dearly beloved.

I hate introductions. A name is fine, and it's necessary. Easy, even. I always hope it stops there, but that's rarely the case. Everyone always wants to know a "fun fact" about you. What am I supposed to ''say''? (transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 7s)[... That I see //d e a d people//?] (transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 11s)[Would you even believe me?] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|intro]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/1vCL0sL/MARISOL1.png" width="250px"> My name is (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))[Marisol Lazo]. I am twenty years old, and live in San Francisco with my mom, grandmother, and [[sister.|mari]] Everyone in my family knows about my powers. My grandmother calls it a //gift//. It used to run in our family many years ago, but started skipping generations until the ability seemed to disappear completely. I am the first 'speaker' in nearly 60 years. (transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 8s)[I wish I could say this made me feel [[special.|powers]]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/sJQNqYh/MARIPOSA1.png" width="250px"> Her name is (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))[Mariposa]. We're twins, but not very similar. For one, she gets to have the nickname 'Mari', and I don't. She knows everyone, is loved by everyone, too. Out of the two of us, I'm the only one who ended up like [[this.|intro]]

<img src="https://i.gifer.com/origin/c7/c7d85d3af0e5d9cf8f63b41e43d11831.gif" width="280px"> When I was four years old, I spoke to a ghost in my room. He was an older man, gray and sad. He used to have two granddaughters that he consantly doted over. I think that's why he watched over Mari and I. He wasn't scary, but protective. When I thanked him one day, he smiled for what seemed like the first time in a very long while. Then ... he (transition: "blur")+(transition-delay: 10s)[vanished.] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|life]]

Word went around, and a majority of my classmates, neighbors, and the townspeople found out about my ability to communicate with the dead very early on. Some people try hard to be polite, but you can tell that they're uncomfortable with death, and with me in return. Most people just avoid me. They worry I'll tell them their dead pet is following them, or a distant relative, or weird them out in some other intrusive way. The world of the dead is a completely different [[story.|dead]]

The world of the dead treats me like a celebrity. Or a ... (transition: "zoom")+(transition-delay: 3s)[//superhero// ... ?] I visit the world of the dead every week to help them connect with living loved ones, and figure out what they might need to move on. My mom says it's my duty as a speaker. It's a lot of responsibility. I like helping these spirits, but I also can't really balance being this weird with holding a steady relationship of any kind. Well ... there's [[one|max]].

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/jV6xBq8/MAX.png" width="250px"> Despite everything I've said, I do have one person that I consider to be my friend. //''Max''//. Max is a spirit that I ran into a little over a year ago. He has never asked me to contact anyone for him, or help him move on. He doesn't want anything other than to hang out like he used to do when he was alive, and I think that works for both of us. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|day one]]

Today is one of the days where I am supposed to go to the world of the dead. My sister Mari usually never comes to see me off, but she's adamant this time. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["We're meeting Max on the way there,"] I tell her. (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["I won't even be able to see him, though."] [["Is that a problem?"|problem]] [["I can describe him for you."|describe]]

I stop in my tracks and look at her. I can't help the sharpness of my tone when the words come, brows knit and annoyance apparent. (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["Well ... I-I didn't say that —"] (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["He's my friend, Mari. An //actual// friend."] I start walking again without her. I can feel my sister scurrying to catch up. (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["I know. I don't have a problem with it, it's just ... weird."] (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["Of course you think it is."] I wonder why she even decided to come, then. The rest of our walk to the cemetery is quiet until [[Max shows up.|max-intro-bad]]

(text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["Really? ... Do you think you could talk to him for me, too?"] (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["If you speak out loud, he can hear you."] Mari's eyes sparkle a bit. It's childlike curiosity in the eyes of a college kid, but it makes me smile to see her warming up to the world I'm familiar with. (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["That's cool, actually. What does Max look like to you?"] I try to list everything I can think of — White hair, brown eyes, a crooked grin. We share small talk and even laugh on our way until [[Max shows up.|max-intro-good]]

