The Ward's Eyes

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<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "mudWalking" play>><<silently>><<script>>UIBar.show();<</script>><</silently>> <<if settings.anima eq false>><span id="sloshy1"><span class="slosh">Slosh</span></span> <<silently>><<timed 15s>><<replace "#sloshy1">>Slosh<</replace>><</timed>><</silently>><<else>>Slosh<</if>> <<if settings.anima eq false>><span id="sloshy2"><span class="slosh2">Slosh</span></span> <<silently>><<timed 15s>><<replace "#sloshy2">>Slosh<</replace>><</timed>><</silently>><<else>>Slosh<</if>> <<if settings.anima eq false>><span id="sloshy3"><span class="slosh3">Slosh</span></span> <<silently>><<timed 15s>><<replace "#sloshy3">>Slosh<</replace>><</timed>><</silently>><<else>>Slosh<</if>> The sticky mud sucks and clings to your steps as you're trudging in the dark swamp. The blackness around absorbs the light from your flashlight, ensaring you in its deadly silence. In front of you—shone by your light—a mere flicker of hope becons you further. Outside the reach of this highlighted haven, the unseen lurks around. Regret of coming here settles in your spine and looms over you. You glance around at the dark swamp you're plodding in. Being it on your left or right, the same dead trees and bushes seem to duplicate themselves. The trees try to reach for you with their crooked branches—autumn has let them bare of leaves. The cold settles little by little, misting around, biting your flesh wherever it can. Dead leaves cover the muddy floor, here or there. You tramp—mid-calf—into the murky water. On you feet, you had the idea to put on <span id="shoeinaswamp1"><<listbox "$shoes" autoselect>> <<option "shoes">> <<option "sneakers">> <<option "ranger boots">> <<option "ankle high boots">> <<option "knee high boots">> <<option "boots">> <<option "wadders">><</listbox>></span>. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<nobr>><<if $shoes eq "shoes">><<replace "#shoeinaswamp1">><span class="red">shoes</span><</replace>> They are completely soaked through, sloshing with each of your steps. The cold of the forest around is kissing your foot. And you're kissing your brain goodbye for having the idea to put simple shoes on. In a swamp.<<else>><</if>> <<if $shoes eq "sneakers">><<replace "#shoeinaswamp1">><span class="red">sneakers</span><</replace>> They are completely soaked through, the wet fabric of your socks clinging to your feet. A magnet for the cold to snake around your skin. Sometimes, you feel things in the dark water that make their way into your sneakers. But you'd rather not know what. For now. //Let's pray there is no bloodsuckers in there.//<<else>><</if>> <<if $shoes is "ranger boots">><<replace "#shoeinaswamp1">><span class="red">ranger boots</span><</replace>> Fortunately for you, your resistant rangers have protected your feet against all kind of rocks and shock. Unfortunalty for you, your feet are now encased in a drench shield, sloshing around. The mud having found its way inside your boots. And by the touch of it, other things you'd rather not know about. For now.<<else>><</if>> <<if $shoes eq "ankle high boots">><<replace "#shoeinaswamp1">><span class="red">ankle high boots</span><</replace>> Thankfully, you've put your ankle boots to prevent both the wet and the cold to enter and meet your tired foot. Unfortunatelly for you, the level of water is higher than your ankle. Now, your feet are sloshing around in mud and other things... you'd rather not enquire about, for now.<<else>><</if>> <<if $shoes eq "knee high boots">><<replace "#shoeinaswamp1">><span class="red">knee high boots</span><</replace>> Your knee high boots have done their best preventing the mud and the seeping cold autumn air from metting your foot. Fortunately for you, the water level is not high enough to be a menace for your feet. You pray it stays that way, and that you'll make your way home dry and warm.<<else>><</if>> <<if $shoes eq "boots">><<replace "#shoeinaswamp1">><span class="red">boots</span><</replace>> Your boots have done their best preventing the mud and the seeping cold autumn air from metting your foot. They have, unfortunately, failed successfully. Your feet are bathing in the suspiciously dark and smelly water. And other things, by the feel of it, that you'd rather not know about, for now.<<else>><</if>> <<if $shoes eq "wadders">><<replace "#shoeinaswamp1">><span class="red">wadders</span><</replace>>Your wadders have thwarted bot the mud and the cold. Even though it's tiring to run with such equipment, you did good to take them with you. There is no better confort than being dry and warm in such an environment.<</if>><</nobr>> Above, the sky is painted black, as if dark ink has been spilled on a canvas. Stars, shy of revealing themselves, hide behind heavy clouds. The moon, full albeit gloomy, shines with a reddish hue, ominously. Yeah, you've chosen the night of a lunar eclipse—a.k.a. a blood moon—to go out and about. Really, this is the best idea you've ever had. You curse yourself for having this stupid idea. If only you could have stayed still. Or even better, slept. Instead, both your brain and angst decided to work just as your head was about to hit your pillow—as it does on every sleepless night. Maybe you should invest in those sleeping pills, because sleep-deprived-plan are starting to become more and more extravagant and less and less to your liking. But here you are, in the middle of a <<listbox "$swamp" autoselect>> <<option "gloomy">> <<option "bloody">> <<option "creepy">> <<option "god forsaken">> <<option "damn">> <<option "darn">> <<option "fucking">> <<option "cursed">> <<option "shitty">> <</listbox>> swamp. You should have, at least, waited for dawn to--<span class="crack">[[CRACK|case01 swamp crack]]</span> <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

Stonerich Carlestorga Vesan | West Vesan Adtwin | Central St Oanton Gia-by-the-sea

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "crack" play>><<set $case01log += 1>> Startled by the sound, you look around at the threatening darkness with apprehension. A bloody red hue covers the barely visible landscape everytime the moon deigns to reveal itself. The dim light of your flashlight does nothing to chase the blackness and to appease your thumping heart. And the cold does nothing to stear the angst away, clinging on your tensed shoulders. Adrenaline rushes to your head as blood turns cold in your veins. You cease all movement, eyes wide open. Like a rabbit in the beam of a car's headlight. <<linkreplace "A moment pass in utter silence." t8n>><div class="center"><span class="large">Silence</span></div><<timed 1s>><<audio "swamped" play>><</timed>> Until you realize that the sound came from under your feet. You've been so lost in your thoughts and damning you, that you forgot to watch your steps. It sounded as if you've stepped onto something. //Might be a branch...or not. Or not, it didn't sound like wood or a branch snapping. But much more like ...something..."// Lifting your waterlogged <<= $shoes>>. You look at what you've stepped on. It's something which glints in the light. You bend one knee to examine it. <div class="you">You</div> *[[examine what it is.|case01 swamp glasses]] <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<silently>><<set $techno += 1>><<set $case01 += 1>><<set $caselog01 +=1>><<set $observation +=1>><</silently>>\ You take out your phone. The sudden light of the screen dazzles you for a few seconds. You take a step back before squatting down to peer into the muddy water. Embeded in your muddy footprints, upon a rock of sorts, were, what looks very much like <<linkappend "eyeglasses" t8n>><<notify>>You found a clue!<</notify>><</linkappend>> frame. It doesn't appear as if it has spent a lot of time outside. Or rather, it looks like it has been lost recently. //Very recently, even...// As for the lenses... Guess that was the culprit of your almost heart attack. One of them is completely broken and fell from the dark metallic frame. You decide to note the GPS coordinate of your finding before taking them with you. That way, you may come back to the place later, surely when the sun will be out and the forest less creepy. The signal is weak, but you do have network. //Nice. One good news, at least.// You note the <<linkappend "position" t8n>><<notify>>You found a clue!<</notify>><</linkappend>> into your GPS. You take some pictures as well—with the flash of course— as well as some videos of you're founding. Because you know that the context is as important as the "evidence"—even though you can't be one hundred per cent sure if your current finding is relevent to your case. You decide to take the glasses with you. You can analyze them later. You put it in an envelop, the one you call "evidence bag", albeit it's not for your not in the Sentinel. Your photos, coordinates and glasses taken, you stand up. Looking back at your footprints, you notice a dark rusty spot near the place you've found the glasses. //Curious-////[[Rustle|case01 swamp rustling]]// <<timed 10s>><<audio "rustle" play>><</timed>> <br> <br> <br>

/*******************************************************************************************************TIMER*************************************************************************************************************/ <div class="round-time-bar" style="--duration: 10;"> <div></div> </div> <div class="round-time-bar" style="--duration: 5;"> <div></div> </div> <div class="round-time-bar" data-style="smooth" style="--duration: 5;"> <div></div> </div> <div class="round-time-bar" data-color="blue" style="--duration: 12;"> <div></div> </div> <div class="round-time-bar" data-color="blue" data-style="fixed" style="--duration: 3;"> <div></div> </div> <button id="restart-button">restart timers</button> /****************************************************************************************************TIME*PRINT***********************************************************************************************************/ <<print $now.getHours() + ':' + $now.getMinutes()>>

<<if $deathcount ==1>><<notify>>Achievement unlocked!<</notify>><</if>>\ A <<if settings.anima eq false>><span id="rustle"><span class="slosh">rustling </span></span><<audio "rustle" play>><<timed 10s>><<replace "#rustle">><span class="red">rustling </span><</replace>><</timed>><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>>rustling<</if>> noise interrupts you. It's only then, crounched in the darkness, that you notice the stillness of the nature around you. <<timed 10s>><<audio "rustle" play>><</timed>> Since comming into this <<print $swamp>> swamp, you heard <<cycle "_silentplace" once>> <<option "neither the bird's occasional calls">> <<option "neither the bird's occasional calls, nor the frog's song">> <<option "neither the bird's occasional calls, nor the frog's song, not the insect's night time opera">> <<option "neither the bird's occasional calls, nor the frog's song, not the insect's night time opera, or even the creaking of woods">><</cycle>>. Nothing <span class="large">Rustle</span> A shiver runs down your spine. You knew you should have gone home. This is how people die in horror movies. They go to places they are not supposed to go to. You stay still, in the dimness of night, your ears perked up. The sound comes from behind you. <span class="red">Something</span> is moving. And it's coming <span class="red">closer.</span> <span class="crack" class="red">Closer</span> <<if settings.anima eq false>><span class="closer">C L O S E R</span><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="closeranima">C L O S E R</span><</if>> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><div class="you">You</div><<timed 1s>><<nobr>><div id="app"></div> <div class="round-time-bar" data-style="smooth" style="--duration: 2;"> <div></div> </div> <span id="timer1"> <ul><li>[[run away.|case01 swamp runaway]]</li></ul> </span> <<timed 2s>><<replace "#timer1">>\ <span id="timer2"> <ul><li>[[stand, frozen into place.|case01 swamp standFrozen GO]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[faint, there is no other solution.|case01 swampFaint GO]]</li></ul> </span><</replace>><</timed>><</nobr>><</timed>> <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<div class="nosidebar center"> <br> <br> <div class="maintitle">The ward's eyes</div> <span class="mainlink" id="mainmenu"><<link "New game">><<goto [[opencase01]]>><</link>> | <<link "Load game">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> | <<link "Settings">><<script>>UI.settings()<</script>> <</link>> | <<link "Content warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Content warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Content warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></span> </div> <div class="pagebottom nosidebar"><span class="little">Earphone/Headphone recommanded</span></div> <<silently>> <<waitforaudio>><<set $name to "Anonymous">><<set $surname to "Yet to define">><<set $gender to "Later">><<set $sp to "Something">><<set $op to "something">><<set $eyes to "known as the window to the soul...">><<set $height to "Still undefined">><<set $small to "Still undefined">> <</silently>>

Before your thought process can make its thousands hypothesis, your legs carry you away.<<audio "swamped" stop>><<audio "runSwamp" play>> Because, whatever is behind you is BIG. And it's apparently catching on fast. The dim light you hold shakes as you run. You can't see clearly ahead. But you keep your focus so as not to miss a step. You don't want your last day on earth to be in this <<print $swamp>>swamp. You concentrate on your breathing. And ahead. //Don't look back or turn back. Run.// Trappy roots tries to catch you unaware. You're wheezing. The crisp fresh chockes you with its coldness. Your heart is thumping in your legs and brain, adrenaline surging in everypart of you. You can't run forever. Besides, the risk of falling is great. You have to do something. You have a gun, but you don't know who is behind you. //or even... what?// But you have to do something. You don't lose a second to turn around, taking direclty your gun from your holster. Pointing it pronptly at what was chasing you. Your breath catches in your throat as horror runs down your spine. In the mere second it takes you to secure your hold on your gun as you shine your light on the thing, you take a look at it. The moon decides to shine its reddish light. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<audio "danger" play>><span class="nightmare">It is not a person. It's a monster. It seems to have escaped from humanity's worst nightmare. And at the sight of it, your blood turns cold as ice. Alarm bells ring in your head, screaming : <<if settings.anima eq true>><div class="closernanima">RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN—</div><<else>><div class="crack">RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN—</div><</if>> It was stalking towards you, slowly, attentively. It then stops when it feels your attention on it, crounched on all four, and watches you back. It appears curious at your reaction. If malice itself could be curious. The creature has unaturally elongated limbs, lanky, ending in deadly razor-sharp claws. It's lengthy legs, in its current bended position, makes its back visible to you. Its spine pokes from its skin. As does its ribs. Gashes are opened in its skin from wich dead black blood seeps as well as what looks like the slimy texture of pus. A rotting smell that grips your guts emmanates from it. It very much looks like a corpse. A corpse wanting a meal out of you. It's skin is the same colour as the bark around you and covered in mud. You can't remember well because of the briefness of the moment, but you're sure it almost had the same texture as barks. It's head is a skull. With dead white antlers protuding from cracks at the top of the cranium. Frozen air escapes its bony decomposed nostrils. But what you will never ever ever forget was its eyes. Those two empty sockets. Nothing was there, //nothing//. Two tiny black holes of pure nightmare, catching your breath, your life, your soul. This light you carry settles on another details. <<nobr>><<cycle "_creatuer" once>> <<option "Teeth.">> <<option "Those razor sharp teeth that stream out of its oversized jaw.">> <<option "The creature seems to smile from ear to ear.">> <</cycle>><</nobr>> <<nobr>> Your heart is pulsing in your ears and your eyes start to sting as they become teary. Your legs shakes with adrenaline, prompting you to run again. But you can't. It caught up with you fast. Too fast. You have to neutralize it before making a run for it<</nobr>>.</span> Now. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <<if settings.time eq true>><h4>Timed choices</h4> <span class="little">It's protuding <b><u>back</u></b><br>one of its <b><u>legs</u></b><br>It's <b><u>head</u></b><br>one of its <b><u>arms</u></b></span> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <div class="you">you decide to aim at</div><<timed 1s>><<nobr>><div class="round-time-bar" data-style="smooth" style="--duration: 8;"> <div></div> </div> <span id="case01swamprunawaytimer1"> <ul><li><<link "Its <b><u>head</u></b>." "case01 swamp shotFace">><</link>></li></ul> <<timed 2s>><<replace "#case01swamprunawaytimer1">>\ <span id="case01swamprunawaytimer2"> <ul><li><<link "Its protuding <b><u>back</u></b>." "case01 swamp shotBack">><</link>></li></ul> </span><</replace>><</timed>> <<timed 4s>><<replace "#case01swamprunawaytimer2">>\ <span id="case01swamprunawaytimer3"> <ul><li><<link "one of its <b><u>arms</u></b>." "case01 swamp shotArm">><</link>></li></ul></span><</replace>><</timed>> <<timed 6s>><<replace "#case01swamprunawaytimer3">>\ <span id="case01swamprunawaytimer4"> <ul><li><<link "one of its <b><u>legs.</u></b>" "case01 swamp shotLeg">><</link>></li></ul> </span><</replace>><</timed>> <<timed 8s>><<replace "#case01swamprunawaytimer4">>\ <ul><li><<link "you don't know, you close your eyes and shoot" "case01 swamp shotNot">><</link>></li></ul><</replace>><</timed>><</nobr>><</timed>> <</linkreplace>> <<else>> <div class="you">you decide to aim at</div><<timed 1s>><<nobr>><div class="round-time-bar" data-style="smooth" style="--duration: 8;"> <div></div> </div> <span id="case01swamprunawaytimer1"> <ul><li>[[Its head.|case01 swamp shotFace]]</li></ul> <<timed 2s>><<replace "#case01swamprunawaytimer1">>\ <span id="case01swamprunawaytimer2"> <ul><li>[[Its protuding back.|case01 swamp shotBack]]</li></ul> </span><</replace>><</timed>> <<timed 4s>><<replace "#case01swamprunawaytimer2">>\ <span id="case01swamprunawaytimer3"> <ul><li>[[one of its arms.|case01 swamp shotArm]]</li></ul></span><</replace>><</timed>> <<timed 6s>><<replace "#case01swamprunawaytimer3">>\ <span id="case01swamprunawaytimer4"> <ul><li>[[one of its legs.|case01 swamp shotLeg]]</li></ul> </span><</replace>><</timed>> <<timed 8s>><<replace "#case01swamprunawaytimer4">>\ <ul><li>[[you don't know, you close your eyes and shoot.|case01 swamp shotNot]]</li></ul><</replace>><</timed>><</nobr>><</timed>> <</if>> <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>>Your brain freezes at the sudden fear permeating your whole being. <<timed 3s>>A second pass. <</timed>> <<timed 6s>>Another one. <</timed>> <<timed 9s>>You're cold. Unbelievably so.<</timed>> <<timed 11s>>Your breathing becomes erratic.<</timed>> <<timed 12s>><<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<audio "gameover" play>>You remain frozen on the spot as you hear the rattle and splashing getting closer. <<timed 3s>>Until, ultimately, the noises stop. Something is behind you.<</timed>> <<timed 6s>>You feel breathing on your neck. <</timed>> <<timed 9s>>You feel drool rolling on your back as tears escape your eyes.<</timed>> <<timed 12s>>You smell the rotting smell of death in your throat, coming from whetever is near.<</timed>> <<timed 15s>>Your legs give out as you feel a sharp pain course through your body. You remain frozen in utter terror and shock. Your eyes open on the endless darkness surrounding you, once your flashlight fall into the water.<</timed>> <<timed 18s>>It was said a horrendous scream could be heard through the forest in the early morning. It was probably yours, as the something that was pursuing you settled its sharpened fang into your flesh and bones and started to eat you alive.<</timed>> <<timed 21s>><span class="gameo">The swamp has claimed you.</span> <div class="center"><p class="one"><h1>You have died.</h1></p> <span class="button2"><<button "Try again">><<goto [[case01 swamp rustling]]>><</button>></span></div><</timed>> <</linkreplace>><</timed>> <<silently>><<set $deathcount += 1>><<set $deathcountcase01 +=1>><</silently>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set _case01swamprightorleft to random(1,2)>>Not loosing a second, you pull the trigger another time. <<timed 1s>><<audio "bang" play>><</timed>><<if settings.anima eq false>><<timed 1s>><span class="crack">BANG</span><</timed>><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="crack">BANG</span><</if>> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>And another. <<timed 1s>><<audio "bang" play>><</timed>><<if settings.anima eq false>><<timed 1s>><span class="crack">BANG</span><</timed>><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="crack">BANG</span><</if>> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You then turn on your heels and run. <<audio "runSwamp" play>> <<if _case01swamprightorleft eq 1>> <div class="you">You sprint as fast as you can.</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Very good at running actually.|case01 swamp triggerLeft][$sport += 6]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Running only for your life. You're far better at observing and analyzing a situation.|case01 swamp triggerLeft][$sport += 2; $observation += 4]] </li></ul> <ul><li>[[Running only for your life. Your intuition has pulled you out of situation before you'll feel the need to run.|case01 swamp triggerLeft][$sport += 2; $observation - 4]] </li></ul><</nobr>><<else>><</if>>\ <<if _case01swamprightorleft eq 2>> <div class="you">You sprint as fast as you can.</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Very good at running actually.|case01 swamp triggerRight][$sport += 6]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Running only for your life. You're far better at observing and analyzing a situation.|case01 swamp triggerRight][$sport += 2; $observation += 4]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Running only for your life. Your intuition has pulled you out of situation before you'll feel the need to run.|case01 swamp triggerRight][$sport += 2; $observation -= 4]]</li></ul><</nobr>><</if>>\ <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<link "Case Log">><<goto "Case Log">><</link>> <<link "Characters">><<goto "Characters list">><</link>> <<link "Codex">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Codex"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Codex").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Profil">><button id="ui-dialog-close" class="ui-close" tabindex="0" aria-label="Close">╳</button> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Profil"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Profil").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>> <p class="white"></p> <<link "Go back">> <<script>> Engine.backward() <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Save & Load">> <<script>> UI.saves(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Settings">> <<script>> UI.settings(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Restart">> <<script>> UI.restart(); <</script>> <</link>> <p class="white"></p> <<link "Content Warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Content warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Content warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Credit">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Credit"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credit").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Report something">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Report something"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Report something").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<silently>><<link "Inventory">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Inventory"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Inventory").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>><</silently>>

<<silently>> <<nobr>><<waitforaudio>> <<if tags().includes("noreturn")>> <<script>> Engin.backward(); <</script>> <</if>> <<set $gobackicon to '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>> <<set $savesicon to '<span class="lnr lnr-download"></span>'>> <<set $settingsicon to '<span class="lnr lnr-cog"></span>'>> <<set $restarticon to '<span class="lnr lnr-undo"></span>'>> /*SAVES CUSTOM*/ /*Main Title Menu Variables*/ <<set $opencase to "01">> <<set $openpart to "01">> <<set $testnickname to false>> <<set $health to 89>> <<set $age to "not carboned yet">> <<set $agegroup>> <<set $verifypronouns to false>> <<set $plural to true>> <<set $preset>> <<set $she>> Subject pronouns : I, You, He, She, It, We, You, They <<set $her>> Object pronouns : Me, You, Him, Her, It, Us, You, Them <<set $herr>> Possessive Adjective : My, Your, His, Her, Its, Our, Your, Their <<set $hers>> Possessive pronouns: Mine, Yours, His, Hers, Ours, Yours, Theirs <<set $herself>> Reflexive pronouns: Myself, Yourself, Himself, Herself, Itself, Ourselves, Yourselves, Themselves /*Case log variables*/ <<set $location>> <<set $deathcount to 0>> /*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************/ /**********Profile**********/ /*CHARACTER'S*/ /*ATTITUDES*/ <<set $finesse = 50>>//brutal <<set $cautious to 50>>//daring <<set $genuine to 50>>//sarcastic <<set $friendly to 50>>//intimidating <<set $easygoing to 50>>//stubborn <<set $emotional to 50>>//pragmatic <<set $teamplayer to 50>>//lonewolf <<set $optimistic to 50>>//cynic /*SKILLS*/ <<set $observation to 50>> <<set $techno to 50>> <<set $combat to 10>> <<set $gun to 10>> <<set $sport to 10>> <<set $deduction to 0>> /*OTHER ATTRIBUTE*/ <<set $addict>> <<set $condit>> <<set $calming to []>> /*PHYSICAL APPEARANCES*/ <<set $hairlength>> <<set $haircolour>> <<set $hairtype>> <<set $skincolour>> <<set $eyes>> Pulling you The cold autumn air finds purchase onto your (cycling-link: bind $skincolour, "pale","fair","olive","tan","bronze","chocolate","obsidian") and sweaty skin, giving you goosebumps. <<set $height>> /*CLOTHES*/ So far <<print $shoes>> <<print $bag>> <<print $outwear>> /****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************/ <<set $eliroad to false>><<set $anyaroad to false>><<set $sheppardroad to false>><<set $mbayaroad to false>><<set $yuroad to false>><<set $owlroad to false>><<set $rathroad to false>><<set $polyroad to false>> /*RELATIONSHIP*/ /*ROMANTIC OPTION*/ /*Elias Allistair William |M | 33 | Consultant ? for the Eyes*/ <<set $elimeet to false>> Friend: <<set $elifriend to 0>> Foe: <<set $elifoe to 0>> Shy love: <<set $eliasshylove to 0>> Lover: <<set $elibooty to 0>> Soulmate: <<set $elilove to 0>> Enemy to lover: <<set $elihatetolove to 0>> <<set $elirela>><<set $elirela to [($elifriend)+($elibooty)+($elilove)+($elihatetolove)-($elifoe)]>> /*Lavanya (Anya) of Evans 31 */ <<set $anyameet to false>> Friend: <<set $anyafriend to 0>> Foe: <<set $anyafoe to 0>> Shy love: <<set $anyashylove to 0>> Lover: <<set $anyabooty to 0>> Soulmate: <<set $anyalove to 0>> Enemy to lover: <<set $anyahatetolove to 0>> <<set $anyarela>><<set $anyarela to [($anyafriend)+($anyabooty)+($anyalove)+($anyahatetolove)-($anyafoe)]>> /*Operator Sheppard 25 nb m f */ <<set $sheppardmeet to false>> <<set $sheppardgenre to "nb">><<set $sheppardlongname to "Marcy">> Friend: <<set $sheppardfriend to 0>> Foe: <<set $sheppardfoe to 0>> Shy love: <<set $sheppardshylove to 0>> Lover: <<set $sheppardbooty to 0>> Soulmate: <<set $sheppardlove to 0>> Enemy to lover: <<set $sheppardhatetolove to 0>> <<set $sheppardrela>><<set $sheppardrela to [($sheppardfriend)+($sheppardbooty)+($sheppardlove)+($sheppardhatetolove)-($sheppardfoe)]>> <<if $sheppardgenre eq "nb">><<set $sheppardplural to true>> <<set $sheppardhe to "they">> <<set $sheppardhim to "them">> <<set $sheppardhis to "their">> <<set $sheppardhiss to "theirs">> <<set $sheppardhimself to "themselves">> <<set $sheppardgender to "person">> <<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardgenre eq "m">><<set $sheppardplural to false>> <<set $sheppardhe to "he">> <<set $sheppardhim to "him">> <<set $sheppardhis to "his">> <<set $sheppardhiss to "his">> <<set $sheppardhimself to "himself">> <<set $sheppardgender to "man">> <<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardgenre eq "f">><<set $sheppardplural to false>> <<set $sheppardhe to "she">> <<set $sheppardhim to "her">> <<set $sheppardhis to "her">> <<set $sheppardhiss to "hers">> <<set $sheppardhimself to "herself">> <<set $sheppardgender to "woman">> <</if>> /*Mbaya m f */ <<set $mbayameet to false>> <<set $mbayagenre to "unknown">> Friend: <<set $mbayafriend to 0>> Foe: <<set $mbayafoe to 0>> Shy love: <<set $mbayashylove to 0>> Lover: <<set $mbayabooty to 0>> Soulmate: <<set $mbayalove to 0>> Enemy to lover: <<set $mbayahatetolove to 0>> <<set $mabayarela>><<set $mbayarela to [($mbayafriend)+($mbayabooty)+($mbayalove)+($mbayahatetolove)-($mbayafoe)]>> <<if $mbayagenre eq "m">> <<set $mbayahe to "he">> <<set $mbayahim to "him">> <<set $mbayahis to "his">> <<set $mbayahiss to "his">> <<set $mbayahimself to "himself">> <<set $mbayagender to "man">> <<else>><</if>><<if $mbayagenre eq "f">> <<set $mbayahe to "she">> <<set $mbayahim to "her">> <<set $mbayahis to "her">> <<set $mbayahiss to "hers">> <<set $mbayahimself to "herself">> <<set $mbayagender to "woman">> <</if>> /* Yu m f*/ <<set $yumeet to false>> <<set $yugenre to "unknown">> Friend: <<set $yufriend to 0>> Foe: <<set $yufoe to 0>> Shy love: <<set $yushylove to 0>> Lover: <<set $yubooty to 0>> Soulmate: <<set $yulove to 0>> Enemy to lover: <<set $yuhatetolove to 0>> <<set $yurela>><<set $yurela to [($yufriend)+($yubooty)+($yulove)+($yuhatetolove)-($yufoe)]>> <<if $yugenre eq "m">> <<set $yuhe to "he">> <<set $yuhim to "him">> <<set $yuhis to "his">> <<set $yuhiss to "his">> <<set $yuhimself to "himself">> <<set $yugender to "man">> <<else>><</if>><<if $yugenre eq "f">> <<set $yuhe to "she">> <<set $yuhim to "her">> <<set $yuhis to "her">> <<set $yuhiss to "hers">> <<set $yuhimself to "herself">> <<set $yugender to "woman">> <</if>> /* Owl m f */ <<set $owlmeet to false>> <<set $owlgenre to "unknown">> Friend: <<set $owlfriend to 0>> Foe: <<set $owlfoe to 0>> Shy love: <<set $owlshylove to 0>> Lover: <<set $owlbooty to 0>> Soulmate: <<set $owllove to 0>> Enemy to lover: <<set $owlhatetolove to 0>> <<set $owlrela>><<set $owlrela to [($owlfriend)+($owlbooty)+($owllove)+($owlhatetolove)-($owlfoe)]>> <<if $owlgenre eq "m">> <<set $owlhe to "he">> <<set $owlhim to "him">> <<set $owlhis to "his">> <<set $owlhiss to "his">> <<set $owlhimself to "himself">> <<set $owlgender to "man">> <<else>><</if>><<if $owlgenre eq "f">> <<set $owlhe to "she">> <<set $owlhim to "her">> <<set $owlhis to "her">> <<set $owlhiss to "hers">> <<set $owlhimself to "herself">> <<set $owlgender to "woman">> <</if>> /* Iolrath nb m f */ <<set $rathmeet to false>> Friend: <<set $rathfriend to 0>> Foe: <<set $rathfoe to 0>> Shy love: <<set $rathshylove to 0>> Lover: <<set $rathbooty to 0>> Soulmate: <<set $rathlove to 0>> Enemy to lover: <<set $rathhatetolove to 0>> <<set $rathrela>><<set $rathrela to [($rathfriend)+($rathbooty)+($rathlove)+($rathhatetolove)-($rathfoe)]>> <<if $rathgenre eq "nb">><<set $rathplural to true>> <<set $rathhe to "they">> <<set $rathhim to "them">> <<set $rathhis to "their">> <<set $rathhiss to "theirs">> <<set $rathhimself to "themselves">> <<set $rathgender to "person">> <<else>><</if>><<if $rathgenre eq "m">><<set $rathplural to false>> <<set $rathhe to "he">> <<set $rathhim to "him">> <<set $rathhis to "his">> <<set $rathhiss to "his">> <<set $rathhimself to "himself">> <<set $rathgender to "man">> <<else>><</if>><<if $rathgenre eq "f">><<set $rathplural to false>> <<set $rathhe to "she">> <<set $rathhim to "her">> <<set $rathhis to "her">> <<set $rathhiss to "hers">> <<set $rathhimself to "herself">> <<set $rathgender to "woman">> <</if>> /*NO ROMANCE*/ /*Cecil Yuvraj*/ <<set $cecilmeet to false>> <<set $cecilrela to 5>> /*Lukas Whittaker Seeker*/ <<set $lukasmeet to false>> <<set $lukasrela to 30>> /*Anna Finsch "Exorcist" Chaman*/ <<set $annameet to false>> <<set $annarela to 5>> /*Alexander Whittaker forensic practionner*/ <<set $alexmeet to false>> <<set $alexrela to 0>> /*****************************************************************/ /*OTHERS*/ /*Ava Quincy*/ <<set $ava to 6>>/* ou t 5*/ /*Seth*/ /*Davies*/ /**/ /**/ /**/ /****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************/ /*CASE 01*/ /*definitive*/ <<set $case01 to 0>> <<set $deathcountcase01 to 0>> <<set $caselog01 to 0>> <<set $swamp to $swamp>> /*unsettible*/ <<set $wendigo to 0>> <<set $swampquestions to []>> <<set $swampquestions to ["creature", "what", "monster", "beast", "beasts", "swamp", "forest", "place", "why", "here", "you", "who", "elias", "man", "stranger", "blue fire", "fire", "blue", "flame", "flames", "punch", "single", "love", "daddy", "water", "honey", "drink", "bottle", "thermos", "hint"]>> <<set $swampquestionsB to []>> <<set $swampquestionsB to ["creature", "what", "monster", "beast", "beasts", "swamp", "forest", "place", "why", "here", "you", "who", "elias", "man", "stranger", "blue fire", "fire", "blue", "flame", "flames", "punch", "single", "love", "daddy", "water", "honey", "drink", "bottle", "thermos", "hint"]>> <<set $swampquestionsC to []>> <<set $swampquestionsC to ["creature", "what", "monster", "beast", "beasts", "forest", "place", "swamp", "why", "here", "you", "who", "man", "stranger", "hunter", "single", "love", "daddy", "water", "honey", "drink", "bottle", "thermos", "hint"]>> <<set $swampquestionsD to []>> <<set $swampquestionsD to ["creature", "what", "monster", "beast", "beasts", "forest", "place", "swamp", "why", "here", "you", "who", "elias", "man", "stranger", "speak", "spoke", "talk", "talked", "say", "run", "single", "love", "daddy", "water", "honey", "drink", "bottle", "thermos", "hint"]>> <<set $homecomeTR1 to []>> <<set $homecomeTR1 to ["dead", "wendigo", "0", "zero", "0%", "alive", "drown", "death", "sentence", "death sentence", "hint"]>> <<set $homecomeTR2 to []>> <<set $homecomeTR2 to ["wendigo", "breach", "creature", "what", "monster", "beast", "beasts", "the beast", "swamp", "why", "here", "you", "Elias", "who", "elias", "hint", "exhausted", "dealing", "is", "being", "is being take care of", "is being taken care","is taking", "present", "present tense"]>> /*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************/ /*CASE 02*/ *definitive*/ <<set $case02 to 0>> <<set $deathcountcase02 to 0>> <<set $caselog02 to 0>> /*unsettible*/ /*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************/ /*CASE 03*/ *definitive*/ <<set $case03 to 0>> <<set $deathcountcase03 to 0>> <<set $caselog03 to 0>> /*unsettible*/ /*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************/ /*CASE 04*/ *definitive*/ <<set $case04 to 0>> <<set $deathcountcase04 to 0>> <<set $caselog04 to 0>> /*unsettible*/ /*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************/ /*CASE 05*/ *definitive*/ <<set $case05 to 0>> <<set $deathcountcase05 to 0>> <<set $caselog05 to 0>> /*unsettible*/ /*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************/ /*CASE 06*/ *definitive*/ <<set $case06 to 0>> <<set $deathcountcase06 to 0>> <<set $caselog06 to 0>> /*unsettible*/ /*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************/ /*CASE 07*/ *definitive*/ <<set $case07 to 0>> <<set $deathcountcase07 to 0>> <<set $caselog07 to 0>> /*unsettible*/ /*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************/ /*CASE 08*/ *definitive*/ <<set $case08 to 0>> <<set $deathcountcase08 to 0>> <<set $caselog08 to 0>> /*unsettible*/ /*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************/ /*Audio*/ <audio id="opencase" src="audio/ambient/opencase.wav"></audio> /**************detective*********************************************/ <<cacheaudio "1" "audio/detective/1.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "2" "audio/detective/2.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "3" "audio/detective/3.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "4" "audio/detective/4.mp3">> <<createaudiogroup ":detective">> <<track "1">> <<track "2">> <<track "3">> <<track "4">> <</createaudiogroup>> <</nobr>><</silently>>

