Swallowing the Moon

This game contains topics such as animal death and graphic depictions of violence. [[>> Proceed->folktale1]]

The village has an old folktale. Long, long ago, there was a wicked witch that terrorised the village. He would curse the farmers with dry spouts followed by pouring rain. He would curse the shepherds with beasts that would ravage their livestock. He would curse wandering children who enter the woods at night, never to return. Every [[misfortune->misfortune]] was the witch’s [[fault->folktale2]].

He gives reason to cry over (link-undo:"spilled milk.")

One day, the witch in his overzealousness angered a (link:"fearsome werewolf.")[=fearsome werewolf. The two fought for days on end, the moon swallowing the sun whole as the entire land was bathed in an inky (link:"black.")[=black. When the sun rose again, the howling of the wind and of the werewolf ceased. The water ran clear again, the crops and livestock thrived, and [[misfortune->folktale3]] no longer hung over the humble village.

The village was freed from the witch’s [[curse->title-page]].

#[swallowing the moon] the world is run on simple rules, no matter how [[convoluted->act1-playing-the-hero]] they pan out

#act one: [[playing the hero->act1-1]] (set: $trueEnd to 0)(set: $hua to 0)(set: $witch to 0)(set: $io to 0)(set: $folktale to 0)(set: $egg to 0)(set: $memory to 0)

You have extra [[baked bread->baked-bread]], leftover from your family’s daily batch. (if: $hua is 0)[There is a [[girl->girl]] who](else:)[Hua] lives at the edge of the village alone despite her young age. You hear your neighbor’s chickens squawk loudly. They seem to be hungry. You wonder if you should [[deliver the bread to the girl->hua-bread]] or [[feed the bread to your neighbor’s pen of chickens.->chicken-bread]]

(set: $witch to (it + 1))(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)(set: $hua to (it + 1))Her face is small and sweet. You remember her telling you her name with a soft smile. [[“Hua.”->act1-1]]

Your family is well known for their bread, their humble bakery a loved little (link-undo:"home") for the village.

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)(set: $hua to it + 1)A large [[shadow->shadow]] always follows her in the way the village folk look and speak about her. A (if: $memory is 0)[[[blemish->blemish]]](else:)[blemish] burnt into the village’s history, a heavy burden of a memory that she has to carry. She bids you [[goodbye->act1-2]], warm as the summer wind.

(set: $egg to it + 1)An older man waves from his window in gratitude. He tells you that he promises to give your family a fresh batch of eggs [[in the morning.->act1-2]]

She doesn’t talk about it or seem to notice at all in the way she walks like she’s weightless, like she wasn’t always alone. (link-undo:"You admire that about her a lot.")

(set: $memory to it + 1)You have vague memories of fiery torches and angry yelling. The adrenaline had coursed through your fingertips as an [[evil->hua-bread]] was forced away.

There are nights where the moonlight turns harsh, and the rustling of the woods are louder than usual. Your little cousins would knock on your door and clamber into your bed under the protection of your thick wool blanket and arms. You would spin your own (if: $folktale is 1)[folktales](else:)[[[folktales->folktales]]]—offshoots of ones you knew and hyperboles of random experiences you had that day—in order to [[drown out->act1-3]] the noise and nightmares.

(set: $witch to it + 1)(set: $folktale to 1)Your cousins always want you to tell them the story of the witch. Every time they play, they always fight over who gets to be the valiant [[werewolf.->act1-2]]

The sun does not greet you the next morning. Instead, it is the pounding rain, relentless in its fury. It rattles the roof of your home, and your aunts and uncles worry about the village flooding. Your grandmother muses on how she has not seen a storm this strong since when she was a child. Your father sits quietly by the window and [[watches.->act1-4]]

It is evening when your littlest cousin exclaims that (if: $io is 0)[[[the family dog->family-dog]]](else:)[Io] is nowhere to be [[found.->act1-5]]

(set: $io to 1)Io is her name, and she has been at your side since you were a babe. You two are practically [[inseparable->act1-4]], attached at the hip. Your earliest memory is her nipping at your ear.

You take to the forest, a coat and hat quickly thrown on. You don’t hear the worries of your mother at your back as the forest wet and heavy with rain [[swallows->act1-6]] you whole.

The forest that you once called home is now a stranger. Dark trees twist into a labyrinth, the howling wind obscuring your own footsteps. You think about turning back, oh Lord you want to turn back, [[but…->act1-7]]

You hear (if: $io is 0)[the dog’s](else:)[Io’s] barking in the distance, and you chase after it. It becomes louder until a loud //yelp// and //snap// leaves you lonely again in the deafening silence of the storm. [[Fear has found home inside you.->act1-8]]

You burst into a clearing, and the storm lightens just enough so that you can see the full moon—a hollow silver—hang over the shadow of a beast, large with hunched shoulders. Its snout is long, fangs pearly white and sharp, with bright blue eyes not unlike the moon. It is feasting on something, its maw red with dark blood. [[Even from a distance, you can tell the golden-yellow fur of your dog from anywhere.->act1-9]]

The lifeless body of your oldest friend now lay as a bloody heap at the feet of the beast—barely recognisable. You no longer hear the pounding of the rain over your pulsing heartbeat. (if: $io is 0)[[[The fear completely overtakes your body, and you run.->run-away]]](else:)[[[All you see is red.->fight-wolf]]]

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)(set: $witch to (it + 1))(link:"You are unarmed.")[=You are unarmed. (link:"You have no protection.")[=You have no protection. [[It didn’t matter. The beast had to pay.->act1-10]]

[[You don’t remember anything else.->act2-unbecoming]] (set: $saveTrueEndOne to $trueEnd)(set: $saveWitch to $witch)(set: $saveMemory to $memory)

#act two: [[unbecoming->act2-1]] (set: $act2 to 1)(set: $trueEnd to $saveTrueEndOne)(set: $witch to $saveWitch)(set: $memory to $saveMemory)(set: $sword to 0)(set: $rest to 0)(set: $reflection to 0)(set: $real to 0)(set: $witchRoute to 0)

When you wake up, the bloodied remains of Io, precious Io, are cradled in your arms. You gather the pieces that’s left of her and hold her close to your chest. No matter how heavy the mourning, [[you cannot seem to cry.->act2-2]]

You try to stand up, but are met with a fiery pain across your back, shooting up your spine. You will through it nonetheless, compartmentalising the pain into a small corner of your mind, and stand up. As best as you could, you stumble through the forest, and it feels as if the trees are parting their way to let you pass; [[you contribute this illusion to your pained delirium.->act2-3]]

There are spots in your vision, your heartbeat heavy in your ears as you trek through the brush. Eventually, you make your way home to the village and collapse almost immediately. [[Before you black out a second time, you hear a woman scream.->act2-4]]

You find yourself in a dark room when your eyes finally (link:"flutter open.")[=flutter open. You are lying on your front, back exposed cold to the chill of the room. The pain on your back is a dull throb, but every breath would shoot pain up your spine. [[Your skull might as well be split in half from the shock.->act2-5]]

After what feels like an eternity, the door opens fully, and the three figures bathed in the warm glow of candlelight (link:"approach you.")[=approach you. Your mother is the first to notice your state of consciousness, and she immediately rushes over to your side. Her hand is warm on your face as she brushes away your stray strands of hair. “We’re so glad that you’re back safe and alive.” Your father follows behind, putting his arm around your mother, and takes your hand. “We were so worried when you didn’t return. [[You were out for days.->act2-6]]”

[[Days? That doesn’t seem right.->act2-7]]

The doctor is the last to enter the room. His face is gaunt and tired, wisened from age. [[> Tell him of your tiredness. You wish to rest.->pain-sleep]] [[> You are curious about the gravity of your injury.->injury]]

The doctor nods, and gently ushers your parents out of the room despite their protests. You close your eyes, and [[you quickly drift back to sleep->act2-8]], despite the pulsing pain.

