Cure The Cursed

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Before we begin, there is something I must share: This story is for mature audiences only. Please view the content [[warnings.]] As this story is still in very early development, it will update peroidically. More choices will be added in later versions. There will be errors, as I'm new to the twine scene. There are four customizable characters, click [[here]] to choose their genders now. <<if $gendersset is "set">>\ <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Character Creation.</div>' 'CharacterCreate'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>> <</if>>

<div class="begin">What's Your Name?</div> <div class="reg"> <<message 'View Feminine Name Suggestions.'>>\ Luna; Moon. Emmie; Industrious. Xavia; Bright. <</message>> <<message 'View Masculine Name Suggestions.'>>\ Remy; Oarsman. Maxton; Greatest. Newt; New Town. <</message>> <<message 'View Gender-Neutral Name Suggestions.'>>\ Tirian; Kind. Jude; Praise. Basil; Regal. <</message>> <<textbox "$name" "">> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Confirm.</div>' 'CharacterNickname'>><</link>> </div>

<div id="container"> <div id="header"> <span id="header-text" onclick="toggle(this)"></span> <div class="menutoggle"><span id="zero" onclick="toggle(this)"><i class="fa fa-ellipsis-v" aria-hidden="true"></i> </span> <span id="one" style="bottom:-180px;"> <div class="menu-flex"> </div> </span></div> </div> <div id="story"> <div id="passages">  </div> </div> </div>  <script>function toggle() { var x = document.getElementById("one"); if (!x.style.bottom ||x.style.bottom === '-180px') { x.style.bottom = '0px'; } else { x.style.bottom = '-180px'; } } $("#story").click(function() { var x = document.getElementById("one"); if (x.style.bottom == '0px') { x.style.bottom = '-180px'; } }); $("#one").click(function(event) { event.stopPropagation(); }); </script>

<<replace ".menu-flex">><<include "menu-flex">><</replace>> <<replace "#header-text">><<include "header-text">><</replace>>

<script>var myDiv = document.getElementById('passages'); myDiv.scrollTop = 0;</script>

<<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>00</b> go back</div>'>><<run Engine.backward()>><</link>> <<if $charaset is "set">><<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>01</b> profile</div>' 'profile'>><</link>><</if>> <<if $charactersmet is "yes">><<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>02</b> character descriptions</div>' 'character descriptions'>><</link>><</if>> <<if $relations is "set">> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>03</b> relationships</div>' 'relationships'>><</link>><</if>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>04</b> saves</div>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>05</b> settings</div>'>><<script>>UI.settings()<</script>><</link>>

Cure The Cursed/ $gamechapter

<div class="eh"> Name: $name. Pronouns: ?She/?Her. Appearance: You have $mchaircolor, $mchairlength, and $mchairtype hair. With $mceyecolor eyes and $mcskincolor skin, you make for a catching sight. You're $mcheight. Your Mark: A $mark. It holds too much weight. <<link "Return." $return>><</link>> </div>

a passage for testing the """$return""" function! it returns you to the last visited passage that isn't tagged with 'noreturn', whereas the general back button in the menu simply navigates through all visited passages. helps you avoid getting stuck in a loop! <<link "return to game" $return>><</link>>

<<set $gamechapter = "Prologue.">>

!!!The Heir: The Heir is a <<cycle "$cgender" autoselect>> <<option "woman">> <<option "man">> <</cycle>>. !!!The Court Wizard: The Court Wizard is a <<cycle "$rgender" autoselect>> <<option "woman">> <<option "man">> <</cycle>>. !!!The Guard: The Guard is a <<cycle "$agender" autoselect>> <<option "woman">> <<option "man">> <</cycle>>. !!!The Rebel: The Rebel is a <<cycle "$ngender" autoselect>> <<option "woman">> <<option "man">> <</cycle>>. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Check.</div>' 'check'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Current Content Warnings: <div class="warnings"> *Mentions Of Death. *Strong Language. *Violence. *Blood. *Death. *Sexual Content. *Gore. </div> These warnings may not be present in the current build, but will be in builds in the future. It may continue to grow. <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

The Heir is a $cgender. The Court Wizard is a $rgender. The Guard is a $agender. The Rebel is a $ngender. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Yes.</div>' 'home'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">No.</div>' 'here'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>> <<set $gendersset to "set">> <<if $cgender is "woman">>\ <li> <<set $che to "she">> </li> <<set $chim to "her">> <<set $chis to "hers">> <<set $cher to "her">> <<set $chimself to "herself">> <<set $cHe to "She">> <<set $cHim to "Her">> <<set $cHis to "Hers">> <<set $cHer to "Her">> <<set $cHimself to "Herself">> <<set $cname to "Cyra">> <<set $cson to "daughter">> <<set $ctitle to "Princess">> <<set $ctitle2 to "princess">> <</if>> <<if $cgender is "man">>\ <li> <<set $che to "he">> </li> <<set $chim to "him">> <<set $chis to "his">> <<set $cher to "his">> <<set $chimself to "himself">> <<set $cHe to "He">> <<set $cHim to "Him">> <<set $cHis to "His">> <<set $cHer to "His">> <<set $cHimself to "Himself">> <<set $cname to "Cyrus">> <<set $ctitle to "Prince">> <<set $ctitle2 to "prince">> <</if>> <<if $rgender is "man">>\ <li> <<set $rhe to "he">> </li> <<set $rhim to "him">> <<set $rhis to "his">> <<set $rher to "his">> <<set $rhimself to "himself">> <<set $rHe to "He">> <<set $rHim to "Him">> <<set $rHis to "His">> <<set $rHer to "His">> <<set $rHimself to "Himself">> <<set $rname to "Rune">> <<set $cson to "son">> <</if>> <<if $rgender is "woman">>\ <li> <<set $rhe to "she">> </li> <<set $rhim to "her">> <<set $rhis to "hers">> <<set $rher to "her">> <<set $rhimself to "herself">> <<set $rHe to "She">> <<set $rHim to "Her">> <<set $rHis to "Hers">> <<set $rHer to "Her">> <<set $rHimself to "Herself">> <<set $rname to "Rune">> <</if>> <<if $agender is "woman">>\ <li> <<set $ahe to "she">> </li> <<set $ahim to "her">> <<set $ahis to "hers">> <<set $aher to "her">> <<set $ahimself to "herself">> <<set $aHe to "She">> <<set $aHim to "Her">> <<set $aHis to "Hers">> <<set $aHer to "Her">> <<set $aHimself to "Herself">> <<set $aname to "Aura">> <</if>> <<if $agender is "man">>\ <li> <<set $ahe to "he">> </li> <<set $ahim to "him">> <<set $ahis to "his">> <<set $aher to "his">> <<set $ahimself to "himself">> <<set $aHe to "He">> <<set $aHim to "Him">> <<set $aHis to "His">> <<set $aHer to "His">> <<set $aHimself to "Himself">> <<set $aname to "Alastor">> <</if>> <<if $ngender is "woman">>\ <li> <<set $nhe to "she">> </li> <<set $nhim to "her">> <<set $nhis to "hers">> <<set $nher to "her">> <<set $nhimself to "herself">> <<set $nHe to "She">> <<set $nHim to "Her">> <<set $nHis to "Hers">> <<set $nHer to "Her">> <<set $nHimself to "Herself">> <<set $nname to "Nea">> <</if>> <<if $ngender is "man">>\ <li> <<set $nhe to "he">> </li> <<set $nhim to "him">> <<set $nhis to "his">> <<set $nher to "his">> <<set $nhimself to "himself">> <<set $nHe to "He">> <<set $nHim to "Him">> <<set $nHis to "His">> <<set $nHer to "His">> <<set $nHimself to "Himself">> <<set $nname to "Neo">> <</if>>

$name, do you have a nickname? [[No.->mcpronouns]] <<message 'Yes.'>>\ <<textbox "$mcnickname" "">> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Confirm.</div>' 'mcpronouns'>><</link>> <</message>>

<div class="begin">What's Your Pronouns?</div> <<link 'Set Pronouns.'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> <<message 'Test Pronouns.'>>\ ?Their name is $name. <</message>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Confirm.</div>' 'Appearance'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<div class="begin">What Do You Look Like?</div> <div class="reg"> //Unnatural Hair Colors Are Dyed.//</div><div class="reg2"> Your hair is <<cycle "$mchaircolor" autoselect>> <<option "red">> <<option "brown">> <<option "blonde">> <<option "black">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "pink">> <<option "purple">> <</cycle>>. </div> <div class="reg2"> Your hair is <<cycle "$mchairlength" autoselect>> <<option "short">> <<option "medium length">> <<option "long">> <</cycle>>. </div> <div class="reg2"> Your hair is <<cycle "$mchairtype" autoselect>> <<option "straight">> <<option "wavy">> <<option "curly">> <<option "coiled">> <</cycle>>. </div> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Continue Customizing.</div>' 'more custom'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<div class="begin">What's Your Mark?</div> <div class="reg"> //__This story requires you to have at least one visable tattoo. What is it?__//</div> <div class="reg"> On your wrist, there is a small <<cycle "$mark" autoselect>> <<option "butterfly">> <<option "crescent moon">> <<option "sparrow">> <<option "dagger">> <</cycle>> tattoo. </div> <div class="reg"> //__Would you like another tattoo?__// <<link '<div class="choice-item">Yes.</div>' 'moretats'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">No.</div>' 'start now1'>><</link>> </div>

<div class="begin">What Tattoo Do You Have?</div> <div class="warnings"> [[jusqu'au bout->locatetat1]] - until the end. [[A coiled snake->locatetat2]] [[The Great Wave Off Kanagawa->locatetat3]] [[The Kiss by Gustav Klimt->locatetat4]] [[A moth->locatetat5]] [[The Moon tarot card->locatetat6]] </div>

<<set $issecondtat to "no">> <div class="begin">Are You Ready To Start?</div> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Yes.</div>' 'test'>><</link>>

<<fadein 5s>><div class="chapterstart">Prologue, </div><</fadein>> <<set $charaset to "set">>//Profile Unlocked!// <div class="chapterstart4"><<fadein 10s>>"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves." ― William Shakespeare<</fadein>></div> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Begin This Tale.</div>' 'prologue'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $secondtat to "jusqu'au bout">><div class="begin">Where is your tattoo?</div> <div class="warnings"> <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your ribcage" autocheck>> Your ribcage <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your shoulderblade" autocheck>> Your shoulderblade <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "behind your ear" autocheck>> Behind your ear <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your thigh" autocheck>> Your thigh <<link '<div class="choice-item">Confirm.</div>' 'start now 2'>><</link>> </div>

<<set $secondtat to "a coiled snake">><div class="begin">Where is your tattoo?</div> <div class="warnings"> <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your ribcage" autocheck>> Your ribcage <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your shoulderblade" autocheck>> Your shoulderblade <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "behind your ear" autocheck>> Behind your ear <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your thigh" autocheck>> Your thigh <<link '<div class="choice-item">Confirm.</div>' 'start now 2'>><</link>> </div>

<<set $secondtat to "The Great Wave Off Kanagawa">><div class="begin">Where is your tattoo?</div> <div class="warnings"> <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your ribcage" autocheck>> Your ribcage <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your shoulderblade" autocheck>> Your shoulderblade <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "behind your ear" autocheck>> Behind your ear <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your thigh" autocheck>> Your thigh <<link '<div class="choice-item">Confirm.</div>' 'start now 2'>><</link>> </div>

<<set $secondtat to "The Kiss by Gustav Klimt">><div class="begin">Where is your tattoo?</div> <div class="warnings"> <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your ribcage" autocheck>> Your ribcage <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your shoulderblade" autocheck>> Your shoulderblade <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "behind your ear" autocheck>> Behind your ear <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your thigh" autocheck>> Your thigh <<link '<div class="choice-item">Confirm.</div>' 'start now 2'>><</link>> </div>

<<set $secondtat to "A moth">><div class="begin">Where is your tattoo?</div> <div class="warnings"> <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your ribcage" autocheck>> Your ribcage <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your shoulderblade" autocheck>> Your shoulderblade <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "behind your ear" autocheck>> Behind your ear <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your thigh" autocheck>> Your thigh <<link '<div class="choice-item">Confirm.</div>' 'start now 2'>><</link>> </div>

<<set $secondtat to "The Moon tarot card">><div class="begin">Where is your tattoo?</div> <div class="warnings"> <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your ribcage" autocheck>> Your ribcage <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your shoulderblade" autocheck>> Your shoulderblade <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "behind your ear" autocheck>> Behind your ear <<radiobutton "$tatlocate" "on your thigh" autocheck>> Your thigh <<link '<div class="choice-item">Confirm.</div>' 'start now 2'>><</link>> </div>

<<set $issecondtat to "yes">> <div class="begin">Are You Ready To Start?</div> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Yes.</div>' 'test'>><</link>>

<<if $secondtat is "jusqu'au bout">> You have a tattoo that reads //jusqu'au bout// $tatlocate—it means //until the end.// <</if>> <<if $secondtat is "a coiled snake">> You have a tattoo of a coiled snake $tatlocate. <</if>> <<if $secondtat is "The Great Wave Off Kanagawa">> You have a tattoo of a small version of The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by Hokusai $tatlocate. <</if>> <<if $secondtat is "The Kiss by Gustav Klimt">> You have a tattoo of a small version of The Kiss by Gustav Klimt $tatlocate. <</if>> <<if $secondtat is "A moth">> You have a tattoo of a lunar moth $tatlocate. <</if>> <<if $secondtat is "The Moon tarot card">> You have a tattoo of a tarot card—//The Moon//—$tatlocate. <</if>>

We will start where most other stories do: the beginning. But there is no happy ending here. You will have to make one yourself. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro1'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Your mother is dying. Or, at least she could be. She is staring with glossy eyes at the ceiling with an empty smile fixed on her face. The television is mere background noise; no one present is paying attention. The doctor scratches inky notes onto a battered clipboard, her hair pinned messily away from her face. You don't know what she's writing. You realize with a sudden start that she's speaking. "Are you listening?" Her voice hits your ears like you're breaking the surface of ice-cold water—you've been submerged in for a very long time. [["Yes," you whisper, voice choked as you adjust in your seat.]] [["I am," you say as casually as possible, attempting a strained smile.]] [["Just say it," you tell her with a touch of hostility.]] [[You nod briefly, your neck popping at the sudden movement.]]