<<set $health -= 10>><<audio "crack" play>>You stop in you track when you hear the sudden noise. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<audio "danger" play>> It can't be the glasses again. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> It didn't come from under your feet. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> It came from behind you. In the woods. And it <<linkreplace "resonated.">>resonated. <span class="large">Loudly</span> You turn around in the direction the noise came from. Slowly. Ever so slowly. You shine your flashlight in that direction. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<audio "wendigo" play>> Surging from your nightmare, the beast stands before you. Your heart misses a beat. A part of its jaw is mangled by one of the bullet you shot at it. On the same side one of its eye socket exploded, a black and infinite hole is staring at you in its stead. The beast is crounching down, blood streaming out of its bony mouth. The place you shot at are fleshy holes from which dark blood is spurting out of. White bones are visible in some of them. The creature looks in a frienzied but strangely calm state of really wanting to end you. Slowlly. So slowly that you can guess its malice, its want. And it wants you to suffer as much as it did. It opens its maw wide. Wider. It hangs open to welcome you. Rows of razor shap teeth are waving at you. Your heart misses another beat. Your eyes stings with unshed tears. A whimper strangled in your throat. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> The beast makes it clear it wants you dead. It wants to kill you now. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <span class="large">Now</span> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <<if settings.anima eq false>><span class="crack">MOVE NOW</span><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="large">MOVE NOW</span><</if>> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <<if settings.time eq true>><h4>Timed choice</h4> <span class="little"><b><u>scream</u></b> at the top of your lung hoping for help.<br>close your eyes, <b><u>resigned</u></b> to your fate.<br>take your chance with yout last <b><u>bullets</u></b>. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <div class="you">you decide to</div><<timed 1s>><<nobr>><div class="round-time-bar" data-style="smooth" style="--duration: 6;"> <div></div> </div> <span id="case01swampleavenightmaretimer1"> <ul><li> <<link "take your chance with your last <b><u>bullets</u></b>." "case01 swampleave react shot">><</link>></li></ul> <<timed 3s>><<replace "#case01swampleavenightmaretimer1">>\ <span id="case01swampleavenightmaretimer2"> <ul><li><<link "<b><u>scream</u></b> at the top of your lung hoping for help." "case01 swampleave react scream">><</link>></li></ul> </span><</replace>><</timed>> <<timed 6s>><<replace "#case01swampleavenightmaretimer2">>\ <span id="case01swampleavenightmaretimer3"> <ul><li><<link "close your eyes, <b><u>resigned</u></b> to your fate." "case01 swampleave react resign">><</link>></li></ul></span><</replace>><</timed>><</nobr>><</timed>> <</linkreplace>> <<else>> <div class="you">you decide to</div><<timed 1s>><<nobr>><div class="round-time-bar" data-style="smooth" style="--duration: 6;"> <div></div> </div> <span id="case01swampleavenightmaretimer1"> <ul><li> [[take your chance with your last bullets.|case01 swampleave react shot]]</li></ul> <<timed 3s>><<replace "#case01swampleavenightmaretimer1">>\ <span id="case01swampleavenightmaretimer2"> <ul><li>[[scream at the top of your lung hoping for help.|case01 swampleave react scream]]</li></ul> </span><</replace>><</timed>> <<timed 6s>><<replace "#case01swampleavenightmaretimer2">>\ <span id="case01swampleavenightmaretimer3"> <ul><li>[[close your eyes, resigned to your fate.|case01 swampleave react resign]]</li></ul></span><</replace>><</timed>><</nobr>><</timed>> <</if>> <br> <br> <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $optimitic -=2>><<set $emotinal += 2>> [[...|case01.01 interludeResign]] <br> <br> <br>

<<set $finesse -=2>><<set $cautious -=2>> [[...|case01.01 interludeShot]] <br> <br> <br>

<<set $emotional += 2>><<set $optimitic +=2>> [[...|case01.01 interludeScream]] <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><h1>Earlier</h1> A red SUV parks in the car park of the <span class="red">Stonefrey's Swamp</span>. A man leaves the car with a sigh. He checkes his watch for the hundredth time this night then exhales a second time. Brushing his hand in silky white hair, he looks at the entrance of the famous swamp. He has a duty to accomplish tonight. He will see the end of it, preferably quickly. And then, he will fortunately go to sleep again. preferably quickly. Even more so, for a long time. The man goes to his car's cargo to take the necessecery material when he suddenly stops. A loud noise catching his attention. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <span class="crack"><<audio "bang" play>>BANG</span> A gunshot. Coming from the swamp. As he analizes the direction it can be coming from and the why a gun has been fired, another gunshot is fired. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<audio "bang" play>><span class="crack">BANG</span> Not taking the time to think anymore, the man takes into a full sprint towards the [[origin of the noise|case01 swampleave shoot2]] . <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><h1>Earlier</h1> A red SUV parks in the empty car park of the <span class="red">Stonefrey Swamp</span>. A man leaves the car with a sigh. He checks his watch for the hundredth time this night then exhales a second time. Brushing his hand in silky white hair, he looks at the entrance of the famous swamp. He has a duty to accomplish tonight. He will see the end of it, preferably quickly. And then, he will fortunately go to sleep again. preferably quickly as well. Even more so, for a long time. The man goes to his car's cargo to take the necessecery material when he suddenly stops. His sixth sense is pulling at his stomach. The man grunts in queasiness. What is it this time ? <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> The man looks inside the dark forest. He is not prepared yet. Well, his sixth sense never deceived him. Resigned, the man takes into a full sprint towards [[the origin of his unease|case01 swampleave reactresign]].<</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><h1>Ealier</h1> A red SUV parks in the car park of the <span class="red">Stonefrey's Swamp</span>. A man leaves the car with a sigh. He checkes his watch for the hundredth time this night then exhales a second time. Brushing his hand in silky white hair, he looks at the entrance of the famous swamp. He has a duty to accomplish tonight. He will see the end of it, preferably quickly. And then, he will fortunately go to sleep again. preferably quickly. Even more so, for a long time. The man goes to his car's cargo to take the necessecery material when he suddenly stops. His blood turns cold as he realizes that what stopped him is a scream. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <<timed 1s>><span class="crack">"NO!"</span><</timed>> Someone is screaming for their life. In the swamp. This is not the best sign. Even if he does not wait another second before he springs to action, another scream for help echoes inside the dark forest. <<timed 5s>><span class="crack">"NOOOO!"</span><</timed>> The man already disappear into the muddy swamp, towards [[the origin of the scream|case01 swampScream]].<</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

You're curious about the person who just saved you. You watch him attentivaly. <span class="red">Elias Alistair William</span> is his name. It's for now the only information you have on him. You know as well that, as surprisingly unbelievable as it seems, this man can summon a strange blue fire. He came running and fought the beast as if it was his daily job. He defeated the <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1")>>wendigo<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1")>>beast<</if>> with one punch. Now, he offers to answer your questions concerning this strange matters. <<if $observation >= 12>>You watch even more carefully. You're surprised to see no distinguishing sign of appartenance to any religion at all. The man wears no jewellery other than the old silver watch on his wrist.<</if>>\ The man who names himself Elias seems tired. You observes dark circles under his eyes. Moreover, even if he seems guarded, his shoudlers falls slightly out of exhaustion. <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2")>>Besides, he seems pretty guarded concerning the matter of this breach. You should, somehow, look into this—given the time, of coures.<</if>> Elias, who was playing with his lighter, meets your eyes. Under you scritiny, he tenses slightly but perceptively. "I'm just wondering... how are you implicated in this story?" You ask tentatively. Elias flinch almost imperceptively and stop his glare from piercing your soul. "Who are you exactly, and how do you fit in what just happened?" Elias plays with his lighter. "You might say I deal with these kind of things". "That, I have already deduced. As such, I will precise my question. Who are you, for you to be here, in this place, having saved me?" //so late into the night// you ask. Elias sigh. "Stubborn, aren't you? You can say that I work a special job which includes dealing with special things. You will not get more answers, <<print $petname>>." You look at him squarely. "What? You have guessed that as well?" You confirm. Elias deflate. "If you want information about me, other than my name, you can know I am in my thirties. Does that confirm what you've deduced as well?" he asks, slightly annoyed. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A4")>>It appears this will be all you'll get for now. You'll probably have answers to [[other questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A4")>> You've asked all the question you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion A]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

You ask about this place of course. Why is this man here ? What is this swamp ? Is it special ? One of Elias's eyebrow twitches. The man clears his throat. He then looks at the swamp's entrance. "Well, as you can see, this is Stonefrey's Swamp ?" he declares nonchalently. You blink then stare at him. "What?" he inquires, sincerely it seems. "Why did I stumble into a creature there ? And what are you doing here?" <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1")>>"Ah. Well, as I've said, there was a slight <span class="red">breach between planes</span>. And this breach is currently located into this very swamp. I am here to take care of this problem."<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1")>> "Ah. Well, you see, there has been a <span class="red">small breach</span> into one of the planes between worlds inside this very swamp. And I am here to take care of this problem."<</if>> In spite of all, you seek answers. So you insist. Elias stays silent for a moment, watching you with a calculated gaze. His face grows almost cold. "As I've said <<print $petname>>, I am here to take care of this problem." He seems not to want to give more information, unfortunately. Elias reaches for another cigarette and lights it. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A4")>>You still have [[other questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A]] to ask. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A4")>> You've asked all the question you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion A]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $health -= 10>>Bullets can't kill it. You have no other weapon, besides your flashlight. And you can't see yourself bashing its skulls with this said weak flashlight. You see nothing. No other outcome than to stay into place and look at those murderous red eyes. You are far to tired to run. Why run ? Why scream ? If fate exists, it has sealed your death the moment you stepped into this cursed place. It has sealed your death the moment you've accepted this case. Yes, maybe your sleepless night was the result of your end coming, calling to you. Lulling you into this <<print $swamp>> place. So let it come, and let it be quick. You look at the beast watching you. It appears kind of disappointed that you're not running, screaming or even fighting. Well, that's that. You hope you taste fool. You hope that you can curse it and all it's ancestors. And you hope this thing has no descendants. If so, you curse them as well. You are like venom. <div class="you">In your resignation you</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[flip this creature a bird.|case01 swampresign bird]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[look it in the eyes.|case01 swampresign look]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[just close your eyes.|case01 swampresign close]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

You, of course, want to know about that creature you've met. "What was... that //thing//?" Elias watches you for a few seconds, dragging on his cigarette. "Well, as for what is called, you've met a <span class="red"><<linkappend "wendigo">><<notify>>Codex updated<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>. But I don't think this is the exact question you want to ask me, am I right?" You confirm. Elias scratches his hair and sigh. It appears it was a long night for him as well. He looks around the car park. "What you've encountered tonight, you weren't supposed to meet it. See it. Interact with it." Elias looks at the swamp's entrance. "It's a creature that lives on another side of our plane, as every book and such picture the world. You can call it supernatural if you wish. Normally, it stays in its plane, hidden from everything and everyone. Conversely, from its plane, this creature don't see you, and can't interact with you as well. You can see it as two different sides of the same coin. They normally don't interact, but one can't exist without the other one." Some seconds pass in serene quiet. The only noise being the wind in the trees. Elias playing with his lighter. And, to your surprise, you can now hear the birds in the forest, the insect chirping. The frogs must all be asleep by now. The swamp, once the wendigo defeated, as found its liveliness once more. "Shall I continue?" Elias asks, rhetoriacally speaking. He doesn't wait for your answer. "As for the reason you've interacted with it, well, let's say there was a small breach between our two planes, allowing this wendigo to pass through." With a stoic and almost cold face, the man adds. "But don't worry, this breach is being taken care off. You don't have to fear meeting another of those creatures." Having finished his cigarette, Elias reaches for another. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A4")>>Waiting for you to ask [[another question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A4")>> You've asked all the questions you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion A]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

You've finish Case 01 : Ethan Murphy Name : Surname : Age : physical characteristic: Death Count : <<print $deathcountcase01>> Primordial reaction :

There is five questions you would like to know the answers of: what ? where ? who ? how ? why ? <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint A") is 2>> A strange creature has attacked you. Is the swamp its habitat ? Or does it exists elsewhere ? And this man, in front of you, seems to know some answers to thoses question. Besides, what was those flames ?<<else>><</if>>\ <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint A") is 3>> A strange //creature// has attacked you. You would like to know what it is. Does it exists only in this particular place, this //swamp// ? And this man, in front of you, seems to know some answers to thoses question. //Who// is he though, to have them ? You may inquire about him as well. And about the punch of fire he made.<<else>><</if>>\ <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint A") is 4>> A voice from above, or you may call it your instinct, screams in your head : "Ask about the <span class="red">creature</span>. You want to know about this <span class="red">swamp</span> as well. And this man, Elias, <span class="red">who</span> is he?" And how can he summo <span class="red">fire</span>?<</if>>\ You can return to ask your [[questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A]]. <br> <br> <br> <span class="little">You like to think simple. Preferably in one word. <span class="large"><span class="lnr lnr-warning"></span><u>With no space (behind)</u>.<span class="lnr lnr-warning"></span></span> You can hit "Hint" one more time if you need further help.</span> <br> <br> <br>

It's the way Elias mentioned something. <<if visited("Case 01 homecoming TR2 hint") is 2>> Probably the way Elias talked about a problem he is dealing with.<<else>><</if>>\ <<if visited("Case 01 homecoming TR2 hint") is 3>>The tense in his way of mentioning the problem in question makes is suspicious.<<else>><</if>>\ <<if visited("Case 01 homecoming TR2 hint") >= 4>> A voice from above, or you may call it your instinct, screams in your head : Elias said he //is taking care of the breach//. In <span class="red">present</span> tense.<</if>>\ <br> You think [[again.|case01 homeThinking1]] <br> <span class="little">You like to think simple. Preferably in one word. And in lower cases if possible. With no space. You can hit "Hint" one more time if you need further help.</span> <br> <br> <br>

<span class="little">Whole page <<link "here">> <<goto [[wholepageprofil]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Profile"); <</script>><</link>></span> <details><summary>Identity</summary> <span class="upper">Name : </span><span class="cap"><<print $name>></span> <span class="upper">Surname : </span><span class="cap"><<print $surname>></span><<if $testnickname eq true>><br><span class="upper">A.K.A. : </span><span class="cap"><<print $nickname>></span><</if>> <span class="upper">Age : </span><<print $age>> <span class="upper">Gender : </span><span class="cap"><<print $gender>></span> <span class="upper">Pronouns : </span><span class="cap"><<print $she>>/<<print $her>></span> <<link "+">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Pronouns"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Pronouns").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <span class="upper">Profession : </span> Private Investigator (independant) </details> <details><summary>Physical Appearance</summary> <span class="upper">Eye color : </span><span class="cap"><<print $eyes>></span> <span class="upper">Hair : </span><span class="cap"><<= $hairlength>></span> <<= $haircolor>> <<= $hairtexture>> hair <span class="upper">Height : </span><span class="cap"><<if ndef $small>>[undefined]<<else>><</if>><<if def $small>><<print $height>><</if>></span> <span class="upper">Skin colour : </span><span class="cap"><<print $skincolour>></span> </details> <<if $caselog01 >= 3>><details><summary>Clothes</summary> [WIP]</details> <details><sumamry>Equipment</summary> [WIP]</details> <</if>><br> <<nobr>><div class="center upper">Health:<<print $health>>%</div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$health" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <div class="red center"><h1>Attitude</h1></div> <span class="upper">Coping mechanisms :</span> <span class="cap"> <<= $calming.join("")>> </span> <<nobr>><<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $finesse>>%:Finesse</span>/Brutal:<<print 100-$finesse>>%↴</div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$finesse" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $cautious>>%:Cautious</span>/Daring:<<print 100-$cautious>>%↴</div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$cautious" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $genuine>>%:Genuine</span>/Sarcastic:<<print 100-$genuine>>%↴</div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$genuine" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $friendly>>%:Friendly</span>/Intimidating:<<print 100-$friendly>>%↴</div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$friendly" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $easygoing>>%:Easy Going</span>/Stubborn:<<print 100-$easygoing>>%↴</div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$easygoing" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $emotional>>%:Emotinal</span>/Pragmatic:<<print 100-$emotional>>%↴</div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$emotional" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $teamplayer>>%:Team Player</span>/Lone Wolf:<<print 100-$teamplayer>>%↴</div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$teamplayer" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $optimistic>>%:Optimistic</span>/Cynic:<<print 100-$optimistic>>%↴</div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$optimistic" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>><</nobr>> <br> <br> <div class="red center"><h1>Skills</h1></div> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $observation>>%:Observation</span>/Intuition:<<print 100-$observation>>%↴</div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$observation" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $techno>>%:Technology</span>/Old school:<<print 100-$techno>>%↴</div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$techno" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><<nobr>><<set $physical to [($combat)+($sport)]>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $physical>>%:Physical ability</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$physical" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $gun>>%:Gunmanship</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$gun" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <br> <h2>Detective Skills</h2> <<nobr>><<set $deduction to [($case01)+($case02)+($case03)+($case04)+($case05)+($case06)+($case07)+($case08)]>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print setup.formatNumber($deduction)>>%:Deduction</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$deduction" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br><</nobr>>

<<if $case01 == 0>>You have yet to find your first clue.<<else>><</if>>\ <<if $case01 >= 1>>\ <<if hasVisited('case01 swamp glasses')>><div class="clue">Pair of glasses</div> In the swamp, you stumbled upon a pair of glasses. You took them with you in a evidence bag. You decided to note the GPS position of those glasses, as well as take some pictures.There was suspicous blotches of what looked like blood nearby. <br><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\ <div class="clue">Camera</div> You've found, in the swamp, the professional camera of Ethan Murphy. It was in a good state. <<if hasVisited("case01 g&c sentinelGo")>>You visited a repair shop to get some bettery to make it running. It should come shortly.<</if>> <br><</if>>\ <<if $observation >= 50>><<if hasVisited("B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\ <div class="clue">Worrisome blood spot</div> Near the camera, you have spotted a worrisome blood spot. It was not a negligeable quantity. <br><</if>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("F7 case01 swamp exitpath")>> <div class="clue">Strange rift</div> You stumbled upon a strange rift on the forest floor. Apart from the fact that Ethan Murphy could have fallen down there, something about it is rubbing you the wrong way. Your GPS has registered its location. <br><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 swampAllQuestion A")>> <div class="clue">Short answers</div> You came inside this forest with questions... and you left it with even more questions. Your questions were first "Where is Ethan Murphy and what happened to him?". But now you know you've been faced with a <span class="red">wendigo</span> which came from a <span class="red">breach</span> through a kind of wall between worlds. And this breach is currently localized inside the <span class="red">Drowned Forest</span> a.k.a. the swamp. And maybe you've encountered another creature with power. If it's not a person with superpower... <br><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 swampLastQuestion C")>> <div class="clue">Short answers</div> You came inside this forest with questions... and you left it with even more questions. Your questions were first "Where is Ethan Murphy and what happened to him?". But now you know you've been faced with a <span class="red">wendigo</span> which came from a <span class="red">breach</span> through a kind of wall between worlds. And this breach is currently localized inside the <span class="red">Drowned Forest</span> a.k.a. the swamp. Besides, you now know that some people hunt for those creature ? Well shit... <br><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 swampLastQuestion B")>> <div class="clue">Short answers</div> You came inside this forest with questions... and you left it with even more questions. Your questions were first "Where is Ethan Murphy and what happened to him?". But now you know you've been faced with a <span class="red">wendigo</span> which came from a <span class="red">breach</span> through a kind of wall between worlds. And this breach is currently localized inside the <span class="red">Drowned Forest</span> a.k.a. the swamp. And maybe you've encountered another creature with power. If it's not a person with superpower... <br><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 swampLastQuestion D")>> <div class="clue">Short answers</div> You came inside this forest with questions... and you left it with even more questions. Your questions were first "Where is Ethan Murphy and what happened to him?". But now you know you've been faced with a <span class="red">wendigo</span> which came from a <span class="red">breach</span> through a kind of wall between worlds. And this breach is currently localized inside the <span class="red">Drowned Forest</span> a.k.a. the swamp. You remember <<if hasVisited("case01 swampshoot kick")>>the sound of crunching beneath your boots...<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swampshoot leave")>> the distubring words the creature spoke. That it will find you...<</if>> <br><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("Case 01 homecoming trouble 2")>><div class="clues">(Un)biased opinion</div> The man you've encoutered insisted that Ethan Murphy was already dead. He seems to know a way too much about this case. You must try and interrogate him more. <</if>><<if hasVisited("Case 01 homecoming 2")>>Moreover, the breach which allowed the wendigo to pass through <span class="red">is still open</span>. How long has it been this way ?<</if>>\ <<if hasVisited('case01 rathB')>><div class="clue">Other disappearances</div> You've learned, via Iolrath, that there were two disappearance before Murphy's. <br>The first one was on the <u>9th of October</u> : <b>Zoey David</b>. On the path along the river. <br>The second one was on the <u>21st of October</u> : <b>Terry Cochard</b>. As he was ringed by a SOS call. He disappeared in the downhill forest. <br><b>Ethan Murphy</b> disappeared the <u>2nd of November.</u> <br><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 gOQ forest")>><div class="clue">Stonefrey Black Woods</div> Owl told you the Drowned Forest is a recent name for the Stonefrey Black woods. And that it was known to contain a door to another world. This can be another way to descrieb the mysterious breach ? <br><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 gOQ butterfly")>><div class="clue">Soul Bearer/Lurer</div> Owl told you the butterfly Ethan Murphy was looking for is not called a Soul Bearer but a Soul Lurer. That it actually lives as a groups which hypnotize and lures their pray to feed on them. <br><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 g&c owlTalk 2")>><div class="clue">Memories from the glasses</div> Owl reaveled the memories of Ethan countained in the glasses. Ethan indeed fell from the trail he was on and followed the butterflies. He fell, hurt humself, and then got lost. He waited for help. Until the butterflies once again captured his attention. He followed them, to a tree by a body of water, full of them. That's where he met the wendigo and fled from it. Ethan fell, lost his glasses as the wendigo found him. There were no more memories of Ethan. <br><</if>>\ <</if>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Dialog.close("case01clues"); <</script>><</link>></div>

<<script>> UIBar.stow(); <</script>> <div class="red center"><h1>Data</h1></div> <span class="grey upper">Date : </span><<print $date>> <span class="grey upper">Location : </span><<print $location>> <span class="grey upper">Death count : </span> <<print $deathcount>> <br> <div class="red center"><h1>Case 01</h1></div> <<link "Day to day log">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Case 01"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case01log").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Discovered Clues">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Clues"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case01clues").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<nobr>><<if hasVisited("case01 swampAllQuestion A")>><<link "Ethan Murphy">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Ethan Murphy"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("ethan murphy").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<else>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("case01 swampAllQuestion B")>><<link "Ethan Murphy">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Ethan Murphy"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("ethan murphy").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<else>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("case01 swampLastQuestion C")>><<link "Ethan Murphy">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Ethan Murphy"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("ethan murphy").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliaAllQuestion D")>><<link "Ethan Murphy">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Ethan Murphy"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("ethan murphy").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</if>><</nobr>> <<if hasVisited('case01 rathB')>><<link "Zoey David">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Clues"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case01zoeyD").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Terry Cochard">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Clues"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case01terryC").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>><</if>> <<silently>><div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); <</script>> <</link>> </div><</silently>>