(set: $trueEnd to (it + 1))Somehow, the doctor manages to look even more haggard. He pauses for a long moment, as if to carefully consider his words, before speaking. “There are three slashes across the back. It appears as if you were attacked by a bear.” [[Your mother lets out a soft sob.->act2-8]]

Your favorite bread and jam you have every morning tastes dull. (if: $egg is 1)[Your neighbor’s eggs taste stale, despite them being fresh.] [[You crave for a more metallic taste.->act2-9]]

Your feet sink into the muddy soil, soles of your boots sticking to the muck. You hear the beast let out a roar, and it chases after you in wide strides. This is not how you thought you were going to die. This is not how you wanted to die. [[You don’t want to die.->act1-10]]

(if: $io is 0)[The sky is overcast, [[the air chilly.->act2-1dog]]](else:)[The sunlight is blinding, and the [[rain is finally gone.->act2-1Io]]]

The remains of your dog are nowhere to be found. [[There is only a dark stain in the grass in around you.->act2-2]]

''1'' (if: $inMemoriam >= 1)[in memoriam] ''2'' (if: $villainy >= 1)[villainy] ''3'' (if: $lunarCycle >= 1)[lunar cycle] ''4'' (if: $wheresTheLove >= 1)[where’s the love] ''5'' (if: $wander >= 1)[wander] ''6'' (if: $echo >= 1)[echo] ''7'' (if: $solarEclipse >= 1)[solar eclipse] (if: $bloodMoon < 1)[????](else:)[''true end   //blood moon//'' [[end.->act-contents]]] (if: $bloodMoon is 0)[[[If only there was a way to turn back time…->act-contents]]]

#in memoriam [[You have died.->finis]] (set: $inMemoriam to it + 1)

#where’s the love [[The lonely werewolf howls at the empty sky.->finis]] (set: $wheresTheLove to it + 1)

#wander [[Maybe there are certain stories that were never yours to tell.->finis]] (set: $wander to it + 1)

#echo [[You call out to the deep, but hear nothing back.->finis]] (set: $echo to it + 1)

#solar eclipse The village tells about your story for generations to come. [[The valiant werewolf that slayed the wicked witch.->finis]] (set: $solarEclipse to it + 1)

#blood moon [[There is no evil, only misgivings and misunderstandings.->finis]] (set: $bloodMoon to it + 1)

act one: [[playing hero->act1-playing-the-hero]] (if: $act2 is 1)[act two: [[unbecoming->act2-unbecoming]]] (if: $act3 is 1)[act three: [[cauterise->act3-cauterise]]](else:)[????]

#act three [[cauterise->act3-1]] (set: $act3 to 1)(set: $distrust to 0)(set: $books to 0)(set: $window to 0)(set: $vial to 0)(set: $ritual to 0)(set: $memory to $saveMemory)(set: $pain to 0)(set: $ryuujin to 0)(set: $trueEnd to $saveTrueEndTwo)

As you near the cottage, you notice a warm glow from the closed shutters of the windows. At times, a shadow would pass by, a flicker in the light. Your sword feels heavy on your back. You wonder [[if you should knock->act3-knock1]], or if [[you should just open the door->act3-open1]].

The pain on your back, a new normalcy, spreads to the rest of your limbs. It burns as you move, and (link:"all you want to do is rest.")[=all you want to do is rest. It’s the most uncomfortable at night. The moon seems to mock you in the way it hangs over your head. [[You are hungry.->act2-10]]

(link:"You blink once.")[=You blink once, and you are standing in your family’s living area. (link:"You blink again.")[=You blink again, and you are standing outside, feet bare on the dirt road in front of your home. [[You don’t remember anything else.->act2-11]]

You wake up to the exclamation of your neighbor. He mourns the death of two hens. You hear the other village folks gather around, their [[voices->voices]] loud in your ears. [[You scratch at the dried blood stuck to your arms.->act2-arbitrium]]

You don’t know what’s happening to you, but it’s (link:"not normal.")[=not normal. You think you should… [[> Stay and wait things out. You are simply overreacting.->pride1]] (if: $witch >= 1)[[[> Leave the village. You are a danger.->flowering1]]]

“It looks like the work of a wolf.” “Only two hens? A wolf would have ravaged the whole coop.” “How did a wolf get in? It must be some kind of [[beast.->beast]]” [[You want it to stop.->act2-arbitrium]]

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)(set: $witch to it + 1)“This can only be the work of a monster.” “The [[witch->act2-arbitrium]] must have sent one.”

Right. You’re just overreacting. (link:"You are going to be fine.")[=You are going to be fine. [[You are fine.->pride2]]

You decide to leave at the dead of night, when the house is quiet and everyone is sleeping. You pack (if: $sword >= 1)[some water, food, and your sword.](else:)[[[a small amount of supplies->supplies]] that will sustain you for a few days.] On your bed, you leave a note saying that you will be leaving. [[You hope that you can come back home soon.->flowering2]]

|clue)[You are (link:"hungry.")[=hungry. [[Nothing can sedate your growling stomach.->pride4]]] {(live: 2s)[ (show: ?clue) (stop:) ]}

You wonder if you should [[consult the village doctor->pride2-doctor1]], or if you should [[talk to your parents->pride2-parents1]] about this.

The door to the doctor’s small shop swings open with ease as you enter. He seems surprised at your visit because you aren’t due until the next day. He pulls out a chair and ushers you to sit down. [[He looks worried.->pride2-doctor2]]

Your house is empty, your aunts and uncles away on their errands, your little cousins at the school. In the kitchen, your mother kneads bread as your father whisks a fresh batch of dough. They both look up and smile at you, but [[it falters when they see your worried expression.->pride2-parents2]]

[[You don’t remember anything else.->pride5]]

(set: $doctor to it + 1)You can’t seem to make direct eye contact with the doctor as you tell him about your pains. You hesitate when you begin to mention the hunger as your eye catches the lapel then the open collar of the doctor’s coat. [[His neck is exposed.->pride3]]

You hear screaming, but you don’t know why. Something burns against your skin, and you shake it off. The only thing on your mind is how (link:"hungry you are.")[=hungry you are. So you (link:"eat.")[=eat. And (link:"eat.")[=eat. And [[eat.->pride6]]

(set: $parents to it + 1)Your words catch in your throat. Suddenly, [[you forgot what you were going to say.->pride3]]

(if: $doctor is 1)[[[The screaming eventually stops.->pride7-doctor]]](elseif: $parents is 1)[[[The screaming eventually stops.->pride7-parents]]]

When you open your eyes, all you see is red. Your hands are wet, and there’s a heavy metallic taste on your tongue. You’re standing in the middle of the village square, and it is eerily silent. There are [[limp bodies->limp-bodies]] around you, each one torn apart in a different way. [[All of them are unrecognisable.->pride8-doctor]]

When you open your eyes, you’re lying in the dirt. There’s a heavy metallic taste in your mouth, and your hands are a sticky wet. You struggle to stand on your feet, and you realise that you are in the middle of the village square. There’s patches of red staining the ground around you. [[There’s a sinking feeling in your stomach, and you race in the general direction of your home.->pride8-parents]]

Then it hits (link:"you.")[=you. Your (link:"neighbors.")[=neighbors. Your (link:"family.")[=family. Your (link:"parents.")[=parents. [[What’s left of your father lay at your feet.->pride9-doctor]]

They are all missing various limbs, guts in a messy arrangement. A work of a (link-undo:"ravenous beast.")

He must have tried to stop you. [[What have you done?->pride10]]

[[“Vicious fiend.”->pride11]]

As you run, you start to see the bodies. They’re mangled and strewn about haphazardly. From the pieces of clothing left, you recognise your (link:"neighbors.")[=neighbors. Your (link:"friends.")[=friends. Your [[family.->pride9-parents]]

The door of your home was torn off, and what’s left of [[your mother->mother]] lay at its footsteps. [[What have you done?->pride10]]

She must have tried to (link-undo:"escape.")

You turn around and meet face to face with a man clad in a thick coat as black as his shoulder length hair. In his hand is a staff of twisted wood with a flower sitting atop it. The witch looks much younger than you imagined. Unlike the scenery around him, he is pristine, hands a fair white compared to yours caked in [[blood.->pride12]]

Before you can open your mouth to say anything, the witch slams his staff into the ground. It sends you flying, and you tumble into dewy grass. (if: $witch >= 3)[[[Instinctively, you snarl. You curl your hands into fists, your palms stinging from nails you don’t remember being this long.->pride-fight]]](else:)[[[You scramble onto your knees and start to beg.->pride-mercy]]]

“Pitiful creature.” The witch’s expression is unreadable, smooth like the surface of a calm lake. “But I cannot forgive you for what you have done.” He faces his palm out towards you and starts [[chanting in tongues.->in-memoriam]] (if:$hua >= 1)[For a brief moment, you think he looks sad.]

