Inner Demons

Your browser lacks required capabilities. Please upgrade it or switch to another to continue.

Loading…

<div align="center"><div class="intro">WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE</div><div class="introsub">...you're gonna do great.</div></div> <div class="introcont">When your grandmother passes away unexpectedly, you are thrust into the world of dark magic; a world she tried all your life to keep you safe from. Like Nana, you possess abilities that could be humanity’s saving grace...or their downfall. You're hunted by demons and sorcerers alike as you learn to wield your powers, but with good and evil on both sides, who can you trust?</div> <span class="stattext">Inner Demons</span> is a supernatural horror story set in modern-day Seattle. You play as the family screw-up who accidentally unleashes hell right in the middle of Pike Place Market. Whether you save the world or succumb to your darker side is up to you. Meet and join forces with sorcerers, half-demons, and a comic shop owner moonlighting as a lore keeper as you //(quite literally)// face your own inner demons. ''This story is a work in progress and will update periodically.'' Please note, //Inner Demons// is currently ''rated 16+'' for depictions of violence and death, strong language, heavy subject matter, and optional 18+ sexual content (...eventually). Click <<link "here" "Content Warnings">><</link>> for a detailed list of content warnings. [[Continue|Start 2]]

<<if $show_stats2 is true>><<link "Stats" "Stats 2">><</link>><<elseif $show_stats is true>><<link "Stats" "Stats">><</link>><</if>> <<if $show_rel is true>><<link "Relationships" "Relationships">><</link>><</if>> <<if $show_grim3 is true>><<link "Grimoire" "Grimoire 3">><</link>><<elseif $show_grim2 is true>><<link "Grimoire" "Grimoire 2">><</link>><<elseif $show_grim is true>><<link "Grimoire" "Grimoire 1">><</link>><</if>>

<h3>relationships</h3>\ <h4><span class="stattext">''Desi''</span> <<if $d_rel gte 55>>has grown into your closest friend over the past few months, happily picking your childhood friendship back up from where you left it //(and $d_them)// behind all those years ago.<<if $d_rom gte 5>> But lately, the flirty smiles and lingering glances you've shared with $d_them have hinted that there could be a spark of romance between you two.<</if>><<else>> is happy to rekindle your childhood friendship, though $d_they <<if $d_plur>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> feel as close to you as $d_they did when you were children.<<if $d_rom gte 10>> But despite getting off to a shaky start, the flirty smiles and lingering glances you've shared with $d_them lately have hinted that there could be a spark of romance between you two.<</if>><</if>><br><br><div class="stat-bar-group2"><div class="stat-bar-container"><div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Relationship $d_rel%</div><div class="stat-bar" id="drel-stat"></div></div></div> \ <<if $rel_ciaran is true>><span class="stattext">''Ciaran''</span> may have promised your grandmother he'd keep an eye on you, but he sure as hell never agreed to be happy about it. <<if $c_rel gte 10 and $c_rom gte 5>>At least you're interesting, though he'd never admit that out loud.<</if>><br><br><div class="stat-bar-group2"><div class="stat-bar-container"><div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Relationship $c_rel%</div><div class="stat-bar" id="crel-stat"></div></div></div><<else>>//You have yet to meet this <span class="stattext">''brooding sorcerer''</span>.//<br><</if>> \ <<if $rel_sam is true>><span class="stattext">''Sam''</span>Placeholder text for the looky loos.<br><br><div class="stat-bar-group2"><div class="stat-bar-container"><div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Relationship $s_rel%</div><div class="stat-bar" id="srel-stat"></div></div></div><<else>>//You have yet to meet this <span class="stattext">''cynical nephilim''</span>.//<br><</if>> \ <<if $rel_amina is true>><span class="stattext">''Amina''</span>Placeholder text for the looky loos.<br><br><div class="stat-bar-group2"><div class="stat-bar-container"><div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Relationship $a_rel%</div><div class="stat-bar" id="arel-stat"></div></div></div><<else>>//You have yet to meet this <span class="stattext">''fierce cambion''</span>.//<br><</if>> \ <<if $rel_james is true>><span class="stattext">''James''</span>Placeholder text for the looky loos.<br><br><div class="stat-bar-group2"><div class="stat-bar-container"><div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Relationship $j_rel%</div><div class="stat-bar" id="jrel-stat"></div></div></div><<else>>//You have yet to meet this <span class="stattext">''brilliant adventurer''</span>.//<br><</if>> \ <<if $rel_yu is true>><span class="stattext">''Yu''</span>Placeholder text for the looky loos.<br><br><div class="stat-bar-group2"><div class="stat-bar-container"><div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Relationship $y_rel%</div><div class="stat-bar" id="yrel-stat"></div></div></div><<else>>//You have yet to meet this <span class="stattext">''elusive enemy''</span>.//<</if>></h4>\ [[Return to Game|$return]]

by a.w. morgan

Inner Demons

/*Menu*/ <<set $chapterheading to "">> <<set $show_stats to false>> <<set $show_stats2 to false>> <<set $show_rel to false>> <<set $show_grim to false>> <<set $infoloop to 0>> /*Personality*/ <<set $appearance to false>> <<set $relaxed to 0>> <<set $cautious to 0>> <<set $combative to 0>> <<set $cooperative to 0>> <<set $friendly to 0>> <<set $aloof to 0>> <<set $playful to 0>> <<set $serious to 0>> <<set $sarcastic to 0>> <<set $sincere to 0>> <<set $emotional to 0>> <<set $logical to 0>> <<set $bold to 0>> <<set $timid to 0>> /*Sorcery*/ <<set $familiar to false>> <<set $affinity to false>> <<set $accepting to 50>> <<set $skeptical to 0>> <<set $dempercept to 0>> <<set $demknow to 0>> /*Relationships*/ <<set $d_rel to 50>> <<set $d_rom to 0>> <<set $rel_ciaran to false>> <<set $c_rel to 0>> <<set $c_rom to 0>> <<set $rel_yu to false>> <<set $y_rel to 0>> <<set $y_rom to 0>> <<set $rel_sam to false>> <<set $s_rel to 0>> <<set $s_rom to 0>> <<set $rel_amina to false>> <<set $a_rel to 0>> <<set $a_rom to 0>> <<set $rel_james to false>> <<set $j_rel to 0>> <<set $j_rom to 0>> <<set $nana to 0>> <<set $dizzy to 0>> <<set $tadhg to 0>> /*Grimoire*/ <<set $disablecursive to false>> <<set $show_demonicry to false>> <<set $grim_ciaran to false>> <<set $grim_yu to false>> <<set $grim_sam to false>> <<set $grim_amina to false>> <<set $grim_james to false>> <<set $grim_demons to false>> <<set $grim_others to false>> <<set $grim_factions to false>> <<set $grim_council to false>> <<set $grim_watchers to false>> <<set $grim_history to false>> <<set $grim_spells to false>> /*MC*/ <<set $firstname to "Unknown">> <<set $lastname to "">> <<set $nickname to "">> <<set $nicknameon to false>> <<set $transgender to false>> <<set $gender to "non-binary">> <<set $plur to true>> <<set $they to "they">> <<set $cthey to "They">> <<set $them to "them">> <<set $cthem to "Them">> <<set $their to "their">> <<set $ctheir to "Their">> <<set $theirs to "theirs">> <<set $ctheirs to "Theirs">> <<set $title to "Mx.">> <<set $haircolor to "jet black">> <<set $hairlength to "">> <<set $hairtexture to "straight">> <<set $hairstyle to "down">> <<set $eyecolor to "brown">> <<set $skincolor to "olive brown">> <<set $height to "average">> /*Desi*/ <<set $d_gender to "non-binary">> <<set $d_plur to true>> <<set $d_they to "they">> <<set $d_cthey to "They">> <<set $d_them to "them">> <<set $d_cthem to "Them">> <<set $d_their to "their">> <<set $d_ctheir to "Their">> <<set $d_theirs to "theirs">> <<set $d_ctheirs to "Theirs">> <<set $d_title to "Mx.">> /*Sam*/ <<set $s_gender to "non-binary">> <<set $s_plur to true>> <<set $s_they to "they">> <<set $s_cthey to "They">> <<set $s_them to "them">> <<set $s_cthem to "Them">> <<set $s_their to "their">> <<set $s_ctheir to "Their">> <<set $s_theirs to "theirs">> <<set $s_ctheirs to "Theirs">> <<set $s_title to "Mx.">> /*James*/ <<set $j_gender to "non-binary">> <<set $j_plur to true>> <<set $j_they to "they">> <<set $j_cthey to "They">> <<set $j_them to "them">> <<set $j_cthem to "Them">> <<set $j_their to "their">> <<set $j_ctheir to "Their">> <<set $j_theirs to "theirs">> <<set $j_ctheirs to "Theirs">> <<set $j_title to "Mx.">>

/*MC*/ <<widget "nickname">><<switch $nicknameon>><<case true>>$nickname<<case false>>$firstname<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "gender">><<if $gender is "male">>man<<elseif $gender is "female">>woman<<else>>person<</if>><</widget>> <<widget "are">><<switch $plur>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "Are">><<switch $plur>><<case true>>Are<<case false>>Is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "were">><<switch $plur>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s">><<switch $plur>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "es">><<switch $plur>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "re">><<switch $plur>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "ve">><<switch $plur>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "do">><<switch $plur>><<case true>>do<<case false>>does<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "ies">><<switch $plur>><<case true>>y<<case false>>ies<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "self">><<switch $plur>><<case true>>self<<case false>>self<</switch>><</widget>> /*Desi*/ <<widget "d_are">><<switch $d_plur>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "d_Are">><<switch $d_plur>><<case true>>Are<<case false>>Is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "d_were">><<switch $d_plur>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "d_s">><<switch $d_plur>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "d_es">><<switch $d_plur>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "d_re">><<switch $d_plur>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "d_ve">><<switch $d_plur>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "d_do">><<switch $d_plur>><<case true>>do<<case false>>does<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "d_ies">><<switch $d_plur>><<case true>>y<<case false>>ies<</switch>><</widget>> /*Sam*/ <<widget "s_are">><<switch $s_plur>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_were">><<switch $s_plur>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_s">><<switch $s_plur>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_es">><<switch $s_plur>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_re">><<switch $s_plur>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_ve">><<switch $s_plur>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s_do">><<switch $s_plur>><<case true>>do<<case false>>does<</switch>><</widget>> /*James*/ <<widget "j_are">><<switch $j_plur>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "j_were">><<switch $j_plur>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "j_s">><<switch $j_plur>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "j_es">><<switch $j_plur>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "j_re">><<switch $j_plur>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "j_ve">><<switch $j_plur>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>>

<<set $chapterheading to "Prologue">>\ <<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Notifications active!<</notify>><</if>>\ <div class="slowfade"><div class="chaptertitle">Prologue</div> <div class="sub">Midnight | Seattle, WA</div> You hadn't meant to start the apocalypse today, yet here you are: sandwiched between two sorcerers and facing off against a horde of snarling demons as they rampage through Downtown Seattle. It's like something out of a nightmare. Flames lick up the sides of old brick buildings and spill out of broken windows; metal screeches and groans as entire structures collapse; cinders fall from the sky like lovely, deadly fireflies. The rust-colored moon peeks out behind a veil of smoke, painting the night sky in a palette of browns and reds. You double over as a coughing fit racks your body. Each ragged breath coats your tongue with ash and you panic, desperate to alleviate the searing pain in your lungs. Then a hand is on your upper chest and you don't have time to react //(you couldn't if you wanted to)// before a flash of golden light engulfs you. The pressure in your lungs dissipates and you gasp in your fill of clean air, marveling at the dull, golden glow clinging to your skin. When you finally raise your head, Desi is studying you, full lips pulled into a frown. [[Continue|Prologue 2]]</div>\ <<if $setgenders>><<if $d_gender is "female">><<set $d_they to "she">><<set $d_them to "her">><<set $d_their to "her">><<set $d_theirs to "hers">><<set $d_cthey to "She">><<set $d_cthem to "Her">><<set $d_ctheir to "Her">><<set $d_ctheirs to "Hers">><<set $d_title to "Ms.">><<set $d_plur to false>><<elseif $d_gender is "male">><<set $d_they to "he">><<set $d_them to "him">><<set $d_their to "his">><<set $d_theirs to "his">><<set $d_cthey to "He">><<set $d_cthem to "Him">><<set $d_ctheir to "His">><<set $d_ctheirs to "His">><<set $d_title to "Mr.">><<set $d_plur to false>><</if>>\ <<if $j_gender is "female">><<set $j_they to "she">><<set $j_them to "her">><<set $j_their to "her">><<set $j_theirs to "hers">><<set $j_cthey to "She">><<set $j_cthem to "Her">><<set $j_ctheir to "Her">><<set $j_ctheirs to "Hers">><<set $j_title to "Ms.">><<set $j_plur to false>><<elseif $j_gender is "male">><<set $j_they to "he">><<set $j_them to "him">><<set $j_their to "his">><<set $j_theirs to "his">><<set $j_cthey to "He">><<set $j_cthem to "Him">><<set $j_ctheir to "His">><<set $j_ctheirs to "His">><<set $j_title to "Mr.">><<set $j_plur to false>><</if>>\ <<if $s_gender is "female">><<set $s_they to "she">><<set $s_them to "her">><<set $s_their to "her">><<set $s_theirs to "hers">><<set $s_cthey to "She">><<set $s_cthem to "Her">><<set $s_ctheir to "Her">><<set $s_ctheirs to "Hers">><<set $s_title to "Ms.">><<set $s_plur to false>><<elseif $s_gender is "male">><<set $s_they to "he">><<set $s_them to "him">><<set $s_their to "his">><<set $s_theirs to "his">><<set $s_cthey to "He">><<set $s_cthem to "Him">><<set $s_ctheir to "His">><<set $s_ctheirs to "His">><<set $s_title to "Mr.">><<set $s_plur to false>><</if>>\ <<elseif $randomgenders>><<set $d_gender to either("male", "female", "non-binary")>><<if $d_gender is "female">><<set $d_they to "she">><<set $d_them to "her">><<set $d_their to "her">><<set $d_theirs to "hers">><<set $d_cthey to "She">><<set $d_cthem to "Her">><<set $d_ctheir to "Her">><<set $d_ctheirs to "Hers">><<set $d_title to "Ms.">><<set $d_plur to false>><<elseif $d_gender is "male">><<set $d_they to "he">><<set $d_them to "him">><<set $d_their to "his">><<set $d_theirs to "his">><<set $d_cthey to "He">><<set $d_cthem to "Him">><<set $d_ctheir to "His">><<set $d_ctheirs to "His">><<set $d_title to "Mr.">><<set $d_plur to false>><</if>>\ <<set $j_gender to either("male", "female", "non-binary")>><<if $j_gender is "female">><<set $j_they to "she">><<set $j_them to "her">><<set $j_their to "her">><<set $j_theirs to "hers">><<set $j_cthey to "She">><<set $j_cthem to "Her">><<set $j_ctheir to "Her">><<set $j_ctheirs to "Hers">><<set $j_title to "Ms.">><<set $j_plur to false>><<elseif $j_gender is "male">><<set $j_they to "he">><<set $j_them to "him">><<set $j_their to "his">><<set $j_theirs to "his">><<set $j_cthey to "He">><<set $j_cthem to "Him">><<set $j_ctheir to "His">><<set $j_ctheirs to "His">><<set $j_title to "Mr.">><<set $j_plur to false>><</if>>\ <<set $s_gender to either("male", "female", "non-binary")>><<if $s_gender is "female">><<set $s_they to "she">><<set $s_them to "her">><<set $s_their to "her">><<set $s_theirs to "hers">><<set $s_cthey to "She">><<set $s_cthem to "Her">><<set $s_ctheir to "Her">><<set $s_ctheirs to "Hers">><<set $s_title to "Ms.">><<set $s_plur to false>><<elseif $s_gender is "male">><<set $s_they to "he">><<set $s_them to "him">><<set $s_their to "his">><<set $s_theirs to "his">><<set $s_cthey to "He">><<set $s_cthem to "Him">><<set $s_ctheir to "His">><<set $s_ctheirs to "His">><<set $s_title to "Mr.">><<set $s_plur to false>><</if>><</if>>\

<h3>grimoire</h3>\ <h4>''I. PEOPLE OF NOTE'' &emsp;&emsp;<<link "‣ Sorcerers">><<toggleclass "#sorcerers" "hidden">><</link>> <span id="sorcerers" class="hidden"><ul class="d"><li>&emsp;<<link "Desi" "Desi">><</link>></li> <li>&emsp;<<if $grim_ciaran is true>><<link "Ciaran" "Ciaran">><</link>><<else>>Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦<</if>></li> <li>&emsp;<<if $grim_yu is true>><<link "Yu" "Yu">><</link>><<else>>Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦<</if>></li> <li>&emsp;Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦</li> <li>&emsp;Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦</li></ul></span> \&emsp;&emsp;<<if $grim_demons is false>>''‣ Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦''<<else>><<link "‣ Demons">><<toggleclass "#demons" "hidden">><</link>><span id="demons" class="hidden"><ul class="d"><li>&emsp;<<if $grim_sam is true>><<link "Sam" "Sam">><</link>><<else>>Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦<</if>></li> <li>&emsp;<<if $grim_amina is true>><<link "Amina" "Amina">><</link>><<else>>Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦<</if>></li> <li>&emsp;Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦</li> <li>&emsp;Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦</li></ul></span><</if>> &emsp;&emsp;<<if $grim_others is false>>''‣ Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦''<<else>><<link "‣ Others">><<toggleclass "#others" "hidden">><</link>><span id="others" class="hidden"><ul class="d"><li>&emsp;<<if $grim_james is true>><<link "James" "James">><</link>><<else>>Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦<</if>></li> <li>&emsp;Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦</li> <li>&emsp;Ʉ₦₭₦Ø₩₦</li></ul></span><</if>></h4>\ [[Return to Game|$return]]

<<set $chapterheading to "Chapter 1">>\ <div class="fade"><div class="chaptertitle">Chapter 1</div> <div class="sub">11:04am | Bainbridge Island, WA</div> You sigh for what feels like the thousandth time this morning as you slam the front door shut. For a moment, you're rooted in place, forcing yourself to breathe. In and out. <<liveblock>><<if $disableanimate>><span id="blur">In and out.</span><<else>><span class="drunk">In and out.</span><</if>><</liveblock>> Then you look around the quiet, empty house and forget to breathe again as nostalgia threatens to suffocate you. Everything is the same as Nana left it. The sunken living room is cozy, with a few too many mismatched armchairs gathered around the big stone fireplace. Wooden bookshelves line the walls, filled with four decades' worth of knick knacks from Nana's travels. Past the well-worn couch is a set of swinging doors leading into a kitchen that you could swear came straight out of a Sears catalog from the 1960s. It's cluttered and kitschy in all the best ways, every bit a reflection of the woman who lived nearly half of her life here. Was it only two days ago that Nana was sitting in her favorite armchair, laughing with her book club friends as she passed around a bottle of merlot? Your chest aches at the memory of her toothy smile, bright in the fading pink light of dusk as she waved you off for your shift at the diner. [[Continue|1.2]]</div>

Despite being well into her eighties, Nana had more energy than anyone you'd ever known. In fact, she was still going strong when you got home that night. Her weekly book club meetings always lasted long past any reasonable hour, with too many people crowding the living room or gathering around a bonfire in the backyard. Granted, there wasn't much to do at night on Bainbridge Island, but the amount of people who showed up every week to //talk about books// still surprised you. When you walked through the door, tired from working the night shift and fully prepared to pass out upstairs, you were greeted by Ella Fitzgerald playing on the vintage record player in the corner. <span id="song">I've got you under my skin. I've got you deep in the heart of me. So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me. I've got you under my skin.</span> Nana called your name over the music... <<link "Choose a preset name:">><<toggleclass "#presetname" "hidden">><</link>><div id="presetname" class="hidden">\ <ul class="c"><li>[[Rory|1.2a][$firstname to "Rory"]]</li> <li>[[Bobbi|1.2a][$firstname to "Bobbi"]]</li> <li>[[Abed|1.2a][$firstname to "Abed"]]</li> <li>[[Donna|1.2a][$firstname to "Donna"]]</li> <li>[[Liam|1.2a][$firstname to "Liam"]]</li> <li>[[Rei|1.2a][$firstname to "Rei"]]</li> <li>[[Chandler|1.2a][$firstname to "Chandler"]]</li> <li>[[Aeryn|1.2a][$firstname to "Aeryn"]]</li> <li>[[Todd|1.2a][$firstname to "Todd"]]</li> <li>[[Liz|1.2a][$firstname to "Liz"]]</li></ul></div> <<link "Enter a custom name:">><<toggleclass "#customname" "hidden">><</link>><div id="customname" class="hidden">\ <<textbox "$firstname" "">><<link "Confirm">>><<set $firstname to $firstname.toLowerCase().toUpperFirst().trim()>> <<if $firstname is "">><<replace "#textbox-error">>Please enter a name.<</replace>>\ <<elseif /[^A-Z]/i.test($firstname)>><<replace "#textbox-error">>Names may only contain letters.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Desi">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Ciaran">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Sam">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "James">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Amina">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Yu">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Samyaza">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Lilith">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Isabelle">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That's your grandmother's name.<</replace>>\ <<else>><<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>>\ <<goto "1.2a">><</if>><</link>></div>\ <span id="textbox-error"></span>

<<if $statcheck1 is "smiling">><<set $playful += 1>><<else>><<set $serious += 1>><</if>>\ Your exhaustion all but disappeared as you padded over to the couch, pulling your legs up to lean against the armrest and watch. After a long, boring shift at the diner, you were happy to have a few minutes to unwind anyway. You didn't get to see Nana in party mode very often. Since you worked the evening shift on book club nights, you ended up missing out on most of the fun. By the time you got home, everyone was usually winding down and saying their goodbyes as Nana gathered the empty wine bottles and glasses. Watching her in her element like this was an opportunity you couldn't pass up. Nana and Desi made for quite a sight. Next to Desi, with <<if $setgenders or $randomgenders>>$d_their<<else>><span class="cycling"><<cycle "$d_gender" autoselect>><<option "his" "male">><<option "her" "female">><<option "their" "non-binary">><</cycle>></span><</if>> broad shoulders and arms toned from years of playing hockey, Nana was comically small. You cheered and clapped along with the crowd, letting out a low whistle of surprise when Nana dropped Desi into a low dip. <ul class="a"><li><<link '"Wow, Des," you shouted, imitating the annoyingly endearing sing-song voice Desi liked using to tease you with. "I didn\'t know you had those moves!"' "1.4a">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $bold += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Oh my gosh, Des," you gushed, your ears burning at the sudden attention you drew from the crowd. "I-I didn\'t know you could dance like that."' "1.4a">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $timid += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Holy crap," you said as a broad smile stretched across your face. "I\'m impressed! I had no idea you could dance like that, Des."' "1.4a">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(7)>><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $bold += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Wow, Des," you mumbled as you jokingly rolled your eyes, a smirk spreading across your face. "You\'ll have to teach me those moves someday."' "1.4a">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(3)>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $timid += 1>><</link>></li></ul>

<<if $statcheck1 is "smiling">><<set $playful += 1>><<else>><<set $serious += 1>><</if>>\ Despite your exhaustion, you couldn't help smiling as you padded over to the couch, pulling your legs up to lean against the armrest and watch. You didn't get to see Nana in party mode very often. You always worked the evening shift on book club nights, and by the time you got home, you were typically too tired to hang out. The few times you'd rallied enough to stay up and join the fun had been a bust. You would change out of your uniform and race back downstairs, but as soon as you stepped foot into the crowd, the party would start winding down. Watching her like this now was worth the extra caffeine you'd have to drink in the morning. Nana and Desi made for quite a sight. Next to Desi, with <<if $setgenders or $randomgenders>>$d_their<<else>><span class="cycling"><<cycle "$d_gender" autoselect>><<option "his" "male">><<option "her" "female">><<option "their" "non-binary">><</cycle>></span><</if>> broad shoulders and arms toned from years of playing hockey, Nana was tiny. You clapped along with the crowd, laughing in surprise when Nana dropped Desi into a low dip. <ul class="a"><li><<link '"Wow, Des," you shouted, imitating the annoyingly endearing sing-song voice Desi liked using to tease you with. "I didn\'t know you had those moves!"' "1.4a">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $bold += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Holy crap," you said as a broad smile stretched across your face. "I\'m impressed! I had no idea you could dance like that, Des."' "1.4a">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(7)>><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $bold += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Wow, Des," you mumbled as you jokingly rolled your eyes, a smirk spreading across your face. "You\'ll have to teach me those moves someday."' "1.4a">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(3)>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $timid += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Oh my gosh, Des," you said, your ears burning at the sudden attention you drew from the crowd. "I-I didn\'t know you could dance like that."' "1.4a">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $timid += 1>><</link>></li></ul>

<<if $statcheck1 is "smiling">><<set $playful += 1>><<else>><<set $serious += 1>><</if>>\ You couldn't help it. The woman was, to put it politely, //long-lived//. You tried to hide your concern as you padded over to the couch and sat down to watch, leaning forward so you'd be ready to help if Nana so much as winced. Luckily, you didn't see her in party mode like this often since you worked the evening shift on book club nights. Sometimes there was still a crowd when you got home, but they were usually winding down for the night by then. You're not sure your anxiety could have taken much of this, otherwise. Nana was a tough old bird, but she was also teeny tiny and prone to arthritis flare-ups. What was Desi thinking, letting her wear herself out like this? Next to Desi, with <<if $setgenders or $randomgenders>>$d_their<<else>><span class="cycling"><<cycle "$d_gender" autoselect>><<option "his" "male">><<option "her" "female">><<option "their" "non-binary">><</cycle>></span><</if>> broad shoulders and arms toned from years of playing hockey, Nana looked so fragile. You sat on the edge of your seat, attempting to relax and let Nana have her fun. But then she actually //dipped// Desi and you gasped, panicking until Nana let out a raucous laugh. <ul class="a"><li><<link '"Des, come on," you shouted, attempting to quell your panic with a nervous smile. "Those moves are going to hurt somebody!"' "1.4b">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $bold += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Holy crap," you said, trying to tamp down your panic with a smile. "I had no idea you could dance like that, Des!"' "1.4b">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(7)>><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $bold += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Wow, Des," you mumbled, jokingly rolling your eyes in an attempt to hide your panic. "Those moves are going to hurt somebody."' "1.4b">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(3)>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $timid += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Des, come on!" you shouted, your panic growing at the sudden attention you drew from the crowd. "Just...I didn\'t know you could dance."' "1.4b">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $timid += 1>><</link>></li></ul>

<<if $statcheck1 is "smiling">><<set $playful += 1>><<else>><<set $serious += 1>><</if>>\ You gave Nana a vague wave as you began climbing the stairs. Her face fell but she recovered gracefully, blowing a kiss to you as Desi spun her away. With an exasperated groan, you let your guilt drag you over to the couch and plopped down to watch. You rarely got to see Nana in party mode like this. You worked the evening shift on book club nights and by the time you got home, you were never feeling very sociable. Not that there was much going on by then anyway. The crowd always started to disperse the second you walked through the door, which was fine by you. Still, you guessed spending a little time watching Nana have fun wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Nana and Desi made for an interesting sight, at least. Next to Desi, with <<if $setgenders or $randomgenders>>$d_their<<else>><span class="cycling"><<cycle "$d_gender" autoselect>><<option "his" "male">><<option "her" "female">><<option "their" "non-binary">><</cycle>></span><</if>> broad shoulders and arms toned from years of playing hockey, Nana was tiny. You rested your head on the arm of the couch as you watched through half-shut eyes, attempting to tune out the cheers of the crowd as you dozed off. But when Nana lowered Desi into a dip, you couldn't help letting out a bark of surprised, sleepy laughter. <ul class="a"><li><<link '"Wow, Des!" you shouted, attempting to quell your annoyance with a smirk. "Those moves are something else, my friend."' "1.4c">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $bold to $bold + 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Oh man, Des," you mumbled, jokingly rolling your eyes as you mustered a smile. "You\'ll have to teach me those moves someday."' "1.4c">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(3)>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $timid += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Holy crap," you said, trying to tamp down your annoyance with a smile. "I had no idea you could dance like that, Des!"' "1.4c">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(7)>><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $bold += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Wow, Des," you said, your annoyance growing at the sudden attention you drew from the crowd. "I just...didn\'t know you could dance like that."' "1.4c">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $timid += 1>><</link>></li></ul>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Relationships unlocked!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $show_rel to true>>\ $d_cthey had quickly become your best friend, and you couldn't imagine how boring this place would be if it weren't for $d_them. But lately, butterflies flopped around in your belly every time $d_they flashed one of $d_their goofy, lopsided smiles at you. Warmth crept up your neck as you noticed Desi watching you...watch //$d_them//. You rearranged your face into what you hoped was a little more "hey there, buddy" than you felt, then melted into a puddle at the playful wink $d_they threw your way. In a hasty attempt to act like you weren't just staring longingly at your friend, you tore your eyes away from $d_them and let your gaze sweep the room. The crowd from before you left for work had thinned out, but a handful of stragglers stuck around and were either watching the pair dance or chatting quietly in groups. You recognized nearly everyone in the room; the community was tight-knit and had done their best to welcome you these past few months. The only person you didn't know was standing in a dark corner, monitoring your grandmother like she might break at any moment. He was tall and lean, with ginger hair, fair skin, and more freckles than you could count on his grim, frowning face. Black tattoos crawled up his crossed arms and a handful of small, golden hoops adorned each ear, glinting in the flickering light of the fireplace. His eyes drifted to yours and a twinge of recognition shot through you. But then he looked back at Nana, his frown deepening, and you shook away your bewilderment. You had seen him leaving Desi's house a few times, usually when you were walking over to hang out, but you had definitely never met him. Oh well, a grease-stained uniform probably wouldn't make the best first impression. You were sure you'd meet the brooding stranger eventually, preferably some time when you didn't smell like french fries. Now that you think about it, wasn't that guy at Nana's funeral today? The morning had gone by in a haze, so you couldn't be positive. <ul class="a"><li><<link "You were practically useless the whole time, pivoting between uncontrollable sobbing to emotionless void and back again." "1.6a">><<set $emotional += 2>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You think you managed to hold it together pretty well, all things considered, but there were still quite a few tears." "1.6a">><<set $emotional += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You were busy making sure everything ran smoothly throughout the service, so you barely had a chance to grieve." "1.6a">><<set $logical += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You tuned out during the service. It's not that you didn't miss Nana, you just didn't see the point in getting emotional." "1.6a">><<set $logical += 2>><</link>></li></ul>