<<nobr>><<silently>> <<set $elirela to [($elifriend)+($elibooty)+($elilove)+($elihatetolove)-($elifoe)]>> <<set $anyarela to [($anyafriend)+($anyabooty)+($anyalove)+($anyahatetolove)-($anyafoe)]>> <<set $sheppardrela to [($sheppardfriend)+($sheppardbooty)+($sheppardlove)+($sheppardhatetolove)-($sheppardfoe)]>> <<set $mbayarela to [($mbayafriend)+($mbayabooty)+($mbayalove)+($mbayahatetolove)-($mbayafoe)]>> <<set $yurela to [($yufriend)+($yubooty)+($yulove)+($yuhatetolove)-($yufoe)]>> <<set $owlrela to [($owlfriend)+($owlbooty)+($owllove)+($owlhatetolove)-($owlfoe)]>> <<set $rathrela to [($rathfriend)+($rathbooty)+($rathlove)+($rathhatetolove)-($rathfoe)]>> <</silently>><</nobr>><div class="center"><h1>Romantic Options</h1></div> <<if $elimeet eq false>> <div class="clue">Unknown</div> You have yet to meet this person. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $elimeet eq true>> <<nobr>><h3>Elias Alistair William <div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[elias]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Characters list"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">See Elias' page here.</span></div></h3> <br><i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $elirela >= 90>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span> Thicker than blood.<<else>><</if>><<if $elirela >= 70 && $elirela <= 89>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span> Sturdier than bones.<<else>><</if>><<if $elirela >= 50 && $elirela <= 69>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> Wider than a smile.<<else>><</if>><<if $elirela >= 11 && $elirela <= 49>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> Milder than a heartbeat.<<else>><</if>><<if $elirela <= 10>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> Darker than mud.<</if>></span></i><</nobr>> <br><</if>>\ <<if $anyameet eq false>> <div class="clue">Unknown</div> You have yet to meet this person. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $anyameet eq true>> <<nobr>><h3>Lavanya of Evans <div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[anya]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Characters list"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">See Anya's page here.</span></div></h3> <br><i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $anyarela >= 90>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span>Charted in the stars.<<else>><</if>><<if $anyarela >= 70 && $anyarela <= 89>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span> Embraced by space and time.<<else>><</if>><<if $anyarela >= 50 && $anyarela <= 69>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> Fateful encounter.<<else>><</if>><<if $anyarela >= 11 && $anyarela <= 49>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> Sharing the same story.<<else>><</if>><<if $anyarela <= 10>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> Hope to turn your page.<</if>></span></i><</nobr>> <br><</if>>\ <<if $sheppardmeet eq false>> <div class="clue">Unknown</div> You have yet to meet this person. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $sheppardmeet eq true>> <<nobr>><h3><<= $sheppardlongname>> Sheppard <div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[sheppard]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Characters list"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">See <<= $sheppardname>>'s page here.</span></div></h3> <br><i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $sheppardrela >= 90>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span>Will take a bullet for you.<<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardrela >= 70 && $sheppardrela <= 89>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span>Trust with your lives. <<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardrela >= 50 && $sheppardrela <= 69>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> Have your back.<<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardrela >= 11 && $sheppardrela <= 49>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> Knows your name and then some.<<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardrela <= 10>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> Fleeting nod.<</if>></span></i><</nobr>><br><</if>>\ <<if $mbayameet eq false>> <div class="clue">Unknown</div> You have yet to meet this person. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $mbayameet eq true>> <<nobr>><h3><<= $mbayaname>> Mbaya <div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[mbaya]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Characters list"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">See <<= $mbayaname>>'s page here.</span></div></h3> <br><i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $mbayarela >= 90>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span> Immortal bond.<<else>><</if>><<if $mbayarela >= 70 && $mbayarela <= 89>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span> Golden bond.<<else>><</if>><<if $mbayarela >= 50 && $mbayarela <= 69>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> Strong bond.<<else>><</if>><<if $mbayarela >= 11 && $mbayarela <= 49>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> Cordial bond.<<else>><</if>><<if $mbayarela <= 10>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> Fading bond.<</if>></span></i><</nobr>> <br><</if>>\ <<if $yumeet eq false>> <div class="clue">Unknown</div> You have yet to meet this person. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $yumeet eq true>> <<nobr>><h3><<= $yuname>> Yu <div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[yu]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Characters list"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">See <<= $yuname>>'s page here.</span></div></h3> <br><i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $yurela >= 90>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span> "You are my very best friend in the world."<<else>><</if>><<if $yurela >= 70 && $yurela <= 89>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span> "Hello lovely, my day is brighter now."<<else>><</if>><<if $yurela >= 50 && $yurela <= 69>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> "I //am// a bubbly person. Am I bothering you though ?"<<else>><</if>><<if $yurela >= 11 && $yurela <= 49>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> "Well, hello there. Who are you again ?"<<else>><</if>><<if $yurela <= 10>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> //Ghosted//<</if>></span></i><</nobr>> <br><</if>>\ <<if $owlmeet eq false>> <div class="clue">Unknown</div> You have yet to meet this person. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $owlmeet eq true>> <<nobr>><h3>Owl <div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[owl]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Characters list"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">See Owl's page here.</span></div></h3> <br><i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $owlrela >= 90>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span> Like a golden summer day.<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela >= 70 && $owlrela <= 89>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span> Ablaze, vivid and colourful.<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela >= 50 && $owlrela <= 69>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> Friendship, the color of pastel.<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela >= 11 && $owlrela <= 49>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> A jewel in the making.<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela <= 10>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> Gray as a rainy day.<</if>></span></i><</nobr>> <br><</if>>\ <<if $rathmeet eq false>> <div class="clue">Unknown</div> You have yet to meet this person. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $rathmeet eq true>> <<nobr>><h3>Iolrath <div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[iolrath]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Characters list"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">See Iolrath's page here.</span></div></h3> <br><i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $rathrela >= 90>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span> //Ni'll enyal- tye ullúme.//[I'll remember you forever.]<<else>><</if>><<if $rathrela >= 70 && $rathrela <= 89>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span> //Mime nur//.[My friend.]<<else>><</if>><<if $rathrela >= 50 && $rathrela <= 69>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> Travel companion.<<else>><</if>><<if $rathrela >= 11 && $rathrela <= 49>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> Peace and quiet.<<else>><</if>><<if $rathrela <= 10>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> Far away.<</if>></span></i><</nobr>> <br><</if>>\ <<if $rathmeet eq false>><br><</if>> <br> <div class="center"><h1>Non romantic options</h1></div> <<if $lukasmeet eq false>> <div class="clue">Unknown</div> You have yet to meet this person. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $lukasmeet eq true>> <<nobr>><h3>Lukas Whittaker <div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[lukas]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Characters list"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">See Lukas' page here.</span></div></h3> <br><i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $lukasrela >= 90>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span>You can be considered one of his special person.<<else>><</if>><<if $lukasrela >= 70 && $lukasrela <= 89>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span> You are amongst his favourite person.<<else>><</if>><<if $lukasrela >= 50 && $lukasrela <= 69>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> You highlight his day and he highlights yours.<<else>><</if>><<if $lukasrela >= 11 && $lukasrela <= 49>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> You make him smile. Somehow.<<else>><</if>><<if $lukasrela <= 10>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> The cinamonroll avoids you.<</if>></span></i><</nobr>> <br><</if>>\ <<if $cecilmeet eq false>> <div class="clue">Unknown</div> You have yet to meet this person. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $cecilmeet eq true>><<nobr>><h3>Cecil Yuvraj-Abraham <div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[cecil]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Characters list"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">See Cecil's page here.</span></div></h3> <br><i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $cecilrela >= 90>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span> An unbreakable bond made of concret and steel.<<else>><</if>><<if $cecilrela >= 70 && $cecilrela <= 89>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span> Mutual respect and friendship.<<else>><</if>><<if $cecilrela >= 50 && $cecilrela <= 69>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> Appreciation flows between you.<<else>><</if>><<if $cecilrela >= 11 && $cecilrela <= 49>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> Cordial colleagues.<<else>><</if>><<if $cecilrela <= 10>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> Estranged people.<</if>></span></i><</nobr>> <br><</if>>\ <<if $annameet eq false>> <div class="clue">Unknown</div> You have yet to meet this person. <<else>><</if>> <<if $annameet eq true>><<nobr>><h3>Anna Finsh <div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[anna]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Characters list"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">See Anna's page here.</span></div></h3> <br><i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $annarela >= 90>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span> Burns brighter than the sun.<<else>><</if>><<if $annarela >= 70 && $annarela <= 89>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span> Sparks and fire.<<else>><</if>><<if $annarela >= 50 && $annarela <= 69>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> Chimney fire during a winter night.<<else>><</if>><<if $annarela >= 11 && $annarela <= 49>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> Hot cocoa.<<else>><</if>><<if $annarela <= 10>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> Ashes are warmer than the bond you share.<</if>></span></i><</nobr>> <br><</if>>\ <<if $alexmeet eq false>> <div class="clue">Unknown</div> You have yet to meet this person. <<else>><</if>> <<if $alexmeet eq true>><<nobr>><h3>Alexander Whittaker <div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[alex]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Characters list"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">See Alex's page here.</span></div></h3> <br><i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $alexrela >= 90>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span> Trusted human.<<else>><</if>><<if $alexrela >= 70 && $alexrela <= 89>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span> Respected human.<<else>><</if>><<if $alexrela >= 50 && $alexrela <= 69>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> Acceptable to talk to.<<else>><</if>><<if $alexrela >= 11 && $alexrela <= 49>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> Tolerate you breathing in the same room.<<else>><</if>><<if $alexrela <= 10>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> Prefer the dead than you.<</if>></span></i><</nobr>><</if>>\ <br> <div class="center"><h1>Others</h1></div> <<if hasVisited("case01 homeSendNotSMS")>><details><summary>Ava Quincy</summary> <b>52 |F | Contact in the Sentinel |DCS</b> <i>Relationship : <span class="red"><<if $ava >= 8>><span class="lnr lnr-diamond"></span> As hard as diamond.<<else>><</if>><<if $ava == 6>><span class="lnr lnr-smile"></span> Sincerely<<else>><</if>><<if $ava == 4>><span class="lnr lnr-neutral"></span> You can say Hello, how are you<<else>><</if>><<if $ava == 2>><span class="lnr lnr-mustache"></span> Meh.<<else>><</if>><<if $ava <= 0>><span class="lnr lnr-trash"></span> That shit belongs to the relistbox bin.<</if>></span></i> Ava is a Chief superintendent and detective chief superintendent in the Sentinels. She has worked there as long as you've known her and you're pratically sure she was born into it. Clipped and efficient-oriented, you can trust her with informations and cases. You know she'll have your back. So long as you stay on the good side of the law, of course...</details><</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<div class="little">Click <<link "here">><<goto "codexpage">> <<script>> Dialog.close("Codex") <</script>><</link>> to see in full page mode.</div> <blockquote>By case, theme, then alphanetical order. </blockquote> <br> <div class="red center"><h1>Case 01</h1></div> <<nobr>> <<nobr>><details><summary><span class="red lnr lnr-book"></span> Folklore</summary> <details><summary><span class="lnr lnr-file-empty"></span>Creatures</summary><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1")>> <<link 'Wendigo'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Wendigo"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("wendigo").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1")>><<link 'Wendigo'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Wendigo"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("wendigo").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1")>><<link 'Wendigo'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Wendigo"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("wendigo").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>><</if>></details></details><</nobr>> <<nobr>><details><summary><span class="red lnr lnr-map-marker"></span> Location</summary> <details><summary><span class="lnr lnr-apartment"></span>Cities</summary> <<link 'New Stval City'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("New Stval City"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("New Stval City").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>> </details> <details><summary><span class=" lnr lnr-map-marker"></span> Places of interest</summary> <h4>Stonefrey</h4> <<link 'Stonefrey: A general history and visit'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Stonefrey"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Stonefrey").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>><br><i><span class="little">Contains: Stonefrey Natural Reserve, The mountains, the mines, and principle towns and cities.</span></i></details></details><</nobr>> <<nobr>><<if hasVisited("case01 homeThinking1")>><details><summary><span class="red lnr lnr-eye"></span> Organisations</summary> <<link 'Sentinel'>><<script>> Dialog.setup("Sentinel"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("sentinel").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>></details><</if>><</nobr>> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

<h1>General Content Warning</h1> What is the most important is your mental health. This story can deal with heavy themes, and the list will be updated along the content. If you feel unwell, I'll advize you to stop reading and take a rest. Taking care of you comes first. Reach out to professional if need be. You can find the content warning directly on both the game page and the menu. Trigger warnings are available before each case and part. <br> <h2>Mature content</h2> This story currently contains : <h3>Case 01</h3> * Blood * Body horror * Cannibalism (mention only) * Death and depiction of death (yours as well as others) * Drowning * Gore * Gun and use of gun * Recreational drug, nicotine and/or alcohol use * Partial nudity and/or nudity * Psychological horror and disturbing content (including mental illness) * Strong/Vulgar Language * Violence and graphic depiction of violence <<silently>><span class="upper">Upcoming Case</span> * Self-harm and suicide (mention related to another character) * Sex (optional) * Sexual Assault (mention related to another character)<</silently>> <br> <h2>Disclaimer</h2> The story, all names, characters, locations and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred. <br> <h2>Warning</h2> Some passages contain animated text. You can disable animated text directly from the settings. <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Dialog.close(); <</script>><</link>></div>

<<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "opencase" play>><div class="center nosidebar"><span class="focus-exp"> <p class="one"> <span class="case">Case 01</span></p> <span class="casename">[[Ethan Murphy|opencase01.1]]</span></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "opencase01.1">><</timed>><</silently>> <<set $opencase to "01">><<set $openpart to "01">><<set $casepart to "A cliché night in a swamp">><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">>

To summer what you've learned so far. Elias explained that you've met a <span class="red">wendigo</span>. It was there because there was a breach in the plane separating the one you're living in and the other one, where the monster's lived. As such, it could have passed through and interact with you. Elias mentioned this breach is being taken care off. Elias told you that the swamp is the place in which the <span class="red">breach</span> is situated. That's why the creature appeared there. As the problem of the breach, the man's said he is taking care of it. He seems reluctant to add more details concerning this matter. The man, <span class="red">Elias Alistair William</span> is not generous in terms of informations. You were only able to learn that he works in a job which implicates dealing with such //things//. And also that he is, indeed, in his thirties. He is the one in charge of dealing with this breach, but he seems as well exhausted. Ah, and also, he can summer a <span class="red">blue fire</span>. But, seemingly as he doesn't want to reveal much informations, you'll inquire about that later. But you have one [[last question|case01 swampLastQuestion A]] to ask him. <br> <br> <br>

<<notify>>Achievement unlocked<</notify>><<silently>><<set $wendigo += 20>><<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "bang" play>><<timed 1s>><<audio "wendigo" play>><</timed>><</silently>>\ <<if settings.anima eq false>><span class="crack">BANG</span><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="crack">BANG</span><</if>> The shot echoes in the silent forest, rings in your ears. Your arms shakes briefly with the recoil, and you breath out the breath which hitched in your throat. The creature's head makes a jerking motion as the bullet goes right between its eyes. You can hear the sound of the flesh and bones snapping. The creature stops moving, seemingly confused at what've just happenned. Its sways from left to right. Until finally it falls on its side. Surprised. A gnashing hole in between its holes as eyes. Even though those deadly eyes still look at you. And they'll probably h(a)unt you forever. [[...|case01 swamp pulltrigger]] <<set $gun += 5>> <br> <br> <br>

<<silently>><<set $wendigo += 15>><<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "bang" play>><<timed 1s>><<audio "wendigo" play>><</timed>><</silently>>\ <<if settings.anima eq false>><span class="crack">BANG</span><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="crack">BANG</span><</if>> The shot echoes in the silent forest, rings in your ears. Your arms shakes briefly with the recoil, and you breath out the breath which hitched in your throat. You shot at its back. The bullet tears apart flesh and bones and you see it snapping a part of its The creature makes a jerking motion, before tilting on its side. It recovers its balance quickly though. Its snaps its head in your direction. A menacingly gnarling sound escape its skeleton jaws. [[...|case01 swamp pulltrigger]] <<set $gun += 3>> <br> <br> <br>

<<silently>><<set $wendigo += 8>><<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "bang" play>><<timed 1s>><<audio "wendigo" play>><</timed>><</silently>>\ <<if settings.anima eq false>><span class="crack">BANG</span><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="crack">BANG</span><</if>> The shot echoes in the silent forest, rings in your ears. Your arms shakes briefly with the recoil, and you breath out the breath which hitched in your throat. Maybe it's luck. Maybe you're just that good. The result being that you succeeded in shooting one of this creature's lanky arms. The thiness of the limb allows the bullet to pass though, leaving a gaping hole in its place. Rotten blood splurts from the wound as the creature thrases left and right. Taken by surprise, its fall on its behind, loosing balance. The creature then looks at you dead in the eyes. Gnarling, its goes back on its four limbs. [[...|case01 swamp pulltrigger]] <<set $gun +=2>> <br> <br> <br>

<<silently>><<set $wendigo += 10>><<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "bang" play>><<timed 1s>><<audio "wendigo" play>><</timed>><</silently>>\ <<if settings.anima eq false>><span class="crack">BANG</span><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="crack">BANG</span><</if>> Maybe it's luck. Maybe you're just that good. The result being that you succeeded in shooting one of this creature's leg. Taken by surprise, its fall on its behind, loosing balance. The creature then looks at you dead in the eyes. Gnarling, its goes back on its four limbs. It will make it's running after you difficult, but you don't loose another second. [[...|case01 swamp pulltrigger]] <<set $gun +=2>> <br> <br> <br>

<<silently>><<set _wendigoshotnot to random(0,100)>><<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "bang" play>><<timed 1s>><<audio "wendigo" play>><</timed>><</silently>>\ <<if settings.anima eq false>><span class="crack">BANG</span><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="crack">BANG</span><</if>> The shot echoes in the silent forest, rings in your ears. Eyes closed, your arms shakes briefly with the recoil, and you breath out the breath which hitched in your throat. You slowlly open your eyes. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <<if _wendigoshotnot >= 95 && _wendigoshotnot <= 100>><<set $wendigo += 20>>Maybe today is your day. Maybe you were not supposed to die in this $swamp. The fact remains that you've succeeded, by a miracle, to shot it in the face. The creature looks at you with shock and horror mark in its face. In the shape of a glaring hole whence dead black blood is splurting. The creature sways on its feet and then fall on its side, still staring at you.<<else>><</if>><<if _wendigoshotnot >= 90 && _wendigoshotnot <= 94>><<set $wendigo += 20>>Maybe today is your day. Maybe you were not supposed to die in this $swamp. The fact remains that you've succeeded, by a miracle, to shot it in its smile. The creature looks at you with shock and horror. In the shape of a glaring hole whence broken teeth and dead black blood are splurting. The creature sways on its feet and then fall on its side, still staring at you.<<else>><</if>><<if _wendigoshotnot >= 70 && _wendigoshotnot <= 89>><<set $wendigo += 15>>Well, you touched it. That you know because there is a gaping hole in its back. The creature appears not to have believed you were capable of putting a bullet in it. It looks particularly appaled, and glares at you before swaying on its limbs and falling. It stares at you with enraged red eyes, as dead black blood is oozing from its wound. <<else>><</if>><<if _wendigoshotnot >= 50 && _wendigoshotnot <= 69>><<set $wendigo += 8>>Nobody expected any good outcome. Not even you. But here you are now, facing a creature with a shocked face. If a skull could show emotions, of course. By the look of it, it didn't expect to be shot in the arm today. That makes two of you, but you probably shouldn't stick around to find out if it would feel ofended later. This would make clawing at you a little more difficult.<<else>><</if>><<if _wendigoshotnot >= 30 && _wendigoshotnot <= 49>><<set $wendigo -= 10>>Nobody expected any good outcome. Not even you. But here you are now, facing a creature with a shocked face. If a skull could show emotions, of course. By the look of it, it didn't expect to be shot in the leg today. That makes two of you, but you probably shouldn't stick around to find out if it would feel ofended later. This would make running after you a little more complicated.<<else>><</if>><<if _wendigoshotnot >= 0 && _wendigoshotnot <= 30>><<set $wendigo -= 8>>You see a hole alright. In a tree. Next to the creature. You've missed your shot. The creature looks at you with delight, if a dead skull face could express glee and delight. It advance on you as the horror of your situation crawls back in your spine. <</if>> <<if _wendigoshotnot >= 31 && _wendigoshotnot <= 100>>[[...|case01 swamp pulltrigger]]<<else>><</if>><<if _wendigoshotnot >= 0 && _wendigoshotnot <= 30>>[[...|case01 shotNot GO]] <</if>> <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<details><summary>Music & Sound</summary> <h1>Free Sound</h1> Music & sounds found on "Free Sound" | <a href="https://freesound.org/">Link</a> <span class="little">work is licensed under the Creative Commons 0 License</span> <h2>SFX</h2> * "Bang" : Door slam - Gun shot by Coolguy244e |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/266915/">Link</a> * "Breath": Exhaling very close and intense by florianreichelt |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/434830/">Link</a> * "carStart": car_ignition_start_sound by Di_Rodrigues |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/170570/">Link</a> * "carStop": Car on Gravel by Pyrion |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/317399/">Link</a> * "Crack" : Whip Crack by CGEffex |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/89770/">Link</a> * "door" : Kocking door and open door by rivernile7 |wav |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/249573/">Link</a> * "Gun": gun-cocking-sound by Cloud-10 |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/545958/">Link</a> * "shopBell" : shop door bell sounds » shop_door_bell.wav by 3bagbrew |wav |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/57743/">Link</a> <br> * "Zippo": LighterOpen&Close by Lenaviea |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/563714/">Link</a> <h2>Ambient</h2> * "bigCity" : Big City Noise 15072021 by tosha73 |wav |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/580527/">Link</a> * "Gameover": DEFEAT BACKGROUND by ponycillo |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/524557/">Link</a> * "Hope": Chasing Clouds by TheWorkingBamboo |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/257738/">Link</a> * "Main": Dramatic Ambient by SoundFlakes |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/435766/">Link</a> * "Morning": forest morning by Kirschsaft |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/474835/">Link</a> * "mystery": Mysterious Misty Morning by waxsocks |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/581683/">Link</a> * "opencase" : Reverby Sound 4 by Erokia |wav |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/686287/">Link</a> * "onlyTheTruth": Light and Shade : Longing (piano) by AlesiaDavina |wav |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/685884/">Link</a> * "wallowing" Emotional Mysterious Music by Migfus20 |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/683270/">Link</a> * "windandTree": Wind and tree ambience by FonotecadeCanarias |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/210914/">Link</a> <h2>Case 01</h2> * "butterfly": "Wind Chimes (large, metal, 6 chimes)" by iainmccurdy |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/642319/">Link</a> * "Danger": DANGER.mp3 | Still looking where I put the references for this one * "mudWalking": Walking through Mud by Breviceps |wav |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/508179/">Link</a> * "Rustle" | Crumple Dry Leaf 1 by elliotlp |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/235755/">Link</a> * "runSwampmp" : Running in forest/grass by SoundsForHim |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/395564/">Link</a> * "Wendigo" : High Quality Monster Screech by NaturesTemper |mp3 |<a href="https://freesound.org/s/518297/">Link</a> <h1>Youtube</h1> Music and sound found on YouTube |mp3 |<a href="https://www.youtube.com/">Link</a> <h2>Case 01</h2> * "Ethan" : Art of Silence - Dramatic Cinematic [Free to use] by Uniq |<a href="https://youtu.be/3V-pYCGx0C4">Link</a> * "Swamped" : Dark Ambience - Horror Background Music 10 Hours by Relax Cafe Music |30 minutes extract |<a href="https://youtu.be/Z6ylGHfLrdI">Link</a> <h1>Pixabay [music]</h1> * "endDemo" : Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/music_for_videos-26992513/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=145038">Oleg Kirilkov</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=145038">Pixabay</a> <b>Detective playlist: </b> * "1" : Quirky Romantic Spy, Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/lexin_music-28841948/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=121840">Aleksey Chistilin</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=121840">Pixabay</a> * "2" : Comedy Detective, Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/onoychenkomusic-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=127185">Yevhen Onoychenko</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=127185">Pixabay</a> * "3" : Inquisitive Orchestra, Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/musictown-25873992/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=22215">Musictown</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=22215">Pixabay</a> * "4" : Detective Jazz, Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/mi_music-26010648/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=145159">Michael Daniel</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=145159">Pixabay</a> <<silently>><h2>Character's //theme//</h2> <b>Owl:</b> * "owl" : Inspiring East, Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/lexin_music-28841948/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=116201">Aleksey Chistilin</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=116201">Pixabay</a><</silently>> <h2>Ambient</h2> * "copper" : Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/music_for_videos-26992513/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=148497">Oleg Kirilkov</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=148497">Pixabay</a> * "copperOwl" : Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/nesrality-22721863/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=120123">Trygve Larsen</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=120123">Pixabay</a> * "goodbye" : Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/juan_sanchez_music-8771929/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=112785">Juan Sanchez</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=112785">Pixabay</a> * "vanishingSmile" : Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/daddy_s_music-22836301/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=15474">Zakhar Valaha</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=15474">Pixabay</a> <<silently>><h2>Extra Content</h2> * "extraMenu" : Reflected Light, Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/sergepavkinmusic-6130722/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=147979">SergePavkinMusic</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=147979">Pixabay</a><</silently>> </details> <details><summary>Art & logo</summary> Art & Logo by Serenity Winter (me :D) Created with ClipArt Studio |<a href="https://www.clipstudio.net/en/">Link</a> Created with Canva |<a href="https://www.canva.com/">Link</a> </details> <details><summary>Fonts</summary> <h3>Fonts found on Google Fonts |<a href="https://fonts.google.com/">Link</a></h3> * Logo : "Cinzel Decorative" Designed by Natanael Gama |<a href ="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Cinzel+Decorative">Link</a> * Title : "Cinzel Decorative" & "Cinzel" Designed by Natanael Gama |<a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Cinzel">Link</a> * Link, Choice & Imput : "Old Standard TT" Designed by Alexey Kryukov |<a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Old+Standard+TT?category=Serif,Display,Handwriting,Monospace">Link</a> * Sans-serif : "Quicksand" Designed by Andrew Paglinawan |<a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Quicksand?preview.text=You%20deci&preview.text_type=custom&category=Sans+Serif,Display&preview.size=20&query=quicksand">Link</a> * Serif : "Lora" Designed by Cyreal |<a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Lora?preview.text=You%20deci&preview.text_type=custom&preview.size=20&query=lora">Link</a> * Menu : "Roboto Mono" Designed by Christian Robertson |<a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Roboto+Mono">Link</a> <br> <h3>Other fonts used</h3> * Open Dyslexic | https://opendyslexic.org/ <br> <br> </details> <details><summary>Animated text</summary> Animation founded on Animista | http://animista.net | @cssanimista </details> <details><summary>Template</summary> Main template by Cerberus Writes | <a href="https://ccrberus.itch.io/">Link</a> Template inspired by Nyehilism | <a href="https://nyehilism.itch.io/twine-template">Link</a> Template inspired by Vahnya | <a href="https://vahnya.itch.io/">Link</a> </details> <br> <br> <br> <div class="return"><<link "Return to the game">> <<script>> Engine.backward() <</script>><</link>></div>

<<audio ":playing" stop>> There is a second during which nothing happen as the both of you consider your next moves. Then you remember you have a gun. Aimed at it. But it seems the creature remembers the same and avoid your next shot. And the next. And the next. You don't know how much bullet you shot. How much bullets you've had. You just remember regretting not having more, when your gun clicks and no more bullet is shot. The creature appears to understand it and jumps at you. Unarmed, you just see your life pass before your life and you realize you'll never make any more memories ever again. The creature seems dead set on removing all hope inside you as it's chewing on your flesh and bones. <span class="gameo">The swamp has claimed you.</span> <p class="one"><h1>You've died.</h1></p> <span class="button2"><<button "Try again">><<goto [[case01 swamp rustling]]>><</button>></span> <<silently>><<set $deathcount += 1>><<set $deathcountcase01 +=1>><</silently>> <br> <br> <br>

<<notify>>Case autosaved.<</notify>>The only sounds in your ears are the beating of your heart and the sloshing of the marsh when meeting your wet $shoes. You almost fall down multiple times on wandering roots and hidden rocks. The mud clings onto your cold feet as to drag you down into unknown depths. The gnarling fingers of the trees around try to meddle with your <<nobr>><<listbox "$hairlength" autoselect>> <<option "shoulder lenght hair">> <<option "long hair">> <<option "really long hair">> <<option "hair which barely reach your chin">> <<option "short hair">> <<option "really short hair">> <<option "military cropped hair">> <<option "bald head">><</listbox>><</nobr>>. Succeeding in scraping whatever skin is accessible. You don't know how long you've run. Probably for an eternity. But your lungs have a limit and they're screaming at you that you're nearing it. So you stop, panting. You look around you. Around and around stand a wall of autumn's dead trees, mangy bushes which grow on soggy mud. And nothing else. Nothing you recognize. No footprint except the ones you've left. In short, you're lost. Purely and simply lost. Feeling suddendly cold, you pull closer your <<nobr>><<listbox "$outwear" autoselect>> <<option "coat">> <<option "wool coat">> <<option "pea coat">> <<option "aviator jacket">> <<option "fleece jacket">> <<option "lined leather jacket">> <<option "lined denim jacket">> <<option "insulated raincoat">> <<option "varsity jacket">> <<option "puffy jacket">> <<option "warm sweater">> <<option "trench coat">> <<option "fake fur coat">> <<option "parka">> <<option "duffel">><</listbox>><</nobr>> closer. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You take out your phone. It's currently <span class="emph">04:22</span> a.m,. Being well in the middle of autumn, the sun rises approximately at 07:30 a.m,. You'll have roughly 3 hours to spend in this place before help comes your way. Indeed, in a fit of sanity during the crazy journey that has led you in this green hell, at past 3 a.m., you've sent a message to a close one to inform them. And ask them to call for help if they don't hear from you after the sun rises. You have no network and you can't know if your messages have already been seen or not. Well, let's hope. Let's just hope. For a good outcome, shall we? No network means you cannot count on the Global Positioning System to guide you safely towards your car. <div class="you">You have no choice but to</div> <ul><li>[[continue to move.|A1 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <</linkreplace>> <<silently>> Taux de survie (plus élevé, plus super)=endurance+wendigo Pallier : Max=120, 80, 60, 40, 30, <30 <<set $gun +=2>><<set $swampmove to $sport + $wendigo /2>> <</silently>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $eliromance to [($elibooty)+($elilove)+($elihatetolove)]>><h1>Elias Alistair William</h1> <blockquote>"If you think a day can't go shittier than it already is, be my guest."</blockquote> <<nobr>><details><summary>Identity</summary>Name: Elias, Alistair<br>Surname: William<br>A.K.A. : Eli, Will,<br>Age: <<if $elirela < 15>>//Still to discover//<<else>><</if>><<if $elirela >= 15>>33<</if>><br>Species : <<if $elirela < 15>>//Human ?//<<else>><</if>><<if $elirela >= 15>>Shaman, human.<</if>><br>Gender : Male<br>Pronouns : He/him<br>Profession: Besides being a major asshole, he is <<if $elirela < 15>>//a weirdo who's job I still don't know.//<<else>><</if>><<if $elirela >= 15>>a consultant for the Eye.<<else>><</if>><<if $elirela >= 40>> The Keeper of the Ward.<</if>><br>Family ties: <<if $elirela < 15>>//Unknown//<<else>><</if>><<if $elirela >= 15>>Have a daughter of 4 years of age.<</if>><<if $elirela >= 40>> He is separated from the mother, who lives in another country.<</if>> </details> <details><summary>Physical appearance</summary> Eyes: Deep blue sea/cobalt blue<br>Skin: Tanned and weathered ivory skin<br>Hair: Alabaster white, straight, shoulder length<br>Facial hair: 3 o clock shadows<br>Height: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.93 m<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6.33<</if>><br>Weight: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>87 kg<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>191.802 lbs<</if>><br>Build: Athletical, standard<br> </details> <details><summary>Wardrobe</summary> Usually wears a black leather jacket on top of a simple white turtleneck/long sleeved T-shirt, and a pair of dark trousers. Either wears ranger shoes or lowheeled motard boots.<br>An old silver watch ornate is right hand. </details> <</nobr>> <h2>Relationships statue</h2> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Friendship:<<= $elifriend>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$elifriend" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Enmity:<<= $elifoe>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$elifoe" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Romance:<<= $eliromance>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$eliromance" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red lnr lnr-heart-pulse"></span><span class="red">General relationship: <<set $elirela to [($elifriend)+($elibooty)+($elilove)+($elihatetolove)-($elifoe)]>><<print $elirela>>%</span></div> <meter @value="$elirela" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); Dialog.setup("Characters list"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters list").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> </div>

<<set $anyaromance to [($anyabooty)+($anyalove)+($anyahatetolove)]>><<if $case02 <5>><h1>Lavanya of Evans</h1><<else>><</if>><<if $case02 >=5>><h1>Lavanya Prya Evans of Vancharl</h1><</if>> <<if $anyaroad eq true>><h2>Road: <span class="red"><<print $anyaroadtype>></span></h2><</if>>\ <blockquote>"Why work hard when you can work smart?"</blockquote> <<nobr>><details><summary>Identity</summary>Name: <<if $case02 <5>>of Evans<<else>><</if>><<if $case02 >=5>>Evans of Vancharl<</if>><br>Surname: Lavanya, Priya<br>A.K.A. : Anya<br>Age: <<if $case02 < 5>>//A mystery//<<else>><</if>><<if $case02 >= 5>>+200 years old<</if>><br>Species : <<if $case02 < 1>>//Human ?//<<else>><</if>><<if $case02 >= 1>>Witch<</if>><<if $case02 >= 5>> (cursed)<</if>><br>Gender : Female<br>Pronouns : She/her<br>Profession: A landlady<<if $case02<= 1>>and a consultant for the Eye.<<else>><</if>><<if $case02 >= 2>>, a consultant for the Eye and a rich heiress.<</if>><br>Family ties: <<if $case02 < 5>>//Unknown//<<else>><</if>><<if $case02 >= 5>>Direct descendant of Earl Adriaster Millard Evans of Vancharl.<</if>> </details> <details><summary>Physical appearance</summary> Eyes: Hazel<br>Skin: Golden/tanned<br>Hair: Straight black hair, mid-back length<br>Height: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.63 m<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>5.34 ft<</if>><br>Weight: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>55 kg<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>121 lbs<</if>><br>Build: Lithe<br> </details> <details><summary>Wardrobe</summary> Usually wears knees-high tailored dress, mostly deep red of navy blue. </details> <</nobr>> <h2>Relationships statue</h2> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Friendship:<<= $anyafriend>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$anyafriend" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Enmity:<<= $anyafoe>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$anyafoe" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Romance:<<= $anyaromance>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$anyaromance" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red lnr lnr-heart-pulse"></span><span class="red">General relationship: <<set $anyarela to [($anyafriend)+($anyabooty)+($anyalove)+($anyahatetolove)-($anyafoe)]>><<print $anyarela>>%</span></div> <meter @value="$anyarela" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); Dialog.setup("Characters list"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters list").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> </div>

<h1>Cecil Yuvraj-Abraham</h1> <<nobr>><details><summary>Identity</summary>Name : Cecil<br>Surname : Yuvraj-Abraham<br>A.K.A. : Tank, Yuvraj, Raj,<br>Age : 41<br>Species : Human <br>Gender : Non-binary<br>Pronouns : They/Them<br>Profession : Consultant<<if $cecilrela >= 10>>, watcher for the Eye.<</if>><br>Family ties: <<if $cecilrela < 50>>//Unknown//<<else>><</if>><<if $cecilrela >= 50>>Unknown, was adopted at a young age.<</if>> </details> <details><summary>Physical appearance</summary> Eyes: Warm brown<br>Skin: Ebony<br>Hair: Kinky dark brown, shaved short <br>Facial hair: Goatee<br>Height: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>2.10 m<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6'89 ft<</if>><br>Weight: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>110 kg<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>243 lbs<</if>><br>Build: Tanky<br> </details> <details><summary>Wardrobe</summary> All in black. </details> <details><summary>Biography</summary>Work still under construction. </details> <</nobr>> <h2>Relationships statue</h2> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red lnr lnr-heart-pulse"></span><span class="red">General relationship: <<print $cecilrela>>%</span></div> <meter @value="$cecilrela" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); Dialog.setup("Characters list"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters list").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> </div>

