_she'd probably be pinching the bridge of $LLhis_her nose. "Gods, someone put an end to this torture." [[Continue|94]]

"You too, $Al_Lavi!?" $LL snaps, shooting an incredulous look at $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister. You roll your eyes and bite the inside of your cheek, choosing to stay quiet as your friends argue around you. $AL shrugs sheepishly. "Sorry, I just can't stand the silence in here." $LL's expression softens, but $LLhe_she still lets out a frustrated sigh. "I cannot believe you two." $AO ignores $LLhim_her, eyes twinkling. "It's something that's not exactly in this room, but we saw it recently. Something that starts with the letter... W." "Water," the warrior answers dryly. $AO's eyes widen in surprise. "How did you know?" $LL closes $LLhis_her eyes, trying to muster the last of $LLhis_her patience. If $LLhis_her hands were free, $LLhe_she'd probably be pinching the bridge of $LLhis_her nose. "Gods, someone put an end to this torture." [[Continue|94]]

<<if $wound is true>>The merman reaches out to you, and a soft sphere of light emerges from his palm, floating toward your side. The magic seeps under your clothes, and when it touches your skin over the wound, a wave of relief washes over your body. You let out a deep sigh as the pain disappears and energy begins to flow through your veins again. You give him a confused look and murmur, "Why did you do that?" As you expected, the merman doesn't answer. Instead, without breaking eye contact, he reaches toward one of his shoulder plates, the same golden colour as the strange jewellery surrounding his neck. Just before removing it, he breaks the silence with a deep voice that reverberates off the cell walls. <<else>>The scrutiny lasts several more seconds, the intensity leaving your mouth dry. Without breaking eye contact, he reaches toward one of his shoulder plates, the same golden colour as the strange jewellery surrounding his neck. Just before removing it, he breaks the silence with a deep voice that reverberates off the cell walls. <</if>>"You do not belong in this place." $AL's eyes open wide. "You speak our language? Can you understand us?" The merman whips his head toward sharply your red-haired friend, shooting a glare so severe that $AL recoils, swallowing hard. Ignoring $ALhis_her question, he refocuses his attention on you. "Your kind is not made for this world, human. You made a grave mistake by separating from your guardian." With a decisive movement, the merman removes his left shoulder plate. The chains connecting it to the other jingle as something begins to glow on his skin. The flash illuminates your pendant, which starts to vibrate under your clothes. It takes a moment for your brain to process it, but you recognize the tattoo. "The mark of the gods?" you exclaim, stunned as you see the familiar circular diamond shape. "You're $RG's brother!" [[Continue|96]]

The achimencey doesn't respond to your surprise. Instead, he raises his hand and makes a quick gesture, as if grabbing something invisible. The chains holding you against the wall snap suddenly, and you all fall to the ground. You kneel, rubbing your numb wrists while the pain in your shoulders and neck from the position begins to fade. $RG's brother makes another gesture, this time a flick. In mid-air, another thick chain appears out of nowhere and crashes down onto you, its weight causing you to lose your balance for a moment. The accompanying shackles dig into your thigh. "Put on the shackles," he orders with a coldness that chills you to the bone. With a deft movement, another section of the chain appears in his hand, connecting to the one he just threw, the metallic sound echoing in the cell. * [[Ask, 'Where are you taking us?'|97a]] * [[Attempt to explain the situation, 'We were looking for you.'|97b]] * [[Make a joke, 'I don't do this until the third date.'|97c]] * <<if $RGLove is true>>[["Ask, 'Where is " + $RG + "?'"|97d1]]<<else>>[["Ask, 'Where are " + $RG + " and Enid?'"|97d2]]<</if>> * [[Say, 'Could you at least tell us your name?'|97e]] * [[Obey and follow him in silence|97f]]

The name of your guardian burns on your tongue before you utter it, a whisper laden with concern that you try to disguise with the simple question. "Where is $RG?" Your voice comes out softer than you wanted, but you can't help the nervousness that betrays you. The achimencey watches you critically for a moment, clearly noticing the shift in your tone. "Close. I'll take you to $RGhim_her," he finally responds before giving the chain a small tug. "Now, put on the shackles, human." Your heart rate quickens, but you take a deep breath to calm it. Looking at the others, you nod before putting on the shackles. //"At least these aren't as uncomfortable as the others,"// you think as you adjust them. The merman god turns his back to you. "Now follow me, and keep your mouths shut." He pulls on the chains and begins walking toward the prison exit, leaving you no choice but to follow him in silence. [[Continue|98]]

You slowly stand up, still massaging your wrists while looking the merman directly in the eyes. "Where are $RG and Enid?" you ask cautiously. Your tone is firm but not challenging. "Close. They are waiting for you," the achimencey replies before giving the chain a small tug. "Put on the shackles, and I'll take you to them." You take a deep breath and look at the others. You nod and put the shackles on your wrists without protest. //"At least these aren't as uncomfortable as the others,"// you think as you adjust them. The merman god turns his back to you. "Now follow me, and keep your mouths shut." He pulls on the chains and begins walking toward the prison exit, leaving you no choice but to follow him in silence. [[Continue|98]]

You slowly rise to your feet, still massaging your wrists while fixing your gaze on the merman's eyes. "Where are you taking us?" you ask cautiously, keeping your tone firm but not defiant. "To a safe place. We'll talk there," the achimencey replies bluntly. He gives the chain a slight tug. "Put on the shackles." You take a deep breath and look at the others. You nod and put the shackles on your wrists without protest. //"At least these aren't as uncomfortable as the others,"// you think as you adjust them. The merman god turns away. "Now follow me, and keep your mouths shut." The achimencey pulls on the chains and begins walking toward the prison exit, leaving you no choice but to follow him in silence. [[Continue|98]]

"We were looking for you," you say as you slowly stand up. "Abora sent us here to help you." "I know," the merman replies, his tone dry and cutting. "Put on the shackles." You take a deep breath and look at the others. Continuing to question him won't get you anywhere, so you nod and put the shackles on your wrists without protest. //"At least these aren't as uncomfortable as the others,"// you think as you adjust them. The merman god turns his back to you. "Now follow me, and keep your mouths shut." The achimencey pulls on the chains and begins walking toward the prison exit, leaving you no choice but to follow him in silence. [[Continue|98]]

Stress builds in your chest, and you need to release it somehow. In your case, it comes out as a light laugh. "You know? I usually don't do this until the third date," you comment, dusting off your knees with a playful smile. The achimencey looks at you with an unperturbed expression, not even blinking. His tone shifts from cold to icy in an instant as he gives the chain a small tug. "Put on the shackles. Now," he repeats. You take a deep breath and look at the others. You nod and put the shackles on your wrists without protest. //"At least these aren't as uncomfortable as the others,"// you think as you adjust them. The merman god turns his back to you. "Now follow me, and keep your mouths shut." The achimencey pulls on the chains and begins walking toward the prison exit, leaving you no choice but to follow him in silence. [[Continue|98]]

"Could you at least tell us your name?" you ask as you stand, still massaging your wrists. The achimencey stares at you for a few seconds before giving the chain a tug. "Put on the shackles," he repeats coldly. You take a deep breath and look at the others. Continuing to question him won't get you anywhere, so you nod and put the shackles on your wrists without protest. //"At least these aren't as uncomfortable as the others,"// you think as you adjust them. "Nauzet," the merman suddenly says, causing your gaze to return to him in surprise. "My name is Nauzet." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Nauzet…" you repeat slowly, a crooked smile forming. "Can I call you Nau?" The achimencey frowns. //"No."// You raise your shackled hands in a gesture of surrender. "Okay, you're not a fan of nicknames, got it." Nauzet turns his back to you. "Now follow me, and keep your mouths shut." <<else>>"All right, Nauzet," you begin cautiously. "Can you get us out of here?" "That is my intention," he replies, turning around. "Now follow me, and keep your mouths shut." <</if>>The achimencey pulls on the chains and begins walking toward the prison exit, leaving you no choice but to follow him in silence. [[Continue|98]]

Giving his expression and tone, it's clear that questioning him will get you nowhere. You take a deep breath, look at the others, and with a nod, you put on the shackles. //"At least these aren't as uncomfortable as the others,"// you think as you adjust them. The achimencey pulls on the chains and begins walking toward the prison exit, leaving you no choice but to follow him in silence. [[Continue|98]]

You move through an endless maze of stone corridors, each one identical to the last. If you were alone, you'd think you were going in circles. The only sounds accompanying you are the splashes of your boots hitting small puddles and the echo of dripping water from the ceiling, mingling with the footsteps and the faint clinking of chains. You turn a corner, and $RG's brother stops abruptly, raising a hand to signal for you to wait a moment. In the distance, you can hear a couple of voices talking, their volume gradually increasing as they approach, only to decrease when they take a different path from yours. After a few seconds, your guide resumes walking. You're surprised when you pass by other merfolk who look at you with disdain, and you can't help but glance at the achimencey, wondering who were those that he wanted to avoid. The journey concludes when you stop in front of a metal door. The merman god opens it, pushing you inside. As you cross the threshold, a small ball of bluish fur greets you from the armrest of a chair. "Finally, you're here!" Enid's unmistakable voice breaks the silence with a familiarity that feels comforting, even though the atmosphere remains tense. However, instead of an otter coming to greet you, what swims in front of you is the body of a snake, its scales gleaming with a radiant yellowish light. "Enid?" you ask, blinking in confusion. "You look… different." "Yes, it's me, mortal," the now not-an-otter says. Enid stops in front of you and places her paws a little lower than what you'd say is her chest. They're so short that they don't even reach her waist. "I'm a luminiscale, a creature of this world that's usually seen as a pet," she explains, casting all of you a reproachful look. "If you had waited a little longer, you would have changed appearances too and wouldn't be in this mess you've gotten yourselves into." Ignoring your little conversation, your guide makes the chains disappear after closing the door and strides firmly to the corner, where $RG stands with $RGhis_her arms crossed, looking out the window. The merman throws $RGhim_her a stern look. "You have a lot to explain, $RGbrother_sister." <<button[[Chatper 3|99]]>><</button>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "hidingInTheDarkness" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[In the dark depths of the ocean...]''// Darkness and silence weigh heavily over the place. Locto advances with slow steps, his tentacles leaving marks in the sand that has covered the ruins of what was once a home. Each fallen stone and broken structure serves as a cruel reminder of the passage of time, a time that has buried his world in a mantle of sand, rocks, and algae. The lifeless body of the gigantic sea monster that surrounds him like a serpent is a recent addition. With a melancholic gesture, one of his tentacles brushes the surface of a destroyed pillar, its rough and brittle texture evoking memories of a life that no longer exists. The memories of his people consume him, the faces he once knew, those he himself had to destroy. Suddenly, he turns sharply, focusing his attention on the faint purple glow he had left behind. The dim shine of the magical dome has woven itself precisely to contain the unconscious merman lying within it. Locto's yellow eyes narrow as he watches his prisoner, the tips of his facial tentacles trembling with irregular spasms, an involuntary reaction to his growing fury. //"Who cares if he dies?"// The question repeats over and over, like a poison eating away at him. Locto feels the rage burn within his chest every time he contemplates the merman's face, and his gaze lingers on the golden bracelet around the wrist. The chain glimmers faintly, and the mark of the ancients engraved on the small plaque hanging from it seems to mock him, reminding him of the power his enemy still holds. If he eliminates him, the victory would be assured, wouldn't it? The suckers on Locto's arms contract as his tentacles slide slowly, moving closer to the merman's golden hair. His magic pulses at the tips of his limbs, a dark, ravenous energy eager to consume. The spasms intensify, driven by the temptation to kill and the promise of revenge. [[Continue|100]]

"You're quite violent lately, my slimy disciple." $BN's sharp voice wraps around him like an invisible restrain tightening at his throat, though Locto knows $BNhe_she's to his right, hidden in the shadows of the Void. His tentacles retract as his eyes scan the darkness. Just as his sight adjusts, $BN pushes $BNhimself_herself gracefully from the dead monster's scaly skin and begins to approach with calculated steps, each more unsettling than the last. "So much so that you seem to have forgotten how to follow orders," $BN adds with a feline smile, circling Locto, stalking him as if savouring the power $BNhe_she holds over the aquatic being. Another warning. Locto has received many lately. Each is a courtesy, and he knows it, but his mortal side, that rebellious nature, takes hold of him in moments like this. He can't resist tempting fate one more time, not when the rage still burns hot in his chest. "This… //thing// doesn't deserve to live," Locto spits, casting an angry glare at the unconscious merman before looking back at $BN and voicing his thoughts. "Who cares if he dies?" "The entire aquatic world. They're quite on edge already," $BN replies with $BNhis_her usual indifference, casually cleaning between $BNhis_her fangs with $BNhis_her pinky claw. The fire within Locto flares. It's not just the frustration of being treated as a mere pawn; it's something darker, deeper. His suckers contract under the fury he can barely contain. <<if $BNRomance > 0>>"You know what I mean," Locto says, turning to $BN with a defiant expression he would never have dared to show if he weren't blinded by emotion. He narrows his gaze at the renegade $BNgod_goddess. "You're distracting yourself too much with that human. And //$BNhe_she// can feel it." $BN pauses $BNhis_her dental inspection, slowly lowering $BNhis_her arm as $BNhe_she casts a sidelong glance at Locto. A mocking smile spreads across $BNhis_her face. "That's precisely why I do it." <<else>>Locto turns to $BN with a defiant expression he would never have dared to show if he weren't blinded by emotion. "You know what I mean." $BN pauses $BNhis_her dental inspection, slowly lowering $BNhis_her arm as $BNhe_she casts a sidelong glance at Locto. A mocking smile spreads across $BNhis_her face. <</if>> [[Continue|101]]

$BN approaches the merman with an unsettling calm, $BNhis_her worn boots echoing over the sand. $BNHis_Her arm extends toward the magical dome that imprisons the golden-haired man, and with a slow, deliberate motion, $BNhis_her claws effortlessly pierce the barrier. The corrupt aura emanating from $BNhim_her casts a dark veil over the captive merman's pale skin for a few moments, as $BN gently brushes aside a couple of blond strands and removes the bracelet adorning his wrist. $BN lifts the object, holding it at eye level with only two claws. Time seems to halt as $BNhe_she observes it, $BNhis_her disparate eyes fixed on the bracelet as though seeing something far beyond a mere trinket. $BNHis_Her expression is serious, contemplative. Melancholic even. "Are you having doubts, Locto?" $BN's voice is barely a whisper devoid of emotion. It's precisely this detail that sets off all the alarms in Locto's mind. He tries to keep calm as $BN turns toward him, but the involuntary spasm of his tentacles betrays the growing unease within. He holds his breath as $BN approaches. The figure of the faycan leader towers over him, forcing Locto to tilt his head to maintain eye contact. Without tearing $BNhis_her gaze away from $BNhis_her lackey, $BN opens $BNhis_her coat and pulls out a crystal sphere, so radiant it cuts through the darkness and illuminates the massive jaws of the dead sea beast surrounding them. Locto's eyes widen in awe. "I promised I would return your world to you." $BN extends the sphere toward him. The mark of the ancients is etched onto its surface. "And I have. Now, it's you who must keep your word." Locto takes the orb carefully, his suckers securing the delicate hold. He has his world in his hands. Literally. The orb of Moneiba seems to gaze back at him, calming his fury. After all these years of longing, he has finally achieved his goal. And now he's unsure he can pay the price. "Against one of them, I can fight," Locto says, looking back at $BN. "But now, they are two." $BN smiles again, revealing $BNhis_her sharp fangs, the glow of the orb reflecting off them in a way that sends chills through Locto. "That's why I'm here." Suddenly, the water around them grows even colder, and Locto's tentacles twist with unease. If he had hair, it would be standing on end. $BN's hand begins to emit a dark glow. "You know, Locto? You've been a good servant so far." $BN steps back, but rather than bringing Locto relief, the distance only increases the tension. The air thickens, as if the darkness itself were beginning to press down on him. $BN's cross-shaped pupil starts to spin with an intensity that roots fear deep in Locto's chest. "This is your reward," $BN whispers as $BNhe_she raises $BNhis_her hand. [[Continue|102]]

<<audio "lightningLure" volume 0.1 play>>\ \ A beam of dark energy shoots toward Locto with lethal speed and precision. He barely has time to comprehend what is happening before he feels the ray pierce his eye. The pain is immediate and devastating, a burning storm consuming him from within that forces him to his knees. The scream escaping his throat is excruciating, resonating through the ocean like a haunting echo. His tentacles thrash desperately to cover his eye, the orb of Moneiba slipping from his suckers and falling to the ground. A tremor shakes the entire world even as the sand cushions the impact. $BN watches the scene with a twisted smile. $BNHis_Her laughter fills the space as the ground quakes beneath $BNhis_her feet. $BNHis_Her pupil continues to spin with excitement. "Enjoy your gift," $BNhe_she says with a disturbing glee when the tremors finally cease. "It will come in handy, sooner or later." Without looking back, $BN slowly turns, $BNhis_her coat billowing with the motion. $BNHe_She fades with a cloud of black smoke, leaving Locto alone in the darkness as he continues to writhe on the ground. <<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|103RG]]<<else>>[[Continue|103]]<</if>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dimBar" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ <span class="chapter">''Chapter 3''</span> <span class="chapterTitle">The laws of the ocean</span> //''[With $name…]''// You could cut the tension in the room with a knife if you wanted to. You remain silent by the wall, keeping your distance from the power radiating off the two gods with just a glance, holding your breath in fear of making any sound that might draw their attention to you. "You have a lot to explain, $RGbrother_sister," $RG's brother says, frowning. Though much shorter than your purple-haired friend, the merman god appears no less intimidating. "Give me a second, Nauzet," $RG replies in a murmur without even looking at him, $RGhis_her violet gaze fixed on you from the moment you entered the room. Your guardian circles $RGhis_her brother and approaches you quickly. $RGHis_Her appearance is slightly different, $RGhis_her torso covered by a loose shirt and a sarong identical to those worn by the other merfolk you've seen so far. A few patches of scales in shades of orange, white, and black dot $RGhis_her exposed skin. $RGHe_She almost looks like one of them. That was the missing piece of the spell. <<if $wound is true>>"$name…" $RGHe_She breathes your name as $RGhe_she cups your face gently in $RGhis_her hands. $RGHis_Her gaze drops momentarily to your left side, stained with dried blood, and $RGhis_her expression twists with painful guilt. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I left you alone." The softness of $RGhis_her touch sends a shiver down your spine, but it's not from the cold that seeps into your bones from your damp clothes; it's from the intensity in $RGhis_her eyes. You try to speak, to tell $RGhim_her it's not $RGhis_her fault, that you're fine now. But your lips don't move. You're trapped in the storm of emotions swirling in $RG's gaze, the ones $RGhe_she always tries to hide and that are now fully visible. "When I felt you were hurt… I couldn't-" $RGHis_Her gaze travels between your eyes a few times, $RGhis_her chest rising as $RGhe_she takes a slow breath before releasing it in another sigh. "I'm just… sorry." The pressure of $RGhis_her hands on your face increases just slightly. You want to think that it's $RGhis_her need to feel you close that guides $RGhis_her movements, to make sure you're still here, even if you're probably fooling yourself. When $RGhis_her grip softens again, you place a hand over <<if $RG is "Rayco">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>, fearing the loss of $RGhis_her touch on your skin. "$RG…" you finally whisper, your voice barely audible. "I'm fine. I'm okay now." Your simple words seem enough to release the tension in $RGhis_her muscles. $RGHis_Her hands slide down from your face to your shoulders, but you still feel $RGhis_her touch lingering on your cheeks. <<else>>"$name…" $RGHe_She breathes your name softly, gently cupping your face in $RGhis_her hands. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" The gentleness of $RGhis_her touch makes you shiver, but it's not from the cold soaking through your wet clothes; it's from the intensity in $RGhis_her gaze. A storm of emotions brews in $RGhis_her violet eyes, ones $RGhe_she always tries to hide but now lay bare before you. You wet your dry lips before answering. "I'm fine, $RG, just a few marks on my wrists from the shackles." "Are you sure?" The pressure of $RGhis_her hands on your face increases just slightly. You want to believe it's $RGhis_her need to feel you close, to make sure you're still here, even if you might be fooling yourself. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>You place a hand over his and smile. "Yes. I promise I'm okay." <<else>>You place a hand over hers and smile. "Yes. I promise I'm okay." <</if>>Your simple words seem enough to release the tension in $RGhis_her muscles. $RG's hands slide down from your face to your shoulders, but you still feel $RGhis_her touch lingering on your cheeks. <</if>>$AO clears $AOhis_her throat loudly. "We're fine too, by the way. No need to worry." $AL responds to $AOhis_her sarcasm with a finger pressed to $ALhis_her lips to tell $AOhim_her to be quiet. "I see you're intent on repeating the same mistakes of the past, $RGbrother_sister," Nauzet remarks, his rough voice laced with disapproval as he watches you over his shoulder with narrowed eyes. You feel $RG tense up again as $RGhe_she slowly steps back from you to face $RGhis_her brother. Nauzet turns to all of you, though he addresses only $RG and Enid. "Care to explain what you're doing in Bucante, and why you've brought mortals with you?" <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Do you want the full version, or is a summary enough?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. If $RG weren't present, you'd worry about getting into trouble for teasing the merman god, but Nauzet simply watches you seriously for a second before crossing his arms. "Tell me everything." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>You take the lead, stepping forward. "So, here's the thing…" <<esle>>"It's a bit of a long story…" you say cautiously. Nauzet watches you seriously for a moment before crossing his arms. "Then you'd better start talking. We can't stay here forever." <</if>>[[Continue|104]]

You recount everything from start to finish. Nauzet listens attentively and in silence, not interrupting even once as he stands still by the window. His posture is so rigid that, if not for the occasional blinks, you might think he was a statue. When you finish explaining, the merman closes his eyes and lets out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You couldn't have arrived at a worse time," he murmurs, glancing toward the window. "Is there ever a good time lately?" $AO responds sarcastically. Nauzet ignores $AOhis_her comment and gestures with his head. "Come. Look down there." You approach the wide circular window and gaze outside in awe. You're still underwater, inside a building perched atop a kind of cliff overlooking a cobblestone city sprawling below the ocean. Through the glass, and filtered by the water, sunlight bathes the streets in a turquoise glow. A transparent dome covers the city, keeping the waves at bay, though the buildings still show signs of moisture, with algae climbing up the stone walls and droplets lazily trailing down the rugged surfaces. Merfolks walk through the streets at a quick pace, their scales shimmering under the aquatic light. Some wear light armor with silvery tones. <<if $RGLove is true>>Nauzet leans sideways against the wall, mimicking a stance you've seen $RG take more than once, and gestures with his hand. "Do you see that?" <<else>>Nauzet leans sideways against the wall and gestures with his hand. "Do you see that?" <</if>>You follow his gaze to a group of armed merfolk in the centre of a plaza, standing in formation as a leader shouts orders with undeniable authority. "They're members of the Adventurers' Guild," the merman achimencey continues, keeping his eyes fixed on them. "A faction dedicated to exploring the most inhospitable corners of Bucante in search of relics and ancient knowledge." "Archaeologists, you mean?" $AL asks. Nauzet shrugs indifferently. "If you want to call them that." You observe the merfolk's military-like bearing, their disciplined movements, and the way they adjust their weapons and armour with precision. "They seem more like an army than anything else," you comment after a moment of examination. Nauzet nods slowly. "That's because their purpose has changed drastically in recent years." "Why is that?" $AO asks with curiosity. [[Continue|105]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ <<if $wound is true>> "We're fine, thanks to your brother," you reply, giving a slight grimace as you place your hand on your side, right where the wound was. "Though, I won't lie, I pictured our arrival differently." <<else>>"We're fine, thanks to your brother," you reply, hands on your hips. You let out a sigh. "Though, I won't lie, I pictured our arrival differently." <</if>>"And where were //you//?" $LL questions, brow furrowed. "Looking for you," Enid responds as she climbs onto $RG's shoulder. "By the time we found you, you'd already been locked up. We were lucky to run into Nauzet in town." "You shouldn't have brought them here," Nauzet's brusque voice cuts in. He turns to you with a frown, though he directs his words solely to $RG and Enid. "Care to explain what you're doing in Bucante, and why you've brought mortals with you?" <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Do you want the full version, or is a summary enough?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. If $RG weren't present, you'd worry about getting into trouble for teasing the merman god, but Nauzet simply watches you seriously for a second before crossing his arms. "Tell me everything." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>You take the lead, stepping forward. "So, here's the thing…" <<esle>>"It's a bit of a long story…" you say cautiously. Nauzet watches you seriously for a moment before crossing his arms. "Then you'd better start talking. We can't stay here forever." <</if>>[[Continue|104]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ <<if $wound is true>> "Ugh, I'd rather not think about it. Those merfolk have quite the temper," you reply with a grimace, placing a hand over your side, right where the wound was. <<else>>"Ugh, I'd rather not think about it. Those merfolk have quite the temper," you reply with a grimace. <</if>>"And where were //you//?" $LL questions, brow furrowed. "Looking for you," Enid responds as she climbs onto $RG's shoulder. "By the time we found you, you'd already been locked up. We were lucky to run into Nauzet in town." "You shouldn't have brought them here," Nauzet's brusque voice cuts in. He turns to you with a frown, though he directs his words solely to $RG and Enid. "Care to explain what you're doing in Bucante, and why you've brought mortals with you?" <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Do you want the full version, or is a summary enough?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. If $RG weren't present, you'd worry about getting into trouble for teasing the merman god, but Nauzet simply watches you seriously for a second before crossing his arms. "Tell me everything." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>You take the lead, stepping forward. "So, here's the thing…" <<esle>>"It's a bit of a long story…" you say cautiously. Nauzet watches you seriously for a moment before crossing his arms. "Then you'd better start talking. We can't stay here forever." <</if>>[[Continue|104]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ <<if $wound is true>> "Fine," you say, giving a grimace as you place a hand on your side, right where the wound was. "Better than before, I guess." <<else>>"Better now that we're not in a cell," you reply dryly. <</if>>"And where were //you//?" $LL questions, brow furrowed. "Looking for you," Enid responds as she climbs onto $RG's shoulder. "By the time we found you, you'd already been locked up. We were lucky to run into Nauzet in town." "You shouldn't have brought them here," Nauzet's brusque voice cuts in. He turns to you with a frown, though he directs his words solely to $RG and Enid. "Care to explain what you're doing in Bucante, and why you've brought mortals with you?" <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Do you want the full version, or is a summary enough?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. If $RG weren't present, you'd worry about getting into trouble for teasing the merman god, but Nauzet simply watches you seriously for a second before crossing his arms. "Tell me everything." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>You take the lead, stepping forward. "So, here's the thing…" <<esle>>"It's a bit of a long story…" you say cautiously. Nauzet watches you seriously for a moment before crossing his arms. "Then you'd better start talking. We can't stay here forever." <</if>>[[Continue|104]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ <<if $wound is true>> "Could've been worse, I guess," you say, giving a grimace and placing a hand on your side, right where the wound was. "Though it could've been better too…" <<else>>"Could've been worse, I guess," you reply, hands on your hips. You let out a sigh. "Though it could've been better too…" <</if>>"And where were //you//?" $LL questions, brow furrowed. "Looking for you," Enid responds as she climbs onto $RG's shoulder. "By the time we found you, you'd already been locked up. We were lucky to run into Nauzet in town." "You shouldn't have brought them here," Nauzet's brusque voice cuts in. He turns to you with a frown, though he directs his words solely to $RG and Enid. "Care to explain what you're doing in Bucante, and why you've brought mortals with you?" <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Do you want the full version, or is a summary enough?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. If $RG weren't present, you'd worry about getting into trouble for teasing the merman god, but Nauzet simply watches you seriously for a second before crossing his arms. "Tell me everything." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>You take the lead, stepping forward. "So, here's the thing…" <<esle>>"It's a bit of a long story…" you say cautiously. Nauzet watches you seriously for a moment before crossing his arms. "Then you'd better start talking. We can't stay here forever." <</if>>[[Continue|104]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "Well, at least it was entertaining," you reply with a shrug. "And where were //you//?" $LL questions, brow furrowed. "Looking for you," Enid responds as she climbs onto $RG's shoulder. "By the time we found you, you'd already been locked up. We were lucky to run into Nauzet in town." "You shouldn't have brought them here," Nauzet's brusque voice cuts in. He turns to you with a frown, though he directs his words solely to $RG and Enid. "Care to explain what you're doing in Bucante, and why you've brought mortals with you?" <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Do you want the full version, or is a summary enough?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. If $RG weren't present, you'd worry about getting into trouble for teasing the merman god, but Nauzet simply watches you seriously for a second before crossing his arms. "Tell me everything." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>You take the lead, stepping forward. "So, here's the thing…" <<esle>>"It's a bit of a long story…" you say cautiously. Nauzet watches you seriously for a moment before crossing his arms. "Then you'd better start talking. We can't stay here forever." <</if>>[[Continue|104]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ "Can you tell us where the hell you were?" you ask, crossing your arms. "Looking for you," Enid responds as she climbs onto $RG's shoulder. "By the time we found you, you'd already been locked up. We were lucky to run into Nauzet in town." "You shouldn't have brought them here," Nauzet's brusque voice cuts in. He turns to you with a frown, though he directs his words solely to $RG and Enid. "Care to explain what you're doing in Bucante, and why you've brought mortals with you?" <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Do you want the full version, or is a summary enough?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. If $RG weren't present, you'd worry about getting into trouble for teasing the merman god, but Nauzet simply watches you seriously for a second before crossing his arms. "Tell me everything." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>You take the lead, stepping forward. "So, here's the thing…" <<esle>>"It's a bit of a long story…" you say cautiously. Nauzet watches you seriously for a moment before crossing his arms. "Then you'd better start talking. We can't stay here forever." <</if>>[[Continue|104]]

"Entire patrols of the Adventurers' Guild began to disappear without a trace," Nauzet begins to explain, averting his gaze for a moment. "It is common for days, or even weeks to go by without news of them reaching us, but we're talking months now. The same thing happened to those who went in search of them." "They just disappeared?" you ask with a frown. "Or were they killed by demons," $LL interjects. Nauzet is silent for a few seconds before answering, "It wasn't unusual for groups to come back sometime with one or two members less. But whole patrols?" He shakes his head. "That wasn't normal. We have good weapons, and advantage in terrain and mobility." "And the leviathans," $RG adds. $AL swallows hard, $ALhis_her voice shaky as $ALhe_she asks, "What do you mean by 'leviathans'?" "Those big scaly creatures? Like sea snakes?" $AO adds, opening $AOhis_her arms for emphasis with peculiar excitement. "They don't all look the same, but yes, they are those beings you're imagining," Enid replies. <<if $fear is true>> A shiver runs down your spine. "Great. As if the ocean wasn't already making me nervous..." <<else>> $AL shudders in place. "Gods... that's so scary." <</if>>"Contrary to what you might think, leviathans, while they can be territorial, have been the guardians of this world since the beginning of time. They don't attack unless provoked, and no local in their right mind would dare to do so," the purple-haired achimencey explains. "They've always kept the tibicenas at bay," Enid adds. "As long as you respect them, they won't harm you." "Did you see any leviathans on your way here?" he asks with alarming calm. With a serious expression, $RG exchanges a quick glance with Enid before turning back to $RGhis_her brother. "...No. Not a single one." Nauzet's expression darkens even further, a harsh shadow crossing his face. "Around the time the disappearances began, the leviathans became more aggressive. They suddenly attacked without any provocation, no matter where they were. Bucante is divided into clans, each in their own area. In the end, they all had to move here when a pack of leviathans ravaged their cities." "Corrupted?" $RG asks. Nauzet presses his lips together. "Unlikely, but not impossible." "So the leviathans started killing the explorers who passed through their territory," you murmur thoughtfully. "That's what we thought." Your brow furrows in confusion. "You thought?" Nauzet crosses his arms, his posture becoming more tense. "A member of one of the rescue patrols managed to return alive. A rookie. He was so scared of going outside the city that he hid when things started to get strange. He said his companions were acting oddly, as if their minds were... gone. Then there was an explosion. He hid where he could and saw a tibicena guide the rest of the patrol into the depths." * [[Their minds were gone?|106a]] * [[So the demons kidnapped them?|106b]] * [[They 'guide them'? They went voluntarily?|106c]] * [[That merman was lucky|106d]] * [[He hid and left his companions? What a coward|106e]] * [[But it wasn't a demon, was it?|106f]]

"What do you mean by 'their minds were gone'?" you ask, your brow furrowing further. "They weren't talking, they weren't listening… They walked aimlessly, even when the explosion went off," the merman god explains. "They were being controlled," $RG states seriously. Nauzet nods. "Yes, but not by the tibicenas. Based on the information you've given me, I have a new suspect." A chill runs down your spine as you clench your fists tightly. The name escapes your lips. "$BN." "Exactly. And now I'm sure whatever has altered the leviathans' nature is also that renegade's doing," the merman god affirms. "The description we received was of a humanoid being, wearing strange clothing that covered most of its skin, showing its two legs in the middle of the ocean. You'll never see a merfolk moving without their tail outside the city." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>><<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Shaved">>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand through your hair and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand over your head and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <</if>><<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." <</if>>"They find a stranger near the site of the disappearances, someone who looks alien to them, who fits the witness's story and doesn't speak their language, and the answer is clear," Enid interjects with a slight nod of understanding. $AO scoffs incredulously. "I'm surprised they didn't just kill us on the spot if it was that obvious." "Because I told them not to," Nauzet replies. "The idea was to capture the creature that kidnapped our people and find out the whereabouts of the victims before deciding its fate. But when I felt the pull of the artefact, and soon after $RG's presence, I knew you weren't who we were looking for." $LL frowns septically. "And they listened just like that?" <<if $wound is true>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper, unable to help yourself as you bring your hand to your side. <<else>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper. <</if>>For the first time since the conversation began, you catch a subtle smile curving Nauzet's lips. It's an almost imperceptible gesture, a hint of satisfaction that seems to reflect his confidence in the control he has over the situation. However, that trace fades as quickly as it appeared, and his expression returns to the seriousness he has shown all along. "I've become the guru of the elders, those who guide each area of Bucante. A counsellor, if you prefer that word," he explains. "But even if they didn't listen, I still wasn't going to allow them to kill a bearer of the Eraorahan artefact." [[Continue|107]]

You cross your arms, your frown deepening. "So the demons are kidnapping the merfolk? For what purpose?" "Can they even do that?" $AO questions. "In Thaon they pretended to be controlled by the rebels," $LL recalls, tensing beside you. "And I can only think of one person capable of controlling them like that." A chill runs down your spine as you clench your fists tightly. The name escapes your lips. "$BN." "Exactly. And now I'm sure whatever has altered the leviathans' nature is also that renegade's doing," the merman god affirms. "The description we received was of a humanoid being, wearing strange clothing that covered most of its skin, showing its two legs in the middle of the ocean. You'll never see a merfolk moving without their tail outside the city." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>><<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Shaved">>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand through your hair and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand over your head and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <</if>><<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." <</if>>"They find a stranger near the site of the disappearances, someone who looks alien to them, who fits the witness's story and doesn't speak their language, and the answer is clear," Enid interjects with a slight nod of understanding. $AO scoffs incredulously. "I'm surprised they didn't just kill us on the spot if it was that obvious." "Because I told them not to," Nauzet replies. "The idea was to capture the creature that kidnapped our people and find out the whereabouts of the victims before deciding its fate. But when I felt the pull of the artefact, and soon after $RG's presence, I knew you weren't who we were looking for." $LL frowns septically. "And they listened just like that?" <<if $wound is true>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper, unable to help yourself as you bring your hand to your side. <<else>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper. <</if>>For the first time since the conversation began, you catch a subtle smile curving Nauzet's lips. It's an almost imperceptible gesture, a hint of satisfaction that seems to reflect his confidence in the control he has over the situation. However, that trace fades as quickly as it appeared, and his expression returns to the seriousness he has shown all along. "I've become the guru of the elders, those who guide each area of Bucante. A counsellor, if you prefer that word," he explains. "But even if they didn't listen, I still wasn't going to allow them to kill a bearer of the Eraorahan artefact." [[Continue|107]]

"When you say they were 'guided' by that demon, it sounds like they went voluntarily," you comment. "Because that's what happened," Nauzet replies seriously. "There was no fighting, no resistance. They didn't even try to escape. According to the rookie, they all followed the tibicena without questioning anything, almost as if their souls were absent." "They were being controlled," $RG states seriously. Nauzet nods. "Yes, but not by the tibicenas. Based on the information you've given me, I have a new suspect." A chill runs down your spine as you clench your fists tightly. The name escapes your lips. "$BN." "Exactly. And now I'm sure whatever has altered the leviathans' nature is also that renegade's doing," the merman god affirms. "The description we received was of a humanoid being, wearing strange clothing that covered most of its skin, showing its two legs in the middle of the ocean. You'll never see a merfolk moving without their tail outside the city." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>><<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Shaved">>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand through your hair and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand over your head and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <</if>><<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." <</if>>"They find a stranger near the site of the disappearances, someone who looks alien to them, who fits the witness's story and doesn't speak their language, and the answer is clear," Enid interjects with a slight nod of understanding. $AO scoffs incredulously. "I'm surprised they didn't just kill us on the spot if it was that obvious." "Because I told them not to," Nauzet replies. "The idea was to capture the creature that kidnapped our people and find out the whereabouts of the victims before deciding its fate. But when I felt the pull of the artefact, and soon after $RG's presence, I knew you weren't who we were looking for." $LL frowns septically. "And they listened just like that?" <<if $wound is true>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper, unable to help yourself as you bring your hand to your side. <<else>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper. <</if>>For the first time since the conversation began, you catch a subtle smile curving Nauzet's lips. It's an almost imperceptible gesture, a hint of satisfaction that seems to reflect his confidence in the control he has over the situation. However, that trace fades as quickly as it appeared, and his expression returns to the seriousness he has shown all along. "I've become the guru of the elders, those who guide each area of Bucante. A counsellor, if you prefer that word," he explains. "But even if they didn't listen, I still wasn't going to allow them to kill a bearer of the Eraorahan artefact." [[Continue|107]]

"That merman was lucky to come back alive. It would have been very easy for him to share the same fate as the rest of his companions," you comment. "There's no pride in surviving when everyone else disappears," you hear $LL murmur, diverting $LLhis_her gaze to the ground as $LLhe_she slightly hunches over. "Be that as it may, with the information he provided, and now with the data you've given me, I have a new suspect that I don't need to investigate." A chill runs down your spine as you clench your fists tightly. The name escapes your lips. "$BN." "Exactly. And now I'm sure whatever has altered the leviathans' nature is also that renegade's doing," the merman god affirms. "The description we received was of a humanoid being, wearing strange clothing that covered most of its skin, showing its two legs in the middle of the ocean. You'll never see a merfolk moving without their tail outside the city." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>><<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Shaved">>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand through your hair and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand over your head and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <</if>><<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." <</if>>"They find a stranger near the site of the disappearances, someone who looks alien to them, who fits the witness's story and doesn't speak their language, and the answer is clear," Enid interjects with a slight nod of understanding. $AO scoffs incredulously. "I'm surprised they didn't just kill us on the spot if it was that obvious." "Because I told them not to," Nauzet replies. "The idea was to capture the creature that kidnapped our people and find out the whereabouts of the victims before deciding its fate. But when I felt the pull of the artefact, and soon after $RG's presence, I knew you weren't who we were looking for." $LL frowns septically. "And they listened just like that?" <<if $wound is true>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper, unable to help yourself as you bring your hand to your side. <<else>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper. <</if>>For the first time since the conversation began, you catch a subtle smile curving Nauzet's lips. It's an almost imperceptible gesture, a hint of satisfaction that seems to reflect his confidence in the control he has over the situation. However, that trace fades as quickly as it appeared, and his expression returns to the seriousness he has shown all along. "I've become the guru of the elders, those who guide each area of Bucante. A counsellor, if you prefer that word," he explains. "But even if they didn't listen, I still wasn't going to allow them to kill a bearer of the Eraorahan artefact." [[Continue|107]]

"He hid and left his companions? What a coward," you say coldly, crossing your arms. "If he had helped, maybe more of them would have returned." "Or maybe they would have taken him too, and we'd be going around in circles now," $AO replies. "Be that as it may, with the information he provided, and now with the data you've given me, I have a new suspect that I don't need to investigate." A chill runs down your spine as you clench your fists tightly. The name escapes your lips. "$BN." "Exactly. And now I'm sure whatever has altered the leviathans' nature is also that renegade's doing," the merman god affirms. "The description we received was of a humanoid being, wearing strange clothing that covered most of its skin, showing its two legs in the middle of the ocean. You'll never see a merfolk moving without their tail outside the city." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>><<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Shaved">>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand through your hair and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand over your head and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <</if>><<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." <</if>>"They find a stranger near the site of the disappearances, someone who looks alien to them, who fits the witness's story and doesn't speak their language, and the answer is clear," Enid interjects with a slight nod of understanding. $AO scoffs incredulously. "I'm surprised they didn't just kill us on the spot if it was that obvious." "Because I told them not to," Nauzet replies. "The idea was to capture the creature that kidnapped our people and find out the whereabouts of the victims before deciding its fate. But when I felt the pull of the artefact, and soon after $RG's presence, I knew you weren't who we were looking for." $LL frowns septically. "And they listened just like that?" <<if $wound is true>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper, unable to help yourself as you bring your hand to your side. <<else>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper. <</if>>For the first time since the conversation began, you catch a subtle smile curving Nauzet's lips. It's an almost imperceptible gesture, a hint of satisfaction that seems to reflect his confidence in the control he has over the situation. However, that trace fades as quickly as it appeared, and his expression returns to the seriousness he has shown all along. "I've become the guru of the elders, those who guide each area of Bucante. A counsellor, if you prefer that word," he explains. "But even if they didn't listen, I still wasn't going to allow them to kill a bearer of the Eraorahan artefact." [[Continue|107]]

"But it wasn't a demon, was it?" you cautiously ask, your thoughts racing ahead of the answer as the face of a certain renegade appears in your mind. Nauzet shakes his head. "I didn't have proof before, but with the information you've given me, I have a new suspect." You clench your fists and pronounce $BNhis_her name. "$BN." "Exactly. And now I'm sure whatever has altered the leviathans' nature is also that renegade's doing," the merman god affirms. "The description we received was of a humanoid being, wearing strange clothing that covered most of its skin, showing its two legs in the middle of the ocean. You'll never see a merfolk moving without their tail outside the city." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>><<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Shaved">>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand through your hair and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." You run your hand over your head and give one of your ears a couple of playful tugs with an ironic smile. "He could have told you $BNhe_she had pointy ears. It's an important detail." <</if>><<else>>You sigh heavily. "That's why they didn't hesitate to attack me the moment they saw me. That description could refer to any of us." <</if>>"They find a stranger near the site of the disappearances, someone who looks alien to them, who fits the witness's story and doesn't speak their language, and the answer is clear," Enid interjects with a slight nod of understanding. $AO scoffs incredulously. "I'm surprised they didn't just kill us on the spot if it was that obvious." "Because I told them not to," Nauzet replies. "The idea was to capture the creature that kidnapped our people and find out the whereabouts of the victims before deciding its fate. But when I felt the pull of the artefact, and soon after $RG's presence, I knew you weren't who we were looking for." $LL frowns septically. "And they listened just like that?" <<if $wound is true>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper, unable to help yourself as you bring your hand to your side. <<else>>"Not gonna lie, I'm glad they did," you comment almost in a whisper. <</if>>For the first time since the conversation began, you catch a subtle smile curving Nauzet's lips. It's an almost imperceptible gesture, a hint of satisfaction that seems to reflect his confidence in the control he has over the situation. However, that trace fades as quickly as it appeared, and his expression returns to the seriousness he has shown all along. "I've become the guru of the elders, those who guide each area of Bucante. A counsellor, if you prefer that word," he explains. "But even if they didn't listen, I still wasn't going to allow them to kill a bearer of the Eraorahan artefact." [[Continue|107]]

"By the way, brother," $RG begins with a caution that suggests $RGhe_she already knows the answer to the question, "where is your companion?" If there was any pride left in Nauzet's expression, those words make it disappear completely. The merman closes his eyes, letting out a long sigh of exhaustion while pinching the bridge of his nose. "That is the bad news." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Oh, because the previous wasn't bad enough?" you can't help but remark, raising an eyebrow with a touch of sarcasm. "I'm not sure I want to hear it," $AO whispers to you. You grimace. "Neither do I." "My companion is also among the missing," Nauzet replies, ignoring your comments. <<else>>"Oh, so everything we've talked about until now was the good news?" $AO retorts with no small amount of sarcasm. "My companion is also among the missing," Nauzet responds, ignoring the doctor's comment. <</if>>"Since when?" your friend with violet hair asks, frowning slightly. "A few weeks ago. That was the last straw in Bucante," Nauzet answers. He turns toward the window, watching as a patrol disperses under a sharp order. "Soza, my companion, is one of the most respected elders. Since he disappeared, everyone has been on edge. I've been searching for him ever since. We all have. But every time I think I'm close, I hit another dead end." "What about the artefact? Where is it?" Enid asks, moving down from $RG's shoulder to the curved windowsill. A dark cloud settles over Nauzet's face, his gaze lost somewhere in the city. His voice drops to a whisper, as if speaking more to himself. "It's strange... but I can't feel it." $RG's expression hardens. "That's very serious, Nauzet." "I know," he murmurs. "But he took it with him, of that I'm certain." <<if $job is "Doctor" or $job is "Keeper">>Something about his choice of words strikes you as odd, and you can't help but intervene. "What do you mean he 'took it with him'? It sounds like you don't believe he was kidnapped." Nauzet glances at you, a hint of a smile crossing his lips before it vanishes. "Very perceptive, human. Indeed, I have reason to believe he left voluntarily... and I think I know where."<<else>>$RG takes a step toward Nauzet. "I feel there's something nagging at you, brother. What is it?" Nauzet remains silent for a moment, still looking out the window before slowly turning back to you. "I don't think Soza was kidnapped. I have my reasons to believe he left of his own accord... and I think I know where."<</if>> <<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|108RG]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|108AO]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|108AL]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|108LL]]<<else>>[[Continue|108]]<</if>>

"What makes you think he's not just another vi-?" Your question is interrupted by a violent shake, the ground beneath your feet trembling more intensely by the second. The lamp on the table starts to sway, while the glass of the window vibrates, emitting a high-pitched hum that makes your skin crawl. "What's going on?" you hear $LL shout. "An earthquake!" $AL exclaims instantly. Your heart pounds, and you hear screams outside the room. Instinctively, you grab the edge of the table, but even that feels futile. The tremors are so strong that your companions end up falling to the floor. You would have fallen too if $RG hadn't wrapped $RGhis_her arm around you, holding you firmly to $RGhim_her. The unsettling creak of the rocks forming the room gradually diminishes as the tremors stop, and the ground finally falls still. Yet, instead of letting go, $RG pulls you a bit closer. "Are you alright?" $RGhe_she asks, $RGhis_her fingers hovering near your cheek but not quite touching your skin. * [["Take " + $RGhis_her + " hand and press it to your cheek. 'I am. Thank you.'"|108RGa]] * [["Pull away before " + $RGhe_she + " does. 'Yes, I'm fine.'"|108RGb]] * [["Search " + $RGhis_her + " gaze. 'Are you?'"|108RGc]]

"What makes you think he's not just another vi-?" Your question is interrupted by a violent shake, the ground beneath your feet trembling more intensely by the second. The lamp on the table starts to sway, while the glass of the window vibrates, emitting a high-pitched hum that makes your skin crawl. "What's going on?" you hear $LL shout. "An earthquake!" $AL exclaims instantly. Your heart races as you hear the shouts outside the room. Instinctively, you grip the edge of the table, but even that feels pointless. The tremors are so strong that you end up falling to the floor alongside your companions. Except for $RG and Nauzet, who remain standing, watching through the window with a critical gaze as Enid clings to the loose shirt of the purple-haired $RGman_woman. The unsettling creak of the rocks forming the room gradually fades as the tremors stop, and the floor finally stills. $AO immediately rises to $AOhis_her knees and crawls over to you. <<if $AO is "Ada">> "Hey, $name! Are you all right?" she asks, her face suddenly appearing above yours. <<else>> "Hey, $name! Are you all right?" he asks, his face suddenly appearing above yours, his dreadlocks cascading down and brushing against your cheeks. <</if>> * [[Smile. 'Yes, I am'|108AOa]] * [["Point at " + $AOhis_her + " face. 'You're upside down'"|108AOb]] * [["Search " + $AOhis_her + " gaze. 'Are you?'"|108AOc]]

"What makes you think he's not just another vi-?" Your question is interrupted by a violent shake, the ground beneath your feet trembling more intensely by the second. The lamp on the table starts to sway, while the glass of the window vibrates, emitting a high-pitched hum that makes your skin crawl. "What's going on?" you hear $LL shout. "An earthquake!" $AL exclaims instantly. The unsettling creak of the rocks forming the room gradually fades as the tremors stop and the ground finally stills. Now that the room stops spinning, you realize that $AL has fallen right beside you, half of $ALhis_her body draped over yours. "$name! Are you okay?" $ALhe_she asks as $ALhe_she props $ALhimself_herself up with both hands on the sides of your face. * [["Reassure " + $ALhim_her + ". 'I'm okay. Just a bit dizzy.'"|108ALa]] * <<if $AL is "Albert">>[[Smirk. 'With a handsome man on top of me? Of course I am.'|108ALb]] <<else>>[[Smirk. 'With a beautiful woman on top of me? Of course I am.'|108ALb]]<</if>> * [[Get up on your elbows. 'I was going to ask the same thing.'|108ALc]] * [["Clear your throat. '" + $Al_Lavi + "? You're on top of me. Could you…?'"|108ALd]]

"What makes you think he's not just another vi-?" Your question is interrupted by a violent shake, the ground beneath your feet trembling more intensely by the second. The lamp on the table starts to sway, while the glass of the window vibrates, emitting a high-pitched hum that makes your skin crawl. "What's going on?" you hear $LL shout. "An earthquake!" $AL exclaims instantly. Your heart races as you hear the shouts outside the room. Instinctively, you grip the edge of the table, but even that feels pointless. The tremors are so strong that you end up falling to the floor alongside your companions. Except for $RG and Nauzet, who remain standing, watching through the window with a critical gaze as Enid clings to the loose shirt of the purple-haired $RGman_woman. The unsettling creak of the rocks forming the room gradually fades as the tremors stop and the ground finally stills. Only then are you able to stand up again. You smooth out your clothes and look around at your companions, who are also beginning to get to their feet. You offer a hand to $AL, who is closest to you, helping $ALhim_her up. "Are you all okay?" you ask. None of them seem to be hurt. [[Continue|109]]

You yearn to feel $RGhis_her touch on your skin again, and your body moves on its own as you take $RGhis_her hand and complete the motion $RGhe_she hadn't dared to finish, pressing $RGhis_her hand fully to your cheek. $RGHis_Her gaze shifts toward your joined hands, and when $RGhis_her thumb subtly brushes against your skin, you can't help but let your lips curve. "I am, $RG," you say, your smile widening slightly. "Thank you." $RGHis_Her violet eyes meet yours for a brief second, the same vulnerability you saw earlier back on $RGhis_her expression. But then, $RGhe_she clears $RGhis_her throat and steps back, letting your heart aching to feel the small contact for a little longer. "Good," $RGhe_she says as $RGhe_she also looks away, turning toward $RGhis_her brother. [[Continue|109]]

You really don't feel like repeating the scene from this morning, so before $RGhe_she can pull back, you detach yourself from $RGhis_her embrace with an awkward cough. "Yes, I'm fine," you reply, smoothing your clothes to avoid $RGhis_her intense gaze. Out of the corner of your eye, you see $RGhim_her watching you for a moment, $RGhis_her posture stiff as $RGhis_her hand slowly falls back to $RGhis_her side. "Good," $RGhe_she simply says as $RGhe_she looks away, turning toward $RGhis_her brother while your heart aches to feel that brief contact again. [[Continue|109]]

<<if $RG is "Rayco">>The same vulnerability you saw before reappears in his expression, and you feel your heart skip a beat. You search his violet eyes for answers, but all you find is a reflection of your own concern, mirrored in his. <<else>>The same vulnerability you saw before reappears in her expression, and you feel your heart skip a beat. You search her violet eyes for answers, but all you find is a reflection of your own concern, mirrored in hers. <</if>>It's a shared silence, a mirror of emotions neither of you dares to voice aloud. "Are you?" you finally ask, your voice sounding weaker than you intended. "As long as you're safe," $RGhe_she starts to say, stopping just a second to graze your skin with $RGhis_her fingertips in a soft caress. "I will be." The meaning of $RGhis_her answer feel like it's more than just about the earthquake, but before you have time to figure out more, $RG clears $RGhis_her throat and steps back, letting your heart aching to feel the small contact for a little longer as $RGhe_she turns toward $RGhis_her brother. [[Continue|109]]

"That didn't feel normal, Nauzet," $RG says with a frown as $RGhe_she steps closer to the merman god. "Because it wasn't," Nauzet replies, mimicking his $RGbrother_sister's hard expression. He then turns to you once again. "We're running out of time, and it seems I'm going to need your help with this renegade, so let's get to the point. First things first, we need to get you out of the mess you've gotten yourselves into." "And how exactly are we supposed to do that?" you ask, raising an arm in disbelief. "We don't even speak the same language. And even if we did, I highly doubt the locals would want to listen to us." "Plus, telling them the truth is not an option. They'd just think we'd gone mad and kill us all," $AO adds. "A trial is being prepared as we speak," Nauzet replies. "I will convince them that you're a group I personally created to investigate the disappearances in secret, and that you've found important clues in your mission. You were on your way to inform me when you were mistaken for the enemy and captured." Nauzet raises his hand, a wave of magic shooting from his palm and enveloping you, $AL, $LL and $AO. "Now you can understand the language of the sea, and they can understand you." "We will finish the spell I started before arriving in this world to change your appearance in the middle of the trial," $RG continues. "Hopefully that will be enough to set you free." $AL grimaces. "And if it isn't?" "We'll use our powers to change the elders' thoughts if we need to." Nauzet sighs in frustration. "It's not really permitted, but this isn't a common situation." $LL huffs. "So, manipulation then. Great." "I'm sure your consciousness can make an exception in this case, Red. You know, to save our asses and help them?" $AO retorts. "You only have to play along and follow my lead." Nauzet continues. "With a bit of luck you'll be free before the day is over. Then, we can focus on finding my companion." He glares out of the window one last time, focusing on something in the distance that makes him narrow his eyes for a moment before he turns to the exit. "The trial will start soon. I must go help with the preparations," he says, already walking towards the door. He places his hand on the handle, but before he opens it, he glances back at his $RGbrother_sister. "And $RG, just so you know…" Nauzet purses his lips and averts his gaze for a second. "It //is// really good to see you." The celestial siblings share a look, a subtle smile curving their lips. $RG nods, and then Nauzet gets out of the room. [[Continue|110]]

<<if $feelingsAO is true>>The worry in $AOhis_her expression makes your heart pound against your ribs, especially as you realise that the $AOman_woman didn't even hesitate in checking up on you first and forgetting about the other people in the room. Right now, it's like $AOhe_she only sees you, and that makes it impossible for you to hold back a smile. "Yes, I am," you reply, happiness filling every cell in your body despite the situation. <<else>>The worry in $AOhis_her expression catches you by surprise, the intensity of it making your heart beat faster in your chest, and a smile you cannot stop starts to spread across your face despite de situation. "Yes, I am," you reply with strange happiness. <</if>>$AO sighs with relief, the tension on $AOhis_her shoulders leaving along with the exhale. "Thank the gods." The doctor stands up and offers you $AOhis_her hand. You take it and let $AOhim_her help you get to your feet again. [[Continue|109]]

$AOHis_Her concern would have been a great and endearing compliment if it wasn't because the fact that $AOhis_her face is upside down is quite amusing. The result of $AOhim_her peeking out from behind. "Well, hello there," you say as a smirk plays on your lips, and point at $AOhis_her face. "You're upside down, $AO." $AO blinks a few times, not understanding until $AOhe_she finally gets it. The previous tension leaves $AOhis_her body with the marvellous sound that is $AOhis_her laughter. "Yeah, you're completely fine, I don't know why I worry." The doctor stands up and offers you $AOhis_her hand. You take it and let $AOhim_her help you get to your feet again. [[Continue|109]]

Worry makes your heart stop for a moment, the same expression $AOhe_she wears reflected in your face. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"I am. Are you?" you ask, not caring too much about your state, and more about hers. <<else>>"I am. Are you?" you ask, not caring too much about your state, and more about his. <</if>>"What I am is too old for all this jumping around," $AO grunts. The doctor's carefree reply eases the tension in both your bodies, and you cannot help but share a relieved chuckle as you stand into a sitting position. $AO gets to $AOhis_her feet first and offers you $AOhis_her hand, which you take to let $AOhim_her help you stand up. [[Continue|109]]

<<if $LL is "Leire">>Again that protective gaze of hers that makes your heartbeat speed up with happiness. Her genuine worry is like a warm blanket that embraces you in the middle of a cold night, and it makes the remnants of the tension created by the earthquake disappear in just a few seconds looking at those refreshing green eyes. <<else>>Again that protective gaze of his that makes your heartbeat speed up with happiness. His genuine worry is like a warm blanket that embraces you in the middle of a cold night, and it makes the remnants of the tension created by the earthquake disappear in just a few seconds looking at those refreshing green eyes. <</if>>"I'm okay, $LL. Thank you," you reply, a smile you cannot contain spreading across your face. "You sure?" $LLhe_she insists, $LLhis_her hands still holding onto your arms. Strangely enough, the touch seems to help calm $LLhis_her heavy breathing. "All's good. Truly." you repeat, your voice coming out a bit lower than you intended. The warrior stays a few seconds longer looking at you in the eye, until $LLhe_she realises $LLhe_she still hasn't let go of you and steps back with a sudden movement. "Good, then I, uh, I'll check on the others." $LLHe_She then clears $LLhis_her throat, turns around, and walk towards $AL. Though $LLhis_her warmth stays will you even when $LLhe_she's already at the other end of the room. [[Continue|109]]

You let out a chuckle. "Wow, you seem to not be able to stay away from me lately, huh? Wanting to take $RG's place as my personal guardian or what?" Your teasing has its effect, and $LL's worry is replaced by embarrassment as $LLhis_her cheeks turn a subtle pink tone. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay," $LLhe_she retorts, $LLhis_her brow furrowing. "You didn't even glance at the others, just went straight to check on me," you point out with a little smirk playing on your lips. $LL groans and crosses $LLhis_her arms as $LLhis_her blush deepens. "You were closer." You're pretty sure $AO was closer to $LLhim_her, but you don't say it out loud. Instead, you just chuckle and decide to not make it harder for $LLhim_her. "Okay, sorry," you say with your hands raised in surrender, and look at $LLhim_her with a genuine smile. "I'm fine. Thank you for the help." $LLHis_Her tense shoulders relax, and the warrior nods. "You're welcome." [[Continue|109]]

Your state doesn't really seem important at the moment, not when you notice $LL breathing heavily, as if $LLhe_she just run a marathon and is about to pass out. You put your hands on $LLhis_her arms to steady $LLhim_her just in case, and frown in worry. "Are you? You're looking very anxious right now." $LL tenses up even more, and $LLhe_she quickly backs away from you to run a hand through $LLhis_her hair. "Yes. It's just… I'm afraid of earthquakes, that's all." You step towards $LLhim_her again to place a hand on $LLhis_her shoulder and try to find the gaze $LLhe_she averted. The touch makes $LLhim_her flinch for a second, but it manages to ease $LLhis_her breathing, even if only a bit. "It's all right, $LL," you try to comfort $LLhim_her, offering a little reassuring smile. "We're fine. Nothing happened." $LL swallows hard, giving a series of small nods as $LLhe_she sinks $LLhis_her hands into $LLhis_her pockets, the silhouette of $LLhis_her clenched fists visible against $LLhis_her trousers. "Right. You're right." $LLHe_She takes a deep breath and turns. "I'm going to check on $AL." The warrior walks over to $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister, but even though $LLhe_she looks a bit better, the worry you felt lingers in your burning chest. [[Continue|109]]

The sudden position you find yourselves in is impossible for you to ignore, and an amused smirk quickly appears on your face. <<if $AL is "Albert">>"With such a handsome man on top of me?" you purr, your hands settling on his sides. "How could I not be?" <<else>>"With such a beautiful woman on top of me?" you purr, your hands settling on her sides. "How could I not be?" <</if>>Your teasing has a clear effect on $ALhim_her. $ALHis_Her entire face flushes a deep shade of red as $ALhe_she quickly starts to pull away. "Oh! I didn't- I mean-" Your smile widens at the way $ALhe_she stumbles over $ALhis_her words. "It doesn't bother me, you know?" you add as you prop yourself up on your elbow. "I, uh…" $ALHe_She clears $ALhis_her throat and gets to $ALhis_her feet. "I'm going to see if my $LLbrother_sister's okay. Yes, that's what I'll do." $LL may have a few questions for $ALhim_her about $ALhis_her intense blush that will most likely embarrass $ALhim_her further, but $AL doesn't seem to have that in mind right now. The moment $ALhe_she moves you see $AO laying on $AOhis_her side, supporting $AOhis_her head on $AOhis_her hand. $AOHe_She smirks at you, and mouths, "Cute." You chuckle in response, maybe a bit embarrassed yourself. You wouldn't have minded to stay a bit longer with $AL on the floor, even if your back would have complained a few minutes later, but there's something else you all need to focus on right now, so you stand up and focus again on the matter at hand. [[Continue|109]]

The clear concern on $ALhis_her face makes your heart sing. The happiness that fills every cell of your body prompts you to let out a chuckle despite the situation. "Yeah, I'm okay. Jut a bit dizzy, that's all," you reassure $ALhim_her, and chuckle a bit more at $ALhis_her confused blinking. $AL starts to smile without being able to stop $ALhimself_herself. "Why are you laughing?" "I don't know. Why are you smiling?" you retort with a wide smile of your own. "I don't know." But you both do. You stay like that, looking at the other's eyes without attempting to move. The thought of standing up from the cold stone floor doesn't even cross your mind as you watch the warmth of $ALhis_her green eyes shine like a beacon that's impossible to miss. At least until $AL realises the position you're in, and $ALhis_her face flushes a deep shade of red. "Oops! I didn't-" $ALHe_She clears $ALhis_her throat. "I didn't realise, I'm sorry. I must be too heavy., I'll get up now." "It's fine, don't worry," you say even as $ALhe_she's already moved away form you and gotten up. You wouldn't have minded to stay a bit longer with $ALhim_her on the floor, even if your back would have complained a few minutes later, but there's something else you both need to focus on right now. $AL offers both of $ALhis_her hands to help you up, so you take them and let $ALhim_her lift you back to your feet. [[Continue|109]]

You frown in worry and get up on your elbows, ignoring the uncomfortable rock digging into your forearms. "I was going to ask you the same thing. Are you-?" But you suddenly realise the position you're in. The moment you raised your upper body, your face came much closer to $AL's, to the point that your noses are almost touching. You both freeze, looking at each other's eyes for a moment where your heart hammers against your ribs. The world around you starts to fade until you cannot even remember where you are, and, despite the situation, a sudden thought takes places in your mind. It would be so easy to close the remaining distance… But then, $AL flinches back, $ALhis_her entire face flushing a deep shade of red. "Oops! I didn't-" $ALHe_She clears $ALhis_her throat. "I didn't realise, I'm sorry. I must be too heavy. I'll get up now." "It's fine, don't worry. It was my bad," you say, a little embarrassed yourself. "I, uh…" $ALHe_She chuckles nervously as $ALhe_she scratches the back of $ALhis_her head. $ALHe_She then clears $ALhis_her throat again, a bit more strongly. "We should..." "Yeah." $AL offers both of $ALhis_her hands to help you up, so you take them and let $ALhim_her lift you back to your feet. You wouldn't have minded to stay a bit longer with $ALhim_her on the floor, but there's something else you both need to focus on right now. [[Continue|109]]

As endearing as you find $ALhis_her concern, you can't help but notice the position you're both in at the moment. With $ALhim_her on top of you, $ALhis_her face so close to yours, you have to remind yourself how to breathe as your heart skips a beat. You clear your throat, a little embarrassed. "$Al_Lavi?" "Yes? Is something wrong?" $ALhe_she asks, $ALhis_her brow furrowing in worry. Another time, you would have found $ALhis_her cluelessness rather adorable. "You're… kind of on top of me," you reply with a nervous chuckle. "Could you…?" "Oh! I didn't- I mean-" $ALHe_She stumbles over $ALhis_her words, $ALhis_her face flushing a deep shade of red. $ALHe_She then clears $ALhis_her throat and starts to move away. "I didn't realise, I'm sorry. I must be too heavy. I'll get up now." "It's fine, don't worry," you say propping yourself up into a seated position. It's really not the time for this, and there's something else you both need to focus on right now. Although you won't deny the fact that you liked it, as short as the moment was. $AL offers both of $ALhis_her hands to help you up, so you take them and let $ALhim_her lift you back to your feet. [[Continue|109]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "wounded" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ <<set $nauzet to true>>\ <<notify 5000>>''New codex entry:'' Nauzet Oramas<</notify>>\ \ Once the merman god leaves the room, you and your companions instinctively gather in a circle. There's a shared tension, but no one mentions it. $AO glances toward the door for a moment before turning to $RG with a raised eyebrow. "Your brother seems a little stressed, doesn't he?" $AOhe_she remarks, gesturing over $AOhis_her shoulder with $AOhis_her thumb. "Nauzet is the second eldest of the five achimenceys," $RG begins, $RGhis_her face slightly mournful. "Living for so long is… violent. There are things one wishes they hadn't seen over the course of history." "But don't be fooled by the tough exterior. He's a good guy," Enid chimes in, floating over her celestial companion's shoulder. "He'll get you out of this in no time, mortals." $RG nods slowly. "Yes. Luckily, this is just a minor setback. Whatever happens on the trial, we already know the result. We just need to get through it, and we can return to the reason we came here." <<if $BNRomance > 0>>"Can you feel $BN somewhere in this world?" you ask, convincing yourself that you're only trying to be prepared for a possible confrontation. But even you aren't that naïve. <<else>>"Can you feel $BN somewhere in this world?" you ask, frowning. <</if>>$RG shifts $RGhis_her gaze toward the window, $RGhis_her expression growing focused as $RGhe_she narrows $RGhis_her eyes in thought. After a few seconds, $RGhe_she shakes $RGhis_her head and looks back at you. "No. I can't sense anything beyond the city," $RGhe_she replies, a subtle trace of frustration in $RGhis_her voice. "As I mentioned, my powers in other worlds aren't as strong, but I do know $BNhe_she's not nearby." "If the chills that make my hackles raise are any indication, $BNhe_she's definitely somewhere in this world," Enid adds. <<if $BNRomance > 1>>Your heart skips a beat, just long enough for you to silently scold yourself for the strange thrill at the thought of seeing the renegade $BNgod_goddess. //"What the hell is wrong with me?"// The weight of the question -and especially the lack of a clear answer- makes you tense up. Even more so when you feel $RG's intense gaze on you. You cross your arms, trying to appear deep in thought while hoping $RGhe_she doesn't see through to your true emotions. A lost battle, you think. But if $RG has sensed your inner conflict, $RGhe_she chooses not to mention it. ...For now, at least. <</if>>"Can't you feel his companion either?" $AL asks, concern lacing $ALhis_her tone. $RG shakes $RGhis_her head. "For achimenceys it's easier to sense our companions than any other mortal. It's some kind of subtle pull that lead us closer to them and lets us locate them a bit more easily. So, if Nauzet can't feel where he is, I'm afraid I can't either." "If what we all fear has happened and $BN found him before us, our mission just got a lot more complicated," Enid comments, her tone graver than usual. "We must also search for the orb," $RG adds. "That earthquake? It wasn't a natural occurrence. Something has happened to the orb of Moneiba of this world." $RGHe_She frowns. "$BN doesn't seem to intend to destroy it. At least, not for now. But that doesn't mean we should give $BNhim_her the chance to find it." Everyone nods in understanding. "What if..." $AL begins, hesitating for a moment before continuing, "...we find your brother's companion and $BN has...?" "In that case... a family member would have to take his place as the artefact's bearer and become Nauzet's new companion," $RG replies with a calmness that feels rather forced. "And what if he has no family left?" $LL asks through narrowed eyes. $RG's expression tightens, $RGhis_her jaw clenching. "Then all the worlds would be doomed." The tense silence that settles among you stretches until $AO clicks $AOhis_her tongue. "Well, I'm glad to see we have so many options," $AOhe_she remarks with $AOhis_her typical sarcastic tone and a teasing smile. $LL shoots $AOhim_her a reproachful glance, and the doctor clears $AOhis_her throat. "Sorry, it's all the stress." Enid sighs. "In any case, right now we can only wait for Nauzet to help us. Be patient, mortals. He's not the kind to go back on his word." <<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|111RG]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|111AO]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|111AL]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|111LL]]<<else>>[[Continue|111]]<</if>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "RGTheme" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ The room falls into a tense silence as you wait. You walk to the window to take a look outside, just to have something to do until Nauzet comes back and the trial begins. <<if $wound is true>>$RG approaches almost at the same time you move, a spark of guilt reflecting in $RGhis_her gaze. $RGHis_Her hand reaches out and hovers over your side, over your still torn clothes. "May I?" $RGhe_she softly asks. "What are you going to do?" you ask back with a couple of blinks, glancing first at $RGhis_her fingers just a few cementites away from you, and then at $RGhis_her eyes again. $RG withdraws $RGhis_her hand slightly, $RGhis_her face contorting in concern. "I just want to make sure you…" $RGHis_Her whispered words trail off, and $RGhe_she looks away. $RGHe_She closes $RGhis_her eyes and lets out a quiet sigh. "I //need// to make sure you're all right." Nauzet healed you. You're completely fine. That's what you were going to say, but the moment $RGhis_her eyes are back on yours, the words die before they even have time to get out of your mouth. $RGHis_Her eyebrows are drawn together, adding to the desperate plea. Your lips part slightly for a moment in a second attempt to reply, but no sound comes out either. So you end up swallowing the words you're unable to speak, and just grant $RGhim_her the permission $RGhe_she seeks with a slow nod. $RG's palm moves to press against your side, the touch warm and incredibly gentle. A shiver runs down your spine and goosebumps spread across your arms at the simple contact. It feels rather intimate as you notice $RGhis_her magic travelling to every cell of your body. For a moment, a part of $RGhis_her being is within you, reaching places no other person has been able to reach. Your eyes remain fix on the other's the whole time. <<if $feelingsRG is true>> Your heart aches to be closer, but you don't dare to move out of fear of losing that connection. You want to feel it for as long as you can. <<else>> You feel the sudden desire to be closer, but for some unknown reason, you decide to stay right where you are, unmoving. You want to feel this… for as long as you can. <</if>>$RG subtlety increases the pressure of $RGhis_her hand against your side for a second before $RGhe_she begins to pull away. Very slowly, as if wanting to prolong the moment a bit more too.<<else>>$RG approaches almost at the same time you move, a spark of guilt reflecting in $RGhis_her gaze. $RGHis_Her hand reaches out and hovers over one of yours. "May I?" $RGhe_she softly asks. "What are you going to do?" you ask back with a couple of blinks, glancing first at $RGhis_her fingers just a few cementites away from you, and then at $RGhis_her eyes again. $RG withdraws $RGhis_her hand slightly, $RGhis_her face contorting in a pained grimace. "Your wrists. They are bruised from the shackles." $RGhe_she whispers in reply as $RGhis_her fingers reach a bit closer again, but still not dare to touch your skin. "Would you let me help?" You feel the sting you forgot about during the conversation with Nauzet, but it's not that bad. Still, $RG's eyebrows draw together, adding to $RGhis_her plea, and the desperation you see reflected in that violet gaze makes the words die before they can leave your mouth. Your lips part slightly for a moment in an attempt to reply, but no sound comes out no matter how much you try. So you end up swallowing the words you're unable to speak, and just grant $RGhim_her the permission $RGhe_she seeks with a slow nod. $RG grabs both of your hands, the movement slow and gentle. The feather-light touch of $RGhis_her fingertips travels from your fingers up to the back of your hand until they circle around your wrists in a soft grip. The warmth of $RGhis_her magic envelops your skin, and at the same time, the sting begins to fade away until it disappears completely. But contrary to what you thought, the contact doesn't end there. A shiver runs down your spine and goosebumps spread across your arms as you notice $RGhis_her magic travelling to every cell of your body, almost as if it wanted to make sure there are no other wounds to heal. It feels rather intimate. Especially since your eyes have remained fix on the other's the whole time. For a moment, a part of $RGhis_her being is within you, reaching places no other person has been able to reach. <<if $feelingsRG is true>> Your heart aches to be closer, but you don't dare to move out of fear of losing that connection. You want to feel it for as long as you can. <<else>> You feel the sudden desire to be closer, but for some unknown reason, you decide to stay right where you are, unmoving. You want to feel this… for as long as you can. <</if>>$RG seems to attempt to raise your hands a little, but $RGhe_she stops almost instantly and lets you go instead. Very slowly, as if wanting to prolong the moment a bit more too.<</if>> [[Continue|111RG2]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "AOTheme" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ The room falls into a tense silence as you wait. You walk to the window to take a look outside, just to have something to do until Nauzet comes back and the trial begins. $AO is already there, with $AOhis_her shoulder against the edge of the wall and one leg crossed over the other as $AOhe_she watches the city. The blue light of the waves create sparkling patterns on $AOhis_her dark skin, and they give $AOhis_her already gorgeous features a more stunning look as the ocean reflects on $AOhis_her brown eyes. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>You stop for a second to admire $AOhim_her, your breath catching in your throat at the view. At least until $AO's voice breaks the moment. <<else>>You stop for a second to admire $AOhim_her, your breath suddenly catching in your throat at the view. At least until $AO's voice breaks the moment. <</if>>"You know, I didn't imagine our first contact with the merfolk would be like this," $AOhe_she says, still looking out the window. A little half-smirk tugs at the corner of $AOhis_her lips. "We get out of one problem to dive straight into another, huh? A real gift." * [[It was a sensible reaction, honestly|111AO2a]] * [[And what did you expect?|111AO2b]] * [[We'll get out of this|111AO2c]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "ALTheme" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ The room falls into a tense silence as you wait. You walk to the window to take a look outside, just to have something to do until Nauzet comes back and the trial begins. $AL joins you there, $ALhis_her hand gently touching your arm to get your attention. "Hey… How are you holding up, $name?" $ALhe_she asks as $ALhe_she settles beside you, the blue light from the waves giving $ALhis_her eyes a special brightness, and $ALhis_her fiery hair a slightly purple shade. The beauty of it makes you freeze for a moment, your heart skipping a beat. $AL notices it, and $ALhe_she blinks in a mix of confusion and concern. "$name?" You force yourself out of your little reverie, chuckling as you rub the back of your head in embarrasment. "Sorry, I was just thinking about something," you reply, though you're not sure $ALhe_she believes you. You don't give $ALhim_her time to ask about it further, and look outside. "How am I holding up, you say? Well… * [[Sigh. 'I didn't expect the merfolk trying to kill us'|111AL2a]] * [[Wave your hand nonchalantly. 'I'm fine.'|111AL2b]] * [[Shudder. 'As long as there's no leviathans...'|111AL2c]] * [[Groan impatiently. 'I wish we could go out already.'|111AL2d]] * [[Grimace. 'I've never been good at handling conflict.'|111AL2e]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "LLTheme" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ The room falls into a tense silence as you wait. You walk to the window to take a look outside, just to have something to do until Nauzet comes back and the trial begins. However, your gaze drifts to the corner, where you see $LL with $LLhis_her arms crossed, leaning against the wall, $LLhis_her eyes lost somewhere on the floor. The blue light of the waves coming through the window creates delicate ripples on $LLhis_her pale skin, cerulean patterns that give $LLhis_her red hair a faint purple hue. For a moment, the beauty of the image takes your breath away, and you have to remind yourself how to breathe. Before you realize it, your steps change direction, and you find yourself approaching the warrior. You quickly notice that $LL seems particularly nervous. $LLHis_Her foot compulsively taps against the floor, and $LLhe_she keeps biting $LLhis_her tongue over and over again. Even $LLhis_her eyes aren't as fixed on one point as you thought. "$LL?" The unexpected sound of your voice makes $LLhim_her jump a little, so you stop and raise your hands. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Are you okay?" The warrior looks at you for a second. You can't say that $LLhe_she relaxes, as $LLhis_her shoulders remain just as tense, but at least $LLhe_she no longer seems on the verge of grabbing $LLhis_her sword. "As well as can be expected," $LLhe_she simply replies. "Nervous about the trial?" you ask as you stand beside $LLhim_her, leaning your back against the wall too. "No. Why would I be? It's not like it could go wrong," $LLhe_she says in $LLhis_her typical blunt tone. You purse your lips for a moment and look at $LLhim_her with concern before nodding at $LLhis_her hand. "Then why are you shaking? Are you sure you're okay?" <<if $job is "Doctor">>It's an almost imperceptible movement, a subtle detail that anyone else wouldn't notice, but you catch it right away. You would blame your insistence and keen eye on the habits of your profession, but you know you'd be lying to yourself. <<else>>It's an almost imperceptible movement, a subtle detail that anyone else wouldn't notice, but you catch it right away. <</if>>$LL raises $LLhis_her trembling hand in front of $LLhis_her face and watches it for a second. $LLHe_She clenches $LLhis_her fist tightly, but not even that can stop the spasms, so $LLhe_she ends up shoving them into the pockets of $LLhis_her trousers with a low grunt. "I just don't like this place," $LLhe_she sulky replies, "I hate being trapped with nothing to do. It drives me mad." * [[Raise an eyebrow. 'Is there any place you don't hate?'|111LL2a]] * [[Chuckle. 'So your weakness is a waiting room?'|111LL2b]] * [[Smirk. 'Want to use me as a training dummy?'|111LL2c]] * [[Nod thoughtfully. 'I get it'|111LL2d]]

The room falls into a tense silence as you wait. You walk to the window to take a look outside, needing something to occupy your mind while you wait for Nauzet to return and the trial to begin. You let your gaze wander over the submerged city. A couple of merfolk help others collect jewels and some trinkets that you can't quite make out. They probably fell due to the earthquake. Near that group, there's a stall lined with disproportionately large eggs, the vendor carefully placing them on the table with almost paternal care. The mermaid bends down, and from beneath the eggs emerge a pair of elongated beings, resembling serpents or eels. Their scales shimmer brightly in a dark blue hue, lightening gradually as the mermaid pets them, coaxing them out of their hiding spots. //"They look exactly like Enid does now. What was the name? Luminiscales?// your curiosity ponders. The serpents swim through the air, circling around the eggs. Are they theirs? A strange sensation compels you to lift your gaze to the horizon, beyond the grand city that sprawls over the cliff, and beyond the dome surrounding it like a translucent shield keeping the water at bay. In the distance, probably thousands of kilometres away, a dark mantle of roots cloaks the water, staining it black. //"Corruption, perhaps? Can demons corrupt the water?"// That doesn't seem very likely. Could it be the seabed? //"But how that be the seabed..."// You look up at the rays of sunlight filtering through the water and frown. //"...if we're practically at the surface?"// <<if $BNRomance > 2>>Your hand instinctively reaches for the pendant, gripping it tightly. The touch acts as a calming balm, soothing your uncertainty. Suddenly, you're no longer worried about not having the answer; you simply allow the cool metal to comfort you. You don't notice the subtle glow emanating from the artefact. <<else>>Your hand instinctively reaches for the pendant, gripping it tightly. A shiver runs down your spine. The answer never comes. <</if>>The creak of the door opening startles you a bit. How long have you been staring out the window lost in thought? You wonder as Nauzet re-enters the room, chains and shackles appearing with a simple wave of his hand. His expression is grave as he holds the metal up before you. "The trial is ready." [[Continue|112]]

"Thank you," $RGhe_she whispers. "I hope you can forgive me for my mistakes." You should be the one thanking $RGhim_her, but $RGhis_her words make you think about the comment Nauzet made just when you arrived. Your curiosity gets the better of you once again, and the vulnerability you see in $RGhis_her eyes gives you the courage you need to ask. "$RG… about what Nauzet said…" you cautiously begin, afraid to say something that will make that openness disappear and your guardian to get away. But $RGhis_her expression remains calm and soft, and you think $RGhe_she may already know what you want to say. "What did he mean… when he said you were repeating past mistakes?" $RG doesn't reply right away. $RGHe_She stays still, looking at you for a few seconds in silence, and you know $RGhe_she's internally debating with $RGhimself_herself how much to share. "It's not the first time I've failed to protect someone," the $RGgod_goddess finally answers. * [[Who was it?|111RG3a]] * [[What happened?|111RG3b]] * [[Did they die?|111RG3c]]

"Was it… someone important to you?" you tentatively ask, though the answer is already reflected in the sadness that makes $RGhis_her eyes glimmer. "Yes," $RGhe_she replies anyway with a few short nods, and looks out the city for a moment. The blue light coming from the waves gives $RGhis_her purple hair a new beautiful shade. "I know first hand how it feels to hurt someone when they become special. Nauzet… He knows it too." $RGHe_She focus back on you, a fiery determination and protectiveness mixing with $RGhis_her previous expression. "I'm not letting the past repeat itself. I cannot." You press your lips together in a thin line. $RG is finally beginning to open up to you about the mystery that is $RGhis_her past, fifty thousand years of memories you'd love to know every detail of. But this specific matter... you somehow know there's more to it, and you cannot help but try to push your luck a bit more. "What do you mean?" The new question makes $RG avert $RGhis_her gaze again, this time to the floor, where $RGhis_her eyes draw random patterns on the stone as $RGhis_her lips purse. $RGHe_She seems to be struggling to find the right words to answer. Short seconds later, $RGhe_she raises $RGhis_her head again. $RGHis_Her lips part to give you the awaited reply, but the sound of the door opening interrupts your conversation. Nauzet enters the room, making chains and shackles appear with a simple gesture of his hand. His expression is serious as he raises the metal in front of you. "The trial is ready." $RG watches $RGhis_her brother in silence as he fastens shackles around $AL, $AO, and $LL's wrists, the faint clinking of metal filling the room. When $RGhis_her eyes finally meet yours again, $RGhe_she lets the ghost of a gentle smile tug at the corners of $RGhis_her mouth. "Another time, perhaps," $RGhe_she murmurs, $RGhis_her voice as soft as a feather. $RGHe_She steps back and turns away from you. You're left staring at $RGhis_her retreating form, the silence stretching in $RGhis_her absence as slight frown forms on your face, and an painful hollowness seeps into your chest. [[Continue|112]]

"What happened?" you tentatively ask, though the answer is already reflected in the sadness that makes $RGhis_her eyes glimmer. $RGHe_She smiles sadly. "A monster happened. One that took two innocent lives as a consequence of a wrong decision." You dare to take a step closer to $RGhim_her, and place a hand on $RGhis_her arm. "$RG… I'm sorry. It sounds like you truly cared about them." "Selfishness is another thing that withers," $RGhe_she continues. The blue light coming from the waves gives $RGhis_her purple hair a new beautiful shade. "I know first hand how it feels to hurt someone when they become special. Nauzet… He knows it too." $RGHe_She looks away for a moment before focusing back on you, a fiery determination and protectiveness suddenly mixing with $RGhis_her previous expression. "I'm not letting the past repeat itself. I cannot." You press your lips together in a thin line. $RG is finally beginning to open up to you about the mystery that is $RGhis_her past, fifty thousand years of memories you'd love to know every detail of. But this specific matter... you somehow know there's more to it, and you cannot help but try to push your luck a bit more. "What do you mean?" The new question makes $RG avert $RGhis_her gaze again, this time to the floor, where $RGhis_her eyes draw random patterns on the stone as $RGhis_her lips purse. $RGHe_She seems to be struggling to find the right words to answer. Short seconds later, $RGhe_she raises $RGhis_her head again. $RGHis_Her lips part to give you the awaited reply, but the sound of the door opening interrupts your conversation. Nauzet enters the room, making chains and shackles appear with a simple gesture of his hand. His expression is serious as he raises the metal in front of you. "The trial is ready." $RG watches $RGhis_her brother in silence as he fastens shackles around $AL, $AO, and $LL's wrists, the faint clinking of metal filling the room. When $RGhis_her eyes finally meet yours again, $RGhe_she lets the ghost of a gentle smile tug at the corners of $RGhis_her mouth. "Another time, perhaps," $RGhe_she murmurs, $RGhis_her voice as soft as a feather. $RGHe_She steps back and turns away from you. You're left staring at $RGhis_her retreating form, the silence stretching in $RGhis_her absence as slight frown forms on your face, and an painful hollowness seeps into your chest. [[Continue|112]]

"When you say you failed… it sounds like that person died," you tentatively begin, and even though the answer is already reflected in the sadness that makes $RGhis_her eyes glimmer, you cannot help but ask, "Did they?" "Yes," $RGhe_she replies anyway with a few short nods, and looks out the city for a moment. You dare to take a step closer to $RGhim_her, and place a hand on $RGhis_her arm. "$RG… I'm sorry. It sounds like you truly cared for that person." "Selfishness is another thing that withers," $RGhe_she continues. The blue light coming from the waves gives $RGhis_her purple hair a new beautiful shade. "I know first hand how it feels to hurt someone when they become special. Nauzet… He knows it too." $RGHe_She focus back on you, a fiery determination and protectiveness mixing with $RGhis_her previous expression. "I'm not letting the past repeat itself. I cannot." You press your lips together in a thin line. $RG is finally beginning to open up to you about the mystery that is $RGhis_her past, fifty thousand years of memories you'd love to know every detail of. But this specific matter... you somehow know there's more to it, and you cannot help but try to push your luck a bit more. "What do you mean?" The new question makes $RG avert $RGhis_her gaze again, this time to the floor, where $RGhis_her eyes draw random patterns on the stone as $RGhis_her lips purse. $RGHe_She seems to be struggling to find the right words to answer. Short seconds later, $RGhe_she raises $RGhis_her head again. $RGHis_Her lips part to give you the awaited reply, but the sound of the door opening interrupts your conversation. Nauzet enters the room, making chains and shackles appear with a simple gesture of his hand. His expression is serious as he raises the metal in front of you. "The trial is ready." $RG watches $RGhis_her brother in silence as he fastens shackles around $AL, $AO, and $LL's wrists, the faint clinking of metal filling the room. When $RGhis_her eyes finally meet yours again, $RGhe_she lets the ghost of a gentle smile tug at the corners of $RGhis_her mouth. "Another time, perhaps," $RGhe_she murmurs, $RGhis_her voice as soft as a feather. $RGHe_She steps back and turns away from you. You're left staring at $RGhis_her retreating form, the silence stretching in $RGhis_her absence as slight frown forms on your face, and an painful hollowness seeps into your chest. [[Continue|112]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dimBar" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ Your steps follow Nauzet and $RG in silence, each echo of your boots blending with the noise of the chains now hanging from your wrists again. The air grows heavier as you descend several flights of stairs and wind through the damp, stone corridors of the prison. Finally, you reach a large double door, its metal surface decorated with a symbol you don't recognize, precisely carved in the centre. Even from here, you can hear the argument taking place on the other side, voices rising and falling, growing increasingly heated and heightening the tension. Nauzet turns, his expression severe. He leans slightly toward you, his voice dropping to a grave whisper. "It's getting heated in there. Let me do the talking. Keep your heads high and your mouths shut unless I tell you otherwise." His gaze hardens a bit more before he turns to face the door. Then, the merman god places his free hand on the door and pushes. [[Continue|113]]

"With everything Nauzet has told us, I'm not surprised by their reaction, to be honest," you reply, mimicking $AOhis_her posture at the other side of the window. "Maybe. I suppose it was too much to expect them to approach and say 'Hey! Are you the demons who've been kidnapping our people? If so, please bring them back, and thank you.'" You let out a low chuckle. "Yeah, that would have been a bit risky." <<if $AOQK is true>>$AO shares a little laugh with you and then stay in silence for a few seconds. Until $AOhe_she lets out a long sigh. "Ugh, more politics. As if I didn't have enough of that in my kingdom." <<else>>$AO shares a little laugh with you and then stay in silence for a few seconds. Until $AOhe_she lets out a long sigh. "Ugh, more politics. And here I thought I didn't have to deal with any of it anymore." <</if>>"It'll be fine," you reassure, and then shoot $AOhim_her a teasing smile. "Plus, we've already survived a war. In comparison, a little trial is nothing." $AO hums in thought. "That's true. And at least now we only have to bow our heads and nod to everything $RG's brother says. Thank the gods, because I already have enough on my mind right now. And if I add any other thought, I swear I will go insane and punch the first person I see." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You raise an eyebrow, adding to the smirk still playing on your lips. "Just give me a heads up first. You know, so I can get out of your way, just in case." The joke doesn't work as well as you expected, and $AO's expression falls. "You are the only one who doesn't have to worry about that, $name. I've already done enough." The smile fades from your face, replaced by a little frown. "What do you mean?" <<else>>That statement catches you by surprise. "What is it that you're thinking about that has you so on edge?" <</if>>$AO presses $AOhis_her lips together but doesn't respond right away. $AOHis_Her gaze drifts toward the sprawling cityscape beneath the sea, arms crossed tight over $AOhis_her chest. One finger taps rhythmically against $AOhis_her elbow, a nervous habit $AOhe_she's had for as long as you've known $AOhim_her, and that $AOhe_she does every time when $AOhe_she's deep in though. [[Continue|111AO3]]

"And what did you expect?' you ask, raising an eyebrow as you mimic $AOhis_her posture at the other side of the window. 'That they would throw us a welcome party? " "It would have been nicer, //and// more original," $AOhe_she says. "So you don't like the locals' customs?" you retort with a nod towards the city, "Nah, they're too aggressive for me." <<if $AOQK is true>>$AOHe_She shares a little chuckle with you. Then you stay in silence for a few seconds before $AO lets you a long sigh, "Ugh, more politics. As if I didn't have enough of that in my kingdom." <<else>>$AOHe_She shares a little chuckle with you. Then you stay in silence for a few seconds before $AO lets you a long sigh, "Ugh, more politics. And here I thought I didn't have to deal with any of it anymore." <</if>>"It'll be fine," you reassure, and then shoot her a teasing smile. "Plus, we've already survived a war. In comparison, a little trial is nothing." $AO hums in thought. "That's true. And at least now we only have to bow our heads and nod to everything $RG's brother says. Thank the gods, because I already have enough on my mind right now. And if I add any other thought, I swear I will go insane and punch the first person I see." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You raise an eyebrow, adding to the smirk still playing on your lips. "Just give me a heads up first. You know, so I can get out of your way, just in case." The joke doesn't work as well as you expected, and $AO's expression falls. "You are the only one who doesn't have to worry about that, $name. I've already done enough." The smile fades from your face, replaced by a little frown. "What do you mean?" <<else>>That statement catches you by surprise. "What is it that you're thinking about that has you so on edge?" <</if>>$AO presses $AOhis_her lips together but doesn't respond right away. $AOHis_Her gaze drifts toward the sprawling cityscape beneath the sea, arms crossed tight over $AOhis_her chest. One finger taps rhythmically against $AOhis_her elbow, a nervous habit $AOhe_she's had for as long as you've known $AOhim_her, and that $AOhe_she does every time when $AOhe_she's deep in though. [[Continue|111AO3]]

"It'll be fine," you reassure as you mimic $AOhis_her posture at the other side of the window, and then shoot $AOhim_her a teasing smile. "Plus, we've already survived a war. In comparison, a little trial is nothing." <<if $AOQK is true>>"I guess you're right. It's just all these politics again... As if I didn't have enough of that in my kingdom." $AOHe_She says with a long, tired sigh. "Well, at least now we only have to bow our heads and nod to everything $RG's brother says. Thank the gods, because I already have enough on my mind right now. And if I add any other thought, I swear I will go insane and punch the first person I see." <<else>>"I guess you're right. It's just all these politics again... And here I thought I didn't have to deal with any of it anymore." $AOHe_She says with a long, tired sigh. "Well, at least now we only have to bow our heads and nod to everything $RG's brother says. Thank the gods, because I already have enough on my mind right now. And if I add any other thought, I swear I will go insane and punch the first person I see." <</if>><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You raise an eyebrow, adding to the smirk still playing on your lips. "Just give me a heads up first. You know, so I can get out of your way, just in case." The joke doesn't work as well as you expected, and $AO's expression falls. "You are the only one who doesn't have to worry about that, $name. I've already done enough." The smile fades from your face, replaced by a little frown. "What do you mean?" <<else>>That statement catches you by surprise. "What is it that you're thinking about that has you so on edge?" <</if>>$AO presses $AOhis_her lips together but doesn't respond right away. $AOHis_Her gaze drifts toward the sprawling cityscape beneath the sea, arms crossed tight over $AOhis_her chest. One finger taps rhythmically against $AOhis_her elbow, a nervous habit $AOhe_she's had for as long as you've known $AOhim_her, and that $AOhe_she does every time when $AOhe_she's deep in though. [[Continue|111AO3]]

<<if $wound is true>>Finally, with a soft sigh, $AOhe_she closes $AOhis_her eyes before turning to meet yours for the first time in what feels like ages. There's a weight there, a sorrow you rarely see in $AOhim_her. "I know I said it before, but… I'm really sorry we got into this mess." $AOHis_Her gaze drops briefly to your side, $AOhis_her voice almost a whisper. "And that you got hurt because of me." "$AO," you murmur, your voice softer than intended. Pushing off the wall, you take a step toward $AOhim_her, arms open slightly so $AOhe_she can see you more clearly. "I'm fine, you see? Nauzet took care of it." "Sure, but $LL was right. It wouldn't have been necessary if I'd just stayed still," $AOhe_she mutters. "It's okay," you insist, offering a small smile. "It's over, and I'm fine." <<else>>With a sigh, $AO finally closes $AOhis_her eyes before turning to look at you, the sorrow in $AOhis_her face cutting through the usual bravado. "I'm sorry we got into this mess. We were lucky to get out unharmed. Any one of us could've died." "It could've gone better, yes," you agree with a light laugh, trying to ease the tension, but $AO doesn't seem to find any comfort in it. "Hey..." you step closer, offering a gentle smile. "It's okay, $AO. We're all fine. This is just a bump in the road that we'll fix in no time." <</if>>"No. It's //not// okay, $name," $AO snaps with sudden intensity. There's something else in $AOhis_her eyes, simmering just beneath the surface of $AOhis_her guilt. It's fierce, raw, and it sends a jolt through you. You've never seen that look in $AOhim_her before, and yet something deep in your chest stirs in recognition. $AOHe_She pushes off the wall, closing the gap between you in one sharp step. "It's precisely that impulsiveness that I can't control that always ends up hurting the people I care about." $AOHis_Her fists clench for a brief moment, knuckles standing out with the frustration, before $AOhe_she exhales slowly and $AOhis_her shoulders sag. "I don't want you to be one of them." $AOHis_Her voice is softer now, but the weight of $AOhis_her words presses down on you, heavy and unyielding. You can see it clearly, this isn't just guilt. It's fear, the kind that gnaws at $AOhim_her from the inside, the kind that makes $AOhim_her feel like she's a danger to those $AOhe_she cares about. <<if $AriAlive is true>><<if $AO is "Ada">>And right now, you realize, she's terrified of losing you. Just like she lost her husband, and then her son.<<else>>And right now, you realize, he's terrified of losing you. Just like he lost his wife, and then his son.<</if>><<else>><<if $AO is "Ada">>And right now, you realize, she's terrified of losing you. Just like she lost her husband, her son, and then her sister-in-law.<<else>>And right now, you realize, he's terrified of losing you. Just like he lost his wife, his son, and then his sister-in-law.<</if>><</if>> * [[Reach out. 'You won't lose me.'|111AO4a]] * [["Meet " + $AOhis_her + " gaze, unflinching. 'I can take care of myself.'"|111AO4b]] * [[Smirk. 'Is that a warning or a threat?'|111AO4c]]

You swallow hard, emotions welling up inside you at the intensity of $AOhis_her vulnerability. Before you can stop yourself, you reach out, gently placing you hand on $AOhis_her arm. "You're not going to lose me, $AO," you say, your voice as soft as the gentle caress your fingers give to the fabric of $AOhis_her tunic. For a moment, you wish you were touching $AOhis_her skin instead. $AO means to shoot you a playful smirk, though it only makes it to a sad smile. "That's a bold statement, you know?" "Good thing I always keep my promises, then," you reply with a smirk of your own. "You better, because I plan to remind you of it for the rest of your life." <<if $feelingsAO is true>>$AOHis_Her words send a shiver through you, so intimate that it burns in your chest. You know $AOhe_she's teasing, but there's something unspoken in the way $AOhis_her eyes hold yours, a kind of quiet promise wrapped up in that sadness. You wonder if it's just your mind trying to deceive you, tricking you into seeing what you desire to ease the pain of rejection that you still feel every time you look at $AOhim_her. The touch lingers a little too long, your fingers still resting on $AOhis_her arm, reluctant to let go. But you force your hand to retreat back to your side. Slowly, almost as if wishing $AOhe_she would stop you. $AOHe_She doesn't, and that's another wave of disappointment that washes over you. <<elseif $AOsex is true>>$AOHis_Her words send a shiver through you. They are intimate, but in a completely different way you've experienced until now. Even though $AOhe_she's teasing, there's something unspoken in the way $AOhis_her eyes hold yours, a quiet promise wrapped up in that sadness. The touch lingers a little too long, something you wouldn't have even noticed earlier, but now you feels your fingers still resting on $AOhis_her arm, reluctant to let go. And in that brief moment, you wonder if $AOhe_she feels it too. That pull, one that has nothing to do with the one in your torrid encounters. <<else>>$AOHis_Her words send a shiver through you, more intimate than you expect. You know $AOhe_she's teasing, but there's something unspoken in the way $AOhis_her eyes hold yours, a quiet promise wrapped up in that sadness. The touch lingers a little too long, your fingers still resting on $AOhis_her arm, reluctant to let go. And in that brief moment, you wonder if $AOhe_she feels it too. That sudden pull that screams for you to get even closer. <</if>>[[Continue|111AO5]]

You cross your arms and meet $AOhis_her gaze, unflinching. "I can take care of myself, you know?" <<if $AO is "Ada">>Suddenly, Ada chuckles, the tension on her shoulders easing slightly as your perplexity rises. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But you're talking to a mother, $name. Over-protectiveness comes with the title." You can't help but smile at her words, but beneath the humour, there's an edge of something deeper, something warmer. She isn't just afraid because her nature as a mother. She's overprotective because it's //you//. <<else>>Suddenly, Omar chuckles, the tension on his shoulders easing slightly as your perplexity rises. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But you're talking to a father, $name. Over-protectiveness comes with the title." You can't help but smile at his words, but beneath the humour, there's an edge of something deeper, something warmer. He isn't just afraid because his nature as a father. He's overprotective because it's //you//. <</if>><<if $feelingsAO is true>>$AOHis_Her eyes linger on you, and for a brief moment, you feel the weight of $AOhis_her guilt, $AOhis_her care, and… something else. You force yourself to hold $AOhis_her gaze, even though it stirs feelings you've been trying to push down. <<else>>$AOHis_Her eyes linger on you, and for a brief moment, you feel the weight of $AOhis_her guilt, $AOhis_her care, and… something else. You force yourself to hold $AOhis_her gaze, even though it stirs unknown feelings you've never felt before. <</if>>[[Continue|111AO5]]

"Wait, are you warning me, or threatening me?" you tease, a smirk playing on your lips. "Because the last person who tried it ended up regretting it." Your attempt to lighten the mood seem to be a success. $AO lifts an eyebrow, the tension easing from $AOhis_her shoulders as a result of your sudden playful tone. "Oh, really? You didn't look that confident a few minutes ago when we were in shackles." "They took me by surprise, but next time I won't make it that easy for them," you retort. $AO chuckles. "Yeah, sure." <<if $feelingsAO is true>>There something electrifying in the air between you, the banter masking the feelings you're trying to push down. The way $AOhis_her eyes lock onto yours, how close you're standing now… It's almost too much, and yet no enough. The teasing is safe, familiar, but the undercurrent… the way your heart races when $AOhe_she's near… it's something you're not sure how much longer you can ignore. You catch yourself wishing $AOhe_she'd just close the distance between you, that $AOhis_her teasing smirk would shift into something more. But you hold back, hiding you feelings behind a playful mask, knowing that those thoughts are only a fantasy that will never come true. <<elseif $AOsex is true>>There something electrifying in the air between you. The way $AOhis_her eyes lock onto yours, how close you're standing now… It's almost too much, and yet no enough, but it's a completely different sensation than those you've felt before in your torrid encounter. The teasing is safe, familiar, but the undercurrent… there's something else there, something you've noticed lately and can't ignore forever. For a moment you wish $AOhis_her teasing smile would shift into something more, but you don't know exactly what. The feeling s confusing, and you hide it under that playful mask. Right now, you're not sure you want to know what it means. <<else>>There something electrifying in the air between you. The way $AOhis_her eyes lock onto yours, how close you're standing now… It feels different, and it's not enough. The teasing is safe, familiar, but the undercurrent… there's something new that makes your heart race and it's screaming for you to notice. For a moment you wish $AOhis_her teasing smile would shift into something more, but you don't know exactly what. The feeling s confusing, and you hide it under that playful mask. Right now, you're not sure you want to know what it means. <</if>>[[Continue|111AO5]]

"$name?" The way $AOhe_she says your name sounds a bit different. It catches all your focus and makes your pulse quicken. "Yes?" you ask when $AOhe_she stays silent for too long, your voice coming out a bit low. $AO's gaze travels from one of your eyes to the other a few times. $AOHe_She then closes $AOhis_her eyes and starts to chuckle at something you don't really understand. You blink in confusion. "What is it?" "Nothing," $AOhe_she replies with a shake of $AOhis_her head before opening $AOhis_her eyes again. "I just remembered something." You would have loved to know what it was, but when you were already parting your lips to ask, the sound of the door opening interrupts the chance you had. Nauzet enters the room, making chains and shackles appear with a simple gesture of his hand. His expression is serious as he raises the metal in front of you. "The trial is ready." You both watch for a few moments as Nauzet fastens the shackles around $LL and $AL's wrists, the faint clinking of metal filling the room. Finally, $AO nudges you with $AOhis_her elbow and nods $AOhis_her head for you to follow, chuckling softly. "Come on, let's go. We'll talk later." You stand there for a moment, watching $AOhis_her back as $AOhe_she walks away, feeling a small, warm spark ignite in your chest before you go and join $AOhim_her. [[Continue|112]]

"Is there any place you //don't// hate?" you say, glancing at $LLhim_her with an eyebrow raised. "Because so far, it seems like you always have a problem with the places we're in." $LL gives you a sideways glare, but there's no real bite behind it. "Sorrol, for starters." "Sure." You shrug nonchalantly. "Who doesn't love their home?" $LL lets out a tired sigh, shaking $LLhis_her head. "There are places that don't bother me. But this is definitely not one of them." $LLHis_Her eyes remain fixed on the floor, and the faint frown on $LLhis_her brows deepens, pulling $LLhis_her shoulders down with a new weight. There's a vulnerability on $LLhis_her tone that catches you off guard, and now you can't help but wonder what's really on $LLhis_her mind. But before you can try and ask $LLhim_her about it, $LLhe_she speaks first. "I'm sorry." You blink in confusion. "What for?" "For letting the merfolk capture you," $LLhe_she replies. You chuckle lightly. "It's not like you could have prevented it." $LLHe_She presses $LLhis_her lips together. "I could have tried. We were close when it happened." "Really?" you exclaim in surprise. "Where were you? I'd been looking for you all for a while and didn't see you." "Behind a small ridge. We didn't appear too far from each other, so we found each other relatively easily. We saw those merfolk and thought it would be best to move cautiously. When we spotted you in the distance, we wanted to go after you, but you were just on the other side, near that group. And then, when I saw them taking you…" $LL pauses, clenching $LLhis_her jaw until a low growl escapes $LLhis_her throat. "I don't know, something in me wanted to tear those merfolk apart. $AL and $AO had to stop me before I did something reckless." $LLHe_She lets out a frustrated huff, shaking $LLhis_her head. "And then I go and criticize $AO for something I was about to do myself." The confession makes your heart beat more strongly against your chest. $LL doesn't look at you, but the intensity of $LLhis_her words is enough to leave you breathless. "Wow," you let out with a sigh, a smile tugging at your lips. "I wasn't expecting that." "Yeah. Me neither," $LLhe_she admits quietly. [[Continue|111LL3]]

You chuckle softly, trying to lighten the mood. "Come on, $LL. You're usually the one telling everyone to toughen up. Don't tell me a little waiting room is what breaks the mighty warrior." But despite the playful tone, $LL's expression doesn't shift. $LLHis_Her eyes remain fixed on the floor, and the faint frown on $LLhis_her brows deepens, pulling $LLhis_her shoulders down with a new weight. For a moment, you think $LLhe_she hasn't heard you, but then $LLhe_she whispers, almost to $LLhimself_herself. "Not exactly." The quiet, almost vulnerable tone catches you off guard, and now you can't help but wonder what's really on $LLhis_her mind. But before you can try and ask $LLhim_her about it, $LLhe_she speaks first. "I'm sorry." You blink in confusion. "What for?" "For letting the merfolk capture you," $LLhe_she replies. You chuckle lightly. "It's not like you could have prevented it." $LLHe_She presses $LLhis_her lips together. "I could have tried. We were close when it happened." "Really?" you exclaim in surprise. "Where were you? I'd been looking for you all for a while and didn't see you." "Behind a small ridge. We didn't appear too far from each other, so we found each other relatively easily. We saw those merfolk and thought it would be best to move cautiously. When we spotted you in the distance, we wanted to go after you, but you were just on the other side, near that group. And then, when I saw them taking you…" $LL pauses, clenching $LLhis_her jaw until a low growl escapes $LLhis_her throat. "I don't know, something in me wanted to tear those merfolk apart. $AL and $AO had to stop me before I did something reckless." $LLHe_She lets out a frustrated huff, shaking $LLhis_her head. "And then I go and criticize $AO for something I was about to do myself." The confession makes your heart beat more strongly against your chest. $LL doesn't look at you, but the intensity of $LLhis_her words is enough to leave you breathless. "Wow," you let out with a sigh, a smile tugging at your lips. "I wasn't expecting that." "Yeah. Me neither," $LLhe_she admits quietly. [[Continue|111LL3]]

You lean casually against the wall, glancing at $LLhim_her with a playful smirk on your face. "Want to use me as a training dummy? I know how much you hate breaking your routine, and today you didn't have time for your morning training. I promise to at least try to block one of your punches." Your tone is light and teasing, but there's a genuine offer behind it. $LL quirks an eyebrow, a small amused smile tugging at the corners of $LLhis_her lips. "It would definitely be much more entertaining with you, that's for sure. At least you'd defend yourself." You both chuckle, you more enthusiastically than $LL, but you can definitely count it as a win. Still, the moment passes quickly, and the warrior brings $LLhis_her gaze back to the floor. The faint frown $LLhe_she had before returns and deepens, pulling $LLhis_her shoulders down with a new weight. There's a vulnerability in $LLhis_her expression that catches you off guard, and now you can't help but wonder what's really on $LLhis_her mind. But before you can try and ask $LLhim_her about it, $LLhe_she speaks first. "I'm sorry." You blink in confusion. "What for?" "For letting the merfolk capture you," $LLhe_she replies. You chuckle lightly. "It's not like you could have prevented it." $LLHe_She presses $LLhis_her lips together. "I could have tried. We were close when it happened." "Really?" you exclaim in surprise. "Where were you? I'd been looking for you all for a while and didn't see you." "Behind a small ridge. We didn't appear too far from each other, so we found each other relatively easily. We saw those merfolk and thought it would be best to move cautiously. When we spotted you in the distance, we wanted to go after you, but you were just on the other side, near that group. And then, when I saw them taking you…" $LL pauses, clenching $LLhis_her jaw until a low growl escapes $LLhis_her throat. "I don't know, something in me wanted to tear those merfolk apart. $AL and $AO had to stop me before I did something reckless." $LLHe_She lets out a frustrated huff, shaking $LLhis_her head. "And then I go and criticize $AO for something I was about to do myself." The confession makes your heart beat more strongly against your chest. $LL doesn't look at you, but the intensity of $LLhis_her words is enough to leave you breathless. "Wow," you let out with a sigh, a smile tugging at your lips. "I wasn't expecting that." "Yeah. Me neither," $LLhe_she admits quietly. [[Continue|111LL3]]

"I get it," you reply with a thoughtful nod. Your voice softens as you watch $LLhim_her, your eye lingering on the tension in $LLhis_her frame. "Being here, trapped… it's like being back in the cell." $LL doesn't respond immediately, but $LLhis_her eyes flick towards you, a hint of understanding in them. $LLHe_She shifts slightly as $LLhe_she exhales. "Yeah. Exactly like that." "I've felt it too. We're just waiting for things to start, and it makes it worse." You pause for a moment to turn towards $LLhim_her and offer a comforting smile. "But you know, we're not alone in this. We'll get through it together." For the first time since you approached, $LL's shoulders seem to relax, if only for a moment. Then $LLhe_she brings $LLhis_her gaze back to the floor, and the faint frown $LLhe_she had before returns, pulling $LLhis_her shoulders down with a new weight. "Thank you," $LLhe_she ends up replying. The quiet, almost vulnerable tone catches you off guard, and now you can't help but wonder what's really on $LLhis_her mind. But before you can try and ask $LLhim_her about it, $LLhe_she speaks first. "I'm sorry." You blink in confusion. "What for?" "For letting the merfolk capture you," $LLhe_she replies. You chuckle lightly. "It's not like you could have prevented it." $LLHe_She presses $LLhis_her lips together. "I could have tried. We were close when it happened." "Really?" you exclaim in surprise. "Where were you? I'd been looking for you all for a while and didn't see you." "Behind a small ridge. We didn't appear too far from each other, so we found each other relatively easily. We saw those merfolk and thought it would be best to move cautiously. When we spotted you in the distance, we wanted to go after you, but you were just on the other side, near that group. And then, when I saw them taking you…" $LL pauses, clenching $LLhis_her jaw until a low growl escapes $LLhis_her throat. "I don't know, something in me wanted to tear those merfolk apart. $AL and $AO had to stop me before I did something reckless." $LLHe_She lets out a frustrated huff, shaking $LLhis_her head. "And then I go and criticize $AO for something I was about to do myself." The confession makes your heart beat more strongly against your chest. $LL doesn't look at you, but the intensity of $LLhis_her words is enough to leave you breathless. "Wow," you let out with a sigh, a smile tugging at your lips. "I wasn't expecting that." "Yeah. Me neither," $LLhe_she admits quietly. [[Continue|111LL3]]

"I'm sure you would've done the same for any of us." <<if $feelingsLL is true>>You don't know why you're trying to downplay what $LLhe_she said. Maybe it's nerves, or maybe because you don't want reality to shatter the fragile connection you feel in this moment. You prefer to think, if only for an instant, that $LLhis_her outburst meant something more. That there was something more behind that fury. And you want that thought to last a little longer. But then you realize $LL has gone quiet. $LLHis_Her frown deepens, and in $LLhis_her gaze, there's a hint of reflection, something you've seen before that fills you with a strange sense of hope. When $LLhe_she finally raises $LLhis_her head and $LLhis_her green eyes meet yours, your pulse quickens. <<else>>You don't know why you're trying to downplay what $LLhe_she said. Maybe it's nerves, or maybe because you don't want reality to shatter the fragile connection you feel in this moment. For an instant, you think $LLhis_her outburst meant something more. And you catch yourself wanting that thought to last, even if only a little longer. But then you notice $LL has gone silent. $LLHis_Her frown deepens, and in $LLhis_her gaze, there's a kind of reflection, something you hadn't seen before. When $LLhe_she finally lifts $LLhis_her head and $LLhis_her green eyes meet yours, your pulse quickens. <</if>>"I'm not so sure," $LLhe_she finally murmurs, $LLhis_her voice barely a whisper, almost as if $LLhe_she's saying it to $LLhimself_herself. Your heart urges you to move closer, but your body doesn't respond. You remain still, admiring the vast sea reflected in $LLhis_her eyes and wishing you could understand what $LLhe_she's thinking. $LL parts $LLhis_her lips, but when no words come out, $LLhe_she closes them and averts $LLhis_her gaze. You wet your dry lips and find your voice. "$LL-" But before you can say more, $LLhe_she pushes off the wall, turning fully toward you. There's a spark in $LLhis_her gaze, a mix of determination and uncertainty that freezes you in place. "$name-" Whatever you were going to say to each other is interrupted by the metallic sound of the door opening. Nauzet steps into the room, making chains and shackles appear with a simple gesture of his hand. His expression is serious as he raises the metal in front of you. "The trial is ready." $LL watches him for a few seconds, letting $LLhis_her usual mask of seriousness settle back onto $LLhis_her face. You force your body to move, gently placing a hand on $LLhis_her arm. "What were you going to say?" The warrior looks from you to Nauzet, who is already putting the shackles on $AO and $AL. $LLHe_She glances at you one last time before pulling away. "Nothing." You watch $LLhim_her move toward the rest of your companions, heart clenched tight. Just as you expected, disappointment followed in the end. [[Continue|112]]

"We knew it wasn't going to be easy," you begin, letting out a small sigh. "but I didn't expect the whole merfolk species to mistake us for demons and attack us." "Yeah… that was a setback none of us saw coming," $AL mumbles, $ALhis_her voice a bit distant now. "Do you think the same thing would have happened if it was the other way around?" You blink, turning to $ALhim_her. "If merfolks would have come to Thaon, you mean?" $ALHe_She nods. "Yeah." The question lingers in the air between you, heavier than you expected. You purse your lips as you consider it for a moment. "I don't know. People tend to reject what they don't understand, and with demons lurking around…" You pause, a thoughtful hum escaping you. "No, I don't think we would have done differently. Human nature. Or rather, mortal nature, I suppose" $AL's expression falls. "It's sad, isn't it? How quick we are to turn against each other over something that could've been a misunderstanding when we should be helping each other." You offer a small, wry smile. "I wouldn't call this mistake 'simple.' It's easier for us to see the whole truth now, but it doesn't change how things escalated." $AL frowns slightly, $ALhis_her voice quieter. "I… guess so." You notice the shift in $ALhis_her tone and turn away from the city to face $ALhim_her fully. "Hey, you sound a bit down." Your voice softens as you study $ALhis_her expression. "How are //you// holding up? Nervous about the trial?" $ALHis_Her eyes flicker with something, hesitation, perhaps. It's rare to see $ALhim_her this subdued, and it makes you realize that the weight of everything is pressing on $ALhim_her more than $ALhe_she lets on. "A little bit, yeah…" $ALhe_she replies, slightly curling on $ALhimself_herself. "But that's not the only reason, if I'm being honest." "What's bothering you?" you ask, your tone gentle. "It's just…" $AL searches for the right words. It takes $ALhim_her a moment, but you wait patiently until $ALhe_she finds them. "This mission is very important. We were chosen by the gods. And, in a way, I understand why Abora would entrust a task like this to someone like you, or my $LLbrother_sister, and even $AO. But me?" $ALHis_Her frown deepens, and $ALhis_her voice starts to tremble. "I... I don't think I'm up to something like this." "$AL…" Your expression softens, and you place a hand on $ALhis_her arm. "$AL, but you are so great. You can handle this and much more." $ALHe_She sighs, but doesn't quite meet your gaze. "I don't know... The truth is that I'm afraid of disappointing the Creator," $ALhe_she admits. "I mean, look at us now. We've barely started, and we've already caused trouble." * [[You're not alone in this. We've got your back|111AL3a]] * [[Hey, if I can handle it, who says you can't?|111AL3b]] * [[There's no point in questioning it|111AL3c]] * [[We'll handle it one step at a time|111AL3d]] * [["Quit moping, " + $AL|111AL3e]]

"I'm fine, don't worry," you reply with a nonchalant wave of your hand. "Sure, the plan has taken a bit of a rough turn, but it's nothing that $RG and $RGhis_her brother can't solve." "That's good," $ALhe_she replies with a little smile. But then $ALhe_she lowers $ALhis_her gaze, $ALhis_her voice sounding a bit distant all of a sudden. "Though I wish I could be so sure as you are about the situation. Do you think the same thing would have happened if it was the other way around?" You blink, turning to $ALhim_her. "What do you mean?" "If merfolk came to Thaon," $ALhe_she clarifies, $ALhis_her eyes filled with uncertainty. "Do you think we would've acted just as aggressively?" The question lingers in the air between you, heavier than you expected. You purse your lips as you consider it for a moment. "I don't know. People tend to reject what they don't understand, and with demons lurking around…" You pause, a thoughtful hum escaping you. "No, I don't think we would have done differently. Human nature. Or rather, mortal nature, I suppose" $AL's expression falls. "It's sad, isn't it? How quick we are to turn against each other over something that could've been a misunderstanding when we should be helping each other." You offer a small, wry smile. "I wouldn't call this mistake 'simple.' It's easier for us to see the whole truth now, but it doesn't change how things escalated." $AL frowns slightly, $ALhis_her voice quieter. "I… guess so." You notice the shift in $ALhis_her tone and turn away from the city to face $ALhim_her fully. "Hey, you sound a bit down." Your voice softens as you study $ALhis_her expression. "How are //you// holding up? Nervous about the trial?" $ALHis_Her eyes flicker with something, hesitation, perhaps. It's rare to see $ALhim_her this subdued, and it makes you realize that the weight of everything is pressing on $ALhim_her more than $ALhe_she lets on. "A little bit, yeah…" $ALhe_she replies, slightly curling on $ALhimself_herself. "But that's not the only reason, if I'm being honest." "What's bothering you?" you ask, your tone gentle. "It's just…" $AL searches for the right words. It takes $ALhim_her a moment, but you wait patiently until $ALhe_she finds them. "This mission is very important. We were chosen by the gods. And, in a way, I understand why Abora would entrust a task like this to someone like you, or my $LLbrother_sister, and even $AO. But me?" $ALHis_Her frown deepens, and $ALhis_her voice starts to tremble. "I... I don't think I'm up to something like this." "$AL…" Your expression softens, and you place a hand on $ALhis_her arm. "$AL, but you are so great. You can handle this and much more." $ALHe_She sighs, but doesn't quite meet your gaze. "I don't know... The truth is that I'm afraid of disappointing the Creator," $ALhe_she admits. "I mean, look at us now. We've barely started, and we've already caused trouble." * [[You're not alone in this. We've got your back|111AL3a]] * [[Hey, if I can handle it, who says you can't?|111AL3b]] * [[There's no point in questioning it|111AL3c]] * [[We'll handle it one step at a time|111AL3d]] * [["Quit moping, " + $AL|111AL3e]]

"Honestly? I stopped listening after they mentioned the leviathans," you reply. The mere thought of those massive sea monsters makes a shiver run down your spine. Your mind fills with dark, swirling images of creatures lurking in the depths, their immense forms cutting through the water like shadows. Instinctively, you tug at the collar of your clothes, pulling it higher around your neck, as if the thin fabric could somehow shield you from the dangers of the ocean's abyss. "I just hope we don't run into any… being at the bottom of the ocean is terrifying enough without them," you mumble. "I agree." $AL shudders alongside you. "But somehow, I have a feeling we won't be so lucky." You grimace, glancing at $ALhim_her out of the corner of you eye. "Not helping, $Al_Lavi..." "Sorry." $ALHe_She rubs the back of $ALhis_her neck awkwardly, the moment stretching longer than usual. Then, as $ALhis_her gaze drops, $ALhis_her voice shifts, sounding far more distant. "Do you think the same thing would've happened if it were the other way around?" You blink, turning to $ALhim_her. "What do you mean?" "If merfolk came to Thaon," $ALhe_she clarifies, $ALhis_her eyes filled with uncertainty. "Do you think we would've acted just as aggressively?" The question lingers in the air between you, heavier than you expected. You purse your lips as you consider it for a moment. "I don't know. People tend to reject what they don't understand, and with demons lurking around…" You pause, a thoughtful hum escaping you. "No, I don't think we would have done differently. Human nature. Or rather, mortal nature, I suppose" $AL's expression falls. "It's sad, isn't it? How quick we are to turn against each other over something that could've been a misunderstanding when we should be helping each other." You offer a small, wry smile. "I wouldn't call this mistake 'simple.' It's easier for us to see the whole truth now, but it doesn't change how things escalated." $AL frowns slightly, $ALhis_her voice quieter. "I… guess so." You notice the shift in $ALhis_her tone and turn away from the city to face $ALhim_her fully. "Hey, you sound a bit down." Your voice softens as you study $ALhis_her expression. "How are //you// holding up? Nervous about the trial?" $ALHis_Her eyes flicker with something, hesitation, perhaps. It's rare to see $ALhim_her this subdued, and it makes you realize that the weight of everything is pressing on $ALhim_her more than $ALhe_she lets on. "A little bit, yeah…" $ALhe_she replies, slightly curling on $ALhimself_herself. "But that's not the only reason, if I'm being honest." "What's bothering you?" you ask, your tone gentle. "It's just…" $AL searches for the right words. It takes $ALhim_her a moment, but you wait patiently until $ALhe_she finds them. "This mission is very important. We were chosen by the gods. And, in a way, I understand why Abora would entrust a task like this to someone like you, or my $LLbrother_sister, and even $AO. But me?" $ALHis_Her frown deepens, and $ALhis_her voice starts to tremble. "I... I don't think I'm up to something like this." "$AL…" Your expression softens, and you place a hand on $ALhis_her arm. "$AL, but you are so great. You can handle this and much more." $ALHe_She sighs, but doesn't quite meet your gaze. "I don't know... The truth is that I'm afraid of disappointing the Creator," $ALhe_she admits. "I mean, look at us now. We've barely started, and we've already caused trouble." * [[You're not alone in this. We've got your back|111AL3a]] * [[Hey, if I can handle it, who says you can't?|111AL3b]] * [[There's no point in questioning it|111AL3c]] * [[We'll handle it one step at a time|111AL3d]] * [["Quit moping, " + $AL|111AL3e]]

"I just wish we could go already," you mutter, an impatient groan escaping as you throw your hand into the air, trying to release some of the frustration building inside you. "We're wasting our time here while $BN is out there threatening the world." "I'm sure Lord Nauzet is doing all he can to help us get out as quickly as possible. We should trust him," $AL replies. You let out a long, exasperated sigh, crossing your arms tightly over your chest. "I just don't see the point of this 'trial.' He could use his powers to get us out of here so we can focus on what's important." For a moment, $AL doesn't respond. You catch $ALhim_her out of the corner of your eye, $ALhis_her lips pressed together in thought, $ALhis_her gaze drifting downward. When $ALhe_she finally speaks, $ALhis_her voice is quieter, more distant. "Do you think the same thing would've happened if it were the other way around?" You blink, turning to $ALhim_her. "What do you mean?" "If merfolk came to Thaon," $ALhe_she clarifies, $ALhis_her eyes filled with uncertainty. "Do you think we would've acted just as aggressively?" The question lingers in the air between you, heavier than you expected. You purse your lips as you consider it for a moment. "I don't know. People tend to reject what they don't understand, and with demons lurking around…" You pause, a thoughtful hum escaping you. "No, I don't think we would have done differently. Human nature. Or rather, mortal nature, I suppose" $AL's expression falls. "It's sad, isn't it? How quick we are to turn against each other over something that could've been a misunderstanding when we should be helping each other." You offer a small, wry smile. "I wouldn't call this mistake 'simple.' It's easier for us to see the whole truth now, but it doesn't change how things escalated." $AL frowns slightly, $ALhis_her voice quieter. "I… guess so." You notice the shift in $ALhis_her tone and turn away from the city to face $ALhim_her fully. "Hey, you sound a bit down." Your voice softens as you study $ALhis_her expression. "How are //you// holding up? Nervous about the trial?" $ALHis_Her eyes flicker with something, hesitation, perhaps. It's rare to see $ALhim_her this subdued, and it makes you realize that the weight of everything is pressing on $ALhim_her more than $ALhe_she lets on. "A little bit, yeah…" $ALhe_she replies, slightly curling on $ALhimself_herself. "But that's not the only reason, if I'm being honest." "What's bothering you?" you ask, your tone gentle. "It's just…" $AL searches for the right words. It takes $ALhim_her a moment, but you wait patiently until $ALhe_she finds them. "This mission is very important. We were chosen by the gods. And, in a way, I understand why Abora would entrust a task like this to someone like you, or my $LLbrother_sister, and even $AO. But me?" $ALHis_Her frown deepens, and $ALhis_her voice starts to tremble. "I... I don't think I'm up to something like this." "$AL…" Your expression softens, and you place a hand on $ALhis_her arm. "$AL, but you are so great. You can handle this and much more." $ALHe_She sighs, but doesn't quite meet your gaze. "I don't know... The truth is that I'm afraid of disappointing the Creator," $ALhe_she admits. "I mean, look at us now. We've barely started, and we've already caused trouble." * [[You're not alone in this. We've got your back|111AL3a]] * [[Hey, if I can handle it, who says you can't?|111AL3b]] * [[There's no point in questioning it|111AL3c]] * [[We'll handle it one step at a time|111AL3d]] * [["Quit moping, " + $AL|111AL3e]]

"I've never been good at handling conflict," you admit with a grimace. "And my life is full of them, so I guess you can imagine." $AL lets out a soft, sad chuckle. "You hide it very well." "I'll take that as a compliment," you reply with a wry smile. "It was," the red-haired $ALman_woman says quietly. <<if $feelingsAL is true>>A comfortable silence stretches between you, both of you sitting with your thoughts as the tension from earlier dissipates slightly. You find solace in $AL's quiet presence, a moment where neither of you feels the need to fill the space with words. Yet, after a while, you catch $ALhim_her out of the corner of your eye, $ALhis_her lips pressed together in deep thought, $ALhis_her gaze drifting downward. <<else>>A comfortable silence stretches between you, both of you sitting with your thoughts as the tension from earlier dissipates slightly. You find a strange solace in $AL's quiet presence, a rare moment where neither of you feels the need to fill the space with words. Yet, after a while, you catch $ALhim_her out of the corner of your eye, $ALhis_her lips pressed together in deep thought, $ALhis_her gaze drifting downward. <</if>>When $ALhe_she finally speaks, $ALhis_her voice is quieter, more distant. "Do you think the same thing would've happened if it were the other way around?" You blink, turning to $ALhim_her. "What do you mean?" "If merfolk came to Thaon," $ALhe_she clarifies, $ALhis_her eyes filled with uncertainty. "Do you think we would've acted just as aggressively?" The question lingers in the air between you, heavier than you expected. You purse your lips as you consider it for a moment. "I don't know. People tend to reject what they don't understand, and with demons lurking around…" You pause, a thoughtful hum escaping you. "No, I don't think we would have done differently. Human nature. Or rather, mortal nature, I suppose" $AL's expression falls. "It's sad, isn't it? How quick we are to turn against each other over something that could've been a misunderstanding when we should be helping each other." You offer a small, wry smile. "I wouldn't call this mistake 'simple.' It's easier for us to see the whole truth now, but it doesn't change how things escalated." $AL frowns slightly, $ALhis_her voice quieter. "I… guess so." You notice the shift in $ALhis_her tone and turn away from the city to face $ALhim_her fully. "Hey, you sound a bit down." Your voice softens as you study $ALhis_her expression. "How are //you// holding up? Nervous about the trial?" $ALHis_Her eyes flicker with something, hesitation, perhaps. It's rare to see $ALhim_her this subdued, and it makes you realize that the weight of everything is pressing on $ALhim_her more than $ALhe_she lets on. "A little bit, yeah…" $ALhe_she replies, slightly curling on $ALhimself_herself. "But that's not the only reason, if I'm being honest." "What's bothering you?" you ask, your tone gentle. "It's just…" $AL searches for the right words. It takes $ALhim_her a moment, but you wait patiently until $ALhe_she finds them. "This mission is very important. We were chosen by the gods. And, in a way, I understand why Abora would entrust a task like this to someone like you, or my $LLbrother_sister, and even $AO. But me?" $ALHis_Her frown deepens, and $ALhis_her voice starts to tremble. "I... I don't think I'm up to something like this." "$AL…" Your expression softens, and you place a hand on $ALhis_her arm. "$AL, but you are so great. You can handle this and much more." $ALHe_She sighs, but doesn't quite meet your gaze. "I don't know... The truth is that I'm afraid of disappointing the Creator," $ALhe_she admits. "I mean, look at us now. We've barely started, and we've already caused trouble." * [[You're not alone in this. We've got your back|111AL3a]] * [[Hey, if I can handle it, who says you can't?|111AL3b]] * [[There's no point in questioning it|111AL3c]] * [[We'll handle it one step at a time|111AL3d]] * [["Quit moping, " + $AL|111AL3e]]

"Hey, I understand why you feel like this. It's a lot to take on." You move your hands on $ALhis_her shoulders, offering $ALhim_her a warm, encouraging smile. "But you're not in this alone. Abora chose us //together//, $AL. Lean on us. We've got your back." Your hands slowly slide down $ALhis_her arms in a gentle caress, and with that simple touch, a wave of warmth floods through you. The bond between you deepens in that brief moment, solidifying something unspoken. "//I've// got your back, and we'll get through this," you continue, your voice dropping to almost a whisper, yet filled with unwavering conviction. You've always believed in $ALhim_her, and now is no different. $AL's gaze lingers on yours, uncertainty flickering in $ALhis_her eyes, but slowly, a hint of relief begins to seep in, and $ALhe_she releases the breath $ALhe_she apparently was holding. It's as if your words and touch are unravelling the knots of doubt $ALhe_she's been carrying. "Thank you," $ALhe_she murmurs, $ALhis_her voice barely above a whisper. You notice the subtle shift in $ALhis_her eyes, a tinge of blue reflecting the gentle light from outside, and your heart swells with a captivation stronger than you ever thought possible. "We're a team you and I, remember? No matter how daunting things get, we'll face them together," you say, your hands still resting on $ALhis_her arms. "You're stronger than you realise." "I'll try to remember that," $ALhe_she replies, a small smile breaking through the sadness in $ALhis_her features, and the sight makes your pulse race. "Good," you reply with a smile of your own. "Now, let's focus on getting through this trial. We'll figure out a way to stop $BN." "Together?" $ALhe_she asks, the smile widening the same way yours is. "Always," you whisper, a quiet promise woven into your words. $AL opens $ALhis_her mouth, about to say something more, and you hold your breath in anticipation. But before the words can escape $ALhis_her lips, the door creaks open and shatters the delicate moment. Nauzet enters the room, making chains and shackles appear with a simple gesture of his hand. His expression is serious as he raises the metal in front of you. "The trial is ready." You catch $AL's gaze, and the two of you share a quiet smile. With a soft nudge, you extend your hand toward $ALhim_her, watching as surprise flickers across $ALhis_her face. $ALHe_She hesitates for a moment, before seeing the encouragement in your eyes. Slowly, Then, $AL's smile widens, a touch of warmth reaching $ALhis_her eyes, and takes your hand. Together, you step forward to join your companions, the shared connection between you lending a quiet strength as you prepare for whatever comes next. [[Continue|112]]

"You? Not cut for this? Come on, $AL. You're the one who always pulls us out of messes with that clever head of yours," you say, a playful smile on your face as you gently poke $ALhis_her forehead. "Besides, if //I// can handle this, I'm pretty sure you'll manage just fine." "You think so?" $AL asks, still uncertain. "Of course I do!" you exclaim in reply. "If not for you, $AO would have already broken several public nuisance laws. Your $LLbrother_sister would have punched anyone who looked at $LLhim_her the wrong way and sent us to prison more than once. And $RG? $RGHe_She may be a $RGgod_goddess, but we're talking about someone who, before meeting us, thought that using a doorbell was an aggressive form of summoning." $AL chuckles. "Yeah… that's true." "And I… Well, let's just say I don't have the best record of staying out of trouble either," you continue. "See? This group needs someone like you to avoid us getting killed." $AL's gaze lingers on yours, uncertainty flickering in $ALhis_her eyes, but slowly, a hint of relief begins to seep in, and $ALhe_she releases the breath $ALhe_she apparently was holding. "Thank you," $ALhe_she murmurs, $ALhis_her voice barely above a whisper. You notice the subtle shift in $ALhis_her eyes, a tinge of blue reflecting the gentle light from outside, and your heart swells with a captivation stronger than you ever thought possible. "We're a team you and I, remember? No matter how daunting things get, we'll face them together," you say, resting your hands on $ALhis_her arms. "You're stronger than you realise." "I'll try to remember that," $ALhe_she replies, a small smile breaking through the sadness in $ALhis_her features, and the sight makes your pulse race. "Good," you reply as your hands slide down in a gentle caress. "Now, let's focus on getting through this trial. We'll figure out a way to stop $BN." "Together?" $ALhe_she asks, the smile widening the same way yours is. "Always," you whisper, a quiet promise woven into your words. $AL opens $ALhis_her mouth, about to say something more, and you hold your breath in anticipation. But before the words can escape $ALhis_her lips, the door creaks open and shatters the delicate moment. Nauzet enters the room, making chains and shackles appear with a simple gesture of his hand. His expression is serious as he raises the metal in front of you. "The trial is ready." You catch $AL's gaze, and the two of you share a quiet smile. With a soft nudge, you extend your hand toward $ALhim_her, watching as surprise flickers across $ALhis_her face. $ALHe_She hesitates for a moment, before seeing the encouragement in your eyes. Slowly, Then, $AL's smile widens, a touch of warmth reaching $ALhis_her eyes, and takes your hand. Together, you step forward to join your companions, the shared connection between you lending a quiet strength as you prepare for whatever comes next. [[Continue|112]]

"We're here now, whether we feel ready or not. There's no point in questioning it. We just do what needs to be done," you say, your voice steady and stoic. $AL exhales softly, $ALhis_her shoulders slumping ever so slightly. "You make it sound so easy." A listless chuckle escapes you. "Not easy, but Abora knew what she was doing. She wouldn't have chosen us if she thought we couldn't handle it." You place your hands on $ALhis_her shoulders, the touch travelling down in a gentle caress. "Don't question your worth, $AL. The gods aren't." $AL's gaze lingers on yours, uncertainty flickering in $ALhis_her eyes, but slowly, a hint of relief begins to seep in, and $ALhe_she releases the breath $ALhe_she apparently was holding. "Thank you," $ALhe_she murmurs, $ALhis_her voice barely above a whisper. You notice the subtle shift in $ALhis_her eyes, a tinge of blue reflecting the gentle light from outside, and your heart swells with a captivation stronger than you ever thought possible. "We're a team you and I, remember? No matter how daunting things get, we'll face them together," you say, your hands still resting on $ALhis_her arms. "You're stronger than you realise." "I'll try to remember that," $ALhe_she replies, a small smile breaking through the sadness in $ALhis_her features, and the sight makes your pulse race. "Good," you reply with a smile of your own. "Now, let's focus on getting through this trial. We'll figure out a way to stop $BN." "Together?" $ALhe_she asks, the smile widening the same way yours is. "Always," you whisper, a quiet promise woven into your words. $AL opens $ALhis_her mouth, about to say something more, and you hold your breath in anticipation. But before the words can escape $ALhis_her lips, the door creaks open and shatters the delicate moment. Nauzet enters the room, making chains and shackles appear with a simple gesture of his hand. His expression is serious as he raises the metal in front of you. "The trial is ready." You catch $AL's gaze, and the two of you share a quiet smile. With a soft nudge, you extend your hand toward $ALhim_her, watching as surprise flickers across $ALhis_her face. $ALHe_She hesitates for a moment, before seeing the encouragement in your eyes. Slowly, Then, $AL's smile widens, a touch of warmth reaching $ALhis_her eyes, and takes your hand. Together, you step forward to join your companions, the shared connection between you lending a quiet strength as you prepare for whatever comes next. [[Continue|112]]

"Abora didn't expect us to solve everything overnight, $AL," you reply, your voice gentle but reassuring. You gesture toward the sprawling city underwater. "All of this… it's bigger than any of us, but we'll take it one challenge at a time." Your gaze returns to $ALhim_her, your lips curving into a smile. "We'll figure it out together, just like we always have." $AL nods slowly, though you can still see the lingering traces of doubt in $ALhis_her eyes. "I just... I don't want to let anyone down." "And you won't," you say firmly, your tone leaving no room for uncertainty. "I know you think you're not up to it, but even Abora has realized what I already knew." Your hands move to $ALhis_her shoulders, the touch warm and grounding, before sliding down $ALhis_her arms in a slow, comforting caress. "You don't realize how incredible you are, do you? But one day you'll see it… and I'll be here when you do." Your voice lowers, almost a whisper, as you hold $ALhis_her gaze. $AL's eyes lingers on yours, uncertainty flickering in $ALhis_her eyes, but slowly, a hint of relief begins to seep in, and $ALhe_she releases the breath $ALhe_she apparently was holding. "Thank you," $ALhe_she murmurs, $ALhis_her voice barely above a whisper. You notice the subtle shift in $ALhis_her eyes, a tinge of blue reflecting the gentle light from outside, and your heart swells with a captivation stronger than you ever thought possible. "We're a team you and I, remember? No matter how daunting things get, we'll face them together," you say, your hands still resting on $ALhis_her arms. "You're stronger than you realise." "I'll try to remember that," $ALhe_she replies, a small smile breaking through the sadness in $ALhis_her features, and the sight makes your pulse race. "Good," you reply with a smile of your own. "Now, let's focus on getting through this trial. We'll figure out a way to stop $BN." "Together?" $ALhe_she asks, the smile widening the same way yours is. "Always," you whisper, a quiet promise woven into your words. $AL opens $ALhis_her mouth, about to say something more, and you hold your breath in anticipation. But before the words can escape $ALhis_her lips, the door creaks open and shatters the delicate moment. Nauzet enters the room, making chains and shackles appear with a simple gesture of his hand. His expression is serious as he raises the metal in front of you. "The trial is ready." You catch $AL's gaze, and the two of you share a quiet smile. With a soft nudge, you extend your hand toward $ALhim_her, watching as surprise flickers across $ALhis_her face. $ALHe_She hesitates for a moment, before seeing the encouragement in your eyes. Slowly, Then, $AL's smile widens, a touch of warmth reaching $ALhis_her eyes, and takes your hand. Together, you step forward to join your companions, the shared connection between you lending a quiet strength as you prepare for whatever comes next. [[Continue|112]]

"$AL, stop. You can't keep doubting yourself every time things get hard. You've already proven yourself, so start believing you can do this, because //I// do. And so does Abora. So quit moping, it does no good." $AL flinches slightly at your bluntness, $ALhis_her eyes widening in surprise. $ALHis_Her lips press together as $ALhe_she looks away, taking a moment to let your words sink in. "You really think so?" $ALhe_she hesitantly asks after a few seconds. "Have I given you a reason to believe otherwise?" you counter. $AL smiles sheepishly, $ALhis_her doubt loosening its grip just a little. "I guess not." "Listen," you start, your voice lowering to a more gentle tone. "I know you think you're not up to it, but even Abora has realized what I already knew." Your hands move to $ALhis_her shoulders, the touch warm and grounding, before sliding down $ALhis_her arms in a slow, comforting caress. "You don't realize how incredible you are, do you? But one day you'll see it… and I'll be here when you do." Your voice lowers, almost a whisper, as you hold $ALhis_her gaze. $AL's eyes lingers on yours, uncertainty flickering in $ALhis_her eyes, but slowly, a hint of relief begins to seep in, and $ALhe_she releases the breath $ALhe_she apparently was holding. "Thank you," $ALhe_she murmurs, $ALhis_her voice barely above a whisper. You notice the subtle shift in $ALhis_her eyes, a tinge of blue reflecting the gentle light from outside, and your heart swells with a captivation stronger than you ever thought possible. "We're a team you and I, remember? No matter how daunting things get, we'll face them together," you say, your hands still resting on $ALhis_her arms. "You're stronger than you realise." "I'll try to remember that," $ALhe_she replies, a small smile breaking through the sadness in $ALhis_her features, and the sight makes your pulse race. "Good," you reply with a smile of your own. "Now, let's focus on getting through this trial. We'll figure out a way to stop $BN." "Together?" $ALhe_she asks, the smile widening the same way yours is. "Always," you whisper, a quiet promise woven into your words. $AL opens $ALhis_her mouth, about to say something more, and you hold your breath in anticipation. But before the words can escape $ALhis_her lips, the door creaks open and shatters the delicate moment. Nauzet enters the room, making chains and shackles appear with a simple gesture of his hand. His expression is serious as he raises the metal in front of you. "The trial is ready." You catch $AL's gaze, and the two of you share a quiet smile. With a soft nudge, you extend your hand toward $ALhim_her, watching as surprise flickers across $ALhis_her face. $ALHe_She hesitates for a moment, before seeing the encouragement in your eyes. Slowly, Then, $AL's smile widens, a touch of warmth reaching $ALhis_her eyes, and takes your hand. Together, you step forward to join your companions, the shared connection between you lending a quiet strength as you prepare for whatever comes next. [[Continue|112]]

The hinges give way with a creak, and the sound of the argument grows louder as the door opens. However, the uproar only lasts a few seconds. You barely take a step forward when all eyes in the room fix on you. The sudden silence is accompanied by tense faces and looks full of distrust and hatred that send a chill down your spine. //"Good thing looks can't kill..."// you think, swallowing hard under the scrutiny of the ocean's inhabitants. Nauzet advances without a hint of reaction, his posture calm as if everything around him didn't matter. The contained chaos doesn't seem to affect him in the slightest, and his firm demeanour imposes a forced calm on the room. He gives a slight tug on the chains binding you, and his silent gesture compels you to follow. About fifty merfolk on each side form a corridor leading to the back, where the space opens up slightly to make room for an altar made of three elongated rocks, stacked irregularly but majestically. Atop it, two mermen and one mermaid, relatively older than the rest, stand with auras of unbreakable authority, leaving an empty space to their right for an absent fourth. None of the three say anything as they study you with an almost tangible intensity. Not until Nauzet leaves you before them and steps up onto the altar, staying one step below the three figures, with a demeanour equally, or even more, imposing than theirs. [[Continue|114]]

It is then that the eldest finally raises his voice, his silver hair reflecting the bluish light that filters through the gaps in the ceiling. "You insisted a great deal on holding this trial so soon, Nauzet. Should we assume you've extracted the information we sought from these…" His light eyes settle on you, a clear disdain shining through despite the neutrality of his expression. "...creatures?" "What are we waiting for? Execute them already!" shouts one of the merfolk behind you. More voices rise in agreement with the first. The air in the room grows dense, thick with hatred and mistrust. The echo of those clamouring for blood resonates against the walls, a growing roar that envelops you and makes you instinctively tense your shoulders. You glance at your companions, feeling the fear and doubts stirred by being the centre of so much rejection. Yet, $RG remains unmoved, and it's $RGhis_her unbreakable calm that allows you to relax, if only slightly. //"Everything will be fine,"// you tell yourself over and over, taking a couple of deep breaths. "I don't know," you hear another voice murmur behind you. "They do look strange, but beyond that, they don't look like demons." "Could they be outsiders from other waters?" suggests another. "They have no scales, no gills. How can they even breathe?" "Because they're demons! It's obvious! What other explanation is there?" You feel the eyes of several merfolk on the back of your neck, scrutinizing every detail of your body. You shiver when a nearby voice comments, "I heard that one was found near Seaweed Forest. //Alone.// That can't be a coincidence." "What? That's impossible!" "That must be the creature Bron spoke of! The one who hypnotized his squad." "And kidnapped Soza!" "And where the hell has that tadpole gone? He should be here to identify them." [[Continue|115]]