The witch (link:"tuts at you.")[=tuts at you. Anger fills you. You lunge at him, teeth sharp and bared. The witch pushes his staff at you, and your teeth sink into the soft wood. You are face to face with him, and a small part of you that’s still human finds the witch familiar. The beastly side quickly overtakes it, and (link:"you try to snap at the witch’s neck.")[=you try to snap at the witch’s neck. Instead of connecting, you are sent back by a powerful gust of wind. A dark shadow covers the witch’s face, and he points his staff at you, its flower collapsing into a tight bud. (if:$hua >= 1)[For a brief moment, you think he looks sad.] [[“You will pay for what you have done.”->pride-folktale]]

The village has an old folktale. Long, long ago, there was a wicked werewolf that terrorised the village. It first attacked the defenseless livestock, starting from the chickens. When the animals were no longer enough to satiate its hunger, it began to feast on the villagers, taking them one by one. Every misfortune was the werewolf’s [[fault.->pride-folktale2]]

One day, the hungry werewolf angered a (link:"fearless witch.")[=fearless witch. The two fought for days on end, the sun disappearing under the mask of the moon as the entire land was bathed in an (link:"inky black.")[=inky black. When the sun rose again, the howling of the wind and of the werewolf ceased. The water ran clear again, the crops and livestock thrived, and [[misfortune->villany]] no longer hung over the humble village.

#villainy [[You did not die a hero.->finis]] (set: $villainy to it + 1)

[[…->pride-folktale1]]

You wonder if you should [[to try and find the witch->flowering-witch1]] or [[the beast that made you strange.->flowering-beast1]]

(set: $witchRoute to 1)Of course. It is the witch’s fault. [[It had to be.->flowering-witch2]]

You head in the general direction you remember chasing after (if: $io is 0)[the family dog](else:)[Io]. If you could find that same clearing again, then you will have a chance of finding the beast. [[You didn’t have a plan outside of that.->flowering-beast2]]

How will you fight against that monster? You remember clearly how easily it tore through the muscle and bone of a fairly large dog. Surely, you would be no different. But the you now is not the same as the you that night. [[This is a truth that you came to accept.->flowering3]]

The sun rises, the light streaming through the canopy of leaves above you. You had walked all night, but the ache in the heels of your legs was lost in the cloud of your mind. You realise that you don’t feel that much pain in your body anymore, the pulse on your back settling into [[calmer waves.->flowering4]]

You happen by a small stream, and you stop to rest your feet and take a drink. You take a glimpse of (if: $reflection is 1)[your reflection](else:)[[your reflection->reflection]] in the water before you plunge your hands (link:"into the chill.")[=into the chill. (if: $witchRoute >= 1)[[[The water soothes your throat->flowering-witch4]]](else:)[[[The water soothes your throat->flowering-beast4]]] that you didn’t realise was so parched.

You sit at the base of a tall maple tree, and the fatigue finally sets in. You tell yourself that you will rest for only a moment—[[you close your eyes.->flowering-beast5]]

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)(set: $reflection to 1)Your hair is much longer now; it falls past your shoulders when just merely a week before was neat and trimmed. There are dark circles under your sunken eyes. [[You look sickly.->flowering4]]

You briefly wash your face before standing back up, shifting your weight between your feet. A small part of you doubt (if: $real is 1)[if the witch is even real at all.](else:)[[[if the witch is even real at all.->real]]] But he is your [[best chance.->flowering-witch5]]

As you walk, you feel as if there are eyes on your back, but if you turn around, you see nothing but the empty black staring back. (link:"You are alone.")[=You are alone. When you continue on your way, you find that the trees appear to be in a different position than they were in before. It must be because you’re [[tired.->flowering3]]

When you open your eyes again, it is nighttime. The moon is gone from the sky, and you are left alone in the company of the stars. As much as you want to get up and continue walking, [[your limbs feel heavy and lethargic.->flowering-beast6]]

(set: $rest to it + 1)(if: $rest < 5)[You want to rest a little more. [[Maybe you should rest for just a moment.->flowering-beast6]]](else:)[(if: $io >= 1)[[[No.->flowering-beast7]]](else:)[You want to rest a little more. [[Maybe you should rest for just a moment.->flowering-rest]]]]

You lug yourself to your feet despite every nerve in your body protesting. After gathering what little you have, you head downstream. The soil under your feet is wet from the river’s overflow. Each step you take feels like you’re sinking further and further into the ground. At this point, [[you didn’t quite mind->flowering-beast8]] being swallowed whole by the earth.

You close your eyes again and feel relief wash over you as [[you drift off->in-memoriam]] to sleep.

You eventually reach a clearing—though you are unsure if it is //the// clearing. The pit in your stomach says otherwise though, and (link:"you hear a deep gutteral growl emanating from the other end of the field.")[=you hear a deep guttural growl emanating from the other end of the field. [[The beast.->flowering-beast9]]

Its fur is bright white under the starlight, giving it a ghostly mirage. This time, you’re prepared. You brandish (if:$sword is 0)[the sword on your back](else:)[your sword] and point it at the beast. The beast bares its fangs, and (link:"lunges at you.")[=lunges at you. You push your sword in front of you to defend, and the [[beast bites onto the cold metal.->flowering-beast10]] Its teeth bounce off, but not before leaving indents on the smooth surface.

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)(set: $sword to 1)A canister of water, dried meats, and [[a sword->flowering1]] your father gifted you for your 18th birthday.

Steadying your feet as best as you can on the soft soil, you deliver a swift strike when the beast falters. It connects at its arm, and the beast (if:($sword is 1) and ($io is 1))[(link:"bleeds red, just like you.")[=bleeds red, just like you. The beast rears its head and howls at the moonless sky. You take this moment to [[plunge the sword into its chest—->flowering-beastSlay1]]](else:)[[[bleeds red.->flowering-beastKill1]]]

With an unnatural speed, the beast grabs onto your sword and pulls you towards it. It snaps at your other arm, [[pulling it clean right off.->flowering-beastkKill2]]

The beast swats at your arm, and the sword instead goes through its left shoulder, arm going limp. As the beast howls in pain again, you yank the sword out, and blood wets your face. [[The beast had to pay.->flowering-beastSlay2]]

You let out a scream you don’t hear as you collapse into the grass, (link:"sword forgotten.")[=sword forgotten. [[Any courage you had is rapidly replaced by fear.->flower-beastKill3]]

The beast bites at your side, and you see the white bones of your ribs. [[You are rapidly losing consciousness.->flowering-beastKill4]]

Through the blurred pain, you feel the beast pick you up. The last thing you see is its bright blue eyes, [[two hollow moons.->in-memoriam]]

Adrenaline pulses in rhythm with your heartbeat as you slash again. A large line of dark red blooms at the center of the beast’s chest. [[This one is for Io.->flowering-beastSlay3]]

You slash again at the beast’s leg, and it collapses to the ground. [[This one is for your family.->flowering-beastSlay4]]

You hold your sword above your head with both hands. You stab it downward, and it sinks cleanly into the beast’s neck. [[This one is for the life it took away from you.->flowering-beastSlay5]]

At your feet, the beast lay, fur once a pristine white now a matted and ugly red. You expected to feel something change, but instead the adrenaline melts away into (link:"your ever present hunger.")[=your ever present hunger. [[You’re so hungry.->flowering-beastSlay6]]

|clue)[[[So you feast on the prey before you.->lunar-cycle]]] {(live: 2s)[ (show: ?clue) (stop:) ]}

#lunar cycle [[The rules of the universe hold steadfast.->finis]] (set: $lunarCycle to it + 1)

It’s aimless wandering, but you feel drawn towards a particular direction—west. The sun sinks below the line of trees behind you. The weariness of your feet starts to take a toll on you, and you can’t seem to shake the feeling that you are being watched. [[You think it would be wise to start finding shelter.->flowering-witch6]]

In the dying light of twilight, you notice a [[well worn path->worn-path]] start out of nowhere. [[You feel drawn to it for some particular reason.->flowering-witch7]]

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)(set: $real to 1)Afterall, you’ve only heard of him through the [[elders->flowering-witch4]] of the village, right?

You follow the path, and it ends in a clearing, the trees making a perfect circle around the grass. In the middle was a small cottage. [[There’s steam coming out of the chimney.->flowering-witch8]]

The branches of the trees that line it curve, making an (link-undo:"arc"). It’s hard to tell if they were artificially bent or if they naturally grew into that shape.