"Yes," you whisper, voice choked as you adjust in your seat. She gives you a pitying look that makes you want to shy away, but you keep your gaze as steady as possible. "What is it?" Even though you know what she'll say. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro2'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"The only reasonable explanation is schizophrenia," she says with a tight voice as she uses the television remote to switch the device off, "the hallucinations and her out-of-touch state certainly suggest it. But we can not gather why she is unresponsive." The nurse hands you a pamphlet of information regarding the disorder. "We will keep her for as long as necessary, of course." The doctor slips the clip of her pen over her breast pocket. "Please, head to the desk outside to fill out your contact information. If you must leave, we will need a way of contacting you as her sole guardian." She nods to you as the nurse opens the door. "You have my prayers." And then you are left alone with your mother. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro3'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"I am," you say as casually as possible, attempting a strained smile. The woman stares at you gently but doesn't return your smile—likely because she knows it's fake. "…Yes?" Your smile crumbles on your face, leaving your concern bare. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro2'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Just say it," you tell her with a touch of hostility. The woman's eyes narrow, but she doesn't tell you off. You feel you wouldn't be getting off so easy if these were different circumstances. "…What?" The hostility fades with tiredness in its place. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro2'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You nod briefly, your neck popping at the sudden movement. You reach a hand up to rub your skin, massaging the line of your spine. The woman gives you a frown, looking you over. "I'm listening," you clarify simply. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro2'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Is it really schizophrenia? Something deep within your gut tells you: //no, it isn't.// With the television off, only the steady beep of the monitor by the bed fills your ears. Your mother doesn't look at you, staring at some spot above her that you can't see—smiling at something beyond your ability to comprehend. [[You step over to the bed to take her hand in yours, hoping for some sign that she knows you're there.]] [[You call out for her, voice croaky. Can she even hear you?]] [[You can hardly bring yourself to spare her a glance as you leave the room; the sight is too upsetting.]]

You reach for the cold handle of the door and force yourself to turn your head, just to see your mother lying there. You half expect her to sit up and stretch with how wide-eyed she looks at the ceiling. But she doesn't, and so you walk outside. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro4'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Mom…?" You don't move from your place—like she has a barrier surrounding her body. You watch her until you try again, "Mom." The only response comes not from your mother; you receive a resounding beep from the monitor. And then you leave with your chest heavy. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro4'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You shuffle forward like you're approaching a frightened animal, hands slow and deliberate until you touch her cold fingers. They don't even curl around your own; they don't even twitch in response. You lean forward—as you hope to see some sort of recognition on her face—but only a shimmery glaze in her eyes looks back at you. And so you leave for the desk outside, heart heavy in your chest. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro4'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Schizophrenia, you can't help but think again as you step into the blinding white hallway. It doesn't seem right, but you aren't a doctor. It doesn't seem right, yet there is no other explanation. You're still thinking about it when you step up to the desk and the man behind it slides you a clipboard and a cheap ballpoint ink pen. "Fill it out in the waiting room, please," he tells you, professionally and politely, "take two lefts and you'll find the room—there's a sign." You gather the items; as you walk away you <<cycle "$mcwonder" autoselect>> <<option "wonder why the waiting room is so far away">> <<option " can't pull your thoughts away from your mother">> <<option "fiddle with the pen">> <</cycle>>. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro5'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

The waiting room is empty of any other people when you step inside. There are a handful of chairs packed against the wall and a few tables housing flimsy-looking magazines. You find a seat beside one of them, perching the clipboard on your knee. You wield the pen in your hand and sign your name along the dotted line at the top. After some time, you acquire a paper cut flipping through the endless pages, but eventually scribe the answer to the last question. You clip the pen onto the corner of the abused wood and fight a sigh. <<cycle "$mcthoughts1r" autoselect>> <<option "You want to get back to your mother as soon as possible">> <<option "you wish you could go home">> <<option "you wish you could sort out your thoughts">> <</cycle>>. Your shoes click on the polished floor as you stand from your seat. A sudden cold washes over you, biting and unexpected. You leave the small waiting room, nearly ramming right into a passing figure—your body jerks back to avoid it. [["Oh! Excuse me!" You shuffle back to allow them to enter the room.]] [["Whoa!" You force a chuckle. "Careful."]] [["Watch it!" You snap harshly at the person.]] [[You say nothing, but run a hand over your face and allow them entrance to the room.]]

"Oh! Excuse me!" You shuffle back into the room to accommodate the person. "I'm sorry, I almost ran into you." The person, who is dressed in a long, black wool coat, is old and frail. The hood is covering their eyes and you can only see their thin mouth. Their teeth are yellow when they speak, <div class="voice">"It's quite alright, dear."</div> Something shocks you about their voice—maybe you only imagine it, but—it echoes in your ears like several people are speaking at the same time. They sound distinctly amused, though you aren't sure if it's you they find funny or something else. What you are sure of, however, is that you see their teeth form a smile too sharp to be friendly as you leave the room. The chill stays in the waiting room. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro6'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Whoa!" Your voice is drawn out and you raise your hands with a chuckle that's forced. "Careful there, I could have seriously hurt you—or at least left you with a sore shoulder." You slide out of the way for them. The person, who is dressed in a long, black wool coat, is old and frail. The hood is covering their eyes and you can only see their thin mouth. Their teeth are yellow when they laugh and speak,<div class="voice">"I'll be more careful next time, dear."</div> Something shocks you about their voice—and their laugh, though maybe you only imagine it—it echoes in your ears like several people are speaking—laughing—at the same time. They sound distinctly amused, though you aren't sure if they find your words funny or something else entirely. What you are sure of, however, is that you see their teeth form a smile too sharp to be friendly as you leave the room. The chill stays in the waiting room. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro6'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Watch it!" You can't stop the harsh words when your current state is so fragile. You shove past them, though not hard. The person, who is dressed in a long, black wool coat, is old and frail. The hood is covering their eyes and you can only see their thin mouth. Their teeth are yellow when they laugh and speak, <div class="voice">"Do forgive me, my dear."</div> Something shocks you about their voice as you turn back to stare—and their laugh, though maybe you only imagine it—it echoes in your ears like several people are speaking—laughing—at the same time. They sound distinctly amused, though you aren't sure if it's you they find funny or something else. What you are sure of, however, is that you see their teeth form a smile too sharp to be friendly as you move down the hall. The chill stays in the waiting room. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro6'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You sigh, reaching a hand up to rub your eyes and drag your fingers down your face. You move swiftly out of the way for the person. The person, who is dressed in a long, black wool coat, is old and frail. The hood is covering their eyes and you can only see their thin mouth. Their teeth are yellow when they speak,<div class="voice">"I hope you'll excuse me, dear."</div> Something shocks you about their voice—maybe you only imagine it, but—it echoes in your ears like several people are speaking at the same time. They sound distinctly amused, though you aren't sure if it's you they find funny or something else. What you are sure of, however, is that you see their teeth form a smile too sharp to be friendly as you leave the room. The chill stays in the waiting room. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro6'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You leave the clipboard with the man at the desk, eyeing the window and the darkness that resides behind it. It seems you've been at the hospital long enough for it to grow dark out. You turn your gaze back to the man as he flips through the pages. "Thank you, $name," he says. He shifts the clipboard to the side without really looking at it, fingers moving to continue typing on the computer at an alarming speed. He doesn't look at you. "The room next to the patient is open for the night. Doctor Vue asked me to inform you that the best thing to do would be to stay overnight." He flicks his hand in the direction of an ajar door. "Since her condition is uncertain—" He breaks off to clear his throat, his voice raspy, "You should stay—you should also get something to eat in the cafeteria downstairs; it's open for another hour or so." He finally looks up, but it's only to rub a hand over his face. "I know I wish I could. You wouldn't believe how late I have to stay some days. Just last night—" This time he breaks off to stop a rant. He smiles cordially at you—though it seems too tired to be genuine—and gestures to a sign. "Follow the signs." Your stomach rumbles painfully as if responding, and so despite your need for rest, you follow the arrows directing you to the cafeteria. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro7'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You're led to an elevator that looks like it's seen better days. The button that calls it is much similar, the paint worn from so many fingers using it every day. The metal makes an alarming screeching sound, and you start to believe it will never reach you—until the doors slide open slowly and reveal the lackluster inside. The light flickers—it goes dark for at least half a minute before turning shakily back on—weakly; a sticky substance inhabits the far left corner, and the trademark elevator music that usually fills the silence is too quiet to hear unless you strain. Your eyes fly to the staircase, despairing at the ripped //Out Of Order// sign taped to the door. [[You smile nervously as you enter, hands clasped to your chest. Surely it can't be that bad?]] [[You run a hand over your hair and chuckle nervously.]] [[You curse the laziness of the staff and step inside.]] [[You step inside, unbothered.]]

You fasten a weak smile onto your face as you enter, holding it up like a shield. Your shoes stick to the floor and make a weak popping sound each time you lift your foot, and you unconsciously cringe at the dank smell that encases you. You surge forward to press the button for the second floor and sigh in relief as it gives you no resistance. You half expected it to give out from under you. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro8'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You sweep your hand over your $mchaircolor hair and speak to the air beside you, "…Not the dirtiest place I've ever been." You press the toe of your shoe to the inside experimentally like you're testing the temperature of water. You jump as the doors begin to close on you and step fully into the elevator, an exasperated look on your face. You press the button for the second floor and shake your head at nothing as the doors close without you as an obstacle. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro8'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

One would think cleanliness was valued in a //hospital.// You'd be sure to bring it up to the guy at the desk. Your mother was getting treatment here—if the elevator was so poorly taken care of, what could be said about the care of their patients? "Hell," you whisper to the air and step inside, disgust curling your lip. You whip your hand back when you press the button for the second floor, your finger sticky. "Gross," you accuse the elevator. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro8'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You slide inside, settling towards the side of the elevator to press the button for the second floor. At first, nothing happens—so you press it again. You eye the doors accusingly until they close as if disheartened by your lack of a reaction. It buzzes unsteadily below your feet and finally begins to rise. You sigh. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro8'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

The cafeteria is closed. The sign on the door says that has been for an hour. Your stomach growls in protest—harsh and angry protest. You realize then that you haven't eaten anything all day, being too wrapped up in your mother's condition to allow time for it. //Your mother.// [[The two of you had always been close.]] [[You had never been very close.]] [[Your relationship had grown strained over the years.]]

<<set $momrelate to "warm">> The two of you had always been close. You'd never known your father—you'd never heard the story of why he wasn't in your life either, since your mother would never tell it. She seemed perfectly content without him. She had always been that way. She never talked about the past—she focused on the present. While many would call her aloof, you preferred to say she was a free spirit. She was always flowing, like the wind, from place to place. She sought excitement and the rush of the unknown, that much you can say. But her sudden change in behavior—talking to the air and smiling as it responded; going whole days without acknowledging you at all; going whole days without //eating// anything at all. It was true that she was getting old, but this was something different. And just this day, this morning, she wouldn't move. She only stared above her, hardly budging when you shook her. You'd called an ambulance. And now, here you are—with still no solid clue as to what was wrong. A sharp bump to your shoulder shocks you back into the present. You turn in surprise, blinking rapidly to find the source, the culprit. You, strangely, glimpse no one—nothing. Except a long, black wool coat swishing around the corner. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro9'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $momrelate to "cold">> As a child, you'd always found her lack of emotional range jarring. She never raised her voice and she never cried. She felt like mist—like she'd run through your fingers if you ever reached out for her. You could only stare at her from afar as she danced along through life like she didn't have a child weighing her down at all. But now, with her sudden change in behavior—talking to the air and smiling as it responded; going whole days without acknowledging you at all; going whole days without //eating// anything at all. You couldn't ignore it. It was true that she was getting old, but this was something different. And just this day, this morning, she wouldn't move. She only stared above her, hardly budging when you shook her. You'd called an ambulance. And now, here you are—with still no solid clue as to what was wrong. A sharp bump to your shoulder shocks you back into the present. You turn in surprise, blinking rapidly to find the source, the culprit. You, strangely, glimpse no one—nothing. Except a long, black wool coat swishing around the corner. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro9'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $momrelate to "cold">> As a child, you'd adored her spontaneity, and worshiped her free nature. Nothing could ever bother her. She never got upset—you'd never seen her cry, never seen her yell. But as you grew, you began to view her as detached. You felt she couldn't understand you when you wept, or shouted, or laughed. Her smile was always so calm, her eyes so serene. It began to feel like she was looking right through you. But now, with her sudden change in behavior—talking to the air and smiling as it responded; going whole days without acknowledging you at all; going whole days without //eating// anything at all. You couldn't ignore it. It was true that she was getting old, but this was something different. And just this day, this morning, she wouldn't move. She only stared above her, hardly budging when you shook her. You'd called an ambulance. And now, here you are—with still no solid clue as to what was wrong. A sharp bump to your shoulder shocks you back into the present. You turn in surprise, blinking rapidly to find the source, the culprit. You, strangely, glimpse no one—nothing. Except a long, black wool coat swishing around the corner. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro9'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You get <<cycle "$mcsnack" autoselect>> <<option "an energy bar">> <<option " a bag of chips">> <<option "a chocolate bar">> <<option "a pack of crackers">> <</cycle>> from the vending machine and take the elevator back to the first floor. Those roaming the halls have gotten sparse and now, excluding yourself, only a sprinkle of nurses are who you cross paths with. You find that the room you've been spared is extremely cold, much like the waiting room you'd been in earlier. You lay your snack on the bed and mess with the air conditioner underneath the window, hoping to ease the biting chill by at least a small amount. Once the buzzing sound it exudes ceases completely, you relax, closing the door and flicking on the lamp stationed by the bed instead of the overhead light. It bathes the room in a soft glow, and since the outside has no moonlight to speak of, that's all you get. The heaviness of the day lays on your shoulders as you slump onto the bed, cradling the snack from earlier in the palm of your hands. [[Eat it.]] [[Your bleary eyes win the quiet battle you have—get some sleep.]]