<<nobr>><<if $caselog01 >= 1>> <details><summary>Day 1</summary> Mary contacted you to meet and discuss the disappearing of her brother. You took the first train towards your destination. Of course, all are being paid for by your seemingly generous client.</details> <details> <summary>Day 2</summary> You met Mary Murphy and she explained to you you had to find her missing brother. He has disappeared for an entire week now, and nobody has made the effort of even being worried about him, besides his family. He was gone to a swamp localised in Stonefrey. Mary showed you his appartement. And you found out it was to find a strange blue butterfly that he went there. Ethan was a entomologist enthusiast and would have missed this opportunity for nothing in the world.</details> <details> <summary>Day 3</summary> You took the first train, and the second, and third that led you to this very far city of New Stval City, the biggest city in Stonefrey. You took lodging there and tried to make contact with the Sentinel, but to no avail. No one, indeed, tried to look for the conscious adult that was Ethan Murphy. You bought the equipment necessary to go in the Swamp of Stonefrey, ready to be a one person team to look for the missing man. <br> In the night, you couldn't stay still whilst thinking Ethan Murphy could very well be waiting for help, and decided to have a look at the swamp yourself. This is the night of a blood moon.</details> <details><summary>Day 4</summary> <<if $caselog01 <=1>>You decided to visit the swamp at night.<<else>><</if>><<if $caselog01 >=2>>You visited the swamped earlier this day and stumbled upon... a nightmarish creature. You've met a strange man, Elias, who explained to you it was a wendigo you've stumbled upon. Strange as it seems, it doesn't appear like you've dreamt the whole ordeal... <br><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 setNameEnd")>>You tried to alert the Sentinel about your finding of Ethan Murphy's glasses. But they told you off. As such you decided to visit the Ranger's cabin. That's where you met Elias again, accompagnied by four other people, namely : Anya Evans, <<= $sheppardlongname>> Shappard, Cecil and Lukas Whittaker.<</if>><br><<if hasVisited("opencase01.02A")>>You decided to tell them about both the glasses and the GPS coordinates. And then Anya suggested you go to Owl to have the glasses' memories read. <<if hasVisited("case01 glassOwl helpOk A")>>Owl accepted to help you and told you to come back the day after to tell you what <<= $owlhe>>'s learnt.<</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 glassOwl helpNot")>>Owl refused to help you and you were sent home with nothing but your glasses.<</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 glassOwl dealNot")>>Owl refused to help you and you were sent home with nothing but your glasses.<</if>><<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("opencase01.02B")>><<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("opencase01.02C")>><<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("opencase01.02Not")>><</if>><br><<if $caselog01 >=4>><</if>></details> <</if>>\ <</nobr>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Dialog.close("case01log"); Dialog.setup("Case Log"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Case Log").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></div>

<<set $sheppardromance to [($sheppardbooty)+($sheppardlove)+($sheppardhatetolove)]>><h1><<= $sheppardlongname>> Sheppard</h1> <blockquote>"Some people are looking for the meaning of life. I'm just looking for what "vacation" means and where I can find it."</blockquote> <<nobr>><details><summary>Identity</summary>Name: Sheppard <br>Surname: <<= $sheppardlongname>><br>A.K.A. : <<= $sheppardname>><br>Age: <<if $sheppardrela < 15>>//Still to discover//<<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardrela >= 15>>25<</if>><br>Species : <<if hasVisited('case01 flutterA3')>>Werewolf<<else>><<if $sheppardrela < 15>>//Human ?//<<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardrela >= 15>>Werewolf //(packless)//.<</if>><</if>><br>Gender : <<= $sheppardgender>><br>Pronouns : <<= $sheppardhe>>/<<= $sheppardhim>><br>Profession: In the Sentinel <<if $sheppardrela < 15>>//and you don't know yet.//<<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardrela >= 15>>and the liaison between Central and the Eyes.<<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardrela >= 40>> The Truthspeeker.<</if>><br>Family ties: <<if $sheppardrela < 15>>//Unknown//<<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardrela >= 15>><<if $sheppardplural eq false>>Has<<else>>Have<</if>> no pack.<</if>><<if $sheppardrela >= 40>> <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhis>></span> pack stayed on the //Other side//.<</if>> </details> <details><summary>Physical appearance</summary> Eyes: Forest green<br>Skin: Pale skin with freckles.<br>Hair: Curly and short dark auburn hair<br>Facial hair: not apparent<br>Height: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.78 m<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>5'83<</if>><br>Weight: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>78 kg<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>172 lbs<</if>><br>Build: Athletical, standard<br> </details> <details><summary>Wardrobe</summary> Have you seen <<= $sheppardhim>> in anything other than <<= $sheppardhis>> Sentinel's uniform ? You don't think so... </details> <</nobr>> <h2>Relationships statue</h2> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Friendship:<<= $sheppardfriend>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$sheppardfriend" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Enmity:<<= $sheppardfoe>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$sheppardffoe" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Romance:<<= $sheppardromance>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$sheppardromance" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red lnr lnr-heart-pulse"></span><span class="red">General relationship: <<set $sheppardrela to [($sheppardfriend)+($sheppardbooty)+($sheppardlove)+($sheppardhatetolove)-($sheppardfoe)]>><<print $sheppardrela>>%</span></div> <meter @value="$sheppardrela" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); Dialog.setup("Characters list"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters list").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> </div>

<<set $owlrela to [($owlfriend)+($owlbooty)+($owllove)+($owlhatetolove)-($owlfoe)]>><<set $owlromance to [($owlbooty)+($owllove)+($owlhatetolove)]>><h1>Owl<<if $owlrela >= 80>>| Lysandr Rosevear<</if>></h1> <<if $owlroad eq true>><h2>Road: <span class="red"><<print $owlroadtype>></span></h2><</if>>\ <blockquote>"Everyone is such a bore in this city. Well, so long as you owe me — I mean, pay me. And entertain me. Surely this can work, Love."</blockquote> <<nobr>><details><summary>Identity</summary> Name: <<if $owlrela < 80>>//Unknown//<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela >= 80>>Lysandr<</if>><br>Surname: <<if $owlrela < 80>>//Still to discover//<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela >= 80>>Rosevear<</if>><br>A.K.A. : Owl<br>Age: <<if $owlrela < 80>>//Unknown//<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela >= 80>>29<</if>><br>Species : <<if $owlrela >20>>???<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela <= 20 && $owlrela <= 80>>Mutant<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela > 80>>Half-blood reaper<</if>><br>Gender : <<if $owlgenre eq "m">>Male<<else>><</if>><<if $owlgenre eq "f">>Female<</if>><br>Pronouns : <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>>/<<= $owlhim>></span><br> Profession: <<if $owlrela <20>>A jeweler.<</if>><<if $owlrela >20>>A jeweler & an informant.<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela >= 20 && $owlrela <= 80>>A jeweler & an informant for both the Eyes and the Hands.<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela > 80>>A jeweler & an informant for the Eyes and spies on the Hands.<</if>><br> Family ties: <<if $owlrela <80>>Not known.<<else>><</if>><<if $owlrela >= 80>>Had a twin.<</if>> </details> <details><summary>Physical appearance</summary> Eyes: Verdigris<br>Skin: Fair & flawless<br>Hair: Platinum blond, wavy, <<if $owlgenre eq "m">>Styled curtain hairstyle<<else>><</if>><<if $owlgenre eq "f">>Chin-length plunging square cut<</if>> <br>Facial hair: None<br>Height: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.79 m<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>5.9 ft<</if>><br>Weight: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>77 kg<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>170 lbs<</if>><br>Build: Toned & slender<br>Special Features: Has a worrysome scar on <<if $owlgender eq "m">>his<<else>><</if>><<if $owlgender eq "f">>her<</if>> neck: like someone has tried to slit it. </details> <details><summary>Wardrobe</summary> <<if $owlgender eq "m">>Suit. Cream colored suit. <<else>><</if>> <<if $owlgender eq "f">>Chin-length plunging square cut <</if>> </details> <</nobr>> <h2>Relationships statue</h2> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Friendship:<<= $owlfriend>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$owlfriend" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Enmity:<<= $owlfoe>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$owlfoe" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Romance:<<= $owlromance>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$owlromance" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red lnr lnr-heart-pulse"></span><span class="red">General relationship: General relationship: <<print $owlrela>>%</span></div> <meter @value="$owlrela" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); Dialog.setup("Characters list"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters list").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> </div>

<h1>Lukas Whittaker</h1> <<nobr>><details><summary>Identity</summary>Name : Lukas<br>Surname : Whittaker<br>A.K.A. : Cinamonroll, Small-bean,<br>Age : 17<br>Species : Human <br>Gender : Male<br>Pronouns : He/him<br>Profession: Apprenticeship for Consultant<<if $lukasrela >= 40>>, seer for the Eyes.<</if>><br>Family ties: <<if $lukasrela < 50>>//Unknown//<<else>><</if>><<if $lukasrela >= 50>>Has a big brother : Alexander Whittaker.<</if>> </details> <details><summary>Physical appearance</summary> Eyes: Bright blue<br>Skin: Sunkissed but pale and freckled<br>Hair: Curly vibrant red, chin lenght <br>Facial hair: in the making<br>Height: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.62 m<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>5'31 ft<</if>><br>Weight: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>59 kg<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>130 lbs<</if>><br>Build: lanky<br> </details> <details><summary>Wardrobe</summary> Simple oversized t-shirt with jeans and sneakers. </details> <details><summary>Biography</summary>Work still under construction. </details> <</nobr>> <h2>Relationships statue</h2> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red lnr lnr-heart-pulse"></span><span class="red">General relationship: <<print $lukasrela>>%</span></div> <meter @value="$lukasrela" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); Dialog.setup("Characters list"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters list").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); <</script>> <</link>> </div>

<h1>Stonefrey</h1> Stonefrey is a place with a rich history, that goes far behind. The country is named after the chain of mountains at its core center : The Stonefrey mountains. Stonefrey is a country localized in the nothermost part of Arlans. It is bordered by Mesta-on-the-Grayil to the east, and Stgir on the southern part. On the western part of Stonefrey is the Atlantic sea. The developpement of Stonefrey began after the opening of a major limestone quarries, near the sea. Those limestone were used to built the Castle of Greywall in Stgir, the Church of Sainte-Isobel in Mesta-on-the-Grayil, the renown Library of Great-Mesta... to quotes a few. After the quarries, veins of copper and silver were discovered in the mountains. This discovery spurred the developpement of the country. Stonefrey is the 29th largest by area and the 18th most populous state, with a population of just over 3 millions at the 20XX census. Nowaday, the capital and most populous city is New Stval city, the metropolitan area and the educational and economic center. The capital once was South Stonefrey. New Stval city is localized between the shore and the port city of Glastone, and the westernmost mountains of Mount Bridflied. The other great cities which can be found in Stonefrey are the port city of Glastone ; South Stonefrey, the ancient capital city localized on the foot of Mount Oakglass ; Old Stone, localized on the shore of the River. Then, there is the old town of Hamphrey-on-the-Stone. Old Stval City, which was the most populated area before the founding of New Stval City, is still nowadays the cultural center of Stonefrey. <br> <<nobr>> <details><summary>History</summary> Stonefrey was </details> <details><summary>Geography</summary> <p>Boudaries :</p> <p>Stonefrey borders Mesta-on-the-Grayil to the East, and Stgir to the south. The Altantic sea borders its western and northest borders. Stonefrey is classified as a northern country. </p> <br> <p>Terrain:</p> <p>Stonefrey can be split into three parts : the shore on the north and west ; the mountains on the south-west and the lowlands in between. This split yield to a division into northest Stonefrey, central Stonefrey and Western Stonefrey. Northest Stonefrey is the part of Stonefrey which borders the sea. It has a rich history with marine exchange. The biggest city which can be found in this part of Stonefrey is Glastone, the port city. It is the principal harbour of the whole country. Central Stonefrey is a lowland with low reliefs. It's were farms are mostly localised. Central Stonefrey is the Western Stonefrey countains the Montains : The Stonefrey Mountains, from which the name of the country comes from. The Natural reserve and the hydrolic dam can be found in this part of Stonefrey, along the old quarries and the closed mines.</p> <br> <p>Hydrology:</p> <p>Stonefrey has not many rivers, but two can be accounted for. The first one is the Tadhg. The second being the Edna.</p> </details> <details><summary>Flora & Fona</summary> </details> <</nobr>> <br> <h2>Stonefrey Natural Reserve</h2> <h3>The swamp</h3> <<nobr>> <details><summary>The Dam</summary> </details> <details><summary>The Drowned forest</summary> </details> <</nobr>> <h3>The Stonefrey Moutains</h3> <<nobr>> The Stonefrey Moutains is a chain of moutains not very high, but enough to be called pic and mounts. The chains is composed of five main mounts, from north to south : Mount Alfreyd, Mount Bridflied, Mounts Vancharls, Mounts Algistree and Mounts Oakglass. <details><summary>Mount Alfreyd</summary> </details> <details><summary>Mount Bridflied</summary> </details> <details><summary>Mount Vancharl</summary> </details> <details><summary>Mount Algistree</summary> </details> <details><summary>Mount Oakglass</summary> </details><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><h2>The Mines</h2> <details><summary>The Copperfrey Mines</summary> The Copperfrey Mines, also known as Millard mines, were built after the discovery of a rich presence of copper and silver in Mount Vancharl. The Copperfrey were first founded by Earl Adriaster Millard Evans of Vancharl. The Evans family then thrived upon the fortune brought to them by the mines. However, the time of fortune was stopped upon the founding of the Mine of Silverstein. </details> <details><summary>The Silver Mine of Silverstein</summary> Founded by the Baron Alford Allen Silverstein, the Mine of Silverstein, located on the foot Mount Oakglass, was in rivalry with the Evan's mines. Indeed, whereas the Copperfrey mines were old thus used old machinery to work, the Baron of Silverstein invested first in modern machinery of his time for use in his mines. The result led to the "War of Copper" the two families, the Silverstein and the Evans, waged against each other. </details> <</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><h2>Town and Cities</h2> <details><summary>Glastone</summary> </details> <details><summary>Hamphrey on the Stone</summary> Hamphrey On the Stone was the town founded after the Silverfrey's mine was created.Located at the foot of Mount Vancharl, the little town first served as a dormitory for the miners before trading made it bigger. It was next joined by the founding of the town of West-Oak, located on the foot of Mount Oakglass. West-Oak was to Hamphrey on the Stone what the Silverstein was the to Evans. A rivalry town. Yet, this rivalry played an important role in the developpement of both towns: indeed, to best the other, the rich family of each place invested in the betterment of the cities. Thus spurted further the growth of the mine-town, until the falls of the mines, </details> <details><summary>Old Stval City</summary> </details> <details><summary>New Stval City</summary> </details> <details><summary>South Stonefrey</summary> </details> <</nobr>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Dialog.close("Stonefrey"); Dialog.setup("Codex"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Codex").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></div>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "swamped" play>><<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ You pant. Adrenaline is rushing through your system. You stop yourself from shaking too much. In your brain, there's a blank, not knowing how to cope with what've just happened. It's dark. It really is. And in this sea of darkness, you are surrounded by dead trees. The cold blankets the damp forest in a veil of mist. Making the —already challenging— visibility, low. With the help of your torchlight —which truly is a beacon in this situation— you can see two paths in front of you. One of these path goes <b>forward</b>. Forward you still see the same dead trees and the same bushes as the path you're walking on currently. The other path goes <b>left</b>. It's the same as the forward path, except it goes left. That is one hell of a choice to make. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Left.|B1 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Forward.|A2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>><<if $swampmove <=0>> <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<if not hasVisited('B2 case01 swamp exitpath')>>\ You try your luck with the left path. The positive point is that there is no swarm of insect to pass through, like it would have been the case in summer. Other than that, the road is really lifeless. Were it not for the fact that you've just had a traumatic encounter, you would probably have stopped and waited for help to come in the morning. But right now, you'd like, at least, to put as much distance between you and whatever it was, or better, leave this place altogether. In front of you, the track divide itself in two different directions. There is a <b>left</b> path. It's just a continuation of the sea of dead trees you're been traking through for what seems like hours now. The mud is relatively dry there, but it becomes a little sticky on the way <b>forward</b> —the extension of the path you're walking on right now. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|C2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|B2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <</if>><<if hasVisited("B2 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\You're back on the part where the trail is divided. Since <b>forward</b> was a dead end, you're only left with the <b>left</b> path. <div class="you">So you go</div> <ul><li>[[left.|C2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</if>>\ <<else>><</if>><<if $swampmove <=0>> <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ You think you'd rather make as straight a line as you can, so as to avoid running in circle. You don't want to lost your way here. Or worse. You think back to your ghastly run into. You shake your head to chase the memory. You need to concentrate. Not stopping, you pass by a rusted bike, and you're wondering now why would there be a bike so far into the swamp. Who the hell thought it was a good idea to bike in here? and why has the bike been left here to rot? Well, your brain better calm down before you have one hell of a stupid idea again. And no, it cannot be used anymore, for one of the wheel is missing. You will then not being able to leave this forest by bike, it seems. In this sea of endless dead bark, you see two way you can go. <b>Forward</b>, again. Or you can try your luck on the <b>left</b> path. For what you can see, the two paths are very similar, as the one you've taken before. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|B3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|A3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>><<if $swampmove <=0>> <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>... <<if settings.anima eq false>><<timed 1s>>...<</timed>> <<timed 3s>>...<</timed>> <<timed 5s>>Yeah.<</timed>><</if>>\ <<if settings.anima eq true>>... ... ... Yeah.<</if>>\ That was totally stupid. Going behind, really... you look at the <<nobr>><<if hasVisited("B2 case01 swamp exitpath")>>—yet another—<</if>> pond staring at you.<</nobr>> You can't bypass it, because there is too much trees inside too much water to go through it. So, yeah, you have to take a u-turn <<if hasVisited("B2 case01 swamp exitpath")>>—again<</if>>. Just for good measures, you check your phone for network. There is none. So no map for now. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back to the crossroad.|C2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <</timed>><</linkreplace>>\ <<else>><</if>><<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<if not hasVisited("A4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\ After the bike, you wonder what you'll find. You hope it's the way out. You really hope it's the way out. The cold coils around your body, kissing your skin. The moon is still shying away, hiding behind heavy black cloud. The only light around is the one you're carrying, and you don't know if it's a blessing or a curse. Now now. Another crossroads. And of course there is no signalization to indicate you where to go. You check your phone for network. There is none. Meaning no GPS. Well. You look at your choices. There is a trek going <b>left</b>. Another continue <b>forward</b>. And then, there is one which seems to go <b>in-between</b> the two. That is to say, if forward was north and left was west, you'd say the nort-west path. <<if $observation >= 50>>Forward, the soil seems wetter than what you're currently walking on. On your left, there is nothing to notice, there are still the $swamp trees, copy-pasted. The in-between path seems to stay as relatively dry as the left one.<</if>><<if $observation <50>>You feel a lightly damper air coming from the path going forward. The other two paths feels unfortunately similar.<</if>> <div class="you">You'd rather go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|B3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[in between.|B4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|A4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A4 case01 swamp exitpath")>> You're back to the crossroad. You notice the wheel of the rusted bike you saw earlier. Not stopping, you observe it. The wheel is deflated and rusted, and a bush has grown in the middle of it, twisting around the spokes. How it came to be here and not near the bike ? It's a question which will probably left unanswered. Having taken the way forward, now your only options are either <b>left</b> or the path <b>in-between</b>. Both continue on dry mud. <div class="you">You take the path</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[on the left.|B3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</ul></li> <ul><li>[[in between.|B4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</ul></li><</nobr>> <</if>>\ <<else>><</if>><<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ You reach a place of respite. It's a clearing. If you can call it that. And in the middle of it stands a large tree. A century old oak tree, by the look of it. It's large branches —naked in the face of autumn— snake and knot around like twisted spider's legs. Some even twist on the floor. You did call this a place of respite, but truly, the more you watch it with the blood moon on the background, and the mist coiling around, the creepier it becomes. You check your phone, still no network. Your anguish is still there, lurking in the background. Adrenaline is pumping in your system, and you know, you just know, you can't stop here. From the clearing, you can go in two different directions. Either you go <b>forward</b>, back in the woods. Or you can go <b>left</b> where it appears the clearing continue. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|C3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|B4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>><<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>> <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<if hasVisited("B2 case01 swamp exitpath", "C1 case01 swamp exitpath")>>Have you planned to collection all of the pool in the area ? Because that very much looks like it... Because...<</if>>\ If front of you lies a body of water. It's little really, a puddle even. But a puddle you can't see the bottom of. Huhu, you're not gonna walk in that. Unless you wish to not stay alive. You look around and the trees won't allow you to go around it. You're starting to hate trees. And hate yourself for even coming here. All horror movies begin with a stupid idea, continue with a stupid idea, and end with pain and suffering and most probably death. You hope you're not in a horror movie right now. You check your phone. Still no signals. Well, there is nothing left to do than <b>going back</b> the way you came from. <div class="you">You</div> <ul><li>[[go back.|A3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ On the sticky mud it is. Well, you don't like that. And you like it even less when the mud becomes a puddle you're trudging in, mid-calf. And you definitively like it less when it becomes a full-fledge pond. A big one at that. The forest is too dense on both sides, so you can't take a way around it. And you're not gonna walk in that. You don't see what is in there, and you don't want to know. What if there is another horror like thing, patiently waiting, smiling all teeths out, again... you shudder. Better to just think about getting out of this <<print $swamp>> green hell. Well, you have to make a <b>u-turn</b>. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back for where you came.|B1 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>><<if $swampmove <=0>> <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ There is nothing of note here. After the condoms-art, everything looks bland. At least the condoms-art had the decency to make you chuckle a little. Amid this see of blackness and biting wind. You shine your light from left to right, anticipating another crossing... which never came. You only can go <b>forward</b> here. Let's hope it will bring you outside this green hell. Fast. <div class="you">Without much choice, you go</div> <ul><li>[[forward.|A6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<if not hasVisited("B6 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\ Visibility is low. And it starting to get on your nerves. Fortunattely for you, all the rush in your system makes it difficult for you to now which nerves are those. Is it stress ? anger ? dispair ? a mixed ? You don't know. You stumble around, lighted only with your poor flashlight which is disserving of all the love in the world such an object can have. The landscape is barely changing, and you're wondering how many people before you have lost their way in this <<print $swamp>> swamp when something shiny catches your eye on the forest floor. Amidst the dead leaves, you notive a <<linkappend "professional camera">><<notify>>You've found a clue<</notify>><</linkappend>>. You lower yourself to examine it : a fushia camera with faded stickers of foolish quotes such as : "I don't know what makes you dumb, but it really works" or "I can't, saturday is picnic day", "friday I have poney" and smileys all other the place. Underneath, there is a nametag-like-sticker with written "For the loveliest fool : Ethan". And you immediately know it's a clue for your case. Besides, the camera looks too "fresh"—not having being bullied by the weather—to have been here long. This is <span class="red">Ethan Murphy</span>'s camera. You take great care to retrieve the object without leaving any fingerprints on it. You put it in one of your "evidence bag"—unoficial ones, as it stands—to further avoid any kind of contamination, should the need to produce it as an official proof arises. The deed, done, you return to your main objective : which is not finding Ethan anymore, but to get the hell out of here. Yeah, selfish as it may be. <<if $observation >= 50>>As you rises to your feet to leave this spot you notice <<linkreplace "something on one of the tree." t8n>>something on one of the tree. <div class="center large">Blood</div> Blotches of dried blood. Not a small amount. Once you've processed what you've just seen, your own blood turns as cold as the one lying on the icy tree.<</linkreplace>><</if>>\ <<if $observation < 50>>You feel something is wrong. Something is really wrong. And you know it in your blood, in your bones, in your soul. Your muscles tenses, ready to go. <</if>>\ You really need to get the hell out of this place. Three paths stand before you. One goes <b>left</b>, one goes <b>straight ahead</b> and the other one stand between the two <b>diagonally</b>. Whatever path you take, the forest is still dense , and the mud is much more fluid than where you're standing. Guess you'll have to rely on your luck. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("B6 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\ You're back to the camera crossing. <<if $observation >= 4>>The dried blood crossing, as well.<</if>> The "You really need to get the hell out of this place", crossing. Now you're choice is limited to two path now. The <b>left</b> one and the <b>in between</b> path —since you're coming from the path straight ahead. Whatever path you take, the forest is still dense, and the mud is much more fluid than where you're standing. Guess you'll have to rely on your luck. Again. Let's hope this time your lucky star is whatching over you.<</if>> <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>> <<if not hasVisited("C5 case01 swamp exitpath")>><ul><li>[[left.|C5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</if>> <ul><li>[[in between.|C6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<if not hasVisited("B6 case01 swamp exitpath")>><ul><li>[[forward.|B6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</if>><</nobr>><</if>> <<if $swampmove <=0>> <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <<set $case01 +=1>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<if not hasVisited("A7 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\ Well, one thing is for sure, this place seems to attract people, for whatever reason. What lay before you is a abandoned picnic, on a —now moss covered— burlap rug. There are cans and bottles and discarded plastic wrappings... Whoever that was, you want to punch their faces for letting their garbagge in a nature reserve. At least, the only thing you're letting behind is the smell of fear and your footprints. Ah, yes, a crossing. It's been a while since you saw one. There are two path : <b>forward</b> and a little bit behing on your <b>left</b>. If you strain your eyes a little, you can see that the path going forward is a bit more soggy than the one going left. But your left is still composed of trees, trees, more trees, bushes and dead leaves. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[left.|B5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|A7 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("A7 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\ You're back to the discarded picnic. You shiver and pull even closer your <<print $outwear>>. Since you're coming from the "forward" path, you'll now left only with the <b>left</b> road. <div class="you">So you go</div> <ul><li>[[left.|B5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <</if>>\ <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ You were walking when, in the corner of your eyes, you spot something unexpected. Deep. Into the woods. Is that... a used condom ? Hanged on a tree ? With a beautifull red ribbon tying it ? Really ? Wait. There is not one, but three of them, hanging on different branches on the same tree. They appear to have been there for a long time, as moss grows on it. //Ew...// You steer way from this display of abstract art. With the luck you have, the ribbons tying them will break and all of this "aged old gooy mess" will fall unto you. Nah. No way. Never. You'd rather get eaten by whatever is lurking around. <<if hasVisited("A2 case01 swamp exitpath")>>You wonder if this is linked to the bike. A drunken night in the swamp. It's almost funny, and you almost want to know the story behind it, if the two are linked. Like those condoms to those branches.<</if>>\ More seriously, it's becoming even colder, if it's possible. And you really, really want to leave this place. In front of you, there is three path. One goes <b>left</b>. The soil, there, is wetter. Then there is the ever present path <b>forward</b>. It's, again, dense forest of dead trees there. But the mud is cacked and won't be a problem. Then, there is a path to your <b>right</b>. It's the same as the forward path, but just the direction changes. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|C5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|B5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[right.|A5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ You should have seen it coming. Water. Bottomless. Dark. Water. Funny. In a very sarcastic way. But the truth is, you almost want to scream. In frustration. That mean that you lost precious time coming all the way here, for nothing. And you don't know if, in the meantime, something is pursuing you, or already lurking in the dark. Besides, all your walking around might really end up attracting something. <<if settings.anima eq false>>\ <<timed 10s>><span class="brin">You breath in.</span> <<timed 2s>><span class="brout">You breath out.</span><</timed>><</timed>><<else>><</if>>\ <<if settings.anima eq true>>\ You breath in. You breath out.<</if>> You, of course, cannot go around this big a pond, or shall you call it a baby-lake, by the size you can see of it. Indeed, it's so big you can't see the opposing bank. And mist is adding to the difficulty. You're cold. Well, guess you have to <b>go back</b> on your steps. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back.|A6 case01 swamp exitpath]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Water. Water wherever the eyes can see, and they cannot see that far with the darkness lurking around. But from what you can distinguish, you'd rather not get close to this particular body of water. First, because it's so murky you can only guess how deep it actually is. Second, because the first reason is enough. Third, you don't think of an actual reason to cross it. From the look of it, it looks like behind this pond, the forest looks deeper and deeper, like it's leading to the swamp's heart. And you wouldn't want to go there. Then, there is only one solution left for you. It's to <b>go back</b>. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back.|D2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Ah. Funny. It would be amazing if you wanted to swim. In the middle on the night. In an isolated pond. Inside a <<print $swamp>>. Fortunately for you, it's not what you want. Unfortunately for you, it's what you're faced with. A body of water. Terrific. You just have to trudge <b>back</b> from the way you came from. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back.|E2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "swamped" play>><<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ You pant as your heart is hammering in your chest. Because of the adrenaline rush, your limbs are affected by a slight tremor. But you do your best staying as calm as you can. Because. You. Must. Leave. And preferably, alive and whole. Those are non-neogicable with your shocked-induced brain. But because luck doesn't seem like a quality you have, you are presented now with two path you can take. Among the cold misting around, you can see a road going <b>right</b> and another one continuing <b>forward</b>. You must choose wisely, and go fast, because you don't know if there are others things like the one you met. And you'd rather not find out, for now. For now, going home seems like the best outcome one never wished for. Both paths look as dry as the one you're currently walking on, and so you'll have to pick one and hope it's the good one. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[forward.|G2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[right.|F1 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Who can be wrong going right ? No one, right ? You're probably really tired if you begin doing dads' jokes. And unnerved by the situation. Understandably. Lyckily for you —because you still can be lucky— the path you're trudging onto is relatively dry. Not perfectly dry, but confortably so. Fighting less with each step against the ever present and smelly mud is a win in and of itself. You hope this luck will span for the entirety of the night. But because you must continue your walk to the exit, you have to choose now between the two paths open before you. One of them goes <b>forward</b> and the other one goes a little to the <b>right</b>, but not completely. There is nothing to distinguish the two apart. You'll have to trust your gut on this one. <div class="you">You choose to go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[forward.|F2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[slightly to the right.|E2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>>\ <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<if not hasVisited("C1 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\ Are you sure this is not a dream ? Because the forest seems endless. The mud is less sticky here, and is drier than earlier. But the landscape doesn't change. You understand now how people can lost their way in such places. The lack of light is obviously not on your side, and you can't count on the moon to light the way. Ah, there it is. Again. A crossroad. There is three way you can navigate. One goes a little...<b>behind</b> you. In a diagonal fashion. //Really? Behind?// The other way is to stay on your current path, <b>forward</b>. Or you can go <b>left</b>. You squint your eyes. It seems even drier, indeed, on the left. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[behind?|C1 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[left.|D2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|C3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("C1 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\ You're back at the crossroad. Yeah, it can be a dream. But at the same time, it's too damn cold to be one. The cold is misting around, and you pull closer your $coat. You took the <<print $swamp>> path behind you, so you're left with the way <b>forward</b>, where there is trees after trees, after trees. And the <b>left</b> path, where it seems to be drier. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|D2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|C3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <</if>>\ <<else>><</if>><<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<if not hasVisited("D1 case01 swamp exitpath")>>There is an abandonned construction. By the look of it, it looks like a bird observation post. Vine and moss have invested the place, rotting the wood that constitutes it. It does not look sturdy enough to resist the weight of a bird, let alone a person. Besides, not one window is still standing against the cold, making it less like a shelter and more like a death trap, given the circumptance. In front of you, stand three paths to chose from. One goes <b>behind</b>. The mud there looks soggier than the one you're standing on. Then, there is a path that goes <b>left</b>, where the path looks mostly dry. Or you can go <b>forward</b> and try your luck there. There is not really an apparent difference between the forward and left path. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[behind.|D1 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[left.|E2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|D3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>><<<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("D1 case01 swamp exitpath")>> You're back to the abandonned observation hut. Where no one is watching the bird anymore. You even wonder if anyone is still aware such a thing is standing in the wood, or if it has been completely abandonned all along. Having gone behind wasn't a good move. So now you're left between only two option. Either you go <b>left</b>, where the path looks mostly dry. Or you can go <b>forward</b> and try your luck there. There is not really an apparent difference between the forward and left path. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|E2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|D3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</div><</nobr>><</if>>\ <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ You hate this place. That's the only conclusion you can draw for now. And you can't believe a responsible adult came here on his own volition. But you can't really talk now, can you ? Look at you all scared of the dark and the dead trees and the muddy water. This forest looks like a mad artist wanted to paint a green nightmare. Slightly red around the edges when the moon shines of its bloody hue on the landscape. But what makes you stand on edge is the absence of noise. It's like you're standing in a vacuum. An eerie place where the slight noise ripples on the whole place surrounding you. And you're making noise. With each step. The rustling of your clothes. The cruching of mud and dead leaves on the floor. The chattering of your teeth behind your cold lips. Your ragged breath. Your pulsing heart. You're conscious of every noise you make. You're walking tensely when you stumble upon a strange sight. //Those are... mushrooms, right ?// You notice a strange grayish undergrowth sprouting from the ground, near a tree. But, it looks very much disturbing... like, fingers, reaching for the surface. Bony fingers. You wonder if it's actually, indeed, fingers. What makes you doubt that is that there are seven of them. Then you're remembering that someone, once upon a time, told you about those. These are dead's man fingers, a fungus that grows on dying things. Such as the entirity of this forest. Dead man's fingers. Right. Absolutely not ominous at all. You look around hurriedly for where to go next. You can only continue <b>forward</b>, amongs the sinister fungi. <div class="you">You continue</div> <ul><li>[[forward.|F3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<if not hasVisited("E1 case01 swamp exitpath")>> You sigh a weary sigh. Rising your left feet. Setting it down. Rising your right feet. Setting in down. Again. And Again. And again. And again. Your hand holding your torchlight is sending a dull ache all the way up your arm, tired of being raised. Tired of shaking. But you press forward. You must. And you will. Even when you want to crawl into a foetal position and sleep the night away, far from worries and dark swamp and monsters. You reach an intersection. There are three paths ahead of you : <b>left</b>, <b>forward</b> and <b>behind you</b>. <div class="you">You pick the path going</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|F2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|E3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[behind.|E1 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>><<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("E1 case01 swamp exitpath")>> You're back to the intersection. Coming back from the stupid track from behind, you're left with two choices now : <b>left</b> and <b>forward</b>. <div class="you">You pick the path going</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|F2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|E3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>><<else>><</if>>\ <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Look, a tree. And another one. And another one. And another one. Oh, yes, it's true, you're in a forested area. So it makes perfect sense that you're surrounded by that many trees. In a green hell. You will call it. But at least, you're not sloshing around in mid-cald dirty water. Let's stay optimistc. The way you're traking on divide itslef into two paths, in front of you. One of those turns <b>right</b> whislt the other continue straight <b>forward.</b> The mud is as dry as the one you're currently walking on on both sides, so you can't choose based on that. As for the landscape, from what you can see from the misting cold, it's the same either way. So you'll just have to make a choice, hoping for the best. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[forward.|G3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[right.|F2 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ As you're walking, you catch in your light a surprising sight. Deep inside the woods, you notice a cairn. It's not that high, probably reaching <<if settings.imperial eq false>>one meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>three feet<</if>> high. It's a very classic rock cairn, as the base is larger than the top, perfectly balanced. Moss has grown on it, so it looks like it has been there for a while. As for the purpose of this cairn, you don't know what it's for, and you personally, right now, won't take the time to figure it out. You must proceed. Especially when, upon rising your light ahead, you spot a crossing. You can go three different ways. Either you go diagonally <b>left</b>, <b>forward</b> or <b>diagonally right</b>. The cold swriling around isn't making your trekking easier, and so you cannot really see if the paths are differents. You guess, you have to rely on your luck on this one. And you hope you have still some luck left. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|F4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|E4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[right.|D4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Fungi. Fungi everywhere. It's unsettling. It started with dead man's fingers. Now there are chicken-of-the-woods hanging on tree trunks, wood ears on bark listening to your steps. Fungi everywhere, illustrating the heavy dampness of the place, clinging onto you. You hope you're not inhaling whatever spore those fungi produces. You accelerate, to leave this somber place as soon as possible. You look in front of you, and the path is blocked. The forest is too dense there, and you'll have to have close contact with the mushroom infested mouldy barks, avoided branches and bushes while trying not to be stuck inside the mud. No thank you. Or you can turn <b>right</b> where the path is clear, and the floor still bearably soft. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[right.|E3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul>\ <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Your muscles are stretching, tiring, sighing, cramping under the effort of sloshing around and around and around with what appears to be an eternity of stomping around —when you're sure it hasn't been that long yet. The cold is becoming bitter and crispier and sends shiver all over you. This constant spasm against the chill of night ominous night is making you hungry. As you're stomach is rumbling in protest, you stop in your track.There are only two paths in front of you. One continue straight <b>forward</b>. Then there is a path to the <b>left</b>. You can see nothing to tell them apart, so you'll have to try your luck. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|F4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|E5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=3>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<if hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>The trudging to this part of the pond was a exhausting one. You look at your <<print $shoes>>. They'll need a miracle to survive the night. And you almost don't feel your toes anymore. This is worrisome. But here you are now. Shivering on the muddy shore of this big pond/mini lac. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if not hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>There. Is. A. Pond. A big one, from the look of it. If crying wouldn't add more water to this watery hell, you would have cried.<</if>>\ You can, for obvious reason, not cross it. The obvious reasons being, on the top of the list, you don't know how deep this is. And it appears to be really deep. Then, there is the hypothermia you'll get if you go into deeper water. And let's not forget the fact that, you don't know what //else// is there. Or lurking in deep dark muddy pond. So yeah, it's a definite "no" to crossing. This leaves you with two option. <<if hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>Going back to the other pond's bank is out of the question. It will tire you more than anything. Besides, going back in circle and losing time doing it seems not the be the solution to your problem. <</if>>You can go <b>forward</b>, but then <<if hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>again<</if>>, you will be on the outskirt of this muddy water, and you will have to fight against dead trees to do that. It will be quite exhausting. Or you can go <b>left</b> towards what seems like drier lands and sparser trees. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You are still looking at the potential pathway you can take when the wind changes direction, and carries with it the sweet smell of rot. You recoil as it grates at your throat and bile almost rises from your stomach. You stand still for a second, listening. There is no other noise than the swishing of the wind of whatever suface it can find. No rustling. No cracking. No buzzing of flies. But this is definitely the smell of putrid flesh. Death knocking on your nose. And it's coming. From. The. <<linkreplace "pond" t8n>> <div class="center"><span class="large">pond</span></div> The slimy black water takes multiple shades darker. You catch sight of rusty red mark on the shore of it. <<linkappend "Blood" t8n>><<notify>>You found a clue.<</notify>><</linkappend>>. You shiver as your blood turns cold. <<if settings.anima eq false>><span class="closer">You must leave.</span><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="crack large">You must leave.</span><</if>> <span class="crack">Fast</span>. <div class="you">You hurry</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[forward.|D5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[left|E4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>\ <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <<set $case01 +=1>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Your halo of light rest on a strange object, found in a forest. //Is that... two flight of stairs ?// Yes, it is. An old crumbling set of stairs, standing alone in the bloody night. It's made of old concrete, leading to... nothing but a free fall. As you're nearing it during you flight to the exit, you can observe that it's standing among debris of a fallen building. And indeed, behind the stairs you can now distinguish what appears to be a old archway, probably, there was a wooden door there. You wonder what was that building for. Was that a house ? All the way out here ? Whose house then ? You got no time to pry and inquire. You continue your walk. There is no other path than to <b>continue forward</b>. <div class="you">You press</div> <ul><li>[[forward.|E6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Your shoes has suffered a lot. You briefly look at your <<print $shoes>>, considering the fact that you may have to get rid of them after this trudge in the woods. You feets are sodden and cold, and you try to curl your toes here and now to allow some blood to flow. But you're cold. Fortunatelly, the path you're trudging on is a little mercifull on you. The mud is not too sticky, not to slick, but it's still squelchig around are you're stepping on it. The forest is still awning on you though, in it's everlasting darkness and silence. Nothing feels welcomed there. Nothing. There is nothing alive. Appart from you. But for how long ? Has this creature which lurks in the obscurity praying on everything ? As you ponder about this, you notice a crossing. You can choose to go to the <b>left</b> or continue <b>forward</b>. Forward, the forest seems less rotten than where you're standing. Left, the soil is damper. <div class="you">You pick the</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[path forward.|F5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[path to the left.|G4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ This is a pool. A big one. <<nobr>><<if not hasVisited("D4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D5 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>You can see, on the other side, a bank on which you were standing. So you went around it. Great. Really. Astounding.<</if>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D4 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if hasVisited("D5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>Oh, hey, look, you were standing other there, on the other side, an eternity before. So you went around this big pond. Great, that's great. Amazing. You've lost so much precious time.<</if>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D5 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if hasVisited("D4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>Hey, look, weren't you there, an eternity before, standing on the other side ? Yes, you where.<</if>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("D5 case01 swamp exitpath")>> <<if hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>That... was... you know this pond. You've encountered it twice, aldeady. You can see the other side o on which you were standing before, through the mist.<</if>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("D4 case01 swamp exitpath")>> <<if hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>That... was... you know this pond. You've encountered it twice, aldeady. You can see the other side o on which you were standing before, through the mist.<</if>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath")>> <<if hasVisited("D4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>That... was... you know this pond. You've encountered it twice, aldeady. You can see the other side o on which you were standing before, through the mist.<</if>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("D4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D5 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath", "C5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>You can see, on the other side, a bank on which you were standing. So you went around it. Great. Really. Astounding.<</if>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D5 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if hasVisited("C5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>Oh, hey, look, you were standing other there, on the other side, an eternity before. So you went around this big pond. Great, that's great. Amazing. You've lost so much precious time.<</if>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("C5 case01 swamp exitpath", "C4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D5 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if hasVisited("D4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>Hey, look, weren't you there, an eternity before, standing on the other side ? Yes, you where. <</if>><</if>><<if hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D4 case01 swamp exitpath", "D5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>Congratulation, you have successfully turned around this pool. A complete revolution, but not as brillant as the one the earth does around the sun. No, you, you're on a dumber level of brillance. Like, if you could bang your head against one of those dead trees without causing further damage, you would. The good side in all of this, is that you now know where it is standing, and you would be able to avoid it, this time, hopefully.<</if>><</nobr>> But from where you're standing, you can retrace your steps <b>back</b> to the camera crossing. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back.|B5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<if not hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>The clearing seems like a good idea for now. It allows you to see around and get a little bit of respite, really. Respite from trudging in endless mud in various state of dryness and smell. Respite from the darkness of the dense forest as well. You have to be on the lookout each step you make, not knowing what lurkes outside the reach of your light. By mecanism now, you take out your phone and check for network. You were prepared to see no réseau when a single bar blinks at you. Your hands trembles a little but you keep it together. You must. For the sake of your own life, and maybe —if you can still save it— you own sanity. You don't lose a second to open the GPS application. <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp gps")>>You can see the marker from the glasses shining red.<</if>> And there, you see it. The direction from out of this place. <b>It's more or less a straight line, forward, from where you are.</b> But, unfortunately for you, the satellite plan, because of the trees —always them— won't allow you to see the topography of the place. You can't see where are the bodies of water or other obstacles that can stand in your way. Well, at least you have the general direction. You are ready to go to this endless walk, again. Three path are open to you. You can go either on the <b>right</b>path. <<if hasVisited("B3 case01 swamp exitpath")>>To the old tree, and back to the clearing.<</if>><<if not hasVisited("B3 case01 swamp exitpath")>>An extension of the clearing.<</if>><b>Forward</b>, the mud is sodden, and it's back in the dense forest. On your <b>left</b>, the floor is mostly dry and it appears there is less trees. It's less dense. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|D3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|C4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[right.|B3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("C4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>You're back in the clearing. With network. You've lost all signal, of course, when you left this safe haven to return to the woods. You check again. The direction from out of this place. <b>It's more or less a straight line, forward, from where you are.</b> But as it stands, directly forward is a pool. So now, you can only go either <b>right</b>—<<if hasVisited("B3 case01 swamp exitpath")>>back to the old oak tree<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("B3 case01 swamp exitpath")>>wherein the clearing seems to extend<</if>>—or go <b>left</b>, where it seems it's drier and the trees less dense. <div class="you">This time, you go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|D3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[right.|B3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>><</if>>\ <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ The everlasting silence is ever broken by your step. But you can not stand idly and silently. You must continue to walk. However, this path here, it is strangely soothing. Suspiciously so. It's really is peaceful. This peacefulness in the middle of a nightmarish night has no right to be legal. And that what your mind is telling you. You cannot hope to stay at ease here. You cannot idle. You cannot die here. You cannot die here. You cannot die here. You. Cannot. Die. Here. In front of you, in the deafening silence, two path are opened. On goes <b>right</b>, and the other continue <b>forward</b>. The mud look more saturated in water forward, and sticker than the one you're standing on right now. <<if hasVisited("C3 case01 swamp exitpath")>>But you know that right is the way of the clearing<<if hasVisited("B3 case01 swamp exitpath")>> with the creepy old oak tree<</if>>.<</if>> <div class="you">You chose to go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[forward.|D4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[right.|C3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ A clearing. Respite. You breath a little, but you already know that staying here is out of the question. In the clearing, there are only dry bushes, and a fallen log. You'd rather not sit on it, by fear of not being able to sit up from it once settled. So, you better keep moving. Just because of pure curiosity, you take out your phone to check on the signal. And as you're staring, you notice one bar blinking at you. One bar... You loose not one second opening the GPS, thanking the lack of tree which blocked the signal otherwise. You just know you'll loose this one bar once you'll return to the forest. You see the map opening —loading for two full minutes which feels like hours— and showing the red mark of the parking lot with written "You're parked here" —the one you set before leaving you car. You can see that, to leave this place, you just have to go as straight as you can. You open the sattelite view, but unfortunately for you, there are too much tree in this forest to be able to see the topography. So, you don't know what to expect to fall onto whislt being in here. But at least, you have direction. You think. As you watch the two path opening before you. One of the two goes <b>straight ahead</b> and the other one goes <b>right</b>. The smell of stale water comes from the one going forward. On your right, the mud looks as dry as the one you're walking on, and you hope it continues that way. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[forward.|G4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[right.|F4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ You stare, and your reflection is staring back at you. You look dead tired and not at all motivated to cross this body of water. Besides, it looks like a river like something or a very angry pond is snaking around on this part. You can't much with the mist and just your flashlight to show you the way. But heh, you better stay far away from this spot. The mud here is soggy, even though you were walking on dry land before that. From here, you can only go <b>back</b>, or try your luck turning <b>right</b>, where it looks a little bit drier than here. <div class="you">You decite to go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[right|F4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[back.|G3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -=1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Well, you should have seen it coming. Wet ground and wetter ground lead to bodies of water. Dully noted. A pond is standing in your very path to leave this green hell. You can't cross it directly. But as you shine your flashlight around, you notice there is a path, although a tedious one, to the <b>left</b>. Or you can <b>go back</b> to the clearing. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[left.|D4 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[[back to the clearing.|C3 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Patience. Patience is a virtue, they said. You'll just have to be a lit bit patient, and everything will be better, they said. Your ass. There. Boldly. Stand. A. <span class="cap"><<print $swamp>></span>. Pool. Of course, in such a place, there will be one. Of course, with your luck, it's in your way. And of course —because you really are a lucky person— you cannot cross it. Do you know what it means ? It means back to the previous crossing. It means you've lost some precious times. And your heart has been hammouring in your chest for a while now. You hope you will not have a heart failure by the... end of this ? This walk seems endless, and you really hope you'll head home. Time to <b>go back</b>. <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[go back.|B5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<if not hasVisited("C7 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\ The first thing assaulting your senses, is the smell of rot. it takes you in the gut and twist around in your insides. And your eyes start to water. And this smell, everybody know what it is. One identifiable amongs many. <div class="center"><span class="large">DEATH</span></div> It's the smell of death. You look around for the origin of the smell, hoping not to find a body. More specifically, a body you would recognize. You cannot hear the buzzing of flies, but there again, you cannot hear anything at all, no insects are chirping, even the birds are silent, in this still and frozen forest. Then, your light cacthes a unmoving form, lying on the floor. It's of a small animal, that you can see. But what makes your body recoils with disgust and fear, is the state the animal's small dead body is in. It's lying on its back, its belly completely open. And whatever was inside is spilled out or smeared on the floor. Its gut are whirling on the cold floor and what appears to be its stomach is cut open. But what concerns you is that... It doesn't appear as if it was to eat. Whatever or whoever did this wasn't looking for food. Some organs —even though you're not an expert— are clearly missing. You can't see the heart, wherever you look. And whatever is not inside, has been left alone. The limbs are intact, the head as well. Nothing left has been touched, apart from its throat, which has been ripped, probably causing its impending death. Malevolence is what comes into your mind at this twisted vision. You. Need. To. Leave.—a mantra singing inside your head since you met the bloody monster. You look around at where to go next. You can continue <b>forward</b> onto the same path, or take a turn <b>letf</b>. Forward, the floor looks a little soggier than where you're standing. On your left, the land looks drier. <div class="you">You decide to go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|D6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|C7 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("C7 case01 swamp exitpath")>>\ You're back to the cursed animal body and the smell of death. You clench your jaw against the onslaught on your senses. Now that you've stayed on the same path and got not satisfying result for it, the only path left is the <b>left</b> turn, where the soil is drier. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[left.|D6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <</if>>\ <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 5>><<if $swampmove > 0>>\ You don't really know why you did that. You really don't know why you decided to go near this cursed dark water. Into which you know there is something dead. But you did. You went near it. It took a little fighting, grunting and pulling at rough branches and bark, but you succeeded in crossing those cursed water. Now, the cost of doing this is that your <<print $shoes>> has suffered greatly, and you see things stuck on you that you'd rather wish you didn't have to led your eyes on it. Now, you're standing on lands. Lands, and a path <b>forward</b>. <div class="you">And that's where you</div> <ul><li>[[go.|D6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>> <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ You should have seen it coming. It's almost fate, when you think about it. You mean, who would expect to find a body of water, in a swamp. Who ? If not you. Because, the said body of water, is looking right back at you, with its dull and dark surface—if a pool could stare. You check your phone. No network. And it's cold. Your fingertips, and toes, are all numb. And you're starting to tire. Your muscles are strained. And you really, really, really want to leave this place. But for now, you have to <b>go back</b>. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back.|C6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ <<nobr>><<if hasVisited("C6 case01 swamp exitpath")>>This mud here is cackey, making you're navigating on the dead-leaves-covered floor easier. You're not squising or sloshing around, and the cold is less bitting.<</if>><<if hasVisited("E6 case01 swamp exitpath")>>Walking on dry mud and leaves makes it easier for you than sloshing around like you did earlier this night. Besides, it's keeping you dry, hence relatively not that cold. Which is an improvement. <</if>><</nobr>> As you're stumbling around, moving now like a zombie because of how tired you are, and how numb your limbs are, you notice something, on a tree. The bark was removed to allow someone to engrave something. You can read : "Zack & Saliha" inside a giant heart. Well, there is even a date underneath : it was engraved 23 years prior. Well, that was a long long time. You wonder if there are still together. Are they still living in Stonefrey ? You check your phone. There is no network, as expected. It's <span class="emph">05:17</span>a.m,. You've been walking for less than an hour. It took you one hour of walk from the parking lot to the place you had the nightmarish encounter. So, if you walked the right way, you'll be able to see the exit soon. It's with this small but soothing reassurance that you continue your tiresome and weary walk. Through the fog of ice blanketing the forest, you can only one path : continue forward, <b>straight ahead</b>. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[straight ahead.|D7 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