<<if $emotional is 2>>\ You've always been an emotional person, and the stress of the morning was a little too much to handle. Thankfully, Desi <<if $d_rom gte 5>> was there to hold your hand throughout the service like a lifeline, helping<<else>>was there to help<</if>> you deal with the guests and keep everything organized despite being as torn up over Nana's death as you are. But even though you spent the morning bawling, you do remember seeing a\ <<elseif $emotional is 1>>\ You've always been the type to try and keep your emotions in check, but Nana's service was especially rough. Desi was there for you the whole time though, <<if $d_rom gte 5>>holding your hand like a lifeline and helping keep<<else>>helping with the guests and keeping<</if>> everything on track whenever you started to feel overwhelmed. But even though you cried most of the morning, you do remember seeing a\ <<elseif $logical is 2>>\ You've never been very comfortable in emotional situations. Fortunately, Desi has enough empathy for the both of you, so $d_they offered to take over the service arrangements<<if $d_rom gte 5>> and made sure to give you the space you needed today<</if>>. It was probably better that $d_they handled it all anyway, since $d_they had spent more time with Nana over the years than you. But even though you were zoning out all morning, you do remember seeing a\ <<else>>\ Keeping yourself busy is your default mode whenever you start feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, so you were actually thankful for the distraction. Desi offered to help<<if $d_rom gte 5>> and even tried to hold your hand throughout the service,<</if>> but you turned $d_them away. You didn't want $d_them to have to worry about anything, especially since $d_they'<<d_re>> as torn up over Nana's death as you are. But even though you were running around all morning, you do remember seeing a\ <</if>>\ shock of orange hair and freckles in the sea of black. Had the brooding stranger given you condolences, rubbed your back sympathetically, hugged you like so many of the others? Hmm, you suppose not. Something tells you that he probably isn't the type to engage in social niceties. You glimpse your reflection in the mirror above the fireplace and grimace. With bruise-like bags beneath <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$eyecolor" autoselect>><<option "gray">><<option "blue">><<option "hazel">><<option "green">><<option "amber">><<option "brown">><</cycle>></span> eyes that are <<if $emotional gt $logical>>still puffy and swollen from crying<<else>>bloodshot from one too many sleepless nights<</if>> and clothes rumpled from all the well-intended hugs, you're a mess. Out of habit, you run a shaking hand over your hair, the same shade of <<cycle "$haircolor" autoselect>><<option "jet black">><<option "chestnut brown">><<option "caramel brown">><<option "deep auburn">><<option "coppery red">><<option "ginger red">><<option "strawberry blonde">><<option "honey blonde">><<option "platinum blonde">><</cycle>> that Nana had before hers turned gray. You've seen plenty of pictures from when she was young, immortalized along the walls of your father's Upper Eastside loft. Looking back, you could barely recognize the austere woman in those photographs, with her forced smile and sad eyes, not a strand of hair out of place as she posed with her husband and sons. She had been a far cry from the Nana you knew, who always had laughter on her lips, soil under her fingernails, and gloriously untamed hair. "Who has time for all that superficial crap?" she would say whenever she caught you fretting over your looks. "Just be happy, dear. To hell with anyone who says otherwise." You can only hope to be as laid-back as she was someday, but your elitist upbringing had done a number on you that would probably take years of psychiatry to undo. For now, you can't help thinking about how the unkempt <<gender>> frowning back at you in the mirror would be subjected to a lecture from your mother on maintaining a proper appearance. The hand running over your... <ul class="c"><li>[[shaved scalp|1.7][$hairlength to "shaved"]]</li> <li>[[short hair|1.6b][$hairlength to "short"]]</li> <li>[[shoulder-length hair|1.6b][$hairlength to "shoulder-length"]]</li> <li>[[mid-length hair|1.6b][$hairlength to "mid-length"]]</li> <li>[[long hair|1.6b][$hairlength to "long"]]</li> <li>[[waist-length hair|1.6b][$hairlength to "waist-length"]]</li></ul>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Stats unlocked!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $show_stats to true>>\ <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>The hand running over your shaved scalp does nothing to make you look presentable by your mother's standards, your <<if $haircolor is "inky black" or "chestnut brown" or "caramel brown" or "deep auburn" or "coppery red">>dark<<else>>fair<</if>> hair a couple centimeters longer than she would deem appropriate.<<else>>The hand running over your $hairlength, $hairtexture hair does nothing to make you look presentable by your mother's standards. You're wearing it $hairstyle like usual, but it's in complete disarray now and refusing to cooperate.<</if>> You drop your arm with a huff. Does it really matter what she would think about you now? She didn't even come to her own mother-in-law's funeral today. No one from the family came, the assholes. Sure, Nana had been the family's social pariah, but could they not even forgive her in death? Truth be told, Nana probably would have preferred it this way. You toss your keys on the entryway table and trudge over to the couch. Nana's ancient calico cat meows indignantly as you sit, the sagging cushions having jostled her awake. You stroke Dizzy's soft fur, making sure to give her ear scritches the way Nana used to, but she rolls out of reach. "I get it, Diz. I miss her too," you tell the cat, who blinks and looks away. Shrugging in resignation, you slump back against the couch and attempt to look anywhere besides the splotch staining the hardwood flooring <<linkreplace "a few feet away.">>a few feet away. The dark brown splotch of <<linkreplace "blood.">>blood. <<liveblock>><<if $disableanimate>><span id="blur">The dark brown splotch of Nana's blood</span> that has persisted despite the hours you've spent scrubbing, <span id="blur">desperately dragging</span> the sponge across the wood until <span id="blur">your fingertips cracked and your knees bruised and your back ached -</span><<else>><span class="drunk">The dark brown splotch of Nana's blood</span> that has persisted despite the hours you've spent scrubbing, <span class="drunk">desperately dragging</span> the sponge across the wood until <span class="drunk">your fingertips cracked and your knees bruised and your back ached -</span><</if>><</liveblock>> It's no use. You stare, fixated, memorizing the splotch until your vision starts to blur. [[Continue|1.8]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

When you found Nana lying there, eyes glassy and head haloed in blood, you <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck2">><<option "couldn't stop screaming" "emotional">><<option "completely shut down" "logical">><</cycle>></span>. Nana was fine before you left for brunch. She had been her usual perky self, chattering about the tomatoes in the garden and her plans to play tennis later and //"Oh, wasn't last night wonderful? I haven't danced like that in ages!"// Three hours. You were only gone for three hours. How could she be dead when she was fine three hours ago? Desi was beside you in an instant, dialing 911 on $d_their cell as $d_they wrapped an arm around you and tried to pull you away from the gruesome sight. "I'm not sure what happened, we just got home. It looks like she fell-" The eerie calm of Desi's voice as $d_they spoke to the emergency dispatcher pierced through your daze and you wrenched out of $d_their grasp, falling to the ground beside your grandmother. Trembling fingers scrambled over her contorted neck, her swollen face, her bruised wrists as you searched for a pulse, for any sign of life that you knew, deep in your roiling gut, you wouldn't find. Your memories beyond that are hazy and fragmented. You know Desi pulled you away from Nana, helping you into the shower and washing the blood from your hands and arms. You can vaguely remember watching $d_them answer $d_their phone, how $d_they spoke in hushed tones as $d_their face contorted in fear, how $d_they kept watching you as though you might disappear. And in the frayed, fuzzy edges of your subconscious, a fleeting recollection so tenuous you're almost certain your mind is playing tricks on you, you remember //orange//. Orange hair and a freckled face peering down at you, hazel eyes gleaming with grief and anger and some unplaceable, unfathomably melancholy emotion that you can't even begin to comprehend. Then you remember the light. Brilliant white light erupting from pale hands like a luminescent geyser, pouring into every crevice of your vision as it blazed, brighter and brighter, so bright you thought it might tear you apart, atom by atom... [[Until everything went dark.|1.9]]

<<nickname>>! There's my favorite..." <ul class="c"><li><<link "grandchild" "1.2d">><</link>></li> <li><<link "granddaughter" "1.2c">><<set $gender to "female">><<set $title to "Ms.">><</link>></li> <li><<link "grandson" "1.2c">><<set $gender to "male">><<set $title to "Mr.">><</link>></li></ul>

Subjective: <<textbox "$they" $they>> Objective: <<textbox "$them" $them>> Determiner: <<textbox "$their" $their>> Possessive: <<textbox "$theirs" $theirs>> Is this a plural pronoun? &emsp;<<listbox "$plur" autoselect>><<option "Yes" true>><<option "No" false>><</listbox>> What is your title? &emsp;<<listbox "$title" autoselect>><<option "Mx.">><<option "Ms.">><<option "Mr.">><</listbox>> <<button "Confirm" "1.2e">><<script>>Dialog.close();<</script>><</button>>

<<if $statcheck2 is "emotional">><<set $emotional += 1>><<else>><<set $logical += 1>><</if>>\ A yowl from Dizzy startles you back to the present, and you turn to find the cat sitting beside Nana's favorite armchair, glaring up at you. "What's wrong?" You frown, brow knitting with concern. She's always hated you so the glaring is nothing new, but it's rare for her to be up and about in the middle of the day like this. "Did I forget to feed you or...?" Dizzy drops her gaze, rubbing her face against something dark poking out from beneath the chair before locking eyes with you again. There's a flicker of surprising ferocity in the look she gives you, a look that seems to say //get the hint, human//. Huh, that's not supposed to be there. It looks like the corner of a book, the bulk of which is hidden behind the hanging floral fabric. Maybe Nana had been reading and accidentally dropped it? She was always so careful with her books, so you can't imagine she would have simply left this one on the floor. You make your way over to pick it up and nearly trip as Dizzy bolts under your feet. //So it's come to attempted murder now, has it?// [[Continue|1.10]]

which is... <ul class="c"><li>[[straight|1.6c][$hairtexture to "straight"]]</li> <li>[[wavy|1.6c][$hairtexture to "wavy"]]</li> <li>[[curly|1.6c][$hairtexture to "curly"]]</li> <li>[[coiled|1.6c][$hairtexture to "coiled"]]</li> <li>[[afro-textured|1.6c][$hairtexture to "afro-textured"]]</li> <li>[[relaxed|1.6c][$hairtexture to "relaxed"]]</li></ul>

and typically worn... <ul class="c"><li>[[down|1.7][$hairstyle to "down"]]</li> <<if $hairlength is "short">><li>[[slicked back|1.7][$hairstyle to "slicked back"]]</li><</if>> <li>[[pulled back|1.7][$hairstyle to "pulled back"]]</li> <li>[[in an up-do|1.7][$hairstyle to "in an up-do"]]</li> <li>[[in twists|1.7][$hairstyle to "in twists"]]</li> <li>[[in puffs|1.7][$hairstyle to "in puffs"]]</li> <li>[[in locs|1.7][$hairstyle to "in locs"]]</li> <li>[[braided|1.7][$hairstyle to "braided"]]</li> <<if $hairlength is "short">><li>[[tapered|1.7][$hairstyle to "tapered"]]</li><</if>> <<if $hairlength is "short">><li>[[combed over|1.7][$hairstyle to "combed over"]]</li><</if>></ul>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire unlocked!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $show_grim to true>>\ As you scoop the book out, fingers folding around the soft, leather-bound cover, a painful spark jolts up your arm. //Fucking ouch.// You yank your hand back with a hiss, shaking out the sting of what you can only assume was a heavy bout of static electricity as you glower at the book. <<linkreplace "The book glowers back.">>The book glowers back. <span id="blur">==How does a book glower?==</span><</linkreplace>> Now that you've dragged it from its hiding spot, you recognize the well-worn cover. You've seen it tucked under Nana's bony arm dozens of times, peering out at you for only a moment before she'd adjust her hold to hide it from view. You asked her about it once when the strange design on the cover caught your eye, but Nana told you it was an old cookbook. What kind of cookbook has markings like these, though? Etched into the leather is a series of intricately twisted lines, some coiling around shapes and others snaking off into flourishes, all woven together in winding patterns and wreathed by a single, perfect circle. Dread ferments in your stomach the longer you look at it. A distant memory nags at the back of your mind: a familiar voice, his Irish brogue deep and gruff, warning you to //never touch the book, you'll be safe if you never, ever touch the book -// Wait, you don't know anyone with an Irish accent. Do you? There's a sharp knock at the front door and you... <ul class="a"><li><<link "...raise an eyebrow. You weren't expecting company so soon after the funeral, but you're excited for a distraction right now since, clearly, you are losing it." "1.11a">><<set $friendly += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...let out a frustrated groan. You aren't exactly in your right mind at the moment, and you sure as hell don't want company so soon after your grandmother's funeral." "1.11b">><<set $aloof += 1>><</link>></li></ul>\

It's probably Dottie, one of Nana's longtime neighbors, with another casserole. She isn't the liveliest conversational partner, but she's been so sweet these past couple days that you've started to really enjoy making small talk with her. Besides, some company right now might help with this whole making up memories thing you seem to have going on. You brace yourself for another zap and pick up the book. Nothing happens. Okay, that's good. You set it down on the coffee table, eyeing it curiously as you head to the door and glance through the peephole. That's definitely not Dottie out there. The man on your doorstep is tall and impossibly lanky, his slender arms a little too long for the sleeves of his suit jacket. His salt and pepper hair is gelled to perfection, and beneath his thick eyebrows is a pair of striking, light blue eyes...that are staring straight at you. That's a little creepy, but he can't see you through the peephole, right? It's probably just a coincidence. You fix a bright smile on your face as you step back and swing the door open. [[Continue|1.12a]]

If that's Dottie with another casserole, you swear you're going to lose it. The kind gestures have been relentless these past couple days, and while you appreciate the neighbors' generosity, all you really need right now is some time to yourself. Maybe if you get a moment to breathe, you can sort out this whole making up memories thing you seem to have going on. You brace yourself for another zap and pick up the book. Nothing happens. Okay, that's good at least. You set it down on the coffee table, eyeing it warily as you drag yourself to the door and glance through the peephole. That's definitely not Dottie out there. The man on your doorstep is tall and impossibly lanky, his slender arms a little too long for the sleeves of his suit jacket. His salt and pepper hair is gelled to perfection, and beneath his thick eyebrows is a pair of striking, light blue eyes...that are staring straight at you. That's a little creepy, but he can't see you through the peephole, right? It's probably just a coincidence. You attempt to wipe the annoyance from your face, replacing your scowl with a tight-lipped smile as you step back and swing the door open. [[Continue|1.12a]]

"I'm looking for $firstname $lastname. <<Are>> $they here?" Unease gurgles in your chest, growing louder the longer you stand too close to this man. He looks normal enough, you suppose. But there's something about his smile that's almost predatory. A wolf cornering a lamb. He continues, unperturbed by your blank stare. "I'm Mr. Morillo, the executor of $their grandmother's estate. My office spoke with $title $lastname yesterday regarding our meeting?" You don't remember scheduling a meeting for today, but it's entirely possible that he's telling the truth. Yesterday had been hectic, with neighbors dropping by every couple hours and the funeral home calling to discuss flower arrangements, and the reception, and the music, and //on and on//, so this might have fallen through the cracks. <ul class="a"><li><<link '"Sorry, it\'s been a long morning. I\'m $firstname $lastname," you say, extending your hand.' "1.13a">><<set $relaxed += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Yes, hello. I\'m $firstname $lastname. Please come in," you say, smiling politely.' "1.13b">><<set $friendly += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Yeah, I\'m $firstname $lastname. I\'d prefer to do this another day, though," you say, crossing your arms.' "1.13c">><<set $aloof += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Do you have a business card or anything?" you ask, frowning in suspicion.' "1.13d">><<set $cautious += 1>><</link>></li></ul>

Please select your pronouns: <ul class="c"><li><<link "They/Them/Theirs" "1.2e">><</link>></li> <li><<link "Xe/Xem/Xirs" "1.2e">><<set $they to "xe">><<set $them to "xem">><<set $their to "xir">><<set $theirs to "xirs">><<set $cthey to "Xe">><<set $cthem to "Xem">><<set $ctheir to "Xir">><<set $ctheirs to "Xirs">><<set $plur to false>><</link>></li>\ <li><<link "She/Her/Hers" "1.2e">><<set $they to "she">><<set $them to "her">><<set $their to "her">><<set $theirs to "hers">><<set $cthey to "She">><<set $cthem to "Her">><<set $ctheir to "Her">><<set $ctheirs to "Hers">><<set $plur to false>><</link>></li>\ <li><<link "He/Him/His" "1.2e">><<set $they to "he">><<set $them to "him">><<set $their to "his">><<set $theirs to "his">><<set $cthey to "He">><<set $cthem to "Him">><<set $ctheir to "His">><<set $ctheirs to "His">><<set $plur to false>><</link>></li>\ <li><<link "Custom pronouns">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Pronouns"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Pronoun Settings 1").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></li></ul>

Bad vibes aside, you'd rather get this over with. Mr. Morillo nods again, wrapping your hand in a firm handshake as he scans the length of you. Appraising you. Finally, he releases your hand and you exhale a breath you didn't know you'd been holding. He raises an eyebrow, clearing his throat as he shoots a pointed look at the foyer behind you. Ah yes, social expectations. You step aside and gesture for him to enter, wincing at the heavy cloud of piney cologne that assails your nose as he sidles past. Each wing-tipped tap of his shoes on the hardwood floor reverberates through the empty room, a rhythmic reminder that //it's just the two of you in here// before he comes to a stop in front of the couch. He sets his briefcase on the coffee table and flips it open, pushing Nana's book to the ground with a dull thud. "Apologies," he mumbles as he reaches to pick the book back up. But then he tenses, pale eyes narrowing as they trace the markings on the cover. His lips curl into a silent snarl, eyes flashing dark, almost black. Then a heartbeat passes and he's smiling again, that same wolfish grin from before. He places the book beside his briefcase, hand shaking faintly as it lingers on the leather cover before he pulls it away to clasp both palms together. "Well then, $title $lastname, shall we get started?" <ul class="a"><li><<link "You shrug. Yep, let's do this." "1.14a">><</link>></li> <li><<link "You shudder. What's up with this creep?" "1.14b">><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(5)>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You frown. It's gonna be a no from me, dawg." "1.14c">> <<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(10)>><</link>></li></ul>

Bad vibes aside, you are nothing if not polite. Mr. Morillo nods again and extends a hand, squeezing yours in a firm handshake as he scans the length of you. Appraising you. You clear your throat and he gets the hint, finally releasing your hand. After an awkward silence, you step to the side and wave your hand with a flourish. "Make yourself comfortable," you say. If he heard the tremble in your voice, he doesn't acknowledge it, sidling past and leaving a heavy cloud of piney cologne in his wake. Each wing-tipped tap of his shoes on the hardwood floor reverberates through the empty room, a rhythmic reminder that //it's just the two of you in here// before he comes to a stop in front of the couch. He sets his briefcase on the coffee table and flips it open, pushing Nana's book to the ground with a dull thud. "Apologies," he mumbles as he reaches to pick the book back up. But then he tenses, pale eyes narrowing as they trace the markings on the cover. His lips curl into a silent snarl, eyes flashing dark, almost black. Then a heartbeat passes and he's smiling again, that same wolfish grin from before. He places the book beside his briefcase, hand shaking faintly as it lingers on the leather cover before he pulls it away to clasp both palms together. "Well then, $title $lastname, shall we get started?" <ul class="a"><li><<link "You smile. Sure, why not?" "1.14a">><</link>></li> <li><<link "You repress a shudder. What a creep." "1.14b">><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(5)>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You frown. Screw being polite, this guy is weird." "1.14c">><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(10)>><</link>></li></ul>

Mr. Morillo's smile hardens and he tilts his head, scanning the length of you. Appraising you. "I understand you've had a difficult morning, $title $lastname. Losing a loved one is always tragic. However, the sooner we get your grandmother's estate in order, the sooner you can relax." You want to roll your eyes at his "look how sincere I'm being" smile, but you resist the urge. He has a point. The sooner you finish your business with this guy, the better. Sighing, you step aside and give him a curt nod toward the living room. He adjusts his tie before sidling past you, and you gag a little at the heavy cloud of piney cologne that assails your nose. Each wing-tipped tap of his shoes on the hardwood floor reverberates through the empty room, a rhythmic reminder that //it's just the two of you in here// before he comes to a stop in front of the couch. You bristle when he sets his briefcase on the coffee table and hastily flips it open, pushing Nana's book to the ground in the process. "Apologies," he mumbles, bending to pick the book back up. But then he tenses, pale eyes narrowing as they trace the markings on the cover. His lips curl into a silent snarl, eyes flashing dark, almost black. Then a heartbeat passes and he's smiling again, that same wolfish grin from before. He places the book beside his briefcase, hand shaking faintly as it lingers on the leather cover before he pulls it away to clasp both palms together. "Well then, $title $lastname, shall we get started?" <ul class="a"><li><<link "You scoff. What else would we be doing?" "1.14a">><</link>></li> <li><<link "You shudder. Damn, this guy is creepy." "1.14b">><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(5)>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You frown. Oh, hell no." "1.14c">><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(10)>><</link>></li></ul>

Mr. Morillo's smile hardens and he tilts his head, scanning the length of you. Appraising you. "Yes, of course I do." He digs into his front suit pocket for a moment before pulling out a crisp white business card and handing it to you. <span id="spec3">//Vincent Morillo Probate Attorney Cage, Fish & Associates//</span> You purse your lips as you study the card. It looks perfectly legitimate; just a standard, no-frills business card. Except for the strange, red symbol in the corner. Is that...an eye? "So," he says, voice dripping with displeasure. "Is $title $lastname here? I do have another meeting scheduled after this." You hesitate a moment longer before sighing. "Yeah, that's me," you say, stepping aside to wave him in. He adjusts his tie before sidling past you, and you grimace at the heavy cloud of piney cologne that assails your nose. Each wing-tipped tap of his shoes on the hardwood floor reverberates through the empty room, a rhythmic reminder that //it's just the two of you in here// before he comes to a stop in front of the couch. You startle when he sets his briefcase on the coffee table with a bang and flips it open, pushing Nana's book to the ground in the process. "Apologies," he mumbles, bending to pick the book back up. But then he tenses, pale eyes narrowing as they trace the markings on the cover. His lips curl into a silent snarl, eyes flashing dark, almost black. Then a heartbeat passes and he's smiling again, that same wolfish grin from before. He places the book beside his briefcase, hand shaking faintly as it lingers on the leather cover before he pulls it away to clasp both palms together. "Well then, $title $lastname, shall we get started?" <ul class="a"><li><<link "You nod. Might as well get it over with." "1.14a">><</link>></li> <li><<link "You shudder. Your creep-o-meter is flying off the charts." "1.14b">><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(5)>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You frown. Nope, nope, nope." "1.14c">><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(10)>><</link>></li></ul>

The smile he returns yours with is too wide for his narrow face, his teeth too straight, too white. He gives you a quick, perfunctory bob of his head in greeting. "I'm looking for $firstname..." <<link "Choose a preset surname:">><<toggleclass "#presetsurname" "hidden">><</link>><div id="presetsurname" class="hidden">\ <ul class="c"><li>[[Meagle|1.12b][$lastname to "Meagle"]]</li> <li>[[Chavez|1.12b][$lastname to "Chavez"]]</li> <li>[[Bing|1.12b][$lastname to "Bing"]]</li> <li>[[Nadir|1.12b][$lastname to "Nadir"]]</li> <li>[[Gilmore|1.12b][$lastname to "Gilmore"]]</li> <li>[[Hino|1.12b][$lastname to "Hino"]]</li> <li>[[McPoyle|1.12b][$lastname to "McPoyle"]]</li> <li>[[Sun|1.12b][$lastname to "Sun"]]</li> <li>[[Lemon|1.12b][$lastname to "Lemon"]]</li> <li>[[Wexler|1.12b][$lastname to "Wexler"]]</li></ul></div> <<link "Enter a custom surname:">><<toggleclass "#customsurname" "hidden">><</link>><div id="customsurname" class="hidden">\ <<textbox "$lastname" "">>[[Confirm|1.12b][$lastname to $lastname.toUpperFirst().trim()]]</div>

<<if $cautious gt $relaxed>>Surely this weirdo wants to get out of here as much as you want him gone, right? You figure your best bet is to get it over with so you can get on with your life.<<elseif $aloof gt $friendly>>It's not like he's done anything wrong, save for being a little //(okay, more than a little)// strange. Whatever. You might as well get this over with.<<else>>It's not like he's done anything wrong, right? So he's a little...odd. You can deal with that if it means getting through this quicker.<</if>> You take a seat in the armchair opposite him and wait, folding your hands in your lap. Mr. Morillo's eyes glint, shrewd and mirthful and //entirely// too pleased with your acquiescence, before he tears his gaze away from you to rummage through his briefcase. <<linkreplace "Then you hear it.">>Then you hear it. <div class="spec1"><<liveblock>><<if $disableanimate>>F̶͇͕͚̘͍̩̪̾̈́͐̊O̴̗̊Ô̸̱̻̭̞Ḻ̶̡̰̰͕͕̞̓̓̆̕Ỉ̸̬̟̎͘͘S̸̡͒̒̀̈͒́͝H̷̘̦͖͚͂̀̃̉̄̌ ̸̧̨̩̬̲̾̈́͋͛̽M̸̢̞̣̀́́͒́͘Ǫ̷̢̲͉̱̟̃͆͒̀͗̕R̸̙̤̲̮̃̎̓̏͝͝͝Ṭ̷͚̟͙̜̮͆̊̔̚A̷̡̞̞̝̣̔L̴͍̋̂͗̃̕,̶̣̣̩̇̉͂̊ ̸̯͙̮͇͙̥̏Ẇ̸̨̓̀̿͝H̵̦̦́̈̊Ḁ̵̭͍̈́̊͝T̴̯̲̫̲͂̌̅̉́̈͠ ̵̛̺̂́́̚͝A̴̗͔̲̟̟̺̚̕Ŕ̷̖̏̈́̉́́̌E̸̫͚̟̜̳̊́̈́̂̍̑ ̷̡̺̪̀́͜͝Ỷ̶̨̝͙̗̦̖̠̇̿͝Õ̷̗̫͑͆͜͝͠Û̸̙̽̚͝ ̸̨̬̯̫̜̩̂ͅD̶̽̄ͅÓ̷̰̩͚̗̿̃̔̈̚͝ͅI̸̦̿̅̉̕Ǹ̴̪̅̈́́̑G̶̠̪͖̲̒̎̿̉̐?̶̠̞̯́̄̾̆̉͝ͅ ̸̬̞̂T̴͎̝̟͐́̏̃́̓͝H̵̢̡̛͙̏̍̓͛̒̂A̷̩̮̜̒̇͘̚̕͜T̶̡̛̼̹͔̄͜ ̵̞̌̂͑̇̎̊C̸͕̒̄̀̐̚̕R̶͖̽E̸̡̟̩̿̅̇̓̆̿̕Ą̸̺̍̂͊̓T̸̨̡͚̪̠̘͔̑͋̀̇̑̀͝Ú̴̙͑R̸̪̈́́Ë̵͎͖ ̷̢͙̇̓̀̚ͅI̸̘̠̼̣̻͍̜̍̓͌͆͘͝Ş̷͖̎̈͗͆̂͂̄ ̸̨̤̝̝͙̗̪͐̐͋D̵̗̄͆̾̐̃͝Ầ̴̧͋̄N̵̨̩̪̬̞̮̼̒͘Ğ̷͔̑̅̊̅Ḙ̷̈́̔͗̾̀R̴̰̘̙̯͙͗O̷͇̎͌́̕Ù̸͈̪͇̓̊̊͝S̸̲͖͓͆̐̍̊̄̕.̶̲͗<<else>><span id="rumble"><span id="shudder">F̶͇͕͚̘͍̩̪̾̈́͐̊O̴̗̊Ô̸̱̻̭̞Ḻ̶̡̰̰͕͕̞̓̓̆̕Ỉ̸̬̟̎͘͘S̸̡͒̒̀̈͒́͝H̷̘̦͖͚͂̀̃̉̄̌ ̸̧̨̩̬̲̾̈́͋͛̽M̸̢̞̣̀́́͒́͘Ǫ̷̢̲͉̱̟̃͆͒̀͗̕R̸̙̤̲̮̃̎̓̏͝͝͝Ṭ̷͚̟͙̜̮͆̊̔̚A̷̡̞̞̝̣̔L̴͍̋̂͗̃̕,̶̣̣̩̇̉͂̊ ̸̯͙̮͇͙̥̏Ẇ̸̨̓̀̿͝H̵̦̦́̈̊Ḁ̵̭͍̈́̊͝T̴̯̲̫̲͂̌̅̉́̈͠ ̵̛̺̂́́̚͝A̴̗͔̲̟̟̺̚̕Ŕ̷̖̏̈́̉́́̌E̸̫͚̟̜̳̊́̈́̂̍̑ ̷̡̺̪̀́͜͝Ỷ̶̨̝͙̗̦̖̠̇̿͝Õ̷̗̫͑͆͜͝͠Û̸̙̽̚͝ ̸̨̬̯̫̜̩̂ͅD̶̽̄ͅÓ̷̰̩͚̗̿̃̔̈̚͝ͅI̸̦̿̅̉̕Ǹ̴̪̅̈́́̑G̶̠̪͖̲̒̎̿̉̐?̶̠̞̯́̄̾̆̉͝ͅ ̸̬̞̂T̴͎̝̟͐́̏̃́̓͝H̵̢̡̛͙̏̍̓͛̒̂A̷̩̮̜̒̇͘̚̕͜T̶̡̛̼̹͔̄͜ ̵̞̌̂͑̇̎̊C̸͕̒̄̀̐̚̕R̶͖̽E̸̡̟̩̿̅̇̓̆̿̕Ą̸̺̍̂͊̓T̸̨̡͚̪̠̘͔̑͋̀̇̑̀͝Ú̴̙͑R̸̪̈́́Ë̵͎͖ ̷̢͙̇̓̀̚ͅI̸̘̠̼̣̻͍̜̍̓͌͆͘͝Ş̷͖̎̈͗͆̂͂̄ ̸̨̤̝̝͙̗̪͐̐͋D̵̗̄͆̾̐̃͝Ầ̴̧͋̄N̵̨̩̪̬̞̮̼̒͘Ğ̷͔̑̅̊̅Ḙ̷̈́̔͗̾̀R̴̰̘̙̯͙͗O̷͇̎͌́̕Ù̸͈̪͇̓̊̊͝S̸̲͖͓͆̐̍̊̄̕.̶̲͗</span></span><</if>><</liveblock>></div> [[.....um.|1.15]]<</linkreplace>>