You eat the your snack, not stopping until the wrapper was all that was left. Your hunger is sated enough to get some sleep. You sigh in relief. You lean back to stare at the ceiling, kicking your shoes off to perch your feet onto the bed. The hospital is in an eerie silence and the cold of the room has yet to dissipate. Your eyes shut, and you chase the embrace of sleep. Your eyes shut, and your wish for a moment of nothingness—of peace. You sleep. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">You Wake To Ice On Your Wrist.</div>' 'pro10'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You set your snack aside, deciding to eat it in the morning or save it for another time. Your stomach disagrees, but your tired limbs don't. You lean back to stare at the ceiling, kicking your shoes off to perch your feet onto the bed. The hospital is in an eerie silence and the cold of the room has yet to dissipate. Your eyes shut, and you chase the embrace of sleep. Your eyes shut, and your wish for a moment of nothingness—of peace. You sleep. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">You Wake To Ice On Your Wrist.</div>' 'pro10'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Your eyes snap open to see a shadowy figure hanging above you, its freezing fingers clasped onto your wrist. Its finger trails over your $mark tattoo, observing it until it turns its head to your face. Once it sees your eyes are open, its hand retracts, as waking you seems to be what it wished for. You've never been colder in your life. It stretches throughout your body and takes hold of you in a tight, suffocating grasp. [[You scream—loud.]] [[Get away from it—whatever it is!]] [[Grab something and hit it!]]

Your hand grasps blindly for a weapon of some kind—something, //anything// to defend yourself with. Your fingers tightly clasp around the lamp at your bedside and yank it up. You feel the cord free itself from the wall as you tug. The figure laughs as you wield the lamp as a bat, plunged into darkness from the now lack of light. You swing blindly in the being's direction and the lamp //shatters.// The force of it knocks you back onto the bed flat on your back, shielding your eyes from a sudden blinding burst of light. You kick wildly out and press your palms against your face, blocking out what you can until it fades considerably. And you finally peak to see the figure holding the lamp, in perfect condition—and lit without a power source. The cord is lying limp. <div class="voice">"Can we have a civil conversation now?"</div> It asks coldly. But you feel it's less of a question and more of what will be happening instead. "…I won't promise anything," you say sharply, but don't move from the bed. You glare instead. <div class="voice">"Fine,"</div> it states. You stare wide-eyed as all its voices combine into one. Like peeling away layers, each voice disappears as it speaks until it remains with something distinctly masculine, "Now, we can finally begin." The being sheds its long, black wool coat, and you recognize, finally— "You're the person from the waiting room!" You shout in both confusion and anger, and the person answers. "Indeed," they say as their face shifts. It morphs strangely until the mouth is fuller, the nose is more human-like, and the eyes shine a foreign blue—no pupil. Short, black hair curls around white ears—paper pale in a way that isn't natural. What stands in the once old person's place is a tall, middle-aged man with a sharp, white smile—too white. It is, and you can say it with confidence, the most <<cycle "$manopinion" autoselect>> <<option "horrifying">> <<option "intriguing">> <<option "baffling">> <</cycle>> sight you've ever seen. "What are you?" you demand, but you receive no answer. Somehow, you expected it. The man turns to the door, and it opens under merely his stare. You now understand that this man //is// the chill you've been feeling. "You will follow me," his voice is one of authority, "or I will make you." His words send an inescapable shiver of fear down your spine. You //know// he can. So you stand shakily from the bed and follow him <<cycle "$mcgo" autoselect>> <<option "nervously">> <<option "reluctantly">> <<option "angrily">> <</cycle>> out the door. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro11'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Your voice tears from your throat like it'll never find another way out. Your body flinches and curls in on itself, turning away—hoping that the figure disappears. You aren't even sure if it's your mind playing tricks on you or not. You aren't sure if it's a demon or not. All you know is that— <div class="voice">"Silence,"</div> the being speaks. Your throat imminently seizes, and your mouth snaps shut. You reach your hands up to touch your jaw in a panic, your fingernails scratching against your skin in your confusion. <div class="voice">"Your screams do nothing,"</div> it grabs your wrists and holds you still as your eyes attempt to take it in. <div class="voice">"I mean you no harm, dear. Shall we try this again?"</div> Your brain can't register the being's words, no matter how fast it runs to try. <div class="voice">"I will give you your voice back, and we will have a civil discussion,"</div> the figure says, sounding like too many voices at once. It sounds wrong. <div class="voice">"Nod your head at me."</div> You do as it says, you nod. You nod so quickly and forcefully that your head spins. And then your mouth opens, and you take a greedy gulp of air like you hadn't been able to breathe with it shut. Your wrists are too cold when the figure releases you. <div class="voice">"Good,"</div> it states. You stare wide-eyed as all its voices combine into one. Like peeling away layers, each voice disappears as it speaks until it remains with something distinctly masculine, "Now, we can finally begin." The being sheds its long, black wool coat, and you recognize, finally— "You're the person from the waiting room…" Your whisper isn't meant to be answered, but the person does anyway. "Indeed," they say as their face shifts. It morphs strangely until the mouth is fuller, the nose is more human-like, and the eyes shine a foreign blue—no pupil. Short, black hair curls around white ears—paper pale in a way that isn't natural. What stands in the once old person's place is a tall, middle-aged man with a sharp, white smile—too white. It is, and you can say it with confidence, the most <<cycle "$manopinion" autoselect>> <<option "horrifying">> <<option "intriguing">> <<option "baffling">> <</cycle>> sight you've ever seen. "What are you…?" you ask, but you receive no answer. The man turns to the door, and it opens under merely his stare. You now understand that this man //is// the chill you've been feeling. "You will follow me," his voice is one of authority, "or I will make you." His words send an inescapable shiver of fear down your spine. You //know// he can. So you stand shakily from the bed and follow him <<cycle "$mcgo" autoselect>> <<option "nervously">> <<option "reluctantly">> <<option "angrily">> <</cycle>> out the door. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro11'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You jump from the bed in a mad dash for the door, your pulse pounding in your throat, your heart beating painfully in your chest. You can't be sure if you're hallucinating or if the figure is actually a person, but you aren't willing to stick around long enough to find out. You nearly make it, your fingertips //brushing// the freezing cold of the door handle. And then you crumble to the floor like a rag doll. Your body loses all ability to move, and your cheek crashes painfully against the hard floor. <div class="voice">"There's no need for that,"</div> its voice—no, //voices// —endlessly surrounds you, and you can't reach your hands up to cover your ears. Your body can't even shiver as the being leans over you. <div class="voice">"You won't be able to get very far."</div> The figure bends down. <div class="voice">"I'm going to let you move again—but only if we can have a civil conversation. Show me you understand."</div> Desperate to move once more, you force a groan from your throat that you hope will be a good enough answer. Immediately your body twitches and burns, feeling flying back into you. You struggle to stand, and thankfully the figure neglects to assist you. Eventually, you pull yourself up and collapse onto the bed, your legs feeling like nothing but pins and needles. <div class="voice">"Good,"</div> it states. You stare wide-eyed as all its voices combine into one. Like peeling away layers, each voice disappears as it speaks until it remains with something distinctly masculine, "Now, we can finally begin." The being sheds its long, black wool coat, and you recognize, finally— "You're the person from the waiting room!" It's purely a statement and isn't meant to be answered, but the person answers it anyway. "Indeed," they say as their face shifts. It morphs strangely until the mouth is fuller, the nose is more human-like, and the eyes shine a foreign blue—no pupil. Short, black hair curls around white ears—paper pale in a way that isn't natural. What stands in the once old person's place is a tall, middle-aged man with a sharp, white smile—too white. It is, and you can say it with confidence, the most <<cycle "$manopinion" autoselect>> <<option "horrifying">> <<option "intriguing">> <<option "baffling">> <</cycle>> sight you've ever seen. "What are you?" you ask, but you receive no answer. Somehow, you expected it. The man turns to the door, and it opens under merely his stare. You now understand that this man //is// the chill you've been feeling. "You will follow me," his voice is one of authority, "or I will make you." His words send an inescapable shiver of fear down your spine. You //know// he can. So you stand shakily from the bed and follow him <<cycle "$mcgo" autoselect>> <<option "nervously">> <<option "reluctantly">> <<option "angrily">> <</cycle>> out the door. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro11'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

The air in the hallway is just as cold as it was inside of your room, if not more. You don't know where the man is taking you, but surely it can't be good. Will you leave the hospital? Will you—he pauses after only a few steps. He pauses at your mother's door. Your heartbeat quickens once more as the door creaks open, his arms staying close to his sides. Your head swirls and your mouth feels dry. Why are you stopping here? //Why are you stopping here?// He turns to stare at you, and in the dim light of the hallway, his eyes shimmer. "Go inside," he orders. "This is my mother's room," you tell him, even though he must know it. He makes a brief incline of his head. "Inside," he says again. And so, left with no other choice, you go. Your mother's monitor greets you with a steady beep as you walk inside, making long strides to get to her bedside. It doesn't look like she's changed at all. Her eyes remain wide open, and they don't regard you as you look down at her. "Take a good look, dear," the man instructs as he settles in the middle of the room, "She is going to stay that way." The way he says it holds no malice. [["What…? What are you talking about?" Your voice fills with panic.]] [["How the hell would you know that?!" You hiss defensively.]] [["No, she won't," you say with finality.]]

He reaches into his shirt to pull an orb about the size of a snow globe. It's clear and empty inside, but that isn't what shocks you into silence. The man lets it go, but instead of doing what you expected it to—which was falling and shattering on the ground—it simply //hangs// there, suspended in the air by some invisible force. You stare at it hard; something inside of it shimmers gold, there and gone in an instant. "I will send you to a world that will give you what you need," he promises. "You need only make a deal with me." [["A deal…?" You frown at him. "What kind of deal?"]] [[Suspicion takes hold of you, and you snap, "Why would you need to make a deal with me?"]] [["You wouldn't give it to me without a catch," you say with understanding. "What kind of deal?"]]

"What do you mean she'll stay like this?" Your $mceyecolor eyes blur and swirl with newfound tears. "What are you talking about? She can't stay like this forever!" "You're right, she can't," the man agrees, "if she remains this way—she'll die." He stares at you with what //could// be pity. "What!?" The tears spill freely down your cheeks, and you whip your head around to see your mother. "How do you…?" "Her state now is nothing that this world can fix." The man walks over to your side to observe your mother with something you can't make out on his face. "It is a curse, my dear. It's clear to me that your human doctors won't cure her." You want to cry and say you don't believe him. You want to shut your eyes and wave him away. You want to hear your mother's voice again. <<if $momrelate is "warm">>Even if it's just to hear her sing.<<else>>Even if it's just to argue uselessly with her.<</if>> "I am here for a reason, my dear." The man explains, "I can send you to a place where you can find the way to save her." He wipes a tear from your cheek, and it turns to ice beneath his fingertip. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro12'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"How the hell would you know that?!" You stand protectively in front of your mother as the man approaches, unfazed by your hostility. He also doesn't answer you. "She's been cursed," he says instead, leaning closer to her immobile body to stare into her eyes. "The doctors here can't cure that, can they?" He sighs as he continues gazing at her. "If she remains this way, she will die." "No! Shut up!" You shove him away from her bedside and he merely goes with your movement, //floating// back, instead of stumbling. "Deny it all you want, but I tell nothing but the truth." You want to scream and shout and make him leave. You want to punch and claw at him to see if he'll bleed. You want to hear your mother's voice again. <<if $momrelate is "warm">>Even if it's just to hear her sing.<<else>>Even if it's just to argue uselessly with her.<</if>> "I am here for a reason, my dear." The man explains, "I can send you to a place where you can find the way to save her." <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro12'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"She's going to wake up," you say with a cold expression on your face. "She won't stay this way." "You're right, she can't," the man agrees, "if she remains this way—she'll die." He stares at you with what //could// be pity. "Stop," you tell him stubbornly, "you're lying." "I do not lie," the man claims, approaching your mother's bedside. "Do not be stubborn." He looks into her eyes. "She is cursed." "What?" You mirror the man, trying to see what he sees. "Cursed?" "Indeed." He flicks his blue eyes at your profile. "No doctors here can cure a curse, can they?" The question is a challenge you don't want to face. You want to turn around and walk away. You want to block out his words like you never heard them. You want to believe that your mother's condition is normal. You want to hear your mother's voice again. <<if $momrelate is "warm">>Even if it's just to hear her sing.<<else>>Even if it's just to argue uselessly with her.<</if>> "I am here for a reason, my dear." The man explains, "I can send you to a place where you can find the way to save her." <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'pro12'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"What kind of deal?" You ask quickly. "Fear not," he assures you, "I'm not asking much—it isn't anything you have to give me." He traces his index finger over the orb. "All I require is for you to take me with you." "…That's it?" You frown. "Why would you want that?" "It is a requirement—for me—to travel between worlds. I must have a willing host." The man eyes you. "I won't be able to stray far from you." Everything is so sudden. You shuffle in place and bring your hands to your face. You want to say you don't believe him and forget this ever happened. But, //your mother.// What will happen to her? Will she really die? Would she? //Your heart thumps.// Your heart squeezes against your rib cage. "Okay." //Thump.// A look that borderlines pleased flashes onto the man's face. //Thump.// He offers his hand. //Thump.// You hesitate, fingers stretching out toward his. //Thump.// You turn back to stare at your mother. //Thump.// You take his hand; shake it. His thumb digs into the skin of your wrist, where your tattoo rests. //Thump.// The orb begins to glow gold. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Chapter One.</div>' 'Chap1'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You cross your arms and make your suspicion clear. "Why would you need to make a deal with me?" Your eyes are sharp. "Fear not," he assures you, "I'm not asking much—it isn't anything you have to give me." He traces his index finger over the orb. "All I require is for you to take me with you." "Take you with me?" You scoff. "That can't be all it is." "It is a requirement—for me—to travel between worlds. I must have a willing host." The man clarifies for you, eyes intent. "I won't be able to stray far from you." Everything is so sudden. You rub your eyes roughly, a headache settling behind them. You want to say you don't believe him and forget this ever happened. But, //your mother.// What will happen to her? Will she really die? Would she? //Your heart thumps.// Your heart squeezes against your rib cage. "Fuck. Okay, I'll do it." //Thump.// A look that borderlines pleased flashes onto the man's face. //Thump.// He offers his hand. //Thump.// You hesitate, fingers stretching out toward his. //Thump.// You turn back to stare at your mother. //Thump.// You take his hand; shake it. His thumb digs into the skin of your wrist, where your tattoo rests. //Thump.// The orb begins to glow gold. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Chapter One.</div>' 'Chap1'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"You wouldn't give it to me without a catch," you say with understanding. "What kind of deal?" "There is no //catch//," he assures you, "I'm not asking much—it isn't anything you have to give me." He traces his index finger over the orb. "All I require is for you to take me with you." "Take you with me?" You examine him. "You can't go to and from freely?" "It is a requirement—for me—to travel between worlds. I must have a willing host." The man clarifies for you, eyes intent. "I won't be able to stray far from you." Everything is so sudden. You shut your eyes tight to think. You want to say you don't believe him and forget this ever happened. But, //your mother.// What will happen to her? Will she really die? Would she? //Your heart thumps.// Your heart squeezes against your rib cage. "Alright." //Thump.// A look that borderlines pleased flashes onto the man's face. //Thump.// He offers his hand. //Thump.// You hesitate, fingers stretching out toward his. //Thump.// You turn back to stare at your mother. //Thump.// You take his hand; shake it. His thumb digs into the skin of your wrist, where your tattoo rests. //Thump.// The orb begins to glow gold. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Chapter One.</div>' 'Chap1'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<<fadein 5s>><div class="chapterstart">Chapter I, </div><</fadein>> <<set $charaset to "set">>//Profile Unlocked!// <<set $gamechapter = "Chapter 1.">> <div class="chapterstart4"><<fadein 10s>>"So the unwanting soul sees what's hidden, and the ever-wanting soul sees only what it wants." ― Lao Tzu<</fadein>></div> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Chapter One.</div>' 'chappy1'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You land harshly on the ground, banging your head on the dirt and coughing dust. Your ears ring and your sight shakes. You bring a hand up to your head, pressing against it to attempt to right yourself. You taste copper. Your legs scratch against rocks and it brings you to your present. There's fighting all around you. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap12'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