You... you can "recognize" this place. You were here, earlier. That's where the glasses were. Yeah,on the floor, here are footprints. Yours. A rush of relief is living, rent free, right now in your heart. In place of all the angst from earlier. <div class="you">You go.</div> <ul><li>[[Happily enough|case01 swampleave]]</li></ul> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ The darkness and dampness are weighting on your shoulders and the cold is biting are your flesh. It's starting to get really long, both this walk and this night. Your eyelids are feeling heavy on your tired and alert eyes. But the fear is spurting you forward. The fear of your unpending death, promised by whatever it was that you met earlier. So you press forward. Again, and again, one step after the other. In front of you, the path extend both way : either you <b>forward</b>, where the soil is damper than where you're currently standing, or you can go <b>right</b>. <div class="you">You decide to go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[forward.|E7 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[right.|D6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Hey, look. Water. And behind that ? More water. And behind that much water ? You don't, know, you can't see in the dark yet. So, because you can't see so far and you don't know what's in the sloshing mud in front of you, you'd rather not cross this. You sigh and back away, returning to your steps. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back.|E6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Hey, look, you're stranded. By a very large pool of water. <<if hasVisited("G4 case01 swamp exitpath")>>It looks like the one you've already crossed and decided to stay away from. Guess you failed. Successfully, at that.<</if>> Because it looks really deep, really not friendly and full of really not as friendlier things, you really don't want to cross it. So you're choice now is just to retrace your steps <b>back</b> to the previous crossing. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back.|F5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Dampness and sweat clings to your every clothes and every moves. You wonder how tired you will be once you'll leave this place. Because you'll leave this place. There is no other way. You hope. As you walk, you notice a strange place devoid of bushes and trees. The grass is green and thick and luscious, breathing life. Breathing life in this place of rot and death, where trees branches look like gnarling fingers. It's look out of space. And as you're nearing the peculiar spot of life, you observe a circle. More precisely a ring made of growing white mushroom. The ring is <<if settings.imperial eq false>>two meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>six feet six inches<</if>> wide. Even though the grass around the circle looks healthy, the one inside the suspiscious ring of mushroom looks darker, deader. You look at the surrounding forest of black ink in the night, the crimson moon above, and you're starting to wonder if all of this is not just one stupid nightmare. A scary one you must say. But you musn't stay there, nightmare or not, you don't want another encounter with whatever you've met and shot earlier. You can go two different way. Either you go <b>forward</b>, where the mud is still as dry and stable as the one you're currently walking on. Or you can go <b>left</b>, where the floor seems soggier and stickier. Another option would be to boldly step inside the circle of mushroom... <div class="you">You go</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|G5 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|F6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[inside the circle.|FAE case01 swamp exitpath GO]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Ah. Yes. What a surprise. Water. In. A. Swamp. Why so lucky, really ? You should have gone to the lottery with how in luck you are. Guess you'll just have to loose even more time turning on your heels and aiming <b>back</b> from where you're coming from. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back.|F6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Water. There is water everywhere. Probably deep, dark, cold water. You stare at it for a second whilst being surrounded by a deep dark and cold forest. There is no warmth and joy in this place, and even looks like it's sucking the life out of you. You're tire, but you guess that staying there is not an option. You check your phone. No signal. No GPS. Guess you'll just have to continue walking. And make a u-turn —going <b>back on your steps</b>. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back.|F6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ Wrong pick. The floor is sloping down, and down and down, toward a seemingly bottomless <<linkappend "rift" t8n>><<notify>>You found a strange rift.<</notify>><</linkappend>> in the forest floor. A wound in the earth. You can hear the turbulant noise of water falling falling and falling, downwards and even downer, bellow. Maybe, indeed, this forest is a green hell. Or most specifically, the opening of it and you're standing just there. At hell's mouth, swallowing life. Cold is sweeping out and coiling around the awning in the floor in an eerie dance —tendrils of ice wanting to freeze whatever comes near— adding mist to the already dark surrounding. You hope Ethan Murphy has not fallen down there. You hope. But this is a lead. You shiver and your hair stands, because you feel that something is intrasecally wrong here. You can see the other side of the rift, but it's to far to try and jump there without dying by falling down in the process. Right and left, you see no way around it. You notice that, worst of all, you're standing on what appears to be a narrow cliff, and the forest is closing in on both sides. You cannot follow the rift to the nearest exit. And you'd rather not stay here. You goal here is to leave this place as soon as possible, and as fast as possible. You take out your phone and... there is one bar. Meaning, you're closer to where there is indeed, réseau, —the city. This is the good way. You open your GPS app, and indeed. The parking lot and somewhere, forward. So you'll have to leave this suspicious place which is sending you not so good vibe. So you take your weary hope of finding your way back, and you <b>turn back</b> from where you came from. Hoping to find an opening in the dense forest to allow passage back from where you came from. <div class="you">You go</div> <ul><li>[[back.|F6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <<set $case01 +=1>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $swampmove -= 1>><<if $swampmove >0>>\ There is nothing special here, except for an old tree stump covered in various mosses. It could have been a perfect place to rest, were there daylight and birds and butterfly. truly. But now, it wait patiently in the darkness like the gallow that would sign your death. Were you to sit there. You, unfortunately, cannot rest yet. Even though your feet hurts and you're strating to seriously tire. True, you might rest eternally in the afterlife, but you don't want to go there yet. So, you must push forward. Four paths stands for you to choose. One goes <b>left</b>, on goes <b>forward</b> and there is one <b>between these two</b>. Then there is another way <b>right</b>. The leftmost paths seems soggier than the right one. The one running forward are covered in lushious moss and the shrubbery seems greener than everywhere else. <div class="you">You pick the path going</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[left.|G6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[in between.|F7 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[forward.|G7 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[right.|E6 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $swampmove <=0>>\ <<goto [[case01 swamp swampmove GO]]>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<silently>><<audio ":playing" stop>><<timed 2s>><<audio "gameover" play>><</timed>><</silently>>Cold run's through every pore in your body. You feel a pressure near your chest. And you faint. Just like that. You just faint. You can't handle surprises such as this, escecially because you're already in a creepy setting. And mostly because you have a rabbit's heart. Somehow. Unfortunatelly, you never woke up from your black out. You never had the opportunity to know what was behind you. <span class="gameo">The swamp has claimed you.</span> <p class="one"><h1>You have died.</h1></p> <<button "Try again">><<goto [[case01 swamp rustling]]>><</button>> <<silently>><<set $deathcount += 1>><<set $deathcountcase01 +=1>><</silently>> <br> <br> <br>

<div class="center"> <br> <br> <br> <span class="part nored">[[A cliché night in a swamp|Start]]</span> </div> <div class="trigger"><span class="focus-exp"><<link "Trigger Warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Trigger Warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case01 trigger warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "Start">><</timed>>[[Start]]<</silently>> <<script>> UIBar.hide(); <</script>>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<timed 2s>><<audio "crack" play>><</timed>>\ The gloomy darkness is weighting on your shoulders. You're walking slightly slumped forward with wear, when you hear it. <<if settings.anima eq false>><<timed 3s>><span class="crack">CRACK !</span><</timed>><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="crack">CRACK !</span><</if>> You freeze. Time stand still, hanging on the edge of a knife. Your heart hammers is your chest painfully. <<if settings.anima eq false>><<timed 10s>><span class="crack">CRACK !</span><</timed>><<else>><</if>><<if settings.anima eq true>><span class="crack">CRACK !</span><</if>> Maybe you took to much time finding the way back. Or maybe it was just wildlife doing what wildlife do in the middle of the night. You then hear <<linkreplace "it." t8n>> it. The distinct sound of footstep. <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp runaway")>>You don't need to stand here dumbfounded. You don't need a visual confirmation of what is coming. You just aim straight for where you were about to go, and run. You run as fast as you can. Though, it appears that whatever was behind you has decided to run as well. And it run even faster than you. That's what you notice when you feel a rotting and icy cold hand gripping you, yanking you and throwing you on the floor. The force of the impact chases the air out of your lungs. You crouch on the floor, your torchlight hanged by the strap to your wrist illuminates all but in front of you. Were the creature is standing. Grinning. Opened wounds splurts black blood from its rotten flesh. The creature advances on you, slowlly. Slowly as a predator about to pounce on its prey would. You blink, stop your heavy panting and take your gun out of its holster. But not fast enough. The creature lunges at you and claws the side of your face, sending you rolling on the floor, face down and confused. You see stars and a ringing in your ears, when you try to roll away to a stand. Something stops you and kneels on your back, pinning you down. Your gun lies, discarded, further away. Out of reach. You claw at the floor, trying to move away from the weihgt on your back. You try to scrath the creature on your back, but to no avail. You are now at its mercy...<</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp jump back")>>You don't need to stand here dumbfounded. You don't need a visual confirmation of what is coming. You just take out your gun from its holster, aim your light wherens the noice is coming from and wait. Eagle eyed. And then you see it. The same red eyes. Grinning smile. Put on a head mounted on a rotting body, with bleeding bullet wounds here and there. The creature marches with a broken gait, dead set on on coming to you. Your breath itches. But you don't loose another second, you take aim and shoot. And again. But. You touch only trees. The creatures has evaded your shots, and advances on you, fast. You redirect your gun to its head, and shot again. It has anticipated your move and ducked, again. You take another aim whilst taking a step back, and press the trigger. You handgun clicks, but no bullets comes out. You can't believe it and take another step back and press the trigger again. Nothing. Realization comes just as your back meet the ridge surface of a tree trunk. The creature has stopped in its track. Not out of caution. But out of glee. It appears to be smiling from ear to ear. And advances on you. You are now at its mercy...<</if>>\ <span class="gameo">The swamp has claimed you.</span> <h1>You have died.</h1> <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp triggerRight")>><<button "Try again">><<goto [[case01 swamp triggerRight]]>><</button>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp triggerLeft")>><<button "Try again">><<goto [[case01 swamp triggerLeft]]>><</button>><</if>>\ <<silently>><<set $deathcount += 1>><<set $deathcountcase01 +=1>><</silently>> <br> <br> <br><</linkreplace>>

* Blood * Body horror * Cannibalism (mention only) * Death and depiction of death (yours as well as others) * Drowning * Gore * Gun and use of gun * Recreational drug, nicotine and/or alcohol use * Psychological horror and disturbing content (including mental illness) * Strong/Vulgar Language * Violence and graphic depiction of violence

<div class="center"><h1>Pronouns</h1></div> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center">Preset : <<if $verifypronouns is false>><<listbox "$preset" autoselect>> <<option "they/them">> <<option "he/him">> <<option "she/her">> <</listbox>><<else>><</if>> <<if $verifypronouns is true>> <<listbox "$preset" autoselect>> <<option "personalized">> <<option "they/them">> <<option "he/him">> <<option "she/her">> <</listbox>><</if>> <br><<button "Ok">><<silently>> <<if $preset eq "they/them">><<set $plural to true>><<set $she to "they">><<set $her to "them">><<set $herr to "their">><<set $hers to "theirs">><<set $herself to "themselves">><<set $noun to "person">><<set $marriagename to "spouse">><<set $family to "child">><<set $familystreet to "kid">><<set $sibling to "sibling">><<set $petname to "darling">><<else>><<update>><</if>> <<if $preset eq "he/him">><<set $plural to false>><<set $she to "he">><<set $her to "him">><<set $herr to "his">><<set $hers to "his">><<set $herself to "hiself">><<set $noun to "man">><<set $marriagename to "husband">><<set $family to "son">><<set $familystreet to "son">><<set $sibling to "brother">><<set $petname to "handsome">><<else>><<update>><</if>> <<if $preset eq "she/her">><<set $plural to false>><<set $she to "she">><<set $her to "her">><<set $herr to "hers">><<set $hers to "hers">><<set $herself to "herself">><<set $noun to "woman">><<set $marriagename to "wife">><<set $family to "daughter">><<set $familystreet to "daughter">><<set $sibling to "sister">><<set $petname to "sweetheart">><<update>> <</if>><</silently>><</button>></div><</nobr>>\ <br> <<linkreplace "or define your own" t8n>><span class="cap"><span class="red">Define you own</span></span> <<silently>> <<if $preset eq "they/them">> <<set $plural to true>> <<set $she to "they">> <<set $her to "them">> <<set $herr to "their">> <<set $hers to "theirs">> <<set $herself to "themselves">> <<set $noun to "person">> <<set $marriagename to "spouse">> <<set $family to "child">><<set $familystreet to "kid">> <<set $sibling to "sibling">> <<set $petname to "darling">> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $preset eq "he/him">> <<set $plural to false>> <<set $she to "he">> <<set $her to "him">> <<set $herr to "his">> <<set $hers to "his">> <<set $herself to "hiself">> <<set $noun to "man">> <<set $marriagename to "husband">> <<set $family to "son">><<set $familystreet to "son">> <<set $sibling to "brother">> <<set $petname to "sunshine">> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if $preset eq "she/her">> <<set $plural to false>> <<set $she to "she">> <<set $her to "her">> <<set $herr to "hers">> <<set $hers to "hers">> <<set $herself to "herself">> <<set $noun to "woman">> <<set $marriagename to "wife">> <<set $family to "daughter">><<set $familystreet to "daughter">> <<set $sibling to "sister">> <<set $petname to "sweetheart">> <</if>>\ <<if $she isnot "they">><<set $preset to "personalized">><<set $verifypronouns to true>><</if>><<if $she isnot "he">><<set $preset to "personalized">><<set $verifypronouns to true>><</if>><<if $she isnot "she">><<set $preset to "personalized">><<set $verifypronouns to true>><</if>>\ <</silently>> Your pronouns are plural : <<checkbox "$plural" false true checked>> Subject pronouns : I/You/We <<textbox "$she" $she>> Object pronouns : Me/You/Us <<textbox "$her" $her>> Possessive Adjective : My/Your/Our <<textbox "$herr" $herr>> Possessive pronouns: Mine/Yours/Ours <<textbox "$hers" $hers>> Reflexive pronouns : Myself/Yourself/Ourself <<textbox "$herself" $herself>>\ Noun : <<textbox "$noun" $noun>> Marriage : <<textbox "$marriagename" $marriagename>> Family : <<textbox "$family" $family>> Sibling : <<textbox "$sibling" $sibling>> Petname : <<textbox "$petname" $petname>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "See what it looks like" t8n>> <<if $plural eq true>><span class="cap"><b>$she</b></span> mumble to <b>$herself</b> "//What a long day it was...//". <span class="cap">$she</span> chuckle a little, thinking at how surprising <b>$herr</b> life is now. But all of this mess of suprise is now <b>$hers</b> to take care of. And people are trusting <b>$her</b> to do just that. People must think "What a peculiar <b>$noun</b>, $she are. I wouldn't want to be $herr <b>$sibling</b> nor having $her as $herr <b>$family</b>, even less so as $herr <b>$marriagename</b> or call $her petname like <b>$petname</b>." <</if>>\ <<if $plural eq false>><span class="cap"><b>$she</b></span> mumbles to <b>$herself</b> "//What a long day it was...//". <span class="cap">$she</span> chuckles a little, thinking at how surprising <b>$herr</b> life is now. But all of this mess of suprise is now <b>$hers</b> to take care of. And people are trusting <b>$her</b> to do just that. People must think "What a peculiar <b>$noun</b> $she is. I wouldn't want to be $herr <b>$sibling</b> nor having $her as $herr <b>$family</b>, even less so as $herr <b>$marriagename</b> or call $her petname like <b>$petname</b>." <<update>><</if>>\ <<update>>Your pronouns are : $preset ! <</linkreplace>> <div class="center"><<link "Reload">> <<notify>>Pronouns modification saved !<</notify>> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Pronouns"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Pronouns").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></div> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<notify>>Pronouns modification saved !<</notify>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Pronouns"); Dialog.setup("Profil"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Profile").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></div>

Sahara/Salomon Mbaya | F/M |Old years old|? Have you already seen in the eyes of someone some age old lost wisdom ? Flowing like crystal clear water from a time where you weren't even born. Something worth admiring. This is what you can see in their eyes. Despite being a giant, they are a tranquil, very tranquil person. Now that you think about it, you've never seen them eat. Nor drink. This is suspicious. "If someone points you the moon, don't stare at the finger." Appearance : Surely not human. 2.06m/6'76. Sky blue eyes. Long coiled hair, tainted sandy blond (braided). Chocolate brown skin. Lithe but strong build with broad shoulders.