<<if $cautious gt $relaxed>>You can't help but have a physical reaction. Your instincts about people are usually right and they're saying an //awful lot// about this guy.<<elseif $aloof gt $friendly>>Okay, so maybe you're a little quick to judge people sometimes, but they normally deserve it. And anyway, this guy is giving you some //seriously// weird vibes.<<else>>You normally try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but something about this guy is really rubbing you the wrong way.<</if>> A chill crawls up your neck and you freeze, shoulders stiffening in discomfort. Mr. Morillo's eyes glint, shrewd and intense as he studies you. He must see the reluctance in your posture, because his smile sharpens as he gestures to the armchair opposite him. "Please, $title $lastname. The sooner we begin, the sooner we'll be finished." You hesitate a moment longer, shifting your weight from side to side. <<linkreplace "Then you hear it.">>Then you hear it. <div class="spec1"><<liveblock>><<if $disableanimate>>T̴͕̤̪̳̀̌̐̍͗͘R̸̯͚̀͌͝Ǔ̸͉̦̬͔̱͚͌́͑͒͝S̴͙̒̀̏͋́͝Ṱ̵̤͍͈̙̼̈́̎̃̎̓̆͝ͅ ̶̦̱̖̤͉̎Y̶̠̙̩̳͛̓̂̚͝͠O̷̖͑͠U̸̞͙̯͚̜͛̂Ŗ̴̢̟̮̤́̏͌̍͒́͝ ̵̬͎͉̹͖̂Ị̸̘̭͓̫̰̏̈́̿̓͝N̴͇͒̇͆͒͘T̴̡̪̼̣̯̘̂U̵̡͍͙̰͒̋̈́͌Į̷̮̘̹̔́̃̎̇̏̓T̸̪̀Ì̶̝͘Ő̴̹̞ͅN̶͔̻͆̂,̵̬̳̙̜́͂̔̏͜ ̷̱̘͉̬̥̗̲̂̉͌Ḿ̷̠̓O̵̖͇͈̽́̄̚ͅR̵̜̮͠T̶͖̿͑̀͌̕͜A̸̯͓̩̦̟͗͌̓̔͊̓̈́L̶̨͓̤̹̀͗̇́̌͜.̷̼͕̗̦͚͕̤͌̎ ̵̲̋͂̒͐͌̈́̃T̴̛̗̼̞̀̓̔̂͜͝H̶̻͂̊̚Á̷̡̟͗́̈́͜T̴̤̯͉̬̀ ̸̝̝̞͙̍͊̄̾̿̍̐C̷̻̦̖̖̽̂̀̄͛͛R̴̛̯͙̥̠͖̰̪̓̄͘̚Ȅ̶̞̺͚̮̹̭̎̔A̷̖̬̋̔̎̂́̊T̵̫̖͐U̸͎̖̝͎̘̺̅̈̀̌͌͝R̵̨̻̔͒̀́̾̔̽È̴̢̼̭̫̯̆̈̏͆̀̕ ̸͎̠͉̫͈̟͗̿Ḭ̷̧̱̰̈́̉̒̓̿́͜S̸̨̯͈͍̫͚͔̓̑͝ ̵̢̗̙͇̼͇͕̌̋͐̈́͂̄̆D̸͕̱̀̑̿Ą̸͉̻̲̜̰̞͑̿N̴̡̯̦̻̗̐ͅǴ̶̢̻̙̖͔̌́̅E̷̠̦͚͓͓͓̔͊͋͑̽͝R̸̻͆̿̄͜O̶̮̳̜͔̺̬͓̊̒̆͘͝͝Ų̴̞̭̖͑͗̔̓͜ͅS̸̡̰͚̝̙̪̀̍.̷̺̘̤̘͇͈͚͊<<else>><span id="rumble"><span id="shudder">T̴͕̤̪̳̀̌̐̍͗͘R̸̯͚̀͌͝Ǔ̸͉̦̬͔̱͚͌́͑͒͝S̴͙̒̀̏͋́͝Ṱ̵̤͍͈̙̼̈́̎̃̎̓̆͝ͅ ̶̦̱̖̤͉̎Y̶̠̙̩̳͛̓̂̚͝͠O̷̖͑͠U̸̞͙̯͚̜͛̂Ŗ̴̢̟̮̤́̏͌̍͒́͝ ̵̬͎͉̹͖̂Ị̸̘̭͓̫̰̏̈́̿̓͝N̴͇͒̇͆͒͘T̴̡̪̼̣̯̘̂U̵̡͍͙̰͒̋̈́͌Į̷̮̘̹̔́̃̎̇̏̓T̸̪̀Ì̶̝͘Ő̴̹̞ͅN̶͔̻͆̂,̵̬̳̙̜́͂̔̏͜ ̷̱̘͉̬̥̗̲̂̉͌Ḿ̷̠̓O̵̖͇͈̽́̄̚ͅR̵̜̮͠T̶͖̿͑̀͌̕͜A̸̯͓̩̦̟͗͌̓̔͊̓̈́L̶̨͓̤̹̀͗̇́̌͜.̷̼͕̗̦͚͕̤͌̎ ̵̲̋͂̒͐͌̈́̃T̴̛̗̼̞̀̓̔̂͜͝H̶̻͂̊̚Á̷̡̟͗́̈́͜T̴̤̯͉̬̀ ̸̝̝̞͙̍͊̄̾̿̍̐C̷̻̦̖̖̽̂̀̄͛͛R̴̛̯͙̥̠͖̰̪̓̄͘̚Ȅ̶̞̺͚̮̹̭̎̔A̷̖̬̋̔̎̂́̊T̵̫̖͐U̸͎̖̝͎̘̺̅̈̀̌͌͝R̵̨̻̔͒̀́̾̔̽È̴̢̼̭̫̯̆̈̏͆̀̕ ̸͎̠͉̫͈̟͗̿Ḭ̷̧̱̰̈́̉̒̓̿́͜S̸̨̯͈͍̫͚͔̓̑͝ ̵̢̗̙͇̼͇͕̌̋͐̈́͂̄̆D̸͕̱̀̑̿Ą̸͉̻̲̜̰̞͑̿N̴̡̯̦̻̗̐ͅǴ̶̢̻̙̖͔̌́̅E̷̠̦͚͓͓͓̔͊͋͑̽͝R̸̻͆̿̄͜O̶̮̳̜͔̺̬͓̊̒̆͘͝͝Ų̴̞̭̖͑͗̔̓͜ͅS̸̡̰͚̝̙̪̀̍.̷̺̘̤̘͇͈͚͊</span></span><</if>><</liveblock>></div> [[.....um.|1.15]]<</linkreplace>>

<<if $cautious gt $relaxed>>Your instincts about people are usually spot freakin' on and they have //a lot// to say about this guy, so you're inclined to listen to them. Maybe you were right to not want to invite him in, after all.<<elseif $aloof gt $friendly>>Every inch of you is itching to yell //"get away from me"//, to kick and bite and fight until this creep runs away crying. Maybe inviting him in was a bad idea, after all.<<else>>You normally try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but something about this guy really rubs you the wrong way. Maybe inviting him in was a bad idea, after all.<</if>> "You know what," you start, attempting to quell the tremor in your voice as you back away. "I'm not comfortable with you being here right now. We're going to have to reschedule." A glint of amusement dances across Mr. Morillo's face. He makes no attempt to stand, instead crossing his legs and draping an arm over the cushion beside him. His lips twitch a fraction as he says, "Someone very important sent me, $title $lastname. I'm not permitted to leave until I've fetched you." He's here to //fetch// you? Alright, all kinds of alarms are going off now. You march to the door, ready to swing it open and bolt. Maybe Desi hasn't left for $d_their hockey practice yet, or one of the other neighbors can help you get this guy out of here. <<linkreplace "Then you hear it.">>Then you hear it. <div class="spec1"><<liveblock>><<if $disableanimate>>Y̸̳̔͛̀͝Õ̵̤̥̐͗̒̓̚Ǘ̶̗̹́̚R̸͕͙̳̍͆̉̈̆͘̚ ̴̣̳͎̄̄͒̀̊͐͜I̸̖̎́̆̿Ņ̸̳̙͒͂͛̽̍̋͝T̵̗͘U̶̺̥͈̠̒Ǐ̷̻́T̷͖̘̗̰̻̭͗̆͒̽͐͝ͅĬ̶̤͊͑̀̕͝͝Ơ̴̡͔͉͎̖̏͊̒͜Ņ̵͔͙͉͙̖̊̿́̈́͝ ̸̻̟̤̮̇I̸̢͙͚̖͖̼͂S̶͇͔̠̠̈ ̷̭̟̠̓̉͊ͅC̵͍̽̓͒̆͂̓O̵̺͓̟̬̰̾R̷͚͆̆̈͝R̵̗̈͋͆̋E̷͙̫̪͇͒̋̂̏͘͜C̴̮̔T̷̫͓͓̠̜͇͙͛̈́͋̆͝,̴̨̧͍̰̫͗͂͛͗̓͜͠ ̶̨̪̖͎͈̱͖̾́̊̉͂͗M̶͇̪̅͒͂͘O̵̧̙̟͛̂͛͆͌̀R̷̳̺̦̓͐̂͂̐T̷̙̝̯̂͗̏̓͆̕͜Ą̴͎̟̹̝͖̾͑̕͘͜͠L̷̠̩̠̞͔̉̌.̷̛̦̥̠̱̯̝̈͛̊͘͜ ̸̪͎̮͈̤̙̃͌̅̆͠T̸̯̰̪́̽H̸̡̢̼̩̦̥́͑͂́̚̚͠Ḁ̸͔̱̮̙̒̑͐̋̔T̷̜͎̜͕͍̯̃̂̀́́ ̷̱̞̫͔̝͍͑́̑Ǐ̶̜̻̃̂̓̅̚͘S̷̨̛̫̪͋͛͋̕ A̴̩̖͔͓̝̒͛͑͘ Ḋ̵̙̗̗̣̗̪̀̎A̵̢̗̝̺̮̗͒͌̎̈́̈́͛̆N̴̞̟̮̅̆̈́͜ͅG̵̫̹͈̝̬̋̿͑͆̈́̆̈́͜E̷̜̯̬͈̽͑̃ͅR̵͍̘̀̂̇̊͠O̵̠̱̦̩̞͛U̷̘͂S̴͓̩̮̺͍̉̽̋̑ C̸̨͔̳̹͍̖̚ͅR̴̤̙͚̃̈̀́́͘E̸̛̪̣͎̰̲̍̽̏͘̕͝A̴̩̖͔͓̝̒͛͑͘T̷̗̜̍̎U̵̗̰̝̺͚̺͊R̸̨̯̭̱̘͕̗̆̿̈́͝Ȩ̴̛̥͉̪͔͚̱̈́̂̈́̽̚̕ ̶̧̖͍̤̤̖̐́͌͜.̶̧̰̘̮̊̊̊̀̋̏̇<<else>><span id="rumble"><span id="shudder">Y̸̳̔͛̀͝Õ̵̤̥̐͗̒̓̚Ǘ̶̗̹́̚R̸͕͙̳̍͆̉̈̆͘̚ ̴̣̳͎̄̄͒̀̊͐͜I̸̖̎́̆̿Ņ̸̳̙͒͂͛̽̍̋͝T̵̗͘U̶̺̥͈̠̒Ǐ̷̻́T̷͖̘̗̰̻̭͗̆͒̽͐͝ͅĬ̶̤͊͑̀̕͝͝Ơ̴̡͔͉͎̖̏͊̒͜Ņ̵͔͙͉͙̖̊̿́̈́͝ ̸̻̟̤̮̇I̸̢͙͚̖͖̼͂S̶͇͔̠̠̈ ̷̭̟̠̓̉͊ͅC̵͍̽̓͒̆͂̓O̵̺͓̟̬̰̾R̷͚͆̆̈͝R̵̗̈͋͆̋E̷͙̫̪͇͒̋̂̏͘͜C̴̮̔T̷̫͓͓̠̜͇͙͛̈́͋̆͝,̴̨̧͍̰̫͗͂͛͗̓͜͠ ̶̨̪̖͎͈̱͖̾́̊̉͂͗M̶͇̪̅͒͂͘O̵̧̙̟͛̂͛͆͌̀R̷̳̺̦̓͐̂͂̐T̷̙̝̯̂͗̏̓͆̕͜Ą̴͎̟̹̝͖̾͑̕͘͜͠L̷̠̩̠̞͔̉̌.̷̛̦̥̠̱̯̝̈͛̊͘͜ ̸̪͎̮͈̤̙̃͌̅̆͠T̸̯̰̪́̽H̸̡̢̼̩̦̥́͑͂́̚̚͠Ḁ̸͔̱̮̙̒̑͐̋̔T̷̜͎̜͕͍̯̃̂̀́́ ̷̱̞̫͔̝͍͑́̑Ǐ̶̜̻̃̂̓̅̚͘S̷̨̛̫̪͋͛͋̕ A̴̩̖͔͓̝̒͛͑͘ Ḋ̵̙̗̗̣̗̪̀̎A̵̢̗̝̺̮̗͒͌̎̈́̈́͛̆N̴̞̟̮̅̆̈́͜ͅG̵̫̹͈̝̬̋̿͑͆̈́̆̈́͜E̷̜̯̬͈̽͑̃ͅR̵͍̘̀̂̇̊͠O̵̠̱̦̩̞͛U̷̘͂S̴͓̩̮̺͍̉̽̋̑ C̸̨͔̳̹͍̖̚ͅR̴̤̙͚̃̈̀́́͘E̸̛̪̣͎̰̲̍̽̏͘̕͝A̴̩̖͔͓̝̒͛͑͘T̷̗̜̍̎U̵̗̰̝̺͚̺͊R̸̨̯̭̱̘͕̗̆̿̈́͝Ȩ̴̛̥͉̪͔͚̱̈́̂̈́̽̚̕ ̶̧̖͍̤̤̖̐́͌͜.̶̧̰̘̮̊̊̊̀̋̏̇</span></span><</if>><</liveblock>></div> [[.....um.|1.15]]<</linkreplace>>

//''WHAT THE FUCK?!''// You startle, whipping your head to look around the room. <<if $dempercept gte 10>>Mr. Morillo is still lounging on the couch, smirking lazily at you. Did he hear that too? The- what was it, a voice?<<elseif $dempercept gte 5>>Mr. Morillo is still watching you, his brow furrowed in a pantomime of concern. Did he hear that too? The- what was it, a voice?<<else>>Mr. Morillo is still rooting around his briefcase, apparently unaware of your ongoing freakout. So he didn't hear the- what was it, a voice?<</if>> It was like a thousand different people speaking in unison. <<linkreplace "A warbling, grating wall of noise.">>A warbling, grating wall of noise. <div class="spec1"><<liveblock>><<if $disableanimate>>O̴̡̝̅̐͒̈́̄F̴̘͔̯̠͐ ̸̛̥̪̭̿́͑͒̊̓Č̷̰͈̣̘̈́͗̊͝Ö̵̬̻̪̈́͆̚͠Ǘ̷̗̐̆͒̈́͛Ṛ̴̡͕͉̯͊̋̂́̅͜͜S̵͈̟̫̈́͗̋ͅẼ̵̫̳̬͕̏̂͆ͅ ̶̫͙̤̑̇ͅH̸̥͂̋͗E̸̪̣̩͛̎ ̷̣̥̼̯̘̞͕͂̓̈̍̏Ç̶̯̻̭̜̘̈̄A̴͚͐̇Ņ̷̧͓͔̾Ṋ̶̳̝̯̈́̈̑O̷̡̗̭̙͚͖̦͒́T̷̤̭̙̱̲̘̈́̄́̌͜͠ ̸͎̞͚̱̯̌͘Ḧ̸̱̬̦́É̵̦̞͔͊̚͝A̸̤͉͉͔̳͆̍͐Ȑ̷̺͋̅̔̅̇ ̴͓̗͕̠̂́̔̋̽̎̀ͅͅM̸̰̼̼̑Ę̴̧̹̥̟̆̎͒̕̕.̵̩̠̞̭̜̋ ̷̤̠̱͈̿̋̔H̶̟̥̝͙͛͊͜Ẽ̵̡̻͉̘̘̓̈͂̏̓ ̴̠̩̝͇͆͒͊͐̕D̴̨̙̣͑O̸̫͉̮̬̻͌Ę̸̘̺̦͙̓S̸͔̥̤̦͑ ̵͍̝͓̄N̵̛̳̜͌͊̑͌̑ͅŐ̷͎͉̘͜͝T̷̛͔͚͍͙̙̣̔̊͂̐̾ ̷̛̮̋̒̃͝͝B̷̡̲̻̩̦̻̒̔͑̚Ĕ̴͔͔̃͋͠Ą̴̮͔̝͚̩͋̇̋́́̇̽R̴̖̺̈́̄̌̓͑̚ ̵̪̮̲͐̋̂M̵̝̱͐́̈́̂̈́̚͝Y̶̡̜͈̳̏̽̂̏ ̶͍̑͆͑͂͝S̸̡̜͓̱͔̥͊̓̀͛͐̑̓Ĭ̴̢̲͕͎̤̙͔̏G̵̡̰͚̖͉̙̼̓̒̋̀̓͒I̷̘͍̺͚̝͚͒͘L̸̙̣͍̓͗̔̌ ̵̨̛̮͍̮̜̳͊͒͆͂͝ͅA̸̻͖̜̅̆̏̀̒̿͝S̴͖͔͇̻͚͝ ̵̬̜̿͂͜Ý̸̢͉̱̼͇̺̈́̈́̀͠Ó̵̘͙U̶̥̯͗͐̈́ ̸̡̮͎͖͕̰̎̀̊͂̇̈́͠D̶̡͕͇̩̉͒Ő̷̢̪̬̦͚̜̂͋̑͛̈́.̶͓̳͙͑̆̆̕͘<<else>><span id="rumble"><span id="shudder">O̴̡̝̅̐͒̈́̄F̴̘͔̯̠͐ ̸̛̥̪̭̿́͑͒̊̓Č̷̰͈̣̘̈́͗̊͝Ö̵̬̻̪̈́͆̚͠Ǘ̷̗̐̆͒̈́͛Ṛ̴̡͕͉̯͊̋̂́̅͜͜S̵͈̟̫̈́͗̋ͅẼ̵̫̳̬͕̏̂͆ͅ ̶̫͙̤̑̇ͅH̸̥͂̋͗E̸̪̣̩͛̎ ̷̣̥̼̯̘̞͕͂̓̈̍̏Ç̶̯̻̭̜̘̈̄A̴͚͐̇Ņ̷̧͓͔̾Ṋ̶̳̝̯̈́̈̑O̷̡̗̭̙͚͖̦͒́T̷̤̭̙̱̲̘̈́̄́̌͜͠ ̸͎̞͚̱̯̌͘Ḧ̸̱̬̦́É̵̦̞͔͊̚͝A̸̤͉͉͔̳͆̍͐Ȑ̷̺͋̅̔̅̇ ̴͓̗͕̠̂́̔̋̽̎̀ͅͅM̸̰̼̼̑Ę̴̧̹̥̟̆̎͒̕̕.̵̩̠̞̭̜̋ ̷̤̠̱͈̿̋̔H̶̟̥̝͙͛͊͜Ẽ̵̡̻͉̘̘̓̈͂̏̓ ̴̠̩̝͇͆͒͊͐̕D̴̨̙̣͑O̸̫͉̮̬̻͌Ę̸̘̺̦͙̓S̸͔̥̤̦͑ ̵͍̝͓̄N̵̛̳̜͌͊̑͌̑ͅŐ̷͎͉̘͜͝T̷̛͔͚͍͙̙̣̔̊͂̐̾ ̷̛̮̋̒̃͝͝B̷̡̲̻̩̦̻̒̔͑̚Ĕ̴͔͔̃͋͠Ą̴̮͔̝͚̩͋̇̋́́̇̽R̴̖̺̈́̄̌̓͑̚ ̵̪̮̲͐̋̂M̵̝̱͐́̈́̂̈́̚͝Y̶̡̜͈̳̏̽̂̏ ̶͍̑͆͑͂͝S̸̡̜͓̱͔̥͊̓̀͛͐̑̓Ĭ̴̢̲͕͎̤̙͔̏G̵̡̰͚̖͉̙̼̓̒̋̀̓͒I̷̘͍̺͚̝͚͒͘L̸̙̣͍̓͗̔̌ ̵̨̛̮͍̮̜̳͊͒͆͂͝ͅA̸̻͖̜̅̆̏̀̒̿͝S̴͖͔͇̻͚͝ ̵̬̜̿͂͜Ý̸̢͉̱̼͇̺̈́̈́̀͠Ó̵̘͙U̶̥̯͗͐̈́ ̸̡̮͎͖͕̰̎̀̊͂̇̈́͠D̶̡͕͇̩̉͒Ő̷̢̪̬̦͚̜̂͋̑͛̈́.̶͓̳͙͑̆̆̕͘</span></span><</if>><</liveblock>></div> There's a haughty drawl to the response, and you briefly wonder how a disembodied, discordant voice can sound bored as you attempt to hold your shit together. Your hands fly up to cradle your head as it pulses, the barrage of noise still echoing, clanging against the walls of your mind. You want to scream, to cry, to laugh, //anything//, but you're frozen in place, <<linkreplace "every muscle clenched in pain.">>every muscle clenched in pain. <span id="spec2">My apologies.</span> As the voice settles into a single, low, throaty timbre, the pressure beating against your temples dissipates. You release a strangled groan of relief. <span id="spec2">I did not realize you were unaccustomed to the demon tongue. Did your grandmother teach you nothing?</span> [[Continue|1.16]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

"$title $lastname?" Mr. Morelli's voice is hushed and, you realize with a start, much closer than you expected. You open your eyes //(when had you closed them?)// and <<if $dempercept gte 5>>nearly fall back in surprise <<else>>nearly fall out of the armchair<</if>> as you recoil from his outstretched hand. His bony fingers brush your cheek tentatively, almost tenderly, and your skin crawls in revulsion. You try to push him away, to put some space between yourself and his unwelcome caress, but then his hand clamps around your jaw. "That was Sam, wasn't it?" He's frenzied in his excitement, breath hot and wet against your face. You <<if $dempercept gte 5>>squirm in discomfort,<<else>>squirm in your seat,<</if>> tugging at his hand to try and pry it off of you, but his grip is tight. "What are you talking about?" you manage to spit through clenched teeth. He erupts in delirious laughter, that too-wide smile stretching his face- -and it continues stretching, the corners pulling up, up, up and deforming his features, his gaunt cheeks shifting to accommodate the extra teeth. A pair of thick black horns rip through the flesh of his forehead with a sickening squelch, curving against his scalp before arcing back in a spiral. He blinks, slowly and deliberately, and when his eyes open again they're a churning, bottomless black. [[And they're fixed on you.|1.17]]

You scream. Or rather, you //try// to scream. A strangled whimper wrenches from your lips as you thrash, struggling weakly against the monster's bruising embrace. "Don't play stupid. Sam's sigil is right here on your grimoire." His other hand lifts Nana's book to your face, the strange markings on the cover swimming as tears flood your vision. He drops the book, a sharp corner catching your thigh as it clatters to the floor. His grip on your jaw relaxes and you choke out a sob. <span id="spec2">You have to get out of there, mortal.</span> Yeah, no shit. "What did <<if $setgenders or $randomgenders>>$s_they<<else>><span class="cycling"><<cycle "$s_gender" autoselect>><<option "he" "male">><<option "she" "female">><<option "they" "non-binary">><</cycle>></span><</if>> tell you? What did that half-breed abomination say about me?" "I don't-" you babble, eyes rolling as you search in vain for an escape. A dark, indiscernible blur moves in the window and you gasp at the well of hope that bubbles up in your chest. Someone is coming to rescue you, of course someone is coming. Then the blur spreads wings and flies away. It was only a bird. [[Continue|1.18]]

<<if $s_gender is "female">><<set $s_they to "she">><<set $s_them to "her">><<set $s_their to "her">><<set $s_theirs to "hers">><<set $s_cthey to "She">><<set $s_cthem to "Her">><<set $s_ctheir to "Her">><<set $s_ctheirs to "Hers">><<set $s_title to "Ms.">><<set $s_plur to false>>\ <<elseif $s_gender is "male">><<set $s_they to "he">><<set $s_them to "him">><<set $s_their to "his">><<set $s_theirs to "his">><<set $s_cthey to "He">><<set $s_cthem to "Him">><<set $s_ctheir to "His">><<set $s_ctheirs to "His">><<set $s_title to "Mr.">><<set $s_plur to false>><</if>>\ You laugh in your hysteria, a dry wheeze escaping through cracked lips. "Oh, did $s_they say something funny? Did $s_they tell you I'm a joke, maybe?" The monster's warped smile twists into a sneer, then he's grabbing you by your shoulders and throwing you across the room like a ragdoll. "And here, the boss thought you'd make a //valuable addition to the team//." He tsks, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "But Sam already has you in $s_their grasp, <<if $s_plur>>don't<<else>>doesn't<</if>> $s_they?" Your head slams against the hard marble tile surrounding the fireplace and you scramble back, dazed and desperate to distance yourself from your attacker, to delay your inevitable death. <span id="spec2">Rest easy, mortal. This is not the day you die.</span> What is that goddamn voice talking about now? Obviously this monster- <span id="spec2">Demon.</span> ...okay, obviously this //demon// is hellbent on killing you and you're not going to be able to stop him. You're sprawled against the fireplace, head throbbing in time with your racing heart as you attempt to steady your frantic, shallow breaths. <span id="spec2">Help is on the way. Stall for time.</span> Stall for...what now? How? You barely have enough strength left to //think//, let alone figure out how to stall a demon. A demon who is currently tapping a talon-like claw against his chin and scrutinizing you like you're a mildly difficult sudoku puzzle. "So what do I do with you? The boss will be disappointed if I come back empty-handed, though you do pose a threat now. We'd hoped to reach you before your powers awakened, but it would seem you managed to rouse them on your own..." He trails off, sighing as he folds his long limbs into a crouch. With his face only inches from yours, the swirling black of his eyes is almost mesmerizing. An abyssal whirlpool sucking you in. [[Continue|1.19]]

<span id="spec2">Do not look him in the eye! Gods, she left you completely clueless, didn't she?</span> You snap your eyes shut, drawing a low, caustic chuckle from the demon. He trails a claw up your arm, following the curves of your shoulder and neck and settling against the soft skin beneath your chin. "Tell me, $title $lastname, how long have you been in contact with the halfbreed?" Stall for time, the voice had said? It's worth a shot. You swallow clumsily as you rack your brain for something, anything that might distract the demon. Your throat burns from the pungent smell of sulfur rolling off his breath, mingling with that suffocating piney cologne, almost like a forest on fire. It's all you can think about, but then his claw presses into your flesh and you're sure he's drawn blood and //how are you supposed to distract him when there's blood running down your neck?// Inhaling the deepest breath you can muster, you say... <ul class="a"><li><<link '"Sam is a dear, old friend. In fact, $s_they\'<<s_re>> on $s_their way to kick your ass right now."' "1.20a">><<set $emotional += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"What do you think your boss is going to say when you take me in all bloodied up like this?"' "1.20b">><<set $logical += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Alright buddy, I\'ve got some breath mints in my pocket here. Help yourself to one or two...or ten."' "1.20c">><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"I have no idea what you\'re talking about. Is Sam that voice in my head?"' "1.20d">><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li></ul>

<h3>Desi Cortes</h3>\ <h4><<if $show_stats2 is true>>''Species:'' Human<br><</if>>\ ''Age:'' 28 ''Height:'' 5'7"/170.18cm ''Appearance:'' Honey-brown eyes and thick, curly brown hair cut to just above $d_their shoulders. Solid, muscular build. Warm, tawny brown skin with a smattering of freckles across $d_their nose. Square face and jaw with deep dimples that appear when smiling. ''Tattoos/Piercings:'' None Desi was your childhood best friend from summers long past, when your father still allowed you to visit Nana. You lost touch with $d_them over the past decade and a half, but recently rekindled your friendship. $d_cthey <<d_are>> relentlessly optimistic, with an infectious energy that keeps you on your toes. Though $d_they may come across as someone who can't take anything seriously, beneath $d_their buoyant attitude is a fiercely loyal friend who would risk everything for the people $d_they love<<d_s>>.<<if $show_stats2 is false>><br><br><span class="stattext">Continue playing to unlock more information about Desi.<br></span><<else>><br><br><h3>sorcery</h3><br>''Affinity:'' Matter<br>''Specialty:'' Healing<br>''Familiar:'' Chamoy<br>''Affliliations:'' The Council; Bainbridge Coven<br><br>Fledgling sorcerer apprenticing under Ciaran MacGill (10 years). Affinity is Matter magic, specializing in healing and protection abilities. Familiar takes a canine form (Canis familiaris/domestic dog; Golden Retriever) and is called "Chamoy."<br><</if>>\ ''Excerpt from Nana's grimoire entry:'' <<if $disablecursive is false>><<link "(Switch to regular font)">><<set $disablecursive to true>><<script>>state.display(state.active.title, null, "back")<</script>><</link>><<else>><<link "(Switch to handwritten font)">><<set $disablecursive to false>><<script>>state.display(state.active.title, null, "back")<</script>><</link>><</if>> <<if $show_stats2 is true>><div class="grimcont"><<if $disablecursive is false>><div class="grimentries">Desi is a gifted young sorcerer who is well on $d_their way to specializing in healing magic. I've recommended $d_they apprentice under Ciaran; however, to no one's surprise, my dear friend is not keen on the idea. I will continue (perhaps in vain) to relay the merits of taking on an apprentice, but the man has always been quite stubborn.<br><br>Addendum: Ciaran has agreed to train Desi after enduring my near-constant pestering for the past year. Admittedly, the pairing is odd, but they're getting along as well as I'd hoped. Like with everyone $d_they encounter<<d_s>>, Desi brings out the best in $d_their new master...</div><<else>>Desi is a gifted young sorcerer who is well on $d_their way to specializing in healing magic. I've recommended $d_they apprentice under Ciaran; however, to no one's surprise, my dear friend is not keen on the idea. I will continue (perhaps in vain) to relay the merits of taking on an apprentice, but the man has always been quite stubborn.<br><br>Addendum: Ciaran has agreed to train Desi after enduring my near-constant pestering for the past year. Admittedly, the pairing is odd, but they're getting along as well as I'd hoped. Like with everyone $d_they encounter<<d_s>>, Desi brings out the best in $d_their new master...<</if>></div><<else>><div class="grimcont"><<if $disablecursive is false>><div class="grimentries">Desi is a gifted young X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑ who is well on $d_their way to specializing in X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑. I've reccommended $d_they apprentice under X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑, however...</div><<else>>Desi is a gifted young X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑ who is well on $d_their way to specializing in X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑. I've reccommended $d_they apprentice under X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑, however...<</if>></div><</if>></h4> [[Return to Grimoire|Grimoire 1]]