People clad in armor clash. Steel against steel they fight—your hearing clears and your ears fill with the clashing sounds they make. Shouts of battle, men yelling as they die—it's everywhere. Your head spins. You turn, looking back and forth, feeling like you only see the scene from the outside—like you're only a bystander. You feel detached. Then someone is running towards you, sword raised high like they plan to cleave your body in half. They're covered in blood, the blade in their hand just the same. Your heart pounds. [[You scramble up to run, even though there is nowhere to go.]] [[Curl dirt in your fingers and blind him.]] [[Scream and plead. What's going on?]]

You come across what you believe to be the edge of the battle. //Your stomach twists. You feel sick.// There are horses in armor and archers in a line. There's blood at your fingertips, still wet and warm. Acid coats your tongue. There's a battle cry, and someone is running right at you, sword extended like a second limb. A deranged grin stretches their mouth and they look like they're //enjoying this.// They will enjoy killing you. You are sport. They are too close. You try to stumble away. But then they swing at your next, and— A burst of light. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap14'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Your legs shake in protest as you scramble up to run, kicking up dust. Pins and needles shoot down your muscles and you push right through them as you move. But there's nowhere to go. You look left. You watch a sword go straight through someone, blood spraying out like a fountain. You look right. You watch someone slice into someone's face with a dagger as they wrestle on the ground. You feel sick. You can't be sure if the person is chasing you or not, and you can't turn to find out. Adrenaline pumps in your limbs, making your senses sharp enough to avoid a swinging shine of steel and a falling body. Adrenaline allows you to get far, far away. But the fighting seems to go on for miles. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap13'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Your slap your hand onto the ground and dig dirt into your palm, tucking it under your fingernails in the process. You stumble up and toss the dirt into their face, narrowly avoiding the blind swing of their sword. They grunt as they rub at their face with their free hand, smearing blood onto their eyelids. And in their pause, you watch the tip of another blade pierce their body, going straight through their armor. You gasp breathlessly as they cough up blood. You feel sick. You start to run aimlessly, coming upon death upon death no matter where you turn. The fighting seems to go on for miles. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap13'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Your cover your face and curl into yourself, hoping and praying that the scene will simply go away. You must be dreaming. The deal you'd made was a dream. Your mother's curse was a dream. You shake and scream incoherent pleads. And a blow never comes. You find the courage to look up and shout at the sudden falling body. You turn out of the way just in time to avoid being crushed, the person's corpse just inches from you. You can't find who did it. There are too many people. No one stays alone for long. One body falls, and then the survivor moves on for the next challenge. It's endless. Your legs carry you around the battlefield, blindly avoiding bloody blade after bloody blade. The fighting seems to go on for miles. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap13'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

The sword shivers and //crumbles// into what looks like golden, glowing sand. It cracks into a million little pieces and falls to the dirt in a pile. It happens so delicately, so gently, and yet as soon as the weapon is no more, the perpetrator flies into the air, away from you. And the impact is so loud and bright, the battle ceases in an instant. There are no cries for death. There is no pounding of steel. There are no bodies coming down. All is quiet. All energy is drained from you. Your vision flickers. And your body drops. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap15'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

There is only voices and your shaky heart. There is only metal against your back and your dangling legs as someone carries you. You fade in and out of consciousness. You're sinking into a black endlessness, and when you can no longer feel— Freezing water rushes over you and you jolt up, hands bracing against damp stone. "Well, <<verb 'Is'>> ?he alive?" A cold voice asks from afar, and you rub water from your eyes to see better. "Yes," a bored voice sounds, "?he <<verb 'is'>>." Fingers clasp around your chin and pull your face away from the ground. And the first thing you see is clear, violet eyes. [[Don't move—your body won't allow it. Your pulse thunders.]] [[Yank away with a grunt, teeth bared.]] [[You weakly remain in the stranger's grasp, your body too heavy to pull away.]]

"Your Highness?" $aname asks in a confused voice. "This ?woman…has the mark," The king says, though it isn't to answer $aname. He helps you to your feet, treating you with a new care. You pull away, <<cycle "$mcthoughts2" autoselect>> <<option "confused. What was he talking about?">> <<option "scared. He was acting strange.">> <<option "angry. Who did he think he was?">> <</cycle>> The violet eyed $rgender speaks up again, "You don't believe ?she <<verb 'is'>> <<link "heaven-touched,">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Heaven-Touched."); Dialog.wiki("(sent from the heavens, born from the heavens, heaven's messenger) noun."); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> surely?" $rhe furrows $rher eyebrows. "This mark…" The king goes to grab your wrist again, but seems to think better of it. You realize, then, that he's talking about your $mark tattoo. "And what ?she did on the battlefield proves it." "Your Highness," $aname begins, voice hard. "What ?she did may have been spectacular, but it does not mean ?she <<verb 'is'>> heaven-touched—" //"Don't you see what this means!?"// The king's voice booms and shocks the other two present to silence. "It means my side in this war is righteous. The heavens are in favor of my rule. This ?woman—" His eyes are sharp and calculating as they fall upon you. "No, that isn't right. What do we call you, Holiness?" [[Your heart pounds. You don't know what to say—you don't know what to do—]] [["I don't even know what you're talking about!" You make your irritation clear.]] [["Don't call me that," you say, your voice hard.]]

Your eyes widen and your muscles stay stiff. Your head tilts side to side as the stranger guides you, examining you with uninterested eyes. "?She<<verb "'s" "'re">> alive—doesn't appear injured either." $rHe gives your entire body a look over. "?She<<verb "'s" "'re">> dirty though." $rHe releases your face roughly, against holding onto you longer than necessary. "$aname, are you sure about what you saw? Be clear." There's a man on a golden throne towards the back of the room. He looks old, but speaks with such a demanding voice that he can't be more than fifty. A $agender in silver armor steps up next to you, not sparing you a glance but instead placing $aher gaze upon what must be a king. "Yes, Your Highness," $ahe says. "This ?woman sent a soldier into the air on the battlefield. I do not know where ?she came from, either." The $agender—or, $aname, as the king called $aher—looks down at you finally. "?She <<verb 'wears'>> strange clothes." "Yes, yes, I //see// that," the king snaps, "I don't //care// about the soldier. What did ?she //do?//" He braces his hands on the armrests of the throne, lifting himself and making his way—quickly—over. "?She—" $aname clears $aher throat. "The sword shattered. Or maybe it did something else. I can't be sure, Your Highness. It…turned to dust." The king stops just in front of you and grabs onto your wrist, making you squeak in fright and turn to stone as he twists your arm back and forth—until he spots what he's looking for. And then he laughs. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap16'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You pull your head away from the stranger, a grunt tearing from your throat. $rhe doesn't seem bothered by this, $rhe straightens. "?She<<verb "'s" "'re">> alive enough to fight me—doesn't appear injured either." $rHe gives your entire body a look over. "?She<<verb "'s" "'re">> dirty though." $rHe releases your face roughly, against holding onto you longer than necessary. "$aname, are you sure about what you saw? Be clear." There's a man on a golden throne towards the back of the room. He looks old, but speaks with such a demanding voice that he can't be more than fifty. A $agender in silver armor steps up next to you, not sparring you a glance but instead placing $aher gaze upon what must be a king. "Yes, Your Highness," $ahe says. "This ?woman sent a soldier into the air on the battlefield. I do not know where ?she came from, either." The $agender—or, $aname, as the king called $aher—looks down at you finally. "?She <<verb 'wears'>> strange clothes." "Yes, yes, I //see// that," the king snaps, "I don't //care// about the soldier. What did ?she //do?//" He braces his hands on the armrests of the throne, lifting himself and making his way—quickly—over. "?She—" $aname clears $her throat. "The sword shattered. Or maybe it did something else. I can't be sure, Your Highness. It…turned to dust." The king stops just in front of you and grabs onto your wrist, making you yell and fight and try to pull away as he twists your arm back and forth—until he spots what he's looking for. And then he laughs. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap16'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Your eye blur and you don't have the strength to pull away. Your head tilts side to side as the stranger guides you, examining you with uninterested eyes. "?She<<verb "'s" "'re">> alive—doesn't appear injured either." $rHe gives your entire body a look over. "?She<<verb "'s" "'re">> dirty though. And tired." $rHe releases your face roughly, against holding onto you longer than necessary. "$aname, are you sure about what you saw? Be clear." There's a man on a golden throne towards the back of the room. He looks old, but speaks with such a demanding voice that he can't be more than fifty. A $agender in silver armor steps up next to you, not sparring you a glance but instead placing $aher gaze upon what must be a king. "Yes, Your Highness," $ahe says. "This ?woman sent a soldier into the air on the battlefield. I do not know where ?she came from, either." The $agender—or, $aname, as the king called $aher—looks down at you finally. "?She <<verb 'wears'>> strange clothes." "Yes, yes, I //see// that," the king snaps, "I don't //care// about the soldier. What did ?she //do?//" He braces his hands on the armrests of the throne, lifting himself and making his way—quickly—over. "?She—" $aname clears $aher throat. "The sword shattered. Or maybe it did something else. I can't be sure, Your Highness. It…turned to dust." The king stops just in front of you and grabs onto your wrist, making you weakly attempt to pull away as he twists your arm back and forth—until he spots what he's looking for. And then he laughs. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap16'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Your mouth opens and closes. You can't answer under the man's gaze—there's something there that scares you. You feel your pulse in your skull and you fumble. "I…" You aren't heaven-touched, you don't even know what it means— "$name," you speak. You touch your mouth and blink, blink— You hadn't meant to say that. It hadn't even sounded like you. "$name," the king whispers, with cold glee. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap17'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You're going to tell the man off. You're going to demand he explain to you—where you are and who he is and why he called you that— But no sound comes out but: "$name." Which wasn't what you were going to say at all. It hadn't even sounded like you. "$name," the king whispers, with cold glee. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap17'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Don't—" Your voice shakes and shudders and dies out in your throat. The king gives you a strange look. "$name," you say against your will. You touch your mouth. It hadn't even sounded like you. "$name," the king whispers, with cold glee. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap17'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Your Majesty!" $aname shouts in pure confusion as the king calls for the guards stationed outside the door. "Are you sure this ?woman is who you've been waiting for? I think we should treat ?her with more cautiousness than this—" "//You// saw ?her shatter a person's sword and launch them into the air without so much as lifting a finger! You see no symbols on ?her body, do you? ?She //must// be the person I've been waiting for—the person we've //all// been waiting for! Can you argue with this, $aname?" The $agender remains silent at these words, $aher jaw clenching tight. "As I thought. Rune," the king addresses the violet eyed $rgender, "Go retrieve what you must for an examination and head to the tower." "Right away, Majesty," Rune speaks in a bored manner, moving slowly to slide past you without a glance to your face. "Worry not, Holiness," the king suddenly says to you, "They will treat you with the respect you deserve. Do rest—I'm sure the journey from the heavens was taxing indeed." And suddenly two guards take you by the arms, one on either side of you, guiding you out the door. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap18'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>> <<set $charactersmet to "yes">>

A broken sob pushes past your lips and you shiver, wrapping your arms around yourself in hopes to soothe it. Your lip trembles and you cry. You'd never felt so scared and alone. When you'd been at the hospital, at least you knew where you were. At least you'd known you could go home. Here, everything and everyone is strange. The man that sent you is nowhere to be found. You have no idea where to start looking for this //cure// he'd spoken of, or even what to look for. What if he'd been lying, and you'd made a deal with something evil. What if your mother had never been cursed at all and— "Come now, there's no need for tears, dear," a voice says from beside you, and a chill washes over you. You flinch and look over to see the very person you'd been thinking about, standing and staring down at you. [["You!?" You gasp and shake. "Where have you been?"]] [["You took your sweet time getting here," you say with a severe lack of merriment.]] [["You asshole! How could you just leave me out there!?" You reach out to grab him.]] [["You…" You hardly spare him a glance. "So you're here."]]