Yi-seo/Yunsu Yu |F/M |Also old years old| ? Yu is, like, the opposite of Mbaya, whilst being almost similar. In front of you stand something from a past long gone. But, instead of tranquility, Yu is a bubbly person. Almost too bubbly. And you're almost sure that they own at least half the club and bar of Stonefrey. If not more. Something about the way they move, silently, and almost feline-like, makes you doubt they are human. "I'm not saying I don't care. I'm just saying that, if the whole city was about to burn down, I'll still take the time to appreciate my glass of whiskey." Appearance : Definitely not human. 1.65m/5'61. Black eyes. Dark brown hair (Yi-seo: Shoulder length hair/Yunsu : Ivy league crew cut). Olive skin. Muscular build.

<<set $rathrela to [($rathfriend)+($rathbooty)+($rathlove)+($rathhatetolove)-($rathfoe)]>><<set $rathromance to [($rathbooty)+($rathlove)+($rathhatetolove)]>><h1>Iolrath</h1> <<if $rathroad eq true>><h2>Road: <span class="red"><<print $rathroadtype>></span></h2><</if>>\ <blockquote>"Why must I say something ? Isn't silence acceptable in a discussion ?"</blockquote> <<nobr>><details><summary>Identity</summary> Name: Iolrath<br>Surname: Greenwood<br>A.K.A. : Rath, Rathael<br>Age: <<if $rathrela < 80>>//Unknown//<<else>><</if>><<if $rathrela >= 80>>672<</if>><br>Species : Elf<br>Gender : <<if $rathgender eq "m">>Male<<else>><</if>><<if $rathgender eq "f">>Female<<else>><<if $rathgender eq "nb">>Non-binary<</if>><br>Pronouns : <<= $rathhe>>/<<= $rathhim>><br>Profession: A forest ranger.<br> Family ties: Child of Rivaran and Iltheruyn<</if>> </details> <details><summary>Physical appearance</summary> Eyes: Violet<br>Skin: Shimmery<br>Hair: Long silver hair<br>Facial hair: None<br>Height: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.82 m<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6'0 ft<</if>><br>Weight: <<if settings.imperial eq false>>75 kg<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>165.3 lbs<</if>><br>Build: Fair<br>Special Features:Obvious pointed ears, adorned with earings and piercings. </details> <details><summary>Wardrobe</summary> Ranger's uniform: with cargo pants and ranger boots.<br>Or simple 3/4 sleeved T-shirt with a leather jacket and ranger boots. Likes to wear sunglasses. </details> <</nobr>> <h2>Relationships statue</h2> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Friendship:<<= $rathfriend>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$rathfriend" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Enmity:<<= $rathfoe>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$rathfoe" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐Romance:<<= $rathromance>>%</span></div> <meter class="dialog" @value="$rathromance" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red lnr lnr-heart-pulse"></span><span class="red">General relationship: General relationship: <<print $rathrela>>%</span></div> <meter @value="$rathrela" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); Dialog.setup("Characters list"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters list").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> </div>

<<notify>>Case autosaved.<</notify>>The only sounds in your ears are the beating of your heart and the sloshing of the marsh when meeting your wet $shoes. You almost fall down multiple times on wandering roots and hidden rocks. The mud clings onto your cold feet as to drag you down into unknown depths. The gnarling fingers of the trees around try to meddle with your <<nobr>><<listbox "$hairlength" autoselect>> <<option "shoulder lenght hair" shoulder length>> <<option "long hair" long>> <<option "really long hair" really long>> <<option "hair which barely reach your chin" chin-length>> <<option "short hair" short>> <<option "really short hair" really short>> <<option "military cropped hair" cropped>> <<option "bald head" bald>><</listbox>><</nobr>>. Succeeding in scraping whatever skin is accessible. You don't know how long you've run. Probably for an eternity. But your lungs have a limit and they're screaming at you that you're nearing it. So you stop, panting. You look around you. Around and around stand a wall of autumn's dead trees, mangy bushes which grow on soggy mud. And nothing else. Nothing you recognize. No footprint except the ones you've left. In short, you're lost. Purely and simply lost. Feeling suddendly cold, you pull closer your <<nobr>><<listbox "$outwear" autoselect>> <<option "coat">> <<option "wool coat">> <<option "pea coat">> <<option "aviator jacket">> <<option "fleece jacket">> <<option "lined leather jacket">> <<option "lined denim jacket">> <<option "insulated raincoat">> <<option "varsity jacket">> <<option "puffy jacket">> <<option "warm sweater">> <<option "trench coat">> <<option "fake fur coat">> <<option "parka">> <<option "duffel">><</listbox>><</nobr>> closer. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You take out your phone. It's currently <span class="emph">04:22</span> a.m,. Being well in the middle of autumn, the sun rises approximately at 07:30 a.m,. You'll have roughly 3 hours to spend in this place before help comes your way. Indeed, in a fit of sanity during the crazy journey that has led you in this green hell, at past 3 a.m., you've sent a message to a close one to inform them. And ask them to call for help if they don't hear from you after the sun rises. You have no network and you can't know if your messages have already been seen or not. Well, let's hope. Let's just hope. For a good outcome, shall we? No network means you cannot count on the Global Positioning System to guide you safely towards your car. <div class="you">You have no choice but to</div> <ul><li>[[continue to move.|G1 case01 swamp exitpath]]</li></ul> <</linkreplace>> <<silently>> Taux de survie (plus élevé, plus super)=endurance+wendigo Pallier : Max=120, 80, 60, 40, 30, <30 <<set $gun +=2>><<set $swampmove to $sport + $wendigo /2>> <</silently>> <br> <br> <br>

<<notify>>Achievement unlocked!<</notify>><<audio ":playing" stop>>The forest is as still as ever. You cannot hear a single living being. One of the only sound you can hear is the slight and icy breeze lulling in the trees, carrying with it the smell of mud and dead wood. The other sound, sounding thunderous in front of the deafening silence, is the sound of your steps on the forest floor. Crunching dead leaves and tree branches. Brushing shrubbery. Stomping on sticky mud. All of that is covered, in your ear, by the sound of your pulsating heart and your ragged breath. But you must push forward. And the thought of leaving this <<print $swamp>> green hell is injecting you with renewed adrenaline. Hope is pushing you, moving you. You almost feel like you can fly. Home is calling you at the end of this nightmare. Maybe you'll just wake up in your bed. Maybe, you'll think you were stupid believing monster exists. You'll have a good laugh in the morning. Maybe, it will even be your alarm that'll awaken you. You wish it rings now, to end this. You wish that—[[CRACK|case01 swampleave nightmare]] <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>>\ You step inside the mushroom ring. Because why not ? You're just curious. As soon as you're entirely inside the circle, a shiver runs down your spine. <<linkreplace "How was it called ?" t8n>>A fairy ring. You remember how this thing is called now. <<timed 1s>>A fairy ring.<</timed>> <<timed 3s>>You want to leave it now, because it's not funny anymore.<</timed>> <<timed 6s>>It's strange how you cannot move anymore.<</timed>> <<timed 10s>>It's like all your limbs are tensed. Tensed to the point it hurts. Your hand is clutching your torchlight straight ahead, in the greenery beyond. And your head is oriented this way.<</timed>> <<linkreplace "Why" t8n>>Why can't you move. Why ? <<timed 1s>>You must though. You must leave this place.<</timed>> <<timed 3s>>Hurry.<</timed>> <<timed 4s>>You try to move inside a body that won't listen anymore. Like sleep paralysis. <</timed>> <<timed 7s>>Move !<</timed>> <<timed 8s>>You.<</timed>> <<timed 9s>>Must.<</timed>><<timed 10s>>Move.<</timed>> <<linkreplace "YOU MUST MOVE."t8n>> <span class="large">MOVE</span> You haven't prompt a single finger. Even your eyelids won't obey. Your limbs are tensed. Tensed to the point it hurts no more, because you don't feel them anymore. But you feel the single tears running down your cheek. You think you're cold. Your hand is clutching your torchlight straight ahead, in the greenery beyond. And your head is oriented this way. That's why, you immediately see something movingin the lighted place. Another tear flows. But your eyes won't close. Your body is still unresponsive. Even as, before you, stand a wounded creature. Smiling. Wide. The creature stands tall inside the reach of your lamp, outside the circle. Then closes. One step. Another step. Another step. It's inside. You still can't move. Move. Please. Move. It's standing in front of you. You can smell the putrid scent of rot. The acrid stench of death. And blood. And dead woods. And razor sharp teethes as they're closing on you. <span class="gameo">The swamp has claimed you.</span> <p class="one"><h1>You've died.</h1></p> <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp triggerRight")>><<button "Try again">><<goto [[case01 swamp triggerRight]]>><</button>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp triggerLeft")>><<button "Try again">><<goto [[case01 swamp triggerLeft]]>><</button>><</if>>\ <<silently>><<set $deathcount += 1>><<set $deathcountcase01 +=1>><</silently>> <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ultricies tristique nulla aliquet enim tortor at. Consequat ac felis donec et odio pellentesque diam volutpat commodo. Mauris cursus mattis molestie a iaculis at erat. Ac odio tempor orci dapibus ultrices in. Pellentesque sit amet porttitor eget dolor morbi. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed. Enim nunc faucibus a pellentesque sit amet. Accumsan sit amet nulla facilisi morbi tempus iaculis urna id. Dignissim enim sit amet venenatis urna cursus. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed. Enim nunc faucibus a pellentesque sit amet. Accumsan sit amet nulla facilisi morbi tempus iaculis urna id. Vulputate sapien nec sagittis aliquam malesuada bibendum arcu. Lectus mauris ultrices eros in cursus turpis massa tincidunt dui. Sit amet volutpat consequat mauris nunc congue nisi vitae. Et molestie ac feugiat sed lectus. Est pellentesque elit ullamcorper dignissim cras tincidunt lobortis. Risus nec feugiat in fermentum posuere urna. Lectus mauris ultrices eros in cursus turpis massa tincidunt dui. Erat imperdiet sed euismod nisi. Elementum sagittis vitae et leo duis ut diam quam. Luctus accumsan tortor posuere ac ut consequat. Tortor posuere ac ut consequat semper viverra nam. Fringilla urna porttitor rhoncus dolor purus non enim praesent elementum. Amet risus nullam eget felis eget nunc lobortis mattis aliquam. Velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis ultricies lacus sed. Eget nunc scelerisque viverra mauris in. <<nobr>><div class="choices">  <<link '<div class="choice-item">choice text lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.</div>' 'nextpassage'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">choice text lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.</div>' 'nextpassage'>><</link>> <<link '<div class="choice-item">choice text lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.</div>' 'nextpassage'>><</link>> </div><</nobr>>

yeehaw! here's a longer passage just to test out the scrolling function. $testingvar Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ultricies tristique nulla aliquet enim tortor at. Consequat ac felis donec et odio pellentesque diam volutpat commodo. Mauris cursus mattis molestie a iaculis at erat. Ac odio tempor orci dapibus ultrices in. Pellentesque sit amet porttitor eget dolor morbi. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed. Enim nunc faucibus a pellentesque sit amet. Accumsan sit amet nulla facilisi morbi tempus iaculis urna id. Dignissim enim sit amet venenatis urna cursus. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed. Enim nunc faucibus a pellentesque sit amet. Accumsan sit amet nulla facilisi morbi tempus iaculis urna id. Vulputate sapien nec sagittis aliquam malesuada bibendum arcu. Lectus mauris ultrices eros in cursus turpis massa tincidunt dui. Sit amet volutpat consequat mauris nunc congue nisi vitae. Et molestie ac feugiat sed lectus. Est pellentesque elit ullamcorper dignissim cras tincidunt lobortis. Risus nec feugiat in fermentum posuere urna. Lectus mauris ultrices eros in cursus turpis massa tincidunt dui. Erat imperdiet sed euismod nisi. Elementum sagittis vitae et leo duis ut diam quam. Luctus accumsan tortor posuere ac ut consequat. Tortor posuere ac ut consequat semper viverra nam. Fringilla urna porttitor rhoncus dolor purus non enim praesent elementum. Amet risus nullam eget felis eget nunc lobortis mattis aliquam. Velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis ultricies lacus sed. Eget nunc scelerisque viverra mauris in.

<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>

<<nobr>> <p> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>go back</div>'>><<script>>Engine.backward()<</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-download"></span>save</div>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-cog"></span>settings</div>'>><<script>>UI.settings()<</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-redo"></span>restart</div>'>><<script>>UI.restart()<</script>><</link>> </p> <p> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-user"></span>profile</div>'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Profil"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Profile").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-bookmark"></span>case log</div>'>><<script>> Dialog.setup("Case Log"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Case Log").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-pushpin"></span>clues</div>'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Clues"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case01clues").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-book"></span>codex</div>'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Codex"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Codex").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-users"></span>characters</div>' >><<script>>Dialog.setup("Characters list"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters list").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-star"></span>achievements</div>'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Achievements"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievements").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>> </p> <p> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-warning"></span>content warning</div>'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Content warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Content warning").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-pencil"></span>report something</div>'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Report something"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Report something").processText()); Dialog.open();<</script>><</link>> <<link '<div class="menu-item"><span class="red lnr lnr-paperclip"></span>credit</div>' 'credit'>><</link>> <div class="menu-item"><span class="grey lnr lnr-diamond"></span><span style="color:grey">Extra</span></div> </p> <</nobr>>

<<nobr>><span class="hovered lnr lnr-menu"></span>| <span class="hovered"><<= $opencase>>.<<= $openpart>></span> : $casepart<</nobr>>

you could probably move this to a separate .tw file if u dont want it to be in this bit [[link test|testpassage]]

<<set $cautious -=1>><<set $genuine -=1>>\ In your resignation you flip this creature a bird. Let it eat it as well as it eats you. However morbid it is, you hope it will choke with your bones. That you will tear it from the inside. That you will flow like poison. Acidic. Painful. Because this is the only way for you to feel now. The only way to turn this anger out. And so you stare at the creature, your middle finger pointing to the sky. [[...|case01 swampresign next]] <br> <br> <br>

<<set $cautious -=1>><<set $easygoing -=1>>\ In your resignation you look it in the eyes. You smile bitterly at fate, which has doomed you. And at everything really. You smile because this is the last thing you can do. You try not to waver, even when the world is blurry with your unshed tears. It's weird how time can slow down. This particular stare down seems to be lasting an eternity, as you're looking inside those eyes, so dark, so deep, like the portals to hell. Or an endless pit of nightmare. [[...|case01 swampresign next]] <br> <br> <br>

<<set $optimistic -=1>><<set $cautious +=1>> In your resignation you just close your eyes. You don't want to see your end. You think of other places, where you once were happy. Places that warms your heart. You don't want to let this creature take your joy, your happiness away. You don't want it to win against your heart. And so you try to feel serene in spite of all. Another sound makes it way to your ears, but you keep squeezing your eyes closed. Regardless of your effort to make your last hour, nay your last minutes, your own, a tear runs down your cheek. Your lips twitch. In a cocooned and warm place of both your brain and heart, your loved ones smile at you. You cannot forgo them. You can not. And so you open your eyes. But as you make your choice to fight at last, your eyes flying open, the beast is upon you. [[...|case01 swampresign next]] <br> <br> <br>

Verbal lore patterned traditional utterances performed in specific context, accompanied sometimes by gestures and accessories. They are believed to bring about changes in the health, fortune, safety and emotional state of an individual or group. Different types/motifs of curses exist : *to create an outcasts like Cain; *curses relating to competitions or verbal dexteerity; *malediction delieverd by holy men or women; *ritualized curses delivered by poets in ancient Ireland, whose words were believed to be uniquely powerful; *maledictions groupes into those intented to cause physicial harm, bad luck, misfortune for the recipent's decendants, or death. There are differents types of magic associated with curses : imitativ magic works according to the principle of "like produces like" e.g. a voodoo doll ; there is also the contagious magic, which operates on the idea that something which was in contact with a person will continue to exert control over him or her even after it has been removed. Curses are used when people feel powerless, aggrieved in some way, or believe a wrong needs to be righted.

The beast lauches itself at you. Jumping. Time slows down, nearly stopping. It almost allows you to count the creature sharp fangs in excruciating details in the halo of your light. The acrid and putrid smell emanating from its dislocated jaws hits you. Its breath is nothing but sharpened ice on your face. No words can describe your feelings right now. They're screaming inside your head, loud, so loud, as loud maybe as your heartbeat right now. Is it how you will die ? In this <<print $swamp>> place, where you would, maybe, never be found again. Indeed, you see now your life flying before your eyes and you wonder, in all your life, how you could have prevented this from happening. If you could have prevented this at all. Does fate actually exist ? Your impending death You can almost taste your death on your tongue, acridic and mellow. Almost feel the cut of those claws. You await the pain which will come with your death. [[you close your eyes|case01 swampresign next2]] <br> <br> <br>

<<set $cautious += 1>><<set $gun +=1>>You follow him, your hand clutching your gun inside its holster in a tight-white grip. That way, if he goes "hey, this spot is really a good one for you to draw your last breath" you will have the pretention of shooting him a little. //Him. Is... it even a human ?// You're still wondering. Because, as far as your biological knowledge goes, people don't produce blue flames. Besides, he has no source of light with him, how can he see in the dark and know his way ? Your steps falter a little. You've kept a good distance between you and the silent stranger, and you decide that keeping some more would be good. You jumps almost at every crack and scrounch sounds you hear, the snapping of branches. Alertness pushed to its maximal level. The stranger seems not to be bothered by that, just glancing your way here and then to be sure you're following. You've checked your phone real quick at some point, and you know this is indeed the way out. At least, he is not taking you further inside this green hell. [[That's why you continue to walk nonetheless.|case01 swamp eliasMeet Ac2]] <br> <br> <br>

<<set $cautious +=2>>You follow him out, yes, but not without any doubts swarming your mind. Doubts coming from unanswered questions such as: Is this person a real person or a monster as well ? How come he can produces fire or was that a special effet ? Why is he not saying anything ? How can he see his way in the dark ? Is he going to shut you up forever ? You've checked your phone real quick at some point, and this is indeed the way out. But you're not sure of his intention. You're not reaching for your gun yet because, if he really wanted to kill you, he would have already done so. It would have been surer to bury you deep inside the woods or pretend it was an unfortunate accident. Still, you keep him as far of you as you can, but not out of your sight. Your light shines his back the the woods around, and sometimes you catch him checking you in the corner of his eyes. Surely he wants to assure himself you're following. [[And you do just that.|case01 swamp eliasMeet Ab2]] <br> <br> <br>

<<set $cautious -=1>><<set $easygoing +=1>>You follow him closely. Because, if he really wanted to off you, he would have already done so. Not leading you out, his back to you. Because, you've check real quick on your phone, and this is really the way out. He is not leading you further inside this green hell. Yes, you're nervous. You don't know this person. And you don't even know if this person is indeed a person, or //something//. The reason of your doubt being that, as far as your biological knowledge go, you don't remember that people were able to summon fire and fihgt with it. Besides, this man was super fast and you didn't even hear him approach. This is reasonable reasons for doubting his humanity. But he's said he will take you out of this forest and THEN answer your questions. He knows something. And he offered to inform you about that. That's why you've decided to follow him, a step behind him. He seems not to be a talkative person, only checking you for the corner of his eyes from time to time. And this is fine because your steps still falters from time to time and you're almost sure your voice would'nt be able to come out of the shock state your body still is in. [[But you continue to walk nonetheless.|case01 swamp eliasMeet Aa2]] <br> <br> <br>

<<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<linkreplace "..." t8n>>But the end never comes. In its place, you see <span class="blue">blue</span> and bones and flesh snapping. You feel the air as if something was just blown away. You sight the beast crashing into a nearby tree and falling down. You look dumbfounded at the <span class="blue">burning blue</span> fist which appears in your field of vision. Your legs give out as your heart hammers in your chest. You're stumbling down when the stranger catches you before sitting you down gently by a tree. His hands not aflame anymore. You're shaking, the shock of your almost death travelling into your system. You watch the crumpled creature. It lays, motionless. It's eyes no longer shine red. It's tongue is draping the floor nearby as a long and bloody ribbon. You whimper and shake anew as you fear it might get up. Once more. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>The stranger, who was observing the creature, crouches down slowly in front of you. "Hey. I won't ask you if you're fine considering this, he point at the beast, but are your hurt somewhere?" Shellshocked, you can only look at the man observing you. He has white hair which frames his face, and piercing deep blue eyes. He seems to patiently wait for you to get your bearings. Surely noticing your ragged and raging breathing. "It's dead, and it won't come back." The man says, after a moment. Its seemed as if it was what you needed to hear, and you gulp down some air and breath deep. You cannot break down here and now, you have to keep yourself in check. There are some floating seconds during which you keep in check both your thundering heart and burning lungs and the weight inside your chest. Once you put a dam on all of that—made of wood and ready to break anytime—your eyes cross path with the stranger's. "What is... was //that//? And who are you?" you ask, because no one would flung themselves towards a walking nightmare, even more so with flames on their hands. Even though this person just saved you, that doesn't mean he is trustworthy. The strange man stays quiet for a moment, watching you. And you suddendly become aware of your situation. You've surely just witness something you weren't supposed to. And this person may have saved you out of instinct. Is this man consiring shutting you up in the forever kind ? There will be no proof, if he can masks this as an accident. Or worse, if he's part of an underground agency hidding this. Were the theory true ? Will he kill you there ? Or would this be like the //Men in Grey// and erase your memories ? You want to reach for your gun, in its holser. But the razor sharp focus the man has on you is preventing you from acting to rashly. Besides, he moved inhumanly fast. Wait, is he even a human ? The world begin to becomes blurry around the edges and you feel the flimsy dam of your emotions shattering a little bit by each breath you take. "Your brain will start to fume with all of the overthinking you're doing." The stranger says, breaking the silence. He then moves to the forest, indicating the way with a side motion of his head. "Let's leave this place first. I'll answer your questions then." he declares. He then start walking, not waiting for your answer. <div class="you">You rises up on your shaky legs and follow him...</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[your gun ready for use.|case01 resign eliasleave gun]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[at a carefull distance, not trusting this person.|case01 resign eliasleave sus]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[closely, because it seems surer to be close to him than the woods|case01 resign eliasleave scared]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "mystery" loop play>>"Well, here we are." Sure enough, the car park appears in your line of sight. Deep shades of lilac and amber begins its ascent in the sky. Dawn in closing in. For now, a single lampost is illuminating the almost empty car park. Your heart throbs, elated to have left this hell hole of a place and this terrible night behind you. You pace yourself though, as you walk towards your car, your tired limbs not allowing to do much anyway. You notice the red SUV parked not very far. It must very well be the stranger's. The stranger fumbles inside his pocket and take out a lighter. He then light himself a cigarette. Now, in the open, you can have a clear view of his features. The man is tall, he must very well be between <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.90 meter and 1.95 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6.23' and 6.40 feet<</if>> tall. His build is athletical—which can explain how he could moved so smoothly inside the deep dark forest. He has stricking alabaster white hair which reach below his large shoulders. His hair look like they have lived through harsh wind and rain and as weatheref as his skin. Light stubble, the three days kind, frame his face—which is all harsh lines and edges. Still, you would say—as anyone really—that he is handsome in a ruggedly way. The stranger exudes both an air of aloofness—and by the sound of it, charisma isn't his strong forte—and a strange kind of confidence. Or better, he inspires protectiveness, link a tree would from the rain, but at the same time, it feels like a moody kind of tree. Like it would chase you away from its shades to let you out in the heavy rain and storm. The man is wearing a black leather jacket on top of a simple white turtleneck and a pair of dark jeans—which look like it has seen a lot, but is of qualitify material. He's wearing a belt on his jean which looks like a minimalistic and sculpted eye. An old silver watch ornate is right hand. Deep blue sea eyes stare at you with a twinge of worry and distrust mixed together. "Hello ? Have you bumped you head somewhere ?" The man caught you staring, apparently. "I reckon you have questions. I will answer them, ask away. Ah, by the way, my name is Elias Alistair William", the man introduces himself. He doesn't ask for your name, knowing you won't probably give it anyway. He leans so heavily against his whole car that he umbalance it for a while. A thermos, which stood on the roof of it, threatened to tumble down before Elias catches it. He puts it back on the roof of his car, behind him. "So, what do you want to know ? I'll answer as best I can". [[...|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A]] <<silently>><</silently>><<set $elimeet to true>><<set $elifriend += 2>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "mystery" loop play>> "Well, here we are." Sure enough, the car park appears in your line of sight. Deep shades of lilac and amber begins its ascent in the sky. Dawn in closing in. For now, a single lampost is illuminating the almost empty car park. Your heart throbs, elated to have left this hell hole of a place and this terrible night behind you. You pace yourself though, as you walk towards your car, your tired limbs not allowing to do much anyway. You notice the red SUV parked not very far. It must very well be the stranger's. The man is tall, he must very well be between <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.90 meter and 1.95 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6.23' and 6.40 feet<</if>> tall. His build is athletical—which can explain how he could moved so smoothly inside the deep dark forest. He has stricking alabaster white hair which reach below his large shoulders. His hair look like they have lived through harsh wind and rain and as weatheref as his skin. Light stubble, the three days kind, frame his face—which is all harsh lines and edges. Still, you would say—as anyone really—that he is handsome in a ruggedly way. The stranger exudes both an air of aloofness—and by the sound of it, charisma isn't his strong forte—and a strange kind of confidence. Or better, he inspires protectiveness, link a tree would from the rain, but at the same time, it feels like a moody kind of tree. Like it would chase you away from its shades to let you out in the heavy rain and storm. The man is wearing a black leather jacket on top of a simple white turtleneck and a pair of dark jeans—which look like it has seen a lot, but is of qualitify material. He's wearing a belt on his jean which looks like a minimalistic and sculpted eye. An old silver watch ornate is right hand. Deep blue sea eyes stare at you with a twinge of worry and distrust mixed together. "Hello ? Have you bumped you head somewhere ?" The man caught you staring, apparently. "I reckon you have questions. I will answer them, ask away. Ah, by the way, my name is Elias Alistair William", the man introduces himself. He leans so heavily against his whole car that he umbalance it for a while. A thermos, which stood on the roof of it, threatened to tumble down before Elias catches it. He puts it back on the roof of his car, behind him. You're still a little suspicious of this person and still very much tensed. He doesn't ask for your name, knowing you won't probably give it anyway. "So, what do you want to know ?". he ask casually, as if you did not just met a walking nightmare. [[...|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A]] <br><<set $elimeet to true>><<set $elifriend += 1>> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "mystery" loop play>> "Well, here we are." Sure enough, the car park appears in your line of sight. Deep shades of lilac and amber begins its ascent in the sky. Dawn in closing in. For now, a single lampost is illuminating the almost empty car park. Your heart throbs, elated to have left this hell hole of a place and this terrible night behind you. You pace yourself though, as you walk towards your car, your tired limbs not allowing to do much anyway. You notice the red SUV parked not very far. It must very well be the stranger's. You try to repress the trembling of your limbs and lips at the thought of what've just transpired. Inside this damn forest. The man is tall, he must very well be between <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.90 meter and 1.95 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6.23' and 6.40 feet<</if>> tall. His build is athletical—which can explain how he could moved so smoothly inside the deep dark forest. He has stricking alabaster white hair which reach below his large shoulders. His hair look like they have lived through harsh wind and rain and as weatheref as his skin. Light stubble, the three days kind, frame his face—which is all harsh lines and edges. Still, you would say—as anyone really—that he is handsome in a ruggedly way. The stranger exudes both an air of aloofness—and by the sound of it, charisma isn't his strong forte—and a strange kind of confidence. Or better, he inspires protectiveness, link a tree would from the rain, but at the same time, it feels like a moody kind of tree. Like it would chase you away from its shades to let you out in the heavy rain and storm. The man is wearing a black leather jacket on top of a simple white turtleneck and a pair of dark jeans—which look like it has seen a lot, but is of qualitify material. He's wearing a belt on his jean which looks like a minimalistic and sculpted eye. An old silver watch ornate is right hand. Deep blue sea eyes stare at you with a twinge of worry and distrust mixed together. "Cat got your tongue ?" The man caught you staring, apparently. "I reckon you have questions. I will answer them, ask away. Ah, by the way, my name is <<linkappend "Elias Alistair William" t8n>><<notify>>You met a new character<</notify>><</linkappend>>" , the man introduces himself tersely, an eye on the gun you're clutching. You lean against your car, facing the stranger who did the same against his. He leans so heavily against his whole car that he umbalance it for a while. A thermos, which stood on the roof of it, threatened to tumble down before Elias catches it. He puts it back on the roof of his car, behind him. You're surprised he gave you his name, but you're still suspicious of this person and very much on edge. He doesn't ask for your name, knowing you won't probably give it anyway. The stranger cocks his head on the side—he was probably expecting you to introduce yourself as well. He then considers you carefully for a second before snorting. "Charmed." he mumbles. "Anyway, ask your questions, so that I can be on my way." [[...|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A]] <br><<set $elimeet to true>><<set $elifoe += 2>> <br> <br>