<<if $RGLove is true>>The atmosphere becomes unbearably oppressive. Accusations, rumours, malicious assumptions. Everything seems on the verge of exploding. Your nerves are about to snap, but then you feel $RG subtly move closer to you. The $RGgod_goddess stays one step behind, like a shield protecting you from the murderous stares of the merfolk. You feel a trace of magic connecting $RGhis_her hand to yours. "Calm down." $RGHis_Her voice, soft and low, mixed with the sensation of $RGhis_her energy intertwining with your fingers, is a soothing balm that calms your racing heart. You turn just enough to give $RGhim_her a grateful look, and $RGhe_she responds with a subtle smile that fills your chest with a different kind of feeling. Suddenly, the firm strike of a trident against the floor resounds through the room like thunder, claiming your attention and silencing the chaotic voices. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>The atmosphere becomes unbearably oppressive. Accusations, rumours, malicious assumptions. Everything seems on the verge of exploding. Your nerves are about to snap, and you instinctively look to your side. Your gaze meets $AL's, $ALhis_her emerald eyes reflecting the same insecurity as yours. Without thinking, you offer $ALhim_her your chained hand again, and $ALhe_she accepts it with a slight, encouraging smile, despite $ALhis_her concern. You return it, giving $ALhis_her hand a small squeeze of gratitude. The touch helps you relax, filling your chest with a different kind of feeling. And by the way $ALhis_her face lights up, you'd say it has the same effect on $ALhim_her. Suddenly, the firm strike of a trident against the floor resounds through the room like thunder that startles you both, claiming your attention and silencing the chaotic voices. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>The atmosphere becomes unbearably oppressive. Accusations, rumours, malicious assumptions. Everything seems on the verge of exploding. Your nerves are about to snap, and you instinctively look to your side. Your gaze focuses on $LL, who glances back at the merfolk behind you with tense shoulders. $LLHe_She then moves closer until $LLhis_her arm brushes against yours in a gesture you're not sure is intentional or not, but it manages to calm your agitation. Your heart is still racing, but now it's due to a different kind of feeling. You lean slightly toward $LLhim_her. "Don't worry, $LL. We'll be out of here soon." Your voice is a soft whisper, but it still makes the warrior jump unexpectedly. When $LLhe_she turns and realizes it's you, $LLhis_her shoulders relax a bit. "Let's just get this over with," $LLhe_she mutters in a low growl. Suddenly, the firm strike of a trident against the floor resounds through the room like thunder that startles you both, claiming your attention and silencing the chaotic voices. <<elseif $AOLove is true>>The atmosphere becomes unbearably oppressive. Accusations, rumours, malicious assumptions. Everything seems on the verge of exploding. Your nerves are about to snap, but then $AO leans toward you in a gesture that's far too relaxed for the situation you're in. "Ah, feels like home," $AOhe_she says with a nostalgic sigh. "With more scales and less sun, but the resemblance is uncanny." You raise an eyebrow. "How can you joke at a time like this?" $AO flashes you a smile. "It's either that or cry. And with all this water around, I'd rather not contribute." Despite yourself, you let out a small laugh. The situation may be tense, but the doctor's jokes manage to ease the rapid beat of your heart. Your nerves quickly dissipate, replaced by a different feeling as $AO shares your laughter. Suddenly, the firm strike of a trident against the floor resounds through the room like thunder, claiming your attention and silencing the chaotic voices. <<else>>The atmosphere becomes unbearably oppressive. Accusations, rumours, malicious assumptions. Everything seems on the verge of exploding. Your nerves are about to snap when, suddenly, the firm strike of a trident against the floor resounds through the room like thunder, silencing the chaotic voices. <</if>>"Silence." The voice of another leader, with long black hair braided with small shells and coral fragments, is low but powerful. Everyone, even the most enraged, falls completely silent, their gazes now fixed on the three elder merfolk on the altar. "Let us hear what our guru has to say." The silver-haired leader locks his eyes on Nauzet. "Explain yourself. What have you discovered about these beings?" "In truth, my esteemed ones, the purpose of this gathering is different," the merman god replies with a slight bow. A murmur of confusion ripples through the room, but Nauzet continues, raising his hand in a calming gesture. "Forgive the secrecy, but what I have to reveal is of great importance and must be heard by all. I have acted in the shadows for far too long, and now it's time for everything to come to light." The third leader tilts his head, granting Nauzet permission to continue. "Please." Nauzet offers another bow before standing tall. Then his powerful voice echoes through the hall. "This gathering is no trial, but an opportunity to share my latest findings." He turns toward you and your group, raising his arm slightly. "These people are not the monsters they appear to be." "Nonsense!" suddenly exclaims a merfolk from the crowd. "One look at them tells us exactly what they are!" "Shut up," says another angrily. "How dare you interrupt our guru?" The murmurs of the ocean's inhabitants resume, some hostile, others more open to hearing your defence. Nauzet is undeterred by any of them. You hear Enid release a slight, resigned sigh, to which $RG responds with a faint, amused smile that $RGhe_she tries to suppress. They seem to be sharing a silent conversation only they understand. Enid rolls her eyes, and $RG lets out an almost imperceptible chuckle. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>//"I wish I were a god so I could be that unconcerned,"// you think, arching your back to relieve the discomfort of the situation. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>//"I wish I were a goddess so I could be that unconcerned,"// you think, arching your back to relieve the discomfort of the situation. <<else>>//"I wish I were a celestial so I could be that unconcerned,"// you think, arching your back to relieve the discomfort of the situation. <</if>>The dark-haired leader strikes the floor with her trident once more. "Enough!" [[Continue|116]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "mischief" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ However, it isn't the deep voice of the merfolk leader that finally quiets the crowd, but the door to the hall opening. Another merfolk, much younger and with fine features, enters amid the heated discussion, freezing the moment all eyes turn to him. "Oh, um… excuse me for being so late, I, uh…" The silver-haired leader shakes his head gently. "No need to worry, Bron. Your arrival at this moment is most helpful." He gestures with his hand. "Come forward, son." The young merfolk, Bron, bows, his movements nervous. "At once, Elder Kalmeet." Bron advances down the aisle toward the altar, murmuring apologies to everyone he passes. When he reaches your side, he lifts his hands, keeping them close to his body as he moves around you, taking care not to touch you, as if even a brush might scorch his scales. The poor man trips on a loose stone but manages not to fall. You watch his awkwardness with a raised eyebrow as he reaches Nauzet, who helps him up onto the platform by grabbing his arm. "Sorry, I'm here now," he says with a sheepish smile. The long, dark-haired mermaid leader exhales a soft sigh of frustration, her shoulders drooping as she massages her temple. Meanwhile, the third leader, also with dark hair but cut shorter, tries not to roll his eyes. Kalmeet offers a somewhat strained but patient smile. "Bron, you saw the creature that took members of your patrol," he begins. The young merfolk's face darkens instantly, but the elder continues, turning toward you and your group with a harder expression. "Is one of these the being who kidnapped them?" Bron blinks a few times, as if still processing the question. After a few seconds, he fixes his gaze on you, examining each of you closely from head to toe. "N-no," he stammers, shaking his head. "No, the one I saw was much bigger. And its skin was more blue. It's none of these, my esteemed ones." Once again, confused murmurs echo through the hall. At least, this time, no one is calling for blood. Nauzet steps forward. "If I may, my esteemed ones. This is what I wished to tell you." [[Continue|117]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dimBar" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ $RG's brother extends his arm toward you, his palm open. A ray of magic shoots out from it, wrapping your group in a glowing dome. A mix of stifled gasps echo among the audience. You don't feel anything extraordinary, but you do see your companions' appearances shift slightly. Scales appear on their skin, and their clothing adapts to resemble that of the merfolk, with sarongs and loose shirts draping like fine sheets to cover their torsos. Your appearance changes along with theirs. You run a hand over your arms, feeling the semi-rough, slippery texture of your new scaly skin, as well as the delicate membrane between your fingers. "What is the meaning of this, Nauzet?" the dark-haired leader asks in astonishment. "As I was saying, and as you can see, Elder Yanzi, these merfolk are not the demons responsible for the disappearances, as Bron is well aware," Nauzet responds calmly, bringing his free hand to his back and puffing out his chest confidently. "They are a group from distant waters whom I rescued before they fell to the wrath of a stranded leviathan." "Distant waters?" the third leader says, frowning in confusion. "Which waters are we talking about?" "They come from beyond the Void," Nauzet answers. The leaders' eyes widen, and the murmurs behind you intensify. "From beyond the Void? Impossible!" someone exclaims. "How could they have crossed the darkness of the Void and Seaweed Forest?" "Incredible… Could it be true?" "They are here and look like our own. Everything points to it being so. Our guru wouldn't lie to us about something like this." Amid the debate, $AO leans toward you, speaking quietly so only your group can hear. "What the hell is this void they're talking about?" $LL frowns, replying in the same tone, "Doesn't the name give you a hint?" You glance at the audience, pursing your lips at their confused, some even fearful, expressions. "Whatever it is, it doesn't seem like a pleasant place." [[Continue|118]]

Elder Yanzi's gaze settles on you. A visible trace of caution lingers in her green eyes. "I would never dare to doubt our guru's word," she says, choosing her words carefully. "However, I cannot imagine how anyone could cross not only Seaweed Forest but also survive the darkness of the Void. Tell us, neighbours of the sea, how did you manage such feat?" Of course, they were going to ask something like that. What are you supposed to tell them now? You exchange a look with your companions, searching for the answer in their equally lost expressions. And, in part, praying that you won't be the one who has to respond. Suddenly, a headache hits you hard enough to make you wince slightly. Nauzet's voice booms in your mind a second later. //"Tell them that others didn't make it."// Your gaze immediately travels to $RG's brother, who observes you with a neutral expression. //"Don't hesitate and do as I say, human. Say that part of your clan sacrificed themselves so you could seek help."// Okay, one problem down. Now you just have to figure out how to deliver it convincingly so they won't think you're mocking them. * [[Stick to Nauzet's instructions and say, 'Many sacrificed themselves for us.'|119a]] * [[Force the words out. 'We… weren't alone when we left.'|119b]] * [[Maintain a neutral expression. 'Survival comes with a price.'|119c]] * [[Frown. 'We lost everything and suffered enough. Let us go.'|119d]] * [[Calmly explain, 'Our journey was not without costs.'|119e]]

You nod subtly, shifting your gaze from Nauzet back to the merfolk leaders. You meet Yanzi's eyes firmly, trying to project an air of determination. "We owe our thanks to our people. Many of them sacrificed themselves to help us escape. If we managed to cross the Void and stand here before you today, that is the reason." The murmurs of the crow die down as they listen. You feel all eyes on you, and beg that your words were convincing enough for the merfolk to release you. Thankfully, no one asks about the details. The elders share a couple of looks among themselves. "Herlim?" Elder Kalmeet speaks to the third leader. The merman nods and then makes your shackles and chain disappear with a wave of his hand. "You have our sympathies to what happened to your clan, neighbours of the sea. And we're sorry about the violence you've had to experience from us. These times… are not very kind for anyone." Elder Herlim says, his tone filled with genuine sympathy. "But it still doesn't explain why you looked like demons, nor how you know our guru," Yanzi intervenes. "If I may, my esteemed ones," Nauzet speaks up, waiting until the merfolk leaders grant him permission to continue. "I found them several months ago, taking refuge in a cave near the perimeter of the Coral Gardens while I was out for my morning meditations to commune with the gods. From the first moment, I felt the weight of their grief, a burden they bore along with their impressive skills and a burning desire to avenge their kin. It was in that instant, after a brief conversation, that I offered them the opportunity to take part in a small experiment that could not only help them achieve their goal but also benefit this region." "An experiment? What kind?" Elder Herlim asks, raising his eyebrows with curiosity. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "He was returning to report his findings to me when he encountered one of our patrols. His family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to his rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "She was returning to report her findings to me when she encountered one of our patrols. Her family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to her rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <<else>>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "They were returning to report their findings to me when they encountered one of our patrols. Their family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to their rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <</if>>Nauzet places his hand over his chest and inclines his head in a gesture of respect. "I deeply apologize for the confusion and inconvenience caused, my esteemed ones. It was reckless of me to hide this information and act in the shadows, especially with one of our beloved elders still missing." Elder Yanzi crosses her arms, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "And what about the strange language they spoke when our scouts found them?" "You're assuming that the clans beyond the Void speak the same language as ours, Elder Yanzi," Elder Kalmeet interjects, though his tone holds consideration rather than reproach. "And she would be right to assume so, Elder Kalmeet," Nauzet replies with a slight nod. "The language of the sea is the same across the ocean. However, that language they were heard speaking, I taught it to them myself. A security measure to ensure that any information they gathered would not reach the wrong ears." [[Continue|120]]

You swallow hard and give a subtle nod before shifting your gaze from Nauzet back to the merfolk leaders. The words Nauzet suggested tumble out, though your tone carries a hint of uncertainty. "We… weren't alone when we left. Others from our clan were with us, but they… they didn't make it." You really don't know what else to say, but it seems the leaders think that the wavering in your voice is due to sadness and not hesitation. "We… would not be here now if it weren't for them." The murmurs of the crow die down as they listen. You feel all eyes on you, and beg that your words were convincing enough for the merfolk to release you. Thankfully, no one asks about the details. The elders share a couple of looks among themselves. "Herlim?" Elder Kalmeet speaks to the third leader. The merman nods and then makes your shackles and chain disappear with a wave of his hand. "You have our sympathies to what happened to your clan, neighbours of the sea. And we're sorry about the violence you've had to experience from us. These times… are not very kind for anyone." Elder Herlim says, his tone filled with genuine sympathy. "But it still doesn't explain why you looked like demons, nor how you know our guru," Yanzi intervenes. "If I may, my esteemed ones," Nauzet speaks up, waiting until the merfolk leaders grant him permission to continue. "I found them several months ago, taking refuge in a cave near the perimeter of the Coral Gardens while I was out for my morning meditations to commune with the gods. From the first moment, I felt the weight of their grief, a burden they bore along with their impressive skills and a burning desire to avenge their kin. It was in that instant, after a brief conversation, that I offered them the opportunity to take part in a small experiment that could not only help them achieve their goal but also benefit this region." "An experiment? What kind?" Elder Herlim asks, raising his eyebrows with curiosity. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "He was returning to report his findings to me when he encountered one of our patrols. His family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to his rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "She was returning to report her findings to me when she encountered one of our patrols. Her family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to her rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <<else>>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "They were returning to report their findings to me when they encountered one of our patrols. Their family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to their rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <</if>>Nauzet places his hand over his chest and inclines his head in a gesture of respect. "I deeply apologize for the confusion and inconvenience caused, my esteemed ones. It was reckless of me to hide this information and act in the shadows, especially with one of our beloved elders still missing." Elder Yanzi crosses her arms, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "And what about the strange language they spoke when our scouts found them?" "You're assuming that the clans beyond the Void speak the same language as ours, Elder Yanzi," Elder Kalmeet interjects, though his tone holds consideration rather than reproach. "And she would be right to assume so, Elder Kalmeet," Nauzet replies with a slight nod. "The language of the sea is the same across the ocean. However, that language they were heard speaking, I taught it to them myself. A security measure to ensure that any information they gathered would not reach the wrong ears." [[Continue|120]]

You nod subtly, shifting your gaze from Nauzet back to the merfolk leaders. You keep a neutral expression, choosing your words carefully. "I'm afraid survival always comes with a price. //We// crossed the Void, but others of our clan were not so fortunate." You lower your head for a moment, hoping that none of them notices the little edge of detatchment you cannot force out of your tone. "Their sacrifice allowed us to be here today, even if it's not under the best circumstances." The murmurs of the crow die down as they listen. You feel all eyes on you, and beg that your words were convincing enough for the merfolk to release you. Thankfully, no one asks about the details. The elders share a couple of looks among themselves. "Herlim?" Elder Kalmeet speaks to the third leader. The merman nods and then makes your shackles and chain disappear with a wave of his hand. "You have our sympathies to what happened to your clan, neighbours of the sea. And we're sorry about the violence you've had to experience from us. These times… are not very kind for anyone." Elder Herlim says, his tone filled with genuine sympathy. "But it still doesn't explain why you looked like demons, nor how you know our guru," Yanzi intervenes. "If I may, my esteemed ones," Nauzet speaks up, waiting until the merfolk leaders grant him permission to continue. "I found them several months ago, taking refuge in a cave near the perimeter of the Coral Gardens while I was out for my morning meditations to commune with the gods. From the first moment, I felt the weight of their grief, a burden they bore along with their impressive skills and a burning desire to avenge their kin. It was in that instant, after a brief conversation, that I offered them the opportunity to take part in a small experiment that could not only help them achieve their goal but also benefit this region." "An experiment? What kind?" Elder Herlim asks, raising his eyebrows with curiosity. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "He was returning to report his findings to me when he encountered one of our patrols. His family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to his rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "She was returning to report her findings to me when she encountered one of our patrols. Her family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to her rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <<else>>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "They were returning to report their findings to me when they encountered one of our patrols. Their family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to their rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <</if>>Nauzet places his hand over his chest and inclines his head in a gesture of respect. "I deeply apologize for the confusion and inconvenience caused, my esteemed ones. It was reckless of me to hide this information and act in the shadows, especially with one of our beloved elders still missing." Elder Yanzi crosses her arms, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "And what about the strange language they spoke when our scouts found them?" "You're assuming that the clans beyond the Void speak the same language as ours, Elder Yanzi," Elder Kalmeet interjects, though his tone holds consideration rather than reproach. "And she would be right to assume so, Elder Kalmeet," Nauzet replies with a slight nod. "The language of the sea is the same across the ocean. However, that language they were heard speaking, I taught it to them myself. A security measure to ensure that any information they gathered would not reach the wrong ears." [[Continue|120]]

The headache from Nauzet's intrusion adds to your frustration, and you let some of that slip into your voice as you meet the merfolk leaders' gaze again. "You want to know how we did it? Many of our clan gave their lives so we could get out of that place! We lost everything only for you to chain us as if we're the corrupted ones! We've suffered enough, Just let us go." Your outburst silences the crowd, some looking shocked by your intensity, your companions included, while others seem to consider your words more seriously. You feel all eyes on you. You may have gotten a bit carried away, but thankfully, no one finds it strange nor asks about the details. The elders share a couple of looks among themselves. "Herlim?" Elder Kalmeet speaks to the third leader. The merman nods and then makes your shackles and chain disappear with a wave of his hand. "You have our sympathies to what happened to your clan, neighbours of the sea. And we're sorry about the violence you've had to experience from us. These times… are not very kind for anyone." Elder Herlim says, his tone filled with genuine sympathy. "But it still doesn't explain why you looked like demons, nor how you know our guru," Yanzi intervenes. "If I may, my esteemed ones," Nauzet speaks up, waiting until the merfolk leaders grant him permission to continue. "I found them several months ago, taking refuge in a cave near the perimeter of the Coral Gardens while I was out for my morning meditations to commune with the gods. From the first moment, I felt the weight of their grief, a burden they bore along with their impressive skills and a burning desire to avenge their kin. It was in that instant, after a brief conversation, that I offered them the opportunity to take part in a small experiment that could not only help them achieve their goal but also benefit this region." "An experiment? What kind?" Elder Herlim asks, raising his eyebrows with curiosity. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "He was returning to report his findings to me when he encountered one of our patrols. His family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to his rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "She was returning to report her findings to me when she encountered one of our patrols. Her family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to her rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <<else>>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "They were returning to report their findings to me when they encountered one of our patrols. Their family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to their rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <</if>>Nauzet places his hand over his chest and inclines his head in a gesture of respect. "I deeply apologize for the confusion and inconvenience caused, my esteemed ones. It was reckless of me to hide this information and act in the shadows, especially with one of our beloved elders still missing." Elder Yanzi crosses her arms, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "And what about the strange language they spoke when our scouts found them?" "You're assuming that the clans beyond the Void speak the same language as ours, Elder Yanzi," Elder Kalmeet interjects, though his tone holds consideration rather than reproach. "And she would be right to assume so, Elder Kalmeet," Nauzet replies with a slight nod. "The language of the sea is the same across the ocean. However, that language they were heard speaking, I taught it to them myself. A security measure to ensure that any information they gathered would not reach the wrong ears." [[Continue|120]]

You nod subtly, shifting your gaze from Nauzet back to the merfolk leaders. You decide to smooth over the tension in the room with a calm, measured tone. "I understand your doubts. I know it's hard to believe, but our journey through the Void was not without costs." You close your eyes for a moment and solemnly lower your head. "Many of our clan did not survive, but their sacrifice allowed us to reach safety for a couple of us." You open your eyes again and raise your gaze to meet theirs. "We're here to extend a hand, not to cause harm." The murmurs of the crow die down as they listen. You feel all eyes on you, and beg that your words were convincing enough for the merfolk to release you. Thankfully, no one asks about the details. The elders share a couple of looks among themselves. "Herlim?" Elder Kalmeet speaks to the third leader. The merman nods and then makes your shackles and chain disappear with a wave of his hand. "You have our sympathies to what happened to your clan, neighbours of the sea. And we're sorry about the violence you've had to experience from us. These times… are not very kind for anyone." Elder Herlim says, his tone filled with genuine sympathy. "But it still doesn't explain why you looked like demons, nor how you know our guru," Yanzi intervenes. "If I may, my esteemed ones," Nauzet speaks up, waiting until the merfolk leaders grant him permission to continue. "I found them several months ago, taking refuge in a cave near the perimeter of the Coral Gardens while I was out for my morning meditations to commune with the gods. From the first moment, I felt the weight of their grief, a burden they bore along with their impressive skills and a burning desire to avenge their kin. It was in that instant, after a brief conversation, that I offered them the opportunity to take part in a small experiment that could not only help them achieve their goal but also benefit this region." "An experiment? What kind?" Elder Herlim asks, raising his eyebrows with curiosity. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "He was returning to report his findings to me when he encountered one of our patrols. His family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to his rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "She was returning to report her findings to me when she encountered one of our patrols. Her family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to her rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <<else>>"Infiltration," Nauzet replies, calmly but with resolve. "I altered their appearance so they could move among the demons, observing without being detected. The idea was simple: to see how they would react to them. The experiment exceeded our expectations and allowed us to start gathering information subtly." Then, he raises his arm and gestures toward you. "They were returning to report their findings to me when they encountered one of our patrols. Their family, consumed by fear of losing yet another member of their clan, acted impulsively and rushed to their rescue. I learned of this only minutes later, and that was when I insisted on calling this meeting." <</if>>Nauzet places his hand over his chest and inclines his head in a gesture of respect. "I deeply apologize for the confusion and inconvenience caused, my esteemed ones. It was reckless of me to hide this information and act in the shadows, especially with one of our beloved elders still missing." Elder Yanzi crosses her arms, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "And what about the strange language they spoke when our scouts found them?" "You're assuming that the clans beyond the Void speak the same language as ours, Elder Yanzi," Elder Kalmeet interjects, though his tone holds consideration rather than reproach. "And she would be right to assume so, Elder Kalmeet," Nauzet replies with a slight nod. "The language of the sea is the same across the ocean. However, that language they were heard speaking, I taught it to them myself. A security measure to ensure that any information they gathered would not reach the wrong ears." [[Continue|120]]

The room falls into a tense silence as the merfolk leaders exchange meaningful glances, an unspoken conversation only they understand. Behind you, murmurs begin to rise again, though they're softer now. Finally, the leaders nod to one another, and Elder Kalmeet steps forward, addressing the crowd. "Members of the open sea, are you ready to deliver your verdict?" $AL, visibly nervous, leans in closer to the group, whispering anxiously, "Verdict? Does that mean it didn't work?" "Don't worry. This is just how things are done in this world," $RG replies. You glance back, observing the crowd as the murmurs fall silent. A mermaid steps forward from among them, bringing a fist to her chest in a sign of respect. "The members have decided to spare their lives, esteemed ones," she announces with a reverent bow of her head. "Just as we have," Elder Kalmeet replies, nodding slowly. With a sweeping gesture, he raises and extends his arms. "Members of the open sea, you may depart. This trial has concluded." A sigh of relief escapes your lips as you watch the room begin to empty. The three merfolk leaders approach the edge of the platform. Beneath their feet, a whirlpool forms, gently lifting and lowering them from the altar to stand directly in front of you. "Come with us, neighbours of the sea. We need to discuss your findings in private," says Elder Yanzi, her gaze sweeping across your group. Without hesitation, the three leaders move toward a side exit, a cave opening in the rocky wall that forms a winding passageway. Nauzet steps down from the platform and gestures for you to follow. You take a moment to exchange a look with your friends before following $RG, who has already begun walking after $RGhis_her brother without a moment's hesitation. [[Continue|121]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "virtutes" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ The door closes behind you with a faint echo that reverberates through the modest room. You find yourself in a space that feels more like a damp cave than a formal meeting room. The dark stone walls are covered with droplets of water that slide slowly along their edges, creating a bluish shimmer under the dim light. The three merfolk leaders turn to face you and your group in near-perfect unison, placing their hands behind their backs. You feel their eyes on you, though there's no longer any form of hostility in their gaze. "As we said, we are deeply sorry for what happened to your clan," Elder Yanzi begins, her voice filled with genuine compassion as she tilts her head slightly. "Yes. It was a… true loss," $AL replies, a bit awkwardly. "But that's in the past," you quickly add, trying not to prolong the lie more than necessary to avoid raising suspicion. "What's done is done, and unfortunately, there's nothing we can change. Let's focus on what we can do now and on why we're here." The elder with silver hair nods and takes the lead. "Very well. Let's start with a formal introduction. I am Kalmeet, elder of the Orcalius clan. These are Yanzi and Herlim," he gestures to his companions, "from the Serdinat and Ulkrard clans, respectively." "Normally, each of us would be in our respective regions," Yanzi continues, her tone solemn. "However, something has angered the guardians of nature, and the leviathans attacked both my clan and Kalmeet's. You may have seen the remains on your way here." "Elder Herlim was very kind to shelter our clans here in Sisronia," Kalmeet adds, his face saddened. "Otherwise, we would have suffered a fate similar to yours." Herlim tilts his head humbly. "The siblings of the sea must take care of one another." "We understand, elders," you say with a nod. "Nauzet has updated us on what's happening." "Then you know that one of our own is missing, the elder of the Odanti clan, Soza," Yanzi states. "We suspect that the creature Bron saw, which has also been abducting our patrols, has taken Soza as well." "Nauzet said you bring information. We're all ears," Kalmeet says. [[Continue|122]]

You throw a quick glance at Nauzet and $RG. The purple-haired $RGman_woman nods at you, a gesture you understand perfectly. There's no reason to beat around the bush. You take a deep breath, carefully choosing your words. "That creature you think is kidnapping your people… we've encountered it before." The leaders look at you in surprise, their eyes widening in disbelief. "Really? Was it when you were escaping the Void?" Herlim asks first. You hesitate a bit but try to stay on track. "Um... yes. That's right." "Bron, the tadpole you saw earlier in the trial, is the only one of us who managed to survive that demon, but he couldn't see it clearly. What else can you tell us about it?" Yanzi interjects. "To say it's creepy is an understatement," $AO comments in such a casual tone that $AOhe_she earns a discreet nudge from $LL. "It's… too dangerous," $AL says, curling in on $ALhimself_herself. $RG places a hand on $ALhis_her shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. That helps the red-haired $ALman_woman relax. "It's not like the other demons," you continue. "It's intelligent, meticulous... and has the ability to control others of its kind. I'm sure the fact that the leviathans have become so aggressive is its doing." <<if $BNRomance > 2>>You can almost imagine how pleased $BN would be and the smile $BNhe_she would have hearing so many compliments directed at $BNhim_her. You would laugh if you weren't where you are now. <</if>>"That's concerning. Very concerning," Elder Kalmeet says, frowning as his light eyes meet those of the other leaders. "If that demon has been able to corrupt our guardians, what can't it do?" "And what does it want with our siblings? Why kidnap them instead of killing them?" Yanzi wonders aloud. Herlism turns to you. "Did you see it? Did you see where it took our people?" Silence threatens to betray you, but before anyone can speak, Nauzet steps forward. "That's what they were going to inform me about, my esteemed ones. We've found a trail." "Leading where?" Kalmeet urgently asks. Nauzet's expression hardens, and the merman god pauses before responding gravely, "Deep into The Seaweed Forest. Toward the Void." [[Continue|123]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "eveningOfChaos" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ The soft dripping of water filtering through the cracks in the rocks sets a steady rhythm in the silence that fills the underwater study. For long, tense seconds, the sound becomes the only companion as the leaders' expressions shift from astonishment to concern, and then to resigned acceptance. Elder Yanzi lets out a deep sigh, bowing her head and sinking down as if under an invisible weight. "Then may the gods have mercy on us, because the ocean is drying up." "Are you surrendering, my esteemed ones?" Nauzet asks, but his tone is not judgemental. "You know as well as we do that no patrol would volunteer to go to Seaweed Forest now, Nauzet," Elder Herlim replies. "And we wouldn't force them," Kalmeet adds solemnly. "We already have one," Nauzet informs, turning to you and your companions. "Right here." The elders' eyebrows rise in unison, their gazes filled with renewed surprise. They exchange another silent look among themselves before addressing you. "Would you do it? Would you truly go to Seaweed Forest to find our people?" * [[Nod with determination. 'We'll save your clans.'|124a]] * [[Show a mischievous smile. 'Sure! For a modest fee, of course.'|124b]] * [[Clench your fists. 'We have a score to settle with that demon.'|124c]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "We'll save your clans. You can count on us," you say with a nod, your tone determined. The leaders' surprise deepens at the firmness in your words. Their expressions soften, and they all nod in gratitude. "This gesture means far more than we can express, neighbours of the sea," Elder Kalmeet says with a gentle smile. Yanzi nods. "We will repay you for this. It's a promise." Nauzet grips his trident with both hands, his hold firm as he steps to your side without hesitation. "And I will go with them." The impact of his words reflects on the faces of the merfolk. Elder Herlim is the first to react, exclaiming in disbelief, "What? But we need you here-!" "It's already decided, my esteemed ones," Nauzet interrupts. Kalmeet frowns, worry tightening his features. "Nauzet, the demons have taken Soza; if we lose our guru as well, panic will spread among the clans." "These merfolk need my guidance to save our people," the achimencey responds with unwavering calm. "Staying here will help no one. With my assistance, we'll have a better chance of success and find our siblings sooner. Before the inevitable happens and the ocean empties." The tension in the room hangs heavy in the air. The elders exchange looks, weighing the consequences in a silent dialogue. Finally, Kalmeet breaks the tension, releasing a long sigh of resignation. "Very well," the silver-haired merman nods slowly. "We'll speak with the Adventurers' Guild and the Defenders to provide you with everything you need: supplies, provisions, whatever is necessary." "You'll have everything ready within a couple of hours," Herlim adds. "Thank you, my esteemed ones. We'll await your call," Nauzet replies with a respectful bow. Then he turns to you. "Follow me." "Nauzet," Elder Yanzi's voice sounds before you step out the door. The merman god turns, and the leader of the Serdinat clan gives him a gentle look. "We'll take care of Salva. Don't worry." For a moment, Nauzet simply looks at her with an unreadable expression. Then, with a slight nod, he departs in silence, guiding you out of the study and, finally, out of the prison. [[Continue|125]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "Sure we will!" you exclaim, a sly smile spreading across your face before adding, "For a modest fee, of course." You weren't about to miss the chance to get something in return, even as Nauzet gives you a reproachful look. You ignore his warning growl and focus on the slight confusion on the leaders' faces as they glance at each other. Elder Herlim blinks a couple of times. "Um... yes, neighbour of the sea. You will be handsomely rewarded for your courage." Nauzet grips his trident with both hands, his hold firm as he steps to your side without hesitation. "And I will go with them." The impact of his words reflects on the faces of the merfolk. Elder Herlim is the first to react, exclaiming in disbelief, "What? But we need you here-!" "It's already decided, my esteemed ones," Nauzet interrupts. Kalmeet frowns, worry tightening his features. "Nauzet, the demons have taken Soza; if we lose our guru as well, panic will spread among the clans." "These merfolk need my guidance to save our people," the achimencey responds with unwavering calm. "Staying here will help no one. With my assistance, we'll have a better chance of success and find our siblings sooner. Before the inevitable happens and the ocean empties." The tension in the room hangs heavy in the air. The elders exchange looks, weighing the consequences in a silent dialogue. Finally, Kalmeet breaks the tension, releasing a long sigh of resignation. "Very well," the silver-haired merman nods slowly. "We'll speak with the Adventurers' Guild and the Defenders to provide you with everything you need: supplies, provisions, whatever is necessary." "You'll have everything ready within a couple of hours," Herlim adds. "Thank you, my esteemed ones. We'll await your call," Nauzet replies with a respectful bow. Then he turns to you. "Follow me." "Nauzet," Elder Yanzi's voice sounds before you step out the door. The merman god turns, and the leader of the Serdinat clan gives him a gentle look. "We'll take care of Salva. Don't worry." For a moment, Nauzet simply looks at her with an unreadable expression. Then, with a slight nod, he departs in silence, guiding you out of the study and, finally, out of the prison. [[Continue|125]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ "We'll do it," you say firmly, clenching your fists and furrowing your brow. "We have a score to settle with that… //demon//." The fierce intensity of your words catches the leaders by surprise. But soon their expressions soften, and they all nod in gratitude. "After all this misunderstanding, I am glad to see that you're willing to help us," Elder Kalmeet says. "Even if your motives are personal, we appreciate it," Elder Yanzi adds. Nauzet grips his trident with both hands, his hold firm as he steps to your side without hesitation. "And I will go with them." The impact of his words reflects on the faces of the merfolk. Elder Herlim is the first to react, exclaiming in disbelief, "What? But we need you here-!" "It's already decided, my esteemed ones," Nauzet interrupts. Kalmeet frowns, worry tightening his features. "Nauzet, the demons have taken Soza; if we lose our guru as well, panic will spread among the clans." "These merfolk need my guidance to save our people," the achimencey responds with unwavering calm. "Staying here will help no one. With my assistance, we'll have a better chance of success and find our siblings sooner. Before the inevitable happens and the ocean empties." The tension in the room hangs heavy in the air. The elders exchange looks, weighing the consequences in a silent dialogue. Finally, Kalmeet breaks the tension, releasing a long sigh of resignation. "Very well," the silver-haired merman nods slowly. "We'll speak with the Adventurers' Guild and the Defenders to provide you with everything you need: supplies, provisions, whatever is necessary." "You'll have everything ready within a couple of hours," Herlim adds. "Thank you, my esteemed ones. We'll await your call," Nauzet replies with a respectful bow. Then he turns to you. "Follow me." "Nauzet," Elder Yanzi's voice sounds before you step out the door. The merman god turns, and the leader of the Serdinat clan gives him a gentle look. "We'll take care of Salva. Don't worry." For a moment, Nauzet simply looks at her with an unreadable expression. Then, with a slight nod, he departs in silence, guiding you out of the study and, finally, out of the prison. [[Continue|125]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "virtutes" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[Outside...]''// "Who's Salva?" $AO suddenly asks. "No one you need to worry about," Nauzet replies curtly as he continues leading you through the submerged city streets of Sisronia. You follow him cautiously. Light filters through the dome holding back the water, but even so, the air outside is dense and cool, filled with the salty scent of the ocean. The buildings are as irregular in shape as they are astonishing, as if they've been carved directly from the rocks themselves. There are no sharp edges or lines betraying artificial work, the merfolk adapted to the structures without imposing their will on them. "Could you at least tell us where we're going, Big Fin?" $AO insists. Nauzet lets out a growl at the nickname, but he keeps walking. "To my house. We're not far." Then he shoots a glance over his shoulder that could freeze anyone. "And do //not// call me that, human." $AO raises $AOhis_her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, no need to get that angry…" A mischievous smile curves $AOhis_her lips. "…Scaly." Nauzet lets out an exasperated sigh. "Mortals…" he mutters under his breath. "You get used to it eventually," Enid comments quietly. $RG laughs, patting Nauzet on the shoulder. "Relax, brother. Coming from $AOhim_her, it's a compliment." [[Continue|126]]

Ignoring the conversation, you let the subtle sounds of marine life reach your ears. You look around, watching the merfolk walking upright on their two legs, a sight that you still find rather peculiar, especially with the texture of their scales showing on their arms and backs. Scales that you now have as well. To one side, a gray-skinned mermaid with white hair tends to a small booth of marine jewellery. Her hands deftly work fine threads of seaweed and pearlescent beads to create necklaces that seem to catch and reflect glimmers of light. The mermaid looks up, her eyes widening slightly in surprise as she sees you and your group walking down the street. She presses her lips together, then surprises you by giving a sympathetic nod. There's none of the hostility you experienced just hours before. "News travel fast, it seems," you comment after nodding back to the mermaid. "I thought they'd be more distrustful of us. Even if we look like them now, we're still outsiders." "In these circumstances, it's essential to keep an eye on any new development. And you are a very important one," Nauzet replies, following your gaze. "If nothing else, the merfolk are very loyal to their own. And your story gives them hope." And yet, you can still sense the tension in the air. Nearby, a group gathers around what looks like a map. Most bear scars on their faces and arms. Their voices are low and deep, their expressions serious. You catch a few words about the earthquake, and you can't help but wonder what they think of it as a few of them glance thoughtfully toward the dome. Nauzet suddenly stops in front of a wide, two-story building, slightly tilted to the right, facing the door. "This is it. Come in." [[Continue|127]]

The floor beneath your feet is covered in a thin layer of moss, making it slightly slippery if you're not careful. You pause for a moment in the middle of the foyer and look around. Although the rock structure gives the space an unusual feel, the house is quite cosy and not too different from those in Thaon. "So, is this your house?" you ask, glancing at the seaweed hanging from the ceiling as decoration. "Not exactly," Nauzet replies flatly. "I've been staying here." @@#can; *<<link "It's nice">><<replace "#can">>"It's nice. I'm surprised how similar it is to the ones in our world." You watch as drops of water slide down the stone walls and note the seaweed sprouting from the cracks. "Minus all the marine stuff, of course." "It belongs to my companion," the merman god replies simply. $AL hunches $ALhis_her shoulders. "A bit claustrophobic, if you ask me." $AO chuckles. "I like it! Hey, what's this?" "Don't touch that, mortal," Nauzet exclaims sternly. While the others get distracted by some strange object, your attention is drawn to a painting above a wicker-like cabinet near the entrance. The painting shows two similar-looking mermen, both blond with fair skin, brilliant blue eyes, and greenish scales. The only difference you notice is that one has relatively short hair while the other's is long, tied back in a ponytail. Nauzet briefly blocks your view of the painting as he passes by on his way to the staircase leading to the second floor. "Come. You'll understand everything once you see the room," he says as he climbs the steps without looking back. [[Continue|128]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link "It's… okay?">><<replace "#can">>"It's…" Your words trail off as you look at the water dripping down the walls, the moss on the floor, and the seaweed sprouting from the cracks. It resembles a normal house, sure, but marine life, not to mention the microbes, is still ever-present. You pull a slight grimace. "...okay?" "It belongs to my companion," the merman god replies simply. $AL hunches $ALhis_her shoulders. "A bit claustrophobic, if you ask me." $AO chuckles. "I like it! Hey, what's this?" "Don't touch that, mortal," Nauzet exclaims sternly. While the others get distracted by some strange object, your attention is drawn to a painting above a wicker-like cabinet near the entrance. The painting shows two similar-looking mermen, both blond with fair skin, brilliant blue eyes, and greenish scales. The only difference you notice is that one has relatively short hair while the other's is long, tied back in a ponytail. Nauzet briefly blocks your view of the painting as he passes by on his way to the staircase leading to the second floor. "Come. You'll understand everything once you see the room," he says as he climbs the steps without looking back. [[Continue|128]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link "Does it belong to a friend of yours?">><<replace "#can">><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"'Not exactly'?" you ask, frowning as you turn to look at Nauzet. "Does it belong to a friend of yours, then? If you have any, of course..." You murmur that last part, though the merman god likely heard you. Still, Nauzet decides to ignore the comment. "My companion," he replies simply. <<else>>"'Not exactly'?" you ask, frowning as you turn to look at Nauzet. "Does it belong to a friend of yours, then?" "My companion," the merman god replies simply. <</if>>$AL hunches $ALhis_her shoulders. "A bit claustrophobic, if you ask me." $AO chuckles. "I like it! Hey, what's this?" "Don't touch that, mortal," Nauzet exclaims sternly. While the others get distracted by some strange object, your attention is drawn to a painting above a wicker-like cabinet near the entrance. The painting shows two similar-looking mermen, both blond with fair skin, brilliant blue eyes, and greenish scales. The only difference you notice is that one has relatively short hair while the other's is long, tied back in a ponytail. Nauzet briefly blocks your view of the painting as he passes by on his way to the staircase leading to the second floor. "Come. You'll understand everything once you see the room," he says as he climbs the steps without looking back. [[Continue|128]]<</replace>><</link>> @@

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "longNote1" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[Upstairs...]''// "Gods! What the hell happened here?!" You all step fully into the room, taking in the chaos around you. The place looks like it was hit by a hurricane. Books lie scattered across the floor, some with pages torn out. An open wardrobe reveals dishevelled clothing, and more piles of books clutter a table. Tools and various objects are strewn about haphazardly, and the turquoise coral sofa holds yet another stack of fallen papers and books. Above the sofa hangs another bigger painting: the two mermen from the entrance, joined by a mermaid with the same hair and skin colour. The painting has been ripped down the centre, with marks that look like claws from some kind of animal. "It's like a fight broke out in here," $AL comments with concern. "There was no fight, mortal," the merman god states. The lightbulb dangling from the ceiling casts a flickering, weak glow over the room, the unstable light adding to the unease. Nauzet positions himself next to a metal table, flipping over a document and sliding it toward you. "I told you I had reasons to believe no one kidnapped my companion. This is why I know." Enid swims to the table and leans over the document to read aloud. "Remains of an ancient civilization found in Seaweed Forest. Patrol C has returned from its mission with information that could completely change history as we know it. Although the rescue mission was unsuccessful, the team did not return empty-handed. Small bone fragments with strange shapes, unlike any known species in the area, were discovered near Seaweed Forest." Each word deepens the lines of tension on your forehead. When Enid finishes, you look at Nauzet in confusion. "You think he went to investigate that? With everything else happening in the world?" "Remember what I said about the Adventurers' Guild? They don't just search for ancient relics, they seek signs of other civilizations. That's the pinnacle of a guild member's career," Nauzet explains. Then he lets out a frustrated growl, gripping his trident tightly. "Even worse, in this case. That investigation was part of Soza's mother's work. She was obsessed with it, and my companion as well. I told him a thousand times to leave it until after the Cycle ends, and for a moment, I thought he'd listen. But the stubborn fool slipped away the night before we left for Taoro, right when this report arrived." $RG approaches the torn painting, $RGhis_her fingers hovering over the ripped section. "There's a dark energy lingering in the air." "That's exactly what I was going to say. And there's more," Nauzet frowns and points at the report, "this report is fake." Your eyes widen. "What do you mean it's fake?" "I investigate it. Patrol C was indeed assigned the rescue mission, but they never made it to Seaweed Forest. And then there's this." Nauzet points at the signature at the bottom of the page. "The guild's emblem. There's an extra thorn." The emblem is a circular symbol with several small thorns along the bottom, way too many, and way too thin for someone to notice the difference at first glance unless you count them all one by one. "So someone tricked your companion into leaving?" $AO jumps in. "Not just anyone. We all know exactly who it was," $LL says. $AL purses his lips. "But why trick him and not just kidnap him directly?" Nauzet shakes his head. "I don't know. But it doesn't change the fact that we need to go after him." [[Continue|129]]

Nauzet pulls a map from one of the drawers and spreads it out on the table, pointing to different locations as he names them and tracing a detailed route with his finger. "This is what we'll do. We'll head toward this area, the Coral Gardens, and go down to the abandoned city of Silia. The area is rockier, and the terrain is perfect for using as cover if we encounter any group of tibicenas." "Or it's the perfect place for an ambush," $LL interjects dryly. "There are no aquatic tibicenas, mortal. In the water, we have the advantage," Nauzet responds. "It's not about seeking a fight, but avoiding one. We can't waste time fighting lesser tibicenas when my companion's life and the orb may be at risk." $RG nods and steps beside him. "All right, brother. Then what?" Nauzet resumes tracing the route on the map. "Then we'll enter Seaweed Forest, where the artefact last said Moneiba's orb was located." His expression darkens. "Though I wouldn't rule out that the signal might shift toward the Void." You lift your gaze from the map, your expression serious. "You've mentioned that place several times, and every one of you looked like you'd seen a ghost. What's there, exactly?" <<if $fear is true>>Nauzet takes a few seconds before replying, looking you directly in the eyes with his penetrating gaze. Then he turns and points to the window. "Do you see that dark spot over there?" <<else>>Nauzet takes a few seconds before replying, giving $AL a quick glance. Then he turns and points to the window. "Do you see that dark spot over there?" <</if>><<if $RO is false>>You follow his finger toward the horizon, where, if you strain your eyes, the dark roots you saw before are still swaying like ominous shadows, warding off the light. Again, that feeling of unease creeps up your spine. <<else>>You follow his finger toward the horizon, where, if you strain your eyes, you can see a grim veil of dark roots covering the water and staining it black, slowly swaying and warding off any kind of light, even when you're almost at the surface. A feeling of uncertainty creeps up your spine. That doesn't seem natural. <</if>>"That's Seaweed Forest, where all the leviathans retreated once they turned aggressive," Nauzet continues, his face hardening. "It's become a dangerous place, yes, but that's not the most unsettling part. The dark aura surrounding it? That wasn't there before, and with each passing day, it spreads even more." "It looks like demon corruption," $AL comments thoughtfully, shivering slightly. Nauzet nods slowly, turning toward you all. "Beyond that is what we call the Void, an area where no one dares to enter, and the few foolish enough to try have never returned. The pressure is unbearable, and the darkness is relentless. That darkness..." He glances back at the window, growling as he tightens his grip on his trident so hard the metal dents. "That's what's spreading. Where does it come from? Not even I know, but I'm certain it won't stop until it devours the entire ocean." "And how are //we// supposed to go there?" $AO interjects, gesturing to your group with a raised eyebrow. "You have us," $RG replies. $LL clenches $LLhis_her jaw and glances briefly at the report on the table. Nauzet notices. "Something to say, human?" $LL bites $LLhis_her tongue for a moment before lifting $LLhis_her head. "You seem pretty sure your companion is still alive, considering you said you can't feel him." Nauzet meets $LLhis_her gaze without reacting to $LLhis_her sceptical tone, his voice unwavering. "He's alive. I may not be able to sense him, but I'm certain of it." "How do you know?" you ask. The merfolk god pauses briefly before answering, "Because I don't feel any connection to his son. He's alive." [[Continue|130]]

<<set $bucanteCodex to true>>\ <<notify 5000>>''New codex entry:'' Bucante<</notify>>\ \ "Alright," you say with a nod after fully absorbing his words. "And how-?" Nauzet and $RG focus on the door even before it bursts open with a loud crash. The stone walls shake from the impact as a merman strides into the room with determined steps. His short blonde hair and fine, clear features closely resemble those of one of the mermen in the painting. He points a spear at the group of you, the weapon gleaming with a dangerous sharpness, though his fury isn't directed at you or any of your friends. "Hold it right there, traitors!" the newcomer shouts, his gaze locking onto Nauzet, face lit with unrestrained anger. "No one is leaving this room." <<button[[Chapter 4|131]]>><</button>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Nauzet Oramas''</h1></div> $RG's brother and achimencey of Bucante. Nauzet's journey to find his mortal companion and the artifact was a challenging one, made even more complicated when the leviathans forced the merfolk to share a single city. Amidst the heightened emotions of such a diverse population, Nauzet focused on becoming the guru of the elders, a feat he achieved with ease. This role provided him with the connections he needed to finally locate his companion. However, just as they were preparing to depart for Taoro, Nauzet's companion vanished without a trace. Now, with $RG and $RGhis_her group of mortals on his side, Nauzet hopes to find both his companion and the orb of Moneiba before it falls into the wrong hands. <<back>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "cryptic" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ <<if $RGLove is true>><<set $RO to "$RG">><<elseif $LLLove is true>><<set $RO to "$LL">><<elseif $AOLove is true>><<set $RO to "$AO">><<elseif $ALLove is true>><<set $RO to "$AL">><</if>>\ <<if $MI is "Mako">><<set $MIMerman_Mermaid to "Merman">><<set $MImerman_mermaid to "merman">><<else>><<set $MIMerman_Mermaid to "Mermaid">><<set $MImerman_mermaid to "mermaid">><</if>>\ \ //''[In the dark depths of the ocean...]''// The movement slightly stirs the sand around him. Locto breathes heavily, his aching eye throbbing uncomfortably beneath his tentacle. The intense fire that burned inside him has gradually subsided over the past few minutes, but he can still feel the embers' heat in his skull demanding attention. With his other tentacle, he drags his body along the ground while pushing aside more sand. His good eye locks onto the orb of Moneiba a few steps away, its faint flickering glow like a lighthouse guiding castaways lost in a sea of shadows. One final pull through the sand, and Locto's suckers delicately draw the orb toward him. He presses the luminous sphere protectively against his chest. Now that he holds his world in his hands, he won't allow anything to happen to it again. With titanic effort, Locto clumsily rises from the ground, whimpering with each new spasm radiating from his head. His gaze drops to his trembling tentacles. But those tremors have nothing to do with nervousness or weakness. …Quite the opposite, in fact. Locto dares, at last, to open the eye that still burns from within, blinking a few times to bring his blurred vision into focus. The searing sensation pooling behind his gaze slowly spreads through the rest of his body, and Locto exhales, a smile hidden behind his facial tentacles. He can already feel $BNhis_her gift, that new power lying dormant within him, waiting until he calls upon it. [[Continue|132]]

Locto shifts his gaze toward the circular prison, focusing on the golden-haired merman who has yet to regain consciousness. A low, guttural laugh escapes his lips, a sound laden with an emotion he barely recognizes but that fills the hollow in his chest like a dark torrent: satisfaction. At last, he is on the verge of reclaiming his world from those traitors. But first, there's one last thing to do. And the moment is drawing near. Locto turns away from the violet dome, heading toward the remains of a pillar half-buried in the sand. He takes a seat, adjusting his form on the rough surface, while the orb of Moneiba rests comfortably on the gelatinous, viscous bed of his tentacles. They coil around the sphere with care, a protective gesture that completely shields it from the outside world. His cold, calculating eyes return to the merman in the prison. Now, he only has to wait. And as he does, he hears the nearby screams. [[Continue|133]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "chasePulse" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ <span class="chapter">''Chapter 4''</span> <span class="chapterTitle">Underwater hazards</span> //''[With $name…]''// If the room was modest before, now it feels far too small. Or perhaps it's the sudden spike of tension caused by the arrival of this merman. Except for $RG, Enid, and Nauzet, who remain incredibly calm by the table, you and the rest of your companions step aside, tense and ready for another confrontation as the newcomer enters the room with menacing strides. He tightens his grip on his spear while glaring at Nauzet with his teeth clenched in fury. <<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "chasePulseF" volume 0.5 loop play>>The battle of stares stretches on far longer than you'd like, so you prepare to step forward and break the silence when, suddenly, the merman moves with surprising speed. He leaps over the table, aiming to impale Nauzet with his weapon. But Nauzet calmly raises his free hand and deflects the attack at the last moment using just two fingers. The young merman's spear embeds itself in the wall, the impact shaking the house as a few small stones fall from the gaps in the ceiling. The structure doesn't look like it can withstand a serious fight. "What are you doing?! You're going to bring the house down!" you exclaim. The gods, however, remain entirely unconcerned. $RG stands in the same position, upright with $RGhis_her arms crossed, the elongated form of Enid partially coiled around $RGhis_her neck. Nauzet is just as composed, puffing out his chest as he moves a hand to his back. Both watch as the merman tugs at the spear to try to pull it free, but the weapon is stuck. "You're not going to get it out," Nauzet remarks, clearly provoking him. The merman's piercing blue eyes snap back to Nauzet as he forgets about the spear and pivots to throw a punch at him. Nauzet catches the fist and twists the wrist, forcing the merman to his knees as he clutches his arm and growls in pain. "You're too impulsive," Nauzet says sternly, to which the merman responds with another furious glare. * [[Who the hell are you?|134_a]] * [[Are you crazy, kid!?|134_b]] * [[There are less dramatic ways to introduce yourself, you know|134_c]] * [[Stop! You're hurting him!|134_d]] * [[Nice reflexes, Nauzet|134_e]] * [[Enough, both of you!|134_f]] <</linkreplace>>

"Hey, you," you start as you take a step forward, your brow slightly furrowed. "Care to explain who the hell are you and what are you doing here?" The merman looks at you with astonishment first, then with the same fury he reserved for Nauzet. "Me? That should be my question! This is //my// home!" The merman makes a motion to stand, but Nauzet gives him a slight tug and forces him to remain kneeling. "He's no one you need to worry about," the achimencey of the sea says. "Please," $AL begins as $ALhe_she raises $ALhis_her hands in a conciliatory gesture. "Whatever this is, we can talk it out. There's no need for this to escalate further." <<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "wounded" volume 0.5 loop play>>"Salva!" Another $MImerman_mermaid enters the room, followed by one of the creatures Enid is disguised as, its dark blue scales shimmering faintly. The new arrival looks at the kneeling young man with a mixture of urgency and concern. The white tattoo on $MIhis_her arm and $MIhis_her ashen skin seem oddly familiar, and it only takes you a few more seconds of observing $MIhis_her face and $MIhis_her long, thick black hair to recognize $MIhim_her. It's the same $MImerman_mermaid you saw in the prison<<if $wound is true>> and who soothed your wound<</if>>. "How dare you attack our guru!? Have you lost your mind?" the new arrival exclaims. You turn toward the young man who attacked Nauzet. Salva, $MIhe_she said his name was. The same name the elders mentioned earlier. Your gaze briefly shifts to his face in the torn painting before returning to him, just as he responds to the newcomer. "He used to be more than that," Salva says, still staring intently at Nauzet. The achimencey of the sea meets his gaze with stern seriousness for a moment. Then he tightens his grip on Salva's wrist, causing the young man to grunt in pain. But the harsh gesture only lasts a second before Nauzet sighs and loosens his hold. "You're still just a tadpole," the achimencey says, his tone emotionless as he opens the eyes he had closed for a brief moment. The simple word seems to hit Salva hard and erases all the anger from his face. The young man averts his gaze, and Nauzet lets go of his fist. Salva lowers his arm slowly, rubbing his wrist while staring off into the ground. The small sea snake floats closer to him, nuzzling its snout affectionately against his cheek as the other $MImerman_mermaid places a comforting hand on his shoulder with a sympathetic expression. [[Continue|135]] <</linkreplace>>

"Are you crazy, kid?!" you exclaim, throwing your hands in the air. "Do you even know who you just attacked? He's-" "My guru?" the merman interrupts, giving you a glare just as sharp as the one he directs at Nauzet. He scoffs disdainfully and refocuses his attention on the achimencey of the sea, his scowl deepening. "His title couldn't matter less to me." Your body tenses, and you force yourself to keep quiet. You nearly let it slip that Nauzet is a god. Thankfully, the merman finished the sentence for you. "Please," $AL begins as $ALhe_she raises $ALhis_her hands in a conciliatory gesture. "Whatever this is, we can talk it out. There's no need for this to escalate further." <<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "wounded" volume 0.5 loop play>>"Salva!" Another $MImerman_mermaid enters the room, followed by one of the creatures Enid is disguised as, its dark blue scales shimmering faintly. The new arrival looks at the kneeling young man with a mixture of urgency and concern. The white tattoo on $MIhis_her arm and $MIhis_her ashen skin seem oddly familiar, and it only takes you a few more seconds of observing $MIhis_her face and $MIhis_her long, thick black hair to recognize $MIhim_her. It's the same $MImerman_mermaid you saw in the prison<<if $wound is true>> and who soothed your wound<</if>>. "How dare you attack our guru!? Have you lost your mind?" the new arrival exclaims. You turn toward the young man who attacked Nauzet. Salva, $MIhe_she said his name was. The same name the elders mentioned earlier. Your gaze briefly shifts to his face in the torn painting before returning to him, just as he responds to the newcomer. "He used to be more than that," Salva says, still staring intently at Nauzet. The achimencey of the sea meets his gaze with stern seriousness for a moment. Then he tightens his grip on Salva's wrist, causing the young man to grunt in pain. But the harsh gesture only lasts a second before Nauzet sighs and loosens his hold. "You're still just a tadpole," the achimencey says, his tone emotionless as he opens the eyes he had closed for a brief moment. The simple word seems to hit Salva hard and erases all the anger from his face. The young man averts his gaze, and Nauzet lets go of his fist. Salva lowers his arm slowly, rubbing his wrist while staring off into the ground. The small sea snake floats closer to him, nuzzling its snout affectionately against his cheek as the other $MImerman_mermaid places a comforting hand on his shoulder with a sympathetic expression. [[Continue|135]] <</linkreplace>>

"By the gods, there are less dramatic ways to introduce yourself, you know? A simple hello and your name would've sufficed," you remark as you cross your arms. The merman shoots you a sidelong glance before turning his full focus back to Nauzet, his scowl deepening even more. "Please," $AL begins as $ALhe_she raises $ALhis_her hands in a conciliatory gesture. "Whatever this is, we can talk it out. There's no need for this to escalate further." <<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "wounded" volume 0.5 loop play>>"Salva!" Another $MImerman_mermaid enters the room, followed by one of the creatures Enid is disguised as, its dark blue scales shimmering faintly. The new arrival looks at the kneeling young man with a mixture of urgency and concern. The white tattoo on $MIhis_her arm and $MIhis_her ashen skin seem oddly familiar, and it only takes you a few more seconds of observing $MIhis_her face and $MIhis_her long, thick black hair to recognize $MIhim_her. It's the same $MImerman_mermaid you saw in the prison<<if $wound is true>> and who soothed your wound<</if>>. "How dare you attack our guru!? Have you lost your mind?" the new arrival exclaims. You turn toward the young man who attacked Nauzet. Salva, $MIhe_she said his name was. The same name the elders mentioned earlier. Your gaze briefly shifts to his face in the torn painting before returning to him, just as he responds to the newcomer. "He used to be more than that," Salva says, still staring intently at Nauzet. The achimencey of the sea meets his gaze with stern seriousness for a moment. Then he tightens his grip on Salva's wrist, causing the young man to grunt in pain. But the harsh gesture only lasts a second before Nauzet sighs and loosens his hold. "You're still just a tadpole," the achimencey says, his tone emotionless as he opens the eyes he had closed for a brief moment. The simple word seems to hit Salva hard and erases all the anger from his face. The young man averts his gaze, and Nauzet lets go of his fist. Salva lowers his arm slowly, rubbing his wrist while staring off into the ground. The small sea snake floats closer to him, nuzzling its snout affectionately against his cheek as the other $MImerman_mermaid places a comforting hand on his shoulder with a sympathetic expression. [[Continue|135]] <</linkreplace>>

"That's enough, Nauzet!" you exclaim as you step forward. "You've got him on the ground, and it's clear he's no match for you. Stop hurting him." Despite your intervention, the blonde merman shoots you a glare as sharp as the one he gives the achimencey of the sea, his brow furrowing further at your compassion. "Stay out of this, outsider. This is between him and me." "Refusing help? Why am I not surprised?" Nauzet comments with a hint of disapproval in his voice, drawing the young man's attention back to him. "Please," $AL begins as $ALhe_she raises $ALhis_her hands in a conciliatory gesture. "Whatever this is, we can talk it out. There's no need for this to escalate further." <<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "wounded" volume 0.5 loop play>>"Salva!" Another $MImerman_mermaid enters the room, followed by one of the creatures Enid is disguised as, its dark blue scales shimmering faintly. The new arrival looks at the kneeling young man with a mixture of urgency and concern. The white tattoo on $MIhis_her arm and $MIhis_her ashen skin seem oddly familiar, and it only takes you a few more seconds of observing $MIhis_her face and $MIhis_her long, thick black hair to recognize $MIhim_her. It's the same $MImerman_mermaid you saw in the prison<<if $wound is true>> and who soothed your wound<</if>>. "How dare you attack our guru!? Have you lost your mind?" the new arrival exclaims. You turn toward the young man who attacked Nauzet. Salva, $MIhe_she said his name was. The same name the elders mentioned earlier. Your gaze briefly shifts to his face in the torn painting before returning to him, just as he responds to the newcomer. "He used to be more than that," Salva says, still staring intently at Nauzet. The achimencey of the sea meets his gaze with stern seriousness for a moment. Then he tightens his grip on Salva's wrist, causing the young man to grunt in pain. But the harsh gesture only lasts a second before Nauzet sighs and loosens his hold. "You're still just a tadpole," the achimencey says, his tone emotionless as he opens the eyes he had closed for a brief moment. The simple word seems to hit Salva hard and erases all the anger from his face. The young man averts his gaze, and Nauzet lets go of his fist. Salva lowers his arm slowly, rubbing his wrist while staring off into the ground. The small sea snake floats closer to him, nuzzling its snout affectionately against his cheek as the other $MImerman_mermaid places a comforting hand on his shoulder with a sympathetic expression. [[Continue|135]] <</linkreplace>>

You let out a small whistle as you observe the achimencey of the sea with admiration. "Those are some impressive reflexes." The merman glances at you briefly before returning his full attention to Nauzet, his scowl growing deeper. "Please," $AL begins as $ALhe_she raises $ALhis_her hands in a conciliatory gesture. "Whatever this is, we can talk it out. There's no need for this to escalate further." <<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "wounded" volume 0.5 loop play>>"Salva!" Another $MImerman_mermaid enters the room, followed by one of the creatures Enid is disguised as, its dark blue scales shimmering faintly. The new arrival looks at the kneeling young man with a mixture of urgency and concern. The white tattoo on $MIhis_her arm and $MIhis_her ashen skin seem oddly familiar, and it only takes you a few more seconds of observing $MIhis_her face and $MIhis_her long, thick black hair to recognize $MIhim_her. It's the same $MImerman_mermaid you saw in the prison<<if $wound is true>> and who soothed your wound<</if>>. "How dare you attack our guru!? Have you lost your mind?" the new arrival exclaims. You turn toward the young man who attacked Nauzet. Salva, $MIhe_she said his name was. The same name the elders mentioned earlier. Your gaze briefly shifts to his face in the torn painting before returning to him, just as he responds to the newcomer. "He used to be more than that," Salva says, still staring intently at Nauzet. The achimencey of the sea meets his gaze with stern seriousness for a moment. Then he tightens his grip on Salva's wrist, causing the young man to grunt in pain. But the harsh gesture only lasts a second before Nauzet sighs and loosens his hold. "You're still just a tadpole," the achimencey says, his tone emotionless as he opens the eyes he had closed for a brief moment. The simple word seems to hit Salva hard and erases all the anger from his face. The young man averts his gaze, and Nauzet lets go of his fist. Salva lowers his arm slowly, rubbing his wrist while staring off into the ground. The small sea snake floats closer to him, nuzzling its snout affectionately against his cheek as the other $MImerman_mermaid places a comforting hand on his shoulder with a sympathetic expression. [[Continue|135]] <</linkreplace>>

"Enough, both of you!" you shout as you step between them with a determined look. "Nauzet, let him go before you break his wrist. He's outnumbered. And you," you turn to the merman, "what on earth were you thinking? You can't just attack anyone who crosses your path!" The merman stares at you first in astonishment, then with the same fury he showed Nauzet. "And who the hell are you to be giving orders? Who do you think you are to judge me?" The merman makes a motion to stand, but Nauzet gives him a slight tug and forces him to remain kneeling. "Someone far more sensible than you," the achimencey of the sea says. "Please," $AL begins as $ALhe_she raises $ALhis_her hands in a conciliatory gesture. "Whatever this is, we can talk it out. There's no need for this to escalate further." <<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "wounded" volume 0.5 loop play>>"Salva!" Another $MImerman_mermaid enters the room, followed by one of the creatures Enid is disguised as, its dark blue scales shimmering faintly. The new arrival looks at the kneeling young man with a mixture of urgency and concern. The white tattoo on $MIhis_her arm and $MIhis_her ashen skin seem oddly familiar, and it only takes you a few more seconds of observing $MIhis_her face and $MIhis_her long, thick black hair to recognize $MIhim_her. It's the same $MImerman_mermaid you saw in the prison<<if $wound is true>> and who soothed your wound<</if>>. "How dare you attack our guru!? Have you lost your mind?" the new arrival exclaims. You turn toward the young man who attacked Nauzet. Salva, $MIhe_she said his name was. The same name the elders mentioned earlier. Your gaze briefly shifts to his face in the torn painting before returning to him, just as he responds to the newcomer. "He used to be more than that," Salva says, still staring intently at Nauzet. The achimencey of the sea meets his gaze with stern seriousness for a moment. Then he tightens his grip on Salva's wrist, causing the young man to grunt in pain. But the harsh gesture only lasts a second before Nauzet sighs and loosens his hold. "You're still just a tadpole," the achimencey says, his tone emotionless as he opens the eyes he had closed for a brief moment. The simple word seems to hit Salva hard and erases all the anger from his face. The young man averts his gaze, and Nauzet lets go of his fist. Salva lowers his arm slowly, rubbing his wrist while staring off into the ground. The small sea snake floats closer to him, nuzzling its snout affectionately against his cheek as the other $MImerman_mermaid places a comforting hand on his shoulder with a sympathetic expression. [[Continue|135]] <</linkreplace>>

The awkward silence is broken by $AO clearing $AOhis_her throat. "Hey, who the hell are you two?" "Oh, of course. Sorry for the intrusion." The black-haired $MImerman_mermaid gives a slight bow. "My name is $MI, a member of the medical corps of the Ulkrard clan." $MIHe_She looks at Salva, giving him a light pat on the shoulder. "This is Salva from the Qaled clan, a member of the Adventurers' Guild." <<if $wound is true>>"I know you," you say as tou take a step toward $MIhim_her. "You're the $MImerman_mermaid who tried to heal my wound in the prison." "I wish I could have done more," $MI replies, lowering $MIhis_her gaze with a sad smile before meeting your eyes again. "I'm glad you survived." $MIHe_She glances at your companions. "All of you. I knew you weren't the demons we were looking for." <<else>>"I know you," you say as you take a step toward $MIhim_her. "You're the $MImerman_mermaid who showed up in the prison. You came up to my cell." "That's right," $MI answers with a nod, offering a faint smile that's a mix of guilt and relief. "I'm so sorry for what happened. I'm glad you survived." $MIHe_She glances at your companions. "All of you. I knew you weren't the demons we were looking for." <</if>>You wonder what made $MIhim_her so sure, considering the rest of $MIhis_her kind didn't hesitate for a second to blame you. But Nauzet cuts the conversation short before you can even start. "Why are you here? From what I understand, you should be assisting the Guild and the Defenders." The achimencey's voice carries a clear tone of reproach, which is precisely what causes Salva to react and spring to his feet. The sea serpent retreats with $MI as Salva faces off against the sea god with renewed anger. "And you dare question me after everything you've done?" the blonde merman snaps, taking a step toward Nauzet and pointing at him accusingly. "You're the one who brought strangers into //my// house. The one who set them free without consulting me. And the one who's going to lead them to rescue //my// father while leaving me here to rot." His tone and anger escalate with every word. Salva steps forward until he's face-to-face with Nauzet, though the god is unfazed by his proximity. Nauzet holds his gaze, blinking slowly before speaking. "To save Soza, we need the best. These merfolk have been touched by the gods-" "To the Void with the gods!" Salva explodes. [[Continue|136]]

The tension and discomfort in the room grow with each passing second of silence, broken only by Salva's furious breathing and the pitiful whimpers of the sea serpent. Your eyes shift from one merman to the other, observing the stark contrast between Nauzet's calm demeanour and the young merman's rage in a moment that stretches endlessly. At last, after a prolonged stare-off, Nauzet breaks the silence. "You're nothing but a rookie. A mere tadpole whose fins have barely started to grow." Nauzet's tone is especially cold. Salva clenches his fists, the lines on his brow deepening, but he stays silent as Nauzet continues. "What do you think you'll accomplish by coming along? Other than being a burden, of course. And that's assuming you don't get captured and killed afterward." The achimencey leans closer to Salva. "And then what? Who will you cry to, //tadpole//?" Nauzet makes sure to enunciate that last word, which seems to hit the young merman particularly hard. His eyes redden and glisten with a mix of rage and frustration, but instead of exploding again and answering Nauzet, Salva turns on his heel and heads for the exit. "Salva-" $MI begins, but Salva cuts $MIhim_her off with a shove that pushes $MIhim_her out of the way. The blonde merman crosses the doorway but pauses for a moment before disappearing around the corner. "If you think I'm going to let you have your way as you always do," Salva turns to shoot one last furious glare at Nauzet, "think again, Uncle Nau." He doesn't give Nauzet a chance to reply and stomps out of the house, though you suspect the god wouldn't have answered anyway. The sea serpent swims after Salva, but $MI lingers behind and turns to Nauzet. "Don't be so hard on him, Guru. Salva's had a rough few days, and-" Nauzet silences $MI with a raised hand and a shake of his head. Then, the achimencey gestures toward the exit with a nod. "Go to him, $MI. He needs your support right now," he says, his voice a touch softer. $MI rolls $MIhis_her lips together and nods. $MIHe_She bows slightly to Nauzet and gives you a parting glance before stepping out the door. No one in the room speaks until the sound of the front door closing reaches your ears. "Damn. Don't you think you went a little too far?" $AO says, breaking the silence. There's a clear note of disapproval in $AOhis_her tone mixed with the reproachful look $AOhe_she shoots at the sea god, though he chooses to ignore $AOhim_her entirely. * [[You didn't have to be so cruel|137_a][$cruelNau to true]] * [[Do you think he'll get in our way?|137_b]] * [[Let's not waste any more time|137_c]] * [[You're a social expert, I see|137_d]]

Impotence forms a tight knot in your chest as you clench your fists. You're with $AO on this one; Nauzet went too far with that boy. "There was no need to be so cruel to him," you reproach, your furrowed brow matching your severe tone. "I had to say something to make him leave. Otherwise, we'd be here all day," the achimencey responds, utterly emotionless, and approaches the table again as if nothing had happened. You and $AO exchange incredulous glances for a moment while Nauzet returns his attention to the map. You turn to $RG for support since $RGhe_she seems like the only one $RGhis_her brother might listen to, but your <<if $RGLove is true>>guardian<<else>>friend<</if>> merely gives a sad grimace and looks away. "He called you Uncle Nau?" $AL asks with a thoughtful tone. "So that boy and you-" "Forget about him. We've got more important matters at hand," Nauzet interrupts sharply, shooting all of you a piercing look that silences any further attempts at discussion. He places both hands on the table and returns to the map. "As I was saying, given the nature of our enemy, we'll probably have to enter the Void. $RG and I will help you with that. Once there, we find Soza, secure the orb, and leave. Understood?" You exchange glances with your companions. You can still feel the lingering tension, but there's no point in pressing the issue. $LL closes $LLhis_her eyes and exhales a long sigh. "What about the other merpeople?" $LLhe_she asks. "We'll rescue as many as we can, but our priority is Soza. Don't forget that," Nauzet replies. "And what if $BN shows up?" you question. "Leave $BNhim_her to us," $RG says, stepping forward. "Don't even think about facing $BNhim_her. Step aside, and if you can, grab Soza and run. Nauzet and I will keep $BN at bay and catch up with you when we can." "I'll stay with you to protect you from the demons and leviathans and guide you back to the city," Enid concludes. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"No complaints from me, big guy," says $AO. <<else>>"No complaints from me, big girl," says $AO. <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>You certainly would. The thought of leaving $RG alone against $BN while you escape doesn't sit well with you. Especially when you recall how Abora said the renegade's power far surpasses your guardian's. <</if>>[[Continue|138]]

"If all you wanted was to make him leave, you succeeded," you say, still staring at the door before turning to Nauzet. "But I don't think that was the best approach. The boy was already upset, and all you did was throw more fuel on the fire." "He'll survive," Nauzet responds, utterly emotionless, and approaches the table again as if nothing had happened. "He seemed very determined. Don't you think he'll get in the way?" you ask. "He'll try, but we'll already be gone by then," the achimencey replies while studying the map again. "And it's not like he'll accomplish anything. No one will listen to him." "And you think that's right?" $AO asks, crossing $AOhis_her arms. Nauzet casts her a serious look. "What's right is that we continue with our task. The rest doesn't matter." You see $AO staring at him in disbelief, and you offer $AOhim_her a sympathetic look. Even $LL has a furrowed brow. Though, in $LLhis_her case, that's $LLhis_her usual expression. However, the warrior seems more distracted than anything else. "He called you Uncle Nau?" $AL asks with a thoughtful tone. "So that boy and you-" "Forget about him. We've got more important matters at hand," Nauzet interrupts sharply, shooting all of you a piercing look that silences any further attempts at discussion. He places both hands on the table and returns to the map. "As I was saying, given the nature of our enemy, we'll probably have to enter the Void. $RG and I will help you with that. Once there, we find Soza, secure the orb, and leave. Understood?" You exchange glances with your companions. You can still feel the lingering tension, but there's no point in pressing the issue. $LL closes $LLhis_her eyes and exhales a long sigh. "What about the other merpeople?" $LLhe_she asks. "We'll rescue as many as we can, but our priority is Soza. Don't forget that," Nauzet replies. "And what if $BN shows up?" you question. "Leave $BNhim_her to us," $RG says, stepping forward. "Don't even think about facing $BNhim_her. Step aside, and if you can, grab Soza and run. Nauzet and I will keep $BN at bay and catch up with you when we can." "I'll stay with you to protect you from the demons and leviathans and guide you back to the city," Enid concludes. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"No complaints from me, big guy," says $AO. <<else>>"No complaints from me, big girl," says $AO. <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>You certainly would. The thought of leaving $RG alone against $BN while you escape doesn't sit well with you. Especially when you recall how Abora said the renegade's power far surpasses your guardian's. <</if>>[[Continue|138]]

You tear your gaze away from the door and look at your companions seriously. "Well, it's done. Let's focus on what's important now." You move to join Nauzet by the table, who has turned his attention back to the map as though nothing had happened. On the way, you feel $AO's incredulous gaze fixed on you and the achimencey, but there are more urgent matters to address right now than $AOhis_her disapproval. "He called you Uncle Nau?" $AL asks with a thoughtful tone. "So that boy and you-" "Forget about him. We've got more important matters at hand," Nauzet interrupts sharply, shooting all of you a piercing look that silences any further attempts at discussion. He places both hands on the table and returns to the map. "As I was saying, given the nature of our enemy, we'll probably have to enter the Void. $RG and I will help you with that. Once there, we find Soza, secure the orb, and leave. Understood?" You exchange glances with your companions. You can still feel the lingering tension, but there's no point in pressing the issue. $LL closes $LLhis_her eyes and exhales a long sigh. "What about the other merpeople?" $LLhe_she asks. "We'll rescue as many as we can, but our priority is Soza. Don't forget that," Nauzet replies. "And what if $BN shows up?" you question. "Leave $BNhim_her to us," $RG says, stepping forward. "Don't even think about facing $BNhim_her. Step aside, and if you can, grab Soza and run. Nauzet and I will keep $BN at bay and catch up with you when we can." "I'll stay with you to protect you from the demons and leviathans and guide you back to the city," Enid concludes. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"No complaints from me, big guy," says $AO. <<else>>"No complaints from me, big girl," says $AO. <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>You certainly would. The thought of leaving $RG alone against $BN while you escape doesn't sit well with you. Especially when you recall how Abora said the renegade's power far surpasses your guardian's. <</if>>[[Continue|138]]

"Well, if your goal was to make the kid hate you even more, congratulations," you say, still looking at the door before turning to Nauzet. "You're quite the social expert, aren't you?" Nauzet gives you a serious look, but he doesn't respond to your comment and approaches the table again. "Let's focus back on our task," he says, once again contemplating the map. You see $AO looking at him in disbelief, and you offer $AOhim_her a sympathetic grimace. Even $LL has a furrowed brow. Though, in $LLhis_her case, that's $LLhis_her usual expression. However, the warrior seems more distracted than anything else. "He called you Uncle Nau?" $AL asks with a thoughtful tone. "So that boy and you-" "Forget about him. We've got more important matters at hand," Nauzet interrupts sharply, shooting all of you a piercing look that silences any further attempts at discussion. He places both hands on the table and returns to the map. "As I was saying, given the nature of our enemy, we'll probably have to enter the Void. $RG and I will help you with that. Once we're there, we find Soza, secure the orb, and leave. Understood?" You exchange glances with your companions. You can still feel the lingering tension, but there's no point in pressing the issue. $LL closes $LLhis_her eyes and exhales a long sigh. "What about the other merpeople?" $LLhe_she asks. "We'll rescue as many as we can, but our priority is Soza. Don't forget that," Nauzet replies. "And what if $BN shows up?" you question. "Leave $BNhim_her to us," $RG says, stepping forward. "Don't even think about facing $BNhim_her. Step aside, and if you can, grab Soza and run. Nauzet and I will keep $BN at bay and catch up with you when we can." "I'll stay with you to protect you from the demons and leviathans and guide you back to the city," Enid concludes. <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"No complaints from me, big guy," says $AO. <<else>>"No complaints from me, big girl," says $AO. <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>You certainly have some. The thought of leaving $RG alone against $BN while you escape doesn't sit well with you. Especially when you recall how Abora said the renegade's power far surpasses your guardian's. <</if>>[[Continue|138]]

<<if $RGLove is true>>But just as you're about to say something, a knock at the door catches your attention and interrupts the conversation. <<else>>Suddenly, a knock at the door catches your attention and interrupts the conversation. <</if>>"It's from the Adventurers' Guild," Nauzet announces. The merman god folds the map and tucks it into his tunic before heading to the door. You follow him downstairs and find a mermaid standing at the entrance, trident in hand and posture firm. "Esteemed Guru, sea neighbours," she greets with a bow. "The guild requires your presence at the Grotto to confirm the patrol route, Guru. They're waiting for you." "We've already informed your leaders. They know where we're going," $LL replies curtly. "It's a precaution, to know your exact location in case something happens. That way, the rescue patrol will know where to look," the mermaid explains. Nauzet nods. "Right away, Captain. $name, come with me." You point to yourself. "Me?" "The rest of you stay here," Nauzet orders, ignoring your surprise as he steps through the door and follows the mermaid. [[Continue|139]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "virtutes" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ <<set $SozaCodex to true>>\ <<notify 5000>>''New codex entry:'' Secondary characters: Soza Qaled<</notify>> \ The cave opens into a vast underground chamber that feels like something out of a dream: stalactites and stalagmites rise like immovable guardians at the entrance, while the water reflects their shapes and creates the illusion of infinite columns. Beams of light filtering down from the surface seem to dance along the damp limestone walls, casting shimmering blue and green hues that flicker across the ancient inscriptions and golden emblems decorating the chamber's walls. At your feet, a crystalline pool stretches across the cave, with glowing specks drifting in the water. One of them floats near the entrance, and you realize they are tiny white fish that radiates a soft brilliance with their scales. The pool encircles a stone altar encrusted with vibrant coral, positioned in the center like a ceremonial focal point. Surrounding it is an improvised market where sirens offer maps, weapons, and strange trinkets. Others bustle about, carrying sizable crates from one place to another. The air is dense, heavy with the scent of salt. The voices and the metallic clinking of weapons being arranged on racks carry an undercurrent of urgency. A small sense of unease begins to creep into your chest as you take in the crowd, their constant motion and chatter filling the space. Despite the Grotto's vastness, the sheer number of merpeople inside borders on overwhelming. <<if $cruelNau is true>>"I know it bothers you." Nauzet's voice catches you off guard. He had remained in complete and uncomfortable silence throughout the entire journey. Even when you asked him why he decided you should accompany him, he didn't give you an answer. You blink at him, pausing your curious inspection of the cave. "What?" "What I said to Salva," he responds without even looking at you, his gaze sweeping over the Grotto with a critical eye. @@#can; *<<link "Give him a reproachful look. 'It was unnecessary.'">><<replace "#can">>The confrontation from a few minutes ago with the young blonde merman replays in your mind, and you can't stop the angry embers from flaring up in your chest again. "What you said was completely unnecessary," you snap harshly, giving him a reproachful look. "I don't know what your relationship is, and I don't care, but you didn't have to treat him like that." "I know," he responds with a calmness that makes you question whether to believe him or not. Nauzet tears his gaze away from the crowd to look you directly in the eye. "Don't get distracted by that, mortal. Focus on what's important and forget about it." With that said, the achimencey crosses the moss-covered archway that forms the entrance and doesn't give you a chance to respond. You stand for a moment, watching his back, pressing your lips together as you lightly shake your head before letting out a frustrated sigh and following him. [[Continue|140]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link "Furrow your brow. 'You humiliated him in front of everyone.'">><<replace "#can">>The confrontation from a few minutes ago with the young blonde merman replays in your mind, and you can't stop the angry embers from flaring up in your chest again. "You're a god. I know what you can do," you snap harshly, furrowing your brow deeply. "You could have said anything to make him leave, and you still chose to humiliate him in front of everyone." "I'm not proud of it," he responds with a calmness that makes you question whether to believe him or not. Nauzet tears his gaze away from the crowd to look you directly in the eye. "Don't get distracted by that, mortal. Focus on what's important and forget about it." With that said, the achimencey crosses the moss-covered archway that forms the entrance and doesn't give you a chance to respond. You stand for a moment, watching his back, pressing your lips together as you lightly shake your head before letting out a frustrated sigh and following him. [[Continue|140]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link "Swallow your anger. 'It doesn't matter anymore.'">><<replace "#can">>The confrontation from a few minutes ago with the young blonde merman replays in your mind. However, despite the frustration that flares up in your chest again, you force yourself to swallow your anger and give him a meaningful look. "Let's just focus on the reason we're here, all right?" "Agreed," he responds with a calmness that's almost annoying. You ignore the impulse to respond with a reprimand, and together, you cross the moss-covered archway that leads into the Grotto. [[Continue|140]]<</replace>><</link>> @@<<else>>Nauzet seems to give you a few seconds to observe the place before crossing the moss-covered arch that forms the entrance. The sudden movement catches you a bit off guard, as the merman has remained in complete and uncomfortable silence the entire way. Even when you asked him why he decided you should be the one to accompany him, he didn't give you an answer. Still, you quickly recover and follow him. "Hey, wait for me!" you call out, trying to stay as close to him as possible to avoid getting lost in the anxious crowd. [[Continue|140]] <</if>>

The water in the pond covers your ankles. You dodge the merfolks crossing your path until you reach the left side of the Grotto, where a short hallway leads you to a much humbler room. At the back, there are a couple of stacked crates with various weapons leaning against the rock right next to them. In the centre, a group of merpeople surrounds a table. "...and maybe they can tell us more. Make sure to-Ah! Esteemed Guru!" The merman who seems to be leading the conversation bows to Nauzet as he enters, his long hair concealing his greenish and elegant features for a moment. The others follow suit as they turn toward you. "We've been expecting you. We have your supplies ready. Are you here to give us your route?" "That's right, Adventurer," Nauzet replies with a nod as he pulls the folded map from his tunic. The merman fixes his yellowish gaze on you. "And this must be our neighbour from other waters. I am Moloth, Weaver of Currents and Silver Scales of the Serdinat clan." He gestures to his companions. "These are Tarquus, Oracle of Mare Magnum and Wavebreaker of the Orcalius clan. Eroth, Coral Spear and Stormcaller of the same clan, and Cielin, Hunter of the Tides and Silent Swimmer of the Ulkrard clan." The titles mean absolutely nothing to you, and you've already forgotten about them even before he finished. But from the pride in his voice, you assume they are important. Moloth extends his hand, and you shake it, feeling the slippery touch of his scales. "I am $name $lname. Pleasure to meet you." "Same. We're the patrol assigned to reinforce you. If anything goes wrong on your mission, we will take care of your rescue," the merman with much bulkier build, Eroth, says. His features remind your of a whale. Nauzet spreads the map over the table, pushing aside six medium-sized bags made from partially filled seaweed. "This is what we had in mind..." [[Continue|141]]

You circle the table and watch as Nauzet goes over the plan you made, pointing out the various locations on the map you'll pass through until you reach The Seaweed Forest. Moloth's patrol listens attentively, occasionally making sounds of understanding. "It's a good route. Not too direct, but it doesn't take too many detours either," Tarquus says when Nauzet finishes going over the map. Cielin nods in agreement. "And Silia offers quite a bit of coverage through the terrain, it's easy to slip away from the demons. Looks like you've thought this through." "From the looks of it, I'd say it'll take you about… three days to get to The Seaweed Forest," Moloth calculates. His face becomes thoughtful, a shadow settling on his expression. "As for what you'll find once you get there… only the gods know." "Nothing good. I can assure you of that," says Eroth with a grimace before looking at you. "Well, I think you know that better than anyone here." "I… didn't really have time to find out. I was more focused on running away than anything else," you reply as convincingly as possible, diverting your gaze to the map to focus on The Seaweed Forest area. You frown. //"What kind of place must it be for everyone to be so afraid of it?"// <<if $fear is true>>A chill runs down your spine. You really don't want to find out. <</if>>Eroth makes a sound of understanding. "I see. You were very lucky to leave there alive without knowing where you were going." "We'll give you a week's leeway. If you're not back by then, we'll come looking for you. Does that sound good?" asks Moloth. Nauzet nods. "That'll be more than enough." "I hope so, Guru," Moloth sighs. He grabs a small box from the floor and places it on the table. "Now that we know the time frame for the mission, we'll prepare your bags with enough supplies for about eight days." Cielin gestures to the side of the room, where more boxes are stacked and spears and tridents lean against the wall. "Which leaves us only with the weapons." "Esteemed Guru?" Another mermaid enters the room with a slight bow before turning to Nauzet. "Elder Herlim requests your presence in the Pearl Hall." "I'll be there," the achimencey replies with a nod before turning to you. "Finish up the preparations and head home. I'll see you other there." * [[You're leaving me here by myself?|142_a]] * [[Understood|142_b]] * [[Fine, but if I screw up, it won't be my fault|142_c]]

Before he can leave the room, you quickly approach him and grab his arm. "Wait a second, are you going to leave me here all by myself? I don't know how this world works!" you exclaim in a low voice. "You just need to pick a couple of weapons and come back. I'm sure you'll manage on your own." "If you say so…" Nauzet says goodbye to the patrol and leaves the room. Cielin gestures for you to approach the weapons. "As I was saying, here we have all the weapons available for the patrols that have assignments outside the city. Spears are a good choice if you prefer agility over brute strength. Tridents are better for the latter. We also have the weapons we confiscated from you, although, to be honest, we've never seen any like them." Among all the sharp steel, Tarquus pulls out $AL's large axe, studying it with his head slightly tilted in curiosity while running his fingertips along the smooth side of the blade. "This design is very interesting, I must say. Pretty with all these engraved details. However…" Tarquus grabs the axe and makes an experimental thrust with it as if it were a spear before turning it to examine it critically, making it spin to get a better view. "It's too heavy, the water would dampen the strike. And I don't understand why it has the blades on the sides. What's the point of that? It looks more like a piece of art than a weapon." The merman meets your gaze and offers an embarrassed smile. "No offense." You shake your head. "None taken. Actually, it's, uh, craftsmanship. It wasn't meant to be a weapon, my friend just likes to create new things. $ALHe_She's very fond of it." Tarquus nods, opening his mouth without making a sound. It seems your explanation convinces him, and he admires the axe for a few more seconds before leaning it against the wall. <<if $weapon is "Sword">>"These two, however, are quite good," Eroth says as he picks up your sword and $LL's. "A bit short and with a strange shape, but they're lighter. Oh, and then there's this." Eroth sets the swords down and pulls out $LL's shield, giving the metal a couple of experimental hits, the sound echoing slightly in the cave. "A sturdy and functional barrier. It's big and covers well, perfect for a support equipment."<<else>>"This one, however, is pretty good," Eroth says as he picks up $LL's sword. "A bit short and with a strange shape, but it's lighter. Oh, and then there's this." Eroth sets the sword down and pulls out $LL's shield, giving the metal a couple of experimental hits, the sound echoing slightly in the cave. "A sturdy and functional barrier. It's big and covers well, perfect for a support equipment."<</if>> <<if $weapon is "Bow">> "What I'm not so sure about is what this is for." Moloth mumbles as he rummages through the boxes and pulls out your bow and quiver, which now only holds three sad arrows, the rest having probably fallen along the way and are now lost to the ocean. //"Gods… My poor bow couldn't be more useless right now. How do I even explain to them what it's for?"// Moloth glances at it from various angles, furrowing his brow in confusion. "It's a stick… with a string to bend it? Honestly, I don't get it." "Yeah…" You clear your throat. "It's for the surface, actually." Moloth looks at you with curiosity. "Oh? Did your clan go to the surface often?" You roll your lips, uncomfortable. You're getting yourself into a mess you're not sure how to get out of. "...More or less," you answer before too much time passes. Your answer seems to satisfy them, thankfully. Cielin picks up one of the arrows. "This seems the most functional, but…" The mermaid grabs the arrow with both hands and strains to bend it. You've always made sure your arrows are made from ash wood for durability and penetration, but considering how thin they are and how wet they must be now, you're not surprised when the arrow snaps in two. Cielin purses her lips. "Doesn't seem very useful." //"Underwater? Not at all…"// Your gaze drifts over the available weapons, all too long for your comfort. You've always preferred ranged combat, but it seems like that won't be an option in this world. //"There must be something I can use and feel comfortable with, right?"// you say to yourself as you keep looking. Your eyes land on a collection of curved daggers hanging from a hook in the rock, and you move over to inspect them. The patrol watches as you grab them and make a couple of experimental slashes. "Those are skinning knives. We keep them here for our scalebinders," Cielin says. "Any tool can be a weapon if you know how to use it," you reply, skilfully twirling the knives between your fingers. Close combat may not be your thing, but speed certainly is. "I like them. Mind if I take them?" The patrol exchanges glances for a moment but ends up nodding. "If you're more comfortable with them, they're all yours," Moloth says. <</if>> [[Continue|143]]

You nod firmly. "Understood." Nauzet says goodbye to the patrol and leaves the room. Cielin gestures for you to approach the weapons. "As I was saying, here we have all the weapons available for the patrols that have assignments outside the city. Spears are a good choice if you prefer agility over brute strength. Tridents are better for the latter. We also have the weapons we confiscated from you, although, to be honest, we've never seen any like them." Among all the sharp steel, Tarquus pulls out $AL's large axe, studying it with his head slightly tilted in curiosity while running his fingertips along the smooth side of the blade. "This design is very interesting, I must say. Pretty with all these engraved details. However…" Tarquus grabs the axe and makes an experimental thrust with it as if it were a spear before turning it to examine it critically, making it spin to get a better view. "It's too heavy, the water would dampen the strike. And I don't understand why it has the blades on the sides. What's the point of that? It looks more like a piece of art than a weapon." The merman meets your gaze and offers an embarrassed smile. "No offense." You shake your head. "None taken. Actually, it's, uh, craftsmanship. It wasn't meant to be a weapon, my friend just likes to create new things. $ALHe_She's very fond of it." Tarquus nods, opening his mouth without making a sound. It seems your explanation convinces him, and he admires the axe for a few more seconds before leaning it against the wall. <<if $weapon is "Sword">>"These two, however, are quite good," Eroth says as he picks up your sword and $LL's. "A bit short and with a strange shape, but they're lighter. Oh, and then there's this." Eroth sets the swords down and pulls out $LL's shield, giving the metal a couple of experimental hits, the sound echoing slightly in the cave. "A sturdy and functional barrier. It's big and covers well, perfect for a support equipment."<<else>>"This one, however, is pretty good," Eroth says as he picks up $LL's sword. "A bit short and with a strange shape, but it's lighter. Oh, and then there's this." Eroth sets the sword down and pulls out $LL's shield, giving the metal a couple of experimental hits, the sound echoing slightly in the cave. "A sturdy and functional barrier. It's big and covers well, perfect for a support equipment."<</if>> <<if $weapon is "Bow">> "What I'm not so sure about is what this is for." Moloth mumbles as he rummages through the boxes and pulls out your bow and quiver, which now only holds three sad arrows, the rest having probably fallen along the way and are now lost to the ocean. //"Gods… My poor bow couldn't be more useless right now. How do I even explain to them what it's for?"// Moloth glances at it from various angles, furrowing his brow in confusion. "It's a stick… with a string to bend it? Honestly, I don't get it." "Yeah…" You clear your throat. "It's for the surface, actually." Moloth looks at you with curiosity. "Oh? Did your clan go to the surface often?" You roll your lips, uncomfortable. You're getting yourself into a mess you're not sure how to get out of. "...More or less," you answer before too much time passes. Your answer seems to satisfy them, thankfully. Cielin picks up one of the arrows. "This seems the most functional, but…" The mermaid grabs the arrow with both hands and strains to bend it. You've always made sure your arrows are made from ash wood for durability and penetration, but considering how thin they are and how wet they must be now, you're not surprised when the arrow snaps in two. Cielin purses her lips. "Doesn't seem very useful." //"Underwater? Not at all…"// Your gaze drifts over the available weapons, all too long for your comfort. You've always preferred ranged combat, but it seems like that won't be an option in this world. //"There must be something I can use and feel comfortable with, right?"// you say to yourself as you keep looking. Your eyes land on a collection of curved daggers hanging from a hook in the rock, and you move over to inspect them. The patrol watches as you grab them and make a couple of experimental slashes. "Those are skinning knives. We keep them here for our scalebinders," Cielin says. "Any tool can be a weapon if you know how to use it," you reply, skilfully twirling the knives between your fingers. Close combat may not be your thing, but speed certainly is. "I like them. Mind if I take them?" The patrol exchanges glances for a moment but ends up nodding. "If you're more comfortable with them, they're all yours," Moloth says. <</if>> [[Continue|143]]

Before he can leave the room, you quickly approach him and grab his arm. "Wait a second, are you going to leave me here all by myself? I don't know how this world works!" you exclaim in a low voice. "You just need to pick a couple of weapons and come back. I'm sure you'll manage on your own." "Fine, but if I screw up and blow our cover, I want it on record that it's not my fault." Nauzet rolls his eyes and groans impatiently before saying goodbye to the patrol and leaving the room. Cielin gestures for you to approach the weapons. "As I was saying, here we have all the weapons available for the patrols that have assignments outside the city. Spears are a good choice if you prefer agility over brute strength. Tridents are better for the latter. We also have the weapons we confiscated from you, although, to be honest, we've never seen any like them." Among all the sharp steel, Tarquus pulls out $AL's large axe, studying it with his head slightly tilted in curiosity while running his fingertips along the smooth side of the blade. "This design is very interesting, I must say. Pretty with all these engraved details. However…" Tarquus grabs the axe and makes an experimental thrust with it as if it were a spear before turning it to examine it critically, making it spin to get a better view. "It's too heavy, the water would dampen the strike. And I don't understand why it has the blades on the sides. What's the point of that? It looks more like a piece of art than a weapon." The merman meets your gaze and offers an embarrassed smile. "No offense." You shake your head. "None taken. Actually, it's, uh, craftsmanship. It wasn't meant to be a weapon, my friend just likes to create new things. $ALHe_She's very fond of it." Tarquus nods, opening his mouth without making a sound. It seems your explanation convinces him, and he admires the axe for a few more seconds before leaning it against the wall. <<if $weapon is "Sword">>"These two, however, are quite good," Eroth says as he picks up your sword and $LL's. "A bit short and with a strange shape, but they're lighter. Oh, and then there's this." Eroth sets the swords down and pulls out $LL's shield, giving the metal a couple of experimental hits, the sound echoing slightly in the cave. "A sturdy and functional barrier. It's big and covers well, perfect for a support equipment."<<else>>"This one, however, is pretty good," Eroth says as he picks up $LL's sword. "A bit short and with a strange shape, but it's lighter. Oh, and then there's this." Eroth sets the sword down and pulls out $LL's shield, giving the metal a couple of experimental hits, the sound echoing slightly in the cave. "A sturdy and functional barrier. It's big and covers well, perfect for a support equipment."<</if>> <<if $weapon is "Bow">> "What I'm not so sure about is what this is for." Moloth mumbles as he rummages through the boxes and pulls out your bow and quiver, which now only holds three sad arrows, the rest having probably fallen along the way and are now lost to the ocean. //"Gods… My poor bow couldn't be more useless right now. How do I even explain to them what it's for?"// Moloth glances at it from various angles, furrowing his brow in confusion. "It's a stick… with a string to bend it? Honestly, I don't get it." "Yeah…" You clear your throat. "It's for the surface, actually." Moloth looks at you with curiosity. "Oh? Did your clan go to the surface often?" You roll your lips, uncomfortable. You're getting yourself into a mess you're not sure how to get out of. "...More or less," you answer before too much time passes. Your answer seems to satisfy them, thankfully. Cielin picks up one of the arrows. "This seems the most functional, but…" The mermaid grabs the arrow with both hands and strains to bend it. You've always made sure your arrows are made from ash wood for durability and penetration, but considering how thin they are and how wet they must be now, you're not surprised when the arrow snaps in two. Cielin purses her lips. "Doesn't seem very useful." //"Underwater? Not at all…"// Your gaze drifts over the available weapons, all too long for your comfort. You've always preferred ranged combat, but it seems like that won't be an option in this world. //"There must be something I can use and feel comfortable with, right?"// you say to yourself as you keep looking. Your eyes land on a collection of curved daggers hanging from a hook in the rock, and you move over to inspect them. The patrol watches as you grab them and make a couple of experimental slashes. "Those are skinning knives. We keep them here for our scalebinders," Cielin says. "Any tool can be a weapon if you know how to use it," you reply, skilfully twirling the knives between your fingers. Close combat may not be your thing, but speed certainly is. "I like them. Mind if I take them?" The patrol exchanges glances for a moment but ends up nodding. "If you're more comfortable with them, they're all yours," Moloth says. <</if>> [[Continue|143]]

"All right, that's everything," Cielin finishes, placing her hands on her strong hips. "Our recommendation is that you take our weapons. They're made to be functional in these waters, but you know your needs and your clan's better than we do." "And you've survived the Void, which is no small feat," Tarquus adds. "Feel free to choose whatever you prefer, $name," the mermaid concludes. <<if $weapon is "Sword">>"Just one trident should be enough," you answer, pointing to your sword. "I'd rather use my own weapon, if that's all right. I'll also take the other one and the shield. My friend doesn't like changing $LLhis_her gear." Eroth blinks, confused. "Just one? Aren't there five of you?" "One already has $RGhis_her own spear, and the other doesn't need weapons, $AOhe_she's a mage," you reply, thinking of $RG and $AO. But as soon as you say that, your whole body tenses up, as if instinctively aware of how casually you've spoken about magic. Back in Thaon, many would have eyed you with suspicion and caution. //"Damned be the moment Nauzet left me alone with these people,"// you curse. However, the reaction from the patrol is far from what you expected. The merpeople raise their eyebrows in surprise, a spark of respect lighting in their eyes. "Oh, you have another virtuoso among you? $AOHe_She must have held a high rank in your clan," Moloth says with an admiration that you find both relieving and strange. <<if $AOQK is true>>You clear your throat subtly. "Um... yes. The highest, actually." The response gets another surprised glance from the patrol, followed by a somewhat overwhelming emotion. "Blessed be the gods! Then we have another guru among us," Tarquus exclaims. You manage a tense smile. "Well, our hierarchy is a little... different from yours, but yes." <<else>>You subtly clear your throat. "Um... yes. One of the highest, yes." The response gets another surprised glance from the patrol. "Blessed be the gods! Then we have another elder among us," Tarquus exclaims. You manage a tense smile. "Well, our hierarchy is a little... different from yours, but yes." <</if>><<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>"Just with one trident and these knives will be enough," you reply, raising the daggers for emphasis. Then you point to $LL's sword. "I'll also take that weapon and the shield. My friend doesn't like changing $LLhis_her gear." Eroth blinks, confused. "Is that all? Aren't there five of you?" "One already has $RGhis_her own spear, and the other doesn't need weapons, $AOhe_she's a mage," you reply, thinking of $RG and $AO. But as soon as you say that, your whole body tenses up, as if instinctively aware of how casually you've spoken about magic. Back in Thaon, many would have eyed you with suspicion and caution. //"Damned be the moment Nauzet left me alone with these people,"// you curse. However, the reaction from the patrol is far from what you expected. The merpeople raise their eyebrows in surprise, a spark of respect lighting in their eyes. "Oh, you have another virtuoso among you? $AOHe_She must have held a high rank in your clan," Moloth says with an admiration that you find both relieving and strange. <<if $AOQK is true>>You clear your throat subtly. "Um... yes. The highest, actually." The response gets another surprised glance from the patrol, followed by a somewhat overwhelming emotion. "Blessed be the gods! Then we have another guru among us," Tarquus exclaims. You manage a tense smile. "Well, our hierarchy is a little... different from yours, but yes." <<else>>You subtly clear your throat. "Um... yes. One of the highest, yes." The response gets another surprised glance from the patrol. "Blessed be the gods! Then we have another elder among us," Tarquus exclaims. You manage a tense smile. "Well, our hierarchy is a little... different from yours, but yes." <</if>><<else>>"Just one trident should be enough," you reply, raising the daggers for emphasis. Then you point to $LL's sword. "I'll also take that weapon and the shield. My friend doesn't like changing $LLhis_her gear." Eroth blinks, confused. "Just one? Aren't there five of you?" "One already has $RGhis_her own spear, and my other companion and I don't need weapons, we're mages," you reply, thinking of $RG and $AO. But as soon as you say that, your whole body tenses up, as if instinctively aware of how casually you've spoken about magic. Back in Thaon, many would have eyed you with suspicion and caution. //"Damned be the moment Nauzet left me alone with these people,"// you curse. However, the reaction from the patrol is far from what you expected. The merpeople raise their eyebrows in surprise, a spark of respect lighting in their eyes. "Oh, so you're a virtuoso too? Then you must have held a high rank in your clan," Moloth says with an admiration that you find both relieving and strange, especially after the small bow the entire patrol dedicates to you. You subtly clear your throat, somewhat uncomfortable at the sudden show of respect. "Well, our hierarchy is a bit... different from yours, shall we say," you finish with a strained smile. <</if>>[[Continue|144]]

"Then this is all," Moloth concludes. "We just needed to know your route to determine how much time you'll spend outside, the supplies, and to select the weaponry. So, unless you have any questions for us, we're done." "Just one." You momentarily glance at the map still on the table, your eyes landing on the furthest area from the city, the one merpeople seem to fear most. You frown slightly, then turn back to the patrol. "You've been fighting the dangers of these... waters much longer than we have. Do you have any suggestions for dealing with our enemies?" "Up to The Seaweed Forest, you can trust that our guru will watch over you. At most, you'll run into some lesser demons. Nothing to worry about," Tarquus answers.. "But once you're there, you'll need to be much more cautious. That's where that… new demon appeared, the one who's been kidnapping the members of our clans. Stick together no matter what. In The Seaweed Forest, it's easy to get separated because of the ghost fish. They create illusions that can confuse even the best strategist." Cielin nods. "They're very dangerous creatures. They confuse their prey and lead them deeper into the forest before attacking in packs. As contradictory as it sounds, stay away from the white lights and remain in the darkness." "And the leviathans?" you ask. Their faces fall as they all purse their lips. They share a look that you don't like one bit. "If you encounter one, and you're unlucky enough not to be able to hide, you can either run..." Moloth meets your eye. He swallows hard before finishing, "or pray for a quick and painless death." You saw the answer coming, and yet, the weight of their words makes you hold your breath for a moment. You exhale sharply in a sigh, nodding in acknowledgment. Mentally, you wonder how much Nauzet and $RG will be able to keep them at bay if things go south. Eroth clears his throat. "We know it's not a very encouraging answer..." "No, but it's better to know it beforehand than to face it blindly," you reply. Moloth nods. "True, true. We'll prepare your things and have them ready for you by first thing tomorrow." [[Continue|145]]

The patrol leads you to the exit, leaving you right at the entrance of the hallway that leads to the weapons room. In the distance, moving crates back and forth with a disgruntled expression, you spot Salva. "That merman," you say, pointing toward the young man. "Who is he? We saw him earlier, and let's just say he didn't seem too happy with your guru." The patrol follows the direction of your gaze. "The blonde tadpole? That's Salva Qaled, Elder Soza's son," Tarquus explains. "He's been in the guild for a couple of years, but he's still a rookie." "And he's not happy about that," Cielin adds. "Heh, that would be an understatement," Tarquus continues. "That's why he clashes so much with our guru. In our waters, our guru's wisdom is granted by the gods, and he's the one who decides if someone is ready to rank up. Salva's never been chosen, and that infuriates him. He says his dream is to be a guru one day." "Which is impossible since he's not a virtuoso. To reach such a rank, you need to have affinity with the gods," Eroth interjects. //"Being a virtuoso and having affinity with the gods. Meaning being a mage,"// you think. //"The nobles of Thaon would have their eyes popping out of their sockets if they heard about this."// "He's a good tadpole, but he's going through a rough patch," Moloth says. Eroth scoffs indifferently. "He's too emotional. He's not cut out for this kind of work." "Cut him some slack, will you? His father is missing," Tarquus replies. Cielin crosses her arms and looks at him with a slightly furrowed brow. "As are many of our siblings." "He called your guru Uncle Nau..." you comment thoughtfully, causing the patrol's expressions to soften slightly in sadness. "Yes... Elder Soza and our guru were very close. Almost like brothers." * [[Can you tell me more about Soza?|146_a]] * [[Can you tell me more about Salva?|146_b]] * [[Can you tell me more about Nauzet?|146_c]] * [[I should go|146_d]]

You divert your gaze from Salva and turn back to the patrol. "Can you tell me more about Soza? From what I've heard, he's very beloved among your clans, but I don't know many details." "Soza was part of the guild several years ago," Tarquus explains. "He was one of the best adventurers, actually. He started following in his mother's footsteps as soon as he was old enough to join." "Mostly investigating a supposed extinct civilization, a species completely unrelated to ours, but nothing concrete was ever found," Cielin continues. Eroth shrugs. "It was probably some sort of small leviathan, who knows? Anyway, the investigation was closed years ago." You frown. "It was closed?" Moloth nods. "That's right, when the former elder of the Qaled clan died and Soza was promoted." You take a few seconds to let their words sink in. You remember the report you saw earlier at Soza's house. This makes it clear that it was, indeed, false. What you can't understand is why $BN would go to such lengths when $BNhe_she could easily kill Soza if $BNhe_she wanted to. But you know $BNhe_she doesn't care about that at all, only the slight weight that hangs around your neck. That's the only thing $BNhe_she wants. So what's the connection between the two? That's the question that will repeat itself in your head over and over from now on. "I see..." you finally say, with the same thoughtful tone as before. "Thank you for the information, and for the help with the mission preparations. I should get back to my friends before it gets too late. They'll be waiting for me." "Of course." Cielin nods and gives a slight bow along with the rest of the patrol. "Good luck, $name of the $lname clan, and may the gods be with you and bring you back safe and sound." [[Continue|147]]

You look away from Salva and turn back to the patrol, pointing with your thumb to the blonde merman over your shoulder. "Can you tell me more about him? My first impression was a bit... strange. But I know we're not in the best circumstances, and I'd like to understand him a bit better." "Well, aside from what we've already said, there's not much else to say. The tadpole doesn't really stand out in anything," Tarquus replies with a slight bob of his massive shoulders. "He's a good fighter, but not one of the best. And as an adventurer, he lacks discipline." "Although he's too stubborn to admit it," Eroth interjects. "He tries, but... not enough. It's hard for him when he wants so badly to prove his worth but can't, especially when it's by our guru's recommendation that he stays here doing menial tasks," Moloth finishes. You glance again at the distance, where you find Salva still placing more crates with a disgruntled expression. The boy sets the cargo down and sits on it for a moment. His pet swims around him, nudging his cheek with its snout as if trying to cheer him up. After a couple of seconds, Salva gets up and continues with his work. "I see..." you say finally, with the same thoughtful tone as before, turning back to the patrol. "Thank you for the information, and for the help with the mission preparations. I should get back to my friends before it gets too late. They'll be waiting for me." "Of course." Cielin nods and gives a slight bow along with the rest of the patrol. "Good luck, $name of the $lname clan, and may the gods be with you and bring you back safe and sound." [[Continue|147]]

You look away from Salva and turn back to the patrol. "Can you tell me more about your guru? So far, he hasn't wanted to give us many details about himself." "Well, to be honest, there's not much to tell. Our guru is kind and compassionate, but just as reserved," Tarquus replies. //"Hard to believe the first part,"// you think, and just barely manage to hold back from saying it out loud. "He appeared in our waters a while ago. About three years ago, or so," Eroth continues. "Apparently, he'd been living as a nomad in the ocean all this time, surviving thanks to his affinity with the gods and studying the sea and its tides until the demons appeared and the leviathans turned against us." Cielin nods. "He travelled to Haliss, Tifong and Silia to warn the Serdinat, Qaled, and Orcalius clans about the leviathan attack. He helped us evacuate our siblings and guided them to Sisronia. Thanks to his wisdom, bravery, and virtue, our former guru passed the title on to him before he died." "What happened to your former guru?" you ask. "Nothing serious, fortunately. He died of natural causes," Moloth answers. "And thanks to Nauzet, he was able to return to the waves without suffering," adds Eroth. "We're sorry we can't tell you much more. Our guru values his privacy a lot," Cielin says, letting out a small laugh. "I guess it's that mystery surrounding him that makes him so interesting." Tarquus gives his companion a mischievous look, accompanied by a playful smile and a nudge. "Well, well. Seems like someone has a little crush on our guru." "Wh-what!? I-!" Cielin's ashen skin turns a shade of red as her cheeks flush. "That's- That's not true! I simply... admire him as one should admire a guru." Moloth lets out a soft laugh. "Really? I don't admire his pecs." "Or what he hides under the sarong!" Eroth exclaims, joining in the teasing and making the mermaid even more flustered as the others burst into laughter. You shift your weight from one foot to the other, listening to the easy laughter and camaraderie pass between the patrol. The conversation is heading in a direction you'd rather avoid, so you decide to cut in and excuse yourself before they can dive into more details about Nauzet's groin. "I see..." you say after clearing your throat. "Thanks for the information, and for the help with the mission preparations. I should go back to my friends before it gets too late. They'll be waiting for me." "Of course." Cielin nods, placing her fist over her mouth to clear her throat, though her cheeks are still slightly flushed. She gives a slight bow along with the rest of the patrol. "Good luck, $name of the $lname clan, and may the gods be with you and bring you back safe and sound." [[Continue|147]]

"I see..." you say in the same tone. You turn your gaze away from Salva and back to the patrol. "Thanks for the information, and for the help with the mission preparations. I should go back to my friends before it gets too late. They'll be waiting for me." "Of course." Cielin nods and gives a slight bow along with the rest of the patrol. "Good luck, $name of the $lname clan, and may the gods be with you and bring you back safe and sound." [[Continue|147]]

You say your goodbyes to the patrol and quickly scan the Grotto in search of Nauzet. With all the people and movement around, you can't see him, so you make your way through the crowd, intending to head back to Soza's house with your friends. However, halfway out of the cave, you spot Salva's figure from a distance. The blonde boy is off to the side with all the crates, writing something on a sheet of seaweed. Without thinking, your feet turn and head toward him. As if he senses someone approaching, Salva briefly looks up from the sheet. When he sees it's you, however, he quickly looks away and returns to what he was doing. His luminiscale pet peeks over his shoulder. "What do you want?" he asks as you reach him. There's a clear tone of jealousy and resentment in his voice. "I'm sure you're too busy preparing for tomorrow's trip, right?" You shrug. "I just wanted to see how you were doing. You know, after what happened earlier." "You mean how I'm doing after my own teammates leave me behind once again, treat me like I'm still a rookie even though I've been in the guild for years, and pick a group of outsiders for a mission that's super important to me and my clan?" Salva looks at you then, furrowing his brow. There's no intention of hiding his anger. "I'm //great//." With that, he turns his gaze back to the sheet, determined to ignore you as he continues with his task. * [[It's not fair to you, I know|148_a]] * <<if $cruelNau is true>>[[Nauzet is an asshole|148_b]]<<else>>==Nauzet is an asshole==<</if>> * [[You're an asshole|148_c]] * [[Not everything has to do with you, kid|148_d]] * [[The mission is what matters|148_e]] * [[Poor thing. Do you need a handkerchief?|148_f]] * [[If it comforts you, I wasn't given a choice either|148_g]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "It's not fair to you, I know, and I'm sorry it feels like they're leaving you behind now-" Salva snorts. "It feels like they've been leaving me behind since I joined." "Maybe we can try to fix it. If you want, I can talk to Nauzet-" "No," he interrupts you with a sharp voice, giving you a piercing look. "Keep your pity to yourself, outsider. I do not need it, nor want it. I can manage on my own, thank you very much." Salva places the inventory sheet under his arm and starts walking away from you, but he stops a moment after taking a couple of steps. "I'll show that old man Nauzet that I'm not a rookie anymore. Let's go, Uli." He gestures to his pet to follow him and continues on his way. The scales of the luminiscale, Uli, change to a dark blue hue of sadness. She hesitates for a few seconds, looking from you to Salva a couple of times before following her owner with the typical high-pitched sound of the luminiscales. [[Continue|149]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ <<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "Listen, I'm on your side. What Nauzet did before was very cruel. And honestly? Right now he seems like an asshole." Your words make Salva stop writing, and he looks up from the sheet. His brow is still slightly furrowed, but you catch a small spark of curiosity in the cautious look he gives you. "I'm sorry about your father," you continue, as the blonde merman remains silent. "And that they won't let you participate in his rescue. If I were in your situation, I'd be angry too." You let out a simple, listless chuckle. "In fact, I would have probably done something reckless already." Salva remains silent, pondering your words for a moment as he averts his gaze to the floor. A shadow of something passes across his face before he raises his head again. "Yeah. Probably," he finally says, his tone serious and cold. Salva places the inventory sheet under his arm and starts walking away from you, but stops a moment after a couple of steps. "Tell that old man Nauzet that one day he'll have to accept I'm not a rookie anymore. Let's go, Uli." He gestures to his pet to follow him and continues on his way. The scales of the luminiscale, Uli, change to a dark blue hue of sadness. She hesitates for a few seconds, looking from you to Salva a couple of times before following her owner with the typical high-pitched sound of the luminiscales. [[Continue|149]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ You cross your arms and shoot him a sharp look. "You could be less of an asshole, don't you think?" Salva laughs sarcastically. "Sorry if I didn't give you a warm welcome." "I was trying to be nice and sympathetic, and yet all I get is rudeness from your part. You don't even know me." Salva lowers the arm holding the inventory sheet, and points an accusatory finger at you. "You don't know //me// either, so keep your pity to yourself. I don't want it." Then, he places the inventory sheet under his arm and starts walking away from you, but stops a moment after a couple of steps. "I'll show that old man Nauzet that I'm not a rookie anymore. Let's go, Uli." He gestures to his pet to follow him and continues on his way. The scales of the luminiscale, Uli, change to a dark blue hue of sadness. She hesitates for a few seconds, looking from you to Salva a couple of times before following her owner with the typical high-pitched sound of the luminiscales. [[Continue|149]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ "Are you seriously going to keep this attitude? Aren't you tired of seeing the problem only from your perspective?" Salva stops writing and shoots you a sharp look. "And what the hell do you know about me or my situation, outsider? You're nothing but a meddler." You cross your arms. "It's not all about you, kid. Sometimes things happen for other reasons." Salva rolls his eyes and scoffs. "Talking just like that old man Nauzet. Incredible. You better go back to him, he's probably waiting for you to prepare for tomorrow. At //my// house." Then, he places the inventory sheet under his arm and starts walking away from you, but stops a moment after a couple of steps. "I'll show all of you that I'm not a rookie anymore. Let's go, Uli." He gestures to his pet to follow him and continues on his way. The scales of the luminiscale, Uli, change to a dark blue hue of sadness. She hesitates for a few seconds, looking from you to Salva a couple of times before following her owner with the typical high-pitched sound of the luminiscales. [[Continue|149]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "I'm not saying you're wrong," you start in a conciliatory tone. "But right now, we all need to stay focused on what comes next." Salva scoffs. "Let me guess, what matters is the mission and nothing else?" "Well, yes," you reply as if the answer were obvious. "Or don't you want to save your people?" Salva stops writing and meets your gaze. He holds his eyes on yours for several seconds of tension, until he can't take it anymore and looks down at the floor. Then he closes his eyes and sighs. "I want to help. I //can// help, but no one lets me," he says, a hint of desperation creeping into his tone. "What am I supposed to do, then? Stay here and do nothing? How does that help? How does that prove my worth?" "I know it's not easy to sit on the sidelines, especially when it comes to a loved one." You move closer and risk placing a hand on his shoulder as a sign of support. When you see he doesn't reject the gesture, you continue. "But there are other ways to show what you're capable of, and none of them involve clashing with anyone who disagrees with you." Salva remains silent, pondering your words for a moment as he averts his gaze to the floor. A shadow of something passes across his face before he raises his head again. "You're right," he finally says, his tone serious and determined. Salva places the inventory sheet under his arm and starts walking away from you, but stops a moment after a couple of steps. "I'll show that old man Nauzet that I'm not a rookie anymore. Let's go, Uli." He gestures to his pet to follow him and continues on his way. The scales of the luminiscale, Uli, change to a dark blue hue of sadness. She hesitates for a few seconds, looking from you to Salva a couple of times before following her owner with the typical high-pitched sound of the luminiscales. [[Continue|149]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "Oh, you poor thing. Do you need a handkerchief?" you reply, adding your own touch of sarcasm. Salva snorts. "Yeah, laugh at me like everyone else does. In the end, I'll have the last laugh." You shrug indifferently. "And what do you want? You make it really hard to empathize with you with that spoiled attitude." "You're the one who approached me," he responds, pointing an accusing finger at you. "If you don't like it, you know where the exit is. You better go back to Nauzet, he's probably waiting for you to prepare for tomorrow. At //my// house." Then, he places the inventory sheet under his arm and starts walking away from you, but stops a moment after a couple of steps. "I'll show that old man that I'm not a rookie anymore. Let's go, Uli." He gestures to his pet to follow him and continues on his way. The scales of the luminiscale, Uli, change to a dark blue hue of sadness. She hesitates for a few seconds, looking from you to Salva a couple of times before following her owner with the typical high-pitched sound of the luminiscales. [[Continue|149]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>You let out a small chuckle. "If it comforts you, they didn't ask for my opinion on this either. I always end up being the errand boy." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>You let out a small chuckle. "If it comforts you, they didn't ask for my opinion on this either. I always end up being the errand girl." <<else>>You let out a small chuckle. "If it comforts you, they didn't ask for my opinion on this either. I always end up being the errand person." <</if>> Salva scoffs. "At least you can prove your worth." "Between you and me? I'd rather stay alive," you say with a raised eyebrow. "Save your attempt at comforting me. I didn't ask for it, and I don't want it," he replies in a curt tone. Then, he places the inventory sheet under his arm and starts walking away from you, but stops a moment after a couple of steps. "I'll show that old man Nauzet that I'm not a rookie anymore. Let's go, Uli." He gestures to his pet to follow him and continues on his way. The scales of the luminiscale, Uli, change to a dark blue hue of sadness. She hesitates for a few seconds, looking from you to Salva a couple of times before following her owner with the typical high-pitched sound of the luminiscales. [[Continue|149]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "fadeAway" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ <<unset $cruelNau>>\ <<set $SalvaCodex to true>>\ <<set $MICodex to true>>\ <<notify 5000>>''New codex entries:'' Secondary characters: Salva Qaled Secondary characters: $MI Ulkrard<</notify>> \ "I hope he didn't bother you." A voice sounds right behind you as Salva and his pet disappear into the crowd. You turn around to find the $MImerman_mermaid who appeared with Salva earlier. $MI, you recall. The $MImerman_mermaid offers a friendly smile before glancing in the direction Salva went. $MIHis_Her expression softens with a hint of sadness as $MIhe_she refocuses on you. "Forgive him. These past few weeks have been very hard on him. Don't hold it against him." "You again… $MI, wasn't it?" $MIHis_Her smile widens, and $MI nods. "That's right. And you're $name from the $lname clan. Lovely name. I've never heard one like it before." <<if $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>You raise an eyebrow. "I don't remember telling you my name." <<else>>You blink in surprise. "I… don't remember telling you my name?" <</if>>$MI laughs and gestures over $MIhis_her shoulder. "Moloth's patrol just told me. No one likes staying quiet while sorting supplies, and you and your clan are the new topic of conversation around here." "So, you work here too? Are you part of the Adventurers' Guild?" you ask as your curiosity grows. There's something about this $MImerman_mermaid's presence that makes you feel oddly at ease. "Yes to the first, no to the second. I'm a Priest of the Spirals. I don't know if your clan has a similar rank, but essentially, I'm a healer," $MI answers with a smile, though it falters briefly before $MIhe_she continues. "Lately, with the disappearances, I've been supporting rescue missions, but I'm not actually part of the Guild. I've chosen to stay back these past few weeks to ensure the patrols have the medical supplies they need." "Chosen, you say?" You tilt your head slightly to one side. "It doesn't sounds like that's something you want." "I'd much rather be out there, helping to rescue our brothers and sisters from the vortex of the Void," $MIhe_she replies, $MIhis_her expression serious for a moment. "I'm not blind. I know many of us are afraid to go out there, and rightly so, but someone has to. And if I step forward, that means someone else can be safe." * [[That's admirable|150_a]] * [[You're very brave|150_b]] * [[You don't seem to value your life much|150_c][$MIdialogue to true]] * [[Sounds reckless|150_d]]

"That's very admirable, $MI," you tell $MIhim_her with a faint smile. $MI laughs. "You think so? Many would call me reckless." "I wouldn't," you reply as you shake your head. "Plenty of people say it, but when it really matters, few are willing to put others before themselves. That's something to admire." $MI smiles and bows $MIhis_her head slightly in a gesture of respect. "Thank you, $name. I appreciate your words more than you can imagine." "You're welcome. But tell me, if you're so willing to join the rescue efforts, why did you decide to stay here? Did something happen to make you change your mind?" $MI loses $MIhis_her smile and rubs the back of $MIhis_her neck. The movement pushes aside part of $MIhis_her thick, dark mane, revealing the gills on the side. "My opinion hasn't changed, but… yes, something did happen." You frown at $MIhis_her thoughtful tone. "What was it?" "Elder Soza disappeared," $MIhe_she replies sadly, lifting $MIhis_her yellowish gaze toward the crowd. "And Salva needed someone who could support him." You follow $MIhis_her gaze. Among the merfolk moving back and forth, you spot Salva in a slightly secluded spot near the wall. He still has the inventory sheet in his hand and looks like he's working, but your intuition insists that he's distracted by something else. Lost in his own thoughts. "Are you two close?" you ask $MI, shifting your eyes away from Salva. "Very," the $MImerman_mermaid replies with a nod. "In just a few months, we became good friends, and it's been three years now." $MIHe_She chuckles. "Maybe it's all the misfortune and chaos. It encourages us to connect more deeply with those around us." "That's interesting. You seem like complete opposites. Don't you ever clash?" $MI shakes $MIhis_her head. "Believe it or not, not as much as you'd think. The last time… Well, it was this morning, actually. Salva… was convinced you were the ones responsible for the disappearances. I thought differently." "Right… you mentioned that before," you say thoughtfully. "What made you so sure we were innocent? You didn't know us at all. And the way we looked…" $MI's gaze drifts to a nearby rock. $MIHis_Her tone grows distant, as if $MIhis_her mind is elsewhere. "I've seen evil. It revels in chaos and feeds on fear, thrives on suffering and destroys everything it touches." The furrow in $MIhis_her brow softens, and $MIhe_she offers you a gentle smile. "And you're not it." You return $MIhis_her smile, unable to help yourself, and laugh. "You know, that kind attitude might be dangerous for you someday." $MI laughs with you. "Oh, no. Kindness isn't my weakness, but pretty faces are." The comment catches you completely off guard and your thoughts come to a screeching halt. Did $MIhe_she just say what you think $MIhe_she said? And more importantly, did $MIhe_she mean what you think $MIhe_she meant? //"Is $MIhe_she… flirting?"// <<if $RGLove is true>>$RG's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $AOLove is true>>$AO's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>$$LL's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>$$AL's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<else>>You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <</if>>You no longer have any doubt about his intentions. <<if $ALLove is true>> [[Continue|151AL]]<<elseif $RO is false>> * [[Stammer shyly, 'P-pretty face?'|151_aNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Flash a mischievous grin. 'And I haven't even shown all my charm yet.'|151_bNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Snort. 'Good to know I can still make a good impression.'|151_cNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Raise an eyebrow. 'Are you always this forward?'|151_dNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Clear your throat. 'Oh… that's… very flattering, but…'|151_eNRO][$flirt to false]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her + " directly. 'I appreciate the compliment, but I'm not interested.'"|151_fNRO][$flirt to false]]<<else>> * [[Stammer shyly, 'P-pretty face?'|151_aRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Flash a mischievous grin. 'And I haven't even shown all my charm yet.'|151_bRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Snort. 'Good to know I can still make a good impression.'|151_cRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Raise an eyebrow. 'Are you always this forward?'|151_dRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Clear your throat. 'Oh… that's… very flattering, but…'|151_eRO][$flirt to false]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her + " directly. 'I appreciate the compliment, but I'm not interested.'"|151_fRO][$flirt to false]] * <<if $feelingsRG is true or $feelingsLL is true or $feelingsAO is true or $AOSex is true>>[[Joke, 'Thanks for the compliment, but sorry, this ship has already sailed.'|151_gRO][$fling2 to false]]<<else>>==Joke, 'Thanks for the compliment, but sorry, this ship has already sailed.'==<</if>> * <<if $feelingsRG is true or $feelingsLL is true or $feelingsAO is true or $AOSex is true>>[[Say, 'Sorry, but I'm already with someone.'|151_hRO][$fling2 to false]]<<else>>==Say, 'Sorry, but I'm already with someone.'==<</if>> <</if>>

"You're very brave, $MI," you say with a faint smile. $MI laughs. "You think so? Many would call me reckless." "I wouldn't," you reply as you shake your head. "Plenty of people say it, but when it really matters, few are willing to put others before themselves. Acting despite being afraid, that's true bravery." $MI smiles and bows $MIhis_her head slightly in a gesture of respect. "Thank you, $name. I appreciate your words more than you can imagine." "You're welcome. But tell me, if you're so willing to join the rescue efforts, why did you decide to stay here? Did something happen to make you change your mind?" $MI loses $MIhis_her smile and rubs the back of $MIhis_her neck. The movement pushes aside part of $MIhis_her thick, dark mane, revealing the gills on the side. "My opinion hasn't changed, but… yes, something did happen." You frown at $MIhis_her thoughtful tone. "What was it?" "Elder Soza disappeared," $MIhe_she replies sadly, lifting $MIhis_her yellowish gaze toward the crowd. "And Salva needed someone who could support him." You follow $MIhis_her gaze. Among the merfolk moving back and forth, you spot Salva in a slightly secluded spot near the wall. He still has the inventory sheet in his hand and looks like he's working, but your intuition insists that he's distracted by something else. Lost in his own thoughts. "Are you two close?" you ask $MI, shifting your eyes away from Salva. "Very," the $MImerman_mermaid replies with a nod. "In just a few months, we became good friends, and it's been three years now." $MIHe_She chuckles. "Maybe it's all the misfortune and chaos. It encourages us to connect more deeply with those around us." "That's interesting. You seem like complete opposites. Don't you ever clash?" $MI shakes $MIhis_her head. "Believe it or not, not as much as you'd think. The last time… Well, it was this morning, actually. Salva… was convinced you were the ones responsible for the disappearances. I thought differently." "Right… you mentioned that before," you say thoughtfully. "What made you so sure we were innocent? You didn't know us at all. And the way we looked…" $MI's gaze drifts to a nearby rock. $MIHis_Her tone grows distant, as if $MIhis_her mind is elsewhere. "I've seen evil. It revels in chaos and feeds on fear, thrives on suffering and destroys everything it touches." The furrow in $MIhis_her brow softens, and $MIhe_she offers you a gentle smile. "And you're not it." You return $MIhis_her smile, unable to help yourself, and laugh. "You know, that kind attitude might be dangerous for you someday." $MI laughs with you. "Oh, no. Kindness isn't my weakness, but pretty faces are." The comment catches you completely off guard and your thoughts come to a screeching halt. Did $MIhe_she just say what you think $MIhe_she said? And more importantly, did $MIhe_she mean what you think $MIhe_she meant? //"Is $MIhe_she… flirting?"// <<if $RGLove is true>>$RG's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $AOLove is true>>$AO's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>$$LL's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>$$AL's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<else>>You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <</if>>You no longer have any doubt about his intentions. <<if $ALLove is true>> [[Continue|151AL]]<<elseif $RO is false>> * [[Stammer shyly, 'P-pretty face?'|151_aNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Flash a mischievous grin. 'And I haven't even shown all my charm yet.'|151_bNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Snort. 'Good to know I can still make a good impression.'|151_cNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Raise an eyebrow. 'Are you always this forward?'|151_dNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Clear your throat. 'Oh… that's… very flattering, but…'|151_eNRO][$flirt to false]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her + " directly. 'I appreciate the compliment, but I'm not interested.'"|151_fNRO][$flirt to false]]<<else>> * [[Stammer shyly, 'P-pretty face?'|151_aRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Flash a mischievous grin. 'And I haven't even shown all my charm yet.'|151_bRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Snort. 'Good to know I can still make a good impression.'|151_cRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Raise an eyebrow. 'Are you always this forward?'|151_dRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Clear your throat. 'Oh… that's… very flattering, but…'|151_eRO][$flirt to false]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her + " directly. 'I appreciate the compliment, but I'm not interested.'"|151_fRO][$flirt to false]] * <<if $feelingsRG is true or $feelingsLL is true or $feelingsAO is true or $AOSex is true>>[[Joke, 'Thanks for the compliment, but sorry, this ship has already sailed.'|151_gRO][$fling2 to false]]<<else>>==Joke, 'Thanks for the compliment, but sorry, this ship has already sailed.'==<</if>> * <<if $feelingsRG is true or $feelingsLL is true or $feelingsAO is true or $AOSex is true>>[[Say, 'Sorry, but I'm already with someone.'|151_hRO][$fling2 to false]]<<else>>==Say, 'Sorry, but I'm already with someone.'==<</if>> <</if>>

"Don't you care about what might happen to you? It sounds like you're willing to sacrifice yourself without a second thought." $MI shakes $MIhis_her head. "I'm not afraid of death. I've seen it too many times for it to affect me anymore. If anything, being in danger gives me the chance to save more lives." "Maybe, but that doesn't mean you should forget about yourself. If something happens to you, who will look after the others?" "Being a Priest of the Spirals is a high rank, but there are others besides me. We live to serve, that's part of the title." "Still sounds like a reckless attitude." You raise your hands. "No offense." $MIHe_She chuckles and brushes back a stray strand of hair from $MIhis_her forehead. "None taken, and you might be right. But I can't help it, it's my nature." "Well…" You clear your throat. "Tell me, if you're so willing to join the rescue efforts, why did you decide to stay here? Did something happen to make you change your mind?" $MI loses $MIhis_her smile and rubs the back of $MIhis_her neck. The movement pushes aside part of $MIhis_her thick, dark mane, revealing the gills on the side. "My opinion hasn't changed, but… yes, something did happen." You frown at $MIhis_her thoughtful tone. "What was it?" "Elder Soza disappeared," $MIhe_she replies sadly, lifting $MIhis_her yellowish gaze toward the crowd. "And Salva needed someone who could support him." You follow $MIhis_her gaze. Among the merfolk moving back and forth, you spot Salva in a slightly secluded spot near the wall. He still has the inventory sheet in his hand and looks like he's working, but your intuition insists that he's distracted by something else. Lost in his own thoughts. "Are you two close?" you ask $MI, shifting your eyes away from Salva. "Very," the $MImerman_mermaid replies with a nod. "In just a few months, we became good friends, and it's been three years now." $MIHe_She chuckles. "Maybe it's all the misfortune and chaos. It encourages us to connect more deeply with those around us." "That's interesting. You seem like complete opposites. Don't you ever clash?" $MI shakes $MIhis_her head. "Believe it or not, not as much as you'd think. The last time… Well, it was this morning, actually. Salva… was convinced you were the ones responsible for the disappearances. I thought differently." "Right… you mentioned that before," you say thoughtfully. "What made you so sure we were innocent? You didn't know us at all. And the way we looked…" $MI's gaze drifts to a nearby rock. $MIHis_Her tone grows distant, as if $MIhis_her mind is elsewhere. "I've seen evil. It revels in chaos and feeds on fear, thrives on suffering and destroys everything it touches." The furrow in $MIhis_her brow softens, and $MIhe_she offers you a gentle smile. "And you're not it." You return $MIhis_her smile, unable to help yourself, and laugh. "You know, that kind attitude might be dangerous for you someday." $MI laughs with you. "Oh, no. Kindness isn't my weakness, but pretty faces are." The comment catches you completely off guard and your thoughts come to a screeching halt. Did $MIhe_she just say what you think $MIhe_she said? And more importantly, did $MIhe_she mean what you think $MIhe_she meant? //"Is $MIhe_she… flirting?"// <<if $RGLove is true>>$RG's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $AOLove is true>>$AO's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>$$LL's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>$$AL's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<else>>You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <</if>>You no longer have any doubt about his intentions. <<if $ALLove is true>> [[Continue|151AL]]<<elseif $RO is false>> * [[Stammer shyly, 'P-pretty face?'|151_aNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Flash a mischievous grin. 'And I haven't even shown all my charm yet.'|151_bNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Snort. 'Good to know I can still make a good impression.'|151_cNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Raise an eyebrow. 'Are you always this forward?'|151_dNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Clear your throat. 'Oh… that's… very flattering, but…'|151_eNRO][$flirt to false]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her + " directly. 'I appreciate the compliment, but I'm not interested.'"|151_fNRO][$flirt to false]]<<else>> * [[Stammer shyly, 'P-pretty face?'|151_aRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Flash a mischievous grin. 'And I haven't even shown all my charm yet.'|151_bRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Snort. 'Good to know I can still make a good impression.'|151_cRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Raise an eyebrow. 'Are you always this forward?'|151_dRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Clear your throat. 'Oh… that's… very flattering, but…'|151_eRO][$flirt to false]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her + " directly. 'I appreciate the compliment, but I'm not interested.'"|151_fRO][$flirt to false]] * <<if $feelingsRG is true or $feelingsLL is true or $feelingsAO is true or $AOSex is true>>[[Joke, 'Thanks for the compliment, but sorry, this ship has already sailed.'|151_gRO][$fling2 to false]]<<else>>==Joke, 'Thanks for the compliment, but sorry, this ship has already sailed.'==<</if>> * <<if $feelingsRG is true or $feelingsLL is true or $feelingsAO is true or $AOSex is true>>[[Say, 'Sorry, but I'm already with someone.'|151_hRO][$fling2 to false]]<<else>>==Say, 'Sorry, but I'm already with someone.'==<</if>> <</if>>

"That sounds really reckless, $MI. If you keep this up, you might end up being the one who needs rescuing." $MI laughs. "Reckless? Maybe. But I can't help it, it's my nature." "That's it?" you ask, confused. "What about your family?" $MI offers you a gentle smile, though a faint sadness flickers in $MIhis_her eyes. "They're all gone." "Oh." It's all you can manage before you look away. "I care deeply for my clanmates, but they're not direct family. I have no one waiting for me back home, $name. No one to share my life with." $MI's smile grows, a genuine gesture despite the heaviness of the conversation. "My life is my patients and comrades, and I'd gladly give it all to save theirs. I stopped fearing death a long time ago." "I…" You swallow hard. "I understand what you mean. About having no one waiting at home." The $MImerman_mermaid's expression softens. "Then you know how it feels. I'm truly sorry about your clan." "Yeah… same to you," you reply before clearing your throat. You'd rather not go into detail. "So, if you're so willing to join the rescue efforts, why did you decide to stay here? Did something happen to make you change your mind?" $MI loses $MIhis_her smile and rubs the back of $MIhis_her neck. The movement pushes aside part of $MIhis_her thick, dark mane, revealing the gills on the side. "My opinion hasn't changed, but… yes, something did happen." You frown at $MIhis_her thoughtful tone. "What was it?" "Elder Soza disappeared," $MIhe_she replies sadly, lifting $MIhis_her yellowish gaze toward the crowd. "And Salva needed someone who could support him." You follow $MIhis_her gaze. Among the merfolk moving back and forth, you spot Salva in a slightly secluded spot near the wall. He still has the inventory sheet in his hand and looks like he's working, but your intuition insists that he's distracted by something else. Lost in his own thoughts. "Are you two close?" you ask $MI, shifting your eyes away from Salva. "Very," the $MImerman_mermaid replies with a nod. "In just a few months, we became good friends, and it's been three years now." $MIHe_She chuckles. "Maybe it's all the misfortune and chaos. It encourages us to connect more deeply with those around us." "That's interesting. You seem like complete opposites. Don't you ever clash?" $MI shakes $MIhis_her head. "Believe it or not, not as much as you'd think. The last time… Well, it was this morning, actually. Salva… was convinced you were the ones responsible for the disappearances. I thought differently." "Right… you mentioned that before," you say thoughtfully. "What made you so sure we were innocent? You didn't know us at all. And the way we looked…" $MI's gaze drifts to a nearby rock. $MIHis_Her tone grows distant, as if $MIhis_her mind is elsewhere. "I've seen evil. It revels in chaos and feeds on fear, thrives on suffering and destroys everything it touches." The furrow in $MIhis_her brow softens, and $MIhe_she offers you a gentle smile. "And you're not it." You return $MIhis_her smile, unable to help yourself, and laugh. "You know, that kind attitude might be dangerous for you someday." $MI laughs with you. "Oh, no. Kindness isn't my weakness, but pretty faces are." The comment catches you completely off guard and your thoughts come to a screeching halt. Did $MIhe_she just say what you think $MIhe_she said? And more importantly, did $MIhe_she mean what you think $MIhe_she meant? //"Is $MIhe_she… flirting?"// <<if $RGLove is true>>$RG's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $AOLove is true>>$AO's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>$$LL's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>$$AL's face immediately comes to mind, and your heart skips a beat. You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <<else>>You try to search for clues in $MIhis_her expression, something to confirm if $MIhe_she's joking or serious. That's when you notice $MI is slightly leaning toward you, with that carefree smile and the mischievous glint in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. <</if>>You no longer have any doubt about his intentions. <<if $ALLove is true>> [[Continue|151AL]]<<elseif $RO is false>> * [[Stammer shyly, 'P-pretty face?'|151_aNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Flash a mischievous grin. 'And I haven't even shown all my charm yet.'|151_bNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Snort. 'Good to know I can still make a good impression.'|151_cNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Raise an eyebrow. 'Are you always this forward?'|151_dNRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Clear your throat. 'Oh… that's… very flattering, but…'|151_eNRO][$flirt to false]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her + " directly. 'I appreciate the compliment, but I'm not interested.'"|151_fNRO][$flirt to false]]<<else>> * [[Stammer shyly, 'P-pretty face?'|151_aRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Flash a mischievous grin. 'And I haven't even shown all my charm yet.'|151_bRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Snort. 'Good to know I can still make a good impression.'|151_cRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Raise an eyebrow. 'Are you always this forward?'|151_dRO][$flirt to true]] * [[Clear your throat. 'Oh… that's… very flattering, but…'|151_eRO][$flirt to false]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her + " directly. 'I appreciate the compliment, but I'm not interested.'"|151_fRO][$flirt to false]] * <<if $feelingsRG is true or $feelingsLL is true or $feelingsAO is true or $AOSex is true>>[[Joke, 'Thanks for the compliment, but sorry, this ship has already sailed.'|151_gRO][$fling2 to false]]<<else>>==Joke, 'Thanks for the compliment, but sorry, this ship has already sailed.'==<</if>> * <<if $feelingsRG is true or $feelingsLL is true or $feelingsAO is true or $AOSex is true>>[[Say, 'Sorry, but I'm already with someone.'|151_hRO][$fling2 to false]]<<else>>==Say, 'Sorry, but I'm already with someone.'==<</if>> <</if>>

You put some space between the two of you and say, "I'm sorry, but I already have someone else." But just as you finish the sentence, doubts swirl in your mind with uncontrollable force, bringing forth the smiling image of $AL, that curve of $ALhis_her lips that gives a special glow to the warm green of $ALhis_her eyes and that you like so much. Why did you say that? There's nothing between you... yet. But, gods, how you wish there already was. The feelings $AL awakens in you aren't of this world, they come from a place so deep and special you can barely comprehend it. As much as you detest clichés, you've never met anyone who made you feel this way. The two of you agreed to wait, to let things settle before taking that step. But that was before fate marked you as celestial warriors, before a war between gods and renegades stood in your way. Now, with each passing day, that promise to wait feels more fragile. And in moments of solitude, when there's no noise or duty to distract your thoughts, you ask yourself... //"Are we wasting time?"// The question weighs on your heart like a stone. It's not fear you feel, nor insecurity, but a mix of yearning and urgency. It's as if the world around you conspires to remind you how fleeting happiness can be, and how precious it would be to hold on to what you have before it's too late. Unaware of the storm inside you, $MI simply broadens $MIhis_her smile. "Really? That's wonderful!" You shake your head to snap out of your thoughts and frown, confused. "Is... it?" "Of course," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. "A feeling like that is meant to be celebrated." "Well, it's complicated, but yeah, I agree," you say after a small laugh, a soft smile lingering on your face despite yourself, as always happens when you talk about anything related to $AL. "Honestly, you're taking this better than I expected." $MI tilts $MIhis_her head. "Did you expect me to take it badly?" "Honestly? I'm not really sure what I expected, but not for you to be happy for me. Genuinely, I mean." "Is it different in your clan? Don't you celebrate when one of your kin finds love?" the $MImerman_mermaid asks, $MIhis_her brow furrowed in confusion. You rub the back of your neck. "In general, yeah, we're happy for them. Though it's not usually the case when the person you like is with someone else." "That's... curious," $MI comments, $MIhis_her brow furrowing a bit more as $MIhe_she scratches $MIhis_her temple, clearly struggling to understand that perspective. "And strange." The conversation is veering in a direction you didn't expect, one that could make you slip and say something you shouldn't, so it's best to end it quickly. "Yeah, uh..." You clear your throat. "I should get back to my group. They're waiting for me." $MI raises $MIhis_her eyebrows in surprise, as if you've pulled $MIhim_her from $MIhis_her thoughts. "Ah, yes. Sorry, I just feel so curious about the culture of other seas," $MIhe_she says with a laugh. The $MImerman_mermaid places a hand on $MIhis_her chest and gives a slight bow. "I'm glad I got to talk to you before you left. I hope that if..." $MIHe_She halts mid-sentence, frowning slightly before shaking $MIhis_her head and smiling softly again. "...//when// you return, you'll let me invite you and your clan to a Sisronian stew as a celebration." "Sure, sounds good," you agree with a nod. "I'm sure my friends will be excited. Although one of them..." You think of $LL and can't help but chuckle lightly. "Might be hard to drag $LLhim_her out of the house." $MI's smile broadens, $MIhis_her expression shifting to a mix of amusement and harmless bravado. "I'm confident I can convince $LLhim_her. Sisronia has a lot to offer." "Feel free to try, but don't say I didn't warn you." You share a laugh, and then $MI gives you one final bow. "Anyway, good luck on your mission, $name. May the gods bring you back safe and sound." You nod and watch $MIhim_her disappear into the crowd before turning around and heading back to Soza's house. Thoughts of a certain someone accompany you the entire way. [[Continue|152]]

