Vanished

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[HOLLYWOOD, 1933 PREMIERE NIGHT AT THE BLUE MOON THEATER.] <center><img src="Assets/Moon.jpg"> Dazzling lights flicker and twinkle by the hundreds around the theaters billboard. Up there the black silhouette of the letters boldly stand out against the warm light that plashes from behind it; the epitome of initial success in Los Angeles. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[(text-colour:yellow)[RENEE]] It calls to you silently, a feeling that niggles at the back of your mind. Something so foreign yet familiar since the day you saw the poster for it stapled to a telephone pole. You tell yourself it's the gilded bordering or perhaps the beautiful girl with the diamond-shaped face that hooks you in, but truth be told the attraction is inexplainably hypnotizing. Few have spoken prickly about these kinds of movies because of its seductive occultism. Of course, pre-screening critics tried to steer it as a mere clambake, a Lovecraftian flop, but that hasn't stopped you from attending. [[I need to get a seat before they're all taken.]] [[Something about this feels "off."]] [[What's that smell?]] <audio autoplay> <source src="Assets/Ninna.mp3"></audio>

The hour is almost upon you and folks have begun to file in quickly to the ticket master. A striking woman with her nose in the air wearing a costly fur coat breezes past you and the aroma of Dana's //Tabu// generously spritzed fills your nose with pathcouli, carnation and vanilla. The man following her must not see you are there and he bumps you clear out of the way. "Watch where you're going, ya' dumb cluck," he puffs out from under his moustache. His eyes bore into you up and down and he gives one last scoff in your direction before jutting his elbows back out at his sides. The poster //did// say that all are welcome, but the attire was strictly formal. You look down at your clothes and shake your pocket, hoping for the clash of change jingling, but you are met with mere whisps of fabric //swishing//. The poster //also// said the entry free was 35 cents... [[Just walk in concealed by everyone else.]] [[Shoulders back, chin up, and strut inside.]]

You comb your hair down in front of your face and dandily match the walk of the flowing crowd around you like a school of fish swimming through a narrow log. It's been two weeks since the poster was put up and two weeks of an obsession for said poster. The sheer anticipation for //Renee// is exhausting and an absolute commitment of only someone truly obsessed like yourself. //How wonderful it would be,// you think. To escape to the world within that poster, the one that calls to you only in the breaths between your thoughts. A place where magic is real and not just parlor tricks. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[//''A FILM FOR THE CURIOUS ONES''//] The imprint of the words flash in your eyes and very briefly as you're jostled between complete strangers a theater employee side-steps through the crowd. Your heart jumps as he walks directly towards you. [[He couldn't have possibly singled me out of the crowd.]]

It's been two weeks since the poster was put up and two weeks of a longing obsession for said poster. The sheer anticipation for //Renee// is exhausting and an absolute commitment of only someone truly obsessed like yourself. //How wonderful it would be,// you think. To escape to the world within that poster, the one that calls to you only in the breaths between your thoughts.A place where magic is real and not just parlor tricks. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[//''A FILM FOR THE CURIOUS ONES''//] The imprint of the words flash in your eyes and you brace yourself, holding yourself up taught like a string and acting as though you belong in the crowd of dapperly dressed men and glamorous women. With a final exhale you boldy stride past the doors with the crowd. You see an employee of the theater side-stepping between people. The hair on your arms raise as he walks towards you. [[He couldn't have possibly singled me out of the crowd.]]

There is no doubt he is coming for //you//. Socialites tend to act like you're a fox in the hen house coming to steal their precious pearls. You shove your way through the people faster and the employee does too. "Hey! I need to see your ticket!" he taps you on the shoulder. "My ticket?" you ask, both to the employee and yourself. "Yes, the ticket you bought to see this picture," his temper notably shortened. Instead of intimidation you feel empowered that no one really knows who you are. So who's to say he wouldn't believe the whoppers you could tell? [["I don't need one".]] [[Make a run for it.]]

You find the doorway for //Renee// and run through it, quickly escaping the employee through the ocean of people, relieved to be hidden in the dimly lit hall. You enter the giant room with forest green curtains lining the walls, buttery and velvety rope tied together in their centers, and golden candlelight glowing from the sconces. [[Pick a seat in the front.]] [[I'm sitting as far back as I can.]]

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asks. "It means I don't need one. Don't you know who I am?" you say with fake confidence. He looks you up and down, his disposition losing its charisma. "Well you're no Mary Rinehart," he says. Your throat tightens up, unwilling to spout out the lies you're about to say. "I'm the star of //Renee//," you say and his eyebrows raise. "Don't worry, I don't find your inquisition offensive." You draw him in with your index finger and he leans down closer to you. "I dress down for premieres so I'm not drowned by fans and flashings lights. You know what I mean, right?-" you look to his badge, "Henry?" You're unsure if he fully believes you, but as he tips his hat and returns to his podium you're relieved. You find the doorway for //Renee// and walk through it. The theater room is lined with forest green curtains that are tied in the centers with velvet rope. Golden candlelight glows from the sconces and makes everyone appear much more glamourous under buttery light. [[Pick a seat in the front.]] [[I'm sitting as far back as I can.]]