(text-colour:#ffd8a8)["HEY!!"] Max is loud, unapologetic. His smile shines down the sidewalk, and for a second I could be convinced that he was a living, breathing kid. (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["Is this your sister? Suprised to see her ... I thought she didn't like creepy shit."] Max shoves his hands in his hoodie pockets, sizing up Mari without her even knowing. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["Mari, I'd like you to meet Max."] I grab her shoulders and guide her in the right direction, to where her smile lines up perfectly in Max's view. (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["Oh! I've heard so much about you, Max. It's nice to meet you ... ? Or technically //not// meet you, I guess."] Max's laughter is infectious. (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["Tell her likewise, Sunshine."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|cemetery]]

(text-colour:#ffd8a8)["HEY!!"] Max is loud, unapologetic. His smile shines down the sidewalk, and for a second I could be convinced that he was a living, breathing kid. (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["Is this your sister? Suprised to see her ... I thought she didn't like creepy shit."] Max shoves his hands in his hoodie pockets, sizing up Mari without her even knowing. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["You're just as surprised as I am."] Mari looks at me strangely, confused as to what's going on. I sigh and gesture to where Max is standing in front of us, giving Mari a pointed look. (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["Oh! Is he standing right there ... ?"] (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["Duh, Mari."] She's suddenly not very talkative, just staring at the empty space and offering a short 'hello'. Max frowns slightly. I can tell he probably has something to say about my attitude with Mari, but he decides against sharing it. (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["Anyway ... let's go."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|cemetery]]

If it seems weird for two girls and a spirit to be taking a stroll to the city's seaside cemetery, it really isn't that far-fetched when you take my powers into consideration. The cemetery is the best place to visit when trying to connect with the dead. There, the veil between both worlds is at it's thinnest -- and this is where the bridge to the world of the dead exists, too. Only speakers and spirits can cross the bridge. We are the only ones who can see it, too. For some reason, I always feel uneasy here. I've been maybe hundreds of times now, and the air still feels ... (transition: "shudder")+(transition-delay: 16s)[//heavy//.] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|entrance]]

The sign above stands crooked yet proud, the words (text-style:"shadow","expand")['Waverly Cemetery'] twisted into the metal working. The air smells of seasalt and rain, with a faint fog rolling in from the constant spray of ocean water against the rocks. Max and I walk in side by side, with Mari lingering slightly behind. Over my shoulder, I can see her eyes shifting with every sound and odd surrounding. She seems anxious, jumpy. [[Grab Mari's hand.|mari-good]] [[Tease Mari.|mari-bad]]

(text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["Here, Mari."] I reach back and grab her hand, pulling her close to my side. Mari's eyes are wide when she squeezes my palm, mouthing 'thank you' when I reassure her. (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["Is it always this ... unsettling, here?"] Max moves to stand closer to us, too, his height and the sudden glare he harbors making him more intimidating than I've ever seen. (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["No. Something's off ..."] He reaches for me, but his hand passes through my fingertips like always. I try not to linger on that for too long. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["Max says he thinks something's wrong."] I tug her even closer, peering into the fog before taking a step in front of Mari. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["Come out."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|ghost girl g]]

(text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["What? Scared of a couple headstones?"] It's hard not to snicker at her jumpy behavior, so I face forward to hide my laughter. (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["You don't //feel// that? It's like ... l-like there's eyes on me, or something."] (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["There's spirits here, Mari. Everywhere. Of course they're gonna be looking at you -- "] Max's arm out in front of my face stops me dead in my tracks, Mari bumping into my back at the stand-still. I'm about to complain when I see Max looking out into the fog, face like stone. (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["She's right. Something's off ..."] (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["... Hello? Anybody there?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|ghost girl b]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/9hdwDzX/DOLORES1.png" width="250px"> A girl (transition: "blur")+(transition-delay: 2s)[appears] out of nowhere, sitting atop a large headstone in front of us. She is oddly beautiful, and the almost clear color of her eyes shoots ice through my veins when I look at her. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["You are quick to protect the living. How sweet."] Despite her kind words, they drip with something that mocks me. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["... Who are you?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|dolores g]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/9hdwDzX/DOLORES1.png" width="250px"> A girl (transition: "blur")+(transition-delay: 2s)[appears] out of nowhere, sitting atop a large headstone in front of us. She is oddly beautiful, and the almost clear color of her eyes shoots ice through my veins when I look at her. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["You are ''calloused'' from the living. I can see that, even now."] I grimace at her words. Max shoots me a look of concern out of the corner of my eye, but I don't give any indication of noticing. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["What do you want?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|dolores b]]