<<set $fling to false>>\ \ "Oh, um…" You clear your throat, putting a bit of distance between the two of you. "That's very... very flattering, really, but…" Your words trail off, but $MI understands immediately. $MIHis_Her smile falters slightly, but even with the disappointment of rejection, the $MImerman_mermaid keeps a gentle expression and gives you more space. "I understand. And I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." "It's fine, really," you reply with a nervous smile, avoiding $MIhis_her gaze. "Still, I apologize," $MIhe_she says, placing a hand over $MIhis_her chest. "I'll let you be. I'm sure you have plenty to do and need to prepare for tomorrow." "Yeah, I should get back to my group. They're waiting for me." $MI nods. "I'm glad I got to talk to you before you left. I hope that if..." $MIHe_She halts mid-sentence, frowning slightly before shaking $MIhis_her head and smiling softly again. "...//when// you return, you'll let me invite you and your clan to a Sisronian stew as a celebration." "Sure, sounds good," you agree with a nod. "I'm sure my friends will be excited. Although one of them..." You think of $LL and can't help but chuckle lightly. "Might be hard to drag $LLhim_her out of the house." $MI's smile broadens, $MIhis_her expression shifting to a mix of amusement and harmless bravado. "I'm confident I can convince $LLhim_her. Sisronia has a lot to offer." "Feel free to try, but don't say I didn't warn you." You share a laugh, and then $MI gives you one final bow. "Anyway, good luck on your mission, $name. May the gods bring you back safe and sound." You nod and watch $MIhim_her disappear into the crowd before turning around and heading back to Soza's house. [[Continue|152]]

<<set $fling to false>>\ \ "I appreciate the compliment, really, but I'm not interested," you say as you put some distance between you. $MI's smile falters a bit, but even with the disappointment of rejection, the $MImerman_mermaid keeps $MIhis_her expression soft and gives you more space. "I understand. And sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." "Don't worry, it's fine," you reply with a dismissive wave of your hand. "Still, I apologize," $MIhe_she says, placing a hand over $MIhis_her chest. "I'll let you be. I'm sure you have plenty to do and need to prepare for tomorrow." "Yeah, I should get back to my group. They're waiting for me." $MI nods. "I'm glad I got to talk to you before you left. I hope that if..." $MIHe_She halts mid-sentence, frowning slightly before shaking $MIhis_her head and smiling softly again. "...//when// you return, you'll let me invite you and your clan to a Sisronian stew as a celebration." "Sure, sounds good," you agree with a nod. "I'm sure my friends will be excited. Although one of them..." You think of $LL and can't help but chuckle lightly. "Might be hard to drag $LLhim_her out of the house." $MI's smile broadens, $MIhis_her expression shifting to a mix of amusement and harmless bravado. "I'm confident I can convince $LLhim_her. Sisronia has a lot to offer." "Feel free to try, but don't say I didn't warn you." You share a laugh, and then $MI gives you one final bow. "Anyway, good luck on your mission, $name. May the gods bring you back safe and sound." You nod and watch $MIhim_her disappear into the crowd before turning around and heading back to Soza's house. [[Continue|152]]

A deep blush rises to your cheeks as you stammer, "P-pretty face? N-no… you don't mean that." You try to look away, embarrassed, but $MI gently takes your chin and makes you meet $MIhis_her gaze. "I mean it, $name. Your scales shine like no other I've ever seen," $MIhe_she says, $MIhis_her smile widening. "Oh… well, thank you! Though I'm not sure if that's good or bad," you reply with a nervous laugh, unsure of where to look. "You know, considering the mission and all the dangers and stuff." "Are you okay?" $MI asks as $MIhe_she gives you a bit more space, raising both hands with a slightly sheepish expression. "Sorry if I came on a bit strong." "No, no, not at all. It's just… I wasn't expecting it, and there's also…" <<if $RGLove is true>>...//$RG//. <<if $feelingsRG is true>>Why do you have to think about $RGhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <<else>>Why are you thinking about $RGhim_her right now? And why do you care what $RGhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the purple-haired $RGman_woman out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>...//$LL//. <<if $feelingsLL is true>>Why do you have to think about $LLhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <<else>>Why are you thinking about $LLhim_her right now? And why do you care what $LLhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the red-haired warrior out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <<else>>...//$AO//. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>Why do you have to think about $AOhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. Besides, $AOhe_she'd probably be thrilled if you met someone else. <<else>>Why are you thinking about $AOhim_her right now? And why do you care what $AOhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. In fact, $AOhe_she'd probably be the first to encourage you to see what it's like to be with a $MImerman_mermaid. $AOHe_She might even turn it into a competition to see who hooks up with one first. <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the doctor out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <</if>>$MI chuckles, running a hand through $MIhis_her hair to push a couple of dark strands back. "I know, there's something more important you have to focus on… Normally, I wouldn't be so bold, but the circumstances don't leave much room for subtlety, you know?" "I get it, and it's okay," you reply with a new smile on your face. "If anything, I'm glad someone's saying these things to me, for a change." $MI raises $MIhis_her eyebrows in genuine surprise. "Really? You don't hear it often?" <<if $RGLove is true>>Again, $RG's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Not in the way I'd like, no." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>Again, $LL's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Not in the way I'd like, no." <<else>>Again, $AO's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Sometimes, but it doesn't feel the same. At least not in the way I'd like." <</if>>$MI smiles again. "Well, not everyone knows how to recognize a fine pearl when they see one. But that only makes it more special." $MIHis_Her honesty and how effortlessly the words flow from $MIhis_her mouth catch you off guard again for a moment. But you force yourself to recover quickly, exhaling the breath you'd been holding. "Wow… you're charming, aren't you? You know exactly what to say," you finally reply with a nervous chuckle as you rub your arm. "I try!" $MI exclaims with a laugh that eases your nerves. You lock eyes for a few seconds before the $MImerman_mermaid clears $MIhis_her throat and steps a little closer to you, $MIhis_her voice lowering to an almost-whisper. "Listen, I know this is a delicate moment, and I'm using all my willpower not to curse the gods for not giving us more time today or for making you leave tomorrow… but if-" $MI stops abruptly, $MIhis_her brow furrowing slightly before shaking $MIhis_her head and offering a soft smile again. "...//when// you return, would you like to go on a date with me?" You blink. "A-a date?" "I could show you everything Sisronia has to offer," $MIhe_she says, spreading $MIhis_her arms with excitement. "There are so many beautiful places untouched by corruption. What do you say?" * [[Accept the date|Yes_aRO][$fling to true]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her|No_aRO][$fling to false]]

"So, pretty faces, huh?" You raise an eyebrow, accompanying the motion with a mischievous smile you can't suppress. "If that's all it takes with you, just wait until I show you all my charm." A spark of amusement ignites in $MI's yellow eyes. "Your scales shine so brightly that your mere presence is enough to have me at your mercy, $name." The $MImerman_mermaid leans $MIhis_her face closer to yours. "But if you're willing, I won't say no to experiencing all of you." You let out a laugh, unconsciously leaning in closer until you feel the brush of $MIhis_her thick hair against your arm. "Wow… You don't like to waste time, do you?" $MI steps back a little, raising both hands with a slightly sheepish expression. "Was that too much? Sorry if I was a bit forward." You give $MIhim_her a playful look. "Did you hear me complaining?" $MIHe_She chuckles, suddenly looking a little embarrassed. "No, I suppose not." "I won't lie, you caught me off guard, but it's fine. I just didn't expect it, and there's also..." <<if $RGLove is true>>...//$RG//. <<if $feelingsRG is true>>Why do you have to think about $RGhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <<else>>Why are you thinking about $RGhim_her right now? And why do you care what $RGhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the purple-haired $RGman_woman out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>...//$LL//. <<if $feelingsLL is true>>Why do you have to think about $LLhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <<else>>Why are you thinking about $LLhim_her right now? And why do you care what $LLhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the red-haired warrior out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <<else>>...//$AO//. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>Why do you have to think about $AOhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. Besides, $AOhe_she'd probably be thrilled if you met someone else. <<else>>Why are you thinking about $AOhim_her right now? And why do you care what $AOhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. In fact, $AOhe_she'd probably be the first to encourage you to see what it's like to be with a $MImerman_mermaid. $AOHe_She might even turn it into a competition to see who hooks up with one first. <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the doctor out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <</if>>$MI chuckles, running a hand through $MIhis_her hair to push a couple of dark strands back. "I know, there's something more important you have to focus on… Normally, I wouldn't be so bold, but the circumstances don't leave much room for subtlety, you know?" "Yes, I know what you mean," you reply with a fresh smile on your face. "Still, I'm glad someone says those things to me, for a change." $MI raises $MIhis_her eyebrows in genuine surprise. "Really? You don't hear it often?" <<if $RGLove is true>>Again, $RG's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Not in the way I'd like, no." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>Again, $LL's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Not in the way I'd like, no." <<else>>Again, $AO's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Sometimes, but it doesn't feel the same. At least not in the way I'd like." <</if>>$MI smiles again. "Well, not everyone knows how to recognize a fine pearl when they see one. But that only makes it more special." $MIHis_Her honesty and how effortlessly the words flow from $MIhis_her mouth surprise you again, prompting another laugh. "Gods, your charm could compete with mine. Not win, but definitely compete." "I try!" $MI exclaims with a laugh of $MIhis_her own. You lock eyes for a few seconds before the $MImerman_mermaid clears $MIhis_her throat and steps a little closer to you, $MIhis_her voice lowering to an almost-whisper. "Listen, I know this is a delicate moment, and I'm using all my willpower not to curse the gods for not giving us more time today or for making you leave tomorrow… but if-" $MI stops abruptly, $MIhis_her brow furrowing slightly before shaking $MIhis_her head and offering a soft smile again. "...//when// you return, would you like to go on a date with me?" You blink. "A date?" "I could show you everything Sisronia has to offer," $MIhe_she says, spreading $MIhis_her arms with excitement. "There are so many beautiful places untouched by corruption. What do you say?" * [[Accept the date|Yes_bRO][$fling to true]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her|No_bRO][$fling to false]]

"Me? A pretty face?" You let out a snort, trying to make a neutral comment but failing to suppress the small smile that forms on your face. "Good to know I can still make a good impression, considering the first time you saw me, I was locked up in a prison cell." "Even then, I knew there was more to you, and I was right. Your scales shine like none I've ever seen. You're a vision, $name," $MIhe_she says, $MIhis_her smile widening. You find yourself staring at $MIhim_her a few seconds longer than you should, almost in disbelief. You're not sure whether to laugh or take $MIhim_her seriously. It might just be $MIhis_her light-hearted, carefree nature, but there's something else behind those confident eyes. $MI doesn't miss your silence and immediately gives you some space, raising both hands with a slightly sheepish expression. "Was it too much? Sorry if I was a bit forward." "Don't worry, you just caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting that kind of comment, and there's also..." <<if $RGLove is true>>...//$RG//. <<if $feelingsRG is true>>Why do you have to think about $RGhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <<else>>Why are you thinking about $RGhim_her right now? And why do you care what $RGhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the purple-haired $RGman_woman out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>...//$LL//. <<if $feelingsLL is true>>Why do you have to think about $LLhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <<else>>Why are you thinking about $LLhim_her right now? And why do you care what $LLhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the red-haired warrior out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <<else>>...//$AO//. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>Why do you have to think about $AOhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. Besides, $AOhe_she'd probably be thrilled if you met someone else. <<else>>Why are you thinking about $AOhim_her right now? And why do you care what $AOhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. In fact, $AOhe_she'd probably be the first to encourage you to see what it's like to be with a $MImerman_mermaid. $AOHe_She might even turn it into a competition to see who hooks up with one first. <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the doctor out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <</if>>$MI chuckles, running a hand through $MIhis_her hair to push a couple of dark strands back. "I know, there's something more important you have to focus on… Normally, I wouldn't be so bold, but the circumstances don't leave much room for subtlety, you know?" "Yes, I know what you mean," you reply with a fresh smile on your face. "Still, I'm glad someone says those things to me, for a change." $MI raises $MIhis_her eyebrows in genuine surprise. "Really? You don't hear it often?" <<if $RGLove is true>>Again, $RG's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Not in the way I'd like, no." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>Again, $LL's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Not in the way I'd like, no." <<else>>Again, $AO's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Sometimes, but it doesn't feel the same. At least not in the way I'd like." <</if>>$MI smiles again. "Well, not everyone knows how to recognize a fine pearl when they see one. But that only makes it more special." Su franqueza y lo fácil que salen las palabras de su boca te vuelven a pillar desprevenido por un momento. Pero te fuerzas a recuperarte rápidamente, soltando el aire que estabas manteniendo. "Wow… you really are quite charming, aren't you?" you finally reply with chuckle. "I try!" $MI exclaims with a laugh that eases your nerves. You lock eyes for a few seconds before the $MImerman_mermaid clears $MIhis_her throat and steps a little closer to you, $MIhis_her voice lowering to an almost-whisper. "Listen, I know this is a delicate moment, and I'm using all my willpower not to curse the gods for not giving us more time today or for making you leave tomorrow… but if-" $MI stops abruptly, $MIhis_her brow furrowing slightly before shaking $MIhis_her head and offering a soft smile again. "...//when// you return, would you like to go on a date with me?" You blink. "A date?" "I could show you everything Sisronia has to offer," $MIhe_she says, spreading $MIhis_her arms with excitement. "There are so many beautiful places untouched by corruption. What do you say?" * [[Accept the date|Yes_cRO][$fling to true]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her|No_cRO][$fling to false]]

"Me, a pretty face?" you arch an eyebrow, accompanying the movement with an amused half-smile. "Are you always this blunt?" $MI steps back a little, raising both hands with a slightly sheepish expression. "Was that too much? Sorry if I was a bit forward." You give $MIhim_her a playful look. "Did you hear me complaining?" $MIHe_She chuckles, suddenly looking a little embarrassed. "No, I suppose not." "I won't lie, you caught me off guard, but it's fine. I just didn't expect it, and there's also…" <<if $RGLove is true>>...//$RG//. <<if $feelingsRG is true>>Why do you have to think about $RGhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <<else>>Why are you thinking about $RGhim_her right now? And why do you care what $RGhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the purple-haired $RGman_woman out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>...//$LL//. <<if $feelingsLL is true>>Why do you have to think about $LLhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <<else>>Why are you thinking about $LLhim_her right now? And why do you care what $LLhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. What harm could a little harmless flirting do? <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the red-haired warrior out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <<else>>...//$AO//. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>Why do you have to think about $AOhim_her right now? You're not doing anything wrong. There's nothing between you two, no matter how much your heart wishes otherwise. Besides, $AOhe_she'd probably be thrilled if you met someone else. <<else>>Why are you thinking about $AOhim_her right now? And why do you care what $AOhe_she might think if you go along with $MI? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. In fact, $AOhe_she'd probably be the first to encourage you to see what it's like to be with a $MImerman_mermaid. $AOHe_She might even turn it into a competition to see who hooks up with one first. <</if>>You shake your head slightly and push all thoughts of the doctor out of your mind. Though that annoying feeling churning in your stomach still lingers. <</if>>$MI chuckles, running a hand through $MIhis_her hair to push a couple of dark strands back. "I know, there's something more important you have to focus on… Normally, I wouldn't be so bold, but the circumstances don't leave much room for subtlety, you know?" "Yes, I know what you mean," you reply with a fresh smile on your face. "Still, I'm glad someone says those things to me, for a change." $MI raises $MIhis_her eyebrows in genuine surprise. "Really? You don't hear it often?" <<if $RGLove is true>>Again, $RG's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Not in the way I'd like, no." <<elseif $LLLove is true>>Again, $LL's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Not in the way I'd like, no." <<else>>Again, $AO's face flashes in your mind, but you push the thought away before it takes root. "...Sometimes, but it doesn't feel the same. At least not in the way I'd like." <</if>>$MI smiles again. "Well, not everyone knows how to recognize a fine pearl when they see one. But that only makes it more special." $MIHis_Her honesty and how effortlessly the words flow from $MIhis_her mouth catch you off guard again for a moment. But you force yourself to recover quickly, exhaling the breath you'd been holding. "Wow… you really are quite charming, aren't you?" you finally reply with chuckle. "I try!" $MI exclaims with a laugh that eases your nerves. You lock eyes for a few seconds before the $MImerman_mermaid clears $MIhis_her throat and steps a little closer to you, $MIhis_her voice lowering to an almost-whisper. "Listen, I know this is a delicate moment, and I'm using all my willpower not to curse the gods for not giving us more time today or for making you leave tomorrow… but if-" $MI stops abruptly, $MIhis_her brow furrowing slightly before shaking $MIhis_her head and offering a soft smile again. "...//when// you return, would you like to go on a date with me?" You blink. "A date?" "I could show you everything Sisronia has to offer," $MIhe_she says, spreading $MIhis_her arms with excitement. "There are so many beautiful places untouched by corruption. What do you say?" * [[Accept the date|Yes_dRO][$fling to true]] * [["Reject " + $MIhim_her|No_dRO][$fling to false]]

You put some space between you and say, "I'm sorry, but I already have someone else." <<if $RGLove is true>>But the moment the words leave your lips, doubts swirl in your mind with uncontrollable force, and the image of $RG's smile, that curve that accentuates the freckles decorating $RGhis_her face, takes over your thoughts. Why did you say that? There's nothing between you. Nothing… and yet, there's an entire world. A world you're not allowed to step in because $RGhe_she doesn't want you to. "//Because I must hurt $RGhim_her, $RGhe_she said,//" you think, becoming aware of the pendant resting against your skin. You know all too well the bitter sting that accompanies every thought of $RGhim_her, every time you dare to brush against the edges of something that will never be. But you're not sure how many more of these you can take. Each time, it seems harder to resist, more unbearable to carry the weight of wanting to step into a world $RGhe_she has locked away. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>But the moment the words leave your lips, doubts swirl in your mind with uncontrollable force, and the image of $LL takes over your thoughts, each detail of $LLhis_her face perfectly etched in your memory. Why did you say that? $LL and you are nothing. You're less than nothing, in fact. You're… The truth is, you have no idea what you are. Lately, it doesn't even feel like you're friends anymore. You're stuck in a sentimental limbo you don't know how to escape from. If only you could understand what's going through $LLhis_her mind… if only you knew whether $LLhe_she feels the same. And even if $LLhe_she doesn't, at least then you wouldn't be weighed down by this confusion that gives you a headache. <<elseif $AOLove is true>>But the moment the words leave your lips, doubts swirl in your mind with uncontrollable force, and the image of $AO's mischievous smile, the one you know all too well, the one you've learned to love, takes over your thoughts. <<if $AOSex is true>>Why did you say that? $AO and you are nothing. Nothing serious, you mean. You're just friends who sleep together from time to time, sure, but nothing beyond that. Then what is that feeling gnawing at you from the inside? And why do you feel the urge to explain yourself to $MI, just to make sure $MIhe_she doesn't try anything? Why can't you just have a little harmless flirting with $MIhim_her, or even casual sex like you do with $AO? And more importantly, why don't you even want that option? <<else>>Why did you say that? $AO and you are nothing, and $AOhe_she made that very clear. Wouldn't $AOhe_she be happy to see you with someone else? And isn't that what you're trying to do, move past your feelings for the doctor? The answer to both questions is a resounding yes, but there's one small problem. That you don't want to. <</if>><</if>>Unaware of the whirlwind of emotions inside you, $MI only widens $MIhis_her smile. "Really? That's wonderful!" You shake your head to snap out of your thoughts and frown, confused. "Is... it?" "Of course," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. "A feeling like that is meant to be celebrated." "Well… it's complicated," you say, rubbing the back of your neck. "Things that are worthwhile usually are." "Yeah, I guess." You let out a nervous laugh. "Honestly, you're taking this better than I expected." $MI tilts $MIhis_her head. "Did you expect me to take it badly?" "To be honest? I'm not sure what I expected, but not for you to be happy for me. I mean, genuinely." "Is it seen differently in your clan? Do you not rejoice when one of your kin finds love?" the $MImerman_mermaid asks, frowning in confusion. "In general, we do, but it's not usually the case when the person you like is with someone else." "That's… curious," $MI comments. $MIHis_Her frown deepens slightly as he scratches his temple, clearly struggling to understand that view. "And strange." The conversation is taking a turn you weren't expecting, one that might lead you to say something you shouldn't, so it's best to end it as soon as possible. "Yeah, uh…" You clear your throat. "I should get back to my group. They're waiting for me." $MI raises $MIhis_her eyebrows in surprise, as if you had pulled $MIhim_her out of $MIhis_her thoughts. "Ah, right. Sorry, I just find other sea cultures so fascinating," $MIhe_she says with a laugh. The $MImerman_mermaid places a hand over $MIhis_her chest and gives a slight bow. "I'm glad I got to speak with you before you left. I hope that if…" $MIHe_She stops mid-sentence, frowning slightly before shaking $MIhis_her head and offering a soft smile again. "...//When// you return, you'll let me treat you and your clan to a Sisronian stew as a celebration." "Sure, sounds good," you agree with a nod. "I'm sure my friends will be excited. Although one of them..." You think of $LL and can't help but chuckle lightly. "Might be hard to drag $LLhim_her out of the house." $MI's smile broadens, $MIhis_her expression shifting to a mix of amusement and harmless bravado. "I'm confident I can convince $LLhim_her. Sisronia has a lot to offer." "Feel free to try, but don't say I didn't warn you." You share a laugh, and then $MI gives you one final bow. "Anyway, good luck on your mission, $name. May the gods bring you back safe and sound." You nod and watch $MIhim_her disappear into the crowd before turning around and heading back to Soza's house. Thoughts of a certain person accompany you the entire way. [[Continue|152]]

You laugh. "Thanks for the compliment, but sorry, this ship," You let out a whistle as your hand mimics the movement of the waves. "has already sailed and found its port." <<if $RGLove is true>>But the moment the words leave your lips, doubts swirl in your mind with uncontrollable force, and the image of $RG's smile, that curve that accentuates the freckles decorating $RGhis_her face, takes over your thoughts. Why did you say that? There's nothing between you. Nothing… and yet, there's an entire world. A world you're not allowed to step in because $RGhe_she doesn't want you to. "//Because I must hurt $RGhim_her, $RGhe_she said,//" you think, becoming aware of the pendant resting against your skin. You know all too well the bitter sting that accompanies every thought of $RGhim_her, every time you dare to brush against the edges of something that will never be. But you're not sure how many more of these you can take. Each time, it seems harder to resist, more unbearable to carry the weight of wanting to step into a world $RGhe_she has locked away. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>But the moment the words leave your lips, doubts swirl in your mind with uncontrollable force, and the image of $LL takes over your thoughts, each detail of $LLhis_her face perfectly etched in your memory. Why did you say that? $LL and you are nothing. You're less than nothing, in fact. You're… The truth is, you have no idea what you are. Lately, it doesn't even feel like you're friends anymore. You're stuck in a sentimental limbo you don't know how to escape from. If only you could understand what's going through $LLhis_her mind… if only you knew whether $LLhe_she feels the same. And even if $LLhe_she doesn't, at least then you wouldn't be weighed down by this confusion that gives you a headache. <<elseif $AOLove is true>>But the moment the words leave your lips, doubts swirl in your mind with uncontrollable force, and the image of $AO's mischievous smile, the one you know all too well, the one you've learned to love, takes over your thoughts. <<if $AOSex is true>>Why did you say that? $AO and you are nothing. Nothing serious, you mean. You're just friends who sleep together from time to time, sure, but nothing beyond that. Then what is that feeling gnawing at you from the inside? And why do you feel the urge to explain yourself to $MI, just to make sure $MIhe_she doesn't try anything? Why can't you just have a little harmless flirting with $MIhim_her, or even casual sex like you do with $AO? And more importantly, why don't you even want that option? <<else>>Why did you say that? $AO and you are nothing, and $AOhe_she made that very clear. Wouldn't $AOhe_she be happy to see you with someone else? And isn't that what you're trying to do, move past your feelings for the doctor? The answer to both questions is a resounding yes, but there's one small problem. That you don't want to. <</if>><</if>>Unaware of the whirlwind of emotions inside you, $MI only widens $MIhis_her smile. "Really? That's wonderful!" You shake your head to snap out of your thoughts and frown, confused. "Is... it?" "Of course," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. "A feeling like that is meant to be celebrated." "Well… it's complicated," you say, rubbing the back of your neck. "Things that are worthwhile usually are." "Yeah, I guess." You let out a nervous laugh. "Honestly, you're taking this better than I expected." $MI tilts $MIhis_her head. "Did you expect me to take it badly?" "To be honest? I'm not sure what I expected, but not for you to be happy for me. I mean, genuinely." "Is it seen differently in your clan? Do you not rejoice when one of your kin finds love?" the $MImerman_mermaid asks, frowning in confusion. "In general, we do, but it's not usually the case when the person you like is with someone else." "That's… curious," $MI comments. $MIHis_Her frown deepens slightly as he scratches his temple, clearly struggling to understand that view. "And strange." The conversation is taking a turn you weren't expecting, one that might lead you to say something you shouldn't, so it's best to end it as soon as possible. "Yeah, uh…" You clear your throat. "I should get back to my group. They're waiting for me." $MI raises $MIhis_her eyebrows in surprise, as if you had pulled $MIhim_her out of $MIhis_her thoughts. "Ah, right. Sorry, I just find other sea cultures so fascinating," $MIhe_she says with a laugh. The $MImerman_mermaid places a hand over $MIhis_her chest and gives a slight bow. "I'm glad I got to speak with you before you left. I hope that if…" $MIHe_She stops mid-sentence, frowning slightly before shaking $MIhis_her head and offering a soft smile again. "...//When// you return, you'll let me treat you and your clan to a Sisronian stew as a celebration." "Sure, sounds good," you agree with a nod. "I'm sure my friends will be excited. Although one of them..." You think of $LL and can't help but chuckle lightly. "Might be hard to drag $LLhim_her out of the house." $MI's smile broadens, $MIhis_her expression shifting to a mix of amusement and harmless bravado. "I'm confident I can convince $LLhim_her. Sisronia has a lot to offer." "Feel free to try, but don't say I didn't warn you." You share a laugh, and then $MI gives you one final bow. "Anyway, good luck on your mission, $name. May the gods bring you back safe and sound." You nod and watch $MIhim_her disappear into the crowd before turning around and heading back to Soza's house. Thoughts of a certain person accompany you the entire way. [[Coninue|152]]

<<if $RO is false>><<if $flirt is true and $fling is true>><<notify 5000>>''Shark Romance:'' You've flirted with a sexy $MImerman_mermaid. This could lead to something interesting<</notify>><<elseif $flirt is true and $fling is false>><<notify 5000>>''Bad Timing:'' You've flirted with a sexy $MImerman_mermaid, but now is not a good time. Still, $MI is open if you change your mind<</notify>><<else>><<notify 5000>>''Unrequited:'' You've rejected $MI's advances<</notify>><</if>><<elseif $ALLove is true>><<notify 5000>>''The One And Only:'' Your heart only has space for $AL, and $MI respects that<</notify>><<else>><<if $flirt is true and $fling is true>><<notify 5000>>''Shark Romance:'' You've flirted with a sexy $MImerman_mermaid, but $RO is still on your mind<</notify>><<elseif $flirt is true and $fling is false>><<notify 5000>>''Bad Timing:'' You've flirted with a sexy $MImerman_mermaid, but your thoughts about $RO don't let you go further. Still, $MI is open if you change your mind<</notify>><<elseif $flirt is false and $fling is false>><<notify 5000>>''Unrequited:'' You've rejected $MI's advances<</notify>><<elseif $fling2 is false>><<notify 5000>>''The One And Only:'' Your heart only has space for $RO, and $MI respects that<</notify>><</if>><</if>> <<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "virtutes" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[Next morning…]''// The next morning, you walk behind Nauzet toward the gates of Sisronia. The city is still drowsy. The first rays of sunlight that manage to pierce the surface are weak, barely enough to chase away the shadows. It's the giant coral lamps that truly illuminate the surroundings with hues of pink and blue. All of this makes the passage of time feel rather confusing. You never quite know what time it actually is. Nauzet only said 'early', without bothering to specify. The merman god maintains his serious and distant expression. You're not sure if his mood is simply part of his nature or if it has something to do with what happened last night. Salva never showed up at his home, and although Nauzet didn't mention it directly, his silence says more than he'd like to admit. [[Continue|153]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating a little faster. A date with $MI? With everything going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation glowing in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. <<if $MI is "Mako">>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like his slightly pointed teeth, his defined features, the natural confidence in his posture, and the bare skin of his strong and chiseled torso in full display that tempts you with impure thoughts. <<else>>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like her slightly pointed teeth, her defined features, the natural confidence in her posture, and the bare skin of her tempting and generous cleavage that fills your mind with impure thoughts. <</if>>But beyond all of that, what draws you most is $MIhis_her warmth. An unexpected feeling begins to surface within you, gentle but insistent, like a tide rising steadily. A smile, uncertain at first, forms on your lips as the chaos in your mind starts to calm. "Y-yes," you finally reply, your voice slightly shaky. Clearing your throat, you add with more fluidity, a nod accompanying the words and a more confident grin, "Yes, I'd love to go on a date with you." $MI's smile grows impossibly wide, dimples appearing on $MIhis_her cheeks, something you hadn't noticed until now. "You've just made me the luckiest $MImerman_mermaid in all the seas, $name." A mermaid approaches you both, interrupting with a gesture behind her. "$MI, they need you in the purification chamber." "I'll be right there," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. As she leaves, $MI turns back to you and offers a slight bow. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. But I'm so glad I had the chance to talk to you before you left." "Same here. And I should get back to my group as well," you reply. <<if $height is "Short">> $MI places a hand on your shoulder and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<elseif $height is "Avegare">>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<else>>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, standing on $MIhis_her tiptoes to bring $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <</if>> $MIHis_Her hand trails down your arm in a lingering touch that sends shivers along your skin, ending with a light brush of $MIhis_her fingers against yours. $MI offers you one last dazzling smile before disappearing into the crowd, leaving you alone in the heart of the underwater cave with your thoughts. A mixture of nerves and excitement pulls a smile to your face, one that stays with you all the way back to Soza's home. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating just a little harder. A date with $MI? With all the mess you've got going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation shining in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. However, that's not the only thing it stirs. The uncertainty of the future weighs heavily on your shoulders. How can you accept something like this when you don't even know what might happen? More importantly, when you know that what $MIhe_she sees in you is nothing more than an illusion. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$MI believes you're another merman, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$MI believes you're another mermaid, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<else>>$MI believes you're another merfolk, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <</if>>"I, uh… I'm flattered, really, but I don't think it's a good idea," you finally manage to say. $MI's smile falters slightly, but even with the disappointment of rejection, the $MImerman_mermaid keeps $MIhis_her expression soft. "I understand. As I said, it's a delicate situation." //"You don't even know the half of it,"// you think. "Still-" "$MI," a mermaid interrupts suddenly, pointing behind her. "They need you at the purification lake." "I'll be right there," your companion replies with a nod. When the mermaid leaves, $MI turns back to you and bows slightly. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. It's been a real pleasure talking to you before you leave." "Likewise. And I should probably head back to my group, too," you reply. $MI nods. "Of course. I just wanted to say the offer still stands. Maybe once we've rescued our clanmates and can finally breathe in peace, when things aren't so complicated." $MI places $MIhis_her hand on your arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "If you change your mind, all you have to do is find me and let me know." The $MImerman_mermaid lets $MIhis_her touch slide slowly down your arm in an exhilarating caress that sends shivers across your skin, ending at your fingers. $MI begins to disappear into the crowd, but before taking a second step, $MIhe_she stops and turns back to give you one last charming smile. "By the way, I'll be over there, by the spring," $MIhe_she says, pointing to a secluded area with another lake of crystal-clear water. "In case you need to find me, okay?" "Okay," you say, your voice quieter than you intended, nodding with a small smile you can't hold back. $MI winks before leaving, leaving you alone in the middle of the marine cave with your own thoughts. You let out a heavy sigh and rub the back of your neck as you head toward the exit to return to Soza's home. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating a little faster. A date with $MI? With everything going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation glowing in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. <<if $MI is "Mako">>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like his slightly pointed teeth, his defined features, the natural confidence in his posture, and the bare skin of his strong and chiseled torso in full display that tempts you with impure thoughts. <<else>>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like her slightly pointed teeth, her defined features, the natural confidence in her posture, and the bare skin of her tempting and generous cleavage that fills your mind with impure thoughts. <</if>>But beyond all of that, what draws you most is $MIhis_her warmth. An unexpected feeling begins to surface within you, gentle but insistent, like a tide rising steadily. Another mischievous smile forms on your lips as the chaos in your mind begins to dissipate. "Tell me, when you say you'll show me everything this place has to offer, do you mean everything..." You look $MIhim_her up and down. "...//everything//?" $MI raises an eyebrow, mirroring your playful expression. "If that's what you desire, I'll make sure you experience the… full tour." You let out a laugh, nodding a couple of times. "In that case, yes, absolutely. I'd love to go on a date with you." $MI's smile grows impossibly wide, dimples appearing on $MIhis_her cheeks, something you hadn't noticed until now. "You've just made me the luckiest $MImerman_mermaid in all the seas, $name." A mermaid approaches you both, interrupting with a gesture behind her. "$MI, they need you in the purification chamber." "I'll be right there," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. As she leaves, $MI turns back to you and offers a slight bow. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. But I'm so glad I had the chance to talk to you before you left." "Same here. And I should get back to my group as well," you reply. <<if $height is "Short">> $MI places a hand on your shoulder and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<elseif $height is "Avegare">>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<else>>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, standing on $MIhis_her tiptoes to bring $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <</if>> $MIHis_Her hand trails down your arm in a lingering touch that sends shivers along your skin, ending with a light brush of $MIhis_her fingers against yours. $MI offers you one last dazzling smile before disappearing into the crowd, leaving you alone in the heart of the underwater cave with your thoughts. A mixture of nerves and excitement pulls a smile to your face, one that stays with you all the way back to Soza's home. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating just a little harder. A date with $MI? With all the mess you've got going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation shining in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. However, that's not the only thing it stirs. The uncertainty of the future weighs heavily on your shoulders. How can you accept something like this when you don't even know what might happen? More importantly, when you know that what $MIhe_she sees in you is nothing more than an illusion. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$MI believes you're another merman, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$MI believes you're another mermaid, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<else>>$MI believes you're another merfolk, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <</if>>"It's tempting, I won't lie." You clear your throat, putting a bit of distance between you two. "But I don't think it's a good idea." $MI's smile falters slightly, but even with the disappointment of rejection, the $MImerman_mermaid keeps $MIhis_her expression soft. "I understand. As I said, it's a delicate situation." //"You don't even know the half of it,"// you think. "Still-" "$MI," a mermaid interrupts suddenly, pointing behind her. "They need you at the purification lake." "I'll be right there," your companion replies with a nod. When the mermaid leaves, $MI turns back to you and bows slightly. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. It's been a real pleasure talking to you before you leave." "Likewise. And I should probably head back to my group, too," you reply. $MI nods. "Of course. I just wanted to say the offer still stands. Maybe once we've rescued our clanmates and can finally breathe in peace, when things aren't so complicated." $MI places $MIhis_her hand on your arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "If you change your mind, all you have to do is find me and let me know." "I will," you reply with a nod. The $MImerman_mermaid lets $MIhis_her touch slide slowly down your arm in an exhilarating caress that sends shivers across your skin, ending at your fingers. $MI begins to disappear into the crowd, but before taking a second step, $MIhe_she stops and turns back to give you one last charming smile. "By the way, I'll be over there, by the spring," $MIhe_she says, pointing to a secluded area with another lake of crystal-clear water. "In case you need to find me, okay?" You let out a laugh you're unable to hold back. "Okay, I'll keep it in mind, $MI." $MI winks before leaving, leaving you alone in the middle of the marine cave with your own thoughts. You let out a heavy sigh and rub the back of your neck as you head toward the exit to return to Soza's home. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating a little faster. A date with $MI? With everything going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation glowing in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. <<if $MI is "Mako">>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like his slightly pointed teeth, his defined features, the natural confidence in his posture, and the bare skin of his strong and chiseled torso in full display that tempts you with impure thoughts. <<else>>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like her slightly pointed teeth, her defined features, the natural confidence in her posture, and the bare skin of her tempting and generous cleavage that fills your mind with impure thoughts. <</if>>But beyond all of that, what draws you most is $MIhis_her warmth. An unexpected feeling begins to surface within you, gentle but insistent, like a tide rising steadily. Another mischievous smile forms on your lips as the chaos in your mind begins to dissipate. "Yes, of course" you answer with a couple of nods. "I'd love to go on a date with you." $MI's smile grows impossibly wide, dimples appearing on $MIhis_her cheeks, something you hadn't noticed until now. "You've just made me the luckiest $MImerman_mermaid in all the seas, $name." A mermaid approaches you both, interrupting with a gesture behind her. "$MI, they need you in the purification chamber." "I'll be right there," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. As she leaves, $MI turns back to you and offers a slight bow. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. But I'm so glad I had the chance to talk to you before you left." "Same here. And I should get back to my group as well," you reply. <<if $height is "Short">> $MI places a hand on your shoulder and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<elseif $height is "Avegare">>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<else>>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, standing on $MIhis_her tiptoes to bring $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <</if>> $MIHis_Her hand trails down your arm in a lingering touch that sends shivers along your skin, ending with a light brush of $MIhis_her fingers against yours. $MI offers you one last dazzling smile before disappearing into the crowd, leaving you alone in the heart of the underwater cave with your thoughts. A mixture of nerves and excitement pulls a smile to your face, one that stays with you all the way back to Soza's home. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating just a little harder. A date with $MI? With all the mess you've got going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation shining in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. However, that's not the only thing it stirs. The uncertainty of the future weighs heavily on your shoulders. How can you accept something like this when you don't even know what might happen? More importantly, when you know that what $MIhe_she sees in you is nothing more than an illusion. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$MI believes you're another merman, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$MI believes you're another mermaid, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<else>>$MI believes you're another merfolk, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <</if>>"I'm flattered, but..." You clear your throat, putting a bit of distance between you two. "But I don't think it's a good idea." $MI's smile falters slightly, but even with the disappointment of rejection, the $MImerman_mermaid keeps $MIhis_her expression soft. "I understand. As I said, it's a delicate situation." //"You don't even know the half of it,"// you think. "Still-" "$MI," a mermaid interrupts suddenly, pointing behind her. "They need you at the purification lake." "I'll be right there," your companion replies with a nod. When the mermaid leaves, $MI turns back to you and bows slightly. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. It's been a real pleasure talking to you before you leave." "Likewise. And I should probably head back to my group, too," you reply. $MI nods. "Of course. I just wanted to say the offer still stands. Maybe once we've rescued our clanmates and can finally breathe in peace, when things aren't so complicated." $MI places $MIhis_her hand on your arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "If you change your mind, all you have to do is find me and let me know." "I will," you reply with a nod. The $MImerman_mermaid lets $MIhis_her touch slide slowly down your arm in an exhilarating caress that sends shivers across your skin, ending at your fingers. $MI begins to disappear into the crowd, but before taking a second step, $MIhe_she stops and turns back to give you one last charming smile. "By the way, I'll be over there, by the spring," $MIhe_she says, pointing to a secluded area with another lake of crystal-clear water. "In case you need to find me, okay?" You let out a laugh you're unable to hold back. "Okay, I'll keep it in mind, $MI." $MI winks before leaving, leaving you alone in the middle of the marine cave with your own thoughts. You let out a heavy sigh and rub the back of your neck as you head toward the exit to return to Soza's home. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating a little faster. A date with $MI? With everything going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation glowing in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. <<if $MI is "Mako">>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like his slightly pointed teeth, his defined features, the natural confidence in his posture, and the bare skin of his strong and chiseled torso in full display that tempts you with impure thoughts. <<else>>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like her slightly pointed teeth, her defined features, the natural confidence in her posture, and the bare skin of her tempting and generous cleavage that fills your mind with impure thoughts. <</if>>But beyond all of that, what draws you most is $MIhis_her warmth. An unexpected feeling begins to surface within you, gentle but insistent, like a tide rising steadily. Another mischievous smile forms on your lips as the chaos in your mind begins to dissipate. "Yes, of course" you answer with a couple of nods. "I'd love to go on a date with you." $MI's smile grows impossibly wide, dimples appearing on $MIhis_her cheeks, something you hadn't noticed until now. "You've just made me the luckiest $MImerman_mermaid in all the seas, $name." A mermaid approaches you both, interrupting with a gesture behind her. "$MI, they need you in the purification chamber." "I'll be right there," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. As she leaves, $MI turns back to you and offers a slight bow. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. But I'm so glad I had the chance to talk to you before you left." "Same here. And I should get back to my group as well," you reply. <<if $height is "Short">> $MI places a hand on your shoulder and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<elseif $height is "Avegare">>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<else>>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, standing on $MIhis_her tiptoes to bring $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <</if>> $MIHis_Her hand trails down your arm in a lingering touch that sends shivers along your skin, ending with a light brush of $MIhis_her fingers against yours. $MI offers you one last dazzling smile before disappearing into the crowd, leaving you alone in the heart of the underwater cave with your thoughts. A mixture of nerves and excitement pulls a smile to your face, one that stays with you all the way back to Soza's home. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating just a little harder. A date with $MI? With all the mess you've got going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation shining in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. However, that's not the only thing it stirs. The uncertainty of the future weighs heavily on your shoulders. How can you accept something like this when you don't even know what might happen? More importantly, when you know that what $MIhe_she sees in you is nothing more than an illusion. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$MI believes you're another merman, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$MI believes you're another mermaid, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<else>>$MI believes you're another merfolk, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <</if>>"I'm flattered, but..." You clear your throat, putting a bit of distance between you two. "But I don't think it's a good idea." $MI's smile falters slightly, but even with the disappointment of rejection, the $MImerman_mermaid keeps $MIhis_her expression soft. "I understand. As I said, it's a delicate situation." //"You don't even know the half of it,"// you think. "Still-" "$MI," a mermaid interrupts suddenly, pointing behind her. "They need you at the purification lake." "I'll be right there," your companion replies with a nod. When the mermaid leaves, $MI turns back to you and bows slightly. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. It's been a real pleasure talking to you before you leave." "Likewise. And I should probably head back to my group, too," you reply. $MI nods. "Of course. I just wanted to say the offer still stands. Maybe once we've rescued our clanmates and can finally breathe in peace, when things aren't so complicated." $MI places $MIhis_her hand on your arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "If you change your mind, all you have to do is find me and let me know." "I will," you reply with a nod. The $MImerman_mermaid lets $MIhis_her touch slide slowly down your arm in an exhilarating caress that sends shivers across your skin, ending at your fingers. $MI begins to disappear into the crowd, but before taking a second step, $MIhe_she stops and turns back to give you one last charming smile. "By the way, I'll be over there, by the spring," $MIhe_she says, pointing to a secluded area with another lake of crystal-clear water. "In case you need to find me, okay?" You let out a laugh you're unable to hold back. "Okay, I'll keep it in mind, $MI." $MI winks before leaving, leaving you alone in the middle of the marine cave with your own thoughts. You let out a heavy sigh and rub the back of your neck as you head toward the exit to return to Soza's home. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating a little faster. A date with $MI? With everything going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation glowing in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. <<if $MI is "Mako">>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like his slightly pointed teeth, his defined features, the natural confidence in his posture, and the bare skin of his strong and chiseled torso in full display that tempts you with impure thoughts. <<else>>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like her slightly pointed teeth, her defined features, the natural confidence in her posture, and the bare skin of her tempting and generous cleavage that fills your mind with impure thoughts. <</if>>But beyond all of that, what draws you most is $MIhis_her warmth. An unexpected feeling begins to surface within you, gentle but insistent, like a tide rising steadily. A smile, uncertain at first, forms on your lips as the chaos in your mind starts to calm. "Y-yes," you finally reply, your voice slightly shaky. Clearing your throat, you add with more fluidity, a nod accompanying the words and a more confident grin, "Yes, I'd love to go on a date with you." $MI's smile grows impossibly wide, dimples appearing on $MIhis_her cheeks, something you hadn't noticed until now. "You've just made me the luckiest $MImerman_mermaid in all the seas, $name." A mermaid approaches you both, interrupting with a gesture behind her. "$MI, they need you in the purification chamber." "I'll be right there," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. As she leaves, $MI turns back to you and offers a slight bow. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. But I'm so glad I had the chance to talk to you before you left." "Same here. And I should get back to my group as well," you reply. <<if $height is "Short">> $MI places a hand on your shoulder and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<elseif $height is "Avegare">>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<else>>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, standing on $MIhis_her tiptoes to bring $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <</if>> $MIHis_Her hand trails down your arm in a lingering touch that sends shivers along your skin, ending with a light brush of $MIhis_her fingers against yours. $MI offers you one last dazzling smile before disappearing into the crowd, leaving you alone in the heart of the underwater cave with your thoughts. A mix of nerves and excitement brings a smile to your face, though it's quickly replaced by a frown when your subconscious stubbornly reminds you that a certain someone is waiting for you at Soza's house. A strange sense of guilt hits you, but you shake your head firmly. <<if $RGLove is true>>"Enough with $RG, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Enough with $LL, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<else>>"Enough with $AO, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <</if>>You ignore them all and head for the exit. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating just a little harder. A date with $MI? With all the mess you've got going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation shining in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. However, that's not the only thing it stirs. The uncertainty of the future weighs heavily on your shoulders. How can you accept something like this when you don't even know what might happen? More importantly, when you know that what $MIhe_she sees in you is nothing more than an illusion. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$MI believes you're another merman, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$MI believes you're another mermaid, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<else>>$MI believes you're another merfolk, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $RG, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $LL, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <<else>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $AO, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <</if>>"I, uh… I'm flattered, really, but I don't think it's a good idea," you finally manage to say. $MI's smile falters slightly, but even with the disappointment of rejection, the $MImerman_mermaid keeps $MIhis_her expression soft. "I understand. As I said, it's a delicate situation." //"You don't even know the half of it,"// you think. "Still-" "$MI," a mermaid interrupts suddenly, pointing behind her. "They need you at the purification lake." "I'll be right there," your companion replies with a nod. When the mermaid leaves, $MI turns back to you and bows slightly. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. It's been a real pleasure talking to you before you leave." "Likewise. And I should probably head back to my group, too," you reply. $MI nods. "Of course. I just wanted to say the offer still stands. Maybe once we've rescued our clanmates and can finally breathe in peace, when things aren't so complicated." $MI places $MIhis_her hand on your arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "If you change your mind, all you have to do is find me and let me know." The $MImerman_mermaid lets $MIhis_her touch slide slowly down your arm in an exhilarating caress that sends shivers across your skin, ending at your fingers. $MI begins to disappear into the crowd, but before taking a second step, $MIhe_she stops and turns back to give you one last charming smile. "By the way, I'll be over there, by the spring," $MIhe_she says, pointing to a secluded area with another lake of crystal-clear water. "In case you need to find me, okay?" "Okay," you say, your voice quieter than you intended, nodding with a small smile you can't hold back. $MI winks before leaving, leaving you alone in the middle of the marine cave with your own thoughts. You let out a heavy sigh and rub the back of your neck, your subconscious stubbornly making you think about a certain someone waiting for you at Soza's house. <<if $RGLove is true>>"Enough with $RG, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Enough with $LL, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<else>>"Enough with $AO, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <</if>>You ignore them all and head for the exit. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating just a little harder. A date with $MI? With all the mess you've got going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation shining in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. However, that's not the only thing it stirs. The uncertainty of the future weighs heavily on your shoulders. How can you accept something like this when you don't even know what might happen? More importantly, when you know that what $MIhe_she sees in you is nothing more than an illusion. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$MI believes you're another merman, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$MI believes you're another mermaid, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<else>>$MI believes you're another merfolk, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $RG, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $LL, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <<else>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $AO, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <</if>>"It's tempting, I won't lie." You clear your throat, putting a bit of distance between you two. "But I don't think it's a good idea." $MI's smile falters slightly, but even with the disappointment of rejection, the $MImerman_mermaid keeps $MIhis_her expression soft. "I understand. As I said, it's a delicate situation." //"You don't even know the half of it,"// you think. "Still-" "$MI," a mermaid interrupts suddenly, pointing behind her. "They need you at the purification lake." "I'll be right there," your companion replies with a nod. When the mermaid leaves, $MI turns back to you and bows slightly. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. It's been a real pleasure talking to you before you leave." "Likewise. And I should probably head back to my group, too," you reply. $MI nods. "Of course. I just wanted to say the offer still stands. Maybe once we've rescued our clanmates and can finally breathe in peace, when things aren't so complicated." $MI places $MIhis_her hand on your arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "If you change your mind, all you have to do is find me and let me know." "I will," you reply with a nod. The $MImerman_mermaid lets $MIhis_her touch slide slowly down your arm in an exhilarating caress that sends shivers across your skin, ending at your fingers. $MI begins to disappear into the crowd, but before taking a second step, $MIhe_she stops and turns back to give you one last charming smile. "By the way, I'll be over there, by the spring," $MIhe_she says, pointing to a secluded area with another lake of crystal-clear water. "In case you need to find me, okay?" You let out a laugh you're unable to hold back. "Okay, I'll keep it in mind, $MI." $MI winks before leaving, leaving you alone in the middle of the marine cave with your own thoughts. You let out a heavy sigh and rub the back of your neck, your subconscious stubbornly making you think about a certain someone waiting for you at Soza's house. <<if $RGLove is true>>"Enough with $RG, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Enough with $LL, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<else>>"Enough with $AO, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <</if>>You ignore them all and head for the exit. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating a little faster. A date with $MI? With everything going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation glowing in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. <<if $MI is "Mako">>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like his slightly pointed teeth, his defined features, the natural confidence in his posture, and the bare skin of his strong and chiseled torso in full display that tempts you with impure thoughts. <<else>>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like her slightly pointed teeth, her defined features, the natural confidence in her posture, and the bare skin of her tempting and generous cleavage that fills your mind with impure thoughts. <</if>>But beyond all of that, what draws you most is $MIhis_her warmth. An unexpected feeling begins to surface within you, gentle but insistent, like a tide rising steadily. Another mischievous smile forms on your lips as the chaos in your mind begins to dissipate. "Tell me, when you say you'll show me everything this place has to offer, do you mean everything..." You look $MIhim_her up and down. "...//everything//?" $MI raises an eyebrow, mirroring your playful expression. "If that's what you desire, I'll make sure you experience the… full tour." You let out a laugh, nodding a couple of times. "In that case, yes, absolutely. I'd love to go on a date with you." $MI's smile grows impossibly wide, dimples appearing on $MIhis_her cheeks, something you hadn't noticed until now. "You've just made me the luckiest $MImerman_mermaid in all the seas, $name." A mermaid approaches you both, interrupting with a gesture behind her. "$MI, they need you in the purification chamber." "I'll be right there," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. As she leaves, $MI turns back to you and offers a slight bow. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. But I'm so glad I had the chance to talk to you before you left." "Same here. And I should get back to my group as well," you reply. <<if $height is "Short">> $MI places a hand on your shoulder and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<elseif $height is "Avegare">>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<else>>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, standing on $MIhis_her tiptoes to bring $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <</if>> $MIHis_Her hand trails down your arm in a lingering touch that sends shivers along your skin, ending with a light brush of $MIhis_her fingers against yours. $MI offers you one last dazzling smile before disappearing into the crowd, leaving you alone in the heart of the underwater cave with your thoughts. A mix of nerves and excitement brings a smile to your face, though it's quickly replaced by a frown when your subconscious stubbornly reminds you that a certain someone is waiting for you at Soza's house. A strange sense of guilt hits you, but you shake your head firmly. <<if $RGLove is true>>"Enough with $RG, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Enough with $LL, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<else>>"Enough with $AO, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <</if>>You ignore them all and head for the exit. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating a little faster. A date with $MI? With everything going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation glowing in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. <<if $MI is "Mako">>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like his slightly pointed teeth, his defined features, the natural confidence in his posture, and the bare skin of his strong and chiseled torso in full display that tempts you with impure thoughts. <<else>>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like her slightly pointed teeth, her defined features, the natural confidence in her posture, and the bare skin of her tempting and generous cleavage that fills your mind with impure thoughts. <</if>>But beyond all of that, what draws you most is $MIhis_her warmth. An unexpected feeling begins to surface within you, gentle but insistent, like a tide rising steadily. Another smile forms on your lips as the chaos in your mind begins to dissipate. "Yes, of course" you answer with a couple of nods. "I'd love to go on a date with you." $MI's smile grows impossibly wide, dimples appearing on $MIhis_her cheeks, something you hadn't noticed until now. "You've just made me the luckiest $MImerman_mermaid in all the seas, $name." A mermaid approaches you both, interrupting with a gesture behind her. "$MI, they need you in the purification chamber." "I'll be right there," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. As she leaves, $MI turns back to you and offers a slight bow. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. But I'm so glad I had the chance to talk to you before you left." "Same here. And I should get back to my group as well," you reply. <<if $height is "Short">> $MI places a hand on your shoulder and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<elseif $height is "Avegare">>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<else>>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, standing on $MIhis_her tiptoes to bring $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <</if>> $MIHis_Her hand trails down your arm in a lingering touch that sends shivers along your skin, ending with a light brush of $MIhis_her fingers against yours. $MI offers you one last dazzling smile before disappearing into the crowd, leaving you alone in the heart of the underwater cave with your thoughts. A mix of nerves and excitement brings a smile to your face, though it's quickly replaced by a frown when your subconscious stubbornly reminds you that a certain someone is waiting for you at Soza's house. A strange sense of guilt hits you, but you shake your head firmly. <<if $RGLove is true>>"Enough with $RG, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Enough with $LL, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<else>>"Enough with $AO, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <</if>>You ignore them all and head for the exit. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating just a little harder. A date with $MI? With all the mess you've got going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation shining in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. However, that's not the only thing it stirs. The uncertainty of the future weighs heavily on your shoulders. How can you accept something like this when you don't even know what might happen? More importantly, when you know that what $MIhe_she sees in you is nothing more than an illusion. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$MI believes you're another merman, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$MI believes you're another mermaid, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<else>>$MI believes you're another merfolk, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $RG, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $LL, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <<else>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $AO, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <</if>>"I'm flattered by the offer, really, but..." You clear your throat, putting a bit of distance between you. "But I don't think it's a good idea." $MI's smile falters slightly, but even with the disappointment of rejection, the $MImerman_mermaid keeps $MIhis_her expression soft. "I understand. As I said, it's a delicate situation." //"You don't even know the half of it,"// you think. "Still-" "$MI," a mermaid interrupts suddenly, pointing behind her. "They need you at the purification lake." "I'll be right there," your companion replies with a nod. When the mermaid leaves, $MI turns back to you and bows slightly. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. It's been a real pleasure talking to you before you leave." "Likewise. And I should probably head back to my group, too," you reply. $MI nods. "Of course. I just wanted to say the offer still stands. Maybe once we've rescued our clanmates and can finally breathe in peace, when things aren't so complicated." $MI places $MIhis_her hand on your arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "If you change your mind, all you have to do is find me and let me know." "I will," you reply with a nod. The $MImerman_mermaid lets $MIhis_her touch slide slowly down your arm in an exhilarating caress that sends shivers across your skin, ending at your fingers. $MI begins to disappear into the crowd, but before taking a second step, $MIhe_she stops and turns back to give you one last charming smile. "By the way, I'll be over there, by the spring," $MIhe_she says, pointing to a secluded area with another lake of crystal-clear water. "In case you need to find me, okay?" You let out a laugh you're unable to hold back. "Okay, I'll keep it in mind, $MI." $MI winks before leaving, leaving you alone in the middle of the marine cave with your own thoughts. You let out a heavy sigh and rub the back of your neck, your subconscious stubbornly making you think about a certain someone waiting for you at Soza's house. <<if $RGLove is true>>"Enough with $RG, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Enough with $LL, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<else>>"Enough with $AO, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <</if>>You ignore them all and head for the exit. [[Continue|152]]

$flirt $fling You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating a little faster. A date with $MI? With everything going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation glowing in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. <<if $MI is "Mako">>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like his slightly pointed teeth, his defined features, the natural confidence in his posture, and the bare skin of his strong and chiseled torso in full display that tempts you with impure thoughts. <<else>>You start noticing details you hadn't before, like her slightly pointed teeth, her defined features, the natural confidence in her posture, and the bare skin of her tempting and generous cleavage that fills your mind with impure thoughts. <</if>>But beyond all of that, what draws you most is $MIhis_her warmth. An unexpected feeling begins to surface within you, gentle but insistent, like a tide rising steadily. Another smile forms on your lips as the chaos in your mind begins to dissipate. "Yes, of course" you answer with a couple of nods. "I'd love to go on a date with you." $MI's smile grows impossibly wide, dimples appearing on $MIhis_her cheeks, something you hadn't noticed until now. "You've just made me the luckiest $MImerman_mermaid in all the seas, $name." A mermaid approaches you both, interrupting with a gesture behind her. "$MI, they need you in the purification chamber." "I'll be right there," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. As she leaves, $MI turns back to you and offers a slight bow. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. But I'm so glad I had the chance to talk to you before you left." "Same here. And I should get back to my group as well," you reply. <<if $height is "Short">> $MI places a hand on your shoulder and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<elseif $height is "Avegare">>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <<else>>$MI places a hand on your arm and leans in, standing on $MIhis_her tiptoes to bring $MIhis_her face close to yours. $MIHis_Her voice lowers to a whisper filled with promise. "I'll be eagerly waiting for your return." <</if>> $MIHis_Her hand trails down your arm in a lingering touch that sends shivers along your skin, ending with a light brush of $MIhis_her fingers against yours. $MI offers you one last dazzling smile before disappearing into the crowd, leaving you alone in the heart of the underwater cave with your thoughts. A mix of nerves and excitement brings a smile to your face, though it's quickly replaced by a frown when your subconscious stubbornly reminds you that a certain someone is waiting for you at Soza's house. A strange sense of guilt hits you, but you shake your head firmly. <<if $RGLove is true>>"Enough with $RG, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Enough with $LL, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<else>>"Enough with $AO, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <</if>>You ignore them all and head for the exit. [[Continue|152]]

You open your mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in your throat, your heart beating just a little harder. A date with $MI? With all the mess you've got going on with the gods, you've barely had time to think about doing something as normal as going on a simple date. The $MImerman_mermaid watches you with a spark of anticipation shining in $MIhis_her yellow eyes. That spark, combined with $MIhis_her radiant smile, stirs something deep within you. However, that's not the only thing it stirs. The uncertainty of the future weighs heavily on your shoulders. How can you accept something like this when you don't even know what might happen? More importantly, when you know that what $MIhe_she sees in you is nothing more than an illusion. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$MI believes you're another merman, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$MI believes you're another mermaid, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <<else>>$MI believes you're another merfolk, oblivious to the reality of other worlds and species. And it doesn't feel right to deceive $MIhim_her like this, especially with the kindness and warmth $MIhe_she's shown you. <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $RG, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $LL, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <<else>>There's also the pang you feel in your chest when you think about $AO, but that's another issue you're not in the mood to deal with right now. <</if>>"I'm flattered by the offer, really, but..." You clear your throat, putting a bit of distance between you. "But I don't think it's a good idea." $MI's smile falters slightly, but even with the disappointment of rejection, the $MImerman_mermaid keeps $MIhis_her expression soft. "I understand. As I said, it's a delicate situation." //"You don't even know the half of it,"// you think. "Still-" "$MI," a mermaid interrupts suddenly, pointing behind her. "They need you at the purification lake." "I'll be right there," your companion replies with a nod. When the mermaid leaves, $MI turns back to you and bows slightly. "Forgive me, $name, it seems duty calls. It's been a real pleasure talking to you before you leave." "Likewise. And I should probably head back to my group, too," you reply. $MI nods. "Of course. I just wanted to say the offer still stands. Maybe once we've rescued our clanmates and can finally breathe in peace, when things aren't so complicated." $MI places $MIhis_her hand on your arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "If you change your mind, all you have to do is find me and let me know." "I will," you reply with a nod. The $MImerman_mermaid lets $MIhis_her touch slide slowly down your arm in an exhilarating caress that sends shivers across your skin, ending at your fingers. $MI begins to disappear into the crowd, but before taking a second step, $MIhe_she stops and turns back to give you one last charming smile. "By the way, I'll be over there, by the spring," $MIhe_she says, pointing to a secluded area with another lake of crystal-clear water. "In case you need to find me, okay?" You let out a laugh you're unable to hold back. "Okay, I'll keep it in mind, $MI." $MI winks before leaving, leaving you alone in the middle of the marine cave with your own thoughts. You let out a heavy sigh and rub the back of your neck, your subconscious stubbornly making you think about a certain someone waiting for you at Soza's house. <<if $RGLove is true>>"Enough with $RG, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>"Enough with $LL, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <<else>>"Enough with $AO, damn it," you scold yourself with evident frustration, drawing curious looks in your direction. <</if>>You ignore them all and head for the exit. [[Continue|152]]

At last, you catch sight of Sisronia's entrance. The gates stand wide open, but the magical dome surrounding the city rises like an ethereal barrier, dividing the space perfectly in half and casting shimmering reflections over the sandy ground. Near the entrance, you recognize the group Nauzet introduced to you yesterday gathered in a semicircle, waiting for your arrival with supply bags ready at their feet. Moloth is the first to step forward and bow, while the rest of the patrol picks up the bags and hands them out to you. "Everything is ready to depart, Guru. We've packed enough supplies to last eight days." <<if $weapon is "Sword">>"We also brought the weapons," Eroth continues as Cielin hands the spear to $AL, and Tarquus returns the swords and shield to you and $LL. Then, the merman pulls an object from his tunic. "And the pearl. It's already linked to us." <<else>>"We also brought the weapons," Eroth continues as Cielin hands the spear to $AL, and Tarquus returns the sword and shield to $LL. Then, the merman pulls an object from his tunic. "And the pearl. It's already linked to us." <</if>>The pearl he speaks of rests in his palm, and for a moment, you find yourself mesmerized by it. It's the perfect size to close your fist around, though its iridescent glow seems impossible to hide. Light reflects off its surface in silvery and bluish hues, as if a tiny moon were trapped inside. But what captures your attention the most are the small engravings on it. Delicate runes, barely visible yet unmistakably alive. "Perfect," Nauzet says with a nod before taking the pearl. The glow instantly fades, leaving only an opaque sphere. "We'll notify you as soon as we find our missing siblings. If you don't hear from us within a week, that will be your signal to act." Moloth nods. "Understood, Guru." The group places both hands on their opposite shoulders, crossing their arms in a gesture of respect before bowing slightly deeper than any reverence you've seen from them before. "May the gods guide you on your path and bring you back safe and sound," Moloth concludes. Nauzet returns the gesture. "And may they keep you safe as well." [[Continue|154]]

Bidding farewell to the rescue patrol, a hole opens in the dome's wall, allowing you to leave the city. You step into a final, much smaller dome, almost the size of a modest room, where the seven of you barely fit. When the entrance hole seals shut behind you, a faint hum begins to resonate from the walls. "Prepare yourselves," Nauzet warns, his tone dry but offering no further explanation. Before you can process his words or figure out what he means, another hole opens in front of you, and a powerful current of water engulfs you without warning. The force drags you mercilessly, and for a moment, sheer panic paralyses you. <<if $RGLove is true>>You instinctively kick, struggling against the force of nature while holding your breath until your lungs begin to burn. It isn't until you feel a gentle touch on your arm that you manage to relax enough to hear $RG's voice. "Just breathe, $name." You hold your breath for a few seconds longer, though now for an entirely different reason as you take in those violet eyes, glowing with a new shade under the coral lights of the city. You clear your throat quickly and take a deep breath as realization dawns, $RG's spell allows you to breathe underwater. A sensation you know will take time to get used to. "Thanks," you reply with a small smile before averting your gaze, focusing on adjusting your clothes while trying to ignore the serious stares from both Nauzet and Enid. <<else>>You instinctively kick, struggling against the force of nature while holding your breath until your lungs begin to burn. That's when you hear a voice, calm, yet tinged with an odd mix of amusement and exasperation. "Relax, mortals. You can breathe just fine, remember?" Enid says. It takes a few seconds for your brain to process the information before you realize that, indeed, you can breathe underwater. You quickly clear your throat and take a deep breath. "This still feels so weird," you murmur, more to yourself than to your companions. <</if>>The shock still lingers in your chest as you turn around, relieved to see that, fortunately, the rescue patrol had already left before witnessing such a show. Part of you feels grateful. Another part, deeply embarrassed. You don't want to imagine the suspicions you might have raised, or worse, the laughter and incredulous stares the scene would have provoked. "For Abora's swaying tits!" $AO exclaims. "You could've warned us! I nearly had a heart attack, and I'm way too old for that." "I did," Nauzet responds indifferently, walking forward with surprising ease and tucking the pearl away into his tunic. [[Continue|155]]

You catch up to him as best you can, though the water slightly slows your movements, and ask, "What is that pearl, exactly?" "It's a messenger pearl, mortal. An artefact that allows us to send a message to its bound recipient, no matter how far they are. Nauzet requested it yesterday," Enid explains, swimming effortlessly beside you. "How's a stone going to carry a message?" $LL asks, sceptical. "Have you heard of magic, Red?" $AO responds with an amused smile. "Through the runes," $RG clarifies, moving through the ocean as easily as $RGhis_her brother. "First, the pearl is activated with a specific command, which is the glow you just saw. That's when you speak your message. The runes record it, and the pearl will travel on its own to the recipient it was previously linked to. In this case, the rescue patrol." "So it's like writing a letter?" $AL asks. $RG nods. "Yes, but much faster." "And instead of mail carriers, the message delivers itself. Very convenient, I must say," $AO chuckles. "This artefact is not as trivial as your sheets of paper, humans," Nauzet says. "Messenger pearls are extremely rare. Only a handful remain in this world, reserved for the Elders or the guru." His gaze darkens slightly. "And if we find what we're looking for… we're going to need reinforcements." [[Continue|156]]

You move forward a few meters, maybe, descending a small ledge of earth. Then, Nauzet suddenly stops and turns to face the group. "This will do. Close enough that it won't seem strange, but far enough to avoid unnecessary questions." You frown in confusion at the merman god. "Good for what?" Instead of answering, Nauzet lets an iridescent glow descend from his waist, wrapping around his legs in a shimmering light as the shape of his lower limbs distorts, blurring as if being sculpted anew. What were once his legs now lengthen and streamline, and in their place, a fish-like tail forms. The scales, a deep navy blue with whitish details, catch the light filtering down from above. At the tip of the tail, a broad, gleaming fin sways gently with the movement of the water. "You will never see one of my kin moving through the ocean without a tail. You must transform and swim like real children of the ocean. That way, we'll move much faster," he says, raising an open hand toward you. "Now, stay still." $AO lets out a gasp, $AOhis_her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Wait, you're going to transform us? We're getting tails? Can I choose mine?" A small tic appears in Nauzet's left eyebrow. The merman closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose, and you assume he's trying to gather what little patience he has left. "No," he says in a slightly brusque tone as he opens his eyes again. "Supposedly, each merfolk's scales are unique and one of a kind. They reflect their soul," Enid explains as she swims in front of you. "Oh, then mine is going to be spectacular. Carry on, Scaly," $AO replies, casually placing $AOhis_her hands behind $AOhis_her head. Nauzet throws an exasperated look at $RG, who responds with a tiny, amused smile and a small shrug. Nauzet lets out a resigned sigh that almost sounds like a growl before raising his hand again. A light begins to cover your lower body, so bright that you have to close your eyes against it. Soon, a pleasant warmth spreads through your legs, followed by a strange tingling sensation that runs from your waist down. "Ooh, nice form, $name," you hear $AO say. That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a…<<if $RGLove is true>> * [[Mandarinfish|157aRG]] * [[Betta fish|157bRG]] * [[Marine angelfish|157cRG]] * [[Clownfish|157dRG]] * [[Discus fish|157eRG]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>> * [[Mandarinfish|157aLL]] * [[Betta fish|157bLL]] * [[Marine angelfish|157cLL]] * [[Clownfish|157dLL]] * [[Discus fish|157eLL]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>> * [[Mandarinfish|157aAL]] * [[Betta fish|157bAL]] * [[Marine angelfish|157cAL]] * [[Clownfish|157dAL]] * [[Discus fish|157eAL]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>> * [[Mandarinfish|157aAO]] * [[Betta fish|157bAO]] * [[Marine angelfish|157cAO]] * [[Clownfish|157dAO]] * [[Discus fish|157eAO]]<<else>> * [[Mandarinfish|157a]] * [[Betta fish|157b]] * [[Marine angelfish|157c]] * [[Clownfish|157d]] * [[Discus fish|157e]]<</if>>

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a mandarinfish. The tail glows as if the very ocean had trapped a rainbow within its waters. Scales of electric blue and phosphorescent green intertwine in undulating patterns that seem to shift with each ray of light. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The tip of the tail is adorned with orange edges that resemble strokes of liquid fire, spreading out like a fan. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "Don't you think this is a bit too colourful?" "Not at all," $RG says, offering a soft smile. "You hold all the beauty in the world within you, $name." Seeing those soft violet eyes taking you in makes your heart leap in rebellious excitement, a feeling you quickly smother by looking away before the illusion can lead you down the path of disappointment once more. Yet that doesn't stop the smile that curves your lips. Then, your gaze falls on $RGhis_her own tail, covered in shimmering white and reddish-orange scales, speckled with small black spots. Besides the main fin at the tip, $RGhe_she also has a pair of smaller ones on the sides that unfold, delicate and graceful.<<if $RG is "Rayco">> His muscular, well-defined torso is bare, a faint trail of hair of the same violet you love running up his abdomen before spreading across his strong chest. The water's light highlights his collarbone and the contours of his powerful arms, adorned with light scales scattered among his freckles.<<else>> Her toned, well-defined torso is bare, covered only by a simple top that cover her breasts. The water's light highlights her collarbone and the contours of her strong arms, adorned with light scales scattered among her freckles. Her long hair floats freely in the water, creating a fluffy purple halo that frames her figure.<</if>> * [[Release the breath you're holding. 'You look mesmerizing.'|158aRG]] * <<if $RG is "Rayco">>[[Whistle. 'You look good as a merman.'|158bRG]]<<else>>[[Whistle. 'You look good as a mermaid.'|158bRG]]<</if>> * [[Catch yourself looking for far too long and avert your gaze quickly.|158cRG]] * [[Swallow hard and keep looking.|158dRG]] * [[Blush furiously and look away.|158eRG]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a betta fish. With an almost ethereal and delicate design, the tail flows like a translucent veil in the water, tinged with shades ranging from deep purple to sky blue with emerald reflections. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The tip of the tail unfurls into a silky fin, the edges embroidered in crimson red, fluttering as if they were petals carried by the current. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "A bit excessive, don't you think?" "Not at all," $RG says, offering a soft smile. "You hold all the beauty in the world within you, $name." Seeing those soft violet eyes taking you in makes your heart leap in rebellious excitement, a feeling you quickly smother by looking away before the illusion can lead you down the path of disappointment once more. Yet that doesn't stop the smile that curves your lips. Then, your gaze falls on $RGhis_her own tail, covered in shimmering white and reddish-orange scales, speckled with small black spots. Besides the main fin at the tip, $RGhe_she also has a pair of smaller ones on the sides that unfold, delicate and graceful.<<if $RG is "Rayco">> His muscular, well-defined torso is bare, a faint trail of hair of the same violet you love running up his abdomen before spreading across his strong chest. The water's light highlights his collarbone and the contours of his powerful arms, adorned with light scales scattered among his freckles.<<else>> Her toned, well-defined torso is bare, covered only by a simple top that cover her breasts. The water's light highlights her collarbone and the contours of her strong arms, adorned with light scales scattered among her freckles. Her long hair floats freely in the water, creating a fluffy purple halo that frames her figure.<</if>> * [[Release the breath you're holding. 'You look mesmerizing.'|158aRG]] * <<if $RG is "Rayco">>[[Whistle. 'You look good as a merman.'|158bRG]]<<else>>[[Whistle. 'You look good as a mermaid.'|158bRG]]<</if>> * [[Catch yourself looking for far too long and avert your gaze quickly.|158cRG]] * [[Swallow hard and keep looking.|158dRG]] * [[Blush furiously and look away.|158eRG]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a marine angelfish. The tail is a majestic display of golden and blue lines, as if drawn with the precision of an artist. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. Perfectly defined scales gleam like embedded jewels, while the edges of the tail extend in a regal arc, each fold radiating a sense of authority and grace. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "A bit too flashy, don't you think?" "Not at all," $RG says, offering a soft smile. "You hold all the beauty in the world within you, $name." Seeing those soft violet eyes taking you in makes your heart leap in rebellious excitement, a feeling you quickly smother by looking away before the illusion can lead you down the path of disappointment once more. Yet that doesn't stop the smile that curves your lips. Then, your gaze falls on $RGhis_her own tail, covered in shimmering white and reddish-orange scales, speckled with small black spots. Besides the main fin at the tip, $RGhe_she also has a pair of smaller ones on the sides that unfold, delicate and graceful.<<if $RG is "Rayco">> His muscular, well-defined torso is bare, a faint trail of hair of the same violet you love running up his abdomen before spreading across his strong chest. The water's light highlights his collarbone and the contours of his powerful arms, adorned with light scales scattered among his freckles.<<else>> Her toned, well-defined torso is bare, covered only by a simple top that cover her breasts. The water's light highlights her collarbone and the contours of her strong arms, adorned with light scales scattered among her freckles. Her long hair floats freely in the water, creating a fluffy purple halo that frames her figure.<</if>> * [[Release the breath you're holding. 'You look mesmerizing.'|158aRG]] * <<if $RG is "Rayco">>[[Whistle. 'You look good as a merman.'|158bRG]]<<else>>[[Whistle. 'You look good as a mermaid.'|158bRG]]<</if>> * [[Catch yourself looking for far too long and avert your gaze quickly.|158cRG]] * [[Swallow hard and keep looking.|158dRG]] * [[Blush furiously and look away.|158eRG]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a clownfish. With a vibrant, bright orange hue, the tail seems to radiate a scorching warmth. White bands run along its length in uniform patterns, outlined by fine black lines that enhance its contours. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The rounded, smooth shape of the fins, combined with the warm contrasts and colours, gives you quite a playful look. You raise an eyebrow at your companions. "Seriously? A clownfish? Is this some kind of joke?" "Not at all," $RG says with a laugh that makes you raise an eyebrow, though the soft smile that lingers afterward quiets any reproach you were about to throw at $RGhim_her. "You hold all the beauty in the world within you, $name." Seeing those soft violet eyes taking you in makes your heart leap in rebellious excitement, a feeling you quickly smother by looking away before the illusion can lead you down the path of disappointment once more. Yet that doesn't stop the smile that curves your lips. Then, your gaze falls on $RGhis_her own tail, covered in shimmering white and reddish-orange scales, speckled with small black spots. Besides the main fin at the tip, $RGhe_she also has a pair of smaller ones on the sides that unfold, delicate and graceful.<<if $RG is "Rayco">> His muscular, well-defined torso is bare, a faint trail of hair of the same violet you love running up his abdomen before spreading across his strong chest. The water's light highlights his collarbone and the contours of his powerful arms, adorned with light scales scattered among his freckles.<<else>> Her toned, well-defined torso is bare, covered only by a simple top that cover her breasts. The water's light highlights her collarbone and the contours of her strong arms, adorned with light scales scattered among her freckles. Her long hair floats freely in the water, creating a fluffy purple halo that frames her figure.<</if>> * [[Release the breath you're holding. 'You look mesmerizing.'|158aRG]] * <<if $RG is "Rayco">>[[Whistle. 'You look good as a merman.'|158bRG]]<<else>>[[Whistle. 'You look good as a mermaid.'|158bRG]]<</if>> * [[Catch yourself looking for far too long and avert your gaze quickly.|158cRG]] * [[Swallow hard and keep looking.|158dRG]] * [[Blush furiously and look away.|158eRG]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a discus fish. Round and perfectly symmetrical, the tail looks as if it had been carved from liquid crystal, reflecting intricate patterns in reddish and bluish tones that seem to shift in sync with the currents. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The lines running across your scales form labyrinths that could hypnotize anyone who stares at them for too long. Its surface, luminous like a full moon over water, shimmers in a play of colours that fade and reappear with each wave. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "Aren't all these lines a bit dizzying?" "Not at all," $RG says, offering a soft smile. "You hold all the beauty in the world within you, $name." Seeing those soft violet eyes taking you in makes your heart leap in rebellious excitement, a feeling you quickly smother by looking away before the illusion can lead you down the path of disappointment once more. Yet that doesn't stop the smile that curves your lips. Then, your gaze falls on $RGhis_her own tail, covered in shimmering white and reddish-orange scales, speckled with small black spots. Besides the main fin at the tip, $RGhe_she also has a pair of smaller ones on the sides that unfold, delicate and graceful.<<if $RG is "Rayco">> His muscular, well-defined torso is bare, a faint trail of hair of the same violet you love running up his abdomen before spreading across his strong chest. The water's light highlights his collarbone and the contours of his powerful arms, adorned with light scales scattered among his freckles.<<else>> Her toned, well-defined torso is bare, covered only by a simple top that cover her breasts. The water's light highlights her collarbone and the contours of her strong arms, adorned with light scales scattered among her freckles. Her long hair floats freely in the water, creating a fluffy purple halo that frames her figure.<</if>> * [[Release the breath you're holding. 'You look mesmerizing.'|158aRG]] * <<if $RG is "Rayco">>[[Whistle. 'You look good as a merman.'|158bRG]]<<else>>[[Whistle. 'You look good as a mermaid.'|158bRG]]<</if>> * [[Catch yourself looking for far too long and avert your gaze quickly.|158cRG]] * [[Swallow hard and keep looking.|158dRG]] * [[Blush furiously and look away.|158eRG]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a mandarinfish. The tail glows as if the very ocean had trapped a rainbow within its waters. Scales of electric blue and phosphorescent green intertwine in undulating patterns that seem to shift with each ray of light. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The tip of the tail is adorned with orange edges that resemble strokes of liquid fire, spreading out like a fan. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "Don't you think this is a bit too colourful?" You're very surprised when it's $LL who answers before anyone else. "I like it." You blink at $LLhim_her, taken a bit aback by the excessive and surprising honesty radiating from $LLhis_her simple words. "Really?" The warrior furrows her brow and looks away, the tension making her muscles seem even more defined. "I like colourful things. Is there a problem?" The faint pink hue that appears on $LLhis_her cheeks makes your heart skip a beat. //The tails reflect the soul of every merperson//, the words echo in your mind as an uncontrollable smile appears on your lips. Then, you notice $LLhis_her own tail. Curiously enough, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different from yours and Nauzet's. The skin seems smooth at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you can see its roughness. A subtle bluish-gray covers the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side, creating a noticeable contrast. And, of course, the scars that decorate $LLhis_her warrior body, adding a touch of hardness to $LLhis_her already imposing presence. A couple of small fins rest in the middle, with the same rigidity and roughness as the rest of the skin. The tail ends in a pointed crescent-shaped fin, almost as if $LLhe_she was a... "...shark," you murmur, completely captivated by $LLhis_her new appearance. $LL blinks in your direction. "What?" * [[Clear your throat. 'No, nothing.'|158aLL]] * [[Blush furiously and look away. 'It's just that… your shape is impressive.'|158bLL]] * <<if $LL is "Leire">>[[Show a half-smile. 'You trying to claim the title of Queen of the Sea?'|158cLL]]<<else>>[[Show a half-smile. 'You trying to claim the title of King of the Sea?'|158cLL]]<</if>> * [[Say, 'I said you look like a shark.'|158dLL]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a betta fish. With an almost ethereal and delicate design, the tail flows like a translucent veil in the water, tinged with shades ranging from deep purple to sky blue with emerald reflections. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The tip of the tail unfurls into a silky fin, the edges embroidered in crimson red, fluttering as if they were petals carried by the current. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "A bit excessive, don't you think?" You're very surprised when it's $LL who answers before anyone else. "I like it." You blink at $LLhim_her, taken a bit aback by the excessive and surprising honesty radiating from $LLhis_her simple words. "Really?" The warrior furrows her brow and looks away, the tension making her muscles seem even more defined. "I like those colours. Is there a problem?" The faint pink hue that appears on $LLhis_her cheeks makes your heart skip a beat. //The tails reflect the soul of every merperson//, the words echo in your mind as an uncontrollable smile appears on your lips. Then, you notice $LLhis_her own tail. Curiously enough, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different from yours and Nauzet's. The skin seems smooth at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you can see its roughness. A subtle bluish-gray covers the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side, creating a noticeable contrast. And, of course, the scars that decorate $LLhis_her warrior body, adding a touch of hardness to $LLhis_her already imposing presence. A couple of small fins rest in the middle, with the same rigidity and roughness as the rest of the skin. The tail ends in a pointed crescent-shaped fin, almost as if $LLhe_she was a... "...shark," you murmur, completely captivated by $LLhis_her new appearance. $LL blinks in your direction. "What?" * [[Clear your throat. 'No, nothing.'|158aLL]] * [[Blush furiously and look away. 'It's just that… your shape is impressive.'|158bLL]] * <<if $LL is "Leire">>[[Show a half-smile. 'You trying to claim the title of Queen of the Sea?'|158cLL]]<<else>>[[Show a half-smile. 'You trying to claim the title of King of the Sea?'|158cLL]]<</if>> * [[Say, 'I said you look like a shark.'|158dLL]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a marine angelfish. The tail is a majestic display of golden and blue lines, as if drawn with the precision of an artist. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. Perfectly defined scales gleam like embedded jewels, while the edges of the tail extend in a regal arc, each fold radiating a sense of authority and grace. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "A bit too flashy, don't you think?" You're very surprised when it's $LL who answers before anyone else. "I like it." You blink at $LLhim_her, taken a bit aback by the excessive and surprising honesty radiating from $LLhis_her simple words. "Really?" The warrior furrows her brow and looks away, the tension making her muscles seem even more defined. "I like those colours. Is there a problem?" The faint pink hue that appears on $LLhis_her cheeks makes your heart skip a beat. //The tails reflect the soul of every merperson//, the words echo in your mind as an uncontrollable smile appears on your lips. Then, you notice $LLhis_her own tail. Curiously enough, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different from yours and Nauzet's. The skin seems smooth at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you can see its roughness. A subtle bluish-gray covers the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side, creating a noticeable contrast. And, of course, the scars that decorate $LLhis_her warrior body, adding a touch of hardness to $LLhis_her already imposing presence. A couple of small fins rest in the middle, with the same rigidity and roughness as the rest of the skin. The tail ends in a pointed crescent-shaped fin, almost as if $LLhe_she was a... "...shark," you murmur, completely captivated by $LLhis_her new appearance. $LL blinks in your direction. "What?" * [[Clear your throat. 'No, nothing.'|158aLL]] * [[Blush furiously and look away. 'It's just that… your shape is impressive.'|158bLL]] * <<if $LL is "Leire">>[[Show a half-smile. 'You trying to claim the title of Queen of the Sea?'|158cLL]]<<else>>[[Show a half-smile. 'You trying to claim the title of King of the Sea?'|158cLL]]<</if>> * [[Say, 'I said you look like a shark.'|158dLL]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a clownfish. With a vibrant, bright orange hue, the tail seems to radiate a scorching warmth. White bands run along its length in uniform patterns, outlined by fine black lines that enhance its contours. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The rounded, smooth shape of the fins, combined with the warm contrasts and colours, gives you quite a playful look. You raise an eyebrow at your companions. "Seriously? A clownfish? Is this some kind of joke?" You're very surprised when it's $LL who answers before anyone else. "I like it." You blink at $LLhim_her, taken a bit aback by the excessive and surprising honesty radiating from $LLhis_her simple words. "Really?" The warrior furrows her brow and looks away, the tension making her muscles seem even more defined. "I like those colours. Is there a problem?" The faint pink hue that appears on $LLhis_her cheeks makes your heart skip a beat. //The tails reflect the soul of every merperson//, the words echo in your mind as an uncontrollable smile appears on your lips. Then, you notice $LLhis_her own tail. Curiously enough, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different from yours and Nauzet's. The skin seems smooth at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you can see its roughness. A subtle bluish-gray covers the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side, creating a noticeable contrast. And, of course, the scars that decorate $LLhis_her warrior body, adding a touch of hardness to $LLhis_her already imposing presence. A couple of small fins rest in the middle, with the same rigidity and roughness as the rest of the skin. The tail ends in a pointed crescent-shaped fin, almost as if $LLhe_she was a... "...shark," you murmur, completely captivated by $LLhis_her new appearance. $LL blinks in your direction. "What?" * [[Clear your throat. 'No, nothing.'|158aLL]] * [[Blush furiously and look away. 'It's just that… your shape is impressive.'|158bLL]] * <<if $LL is "Leire">>[[Show a half-smile. 'You trying to claim the title of Queen of the Sea?'|158cLL]]<<else>>[[Show a half-smile. 'You trying to claim the title of King of the Sea?'|158cLL]]<</if>> * [[Say, 'I said you look like a shark.'|158dLL]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a discus fish. Round and perfectly symmetrical, the tail looks as if it had been carved from liquid crystal, reflecting intricate patterns in reddish and bluish tones that seem to shift in sync with the currents. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The lines running across your scales form labyrinths that could hypnotize anyone who stares at them for too long. Its surface, luminous like a full moon over water, shimmers in a play of colours that fade and reappear with each wave. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "Aren't all these lines a bit dizzying?" You're very surprised when it's $LL who answers before anyone else. "I like it." You blink at $LLhim_her, taken a bit aback by the excessive and surprising honesty radiating from $LLhis_her simple words. "Really?" The warrior furrows her brow and looks away, the tension making her muscles seem even more defined. "I like those colours. Is there a problem?" The faint pink hue that appears on $LLhis_her cheeks makes your heart skip a beat. //The tails reflect the soul of every merperson//, the words echo in your mind as an uncontrollable smile appears on your lips. Then, you notice $LLhis_her own tail. Curiously enough, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different from yours and Nauzet's. The skin seems smooth at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you can see its roughness. A subtle bluish-gray covers the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side, creating a noticeable contrast. And, of course, the scars that decorate $LLhis_her warrior body, adding a touch of hardness to $LLhis_her already imposing presence. A couple of small fins rest in the middle, with the same rigidity and roughness as the rest of the skin. The tail ends in a pointed crescent-shaped fin, almost as if $LLhe_she was a... "...shark," you murmur, completely captivated by $LLhis_her new appearance. $LL blinks in your direction. "What?" * [[Clear your throat. 'No, nothing.'|158aLL]] * [[Blush furiously and look away. 'It's just that… your shape is impressive.'|158bLL]] * <<if $LL is "Leire">>[[Show a half-smile. 'You trying to claim the title of Queen of the Sea?'|158cLL]]<<else>>[[Show a half-smile. 'You trying to claim the title of King of the Sea?'|158cLL]]<</if>> * [[Say, 'I said you look like a shark.'|158dLL]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a mandarinfish. The tail glows as if the very ocean had trapped a rainbow within its waters. Scales of electric blue and phosphorescent green intertwine in undulating patterns that seem to shift with each ray of light. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The tip of the tail is adorned with orange edges that resemble strokes of liquid fire, spreading out like a fan. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "Don't you think this is a bit too colourful?" "Gods…" $AL says through a breathy sigh. "You're a vision, $name." The whispered words send a tingle down your spine, making your heart leap with excitement, lifting you up to the clouds. "Really?" The question escapes your lips just as an uncontrollable smile spreads across your face. A visible blush colours $AL's cheeks as $ALhe_she looks away. "I, um... Yes, absolutely. I... I've never seen anything as gorgeous as you," $ALhe_she says with a shy smile. Though the words are a soft whisper, trying not to attract the attention of the rest of your friends, they catch you as if $ALhe_she had shouted them to the four winds. So much joy builds up in your chest that you feel like you're going to burst with happiness at any moment. Then, you notice $ALhis_her tail, that line of vibrant blue scales extending through the water with a shine that seems to intensify at the white edges decorating some of them. The fins unfurl with silky movements, and you are breathless in awe of the beauty and delicacy. Whether every merperson has their own scales that represent them, you don't know, but in $AL's case, the reflection of $ALhis_her personality is perfect. <<if $AL is "Albert">>You can't help but let your gaze drift a little higher, along his exposed torso. A tangle of red hair covers most of his chest and abdomen, though the scars from the surgery that cross his nipples are still visible, marking his skin like a dry river. The rough, uneven texture contrasts with the softness of the rest. <<else>>You can't help but let your gaze drift a little higher, across her curved abdomen to her generous chest, hidden by a coral shell-shaped top of the same blue tone as her fish tail, with a fine veil tied to it that flows through the water. <</if>>$ALHis_Her fins move nervously under your attentive gaze, $AL's blush deepening. "What… what do you think? Does it look good on me?" $ALhe_she asks shyly while fiddling with $ALhis_her fingers. * [[Blush furiously. 'So gorgeous… Um, the scales! I mean the scales!'|158aAL]] * [[Slide your hand down his fins in a gentle caress. 'I think I've never seen anything so gorgeous.'|158bAL]] * [[Show a playful grin. 'Are you trying to seduce me?'|158cAL]] * [[Smile. 'You look good, but you don't need my approval to know that.'|158dAL]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a betta fish. With an almost ethereal and delicate design, the tail flows like a translucent veil in the water, tinged with shades ranging from deep purple to sky blue with emerald reflections. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The tip of the tail unfurls into a silky fin, the edges embroidered in crimson red, fluttering as if they were petals carried by the current. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "A bit excessive, don't you think?" "Gods…" $AL says through a breathy sigh. "You're a vision, $name." The whispered words send a tingle down your spine, making your heart leap with excitement, lifting you up to the clouds. "Really?" The question escapes your lips just as an uncontrollable smile spreads across your face. A visible blush colours $AL's cheeks as $ALhe_she looks away. "I, um... Yes, absolutely. I... I've never seen anything as gorgeous as you," $ALhe_she says with a shy smile. Though the words are a soft whisper, trying not to attract the attention of the rest of your friends, they catch you as if $ALhe_she had shouted them to the four winds. So much joy builds up in your chest that you feel like you're going to burst with happiness at any moment. Then, you notice $ALhis_her tail, that line of vibrant blue scales extending through the water with a shine that seems to intensify at the white edges decorating some of them. The fins unfurl with silky movements, and you are breathless in awe of the beauty and delicacy. Whether every merperson has their own scales that represent them, you don't know, but in $AL's case, the reflection of $ALhis_her personality is perfect. <<if $AL is "Albert">>You can't help but let your gaze drift a little higher, along his exposed torso. A tangle of red hair covers most of his chest and abdomen, though the scars from the surgery that cross his nipples are still visible, marking his skin like a dry river. The rough, uneven texture contrasts with the softness of the rest. <<else>>You can't help but let your gaze drift a little higher, across her curved abdomen to her generous chest, hidden by a coral shell-shaped top of the same blue tone as her fish tail, with a fine veil tied to it that flows through the water. <</if>>$ALHis_Her fins move nervously under your attentive gaze, $AL's blush deepening. "What… what do you think? Does it look good on me?" $ALhe_she asks shyly while fiddling with $ALhis_her fingers. * [[Blush furiously. 'So gorgeous… Um, the scales! I mean the scales!'|158aAL]] * [[Slide your hand down his fins in a gentle caress. 'I think I've never seen anything so gorgeous.'|158bAL]] * [[Show a playful grin. 'Are you trying to seduce me?'|158cAL]] * [[Smile. 'You look good, but you don't need my approval to know that.'|158dAL]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a marine angelfish. The tail is a majestic display of golden and blue lines, as if drawn with the precision of an artist. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. Perfectly defined scales gleam like embedded jewels, while the edges of the tail extend in a regal arc, each fold radiating a sense of authority and grace. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "A bit too flashy, don't you think?" "Gods…" $AL says through a breathy sigh. "You're a vision, $name." The whispered words send a tingle down your spine, making your heart leap with excitement, lifting you up to the clouds. "Really?" The question escapes your lips just as an uncontrollable smile spreads across your face. A visible blush colours $AL's cheeks as $ALhe_she looks away. "I, um... Yes, absolutely. I... I've never seen anything as gorgeous as you," $ALhe_she says with a shy smile. Though the words are a soft whisper, trying not to attract the attention of the rest of your friends, they catch you as if $ALhe_she had shouted them to the four winds. So much joy builds up in your chest that you feel like you're going to burst with happiness at any moment. Then, you notice $ALhis_her tail, that line of vibrant blue scales extending through the water with a shine that seems to intensify at the white edges decorating some of them. The fins unfurl with silky movements, and you are breathless in awe of the beauty and delicacy. Whether every merperson has their own scales that represent them, you don't know, but in $AL's case, the reflection of $ALhis_her personality is perfect. <<if $AL is "Albert">>You can't help but let your gaze drift a little higher, along his exposed torso. A tangle of red hair covers most of his chest and abdomen, though the scars from the surgery that cross his nipples are still visible, marking his skin like a dry river. The rough, uneven texture contrasts with the softness of the rest. <<else>>You can't help but let your gaze drift a little higher, across her curved abdomen to her generous chest, hidden by a coral shell-shaped top of the same blue tone as her fish tail, with a fine veil tied to it that flows through the water. <</if>>$ALHis_Her fins move nervously under your attentive gaze, $AL's blush deepening. "What… what do you think? Does it look good on me?" $ALhe_she asks shyly while fiddling with $ALhis_her fingers. * [[Blush furiously. 'So gorgeous… Um, the scales! I mean the scales!'|158aAL]] * [[Slide your hand down his fins in a gentle caress. 'I think I've never seen anything so gorgeous.'|158bAL]] * [[Show a playful grin. 'Are you trying to seduce me?'|158cAL]] * [[Smile. 'You look good, but you don't need my approval to know that.'|158dAL]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a clownfish. With a vibrant, bright orange hue, the tail seems to radiate a scorching warmth. White bands run along its length in uniform patterns, outlined by fine black lines that enhance its contours. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The rounded, smooth shape of the fins, combined with the warm contrasts and colours, gives you quite a playful look. You raise an eyebrow at your companions. "Seriously? A clownfish? Is this some kind of joke?" "Gods…" $AL says through a breathy sigh. "You're a vision, $name." The whispered words send a tingle down your spine, making your heart leap with excitement, lifting you up to the clouds. You can't help but chuckle. "Really? You're not just saying that to make me feel better, right?" A visible blush colours $AL's cheeks as $ALhe_she looks away. "N-no! I mean it! I, um... I... I've never seen anything as gorgeous as you," $ALhe_she says with a shy smile. Though the words are a soft whisper, trying not to attract the attention of the rest of your friends, they catch you as if $ALhe_she had shouted them to the four winds. So much joy builds up in your chest that you feel like you're going to burst with happiness at any moment. Then, you notice $ALhis_her tail, that line of vibrant blue scales extending through the water with a shine that seems to intensify at the white edges decorating some of them. The fins unfurl with silky movements, and you are breathless in awe of the beauty and delicacy. Whether every merperson has their own scales that represent them, you don't know, but in $AL's case, the reflection of $ALhis_her personality is perfect. <<if $AL is "Albert">>You can't help but let your gaze drift a little higher, along his exposed torso. A tangle of red hair covers most of his chest and abdomen, though the scars from the surgery that cross his nipples are still visible, marking his skin like a dry river. The rough, uneven texture contrasts with the softness of the rest. <<else>>You can't help but let your gaze drift a little higher, across her curved abdomen to her generous chest, hidden by a coral shell-shaped top of the same blue tone as her fish tail, with a fine veil tied to it that flows through the water. <</if>>$ALHis_Her fins move nervously under your attentive gaze, $AL's blush deepening. "What… what do you think? Does it look good on me?" $ALhe_she asks shyly while fiddling with $ALhis_her fingers. * [[Blush furiously. 'So gorgeous… Um, the scales! I mean the scales!'|158aAL]] * [[Slide your hand down his fins in a gentle caress. 'I think I've never seen anything so gorgeous.'|158bAL]] * [[Show a playful grin. 'Are you trying to seduce me?'|158cAL]] * [[Smile. 'You look good, but you don't need my approval to know that.'|158dAL]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a discus fish. Round and perfectly symmetrical, the tail looks as if it had been carved from liquid crystal, reflecting intricate patterns in reddish and bluish tones that seem to shift in sync with the currents. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The lines running across your scales form labyrinths that could hypnotize anyone who stares at them for too long. Its surface, luminous like a full moon over water, shimmers in a play of colours that fade and reappear with each wave. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "Aren't all these lines a bit dizzying?" "Gods…" $AL says through a breathy sigh. "You're a vision, $name." The whispered words send a tingle down your spine, making your heart leap with excitement, lifting you up to the clouds. "Really?" The question escapes your lips just as an uncontrollable smile spreads across your face. A visible blush colours $AL's cheeks as $ALhe_she looks away. "I, um... Yes, absolutely. I... I've never seen anything as gorgeous as you," $ALhe_she says with a shy smile. Though the words are a soft whisper, trying not to attract the attention of the rest of your friends, they catch you as if $ALhe_she had shouted them to the four winds. So much joy builds up in your chest that you feel like you're going to burst with happiness at any moment. Then, you notice $ALhis_her tail, that line of vibrant blue scales extending through the water with a shine that seems to intensify at the white edges decorating some of them. The fins unfurl with silky movements, and you are breathless in awe of the beauty and delicacy. Whether every merperson has their own scales that represent them, you don't know, but in $AL's case, the reflection of $ALhis_her personality is perfect. <<if $AL is "Albert">>You can't help but let your gaze drift a little higher, along his exposed torso. A tangle of red hair covers most of his chest and abdomen, though the scars from the surgery that cross his nipples are still visible, marking his skin like a dry river. The rough, uneven texture contrasts with the softness of the rest. <<else>>You can't help but let your gaze drift a little higher, across her curved abdomen to her generous chest, hidden by a coral shell-shaped top of the same blue tone as her fish tail, with a fine veil tied to it that flows through the water. <</if>>$ALHis_Her fins move nervously under your attentive gaze, $AL's blush deepening. "What… what do you think? Does it look good on me?" $ALhe_she asks shyly while fiddling with $ALhis_her fingers. * [[Blush furiously. 'So gorgeous… Um, the scales! I mean the scales!'|158aAL]] * [[Slide your hand down his fins in a gentle caress. 'I think I've never seen anything so gorgeous.'|158bAL]] * [[Show a playful grin. 'Are you trying to seduce me?'|158cAL]] * [[Smile. 'You look good, but you don't need my approval to know that.'|158dAL]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a mandarinfish.<<set $feelingsAO to true>> The tail glows as if the very ocean had trapped a rainbow within its waters. Scales of electric blue and phosphorescent green intertwine in undulating patterns that seem to shift with each ray of light. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The tip of the tail is adorned with orange edges that resemble strokes of liquid fire, spreading out like a fan. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "Don't you think this is a bit too colourful?" $AO laughs. "Nah, you look gorgeous no matter what, $name." Hearing $AOhis_her words makes your heart flutter in your chest, though the feeling stops short when you notice $AOhim_her already swimming carelessly around you. The way $AO moves underwater captures all of your attention. $AOHis_Her new fish tail shows a deep red with shimmering scales, the side fins waving with their picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AO propels $AOhimself_herself gracefully, swimming in circles around you both with smooth strokes as if $AOhe_she were born in this world, aided by the fine membranes between $AOhis_her fingers. Each movement feels so natural that it's hard to believe it's the first time $AOhe_she's doing it. Your heart skips another beat when $AOhe_she catches you watching $AOhim_her and throws you a playful look.<<if $feelingsAO is true>> "Impressed, $name?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<else>> <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Impressed, handsome?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Impressed, beautiful?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<else>>"Impressed, gorgeous?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<</if>><</if>> * [[Stammer. 'Y-yeah, you're… very impressive.'|158aAO]] * [[Blush. 'I-I wasn't staring!'|158bAO]] * [[Show a playful smile. 'You're doing it to get my attention, aren't you?'|158cAO]] * [[Let out a whistle of admiration. 'Really looks like you were made for this world.'|158dAO]] * [[Nod. 'Very impressed, honestly.'|158eAO]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a betta fish. With an almost ethereal and delicate design, the tail flows like a translucent veil in the water, tinged with shades ranging from deep purple to sky blue with emerald reflections. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The tip of the tail unfurls into a silky fin, the edges embroidered in crimson red, fluttering as if they were petals carried by the current. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "A bit excessive, don't you think?" $AO laughs. "Nah, you look gorgeous no matter what, $name." Hearing $AOhis_her words makes your heart flutter in your chest, though the feeling stops short when you notice $AOhim_her already swimming carelessly around you. The way $AO moves underwater captures all of your attention. $AOHis_Her new fish tail shows a deep red with shimmering scales, the side fins waving with their picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AO propels $AOhimself_herself gracefully, swimming in circles around you both with smooth strokes as if $AOhe_she were born in this world, aided by the fine membranes between $AOhis_her fingers. Each movement feels so natural that it's hard to believe it's the first time $AOhe_she's doing it. Your heart skips another beat when $AOhe_she catches you watching $AOhim_her and throws you a playful look.<<if $feelingsAO is true>> "Impressed, $name?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<else>> <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Impressed, handsome?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Impressed, beautiful?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<else>>"Impressed, gorgeous?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<</if>><</if>> * [[Stammer. 'Y-yeah, you're… very impressive.'|158aAO]] * [[Blush. 'I-I wasn't staring!'|158bAO]] * [[Show a playful smile. 'You're doing it to get my attention, aren't you?'|158cAO]] * [[Let out a whistle of admiration. 'Really looks like you were made for this world.'|158dAO]] * [[Nod. 'Very impressed, honestly.'|158eAO]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a marine angelfish. The tail is a majestic display of golden and blue lines, as if drawn with the precision of an artist. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. Perfectly defined scales gleam like embedded jewels, while the edges of the tail extend in a regal arc, each fold radiating a sense of authority and grace. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "A bit too flashy, don't you think?" $AO laughs. "Nah, you look gorgeous no matter what, $name." Hearing $AOhis_her words makes your heart flutter in your chest, though the feeling stops short when you notice $AOhim_her already swimming carelessly around you. The way $AO moves underwater captures all of your attention. $AOHis_Her new fish tail shows a deep red with shimmering scales, the side fins waving with their picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AO propels $AOhimself_herself gracefully, swimming in circles around you both with smooth strokes as if $AOhe_she were born in this world, aided by the fine membranes between $AOhis_her fingers. Each movement feels so natural that it's hard to believe it's the first time $AOhe_she's doing it. Your heart skips another beat when $AOhe_she catches you watching $AOhim_her and throws you a playful look.<<if $feelingsAO is true>> "Impressed, $name?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<else>> <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Impressed, handsome?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Impressed, beautiful?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<else>>"Impressed, gorgeous?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<</if>><</if>> * [[Stammer. 'Y-yeah, you're… very impressive.'|158aAO]] * [[Blush. 'I-I wasn't staring!'|158bAO]] * [[Show a playful smile. 'You're doing it to get my attention, aren't you?'|158cAO]] * [[Let out a whistle of admiration. 'Really looks like you were made for this world.'|158dAO]] * [[Nod. 'Very impressed, honestly.'|158eAO]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a clownfish. With a vibrant, bright orange hue, the tail seems to radiate a scorching warmth. White bands run along its length in uniform patterns, outlined by fine black lines that enhance its contours. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The rounded, smooth shape of the fins, combined with the warm contrasts and colours, gives you quite a playful look. You raise an eyebrow at your companions. "Seriously? A clownfish? Is this some kind of joke?" $AO laughs. "Maybe, but you're my clown, $name." Hearing $AOhis_her words makes your heart flutter in your chest, though the feeling stops short when you notice $AOhim_her already swimming carelessly around you. The way $AO moves underwater captures all of your attention. $AOHis_Her new fish tail shows a deep red with shimmering scales, the side fins waving with their picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AO propels $AOhimself_herself gracefully, swimming in circles around you both with smooth strokes as if $AOhe_she were born in this world, aided by the fine membranes between $AOhis_her fingers. Each movement feels so natural that it's hard to believe it's the first time $AOhe_she's doing it. Your heart skips another beat when $AOhe_she catches you watching $AOhim_her and throws you a playful look.<<if $feelingsAO is true>> "Impressed, $name?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<else>> <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Impressed, handsome?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Impressed, beautiful?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<else>>"Impressed, gorgeous?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<</if>><</if>> * [[Stammer. 'Y-yeah, you're… very impressive.'|158aAO]] * [[Blush. 'I-I wasn't staring!'|158bAO]] * [[Show a playful smile. 'You're doing it to get my attention, aren't you?'|158cAO]] * [[Let out a whistle of admiration. 'Really looks like you were made for this world.'|158dAO]] * [[Nod. 'Very impressed, honestly.'|158eAO]]

That's when you open your eyes and look down to see a fish-like tail resembling that of a discus fish. Round and perfectly symmetrical, the tail looks as if it had been carved from liquid crystal, reflecting intricate patterns in reddish and bluish tones that seem to shift in sync with the currents. "Gods, this is so weird," you exclaim in a breath of surprise. You spin around, trying to take in as much of your new appearance as possible. The lines running across your scales form labyrinths that could hypnotize anyone who stares at them for too long. Its surface, luminous like a full moon over water, shimmers in a play of colours that fade and reappear with each wave. You look at your companions, raising your arms slightly so they can get a better look. "Aren't all these lines a bit dizzying?" $AO laughs. "Nah, you look gorgeous no matter what, $name." Hearing $AOhis_her words makes your heart flutter in your chest, though the feeling stops short when you notice $AOhim_her already swimming carelessly around you. The way $AO moves underwater captures all of your attention. $AOHis_Her new fish tail shows a deep red with shimmering scales, the side fins waving with their picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AO propels $AOhimself_herself gracefully, swimming in circles around you both with smooth strokes as if $AOhe_she were born in this world, aided by the fine membranes between $AOhis_her fingers. Each movement feels so natural that it's hard to believe it's the first time $AOhe_she's doing it. Your heart skips another beat when $AOhe_she catches you watching $AOhim_her and throws you a playful look.<<if $feelingsAO is true>> "Impressed, $name?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<else>> <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Impressed, handsome?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Impressed, beautiful?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<<else>>"Impressed, gorgeous?" $AOhe_she asks with a playful grin. "Come over here with me. I bet it's a thousand times more fun with good company."<</if>><</if>> * [[Stammer. 'Y-yeah, you're… very impressive.'|158aAO]] * [[Blush. 'I-I wasn't staring!'|158bAO]] * [[Show a playful smile. 'You're doing it to get my attention, aren't you?'|158cAO]] * [[Let out a whistle of admiration. 'Really looks like you were made for this world.'|158dAO]] * [[Nod. 'Very impressed, honestly.'|158eAO]]

"Wow," you say with a slow exhale, releasing the breath you were holding in a quiet sigh. "You look mesmerizing." When your eyes meet <<if $RG is "Rayco">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>, the world seems to stop. There's something in $RGhis_her gaze after that initial flash of surprise. A soft and tender gleam that makes your pulse race as a small smile tugs at the corner of $RGhis_her lips. Another silent yet overwhelming connection that leaves you breathless again. "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods as Enid's serpentine body wraps loosely around $RGhis_her neck. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

<<if $RG is "Rayco">>You let out a whistle as you take him in from head to tail, the sound floating between you before you chuckle. "Wow… you look good as a merman, Rayco." When your eyes meet his, the world seems to stop. After that first flicker of surprise, Rayco matches your cheeky expression as he arches an eyebrow. You're not sure if he's aware of how he puffs out his chest, making his muscles stand out even more. That, combined with the amused smile on his lips, sends your pulse into an uncontrollable frenzy. <<else>>You let out a whistle as you take her in from head to tail, the sound floating between you before you chuckle. "Wow… you look good as a mermaid, Gara." When your eyes meet hers, the world seems to stop. After that first flicker of surprise, Gara matches your cheeky expression as she arches an eyebrow. You're not sure if she's aware of how she pushes her chest forward, making her best features stand out even more. That, combined with the amused smile on her lips, sends your pulse into an uncontrollable frenzy. <</if>>"Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods as Enid's serpentine body wraps loosely around $RGhis_her neck. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

Your gaze roams freely over $RGhis_her torso without you even noticing, admiring every detail of $RGhis_her body as if you want to carve $RGhis_her image into your memory. It isn't until you feel the faint warmth radiating from your pendant that you realize you've been staring for too long. You quickly look away, the warmth of the pendant feeling cold compared to the heat rising to your cheeks. "You, um…" Your voice barely rises above the murmur of the water. You clear your throat and speak up. "You look good." When you dare to meet $RGhis_her gaze again, the world seems to stop. $RG watches you intently, $RGhis_her expression neutral, but there's something in $RGhis_her eyes, a soft and tender gleam that makes your pulse race as a small smile tugs at the corner of $RGhis_her lips. Another silent yet overwhelming connection forms at that moment, one that leaves you breathless again. "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods as Enid's serpentine body wraps loosely around $RGhis_her neck. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

Your gaze shamelessly continues tracing over $RGhis_her torso without you realizing, taking in every detail of $RGhis_her body as if you want to memorize it. "Wow…" you whisper. You swallow hard. It's as if you can't look away. Your eyes keep travelling over $RGhis_her strong arms and sculpted chest until a slight warmth gathers in your chest. The pendant pulls you from your trance, making you lift your gaze… only to find your guardian already watching you. That's when you realize $RG has been looking at you the same way this entire time. $RGHe_She watches you with a neutral expression, but there's something in $RGhis_her gaze. It's very subtle, but you recognize it. An emotion so intense you're fairly certain it could evaporate the entire ocean if $RGhe_she let it spill over. For a moment, you wonder if that sultry gleam in $RGhis_her eyes is just a reflection of your own. The necklace pulses against your chest, making a tingling sensation travel down your spine that leaves you breathless again. That's your answer. "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods as Enid's serpentine body wraps loosely around $RGhis_her neck. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

Heat rushes to your cheeks in an instant, making you turn your gaze anywhere but toward $RGhim_her. "You, um…" You clear your throat. "You look… really good." Your voice comes out slightly shaky, barely audible over the soft murmur of the water. $RG doesn't answer right away, and that only makes your nervousness intensify. When you finally sneak a glance at $RGhim_her, the world seems to stop. A soft and tender gleam shines in $RGhis_her gaze, one that makes your pulse race as a small smile tugs at the corner of $RGhis_her lips. "Thank you," $RGhe_she says just as softly, but loud enough for you to hear it and leave you breathless again. "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods as Enid's serpentine body wraps loosely around $RGhis_her neck. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "byTheRiver" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ Another school of fish passes by, leaving behind a trail of bubbles that brush against your skin like a whispered welcome to their world. You watch in awe as the sunlight illuminates their colourful scales and creates a moving rainbow. You never thought marine life could be this fascinating, this vibrant. At least, not in the way you're experiencing it now. You've been travelling for several hours, and fatigue is starting to set in once more. At first, the journey was slow. Moving with a fish tail -except for $AO- felt incredibly strange, which delayed the start of your trip. But with $RG's patient guidance, and Nauzet's far less patient instructions, you eventually managed to adapt. The technique, though still clumsy, feels like an amplified version of kicking with both legs together. However, despite the noticeable increase in speed, swimming with a fish tail requires far more effort than you imagined. Every push seems to drain your energy, and the burning in your muscles is a constant reminder of your humanity. Nauzet has not hidden his frustration every time you've asked for a break. Right now, you'd gladly take another rest if not for the fact that you've already lost too much time, and you have no desire to endure another reproachful look or a dry remark from the merman god. No, the last thing you want is to be the first to ask for another pause, so you push forward, even as the weight of exhaustion builds with each stroke of your tail. You try to distract yourself from the sensation by focusing on the scenery. Gentle currents sway the seaweed like hands dancing to the rhythm of the ocean, while small glimmers on the seafloor reveal the presence of more hidden creatures. The beauty of the reef and the life thriving within it bring a rare tranquillity to your otherwise turbulent life, one you deeply appreciate. * [[This place is beautiful|160a]] * [[Aren't there any other merfolk around here?|160b]] * [[It's weird. We haven't seen a single demon yet|160c]] * [[Are we there yet?|160d]]

"No, nothing. It's just that, um…" You clear your throat, trying to compose yourself. "It looks good on you, that's all." $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "You mean like an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters after crossing $LLhis_her arms, $LLhis_her fin moving along with a new grunt. "Not at all..." you murmur softly, letting a smile slowly form. "You look different, yes, but in a way that commands attention. That look has character, just like you." The refreshing green of $LLhis_her eyes mix with the $eyecolour of your own, and that simple gesture alone is enough to make your heart want to jump in excitement, especially when $LLhis_her expression softens and a ghost of a smile tries to unsuccessfully tug at the corner of $LLhis_her lips. But you catch it just in time. $LL parts $LLhis_her lips to say something, the slow movement filling you with anticipation. "Thank you, $name," The warrior speaks in a tone so low you're surprised you were able to hear it. Maybe it's because right now, $LLhe_she's the only thing you can see. Or maybe it's because that whisper was meant only for you. The thought sends a wave of emotions through your body, quickening your pulse and leaving you momentarily breathless. "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

You feel a strong warmth rise to your cheeks, and immediately look away. "Oh... uh, nothing, just that..." You clear your throat. "Your shape is impressive... I mean, the tail." $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "Well, I think I look like an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters after crossing $LLhis_her arms, $LLhis_her fin moving along with a new grunt. "Not at all..." you murmur softly as you look at $LLhim_her again, letting a smile slowly form. "You look different, yes, but in a way that commands attention. That look has character, just like you." The refreshing green of $LLhis_her eyes mix with the $eyecolour of your own, and that simple gesture alone is enough to make your heart want to jump in excitement, especially when $LLhis_her expression softens and a ghost of a smile tries to unsuccessfully tug at the corner of $LLhis_her lips. But you catch it just in time. $LL parts $LLhis_her lips to say something, the slow movement filling you with anticipation. "Thank you, $name," The warrior speaks in a tone so low you're surprised you were able to hear it. Maybe it's because right now, $LLhe_she's the only thing you can see. Or maybe it's because that whisper was meant only for you. The thought sends a wave of emotions through your body, quickening your pulse and leaving you momentarily breathless. "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

<<if $LL is "Leire">>You give a half-smile that quickly turns into a small laugh. "I said you look like a shark. What are you trying to do, claim the title of Queen of the Sea?" <<else>>You give a half-smile that quickly turns into a small laugh. "I said you look like a shark. What are you trying to do, claim the title of King of the Sea?" <</if>>$LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "More like the idiot with the most ridiculous costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters after crossing $LLhis_her arms, $LLhis_her fin moving along with a new grunt. "No way!" you respond, almost laughing. "You look different, yes, but cool. That look is all strength, just like you." The refreshing green of $LLhis_her eyes mix with the $eyecolour of your own, and that simple gesture alone is enough to make your heart want to jump in excitement, especially when $LLhis_her expression softens and a ghost of a smile tries to unsuccessfully tug at the corner of $LLhis_her lips. But you catch it just in time. $LL parts $LLhis_her lips to say something, the slow movement filling you with anticipation. "Thank you, $name," The warrior speaks in a tone so low you're surprised you were able to hear it. Maybe it's because right now, $LLhe_she's the only thing you can see. Or maybe it's because that whisper was meant only for you. The thought sends a wave of emotions through your body, quickening your pulse and leaving you momentarily breathless. "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

You chuckle. "I said that you look like a shark. It's... quite fascinating, honestly. It perfectly reflects what you are." $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "More like it reflects an idiot with the most ridiculous costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters after crossing $LLhis_her arms, $LLhis_her fin moving along with a new grunt. "That's not what I see," you say without hesitation, a sincere smile appearing on your face. "It's a strong, imposing, and powerful look. Just like you." The refreshing green of $LLhis_her eyes mix with the $eyecolour of your own, and that simple gesture alone is enough to make your heart want to jump in excitement, especially when $LLhis_her expression softens and a ghost of a smile tries to unsuccessfully tug at the corner of $LLhis_her lips. But you catch it just in time. $LL parts $LLhis_her lips to say something, the slow movement filling you with anticipation. "Thank you, $name," The warrior speaks in a tone so low you're surprised you were able to hear it. Maybe it's because right now, $LLhe_she's the only thing you can see. Or maybe it's because that whisper was meant only for you. The thought sends a wave of emotions through your body, quickening your pulse and leaving you momentarily breathless. "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

"Gorgeous…" you murmur, mesmerized. You quickly realize what you've said and feel your cheeks burn. "I mean, the scales! I meant to say that the scales are gorgeous." "Y-you really think that?" $AL's eyes widen, $ALhis_her words tumbling out as $ALhe_she avoids looking directly at you. $ALHe_She closes $ALhis_her eyes and lets out a nervous laugh while massaging $ALhis_her neck. The blush now covers $ALhis_her entire face. "It's a bit of a strange feeling, honestly. But I, uh… I'm glad to hear that. Especially coming from you, $name." "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

"It's not just that it looks good on you, $AL. I think I've never seen anything so gorgeous," you say with a sincere smile, leaning a little closer to $ALhim_her. One of $ALhis_her silky fins floats in the water, and you can't help but gently brush it with your fingers in a soft caress. The delicate touch causes a slight shiver that makes goosebumps appear on $ALhis_her skin. The blush now completely covers $AL's face, $ALhis_her words stumbling as $ALhe_she avoids looking directly at you. "G-gorgeous? Y-you really think so?" Your smile widens. "Really, $Al_Lavi. You're gorgeous." $AL's eyes shine with emotion as $ALhe_she gives you a shy smile. Then $ALhe_she closes $ALhis_her eyes and lets out a nervous laugh while massaging $ALhis_her neck. "It's a bit of a strange feeling, honestly. But I, uh… I'm glad to hear that. Especially coming from you, $name." "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

"Wow," you exclaim as you continue to look $ALhim_her up and down unabashedly. A playful grin spreads across your face. "$AL, if you keep showing off like that, I'm going to start wondering if you're trying to seduce me." $AL's eyes widen, $ALhis_her words tumbling out nervously. "W-what!? No, I...! Of course not! I mean... I just… wanted to know your opinion. I didn't have any hidden agenda… You know-" You raise an eyebrow, your smile widening as you move a little closer to $ALhim_her and brush one of $ALhis_her fins. "Really? Because it's working." You don't remember ever seeing $AL as red as $ALhe_she is now, and the poor $ALman_woman tries to cover $ALhis_her face with both hands. "$name!" $ALhe_she whines, $ALhis_her fins trembling with embarrassment, but you can see that what's peeking between $ALhis_her fingers is a smile. <<if $AL is "Albert">>You laugh and give him some space. "Alright, I'll stop. But seriously, you look really handsome, Albert." <<else>>You laugh and give her some space. "Alright, I'll stop. But seriously, you look really beautiful, Lavina." <</if>>$AL lowers $ALhis_her hands and gives you a shy smile, $ALhis_her eyes sparkling with emotion. "I'm glad to hear that," $ALhe_she says quietly. "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

"You look good, $AL, but I don't think you need anyone's approval to know that," you reply with a smile. $AL looks down, $ALhis_her blush intensifying slightly. "Yeah... maybe you're right. I just wanted... well, never mind." $ALHe_She gives you a smile, though you think you see a hint of disappointment in $ALhis_her gaze. You don't have time to be sure, as the $ALman_woman closes $ALhis_her eyes and lets out a chuckle while $ALhe_she rubs $ALhis_her neck. "It's a bit of a strange feeling with the tail. It'll be hard to get used to." "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

"Oh, um... Y-yeah, you're... very impressive. You look... amazing," you stammer, trying to avoid $AOhis_her gaze as you feel exposed for getting caught watching $AOhims_her. $AO bursts out laughing. "Please, sweetie, you should know by now that I //always// look good." <<if $feelingsAO is true>>Hearing that affectionate nickname again sends a warm sensation to your chest, fuelling a smile you can't help but give. The last time $AOhe_she used it with you... was right when you confessed your feelings. The smile fades slightly, but you swallow hard, trying not to think about it. You don't want that bitter feeling to ruin the moment. <<else>>Hearing that affectionate nickname sends a warm sensation to your chest, fuelling a smile you can't help but give. <</if>>$AL watches in surprise, spinning around with difficulty as $ALhe_she tries to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water with a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like the fins that ripple through the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

You immediately look away, feeling the heat rush to your cheeks. "I-I wasn't staring!" <<if $AOSex is true>><<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$AO stops next to you and raises an eyebrow, amused. "Aww. You're getting shy on me, handsome? How cute. But you've seen much more already, and you know I love to be looked at. Especially if you're the one looking."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$AO stops next to you and raises an eyebrow, amused. "Aww. You're getting shy on me, beautiful? How cute. But you've seen much more already, and you know I love to be looked at. Especially if you're the one looking."<<else>>$AO stops next to you and raises an eyebrow, amused. "Aww. You're getting shy on me, gorgeous? How cute. But you've seen much more already, and you know I love to be looked at. Especially if you're the one looking."<</if>> <<else>>$AO stops next to you and laughs. "Relax, sweetie, you don't have to justify yourself. You should know by now that I love being looked at. Especially if it's you." <</if>>Your pulse races as $AOhe_she winks, and you stop breathing when $AOhe_she gets a little bit closer, that mischievous spark shining bright in $AOhis_her dark eyes. Luckily, before you lose yourself in $AOhis_her playful presence, $AOhe_she gets distracted by $AL, who has been watching $AOhis_her movements, surprised and spinning around with difficulty trying to keep up. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water with a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like the fins that ripple through the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

You give $AOhim_her an equally playful smile and raise an eyebrow. "Impressed? So, this little show is just to get my attention, right?" <<if $AOSex is true>>$AO laughs and stops beside you. "Get your attention? Oh, sweetie, I don't need to try for that. You're already under my spell, aren't you?" The low tone $AOhe_she uses, along with the playful tap $AOhe_she gives your nose, sends a wave of electricity through your whole body. If you weren't with others, you have a pretty good idea where this conversation might be headed. Luckily… or unluckily, you're not alone, and you soon realize that. <<elseif $feelingsAO is true>>$AO laughs and stops beside you, giving you a mischievous look. "Depends. Is it working?" //Yes//, your mind immediately answers. It always works, even when $AOhe_she doesn't realize it, and a fish tail or being in a new world isn't necessary for that. Your smile fades slightly at the small jab your heart receives. Another reminder of your current situation. You swallow hard, mentally scolding yourself for your feelings once again, and grateful that you're not alone with $AOhim_her right now. <<else>>$AO laughs and stops beside you, giving you a mischievous look. "Depends. Is it working?" //Quite a lot//, you think immediately, but you don't say it out loud. Instead, you're left with a strange sensation in the centre of your chest. Nervousness, maybe? You're not sure, and you wouldn't know why you'd feel nervous. The uncertainty makes your smile fade a little, but you quickly push those confusing thoughts out of your head. //"Probably nothing,"// you convince yourself, even though you don't quite believe it. <</if>>$AL watches in surprise, spinning around with difficulty to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water with a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like the fins that ripple in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

You let out a whistle of admiration. "Wow, $AO. You really look like you were made for this world." $AO's smile falters for a second, but $AOhe_she laughs right after. Though you feel the sound is a little forced. "Well, I don't need a whole world, you know?" $AOHis_Her smile returns, and $AO winks at you, but you sense something hidden beneath $AOhis_her playful expression. "With one special person admiring me, that's enough." <<if $feelingsAO is true>>For a moment, $AOhis_her words send a warm sensation to your chest that fuels a smile you can't help but give. But it only lasts a second before you remember your current situation. Your smile fades slightly at the small jab your heart receives. You swallow hard, mentally scolding yourself for your feelings once again, and grateful that you're not alone with $AOhim_her right now. <<else>>For a moment, $AOhis_her words send a warm sensation to your chest that fuels a smile you can't help but give. But it's also accompanied by a strange feeling in the centre of your chest. Nervousness, maybe? You're not sure, and you wouldn't know why you'd feel nervous. The uncertainty makes your smile fade a little, but you quickly push those confusing thoughts out of your head. //"Probably nothing,"// you convince yourself, though you don't quite believe it. <</if>> $AL watches in surprise, spinning around with difficulty to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water with a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like the fins that ripple in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

<<if $AOSex is true>>"Very impressed, to be honest." You laugh. "If you keep swimming like that, you're going to make me feel like I'm in the middle of a show." $AO's smile grows with a mischievous touch. "Don't worry, I save my best performances just for you." "Please, don't," $LL grumbles. <<else>>"Very impressed, to be honest." you respond with a nod, following $AOhis_her movements without taking your eyes off $AOhim_her for a second. $AO's smile grows with a mischievous touch in response. $AOHe_She looks more than proud to have provoked that reaction. <</if>>$AL watches in surprise, spinning around with difficulty to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water with a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like the fins that ripple in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ You narrow your eyes at the otter. "I… don't know if that's a compliment or not." "Take your pick," Enid replies. "Okay… thanks for the compliment, I guess?" "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

You roll your eyes. "Ha, ha, very funny. It's because I'm a clown, right?" Enid tilts her head. "I don't understand. I was being sincere." "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ You raise an eyebrow, your voice serious. "What do you mean by that?" "Good things, I promise. Your eccentricity is what makes you who you are, mortal," Enid responds with a little smile you weren't expecting. "Oh. Well, thanks." "Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ You place your hands on your hips and turn to the otter. "Hey! Look who's talking, the one who looks like a worm!" "What did you just call me, mortal?" an indignant Enid exclaims as she turns to you. You point at her. "Worm, that's what you are right now. Ouch!" Enid lets out a small spark that shocks your finger, sending a shiver through your whole body. You shake your hand on reflex and blow on your fingertip to ease the sting. "Careful with your powers, Enid. We're underwater," $RG warns her. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"He started it!" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"She started it!" <<else>>"They started it!" <</if>>"Hey, this is awesome!" $AO's laughter envelops you and cuts the moment, but it's not just $AOhis_her chuckle that floats around you, but $AOhimself_herself as well. The doctor moves with grace as $AOhe_she manoeuvrers $AOhis_her new fish tail with surprising ease. <<if $AO is "Ada">>Hers<<else>>His<</if>> is a deep red with shimmering scales and two pairs of fins on the sides, with picturesque shapes and precise details that perfectly reflect $AOhis_her extravagant and wild personality. $AOHe_She propels $AOhimself_herself with the tail as $AOhe_she swims in circles, using the membranes between $AOhis_her fingers to add a couple of strokes. $AL watches $AOhim_her in awe, struggling to turn around to follow $AO's movements. $ALHis_Her new fish tail stretches through the water, a line of beautiful, vibrant blue scales, some decorated with white edges, just like $ALhis_her fins, which flutter in the water with silky movements. "How do you move so easily?" the red-haired $ALman_woman exclaims. "Are you kidding, $Al_Lavi? I've imagined this moment since I was a kid! Since I was five and would spend hours in the tub splashing and soaking the servants." To prove $AOhis_her point, $AO makes some playful spins in the water, $AOhis_her body twisting with practised ease as $AOhe_she flicks $AOhis_her tail and swims towards $LL. <<if $AO is "Ada">>"Look, Red, I'm a little mermaid!" she sings as she circles the warrior. <<else>>"Look, Red, I'm a little merman!" he sings as he circles the warrior. <</if>>$LL lets out an exasperated grunt. "An eel is what you are," $LLhe_she murmurs, moving $LLhis_her pointed fin with a couple of nervous gestures. Unlike the others, <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is very different. The skin looks smooth at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see its roughness. A bluish-gray colours the dorsal part, while a clean white extends along the ventral side. Those colours, combined with the crescent shape of $LLhis_her fin, make $LLhim_her look like a... "You look like a shark, $LL!" $AL exclaims again. $LL looks at $LLhis_her tail with a grimace. "What I look like is an idiot in a cheap costume for the <span class="tooltip">Night of the Finaos<span class="tooltiptext">Guanche holiday similar to Halloween.</span></span>," $LLhe_she mutters, crossing $LLhis_her arms, the fin moving again along with another grunt. "If you're done," Nauzet interrupts with an obvious tone of annoyance, "I suggest we get moving." $RG nods while Enid's serpentine body loosely wraps around $RGhis_her neck. $RGHis_Her new tail moves slightly, making the scales shine in a mix of white and orange, with black speckles scattered here and there in a deliberate pattern. "We follow you, brother." [[Continue|159]]

You take another look around, a smile forming on your face as another orange fish with greenish hues happily swims past you. "This place really is beautiful. The peace here is incredible." "And you haven't seen anything yet, human. This world has much more to offer than a sunken city," Nauzet replies, a slight note of pride in his voice. "If it weren't for the dangers we're exposed to, you'd see for yourselves." "You say that, and yet we've been swimming for hours and haven't encountered a single threat so far," $LL remarks. Nauzet remains silent for a second. "Believe me, I've noticed, human." * [[That's a good thing, isn't it?|161a]] * [[I don't like it|161b]] * [["Could this be " + $BN + "'s doing?"|161c]]

You glance around again, at the vast ocean stretching before you and the marine life darting back and forth. "It's strange being the only merfolk for miles around. Does no one ever leave Sisronia?" Nauzet shakes his head. "There are too many dangers out here since the leviathans turned aggressive. Only the patrols from the Guild have permission to leave, and only a maximum of two groups are authorized to be outside the city at a time." "And yet we've been swimming for hours and haven't encountered a single threat so far," $LL comments. Nauzet remains silent for a second. "Believe me, I've noticed, human." * [[That's a good thing, isn't it?|161a]] * [[I don't like it|161b]] * [["Could this be " + $BN + "'s doing?"|161c]]

<<if $fear is true>>You glance around again, at the vast ocean stretching before you and the marine life moving about without a care. The ocean floor can be terrifying, but everything is far too quiet. There isn't a single trace of corruption. <<else>>You glance around again, at the vast ocean stretching before you and the marine life moving about without a care. Everything is far too quiet. There isn't a single trace of corruption. <</if>>"Huh. That's strange." $AL looks at you. "What's strange, $name?" "It's been hours since we left the city, and we still haven't encountered a single demon or one of those leviathans," you reply, then glance at the horizon. "In fact, there isn't a single trace of corruption in sight." "That's exactly what I was thinking," $LL comments. Nauzet remains silent for a second. "Believe me, I've noticed, humans." * [[That's a good thing, isn't it?|161a]] * [[I don't like it|161b]] * [["Could this be " + $BN + "'s doing?"|161c]]

Yes, the place is beautiful, but you'd enjoy it much more if your muscles weren't burning. The thought only makes you more eager to finish this mission and go home. "How much longer until we get there?" you ask impatiently, holding back the urge to let out a groan of exhaustion. "A day and a half if you stop whining and keep moving, human," Nauzet replies in his ever-pleasant tone. That was sarcasm. You huff. "My legs are going to fall off from all this moving. Or rather, my tail." "Same here," $AL mutters. Nauzet lets out an irritated sigh. "The Coral Gardens are just a few meters ahead. We can stop there." "It's strange," $LL begins. "You're so cautious about the ocean, and yet we've been swimming for hours and haven't encountered a single threat so far." Nauzet remains silent for a second. "Believe me, I've noticed, human." * [[That's a good thing, isn't it?|161a]] * [[I don't like it|161b]] * [["Could this be " + $BN + "'s doing?"|161c]]

"Well, but that's a good thing, isn't it? It makes our job easier," you reply. Nauzet frowns. "No, it isn't." Enid hums. "I've been thinking. What if this is $BN's doing?" You blink at her. "What do you mean?" "I've thought the same," $RG comments with a nod. "In Thaon, $BN used $BNhis_her powers to hide the essence of the tibicenas from me. And not just them, but any trace of corruption in the mortals $BNhe_she was manipulating." $RGHe_She tightens $RGhis_her grip on $RGhis_her spear. "I wouldn't be surprised if $BNhe_she's doing the same now, watching us and waiting to corner us before attacking." Nauzet growls lowly, his frown deepening. "I don't like this at all. Let's hurry." [[Continue|162]]

You frown. "I don't like this. I have a bad feeling about all of this." Nauzet clenches his jaw. "Me too, human." "There's a strong possibility that this is $BN's doing," Enid intervenes. You blink at her. "What do you mean?" "I've thought the same," $RG comments with a nod. "In Thaon, $BN used $BNhis_her powers to hide the essence of the tibicenas from me. And not just them, but any trace of corruption in the mortals $BNhe_she was manipulating." $RGHe_She tightens $RGhis_her grip on $RGhis_her spear. "I wouldn't be surprised if $BNhe_she's doing the same now, watching us and waiting to corner us before attacking." Nauzet growls lowly, his frown deepening. "I don't like this at all. Let's hurry." [[Continue|162]]

"Could this be $BN's doing?" you ask, frowning. "All this calm… I can't shake the feeling that it's a trap." Your words alert Nauzet, who quickly turns to look at you. "What do you mean by a trap?" "I've thought the same," $RG comments with a nod. "In Thaon, $BN used $BNhis_her powers to hide the essence of the tibicenas from me. And not just them, but any trace of corruption in the mortals $BNhe_she was manipulating." $RGHe_She tightens $RGhis_her grip on $RGhis_her spear. "I wouldn't be surprised if $BNhe_she's doing the same now, watching us and waiting to corner us before attacking." Nauzet growls lowly, his frown deepening. "I don't like this at all. Let's hurry." [[Continue|162]]

Another couple of hours pass as you swim faster under Nauzet's command. But as you had already begun to feel before, exhaustion takes its toll on you and your companions. In the end, the merman god has no choice but to make another reluctant stop to let you catch your breath and rest your muscles. Nauzet leads you up a slope of sand and earth. At the top, he gestures toward what lies beyond. "Welcome to the Coral Gardens." A reef that looks like something out of a dream stretches before you. The giant corals rise in impossible shapes, their colours shifting between violet, gold, and various shades of blue and green, each one glowing with an inner light that creates a colourful festival beneath the water. You can't help but think how beautiful this place must look at night. Small iridescent fish swim between the structures, their scales shining in yellow hues like fireflies. In the cracks and crevices of the reef, anemones sway with the currents, their tentacles dancing with hypnotic grace. "Wow. It's… breathtaking," $AL murmurs, $ALhis_her words nearly lost in wonder. Nauzet doesn't respond immediately. He moves forward a bit more, stopping beside a rocky formation covered in golden algae, and gazes at the reef for a few seconds with an unreadable expression. Perhaps pride, or maybe nostalgia. But soon, that serious frown is back on his face as he turns to you. "These are the Coral Gardens, where the most important celebrations of the sea are held, and where artisans come to gather the finest materials for their works." Nauzet lowers his gaze for a moment. "Or at least, that's how it used to be before the leviathans turned against them." * [[Touch the trunk of a coral|163a]] * [[Look at the colours around you|163b]] * [[Pet one of the glowing fishes|163c]]

You approach a nearby coral, its base supporting a broad, branching structure that extends upward. As you run your hand over its surface, you discover a rough texture, like eroded stone, but warm to the touch. To your surprise, a faint pink glow follows the movement of your fingers, illuminating the trunk as if responding to your touch. <<if $RGLove is true>>The moment envelops you until you feel a gaze on you. When you turn, you find $RG watching you, $RGhis_her expression serene yet as intense as always. Without saying a word, $RGhe_she also reaches out toward the coral, $RGhis_her eyes reflecting the soft pink light emanating from the structure. There's a tenderness in $RGhis_her gaze, mixed with something deeper that you can't quite decipher. "You like this place," $RGhe_she says, $RGhis_her words more of a statement than a question. "It's one of this world's wonders." $RGHis_Her low, calm voice seems amplified by the water. You can only nod. $RGHe_She's right, even if you can't quite put it into words. $RG carefully runs $RGhis_her fingertips over the rough surface of the coral, leaving behind a trail of light that follows $RGhis_her movements. The glow travels slowly, brushing against your own fingers, and the moment both lines cross, a nearly imperceptible spark flickers between you. The touch of $RGhis_her fingers against yours is subtle, so much so that you're unsure if it was an accident or an intentional gesture. But it leaves behind an unmistakable sensation that sends shivers across your skin. $RG glances at you from the corner of $RGhis_her eye, $RGhis_her lips curving into a faint smile. A fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>A hand rests beside yours on the trunk of the coral. When you turn, you find $AL, $ALhis_her smile wide and sincere, the kind that lights up your chest. The light glowing beneath $ALhis_her fingertips merges with yours, blending into a soft dance of pinkish glimmers. "It's incredible, isn't it? It reminds me of Christmas with my family, everything filled with lights," $ALhe_she says, moving $ALhis_her hand back and forth as if playing with the glow. $ALHis_Her greenish eyes sparkle with excitement, reflecting the coral's hues. A light laugh escapes $ALhis_her lips. "This place is magical." You watch $ALhim_her, unable to tear your gaze away. There's something about $ALhis_her fascination that feels contagious, something that shines brighter than the coral itself. "Yeah… it is," you murmur, feeling a slow smile forming on your lips. For a moment, $ALhis_her eyes meet yours, and the world around you seems to pause. Your hands, as if drawn together by an invisible force, begin moving toward each other. You don't know if it's intentional or simply the natural flow of things, but you can't stop it. And you don't want to. The brush of $ALhis_her fingers against yours is delicate, a warm contact even underwater, but enough to send a wave of electricity rushing through your body. $AL blinks, slightly surprised, but $ALhe_she doesn't pull away. Instead, $ALhis_her lips curve into a softer smile, this time more intimate, and you feel the warmth in your chest settle in, refusing to fade. A fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. <<elseif $AOLove>>A laugh breaks the silence, pulling you out of your trance. You turn to find $AO with an expression that catches you off guard. $AOHis_Her smile lacks the usual mischief you expected, and instead, there's a genuine warmth that lights up your chest. "Curious looks good on you, you know?" $AOhe_she comments frankly, the compliment hitting you squarely. You feel your cheeks heat up as a self-conscious smile starts to tug at your lips. $AO doesn't seem to notice, or perhaps $AOhe_she chooses not to mention it. Instead, $AOhe_she reaches out a finger toward the trunk of the coral, drawing an S in a fluid motion. The pink light follows the trace and forms a delicate glow. "It's beautiful, really," $AOhe_she says as $AOhe_she watches $AOhis_her fleeting creation. "I'd love to see it at night, full of people. Seems like the perfect place for family picnics." $AOHis_Her words are simple, but something in $AOhis_her tone makes you picture the scene $AOhe_she describes perfectly. "Yeah… me too," you reply, nodding as your mind fills with images of smiling faces reflecting the coral's glow, laughter and conversation filling the water like a melody. $AO's gaze meets yours, and the world seems to pause. The coral's pinkish tones illuminate $AOhis_her dark eyes, those deep pools that seem to invite you to dive into them every time you look at $AOhim_her. Suddenly, $AOhe_she raises $AOhis_her hand again, but this time not toward the coral. $AOHis_Her fingers move decisively toward your face, brushing against your cheek with a touch so soft that it freezes you in place and sets you ablaze at the same time. "An eyelash," $AOhe_she says to explain the touch, $AOhis_her voice dropping to a soft murmur. However, instead of pulling away, $AOhis_her hand drifts slowly down your cheek, tracing a path to your chin. The touch is light, but it leaves an indelible mark. Your heart pounds, and though you try to find something to say, words escape you. You can only stand there, caught in the moment, as $AO watches you with an intensity you've never seen before. A fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>You sense a presence approaching your side. When you turn, you see $LL observing the coral with you, though $LLhe_she doesn't touch it, nor does $LLhe_she seem to intend to. $LLHe_She simply stares at the pink glow emanating from your touch with an unreadable expression. But there's something in $LLhis_her eyes… a mixture of tenderness and something else you can't quite place, awakening in response to the beauty of the place. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" you say softly. $LL doesn't answer right away. The silence stretches for a few seconds before $LLhe_she finally reaches out toward the coral. $LLHis_Her fingers trace slow, glowing lines that fade before $LLhe_she can finish them. Yet, $LLhe_she seems to know exactly where each one begins and ends, as if following an invisible design only $LLhe_she can see. You stand there, watching, completely captivated, until $LLhe_she finishes $LLhis_her drawing, the light vanishing a second later. "It's just a bunch of giant glowing corals, but… yeah, it is," $LLhe_she finally responds. There's something in $LLhis_her voice that unsettles you, an echo of emotion you can't ignore. $LLHis_Her eyes seem to shine, not just with the coral's light, but with something deeper. Sadness? Melancholy, perhaps? Or simply overwhelming awe? Whatever it is, it makes you frown slightly and pull your hand away from the coral to face $LLhim_her. "Are you okay?" you ask, concerned. A fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. "For a moment, it reminded me of…" $LL catches $LLhimself_herself and shakes $LLhis_her head, as if trying to get rid of $LLhis_her thoughts. $LLHe_She crosses $LLhis_her arms and averts $LLhis_her gaze. "Never mind." <<else>>A fish rushes past in front of you, and you don't even notice. <</if>>"We should find a nearby cave to-" [[Continue|164]]