It is undoubtedly positive that you take on this new empowerment with big strides. As if it were second skin you walk to the front, unphased by an awkward look here and there and sit in an untaken front seat. You push down the red cushion and sit, pacified by the empty chair to your left, the buffer seat you hope no one will take. Just then an elderly woman dressed in all black takes it. The very bold smell of incense wafts off of her. //Dragonsblood? No... maybe Frankensense.// Her appearance is gamine and fairly old, wrinkled with the years gone by. Neither of you say anything but you swear you see the corner of her mouth curl up, just ever so slightly, into a grin. The lights dim down, hushing the crowd and ushering those few standing into their seats. The title //RENEE// flashes onto the screen and the crowd applauds. A young woman, presumably the //real// starlet of the film, voiceovers the first line with a melodic yet melancholic voice. "We met in Laguna a month before he died." [[Settle into your seat and watch.]]

It is undoubtedly clear that your presence should warrant suspicion if you had sat in the front, so you take the short and wide steps up the theater towards the darkest corner at the top. You push down the red cushion and sit, pacified by the empty chair to your left, the buffer seat you hope no one will take. But just then an elderly woman dressed in all black takes it. The very bold smell of incense wafts off of her. //Dragonsblood? No... maybe Frankensense.// Her appearance is gamine and fairly old, wrinkled with the years gone by. Neither of you say anything but you swear your see the corner of her mouth curl up just ever so slightly, into a grin. The lights dim down, hushing the crowd and ushering those few standing into their seats. A moving image flashes onto the screen and the crowd applauds. A young woman, presumably the //real// starlet of the film, voiceovers the first line with a melodic yet melancholic voice. "We met in Laguna a month before he died." [[Settle into your seat and watch.]]

You trace your eyes over every portion of the screen as the film plays out and write every line down in your heart. Two star-crossed lovers forbidden to be together; Renee Arnold the regal heiress, and Theodore Jost the charming traveller. Theodore was unknown to most and a nuisance in the Arnold family's eyes. Though he was practically penniless and read palms for a living Renee had fallen for the young man. The night Renee sneaks out and meets Theodore at his carriage wagon was nothing short of magical. They sit next to each other amongst afghans and pentagrams with evil eyes in their centers. Theodore teaches Renee the secret to palmistry as he coaxes her hand in his. Mirrors, crystal balls and candles twinkle as the couple share their first kiss. [[When does it go bad?]] [[Surely they're meant to be.]]

Theodore taught Renee more than just the basics of magic and occultism. He even asked her to worship his God, the Horned One, if they were to be together. She agreed as she is willing to do anything for the unique traveller. Her induction gained a myriad of reactions from the crowd in the theater and a few even exited entirely. On a full moon night after various ritualistic steps and a lot of bloodshed Renee is reborn as a witch. The puppy love phase was more beautiful than you have imagined and you're not surprised by the way you're not affected like the other viewers. Renee and Theodore's childishly raw poetic love is not so transparent. "It had been only three weeks since we had met each other, but he was certain I was the one for him as he proposed on Laguna beach, right where we first met," Renee says. "But even the brightest flame will one day extinguish." The next scene hits you like a boulder to the heart as Theodore lays in a cheap casket. His eyes are closed, skin sallowed, and his dull brown curls dance up in the wind. Without warning, Renee's lover had parished, supposedly from poisoning. She stands alone and watches from afar as Theodore is lowered six feet down by two grave diggers. You feel someone grab your arm, breaking you out of the grasp the film has on you. It's the theater employee, and he's lifting you up out of the seat. [[Don't resist.]] [[Leave now.]]

Theodore taught Renee more than just the basics of magic and occultism, and he even asked her to worship his God, the Horned One, before they can be together. She agreed, willing to do anything for the unique traveller, and her induction gained a myriad of reactions from the crowd in the theater and a few even exited entirely. On a full moon night after various ritualistic steps and a lot of bloodshed later, Renee is reborn as a witch. The puppy love phase was more beautiful than you could have imagined, and you're unsurprised by the way you're not unsettlingly affected like the other viewers. Renee and Theodore's childishly raw poetic love is not so transparent. "It had been only three weeks since we had met each other, but he was certain I was the one for him as he proposed on Laguna beach, right where we first met," Renee's says. "But even the brightest flame will one day extinguish," Renee voiceovers. The next scene hits you like a boulder to the heart as Theodore lays in a cheap casket. His eyes are closed, skin sallowed, and his brown curls dancing up in the wind. Without warning, Renee's lover had parished supposedly from a poisoned cigarette. The lonely girl stands alone and watches from afar as Theodore is lowered six feet down by two grave diggers. You feel someone grab your arm, breaking you out of the grasp the film has on you. It's the theater employee, and he's lifting you up out of the seat. [[Don't resist.]] [[Leave now.]]

Your face burns with redness as the employee grabs your arms and lifts you out of the seat. As if it isn't embarassing enough with no one looking away from the screen, you pass the snoody man that knocked you over earlier. He throws a pious and patronizing glance at you, then chortles and rests his eyes back to the film. You walk around Hollywood and the only constant in your mind is //Renee.// You wish so badly that the employee would've let you stay, to finish the movie and ultimately assimilate as much as you can into your own life. You want the passionate love, recklessly morphing as two people twirl into a single flame. It bothers you greatly you didn't get to see the ending, to understand why Theodore is dead and what Renee is to do now. You don't believe your desires to be shallow or indifferent to any other young girl your age, but you also don't feel like shouting from the rooftops, ''"I WANT LOVE!"'' You've walked the streets for so long, head down with no destination, that you don't even notice someone standing in front of you. With a hefty, "OOF," you almost knock a lady clear to the ground. [[I'm so sorry!]] [[Help her balance.]]