The ghost girl only smiles, slipping off of her headstone in a graceful flourish. The name (text-style:"outline","expand")[Dolores] is engraved in the stone, but any other words have faded with time. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["Your name is Dolores."] It's more a statement of fact than a question, but the icy quality of her stare melts some at being paid attention to. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Indeed it is. You are very bright, speaker. I wonder how well you will fair ..."] (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["In what?"] Max grumbles, watching Dolores's flightly moves with extreme care and suspicion. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["][[In my game|play]](text-colour:#fcc2d7)[, of course."]

(text-colour:#fcc2d7)["I would like for you to be less rude, for starters ..."] She slips off of her headstone gracefully, skirt perfectly fixed and eyes still icy. The name (text-style:"outline","expand")[Dolores] is engraved there, but any other words have faded with time. I want to say something, but the way she glowers at me starts a pounding in my head that nearly knocks me back a step. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["More than that, I would like to ][[play|play]](text-colour:#fcc2d7)[."]

(text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["Are you guys seeing and hearing her, too?"] I pivot to see Mari staring straight ahead, quivering gaze locked on Dolores. When Dolores moves closer, Mari takes a step back. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["You can see her? But --"] (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Of course she can see me. I am allowing her to, speaker."] I feel myself stiffen up. To willingly show yourself to sightless humans, the spirit would have to be old and powerful. ''Very'' powerful ... and dangerous. [["We don't have time to play."|no]] [["What sort of game?"|yes]]

Dolores frowns. I feel a ripple of hot air press towards us, stinging my skin with the heat of her anger. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["You do not have a choice. You either //play//, or you ''leave''."] (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["She's trying to get to the world of the dead --"] (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["The bridge has been hidden. Only //I// know where it has been moved to."] (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["... If we play, will you tell me?"] Dolores's face is unmoving. Another pang of pain goes off in my head when our eyes meet. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["If you ''win'', I will."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|game start b]]

Dolores's eyes glow faintly with her smile, standing in front of us with her hands clasped in waiting. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["A riddle. If you solve it, then I will show you where the bridge has been hidden."] (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["You moved the bridge?"] Max seems just as shocked as I am. Dolores feigns a look of hurt, as if we have insulted her. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["I did no such thing. I only know where, not why."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|game start g]]

(text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Because you have been difficult, I will not gift hints to help you."] I turn to look at Max, and am surprised to see that he's already looking down at me -- there's something heavy in the auburn of his eyes. It almost looks like disappointment. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["Fine."] (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Here is the ][[riddle|riddle b]](text-colour:#fcc2d7)[."]

(text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Because you have been kind, I will allow you one hint that you can ask for."] Max smirks softly, and I do a good job of rolling my eyes to cover up any red rushing to my cheeks. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Would you like to hear the] [[riddle|riddle g]](text-colour:#fcc2d7)[?"]

(set: $found_flower to false) (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Lovely and round, shimmery white, I am grown in the darkness -- a lover's delight. What am I?"] [[Give an answer.|answer1]] [[Ask a question.|question1]]

(set: $found_flower to false) (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Lovely and round, shimmery white, I am grown in the darkness -- a lover's delight. What am I?"] [[Give an answer.|answer2]] [[Ask a question.|question2]]

Is it ... (if:$found_flower is false)[] [[the Moon?|wrong1]] [[a diamond?|wrong1]] (if:$found_flower is true)[[[a death lily?|wrong3]]]