You tilt your head back and laugh like this predicament was the funniest thing you'd ever come across. The lack of mirth in the sound is grating to even your own ears. Your back meets the stairs that lead up and you lay across them, despite the painful way they dig into your back. You'd never felt so lost and confused. When you'd been at the hospital, at least you knew where you were. At least you'd known you could go home. Here, everything and everyone is strange. The man that sent you is nowhere to be found. You have no idea where to start looking for this //cure// he'd spoken of, or even what to look for. What if he'd been lying, and you'd made a deal with something evil. What if your mother had never been cursed at all and— "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were crazy," a voice says from beside you, and a chill washes over you. Your mouth gapes open and you look over to see the very person you'd been thinking about, standing and staring down at you. "That laugh is horrendous." [["You!?" You gasp and shake. "Where have you been?"]] [["You took your sweet time getting here," you say with a severe lack of merriment.]] [["You asshole! How could you just leave me out there!?" You reach out to grab him.]] [["You…" You hardly spare him a glance. "So you're here."]]

<<set $hurthand to "yes">> You slam your fist painfully into the stone step beneath you, yanking back to nurse your throbbing hand in anger. You hunch over your knees, your wrist cradled in your lap. It throbs, pulses, grows hot—just like your chest. You'd never felt so angry and stupid. When you'd been at the hospital, at least you knew where you were. At least you'd known you could go home. Here, everything and everyone is strange. The man that sent you is nowhere to be found. You have no idea where to start looking for this //cure// he'd spoken of, or even what to look for. What if he'd been lying, and you'd made a deal with something evil. What if your mother had never been cursed at all and— "Any harder and you would've broken your hand," a voice says from beside you, and a chill washes over you. Your head snaps to the side to see the very person you'd been thinking about, standing and staring down at you. "What a stupid thing to do." [["You!?" You gasp and shake. "Where have you been?"]] [["You took your sweet time getting here," you say with a severe lack of merriment.]] [["You asshole! How could you just leave me out there!?" You reach out to grab him.]] [["You…" You hardly spare him a glance. "So you're here."]]

You go slack, wishing to fade away from this—Whatever it is. Your back meets the stairs that lead up and you lay across them, despite the painful way they dig into your back. You stare up into the endless spiral. You wonder how far they go. You'd never felt so empty and confused. When you'd been at the hospital, at least you knew where you were. At least you'd known you could go home. Here, everything and everyone is strange. The man that sent you is nowhere to be found. You have no idea where to start looking for this //cure// he'd spoken of, or even what to look for. What if he'd been lying, and you'd made a deal with something evil. What if your mother had never been cursed at all and— "That's a scary look on your face," a voice says from beside you, and a chill washes over you. You turn slowly and you look over to see the very person you'd been thinking about, standing and staring down at you. [["You!?" You gasp and shake. "Where have you been?"]] [["You took your sweet time getting here," you say with a severe lack of merriment.]] [["You asshole! How could you just leave me out there!?" You reach out to grab him.]] [["You…" You hardly spare him a glance. "So you're here."]]

"I have been nowhere but with you, my dear," The man soothes and sits beside you. "I needed only to gather the strength to appear to you—that's all." "Appear to me?" You frown and stare at him. "What are you talking about?" He reaches out to you to you, as if to grasp your shoulder. But his hand passes right through you. You feel only cold where he would've touched. "Now, you see?" He stares at his hand. "I haven't traveled between worlds in a very, very long time. It took much out of me. But I saw everything that happened to you. It must have been a shocking ordeal for someone unused to war." You blink at him. [["You're…a ghost?" you splutter.]] [["You're a ghost!" you accuse.]] [["You could touch me before we came here, though," you point out stonily.]] [["But…" you whisper, "Couldn't you touch me before?"]]

"You took your sweet time getting here," you say with a severe lack of merriment, lips stretching in a keen smile. "Oh, but that's where you are wrong!" He settles beside you. "I've been with you since you came. But my lack of energy meant I was unable to show myself to you." "Show yourself to me?" You raise an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" "Well." He reaches out to you to you, as if to grasp your shoulder. But his hand passes right through you. You feel only cold where he would've touched. "Now, you see?" He stares at his hand. "I haven't traveled between worlds in a very, very long time. It took much out of me. But I saw everything that happened to you. It must have been a shocking ordeal for someone unused to war." You blink at him. [["You're…a ghost?" you splutter.]] [["You're a ghost!" you accuse.]] [["You could touch me before we came here, though," you point out stonily.]] [["But…" you whisper, "Couldn't you touch me before?"]]

"You asshole! How could you just leave me out there!?" You screech at the sight of him, jump up, and reach out. "Did you know I almost died!? I was so confused! I—" Your fingers pass right through him and you jump back, eyes wide. "You—!?" "Calm yourself. I have been with you since you came, I was just too weak to show myself to you." The man stares at you. "Now, you see? I haven't traveled between worlds in a very, very long time. It took much out of me. But I saw everything that happened to you. It must have been a shocking ordeal for someone unused to war." You blink at him. [["You're…a ghost?" you splutter.]] [["You're a ghost!" you accuse.]] [["You could touch me before we came here, though," you point out stonily.]] [["But…" you whisper, "Couldn't you touch me before?"]]

"You…" You hardly spare him a glance. "So you're here." "I was hoping for more of a warm welcome, but no matter." He sits beside you. "I've always been here. Since you fell into the battlefield, I saw things through your eyes. I merely lacked the strength to show myself to you." "What are you talking about," you state, more than ask. "Well." He reaches out to you to you, as if to grasp your shoulder. But his hand passes right through you. You feel only cold where he would've touched. "Now, you see?" He stares at his hand. "I haven't traveled between worlds in a very, very long time. It took much out of me. But I saw everything that happened to you. It must have been a shocking ordeal for someone unused to war." You blink at him. [["You're…a ghost?" you splutter.]] [["You're a ghost!" you accuse.]] [["You could touch me before we came here, though," you point out stonily.]] [["But…" you whisper, "Couldn't you touch me before?"]]

"You're…a ghost?" you splutter, eyes wide and questioning. The man stares at you—shocked—for half of a second and the //laughs,// thrown completely off guard. "A ghost!? Why, dear, you are completely unexpected!" His laugh bounces off the walls around you. "A ghost, brilliant. But, no, I am no ghost." "But, you passed right through me!" Your eyes grow larger, somehow. "Yes! But not because I'm a—" His smile is amused. —//ghost.//" He shakes his head to ward off anymore laughter. "I am this way because of my deal with you. I cannot tell you much, only that: when we cure your mother, I will be able to touch things again." "What does my mother's curse have to do with that?" you ask. He doesn't say anything. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap19'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"You're a ghost!" you accuse, eyes narrowing. The man stares at you—shocked—for half of a second and the //laughs,// thrown completely off guard. "A ghost!? Why, dear, you are completely unexpected!" His laugh bounces off the walls around you. "A ghost, brilliant. But, no, I am no ghost." "But, you passed right through me!" Your shout, hands in fists. "Yes! But not because I'm a—" His smile is amused. —//ghost.//" He shakes his head to ward off anymore laughter. "I am this way because of my deal with you. I cannot tell you much, only that: when we cure your mother, I will be able to touch things again." "What does my mother's curse have to do with that?" you ask with a raised eyebrow. He doesn't say anything to that. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap19'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"You could touch me before we came here, though," you point out stonily. "Ah, yes, we could indeed." The man smiles at you. "Nothing gets passed you, does it, dear?" He clears his throat. "We could touch in your world, but here it is different." "Why?" you urge, leaning forward. "I am this way because of my deal with you. I cannot tell you much, only that: when we cure your mother, I will be able to touch things again." He nods to himself slightly. "What does my mother's curse have to do with that?" you ask with a frown. He doesn't say anything to that. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap19'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"But…" you whisper, "Couldn't you touch me before?" "I could," the man says softly, "but that was under different circumstances." He smiles at you. "It's another way here, as you can see." "But, why?" you can't stop yourself from asking. "I am this way because of my deal with you. I cannot tell you much, only that: when we cure your mother, I will be able to touch things again." He nods to himself slightly. "What does my mother's curse have to do with that?" you ask with a frown. He doesn't say anything to that. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap19'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"That $rgender will be coming here soon—Rune, was it? We should go see your new bedroom," the man urges you, suddenly floating—his legs out, like he's sitting on the air. You stand up, now with things out of the way. But new questions stump you, and though you begin your ascent of the staircase, you can't take your mind off of them. "Something you're burning to ask?" The man asks when he sees your face. [["What do I call you? I don't know your name."]]

"What do I call you? I don't know your name." The man gasps. "That's right! I haven't even introduced myself, have I? That's quite rude of me, in your eyes, I'm sure." He twists his wrist at you. "Call me Amory, dear. That's the name people tend to call me. But it has been a very long time since someone has, indeed." "Amory," you try. [["Did you make me say my name when I was with the king?"]]

"Did you make me say my name when I was with the king?" "Ah." Amory nods. "This is the best place for us—the safest too. If we're going to find the cure to your mother's curse, we need connections. What better than the king himself?" He nods, satisfied with his reasoning. "Besides, if people revere you as someone from the heavens, they're much more likely to help you. The best thing to do is to go along with it." //Safest?// [["But I don't want to lie to anyone." You frown.]] [["Won't this come back to bite me in the end?" You huff.]] [["You may be right, but lying this way is wrong."]] [["…You're right," you say reluctantly.]] [["Yeah," you say simply. It was the best thing—for you and your mother.]]

<<set $guilt to "yes">> "But I don't want to lie to anyone." You frown. "What if the person they're really waiting for is someone they genuinely need?" Amory looks at you like he's staring at a baby bird that's just fallen from its nest. "It isn't really lying if you never outright claim that it's you. Simply never deny it." "But, that's still—!" "Wrong? Sometimes //wrong// is the only way to survive." Amory gaze is hard now. "Remember that." You go quiet. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">"Did you save me when that person attacked me on the battlefield?"</div>' '"Did you save me when that person attacked me on the battlefield?"'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $mcguilt to "no">> "Won't this come back to bite me in the end?" You huff. Amory considers. "Perhaps. But can you really afford to worry about that? If they do find out and try to hold you responsible, let us hope we've found the cure by then. Then, we can go back to your world. It's simple." //Too simple//, you think. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">"Did you save me when that person attacked me on the battlefield?"</div>' '"Did you save me when that person attacked me on the battlefield?"'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $mcguilt to "yes">> "You may be right, but lying this way is wrong," you point out. Amory shakes his head. "It isn't really lying if you never outright claim that it's you. Simply never deny it," he advises. "That's still twisting the truth." "Can you afford to do anything else?" <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">"Did you save me when that person attacked me on the battlefield?"</div>' '"Did you save me when that person attacked me on the battlefield?"'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $mcguilt to "yes">> "…You're right," you say reluctantly, teeth clenching around the words. "Don't sound so strained, dear." Amory smiles at you, likely pleased you've seen his point of view. "It isn't //really// lying. You're just not telling the truth." "Is there really a difference?" "I think so," he says. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">"Did you save me when that person attacked me on the battlefield?"</div>' '"Did you save me when that person attacked me on the battlefield?"'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $guilt to "no">> "Yeah," you say simply. It was the best thing—for you and your mother. "I'm glad we see eye to eye, dear." Amory's smile is wide and pleased. "This is how we get what we want—we just have to be smart about it." His smile fades. "We have to be careful." Right. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">"Did you save me when that person attacked me on the battlefield?"</div>' '"Did you save me when that person attacked me on the battlefield?"'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>> <<set $guilt to "no">>

"Did you save me when that person attacked me on the battlefield?" Amory blinks and looks away from you, a pensive look coming over his face. "That?" //Silence.// "No, that was you." <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap10'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

When you reach the top of the staircase and come to the door there, you're out of breath and heaving. The stairs had been long and left you completely and utterly destroyed. Amory floats on without a care, sliding right through the door while it's still shut. With a deep breath filling your lungs, you push the door open. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chap11'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

If you had any breath to lose, the sight of the room would've taken it away. The ceiling is painted in what appears to be a replica of the sky, blue and rich and splattered with clouds. The bed is large and elaborate enough for the king himself, a high canopy stitched in cold-colored thread hanging above it. There's a vanity, a wardrobe, and a changing screen covered in shiny, painted gold tree branches. You've never seen anything like it. "It's well maintained," Amory comments. And it is. You look at the $mark on your wrist. Whoever they made this room for, they're important. There's a knock on the door. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone12'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Your gaze flies to Amory, but he looks unbothered. "Don't worry. Whoever it is, they won't be able to see or hear me." "They—" The person knocks again. "Open the door," Amory urges. You don't have to—the person on the other side doesn't knock a third time. The door opens, and it's the violet eyed $rgender with a hand pressed against the door, looking vexed. $rhe's breathing heavily, likely tired from the trip up the stairs. "I'm here to examine you," $rhe sighs. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone13'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You're urged to sit at the vanity toward the corner, angled away from the mirror and instead toward Rune. $rHe has a black bag with $rhim, but doesn't take anything out of it—$rhe sits it aside, on the floor by your feet. $rHe rolls $rher eyes down your body, but there's nothing heated about the gesture. You examine $rhim in turn, $mceyecolor eyes drifting over pretty features, over warm skin and full lips. $rHer white, wavy hair tilts in your direction as $rhe bends down to catch your gaze. "Stop moving around," $rhe says sharply, "I'm here to make sure you aren't dying." $rHe looks //thoroughly// frustrated by your presence. The symbols on $rher neck flare to life, burning violet. $rHe blinks and grits $rher teeth, and $rher eyes are also glowing. It looks like it hurts $rhim. [["Are you alright?" You frown at Rune.]] [["Do those symbols hurt you?" You ask, mostly curious.]] [[You grit your teeth and don't say anything. You don't take kindly to being talked to like that.]] [[♡ Your fingers reach up to touch a line on Rune's throat, mesmerized.]] [[Simply sit through it.->chapone14]]

"Are you alright?" You frown when you catch the signs of pain in $rher expression. You flinch when $rhe grips your wrist and a hot flash runs through you, there and then gone. $rhe glances at your tattoo skeptically. $rhe brushes a finger over your jaw, your nose, your shoulder—and you're beginning to get confused. [["What are you doing?"->"What are you doing?"]]