<h3>Ciaran MacGill</h3><div class="sub">AKA Ciarán Mac A’ Ghoill</div>\ <h4>''Species:'' Human ''Age:'' 203 ''Height:'' 6'4"/193.04cm ''Appearance:'' Hazel eyes and wavy, ginger hair styled in a long undercut and swept to the side. Lean with well-toned muscles. Fair, heavily freckled skin. Oval face, often unshaven and stubbled. ''Tattoos/Piercings:'' Several piercings, which include small onyx plugs, simple golden hoops running up each ear, and black studded labret and bridge. Skin is covered in sigil marks, which resemble black tattoos. Ciaran is an old friend of your grandmother's. Nana found him when he was a fledgling sorcerer, untrained and living on the streets of London, and took him in as her apprentice. In the years leading up to her death, she made Ciaran swear an oath to watch over you; an oath he will keep, however begrudgingly. He is stoic, self-possessed, and perpetually grumpy. But although he's a difficult man to get to know, there's a heavily scarred and vulnerable soul hidden beneath his tough exterior.\ <h3>sorcery</h3> ''Affinity:'' Mind ''Specialty:'' Memory Manipulation ''Familiar:'' Tadhg ''Affliliations:'' The Council; Bainbridge Coven Master sorcerer. Affinity is Mind magic, specializing in memory manipulation abilities. Other proficiencies include: Matter, Divine, Demonic. Familiar takes an avian form (Corvus corax/common raven) and is called "Tadhg." ''Excerpt from Nana's grimoire entry:'' <<if $disablecursive is false>><<link "(Switch to regular font)">><<set $disablecursive to true>><<script>>state.display(state.active.title, null, "back")<</script>><</link>><<else>><<link "(Switch to handwritten font)">><<set $disablecursive to false>><<script>>state.display(state.active.title, null, "back")<</script>><</link>><</if>> <div class="grimcont"><<if $disablecursive is false>><div class="grimentries">The deed is done. Convincing Ciaran to aid me in binding $firstname's magic was no easy feat, but he finally agreed to help. He was loath to use his memory manipulation on a child, but I truly believe this is for the best. The safety of my grandchild is assured and the X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑ bloodline will continue.<br><br>I do hope Ciaran can forgive me someday. He's made it clear that he resents my abuse of his abilities, and although I am heartsick over the situation, I can't fault him for being angry with me. As we stand now, it appears I may have lost my dearest friend...</div><<else>>The deed is done. Convincing Ciaran to aid me in binding $firstname's magic was no easy feat, but he finally agreed to help. He was loath to use his memory manipulation on a child, but I truly believe this is for the best. The safety of my grandchild is assured and the X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑ bloodline will continue.<br><br>I do hope Ciaran can forgive me someday. He's made it clear that he resents my abuse of his abilities, and although I am heartsick over the situation, I can't fault him for being angry with me. As we stand now, it appears I may have lost my dearest friend...<</if>></div></h4> [[Return to Grimoire|Grimoire 1]]

<h3>Sam</h3><div class="sub">AKA הילד הבכור של סמיאזה (Eldest Child of Shemyazaz)</div>\ <h4>''Species:'' Nephilim ''Age:'' Unknown (approx. 8,000+) ''Height:'' 6'0"/182.88cm ''Appearance (human form):'' Black eyes and coarse, wavy black hair typically worn in a bun. Medium build, muscular chest and arms. Golden brown skin with a beauty mark beneath right eye. Triangular face with a sharp chin and high cheekbones. ''Appearance (demon form):'' X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠ ''Tattoos/Piercings:'' None Sam is the eldest child of Samyaza, the first Watcher to fall from grace. $s_cthey <<s_were>> raised to be used as a weapon, honing $s_their demonic skills to fight angels and mortals alike. Several hundred years ago, however, $s_they abandoned $s_their father and partnered with Nana to help keep Samyaza's forces at bay. Now that Isabelle has passed, $s_they'<<s_re>> intent on keeping //you// safe, no matter the cost. $s_cthey <<s_are>> equal parts sardonic and sincere, aloof and empathetic. Despite living among humans for thousands of years, $s_they harbor<<s_s>> a soft spot for mortals and ha<<s_ve>> devoted $s_their life to protecting them (and assuaging $s_their guilty conscience).<<if $show_demonicry is false>><br><br><span class="stattext">Continue playing to unlock more information about Sam.<br></span><<else>><br><br><h3>demonicry</h3><</if>>\ ''Excerpt from Nana's grimoire entry:'' <<if $disablecursive is false>><<link "(Switch to regular font)">><<set $disablecursive to true>><<script>>state.display(state.active.title, null, "back")<</script>><</link>><<else>><<link "(Switch to handwritten font)">><<set $disablecursive to false>><<script>>state.display(state.active.title, null, "back")<</script>><</link>><</if>> <div class="grimcont"><<if $disablecursive is false>><div class="grimentries">Where would I be today if it wasn't for Sam? $s_cthey may not be the most conventional of partners, but $s_they'<<s_ve>> been there for me on countless occasions now, swooping in and X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑.<br><br>I've finally convinced the Council that $s_they <<s_are>> no longer a threat to our kind, although Ciaran has yet to accept Sam's aid. I do hope the pair can learn to get along sooner rather than later, as we're going to need all the help we can get to defeat Samyaza once and for all.</div><<else>>Where would I be today if it wasn't for Sam? $s_cthey may not be the most conventional of partners, but $s_they'<<s_ve>> been there for me on countless occasions now, swooping in and X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑X̸̱͗̓̏̚X̷̮̜͔͓̫̠̮̜͗̂̇͒̇̓̇͘͠X̴̧̫̗̜̠̠̥̑̂̎̀̈͐̑.<br><br>I've finally convinced the Council that $s_they <<s_are>> no longer a threat to our kind, although Ciaran has yet to accept Sam's aid. I do hope the pair can learn to get along sooner rather than later, as we're going to need all the help we can get to defeat Samyaza once and for all.<</if>></div></h4> [[Return to Grimoire|Grimoire 1]]

Placeholder text for the looky loos.

What the hell, maybe lying is your best option right now. "$s_cthey told me you're weak, that it'll be easy for $s_them to kill you-" <span id="spec2">BANISH, not kill. You cannot kill a demon.</span> "Um, banish you, I mean. So yeah, $s_they'<<s_re>> on $s_their way to banish you." The demon purses his lips as he eyes you skeptically. Of course he isn't buying this, you have no idea what you're talking about. You hold your breath, hoping beyond hope that your terrible act distracts him for a while, at least. After a few long, tense moments, he rocks back on his heels and stands, folding his arms behind him as he peers down at you. "Let's say I believe you, which I do not," he drawls, a smirk playing on his thin, warped lips. "Where is Sam?" He spreads his arms wide, smirk morphing into a devious grin as he continues. "//Why exactly// would $s_they leave $s_their new plaything alone so soon after losing Isabelle?" Your blood runs cold at his mention of Nana. "How did you know my grandmother?" You try to push yourself up against the fireplace and wince as a shock of pain shoots through your left hand. The fire iron stabbed you. Not enough to draw blood, but enough to hurt. "How did I //know// her?" He laughs, a single, joyless bark echoing harshly as it bounces off the high ceiling. He drags an armchair, Nana's favorite, in front of you and sits, legs crossed and fingers steepled as he smiles. "We all //knew// her. She was a scourge on demonkind. I was thrilled when Samyaza sent me to eliminate her." [[Continue|1.21]]

Maybe appealing to his common sense will help you out of this mess. Or maybe it'll just piss him off more, you never know. <span id="spec2">You can't appeal to this creature's sensibilities, mortal. He has none.</span> You grimace and press on. "I mean, it sounds like your boss really needs me for something. Won't you get in trouble for...damaging the goods?" The demon stares at you blankly for a fraction of a second before pitching forward to laugh, steadying himself with a hand on your shoulder. "You think Samyaza //cares// if I hurt you? I could beat you to within an inch of your pathetic life and he would still praise me." "But...." you flounder as you attempt to shrug out of the painful grip on your shoulder. "How can I do what he wants if I'm almost dead?" His laughter stops so abruptly that you flinch, cringing away from whatever new hell he would be inflicting on you. But then he simply rocks back on his heels and stands, pursing his lips as he peers down at you. "Did Isabelle truly not tell you who you are?" Your blood runs cold at his mention of Nana. "H-how did you know my grandmother?" You try to push yourself up against the fireplace and wince as a shock of pain shoots through your left hand. The fire iron stabbed you. Not enough to draw blood, but enough to hurt. "How did I //know// her?" He laughs, a single, joyless bark echoing harshly as it bounces off the high ceiling. He drags an armchair, Nana's favorite, in front of you and sits, legs crossed and fingers steepled as he smiles. "We all //knew// her. She was a scourge on demonkind. I was thrilled when Samyaza sent me to eliminate her." [[Continue|1.21]]

<span id="spec2">How could you possibly believe that //provoking// him is a good idea?</span> You hold your breath as you wait for his response, hoping beyond hope that you didn't make another terrible mistake. The demon's mouth drops into what would be a perfect 'o' of surprise if it weren't for the jagged fangs poking out. After a few tense moments, he reaches a hand toward you and you blanch, bracing yourself for whatever horrible punishment he's decided to inflict. His hand lands on your shoulder, steadying himself against you as he pitches forward to laugh. <span id="spec2">Hmm. Well, I wasn't expecting //this//.</span> You try to shrug out of his painful grip, cringing away from the pointed tips of his horns hovering far too close to your face. "Y-you like that, huh?" You try for confidence but your voice cracks, revealing just how scared shitless you are. Swallowing thickly, you try again. "Well, there's more where that came from-" His laughter stops so abruptly that you flinch. "Careful now, those jokes of yours may get you killed someday." He rocks back on his heels and stands, pursing his lips in contemplation as he peers down at you. "Isabelle had a sense of humor too." Your blood runs cold at his mention of Nana. "How the hell did you know my grandmother?" You try to push yourself up against the fireplace and wince as a shock of pain shoots through your left hand. The fire iron stabbed you. Not enough to draw blood, but enough to hurt. "How did I //know// her?" He laughs, a single, joyless bark echoing harshly as it bounces off the high ceiling. He drags an armchair, Nana's favorite, in front of you and sits, legs crossed and fingers steepled as he smiles. "We all //knew// her. She was a scourge on demonkind. I was thrilled when Samyaza sent me to eliminate her." [[Continue|1.21]]

<span id="spec2">Are you truly this dense? No wonder she kept you in the dark.</span> Okay, you don't have time to unpack whatever your psyche is trying to tell you right now, but maybe you can distract this monster- <span id="spec2">DEMON.</span> Ugh fine, maybe you can distract this demon with your ignorance. He purses his lips as he considers your response, probably trying to decide whether your naivety is sincere or not. Then he rocks back on his heels and stands, folding his arms behind him as he peers down at you. "Did Isabelle not tell you who you are?" He sounds just as confused as you feel, your mind running wild with this implication that maybe Nana was hiding something from you. Something important. "H-how did you know my grandmother?" You try to push yourself up against the fireplace and wince at the shock of pain that shoots through your left hand. The fire iron stabbed you. Not enough to draw blood, but enough to hurt. "How did I //know// her?" He laughs, a single, joyless bark echoing harshly as it bounces off the high ceiling. He drags an armchair, Nana's favorite, in front of you and sits, legs crossed and fingers steepled as he smiles. "We all //knew// her. She was a scourge on demonkind. I was thrilled when Samyaza sent me to eliminate her." [[Continue|1.21]]

Subjective: <<textbox "$they" $they>> Objective: <<textbox "$them" $them>> Determiner: <<textbox "$their" $their>> Possessive: <<textbox "$theirs" $theirs>> Is this a plural pronoun? &emsp;<<listbox "$plur" autoselect>><<option "Yes" true>><<option "No" false>><</listbox>> What is your title? &emsp;<<listbox "$title" autoselect>><<option "Mx.">><<option "Ms.">><<option "Mr.">><</listbox>> <<button "Confirm">><<script>>state.display(state.active.title, null, "back")<</script>><<script>>Dialog.close();<</script>><</button>>

<<if $accepting gt $skeptical>>Wait, eliminate her?<<else>>Your mouth goes dry. Eliminate her?<</if>> She fell down the staircase and cracked her skull on one of those hard, wooden steps. The coroner told you there were no signs of foul play. Then again, you remember the angry, purple marks on her frail arms, her swollen face. The paramedics explained all the bruises away, saying that she probably struggled to stop the bleeding after she fell. <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck3">><<option "Still, a part of you suspected there was more to her death than a simple accident." "acc">><<option "It was easy enough to believe. An accident makes more sense than...death by demon." "skep">><</cycle>></span> The demon titters giddily, wrapping his hands around his knee as he leans forward in his seat. "Watching the life drain out of her was a real honor. Of course, Samyaza's pet sorcerer was there too but I did all the heavy lifting." Nausea rolls through you as you reel. "But-but why?" You sputter, any eloquent questions having escaped you. What could Nana have done to be murdered by a demon? And excuse you, did he just say //sorcerer//? "Why?" He titters again, manically gleeful. "She banished tens of thousands of my brethren alongside that traitorous half-demon partner of hers." He stands and inches toward you. Each foreboding step sends another wave of anxiety coursing through your veins and you double over, nearly retching into your lap as the piney, sulfur stench inundates your senses once more. "My kin suffered for nearly a millennia because of her. Now she's dead and the boss can finally carry out his plan. He's even promoted me to Captain since I was the only one brave enough to take Isabelle down." He preens and adjusts his lapel before bending down to whisper conspiratorially. "Frankly, I'm not sure what all the fuss was about. She was weak, barely even put up a fight." He sighs again. "And now Samyaza wants you." He reaches out to graze your cheek again, a smug, lazy grin spreading across his face. You... <ul class="a"><li><<link "...curl your fingers around the fire iron and lurch forward to plunge it into his belly." "1.22a">><<set $bold += 2>><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(2)>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...curl your fingers around the fire iron and brandish its dull, pointed tip like a rapier." "1.22a">><<set $bold += 1>><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(2)>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...squeeze your eyes shut and will yourself to just wake up already." "1.22b">><<set $timid += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li></ul>

It's such an uncharacteristic look on <<if $setgenders or $randomgenders>>$d_their normally smiling<<else>>your normally playful friend's<</if>> face that a pang of sadness settles in your stomach. But then a dissonant, otherworldly shriek rises above the chaos and Desi turns away to focus on the hellbeasts once more. They're barrelling down Alaskan Way, so close now that you should be able to make out their features. It hurts too much to watch them for long, though. Spindly limbs stumble over the debris, their jarring, jerky movements a glitch in your vision. They're like shadows, dark voids swallowing what little moonlight manages to cut through the smoke. The thrum of battle magic vibrates down your spine as the sorcerers on either side of you ready themselves for the inevitable clash. Warm, steady fingers close around yours and you glance over to find Desi's face drawn in determination. On your other side, Ciaran is stoic as ever, appraising the scene with practiced efficiency as he conjures a ball of white-hot fire in each palm. His eyes dart over to meet yours and they soften, a hint of a smile dancing across his lips. But it's gone as quickly as it had appeared and you're left to wonder if you had seen it at all. In the distance, a blur of black pleather crashes into a hellbeast with a //thwomp//. Amina lets out a bloodthirsty roar, slicing whatever approximation of a neck the thing has with a pair of glinting daggers before springing away to attack another, quicker than your eyes can follow. Then a creative string of expletives bombards you from behind and you whip around to seek out its source. James is seated on the ground<<if $setgenders or $randomgenders>>, $j_their vibrant blue hair illuminated by the flashing lights of the Great Wheel as $j_they flip<<j_s>> frantically through Nana's grimoire.<<else>> and flipping frantically through Nana's grimoire, vibrant blue hair illuminated by the flashing lights of the Great Wheel.<</if>> [[Continue|Prologue 3]]

<<if visited() is 1>><<if $statcheck3 is "skep">><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><<else>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(2)>><</if>><</if>>\ <<if $bold gte 5>>His eyes widen and he chokes out a gasp, mouth falling agape. Triumph and horror war in your gut as viscous, black blood oozes around the rod, dripping slowly through his trembling fingers. But then he throws back his head to howl with laughter and you deflate, consigning yourself to despair. He pulls the fire iron out with a sickening squelch and tosses it into the fireplace, eyes glimmering with amusement as he wipes a nonexistent tear from his cheek.<<else>>His black eyes glimmer with amusement as he plucks the rod from your trembling hand and tosses it into the fireplace.<</if>> "You've got fire in you. Definitely Isabelle's kin." The words barely register as he lunges, his claws wrapping around your neck and sliding over the slick blood coating your skin. His hands are warm, unexpectedly so, and getting warmer. Hot, even. <<linkreplace "''//Too hot!//''">>''//Too hot!//'' Every nerve in your body flares in pain as the flesh beneath his scalding fingers starts to sizzle. "It's too bad you tried to attack me. You could have been great, like she was." He tightens his grasp, crushing against your windpipe and you flail, furiously slapping his arms and face and gagging at the burning, burning, //burning// in your lungs. "I'm sure the boss will understand why I had to kill you, though." You abandon your flailing to concentrate on sucking in oxygen. Somewhere in your foggy, teetering consciousness, you register a familiar voice shouting outside the window. But even in your delirium, you know better than to hope for rescue. <<linkreplace "All you can hope for now is death.">>All you can hope for now is death. <span id="spec2">I told you, mortal. This is not the day you die.</span> You'd probably be irritated by <<if $accepting gt $skeptical>>Sam's<<else>>your imaginary voice's<</if>> lack of tact if you weren't currently suffocating. Dark spots dance across your vision, twinkling like decaying stars as your head grows lighter and your fingertips tingle. The last thing you see before you pass out is a flash of blinding white light that fades to... <div id="spec4"><<liveblock>><<if $disableanimate>><span id="blur">orange.</span><<else>><span class="drunk">orange.</span><</if>><</liveblock>></div> [[End of Chapter 1|2.1]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if $statcheck3 is "skep">><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><<else>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(2)>><</if>><</if>>\ He snorts derisively, the sound settling like a weight in your gut. //It's a dream, just a dream, just a dr-// "Where's your spark?" There's a low, violent tremor in his voice that sends a shiver through you. "Isabelle never closed her eyes in the face of danger." You whimper as his claws wrap around your neck, sliding over the slick blood coating your skin. His hands are warm, unexpectedly so, and getting warmer. Hot, even. <<linkreplace "''//Too hot!//''">>''//Too hot!//'' Your eyes fly open, every nerve in your body flaring in pain as the flesh beneath his scalding fingers starts to sizzle. "It's too bad. You could have been great, like she was." He tightens his grasp, crushing against your windpipe and you flail wildly, slapping his arms and face and gagging at the burning, burning, //burning// in your lungs. "But you're weak. I'm sure the boss will understand why I had to put you out of your misery." You abandon your flailing to concentrate on sucking in oxygen. Somewhere in your foggy, teetering consciousness, you register a familiar voice shouting outside the window. But even in your delirium, you know better than to hope for rescue. <<linkreplace "All you can hope for now is death.">>All you can hope for now is death. <span id="spec2">I told you, mortal. This is not the day you die.</span> You'd probably be irritated by <<if $accepting gt $skeptical>>Sam's<<else>>your imaginary voice's<</if>> lack of tact if you weren't currently suffocating. Dark spots dance across your vision, twinkling like decaying stars as your head grows lighter and your fingertips tingle. The last thing you see before you pass out is a flash of blinding white light that fades to... <div id="spec4"><<liveblock>><<if $disableanimate>><span id="blur">orange.</span><<else>><span class="drunk">orange.</span><</if>><</liveblock>></div> [[End of Chapter 1|2.1]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

Thank you so much for playing! //Inner Demons// is a work in progress and new chapters will be released periodically. For updates, please check the game development blog on [[tumblr (innerdemons-if)|https://innerdemons-if.tumblr.com]]. If you enjoyed playing, please consider supporting my work via [[Ko-fi|https://ko-fi.com/awmorgan]] or the game page on itch.io! To report any bugs or typos, please complete [[this form|https://forms.gle/NcjDhpC4kiRWRYqd6]] (and thank you in advance for your help❤). - A.W. Morgan <<link "Restart Game">><<run Engine.restart()>><</link>>

In your defense, this is all just a huge misunderstanding. How could you have known that your grandmother's strange, leather-bound book was a manual for opening a portal to hell? Sure, Nana was always a little eccentric, but the fact that she banished demons throughout the Pacific Northwest in her spare time had somehow eluded you. You squeeze your eyes shut as memories of Nana overwhelm you. She had been the only person in your family willing to take in a screw-up like you when your life fell apart a few months ago. She kept you going when you were at your lowest, but when she needed you most, you weren't there. Maybe if you were there when she was attacked, you could have saved her. None of this would have happened. You'd still be blissfully unaware of your dark abilities and <<linkreplace "what they mean for humanity-">>what they mean for humanity- <<liveblock>><div class="spec1"><<if $disableanimate>>Y̴̲̒̓̈̾Ȏ̷̯̻͉̯̩̭̩U̴͈̺̩̪̼̼͆̉̽̎ ̸̨̛̤͚͌C̷̙̻͇̖̭̖̹̆̋́A̶̬̪̭̥̖̘͗͛̎͗̾̿͠N̸͕̲̬̯̯͖̈́͗̆͜͝N̵͇̻̮̖̫̖̅̃Ỏ̵̼͙͖̣̮̾͋̒ͅT̸͈̤͖̪̈͜ ̴̡̟̺͉̻͙̌̓̐̈́͜E̶̖̠͖̝̼͆͜S̷̮̈́̃͝Ç̵̫͎̲͌Ȧ̷͍̱͚̮̞P̷̰͈̙͌̉̒͒͒͘Ẽ̴͎̳̙̰͗̋̔̾͜ ̸̨͓̠͔̏ͅY̶̯̌͗Ô̴̡̨̩̝͛̾̅̓̄Ū̷̧̜͘R̷̻̣̳͐ͅ ̴͎͍͌̈́̓͌͜͠͝F̶̡̯̲̤̞̽A̵̤̗̜̜͚͎͑͛͑̈́T̸̺̲̽E̴̗̤̞̰͉͆̈́,̷̹̘͔̤͖͂̆͝͝ ̵̭̬̻͔̣͔̻̂͌̆̄͑͝͝M̷̯̪͕̲̄͑̉̄O̶̟̹͚͈͓͗͆͗R̶͈͔̗̙̽̈́͋̄̎͝T̸̫̏̓̀̐̈́͊Å̴̬̼̱̰̜͚̎͆͊̀̚͝L̴͕̥͓̘̾͛.̸̮̳͍̪̯͗̑<<else>><span id="rumble"><span id="shudder">Y̴̲̒̓̈̾Ȏ̷̯̻͉̯̩̭̩U̴͈̺̩̪̼̼͆̉̽̎ ̸̨̛̤͚͌C̷̙̻͇̖̭̖̹̆̋́A̶̬̪̭̥̖̘͗͛̎͗̾̿͠N̸͕̲̬̯̯͖̈́͗̆͜͝N̵͇̻̮̖̫̖̅̃Ỏ̵̼͙͖̣̮̾͋̒ͅT̸͈̤͖̪̈͜ ̴̡̟̺͉̻͙̌̓̐̈́͜E̶̖̠͖̝̼͆͜S̷̮̈́̃͝Ç̵̫͎̲͌Ȧ̷͍̱͚̮̞P̷̰͈̙͌̉̒͒͒͘Ẽ̴͎̳̙̰͗̋̔̾͜ ̸̨͓̠͔̏ͅY̶̯̌͗Ô̴̡̨̩̝͛̾̅̓̄Ū̷̧̜͘R̷̻̣̳͐ͅ ̴͎͍͌̈́̓͌͜͠͝F̶̡̯̲̤̞̽A̵̤̗̜̜͚͎͑͛͑̈́T̸̺̲̽E̴̗̤̞̰͉͆̈́,̷̹̘͔̤͖͂̆͝͝ ̵̭̬̻͔̣͔̻̂͌̆̄͑͝͝M̷̯̪͕̲̄͑̉̄O̶̟̹͚͈͓͗͆͗R̶͈͔̗̙̽̈́͋̄̎͝T̸̫̏̓̀̐̈́͊Å̴̬̼̱̰̜͚̎͆͊̀̚͝L̴͕̥͓̘̾͛.̸̮̳͍̪̯͗̑</span></span><</if>></div><</liveblock>> You wrench yourself out of your downward spiral with a scoff. No time to indulge your //literal// inner demons at present. The hellbeasts are closing in, and they'll stop at nothing to get to their target: you. [[Let's back it up a bit.|Act 1]]<</linkreplace>>

<<if $d_gender is "female">><<set $d_they to "she">><<set $d_them to "her">><<set $d_their to "her">><<set $d_theirs to "hers">><<set $d_cthey to "She">><<set $d_cthem to "Her">><<set $d_ctheir to "Her">><<set $d_ctheirs to "Hers">><<set $d_title to "Ms.">><<set $d_plur to false>>\ <<elseif $d_gender is "male">><<set $d_they to "he">><<set $d_them to "him">><<set $d_their to "his">><<set $d_theirs to "his">><<set $d_cthey to "He">><<set $d_cthem to "Him">><<set $d_ctheir to "His">><<set $d_ctheirs to "His">><<set $d_title to "Mr.">><<set $d_plur to false>><</if>>\ <<if $sarcastic gt $sincere and $bold gt $timid>>Desi turned toward your teasing and laughed, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. $d_ctheir laughter had always been infectious, full-bodied and musical, and you couldn't help but laugh along with $d_them. After drawing several chastising scowls from the book clubbers, you wiped away a tear and lounged back in your seat. As Desi's laughter fell away, you raised an eyebrow at $d_them in silent question.\ <<elseif $sarcastic gt $sincere and $timid gt $bold>>Desi turned toward your voice and grinned, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. How $d_they picked your voice out over the cheers of the crowd, you'll never know, but $d_they always seemed to be able to hear you despite your frequent mumbling. Your smirk stretched into a grin as you raised an eyebrow at $d_them in silent question.\ <<elseif $sincere gt $sarcastic and $bold gt $timid>>Desi turned toward your praise and grinned, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. $d_cthey never ceased to surprise you with the sheer number of things $d_they excelled at, though you definitely hadn't expected ballroom dancing to be among that number. Your smile widened as you raised an eyebrow at $d_them in silent question.\ <<elseif $sincere gt $sarcastic and $timid gt $bold>>Desi turned toward your mumbled praise and smiled sympathetically, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. $d_cthey knew how much you hated drawing attention to yourself, and right then you felt like disappearing into the couch. With an exaggerated flourish, $d_they bowed to the crowd before pulling Nana back in to dance, grinning at you as the cheering resumed. You exhaled a shaky breath and flashed $d_them a small, grateful smile as you raised an eyebrow in silent question.<</if>>\ What <<if $d_plur is true>>were<<else>>was<</if>> $d_they doing at one of Nana's book club meetings anyway? Surely if the most aggressively friendly person you knew had nothing better to do on a Friday night, there wasn't any hope for you. $d_cthey shrugged and looked back down at your grandmother, pointedly ignoring the confused frown spreading across your face. Really though, why didn't $d_they mention coming tonight when you talked to $d_them before work? Weird. You made a mental note to ask about it later. You hadn't expected to reconnect with Desi so easily when Nana took you in. $d_cthey'd been your best friend during the summers you spent visiting as a child, but you weren't sure $d_they would be willing to rekindle your friendship after losing touch for so long. Actually, you hadn't even expected $d_them to //still be here// all these years later. With a sunny disposition that could be nauseating if $d_they <<if $d_plur>>weren't<<else>>wasn't<</if>> so damn charming, Desi could have gone anywhere $d_they wanted. But luckily for you, $d_they chose to stay and take over $d_their family's business. You had to admit, you could hardly believe it when $d_they told you $d_they ran an accounting firm. Desi was practically the walking embodiment of the great outdoors: bronze skin, unruly brown curls brushing $d_their shoulders, and a wardrobe consisting almost entirely of loose-fitting flannel shirts all contributed to the rock-climbing, trail-hiking, woodsy vibe $d_they had going on. <<liveblock>><ul class="a"><li><<link "You were happy to rekindle your friendship, but lately it had gotten difficult to ignore your burgeoning crush on $d_them. $flirt_label" "1.5a">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(10)>><<set $d_rom += 5>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You were happy to call $d_them a friend. These past few months wouldn't have been nearly as fun without $d_them." "1.5b">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(10)>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You were grateful to have $d_them back in your life, but it'd be nice if the two of you could find more in common." "1.5c">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(-20)>><</link>></li></ul><</liveblock>>\