One of the fish swims close to you and stops at your side, curious. It brings its face near your skin, the bubbles it releases tickling your bare arm. At any other time, you might have worried that it would bite you or something similar, but for some reason, you know with absolute certainty that it has no ill intentions. Feeling that sense of calm, you raise your hand and gently glide your fingertips over its scales. The fish's body is warm beneath your touch, and its abdomen glows more intensely before it begins to swim in circles around you, bidding farewell with soft, high-pitched sounds. <<if $RGLove is true>>The moment envelops you until you sense a gaze fixed on you. When you turn, you find $RG watching you, $RGhis_her expression serene yet as intense as always. Without a word, $RGhe_she also extends $RGhis_her hand toward a nearby fish, $RGhis_her eyes reflecting the soft glow emanating from the small creature, tiny in comparison to $RGhis_her hand. There's a tenderness in $RGhis_her gaze, mixed with something deeper that you can't quite decipher. "You like this place," $RGhe_she says, $RGhis_her words more of a statement than a question. "It's one of this world's wonders." $RGHis_Her low, calm voice seems amplified by the water. You can only nod. $RGHe_She's right, even if you can't quite put it into words. $RG slides $RGhis_her fingertips carefully over the fish's scales, making it seek more contact as it rubs against $RGhis_her palm. For a moment, you even feel a twinge of envy toward the creature. The fish circles around you both in a farewell before swimming away. You and $RG watch it rejoin its kind in silence, $RGhis_her arm brushing against yours in a subtle touch, so faint that you're not sure if it was accidental or an intentional gesture. But it leaves behind an unmistakable sensation that sends shivers across your skin. $RG glances at you from the corner of $RGhis_her eye, $RGhis_her lips curving into a faint smile. Another fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>A presence settles just beside you. Turning, you find $AL, who smiles with that broad and sincere expression that lights up your chest. The light emanating from the corals mixes with that of the anemones and fish, merging into a soft dance of colourful glows. "It's incredible, isn't it? It reminds me of Christmas with my family, everything filled with lights," $ALhe_she says, looking around with the wonder of a child. $ALHis_Her greenish eyes shine with excitement, reflecting the tones of the place, and a light laugh escapes $ALhis_her lips. "This place is magical." You watch $ALhim_her, unable to tear your gaze away. There's something about $ALhis_her fascination that feels contagious, something that shines brighter than the place itself. "Yeah… it is," you murmur, feeling a slow smile forming on your lips. For a moment, $ALhis_her eyes meet yours, and the world around you seems to stop. Your hand moves on its own until it brushes $AL's fingers. $ALHe_She blinks, slightly surprised, but doesn't pull away. Instead, $ALhis_her lips curve into a softer smile, this time more intimate, and you feel the warmth in your chest has no intention of leaving. A fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. <<elseif $AOLove>>A laugh breaks the quiet, pulling you from your reverie. You turn to find $AO with an expression that catches you off guard. $AOHis_Her smile lacks the mischievous tone you expected, and instead, there is a sincere warmth that makes your chest ignite slightly. "Curious looks good on you, you know?" $AOhe_she comments frankly, the compliment hitting you squarely. You feel your cheeks heat up as a self-conscious smile starts to tug at your lips. $AO doesn't seem to notice, or perhaps $AOhe_she chooses not to mention it. Instead, $AOhe_she also takes in the surroundings, admiring every detail of the colourful reef. "It's beautiful, really," $AOhe_she says as $AOhe_she watches a luminous fish pass by. "I'd love to see it at night, full of people. Seems like the perfect place for family picnics." $AOHis_Her words are simple, but something in $AOhis_her tone makes you picture the scene $AOhe_she describes perfectly. "Yeah… me too," you reply, nodding as your mind fills with images of smiling faces reflecting the coral's glow, laughter and conversation filling the water like a melody. $AO's gaze meets yours, and the world seems to pause. The pinkish tones of a nearby coral illuminate $AOhis_her dark eyes, those deep pools that seem to invite you to dive into them every time you look at $AOhim_her. Suddenly, $AOhe_she raises $AOhis_her hand, $AOhis_her fingers moving decisively toward your face, brushing against your cheek with a touch so soft that it freezes you in place and sets you ablaze at the same time. "An eyelash," $AOhe_she says to explain the touch, $AOhis_her voice dropping to a soft murmur. However, instead of pulling away, $AOhis_her hand drifts slowly down your cheek, tracing a path to your chin. The touch is light, but it leaves an indelible mark. Your heart pounds, and though you try to find something to say, words escape you. You can only stand there, caught in the moment, as $AO watches you with an intensity you've never seen before. A fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>You feel a presence approach your side. When you turn, you see $LL observing the scenery with you, completely silent and with no intention of breaking it. There's something in $LLhis_her eyes… a mixture of tenderness and something else you can't quite place, awakening in response to the beauty of the place. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" you say softly. $LL doesn't answer right away. The silence stretches for a few seconds as $LLhe_she slowly raises $LLhis_her hand, cradling a nearby fish in $LLhis_her palm without actually touching it, $LLhis_her hand simply hovering around it as if it were too fragile and precious to be held. You watch, fascinated, as the shifting lights create colourful waves on $LLhis_her skin until $LLhe_she lowers $LLhis_her arm back to $LLhis_her side. "It's just a cluster of giant corals and aquatic vegetation that glow in different shades, but… yes, it is." There's something in $LLhis_her voice that unsettles you, an echo of emotion you can't ignore. $LLHis_Her eyes seem to shine, not just with the coral's light, but with something deeper. Sadness? Melancholy, perhaps? Or simply overwhelming awe? Whatever it is, it makes you frown slightly and pull your hand away from the coral to face $LLhim_her. "Are you okay?" you ask, concerned. A fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. "For a moment, it reminded me of…" $LL catches $LLhimself_herself and shakes $LLhis_her head, as if trying to get rid of $LLhis_her thoughts. $LLHe_She crosses $LLhis_her arms and averts $LLhis_her gaze. "Never mind." <<else>>Another fish swims quickly past you, and you don't even notice. <</if>>"We should find a nearby cave to-" [[Continue|164]]

<<if $RGLove is true>>The lights dance around you, creating brilliant patterns impossible to ignore. A smile forms on your face almost without realizing it as you spin in place, trying to capture every detail. You watch as $AL touches the trunk of one of the corals, and how it responds to $ALhis_her touch with a celestial glow that follows the movement of $ALhis_her fingers. The moment envelops you until you feel a gaze on you. When you turn, you find $RG beside you, looking around with that serene expression of <<if $RG is "Rayco">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>, but just as intense as always. There's a tenderness in $RGhis_her gaze, mixed with something deeper that you can't quite decipher. "You like this place," $RGhe_she says, $RGhis_her words more of a statement than a question. "It's one of this world's wonders." $RGHis_Her low, calm voice seems amplified by the water. You can only nod. $RGHe_She's right, even if you can't quite put it into words. The touch of $RGhis_her arm against yours is a subtle caress, so much so that you're unsure if it was an accident or an intentional gesture. But it leaves behind an unmistakable sensation that sends shivers across your skin. $RG glances at you from the corner of $RGhis_her eye, $RGhis_her lips curving into a faint smile. A fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>The lights dance around you, creating brilliant patterns impossible to ignore. A smile forms on your face almost without realizing it as you spin in place, trying to capture every detail. You watch as $AO touches the trunk of one of the corals, and how it responds to $ALhis_her touch with a celestial glow that follows the movement of $AOhis_her fingers. A presence settles just beside you. Turning, you find $AL, who smiles with that broad and sincere expression that lights up your chest. The light emanating from the corals mixes with that of the anemones and fish, merging into a soft dance of colourful glows. "It's incredible, isn't it? It reminds me of Christmas with my family, everything filled with lights," $ALhe_she says, looking around with the wonder of a child. $ALHis_Her greenish eyes shine with excitement, reflecting the tones of the place, and a light laugh escapes $ALhis_her lips. "This place is magical." You watch $ALhim_her, unable to tear your gaze away. There's something about $ALhis_her fascination that feels contagious, something that shines brighter than the place itself. "Yeah… it is," you murmur, feeling a slow smile forming on your lips. For a moment, $ALhis_her eyes meet yours, and the world around you seems to stop. Your hand moves on its own until it brushes $AL's fingers. $ALHe_She blinks, slightly surprised, but doesn't pull away. Instead, $ALhis_her lips curve into a softer smile, this time more intimate, and you feel the warmth in your chest has no intention of leaving. A fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. <<elseif $AOLove>>The lights dance around you, creating brilliant patterns impossible to ignore. A smile forms on your face almost without realizing it as you spin in place, trying to capture every detail. You watch as $AL touches the trunk of one of the corals, and how it responds to $ALhis_her touch with a celestial glow that follows the movement of $ALhis_her fingers. A laugh breaks the quiet, pulling you from your reverie. You turn to find $AO with an expression that catches you off guard. $AOHis_Her smile lacks the mischievous tone you expected, and instead, there is a sincere warmth that makes your chest ignite slightly. "Curious looks good on you, you know?" $AOhe_she comments frankly, the compliment hitting you squarely. You feel your cheeks heat up as a self-conscious smile starts to tug at your lips. $AO doesn't seem to notice, or perhaps $AOhe_she chooses not to mention it. Instead, $AOhe_she also takes in the surroundings, admiring every detail of the colourful reef. "It's beautiful, really," $AOhe_she says as $AOhe_she watches a luminous fish pass by. "I'd love to see it at night, full of people. Seems like the perfect place for family picnics." $AOHis_Her words are simple, but something in $AOhis_her tone makes you picture the scene $AOhe_she describes perfectly. "Yeah… me too," you reply, nodding as your mind fills with images of smiling faces reflecting the coral's glow, laughter and conversation filling the water like a melody. $AO's gaze meets yours, and the world seems to pause. The pinkish tones of a nearby coral illuminate $AOhis_her dark eyes, those deep pools that seem to invite you to dive into them every time you look at $AOhim_her. Suddenly, $AOhe_she raises $AOhis_her hand, $AOhis_her fingers moving decisively toward your face, brushing against your cheek with a touch so soft that it freezes you in place and sets you ablaze at the same time. "An eyelash," $AOhe_she says to explain the touch, $AOhis_her voice dropping to a soft murmur. However, instead of pulling away, $AOhis_her hand drifts slowly down your cheek, tracing a path to your chin. The touch is light, but it leaves an indelible mark. Your heart pounds, and though you try to find something to say, words escape you. You can only stand there, caught in the moment, as $AO watches you with an intensity you've never seen before. A fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. <<elseif $LLLove is true>>The lights dance around you, creating brilliant patterns impossible to ignore. A smile forms on your face almost without realizing it as you spin in place, trying to capture every detail. You watch as $AL touches the trunk of one of the corals, and how it responds to $ALhis_her touch with a celestial glow that follows the movement of $ALhis_her fingers. You feel a presence approach your side. When you turn, you see $LL observing the scenery with you, completely silent and with no intention of breaking it. There's something in $LLhis_her eyes… a mixture of tenderness and something else you can't quite place, awakening in response to the beauty of the place. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" you say softly. $LL doesn't respond immediately. The silence stretches for a few seconds as the warrior slowly moves $LLhis_her head to observe the new surroundings, taking in every detail of the rugged corals, the gentle movement of the anemones, even the trail of bubbles left by the luminous fish. You find yourself fascinated by how the different lights create colourful waves on $LLhis_her skin until $LLhe_she finally decides to respond. "It's just a cluster of giant corals and aquatic vegetation that glow in different shades, but… yes, it is." There's something in $LLhis_her voice that unsettles you, an echo of emotion you can't ignore. $LLHis_Her eyes seem to shine, not just with the coral's light, but with something deeper. Sadness? Melancholy, perhaps? Or simply overwhelming awe? Whatever it is, it makes you frown slightly and pull your hand away from the coral to face $LLhim_her. "Are you okay?" you ask, concerned. A fish rushes past between you, and neither of you even notice. "For a moment, it reminded me of…" $LL catches $LLhimself_herself and shakes $LLhis_her head, as if trying to get rid of $LLhis_her thoughts. $LLHe_She crosses $LLhis_her arms and averts $LLhis_her gaze. "Never mind." <<else>>The lights dance around you, creating brilliant patterns impossible to ignore. A smile forms on your face almost without realizing it as you spin in place, trying to capture every detail. You watch as $AL touches the trunk of one of the corals, and how it responds to $ALhis_her touch with a celestial glow that follows the movement of $ALhis_her fingers. A fish swims hurriedly in front of you, and you don't even notice. <</if>>"We should find a nearby cave to-" [[Continue|164]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "horror1" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ Suddenly, a school of fish of all shapes and colours darts between you, cutting Nauzet off mid-sentence. Both he and $RG tense immediately, and Enid's serpentine body glows a deep red that sends a chill down your spine. "Hide!" Enid murmurs urgently. Nauzet and $RG practically shove you all behind the trunk of a coral, its flattened top serving as cover from whatever it is the gods have sensed. Then you feel it, the tremor of the earth as sand is lifted, the movement of a massive fin that completely distorts the natural flow of the water. A low growl rumbles through the reef, reverberating through your entire body. It sounds as if it's right above you. Something drags itself across the surface of the coral you're hiding under. Two appendages slip over the edge, dropping to the ground before you like thick, slick vines. Their tips twitch with erratic, spasmodic movements, as if feeling out the terrain in search of something. //It's looking for you,// your traitorous mind whispers. You immediately curse yourself for the thought and press yourself further against the coral trunk in a futile attempt to get away from those slimy strands of flesh. A giant paw crashes against the ground with a deafening impact, the force so great it cracks the terrain, and you... * [[Let out a strangled gasp|165a]] * [[Hold your breath|165b]] * [[Look at Nauzet|165c]]

The creature's paw slamming down takes you so off guard that you and $AL both let out strangled gasps. Immediately, Nauzet clamps a hand over your mouth while $LL does the same to $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister. But the creature heard you. Your heart lodges itself in your throat as another growl sounds, this one deeper, angrier than before. The rough skin of the creature's paw tightens, its sharp claws digging into the sand while the tips of the appendages twitch rapidly, even dragging themselves slowly in your direction. Searching, feeling… as if they know you're there. A powerful exhale sends out a gust that stirs the corals and lifts a cloud of sand. Nauzet and $RG tighten their grips on their weapons, readying themselves for battle. [[Continue|166]]

The creature's paw slams down, taking everyone by surprise, and $AL can't help but let out a strangled gasp. Nauzet quickly covers $ALhis_her mouth, muffling the sound. You glance at the merman god with concern, and he simply presses a finger to his lips. You nod slightly, but the movement in your peripheral vision doesn't let you relax. Your heart lodges itself in your throat as another growl sounds, this one deeper, angrier than before. The rough skin of the creature's paw tightens, its sharp claws digging into the sand while the tips of the appendages twitch rapidly, even dragging themselves slowly in your direction. Searching, feeling… as if they know you're there. A powerful exhale sends out a gust that stirs the corals and lifts a cloud of sand. Nauzet and $RG tighten their grips on their weapons, readying themselves for battle. [[Continue|166]]

The creature's paw slams down, and you unconsciously hold your breath as your muscles go rigid. Beside you, $AL lets out a strangled gasp, which is immediately muffled by Nauzet covering $ALhis_her mouth. But the creature heard it. Your heart lodges itself in your throat as another growl sounds, this one deeper, angrier than before. The rough skin of the creature's paw tightens, its sharp claws digging into the sand while the tips of the appendages twitch rapidly, even dragging themselves slowly in your direction. Searching, feeling… as if they know you're there. A powerful exhale sends out a gust that stirs the corals and lifts a cloud of sand. Nauzet and $RG tighten their grips on their weapons, readying themselves for battle. [[Continue|166]]

Then, suddenly, the appendages stop twitching. The paw tenses again, and you sense a sharp movement from above. Long seconds stretch out in a world that seems to have completely frozen except for those slimy appendages, though now their movements are slower, more deliberate. Almost… curious. Then, the paw pushes off the ground. The appendages retract, vanishing over the coral's edge, and the creature lets out another low, hissing growl before slowly moving away, its tail strokes creating waves you struggle to fight against as you remain in your hiding spot. You're safe… For now, at least. [[Continue|167]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "horror3" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ Your heart pounds against your ribs as the world fills again with more familiar sounds. Nauzet is the first to move, followed by $RG and Enid. The three of them glance over the edge of the coral, their eyes scanning the surroundings with an intensity that sends chills down your spine. Finally, the gods seem to relax slightly, letting out a sigh as they turn towards the rest of you. "It's safe now. You can come out," $RG announces. "W-what the hell was that?" $AL asks, $ALhis_her face pale and voice shaky from the tense moment. None of the celestial beings respond immediately, but you can already anticipate the answer. It's hard to pull yourself away from the safety projected by the shadow of the coral. Your fins tremble as you move away from the trunk and peek out beside them. In the distance, you spot a long, wide figure moving through the sea. Enid, whose body still glows faintly with reddish hues, confirms your suspicions as she looks at you. "That was a leviathan. A young one, probably out hunting." "That monstrosity is young?" $AO exclaims. "I don't want to see an adult one, then." "It almost caught us," you say quietly, thinking aloud. Your eyes scan the trail of stirred sand, the crack in the rock, and the broken coral the creature left behind. "We need to be more careful from now on to avoid running into it again. Or any of its family." $AO nods vigorously. "I completely agree. Let's get out of here before it changes its mind and comes back." "Difficult," Nauzet says, his gaze fixed on the horizon, where the leviathan disappeared. "It's heading to the place we need to go." $AO grimaces. "...Well, our luck just keeps getting better and better, huh," $RG turns to Nauzet. "What I told you earlier…" $RGHe_She doesn't need to say more, Nauzet understands perfectly, and nods. "That's what I was thinking. I couldn't feel it either." Nauzet tears his gaze away from the horizon to meet his $RGbrother_sister's eyes. "And it left like it was being called." "It's happening again, like in Thaon," you comment. "That's right," $RG responds with a nod before looking at the now barely visible figure of the leviathan. "I can't sense any emotion coming from the leviathan. It was the fear that scared off the fish that alerted us of the danger." "So the leviathans are corrupted too," Enid affirms. "I'm afraid so," Nauzet says. He remains rooted to the spot, turning back to the horizon with a stern expression before turning to face the rest of the group, his brow furrowing even deeper. "Keep your eyes wide open from now on, mortals. And do //not// leave our side." [[Continue|168]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "longNote1" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ It takes you an entire day to reach your next destination: the abandoned city of Silia. The journey is pure torture for your nerves, stretched taut like strings on the verge of snapping. You don't take your eyes off the surroundings, alert for any sign of danger and fearing that the leviathan will return to finish what it nearly started in the Coral Gardens. But against all odds, the twenty-four hours pass without incident. Although that does nothing to relieve the pressure in your chest. If anything, the uncertainty feels even more suffocating. You can't help but wonder if this calm is a good omen… or the prelude to something worse. As you've advanced, the environment has grown darker, and not just because of the depth. The surface remains visible, distant but present if you look up. However, the water has lost its pleasant blue hue, as if someone had spilled a drop of black ink into the ocean to stain the landscape. The darkened colour not only dulls your vision but seems to permeate the atmosphere with something dense and sinister. You haven't seen signs of marine life for hours. The last fish you passed the day before swam away hurriedly in the opposite direction. The anemones have shrunk, retreating into themselves, while the algae remain motionless, buried in the sand or trapped between rocks. The air, or whatever passes for air here, feels heavy. Each breath requires more effort, as if something is obstructing the oxygen. You know it's not the spell; otherwise, the gods would have said something. But your nose feels clogged. Though you try to ignore it, the discomfort grows with every inhalation. "This place is completely corrupted," you voice your thoughts aloud, breaking the long silence that had surrounded you. $RG nods, a shadow of concern reflected in $RGhis_her eyes. "And we still don't sense any living presence nearby." Nauzet furrows his brow, speaking in a low voice. "Be careful. They're watching us." [[Continue|169]]

You swim slowly through the ruins of Silia, staying close to the ground. The dome that once enclosed the city is shattered -probably courtesy of a leviathan- leaving the area completely flooded. As you glance at a fragment of the dome lying on the ground, you can't help but wonder if Sisronia's could withstand an attack from one of those beasts. //"How safe are these people there, really?"// It's a question you don't have an answer to, but your assumptions aren't optimistic. A layer of greyish sand covers the central plaza like a shroud, resembling ashes that have settled over what must have once been a lively place. The rocks that make up the ruins of the buildings bear an unsettling blackish tint, as if rusted in some unnatural way. //"Or poisoned,"// your mind suggests, sending a shiver down your spine. The corals that once served as lamps have long lost their glow. Now they stand as petrified, grotesque figures, broken with irregular cuts on their trunks or tips. Some of those cuts bear a clear shape. Bite marks. Wilted seagrass lies scattered over a bed of red algae, the tangled mess blending with the shadows, adding to the sense of abandonment and decay that fills the landscape. $AO stops beside a pillar half-buried in the sand, studying a faintly glowing purple stain. Carefully, $AOhe_she runs $AOhis_her fingertips around it. The moment $AOhe_she does, the area of the rock covered by the stain begins to disintegrate with a sharp hiss that sends a chill through you. "It's like the structures are sick," $AOhe_she murmurs, $AOhis_her voice laced with unease. "You're seeing the aftermath of the leviathans' attack on this city. That's their venom," Nauzet responds. His expression darkens slightly, and his voice drops to a murmur. "A strange contrast, the chaos of back then and the calm of now." You glance around cautiously. Out of the corner of your eye, you catch movement, a shadow slipping between the rocks. Your head snaps toward it, heart pounding in your chest, only to find a piece of algae lazily drifting to the ground. It was nothing, but the knot in your stomach doesn't ease. "Where do we go now?" you ask, your gaze still fixed on the withered algae. "Forward," Nauzet replies, resuming his swim. And the rest of you have no choice but to follow. [[Continue|170]]

The broken gaps in the rocky arch above allow thin rays of light to filter in, casting irregular patches of brightness across the passage of the old market. You follow Nauzet in near ritual silence, broken only by the faint sound of your tails swishing and the occasional bubble rising as you move. The abandoned stalls stand like corpses of a once-vibrant past, with shattered glass displays and scattered utensils covering the stone-paved floor, now veiled in a fine layer of sand. Torn fabrics hang from splintered tables, swaying eerily with the soft currents. The air carries the acrid trace of rotting fruit, forming viscous pulp in dark corners. One stall catches your attention. Beneath its worn-out canopy, a framed image of a mermaid still stands, its style reminding you of an antique shop in Thaon. Everything around it seems to confirm that impression, a collection of deteriorated trinkets, artefacts that might have once been precious but now lie in a state of abandonment, just like the rest of the market. "Don't stray," Nauzet says suddenly, cutting through your thoughts. That's when you realize you had been falling behind, your curiosity slowing your pace without you even noticing. You hurry to catch up with your companions. But just as you're about to reach them, a strange pulsing in your chest catches your attention. Your pendant vibrates against your skin, and then you feel it. Like a whisper slipping directly into your mind, a thought carries a voice that isn't your own. <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>//"$name."// <<else>>//"Achi $lname."// <</if>>You freeze, the world around you shrinking to the artefact hanging from your chest. You clutch it tightly as the mark of the gods glows faintly, flickering as if struggling to maintain its light. "$AA?" you murmur, your brow furrowing slightly. Another pulse runs through the pendant, much weaker this time but unmistakable. Again, a thought assaults you, carrying <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos'<<else>>Arminda's<</if>> voice. //"There."// $AA offers no explanation, not even a hint of context, but that single word sends a shiver down your spine. An intuition as strong as a physical pull forces your gaze toward a particular stall. At first glance, it looks no different from the others. Yet, something about it calls to you in a way you can't ignore. Without thinking, you step forward, your body moving before your mind can process it. Shadows coil around the stall's remains, and the air grows denser with each inch you close. "Human!" Nauzet's impatient voice reaches you from the distance, but you barely register it. Something inside you -something deep, something ingrained- insists that you must enter. And so, you do. [[Continue|171]]

You swim above a partially collapsed sculpted coral table and glance around the stall. Worn shelves covered in slime still hold fragments of what appear to be small sculptures and jewellery made from shells, sea crystals, and shark teeth. Some pieces are broken, split in half, while others are completely missing, leaving only a greenish, viscous substance covering the empty spaces. Something else on the floor catches your attention. Among the shadows, between torn fishing nets and scattered beads, lies a fine, long, and translucent fabric. You move closer, your fingers brushing against the material. It is surprisingly light and flexible, yet dry to the touch, almost as if it were on the verge of disintegrating. You examine it more closely and notice something that makes you stop. The edges are torn, as if someone, or something, had emerged from inside. Your mind races, trying to piece things together. "...A cocoon?" "$name?" $AL's voice pulls you from your thoughts. You turn toward the stall entrance, where your companions are beginning to enter. Nauzet leads the group, his eyes locking onto you with evident reproach. "What part of 'do not stray' do you not understand, human?" "$AA told me to come in here," you reply, ignoring his harsh tone as you clutch the pendant. "And I found this." You point to the object on the floor. Everyone cautiously gathers around you in a semicircle. Nauzet extends his arm, taking the fabric without hesitation. He turns it in his hands, inspecting it up and down, his brow furrowing. "This… is skin," he finally says, his voice low and deliberate. "Skin?" $AO repeats, frowning. "Whose skin?" Nauzet does not answer immediately. He examines the tears with unusual intensity. When he finally speaks, his tone is calm, but the tension in his jaw betrays his unease. "From a creature I have never seen before," he murmurs. His eyes widen slightly, and his lips press into a thin line. "Could it be? Could Soza's research be true?" "You mean there really is a new species?" you ask. "For some reason… I don't think that's good news," $LL comments in a low tone. "This is what the Adventurers' Guild has been working toward for generations," the merman god continues. He lifts his gaze from the skin and looks toward the stall entrance. "But what is it doing here in Silia? And why has no god been able to sense this species?" $AO, arms crossed and head tilted slightly, breaks the uncomfortable silence that follows. $AOHis_Her thoughtful tone catches everyone's attention. "There's something I don't get. Why does $AA think this is important for us to know now, considering we're trying to avoid this world getting destroyed by the bad guys and such?" The truth is, you wonder the same thing. And judging by the silence that follows the doctor's question, everyone else does too. Even if you found it interesting, the discovery of a new species in Bucante has no impact on your mission. It is completely irrelevant. //"Unless this isn't what you wanted us to see, $AA?"// You accompany the mental question by touching the pendant, but $AA remains silent. [[Continue|172]]

Enid slowly steps forward, her eyes fixed on the skin Nauzet still holds in his hands. Her expression shifts. First curiosity, then confusion, and finally, a faint glimmer of recognition. "I… I think I've seen this before," she says, her voice hesitant, as surprised by her own words as the rest of you. Nauzet looks at her intently, a serious expression crossing his face. "Are you certain, Enid?" Enid seems lost in her own thoughts, her brow furrowed as she tries to sort through whatever is running through her mind. "I… I don't know. It's like I recognize it, somehow." Her eyes narrow. "...But from where?" The question lingers in the air, unanswered. And then, as if struck by an invisible pain, Enid's face contorts into an expression of suffering. Immediately, the celestial spirit shakes her head violently, squeezing her eyes shut. "Enid!" $RG exclaims, $RGhis_her voice filled with concern as $RGhe_she rushes forward, wrapping her in a protective embrace. $RGHis_Her expression tightens at the sight of her pain. "Are you okay, amidi?" Enid can barely respond, hissing in distress, her serpentine body shining a bright red and twisting as she clutches her head with the short limbs luminescales possess. "Enid-?" You can't help but take a step toward her, but before you can even get close enough to help in any way, Enid's eyes snap open. The tension in her face disappears as quickly as it came, replaced by clear understanding, followed by rising fear. "We need to get out of here!" [[Continue|173]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "allThis" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ A sharp screech echoes through the abandoned market. The pendant pulses violently against your chest as you catch the glint of something sharp rushing toward you out of the corner of your eye. With quick reflexes, you move aside just before the blade of a spear can pierce your body. You all turn abruptly toward the entrance, where a creature wrapped in slimy tentacles lies sprawled on the sand. A skeletal arm emerges from the writhing mass, its movements erratic and clumsy as it struggles to lift itself from the ground. "What the hell is that?!" $AO exclaims. "A corrupted being," $RG growls, gripping $RGhis_her spear tightly. Nauzet swiftly channels his magic, lifting a sharp piece from the coral table and hurling it at the creature. The stake embeds itself in its body, sending the strange thing flying until it's pinned against the wall of the stall across from you. Its tentacles thrash furiously, while the skeletal arm flails in every direction. "Let's save the guessing and explanations for later. We need to go before more of them show up," Nauzet says urgently. On the other side, the creature's arm finds the piece of coral keeping it trapped. It grips it tightly before yanking it out, freeing itself in a burst of violet blood. Nauzet spins toward the rest of you and shouts, "Now!" [[Continue|174]]

But in the market corridor, another surprise awaits you. More of those creatures approach from both ends, all wrapped in tentacles like cocoons, with one of their limbs protruding. Some have an arm, others a leg. Most have a fin peeking out from below, like a tattered veil. They swim toward you slowly, stopping just a few meters away. Then, they go still, watching you. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>You clench your fists, power coursing down your arms as you press closer to your companions. "What do we do?" <<else>>You tighten your grip on your weapon's hilt and move closer to your companions. "What do we do?" <</if>>"If the almighty gods present here could kindly wipe out all these freaks before they kill us, that'd be much appreciated," $AO remarks, traces of magic already flickering between $AOhis_her fingers. Nauzet lets out a low growl while $RG tenses. The grotesque creatures' tentacles begin to pulse at irregular intervals, making three pairs of scars on each side glow with a greenish light. "Brother. Their marks," the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess murmurs. Nauzet clenches his jaw. "I noticed." "W-what does that mean?" $AL asks, gripping $ALhis_her new weapon nervously. Nauzet's frown deepens. "That we have a problem." "They're tibicenas," $RG clarifies. "What?" But before you can say anything else, several spines burst from the strange demons' bodies with a sickening sound that makes your skin crawl. Their limbs contract, and their markings begin to glow even brighter $RG turns to the rest of you. "Nauzet and I will handle this. Hide in one of the stalls and take cover!" At that moment, the demons leap toward you. [[Continue|175]]

A wave of magic keeps them at bay as you, $AO, $AL, and $LL dash into the nearest stall. The dark market flickers with bursts of green and white light from the ongoing battle while you remain tense, waiting. Seconds pass with your gaze fixed on the entrance, hoping the danger will end soon. Suddenly, one of those creatures peeks in, its spines undulating through the water as if searching for you. The demon tenses and turns. It wastes no time before lunging toward your hiding spot. "Watch out!" $LL rushes to the front of the group, raising $LLhis_her shield. The warrior tightens $LLhis_her muscles and blocks the first attack, but then the demon's spines contract, and one extends for another strike. It moves through the water like a whip and slashes $LL's shoulder. The venom is already in $LLhis_her system. "$LL!" $AL shouts. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>The warrior grits $LLhis_her teeth in pain as $LLhis_her blood tints the water around $LLhim_her a deep red, but $LLhe_she holds firm in $LLhis_her defensive stance. You rush toward $LLhim_her, magic gathering in your palm before you release a powerful pulse into the demon's abdomen, sending it flying out of the stall. <<elseif $weapon is "Sword">>The warrior grits $LLhis_her teeth in pain as $LLhis_her blood tints the water around $LLhim_her a deep red, but $LLhe_she holds firm in $LLhis_her defensive stance. You rush toward $LLhim_her with your sword ready and stab it into the demon's side, forcing it away from $LL with a pained screech. Suddenly, the spine shifts its target, now lashing toward you. You dodge swiftly and slice it with your blade. The demon wails again, and you take the chance to whip it with your tail, pushing it out of the stall. <<else>>The warrior grits $LLhis_her teeth in pain as $LLhis_her blood tints the water around $LLhim_her a deep red, but $LLhe_she holds firm in $LLhis_her defensive stance. You rush toward $LLhim_her, gripping your new weapons tightly. You plunge one of your daggers into the demon's abdomen, forcing it away from $LL with a pained screech. The spine shifts its target, now lashing toward you. You dodge swiftly and slice it with your daggers. The demon wails again, and you take the chance to whip it with your tail, pushing it out of the stall. <</if>>[[Continue|176]]

While $AO and $AL stay behind to tend to $LL, you move toward the demon, determined to finish it off. Anger and adrenaline fuel your movements, but before you can get close enough, a second demon emerges from the shadows. Its attack is brutal, slamming its body against you and hurling you against the sand. The impact makes you slide across the rough stone, scraping your skin and tearing a pained gasp from you. The first demon, seemingly on the brink of defeat, seizes the opportunity given by the other's assault to recover. You lift your gaze toward Nauzet and $RG, hoping to find support, but all you see is overwhelming chaos. A group of demons surrounds them, their movements swift and coordinated, as if trying to keep them separated from the rest of the battle. The only thing you can make out are the flashes of their spells, illuminating the darkness like beacons in a storm. "Two against one it is, then," you murmur. Bracing yourself with both hands and your tail, you push up as one of the demons charges at you. You dodge its attack, but its spines extend into sharp whips and seek you out. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>You sidestep one and cut through the other with your magic. Again and again, you repeat the same dance, especially when the second demon joins its companion. Neither gives you space to counterattack, and no matter how many spines you cut, more sprout immediately. <<else>>You sidestep one and cut through the other with your weapon. Again and again, you repeat the same dance, especially when the second demon joins its companion. Neither gives you space to counterattack, and no matter how many spines you cut, more sprout immediately. <</if>>[[Continue|177]]

//"I can't keep dodging forever, or this will never end."// You keep dodging the demons' whips, moving with precision in an attempt to stay out of their reach. But now, instead of retreating like anyone with common sense would, your movements lead you toward them. The closer you get, the harder it becomes to evade their attacks. The whips slice through the water just inches from your body, each strike leaving a sharp echo in your ears. They swirl like enraged serpents, grazing your limbs, but you manage to keep them from tearing your skin. And with every missed strike, you push forward, inching closer to your target. At last, you close the distance with one of them, close enough to see the grotesque details of its tentacle-covered body. A chilling air escapes from the cracks between the tendrils, sending a shiver down your spine. <<if $weapon is "Sword">>You tighten your grip on your sword and drive the blade into the creature's fissures. The demon shrieks in pain, its elongated spines thrashing wildly in all directions, destroying even more of the market structures. Holding your breath, you yank the sword to the side. The blade slices through flesh, and the creature convulses in the water with a series of violent spasms. Its spines retract, disappearing once more beneath its tentacles as the water darkens with the purple haze of its blood. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You grip your daggers tightly and plunge them into the demon's fissures. It lets out a piercing shriek, its elongated spines thrashing wildly in all directions, tearing apart more of the market structures. Holding your breath, you twist the daggers to the side. The blades rip through flesh, and the creature writhes in the water with violent spasms. Its spines retract, vanishing beneath its tentacles as the water clouds with the thick purple mist of its blood. <<else>>While dodging, you had grabbed a crystal shard from the ground. Now, you drive it into the demon's fissures, making it wail in agony. Its elongated spines flail wildly, demolishing even more of the market around you. You clutch the shard tightly, ignoring the cuts it leaves in your palm, and wrench it to the side. The crystal carves through flesh, and the creature spasms violently in the water. Its spines retract, sinking back into the writhing mass of tentacles as the water swirls with a dark haze of purple and fresh red blood. <</if>>Its movements slow until the demon drifts, lifeless, in the water. But there's still another one, and you barely have time to turn before its spines lunge toward you with deadly precision. "$name!" Before the spines can reach you, a sudden, powerful pulse of water knocks them aside, slamming them into the market walls with a sharp, cracking sound. The demon whips around toward the source of the current, but it has no time to react before another surge crashes into it, sending it hurtling into a nearby wall with a force that makes the ground beneath you tremble. From the shadows of the stall where you had been hiding, $AO emerges. Without taking $AOhis_her eyes off the struggling demon, $AOhe_she raises $AOhis_her hands toward the stone ceiling of the market. The air around $AOhim_her hums with tension as $AOhe_she concentrates all $AOhis_her energy into a single point. Then, with a sharp motion, $AOhe_she brings $AOhis_her hands down. In an instant, a massive rock breaks free from the ceiling. It crashes down with a deafening roar, crushing the demon with such force that the entire market quakes. The impact sends up a thick cloud of sand and debris, slowly dissipating in the water. "Thanks," you say as $AO approaches. "Anytime, sweetie." $AOHe_She gestures behind you. "But I wouldn't say that just yet." You turn, and see another demon advancing toward you both. Its single hand twitches robotically, while its spines begin to extend once more. $AO and you brace yourselves for another fight... [[Continue|178]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "horror3" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ But then, a few glowing scales strike with pinpoint accuracy, embedding themselves into its spines and pinning it to the ground. Before the demon can react, a spear slices through it. Its shriek fades into the water, which slowly darkens with the violet stain of its blood. Golden hair ripples with the movement as a spear is rested casually over the shoulder of its owner in a show of smug confidence. The merman with pale blue scales turns to face you with a smirk. Your eyes widen in surprise. "Salva?" "You're welcome, strangers," the blonde man replies, his half-smile widening with clear amusement. Salva's pet, Uli, arrives just after, greeting you with a high-pitched chirp. Then another $MImerman_mermaid appears, $MIhis_her expression a stark contrast to Salva's. Stern, brows slightly furrowed in disapproval toward $MIhis_her companion. $MIHis_Her long, dark hair floats around $MIhim_her like a veil, adding to the elegance that clashes with Salva's cocky, carefree attitude. "Are you alright?" the second one asks, $MIhis_her voice much kinder and filled with genuine concern. "And $MI?" You glance between the two of them. "What exactly are you doing here?" Salva rolls his eyes, as if your question is completely unnecessary. Stepping forward with the same cocky air, he arches a brow. "Saving your ass, obviously." [[Continue|179]]

The water around you seems to charge with tension as Nauzet suddenly appears by your side, carrying the lifeless body of one of the demons as if it weighed nothing. $RG follows closely behind, with Enid coiled around $RGhis_her neck, still showing traces of her recent distress, which the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess tries to soothe with a few gentle strokes behind where her ears would be. $AL appears just behind them, sticking close to $LL with a palpable look of concern. The warrior grits $LLhis_her teeth as $LLhe_she holds $LLhis_her shoulder. Though $LLhis_her wound is no longer bleeding, the strain on $LLhis_her face tells you $LLhe_she's not in $LLhis_her best condition. "Hey, Uncle Nau, did you see me? Looks like these outsiders aren't as strong as you thought, huh? Good thing I came, right?" Salva says, puffing out his chest with pride. "Nauzet..." But Nauzet completely ignores $RG's attempt to calm him, and before you can even process what's happening, the merman god hurls the demon's body aside with incredible strength. The corpse crashes into the wall with a brutal impact, making the rock vibrate until the echo of the blow fades. Uli hides behind $MI as Nauzet steps forward toward Salva, his electric eyes glowing with a fury you can almost feel on your skin. "What the hell are you doing here?" he spits, his voice resonating with rage through the market. "What am I doing…" Salva's proud expression falters with a couple of blinks, his smirk replaced by a frown. "You could at least thank me, old man. I saved your enlightened ones." Nauzet jabs a finger into his chest. "You think you can disobey authority whenever you feel like it, you arrogant tadpole?" Salva spreads his arms wide and leans in threateningly. "I learned from the best, Uncle Nau." You can practically feel the tension in the air with the two mermen face to face, Nauzet's eyes flashing, and Salva staring right back with a defiant spark that doesn't waver. The merman god slowly lowers his arm, clenching his fist tightly, but Salva keeps his own arms open in clear provocation. "This isn't going to end well," $AL murmurs. * [['If you want to argue, do it when we're safe.'|180a]] * [['Oh, what a great idea to argue now.'|180b]] * [['Enough! We have someone injured.'|180c]] * [[Stay silent|180d]]

You're well aware that you're not out of danger yet. Someone has to intervene before another fight draws unwanted attention. You step forward until you're between the two of mermen. "Enough, both of you. If you want to argue, fine by me, but do it later, when we're safe." As reasonable as your words are, neither of them seems willing to back down. It's obvious this isn't just about what happened, nor even about Salva's disobedience. There's something much deeper and more intense between them than the current situation. $MI joins you, $MIhis_her tone conciliatory. "We're very sorry for leaving the city without your permission, Guru." "No, we're not," Salva interrupts. "Salva…" $MI's voice is soft, but there's a clear warning in $MIhis_her tone that finally makes Salva lower his arms and step back. He averts his gaze, arms crossed over his chest. "But $name is right," $MI continues. "We should get out of here. We're still in danger." "I have a better idea," Nauzet says. His chest puffs out in an imposing stance, and he points his trident between Salva and $MI. "//You// are going to turn around right now and head back to Sisronia before I send you flying there myself, got it?" "You wish!" Salva exclaims. "I'm not going ba-" "I didn't ask for your opinion, tadpole," Nauzet cuts him off sharply, his gaze piercing through the young merman's defiant attitude. Before the tension can escalate again, $RG steps in, placing a calming hand on $RGhis_her brother's shoulder with a small squeeze. "I think we should let them stay." Nauzet turns to $RGhim_her, surprised. "What?" "Sending them back would be dangerous at this point. Let them stay," $RGhe_she insists. Nauzet's expression hardens, his frown deepening. "That would be just as dangerous, if not more." "Better they're with us than on their own." The siblings stare at each other for several seconds, a silent exchange only they seem to understand. After a short moment, Nauzet closes his eyes and lets out a long sigh before turning back to Salva and $MI with a stern expression. "You will do as I say, when I say it. And don't stray from me. Understood?" Salva shrugs. "Whatever…" he mutters, a note of discontent in his voice. [[Continue|181]]

You glance around at the floating bodies of demons surrounding you. It's obvious you're still in danger, and yet neither of them seems willing to back down. If they were both mortal, you might understand, but with one of them being a god? You roll your eyes and let out a frustrated groan. "Yeah, go ahead, keep arguing! It's not like we're in danger or anything." Sarcasm drips from your words, but neither of them seems ready to back off. It's clear this isn't just about what happened, nor even about Salva's disobedience. There's something much deeper and more intense between them than the current situation. $MI joins you, $MIhis_her tone conciliatory. "We're very sorry for leaving the city without your permission, Guru." "No, we're not," Salva interrupts. "Salva…" $MI's voice is soft, but there's a clear warning in $MIhis_her tone that finally makes Salva lower his arms and step back. He averts his gaze, arms crossed over his chest. "But $name is right," $MI continues. "We should get out of here. We're still in danger." "I have a better idea," Nauzet says. His chest puffs out in an imposing stance, and he points his trident between Salva and $MI. "//You// are going to turn around right now and head back to Sisronia before I send you flying there myself, got it?" "You wish!" Salva exclaims. "I'm not going ba-" "I didn't ask for your opinion, tadpole," Nauzet cuts him off sharply, his gaze piercing through the young merman's defiant attitude. Before the tension can escalate again, $RG steps in, placing a calming hand on $RGhis_her brother's shoulder with a small squeeze. "I think we should let them stay." Nauzet turns to $RGhim_her, surprised. "What?" "Sending them back would be dangerous at this point. Let them stay," $RGhe_she insists. Nauzet's expression hardens, his frown deepening. "That would be just as dangerous, if not more." "Better they're with us than on their own." The siblings stare at each other for several seconds, a silent exchange only they seem to understand. After a short moment, Nauzet closes his eyes and lets out a long sigh before turning back to Salva and $MI with a stern expression. "You will do as I say, when I say it. And don't stray from me. Understood?" Salva shrugs. "Whatever…" he mutters, a note of discontent in his voice. [[Continue|181]]

You're well aware that you're not out of danger yet. Someone has to intervene before this pointless fight attracts unwanted company and ends in disaster. You step forward, placing yourself between the two mermen, fixing them both with a reproachful glare. "Enough! Now is not the time to argue over nonsense. Not when we have someone injured who needs attention. If you want to fight later, I don't care, but right now, there are more important priorities." Anger flows through your words, but neither of them seems willing to back down. It's clear this isn't just about what happened, nor even about Salva's disobedience. There's something much deeper and more intense between them than the current situation. $MI joins you, $MIhis_her tone conciliatory. "We're very sorry for leaving the city without your permission, Guru." "No, we're not," Salva interrupts. "Salva…" $MI's voice is soft, but there's a clear warning in $MIhis_her tone that finally makes Salva lower his arms and step back. He averts his gaze, arms crossed over his chest. "But $name is right," $MI continues. "We should get out of here. We're still in danger." "I have a better idea," Nauzet says. His chest puffs out in an imposing stance, and he points his trident between Salva and $MI. "//You// are going to turn around right now and head back to Sisronia before I send you flying there myself, got it?" "You wish!" Salva exclaims. "I'm not going ba-" "I didn't ask for your opinion, tadpole," Nauzet cuts him off sharply, his gaze piercing through the young merman's defiant attitude. Before the tension can escalate again, $RG steps in, placing a calming hand on $RGhis_her brother's shoulder with a small squeeze. "I think we should let them stay." Nauzet turns to $RGhim_her, surprised. "What?" "Sending them back would be dangerous at this point. Let them stay," $RGhe_she insists. Nauzet's expression hardens, his frown deepening. "That would be just as dangerous, if not more." "Better they're with us than on their own." The siblings stare at each other for several seconds, a silent exchange only they seem to understand. After a short moment, Nauzet closes his eyes and lets out a long sigh before turning back to Salva and $MI with a stern expression. "You will do as I say, when I say it. And don't stray from me. Understood?" Salva shrugs. "Whatever…" he mutters, a note of discontent in his voice. [[Continue|181]]

Part of you wants to intervene, but another part knows it would be useless. These two aren't just arguing about what happened. Not even about Salva's disobedience. There's something much deeper and more intense keeping them from thinking clearly, even the merman god. $MI steps forward, placing $MIhimself_herself between the two stubborn mermen, $MIhis_her tone conciliatory. "We're very sorry for leaving the city without your permission, Guru." "No, we're not," Salva interrupts. "Salva…" $MI's voice is soft, but there's a clear warning in $MIhis_her tone that finally makes Salva lower his arms and step back. He averts his gaze, arms crossed over his chest. "But we should leave first. These waters are dangerous," $MI continues. "I have a better idea," Nauzet says. His chest puffs out in an imposing stance, and he points his trident between Salva and $MI. "//You// are going to turn around right now and head back to Sisronia before I send you flying there myself, got it?" "You wish!" Salva exclaims. "I'm not going ba-" "I didn't ask for your opinion, tadpole," Nauzet cuts him off sharply, his gaze piercing through the young merman's defiant attitude. Before the tension can escalate again, $RG steps in, placing a calming hand on $RGhis_her brother's shoulder with a small squeeze. "I think we should let them stay." Nauzet turns to $RGhim_her, surprised. "What?" "Sending them back would be dangerous at this point. Let them stay," $RGhe_she insists. Nauzet's expression hardens, his frown deepening. "That would be just as dangerous, if not more." "Better they're with us than on their own." The siblings stare at each other for several seconds, a silent exchange only they seem to understand. After a short moment, Nauzet closes his eyes and lets out a long sigh before turning back to Salva and $MI with a stern expression. "You will do as I say, when I say it. And don't stray from me. Understood?" Salva shrugs. "Whatever…" he mutters, a note of discontent in his voice. [[Continue|181]]

The corpse of one of the demons floats nearby, its slimy and deformed body swaying slowly with the currents. $MI swims toward it, $MIhis_her face reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. Carefully, $MIhe_she examines the creature's features, $MIhis_her fingers tracing the lines of the fins extending from its limbs. "I've never seen a demon like this before," $MIhe_she remarks, $MIhis_her voice low and thoughtful. "These are agile and powerful, and they have fins. Do you think they've managed to corrupt some ocean species?" "Does it even matter? If they're corrupted, it means they're the bad guys. We take them down, and that's it," Salva replies. "I'd say it does matter. It disrupts the natural flow of the ocean. Without the leviathans' help, this is very concerning. Besides…" $MI frowns slightly. "Why aren't these disintegrating?" In a way, you agree with Salva. A demon is a demon, no matter where it comes from. But $MI's words echo in your thoughts, and you realize $MIhe_she's right. None of the demons you've fought have turned to ash, even though they should have disintegrated by now. You've only seen that happen once before. With $BN. Unconsciously, you turn your head toward $RG, only to see $RGhim_her sharing a look with Nauzet. And there's something in that look that you don't like at all, something that makes your growing unease spike. Nauzet gives a subtle nod to his $RGbrother_sister before addressing the group in a firm, authoritative voice. "The only thing that matters now is that they're a threat. We'll have to stay alert and be cautious. We can investigate further once we return to Sisronia." The merman god lifts his gaze toward the market's ceiling, where the light filtering through the cracks has slowly begun to fade. "Now, follow me. We'll find a safe place to spend the night," he adds. His eyes briefly shift toward $LL, and although his expression remains serious, for a moment, his face seems to soften. "And that way, we can tend to our wounds. No matter how superficial they are, we need to be in the best possible condition for tomorrow." [[Continue|182]]

As the rest follow Nauzet through the market's corridor, you linger a few steps behind with $RG, watching as Enid untangles herself from $RGhis_her neck and joins the others. There's something in $RGhis_her expression that you can't ignore. "I've seen that look. What's going on, $RG? What are these demons, really?" you ask in a low voice to make sure only $RGhe_she can hear you. "I have a theory," $RGhe_she says, $RGhis_her gaze shifting toward one of the corpses as $RGhis_her brow furrows. "...I just hope I'm wrong." "Care to share your thoughts?" you press. $RG rolls $RGhis_her lips together in a quick internal debate. "I'd rather make sure first, just in case. I don't want to worry anyone." "If you say that, I'll worry anyway," you counter. The tension on $RGhis_her face eases slightly, and $RGhe_she gives you a calm but somewhat evasive smile. "Then I'll tell you this: it is something Nauzet and I have to deal with, not you. Just focus on protecting the necklace and leave the rest to me." You're not sure if $RGhis_her answer reassures you or makes you more uneasy, but something in $RGhis_her tone tells you not to push for now. [[Continue|183]]

Your gaze focuses on your companions, specifically on Enid's figure as she swims beside Nauzet. "And what about Enid?" you ask as you frown again. "That sudden headache… The same thing happened with Abora and Alcorac." $RG's lips press into a thin line, a dark cloud settling over $RGhis_her face. "I wish I knew," $RGhe_she murmurs thoughtfully. "Has it ever happened to her? Before all this began?" $RG slowly shakes $RGhis_her head. "...No." <<if $RGLove is true>>Your tone softens when you turn to $RGhim_her after a few moments of silence. "$RG… you know you can trust me and let me help, right?" Your words make $RGhim_her pause just as $RGhe_she was about to swim toward the rest of the group, and $RG turns back to you. $RGHis_Her gaze is intense, but there's something warm in it. The barrier of caution seems to crumble slightly as you step closer to $RGhim_her. "I know," $RGhe_she says quietly, $RGhis_her tone softer than you expected as a faint smile forms on $RGhis_her lips. And for now, you're satisfied with that answer, even if it doesn't completely ease your worries. You trust that $RG is doing what $RGhe_she believes is right. And you also trust that whatever is wrong with Enid can be resolved. Maybe it's as Abora said and she just needs to stay in Orahan a little longer to fully recover her strength. <<else>>Your tone is firm when you turn to $RGhim_her after a few moments of silence. "$RG… you know you can trust me and let me help, right?" Your voice makes $RG stop before $RGhe_she can swim toward the rest of the group. $RGHe_She looks at you, as if weighing your words for a brief moment, before offering you a small, faint but genuine smile. "I know, and I appreciate it." Though $RGhis_her answer doesn't completely ease your concerns, you trust that $RG is doing what $RGhe_she believes is right, as always. And you also trust that whatever is wrong with Enid can be resolved. Maybe it's as Abora said and she just needs to stay in Orahan a little longer to fully recover her strength. <</if>>With that, both of you go to join the rest of the group. <<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|184RG]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|184AO]]<<elseif $ALLove is true>>[[Continue|184AL]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|184LL]]<<else>>[[Continue|184NRO]]<</if>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "wounded" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[Some time later…]''// The cold droplets falling from the ceiling create a soft echo in the empty cave. The shelter that was once the city's Adventurers' Guild base is now just a shadow of what it used to be. Debris is scattered everywhere, and ironically, the central lake has turned into a dry, cracked bed. Nauzet's spell has transformed the space into a temporary sanctuary. The barrier keeps any external threats at bay, and the drained water allows you to move with the familiarity of your humanoid legs, something that feels strangely comforting after so much time underwater. Near the edge of the barrier, $RG, Nauzet, and Enid speak in hushed whispers. Their tense postures and the serious expressions on their faces betray the gravity of the topic. Though you try not to listen, their occasional glances toward the outside and then at Salva make you think of the demons from before. Uncertainty coils in your chest, and even though $RG asked you to trust $RGhim_her, you can't help but feel left out. You'd rather not dwell on the possibility lingering in your mind... that dark thought that seems to fit a little too well with what you've seen. You shift your gaze to your left, where Salva appears to have found a moment of peace. He sits on a fallen rock, eyes closed and head resting against the wall, while Uli rests on his forearm. The creature seems relaxed, emitting a faint whitish glow that contrasts with the cave's dimness. Salva gently strokes Uli, and for a brief moment, the tension he's been carrying along the way seems to fade. Elsewhere in the cave, $AL and $AO are with $LL. They've improvised a bed with fresh seaweed so the warrior can sit comfortably, and $AO kneels beside $LLhim_her, $AOhis_her hands glowing as $AOhe_she channels a healing spell into $LL's injured shoulder. The warrior clenches $LLhis_her jaw tightly, refusing to show weakness even in the face of evident pain. <<if $flirt is true>>[[Continue|185NROF]]<<else>>[[Continue|185NRONF]]<</if>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "wounded" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[Some time later…]''// The cold droplets falling from the ceiling create a soft echo in the empty cave. The shelter that was once the city's Adventurers' Guild base is now just a shadow of what it used to be. Debris is scattered everywhere, and ironically, the central lake has turned into a dry, cracked bed. Nauzet's spell has transformed the space into a temporary sanctuary. The barrier keeps any external threats at bay, and the drained water allows you to move with the familiarity of your humanoid legs, something that feels strangely comforting after so much time underwater. Near the edge of the barrier, $RG, Nauzet, and Enid speak in hushed whispers. Their tense postures and the serious expressions on their faces betray the gravity of the topic. Though you try not to listen, their occasional glances toward the outside and then at Salva make you think of the demons from before. Uncertainty coils in your chest, and even though $RG asked you to trust $RGhim_her, you can't help but feel left out. You'd rather not dwell on the possibility lingering in your mind... that dark thought that seems to fit a little too well with what you've seen. You shift your gaze to your left, where Salva appears to have found a moment of peace. He sits on a fallen rock, eyes closed and head resting against the wall, while Uli rests on his forearm. The creature seems relaxed, emitting a faint whitish glow that contrasts with the cave's dimness. Salva gently strokes Uli, and for a brief moment, the tension he's been carrying along the way seems to fade. Elsewhere in the cave, $AL is with $LL. They've improvised a bed with fresh seaweed so the warrior can sit comfortably. $MI approaches and kneels beside $LLhim_her, $MIhis_her hands glowing as $MIhe_she channels a healing spell into $LL's injured shoulder. The warrior clenches $LLhis_her jaw tightly, refusing to show weakness even in the face of evident pain. [[Continue|185AO]]

You don't hesitate for a second before rushing toward them. $AO ignores a grumpy $LL and keeps $AOhis_her hands on $LLhis_her shoulder, $AOhis_her magic covering the area with a turquoise glow that creates soft circular patterns on the warrior's skin. Meanwhile, $AL holds $LL firmly to keep $LLhim_her from trying to get up, though $ALhe_she's struggling a bit. "Red, you're the most stubborn patient I've ever had. Can you just stay still?" $AO scolds $LLhim_her with exasperation. $AOHe_She meets your gaze. "$name, a little help?" "On it," you reply, helping $AL keep the warrior still. Honestly, hearing $LLhis_her usual gruff and irritable tone relaxes you a bit. It means $LLhe_she's still $LL. You glance at $AL beside you, $ALhis_her sad and worried expression weighing on your chest. When $ALhis_her eyes meet yours, you give $ALhim_her a small encouraging smile that seems to relax $ALhim_her a little, but you know the only thing that will truly calm $ALhim_her down is making sure $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister is okay. "I told you I'm fine, stop touching me," the warrior grumbles, pulling $LLhis_her shoulder away from the doctor's reach as if $AOhis_her magic would burn $LLhim_her. "$LL…" $AL says $LLhis_her name in a soft yet firm tone, $ALhis_her hand resting on $LLhis_her uninjured shoulder, partly for support, partly to stop $LLhim_her from getting up and running off. $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes. "I'm fine. I've had much worse wounds than this." $AO raises an eyebrow. "Well, congratulations, tough <<if $LL is "Leire">>girl<<else>>guy<</if>>, but there's no need to add another scar to the list. Now stay still and let me work." "Come on. It's not necessary." * [["Frown. 'We don't want you getting hurt again, " + $LL + ".'"|186ALa]] * [[Place hands on hips. 'Can you not argue with the person trying to help you?'|186ALb]] * [[Feel frustration bubbling up until it explodes. 'Stop acting tough.'|186ALc]]

"It doesn't matter how many times you've been through this, $LL. We don't want you getting hurt again," you say, frowning at $LLhis_her refusal to accept help. $LL sighs, looking away. "You're overreacting. It's just a scratch." $AL's voice is quiet, tinged with a sadness $ALhe_she can't hide. "Maybe to you. But not to us. Please." The siblings hold each other's gaze for a moment. The silent plea in $AL's eyes makes $LL let out a sigh and stop resisting. "Fine. But hurry up, will you?" $AO takes advantage of the silence to continue $AOhis_her work. $AOHis_Her magic flows from $AOhis_her fingers to the wound on $LL's shoulder as you watch closely, seeing how it gradually closes. After a while, when $LL's wound is almost healed, $AL shifts $ALhis_her gaze away from $LLhis_her shoulder and looks at you. $ALHis_Her expression hardens again, $ALhis_her brow furrowing with renewed concern. "You should get treated too, $name." You blink at $ALhim_her. "Huh?" "Your back," $ALhe_she says, pointing to the back of your shoulder. "You're injured too." A stinging sensation spreads across the left side of your back, right over your shoulder blade, where the demon had thrown you onto the rocky ground of the market. The scrape you had managed to forget for a few minutes begins to burn again under $AL's gaze. $AO gives your wound a quick glance before refocusing on $LL. "It does look uncomfortable, but it's clearly superficial. I'll heal it once I'm done with Red." "I can lend a hand if you'd like." Wearing a kind smile that deepens the dimples in $MIhis_her cheeks, $MI approaches your group, $MIhis_her hands raised and glowing faintly with the pulses of $MIhis_her own magic.<<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if he doesn't mind."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if she doesn't mind."<<else>> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if they don't mind."<</if>> * [["Let " + $MI + " heal you"|187ALa]] * [["Refuse " + $MIhis_her + " offer"|187ALb]]

"Stop acting tough and just stay still, $LL." $LLHe_She looks at you like you've just said the stupidest thing in the world. "I'm not acting tough. I'm fine." You clench your jaw, irritation mixing with worry. "No, you're not. If it were anyone else, they'd be screaming from the pain. But no, you'd rather pretend it's nothing. To prove what, exactly?" $LL falls silent for a second. Long enough for $AL to exchange a concerned glance with you, sensing the tension building. Finally, $LL huffs and looks away. "I don't need to be protected." "That's not the point. I'm just reminding you that you're human, and sometimes it's better to accept help instead of pretending you don't need it." $LL opens $LLhis_her mouth to argue, but then $AL gently places a hand on $LLhis_her back. "$LL, please. It would put me at ease," $ALhe_she says softly. The siblings hold each other's gaze for a moment. The silent plea in $AL's eyes makes $LL let out a sigh and stop resisting. "Fine. But hurry up, will you?" $AO takes advantage of the silence to continue $AOhis_her work. $AOHis_Her magic flows from $AOhis_her fingers to the wound on $LL's shoulder as you watch closely, seeing how it gradually closes. After a while, when $LL's wound is almost healed, $AL shifts $ALhis_her gaze away from $LLhis_her shoulder and looks at you. $ALHis_Her expression hardens again, $ALhis_her brow furrowing with renewed concern. "You should get treated too, $name." You blink at $ALhim_her. "Huh?" "Your back," $ALhe_she says, pointing to the back of your shoulder. "You're injured too." A stinging sensation spreads across the left side of your back, right over your shoulder blade, where the demon had thrown you onto the rocky ground of the market. The scrape you had managed to forget for a few minutes begins to burn again under $AL's gaze. $AO gives your wound a quick glance before refocusing on $LL. "It does look uncomfortable, but it's clearly superficial. I'll heal it once I'm done with Red." "I can lend a hand if you'd like." Wearing a kind smile that deepens the dimples in $MIhis_her cheeks, $MI approaches your group, $MIhis_her hands raised and glowing faintly with the pulses of $MIhis_her own magic.<<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if he doesn't mind."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if she doesn't mind."<<else>> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if they don't mind."<</if>> * [["Let " + $MI + " heal you"|187ALa]] * [["Refuse " + $MIhis_her + " offer"|187ALb]]

You place your hands on your hips and give $LLhim_her a warning look. "$LL, I know you hate being told what to do, but could you, just this once, not argue with the person trying to help you?" $AO crosses $AOhis_her arms and nods. "Especially when that person could easily use magic to pin you in place." $AOHe_She smirks. "I'm only holding back because I love you, Red, but I'm not ruling it out if you keep complaining and giving your healer a hard time." $LL huffs, throwing $LLhis_her head back in frustration. "I'm not arguing with anyone, I'm just saying it's not necessary." "$LL, please. It would put me at ease," $AL interjects softly. The siblings hold each other's gaze for a moment. The silent plea in $AL's eyes makes $LL let out a sigh and stop resisting. "Fine. But hurry up, will you?" $AO takes advantage of the silence to continue $AOhis_her work. $AOHis_Her magic flows from $AOhis_her fingers to the wound on $LL's shoulder as you watch closely, seeing how it gradually closes. After a while, when $LL's wound is almost healed, $AL shifts $ALhis_her gaze away from $LLhis_her shoulder and looks at you. $ALHis_Her expression hardens again, $ALhis_her brow furrowing with renewed concern. "You should get treated too, $name." You blink at $ALhim_her. "Huh?" "Your back," $ALhe_she says, pointing to the back of your shoulder. "You're injured too." A stinging sensation spreads across the left side of your back, right over your shoulder blade, where the demon had thrown you onto the rocky ground of the market. The scrape you had managed to forget for a few minutes begins to burn again under $AL's gaze. $AO gives your wound a quick glance before refocusing on $LL. "It does look uncomfortable, but it's clearly superficial. I'll heal it once I'm done with Red." "I can lend a hand if you'd like." Wearing a kind smile that deepens the dimples in $MIhis_her cheeks, $MI approaches your group, $MIhis_her hands raised and glowing faintly with the pulses of $MIhis_her own magic.<<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if he doesn't mind."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if she doesn't mind."<<else>> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if they don't mind."<</if>> * [["Let " + $MI + " heal you"|187ALa]] * [["Refuse " + $MIhis_her + " offer"|187ALb]]

You arch your back, letting out a grunt before answering, "Honestly, that would be appreciated." "We all appreciate it," $AL adds with a smile. With your approval, $MI moves behind you. "Lower your tunic a little, please." <<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>You do as he says while you begin to hear the whisper of his magic travelling through his fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. A gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, given that Mako himself has his torso uncovered. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so he can work. <</if>> <<else>>You do as $MIhe_she says while you begin to hear the whisper of $MIhis_her magic travelling through $MIhis_her fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so $MIhe_she can work. <</if>> <</if>>$MI brings $MIhis_her hands closer, stopping just above your skin without actually touching you. The warmth of $MIhis_her magic begins to spread over the wound, soothing the sting with a comforting sense of calm. In contrast to the cold environment, the warmth is almost welcoming. The pain slowly subsides, leaving behind a slight tingling sensation. It's impossible not to notice how $AL follows the $MImerman_mermaid's every movement, just as $ALhe_she did with $AO, making sure the wound disappears completely. $ALHe_She tilts $ALhis_her head for a better view of your reddened shoulder, and you give $ALhim_her an amused smile, which makes $ALhim_her blush when $ALhe_she realizes you're watching $ALhim_her. $MI seems to have noticed too -impossible not to, really- and chuckles softly. "It's natural to be worried about your mate, but I assure you, I'm a good healer, $ALbrother_sister from another sea. Fortunately, it's just a minor wound." <<if $feelingsAL is true>>You barely hear the rest of the sentence after the word "mate." Your heart stumbles in your chest, and for a moment, the world seems to narrow around you. Beside you, $AL averts $ALhis_her gaze, $ALhis_her face completely red, and you feel warmth rising to your own cheeks as well. Neither of you corrects $MI, as if you can't find the words to do so. Even $LL and $AO remain silent… perhaps because there's nothing to correct. The thought makes your smile grow just a little wider. <<else>>The word "mate" makes you blink. Beside you, $AL averts $ALhis_her gaze, $ALhis_her face completely red, but still, $ALhe_she doesn't correct the $MI. Even $LL and $AO don't. You don't dwell on it too much. After all, you're from different species; maybe merpeople refer to their own clan members that way. Still, something about the comment makes you feel strange, as if there's an important detail within you that you're overlooking. But what? <</if>>"I must say, the way you faced those demons was admirable," $MI comments suddenly, reminding you that there are others present. "Your clan must have had very skilled warriors." "Some more impulsive than others, I won't lie," $AO replies with an amused smile, throwing a pointed look at $LL. The warrior simply raises an eyebrow. $MI lets out a brief chuckle. "Even so, it's impressive how quickly you adapt to an unknown enemy." [[Continue|188ALa]]

You glance at your shoulder, where the reddened, hot skin throbs with a dull pain. The grains of sand clinging to the wound seem to mock your attempts to ignore them. <<if $job is "Doctor">>"No, thanks, I'm fine," you reply as you refocus on $MI, shaking your head. "This is nothing. Besides, I can do it myself. Treating wounds like these was part of my job before coming here." <<else>>"No, thanks, I'm fine," you reply as you refocus on $MI, shaking your head. "This is nothing. Besides, as $AO already said, it's just a superficial wound. It's not important." <</if>>"That's fine," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. "If you say you don't need me, I believe you." $MIHe_She gives the group a smile. "I'm glad you're all okay, but please, don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. I'll be nearby, with Salva." You nod and watch as $MIhe_she turns to leave, heading towards $MIhis_her friend. Shortly after, the glow in $AO's hands fades. Everyone turns their attention to $LL's wound, or rather, its absence. Only a barely visible trace remains on $LLhis_her shoulder. "And that's done too. Or rather, gone," $AO declares with satisfaction. "Thanks, $AO," $AL says softly. "It's always a pleasure, $Al_Lavi," the doctor replies with a nod before turning to you. "Your turn, $name." [[Continue|188ALb]]

Eventually, the $MImerman_mermaid pulls $MIhis_her hand away from your back. "Done, the wound is healed. How do you feel?" "Better, thanks," you reply with a slight smile. $MI steps back, $MIhis_her smile still present. "If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask." You nod and watch as $MIhe_she turns to leave, heading towards Salva. Shortly after, the glow in $AO's hands fades. Everyone turns their attention to $LL's wound -or rather, its absence. Only a barely visible trace remains on $LLhis_her shoulder. "And that's done too. Or rather, gone," $AO declares with satisfaction. "Thanks, $AO," $AL says softly. "It's always a pleasure, $Al_Lavi," the doctor replies with a nod before standing up. Then $AOhe_she stretches while letting out a groan. "Alright, I'm going to see if I can find a spot to lie down without something digging into my side. But first, I'll see if I can get rid of all the sand stuck to my ass. Behave." $AOHe_She throws a look at $LL, pointing a finger at $LLhim_her. "And you, don't overdo it. Got it?" $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes. "I won't." $AO ignores $LLhis_her reaction and turns to you and $AL. "Keep an eye on $LLhim_her," $AOhe_she says in a warning tone, to which $LL lets out a frustrated grunt. [[Continue|189AL]]

When you finally say goodbye to $AO, your attention shifts back to $LL. The image of the demon's tentacle lunging at $LLhim_her replays in your mind with cruel clarity. Your jaw tightens as you frown. "How are you feeling, $LL?" you ask, gently placing a hand on $LLhis_her arm. $LL's gaze flickers between you and $AL a couple of times before $LLhe_she looks away with a sigh. "Stop looking at me like that. I already told you I'm fine, okay?" "Are you sure?" $AL insists. "Do you need anything else? I can go get some food if you're hungry. Or a blanket. It's a bit cold." "$AL, stop," $LL cuts $ALhim_her off before $ALhe_she can stand. "I don't need anything. And I'm not disabled." "You were just injured by a demon, $LL," you say with a frown. "No matter how much you want to pretend otherwise, that's not a minor thing. Anyone would be exhausted from the venom." $AL presses $ALhis_her lips together, and $ALhis_her voice barely wavers. "Are we sure $AO cleared it all out? If there's any trace left in your blood…" "$AOHe_She did. $AOHe_She made sure of it." $LL shrugs and lets out a breath that's half a laugh, half a scoff. "But hey, if not, I give you permission to kill me the moment I start convulsing." $AL's shoulders slump. "Don't joke about that, $LL. I… I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. You're all I have left." $LL holds $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister's gaze. Their identical green eyes exchange a storm of emotions without the need for words. Sadness. Understanding. Perhaps something deeper that neither of them dares to name. Then, the warrior shifts $LLhis_her focus to you before looking back at $AL. Finally, $LLhe_she closes $LLhis_her eyes and lets out a long, weary sigh. $LLHis_Her voice is much softer now. "Sorry. I promise I'm fine, really. I just need some rest, okay?" $AL presses $ALhis_her lips into a thin line, and you can see the effort it takes for $ALhim_her not to push further. Instead, $ALhe_she asks in a barely audible voice, "Will you tell us if you need anything?" $LL nods. "I will." "...All right," $AL replies, nodding back. The warrior glances at you, offering the ghost of a grateful smile, which you try to return despite the lingering worry gnawing at you. $AL and you pull a blanket from one of the bags and carefully drape it over $LL once $LLhe_she lies down on the bed of seaweed. This time, $LL doesn't protest. [[Continue|193]]

Healing your wound is much easier and faster than $LL's. Just a couple of minutes pass before the discomfort slowly fades away, leaving only a faint tingling sensation. It's impossible not to notice how $AL follows $AO every movement, just as $ALhe_she did with $LL, making sure the wound disappears completely. $ALHe_She tilts $ALhis_her head for a better view of your reddened shoulder, and you give $ALhim_her an amused smile, which makes $ALhim_her blush when $ALhe_she realizes you're watching $ALhim_her. You would have loved for the moment to last a little longer, but eventually, it had to end. $AO's magic stops covering your skin, and $AOhe_she stands up. "There, now you're all perfect." "Thanks, $AO," you reply with a slight smile. "Thank me by keeping injuries to a minimum. I'm not as young as I used to be." Then $AOhe_she stretches while letting out a groan. "Alright, I'm going to see if I can find a spot to lie down without something digging into my side. But first, I'll see if I can get rid of all the sand stuck to my ass. Behave." $AOHe_She throws a look at $LL, pointing a finger at $LLhim_her. "And you, don't overdo it. Got it?" $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes. "I won't." $AO ignores $LLhis_her reaction and turns to you and $AL. "Keep an eye on $LLhim_her," $AOhe_she says in a warning tone, to which $LL lets out a frustrated grunt. [[Continue|189AL]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "ashesOfSadness" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ <<unset $MIdialogue>>\ <<unset $MItouch>>\ \ Then, you follow $AL outside. The iridescent barrier acts as Sisronia's dome, keeping the water out, its faint light casting shadows on your tired face. $AL and you lean against the wall of the hallway leading into the Grotto, not far from the entrance. Your friend sighs, $ALhis_her shoulders slumping. "$LLHe_She's lying, you know?" $ALhe_she murmurs, glancing toward the opening of your temporary shelter. "$LLHe_She's carrying too much weight on $LLhis_her own, and I… I don't know how to help $LLhim_her." $ALHis_Her voice sounds restrained, as if forcing $ALhimself_herself not to let $ALhis_her emotions spill over. You follow $ALhis_her gaze to $LL, lying on the ground. Even with the blanket covering $LLhim_her up to $LLhis_her ears, your eyes automatically go to $LLhis_her shoulder. For a moment, you think you see the wound open again, staining the fabric red. You blink a couple of times, and the image disappears. <<if $LLLove is true>>"I understand," you murmur in response. "I've noticed too. No matter how good $LLhe_she is at hiding it, anyone who looks into $LLhis_her eyes for a few seconds could see the exhaustion weighing on $LLhim_her." You frown. "And not just physical." "$LLHe_She's a strong $LLman_woman. I promise you, I know that," $AL says, $ALhis_her tone almost desperate. "But $LLhe_she's still my little $LLbrother_sister. I should be the one protecting $LLhim_her, not the other way around. And yet, I always end up watching $LLhis_her back like some useless bystander whenever there's danger. It's not… it's not fair to $LLhim_her." <<else>>"$LLHe_She's a strong $LLman_woman. Not everyone would be able to stay on their feet after a wound like that," you say, your face twisting into a grimace. "I still remember mine. Experiencing what it's like to have demon poison flowing through your veins isn't something you forget easily." Your gaze returns to $LL for a moment before focusing on $AL again. "But that's just who $LL is. Protecting others is part of $LLhim_her." "But then who protects $LLhim_her?" $AL exclaims, $ALhis_her tone almost desperate. "And I know, I'm aware of how strong $LLhe_she is, but $LLhe_she's still my little $LLbrother_sister. I should be the one protecting $LLhim_her, not the other way around. And yet, I always end up watching $LLhis_her back like some useless bystander whenever there's danger. It's not… it's not fair to $LLhim_her." <</if>>$AL clenches $ALhis_her fists tightly, pressing $ALhis_her lips together in an attempt to keep them from trembling as $ALhe_she speaks. "$AL…" You wrap an arm around $ALhim_her and pull $ALhim_her close. $AL accepts the comforting gesture, $ALhis_her tense posture relaxing in the embrace. $ALHe_She exhales and runs a hand down $ALhis_her face, $ALhis_her shining gaze fixed on the ground. Then, almost in a whisper, $ALhe_she says: "$LLHe_She shouldn't have gone through that alone." * [[$LLHe_She + "'s not alone"|194a]] * [["Then support " + $LLhim_her + ". Just don't make " + $LLhim_her + " mad"|194b]] * [[You can't change what happened anymore|194c]] * [["Then get stronger for " + $LLhim_her|194d]]

You don't hesitate for a second before rushing toward them, your chest tightening with worry with every step until you reach $LL. "Red, you're the most stubborn patient I've ever had. Can you just stay still?" $AO scolds $LLhim_her with exasperation. "I told you I'm fine, stop touching me," the warrior grumbles, pulling $LLhis_her shoulder away from the doctor's reach as if $AOhis_her magic would burn $LLhim_her. "$LL..." $AL says $LLhis_her name in a soft but firm tone, $ALhis_her hand resting on $LLhis_her good shoulder, partly to offer support, partly to keep $LLhim_her from getting up and running off. $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes. "I'm fine. I've had much worse wounds than this." $AO raises an eyebrow. "Well, congratulations, tough <<if $LL is "Leire">>girl<<else>>guy<</if>>, but there's no need to add another scar to the list. Now stay still and let me work." "Come on. It's not necessary." Hearing $LLhis_her usual gruff and irritable tone manages to ease your worry a little. At another time, it might have even made you smile. But right now, all you can do is frown as you kneel beside $LLhim_her. * [["Take " + $LLhis_her + " hand. 'I don't want you to get hurt again, " + $LL + ".'"|186LLa]] * [[Place your hands on your hips. 'Can you not fight the person who's trying to help you?'|186LLb]] * [[Feel frustration bubble up until it explodes. 'Stop acting tough.'|186LLc]]

Without thinking, you take $LLhis_her hand gently, your thumb brushing over $LLhis_her skin in a gesture that, more than comforting $LLhim_her, is meant to calm yourself. "I don't care how many times you've been through this, $LL. I don't want you to get hurt again." Your words come out harsher than you intended, but the tightness in your chest doesn't ease. The worry gnaws at you from within. $LL sighs, looking away, but $LLhe_she doesn't pull $LLhis_her hand back. "You're overreacting. It's just a scratch." $AL's voice is quiet, tinged with a sadness $ALhe_she can't hide. "Maybe to you. But not to us. Please." You see the intention to argue again in $LLhis_her face. But before $LLhe_she can, you move first, placing a hand on $LLhis_her back and cutting off whatever $LLhe_she was about to say. The touch, though gentle, makes the warrior tense visibly for a second, but $LLhe_she doesn't pull away. Soon, $LLhis_her muscles relax under your fingers. "$LL, I'm not asking you to do this for yourself anymore. Do it for us." You offer a small smile, your voice dropping to a whisper just for $LLhim_her. "Do it for me, okay?" $LL's green eyes lock onto yours, searching as if looking for something hidden deep within your gaze. That cool presence of <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> surrounds you, trapping you in a moment you wish you could prolong. For an instant, the world shrinks to just the two of you and that lingering sensation that's becoming harder and harder to ignore. The seconds slip by between you, and you wish they would stretch even further if it meant continuing to admire the emerald glow of $LLhis_her eyes. But then $LL closes $LLhis_her eyes and sighs. $LLHis_Her expression softens, and the tension in $LLhis_her body slowly melts away. Not completely, but enough. "Fine. Do whatever you want," $LLhe_she finally mutters, glancing away. $AL shoots you a grateful smile, and the warmth in that gesture is reflected in your own. $AO, on the other hand, lets out a mischievous laugh before teasing, "You sure turn into a good patient when it's $name insisting, Red." $AOHis_Her words take you by surprise, but it's $LL's reaction that makes your heart stutter. $LLHis_Her body tenses immediately, even more than before. $LLHis_Her nose wrinkles, and $LLhis_her upper lip twitches, as if $LLhe_she's about to growl a warning at the doctor. But what truly disarms you is the blush that is spreading across $LLhis_her cheeks. Especially because, this time, $LLhe_she doesn't even try to deny it. [[Continue|187LL]]

"Stop acting tough and just stay still, $LL." $LLHe_She looks at you like you've just said the stupidest thing in the world. "I'm not acting tough. I'm fine." Your jaw tightens, irritation mixing with worry. "No, you're not. If it were anyone else, they'd be crying out in pain by now. But no, you'd rather pretend like it's nothing. To prove what, exactly?" $LL falls silent for a second. Just long enough for $AL to exchange a concerned glance with you, aware of the tension starting to build. Finally, $LL huffs and looks away. "I don't need to be protected." "That's not the point. I'm just reminding you that you're human, and sometimes it's better to accept help instead of pretending you don't need it." $LLHis_Her jaw clenches, but this time $LLhe_she doesn't argue. You take a deep breath and let out a long sigh, letting your frustration dissolve as your expression softens. When you speak again, your tone is no longer so harsh. "$LL, I'm not asking you to do this for yourself anymore. Do it for us." You place a hand on $LLhis_her back. The touch, though gentle, makes the warrior tense visibly for a second, but $LLhe_she doesn't pull away. Soon, $LLhis_her muscles relax under your fingers. "Do it for me, okay?" you finish in a quiet murmur, offering a small smile. $LL's green eyes lock onto yours, searching as if looking for something hidden deep within your gaze. That cool presence of <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> surrounds you, trapping you in a moment you wish you could prolong. For an instant, the world shrinks to just the two of you and that lingering sensation that's becoming harder and harder to ignore. The seconds slip by between you, and you wish they would stretch even further if it meant continuing to admire the emerald glow of $LLhis_her eyes. But then $LL closes $LLhis_her eyes and sighs. $LLHis_Her expression softens, and the tension in $LLhis_her body slowly melts away. Not completely, but enough. "Fine. Do whatever you want," $LLhe_she finally mutters, glancing away. $AL shoots you a grateful smile, and the warmth in that gesture is reflected in your own. $AO, on the other hand, lets out a mischievous laugh before teasing, "You sure turn into a good patient when it's $name insisting, Red." $AOHis_Her words take you by surprise, but it's $LL's reaction that makes your heart stutter. $LLHis_Her body tenses immediately, even more than before. $LLHis_Her nose wrinkles, and $LLhis_her upper lip twitches, as if $LLhe_she's about to growl a warning at the doctor. But what truly disarms you is the blush that is spreading across $LLhis_her cheeks. Especially because, this time, $LLhe_she doesn't even try to deny it. [[Continue|187LL]]

You place your hands on your hips and give $LLhim_her a warning look. "$LL, I know you hate being told what to do, but could you, just this once, not argue with the person trying to help you?" You try to sound relaxed, almost joking, but the worry still seeps into your words despite yourself. $AO crosses $AOhis_her arms and nods. "Especially when that person could easily use magic to pin you in place." $AOHe_She smirks. "I'm only holding back because I love you, Red, but I'm not ruling it out if you keep complaining and giving your healer a hard time." $LL huffs, throwing $LLhis_her head back in frustration. "I'm not arguing with anyone, I'm just saying it's not necessary." You take a deep breath and let out a long sigh, letting your frustration melt away as your expression softens. When you speak again, your tone is much gentler. "$LL, I'm not asking you to do this for yourself anymore. Do it for us." You place a hand on $LLhis_her back. The touch, though gentle, makes the warrior tense visibly for a second, but $LLhe_she doesn't pull away. Soon, $LLhis_her muscles relax under your fingers. "Do it for me, okay?" you finish in a quiet murmur, offering a small smile. $LL's green eyes lock onto yours, searching as if looking for something hidden deep within your gaze. That cool presence of <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> surrounds you, trapping you in a moment you wish you could prolong. For an instant, the world shrinks to just the two of you and that lingering sensation that's becoming harder and harder to ignore. The seconds slip by between you, and you wish they would stretch even further if it meant continuing to admire the emerald glow of $LLhis_her eyes. But then $LL closes $LLhis_her eyes and sighs. $LLHis_Her expression softens, and the tension in $LLhis_her body slowly melts away. Not completely, but enough. "Fine. Do whatever you want," $LLhe_she finally mutters, glancing away. $AL shoots you a grateful smile, and the warmth in that gesture is reflected in your own. $AO, on the other hand, lets out a mischievous laugh before teasing, "You sure turn into a good patient when it's $name insisting, Red." $AOHis_Her words take you by surprise, but it's $LL's reaction that makes your heart stutter. $LLHis_Her body tenses immediately, even more than before. $LLHis_Her nose wrinkles, and $LLhis_her upper lip twitches, as if $LLhe_she's about to growl a warning at the doctor. But what truly disarms you is the blush that is spreading across $LLhis_her cheeks. Especially because, this time, $LLhe_she doesn't even try to deny it. [[Continue|187LL]]

$AO takes advantage of the silence that settles over the group to continue $AOhis_her work. $AOHis_Her magic flows from $AOhis_her fingers to the cut on $LL's shoulder as $AL and you watch attentively, seeing the wound slowly close. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$LL breaks the silence after a moment, $LLhis_her gaze fixed on your own shoulder. "You're all worried about me, but $name's wound looks way worse. You should treat him first." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$LL breaks the silence after a moment, $LLhis_her gaze fixed on your own shoulder. "You're all worried about me, but $name's wound looks way worse. You should treat her first." <<else>>$LL breaks the silence after a moment, $LLhis_her gaze fixed on your own shoulder. "You're all worried about me, but $name's wound looks way worse. You should treat them first." <</if>>A sting spreads across the left side of your back, right over your shoulder blade, where the demon had thrown you onto the rocky ground of the marketplace. The scrape, which you had managed to forget about for a few minutes, begins to burn again under $LL's scrutiny. You don't miss the hint of concern in $LLhis_her voice, no matter how hard $LLhe_she tries to keep it neutral. $AO gives your wound a quick glance before focusing back on the warrior. "It does look uncomfortable, but it's clearly superficial. I'll heal it once I'm done with you." "I can lend a hand if you'd like." Wearing a kind smile that deepens the dimples in $MIhis_her cheeks, $MI approaches your group, $MIhis_her hands raised, glowing faintly with the pulse of $MIhis_her magic.<<if $fling is true>> "That shouldn't be too hard to heal. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, nodding toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name." Something about the way $MIhe_she says it makes you uneasy. Your mind flashes back to your conversation a few days ago, the playful flirting that had taken place in the Adventurers' Guild Grotto, and most of all, the moment you accepted $MI's invitation for a date. That pang of guilt returns, even stronger than before. Especially when your gaze inevitably drifts toward $LL. The warrior watches the $MImerman_mermaid with slightly narrowed eyes, $LLhis_her body tensing once again. And you're not sure if it's because of $LLhis_her habit of distrusting any stranger offering help… or because $LLhe_she's picked up on the subtle excited shift in $MI's tone.<<else>><<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if he doesn't mind."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if she doesn't mind."<<else>> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if they don't mind."<</if>><</if>> * [["Let " + $MI + " heal you"|188LLa]] *[["Refuse " + $MIhis_her + " offer"|188LLb]]

<<if $fling is true>>"It would be…" You clear your throat. "Honestly, that would be appreciated." With your approval, $MI moves behind you, $MIhis_her smile widening with satisfaction. But you don't focus on that, you focus on the way $LL frowns, even more so when the $MImerman_mermaid slides $MIhis_her hand under the strap of your garment and $MIhis_her magic starts spreading across your skin. If $LL looked tense before, now you fear $LLhis_her muscles might snap at any moment. "I must say, the way you faced those demons was admirable, $name," $MI suddenly remarks, startling you slightly and making your nervousness increase. "You're just as impressive as I thought when we talked in the Grotto." You can't help but notice how $LL's eyebrow twitches in a barely concealed tic. "It seems like you two… already know each other quite well." The warrior's tone is so sharp it could easily cut through the tension in the air. $MI laughs, and you can almost picture the playful smile lingering on $MIhis_her face. "Not as much as I'd like!" $MIhe_she admits enthusiastically. "I have a deep passion for knowledge. The fact that you come from other waters fascinates me. But $name, specifically, is a mystery I wish to unravel." "...Right." $LL replies through gritted teeth. The sheer anger concentrated in that single word is impossible to hide, and this time, $MI seems to notice. $MIHe_She pulls back slightly, keeping $MIhis_her hand over your skin as $MIhe_she continues healing your shoulder and back, though now without directly touching you. "Forgive me, is that something frowned upon in your clan?" the $MImerman_mermaid asks, $MIhis_her tone sincere and confused. $MIHe_She chooses $MIhis_her words carefully, as if afraid $MIhe_she may have unintentionally offended you. $LL scoffs and looks away. "For all I care, you can do whatever the fuck you want. It doesn't matter to me." Saying that the silence that follows is uncomfortable would be an understatement. $AL and $AO share a tense look, and all you want is for the ground to swallow you whole. If you didn't know $LL, $LLhis_her aggressive response might make you wonder if the demons' venom is starting to affect $LLhis_her body. You don't want to hold onto that thought for too long. //"$AO made sure that didn't happen. $LLHe_She's fine,"// you remind yourself over and over again. The moment stretches for several long, suffocating seconds until you feel $MI withdraw even further. Curiously, the $MImerman_mermaid lets out a soft laugh, and $MIhis_her tone is almost amused. "Ah, I see now." [[Continue|189LLaF]]<<else>>You arch your back, letting out a groan before answering, "Honestly, that would be appreciated." With your approval, $MI moves behind you. "Lower your tunic a little, please." <<if $MI is "Mako" and $gender is "Male">>You do as he says while you begin to hear the whisper of his magic travelling through his fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. A gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, given that Mako himself has his torso uncovered. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so he can work. <</if>> <<else>>You do as $MIhe_she says while you begin to hear the whisper of $MIhis_her magic travelling through $MIhis_her fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so $MIhe_she can work. <</if>> <</if>>$MI brings $MIhis_her hands closer, stopping just above your skin without actually touching you. The warmth of $MIhis_her magic begins to spread over the wound, soothing the sting with a comforting sense of calm. In contrast to the cold environment, the warmth is almost welcoming. The pain slowly subsides, leaving behind a slight tingling sensation. It's impossible not to notice how $LL watches the $MImerman_mermaid's every movement, making sure the wound disappears completely. $LLHe_She doesn't bother hiding $LLhis_her focus on you, or maybe $LLhe_she doesn't even realize what $LLhe_she's doing. $LLHis_Her head tilts slightly for a better view of your reddened shoulder, and you struggle to suppress a smile at the sight. "I must say, the way you all faced those demons was admirable," $MI suddenly remarks, reminding you that others are present. "Your clan must have had excellent warriors." "Some more impulsive than others, I won't lie," $AO replies with an amused smile, shooting a meaningful look at $LL. The warrior simply raises an eyebrow. $MI lets out a short chuckle. "Even so, it's impressive how quickly you adapt to an unknown enemy." [[Continue|189LLaNF]]<</if>>

You glance at your shoulder, where the reddened, hot skin throbs with a dull pain. The grains of sand clinging to the wound seem to mock your attempts to ignore them. <<if $fling is true>><<if $job is "Doctor">>"Um... No, thanks, I'm fine." You clear your throat. "This is nothing. Besides, I can do it myself. Treating wounds like these was part of my job before coming here," you reply, refocusing on $MI with a nervous smile on your face. <<else>>"Um... No, thanks, I'm fine." You clear your throat. "This is nothing. Besides, as $AO already said, it's just a superficial wound. It's not important," you reply, refocusing on $MI with a nervous smile on your face. <</if>>$MI furrows $MIhis_her brow, confused by your uneasy attitude. But, luckily for you, $MIhe_she doesn't insist. "All right," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. "If you say you don't need me, I believe you." $MIHe_She gives the group a smile. "I'm glad you're all okay, but please, don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. I'll be nearby, with Salva." <<else>><<if $job is "Doctor">>"No, thanks, I'm fine," you reply, refocusing on $MI with a shake of your head. "This is nothing. Besides, I can do it myself. Treating wounds like these was part of my job before coming here." <<else>>"No, thanks, I'm fine," you reply, refocusing on $MI with a shake of your head. "This is nothing. Besides, as $AO already said, it's just a superficial wound. It's not important." <</if>>"All right," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. "If you say you don't need me, I believe you." $MIHe_She gives the group a smile. "I'm glad you're all okay, but please, don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. I'll be nearby, with Salva." <</if>>You nod and watch as $MIhe_she turns to leave, heading towards $MIhis_her friend. Shortly after, the glow in $AO's hands fades. Everyone turns their attention to $LL's wound, or rather, its absence. Only a barely visible trace remains on $LLhis_her shoulder. "And that's done too. Or rather, gone," $AO declares with satisfaction. "Thanks, $AO," $AL says softly. "It's always a pleasure, $Al_Lavi," the doctor replies with a nod before turning to you. "Your turn, $name." [[Continue|189LLb]]

Eventually, the $MImerman_mermaid lifts $MIhis_her hand from your back. "Done, the wound is healed. How do you feel?" "Better, thanks," you reply somewhat automatically, glancing at $LL out of the corner of your eye. $LLHe_She's still avoiding everyone's gaze. $MI nods with a kind smile. "If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask me." The $MImerman_mermaid leaves to reunite with $MIhis_her friend Salva somewhere in the cave. Not that it matters to you right now. You're just relieved that the awkward moment is finally over. The glow in $AO's hands fades, and all of you shift your attention to $LL's wound, or rather, the absence of it. Only a barely visible mark remains on $LLhis_her shoulder. "And this one is done too. Or rather, gone," $AO declares after clearing $AOhis_her throat. "Thanks, $AO," $AL says, forcing an awkward smile. "Always a pleasure, $Al_Lavi," the doctor replies with a nod before standing up. Then, $AOhe_she stretches while letting out a groan. "All right, I'm gonna see if I can find a spot to lie down without something digging into my side." $AOHe_She shoots a look at $LL, pointing a finger at $LLhim_her. "And you, don't overdo it. Got it?" $LL scoffs and shrugs indifferently. $AO, however, completely ignores $LLhis_her reaction and turns to you and $AL with a warning tone. "Keep an eye on $LLhim_her." $LL lets out a frustrated grunt, but $AO no longer pays $LLhim_her any attention. Instead, before leaving, $AOhe_she shoots you a knowing look. "Behave yourselves, and don't do anything I would do, understood?" You nod, slightly lowering your head between your shoulders, avoiding $AO's gaze as if that could make the tight knot in your chest disappear. Guilt weighs heavier than you'd like to admit, a subtle but constant pressure that tightens your stomach and leaves a bitter sensation in your throat. [[Continue|190LLaF]]

You swallow down that feeling and focus entirely on $LL, on that small line on $LLhis_her shoulder. The image of the demon's tentacle lunging at her replays in your mind with cruel clarity. Your jaw tightens as you frown. "How are you feeling, $LL?" you ask, gently placing a hand on $LLhis_her arm. "And why do you care?" $LLhe_she snaps, making you pull back at the sharpness of $LLhis_her words. $AL's face falls. "$LL…" $LL glances at $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister, and $LLhis_her expression softens. Then, $LLhe_she gathers enough strength to look you in the eyes again. There must be something in your gaze -the concern you feel for $LLhim_her, perhaps- that makes $LLhis_her shoulders finally relax completely. $LLHe_She lets out a sigh, averting $LLhis_her eyes again, but this time, it doesn't weigh on your chest. "Stop looking at me like that. I already told you I'm fine, okay?" "Are you sure?" $AL insists. "Do you need anything else? I can go get some food if you're hungry. Or a blanket. It's a bit cold." "$AL, stop," $LL cuts $ALhim_her off before $ALhe_she can stand. "I don't need anything. And I'm not disabled." "You were just injured by a demon, $LL," you say with a frown. "No matter how much you want to pretend otherwise, that's not a minor thing. Anyone would be exhausted from the venom." $AL presses $ALhis_her lips together, and $ALhis_her voice barely wavers. "Are we sure $AO cleared it all out? If there's any trace left in your blood…" "$AOHe_She did. $AOHe_She made sure of it." $LL shrugs and lets out a breath that's half a laugh, half a scoff. "But hey, if not, I give you permission to kill me the moment I start convulsing." "Hey," your tone grows more serious. "This isn't funny, $LL. I don't want anything to happen to you." "Me neither," $AL murmurs, $ALhis_her posture crumbling. "I... I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. You're all I have left." $LL holds $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister's gaze. Their identical green eyes exchange a storm of emotions without the need for words. Sadness. Understanding. Perhaps something deeper that neither of them dares to name. Then, the warrior shifts $LLhis_her focus to you before looking back at $AL. Finally, $LLhe_she closes $LLhis_her eyes and lets out a long, weary sigh. $LLHis_Her voice is much softer now. "Sorry. I promise I'm fine, really. I just need some rest, okay?" $AL presses $ALhis_her lips into a thin line, and you can see the effort it takes for $ALhim_her not to push further. Instead, $ALhe_she asks in a barely audible voice, "Will you tell us if you need anything?" $LL nods. "I will." "...All right," $AL replies, nodding back. The warrior glances at you, offering the ghost of a grateful smile, which you try to return despite the lingering worry gnawing at you. $AL and you pull a blanket from one of the bags and carefully drape it over $LL once $LLhe_she lies down on the bed of seaweed. This time, $LL doesn't protest. [[Continue|193]]

Eventually, the $MImerman_mermaid lifts $MIhis_her hand from your back. "Done, the wound is healed. How do you feel?" "Better, thanks," you reply with a small smile. Your expression widens when, out of the corner of your eye, you see $LL closely inspecting your newly healed skin before exhaling a quiet sigh. $LLHis_Her body relaxes ever so slightly. $MI steps back, $MIhis_her smile still in place. "If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask me." You nod and watch as $MIhe_she turns to leave, heading towards Salva. Shortly after, the glow in $AO's hands fades. Everyone turns their attention to $LL's wound -or rather, its absence. Only a barely visible trace remains on $LLhis_her shoulder. "And that's done too. Or rather, gone," $AO declares with satisfaction. "Thanks, $AO," $AL says softly. "It's always a pleasure, $Al_Lavi," the doctor replies with a nod before standing up. Then $AOhe_she stretches while letting out a groan. "Alright, I'm going to see if I can find a spot to lie down without something digging into my side. But first, I'll see if I can get rid of all the sand stuck to my ass. Behave." $AOHe_She throws a look at $LL, pointing a finger at $LLhim_her. "And you, don't overdo it. Got it?" $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes. "I won't." $AO ignores $LLhis_her reaction and turns to you and $AL. "Keep an eye on $LLhim_her," $AOhe_she says in a warning tone, to which $LL lets out a frustrated grunt. [[Continue|190LLaNF]]

When you finally say goodbye to $AO, your attention shifts back to $LL. The image of the demon's tentacle lunging at $LLhim_her replays in your mind with cruel clarity. Your jaw tightens as you frown. "How are you feeling, $LL?" you ask, gently placing a hand on $LLhis_her arm. $LL's gaze flickers between you and $AL a couple of times before $LLhe_she looks away with a sigh. "Stop looking at me like that. I already told you I'm fine, okay?" "Are you sure?" $AL insists. "Do you need anything else? I can go get some food if you're hungry. Or a blanket. It's a bit cold." "$AL, stop," $LL cuts $ALhim_her off before $ALhe_she can stand. "I don't need anything. And I'm not disabled." "You were just injured by a demon, $LL," you say with a frown. "No matter how much you want to pretend otherwise, that's not a minor thing. Anyone would be exhausted from the venom." $AL presses $ALhis_her lips together, and $ALhis_her voice barely wavers. "Are we sure $AO cleared it all out? If there's any trace left in your blood…" "$AOHe_She did. $AOHe_She made sure of it." $LL shrugs and lets out a breath that's half a laugh, half a scoff. "But hey, if not, I give you permission to kill me the moment I start convulsing." "Hey," your tone grows more serious. "This isn't funny, $LL. I don't want anything to happen to you." "Me neither," $AL murmurs, $ALhis_her posture crumbling. "I... I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. You're all I have left." $LL holds $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister's gaze. Their identical green eyes exchange a storm of emotions without the need for words. Sadness. Understanding. Perhaps something deeper that neither of them dares to name. Then, the warrior shifts $LLhis_her focus to you before looking back at $AL. Finally, $LLhe_she closes $LLhis_her eyes and lets out a long, weary sigh. $LLHis_Her voice is much softer now. "Sorry. I promise I'm fine, really. I just need some rest, okay?" $AL presses $ALhis_her lips into a thin line, and you can see the effort it takes for $ALhim_her not to push further. Instead, $ALhe_she asks in a barely audible voice, "Will you tell us if you need anything?" $LL nods. "I will." "...All right," $AL replies, nodding back. The warrior glances at you, offering the ghost of a grateful smile, which you try to return despite the lingering worry gnawing at you. $AL and you pull a blanket from one of the bags and carefully drape it over $LL once $LLhe_she lies down on the bed of seaweed. This time, $LL doesn't protest. [[Continue|193]]

Healing your wound is much easier and faster than $LL's. Just a couple of minutes pass before the discomfort slowly fades away, leaving only a faint tingling sensation. It's impossible not to notice how $LL watches $AO's every movement, making sure the wound disappears completely. $LLHe_She doesn't bother hiding $LLhis_her focus on you, or maybe $LLhe_she doesn't even realize what $LLhe_she's doing. $LLHis_Her head tilts slightly for a better view of your reddened shoulder, and you struggle to suppress a smile at the sight. You would have loved for the moment to last a little longer, but eventually, it had to end. $AO's magic stops covering your skin, and $AOhe_she stands up. "There, now you're all perfect." "Thanks, $AO," you reply with a slight smile. Your expression widens when, out of the corner of your eye, you see $LL closely inspecting your newly healed skin before exhaling a quiet sigh. $LLHis_Her body relaxes ever so slightly. "Thank me by keeping injuries to a minimum. I'm not as young as I used to be." Then $AOhe_she stretches while letting out a groan. "All right, I'm going to see if I can find a spot to lie down without something digging into my side. But first, I'll see if I can get rid of all the sand stuck to my ass. Behave." $AOHe_She throws a look at $LL, pointing a finger at $LLhim_her. "And you, don't overdo it. Got it?" $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes. "I won't." $AO ignores $LLhis_her reaction and turns to you and $AL. "Keep an eye on $LLhim_her," $AOhe_she says in a warning tone, to which $LL lets out a frustrated grunt. [[Continue|190LLb]]

When you finally say goodbye to $AO, your attention shifts back to $LL. The image of the demon's tentacle lunging at $LLhim_her replays in your mind with cruel clarity. Your jaw tightens as you frown. "How are you feeling, $LL?" you ask, gently placing a hand on $LLhis_her arm. $LL's gaze flickers between you and $AL a couple of times before $LLhe_she looks away with a sigh. "Stop looking at me like that. I already told you I'm fine, okay?" "Are you sure?" $AL insists. "Do you need anything else? I can go get some food if you're hungry. Or a blanket. It's a bit cold." "$AL, stop," $LL cuts $ALhim_her off before $ALhe_she can stand. "I don't need anything. And I'm not disabled." "You were just injured by a demon, $LL," you say with a frown. "No matter how much you want to pretend otherwise, that's not a minor thing. Anyone would be exhausted from the venom." $AL presses $ALhis_her lips together, and $ALhis_her voice barely wavers. "Are we sure $AO cleared it all out? If there's any trace left in your blood…" "$AOHe_She did. $AOHe_She made sure of it." $LL shrugs and lets out a breath that's half a laugh, half a scoff. "But hey, if not, I give you permission to kill me the moment I start convulsing." "Hey," your tone grows more serious. "This isn't funny, $LL. I don't want anything to happen to you." "Me neither," $AL murmurs, $ALhis_her posture crumbling. "I... I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. You're all I have left." $LL holds $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister's gaze. Their identical green eyes exchange a storm of emotions without the need for words. Sadness. Understanding. Perhaps something deeper that neither of them dares to name. Then, the warrior shifts $LLhis_her focus to you before looking back at $AL. Finally, $LLhe_she closes $LLhis_her eyes and lets out a long, weary sigh. $LLHis_Her voice is much softer now. "Sorry. I promise I'm fine, really. I just need some rest, okay?" $AL presses $ALhis_her lips into a thin line, and you can see the effort it takes for $ALhim_her not to push further. Instead, $ALhe_she asks in a barely audible voice, "Will you tell us if you need anything?" $LL nods. "I will." "...All right," $AL replies, nodding back. The warrior glances at you, offering the ghost of a grateful smile, which you try to return despite the lingering worry gnawing at you. $AL and you pull a blanket from one of the bags and carefully drape it over $LL once $LLhe_she lies down on the bed of seaweed. This time, $LL doesn't protest. [[Continue|193]]

Worry makes you frown, and you rise from your seat with the intention of approaching your friends. But before you can take a step, someone interrupts you. "Do you need help?" You turn to find $MI, approaching with calm steps and a slight smile. Though $MIhis_her expression is kind, you notice the fatigue etched in the fine lines around $MIhis_her eyes. "Your clanmates are well taken care of, and luckily, Salva doesn't have a single scratch. You're the only one left," $MIhe_she comments in a soft tone. $MIHe_She raises $MIhis_her hand slightly. "May I?" A sting runs across the left side of your back, just above the shoulder blade, where the demon had thrown you against the rocky ground of the market. The scrape you'd managed to forget for a few minutes begins to burn again. $MI's hand remains extended, waiting for your response. $MIHis_Her eyes shine with something more than just simple concern; there's a warmth in them that you can't ignore. * [[I'd appreciate it|186NROFa]] * [[I'm fine, it's nothing|186NROFb]] * <<if $job is "Doctor">>[[I can do it myself|186NROFc]]<<else>>==I can do it myself==<</if>> * [[I don't like to be coddled|186NROFd]] * <<if $fling is true>>[[You couldn't wait, huh?|186NROFe]]<<else>>==You couldn't wait, huh?==<</if>>

You don't hesitate for a second before rushing toward them. $AO ignores a grumpy $LL and keeps $AOhis_her hands on $LLhis_her shoulder, $AOhis_her magic covering the area with a turquoise glow that creates soft circular patterns on the warrior's skin. Meanwhile, $AL holds $LL firmly to keep $LLhim_her from trying to get up, though $ALhe_she's struggling a bit. "Red, you're the most stubborn patient I've ever had. Can you just stay still?" $AO scolds $LLhim_her with exasperation. $AOHe_She meets your gaze. "$name, a little help?" "On it," you reply, helping $AL keep the warrior still. Honestly, hearing $LLhis_her usual gruff and irritable tone relaxes you a bit. It means $LLhe_she's still $LL. "I told you I'm fine, stop touching me," the warrior grumbles, pulling $LLhis_her shoulder away from the doctor's reach as if $AOhis_her magic would burn $LLhim_her. "$LL..." $AL says $LLhis_her name in a soft but firm tone, $ALhis_her hand resting on $LLhis_her good shoulder, partly to offer support, partly to keep $LLhim_her from getting up and running off. $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes. "I'm fine. I've had much worse wounds than this." $AO raises an eyebrow. "Well, congratulations, tough <<if $LL is "Leire">>girl<<else>>guy<</if>>, but there's no need to add another scar to the list. Now stay still and let me work." "Come on. It's not necessary." * [["Frown. 'We don't want you getting hurt again, " + $LL + ".'"|186NRONFa]] * [[Place hands on hips. 'Can you not argue with the person trying to help you?'|186NRONFb]] * [[Feel frustration bubbling up until it explodes. 'Stop acting tough.'|186NRONFc]]

"If you don't mind, I'd appreciate it," you reply with a slight smile, though the sting on your back makes you tense your lips a second later. $MI lets out a soft laugh. "I did ask, didn't I?"<<if $fling is true>> <<if $hair is "Long" or "Very long">>Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. $MIHe_She seems to hesitate for a couple of seconds, during which you can't help but hold your breath in anticipation. Finally, $MIhis_her fingers graze the skin of your neck, brushing aside your hair with a soft, light touch that sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. Then, $MIhis_her other hand settles on the skin at the base of your neck, $MIhis_her fingers slowly sliding beneath the strap of the loose garment covering your torso, and your heart quickens slightly at the implication. <<else>>Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. $MIHe_She seems to hesitate for a couple of seconds, during which you can't help but hold your breath in anticipation. Then, $MIhis_her other hand settles on the skin at the base of your neck, $MIhis_her fingers slowly sliding beneath the strap of the loose garment covering your torso, and your heart quickens slightly at the implication. <</if>><<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>The merman's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel him slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed, a gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, since Mako has his torso uncovered. His touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <<else>>The $MImerman_mermaid's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel $MIhim_her slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed. $MIHis_Her touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <</if>><<if $height is "Short">>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your ear. You let out a chuckle. "Oh, trust me, you're not bothering me at all." $MI leans in even closer, $MIhis_her lips now grazing the skin of your neck, and you can feel $MIhis_her smile growing. "Perfect," $MIhe_she whispers. You suck in a breath as the temperature around you rises drastically, and you forget about the cold. Heat spreads through your body, concentrating in your groin at the thought of feeling $MI's serrated teeth softly biting the hollow between your neck and shoulder. <<else>>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your back. $MI leans in even closer, $MIhis_her lips now grazing the back of your uninjured shoulder, and you can feel $MIhis_her smile growing. "Perfect," $MIhe_she whispers. You suck in a breath as the temperature around you rises drastically, and you forget about the cold. Heat spreads through your body, concentrating in your groin at the thought of feeling $MI's serrated teeth softly biting your skin. <</if>>Swallowing hard, you try to compose yourself, refocusing on the magic that slowly heals the torn tissues of your scrape. The pain has faded without you even realizing it, leaving behind only a faint tingling sensation that you're not sure is caused by $MIhis_her magic or by $MI's close presence. "Why are you here alone, $name?" the $MImerman_mermaid suddenly asks, bringing you back to the present moment. "Did you need a moment for yourself and your thoughts?"<<else>> Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. "Lower your tunic a bit, please." <<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>You do as he says while you begin to hear the whisper of his magic travelling through his fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. A gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, given that Mako himself has his torso uncovered. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so he can work. <</if>> <<else>>You do as $MIhe_she says while you begin to hear the whisper of $MIhis_her magic travelling through $MIhis_her fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so $MIhe_she can work. <</if>> <</if>>$MI brings $MIhis_her hands closer, stopping just above your skin without actually touching you. The warmth of $MIhis_her magic begins to spread over the wound, soothing the sting with a comforting sense of calm. In contrast to the cold environment, the warmth is almost welcoming. The pain slowly subsides, leaving behind a slight tingling sensation. After a few seconds, $MIhis_her voice breaks the silence, soft but curious. "Why are you here alone, $name? Did you need a moment for yourself and your thoughts?" <</if>> * [[Something like that|187NROFa]] * [[I needed to think|187NROFb]] * [[I like being alone. It's comforting|187NROFc]] * [[Maybe I was hoping you'd approach?|187NROFd]]

"I'm fine, don't worry," you reply, shaking your head. $MI's gaze flickers to the wound for a moment before locking onto yours again. "That scrape doesn't look good, and with the sand stuck to it, it must be uncomfortable at the very least." "Maybe," you admit with a shrug, "but I've endured worse. This is nothing in comparison." "Even so, that doesn't mean you have to put up with it if it's bothering you," $MI counters, $MIhis_her tone soft but carrying the firmness of a healer. "At the very least, let me ease it so you can rest properly." For a moment, you think about insisting, but you're too tired to argue. In the end, you simply sigh, nod, and say, "Okay."<<if $fling is true>> <<if $hair is "Long" or "Very long">>Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. $MIHe_She seems to hesitate for a couple of seconds, during which you can't help but hold your breath in anticipation. Finally, $MIhis_her fingers graze the skin of your neck, brushing aside your hair with a soft, light touch that sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. Then, $MIhis_her other hand settles on the skin at the base of your neck, $MIhis_her fingers slowly sliding beneath the strap of the loose garment covering your torso, and your heart quickens slightly at the implication. <<else>>Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. $MIHe_She seems to hesitate for a couple of seconds, during which you can't help but hold your breath in anticipation. Then, $MIhis_her other hand settles on the skin at the base of your neck, $MIhis_her fingers slowly sliding beneath the strap of the loose garment covering your torso, and your heart quickens slightly at the implication. <</if>><<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>The merman's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel him slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed, a gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, since Mako has his torso uncovered. His touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <<else>>The $MImerman_mermaid's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel $MIhim_her slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed. $MIHis_Her touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <</if>><<if $height is "Short">>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your ear. You let out a chuckle. "Oh, trust me, you're not bothering me at all." $MI leans in even closer, $MIhis_her lips now grazing the skin of your neck, and you can feel $MIhis_her smile growing. "Perfect," $MIhe_she whispers. You suck in a breath as the temperature around you rises drastically, and you forget about the cold. Heat spreads through your body, concentrating in your groin at the thought of feeling $MI's serrated teeth softly biting the hollow between your neck and shoulder. <<else>>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your back. $MI leans in even closer, $MIhis_her lips now grazing the back of your uninjured shoulder, and you can feel $MIhis_her smile growing. "Perfect," $MIhe_she whispers. You suck in a breath as the temperature around you rises drastically, and you forget about the cold. Heat spreads through your body, concentrating in your groin at the thought of feeling $MI's serrated teeth softly biting your skin. <</if>>Swallowing hard, you try to compose yourself, refocusing on the magic that slowly heals the torn tissues of your scrape. The pain has faded without you even realizing it, leaving behind only a faint tingling sensation that you're not sure is caused by $MIhis_her magic or by $MI's close presence. "Why are you here alone, $name?" the $MImerman_mermaid suddenly asks, bringing you back to the present moment. "Did you need a moment for yourself and your thoughts?"<<else>> Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. "Lower your tunic a bit, please." <<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>You do as he says while you begin to hear the whisper of his magic travelling through his fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. A gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, given that Mako himself has his torso uncovered. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so he can work. <</if>> <<else>>You do as $MIhe_she says while you begin to hear the whisper of $MIhis_her magic travelling through $MIhis_her fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so $MIhe_she can work. <</if>> <</if>>$MI brings $MIhis_her hands closer, stopping just above your skin without actually touching you. The warmth of $MIhis_her magic begins to spread over the wound, soothing the sting with a comforting sense of calm. In contrast to the cold environment, the warmth is almost welcoming. The pain slowly subsides, leaving behind a slight tingling sensation. After a few seconds, $MIhis_her voice breaks the silence, soft but curious. "Why are you here alone, $name? Did you need a moment for yourself and your thoughts?" <</if>> * [[Something like that|187NROFa]] * [[I needed to think|187NROFb]] * [[I like being alone. It's comforting|187NROFc]] * [[Maybe I was hoping you'd approach?|187NROFd]]

You glance at your shoulder, where the reddened, heated skin pulses with a dull ache. The grains of sand clinging to the wound seem to mock your attempts to ignore them. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>Cleaning and treating it will be tedious, but it's nothing you can't handle. Luckily, your magic will make the job easier. <<else>>Cleaning and treating it will be tedious, but it's nothing you can't handle. You've done this before. <</if>>"Don't worry, I can do it myself. Treating wounds like these was my job before I came here," you reply, refocusing on $MI. $MI's smile widens slightly. "I don't doubt it," $MIhe_she says with a grin, "but no one ever suffers from letting themselves be helped every once in a while, don't you think?" For a moment, you consider insisting, but in the end, you end up nodding with a resigned chuckle. "You've got a point. Okay, if you really want to help me, go ahead."<<if $fling is true>> <<if $hair is "Long" or "Very long">>Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. $MIHe_She seems to hesitate for a couple of seconds, during which you can't help but hold your breath in anticipation. Finally, $MIhis_her fingers graze the skin of your neck, brushing aside your hair with a soft, light touch that sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. Then, $MIhis_her other hand settles on the skin at the base of your neck, $MIhis_her fingers slowly sliding beneath the strap of the loose garment covering your torso, and your heart quickens slightly at the implication. <<else>>Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. $MIHe_She seems to hesitate for a couple of seconds, during which you can't help but hold your breath in anticipation. Then, $MIhis_her other hand settles on the skin at the base of your neck, $MIhis_her fingers slowly sliding beneath the strap of the loose garment covering your torso, and your heart quickens slightly at the implication. <</if>><<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>The merman's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel him slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed, a gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, since Mako has his torso uncovered. His touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <<else>>The $MImerman_mermaid's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel $MIhim_her slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed. $MIHis_Her touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <</if>><<if $height is "Short">>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your ear. You let out a chuckle. "Oh, trust me, you're not bothering me at all." $MI leans in even closer, $MIhis_her lips now grazing the skin of your neck, and you can feel $MIhis_her smile growing. "Perfect," $MIhe_she whispers. You suck in a breath as the temperature around you rises drastically, and you forget about the cold. Heat spreads through your body, concentrating in your groin at the thought of feeling $MI's serrated teeth softly biting the hollow between your neck and shoulder. <<else>>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your back. $MI leans in even closer, $MIhis_her lips now grazing the back of your uninjured shoulder, and you can feel $MIhis_her smile growing. "Perfect," $MIhe_she whispers. You suck in a breath as the temperature around you rises drastically, and you forget about the cold. Heat spreads through your body, concentrating in your groin at the thought of feeling $MI's serrated teeth softly biting your skin. <</if>>Swallowing hard, you try to compose yourself, refocusing on the magic that slowly heals the torn tissues of your scrape. The pain has faded without you even realizing it, leaving behind only a faint tingling sensation that you're not sure is caused by $MIhis_her magic or by $MI's close presence. "Why are you here alone, $name?" the $MImerman_mermaid suddenly asks, bringing you back to the present moment. "Did you need a moment for yourself and your thoughts?"<<else>> Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. "Lower your tunic a bit, please." <<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>You do as he says while you begin to hear the whisper of his magic travelling through his fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. A gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, given that Mako himself has his torso uncovered. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so he can work. <</if>> <<else>>You do as $MIhe_she says while you begin to hear the whisper of $MIhis_her magic travelling through $MIhis_her fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so $MIhe_she can work. <</if>> <</if>>$MI brings $MIhis_her hands closer, stopping just above your skin without actually touching you. The warmth of $MIhis_her magic begins to spread over the wound, soothing the sting with a comforting sense of calm. In contrast to the cold environment, the warmth is almost welcoming. The pain slowly subsides, leaving behind a slight tingling sensation. After a few seconds, $MIhis_her voice breaks the silence, soft but curious. "Why are you here alone, $name? Did you need a moment for yourself and your thoughts?" <</if>> * [[Something like that|187NROFa]] * [[I needed to think|187NROFb]] * [[I like being alone. It's comforting|187NROFc]] * [[Maybe I was hoping you'd approach?|187NROFd]]

A playful smirk creeps onto your face as you glance from $MIhis_her hand to $MIhis_her yellow eyes. "You couldn't wait for my return, huh?" $MI lets out a light laugh, $MIhis_her dimples showing and adding a touch of adorableness to $MIhis_her expression, which quickly turns slightly flustered as $MIhe_she averts $MIhis_her gaze. "Actually, I couldn't leave Salva on his own. I wouldn't have forgiven myself if something had happened and I wasn't there to prevent it." $MIHis_Her tone lowers almost to a whisper, and $MIhis_her gaze locks onto yours again, laden with meaning. "But I won't deny that seeing you again was a very tempting bonus… maybe too tempting to stay in Sisronia." A flicker of confidence and intensity shines in $MIhis_her gaze, accompanied by a half-smile that carries a hint of mischief but also genuine emotion. $MI lifts $MIhis_her hand again, closer this time, and $MIhis_her voice takes on a deeper, almost intimate tone. "May I, $name?" For an instant, the air feels heavier, and you realize you've been holding your breath without meaning to. $MIHis_Her eyes never leave yours, and something in $MIhis_her presence seems to invite you to trust $MIhim_her. Swallowing, you nod calmly, though your heart pounds. "Of course." <<if $hair is "Long" or "Very long">>Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. $MIHe_She seems to hesitate for a couple of seconds, during which you can't help but hold your breath in anticipation. Finally, $MIhis_her fingers graze the skin of your neck, brushing aside your hair with a soft, light touch that sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. Then, $MIhis_her other hand settles on the skin at the base of your neck, $MIhis_her fingers slowly sliding beneath the strap of the loose garment covering your torso, and your heart quickens slightly at the implication. <<else>>Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. $MIHe_She seems to hesitate for a couple of seconds, during which you can't help but hold your breath in anticipation. Then, $MIhis_her other hand settles on the skin at the base of your neck, $MIhis_her fingers slowly sliding beneath the strap of the loose garment covering your torso, and your heart quickens slightly at the implication. <</if>><<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>The merman's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel him slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed, a gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, since Mako has his torso uncovered. His touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <<else>>The $MImerman_mermaid's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel $MIhim_her slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed. $MIHis_Her touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <</if>><<if $height is "Short">>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your ear. You let out a chuckle. "Oh, trust me, you're not bothering me at all." $MI leans in even closer, $MIhis_her lips now grazing the skin of your neck, and you can feel $MIhis_her smile growing. "Perfect," $MIhe_she whispers. You suck in a breath as the temperature around you rises drastically, and you forget about the cold. Heat spreads through your body, concentrating in your groin at the thought of feeling $MI's serrated teeth softly biting the hollow between your neck and shoulder. <<else>>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your back. $MI leans in even closer, $MIhis_her lips now grazing the back of your uninjured shoulder, and you can feel $MIhis_her smile growing. "Perfect," $MIhe_she whispers. You suck in a breath as the temperature around you rises drastically, and you forget about the cold. Heat spreads through your body, concentrating in your groin at the thought of feeling $MI's serrated teeth softly biting your skin. <</if>>Swallowing hard, you try to compose yourself, refocusing on the magic that slowly heals the torn tissues of your scrape. The pain has faded without you even realizing it, leaving behind only a faint tingling sensation that you're not sure is caused by $MIhis_her magic or by $MI's close presence. "Why are you here alone, $name?" the $MImerman_mermaid suddenly asks, bringing you back to the present moment. "Did you need a moment for yourself and your thoughts?" * [[Something like that|187NROFa]] * [[I needed to think|187NROFb]] * [[I like being alone. It's comforting|187NROFc]] * [[Maybe I was hoping you'd approach?|187NROFd]]

"I don't like being coddled, $MI. I've had worse injuries, and I can take care of this myself," you say, frowning slightly. $MI steps back, tilting $MIhis_her head slightly. "Then I must have misspoken. I didn't mean to offend you by doubting your skills, $name. I've already seen how extraordinary they are." "Don't get me wrong. I appreciate the offer, but I know how to take care of myself. I've been doing it for longer than I'd like to admit." "I understand," $MI says, nodding. $MIHis_Her gentle smile returns as $MIhe_she extends $MIhis_her hand again. "But no one ever suffers from letting themselves be helped every once in a while, don't you think?" For a moment, you think about resisting, but your resolve wavers, exhaustion outweighing your pride. After a moment of hesitation, you sigh and say, "Okay."<<if $fling is true>> <<if $hair is "Long" or "Very long">>Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. $MIHe_She seems to hesitate for a couple of seconds, during which you can't help but hold your breath in anticipation. Finally, $MIhis_her fingers graze the skin of your neck, brushing aside your hair with a soft, light touch that sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. Then, $MIhis_her other hand settles on the skin at the base of your neck, $MIhis_her fingers slowly sliding beneath the strap of the loose garment covering your torso, and your heart quickens slightly at the implication. <<else>>Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. $MIHe_She seems to hesitate for a couple of seconds, during which you can't help but hold your breath in anticipation. Then, $MIhis_her other hand settles on the skin at the base of your neck, $MIhis_her fingers slowly sliding beneath the strap of the loose garment covering your torso, and your heart quickens slightly at the implication. <</if>><<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>The merman's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel him slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed, a gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, since Mako has his torso uncovered. His touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <<else>>The $MImerman_mermaid's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel $MIhim_her slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed. $MIHis_Her touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <</if>><<if $height is "Short">>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your ear. You let out a chuckle. "Oh, trust me, you're not bothering me at all." $MI leans in even closer, $MIhis_her lips now grazing the skin of your neck, and you can feel $MIhis_her smile growing. "Perfect," $MIhe_she whispers. You suck in a breath as the temperature around you rises drastically, and you forget about the cold. Heat spreads through your body, concentrating in your groin at the thought of feeling $MI's serrated teeth softly biting the hollow between your neck and shoulder. <<else>>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your back. $MI leans in even closer, $MIhis_her lips now grazing the back of your uninjured shoulder, and you can feel $MIhis_her smile growing. "Perfect," $MIhe_she whispers. You suck in a breath as the temperature around you rises drastically, and you forget about the cold. Heat spreads through your body, concentrating in your groin at the thought of feeling $MI's serrated teeth softly biting your skin. <</if>>Swallowing hard, you try to compose yourself, refocusing on the magic that slowly heals the torn tissues of your scrape. The pain has faded without you even realizing it, leaving behind only a faint tingling sensation that you're not sure is caused by $MIhis_her magic or by $MI's close presence. "Why are you here alone, $name?" the $MImerman_mermaid suddenly asks, bringing you back to the present moment. "Did you need a moment for yourself and your thoughts?"<<else>> Satisfied with your response, $MI moves behind you. "Lower your tunic a bit, please." <<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>You do as he says while you begin to hear the whisper of his magic travelling through his fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. A gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, given that Mako himself has his torso uncovered. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so he can work. <</if>> <<else>>You do as $MIhe_she says while you begin to hear the whisper of $MIhis_her magic travelling through $MIhis_her fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so $MIhe_she can work. <</if>> <</if>>$MI brings $MIhis_her hands closer, stopping just above your skin without actually touching you. The warmth of $MIhis_her magic begins to spread over the wound, soothing the sting with a comforting sense of calm. In contrast to the cold environment, the warmth is almost welcoming. The pain slowly subsides, leaving behind a slight tingling sensation. After a few seconds, $MIhis_her voice breaks the silence, soft but curious. "Why are you here alone, $name? Did you need a moment for yourself and your thoughts?" <</if>> * [[Something like that|187NROFa]] * [[I needed to think|187NROFb]] * [[I like being alone. It's comforting|187NROFc]] * [[Maybe I was hoping you'd approach?|187NROFd]]

"Something like that," you reply with a sigh before letting out a hollow chuckle. "Lately, that seems to be all I do lately." $MI doesn't insist or ask for details. $MIHis_Her hand remains hovering near your back, radiating a faint warmth that accompanies $MIhis_her words. "Overthinking can be exhausting. Sometimes, sharing what we carry inside helps more than we think." You manage a weak smile, barely a gesture that disappears as quickly as it appeared. "Maybe. But it's not always easy." "Because you don't want to worry anyone?" "Because it's not necessary," you correct, lifting your chin slightly. "We all have our own problems, don't we? I'm not going to add more weight to their shoulders." "That's admirable. But also dangerous. Sooner or later, the weight becomes too much for one person alone, even for the strongest," $MIhe_she says. <<if $MIdialogue is true>>You laugh, this time with more sincerity. "This conversation sounds familiar. Haven't we had it before, but the other way around?" $MI laughs with you. "I think we have. I guess it's not as simple a topic as it might seem." You shrug. "It's a matter of perspective." "True." <</if>>[[Continue|188NROF]]

"I just needed to think for a bit after everything that happened," you reply, your gaze drifting to the ground. Then you let out a hollow chuckle. "Lately, that seems to be all I do." $MI doesn't insist or ask for details. $MIHis_Her hand remains hovering near your back, radiating a faint warmth that accompanies $MIhis_her words. "Overthinking can be exhausting. Sometimes, sharing what we carry inside helps more than we think." You manage a weak smile, barely a gesture that disappears as quickly as it appeared. "Maybe. But it's not always easy." "Because you don't want to worry anyone?" "Because it's not necessary," you correct, lifting your chin slightly. "We all have our own problems, don't we? I'm not going to add more weight to their shoulders." "That's admirable. But also dangerous. Sooner or later, the weight becomes too much for one person alone, even for the strongest," $MIhe_she says. <<if $MIdialogue is true>>You laugh, this time with more sincerity. "This conversation sounds familiar. Haven't we had it before, but the other way around?" $MI laughs with you. "I think we have. I guess it's not as simple a topic as it might seem." You shrug. "It's a matter of perspective." "True." <</if>>[[Continue|188NROF]]

"I've always liked being alone, in general. It's comforting," you reply, giving $MIhim_her a quick glance over your shoulder. $MI makes a sound of understanding. $MIHis_Her hand remains hovering near your back, radiating a faint warmth that accompanies $MIhis_her words. "It's good to find moments for yourself now and then. As long as it's by choice and not self-imposed, of course." "For example?" "When you don't want to worry anyone and bottle up your emotions." "Maybe it's just not necessary," you answer, lifting your chin slightly. "We all have our own problems, don't we? There's no reason to add more weight to anyone's shoulders." "That's admirable. But also dangerous. Sooner or later, the weight becomes too much for one person alone, even for the strongest," $MIhe_she says. <<if $MIdialogue is true>>You laugh, this time with more sincerity. "This conversation sounds familiar. Haven't we had it before, but the other way around?" $MI laughs with you. "I think we have. I guess it's not as simple a topic as it might seem." You shrug. "It's a matter of perspective." "True." <</if>>[[Continue|188NROF]]

Eventually, $MI withdraws $MIhis_her hand from your back. "Done, the wound is healed. How do you feel?" "Better. Thanks," you reply with a faint smile. <<if $MIS is true>>"Good." $MI smiles, letting $MIhis_her hand slowly glide down your arm. "I'll see you later, $name." The trace of $MIhis_her touch lingers on your skin, warm even in the coolness of the water surrounding you. Your fingers flex with the temptation to catch $MIhim_her before $MIhe_she moves away, to hold onto that contact for just a second longer… but you restrain yourself. This isn't the time. Not yet. You'll return all the fire building up inside you soon enough. <<else>>"Good." $MI takes a step back, $MIhis_her faint smile still present. "If you need anything, $name, I'll be nearby." <</if>>You nod and watch as $MIhe_she turns to leave, heading back to join Salva, leaving you alone once more, but with more energy than before. You arch your back and roll your shoulder experimentally. Nothing, not even the slightest sting. With your wound healed, there's only one last thing left to worry about. You turn around and head toward your companions with hurried steps. [[Continue|189NROF]]

"Sounds risky," you say, but you turn your head just enough for $MI to see the playful smile spreading across your face. $MIHe_She chuckles, $MIhis_her voice taking on a huskier tone. "And what is life without a little risk?" "You make a difficult argument to refute, $MI." You wet your lips slowly, savouring the warmth igniting within you as you notice $MIhis_her gaze following the motion with a burning intensity. Lowering your voice, you add, "...When the others are asleep." $MI takes a deep breath, $MIhis_her chest rising with barely contained tension. $MIHis_Her gaze flickers from your lips to your eyes and back, filled with unmistakable hunger. "I can't wait, $name," $MIhe_she murmurs. And, honestly? Neither can you. [[Continue|188NROF]]

$MIHis_Her voice caresses your ears, every word laden with a seduction that makes you shiver. You're attracted to $MI, there's no doubt about that, but it doesn't feel right. Not now, not after everything that happened just minutes ago. And definitely not when one of your best friends is injured and at risk of corruption. Your gaze drifts to $LL, where $LLhe_she remains with $AO, trying to close $LLhis_her wound, while $AL stays close as $ALhis_her hand moves up and down the warrior's back. It's the sadness in $AL's eyes that makes all of this feel so wrong. "Everything okay, $name?" $MI asks after a moment of silence, the playful spark in $MIhis_her voice fading as $MIhe_she steps back. "If I said something wrong-" "No, it's not that," you clarify immediately, turning your head to meet $MIhis_her gaze. "You didn't say anything wrong. It's just… now isn't the best time." Your eyes flick back to $LL, and now $MI follows your gaze as well. The $MImerman_mermaid understands what you mean, and after a short moment, $MIhe_she exhales a hollow laugh. "You're right, forgive me. Now isn't the time nor the place." "I wish it weren't like this, believe me. But I need to make sure my friends are okay. I can't think about anything else until they are," you say. "A feeling I can't help but admire," $MI replies with a nod before offering you a small smile. "We'll have to wait for that date, then." You laugh. "Looks like it." [[Continue|188NROF]]

"I told you I'm fine," is the first thing you hear when you approach your friends. $AO ignores a grumpy $LL and keeps $AOhis_her hands on $LLhis_her shoulder, $AOhis_her magic covering the area with a turquoise glow that creates soft circular patterns on the warrior's skin. Meanwhile, $AL holds $LL firmly to keep $LLhim_her from trying to get up, though $ALhe_she's struggling a bit. "Red, you're the most stubborn patient I've ever had. Can you just stay still?" $AO scolds $LLhim_her with exasperation. $AOHe_She meets your gaze. "$name, a little help?" "On it," you reply, helping $AL keep the warrior still. Honestly, hearing $LLhis_her usual gruff and irritable tone relaxes you a bit. It means $LLhe_she's still $LL. $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes. "Again, I'm fine. I've had much worse wounds than this." $AO raises an eyebrow. "Well, congratulations, tough <<if $LL is "Leire">>girl<<else>>guy<</if>>, but there's no need to add another scar to the list. Now stay still and let me work." "Come on. It's not necessary." "$LL, please. It would put me at ease," $AL interjects softly. The silent plea in $ALhis_her eyes makes $LL let out a sigh and stop resisting. "Fine. But hurry up, will you?" "I'm almost done, don't worry," $AO says. $AOHis_Her magic travels from $AOhis_her fingers to the cut on $LL's shoulder while $AL and you watch intently as the wound finishes closing. Shortly after, the glow in $AO's hands fades. Everyone turns their attention to $LL's wound -or rather, its absence. Only a barely visible trace remains on $LLhis_her shoulder. "There, it's done. Or rather, gone," $AO declares with satisfaction. "Thanks, $AO," $AL says softly. "It's always a pleasure, $Al_Lavi," the doctor replies with a nod before standing up. Then $AOhe_she stretches while letting out a groan. "Alright, I'm going to see if I can find a spot to lie down without something digging into my side. But first, I'll see if I can get rid of all the sand stuck to my ass. Behave." $AOHe_She throws a look at $LL, pointing a finger at $LLhim_her. "And you, don't overdo it. Got it?" $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes. "I won't." $AO ignores $LLhis_her reaction and turns to you and $AL. "Keep an eye on $LLhim_her," $AOhe_she says in a warning tone, to which $LL lets out a frustrated grunt. [[Continue|190NROF]]

"It doesn't matter how many times you've been through this, $LL. We don't want you getting hurt again," you say, frowning at $LLhis_her refusal to accept help. $LL sighs, looking away. "You're overreacting. It's just a scratch." $AL's voice is quiet, tinged with a sadness $ALhe_she can't hide. "Maybe to you. But not to us. Please." The siblings hold each other's gaze for a moment. The silent plea in $AL's eyes makes $LL let out a sigh and stop resisting. "Fine. But hurry up, will you?" $AO takes advantage of the silence to continue $AOhis_her work. $AOHis_Her magic flows from $AOhis_her fingers to the wound on $LL's shoulder as you watch closely, seeing how it gradually closes. After a while, when $LL's wound is almost healed, $AL shifts $ALhis_her gaze away from $LLhis_her shoulder and looks at you. $ALHis_Her expression hardens again, $ALhis_her brow furrowing with renewed concern. "You should get treated too, $name." You blink at $ALhim_her. "Huh?" "Your back," $ALhe_she says, pointing to the back of your shoulder. "You're injured too." A stinging sensation spreads across the left side of your back, right over your shoulder blade, where the demon had thrown you onto the rocky ground of the market. The scrape you had managed to forget for a few minutes begins to burn again under $AL's gaze. $AO gives your wound a quick glance before refocusing on $LL. "It does look uncomfortable, but it's clearly superficial. I'll heal it once I'm done with Red." "I can lend a hand if you'd like." Wearing a kind smile that deepens the dimples in $MIhis_her cheeks, $MI approaches your group, $MIhis_her hands raised and glowing faintly with the pulses of $MIhis_her own magic.<<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if he doesn't mind."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if she doesn't mind."<<else>> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if they don't mind."<</if>> * [["Let " + $MI + " heal you"|187NRONFa]] * [["Refuse " + $MIhis_her + " offer"|187NRONFb]]

You place your hands on your hips and give $LLhim_her a warning look. "$LL, I know you hate being told what to do, but could you, just this once, not argue with the person trying to help you?" $AO crosses $AOhis_her arms and nods. "Especially when that person could easily use magic to pin you in place." $AOHe_She smirks. "I'm only holding back because I love you, Red, but I'm not ruling it out if you keep complaining and giving your healer a hard time." $LL huffs, throwing $LLhis_her head back in frustration. "I'm not arguing with anyone, I'm just saying it's not necessary." "$LL, please. It would put me at ease," $AL interjects softly. The siblings hold each other's gaze for a moment. The silent plea in $AL's eyes makes $LL let out a sigh and stop resisting. "Fine. But hurry up, will you?" $AO takes advantage of the silence to continue $AOhis_her work. $AOHis_Her magic flows from $AOhis_her fingers to the wound on $LL's shoulder as you watch closely, seeing how it gradually closes. After a while, when $LL's wound is almost healed, $AL shifts $ALhis_her gaze away from $LLhis_her shoulder and looks at you. $ALHis_Her expression hardens again, $ALhis_her brow furrowing with renewed concern. "You should get treated too, $name." You blink at $ALhim_her. "Huh?" "Your back," $ALhe_she says, pointing to the back of your shoulder. "You're injured too." A stinging sensation spreads across the left side of your back, right over your shoulder blade, where the demon had thrown you onto the rocky ground of the market. The scrape you had managed to forget for a few minutes begins to burn again under $AL's gaze. $AO gives your wound a quick glance before refocusing on $LL. "It does look uncomfortable, but it's clearly superficial. I'll heal it once I'm done with Red." "I can lend a hand if you'd like." Wearing a kind smile that deepens the dimples in $MIhis_her cheeks, $MI approaches your group, $MIhis_her hands raised and glowing faintly with the pulses of $MIhis_her own magic.<<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if he doesn't mind."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if she doesn't mind."<<else>> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if they don't mind."<</if>> * [["Let " + $MI + " heal you"|187NRONFa]] * [["Refuse " + $MIhis_her + " offer"|187NRONFb]]

"Stop acting tough and just stay still, $LL." $LLHe_She looks at you like you've just said the stupidest thing in the world. "I'm not acting tough. I'm fine." You clench your jaw, irritation mixing with worry. "No, you're not. If it were anyone else, they'd be screaming from the pain. But no, you'd rather pretend it's nothing. To prove what, exactly?" $LL falls silent for a second. Long enough for $AL to exchange a concerned glance with you, sensing the tension building. Finally, $LL huffs and looks away. "I don't need to be protected." "That's not the point. I'm just reminding you that you're human, and sometimes it's better to accept help instead of pretending you don't need it." $LL opens $LLhis_her mouth to argue, but then $AL gently places a hand on $LLhis_her back. "$LL, please. It would put me at ease," $ALhe_she says softly. The siblings hold each other's gaze for a moment. The silent plea in $AL's eyes makes $LL let out a sigh and stop resisting. "Fine. But hurry up, will you?" $AO takes advantage of the silence to continue $AOhis_her work. $AOHis_Her magic flows from $AOhis_her fingers to the wound on $LL's shoulder as you watch closely, seeing how it gradually closes. After a while, when $LL's wound is almost healed, $AL shifts $ALhis_her gaze away from $LLhis_her shoulder and looks at you. $ALHis_Her expression hardens again, $ALhis_her brow furrowing with renewed concern. "You should get treated too, $name." You blink at $ALhim_her. "Huh?" "Your back," $ALhe_she says, pointing to the back of your shoulder. "You're injured too." A stinging sensation spreads across the left side of your back, right over your shoulder blade, where the demon had thrown you onto the rocky ground of the market. The scrape you had managed to forget for a few minutes begins to burn again under $AL's gaze. $AO gives your wound a quick glance before refocusing on $LL. "It does look uncomfortable, but it's clearly superficial. I'll heal it once I'm done with Red." "I can lend a hand if you'd like." Wearing a kind smile that deepens the dimples in $MIhis_her cheeks, $MI approaches your group, $MIhis_her hands raised and glowing faintly with the pulses of $MIhis_her own magic.<<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if he doesn't mind."<<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if she doesn't mind."<<else>> "Healing that shouldn't be difficult. And you've already used a lot of energy on that wound," the $MImerman_mermaid says, gesturing toward $LL's shoulder. "I can take care of $name, if they don't mind."<</if>> * [["Let " + $MI + " heal you"|187NRONFa]] * [["Refuse " + $MIhis_her + " offer"|187NRONFb]]

You arch your back, letting out a grunt before answering, "Honestly, that would be appreciated." With your approval, $MI moves behind you. "Lower your tunic a little, please." <<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>You do as he says while you begin to hear the whisper of his magic travelling through his fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. A gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, given that Mako himself has his torso uncovered. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so he can work. <</if>> <<else>>You do as $MIhe_she says while you begin to hear the whisper of $MIhis_her magic travelling through $MIhis_her fingers. You lower the strap from your shoulder, holding the front of your garment to avoid exposing your torso completely. <<if $hair is "Long" or $hair is "Very long">> You also move your long hair aside, clearing the area so $MIhe_she can work. <</if>> <</if>>$MI brings $MIhis_her hands closer, stopping just above your skin without actually touching you. The warmth of $MIhis_her magic begins to spread over the wound, soothing the sting with a comforting sense of calm. In contrast to the cold environment, the warmth is almost welcoming. The pain slowly subsides, leaving behind a slight tingling sensation. "I must say, the way you all faced those demons was admirable," $MI suddenly remarks, reminding you that others are present. "Your clan must have had excellent warriors." "Some more impulsive than others, I won't lie," $AO replies with an amused smile, shooting a meaningful look at $LL. The warrior simply raises an eyebrow. $MI lets out a short chuckle. "Even so, it's impressive how quickly you adapt to an unknown enemy." [[Continue|188NRONFa]]

You glance at your shoulder, where the reddened, hot skin throbs with a dull pain. The grains of sand clinging to the wound seem to mock your attempts to ignore them. <<if $job is "Doctor">>"No, thanks, I'm fine," you reply, refocusing on $MI with a shake of your head. "This is nothing. Besides, I can do it myself. Treating wounds like these was part of my job before coming here." <<else>>"No, thanks, I'm fine," you reply, refocusing on $MI with a shake of your head. "This is nothing. Besides, as $AO already said, it's just a superficial wound. It's not important." <</if>>"All right," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. "If you say you don't need me, I believe you." $MIHe_She gives the group a smile. "I'm glad you're all okay, but please, don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. I'll be nearby, with Salva." You nod and watch as $MIhe_she turns to leave, heading towards $MIhis_her friend. Shortly after, the glow in $AO's hands fades. Everyone turns their attention to $LL's wound, or rather, its absence. Only a barely visible trace remains on $LLhis_her shoulder. "And that's done too. Or rather, gone," $AO declares with satisfaction. "Thanks, $AO," $AL says softly. "It's always a pleasure, $Al_Lavi," the doctor replies with a nod before turning to you. "Your turn, $name." [[Continue|188NRONFb]]

Eventually, the $MImerman_mermaid lifts $MIhis_her hand from your back. "Done, the wound is healed. How do you feel?" "Better, thanks," you reply with a small smile. $MI steps back, $MIhis_her smile still in place. "If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask me." You nod and watch as $MIhe_she turns to leave, heading towards Salva. Shortly after, the glow in $AO's hands fades. Everyone turns their attention to $LL's wound -or rather, its absence. Only a barely visible trace remains on $LLhis_her shoulder. "And that's done too. Or rather, gone," $AO declares with satisfaction. "Thanks, $AO," $AL says softly. "It's always a pleasure, $Al_Lavi," the doctor replies with a nod before standing up. Then $AOhe_she stretches while letting out a groan. "Alright, I'm going to see if I can find a spot to lie down without something digging into my side. But first, I'll see if I can get rid of all the sand stuck to my ass. Behave." $AOHe_She throws a look at $LL, pointing a finger at $LLhim_her. "And you, don't overdo it. Got it?" $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes. "I won't." $AO ignores $LLhis_her reaction and turns to you and $AL. "Keep an eye on $LLhim_her," $AOhe_she says in a warning tone, to which $LL lets out a frustrated grunt. [[Continue|189NRONF]]

Healing your wound is much easier and faster than $LL's. Just a couple of minutes pass before the discomfort slowly fades away, leaving only a faint tingling sensation. "There, now you're all perfect," $AO says when $AOhe_she's done, placing $AOhis_her hands on $AOhis_her waist with satisfaction. "Thanks, $AO," you reply with a slight smile. "Thank me by keeping injuries to a minimum. I'm not as young as I used to be." Then $AOhe_she stretches while letting out a groan. "All right, I'm going to see if I can find a spot to lie down without something digging into my side. But first, I'll see if I can get rid of all the sand stuck to my ass. Behave." $AOHe_She throws a look at $LL, pointing a finger at $LLhim_her. "And you, don't overdo it. Got it?" $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes. "I won't." $AO ignores $LLhis_her reaction and turns to you and $AL. "Keep an eye on $LLhim_her," $AOhe_she says in a warning tone, to which $LL lets out a frustrated grunt. [[Continue|189NRONF]]

Worry makes you frown, and you rise from your seat with the intention of approaching your friends. But before you can take a step, someone interrupts you. "Do you need help?" You turn to find $MI, approaching with calm steps and a slight smile. Though $MIhis_her expression is kind, you notice the fatigue etched in the fine lines around $MIhis_her eyes. "Your clanmates are well taken care of, and luckily, Salva doesn't have a single scratch. You're the only one left," $MIhe_she comments in a soft tone. $MIHe_She raises $MIhis_her hand slightly. "May I?" A sting runs across the left side of your back, just above the shoulder blade, where the demon had thrown you against the rocky ground of the market. The scrape you'd managed to forget for a few minutes begins to burn again.<<if $flirt is true>> $MI's hand remains extended, waiting for your response. $MIHis_Her eyes shine with something more than just simple concern; there's a warmth in them that you can't ignore.<</if>> * [[I'd appreciate it|186RGa]] * [[I'm fine, it's nothing|186RGb]] * <<if $job is "Doctor">>[[I can do it myself|186RGc]]<<else>>==I can do it myself==<</if>> * [[I don't like to be coddled|186RGd]] * <<if $fling is true>>[[You couldn't wait, huh?|186RGe]]<<else>>==You couldn't wait, huh?==<</if>>