"What are you doing?" you ask, curious and concerned. "Hah?" Rune pauses to look at you like you're stupid. "What kind of question is that? I already told you why I was here. I'm examining you." "Yes, but //how// are you doing that?" You give $rhim a confused stare. "Touching my nose and all—why?" Rune takes a deep breath only to release it in an irked sigh. "If you really aren't from—" $rHe cuts off and taps your ear. "I can feel you this way. I can touch you and see right away if you have any broken bones or some illness—and you don't. I don't even know if someone from the ‘heavens' //can// break a bone or get sick. But I do know that you need to sleep." "If my bones //were// broken, would you be able to heal them right away? If I was sick?" "What?" Rune makes a strange face. "Of course." <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">"…Could you cure a curse?"</div>' '"…Could you cure a curse?"'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Do those symbols hurt you?" You ask, mostly curious. You see pain in $rher expression and it makes you wonder. You've never seen anything like it. You flinch when $rhe grips your wrist and a hot flash runs through you, there and then gone. $rhe glances at your tattoo skeptically. $rhe brushes a finger over your jaw, your nose, your shoulder—and you're beginning to get confused. [["What are you doing?"->"What are you doing?"2]]

You fight the curiosity nipping at you and you don't say anything to Rune. $rhe didn't know you. $rHe didn't know what you'd //been// through, just today. The least $rhe could've offered was a kind word. Though, just glancing at $rher makes you think $rhe isn't someone that simply //hands out// kind words. You flinch when $rhe grips your wrist and a hot flash runs through you, there and then gone. $rHe glances at your tattoo skeptically. $rHe brushes a finger over your jaw, your nose, your shoulder—and you're beginning to get confused. [["What are you doing?"->"What are you doing?"3]]

"What are you doing?" you ask, curious and confused. "Hah?" Rune pauses to look at you like you're stupid. "What kind of question is that? I already told you why I was here. I'm examining you." "Yes, but //how// are you doing that?" You blink at $rhim with a sudden thirst to //know.// "Touching my nose and all—why?" Rune takes a deep breath only to release it in an irked sigh. "If you really aren't from—" $rHe cuts off and taps your ear. "I can feel you this way. I can touch you and see right away if you have any broken bones or some illness—and you don't. I don't even know if someone from the ‘heavens' //can// break a bone or get sick. But I do know that you need to sleep." "If my bones //were// broken, hypothetically, would you be able to heal them right away? If I was sick?" "What?" Rune makes a strange face. "Of course." <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">"…Could you cure a curse?"</div>' '"…Could you cure a curse?"'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"What are you doing?" you ask, irritated. "Hah?" Rune pauses to look at you like you're stupid. "What kind of question is that? I already told you why I was here. I'm examining you." "Yes, but //how// are you doing that?" You huff. "Touching my nose and all—why?" Rune takes a deep breath only to release it in an irked sigh. "If you really aren't from—" $rHe cuts off and taps your ear. "I can feel you this way. I can touch you and see right away if you have any broken bones or some illness—and you don't. I don't even know if someone from the ‘heavens' //can// break a bone or get sick. But I do know that you need to sleep." "If my bones //were// broken, hypothetically, would you be able to heal them right away? If I was sick?" "What?" Rune makes a strange face. "Of course." <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">"…Could you cure a curse?"</div>' '"…Could you cure a curse?"'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"…What if someone was cursed?" A touch of hope enters your voice. "Would you be able to cure them?" "You sure ask a lot of questions," Rune huffs. The hope evaporates when $rhe shakes $rher head. "Curses aren't the same as a fever or a broken bone. All curses have their own conditions; they can't be undone with simple healing magic." Right. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone14'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"What are you doing?" you ask, somewhat breathlessly. "Hah?" Rune pauses to look at you like you're stupid. "What kind of question is that? I already told you why I was here. I'm examining you." "Yes, but //how// are you doing that?" You blink at $rhim. "Touching my nose and all—why?" Rune takes a deep breath only to release it in an irked sigh. "If you really aren't from—" $rHe cuts off and taps your ear. "I can feel you this way. I can touch you and see right away if you have any broken bones or some illness—and you don't. I don't even know if someone from the ‘heavens' //can// break a bone or get sick. But I do know that you need to sleep." "If my bones //were// broken, hypothetically, would you be able to heal them right away? If I was sick?" "What?" Rune makes a strange face. "Of course." <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">"…Could you cure a curse?"</div>' '"…Could you cure a curse?"'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Your eyes trail along the glowing symbols: two sharp lines encasing a diamond shape, bright and beautiful and strange. You've never seen anything like it. It isn't like a simple tattoo—no—they appear like //a part// of the rest of Rune's skin. Your hand moves before you can stop yourself. Does it //feel// like skin as well? The question eats at you and—Rune grabs onto your wrist before you have the chance to touch $rhim. You gasp, heat flooding your face as Rune leans forward with teeth bared. "What do you think you're—" But $rhe pauses when he sees the expression on your face. $rHe leans in closer to you, eyebrows raised and mouth suddenly quirked slightly—amused. "Keep your hands to yourself, //Holiness,//" $rhe tells you, but $rher words are too drawn out to be hostile. Rune leans back back and keeps hold of you. A hot flash runs through you—not because of what had just happened, but something else—there and then gone. $rHe glances at your tattoo skeptically. $rHe brushes a finger over your jaw, your nose, your shoulder—and you're beginning to get confused. [["What are you doing?"->"What are you doing?"4]]

Rune steps back and the symbols dwindle down into their dormant state. There's a look of relief. $rHe touches $rher neck—rubs the skin. "Nothing wrong with you," $rhe tells, "you just need a bath. You stink." You're momentarily stunned at the insult, but you smell yourself and discover that, yes, you //do// stink—of blood and sweat. "Someone will bring water up here." Rune looks like $rhe's itching to leave, but begrudgingly remains. "There was something else, too." You <<cycle "$mcthoughts4" autoselect>> <<option "blink.">> <<option "frown.">> <<option "stare.">> <</cycle>> "Right," Rune's voice is so completely slow and drawn out you think $rhe may fall asleep right there. "The king wants you to go to dinner. $aname will be here to //escort// you later," $rhe snorts. Then, $rhe spares you one more glance and then strides out of the room, the bag $rhe'd brought and not used slung over $rhis shoulder. When Rune is gone, Amory speaks: "Wasn't $rhe a delight?" You get absolutely //no// time to prepare when there's another knock at the door. <<cycle "$mcthoughts4" autoselect>> <<option "How are they climbing the stairs so quickly?">> <<option " One after the other? Seriously?.">> <<option "You want just a moment to rest.">> <</cycle>> You open the door with a deep, tired sigh. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone15'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

A young girl holding a full bucket of water smiles at you, appearing undeterred by the long journey up the stairs. There's a bundle of something tucked underneath her arm. She holds the bucket tight against her body so it doesn't spill. "You wanted a bath, Holiness?" It seems that's what everyone will be calling you now. [["Yes, thank you—" You hold a hand out, waiting for her name.]] [["Right, come on in!" Your bleary eyes deter your attempt at a jovial attitude.]] [[You nod at her, moving out of the way to let her inside.]]

"I did ask for a bath." Your smile shakes as you let her inside, your head pounding, pleading for sleep. "Thank you." You give her a look, silently asking for her name. It takes her a minute of smiling at you before she jumps, splashing a bit of water onto the floor. "Oh—sorry, I—I'm Josephine." You feel a bit silly as she attempts to bow, but finds she cannot with the pail of water in her arms. So she turns to rush behind the changing screen, and you hear the splash of water as she pours it into a wooden tub. You watch as steam swirls up from it, proving the warmth of the liquid. When she discards the bucket and the bundle and her hands are free, //that's// when she bows. [["Please, you don't need to do that!"]] [[Laugh it off even though it makes you uncomfortable. "No need to bow, Josie."]] [[It makes you feel pleasantly important—you let her.]]

"Right, come on in!" Your bleary eyes deter your attempt at a jovial attitude. You move a hand up to rub the bridge of your nose. "Thank you. What's your name?" It takes her a minute of smiling at you before she jumps, splashing a bit of water onto the floor. "Oh—sorry, I—I'm Josephine." You feel a bit silly as she attempts to bow, but finds she cannot with the pail of water in her arms. So she turns to rush behind the changing screen, and you hear the splash of water as she pours it into a wooden tub. You watch as steam swirls up from it, proving the warmth of the liquid. When she discards the bucket and the bundle and her hands are free, //that's// when she bows. [["Please, you don't need to do that!"]] [[Laugh it off even though it makes you uncomfortable. "No need to bow, Josie."]] [[It makes you feel pleasantly important—you let her.]]

You nurse your temples and move out of the way, allowing her inside. It takes her a minute of smiling at you before she jumps, splashing a bit of water onto the floor. "Oh—sorry, I—I'm Josephine." You feel a bit silly as she attempts to bow, but finds she cannot with the pail of water in her arms. So she turns to rush behind the changing screen, and you hear the splash of water as she pours it into a wooden tub. You watch as steam swirls up from it, proving the warmth of the liquid. When she discards the bucket and the bundle and her hands are free, //that's// when she bows. [["Please, you don't need to do that!"]] [[Laugh it off even though it makes you uncomfortable. "No need to bow, Josie."]] [[It makes you feel pleasantly important—you let her.]]

<<set $josiebow to "not">> "Oh!" You hover around her, hands in the air. "There's no need to bow. Please, it makes me feel more important than I actually am." Josephine's wide, brown eyes shimmer at your response, but she remains in the bent position. "I never thought a messenger from the heavens would be humble." She jerks. "I'm sorry! That was rude of me!" Her curls swing as she bows deeper. You meet eyes with Amory. "No, please. It isn't a matter a humility. I would very much rather you acted comfortably with me." Josephine makes a conflicted face. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone16'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $josiebow to "not">> You rub the back of your neck and chuckle, a tense feeling taking hold of your shoulders. Would everyone be doing this? It wasn't like you were royalty or something. Or maybe, in this world, you were? "No need to bow, Josie." Josephine jolts, her cheeks heating under your gaze. "Well—I suppose If you'd like—" She shakes her head, eyes shut tight. "No! That's disrespectful!" You meet eyes with Amory. "It isn't! I'd rather we be friends." Josephine makes a conflicted face. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone16'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<<set $josiebow to "does">> Your shoulders straighten and you fight the urge to preen. Would everyone be treating you this way? If that was the case, you were happy. It was about time you got the respect you deserved. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone16'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"So, the bath—" Josephine pushes the changing screen to the side, revealing the steaming bathtub waiting for you. "Would you like some help? I could wash your hair for you!" She seems quite pleased by this, hands clasped by her chest. [["No!" You shake your head and your hands. "There's no need!"]] [["I think I can manage," you tell her with a grin.]] [["I'm perfectly capable of washing myself."]]

"No!" You shake your head and your hands. "There's no need!" It isn't hard to turn Josephine away from the idea, and she respectfully turns away as you strip and enter the path. You watch blood from your skin wash off into the water, and your elbow stings—you must've hurt it when you passed out. You sigh, and drag your thumb over the $mark on your wrist. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone17'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"I think I can manage," you tell her with a grin. It isn't hard to turn Josephine away from the idea, and she respectfully turns away as you strip and enter the path. You watch blood from your skin wash off into the water, and your elbow stings—you must've hurt it when you passed out. You sigh, and drag your thumb over the $mark on your wrist. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone17'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"I'm perfectly capable of washing myself." Josephine appears hurt by your phrasing, but she respectfully turns away as you strip and enter the path. You watch blood from your skin wash off into the water, and your elbow stings—you must've hurt it when you passed out. You sigh, and drag your thumb over the $mark on your wrist. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone17'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

When you finally climb out of the bath and dry off, Josephine perks up from behind the changing screen, and you can hear the rustling of fabric as she hums a small tune. "I have some clothes for you—not a lot, but I'm afraid until we get you measured you'll have to bear with them." She swings a puff of skirt over the top of the changing screen and the ruffles brush your nose in the process. Then, she tosses three different articles of clothing next to the dress—a pair of pants, a white shirt, and a coat. The dress is blue from what you can tell—it has white beads—pearls maybe—splattered over the skirt and gold embroidery on the bodice. The pants are plain black and the shirt is plain white. But the coat—which is a similar blue to the dress—is a thick, stiff looking material with golden buttons. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Choose The Dress.</div>' 'chapone18'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Choose The Pants.</div>' 'chapone18'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Josephine guides you to the vanity and you sit there for the second time today, though this time you face the mirror. The girl pulls up her sleeves and you catch sight of a blue triangle, which stands out from her brown skin. It flares to life—much like Rune's symbols had done—and she openly grimaces. But her movements do not falter, and she runs a hand over your wet hair. At first you don't know what she's doing—but then you feel it begin to dry. She's magically drying your hair. [["Does everyone have markings like those?"]] [["How long have you worked here?"]]