(set: $saveTrueEndTwo to $trueEnd)The sun and its light is entirely gone now. With the moon high in the sky, your hands itch. [[You think you found what you were looking for.->act3-cauterise]]

Your knuckles rap on the door once, then twice. With bated breath, you wait as [[the door swings open.->act3-knock2]]

(set: $distrust to it + 1)The door swings open easily, its hinges old and squeaking. Immediately, you are hit by the warmth of the room, originating from the fireplace housing a large black cauldron. The witch stands in front of it, intently stirring. With his back still towards you, he speaks. “Have you no courtesy of knocking?” [[You don’t answer.->act3-open2]]

You expected an old weathered man with long silver hair and more wrinkles on his face than there are valleys in the land. Instead, you are met with a young man with jet black hair that barely passes his shoulders. He’s taller than you by a few inches, and he scrutinises you with a single clear grey eye. “You’re no traveller,” he says plainly. [[> “I’m not.”->act3-knock3a]] [[> “You’re mistaken.”->act3-knock3b]]

“I appreciate your honesty.” The witch gives a ghost of a smile. (link:"“Then, what brings you here?”")[=“Then, what brings you here?” You pause to consider your words carefully. You could brandish your sword and slay the witch then and there, but you don’t know of the unforeseen consequences. You couldn’t risk being stuck in the state you’re in. “[[There is something only you can fix->act3-discussion1]],” is your answer.

(set: $distrust to it + 1)“It takes more than that to fool me.” The witch’s stare is piercing, as if he could see every single one of your thoughts and memories. (link:"“State your reason.”")[=“State your reason.” You let your eyes fall to the dirt between your feet, shirking away from the intense gaze. “[[There is something only you can fix->act3-discussion1]],” is your answer.

A heavy silence falls between you two. The witch turns towards you, face a shadowed dark. In the dim light, you see that the witch is in fact not an old man with silver hair. Instead, you are met with a young man with sharp grey eyes and hair black as night brushing his shoulders. The witch holds up his hand, a bright cyan fire twisting around his fingers. (link:"“Speak, or forever hold your peace.”")[=“Speak, or forever hold your peace.” [[> Keep quiet, draw your sword.->act3-fight1]] [[> “There is something only you can fix.”->act3-discussion1]]

(set: $distrust to it + 1)Something brief flashes across the witch’s eyes, like a ghost of a memory. You brace yourself for an attack, but he instead lowers his hand. (link:"“Are you here to kill me, too?”")[=“Are you here to kill me too?” [[> “Yes.”->act3-fight2]] [[> “No.”->act3-hesitation]]

The witch raises his eyebrow. “Your werewolf issue? I don’t meddle with the affairs of wolves.” [[> “Werewolf issue?”->act3-discussion2]]

The witch’s smile is one that doesn’t reach his eyes. “I expected just as much from a village folk.” He gestures to his right, and a staff of twisted wood flies into his hand. As he points the flowering head of a staff at you, you raise your sword to (link:"strike.")[=strike. Before steel connects with wood, you are sent flying back out the door, tumbling into the dewy glass. As you stand, the witch stands at the door frame. He taunts at you. “That can’t be all you have in you, [[werewolf->act3-fight3]].”

“A strange way to play show-and-tell, don’t you think?” the witch quips as he raises an eyebrow. “Or maybe you don’t have the courtesy to tell me what you’re threatening me into.” Hesitantly, you lower your sword. “[[There is something only you can fix.->act3-discussion1]]”

You let out a growl that reverberates deep in your chest. Your free hand curls into a tight fist, palms pricked by nails you don’t remember being this long. You raise your sword to swing again, and this time, the metal sinks into the soft wood. The witch pulls the staff—and by extension you—closer. “Oh, how I pity your kind.” [[A burning blooms->act3-fight4]] in the pit of your chest as the flower atop his staff blossoms a pale white.

Your knees buckle, and you collapse at the witch’s feet, paralysed. He picks up your sword, swinging it around as if it were second nature, and presses the tip to your chest. It stings where skin starts to break. As your vision darkens, he stands over you, [[a silver eye as bright as the moon hanging above.->in-memoriam]]

“Yes.” The witch purses his lips. “It was no bear that attacked you.” He looks at you from top to bottom. “You’ve already begun to transform.” [[> “Can you stop it?”->act3-discussion3]] [[> “Did you send the wolf after the village?”->act3-accuse1]]

The witch considers your words for a moment. “I cannot guarantee it.” Another pause, then a sly smile, a boyish coyness that strikes a familiar note. “But if I do try, (link:"what’s in it for me?”")[=what’s in it for me?” [[> “I spare your life.”->act3-threaten]] [[> “I’ll leave you alone.”->act3-admission]]

(set: $distrust to it + 1)“Ha.” The witch crosses his arms. “I told you. I don’t meddle with the affairs of wolves. They do as they please, (link:"just like you right now.”")[=just like you right now.” Before you can open your mouth to reply, the witch speaks again. “Let me guess. You want me to undo the curse?” [[You nod.->act3-accuse2]]

“What if I told you no?” The witch gives a sly smile, a boyish coyness that strikes a familiar note. (link:"“What’s in it for me?”")[=“What’s in it for me?” [[> “I spare your life.”->act3-threaten]] [[> “I’ll leave you alone.”->act3-admission]]

“Oh? So that was your intention all along.” The witch steps closer to you, and you can smell his heavy scent of herbs and spices. (if: $distrust >= 3)[[[“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.”->act3-distrust]]](else:)[[[“I suppose I’ll give you a conditional trust.”->act3-trust]]]

“How nice of you.” The witch’s smile widens. “And you’re just in luck: I have space for you in the back.” He strides away into the thick of plants that crown an archway, but halts when he notices that you didn’t follow. “Unless you want to sleep outside?” (link:"He raises an eyebrow.")[=He raises an eyebrow. [[> Follow the witch.->act3-follow1]] [[> “I do want to sleep outside.”->act3-outside1]]

You flinch as the witch grabs your arm, a vice grip that almost immediately cut off circulation. [[> “What are you doing?”->act3-distrusta]] [[> “Let go.”->act3-distrustb]]

You take a step back to put more distance between you and the witch, but the scent lingers on you. “You’re lucky that I have space in the back for you.” He strides away into the thick of plants that crown an archway, but halts when he notices that you didn’t follow. “Unless you want to sleep outside?” (link:"He raises an eyebrow.")[=He raises an eyebrow. [[> Follow the witch.->act3-follow1]] [[> “I do want to sleep outside.”->act3-outside1]]

“Nipping things in the bud.” You start to panic and try to push the witch away, but the grip tightens. You smell burnt cotton and singed hair. (link:"“I promise I’ll make things quick for you.”")[=“I promise I’ll make things quick for you.” Heat spreads from your arm to the rest of your body as you are set alight. You can barely let out a scream as [[you are engulfed by cyan fire.->in-memoriam]]

“I don’t think I will.” You start to panic and try to push the witch away, but the grip tightens. You smell burnt cotton and singed hair. (link:"“I promise I’ll make things quick for you.”")[=“I promise I’ll make things quick for you.” Heat spreads from your arm to the rest of your body as you are set alight. You can barely let out a scream as [[you are engulfed by cyan fire.->in-memoriam]]

He hums a short tune as you enter a small enclave in the corner of the home. Like the path there, it’s laden full with plants and books in an organised mess. There is a single window covered by a light curtain. Under a canopy of hanging leaves sat [[a comfortable looking loveseat.->ac3-loveseat]] The witch clears as much space as he can, draping a woven blanket over the seat and placing a small but well stuffed pillow on the arm. “Make yourself comfortable. [[But don’t try anything.->act3-follow2]]”

“Suit yourself. I shall see you in the morning then.” He waves his hand as you exit. You find a dry patch of grass under a tree at the perimeter of the clearing and settle in facing the witch’s home, your back against the trunk. Despite the residual rushes of adrenaline, fatigue takes you easily, and [[you drift off to sleep.->act3-outside2]]

You assume it’s meant for leisurely reading in the way it’s nested under a (link-undo:"pile of books") with various ribbons and papers sticking out of them, well worn compared to the others that sat on shelves.