<<if $d_gender is "female">><<set $d_they to "she">><<set $d_them to "her">><<set $d_their to "her">><<set $d_theirs to "hers">><<set $d_cthey to "She">><<set $d_cthem to "Her">><<set $d_ctheir to "Her">><<set $d_ctheirs to "Hers">><<set $d_title to "Ms.">><<set $d_plur to false>>\ <<elseif $d_gender is "male">><<set $d_they to "he">><<set $d_them to "him">><<set $d_their to "his">><<set $d_theirs to "his">><<set $d_cthey to "He">><<set $d_cthem to "Him">><<set $d_ctheir to "His">><<set $d_ctheirs to "His">><<set $d_title to "Mr.">><<set $d_plur to false>><</if>>\ <<if $sarcastic gt $sincere and $bold gt $timid>>Desi turned toward your teasing and laughed, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. $d_ctheir laughter had always been infectious, full-bodied and musical, and your panic ebbed as you laughed along with $d_them. After drawing several chastising scowls from the book clubbers, you wiped away a tear and lounged back in your seat. As Desi's laughter fell away, you raised an eyebrow at $d_them in silent question.\ <<elseif $sarcastic gt $sincere and $timid gt $bold>>Desi turned toward your voice and grinned sheepishly, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. How $d_they picked your voice out over the cheers of the crowd, you'll never know, but $d_they always seemed to be able to hear you despite your frequent mumbling. Your panic eased into a grin as you raised an eyebrow at $d_them in silent question.\ <<elseif $sincere gt $sarcastic and $bold gt $timid>>Desi turned toward your praise and grinned sheepishly, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. $d_cthey knew how much you tended to stress out, even though $d_they always tried to reassure you that $d_they'd never let something bad happen to Nana. Your smile widened, panic easing a little as you raised an eyebrow at $d_them in silent question.\ <<elseif $sincere gt $sarcastic and $timid gt $bold>>Desi turned toward your mumbled praise and smiled sympathetically, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. $d_cthey knew how much you hated drawing attention to yourself, and right then you felt like disappearing into the couch. With an exaggerated flourish, $d_they bowed to the crowd before pulling Nana back in to dance, grinning at you as the cheering resumed. You exhaled a shaky breath and flashed $d_them a small, grateful smile as you raised an eyebrow in silent question.<</if>>\ What <<if $d_plur is true>>were<<else>>was<</if>> $d_they doing at one of Nana's book club meetings anyway? Surely someone as relentlessly cheery as Desi had somewhere better to be on a Friday night. $d_cthey shrugged and looked back down at your grandmother, pointedly ignoring the confused frown spreading across your face. Really though, why didn't $d_they mention coming here tonight when you talked to $d_them before work? Weird. You made a mental note to ask about it later. You hadn't expected to reconnect with Desi so easily when Nana took you in. $d_cthey'd been your best friend during the summers you spent visiting as a child, but you weren't sure $d_they would be willing to rekindle your friendship after losing touch for so long. Actually, you hadn't even expected $d_them to //still be here// all these years later. With a sunny disposition that could be nauseating if $d_they <<if $d_plur>>weren't<<else>>wasn't<</if>> so damn charming, Desi could have gone anywhere $d_they wanted. But luckily for you, $d_they chose to stay and take over $d_their family's business. You had to admit, you could hardly believe it when $d_they told you $d_they ran an accounting firm. Desi was practically the walking embodiment of the great outdoors: bronze skin, unruly brown curls brushing $d_their shoulders, and a wardrobe consisting almost entirely of loose-fitting flannel shirts all contributed to the rock-climbing, trail-hiking, woodsy vibe $d_they had going on. <<liveblock>><ul class="a"><li><<link "You were happy to rekindle your friendship, but lately it had gotten difficult to ignore your burgeoning crush on $d_them. $flirt_label" "1.5a">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(10)>><<set $d_rom += 5>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You were happy to call $d_them a friend. These past few months wouldn't have been nearly as fun without $d_them." "1.5b">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(10)>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You were grateful to have $d_them back in your life, but it'd be nice if the two of you could find more in common." "1.5c">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(-20)>><</link>></li></ul><</liveblock>>\

<<if $d_gender is "female">><<set $d_they to "she">><<set $d_them to "her">><<set $d_their to "her">><<set $d_theirs to "hers">><<set $d_cthey to "She">><<set $d_cthem to "Her">><<set $d_ctheir to "Her">><<set $d_ctheirs to "Hers">><<set $d_title to "Ms.">><<set $d_plur to false>>\ <<elseif $d_gender is "male">><<set $d_they to "he">><<set $d_them to "him">><<set $d_their to "his">><<set $d_theirs to "his">><<set $d_cthey to "He">><<set $d_cthem to "Him">><<set $d_ctheir to "His">><<set $d_ctheirs to "His">><<set $d_title to "Mr.">><<set $d_plur to false>><</if>>\ <<if $sarcastic gt $sincere and $bold gt $timid>>Desi turned toward your teasing and laughed, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. $d_ctheir laughter had always been infectious, full-bodied and musical, and your irritation eased (but only a little) as you laughed along with $d_them. After drawing several chastising scowls from the book clubbers, you wiped away a tear and lounged back in your seat. As Desi's laughter fell away, you raised an eyebrow at $d_them in silent question.\ <<elseif $sarcastic gt $sincere and $timid gt $bold>>Desi turned toward your teasing and grinned, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. How $d_they picked your voice out over the cheers of the crowd, you'll never know, but $d_they always seemed to be able to hear you despite your frequent mumbling. Your irritation ebbed (but only a little) as you raised an eyebrow at $d_them in silent question.\ <<elseif $sincere gt $sarcastic and $bold gt $timid>>Desi turned toward your praise and smiled sympathetically, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. $d_cthey knew how drained you normally were after a long shift, having been on the receiving end of your grumpiness on more than one occasion. Your annoyance faded (but only a little) as you smiled back at $d_them, raising an eyebrow in silent question.\ <<elseif $sincere gt $sarcastic and $timid gt $bold>>Desi turned toward your mumbled praise and smiled sympathetically, dimples flashing beneath $d_their honey brown eyes. $d_cthey knew how much you hated drawing attention to yourself, and right then you felt like disappearing into the couch. With an exaggerated flourish, $d_they bowed to the crowd before pulling Nana back in to dance, grinning at you as the cheering resumed. You flashed $d_them a small, grateful smile, irritation ebbing as you raised an eyebrow in silent question.<</if>>\ What <<if $d_plur is true>>were<<else>>was<</if>> $d_they doing at one of Nana's book club meetings anyway? Surely someone as ridiculously energetic as Desi would rather be somewhere more exciting. $d_cthey shrugged and looked back down at your grandmother, pointedly ignoring the confused frown spreading across your face. Really though, why didn't $d_they mention coming here tonight when you talked to $d_them before work? Weird. You made a mental note to ask about it later. You hadn't expected to reconnect with Desi so easily when Nana took you in. $d_cthey'd been your best friend during the summers you spent visiting as a child, but you weren't sure $d_they would be willing to rekindle your friendship after losing touch for so long. Actually, you hadn't even expected $d_them to //still be here// all these years later. With a sunny disposition that could be nauseating if $d_they <<if $d_plur>>weren't<<else>>wasn't<</if>> so damn charming, Desi could have gone anywhere $d_they wanted. But luckily for you, $d_they chose to stay and take over $d_their family's business. You had to admit, you could hardly believe it when $d_they told you $d_they ran an accounting firm. Desi was practically the walking embodiment of the great outdoors: bronze skin, unruly brown curls brushing $d_their shoulders, and a wardrobe consisting almost entirely of loose-fitting flannel shirts all contributed to the rock-climbing, trail-hiking, woodsy vibe $d_they had going on. <<liveblock>><ul class="a"><li><<link "You were happy to rekindle your friendship, but lately it had gotten difficult to ignore your burgeoning crush on $d_them. $flirt_label" "1.5a">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(10)>><<set $d_rom += 5>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You were happy to call $d_them a friend. These past few months wouldn't have been nearly as fun without $d_them." "1.5b">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(10)>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You were grateful to have $d_them back in your life, but it'd be nice if the two of you could find more in common." "1.5c">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(-20)>><</link>></li></ul><</liveblock>>\

Before the game begins, there are a few things to be aware of: <ul class="c"><li>''Several passages in the story contain animated text.'' The animated text effects are //enabled// by default, but you can disable them at any time by accessing the Settings menu.</li></ul> \ <ul class="c"><li>Dialog labels are //enabled// by default. When enabled, certain choice options will be marked with ♡ to indicate ''romantic intent'' and ↺ for ''information loops''. You can disable these at any time by accessing the Settings menu.</li></ul> \ <ul class="c"><li>The save files for this game are stored in your web browser. For a more stable experience, you can ''Save to Disk'' to store your save files on your device instead.</li></ul> \ <ul class="c"><li>There are three characters with selectable genders (female, male, or non-binary), which you can either <<link "set now">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Select"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("RO Genders").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>>, <<link "randomize">><<set $randomgenders to true>><<set $setgenders to false>><<script>>state.display(state.active.title, null, "back")<</script>><</link>>, or select during gameplay.</li></ul> <<liveblock>><<if $setgenders is true and $randomgenders is false>>Character genders have been set. If you'd prefer to select during gameplay instead, <<link "click here to reset">><<set $randomgenders to false>><<set $setgenders to false>><<set $resetgenders to true>><<script>>state.display(state.active.title, null, "back")<</script>><</link>>.<<elseif $randomgenders is true and $setgenders is false>>Character genders have been randomized. If you'd prefer to select during gameplay instead, <<link "click here to reset">><<set $randomgenders to false>><<set $setgenders to false>><<set $resetgenders to true>><<script>>state.display(state.active.title, null, "back")<</script>><</link>>.<<elseif $resetgenders>>Cycling options to set genders will appear during gameplay.<</if>><</liveblock>> Thank you for reading and please enjoy //Inner Demons//! [[Begin|Prologue 1]]

Current content warnings for //Inner Demons// include: <ul class="c"><li>strong language</li> <li>violence</li> <li>blood</li> <li>gore</li> <li>death</li> <li>murder</li> <li>trauma</li> <li>PTSD</li> <li>anxiety</li></ul> This list will be updated as new chapters are released. If you feel that additional warnings should be added, please let me know. [[Return to Game|$return]]

//Your best friend...// ''Desi:'' &emsp;<<listbox "$d_gender">><<option "they/them" "non-binary">><<option "she/her" "female">><<option "he/him" "male">><</listbox>> //The comic shop owner...// ''James:'' &emsp;<<listbox "$j_gender">><<option "they/them" "non-binary">><<option "she/her" "female">><<option "he/him" "male">><</listbox>> //The voice in your head...// ''Sam:'' &emsp;<<listbox "$s_gender">><<option "they/them" "non-binary">><<option "she/her" "female">><<option "he/him" "male">><</listbox>> <<button "Confirm">><<set $setgenders to true>><<set $randomgenders to false>><<script>>state.display(state.active.title, null, "back")<</script>><<script>>Dialog.close();<</script>><</button>>

Placeholder text for the looky loos.

<<set $chapterheading to "Chapter 2">>\ <div class="fade"><div class="chaptertitle">Chapter 2</div> <div class="sub">12:35pm | Bainbridge Island, WA</div> You awaken to a familiar face peering down at you: honey-brown eyes creased with worry, a crooked nose dusted with countless dark freckles, and a frown accentuated by deep laugh lines. The instant you blink your bleary eyes open though, Desi brightens. "<<if $d_rel gte 55>><<nickname>><<else>>$firstname<</if>>! Holy crap, I've been so worried about you!" $d_ctheir voice cracks as $d_they hover<<d_s>> over you with a hesitant smile. Blinking again, you <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck4">><<option "offer a wobbly smile of your own" "friendly">><<option "respond with a frown" "aloof">><</cycle>></span> that quickly devolves into a grimace as you attempt to sit up. "Woah woah woah," Desi says with a forced, feeble laugh. "Take it easy. You need to rest, okay?" $d_cthey help<<d_s>> you back down, adjusting the pillows behind your head and fussing over the scratchy, wool blankets that have pooled around your waist. You mumble a quick thanks as you look around the room, your vision taking a moment to adapt to the dimness. The sliver of light creeping through the cracks of the drawn curtains is barely enough to see by, but you have no trouble recognizing the room all the same. You're laying on Desi's big, turquoise couch, the worn cushions sucking you into their depths like they always do. Beside you, Desi is huddled on a wooden chair that's more design than function. $d_cthey must have dragged it over from the dining room because it's creaky from disuse, protesting as Desi's knees bounce against your makeshift bed. The vibrant decor - hand painted ceramics and geometric-patterned fabric everywhere you turn - is a tribute to the Cortes family's Oaxacan heritage, a sweet remnant from before Desi's parents moved away a couple years back. The cozy, well-loved vibes emanating from every crevice of this house have always made you feel welcome. <<if $d_rel gte 55>>Just like Desi.<</if>> [[Continue|2.2]]</div>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if $statcheck4 is "friendly">><<set $friendly += 1>><<else>><<set $aloof += 1>><</if>><</if>>\ "Des-" you rasp, a hand flying up to cradle your throat in alarm. Your fingers close around achingly tender skin and a shudder rips through you, the stench of burning flesh and sulfur leaving you gagging as you gasp for air. “Shh, it’s okay. You're safe now,” Desi brushes the chilled sweat from your forehead, $d_their cool fingers soothing against your clammy skin. $d_ctheir touch calms you at once and you sigh as your tension drains away. What were you afraid of, again? //Oh, that's right. The attempted murder.// <<if $d_rom gte 5>><ul class="a"><li><<link "Well, looks like you survived. No point wasting time; you may as well figure out what the hell is going on here." "2.2a">><<set $serious += 1>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You feel like shit, but never taking things seriously is kind of your thing. Might as well make a joke." "2.2b">><<set $playful += 1>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(7)>><</link>></li></ul>\ <<else>><ul class="a"><li><<link "Well, looks like you survived. No point wasting time; you may as well figure out what the hell is going on here." "2.2a-4">><<set $serious += 1>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You feel like shit, but never taking things seriously is kind of your thing. Might as well make a joke." "2.2b-4">><<set $playful += 1>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(7)>><</link>></li></ul><</if>>\

"What happened back there, Des? What was that...//thing//?" Desi looks away, chewing at $d_their bottom lip like $d_they might bite the damn thing off. Then $d_they sigh<<d_s>> and fold<<d_s>> your hands into $d_their own, absentmindedly rubbing delicate circles into your palms with $d_their thumbs. <<liveblock>><ul class="a"><li><<link 'Part of you is screaming, "Desi\'s your //friend//, this is all wrong"...but you can\'t help reveling in the feel of $d_their hands on yours. $flirt_label' "2.2a-1">><<set $d_rom to $d_rom + 2>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You're not sure why you're so flustered right now, but you're not ready to explore these feelings just yet. $flirt_label" "2.2a-2">><<set $d_rom to $d_rom + 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Looks like Desi may have the wrong idea here, so you better set $d_them straight before this goes any further." "2.2a-3">><<set $d_rom to 0>><</link>></li></ul><</liveblock>>\

<<if visited() is 1>><<if $statcheck5 is "tadhg">><<set $tadhg += 1>><<elseif $statcheck5 is "dem">><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(5)>><</if>><</if>>\ //You’ll be safe if you never, ever touch the book...// A piercing pain shoots through your ribcage as you try to sit up once more, struggling in vain to push yourself out of the pit of sagging cushions to see the stranger better. Desi tuts and places a hand on your back to steady you, but you barely register $d_their discontented warning over the chaos of emotions bombarding you. You couldn't bring yourself to look away from the man in the corner right now <<linkreplace 'if you wanted to.'>>if you wanted to. //A freckled face peers down at you, hazel eyes gleaming with grief...// "Who are you?" Your voice is a faltering, fragile whisper as the memories come unbidden, pummelling you into a mess of disjointed feelings and thoughts <<linkreplace 'and being.'>>and being. //<<liveblock>><<if $disableanimate>>An unfamiliar man kneels before you, frowning as he <span id="blur">traces a circle around an intricate pattern of winding lines</span> into the sensitive skin of your inner wrist. He mutters something in a language you don't understand and you gasp in amazement as the <span id="blur">black mark vanishes</span>. You smile up at Nana where she stands behind the angry stranger, but then a blinding white light erupts from his pale hands and she turns away from you, patting his shoulder as <span id="blur">your vision blurs...</span><<else>>An unfamiliar man kneels before you, frowning as he <span class="drunk">traces a circle around an intricate pattern of winding lines</span> into the sensitive skin of your inner wrist. He mutters something in a language you don't understand and you gasp in amazement as the <span class="drunk">black mark vanishes</span>. You smile up at Nana where she stands behind the angry stranger, but then a blinding white light erupts from his pale hands and she turns away from you, patting his shoulder as <span class="drunk">your vision blurs...</span><</if>><</liveblock>>// [[Continue|2.4]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

Suddenly you’re trembling, shaken by the trove of memories this man’s voice has unearthed. You raise your hands to rub your throbbing temples but freeze, arms stuck in mid-air as a flash of black on your wrist distracts you. It looks like a tattoo, delicate line-work in fine, steady strokes, of a symbol you've seen more times in your life than you've realized, apparently. Winding lines encompassed by that perfect circle, the same markings from the cover of Nana's book. From your distant, fuzzy memory. It's not until a throat clears near your shoulder that you realize you're gawking at your overturned wrist. Begrudgingly, you drag your gaze over to Desi. "I guess you haven't met Ciaran yet, huh? Not officially, anyway." The stranger --//Ciaran//, you suppose-- scowls at the mention of his name. His eyes narrow by way of greeting, forehead furrowing as he returns your stare. "You did this to me." Your fingertips flutter against the black mark as you study the man's shadowed face. He's still for a long moment, <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck12">><<option "unmoved by the wonderment" "accepting">><<option "unflinching at the accusation" "skeptical">><</cycle>></span> in your wavering voice. Finally, he opens his mouth to speak and you scoot forward as far as your cocoon of blankets will allow in anticipation of his answer... [[Continue|2.5]]

<<if visited("2.2a-3") or visited("2.2b-3")>>You wink at Desi, who tenses immediately. "What are you doing?" $d_they ask<<d_s>>, voice tight. $d_cthey may have done a great job of sidestepping the awkwardness of your rejection a few moments ago, but $d_they'<<d_re>> not hiding how hurt $d_they <<d_are>> now. "I totally understand if you're not interested in me romantically, and it's cool. You don't owe me anything, <<nickname>>. But if you want some flirty banter, you're going to need to give me some time to recoup, okay?" Your stomach twists into knots, but as you open your mouth to respond, a dramatic sigh rises from the corner. "Sorry to break up the awkward tension," <<else>>You wink at Desi, delighting in the faint blush that creeps along $d_their cheeks and darkens $d_their bronze skin into a lovely, dusky brown. $d_ctheir dazed smile grows into a lopsided grin and $d_they open<<d_s>> $d_their mouth to reply...but then a dramatic sigh rises from the corner and shatters the mood. "Sorry to break up the lovefest," <</if>>Ciaran says dryly. "But $they <<do>> make a valid point. You are //awfully// cute, Desi." Ciaran's posture has relaxed a fraction, the hint of an amused smile ghosting across his face. It makes him look younger, softening his rough edges as the corners of his eyes crinkle. Then it's gone just as suddenly as it had appeared, replaced by his doleful scowl once more. <<if visited("2.2a-3") or visited("2.2b-3")>>Desi clears $d_their throat beside you, tapping a nervous, twitchy rhythm on $d_their crossed forearms. You've never seen $d_them quite so wound up before, but it's probably best not to push $d_them right now.<<else>>Beside you, Desi’s leg bounces an erratic, jittery pattern against the couch. Weird. You’ve never seen $d_them so wound up before, but $d_they'<<d_re>> a bundle of nerves right now. <<if $d_rom gte 6>>You <<if $bold gt $timid>>reach out, fingers closing around $d_their hand and squeezing reassuringly.<<else>>reach out to try and soothe $d_them, fingers twitching before you pull your hand back into your lap.<</if>><</if>><</if>> "$firstname-" $d_they start<<d_s>>, voice faltering in a very un-Desi-like manner. "Ciaran is my...um..." "I’m $d_their master." Ciaran's thick Irish accent rolls over each letter as he stands, unfurling his wiry limbs in a lazy stretch and jostling the <<if $tadhg gte 1>>raven<<else>>bird<</if>> to the ground in the process. It lets out an incensed squawk, and you could swear it shoots Ciaran a withering glare before hopping on to the arm of the chair to continue preening. "$d_cthey'<<d_re>> my apprentice. So you're wrong; I put up with $d_them because I have to." [[Continue|2.6]]

<<if visited() is 1>><<if $statcheck12 is "accepting">><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><<else>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</if>><</if>>\ "Yes." ...that's it? That's all he has to offer? You wait to hear anything resembling an explanation, but the muscles in Ciaran's hard-set, stubbled jaw don't so much as twitch beneath your unrelenting glare. All the anticipation, the chaos, the //confusion// you've been feeling whooshes out of you<<if $timid gt $bold>> at once and your shoulders slump in defeat<<else>>, replaced by a single, all-consuming emotion: annoyance<</if>>. Desi makes a pained sound, something between a choked laugh and a groan. $d_cthey shoot<<d_s>> a fond, if somewhat exasperated, look at Ciaran and say<<d_s>>, "Ciaran isn't much of a talker, but you'll get used to it. I did at least, and you know how much I love talking." You scrutinize the redhead, taking in the black bridge piercing jutting out beneath his brow and the collection of sparkling golden hoops climbing down each ear. The gratuitous piercings, combined with the plethora of strange, black tattoos peeking out above the collar of his faded leather jacket, compliment his fuck-off attitude quite nicely. What the hell is a guy like him doing with someone as sweet and good-natured as Desi? Out of the corner of your eye, you watch Desi fix Ciaran with a chastising frown, $d_their plump lips pulled into a cartoonish pout. Making friends has never been difficult for $d_them, so who are you kidding? Of course $d_they managed to charm a rude, intimidating biker-looking dude into befriending $d_them. Assuming Ciaran is even open to the concept of friendship, that is. <<liveblock>><ul class="a"><li><<link 'Despite your <<if $timid gt $bold>>exhaustion<<else>>frustration<</if>>, you\'d hate to pass up the opportunity to flirt a little with your pouty friend, so you say, "I\'ll take your word for it, but have you considered that he might just put up with you because you\’re cute?" $flirt_label' "2.5a">><<if visited("2.2a-3") or visited("2.2b-3")>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(-5)>><<else>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(10)>><</if>><<set $d_rom += 1>><<set $playful += 1>><<set $bold += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'Despite your <<if $timid gt $bold>>exhaustion<<else>>frustration<</if>>, you can\'t hide your smile. Desi is kind of adorable when $d_they pout<<d_s>>, after all. You giggle before saying, "I\'ll take your word for it, but have you considered that he might just put up with you because you\’re //cu...//" $flirt_label' "2.5b">><<if visited("2.2a-3") or visited("2.2b-3")>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(-5)>><<else>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(8)>><</if>><<set $d_rom += 1>><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $timid += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'At any rate, you\'re not going to pass up a chance to poke fun at your friend, so you grin and say, "I\'ll take your word for it, but have you considered that he might just put up with you because you\'re impossibly persistent?"' "2.5c">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(10)>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(3)>><<set $friendly += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'Maybe Desi can put up with this guy\'s attitude, but you\'re not so sure you want to. You roll your eyes and say, "I\'ll have to take your word for it, but I\'m not getting my hopes up."' "2.5d">><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(5)>><<set $serious += 1>><<set $sarcastic += 1>><</link>></li></ul><</liveblock>>

<<if visited("2.2a-3") or visited("2.2b-3")>>You squeeze your mouth shut with a muffled hrrmph, eyes widening as a confused frown replaces Desi's pout. Did you seriously almost admit you think your best friend is cute literally minutes after saying you're not interested in anything other than friendship with $d_them? Way to send some mixed signals.<<else>>You squeeze your mouth shut with a muffled hrrmph, eyes widening as a goofy smile replaces Desi's pout. Did you seriously almost admit that you think your best friend is cute? Oh god, you could die right now.<</if>> Luckily, you're saved by a throat clearing in the corner, and you breathe a sigh of relief as Desi turns away to look at Ciaran once more. "Sorry to break up the awkward tension," Ciaran says dryly. "But $they <<do>> make a valid point. You are awfully //"cu"//, Desi." Ciaran's posture has relaxed a fraction, the hint of an amused smile ghosting across his face. It makes him look younger, softening his rough edges as the corners of his eyes crinkle. Then it's gone just as suddenly as it had appeared, replaced by his doleful scowl once more. Beside you, Desi’s leg bounces an erratic, jittery pattern against the couch. Weird. You’ve never seen $d_them so wound up before, but $d_they'<<d_re>> a bundle of nerves right now. <<if $d_rom gte 6>>You <<if $bold gt $timid>>reach out, fingers closing around $d_their hand and squeezing reassuringly.<<else>>reach out to try and soothe $d_them, fingers twitching before you awkwardly drop your hand back into your lap.<</if>><</if>> "$firstname-" $d_they start<<d_s>>, voice faltering in a very un-Desi-like manner. "Ciaran is my...um..." "I’m $d_their master." Ciaran's thick Irish accent rolls over each letter as he stands, unfurling his wiry limbs in a lazy stretch and jostling the <<if $tadhg gte 1>>raven<<else>>bird<</if>> to the ground in the process. It lets out an incensed squawk, and you could swear it shoots Ciaran a withering glare before hopping on to the arm of the chair to continue preening. "$d_cthey'<<d_re>> my apprentice. So you're wrong; I put up with $d_them because I have to." [[Continue|2.6]]

You stare at your friend in bewilderment, finally taking a moment to really //look// at $d_them now that you've adjusted to the dark. $d_cthey'<<d_ve>> changed out of $d_their funeral outfit, trading in the stuffy black <<if $d_gender is "female">>pantsuit<<else>>suit<</if>> for one of $d_their signature plaid flannels and torn jeans. $d_cthey look<<d_s>> the same as $d_they always <<d_do>>, except for the uncharacteristic nerves. "<<if $d_rel gte 55>>Des<<else>>Desi<</if>>, what is he talking about? <<if $serious gt $sarcastic>>Are you training for a new job or something?<<else>>Are you training to be the village blacksmith or something?<</if>>” $d_cthey <<if $serious gt $sarcastic>>flush<<d_es>><<else>>chuckle<<d_s>><</if>>, eyes dropping to $d_their lap as $d_they begin<<d_s>> to pick at a thread coming loose on $d_their sleeve. "<<if $serious gt $sarcastic>>Yeah, um, kinda.<<else>>No. I mean, //kinda//.<</if>> How do I explain this? We're...uh..." "We're sorcerers. Magic users," Ciaran crosses the room to stand beside Desi, his gaze curiously intent and fixed on you as he continues. "Just as your grandmother was. Just as //you are.//" He draws each word out like he's teaching a child how to tie their shoes, but you can't be bothered by his condescension just now. Did he say Nana was a...sorcerer? You reel over your fumbling thoughts until suddenly, Ciaran hunkers down on his heels to grab your wrist and your mind goes blank. [[Continue|2.7]]

You stick out your tongue as $d_they scoff<<d_s>> theatrically, feigning offense. Then a sigh rises from the corner and you both startle, turning to look at Ciaran in tandem. "Sorry to interrupt the fun," he says dryly. "But $they <<do>> make a valid point. You are //annoyingly// persistent, Desi." Ciaran's posture has relaxed a fraction, the hint of an amused smile ghosting across his face. It makes him look younger, softening his rough edges as the corners of his eyes crinkle. Then it's gone just as suddenly as it had appeared, replaced by his doleful scowl once more. Beside you, Desi’s leg bounces an erratic, jittery pattern against the couch. Weird. You’ve never seen $d_them so wound up before, but $d_they'<<d_re>> a bundle of nerves right now. <<if $d_rom gte 6>>You <<if $bold gt $timid>>reach out, fingers closing around $d_their hand and squeezing reassuringly.<<else>>reach out to try and soothe $d_them before awkwardly pulling your hand back into your lap.<</if>><</if>> "$firstname-" $d_they start<<d_s>>, voice faltering in a very un-Desi-like manner. "Ciaran is my...um..." "I’m $d_their master." Ciaran's thick Irish accent rolls over each letter as he stands, unfurling his wiry limbs in a lazy stretch and jostling the <<if $tadhg gte 1>>raven<<else>>bird<</if>> to the ground in the process. It lets out an incensed squawk, and you could swear it shoots Ciaran a withering glare before hopping on to the arm of the chair to continue preening. "$d_cthey'<<d_re>> my apprentice. So you're wrong; I put up with $d_them because I have to." [[Continue|2.6]]

His callused hands are surprisingly gentle, so much so that you’re too shocked to pull away as he traces along the strange mark with his thumb. "This is a sigil. Isa-" He clears his throat and the light from the window catches on a piercing you hadn't noticed before tucked beneath his lower lip. The small, black stud bobs in tandem with his tattooed Adam's apple as he continues, "//-your grandmother// asked me to place it on you when you turned six." His words hit you like a punch to the gut. Six years old? So that fuzzy memory of Ciaran branding you with this thing, of Nana thanking him as everything around you exploded in light -- that happened when you were just a kid? <ul class="a"><li><<link 'After taking a moment to compose yourself, you ask, "But why? What is it for?"' "2.7a">><<set $logical += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'This is all too much. Finally, you croak out, "But why- why would she do this to me?' "2.7b">><<set $emotional += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(5)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'You narrow your eyes and ask, "How can I trust that you\'re telling me the truth?"' "2.7c">><<set $cautious += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li></ul>