"Have you worked here long?" You take in Josephine's youthful face and wonder. She ponders your question like she has no idea how long she's worked at the castle. "Since I was very small. My sister had a job here and since she couldn't be home to look after me all the time, she had me come to the castle as well." Her smile is bitter. "But then she joined the king's Guard, so I'm the only one working here now." <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone19'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Josephine leans forward to touch your $mchairlength hair once its dry and gives it a curious look. "I could always style it, if you'd like." <<if $mchairlength is "short">> "I don't think it's long enough to braid, but I can always put in some clips—or even a circlet!" She seems very excited about this. <<else>> "I could braid it—or I can style it with a pretty hairpin?" She seems very excited about this. <</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">You will style your hair.</div>' 'You will style your hair.'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">You will not style your hair.</div>' 'chapone20'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Josephine squeals and digs her fingers into a glossy, marble box at the corner of your vanity. You aren't surprised at the amount of things inside—compared to the style of bedroom you're in. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<if $mchairlength is "short">><<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Wear a silver circlet.</div>' 'chapone20'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Wear a circlet covered in gems.</div>' 'chapone20'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Wear a silver clip.</div>' 'chapone20'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Wear a golden clip.</div>' 'chapone20'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>><<else>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Wear a silver circlet.</div>' 'chapone20'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Wear a circlet covered in gems.</div>' 'chapone20'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Wear a silver clip.</div>' 'chapone20'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Wear a golden clip.</div>' 'chapone20'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Have Josephine braid your hair.</div>' 'chapone20'>><</link>><</if>> </div><</nobr>>

Josephine transfers the used water from the bathtub back into the bucket—using the symbol on her hand. Then, she gathers the clothes you decided against and <<if $josiebow is "not">> catches herself before she can bow to you—she looks a bit sheepish after it too.<<else>> bows to you. <</if>> "I'll send Captain $aname in as soon as I find $aher, so $ahe can escort you to dinner," Josephine states, "I'm sure it's for your safety—and for your own peace of mind. This place is quite the maze, if I do say so myself." She titters. [["Will you be there?" Your question is hopeful. It would be good to have a friendly face there.]] [["Will I have the pleasure of seeing you there?" You grin, but you are hoping she'll say yes.]] [["Will I see you?" you ask, straightforward.]]

You smile at Josephine pleasantly, eyes hopeful. "Will you be there?" The girl frowns in response. "Of course not! I don't work in the kitchen." She sighs slightly. "I'm sure the food is so good. What I wouldn't give to—" She shakes her head. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it. The $ctitle2 will be there! $cHe is so kind! At least, I hear as much. I've never actually spoken with $chim." She takes a moment to smile at you. "I won't be there." "I see," you say sadly, "but I will see you again?" "Of course! I'll see you in the morning. I'll be the one to wake you up." Josephine opens the door and turns. "Now, let me go find Captain $aname—" <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone21'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Will I have the pleasure of seeing you there?" You grin, but you are hoping she'll say yes. The girl frowns and flushes in response. "Of course not! I don't work in the kitchen." She sighs slightly. "I'm sure the food is so good. What I wouldn't give to—" She shakes her head. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it. The $ctitle2 will be there! $cHe is so kind! At least, I hear as much. I've never actually spoken with $chim." She takes a moment to smile at you. "I won't be there." "Oh," you say with a pout, "but I will see you again?" "Of course!" She says the words a little too loudly. "I'll see you in the morning. I'll be the one to wake you up." Josephine opens the door and turns. "Now, let me go find Captain $aname—" <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone21'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Will I see you?" you ask, straightforward. The girl frowns in response. "Of course not! I don't work in the kitchen." She sighs slightly. "I'm sure the food is so good. What I wouldn't give to—" She shakes her head. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it. The $ctitle2 will be there! $cHe is so kind! At least, I hear as much. I've never actually spoken with $chim." She takes a moment to smile at you. "I won't be there." "Will I see you again?" "Of course! I'll see you in the morning. I'll be the one to wake you up." Josephine opens the door and turns. "Now, let me go find Captain $aname—" <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone21'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Josephine screeches at the sight of $aname, standing stiffly in the doorway. She takes a moment to clear her throat and gather herself, then sends $ahim a nervous smile. "Captain $aname!" she calls, "How long have you been there?" "I have been waiting since you went inside, Josephine," $aname answers, causing the small girl to squeak. "You know my—ah!" Josephine hugs the bucket and sways in place. "But you've been waiting very long, then. I'm sorry." She bows her head, her curls shielding her face like a curtain. "Nonsense," $aname assures, "I would wait as long as needed. It is my duty to protect the heaven's messenger." $aHe bows //$aher// head at //you,// now. They're both bowing. [[You screech and wave your arms in the air. "Everyone stop bowing! It's okay!"]] [[You give a timorous laugh. "Should I bow too?"]] [[You sigh but don't say anything—hopefully they'll stop soon.]]

Your screech is high-pitched enough to get them both to look at you, startled. (Though, $aname looks less //startled// and more stony-faced.) "No one needs to bow! Josephine, I'm sure Captain $aname would say if $ahe was bothered." Josephine looks skeptical at this but doesn't counter you. Instead, she smiles and starts to the door. $aname moves at of her way as she does, armor clunking nosily with the movement. She turns to meet eyes with you just before she starts down the staircase. "I hope you'll have a very good dinner," she says. Then, she starts swiftly down the stairs, water splashing from the bucket each time she jumps from step to step. And you're left along with $aname. And Amory, who has been oddly quiet. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone22'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You rub the back of your neck a laugh, feeling a bit out of place. "Should I also bow? I'm feeling a bit left out." $aname quickly snaps $aher neck up. "Of course you shouldn't." "That's right!" Josie also straightens, flustered at your words. "You don't need to bow! So, don't worry." She looks worriedly at you for a moment, but then starts to the door. $aname moves at of her way as she does, armor clunking nosily with the movement. She turns to meet eyes with you just before she starts down the staircase. "I hope you'll have a very good dinner," she says. Then, she starts swiftly down the stairs, water splashing from the bucket each time she jumps from step to step. And you're left along with $aname. And Amory, who has been oddly quiet. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone22'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You cross your arms with a tense sigh, eyebrows raised high as you close your eyes. Was this to become an everyday occurrence? It was already getting on your nerves. But, thankfully for you, the exchange doesn't last long. Josephine snaps away first, seeming to recall something. "Oh!" she says, "I must be going—" You open your eyes and she looks concerned at your expression for a split second, but then smiles and starts to the door. $aname moves at of her way as she does, armor clunking nosily with the movement. She turns to meet eyes with you just before she starts down the staircase. "I hope you'll have a very good dinner," she says. Then, she starts swiftly down the stairs, water splashing from the bucket each time she jumps from step to step. And you're left along with $aname. And Amory, who has been oddly quiet lately. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone22'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

$aname remains one step behind you as you move down the stairs. $aHe doesn't seem too keen to start a conversation with you, either. You glance back at $ahim, finding $ahis gaze straight ahead. $aname's armor clinks and clunks, and you spot the remnants of blood on the otherwise shiny surface. You recall the king having said something to the $agender—asking about what $ahe'd seen. $aHe must've been on the battlefield, then. You also—though it's vague—remember someone carrying you to the castle. [["Did you carry me to the castle?" Your tone is genuine. If it was so, a thank you was in order.]] [["You look plenty strong," you say with a smirk, "make a habit of carrying people around?"]] [["Are you the one that carried me here?" You see no need to beat around the bush.]] [[You have no questions.->chapone23]]

You take a moment to clear your throat. "Did you carry me to the castle?" Your tone is genuine. If it was so, a thank you was in order. $aname looks over at you, faltering a bit when $ahe finds your gaze upon $ahim. $aHe glances away from you as quickly as $ahe can. At first, you think $ahe won't answer. But then: "I did." "Thank you, then. I'm not sure what would've happened if you hadn't been there." You smile. "There's no need to thank me, Holiness." $aname blinks and shifts, taken aback by your words. "Besides, no one would have attempted to hurt you after what they saw—out of fear or faith." "Faith?" You glance down to watch your footing, then turn your gaze back on $aname. "What do you mean?" "Everyone knows about the prophecy." $aHe claims, but you certainly don't. When you say nothing, $ahe glances toward you. "It says someone—a messenger from the heavens—will come to end the war. It says they'll bare a mark on their wrist and use magic—use magic with no symbols." Something like awe flutters in $aher gaze. "Everyone had lost hope—that you would come." <<if $mcguilt is "yes">> You feel a spike of guilt in your chest. But you weren't what they were waiting for, were you? You were no //messenger from the heavens.// These people needed something—someone—that wasn't you. You feel the ghost of ice on your shoulder, Amory appearing at your side.<<else>>You wish you could feel remorse—guilt. But you were in no place to feel sorry for these people you didn't know. You were here for one reason: to find a cure for your mother. You sigh and feel the ghost of ice on your shoulder, Amory appearing at your side.<</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone23'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"You look plenty strong," you say with a smirk, "make a habit of carrying people around?" $aname looks over at you in surprise, faltering a bit when $ahe finds your gaze upon $ahim. $aHe glances away from you as quickly as $ahe can, tense. "What do you mean?" "I mean, did you carry me to the castle? I know I passed out," you clarify. "…I did, Holiness," $aHe says after a long pause. "I had to fight to get to you before anyone else." "Fight?" Your voice is startled. "Did they want to kill me or something?" "No!" $aname says too fast. "No one would have attempted to hurt you after what they saw—out of fear or faith." "Faith?" You glance down to watch your footing, then turn your gaze back on $aname. "What's that have to do with it?" "Everyone knows about the prophecy." $aHe claims, but you certainly don't. When you say nothing, $ahe glances toward you. "It says someone—a messenger from the heavens—will come to end the war. It says they'll bare a mark on their wrist and use magic—use magic with no symbols." Something like awe flutters in $aher gaze. "Everyone had lost hope—that you would come." <<if $mcguilt is "yes">> You feel a spike of guilt in your chest. But you weren't what they were waiting for, were you? You were no //messenger from the heavens.// These people needed something—someone—that wasn't you. You feel the ghost of ice on your shoulder, Amory appearing at your side.<<else>>You wish you could feel remorse—guilt. But you were in no place to feel sorry for these people you didn't know. You were here for one reason: to find a cure for your mother. You sigh and feel the ghost of ice on your shoulder, Amory appearing at your side.<</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone23'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Are you the one that carried me here?" You see no need to beat around the bush. $aname blinks at your steady voice and looks over at you in surprise, faltering a bit when $ahe finds your gaze upon $ahim. $aHe glances away from you as quickly as $ahe can, tense. "I did, Holiness. I hope it causes no offense." "No offense," you clarify. "I merely wanted to know if you had. It must have been difficult to reach me in such chaos." "…yes," $aHe says after a long pause. "I cut through many to reach you first." "Would they have harmed me?" You lift an eyebrow. "No!" $aname says too fast. "No one would have attempted to hurt you after what they saw—out of fear or faith." "Faith?" You glance down to watch your footing, then turn your gaze back on $aname. "What's that have to do with it?" "Everyone knows about the prophecy." $aHe claims, but you certainly don't. When you say nothing, $ahe glances toward you. "It says someone—a messenger from the heavens—will come to end the war. It says they'll bare a mark on their wrist and use magic—use magic with no symbols." Something like awe flutters in $aher gaze. "Everyone had lost hope—that you would come." <<if $mcguilt is "yes">> You feel a spike of guilt in your chest. But you weren't what they were waiting for, were you? You were no //messenger from the heavens.// These people needed something—someone—that wasn't you. You feel the ghost of ice on your shoulder, Amory appearing at your side.<<else>>You wish you could feel remorse—guilt. But you were in no place to feel sorry for these people you didn't know. You were here for one reason: to find a cure for your mother. You sigh and feel the ghost of ice on your shoulder, Amory appearing at your side.<</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone23'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You find that the journey down the stairs is less arduous than the opposite. Gravity works in your favor and a part of you dreads coming back after dinner. You also find the pair of double doors at the end of the staircase sooner than you expected. As you reach the bottom of the stairs, however, you slip on a puddle of water and trip, about to land face first into the ground. $aname grabs your wrist. [[♡ Your heart thumps hard as you're pulled closer.]] [[♡You press closer with a pleased smile.]] [[You smile and right yourself.]] [[You grin and pull away.]] [[You nod at the Captain and pull away.]] [[You yank your arm away.]]

"Are you alright, Holiness?" $aname starts, somehow afraid you've injured yourself though you didn't actually fall. $aHe pulls you closer to look over you, gaze flying down to your ankle. "Your ankle?" "Is…fine," you whisper, heart soaring when faced with such proximity. Your skin flushes, and your eyelashes flutter as you turn your head away, unable to meet his eyes—which are a pretty, deep blue. "You can…let me go now." $aname blinks and startles, jumping back like you've burned $ahim. "I'm sorry! Forgive me, Holiness." "It's okay," you assure, even as your throat is dry. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone24'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Are you alright, Holiness?" $aname starts, somehow afraid you've injured yourself though you didn't actually fall. $aHe pulls you closer to look over you, gaze flying down to your ankle. "Your ankle?" Your heart thrums pleasantly and you press against $aher, $mceyecolor eyes shimmering in delight as your lips curl. You don't hesitate, and the flirtation comes easily to you. "If it was hurt, would you kiss it better for me?" "I-I—" $aname's mouth opens and closes, stunned by your words. "It wouldn't be proper, Holiness—" You watch a pretty red bleed across $aher cheeks. "I couldn't—" "Relax, I'm only teasing," you assure, sliding away after a beat. But you do miss the warmth $aname brought. "Right," $ahe says, breathlessly. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone24'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Are you alright, Holiness—!" $aname starts, somehow afraid you've injured yourself though you didn't actually fall. "Yes, don't worry." You smile and pull away, reaching the end of the staircase and stepping onto the ground. "I see," $ahe says in response—relieved. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone24'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Are you alright, Holiness—!" $aname starts, somehow afraid you've injured yourself though you didn't actually fall. "Very alright" You grin and pull away, showing just how alright you are by skipping the final step. "I see," $ahe says in response—relieved. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone24'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Are you alright, Holiness—!" $aname starts, somehow afraid you've injured yourself though you didn't actually fall. You nod and pull away, righting yourself on the bottom step. "I see," $ahe says in response—relieved. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone24'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Are you alright, Holiness—!" $aname starts, somehow afraid you've injured yourself though you didn't actually fall. And you sharply pull your arm away, moving down the stairs in a hurry to get away. "I'm fine." "I see," $ahe says in response—tensely. "Forgive me." <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone24'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Without being dragged down it, you can now appreciate the hallway for what it is—splendid. There are wonderful paintings lining the walls and tapestries stitched in gold. There is door after door and you follow $aname until $ahe stops at a very, very large one. And you can only assume that behind the door is the dining room, since you can smell some sort of meat just beyond it. "I'll be outside," $aname tells you, and then pushes the door open. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone25'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

When you enter you glimpse a long, long table filled to the brim all sorts of foods: meats, cheeses, and greens. The king stands the moment he sees you, the chair scratching loudly along the ground as it moves to accommodate his movement. "You've come! Splendid." He gestures at a young $cgender sitting toward the middle of the table. $cHe stands. "$cname, greet ?Their Holiness." He beckons you over with his other hand. "This is my heir—$cname." $cname nods at you politely, a serene smile fixed onto $cher face. "It's a pleasure, Holiness." <<if $cgender is "female">> She wears a pale blue dress, more modest than what you'd expect from the princess, and her dark brown hair is tied with a ribbon. <<else>> He wears a dark blue coat and his dark brown hair shines in the light the candles at the table provide.<</if>> [["The pleasure is all mine," you tell with a sincere smile.]] [["I'm pleased it's a pleasure," you say with a grin.]] [["Right," you say with a nod.]] [[You say nothing.]]