You watch as he exits the enclave, his black cloak sweeping the floor, and you are left alone again. You settle into the loveseat. It’s a bit too small to comfortably fit your entire aching frame, but fatigue quickly overtakes you despite an unease you can’t shake. [[You drift off to sleep.->act3-inside1]]

You wake to the rustling of the leaves just as the sun rises. Your limbs feel stiff, and despite the dreamless but deep sleep, you still feel tired. You push yourself to stand anyway, and you sway slightly as you pick up your items before (link:"reentering the witch’s home.")[=reentering the witch’s home. The door swings open easily, and you step into the living room. Immediately, you notice that the cauldron sitting in the fireplace from last night is gone. Instead, there are two black cats, one laying on an ornate rug lapping its paw and another on a rocking chair. [[> Enter the kitchen.->act3-kitchen]] [[> Go down the hallway.->act3-witchroom]]

You wake when the sun does, the early morning rays peering through the window and settling on your arm. As you stretch languidly, your hand brushes against something warm and soft. You whip your head around, and are met with a black cat curled on a shelf between two vases. It lifts its head and (link:"stares at you.")[=stares at you. [[> Ignore the cat.->act3-ignore]] [[> Pet the cat.->act3-pet]] [[> Shoo the cat away.->act3-shoo]]

You pay no mind to the cat as it curls back into itself and goes back to sleep. [[It’s just a cat.->act3-inside2]]

(set: $distrust to it - 1)Slowly, you reach your hand out and pet the cat on its head. It squints its eyes, seemingly pleased as you scratch between its ears. [[Is the cat purring?->act3-inside2]]

(set: $distrust to it + 1)You make an attempt to scare the cat away by shushing at it. It simply stares back at you, [[unamused.->act3-inside2]]

You blink the sleepiness away and stand up. [[> Look around the room.->act3-room]] [[> Exit.->act3-livingroom]]

In the daylight, the room looks a lot bigger, but not any less cramped. You’re surprised to see that despite the clutter, everything is well kept and immaculately dusted. Even the books, though seemingly haphazardly shoved onto the shelves, are in alphabetical order. There is not a single yellowing leaf on any of the plants. (if: $books is 0)[[[> Look at the books.->act3-books]]] (if: $window is 0)[[[> Look out the window.->act3-window]]] [[> Exit the room.->act3-livingroom]]

You enter the living room and immediately notice that the cauldron sitting in the fireplace from last night is gone. Instead, there are two black cats, one laying on an ornate rug lapping its paw and another on a rocking chair. [[> Enter the kitchen.->act3-kitchen]] [[> Go down the hallway.->act3-witchroom]]

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)(set: $books to 1)You carefully pick up one of the books that was stacked by the loveseat, the cat peeking over its paws to watch your every move. The book falls open easily on a page marked with a red satin bookmark. There are neat annotations in the margins. You try to read what’s on the page, but it’s indecipherable; it’s as if the words were made of ants crawling around the page, only vaguely forming letters by chance. The only thing you could read are the page numbers at the bottom. [[> Flip through the book.->act3-bflip]] [[> Close the book.->act3-bclose]]

(set: $window to 1)You brush the thin curtain out of the way and peer out the window. You see your faint reflection superimposed in the glass over the woods. Your hair is even longer, past your shoulders, now. Your eyes are sunken with dark circles. [[You quickly snap the curtains shut.->act3-room]]

You are hit with a powerful scent of herbs the moment you step foot into the kitchen. There’s racks of drying flowers and leaves adorning the walls. Various vials filled with mysterious fluorescent liquid rest in the corner of one of the counters. (if: $vial is 0)[[[> Take one of the vials.->act3-vials]]] [[> Exit the kitchen.->act3-witchroom]]

(if: (history:) contains "act3-kitchen")[You exit the kitchen and walk towards the hallway. Though it is short, it’s sparsely decorated.](else:)[Though the hallway is short, it’s sparsely decorated.] In fact, it’s the least populated with plants. At the end is a single doorway. You push the door open, and (link:"it softly swings open.")[=it softly swings open. The room is completely devoid of plants. A bed sits in the middle of the room, the headrest against the wall. The witch lays under a thick blanket and a sleeping black cat. [[> Approach the witch.->act3-approach]] [[> Exit the room.->act3-2]]

(set: $ritual to -1)(set: $vial to 1)Each vial is small and fits into the palms of your hands. One particular bottle catches your eye. It’s in the shape of a moon housing bright blue liquid that shimmers in the light when you pick it up. [[You slip it into your pocket.->act3-kitchen]]

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)(set: $memory to it + 1)If you thought the witch looked young before, he looked especially young now with the way his sleeping expression is calm and smooth without worry. You notice that his right eye—hidden by his hair when you first met him—has black marks all over and around it. The socket itself is hollow, like the eyeball itself was gone. Upon seeing the witch’s whole visage, you think he looks strikingly familiar. However, you can’t seem to pinpoint the memory—if it even existed. Before you could lose yourself in your thoughts, the sleeping cat wakes and meows at you. That in turn wakes the witch. [[“That’s one way to say good morning.”->act3-2]] The witch’s voice is deep, laden with sleep.

The afternoon was spent watching the witch flip through his books, mumbling about the fine print and logistics of spells as a cat lays across his shoulders. You nearly fall asleep again until he snaps a book shut particularly loudly. “You could at least try to make it seem like you’re listening,” he snides. He puts down the book and picks up another one for the umpteenth time. “What I was saying is that you can’t conjure things out of thin air—you can only transform.” He looks over the top of the book. “Are you following?” [[You nod.->act3-3]]

“Good.” The witch continues. “You’re always hungry because your body needs the materials to transform. To stop the transformation, we need to expel that energy somewhere else. If things were easier, we would just have you stop eating, but then you…” His voice trails off. “Your body starts eating itself?” A chill shoots down your spine as the image of your stomach growing a mouth to gnaw on your guts floods your mind. The witch proceeds with his explanation, but you lose him again when he starts babbling on about stars and nebulae and [[black holes.->act3-4]]

Before you venture off into the woods to gather necessary materials, the witch hands you a vial of purple liquid. He tells you to drink it; (link:"it’s a pain suppressant.")[=it’s a pain suppressant. [[> Take the potion.->act3-potion]] [[> Decline.->act3-decline]]

(set: $distrust to it - 1)(set: $pain to it - 1)You tip the liquid into your mouth, and it slides down your throat, slightly viscous. While sweet, there’s a bitter aftertaste not unlike tea. Any weariness in your limbs instantly melt away, and [[you feel a lot better. ->act3-5]]

(set: $ritual to it - 1)The witch hums and slips the vial into his cloak. [[“Suit yourself.”->act3-5]]

You accompany the witch as he forages for more herbs, something that you don’t bother asking about despite the plethora of plants he already has. A cat leads as the three others dart off into different directions of the woods. You carry a wicker basket that slowly piles high with sweet smelling flowers in a rainbow assortment of colors. [[You wonder what the witch is going to use them for.->act3-5a]]

In the evening, you watch as the witch outlines his plans on a piece of parchment on the floor. There’s a crude sketch of what you assume was you in the middle of a circle with many arrows pointing towards it. “Your transformation finishes when the moon is full.” He draws a small circle that you assume is supposed to represent the moon. “So that means that our deadline is in three days. Thankfully, we found all that we need today, and I have the rest.” The witch pauses and looks at you. “Even then I can’t guarantee that you’ll be… ‘fixed.’” [[> “What do you mean?”->act3-7]]

The witch swallows thickly. “I’ve never dealt with anything involving the wolves, so I’m practically flying by the seat of my pants.” He absentmindedly taps his quill against the parchment, circles of ink blooming on the cream paper. “I understand the logic, but not the execution.” [[You sit silently as the witch continues on his sketching.->act3-8]]

The next morning, you rise before the witch again. Like before, a cat sits beside you but you can’t tell if it was the same one from yesterday. [[> Ignore the cat.->act3-8ignore]] [[> Pet the cat.->act3-8pet]]

(set: $distrust to it - 1)It purrs loudly and curls towards your hand. You can’t help but smile at its [[mirth.->act3-9]]

[[It looks at you->act3-9]] with bright silver eyes, head tilted to the side.

You feast on the carcass of a deer that apparently two of the cats have brought you. Your canines have grown quite considerably as you lick your fingers clean. The witch mentions that he doesn’t eat meat as you chew on sinew. “[[The kitties->act3-kitties]] are much better hunters than I can ever dream of. They see things I don’t,” he says. [[> Eat in silence.->act3-10]] (if: $sword is 1)[[[> Make conversation.->act3-conversation1]]]

You learn that (link-undo:"their names") are “Conquest,” “War,” “Famine,” and “Death.” You can’t tell if the witch was joking or not.