It's better to leave on your own than to be a spectacle in front of the entire theater. As you walk around Hollywood the only constant in your mind is //Renee.// You wish so badly that the employee would've let you stay, to finish the movie and ultimately assimilate as much as you can into your own life. You want the passionate love, recklessly morphing as two people twirl into a single flame. It bothers you greatly you didn't get to see the ending, to understand why Theodore is dead and what Renee is to do now. You don't believe your desires to be shallow or indifferent to any other young girl your age, but you also don't feel like shouting from the rooftops, ''"I WANT LOVE!"'' You walk the streets for so long, head down with no destination, that you don't even notice someone standing in front of you. With a hefty, "OOF," you almost knock a lady clear to the ground. [[I'm so sorry!]] [[Help her balance.]]

You've waited too long and dreamed far too often to back out now. The aroma of Dana's //Tabu// generously spritzed fills your nose with pathcouli, carnation, and vanilla; a gentle reminder to calm down and curb your anxiety. Someone in the crowd must not see you are there and bumps you clear out of the way. [[Just walk in concealed by everyone else.]] [[Shoulders back, chin up, and strut inside.]]

A striking woman with her nose in the air wearing a costly fur coat breezes past you and the aroma of Dana's //Tabu// generously spritzed fills your nose with pathcouli, carnation, and vanilla. The man following her must not see you are there and he bumps you clear out of the way. "Watch where you're going, ya' dumb cluck," he puffs out from under his moustache. His eyes bore into you up and down, and he gives one last scoff in your direction before jutting his elbows back out at his sides. The poster //did// say that all are welcome, but the attire was strictly formal. You look down at your clothes and shake your pocket, hoping for the clash of change jingling, but you are met with mere whisps of fabric //swishing//. The poster //also// said the entry free was 35 cents... [[Just walk in concealed by everyone else.]] [[Shoulders back, chin up, and strut inside.]]

"I am so sorry!" your voice startled, "They call me a cement mixer 'cause of my two left feet, but I guess I just can't do anything right with 'em!" You pull the old woman up to steady herself and your eyes widen. "It's you!" you say. Her face remains cool as a cucumber. "Yes, it's me! I saw you at the talkie," she says, "but it's only 9 o'clock? You didn't stay for the ending?" You pull the side of your mouth into a frown and try to refrain from asking why she didn't stay either. "I reckon they don't appreciate people coming in without buying tickets. It's such a shame," you look down and your voice weakens. "I waited so long to see it." The woman studies you with preying eyes, the kind you've only seen before in manipulative-puppeteering people that analyze the best area to bite. "Why don't you come in for coffee?" she pats your shoulder. You turn with her to see you stand outside of a shop that looks haggered yet whimsical. White candles burn in sconces, warmly lighting the interior. There's a large wooden placard that hangs below the onning, (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[''LILITH MOON ESOTERIC''] [[Do it happily.]] [[Refuse.]] [[Do it, reluctantly.]]

"I am so sorry!" your voice is startled, "They call me a cement mixer 'cause of my two left feet, but I guess I just can't do anything right with 'em!" You pull the old woman up to steady herself and your eyes widen. "It's you!" you say, her face remaining cool as a cucumber. "Yes, it's me! I saw you at the talkie," she says, "but it's only 9 o'clock? You didn't stay for the ending?" You pull the side of your mouth into a frown and try to refrain from asking why she didn't stay either. "I reckon they don't appreciate people coming in without buying tickets. It's such a shame," you look down and your voice weakens. "I waited so long to see it." The woman studies you with preying eyes, the kind you've only seen before in manipulative-puppeteering people that analyze the best area to bite. "Why don't you come in for coffee?" she pats your shoulder. You turn with her to see you stand outside of a shop that looks haggered yet whimsical. White candles burn in sconces, warmly lighting the interior. There's a large wooden placard that hangs below the onning, (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[''LILITH MOON ESOTERIC''] [[Do it happily.]] [[Refuse.]] [[Do it, reluctantly.]]

"Of course!" you say, "Anything I could do to make up almost knocking you over. A cup of coffee sounds nice right about now," you hold down a yawn and smile. She gently takes your arm under hers and leads you through the shop doors. Her wrist is thin and fragile as you hold it but her grip feels stronger than she looks as you're pulled inside. [[You glance once more to the shop's sign and step through the doorway.]]

"I'm sorry, but I really 'ought to scram. My momma's been waiting for me," you say. "Nonsense! You must!" she insists, "Otherwise I //will// have a reason to be upset," she smiles at you, but you're unsure whether or not it's a joke. She gently takes your arm under hers and leads you through the shop doors. Her wrist is thin and fragile as you hold it but her grip feels stronger than she looks as you're pulled inside. [[You glance once more to the shop's sign and step through the doorway.]]