(text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["Is there a clue in the cemetery?"] Dolores smiles. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Yes. You may go and look for it, but one of you will have to stay here with me if you decide to search."] [[Try to answer again.|answer1]] [[Look for the clue.|look]] [[Ask for a hint.|hint]]

Is it ... (if:$found_flower is false)[] [[the Moon?|wrong2]] [[a diamond?|wrong2]] (if:$found_flower is true)[[[a death lily?|wrong3]]] [[Ask a question instead.|question2]]

(text-colour:#fcc2d7)["That is incorrect."] I should try another guess, or maybe ask Dolores a question. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇠|answer2]]

(text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Not so fast, friends."] Dolores stops us in our tracks, holding her small hands out to us expectantly. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Your speaker must choose one of you to stay here with me, while the other two search the cemetery."] Who do you choose? [[Mari.|leavemari]] [[Max.|leavemax]] [[Myself.|self]] [[Why?|why]]

(text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["May I have the hint, Dolores?"] Dolores twirls a strand of her hair between her own fingers, an excited glint in her oddly colored eyes. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["The clue belongs to a lady, who sits and watches from someplace shady."] [[Try to answer again.|answer1]] [[Look for the clue.|look]]

(text-colour:#fcc2d7)["That is incorrect."] I should try another guess, or maybe ask Dolores a question. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇠|riddle g]]

(text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["I choose Mari."] (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["Marisol!"] Mari whips around to look at me, completely mortified. I don't think she was expecting me to pick her -- neither was I. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["So you are more fond of the dead, then, speaker."] I ignore Dolores's comment and turn to my sister, trying my best to calm her worsened nerves. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["It'll be fine, Mari. We'll find the clue and get you out of here soon, I promise."] Dolores keeps her hand held out for Mari to take, dangerously patient. I notice Mari's fingers shaking when she finally gives in and stands by Dolores's side. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|begin w max]]

(text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["I choose Max."] (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["C'mon, sunshine ..."] Max murmurs, hurt hidden in the quiet of his voice. I know him well enough to hear and see his disappointment, especially this up close. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["So you are more fond of the living, then, speaker."] I ignore Dolores's comment and turn to Max, wanting to reach out to comfort him but having my hand fall through him a second time. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["I'm not gonna leave you. We'll be right back ... I promise."] Dolores keeps her hand held out for Max to take, dangerously patient. Max gives me one last look of longing before sighing deeply and taking Dolores's hand. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|begin w mari]]

Dolores's face screws up into something unreadable. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["... You choose yourself, speaker? That is most interesting."] Despite her initial surprise, Dolores finds recovery and shakes her head firmly. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["You must pick one of the others. Only you can speak to both of them -- they will not fair well with only each other."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇠|look]]

(text-colour:#fcc2d7)["To make sure you do not cheat. I will know, and whoever you choose will have to pay the price for you."] I don't plan on cheating, but the strange calm in Dolores's voice only makes me stray further from the very thought. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["This will also make sure that you come back -- you have to finish the game, //win// or //lose//."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇠|look]]

Max and I make our way to the middle of the cemetery, a good starting point for our search. He offers me a weak smile and stands close, his looming presence somehow making me feel better. [[To the right|go right]], the sea washes up against jagged rocks that protect the cemetery's contents. The fog seems denser there, as if to keep something out of sight. [[To the left|go left]], there is a row of headstones and statues leaning in odd ways. The stone is covered with moss and old age, and there's an undeniable magnetic pull I feel when looking towards them. [[In the middle|go mid]], a path has been carved into the ground from repeated use. Out of the entire cemetery, the only living flowers are blooming along this passage. Nothing else quite stands out about it.

Mari and I make our way to the middle of the cemetery, a good starting point for our search. She looks to me to decide our next move entirely, so I pretend to not be just as lost as she feels. [[To the right|go right]], the sea washes up against jagged rocks that protect the cemetery's contents. The fog seems denser there, as if to keep something out of sight. [[To the left|go left]], there is a row of headstones and statues leaning in odd ways. The stone is covered with moss and old age, and there's an undeniable magnetic pull I feel when looking towards them. [[In the middle|go mid]], a path has been carved into the ground from repeated use. Out of the entire cemetery, the only living flowers are blooming along this passage. Nothing else quite stands out about it.