In the evening, you sit swathed in blankets as you watch the witch pore through countless books. You notice the cats slinking out the door like shadows. The witch seems to pay them no mind. (if: $memory >= 2)[[[You turn your attention back to the witch.->act3-10familiarity1]]](else:)[[[You turn your attention back to the witch.->act3-10b]]]

(set: $ryuujin to 1)(set: $distrust to it - 1)The overwhelming familiar strikes you again in the witch’s face lit by the firelight. There’s no point in your life that you ever remember meeting a witch though. Then, you realise that you didn’t even know his name; you’ve simply been referring to him as “witch.” (link:"So you ask.")[=So you ask. “My name?” He looks up from his book with a surprised expression. “If you must call me something, have it be [[‘Ryuujin.’->act3-10familarity2]]”

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)The name settles into your stomach like a stone at the bottom of the lake. It sits heavy as you repeat it back to him, but it feels comfortable in your mouth. It awakens a faint memory of you calling out that name into the warmth of summer, a clandestine meeting under the foliage of the trees. (if: $hua < 2)[Before the image could solidify, [[it escapes you again.->act3-arbitrium]]](else:)[(set: $memory to it + 1)The blacksmith’s son was always the loner type, while you were friends with nearly every child in the village. When you reached out to him, breaking through his loneliness, he clung onto you. [[You remember what it felt like to love something for the first time.->act3-arbitrium]]]

His brows are stitched together in concentration. You wonder what he’s reading all the time and how it relates to you being “cured.” (link:"So you ask.")[=So you ask. “I’m just seeing what’s the right combination of spells, so I don’t accidentally do something that I’ll regret,” he says. [[You don’t press any further->act3-arbitrium]] because any talk about magic simply goes over your head.

That night, you have trouble sleeping, tossing and turning on the loveseat. Tomorrow was the full moon, (if: $pain < 0)[and anxiety crawls under your skin. You don’t know what will become of you if the spells don’t work. Will you fully transform into a hideous beast? At that point, it’ll be better if you turned out dead. You try to lull yourself by dreaming about returning to the village (if: $vial is 1 OR $distrust >= 3)[[[as a human.->howl1]]](else:)[[[as a human.->semblance1]]]](else:)[and the aching intensifies. You can feel parts of you shifting around, bones slowly growing thicker and longer and the itch of hair poking through calloused skin. (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[The witch] had offered you “pain suppressants” multiple times, but you declined every time. You think that it’s better to be safe than sorry. You lay awake for the rest of the night thinking about (if: $vial is 1 OR $distrust >= 3)[[[what’s to come.->howl1]]](else:)[[[what’s to come.->semblance1]]]]

You wake up alone on the day of the full moon, no cat to greet you. The room is considerably colder than before, but you can’t tell if it’s because of the lack of sun or if it’s the dread that (if: $vial is 1 AND $distrust < 0)[[[looms over you.->howl-vial1]]](else:)[[[looms over you.->howl-distrust1]]]

(if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[The witch] wakes you this time, his tall figure hovering over your sleeping body. “Good morning,” he says with a faint smile. [[“Long day ahead today.”->semblance2]]

You find (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] already awake at dawn. He’s standing in the kitchen holding one of the cats up, gently shaking it. “Did you take it? Where did you put it?” he asks. The cat simply puts its paw on his face and meows. He sighs and sets the cat back down on the floor. Nodding towards your direction, he frowns. “I have to go out for a bit, but I’ll try my best to be back before sunset. Until then, stay put.” (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] slips past you, slings a bag over his shoulder, and heads out the door. You’re left alone in the [[company of the cat->howl-vial2]], who paws at your foot.

(if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[The witch] is stirring something in a large pot over the fireplace, just like the first night you found him. You glance over his arm and see that the pot is about three-fourths full of a dark liquid. You feel nauseous. “Rise and shine, puppy. Today’s your day!” [[You scowl at the nickname.->howl-distrust2]]

You take a seat at your usual spot at the floor by the empty fireplace. Worry gnaws at you as the sun dips below the horizon, and the kitchen door is still fastly shut. Just as you consider checking up on him, the door bursts open. In (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin’s](else:)[the witch’s] hand is a glass vial of bright teal liquid. “I’m sorry it took so long.” He quickly picks up a bundle of dried flowers you two scavenged for two days ago and a basket of white stones. “I was missing something that I swore I had, but [[we should still be able to make it on time.->howl2]]”

He laughs, sound ringing clear in the crisp morning air. “We should be ready by sunset. You can relax until then.” Something easier said than done, but you settle into your [[usual spot on the floor->howl2]] by the warmth of the fire.

Outside, you set up a circle with white stones, and (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] positions you to sit in the center. (if: $vial is 1)[He pushes the vial of cyan towards you and ushers you to drink it. It burns as you feel it slide down your throat, and you let out a small cough.](else:)[He gives you a wooden bowl of the dark liquid from before. Under the dying light, you notice that it’s a deep purple in color. Before you could overthink, you drink it all in one gulp, faintly aware of its sickly sweet flavor.] Nerves drum through your body as (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] steps back and [[starts his incantations->howl3]], wooden staff in hand.

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)(set: $memory to it + 1)The Ly family were always revered for their weaponry, but you have not seen the blacksmith in a long time. Your sword was the last thing that family crafted before they shut their doors and blinds forever. A small memory resurfaces in your mind. A younger version of you watching the blacksmith hammer away at a red hot glow with starry eyes. The desire to own such a weapon started early, and [[you learned to want in that moment.->act3-10]]

“I know how to hunt, too,” you say. The witch makes a small “o” with his mouth. “With that sword of yours?” He leans forward, palms flat against his lap. “That [[village blacksmith->act3-conversation2]]… excellent craftsmanship, if I do say so myself.”

Wind swirls around you, your hair whipping into ever multiplying tufts. You squeeze your eyes shut as you feel your very being vibrate as if it wants to tear at the seams. (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin’s](else:)[The witch’s] voice is barely audible. (if: $vial is 1)[[[“Vive torr amora vrk—”->howl-partial1]]](else:)[[[“Lyrr viva tou conquieta—”->howl-whole1]]]

(if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[The witch] finishes his phrases, and you open your eyes. You feel nothing change, but he simply smiles. “It seems that fate can’t be changed,” he says, and snaps his fingers. [[Your world turns to black.->howl-whole2]]

|clue)[Whatever (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] incants are cut off short with a sharp cough. You snap your eyes open to see him double over, eye blown wide and mouth wet with blood. The moment his body tumbles into the grass is the moment your body flashes hot with (link:"pain.")[=pain. You feel like you’re coming apart, piece by piece. The ringing in your ears intensifies into a [[deafening screech.->howl-partial2]]] {(live: 2s)[ (show: ?clue) (stop:) ]}

(link:"You want it to stop.")[=You want it to stop. (link:"You want it to stop.")[=You want it to stop. (link:"You want it to stop.")[=You want it to stop. [[You want it to stop.->howl-partial3]]

You wake up nestled on the rocking chair under a heavy woven blanket and three cats. Through your blurry vision, (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] is seated on the floor with the fourth cat on his lap. He faces the lit fireplace, its light contrasting with the heavy expression in his face. “You’re finally awake.” (link:"He doesn’t look at you.")[=He doesn’t look at you. [[> “What happened?”->howl-ask]] [[> Try to sit up.->howl-sit]]

(if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[The witch] purses his lips. “It failed.” You don’t have to ask for clarification to know what he means. [[He stands and goes to your side.->howl-partial4]]

Your lower back hurts as you try to push yourself into a more upright sitting position. The cats mewl in protest, and (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] quickly rushes to your side to [[settle you back down->howl-partial4]] into the chair.

In a low voice, (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] explains to you what happened—or what he thinks happened. In his haste, he must have made a mistake when remaking the concoction that [[mysteriously->howl-mysteriously]] went missing. While you are in a much more stable condition, you have transformed partially. (link:"“Do you want to see yourself?”")[=“Do you want to see yourself?” [[> “Yes.”->howl-reflection]] [[> “No.”->howl-rest]]

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)His lips are pressed into a thin line as he brings over a white basin of clear water. After gently nudging the cats off of you, he sets the bowl on your lap and waves a hand over it. The surface hardens into a mirror, and (link:"you scan your reflection.")[=you scan your reflection. Your hair is white as snow. At the top of your head are triangle shaped ears, wolf-like, pressed flat against your scalp in terror. Your eyes are now a bright gold, its roundness given away to a more angled almond shape. Your jaw appears to jut out more than before, and when you run your tongue along your teeth, they’re no longer in neat flat rows. [[You can’t imagine->howl-decider]] what the rest of your body looks like underneath the blanket.

He nods, the gesture soft and sympathetic. He utters a quiet apology, and tells you that if you need anything from him to (link:"just call.")[=just call. He pads out of the room in defeat, all cats but one following behind like a [[permanent shadow.->howl-decider]]

(link-undo:"You bite your tongue") and keep quiet about the blue vial that you kept tucked with the rest of your meagre belongings.