You give the woman a smile, endearing yet tired, and motion for her to lead the way. A couple walking down the sidewalk pause at the shop's window and windowshop at the variety of candles and stick pentagrams on display. "You better be careful, Harold, or I'll cast a spell on you!" the lady says to the man, her hands waving an imaginary wand. "Dorothy," he chortles, "You and those silly ideas of yours." Her face twists into a bratty grin, almost like she's holding in a secret. She rolls her eyes and drags him down the street in a drunken stuper, their giggles slowly fading as they round the street corner. She gently takes your arm under hers and leads you through the shop doors. Her wrist is thin and fragile as you hold it but her grip feels stronger than she looks as you're pulled inside. [[You glance once more to the shop's sign and step through the doorway.]]

<img src="Assets/Candles.jpg"> Green and leafy plants loiter the entrance of the shop all in their own macrame sleeved pots. You reach out and touch some of them, surprised by how buttery soft the emerald ones are. An overpowering smell of vanilla and dragonsblood floods your senses and instantly take effect, changing any anxiety you have into tranquility. It feels like you're in a safe place where the cushions are always fluffed and warm light spills out from the dozens of lit candles on tables, hoarding up any space available. The woman walks haggardly through the store, past the counter, and through panels of beaded curtains. You stand there in the middle of the store and wait for her to return, but after a few bangs and pots falling, it becomes quiet. You take some time to wander around and view the miscellaneous items that clutter up the shelves that stand to the ceiling. //How does someone collect all this?// you think. Up at the counter you browse some tarot card decks and thumb through a major arcana bunch. You laugh to yourself quietly, close your eyes, and pull a random card... [[1]] [[2]] [[3]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[THE LOVERS] <img src="Assets/Tarot.jpg"> "Ahh!" the woman hoots from behind the curtains. She pokes her head out as if it is completely detached and floating from her body. "What does this mean?" you ask. "The Lovers," she sighs and strides through the curtains with a silver tea tray in her hands. "That card tells you to follow your heart," she continues, "But you pulled it reversed," she sits and hands you a cup. "//That// means you have a lack of trust. Tell me dear, do you not trust me? The cards never lie," her voice humored. You politely take a sip of coffee, jolted by the bold caramel flavor. And now, come to think of it, you don't even know this woman's name. She's very hospitable, but who is she to waltz into a store and prepare coffee? "It's just that I don't know who you are and why you're being so generous with me," you say disbelievingly. [[Continue..]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[STRENGTH] <img src="Assets/Tarot.jpg"> "Ahh!" the woman hoots from behind the curtains, her head poking out as if completely detached and floating from her body. "What does this mean?" you ask and hold the card higher. "Strength," she sighs and strides through the curtains with a silver tea tray in her hands. "That card tells you to believe in yourself," she continues, "But you pulled it reversed," she sits and hands you a cup. "//That// means you have mistrust. Tell me dear, do you not trust me? The cards never lie," her voice humored. You politely take a sip of coffee, jolted by the bold caramel flavor. And now, come to think of it, you don't even know this woman's name. She's very hospitable, but who is she to waltz into a store and prepare coffee? "It's just that I don't know who you are and why you're being so generous with me," you say disbelievingly. [[Continue..]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[THE TOWER] <img src="Assets/Tarot.jpg"> "Ahh!" the woman hoots from behind the curtains, her head poking out as if completely detached and floating from her body. "What does this mean?" you ask and hold the card higher. "The Tower," she sighs and strides through the curtains with a silver tea tray in her hands. "It means you must expect the unexpected," she continues, "You are about to go through quite an awakening," she sits and hands you a cup. You shuffle around in the velvet chair and cross your legs, which the woman takes note of. "Tell me dear, do you have tea with every stranger you knock over?" her voice humored. You politely take a sip of coffee, jolted by the bold caramel flavor. And now, come to think of it, you don't even know this woman's name. She's very hospitable, but who is she to waltz into a store and prepare coffee? "It's true that I don't know who you are and why you're being so generous with me," you say disbelievingly. [[Continue..]]

"Well, for starters," she begins, "You can call me Murmones. I've ran this shop since my husband disappeared a few years ago," she chuckles and takes another drink. "The card you drew is interesting. It tells me you're in need to take a risk, an adventure," her eyes widen. "Tell me, are you are risk-taker?" her eyes lock with yours. [[Yes.]] [[No.]] [[When the good outweighs the bad.]]

"Yes," you say. "I knew it! You wouldn't step foot in here if you knew any better," she nods her head. //Again with the ambiguity? you think.// "What if I told you all of this is real?" she cocks her head. "The rituals, spells, and even teleportation?" You look at her amusingly. "It's just slight of hand and fairy dust," you shrug your shoulder. Whether or not that was the right answer Murmones smiles even wider and sets down her cup. She stands and enters the room where she fetched the coffee, behind the beaded curtains, and returns with a box. [[What is that?]] [[I better be going now.]]

"No," you say. "I knew it! You wouldn't step foot in here if you knew any better," she nods her head. //Again with the ambiguity? you think.// "What if I told you all of this is real?" she cocks her head. "The rituals, spells, and even teleportation?" You look at her amusingly. "It's just slight of hand and fairy dust," you shrug your shoulder. Whether or not that was the right answer Murmones smiles even wider and sets down her cup. She stands and enters the room where she fetched the coffee, behind the beaded curtains, and returns with a box. [[What is that?]] [[I better be going now.]]