Your eyes remain fixed on $RG as your heartbeat pounds in your ears with a deafening sound. You stay still, giving $MI permission to continue. <<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>The merman's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel him slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed, a gesture that is more automatic than out of embarrassment, since Mako has his torso uncovered. His touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <<else>>The $MImerman_mermaid's hand brushes your skin with a gentleness that contrasts with the harshness of the world around you. You feel $MIhim_her slide the strap of your garment down, while you hold the front so as not to leave your torso completely exposed. $MIHis_Her touch, firm and warm with all the moisture surrounding you, sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. <</if>><<if $height is "Short">>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your ear. <<else>>"Are you okay? I don't want to bother you," $MIhe_she asks softly, $MIhis_her breath brushing against your back. <</if>>"Y-yeah, all good, don't worry," you reply, though you barely pay attention to $MIhim_her. Your mind is elsewhere, on someone else. $RG. Your gaze remains locked on the $RGgod_goddess, on how $RGhis_her very presence seems to command the space without even trying. Your heart stumbles when $RG turns $RGhis_her head toward Nauzet. It clenches, an echo in your chest screaming desperately: //Look at me, look at me.// Maybe what you're doing is petty, but right now, you don't care in the slightest. You crave something. //Anything//. Any type of reaction. But $RG doesn't look at you. Disappointment crashes over you like a bucket of cold water when, instead of turning toward you and $MI, $RG fully turns $RGhis_her back on you, pointing at something beyond the barrier. You frown. Does $RGhe_she not notice, or is $RGhe_she choosing to ignore your emotions completely? Or worse… //"…Does $RGhe_she not care?"// The one who //does// turn his head toward you while $RG keeps talking is Nauzet. And gods, he does //not// look happy. The merman god shoots you a sharp, piercing glare that could kill you if he wanted to, followed by another from Enid when she notices what Nauzet is looking at, and why. But luckily for you, it lasts only a moment before they both decide to ignore you again, dismissing you before their disdain drowns you. "You seem tense, $name. Am I hurting you?" $MI's voice breaks the moment and pulls you back to the present. You blink, realizing that the $MImerman_mermaid's hand is still moving gently along your back, now almost like a caress. $MIHis_Her magic has erased the sting of the scrape, but it can't erase the shame burning in your chest. "Oh? No, no. I, uh… I was just thinking about something else," you finally answer, forcing a smile that barely looks like one. "Ah, I see." $MI pulls $MIhis_her hand back slightly but still keeps it hovering over your wound, focused on finishing the healing. "Is that why you were out here alone? Did you need some time to yourself and your thoughts?" $MIHis_Her tone is understanding, almost as if $MIhe_she knows what you're feeling. But it doesn't matter. Because even if $MIhis_her warmth is comforting, $MIhe_she's not the one you truly need a reaction from. * [[Something like that|188RGa]] * [[I needed to think|188RGb]] * [[I like being alone. It's comforting|188RGc]] * [[Maybe I was hoping you'd approach?|188RGd][$RGjealous to true]]

It's tempting, you won't lie. $RG's evasiveness keeps driving you insane, especially when you're sure $RGhe_she feels the same way about you. And you're so desperate for a clear response that you'd even consider making $RGhim_her jealous out of sheer spite. But being that petty won't get you anywhere. It wouldn't be fair to $MI or to yourself. And, as much as you hate to admit it right now, it wouldn't be fair to $RG either. "I'll do it," you finally say. $MI steps back, removing $MIhis_her hand from your shoulder. "Of course. Forgive my boldness." <<if $gender is "Male" and $MI is "Mako">>You slide the strap of your garment down while holding the front in place with your other hand to avoid fully exposing your torso, more out of habit than embarrassment, since Mako himself is shirtless. Then, the merman moves his hand closer to your skin, though this time he doesn't touch you, keeping it suspended in the air as the warmth of his magic spreads over the scraped area. Within seconds, the sting begins to fade away little by little. <<else>>You slide the strap of your garment down while holding the front in place with your other hand to avoid fully exposing your torso. Then, $MI moves $MIhis_her hand closer to your skin, though this time $MIhe_she doesn't touch you, keeping it suspended in the air as the warmth of $MIhis_her magic spreads over the scraped area. Within seconds, the sting begins to fade away little by little. <</if>>Your gaze drifts toward $RG for a moment, and something catches your attention. //"…Is it just my imagination, or does $RGhe_she look less tense than before?"// "Why are you here alone, $name? Did you need a moment for yourself and your thoughts?" The question catches you off guard, almost startling you since you were so lost in staring at the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess. But you quickly compose yourself, clearing your throat silently. * [[Something like that|188RGa]] * [[I needed to think|188RGb]] * [[I like being alone. It's comforting|188RGc]] * [[Maybe I was hoping you'd approach?|188RGd][$RGjealous to true]]

"...Something like that," you finally reply after taking another look at $RG. $MI doesn't insist or ask for details. $MIHis_Her hand remains hovering near your back, radiating a faint warmth that accompanies $MIhis_her words. "Overthinking can be exhausting. Sometimes, sharing what we carry inside helps more than we think." You manage a weak smile, barely a gesture that disappears as quickly as it appeared. "Maybe. But it's not always easy." "Because you don't want to worry anyone?" "Because it's not necessary," you correct, lifting your chin slightly. "We all have our own problems, don't we? I'm not going to add more weight to their shoulders." "That's admirable. But also dangerous. Sooner or later, the weight becomes too much for one person alone, even for the strongest," $MIhe_she says. <<if $MIdialogue is true>>You laugh, this time with more sincerity. "This conversation sounds familiar. Haven't we had it before, but the other way around?" $MI laughs with you. "I think we have. I guess it's not as simple a topic as it might seem." You shrug. "It's a matter of perspective." "True." <</if>>[[Continue|189RG]]

"I just needed to think for a bit after everything that happened," you reply, your gaze drifting to the ground. $MI doesn't insist or ask for details. $MIHis_Her hand remains hovering near your back, radiating a faint warmth that accompanies $MIhis_her words. "Overthinking can be exhausting. Sometimes, sharing what we carry inside helps more than we think." You manage a weak smile, barely a gesture that disappears as quickly as it appeared. "Maybe. But it's not always easy." "Because you don't want to worry anyone?" "Because it's not necessary," you correct, lifting your chin slightly. "We all have our own problems, don't we? I'm not going to add more weight to their shoulders." "That's admirable. But also dangerous. Sooner or later, the weight becomes too much for one person alone, even for the strongest," $MIhe_she says. <<if $MIdialogue is true>>You laugh, this time with more sincerity. "This conversation sounds familiar. Haven't we had it before, but the other way around?" $MI laughs with you. "I think we have. I guess it's not as simple a topic as it might seem." You shrug. "It's a matter of perspective." "True." <</if>>[[Continue|189RG]]

"Or maybe I was hoping a <<if $MI is "Mako">>handsome merman<<else>>beautiful mermaid<</if>> would approach so we could be alone for a while," you reply, adding a playful smile to your teasing tone. <<if $flirt is true and $fling is true>>"Oh, really?" $MI chuckles softly, and the mischief in $MIhis_her voice is impossible to ignore. $MIHe_She steps even closer, so near that you can feel the warmth of $MIhis_her chest almost pressed against your back. "Just wait until we're truly alone, $name. I know this Grotto from when I did my pilgrimage through this part of the ocean. There are a couple of hidden chambers where no one will disturb us." <<if $MItouch is true>>$MIHis_Her whisper is warm, almost hypnotic, and the slight brush of $MIhis_her thumb against your skin sends a shiver down your spine. But something inside you, an impulse too strong to ignore, forces you to turn your gaze toward the entrance of the massive cave, where $RG still stands. <<else>>$MIHis_Her voice caresses your ears, every word laced with a seduction that makes you shudder. But something inside you, an impulse too strong to ignore, makes you shift your gaze toward the entrance of the cave, where $RG still stands. <</if>>A sharp pang of guilt pierces your chest and knocks the air out of you. You have no idea where Nauzet and Enid might have gone, nor do you care. What does matter is seeing $RG there, at the edge of the barrier, alone. And looking at you. You can't hold $RGhis_her gaze for more than a couple of seconds, but those fleeting moments are enough to etch the sadness in $RGhis_her violet eyes into your memory. It's a feeling that crushes you, but what truly disarms you is the genuine understanding you see in them. <<if $feelingsRG is true>>//"What the hell am I doing?"// you reproach yourself. <<else>>//"I'm not doing anything wrong. So why the hell do I feel like this?"// you wonder. But deep down, you already know the answer, even if you're not ready to admit it yet. <</if>>"Are you okay, $name?" $MI asks, breaking the silence with a voice filled with concern. $MIHe_She takes a step back, as if sensing your discomfort. "If I said something wrong-" "No, it's not you, it's just…" You swallow hard, trying in vain to erase the image of $RG from your mind. "Now's not a good time." $MI stays silent for a few seconds. You don't look at $MIhim_her, but you can imagine $MIhim_her nodding slightly. "You're right, forgive me. Now is neither the time nor the place." //"No, it definitely isn't,"// you think, struggling against the urge to glance back at the barrier, knowing that $RG is still there, watching. <<elseif $flirt is true and $fling is false>>"Oh, really?" $MI chuckles softly, and the playful edge in $MIhis_her tone is impossible to ignore. "Tell me, then, does the $MImerman_mermaid who ended up approaching live up to your expectations?" You glance at $MIhim_her over your shoulder. "In fact, $MIhe_she surpasses them." "Good to know." $MIHis_Her words are accompanied by a faint smile, one brimming with a seduction that makes you shiver. You respond with an even more playful smirk of your own, but then, an impulse too strong to ignore makes you shift your gaze toward the entrance of the cave, where $RG still stands. A sharp pang of guilt pierces your chest and knocks the air out of you. You have no idea where Nauzet and Enid might have gone, nor do you care. What does matter is seeing $RG there, at the edge of the barrier, alone. And looking at you. You can't hold $RGhis_her gaze for more than a couple of seconds, but those fleeting moments are enough to etch the sadness in $RGhis_her violet eyes into your memory. It's a feeling that crushes you, but what truly disarms you is the genuine understanding you see in them. <<if $feelingsRG is true>>//"What the hell am I doing?"// you reproach yourself. <<else>>//"I'm not doing anything wrong. So why the hell do I feel like this?"// you wonder. But deep down, you already know the answer, even if you're not ready to admit it yet. <</if>>"Are you okay, $name? Did I hurt you?" $MI asks, breaking the silence with a voice filled with concern as you feel $MIhim_her slightly pull $MIhis_her hand away from the scrape. You clear your throat, trying in vain to erase the image of $RG from your mind. "No, don't worry. It was just… a small discomfort, nothing more." $MI hums in understanding, extending $MIhis_her magic over your skin again. "I see. Don't worry, I'm almost done healing your wound." "Thanks…" you murmur, struggling against the urge to glance back at the barrier, knowing that $RG is still there, watching. <<elseif $flirt is false and $fling is false>>$MI stays silent for a few seconds longer than you expected, enough that you start worrying you might have said something wrong. But just as you're about to explain that it was only a joke, you hear $MIhim_her laugh. "Oh, I see. I get what you're trying to do," $MIhe_she says, making you turn your head to meet $MIhis_her gaze with a confused frown, and you're met with an understanding smile you never would have expected. $MI nods toward the entrance of the cave. "You're trying to make your friend jealous. The tall one, right?" You follow the direction of $MIhis_her gesture and find $RG standing in the same spot as before, near the barrier $MIhe_she and Nauzet prepared. But now, $RGhe_she's alone, looking at you with a sadness that crushes you. And the worst part, without a doubt, is the understanding you can read in $RGhis_her violet eyes. <<if $feelingsRG is true>>You can't hold $RGhis_her gaze for more than a couple of seconds, but those fleeting moments are enough to etch that face into your memory. "...Is it that obvious?" you murmur, keeping your eyes fixed on the ground as you struggle against the urge to glance back at the barrier. "A little," $MI answers after breathing out a small chuckle. "I've noticed the way $RGhe_she looks at you. And I've also noticed the way you look at $RGhim_her." "I'm sorry," you say, feeling ashamed of yourself. <<else>>You swallow the pang in your chest and shift your gaze to the ground, though $RGhis_her expression is already burned into your mind and reflecting in the stone below. "...I don't know what you're talking about," you finally reply. Even you don't believe those words. <</if>>The silence that settles between you stretches on, dense and uncomfortable for you. $MI finally breaks it, $MIhis_her voice softer. "May I give you some advice, $name?" You look at $MIhim_her, nodding slowly. "Go ahead." "I don't know what your situation is, so take this with a grain of salt, but…" $MIHis_Her words trail off for a moment, as if searching for the right ones. It doesn't take $MIhim_her long to find them. "Don't waste your time on someone who isn't willing to be with you." The laugh that escapes you is bitter. "That's easier said than done." "I know," $MIhe_she replies. And that's where the conversation ends. <<elseif $fling2 is false>><<if $MI is "Mako" and $RG is "Rayco">>"Right. But I'm not the merman you were expecting, am I?" <<elseif $MI is "Mako" and $RG is "Gara">>"Don't you mean a //mermaid//?" <<elseif $MI is "Iasa" and $RG is "Rayco">>"Don't you mean a //merman//?" <<else>>"Right. But I'm not the mermaid you were expecting, am I?" <</if>>$MIHis_Her kind and understanding tone catches you completely off guard. Even more so, the faint smile on $MIhis_her lips when you turn to meet $MIhis_her gaze. $MI nods toward the entrance of the Grotto. "Your friend. The tall one. $RGHe_She's the one you want, am I wrong?" $MIhe_she asks after a soft chuckle. You follow the direction of $MIhis_her gesture and find $RG in the same spot as before, near the barrier $MIhe_she and Nauzet prepared, now standing there alone, giving you a look filled with sadness that crushes you. But the worst part, without a doubt, is the understanding you see in $RGhis_her violet eyes. That acceptance hurts more than any reproach ever could. <<if $feelingsRG is true>>Your throat goes dry. You can't hold $RGhis_her gaze for more than a couple of seconds, but those moments are enough to etch $RGhis_her expression into your memory. "...Is it that obvious?" you murmur, keeping your eyes fixed on the ground while you fight the urge to look back at the barrier. "A little," $MI answers after breathing out a small chuckle. "I've noticed the way $RGhe_she looks at you. And I've also noticed the way you look at $RGhim_her." "I'm sorry," you say, feeling more ashamed of yourself than ever. "You told me there was already someone in your life." $MIHis_Her tone carries no reproach, only a soft curiosity that cuts deeper than it should. "But from the way you look at each other and how careful you are with one another, it doesn't seem that way." <<else>>You feel a sharp sting in your chest, but you swallow it down, shifting your gaze to the ground. Even so, $RG's image remains burned into your mind and reflecting in the stone below. "...I don't know what you're talking about," you finally say. The words sound empty even to you. "I think you do." $MI's tone doesn't change. There's no mockery, nor judgment, only infinite patience, which somehow makes it even harder to bear. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have told me a few days ago that you were already with someone. But from the way you two look at each other and how careful you are when you interact… that doesn't seem to be the case." <</if>>You sigh, the weight of the conversation pressing down on you. "I… I don't know why I said that," you admit at last. You shake your head in frustration. "It just came out. I didn't think about it." The silence that settles between you stretches on, dense and uncomfortable for you. $MI finally breaks it, $MIhis_her voice softer. "May I give you some advice, $name?" You look at $MIhim_her, nodding slowly. "Go ahead." "I don't know what your situation is, so take this with a grain of salt, but…" $MIHis_Her words trail off for a moment, as if searching for the right ones. It doesn't take $MIhim_her long to find them. "Don't waste your time on someone who isn't willing to be with you." The laugh that escapes you is bitter. "That's easier said than done." "I know," $MIhe_she replies. And that's where the conversation ends. <</if>>[[Continue|189RG]]

Eventually, $MI removes $MIhis_her hand from your back. "Done, the wound is healed. How do you feel?" <<if $RGjealous is true and $flirt is false or $RGjealous is true and $fling2 is false>>"Better. Thanks," you reply, trying to keep your voice steady, though the knot in your chest becomes harder to ignore. $MI steps back, $MIhis_her faint smile still present. "If you need anything, $name, I'll be nearby." You nod and watch as $MIhe_she turns around, but just before walking away completely, $MIhe_she stops and throws one last glance at you. "By the way, if I were $RGhim_her, I wouldn't hesitate. Not in the world we live in, where death lurks around every corner." You don't respond to that, you just keep staring into $MIhis_her eyes until $MIhe_she resumes $MIhis_her walk and heads off to join Salva, leaving you alone once more. Your eyes inevitably go back to $RG. This time, you see $RGhim_her leaning against a rock with $RGhis_her arms crossed and eyes closed. Something inside you twists. //"Why keep waiting for something I know will never come?"// You ask yourself the question, but the answer continues to evade you, or maybe you just don't want to admit it yet. You turn around and head deeper into the cave, hoping that the distance might silence the pain. It doesn't. <<else>>"Better. Thanks," you reply with a faint smile. $MI steps back, $MIhis_her faint smile still present. "If you need anything, $name, I'll be nearby." You nod and watch $MIhim_her as $MIhe_she turns to leave to join Salva, leaving you alone once again. Your eyes inevitably go back to $RG. This time, you see $RGhim_her leaning against a rock with $RGhis_her arms crossed and eyes closed. Then, as if $RGhe_she felt your gaze on $RGhim_her, $RG opens $RGhis_her eyes and catches your glance from the corner of $RGhis_her eye. A faint smile curves $RGhis_her lips, one that sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. You can't help but return it before turning around and heading into the cave to join the rest of your companions. <</if>>[[Continue|190RG]]

<<if $gender is "Male" or $chest is "chest">>You intend to join them and offer a hand to help $LL. That is, until someone presses a hand on your chest to stop you from taking a step forward. <<else>>You intend to join them and offer a hand to help $LL. That is, until someone presses a hand at the level of your collarbone to stop you from taking a step forward. <</if>>"Stop right there. I know that look, and as your doctor, I don't like it one bit." You look at $AO at your side, who shoots you a surprisingly unamused look. "Look? What look?" "The one you always make when you downplay your own well-being to help others," $AOhe_she replies, raising an eyebrow. "Honestly, it gets on my nerves." "But $LL is-" "Red is being well taken care of," $AOhe_she interrupts, lowering $AOhis_her hand. "I already made sure to remove any traces of poison from $LLhis_her body earlier, so $LLhe_she's out of danger." You let out a sigh of relief. "That's good, at least." "Yeah, but that…" $AOHe_She gestures to your shoulder. "Looks like it hurts too. Figured I'd make use of a bit of my magic touch to save you from a very uncomfortable rest." A sting spreads across the left side of your back, right over your shoulder blade, where the demon had thrown you against the rocky floor of the market. The scrape you had managed to forget for a few minutes begins to burn again.<<if $feelingsAO is true>> $AO flashes a smirk. "Not that the whole all scrapped up look doesn't look good on you, $name, but I prefer you nice and healthy."<<elseif $AOSex is true>> <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">> $AO flashes a smirk. "Not that the whole all scrapped up look doesn't look good on you, handsome, but I prefer you nice and healthy." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">> $AO flashes a smirk. "Not that the whole all scrapped up look doesn't look good on you, beautiful, but I prefer you nice and healthy." <<else>> $AO flashes a smirk. "Not that the whole all scrapped up look doesn't look good on you, gorgeous, but I prefer you nice and healthy." <</if>><<else>> $AO flashes a smirk. "Not that the whole all scrapped up look doesn't look good on you, sweetie, but I prefer you nice and healthy."<</if>> * [[Do your thing|186AOa]] * [[It's just a scratch|186AOb]] * [[You're just looking for an excuse to touch me|186AOc]] * <<if $job is "Doctor">>[[I can do it myself|186AOd]]<<else>>==I can do it myself==<</if>> * [[I don't like to be coddled|186AOe]]

$AO's words pull a laugh from you, light and genuine, easing some of the tension coiling in your chest. "I'd rather be in one piece too, so do your thing." To your surprise, $AOhis_her usual smirk fades, replaced by an unexpectedly soft smile that feels as warm as sunlight, breaking through the cold of the watery world. $AOHis_Her eyes, half-hidden beneath long lashes, glint with an emotion you can't quite name but can't help but feel drawn to. "Good," $AOhe_she says, $AOhis_her voice gentler than before. "That would put my mind at ease." "To put your mind at ease?" you ask as you lock your gaze with <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>>. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>The warmth in $AOhis_her tone, the way $AOhis_her brow furrows slightly when $AOhe_she worries even when $AOhe_she tries to hide it under a playful grin… It's all too familiar, and it's dangerous how much you crave it. You wonder if $AOhe_she realises what $AOhe_she does to you with those moments of care, the moments that make you wish for something more. <<else>>There's something about the way $AO looks at you, $AOhis_her teasing replaced with genuine worry, that makes your chest tighten. It's not the first time $AOhe_she's fussed over you like this, and $AOhe_she does it with all of your friends as well. But this time, $AOhis_her words hit differently, stirring emotions you can't quite name. You chalk it up to exhaustion or the aftermath of the battle. That has to be it, nothing more. ...Right? <</if>>$AO shrugs, a tiny smile curving $AOhis_her lips that doesn't quite reach $AOhis_her eyes. "You know me. I'm selfish." [[Continue|187AO]]

$AO's words pull a laugh from you, light and genuine, easing some of the tension coiling in your chest. "Thanks for the concern, but I'm fine, $AO. It's just a scratch." $AO crosses $AOhis_her arms, levelling you with a pointed look. "Sure, just a scratch. Except I know you, $name, and your definition of 'fine' is always one broken bone away from a complete disaster." You huff, unable to stop the small smile creeping onto your face. "It's really not that bad." $AOHis_Her eyes narrow, and $AOhe_she steps closer, tilting $AOhis_her head as if examining you more thoroughly. "You realise I can literally see the torn skin under all that sand, right? You can't fool me." "$AO-" "Please," $AOhe_she interrupts again, $AOhis_her voice softer as concern etches on $AOhis_her features now. "It would put my mind at ease if you'd let me heal you." "To put your mind at ease?" you ask as you lock your gaze with <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>>. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>The warmth in $AOhis_her tone, the way $AOhis_her brow furrows slightly when $AOhe_she worries even when $AOhe_she tries to hide it under a playful grin… It's all too familiar, and it's dangerous how much you crave it. You wonder if $AOhe_she realises what $AOhe_she does to you with those moments of care, the moments that make you wish for something more. <<else>>There's something about the way $AO looks at you, $AOhis_her teasing replaced with genuine worry, that makes your chest tighten. It's not the first time $AOhe_she's fussed over you like this, and $AOhe_she does it with all of your friends as well. But this time, $AOhis_her words hit differently, stirring emotions you can't quite name. You chalk it up to exhaustion or the aftermath of the battle. That has to be it, nothing more. ...Right? <</if>>$AO shrugs, a tiny smile curving $AOhis_her lips that doesn't quite reach $AOhis_her eyes. "You know me. I'm selfish." [[Continue|187AO]]

$AO's words pull a laugh from you, light and genuine, easing some of the tension coiling in your chest. You can't help but to throw her a flirty look."Admit it, $AO. You're just looking for an excuse to touch me." <<if $AOSex is true>><<if $gender is "Male" or "FTM">> $AO leans in slightly, $AOhis_her voice dropping to a conspirational murmur. "If I wanted to touch you, I wouldn't need an excuse, would I, handsome?" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or "MTF">>$AO leans in slightly, $AOhis_her voice dropping to a conspirational murmur. "If I wanted to touch you, I wouldn't need an excuse, would I, beatutiful?" <<Else>> $AO leans in slightly, $AOhis_her voice dropping to a conspirational murmur. "If I wanted to touch you, I wouldn't need an excuse, would I, gorgeous?" <</if>>$AOHis_Her words send a spark of heat up your neck, but you manage to hold $AOhis_her gaze as you raise an eyebrow. "So I'm right, then? This has nothing to do with wanted to keep me healthy?" $AO chuckles, though the sound doesn't seem as genuine as it usually is. "Can't it be both?" $AOhe_she says, maintaining $AOhis_her smirk for a second longer before softening $AOhis_her expression. "Seriously, though, it's just to put my mind at ease." <<elseif $feelingsAO is true>>$AO gasps dramatically, placing a hand over $AOhis_her chest. "How dare you! You accuse me of taking advantage of my noble work as a healer." "Am I wrong?" you ask with a raised eyebrow. $AOHis_Her smile wavers as $AOhis_her gaze drops to the ground for just a second. When $AOhe_she raises $AOhis_her eyes again to meet yours, all trace of teasing is gone, leaving only a gentle glint of an emotion you can't quite name but can't help feeling drawn to hidden beneath long lashes. "Right now I just want to see you well. Just to put my mind at ease, if nothing else," $AOhe_she ends up saying, her voice softer. <<else>>$AO gasps dramatically, placing a hand over $AOhis_her chest. "How dare you! You accuse me of taking advantage of my noble work as a healer." "Am I wrong?" you ask with a raised eyebrow. $AO chuckles, though the sound doesn't seem as genuine as it usually is. "Can't it be both?" $AOhe_she says, trying, and failing, to keep the smirk on $AOhis_her face as $AOhis_her expression quickly softens. There's a gentle glint of an emotion in $AOhis_her eyes that you can't quite name but can't help feeling drawn to. "Seriously, though, it's just to put my mind at ease." <</if>>"To put your mind at ease?" you ask as you lock your gaze with <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>>. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>The warmth in $AOhis_her tone, the way $AOhis_her brow furrows slightly when $AOhe_she worries even when $AOhe_she tries to hide it under a playful grin… It's all too familiar, and it's dangerous how much you crave it. You wonder if $AOhe_she realises what $AOhe_she does to you with those moments of care, the moments that make you wish for something more. <<else>>There's something about the way $AO looks at you, $AOhis_her teasing replaced with genuine worry, that makes your chest tighten. It's not the first time $AOhe_she's fussed over you like this, and $AOhe_she does it with all of your friends as well. But this time, $AOhis_her words hit differently, stirring emotions you can't quite name. You chalk it up to exhaustion or the aftermath of the battle. That has to be it, nothing more. ...Right? <</if>>$AO shrugs, a tiny smile curving $AOhis_her lips that doesn't quite reach $AOhis_her eyes. "You know me. I'm selfish." [[Continue|187AO]]

<<if $weapon is "Magic">>You glance at your shoulder, where reddened, heated skin throbs with a dull ache. The grains of sand clinging to the wound seem to mock your attempts to ignore them. Cleaning and treating it is going to be tedious, but it's nothing you can't handle. Luckily, your magic will make the job easier. "Don't worry, I can do it myself," you reply, refocusing on $AO and shaking your head slightly. "I'm just as much a doctor as you, remember?" "I know. I've seen first-hand how skilled you are with your magic." $AOHis_Her smile wavers as $AOhis_her gaze drops to the ground for just a second. When $AOhe_she raises $AOhis_her eyes again to meet yours, all trace of teasing is gone, leaving only a gentle glint of an emotion you can't quite name but can't help feeling drawn to, hidden beneath long lashes. "But let me be the one to heal you this time. It would put my mind at ease." <<else>>You glance at your shoulder, where reddened, heated skin throbs with a dull ache. The grains of sand clinging to the wound seem to mock your attempts to ignore them. Cleaning and treating it is going to be tedious, but it's nothing you haven't handled before. "Don't worry, I can do it myself," you reply, refocusing on $AO and shaking your head slightly. "I'm just as much a doctor as you, remember?" "I'm well aware of how good a medic you are, $name. After all, I was the one who trained you." $AOHis_Her smile wavers as $AOhis_her gaze drops to the ground for just a second. When $AOhe_she raises $AOhis_her eyes again to meet yours, all trace of teasing is gone, leaving only a gentle glint of an emotion you can't quite name but can't help feeling drawn to, hidden beneath long lashes. "But let me be the one to heal you this time. It would put my mind at ease." <</if>>"To put your mind at ease?" you ask as you lock your gaze with <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>>. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>The warmth in $AOhis_her tone, the way $AOhis_her brow furrows slightly when $AOhe_she worries even when $AOhe_she tries to hide it under a playful grin… It's all too familiar, and it's dangerous how much you crave it. You wonder if $AOhe_she realises what $AOhe_she does to you with those moments of care, the moments that make you wish for something more. <<else>>There's something about the way $AO looks at you, $AOhis_her teasing replaced with genuine worry, that makes your chest tighten. It's not the first time $AOhe_she's fussed over you like this, and $AOhe_she does it with all of your friends as well. But this time, $AOhis_her words hit differently, stirring emotions you can't quite name. You chalk it up to exhaustion or the aftermath of the battle. That has to be it, nothing more. ...Right? <</if>>$AO shrugs, a tiny smile curving $AOhis_her lips that doesn't quite reach $AOhis_her eyes. "You know me. I'm selfish." [[Continue|187AO]]

You know I don't like to be coddled, $AO. I've had worse injuries, and I can handle this on my own," you reply, frowning slightly. <<if $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>"Only you could interpret an act of kindness as being coddled," $AO says with a tilt of $AOhis_her head. $AOHe_She glances to the side briefly before pointing $AOhis_her thumb in that direction. "Well, you and Red over there. Which, by the way, might be the reason why you two always end up taking the most hits." You follow $AOhis_her gesture, your gaze drifting toward $LL, who is still being tended to by $MI. $AO's words make you pause, a pang of guilt flickering momentarily in your chest. "$LLHe_She doesn't hold back because $LLhe_she cares about everyone else," you mutter, your frown deepening. "Same as me." $AO crosses $AOhis_her arms, $AOhis_her expression softening slightly. "I know that, $name. It's one of the things I admire about you. About you both." $AOHe_She lets out a small sigh, the usual edge of humour in $AOhis_her tone giving way to something more serious. "But it wouldn't kill you to let someone take care of you for once. Or, you know, at least let me do it without making me feel like I'm forcing you into it." You look at $AOhim_her, caught off guard by the vulnerability in $AOhis_her words as $AOhe_she takes another step towards you. <<else>>$AO tilts $AOhis_her head, $AOhis_her expression unreadable for a moment before $AOhis_her lips curl into a wry smile. "Is that so? Well, that's too bad, because today you don't have a choice. <</if>>You raise your hands, trying to stop $AOhim_her as $AOhe_she moves towards you. "$AO, there's no need, really." "Please," $AOhe_she says, and actually begs, as $AOhis_her expression quickly softens. There's a gentle glint of an emotion in $AOhis_her eyes that you can't quite name but can't help feeling drawn to. "Just do me that little favour. To put my mind at ease, if nothing else." "To put your mind at ease?" you ask as you lock your gaze with <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>>. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>The warmth in $AOhis_her tone, the way $AOhis_her brow furrows slightly when $AOhe_she worries even when $AOhe_she tries to hide it under a playful grin… It's all too familiar, and it's dangerous how much you crave it. You wonder if $AOhe_she realises what $AOhe_she does to you with those moments of care, the moments that make you wish for something more. <<else>>There's something about the way $AO looks at you, $AOhis_her teasing replaced with genuine worry, that makes your chest tighten. It's not the first time $AOhe_she's fussed over you like this, and $AOhe_she does it with all of your friends as well. But this time, $AOhis_her words hit differently, stirring emotions you can't quite name. You chalk it up to exhaustion or the aftermath of the battle. That has to be it, nothing more. ...Right? <</if>>$AO shrugs, a tiny smile curving $AOhis_her lips that doesn't quite reach $AOhis_her eyes. "You know me. I'm selfish." [[Continue|187AO]]

Before you have the chance to say anything, $AO raises $AOhis_her hand, the familiar glow of $AOhis_her magic dancing around $AOhis_her fingers as $AOhe_she positions $AOhimself_herself behind you. $AOHe_She places $AOhis_her palm lightly on your shoulder, right under the strap of the tunic, as if testing if $AOhe_she hurts you with it. What $AOhe_she doesn't realise is that the ache in your skin fades almost immediately. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>The touch is not needed at all. $AOHe_She could very well just keep $AOhis_her hand hovering over the wound and let $AOhis_her magic do the rest. You'd question $AOhim_her about it, but you want to enjoy the gentle caress for as long as you can. <<else>>The touch is not needed at all. $AOHe_She could very well just keep $AOhis_her hand hovering over the wound and let $AOhis_her magic do the rest. You'd question $AOhim_her about it, but the gentle massage is actually quite comforting. <</if>>"Thank you, $AO," you murmur as you continue to enjoy the feeling of $AOhis_her fingers gently sliding on your skin. Unfortunately for you, however, it ends faster than you would have liked as $AO withdraws $AOhis_her hand. "There," $AOhe_she says, $AOhis_her tone almost as low as a whisper that makes you turn around. $AO stares thoughtfully at your shoulder for a second, before $AOhe_she raises $AOhis_her gaze to meet yours. "You're good as new, $name." The playfulness is back on $AOhis_her eyes as $AOhe_she shoots you an amused smirk. "Well, almost. You might still have a bruise, but I think you can live with that." You try to not let your disappointment show by rolling your shoulder experimentally. "Thanks, $AO. You truly didn't have to." "Of course I didn't," $AOhe_she replies, $AOhis_her tone teasing as $AOhe_she pokes your chest lightly with a finger. "But what kind of friend would I be if I just let you stumble around half broken? You're welcome by the way." <<if $feelingsAO is true>>You chuckle, hiding yet another wave of disappointment upon hearing the word 'friend'. "Fine, fine. Thank you, $AO." <<else>>You chuckle, shaking your head. "Fine, fine. Thank you, $AO." <</if>>"That's better." $AOHe_She steps back with a nod, the smirk still on $AOhis_her lips. "Now, stay out of trouble for at least the next ten minutes, would you? I'm starting to think you like giving me extra work." [[Continue|188AO]]

"Excuse me, I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" The bubble you had wrapped yourself in with $AO bursts the moment $MI approaches, wearing a kind smile that deepens the dimples in $MIhis_her cheeks. "$MI, how is $LL?" you ask immediately. "Your companion is fine. $LLHisHer life is not in danger, but $LLhe_she should avoid making sudden movements for a couple of days," the $MImerman_mermaid replies. You laugh. "That's going to be difficult." "Not to mention impossible. $LL is allergic to resting," $AO adds. "In a way, I can understand $LLhim_her. I'm also not one to stay still for long if I can be doing something," $MI responds with a chuckle. "$LLHe_She's a tough <<if $LL is "Leire">>mermaid<<else>>merman<</if>>. I'm sure $LLhe_she'll recover in no time." $MIHe_She looks at you. "I approached to see if you needed my assistance, but I see I am not needed anymore." "Sorry, Manehead, but I already took care of it. You have to be faster," $AO replies proudly, flashing a playful smile. $MI laughs again and throws a grateful glance at the doctor. "I'm glad there's another virtuoso in the group. It always boosts morale to have another companion touched by the gods." $AO's expression turns mischievous. "Oh, and you haven't seen anything yet. I'm virtuous in many other things." Your gaze shifts between the two as the atmosphere changes completely, growing heavier. That smile on $AO, so playful and confident, and the way $AOhe_she responds, with that unshakable certainty only $AOhe_she possesses, makes your stomach twist a little. * [[Let jealousy show and intervene|189AOa]] * [[Bite your tongue and swallow your jealousy|189AOb]] * [[You're not really bothered by it|189AOc]]

<<if $feelingsAO is true>>Neither of them seems to notice, but the slight tilt of $MI's head toward $AO and the playful glint in $AOhis_her eyes irritate you more than you'd like to admit. Before you know it, your brow furrows, and a knot tightens in your chest. A clear, unmistakable sense of competition. It's ridiculous, you know that. But the feeling grips you anyway, gnawing at the edges of your thoughts. <<else>>Neither of them seems to notice, but the way $MI tilts his head slightly toward $AO, coupled with the mischievous look on $AOhis_her face, stirs something inside you. A flicker of… competition. The sensation is unwelcome and unsettling, creeping up on you like a shadow. Before you can stop yourself, your brow knits in irritation. The unspoken tension in the air thickens, pressing down on you in a way that feels both irrational and inescapable. <</if>><<if $fling is true>>$MI chuckles softly, $MIhis_her gaze lingering on $AO. "While I don't doubt your abilities..." $MIHe_She turns to you then, a charming smile spreading across $MIhis_her face. "I'm afraid my interests lie elsewhere." <<if $feelingsAO is true>>$AO's eyes dart toward you, and you feel the weight of $AOhis_her attention. Your body tenses, your mind flashing back to your conversation with $MI just days ago. That familiar pang of guilt surfaces again, as sharp as it felt before. For a fleeting moment, you wonder how $AO will react. But then $AOhe_she laughs, $AOhis_her voice light and casual. Too casual, perhaps. "Wow, I didn't realize you two had become such good friends so quickly." Is it you, or there's a hint of tension in $AOhis_her tone? You barely have time to dissect it before $MI replies. "I wouldn't mind getting to know you better too," $MIhe_she says with another charming grin. "I'm a friendly $MIman_woman, after all. I don't mind sharing." <<elseif $AOSex is true>>$AO's eyes dart toward you, and you feel the weight of $AOhis_her attention. Your body tenses, your mind flashing back to your conversation with $MI just days ago. That familiar pang of guilt surfaces again, as sharp as it felt before. For a fleeting moment, you wonder how $AO will react. But then $AOhe_she laughs, $AOhis_her voice light and casual. Too casual, perhaps. "Careful, $name, or I'll get jealous if I stop being the centre of you attention." Is it you, or there's a subtle hint of tension in $AOhis_her tone? You barely have time to dissect it before $MI replies. "There's no need for any kind of jealousy," $MIhe_she says with another charming grin. "I'm a friendly $MIman_woman, after all. I don't mind sharing." <<else>>$AO's eyes dart toward you, and you feel the weight of $AOhis_her attention. Your body tenses, your mind flashing back to your conversation with $MI just days ago. That familiar pang of guilt surfaces again, as sharp as it felt before. For a fleeting moment, you wonder how $AO will react. But then $AOhe_she laughs, $AOhis_her voice light and casual. Too casual, perhaps. "Well, look at that. I didn't know our tastes were so similar, $name." Is it you, or there's a subtle hint of tension in $AOhis_her tone? You barely have time to dissect it before $MI replies. "Is that so?" $MIhe_she teases with another charming smile. "Well, I'm a friendly $MIman_woman open to anything, and I don't mind sharing." <</if>>There's a flicker in $AO's expression when $AOhe_she looks at you, a spark of something you can't quite name. Curiosity, maybe. Or something deeper. $AOHis_Her gaze shifts back to $MI, $AOhis_her lips curling into a sly smile. "You know what, Manehead? Neither do I, as long as $name is okay with that, of course." Are they saying what you think they're saying? And more importantly… is it something you'd like to happen? * <<if $feelingsAO isnot true>>[["'I don't mind either.' (You will have a threesome with " + $MI + " and " + $AO + " in the future)"|190AOYes][$3way to true]]<<else>>=='I don't mind either.' (You will have a threesome with $MI and $AO in the future)==<</if>> * [['Absolutely not.'|190AONo]] <<else>>$MI chuckles. "That's interesting. Maybe some day you can teach me those other skills of yours." $AO raises her eyebrow. "If you're lucky, maybe I will." <<if $feelingsAO is true>>A sharp pain strikes your chest at $AOhis_her words, but swallow it before it takes root in your heart. Still, $AO seems to notice your reaction, $AOhis_her smile dissolving entirely as $AOhe_she takes a step back. "Anyway," $AOhe_she starts after clearing $AOhis_her throat. "We should go and check on $LL. Just to make sure $LLhe_she's fine." $MI's gaze shifts between you and $AO, $MIhis_her expression unreadable and contemplative, before $MIhe_she nods. "Of course. I'll leave you to it. If you need anything, you know where to find me. I'll be with Salva." With a polite gesture, $MI takes $MIhis_her leave, $MIhis_her measured steps echoing faintly as $MIhe_she leaves you two alone once again. $MIHe_She leaves behind an odd sensation, heavy and difficult to define. "$name-" "Don't. Do whatever you want." Without giving $AO a chance to say anything else, you stride toward where $LL and $AL are, determined to put distance between yourself and $AOhim_her. Perhaps that will make it hurt less. What you don't see, as you focus on putting one foot in front of the other, is the flash of guilt in $AO's expression while $AOhe_she pinches the bridge of $AOhis_her nose. <<elseif $AOSex is true>>A strange sharp pain strikes your chest at $AOhis_her words and you frown, shaking your head to get rid of it. $AO seems to notice, and $AOhis_her smirk grows. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Aww. Getting jealous, handsome?" $AOhe_she teases with a playful nudge. "Don't worry, you satisfy me completely on your own. I'm just boardening my horizons." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Aww. Getting jealous, beautiful?" $AOhe_she teases with a playful nudge. "Don't worry, you satisfy me completely on your own. I'm just boardening my horizons." <<else>>"Aww. Getting jealous, gorgeous?" $AOhe_she teases with a playful nudge. "Don't worry, you satisfy me completely on your own. I'm just boardening my horizons." <</if>>//"That's the problem,"// you immediately think. But //why// is it a problem? The question burrows into your mind, digging deeper as you try, and fail, to dismiss it. "I'm okay, $AO," you end up saying, though you know it's a lie. $MI's gaze shifts between you and $AO, $MIhis_her expression unreadable and contemplative. "Oh. Are you two…?" "We're not together," you're quick clarify, maybe with a tone more severe than you intended. It's precisely that what makes $AO's smile waver slightly. $AOHe_She shoots you a look you don't want to return, but you feel $AOhis_her attention on you. You see $AOhim_her out of the corner of your eye trying to force the smile to stay on $AOhis_her face as $AOhe_she faces $MI again. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Yeah, what he said," $AOhe_she replies, pointing at you with $AOhis_her thumb. "We're just friends." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Yeah, what she said," $AOhe_she replies, pointing at you with $AOhis_her thumb. "We're just friends." <<else>>"Yeah, what they said," $AOhe_she replies, pointing at you with $AOhis_her thumb. "We're just friends." <</if>>A fleeting thoughtful spark passes across $MI's face, but it's quickly replaced by a kind smile. "I see. Then I hope we can get to know each other better once we're back in Sisronia, $AO?" $AO gives you a sidelong glance before offering $MI a smile of $AOhis_her own. "We'll see." $MI nods and takes a step back. "You two should rest for tomorrow. If you need anything, you know where to find me. I'll be with Salva." $MIHe_She offers a respectful nod before walking away, $MIhis_her measured steps echoing faintly as $MIhe_she leaves you two alone once again. As soon as $MIhe_she's out of earshot, $AO turns to you, concern now etched across $AOhis_her features. "That didn't bother you, did it?" The question stirs something sharp in your chest -irritation, maybe- but you shove the feeling aside with a shrug. "Of course not. Why would it?" $AO frowns. "$name, if me hooking up with that $MIhim_her is a problem-" "It isn't," you interrupt $AOhim_her, now finding the strength to look $AOhim_her in the eye again. "We're just friends, $AO. You can do whatever you want." $AO slowly closes $AOhis_her open mouth and observes you for a moment before nodding. "Right." $AOHis_Her unusual seriousness starts to consume you, so you look away and begin walking. "Let's go check on $LL." Without waiting for a response, you stride forward, desperate to escape the weight of $AOhis_her presence. $AO hesitates, watching you walk away with $AOhis_her lips pressed into a thin line before $AOhe_she finally follows, $AOhis_her footsteps trailing a second too late. <<else>>A strange sharp pain strikes your chest at $AOhis_her words and you frown, shaking your head to get rid of it. $AO seems to notice, $AOhis_her brow furrowing slightly in confusion, but $MI's chuckle fills the tense air that was created for a second. "Then I hope we'll be able to get to know each other better once we're back in Sisronia," the $MImerman_mermaid says with a sultry tone. $AO gives you a sidelong glance before offering $MI a smile. "That's a given, Manehead." $MI nods and takes a step away. The mischievous spark on $MIhis_her face disappears with surprising speed and $MIhis_her expression becomes serene, $MIhis_her tone light and almost professional. "But for today, we should rest. I'll leave you two to be so you can rejoin your companions. If you need anything, just let me know. I'll be with Salva." $MIHe_She offers a respectful nod before walking away, $MIhis_her measured steps echoing faintly as $MIhe_she leaves you two alone once again. Once $MIhe_she's out of earshot, $AO turns to you, $AOhis_her confusion deepening. "Everything all right, $name?" The question stirs something sharp in your chest -irritation, maybe- but you shove the feeling aside with a shrug. "Yeah. Why wouldn't it be?" $AO mirrors your shrug, though <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is slower, more deliberate. "I don't know. You seem… tense, maybe?" "Just tired," you reply after a heavy sigh, rubbing your eyes to avoid $AOhis_her gaze. It's a lie, and you both know it, but the truth feels too heavy to unpack right now. "Let's check on $LL." Without waiting for a response, you stride forward, desperate to escape the weight of $AOhis_her presence. $AO hesitates, watching you walk away with $AOhis_her lips pressed into a thin line before $AOhe_she finally follows, $AOhis_her footsteps trailing a second too late. <</if>>[[Continue|191AO]]<</if>>

If it were any other person, $AOhis_her attitude would bother you. But this is just $AO being $AO, so there's nothing to worry about. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>Still, $AOhis_her clear flirting, no matter how much it belongs to $AOhis_her personality, makes the tension in your chest tighten just a fraction more, and you cross your arms in a futile attempt to avoid making it bigger. <<else>>//"Why would I worry in the first place?"// The question pierces your mind like an arrow, and the lack of an answer makes the tension in your chest tighten just a fraction more. You cross your arms in a futile attempt to shield you from it. <</if>><<if $fling is true>>$MI chuckles softly, $MIhis_her gaze lingering on $AO. "While I don't doubt your abilities..." $MIHe_She turns to you then, a charming smile spreading across $MIhis_her face. "I'm afraid my interests lie elsewhere." <<if $feelingsAO is true>>$AO's eyes dart toward you, and you feel the weight of $AOhis_her attention. Your body tenses, your mind flashing back to your conversation with $MI just days ago. That familiar pang of guilt surfaces again, as sharp as it felt before. For a fleeting moment, you wonder how $AO will react. But then $AOhe_she laughs, $AOhis_her voice light and casual. Too casual, perhaps. "Wow, I didn't realize you two had become such good friends so quickly." Is it you, or there's a hint of tension in $AOhis_her tone? You barely have time to dissect it before $MI replies. "I wouldn't mind getting to know you better too," $MIhe_she says with another charming grin. "I'm a friendly $MIman_woman, after all. I don't mind sharing." <<elseif $AOSex is true>>$AO's eyes dart toward you, and you feel the weight of $AOhis_her attention. Your body tenses, your mind flashing back to your conversation with $MI just days ago. That familiar pang of guilt surfaces again, as sharp as it felt before. For a fleeting moment, you wonder how $AO will react. But then $AOhe_she laughs, $AOhis_her voice light and casual. Too casual, perhaps. "Careful, $name, or I'll get jealous if I stop being the centre of you attention." Is it you, or there's a subtle hint of tension in $AOhis_her tone? You barely have time to dissect it before $MI replies. "There's no need for any kind of jealousy," $MIhe_she says with another charming grin. "I'm a friendly $MIman_woman, after all. I don't mind sharing." <<else>>$AO's eyes dart toward you, and you feel the weight of $AOhis_her attention. Your body tenses, your mind flashing back to your conversation with $MI just days ago. That familiar pang of guilt surfaces again, as sharp as it felt before. For a fleeting moment, you wonder how $AO will react. But then $AOhe_she laughs, $AOhis_her voice light and casual. Too casual, perhaps. "Well, look at that. I didn't know our tastes were so similar, $name." Is it you, or there's a subtle hint of tension in $AOhis_her tone? You barely have time to dissect it before $MI replies. "Is that so?" $MIhe_she teases with another charming smile. "Well, I'm a friendly $MIman_woman open to anything, and I don't mind sharing." <</if>>There's a flicker in $AO's expression when $AOhe_she looks at you, a spark of something you can't quite name. Curiosity, maybe. Or something deeper. $AOHis_Her gaze shifts back to $MI, $AOhis_her lips curling into a sly smile. "You know what, Manehead? Neither do I, as long as $name is okay with that, of course." Are they saying what you think they're saying? And more importantly… is it something you'd like to happen? * <<if $feelingsAO isnot true>>[["'I don't mind either.' (You will have a threesome with " + $MI + " and " + $AO + " in the future)"|190AOYes]]<<else>>=='I don't mind either.' (You will have a threesome with $MI and $AO in the future)==<</if>> * [['Absolutely not.'|190AONo]] <<else>>$MI chuckles. "That's interesting. Maybe some day you can teach me those other skills of yours." $AO raises her eyebrow. "If you're lucky, maybe I will." <<if $feelingsAO is true>>A sharp pain strikes your chest at $AOhis_her words, but swallow it before it takes root in your heart. Still, $AO seems to notice your reaction, $AOhis_her smile dissolving entirely as $AOhe_she takes a step back. "Anyway," $AOhe_she starts after clearing $AOhis_her throat. "We should go and check on $LL. Just to make sure $LLhe_she's fine." $MI's gaze shifts between you and $AO, $MIhis_her expression unreadable and contemplative, before $MIhe_she nods. "Of course. I'll leave you to it. If you need anything, you know where to find me. I'll be with Salva." With a polite gesture, $MI takes $MIhis_her leave, $MIhis_her measured steps echoing faintly as $MIhe_she leaves you two alone once again. $MIHe_She leaves behind an odd sensation, heavy and difficult to define. "$name-" "Don't. Do whatever you want." Without giving $AO a chance to say anything else, you stride toward where $LL and $AL are, determined to put distance between yourself and $AOhim_her. Perhaps that will make it hurt less. What you don't see, as you focus on putting one foot in front of the other, is the flash of guilt in $AO's expression while $AOhe_she pinches the bridge of $AOhis_her nose. <<elseif $AOSex is true>>A strange sharp pain strikes your chest at $AOhis_her words and you frown, shaking your head to get rid of it. $AO seems to notice, and $AOhis_her smirk grows. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Aww. Getting jealous, handsome?" $AOhe_she teases with a playful nudge. "Don't worry, you satisfy me completely on your own. I'm just boardening my horizons." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Aww. Getting jealous, beautiful?" $AOhe_she teases with a playful nudge. "Don't worry, you satisfy me completely on your own. I'm just boardening my horizons." <<else>>"Aww. Getting jealous, gorgeous?" $AOhe_she teases with a playful nudge. "Don't worry, you satisfy me completely on your own. I'm just boardening my horizons." <</if>>//"That's the problem,"// you immediately think. But //why// is it a problem? The question burrows into your mind, digging deeper as you try, and fail, to dismiss it. "I'm okay, $AO," you end up saying, though you know it's a lie. $MI's gaze shifts between you and $AO, $MIhis_her expression unreadable and contemplative. "Oh. Are you two…?" "We're not together," you're quick clarify, maybe with a tone more severe than you intended. It's precisely that what makes $AO's smile waver slightly. $AOHe_She shoots you a look you don't want to return, but you feel $AOhis_her attention on you. You see $AOhim_her out of the corner of your eye trying to force the smile to stay on $AOhis_her face as $AOhe_she faces $MI again. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Yeah, what he said," $AOhe_she replies, pointing at you with $AOhis_her thumb. "We're just friends." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Yeah, what she said," $AOhe_she replies, pointing at you with $AOhis_her thumb. "We're just friends." <<else>>"Yeah, what they said," $AOhe_she replies, pointing at you with $AOhis_her thumb. "We're just friends." <</if>>A fleeting thoughtful spark passes across $MI's face, but it's quickly replaced by a kind smile. "I see. Then I hope we can get to know each other better once we're back in Sisronia, $AO?" $AO gives you a sidelong glance before offering $MI a smile of $AOhis_her own. "We'll see." $MI nods and takes a step back. "You two should rest for tomorrow. If you need anything, you know where to find me. I'll be with Salva." $MIHe_She offers a respectful nod before walking away, $MIhis_her measured steps echoing faintly as $MIhe_she leaves you two alone once again. As soon as $MIhe_she's out of earshot, $AO turns to you, concern now etched across $AOhis_her features. "That didn't bother you, did it?" The question stirs something sharp in your chest -irritation, maybe- but you shove the feeling aside with a shrug. "Of course not. Why would it?" $AO frowns. "$name, if me hooking up with that $MIhim_her is a problem-" "It isn't," you interrupt $AOhim_her, now finding the strength to look $AOhim_her in the eye again. "We're just friends, $AO. You can do whatever you want." $AO slowly closes $AOhis_her open mouth and observes you for a moment before nodding. "Right." $AOHis_Her unusual seriousness starts to consume you, so you look away and begin walking. "Let's go check on $LL." Without waiting for a response, you stride forward, desperate to escape the weight of $AOhis_her presence. $AO hesitates, watching you walk away with $AOhis_her lips pressed into a thin line before $AOhe_she finally follows, $AOhis_her footsteps trailing a second too late. <<else>>A strange sharp pain strikes your chest at $AOhis_her words and you frown, shaking your head to get rid of it. $AO seems to notice, $AOhis_her brow furrowing slightly in confusion, but $MI's chuckle fills the tense air that was created for a second. "Then I hope we'll be able to get to know each other better once we're back in Sisronia," the $MImerman_mermaid says with a sultry tone. $AO gives you a sidelong glance before offering $MI a smile. "That's a given, Manehead." $MI nods and takes a step away. The mischievous spark on $MIhis_her face disappears with surprising speed and $MIhis_her expression becomes serene, $MIhis_her tone light and almost professional. "But for today, we should rest. I'll leave you two to be so you can rejoin your companions. If you need anything, just let me know. I'll be with Salva." $MIHe_She offers a respectful nod before walking away, $MIhis_her measured steps echoing faintly as $MIhe_she leaves you two alone once again. Once $MIhe_she's out of earshot, $AO turns to you, $AOhis_her confusion deepening. "Everything all right, $name?" The question stirs something sharp in your chest -irritation, maybe- but you shove the feeling aside with a shrug. "Yeah. Why wouldn't it be?" $AO mirrors your shrug, though <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is slower, more deliberate. "I don't know. You seem… tense, maybe?" "Just tired," you reply after a heavy sigh, rubbing your eyes to avoid $AOhis_her gaze. It's a lie, and you both know it, but the truth feels too heavy to unpack right now. "Let's check on $LL." Without waiting for a response, you stride forward, desperate to escape the weight of $AOhis_her presence. $AO hesitates, watching you walk away with $AOhis_her lips pressed into a thin line before $AOhe_she finally follows, $AOhis_her footsteps trailing a second too late. <</if>>[[Continue|191AO]]<</if>>

<<set $threesome to true>>\ \ A smile spreads across your face as you gaze into $AO's eyes, "Oh, I'm more than okay with it. It will certainly be... an experience." You make sure to emphasize that last word with a barely perceptible nuance, something only $AO can pick up on. $AOHis_Her gaze becomes more intense, with a hunger you have not seen in $AOhim_her until now. Before that expression completely consumes you, you turn your head to $MI. "What do you say, $MI, you think you can handle us?" The $MImerman_mermaid lets $MIhis_her gaze travel between the two of you, a playful smile curving $MIhis_her lips. $MIHe_She takes a step closer, and the brush of $MIhis_her fingers sliding down your arm, and $AO's, ignites an unexpected tingle on your skin. "I can definitely handle you both without a problem," $MIhe_she confidently murmurs. "I'll show you just how things are done in this part of the ocean." $AO lets out a soft laugh, a suggestive tinge to $AOhis_her tone. "I like a confident $MIman_woman. I can't wait to..." $AOHis_Her eyes lower fleetingly before meeting <<if $MI is "Mako">>his<<else>>hers<</if>> again, $AOhis_her smile expanding mischievously. "//taste// your skills." "We'll just have to make sure we make it back to Sisronia in one piece, then." $MI takes a step away, and the mischievous spark in $MIhis_her face disappears with surprising speed. $MIHis_Her expression becomes serene, $MIhis_her tone light and almost professional. "But for today, we should rest. I'll leave you two to be so you can rejoin your companions. If you need anything, just let me know. I'll be with Salva." $MIHe_She offers a respectful nod before walking away, $MIhis_her measured steps echoing faintly as $MIhe_she leaves you two alone once again." Once $MIhe_she's out of earshot, $AO turns to you. There's a slight hint of something in $AOhis_her gaze that goes past $AOhis_her playful expression. "Are you sure of this, sweetie? Because I'm not backing down." The irritation you felt before still lingers, but now it has transformed into pride. You puff out your chest slightly as you take in a breath, holding $AOhis_her gaze without blinking. "Without a doubt." Your voice carries a hint of challenge, almost as if you're daring $AOhim_her to prove $AOhimself_herself. $AO not only accepts the challenge but meets it head-on, $AOhis_her smile widening with the same bold confidence. And for a moment, you forget to breathe. The staring contest lasts longer than it should. You don't realize how close you are until $AO shifts away with a subtle movement and gestures to the side with a nod. "Will you come with me to check on Red?" You nod, eyes still on $AOhim_her. "Yeah, of course." The unease remains, fainter now, like an echo in the back of your mind. But it doesn't fully disappear as the two of you walk toward the others. [[Continue|191AO]]

"No, I'm absolutely not okay with that," you reply firmly. "I do not share, $AO." You make sure you utter that last sentence clearly as you fix your gaze on $AO's eyes, your tone going from firm to stern in a matter of seconds<<if $feelingsAO isnot true>> without you even realizing it<</if>>. The doctor holds your gaze the entire time, $AOhis_her playful expression crumbling to just a small, forced smile. There's a tangle of mixed emotions in $AOhis_her eyes that you don't know if they're yours or <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>>. $MI's gaze shifts between you and $AO, $MIhis_her expression unreadable and contemplative, before $MIhe_she nods. "Message received, $name. I'd never suggest doing something unless all parts involved agree with it. As for you, $AO," $MI turns to $AOhim_her, a soft smile back on $MIhis_her face. "Maybe we'd be able to get to know each other another time." $AO gives you a sidelong glance before offering $MI a smile of $AOhis_her own. "Yeah, we'll see." <<if $feelingsAO is true>>A sharp pain strikes your chest at $AOhis_her words, but swallow it before it takes root in your heart. $MI nods and takes a step back. "I'll leave you to it. If you need anything, you know where to find me. I'll be with Salva." With a polite gesture, $MI takes $MIhis_her leave, $MIhis_her measured steps echoing faintly as $MIhe_she leaves you two alone once again. $MIHe_She leaves behind an odd sensation, heavy and difficult to define. "$name-" "Don't. Just forget it." Without giving $AO a chance to say anything else, you stride toward where $LL and $AL are, determined to put distance between yourself and $AOhim_her. Perhaps that will make it hurt less. What you don't see, as you focus on putting one foot in front of the other, is the flash of guilt in $AO's expression while $AOhe_she pinches the bridge of $AOhis_her nose. <<elseif $AOSex is true>>A strange sharp pain strikes your chest at $AOhis_her words, but you shake your head to get rid of it. $MI nods and takes a step back. "I'll leave you to it. If you need anything, you know where to find me. I'll be with Salva." With a polite gesture, $MI takes $MIhis_her leave, $MIhis_her measured steps echoing faintly as $MIhe_she leaves you two alone once again. $MIHe_She leaves behind an odd sensation, heavy and difficult to define. As soon as $MIhe_she's out of earshot, $AO gives you a little nudge, another playful smirk spreading across $AOhis_her face. "¿Jealous, $name?" You roll your eyes, feigning indifference. "What are you talking about? Of course not." $AO leans closer, $AOhis_her voice dripping with exaggerated sweetness. "Oh, sweetie. Don't worry, you satisfy me completely. I'm just broadening my horizons." //"That's the problem,"// you immediately think. But //why// is it a problem? The question burrows into your mind, digging deeper as you try, and fail, to dismiss it. $AO interrupts your spiral of thought with a kiss on your cheek, so sudden it catches you off guard. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"Don't overthink it, handsome. It's not healthy to compare yourself," $AOhe_she says lightly, already turning away. "Now, come on. Let's check on $LL." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"Don't overthink it, beautiful. It's not healthy to compare yourself," $AOhe_she says lightly, already turning away. "Now, come on. Let's check on $LL." <<else>>"Don't overthink it, gorgeous. It's not healthy to compare yourself," $AOhe_she says lightly, already turning away. "Now, come on. Let's check on $LL." <</if>>$AOHe_She beckons you to follow, $AOhis_her tone as nonchalant as ever, but you remain rooted in place for a moment, watching $AOhim_her approaching your friends. Your brow furrows. It's not about comparison, you know that much. Then what is it? The question lingers, gnawing at the edges of your mind long after $AOhe_she's walked away. <<else>>A strange sharp pain strikes your chest at $AOhis_her words, but you shake your head to get rid of it. $MI nods and takes a step back. "I'll leave you to it. If you need anything, you know where to find me. I'll be with Salva." With a polite gesture, $MI takes $MIhis_her leave, $MIhis_her measured steps echoing faintly as $MIhe_she leaves you two alone once again. $MIHe_She leaves behind an odd sensation, heavy and difficult to define. $AO turns to you, $AOhis_her brow furrowing further. "Everything all right, $name?" The question stirs something sharp in your chest again -irritation, maybe- but you shove the feeling aside with a shrug. "Yeah. Why wouldn't it be?" $AO mirrors your shrug, though <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>> is slower, more deliberate. "I don't know. You seem… tense." "Just tired," you reply after a heavy sigh, rubbing your eyes to avoid $AOhis_her gaze. It's a lie, and you both know it, but the truth feels too heavy to unpack right now. "Let's check on $LL." Without waiting for a response, you stride forward, desperate to escape the weight of $AOhis_her presence. $AO hesitates, watching you walk away with $AOhis_her lips pressed into a thin line before $AOhe_she finally follows, $AOhis_her footsteps trailing a second too late. <</if>>[[Continue|191AO]]

//''[A few minutes later...]''// "I told you I'm fine," the warrior grumbles. $AO ignores a grumpy $LL and keeps $AOhis_her hands on $LLhis_her shoulder as $AOhe_she did with you, $AOhis_her magic covering the area with a turquoise glow that forms soft, circular patterns on $LLhis_her skin. "The sooner you shut up, the sooner I'll be done, Red. You're the most stubborn patient I've ever had. Will you just stay still?" the doctor scolds $LLhim_her with exasperation. Together with $AL, you hold $LL firmly to keep $LLhim_her from trying to get up. It takes both of you to keep $LLhim_her in place. "Is this really necessary? That $MImerman_mermaid already healed me. Just leave me alone," $LLhe_she keeps complaining. "You're not going to die from letting me take a look. I'm almost done," $AO says. "$LL, please. I'd feel more at ease," $AL intervenes in a soft voice. The obvious plea in $ALhis_her tone makes $LL sigh and stop resisting. "Fine. But hurry up, will you?" Shortly after, the glow in $AO's hands fades, and the doctor stands up from the ground. "All right, everything seems fine. Honestly, that $MI is a very skilled doctor. I'm impressed." You try to ignore the small twinge of annoyance that comment sparks and turn to $LL. "See? That wasn't so bad," you tease with a playful smile, to which $LL responds by rolling $LLhis_her eyes. $AO stretches while letting out a groan. "Anyway, I'm going to find a spot where I can lie down without something stabbing my side. But first, I need to see if I can get all this sand off my ass. Behave." $AOHe_She throws a look at $LL, pointing a finger at $LLhim_her. "And you, don't overdo it. Got it?" $LL rolls $LLhis_her eyes again. "I won't." $AO ignores $LLhis_her reaction and turns to $AL. "Keep an eye on $LLhim_her," $AOhe_she says in a warning tone, making $LL let out a frustrated grunt. $AL chuckles, though the sound is slightly strained. "I will." Then, $AO's sharp gaze locks onto you. $AOHe_She opens $AOhis_her mouth as if to say something, but no words come out. In the end, $AOhe_she looks away with a small cough and says, "Good night. Rest well." "...Good night," you murmur before watching $AOhim_her turn and walk away. [[Continue|192AO]]

<<if $ALLove is true>>"$LLHe_She's not alone, $AL. $LLHe_She has you," you say, firm but gentle. Your expression softens the moment $ALhis_her gaze searches for yours. "And you're not alone either. I told you, remember? You have all of us. $AO, $RG, Enid." You turn fully toward $ALhim_her and offer a small smile, your hands sliding down $ALhis_her arms. "And, most of all, you have me. Never doubt that." $ALHis_Her tearful gaze flickers between your eyes a few times. A tiny, grateful smile slowly begins to form on $ALhis_her face, and $ALhe_she nods. "You're right," $ALhe_she responds in a faint voice. <<else>>"$LLHe_She's not alone, $AL. $LLHe_She has you," you say, firm but gentle. "And you have $LLhim_her. If the situation were reversed, $LLhe_she'd be there and would do whatever it takes for you." $AL lifts $ALhis_her gaze, surprised by the certainty in your voice. "So be strong for $LLhim_her," you continue. "Because $LLhe_she would be, and $LLhe_she is, for you." "I want to," $ALhe_she replies as $ALhis_her tearful gaze meets yours. "I really do, but…" "But what?" $AL exhales, shaking $ALhis_her head slightly. "This mission the gods have given us… it's too big for me. I can understand why they'd choose someone like you, or $LL, or even $AO. But me? I don't think I'm cut out for something like this, $name." You turn fully toward $ALhim_her, placing your hands on $ALhis_her shoulders. "None of us are prepared for something like this. And just like you don't want $LL to carry everything alone, no one expects you to either. The gods chose all of us together. When one of us falls, the rest will lift them back up. So lean on us when you need to, okay?" $ALHis_Her tearful gaze flickers between your eyes a few times. A tiny, grateful smile slowly begins to form on $ALhis_her face, and $ALhe_she nods. "Okay," $ALhe_she responds in a faint voice. <</if>>"Look, it's been a rough evening. Let's get some rest," you say in a gentle tone before letting out a small laugh. "That way, $LL can actually fall asleep. You know just as well as I do that $LLhe_she won't sleep before the rest of us." $AL chuckles softly with you, the sound a bit forced, but lighter than before. "True." Without another word, you both push away from the wall and head back inside the Grotto, where the others have already settled down to rest. The gods have arranged a watch schedule among themselves until $MI and Salva fall asleep to make sure they don't suspect anything. Silence settles over the cave, interrupted only by the faint murmur of the barrier outside and the slow, steady breathing of those who have already fallen asleep. And slowly, exhaustion claims you too. <<if $MIS is true>>[[Continue|MIScene]]<<else>>[[Continue|196]]<</if>>

You let out a brief chuckle, though without much strength. "Look, it's not that $LL doesn't need help, but I think $LLhe_she'd break every bone in my body if I suggested $LLhe_she couldn't handle something on $LLhis_her own." $AL offers a faint smile. Small, but genuine. "Yeah, probably." <<if $ALLove is true>>"So instead of tormenting yourself, just make sure that when $LLhe_she does need support, you're there. And that you don't make $LLhim_her too mad," you finish, your amused smile widening before turning fully toward $ALhim_her. Your expression softens as your hands slide down $ALhis_her arms. "And remember, you're not alone. I told you, you have all of us. $AO, $RG, Enid, and most of all, you have me. Never doubt that." $ALHis_Her tearful gaze flickers between your eyes a few times. A tiny, grateful smile slowly begins to form on $ALhis_her face, and $ALhe_she nods. "You're right," $ALhe_she responds in a faint voice. <<else>>"So instead of tormenting yourself, just make sure that when $LLhe_she does need support, you're there. And that you don't make $LLhim_her too mad," you finish, your amused smile widening. "Yeah… I guess I can do that. But…" "But what?" $AL exhales, shaking $ALhis_her head slightly. "This mission the gods have given us… it's too big for me. I can understand why they'd choose someone like you, or $LL, or even $AO. But me? I don't think I'm cut out for something like this, $name." You turn fully toward $ALhim_her, placing your hands on $ALhis_her shoulders. "None of us are prepared for something like this. And just like you don't want $LL to carry everything alone, no one expects you to either. The gods chose all of us together. When one of us falls, the rest will lift them back up. So lean on us when you need to, okay?" $ALHis_Her tearful gaze flickers between your eyes a few times. A tiny, grateful smile slowly begins to form on $ALhis_her face, and $ALhe_she nods. "Okay," $ALhe_she responds in a faint voice. <</if>>"Look, it's been a rough evening. Let's get some rest," you say in a gentle tone before letting out a small laugh. "That way, $LL can actually fall asleep. You know just as well as I do that $LLhe_she won't sleep before the rest of us." $AL chuckles softly with you, the sound a bit forced, but lighter than before. "True." Without another word, you both push away from the wall and head back inside the Grotto, where the others have already settled down to rest. The gods have arranged a watch schedule among themselves until $MI and Salva fall asleep to make sure they don't suspect anything. Silence settles over the cave, interrupted only by the faint murmur of the barrier outside and the slow, steady breathing of those who have already fallen asleep. And slowly, exhaustion claims you too. <<if $MIS is true>>[[Continue|MIScene]]<<else>>[[Continue|196]]<</if>>

"What happened was horrible, but you can't change it now. And I doubt $LL regrets it, even if $LLhe_she got hurt," you say bluntly. "The real question is: what are you going to do now to make sure $LLhe_she doesn't have to do something like that again?" $AL keeps $ALhis_her gaze fixed on the ground. $ALHis_Her brow furrows for a moment, thoughtful, but $LLhe_she remains silent. When you realize you won't get an answer, you turn fully toward $ALhim_her. <<if $ALLove is true>>"$LL isn't alone, you know? $LLHe_She has you." Your expression softens, your hands sliding down $ALhis_her arms. "And you're not alone either. I told you, remember? You have all of us. $AO, $RG, Enid, and most of all, you have me. Never doubt that." $AL lifts $ALhis_her head, $ALhis_her tearful gaze flickering between your eyes a few times. A tiny, grateful smile slowly begins to form on $ALhis_her face, and $ALhe_she nods. "You're right," $ALhe_she responds in a faint voice. <<else>>"$LL isn't alone, you know? $LLHe_She has you." You place your hands on $ALhis_her shoulders, making $ALhim_her lift $ALhis_her head. "And you have $LLhim_her. If the situation were reversed, $LLhe_she'd be there and would do whatever it takes for you. So be strong for $LLhim_her, because $LLhe_she would be, and $LLhe_she is, for you." "I want to," $ALhe_she replies as $ALhis_her tearful gaze meets yours. "I really do, but..." "But what?" $AL exhales, shaking $ALhis_her head slightly. "This mission the gods have given us… it's too big for me. I can understand why they'd choose someone like you, or $LL, or even $AO. But me? I don't think I'm cut out for something like this, $name." You turn fully toward $ALhim_her, placing your hands on $ALhis_her shoulders. "None of us are prepared for something like this. And just like you don't want $LL to carry everything alone, no one expects you to either. The gods chose all of us together. When one of us falls, the rest will lift them back up. So lean on us when you need to, okay?" $ALHis_Her tearful gaze flickers between your eyes a few times. A tiny, grateful smile slowly begins to form on $ALhis_her face, and $ALhe_she nods. "Okay," $ALhe_she responds in a faint voice. <</if>>"Look, it's been a rough evening. Let's get some rest," you say in a gentle tone before letting out a small laugh. "That way, $LL can actually fall asleep. You know just as well as I do that $LLhe_she won't sleep before the rest of us." $AL chuckles softly with you, the sound a bit forced, but lighter than before. "True." Without another word, you both push away from the wall and head back inside the Grotto, where the others have already settled down to rest. The gods have arranged a watch schedule among themselves until $MI and Salva fall asleep to make sure they don't suspect anything. Silence settles over the cave, interrupted only by the faint murmur of the barrier outside and the slow, steady breathing of those who have already fallen asleep. And slowly, exhaustion claims you too. <<if $MIS is true>>[[Continue|MIScene]]<<else>>[[Continue|196]]<</if>>

"Then get stronger so you can help $LLhim_her, $AL. There's really no other way." Your tone is dry and determined. There's a slight edge of challenge to it, but it isn't meant to be cruel. It's a reminder, to both $ALhim_her and yourself, that getting stuck in guilt won't change anything. <<if $LLLove is true>>You will get stronger. And next time, it will be you who steps forward first to protect $LL. <</if>>$AL remains silent for a few seconds, $ALhis_her hands clenched into fists again and $ALhis_her brow slightly furrowed. Then, $ALhe_she nods slightly. "…I'll try," $ALhe_she responds in a faint voice. "Look, it's been a rough evening. Let's get some rest," you say in a gentle tone before letting out a small laugh. "That way, $LL can actually fall asleep. You know just as well as I do that $LLhe_she won't sleep before the rest of us." $AL chuckles softly with you, the sound a bit forced, but lighter than before. "True." Without another word, you both push away from the wall and head back inside the Grotto, where the others have already settled down to rest. The gods have arranged a watch schedule among themselves until $MI and Salva fall asleep to make sure they don't suspect anything. Silence settles over the cave, interrupted only by the faint murmur of the barrier outside and the slow, steady breathing of those who have already fallen asleep. And slowly, exhaustion claims you too. <<if $MIS is true>>[[Continue|MIScene]]<<else>>[[Continue|196]]<</if>>

//''[A couple of hours later…]''// A shadow briefly passes over your face, and something urges you to open your eyes. In the darkness of the cave, the steady breathing of your companions and the occasional soft snore reach your ears. But you sense a slight movement nearby. Glancing outside, you make out the figures of $RG and Nauzet standing at the edge of the barrier, their backs to the entrance of the Grotto. You turn your head toward your companions and quickly notice that someone is missing. It doesn't take long to find $MIhim_her, and $MIhe_she isn't trying to hide from you either. $MI smiles at you from a corner, $MIhis_her yellow eyes gleaming with excitement in the dim darkness, broken only by the faint glow of the gods' barrier. The $MImerman_mermaid extends a hand in an unmistakable invitation to join $MIhim_her, and your heart races in anticipation. You take another quick glance to make sure no one is watching before carefully rising from your makeshift bed of seaweed, taking care not to wake anyone. As you reach $MIhis_her side, $MI lets out a soft chuckle. "I was starting to think you had forgotten about me," $MIhe_she whispers. You smile, leaning in closer. "Not a chance." * [[Read the fade-to-back version|MIFTB]] * <<if $MI is "Mako">><<if $gender is "Male">>[[Read the explicit version|MakoMMC]]<<elseif $gender is "Female">>[[Read the explicit version|MakoFMC]]<<else>>[[Read the explicit version|MakoNBMC]]<</if>><<else>><<if $gender is "Male">>[[Read the explicit version|IasaMMC]]<<elseif $gender is "Female">>[[Read the explicit version|IasaFMC]]<<else>>[[Read the explicit version|IasaNBMC]]<</if>><</if>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "hidingInTheDarkness" loop play>>\ \ //''[In another part of the ocean…]''// The seaweed sways with calculated slowness, as if fearing that any sudden movement might anger $BN. The renegade $BNgod_goddess stands at the edge of a precipice that descends into an unfathomable abyss. $BNHis_Her posture is relaxed, arms crossed over $BNhis_her chest, and eyes closed as $BNhe_she patiently waits for one of $BNhis_her pets to answer $BNhis_her call. A sharp smile stretches across $BNhis_her face, and $BNhis_her fangs peek from between $BNhis_her lips. Slowly, $BNhe_she opens $BNhis_her eyes as the massive shadow of the leviathan rises from the depths. The creature approaches cautiously, its scales quivering slightly under $BN's gaze, as though a shiver runs through its serpentine body. From an outsider's perspective, it might seem like the leviathan could end $BN with a single swing of its tail. But the difference in size is nothing more than an illusion. The beast of the sea recognizes the power in its master's eyes. A power no other can match. The renegade $BNgod_goddess extends $BNhis_her hand, palm up. The leviathan lowers its head, allowing $BNhim_her to stroke the underside of its jaws. "Well done, my little one. But you're still hungry, aren't you?" $BN's voice drips with malice. The creature lets out a deep, almost pitiful sound. "Don't worry, I simply had to make some preparations first." Behind $BNhim_her, another leviathan emerges from the darkness, approaching in submission. $BN extends $BNhis_her other hand to pet it as well. "Your prey is already marked," $BNhe_she murmurs, $BNhis_her smile widening. $BNHis_Her gaze locks onto a point in the distance. To any other being, there would be nothing there. But $BNhe_she knows exactly where $BNhis_her eyes are set. Beyond the dark waters, among the ruins of a forgotten city, a trail of corpses stains what was once its marketplace. Nearby, there is a cave. And within that cave, a clear target. $BN's eyes gleam, $BNhis_her cross-shaped pupil begins to spin with anticipation. The command hums through the water. "Now go get $LLhim_her." <<button[[Chapter 5|197]]>><</button>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "erotic" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You follow $MI deeper into the Grotto. After some turns, $MIhe_she leads you to a quite sneaky hidden passage that opens up to a small room. "Damn, this place is-" You barely have time to look around as $MI quickly but softly pushes you against the wall, cupping your face in $MIhis_her hands and slowly bringing $MIhis_her face close to yours. "Forgive me, sweet ocean pearl, but I'm afraid I've run out of patience for one day," $MIhe_she murmurs, lips brushing yours. You chuckle, putting your arm around $MIhim_her to bring $MIhim_her even closer. "I suppose that means you won't tell me what this room was used for?" A playful half-smile spreads across $MIhis_her face. "I much rather show you what better uses it has now." Without waiting any longer for what you both clearly want, $MI closes the remaining distance and captures your lips with $MIhis_her own. The feeling is intense from the very beginning, $MIhis_her cold and slightly slippery skin make a sweet contrast with the warmth of $MIhis_her mouth and tongue. <<if $MI is "Mako">>In a display of powerful strength, Mako places his hands behind your knees and easily picks you up. Locking your legs around his waist, you let him carry you to the smooth surface of a stone in the centre of the room. His mouth travels down your neck and collarbone as you bury your fingers in the depths of his long, thick hair, gripping tighter as heat swells between you. His thin sarong can barely contain his excitement anymore, and you feel him poking your thighs already. It doesn't take long for both of your clothes to start disappearing as your moans echo around the room... <<elseif $MI is "Iasa" and $gender is "Male">>Iasa runs her hands slowly down your torso before grabbing your hand and stepping back, pulling you to her to guide you deeper into de room. She sits on the smooth surface of a stone in the centre and pulls you to her again. You settle between her legs as she closes them around your waist and begins kissing your neck. Your fingers bury themselves in the depths of her long, thick hair, gripping tighter as heat swells between you. The thin sarong wrapped around your waist can barely contain your excitement anymore, and you soon feel yourself poking her thighs. It doesn't take long for both of your clothes to start disappearing as your moans echo around the room... <<else>>Iasa runs her hands slowly down your torso before grabbing your hand and stepping back, pulling you to her to guide you deeper into de room. She sits on the smooth surface of a stone in the centre and pulls you to her again. You settle between her legs as she closes them around your waist and begins kissing your neck. Your fingers bury themselves in the depths of her long, thick hair, gripping tighter as heat swells between you and gathers in your crotch. It doesn't take long for both of your clothes to start disappearing as your moans echo around the room... <</if>>[[Continue|196]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "erotic" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You follow Mako deeper into the Grotto. After some turns, he leads you to a quite sneaky hidden passage that opens up to a small room. "Damn, this place is-" You barely have time to look around as Mako quickly but softly pushes you against the wall, cupping your face in his hands and slowly bringing his face close to yours. "Forgive me, sweet ocean pearl, but I'm afraid I've run out of patience for one day," he murmurs, lips brushing yours. You chuckle, putting your arm around him to bring him even closer. "I suppose that means you won't tell me what this room was used for?" A playful half-smile spreads across his face. "I much rather show you what better uses it has now." Without waiting any longer for what you both clearly want, Mako closes the remaining distance and captures your lips with his own. The feeling is intense from the very beginning, his cold and slightly slippery skin make a sweet contrast with the warmth of his mouth and tongue. You run your hands up his strong torso, feeling his muscles clench and unclench under your touch. You're surprised to find out that Mako has no nipples at all, only smooth skin stretched over solid muscles and rough scales. But the absence of them is both strange and deeply alluring somehow. Mako groans in your mouth when you squeeze his chest, and he grinds against you. He bites your lower lip and pulls gently, his teeth pointy, but not sharp. "Shall we take this somewhere more comfortable?" he asks in a breathe voice when he releases your lip. Clouded by lust, you can't only say, "Lead the way." "No need." [[Continue|MakoMMC2]]

Please choose your specific genitalia for this scene. *<<link "Full breasts and a vagina" "MakoNBMC1">><<set $chest to "breasts">><<set $crotch to "p">><</link>> *<<link "Full breasts and a penis" "MakoNBMC1">><<set $chest to "breasts">><<set $crotch to "c">><</link>> *<<link "Smooth chest and a vagina" "MakoNBMC1">><<set $chest to "chest">><<set $crotch to "p">><</link>> *<<link "Smooth chest and a penis" "MakoNBMC1">><<set $chest to "chest">><<set $crotch to "c">><</link>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "erotic" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ You follow Iasa deeper into the Grotto. After some turns, she leads you to a quite sneaky hidden passage that opens up to a small room. "Damn, this place is-" You barely have time to look around as Iasa quickly but softly pushes you against the wall, cupping your face in her hands and slowly bringing her face close to yours. "Forgive me, sweet ocean pearl, but I'm afraid I've run out of patience for one day," she murmurs, lips brushing yours. You chuckle, putting your arm around her to bring her even closer. "I suppose that means you won't tell me what this room was used for?" A playful half-smile spreads across her face. "I much rather show you what better uses it has now." Without waiting any longer for what you both clearly want, Iasa closes the remaining distance and captures your lips with her own. The feeling is intense from the very beginning, her cold and slightly slippery skin make a sweet contrast with the warmth of her mouth and tongue. You run yours hands up to her toned torso, feeling her muscles clench and unclench under your touch. You're surprised to find out that Iasa has no nipples at all, only smooth skin stretched over generous curves and rough scales. But the absence of them is both strange and deeply alluring somehow. Iasa groans in your mouth when you cup her breasts over her top, and she grinds against you. She bites your lower lip and pulls gently, her teeth pointy, but not sharp. "Shall we take this somewhere more comfortable?" she asks in a breathe voice when she releases your lip. Clouded by lust, you can't only say, "Lead the way." [[Continue|IasaMMC2]]

Please choose your specific genitalia for this scene. *<<link "Full breasts and a vagina" "IasaNBMC1">><<set $chest to "breasts">><<set $crotch to "p">><</link>> *<<link "Full breasts and a penis" "IasaNBMC1">><<set $chest to "breasts">><<set $crotch to "c">><</link>> *<<link "Smooth chest and a vagina" "IasaNBMC1">><<set $chest to "chest">><<set $crotch to "p">><</link>> *<<link "Smooth chest and a penis" "IasaNBMC1">><<set $chest to "chest">><<set $crotch to "c">><</link>>

In a display of powerful strength, Mako places his hands behind your knees and easily picks you up. Locking your legs around his waist, you let him carry you to the smooth surface of a stone in the centre of the room. He takes your mouth again for another deep kiss before travelling down your neck, giving gentle bites here and there until he reaches your collarbone. You then bury your fingers in the depths of his long, thick hair, gripping tighter as heat swells between you. When he reaches the edge of your tunic, he steps back. "May I?" You barely let Mako finish when you're already taking the garment off and throwing it to the side to pull him close again, which earns a chuckle out of him. "You don't like wasting time, I see," he says. You show a playful smirk. "I thought it was a bit unfair to have you so exposed. Just wanted to even the odds a little so you can have a bit of eye candy too." "Very considerate of you, $name." His voice lowers to a husky whisper. "But I wasn't thinking of stopping at even." [[Continue|MakoMMC3]]

You bite your lip at another sweet thrust, letting out a whimper when your tips touch again. "Take me then." Mako takes off his sarong, presenting himself bare before you before he makes you lie completely on the smooth stone and climbs on top of you. "I've been waiting for this ever since I saw you in Sironia's Grotto," he says as he settles himself between your legs. "Never in my life have I met someone that can make me feel like this so quickly." "Oh, really?" you say, your tone playful as you grab your dick and stroke yourself teasingly under his lusty gaze. "If I'd known I had you this desperate, I would've made you beg for it properly." Mako chuckles, dimples carving into his cheeks. "I'm ready to start begging now, honestly." "Lucky for you, I'm feeling generous tonight." [[Continue|MakoMMC6a]]

You bite your lip at another sweet thrust, but you force him to step back for a moment and hop off the stone. "Then lie down here, and let me take you." Mako takes off his sarong, presenting himself bare before you before he lies down on the stone where you just were a second ago. "I've been waiting for this ever since I saw you in Sironia's Grotto," he says as you climb on top of him and settle between his legs. "Never in my life have I met someone that can make me feel like this so quickly." "Oh, really?" you say, your tone playful as you move your hips to tease his cock with yours. "If I'd known I had you this desperate, I would've made you beg for it properly." Mako chuckles, dimples carving into his cheeks. "I'm ready to start begging now, honestly." "Lucky for you, I'm feeling generous tonight." [[Continue|MakoMMC6b]]

You put your legs around his waist as Mako starts sliding slowly into you. You both give a delightful sigh, the penetration being as smooth as ever with how wet his cock is. The moment he is buried deep inside you, you let out the moan that has been building in your throat since the delicious pressure began. "Gods, $name," he breathes out as he starts to thrust gently. "You're squeezing me so good." Your hands quickly find their way to his muscular chest and grope greedily. He takes his cock out almost entirely before going back in a bit more roughly, one of his hands grabbing your thigh to press you against him as much as possible, while the other goes up and down your dick. "Yes…" you say through another moan. "Take me, Mako." He leans forward to take your mouth as he picks up the pace, squeezing you under his strong body while you hold onto his wide back. The roughness of his scales brushing against your skin is almost too much for you, and when his cock hits a particular place inside you, you feel your climax getting closer and closer. "Right there… Don't stop, Mako. Please... don't stop," you moan again and again. "That's it, $name… Sing for me, my siren." That husky whisper in your ear, along with the feeling of his playful bites and tongue on your neck, is enough to send you over the edge. You shoot rope after rope of cum when one of the biggest orgasms of your life arrives, your legs shaking uncontrollably as Mako pounds in and out of you harder and faster, as if he wanted to bury your hips into the stone. He follows you just a few seconds later, when he feels that wonderful squeeze of your ass and your tongue running once again on his gills. His cock throbs, and Mako buries himself deep within you as you both moan each others names. He kisses you deeply as you ride the lasts waves of your pleasures, Mako collapsing on top of you for a moment where both of you recover your breaths. When everything calms down, you look into each other's eyes, smiling and chuckling between some more short kisses. But the night is young still, and the future unpredictable, so Mako and you enjoy another round shortly after and make more moans echo in the room. [[Continue|196]]

Mako puts his legs around your waist as you start sliding slowly into him. You both give a delightful sigh, the penetration being as smooth as ever with how wet your cock is. A good perk of being a merman. The moment you're buried deep inside him, you let out the moan that has been building in your throat since the delicious pressure began. "Gods, $name," he breathes out as you start to thrust gently. "You feel so good." Your hands quickly find their way to his muscular chest and grope greedily. You take your cock out almost entirely before going back in a bit more roughly, one of your hands grabbing his thigh to press him against you as much as possible, while the other goes up and down his dick. "Yes…" you say through another moan. "Take it, Mako." You lean forward to take his mouth as you pick up the pace, squeezing his strong body under you while he holds onto your back. The roughness of his scales brushing against your skin is almost too much for you, and when his cock twitches against your abdomen to announce his inevitable climax, you feel yours getting closer and closer too. "Oh, fuck, Mako… I'm getting close. I'm going to cum soon," you moan again and again. "That's it, $name… Sing for me, my siren." That husky whisper in your ear, along with the feeling of his playful bites and tongue on your neck, is enough to send you over the edge. You pound in and out of him harder and faster, as if you wanted to bury his hips into the stone while one of the biggest orgasms of your life arrives. Mako follows your just a few seconds later, when he feels you shooting rope after rope of cum inside him. He strokes his cock vigorously a few times before exploding on his chest when you run your tongue once again on his gills. You kiss him deeply as you ride the lasts waves of your pleasures, collapsing on top of Mako for a moment where both of you recover your breaths. When everything calms down, you look into each other's eyes, smiling and chuckling between some more short kisses. But the night is young still, and the future unpredictable, so Mako and you enjoy another round shortly after and make more moans echo in the room. [[Continue|196]]

His thin sarong can barely contain his excitement anymore, and pretty soon you feel him poking your thighs. Looking down, you see his generous cock peeking through the garment, its reddish colour a visible contrast to his dark skin and scales. Both you and Mako moan at the same time when he begins to grind his hips, rubbing his cock against you, just as wet as your pussy, if not more. "I'm afraid I can't wait anymore," Mako lets out a groan when he rolls his hips again. "I need to have you, $name." You bite your lip at another sweet thrust, letting out a whimper when this tip touches your clit. "Take me, then." Mako takes off his sarong, presenting himself bare before you. Curiously enough, he doesn't have testicles, and his cock is coming out of a slit on his groin. He doesn't give you much time for visual inspections as he makes you lie completely on the smooth stone and climbs on top of you. "I've been waiting for this ever since I saw you in Sironia's Grotto," he says as he settles himself between your legs. "Never in my life have I met someone that can make me feel like this so quickly." "Oh, really?" you say, your tone playful as you move your hips to tease the tip of his cock with your pussy. "If I'd known I had you this desperate, I would've made you beg for it properly." Mako chuckles, dimples carving into his cheeks. "I'm ready to start begging now, honestly." "Lucky for you, I'm feeling generous tonight." [[Continue|MakoFMC5]]

You put your legs around his waist as Mako starts sliding slowly into you. You both give a delightful sigh, the penetration being as smooth as ever with how wet his cock is. The moment he is buried deep inside you, you let out the moan that has been building in your throat since the delicious pressure began. "Gods, $name," he breathes out as he starts to thrust gently. "You're squeezing me so good." Your hands quickly find their way to his muscular chest and grope greedily. He takes his cock out almost entirely before going back in a bit more roughly, his hands grabbing your thighs and pulling to press you against him as much as possible. "Yes…" you say through another moan. "Take me, Mako." He leans forward to take your mouth as he picks up the pace, squeezing you under his strong body while you hold onto his wide back. The roughness of his scales brushing against your skin is almost too much for you, and when his cock hits a particular place inside you, you feel your climax getting closer and closer. "Right there… Don't stop, Mako. Please... don't stop," you moan again and again. "That's it, $name… Sing for me, my siren." That husky whisper in your ear, along with the feeling of his playful bites and tongue on your neck, is enough to send you over the edge. Your nails dig into his back when one of the biggest orgasms of your life arrives, your legs shaking uncontrollably as Mako pounds in and out of you harder and faster, as if he wanted to bury your hips into the stone. He follows you just a few seconds later, when he feels that wonderful squeeze of your pussy and your tongue running once again on his gills. His cock throbs, and Mako buries himself deep within you as you both moan each others names. He kisses you deeply as you ride the lasts waves of your pleasures, Mako collapsing on top of you for a moment where both of you recover your breaths. When everything calms down, you look into each other's eyes, smiling and chuckling between some more short kisses. But the night is young still, and the future unpredictable, so Mako and you enjoy another round shortly after and make more moans echo in the room. [[Continue|196]]

Mako's lips crash hungrily against yours, the salty taste of him making your head spin as you tongues dance together. With one of your hands you grab his hair and pull him slightly to the side. Now it's your turn to form a trail of kisses from his mouth to his jaw, and down to his neck. His breath catches when you kiss his gills, his hand grabbing one of your thighs beneath the sarong a bit more firmly. <<if $crotch is "p">><<if $chest is "breasts">>You run your tongue experimentally along the thin slits, and Mako moans in response. His hands go up to cup your breasts, and you're surprised once again to see that you also don't appear to have nipples as your body adapted to that of a <<if $gender is "MTF">>mermaid<<else>>merperson<</if>>. Still, when Mako runs his thumbs over the spot, you feel as though they are there. The distracting thought gives your lover the chance to lower his head to the valley of your breasts, making you tilt your body back slightly as he spreads kisses and licks there. He moves one of his hands under your lower garment, and when he finds your already wet pussy, he also brushes his teeth against the sensitive skin of your chest, making a new spark of pleasure set your body ablaze. <<else>>You run your tongue experimentally along the thin slits, and Mako moans in response. His hands go up to your chest, and you're surprised once again to see that you also don't appear to have nipples as your body adapted to that of a <<if $gender is "FTM">>merman<<else>>merperson<</if>>. Still, when Mako runs his thumbs over the spot, you feel as though they are there. The distracting thought gives your lover the chance to lower his head to spread kisses and licks along your body. He moves one of his hands under your lower garment, and when he finds your already wet pussy, he also brushes his teeth against the sensitive skin of your chest, making a new spark of pleasure set your body ablaze. <</if>>"Yes, Mako… right there." Your moans encourage more of his touches. He only takes a step back momentarily to take off your sarong before continuing. His fingers begin go up and down your pussy, tortuously teasing the entrance before retreating back up to rub your clit for a delicious moment. He repeats the same motion over and over again until he makes a moaning mess out of you. "I can't believe how lucky I am. For the gods to have blessed me with this moment..." His words are a whisper against your mouth, his lips brushing yours with every word. "You truly are a beauty from another world, $name." And he truly has no idea how right he is… Not that you can say anything about it. Mainly because his skilled hands don't let you. All you can do right now is moan his name in between kisses. [[Continue|MakoNBMCP]] <<else>><<if $chest is "breasts">>You run your tongue experimentally along the thin slits, and Mako moans in response. His hands go up to cup your breasts, and you're surprised once again to see that you also don't appear to have nipples as your body adapted to that of a <<if $gender is "MTF">>mermaid<<else>>merperson<</if>>. Still, when Mako runs his thumbs over the spot, you feel as though they are there. The distracting thought gives your lover the chance to lower his head to the valley of your breasts, making you tilt your body back slightly as he spreads kisses and licks there. He moves one of his hands under your lower garment, and when he finds your already hard cock, he also brushes his teeth against the sensitive skin of your chest, making a new spark of pleasure set your body ablaze. <<else>>You run your tongue experimentally along the thin slits, and Mako moans in response. His hands go up to your chest, and you're surprised once again to see that you also don't appear to have nipples as your body adapted to that of a <<if $gender is "FTM">>merman<<else>>merperson<</if>>. Still, when Mako runs his thumbs over the spot, you feel as though they are there. The distracting thought gives your lover the chance to lower his head to spread kisses and licks along your body. He moves one of his hands under your lower garment, and when he finds your already hard cock, he also brushes his teeth against the sensitive skin of your chest, making a new spark of pleasure set your body ablaze. <</if>>"Yes, Mako… right there." Your moans encourage more of his touches. He only takes a step back momentarily to take off your sarong before continuing. Curiously enough, you're testicles are gone. And your penis seems to grow out of a slit on your crotch. But your visual inspection is cut short when Mako wraps his hand around it, tortuously teasing with a light touch at first before gripping it more firmly in a delicious pump. He repeats the same motion over and over again until he makes a moaning mess out of you. "I can't believe how lucky I am. For the gods to have blessed me with this moment..." His words are a whisper against your mouth, his lips brushing yours with every word. "You truly are a beauty from another world, $name." And he truly has no idea how right he is… Not that you can say anything about it. Mainly because his skilled hands don't let you. All you can do right now is moan his name in between kisses. [[Continue|MakoNBMCC]]<</if>>

You put your legs around his waist as Mako starts sliding slowly into you. You both give a delightful sigh, the penetration being as smooth as ever with how wet his cock is. The moment he is buried deep inside you, you let out the moan that has been building in your throat since the delicious pressure began. "Gods, $name," he breathes out as he starts to thrust gently. "You're squeezing me so good." Your hands quickly find their way to his muscular chest and grope greedily. He takes his cock out almost entirely before going back in a bit more roughly, his hands grabbing your thighs and pulling to press you against him as much as possible. "Yes…" you say through another moan. "Take me, Mako." He leans forward to take your mouth as he picks up the pace, squeezing you under his strong body while you hold onto his wide back. The roughness of his scales brushing against your skin is almost too much for you, and when his cock hits a particular place inside you, you feel your climax getting closer and closer. "Right there… Don't stop, Mako. Please... don't stop," you moan again and again. "That's it, $name… Sing for me, my siren." That husky whisper in your ear, along with the feeling of his playful bites and tongue on your neck, is enough to send you over the edge. Your nails dig into his back when one of the biggest orgasms of your life arrives, your legs shaking uncontrollably as Mako pounds in and out of you harder and faster, as if he wanted to bury your hips into the stone. He follows you just a few seconds later, when he feels that wonderful squeeze of your pussy and your tongue running once again on his gills. His cock throbs, and Mako buries himself deep within you as you both moan each others names. He kisses you deeply as you ride the lasts waves of your pleasures, Mako collapsing on top of you for a moment where both of you recover your breaths. When everything calms down, you look into each other's eyes, smiling and chuckling between some more short kisses. But the night is young still, and the future unpredictable, so Mako and you enjoy another round shortly after and make more moans echo in the room. [[Continue|196]]

Mako puts his legs around your waist as you start sliding slowly into him. You both give a delightful sigh, the penetration being as smooth as ever with how wet your cock is. A good perk of being a <<if $gender is "FTM">>merman<<else>>merperson<</if>>. The moment you're buried deep inside him, you let out the moan that has been building in your throat since the delicious pressure began. "Gods, $name," he breathes out as you start to thrust gently. "You feel so good." Your hands quickly find their way to his muscular chest and grope greedily. You take your cock out almost entirely before going back in a bit more roughly, one of your hands grabbing his thigh to press him against you as much as possible, while the other goes up and down his dick. "Yes…" you say through another moan. "Take it, Mako." You lean forward to take his mouth as you pick up the pace, squeezing his strong body under you while he holds onto your back. The roughness of his scales brushing against your skin is almost too much for you, and when his cock twitches against your abdomen to announce his inevitable climax, you feel yours getting closer and closer too. "Oh, fuck, Mako… I'm getting close. I'm going to cum soon," you moan again and again. "That's it, $name… Sing for me, my siren." That husky whisper in your ear, along with the feeling of his playful bites and tongue on your neck, is enough to send you over the edge. You pound in and out of him harder and faster, as if you wanted to bury his hips into the stone while one of the biggest orgasms of your life arrives. Mako follows your just a few seconds later, when he feels you shooting rope after rope of cum inside him. He strokes his cock vigorously a few times before exploding on his chest when you run your tongue once again on his gills. You kiss him deeply as you ride the lasts waves of your pleasures, collapsing on top of Mako for a moment where both of you recover your breaths. When everything calms down, you look into each other's eyes, smiling and chuckling between some more short kisses. But the night is young still, and the future unpredictable, so Mako and you enjoy another round shortly after and make more moans echo in the room. [[Continue|196]]

Iasa takes your hand and quickly guides you deeper into the room, where a stone rest right in the centre. She sits on the smooth surface and pulls you to her again. You take her mouth again for another deep kiss before travelling down her neck, giving gentle bites here and there until you reach her collarbone while she runs her hands across your back, slipping her fingers under your tunic. "May I?" You barely let Iasa finish when you're already taking a step back to take the garment off and throw it to the side, which earns a chuckle out of her. "You don't like wasting time, I see," she says. You show a playful smirk. "You've been showing more skin than me all this time. Just wanted you to have a bit of eye candy too." "Very considerate of you, $name." Her voice lowers to a husky whisper. "But now you're at a disadvantage." You raise and eyebrow, your hand already sliding up her back until you find the fastening of her top. "That has an easy solution." Iasa puts her arms around your shoulders to bring your face closer to hers. Her lips brush yours while she speaks. "Show me, then." [[Continue|IasaMMC3]]

Your thin sarong can barely contain your excitement anymore, and pretty soon you feel yourself poking her thighs. Looking down, you see your cock peeking through the garment. Both you and Iasa moan at the same time when you begins to grind your hips, rubbing your hard member against her, just as wet as her pussy, if not more. A good perk of being a merman. "I'm afraid I can't wait anymore," You let out a groan when you rolls your hips again. "I need to have you, Iasa." She bites her lip at another sweet thrust, letting out a whimper when this tip touches her clit. "Take me, then." You take off the sarong, presenting yourself bare before her. Curiously enough, you're testicles are gone. And your penis seems to grow out of a slit on your crotch. Iasa doesn't give you much time for visual inspections as she pulls you on top of her when she lies completely on the smooth stone. "I've been waiting for this ever since I saw you in Sironia's Grotto," she says as you settles between her legs. "Never in my life have I met someone that can make me feel like this so quickly." "Oh, really?" you say, your tone playful as you take your cock and rub it on her clit. "If I'd known I had you this desperate, I would've made you beg for it properly." Iasa chuckles, dimples carving into her cheeks. "I'm ready to start begging now, honestly." "Lucky for you, I'm feeling generous tonight." [[Continue|IasaMMC5]]

Iasa puts her legs around your waist as you start sliding slowly into her. You both give a delightful sigh, the penetration being as smooth as ever with how wet you both are. The moment you're buried deep inside her, you let out the moan that has been building in your throat since the delicious pressure began. "Gods, $name," she breathes out as you start to thrust gently. "You're stretching me so good." Her hands quickly find their way to your chest and grope greedily. You take your cock out almost entirely before going back in a bit more roughly, your hands grabbing her thighs and pulling to press her against you as much as possible. "Yes…" you say through another moan. "Take it, Iasa." You lean forward to take her mouth as you pick up the pace, squeezing her toned body under you while she holds onto your back. The roughness of her scales brushing against your skin is almost too much for you, and when her pussy starts squeezing your cock to announce her inevitable climax, you feel yours getting closer and closer too. "Oh, fuck, Iasa… I'm getting close. I'm going to cum soon," you moan again and again. "That's it, $name… Sing for me, my siren." That husky whisper in your ear, along with the feeling of her playful bites and tongue on your neck, is enough to send you over the edge. You pound in and out of her harder and faster, as if you wanted to bury her hips into the stone while one of the biggest orgasms of your life arrives. Iasa follows your just a few seconds later, when she feels you shooting rope after rope of cum inside her. Her legs start shaking uncontrollably when you run your tongue once again on his gills, her pussy pulsating and prolonging that sweet moment. You kiss her deeply as you ride the lasts waves of your pleasures, collapsing on top of Iasa for a moment where both of you recover your breaths. When everything calms down, you look into each other's eyes, smiling and chuckling between some more short kisses. But the night is young still, and the future unpredictable, so Iasa and you enjoy another round shortly after and make more moans echo in the room. [[Continue|196]]

In a display of powerful strength, Iasa places her hands behind your knees and easily picks you up. Locking your legs around her waist, you let her carry you to the smooth surface of a stone in the centre of the room. She takes your mouth again for another deep kiss before travelling down your neck, giving gentle bites here and there until she reaches your collarbone. You then bury your fingers in the depths of her long, thick hair, gripping tighter as heat swells between you. When she reaches the edge of your tunic, she steps back. "May I?" You barely let Iasa finish when you're already taking the garment off and throwing it to the side to pull her close again, which earns a chuckle out of her. "You don't like wasting time, I see," she says. You show a playful smirk. "You've been showing more skin than me all this time. Just wanted you to have a bit of eye candy too." "Very considerate of you, $name." Her voice lowers to a husky whisper. "But now you're at a disadvantage." You raise and eyebrow, your hand already sliding up her back until you find the fastening of her top. "That has an easy solution." Iasa puts her arms on the stone and brings her face closer. Her lips brush yours while she speaks. "Show me, then." [[Continue|IasaFMC3]]

Suddenly, Iasa stops her sweet movements and kneels between your legs. "I'm afraid I can't wait anymore. I need to taste you, $name." You bite your lip, feeling as if your going to burst already only with that lustful gaze she gives you. "Do it, then." She watches you for a moment, almost reverently as she takes your legs and puts them on her shoulders. Then, she sinks her head in your core. The first lick is excruciatingly slow. Our mouth opens, but no sound comes out of it yet as you look into her eyes and feel her slightly rough tongue pressing teasingly at your entrance, but then going up to your clit. Once the first lick is done, she goes for the second, this one a bit faster as you let out the moan that has been building in your throat. "Gods, $name," she breathes out against your pussy. "You're delicious. I've been waiting for this ever since I saw you in Sironia's Grotto. Never in my life have I met someone that can make me feel like this so quickly." "Oh, really?" you say, your tone playful until she gives your clit another flick. "If I'd known I had you this desperate, I would've made you beg for it properly." Iasa chuckles, dimples carving into her cheeks. "I'd be more than happy to do it, honestly." [[Continue|IasaFMC5]]

One of her hands quickly find its way to your breast and grope greedily as her mouth works on your bud, the other slowly sliding a finger into your pussy and making your pleasure build faster alongside the wonderful flicks of her tongue. "Yes…" you say through another moan. "Keep going, Iasa." The mermaid adds another finger into the mix and picks up the pace. The unusual texture of her tongue is almost too much for you, and when gives you a gentle suck, you feel your climax getting closer and closer. "Oh, fuck, Iasa… I'm getting close. I'm going to cum soon," you moan again and again. "That's it, $name… Sing for me, my siren." She then closes her mouth around your clit and hums. That vibration, along with her fingers going in and out of you and hitting all the right spots, is enough to send your over the edge. You grab a fistful of her hair and pull her as closer as you can to your pussy while one of the biggest orgasms of your life arrives. Iasa grabs your shaky legs and keeps licking your sweet nectar until you collapse on the stone to close your eyes and enjoy the lasts waves of pleasure and recover your breath. Shortly after, she climbs on top of you and begins showering you with short kisses. You then stay there, looking into each other's eyes, smiling and chuckling until everything calms down. But the night is young still, and the future unpredictable, so Iasa and you enjoy another round shortly after and make more moans echo in the room. You want to return the favour, after all. [[Continue|196]]

Iasa takes your hand and quickly guides you deeper into the room, where a stone rest right in the centre, where she makes you sit on its smooth surface. She takes your mouth again for another deep kiss before travelling down your neck, giving gentle bites here and there until she reaches your collarbone. You then bury your fingers in the depths of her long, thick hair, gripping tighter as heat swells between you. When she reaches the edge of your tunic, she steps back. "May I?" You barely let Iasa finish when you're already taking the garment off and throwing it to the side to pull her close again, which earns a chuckle out of her. "You don't like wasting time, I see," she says. You show a playful smirk. "You've been showing more skin than me all this time. Just wanted you to have a bit of eye candy too." "Very considerate of you, $name." Her voice lowers to a husky whisper. "But now you're at a disadvantage." You raise and eyebrow, your hand already sliding up her back until you find the fastening of her top. "That has an easy solution." Iasa puts her arms on the stone and brings her face closer. Her lips brush yours while she speaks. "Show me, then." [[Continue|IasaNBMC3b]]

Suddenly, Iasa puts a hand on your shoulder and gently pushes you back. "I'm afraid I can't wait anymore. I need more of you, $name." You chuckle at the way she tried to smirk with her ragged breath. "Hold on tight, then. This is going to be a ride." <<if $crotch is "p">>You kneel slowly between her legs, keeping your eyes in hers and watching how she bites her lip the moment you place her legs on your shoulders. Then, you sink your head in her core. You make sure the first lick is excruciatingly slow. Her mouth opens, but no sound comes out of it yet as she looks into your eyes and feels your tongue pressing teasingly at her entrance, to then go up to her clit. Once the first lick is done, you go for the second, this one a bit faster as she lets out the moan that has been building in her throat. "Gods, $name," she breathes out. "That feels so good. I've been waiting for this ever since I saw you in Sironia's Grotto. Never in my life have I met someone that can make me feel like this so quickly." "Oh, really?" you say, your tone playful until she gives your clit another flick. "If I'd known I had you this desperate, I would've made you beg for it properly." Iasa chuckles, dimples carving into her cheeks. "I'm ready to start begging now, honestly." "Lucky for you, I'm feeling generous tonight." [[Continue|IasaNBMC5aP]] <<else>>Your thin sarong can barely contain your excitement anymore, and pretty soon you feel yourself poking her thighs. Looking down, you see your cock peeking through the garment. Both you and Iasa moan at the same time when you begins to grind your hips, rubbing your hard member against her, just as wet as her pussy, if not more. A good perk of being a <<if $gender is "FTM">>merman<<else>>merperson<</if>>. You take off the sarong, presenting yourself bare before her. Curiously enough, you're testicles are gone. And your penis seems to grow out of a slit on your crotch. Iasa doesn't give you much time for visual inspections as she pulls you on top of her when she lies completely on the smooth stone. "I've been waiting for this ever since I saw you in Sironia's Grotto," she says as you settles between her legs. "Never in my life have I met someone that can make me feel like this so quickly." "Oh, really?" you say, your tone playful as you take your cock and rub it on her clit. "If I'd known I had you this desperate, I would've made you beg for it properly." Iasa chuckles, dimples carving into her cheeks. "I'm ready to start begging now, honestly." "Lucky for you, I'm feeling generous tonight." [[Continue|IasaNBMC5aC]]<</if>>

One of your hands quickly find its way to her breast and grope greedily as your mouth works on her bud, the other slowly sliding a finger into her and making her pleasure build faster alongside the skilled flicks of you tongue. "Yes…" she say through another moan. "Keep going, $name." You add another finger into the mix and pick up the pace. The salty taste of her is addictive, and you can't help but want to keep drinking from her delicious nectar. You give her a gentle suck, and Iasa's body starts twitching. "Oh, fuck, $name… I'm getting close. I'm going to cum soon," she moans again and again. You take that as a sign to double your efforts, closing your mouth around her clit and humming against her. That vibration, along with your fingers going in and out and hitting all the right spots, is enough to send your sea lover over the edge. She grabs your head and pulls you closer while she rides her orgasm. You grab her shaky legs and keep licking until she collapses on the stone. At that moment you release her and climb on top of her. A satisfied smile plays on your lips when you see her with her eyes closed, enjoying the last waves of pleasure as she recovers her breath. Meanwhile, you begin to shower her with short kisses. She open her eyes again, smiling and chuckling until everything calms down. Then, she propels herself on her elbows, and throws you a mischievous smile. "Your turn to sing for me, my siren." The night is young still, and the future unpredictable, so Iasa and you enjoy another round shortly after and make more moans echo in the room. [[Continue|196]]

Iasa puts her legs around your waist as you start sliding slowly into her. You both give a delightful sigh, the penetration being as smooth as ever with how wet you both are. The moment you're buried deep inside her, you let out the moan that has been building in your throat since the delicious pressure began. "Gods, $name," she breathes out as you start to thrust gently. "You're stretching me so good." Her hands quickly find their way to your $chest and grope greedily. You take your cock out almost entirely before going back in a bit more roughly, your hands grabbing her thighs and pulling to press her against you as much as possible. "Yes…" you say through another moan. "Take it, Iasa." You lean forward to take her mouth as you pick up the pace, squeezing her toned body under you while she holds onto your back. The roughness of her scales brushing against your skin is almost too much for you, and when her pussy starts squeezing your cock to announce her inevitable climax, you feel yours getting closer and closer too. "Oh, fuck, Iasa… I'm getting close. I'm going to cum soon," you moan again and again. "That's it, $name… Sing for me, my siren." That husky whisper in your ear, along with the feeling of her playful bites and tongue on your neck, is enough to send you over the edge. You pound in and out of her harder and faster, as if you wanted to bury her hips into the stone while one of the biggest orgasms of your life arrives. Iasa follows your just a few seconds later, when she feels you shooting rope after rope of cum inside her. Her legs start shaking uncontrollably when you run your tongue once again on his gills, her pussy pulsating and prolonging that sweet moment. You kiss her deeply as you ride the lasts waves of your pleasures, collapsing on top of Iasa for a moment where both of you recover your breaths. When everything calms down, you look into each other's eyes, smiling and chuckling between some more short kisses. But the night is young still, and the future unpredictable, so Iasa and you enjoy another round shortly after and make more moans echo in the room. [[Continue|196]]

With a little pull, Iasa's top slides between your bodies to the ground as her mouth crash hungrily against yours, the salty taste of her making your head spin while your tongues dance together. With one of your hands you grab her hair and pull her slightly to the side. Now it's your turn to form a trail of kisses from her mouth to her jaw, and down to her neck. Her breath catches when you kiss her gills, her hand grabbing one of your thighs beneath the sarong a bit more firmly. <<if $crotch it "p">><<if $chest is "breasts">>You run your tongue experimentally along the thin slits, and Iasa moans in response. Her hands go up to cup your breasts, and you're surprised once again to see that you also don't appear to have nipples as your body adapted to that of a <<if $gender is "MTF">>mermaid<<else>>merperson<</if>>. Still, when Iasa runs her thumbs over the spot, you feel as though they are there. The distracting thought gives your lover the chance to lower her head to the valley of your breasts, making you tilt your body back slightly as she spreads kisses and licks there. She moves one of her hands under your lower garment, and when she finds your already wet pussy, she also brushes her teeth against the sensitive skin of your chest, making a new spark of pleasure set your body ablaze. <<else>>You run your tongue experimentally along the thin slits, and Iasa moans in response. Her hands go up to your chest, and you're surprised once again to see that you also don't appear to have nipples as your body adapted to that of a <<if $gender is "FTM">>merman<<else>>merperson<</if>>. Still, when Iasa runs her thumbs over the spot, you feel as though they are there. The distracting thought gives your lover the chance to lower her head to spread kisses and licks along your body. She moves one of her hands under your lower garment, and when she finds your already wet pussy, she also brushes her teeth against the sensitive skin of your chest, making a new spark of pleasure set your body ablaze. <</if>>"Yes, Iasa… right there." Your moans encourage more of her touches. She only takes a step back momentarily to take off your sarong before continuing. Her fingers begin go up and down your pussy, tortuously teasing the entrance before retreating back up to rub your clit for a delicious moment. She repeats the same motion over and over again until she makes a moaning mess out of you. "I can't believe how lucky I am. For the gods to have blessed me with this moment..." Her words are a whisper against your mouth, bringing out more whimpers from you. "You truly are a beauty from another world, $name." And she truly has no idea how right she is… Not that you can say anything about it. Mainly because her skilled hands don't let you. All you can do right now is moan her name in between kisses. [[Continue|IasaNBMC4bP]] <<else>><<if $chest is "breasts">>You run your tongue experimentally along the thin slits, and Iasa moans in response. Her hands go up to cup your breasts, and you're surprised once again to see that you also don't appear to have nipples as your body adapted to that of a <<if $gender is "MTF">>mermaid<<else>>merperson<</if>>. Still, when Iasa runs her thumbs over the spot, you feel as though they are there. The distracting thought gives your lover the chance to lower her head to the valley of your breasts, making you tilt your body back slightly as she spreads kisses and licks there. She moves one of her hands under your lower garment, and when she finds your already hard cock, she also brushes her teeth against the sensitive skin of your chest, making a new spark of pleasure set your body ablaze. <<else>>You run your tongue experimentally along the thin slits, and Iasa moans in response. Her hands go up to your chest, and you're surprised once again to see that you also don't appear to have nipples as your body adapted to that of a <<if $gender is "FTM">>merman<<else>>merperson<</if>>. Still, when Iasa runs her thumbs over the spot, you feel as though they are there. The distracting thought gives your lover the chance to lower her head to spread kisses and licks along your body. She moves one of her hands under your lower garment, and when she finds your already hard cock, she also brushes her teeth against the sensitive skin of your chest, making a new spark of pleasure set your body ablaze. <</if>>"Yes, Iasa… right there." Your moans encourage more of her touches. She only takes a step back momentarily to take off your sarong before continuing. Curiously enough, you're testicles are gone. And your penis seems to grow out of a slit on your crotch. But your visual inspection is cut short when Iasa wraps her hand around it, tortuously teasing with a light touch at first before gripping it more firmly in a delicious pump. She repeats the same motion over and over again until she makes a moaning mess out of you. "I can't believe how lucky I am. For the gods to have blessed me with this moment..." Her words are a whisper against your mouth, her lips brushing yours with every word. "You truly are a beauty from another world, $name." And she truly has no idea how right she is… Not that you can say anything about it. Mainly because her skilled hands don't let you. All you can do right now is moan her name in between kisses. [[Continue|IasaNBMC4bC]]<</if>>

One of her hands quickly find their way to your $chest and grope greedily as her mouth works on your bud, the other slowly sliding a finger into your pussy and making your pleasure build faster alongside the wonderful flicks of her tongue. "Yes…" you say through another moan. "Keep going, Iasa." The mermaid adds another finger into the mix and picks up the pace. The unusual texture of her tongue is almost too much for you, and when gives you a gentle suck, you feel your climax getting closer and closer. "Oh, fuck, Iasa… I'm getting close. I'm going to cum soon," you moan again and again. "That's it, $name… Sing for me, my siren." She then closes her mouth around your clit and hums. That vibration, along with her fingers going in and out of you and hitting all the right spots, is enough to send your over the edge. You grab a fistful of her hair and pull her as closer as you can to your pussy while one of the biggest orgasms of your life arrives. Iasa grabs your shaky legs and keeps licking your sweet nectar until you collapse on the stone to close your eyes and enjoy the lasts waves of pleasure and recover your breath. Shortly after, she climbs on top of you and begins showering you with short kisses. You then stay there, looking into each other's eyes, smiling and chuckling until everything calms down. But the night is young still, and the future unpredictable, so Iasa and you enjoy another round shortly after and make more moans echo in the room. You want to return the favour, after all. [[Continue|196]]

Suddenly, Iasa steps back. "I'm afraid I can't wait anymore. I need to have you, $name." You bite your lip when her thumb caresses your tip, and then you force her to release you so you can hop off the stone. "Then lie down here, and let me take you." Mako takes off her sarong, presenting herself bare before you before she lies down on the stone where you just were a second ago. "I've been waiting for this ever since I saw you in Sironia's Grotto," she says as you climb on top of her and settle between her legs. "Never in my life have I met someone that can make me feel like this so quickly." "Oh, really?" you say, your tone playful as you take your cock and rub it on her clit. "If I'd known I had you this desperate, I would've made you beg for it properly." Iasa chuckles, dimples carving into her cheeks. "I'm ready to start begging now, honestly." "Lucky for you, I'm feeling generous tonight." [[Continue|IasaNBMC5bC]]

Iasa puts her legs around your waist as you start sliding slowly into her. You both give a delightful sigh, the penetration being as smooth as ever with how wet you both are. The moment you're buried deep inside her, you let out the moan that has been building in your throat since the delicious pressure began. "Gods, $name," she breathes out as you start to thrust gently. "You're stretching me so good." Her hands quickly find their way to your $chest and grope greedily. You take your cock out almost entirely before going back in a bit more roughly, your hands grabbing her thighs and pulling to press her against you as much as possible. "Yes…" you say through another moan. "Take it, Iasa." You lean forward to take her mouth as you pick up the pace, squeezing her toned body under you while she holds onto your back. The roughness of her scales brushing against your skin is almost too much for you, and when her pussy starts squeezing your cock to announce her inevitable climax, you feel yours getting closer and closer too. "Oh, fuck, Iasa… I'm getting close. I'm going to cum soon," you moan again and again. "That's it, $name… Sing for me, my siren." That husky whisper in your ear, along with the feeling of her playful bites and tongue on your neck, is enough to send you over the edge. You pound in and out of her harder and faster, as if you wanted to bury her hips into the stone while one of the biggest orgasms of your life arrives. Iasa follows your just a few seconds later, when she feels you shooting rope after rope of cum inside her. Her legs start shaking uncontrollably when you run your tongue once again on his gills, her pussy pulsating and prolonging that sweet moment. You kiss her deeply as you ride the lasts waves of your pleasures, collapsing on top of Iasa for a moment where both of you recover your breaths. When everything calms down, you look into each other's eyes, smiling and chuckling between some more short kisses. But the night is young still, and the future unpredictable, so Iasa and you enjoy another round shortly after and make more moans echo in the room. [[Continue|196]]

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Soza Qaled''</h1></div> Soza Qaled is a veteran member of the Adventurers' Guild and the mortal companion of the god Nauzet Oramas. Following in the footsteps of his mother and grandfather, Soza chose to become an explorer, fully dedicating himself to investigating lost civilizations and ancient artifacts across Bucante until he reached old age. After that, and with the passing of the former leader of the Qaled clan, Soza was promoted to the position of Elder. Just a few weeks ago, Soza received a report announcing the discovery of the remains of an extinct species, a subject that had obsessed his mother and, later, Soza himself. Nauzet is certain that Soza has ventured into The Seaweed Forest in search of those remains. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''Salva Qaled''</h1></div> A rookie member of the Adventurers' Guild and the son of Elder Soza Qaled. Despite his persistent efforts in recent weeks, Salva has never been chosen for rescue missions. Part of the reason is his impulsive temperament, which leads his superiors to believe he wouldn't be able to stay calm when facing the more intelligent demons due to his overwhelming desire to save his father. On Nauzet's recommendation, Salva remains in Sisronia, assigned to minor tasks each time. This has created strong tensions between the two, as Salva sees Nauzet not only as a member of his clan but as part of his family, despite the god's reserved and cold demeanor toward him. His restless, impulsive, and passionate nature contrasts with that of his best friend, $MI. Interestingly, it is precisely this contrast that makes them inseparable. As his father often says, Salva and his friend are like two completely different puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together. <<back>>

<div style="text-align: center;"><h1>''$MI Ulkrard''</h1></div> $MI is a high-ranking member of the Ulkrard clan's medical corps, holding the title of Maelstrom's Cleric. $MIHe_She actively collaborates with the Defenders and is Salva Qaled's best friend. This $MImerman_mermaid abhors violence in all its forms and was one of the few who believed in your and your group's innocence from the very beginning. $MIHe_She is considered one of the most promising members of the Defenders due to $MIhis_her intelligence, teamwork skills, and affinity with the gods, which is the term merfolk use for magic. Having participated in several rescue missions in collaboration with the Adventurers' Guild, $MI has saved multiple members who would have otherwise perished along the way. $MIHis_Her calm, thoughtful, and cautious nature contrasts with Salva's, and interestingly, it is this very contrast that makes them inseparable. As Salva's father often says, his son and $MI are like two completely different puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together. <<back>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "voiceOfEvil" loop play>>\ \ //''[In the depths of the ocean…]''// The world spins around him. Soza barely manages to open his eyes for a second, only to shut them again when pain pulses through his temples. The pressure in his head is unbearable, each heartbeat like a dull thud reverberating in his skull. But the violet glow seeping through his eyelids urges him to push past the discomfort and force himself to look around. He's lying on the ground. Sand seeps between his scales, an irritating sensation that makes him reflexively flick his tail. However, that thought quickly fades into the background when he notices the dome of energy surrounding him. //"A magic dome,"// he realizes instantly. With a groan, he pushes himself into a sitting position, his muscles stiff and aching. Carefully, he reaches out toward the glowing barrier. The moment his fingers make contact, a jolt of electricity shoots through his skin, forcing him to yank his hand back with a sharp hiss of pain. Soza massages his numb hand, only to realize something that makes his pulse quicken the moment his fingers brush against his wrist. //"My bracelet!"// The thought echoes in his mind, frantic and desperate, as he starts digging through the sand with trembling hands, searching for the sacred artefact. But there's no trace of it. //"This can't be… Where…?"// Breathing heavily, the merman lifts his head. Beyond the dome, the darkness is dense and impenetrable. He can barely make out vague shapes, silhouettes that might be cracked pillars or the ruins of forgotten buildings. Silia, maybe? There's no way to know. "...Where am I?" he murmurs. He tries to remember. He recalls reaching Seaweed Forest, guilt weighing on him the entire way. Then, he remembers hearing a strange sound behind him. After that, he turned around, and... Nothing. No matter how hard he tries, he can't remember anything else. The only image flashing in his mind after turning is a spinning cross and a yellow flash, but he can't make sense of what they mean. [[Continue|198]]

Soza glances around, slowly turning his head in an attempt to make out anything, //anything at all//, that might help him figure out where he is. His breath catches in his throat when his gaze lands on a figure sitting atop a pile of rubble. To Soza's eyes, he is a strange being, wrapped in tentacles whose tips move in slow, deliberate motions. A white light glows from between the tendrils at the height of his abdomen, illuminating his face from below and casting sharp shadows that accentuate the eerie, terrifying intensity in his narrow eyes. The sheer focus in them freezes Soza's blood. Panic seizes him before he can think. Instinct kicks in, and he scrambles backward, desperate to put distance between them. But his back collides with the dome's barrier, and a searing pain rips through his body as the shock courses through him. The agony forces a strangled cry from his lips as he collapses onto the sand. Locto rises slowly, his silhouette outlined against the ominous glow from his abdomen. He takes a step toward Soza. Then another. Soza pushes himself up with shaking hands, swallowing hard as his focus returns to Locto. "W-who are you?" he manages to ask, his voice unsteady. Locto doesn't answer. He keeps moving, tilting his head slightly as if analysing him. Now that he's closer, Soza has the chance to examine him in detail. The structure of Locto's body, the way his limbs are positioned, the texture of his skin, immediately reminds Soza of something. His eyes widen. He recognizes this. "The remains…" he breathes. "You… You're exactly like the remains we found!" His voice rises with astonishment, his adventurer's curiosity taking over despite the circumstances. "You're an undiscovered species of the ocean! Can you understand m—?" "Undiscovered?" The word shatters under the sharp edge of Locto's voice. A flicker of fury crosses his features, and the ends of his tentacles twitch. "These waters belonged to my kind long before yours poisoned them with your presence, merman." There's venom in that last word. Soza frowns, confused, and glances around once more. "These waters…?" he murmurs, thoughtful. His eyes sweep over what little he can see of the surroundings, and then, realization crashes over him like a tidal wave. "This is The Void, isn't it? We're in The Void?" Locto's expression darkens, and he turns away. The fury in his voice cools into something quieter, something bitter. "The Void…" he mutters. "What a fitting name for what's left of this place." [[Continue|199]]

Soza wets his lips, a failed attempt to steady the tremor in his body. "It's you..." he murmurs, his voice barely louder than the hum of the dome. "You're the one who's been kidnapping our siblings, aren't you?" Locto doesn't respond or spare him a single glance. His attention remains anchored to the ruins around them, eyes clouded by silent nostalgia. "…Why?" Soza insists. Locto blinks slowly before casting him an intense sidelong glance. His dark, impenetrable eyes make the merman feel even smaller within the dome. "You are mistaken, merman. I have no interest in keeping you captive. Not even as experiments." A shiver runs through Soza's scales at his cold, razor-sharp tone, but he forces himself to swallow the instinct to look away. "Then... why do you have me trapped here?" Locto barely seems to acknowledge him. His gaze lowers, fixating on his tentacles, which twitch involuntarily near his abdomen. "But I owe it to my master," he murmurs, his voice barely audible. His tentacles slowly begin to unwind, and whatever glows beneath them intensifies. The light grows so bright that Soza is forced to squint for a moment. "For this." When Soza adjusts to the new brightness, he sees Locto's tentacles lifting a semi-transparent crystal sphere. A soft cloud of concentrated magic floats inside, moving in a slow, hypnotic motion that is strangely soothing. But what makes him hold his breath is the symbol etched on its surface. A symbol he recognizes instantly. "The gods' symbol..." His voice fades into a whisper. And then, as realization dawns, he bursts out urgently, "Be careful with that! It's incredibly important... You have no idea how much!" Locto frowns, his expression shifting from cold detachment to hatred in a single heartbeat. "No, merman. //You// are the one who doesn't understand what's happening. You took our world from us..." He presses the orb protectively against his body. "And now, I have finally reclaimed it from the treacherous hands of the gods." Soza blinks, surprised, and lets his thoughts escape in an incredulous whisper. "You know about the gods..." "Yes... I had the misfortune of trusting them once." Locto gazes at the orb with reverence. His tentacles cradle it delicately, but their tips twist violently. The furious gleam in his eyes says the rest. "And my people paid dearly for it." A tight knot forms in Soza's chest. There's something about Locto's bitterness that feels all too familiar. "I'm sorry. What happ—?" "You're sorry?" Locto's fury erupts like a storm, and he takes a menacing step toward Soza. The merman instinctively backs away until he feels the heat of the dome behind him, threatening to electrocute him again. "Keep your pity, //merman//." Locto spits the word as if it burns his tongue. "Your kind is just as treacherous as they are." Soza frowns, confused, his voice almost a plea. "But what did we do? What could have been so terrible to spark all of this?" [[Continue|200]]

A piercing scream echoes through the darkness, shattering the silence that had settled between them. Soza's body goes rigid, the water around him feeling denser and colder. Or maybe it's just the tight knot of unease constricting his chest. But it's not the scream itself that sends a shiver down his fin or makes his scales bristle with unbearable tension… It's the voice. It sounds familiar. Too familiar. The tremor inside him seeps into his voice as he murmurs, "What was that?" Locto turns toward the direction of the sound but doesn't answer immediately. When he finally speaks, his tone is low and ominous. "You'll understand soon, merman." He pauses before turning away. "You all will." "Wait!" Soza shouts, reaching out as far as the dome allows him. But Locto's figure has already vanished into the darkness. [[Continue|201]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "eveningOfChaos" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ <span class="chapter">''Chapter 5''</span> <span class="chapterTitle">The Seaweed Forest</span> //''[The next day, with $name…]''// From the ruined city to here, you haven't come across a single being, neither living nor corrupted. But rather than being a relief, the silence only makes the tension coil tighter in your chest. The water around you is dark, murky green, and heavy with a presence you can almost feel against your skin. Without thinking, you stay close to your companions, as if the shadow slithering through the currents might swallow you whole if you stray too far. Ahead, towering columns of giant seaweeds sway with an unsettling slowness. You remember being here before, when you first arrived in Bucante, but the place seems to have withered with the passing days. It's darker. Heavier. More sinister. This must be The Seaweed Forest. Nauzet suddenly stops on a rock marking the edge of a precipice. Below, there is only an unfathomable darkness. "Stop." He raises a hand, and all of you obey instantly. Then, he gestures toward the abyss. "From here on, we'll stay close to the ocean floor." <<if $fear is true>>You glance over the edge, and your stomach twists immediately. The darkness seems to call to you from below, stretching out like a hungry maw. You swallow hard and take a step back. "...Why?" you ask cautiously, dreading the answer before even hearing it. <<else>>You peer over the edge, frowning when you can barely see beyond a few meters. "...Why?" you ask cautiously. <</if>>The answer comes before the words. A distant roar rumbles through the water, low and deep, so powerful that the rock beneath you seems to tremble. And it's coming from the direction you have to go. Nauzet turns toward the sound, his expression hardening as his fingers tighten around his trident. "That's one less direction they could ambush us from," he mutters through clenched teeth. His sharp gaze meets yours. "Stay in the shadows, and //don't// stray." The merman begins to descend into the dimness of the ocean floor. You take a steady breath and follow right behind him. [[Continue|202]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "longNote1" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ The sound of the gentle strokes of your tail and the slow sway of the seaweed accompanies you along the way as you carefully move through the darkness. Nauzet leads the march through the eerie forest, a bluish orb of light floating in the palm of his hand. It's a weak spell, just enough to push back the gloom a bit and avoid drawing unwanted attention. A piece of seaweed brushes against your arm, startling you. You curse it silently and keep moving. In the distance, a pair of glowing specks pierce through the darkness, small and far away, like stars in a moonless sky. A shiver runs down your spine as Moloth's patrol's warning about the dangers of this place echoes in your mind. "All those lights…" you murmur, breaking the silence that had settled over the group. "They're ghost fish, aren't they? The guild warned me about them." "They are," Nauzet replies with a nod. "They're native to this area, territorial and highly aggressive. Another reason why I insist that you all stay together at all times. They create illusions to confuse their prey before killing them. In this forest, even your own shadow can't be trusted." Salva narrows his eyes warily. "I'm surprised you didn't run into any when you fled The Void." "We weren't exactly in the best position to admire the local wildlife, kid," $AO retorts quickly. "They mostly roam the ocean floor," Nauzet continues. "The higher up you go, the less likely you are to encounter one. Their danger lies in the darkness and in the false hope of the naive. Their illusions are useless if you can see them coming from afar." A seashell floats between your group. $MI catches it and inspects it. Dark stains seep into its interior, and the top is rough and cracked. A distinct sulphuric scent seeps from the fissures, tainting the salty essence of the ocean. "These waters are poisoned," $MIhe_she says, glancing around with a frown. "I can feel the corruption seeping through my scales." [[Continue|203]]

A distorted sound drifts to your ears through the currents. A roar, maybe. Or perhaps the wail of some unfortunate creature. You can't tell for sure, but you don't like it one bit. "Did you hear that?" $AL asks, $ALhis_her voice trembling. "More demons, maybe?" you say, straining your ears just in case. Salva tightens his grip on his spear, his knuckles pale from the pressure. "Let them come. I'll take them all down," he scoffs arrogantly. "You'll do no such thing, tadpole," Nauzet says, shooting Salva a stern look before turning his gaze forward again. "Fighting here is pointless. We're in enemy territory. Even with light, we'd be at a clear disadvantage, so don't do anything reckless. We find where our missing people are and leave." "Find them and leave? That's it?" Salva repeats in disbelief. "We're not going to rescue them?" "We analyse the situation first. Then we decide." Salva clenches his jaw at the merman god's vague response, but before another argument can break out, you step in. "How are we supposed to find anything in all this darkness?" "Carefully," Nauzet replies. [[Continue|204]]

Suddenly, the gods come to an abrupt halt, $RG raising a hand to stop the rest of you as well. "What is it?" you ask, already scanning your surroundings for any sign of danger. $RG clenches $RGhis_her jaw. "We're not alone." <<if $weapon is "Magic">>Immediately, you press your back against your companions, power already coursing through your arms as you glance around, trying to make out any figure moving in the darkness. But all you can see are the slow-moving leaves of the seaweed, and that only makes you more nervous. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>Immediately, you press your back against your companions, gripping the hilt of your daggers tighter as you glance around. You try to make out any figure moving in the darkness, but all you can see are the slow-moving leaves of the seaweed, and that only makes you more nervous. <<else>>Immediately, you press your back against your companions, gripping the hilt of your weapon tighter as you glance around. You try to make out any figure moving in the darkness, but all you can see are the slow-moving leaves of the seaweed, and that only makes you more nervous. <</if>>"Demons?" $LL asks, raising $LLhis_her shield. "It's hard to say, but whatever it is, it's been watching us for a while," Nauzet growls. "But why isn't it attacking?" <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>For a moment, you wonder if it could be $BN lurking nearby, and your heart leaps with a flicker of hope that you immediately smother with self-reproach. But then, you feel something moving above you… something your instincts tell you has nothing to do with the renegade $BNgod_goddess. <<else>>For a moment, you wonder if it could be $BN. That bastard seems to love moments like this, appearing out of nowhere just to toy with you. But then, you feel something moving above you, and your instincts tell you the renegade $BNgod_goddess has nothing to do with it. <</if>>It's only a subtle shift, barely enough to disturb the water's flow, but it's enough to make your skin crawl. Your heart climbs to your throat as you look up, expecting to see the enormous eyes of a leviathan that has caught your group, but you are met only with deep darkness. Then, you see the silhouette of something small, thin, and elongated, slowly drifting down to the ocean floor. At first, the sight makes your pulse quicken, but as it gets closer, the fear begins to fade. When it reaches eye level, you frown. "...A piece of seaweed?" [[Continue|205]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "fight" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ The current around you shifts in an instant. A low, droning hum cuts through the murmur of the water as the colossal trunk of one of the seaweed twists upon itself and crashes down with the fury of a giant whip. "Move!" $RG roars. The group scatters just before impact. Sand rises in murky brown clouds, blinding your vision for a second as the blow reverberates through the ocean floor like a muffled thunderclap. You shield your eyes, feeling the water swirl chaotically around you. "What the hell...?" you start to say, but your voice is drowned out as another seaweed lashes toward you all. There's no time to even breathe. More shadows rise through the haze of sand, moving with an unsettling intent. They are long, thick, and come crashing down with monstrous force, writhing like beasts with a will of their own. "The seaweeds are moving!?" $AO exclaims, barely dodging a strike. "Nobody told me about this!" "They shouldn't be moving!" Nauzet shouts, increasing the glow of his spell to improve your vision. You dodge another of those monstrous tendrils just in time, feeling the impact vibrate through the water mere inches from your body. Beside you, Salva isn't as fast. A seaweed slams into him and hurls him against a mound of coral. "Salva!" Nauzet and $MI rush toward him, but another one of those cursed things crashes down between them, forcing them to retreat. You turn to help, but a sudden, violent tug on your tail knocks the air from your lungs. One of the seaweeds coils around you with merciless strength, and before you can react, it yanks you away with terrifying force. "$name!" Your companions' voices fade into the distance as darkness swallows you whole. In the blink of an eye, the world distorts around you. The marine vegetation slaps against your body as you're dragged helplessly farther and farther away, and even the glow of Nauzet's spell disappears from sight. [[Continue|206]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "powerOfFear" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ The seaweed releases you after a while, though by then, you're completely unable to see anything around you. Not a single flicker of light relieves the darkness engulfing you. It's as if the world has vanished, leaving only you, floating in the void, with the rapid thrum of your heartbeat pounding in your ears. You don't know where you've been dragged or how far you are from your companions. You try to take a deep breath to stay calm, but the density of the air seems to press against your chest with every inhalation. Cautiously, you move an arm, reaching out to touch something—anything—to orient yourself. But as soon as you do, something brushes against your hand. A shiver runs down your spine, icy and sharp. You hold back a gasp. //"It's just seaweed, it's just seaweed,"// you tell yourself, though the words don't bring any real relief. The sensation of its slimy texture sliding over your skin churns your stomach. You have to move, but fear paralyses you. Any direction could take you farther from your companions. Or worse, closer to your enemies. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>You grit your teeth. Staying still would be even worse. You can't let panic drown you before something else does. You take a deep breath and let magic gather at your palm. A small ball of light illuminating your surroundings weekly, but at least now you can see the ground and have a slight idea where you're going. And so, you start moving. The current weaves a soft murmur through the seaweed, making them sway around you. You know they aren't alive. At least, these ones don't seem to be. Another brush of seaweed. This time against your fin. Firmer. Cold creeps up your spine despite the source of light hovering on your hand. <<else>>You grit your teeth. Staying still would be even worse. You can't let panic drown you before something else does. You extend your hand again, this time moving more slowly. The current weaves a soft murmur through the seaweed, making them sway around you. You know they aren't alive. At least, these ones don't seem to be. Another brush. This time against your fin. Firmer. Cold creeps up your spine. <</if>><<if $RO is false>>//"I have to get back to the group,"// you think. Another seaweed grazes your neck. //"I need to get back to the group now!"// <<else>>//"$RO."// you think. Another seaweed grazes your neck. //"I need to get back to $RO!"// <</if>>[[Continue|207]]

"$name!" <<if $RO is false>>$RG's<<else>>$RO's<</if>> voice sparks a glimmer of hope in your chest amidst the overwhelming dark. You turn toward the sound and spot the bluish glow of Nauzet's spell just a few meters away. Without hesitation, you swim toward it, heart pounding. You want to escape this darkness as soon as possible and return to the safety of your companions. "$name!" <<if $RO is false>>$RG<<else>>$RO<</if>> calls out again, but something in the tone makes you frown and stop before reaching the light. It sounds exactly the same as before. Not a single variation in volume or emotion. An //exact// copy. Suddenly, the light surges toward you at alarming speed, and before you can react, you see the dozens of sharp teeth of a ghost fish lunging to tear into your flesh. It's too late to pull back. You squeeze your eyes shut, instinctively raising your arms and bracing for pain. But instead, a comforting warmth spreads beneath your collarbone. When you look, you see the ghost fish snapping its jaws in front of you… but it's unable to touch you. A glowing barrier surrounds you, keeping the creature at bay. The symbol on your pendant shines, and a familiar voice resonates in your mind. //"Do not worry, my power will hold it back."// "$AA! You're back!" you exclaim in relief. //"I never left. Forgive me for disappearing last time. My powers faltered before I could warn you of the danger."// "Yesterday…" you murmur, your breath still ragged. "What happened at the market… what was that about?" //"A warning. It didn't go as expected."// A spark of electricity crackles from the barrier and strikes the ghost fish. The burst stuns it for a moment before the creature flees. //"These poor creatures have been forced to change their nature to survive. They are confused after losing their home as they knew it."// "$AA, do you know what's happening?" you ask, the remnants of anxiety still coursing through your body. "Why did the seaweed attack us out of nowhere?" //"Any living being can be manipulated. This forest is no exception,"// $BNhe_she replies. //"$BN is playing."// <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>"$BN." $BNHis_Her name escapes your lips in a quiet sigh before you even realize it. You wet your lips, a nervous habit you can't quite suppress. You want to convince yourself it's just because you were separated from your companions or because of the oppressive ambience around you, but even you don't believe that. "Why is $BNhe_she doing this?" you murmur, thoughtful. "If $BNhe_she wants to get rid of me to reach you, why go through all this trouble instead of attacking me directly?" //"Your death does not interest $BNhim_her, achi $lname. Not even mine. That would merely be collateral damage in $BNhis_her pursuit of what $BNhe_she truly wants."// Then, a short but luminous line extends from the lower part of the barrier. //"Follow it. It will lead you back to your people."// You lift your gaze in the direction the light points and press your lips together hesitantly. "Could you make the barrier larger? This darkness is… overwhelming." $AA is silent for a moment. $BNHis_Her tone is softer when $BNhe_she speaks again, almost careful. //"...Of course, $name."// The barrier expands a few steps further, pushing the darkness away just enough to reveal the blurred shapes of rocks and seaweed in sharper outlines. You still can't see anything beyond, but at least it no longer feels like the place is closing in on you. You can finally breathe easier. "Thank you, $AA." //"It is my pleasure, $name,"// $BNhe_she responds gently. <<else>>"So this is $BN's doing. Why am I not surprised?" you mutter sarcastically as you shake your head. "I don't get it. If $BNhe_she wants to get rid of me to reach you, why all the theatrics? Why not just attack me directly?" //"Your death does not interest $BNhim_her, achi $lname. Not even mine. That would merely be collateral damage in $BNhis_her pursuit of what $BNhe_she truly wants."// Then, a short but luminous line extends from the lower part of the barrier. //"Follow it. It will lead you back to your people."// You lift your gaze in the direction the light points and press your lips together hesitantly. "Could you make the barrier larger? This darkness is… overwhelming." //"Forgive me, achi $lname, but my power is limited,"// $AA replies, a hint of guilt in $BNhis_her voice. //"Do not be afraid. The barrier will protect you."// You let out a resigned sigh. "Fine… Here we go." You take a second to observe the faint shapes you can make out through the gloom, your nerves prickling despite the protective barrier around you. Then, swallowing hard, you take the first step forward. <</if>>[[Continue|208]]

"You were saying," you continue as you step around a rock in your path, "that $BN seeks neither your death nor mine. And I remember $BNhe_she mentioned something similar the last time we met. So then, what does $BNhe_she really want?" //"To be whole again. My powers will help $BNhim_her achieve that."// "Whole?" You frown. "What the hell does that mean?" //"$BNHe_She lost something a long time ago. Something that still belongs to $BNhim_her."// "And why does $BNhe_she think you have it?" you ask, pushing a strand of seaweed away from your face. //"Because I do."// $BNHis_Her bluntness catches you so off guard that you stop for a second. "…Oh. And, uh, what exactly do you have that $BNhe_she wants back?" you ask as you resume walking. $AA doesn't answer right away, letting a few moments pass before responding. //"…$BNHis_Her essence. I stole it."// You blink in surprise. "What? When you say essence, do you mean $BNhis_her soul? Is that even possible?" //"In a way… and yet, not exactly. I took a small part of who $BNhe_she is, but $BNhe_she remains $BNhimself_herself, just as I remain myself."// The path suddenly cuts off. A cliff opens up before you, the ground dropping into a void of nothingness. You press yourself against the rock wall and keep moving as you try to not look down. "How did you do it?" you ask once you reach the other side. "I doubt stealing part of someone's soul is that easy." //"A powerful ritual. One I am ashamed of,"// $BNhe_she replies, $BNhis_her voice tinged with guilt. //"But you must understand that I had no power over what happened. Others made the choice for me."// "Who did?" //"My progenitors."// You frown, shaking your head slightly in disbelief. "Your parents made you steal part of $BN's soul? Why?" //"They feared $BNhis_her power. Thought it could not be left untamed."// $AA pauses. //"They were right. But the end does not justify the means. Not in this case. Not like this."// * [[Were your parents punished?|209a]] * [[What did you do then?|209b]] * [[You couldn't undo it?|209c]] * [["Did that make " + $BN + " weaker?"|209d]]