<<if $infoloop is 4>>Ciaran grumbles as he looks away from you. His face must be set in a permanent scowl by now, <<if $c_rom gte 7>>but as you stare at his profile, you have to admit the look suits him. With his slicked back hair and sharp jaw, the faded leather jacket and stubbornly crossed arms, he could be a classic Hollywood bad boy.<br><br>"Well?" He's staring at you again, brows furrowed despite the faint smirk on his face. "Are ye satisfied yet?"<br><br>A flush creeps up your neck as you <<if $bold gt $timid>>roll your eyes and <</if>>ask your final question...<<elseif $c_rel gte 5>>but you have to admit, this grouch is growing on you a bit. Okay, time to put him out of his misery...<<else>>his brow furrowed and jaw clenched tight. Okay, time to put this grouch out of his misery...<</if>>\ <<elseif $infoloop is 3>>Ciaran taps his boot once more.<br><br>"This has been a grand ol' yarn, but are we done here?"\ <<elseif $infoloop is 2>>Ciaran levels you with a glare that could melt steel.<br><br>"Can we stop faffin' about now?"\ <<elseif $infoloop is 1>>Ciaran eyes you warily. "Is that it, then?"<br><br>You <<if $timid gte $bold>>repress the urge to <</if>>stick your tongue out at him<<if $bold gt $timid>>, earning a satisfying grunt of consternation<</if>> before asking...\ <<else>><<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>It wouldn't hurt to ask a question or two, would it? As ridiculous as it is, maybe humoring this little fantasy of theirs will get you some actual answers.<<else>>Well, you have a billion questions, but where to start?<</if>> You try to ignore Ciaran's scowl as you gather your thoughts. Finally, you ask...<</if>> <<liveblock>><ul class="a"><li><<if visited("2.11a")>><<if $skeptical gt $accepting>><s>''//"Was I seriously attacked by a demon?"// $info_label''</s><<else>><s>''//"Why was I attacked by a demon?"//''</s><</if>><<else>><<if $skeptical gt $accepting>><<link '"Was I seriously attacked by a //demon//?" $info_label' "2.11a">><<set $demknow to $demknow.fm(5)>><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(1)>><<set $infoloop += 1>><</link>><<else>><<link '"Why was I attacked by a demon?" $info_label' "2.11a">><<set $demknow to $demknow.fm(5)>><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(5)>><<set $infoloop += 1>><</link>><</if>><</if>></li> <li><<if visited("2.11b")>><s>''//"How did you know I needed help?"// $info_label''</s><<else>><<link '"How did you know I needed help?" $info_label' "2.11b">><<set $infoloop += 1>><</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if visited("2.11c")>><s>''//"Who exactly is Sam?"// $info_label''</s><<else>><<link '"Who exactly is Sam?" $info_label' "2.11c">><<set $demknow to $demknow.fm(3)>><<set $dempercept to $dempercept.fm(3)>><<set $s_rel to $s_rel.fm(2)>><<set $infoloop += 1>><</link>><</if>></li> <li><<if visited("2.11d")>><s>''//"How did you know Nana, Ciaran?"// $info_label''</s><<else>><<link '"How did you know Nana, Ciaran?" $info_label' "2.11d">><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(2)>><<set $infoloop += 1>><</link>><</if>></li> <<if visited() gt 1>><li><<if $accepting gt $skeptical>><<link '"So...I\'m a sorcerer?" (End of current demo)' "Landing">><</link>><<else>><<link '"Do you really expect me to believe all of this?" (End of current demo)' "Landing">><</link>><</if>></li><</if>></ul><</liveblock>>\

<<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>Ciaran sneers, his top lip curling to reveal dazzlingly white teeth.<br><br>“Aye, you were //seriously// attacked by a demon."<br><br>You bristle at his mocking tone, earning an eye roll from the man as he continues, "But you don't need to worry about Morillo anymore."<<else>>"That's what we're trying to figure out," Ciaran says, frowning in contemplation.<br><br><<if $playful gt $serious>>"So..." you titter nervously. "You have no idea what he was doing at my house? That's not exactly reassuring."<br><br>"Whisht,"<<else>>Dread rises in your throat. "You mean, you don't know what he was doing at my house? What if he comes back?"<br><br>"Ah, shut yer bake,"<</if>> Ciaran snaps, scowling down at you. Not the comforting type, apparently. "You don't need to worry about Morillo anymore."<</if>> "What? Why not?" "I banished him. He won’t be a bother for some time." <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>He...banished him? Like some freaking exorcism movie? Your skepticism must be written all over your face because Ciaran lets out an exasperated huff.<<else>>You’ve seen plenty of demons banished in horror movies, but this is //real life//. How the hell are you supposed to just not worry about it anymore? Your distress must be written all over your face because Ciaran takes pity on you, his frown easing a fraction before continuing.<</if>> "He’s back in his realm for now, so he can’t hurt you. Although why Samyaza sent //him// and not a higher-level demon, I don't know." <ul class="a"><li><<link '"You mean they get worse than that guy?"' "2.11a-1">><<set $sincere += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Maybe he just didn\'t want to waste his best guys on little ol\' me."' "2.11a-2">><<set $sarcastic += 1>><</link>></li></ul>

"You’ve spoken with $s_them, haven’t ye?" Ciaran asks, arching a bushy eyebrow at you. "I guess..." You suppose you didn’t //talk// to $s_them so much as //listen in abject horror// while you tried to stay alive. But now that you think of it, you haven’t heard <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>that voice<<else>>from Sam<</if>> since you woke up. "Why can’t I hear <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>it<<else>>$s_them<</if>> anymore?" <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>"$s_ctheir name is //Sam//, not "it," Desi chides. "And Ciaran asked $s_them to stay out of your head for now. At least while we get you caught up."<<else>>"Ciaran asked $s_them to stay out of your head for now," Desi says, smiling sympathetically. "At least while we get you caught up."<</if>> <ul class="a"><li><<link "Huh, you’re actually a little disappointed by $s_their absence." "2.11c-1">><<set $s_rel to $s_rel.fm(1)>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(5)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Well, that’s a relief. $s_cthey <<s_were>> getting on your nerves, after all." "2.11c-2">><<set $s_rel to $s_rel.fm(-1)>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(5)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link "These two are really going to keep pushing this magic stuff, huh?" "2.11c-3">><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-5)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li></ul>

He taps his fingers on the back of Desi's chair and looks away from you as he says, "I knew Isabelle for a very long time. She was..." He continues tapping, his shoulders tensed as his eyes grow distant. You bite your tongue and wait for him to continue, but the 'tap, tap' of his nails on the wood grows louder and more fervent as the seconds pass. A thought dawns on you as you watch him fidget, so abrupt and disturbing that you can't help blurting it out. "You and my Nana weren't <<if $bold gt $timid>>//doing it//<<else>>//a thing//<</if>>, were you?" His demeanor changes immediately, nostrils flaring as he stuffs his hands into his pockets. Desi snickers into $d_their sleeve and you shoot $d_them a look. <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck8">><<option "The thought of Nana with //anyone// is weird enough, but with a guy this hot? Damn." "rom">><<option "The thought of Nana with //anyone// is weird enough without Desi giggling about it like a schoolgirl.">><</cycle>></span> "Catch yourself on!" He flushes, cheeks turning nearly as bright as his hair. "She was practically my sister!" Desi is laughing outright now, face buried in $d_their hands and gasping for air between full-bodied cackles. "Sorry," $d_they wipe<<d_s>> a tear away as $d_they choke<<d_s>> on a giggle. $d_cthey <<d_do>>n't look the least bit repentant though, dimples displayed beneath $d_their shining eyes as $d_they say<<d_s>>, "You just got //so red!//" Ciaran's scowl morphs into a sullen frown, and as Desi bursts into another fit of laughter, you decide to... <ul class="a"><li><<link "...go easy on Ciaran." "2.11d-1">><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(5)>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...laugh along with Desi." "2.11d-2">><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(10)>><</link>></li></ul>

Despite the disgruntled frown he gives you, Ciaran's voice borders on kind as he says, "They get much worse<<if $c_rom gte 5>>, a stóirín<</if>>." You shudder as you recall your attacker: barbed horns, clawed hands wrapped around your neck, those deeply unsettling black eyes. How could they possibly get worse than that //thing//? "Morillo is a lesser demon," Desi chimes in, curling a palm around your trembling shoulder. $d_cthey'<<d_ve>> always been sensitive to your emotions and right now, <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>you're a mess of confusion<<else>>you're radiating <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck6">><<option "fear">><<option "anger">><</cycle>></span><</if>>. $d_cthey give<<d_s>> your shoulder a soft squeeze before continuing, "So he's actually pretty weak." "But he almost killed me," you protest, a hand flying up to your sore neck once more. If that demon was one of the "weak" ones, what would have happened to you if a strong one attacked? "Morillo is hardly a demon worth fretting over." Ciaran scoffs, his mouth twisting with distaste before continuing, "Though the fact that Samyaza didn't send a greater demon is grand. Means he doesn't want you dead." Ciaran paces as he speaks, the hardwood floors creaking with each step of his heavy boots. Beside you, Desi goes back to picking at $d_their sleeve, so lost in thought that <<if $bold gt $timid>>$d_they jump<<d_s>> when you blurt out, "Okay, am I crazy here? Because that Morillo guy definitely tried to kill me."<<else>>$d_they <<d_do>>n't hear when you mutter, "I don't know about that. I mean, that Morillo guy definitely tried to kill me."<</if>> Ciaran doesn't bother looking at you as he continues his patrol around the living room. "He was just a pawn. Had to be. Samyaza must've known you'd have protection from the coven." "Yeah, he must have," Desi says slowly, deliberately. $d_cthey glare<<d_s>> at Ciaran before turning back to you with an apologetic smile. "But that doesn't diminish what happened to you today." "Aye, poor critter." Ciaran rolls his eyes. "But Morillo is hardly your greatest threat. We have to prepare for whatever Samyaza is sending our way next." Alright, that's a little ominous. [[Continue|2.11]]

Ciaran considers this much more seriously than you expected, stroking the stubble on his chin as says, "Perhaps he wanted to see how well protected you are." That can't be right. You haven't been sure of much since your parents disowned you, but you're //positive// you were almost murdered today. You open your mouth to say as much, but Desi beats you to it. At least $d_they'll be able to clear this up. "Yeah, that's what I was thinking," $d_they scrunch<<d_es>> up $d_their nose, deep in thought and apparently unaware of your quizzical frown. "If he wanted <<nickname>> dead, he would have sent someone like Yu." Ciaran's nodding too now, his heavy boots loud on the hardwood floor as he paces the room. What the hell are they talking about? Someone like //who//? "Sorry, sorry," Desi says, finally snapping out of $d_their rumination and turning to you. "We think Morillo was a decoy. Samyaza must have known you'd be protected by Nana's coven, so he sent someone dispensable to check our defenses." You <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck6">><<option "shudder">><<option "seethe">><</cycle>></span> as you recall your attacker: barbed horns, clawed hands wrapped around your neck, those deeply unsettling black eyes. If that was a "dispensable" demon, you'd hate to see an indispensable one. <<if $bold gt $timid>>"Okay," you blurt out, meeting Ciaran's derisive glare with a glare of your own. "Am I crazy here? Because I was definitely //almost murdered// this morning."<<else>>"I don't know about that," you mutter, carefully avoiding Ciaran's derisive glare. "I mean, Morillo definitely tried to kill me."<</if>> "Aye, poor critter." Ciaran rolls his eyes. "But Morillo is hardly your greatest threat. We have to prepare for whatever Samyaza's sending next." Alright, that's a little ominous. [[Continue|2.11]]

Have you always identified as $gender? <ul class="c"><li><<link "No" "1.2d">><<set $transgender to true>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Yes" "1.2d">><</link>></li></ul>

$firstname, is it? Lovely. Do you prefer to go by a nickname? <ul class="c"><li>[[No|1.2b]]</li> <li><<link "Yes">><<toggleclass "#customname" "hidden">><</link>><div id="customname" class="hidden">\ <<textbox "$nickname" "">><<link "Confirm">>><<set $nickname to $nickname.toLowerCase().toUpperFirst().trim()>><<set $nicknameon to true>> <<if $nickname is "">><<replace "#textbox-error">>Please enter a nickname or press 'No' to skip.<</replace>>\ <<elseif /[^A-Z]/i.test($nickname)>><<replace "#textbox-error">>Nicknames may only contain letters.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Desi">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Ciaran">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Sam">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "James">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Amina">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Yu">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Samyaza">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Lilith">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That name is unavailable.<</replace>>\ <<elseif $firstname is "Isabelle">><<replace "#textbox-error">>That's your grandmother's name.<</replace>>\ <<else>><<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>>\ <<goto "1.2b">><</if>><</link>></div>\ <span id="textbox-error"></span></li></ul>

<<set $they to $they.toLowerCase().trim()>>\ <<set $cthey to $they.toUpperFirst().trim()>>\ <<set $them to $them.toLowerCase().trim()>>\ <<set $cthem to $them.toUpperFirst().trim()>>\ <<set $their to $their.toLowerCase().trim()>>\ <<set $ctheir to $their.toUpperFirst().trim()>>\ <<set $theirs to $theirs.toLowerCase().trim()>>\ <<set $ctheirs to $theirs.toUpperFirst().trim()>>\ <h3>who are you?</h3>\ <h4>''Name: ''$firstname $lastname ''Pronouns: ''$they/$them //<<link "(edit your pronouns)">><<script>>Dialog.setup("Pronouns");Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Pronoun Settings 2").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>>// ''Appearance: ''You have $eyecolor eyes and <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>a shaved scalp<<else>>$hairlength, $hairtexture, $haircolor hair that you typically wear $hairstyle<</if>>. <span class="stattext">Continue playing to unlock more characteristics.</span></h4>\ \ <h3>personality</h3>\ <h4><ul class="b">\ <li><<if $playful gt $serious>>You are <span class="stattext">playful</span> by nature and try to find some fun in everything. <<elseif $serious gt $playful>>You are <span class="stattext">serious</span> by nature and try to keep everything (and everyone) in order. <<else>>You don't have an apparent leaning toward a //playful// or //serious// nature, instead exhibiting a little of both.<</if>></li>\ <li><<if $friendly gt $aloof>>You have a <span class="stattext">friendly</span> demeanor, offering kind and courteous responses in social interactions. <<elseif $aloof gt $friendly>>You have an <span class="stattext">aloof</span> demeanor, offering cold or combative responses in social interactions. <<else>>Your demeanor is //friendly// at times and //aloof// at others, shifting to meet the demands of each interaction.<</if>></li>\ <li><<if $bold gt $timid>>You tend to put yourself out there by making <span class="stattext">bold</span> decisions. <<elseif $timid gt $bold>>You tend to shrink away from the limelight by making <span class="stattext">timid</span> decisions. <<else>>Your decisions are a mix of //bold// and //timid//, depending on what the situation calls for.<</if>></li>\ <li><<if $sarcastic gt $sincere>>Your words are typically <span class="stattext">sarcastic</span>; you wield your humor like a weapon. <<elseif $sincere gt $sarcastic>>Your words are typically <span class="stattext">sincere</span>; honesty is the best policy, after all. <<else>>Your words are a mix of //sarcastic// and //sincere//, utilizing humor and honesty at will.<</if>></li>\ <li><<if $relaxed gt $cautious>>You have a <span class="stattext">relaxed</span> attitude and tend to go with the flow. <<elseif $cautious gt $relaxed>>You have a <span class="stattext">cautious</span> attitude and tend to question the unknown. <<else>>Your attitude isn't particularly //relaxed// or //cautious//, instead falling somewhere in the middle.<</if>></li>\ <li><<if $emotional gt $logical>>You wear your heart on your sleeve, reacting <span class="stattext">emotionally</span> to most situations. <<elseif $logical gt $emotional>>You put your mind to work, reacting <span class="stattext">logically</span> to most situations. <<else>>You react //emotionally// to some situations and //logically// to others, depending on the circumstances.<</if>></li></ul></h4>\ \ <h3>sorcery</h3>\ <h4>''Affinity:'' Demonic ''Specialty:'' <span class="stattext">not unlocked yet</span> ''Familiar:'' <span class="stattext">not unlocked yet</span> ''Affliliations:'' None <div class="stat-bar-group"><div class="stat-bar-container"><div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Accepting $accepting%</div><div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Skeptical $skeptical%</div><div class="stat-bar" id="accepting-stat"></div></div> \ <div class="stat-bar-container"><div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Demonic Perception $dempercept%</div><div class="stat-bar" id="dempercept-stat"></div></div> \ <div class="stat-bar-container"><div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Demonic Knowledge $demknow%</div><div class="stat-bar" id="demknow-stat"></div></div></div>\ You are a fledgling sorcerer. Your affinity is Demonic magic, and you have yet to unlock a specialty. As of right now, you are not proficient in other magic affinities, and you have not bonded with a familiar. <ul class="b"> <li><<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>You are <span class="stattext">skeptical</span> of magic and will have a harder time mastering new spells.<<elseif $accepting gt $skeptical>>You are <span class="stattext">accepting</span> of magic and will have an easier time mastering new spells.<<else>>You are not particularly //skeptical// or //accepting// of magic.<</if>></li> <li>Your <span class="stattext">demonic perception</span> is at $dempercept%. The higher this stat, the easier it will be to summon or banish demons once you've learned these spells.</li> <li>Your <span class="stattext">demonic knowledge</span> is at $demknow%. The higher this stat, the easier it will be to speak with or fight demons. Increasing your demonic knowledge will also raise your //demonic perception// skill.</li></ul></h4>\ [[Return to Game|$return]]

<<if visited() is 1>><<if $statcheck8 is "rom">><<set $c_rom += 1>><</if>><</if>>\ <<if $aloof gt $friendly>>"<<if $d_rel gte 55>>Des<<else>>Desi<</if>>," you say, a gentle reprimand in your tone. "I want to hear what he has to say."<<else>>"<<if $d_rel gte 55>>Des<<else>>Desi<</if>>," you force your own laughter away as you nudge $d_them with your elbow. "I want to hear what he has to say."<</if>> Desi scrunches $d_their nose, cheeks puffing out as $d_their laughter dies away. Ciaran is still awkwardly stiff, but he shoots you a tight-lipped smile before pulling his hands out of his pockets to adjust the collar of his jacket. The action exposes more of the tattoos circling his neck, the black lines a harsh contrast to his fair, freckled skin. He's been nothing but a prickly hardass for the short time you've known him, so watching him squirm like this is surprisingly endearing. That is, until he gathers himself and scowls, hazel eyes narrowed on you once more. "I don't need your help." Okay, <<if $c_rom gte 7>>he may be cute, but <</if>>is the guy even capable of a regular human response? <<liveblock>><ul class="a"><li><<link 'You smirk and say, "And here I thought I was your knight in shining armor." $flirt_label' "2.11d-1i">><<set $bold += 1>><<set $playful += 1>><<set $c_rom += 1>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(4)>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'You flush as you say, "I\'m sure you don\'t, I was just trying to be nice, I guess." $flirt_label' "2.11d-1ii">><<set $timid += 1>><<set $serious += 1>><<set $c_rom += 1>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(2)>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'You shrug as you say, "I never said you did."' "2.11d-1iii">><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $serious += 1>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(2)>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'You roll your eyes and say, "That\'s an awfully strange way to say thanks."' "2.11d-1iv">><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $playful += 1>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(4)>><</link>></li></ul><</liveblock>>\

<<if visited() is 1>><<if $statcheck8 is "rom">><<set $c_rom += 1>><</if>><</if>>\ You can't hear Desi's laugh and //not// join in, so you do just that, giggling along giddily as Ciaran grows more and more agitated. "Laugh it up, ye melters," he grumbles, dragging a hand through his disheveled hair. "This may be the last chance you have for a while." Desi's laughter dies out before yours does, $d_their face growing serious as $d_they ruminate<<d_s>> on Ciaran's words. With $d_their strong, square jaw clenched and $d_their expressive eyebrows drawn, $d_they look<<d_s>> more mature than usual. <<liveblock>><ul class="a"><<if $d_rom lt 5>><li><<link "Huh, seeing $d_them all pensive and pretty like this is stirring up some...interesting new feelings. $flirt_label" "2.11d-2i">><<set $d_rom += 1>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><</link>></li><</if>> <<if $d_rom gte 5>><li><<link "You've always thought $d_they <<d_were>> cute but wow, seeing $d_them all pensive like this has you feeling some kind of way. $flirt_label" "2.11d-2ii">><<set $d_rom += 1>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><</link>></li><</if>> <li><<link "You're not sure you could get used to seeing Desi, the most upbeat person in the world, so somber." "2.11d-2iii">><<set $playful += 1>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(5)>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You could totally get on board with seeing this more serious side of Desi every now and then." "2.11d-2iv">><<set $serious += 1>><<set $d_rel to $d_rel.fm(-5)>><</link>></li></ul><</liveblock>>\

<<set $grim_ciaran to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ Heat rushes up your neck as you stare at $d_them. Ha<<d_ve>> $d_they always been so beautiful? "Something on my face, <<nickname>>?" $d_they ask<<d_s>>, eyebrows furrowing. You flush, hurriedly looking away in an attempt to hide your nerves. You aren't sure what's gotten into you, but you're not used to being flustered around Desi. Do you even //want// to feel flustered by Desi? <<if visited("2.2a-3") or visited("2.2b-3")>>You thought you'd already figured this out. Desi's your friend; there isn't anything romantic going on between the two of you...you made sure of that when you told $d_them so earlier. So then why won't these damn butterflies in your stomach leave you al-<<else>>$d_cthey'<<d_re>> your <<if $d_rel gte 55>>best <<else>>friend<</if>>, the only person you can rely on now that Nana is-<</if>> "Are ye done?" Ciaran's surly voice draws your attention away from Desi and you mumble a quiet //thank you// under your breath. The man may not know it, but he saved you from looking like an absolute spaz in front of your confusingly attractive friend. "As I was saying," he continues, eyes flicking between you and Desi warily. "Isabelle was once my master. She took me in when I was a wee lad - twenty-five years old or so - and allowed me to serve as her apprentice. I owe her everything." Considering he looks to be around your age, he’s probably somewhere in his late-twenties or early-thirties now. He must have bonded with Nana really quickly to miss her so much now, although you can understand that. Nana always had a way of charming people, with her big heart and quirky sense of humor, her endearing laugh and her excessively long hugs. "So, you knew her for the last few years then?" Desi snorts out another laugh and you frown in confusion. Even Ciaran seems amused by your rather innocuous question, a smile stretching across his face before he catches himself and scowls. "What?" you ask, completely baffled by their reactions. "You're like, thirty, right? Thirty-one maybe?" "We just celebrated Ciaran's 203rd birthday a couple months ago, actually," Desi says, reaching out to slap Ciaran on the back. "I mean, the coven celebrated, at least. Ciaran just kind of sulked in a corner. You'd think we were torturing him with our joy or something." You gape at the redhead. What else can you do? <<if $c_rel lte 5>>You may not like the guy much, but you have to admit that he<<else>>The guy<</if>> looks <<if $c_rom gte 5>>pretty damn good<<else>>great<</if>> for being two centuries old. He clears his throat awkwardly, crossing his arms as he says, "I knew your grandmother for over 150 years. She was -- she was my best friend." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<set $grim_ciaran to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ If his face was red before, it's positively crimson now. The dark blush of his cheeks blossoms outward, its tendrils unfurling along his ears and plunging into the depths of his V-neck tee. But despite this drastic shift in color, he doesn't miss a beat. His lips pull into the subtlest of smirks as he replies, "Believe me, a stóirín, I'm hardly your damsel in distress." Desi coughs, brows raised as $d_they look<<d_s>> between you and Ciaran, whose face falls back into its practiced scowl. "What I was //trying// to say is that Isabelle was once my master. She took me in when I was a wee lad - twenty-five years old or so - and allowed me to serve as her apprentice. I owe her everything." Considering he looks to be around your age, he’s probably somewhere in his late-twenties or early-thirties now. He must have bonded with Nana really quickly to miss her so much now, although you can understand that. Nana always had a way of charming people, with her big heart and quirky sense of humor, her boisterous laugh and her excessively long hugs. "So, you knew her for the last few years then?" Desi stifles another laugh and Ciaran sighs, dragging a hand through his hair as he glares at your friend. "What?" you ask, completely baffled by their reactions. "You're like, thirty, right? Thirty-one maybe?" "We just celebrated Ciaran's 203rd birthday a couple months ago, actually," Desi says, reaching out to slap Ciaran on the back. "At least, the coven celebrated. Ciaran just kind of sulked in a corner. You'd think we were torturing him with our joy or something." You gape at the redhead. What else can you do? <<if $c_rel lte 5>>You may not like the guy much, but you have to admit that he<<else>>The guy<</if>> looks <<if $c_rom gte 5>>pretty damn good<<else>>great<</if>> for being two centuries old. He flushes again and looks away from you, crossing his arms as he says, "I knew your grandmother for over 150 years. She was -- she was my best friend." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<set $grim_ciaran to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ His scowl eases as he stares at you, surprise widening his eyes. For a moment, he looks like he might unravel, the goliath brought down by a few kind words. But then he crosses his arms and, with a plaintive smile, he says, "Believe me, a stóirín, that urge will pass." What? He thinks you won't want to keep being //nice// to him? "I-" you start, grasping in vain for the right words to say, but Ciaran interrupts you with a soft shake of his head. "What I was trying to say is that Isabelle was once my master. She took me in when I was a wee lad - twenty-five years old or so - and allowed me to serve as her apprentice. I owe her everything." Considering he looks to be around your age, he’s probably somewhere in his late-twenties or early-thirties now. He must have bonded with Nana really quickly to miss her so much now, although you can understand that. Nana always had a way of charming people, with her big heart and quirky sense of humor, her boisterous laugh and her excessively long hugs. "So, you knew her for the last few years then?" Desi stifles another laugh and Ciaran sighs, dragging a hand through his hair as he glares at your friend. "What?" you ask, completely baffled by their reactions. "You're like, thirty, right? Thirty-one maybe?" "We just celebrated Ciaran's 203rd birthday a couple months ago, actually," Desi says, reaching out to slap Ciaran on the back. "At least, the coven celebrated. Ciaran just kind of sulked in a corner. You'd think we were torturing him with our joy or something." You gape at the redhead. What else can you do? <<if $c_rel lte 5>>You may not like the guy much, but you have to admit that he<<else>>The guy<</if>> looks <<if $c_rom gte 5>>pretty damn good<<else>>great<</if>> for being two centuries old. He flushes again, clearing his throat before he says, "I knew your grandmother for over 150 years. She was -- she was my best friend." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<set $grim_ciaran to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ His scowl deepens as he analyzes your response, probably searching for any hint of sarcasm behind your sincerity. Finally, he relaxes his shoulders and says, "What I was //trying// to say is that Isabelle was once my master. She took me in when I was a wee lad - twenty-five years old or so - and allowed me to serve as her apprentice. I owe her everything." Considering he looks to be around your age, he’s probably somewhere in his late-twenties or early-thirties now. He must have bonded with Nana really quickly to miss her so much now, although you can understand that. Nana always had a way of charming people, with her big heart and quirky sense of humor, her boisterous laugh and her excessively long hugs. "So, you knew her for the last few years then?" Desi stifles another laugh and Ciaran sighs, dragging a hand through his hair as he glares at your friend. "What?" you ask, completely baffled by their reactions. "You're like, thirty, right? Thirty-one maybe?" "We just celebrated Ciaran's 203rd birthday a couple months ago, actually," Desi says, reaching out to slap Ciaran on the back. "At least, the coven celebrated. Ciaran just kind of sulked in a corner. You'd think we were torturing him with our joy or something." You gape at the redhead. What else can you do? <<if $c_rel lte 5>>You may not like the guy much, but you have to admit that he<<else>>The guy<</if>> looks <<if $c_rom gte 5>>pretty damn good<<else>>great<</if>> for being two centuries old. He clears his throat, crossing his arms as he says, "I knew your grandmother for over 150 years. She was -- she was my best friend." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<set $grim_ciaran to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ His scowl eases, morphing into a smirk as he says, "I'll thank you when you've earned it<<if $c_rom gte 7>>, a stóirín<</if>>." There's a glint of amusement in his eyes as he matches your stare, but then Desi coughs pointedly and serious Ciaran drops back into place. "What I was //trying// to say," He frowns and begins to pace as he continues, "is that Isabelle was once my master. She took me in when I was a wee lad - twenty-five years old or so - and allowed me to serve as her apprentice. I owe her everything." Considering he looks to be around your age, he’s probably somewhere in his late-twenties or early-thirties now. He must have bonded with Nana really quickly to miss her so much now, although you can understand that. Nana always had a way of charming people, with her big heart and quirky sense of humor, her boisterous laugh and her excessively long hugs. "So, you knew her for the last few years then?" Desi stifles another laugh and Ciaran sighs, dragging a hand through his hair as he glares at your friend. "What?" you ask, completely baffled by their reactions. "You're like, thirty, right? Thirty-one maybe?" "We just celebrated Ciaran's 203rd birthday a couple months ago, actually," Desi says, reaching out to slap Ciaran on the back. "At least, the coven celebrated. Ciaran just kind of sulked in a corner. You'd think we were torturing him with our joy or something." You gape at the redhead. What else can you do? <<if $c_rel lte 5>>You may not like the guy much, but you have to admit that he<<else>>The guy<</if>> looks <<if $c_rom gte 5>>pretty damn good<<else>>great<</if>> for being two centuries old. He clears his throat, crossing his arms as he says, "I knew your grandmother for over 150 years. She was -- she was my best friend." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Relationships updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $rel_ciaran to true>>\ Ciaran sighs, straightening to his full, imposing height as he glares down at you. The air around him crackles with a twitching, chaotic buzz that crawls along your skin and leaves you feeling...//wrong//. "I'm not here to coddle you, $firstname." His voice is biting, sharper than the drawling sarcasm he's spoken with up to this point. "Isabelle asked me to watch out for you, so here I am. If you don’t like my attitude, you’re shite out of luck." He puts his clenched, tattooed fists on his hips, looking for all the world like a disappointed schoolteacher. For a moment, he just stands there and glares at you. But then he drags a hand down his face and the //wrongness// shifts around you, so jarring that it leaves you nauseous. Desi stands, half-turned away from you as $d_they place<<d_s>> $d_them<<self>> between you and Ciaran. $d_cthey raise<<d_s>> $d_their hands placatingly, eyes narrowed on Ciaran despite the affable smile on $d_their face. "Dude, come on. Put your magic away." Desi gestures back at you with a nod of $d_their head, $d_their eyebrows lifting as $d_they shoot<<d_s>> Ciaran a pleading look. "$cthey'<<ve>> been through some really traumatic shit today. $cthey deserve<<s>> an explanation." Even Ciaran, hardass that he seems to be, isn’t immune to those puppy-dog eyes. He considers Desi's words, tapping his foot impatiently until, finally, he waves a hand in a dismissive motion. The strange, chaotic buzz dissipates at once and you release a shaky breath. What the hell was that? You glance up at Desi, who drops $d_their hands and turns back to you with a tight-lipped smile. "Fine," Ciaran growls. "Let's go, then." [[Continue|2.11]]