"When the bad outweighs the good," you say. "I knew it! You wouldn't step foot in here if you knew any better," she nods her head. //Again with the ambiguity? you think.// "What if I told you all of this is real?" she cocks her head. "The rituals, spells, and even teleportation?" You look at her amusingly. "It's just slight of hand and fairy dust," you shrug your shoulder. Whether or not that was the right answer Murmones smiles even wider and sets down her cup. She stands and enters the room where she fetched the coffee, behind the beaded curtains, and returns with a box. [[What is that?]] [[I better be going now.]]

"What is that?" you ask as Murmones clears off the coffee table. "I saw how much you adored that moving picture, //Renee//. Would you like to go there?" she asks as she neatly assembles various items down on the hard wood. A cup, a black candle, a single paper with a large symbol in the center, and a silver dagger. "Go where? To the film?" you ask sarcastically, but her face is serious as the looks to you, an obvious sign that she doesn't faff around about this. "Yes, I enjoyed the film very much." "You did more than just enjoy it, deary. You wanted to //be// there. Those stars in your eyes don't lie, just like the cards." She sits down on the chair and strikes a match to light the candle. "I can take you there," she says. "All you have to say is 'yes.'" [[Sure, it's not real anyways!]] [[I'm feeling pretty weird about this..]] <audio autoplay> <source src="Assets/Bizarre.mp3"></audio>

"I better be going now" you say. Just as you stand Murmones starts to clear off the coffee table. "I saw how much you adored that moving picture, //Renee//. Would you like to go there?" she asks as she neatly assembles various items down on the hard wood. A cup, a black candle, a single paper with a large symbol in the center, and a silver dagger. "Go where? To the film?" you inquire sarcastically, but her face is serious as the looks to you, an obvious sign that she doesn't faff around about this. "Yes, I enjoyed the film very much." "You did more than just enjoy it, deary. You wanted to //be// there. Those stars in your eyes don't lie, just like the cards." She sits down on the chair and strikes a match to light the candle. "I can take you there," she says. "All you have to say is 'yes'." [[Sure, it's not real anyways!]] [[I'm feeling pretty weird about this..]] <audio autoplay> <source src="Assets/Bizarre.mp3"></audio>

"If you think you can," you say. Murmones takes your hands in hers and leans her head back. Her mouth steadily hums words under her breath as her eyes roll back. "O antiquus! Per quatuor angulos te invocabo!" she shouts. She places your hand down on the paper and her grip is fiercly strong. Though there are no windows open there is wind that sweeps around your chairs. "Repeat after me," Murmones suddenly grabs your face, the paper grows warm and shudders under your hands. "The ties between two worlds unravel, Let the realms allow my travel." You repeat it with her again and again, and a roar emerges from nowhere, a loud and booming howl that mixes with the screaming wind. You stay fixed on Murmones, but something tugs tugs your hands right down through the paper, through the solid oak table it sits on, and seemingly right through reality. "What's going on?!" you scream. Murmones lets go of you, the only thing that keeps you grounded here above the page that wants to suck you in. It's too strong, otherworldly, and downright impossible, but it's happening. Just as you take a breath to scream again you're sucked down into the page, and you begin to fall. [[Continue...]] <audio autoplay> <source src="Assets/Wind.wav"></audio>

You wake up in a place where it's neither daytime or nighttime. You're outside because you feel blades of grass under your palms. There are people shouting but the fog around you is thicker than molasses. "Well, I'll be," you hear a girls voice come from the mist. "Wh-who's there! Wh-where am I?!" you shout, terrified beyond comprehension. A hand reaches down on your shoulder and you jump up to flee. "Wait! I can help you! Come with me!" she pleas. It's hard to see her clearly and a black veil covers her entire face. Lacy black gloves fit snuggly over her hands. [[Go with her.]] [[Run away!]] <audio autoplay> <source src="Assets/Spell.mp3"></audio>

You take her hand and run blindly. You run for what seems eternity through alleys and dodge people that are wearing red hooded cloaks that shout inaudibly as though they've lost something. "This way, just a little longer," she whispers to you. And she's right, whoever this mysterious person is leading you through another world to a supposed safe place. Your heart still hasn't rested from its palpitations as she lifts a cellar door open. Its hinges creak something awful and you're scared it could've alerted whoever the cloaked people are. "You want to stop //now?//" she asks halfway in and knudges you up extremely narrow and potentially ankle-breaking steps. It's notably warmer inside this place, certainly less humid and mucky than outside, but darker than midnight. As quiet as a mouse you follow and navigate the unlit residence. [[Who are you?]] [[Where am I?]]

Without approval she grabs you and together you run blindly. You run for what seems eternity through alleys and dodge people that are wearing red hooded cloaks that shout inaudibly as though they've lost something. "This way, just a little longer," she whispers to you. And she's right, whoever this mysterious person is leading you through another world to a supposed safe place. Your heart still hasn't rested from its palpitations as she lifts a cellar door open. Its hinges creak something awful and you're scared it could've alerted whoever the cloaked people are. "You want to stop //now?//" she asks halfway in and knudges you up extremely narrow and potentially ankle-breaking steps. It's notably warmer inside this place, certainly less humid and mucky than outside, but darker than midnight. As quiet as a mouse you follow and navigate the unlit residence. [[Who are you?]] [[Where am I?]]