"Your parents…" you begin after a brief, heavy silence. "Were they punished for what they did?" <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos'<<else>>Arminda's<</if>> voice drops lower. //"Yes. Greatly."// A small pang of sympathy makes you purse your lips. "I'm… sorry. Not just for what they made you do, but for everything that came after." A cold current brushes against your skin, sending a shiver down your spine. The light of the barrier flickers faintly as you pass under a rocky arch. //"Thank you. I tried to help. I couldn't."// "I suppose this is what you meant when you told me you tried to help $BN. And then you mentioned some mistakes you made?" //"Yes… I let…"// You notice the barrier around you thinning. Its glow begins to fade, flickering in a way that quickens your pulse, the darkness closing in at an alarming speed. "$AA?" //"And then we…"// <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos'<<else>>Arminda's<</if>> final word fades into silence… along with the last light of the barrier. [[Continue|210]]

"What did you do then?" you ask after a brief, heavy silence. "When they forced you to steal $BNhis_her essence." <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos'<<else>>Arminda's<</if>> voice drops lower. //"Nothing."// You frown. "Nothing?" //"I was too young. I was too weak. And I didn't understand until it was too late. The choice was theirs. The weight… mine."// "And you still carry it," you murmur. //"Always."// A cold current brushes against your skin, sending a shiver down your spine. The light of the barrier flickers faintly as you pass under a rocky arch. "So that's why you wanted to help $BNhim_her. But then you mentioned you made mistakes?" //"Yes… I let…"// You notice the barrier around you thinning. Its glow begins to fade, flickering in a way that quickens your pulse, the darkness closing in at an alarming speed. "$AA?" //"And then we…"// <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos'<<else>>Arminda's<</if>> final word fades into silence… along with the last light of the barrier. [[Continue|210]]

"Was there no way to undo the ritual?" you ask after a brief, heavy silence. <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos'<<else>>Arminda's<</if>> voice drops lower. //"I tried. But $BNhis_her sorrow was stronger, and $BNhis_her hatred followed."// A cold current brushes against your skin, sending a shiver down your spine. The light of the barrier flickers faintly as you pass under a rocky arch. "So that's how you tried to help $BNhim_her. But then you talked about some mistakes you made?" //"Yes… I let…"// You notice the barrier around you thinning. Its glow begins to fade, flickering in a way that quickens your pulse, the darkness closing in at an alarming speed. "$AA?" //"And then we…"// <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos'<<else>>Arminda's<</if>> final word fades into silence… along with the last light of the barrier. [[Continue|210]]

"If you stole $BNhis_her essence…" you say thoughtfully after a short silence, "how did it affect $BNhim_her? Are $BNhis_her powers weaker now?" <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos'<<else>>Arminda's<</if>> voice drops lower. //"$BNHis_Her powers, yes. $BNHe_She is not."// You frown. "What do you mean?" //"$BNHis_Her essence is scattered into other fragments. It keeps $BNhis_her powers from being as strong as they once were."// A cold current brushes against your skin, sending a shiver down your spine. The light of the barrier flickers faintly as you pass under a rocky arch. //"But that doesn't make $BNhim_her weaker,"// $AA continues. //"It fuels $BNhis_her hunger. It gives $BNhim_her purpose."// "It makes $BNhim_her dangerous," you finish for $BNhim_her. //"More than ever."// "I… understand," you say with a serious nod. "And you tried to help $BNhim_her when you found out. But then you mentioned some mistakes you made?" //"Yes… I let…"// You notice the barrier around you thinning. Its glow begins to fade, flickering in a way that quickens your pulse, the darkness closing in at an alarming speed. "$AA?" //"And then we…"// <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos'<<else>>Arminda's<</if>> final word fades into silence… along with the last light of the barrier. [[Continue|210]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "ghost" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ "No, no, no. Not again!" <<if $weapon is "Magic">><<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos'<<else>>Arminda's<</if>> voice has vanished completely, along with the barrier that protected you from the predators. You quickly conjure a ball of light in your hand before the darkness swallows you again, but even so, the solitude brings a fear that sinks into your chest like a sharp blow. You wait for what feels like an eternity for $AA to speak again, but no matter how tightly you grip the pendant, nothing happens. You are alone. Alone with nothing but the echo of your own breathing, growing more ragged, more uneven. You move forward slowly. You come across a small tangle of seaweed. Swallowing hard, you move around it. <<else>><<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos'<<else>>Arminda's<</if>> voice has vanished completely, along with the barrier that protected you, not just from the predators, but from the darkness itself. Fear returns, hitting your chest like a sudden blow. You wait for what feels like an eternity for $AA to speak again, but no matter how tightly you grip the pendant, nothing happens. You are alone again. Alone with nothing but the echo of your own breathing, growing more ragged, more uneven. You try to move, but you're not even sure if you actually do. You touch something. Seaweed, maybe. You can't be sure since you can't even see your own hands. <</if>>You hear something to your left. You turn. Nothing. You hear something to your right. You turn. Nothing. Your heart pounds against your ribs. A chill runs down your spine when, suddenly, intuition pushes through the chaos of your mind like an elbow through a crowded room. Right here, in this wall-less prison that is the underwater forest, a single thought knocks the air from your lungs. You're not alone. Something is there, hidden in the dark. Lurking. Maybe it's just your mind playing tricks on you, shoving you toward the edge of panic. But then, something changes. A light, faint at first and flickering like a wavering flame, approaching from behind… <<if $weapon is "Magic">>You command your magic to gather quickly in the palm of your free hand and… <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You grip your daggers so tightly it feels like you might bend the metal. And then… <<else>>You grip the hilt of your sword so tightly it feels like you might bend the metal. And then… <</if>>[[You turn around|211]]

"What a coincidence running into you here." <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>Coincidence is not a word you would use in this case. Not when it comes to $BNhim_her. And yet, seeing $BNhim_her there, just a few meters away, with that sharp, cocky smile you're starting to grow accustomed to, stirs something contradictory inside you. This time, it's not fear that settles in your chest. It's something far more dangerous. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>"$BN..." $BNhis_her name slips from your lips in a murmur as you lower your arms. <<else>>"$BN..." $BNhis_her name slips from your lips in a murmur as you lower your weapon. <</if>>$BNHis_Her smile widens. "You've chosen a bad place to get lost, $name. The predators here don't show mercy." The orb of light floating beside $BNhim_her moves between you, dispelling the dense shadows around you in a considerable radius. As you take a closer look, you realize it's a sphere of concentrated magic. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"I must say, you look good as a merman," $BN remarks suddenly, drawing your gaze back to $BNhim_her. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"I must say, you look good as a mermaid," $BN remarks suddenly, drawing your gaze back to $BNhim_her. <<else>>"I must say, you look good as a merperson," $BN remarks suddenly, drawing your gaze back to $BNhim_her. <</if>>The renegade $BNgod_goddess looks you up and down with a hungry stare, though whether that's good or bad, you can't tell. Still, you can't stop your mouth from going dry under $BNhis_her intense scrutiny. "Though, if I'm being honest, I prefer your true nature, my little human," $BNhe_she continues, running $BNhis_her tongue over $BNhis_her lips. "It's more… appetizing." <<if $corruption > 2>>You suck in a breath, feeling completely vulnerable under $BNhis_her gaze. For some reason, the emotions $BNhe_she stirs in you grow stronger and harder to ignore every time you see $BNhim_her. Luckily, you still have your wits and manage to regain your composure fast enough. "I know what you're trying to do," you force yourself to say. $BNHis_Her brow arches in amusement. "Oh? And what exactly am I trying to do, according to you?" "Distract me," you reply, struggling against the dryness in your throat. You wet your lips and swallow hard to remedy that. "And tempt me to get what you want." "That's where you're wrong, my little human." $BNHis_Her eyes gleam with something unreadable, and $BNhis_her voice drops to almost a whisper, yet you hear $BNhim_her perfectly. "I'm not the one doing the tempting." <<else>>You suck in a breath, feeling completely vulnerable under $BNhis_her gaze. For some reason, the emotions $BNhe_she stirs in you grow stronger and harder to ignore every time you see $BNhim_her. Your resistance weakens each time $BNhe_she's near. And worst of all, you're not sure if you even want to keep resisting anymore. <</if>><<else>>Coincidence is not a word you would use in this case. Not when it comes to $BNhim_her. That sharp, cocky smile unsettles you even from several meters away. "$BN," you mutter through narrowed eyes. $BNHis_Her grin widens. "You've chosen a bad place to get lost, $name. The predators here don't show mercy." You frown. "Predators like you?" $BNHis_Her laughter ripples through the water, a sound like a broken purr. "Depends on who the prey is." The orb of light beside $BNhim_her drifts between you, pushing back the suffocating shadows in a wide radius. As you focus on it, you realize it's a sphere of concentrated magic. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"I must say, you look good as a merman," $BN muses suddenly, making you flinch and meet $BNhis_her gaze again. "It adds character. Though… those scales don't suit you much. You'd look better with some a little more... dark." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"I must say, you look good as a mermaid," $BN muses suddenly, making you flinch and meet $BNhis_her gaze again. "It adds character. Though… those scales don't suit you much. You'd look better with some a little more... dark." <<else>>""I must say, you look good as a merperson," $BN muses suddenly, making you flinch and meet $BNhis_her gaze again. "It adds character. Though… those scales don't suit you much. You'd look better with some a little more... dark." <</if>>The way $BNhe_she says that word—and the hungry gleam in $BNhis_her eyes—sets off every alarm in your head at once. Calling this dangerous would be an understatement. And yet, you get the feeling $BNhe_she doesn't want to hurt you. Not now. Not yet. <</if>>[[Continue|212]]

$BN doesn't take $BNhis_her eyes off you as $BNhe_she begins to move, circling around you with slow, measured steps, like a predator preparing to pounce on its prey. You do the same, refusing to lose sight of $BNhim_her, the orb of light rotating with you both and remaining in the middle. You know turning your back on $BNhim_her would be a terrible idea. "You were the one who attacked us earlier, weren't you? With the seaweed," you say after a silent battle of stares. "Don't bother denying it. $AA told me." "Straight to the point, huh? That's another thing I like about you." $BN hums in amusement. "Of course it was me. I had to do something to get a moment alone with you. We don't get many chances to talk without being interrupted." <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>Against all odds, you let out a soft chuckle. "Visiting me in my dreams isn't enough for you?" <<else>>Your eyebrow twitches. "Tormenting me in my dreams isn't enough for you?" <</if>>"Not when someone insists on getting in the way." $BNHis_Her gaze drops to your pendant for a second, and $BNhis_her grin stretches wider, revealing sharp teeth.<<if $BNRomance >= 3>> A reminder of what lurks beneath the surface of $BNhis_her charm.<</if>> "Now, it's just you and me." You clench your fist around the pendant, your expression hardening. "So the fact that $AA disappeared a moment ago… that was your doing too," you say after a brief silence. $BN tilts $BNhis_her head. "As much as I'd love to take credit for that, I'm afraid I had nothing to do with it. How $AA chooses to spend the last remnants of $BNhis_her power is $BNhis_her business." For a moment, $BNhe_she says nothing else. $BNHe_She studies you. Then, a soft chuckle escapes $BNhis_her lips. "It's endearing, really. How blindly you trust someone just because others have told you $BNhe_she's on your side. But tell me…" $BNHis_Her smile doesn't waver, but something in $BNhis_her eyes darkens. "Are you doing the right thing?" It's a rhetorical question, you know that from $BNhis_her mocking tone. By now, the two of you have completed a full circle around the light, $BN's steps tracing a perfect ring in the sand. "$BNHe_She hasn't given me any reason to think otherwise yet. I can't say the same about you," you reply, a sudden surge of confidence pushing your words forward. ...Or recklessness "Of course not. That's not $BNhis_her style," $BN says after another laugh. $BNHis_Her claws scrape against a nearby rock, leaving behind a sharp, grating sound that makes your skin crawl. "But let me remind you, of all the people you know, I am the only one who has been honest with you from the start, $name. I never lie. And I will always tell you everything you want to know." $BNHis_Her smile turns unsettling. "As long as you ask the right questions, of course." [[Continue|213]]

There's an unmistakable challenge in $BNhis_her words, a mixture of insolence and taunting in equal measure. Then again, $BNhe_she doesn't need to speak for you to pick up on it. $BNHis_Her entire demeanour is enough. "You came for the pendant, didn't you?" you ask cautiously, fully aware of both its weight around your neck and the glances $BN keeps sneaking at it. "Oh, mortal, I have every intention of getting it, but unfortunately for me, today won't be the day," $BNhe_she replies, $BNhis_her tone far too casual for your comfort. Then, $BNhe_she chuckles. "I'll take it, probably sooner rather than later if $AA keeps wasting $BNhis_her energy on foolish attempts to protect you and those pretenders." You narrow your eyes. Right now, you're as defenceless as you could possibly be against $BNhim_her. $BNHe_She could take the pendant with ease, and there'd be nothing you could do to stop $BNhim_her. And yet, $BN doesn't seem interested in doing so. At least not yet. And that only makes you more suspicious. Whatever $BNhe_she's planning goes far beyond $AA. "But come on, I know that's not the only thing you want to ask," $BNhe_she continues, snapping you out of your thoughts and throwing you a sidelong glance as $BNhe_she keeps walking. "Why don't you go ahead and ask the question that really matters to you and your little group right now?" $BN waits patiently as you watch $BNhim_her in silence for several long seconds. In the end, you can't help but take the bait. "The merpeople you've kidnapped," you begin. "What have you done with them?" "I'm not hurting them, if that's what you're worried about. They're still alive," $BNhe_she replies with a smirk. "I'm simply showing them… a different perspective." You frown. "What do you mean by that?" $BN shrugs, clearly amused. "Let's just say they've learned some things about themselves that have made them reconsider a few life choices." * [[You corrupted them|214a]] * [[Where are they then?|214b]] * [[How convincing...|214c]] * [[No one disappears over 'a different point of view'|214d]] * [[Take me to them|214e]]

"A different point of view?" You shake your head. "That sounds like a fancy way of saying you corrupted them." "If opening one's eyes is the same as corruption, then yes, I suppose I have," $BNhe_she replies with a smug smile. $BN slips a hand into the pocket of $BNhis_her tattered coat and wraps $BNhis_her fingers around something, raising $BNhis_her fist to face level. "But let's be serious. It's not just any merperson you care about, is it? There's one in particular, am I wrong?" $BN accompanies $BNhis_her question with a calculated motion, slowly opening $BNhis_her fist. The water carries the soft chime of a delicate chain to your ears, a gentle sound, almost deceptively innocent. But nothing about $BN is innocent. A bracelet floats between $BNhis_her fingers, the chain tangled against $BNhis_her corrupted skin. A small, rounded plate dangles from it, and with the same precision as a predator toying with its prey, $BN tilts it so that the symbol engraved on its surface reflects in the faint light of the magical orb. $BNHe_She holds it dangerously close to $BNhis_her mouth, just at the edge of $BNhis_her serrated teeth, as if $BNhe_she could snap $BNhis_her jaws shut on it at any moment. A threat. But you're not sure against whom, exactly. "That's…" Your breath catches in your throat as your eyes widen. "That's another artefact. Soza's, isn't it? Where is he? Did you—?" $BN raises $BNhis_her free hand in a lazy gesture. A signal for calm that utterly fails. "Relax, my little human. The merman you're looking for is safe." $BNHe_She pauses for a second, $BNhis_her eyes narrowing slightly. "...For now." You glance at the bracelet, then back at $BN, your expression wary. $BNHe_She's provoking you, as $BNhe_she always does. "I know what you're trying to do. Why waste time with these games?" you say, gripping your pendant. "What do you gain from provoking me? We both know what you really want." $BN holds $BNhis_her smile, but the emotion fades from $BNhis_her expression. It's the kind of look that comes before a storm. "Oh, my little human…" $BNhe_she murmurs, $BNhis_her tone as soft as the water around you, and as unsettling as the darkness that accompanies it. "I don't waste time. I invest it." Your body tenses instinctively, and you swallow hard. The pressure of the ocean around you is nothing compared to the weight of $BNhis_her words. "In what?" you can't help but ask. <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>$BN wets $BNhis_her lips with a slow, deliberate movement that steals the air from your lungs. Then, $BNhis_her voice cuts through the circle you've formed, more like a poisoned caress than an open threat. "You." You should run, says the part of your mind still clinging to sanity, but the thought barely registers over the hammering of your heartbeat in your ears. The renegade $BNgod_goddess pays no mind to your reaction, entirely focused on the artefact in $BNhis_her hand. $BNHe_She toys with the chain between $BNhis_her fingers for a moment, then suddenly tosses it toward you with disinterest. <<else>>The renegade $BNgod_goddess doesn't even bother to answer. $BNHis_Her fingers idly toy the bracelet, as if playing with someone else's fate. Then, without warning, $BNhe_she lets it go, letting it drift toward you. <</if>>"Here. Consider this a gift from me." It takes you half a second to react, the bracelet floating in the water right in front of you. You catch it clumsily, turning it over in your hand, frowning in a mix of disbelief and suspicion. "What—?" [[Continue|215]]

"If you haven't harmed them, where are they? And why haven't they come back?" "Because they have no reason to return. They found something better," $BNhe_she replies with a smug smile. $BN slips a hand into the pocket of $BNhis_her tattered coat and wraps $BNhis_her fingers around something, raising $BNhis_her fist to face level. "But let's be serious. It's not just any merperson you care about, is it? There's one in particular, am I wrong?" $BN accompanies $BNhis_her question with a calculated motion, slowly opening $BNhis_her fist. The water carries the soft chime of a delicate chain to your ears, a gentle sound, almost deceptively innocent. But nothing about $BN is innocent. A bracelet floats between $BNhis_her fingers, the chain tangled against $BNhis_her corrupted skin. A small, rounded plate dangles from it, and with the same precision as a predator toying with its prey, $BN tilts it so that the symbol engraved on its surface reflects in the faint light of the magical orb. $BNHe_She holds it dangerously close to $BNhis_her mouth, just at the edge of $BNhis_her serrated teeth, as if $BNhe_she could snap $BNhis_her jaws shut on it at any moment. A threat. But you're not sure against whom, exactly. "That's…" Your breath catches in your throat as your eyes widen. "That's another artefact. Soza's, isn't it? Where is he? Did you—?" $BN raises $BNhis_her free hand in a lazy gesture. A signal for calm that utterly fails. "Relax, my little human. The merman you're looking for is safe." $BNHe_She pauses for a second, $BNhis_her eyes narrowing slightly. "...For now." You glance at the bracelet, then back at $BN, your expression wary. $BNHe_She's provoking you, as $BNhe_she always does. "I know what you're trying to do. Why waste time with these games?" you say, gripping your pendant. "What do you gain from provoking me? We both know what you really want." $BN holds $BNhis_her smile, but the emotion fades from $BNhis_her expression. It's the kind of look that comes before a storm. "Oh, my little human…" $BNhe_she murmurs, $BNhis_her tone as soft as the water around you, and as unsettling as the darkness that accompanies it. "I don't waste time. I invest it." Your body tenses instinctively, and you swallow hard. The pressure of the ocean around you is nothing compared to the weight of $BNhis_her words. "In what?" you can't help but ask. <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>$BN wets $BNhis_her lips with a slow, deliberate movement that steals the air from your lungs. Then, $BNhis_her voice cuts through the circle you've formed, more like a poisoned caress than an open threat. "You." You should run, says the part of your mind still clinging to sanity, but the thought barely registers over the hammering of your heartbeat in your ears. The renegade $BNgod_goddess pays no mind to your reaction, entirely focused on the artefact in $BNhis_her hand. $BNHe_She toys with the chain between $BNhis_her fingers for a moment, then suddenly tosses it toward you with disinterest. <<else>>The renegade $BNgod_goddess doesn't even bother to answer. $BNHis_Her fingers idly toy the bracelet, as if playing with someone else's fate. Then, without warning, $BNhe_she lets it go, letting it drift toward you. <</if>>"Here. Consider this a gift from me." It takes you half a second to react, the bracelet floating in the water right in front of you. You catch it clumsily, turning it over in your hand, frowning in a mix of disbelief and suspicion. "What—?" [[Continue|215]]

You raise an eyebrow. "How convincing. They vanish, and now you claim they simply saw the light and decided not to come back." "It's hard to miss the past once you discover what you truly are," $BNhe_she replies with a smug smile. $BN slips a hand into the pocket of $BNhis_her tattered coat and wraps $BNhis_her fingers around something, raising $BNhis_her fist to face level. "But let's be serious. It's not just any merperson you care about, is it? There's one in particular, am I wrong?" $BN accompanies $BNhis_her question with a calculated motion, slowly opening $BNhis_her fist. The water carries the soft chime of a delicate chain to your ears, a gentle sound, almost deceptively innocent. But nothing about $BN is innocent. A bracelet floats between $BNhis_her fingers, the chain tangled against $BNhis_her corrupted skin. A small, rounded plate dangles from it, and with the same precision as a predator toying with its prey, $BN tilts it so that the symbol engraved on its surface reflects in the faint light of the magical orb. $BNHe_She holds it dangerously close to $BNhis_her mouth, just at the edge of $BNhis_her serrated teeth, as if $BNhe_she could snap $BNhis_her jaws shut on it at any moment. A threat. But you're not sure against whom, exactly. "That's…" Your breath catches in your throat as your eyes widen. "That's another artefact. Soza's, isn't it? Where is he? Did you—?" $BN raises $BNhis_her free hand in a lazy gesture. A signal for calm that utterly fails. "Relax, my little human. The merman you're looking for is safe." $BNHe_She pauses for a second, $BNhis_her eyes narrowing slightly. "...For now." You glance at the bracelet, then back at $BN, your expression wary. $BNHe_She's provoking you, as $BNhe_she always does. "I know what you're trying to do. Why waste time with these games?" you say, gripping your pendant. "What do you gain from provoking me? We both know what you really want." $BN holds $BNhis_her smile, but the emotion fades from $BNhis_her expression. It's the kind of look that comes before a storm. "Oh, my little human…" $BNhe_she murmurs, $BNhis_her tone as soft as the water around you, and as unsettling as the darkness that accompanies it. "I don't waste time. I invest it." Your body tenses instinctively, and you swallow hard. The pressure of the ocean around you is nothing compared to the weight of $BNhis_her words. "In what?" you can't help but ask. <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>$BN wets $BNhis_her lips with a slow, deliberate movement that steals the air from your lungs. Then, $BNhis_her voice cuts through the circle you've formed like a poisoned caress. "You." You should run, says the part of your mind still clinging to sanity, but the thought barely registers over the hammering of your heartbeat in your ears. The renegade $BNgod_goddess pays no mind to your reaction, entirely focused on the artefact in $BNhis_her hand. $BNHe_She toys with the chain between $BNhis_her fingers for a moment, then suddenly tosses it toward you with disinterest. <<else>>The renegade $BNgod_goddess doesn't even bother to answer. $BNHis_Her fingers idly toy the bracelet, as if playing with someone else's fate. Then, without warning, $BNhe_she lets it go, letting it drift toward you. <</if>>"Here. Consider this a gift from me." It takes you half a second to react, the bracelet floating in the water right in front of you. You catch it clumsily, turning it over in your hand, frowning in a mix of disbelief and suspicion. "What—?" [[Continue|215]]

You shake your head in disbelief. "What you're saying makes no sense. No one disappears without a trace just because of 'a different point of view.'" "When you understand the truth, there's no need to cling to the old," $BNhe_she replies with a smug smile. $BN slips a hand into the pocket of $BNhis_her tattered coat and wraps $BNhis_her fingers around something, raising $BNhis_her fist to face level. "But let's be serious. It's not just any merperson you care about, is it? There's one in particular, am I wrong?" $BN accompanies $BNhis_her question with a calculated motion, slowly opening $BNhis_her fist. The water carries the soft chime of a delicate chain to your ears, a gentle sound, almost deceptively innocent. But nothing about $BN is innocent. A bracelet floats between $BNhis_her fingers, the chain tangled against $BNhis_her corrupted skin. A small, rounded plate dangles from it, and with the same precision as a predator toying with its prey, $BN tilts it so that the symbol engraved on its surface reflects in the faint light of the magical orb. $BNHe_She holds it dangerously close to $BNhis_her mouth, just at the edge of $BNhis_her serrated teeth, as if $BNhe_she could snap $BNhis_her jaws shut on it at any moment. A threat. But you're not sure against whom, exactly. "That's…" Your breath catches in your throat as your eyes widen. "That's another artefact. Soza's, isn't it? Where is he? Did you—?" $BN raises $BNhis_her free hand in a lazy gesture. A signal for calm that utterly fails. "Relax, my little human. The merman you're looking for is safe." $BNHe_She pauses for a second, $BNhis_her eyes narrowing slightly. "...For now." You glance at the bracelet, then back at $BN, your expression wary. $BNHe_She's provoking you, as $BNhe_she always does. "I know what you're trying to do. Why waste time with these games?" you say, gripping your pendant. "What do you gain from provoking me? We both know what you really want." $BN holds $BNhis_her smile, but the emotion fades from $BNhis_her expression. It's the kind of look that comes before a storm. "Oh, my little human…" $BNhe_she murmurs, $BNhis_her tone as soft as the water around you, and as unsettling as the darkness that accompanies it. "I don't waste time. I invest it." Your body tenses instinctively, and you swallow hard. The pressure of the ocean around you is nothing compared to the weight of $BNhis_her words. "In what?" you can't help but ask. <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>$BN wets $BNhis_her lips with a slow, deliberate movement that steals the air from your lungs. Then, $BNhis_her voice cuts through the circle you've formed, more like a poisoned caress than an open threat. "You." You should run, says the part of your mind still clinging to sanity, but the thought barely registers over the hammering of your heartbeat in your ears. The renegade $BNgod_goddess pays no mind to your reaction, entirely focused on the artefact in $BNhis_her hand. $BNHe_She toys with the chain between $BNhis_her fingers for a moment, then suddenly tosses it toward you with disinterest. <<else>>The renegade $BNgod_goddess doesn't even bother to answer. $BNHis_Her fingers idly toy the bracelet, as if playing with someone else's fate. Then, without warning, $BNhe_she lets it go, letting it drift toward you. <</if>>"Here. Consider this a gift from me." It takes you half a second to react, the bracelet floating in the water right in front of you. You catch it clumsily, turning it over in your hand, frowning in a mix of disbelief and suspicion. "What—?" [[Continue|215]]

"If they're really fine, then tell me where they are. Let me talk to them." $BN tilts $BNhis_her head, amused. "And do you think you're ready to accept what they'll tell you?" $BNHe_She slips a hand into the pocket of $BNhis_her tattered coat and wraps $BNhis_her fingers around something, raising $BNhis_her fist to face level. "But let's be serious. It's not just any merperson you care about, is it? There's one in particular, am I wrong?" $BN accompanies $BNhis_her question with a calculated motion, slowly opening $BNhis_her fist. The water carries the soft chime of a delicate chain to your ears, a gentle sound, almost deceptively innocent. But nothing about $BN is innocent. A bracelet floats between $BNhis_her fingers, the chain tangled against $BNhis_her corrupted skin. A small, rounded plate dangles from it, and with the same precision as a predator toying with its prey, $BN tilts it so that the symbol engraved on its surface reflects in the faint light of the magical orb. $BNHe_She holds it dangerously close to $BNhis_her mouth, just at the edge of $BNhis_her serrated teeth, as if $BNhe_she could snap $BNhis_her jaws shut on it at any moment. A threat. But you're not sure against whom, exactly. "That's…" Your breath catches in your throat as your eyes widen. "That's another artefact. Soza's, isn't it? Where is he? Did you—?" $BN raises $BNhis_her free hand in a lazy gesture. A signal for calm that utterly fails. "Relax, my little human. The merman you're looking for is safe." $BNHe_She pauses for a second, $BNhis_her eyes narrowing slightly. "...For now." You glance at the bracelet, then back at $BN, your expression wary. $BNHe_She's provoking you, as $BNhe_she always does. "I know what you're trying to do. Why waste time with these games?" you say, gripping your pendant. "What do you gain from provoking me? We both know what you really want." $BN holds $BNhis_her smile, but the emotion fades from $BNhis_her expression. It's the kind of look that comes before a storm. "Oh, my little human…" $BNhe_she murmurs, $BNhis_her tone as soft as the water around you, and as unsettling as the darkness that accompanies it. "I don't waste time. I invest it." Your body tenses instinctively, and you swallow hard. The pressure of the ocean around you is nothing compared to the weight of $BNhis_her words. "In what?" you can't help but ask. <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>$BN wets $BNhis_her lips with a slow, deliberate movement that steals the air from your lungs. Then, $BNhis_her voice cuts through the circle you've formed, more like a poisoned caress than an open threat. "You." You should run, says the part of your mind still clinging to sanity, but the thought barely registers over the hammering of your heartbeat in your ears. The renegade $BNgod_goddess pays no mind to your reaction, entirely focused on the artefact in $BNhis_her hand. $BNHe_She toys with the chain between $BNhis_her fingers for a moment, then suddenly tosses it toward you with disinterest. <<else>>The renegade $BNgod_goddess doesn't even bother to answer. $BNHis_Her fingers idly toy the bracelet, as if playing with someone else's fate. Then, without warning, $BNhe_she lets it go, letting it drift toward you. <</if>>"Here. Consider this a gift from me." It takes you half a second to react, the bracelet floating in the water right in front of you. You catch it clumsily, turning it over in your hand, frowning in a mix of disbelief and suspicion. "What—?" [[Continue|215]]

You lift your gaze to $BN at the exact moment $BNhe_she comes to an abrupt stop and sharply turns $BNhis_her head toward you. $BNHis_Her smile has vanished entirely, leaving $BNhis_her mouth slightly open, just enough for the tips of $BNhis_her sharp fangs to peek through. The darkness around $BNhim_her seems to swallow $BNhis_her silhouette, but $BNhis_her eyes glow with an inhuman intensity. $BNHis_Her cross-shaped pupil begins to spin, slowly at first, then faster, until the motion is so rapid it seems to disappear. $BN takes a step toward you, and a shiver runs down your spine. Your survival instinct screams before you can even process it, and you step back without thinking. $BNHis_Her brow furrows. Corruption swirls around $BNhim_her in a poisonous haze as $BNhe_she advances again, and you, unable to ignore the threat $BNhe_she poses, retreat a little more. And then, $BNhe_she lunges at you at full speed. Your heart slams against your ribs. You barely have time to raise your hands in a useless attempt at defence before squeezing your eyes shut, bracing for impact. ...An impact that never comes. The only thing that breaks the silence is a pitiful whimper. You slowly open your eyes, your pulse hammering in your ears. $BN is right in front of you. $BNHis_Her outstretched arm barely grazes your cheek, but you're not the one holding $BNhis_her attention. $BNHis_Her hand has caught something beyond your head, and that's when you notice the pale, eerie light illuminating the water behind you. Another shiver crawls down your body. With a strangled gasp, you turn and retreat again, this time, standing beside $BN. The ghost fish writhes in $BNhis_her grip, its greyish body flickering with erratic bursts of light, making it look even more grotesque as it struggles to break free from the renegade's hold. Its jaws snap open and shut in a frenzy of useless bites against the empty water. $BN watches it with the same bored expression one might have while holding a bothersome insect. "I don't like these pests," $BNhe_she says with a click of $BNhis_her tongue. $BNHis_Her pupil suddenly stops spinning. "No respect for their superiors. They only know violence." With chilling deliberation, $BNhe_she lifts the fish to eye level and slides a claw between its two pale orbs. The creature thrashes in a desperate frenzy as the claw begins to press into its flesh. Its body convulses, its fins beating wildly against the water around it. But $BN's grip is an unbreakable prison. A few seconds later, the struggle ceases. $BN releases the fish, and the two of you watch as it floats lifelessly in the water. * [[Did you just... save me?|216a]] * [[What... what was that?|216b]] * [[I thought you were going to kill me|216c]] * <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>[[Are you always this ruthless?|216d]]<<else>>==Are you always this ruthless?==<</if>> * <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>[[You could've warned me before throwing yourself at me like that|216e]]<<else>>==You could've warned me before throwing yourself at me like that==<</if>>

Your heart still pounds nervously against your ribs. You try to steady your breath and fix your gaze on $BN. "Did you… Did you just save me?" you ask, unable to hide the surprise in your voice. "Why?" $BN lets out a low chuckle, almost amused. "You have an annoying habit of thinking I'm against you, $name. But don't worry, soon enough, you'll understand my point of view too. Until then… it's your turn." A sudden, dense smoke bursts from $BNhis_her open palm, dark and sinuous, like a bottle of ink spilled into water. Seconds later, it dissipates, revealing the chessboard $BNhe_she always seems to carry with $BNhim_her. The object already feels eerily familiar. "I've been waiting for your next move for a long time," the renegade $BNgod_goddess continues, leaning over the board. "Your inaction had me worried. And I thought perhaps you needed a little… help." Out of the corner of your eye, you catch the glint of $BNhis_her sharp grin. A bad feeling begins to form an uncomfortable knot in your stomach, but you fight the instinct to pull away and keep your gaze fixed on the board. Something doesn't add up. You frown. //"That's strange… $BNHis_Her side seems to have more pawns than before."// You glance up briefly, searching $BN's face for answers, but $BNhe_she only watches the board with studied indifference. //"Could it be the leviathans?"// The line of black pieces has advanced past the middle of the board, closing in on your white ones. Your green rook stands face to face with several of them, but the enemy bishop threatens it with a single move. Meanwhile, the blue knight is confronted by a distorted reflection of itself. The next turn could take it out as well. The yellow king stands bravely beside the green rook. It could strike the bishop and free the rook, or take down the enemy knight and save the blue one. But not both. No matter what you choose, you will lose a piece. "Sometimes, sacrifices must be made." $BN's voice slices through the silence like a blade slipping between your ribs, making you lift your gaze to find $BNhim_her focused on the same pieces you were just considering. "I suppose that's why you're struggling to make your next move. Which piece is more valuable? Which one do I give up? And what will happen next?" With a slow blink, the renegade $BNgod_goddess shifts $BNhis_her gaze to you. A fleeting, malicious glint flashes through $BNhis_her eyes, like lightning in a restrained storm. "That's why I'm here. I thought you might like to hear a little hint." You clench your fists tightly at your sides. The knot in your stomach tightens as your gaze flickers between the blue knight and the green rook. "Whatever you decide, remember one thing, $name…" $BN tilts $BNhis_her head slightly. $BNHis_Her smile widens, but $BNhis_her voice drops a tone. "Fallen pieces rarely rise again." * [[Tell me the hint|217a]] * [[I refuse to listen to you|217b]]

The air feels thick in your throat, and your body still trembles from what just happened. You shake your head to clear the initial shock and fix your gaze on $BN. "What… what was that?" "A simple parasite," $BNhe_she replies, shaking off $BNhis_her claw with disdain. "It clings to whatever it can, hollows it out, and leaves it to rot. Not so different from others I know." You frown. "No. I mean why you saved me." $BN lets out a low chuckle, almost amused. "You have an annoying habit of thinking I'm against you, $name. But don't worry, soon enough, you'll understand my point of view too. Until then… it's your turn." A sudden, dense smoke bursts from $BNhis_her open palm, dark and sinuous, like a bottle of ink spilled into water. Seconds later, it dissipates, revealing the chessboard $BNhe_she always seems to carry with $BNhim_her. The object already feels eerily familiar. "I've been waiting for your next move for a long time," the renegade $BNgod_goddess continues, leaning over the board. "Your inaction had me worried. And I thought perhaps you needed a little… help." Out of the corner of your eye, you catch the glint of $BNhis_her sharp grin. A bad feeling begins to form an uncomfortable knot in your stomach, but you fight the instinct to pull away and keep your gaze fixed on the board. Something doesn't add up. You frown. //"That's strange… $BNHis_Her side seems to have more pawns than before."// You glance up briefly, searching $BN's face for answers, but $BNhe_she only watches the board with studied indifference. //"Could it be the leviathans?"// The line of black pieces has advanced past the middle of the board, closing in on your white ones. Your green rook stands face to face with several of them, but the enemy bishop threatens it with a single move. Meanwhile, the blue knight is confronted by a distorted reflection of itself. The next turn could take it out as well. The yellow king stands bravely beside the green rook. It could strike the bishop and free the rook, or take down the enemy knight and save the blue one. But not both. No matter what you choose, you will lose a piece. "Sometimes, sacrifices must be made." $BN's voice slices through the silence like a blade slipping between your ribs, making you lift your gaze to find $BNhim_her focused on the same pieces you were just considering. "I suppose that's why you're struggling to make your next move. Which piece is more valuable? Which one do I give up? And what will happen next?" With a slow blink, the renegade $BNgod_goddess shifts $BNhis_her gaze to you. A fleeting, malicious glint flashes through $BNhis_her eyes, like lightning in a restrained storm. "That's why I'm here. I thought you might like to hear a little hint." You clench your fists tightly at your sides. The knot in your stomach tightens as your gaze flickers between the blue knight and the green rook. "Whatever you decide, remember one thing, $name…" $BN tilts $BNhis_her head slightly. $BNHis_Her smile widens, but $BNhis_her voice drops a tone. "Fallen pieces rarely rise again." * [[Tell me the hint|217a]] * [[I refuse to listen to you|217b]]

Even though the danger from the ghostly fish has passed, your nerves still thrum in your temples. The rapid beat of your heart refuses to calm, especially with the much greater danger of $BN's presence looming so close. $BNHe_She doesn't seem interested in harming you, yet unease remains nestled in your chest. "I thought… you were going to kill me," you manage to say, still breathless from the tension. $BN smirks, $BNhis_her expression hard to decipher before letting out a low chuckle, almost amused. "You have an annoying habit of thinking I'm against you, $name. But don't worry, soon enough, you'll understand my point of view too. Until then… it's your turn." A sudden, dense smoke bursts from $BNhis_her open palm, dark and sinuous, like a bottle of ink spilled into water. Seconds later, it dissipates, revealing the chessboard $BNhe_she always seems to carry with $BNhim_her. The object already feels eerily familiar. "I've been waiting for your next move for a long time," the renegade $BNgod_goddess continues, leaning over the board. "Your inaction had me worried. And I thought perhaps you needed a little… help." Out of the corner of your eye, you catch the glint of $BNhis_her sharp grin. A bad feeling begins to form an uncomfortable knot in your stomach, but you fight the instinct to pull away and keep your gaze fixed on the board. Something doesn't add up. You frown. //"That's strange… $BNHis_Her side seems to have more pawns than before."// You glance up briefly, searching $BN's face for answers, but $BNhe_she only watches the board with studied indifference. //"Could it be the leviathans?"// The line of black pieces has advanced past the middle of the board, closing in on your white ones. Your green rook stands face to face with several of them, but the enemy bishop threatens it with a single move. Meanwhile, the blue knight is confronted by a distorted reflection of itself. The next turn could take it out as well. The yellow king stands bravely beside the green rook. It could strike the bishop and free the rook, or take down the enemy knight and save the blue one. But not both. No matter what you choose, you will lose a piece. "Sometimes, sacrifices must be made." $BN's voice slices through the silence like a blade slipping between your ribs, making you lift your gaze to find $BNhim_her focused on the same pieces you were just considering. "I suppose that's why you're struggling to make your next move. Which piece is more valuable? Which one do I give up? And what will happen next?" With a slow blink, the renegade $BNgod_goddess shifts $BNhis_her gaze to you. A fleeting, malicious glint flashes through $BNhis_her eyes, like lightning in a restrained storm. "That's why I'm here. I thought you might like to hear a little hint." You clench your fists tightly at your sides. The knot in your stomach tightens as your gaze flickers between the blue knight and the green rook. "Whatever you decide, remember one thing, $name…" $BN tilts $BNhis_her head slightly. $BNHis_Her smile widens, but $BNhis_her voice drops a tone. "Fallen pieces rarely rise again." * [[Tell me the hint|217a]] * [[I refuse to listen to you|217b]]

<<add_BNRomance +1>>\ \ You release the breath you'd been holding in a sigh, your chest rising and falling rapidly as your eyes leave the fish to settle on $BN's unwavering figure. "…Are you always this ruthless?" you ask cautiously. $BN shrugs, $BNhis_her attention drifting from the lifeless prey to your eyes, a glint of amusement dancing within them. …Almost seductive. "Only with those who don't appreciate what's in front of them." $BNHis_Her gaze intensifies for a moment before a small smile curves $BNhis_her lips again. A shiver runs down your spine. It's a dangerous smile, calculated… yet you can't look away. $BN leans in slightly, $BNhis_her voice dropping into a whisper, heavy with intention. "$name…" Your name floats between you like an enchantment. Your mouth goes dry, and your breath catches in your throat. You have to swallow to breathe again. "Y-yes?" $BN's smile widens. And then, suddenly, $BNhe_she pulls away. "It's your turn." You blink. "Huh?" A sudden, dense smoke bursts from $BNhis_her open palm, dark and sinuous, like a bottle of ink spilled into water. Seconds later, it dissipates, revealing the chessboard $BNhe_she always seems to carry with $BNhim_her. The object already feels eerily familiar. "I've been waiting for your next move for a long time," the renegade $BNgod_goddess continues, leaning over the board. "Your inaction had me worried. And I thought perhaps you needed a little… help." Out of the corner of your eye, you catch the glint of $BNhis_her sharp grin. A bad feeling begins to form an uncomfortable knot in your stomach, but you fight the instinct to pull away and keep your gaze fixed on the board. Something doesn't add up. You frown. //"That's strange… $BNHis_Her side seems to have more pawns than before."// You glance up briefly, searching $BN's face for answers, but $BNhe_she only watches the board with studied indifference. //"Could it be the leviathans?"// The line of black pieces has advanced past the middle of the board, closing in on your white ones. Your green rook stands face to face with several of them, but the enemy bishop threatens it with a single move. Meanwhile, the blue knight is confronted by a distorted reflection of itself. The next turn could take it out as well. The yellow king stands bravely beside the green rook. It could strike the bishop and free the rook, or take down the enemy knight and save the blue one. But not both. No matter what you choose, you will lose a piece. "Sometimes, sacrifices must be made." $BN's voice slices through the silence like a blade slipping between your ribs, making you lift your gaze to find $BNhim_her focused on the same pieces you were just considering. "I suppose that's why you're struggling to make your next move. Which piece is more valuable? Which one do I give up? And what will happen next?" With a slow blink, the renegade $BNgod_goddess shifts $BNhis_her gaze to you. A fleeting, malicious glint flashes through $BNhis_her eyes, like lightning in a restrained storm. "That's why I'm here. I thought you might like to hear a little hint." You clench your fists tightly at your sides. The knot in your stomach tightens as your gaze flickers between the blue knight and the green rook. "Whatever you decide, remember one thing, $name…" $BN tilts $BNhis_her head slightly. $BNHis_Her smile widens, but $BNhis_her voice drops a tone. "Fallen pieces rarely rise again." * [[Tell me the hint|217a]] * [[I refuse to listen to you|217b]]

<<add_BNRomance +1>>\ \ You release the breath you'd been holding in a sigh, your chest rising and falling rapidly as your eyes leave the fish to settle on $BN's unwavering figure. "You could've warned me before throwing yourself at me like that…" $BN tilts $BNhis_her head, wearing that same smile that you can't quite tell if it's teasing or genuine. $BNHe_She takes another step forward, just enough to invade your personal space without touching you. Stepping away would be the smart choice… Today, you choose to be a fool. "Would you have liked it more if I had done it slowly?" $BNHis_Her voice lowers into an electrifying murmur, one that sends a shiver skimming over your skin. "$name…" Your name floats between you like an enchantment. Your mouth goes dry, and your breath catches in your throat. You have to swallow to breathe again. "Y-yes?" $BN's smile widens. And then, suddenly, $BNhe_she pulls away. "It's your turn." You blink. "Huh?" A sudden, dense smoke bursts from $BNhis_her open palm, dark and sinuous, like a bottle of ink spilled into water. Seconds later, it dissipates, revealing the chessboard $BNhe_she always seems to carry with $BNhim_her. The object already feels eerily familiar. "I've been waiting for your next move for a long time," the renegade $BNgod_goddess continues, leaning over the board. "Your inaction had me worried. And I thought perhaps you needed a little… help." Out of the corner of your eye, you catch the glint of $BNhis_her sharp grin. A bad feeling begins to form an uncomfortable knot in your stomach, but you fight the instinct to pull away and keep your gaze fixed on the board. Something doesn't add up. You frown. //"That's strange… $BNHis_Her side seems to have more pawns than before."// You glance up briefly, searching $BN's face for answers, but $BNhe_she only watches the board with studied indifference. //"Could it be the leviathans?"// The line of black pieces has advanced past the middle of the board, closing in on your white ones. Your green rook stands face to face with several of them, but the enemy bishop threatens it with a single move. Meanwhile, the blue knight is confronted by a distorted reflection of itself. The next turn could take it out as well. The yellow king stands bravely beside the green rook. It could strike the bishop and free the rook, or take down the enemy knight and save the blue one. But not both. No matter what you choose, you will lose a piece. "Sometimes, sacrifices must be made." $BN's voice slices through the silence like a blade slipping between your ribs, making you lift your gaze to find $BNhim_her focused on the same pieces you were just considering. "I suppose that's why you're struggling to make your next move. Which piece is more valuable? Which one do I give up? And what will happen next?" With a slow blink, the renegade $BNgod_goddess shifts $BNhis_her gaze to you. A fleeting, malicious glint flashes through $BNhis_her eyes, like lightning in a restrained storm. "That's why I'm here. I thought you might like to hear a little hint." You clench your fists tightly at your sides. The knot in your stomach tightens as your gaze flickers between the blue knight and the green rook. "Whatever you decide, remember one thing, $name…" $BN tilts $BNhis_her head slightly. $BNHis_Her smile widens, but $BNhis_her voice drops a tone. "Fallen pieces rarely rise again." * [[Tell me the hint|217a]] * [[I refuse to listen to you|217b]]

<<add_corruption +1>>\ <<set $hint to true>>\ <<notify 5000>>''CURIOSITY'' You decided to listen to $BN. This will have consequences in the future. <</notify>>\ \ At some point, the knot in your stomach becomes unbearable. No matter how much you try to analyse the pieces, the uncertainty weighs too heavily. Unable to stand it any longer, you lift your gaze, searching for a sign, a guide. The only thing you find is $BN. The words slip from your lips before you can swallow them back, teetering on the edge of a plea. "Tell me the hint." $BN chuckles, satisfied. Far too satisfied, in fact. But before you can reconsider your decision, $BNhis_her gaze pins you in place, and $BNhis_her pupil begins to spin. The hint comes as a guttural echo deep within your mind, whispering words that are not yours… and yet, they feel as if they are. <div style="text-align: center;">//The curse of a silent disease runs through $ALhis_her veins. The mirror reflects an image $ALhe_she has long hated to see. A reflection of the past. Or perhaps the present reality. Both are lies. And yet, both are true.//</div> The invisible grip $BN had on you shatters with a strangled gasp as $BNhis_her golden eye returns to normal. The pressure vanishes instantly, but it leaves your skin crawling and a sticky sensation clinging to your mind. "That was the hint?" you mutter, blinking a few times, trying to shake off the lingering discomfort. "I feel exactly the same… if not worse." $BN clicks $BNhis_her tongue and shrugs, the chessboard vanishing in another swirl of smoke. "I told you I'd give you a hint, not the answer, human. The rest is up to you." [[Continue|218]]

<<set $hint to false>>\ <<notify 5000>>''CAUTION'' You decided to NOT listen to $BN. This will have consequences in the future. <</notify>>\ \ $BN's provocation makes the knot in your stomach rise to your throat, but you manage to swallow it down before uncertainty can drown you. No matter how desperate you are, you know that listening to whatever this renegade has to say is the worst idea you could consider. <<if $BNRomance >= 3>>"No, thanks. I'd rather handle this on my own," you reply, lifting your gaze from the pieces. <<else>>"Keep your hints to yourself. I don't want them," you reply, lifting your gaze from the pieces. <</if>>$BN clicks $BNhis_her tongue and shrugs, the chessboard vanishing in another swirl of smoke. "Suit yourself. Just don't come crying when everything goes wrong." [[Continue|218]]

The currents carry a distant vibration that resonates in your bones. At first, it's a murmur in the water, then a roar that cuts through the liquid gloom like distant thunder, chilling your blood. Instinctively, you hold your breath and scan the darkness, searching for, and dreading, the source of that guttural sound. Hysteria creeps into your voice as you snap toward the direction of the roar. "What the hell was that?" "A leviathan. It's hunting time." $BN replies with the same indifference one might use to comment on a change in the weather. Your pulse quickens even more. "And you're not going to do anything?" $BNHe_She lets out an amused chuckle. "Relax, my little human. You're not its prey." The certainty in $BNhis_her voice does nothing to reassure you. If anything, it makes you even more nervous. Because if you're not the target… then who is? Anxiety crawls up your spine as the image of your companions flashes through your mind. "Calm down, human. Your little group isn't near it." $BN's voice pulls you out of your thoughts. "But this reminds me, I have something to do." Then, $BNhe_she gestures in the opposite direction of the roar. "If you want to reunite with your friends, go straight that way. When you find them, lead them to the right. There's a submerged cave nearby. It should be empty… probably." You narrow your eyes at $BNhim_her, suspicious. "Why should I trust you?" "Because you have no other choice," $BNhe_she replies with a mocking smirk. $BN glances at the glowing orb of light descending between you both and gives it a gentle push in your direction. "And here, take the light with you. Wouldn't want you getting lost. Consider it a gesture of goodwill on my part." <<if $afraidOfB is false and $BNRomance < 0>>Something in the way $BNhe_she says it makes your blood boil. But before you can respond, $BN has already turned away, walking off with the same ease as someone strolling through their own domain. Then, after a few steps, $BNhe_she stops and turns $BNhis_her head just enough to look at you over $BNhis_her shoulder, the shadow of $BNhis_her grin stretching $BNhis_her lips just enough to reveal the tips of $BNhis_her teeth. <<else>>You blink a couple of times as you watch the light hover beside you. But before you can respond, $BN has already turned away, walking off with the same ease as someone strolling through their own domain. Then, after a few steps, $BNhe_she stops and turns $BNhis_her head just enough to look at you over $BNhis_her shoulder, the shadow of $BNhis_her grin stretching $BNhis_her lips just enough to reveal the tips of $BNhis_her teeth. <</if>>"Oh, and by the way, don't forget to return the bracelet to its owner. If you get the chance, of course." And without waiting for an answer, $BNhe_she waves a hand in farewell before the darkness swallows $BNhim_her in the blink of an eye. You lower your gaze to the bracelet tangled in your fingers, staring at the plate engraved with the gods' symbol for a few seconds, the cold metal gleaming faintly under the light. "What the hell are you scheming?" you mutter to yourself, frowning. The magical orb begins to drift in the direction the renegade $BNgod_goddess indicated. You tuck the bracelet into your tunic and hurry after it. Better to follow $BN's instructions, if only to avoid being left in complete darkness again. [[Continue|219]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "zombieH" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ <<if $weapon is "Magic">>The orb's glow reflects off the slimy leaves that brush against your skin, leaving an unpleasant sensation with every movement. For a moment, you wonder if you're walking into a trap rather than toward your companions, regretting more with each passing second that you chose to trust $BN. But what other choice did you have? <<else>>The orb's glow reflects off the slimy leaves that brush against your skin, leaving an unpleasant sensation with every movement. You had hoped the light would bring you more comfort, but it doesn't. It pushes back the darkness, yes, but not the unease of moving forward aimlessly and completely alone in an unfamiliar world. For a moment, you wonder if you're walking into a trap rather than toward your companions, regretting more with each passing second that you chose to trust $BN. But what other choice did you have? <</if>>The path has gradually narrowed, the stalks of the seaweed growing thicker and their leaves stickier, obstructing your vision. Twisted shadows stretch between them, as if something—or someone—is hiding among them, watching you in silence. Ghost fish? You doubt it. There's no other light source besides $BN's orb. Or at least, not one you can see. And you don't know if that thought comforts you… or worries you even more. You curse under your breath as you dodge a dead coral, clenching your jaw. The feeling that you are not alone is becoming harder and harder to ignore. Then, $BN's orb crashes against a rocky wall and shatters into a thousand pieces. The light dies with it, and your pulse spikes. "Shit! Not again!" Your voice trembles, though you're not even sure if it's from frustration or fear. Once more, darkness wraps around you like a patient predator, leaving only the echo of your ragged breathing, the bubbling of the water, and the whisper of the seaweed shifting around you. "I hate this place. I hate it, I hate it, I fucking hate it!" you mutter through gritted teeth, hysterical. You strain your ears, forcing yourself to listen for anything beyond your own fear. Nothing. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>You exhale slowly, trying to steady the tremble in your hands to try and summon another ball of light with your own magic. A part of you whispers that you're only delaying the inevitable. The other remains stubbornly determined to survive. <<else>>You exhale slowly, trying to steady the tremble in your hands. Cautiously, you reach out until your fingers brush against the rough surface of the wall. You feel along it with slow movements, groping blindly, hoping—and praying—to find some sort of refuge in the darkness. A part of you whispers that you're only delaying the inevitable. The other remains stubbornly determined to survive. <</if>>[[Continue|220]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "chasePulse" volume 0.5 loop play>><<if $weapon is "Magic">> Just seconds after advancing along the wall, something changes. The outline of the rock sharpens, and some distant seaweed emerges from the shadows. A new source of light peeks around the edge of the wall a couple of steps away. It's faint at first, but it grows quickly. The first thought is immediate. //"A ghostly fish."// Your body tenses instantly. With your muscles primed for action, you raise your hands and feel the magic vibrating beneath your skin, a latent current ready to explode the moment the creature gets close enough. The light becomes your guide, the only signal you need to launch a surprise attack and take down the fish before it has a chance to react. Then, you turn the corner and… <<linkreplace "Fire">><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "zombieH" volume 0.5 loop play>>"Ahh!" "Shit!" Two voices overlap in a shout that echoes through the seaweed. You watch as your spell shoots right between two figures who barely manage to dodge the attack. Both immediately go on the defensive, gripping their spears tightly, ready to counterattack. The glowing sphere one of them holds illuminates their faces, making you gasp—not just from the initial shock, but from the surprise that follows. "$name!?" a familiar voice exclaims. You blink, your mind taking a second to process. "$AL!?" you respond as you recognize the redhead's familiar face, relief easing the tension in your body. Your gaze jumps to the other merman at $ALhis_her side. "And Salva?" The blond shoots you a furious glare, pressing a hand to his chest, right over his heart. "Are you insane, outsider!? A little more and you would've killed us!" * [['Gods! I'm sorry!'|221a]] * [['Are you out of your damn minds!? I could have killed you!'|221b]] * [['You scared the shit out of me, damn it!'|221c]] * [[Shaking. 'I... I almost killed you...'|221d]] * [['Well, at least it was a spectacular entrance, right?'|221e]] * [["Ignore Salva and hug " + $AL|221f]]<</linkreplace>><<elseif $weapon is "Bow">> Just seconds after advancing blindly along the wall, something changes. The outline of the rock begins to sharpen, and the nearby seaweed emerges from the shadows. A new source of light peeks around the edge of the wall, just a couple of steps away. It's faint at first, but it quickly grows, devouring the darkness as it spreads. The first thought is immediate. //"A ghostly fish."// Your body tenses instantly. You tighten your grip on your daggers, preparing for combat. The light becomes your guide, the only signal you need to launch a surprise attack and take down the fish before it has a chance to react. Then, you turn the corner and… <<linkreplace "Attack">><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "zombieH" volume 0.5 loop play>>"Ahh!" "Shit!" Two voices overlap in a shout that echoes through the seaweed. Your upward slash cuts through a few strands of hair, passing right between two figures who barely manage to dodge the attack. Both immediately go on the defensive, gripping their spears tightly, ready to counterattack. The glowing sphere one of them holds illuminates their faces, making you gasp—not just from the initial shock, but from the surprise that follows. "$name!?" a familiar voice exclaims. You blink, your mind taking a second to process. "$AL!?" you respond as you recognize the redhead's familiar face, relief easing the tension in your body. Your gaze jumps to the other merman at $ALhis_her side. "And Salva?" The blond shoots you a furious glare, pressing a hand to his chest, right over his heart. "Are you insane, outsider!? A little more and you would've killed us!" * [['Gods! I'm sorry!'|221a]] * [['Are you out of your damn minds!? I could have killed you!'|221b]] * [['You scared the shit out of me, damn it!'|221c]] * [[Shaking. 'I... I almost killed you...'|221d]] * [['Well, at least it was a spectacular entrance, right?'|221e]] * [["Ignore Salva and hug " + $AL|221f]]<</linkreplace>><<else>> Just seconds after advancing blindly along the wall, something changes. The outline of the rock begins to sharpen, and the nearby seaweed emerges from the shadows. A new source of light peeks around the edge of the wall, just a couple of steps away. It's faint at first, but it quickly grows, devouring the darkness as it spreads. The first thought is immediate. //"A ghostly fish."// Your body tenses instantly. You grip the hilt of your sword tightly, keeping the blade raised, ready to strike the moment the creature moves into range. The light becomes your guide, the only signal you need to launch a surprise attack and take down the fish before it has a chance to react. Then, you turn the corner and… <<linkreplace "Attack">><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "zombieH" volume 0.5 loop play>>"Ahh!" "Shit!" Two voices overlap in a shout that echoes through the seaweed. Your downward slash cuts through a few strands of hair, passing right between two figures who barely manage to dodge the attack. Both immediately go on the defensive, gripping their spears tightly, ready to counterattack. The glowing sphere one of them holds illuminates their faces, making you gasp—not just from the initial shock, but from the surprise that follows. "$name!?" a familiar voice exclaims. You blink, your mind taking a second to process. "$AL!?" you respond as you recognize the redhead's familiar face, relief easing the tension in your body. Your gaze jumps to the other merman at $ALhis_her side. "And Salva?" The blond shoots you a furious glare, pressing a hand to his chest, right over his heart. "Are you insane, outsider!? A little more and you would've killed us!" * [['Gods! I'm sorry!'|221a]] * [['Are you out of your damn minds!? I could have killed you!'|221b]] * [['You scared the shit out of me, damn it!'|221c]] * [[Shaking. 'I... I almost killed you...'|221d]] * [['Well, at least it was a spectacular entrance, right?'|221e]] * [["Ignore Salva and hug " + $AL|221f]]<</linkreplace>><</if>>

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ <<if $weapon is "Magic">>You lower your hands quickly, your racing pulse pounding in your throat. "Gods! I'm so sorry! I thought you were one of those ghost fish." <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You lower your weapons quickly, your racing pulse pounding in your throat. "Gods! I'm so sorry! I thought you were one of those ghost fish." <<else>>You lower your weapon quickly, your racing pulse pounding in your throat. "Gods! I'm so sorry! I thought you were one of those ghost fish." <</if>>"You almost turned us into ghosts, yeah," Salva mutters, frowning. The response you were about to give barely makes it out of your mouth before $AL throws $ALhimself_herself at you, wrapping you in a tight hug. "Thank the gods you're okay, $name." <<if $ALLove is true>>The simple gesture manages to ease all the stress and anxiety that had been weighing down on you ever since $BN dragged you into the darkness. You return the embrace almost instantly, clinging to $ALhim_her. The fear of getting lost again vanishes completely now that you feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be. "Same here," you reply after a relieved sigh. You stay like that for a moment, letting your heartbeat settle as your hands glide over $ALhis_her back until Salva clears his throat. "Yeah, well… I'm glad you're not dead and all that." "Thanks," you say with a nod, reluctantly pulling away from $AL. $ALHe_She seems just as unwilling to let go, keeping $ALhis_her hand on your back even after you turn to Salva. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" you ask, glancing around even though you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <<else>>You welcome the gesture and allow yourself to take comfort in it after everything you've been through since $BN separated you from your friends. With a relieved sigh, you return the hug, giving yourself a few seconds to let your heartbeat settle. Salva clears his throat. "Yeah, well… I'm glad you're not dead and all that." "Thanks," you say with a nod as you finish the hug with $AL, though you know Salva only says it out of politeness. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" You look around even though you know you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <</if>>$AL shakes $ALhis_her head. "We don't know. One of those seaweeds dragged us away too." "Dragged us?" Salva interjects, resting a hand on his hip. "More like it smacked us across the forest and sent us flying to the other end." The blond gestures with his hand as he speaks, and that's when you notice the glowing orb he's holding. "And that light?" you ask, nodding toward the object. "Oh, this?" Salva says, lifting the sphere slightly. Then, he grins with pride. "Perks of managing the Guild's inventory. No one even noticed one of these beauties was missing." You raise an eyebrow. "You stole it?" Salva scoffs. "Does it really matter? Considering the situation we're in, I'd say thank the seas I did, right?" You let out a resigned sigh. Honestly, you can't deny that it's proving incredibly useful right now. "Well, what now?" you ask. "We should look for the others," $AL replies. "They can't be far—" [[Continue|222]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ "Are you out of your damn minds?!" you exclaim, pulse still racing. "You can't just walk around a place like this like that! I could've killed you!" <<if $weapon is "Magic">>"Like that, how? Carefully, you mean?" Salva frowns. "What did you expect, that we shout our location for all the ghost fishes and leviathans in the area to hear? You're the one who threw a spell at us without even looking!" You glance around at the darkness surrounding you, at the white dots in the distance. Luckily, none of them seem to be getting any closer. Becoming aware once again of where you are, you push aside the shock and let out a sigh. "Point taken," you say as you lower your arms. "But don't blame me for mistaking you for one of those creatures." The blond lets out a huff. "You're lucky it was us, outsider. Imagine if it had been something worse." "If it had been something worse, I'd already be dead," you reply sharply. "Be glad I missed." <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>Salva frowns. "And what did you expect, that we shout our location for all the ghost fishes and leviathans in the area to hear? You're the one who slashed at us without even looking!" You glance around at the darkness surrounding you, at the white dots in the distance. Luckily, none of them seem to be getting any closer. Becoming aware once again of where you are, you push aside the shock and let out a sigh. "Point taken," you say as you lower your daggers. "But don't blame me for mistaking you for one of those creatures." The blond lets out a huff. "You're lucky it was us, outsider. Imagine if it had been something worse." "If it had been something worse, I'd already be dead," you reply sharply. "Be glad I only took a bit off your hair." <<else>>Salva frowns. "And what did you expect, that we shout our location for all the ghost fishes and leviathans in the area to hear? You're the one who slashed at us without even looking!" You glance around at the darkness surrounding you, at the white dots in the distance. Luckily, none of them seem to be getting any closer. Becoming aware once again of where you are, you push aside the shock and let out a sigh. "Point taken," you say as you lower your sword. "But don't blame me for mistaking you for one of those creatures." The blond lets out a huff. "You're lucky it was us, outsider. Imagine if it had been something worse." "If it had been something worse, I'd already be dead," you reply sharply. "Be glad I only took a bit off your hair." <</if>>You barely have time to finish speaking before $AL throws $ALhimself_herself at you, wrapping you in a tight hug. "Thank the gods you're okay, $name." <<if $ALLove is true>>The simple gesture manages to ease all the stress and anxiety that had been weighing down on you ever since $BN dragged you into the darkness. You return the embrace almost instantly, clinging to $ALhim_her. The fear of getting lost again vanishes completely now that you feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be. "Same here," you reply after a relieved sigh. You stay like that for a moment, letting your heartbeat settle as your hands glide over $ALhis_her back until Salva clears his throat. "Yeah, well… I guess it could've been worse. At least no one died or anything." "That's what I'm saying," you reply with a nod, reluctantly pulling away from $AL. $ALHe_She seems just as unwilling to let go, keeping $ALhis_her hand on your back even after you turn to Salva. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" you ask, glancing around even though you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <<else>>You welcome the gesture and allow yourself to take comfort in it after everything you've been through since $BN separated you from your friends. With a relieved sigh, you return the hug, giving yourself a few seconds to let your heartbeat settle. Salva clears his throat. "Yeah, well… I guess it could've been worse. At least no one died or anything." "That's what I'm saying," you reply with a nod as you finish the hug with $AL. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" You look around even though you know you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <</if>>$AL shakes $ALhis_her head. "We don't know. One of those seaweeds dragged us away too." "Dragged us?" Salva interjects, resting a hand on his hip. "More like it smacked us across the forest and sent us flying to the other end." The blond gestures with his hand as he speaks, and that's when you notice the glowing orb he's holding. "And that light?" you ask, nodding toward the object. "Oh, this?" Salva says, lifting the sphere slightly. Then, he grins with pride. "Perks of managing the Guild's inventory. No one even noticed one of these beauties was missing." You raise an eyebrow. "You stole it?" Salva scoffs. "Does it really matter? Considering the situation we're in, I'd say thank the seas I did, right?" You let out a resigned sigh. Honestly, you can't deny that it's proving incredibly useful right now. "Well, what now?" you ask. "We should look for the others," $AL replies. "They can't be far—" [[Continue|222]]

<<add_blunt>>\ \ <<if $weapon is "Magic">>"For the gods' sake," you exclaim with a sigh, lowering your arms, your breathing slightly unsteady. "You scared the shit out of me, damn it!" <<elseif $weapon is "Sword">>"For the gods' sake," you exclaim with a sigh, lowering your sword, your breathing slightly unsteady. "You scared the shit out of me, damn it!" <<else>>"For the gods' sake," you exclaim with a sigh, lowering your daggers, your breathing slightly unsteady. "You scared the shit out of me, damn it!" <</if>>"You? What about us?" Salva mutters. "You nearly sliced us into seaweed, outsider! What the hell were you thinking?" You run a hand down your face, your heart still pounding. "I wasn't thinking. I saw the light, thought it was a ghost fish, and reacted." Before you can finish speaking, $AL rushes toward you and pulls you into a tight hug. "Thank the gods you're okay, $name." <<if $ALLove is true>>The simple gesture manages to ease all the stress and anxiety that had been weighing down on you ever since $BN dragged you into the darkness. You return the embrace almost instantly, clinging to $ALhim_her. The fear of getting lost again vanishes completely now that you feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be. "Same here," you reply after a relieved sigh. You stay like that for a moment, letting your heartbeat settle as your hands glide over $ALhis_her back until Salva clears his throat. "Yeah, well… I guess it could've been worse. At least no one died or anything." "That's what I'm saying," you reply with a nod, reluctantly pulling away from $AL. $ALHe_She seems just as unwilling to let go, keeping $ALhis_her hand on your back even after you turn to Salva. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" you ask, glancing around even though you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <<else>>You welcome the gesture and allow yourself to take comfort in it after everything you've been through since $BN separated you from your friends. With a relieved sigh, you return the hug, giving yourself a few seconds to let your heartbeat settle. Salva clears his throat. "Yeah, well… I guess it could've been worse. At least no one died or anything." "That's what I'm saying," you reply with a nod as you finish the hug with $AL. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" You look around even though you know you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <</if>>$AL shakes $ALhis_her head. "We don't know. One of those seaweeds dragged us away too." "Dragged us?" Salva interjects, resting a hand on his hip. "More like it smacked us across the forest and sent us flying to the other end." The blond gestures with his hand as he speaks, and that's when you notice the glowing orb he's holding. "And that light?" you ask, nodding toward the object. "Oh, this?" Salva says, lifting the sphere slightly. Then, he grins with pride. "Perks of managing the Guild's inventory. No one even noticed one of these beauties was missing." You raise an eyebrow. "You stole it?" Salva scoffs. "Does it really matter? Considering the situation we're in, I'd say thank the seas I did, right?" You let out a resigned sigh. Honestly, you can't deny that it's proving incredibly useful right now. "Well, what now?" you ask. "We should look for the others," $AL replies. "They can't be far—" [[Continue|222]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ The weight of what you nearly did crashes over you like an icy tide. A knot tightens in your stomach, nausea creeping in. Your pulse races, not from fear this time, but from how close you were to doing something irreversible. "I almost… almost killed you…" Your voice trembles as much as your hands, and you immediately lower them, shaking your head. "I didn't mean to. It's so dark… and the light…" The words catch in your throat, but before you can say anything more, $AL rushes toward you and pulls you into a tight hug. "Thank the gods you're okay, $name." <<if $ALLove is true>>The simple gesture manages to ease all the stress and anxiety that had been weighing down on you ever since $BN dragged you into the darkness. You return the embrace almost instantly, clinging to $ALhim_her. The fear of getting lost again vanishes completely now that you feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be. "Same here," you reply after a relieved sigh. You stay like that for a moment, letting your heartbeat settle as your hands glide over $ALhis_her back until Salva clears his throat. "Yeah, well… I'm glad you're not dead and all that." "Thanks," you say with a nod, reluctantly pulling away from $AL. $ALHe_She seems just as unwilling to let go, keeping $ALhis_her hand on your back even after you turn to Salva. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" you ask, glancing around even though you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <<else>>You welcome the gesture and allow yourself to take comfort in it after everything you've been through since $BN separated you from your friends. With a relieved sigh, you return the hug, giving yourself a few seconds to let your heartbeat settle. Salva clears his throat. "Yeah, well… I'm glad you're not dead and all that." "Thanks," you say with a nod as you finish the hug with $AL, though you know Salva only says it out of politeness. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" You look around even though you know you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <</if>>$AL shakes $ALhis_her head. "We don't know. One of those seaweeds dragged us away too." "Dragged us?" Salva interjects, resting a hand on his hip. "More like it smacked us across the forest and sent us flying to the other end." The blond gestures with his hand as he speaks, and that's when you notice the glowing orb he's holding. "And that light?" you ask, nodding toward the object. "Oh, this?" Salva says, lifting the sphere slightly. Then, he grins with pride. "Perks of managing the Guild's inventory. No one even noticed one of these beauties was missing." You raise an eyebrow. "You stole it?" Salva scoffs. "Does it really matter? Considering the situation we're in, I'd say thank the seas I did, right?" You let out a resigned sigh. Honestly, you can't deny that it's proving incredibly useful right now. "Well, what now?" you ask. "We should look for the others," $AL replies. "They can't be far—" [[Continue|222]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ <<if $weapon is "Magic">>You lower one arm but keep the other raised in a calming gesture. "Alright, alright, before you start yelling at me… can we at least admit that was a spectacular entrance on my part?" <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You pull the daggers away and raise a hand in a calming gesture. "Alright, alright, before you start yelling at me… can we at least admit that was a spectacular entrance on my part?" <<else>>You lower your sword and raise your other hand in a calming gesture. "Alright, alright, before you start yelling at me… can we at least admit that was a spectacular entrance on my part?" <</if>>"Spectacular? You nearly gutted us!" Salva exclaims. "//Nearly//. That's the key word," you reply. Before you can finish speaking, $AL rushes toward you and pulls you into a tight hug. "Thank the gods you're okay, $name." <<if $ALLove is true>>The simple gesture manages to ease all the stress and anxiety that had been weighing down on you ever since $BN dragged you into the darkness. You return the embrace almost instantly, clinging to $ALhim_her. The fear of getting lost again vanishes completely now that you feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be. "Same here," you reply after a relieved sigh. You stay like that for a moment, letting your heartbeat settle as your hands glide over $ALhis_her back until Salva clears his throat. "Yeah, well… I guess it could've been worse. At least no one died or anything." "That's what I'm saying," you reply with a nod, reluctantly pulling away from $AL. $ALHe_She seems just as unwilling to let go, keeping $ALhis_her hand on your back even after you turn to Salva. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" you ask, glancing around even though you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <<else>>You welcome the gesture and allow yourself to take comfort in it after everything you've been through since $BN separated you from your friends. With a relieved sigh, you return the hug, giving yourself a few seconds to let your heartbeat settle. Salva clears his throat. "Yeah, well… I guess it could've been worse. At least no one died or anything." "That's what I'm saying," you reply with a nod as you finish the hug with $AL. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" You look around even though you know you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <</if>>$AL shakes $ALhis_her head. "We don't know. One of those seaweeds dragged us away too." "Dragged us?" Salva interjects, resting a hand on his hip. "More like it smacked us across the forest and sent us flying to the other end." The blond gestures with his hand as he speaks, and that's when you notice the glowing orb he's holding. "And that light?" you ask, nodding toward the object. "Oh, this?" Salva says, lifting the sphere slightly. Then, he grins with pride. "Perks of managing the Guild's inventory. No one even noticed one of these beauties was missing." You raise an eyebrow. "You stole it?" Salva scoffs. "Does it really matter? Considering the situation we're in, I'd say thank the seas I did, right?" You let out a resigned sigh. Honestly, you can't deny that it's proving incredibly useful right now. "Well, what now?" you ask. "We should look for the others," $AL replies. "They can't be far—" [[Continue|222]]

<<if $ALLove is true>>Even with Salva's complaints echoing in the water, all your attention is on $AL, and before you know it, you're moving to wrap $ALhim_her in an embrace. The redhead returns it instantly. "Gods," you sigh in relief. "It's so good to see you." $AL clings to you, as if afraid you'll disappear again. Just moments ago, you had the same fear. But not anymore, not now that you feel like you're exactly where you belong. "Thank the gods you're okay, $name," $AL murmurs. You let out a soft laugh. "Same to you." You stay like that for a moment, letting your heartbeat settle as your hands glide over $ALhis_her back until Salva clears his throat. "Yeah, well… I guess it could've been worse. At least no one died or anything." "That's what I'm saying," you reply with a nod, reluctantly pulling away from $AL. $ALHe_She seems just as unwilling to let go, keeping $ALhis_her hand on your back even after you turn to Salva. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" you ask, glancing around even though you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <<else>>You completely ignore Salva's complaints and throw your arms around $AL in a tight hug. After being separated from your companions and wandering alone in the darkness, seeing a familiar face brings more relief than any light ever could. $AL immediately returns the gesture, exhaling to release the tension $ALhe_she's been holding. "Thank the gods you're okay, $name." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Now I am," you say as you pat $ALhis_her back. The remnants of all the stress you've gathered ever since $BN isolated you fade away, and you pull back just enough to see $ALhis_her face and smile at $ALhim_her. "Although I vote that next time we go camping we pick somewhere sunny instead," you add with a chuckle, gently squeezing $ALhis_her shoulder. $ALHe_She returns the chuckle and nods. "I agree." Then, Salva clears his throat, and you both turn to him. <<elseif $blunt > $fun and $blunt > $diplomacy>>You hold $ALhim_her a bit tighter for a second as a response, feeling the remnants of all the stress you've gathered ever since $BN isolated you slowly fading away. Then you pat $ALhis_her back a couple of times before pulling back to shoot $ALhim_her a small smile. "Same to you, $Al_Lavi," you say as you squeeze $ALhis_her shoulder gently. $ALHe_She returns the smile, and then you both turn to Salva when you hear him clearing his throat. <<else>>You pat $ALhis_her back a couple of times before pulling back a little to see $ALhis_her face, and you smile at $ALhim_her as you feel the remnants of all the stress you've gathered ever since $BN isolated you fading away. "Now I am," you say with a small chuckle as you squeeze $ALhis_her shoulder gently. $ALHe_She returns the smile, and then you both turn to Salva when you hear him clearing his throat. <</if>>"Yeah, well… I guess it could've been worse. At least no one died or anything." "Fortunately," you reply with a nod, your heart a bit calmer now. "And what about you two? Why are you alone?" You look around even though you know you can't see anything. "Where are the others?" <</if>>$AL shakes $ALhis_her head. "We don't know. One of those seaweeds dragged us away too." "Dragged us?" Salva interjects, resting a hand on his hip. "More like it smacked us across the forest and sent us flying to the other end." The blond gestures with his hand as he speaks, and that's when you notice the glowing orb he's holding. "And that light?" you ask, nodding toward the object. "Oh, this?" Salva says, lifting the sphere slightly. Then, he grins with pride. "Perks of managing the Guild's inventory. No one even noticed one of these beauties was missing." You raise an eyebrow. "You stole it?" Salva scoffs. "Does it really matter? Considering the situation we're in, I'd say thank the seas I did, right?" You let out a resigned sigh. Honestly, you can't deny that it's proving incredibly useful right now. "Well, what now?" you ask. "We should look for the others," $AL replies. "They can't be far—" [[Continue|222]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "chasePulseF" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ "Get back!" You notice the faint vibration of a murmur through the water a second too late. Before you can react, a new light source appears, accompanied by snarls and razor-sharp jaws snapping shut right where you stood. You barely manage to throw yourself backward, feeling the current shift with you. The ghost fish darts between you all, forcing you to raise your weapons just in time for the next attack. "Out of the way, outsiders!" Salva shoves you aside without hesitation and lunges at the fish, his spear raised. The creature clamps its jaws around the blade, holding on tightly even as the sharp tip tears into the corners of its mouth, drawing blood. Salva lets out a cocky laugh. "Heh, what a dumb fish." But then, the creature's glowing lure begins to pulse in a rhythmic, flashing pattern, almost like an alarm. Before Salva can finish it off, more shadows emerge from the darkness. "$name!" $AL's shout snaps you to attention just in time to dodge another fish lunging straight for your back. You take it down quickly, but another immediately takes its place. These fish aren't as strong as the demons, but their speed keeps both you and $AL in constant motion, leaving no room for mistakes. "Damn it, this shit—!" Salva is still wrestling with his spear, too focused on his prey to see the new threat. Another ghost fish rushes in from the side and sinks its teeth into his shoulder with brutal force. "Ahh!" Salva cries out, releasing his weapon to grab the creature's tail, desperately trying to pry it off. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>The first fish releases the spear and lunges at him again, while the other recovers and joins the attack. You and $AL react instantly, finishing off the rest of the deadly group before they can surround you. $AL pierces one of them with $ALhis_her new weapon, while you conjure your magic and slam the other against a rock with a devastating impact, ensuring it won't move again. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>The first fish releases the spear and lunges at him again, while the other recovers and joins the attack. You and $AL react instantly, finishing off the rest of the deadly group before they can surround you. $AL pierces one of them with $ALhis_her new weapon, while you drive your daggers into the other just before its teeth reach Salva's face. <<else>>The first fish releases the spear and lunges at him again, while the other recovers and joins the attack. You and $AL react instantly, finishing off the rest of the deadly group before they can surround you. $AL pierces one of them with $ALhis_her new weapon, while you drive your sword through the other just before its teeth reach Salva's face. <</if>>The light of the ghost fishes fades, leaving only the one coming from the bright orb that has fallen to the sand during the short but intense fight. [[Continue|223]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "zombieH" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ <<if $weapon is "Magic">>Dead bodies float in the water around you and slowly rise towards the surface as you scan the darkness and wait for a short moment in case more of those creatures appear. After a few cautious seconds where nothing else happens, you lower your arms and allow yourself to ease the tension on your body. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>Dead bodies float in the water around you and slowly rise towards the surface as you scan the darkness and wait for a short moment in case more of those creatures appear. After a few cautious seconds where nothing else happens, you lower your weapons and allow yourself to ease the tension on your body. <<else>>Dead bodies float in the water around you and slowly rise towards the surface as you scan the darkness and wait for a short moment in case more of those creatures appear. After a few cautious seconds where nothing else happens, you lower your weapon and allow yourself to ease the tension on your body. <</if>>At least a little. Salva clutches his injured shoulder and hisses in pain, his blood tingeing the water in red. "Let me see," you say as you approach him. <<if $job is "Doctor">>You struggle with him for a second, but in the end, he lets you move his hand away so you can inspect the wound. The fish's jaws have left several irregular incisions, shallow but open enough for blood to keep flowing, staining the water with a crimson hue that disperses in wavering patterns. The flesh around it has reddened, and while the damage isn't severe, it could get infected if not treated quickly. "This isn't too bad, though you know it must hurt like hell," you say as you step back. "We need to clean it before all this corruption in the water makes it worse." <<else>>You struggle with him for a second, but in the end, he lets you move his hand away so you can inspect the wound. The fish's jaws have left irregular marks on his skin, more bothersome than dangerous, but blood continues to flow slowly, staining the water with a crimson hue that disperses in wavering patterns. "Well… it doesn't look too deep," you say, more to reassure him than out of certainty, and step back. "But we should do something before all this corruption in the water makes it worse." <</if>>Salva scoffs and grabs his shoulder again, hiding the wound from your view. "It's just a scratch. Something this minor won't stop a warrior." "And do you know what separates a simple warrior from a good one? Common sense. So if you're smart, you'll let us treat that wound before you become a burden or die from infection." You cross your arms and shoot him a challenging look. "What's it gonna be?" Salva holds your gaze with a frown for a moment before looking away with a sigh. "My supplies are in the bag," he says, grimacing as he unconsciously gestures with his injured arm toward the bag lying on the ground. "Should be enough to clean it." "This place is dangerous," $AL interjects with a deep frown. "We should find somewhere safe before we get ambushed again." Salva lets out a dry chuckle. "Good luck with that, outsider." You pause for a moment as $BN's voice echoes in your mind, carrying the same words $BNhe_she said before $BNhe_she left you in the dark earlier. There's a submerged cavern nearby. To the right, $BNhe_she said. <<if $BNRomance < 3>>You shouldn't trust $BNhim_her. The reasonable part of you knows it. But what other choice do you have now? It's either risk that and have the possibility of finding a temporary refuge, or stay here at the mercy of more of those creatures. With a resigned sigh you turn to spot the rock where you came from, and then look to the right. <<else>>$BNHis_Her guidance did lead you to $AL and Salva. Could it be true that $BNhe_she is really trying to help, even if it's in $BNhis_her own twisted way? You turn to spot the rock where you came from, and then look to the right. <</if>>"I'm with $AL. We're an easy target out here, and with you injured, we don't stand a chance in another fight." You point toward where the cavern is supposed to be. "Let's try heading that way and see what we find." Salva glances at the dense darkness and raises an eyebrow. "So your plan is to wander blindly until one of two things happens. Either we run into a leviathan and get killed, or I bleed out. Brilliant." <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Didn't you say a wound like that wouldn't stop a warrior like you?" you reply in the same sarcastic tone, a smirk tugging at your lips. Salva looks away, embarrassed. "If we don't find anything in a few minutes, we'll treat you as fast as we can." <<else>>"If we don't find anything in a few minutes, we'll treat you as fast as we can," you reply, ignoring his sarcastic tone. <</if>>"Whatever you say—Agh!" Salva winces as he shrugs. You crouch down, pick up both the blond merman's bag and the glowing orb, and start moving through the forest. [[Continue|224]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dungeon" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ It just so happens that there //was// a submerged cave, just as $BN had said. After swimming for a few minutes, you came across a small sunken opening in the rock, an entrance to a short and slightly narrow tunnel that led to a considerable enclosed space. The light from the orb casts dancing shadows over the rock where Salva sits—or rather, floats—while you tend to his wound. <<if $weapon is "Magic">><<if $job is "Doctor">>"Alright. Grab the ointment and apply it around the wound, please," you tell $AL while keeping your glowing hands over Salva's shoulder. "Be careful not to spread it over the cuts. That stings a lot." Luckily for you, the medicine in this world seems to follow the same principles as Thaon's. The ointment, made from a pasty blend of disinfecting algae and coral secretions, is something you've used before to treat your patients. And yourself, once or twice. $AL follows your instructions, tracing around the incisions as you use your magic to accelerate the healing process. With $AL's task done, your friend sits beside Salva while you remain focused on the wound. A few seconds pass in silence before Salva finally speaks. <<else>>"Alright. Grab the ointment and spread it over the wound," you tell $AL while keeping your glowing hands over Salva's shoulder. Then, you turn to the blond merman. "Get ready. This is going to sting quite a bit." $AL follows your instructions, applying the pasty blend of disinfecting algae and coral secretions that you've used a few times on yourself. Fortunately, Bucante and Thaon seem to share this remedy for wounds. The moment the ointment touches one of the incisions, Salva jerks back with a grimace. "Ah! Shit! A little more delicacy, maybe?" "Sorry!" $AL exclaims. "I did warn you it was going to sting. Just bear with it," you say. After applying the mixture, $AL sits beside Salva while you continue channelling your magic into the wound to speed up the healing process. A few seconds pass in silence before Salva finally speaks. <</if>><<else>>"Pass me the ointment, please," you request, extending your hand without taking your eyes off Salva's shoulder. <<if $job is "Doctor">>$AL rummages through the bag and pulls out a small container filled with the pasty mixture of disinfecting algae and coral secretions. Fortunately, the medicine in this world seems to follow the same principles as Thaon's. You open the container and take a small amount of the mixture between two fingers, applying it gently to the reddened skin, carefully tracing around the incisions to avoid spreading it over the cuts and causing unnecessary pain. It'll sting plenty already when you apply the sand at the end. $AL sits beside Salva while you continue tending to the wound. A few seconds pass in silence before Salva finally speaks. <<else>>$AL rummages through the bag and pulls out a small container filled with a paste you've used on your own wounds before. Fortunately, it seems to be the same mixture of disinfecting algae and coral secretions. You open the container and scoop some of the mixture with your fingers before looking at Salva. "Get ready. This is going to sting quite a bit." The moment the ointment touches one of the incisions, Salva jerks back with a grimace. "Ah! Shit! A little more delicacy, maybe?" "I did warn you it was going to sting. Just bear with it," you reply. $AL sits beside Salva while you continue tending to the wound. A few seconds pass in silence before Salva finally speaks. <</if>><</if>>"I thought your healer was the other one. The one with the red scales." <<if $job is "Doctor">>"I am too," you say, thinking of $AO. "Not as good as $AOhim_her, I'll admit, but I can handle a wound like this. I spent many years tending to my own injuries when I travelled alone." <<else>>"$AOHe_She is, but I can manage just fine with a wound like this," you reply, thinking of Ada. "I spent many years tending to my own injuries when I travelled alone." <</if>>You catch Salva's confused frown from the corner of your eye. "Alone? Weren't you with your clan?" Your body tenses, almost imperceptibly. You started speaking without thinking, letting the words flow before you could measure them. "Yeah, well... I actually spent some time travelling from place to place," you say after clearing your throat. "Hence, the wounds. Sometimes I went to the surface and… I got into some trouble." Salva blinks, surprised. "You went to the surface? By yourself? And you survived?" There's no suspicion in his voice, only genuine, almost dazzling curiosity, his eyes shining with excitement. You're not sure if that's a good or a bad thing, so you try to deflect with a small joke. "I mean, I'm here, aren't I?" <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"He's being modest. Surviving a life like his isn't easy," $AL chimes in with a soft chuckle, though $ALhis_her expression darkens as $ALhe_she lowers $ALhis_her gaze. "The demons there… they're different. They're not limited by water, they're faster, and more… ferocious." <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"She's being modest. Surviving a life like hers isn't easy," $AL chimes in with a soft chuckle, though $ALhis_her expression darkens as $ALhe_she lowers $ALhis_her gaze. "The demons there… they're different. They're not limited by water, they're faster, and more… ferocious." <<else>>"They're being modest. Surviving a life like theirs isn't easy," $AL chimes in with a soft chuckle, though $ALhis_her expression darkens as $ALhe_she lowers $ALhis_her gaze. "The demons there… they're different. They're not limited by water, they're faster, and more… ferocious." <</if>>$AL's tone sounds distant, and for a moment, your friend seems lost in $ALhis_her thoughts. After a few seconds of silence, $ALhe_she looks up at you, $ALhis_her lips curling into a small but genuine smile. "If you managed to face that and come out alive… That says far more about your strength than you'd ever admit, $name. It's a strength anyone would wish to have. Myself included." <<if $diplomacy > $fun and $diplomacy > $blunt>>$ALHis_Her words linger in the water between you, heavier than $ALhe_she probably intended. The admiration in $AL's eyes is so intense that it makes you avert your gaze back to the incisions on Salva's shoulder, though you can't help but smile. "It wasn't easy. There were times I thought I wouldn't make it," you admit quietly. "But… I learned to adapt. And I kept going." You shrug as if it's nothing, though inside, you feel the truth pounding in your chest. Images of your hometown's fall flash through your mind, and you blink a few times to push them away. <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>$ALHis_Her words linger in the water between you, heavier than $ALhe_she probably intended. You smirk at $AL and chuckle. "I //am// pretty impressive, aren't I?" $AL laughs as well, though $ALhis_her amusement sounds a little hollow. "Yeah, you are, $name." "It's not that big of a deal." You shrug as if your adventures were nothing, though inside, you feel the truth pounding in your chest. Images of your hometown's fall flash through your mind, and you blink a few times to push them away. <<else>>$ALHis_Her words linger in the water between you, heavier than $ALhe_she probably intended. The admiration in $AL's eyes is so intense that it makes you avert your gaze back to the incisions on Salva's shoulder. "I didn't really have much of a choice," you say with a slight frown. "That wasn't strength. That was survival." You feel $AL watching you in silence, $ALhis_her smile slowly fading, but $ALhe_she doesn't say anything else. Strangely, that suits you just fine. <</if>>[[Continue|225]]

"Then you can teach me!" Salva suddenly jumps in, so intensely that it even startles you. "Teach you?" you repeat, frowning. "Teach you what?" "To be a better warrior. To prove to everyone that I'm much more than just a rookie." You shake your head at his desperate tone. "Why are you so determined to prove your worth to others? What's with this obsession with being number one?" Salva clenches his jaw and looks away for a second before lifting his chin in defiance. "Everyone thinks I'm reckless and can't control myself." His voice trembles slightly at first, but not from fear, rather, from restrained anger. "I'm not stupid, you know? I know perfectly well that my father is probably dead. And if he isn't, I know I won't be able to rescue him alone. But that's not the reason." Salva clenches his fists, digging his nails into his palms as his scales seem to shudder with each word. "I just want to prove that I am worthy of this. That I'm not some little tadpole who needs to be watched so he doesn't mess up." His chest rises with a deep breath, holding it for a long moment before exhaling. "I want to prove that I can be just as good an adventurer as anyone else. That I can contribute and help rescue not only my father but all of our siblings." Salva's lips twist into a bitter grimace before he spits out the words that seem to weigh heavy in his throat. "Nauzet made me believe that was possible for me. That I could even take his place as a guru someday if I worked hard enough, even without any affinity with the gods." Salva lets out a short, biting laugh, more of a scoff than a real chuckle. He lowers his gaze, his eyes flashing with frustration. "But look at him now. He won't even give me a chance, that damn old fossil." Salva tries to cross his arms, only to wince in pain at the movement. In the end, he gives up and rests his hands on the rock, gripping its edges with the force of his frustration. * [[Not getting a chance doesn't mean you don't deserve one|226a]] * [[Wanting to prove something isn't enough|226b]] * [[Maybe Nauzet is just trying to protect you|226c]] * [[Why does Nauzet's opinion matter so much to you?|226d]]

You glance at him sideways. "Not being given a chance doesn't mean you don't deserve one, kid." Salva snorts. "Tell that to the rest of the guild." "I… I know what it feels like," $AL says softly, raising $ALhis_her sympathetic gaze towards Salva. "To be seen as someone who needs to be protected instead of someone who can help." Salva's expression softens, and he averts his gaze to the ground. "Then you should understand why I do what I do." <<if $weapon is "Magic">>The silence in the cave grows heavy as your magic works to close the incisions on Salva's shoulder. The dim light emanating from your hands slowly fades as the wound disappears, leaving only a few faint scars, a memory etched into his skin. <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Done. Good as new," you announce as your hands stop glowing. A lopsided grin tugs at your lips. "Well, almost. Now you've got some nice scars to show off at the guild." You expect a snappy comeback or at least an annoyed glare, but Salva just stares at his shoulder in silence. He moves it a couple of times, testing its mobility. "…Thanks," he murmurs. <<else>>"Done. You're good as new," you announce as your hands stop glowing. Salva doesn't respond immediately. He simply inspects his shoulder seriously, flexing it slowly. Then, he glances at you out of the corner of his eye, his gaze reflecting something you can't quite decipher. "…Thanks," he murmurs. <</if>><<else>>An uncomfortable silence fills the cave as you finish tending to Salva's wound. You take out a piece of seaweed from your bag and a small vial of coral sand. You break the tense moment with a calm voice. "This will finish closing the wound. Just bear with the pain for a little longer, and we'll be done." "Bear with the—?" Before he can finish his sentence, you sprinkle the sand over the wound. Salva hisses through his teeth, his body tensing instantly. "Ah! Mother of the sea!" "It's done, relax." You take the seaweed and place it over the incisions before wrapping his shoulder with a linen cloth, securing it with a firm knot. "There. The swelling should go down in a few hours. Ideally, you wouldn't move it much, but given our situation…" Salva lowers his gaze to his shoulder, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he presses his hand against the bandage, either trying to ease the pain or as an unconscious act of self-protection. "…Yeah. I know," he says quietly. Then, after a brief pause, he adds in a murmur, "…Thanks." <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|227RG]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|227AO]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|227LL]]<<else>>[[Continue|227]]<</if>>

"Just wanting to prove yourself isn't enough, kid," you reply, raising an eyebrow. "You have to make sure you can do it without putting yourself or others in danger." Salva huffs and looks away. "Yeah, yeah, sure. You sound just like Nauzet. I don't need you to tell me what I already know." "Are you sure you know?" you reply septically. "Because this wound says otherwise." You reach out and lightly touch his shoulder. Even that small contact makes him hiss in pain. "You're lucky it wasn't a stronger enemy," you continue, your tone almost reproachful. "Because then you'd be dead." Salva's frown deepens. He clenches his jaw so tightly it looks like he might crack his teeth. For a moment, he seems ready to snap back, to fight. But then, a dark shadow settles over his face, and his expression crumbles. He doesn't reply. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>The silence in the cave grows heavy as your magic works to close the incisions on Salva's shoulder. The dim light emanating from your hands slowly fades as the wound disappears, leaving only a few faint scars, a memory etched into his skin. <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Done. Good as new," you announce as your hands stop glowing. A lopsided grin tugs at your lips. "Well, almost. Now you've got some nice scars to show off at the guild." You expect a snappy comeback or at least an annoyed glare, but Salva just stares at his shoulder in silence. He moves it a couple of times, testing its mobility. "…Thanks," he murmurs. <<else>>"Done. You're good as new," you announce as your hands stop glowing. Salva doesn't respond immediately. He simply inspects his shoulder seriously, flexing it slowly. Then, he glances at you out of the corner of his eye, his gaze reflecting something you can't quite decipher. "…Thanks," he murmurs. <</if>><<else>>An uncomfortable silence fills the cave as you finish tending to Salva's wound. You take out a piece of seaweed from your bag and a small vial of coral sand. You break the tense moment with a calm voice. "This will finish closing the wound. Just bear with the pain for a little longer, and we'll be done." "Bear with the—?" Before he can finish his sentence, you sprinkle the sand over the wound. Salva hisses through his teeth, his body tensing instantly. "Ah! Mother of the sea!" "It's done, relax." You take the seaweed and place it over the incisions before wrapping his shoulder with a linen cloth, securing it with a firm knot. "There. The swelling should go down in a few hours. Ideally, you wouldn't move it much, but given our situation…" Salva lowers his gaze to his shoulder, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he presses his hand against the bandage, either trying to ease the pain or as an unconscious act of self-protection. "…Yeah. I know," he says quietly. Then, after a brief pause, he adds in a murmur, "…Thanks." <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|227RG]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|227AO]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|227LL]]<<else>>[[Continue|227]]<</if>>

"If Nauzet really believes in you, why do you think he's not giving you a chance now?" you ask as you refocus on the wound on his shoulder. "You two act like family. Isn't he just trying to protect you?" Salva clicks his tongue, looking away. "Please. Protect me from what? All he does is hold me back. If he let me, I'd already have done way more than him." You can't help but smile slightly. "Don't take this the wrong way, kid, but you're no match for Nauzet." Salva narrows his eyes at you. "And what the hell do you know?" In response, you reach out and lightly touch his shoulder again. Even that small touch makes him hiss in pain. "I know I would never have recklessly thrown myself into danger just to prove something," you reply calmly. "You're lucky this wasn't a stronger enemy, because then you'd be dead." Salva's frown deepens further. He clenches his jaw so tightly it looks like he might crack his teeth. For a moment, he seems ready to snap back, to fight. But then, a dark shadow settles over his face, and his expression crumbles. He doesn't reply. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>The silence in the cave grows heavy as your magic works to close the incisions on Salva's shoulder. The dim light emanating from your hands slowly fades as the wound disappears, leaving only a few faint scars, a memory etched into his skin. <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Done. Good as new," you announce as your hands stop glowing. A lopsided grin tugs at your lips. "Well, almost. Now you've got some nice scars to show off at the guild." You expect a snappy comeback or at least an annoyed glare, but Salva just stares at his shoulder in silence. He moves it a couple of times, testing its mobility. "…Thanks," he murmurs. <<else>>"Done. You're good as new," you announce as your hands stop glowing. Salva doesn't respond immediately. He simply inspects his shoulder seriously, flexing it slowly. Then, he glances at you out of the corner of his eye, his gaze reflecting something you can't quite decipher. "…Thanks," he murmurs. <</if>><<else>>An uncomfortable silence fills the cave as you finish tending to Salva's wound. You take out a piece of seaweed from your bag and a small vial of coral sand. You break the tense moment with a calm voice. "This will finish closing the wound. Just bear with the pain for a little longer, and we'll be done." "Bear with the—?" Before he can finish his sentence, you sprinkle the sand over the wound. Salva hisses through his teeth, his body tensing instantly. "Ah! Mother of the sea!" "It's done, relax." You take the seaweed and place it over the incisions before wrapping his shoulder with a linen cloth, securing it with a firm knot. "There. The swelling should go down in a few hours. Ideally, you wouldn't move it much, but given our situation…" Salva lowers his gaze to his shoulder, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he presses his hand against the bandage, either trying to ease the pain or as an unconscious act of self-protection. "…Yeah. I know," he says quietly. Then, after a brief pause, he adds in a murmur, "…Thanks." <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|227RG]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|227AO]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|227LL]]<<else>>[[Continue|227]]<</if>>

You examine his wound carefully before throwing out the question. "Why do you care so much about what a ‘damn old fossil' thinks?" Salva crosses his arms, looking uncomfortable. "I don't care. It doesn't matter to me. It's just… annoying, that's all." You raise an eyebrow. "Oh, really? I think you do care. Otherwise, it wouldn't bother you so much what he says or doesn't say." You glance at him sideways. "And more importantly, you wouldn't call him ‘Uncle Nau.'" Salva's face twists into a grimace, but it has nothing to do with his wound. A dark cloud settles over his expression, and he averts his gaze to the ground as his face crumbles. He doesn't reply. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>The silence in the cave grows heavy as your magic works to close the incisions on Salva's shoulder. The dim light emanating from your hands slowly fades as the wound disappears, leaving only a few faint scars, a memory etched into his skin. <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"Done. Good as new," you announce as your hands stop glowing. A lopsided grin tugs at your lips. "Well, almost. Now you've got some nice scars to show off at the guild." You expect a snappy comeback or at least an annoyed glare, but Salva just stares at his shoulder in silence. He moves it a couple of times, testing its mobility. "…Thanks," he murmurs. <<else>>"Done. You're good as new," you announce as your hands stop glowing. Salva doesn't respond immediately. He simply inspects his shoulder seriously, flexing it slowly. Then, he glances at you out of the corner of his eye, his gaze reflecting something you can't quite decipher. "…Thanks," he murmurs. <</if>><<else>>An uncomfortable silence fills the cave as you finish tending to Salva's wound. You take out a piece of seaweed from your bag and a small vial of coral sand. You break the tense moment with a calm voice. "This will finish closing the wound. Just bear with the pain for a little longer, and we'll be done." "Bear with the—?" Before he can finish his sentence, you sprinkle the sand over the wound. Salva hisses through his teeth, his body tensing instantly. "Ah! Mother of the sea!" "It's done, relax." You take the seaweed and place it over the incisions before wrapping his shoulder with a linen cloth, securing it with a firm knot. "There. The swelling should go down in a few hours. Ideally, you wouldn't move it much, but given our situation…" Salva lowers his gaze to his shoulder, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he presses his hand against the bandage, either trying to ease the pain or as an unconscious act of self-protection. "…Yeah. I know," he says quietly. Then, after a brief pause, he adds in a murmur, "…Thanks." <</if>><<if $RGLove is true>>[[Continue|227RG]]<<elseif $AOLove is true>>[[Continue|227AO]]<<elseif $LLLove is true>>[[Continue|227LL]]<<else>>[[Continue|227]]<</if>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "wounded" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ A light at the entrance of the cavern catches the attention of the three. Tension settles in the air, rigid, alert… until the light intensifies and familiar faces emerge from the shadows. Then, the pressure in your chest dissolves, making way for sweet relief. "There you are!" Nauzet exclaims, leading the group inside. They've barely crossed the threshold when Salva's pet launches herself at him with sharp squeals, moving frantically before rubbing her snout against his face. Salva smiles and holds her firmly, pressing her against his chest. "Yeah, I was worried about you too, girl," he says with a hint of tenderness. Uli responds by rubbing her snout against his cheek once more. $MI is the next to approach. "Are you okay, Salva?" "There was a… small incident, but…" Salva's gaze flickers to his shoulder for a moment before returning to his friend. "Yeah, I'm fine." <<if $MIS is true>>$MI gives him a smile and a pat on the back. But the gesture is brief, as $MIhe_she quickly locks eyes with you. "And you, $name?" There's something in $MIhis_her tone, in the way $MIhis_her concern seeps into $MIhis_her gaze, that catches you off guard. That kind of worry isn't typical of mere acquaintances. It's… endearing, actually. Knowing that someone cares for you in that way, even if the feeling is a little strange at first. @@#can; *<<link "Smile. 'Everything's perfect.'">><<replace "#can">>"Everything's perfect," you say with a smile, spreading your arms slightly. $MI lets out a small laugh, though the sound is a little forced. "Interesting choice of words for this situation." [[Continue|229MI]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link "Chuckle. 'Relax. No way I was going to miss our date.'">><<replace "#can">>You chuckle softly, leaning slightly toward $MI. "Relax. No way I was going to miss our date." $MI laughs with you, $MIhis_her dimples deepening. "Glad to see your priorities are in order." [[Continue|229MI]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link "Hesitate before answering. 'I'm… fine.'">><<replace "#can">>You watch $MIhim_her for a second, hesitating slightly before nodding. "I'm fine." $MIHis_Her expression remains serious for a moment, studying you before letting out a quiet sigh. "Glad to hear it." [[Continue|229MI]]<</replace>><</link>> @@<<else>>"$AL!" $LL moves ahead of $RG and $AO, rushing forward. By the time you realize it, $LLhe_she's already in front of $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister. Intense, almost desperate concern is reflected on $LLhis_her face, accompanied by heavy breathing. $LLHis_Her hands grip $LL's arms firmly, as if $LLhe_she wants to make sure $ALhe_she won't leave $LLhis_her side again. "Are you all right? Are you—?" The words spill from $LLhis_her lips uncontrollably, fear making $LLhis_her voice tremble slightly. $AL doesn't even try to respond, $ALhe_she simply slips from $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister's grasp and pulls $LLhim_her into a tight hug. "$LL! By the gods, I tried not to think about it, but I thought I'd never see you again. I'm so glad you're safe!" For the first time since you've known $LLhim_her, $LL doesn't hesitate even a second to return the embrace. $LLHis_Her strong arms wrap around $AL, and $LLhe_she squeezes $LLhis_her eyes shut for a moment. When $LLhe_she opens them again, the bright emotion shining in them is impossible to hide. "Are you hurt?" $LLhe_she asks. "No, I'm fine, don't worry," $AL reassures $LLhim_her, $ALhis_her hands running up and down $LLhis_her back. "I know you were with $RG, but are you okay?" $LL lets out a small affirmative sound as $LLhe_she nods. [[Continue|229]]<</if>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "wounded" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ A light at the entrance of the cavern catches the attention of the three. Tension settles in the air, rigid, alert… until the light intensifies and familiar faces emerge from the shadows. Then, the pressure in your chest dissolves, making way for sweet relief. "There you are!" Nauzet exclaims, leading the group inside. They've barely crossed the threshold when Salva's pet launches herself at him with sharp squeals, moving frantically before rubbing her snout against his face. Salva smiles and holds her firmly, pressing her against his chest. "Yeah, I was worried about you too, girl," he says with a hint of tenderness. Uli responds by rubbing her snout against his cheek once more. $MI is the next to approach. "Are you okay, Salva?" "There was a… small incident, but…" Salva's gaze flickers to his shoulder for a moment before returning to his friend. "Yeah, I'm fine." You see this happening from the corner of your eye, but your attention is elsewhere. Or rather, on someone else. Even before your eyes find $LL, $LLhe_she has already moved ahead of $RG and $AO. "$AL!" By the time you realize it, $LL is already standing in front of $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister. Intense, almost desperate concern is reflected on $LLhis_her face, accompanied by heavy breathing. $LLHis_Her hands grip $AL's arms firmly, as if $LLhe_she wants to make sure $ALhe_she won't leave $LLhis_her side again. "Are you all right? Are you—?" The words spill from $LLhis_her lips uncontrollably, fear making $LLhis_her voice tremble slightly. $AL doesn't even try to respond, $ALhe_she simply slips from $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister's grasp and pulls $LLhim_her into a tight hug. "$LL! By the gods, I tried not to think about it, but I thought I'd never see you again. I'm so glad you're safe!" For the first time since you've known $LLhim_her, $LL doesn't hesitate even a second to return the embrace. $LLHis_Her strong arms wrap around $AL, and $LLhe_she squeezes $LLhis_her eyes shut for a moment. When $LLhe_she opens them again, the bright emotion shining in them is impossible to hide. "Are you hurt?" $LLhe_she asks. "No, I'm fine, don't worry," $AL reassures $LLhim_her, $ALhis_her hands running up and down $LLhis_her back. "I know you were with $RG, but are you okay?" $LL lets out a small affirmative sound as $LLhe_she nods. You watch the scene between siblings with a soft smile, a warm feeling spreading through your chest, gradually easing the anxiety that had built up inside you. When $LL notices your gaze, $LLhe_she pulls away slightly from $AL. "$name—" You cut off whatever $LLhe_she was about to say by raising a hand and shaking your head. "Don't worry about me," you say, your smile widening slightly. "Everything's fine." $LL nods again before turning $LLhis_her attention back to $AL. The siblings share a look, and $LL squeezes $ALhis_her shoulder gently before stepping out of the embrace. Though $LLhe_she doesn't stray far from $AL's side. [[Continue|228LL]]

<<if $feelingsAO is true>>You chuckle softly, catching your breath. "I didn't know you missed me that much." $AO squeezes you a little tighter before pulling back just enough to look into your eyes without fully letting go. "You have no idea." You expected $AOhim_her to reply with a joke, as $AOhe_she always does, but there isn't a trace of amusement on $AOhis_her face. $AOHis_Her gaze locks onto yours, shining with an intensity that steals your breath away. You swallow, your voice lowering a tone. "I'm here. And I'm okay, $AO." $AO closes $AOhis_her eyes for a moment, releasing another slow exhale. "You'd better stay that way." Your chest pounds, and you're not sure if it's your heart trying to break free from your ribs to meet <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers, or if it's just hers<<else>>his, or if it's just his<</if>>, thundering against your body. Or maybe it's both, seeking solace in each other. <<else>>You chuckle softly, catching your breath. "I didn't know you missed m—" <<if $AO is "Ada">>Suddenly, Ada pulls away from you with a sharp movement. Your head turns involuntarily, and a slight sting begins to spread across your cheek. "Do you think it's funny to make me worry like that?!" she exclaims, placing her hands on her hips. You stare at her and touch your stinging cheek. "Did you… did you just slap me?" "And I'm going easy on you after what you put me through!" she scolds, dramatically raising her hand again. <<else>>Suddenly, Omar pulls away from you with a sharp movement and shoves his finger against your shoulder. Hard. Enough to push you back a little. "Do you think it's funny to make me worry like that?!" he exclaims, placing his hands on his hips. "Ouch?" you say sarcastically, rubbing the spot. "That hurt, you know." "You should be grateful I'm a gentleman, because that was nothing compared to what you put me through!" he scolds, dramatically raising his hand. <</if>>The two of you stand in silence for a few seconds, $AOhis_her chest rising and falling with sharp breaths while you stare at $AOhim_her, mouth slightly open in disbelief. Then, the same smile spreads across both your faces, growing until you burst into laughter, the last remnants of tension fading with the sound. "Agh, don't do this to me again, okay? I'm at the stage where I might have a heart attack," $AOhe_she says between laughs, bending forward with one hand on $AOhis_her chest. "It's not like I did it on purpose, you know?" you reply, now placing your hands on your hips as you raise an eyebrow at $AOhim_her. Then, your expression softens. "But I promise you I'm okay. I'm here, aren't I?" $AO straightens up, the amusement fading from $AOhis_her face as $AOhe_she looks at you with a small smile. $AOHe_She watches you for a few seconds before responding. <<if $AOQK is true>>"And you'd better stay that way. That's an order from your monarch." You laugh. "Of course, my $AOking_queen." <<else>>"You'd better stay that way. That's an order from your $AOprince_princess." You laugh. "Of course, my <<if $AO is "Ada">>lady<<else>>lord<</if>>." <</if>><</if>>[[Continue|229AO]]

You smirk, making no effort to move away from $AOhim_her. "If you wanted to be on top of me, you only had to ask, you know?" $AO laughs against your neck, the sound vibrating against your skin and making you shiver. "Shut up." You raise an eyebrow, amused. "Is that a yes?" $AO lifts $AOhis_her head, $AOhis_her smile mirroring yours. "That's a ‘shut up before I decide to kiss you.'" $AOHis_Her gaze locks onto yours, glowing with an intensity that steals your breath. Suddenly, you don't feel like joking anymore. You swallow, your voice lowering. "And what's wrong with that?" $AO's expression softens, $AOhis_her eyes flickering from yours to your lips and back again. The amusement fades from $AOhis_her face, and you find yourself holding your breath as you wait for $AOhis_her answer. "Nothing," $AOhe_she whispers. Your chest pounds, and you're not sure if it's your heart trying to break free from your ribs to meet <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers, or if it's just hers<<else>>his, or if it's just his<</if>>, thundering against your body. Or maybe it's both, seeking solace in each other. [[Continue|229AO]]

Your heart starts beating faster, not just from surprise but from the intensity of the hug. <<if $feelingsAO is true>>"$AO..." you say softly. "I was worried about you too." "You get swallowed by darkness, and you're the one worried about me?" $AO lets out a hollow laugh. "You really don't catch a break, huh?" "I'm fine now," you reply, unable to stop a small smile from forming. $AO pulls you just a little closer. "And I'll make sure you stay that way, $name." You pull back just enough to look into $AOhis_her eyes, searching for the same certainty in $AOhis_her expression that you heard in $AOhis_her voice. "You promise?" $AOHis_Her gaze locks onto yours, shining with an intensity that steals your breath away. "I promise," $AOhe_she replies, $AOhis_her voice just a little softer. Your chest pounds fiercely, and you're not sure if it's your heart trying to escape the prison of your ribs to join $AO's, or if it's <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>>, echoing against your body. Or maybe it's both, seeking comfort in each other. <<else>>"$AO..." you say softly. "I was worried—" <<if $AO is "Ada">>Suddenly, Ada pulls away from you with a sharp movement. Your head turns involuntarily, and a slight sting begins to spread across your cheek. "Do you think it's funny to make me worry like that?!" she exclaims, placing her hands on her hips. You stare at her and touch your stinging cheek. "Did you… did you just slap me?" "And I'm going easy on you after what you put me through!" she scolds, dramatically raising her hand again. <<else>>Suddenly, Omar pulls away from you with a sharp movement and shoves his finger against your shoulder. Hard. Enough to push you back a little. "Do you think it's funny to make me worry like that?!" he exclaims, placing his hands on his hips. "Ouch?" you say sarcastically, rubbing the spot. "That hurt, you know." "You should be grateful I'm a gentleman, because that was nothing compared to what you put me through!" he scolds, dramatically raising his hand. <</if>>The two of you stand in silence for a few seconds, $AOhis_her chest rising and falling with sharp breaths while you stare at $AOhim_her, mouth slightly open in disbelief. Then, the same smile spreads across both your faces, growing until you burst into laughter, the last remnants of tension fading with the sound. "Agh, don't do this to me again, okay? I'm at the stage where I might have a heart attack," $AOhe_she says between laughs, bending forward with one hand on $AOhis_her chest. "It's not like I did it on purpose, you know?" you reply, now placing your hands on your hips as you raise an eyebrow at $AOhim_her. Then, your expression softens. "But I promise you I'm okay. I'm here, aren't I?" $AO straightens up, the amusement fading from $AOhis_her face as $AOhe_she looks at you with a small smile. $AOHe_She watches you for a few seconds before responding. <<if $AOQK is true>>"And you'd better stay that way. That's an order from your monarch." You laugh. "Of course, my $AOking_queen." <<else>>"You'd better stay that way. That's an order from your $AOprince_princess." You laugh. "Of course, my <<if $AO is "Ada">>lady<<else>>lord<</if>>." <</if>><</if>>[[Continue|229AO]]

<<if $feelingsAO is true>>You frown, concerned. "$AO, are you okay?" $AO pulls back just enough to meet your eyes but doesn't let go of the hug. "Me? You were the one who vanished without a trace! I was worried. I wouldn't have forgiven myself if something had happened to you." $AOHis_Her gaze locks onto yours, shining with an intensity that steals your breath away. You swallow, your voice dropping to a softer tone. "I'm here. And I'm okay, $AO." $AO closes $AOhis_her eyes for a moment, exhaling deeply. "You better stay that way." Your chest pounds fiercely, and you're not sure if it's your heart trying to escape the prison of your ribs to join $AO's, or if it's <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>>, echoing against your body. Or maybe it's both, seeking comfort in each other. <<else>>You frown, concerned. "$AO, are you—?" <<if $AO is "Ada">>Suddenly, Ada pulls away from you with a sharp movement. Your head turns involuntarily, and a slight sting begins to spread across your cheek. "Do you think it's funny to make me worry like that?!" she exclaims, placing her hands on her hips. You stare at her and touch your stinging cheek. "Did you… did you just slap me?" "And I'm going easy on you after what you put me through!" she scolds, dramatically raising her hand again. <<else>>Suddenly, Omar pulls away from you with a sharp movement and shoves his finger against your shoulder. Hard. Enough to push you back a little. "Do you think it's funny to make me worry like that?!" he exclaims, placing his hands on his hips. "Ouch?" you say sarcastically, rubbing the spot. "That hurt, you know." "You should be grateful I'm a gentleman, because that was nothing compared to what you put me through!" he scolds, dramatically raising his hand. <</if>>The two of you stand in silence for a few seconds, $AOhis_her chest rising and falling with sharp breaths while you stare at $AOhim_her, mouth slightly open in disbelief. Then, the same smile spreads across both your faces, growing until you burst into laughter, the last remnants of tension fading with the sound. "Agh, don't do this to me again, okay? I'm at the stage where I might have a heart attack," $AOhe_she says between laughs, bending forward with one hand on $AOhis_her chest. "It's not like I did it on purpose, you know?" you reply, now placing your hands on your hips as you raise an eyebrow at $AOhim_her. Then, your expression softens. "But I promise you I'm okay. I'm here, aren't I?" $AO straightens up, the amusement fading from $AOhis_her face as $AOhe_she looks at you with a small smile. $AOHe_She watches you for a few seconds before responding. <<if $AOQK is true>>"And you'd better stay that way. That's an order from your monarch." You laugh. "Of course, my $AOking_queen." <<else>>"You'd better stay that way. That's an order from your $AOprince_princess." You laugh. "Of course, my <<if $AO is "Ada">>lady<<else>>lord<</if>>." <</if>><</if>>[[Continue|229AO]]

"Is everyone okay?" Nauzet's voice echoes through the cavern, and that's when you realize you're not alone. You share one last smile and a small cough before pulling away and returning to your companions. "We're all alive, which is what matters," $AO replies. "But what happened? Why did the seaweed move like that?" $AL asks, $ALhis_her uneasy gaze scanning the group. The weight of uncertainty settles over everyone. Not even the gods have an explanation, though you're sure they can guess. But you know. You remember with painful clarity when $BN's face appears in your mind, that sharp smile of <<if $BN is "Belicar">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "I know why," you say without thinking, drawing all eyes to you. "I ran into <<if $BN is "Belicar">>Be<<else>>Ni<</if>>— um... the demon who's been kidnapping the people of this ocean. $BNHe_She's behind all of it." You hesitate a little as you speak, aware of how close you came to saying $BN's name in front of $MI and Salva, and you pray they didn't notice. Luckily for you, everyone seems more interested in the revelation itself than your slip-up. $RG and Nauzet are the first to react, the merman god beating his $RGbrother_sister to break the short but tense silence that follows your words. "You ran into $BNhim_her?" His brow furrows as he grips his trident tighter. "Where?" <<if $blunt > $fun and $blunt > $diplomacy>>You shake your head. "I don't know, it was dark, and I don't know this place. I could only see $BNhim_her." <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"How should I know? I can't see in the dark, you know? I could only see $BNhim_her." you huff, placing your hands on your hips. <<else>>"I wouldn't be able to tell you. I couldn't see anything around me, only $BNhim_her," you reply with a slight sigh. <</if>>"‘$BNHim_Her'?" Salva frowns. "Why are you talking about that thing like it's a one of our own? It's a fucking demon." Your mind searches for a way out that won't reveal what you know about the renegade $BNgod_goddess. You share a quick glance with your companions, pretending to seek their attention. $RG gives an almost imperceptible nod before you turn back to Salva. "I know, but… this demon is different. I wouldn't know how to explain it, but $BNhe_she doesn't feel like the others." From the corner of your eye, you notice the subtle movement of $RG's fingers as you speak. You don't know what kind of spell $RGhe_she's casting, but neither Salva nor $MI argue with you. "But the important thing is that I heard $BNhim_her talking about the missing people," you continue. "Something about them… getting a different perspective." "A different perspective? What does that mean?" $AL asks, looking to Nauzet for an answer. Nauzet and $RG exchange a serious glance, the same one they shared the day before. "And there's something else," you add, hesitating before continuing. Your eyes instinctively flick toward Salva. You quickly look away, clearing your throat quietly. "$BNHe_She… pulled out some kind of bracelet." Nauzet visibly tenses, his expression hardening. But, just as you expected, Salva is the one to react first. "What kind of bracelet?" he demands, his breath quickening. His insistent tone turns desperate when you don't answer right away. "What kind of bracelet?!" Your gaze shifts to Nauzet, silently asking for permission to continue. When the merman nods, you reach into your tunic and grasp the delicate chain. "This one," you say as you pull it out. "It… fell to the ground, and I picked it up when I had the chance. I assume it belongs to your father?" Silence engulfs the entire cavern as you offer the bracelet to Salva, but he doesn't move. He just stares at it for several long seconds, distress creasing his young features. Several moments pass before he finally raises a trembling hand and takes the delicate chain from your fingers. His body seems to crumble little by little, and $MI offers $MIhis_her support by placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Salva." He doesn't respond. [[Continue|230]]

You know $RGhe_she wants to. You see it in $RGhis_her eyes, and you feel it deep in your core. But you also know that if you give $RGhim_her too much time to think, $RGhe_she'll pull away. So you don't give $RGhim_her that chance. Gently, you take $RGhis_her hand and guide it to your cheek. <<if $feelingsRG is true>>"Don't think," you tell $RGhim_her, shaking your head slightly. "Not now." <</if>>$RG clenches $RGhis_her jaw. A shadow of conflict crosses $RGhis_her face, but $RGhe_she doesn't pull away. $RGHis_Her skin against yours is warm, familiar, and for a moment, you think $RGhe_she's going to resist. "I shouldn't…" $RGhe_she murmurs. "Please." The plea slips from your lips in a firm whisper. Something about it disarms $RGhim_her. $RG's breath falters, $RGhis_her fingers trembling against your skin. And then, instead of pulling away, $RGhis_her thumb begins to trace slow, gentle strokes along your cheek, with a tenderness that steals your breath. It doesn't take long before $RGhe_she lifts $RGhis_her other hand to do the same, cradling your face between $RGhis_her palms as if you were the only thing that mattered. For a moment, you let yourself get lost in that fantasy. <<if $feelingsRG isnot true>>You no longer have any doubts about what you might be feeling.<</if>> You close your eyes, sinking into the warmth of $RGhis_her touch. Your fingers slide down $RGhis_her arm, wrapping delicately around $RGhis_her wrists to anchor $RGhim_her to you. "Are you okay?" $RGhe_she asks, $RGhis_her charoite gaze flickering between your eyes. You exhale, letting the remnants of anxiety dissolve from your body. "Now I am," you answer, a faint smile curling your lips. $RG remains silent for a few seconds, simply watching you, and for a moment, you wish you knew what $RGhe_she was thinking. But reality returns too soon. With caution, almost reluctance, $RGhis_her hands move away from your face. Slowly, as if even the act of pulling back costs $RGhim_her more than $RGhe_she'd like to admit. And when $RGhe_she finally breaks contact, something inside you shatters. "Good," $RGhe_she says, $RGhis_her tone more measured, slightly distant. "That's all that matters." You share one last glance before you feel other eyes on you. You turn just in time to see Nauzet and Enid watching. Enid's expression is unreadable due to her new appearance, and Nauzet's is as harsh as ever. $RG notices them at the same time you do, and something in $RGhis_her expression shuts down instantly. $RGHe_She clears $RGhis_her throat and, without another word, steps away from you to join $RGhis_her brother. And the emptiness $RGhe_she leaves behind clings to your skin like the ghost of $RGhis_her touch. [[Continue|229RGa]]

You see it in $RGhis_her eyes. It's there, pulsing in the amethyst glow of $RGhis_her gaze, in the tension in $RGhis_her shoulders, in the way $RGhis_her breath falters. You feel it deep in your core, in that suspended moment where the world shrinks down to $RGhim_her, to you, and to the scarce distance between you both. $RGHis_Her gaze holds you in place. You don't dare move, not even breathe too hard, as if the slightest gesture could undo the fragile promise hidden in the brush of $RGhis_her fingers against your skin. A barely perceptible touch, but one that means everything. "$RG..." $RGHis_Her name escapes your lips, a whisper laden with both longing and fear in equal measure. Something unreadable flickers across $RGhis_her face. Something raw and vulnerable. You feel $RGhis_her fingers tremble against your cheek, hesitant yet firm, and for a second—for one fleeting, cruel second—you cling to hope. To the idea that this time will be different. That $RGhe_she won't pull away. Not this time, not after everything you've had to endure in the darkness. But hope is a fragile thing. And, as always, it shatters when $RG withdraws $RGhis_her hand. The emptiness $RGhe_she leaves behind is immediate and painful. $RGHis_Her gaze shifts away, and you exhale the breath you'd been holding in a sigh that drowns in frustration and the raw wound $RGhe_she's just left inside you. "Are you hurt?" $RGhe_she asks when $RGhe_she finally gathers the courage to look at you again. The question should have been easy to answer. But it isn't. You clench your jaw, keeping your gaze locked onto those violet eyes you adore so much, even if in this moment they fill you with nothing but bitterness. "Not physically," you answer with brutal honesty. The disappointment seeps into your voice before you can stop it. $RG grimaces slightly, $RGhis_her expression pained as $RGhe_she lowers $RGhis_her gaze. "I'm sorry." You wish you could tell $RGhim_her that an apology isn't what you need, but the words get stuck in your throat before you can let them out. You simply stand there, looking at $RGhim_her seriously while your eyes burn. You're not sure if it's from anger, sadness, or just pure exhaustion after everything you've been through these past hours. Then, you feel a pair of eyes on you. You turn just in time to see Nauzet and Enid watching. Enid's expression remains unreadable due to her new appearance, and Nauzet's is as harsh as ever. $RG notices them at the same time you do, and something in $RGhis_her expression closes off instantly. $RGHe_She clears $RGhis_her throat and, without another word, steps away from you to join $RGhis_her brother. [[Continue|229RGb]]

<<if $RG is "Rayco">>Emotion overwhelms you, and without a second thought, you brush his hand away from your cheek and throw yourself into Rayco's arms, clinging to him desperately. <<else>>Emotion overwhelms you, and without a second thought, you brush her hand away from your cheek and wrap your arms around to pull her close, clinging desperately to her. <</if>>"Gods," you exhale against $RGhis_her neck. "I needed this. I needed you with me." <<if $feelingsRG isnot true>>The confession slips from your lips before you can stop it. And with it, a drop of clarity washes away all the doubts you had about your feelings. You can no longer run from the fact that what you feel for your friend is not just friendship. And neither can $RGhe_she. <</if>>You feel the stiffness of $RGhis_her body and the hesitation in $RGhis_her hands at first, and you can almost hear the internal debate raging in $RGhis_her mind. In the end, however, all $RGhis_her attempts at restraint seem useless, and $RGhis_her resistance snaps like a taut thread giving way under pressure. A second later, $RGhis_her arms wrap around you. The warmth of $RGhis_her body engulfs you in a firm hold, almost as desperate as yours. You inhale deeply, letting $RGhis_her lavender scent flood your senses. You remain like this, motionless, until $RG breaks the silence with a murmur in your ear. "Are you hurt?" "No. I'm fine now," you answer, an uncontrollable smile forming on your lips. "Just… stay with me." You close your eyes and hold $RGhim_her tighter. $RGHe_She allows it, reciprocating with the same intensity. But then, $RGhis_her voice trembles in a whisper so low you barely catch it. "I wish I could promise that." But something shatters the delicate crystal bubble you two stepped into. $RG's breathing grows heavier, and $RGhis_her muscles tense under your touch. Then, $RGhe_she grabs your shoulders and pushes you away with a slightly abrupt movement, a pained grunt escaping $RGhis_her lips. It's then, as you see $RGhis_her gaze fixed on your collarbone, that the weight of reality crashes down on you just like the weight of your pendant hanging around your neck. You had forgotten about it. It had remained hidden beneath your tunic, but that doesn't change what it is. A threat to $RGhim_her. A death sentence. "$RG!" Your heart pounds painfully in your chest. Unlike the water around you, it's guilt that drowns you. "I hurt you…" "I'm fine," $RGhe_she interrupts softly, lifting $RGhis_her gaze to meet yours. A spark of acceptance and resignation glimmers in it. "It's… the price I've chosen to pay." With caution, almost reluctance, $RG releases your shoulders. $RGHe_She does it slowly, as if the mere act of pulling away costs $RGhim_her more than $RGhe_she's willing to admit. And when $RGhe_she finally breaks contact, you feel something inside you fracture. You open your mouth, but no words come out. Not when everything you want to say is a silent scream tangled in the mess of emotions tearing through you. You share one last, sorrowful look before you feel other gazes upon you. You turn just in time to see Nauzet and Enid watching you. Enid, with an oddly sympathetic expression, and Nauzet with a hardened look. $RG notices them at the same time you do, and something in $RGhis_her expression shuts down instantly. $RGHe_She clears $RGhis_her throat and, without another word, steps away from you to join $RGhis_her brother. And the emptiness $RGhe_she leaves behind clings to your skin like the shadow of $RGhis_her touch. [[Continue|229RGc]]

"Is everyone all right?" Nauzet's voice rumbles through the cavern. No, nothing in you is truly all right. Not when $RG is no longer by your side. But you shake your head, banishing the thought before it takes root. "We're all alive, which is what matters," $AO replies. "But what happened? Why did the seaweed move like that?" $AL asks, $ALhis_her uneasy gaze scanning the group. The weight of uncertainty settles over everyone. Not even the gods have an explanation, though you're sure they can guess. But you know. You remember with painful clarity when $BN's face appears in your mind, that sharp smile of <<if $BN is "Belicar">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "I know why," you say without thinking, drawing all eyes to you. "I ran into <<if $BN is "Belicar">>Be<<else>>Ni<</if>>— um... the demon who's been kidnapping the people of this ocean. $BNHe_She's behind all of it." You hesitate a little as you speak, aware of how close you came to saying $BN's name in front of $MI and Salva, and you pray they didn't notice. Luckily for you, everyone seems more interested in the revelation itself than your slip-up. $RG and Nauzet are the first to react, the merman god beating his $RGbrother_sister to break the short but tense silence that follows your words. "You ran into $BNhim_her?" His brow furrows as he grips his trident tighter. "Where?" <<if $blunt > $fun and $blunt > $diplomacy>>You shake your head. "I don't know, it was dark, and I don't know this place. I could only see $BNhim_her." <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"How should I know? I can't see in the dark, you know? I could only see $BNhim_her." you huff, placing your hands on your hips. <<else>>"I wouldn't be able to tell you. I couldn't see anything around me, only $BNhim_her," you reply with a slight sigh. <</if>>"‘$BNHim_Her'?" Salva frowns. "Why are you talking about that thing like it's a one of our own? It's a fucking demon." Your mind searches for a way out that won't reveal what you know about the renegade $BNgod_goddess. You share a quick glance with your companions, pretending to seek their attention. $RG gives an almost imperceptible nod before you turn back to Salva. "I know, but… this demon is different. I wouldn't know how to explain it, but $BNhe_she doesn't feel like the others." From the corner of your eye, you notice the subtle movement of $RG's fingers as you speak. You don't know what kind of spell $RGhe_she's casting, but neither Salva nor $MI argue with you. "But the important thing is that I heard $BNhim_her talking about the missing people," you continue. "Something about them… getting a different perspective." "A different perspective? What does that mean?" $AL asks, looking to Nauzet for an answer. Nauzet and $RG exchange a serious glance, the same one they shared the day before. "And there's something else," you add, hesitating before continuing. Your eyes instinctively flick toward Salva. You quickly look away, clearing your throat quietly. "$BNHe_She… pulled out some kind of bracelet." Nauzet visibly tenses, his expression hardening. But, just as you expected, Salva is the one to react first. "What kind of bracelet?" he demands, his breath quickening. His insistent tone turns desperate when you don't answer right away. "What kind of bracelet?!" Your gaze shifts to Nauzet, silently asking for permission to continue. When the merman god nods, you reach into your tunic and grasp the delicate chain. "This one," you say as you pull it out. "It… fell to the ground, and I picked it up when I had the chance. I assume it belongs to your father?" Silence engulfs the entire cavern as you offer the bracelet to Salva, but he doesn't move. He just stares at it for several long seconds, distress creasing his young features. Several moments pass before he finally raises a trembling hand and takes the delicate chain from your fingers. His body seems to crumble little by little, and $MI offers $MIhis_her support by placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Salva." He doesn't respond. [[Continue|230]]

"Is everyone all right?" Nauzet's voice rumbles through the cavern. <<if $feelingsRG is true>>No, nothing in you is truly all right. Not when $RG is no longer by your side. But you shake your head, banishing the thought before it takes root. <<else>>No, nothing in you is truly all right. Not when this moment has confirmed what you've been suspecting for a long time. You like $RG, and you can't run from that fact anymore. And neither can $RGhe_she. You shake your head, pushing the thought away before it hurts more than necessary. <</if>>"We're all alive, which is what matters," $AO replies. "But what happened? Why did the seaweed move like that?" $AL asks, $ALhis_her uneasy gaze scanning the group. The weight of uncertainty settles over everyone. Not even the gods have an explanation, though you're sure they can guess. But you know. You remember with painful clarity when $BN's face appears in your mind, that sharp smile of <<if $BN is "Belicar">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "I know why," you say without thinking, drawing all eyes to you. "I ran into <<if $BN is "Belicar">>Be<<else>>Ni<</if>>— um... the demon who's been kidnapping the people of this ocean. $BNHe_She's behind all of it." You hesitate a little as you speak, aware of how close you came to saying $BN's name in front of $MI and Salva, and you pray they didn't notice. Luckily for you, everyone seems more interested in the revelation itself than your slip-up. $RG and Nauzet are the first to react, the merman god beating his $RGbrother_sister to break the short but tense silence that follows your words. "You ran into $BNhim_her?" His brow furrows as he grips his trident tighter. "Where?" <<if $blunt > $fun and $blunt > $diplomacy>>You shake your head. "I don't know, it was dark, and I don't know this place. I could only see $BNhim_her." <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"How should I know? I can't see in the dark, you know? I could only see $BNhim_her." you huff, placing your hands on your hips. <<else>>"I wouldn't be able to tell you. I couldn't see anything around me, only $BNhim_her," you reply with a slight sigh. <</if>>"‘$BNHim_Her'?" Salva frowns. "Why are you talking about that thing like it's a one of our own? It's a fucking demon." Your mind searches for a way out that won't reveal what you know about the renegade $BNgod_goddess. You share a quick glance with your companions, pretending to seek their attention. $RG gives an almost imperceptible nod before you turn back to Salva. "I know, but… this demon is different. I wouldn't know how to explain it, but $BNhe_she doesn't feel like the others." From the corner of your eye, you notice the subtle movement of $RG's fingers as you speak. You don't know what kind of spell $RGhe_she's casting, but neither Salva nor $MI argue with you. "But the important thing is that I heard $BNhim_her talking about the missing people," you continue. "Something about them… getting a different perspective." "A different perspective? What does that mean?" $AL asks, looking to Nauzet for an answer. Nauzet and $RG exchange a serious glance, the same one they shared the day before. "And there's something else," you add, hesitating before continuing. Your eyes instinctively flick toward Salva. You quickly look away, clearing your throat quietly. "$BNHe_She… pulled out some kind of bracelet." Nauzet visibly tenses, his expression hardening. But, just as you expected, Salva is the one to react first. "What kind of bracelet?" he demands, his breath quickening. His insistent tone turns desperate when you don't answer right away. "What kind of bracelet?!" Your gaze shifts to Nauzet, silently asking for permission to continue. When the merman god nods, you reach into your tunic and grasp the delicate chain. "This one," you say as you pull it out. "It… fell to the ground, and I picked it up when I had the chance. I assume it belongs to your father?" Silence engulfs the entire cavern as you offer the bracelet to Salva, but he doesn't move. He just stares at it for several long seconds, distress creasing his young features. Several moments pass before he finally raises a trembling hand and takes the delicate chain from your fingers. His body seems to crumble little by little, and $MI offers $MIhis_her support by placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Salva." He doesn't respond. [[Continue|230]]

"Are you all okay?" Nauzet's voice rumbles through the cavern. No, nothing inside you is truly okay. Not when you know you can't avoid hurting someone you care about. You curse internally before swallowing hard, trying to put on a brave face before anyone else notices what's happening between you and $RG. "We're all alive, which is what matters," $AO replies. "But what happened? Why did the seaweed move like that?" $AL asks, $ALhis_her uneasy gaze scanning the group. The weight of uncertainty settles over everyone. Not even the gods have an explanation, though you're sure they can guess. But you know. You remember with painful clarity when $BN's face appears in your mind, that sharp smile of <<if $BN is "Belicar">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "I know why," you say without thinking, drawing all eyes to you. "I ran into <<if $BN is "Belicar">>Be<<else>>Ni<</if>>— um... the demon who's been kidnapping the people of this ocean. $BNHe_She's behind all of it." You hesitate a little as you speak, aware of how close you came to saying $BN's name in front of $MI and Salva, and you pray they didn't notice. Luckily for you, everyone seems more interested in the revelation itself than your slip-up. $RG and Nauzet are the first to react, the merman god beating his $RGbrother_sister to break the short but tense silence that follows your words. "You ran into $BNhim_her?" His brow furrows as he grips his trident tighter. "Where?" <<if $blunt > $fun and $blunt > $diplomacy>>You shake your head. "I don't know, it was dark, and I don't know this place. I could only see $BNhim_her." <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"How should I know? I can't see in the dark, you know? I could only see $BNhim_her." you huff, placing your hands on your hips. <<else>>"I wouldn't be able to tell you. I couldn't see anything around me, only $BNhim_her," you reply with a slight sigh. <</if>>"‘$BNHim_Her'?" Salva frowns. "Why are you talking about that thing like it's a one of our own? It's a fucking demon." Your mind searches for a way out that won't reveal what you know about the renegade $BNgod_goddess. You share a quick glance with your companions, pretending to seek their attention. $RG gives an almost imperceptible nod before you turn back to Salva. "I know, but… this demon is different. I wouldn't know how to explain it, but $BNhe_she doesn't feel like the others." From the corner of your eye, you notice the subtle movement of $RG's fingers as you speak. You don't know what kind of spell $RGhe_she's casting, but neither Salva nor $MI argue with you. "But the important thing is that I heard $BNhim_her talking about the missing people," you continue. "Something about them… getting a different perspective." "A different perspective? What does that mean?" $AL asks, looking to Nauzet for an answer. Nauzet and $RG exchange a serious glance, the same one they shared the day before. "And there's something else," you add, hesitating before continuing. Your eyes instinctively flick toward Salva. You quickly look away, clearing your throat quietly. "$BNHe_She… pulled out some kind of bracelet." Nauzet visibly tenses, his expression hardening. But, just as you expected, Salva is the one to react first. "What kind of bracelet?" he demands, his breath quickening. His insistent tone turns desperate when you don't answer right away. "What kind of bracelet?!" Your gaze shifts to Nauzet, silently asking for permission to continue. When the merman god nods, you reach into your tunic and grasp the delicate chain. "This one," you say as you pull it out. "It… fell to the ground, and I picked it up when I had the chance. I assume it belongs to your father?" Silence engulfs the entire cavern as you offer the bracelet to Salva, but he doesn't move. He just stares at it for several long seconds, distress creasing his young features. Several moments pass before he finally raises a trembling hand and takes the delicate chain from your fingers. His body seems to crumble little by little, and $MI offers $MIhis_her support by placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Salva." He doesn't respond. [[Continue|230]]

"Is everyone all right?" Nauzet's voice rumbles through the cavern, and all of you turn to face him. "We're all alive, which is what matters," $AO replies. "But what happened? Why did the seaweed move like that?" $AL asks, $ALhis_her uneasy gaze scanning the group. The weight of uncertainty settles over everyone. Not even the gods have an explanation, though you're sure they can guess. But you know. You remember with painful clarity when $BN's face appears in your mind, that sharp smile of <<if $BN is "Belicar">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "I know why," you say without thinking, drawing all eyes to you. "I ran into <<if $BN is "Belicar">>Be<<else>>Ni<</if>>— um... the demon who's been kidnapping the people of this ocean. $BNHe_She's behind all of it." You hesitate a little as you speak, aware of how close you came to saying $BN's name in front of $MI and Salva, and you pray they didn't notice. Luckily for you, everyone seems more interested in the revelation itself than your slip-up. $RG and Nauzet are the first to react, the merman god beating his $RGbrother_sister to break the short but tense silence that follows your words. "You ran into $BNhim_her?" His brow furrows as he grips his trident tighter. "Where?" <<if $blunt > $fun and $blunt > $diplomacy>>You shake your head. "I don't know, it was dark, and I don't know this place. I could only see $BNhim_her." <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"How should I know? I can't see in the dark, you know? I could only see $BNhim_her." you huff, placing your hands on your hips. <<else>>"I wouldn't be able to tell you. I couldn't see anything around me, only $BNhim_her," you reply with a slight sigh. <</if>>"‘$BNHim_Her'?" Salva frowns. "Why are you talking about that thing like it's a one of our own? It's a fucking demon." Your mind searches for a way out that won't reveal what you know about the renegade $BNgod_goddess. You share a quick glance with your companions, pretending to seek their attention. $RG gives an almost imperceptible nod before you turn back to Salva. "I know, but… this demon is different. I wouldn't know how to explain it, but $BNhe_she doesn't feel like the others." From the corner of your eye, you notice the subtle movement of $RG's fingers as you speak. You don't know what kind of spell $RGhe_she's casting, but neither Salva nor $MI argue with you. "But the important thing is that I heard $BNhim_her talking about the missing people," you continue. "Something about them… getting a different perspective." "A different perspective? What does that mean?" $AL asks, looking to Nauzet for an answer. Nauzet and $RG exchange a serious glance, the same one they shared the day before. "And there's something else," you add, hesitating before continuing. Your eyes instinctively flick toward Salva. You quickly look away, clearing your throat quietly. "$BNHe_She… pulled out some kind of bracelet." Nauzet visibly tenses, his expression hardening. But, just as you expected, Salva is the one to react first. "What kind of bracelet?" he demands, his breath quickening. His insistent tone turns desperate when you don't answer right away. "What kind of bracelet?!" Your gaze shifts to Nauzet, silently asking for permission to continue. When the merman god nods, you reach into your tunic and grasp the delicate chain. "This one," you say as you pull it out. "It… fell to the ground, and I picked it up when I had the chance. I assume it belongs to your father?" Silence engulfs the entire cavern as you offer the bracelet to Salva, but he doesn't move. He just stares at it for several long seconds, distress creasing his young features. Several moments pass before he finally raises a trembling hand and takes the delicate chain from your fingers. His body seems to crumble little by little, and $MI offers $MIhis_her support by placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Salva." He doesn't respond. [[Continue|230]]

"Is everyone all right?" Nauzet's voice rumbles through the cavern, deep and firm, and all of you turn to face him. "We're all alive, which is what matters," $AO replies. "But what happened? Why did the seaweed move like that?" $AL asks, $ALhis_her uneasy gaze scanning the group. The weight of uncertainty settles over everyone. Not even the gods have an explanation, though you're sure they can guess. But you know. You remember with painful clarity when $BN's face appears in your mind, that sharp smile of <<if $BN is "Belicar">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "I know why," you say without thinking, drawing all eyes to you. "I ran into <<if $BN is "Belicar">>Be<<else>>Ni<</if>>— um... the demon who's been kidnapping the people of this ocean. $BNHe_She's behind all of it." You hesitate a little as you speak, aware of how close you came to saying $BN's name in front of $MI and Salva, and you pray they didn't notice. Luckily for you, everyone seems more interested in the revelation itself than your slip-up. $RG and Nauzet are the first to react, the merman god beating his $RGbrother_sister to break the short but tense silence that follows your words. "You ran into $BNhim_her?" His brow furrows as he grips his trident tighter. "Where?" <<if $blunt > $fun and $blunt > $diplomacy>>You shake your head. "I don't know, it was dark, and I don't know this place. I could only see $BNhim_her." <<elseif $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>"How should I know? I can't see in the dark, you know? I could only see $BNhim_her." you huff, placing your hands on your hips. <<else>>"I wouldn't be able to tell you. I couldn't see anything around me, only $BNhim_her," you reply with a slight sigh. <</if>>"‘$BNHim_Her'?" Salva frowns. "Why are you talking about that thing like it's a one of our own? It's a fucking demon." Your mind searches for a way out that won't reveal what you know about the renegade $BNgod_goddess. You share a quick glance with your companions, pretending to seek their attention. $RG gives an almost imperceptible nod before you turn back to Salva. "I know, but… this demon is different. I wouldn't know how to explain it, but $BNhe_she doesn't feel like the others." From the corner of your eye, you notice the subtle movement of $RG's fingers as you speak. You don't know what kind of spell $RGhe_she's casting, but neither Salva nor $MI argue with you. "But the important thing is that I heard $BNhim_her talking about the missing people," you continue. "Something about them… getting a different perspective." "A different perspective? What does that mean?" $AL asks, looking to Nauzet for an answer. Nauzet and $RG exchange a serious glance, the same one they shared the day before. "And there's something else," you add, hesitating before continuing. Your eyes instinctively flick toward Salva. You quickly look away, clearing your throat quietly. "$BNHe_She… pulled out some kind of bracelet." Nauzet visibly tenses, his expression hardening. But, just as you expected, Salva is the one to react first. "What kind of bracelet?" he demands, his breath quickening. His insistent tone turns desperate when you don't answer right away. "What kind of bracelet?!" Your gaze shifts to Nauzet, silently asking for permission to continue. When the merman god nods, you reach into your tunic and grasp the delicate chain. "This one," you say as you pull it out. "It… fell to the ground, and I picked it up when I had the chance. I assume it belongs to your father?" Silence engulfs the entire cavern as you offer the bracelet to Salva, but he doesn't move. He just stares at it for several long seconds, distress creasing his young features. Several moments pass before he finally raises a trembling hand and takes the delicate chain from your fingers. His body seems to crumble little by little, and $MI offers $MIhis_her support by placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Salva." He doesn't respond. [[Continue|230]]