"The pleasure is all mine," you tell with a sincere smile, happy to meet with a friendly face. $cname's face brightens at your polite attitude, and $che gestures to the seat across from $chim. "Please, have a seat. I'm sure you're quite hungry." You're //ravenous.// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone26'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"I'm pleased it's a pleasure," you say with a grin. $cname seems surprised that you can manage such a tone of voice, but $cher smile widens the very same. $cHe gestures to the seat across from $chim. "Please, have a seat. I'm sure you're quite hungry." You're //ravenous.// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone26'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Right," you say with a nod. $cname seems unsure of how to take this response, but $cher smile remains polite. $cHe gestures to the seat across from $chim. "Please, have a seat. I'm sure you're quite hungry." You're //ravenous.// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone26'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

When you don't reply, $cname seems unsure of how to interpret. $cHer smile remains polite, but $cher eyebrows furrow. $cHe gestures to the seat across from $chim. "Please, have a seat. I'm sure you're quite hungry." You're //ravenous.// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone26'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You're offered a generous helping of //everything// on the table, and the king seems to take great interest in what you decide to eat and what you don't. His attention is so intense, in fact, that it begins to make you uncomfortable. "Pay him no mind," Amory says, perching himself on his stomach in the air just in front of the king, ankles crossed and lifted up behind him. "Disgusting old man. He sees only greed when he looks at you. I would—" "We're planning to announce your arrival to Cerica tomorrow, to boost morale amongst the villagers and the Guard," the king suddenly tells you from behind Amory. "And of course, to weed out the disloyal." He sniffs. "You see, this war has been going on a very long time, Holiness. My coffers drain, and since I've had to raise taxes to accomodate, my people suffer as well. There is word amongst the townsfolk that I am //scared// of these traitors. I want you to know this isn't the case, and you have nothing to worry about. The Guard has asked me to raise security tomorrow when we go into town, but I won't. They're afraid we'll meet members of the rebellion there. But I think differently. I //hope// those rebellion //rats// are present so they //know// they won't last another battle. This has gone on long enough. It's time to gut that //‘Righteous Sword'// where he stands and—" "Father!" $cname shouts. $cHer mouth is stern from $cher shout, but before $che can speak anymore, $che seems to remember $chimself. $cHe swiftly clears his throat and composes $chimself. And Amory drifts away from the scene, as if even he can't bare the sudden tension. "Perhaps this isn't the best discussion to have over dinner. I'm sure Your Holiness agrees?" Pale green eyes flash at you. [["…Yes," you say, "Let's talk about something else."]] [[You force a laugh into the air. "You may be onto something."]] [["Indeed," you say simply.]]

"…Yes," you say, "Let's talk about something else." Your smile is fake but used with intent. You hope it will soothe the king enough to change the conversation without protest. But, you don't know the king very well yet. "…If Your Holiness wishes it," he says, glancing away from the table and to the side instead. "Let us simply enjoy the feast before us." The smile $cname sends you is radiant. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone27'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

You force a laugh into the air. "You may be onto something." You hope your laugh is enough to ease the tension and move the conversation on, since $cname seems uncomfortable with the topic. "Let's talk about something else?" "…If Your Holiness wishes it," he says, glancing away from the table and to the side instead. "Let us simply enjoy the feast before us." The smile $cname sends you is radiant. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone27'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Indeed," you say simply. You hope your indifference to the subject is enough for the king to take a hint. You would hate to make yourself clear about your stance. "…If Your Holiness wishes it," he says, glancing away from the table and to the side instead. "Let us simply enjoy the feast before us." The smile $cname sends you is radiant. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone27'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

The rest of dinner passes by in silence—besides the occasional clinking of silverware. You see the $ctitle2 glance at you a number of times, like $che's trying to figure something out about you. Amory makes himself scarce and speaks little for the rest of dinner, floating off in an empty chair towards the end of the table. And the king doesn't speak again until he's finished eating. The white in his hair stands out against the brown, especially when he runs his fingers through it. "We'll be leaving for the capital early in the morning, Holiness. Be ready by then." Then, with a slight nod, he stands from the table and goes. And $cname looks at you. "I'm sure you're tired. I can't imagine how harsh a journey from the heavens is." $cname stands in a similar fashion to $cher father and moves around the long table to stand in front of you. "I would hate to keep you any longer than needed." <<if $cgender is "female">> She curtsies low, her skirt loose in her fingers. <<else>> He bows low at the waist, one arm bent at his stomach.<</if>> "Good night." [["Good night," you say pleasantly.]] [["Do have sweet dreams," you say with a grin.]] [["Goodbye," you bid.]] [[♡ "…I hope I see you again," you whisper.]] [[♡ "I hope you'll keep me in mind tonight," you sing with a curling grin.]] [[You say nothing.->You say nothing.2]]

You look to the window and peek at the night sky. Amory hums, suddenly beside you. "I'm sure tomorrow will go well." There's a feeling in your stomach. It whispers: //no.// <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone29'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Good night," you say pleasantly, nodding at $cher. "Goodnight," $cname wishes you back. And with a final glance back at you when $che reaches the door, you're alone. Besides Amory. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone28'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Do have sweet dreams," you say with a grin. "And you," $cname wishes you back. And with a final glance back at you when $che reaches the door, you're alone. Besides Amory. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone28'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"Goodbye," you bid. "Goodbye," $cname wishes you back, seeming amused at your response. With a final glance back at you when $che reaches the door, you're alone. Besides Amory. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone28'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"…I hope I see you again," you whisper. $cname blinks, $cher eyes searching your face for your meaning. When $che finds it, $che seems to enjoy it, because $che leans forward with a teasing smile, hands clasped behind $cher back. "I assure you, you will." $cHe breaks away from his intertwined fingers and grasps your palm, bringing it up to press a fleeting kiss over your knuckles. "I'll make sure of it, Holiness." Your pulse skips and runs and your breathing stutters. It's impossible to form a response, and $cname's smile widens at the sight. "Goodnight," $cname wishes you. And with a final glance back at you when $che reaches the door, you're alone. Besides Amory. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone28'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

"I hope you'll keep me in mind tonight," you sing with a curling grin. $cname seems taken aback by your words, but is quick to tilt forward with a smile. "If I'm fortunate, you may even enter my dreams." Amused fills $cher soft colored eyes. "And I hope you may do the same for me, Holiness." Your heart beats at a mind-numbing speed. "I'll think of nothing but your eyes until I drift asleep." Your answer makes $cname's smile widen. "Goodnight," $che wishes you. And with a final glance back at you when $che reaches the door, you're alone. Besides Amory. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone28'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

$cname seems put off by your lack of response, but remains cordial and bows $cher head once more. "Goodnight," $cname wishes you again. And with a final glance back at you when $che reaches the door, you're alone. Besides Amory. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone28'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<<fadein 5s>><div class="chapterstart">Interlude 1. </div><</fadein>> Someone is writing a letter. In a dark, dark room, someone writes a letter. A letter of warning—a letter housing a plan. They must send it before the morning. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chaponeend'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

That's all so far! If you enjoyed it, spotted any bugs, or have questions, please see my tumblr. -Amanda.

//You've Unlocked Character Descriptions!// You don't go very far. You're led through a large hallway and brought to wooden double doors. You're ushered inside before you can utter a word, coming face to face with a towering, spiraling staircase. The guards remain on the other side of the door. You sit on the bottom step, running a hand through your hair in <<cycle "$mcthoughts2" autoselect>> <<option "frustration.">> <<option "worry.">> <<option "annoyance.">> <</cycle>> Nothing was making sense. Nothing at all. [[You can't fight back your tears.]] [[You laugh bitterly.]] [[You punch uselessly at the step underneath you.]] [[You slump back, absorbed in nothingness.]]

Your eyes fix to the glowing symbol on Josephine's forearm. Rune hadn't offered much insight earlier, so you find yourself curious. "Does everyone have markings like those?" "Oh!" Josephine seems startled when you ask, but she answers you earnestly enough: "Everyone that works in the palace must have one." She rolls her wrist, eyes moving to it. "It makes tasks and chores easier—and all that. No one really has more than one, though. They become one with you, so the ritual is very painful to go through. It…hurts to use them too, but you have to adapt to it." You think of violet symbols. "What about Rune, $rhe has more than one?" "Ah, with Rune—" Josephine seems to consider her words carefully. "Rune is different because $rhe went to an academy for magic. $rHe prepared $rher entire life to take on those marks. At least, that's the story I heard. It would be better to ask Rune $rhimself." <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Next.</div>' 'chapone19'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

<div class="begin">Who Would You Like To Know About?</div> <<if $rgender is "woman">> [[Rune.->runefem]] <<else>> [[Rune.->runemale]] <</if>> <<if $cgender is "woman">> [[Cyra.]] <<else>> [[Cyrus.]] <</if>> <<if $agender is "woman">> [[Aura.]] <<else>> [[Alastor.]] <</if>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <<link "Return." $return>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

Aura is very, very tall. There are powerful muscles there, but she usually wears armor, which cover their shape. She has very short, black hair, cut just above her ears. There would be curl there if it was allowed to grow out. Her eyes are a dark, mysterious blue, and her skin is tanned from years spent in the sun. There are scars covering her back, from a past incident. Complete with thin lips and a wavy nose, she looks a frightening sight. She is severe, but if she would only smile, the dimples so rarely seen in her cheeks would soothe even the weariest of souls. <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

Alastor is very, very tall. There are powerful muscles there, but he usually wears armor, which cover their shape. He has very short, black hair, cut just above his ears. There would be curl there if it was allowed to grow out. His eyes are a dark, mysterious blue, and his skin is tanned from years spent in the sun. There are scars covering his back, from a past incident. Complete with thin lips and a wavy nose, he looks a frightening sight. He is severe, but if he would only smile, the dimples so rarely seen in his cheeks would soothe even the weariest of souls. <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

Rune is tall and lanky, never standing up straight and to her full height. She has white, wavy hair that’s long and pulled back into a messy ponytail to keep out of the way. Her skin is tawny, warm and soft. On her neck resides violet marks, two sharp lines encasing a diamond shape—very similar to the color of her eyes—and there are more beneath her clothes. (She wears unremarkable black robes. A long-sleeved shirt pinned with a purple gem, and flaring black pants. It appears as one piece.) Her full lips are usually kept in the form of a scowl. She doesn’t seem very happy. <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

Rune is tall and lanky, never standing up straight and to his full height. He has white, wavy hair that’s just long enough to be pulled back into a messy ponytail. His skin is tawny, warm and soft. On his neck resides violet marks, two sharp lines encasing a diamond shape—very similar to the color of his eyes—and there are more beneath his clothes. (She wears unremarkable black robes. A long-sleeved shirt pinned with a purple gem, and flaring black pants. It appears as one piece.) His full lips are usually kept in the form of a scowl. He doesn’t seem very happy. <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

Cyra stands at average height, with a lithe build. She has dark brown strands of hair, falling like a waterfall past her shoulder blades—a crown braid pulls it from her eyes. She has a blush skin tone, pink and pale. She wears a blue dress at most times, as it’s her favorite color. It’s modest and lacks embellishments—so much so that if she were to go out, she would be mistaken for a commoner. With heart-shaped lips and a delicate nose, she makes for a soft sight. But her eyes—which are pale and green—hold a restless desire for something just out of her reach. <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

Cyrus stands at average height, with a lithe build. He has dark brown strands of hair, which are straight and fall just to the middle of his ears. He has a blush skin tone, pink and pale. He wears a blue coat at most times, as it’s his favorite color. There’s a plain white shirt and brown pants, as well. The outfit is modest and lacks embellishments—so much so that if he were to go out, he would be mistaken for a commoner. With heart-shaped lips and a delicate nose, he makes for a romantic sight. But is eyes—which are pale and green—hold a restless desire for something just out of his reach. <<link "Return." $return>><</link>>

<div class="begin">What Do You Look Like?</div> <div class="reg2"> Your eyes are <<cycle "$mceyecolor" autoselect>> <<option "brown">> <<option "light blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "light green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "gray">> <</cycle>>. </div> <div class="reg2"> Your skin is <<cycle "$mcskincolor" autoselect>> <<option "ivory">> <<option "pale">> <<option "tan">> <<option "golden brown">> <<option "dark brown">> <<option "deep black">> <</cycle>>. </div> <div class="reg2"> You are <<cycle "$mcheight" autoselect>> <<option "very short">> <<option "short">> <<option "average">> <<option "tall">> <<option "very tall">> <</cycle>>. </div> <<link '<div class="choice-item">Confirm.</div>' 'marks'>><</link>>