"Who are you?!" you whisper through your teeth as you sit on something cushioned and bouncy. A match stikes. One by one she lights the lanterns and candles around the room allowing you to see where you are. Immediately you gasp, entirely disillusioned and horrified to realize that you know //exactly// where you are. She sits down next to you on the bed and daintily removes her veil. [[Renee.]] <audio autoplay> <source src="Assets/Prima Della.mp3"></audio>

"Who are you?!" you whisper through your teeth as you sit on something cushiony and bouncy. A match stikes. One by one she lights the lanterns and candles around the room allowing you to see where you are. Immediately you gasp, entirely disillusioned and horrified to realize that you know //exactly// where you are. She sits down next to you on the bed and daintily removes her veil. [[Renee.]] <audio autoplay> <source src="Assets/Prima Della.mp3"></audio>

"I'm Renee," she breaks the silence. "And what's a gal like you doing running around in the fog by herself?" she narrows her eyes. "Who are //you// anyways?" Hardly any of this makes sense to you. First, you're just seeing a new film, then getting strange advice and transported by a geriatric woman. "I'm Sienna Myers," you pause, "I'm just new in town." Renee tilts her head full of onyx hair to one side, clearly digesting your lie. "You certainly are new around here," she scoffs. "Look at your clothes! Ugh, just dreadfully boring!" she stops and looks to you,"No offense." [["None taken."]] [["Excuse me?"]]

"Well then I hope you don't mind a little dress-up!" she grabs your shirt and rips it clear down the middle. You jump back and shield yourself from her view, incapable of words. "There!" she says proudly, "Now you can never wear that horrid blouse again." With swift ease she lifts off the bed and seems to float, not walk, but actually float over to her closet. While she's rummaging through there you glance around the room and notice the clock that stands by the window is perfectly still. The minute and hour hands completely at a halt. "Red or black?" Renee shouts, muffled by a mountain of fabric. [["Red."]] [["Black."]]

"I hope you don't mind a little dress-up!" she grabs your shirt and rips it clear down the middle. You jump back and shield yourself from her view, incapable of words. "There!" she says proudly, "Now you can never wear that horrid blouse again." With swift ease she lifts off the bed and seems to float, not walk, but actually float over to her closet. While she's rummaging through there you glance around the room and notice the clock that stands by the window is perfectly still, the minute and hour hands completely at a halt. "Red or black?" Renee shouts, muffled by a mountain of fabric. [["Red."]] [["Black."]]

Renee fumbles a few more things in the closet before returning to your side. The dress is older than your current time and you struggle with the buttons that go all the way up your chest and neck. "You know, Sienna, it's so odd that you're here. It seems like no one comes and goes besides trav-," she cuts herself off. Again, silence fills the room. You peer over your shoulder to where she stands at her vanity, touching a photo with one hand and the other on her chest. "Theodore..." you say aloud. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[//PING!//] [[....]]

Renee fumbles a few more things in the closet before returning to your side. The dress is older than your current time and you struggle with the buttons that go all the way up your chest and neck. "You know, Sienna, it's so odd that you're here. It seems like no one comes and goes besides trav-," she cuts herself off. Again, silence fills the room. You peer over your shoulder to where she stands at her vanity touching a photo with one hand and the other on her chest. "Theodore..." you say aloud. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[//PING!//] [[....]]

"What was that?" Renee asks. You feel the blood rush to your face, up your back, and freeze. "What happened to Theodore?" you ask before you can stop yourself. Renee's smile drops and her cheeks flush with hot blood. "How do you know Theodore?" she asks, her face churning between anger and confusion, not at all the disposition before your slip up. You wonder if she even knows she's fictional and that you know of her and Theodore's brief romance, but more importantly that he's dead. [["I saw it in the paper."]] [["You just look so forlorn at his photo."]]

Her face changes to something ironic and quickly evaporates. "Ah, yes, the paper," she echoes. "Well, now that you look decent let's go to the beach! You can be my scandalous promenade." All you think about is Mama and how you will get home. It's not as though Murmones wrote instructions for you while she was chanting Latin with her eyes rolled back. Renee interrupts your generally miserable thoughts and reaches for your hand. Ungloved, her hands are delicate, almost painterly. [["I'll meet you downstairs," she coos to you."]]

Her face changes to something ironic and quickly evaporates. "And, I saw it in the paper," you add, hoping that you save yourself from her pressing question. "Ah, yes," she echoes. "Well, now that you look decent let's go to the beach! You can be my scandalous promenade." All you think about is Mama and how you will get home. It's not as though Murmones wrote instructions for you while she was chanting Latin with her eyes rolled back. Renee interrupts your generally miserable thoughts and reaches for your hand. Ungloved, her hands are delicate, almost painterly. [["I'll meet you downstairs," she coos to you."]]

The journey to the beach is much different than when you first arrived. The fog is denser, almost jelly like as you try to breathe. You walk with Renee to the end of the pier and look out into the gray nothingness. Whatever and wherever this place is, it's vastly polar to the Hollywood that you know and from the film's golden sunlit scenery. As if this wasn't weird enough you notice birds stuck in the air mid-flight. Not one of their feathers move, untouched by the salty breeze. "It's funny, Sienna," Renee says, but her voice is not joking, not even a glimmer of humor. "What is?" you look over to her. "We don't have a newspaper," she says dryly. "Haven't had one ever in fact," she chortles. "You thought I wouldn't recognize you?" the words flow cooly through her scarlet lips. [["What do you mean?"]]