"Tadhg here was keeping an eye on you," Ciaran points to the bird still perched on the windowsill, which stops its preening to look at you. "The //<<if $tadhg gte 1>>raven<<else>>bird<</if>>// told you I needed help?" you ask, glancing between Ciaran and the beady black eyes of the bird currently staring you down. <<if $tadhg gte 1>>Ciaran grunts<<else>>"He's a raven," Ciaran chides<</if>> as he holds his arm out to Tadhg, who trills a low, solemn chirrup and hops on to the offered perch. He's one of the biggest birds you've seen up close, roughly the size of a chihuahua with glossy black feathers and a terrifyingly sharp beak. "This is Tadhg, my familiar. Say hello, Tadhg." Tadhg tilts his head to look at you before croaking out a distinct "hello." <ul class="a"><li><<link '"Oh um, hello to you too, Tadhg."' "2.11b-1">><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><<set $tadhg += 1>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(2)>><<set $friendly += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Am I seriously supposed to talk to a bird?"' "2.11b-2">><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(-1)>><<set $aloof += 1>><</link>></li></ul>

"He can't actually talk aside from a few words I've taught him." Ciaran smiles, quietly cooing under his breath as he strokes Tadhg's head with the back of his knuckles. "How did he tell you I needed help then?" Ciaran is either too fixated on Tadhg to hear you or he's flat out ignoring you, but he's gazing at his familiar with such adoration that <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck7">><<option "you can almost imagine a scenario where he isn't such an ass" "rel">><<option "your breath hitches in your throat as you admire him" "rom">><<option "you may have found an exploitable weakness" "neg">><</cycle>></span>. You shoot a questioning look at Desi, who's grinning at Ciaran's unusual display of affection. "Familiars share a special bond with their masters," Desi explains. "They can kind of...communicate with us telepathically, I guess?" <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>"Are you saying I can talk to birds now?" You roll your eyes at how ridiculous you sound. //Come on//, how long are Desi and Ciaran going to keep messing around with you about this stuff? "I mean, maybe. It's not a super common power, but some sorcerers can..." Desi trails off, rubbing the back of $d_their neck. "Familiars aren't actually animals, though.<<else>>"So can I actually talk to animals now?" You probably sound like a little kid raving about Santa Claus or something but come on, talking to animals? Imagine the possibilities! "Oh, probably not. I mean, some sorcerers can..." Desi trails off, rubbing the back of $d_their neck when $d_they meet<<d_s>> your disappointed frown. "Sorry, it's just not a super common power. But familiars aren't actually animals.<</if>> Tadhg is a spirit who took the form of a raven, like how Nana's familiar took the form of a cat." Nana's familiar... <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>"Dizzy isn't a real cat?" Your voice drips with sarcasm as you quirk an eyebrow at your friend. Dizzy, who constantly mad-dogs you and never purrs when you pet her, is some sort of //spirit creature//? Huh, that would explain so much about her...if it wasn’t so batshit crazy. "Right," $d_they say<<d_s>>, either unaware of your incredulity or just flat out ignoring it as $d_they nod<<d_s>>. "Dizzy bonded with Nana...hundreds of years ago, I think. I'm surprised she's still around. It's going to tear me up when she's gone."<<else>>"Dizzy isn't a real cat?" you say, voice rising in surprise. Dizzy, who was never far from Nana's lap, who loves her ear scratches and tuna snacks, is Nana's //familiar//? "Right! Dizzy bonded with Nana like..." $d_they chew<<d_s>> $d_their lip in contemplation before continuing, "hundreds of years ago, I think. I'm surprised she's still around. Man, it's going to tear me up when she's gone."<</if>> "What do you mean?" Desi winces. "Familiars are, um- well, they're bound to their masters, so now that Nana is..." Oh. //Oh no.// Cat, familiar, whatever she is -- Dizzy is your last link to Nana. She may just see you as the human who caters to her every whim... <ul class="a"><li><<link "...but you love her and would hate to lose her." "2.11b-3">><<set $dizzy += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...but Nana loved that damn cat, so you don't want to lose her." "2.11b-3">><<set $nana += 1>><</link>></li></ul>

Ciaran huffs indignantly. Tadhg seems to huff as well, chest feathers puffing out as he continues to assess you. <<if $tadhg gte 1>>You know ravens are smart, but there's a disconcerting intelligence to this one that you haven't seen in a bird before. It's both fascinating and, quite frankly, a little unnerving.<<else>>There's an intelligence in his eyes that you've never seen in a bird...not that you ever looked at birds too closely before now. But frankly, getting glared at by a freakishly smart bird is a little unnerving.<</if>> Ciaran looks like he's going to blow up on you considering the deepening red of his cheeks. You brace yourself for the inevitable scolding, but then he laughs, smiling down at Tadhg with such a warm, loving expression that <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck7">><<option "you can almost imagine a scenario where he isn't such an ass" "rel">><<option "your breath hitches in your throat as you admire him" "rom">><<option "you figure you've found an exploitable weakness" "neg">><</cycle>></span>. You shoot a questioning look at Desi, who's grinning at Ciaran's bizarre outburst. "Familiars share a special bond with their masters," Desi explains. "They can kind of...communicate with us telepathically, I guess?" <<if $accepting gt $skeptical>>"So can I actually talk to animals now?" You probably sound like a little kid raving about Santa Claus or something but come on, talking to animals? Imagine the possibilities! "Oh, probably not. I mean, some sorcerers can..." Desi trails off, rubbing the back of $d_their neck when $d_they meet<<d_s>> your disappointed frown. "Sorry, it's just not a super common power. But familiars aren't actually animals.<<else>>"Are you saying I can talk to birds now?" You roll your eyes at how ridiculous you sound. //Come on//, how long are Desi and Ciaran going to keep messing around with you about this stuff? "I mean, maybe. It's not a super common power, but some sorcerers can..." Desi trails off, rubbing the back of $d_their neck. "Familiars aren't actually animals, though.<</if>> Tadhg is a spirit who took the form of a raven, like how Nana's familiar took the form of a cat." Nana's familiar... <<if $accepting gt $skeptical>>"Dizzy isn't a real cat?" you say, voice rising in surprise. Dizzy, who was never far from Nana's lap, who loves her ear scratches and tuna snacks, is Nana's //familiar//? "Right! Dizzy bonded with Nana like..." $d_they chew<<d_s>> $d_their lip in contemplation before continuing, "hundreds of years ago, I think. I'm surprised she's still around. Man, it's going to tear me up when she's gone."<<else>>"Dizzy isn't a real cat?" Your voice drips with sarcasm as you quirk an eyebrow at your friend. Dizzy, who constantly mad-dogs you and never purrs when you pet her, is some sort of //spirit creature//? Huh, that would explain so much about her...if it wasn’t so batshit crazy. "Right," $d_they say<<d_s>>, either unaware of your incredulity or just flat out ignoring it as $d_they nod<<d_s>>. "Dizzy bonded with Nana...hundreds of years ago, I think. I'm surprised she's still around. It's going to tear me up when she's gone."<</if>> "What do you mean?" Desi winces. "Familiars are, um- well, they're bound to their masters, so now that Nana is..." Oh. //Oh no.// Cat, familiar, whatever she is -- Dizzy is your last link to Nana. She may just see you as the human who caters to her every whim... <ul class="a"><li><<link "...but you love her and would hate to lose her." "2.11b-3">><<set $dizzy += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...but Nana loved that damn cat, so you don't want to lose her." "2.11b-3">><<set $nana += 1>><</link>></li></ul>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if $statcheck7 is "rom">><<set $c_rom += 1>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(1)>><<elseif $statcheck7 is "rel">><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(1)>><<else>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(-1)>><</if>><</if>>\ "I can't...help her somehow?" <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>If you can actually use magic now, and that's a big //if// since it's still not something you're willing to accept, then there's probably a way to bend this whole "bound to Nana's spirit" rule, right?<<else>>Hell, you're a sorcerer now. There has to be some sort of magical solution to bend this weird spirit-bound rule.<</if>> Desi's face falls, those telling eyes of $d_theirs misting as $d_they shake<<d_s>> $d_their head. Well, there goes that idea. "You have to understand, <<nickname>>," Desi says as $d_they look<<d_s>> past you to the sliding glass door leading to the backyard. You turn to look over your shoulder, already prepared to smile at the sight of Chamoy, Desi's red-haired golden retriever. Sure enough, there he is, tongue lolling out to the side as he thumps his fluffy tail on the concrete. "Familiars become a part of their master. So without Nana, Dizzy is...she's in a lot of pain. Moving on would be the best thing for her. I mean, I'd want Chamoy to move on once I'm gone, you know?" ...wait. As <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck10">><<option "heartbroken as you are over the inevitability of losing Dizzy" "one">><<option "relieved as you are that Dizzy will be free from her pain soon" "two">><<option "angry as you are over not being able to help Dizzy" "three">><</cycle>></span>, you definitely heard Desi say that- "Chamoy is your familiar?" You glance back at the sweet bundle of slobber watching Desi with a dopey smile. "Oh, yeah." Desi taps $d_their chin, $d_their own grin growing at your perplexed frown. "Did I forget to mention that? Sorry." <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>Well, this all keeps getting weirder by the minute.<<else>>So then none of the animals in your life are //actual animals//. Go figure.<</if>> [[Continue|2.11]]

A muffled snicker rises from the corner and you both turn to Ciaran in surprise. "You're bang on there, bud." Ciaran's bright eyes sparkle, his posture relaxing a fraction as he assesses you. An amused smile ghosts across his face and you gape at the sudden transformation, his rough edges softening as the corners of his eyes crinkle. Beside you, Desi’s leg bounces an erratic, jittery pattern against the couch as $d_they glance between you and Ciaran. Weird. You’ve never seen $d_them so wound up before, but $d_they'<<d_re>> a bundle of nerves right now. <<if $d_rom gte 6>>You <<if $bold gt $timid>>reach out, fingers closing around $d_their hand and squeezing reassuringly.<<else>>reach out to try and soothe $d_them before awkwardly pulling your hand back into your lap.<</if>><</if>> "$firstname-" $d_they start<<d_s>>, voice faltering in a very un-Desi-like manner. "Ciaran is my...um..." "I’m $d_their master." Ciaran's thick Irish accent rolls over each letter as he stands, unfurling his wiry limbs in a lazy stretch and jostling the <<if $tadhg gte 1>>raven<<else>>bird<</if>> to the ground in the process. It lets out an incensed squawk, and you could swear it shoots Ciaran a withering glare before hopping on to the arm of the chair to continue preening. "Desi here's my apprentice." [[Continue|2.6]]

<<if $s_rel gte 2>>Actually, what //did// happen to you? The last thing you remember from the attack is Sam saying you weren't going to die. As for whatever happened after that...<<elseif $s_rel gte 1>>Now that you think about it, why //didn't// you die? You don't remember much aside from the demon strangling you. As for whatever happened after that...<<else>>It's not like that damn voice was able to protect you from being attacked earlier. In fact, you'd probably be dead if it wasn't for...<</if>> "Wait a minute," your eyes dart back to Ciaran. "Did you save me?" <<if visited("2.7c")>>His frown deepens<<else>>His warm fingers withdraw from your skin<</if>> as he rocks back on his heels to stand, peering down at you over his upturned nose. "Didn’t give us much of a choice, now did ye?" Us? Your stomach drops as you turn back to Desi, your kind, compassionate, goofball of a friend who apparently helped rescue you from a //demon attack//. [[Continue|2.9]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Relationships unlocked!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $show_rel to true>>\ Not surprisingly, you and Desi had developed separate interests after spending a decade apart from each other. $d_cthey <<d_were>> trying to make you feel at home here though, and you appreciated the effort. Besides, $d_they <<d_were>> just so //nice//, which was a refreshing change of pace after your socialite "friends" all abandoned you. You turned away from your friend and let your gaze sweep the room. The crowd from before you left for work had thinned out, but a handful of stragglers stuck around and were either watching the pair dance or chatting quietly in groups. You recognized nearly everyone in the room; the community was tight-knit and had done their best to welcome you these past few months. The only person you didn't know was standing in a dark corner, monitoring your grandmother like she might break at any moment. He was tall and lean, with ginger hair, fair skin, and more freckles than you could count on his grim, frowning face. Black tattoos crawled up his crossed arms and a handful of small, golden hoops adorned each ear, glinting in the flickering light of the fireplace. His eyes drifted to yours and a twinge of recognition shot through you. But then he looked back at Nana, his frown deepening, and you shook away your bewilderment. You had seen him leaving Desi's house a few times, usually when you were walking over to hang out, but you had definitely never met him. Oh well, a grease-stained uniform probably wouldn't make the best first impression. You were sure you'd meet the brooding stranger eventually, preferably some time when you didn't smell like french fries. Now that you think about it, wasn't that guy at Nana's funeral today? The morning had gone by in a haze, so you couldn't be positive. <ul class="a"><li><<link "You were practically useless the whole time, pivoting between uncontrollable sobbing to emotionless void and back again." "1.6a">><<set $emotional += 2>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You think you managed to hold it together pretty well, all things considered, but there were still quite a few tears." "1.6a">><<set $emotional += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You were busy making sure everything ran smoothly throughout the service, so you barely had a chance to grieve." "1.6a">><<set $logical += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You tuned out during the service. It's not that you didn't miss Nana, you just didn't see the point in getting emotional." "1.6a">><<set $logical += 2>><</link>></li></ul>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Relationships unlocked!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $show_rel to true>>\ There weren't a lot of people your age this far from metropolitan Seattle, so you'd probably be spending most of your time in Nana's garden if it wasn't for Desi. Not that there was anything wrong with that, but there was only so much joy you could derive from playing in the dirt. Throwing one last smile at your friend, you let your gaze sweep the room. The crowd from before you left for work had thinned out, but a handful of stragglers stuck around and were either watching the pair dance or chatting quietly in groups. You recognized nearly everyone in the room; the community was tight-knit and had done their best to welcome you these past few months. The only person you didn't know was standing in a dark corner, monitoring your grandmother like she might break at any moment. He was tall and lean, with ginger hair, fair skin, and more freckles than you could count on his grim, frowning face. Black tattoos crawled up his crossed arms and a handful of small, golden hoops adorned each ear, glinting in the flickering light of the fireplace. His eyes drifted to yours and a twinge of recognition shot through you. But then he looked back at Nana, his frown deepening, and you shook away your bewilderment. You had seen him leaving Desi's house a few times, usually when you were walking over to hang out, but you had definitely never met him. Oh well, a grease-stained uniform probably wouldn't make the best first impression. You were sure you'd meet the brooding stranger eventually, preferably some time when you didn't smell like french fries. Now that you think about it, wasn't that guy at Nana's funeral today? The morning had gone by in a haze, so you couldn't be positive. <ul class="a"><li><<link "You were practically useless the whole time, pivoting between uncontrollable sobbing to emotionless void and back again." "1.6a">><<set $emotional += 2>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You think you managed to hold it together pretty well, all things considered, but there were still quite a few tears." "1.6a">><<set $emotional += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You were busy making sure everything ran smoothly throughout the service, so you barely had a chance to grieve." "1.6a">><<set $logical += 1>><</link>></li> <li><<link "You tuned out during the service. It's not that you didn't miss Nana, you just didn't see the point in getting emotional." "1.6a">><<set $logical += 2>><</link>></li></ul>

<<set $grim_ciaran to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ $d_ctheir eyes catch on yours and $d_they do<<d_es>> a double take. <<if visited("1.5a")>>Oof, caught staring again.<</if>> "Something on my face, <<nickname>>?" $d_they ask<<d_s>>, a single dimple appearing as $d_their grin grows crooked. <<d_Are>> $d_they trying to fluster you?<<if $timid gt $bold>> Because it's working. You flush, looking away as you open<<else>> Oh dear, $d_they'<<d_re>> going to have to try harder than that. You smirk before opening<</if>> your mouth to say -- oh shit, what were you going to say? "Are ye done?" Ciaran's surly voice draws your attention away from Desi and you mumble a quiet //thank you// under your breath. The man may not know it, but he saved you from looking like an absolute spaz in front of your confusingly attractive friend. "As I was saying," he continues, eyes flicking between you and Desi warily. "Isabelle was once my master. She took me in when I was a wee lad - twenty-five years old or so - and allowed me to serve as her apprentice. I owe her everything." Considering he looks to be around your age, he’s probably somewhere in his late-twenties or early-thirties now. He must have bonded with Nana really quickly to miss her so much now, although you can understand that. Nana always had a way of charming people, with her big heart and quirky sense of humor, her endearing laugh and her excessively long hugs. "So, you knew her for the last few years then?" Desi snorts out another laugh and you frown in confusion. Even Ciaran seems amused by your rather innocuous question, a smile stretching across his face before he catches himself and scowls. "What?" you ask, completely baffled by their reactions. "You're like, thirty, right? Thirty-one maybe?" "We just celebrated Ciaran's 203rd birthday a couple months ago, actually," Desi says, reaching out to slap Ciaran on the back. "I mean, the coven celebrated, at least. Ciaran just kind of sulked in a corner. You'd think we were torturing him with our joy or something." You gape at the redhead. What else can you do? <<if $c_rel lte 5>>You may not like the guy much, but you have to admit that he<<else>>The guy<</if>> looks <<if $c_rom gte 5>>pretty damn good<<else>>great<</if>> for being two centuries old. He clears his throat awkwardly, crossing his arms as he says, "I knew your grandmother for over 150 years. She was -- she was my best friend." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<set $grim_ciaran to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ It's not like $d_them to get serious about //anything//. $d_cthey'<<d_re>> like a beacon of light in this drab, gray town and you love that about $d_them. "Are ye done?" a surly voice draws your attention away from Desi and <<if $c_rel gte 5>><<if $sarcastic gt $sincere>>you smirk, thoroughly pleased by your ability to get under Ciaran's skin.<<else>>you flash a chagrined smile. The guy may be an ass, but you do feel a little bad about laughing at his expense.<</if>><<else>>you scoff, crossing your arms as your focus returns to Ciaran.<</if>> "As I was saying," he continues, eyes flicking between you and Desi warily. "Isabelle was once my master. She took me in when I was a wee lad - twenty-five years old or so - and allowed me to serve as her apprentice. I owe her everything." Considering he looks to be around your age, he’s probably somewhere in his late-twenties or early-thirties now. He must have bonded with Nana really quickly to miss her so much now, although you can understand that. Nana always had a way of charming people, with her big heart and quirky sense of humor, her endearing laugh and her excessively long hugs. "So, you knew her for the last few years then?" Desi snorts out another laugh and you frown in confusion. Even Ciaran seems amused by your rather innocuous question, a smile stretching across his face before he catches himself and scowls. "What?" you ask, completely baffled by their reactions. "You're like, thirty, right? Thirty-one maybe?" "We just celebrated Ciaran's 203rd birthday a couple months ago, actually," Desi says, reaching out to slap Ciaran on the back. "I mean, the coven celebrated, at least. Ciaran just kind of sulked in a corner. You'd think we were torturing him with our joy or something." You gape at the redhead. What else can you do? <<if $c_rel lte 5>>You may not like the guy much, but you have to admit that he<<else>>The guy<</if>> looks <<if $c_rom gte 5>>pretty damn good<<else>>great<</if>> for being two centuries old. He clears his throat awkwardly, crossing his arms as he says, "I knew your grandmother for over 150 years. She was -- she was my best friend." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<set $grim_ciaran to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ You <<if $d_rel gte 55>>love<<else>>like<</if>> $d_them just the way $d_they <<d_are>>, yada yada, but sometimes $d_their //constant// joking gets on your nerves. If $d_they'<<d_re>> actually taking something seriously for once, maybe you won't have to get on $d_them about staying focused. "Are ye done?" a surly voice draws your attention away from Desi and <<if $c_rel gte 5>><<if $sarcastic gt $sincere>>you smirk, thoroughly pleased by your ability to get under Ciaran's skin.<<else>>you flash a chagrined smile. The guy may be an ass, but you do feel a little bad about laughing at his expense.<</if>><<else>>you scoff, crossing your arms as your focus returns to Ciaran.<</if>> "As I was saying," he continues, eyes flicking between you and Desi warily. "Isabelle was once my master. She took me in when I was a wee lad - twenty-five years old or so - and allowed me to serve as her apprentice. I owe her everything." Considering he looks to be around your age, he’s probably somewhere in his late-twenties or early-thirties now. He must have bonded with Nana really quickly to miss her so much now, although you can understand that. Nana always had a way of charming people, with her big heart and quirky sense of humor, her endearing laugh and her excessively long hugs. "So, you knew her for the last few years then?" Desi snorts out another laugh and you frown in confusion. Even Ciaran seems amused by your rather innocuous question, a smile stretching across his face before he catches himself and scowls. "What?" you ask, completely baffled by their reactions. "You're like, thirty, right? Thirty-one maybe?" "We just celebrated Ciaran's 203rd birthday a couple months ago, actually," Desi says, reaching out to slap Ciaran on the back. "I mean, the coven celebrated, at least. Ciaran just kind of sulked in a corner. You'd think we were torturing him with our joy or something." You gape at the redhead. What else can you do? <<if $c_rel lte 5>>You may not like the guy much, but you have to admit that he<<else>>The guy<</if>> looks <<if $c_rom gte 5>>pretty damn good<<else>>great<</if>> for being two centuries old. He clears his throat awkwardly, crossing his arms as he says, "I knew your grandmother for over 150 years. She was -- she was my best friend." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Relationships updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $rel_ciaran to true>>\ Ciaran sighs, straightening to his full, imposing height as he glares down at you. The air around him crackles with a twitching, chaotic buzz that crawls along your skin and leaves you feeling...//wrong//. "Oh, would you like a wee break?" His voice is biting, sharper than the drawling sarcasm he's spoken with up to this point. "I don't have time to coddle you, $firstname. Isabelle asked me to watch out for you, not to hold your hand. If you don’t like my attitude, you’re shite out of luck." He puts his clenched, tattooed fists on his hips, looking for all the world like a disappointed schoolteacher. For a moment, he just stands there and glares at you. But then he drags a hand down his face and the //wrongness// shifts around you, so jarring that it leaves you nauseous. Desi stands, half-turned away from you as $d_they place<<d_s>> $d_them<<self>> between you and Ciaran. $d_cthey raise<<d_s>> $d_their hands placatingly, eyes narrowed on Ciaran despite the affable smile on $d_their face. "Dude, come on. Put your magic away." Desi gestures back at you with a nod of $d_their head, $d_their eyebrows lifting as $d_they shoot<<d_s>> Ciaran a pleading look. "$cthey'<<ve>> been through some really traumatic shit today. $cthey deserve<<s>> an explanation." Even Ciaran, hardass that he seems to be, isn’t immune to those puppy-dog eyes. He considers Desi's words, tapping his foot impatiently until, finally, he waves a hand in a dismissive motion. The strange, chaotic buzz dissipates at once and you release a shaky breath. What the hell was that? You glance up at Desi, who drops $d_their hands and turns back to you with a tight-lipped smile. "Fine," Ciaran growls. "Let's go, then." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Relationships updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $rel_ciaran to true>>\ Ciaran tenses, rage darkening his face as he straightens to his full, imposing height and glares down at you. The air around him crackles with a twitching, angry buzz that prickles at your skin and raises the hair on your arms like static shock. "Oh, you think I'm //screwing// with you?" His voice is caustic, sharper than the drawling sarcasm he's spoken with up to this point. "I don't care if you don't believe me. Isabelle asked me to watch out for you, so here I am." You glance at the clenched, tattooed fists held tight at his sides. His already pale knuckles are bright white now, trembling with the force it's taking him to...what, hold back from hitting you? Hitting a wall? Desi stands, half-turned away from you as $d_they place<<d_s>> $d_them<<self>> between you and Ciaran. $d_cthey raise<<d_s>> $d_their hands placatingly, eyes narrowed on Ciaran despite the affable smile on $d_their face. "Dude, come on. Put your magic away." Desi gestures back at you with a nod of $d_their head, $d_their eyebrows lifting as $d_they shoot<<d_s>> Ciaran a pleading look. "We're not going to get very far if $they <<do>>n't even believe us, are we?" Even Ciaran, hardass that he seems to be, isn’t immune to those puppy-dog eyes. He considers Desi's words, tapping his foot impatiently until, finally, he unclenches his fists with a sigh. The angry buzz dissipates at once and you release a shaky breath. What the hell was that? You glance up at Desi, who drops $d_their hands and turns back to you with a tight-lipped smile. "Fine," Ciaran growls. "Let's go, then." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Relationships updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $rel_ciaran to true>>\ Ciaran tenses, rage darkening his face as he straightens to his full, imposing height and glares down at you. The air around him crackles with a twitching, angry buzz that prickles at your skin and raises the hair on your arms like static shock. "I don't have time to coddle you, $firstname," His voice is caustic, sharper than the drawling sarcasm he's spoken with up to this point. "Whether you believe me or not, Isabelle asked me to watch out for you, so here I am. If you don’t like my attitude, you’re shite out of luck." You glance at the clenched, tattooed fists held tight at his sides. His already pale knuckles are bright white now, trembling with the force it's taking him to...what, hold back from hitting you? Hitting a wall? Desi stands, half-turned away from you as $d_they place<<d_s>> $d_them<<self>> between you and Ciaran. $d_cthey raise<<d_s>> $d_their hands placatingly, eyes narrowed on Ciaran despite the affable smile on $d_their face. "Dude, come on. Put your magic away." Desi gestures back at you with a nod of $d_their head, $d_their eyebrows lifting as $d_they shoot<<d_s>> Ciaran a pleading look. "We're not going to get very far if $they <<do>>n't even believe us, are we?" Even Ciaran, hardass that he seems to be, isn’t immune to those puppy-dog eyes. He considers Desi's words, tapping his foot impatiently until, finally, he unclenches his fists with a sigh. The angry buzz dissipates at once and you release a shaky breath. What the hell was that? You glance up at Desi, who drops $d_their hands and turns back to you with a tight-lipped smile. "Fine," Ciaran growls. "Let's go, then." [[Continue|2.11]]

Fuck it. Desi may be your best (and only) friend, <<if visited("1.5a") and $bold gt $timid>>but it isn't like you can just pretend away the crush you have on $d_them, can you? Maybe, //just maybe//, there's a spark here worth chasing<<else>>but lately it feels like...maybe, //just maybe//, there's a spark here. You'll be damned if you aren't going to chase it<</if>>. You weave your fingers through $d_theirs, heart thundering in your chest as $d_they shiver<<d_s>> beneath your touch. A slow smile spreads across $d_their face and $d_they look<<d_s>> back up at you, something tender, hopeful even, dancing in $d_their eyes. You're so caught up in the moment that you almost forget how terrible you're feeling, but then $d_they brush<<d_es>> against the stab wound from the fire poker and you yelp. “Shit, I’m sorry!” $d_cthey jump<<d_s>>, jerking $d_their hands away like $d_they'<<d_ve>> been scolded. The sad puppy look is so endearingly heartbreaking that you can’t help smiling through the sting of pain. “Des, it’s okay," you murmur. "Just tell me what happened.” $d_cthey frown<<d_s>> as $d_they scan<<d_s>> your face, probably looking for any more signs of discomfort before $d_they continue<<d_s>>. "Well..." The word stretches into silence as $d_they fidget<<d_s>> in $d_their seat, fear and apprehension warring behind $d_their glassy stare. "Ah, for fuck's sake, we haven't got all day." You startle at the unfamiliar voice, panic gripping your chest as you whip your head around to search for its source. It isn’t until Desi leans back, craning $d_their neck toward the dark corner behind $d_them, that you spot the stranger. His orange hair falls over his forehead in wispy waves, lips turned downward as he gingerly strokes a...raven? <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck5">><<option "Maybe it's a crow. It's too dark in the room to know for sure, and who can tell a raven from a crow at first glance, anyway?">><<option "Yep, definitely a raven. It may be too dark for the average person to tell, but you're actually something of a corvid aficionado." "tadhg">><<option "No, it isn't quite a raven. It looks like one, sure, but there's something //off// about it that you can't quite put your finger on." "dem">><</cycle>></span> At any rate, you have officially reached your threshold for weird shit today. The man makes no move to acknowledge the pairs of eyes watching him in varying states of confusion, instead focusing on the bird in his lap as he says, "What happened, $firstname, is that you’ve awakened your powers." His voice is quieter than you'd expect from looking at him; low and gruff and distinctly Irish. [[And familiar.|2.3]]