The ocean spray sticks to my lips as we edge closer to the rock ledge, the fog growing denser the longer we linger in it. I sift around for a bit, nearly on hands and knees to scrounge around beneath the heavy mist. My knee collides with something solid while I'm down, and my fingers follow to pull up a shiny metal box from the pebbles and dirt. There seems to be no key, nor clasp keeping me from [[opening it.|open box]]

The headstones and statues are strangely more beautiful up close, so detailed that the faces almost seem lively and the writing seems to move. I avoid making eye contact with the numerous busts turned our way, but an odd shine of color catches my attention at the last second from the darker part of the cemetery. A stone statue of a woman with tears carved on her cheeks, she has a pearl necklace sitting innocently on her chest. I gingerly approach her, reaching around her neck to unclasp the pearl beads and clutch them tight in my hand. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["][[Let's try these|pearls]](text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))[."]

The flowers seem to grow in size and color the further we walk, leading us to the base of a large willow tree sunken in the very heart of the cemetery. It's beautiful here, a part of Waverly that I had never seen before. Had someone changed it ... ? We look around for what feels like hours, time warping strangely around the willow. The only shimmering thing we find is more flowers -- white death lilies. (set: $found_flower to true) (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇠|choose again]]

Inside ... (transition: "shudder")+(transition-delay: 2s)[The box is //empty//.] (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["This must be a trick of hers."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇠|choose again]]

[[To the right|go right]], the sea washes up against jagged rocks that protect the cemetery's contents. The fog seems denser there, as if to keep something out of sight. [[To the left|go left]], there is a row of headstones and statues leaning in odd ways. The stone is covered with moss and old age, and there's an undeniable magnetic pull I feel when looking towards them. [[In the middle|go mid]], a path has been carved into the ground from repeated use. Out of the entire cemetery, the only living flowers are blooming along this passage. Nothing else quite stands out about it. [[Go back to Dolores.|answer1]]

(text-colour:#fcc2d7)["That (transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 1s)[.](transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 2s)[.](transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 3s)[.] (transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 5s)[is //''also''// incorrect."]] (transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 8s)[[[Go back to look for the clue.|choose again]]]

(text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["I know the answer, Dolores."] Her ice stare remains intact while curiosity twinkles in her young features, turning towards me and giving me her undivided attention. I hold up the pearl necklace, the beads smooth and growing colder to the touch. Dolores's face changes for a split second, gaze softer than I had ever seen at this point. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["'Lovely and round, shimmery white, grown in the darkness' -- It's //pearls//."] I hand the necklace over to Dolores. Her eyes are glued to their shiny countenance, gathering the pearls close to her chest. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|change]]

(text-colour:#fcc2d7)["Thank you."] Dolores's smile is sweet one second, then stretches to catlike in the next. Her eyes drop from crystal to deep pools of black, form (transition: "rumble")+(transition-delay: 5s)[morphing] and (transition: "shudder")+(transition-delay: 6s)[shifting] in the dark. Panic sets in. Mari has a death grip on my arm, and Max steps in front, shielding us both. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|reveal]]

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/chR76Yn/MUERTA.png" width="280px"> The young ghost girl of Dolores is nowhere to be found. Instead, another spirit stands in her place -- shadows pulse and swirl around her, and a peculiar cat skull obscures her features. (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["Well done, speaker. You have passed at least //one// of my tests."] (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["Who are you, really?"] Max cuts straight to the chase, mouth reared back in a sneer. The spirit's laugh echoes, lingering in my ears. I feel my skin crawling underneath. (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["I am] [[Muerta|death]](text-colour:#1c7ed6)[."]