"I knew it was you the minute you uttered Theo-," she chokes, "Theodore's name." The shock runs up your back and to the nape of your neck. Your stomach drops clear through the piers wooden boards. Renee grabs your shoulders with both hands and bores holes into your head with her eyes. "It wasn't enough that you caused his death, is it? You just had to come and traipse your filth right under my nose," she laughs maniacally, "And you thought I wouldn't figure it out." "Renee, I promise I'm not from around here. I didn't know who you were before I met you, and I truly don't know who Theodore is!" you plea. "I didn't kill anybody! I'm from Hollywood!" "HA!" she cries out, "HOLLYWOOD?! It's one thing to flaunt your moral dilemma in my household, but I won't accept being lied to. Confess!" she screams and shakes you violently. //This// isn't the Renee you first knew. Her eyes are cold and unlively, taken into some place in her mind. [["Let go of me!]] [[Defend yourself.]]

"LET GO OF ME!" you shout, but her hands have cemented to your shoulders. "For all I know you're the one that caused his death, you nut case!" Renee stops and smiles, "It may have been by my hand, but you're the harlet that can't leave taken men alone! I'd recognize your ratty blonde hair anywhere after that night" she backs you up to the edge of the pier, just a few steps more until you plunge into the ocean and land on cragged rocks. "We were to be wed!" she cries out, "Why did you have to take him from me?!" You struggle to free yourself from her hands but she's stronger than even Murmones, and she's going to push you right over the edge. [[Throw her off the pier.]] [[Say your prayers.]]

"LET GO OF ME!" you shout, but her hands have cemented to your shoulders. "For all I know you're the one that caused his death, you mental case!" Renee stops and frowns sarcastically and pokes her bottom lip out. "It may have been by my hand, but you're the harlet that can't leave taken men alone! I'd recognize your ratty blonde hair anywhere after that night" she backs you up to the edge of the pier, just a few steps more until you plunge into the ocean and land on cragged rocks. "We were to be wed!" she cries out, "Why did you have to take him from me?!" You struggle to free yourself from her hands but she's stronger than even Murmones, and she's going to push you right over the edge. Suddenly she reaches into her petticoat with one hand, releasing you partially. [[Throw her off the pier.]] [[Say your prayers.]]

With only one second left before you're pushed off the pier you grab Renee's shoulders and swing yourself completely around using your body's inertia as an anchor. Her claws dig deep into your arm as they're ripped away and she falls. She falls slowly, gracefully, as though the destination below were a cloud she is to land on. Her arms do not flail in the air, nor does any sound escape from her mouth. She falls like she means for this to happen. You turn away from empty pier and retrive items from your petticoat since there's a lot of hiding places in the antique dresses. Despite Renee's careful and watchful eyes, much like a hawk to its prey, you grabbed items from her vanity; altar items. A cup, a black candle, a single paper with a large symbol in the center, and a silver dagger. You try to muster the energy Murmones had for the spell and although you've never casted magic you can feel it race through your body, but it fizzles out as you wave your hands over the items. "The incantation!" you gasp. "How does it start?! Do I even remember it?!" [[Kind of.]] [[I don't remember.]]

You think of Mama and how she would be devastated if you never returned home. With only one second left before you're pushed off the pier you grab Renee's shoulders and swing yourself completely around using your body's inertia as an anchor. Her claws dig deep into your arm as they're ripped away, and she falls. She falls slowly, gracefully, as though the destination below were a cloud she is to land on. Her arms do not flail in the air, nor does any sound escape from her mouth. She falls like she means for this to happen. You turn away from empty pier and retrive items from your petticoat since there's a lot of hiding places in the antique dresses. Despite Renee's careful and watchful eyes, much like a hawk to its prey, you grabbed items from her vanity; altar items. A cup, a black candle, a single paper with a large symbol in the center, and a silver dagger. You try to muster the energy Murmones had for the spell and although you've never casted magic you can feel it race through your body, but it fizzles out as you wave your hands over the items. "The incantation!" you gasp. "How does it start?! Do I even remember it?!" [[Kind of.]] [[I don't remember.]]

As if you would ever forget those words! You clear your throat and your mind and repeat the chant over and over. "O antiquus! Per quatuor angulos te invocabo! The ties between two worlds unravel, Let the realms allow my travel." [[The ground beneath you starts to rattle and shake..]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[//''SSSSSHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!''//]] [[The wind howls as you bellow the chant louder and stronger!]] <audio autoplay> <source src="Assets/Wind.wav"></audio>

Just as you open your eyes Renee slings herself over the edge of the pier and crawls towards you like something out of a nightmare. She gains on you, although she is slow and steady, but you're planted and afraid to move lest the ritual not work. "You'll never get rid of me!" Renee cries out, and just as the wind picks up to something like a tornado she grabs you once more even tighter. Then, all goes black and limp, and you're weightless through a vaccuum that pulls you in every direction and no direction. [[Did it work?]] <audio autoplay> <source src="Assets/Wind.wav"></audio> <audio autoplay> <source src="Assets/Spell.mp3"></audio>

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[//''THUD!''//] You slam on the ground much harder than the first go around and hear your left ankle //crunch // under the weight of your body and unstoppable cosmic inertia. "Get your paws off me!" Renee screams. [[Renee?!]]