You want to know about <<textbox "$swampquestions" "">> <<linkreplace "<span class='red'> ask </span>" t8n>><span class='red'>[[↻ Reload|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A]] </span> <<if ["creature", "what", "monster", "beast", "beasts"].includesAny($swampquestions)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1")>>You've already asked about the creature. Elias explained that you've met a <span class="red">wendigo</span>. It was there because there was a breach in the plane separating the one you're living in and the other one, where the monster's lived. As such, it could have passed through and interact with you. Elias mentioned this breach is being taken care off.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1")>>You obviously ask about that [[creature|case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1]] you've met.<</if>>\ <<else>><</if>><<if ["swamp", "why", "here", "forest", "place"].includesAny($swampquestions)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2")>>You've already asked about the swamp. Elias told you it's the place in which the <span class="red">breach</span> is situated. That's why the creature appeared there. As the problem of the breach, the man's said he is taking care of it.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2")>>You ask about this place of course. Why is this man here ? What is this [[swamp|case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2]] ?<</if>>\ <<else>><</if>><<if["you", "who", "elias", "man", "stranger"].includesAny($swampquestions)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3")>>You've already asked your question about Elias.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3")>>You ask about this man, [[Elias|case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3]].<</if>><<else>><</if>><<if ["blue fire", "fire", "blue", "punch", "flame", "flames"].includesAny($swampquestions)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A4")>>You've already inquired about the mysterious blue flames.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("caseO1 swamp eliasQuestion A4")>>You can't let the opportunity to inquire about those [[blue flames|case01 swamp eliasQuestion A4]].<</if>><<else>><</if>><<if ["single", "love", "daddy"].includesAny($swampquestions)>>Errr... this is not a question to ask. Not now at least. You sneek a glance at Elias, who looks at the sky, seemingly bored. You think about another [[question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A]].<<else>><</if>>\ <<if["water", "honey", "drink", "bottle", "thermos"].includesAny($swampquestions)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A5")>>You ask for something to [[drink.|case01 swamp eliasQuestion A5]]<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A5")>> You look at the bottle already in your hand... and think about another question.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3")>>Elias<</if>> looks at you then raises one eyebrow. "That's too bad, really." <br> You clear your throat and you think about another [[question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]]<</if>>\ <<if["hint"].includesAny($swampquestions)>>You [[think hard|case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint A]] for questions.<<else>><</if>>\ <</linkreplace>> <<if visited() is 5>><span class="little">You may think of <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>><<if visited() >= 6>><span class="little">You can write <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>> <br> <br> <br>

You cannot not ask about the obvious blue flames you saw. So you try your luck. "What was... those blue flames?" you inquire. "What blue flames?" he answers, flattly. //Charming.// "The ones you've used to punch the <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A")>>wendigo<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A")>>creature<</if>>?" "What creature?" he deadpans. You squint your eyes at him. "You've said you would answer my questions." "I did. And I am." "That doesn't sound like answers." "And that does sound more like a 'you' problem." //Lovely, so lovely.// you think, but doesn't push further. What if he snaps and decide to "Actually, you now know too much and ask too many questions" and ends you ? Nah, you're letting this go. For now. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3")>>It appears this will be all you'll get for now. You'll probably have answers to [[other questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A4")>> You've asked all the question you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion A]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "main" loop play>>"Fine, you wont tell me details, I understand."—you don't—"But I have one important questions to ask." You tell him. Elias looks at you curiously. "Well, ask away, we are standing in this very car park, freezing, for this special reason." You take out a small photo from your <<listbox "$bag" autoselect>> <<option "bag">> <<option "backpack">> <<option "fanny bag">> <<option "satchel">> <<option "rucksack">><</listbox>>—which has suffered as much as your shoes. You come to stand in front of Elias and hand it to him. Elias takes it and watches the picture before interrogating you with his eyes. "What am I to do with that?" "//That// is a photograph of <<linkappend "<span class='red'>Ethan Murphy</span>" t8n>><<notify>>Ethan Murphy informations unlocked<</notify>><</linkappend>>. He is 37 years old. He has disappeared nine days ago." you declare. One side of Elias' lips twitches in nervousness. "And?" he asks, but he seems to have anticipated what is to come. "//And// he is the very reason of my presence in this <<print $swamp>> place. This man is an enthusiast of entomologist. He learnt there was a particular species of butterfly that lives in this swamp. That is why, nine days ago, he was spotted taking the bus at Stonefrey to come to this place. And no one never saw him make it back." "He might have left by foot" deadpan Elias. "He might. Except that, tonight, stumbling in this swamp haunted by monster, I have discovered the very glasses favored by Ethan Murphy, in here." Your thoughts of something that clutches your intestines. "Is there a chance for Ethan Murphy to simply be lost in the swamp at all?" //Whilst there was a monster inside, which almost killed me//. Elias is thoughtfull then looks at you square in the eyes. "None. None at all. If he was in the forest at the same time as the wendigo, the chance he was found and... gotten ride of is 99.99%." He bites his lips then adds. "Even though it can be killed by bullets, this thing is incredibly tough—as you might have witnessed yourself. So, even if Mr Murphy had had a weapon with him, he couldn't have used it to defend himself. And even if he had given himself some time to leave, the wendigo would have caught up with him." Elias clenches his jaw. "If he was in the forest nine days ago, the chances of him still being alive are close to 0%. And that's me being optimistic here. There are no caves to hides into in there. Only bodies of water of random size and dephts. If the wendigo did not find him, which is unlikely, he could have drown. Or he could have lost his way. Which is the equivalent of a death sentence in here." Elias bites his lips in visible defeat at the face you're making. "OK. I will look into it. Ethan Murphy, you've said? 37, entomologist enthusiast. I need to make a phone call." He gives you the photo back and fumbles inside his pockets. He takes out his phone, snaps a photo of Ethan's picture, write a few notes and puts his phone back inside his pocket. Elias then studies you—and you wonder if it's the moment he pulls out a gun and shot you in the head. You tense and your head drift towards your gun when he hands you a visit card. "This is my number. Sends me update, or message, or better, rings me if you find anything?" You study the black cardboard and take it. <ul><li>[[You then go to your car.|case01 homeComing unset]]</li></ul> <<set $case01 += 1>> <br> <br> <br>

<<unset $wendigo, $swampquestions, $swampquestionsB , $swampquestionsC, $swampquestionsD, $swampmove>><<set $caselog01 +=1>><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "wallowing" loop play>><<set $location to "New Stval City: Temporary Lodging">><<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<linkreplace "..." t8n>> You don't really know how you arrived to your temporary residence. You don't remember your drive back. And you wonder if the fact that you made it without crashing into another car can be considered an exploit. Your lower lips tremble as everthing comes crashing down on you. The wendigo. The stench of death. The cold. The despair. <<if hasVisited("case01 swampLastQuestion A")>>The resignation. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swampLastQuestion B")>>The rawness of your voice.<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swampLastQuestion C")>>The crunching of bones under your foot.<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swampLastQuestion D")>>The smell of gunpowder.<</if>> The memories are blurry around the edge, but the state of your discarded shoes, the cacking mud and plotches of dried blood—made by branches as you ran—makes it all the more real. You shiver and nausea overcome you. You don't lose a minute before rushing to the toilet and throwing up acidic bile. Having vomited everything your stomach hold—or not given the alkaline taste in your mouth—you settles on the floor. <<nobr>> <div class="you">and</div> <ul><li>[[curl into a ball and let it all out.|case01 homecomingCry][$emotional +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[curl into a ball but shed no tears, unfeeling.|case01 homecomingCrynot][$emotional -=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[curl into a ball but refuse to succumb to your emotions.|case01 homecomingStubborn][$easygoing -=2]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<div class="center"><h2>Identity<div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<goto [[ethanmurphywholepage]]>> <<script>> Dialog.close("Case Log"); <</script>><</link>><span class="tooltiptext">For better visibility, see the whole page here.</span></div></h2></div> <span class="upper">Name : </span>Ethan Nathanael <span class="upper">Surname : </span>Murphy <span class="upper">Date : </span> 3rd March 19XX | <span class="upper">Age : </span> 37 <span class="upper">Place : </span> Bowness-on-Solway <span class="upper">Gender : </span>Male | he/him <span class="upper">Statue</span>: Divorced <span class="upper">Ex wife</span>: Yesmine Khalil <span class="upper">Children</span>: One, Emma Murphy <div class="center"><h2>Last seen</h2></div> <span class="upper">Date of disappearance : </span> 2nd November 20XX | 13:28 p.m. <span class="upper">Last seen : </span> //Drown Forest// bus stop, Line 134, Stonefrey Natural Reserve. Filmed by bus camera when Ethan Murphy left the bus. Seen by the chauffeur when he bide her a good day. Seen by a couple on the entrance of the "Drown Forest Trail". <span class="upper">Was last seen wearing :</span> Dark blue beanie, glasses (silver oval frame, from Dayban, engraved "From your loving wife, J" on right frame, clear glasses, slight nearsighted correction), dark green puffy jacket, kakie cargo pants, sturdy and 'old' hiking shoes dark color, kaki rucksack with a yellow metallic smiley face strapped on left shoulder. Possess as well a fushia professional camera with stickers, a dark green metal gourde with insects stickers, walking sticks. <span class="upper">Missing person filed by : </span>Marylene (Mary) Murphy, 32 years old, Ethan Murphy's little sister. <div class="center"><h2>Physical description</h2></div> <span class="upper">Size :</span><<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.73 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>5.68 feet<</if>>. <span class="upper">Weight : </span><<if settings.imperial eq false>>65 kg<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>143.3 pounds<</if>> <span class="upper">Frame : </span> Thin, out of practice <span class="upper">Eyes :</span> Blue grey | Nearsighted: 7 <span class="upper">Hair :</span> wavy, dark brown, cropped short <span class="upper">Skin :</span> Light, tanned, caucasian, freckles <<silently>><div class="center"><h2>Brief History</h2></div><</silently>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Dialog.close("case01log"); Dialog.setup("Case Log"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Case Log").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></div>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "opencase" play>><div class="center"> <br> <br> <br> <span class="part nored">[[Flutter, flutter, butterfly|case01 homeLeave1]]</span> </div> <div class="trigger"><span class="focus-exp"><<link "Trigger Warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Trigger Warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case01 trigger warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "case01 butterfly1">><</timed>><</silently>> <<script>> UIBar.hide(); <</script>> <<set $casepart to "Flutter, flutter, butterfly">><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">> <br> <br> <br>

<div class="center"> <br> <br> <br> <span class="part nored">[[The riftl|</span> </div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "Start">><</timed>>[[]]<</silently>> <<script>> UIBar.hide(); <</script>> <<set $casepart to "The rift>><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "13th November 20XX">>

opencase01.2 : flutter flutter butterfly update: story log : day 4 <<set $location to "New Stval City : Your residency">> you wake up looking for informations about the wendigo. update codex here. you analyze, the day following your night in the swamp, the clues you collected. You determine that Ethan Murphy was indeed in the forest, and that something happened to him. need to make if hasVisited for the camera, blood splatter/ and the glasses with the graving. once done, you take out your phone and decide to see the locations. choice here : *keep them saved in your phone techno +2 *transfer them on paper +2 oldway (add this variable in storyinit) Ethan murphy was on a trail towards the dam, uphill of the drowned forest. you decided to look downhill in case he fell, and that's where you found everything. because he was there looking for a special butterfly (which is otherworldly) you think he may have gone offtrail to look for it. *if hasfound camera : try to switch it on to see photo. but not because there are no battery. you call the sentinel to tell them about your finding but nobody answers you. "It's out of our juridiction". you are redirected to the office of the rangers(look for rangers in forest in uk). Iolrath answers the phone. you then decide to take your guns(see legislation for guns) and go see for yourself. all to see the office closed. you go back the the car park of the entrance of the drowned forest, where you were. you stop before the "col"(look in english). panick attack. you $addict if you use heavy medication/ tobacco/ if you wanted alcohol : set to true $condit if anxious detective, numb detective or bottleitup detective $calming how you calm yourself once calmed down, you resume your driving <<listbox for car/>> and arrive at the car park, where you see: elias(meet true), lukas(meet false), cecil(meetfalse), anya(meetfalse), /and lately operator sheppard(meet false)/. elias looks at you as if you were mad, then proceed to ignore your intervention. you went to go inside the forest when you notice a butterlfy fluttering your way. a beautiful blue butterfly, otherworldly. and you understand that, like the wendigo, this butterfly comes from the breach. part about ethan murphy's life you meet elias and ask him that. he confirms. you then ask him if its safe inside. he tells you that it isnt because its gonna rain, and the drowned forest is known as the drowned forest because water rises fast when its rain uphill. *you believe him and hear him out $elifriend +2 *you believe him but decide to try your luck $stubborn +2 *you don't believe him and go inside $cautious -2 /******************************************************************************************/ §you go inside the forest elias and cecil try to stop you but you dont stop the mud is indeed wetter than the day before and you don't think you'll be able to walk that much inside this forest without paniking at the merest sound. you decide to leave the place and hear elias out /******************************************************************************************/ §you decide to hear him out --- sheppard leave the forest in which he was and elias tells you they have begun the search. he then explains that the sentinel and no one else likes to go inside the drowned forest, but won't tell you why. he then introduces everyone: him, a rune specialist, lukas a seer, cecil an ancient priest, anya he doesn't say and then sheppard, their link to the sentinel. !update of $heret and characters list sheppard explains that the water is rising and trudging inside alone is dangerous. they ask you about your findings. *you are reluctant to tell because you don't trust them $cautious +2 *you are reluctant to tell because you prefer to work alone $lonewolf +2 *you tell them and cooperate $easygoing +2 *you tell them and want to work with them $teamplayer +2 /******************************************************************************************/ §if reluctant: you only tell about the glasses and the blood, and keep the rest for yourself /******************************************************************************************/ §if cooperate: you tell them about all and ifcamera you tell sheppard youll lent it the camera. --- all looks at you and tells you to try your luck with owl from the copper owl because he can read objects and that make you do something as the rain falls in the forest /and that owl will speak to you because you are not "them"(the eye) elias tells you that you can either meet owl in their shop/jeweller or at his office/residency you still ask them if its safe to go on the uphill trail, they tell you yes but try not to fall in the deathtrap of the sodden downhill anya explains to you that you should go to his shop and show him a jewel shaped in a owl's form and as you if you have one: *yes you do *no you dont /******************************************************************************************/ §if you don't she lent you hers if she gives you one : owlfriend +2 (cause he doesn't dislike her) --- end of part 2 : flutter flutter butterfly start of part 3 : the copper owl

opencase01.3 : the copper owl update: story log : day 4 <<set $location to "New Stval City : City center">> update codex : city center you choose to go to the city's center by: car/public transportation/foot that doesn't change anything really but just in case ? --- you arrive in front of the copper owl it's a luxurious shop from the sidewalk you can see inside the shop because all the facade is made of large pane of window,. Automatic doors. Inside, there is a a immense glasscase made of glass and brass forming a cross. each area of a cross is dedicated to a metal : one for gold, one for platinum, another for tin and one for bronze. Then on the leftmost wall is a display of copper, and the opposing wall is dedicated to owl jewels of simingly all metal. There is also a small glasscase showing jewels made with precious woods. But no silver or iron. On the back, there is a room where you can watch the jeweler work, and another one which is probably an office of sort, the both opening on a employer"s only corridor. you feel sharp eyes on you as a young employe comes to see you and ask you if you need anything. you show him the owl pendant and ask "I'd like my owl's eyes to be repaired". with an uncertain look your way, the young employer, named Yassim, leave for the back shop. he then comes back and guide you to the lounge room/office. he brings you champagn/tea/none(choice) as refreshment, the time owl finish his/her piece and comes to see you. you wait. you look around and notice there is a door with a keypad leading to what looks very much like an office. then you feel again the sharp eyes on you. on the threshold is the most beautiful person you have ever seen (description of owl). with feline ways and sensuous voice. *you dislike them at once $owlfoe *you find them fascinating $owllove *you'd like to find a way to their pants $owlbooty *you kind of like the way they act $owlfriend *you are not bothered by them at all $owlneutral --- he/she seats across from you on the remaining couch and ask you about the owl. you hesitate and give owl the owl/ either yours or anya's(see precedent part) owl watches you and the owl then you and give it back. owl ask you why you're here. you explain about ethan murphy, and the glasses *just about the glass *or the glass and all the other clues /******************************************************************************************/ owl asks you if there is a chance ethan murphy is dead and/or has been killed --- *you say yes and you explain about the wendigo $owlfriend +2 *you say no and you don't explain about the wendigo $owlfoe +2 /******************************************************************************************/ owl asks you why he.she would help you you tell owl that you are there to *help mary, who asked you to find her brother *his whole family waiting for him *because ethan needs to be found and you'd like someone to find you *because this is the right thing to do no questions askde *bacause you've been paid to do so and you actually do your job seriously --- owl extend their gloved hands and ask for the glasses. examines them. put it on the table and ask you your visit card owl explains that they don't enjoy doing the reading in front of a person so you'd have to let the glasses to them for the night and that they would call you once this is done they rise up to put an end to the discussion and you leave --- you are not there, but owl goes to the glass you've used to drink(if you drank) or the couch(if you didn't) to read your intentions. with nothing else to do, you return to the ranger's post and find the team of misfit you've found earlier that day (elias, anya, lukas, cecil and sheppard)

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "opencase" play>><div class="center"> <br> <br> <br> <span class="part nored">[[Gloves & Compass|case01 g&c 1]]</span> </div> <div class="trigger"><span class="focus-exp"><<link "Trigger Warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Trigger Warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case01 trigger warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "case01 owl1">><</timed>> <<script>> UIBar.hide(); <</script>> <<set $openpart to "02">><<set $casepart to "Gloves & Compass">><<set $location to "New Stval City : City's center">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">><<set $case01log +=1>> <<set $owlfoe to 10>> <<set $owlquestions to 0>> <<set $copperowlquestion to []>> <<set $copperowlquestion to ["name", "owl", "age", "single", "ability", "touch", "read", "glove", "gloves", "neck", "scar", "mutant", "species", "ethan", "murphy", "ethan murphy", "swamp", "butterfly", "soul bearer", "butterflies", "soul bearers", "soulbearer", "soulbearers", "forest", "drowned forest", "natural", "reserve", "natural reserve", "newtsval", "city", "new stval", "new stval city", "anya", "elias", "sheppard", "milo", "miloslav", "mishika", "marcy", "cecil", "lukas", "jewel", "jewelry", "shop", "farid", "love", "tea", "coffee", "champagne", "water", "candy", "tray", "copper", "missing", "case", "cases", "disappearance", "vanishing", "disappearances"]>> <<set $owlreading to 0>> <<set $owlhelp to 10>><</silently>>

Gold has always been valued because it resists corrosion and tarnished. And people has associated with it supernatural properties. It was always attributed to certain deities. It has not only a monetary value but also a meaning into the human psyche. There are traces of symbolism in folklore that can still be found nowadays : in Greece, India and China. In ancient Greece, for exemple, gold was a metal so precious to the god that there were dressed with it : King Midas, the Golden Fleece... The color of gold continues to be associated with the sun. And so, Gold has, as well, a cultural worth. Gold is a unique metal, which doesn't tanish, corrode or oxidise. It is malleable as it can be hammered paper thin and it will not shatter. It can, as such be easily molded to fit upon or create any statue or work of art. To that measure, this metal represent the indestructible, the eternal and adaptable. The color of Gold doesn't fade be it because of time of the element. Object made of Gold can be extracted thousand of years from the ground and still be untainted. Gold represent Immortality, incorruptible quest, ambition, purpose. It is also the symbol of ultimate wisdom and truth. We can found exemple of Gold's symbolism into the Tarot deck. Indeed, the card "The Fool", along with several ovthers contains the golden sky. The quest, the purpose, symbolized by this particular card is taking place under the Shining Wisdom of the Eternal Heavens. Gold has been, of course, also a refugee from recession and a protection against inflation, when it was used as a currency. However, gold doens't keep its value in time of war, where it was a target for robbery and murder. Mining companies are selling their contract, because they believe the price of the metal may go down at some stage in the future.

opencase01.4 : the rift update: story log : day 4 <<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Ranger's Post">> update codex : city center you reconvene with the group of misfit (elias, lukas, cecil, anya and sheppard) and tell them about what owl told you and the fact that they kept the glasses. they ask you how is Ysolda (owl's employer, a girl with sunshine as a smile) you tell them you saw no Ysolda they seem surprise but don't say much more(ysolda is part of the lost of stval)[to see later] they tell you they've spoken to the forest gard and that he/she/they(iolrath) is en route in the swamp, uphill, looking for clues as well. because they know the layout of the drown forest, they can more easily walk inside without getting drown or other things. elias open the door to the ranger's post and asks you if you want to come inside to discuss about ethan murphy you all go inside the confy post you tell them more extensively about ethan murphy |update of the ethan murphy and the log they explain that because it's a natural reserve as much as an ancient forest, the sentinel don't act when sheppard and elias' group take a case about this. because they did once and they faced a werewolf, a confrontation that cost them the life of one of their man. that's why they didn't answer. you ask elias where he was for a rift this big to happen. he tells you he was away for three entire months, dealing with other breach on the other country [because their shaman/rune master died and someone had to cover the place just the time a remplacement came]. that's why he wasn't able to colmate any breach that happened for three months. lukas tells you he is a seer, and that he has the capacity to see and foresee the breach and a little bit of the very near future and very near past. and that he saw a breach so big it was worrisome only a wendigo went out : the rift.<<if seen the rift, you have the coordinate <<if not, you'll have to look for it /******************************************************************************************/ §

<div class="center"> <br> <br> <br> <span class="part nored">[[The Lost of Stval|</span> </div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "Start">><</timed>>[[]]<</silently>> <<script>> UIBar.hide(); <</script>> <<set $casepart to "The Lost of the Stval">><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "13th November 20XX">>

<div class="center"><span class="focus-exp"> <p class="one"> <span class="case">Case 02</span></p> <span class="casename">[[Vanished|</span></span></div> <div class="trigger"><span class="focus-exp"><<link "Trigger Warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Trigger Warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case2 trigger warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "opencase01.1">><</timed>><</silently>> <<set $opencase to "Case 2">><<set $casepart to "The Lost of Stval">><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">>

ethan murphy has disapeared. Magdalena and Tom has disapeared. Ysolda has disapeared. Then another person. another one. homeless have disapeared as well. something makes the most vulnerable disappear from the city. you all confront Owl to know what has happened to Ysolda. all to discover a society of people named the Hand which want to reach to the other side.

<div class="center"><span class="focus-exp"> <p class="one"> <span class="case">Case 03</span></p> <span class="casename">[[Legacy|</span></span></div> <div class="trigger"><span class="focus-exp"><<link "Trigger Warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Trigger Warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case3 trigger warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "opencase01.1">><</timed>><</silently>> <<set $opencase to "Case 3">><<set $casepart to "The Lost of Stval">><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">>

as you were about to leave town to look for another job, someone steps into your path. this person is an outsider real-estate agent who was on his way to buy an old building. he wants to know if the place is really cursed before investing in it. because he has buy it to a very very cheap price. it was the manor of the silverstein, an old familly who thrived on mining one of the largest mine of copper and silver before the evans came and ruined them. this is an old story about those two family, intertwined with a curse.

<div class="center"><span class="focus-exp"> <p class="one"> <span class="case">Case 02</span></p> <span class="casename">[[The Rift|</span></span></div> <div class="trigger"><span class="focus-exp"><<link "Trigger Warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Trigger Warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case2 trigger warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "opencase01.1">><</timed>><</silently>> <<set $opencase to "Case 2">><<set $casepart to "The Lost of Stval">><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">>

you've thought you've closed it. turnes out you didn't. turnes out the rift comes from under the moutain. how do you know it ? because you've discovered that there was something in the old mine. but between a druid who didn't want to be a druide and a seer still knowing how to use his ability, mistakes are made. big ones. so now you stand in front of

<div class="center"><span class="focus-exp"> <p class="one"> <span class="case">Case 02</span></p> <span class="casename">[[Dream Eater|</span></span></div> <div class="trigger"><span class="focus-exp"><<link "Trigger Warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Trigger Warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case2 trigger warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "opencase01.1">><</timed>><</silently>> <<set $opencase to "Case 2">><<set $casepart to "The Lost of Stval">><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">>

<div class="right">April the 1st 2023,</div> <div class="center"> <span class="part nored">On hiatus</span> </div> <br> My lovely few readers. This story will go into hiatus. It's not been abandonned. It's just that I need to forge a little more experience about interative stories. Some with fewer choices so that I can manage branching and statistics. <br> Because, you see, this story is going to have many variables and choices that will influence the story, as it should. But as of now, I can't seem to find all the variables and coding I should to get the job done. That's why, I will train myself with stories which goes on a straighter line so that I can get a little more experience with the writing. And from there, coming back here with the open worldedeness I want this one to have. <br> Let's built little by little. I hope you get my message, and I thank you for the support. <br> <br> Yours ever, <div class="center signature">Serenity Winter</div> <br> <div class="little">P.S. : Besides, I need to look for the background music and SFX, and this shit needs time to be done as well. </div> <<script>> UIBar.hide(); <</script>>

<<set $health -= 10>>Bullets can't kill it. Your ass. Nothing can stay alive with that many leaking holes from them. Right ? Right ? Nothing except this thing apparently, which already smells like decay. But still, you shoot and shoot with everything you have to the twitching form on the floor. Your ears are ringing so much you don't hear anything anymore. You press the trigger even though your eyes burn with tears and your nose is stinging with the smell of gunpowder and opened flesh and blood. You press the trigger until your pistol clicks and no bullets come out anymore. And of course, you didn't have another magazine with you. It was the one. The only one because you've never ever thought you'll find something that'd take sixteen bullets to kill. <div class="you">And as soon as you run out of bullets, you</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[kick the creature.|case01 swampshoot kick]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[leave, fast.|case01 swampshoot leave]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[slump down against a tree.|case01 swampshoot slump]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

With no more bullets, what can you do ? Certainly not come closer to the thing. But what you know, is that you need a breather right now. You really do. So you takes a step back. Then another. Your flashlight has fallen on the floor and lighting in your direction, allowing to see where you're going. Vaguely. When your back touches—what you can identify as bark—you just slump back. Then to the floor. Your breathing head. You're shaking and all strenght has left your body. You <span class="brin">breath in</span>. And <span class="brout">breath out</span>. You allow your eyes to close for a second. When you open then though, you see someone watching you. From the woods.In the dead of the night, after fighting a creature which wanted to kill you. //No.// //NO.// //No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. // This can't be happening. Your breath hitches, constricted in your tense throat. But it only takes a fraction of a second before you made up your mind <div class="you">and decide to</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[still raise you gun defensively.|case01 swampshoot leave1][$elifoe+1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[throw a punch.|case01 swampshoot leave2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[ask questions first, raise hand later.|case01 swampshoot leave3]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

You don't want to stay and see //ifs and maybes//. You saw it twitched on the floor and not moving much after that. And this is the only reassurance you really need before turning on your heels and— <div class="red center">R̜̞̜̲̭͉̪̺̐̓̒͛̈́̊͘͟͟ų̸̛̩̠̮̬͙͋̌̌̄̅̌͑͘ṇ̫̯̙̘͓̮͗̀͗̄͆̔̇͋͜͜͞͠.̶͓̪̺͖̫̻̀̾̆͋͗͘͟ I̫̫̣̖̦͚̮͎͛͛̈̂͡ w̳̝̯̪̙͂͐̊̈́̃ĩ̵̧̯͕̜̮̥͎̆͑͆͊͗̈̔̚͟ĺ̴̨̻̬̲̥͙̋̑̅͛͐͝ľ̡̝͙͉͖̺̒͗́̈́͘͞͝ ā̡̦͎̯͕̬̺̟̄͂͌̈́̑͑͜ḽ͓͖̬̼͓̳̝̼̇̌́͌̍͐́͘͡͞w̵̧̡͕̫̹͇͔̘̍̒̂̎́͂͘a̛̪͖̭̰̫̱̘͇̞̝͊͋̉̏͌͋̕͞y̧̢̖̤͙̙͇̬̻̐͊͛́͐̊̿̕͡s̛̖̩̙̬͓͆̒̓͗̅͘ f̸̬̝̘͓̩̺̗͛̇̀̿̎̈̓̓̉į̸̣͎̲͚̤̼̙̀͊̐̿͗́̕͡͡n̯͙̠͖̟͙̺̳̒̉͛̇͗̉̇̓̊d̢̨̖̳̮͍̀͗̅́̄̕͡͞ y̢̗̖͓̺͉̓̅̀͊́o͚̹̺̞̻̗̽̍̋̉͑̈̽͆͘͘u̸̧̡̗̥͛̐̀̋̈̿͜͜.̡̛͓̪̺̖̗̫̩͔̒̔̑̂̅͐̌͞ </div> <<linkreplace "You freeze." t8n>><span class="large"><<timed 1s>>It spoke.<</timed>> <<timed 2s>>The creature.<</timed>> <<timed 3s>>Spoke.<</timed>></span> <<timed 4s>>You turn around to stare at the no-longer-moving creature, lying on the flood. Your blood turns as cold as the mist around. Fears grips your throat and twist your insides. You want to throw up. But. You. Must. Leave. And so you do, you turn again on your heels prepared to run for your life— That was until you almost crash into someone. This far, at night, in the swamp. After meeting a monster. And with no more bullets left. You freeze the time of a blink. <div class="you">And then you</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[still raise you gun defensively.|case01 swampshoot leave1][$elifoe+1;$gun +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[throw a punch.|case01 swampshoot leave2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[ask questions first, throw hands later.|case01 swampshoot leave3]]</li></ul><</nobr>><</timed>> <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $finesse -=2>><<set $cautious -=2>>\ You see red because of <s>fear</s> fury. Why would you reprieve yourself from kicking it, now, huh ? No reason why not, this is the answer. Especially after the hellish night you've just had. So you kick it. You can feel the gooeyness of the texture of its skin even through your shoes. As you're kicking it. With everything you have. Marking the creature with the imprint of your <<print $shoes>>. Your kicking and trampling down on it are making a particularly disturbing crunching and squelching noise on impact. And the smell of a dead carcass is making you sick as well. It very much ressembles a cadaver, and you wonder for a second if it's not a zombie. It's only when you're crunching its head and it cracks open that you freeze. You stare at it—at what you've done—and take some steps back. <s>Somehow, it looks like its dead empty eyes still watches you.</s> It's not moving anymore. <s>Its skull is cracked open and black putrid matter is leaking through, tainting the floor.</s> It's not moving anymore. <s>Tainting the sole of your shoes. Your shoes. Your clothes. Everything.</s> It's not moving anymore. <ul><li>[[Did you you kill it ?|case01 swampshoot kick2]]</li></ul> <br> <br> <br>

//Did you kill it ? //You <s>think</s> hear ? You turn toward the voice (?). "I asked, did you kill it?" says a man. //A person ? In the swamp ? So late at night ? No.// You look at the stranger with your eyes still wide with fury, your breathing hectic with the run and the kicks and the... the... the everything. Is it a monster as well ? Lurking in the dark ? You wonder. You wonder because you have no bullets left. And because you have no strenght left as well. You take a step back, your voice missing, probably lost somewhere in the swamp. Not running as fast as you. Lying in the <s>probably</s> dead monster's belly. "Hunter ?" ask the stranger. "I didn't know anyone was hunting in the woods tonight". He continues, going towards the fallen creature before crounching down and observing it. And you ? You just stare because: one, you don't think your legs can carry you anymore ; and two, did this person just call you a hunter ? The stranger then rises up and turns to you with a frown. His eyes take in consideration your state, your breathing, your stance... he cocks his head on the sides. "You are not a hunter, are you ?" Your heart stops. But fortunately, not your brain. You have no bullets left, but this person doesn"t know that fact. So, you raises your gun towards him. Silently. And you can almost see him loosing color. And raising his hands slowly to their head, in surrender. "Hey now. I am not here to hurt you, okay ? I am actually here for that thing". <div class="you">And you</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[lower your gun and put it away.|case01 swampshoot kickA][$elifriend +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[lower your gun, but keep it in your hands.|case01 swampshoot kickB][$cautious +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[point your gun at him.|case01 swampshoot kickC][$elifoe +=1]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