<<if $RGLove is true>><<unset $feelingsRG>><</if>>\ \ "Keep a cool head." Nauzet's voice cuts through the heavy silence that had settled among you. He speaks calmly, but there's an underlying tension in his tone. "We already knew that demon took Soza. The only thing his bracelet confirms is that he's here, in the forest." "Right. Now we just have to find him in the middle of the darkness while dodging killer seaweeds. Easy." Nauzet completely ignores $AO's sarcastic remark. "That different perspective…" $AL says thoughtfully. "What do you think it means?" "Corrupted. That's obvious," $LL replies. "It could mean a lot of things, but…" $MI grimaces. "You can't deny that everything points in that direction." Another silence falls over the group, though shorter this time. Nauzet exhales a frustrated sigh, shifting his trident to his other hand. "Wasting time on speculation won't give us answers. Our mission is to find the missing people, and that's what we're going to do. Whatever we find when we do… is another matter." His eyes narrow slightly, briefly flicking toward the cavern's exit before returning to you with a final order. "Move out." With a few nods exchanged among the group, you watch as everyone turns to leave. Everyone except Salva, who is still staring at the bracelet with a pensive expression. Nauzet approaches him slowly and places a hand on his shoulder. Salva allows the contact, and he slowly raises his head to look at Nauzet. The god nods toward the exit. "Come on." Even though his expression is as serious and hard as always, his voice is surprisingly gentle. Salva doesn't resist this time and lets Nauzet lead him outside. [[Continue|231]]

You stay behind, watching as the others begin to leave the cave. You frown, caught in a tangle of unanswered questions. So much so that you don't even notice the presence beside you. "What's on your mind, $name?" <<if $RGLove is true>>$RG's gentle voice pulls you back to the present, but even $RGhe_she can't erase the worry from your face. <<else>>$RG's voice drags you back to the present, but not even the confident tone of your friend can dispel the unease in your expression. <</if>>"What if this is just another trap?" you murmur, low enough for only $RGhim_her to hear. "$BN //gave// me the bracelet. Willingly." You lift your gaze to $RGhim_her, hoping to find answers in $RGhis_her expression. But $RG isn't looking at you. $RGHis_Her eyes remain fixed on your companions' backs. "It is," $RGhe_she replies after a brief pause. "And we're going to walk right into it." Your stomach twists. "I assume you and Nauzet have a plan," you say cautiously, almost pleadingly. This time, the silence stretches. Too long. $RG finally pulls $RGhis_her gaze away from the others and turns to you. $RGHis_Her expression is calm, and at any other moment, it would have been reassuring. But not now. "No," $RGhe_she admits in a soft tone. "No?" Fear and uncertainty dig into your chest, making you raise your voice slightly, but $RG remains strangely composed. Or at least, $RGhe_she pretends to be. $RGHe_She shakes $RGhis_her head. "I won't lie nor give you empty words. But I will tell you the only truth I can." $RGHis_Her gaze hardens, filled with determination. "We'll find a solution along the way." "How can you be so sure of that?" $RG offers a faint smile, but there's no lightness in $RGhis_her voice. "Because as long as I can move and fight, I will. And if what $BN wants is a fight, then a fight is what $BNhe_she'll get." <<if $RGLove is true>>"$RG…" Your throat tightens, refusing to let you finish. You want to tell $RGhim_her to be careful, that you don't want $RGhis_her to get hurt, and so many other things you can't quite name. $RGHe_She understands. You see it in the way $RGhis_her gaze softens for a moment. "It'll be fine," $RGhe_she says quietly. You don't believe $RGhim_her. And yet, when $RGhe_she beckons you to follow $RGhis_her outside, you do. Because you don't have any other choice. <<else>><<if $BNRomance >= 3>>You open your mouth to respond, but something makes your throat close up. $BN's face flashes in your mind, and with it comes that whirlwind of conflicting emotions that is becoming harder and harder to resist. $RG's gaze is heavy and intense on you, and you can almost feel $RGhim_her searching your mind for the reason behind your sudden tension. Nothing in $RGhis_her face tells you whether $RGhe_she's found it or not. You look away, lowering your voice. "Not everything has to be solved with a fight." $RG watches you closely, but you're not able to read $RGhis_her expression. $RGHe_She doesn't reply right away, but when $RGhe_she does, $RGhis_her voice is soft, almost understanding. "If you think you can reason with $BNhim_her… I hope you're right." $RGHe_She doesn't say it with sarcasm or mockery. Not even with anger or frustration. But you can still feel the warning hidden in $RGhis_her words. Thankfully, $RG drops the subject before it can go any deeper and beckons you to follow $RGhim_her outside. You take just a few seconds to gather yourself and push $BN from your thoughts before doing so. <<else>> <<if $blunt > $fun and $blunt > $diplomacy>>You take a deep breath, forcing yourself to ignore the weight in your chest. You can't afford to hesitate now. "Then we better give $BNhim_her a fight $BNhe_she won't forget." $RG nods at your response and then beckons you to follow $RGhim_her outside. You take just another second to gather yourself before doing so. <<else>>The confidence in $RGhis_her voice isn't meant to be a promise that everything will be okay, but you choose to hold onto it anyway. You inhale deeply and let it out in a sigh. "Just make sure you're not the first one to fall." $RG nods at your response and then beckons you to follow $RGhim_her outside. You take just another second to gather yourself before doing so. <</if>><</if>><</if>>[[Continue|232]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "horror1" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ "What in the—?" The light had been growing stronger little by little as you left the cavern. At first, you thought it was coming from Nauzet or Salva's orb, but as you cross the exit, you come to an abrupt halt. You all do. A dozen ghost fishes float around the fissure in the rock, their spectral bodies illuminating the water with a glow so intense it's almost hard to keep your eyes open. Their hollow gazes and long, sharp teeth cast a silent threat. Instinctively, you all grip your weapons. But the fish don't react. They don't attack. They don't even move. They simply watch. "Why aren't they attacking?" you mutter, scanning the group for the slightest movement. Nothing. Beside you, Nauzet tenses, letting out a low growl. "I don't know." Then, the glow of their bodies dims to a faint shimmer, and one of the fish moves forward. It glides slowly, deliberately, stopping just a few meters away from you. The water feels denser, thick with something indescribable. An invisible weight settles on your shoulders. You force yourself not to blink, waiting for any sign of an attack, but the creature just… stares. You step back, bumping into the rock. The fish remains still. Finally, its mouth opens with the same suffocating slowness. And from it, a voice emerges. //"Did you hear that?"// $MI and Salva's eyes widen. "That voice…" Salva whispers. "It's Feras'!" $MI finishes. Before you can process it, another voice comes from the creature, different from the first. //"The sea is restless… Keep your eyes—wait… Mara?"// It's as if the fish were repeating words from another time, another place. And judging by $MI and Salva's expressions, they aren't just random voices. They probably belong to a rescue patrol. And if this ghost fish found them… you can already imagine their fate. Another voice. This one emotionless, absent. As if something—or someone—had enchanted it. //"They are in the Void…"// //"Mara! Don't go alone."// //"Mara!"// The screams that follow make your skin crawl. A cold shiver runs down your spine as a slimy sound seeps between the voices. The fish's eyes trap you, two glowing orbs that seem eager to devour you, yet they're in no hurry to do so. That's what unsettles you the most. Then, the mermaid's voice echoes one last time. A dark omen. //"We must go to the Void…"// [[Continue|233]]

//''[Somewhere else in the ocean…]''// The yellow glow of $BNhis_her eye is bright enough to make out $BNhis_her features. Like a lone lighthouse in the abyss, it lures the weak and weary with a false promise of salvation. $BN unfolds $BNhis_her arms with eerie calm and raises a hand to $BNhis_her face. $BNHis_Her lips part in a grin, revealing serrated teeth as $BNhis_her one good eye locks onto a specific point in the darkness of the forest. $BNHe_She presses $BNhis_her thumb and middle finger together, and $BNhis_her pupil begins to spin. "…Let there be light." And the snap of $BNhis_her fingers echoes through the water. [[Continue|234]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "graveBlow" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ //''[With $name…]''// The tension squeezes your lungs, an invisible weight dragging you down, as if the forest's very waters want to swallow you whole. Your heart slams against your ribs in a frantic attempt to escape, to flee from those hollow eyes watching you from the gloom. But you can't move. Something in the ghost fish's stare keeps you anchored in place. The silence stretches, unbearable. Then, $LL breaks it with a growl. "To hell with this." "$LL, wait!" The warrior grips the hilt of $LLhis_her sword tightly, ready to strike as $LLhe_she steps forward with $LLhis_her shield raised. In that instant, the environment shifts. A soft orange glow ignites around you as massive mushrooms scattered across the seabed begin to glow faintly. Their light give the rock a new hue and reflect off the seaweed, tangling in their leaves like fire caught in a web of silk. The sudden brightness startles you, but what comes next is far worse. The new illumination does little to comfort you, instead revealing a dozen figures rising behind the ghost fish. Demons. Their slimy, misshapen bodies twitch now and then, their tentacles jerking with unnatural spasms. Their glowing green markings pulse with a predator's malice… but they don't attack either. Like the fish, they are simply watching. Waiting. $LL freezes before $LLhe_she can strike, and then retreats. "Gods, there's a lot of them," $AL says, $ALhis_her voice shaking. $RG and Nauzet step slightly ahead. "Stay behind us," $RG murmurs, eyes locked on your enemies. //"Stay behind us."// The fish repeats the phrase, making the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess visibly tense. [[Continue|235]]

The line of fish and demons begins to move. Not to attack you, but to make way for the being approaching from the shadows. The orange glow of the mushrooms illuminates a slender, slimy creature that glides through the water with an unnatural grace, not swimming, but as if the ocean itself were parting to let it pass. <<if $weapon is "Sword">>You tighten your grip on your sword, analysing the creature. Long tentacles serve as arms for its humanoid structure, the same with its legs. But what disturbs you the most is its head. Where any other would have a face, this creature has a mass of smaller tentacles sprouting from the middle of its face down to where its collarbone should be, twisting and tangling together as if they had a life of their own. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You tighten your grip on your daggers, analysing the creature. Long tentacles serve as arms for its humanoid structure, the same with its legs. But what disturbs you the most is its head. Where any other would have a face, this creature has a mass of smaller tentacles sprouting from the middle of its face down to where its collarbone should be, twisting and tangling together as if they had a life of their own. <<else>>You focus on analysing the creature while the magic pulses nervously through your veins. Long tentacles serve as arms for its humanoid structure, the same with its legs. But what disturbs you the most is its head. Where any other would have a face, this creature has a mass of smaller tentacles sprouting from the middle of its face down to where its collarbone should be, twisting and tangling together as if they had a life of their own. <</if>>Its mere presence is enough to send a shiver down your spine, the sense of danger intensifying when its small, piercing eyes fix on you and your group. An oppressive silence settles over you all, where only your breathing and the hypnotic sway of the surrounding seaweed can be heard. Nauzet is the first to break it, his voice firm yet cautious. "Identify yourself, stranger." The being tilts its head slowly, its dark pupils assessing Nauzet with an unsettling coldness. When it speaks, its deep voice reverberates through the surroundings, as if coming from everywhere and nowhere at once. "I am not the stranger here, pretender." It's not the barely contained rage in its tone, but the word it uses that sends another chill down your spine. There is only one person you know who has ever used that word with the same hatred. You immediately realize you have a serious problem on your hands. "Is… is this the demon Bron was talking about?" $MI murmurs the question cautiously, as if afraid to draw the being's attention. "Demon..." The being repeats the word, slow and deliberate, as if dissecting it before spitting it out. Almost as if savouring it with a twisted mix of pleasure and disdain. The tension in its voice spreads to its facial tentacles, which writhe with involuntary spasms. "No... this one isn't," you reply to $MI with a shake of your head, never taking your eyes off the stranger. Your frown deepens. "//He// is a faycan." "A faycan?" the $MImerman_mermaid repeats. "What's that?" "Bad news, Manehead. Very bad," $AO answers, $AOhis_her magic already crackling around $AOhim_her, ready to erupt at any moment. "The only demons here... are you," the strange being continues. His slimy face contracts, the space where his brow should be furrowing while his tentacles lash with fury. "And you will pay for it." [[Continue|236]]

"Where is my father, demon!?" "Salva!" The blond merman suddenly lunges at the faycan, driven by a mixture of fury and desperation. But Nauzet, with a swift, firm motion, grabs his arm at the last second and shoves him back, stopping his outburst before his recklessness costs him dearly. The faycan barely spares Salva a glance, his expression laden with indifference. The lack of reaction only fuels the merman's rage, and he struggles against Nauzet's grip, but the god does not let go. "If I were you, I'd keep my mouth shut." The faycan's words are a venomous whisper, but what follows is even worse. His abdomen tightens, and one of the fissures between his tentacles begins to slowly open. You hold your breath as a pale glow emanates from within. Something is shining inside him. Then, without taking his gaze off you, he plunges one of his tentacles into the gash in his own body. The wet, slimy sound churns your stomach. When he finds what he seeks, the tentacle retracts. A glowing sphere dangles from his suckers, a glass orb, trapped in the monstrosity of his grasp. Nauzet and $RG let out strangled gasps. Your eyes widen as the faycan lifts the orb with satisfaction. His voice resonates with cruelty. "Do you understand now, pretenders? You are in no position to demand anything." "The orb—!" "Nauzet…" $RG murmurs, casting a glance at $RGhis_her brother. "What do we do?" But Nauzet doesn't answer. And for the first time since you've known him, you see fear reflected in his tense features. The god releases Salva's arm with some difficulty, and the merman watches him with a confused expression. Nauzet lets his arms fall to his sides, his muscles rigid as he straightens and watches the faycan cautiously. His tone is just as careful. "You know the importance of what you're holding, and I know you won't be reckless enough to do something we will all regret. I can feel your attachment to this world. As strong as mine." The faycan narrows its eyes at Nauzet but remains silent. "Who are you, and what do you want, faycan?" the sea god asks. The slimy being lowers his gaze for a moment. His voice is distant and pensive when he responds. "Who I am... stopped mattering a long time ago. And as for what I want..." His furious gaze locks onto Nauzet once more, and the faycan lowers his arm, a protective motion that brings Moneiba's orb closer to his body. "I will reclaim what once belonged to my people." [[Continue|237]]

A subtle hiss beside you forces you to tear your gaze away from the faycan for the first time. Enid is next to you, her lips curled in a grimace of pain. She hasn't made another sound, but just by looking at her expression, you know she's holding back. "Enid? Are you okay?" you whisper, frowning. $RG turns immediately, worry reflected in $RGhis_her gaze as $RGhe_she focuses on the otter. "Even she can't keep her memories hidden forever," the faycan says, drawing your attention back to him. His sharp, knowing eyes lock onto Enid. "You recognize me. Deep down, you know it." Then, his expression hardens as he looks at Nauzet. The neutrality vanishes, replaced by restrained fury. "And so do you." Nauzet frowns, confused. But before he can respond, Enid's body suddenly tenses. A spasm of pain shakes her, wrenching a strangled groan from her throat. "Argh, Gods—!" The sound of her voice shatters the moment. Salva lets out a sharp gasp. His eyes widen in disbelief as he points at Enid. "She… she can talk!? How—?" "Salva." $MI stops him with a hand on his shoulder. $MIHis_Her gaze, more cautious than alarmed, sweeps over the group, pausing briefly on you before settling on Nauzet for a few extra seconds. Finally, $MIhe_she turns to the faycan. "This mission…" $MIHis_Her tone is low, measured. "Clearly isn't what we thought." The faycan lets out a dry, ironic laugh. "Perceptive. That's new." Nauzet moves to stand in front of $MI and Salva. For a moment, he and the faycan hold each other's gaze, measuring one another. Nauzet is the first to break the silence. "You seem to have... a lot of pent-up resentment. Especially toward me." He pauses briefly, shaking his head slightly. "But I have lived for a very, very long time, and I know every being in this world inside and out. I have never seen you before. Not even in the records of extinct species. //You// don't appear in them." "I wonder why," the faycan replies, keeping his sarcastic tone as he tilts his head slightly to one side. "Secrets can be burdensome… but some have learned to carry them far too lightly." [[Continue|238]]

The faycan closes his eyes and shakes his head with disdain. "It doesn't matter. I will correct that mistake. Starting with your species." Nauzet grips his trident tightly, muscles tense as he watches the faycan, who once again opens his body to insert the orb inside. "And now that its protector is gone…" The tips of the creature's facial tentacles twitch rapidly, almost as if excited, as his gaze locks onto Nauzet. "Nothing stands in my way of reclaiming the last zone." "The last zone?" The question escapes your lips before you can stop it, and the answer comes almost instantly. "You mean Sisronia." "Didn't you find it strange how few dangers you've encountered along the way?" the faycan taunts. "Where do you think they're all heading?" The tension and anger within Nauzet finally erupt, and with a furious shout, the merman god sweeps the water before him, obliterating the line of ghost fishes with a single strike. "I won't allow it!" As the red cloud of blood disperses, the faycan leans forward slightly, his eyes narrowing in cold challenge. "You want the orb, pretender?" The demon marks begin to glow intensely green. His tentacles vibrate, and a deadly whip emerges from the fissures of each one as the faycan slowly drifts backward. "Come and take it." [[Continue|239]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "allThis" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ "$MI!" Nauzet turns urgently and tosses something small toward the $MImerman_mermaid. $MI catches it in the air and opens $MIhis_her hand, revealing the messenger pearl now glowing in $MIhis_her palm. "Use it! Warn the city!" the merman god commands before diving straight into battle against the demons, $RG following close behind. $MI nods firmly. "Right away, Guru!" But just as the $MImerman_mermaid activates the pearl, one of the demons screeches, a sound with no echo in the water, yet you feel it vibrate in your bones. Then, one of its flexible spines extends, and the creature launches itself at $MI. <<if $weapon is "Sword">>You tighten your grip on your blade and spin on your axis, propelled by the strength of your tail. The sword slices through the water in a bright arc, cutting the spine in two. The demon writhes and recoils with a guttural growl, its silhouette distorted by the dark cloud of blood spreading around it. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>With an agile movement, you spin on your axis, letting the blades of your daggers trace a lethal arc in the water. The spine splits in two, and the demon retreats, its silhouette distorted by the dark cloud of blood spreading around it. <<else>>Energy swirls at your fingertips, cold and vibrant. You unleash the spell against the venomous spine, the water glowing with the flash of your power upon impact. The spine splits in two, and the demon recoils, its silhouette distorted by the dark cloud of blood spreading around it. <</if>>"Thank you, $name," $MI says. "Do what you must, I've got you covered!" you reply. You barely finish speaking before another demon lunges at you. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>You raise your hand and unleash a blast of power straight into the creature's torso. The impact is brutal, engulfing its form in a blinding flash. But before you can react, one of its tentacles bursts through the light and coils tightly around your wrist. <<else>>You advance without hesitation, dodging the lashes of its spine while delivering a clean cut to its skeletal arm. The black blood spreads like a dense cloud in the water, but the demon doesn't falter. Before you can retreat, a tentacle unfurls from its body and seizes your wrist, forcing you to release your weapon. <</if>>The demon squeezes, and pain sears your skin. You can almost feel the pressure on your bones about to give. And then, a familiar spear charged with latent magic pierces the creature's torso. The demon lets out an agonized screech as its body begins to disintegrate from within. The pressure on your wrist slowly fades until, finally, the beast dissolves into the current. On the other side, you meet $RG's gaze, $RGhis_her violet eyes blazing with restrained fury. With a fierce motion, the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess turns and extends $RGhis_her arms. A surge of energy erupts from $RGhis_her body, shaking the water around $RGhim_her and forcing the demons to retreat. The force of the impact distorts the currents and rumbles through the ocean like a silent thunder. The faycan simply observes the battle, unbothered. The energy wave doesn't even manage to move him an inch. $LL takes advantage of one demon's vulnerability and drives $LLhis_her sword deep into it. "We need to end this now," $LLhe_she growls, pulling $LLhis_her weapon free from the demon's body. [[Continue|240]]

The remaining demons reassemble and go back on the offensive as the faycan's voice echoes around you. "Tell me, how does it feel to strike down your own kind?" The question seems to float in the water for a moment, and it takes you a few seconds to fully process what he said while you focus on dodging the demons' attacks. "What—?" <<if $weapon is "Magic">>You block one of the spines' attacks with a magic shield, using the brief opening to observe the corrupted beasts attacking you more closely. That's when you notice details you had previously overlooked. <<elseif $weapon is "Sword">>You block one of the spines' attacks with your weapon, the whip coiling around the blade. You take advantage of the moment to get a closer look at the corrupted beasts attacking you. That's when you notice details you had previously overlooked. <<else>>You block one of the spines' attacks with your weapons, the whip coiling around the blades. You take advantage of the moment to get a closer look at the corrupted beasts attacking you. That's when you notice details you had previously overlooked. <</if>>The skeletal leg protruding from the mass of tentacles surrounding its body has faint traces of dark scales. And the tattered veil at the bottom it's not just a fin. It's a tail. "A different perspective..." you murmur, your eyes slowly widening as realization sinks in. "They're—" "They're our siblings!" $MI exclaims, the shock nearly causing $MIhim_her to barely dodge an incoming attack. Hearing your suspicions spoken aloud, you dare to glance at $RG and Nauzet from the corner of your eye while still grappling with the corrupted merperson. The gods clench their jaws… but neither of them looks surprised by this revelation. Not even Enid. "You knew!?" you snap, more of a statement than a question. $RG flinches slightly as $RGhe_she shoves another of the creatures away with a pulse of magic. "We suspected it." "And if they've been transformed like this..." Nauzet lets out a frustrated growl. "I fear there may be nothing left of them." Salva dodges another attack and scowls. "So what, we just kill them like they're any other demons? One of them could be my father!" $LL blocks a lashing strike with $LLhis_her shield. "Demon or not, they are our enemies now!" "It's horrible..." $AL murmurs. [[Continue|241]]

"Nauzet..." $RG and Nauzet exchange a look, briefly glancing at Salva. Then, Nauzet grips his trident tightly and propels himself toward one of the demons. He drives his weapon into the corrupted being's body, making it shriek in pain, then hurls it away against a rock. The demon's body floats in the water, now dead. Salva whirls on Nauzet, hysterical. "What in the void are you doing!?" "We have no choice. The least we can do for them is free them from their suffering," Nauzet replies. You hesitate for a moment, but when the corrupted merperson yanks you violently, all doubt vanishes. <<if $weapon is "Sword">>You grit your teeth and pull with all your strength. Your muscles strain to their limit as you wrestle with the spine, which writhes like a viper determined to drag you down with it. Gripping your sword's hilt tightly, you pivot, using the weight of your tail to gain momentum. Your blade slices cleanly through the spine. A burst of dark blood explodes into the water, but you don't stop. You dart toward the demon before it can react and drive your sword deep into its body. The demon shrieks and convulses. With a final effort, you twist your blade to the side, splitting its body in two. A second later, the shrieks cease entirely. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You grit your teeth and try to resist being dragged down, but you can't match its sheer strength. In the end, instead of struggling, you use the one advantage you have: speed. Moving with the demon, you spin with the pressure of the spine. Just when the creature thinks it has you trapped, you let the pull fling you toward it. It's a risky move, but with a swift flick of your tail, you flip mid-air and drive your daggers into the base of the spine. A violent spasm courses through its slimy body. Its tentacles convulse, and the grip on your arm loosens. You dodge the next lashing strike and plunge your weapons into the demon's flesh with all your might. Then, tightening your muscles, you drag your blades downward, carving a deep gash from top to bottom. The demon shrieks and thrashes one last time before floating lifelessly in the water. <<else>>You grit your teeth and try to resist being pulled down, but you can't match its brute force. In the end, realizing you can't overpower it, you force yourself to relax as much as possible. Closing your eyes for a brief moment, you channel the power coursing through your veins. Magic surges through the spine, crackling along its length before enveloping the demon's entire body. Then, just as the slimy creature prepares to yank you toward it again, you unleash the energy in a single, devastating burst. A powerful shockwave courses through the spine, erupting in a blinding flash. Your magic seeps beneath the tentacles, wreaking havoc from the inside. The demon releases you with a shriek of agony as its flesh slowly crumbles into blackened fragments, drifting through the water like ashes. Within seconds, the shrieks cease entirely. Everything around you blurs, shapes and colours losing their definition as your vision darkens. You used too much magic in a single strike, and now you're suffering the consequences. But at least the creature is dead. <</if>>[[Continue|242]]

Around you, your companions fight just as fiercely. $AO lifts boulders and hurls them at the demons, crushing them beneath the seabed. $AL impales one against a coral wall. The creature writhes, its tentacles wrapping around the shaft, trying to wrench it from $ALhis_her hands. $LL stands beside $ALhim_her, and with a grunt, $LLhe_she drives $LLhis_her sword into the creature's torso, freeing $LLhis_her $ALbrother_sister. $RG moves like a shadow, $RGhis_her spear spinning in perfect arcs. $RGHe_She feints to one side before lunging into a group of demons alongside Nauzet, cutting them down one by one. Salva and $MI fight in perfect sync. $MI channels a series of glowing scales, controlling them with the fluid motion of $MIhis_her hands. The scales shoot toward two demons, pinning them against a rocky wall, giving Salva the opening to finish them off with quick, precise strikes. "Feels good, doesn't it? Killing your brothers and sisters with your own hands?" the faycan's venomous voice sneers amidst the battle. "Sick bastard," you hear $AO mutter beside you. [[Continue|243]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "fight" volume 0.5 loop play>>\ \ Suddenly, a thunderous roar shakes the water, a vibration so intense you feel it in your chest, in your bones, in every fibre of your being. The sheer force of the sound forces all of you to recoil, triggering a primal survival instinct. Something enormous is approaching. Shadows stir among the giant kelp, displaced by a colossal presence. And then you see it. A leviathan emerges from the gloom above the faycan, its massive silhouette eclipsing everything around it. Its serpentine body moves with an almost impossible grace for something of its size, but it's the gaze that freezes your blood. The frantic pounding of your heart echoes in your ears as cold eyes, vast as the ocean itself, lock onto a single target. The water splits with a sudden strike as the beast lunges at its prey. "Salva!" $MI's voice breaks in the scream, but Salva doesn't react. The shimmering reflections of his sky-blue scales seem to dull under the leviathan's shadow. His breath is caught in absolute panic, and he can only watch as the sea creature's gaping jaws rush toward him, ready to devour. [[Continue|244]]

Something moves through the water at incredible speed, and before the leviathan can swallow Salva, a pair of hands grab its sharp fangs with unrelenting strength, halting the bite. As the cloud of sand settles, you see Nauzet standing before Salva, his blue eyes blazing with intensity. "...Uncle Nau?" the blond merman speaks in a trembling voice. White lines begin to snake across Nauzet's skin, spreading like glowing roots. And behind him, two elongated limbs gradually extend from his shoulder blades, unfurling into a pair of membranous orange wings. One of the straps on his pauldron snaps, and the armour piece falls away, revealing the mark of the gods, shining with the same brilliance as the tattoos on his skin. The leviathan thrashes, trying to break free from his grip, but Nauzet doesn't let go. It doesn't even seem to take him any effort to restrain it. "Mother of the sea… forgive me for this." Then, Nauzet's wings tense, and his magic pins the leviathan's body to the seafloor. The entire place trembles from the creature's impact, but Nauzet wastes no time. In a swift movement, he pushes off to the side and then upward, the leviathan's fangs still gripped tightly in his hands. The beast barely has time to roar in pain before Nauzet twists its neck. "This nonsense ends now." The achimencey of the sea retrieves his trident, his expression furious as he turns his head toward his $RGbrother_sister. "$RG!" "I hear you." $RG's voice is low, deep, vibrating with power. $RGHis_Her own tattoos are already spreading across $RGhis_her skin and $RGhis_her wings unfurling to their full span behind $RGhim_her. "There they are. Not even the so-called gods can hide their true nature for long," the faycan says. You can't see his mouth, but you can hear the amusement in his voice. "G—Gods?" Salva stammers, his entire body trembling along with his voice. Behind him, $MI's wide eyes dart between Nauzet and $RG, $MIhis_her mouth slightly open in shock. Neither of them notices the shadow sliding behind them. Before they can react, a demon lunges at them, but another figure moves in its path. The water erupts from the impact as Enid strikes the demon with her tail, sending the creature flying with devastating force. The celestial spirit spares only a brief glance at Salva and $MI. "Explanations can wait, mortals. Now, wake up!" [[Continue|245]]

<<if $weapon is "Magic">>You destroy the blurry form of another demon and shut your eyes close, forcing yourself to get over the uncomfortable feeling of your powers weakening to search for the gods. $RG and Nauzet launch themselves at the faycan in unison, each attacking from one side, but he merely closes his eyes. <<else>>You cut down another demon and immediately search for the gods. $RG and Nauzet launch themselves at the faycan in unison, each attacking from one side, but he merely closes his eyes. <</if>>"Do not underestimate the power of an entire nation." His arms twist with a sickening sound, elongating and warping into monstrous limbs. Before $RG and Nauzet can reach him, the grotesque appendages grab them in a tight hold and slam them into the rocks. The stones crack under the impact. Trapped, they struggle against the faycan's massive hands, but they can't break free. You move to help them, but three demons appear out of nowhere, blocking your and $AO's path. They don't attack, just stand in your way and dodge everything you throw at them. "Well, these things are annoying, aren't they," $AO growls through clenched teeth. Before you can react, another roar shakes the water. Your stomach drops as another leviathan emerges from the giant seaweeds. Its appendages twitch erratically as its eyes scan the battlefield… until they settle on their target. With a guttural bellow, the beast dives… straight toward $AL. "No!" Enid's cry rings out first as she rushes toward the monster, but something is wrong. Her body stiffens mid-way, a grimace of pain crosses her face, and before she can reach the red-haired $ALman_woman, the leviathan swats her aside with a brutal strike. "$AL!" $AO's scream merges with your own as you both try to swim toward $ALhim_her, but the demons hold you back. Not attacking, but just keeping you at bay, as if they want you to see what's about to happen. $AL still isn't moving, frozen in place. Bubbles rise around $ALhim_her as the leviathan speeds forward. Your breath catches, the sounds around you fade and you feel as if you're watching through fogged glass. Only the frantic pounding of your own heart remains as the beast comes within inches of $AL. What happens next plays out in an excruciating slow pace. [[Continue|246]]

First, you hear the distant cry of an unfamiliar voice. Then, the glint of razor-sharp fangs closing in mercilessly. After that, a flash of red hair. A figure lunging without hesitation and shoving $AL out of the way. And then… the bite. Cruel and unyielding. The sickening crunch echoes through the water, vibrating like a muffled thunderclap. A shield drifts in the current, spinning slowly… followed by a scream that tears through both its owner's throat and your heart. "$LL!!" <<button[[Chapter 6|247]]>><</button>>

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "revival" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ //''[Many years ago, in Aelmere...]'' Incense drifts through the air, wrapping the temple in a dense, calming fragrance. Sunlight filters through the slightly dusty windows, painting golden reflections on the stone floor. The place is a bit fuller than usual. A wave of people arrived that morning seeking shelter. Something about an accident in a nearby mountain village. You didn't really catch the details, and it's not like you care much when the adults talk. But it meant you had to accompany your mother to the temple. You watch from a corner as she moves among the beggars and sick who have taken refuge here, with the same serenity as a leaf falling onto water. You don't understand why she touches calloused hands, cleans faces stained by exhaustion, or whispers words that only those nearby can hear. Some of them cry, while others simply nod in silence. You wait. And wait. Until finally, when boredom starts to eat away at you, and your mother finishes bandaging an old woman's arm, you step closer, determined to catch her before someone else pulls her away. "Mom," you call, tugging gently at the hem of her dress. "Why are you doing this? Why are we here?" Your mother seems surprised by the question at first. She looks around for a moment before slowly kneeling to your level, offering a faint smile. "Because these people need it," she replies, making you frown. "Everyone carries a burden, and some only need a little light to remind them they're not carrying it alone." "Are you a light?" you ask, tilting your head. "I choose to be, yes." She lets out a short laugh, but then her gaze turns more serious. "Listen, $name, just a little bit of faith can change someone's life. At any given moment, you can be part of the problem or part of the solution. I... I always want to be part of the solution. That light that saves lives." <<if $weapon is "Magic">>"I can shine!" you exclaim, raising your hand. "Does that make me a light already?" Your mother laughs again. "Your powers are a blessing, yes, and they can help you a great deal. But you still need one more thing." "What is it?" you ask with wide eyes. <<else>>"How do you do that?" you ask with wide eyes. "How do you become a light?" <</if>>Your mother pauses for a moment and glances toward the ground, which only makes your curiosity grow stronger. Her hand reaches up for the pendant she always wears around her neck. She caresses the mark of the gods engraved on the small plate, and for a moment, you swear it glows with a soft shimmer. Maybe it's just the reflection from the windows… but it feels like something else. "To be the light in someone's life, you have to be willing to surround yourself with darkness," she says at last, drawing your gaze back from the pendant to her face. "It's there, in the chaos and despair, that light shines the brightest." She lifts her eyes and meets yours. The sheer conviction in them hits you like a wave. "It's not about what you want or believe, it's about what they need." You purse your lips for a moment. "And doesn't that scare you?" Your mother smiles, amused. "If you're light, why would you fear the shadows?" You fall quiet, chewing over her words as you look around. You see tired faces, wounds, torn clothes… but you also see hands reaching out for help, and eyes lighting up with hope when the priests approach them. On the far side of the temple, you spot a woman kneeling on the ground, her shoulders trembling with sobs. Just as doubt starts to creep into your mind, you watch an old man walk over and gently place a hand on her back with the same tenderness your mother has shown others. "Tell me, $name," your mother calls softly. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" You meet your mother's kind gaze for a few seconds before looking back at the woman in the corner. Her tears are still there, but now something else rests on her face as well. Something that wasn't there before. Maybe hope. Maybe just a little less pain. That's when you feel it. A soft warmth, like a spark, blooming in your chest and spreading through your whole body. As you look at the woman and the old man lighting up her sorrow without saying a word, the words rise from within you on their own. [[I want to be light|248]]//

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dimBar" loop play>>\ \ <span class="chapter">''Chapter 6''</span> <span class="chapterTitle">When the walls crumble</span> //''[In the present moment, in Sisronia...]''// The coral lights begin to glow one by one, as if waking from a dream, tinting the city with gentle reflections as the sun fades beyond the horizon. The sea grows still with the coming of evening, and Sisronia sinks into a hush of expectation. Eroth walks along the edge of the dome, near the main entrance. He's passed this stretch so many times that his broad footsteps have carved a thick line in the sand. He doesn't walk just to patrol, but to try to calm that unease gnawing at him. Sisronia has been more restless than usual since the rescue party formed by their neighbours from other waters left. And with each passing day, tensions only grow. Patrols have been reinforced, and watches lengthened for everyone. That's what Eroth is doing now. Watching. Waiting. Maybe clinging to the hope that their guru's group will return safe and sound. Then, something moves in the distance. Eroth stops abruptly and narrows his eyes, focused. A figure… no, //something// is approaching at high speed, hidden beneath the sand. It leaves a visible trail, a small ridge moving steadily toward the city. "Is that…?" Eroth knows exactly what it is, but even so, his brain needs a few extra seconds to process it. It's not until the object travelling underground crosses the dome and enters the city that Eroth reacts and abandons his post to chase after it. [[Continue|249]]

"Come on, tadpole, get that spear up! If that had been a ghost fish, you'd be dead." "Keep your core steady, rookie. That's how you dodge better." Moloth's voice rings out across the training field. Firm, and perhaps a bit harsh. He stands by the coral fence that marks the area's edge, watching the recruits of the Adventurers' Guild with a critical eye. Beside him, Cielin trains the Defenders with equal discipline. Moloth crosses his arms and lets out a weary sigh. When his companion joins him, he doesn't even need to look at her to know what she's thinking. "Days seem to go by slower than before," he murmurs. "Yeah… I've noticed it too," Cielin replies. "If all went well, they should be back by now," Tarquus suddenly says. The merman drops the heavy sack he'd been carrying near the weapons post and joins his fellow patrol members to watch the recruits train. "Our guru is wise. He'll be back before we know it." Moloth chuckles softly, though the sound doesn't sound as genuine as it looks. "Ever the optimist, aren't you?" Tarquus averts his gaze. "The alternative is… chaotic." "To say the least," Cielin mutters, more to herself than to the others. [[Continue|250]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "chasePulseF" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ The training is abruptly interrupted when a small lump hidden under the sand slithers between two warriors just as their weapons were about to clash. Both halt, bewildered, and a sudden tension spreads through the field. Moloth and his patrol react immediately, muscles tensed. But before they can take a step, the lump stops right at their feet. A heavy silence falls over the place as the sand shifts and slowly reveals a messenger pearl, gleaming and damp under the light. All sound vanishes at once. Even the murmur of the sea seems to hold its breath. Every head turns to Moloth, a mix of excitement and concern on their faces. They all know what it means that the pearl has reached them. Moloth stares at the small object, his jaw tight. It should bring relief, even hope. But a bad feeling he can't shake twists in his gut. Hurried footsteps break through his thoughts, and he lifts his gaze just in time to see Eroth arrive, breathing hard from what must've been a full sprint. Behind him, more merpeople approach, eager to hear the news. With every eye fixed on him, Moloth draws a breath and extends his hand. He cradles the pearl gently in his palm and speaks the words to activate the message. For a second, everything remains still. Then, the light intensifies and a soft hum begins to rise. It shifts into a sharp, piercing screech, a sound no one in these waters has ever heard. Then, a voice echoes, one many recognize, though none expected to hear. //'Thank you, $name.'// //'Do what you must, I've got you covered!'// "Is that $MI?" Tarquus asks, frowning in confusion. "Wasn't $MIhe_she working in the purification chamber?" "I haven't seen $MIhim_her in days," Cielin mutters, arms crossed. "I thought $MIhe_she was keeping an eye on Salva, but... leaving the city without authorization? That's not like $MIhim_her. $MIHe_She wouldn't do something that reckless." Before Moloth can respond, $MI's urgent tone rings out again from the pearl, echoing through the courtyard. //'Demons are coming! New creatures unlike any we've seen before! They're headed to the city!'// Confused murmurs ripple through the listeners, and Moloth raises his head briefly to scan the uncertain faces of his kin. He watches as the Elders slowly make their way through the gathering crowd, drawn first by curiosity, then by $MI's dire warning. //'Prepare for battle and protect Sisronia!'// The murmurs swell, fear soaking into every indistinct word, voices overlapping in a rising tide of dread. //'May the gods be with you, and may the Mother of the Sea protect us all.'// The pearl's glow fades as the final words are spoken, leaving behind a simple, dull sphere resting in Moloth's hand. Anxious glances pass between worried faces, but no one dares to speak. Not until the Elders step forward, moving to stand before Moloth, casting a look at the messenger pearl before raising their eyes to the patrol leader. "Is this the pearl bound to our guru?" Elder Kalmeet asks, though the answer is clear. "It is," Moloth replies, nodding solemnly. "What do we do, my esteemed ones?" The elders exchange a brief look and nod among themselves. Then, Kalmeet turns to face the crowd and gestures toward the weapons post. "Everyone, prepare yourselves," he declares in a commanding voice. "We defend this city with our lives if we must." Just then, a deep, primal sound tears through the currents like a bolt of lightning, so powerful it pierces the dome of Sisronia and sends a tremor rippling through the ground. They're coming. [[Continue|251]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "static" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ //''[In The Seaweed Forest, with $name...]''// The noise that brought the chaos of the fight has been fading away. Even the screams inside your own head seem muffled by the ringing in your ear. Now everything feels strangely calm as your eyes remain fixed on the same spot. $LL's figure has disappeared behind the sharp jaws of the leviathan, now half-distorted by the reddish smoke slowly spreading around it. Your heart rises to your throat as the unmistakable metallic scent reaches your nose, and you immediately stop breathing, the damned ringing rising in intensity as if trying to deafen you. You know it doesn't succeed because of $AL's agonized scream. "$LL!!" The leviathan slips through the water, and behind its serpentine body you find the source of the cloud of blood. $LL keeps $LLhis_her eyes closed and $LLhis_her jaw clenched so hard it could shatter $LLhis_her teeth. $LLHe_She clings tightly to $LLhis_her left side, where $LLhis_her arm //should// be. <<if $LLLove is true>>You've seen dismembered bodies more times than you'd like to count, but never one belonging to someone you care about so much. <<else>>You've seen dismembered bodies more times than you'd like to count, but never one belonging to a friend. <</if>>You barely register the shove that shakes your shoulder and rattles your body a little, your eyes still locked on $LL and the blood still pouring from the stump that barely reaches the beginning of $LLhis_her bicep. Another distorted sound reaches your ears, followed by another shove, stronger this time, but you still don't pay attention. It isn't until you see $LL open $LLhis_her mouth and release the loudest scream of pain you've ever heard in your life that your senses snap back to normal. [[$name + "!"|252]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "allThis" loop play>>\ \ The final shove is so strong it sends you a couple of meters to the side. When you fully recover and become aware of your surroundings again, you see the deadly whip of one of the demons lashing past you, and $AO with $AOhis_her hands raised, aiming in your direction. "We need to move!" the doctor shouts before dodging another attack. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>You shake your head a few times and force yourself to focus on the demon in front of you. You call upon the remnants of your magic while dodging the next strike, moving in just as power finishes gathering in your palms. You grab hold of one of its pulsing, slimy tentacles and release a powerful magical blast that strikes the demon head-on and finishes it off. A heavy pressure rises from your chest to your throat from the magic overuse. With one final effort, you resist the urge to collapse and force your muscles to keep moving. $AO grabs your arm. "Are you okay?" You meet $AOhis_her eyes. $AOHe_She doesn't look any better than you. You nod as you pull away from $AOhis_her grip. "Yes. Let's help $LL!" <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You shake your head a few times and force yourself to focus on the demon in front of you. You dodge its next strike and rush toward it, daggers tightly gripped. You plunge one of the blades into a fissure, making the demon screech and writhe in pain. You hold your ground, stabbing your other dagger into one of its slimy tentacles, then yank out the first blade and drive it in again and again, until the demon stops fighting between blows. You let its lifeless body drift away and look around for $AO. The doctor has already dealt with the remaining demon, but $AOhis_her appearance is far from hopeful. $AOHis_Her breath is ragged, and it's as if $AOhis_her eyelids weigh heavily and every movement costs $AOhim_her dearly. You rush toward $AOhim_her and grab $AOhis_her arm. "$AO, are you okay!? Are you hurt!?" $AO rubs $AOhis_her eyes and shakes $AOhis_her head as $AOhe_she pulls free from your grip. "No, but forget about me. We need to help $LL!" $AOhe_she shouts, locking $AOhis_her determined eyes with you. <<else>>You shake your head a few times and force yourself to focus on the demon in front of you. You dodge its next strike and rush toward it, sword in hand. Once close enough, you grab hold of one of its slimy tentacles and plunge your blade into a fissure, driving it through to the other side. The demon writhes, but you hold firm. With a twist of your wrist, you pull the blade out only to sink it again into its flesh. You repeat the motion over and over until the creature stops struggling between strikes. You let its lifeless body drift away and look around for $AO. The doctor has already dealt with the remaining demon, but $AOhis_her appearance is far from hopeful. $AOHis_Her breath is ragged, and it's as if $AOhis_her eyelids weigh heavily and every movement costs $AOhim_her dearly. You rush toward $AOhim_her and grab $AOhis_her arm. "$AO, are you okay!? Are you hurt!?" $AO rubs $AOhis_her eyes and shakes $AOhis_her head as $AOhe_she pulls free from your grip. "No, but forget about me. We need to help $LL!" $AOhe_she shouts, locking $AOhis_her determined eyes with you. <</if>>The leviathan's renewed roar forces you both to turn toward it again. The sea beast dives straight toward $LL, who is now being held by an utterly frantic $AL. You and $AO move immediately to help them, but someone gets there far earlier. A white flash cuts through the water like a bolt of lightning and slams into the leviathan, throwing it down with a crash onto the seafloor. The impact drags it for several meters, ripping massive seaweeds from the ground with the force of the blow. The cloud of sand hides the scene for a few seconds. When it settles, you see $RG standing atop the leviathan's head, $RGhis_her spear raised and pulsing with divine energy. With a roar of $RGhis_her own, $RGhe_she drives the weapon into the beast, and its serpentine body lights up from within as if the light itself were trying to escape through every scale. Then, the energy built up inside the leviathan bursts, and a muffled explosion churns the water around it, sending a pulse that shakes all of you. You fight against the force of the shockwave, and with your hearts in your throats, you and $AO rush toward $LL. [[Continue|253]]

"Shh, I'm here, $LL, I'm here. Gods, please stay with me!" $AL's desperate attempt to soothe $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister's pain falls short, and $LL continues to writhe in agony in $ALhis_her arms. Or maybe $ALhe_she's trying to calm $ALhimself_herself. Either way, neither works. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>"Hold $LLhim_her, $AL! $name, help me with this," $AO orders the moment you reach them. You follow $AOhis_her lead and place your hands over the open wound, channeling your magic into it. The edges of the stump begin to seal, little by little. Far too slowly. That awful sensation climbs up your throat again and clouds your vision. You blink, trying to clear your sight and ignore the discomfort. Your magic burns through your skin like liquified glass, but you can't stop. Not yet. And once again you push your body past its limits and ignore the future consequences. After keeping them shut all this time, $LL finally opens $LLhis_her eyes. $LLHis_Her gaze drops to $LLhis_her missing arm, and shock and panic take over $LLhis_her body. "Aah! My arm! Let me go! LET ME GO!" You stop your magic and help $AL restrain $LLhim_her while $AO stays focused on the wound. The warrior thrashes harder, eyes wide open, desperately trying to get as far away from $LLhis_her own arm as possible as you and $AL struggle to hold $LLhim_her down. <<else>>"Hold $LLhim_her down!" $AO commands as you reach them. You obey instantly, helping $AL keep $LL as still as possible while the doctor starts channeling $AOhis_her magic into the wound. As you wrestle with the warrior, you see the edges of the stump begin to seal. Very slowly. The toll it's taking on $AO is clear in $AOhis_her face. The dark circles growing under $AOhis_her eyes The slight tremble in $AOhis_her hands… If $AOhe_she keeps pushing past $AOhis_her magical limits like this, $LL won't be the only one you'll have to worry about. But before you can think any further, $LL opens $LLhis_her eyes after keeping them shut all this time. $LLHis_Her gaze drops to $LLhis_her missing arm, and shock and panic take over $LLhis_her body. "Aah! My arm! Let me go! LET ME GO!" $LL thrashes harder, eyes wide open, trying in vain to run away from $LLhis_her own arm as you and $AL fight to keep $LLhim_her restrained. <</if>>"Shh, I'm here, $LL, I'm here," $AL whispers with a broken voice, soaked in trembling sobs $ALhe_she can no longer hold back. "Easy, $LL… It's going to be okay," you say. It's a lie you don't believe in the slightest, just a desperate attempt to calm not only $LLhim_her, but the heart trying to escape your chest. $LL jerks violently in your grasp. "No! Let me go! Let me…" $LLHis_Her voice weakens, and $LLhis_her movements gradually slow. $LLHis_Her eyes roll back just before $LLhis_her eyelids fall. And when $LLhis_her head slumps backward, $LL stops moving. Your heart stops. "...$LL?" "No." $AL shakes $ALhis_her head, frantic. "No, no, no! $LL, please!" "Not again…" you hear $AO mutter. $AOHe_She clenches $AOhis_her jaw, and the glow in $AOhis_her hands suddenly intensifies. The stump begins to close a little faster, but still not fast enough. "Not again, damn it!" [[Continue|254]]

"Give me space." You lift your head just as Nauzet reaches your side, with Salva, $MI, and Enid close behind. The god barely spares any of you a glance before motioning you away with a firm gesture. He stays beside $LL and places his hand just below $LLhis_her collarbone, gently forcing $LLhim_her to lie back on the sand. "Enid," he simply says. The celestial spirit nods and closes her eyes as a magical aura surrounds her, merging with Nauzet's. Where their powers meet, a blinding white light bursts forth. Nauzet's arm tenses as the wound begins to heal rapidly. The flesh takes on a healthier tone, the texture hardens, and soon there's nothing left but a rough scar where the open stump once was. "$LLHe_She'll survive. $LLHe_She only passed out," Nauzet says as he pulls his hand away. He clenches his fist tightly, the hand trembling subtly as he turns his head. "But we can't stay here." A new screech cuts through the air, and you follow Nauzet's gaze to spot more demons emerging from the seaweeds, approaching with the spines on their bodies quivering in a way that sends chills down your spine. They move with hunger, with fury, as if the scent of blood had summoned them. <<if $weapon is "Sword">>"I doubt they'll let us go that easily," you growl under your breath, tightening your grip on the hilt of your sword. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>"I doubt they'll let us go that easily," you growl under your breath, tightening your grip on your daggers. <<else>>"I doubt they'll let us go that easily," you growl under your breath, taking up a defensive stance. <</if>>"Everyone, group up! Nauzet, protect them!" Without waiting for an answer, Enid steps forward as Nauzet conjures a protective barrier that surrounds you all. The moment it closes, the celestial spirit's body flares with an electric blue light so bright you can barely keep your eyes open. Her scream echoes through the forest's edges, followed by a crackling burst and the agonized wails of every demon present. When the glow behind your eyelids fades, you open your eyes and watch the demons floating lifeless in the water, their bodies wrapped in coils of electricity that aldo cling to rocks and vegetation. Enid returns inside the barrier. "More will come. Let's take the chance and get out of here!" Nauzet nods grimly. "Hold on to me." [[Continue|255]]

"No!" the faycan roars in fury, dragging one of his monstrous arms across the sand. The tip smokes, blackened as if it had been burned. "You won't escape me, pretender!" His facial tentacles twist together and fire a blast of magic straight at you. But before it can reach, $RG steps in front of it and stops the attack with $RGhis_her bare hands. $RGHe_She hurls it back at the faycan, who dodges to the side. You lower the arm you instinctively raised to shield your face and turn toward $RGhim_her. <<if $RGLove is true>>"$RG!" you call out, but the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess doesn't seem to hear you. Then, you start noticing some strange things about your guardian. $RGHis_Her muscles are tensed… so much so that it's as if $RGhe_she might explode at any moment. Maybe from the lingering sparks of Enid's lightning that travel up and down $RGhis_her body in faint flickers. Yet it doesn't seem to affect $RGhim_her at all. If anything... it feels like it's strengthening $RGhim_her somehow, $RGhis_her body subtly —very subtly—growing with every heavy breath. <<if $AriAlive is true>>That look… that barely contained rage, ready to explode and destroy everything in its path… you've seen it once before, in the middle of the war in Astian. You didn't like it then. You like it even less now. <<else>>That look… that barely contained rage, ready to explode and destroy everything in its path… you've never seen it in $RGhim_her before. And you don't like it one bit. <</if>>But what worries you most isn't that. It's not the bared teeth under $RGhis_her clenched jaw, ready to growl like a feral beast, nor the fact that $RGhis_her pupils form narrow ovals now. You know $RGhis_her eyes like the back of your hand, and that violet shade you love so much has changed. It's more… magenta. <<else>>"$RG!" you call out, but the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess doesn't seem to hear you. Then, you notice something strange about your friend. $RGHis_Her muscles are tensed… so much that it's like $RGhe_she's about to burst. Maybe due to the lingering electricity from Enid's attack crackling along $RGhis_her body. Yet $RGhe_she shows no signs of pain. $RGHis_Her teeth are slightly bared beneath $RGhis_her clenched jaw, as if $RGhe_she's about to growl like a feral beast. And you're not sure if it's the dim light or the chaos around you, but you could swear $RGhis_her pupils aren't round. They're more… oval-shaped. <</if>>"//You//…" the faycan begins, his voice poisoned with hatred as he locks eyes with $RG. His wounded arm slowly retracts, returning to its normal tentacle form. "You'll pay for what you did to me." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>"Brother, we have to go!" Nauzet shouts, but Rayco doesn't move or answer. <<else>>"Sister, we have to go!" Nauzet shouts, but Gara doesn't move or answer. <</if>>Magic begins to gather once more at the faycan's tips, a dark glow pulsing with rage. $RG tilts $RGhis_her head just slightly, fully intent on continuing the fight. You glance at $LL, unconscious in $AL's arms, $LLhis_her pale face strangely serene amidst the chaos. You clench your fists and then move toward $RG, your voice loud and firm. "$RG!" [[Continue|256]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "horror3" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ "Stop, Locto." Hearing that calm, carefree voice freezes you to the core. Not because of its tone, but because you recognize exactly who it belongs to. The knot in your stomach tightens as you slowly turn around, already knowing what you'll see. $BN is perched atop a massive rock, watching from above with the stillness of a predator. $BNHis_Her eyes scan the scene like a hawk watching for the perfect moment to dive for its prey. The air turns heavy, so much that you have to hold your breath to not choke on it. No one says a word or dares to move. Even the current seems to have stopped. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a blade. "What did you say?" the faycan asks, confused, slowly lowering his tentacles as he turns toward $BN. Your mouth goes dry in an instant, and your eyes flick back and forth between the two, searching their faces for any sign of what's about to happen. Up until now, the faycan has been a constant threat. He's predictable, at least. But $BN... $BNhe_she's something else. A mystery wrapped in danger, like a storm pretending to be calm. And even now, you can't begin to grasp the full extent of $BNhis_her power. That's why $BNhis_her response catches you so off guard. "We've already found what we came for. Let them go." You frown, but before you can open your mouth to question it, Nauzet steps forward. His wary gaze fixes on $BN, as if trying to pierce $BNhim_her through. "Let us go? Why?" he asks in a measured tone. $BN turns $BNhis_her head slowly toward him. $BNHis_Her eyes, sharp as blades, lock onto Nauzet with an intensity hard to endure. Then, a crooked, arrogant, almost mocking smile stretches across $BNhis_her face. "You've got a city to defend, don't you?" [[Continue|2567]]

The silence lasts barely a second. An explosion rips through the air, disintegrating the upper part of the rock where $BN stands. Shards of stone and sand fly in all directions, and a cloud of dust blankets everything. By the time the haze begins to clear, $BN is no longer on the rock. $RG stands in $BNhis_her place, chest heaving and fist still pressed against the crater from the blast. "Well, that was rude. Has Abora forgotten to teach her slaves how to behave?" $BN's voice rings out again. $BNHe_She's beside the faycan now, as if $BNhe_she'd never moved. Same posture. Same expression. Maybe even more amused than before. There's something in $BNhis_her face, a spark you don't like. Something unsettling and impossible to name, but undeniably dangerous. $RG turns toward $BNhim_her with a rough, almost feral growl, muscles clearly spelling out $RGhis_her intent. "As much as I enjoy seeing that look again, I suggest you save your strength, pretender," $BN continues, rising to $BNhis_her feet with maddening calm. $BNHis_Her narrowed eyes never leave $RG, and $BNhis_her smile oozes with venomous satisfaction. "You'll need it soon." $RG tenses even more. For a moment, $RGhe_she looks ready to lunge. $RGHis_Her fingers twitch, and $RGhis_her body leans forward. But then Enid's voice cuts through, sharp and decisive. "$RG, let's go!" The otter's voice seems to reach $RGhim_her at last, and $RG blinks a few times. The wrinkles in your face deepen when you see $RGhis_her confused features looking between your group and $BN, until you feel Nauzet's firm grip on your arm. "Hold on!" $RG rushes to your side just before Nauzet's blinding light swallows everything. [[Continue|258]]

//''[In the middle of The Seaweed Forest…]''// The silence that follows is thick, but doesn't last long. $BN's laughter breaks it as $BNhe_she strolls forward a few casual steps, stopping when $BNhe_she spots the shield half-buried in the sand. "You've got to admire how they cling to life so desperately, don't you?" $BNHis_Her mocking tone grates on Locto's nerves. "Why did you let them go?" $BN ignores the complaint and bends to pick up the shield, lifting it to eye level and beginning to toy with it, spinning it lazily with delicate taps of $BNhis_her claws. The metallic reflection dances in the water, casting shifting flashes onto a nearby coral trunk. "What difference does it make?" $BNhe_she says at last, with a sigh dripping with indifference. "Let them run if they want. They've got nowhere to go." The faycan's frustration boils over, and this time he lets it out without thinking about the consequences. "What in The Void are you doing?" he snaps. "You promised me revenge in exchange for those pretenders, but now you're dragging this foolish game out. You could've killed them all right here, and yet you insist in playing with those mortals." The shield stops spinning with a sharp clang, $BN's claws griping it tightly. $BNHe_She remains completely still as $BNhe_she slowly turns $BNhis_her head toward Locto, the movement unnatural, exceeding the limits of biology and sending a shiver through every one of the faycan's tentacles as their gazes meet. $BNHis_Her smile remains, but the glint in $BNhis_her eyes vanishes, replaced by a darker, more dangerous shadow. Locto knows that look. He's only seen it once before, directed at someone far less fortunate, and it haunted his nightmares for weeks. Now, that look is aimed at him. $BN's eyes inspect him slowly from head to toe. Locto holds his breath, his tentacles twitching in barely hidden nerves. "There's a lot I could do without breaking a sweat, that's true," $BN says, $BNhis_her voice a suffocating calm that forces Locto to resist the urge to flee. $BNHis_Her smile widens slightly. "I could reclaim this world just as easily." It's been a long time since Locto felt the fear of death. So long he barely remembered what it was like to hear his own heartbeat pounding in his skull. The memories flood back in the instant $BN's gaze drops to his abdomen, and Locto feels the thrum of the orb inside his body. Time seems to freeze in that moment. Until $BN drops the shield and lets it drift downward through the water. Then $BNhe_she lifts $BNhis_her eyes again, and only then does Locto feel like he can breathe. Not deeply, though. Just in case. "Go lick your wounds, Locto. They'll come for you again. To take the orb." "B-but the city—" "It'll survive. At least through the first assault." $BN's grin widens, and the amused spark returns to $BNhis_her face as $BNhe_she casts a brief glance at Locto's wounded tentacle. "In the meantime, make sure you're ready when they return. My children's true power is something to behold, isn't it? And that was barely a taste." $BNHe_She laughs, but quickly cuts $BNhimself_herself off. Then $BNhis_her expression shifts again, suddenly and completely serious. The intensity of it threatens to crush Locto's will. "But you better avoid awakening the beast, because I won't save you from $RGhim_her next time." Locto swallows hard. $BN's words aren't a threat. They're a promise. Unable to meet $BNhis_her gaze another second, He lowers his head. "...Understood, Master." $BN doesn't move, but Locto can feel $BNhis_her piercing gaze on his back the entire way as he retreats toward The Void. [[Continue|259]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "mourning" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ //''[With $name...]''// Your body hits the ground with a dull thud. The fall, though cushioned by a mound of wet sand that clings to your skin, still knocks the breath out of you. Cold slices through you instantly, a chilling current that makes you shiver. You're not sure if it's from the sudden drop in temperature or the strange tingling that starts spreading from your waist down. When you finally open your eyes, you realize your fish tail is gone. Your two legs are back. "…Esteemed Guru?" You hear a cacophony of gasps around you. A crowd of merpeople surrounds you, most clad in coral and reinforced shell armour, wielding spears or tridents that glint in the light of the coral lamps. Among them, you spot Moloth's patrol and the Elders standing at the front. Dozens, maybe hundreds of eyes are fixed on you. Their expressions range from fearful to stunned to utterly shocked. But soon you understand you're not the center of attention. Nauzet and $RG get to their feet, their wings still spread wide and capturing everyone's attention. The divine mark on Nauzet's shoulder is still glowing with a brilliance almost painful to look at. That's where most gazes land. "The divine mark…" Elder Herlim murmurs as he steps forward. His voice is low, laced with reverence and uncertainty. He doesn't dare come too close. His eyes slowly rise from Nauzet's shoulder to his face. "It's you… the incarnation of the Mother of the Sea foretold in the ancient prophecies." His words strike the crowd like lightning. Every merperson present drops to their knees at once, crossing their arms over their chests in a ceremonial gesture. Their heads bow in solemn silence, but Nauzet doesn't look impressed. He immediately turns toward $MI. "Secure $LLhim_her in the purification chamber of the Grotto," he orders, pointing to an unconscious $LL. When $MI hesitates, still stunned by the revelation, Nauzet's brow furrows. "Now!" The $MImerman_mermaid jolts and moves at once. $MIHe_She goes to lift $LL from the ground, but $AL blocks $MIhim_her with $ALhis_her arm. "I'll carry $LLhim_her," $ALhe_she says, voice hoarse but full of unwavering resolve. $MI hesitates just a moment before stepping back. $AL tries to lift $LLhim_her, but $ALhis_her legs buckle under $ALhis_her own weight. Before $ALhe_she falls, $MI catches $ALhim_her, taking part of $LL's weight without a word. $MIHe_She gives the redhead a kind look, and this time $AL accepts the help. You get up as well, still unsteady. Your knees tremble, but you manage to stay upright as you hurry to follow $MI and $AL, feeling something invisible tightening around your chest. "I see you received our message," Nauzet says. "Good. Have you seen any demons or leviathans on the horizon?" "N-no, Guru," someone in the crowd answers. "But we did hear one of their roars a while ago." "It was… powerful. It made the dome tremble." "Then they won't be long now. I want patrols A and B to..." That's the last thing you hear as you leave the crowd behind, your heart pounding in your chest, with $AO close on your heels. <<if $job is "Doctor" and $weapon is "Magic">>[[Continue|260-Doc-Mag]]<<elseif $job is "Doctor" and $weapon isnot "Magic">>[[Continue|260-Doc-NoMag]]<<elseif $job isnot "Doctor" and $weapon is "Magic">>[[Continue|260-NoDoc-Mag]]<<else>>[[Continue|260-Else]]<</if>>

<<if $LLLove is true>>You don't know the exact moment you crossed the entire Grotto, nor how you ended up in the purification chamber of the Adventurers' Guild. The journey feels blurry, disoriented between the flash of teleportation and the worry pouring from your every pore. All you can think about is getting $LL to safety. That's all that matters to you. <<else>>You don't know the exact moment you crossed the entire Grotto, nor how you ended up in the purification chamber of the Adventurers' Guild. The journey feels blurry, disoriented between the flash of teleportation and the worry pouring from your every pore. All you can think about is getting your friend to safety. <</if>>Your first instinct is to move closer to examine $LLhim_her, to check if $LLhe_she's breathing properly. You completely ignore the fact that $MI and $AO are already doing the same thing, and that they'll probably do a better job than you just by having magic. <<if $LLLove is true>>You don't care. You need to make sure $LLhe_she's okay yourself. You need it. You kneel down beside $LLhim_her, heart on the verge of bursting and hands still trembling. You're not sure if it's from the relief of seeing $LLhim_her alive, or the grief of seeing $LLhim_her like this. So... fragile. A word you never would have used to describe $LL before. The warrior lies unconscious, $LLhis_her breathing slow and steady, $LLhis_her face eerily peaceful considering all that's happened. Your healer's mind reluctantly takes over, even though that emotional pull doesn't go away. Your gaze slides to $LLhis_her left arm. Or what's left of it… The stump begins just below the shoulder, the skin closed with a precision that isn't human. No stitches, no blood, no signs of infection. Just a smooth scar sealing the cut. Nauzet's magic did an excellent job, just as expected. You run your fingers gently across the area with clinical care, but the gesture is far from neutral. It's intimate, and deeply heartbreaking. The skin is warm, with no swelling or that metallic scent you feared. None of the signs of rejection, trauma, or decay. Medically, $LLhe_she's fine. Unlike you. //"This shouldn't have happened. Not to $LLhim_her,"// screams that part of you that refuses to stay silent any longer. You press your lips together, only now realizing just how much it hurts to see $LLhim_her like this. <<else>>You don't care. You just want to keep your head busy, to keep the anxiety from swallowing you whole. You kneel beside $LLhim_her, heart heavy and hands still trembling from the bitter mix of relief and grief. $LL lies unconscious, $LLhis_her breathing slow and steady, $LLhis_her face eerily peaceful considering all that's happened. Your healer's mind takes over easily, and your gaze slides to $LLhis_her left arm. Or what's left of it… The stump begins just below the shoulder, the skin closed with a precision that isn't human. No stitches, no blood, no signs of infection. Just a smooth scar sealing the cut. Nauzet's magic did an excellent job, just as expected. You run your fingers gently over the area. It's warm, without swelling or that metallic scent you feared. None of the signs of rejection, trauma, or decay. Medically, $LLhe_she's fine. But emotionally and personally… that's another story. You press your lips together, feeling your chest tighten. Even with the wound sealed, you know some scars only begin to heal when the ones who carry them wake up. <</if>>"Is $LLhe_she okay?" $AL's worried voice catches you off guard and pulls you out of your thoughts. You lift your head and find $ALhis_her face, tense and full of anxiety. "On the outside, yes. There are no signs of infection or bleeding," you reply, forcing a small, encouraging smile before turning to $AO. "What do you think?" $AOHis_Her hands are stretched over $LL's body, fingers spread as small threads of bluish light escape $AOhis_her palms and drift over the redhead's skin like a faint mist. But there's something unsettling about the tension in $AOhis_her brow, that betraying little wrinkle you've seen before when $AOhe_she sees or senses something that doesn't quite fit. It only lasts a moment, as $AO closes $AOhis_her eyes and sighs, letting $AOhis_her arms fall to $AOhis_her sides. Then $AOhe_she gives you a smile and nods, but you can see right through it, like a crack in ice. The smile doesn't reach $AOhis_her eyes. "$LLHe_She's stable," $AO says as $AOhe_she turns to $AL. "Nauzet's magic is still flowing through $LLhis_her body and threw me off for a moment, but $LLhe_she's healthy and $LLhis_her heart is strong. $LLHe_She'll recover." $AL closes $ALhis_her eyes and lets out a trembling sigh of relief. You, on the other hand, can't take your eyes off $AO, and you can't shake the feeling that something isn't right. There's a shadow in $AOhis_her gaze. In the way $AOhe_she avoided meeting your eyes for more than a second, and in the way $AOhis_her fists clenched the moment $AOhe_she stopped channeling $AOhis_her magic. Your gaze shifts briefly to $AL, to $ALhis_her teary eyes as $ALhe_she watches $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister, and then back to $AO. You purse your lips but choose to stay silent for now. You'll confront the doctor later, when $AL's not around. [[Continue|261]]

<<if $LLLove is true>>You don't know the exact moment you crossed the entire Grotto, nor how you ended up in the purification chamber of the Adventurers' Guild. The journey feels blurry, disoriented between the flash of teleportation and the worry pouring from your every pore. All you can think about is getting $LL to safety. That's all that matters to you. <<else>>You don't know the exact moment you crossed the entire Grotto, nor how you ended up in the purification chamber of the Adventurers' Guild. The journey feels blurry, disoriented between the flash of teleportation and the worry pouring from your every pore. All you can think about is getting your friend to safety. <</if>>You approach with a few slow, hesitant steps while $MI and $AO are already practically over the warrior, their hands glowing with the soft shimmer of healing magic, hovering just above the stump without actually touching it. Small threads of bluish light spill from their palms and glide across the red-haired warrior's skin like a faint mist. You watch in silence, heart clenched tight, as the mages work, feeling powerless and uneasy while your thoughts spiral to the point of dizziness. <<if $LLLove is true>>//"This shouldn't have happened. Not to $LLhim_her,"// screams that part of you that refuses to stay silent. You press your lips together, only then realizing how much it truly hurts to see $LLhim_her like this. <</if>>"Is $LLhe_she okay?" asks $AL's worried voice at your side, $ALhis_her face tense and full of anxiety. <<if $job is "Keeper">>You focus on $AO, on $AOhis_her outstretched fingers and concentrated expression. There's something that unsettles you in the tension of $AOhis_her brow, in that betraying wrinkle you've seen several times before, when $AOhe_she sees or senses something that doesn't fit. It lasts only a moment, as $AO closes $AOhis_her eyes and lets out a long sigh, $AOhis_her arms falling to $AOhis_her sides. Then $AOhe_she offers you both a smile and nods, but your instincts flare up. Your mind sounds alarm bells as you realize the smile doesn't reach $AOhis_her eyes. "$LLHe_She's stable," $AOhe_she says as $AOhe_she turns toward you both. "Nauzet's magic is still flowing through $LLhim_her and threw me off for a moment, but $LLhis_her body is healthy and $LLhis_her heart is strong. $LLHe_She'll recover." $AL closes $ALhis_her eyes and lets out a shaky sigh of relief. You, however, can't look away from $AO. And you can't shake the feeling that something's not quite right. There's a shadow in $AOhis_her gaze, in the way $AOhe_she avoided meeting your eyes for more than a second, and in how $AOhis_her fists clenched the moment $AOhe_she stopped channeling $AOhis_her magic. Your eyes flick briefly to $AL, to $ALhis_her tearful gaze as $ALhe_she watches $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister, and then back to $AL. You press your lips together but decide to stay quiet for now. You'll confront the doctor later, when $AL's not around. <<else>>You focus on $AO, on $AOhis_her outstretched fingers and concentrated expression. The bluish threads keep swirling across $LL for a few seconds longer, until $AO finally closes $AOhis_her eyes and lets out a long breath, $AOhis_her shoulders slowly dropping as if part of the tension had finally dissolved. When $AOhe_she opens $AOhis_her eyes again, $AOhe_she offers you both a tired but genuine smile. "$LLHe_She's stable," $AOhe_she says in a calm tone as $AOhe_she turns toward you. "Nauzet's magic is still flowing through $LLhim_her and threw me off a bit at first. But $LLhis_her body is healthy, and $LLhis_her heart is strong. $LLHe_She'll recover." You feel something loosen in your chest as $AL lets out a shaky sigh of relief. Your gaze lingers on $LL's sleeping face. There's no way to know what will happen when $LLhe_she wakes up, but for now, for the first time since the day began, you allow yourself to breathe a little easier. <</if>>[[Continue|261]]

"It's true," $MI interjects soon after. "The wound is completely closed and clean, thank the gods." The $MImerman_mermaid averts $MIhis_her gaze and rubs $MIhis_her neck with a grimace. "...Literally." $AL nods faintly and kneels beside the bed, gently taking $LL's hand between $ALhis_her own. "How long until $LLhe_she wakes up?" "That's a bit harder to say, honestly," $MI replies. "It could be a couple of hours... or a few days." "Or weeks," $AO adds. $AL frowns. "Weeks?" <<if $job is "Doctor">>"Even with Nauzet's intervention, $LLhe_she lost a lot of blood. Between that, the shock, and the pain…" Your words trail off, and you press your lips together. "Yeah, a couple of weeks. At the very least." <<else>>"Is that normal?" you ask. $AO nods. "With the significant blood loss, the pain, and the shock, I wouldn't expect less than two weeks. Although… maybe with the gods' magic…" <</if>>Silence falls over the room, as if the walls had chosen to insulate themselves from the chaos roaring outside. Voices, hurried footsteps, orders being shouted back and forth… all of it feels distant, irrelevant. In here, everyone is caught in their own whirlwind of thoughts, as if simply looking at $LL might somehow hasten $LLhis_her awakening. The seconds stretch out, thick and heavy, until $MI clears $MIhis_her throat softly. "Let's focus on the good. Your friend is alive, and $LLhe_she doesn't need anything but rest. Now it's just a matter of waiting for $LLhim_her to wake up." $MIHe_She rises slowly from the kneeling position, then extends a hand toward the door. "We have excellent healers. They'll keep an eye on $LLhim_her. We should go and help outside—" "I'm not going anywhere," $AL interrupts, $ALhis_her voice trembling but firm as $ALhe_she locks eyes with $MI. "I'm staying here with $LLhim_her." $MI seems to hesitate for a moment, $MIhis_her mouth slightly open, but eventually nods slowly. "Very well." <<if $LLLove is true>><<if $job is "Doctor" or $job is "Keeper">>Your heart also longs to stay with $LL and make sure nothing else happens to $LLhim_her, but seeing $AO move to follow $MI out of the corner of your eye reminds you that there's something you really need to talk to $AOhim_her about. You take one last look at $LL, watching as $AL presses the warrior's hand to $ALhis_her chest while gently caressing $LLhis_her cheek with the other with a tenderness that stings before turning and following the doctor and $MI outside. <<else>>Your heart also longs to stay with $LL and make sure nothing else happens to $LLhim_her, but you end up listening and following $MI automatically. With one last look at $LL, watching how $AL presses the warrior's hand to $ALhis_her chest while gently caressing $LLhis_her cheek with the other with a tenderness that stings, you turn and walk away to join $AO and $MI outside. <</if>><<else>>$MIHe_She gestures for you and $AO to follow $MIhim_her before heading out of the chamber. You take one last look at $LL, watching how $AL presses the warrior's hand to $ALhis_her chest while gently caressing $LLhis_her cheek with the other with a tenderness that stings before turning around and following $AO and $MI. <</if>>[[Continue|262]]

$ALHis_Her emerald gaze searches yours for answers, but you need a little more time before you can say anything. You need to know if what you suspect is real or if it's just your imagination. "Just a minute. I want to double check, just in case," you reply, forcing your voice to stay steady. You ignore $AO's look and refocus on the energy in your fingers. You guide your hand over different points of $LL's body, examining $LLhis_her organs carefully and running mental calculations. $LLHis_Her kidneys, $LLhis_her liver, $LLhis_her lungs… Everything is laced with that substance. Not as much as you feared, thankfully, but even the heart carries some trace. Your eyes linger on $LLhis_her face. $LLHe_She breathes calmly and looks peaceful, but that's only on the outside. //"$LL… since when the hell have you been taking that?"// The touch of a hand on your shoulder pulls you back to reality, and you look up to find $AO smiling at you. The gesture strikes you as strange. Has $AO not felt the call of the verdiryum, or was it just your own tired mind playing tricks? But then you realize… the doctor's smile doesn't reach $AOhis_her eyes. "Red's fine," $AO says, turning the smile toward $AL and getting a confused look out of you. "For a moment it looked like something was off in $LLhis_her system, but it's just Nauzet's magic. $LL is perfectly fine. $LLHe_She'll recover in time." $AO gives your shoulder a subtle but firm squeeze, and you understand the warning behind it. You press your lips together and bite your tongue, even though the lie burns in your chest, bitter and heavy. Better not to say anything. Not in front of $AL. [[Continue|261]]

You glance down at your hands again, the strange pulse still vibrating in your veins for no reason, and you frown deeper. Very few things provoke this kind of reaction in your magic. And none of them are good. "There's… something strange in $LLhis_her body," you finally say, a bit hesitantly. $AL tenses. "Strange how? Is $LLhe_she in danger?" "$LLHe_She's… reacting to my magic somehow," you reply, shaking your head slightly. You purse your lips. "I think it might be—" "Nauzet's magic," $AO cuts in suddenly, placing a hand on your shoulder. "That's what you're sensing. I got alarmed for a second too, but it's nothing. Everything's fine." $AOHe_She says this last part while turning to $AL, with a smile that strikes you as… odd. But watching $AOhis_her face more closely, you realize that smile never reaches $AOhis_her eyes. Still facing $AL, $AO gives your shoulder a firm, fleeting squeeze. So subtle only you notice. A warning you understand perfectly: $AOhe_she's noticed the same thing you have, but doesn't want you saying anything yet. //"Not in front of $AL."// You press your lips together and bite your tongue, even though the lie burns in your chest, bitter and heavy. [[Continue|261]]

Another pulse of magic vibrates in your palms, making you glance back at $LL. You've heard of rare cases where someone developed magical powers late in life due to internal imbalances, sometimes with devastating consequences. But this… This isn't a minor imbalance or a one-off anomaly. This is an intrusion. Invasive. Systemic. "This isn't right…" you murmur under your breath. $AL tenses. "What's not right? Is $LLhe_she in danger?" You open your mouth, frowning deeper, but no sound comes out. Another vibration. You shake your head, confused, and force the words out. "There's something seriously wrong in $LLhis_her system." $AL stares at you, face going pale. "What do you mean by that?" "It's just a misunderstanding," $AO cuts in quickly before you can answer, turning to $AL with a reassuring smile. "I got confused at first too, but $LL's fine. Nauzet's magic is powerful, and it's still inside $LLhim_her. For a second there, I thought our redhead was developing magical powers. Gods forbid that!" $AO lets out a chuckle, placing a casual hand on your shoulder. Too casual. You frown, puzzled by $AOhis_her sudden shift in tone. $AL blinks, glancing at $LL before turning back to $AO with hopeful eyes. "So $LLhe_she's going to be okay?" $AO nods. "Yes. Nothing to worry about." $AL closes $ALhis_her eyes and lets out a trembling sigh of relief. $AO takes that moment to give your shoulder a subtle but firm squeeze. $AOHe_She throws you a sidelong glance and shakes $AOhis_her head just slightly, a warning you understand perfectly: $AOhe_she's seen the same thing you have, but $AOhe_she doesn't want you to say anything yet. //"Not in front of $AL."// You press your lips together and bite your tongue, even though the lie burns in your chest, bitter and heavy. [[Continue|261]]

You want to tell $ALhim_her the truth. You want to say that something dark is lurking beneath the surface, that $LL is far from fine. But when you see $ALhim_her there, watching anxiously, hands trembling as they cling to a piece of coral jutting from the bed, you hesitate. Maybe now isn't the time. Not yet. You need to be sure of your suspicions first. Then… then you'll decide. You glance down at $LL. $LLHis_Her face looks peaceful, $LLhis_her breathing slow and steady. $LLHe_She really does seem perfectly fine on the outside. A knot tightens in your stomach as your eyes drift to the stump, but you look away with a blink and clear your throat. You withdraw your magic and step back when another vibration surges through you, forcing yourself to keep a calm expression as you reply to $AL. "Yes. Everything's fine," you say with the calmest voice you can manage. The words sound hollow even to you, and you worry the lie burning in your throat isn't convincing enough. You feel $AO's gaze on you, and somehow you know $AOhe_she noticed, but the doctor says nothing. "Are you sure?" $AL asks, gripping the coral tighter. "Because it looked like—" "It's alright, $AL. $LL fine," $AO interrupts gently. "We're just exhausted, and for a moment Nauzet's magic seemed like something else. But Red's fine, and $LLhe_she'll recover." "We're all… very tired," you add, trying to sound thoughtful, though what you really feel is guilt. $AL blinks, glancing at $LL before looking back to $AO, voice full of hope. "So $LLhe_she's really going to be okay?" $AO gives $ALhim_her a warm, reassuring smile and nods, which makes $AL close $ALhis_her eyes and let out a trembling breath of relief. You, on the other hand, just watch $LL, pretending to not see the traces of corruption in $LLhis_her veins, to not feel the whisper of that substance pulsing within $LLhim_her calling to your own magic. <<if $LLLove is true>>And even though it hurts, even though you've never felt such anguish before, you force yourself to smile. <<else>>And even though it hurts, even though the worry is eating you up inside, you force yourself to smile. <</if>>[[Continue|261]]

<<if $LLLove is true>>The rocky corridor narrows around you as you walk away from the purification chamber, as if the Grotto itself were trying to push you back to $LL. Every step feels heavy, dragged… but you keep moving forward. When you reach the opening to the main area, $MI suddenly comes to a halt. A mermaid rushes past $MIhim_her, carrying an open box filled with bandages, vials, and roots wrapped in algae. <<else>>The rocky corridor narrows around you as you walk away from the purification chamber, as if the Grotto itself were trying to push you back to $LL. Every step feels heavy, dragged… but you keep moving forward. When you reach the opening to the main area, $MI suddenly comes to a halt. A mermaid rushes past $MIhim_her, carrying an open box filled with bandages, vials, and roots wrapped in algae. <</if>>"My people could use a hand around here," $MIhe_she says, turning to the two of you. "You two should head outside. They'll need help out there too." "We will," you say with a nod, your voice steadier than you feel inside. <<if $MIS is true>>$MI returns the gesture with a soft look and a calm smile that catches you by surprise. Then $MIhe_she reaches out and gently squeezes your arm. The warmth of $MIhis_her touch sinks beneath your skin like a wave of comfort. For a moment, the corridor feels a little less overwhelming. Then $MIhe_she turns to $AO, placing $MIhis_her hands on $MIhis_her opposite shoulders and bowing $MIhis_her head in a respectful gesture that the doctor mirrors with a slight nod. And without another word, the $MImerman_mermaid walks away, disappearing into the murmuring mix of footsteps and voices filling the Grotto. <<else>>$MI returns the gesture with a soft, encouraging smile. $MIHe_She takes a step back, places $MIhis_her hands on $MIhis_her opposite shoulders, and gives you and $AO a small respectful bow, which you both return before $MIhe_she walks away. <</if>>You and $AO remain silent for a moment, taking in the chaos of the Grotto: merpeople rushing back and forth like headless chickens, splashing carelessly and soaking their clothes in the central pool. <<if $job is "Doctor" or $weapon is "Magic">><<if $weapon is "Magic">>Or at least you pretend to observe, because soon you begin to drift off. Your mind keeps circling what you just felt a few minutes ago. The renewed pulse of your magic keeps reminding you of it with that warm, familiar tingling, as if you'd just woken from the perfect rest. You frown. You shouldn't be feeling like this. At this point, you should be crawling across the floor. "You felt it too, didn't you?" $AO says suddenly. When you turn to $AOhim_her, $AOhe_she's already staring at you with an expression so serious and uncharacteristic that it sends chills down your spine. You don't answer. The truth is already obvious. It's in $AOhis_her voice, and pounding in your chest. Still, you can't help another shiver running through you when $AOhe_she speaks your thoughts aloud. "Nauzet's magic wasn't the only thing flowing through $LLhis_her system." You clench your jaw, your expression just as hard as <<if $AO is "Ada">>hers<<else>>his<</if>>. You stay silent for a few seconds, unsure whether you're still processing what that means or just looking for another explanation. But it's impossible. You'd recognize that substance anywhere. "I don't get it..." You shake your head, dropping your gaze to the floor for a moment. "Why would $LL take <span class="tooltip">verdyrium<span class="tooltiptext">A forbidden and highly addictive drug that's usually taken by mages to enhance their powers. Also used by non-mages for inhuman strength and stamina. It slowly withers the body and mind if taken regularly.</span></span>?" <<else>>But the inspection doesn't last long, and you soon turn your head toward $AO. $AOHe_She looks deep in thought, $AOhis_her eyes locked on the same point regardless of who walks by, $AOhis_her brow furrowed and jaw clenched. "I know that look too well, $AO," you say, fully turning to $AOhim_her with a serious expression. "You made the same face earlier. What is it?" There's no doubt in your mind, whatever is troubling $AOhim_her has to do with $LL, but you don't dare say it aloud. $AO isn't even surprised. $AOHe_She's fully aware of your presence. $AOHe_She blinks slowly once, glancing back toward the purification chamber, then turns toward you. "We have a problem with $LL," $AOhe_she says in a low voice, stepping closer so no one else can hear. <<if $LLLove is true>>Your pulse quickens. "A problem? What kind of problem?" <<else>>You frown. "A problem? What kind of problem?" <</if>>$AO lets out a sigh. "I didn't want to say anything in front of $AL and make $ALhim_her worry more than $ALhe_she already is, but I noticed something strange in $LL's body." $AOHe_She raises one of $AOhis_her hands, conjuring a trail of vibrant magic that runs along $AOhis_her arm, glowing and beautifully powerful. And yet, $AO frowns and shakes $AOhis_her head slightly. "No... I shouldn't be able to do this after all the magic I've used. I should be completely drained." $AO lowers $AOhis_her arm, the magic taking a few seconds to fade, and looks you in the eyes again. "There's only one thing capable of doing something like this to a mage." And you know what it is too... It's in $AOhis_her voice, and pounding hard in your chest. Even so, you can't stop the shiver that runs down your spine at the thought. "Are you a hundred percent sure?" you ask, trying your best to keep it together. "$AO, if that's true…" "I'm afraid it is. I'd recognize that sensation anywhere," $AOhe_she says gravely. "I don't get it..." You shake your head, dropping your gaze to the floor for a moment. "Why would $LL take <span class="tooltip">verdyrium<span class="tooltiptext">A forbidden and highly addictive drug that's usually taken by mages to enhance their powers. Also used by non-mages for inhuman strength and stamina. It slowly withers the body and mind if taken regularly.</span></span>?" <</if>><<elseif $job is "Keeper">>But the inspection doesn't last long, and you soon turn your head toward $AO. $AOHe_She looks deep in thought, $AOhis_her eyes locked on the same point regardless of who walks by, $AOhis_her brow furrowed and jaw clenched. "I know that look too well, $AO," you say, fully turning to $AOhim_her with a serious expression. "You made the same face earlier. What is it?" There's no doubt in your mind, whatever is troubling $AOhim_her has to do with $LL, but you don't dare say it aloud. $AO isn't even surprised. $AOHe_She's fully aware of your presence. $AOHe_She blinks slowly once, glancing back toward the purification chamber, then turns toward you. "We have a problem with $LL," $AOhe_she says in a low voice, stepping closer so no one else can hear. <<if $LLLove is true>>Your pulse quickens. "A problem? What kind of problem?" <<else>>You frown. "A problem? What kind of problem?" <</if>>$AO lets out a sigh. "I didn't want to say anything in front of $AL and make $ALhim_her worry more than $ALhe_she already is, but I noticed something strange in $LL's body." $AOHe_She raises one of $AOhis_her hands, conjuring a trail of vibrant magic that runs along $AOhis_her arm, glowing and beautifully powerful. And yet, $AO frowns and shakes $AOhis_her head slightly. "No... I shouldn't be able to do this after all the magic I've used. I should be completely drained." $AO lowers $AOhis_her arm, the magic taking a few seconds to fade, and looks you in the eyes again. "There's only one thing capable of doing something like this to a mage." Confusion crosses your face for a moment, until a name crashes into your mind and your eyes widen. Suddenly, you understand $AO's behaviour. "<span class="tooltip">Verdyrium<span class="tooltiptext">A forbidden and highly addictive drug that's usually taken by mages to enhance their powers. Also used by non-mages for inhuman strength and stamina. It slowly withers the body and mind if taken regularly.</span></span>?" you blurt. "Are you sure?" "I'd recognize that sensation anywhere," $AOhe_she says gravely. "I don't get it..." You shake your head, dropping your gaze to the floor for a moment. "Why would $LL take that?" <<else>>You take a deep breath and start heading for the exit at a brisk pace. But after just a few steps, you stop and look back. $AO isn't following. $AOHe_She's standing frozen in place, $AOhis_her gaze fixed on a single point regardless of the movement around $AOhim_her, brow furrowed and jaw tight. "$AO?" you call. When $AOhe_she doesn't respond, you walk back to $AOhim_her. "Is something wrong?" $AOHe_She looks at you with a slow blink, then glances over $AOhis_her shoulder toward the purification chamber before turning back to you. "We have a problem with $LL," $AOhe_she says in a low voice, stepping closer so no one else can hear. <<if $LLLove is true>>Your pulse quickens. "A problem? What kind of problem?" <<else>>You frown. "A problem? What kind of problem?" <</if>>$AO lets out a sigh. "I didn't want to say anything in front of $AL and make $ALhim_her worry more than $ALhe_she already is, but I noticed something strange in $LL's body." $AOHe_She raises one of $AOhis_her hands, conjuring a trail of vibrant magic that runs along $AOhis_her arm, glowing and beautifully powerful. And yet, $AO frowns and shakes $AOhis_her head slightly. "No... I shouldn't be able to do this after all the magic I've used. I should be completely drained." $AO lowers $AOhis_her arm, the magic taking a few seconds to fade, and looks you in the eyes again. "There's only one thing capable of doing something like this to a mage." Confusion crosses your face for a moment, until a name crashes into your mind and your eyes widen. Suddenly, you understand $AO's behaviour. "<span class="tooltip">Verdyrium<span class="tooltiptext">A forbidden and highly addictive drug that's usually taken by mages to enhance their powers. Also used by non-mages for inhuman strength and stamina. It slowly withers the body and mind if taken regularly.</span></span>?" you blurt. "Are you sure?" "I'd recognize that sensation anywhere," $AOhe_she says gravely. "I don't get it..." You shake your head, dropping your gaze to the floor for a moment. "Why would $LL take that?" <</if>>"What worries me more is figuring out //since when//." $AO's voice drops further. "For it to reach the point where even a mage can feel it and recover energy just by touching $LLhim_her for a second..." $AOHis_Her words trail off, and $AOhe_she clicks her tongue in frustration. "Shit, Red… how long have you been taking that crap?" * [["Is " + $LLhe_she + " insane? Verdiryum destroys lives!"|263a]] * [[Do you think it's already too late...?|263b]] * <<if $job is "Doctor">>[[Maybe we can still try a reversal treament|263c]]<<else>>==Maybe we can still try a reversal treament==<</if>> * [["How could " + $LLhe_she + " get it without us noticing?"|263d]] * [[Maybe... maybe it was just one dose|263e]]

"Why would $LLhe_she do something like that?" you spit out. From rage or anguish, you're not sure. "That drug ruins anyone who touches it! Is $LLhe_she insane or what?" $AO's face hardens, $AOhis_her lips pressed into a tight, angry line. "I know." Suddenly, you feel dizzy. You rub the back of your neck, as if you could undo the knot tightening in your chest with your fingers. The pressure rises, slow but relentless, until it lodges in your throat. You let it out in a harsh breath before it chokes you. <<if $job is "Doctor">>"What do we do?" you ask, placing your hands on your hips. $AO lifts $AOhis_her gaze from the ground, $AOhis_her dark eyes meeting yours. "First we need facts, not guesses. We have to examine $LL thoroughly and make sure the verdiryum hasn't caused any internal damage." "We should take advantage of the fact that $LLhe_she's unconscious. If $LLhe_she wakes up, $LLhe_she'll definitely shut down." $AO nods. "I know. And I also think it's best we keep this between us for now, until we're sure. You distract $AL, and I'll take care of $LL." You frown. "We're not going to tell $ALhim_her anything? $LLHe_She's $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister!" "$ALHis_Her little $LLbrother_sister, who just lost an arm protecting $ALhim_her. $ALHe_She must already feel horrible, how do you think $ALhe_she'll feel when $ALhe_she finds out what $LL's been taking?" $AOhe_she replies harshly, and shakes $AOhis_her head. "No. First, we talk to $LL once we know what we're dealing with. Hopefully, we can convince $LLhim_her to stop taking that crap before anything else happens. Then we give $LLhim_her the chance to tell $ALhim_her $LLhimself_herself." "What if $LLhe_she doesn't?" $AO takes a breath and swallows. "Then… we won't have a choice but to step in." You pinch the bridge of your nose and let out an exhausted sigh. You wet your lips and nod reluctantly. "Fine. We'll do it your way," you say, looking $AOhim_her in the eye. <<else>>"What do you suggest we do?" you ask, placing your hands on your hips. $AO lifts $AOhis_her gaze from the ground, $AOhis_her dark eyes meeting yours. "First, I need to examine $LLhim_her more thoroughly and make sure the verdiryum hasn't caused any internal damage. I need to know how much is in $LLhis_her system before I can pick the right treatment." "I doubt $LLhe_she'll let you. You saw how $LLhe_she got yesterday over just a cut. $LLHe_She's going to shut down," you say, waving a hand dramatically. "I know," $AO replies. "That's why I want to take advantage of $LLhim_her being unconscious. I just need you to keep $AL distracted so I can work without $ALhim_her noticing." You frown. "We're not going to tell $ALhim_her anything? $LLHe_She's $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister!" "$ALHis_Her little $LLbrother_sister, who just lost an arm protecting $ALhim_her. $ALHe_She must already feel horrible, how do you think $ALhe_she'll feel when $ALhe_she finds out what $LL's been taking?" $AOhe_she replies harshly, and shakes $AOhis_her head. "No. First, we talk to $LL once we know what we're dealing with. Hopefully, we can convince $LLhim_her to stop taking that crap before anything else happens. Then we give $LLhim_her the chance to tell $ALhim_her $LLhimself_herself." <<if $LLLove is true>>"//We//?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. "You're including me?" Despite the circumstances, $AO smiles, amused. "I don't know if you haven't noticed or if you're playing dumb, but $LL seems to have a bit of a soft spot for you." $AOHe_She lets out a short chuckle. "Maybe $LLhe_she'll confess on $LLhis_her own if it's you who asks." A subtle warmth rises to your cheeks, though it quickly fades with a light throat-clearing. Now's not the time to get distracted by your feelings for the warrior. <</if>>"What if $LLhe_she doesn't?" $AO takes a breath and swallows. "Then… we won't have a choice but to step in." You pinch the bridge of your nose and let out an exhausted sigh. You wet your lips and nod reluctantly. "Fine. We'll do it your way," you say, looking $AOhim_her in the eye. <</if>>[[Continue|264]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "allThis" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ A roar rumbles through the bowels of the Grotto. The air vibrates like thunder held back for too long. A deep, guttural bellow that needs no words to tell you where it comes from, or what creature made it. The echo bounces between the stalactites, and in an instant, the buzz of the crowd shatters. Hundreds of merpeople freeze in place, their voices cut off mid-argument, mid-command. You and $AO exchange a glance charged with urgency. And then, the blow comes. A dry, resounding crash shakes the Guild, like the fist of a titan slamming into the city's heart. The ground beneath your feet trembles, and the water in the central pool stirs violently, splashing droplets that run down the stone. You stay on your feet as best you can. The screams that follow send most of the merpeople grabbing their weapons and rushing out of the Grotto, while a few stay behind, passing you as they go. "Looks like that will have to wait," you say. "They're here!" "Let's go!" <<if $weapon is "Magic">>You cast one last glance back toward the entrance to the purification chamber. Then, feeling your magic surge anew through your veins, you turn around, resolute, and follow $AO and the rest of the merpoeple outside. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You cast one last glance back toward the entrance to the purification chamber. Then, gripping your daggers tightly, you turn around, resolute, and follow $AO and the rest of the merpeople outside. <<else>>You cast one last glance back toward the entrance to the purification chamber. Then, gripping the hilt of your sword tightly, you turn around, resolute, and follow $AO and the rest of the merpeople outside. <</if>>[[Continue|265]]

"Do you think it's already too late?" you murmur, your voice trembling slightly even before you finish the question, one you're not sure you want an answer to. "Do you think $LLhe_she's started to hear… <span class="tooltip">the song<span class="tooltiptext">Victims begins to hear a song in their head, encouraging them to do things no one alive dares to say aloud.</span></span>?" $AO doesn't answer immediately. $AOHe_She simply bites $AOhis_her lip. The silence says more than words ever could. "If $LLhe_she's hearing it," $AOhe_she finally says, voice low, "then $LLhe_she may have crossed the line." Suddenly, you feel dizzy. You rub the back of your neck, trying to undo the knot tightening in your chest. <<if $job is "Doctor">>"And if $LLhe_she has, reversing it won't be easy," you add under your breath. The pressure rises, slow but relentless, until it lodges in your throat. You let it out in a harsh breath before it chokes you. "What do we do?" you ask, placing your hands on your hips. $AO lifts $AOhis_her gaze from the ground, $AOhis_her dark eyes meeting yours. "First we need facts, not guesses. We have to examine $LL thoroughly and make sure the verdiryum hasn't caused any internal damage." "We should take advantage of the fact that $LLhe_she's unconscious. If $LLhe_she wakes up, $LLhe_she'll definitely shut down." $AO nods. "I know. And I also think it's best we keep this between us for now, until we're sure. You distract $AL, and I'll take care of $LL." You frown. "We're not going to tell $ALhim_her anything? $LLHe_She's $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister!" "$ALHis_Her little $LLbrother_sister, who just lost an arm protecting $ALhim_her. $ALHe_She must already feel horrible, how do you think $ALhe_she'll feel when $ALhe_she finds out what $LL's been taking?" $AOhe_she replies harshly, and shakes $AOhis_her head. "No. First, we talk to $LL once we know what we're dealing with. Hopefully, we can convince $LLhim_her to stop taking that crap before anything else happens. Then we give $LLhim_her the chance to tell $ALhim_her $LLhimself_herself." "What if $LLhe_she doesn't?" $AO takes a breath and swallows. "Then… we won't have a choice but to step in." You pinch the bridge of your nose and let out an exhausted sigh. You wet your lips and nod reluctantly. "Fine. We'll do it your way," you say, looking $AOhim_her in the eye. <<else>>"Is there… a way back?" "…Only if $LLhe_she wants it," $AO replies slowly. "It's not easy." The pressure rises, slow but relentless, until it settles in your throat. You let it out in a harsh breath before it chokes you. "What do you suggest we do?" you ask, placing your hands on your hips. $AO lifts $AOhis_her gaze from the ground, $AOhis_her dark eyes meeting yours. "First, I need to examine $LLhim_her more thoroughly and make sure the verdiryum hasn't caused any internal damage. I need to know how much is in $LLhis_her system before I can pick the right treatment." "I doubt $LLhe_she'll let you. You saw how $LLhe_she got yesterday over just a cut. $LLHe_She's going to shut down," you say, waving a hand dramatically. "I know," $AO replies. "That's why I want to take advantage of $LLhim_her being unconscious. I just need you to keep $AL distracted so I can work without $ALhim_her noticing." You frown. "We're not going to tell $ALhim_her anything? $LLHe_She's $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister!" "$ALHis_Her little $LLbrother_sister, who just lost an arm protecting $ALhim_her. $ALHe_She must already feel horrible, how do you think $ALhe_she'll feel when $ALhe_she finds out what $LL's been taking?" $AOhe_she replies harshly, and shakes $AOhis_her head. "No. First, we talk to $LL once we know what we're dealing with. Hopefully, we can convince $LLhim_her to stop taking that crap before anything else happens. Then we give $LLhim_her the chance to tell $ALhim_her $LLhimself_herself." <<if $LLLove is true>>"//We//?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. "You're including me?" Despite the circumstances, $AO smiles, amused. "I don't know if you haven't noticed or if you're playing dumb, but $LL seems to have a bit of a soft spot for you." $AOHe_She lets out a short chuckle. "Maybe $LLhe_she'll confess on $LLhis_her own if it's you who asks." A subtle warmth rises to your cheeks, though it quickly fades with a light throat-clearing. Now's not the time to get distracted by your feelings for the warrior. <</if>>"What if $LLhe_she doesn't?" $AO takes a breath and swallows. "Then… we won't have a choice but to step in." You pinch the bridge of your nose and let out an exhausted sigh. You wet your lips and nod reluctantly. "Fine. We'll do it your way," you say, looking $AOhim_her in the eye. <</if>>[[Continue|264]]

"If $LLhe_she took verdiryum, we need to know how much and for how long," you say, trying to keep your voice steady. "We might still be in time to try some kind of reversal treatment." "Yes… there are ways, but…" $AO shakes $AOhis_her head, $AOhis_her gaze lost in an invisible point between the cracks in the floor. "They're useless if the person doesn't want to quit. And $LL doesn't seem to have asked for help. If $LLhe_she's come this far, it's because $LLhe_she doesn't think $LLhe_she needs it." You suddenly feel dizzy. You rub your neck, as if your fingers could undo the knot tightening in your chest. The pressure rises, slow but steady, until it settles in your throat. You let it out in a harsh breath before it chokes you. "What do we do?" you ask, placing your hands on your hips. $AO lifts $AOhis_her gaze from the ground, $AOhis_her dark eyes meeting yours. "First we need facts, not guesses. We have to examine $LL thoroughly and make sure the verdiryum hasn't caused any internal damage." "We should take advantage of the fact that $LLhe_she's unconscious. If $LLhe_she wakes up, $LLhe_she'll definitely shut down." $AO nods. "I know. And I also think it's best we keep this between us for now, until we're sure. You distract $AL, and I'll take care of $LL." You frown. "We're not going to tell $ALhim_her anything? $LLHe_She's $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister!" "$ALHis_Her little $LLbrother_sister, who just lost an arm protecting $ALhim_her. $ALHe_She must already feel horrible, how do you think $ALhe_she'll feel when $ALhe_she finds out what $LL's been taking?" $AOhe_she replies harshly, and shakes $AOhis_her head. "No. First, we talk to $LL once we know what we're dealing with. Hopefully, we can convince $LLhim_her to stop taking that crap before anything else happens. Then we give $LLhim_her the chance to tell $ALhim_her $LLhimself_herself." "What if $LLhe_she doesn't?" $AO takes a breath and swallows. "Then… we won't have a choice but to step in." You pinch the bridge of your nose and let out an exhausted sigh. You wet your lips and nod reluctantly. "Fine. We'll do it your way," you say, looking $AOhim_her in the eye. [[Continue|264]]

<<if $job is "Doctor">>"How could $LLhe_she get it without us noticing?" you ask in disbelief, more to yourself than to $AO. "We never used verdiryum at the clinic." $AO lifts $AOhis_her hands in a shrug. "I have no idea, and that's what worries me the most. That stuff is almost impossible to get without some kind of crime being involved." You suddenly feel dizzy. You rub your neck, as if your fingers could undo the knot tightening in your chest. The pressure rises, slow but steady, until it settles in your throat. You let it out in a harsh breath before it chokes you. "What do we do?" you ask, placing your hands on your hips. $AO lifts $AOhis_her gaze from the ground, $AOhis_her dark eyes meeting yours. "First we need facts, not guesses. We have to examine $LL thoroughly and make sure the verdiryum hasn't caused any internal damage." "We should take advantage of the fact that $LLhe_she's unconscious. If $LLhe_she wakes up, $LLhe_she'll definitely shut down." $AO nods. "I know. And I also think it's best we keep this between us for now, until we're sure. You distract $AL, and I'll take care of $LL." You frown. "We're not going to tell $ALhim_her anything? $LLHe_She's $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister!" "$ALHis_Her little $LLbrother_sister, who just lost an arm protecting $ALhim_her. $ALHe_She must already feel horrible, how do you think $ALhe_she'll feel when $ALhe_she finds out what $LL's been taking?" $AOhe_she replies harshly, and shakes $AOhis_her head. "No. First, we talk to $LL once we know what we're dealing with. Hopefully, we can convince $LLhim_her to stop taking that crap before anything else happens. Then we give $LLhim_her the chance to tell $ALhim_her $LLhimself_herself." "What if $LLhe_she doesn't?" $AO takes a breath and swallows. "Then… we won't have a choice but to step in." You pinch the bridge of your nose and let out an exhausted sigh. You wet your lips and nod reluctantly. "Fine. We'll do it your way," you say, looking $AOhim_her in the eye. <<else>>"How could $LLhe_she get it without us noticing?" you ask in disbelief, more to yourself than to $AO. "I don't know, but I didn't prescribe it. I don't work with verdiryum," $AOhe_she replies, running a hand over $AOhis_her face. "And that's what worries me the most. That stuff is nearly impossible to get without some kind of crime being involved if it's not prescribed by a doctor." You suddenly feel dizzy. You rub your neck, as if your fingers could undo the knot tightening in your chest. The pressure rises, slow but steady, until it settles in your throat. You let it out in a harsh breath before it chokes you. "What do you suggest we do?" you ask, placing your hands on your hips. $AO lifts $AOhis_her gaze from the ground, $AOhis_her dark eyes meeting yours. "First, I need to examine $LLhim_her more thoroughly and make sure the verdiryum hasn't caused any internal damage. I need to know how much is in $LLhis_her system before I can pick the right treatment." "I doubt $LLhe_she'll let you. You saw how $LLhe_she got yesterday over just a cut. $LLHe_She's going to shut down," you say, waving a hand dramatically. "I know," $AO replies. "That's why I want to take advantage of $LLhim_her being unconscious. I just need you to keep $AL distracted so I can work without $ALhim_her noticing." You frown. "We're not going to tell $ALhim_her anything? $LLHe_She's $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister!" "$ALHis_Her little $LLbrother_sister, who just lost an arm protecting $ALhim_her. $ALHe_She must already feel horrible, how do you think $ALhe_she'll feel when $ALhe_she finds out what $LL's been taking?" $AOhe_she replies harshly, and shakes $AOhis_her head. "No. First, we talk to $LL once we know what we're dealing with. Hopefully, we can convince $LLhim_her to stop taking that crap before anything else happens. Then we give $LLhim_her the chance to tell $ALhim_her $LLhimself_herself." <<if $LLLove is true>>"//We//?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. "You're including me?" Despite the circumstances, $AO smiles, amused. "I don't know if you haven't noticed or if you're playing dumb, but $LL seems to have a bit of a soft spot for you." $AOHe_She lets out a short chuckle. "Maybe $LLhe_she'll confess on $LLhis_her own if it's you who asks." A subtle warmth rises to your cheeks, though it quickly fades with a light throat-clearing. Now's not the time to get distracted by your feelings for the warrior. <</if>>"What if $LLhe_she doesn't?" $AO takes a breath and swallows. "Then… we won't have a choice but to step in." You pinch the bridge of your nose and let out an exhausted sigh. You wet your lips and nod reluctantly. "Fine. We'll do it your way," you say, looking $AOhim_her in the eye. <</if>>[[Continue|264]]

"I can't believe this…" you murmur, as if that could undo reality. "Maybe… maybe it was just once. One dose in a desperate moment." <<if $weapon is "Magic">>$AO turns to you with an intense look. "Do you really believe that? You felt it as clearly as I did, the way your magic reacted when you used it on $LL." $AOHe_She shakes $AOhis_her head. "No, that doesn't happen with just one dose." <<else>>$AO turns to you with an intense look. "The way my magic reacted when I used it on $LL…" $AOHe_She shakes $AOhis_her head. "No, that doesn't happen with just one dose." <</if>><<if $job is "Doctor">>You sigh, placing your hands on your hips. "What do we do, then?" $AO lifts $AOhis_her gaze from the ground, $AOhis_her dark eyes meeting yours. "First we need facts, not guesses. We have to examine $LL thoroughly and make sure the verdiryum hasn't caused any internal damage." "We should take advantage of the fact that $LLhe_she's unconscious. If $LLhe_she wakes up, $LLhe_she'll definitely shut down." $AO nods. "I know. And I also think it's best we keep this between us for now, until we're sure. You distract $AL, and I'll take care of $LL." You frown. "We're not going to tell $ALhim_her anything? $LLHe_She's $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister!" "$ALHis_Her little $LLbrother_sister, who just lost an arm protecting $ALhim_her. $ALHe_She must already feel horrible, how do you think $ALhe_she'll feel when $ALhe_she finds out what $LL's been taking?" $AOhe_she replies harshly, and shakes $AOhis_her head. "No. First, we talk to $LL once we know what we're dealing with. Hopefully, we can convince $LLhim_her to stop taking that crap before anything else happens. Then we give $LLhim_her the chance to tell $ALhim_her $LLhimself_herself." "What if $LLhe_she doesn't?" $AO takes a breath and swallows. "Then… we won't have a choice but to step in." You pinch the bridge of your nose and let out an exhausted sigh. You wet your lips and nod reluctantly. "Fine. We'll do it your way," you say, looking $AOhim_her in the eye. <<else>>You sigh, placing your hands on your hips. "What do you suggest we do, then?" $AO lifts $AOhis_her gaze from the ground, $AOhis_her dark eyes meeting yours. "First, I need to examine $LLhim_her more thoroughly and make sure the verdiryum hasn't caused any internal damage. I need to know how much is in $LLhis_her system before I can pick the right treatment." "I doubt $LLhe_she'll let you. You saw how $LLhe_she got yesterday over just a cut. $LLHe_She's going to shut down," you say, waving a hand dramatically. "I know," $AO replies. "That's why I want to take advantage of $LLhim_her being unconscious. I just need you to keep $AL distracted so I can work without $ALhim_her noticing." You frown. "We're not going to tell $ALhim_her anything? $LLHe_She's $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister!" "$ALHis_Her little $LLbrother_sister, who just lost an arm protecting $ALhim_her. $ALHe_She must already feel horrible, how do you think $ALhe_she'll feel when $ALhe_she finds out what $LL's been taking?" $AOhe_she replies harshly, and shakes $AOhis_her head. "No. First, we talk to $LL once we know what we're dealing with. Hopefully, we can convince $LLhim_her to stop taking that crap before anything else happens. Then we give $LLhim_her the chance to tell $ALhim_her $LLhimself_herself." <<if $LLLove is true>>"//We//?" you ask, raising an eyebrow. "You're including me?" Despite the circumstances, $AO smiles, amused. "I don't know if you haven't noticed or if you're playing dumb, but $LL seems to have a bit of a soft spot for you." $AOHe_She lets out a short chuckle. "Maybe $LLhe_she'll confess on $LLhis_her own if it's you who asks." A subtle warmth rises to your cheeks, though it quickly fades with a light throat-clearing. Now's not the time to get distracted by your feelings for the warrior. <</if>>"What if $LLhe_she doesn't?" $AO takes a breath and swallows. "Then… we won't have a choice but to step in." You pinch the bridge of your nose and let out an exhausted sigh. You wet your lips and nod reluctantly. "Fine. We'll do it your way," you say, looking $AOhim_her in the eye. <</if>>[[Continue|264]]

The ground shakes violently again, but this time you see with your own eyes what's causing it. The jaws of a massive leviathan crash against the dome of Sisronia, its long, razor-sharp teeth carving cracks across the surface like fractures in glass about to shatter. The dome won't hold much longer, especially with an army of demons that extends farther than your eyes can see throwing themselves at it, their relentless assaults widening the fractures with every blow. Behind the serpentine body of the beast, you catch sight of even more leviathans emerging. Some mirror the first, a monstrous twins, but others are different, from whale-like beasts to turtle-like colossus with corals attached to their skin. And also others like a towering jellyfish-like creatures. Their large tentacles crackle with electricity, striking the dome with bolts that split the air like the heralds of a coming storm. Your heart races as another roar shakes the city. You barely have time to brace yourself before the first leviathan recoils, making way for a second, which coils its body and charges the weakened barrier. Half the merpeople around you turn and flee, panic rippling through the crowd just as Nauzet's voice booms over the city, powerful and commanding. "Get away from the dome!" <<linkreplace "Continue">><<audio "explosion" volume 0.3 play>><<audio "scoutRoar" volume 0.3 play>>The crash of the dome shattering bursts your eardrums. You barely have time to react before a tidal wave slams into you like an unstoppable wall, knocking the air from your lungs and hurling you against a coral lamppost. You grunt in pain and open your eyes, which you'd squeezed shut from the shock. Sisronia is now submerged, with furniture and personal items drifting aimlessly through the water. Their owners writhe briefly under the current before transforming their legs into fish tails and launching themselves to defend their home from the demonic invasion. Out of the corner of your eye, you spot the deadly spine of one of those corrupted creatures cutting through the water, headed straight for you. * [[Parry it|266a]] * [[Dodge|266b]] <</linkreplace>>

<<if $weapon is "Magic">>Your survival instinct kicks in, and you raise your hands quickly to block the attack with the force of your magic, deflecting the lash to the side. You're momentarily surprised by how little effort it took to cast the spell, but you immediately recover and gather the momentum needed to hurl yourself toward the demon, your fish tail now fully replacing your legs. You dodge one last lash <<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Bald">>that slices off a lock of your hair <</if>>before closing the distance and placing both hands on the slick tentacles, unleashing a powerful crushing wave of energy between their cracks. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>Your survival instinct kicks in, and you raise your weapons quickly to block the attack and deflect the lash to the side. Without knowing how, your lower body also transforms into a fish tail, and you gather the momentum needed to hurl yourself toward the demon. You dodge one last lash <<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Bald">>that slices off a lock of your hair <</if>>before closing the distance and driving both daggers into the creature's tentacles, right between the cracks. <<else>>Your survival instinct kicks in, and you raise your weapon quickly to block the attack and deflect the lash to the side. Without knowing how, your lower body also transforms into a fish tail, and you gather the momentum needed to hurl yourself toward the demon. You dodge one last lash <<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Bald">>that slices off a lock of your hair <</if>>before closing the distance and driving your blade into the cracks of the creature's tentacles. <</if>>Before the demon even stops writhing in pain and floats lifeless in the water, you scan your surroundings for a familiar face amid the chaos. "$AO?!" you shout, your voice swallowed by the furious murmur of battle. No one answers. Only merpeople fighting for their lives, cries of agony, high-pitched shrieks, and beastly roars. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>A sharp, stabbing pain tears across your shoulder. Another spine grazes your neck, and you turn just in time to dodge a fresh strike. You repeat the same dance as before, this time shattering one of its spines in the process before finishing it off. Panting, you look down at your palms, feeling the latent energy buzzing beneath your skin for a moment before hissing from the pain in your wounded shoulder. But there's no time to inspect the injury. Another demon is already upon you. <<else>>A sharp, stabbing pain tears across your shoulder. Another spine grazes your neck, and you turn just in time to dodge a fresh strike. You repeat the same dance as before, this time shattering one of its spines in the process before finishing it off. Panting, you clutch your wounded shoulder, hissing in pain. But there's no time to inspect the injury. Another demon is already upon you. <</if>>[[Continue|267]]

<<if $weapon is "Magic">>Your survival instinct kicks in, and somehow your lower body transforms into a fish tail just in time to thrust yourself sideways and dodge the demon's attack. Recovering from the blow and initial shock, your magic begins to surge, charged and pulsing through your arms as you lunge for the creature. You dodge one last lash <<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Bald">>that slices off a lock of your hair <</if>>before closing the distance and placing both hands on the slimy tentacles, unleashing a surprising and powerful wave of crushing energy between the cracks. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>Your survival instinct kicks in, and somehow your lower body transforms into a fish tail just in time to thrust yourself sideways and dodge the demon's attack. Recovering from the blow and initial shock, you grip your weapons tightly and lunge for the creature. You dodge one last lash <<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Bald">>that slices off a lock of your hair <</if>>before closing the distance and driving both daggers into the cracks of the demon's tentacles. <<else>>Your survival instinct kicks in, and somehow your lower body transforms into a fish tail just in time to thrust yourself sideways and dodge the demon's attack. Recovering from the blow and initial shock, you grip your weapon tightly and lunge for the creature. You dodge one last lash <<if $hair isnot "Very short" or $hair isnot "Bald">>that slices off a lock of your hair <</if>>before closing the distance and driving your blade into the cracks of the demon's tentacles. <</if>>Before the demon even stops writhing in pain and floats lifeless in the water, you scan your surroundings for a familiar face amid the chaos. "$AO?!" you shout, your voice swallowed by the furious murmur of battle. No one answers. Only merpeople fighting for their lives, cries of agony, high-pitched shrieks, and beastly roars. <<if $weapon is "Magic">>A sharp, stabbing pain tears across your shoulder. Another spine grazes your neck, and you turn just in time to dodge a fresh strike. You repeat the same dance as before, this time shattering one of its spines in the process before finishing it off. Panting, you look down at your palms, feeling the latent energy buzzing beneath your skin for a moment before hissing from the pain in your wounded shoulder. But there's no time to inspect the injury. Another demon is already upon you. <<else>>A sharp, stabbing pain tears across your shoulder. Another spine grazes your neck, and you turn just in time to dodge a fresh strike. You repeat the same dance as before, this time shattering one of its spines in the process before finishing it off. Panting, you clutch your wounded shoulder, hissing in pain. But there's no time to inspect the injury. Another demon is already upon you. <</if>>[[Continue|267]]

At some point, you lose count of how many demons you've fought. The only thing you have left to measure it by are the cuts and bruises on your skin, each more painful than the last and making your movements feel heavier and slower. But the demons just keep coming. You take down another... and another... and one more. Nearby, a merman crashes into one of the buildings, and you rush over to help before the demon who threw him can finish the job. "Thanks," the merman says as you help him back up. You nod. You're barely able to speak. Half-sheltered beneath the overhang above you, you take a strange moment to catch your breath. The salty scent of the sea mixes with the metallic tang of blood soaking the corners of the city, its bluish hue growing darker with every passing second. To one side, you spot a group of merpeople fighting together against several demons. On the other, the corrupted beasts have cornered one of the younger against a wall, until another, much larger mermais arrives, shielding him with her broad, muscular body. In the distance, you think you see Nauzet locked in battle with a leviathan that resembles a jellyfish. The creature is a dense, dark storm cloud filled with thunder and lightning, crashing against rock and sand. Some bolts strike some unfortunate merpeople who get too close. You can hear the other leviathans, but with the chaos around you, it's impossible to tell where they are. You shake your head in a mix of denial and desperation at the sight of the lifeless bodies —of demons and brave merpeople alike— floating around you. <<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun >$blunt>>"Damn... there's not enough cake for everyone," you breathe out. <<elseif $diplomacy > $fun and $diplomacy > $blunt>>"This is madness…" you breathe out. <<else>>"Damned bastards…" you breathe out. <</if>>[[Continue|268]]

The screams of battle drown out your hearing until an explosion shatters the wall above your head. A leviathan crashes into the rock with the force of a cataclysm, and the structure sheltering you begins to crack apart in colossal chunks. In seconds, the whole building starts to collapse. "Shit!" Your heart jumps to your throat and you immediately propel yourself forward with all your strength, swimming blindly to escape before being buried. A moment later, the stones crash down with a brutal impact, kicking up a cloud of dust and debris that darkens everything around you. You shield your eyes with one arm, your lungs burning with every gasp. When the current disperses the sand and your vision clears, all that's left is the rubble, a mess of rock and coral crushing what, just seconds ago, was still a home. There's no sign of the merman who was with you. As the sand fades away, it also reveals the imposing figure of the leviathan rapidly closing in on you, jaws wide and fangs stained with blood from the battle, demanding your contribution to the chaos. You don't even know where you find the strength to dodge the first bite without your heart leaping out of your mouth, but you do —just barely— enough to avoid a certain death. The creature's serpentine scales scrape your skin and shove you several meters away, making you spin a few times before you feel a sudden, painful tug on your arm<<if $weapon is "Bow">> that causes you to lose one of your daggers<</if>>. The world around you starts to spin in a dizzying whirlwind, and you can barely hold off the nausea that comes with it. You look up to see what's dragging you and find a net hooked to your wrist, which has also gotten caught on the leviathan's body. * [[Help!|269a]] * [[I hate this fucking plaaaaceee!|269b]] * [[I'm going to throw uuuup!|269c]] * [[Damn monster!|269d]] * [[Stop moving damn it!|269e]] * [[I'm not going to die here!|269f]]

"Help!" you scream, hysterical. "Somebody help me!" The beast roars with unrestrained fury. Its jaws snap shut around the merpeople who fail to escape in time, while its body crashes into buildings, rocks, and coral, shattering them into shards that fly like arrows in all directions. You shield your face with your free arm just in time to avoid getting hit. Even so, you feel the fragments scraping your skin, the sting mixing with a wave of helplessness. You try to dodge as best you can, flailing under the creature's brutal thrashing, but the net's anchor won't let you move freely. It's clear no one's coming to your rescue, so you desperately try to free yourself from the net's snag, but the leviathan's erratic movements make it nearly impossible. You force yourself to calm down and take a better look at the net. It's twisted tightly around your wrist, and each movement from the beast pulls it tighter. It's very likely you'll get smashed against a rock before you manage to get free. Your gaze travels up the net, eyes locking on the other end, caught on one of the leviathan's scales. Maybe from up there, with a little more stability… "Let the gods decide…" you whisper, eyes fixed on the scale. And then, with your heart roaring in sync with the creature's, you start climbing up the ropes. [[Continue|270]]

"I hate this fucking plaaaaceee!" you scream, hysterical. The beast roars with unrestrained fury. Its jaws snap shut around the merpeople who fail to escape in time, while its body crashes into buildings, rocks, and coral, shattering them into shards that fly like arrows in all directions. You shield your face with your free arm just in time to avoid getting hit. Even so, you feel the fragments scraping your skin, the sting mixing with a wave of helplessness. You try to dodge as best you can, flailing under the creature's brutal thrashing, but the net's anchor won't let you move freely. It's clear no one's coming to your rescue, so you desperately try to free yourself from the net's snag, but the leviathan's erratic movements make it nearly impossible. You force yourself to calm down and take a better look at the net. It's twisted tightly around your wrist, and each movement from the beast pulls it tighter. It's very likely you'll get smashed against a rock before you manage to get free. Your gaze travels up the net, eyes locking on the other end, caught on one of the leviathan's scales. Maybe from up there, with a little more stability… "Let the gods decide…" you whisper, eyes fixed on the scale. And then, with your heart roaring in sync with the creature's, you start climbing up the ropes. [[Continue|270]]

"I'm going to throw uuuup!" you scream, hysterical. The beast roars with unrestrained fury. Its jaws snap shut around the merpeople who fail to escape in time, while its body crashes into buildings, rocks, and coral, shattering them into shards that fly like arrows in all directions. You shield your face with your free arm just in time to avoid getting hit. Even so, you feel the fragments scraping your skin, the sting mixing with a wave of helplessness. You try to dodge as best you can, flailing under the creature's brutal thrashing, but the net's anchor won't let you move freely. It's clear no one's coming to your rescue, so you desperately try to free yourself from the net's snag, but the leviathan's erratic movements make it nearly impossible. You force yourself to calm down and take a better look at the net. It's twisted tightly around your wrist, and each movement from the beast pulls it tighter. It's very likely you'll get smashed against a rock before you manage to get free. Your gaze travels up the net, eyes locking on the other end, caught on one of the leviathan's scales. Maybe from up there, with a little more stability… "Let the gods decide…" you whisper, eyes fixed on the scale. And then, with your heart roaring in sync with the creature's, you start climbing up the ropes. [[Continue|270]]

The beast roars with unrestrained fury. Its jaws snap shut around the merpeople who fail to escape in time, while its body crashes into buildings, rocks, and coral, shattering them into shards that fly like arrows in all directions. You shield your face with your free arm just in time to avoid getting hit. Even so, you feel the fragments scraping your skin, the sting mixing with a wave of helplessness. You try to dodge as best you can, flailing under the creature's brutal thrashing, but the net's anchor won't let you move freely. "Damn monster…" you mutter through clenched teeth, throwing a murderous glare at the leviathan. It's clear no one's coming to your rescue, so you desperately try to free yourself from the net's snag, but the leviathan's erratic movements make it nearly impossible. You force yourself to calm down and take a better look at the net. It's twisted tightly around your wrist, and each movement from the beast pulls it tighter. It's very likely you'll get smashed against a rock before you manage to get free. Your gaze travels up the net, eyes locking on the other end, caught on one of the leviathan's scales. Maybe from up there, with a little more stability… "Let the gods decide…" you whisper, eyes fixed on the scale. And then, with your heart roaring in sync with the creature's, you start climbing up the ropes. [[Continue|270]]

The beast roars with unrestrained fury. Its jaws snap shut around the merpeople who fail to escape in time, while its body crashes into buildings, rocks, and coral, shattering them into shards that fly like arrows in all directions. You shield your face with your free arm just in time to avoid getting hit. Even so, you feel the fragments scraping your skin, the sting mixing with a wave of helplessness. You try to dodge as best you can, flailing under the creature's brutal thrashing, but the net's anchor won't let you move freely. It's clear no one's coming to your rescue, so you desperately try to free yourself from the net's snag, but the leviathan's erratic movements make it nearly impossible. "Stop moving, damn it!" you shout in frustration. You force yourself to calm down and take a better look at the net. It's twisted tightly around your wrist, and each movement from the beast pulls it tighter. It's very likely you'll get smashed against a rock before you manage to get free. Your gaze travels up the net, eyes locking on the other end, caught on one of the leviathan's scales. Maybe from up there, with a little more stability… "Let the gods decide…" you whisper, eyes fixed on the scale. And then, with your heart roaring in sync with the creature's, you start climbing up the ropes. [[Continue|270]]

The beast roars with unrestrained fury. Its jaws snap shut around the merpeople who fail to escape in time, while its body crashes into buildings, rocks, and coral, shattering them into shards that fly like arrows in all directions. You shield your face with your free arm just in time to avoid getting hit. Even so, you feel the fragments scraping your skin, the sting mixing with a wave of helplessness. You try to dodge as best you can, flailing under the creature's brutal thrashing, but the net's anchor won't let you move freely. It's clear no one's coming to your rescue, so you desperately try to free yourself from the net's snag, but the leviathan's erratic movements make it nearly impossible. "No," you growl with clenched jaw, throwing a murderous glare at the leviathan. "I'm not dying here!" You force yourself to calm down and take a better look at the net. It's twisted tightly around your wrist, and each movement from the beast pulls it tighter. It's very likely you'll get smashed against a rock before you manage to get free. Your gaze travels up the net, eyes locking on the other end, caught on one of the leviathan's scales. Maybe from up there, with a little more stability… "Let the gods decide…" you whisper, eyes fixed on the scale. And then, with your heart roaring in sync with the creature's, you start climbing up the ropes. [[Continue|270]]

The climb is far harder than you expected. Your fish tail is no help at all, so you have to rely entirely on your hands. Between the constant thrashing, the current, and the sheer effort of pulling yourself up, your arms burn as you cling to the slick ropes of the net. When you get close enough, the cloud of corruption surrounding the leviathan starts to seep into your nose. You pause just for a second to cough at the sudden stench of sulphur, shake your head, and force yourself to ignore the heavy smoke and choking odour as you keep climbing. "There it is," you gasp as you reach the top of the net, using the leviathan's scales to help propel yourself forward with more ease. You brace against another twist of the creature and grab hold of the net's end, ready to cut it and finally free yourself. But then you feel something in your chest. The pendant pulses with a steady, powerful rhythm, and with each beat, the glow of the mark of the gods on your skin intensifies. "$AA? Are you there?" But there's no answer. The pendant keeps pulsing, and you frown. Another roar comes with a sudden lurch that catches you off guard. You hold on just in time to avoid being thrown off or dislocating your wrist, ignoring the dull pop that shoots through your arm. Then you see it. The leviathan's massive scale is shrouded in a corrupt aura, but with each beat of the pendant, that dark veil seems to flicker. Just for a second… but you notice it. "Could I… purify it?" Your eyes widen at the sudden realization. In theory, it should work. Or at least, that's what $AA told you back then. //In theory//. That's what the artefact is for, after all… isn't it? But is it worth trying when you're not even sure? * [[Try to purify the leviathan on your own|271A]] * [[Too risky. You have to kill it|271B]]

<<set $leviathan to true>>\ \ Yes, you tell yourself firmly. Maybe this battle will finally tip in your favour if you succeed. //Maybe//… and that's enough for you to try. You free yourself from the net and begin to climb up its body toward the head, using the scales as handholds to keep from being thrown off by the creature's violent thrashing. The leviathan twists furiously, snapping at a rock and flinging its body about. You cling tightly, eyes shut, until the stinging grit and pebbles stop hitting your face. Luckily, you're close to your goal. You take a deep breath and push forward. You duck instinctively as another leviathan passes overhead, its colossal form smashing down on part of the city with a deafening roar. You catch sight of Nauzet rising to charge at it. "Just a little more," you mutter, refocusing as you grab another scale. Slowly, you make your way toward the head. The backs of your hands burn from the effort, and your breathing grows more laboured. You wrap your arms around a small horn jutting out above the leviathan's eye to take a momentary breath, then reach for the pendant. "Finally... Now I just— Woah!" The leviathan suddenly surges upward, but you manage to hold on to the horn. Its body arches, aiming directly at a group of merpeople battling several demons. You feel its serpentine form tense, preparing to dive. You seize that brief moment of stillness, the fleeting suspension mid-motion, to pull the pendant from around your neck, the symbol of the gods now facing outward. "Please... let this work." The leviathan's roar echoes with fury, and at that instant, you press the artefact of Eraorahan against its flesh. The brilliant light blinds you instantly. [[Continue|272A]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "fight" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ <<set $leviathan to false>>\ \ No, you tell yourself firmly, shaking your head. It’s too risky. Last time, you had <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos’<<else>>Arminda’s<</if>> help, but now you’re alone, and you have no idea what you might find in there. That’s assuming you even manage to get in, of course. No, you can’t take that kind of risk. You have to kill it. "…Or try to," you mutter to yourself. You free yourself from the net and begin to climb up its body toward the head, using the scales as handholds to keep from being thrown off by the creature's violent thrashing. The leviathan twists furiously, snapping at a rock and flinging its body about. You cling tightly, eyes shut, until the stinging grit and pebbles stop hitting your face. Luckily, you're close to your goal. You take a deep breath and push forward. You duck instinctively as another leviathan passes overhead, its colossal form smashing down on part of the city with a deafening roar. You catch sight of Nauzet rising to charge at it. "Just a little more," you mutter, refocusing as you grab another scale. Slowly, you make your way toward the head. The backs of your hands burn from the effort, and your breathing grows more laboured. You wrap your arms around a small horn jutting out above the leviathan's eye to take a momentary breath. "Okay… Now what’s the—? Whoa!" The leviathan suddenly surges upward, but you manage to hold on to the horn. Its body arches, aiming directly at a group of merpeople battling several demons. You feel its serpentine form tense, preparing to dive. [[Continue|272B]]

//''[With $RG...]''// Every thrust of $RGhis_her spear against these once-beautiful creatures, now cursed by corruption, chips away at $RG's soul. "Forgive me for this." $RGHe_She's lost count of how many times $RGhe_she's apologized to the guardians of the sea before delivering the final blow. How many has $RGhe_she had to kill already? Four, maybe. This one makes five. $RG sees the gratitude in the creature's eyes, thankful to be freed from its torment, but that doesn't make it easier. When $RGhis_her magic bursts within the leviathan, the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess feels that crushing pressure in $RGhis_her chest again, $RGhis_her fists clenching tightly. The wounds $RGhe_she's taken in battle are slowly closing, but a sudden rage builds in $RGhis_her throat. It escapes as a guttural snarl $RGhe_she barely recognizes as $RGhis_her own. If not for the vibration in $RGhis_her mouth, $RGhe_she'd swear it came from the tibicenas. $RGHe_She wonders silently if Nauzet feels the same. Then, a powerful light floods every corner of the sunken city, as if the sun itself had descended from the sky. The flare stuns the tibicenas, even as it begins to fade, giving the merpeople a precious chance to regroup and take the upper hand. $RG turns toward the source of the light, spotting one of the leviathans floating near the surface. The creature doesn't move, its body forming an inverted U in the water. $RG knows it isn't dead. $RGHe_She can still feel life inside it. It's like the beast is asleep, caught in a trance. The achimencey frowns as $RGhe_she feels a pull deep within, the tug of the chain that binds $RGhim_her to $name's artefact. A similar chain extends from the leviathan's head, white and gleaming. It connects the beast to a body also drifting nearby. <<if $RGLove is true>>$RG doesn't need to squint or summon $RGhis_her powers to know who it is. $RGHis_Her heart leaps to $RGhis_her throat, and $RGhe_she can no longer tell if the pressure $RGhe_she feels comes from the artefact… or the desperate rhythm of $RGhis_her own heartbeat. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"$name!" $RGhe_she shouts, already darting toward him like lightning. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"$name!" $RGhe_she shouts, already darting toward her like lightning. <<else>>"$name!" $RGhe_she shouts, already darting toward them like lightning. <</if>><<else>>$RG feels another pulse, synchronized with the gleam that races along the chain. That sensation is unmistakable. "$name...?" $RGhe_she murmurs, $RGhis_her brow furrowing deeper. <</if>>The burst of light has drawn the attention of the remaining leviathans. $RG rushes to intercept the nearest before it can reach $name, hurling it away with a vicious blow. Nauzet and Enid arrive at $RGhis_her side a second later. $RGHis_Her brother nods toward the floating body. "Is that...?" <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>$RG nods. "Yes. I don't know how he did it alone, but he's inside the leviathan's soul." "However he managed it, we must protect the mortal," says Enid before dashing off toward another sea beast that strays too close. <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>$RG nods. "Yes. I don't know how she did it alone, but she's inside the leviathan's soul." "However she managed it, we must protect the mortal," says Enid before dashing off toward another sea beast that strays too close. <<else>>$RG nods. "Yes. I don't know how they did it alone, but they're inside the leviathan's soul." "However they managed it, we must protect the mortal," says Enid before dashing off toward another sea beast that strays too close. <</if>>$RG and Nauzet exchange a look, then follow the celestial spirit into battle. [[Continue|273A]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "longNote1" loop play>>\ \ //''[With $name...]''// The noise stops all at once, the moment the flash of light fades behind your eyelids. The smell of salt, blood, and sulphur is replaced by another scent. Thicker, but somehow a little less overwhelming. You blink a few times in a futile attempt to clear the darkness around you. <<if $AriAlive is true>>"It's just like inside Arianna's soul..." <<else>>"It's just like inside Lord Hillorwe's soul..." <</if>>Curiously, the scales that adorned your body have vanished, and you're back to your human self. You turn around, straining your eyes, but still see nothing. "$AA?" You give $BNhim_her a few seconds of silence, but the imprisoned $BNgod_goddess doesn't answer your call. You let out a sigh. "$BNHe_She must not have recovered yet... which means this time I'm alone." You press your lips into a thin line. "Let's pray I find the way, then." You move forward through the darkness slowly, carefully. You bump into a wall after only a few steps and begin to use it as a guide. A simple logic tells you that if you follow the wall, you'll reach something eventually. [[Continue|274A]]

You're not sure whether it's dumb luck, or whether your earlier reasoning truly gave you the key to navigating places like this, but eventually, after tracing the wall for a while, you find the threshold to another chamber. You peer into the room and find a tangled mass of thick, dark roots, pulsing like a heartbeat. They stretch up to encase the base of a giant sphere in the centre of the room. It's exactly the same as last time. "Bingo." You walk closer, until you have to crane your neck to look up at the sphere. Inside, the dense cloud of corruption glows faintly with the occasional spark flashing against the glass surface. You raise the pendant and point it at the sphere. "Let's see what's tormenting you..." [[Continue|275A]]

The first burst of light drags you into the sea, where sunlight pierces the surface and dyes the ocean blue with a near heavenly hue. Sunbeams dance underwater until the massive shape of a leviathan glides past, momentarily blocking the light. It swims at a calm, unhurried pace, like the silent guardian it was meant to be. Another leviathan follows... then another... and another. Entire rows of them swim near the surface, gliding like a solemn procession. Farther below, you see a city. The merpeople go about their daily routines, unaware of the colossal creatures passing above. There's no fear among them and no tension in the leviathans, each ignores the other with the ease of beings who have always accepted one another. The leviathans vary in form, but one catches your attention. Its body is long and serpentine, covered in hard, coarse scales that reflect light with a clean, untainted shine. It has a triangular head, adorned with a small horn above each eye that you recognize instantly. It's the owner of the soul you're inside. There's firmness in its gaze, but no threat. It's imposing, yes, but not aggressive. It moves with a calm that seems almost out of place for something its size, until something tenses it. All the leviathans turn at once toward the same point, as if a silent signal passed through them. Then, a strangely melodic female voice settles into your mind. You know without a doubt that it's coming from the leviathan who caught your eye. //"Intruders."// The others growl in response, a deep vibration rolling through the water. But you only understand her voice. //"We must protect."// And as if guided by a shared will, all the leviathans begin to move in the same direction. A nearby group of mermaids stop to watch, frowning at the unusual behaviour. "Something's alerted the leviathans," one of them says. You don't catch the reply, because a flicker of light shatters the vision and changes the world around you. [[Continue|276A]]

The water surrounding you is no longer clear nor welcoming. It's turned a dense, dark green. Though you're not truly there, you can feel the heaviness in the air, as if every corner of this place is holding its breath. Above, two leviathans crash together in unrelenting fury. Their massive bodies twist and collide in a brutal struggle that won't end until one of them stops moving. One is wrapped in a dark, corrupted aura. The other is her, you know by the voice that echoes again. //"Traitor!"// she roars. The other responds with a guttural snarl and lunges at her. But you don't see the bite land. The scene flickers, and when it returns, everything has changed. You're still in the same place, but now it floats motionless, its empty eyes staring into the abyss. Its body sinks slowly toward the seabed, while the victor watches in silence. She's wounded, blood dripping from her jaw, her body battered. There's no triumph in her gaze, only painful resignation. That's when you notice the bodies. Dozens of them, maybe hundreds, scattered around the area. Far too many to count. //"Family…"// The word makes her serpentine body tense immediately. She whips around, scales bristling, eyes wide as if searching for something she can't find. You can feel her frantic fear. //"Family!"// [[Continue|277A]]

//"No..."// A choked roar is the first thing you hear before the next flash fades. Everything is so dark that you can't make out anything at first. Gradually, though, the shadows give just enough for you to see her. The leviathan is there, shaking, her body jerking in uneven spasms as she swings her head from side to side. Her gaze, at first lost, begins to sharpen. And her voice, at first just a whisper of grief, turns into a silent scream of rage. //"No."// A spasm wracks her body, a tremor that runs from the base of her neck to the tip of her tail. The creature growls through gritted teeth and lashes out with her tail, smashing a colossal rock into fragments. The violence comes from deep within, raw and uncontrollable. You narrow your eyes, forcing yourself to look beneath her massive body, and that's when you see the source of her anguish. Giant eggs —or what's left of them— broken, blackened, rotting. And inside, floating in silence, the incomplete remains of younglings that never had the chance to be born. Tiny, malformed, lifeless bodies. "Gods… This is horrible," you murmur. In the distance, you spot a figure half-concealed in the shadows. You can't make out his face, but the way his tentacles twitch in delight gives you an idea. A thick shadow begins to crawl up the leviathan's body as a growl builds in her throat like a volcanic current. The corruption spreads over her like slow poison, and then the beast lets out a roar so raw and deafening it feels as though the depths of the ocean tremble with it. //"No!"// [[Continue|278A]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "pachabelly" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ You're back in her soul, with the glass sphere still crackling with blue flashes every few moments. But now, next to it, resting on the ground with a weight heavier than just her body, lies the leviathan. You find yourself face to face with her colossal face. Her half-lidded eyes blink slowly, as if even that small gesture were an unbearable burden. There’s no trace of the violence you saw out there. Only exhaustion, defeat… and deep pain. "You tried to protect this world, as you always had… but they were stronger." You step forward carefully, your voice soft and gentle. The leviathan doesn’t look away, but neither does she react. "But when your allies became enemies, the battle was already lost," you continue, drawing a little closer. "And the death of your children… that’s what truly broke you, isn’t it?" The leviathan makes a low sound, barely a vibration that never fully forms. You don’t know whether you can no longer understand her, or if she simply isn’t speaking. You dare to lift your hand and rest it gently on her jaw. She doesn’t move away and simply closes her eyes, accepting the gesture. You stroke her gently, feeling the rough texture of her scales under your fingers. "I’m sorry," you say, letting the words float between you. Then, she opens her eyes again. "You had to become collateral damage in this war, all because of one lunatic’s grudge. You didn’t deserve this fate." Her massive body swells as she takes in a breath, letting it out in a long sigh. Curiously, the force of the exhale doesn’t even move you. Your hand stays pressed against her jaw, feeling the faint pulse of life beneath the scales. You look into her eyes, or rather, just one. She’s far too large to see both at once. There’s no longer any edge in her gaze. The threatening glint is gone, replaced by a soft green that meets yours gently. The dark fog in the place is starting to lift little by little, and the storm within the sphere is beginning to subside. A glimpse of peace, at last. * [[I don’t know how you still have strength|279Aa]] * [[They’ll pay, I swear it|279Ab]] * [[Remember who you are|279Ac]]

"I don’t know how you’re still standing," you say, shaking your head slightly. "I’m not a stranger to strife, but if I was you, I probably would’ve given up long ago. And yet here you are, still fighting every day like the warrior you are." The leviathan blinks slowly and makes another faint sound. The black roots begin to evaporate, and the clouds within the sphere start to clear. "But you’re ready for it to be over now, aren’t you?" you continue, placing both hands on her scales and stroking her gently. "I can’t erase the past, but I can ease the pain a little." With a soft, mournful sound, the sea beast closes her eyes and shifts her head forward a few inches, just enough to rest her snout against you. You don’t know if it’s a plea, a thank you… or both. The contact nudges you slightly back, but without force. You slide your hands along her scales, trying to return the gesture in your own way. Then, the mark on your pendant begins to glow brightly, a warm, steady light. You press your forehead to her rough skin and close your eyes with her. "Let’s take you home." [[Continue|280A]]

"They’ll pay dearly," you say, your voice vibrating with firm conviction. "All this suffering, all who fell, even the hatchlings that never took a breath… the one responsible will answer for it." The leviathan blinks slowly and makes another faint sound. For a moment, you think you see something like hope gleam in her eyes. The black roots begin to evaporate, and the clouds within the sphere start to clear. "I swear it. This won’t go unpunished." With a soft, mournful sound, the sea beast closes her eyes and shifts her head forward a few inches, just enough to rest her snout against you. You don’t know if it’s a plea, a thank you… or both. The contact nudges you slightly back, but without force. You slide your hands along her scales, trying to return the gesture in your own way. Then, the mark on your pendant begins to glow brightly, a warm, steady light. You press your forehead to her rough skin and close your eyes with her. "Let’s take you home." [[Continue|280A]]

"I know you must feel lost right now, but you’re not just what was left behind," you say softly, placing both hands on her scales and caressing them gently. "You were once beauty. Strength. A guide. You were the guardian of this world." The leviathan doesn’t respond, but her breath catches for just a moment. You notice a slight movement in her eyes. The black roots begin to evaporate, and the clouds within the sphere start to clear. "And that won’t vanish just because someone tried to cloud your vision," you continue, shaking your head gently. "The real you is still in there. The ocean’s protector." With a soft, mournful sound, the sea beast closes her eyes and shifts her head forward a few inches, just enough to rest her snout against you. You don’t know if it’s a plea, a thank you… or both. The contact nudges you slightly back, but without force. You slide your hands along her scales, trying to return the gesture in your own way. Then, the mark on your pendant begins to glow brightly, a warm, steady light. You press your forehead to her rough skin and close your eyes with her. "Let’s take you home." [[Continue|280A]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dimBar" loop play>>\ <<notify 5000>>''THE GUARDIAN OF THE OCEAN'' You purified the leviathan. This will have consequences in the future.<</notify>>\ \ You jolt back to your senses, feeling the cool water rocking your body from side to side. For a moment, you're disoriented until you make out the ruined city of Sisronia beneath the fish tail that has reappeared. The city is buried under a carpet of bodies. Some of them float slowly toward the surface, as if they've lost all weight. Then you realize something else: the battle is over. There are no more screams, no growls, no wet sounds of steel slicing through flesh. Only a heavy silence. And more than that, the spotlight is entirely on you. The merpeople army is still standing, surrounding you with spears and tridents in hand, all on high alert. But none attack. They’re all holding their breath, waiting behind $RG, Nauzet, Enid, and $AO, who approach with a mixture of concern and caution as well. But it’s not you they’re looking at with such unease. You turn to see the leviathan by your side, her massive head floating just a few meters away. One small movement would be enough to take your life, but there's no malice in her eyes. That crystalline green has lost the murky shine of corruption. Now, there’s only serenity… and exhaustion. You’ve succeeded in purifying her. The merpeople flinch when the beast turns her head toward them. You react instantly, stepping in front with your hands raised. "Easy! It’s okay!" you shout, loud enough for all to hear. You cast a gentle glance toward the creature and place a hand against the side of her head. "She’s fine. She’s not a threat anymore. She’s just… a little disoriented." <<if $AOLove is true>>$AO is the first to approach and place a hand on your shoulder. "Are you all right, $name?" The worry in $AOhis_her face and the warmth of $AOhis_her touch soothe you more than any magic could. But then you look at the cuts across $AOhis_her body, similar to your own, and frown. "Are you?" you ask in return. "I’m bruised, exhausted, and sore… but alive." $AOHe_She sighs. "Fortunately, none of the demons had poison. Same thing happened with $LL yesterday. Probably because they’re not really… you know." You grimace. You’d rather not remember. <<elseif $RGLove is true>>$RG is the first to approach, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. "Are you all right, $name?" $RGHis_Her worried gaze searches yours, $RGhis_her hand slowly gliding down your arm. You're not sure if $RGhe_she realizes $RGhe_she's doing it. "Yeah," you reply after a soft clearing of your throat and a nod. "Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little sore from the cuts, but I don’t feel poisoned, thankfully." "These… creatures don’t poison. They’re not real tibicenas." You grimace. You’d rather not remember. <<else>>Enid and $RG approach you, the $RGgod_goddess resting a hand on your shoulder and giving it a light squeeze. "You okay, $name?" You arch your back with a low grunt, feeling the burn of the cuts on your skin. "I’ve been better, not gonna lie. But I don’t feel poisoned, thank the gods." "You don’t need to worry, mortal. These creatures are not true tibicenas, and therefore carry no poison in their blood." You grimace. You’d rather not remember. <</if>>Nauzet approaches the leviathan and places his hand on her snout. The creature allows it without resistance. Then the god turns toward you, frowning. "How did you do it?" You clutch your pendant, gazing at the symbol of the gods. "With… this." "You shouldn’t have been able to," $RG says, shaking $RGhis_her head. "Not without help from one of us." "It might’ve been <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos’<<else>>Arminda’s<</if>> energy. $BNHe_She is a $BNgod_goddess too," Enid adds, glancing at you. "Maybe thanks to $BNhim_her you don’t need another god to enter mortal souls." "Maybe…" you murmur. It’s a good theory, but as you hold the pendant, a more troubling thought lingers in your mind, echoing with $BN’s words. //"Could I be draining <<if $AA is "Althos">>Althos’<<else>>Arminda’s<</if>> energy without realizing it…?"// [[Continue|281A]]