(text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["Death."] I can't take my eyes off of her, even when looking makes my heart pound and head swim. She seems pleased with my realization, a hint of a grin curling beneath her mask. (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["I am, yes."] She glides closer, leaning forward some as the empty eyes of her skull mask focus only on me. I glance around in avoidance, and find that she still holds the pearl necklace in her clawed hand. (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["Remind me, dear speaker ... who did you ''leave'' while you searched for my clue?"] "I chose [[Mari|spirits]]." "I chose [[Max|humans]]."

It's difficult to tell what Muerta is thinking when I can't see her face, but she does not leave much to the imagination once she begins speaking. (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["You left your beloved spirit with another who could have been harmful, vengeful. You are disconnected from your spiritual ties -- you wish to be normal, to be accepted by your world. You drift from your duty, finding yourself caring more for the humans who you wish to be like."] I stand in silence, trying to keep my shoulders from shaking. (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["There's no way."] Max is adamant in his refusal, but the way he looks at me tells me there's doubt -- tiny slivers of it. Muerta's presence demands attention, and I can't bring myself to say anything in defense. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|human choice]]

It's difficult to tell what Muerta is thinking when I can't see her face, but she does not leave much to the imagination once she begins speaking. (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["You left your human sister with a spirit who could have been harmful, vengeful. You are disconnected from your human ties -- you dislike the way your world sees you, treats you. You drift, finding yourself caring more for the dead who appreciate you."] I stand in silence, trying to keep my shoulders from shaking. (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["... Is that true, Marisol?"] I want to answer her, offer an explanation, but Muerta's presence demands an amount of attention that keeps me silent. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|spirit choice]]

(text-colour:#1c7ed6)["I am the one who gifted you with your powers, Marisol. I have known you your entire life."] Muerta's clawed fingertips graze against the side of my face, gentle despite the fear that still raises my skin. (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["I would like to give you a choice, speaker. One final test to determine (text-style:"expand")[your //future//]."] Pick ''one''. [[Accept love from the dead.|lose humanity]] [[Accept love from the living.|lose ability]] (transition:"fade")+(transition-delay: 11s)[[[Be loved by all.|keep both]]]

(text-colour:#1c7ed6)["I am the one who gifted you with your powers, Marisol. I have known you your entire life."] Muerta's clawed fingertips clutch around my shoulder, grip firm and unmoving. I could not move away from her if I wanted to. (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["I would like to give you a choice, speaker. One final test to determine (text-style:"expand")[your //future//]."] Pick ''one''. [[Accept love from the dead.|lose humanity]] [[Accept love from the living.|lose ability]] (transition:"fade")+(transition-delay: 11s)[[[Be loved by all.|keep both]]]

''Accept the love of the dead.'' (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["Marisol, no!"] Mari grabs my hand, desperate to shake me out of some trance she thinks I may be in. I grab her wrist and give her a small smile, which ends up being a comfort to no one. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["You've seen the way everyone treats me here, Mari. I have no one living who wants or needs me --"] (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["''I'' need you. And our family, Marisol. They love you ... !"] Muerta makes a soft 'tsk' sound, shadows curling between Mari and I. They separate us, fastening quick around my arms and waist. (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["Then I shall grant your wish, speaker."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|outcome2]]

''Accept the love of the living.'' (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["Wait!"] Max stands in front of me, taking up all of my thoughts and focus. He's frantic on the surface, searching for any sort of opening to convince me to choose something else. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["I want to be normal, Max. My world doesn't understand me, or want me if I stay like this. I can't keep being this lonely ... this ... alone."] (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["You're not alone. ''I'm'' here -- I've always been here."] Muerta makes a soft 'tsk' sound, tendrils of light curling between Max and I. They separate us, sliding softly up to touch my face and throat. (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["Then I shall grant your wish, speaker."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|outcome1]]

(text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["I don't want to choose."] My voice shakes a little when I speak, but I remain steely beneath the pause that hangs heavy between Muerta and I. She hums softly, as if thinking. (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["Then you have passed my test, dear speaker."] The shadows around her grow faint, slipping beneath the hem of her dress for shelter until she is standing across from me, alone. I stare into the hollow eyes of her mask, and after blinking, the form of Dolores is staring back. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["You understand now."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|outcome3]]