(if: $trueEnd >= 16 AND $memory >= 2)[[[…->trueEnd1]]](else:)[[[…->howl-wander1]]]

Ryuujin has a good memory. It had always been that way, picking up and holding onto the minutiae. You’ve always wondered how he knew who you were from the very first moment you stepped foot into his home. As he lays his head on your lap under a swaying maple tree, [[you ask him.->trueEnd2]]

It’s impossible to return to the village now in your deformed state. You are also reliant on the witch to survive. Though you get used to your new… “features” slowly, you always feel [[uncomfortable->howl-wander2]] in your own skin.

You wake to a dull feeling, one that isn’t exactly devoid of color but lacks the vibrancy it once had. Yellow and red tones muddle together as blues stick out like a sore thumb. Through the cacophony, you can make out the [[faint figure->howl-whole3]] of (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch].

“Pitiful beast,” he says, voice warbled like it was underwater. A hot anger that you have not felt in some time wells up in your throat. Though you are uncertain of your condition at the moment, [[you know that you were not cured.->howl-whole4]]

Despite the tiredness that clings onto your heavy limbs, you heave yourself up. (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[The witch] looks up at you with the same smile as before. You snarl at him as he holds his empty hands out, palms up. [[“Let’s end us,”->howl-whole5]] he says.

As your mouth closes around his neck, you hear him let out a laugh. [[It rings in your ears->howl-whole6]] even long after it’s faded into silence.

You slowly get used to your new form as you now call the forest your home. You come to know the subtle changes in season, when the deer migrate, the hunting patterns of owls. You stop looking at your reflection in the water, your face and figure twisted into something unrecognisable. Something animalistic. You hope that no one ever finds you. [[This pitiful you.->wheres-the-love]]

You two spend the good part of the morning and afternoon checking and double checking all of your supplies as the cats (link:"idly watch.")[=idly watch. There’s something unsettling as they track your movements, unblinking, but (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] seems unphased. You’ve never lived with cats before, so maybe he was just [[used to it.->semblance3]]

In the late afternoon, (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] instructs you to set up a circle with white rocks in the field [[outside->semblance4]] of his home as he stirs his myriad of ingredients into the large cauldron.

The stones seem to snap into place with each one you press into the moist soil. When you put the last one into place, you hear the door open and turn to face (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch]. In one hand is his wooden staff and in his other is a wicker basket housing two basins, one with flowery herbs soaking in water and another with an opaque light blue liquid. With one hand, he gives you the basin with the herbs. [[“Drink.”->semblance5]]

The taste was similar to the hot tea that your mother would give you on colder nights you spent sick. It’s cooling and calming in the way it sinks into your stomach. You think of home. When you exhale, [[your breath is visible in the air.->semblance6]]

(if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[The witch] then hands you the bowl with the blue liquid. “This one is tougher to get down, but it’s important that you [[drink all of it.->semblance7]]”

He wasn’t wrong: this one was sour like a fruit that wasn’t ripe enough. It’s thick, sloshing in your mouth before you’re able to swallow. There’s a strange chalky aftertaste when you push your tongue to the roof of your mouth. You feel nauseous barely halfway through the bowl, but [[you push through.->semblance8]]

After you set the basins back into the wicker basket, (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] steps back and settles the basket into the grass. He looks at you with his single silver eye and nods. “Are you ready?” [[> “Yes.”->semblance9]]

For some things, it’s little adjustments, like changing the way you wash your hair with how your ears now protrude from the top of your head, or being careful of how you walk to account for an extra new limb that is your tail. For others, [[it’s much larger.->howl-wander3]]

Though you no longer feel like you’re growing another rib, your stomach becomes an incessant bottomless pit whenever the full moon nears. You fade in and out of consciousness as you feed yourself on whatever you manage to catch, the [[faint figure of the witch->howl-wander4]] in the black of your peripheral vision.

There are certain truths that you learn to accept about the world. All except for your existence. The curse and your thoughts boil in you as (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] stirs his cauldron of herbs and spices to [[ease your pains.->wander]]

(if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[The witch] raises his staff and starts chanting in tongues as the wind starts to swirl around you. [[“Wan khu da mezur na fofen mau—”->semblance10]]

You squeeze your eyes shut, and you feel your limbs become a feather light. Though you feel like you’re being taken apart, bit by bit, it doesn’t feel painful, the calm washing over you. It’s more akin to being //rearranged//, like the parts that were shaken loose are being [[fitted back into place.->semblance11]]

(link: "And then it stops.")[=And then it stops. It’s as if someone placed a heavy weight all over your body, and you’re being compressed like sand into tempered glass. You grit your teeth and clench your jaw to the point where you feel it in your ears. [[You want it to stop.->semblance12]]

All of the noise in the world comes to a halt. In the deafening silence, you lay for what feels like an eternity. You feel formless, floating in the space of nothing like a grain of salt in the (link:"expanse of the ocean.")[=expanse of the ocean. Eventually something disturbs your slumber, pulling you out of the deep. You grab onto it, [[swayed into the dappled light.->semblance13]]

You wake alone in the corner room of (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin’s](else:)[the witch’s] home. One of the cats lay on your chest, its breathing steady against yours, unblinking silver eyes staring at you. It meows once, then hops off and out of the room. The cat returns cradled in (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin’s arms](else:)[the arms of the witch]. He gives a flat smile. [[“Took you long enough.”->semblance14]]

The spell was a success. You flex your hands under a beam of sunlight that parses through an open window. The skin is much smoother than it had ever been, uncalloused by the roughness of the world. [[You have not felt this fresh and invigorated in a long time.->semblance15]]

You turn your attention outside to (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch], who was sitting in the grass weaving something on his lap. Your eyes then drift to your small pile of belongings that were left mostly untouched since you arrived here. [[> You want to go home.->semblance-home1]] (if: $sword is 1)[[[> Draw your sword on the witch.->semblance-kill1]]]

Though the sunlight is warm, you miss the warmth of your home’s hearth, your father’s love, and your mother’s kindness. Whatever beast that dwelled inside you has been expelled, and it’s time to [[return to the village.->semblance-home2]]

Your sword glints in the light when you uncover it from its sheath. The surface, though somewhat scratched from practice, is unblemished. The tempered steel feels cool in your hand, a comforting sensation. If you tilt the sword at a certain angle, the reflection of (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] can be seen. [[This cycle must be stopped, and the end starts at you.->semblance-kill2]]

You carefully gather your things, slinging it across your back, and pushing out the door. At the sound, (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[the witch] looks up at you, confusion written on his face. His hands hang in the air, long leaves curled around his fingers above the unfinished wicker basket, as you tell him about your leaving. He doesn’t meet your eyes when he tells you [[goodbye.->semblance-home3]]

One of the cats walks you out of the thick of the woods, its tail waving in the air like a flag. It sits at your feet when you reach the well worn path that leads into the village, butts its head against your thigh once, and (link:"leaves.")[=leaves. Almost immediately, one of the village folk recognises you, and (link:"calls out.")[=calls out. It’s a joyous reunion as you feast on bountiful food that tastes flavorful on your tongue. The warmth of your family’s bread stays with you [[long into the night.->semblance-h...]]

[[…->semblance-home4]]

It’s been years since you’ve ventured off into the forest on a mission. Every full moon, you stand by the door of your home, and you would see a black cat slinking through the village, eyes unblinking. Sometimes, it would stop and stare at you in a quiet acknowledgement. Often, though, it would pay you no mind as it visits the same house at the corner of the village, entering a crevice that can’t be seen by the [[naked eye.->semblance-home5]]

The village folk look at you strangely. Sometimes, it’s with an awe that you are some kind of martyr that rose from the grave. Other times, it’s with suspicion. If you close your eyes and listen, you can hear them gossip about you—about your disappearance. You evade it all with a polite smile and feign [[ignorance.->semblance-home6]]

Parts of the story of the witch and the werewolf escape you as you grow older, when your children and grandchildren sit on your lap and ask for a (link:"nighttime story.")[=nighttime story. What do you remember with clarity was the dread and pain, etched into your very being, and the stillness of it all. //The werewolf could have died//, you recounted, //if it did not [[persevere.->echo]]//

You quietly pull the door open, your footsteps soundless against the dirt. (if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin’s](else:)[The witch’s] back is towards you, and you [[raise the sword above your head.->semblance-kill3]]