"What happened back there<<if $d_rel gte 55>>, Des<</if>>? What was that...//thing//?" Desi looks away, chewing at $d_their bottom lip like $d_they might bite the damn thing off. Then $d_they sigh<<d_s>> and drag<<d_s>> a hand down $d_their face. The gesture would be normal if anyone else had done it, but seeing your<<if $d_rel gte 55>> best<</if>> friend at a loss for words like this is so bizarre that you almost forget how terrible you’re feeling. Almost, but not quite. "<<if $d_rel gte 55>>Des<<else>>Desi<</if>>?" you prompt, recoiling at $d_their nervous jump. "Well..." The word stretches into silence as $d_they fidget<<d_s>> in $d_their seat, fear and apprehension warring behind $d_their glassy stare. "Ah, for fuck's sake, we haven't got all day." You startle at the unfamiliar voice, panic gripping your chest as you whip your head around to search for its source. It isn’t until Desi leans back, craning $d_their neck toward the dark corner behind $d_them, that you spot the stranger. His orange hair falls over his forehead in wispy waves, lips turned downward as he gingerly strokes a...raven? <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck5">><<option "Maybe it's a crow. It's too dark in the room to know for sure, and who can tell a raven from a crow at first glance, anyway?">><<option "Yep, definitely a raven. It may be too dark for the average person to tell, but you're actually something of a corvid aficionado." "tadhg">><<option "No, it isn't quite a raven. It looks like one, sure, but there's something //off// about it that you can't quite put your finger on." "dem">><</cycle>></span> At any rate, you have officially reached your threshold for weird shit today. The man makes no move to acknowledge the pairs of eyes watching him in varying states of confusion, instead focusing on the bird in his lap as he says, "What happened, $firstname, is that you’ve awakened your powers." His voice is quieter than you'd expect from looking at him; low and gruff and distinctly Irish. [[And familiar.|2.3]]

You pull your hands away and drop them back into your lap. Desi's eyebrows shoot up in question as you level $d_them with a serious look. "Des, I'm so grateful you're here for me," you say, picking over your words as $d_they nod<<d_s>> encouragingly. "But I'm not looking for anything other than friendship from you." $d_cthey smile<<d_s>> despite the flash of hurt in $d_their eyes. "Hey, that's alright," $d_they say<<d_s>>, voice trembling so slightly that you might have missed it if <<if $d_rel gte 55>>you didn't know $d_them so damn well<<else>>you hadn't spent nearly every day with $d_them these past few months<</if>>. "I'm sorry. You know you're my best friend, right? I don't want to hurt you." $d_cthey chuckle<<d_s>>, waving a hand good-naturedly. "Seriously, don't worry about it, <<nickname>>. I'm gonna be okay, I promise." $d_cthey'<<d_re>> the most resilient person you know, so you have no doubt $d_they'll bounce back sooner than later. Well, that's one bummer down, but you still have no idea what's going on here. "So what happened this morning?" $d_ctheir smile fades as $d_they fidget<<d_s>> in $d_their seat, fear and apprehension warring behind $d_their glassy stare. "Well..." $d_they start<<d_s>>, but the word stretches into silence. You're about to prompt $d_them again, reaching out to grab $d_their arm before thinking better of it considering your awkward encounter only minutes ago. "Ah, for fuck's sake, we haven't got all day." You startle at the unfamiliar voice, panic gripping your chest as you whip your head around to search for its source. It isn’t until Desi leans back, craning $d_their neck toward the dark corner behind $d_them, that you spot the stranger. His orange hair falls over his forehead in wispy waves, lips turned downward as he gingerly strokes a...raven? <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck5">><<option "Maybe it's a crow. It's too dark in the room to know for sure, and who can tell a raven from a crow at first glance, anyway?">><<option "Yep, definitely a raven. It may be too dark for the average person to tell, but you're actually something of a corvid aficionado." "tadhg">><<option "No, it isn't quite a raven. It looks like one, sure, but there's something //off// about it that you can't quite put your finger on." "dem">><</cycle>></span> At any rate, you have officially reached your threshold for weird shit today. The man makes no move to acknowledge the pairs of eyes watching him in varying states of confusion, instead focusing on the bird in his lap as he says, "What happened, $firstname, is that you’ve awakened your powers." His voice is quieter than you'd expect from looking at him; low and gruff and distinctly Irish. [[And familiar.|2.3]]

Seriously though, what the hell's been going on with you lately? Sure, Desi's cute and yeah, $d_they always know<<d_s>> how to make you feel better, but do you really want to jeopardize your friendship for the possibility of...well, who knows //what// could happen between you two. Right now isn't the time to figure it out, though. You gently pull your hands out of $d_their grasp and swallow the lump that forms in your throat as Desi's face falls. $d_cthey push<<d_es>> $d_their curls back from $d_their forehead and shoot<<d_s>> you an unsteady smile. "Sorry, I don't know what got into me," $d_they say<<d_s>>. $d_ctheir voice trembles so slightly that you might have missed it if <<if $d_rel gte 55>>you didn't know $d_them so damn well<<else>>you hadn't spent nearly every day with $d_them these past few months<</if>>; but as much as you'd love to reassure $d_them, there are more pressing matters at hand. "Des, it’s okay. Just tell me what happened." $d_cthey frown<<d_s>> as $d_they scan<<d_s>> your face, probably looking for any more signs of discomfort before $d_they continue<<d_s>>. "Well..." The word stretches into silence as $d_they fidget<<d_s>> in $d_their seat, fear and apprehension warring behind $d_their glassy stare. "Ah, for fuck's sake, we haven't got all day." You startle at the unfamiliar voice, panic gripping your chest as you whip your head around to search for its source. It isn’t until Desi leans back, craning $d_their neck toward the dark corner behind $d_them, that you spot the stranger. His orange hair falls over his forehead in wispy waves, lips turned downward as he gingerly strokes a...raven? <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck5">><<option "Maybe it's a crow. It's too dark in the room to know for sure, and who can tell a raven from a crow at first glance, anyway?">><<option "Yep, definitely a raven. It may be too dark for the average person to tell, but you're actually something of a corvid aficionado." "tadhg">><<option "No, it isn't quite a raven. It looks like one, sure, but there's something //off// about it that you can't quite put your finger on." "dem">><</cycle>></span> At any rate, you have officially reached your threshold for weird shit today. The man makes no move to acknowledge the pairs of eyes watching him in varying states of confusion, instead focusing on the bird in his lap as he says, "What happened, $firstname, is that you’ve awakened your powers." His voice is quieter than you'd expect from looking at him; low and gruff and distinctly Irish. [[And familiar.|2.3]]

Seriously though, what the hell's been going on with you lately? Sure, Desi's cute and yeah, $d_they always know<<d_s>> how to cheer you up, but do you really want to jeopardize your friendship for the possibility of...well, who knows //what// could happen between you two. Right now isn't the time to figure it out, though. You look down at your lap, hoping beyond hope that Desi doesn't notice the flush rushing up your neck or the nervous twitch of your lips. "Des," you whisper, straining to speak over your heartbeat thundering in your ears. "What happened to me?" "Well..." $d_they start<<d_s>>, but the word stretches into silence. Out of the corner of your eye, you watch as $d_they fidget<<d_s>> in $d_their seat, tugging at $d_their curls self-consciously. "Ah, for fuck's sake, we haven't got all day." You startle at the unfamiliar voice, panic gripping your chest as you whip your head around to search for its source. It isn’t until Desi leans back, craning $d_their neck toward the dark corner behind $d_them, that you spot the stranger. His orange hair falls over his forehead in wispy waves, lips turned downward as he gingerly strokes a...raven? <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck5">><<option "Maybe it's a crow. It's too dark in the room to know for sure, and who can tell a raven from a crow at first glance, anyway?">><<option "Yep, definitely a raven. It may be too dark for the average person to tell, but you're actually something of a corvid aficionado." "tadhg">><<option "No, it isn't quite a raven. It looks like one, sure, but there's something //off// about it that you can't quite put your finger on." "dem">><</cycle>></span> At any rate, you have officially reached your threshold for weird shit today. The man makes no move to acknowledge the pairs of eyes watching him in varying states of confusion, instead focusing on the bird in his lap as he says, "What happened, $firstname, is that you’ve awakened your powers." His voice is quieter than you'd expect from looking at him; low and gruff and distinctly Irish. [[And familiar.|2.3]]

Fuck it. Desi may be your best (and only) friend, <<if visited("1.5a") and $bold gt $timid>>but it isn't like you can just pretend away the crush you have on $d_them, can you? Maybe, //just maybe//, there's a spark here worth chasing<<else>>but lately it feels like...maybe, //just maybe//, there's a spark here. You'll be damned if you aren't going to chase it<</if>>. Your eyes gravitate to $d_their lips and you watch, mesmerized, as $d_they wet<<d_s>> them with a quick flick of $d_their tongue. Something in $d_their expression shifts, $d_their easy smile falling away as $d_they open<<d_s>> $d_their mouth to speak, sputter<<d_s>>, and close<<d_s>> it again with a shake of $d_their head. "Des," you whisper, straining to speak as your heartbeat thunders in your ears. "What happened to me?" $d_cthey <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>lightly run<<d_s>> a hand over the soft stubble coating your scalp<<else>>delicately push<<d_es>> a wayward <<if $hairstyle is "in locs">>loc<<elseif $hairstyle is "in braids">>braid<<elseif $hairtexture is "straight">>strand of hair<<elseif $hairtexture is "wavy">>strand of hair<<elseif $hairtexture is "relaxed">>strand of hair<<else>>curl<</if>> <<if $hairlength is "short">>off your forehead<<else>>behind your ear<</if>><</if>>, lingering for a moment before letting out a reluctant sigh. "Well..." The word stretches into silence as $d_they slump<<d_s>> back in $d_their seat, fear and apprehension warring behind $d_their glassy stare. "Ah, for fuck's sake, we haven't got all day." You startle at the unfamiliar voice, panic gripping your chest as you whip your head around to search for its source. It isn’t until Desi cranes $d_their neck toward the dark corner behind $d_them that you spot the stranger. His orange hair falls over his forehead in wispy waves, lips turned downward as he gingerly strokes a...raven? <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck5">><<option "Maybe it's a crow. It's too dark in the room to know for sure, and who can tell a raven from a crow at first glance, anyway?">><<option "Yep, definitely a raven. It may be too dark for the average person to tell, but you're actually something of a corvid aficionado." "tadhg">><<option "No, it isn't quite a raven. It looks like one, sure, but there's something //off// about it that you can't quite put your finger on." "dem">><</cycle>></span> At any rate, you have officially reached your threshold for weird shit today. The man makes no move to acknowledge the pairs of eyes watching him in varying states of confusion, instead focusing on the bird in his lap as he says, "What happened, $firstname, is that you’ve awakened your powers." His voice is quieter than you'd expect from looking at him; low and gruff and distinctly Irish. [[And familiar.|2.3]]

Desi's eyebrows shoot up in question as you level $d_them with a serious look. "Des, I'm so grateful you're here for me," you say, picking over your words as $d_they nod<<d_s>> encouragingly. "But I'm not looking for anything other than friendship from you." $d_ctheir smile grows wider despite the flash of hurt in $d_their eyes. "Hey, that's alright," $d_they say<<d_s>>, voice trembling so slightly that you might have missed it if <<if $d_rel gte 55>>you didn't know $d_them so damn well<<else>>you hadn't spent nearly every day with $d_them these past few months<</if>>. "I'm sorry. You know you're my best friend, right? I don't want to hurt you." $d_cthey chuckle<<d_s>>, waving a hand good-naturedly. "Seriously, don't worry about it, <<nickname>>. I'm gonna be okay, I promise." $d_cthey'<<d_re>> the most resilient person you know, so you have no doubt $d_they'll bounce back sooner than later. Well, that's one bummer down, but you still have no idea what's going on here. "So what happened this morning?" $d_ctheir smile fades as $d_they fidget<<d_s>> in $d_their seat, fear and apprehension warring behind $d_their glassy stare. "Well..." $d_they start<<d_s>>, but the word stretches into silence. You're about to prompt $d_them again, reaching out to grab $d_their arm before thinking better of it considering your awkward encounter only minutes ago. "Ah, for fuck's sake, we haven't got all day." You startle at the unfamiliar voice, panic gripping your chest as you whip your head around to search for its source. It isn’t until Desi leans back, craning $d_their neck toward the dark corner behind $d_them, that you spot the stranger. His orange hair falls over his forehead in wispy waves, lips turned downward as he gingerly strokes a...raven? <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck5">><<option "Maybe it's a crow. It's too dark in the room to know for sure, and who can tell a raven from a crow at first glance, anyway?">><<option "Yep, definitely a raven. It may be too dark for the average person to tell, but you're actually something of a corvid aficionado." "tadhg">><<option "No, it isn't quite a raven. It looks like one, sure, but there's something //off// about it that you can't quite put your finger on." "dem">><</cycle>></span> At any rate, you have officially reached your threshold for weird shit today. The man makes no move to acknowledge the pairs of eyes watching him in varying states of confusion, instead focusing on the bird in his lap as he says, "What happened, $firstname, is that you’ve awakened your powers." His voice is quieter than you'd expect from looking at him; low and gruff and distinctly Irish. [[And familiar.|2.3]]

"So...do I look as good as I feel?" You attempt a cheeky grin as you force the words through clenched teeth, but the best you can muster is another grimace. Desi laughs gently, dimples alighting on $d_their face like twin suns as $d_they smile<<d_s>> down at you. <<if $d_rel gte 55>>"I'm not gonna lie, you've looked better," $d_they say<<d_s>> with a smirk. You bark out a surprised laugh, and despite the sting of pain in your throat, laughing feels good. //Really// good. Almost good enough to make you forget the pain you're in.<<else>>"You look great for someone who just survived a demon attack," $d_they say<<d_s>>, laughter fading as concern darkens $d_their eyes. An inexplicable giggle bubbles out of you, the absurdity of the situation almost enough to make you forget the pain you're in.<</if>> Almost, but not quite. "<<if $d_rel gte 55>>Des<<else>>Desi<</if>>," you whisper, straining to speak as your giddiness dies away. "What happened to me?" "Well..." The word stretches into silence as $d_they purse<<d_s>> $d_their lips, fear and apprehension warring behind $d_their glassy stare. "Ah, for fuck's sake, we haven't got all day." You startle at the unfamiliar voice, panic gripping your chest as you whip your head around to search for its source. It isn’t until Desi leans back, craning $d_their neck toward the dark corner behind $d_them, that you spot the stranger. His orange hair falls over his forehead in wispy waves, lips turned downward as he gingerly strokes a...raven? <span class="cycling"><<cycle "$statcheck5">><<option "Maybe it's a crow. It's too dark in the room to know for sure, and who can tell a raven from a crow at first glance, anyway?">><<option "Yep, definitely a raven. It may be too dark for the average person to tell, but you're actually something of a corvid aficionado." "tadhg">><<option "No, it isn't quite a raven. It looks like one, sure, but there's something //off// about it that you can't quite put your finger on." "dem">><</cycle>></span> At any rate, you have officially reached your threshold for weird shit today. The man makes no move to acknowledge the pairs of eyes watching him in varying states of confusion, instead focusing on the bird in his lap as he says, "What happened, $firstname, is that you’ve awakened your powers." His voice is quieter than you'd expect from looking at him; low and gruff and distinctly Irish. [[And familiar.|2.3]]

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Stats updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $show_stats2 to true>>\ Ciaran pauses, lips parting slightly as he studies your <<if $c_rom gte 5>>rapidly heating <</if>>face. You can't be sure what he's searching for, but he nods after a few seconds, seemingly satisfied. "Your powers started to manifest. This was the surest way to keep you safe." You fixate on your wrist once more, following the trail his thumb takes along those graceful, twisting lines. "So how does it keep me safe?" Desi leans forward then, leg still bouncing anxiously despite the excitement in $d_their voice. "It's really cool, actually," $d_they say<<d_s>> as $d_they reach<<d_es>> for the thin, golden chain plunging into the depths of $d_their flannel. $d_cthey tug<<d_s>> the length of it up past $d_their collar and brandish<<d_es>> the charm - a delicate, golden replica of the mark on your wrist. "The sigil lets us call on Sam whenever we need $s_them. $s_cthey'<<s_re>> kind of like our coven's guardian demon.” "Sam," you repeat the name with a... <ul class="a"><li><<link "...scowl. Sam claimed $s_they <<s_were>> trying to help this morning, but $s_they didn't do a great job considering you almost died and all." "2.8">><<set $s_rel to $s_rel.fm(1)>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(5)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...smile. If it wasn't for Sam's advice this morning, you're not sure what would have happened to you." "2.8">><<set $s_rel to $s_rel.fm(2)>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(5)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li></ul>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Stats updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $show_stats2 to true>>\ Ciaran's gruff demeanor falls away, brow softening as he studies your<<if $c_rom gte 5>> rapidly heating<</if>> face. "Your powers started to manifest. This was the surest way to keep you safe." You fixate on your wrist once more, following the trail his thumb takes along those graceful, twisting lines. "But...how is this thing supposed to keep me safe?" Desi leans forward then, leg still bouncing anxiously despite the excitement in $d_their voice. "It's really cool, actually," $d_they say<<d_s>> as $d_they reach<<d_es>> for the thin, golden chain plunging into the depths of $d_their flannel. $d_cthey tug<<d_s>> the length of it up past $d_their collar and brandish<<d_es>> the charm - a delicate, golden replica of the mark on your wrist. "The sigil lets us call on Sam whenever we need $s_them. $s_cthey'<<s_re>> kind of like our coven's guardian demon.” "Sam," you repeat the name with a... <ul class="a"><li><<link "...scowl. Sam claimed $s_they <<s_were>> trying to help this morning, but $s_they didn't do a great job considering you almost died and all." "2.8">><<set $s_rel to $s_rel.fm(1)>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(5)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...smile. If it wasn't for Sam's advice this morning, you're not sure what would have happened to you." "2.8">><<set $s_rel to $s_rel.fm(2)>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(5)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li></ul>

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Stats updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $show_stats2 to true>>\ Ciaran's face turns stony as he drops your wrist. "I didn't ask you to trust me." His voice is ominously quiet, so much so that a chill runs up your spine as he says, "Believe whatever ye want." Well, //that// doesn't help you much, does it? You shift your weight on the couch and attempt to stand once more, but another spike of pain pierces your chest and you fall back with a groan. Desi leans forward then, a nervous tremble in $d_their smile. "I know it sounds crazy, <<nickname>>. But I swear, it's all true." $d_cthey reach<<d_es>> for the thin, golden chain plunging into the depths of $d_their flannel and tug<<d_s>> the length of it up past $d_their collar. At the end of the necklace is a charm - a delicate, golden replica of the mark on your wrist. "I have a sigil too, see? I mean, a skin marking like yours is more common, but it works the same no matter what. It lets us call on Sam for protection whenever we need $d_them.” You jump at the mention of the name you'd heard tossed around by your attacker this morning. "Sam," you repeat with a... <ul class="a"><li><<link "...snicker. //Sam// is just a voice in your head, and this is all just a delusion." "2.8">><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...scowl. Sam claimed $s_they <<s_were>> trying to help this morning, but $s_they didn't do a great job considering you almost died and all." "2.8">><<set $s_rel to $s_rel.fm(1)>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(5)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li> <li><<link "...smile. If it wasn't for Sam's advice this morning, you're not sure what would have happened to you." "2.8">><<set $s_rel to $s_rel.fm(2)>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(5)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><</link>></li></ul>

<<if $cautious gt $relaxed>>"Are you okay?" Worry creeps into your whispered words as you search Desi for injuries, your eyes raking over $d_their face, $d_their shoulders, $d_their torso. How could you ever forgive yourself if your <<if $d_rel gte 55>>best <</if>>friend got hurt because of you?<<else>>"You were there too?" Worry subdues your fascination as you search Desi for injuries, eyes raking over $d_their face, $d_their shoulders, $d_their torso. It'd be just like $d_them to get hurt while trying to play hero, after all.<</if>> "Hey, I’m fine," $d_they say<<d_s>>, smiling sheepishly as $d_they rub<<d_s>> the back of $d_their neck. "Not a scratch on me, promise." $d_ctheir smile fades as you frown at $d_them. "I’m guessing you want some answers," $d_they prod<<d_s>>, $d_their voice soft and sympathetic. But then a hand comes down on $d_their shoulder and $d_they wince<<d_s>>. "No." Ciaran glowers at Desi as he taps a heavy, black boot on the tiled floor. "We've wasted enough time here already." Okay, rude. <<liveblock>><ul class="a"><li><<link '"Alright, I get your whole "bad boy" thing and," you smirk before continuing, "it\'s kind of doing it for me. But I\'m going to need a second here to catch up, okay?" $flirt_label' "2.10a">><<set $bold += 1>><<set $c_rom += 5>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(5)>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'You kind of like the broody thing he has going on, but you can\'t exactly tell him that, can you? "Sorry, can I just...have a second here, please?" $flirt_label' "2.10b">><<set $timid += 1>><<set $c_rom += 5>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(3)>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"What the hell is your problem?" you ask, voice rising in frustration. "You can\'t tell me I\'m a freaking //sorcerer// and not expect me to have questions."' "2.10c">><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $emotional += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(-1)>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'You roll your eyes. "Look, I\'m trying to understand all of this, but it\'s really hard with you stomping around all dramatic and shit."' "2.10d">><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $logical += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(1)>><</link>></li> <li><<link 'You shake your head and sigh. "I\'d really love for you to stop screwing with me here."' "2.10e">><<set $sincere += 1>><<set $logical += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(-1)>><</link>></li> <li><<link '"Alright, let\'s recap." You can\'t be bothered to keep the snark out of your voice. "I was almost murdered today, then you tried to feed me all this crazy bullshit about demons and sorcerers, and now I\'m not even allowed to ask questions?"' "2.10f">><<set $sarcastic += 1>><<set $emotional += 1>><<set $accepting to $accepting.fm(-10)>><<set $skeptical to 100 - $accepting>><<set $c_rel to $c_rel.fm(1)>><</link>></li></ul><</liveblock>>\

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Relationships updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $rel_ciaran to true>>\ Ciaran crosses his arms and stares down at you through narrowed eyes. The air around him crackles with a confused, chaotic buzz that crawls along your skin, but it fizzles out the moment he drops his wary gaze and shrugs. "I don't have time to coddle you, <<if $c_rom gte 5>>a stóirín<<else>>$firstname<</if>>." His voice is hesitant, softer than the drawling sarcasm he's spoken with up to this point. "Isabelle asked me to watch out for you, so that's what I'm doing." He taps a tattooed finger on his elbow, jaw twitching as he continues to stare at the ground. Then he shakes his head, sighing as he moves to turn away. Beside you, Desi scoffs and reaches out to grab Ciaran's jacket, tugging him back with practiced ease. The redhead whirls on $d_them with a snarl, but as he sucks in a breath to retort, Desi lifts $d_their hands placatingly. "Dude, come on." $d_ctheir eyebrows lift as $d_they shoot<<d_s>> Ciaran a pleading look. "$cthey'<<ve>> been through some really traumatic shit today. $cthey deserve<<s>> an explanation." Even Ciaran, hardass that he seems to be, isn’t immune to those puppy-dog eyes. He considers Desi's words, tapping his foot impatiently until, finally, he lifts his eyes to yours again. "Fine," he says with a frown. "Let's go, then." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Relationships updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>><<set $rel_ciaran to true>>\ Ciaran scoffs and crosses his arms, staring down at you through narrowed eyes. The air around him crackles with a confused, chaotic buzz that crawls along your skin, but it fizzles out the moment he drops his wary gaze. "You'd like a wee break, would ye?" His voice is biting, sharper than the drawling sarcasm he's spoken with up to this point. "I don't have time to coddle you, <<if $c_rom gte 5>>a stóirín<<else>>$firstname<</if>>. Isabelle asked me to watch out for you, so that's what I'm doing." There's an almost imperceptible tinge of red on his cheeks that deepens as he taps a tattooed finger on his elbow. Then he shakes his head, his jaw clenching as he moves to turn away. Beside you, Desi sighs and reaches out to grab Ciaran's jacket, tugging him back with practiced ease. The redhead whirls on $d_them with a snarl, but as he sucks in a breath to retort, Desi lifts $d_their hands placatingly. "Dude, come on." $d_ctheir eyebrows lift as $d_they shoot<<d_s>> Ciaran a pleading look. "$cthey'<<ve>> been through some really traumatic shit today. $cthey deserve<<s>> an explanation." Even Ciaran, hardass that he seems to be, isn’t immune to those puppy-dog eyes. He considers Desi's words, tapping his foot impatiently until, finally, he lifts his eyes to yours again. "Fine," he says with a frown. "Let's go, then." [[Continue|2.11]]

<<set $grim_demons to true>><<set $grim_sam to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>$s_cthey may be a figment of your imagination, but $s_they <<s_were>> actually starting to grow on you. Oh well, probably for the best that you can't hear $s_them anymore.<<else>>$s_cthey may not have been nicest person (er, //demon//), but if the situation hadn't been so tense, you could imagine having some pretty interesting conversations with $s_them. Hopefully you'll have a chance to get to know $s_them better later, at least.<</if>> Snippets of your encounter with <<if visited("2.11a")>>Morillo<<else>>your attacker<</if>> this morning pop into your head: the way he froze when he saw <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>the mark on Nana's book<<else>>the sigil on Nana's grimoire<</if>>, the maniacal lilt of his voice when he spoke Sam's name. You vaguely recall hearing the phrase "traitorous half-demon" as you were being tossed about the room. “Okay, so who <<s_are>> $s_they, though? <<if visited("2.11a")>>Morillo<<else>>That demon guy<</if>> seemed to really hate $s_them." "Aye, Sam's been hated by $s_their kind ever since $s_they abandoned $s_their da' a couple thousand years ago. $s_cthey'<<s_re>> the eldest of Samyaza's wains, so when $s_they took up with Isabelle, the demons were raging." You can only imagine your expression as Ciaran explains this. <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>Probably something like regret; regret for every decision you've made to get to this point. Do you really look like the kind of person who'd believe someone could be thousands of years old?<<else>>Probably a mix of incredulity and awe. Did he say Sam is a couple //thousand// years old?<</if>> Ciaran rolls his eyes at your <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>annoyed glower<<else>>eager grin<</if>>. "I don’t know how your grandmother convinced $s_them to forge a pact with a child," he shoots you a pointed look, "but $s_they'<<s_ve>> sworn to keep you safe." It takes you a moment to process this information. <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>It all sounds so far-fetched and contrived, like something out of a crappy YA novel.<<else>>It all sounds so far-fetched, like the start of some bizarre, supernatural adventure story.<</if>> "But," <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>you fold your arms as you burrow back into the pillows<<else>>you start, voice rising with excitement as you lean forward<</if>>, "why would a demon care if I'm safe or not?" Ciaran turns away, but not quickly enough to hide the irritation flashing across his face. "Same reason I do. Isabelle asked us to." Ouch. Well, at least Nana still has your back, even in death. [[Continue|2.11]]

<<set $grim_demons to true>><<set $grim_sam to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>$s_cthey may be a figment of your imagination, but $s_they <<s_were>> really pissing you off this morning. Is it entirely necessary for demons to just...pop into your head and start harassing you? No thanks.<<else>>Sure, $s_they said $s_they <<s_were>> trying to help you earlier but really, $s_they <<s_were>> just distracting you with $s_their snarky abrasiveness. No thanks. Hopefully $s_they'll stay out of your head for a while longer.<</if>> Snippets of your encounter with <<if visited("2.11a")>>Morillo<<else>>your attacker<</if>> this morning pop into your head: the way he froze when he saw <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>the mark on Nana's book<<else>>the sigil on Nana's grimoire<</if>>, the maniacal lilt of his voice when he spoke Sam's name. You vaguely recall hearing the phrase "traitorous half-demon" as you were being tossed about the room. “Okay, so who <<s_are>> $s_they, though? <<if visited("2.11a")>>Morillo<<else>>That demon guy<</if>> seemed to really hate $s_them." "Aye, Sam's been hated by $s_their kind ever since $s_they abandoned $s_their da' a couple thousand years ago. $s_cthey'<<s_re>> the eldest of Samyaza's wains, so when $s_they took up with Isabelle, the demons were raging." You can only imagine your expression as Ciaran explains this. <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>Probably something like regret; regret for every decision you've made to get to this point. Do you really look like the kind of person who'd believe someone could be thousands of years old?<<else>>Probably a mix of incredulity and awe. Did he say Sam is a couple //thousand// years old?<</if>> Ciaran rolls his eyes at your <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>annoyed glower<<else>>eager grin<</if>>. "I don’t know how your grandmother convinced $s_them to forge a pact with a child," he shoots you a pointed look, "but $s_they'<<s_ve>> sworn to keep you safe." It takes you a moment to process this information. <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>It all sounds so far-fetched and contrived, like something out of a crappy YA novel.<<else>>It all sounds so far-fetched, like the start of some bizarre, supernatural adventure story.<</if>> "But," <<if $skeptical gt $accepting>>you fold your arms as you burrow back into the pillows<<else>>you start, voice rising with excitement as you lean forward<</if>>, "why would a demon care if I'm safe or not?" Ciaran turns away, but not quickly enough to hide the irritation flashing across his face. "Same reason I do. Isabelle asked us to." Ouch. Well, at least Nana still has your back, even in death. [[Continue|2.11]]

<<set $grim_demons to true>><<set $grim_sam to true>><<if visited() is 1>><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Grimoire updated!<</notify>><</if>><</if>>\ The fact that two grown <<if $d_gender is "male">>men<<else>>people<</if>> think they can convince you that demons and sorcerers are real is truly bizarre. Whatever, if they're going to keep playing this game, you may as well play along a little too. “Okay, so who <<s_are>> $s_they, though? That...//demon// guy seemed to really hate $s_them." "Aye, Sam's been hated by $s_their kind ever since $s_they abandoned $s_their da' a couple thousand years ago. $s_cthey'<<s_re>> the eldest of Samyaza's wains, so when $s_they took up with Isabelle, the demons were raging." You can only imagine your expression as Ciaran explains this. You're practically boiling over with annoyance, but you attempt to school your incredulous frown into something less obvious as you nod along. Ciaran rolls his eyes. Based on his scowl, he clearly sees through your act, but he continues all the same. "I don’t know how your grandmother convinced $s_them to forge a pact with a child," he shoots you a pointed look, "but $s_they'<<s_ve>> sworn to keep you safe." It takes you a moment to process this information. It all sounds so far-fetched and contrived, like something out of a crappy YA novel. "But," you fold your arms as you burrow back into the pillows, "why would a demon care if I'm safe or not?" Ciaran turns away, but not quickly enough to hide the irritation flashing across his face. "Same reason I do. Isabelle asked us to." Ouch. Well, at least Nana still has your back, even in death. [[Continue|2.11]]