The light wraps tightly around my throat, and I feel my head swimming with the lack of air before the stinging subsides and I collapse on my hands and knees in the dirt. (text-colour:(hsl:0,1,0.7647,0.85))["Marisol!"] Mari rushes to my side, brushing hair from my face and gingerly helping me up by my arm. I look up to find Max, but he's not standing there anymore. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["... Where's Max?"] (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["You no longer have your powers, Marisol."] (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["You ... you //took// them?"] (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["You are now closer to the living. This was your choice -- I merely returned a gift that was unwanted. Now you have the means to be in the world you think will make you happiest."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|ending1]]

I feel Mari brush up against my side, her hand finding mine and squeezing our palms tightly together. Max smiles down at the two of us, shoving his hands in his pockets to quit the habit we have of reaching out and failing. Dolores looks between the three of us, content clear in her features. She approaches Max and holds out the pearl necklace from her riddle. (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["May I?"] Somewhat confused, Max still kneels to be at a better height for Dolores to clasp the pearls around his neck. He brushes his fingers against the beads curiously, standing up and shooting me a searching look. I hold my hand out towards him, wishing hard that the pearls do what I hope. Max hesitantly reaches back, his fingers catching on mine. He insantly grabs my hand fuller, face slack in awe. (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["I ... can touch you."] (text-colour:#fcc2d7)["You are now closer to the living //and// the dead. You walk the truest path, the one I believe will make you happiest."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|ending3]]

The shadows engulf me, and it's suddenly hard to breathe. After what feels like minutes, maybe hours, the shadows fall away and I crash to my knees in the dirt. (text-colour:#ffd8a8)["Sunshine!"] Max rushes to my side, wrapping a hand around my waist to help steady me on my feet. I grab at his shoulders, eyes wide when the realization hits that I can feel his shirt between my fingers, that his arm is holding me up. (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["How ... ?"] (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["You are a spirit, now, speaker."] (text-colour:(hsl:228,1,0.8647,0.9))["You ... you //killed// me?"] (text-colour:#1c7ed6)["You are now closer to the dead. This was your choice -- all I have done is grant you the means to be in the world you think will make you happiest."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[[⇢|ending2]]

After that day, I never saw Max again. Or any spirits. Mari and I went home, and everyone seemed to forget about my ability to speak to the dead in the first place. I figured it must've been Muerta's influence. I made a new group of friends -- people who used to be afraid of me at school. They invited me to go out tonight. Mari is coming, too. I'm excited, I am. (transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 14s)[... But. I also can't help looking out in the crowds of people, hoping I'll see him.] (transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 17s)[White hair, brown eyes, a crooked grin.] (align:"==>")+(box:"X=")[//''fin''//. //''[[retry?|start]]''//]

After that day, I think I became better. I was more focused when it came to helping the dead, and I didn't feel so ashamed. I looked forward to it, even. I also started hanging out with Mari's friends, who I actually really like. They ask about my days where I help spirits, but they also treat me like normal and invite me out to the movies afterwards. Max and I also started hanging out more, too. (transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 15s)[-- He's //not// my boyfriend. Yet.] (transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 19s)[When I went back to the cemetery a few weeks later, Dolores's headstone was gone. There's been a black cat hanging around there, though. I'll have to tell the cat 'thank you' the next time I see her.] (align:"==>")+(box:"X=")[//''fin''//. //''[[retry?|start]]''//]

After that day, I couldn't be with my family. Or anyone who wasn't already dead. Max and I went to my home, and Mari was crying as she told my mom and grandmother what happened. After a while, their tears came less and less. Max and I became even closer. The world of the dead took me in with open arms, still seeing me as some sort of hero. I'm happy to be with Max here. I am. (transition: "fade")+(transition-delay: 13s)[... But. I would be lying if I didn't admit to visiting my family often, sitting on my empty bed to watch over Mari and make sure she sleeps okay.] (align:"==>")+(box:"X=")[//''fin''//. //''[[retry?|start]]''//]