The leviathan lets out a mournful groan, staring at the destruction around her. Her eyes scan the ruined city, the lifeless bodies of the merpeople… and of her own kind. Her gaze lingers on nothing in particular, but the sorrow it carries is unmistakable. Then she turns to you. Her eyes lock onto yours. Intense, enormous… but no longer harsh or aggressive. They’re kind. She slowly turns, and as she does, her fin brushes lightly against you in a gesture almost delicate before she begins to move away. "She’s grateful," Nauzet says, his eyes still following her. "For setting her free… and for ending her siblings’ suffering." "Where will she go now?" $AO asks. "Not far," $RG replies. "She’s a guardian again. She’ll protect what remains of this world as such." You stay silent for a few moments, watching the silhouette of the creature outlined against the light, her body gliding slowly near the surface. "Will she be okay?" you wonder aloud. Nauzet exhales, a sound heavy with weight, almost a contained growl. "No one will be okay until we deal with that Locto." He turns toward the group. "Come. We have things to discuss." His stern expression softens slightly as his gaze sweeps over the merpeople soldiers. All those young and not-so-young faces, their eyes tired, still holding their weapons out of sheer habit, their shoulders weighed down by the loss of their own. "…And wounds to heal before the next attack," he adds, before turning around and swimming toward the city. One by one, the others begin to follow. The tension of the battle gives way to a quieter, heavier silence, but one that carries a hint of calm as well. You remain a few seconds longer, taking a breath and letting the weight of what just happened settle. Then you swim after them back to the Grotto. [[Continue|282]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "wounded" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ You remain seated on a bed of seaweed, your gaze lost on the ground, staring intensely at a particular groove in the sand. $RG and Nauzet raised another dome to replace the one the leviathans broke, this one much smaller and enclosing only the Grotto. The water took a few minutes to fully drain, but now the air is dry again. Or at least, as dry as you could expect it to be. Cold drops of water slip from the ceiling and hit your skin, only to slide down your back and arms moments later. The tunic clings uncomfortably to your body, but you stopped fighting with it a while ago. What bothers you more is the pain in your wrist. You placed it in a position where you wouldn't have to move it much to avoid the agony, but the area has been swelling and bruising as the minutes go by. The first thing you and $AO did as soon as $RG, Enid, and Nauzet left you to speak in private was look for $AL and $LL. You found them, $AL soaked and somewhat dazed, caring for a still peacefully sleeping $LL. A wave of relief washed over you when you saw them, but you didn’t even get a chance to approach before one of the healers led you to the room you’re in now, separated from $AO and surrounded by other wounded who keep coming in. <<if $job is "Doctor">>You were about to tell them you could handle your own wounds, but the truth is you're so mentally exhausted you don’t even have the energy to argue. <</if>>You blink and return to yourself when another group of merpeople rushes past the groove. You turn toward them instinctively, recognizing Moloth’s patrol weaving between their comrades in the chaos until they reach one of the beds. They move just enough for you to see two healers laying an unconscious Eroth onto the bed of seaweed, his body covered in gashes and deep stab wounds between ripped-off scales. The healers examine him, and you realize you're holding your breath along with the rest of the patrol, even from so far away. When the healers lower their hands, exchange solemn glances with Moloth’s team, and shake their heads, that’s when you let out the air in a heavy sigh and avert your gaze. You drop your head and lean forward to rest your elbows on your knees. Ignoring the protest of your wrist, you bring your hands to your forehead, covering your eyes as you slowly rub your temples with your thumbs. You just want... * [[For the suffering to end|283a]] * [[To go home|283b]] * [[For the noise to stop|283c]] * [[To rest|283d]] * [[To break something|283e]] * [[To scream until your voice is gone|283f]] * [[To kill them all|283g]]

<<if $weapon is "Magic">>You seize the moment of suspension, that brief stillness in its movement, to lunge forward and position yourself in front of its eye. Your magic pulses under your skin, powerful and impatient as you aim at the centre. <<elseif $weapon is "Bow">>You seize the moment of suspension, that brief stillness in its movement, to lunge forward and position yourself in front of its eye. You grip the only dagger you have left tightly, and prepare to strike. <<else>>You seize the moment of suspension, that brief stillness in its movement, to lunge forward and position yourself in front of its eye. You adjust your grip on your sword and get ready for the attack. <</if>><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You smirk. "Surprise, big guy." <<elseif $blunt > $diplomacy and $blunt > $fun>>You frown. "Go to hell!" <<else>>You grit your teeth. "You brought this on yourself." <</if>><<if $weapon is "Magic">>A sharp stalactite of pure magic bursts from your palms and pierces the centre of its pupil. Blood spills immediately, staining the water with a red haze as the leviathan’s roar shakes your ears with savage fury. <<else>>You drive your weapon deep into the centre of its pupil, tearing through flesh with brutal precision. Blood spills immediately, staining the water with a red haze as the leviathan’s roar shakes your ears with savage fury. <</if>>Its body thrashes violently, and one of its tail hits you full-on and send you flying. Sand scrapes your skin as you’re dragged across the ground until you crash into a rough wall. The impact knocks the breath out of you and leaves you frozen for a moment until you start coughing. You arch your back, the metallic scent hitting your nose as the burning pain shoots through your limbs. You shake your head, coming to your senses, and push aside the chunks of rock and coral that drift in front of your face and block your vision. The leviathan dives straight for you with another deafening roar, its sharp teeth seeking revenge. But before it can reach you, a brutal blow slams it to the side and smash it into the ground. You raise your arm to shield your eyes from the sand and pebbles as the vibrations of the impact ripple through your skin. Then, another muffled explosion rumbles through the water, and the movements stop. You barely manage to open your eyes in time to see $RG emerging from the lingering cloud of sand, leaving the now lifeless leviathan behind. [[Continue|273B]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dimBar" loop play>>\ <<notify 5000>>''DISPELLING THE CORRUPTION'' You’ve ended the leviathan’s suffering. This will have consequences in the future.<</notify>>\ \ <<if $RGLove is true>>"Are you alright, $name?" $RGhe_she asks as $RGhe_she reaches your side, gently placing a hand on your shoulder. $RGHis_Her worried gaze searches yours while $RGhis_her hand slowly slides down your arm. You’re not sure if $RGhe_she’s aware of it, but the touch makes the pain vanish instantly. "Yes. Yes, I’m fine," you reply with a faint smile and a nod. "Just a little sore from the cuts, but I feel much better now." $RG watches you a second longer than necessary before lowering $RGhis_her arm. The touch ends, but the tingling sensation lingers on your skin. <<else>>"Are you alright, $name?" $RGhe_she asks as $RGhe_she reaches your side, placing a hand on your shoulder and giving it a light squeeze that eases the pain. You let out a soft grunt and arch your back with a grimace, but little by little, the burning sensation fades to a dull ache. "I’ve been better, not gonna lie. That leviathan really did a number on me…" You meet $RGhis_her eyes and smile. "But thankfully, knowing the gods personally has its perks. Thanks for the relief." $RG smiles back and nods. "Of course, my friend." <</if>>Another brutal tremor shakes the earth, followed by a final roar that dies as quickly as it burst through the water. Then you realize the sounds of the battle have stopped. With your heart pounding in your chest, you hurry to swim above the rubble blocking your view of the city. Sisronia lies buried under a blanket of corpses. Some float slowly toward the surface, as if they’ve lost all weight. Others, heavier, remain pressed against the city, as if they want to become part of it. The merpeople army stands victorious, with the occasional warrior finishing off the last demons scattered around. In the distance, you spot Nauzet standing atop a fallen leviathan, pulling his trident from its flesh. "Come on," $RG says as $RGhe_she reaches your side, and then starts heading toward $RGhis_her brother. You let out a weary sigh and follow $RGhim_her. [[Continue|274B]]

The wet, squelching sound of the weapon being pulled free reaches your ears, and you can’t help but wince. Nauzet shakes the trident, letting the water wash away the blood and flesh stuck to it, before turning to face you all. "Is everyone alright?"<<if $AOLove is true>> $AO and Enid step out from the crowd gathering around you. The doctor is the first to reach you, gently placing a hand on your arm. "Are you okay, $name?" The concern on $AOhis_her face and the warmth touch of $AOhis_her hand soothe you more than any magic ever could. But then you see the cuts on $AOhis_her body, and your expression darkens. "Are you?" you return the question. "I’m bruised, exhausted, and sore… but alive." $AOHe_She sighs. "Fortunately, none of the demons had poison. Same thing happened with $LL yesterday. Probably because they’re not really… you know." You grimace. You’d rather not remember.<<else>> The crowd of merpeople draws near, $AO and Enid stepping forward to join you. The doctor’s body is marked with bruises and cuts much like your own, but all things considered, $AOhe_she seems all right. "We’re alive," you reply with a sigh, then wince as the sting of your wounds catches up to you. "Injured, but luckily I don’t feel poisoned." "You don’t need to worry, mortals. These creatures aren’t true tibicenas, and thus carry no venom in their blood," says Enid. You grimace again. You’d rather not remember.<</if>> * [[Mention the pendant’s call|275Ba]] * [[Stay silent|275Bb]]

"Earlier, when I was on top of that leviathan…" you begin, hesitating before gripping your pendant and continuing. "It felt like the pendant was… calling to me, somehow. I think… I think I could’ve purified it, but—" "Silence," Nauzet interrupts, not even looking at you, raising a hand. His voice is firm, but oddly gentle as his arm lowers slowly. "Don’t burden yourself with guilt, mortal. You wouldn’t have been able to do anything, even if you’d tried." <<if $RGLove is true>>"You need one of us to enter the soul of the living," $RG continues. $RGHis_Her wings brush your hand as $RGhis_her voice drops a tone. "It would’ve been madness if you’d acted. I’m glad you didn’t." Nauzet clenches his fists tightly, letting out a growl. "This whole situation is madness, and it won’t end until we deal with that Locto." He turns to you all. "Come. We have things to discuss." <<else>>"You need one of us to enter the soul of the living," $RG continues. "You would’ve put yourself in serious danger if you’d acted. I’m glad you didn’t." Nauzet clenches his fists tightly, letting out a growl. "Dangerous is what this entire situation is. And no one will be safe until we deal with that Locto." He turns to you all. "Come. We have things to discuss." <</if>>His stern expression softens slightly as his gaze sweeps over the merpeople soldiers. All those young and not-so-young faces, their eyes tired, still holding their weapons out of sheer habit, their shoulders weighed down by the loss of their own. "…And wounds to heal before the next attack," he adds, before turning around and swimming toward the city. One by one, the others begin to follow. The tension of the battle gives way to a quieter, heavier silence, but one that carries a hint of calm as well. You remain a few seconds longer, taking a breath and letting the weight of what just happened settle. Then you swim after them back to the Grotto. [[Continue|282]]

You press your lips together. There’s no point in bringing it up now, not when there’s nothing you can do about it anymore. So instead, you simply bow your head in respect, and say nothing. Nauzet clenches his fists tightly, letting out a growl. "And many more will be lost if we don’t deal with that Locto." He turns to you all. "Come. We have things to discuss." His stern expression softens slightly as his gaze sweeps over the merpeople soldiers. All those young and not-so-young faces, their eyes tired, still holding their weapons out of sheer habit, their shoulders weighed down by the loss of their own. "…And wounds to heal before the next attack," he adds, before turning around and swimming toward the city. One by one, the others begin to follow. The tension of the battle gives way to a quieter, heavier silence, but one that carries a hint of calm as well. You remain a few seconds longer, taking a breath and letting the weight of what just happened settle. Then you swim after them back to the Grotto. [[Continue|282]]

You want to help. You really do. In whatever way you can. You don’t know what you could do, or how, but you just want the suffering to end. Every breath you take while sitting there feels like a wasted effort when there are so many others fighting for theirs. You bite the inside of your cheek hard, as if another pain is what you need to force yourself to stand up. It doesn’t work. "We never get a break, do we?" $MI’s voice pulls you out of your thoughts. You blink a few times and lift your head to meet the $MImerman_mermaid’s gaze, who’s approaching you with a bowl in $MIhis_her hands. "Many of our siblings fell bravely today, but it doesn’t seem like it was enough," $MIhe_she continues, looking away from one of the merpeople lying on another bed to meet your gaze. "Between the wounded and all the preparations for the next battle, no one gets even a minute to rest, huh?" * [[I owe you an apology|284a]] * [[Do you have enough people to withstand another attack?|284b]] * [[Not while there are still demons out there|284c]] * [[How many are wounded?|284d]]

Your throat tightens without warning as you think of your room, your bed, that broken mug you never bothered to fix... You want to go back to your daily routine, where your only complaints were the cold winter mornings and the sticky heat of summer. A bitter laugh vibrates in your throat as you wonder if you even locked your door before the attack or left it open, another sign that all you want is to forget the demons, the gods, and everything related to the cycle of corruption and your part in it. You just want a normal life. You catch yourself wondering what that life would look like. Marriage? Children? Neither? Would you live in the city, actively engaging with the community, or somewhere quieter, surrounded by animals? Or maybe... "We never get a break, do we?" $MI’s voice pulls you out of your thoughts. You blink a few times and lift your head to meet the $MImerman_mermaid’s gaze, who’s approaching you with a bowl in $MIhis_her hands. "Many of our siblings fell bravely today, but it doesn’t seem like it was enough," $MIhe_she continues, looking away from one of the merpeople lying on another bed to meet your gaze. "Between the wounded and all the preparations for the next battle, no one gets even a minute to rest, huh?" * [[I owe you an apology|284a]] * [[Do you have enough people to withstand another attack?|284b]] * [[Not while there are still demons out there|284c]] * [[How many are wounded?|284d]]

People are yelling around you. Running, moaning, giving orders, crying. Every word, every step, every movement stings like a needle in your ear, in your temples, and deep in your gut. You feel like if you hear one more sound, or if someone else touches you, looks at you, or speaks to you, it’ll trigger the explosion of irritability building up in your chest. You press your thumbs harder against your temples, wishing you could shut off the entire world as if your head were the switch to silence it. "Gods... just make the world shut up already," you mutter under your breath, letting out some of the frustration. "We never get a break, do we?" $MI’s voice pulls you out of your thoughts. You blink a few times and lift your head to meet the $MImerman_mermaid’s gaze, who’s approaching you with a bowl in $MIhis_her hands. "Many of our siblings fell bravely today, but it doesn’t seem like it was enough," $MIhe_she continues, looking away from one of the merpeople lying on another bed to meet your gaze. "Between the wounded and all the preparations for the next battle, no one gets even a minute to rest, huh?" * [[I owe you an apology|284a]] * [[Do you have enough people to withstand another attack?|284b]] * [[Not while there are still demons out there|284c]] * [[How many are wounded?|284d]]

You’re so tired that even thinking hurts. You haven’t slept properly in days, and it's been hours since you've had anything in your stomach. You’ve got open wounds you barely even feel, and muscles that tremble even as you sit still. But more than your body, it’s something else that’s exhausted. The part of you that holds it together, that puts on a brave face, that keeps going no matter what. You wish you could just lie down on that bed and close your eyes, knowing that nothing would happen for at least five minutes. "Gods... I need a good rest." "We never get a break, do we?" $MI’s voice pulls you out of your thoughts. You blink a few times and lift your head to meet the $MImerman_mermaid’s gaze, who’s approaching you with a bowl in $MIhis_her hands. "Many of our siblings fell bravely today, but it doesn’t seem like it was enough," $MIhe_she continues, looking away from one of the merpeople lying on another bed to meet your gaze. "Between the wounded and all the preparations for the next battle, no one gets even a minute to rest, huh?" * [[I owe you an apology|284a]] * [[Do you have enough people to withstand another attack?|284b]] * [[Not while there are still demons out there|284c]] * [[How many are wounded?|284d]]

<<add_corruption +1>>\ \ Your fingers tense, pressing your thumbs harder against your temples. Your nails dig into your skin, and you clench your teeth so tightly it feels like you might shatter them. But it's not enough. You need to hear something break, it doesn’t matter what. Paper, utensils, wood, coral. Anything. Ideally something fragile, something that’ll give in under your hands and shatter against the stone. And if someone touches you, you just might throw it at them. "Gods... I need to break something," you growl under your breath, letting out some of the frustration. "We never get a break, do we?" $MI’s voice pulls you out of your thoughts. You blink a few times, startled by the sudden surge of rage, and lift your head to meet the $MImerman_mermaid’s gaze, who’s approaching you with a bowl in $MIhis_her hands. "Many of our siblings fell bravely today, but it doesn’t seem like it was enough," $MIhe_she continues, looking away from one of the merpeople lying on another bed to meet your gaze. "Between the wounded and all the preparations for the next battle, no one gets even a minute to rest, huh?" * [[I owe you an apology|284a]] * [[Do you have enough people to withstand another attack?|284b]] * [[Not while there are still demons out there|284c]] * [[How many are wounded?|284d]]

You open your mouth without realizing it, but no sound comes out. Your chest tightens, swollen as if trying to contain the storm of irritation forming inside that’s impossible to swallow. You imagine yourself screaming. Screaming until your throat burns and fills with blood. Screaming until everyone shuts up. Screaming until your voice is gone. Screaming until— "We never get a break, do we?" $MI’s voice pulls you out of your thoughts. You blink a few times and lift your head to meet the $MImerman_mermaid’s gaze, who’s approaching you with a bowl in $MIhis_her hands. "Many of our siblings fell bravely today, but it doesn’t seem like it was enough," $MIhe_she continues, looking away from one of the merpeople lying on another bed to meet your gaze. "Between the wounded and all the preparations for the next battle, no one gets even a minute to rest, huh?" * [[I owe you an apology|284a]] * [[Do you have enough people to withstand another attack?|284b]] * [[Not while there are still demons out there|284c]] * [[How many are wounded?|284d]]

<<add_corruption +1>>\ <<notify 5000>>Something sinister is taking its toll on you...<</notify>>\ \ People are yelling around you. Running, moaning, giving orders, crying. Every word, every step, every movement stings like a needle in your ear, in your temples, feeding the beast of rage awakening inside you. The sudden anger burns in your chest and slides through your veins like black oil. You almost think you hear $BN’s laughter hammering in your head, adding to the irritation as $BNhe_she whispers to you. //"Kill them all."// Your body swells with heavy breath. Your nails dig into your skin, and you clench your teeth so tightly it’s as if you want to shatter them. You imagine yourself standing up, grabbing one of the merpeople’s spears, going after one of them, and then… "We never get a break, do we?" $MI’s voice pulls you out of the violent daydream. You blink a few times, startled by the sudden surge of rage, and lift your head to meet the $MImerman_mermaid’s gaze, who’s approaching you with a bowl in $MIhis_her hands. "Many of our siblings fell bravely today, but it doesn’t seem like it was enough," $MIhe_she continues, looking away from one of the merpeople lying on another bed to meet your gaze. "Between the wounded and all the preparations for the next battle, no one gets even a minute to rest, huh?" * [[I owe you an apology|284a]] * [[Do you have enough people to withstand another attack?|284b]] * [[Not while there are still demons out there|284c]] * [[How many are wounded?|284d]]

"I, uh…" You clear your throat. "I owe you an apology." $MI tilts $MIhis_her head slightly. "For what?" <<if $MIS is true>>"For lying to you. You put your trust in us and stood against everyone else, and it turns out they were right." You bite your lip, avoiding $MIhis_her gaze for a moment before looking $MIhim_her in the eyes again. "And… for other things." A flicker of understanding passes through $MI’s eyes, and a subtle smile curves the corner of $MIhis_her lips. "Well… I can’t say I regret it, if I’m honest." You let out a soft chuckle of relief. "That’s good." <<else>>"For lying to you. You put your trust in us and stood against everyone else, and it turns out they were right." A subtle smile curves the corner of $MIhis_her lips, but it doesn’t quite reach $MIhis_her eyes. "No harm done," $MIhe_she says with a small shake of $MIhis_her head. "I think I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it, to be fair." "Right…" <</if>>$MI steps closer, $MIhis_her steps slightly hesitant, and sits beside you with a tired grunt. Your eyes drift to the bowl in $MIhis_her hands, and you nod toward the orange paste inside. "Ointment?" You already know the answer, but still ask the question just to avoid the uncomfortable silence threatening to settle between you. "That’s right," $MIhe_she says, lifting the bowl slightly for emphasis. "A mix of green coral secretions and red algae. Nothing better for the pain and wound healing. I figured you could use it." Your gaze drops to $MIhis_her battered body. $MIHe_She’s not as injured as some of the other merpeople you’ve seen, but there are a few cuts that must sting quite a bit. "You’re not in much better shape than me. Shouldn’t you treat yourself first?" "I already did, the ointment should take effect in a few minutes," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. "The other healers… they’re hesitant to approach. You intimidate them. They’re afraid of doing something that might offend you, so I told them I’d handle your treatment. Will you let me?" $MI shifts slightly to get a better angle, raising the bowl again in a silent question. You stare at it for a moment, your brain struggling to keep up with $MIhis_her words due to the exhaustion, but in the end, you nod and let $MIhim_her take care of your wounds. $MIHe_She starts by scooping some ointment with $MIhis_her fingers and gently applying it to your bruised wrist. It feels like several daggers stabbing into your skin the moment $MIhe_she touches it, and not even the cool balm helps you suppress a hiss through clenched teeth. "Argh…" "The first few seconds are the worst," $MI says calmly. "It’ll get better in a moment." Once $MIhe_she finishes with your wrist, $MIhe_she moves on to the cuts along your arm, working $MIhis_her way up to your shoulder. The process is slow, but soon you begin to feel the tension in your muscles easing and the sting fading. What you can barely endure, however, is the heavy silence that finally settles between you. It makes the surrounding noise and chaos feel even louder, hammering inside your head like a war drum. Just when you were about to speak to fend off the creeping madness, $MI beats you to it. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re a god too?" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re a goddess too?" <<else>>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re part of the gods too?" <</if>><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You let out a short, breathy laugh before you can stop it. "I don’t glow, do I?" <<else>>You don’t know why, but the joke leaves your mouth before you can even process it. "I don’t glow, do I?" <</if>><<if $leviathan is true>>$MI meets your gaze with an expression that you don’t know if it’s confused or fearful. "I saw what you did… We all did. You healed that leviathan somehow and gave us one of our guardians back." You clutch the pendant under your tunic. "Yeah…" "And yet you say you’re not part of the gods," $MIhe_she continues, $MIhis_her frown deepening slightly. "What are you, then?" <<else>>$MI meets you gaze, slightly amused by your words. "You do, but in a different way from our Guru and you tall friend. $RG, was it?" You nod. "Yeah." "And yet you say you’re not part of the gods," $MIhe_she continues, $MIhis_her expression turning more serious. "What are you, then?" <</if>> * [[Be sincere. "A human. A species from another world."|285a]] * [[Avoid a straight answer. "Just someone trying to survive."|285b]] * [[Chuckle. "Just a weak mortal."|285c]]

"It’s… a long story," you say, scratching the back of your head. "And pretty unbelievable." "Try me," $MI gently insists. "...All right." You let out a long, heavy sigh before starting to explain. "I’m a species from another world. A human." You wait for a second to see $MI’s reaction, but the $MImerman_mermaid stays silent, waiting patiently for you to continue. $MIHis_Her whole attention is focused on you and what you have to say. Perhaps $MIhe_she prefers to wait until you finish to ask any questions. "I’m also the mortal companion of one of the gods, with the mission to help them eradicate the demons from the worlds," you continue. "There’s one companion for each world. Your Elder Soza is one of them. Nauzet’s companion." $MI takes another portion of the ointment and starts treating another wound. $MIHis_Her expression turns thoughtful for a moment. "So that’s why he assigned you to the rescue mission," $MIhe_she says, voice low. "It wasn’t because you’d been in The Void. It was our elder." You roll your lips together and nod. "Yes." "Is your world similar to this one?" $MIhe_she asks. You chuckle. "Not really, everything’s pretty different.. For starters, we can’t breathe underwater." $MI raises $MIhis_her eyebrows in surprise. "You can’t?" "No" you say with a shake of your head. "We live on dry land, on the surface. If it weren’t for $RG and Nauzet, we would have drown by now." "That’s… odd," $MIhe_she replies softly, almost as if talking to $MIhimself_herself. "We couldn’t even understand your race at first," you add through an awkward chuckle that fades as quickly as it appeared. "Our arrival to this world was… pretty chaotic." $MI hums. Either in thought or agreement, you’re not sure. $MIHe_She avoids meeting you eye, and for a moment you think $MIhe_she’s not going to believe you, like you wouldn’t in $MIhis_her place. But then $MIhis_her breathy chuckle catches you off guard. <<if $MIS is true>>"Wow…" $MIhe_she exhales, and then raises $MIhis_her gaze to find your eyes again. "You’re more special than I thought." <<else>>"Wow…" $MIhe_she exhales, and then raises $MIhis_her gaze to find your eyes again. "You and your group are more special than I thought." <</if>>You blink, surprised. "You believe it that easily?" "How could I not after everything I’ve seen?" [[Continue|286]]

You chuckle, gently shaking your head. "I’m nothing spectacular, just a weak mortal." "You are many things, $name, but weak is definitely not one of them. Not after proving what you can do," $MI replies with a smile. It then disappears, and $MIhe_she stays quiet for a couple of seconds, just tending to your wounds before $MIhe_she stops and speaks again. "...There’s no other ocean, is there?" You don’t know how important it was for them to find out that there’s more to their world than just this ocean, but it seem like it was a big deal considering the edge of sadness and hurt in $MIhis_her words. You shake your head gently, looking at $MIhim_her this time. "No. Or at least, if there is, I don’t know about it." <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"I see," $MIhe_she murmurs, and focuses back on your wounds. "So if you’re not from Bucante, nor a god… I suppose it’s not crazy to think you’re from a completely different world, is it?" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"I see," $MIhe_she murmurs, and focuses back on your wounds. "So if you’re not from Bucante, nor a goddess… I suppose it’s not crazy to think you’re from a completely different world, is it?" <<else>>"I see," $MIhe_she murmurs, and focuses back on your wounds. "So if you’re not from Bucante, nor belong among the gods… I suppose it’s not crazy to think you’re from a completely different world, is it?" <</if>>A subtle smirk tugs at the corner of your lips. "You’re very perceptive." "I just know how to listen," $MIhe_she replies with the ghost of a smile. "I heard a word coming from a couple of my sibling earlier. Hoo...mun?" "//Human//," you correct $MIhim_her as $MIhe_she struggles to pronounce the word right. Then you awkwardly scratch the back of your neck. "It’s… a long story, to be honest. And pretty unbelievable." "Try me," $MI gently insists. "...All right." You let out a long, heavy sigh before starting to explain. "As you’ve just guessed, I’m a species from another world. We’re called humans." You wait for a second to see $MI’s reaction, but the $MImerman_mermaid stays silent, waiting patiently for you to continue. $MIHis_Her whole attention is focused on you and what you have to say. Perhaps $MIhe_she prefers to wait until you finish to ask any questions. "I’m also the mortal companion of one of the gods, with the mission to help them eradicate the demons from the worlds," you continue. "There’s one companion for each world. Your Elder Soza is one of them. Nauzet’s companion." $MI takes another portion of the ointment and starts treating another wound. $MIHis_Her expression turns thoughtful for a moment. "So that’s why he assigned you to the rescue mission," $MIhe_she says, voice low. "It wasn’t because you’d been in The Void. It was our elder." You roll your lips together and nod. "Yes." "Is your world similar to this one?" $MIhe_she asks. You chuckle. "Not really, everything’s pretty different.. For starters, we can’t breathe underwater." $MI raises $MIhis_her eyebrows in surprise. "You can’t?" "No" you say with a shake of your head. "We live on dry land, on the surface. If it weren’t for $RG and Nauzet, we would have drown by now." "That’s… odd," $MIhe_she replies softly, almost as if talking to $MIhimself_herself. "We couldn’t even understand your race at first," you add through an awkward chuckle that fades as quickly as it appeared. "Our arrival to this world was… pretty chaotic." $MI hums. Either in thought or agreement, you’re not sure. $MIHe_She avoids meeting you eye, and for a moment you think $MIhe_she’s not going to believe you, like you wouldn’t in $MIhis_her place. But then $MIhis_her breathy chuckle catches you off guard. <<if $MIS is true>>"Wow…" $MIhe_she exhales, and then raises $MIhis_her gaze to find your eyes again. "You’re more special than I thought." <<else>>"Wow…" $MIhe_she exhales, and then raises $MIhis_her gaze to find your eyes again. "You and your group are more special than I thought." <</if>>You blink, surprised. "You believe it that easily?" "How could I not after everything I’ve seen?" [[Continue|286]]

You shrug and avoid $MIhis_her gaze. "I’m just someone trying to survive. The rest doesn’t really matter, does it?" $MI’s chuckle sounds hollow. "I suppose you’re right. That makes us the same in a way." $MIHe_She stays quiet for a couple of seconds, just tending to your wounds before $MIhe_she stops and speaks again. "...There’s no other ocean, is there?" You don’t know how important it was for them to find out that there’s more to their world than just this ocean, but it seem like it was a big deal considering the edge of sadness and hurt in $MIhis_her words. You shake your head gently, looking at $MIhim_her this time. "No. Or at least, if there is, I don’t know about it." <<if $gender is "Male" or gender is "FTM">>"I see," $MIhe_she murmurs, and focuses back on your wounds. "So if you’re not from Bucante, nor a god… I suppose it’s not crazy to think you’re from a completely different world, is it?" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"I see," $MIhe_she murmurs, and focuses back on your wounds. "So if you’re not from Bucante, nor a goddess… I suppose it’s not crazy to think you’re from a completely different world, is it?" <<else>>"I see," $MIhe_she murmurs, and focuses back on your wounds. "So if you’re not from Bucante, nor belong among the gods… I suppose it’s not crazy to think you’re from a completely different world, is it?" <</if>>A subtle smirk tugs at the corner of your lips. "You’re very perceptive." "I just know how to listen," $MIhe_she replies with the ghost of a smile. "I heard a word coming from a couple of my sibling earlier. Hoo...mun?" "//Human//," you correct $MIhim_her as $MIhe_she struggles to pronounce the word right. Then you awkwardly scratch the back of your neck. "It’s… a long story, to be honest. And pretty unbelievable." "Try me," $MI gently insists. "...All right." You let out a long, heavy sigh before starting to explain. "As you’ve just guessed, I’m a species from another world. We’re called humans." You wait for a second to see $MI’s reaction, but the $MImerman_mermaid stays silent, waiting patiently for you to continue. $MIHis_Her whole attention is focused on you and what you have to say. Perhaps $MIhe_she prefers to wait until you finish to ask any questions. "I’m also the mortal companion of one of the gods, with the mission to help them eradicate the demons from the worlds," you continue. "There’s one companion for each world. Your Elder Soza is one of them. Nauzet’s companion." $MI takes another portion of the ointment and starts treating another wound. $MIHis_Her expression turns thoughtful for a moment. "So that’s why he assigned you to the rescue mission," $MIhe_she says, voice low. "It wasn’t because you’d been in The Void. It was our elder." You roll your lips together and nod. "Yes." "Is your world similar to this one?" $MIhe_she asks. You chuckle. "Not really, everything’s pretty different.. For starters, we can’t breathe underwater." $MI raises $MIhis_her eyebrows in surprise. "You can’t?" "No" you say with a shake of your head. "We live on dry land, on the surface. If it weren’t for $RG and Nauzet, we would have drown by now." "That’s… odd," $MIhe_she replies softly, almost as if talking to $MIhimself_herself. "We couldn’t even understand your race at first," you add through an awkward chuckle that fades as quickly as it appeared. "Our arrival to this world was… pretty chaotic." $MI hums. Either in thought or agreement, you’re not sure. $MIHe_She avoids meeting you eye, and for a moment you think $MIhe_she’s not going to believe you, like you wouldn’t in $MIhis_her place. But then $MIhis_her breathy chuckle catches you off guard. <<if $MIS is true>>"Wow…" $MIhe_she exhales, and then raises $MIhis_her gaze to find your eyes again. "You’re more special than I thought." <<else>>"Wow…" $MIhe_she exhales, and then raises $MIhis_her gaze to find your eyes again. "You and your group are more special than I thought." <</if>>You blink, surprised. "You believe it that easily?" "How could I not after everything I’ve seen?" [[Continue|286]]

"Do you have enough people to withstand another attack?" you ask, watching the chaos of the Grotto and all the wounded merpeople. "With the gods’ help, maybe." $MI’s expression remains calm and serious as $MIhe_she replies, but you can hear the uncertainty buried in $MIhis_her words. You swallow and dare to ask, "And if not?" The $MImerman_mermaid lowers $MIhis_her gaze, a faint smile tugging at $MIhis_her lips before twisting into something sadder. "Then we better make the most of these last moments with our loved ones before it’s all over," $MIhe_she murmurs. $MI steps closer, $MIhis_her steps slightly hesitant, and sits beside you with a tired grunt. Your eyes drift to the bowl in $MIhis_her hands, and you nod toward the orange paste inside. "Ointment?" You already know the answer, but still ask the question just to avoid the uncomfortable silence threatening to settle between you. "That’s right," $MIhe_she says, lifting the bowl slightly for emphasis. "A mix of green coral secretions and red algae. Nothing better for the pain and wound healing. I figured you could use it." Your gaze drops to $MIhis_her battered body. $MIHe_She’s not as injured as some of the other merpeople you’ve seen, but there are a few cuts that must sting quite a bit. "You’re not in much better shape than me. Shouldn’t you treat yourself first?" "I already did, the ointment should take effect in a few minutes," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. "The other healers… they’re hesitant to approach. You intimidate them. They’re afraid of doing something that might offend you, so I told them I’d handle your treatment. Will you let me?" $MI shifts slightly to get a better angle, raising the bowl again in a silent question. You stare at it for a moment, your brain struggling to keep up with $MIhis_her words due to the exhaustion, but in the end, you nod and let $MIhim_her take care of your wounds. $MIHe_She starts by scooping some ointment with $MIhis_her fingers and gently applying it to your bruised wrist. It feels like several daggers stabbing into your skin the moment $MIhe_she touches it, and not even the cool balm helps you suppress a hiss through clenched teeth. "Argh…" "The first few seconds are the worst," $MI says calmly. "It’ll get better in a moment." Once $MIhe_she finishes with your wrist, $MIhe_she moves on to the cuts along your arm, working $MIhis_her way up to your shoulder. The process is slow, but soon you begin to feel the tension in your muscles easing and the sting fading. What you can barely endure, however, is the heavy silence that finally settles between you. It makes the surrounding noise and chaos feel even louder, hammering inside your head like a war drum. Just when you were about to speak to fend off the creeping madness, $MI beats you to it. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re a god too?" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re a goddess too?" <<else>>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re part of the gods too?" <</if>><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You let out a short, breathy laugh before you can stop it. "I don’t glow, do I?" <<else>>You don’t know why, but the joke leaves your mouth before you can even process it. "I don’t glow, do I?" <</if>><<if $leviathan is true>>$MI meets your gaze with an expression that you don’t know if it’s confused or fearful. "I saw what you did… We all did. You healed that leviathan somehow and gave us one of our guardians back." You clutch the pendant under your tunic. "Yeah…" "And yet you say you’re not part of the gods," $MIhe_she continues, $MIhis_her frown deepening slightly. "What are you, then?" <<else>>$MI meets you gaze, slightly amused by your words. "You do, but in a different way from our Guru and you tall friend. $RG, was it?" You nod. "Yeah." "And yet you say you’re not part of the gods," $MIhe_she continues, $MIhis_her expression turning more serious. "What are you, then?" <</if>> * [[Be sincere. "A human. A species from another world."|285a]] * [[Avoid a straight answer. "Just someone trying to survive."|285b]] * [[Chuckle. "Just a weak mortal."|285c]]

"How many are wounded?" you ask, looking around at the chaos in the Grotto and the many injured merpeople. The $MImerman_mermaid presses $MIhis_her lips together and lowers $MIhis_her gaze. "Too many to count," $MIhe_she murmurs. $MI steps closer, $MIhis_her steps slightly hesitant, and sits beside you with a tired grunt. Your eyes drift to the bowl in $MIhis_her hands, and you nod toward the orange paste inside. "Ointment?" You already know the answer, but still ask the question just to avoid the uncomfortable silence threatening to settle between you. "That’s right," $MIhe_she says, lifting the bowl slightly for emphasis. "A mix of green coral secretions and red algae. Nothing better for the pain and wound healing. I figured you could use it." Your gaze drops to $MIhis_her battered body. $MIHe_She’s not as injured as some of the other merpeople you’ve seen, but there are a few cuts that must sting quite a bit. "You’re not in much better shape than me. Shouldn’t you treat yourself first?" "I already did, the ointment should take effect in a few minutes," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. "The other healers… they’re hesitant to approach. You intimidate them. They’re afraid of doing something that might offend you, so I told them I’d handle your treatment. Will you let me?" $MI shifts slightly to get a better angle, raising the bowl again in a silent question. You stare at it for a moment, your brain struggling to keep up with $MIhis_her words due to the exhaustion, but in the end, you nod and let $MIhim_her take care of your wounds. $MIHe_She starts by scooping some ointment with $MIhis_her fingers and gently applying it to your bruised wrist. It feels like several daggers stabbing into your skin the moment $MIhe_she touches it, and not even the cool balm helps you suppress a hiss through clenched teeth. "Argh…" "The first few seconds are the worst," $MI says calmly. "It’ll get better in a moment." Once $MIhe_she finishes with your wrist, $MIhe_she moves on to the cuts along your arm, working $MIhis_her way up to your shoulder. The process is slow, but soon you begin to feel the tension in your muscles easing and the sting fading. What you can barely endure, however, is the heavy silence that finally settles between you. It makes the surrounding noise and chaos feel even louder, hammering inside your head like a war drum. Just when you were about to speak to fend off the creeping madness, $MI beats you to it. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re a god too?" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re a goddess too?" <<else>>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re part of the gods too?" <</if>><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You let out a short, breathy laugh before you can stop it. "I don’t glow, do I?" <<else>>You don’t know why, but the joke leaves your mouth before you can even process it. "I don’t glow, do I?" <</if>><<if $leviathan is true>>$MI meets your gaze with an expression that you don’t know if it’s confused or fearful. "I saw what you did… We all did. You healed that leviathan somehow and gave us one of our guardians back." You clutch the pendant under your tunic. "Yeah…" "And yet you say you’re not part of the gods," $MIhe_she continues, $MIhis_her frown deepening slightly. "What are you, then?" <<else>>$MI meets you gaze, slightly amused by your words. "You do, but in a different way from our Guru and you tall friend. $RG, was it?" You nod. "Yeah." "And yet you say you’re not part of the gods," $MIhe_she continues, $MIhis_her expression turning more serious. "What are you, then?" <</if>> * [[Be sincere. "A human. A species from another world."|285a]] * [[Avoid a straight answer. "Just someone trying to survive."|285b]] * [[Chuckle. "Just a weak mortal."|285c]]

You shake your head, thoughtful. "Not while there are still demons out there." "Demons…" $MI murmurs. "You mean our siblings." "I’m sorry," you say, wincing. "How… do you feel? You know, after that revelation." The $MImerman_mermaid takes a deep breath and closes $MIhis_her eyes. $MIHe_She exhales slowly and meets your gaze. "Denying reality does no good, even if it hurts," $MIhe_she answers, offering a faint smile that immediately turns into a grimace. "They… wouldn’t want us to leave them like this." $MI steps closer, $MIhis_her steps slightly hesitant, and sits beside you with a tired grunt. Your eyes drift to the bowl in $MIhis_her hands, and you nod toward the orange paste inside. "Ointment?" You already know the answer, but still ask the question just to avoid the uncomfortable silence threatening to settle between you. "That’s right," $MIhe_she says, lifting the bowl slightly for emphasis. "A mix of green coral secretions and red algae. Nothing better for the pain and wound healing. I figured you could use it." Your gaze drops to $MIhis_her battered body. $MIHe_She’s not as injured as some of the other merpeople you’ve seen, but there are a few cuts that must sting quite a bit. "You’re not in much better shape than me. Shouldn’t you treat yourself first?" "I already did, the ointment should take effect in a few minutes," $MIhe_she replies with a nod. "The other healers… they’re hesitant to approach. You intimidate them. They’re afraid of doing something that might offend you, so I told them I’d handle your treatment. Will you let me?" $MI shifts slightly to get a better angle, raising the bowl again in a silent question. You stare at it for a moment, your brain struggling to keep up with $MIhis_her words due to the exhaustion, but in the end, you nod and let $MIhim_her take care of your wounds. $MIHe_She starts by scooping some ointment with $MIhis_her fingers and gently applying it to your bruised wrist. It feels like several daggers stabbing into your skin the moment $MIhe_she touches it, and not even the cool balm helps you suppress a hiss through clenched teeth. "Argh…" "The first few seconds are the worst," $MI says calmly. "It’ll get better in a moment." Once $MIhe_she finishes with your wrist, $MIhe_she moves on to the cuts along your arm, working $MIhis_her way up to your shoulder. The process is slow, but soon you begin to feel the tension in your muscles easing and the sting fading. What you can barely endure, however, is the heavy silence that finally settles between you. It makes the surrounding noise and chaos feel even louder, hammering inside your head like a war drum. Just when you were about to speak to fend off the creeping madness, $MI beats you to it. <<if $gender is "Male" or $gender is "FTM">>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re a god too?" <<elseif $gender is "Female" or $gender is "MTF">>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re a goddess too?" <<else>>"So…" $MIhe_she starts, $MIhis_her eyes glued to one of your wounds. "You’re part of the gods too?" <</if>><<if $fun > $diplomacy and $fun > $blunt>>You let out a short, breathy laugh before you can stop it. "I don’t glow, do I?" <<else>>You don’t know why, but the joke leaves your mouth before you can even process it. "I don’t glow, do I?" <</if>><<if $leviathan is true>>$MI meets your gaze with an expression that you don’t know if it’s confused or fearful. "I saw what you did… We all did. You healed that leviathan somehow and gave us one of our guardians back." You clutch the pendant under your tunic. "Yeah…" "And yet you say you’re not part of the gods," $MIhe_she continues, $MIhis_her frown deepening slightly. "What are you, then?" <<else>>$MI meets you gaze, slightly amused by your words. "You do, but in a different way from our Guru and you tall friend. $RG, was it?" You nod. "Yeah." "And yet you say you’re not part of the gods," $MIhe_she continues, $MIhis_her expression turning more serious. "What are you, then?" <</if>> * [[Be sincere. "A human. A species from another world."|285a]] * [[Avoid a straight answer. "Just someone trying to survive."|285b]] * [[Chuckle. "Just a weak mortal."|285c]]

There’s a crash somewhere, the distinctive sound of metal falling to the hard, rocky ground, but it still startles everyone nearby for a moment. $MI lets out a sigh after the tension has passed. "You’re good to go, $name," $MIhe_she says as $MIhe_she takes the bowl and stands up. "The deeper wounds will heal more slowly, but they’re all sealed." $MIHe_She glances down to your hand and slightly purses $MIhis_her lips. "I’d also recommend that you don’t move your wrist too much, but..." "I know. I’ll do what I can," you say, offering a weak smile as you return $MIhis_her gaze. "Thanks." $MI looks at you seriously. $MIHe_She hesitates for a second before asking softly, "What’s going to happen now?" Your expression falls, and you can’t help but look away when you catch that mix of desperation and hope that you can’t give $MIhim_her. "…I wish I could give you an answer," you end up replying in a murmur. You don’t raise your eyes as $MI walks away. Instead, you stare at the exact spot you were looking at before $MIhe_she arrived. The pain eventually fades altogether, but it brings no comfort. The noise around you begins to overwhelm your senses again. Your eyes drift to the exit, settling on the corridor where $RG, Enid, and Nauzet disappeared a while ago. Your jaw begins to tremble with rising irritation, and before you realise it, you’re already on your feet, walking straight toward it. [[Continue|287]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dimBar" loop play>>\ \ "You’re asking too much of them, Nauzet." "But we have to do it, and you know it." Their booming voices echo through the corridor even before you reach the room. They went deep into the Grotto, certain no one would interrupt them nor overhear their argument. After everything that’s happened, hearing the gods fight would only heighten the desperation and fear already spreading through everyone. "These mortals aren’t ready for another attack," Enid intervenes. "Leaving now would sentence them all." "They have the orb," Nauzet replies firmly. "Staying wouldn’t be better." You could already feel the tension in the corridor, but the overwhelming oppression intensifies once you actually enter the room. Nazuet and $RG face each other like two beasts ready to pounce, and yet you can tell by their taut postures that they are holding back. Enid watches them standing on a rocky table, her face wrinkled in a deep frown. Her original otter look is back, replacing the luminiscale illusion she had. With your own anger guiding your steps you end up standing between the gods. * [[Then stop talking and do something|288a]] * [[You two will tear us apart before the enemy even gets the chance|288b]] * [[Leave? What was the point of this battle, then?|288c]] * [[Do you even see us anymore, or just the orb?|288d]] * [[Enough! This isn’t about the orb. It’s about you two|288e]]

"Then stop talking and do something," you blurt out, your voice slicing through the air like a blade as you look between them. They both flinch, barely, only just now realising you’re there with them. Your chest rises and falls rapidly, the fire in your blood outpacing even the fear beneath it. "I’m sick of speeches, of looming threats and vague decisions. If you want to go for the orb, you have to act now." Nauzet glares at you. "Stay out of this discussion, human. This doesn’t concern you." <<if $RGLove is true>> "Nauzet!" $RG snarls. <</if>>"Doesn’t concern me?" Your eyes burn as you glare back at him. "Half of those merpoeple are dead. Others are being used in some twisted experiments turning them into demons. The remaining ones are forced to fight and be afraid of the species that once were their guardians. $LL has lost a arm!" Every word is spoken louder than the last one as you step closer to Nauzet. You clench your fists at your sides, nails biting into your palms. The fire of frustration spreads like fuel through your veins, and you’re pretty sure it won’t take much longer to burst. <<if $corruption >= 3>>"So don’t even dare saying this doesn’t concern me, because it does!" Another step. "We’re not just pieces in the grand design of the gods. We’re the ones paying the //fucking// price!" There’s a point where the burning sensation that’s been building in your chest actually explodes in a blinding flash of light, making both Nauzet and $RG step back and hiss in anguished pain. "$name!" Enid shouts. Your first reaction is to flinch, the anger dissipating to let fear and confusion take over as you watch Nauzet grabbing his shoulder, while $RG grabs $RGhis_her forearm close to $RGhis_her wrist. It doesn’t take long for you to realise that their pain comes from the celestial mark on their skin. It’s then when you notice the pendant pulsing over your collarbone. You clutch it over the tunic, and take a step back, the light slowly fading until the pendant cools down. "I—I’m sorry, I didn’t…" You shake your head. "I don’t know what came over me." Your heart hammers against your ribs, but it’s not exactly out of guilt. Letting out all that frustration felt good. So good it scares you more than any demon could. "It’s fine," $RG says quickly, $RGhis_her breathing ragged as $RGhe_she still endures the pain. $RGHe_She shoots a glance at $RGhis_her brother. "I think we needed it." $RGHis_Her words bring you no comfort, and you try to ignore the way $RGhis_her hand trembles and the sad frown on Enid’s face. Nauzet closes his eyes and lets out a heavy, and shaky sigh. He winces, and then he also takes a step back. "...Fair enough," he murmurs. <<else>>Before it can overwhelm you, however, you force yourself to take a deep breath and relax, even if only a little. Starting yet another argument won’t take you anywhere, "And maybe you’re right," you say at last, your voice steadier now. "Maybe this //is// a matter for the gods and a mere mortal has no place in these decisions." You let the words hang there for a moment. But your gaze sharpens, not letting your determination doesn’t waver as you shoot a serious look at Nauzet. "But I’m not just a mere mortal. I’m the companion of one of the achimenceys, and I’m tired of being told what’s necessary by people who won’t bleed for it." Nauzet’s expression darkens, but he stays quiet as you continue. "You say you’re the protector of this world?" You take another step forward. "Then start carrying some of its weight yourself. Because talk is cheap, and none of it is saving anyone." The silence that follows is heavy, so dense it feels like it could break. You lock eyes with Nauzet, refusing to yield. His stare is cold, piercing, unblinking. You know he could shatter you if he wanted to. But you don’t look away. "Nauzet…" $RG speaks gently now, $RGhis_her voice low as $RGhe_she places a hand on $RGhis_her brother’s shoulder. It’s a careful gesture. Soft, but grounding. Still, Nauzet doesn’t look away from you, and seconds stretch into something unbearable. You can feel the weight of the celestial pressing down on you, testing you. And then, finally, the god closes his eyes. He lets out a long, heavy breath, and takes a step back. "...Fair enough," he murmurs. <</if>>[[Continue|289]]

"Stop," you say, your voice coming out sharp and bitter. "You two will tear up apart before the enemy even gets the chance" They both flinch, barely, only just now realising you’re there with them. Your chest rises and falls rapidly, the fire in your blood outpacing even the fear beneath it. "Is that what you want?" your press. "To be the ones who finish what the demons started out there?" Nauzet glares at you. "Stay out of this discussion, human. This doesn’t concern you." <<if $RGLove is true>> "Nauzet!" $RG snarls. <</if>>"Doesn’t concern me?" Your eyes burn as you glare back at him. "Half of those merpoeple are dead. Others are being used in some twisted experiments turning them into demons. The remaining ones are forced to fight and be afraid of the species that once were their guardians. $LL has lost a arm!" Every word is spoken louder than the last one as you step closer to Nauzet. You clench your fists at your sides, nails biting into your palms. The fire of frustration spreads like fuel through your veins, and you’re pretty sure it won’t take much longer to burst. <<if $corruption >= 3>>"So don’t even dare saying this doesn’t concern me, because it does!" Another step. "We’re not just pieces in the grand design of the gods. We’re the ones paying the //fucking// price!" There’s a point where the burning sensation that’s been building in your chest actually explodes in a blinding flash of light, making both Nauzet and $RG step back and hiss in anguished pain. "$name!" Enid shouts. Your first reaction is to flinch, the anger dissipating to let fear and confusion take over as you watch Nauzet grabbing his shoulder, while $RG grabs $RGhis_her forearm close to $RGhis_her wrist. It doesn’t take long for you to realise that their pain comes from the celestial mark on their skin. It’s then when you notice the pendant pulsing over your collarbone. You clutch it over the tunic, and take a step back, the light slowly fading until the pendant cools down. "I—I’m sorry, I didn’t…" You shake your head. "I don’t know what came over me." Your heart hammers against your ribs, but it’s not exactly out of guilt. Letting out all that frustration felt good. So good it scares you more than any demon could. "It’s fine," $RG says quickly, $RGhis_her breathing ragged as $RGhe_she still endures the pain. $RGHe_She shoots a glance at $RGhis_her brother. "I think we needed it." $RGHis_Her words bring you no comfort, and you try to ignore the way $RGhis_her hand trembles and the sad frown on Enid’s face. Nauzet closes his eyes and lets out a heavy, and shaky sigh. He winces, and then he also takes a step back. "...Fair enough," he murmurs. <<else>>Before it can overwhelm you, however, you force yourself to take a deep breath and relax, even if only a little. Starting yet another argument won’t take you anywhere, "And maybe you’re right," you say at last, your voice steadier now. "Maybe this //is// a matter for the gods and a mere mortal has no place in these decisions." You let the words hang there for a moment. But your gaze sharpens, not letting your determination doesn’t waver as you shoot a serious look at Nauzet. "But I’m not just a mere mortal. I’m the companion of one of the achimenceys, and I’m tired of being told what’s necessary by people who won’t bleed for it." Nauzet’s expression darkens, but he stays quiet as you continue. "You say you’re the protector of this world?" You take another step forward. "Then start carrying some of its weight yourself. Because talk is cheap, and none of it is saving anyone." The silence that follows is heavy, so dense it feels like it could break. You lock eyes with Nauzet, refusing to yield. His stare is cold, piercing, unblinking. You know he could shatter you if he wanted to. But you don’t look away. "Nauzet…" $RG speaks gently now, $RGhis_her voice low as $RGhe_she places a hand on $RGhis_her brother’s shoulder. It’s a careful gesture. Soft, but grounding. Still, Nauzet doesn’t look away from you, and seconds stretch into something unbearable. You can feel the weight of the celestial pressing down on you, testing you. And then, finally, the god closes his eyes. He lets out a long, heavy breath, and takes a step back. "...Fair enough," he murmurs. <</if>>[[Continue|289]]

"Leave?" you say, shaking your head in disbelief. They both flinch, barely, only just now realising you’re there with them. Your chest rises and falls rapidly, the fire in your blood outpacing even the fear beneath it. "What was the point of this battle, then?" Nauzet glares at you. "Stay out of this discussion, human. This doesn’t concern you." <<if $RGLove is true>> "Nauzet!" $RG snarls. <</if>>"Doesn’t concern me?" Your eyes burn as you glare back at him. "Half of those merpoeple are dead. Others are being used in some twisted experiments turning them into demons. The remaining ones are forced to fight and be afraid of the species that once were their guardians. $LL has lost a arm!" Every word is spoken louder than the last one as you step closer to Nauzet. You clench your fists at your sides, nails biting into your palms. The fire of frustration spreads like fuel through your veins, and you’re pretty sure it won’t take much longer to burst. <<if $corruption >= 3>>"So don’t even dare saying this doesn’t concern me, because it does!" Another step. "We’re not just pieces in the grand design of the gods. We’re the ones paying the //fucking// price!" There’s a point where the burning sensation that’s been building in your chest actually explodes in a blinding flash of light, making both Nauzet and $RG step back and hiss in anguished pain. "$name!" Enid shouts. Your first reaction is to flinch, the anger dissipating to let fear and confusion take over as you watch Nauzet grabbing his shoulder, while $RG grabs $RGhis_her forearm close to $RGhis_her wrist. It doesn’t take long for you to realise that their pain comes from the celestial mark on their skin. It’s then when you notice the pendant pulsing over your collarbone. You clutch it over the tunic, and take a step back, the light slowly fading until the pendant cools down. "I—I’m sorry, I didn’t…" You shake your head. "I don’t know what came over me." Your heart hammers against your ribs, but it’s not exactly out of guilt. Letting out all that frustration felt good. So good it scares you more than any demon could. "It’s fine," $RG says quickly, $RGhis_her breathing ragged as $RGhe_she still endures the pain. $RGHe_She shoots a glance at $RGhis_her brother. "I think we needed it." $RGHis_Her words bring you no comfort, and you try to ignore the way $RGhis_her hand trembles and the sad frown on Enid’s face. Nauzet closes his eyes and lets out a heavy, and shaky sigh. He winces, and then he also takes a step back. "...Fair enough," he murmurs. <<else>>Before it can overwhelm you, however, you force yourself to take a deep breath and relax, even if only a little. Starting yet another argument won’t take you anywhere, "And maybe you’re right," you say at last, your voice steadier now. "Maybe this //is// a matter for the gods and a mere mortal has no place in these decisions." You let the words hang there for a moment. But your gaze sharpens, not letting your determination doesn’t waver as you shoot a serious look at Nauzet. "But I’m not just a mere mortal. I’m the companion of one of the achimenceys, and I’m tired of being told what’s necessary by people who won’t bleed for it." Nauzet’s expression darkens, but he stays quiet as you continue. "You say you’re the protector of this world?" You take another step forward. "Then start carrying some of its weight yourself. Because talk is cheap, and none of it is saving anyone." The silence that follows is heavy, so dense it feels like it could break. You lock eyes with Nauzet, refusing to yield. His stare is cold, piercing, unblinking. You know he could shatter you if he wanted to. But you don’t look away. "Nauzet…" $RG speaks gently now, $RGhis_her voice low as $RGhe_she places a hand on $RGhis_her brother’s shoulder. It’s a careful gesture. Soft, but grounding. Still, Nauzet doesn’t look away from you, and seconds stretch into something unbearable. You can feel the weight of the celestial pressing down on you, testing you. And then, finally, the god closes his eyes. He lets out a long, heavy breath, and takes a step back. "...Fair enough," he murmurs. <</if>>[[Continue|289]]

"Do you even see us anymore, or just the orb?" Your words are shaky, but not because you’re afraid, it’s because you’re furious. They both flinch, barely, only just now realising you’re there with them. Your chest rises and falls rapidly, the fire in your blood outpacing even the fear beneath it. "It may keep the world safe, yes. But what kind of world is it the people in it are gone?" Nauzet glares at you. "Stay out of this discussion, human. This doesn’t concern you." <<if $RGLove is true>> "Nauzet!" $RG snarls. <</if>>"Doesn’t concern me?" Your eyes burn as you glare back at him. "Half of those merpoeple are dead. Others are being used in some twisted experiments turning them into demons. The remaining ones are forced to fight and be afraid of the species that once were their guardians. $LL has lost a arm!" Every word is spoken louder than the last one as you step closer to Nauzet. You clench your fists at your sides, nails biting into your palms. The fire of frustration spreads like fuel through your veins, and you’re pretty sure it won’t take much longer to burst. <<if $corruption >= 3>>"So don’t even dare saying this doesn’t concern me, because it does!" Another step. "We’re not just pieces in the grand design of the gods. We’re the ones paying the //fucking// price!" There’s a point where the burning sensation that’s been building in your chest actually explodes in a blinding flash of light, making both Nauzet and $RG step back and hiss in anguished pain. "$name!" Enid shouts. Your first reaction is to flinch, the anger dissipating to let fear and confusion take over as you watch Nauzet grabbing his shoulder, while $RG grabs $RGhis_her forearm close to $RGhis_her wrist. It doesn’t take long for you to realise that their pain comes from the celestial mark on their skin. It’s then when you notice the pendant pulsing over your collarbone. You clutch it over the tunic, and take a step back, the light slowly fading until the pendant cools down. "I—I’m sorry, I didn’t…" You shake your head. "I don’t know what came over me." Your heart hammers against your ribs, but it’s not exactly out of guilt. Letting out all that frustration felt good. So good it scares you more than any demon could. "It’s fine," $RG says quickly, $RGhis_her breathing ragged as $RGhe_she still endures the pain. $RGHe_She shoots a glance at $RGhis_her brother. "I think we needed it." $RGHis_Her words bring you no comfort, and you try to ignore the way $RGhis_her hand trembles and the sad frown on Enid’s face. Nauzet closes his eyes and lets out a heavy, and shaky sigh. He winces, and then he also takes a step back. "...Fair enough," he murmurs. <<else>>Before it can overwhelm you, however, you force yourself to take a deep breath and relax, even if only a little. Starting yet another argument won’t take you anywhere, "And maybe you’re right," you say at last, your voice steadier now. "Maybe this //is// a matter for the gods and a mere mortal has no place in these decisions." You let the words hang there for a moment. But your gaze sharpens, not letting your determination doesn’t waver as you shoot a serious look at Nauzet. "But I’m not just a mere mortal. I’m the companion of one of the achimenceys, and I’m tired of being told what’s necessary by people who won’t bleed for it." Nauzet’s expression darkens, but he stays quiet as you continue. "You say you’re the protector of this world?" You take another step forward. "Then start carrying some of its weight yourself. Because talk is cheap, and none of it is saving anyone." The silence that follows is heavy, so dense it feels like it could break. You lock eyes with Nauzet, refusing to yield. His stare is cold, piercing, unblinking. You know he could shatter you if he wanted to. But you don’t look away. "Nauzet…" $RG speaks gently now, $RGhis_her voice low as $RGhe_she places a hand on $RGhis_her brother’s shoulder. It’s a careful gesture. Soft, but grounding. Still, Nauzet doesn’t look away from you, and seconds stretch into something unbearable. You can feel the weight of the celestial pressing down on you, testing you. And then, finally, the god closes his eyes. He lets out a long, heavy breath, and takes a step back. "...Fair enough," he murmurs. <</if>>[[Continue|289]]

"Enough!" you blurt out. "This isn’t about the orb. It’s about you two!" You point at them with trembling hands, but not because you’re afraid, it’s because you’re furious. They both flinch, barely, only just now realising you’re there with them. Your chest rises and falls rapidly, the fire in your blood outpacing even the fear beneath it. You point to the exit. "You’re wasting time arguing while people are dying out there!" Nauzet glares at you. "Stay out of this discussion, human. This doesn’t concern you." <<if $RGLove is true>> "Nauzet!" $RG snarls. <</if>>"Doesn’t concern me?" Your eyes burn as you glare back at him. "Half of those merpoeple are dead. Others are being used in some twisted experiments turning them into demons. The remaining ones are forced to fight and be afraid of the species that once were their guardians. $LL has lost a arm!" Every word is spoken louder than the last one as you step closer to Nauzet. You clench your fists at your sides, nails biting into your palms. The fire of frustration spreads like fuel through your veins, and you’re pretty sure it won’t take much longer to burst. <<if $corruption >= 3>>"So don’t even dare saying this doesn’t concern me, because it does!" Another step. "We’re not just pieces in the grand design of the gods. We’re the ones paying the //fucking// price!" There’s a point where the burning sensation that’s been building in your chest actually explodes in a blinding flash of light, making both Nauzet and $RG step back and hiss in anguished pain. "$name!" Enid shouts. Your first reaction is to flinch, the anger dissipating to let fear and confusion take over as you watch Nauzet grabbing his shoulder, while $RG grabs $RGhis_her forearm close to $RGhis_her wrist. It doesn’t take long for you to realise that their pain comes from the celestial mark on their skin. It’s then when you notice the pendant pulsing over your collarbone. You clutch it over the tunic, and take a step back, the light slowly fading until the pendant cools down. "I—I’m sorry, I didn’t…" You shake your head. "I don’t know what came over me." Your heart hammers against your ribs, but it’s not exactly out of guilt. Letting out all that frustration felt good. So good it scares you more than any demon could. "It’s fine," $RG says quickly, $RGhis_her breathing ragged as $RGhe_she still endures the pain. $RGHe_She shoots a glance at $RGhis_her brother. "I think we needed it." $RGHis_Her words bring you no comfort, and you try to ignore the way $RGhis_her hand trembles and the sad frown on Enid’s face. Nauzet closes his eyes and lets out a heavy, and shaky sigh. He winces, and then he also takes a step back. "...Fair enough," he murmurs. <<else>>Before it can overwhelm you, however, you force yourself to take a deep breath and relax, even if only a little. Starting yet another argument won’t take you anywhere, "And maybe you’re right," you say at last, your voice steadier now. "Maybe this //is// a matter for the gods and a mere mortal has no place in these decisions." You let the words hang there for a moment. But your gaze sharpens, not letting your determination doesn’t waver as you shoot a serious look at Nauzet. "But I’m not just a mere mortal. I’m the companion of one of the achimenceys, and I’m tired of being told what’s necessary by people who won’t bleed for it." Nauzet’s expression darkens, but he stays quiet as you continue. "You say you’re the protector of this world?" You take another step forward. "Then start carrying some of its weight yourself. Because talk is cheap, and none of it is saving anyone." The silence that follows is heavy, so dense it feels like it could break. You lock eyes with Nauzet, refusing to yield. His stare is cold, piercing, unblinking. You know he could shatter you if he wanted to. But you don’t look away. "Nauzet…" $RG speaks gently now, $RGhis_her voice low as $RGhe_she places a hand on $RGhis_her brother’s shoulder. It’s a careful gesture. Soft, but grounding. Still, Nauzet doesn’t look away from you, and seconds stretch into something unbearable. You can feel the weight of the celestial pressing down on you, testing you. And then, finally, the god closes his eyes. He lets out a long, heavy breath, and takes a step back. "...Fair enough," he murmurs. <</if>>[[Continue|289]]

"I understand your hesitations, $RG," Nauzet begins, his face still serious, though his voice is calmer now. He gestures toward the corridor. "But go out there and look. Even with our help, many have died. How many more attacks will come before they all perish?" He shakes his head. "No. We need to get the orb and Soza back. It’s the only chance we have to save them." $RG presses $RGhis_her lips together in a subtle frown. "The Nauzet I know wouldn’t sacrifice the people he swore to protect." "Me leaving //is// protecting them!" The sudden yell pierces your ears, making you flinch. $RG and Enid, however, aren’t rattled by Nauzet’s outburst. The merman takes a deep breath and exhales in a low groan. He looks away and sits on a smooth, rocky bench, his hand tightening around his trident as if trying to bend it. If it were a mortal weapon, he probably would have. $RG’s expression shifts to one of worry, but it’s Enid who steps forward and speaks first. "It’s about what that faycan said, isn’t it? It haunts you too." Nauzet sighs again and nods. "Yes." "You mean when he said you two had met before?" you ask. "I’m afraid he might be right," the god replies, thoughtful. $RG raises $RGhis_her brows. "So you have?" "If I have or haven’t... I actually don’t remember. But that’s the thing." Nauzet purses his lips. "Now that I think about it, there’s a huge part of my existence I can’t recall, no matter how hard I try. Everything past a certain point is just... blank." He keeps his gaze fixed on the rocky ground, even as $RG sits beside him. "What's the first thing you remember?" Nauzet frowns, puzzled. With that same expression, he raises his eyes to meet his <<if $RG is "Rayco">>brother<<else>>sister<</if>>'s. "...You," he replies with a slight shake of his head. "The day you were named achimencey. I can’t remember anything before that moment." [[Continue|290]]

"Argh!" You all turn to Enid as she hisses in pain and clutches her head, but the headache doesn’t seem to be as bad as the last ones she’s had, thankfully. Still, that doesn’t stop your brow from furrowing. "Are you okay, Enid?" you ask. "They’re becoming more frequent," she answers with a growl. "I thought it was just because I’d been away from Orahan for so long, like Abora said, but now I realize it happens every time I try to remember something." "That’s the only difference. I don’t feel pain, only frustration," Nauzet murmurs, his brow tightening. "I hadn’t noticed it until now. Why can’t I remember anything?" The room falls into a heavy silence for a moment, the only sound coming from droplets of water dripping from the ceiling. You lean your hip against the rocky table and cross your arms, thinking. "There must be a way to recover your memories," you say after a few seconds. "Maybe then we can find out what happened with that faycan and why he resents you so much. We might even find a weakness we can use against him to recover the orb." "Maybe Abora could. She’s the only one who can enter the souls of other gods, but we don’t have time to go to Taoro and back before the next attack," $RG says. "Enter their soul?" you ask with a tilt of your head. "The soul never lies. No matter how much you’ve forgotten, all your memories are there," Nauzet replies. That’s when you become aware of the weight of the pendant around your neck, and you can’t help but flash a triumphant smirk as you pull it out from under your tunic. "Good thing you’ve got someone here who can enter souls, right?" But their serious expressions hit you like a bucket of cold water. Both gods shake their heads. "Impossible," Nauzet says gravely. "That works on mortals, but the artifact was made to drain our energy and create the seal. If you use it on us, you’ll kill us." [[Continue|291]]

"...But you //could// use it on me." Enid’s voice is barely a thoughtful murmur at first, but in the silence that follows, everyone hears it with an almost chilling clarity. You turn to her, eyes wide. "Seriously? You want me to enter your soul?" "I’ve met that faycan too," she answers, firmer this time. "He said it himself, and if my headaches are tied to my memories, what I felt when I saw him proves it." $RG presses $RGhis_her lips into a thin line. "Are you sure, Enid? We don’t know what’s hidden in that past. It could make your suffering worse." "They’re no longer insignificant memories of my former summoners. If they’re important enough to stop that faycan and save this world, I want to know. We //need// to know. No matter the consequences," she says with determination. Then she looks at you. "Mortal?" Your gaze flicks hesitantly between the gods and Enid for a moment. Then, swallowing hard, you take the pendant off your neck and turn fully toward the celestial spirit. "All right. Let’s try." $RG stands and approaches the otter. "I’ll help. Just in case." They share a look, and Enid nods. The otter closes her eyes, and $RG’s skin begins to turn a pure white from $RGhis_her fingertips to halfway up $RGhis_her forearm. Slowly, $RGhis_her hand sinks into $RGhis_her companion’s chest. Until it stops, and $RGhe_she turns $RGhis_her head toward you. "I’ve got her," $RGhe_she says. You nod and tighten your grip on the pendant as you face Enid fully, aiming the symbol of the gods at her. "Here goes nothing…" The flash of light is nearly immediate. [[Continue|292]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "static" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ <<if $leviathan is true>>You’ve only entered other souls twice before, but you can immediately feel something is wrong this time. Very wrong. The place is identical to the others, a dark, cold space where you can barely make out anything beyond a couple of meters. But there’s also an oppressive feeling in the air, pressing down on your lungs, as if each breath is taking more air away from you than it’s giving back. <<else>>You’ve only entered another soul once before, but you can immediately feel something is wrong this time. Very wrong. The place is exactly how you remember it from <<if $AriAlive is true>>Arianna’s<<else>>Lord Hillorwe’s<</if>> soul, a dark, cold space where you can barely make out anything beyond a couple of meters. But there’s also an oppressive feeling in the air, pressing down on your lungs, as if each breath is taking more air away from you than it’s giving back. <</if>>It’s also incredibly hard to move, as if your body suddenly weighs a ton. The mist around you is so dense it seems to grip your limbs and try to pull you into the deepest, darkest void. You fight against that force and manage to take a couple of steps forward. "Ow! What the...?" You rub that spot in the middle of your forehead that’s starting to burn, while your other hand feels through the air ahead of you and hits an invisible wall. It’s as if the place is sealed. "What the hell is this?" You push against it, testing, but you can’t get through the transparent surface, so you start moving along its edge. However, after a few minutes, you’re forced to stop, breathing heavily as if you’d sprinted all the way from Sorrol to Astian. "This makes no sense," you murmur, glancing around, barely able to catch your breath. "What’s wrong with you, Enid?" [[Continue|293]]

Then a sudden explosion bursts, startling you even though the sound is muffled. Beyond the invisible barrier, in the distance, a blazing light begins to spread slowly like a flower of fire opening in slow motion. The ground trembles beneath your feet, and the heat passes through the barrier with a subtle but constant pressure. But what really makes your pulse race is when the place begins to crack and split in two. Reality distorts. The world flickers like static images threatening to vanish. Then, a voice rings out, as distorted as Enid’s soul, but clear enough to tell it belongs to a woman. //"I did what I had to!"// A sharp pain shoots through your temple, so strong your legs give out and you collapse to the floor. //"That’s no excuse!"// another female voice sounds. //"$BNHe_She’s suffering because of our selfishness! Can’t you see that? Agh!"// There’s a pause. You feel another stab of pain, even worse than the first, and squeeze your eyes shut. //"It’s time…"// Another explosion sounds. The place shakes with a new quake that tears it further apart. You clutch your head desperately, as if trying to rip it off along with the pain. All you want is for it to stop. //"My little sun…"// //"I won’t allow it!"// the first voice bursts out. //"Enid!"// Another explosion. Now you feel like someone is pulling you upward. For a moment, you think you hear something else... not a voice, but a distant, soft echo, like the cry of a wounded animal. But it vanishes almost immediately. Something compels you to open your eyes. The place seems to be collapsing. Then you see a figure emerging from the fractured shards of reality. A tall and elegant woman with pale skin, long pointed ears poking through her silky dark hair, glowing with purple sparkles. You feel a strange sensation crawling up your neck. You’re certain you’ve never seen this woman before. She doesn’t even seem human. And yet, there’s something about her that feels incredibly familiar. Where have you seen her before? Another figure appears out of nowhere. A man this time. He passes through the woman’s body as if she weren’t really there, and slowly walks toward you. You recognize the man instantly: tanned skin, intense eyes, a thick beard, dark hair streaked with navy blue, and wings that remind you of $RG’s. $RGHis_Her predecessor… What did Abora say his name was? You feel another pull, stronger than before, and everything begins to fade. But before you’re pulled out of Enid’s soul, you hear one last thing. //"Acaymo…"// [[Continue|294]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "dimBar" loop play>>\ \ You stumble back, a hand grabbing your arm to keep you from falling. You shake your head to clear the disorientation and realize that the immense pain vanished the moment you were forced out of Enid’s soul. In front of you, however, it’s the otter herself who now grimaces in pain in $RG’s arms, who gently strokes her in an attempt to soothe her suffering. "What happened in there?" Nauzet asks, releasing your arm. "For a moment, you both started screaming." "I’m not sure. I couldn’t go very far. It was like something was blocking my way," you reply, rubbing your eyes. "I heard a couple of voices, but then this huge headache hit me." "It sounded like a serious argument," Enid chimes in suddenly. Despite $RG’s concern and the lingering pain on her face, she manages to convince $RGhim_her to set her back on the table. "But it could’ve been about anything and from any time." You nod. "Yeah, there was nothing about Locto. Not even a mention. Although…" $RG frowns at your thoughtful expression. "Although?" You purse your lips for a moment before answering. "I did see something about the faycans. Before you pulled me out, I saw one of the women, I think. But then the other renegade showed up. The one who came before you. Acaymo, right?" The hiss of pain that escapes Enid confirms you heard the name correctly. $RG is instantly at her side, but the otter raises a paw to calm $RGhim_her. "You saw him?" she asks with a grimace. You’re not sure if it’s confusion or discomfort. "I didn’t see anything, just heard the voices." You frown, puzzled. How can it be that you saw things she didn’t, if you were inside her soul? Nauzet sighs. "It was worth the attempt, but I’m afraid it leaves us empty-handed." [[Continue|295]]

"What do we do now?" you ask after a pause. Nauzet casts a serious glance at his <<if $RG is "Rayco">>brother<<else>>sister<</if>>. "I know you won’t agree, but you know as well as I do that our duty is to prioritize the orb and Soza. If this world has any chance of surviving… that’s how." The last line he says in a quiet voice. Nauzet straightens up, shifting his trident from one hand to the other. "Unless you have a better idea that lets us defeat our enemies and protect the city at the same time." You watch $RG expectantly. $RGHe_She holds Nauzet’s gaze for several long seconds, unblinking. Nauzet’s words weren’t meant as a challenge, but the purple-haired $RGgod_goddess seems to take them as one. After a while, however, $RG looks away and crosses $RGhis_her arms. "No," $RGhe_she replies with a resigned sigh. "I’ve got nothing." Curiously, the ghost of a smile flickers on Nauzet’s lips. "You’re still very young, $RG." "Wait, what about us?" you cut in, alarmed. "You can’t just leave us like this!" You look between the gods. Nauzet watches you sternly while $RG avoids your gaze, $RGhis_her body visibly tense. Then, Enid steps forward. "I can stay. I’ll keep the mortals safe for as long as I can until you return," the otter says. "Besides, if I can’t fight that faycan properly without my head hurting, I’ll only be a burden to you out there. I can be more useful here." <<if $leviathan is true>>"Very well. Then it’s settled," declares Nauzet with a nod, ignoring the tension on $RG’s face at the thought. "Let’s hope that with you and the leviathan it’ll be enough to keep them safe for the time we need." He turns to $RG and stands tall. "Even so, we’ve already lost too much time and need to move quickly. Say your goodbyes, <<if $RG is "Rayco">>brother<<else>>sister<</if>>. We leave now." <<else>>"Very well. Then it’s settled," declares Nauzet with a nod, ignoring the tension on $RG’s face at the thought. "Let’s hope that with you it’ll be enough to keep them safe for the time we need." He turns to $RG and stands tall. "Even so, we’ve already lost too much time and need to move quickly. Say your goodbyes, <<if $RG is "Rayco">>brother<<else>>sister<</if>>. We leave now." <</if>>[[Continue|296]]

"Not a chance!" Salva’s shout crashes against the walls like thunder. He storms toward Nauzet with determined steps, his blue eyes blazing. His face is twisted with rage, all of it directed at the merman god. He completely ignores you, just like he ignores $RG. He doesn’t even react to Enid’s new form. "You’re not going anywhere until you explain what’s going on!" he yells, jabbing an accusatory finger at Nauzet. The god turns to him with a deep frown. "I don’t have time for your nonsense, tadpole. This is far more important than you." "Bullshit!" Salva snaps, taking another threatening step forward. "I heard what you said. If it involves my father, it involves me too. You owe me this!" "I //owe// you?" Nauzet repeats, incredulous, his tone now matching Salva’s. But the young merman doesn’t back down. "Yes, you owe me," he insists. "You appeared out of nowhere, got into our lives and made us... get used to you." You purse your lips. You get the feeling the young merman meant to say something else. Nauzet seems to have noticed it too, because although his stance remains rigid and stoic, some of the tension drains from his posture. "But it was all a lie," Salva continues. "You treated my father like a brother for nothing. You made me believe I could be something more and pretended to understand me for nothing. Just so you could toss me aside without a word the moment my father vanished. Then you go and favour a bunch of strangers who could very well be the ones who took our people!" Salva throws up his hands and shoves Nauzet, but the god doesn’t budge an inch. In the end, it’s Salva who ends up stumbling backward. "Who are these people?" he demands, pointing at $RG, Enid, and you. Another shove. "And who in the name of The Void are you! You’re—" Suddenly, all his strength leaves him in a single breath. The fury in Salva’s face vanishes instantly, and his expression crumples into a mix of confusion and fear. His eyes look as if they’re truly seeing Nauzet for the first time, and when the god slightly unfurls his still visible wings, Salva takes a small step back. "...A god," he finishes in a hushed whisper. The dripping from the ceiling and Salva’s ragged breathing are the only things keeping the heavy, oppressive silence at bay. The young merman’s chest rises and falls rapidly as his frightened gaze stays fixed on Nauzet’s face. Your insides twist. Salva’s words carry a wound you didn’t know existed, and for the first time, Nauzet seems unable to hide that it hurts him too. You don’t know if you should intervene... but something tells you this moment doesn’t belong to you. You and $RG exchange a quiet, understanding glance, and then the merman god lets out a sigh. "All right. We’ll tell you everything." [[Continue|297]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "wounded" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ //''[A few minutes later...]''// A few minutes later, you’ve told Salva everything he needed to know. About the orb, the other worlds, his father, and the gods. At first, he seems to struggle with it, but slowly that resistance turns into a reluctant acceptance. After listening, the merman collapses onto the bench. "So all this time he knew what was going on… and didn’t say anything?" Confusion cracks his voice, deep and broken. He drops his gaze to some invisible corner on the floor, as if hoping it will offer him some kind of answer. When it doesn’t, he clenches his fists tightly, unable to hide his frustration. * [[My mother didn’t tell me either|298a]] * [[Truth never comes on time|298b]] * [[Welcome to the club, buddy|298c]] * [[What does it matter now?|298d]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "I know how you feel right now, Salva. My mother didn’t tell me anything either. Not a word," you say quietly, looking off to the side. You shake your head slightly. "And by the time she wanted to, it was already too late." Salva looks up. "How do you deal with it?" You meet his gaze. "However I can. Because I don’t have any other choice." You notice Salva clenching his jaw tightly, but he doesn’t respond. Nauzet lets out a tired sigh and slowly steps toward him. The movement catches the young man’s attention, and their eyes lock a second later. "Now you understand why I do what I do," Nauzet says seriously. "There are priorities that cannot be ignored, no matter who they affect. This is bigger than any of us." "You lied to me," Salva says suddenly, almost before Nauzet finishes speaking. "And so did my father." "Would you have believed me if I’d told you from the start? I doubt it." Nauzet pauses, watching Salva turn his eyes away, giving him a silent confirmation. Then he steps closer and crouches in front of him, forcing him to meet his gaze. "Your father wanted to protect you. I was only honouring his wishes." Salva shuts his mouth tightly and swallows hard, his reddened eyes shining with tears that refuse to fall. His face hardens, and then he lets out a smile that’s more of a bitter, furious grimace. "So that’s what it was, huh? You got close to us because it was convenient. Because it’s what you were supposed to do." His voice breaks at this point, but Salva refuses to look away. "And then you kept me locked up here just in case. After all, if you don’t have one, you’ve got the other, right? The backup replacement." Nauzet parts his lips, but no sound comes out. The god lowers his gaze for just a moment before finally replying. "That’s how it began." The merman god’s voice is steady, but there’s a noticeable softness to it now. Salva can no longer hold back the tears, and they start streaming freely down his cheeks as they lock eyes. A gentle touch on your arm pulls your attention away. $RG gives you a look and nods toward the exit, then quietly leads you out of the room, leaving Nauzet and Salva alone. [[Continue|299]]

<<add_diplomacy +1>>\ \ "The truth rarely comes on time," you remark thoughtfully, shaking your head slightly. "Only when it’s already too late to change anything." You notice Salva clenching his jaw tightly, but he doesn’t respond. Nauzet lets out a tired sigh and slowly steps toward him. The movement catches the young man’s attention, and their eyes lock a second later. "Now you understand why I do what I do," Nauzet says seriously. "There are priorities that cannot be ignored, no matter who they affect. This is bigger than any of us." "You lied to me," Salva says suddenly, almost before Nauzet finishes speaking. "And so did my father." "Would you have believed me if I’d told you from the start? I doubt it." Nauzet pauses, watching Salva turn his eyes away, giving him a silent confirmation. Then he steps closer and crouches in front of him, forcing him to meet his gaze. "Your father wanted to protect you. I was only honouring his wishes." Salva shuts his mouth tightly and swallows hard, his reddened eyes shining with tears that refuse to fall. His face hardens, and then he lets out a smile that’s more of a bitter, furious grimace. "So that’s what it was, huh? You got close to us because it was convenient. Because it’s what you were supposed to do." His voice breaks at this point, but Salva refuses to look away. "And then you kept me locked up here just in case. After all, if you don’t have one, you’ve got the other, right? The backup replacement." Nauzet parts his lips, but no sound comes out. The god lowers his gaze for just a moment before finally replying. "That’s how it began." The merman god’s voice is steady, but there’s a noticeable softness to it now. Salva can no longer hold back the tears, and they start streaming freely down his cheeks as they lock eyes. A gentle touch on your arm pulls your attention away. $RG gives you a look and nods toward the exit, then quietly leads you out of the room, leaving Nauzet and Salva alone. [[Continue|299]]

<<add_fun +1>>\ \ "Welcome to the club, buddy. You’re not the only one who found out too late what your role was in all this." You try to sound lighthearted, but bitterness creeps into your words. Salva looks up. "How do you deal with it?" You shrug. "When there’s no other option, you eventually accept it." You notice Salva clenching his jaw tightly, but he doesn’t respond. Nauzet lets out a tired sigh and slowly steps toward him. The movement catches the young man’s attention, and their eyes lock a second later. "Now you understand why I do what I do," Nauzet says seriously. "There are priorities that cannot be ignored, no matter who they affect. This is bigger than any of us." "You lied to me," Salva says suddenly, almost before Nauzet finishes speaking. "And so did my father." "Would you have believed me if I’d told you from the start? I doubt it." Nauzet pauses, watching Salva turn his eyes away, giving him a silent confirmation. Then he steps closer and crouches in front of him, forcing him to meet his gaze. "Your father wanted to protect you. I was only honouring his wishes." Salva shuts his mouth tightly and swallows hard, his reddened eyes shining with tears that refuse to fall. His face hardens, and then he lets out a smile that’s more of a bitter, furious grimace. "So that’s what it was, huh? You got close to us because it was convenient. Because it’s what you were supposed to do." His voice breaks at this point, but Salva refuses to look away. "And then you kept me locked up here just in case. After all, if you don’t have one, you’ve got the other, right? The backup replacement." Nauzet parts his lips, but no sound comes out. The god lowers his gaze for just a moment before finally replying. "That’s how it began." The merman god’s voice is steady, but there’s a noticeable softness to it now. Salva can no longer hold back the tears, and they start streaming freely down his cheeks as they lock eyes. A gentle touch on your arm pulls your attention away. $RG gives you a look and nods toward the exit, then quietly leads you out of the room, leaving Nauzet and Salva alone. [[Continue|299]]

<<add_blunt +1>>\ \ "Yeah, your father didn’t involve you when he should have," you start, your voice firm as you cross your arms. "But what does that matter now?" Salva lifts his gaze, frowning. "It matters to me." "Does it change anything?" you reply. You pause to see if Salva argues back, but he stays silent. "You can either accept it, or dwell on it. But the situation is what it is, and that’s not going to change." You notice Salva clenching his jaw tightly, but he doesn’t respond. Nauzet lets out a tired sigh and slowly steps toward him. The movement catches the young man’s attention, and their eyes lock a second later. "Now you understand why I do what I do," Nauzet says seriously. "There are priorities that cannot be ignored, no matter who they affect. This is bigger than any of us." "You lied to me," Salva says suddenly, almost before Nauzet finishes speaking. "And so did my father." "Would you have believed me if I’d told you from the start? I doubt it." Nauzet pauses, watching Salva turn his eyes away, giving him a silent confirmation. Then he steps closer and crouches in front of him, forcing him to meet his gaze. "Your father wanted to protect you. I was only honouring his wishes." Salva shuts his mouth tightly and swallows hard, his reddened eyes shining with tears that refuse to fall. His face hardens, and then he lets out a smile that’s more of a bitter, furious grimace. "So that’s what it was, huh? You got close to us because it was convenient. Because it’s what you were supposed to do." His voice breaks at this point, but Salva refuses to look away. "And then you kept me locked up here just in case. After all, if you don’t have one, you’ve got the other, right? The backup replacement." Nauzet parts his lips, but no sound comes out. The god lowers his gaze for just a moment before finally replying. "That’s how it began." The merman god’s voice is steady, but there’s a noticeable softness to it now. Salva can no longer hold back the tears, and they start streaming freely down his cheeks as they lock eyes. A gentle touch on your arm pulls your attention away. $RG gives you a look and nods toward the exit, then quietly leads you out of the room, leaving Nauzet and Salva alone. [[Continue|299]]

Your footsteps echo down the wet hallway as you follow $RG in silence. Eventually, the noise of the merpeople moving back and forth and the indistinct shouting of orders reaches your ears. You suddenly stop, making $RG stop as well, and glance back. "Do you think they’ll be okay?" you ask, thinking of Salva and Nauzet. $RG stays silent for a few seconds, following your gaze back to the corridor you just left. "They will," $RGhe_she says. "Not even a god can hide their feelings forever, no matter how much they want to." <<if $RGLove is true>>That soft tone in $RGhis_her voice lures you in more than the warmth of a crackling fireplace on a winter's night. You try to find $RGhis_her gaze, but $RGhe_she refuses to return it and keeps $RGhis_her eyes fixed on the other end of the corridor. "Maybe gods shouldn’t try to hide them in the first place," you say, your voice only loud enough for $RGhim_her to hear. It was meant to be just a thought, but it was too stubborn to stay silent and ended up hanging between the two of you. $RG doesn’t reply right away, and your frustration only grows as $RGhis_her silence stretches on. But then, just when you were about to give up and resume walking toward the main part of the Grotto, $RGhe_she shifts, and $RGhis_her gaze finally finds yours. The sudden vulnerability in $RGhis_her eyes makes your heart skip a beat. For a moment, $RGhis_her soul is bare for you to see. "We don’t want to," $RGhe_she says, $RGhis_her voice impossibly soft. $RGHis_Her words may refer to all gods, but you know without a shadow of a doubt that $RGhe_she’s talking about you. About that bond that ties your fates together, too dangerous to give in to, yet too intoxicating to resist. Your lips part, but before you have the chance to reply, someone else beats you to it. "And yet they must, when surrendering means putting others at risk." Enid’s curt voice cuts in from atop the achimencey’s shoulders, only now making her presence known just when both you and $RG had completely forgotten she was there, listening to every word and seeing every glance. You both tense at the same time. You more than $RG, at least on the outside. The $RGgod_goddess calmly closes $RGhis_her eyes and takes a step back, breaking eye contact with you. "Yes... some ties are better left buried," $RGhe_she agrees. A knot of disappointment tightens in your stomach. That painful pang has become all too familiar. Enid lets out a sigh, her expression falling, and her voice softening. "Forget about that. We should focus on what’s ahead and inform our group of what comes next." You shake the feeling away and look up at the otter. Your mind drifts back to just a few minutes ago, when you were inside her soul. The memory of the intense pain you felt resurfaces, and you wonder if it’s the same kind of pain she gets every now and then. <<else>>"Sounds like you're speaking from experience," you say, raising an eyebrow. "You have no idea, $name." $RG lowers $RGhis_her gaze, a sad smile tugging at $RGhis_her lips. "Some ties are better left buried." Something in $RGhis_her tone piques your curiosity, though you don’t get a chance to ask more when Enid joins the conversation. "Don’t worry about them. They’ll manage. We should focus on what’s ahead and inform our group of what comes next." You look at the otter perched on $RG’s shoulder, your mind drifting back to just a few minutes ago, when you were inside her soul. The memory of the intense pain you felt resurfaces, and you wonder if it’s the same kind of pain she gets every now and then. <</if>>You press your lips together, concerned. "Are you sure you're well enough to fight, Enid?" Her face darkens and her ears droop for a moment, but she straightens up almost immediately. "I won’t lie, mortal, my mind is elsewhere right now." "Your memories," you state. Enid nods. "That’s right. But I can’t let that distract me. I’ll protect the city and keep the tibicenas at bay until Moneiba’s orb is recovered." A frown creases $RG’s face, and $RGhe_she raises $RGhis_her hand to gently pet Enid behind her ears. More to calm $RGhimself_herself than the otter. "I could stay behind and protect the city with you, if you’d prefer." "You know even better than I do that Nauzet won’t be able to fight both $BN and $BNhis_her faycan alone." Enid shakes her head firmly. "Forget about my memories for now. Only Abora could shed any real light on my past. I’ll ask her when we return. With a bit of luck, she might be able to figure out what happened to me, and how I know that faycan and your predecessor, $RG." "Yes," $RG says, $RGhis_her expression hardening. "And even if she can’t, we’ll find out what ties you to him, Enid. And if he’s the reason for your memory loss, I swear he’ll pay for it." [[Continue|300]]

There’s something more unsettling than the grim note in $RGhis_her voice. For a brief moment, you think you see a change in $RG’s pupils, as if they stretch and narrow ever so slightly. The moment lasts barely a blink before they return to normal. You’d think it was your imagination, if not for the fact that you saw something similar a few hours ago. What happened in The Seaweed Forest starts gnawing at you from the inside, and you can’t help but bring it up. "$RG… are you okay?" The question seems to catch $RGhim_her off guard, as if you’d pulled $RGhim_her out of deep thought. $RGHe_She turns back to you, and $RGhis_her expression softens considerably. "Nauzet’s always been better at hiding his worries. After all these millennia, I still haven’t mastered that. I’m sorry for making you worry." <<if $RG is "Rayco">>Even his voice sounds like it always does, deep and slightly raspy, but not… dark. Still, you know what you saw, and you can’t shake that strange feeling twisting in your gut. <<else>>Even her voice sounds like it always does, deep, but not… dark. Still, you know what you saw, and you can’t shake that strange feeling twisting in your gut. <</if>>"No, that’s not what I mean. I’m talking about what happened before, in the forest," you say, your frown deepening. "When Enid used her spell… it electrocuted everyone. And you... you were outside the barrier too." And it didn’t even affect $RGhim_her. It was like $RGhe_she wasn’t… really there. $RG frowns, clearly confused, and Enid tilts her head toward $RGhim_her, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. But then, $RG lets out a soft chuckle that cuts through the growing tension, now leaving you the one confused. "Ah, so that’s what this is about. Don’t worry, $name. There’s only one thing that can truly hurt me, and that’s the artefact. The rest can’t kill me." $RGHe_She says it with such ease that it’s hard not to believe $RGhim_her. Maybe it really doesn’t affect $RGhim_her… or maybe not as much as you thought. Perhaps you still don’t fully grasp how powerful $RGhe_she truly is. And yet... $RGHis_Her eyes… What about what you saw in $RGhis_her eyes? $RG places a hand on your shoulder with a gentle squeeze, searching for your gaze and letting you see <<if $RG is "Rayco">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. So violet. So normal. "I’m okay, $name. Really," $RGhe_she assures you, before nodding slightly toward the exit. "Come. We need to inform $AL and $AO of the situation." You hold $RGhis_her gaze for a few seconds longer, lips pressed into a thin line, your eyes scanning <<if $RG is "Rayco">>his<<else>>hers<</if>> for anything strange. When you're convinced nothing’s going to happen, you nod, and together you walk through the labyrinthine hallway toward the purification chamber. Still... that bad feeling [[Continue|301]]

The rest of the way was quiet between the three of you. You followed $RG through the endless corridors, the $RGgod_goddess seeming to know exactly where to go. A wave of anticipation surges through you when, after quite a few turns and a few steps up to the second floor, $RG stops in front of a door and grabs the handle. The breath you were holding finally leaves the prison of your mouth in a sigh of relief when you see your friends. Both $AO and $AL stay close to $LL’s bed, tending to the still unconscious warrior as the doctor also runs $AOhis_her hand up and down $AL’s back. <<if $LLLove is true>>They look exhausted and defeated, a feeling you share the moment your eyes drift to $LL’s missing arm. Desolation clutches your heart with a crushing grip that threatens to steal the last bits of resolve you have, and you almost let it. You want to give in. You want to rush to $LLhis_her side and stay with $LLhim_her until $LLhe_she wakes up. You want to kneel and pray for $LLhis_her recovery, to see those emerald eyes again. You want to feel that lump forming in your throat and let the tears run freely down your cheeks. You want to scream and curse every corrupted creature dead or alive, and you want to berate yourself for not being able to protect $LLhim_her. You want to do all that and more, but you don’t allow yourself that luxury. Instead, you swallow it all and force yourself to focus on the only thing that matters. <<else>>They look exhausted and defeated, a feeling you share the moment your eyes drift to $LL’s missing arm. Desolation clutches your heart with a crushing grip that threatens to steal the last bits of resolve you have, but you force yourself to swallow the feeling and focus on the only thing that matters. <</if>>"You’re all safe…" You absolutely hate how low and weak your voice sounds, but at least you managed to avoid the tremble that almost slipped through. <<if $AOLove is true>>Your gaze is drawn to $AO’s like a magnet to its opposite. $AOHe_She eyes you first with that medical glance you know well, but there’s more to it than just a simple examination. The need to know you’re not hurt, that you’re truly okay. You do the same with $AOhim_her. The bruises and cuts that you saw on $AOhis_her body earlier are still there, but they don’t look as deep nor as visible as before. They’re all healing slowly, just like yours. A small smile touches $AOhis_her lips then, gentle as a breeze. And somehow, that warmth is all it takes for the tension to begin melting from your shoulders. The moment is broken when $AL suddenly stands up and stride towards you, stopping just in front of $RG. <<elseif $ALLove is true>>Your gaze is drawn to $AL like a magnet to its opposite, your heart longing to find comfort in those emerald eyes again and make sure $ALhe_she’s truly okay. Worry creases your features when $ALhe_she doesn’t meet your eyes. Instead, $ALhe_she abruptly stands from $ALhis_her seat and strides towards you… only to stop in front of $RG. <<else>>They both raise their heads, relief washing over $AO the moment $AOhe_she meets your eyes. But then $AL abruptly stands up from $ALhis_her seat and strides towards you, stopping just in front of $RG. <</if>>"Please…" $ALhe_she starts, $ALhis_her hands shaking as $ALhe_she reaches out to the $RGgod_goddess. "Heal $LLhim_her." $RG’s gaze slowly turns to the unconscious $LLman_woman, $RGhis_her expression completely emotionless as $RGhe_she watches $LLhim_her for a silent moment. The only change you see is when $RGhe_she looks down for a split second before returning to $AL. "Heal $LLhim_her?" $RGhe_she asks, just as slowly, as if $RGhe_she doesn’t understand what the red-haired $ALman_woman means. "$LLHis_Her arm," $AL replies, $ALhis_her voice trembling just as much as $ALhis_her hands. "You can give $LL $LLhis_her arm back. You can wake $LLhim_her up. You can help $LLhim_her! You… you can fix this, right? You have to!" $ALHis_Her voice slowly becomes more desperate with every word $ALhe_she says, now clutching $RG’s tunic as if trying to grasps the last remnants of hope $ALhe_she can find. $RG stays silent, watching $AL’s eyes without even blinking as Enid lowers her ears. $RGHis_Her face saddens before $RGhe_she replies. "I’m afraid I can’t." The tone was soft, and yet the words seems to hit $AL like a physical wound. $ALHe_She releases $RG’s tunic to open $ALhis_her palms as if $ALhe_she was about to pray. "But… you're a $RGgod_goddess." $RG looks away. "There are things not even gods can do, $AL." $AL lowers $ALhis_her gaze, $ALhis_her eyes shimmering as tears gather at the corners. $ALHe_She then turns and walks away to the corner of the small room, running a hand over $ALhis_her head and ruffling $ALhis_her hair. * [["'I'm sorry, " + $AL + ".'"|302a]] * <<if $LLLove is true>>[["'I should have protected " + $LLhim_her + ".'"|302b]]<<else>>==‘I should have protected $LLhim_her.’==<</if>> * [["'" + $RG + " will find a way, right?'"|302c]] * [["'" + $LL + " is strong. " + $LLHe_She + " will survive this.'"|302d]] * [[Stay silent|302e]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "avecSoin" loop play>>\ \ You swallow hard, and step a bit closer to $ALhim_her. "I know how you’re feeling, $AL. I’m so—" "No!" $ALhe_she suddenly shouts, turning towards you with a sharp movement. "Don’t you dare tell me you know how I’m feeling! You have no idea!" $ALHis_Her sudden outburst makes both you and $AO step back, startled, and any response you might have been able to give vanishes the instant you see the tears sliding down $ALhis_her reddened cheeks. "It’s always $LLhim_her," $ALhe_she continues despite $ALhis_her broken voice, $ALhis_her lower lip trembling. "It’s always $LL who throws $LLhimself_herself forward to protect everyone while I just stand there shaking. Just like when our parents died." $ALHis_Her chest rises and falls with erratic breaths, $ALhis_her body trembling from head to toe from the strength with which $ALhe_she clenches $ALhis_her fists and the despair that twists $ALhis_her features. "I couldn’t…" $ALhe_she whispers. $ALHe_She shakes $ALhis_her head over and over, as if trying to erase everything. "Our parents died, and I couldn’t protect $LLhim_her when they started to transform. It should have been me who freed them from their suffering, but I couldn’t. I let $LL do it while I looked away. What kind of older $ALbrother_sister does that? How do you live with that?" The pain in $ALhis_her words squeezes your chest. Helplessness chokes you, and your gaze shifts to $RG loaded with a mute sorrow, in search of some kind of answer, some kind of comfort. Something. $AO does the same, but the $RGgod_goddess remains impassive, $RGhis_her eyes fixed on $AL. It's Enid who shows compassion for both of them, her ears and whiskers drooping. A movement in the corner of your eye draws your attention back to $AL. The redhead collapses onto the chair in the corner, placing one hand on $ALhis_her knee while the other clutches at $ALhis_her tunic over $ALhis_her chest, as if $ALhe_she needed to hold $ALhis_her heart in place to keep it from shattering completely. "I can’t. I just can’t anymore. I’m not as strong as you guys," $ALhe_she says with a sob, clutching the pale blue fabric with desperation. "I’m… despicable." [[Continue|303]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "avecSoin" loop play>>\ \ Your gaze lands on $LL for a moment before you lower it to the ground, your fists clenching tightly at your sides. "I should have protected $LLhim_her. I’m—" "No, //I// should have protected $LLhim_her!" $ALhe_she suddenly shouts, turning towards you with a sharp movement. "$LLHe_She’s my little $LLbrother_sister! That is //my// job!" $ALHis_Her sudden outburst makes both you and $AO step back, startled, and any response you might have been able to give vanishes the instant you see the tears sliding down $ALhis_her reddened cheeks. "It’s always $LLhim_her," $ALhe_she continues despite $ALhis_her broken voice, $ALhis_her lower lip trembling. "It’s always $LL who throws $LLhimself_herself forward to protect everyone while I just stand there shaking. Just like when our parents died." $ALHis_Her chest rises and falls with erratic breaths, $ALhis_her body trembling from head to toe from the strength with which $ALhe_she clenches $ALhis_her fists and the despair that twists $ALhis_her features. "I couldn’t…" $ALhe_she whispers. $ALHe_She shakes $ALhis_her head over and over, as if trying to erase everything. "Our parents died, and I couldn’t protect $LLhim_her when they started to transform. It should have been me who freed them from their suffering, but I couldn’t. I let $LL do it while I looked away. What kind of older $ALbrother_sister does that? How do you live with that?" The pain in $ALhis_her words squeezes your chest. Helplessness chokes you, and your gaze shifts to $RG loaded with a mute sorrow, in search of some kind of answer, some kind of comfort. Something. $AO does the same, but the $RGgod_goddess remains impassive, $RGhis_her eyes fixed on $AL. It's Enid who shows compassion for both of them, her ears and whiskers drooping. A movement in the corner of your eye draws your attention back to $AL. The redhead collapses onto the chair in the corner, placing one hand on $ALhis_her knee while the other clutches at $ALhis_her tunic over $ALhis_her chest, as if $ALhe_she needed to hold $ALhis_her heart in place to keep it from shattering completely. "I can’t. I just can’t anymore. I’m not as strong as you guys," $ALhe_she says with a sob, clutching the pale blue fabric with desperation. "I’m… despicable." [[Continue|303]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "avecSoin" loop play>>\ \ "But you can find another way, right?" you say, looking at the $RGgod_goddess as if your words could forced $RGhim_her to give you another answer. "There’s must be something—" "There is nothing else!" $AL suddenly shouts, turning towards you with a sharp movement. $ALHis_Her sudden outburst makes both you and $AO step back, startled, and any response you might have been able to give vanishes the instant you see the tears sliding down $ALhis_her reddened cheeks. "It’s always $LLhim_her," $ALhe_she continues despite $ALhis_her broken voice, $ALhis_her lower lip trembling. "It’s always $LL who throws $LLhimself_herself forward to protect everyone while I just stand there shaking. Just like when our parents died." $ALHis_Her chest rises and falls with erratic breaths, $ALhis_her body trembling from head to toe from the strength with which $ALhe_she clenches $ALhis_her fists and the despair that twists $ALhis_her features. "I couldn’t…" $ALhe_she whispers. $ALHe_She shakes $ALhis_her head over and over, as if trying to erase everything. "Our parents died, and I couldn’t protect $LLhim_her when they started to transform. It should have been me who freed them from their suffering, but I couldn’t. I let $LL do it while I looked away. What kind of older $ALbrother_sister does that? How do you live with that?" The pain in $ALhis_her words squeezes your chest. Helplessness chokes you, and your gaze shifts to $RG loaded with a mute sorrow, in search of some kind of answer, some kind of comfort. Something. $AO does the same, but the $RGgod_goddess remains impassive, $RGhis_her eyes fixed on $AL. It's Enid who shows compassion for both of them, her ears and whiskers drooping. A movement in the corner of your eye draws your attention back to $AL. The redhead collapses onto the chair in the corner, placing one hand on $ALhis_her knee while the other clutches at $ALhis_her tunic over $ALhis_her chest, as if $ALhe_she needed to hold $ALhis_her heart in place to keep it from shattering completely. "I can’t. I just can’t anymore. I’m not as strong as you guys," $ALhe_she says with a sob, clutching the pale blue fabric with desperation. "I’m… despicable." [[Continue|303]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "avecSoin" loop play>>\ \ Your gaze lands on $LL for a moment, your fists clenching at your sides as you force yourself to speak firmly. "$LL is strong. $LLHe_She will recover from this—" "No, $LLhe_she won’t!" $AL suddenly shouts, turning towards you with a sharp movement. $ALHis_Her sudden outburst makes both you and $AO step back, startled, and any response you might have been able to give vanishes the instant you see the tears sliding down $ALhis_her reddened cheeks. "It’s always $LLhim_her," $ALhe_she continues despite $ALhis_her broken voice, $ALhis_her lower lip trembling. "It’s always $LL who throws $LLhimself_herself forward to protect everyone while I just stand there shaking. Just like when our parents died." $ALHis_Her chest rises and falls with erratic breaths, $ALhis_her body trembling from head to toe from the strength with which $ALhe_she clenches $ALhis_her fists and the despair that twists $ALhis_her features. "I couldn’t…" $ALhe_she whispers. $ALHe_She shakes $ALhis_her head over and over, as if trying to erase everything. "Our parents died, and I couldn’t protect $LLhim_her when they started to transform. It should have been me who freed them from their suffering, but I couldn’t. I let $LL do it while I looked away. What kind of older $ALbrother_sister does that? How do you live with that?" The pain in $ALhis_her words squeezes your chest. Helplessness chokes you, and your gaze shifts to $RG loaded with a mute sorrow, in search of some kind of answer, some kind of comfort. Something. $AO does the same, but the $RGgod_goddess remains impassive, $RGhis_her eyes fixed on $AL. It's Enid who shows compassion for both of them, her ears and whiskers drooping. A movement in the corner of your eye draws your attention back to $AL. The redhead collapses onto the chair in the corner, placing one hand on $ALhis_her knee while the other clutches at $ALhis_her tunic over $ALhis_her chest, as if $ALhe_she needed to hold $ALhis_her heart in place to keep it from shattering completely. "I can’t. I just can’t anymore. I’m not as strong as you guys," $ALhe_she says with a sob, clutching the pale blue fabric with desperation. "I’m… despicable." [[Continue|303]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "avecSoin" loop play>>\ \ Your gaze lands on $LL for a moment before you lower it to the ground, your fists clenching tightly at your sides. $AO stands up as well, reaching towards the red-haired $ALman_woman. "I promise, $AL, $LL is fine. $LLHe_She will—" "No, $LLhe_she’s not!" $AL suddenly shouts, turning towards $AOhim_her with a sharp movement. $ALHis_Her sudden outburst makes both you and $AO step back, startled, and any response you might have been able to give vanishes the instant you see the tears sliding down $ALhis_her reddened cheeks. "It’s always $LLhim_her," $ALhe_she continues despite $ALhis_her broken voice, $ALhis_her lower lip trembling. "It’s always $LL who throws $LLhimself_herself forward to protect everyone while I just stand there shaking. Just like when our parents died." $ALHis_Her chest rises and falls with erratic breaths, $ALhis_her body trembling from head to toe from the strength with which $ALhe_she clenches $ALhis_her fists and the despair that twists $ALhis_her features. "I couldn’t…" $ALhe_she whispers. $ALHe_She shakes $ALhis_her head over and over, as if trying to erase everything. "Our parents died, and I couldn’t protect $LLhim_her when they started to transform. It should have been me who freed them from their suffering, but I couldn’t. I let $LL do it while I looked away. What kind of older $ALbrother_sister does that? How do you live with that?" The pain in $ALhis_her words squeezes your chest. Helplessness chokes you, and your gaze shifts to $RG loaded with a mute sorrow, in search of some kind of answer, some kind of comfort. Something. $AO does the same, but the $RGgod_goddess remains impassive, $RGhis_her eyes fixed on $AL. It's Enid who shows compassion for both of them, her ears and whiskers drooping. A movement in the corner of your eye draws your attention back to $AL. The redhead collapses onto the chair in the corner, placing one hand on $ALhis_her knee while the other clutches at $ALhis_her tunic over $ALhis_her chest, as if $ALhe_she needed to hold $ALhis_her heart in place to keep it from shattering completely. "I can’t. I just can’t anymore. I’m not as strong as you guys," $ALhe_she says with a sob, clutching the pale blue fabric with desperation. "I’m… despicable." [[Continue|303]]

<<audio ":all" stop>>\ <<audio "pachabelly" volume 0.7 loop play>>\ \ Silence falls over the room, heavy and suffocating, broken only by $AL’s choked sobs. Your eyes fall on $LL, motionless, and a sharp pang stabs at your chest. You clench your fists so tightly your nails dig into your palms, trying to contain something overflowing. Rage, helplessness, sorrow. All at once. Maybe you were never ready for this. You inhale slowly, trying to loosen the knot tightening inside you. With a barely audible sigh, you ease your grip and raise your hands. Your fingers brush against the chain, with a softness that contrasts with the tension in your muscles, and you remove the pendant. Except for $AL, the movement catches your companions’ attention, but you don’t return their gazes. Carefully, you spin the tag between your fingers, brushing away the few remaining droplets of water that still run down the silver surface. The mark of the gods, that small symbol that inspires so much in some and so little in others, the image of hope that is so desperately needed even for those who have stopped believing, rests on your hands. You look at it with a hardened expression, as if seeking an answer to the darkness closing in on you. You’re a healer, $AA had told you. There was someone else who said something similar, a long time ago. //"Tell me, $name, what do you want to be when you grow up?"// You raise your eyes to the mirror on the side wall. The way the glass is cracked feels all too fitting to your current state of mind. You look at your warped reflection anyway, the slowly healing wounds on your pale skin, the tired face. After all these days, you barely recognize yourself. You seem to have aged several years at once<<if $hair isnot "very short" or $hair isnot "shaved">>, and you could swear there’s even a grey hair or two<</if>>. But what hasn’t changed… is your gaze. I want to be light, you once answered with the innocence of childhood. Now, as your own $eyecolour eyes challenge you back from one of the broken shards, you realize that... * [[You haven’t burned out completely yet|304a]] * [[Darkness hurt more than you imagined|304b]] * [[You’re not sure you deserve it|304c]] * [[That hasn’t changed|304d]] * [[It’s been a long time since that childhood dream|304e]]

You //are// light. That hasn’t changed. And even if you’ve dimmed a thousand times since then, you haven’t gone out completely. They can crush you again and again, but as long as a spark remains, you can burn again. And now, you’re not just going to shine. You’re going to scorch. //"I’m not done yet,"// you tell yourself in the mirror, frowning with a determination you don’t know where it comes from, but you found it. You tear your eyes from your reflection and walk slowly toward $AL, $RG, Enid, and $AO gazes following your steps. The redhead still has $ALhis_her eyes tightly shut, still sobbing even as you stop in front of $ALhim_her. Your fingers curl around the pendant’s chain and open it as far as it will go. Then, with a movement that feels almost reverent, you place it around $ALhis_her neck. Only when $ALhe_she feels the weight of the pendant hanging from $ALhis_her collarbone does $ALhe_she open $ALhis_her eyes. The sobs pause for a moment, and $AL lifts $ALhis_her gaze to you, surprised.<<if $ALLove is true>> You kneel in front of $ALhim_her and gently cradle $ALhis_her face in your hands, catching a few tears with your thumbs. <<else>> You kneel in front of $ALhim_her and place your hands on $ALhis_her shoulders. <</if>> * [[There’s no shame in trembling|305a]] * [[If you’re despicable, then we’re screwed|305b]] * [[I don’t care what you did, only what you do now|305c]] * [[I’ve wanted to give up too, but there’s still something worth fighting for|305d]] * [["You’re not a bad " + $ALbrother_sister + ". You’re human"|305e]]

Darkness hurts far more than little $name ever imagined. Back then, those people felt like strangers, and that made it easier. You never imagined what it would feel like if it were people you love. You never imagined how thick those shadows could get. And still… if it’s not you who walks through them, who will? If you become part of the problem, who will become part of the solution? //"I’m not done yet,"// you tell yourself in the mirror, frowning with a determination you don’t know where it comes from, but you found it. You tear your eyes from your reflection and walk slowly toward $AL, $RG, Enid, and $AO gazes following your steps. The redhead still has $ALhis_her eyes tightly shut, still sobbing even as you stop in front of $ALhim_her. Your fingers curl around the pendant’s chain and open it as far as it will go. Then, with a movement that feels almost reverent, you place it around $ALhis_her neck. Only when $ALhe_she feels the weight of the pendant hanging from $ALhis_her collarbone does $ALhe_she open $ALhis_her eyes. The sobs pause for a moment, and $AL lifts $ALhis_her gaze to you, surprised.<<if $ALLove is true>> You kneel in front of $ALhim_her and gently cradle $ALhis_her face in your hands, catching a few tears with your thumbs. <<else>> You kneel in front of $ALhim_her and place your hands on $ALhis_her shoulders. <</if>> * [[There’s no shame in trembling|305a]] * [[If you’re despicable, then we’re screwed|305b]] * [[I don’t care what you did, only what you do now|305c]] * [[I’ve wanted to give up too, but there’s still something worth fighting for|305d]] * [["You’re not a bad " + $ALbrother_sister + ". You’re human"|305e]]

Maybe you should’ve done more. Maybe if you had tried harder… if you’d been stronger, or smarter, you could’ve prevented things. Prevented suffering. Maybe you don’t deserve it… not after everything that’s happened. And still, if even one person needs you… If even one person can see you as the light that guides them in the dark… you’ll keep trying. //"I’m not done yet,"// you tell yourself in the mirror, frowning with a determination you don’t know where it comes from, but you found it. You tear your eyes from your reflection and walk slowly toward $AL, $RG, Enid, and $AO gazes following your steps. The redhead still has $ALhis_her eyes tightly shut, still sobbing even as you stop in front of $ALhim_her. Your fingers curl around the pendant’s chain and open it as far as it will go. Then, with a movement that feels almost reverent, you place it around $ALhis_her neck. Only when $ALhe_she feels the weight of the pendant hanging from $ALhis_her collarbone does $ALhe_she open $ALhis_her eyes. The sobs pause for a moment, and $AL lifts $ALhis_her gaze to you, surprised.<<if $ALLove is true>> You kneel in front of $ALhim_her and gently cradle $ALhis_her face in your hands, catching a few tears with your thumbs. <<else>> You kneel in front of $ALhim_her and place your hands on $ALhis_her shoulders. <</if>> * [[There’s no shame in trembling|305a]] * [[If you’re despicable, then we’re screwed|305b]] * [[I don’t care what you did, only what you do now|305c]] * [[I’ve wanted to give up too, but there’s still something worth fighting for|305d]] * [["You’re not a bad " + $ALbrother_sister + ". You’re human"|305e]]

You want to be light… not for glory, or faith. But so that someone, even just one person, knows they’re not alone in the dark. Even if you forgot for a moment, that vision hasn’t changed. And right now, someone needs that light. //"I’m not done yet,"// you tell yourself in the mirror, frowning with a determination you don’t know where it comes from, but you found it. You tear your eyes from your reflection and walk slowly toward $AL, $RG, Enid, and $AO gazes following your steps. The redhead still has $ALhis_her eyes tightly shut, still sobbing even as you stop in front of $ALhim_her. Your fingers curl around the pendant’s chain and open it as far as it will go. Then, with a movement that feels almost reverent, you place it around $ALhis_her neck. Only when $ALhe_she feels the weight of the pendant hanging from $ALhis_her collarbone does $ALhe_she open $ALhis_her eyes. The sobs pause for a moment, and $AL lifts $ALhis_her gaze to you, surprised.<<if $ALLove is true>> You kneel in front of $ALhim_her and gently cradle $ALhis_her face in your hands, catching a few tears with your thumbs. <<else>> You kneel in front of $ALhim_her and place your hands on $ALhis_her shoulders. <</if>> * [[There’s no shame in trembling|305a]] * [[If you’re despicable, then we’re screwed|305b]] * [[I don’t care what you did, only what you do now|305c]] * [[I’ve wanted to give up too, but there’s still something worth fighting for|305d]] * [["You’re not a bad " + $ALbrother_sister + ". You’re human"|305e]]

That was a kid speaking, one who believed it was enough just to shine. You’re not that kid anymore, and you don’t want to be light. That childhood fantasy is long gone. Now, you want to be something that won’t go out. Something that won’t break, even when everything else is falling apart. You just want to protect your people. And destroy those who threaten them. //"I’m not done yet,"// you tell yourself in the mirror, frowning with a determination you don’t know where it comes from, but you found it. You tear your eyes from your reflection and walk slowly toward $AL, $RG, Enid, and $AO gazes following your steps. The redhead still has $ALhis_her eyes tightly shut, still sobbing even as you stop in front of $ALhim_her. Your fingers curl around the pendant’s chain and open it as far as it will go. Then, with a movement that feels almost reverent, you place it around $ALhis_her neck. Only when $ALhe_she feels the weight of the pendant hanging from $ALhis_her collarbone does $ALhe_she open $ALhis_her eyes. The sobs pause for a moment, and $AL lifts $ALhis_her gaze to you, surprised.<<if $ALLove is true>> You kneel in front of $ALhim_her and gently cradle $ALhis_her face in your hands, catching a few tears with your thumbs. <<else>> You kneel in front of $ALhim_her and place your hands on $ALhis_her shoulders. <</if>> * [[There’s no shame in trembling|305a]] * [[If you’re despicable, then we’re screwed|305b]] * [[I don’t care what you did, only what you do now|305c]] * [[I’ve wanted to give up too, but there’s still something worth fighting for|305d]] * [["You’re not a bad " + $ALbrother_sister + ". You’re human"|305e]]

"There’s no shame in trembling, $AL," you begin, your tone gentle. "The shame lies in giving up, and you haven’t. Even now, I can still see that part of you that refuses to give in and wants to keep going." "B-but, $LL—" <<if $ALLove is true>>"You’re not $LL. And $LLhe_she’s not you," you interrupt. "Your $LLbrother_sister doesn’t need you to be perfect, $AL. $LLHe_She needs you alive. With fears, with flaws, with doubts… but alive and by $LLhis_her side." You brush $ALhis_her cheek with your thumb. "Just like I do." <<else>>"You’re not $LL. And $LLhe_she’s not you," you interrupt. "Your $LLbrother_sister doesn’t need you to be perfect, $AL. $LLHe_She needs you alive. With fears, with flaws, with doubts… but alive and by $LLhis_her side Just like we do." <</if>>$AL goes quiet, looking at you with swollen eyes. "Sometimes being strong isn’t about fighting, it’s about holding on. And you’ve been holding on all by yourself for years," you continue. Your gaze drifts briefly to $LL before returning to $AL. "And $LL… $LLhe_she doesn’t blame you, I know that. Not for your parents, not for what happened before." $ALHe_She slowly turns $ALhis_her head to look at $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister. More tears well up in $ALhis_her eyes, though they don’t fall. "Losing $LLhis_her arm? That didn’t break $LLhim_her, $AL," you say with a sad smile. "But seeing you like this… that might." $AL lowers $ALhis_her gaze to the floor, trapped between guilt and fear. But then, $ALhis_her expression grows more thoughtful. "You know why I think $LL keeps insisting you stay out of the fight? Why $LLhe_she keeps trying to protect you?" You pause, waiting until the redhead looks back at you. Then you shake your head. "It’s not because $LLhe_she sees you as weak. It’s because you do something most of us can’t. You believe. Sometimes, that saves more lives than a sword." You glance at the pendant now hanging from $ALhis_her neck and reach toward it. You hold the tag in one hand, running your thumb across the mark of the gods etched into its surface. "This pendant isn’t just a symbol. It’s a promise." You lift your gaze to meet <<if $AL is "Albert">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "A promise that I believe in you, even when you can’t. And I wouldn’t have given it to you if I didn’t think you could live up to it." You release the pendant and rise to your feet with purpose, your back straight, each word charged with conviction. "You want to help $LL? then..." * [["Be " + $LLhis_her + " new shield"|306a]] * [[Don't stop believing|306b]] * [[Don't lose hope|306c]]

"If you’re despicable, $AL, then the rest of us are screwed. Might as well start packing and get out of here," you say, a small chuckle escaping your lips. "B-but, $LL—" <<if $ALLove is true>>"You’re not $LL. And $LLhe_she’s not you," you interrupt, you voice more serious now. "Your $LLbrother_sister doesn’t need you to be perfect, $AL. $LLHe_She needs you alive. With fears, with flaws, with doubts… but alive and by $LLhis_her side." You brush $ALhis_her cheek with your thumb. "Just like I do." <<else>>"You’re not $LL. And $LLhe_she’s not you," you interrupt, you voice more serious now. "Your $LLbrother_sister doesn’t need you to be perfect, $AL. $LLHe_She needs you alive. With fears, with flaws, with doubts… but alive and by $LLhis_her side Just like we do." <</if>>$AL goes quiet, looking at you with swollen eyes. "Sometimes being strong isn’t about fighting, it’s about holding on. And you’ve been holding on all by yourself for years," you continue. Your gaze drifts briefly to $LL before returning to $AL. "And $LL… $LLhe_she doesn’t blame you, I know that. Not for your parents, not for what happened before." $ALHe_She slowly turns $ALhis_her head to look at $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister. More tears well up in $ALhis_her eyes, though they don’t fall. "Losing $LLhis_her arm? That didn’t break $LLhim_her, $AL," you say with a sad smile. "But seeing you like this… that might." $AL lowers $ALhis_her gaze to the floor, trapped between guilt and fear. But then, $ALhis_her expression grows more thoughtful. "You know why I think $LL keeps insisting you stay out of the fight? Why $LLhe_she keeps trying to protect you?" You pause, waiting until the redhead looks back at you. Then you shake your head. "It’s not because $LLhe_she sees you as weak. It’s because you do something most of us can’t. You believe. Sometimes, that saves more lives than a sword." You glance at the pendant now hanging from $ALhis_her neck and reach toward it. You hold the tag in one hand, running your thumb across the mark of the gods etched into its surface. "This pendant isn’t just a symbol. It’s a promise." You lift your gaze to meet <<if $AL is "Albert">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "A promise that I believe in you, even when you can’t. And I wouldn’t have given it to you if I didn’t think you could live up to it." You release the pendant and rise to your feet with purpose, your back straight, each word charged with conviction. "You want to help $LL? then..." * [["Be " + $LLhis_her + " new shield"|306a]] * [[Don't stop believing|306b]] * [[Don't lose hope|306c]]

"I don’t care what you did, or didn’t do, $AL," you begin, your voice soft but firm. "What matters to me is what you’re going to do now." "B-but, $LL—" <<if $ALLove is true>>"You’re not $LL. And $LLhe_she’s not you," you interrupt. "Your $LLbrother_sister doesn’t need you to be perfect, $AL. $LLHe_She needs you alive. With fears, with flaws, with doubts… but alive and by $LLhis_her side." You brush $ALhis_her cheek with your thumb. "Just like I do." <<else>>"You’re not $LL. And $LLhe_she’s not you," you interrupt. "Your $LLbrother_sister doesn’t need you to be perfect, $AL. $LLHe_She needs you alive. With fears, with flaws, with doubts… but alive and by $LLhis_her side Just like we do." <</if>>$AL goes quiet, looking at you with swollen eyes. "Sometimes being strong isn’t about fighting, it’s about holding on. And you’ve been holding on all by yourself for years," you continue. Your gaze drifts briefly to $LL before returning to $AL. "And $LL… $LLhe_she doesn’t blame you, I know that. Not for your parents, not for what happened before." $ALHe_She slowly turns $ALhis_her head to look at $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister. More tears well up in $ALhis_her eyes, though they don’t fall. "Losing $LLhis_her arm? That didn’t break $LLhim_her, $AL," you say with a sad smile. "But seeing you like this… that might." $AL lowers $ALhis_her gaze to the floor, trapped between guilt and fear. But then, $ALhis_her expression grows more thoughtful. "You know why I think $LL keeps insisting you stay out of the fight? Why $LLhe_she keeps trying to protect you?" You pause, waiting until the redhead looks back at you. Then you shake your head. "It’s not because $LLhe_she sees you as weak. It’s because you do something most of us can’t. You believe. Sometimes, that saves more lives than a sword." You glance at the pendant now hanging from $ALhis_her neck and reach toward it. You hold the tag in one hand, running your thumb across the mark of the gods etched into its surface. "This pendant isn’t just a symbol. It’s a promise." You lift your gaze to meet <<if $AL is "Albert">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "A promise that I believe in you, even when you can’t. And I wouldn’t have given it to you if I didn’t think you could live up to it." You release the pendant and rise to your feet with purpose, your back straight, each word charged with conviction. "You want to help $LL? then..." * [["Be " + $LLhis_her + " new shield"|306a]] * [[Don't stop believing|306b]] * [[Don't lose hope|306c]]

"I’ve wanted to give up too. Many times," you begin, your voice slightly shaky, though you force yourself to steady it. "But you know what? I got back up every time, just like you will now. Because there are people who still believe in us. Because there’s still something worth fighting for." "B-but, $LL—" <<if $ALLove is true>>"You’re not $LL. And $LLhe_she’s not you," you interrupt. "Your $LLbrother_sister doesn’t need you to be perfect, $AL. $LLHe_She needs you alive. With fears, with flaws, with doubts… but alive and by $LLhis_her side." You brush $ALhis_her cheek with your thumb. "Just like I do." <<else>>"You’re not $LL. And $LLhe_she’s not you," you interrupt. "Your $LLbrother_sister doesn’t need you to be perfect, $AL. $LLHe_She needs you alive. With fears, with flaws, with doubts… but alive and by $LLhis_her side Just like we do." <</if>>$AL goes quiet, looking at you with swollen eyes. "Sometimes being strong isn’t about fighting, it’s about holding on. And you’ve been holding on all by yourself for years," you continue. Your gaze drifts briefly to $LL before returning to $AL. "And $LL… $LLhe_she doesn’t blame you, I know that. Not for your parents, not for what happened before." $ALHe_She slowly turns $ALhis_her head to look at $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister. More tears well up in $ALhis_her eyes, though they don’t fall. "Losing $LLhis_her arm? That didn’t break $LLhim_her, $AL," you say with a sad smile. "But seeing you like this… that might." $AL lowers $ALhis_her gaze to the floor, trapped between guilt and fear. But then, $ALhis_her expression grows more thoughtful. "You know why I think $LL keeps insisting you stay out of the fight? Why $LLhe_she keeps trying to protect you?" You pause, waiting until the redhead looks back at you. Then you shake your head. "It’s not because $LLhe_she sees you as weak. It’s because you do something most of us can’t. You believe. Sometimes, that saves more lives than a sword." You glance at the pendant now hanging from $ALhis_her neck and reach toward it. You hold the tag in one hand, running your thumb across the mark of the gods etched into its surface. "This pendant isn’t just a symbol. It’s a promise." You lift your gaze to meet <<if $AL is "Albert">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "A promise that I believe in you, even when you can’t. And I wouldn’t have given it to you if I didn’t think you could live up to it." You release the pendant and rise to your feet with purpose, your back straight, each word charged with conviction. "You want to help $LL? then..." * [["Be " + $LLhis_her + " new shield"|306a]] * [[Don't stop believing|306b]] * [[Don't lose hope|306c]]

"No one knows what they would’ve done in your place. I don’t," you begin, voice steady. "But you did the best you could with a broken heart. That doesn’t make you a bad $ALbrother_sister. That makes you human." "B-but, $LL—" <<if $ALLove is true>>"You’re not $LL. And $LLhe_she’s not you," you interrupt. "Your $LLbrother_sister doesn’t need you to be perfect, $AL. $LLHe_She needs you alive. With fears, with flaws, with doubts… but alive and by $LLhis_her side." You brush $ALhis_her cheek with your thumb. "Just like I do." <<else>>"You’re not $LL. And $LLhe_she’s not you," you interrupt. "Your $LLbrother_sister doesn’t need you to be perfect, $AL. $LLHe_She needs you alive. With fears, with flaws, with doubts… but alive and by $LLhis_her side Just like we do." <</if>>$AL goes quiet, looking at you with swollen eyes. "Sometimes being strong isn’t about fighting, it’s about holding on. And you’ve been holding on all by yourself for years," you continue. Your gaze drifts briefly to $LL before returning to $AL. "And $LL… $LLhe_she doesn’t blame you, I know that. Not for your parents, not for what happened before." $ALHe_She slowly turns $ALhis_her head to look at $ALhis_her $LLbrother_sister. More tears well up in $ALhis_her eyes, though they don’t fall. "Losing $LLhis_her arm? That didn’t break $LLhim_her, $AL," you say with a sad smile. "But seeing you like this… that might." $AL lowers $ALhis_her gaze to the floor, trapped between guilt and fear. But then, $ALhis_her expression grows more thoughtful. "You know why I think $LL keeps insisting you stay out of the fight? Why $LLhe_she keeps trying to protect you?" You pause, waiting until the redhead looks back at you. Then you shake your head. "It’s not because $LLhe_she sees you as weak. It’s because you do something most of us can’t. You believe. Sometimes, that saves more lives than a sword." You glance at the pendant now hanging from $ALhis_her neck and reach toward it. You hold the tag in one hand, running your thumb across the mark of the gods etched into its surface. "This pendant isn’t just a symbol. It’s a promise." You lift your gaze to meet <<if $AL is "Albert">>his<<else>>hers<</if>>. "A promise that I believe in you, even when you can’t. And I wouldn’t have given it to you if I didn’t think you could live up to it." You release the pendant and rise to your feet with purpose, your back straight, each word charged with conviction. "You want to help $LL? then..." * [["Be " + $LLhis_her + " new shield"|306a]] * [[Don't stop believing|306b]] * [[Don't lose hope|306c]]

"Be $LLhis_her new shield. Let $LLhim_her not have to protect you alone this time. Walk by $LLhis_her side, and be the one to defend $LLhim_her now." <<if $LLLove is true>>Then you slowly turn around, your heart pounding and $AL’s gaze fixed on you, and walk toward $LL. The soft glow of the chamber lights gently illuminates $LLhis_her sleeping face. $LLHis_Her wet sink begins to dry, though $LLhis_her hair remains soaked, red strands sticking to $LLhis_her forehead. A new bandage covers $LLhis_her left shoulder and the start of an arm that is no longer there. But $LLhe_she’s still $LL. Your gaze lingers on $LLhis_her features. There’s something in the peace of $LLhis_her expression you hadn’t seen before, as if $LLhis_her dreams are a place where pain cannot reach $LLhim_her. Something twists inside you, the ache and fear that comes with knowing how close you were to losing $LLhim_her. Your throat tightens for a moment, but you don’t let yourself falter. You’re not sure if it’s because of love, rage, or sorrow.<<if $feelingsLL isnot true>> Love. The realization almost makes you want to laugh.<</if>> * [["Take " + $LLhis_her + " hand"|307LLa]] * [["Kiss " + $LLhis_her + " forehead"|307LLb]] * [[Brush away a strand of hair|307LLc]] <<else>>You take a step back and turn on your heel. With $AL’s eyes on your back, you walk slowly toward $LL. Even at rest, $LLhis_her strong figure now looks strangely small. The bed of seaweed is just the right size for $LLhis_her muscular body. Your eyes involuntarily drift to the left side of $LLhis_her frame. The new bandage covers $LLhis_her shoulder and the beginning of an arm that is no longer there. You swallow hard. Not just because it hurts to see $LLhim_her like this, but because you know what it will mean for $LLhim_her when $LLhe_she wakes up. But you also know $LLhe_she won’t lower $LLhis_her head. That’s not what $LL does. And that’s why you won’t either. Stepping away from the bed with purpose, you clench your fists tightly as you head toward the exit with fire in your veins. Not the kind that burns, but the kind that guides. $LL fell protecting others, and now you will walk for $LLhim_her. And you will not stop. "Where are you going?" $AL’s weak voice asks. You turn from the rocky threshold of the doorway. $AL is watching you, eyes still shining, making the motion to rise but not quite doing it. $AO meets your gaze with the same determination growing inside you, accompanied by a small smile of approval that only fuels your resolve. $RG and Enid are watching too. There’s a spark in the <<if $RG is "Rayco">>god’s<<else>>goddess’<</if>> violets eyes as $RGhe_she reads your thoughts. And judging by $RGhis_her expression, $RGhe_she also approves. "I’m going to find that faycan," you announce, loud and clear. "And I’m going to get the orb back and save this world. For $LL." $RG gives a small, proud smile just as you turn to $RGhim_her. "Don’t be long," you say before turning and stepping through the door. [[Continue|308]]<</if>>

"Don’t stop believing. In the gods, in us… in yourself. In the fact that you can still do something good, even if it’s just taking one more step. That belief the rest of us lack… remind us of it, and give us the strength we need to keep going." <<if $LLLove is true>>Then you slowly turn around, your heart pounding and $AL’s gaze fixed on you, and walk toward $LL. The soft glow of the chamber lights gently illuminates $LLhis_her sleeping face. $LLHis_Her wet sink begins to dry, though $LLhis_her hair remains soaked, red strands sticking to $LLhis_her forehead. A new bandage covers $LLhis_her left shoulder and the start of an arm that is no longer there. But $LLhe_she’s still $LL. Your gaze lingers on $LLhis_her features. There’s something in the peace of $LLhis_her expression you hadn’t seen before, as if $LLhis_her dreams are a place where pain cannot reach $LLhim_her. Something twists inside you, the ache and fear that comes with knowing how close you were to losing $LLhim_her. Your throat tightens for a moment, but you don’t let yourself falter. You’re not sure if it’s because of love, rage, or sorrow.<<if $feelingsLL isnot true>> Love. The realization almost makes you want to laugh.<</if>> * [["Take " + $LLhis_her + " hand"|307LLa]] * [["Kiss " + $LLhis_her + " forehead"|307LLb]] * [[Brush away a strand of hair|307LLc]] <<else>>You take a step back and turn on your heel. With $AL’s eyes on your back, you walk slowly toward $LL. Even at rest, $LLhis_her strong figure now looks strangely small. The bed of seaweed is just the right size for $LLhis_her muscular body. Your eyes involuntarily drift to the left side of $LLhis_her frame. The new bandage covers $LLhis_her shoulder and the beginning of an arm that is no longer there. You swallow hard. Not just because it hurts to see $LLhim_her like this, but because you know what it will mean for $LLhim_her when $LLhe_she wakes up. But you also know $LLhe_she won’t lower $LLhis_her head. That’s not what $LL does. And that’s why you won’t either. Stepping away from the bed with purpose, you clench your fists tightly as you head toward the exit with fire in your veins. Not the kind that burns, but the kind that guides. $LL fell protecting others, and now you will walk for $LLhim_her. And you will not stop. "Where are you going?" $AL’s weak voice asks. You turn from the rocky threshold of the doorway. $AL is watching you, eyes still shining, making the motion to rise but not quite doing it. $AO meets your gaze with the same determination growing inside you, accompanied by a small smile of approval that only fuels your resolve. $RG and Enid are watching too. There’s a spark of amusement in the <<if $RG is "Rayco">>god’s<<else>>goddess’<</if>> violets eyes, as if $RGhe_she can read your thoughts. And by $RGhis_her expression, $RGhe_she approves. "I’m going to find that faycan," you announce, loud and clear. "And I’m going to get the orb back and save this world. For $LL." $RG gives a small, proud smile just as you turn to $RGhim_her. "Don’t be long," you say before turning and stepping through the door. [[Continue|308]]<</if>>

"Don’t lose hope and stop punishing yourself. There are already enough wounds in this world without you adding more to your own." <<if $LLLove is true>>Then you slowly turn around, your heart pounding and $AL’s gaze fixed on you, and walk toward $LL. The soft glow of the chamber lights gently illuminates $LLhis_her sleeping face. $LLHis_Her wet sink begins to dry, though $LLhis_her hair remains soaked, red strands sticking to $LLhis_her forehead. A new bandage covers $LLhis_her left shoulder and the start of an arm that is no longer there. But $LLhe_she’s still $LL. Your gaze lingers on $LLhis_her features. There’s something in the peace of $LLhis_her expression you hadn’t seen before, as if $LLhis_her dreams are a place where pain cannot reach $LLhim_her. Something twists inside you, the ache and fear that comes with knowing how close you were to losing $LLhim_her. Your throat tightens for a moment, but you don’t let yourself falter. You’re not sure if it’s because of love, rage, or sorrow.<<if $feelingsLL isnot true>> Love. The realization almost makes you want to laugh.<</if>> * [["Take " + $LLhis_her + " hand"|307LLa]] * [["Kiss " + $LLhis_her + " forehead"|307LLb]] * [[Brush away a strand of hair|307LLc]] <<else>>You take a step back and turn on your heel. With $AL’s eyes on your back, you walk slowly toward $LL. Even at rest, $LLhis_her strong figure now looks strangely small. The bed of seaweed is just the right size for $LLhis_her muscular body. Your eyes involuntarily drift to the left side of $LLhis_her frame. The new bandage covers $LLhis_her shoulder and the beginning of an arm that is no longer there. You swallow hard. Not just because it hurts to see $LLhim_her like this, but because you know what it will mean for $LLhim_her when $LLhe_she wakes up. But you also know $LLhe_she won’t lower $LLhis_her head. That’s not what $LL does. And that’s why you won’t either. Stepping away from the bed with purpose, you clench your fists tightly as you head toward the exit with fire in your veins. Not the kind that burns, but the kind that guides. $LL fell protecting others, and now you will walk for $LLhim_her. And you will not stop. "Where are you going?" $AL’s weak voice asks. You turn from the rocky threshold of the doorway. $AL is watching you, eyes still shining, making the motion to rise but not quite doing it. $AO meets your gaze with the same determination growing inside you, accompanied by a small smile of approval that only fuels your resolve. $RG and Enid are watching too. There’s a spark of amusement in the <<if $RG is "Rayco">>god’s<<else>>goddess’<</if>> violets eyes, as if $RGhe_she can read your thoughts. And by $RGhis_her expression, $RGhe_she approves. "I’m going to find that faycan," you announce, loud and clear. "And I’m going to get the orb back and save this world. For $LL." $RG gives a small, proud smile just as you turn to $RGhim_her. "Don’t be long," you say before turning and stepping through the door. [[Continue|308]]<</if>>

You lean down slightly, one hand closing into a fist while the other reaches for <<if $LL is "Leire">>hers<<else>>his<</if>>. Your fingers slide over $LLhis_her cold skin, and you gently brush the back of $LLhis_her hand with your thumb before giving it a light squeeze. A faint, amused smile curves your lips at the thought of how embarrassed $LLhe_she would be if $LLhe_she were awake. That is, assuming $LLhe_she would even let you do that in the first place. Then, you step away from the bed with purpose, clenching your fists tightly as you head toward the exit with fire in your veins. Not the kind that burns, but the kind that guides. $LL fell protecting others, and now you will walk for $LLhim_her. And you will not stop. "Where are you going?" $AL’s weak voice asks. You turn from the rocky threshold of the doorway. $AL is watching you, eyes still shining, making the motion to rise but not quite doing it. $AO meets your gaze with the same determination growing inside you, accompanied by a small smile of approval that only fuels your resolve. $RG and Enid are watching too. There’s a spark of amusement in the <<if $RG is "Rayco">>god’s<<else>>goddess’<</if>> violets eyes, as if $RGhe_she can read your thoughts. And by $RGhis_her expression, $RGhe_she approves. "I’m going to find that faycan," you announce, loud and clear. "And I’m going to get the orb back and save this world. For $LL." $RG gives a small, proud smile just as you turn to $RGhim_her. "Don’t be long," you say before turning and stepping through the door. [[Continue|308]]

You lean down slightly, one hand closing into a fist while the other brushes a strand of hair from $LLhis_her forehead to place a soft kiss on $LLhis_her cold skin. A faint, amused smile curves your lips at the thought of how embarrassed $LLhe_she would be if $LLhe_she were awake. That is, assuming $LLhe_she would even let you do that in the first place. Then, you step away from the bed with purpose, clenching your fists tightly as you head toward the exit with fire in your veins. Not the kind that burns, but the kind that guides. $LL fell protecting others, and now you will walk for $LLhim_her. And you will not stop. "Where are you going?" $AL’s weak voice asks. You turn from the rocky threshold of the doorway. $AL is watching you, eyes still shining, making the motion to rise but not quite doing it. $AO meets your gaze with the same determination growing inside you, accompanied by a small smile of approval that only fuels your resolve. $RG and Enid are watching too. There’s a spark of amusement in the <<if $RG is "Rayco">>god’s<<else>>goddess’<</if>> violets eyes, as if $RGhe_she can read your thoughts. And by $RGhis_her expression, $RGhe_she approves. "I’m going to find that faycan," you announce, loud and clear. "And I’m going to get the orb back and save this world. For $LL." $RG gives a small, proud smile just as you turn to $RGhim_her. "Don’t be long," you say before turning and stepping through the door. [[Continue|308]]

You lean down slightly, one hand closing into a fist while the other gently brushes a strand of hair from $LLhis_her forehead, your fingers gliding delicately across $LLhis_her cold skin. A faint, amused smile curves your lips at the thought of how embarrassed $LLhe_she would be if $LLhe_she were awake. That is, assuming $LLhe_she would even let you do that in the first place. Then, you step away from the bed with purpose, clenching your fists tightly as you head toward the exit with fire in your veins. Not the kind that burns, but the kind that guides. $LL fell protecting others, and now you will walk for $LLhim_her. And you will not stop. "Where are you going?" $AL’s weak voice asks. You turn from the rocky threshold of the doorway. $AL is watching you, eyes still shining, making the motion to rise but not quite doing it. $AO meets your gaze with the same determination growing inside you, accompanied by a small smile of approval that only fuels your resolve. $RG and Enid are watching too. There’s a spark of amusement in the <<if $RG is "Rayco">>god’s<<else>>goddess’<</if>> violets eyes, as if $RGhe_she can read your thoughts. And by $RGhis_her expression, $RGhe_she approves. "I’m going to find that faycan," you announce, loud and clear. "And I’m going to get the orb back and save this world. For $LL." $RG gives a small, proud smile just as you turn to $RGhim_her. "Don’t be long," you say before turning and stepping through the door. [[Continue|308]]

<<if $LLLove is true>><<unset $feelingsLL>><</if>>\ \ You move without hesitation until you reach the entrance of the Grotto. Just a few meters ahead, the barrier shimmers softly like a living curtain. Nauzet and Salva are waiting there. The god turns toward you as you approach, though he doesn’t seem surprised to see you. "All set?" he asks. You nod with conviction. "Yes." Nauzet glances over your shoulder. "I’ve warned them all. Just say the word, <<if $RG is "Rayco">>brother<<else>>sister<</if>>." You turn and see $RG and $AO approaching. The violet-haired $RGgod_goddess nods solemnly and extends a hand toward you. "Hold on to us." $MI appears at the entrance, followed by a group of curious merpeople who stop in their tracks at the sight of you. One by one, they raise their arms to shield their eyes just as a blinding light explodes before them. When the flash fades and they look again, you’re all gone. Only a faint trail of sand floats in the air. <div style="text-align: center;">''Chapter 7'' //''Chapter 7 is still under development and will be released as soon as possible If you have any questions about this project or its characters, you can ask <a href="https://remnantsofthepast-if.tumblr.com/ask" target="_blank">here</a>'' ''Want to support this project and get __early access__ to new chapters and more rewards? Visit <a href="https://patreon.com/RemnantsOfThePast" target="_blank">Remnants Of The Past's Patreon page</a> and consider becoming a patron!''//</div>