You peer around the dimly lit street. By the looks of it you're back in front of the esoteric shop but Murmones is not in sight. Renee screams again but this time it's villainous, almost senile. "You have no idea the unimaginable power I yield against you dirty bloods!" "This lady's lost her mind!" people talk amongst themselves, crowding around the spectacle of a woman gone mad. Renee stands in the middle of the street waving her wooden wand in the air, her hair a tattered nest laying frumpily around her diamond face. [[Help her?]] [[Leave her.]]

You run through the people, careless of who and how hard you bump into someone, and snatch Renee by her hair, deservingly. You yank her into the esoteric shop, which is surprisingly unlocked, and close the door behind you both, and lock it securely. "Why did you do that?" Renee asks you. "Because I'm nothing like you." [[Continue]]

After all that Renee has done to you; the lying and the attempted murder, you choose to leave her and let the crowd do what they will. She's already killed Theodore and almost you, so why save her? You do have some doubt and briefly ponder your cold decision, wondering if you could live with this for the rest of your life. You know you're nothing like Renee, but if you're willing to leave her then you must be more alike than you thought originally. Renee warhoops and yelps as the crowd tries to detain her, and before you turn away completely your eyes meet hers for one last time. [[Continue]]

It's been over a year since you were transported into //Renee.// One year of owning //''Lilith Moon Tarot''// after Murmones fled and abandoned it. You live upstairs with your Mama and run the shop all by yourself. You even make homemade soaps and candles now, along with genuine tarot spreads and all things metaphysical. //Shhing!// the door bell rings; someone entering the shop. "What can I do for you today?" you ask, crouched under the counter doing inventory before the night is over. [["I'd like a word with the new owner."]]

"I'm the new owner," you huff and stand up, "What can I do fo-" you stop. There in front of the counter stands Murmones even more emaciated than a year ago. "How was your adventure?" she says smugly. You lay some handmade pentagrams and cloths down on the counter. [["Wonderful."]] [["What do you want?"]]

"It was quite eventful," you smile dryly, "Looks like you're still a walking dust bunny, Summoner," you look her up and down slowly. She leans her arms on a book that lays open on the counter and hoots. "I'd figured my sacrifice had worked, but I suppose you're smarter than I percieved," Murmones retorts. Instead of anger you feel giddy knowing a secret that she doesn't. "You know, Murmy- can I call you that? Great. Murmy, I'm afraid I'm one step ahead of //you// this time." She glares at you. [["What are you yapping about now?"]]

"It was quite eventful," you smile dryly, "Looks like you're still a walking dust bunny, Summoner," you look her up and down slowly. She leans her arms on a book that lays open on the counter. "I'd figured my sacrifice had worked, but I suppose you're smarter than I percieved," Murmones retorts. Instead of anger you feel giddy knowing a secret that she doesn't. "You know, Murmy- can I call you that? Great. Murmy, I'm afraid I'm one step ahead of //you// this time." She glares at you. [["What are you yapping about now?"]]

"O antiquus!" you begin. "What are you doing? HA! You think it'll work without the book?" "Per quatuor angulos te invocabo!" The wind with no source starts and whistles through the shop. Loose papers and small feathery objects fly around her in a whirlpool and a thousand screams erupt from all around you. "The ties between two worlds unravel, Let the realms allow your travel!" "AGHH!" she howls. Her elbows are glued to the book she rests them upon; //the// book. In one fell swoop she swirls down in through the pages with only a faint shriek in her exiting trail. The wind stops and you smooth your hair back. "Sienna?!" Mama shouts and runs down the stairs. "What on Earth was that?!" You look at her casually, holding back the grin you so greatly wish to flaunt. "It's just a little bit of magic," you smile and wink at her. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[''//THE END//''] //Replay?// [[START]] <audio autoplay> <source src="Assets/Witchy.mp3"></audio>

<left-centered><img src="Assets/vanished1.jpg"> [[START]]

Bizarre: Spaun, K. (Dec. 11, 2021.) Spell: https://freesound.org/people/Spennnyyy/sounds/323502/ Wind: https://freesound.org/people/martian/sounds/403003/ https://cdn.freesound.org/sounds/403/403003-bc5cd0a1-c083-48ae-8a78-6521246f7f54? Prima Della: Morricone, E. (Jan. 11, 2011.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUIh52Z7k4U&list=PLv_OEz9sBtYDacxqXazEYbf4-U6sS8piw&index=6&ab_channel=EnnioMorricone-Topic Ninna: Morricone, E. (1969.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH3ICyVFur4&ab_channel=EnnioMorriconeVEVO Witchy: No copyright. (n.d.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e98rnOEZzQw&list=PLT8X3_sfWUm3VkatcG2enPgMu-_2wbFft&index=1&ab_channel=VIVEKABHISHEK Tarot: Sidorov, P. (Jul. 31, 2021.) Unsplash, https://unsplash.com/photos/XoBdj1zV-EA Candles: Labrum, M. (Oct. 19, 2016.) Unsplash, https://unsplash.com/photos/fvl4b1gjpbk Moon: (n.d.) Unsplash, https://unsplash.com/ https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1631370309936-2d0c979e5caa?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&dl=dylan-hunter-N0SZQgqWdA0-unsplash.jpg&q=80&fm=jpg&crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb [[START]]