(if: $ryuujin is 1)[Ryuujin](else:)[The witch] turns right as you swing, and the sword sinks into his left shoulder. His black cloak blooms darker as his blood seeps through the threads. He looks at you with shock. And then he //laughs//, ringing like wind chimes on a windy day. “Humans take and take and take without a single care. You think it is your birthright. But when we take back—oh—then we are in the wrong. The selfish villains who don't care for the poor fool swept away by the rain.” He bares his teeth, straight and white. “Don’t you know that the forest mourns too?” You pull the sword from his shoulder and [[swing again.->semblance-kill4]]

This time, the sword lodges itself deep into the witch’s chest, right into his heart. He slumps over, still in a sitting position. [[He bleeds red, like you.->semblance-kill5]]

You try to unlodge the sword from the witch’s chest but to no avail. It was as if the metal had fused to muscle, inseparable. You try until your arms are heavy with fatigue, and you decide to abandon the sword altogether. When you gather up your things to leave, you notice that all of the cats are [[gone.->semblance-kill6]]

The trek through the woods is long and arduous; you walk in circles for a good half of the day before you start to see familiar markings made by the village folk. The forest is an eerie silence, devoid of all notions of life. Even the wind is at a standstill. Even so, [[you swore you could hear his laugh.->semblance-kill7]]

You eventually step into the village at nightfall, and it is one of your cousins that recognises you immediately. She thinks she’s seeing a ghost as she yells out your name, and to her joy finds that your body is as physical as [[your presence.->semblance-kill8]]

The village reveres you as its hero, the one who slain the evil witch. All of the children tail you as they beg for you to recount your tale and to teach them how to fight. You let them swing around your arms as you tell them of how the witch cursed you, how you sought him out to undo [[his wrongs.->semblance-kill9]]

The house in the corner of the village burns down one night, a full week after you returned. There is only one person who lives there, a girl, but her corpse was never found under the rubble and ash. Rainfall quickly sweeps any evidence of the home’s existence [[the next day.->semblance-kill10]]

“What’s it like? Having something to come home to?” The witch’s voice breaks the fragile silence (link:"between you two.")[=between you two. [[> “What do you mean?”->act3-5elaborate1]] [[> “It’s nice.”->act3-5cold]]

The witch taps a finger of his free hand to his chin. “I mean… I suppose a better way to ask is what is it like to not come home to an empty house?” You pause. It’s not something you thought about very much, growing up in a large family your entire life. Your home was never quiet or empty—at least not for long. And even if it was, there were your neighbors who always struck a friendly conversation. You’ve never had the misfortune of feeling alone. [[So you tell the witch that.->act3-5elaborate2]]

“I see.” The witch glances over, but when you try to meet his eyes, he instead looks at the canopy of trees above, as if he wanted to say something, but [[didn’t have the words.->act3-6]]

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)He hums an acknowledgement. You’re unsure of how true your words reflect your true feelings, but he seems to understand. “Family is important.” The witch exhales, long and loud. “I have a sister too.” He tilts his head to the side, listening to a distant songbird. You’re unsure on how to respond, [[> So you don’t.->act3-6]] [[> So you ask about his sister.->act3-sister]]

The witch’s eyes widen. “I can’t tell if you’re purposefully being forgetful, or if you actually are.” (link: "Forgetful?")[=Forgetful? [[> “What am I forgetting?”->act3-5forget]] [[> “Quit joking with me.”->act3-5joke]]

The witch purses his lips. (if: $hua >= 1)[“You’ve met her before. Unless you have that terrible of a memory.” (if: $hua >= 2 AND $memory >= 1)[You close your eyes, trying to [[conjure the image->act3-remember]] from the fog of your mind.](else:)[You try to conjure up what he could be referring to, but you could draw a blank in the [[fog of your mind.->act3-6]]]](else:)[“Nevermind, forget I said anything.” Before you could press on further, [[the witch has moved onto a different topic->act3-6]], explaining how to differentiate between poisonous mushrooms based on the color and shape of their caps.”]

(set: $distrust to it + 1)The witch makes a sour expression, teetering between irked and solemn. Before you could press on further, [[the witch has moved onto a different topic->act3-6]], explaining how to differentiate between poisonous mushrooms based on the color and shape of their caps.

You open to page 617 when you notice that the number was circled in red ink. This page is legible, and it’s heavily annotated. [[> Read the page.->act3-page]] [[> Close the book.->act3-bclose]]

[[You close the book with a soft thump.->act3-room]]

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)The passage talks briefly about the process of iterations in regards to witchhood. //When one becomes a witch, another must perish; if one perishes, another must become a witch.// The circumstances of which vary from person to person, and may be done voluntarily or by [[chance.->act3-chance]] You skim over the annotations, but you have trouble reading the handwriting. The only part you could clearly read was “Can fate be changed?” You have reached the end of the page. [[> Close the book.->act3-bclose]]

You notice that this word is (link-undo:"circled multiple times.")

You grow old, married and bountiful with children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Despite your seemingly peaceful life, you never forgot the face of the dying witch. Sometimes, [[you see him in your dreams.->semblance-kill11]]

[[Your story is passed down for generations as the valiant hero that had slain the evil witch.->solar-eclipse]]

(set: $trueEnd to it + 1)Hua once had a brother, a boy who you were immediately enamored with the moment you saw him. Through the dim firelight of the forge, he met your eyes and gave a smile that was [[as warm as the summer wind.->act3-6]]

“You act like you’re hard to forget,” he chides with no bite in his voice. “But you’ve changed.” [[> “I could say the same about you.”->trueEnd3]]

It’s true. He’s much different now than before, not just in the way his boyish face filled out into something more mature. He holds himself with higher regard, back straight, when before he would hunch his shoulders as if he wanted to curl into himself and disappear into thin air. And then there was his eye. [[You didn’t know he became the witch.->trueEnd4]]

It feels simultaneously forever ago and just yesterday when you last saw Ryuujin. Unlike the time you spent with him as children, the night he was ousted from the village remained (link: "vivid.")[=vivid. Someone discovered Ryuujin with ancient tomes filled with black magic. Almost immediately, he was dragged out to the square, threatened with being burned at the stake. Any excuses he gave were quickly drowned out by the yelling of the crowd. You didn’t know what to do. So you just stood there [[and watched.->trueEnd5]]

(link:"“Why did you do it?” you asked.")[=“Why did you do it?” you asked. Ryuujin looks up at you and pulls at your ear. [[“Wouldn’t you have done the same?”->trueEnd6]]

A month before Ryuujin was ousted, Hua went missing. Supposedly, he found her asleep in the middle of a glade, and brought her home where she remained in a deep slumber. The forge closed its doors for the first time in generations so he could dedicate the time to properly care for her, as they were the last two left of the Ly family. [[This was when Ryuujin started becoming distant.->trueEnd7]]

Whatever he found in the ancient tomes must have worked because a mere day after he escaped into the woods with his life, [[Hua woke up to his absence.->trueEnd8]]

You thought about your little cousins, nieces, and nephews. Even though you had no siblings to call your own, you undoubtedly would have [[sacrificed everything->trueEnd9]] for them too.

“You can’t conjure things out of nothing—you can only transform,” Ryuujin repeats as he absentmindedly rubs the soft felt of your ears. “I’m sure you can assume how hard it is to gouge out your own eye.” He gives a shaky laugh, as if remembering the sensation. He sits up, bits of grass stuck in his hair. Once it was short and neat in order to not fall into his eyes when he hammered away in the forge. Now it’s a more unruly length, coarse you notice as [[you pick out the grass.->trueEnd10]]

“If you could go back, would you?” Ryuujin doesn’t meet your eyes, instead opting to stare into the deep of the woods. If he asked you this question any other day, you would immediately and wholeheartedly say yes. But now, the heavy burden of memory sits in your throat. You both became things of folktales whether it be by chance or by choice. Being able to go back knowing what you know feels like a pipedream. [[> “No.”->trueEnd11]]

Ryuujin breathes out slowly, but you can tell he’s smiling. “Me neither. Once you know what it’s like to be inhuman, it’s hard to go back.” He turns his head and looks at you through his peripherals. “All humans do is take without regard. They think that it is their birthright. We are left to fill in the void and are villainised for it. It’s not fair to be stuck in this cycle.” His voice was small. [[“But maybe things can change.”->trueEnd12]]

The village has an old folktale. Long, long ago, there was a witch and a werewolf. They watched over the forest with a careful eye. From the shadows, they observed the village with each passing season. Any overzealous hunter or logger that trespassed into their territory disappeared, [[never to return.->trueEnd13]]

When the moon was swallowed whole by the sun, the witch and the werewolf found solace by a small hearth, [[hand in hand.->blood-moon]]