<div class="red center"><h1>Profile</h1></div> <h2>Identity</h2> <span class="upper">Name : </span><span class="cap"><<print $name>></span> <span class="upper">Surname : </span><span class="cap"><<print $surname>></span><<if $testnickname eq true>><br><span class="upper">A.K.A. : </span><span class="cap"><<print $nickname>></span><</if>> <span class="upper">Age : </span><<print $age>> <span class="upper">Gender : </span><span class="cap"><<print $gender>></span> <span class="upper">Pronouns : </span><span class="cap"><<print $she>>/<<print $her>></span><div class="red tooltip"><<link "+">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Pronouns"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Pronouns").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>><span class="tooltiptext">Set your pronouns here.</span></div> <span class="upper">Profession : </span> Private Investigator (independant) <br> <h2>Physical appearance</h2> <span class="upper">Eye color : </span><span class="cap"><<print $eyes>></span> <span class="upper">Hair : </span><span class="cap"><<= $hairlength>></span> <<= $haircolor>> <<= $hairtexture>> hair <span class="upper">Height : </span><span class="cap"><<if ndef $small>>[undefined]<<else>><</if>><<if def $small>><<print $height>><</if>></span> <span class="upper">Skin colour : </span><span class="cap"><<print $skincolour>> <<if $caselog01 >= 3>><br><h2>Clothes</h2> [WIP] <br><h2>Equipment</h2> [WIP]<</if>> <br> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center upper">Health : <<print $health>>%</div> <meter @value="$health" min="0" max="100"><<print $health>>%</meter><</nobr>> <br> <div class="red center"><h1>Attitude</h1></div> <span class="upper">Coping mechanisms : </span> <span class="cap"> <<= $calming.join("")>></span> <<nobr>><<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $finesse>>%:Finesse</span>/Brutal:<<print 100-$finesse>>%↴</div> <meter @value="$finesse" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $cautious>>%:Cautious</span>/Daring:<<print 100-$cautious>>%↴</div> <meter @value="$cautious" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $genuine>>%:Genuine</span>/Sarcastic:<<print 100-$genuine>>%↴</div> <meter @value="$genuine" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $friendly>>%:Friendly</span>/Intimidating:<<print 100-$friendly>>%↴</div> <meter @value="$friendly" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $easygoing>>%:Easy Going</span>/Stubborn:<<print 100-$easygoing>>%↴</div> <meter @value="$easygoing" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $emotional>>%:Emotinal</span>/Pragmatic:<<print 100-$emotional>>%↴</div> <meter @value="$emotional" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $teamplayer>>%:Team Player</span>/Lone Wolf:<<print 100-$teamplayer>>%↴</div> <meter @value="$teamplayer" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $optimistic>>%:Optimistic</span>/Cynic:<<print 100-$optimistic>>%↴</div> <meter @value="$optimistic" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>><</nobr>> <br> <br> <div class="red center"><h1>Skills</h1></div> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $observation>>%:Observation</span>/Intuition:<<print 100-$observation>>%↴</div> <meter @value="$observation" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $techno>>%:Technology</span>/Old school:<<print 100-$techno>>%↴</div> <meter @value="$techno" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><<nobr>><<set $physical to [($combat)+($sport)]>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $physical>>%:Physical ability</span></div> <meter @value="$physical" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <<nobr>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print $gun>>%:Gunmanship</span></div> <meter @value="$gun" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br> <br> <h2>Detective Skills</h2> <<nobr>><<set $deduction to [($case01)+($case02)+($case03)+($case04)+($case05)+($case06)+($case07)+($case08)]>><div class="center"><span class="red">⬐<<print setup.formatNumber($deduction)>>%:Deduction</span></div> <meter @value="$deduction" min="0" max="100"></meter><</nobr>> <br><</nobr>> Work in progress... <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); <</script>> <</link>> </div>

* avancer dans les brouillons de parties *avancer dans les codex : finir Stonefrey, commencer New Stval City *fiche perso à faire et finir : yu, mbaya, anna, alex +place gunCocking sound where gun is out +trigger warning for each opencase part unset : for case 02 homecomeTR1 homecomeTR2 sheppardspecies sheppardspeciesC copper gunInHand owlreading owlhelp

Testing this shit : <<set $case02 to 6>> /*Eias*/ <<set $eliroad to true>><<set $eliroadtype to "Hater to Lover">> Friend: 20<<set $elifriend to 20>> Foe: 40<<set $elifoe to 40>> Shy love: 7 <<set $elishylove to 7>> Love Blooms in April Lover: 50<<set $elibooty to 50>> Raptured by Flames Soulmate: 10<<set $elilove to 10>> Only You Enemy to lover: 50<<set $elihatetolove to 50>> Might be Crazy /*Anya*/ <<set $anyaroad to true>><<set $anyaroadtype to "Soul lives Immortal">> Friend: 20<<set $anyafriend to 20>> Foe: 40<<set $anyafoe to 40>> Shy love: 7 <<set $anyashylove to 7>> Brighter than the Sun Lover: 50<<set $anyabooty to 50>> Shinier than Soulmate: 10<<set $anyalove to 10>> Souls Lives Immortal Enemy to lover: 50<<set $anyahatetolove to 50>> Shatter /*Sheppard*/ <<set $sheppardroad to true>><<set $sheppardroadtype to "Through the Fortress of Steel">><<set $sheppardgender to "m">> Friend: 20<<set $sheppardfriend to 20>> Foe: 40<<set $sheppardfoe to 40>> Shy love: 7 <<set $sheppardshylove to 7>> Through the Fortress of Steel Lover: 50<<set $sheppardbooty to 50>> Play with Fire Soulmate: 10<<set $sheppardlove to 10>> Enemy to lover: 50<<set $sheppardhatetolove to 50>> /*Mbaya*/ <<set $mbayaroad to true>><<set $mbayaroadtype to "Hater to Lover">><<set $mbayagender to "m">> Friend: 20<<set $mbayafriend to 20>> mbaya Foe: 40<<set $mbayafoe to 40>> Shy love: 7 <<set $mbayashylove to 7>> Lover: 50<<set $mbayabooty to 50>> Soulmate: 10<<set $mbayalove to 10>> Enemy to lover: 50<<set $mbayahatetolove to 50>> /*Yu*/ <<set $yuroad to true>><<set $yuroadtype to "Hater to Lover">><<set $yugender to "m">> Friend: 20<<set $yufriend to 20>> Foe: 40<<set $yufoe to 40>> Shy love: 7 <<set $yushylove to 7>> Lover: 50<<set $yubooty to 50>> Pillowtalk, Lover's bite Soulmate: 10<<set $yulove to 10>> Enemy to lover: 50<<set $yuhatetolove to 50>> /*Owl*/ <<set $owlroad to true>><<set $owlroadtype to "Hater to Lover">><<set $owlgender to "m">> Friend: 20<<set $owlfriend to 20>> Foe: 40<<set $owlfoe to 40>> Shy love: 7 <<set $owlshylove to 7>> Tu Omnia Mea Lover: 50<<set $owlbooty to 50>> Like Fire and Powder Soulmate: 10<<set $owllove to 10>> As boundless as the sea Enemy to lover: 50<<set $owlhatetolove to 50>> /*Iolrath*/ <<set $rathroad to true>><<set $rathroadtype to "Only the Moon">><<set $rathgender to "m">> Friend: 20<<set $rathriend to 20>> Foe: 40<<set $rathfoe to 40>> Shy love: 7 <<set $rathshylove to 7>> In Your Eyes, Eternally Lover: 50<<set $rathbooty to 50>> Sinfully Yours, Passionately Mine Soulmate: 10<<set $rathlove to 10>> Thousand of Years, One Word Enemy to lover: 50<<set $rathhatetolove to 50>> Break Me, Kiss Me, Love Me <<button "Elias">><<goto "elias">><</button>> <<button "Anya">><<goto "anya">><</button>> <<button "Sheppard">><<goto [[sheppard]]>><</button>> <<button "Mbaya">><<goto "mbaya">><</button>> <<button "Yu">><<goto "yu">><</button>> <<button "Owl">><<goto "owl">><</button>> <<button "Iolrath">><<goto "iolrath">><</button>>

<blockquote>By case, theme then by alphanetical order</blockquote> <br> <div class="red center"><h1>Case 01</h1></div> <div class="red center"><h2><span class="lnr lnr-book"></span> Folklore</h2></div> <h3><span class="lnr lnr-file-empty"></span>Creatures</h3> <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1")>><<link 'Wendigo'>><<goto "wendigo">><</link>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1")>><<link 'Wendigo'>><<goto "wendigo">><</link>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1")>><<link 'Wendigo'>><<goto "wendigo">><</link>><</if>> <div class="red center"><h2><span class="red lnr lnr-map-marker"></span>Location</h2></div> <h3><span class="lnr lnr-apartment"></span>Cities</h3><<nobr>> <<link 'New Stval City'>><<goto "New Stval City">><</link>><</nobr>> <h3><span class=" lnr lnr-map-marker"></span> Places of interest</h3><<nobr>> <h4>Stonefrey</h4> <<link 'Stonefrey: A general history and visit'>><<goto "Stonefrey">><</link>><br><i><span class="little">Contains: Stonefrey Natural Reserve, The mountains, the mines, and principle towns and cities.</span></i><</nobr>> <<nobr>><<if hasVisited("case01 homeThinking1")>><div class="red center"><h2><span class="red lnr lnr-eye"></span> Organisations</h2></div> <<link 'Sentinel'>><<goto "sentinel">><</link>><</if>><</nobr>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); <</script>> <</link>> </div>

<img src="https://img.itch.zone/aW1nLzExODY1ODE2LnBuZw==/original/aMq%2BOR.png" style="width:500px;height:600px;"> <<script>> var wordCount = Story.get("StoryText").wordCount; console.log("Word count: " + wordCount); <</script>> <<print $wordCount>>

<span class="little">By case and order of appearance</span> <h1>Case 01</h1> <<if $deathcount ==0>><span class="grey capi"><span class="lnr lnr-lock"></span>Game over</span><<else>><</if>><<if $deathcount >= 1>><b>Game Over</b>: Well, shit, you've died. Fortunatelly, that was'nt the end of your adventure.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited('case01 swamp shotFace')>><span class="grey"><span class="lnr lnr-lock"></span>Bull's Eye</span><</if>><<if hasVisited('case01 swamp shotFace')>><b>Bull's Eye</b>: You've headshot the monster. people should fear you.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited('case01 swampleave')>><span class="grey"><span class="lnr lnr-lock"></span>Out of the Woods</span><</if>><<if hasVisited('case01 swampleave')>><b>Out of the Woods</b>: You found your way back out of the woods.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited('case01 swamp eliasQuestion B5')>><span class="grey"><span class="lnr lnr-lock"></span>Lukewarm Honey</span><</if>><<if hasVisited('case01 swamp eliasQuestion B5')>><b>Lukewarm Honey</b>: You were offered warm honey, mint and thym. And a thermos.<</if>> <<if hasVisited('case01 caseEndLeave')>><b>Quiet & Mundane</b>: You have chosen an unbothered life.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited('case01 caseEndLeave')>><span class="grey lnr lnr-lock">Quiet & Mundane</span><</if>><br>

Gun in hand, you ask about <<textbox "$swampquestionsC" "">>. <<linkreplace "<span class='red'> ask </span>" t8n>><span class='red'>[[↻ Reload|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]] </span> <<if ["creature", "what", "monster", "beast", "beasts"].includesAny($swampquestionsC)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1")>>You've already asked about the creature. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>The man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>Elias<</if>> explained that you've met a <span class="red">wendigo</span>. It was there because there was a breach in between planes. He mentioned this breach is being taken care off.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1")>>You obviously ask about that [[creature|case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1]] you've met.<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["forest", "place", "swamp", "why", "here"].includesAny($swampquestionsC)>> <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2")>>You ask about this place of course. Why is this man here ? What is this [[swamp|case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2]] ?<<else>>You've already asked about the swamp. Elias told you it's the place in which the <span class="red">breach</span> is situated. That's why the creature appeared there. As the problem of the breach, the man's said he is taking care of it.<</if>>\ <<else>><</if>><<if["you", "who", "man", "stranger"].includesAny($swampquestionsC)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>You've already asked your question about Elias.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>You ask about this man, this [[stranger|case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3]].<</if>><<else>><</if>> <<if["hunter"].includesAny($swampquestionsC)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4")>>You wonder what a [[hunter|case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4]] is.<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4")>>You've already inquired about what a hunter is. It's a person which specializes in keeping track of the supernatural.<</if>><<else>><</if>>\ <<if ["single", "love", "daddy"].includesAny($swampquestionsC)>>Errr... this is not a question to ask. Especially after holding someone at gun point. You sneek a watches Elias, who looks ahead, face blank. You think about another [[question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]].<<else>><</if>> <<if["water", "honey", "drink", "bottle", "thermos"].includesAny($swampquestionsC)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C5")>><<if not hasVisited('case01 swampshoot kickC')>>You ask for something to [[drink.|case01 swamp eliasQuestion C5]]<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C5")>> You look at the bottle already in your hand... and think about another question.<</if>><</if>><<if hasVisited('case01 swampshoot kickC')>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>Elias<</if>> looks with a feral grin. "That sounds very much like a you problem." And you can guess he might be thinking something along the line of //drop dead with your thirst//. <br> You clear your throat and you think about another [[question.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if["hint"].includesAny($swampquestionsC)>>You [[think hard|case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint C]] for questions.<<else>><</if>>\ <</linkreplace>> <<if visited() is 5>><span class="little">You may think of <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>><<if visited() >= 6>><span class="little">You can write <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>> <br> <br> <br>

You, of course, want to know about that creature you've shot, kicked, <s>killed</s>... "What was... that //thing//?" <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>The man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>Elias<</if>> watches you for a few seconds, his hands twitching on his car's bonnet. You gulp down, your fingers tightening their hold on your empty gun. "That //thing// is called a <span class="red"><<linkappend "wendigo">><<notify>>Codex updated<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>." he answers, short and clipped. "And?" you press him. "End of the story". he comments. And is it your imagination or is he repressing an eye roll ? "I don't think so", you insist. "What is a wendigo?" <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>Elias<</if>> sighs. "What you've encountered tonight, you weren't supposed to meet it." <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>The man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>Elias<</if>> looks at the swamp's entrance. "It lives on another side of our plane, where it normally stays." Some seconds pass in tense silence. The only noise being the wind in the trees. To your surprise, you can now hear the birds in the forest, the insect chirping. The frogs must all be asleep by now. The swamp, once the wendigo defeated, as found its liveliness once more. "But I've still met it. How ? Why ?" you wonder. If looks could kill, the one <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>the man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>Elias<</if>> is sending you would have done it. "There was a small breach between our two planes, allowing this wendigo to pass through." he bites down each of his words. With a stoic and almost cold face, he adds. "But don't worry, this breach is being taken care off." <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4")>>You have [[other questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]] to ask. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4")>> You've asked all the questions you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion C]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

You ask about this place of course. Why is this man here ? What is this swamp ? Is it special ? <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>The man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>Elias<</if>> glares at you then looks at the swamp's entrance. "Well, as you can see, this is Stonefrey's Swamp." You blink then stare at him. The audacity of taking you from a total fool. Something in your posture catches <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>the stranger's<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>Elias'<</if>> attention and he tenses. <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1")>>"I've said it already: there was a slight <span class="red">breach between planes</span>. And this breach is currently located here. I am here to take care of this problem."<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1")>>"There has been a <span class="red">small breach</span> between planes. Here. And I am here to take care of it."<</if>> he adds, on his own. You must really look threatening. <<set $friendly -=1>> You want to ask for more information, but even you know when someone is on the brink of clamming up or snapping. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4")>>So you grind your teeth and think about [[other questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4")>> Beside, you've asked all the question you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion C]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $elimeet to true>>You're cautious about the person who stumbled upon you inside the deep dark forest. "Who are you?" you ask, not without a bite in your tone. Long second passes, tenses, apart from the lightness of the song of the morning birds. "My name is <span class="red"><<linkappend "Elias Alistair William">><<notify>>Character list updted<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>" he spit before going silent again. <<if $observation >= 12>>You watch even more carefully. You're surprised to see no distinguishing sign of appartenance to any religion at all. The man wears no jewellery other than the old silver watch on his wrist.<</if>>\ The man who names himself Elias seems tired. You observes dark circles under his eyes. Moreover, even if he seems guarded, his shoudlers falls slightly out of exhaustion. <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2")>>Besides, he seems pretty guarded concerning the matter of this breach. You should, somehow, look into this—given the time, of course.<</if>> "And what links you to whatever is inside this swamp ?" You ask tersely. Elias flinch almost imperceptively and stop his glare from piercing your soul. "I deal with these kind of things." "No shit. I didn't guess. Now, your silence and bitterness are making my fingers itch, so if I were you, I would talk, particularly in this very empty car park, this early in the morning" you snap, you finger indeed flinching on the trigger. Elias swallows, anger still simmering on his face. "I work a special job which includes dealing with special things. You will not get more answers." You look at him squarely. "No. More. Comment." he answers, clearly annoyed. A shiver runs down your spine and you feel like if you press more, <<if hasVisited('case01 swampshoot kickC')>>you'll end up at the other side of this gun.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4")>>It appears this will be all you'll get for now. You'll probably have answers to [[other questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4")>> You've asked all the question you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion C]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

There is five questions you would like to know the answers of: what ? where ? who ? how ? why ? <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint C") is 2>> A strange creature has attacked you. Is the swamp its habitat ? Or does it exists elsewhere ? And this man, in front of you, seems to know some answers to thoses question. Besides, what was this about you being a hunter ?<<else>><</if>>\ <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint C") is 3>>A strange //creature// has attacked you. You would like to know what it is. Does it exists only in this particular place, this //swamp// ? And this man, in front of you, seems to know some answers to thoses question. //Who// is he though, to have them ? You may inquire about him as well. And about the fact he took you for a //hunter// of strange kind.<<else>><</if>>\ <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint C") is 4>> A voice from above, or you may call it your instinct, screams in your head : "Ask about the <span class="red">creature</span>. You want to know about this <span class="red">swamp</span> as well. And this man, Elias, <span class="red">who</span> is he?" And what is a <span class="red">hunter</span>?<</if>>\ <br> You can return to ask your [[questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]]. <br> <br> <br> <span class="little">You like to think simple. Preferably in one word. <span class="large"><span class="lnr lnr-warning"></span><u>With no space (behind)</u>.<span class="lnr lnr-warning"></span></span> You can hit "Hint" one more time if you need further help.</span> <br> <br> <br>

"You asked, earlier, if I was a <span class="red">hunter</span>. Why ? What is it ?" <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>The man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>Elias<</if>> watches you carefully. <<if hasVisited('case01 swampshoot kickC')>>Considers your gun with laser-like concentration. His eyes comes then on your face once more.<</if>>\ "Did I?" You refrain yourself from balking. Is he serious ? You repress your shake with fury. "Indeed. You did. <<if hasVisited('case01 swampshoot kickC')>>Will a bullet to the legs refresh your memories ?<</if>>" you speak through clenched teeth. Second of silence. "It's just like it means. A hunter : noun, a person who searches for or seeks something, or a person who hunts game or other wild animals for food or in sport." "In the <<print $swamp>> swamp, at night, after a deadly monstruous creature ?" <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>Elias<</if>> bites his lips. "A //specialized// type of hunter." This man will make you go crazy. But you notice the determination in his eyes <s>to be as annoying at can be given the circumstances</s> not to reveal about this anymore. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3")>>You'll probably have answers to [[other questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4")>> You've asked all the question you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion C]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

To summer what you've learned so far. The man's explained—quite shortly, if you may add—that you've met a <span class="red">wendigo</span>. It was there because there was a breach in the plane separating the one you're living in and the other one, where the monster's lived. And that's why you've met it. He told you that the swamp is the place in which the <span class="red">breach</span> is situated. As the problem of the breach, the man's said he is taking care of it. He seems reluctant to add more details concerning this matter. The man, <span class="red">Elias Alistair William</span> is not generous in terms of informations. He's said next to nothing about him, but you'll have time to figure this all out later. That and the fact that there seems to me more people like him : interacting with //monsters//. The <span class="red">hunter</span> he's mentionned. But you have one [[last question|case01 swampLastQuestion C]] to ask him. <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "main" loop play>>"Fine, you wont tell me more. But I have one important question to ask." You tell him. You walk from your car to Elias'. He tenses, his hands still splayed on the bonnet of his car. <<if $observation >= 52>>You notice, despite the biting cold and his hands being on the—most probably icy—surface of his car, that his fingers still look warmed up. //Strange//...<</if>> Elias glares at you. "Well, ask away, aren't we standing here, freezing, for that reason?" Not letting him out of your sight, you reach out inside your <<listbox "$bag" autoselect>> <<option "bag">> <<option "backpack">> <<option "fanny bag">> <<option "satchel">> <<option "rucksack">><</listbox>>—which has suffered as much as your shoes. You find the photo you were looking for. Coming to his side, you slide the picture on the windshield of Elias' car, your gun still in one hand. Elias looks at the picture before interrogating you with his eyes. "What am I to do with that?" "//That// is a photograph of <<linkappend "<span class='red'>Ethan Murphy</span>" t8n>><<notify>>Ethan Murphy informations unlocked<</notify>><</linkappend>>. He is 37 years old. He has disappeared nine days ago." you declare. One side of Elias' lips twitches in nervousness. "And?" he asks, but he seems to have anticipated what is to come. "//And// he is the very reason of my presence in this <<print $swamp>> place. This man is an enthusiast of entomologist. He learnt there was a particular species of butterfly that lives in this swamp. That is why, nine days ago, he was spotted taking the bus at Stonefrey to come to this place. And no one never saw him make it back." "He might have left by foot" deadpan Elias. "He might. Except that, tonight, stumbling in this swamp haunted by monster, I have discovered the very glasses favored by Ethan Murphy, in here." Your thoughts of something that clutches your intestines. You bites your lips. "What do you know about that?" Elias is thoughtfull as he's looking at the picture. "None. None at all. If he was in the forest at the same time as the wendigo, he's as good as dead." He subtly clenches his jaw. Elias still stares at the picture—and you were watching his every mouvement since the moment you took out the photo. "I need to look into it." He then glances at you. "That mean taking out my phone to notes the informations and taking a photo of this photo." He doens't really wait for your ok before moving his hands from his car to his pocket. He takes out his phone, snaps a photo of Ethan's picture, write a few notes and puts his phone back inside his pocket. Elias then studies you—and you wonder if it's the moment he pulls out a gun and shot you in the head. You tense and your head drift towards your gun when he hands you a visit card. "This is my number. Sends me update, or message, or better, rings me if you find anything?" You study the black cardboard and take it. <ul><li>[[You then go to your car.|case01 homeComing unset]]</li></ul> <<set $case01 += 1>> <br> <br> <br>

You don't hesitate much before raising your—now very empty—gun. And hope the stranger has not noticed the hollow ringing of your gun, as you've pressed the trigger. You take a defense stance and watche the strange. He is frozen, first, looking at you almost wide eyed, then at the monster on the floor. He then clenches his jaw. "Your gun is empty." he then states, in the dead of the night. And your blood turns as chilly as the icy air around you. "It's just a safety precaution to avoid a bullets from being blocked in the mechanism." You answer. Calmly. From the outside at least. Inside, your mind is on overdrive and you're trying to figure out what does this man want from you. Especially what are his intentions towards you. Wait, is he even human ? "Heh." the man states, stepping forward. "I'm not here to hurt you anyway." he says as he walks, measuredly, to the creature lying down. "I'm here for that, but didn't expect to see it dead." He crouches down. "Very much dead". You gulp down, your gun still trained on the man, who ignores you royally. "What do you know about it ? Because you obviously know something about it." You say, your voice having a panicked ringing. The stranger looks at your from the corner of his eye, still crouches down. Some tense second—tense on your part at least—pass before he says. "I'd rather not talk here. If you want answers, let leave here first." You look around and, indeed, this seems like a decent suggestions. Because you don't know if this thing is a single monster inside this very big forest. And because you don't know what you may have attracted with the firing of your gun in the dead silence of the night. "Do you know the way back?" your voice partly broken. The stranger nudge his head in the direction from which he has come. "T'is this way to the car park." You nod. "After you." So that's you'll keep an eye on hiim. The stranger finally stands up and you can almost see the ghost of a smirk on his lips. "Should I raise my hands in surrender as well ? In front of this o'so-empty gun ? Does it shoot invisible bullets ?" he eye-rolls—yes, you saw it rihgt, he's just eye-rolled you—then proceed to walk in the indicated direction. And you ? Well, you have no other choice but to [[follow.|case01 swampshoot leave D]] <br> <br> <br>

You don't hesitate at all as you're throwing your punch. And you're not taking anything back—quite the opposite, you throw your best punch with everything you have in it. You just have the time to see the stranger's eyes widen in suprise before you fist connect with his jaw—because he just had the time to turn his head a little to avoid a direct colision with his nose. The impact is so strong it sends him stumbling a few steps—and your knuckles obviously suffer from it. "Shit!" curse the man. "That shit hurts!" he glares at you. You, you just stare, wide-eyed, because you're mind is still trying to integrate this man into the friend or foe system your brain has developped throught the years. The man is still glaring, massaging his jaw, but somehow, something in your expression catches his attention. He relaxes a little. "Hey, I'm not here to hurt you, okay ?" he raises his hands in surrender—or more precisely to show you he has no bad intention "I'm here just for what is lying down there", he says. "Wha—what is that thing?" you ask with a broken voice. The stranger looks at you carefully, then at the monster on the floor. "I will answer your questions, but first, let's leave this place, alright?" he asks you, his hands still raised. You nod, because you don't know if there are anymore of this thing crawling in the wood, or even what have all the noise the firing of your gun might have attracted. "Do you know the way back?" you ask. "Yeah, it's over there" the man indicates the direction he is coming from. "Never would I forget this sucker punch in my face though." he almost smirk at you but winces instead. "Shit, this gonna bruise..." Without further ado, he starts walking, only glimpsing here and now if you're following. And you do, stumbling and your gun dangling from your other hand—the one which hasn't suffered the punching—looking like a zombie. But you do walk and [[follow the stranger, out.|case01 swampshoot leave D]] <br> <br> <br>

You take a few step back and you ask. "What do you want?" //Because—//you think//—communication is key.// But of course, you're still holding your gun, tightly, muzzle to the floor but ready to be a threat. The stranger considers you for a few seconds of silence. "I've come... to help you actually, I heard the gunshot. But it appears—" he indicates the fallen monster "—that you really didn't need any help. So I'm not here to hurt you." A short moment of quiet staring follow his declaration. A few moment your brain exploits to try and make sense of the situation. One, this person rushed here as soon as he heard the gunshot. Meaning he was here, in this forest, in the middle of the night. Given your situation, you can't really judge, but you're almost sure he's not here to find the missing person you're looking for. Two, what with this reaction ? He's literally seeing a dead monster on the floor. Yet, he's all cool and chill about it—you can even see him seeping cocktail whislt talknig about the weather, next to a bloody nightmarish creatur—as if it was an everyday life occurence. Meaning, this man has answers to your questions. And damn, you do have questions. "You have questions, I gather ?" the man asks. "It's written all over your face. In bold letters, may I add." You just squeeze your eyes to focus on him and whatever is surrounding you, still trying to make sense of what the hell is happening. "But if you have questions, I'd rather not answer them here." Something you can agree on. You don't know if other monsters are crawling in the deep dark forest and you don't want to wait around to figure it out. Besides, with all the noise the firing of your gun made, you don't want to see if you've attracted something—anything. So you nod a yes and thank you and you both start to walk towards the direction—the stranger indicates—which leads to the car park. And you, you try not to stumble too much as you're [[pushing forward.|case01 swampshoot leave D]] <br> <br> <br>

<h1>Ethan Nathanael Murphy</h1> <div class="center"><h2>Identity</h2></div> <span class="upper">Name : </span>Ethan Nathanael <span class="upper">Surname : </span>Murphy <span class="upper">Date : </span> 3rd March 19XX | <span class="upper">Age : </span> 37 <span class="upper">Place of birth : </span> Bowness-on-Solway <span class="upper">Gender : </span>Male | he/him <span class="upper">Family :</span>Clarence Murphy (mother, deceased), Charly Murphy (father, deceased), Marylene Murphy (sister, alive and married). <span class="upper">Statue</span>: Divorced <span class="upper">Ex wife</span>: Jasmine Khalil <span class="upper">Children</span>: One, Emma Murphy <br> <div class="center"><h2>Last seen</h2></div> <span class="upper">Date of disappearance : </span> 2nd November 20XX | 13:28 p.m. <span class="upper">Last seen : </span> //Drown Forest// bus stop, Line 134, Stonefrey Natural Reserve. Filmed by bus camera when Ethan Murphy left the bus. Seen by the chauffeur when he bide her a good day. Seen by a couple on the entrance of the "Drown Forest Trail". <br> <span class="upper">Was last seen wearing :</span> Dark blue beanie, glasses (silver oval frame, from Dayban, engraved "From your loving wife, J" on right frame, clear glasses, slight nearsighted correction), dark green puffy jacket, kakie cargo pants, sturdy and 'old' hiking shoes dark color, kaki rucksack with a yellow metallic smiley face strapped on left shoulder. Possess as well a fushia professional camera with stickers, a dark green metal gourde with insects stickers, walking sticks. <br> <span class="upper">Missing person filed by : </span>Marylene (Mary) Murphy, 32 years old, Ethan Murphy's little sister. <br> <div class="center"><h2>Physical description</h2></div> <span class="upper">Size :</span><<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.73 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>5.68 feet<</if>>. <span class="upper">Weight : </span><<if settings.imperial eq false>>65 kg<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>143.3 pounds<</if>> <span class="upper">Frame : </span> Thin, out of practice <span class="upper">Eyes :</span> Blue grey | Nearsighted: 7 <span class="upper">Hair :</span> wavy, dark brown, cropped short <span class="upper">Skin :</span> Light, tanned, caucasian, freckles <<silently>><div class="center"><h2>Brief History</h2></div><</silently>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward() <</script>><</link>></div>

You ask about <<textbox "$swampquestionsD" "">> <<linkreplace "<span class='red'> ask </span>" t8n>><span class='red'>[[↻ Reload|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions D]] </span> <<if ["creature", "what", "monster", "beast", "beasts"].includesAny($swampquestionsD)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1")>>You've already asked about the creature. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> explained that you've met a <span class="red">wendigo</span>. It was there because a breach between this place and its place occured. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>The man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> mentioned this breach is being taken care off.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1")>>You obviously ask about that [[creature|case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1]] you've met.<</if>>\ <<else>><</if>><<if ["forest", "place", "swamp", "why", "here"].includesAny($swampquestionsD)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2")>>You've already asked about the swamp. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> told you the swamp is the place in which the <span class="red">breach</span> is situated. That's why the creature appeared there.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2")>>You ask about this place of course. Why is this man here ? What is this [[swamp|case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2]] ?<</if>>\ <<else>><</if>><<if["you", "who", "elias", "man", "stranger"].includesAny($swampquestionsD)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>You've already asked your question about Elias.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>You ask about this [[stranger|case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3]].<</if>><<else>><</if>>\ <<if ["single", "love", "daddy"].includesAny($swampquestionsD)>>Is your brain ok ? You wonder... this is not a question to ask. Not now at least. You sneek a glance at Elias, who looks at the sky, seemingly bored. You think about another [[question to ask.|case01 swamp eliaAllQuestion D]].<<else>><</if>> <<if["water", "honey", "drink", "bottle", "thermos"].includesAny($swampquestionsD)>><<if not hasVisited('case01 swamp eliasQuestions D5')>>You clear your throat and eye the bottle sitting on the roof of <<if hasVisited('case01 swamp eliasQuestions D3')>>Elias'<<else>>the stranger's<</if>> car. And [[ask for it.|case01 swamp eliasQuestions D5]]<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited('case01 swamp eliasQuestions D5')>>You look at the bottle in your hand you've barely touched and wonder why you're asking for another one. You shake your head. It's time to ask [[another questions.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions D]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if["hint"].includesAny($swampquestionsD)>>You [[think hard|case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint D]] for questions.<<else>><</if>>\ <<if ["speak", "spoke", "talk", "talked", "say", "run"].includesAny($swampquestionsD)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4")>>You already asked if the creature could speak. You can ask about another question.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4")>>You, of course, ask if you heard correctly: if the creature could [[speak|case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4]].<</if>><</if>> <</linkreplace>> <<if visited() is 5>><span class="little">You may think of <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>><<if visited() >= 6>><span class="little">You can write <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "mystery" loop play>>True to his words, the stranger leads you to the car park. You've never thought you would feel elated to see your rented car in a deserted place in the middle of the night, but here you are. The stranger walks to the only car—besides yours—to the car park before leaning on it, facing yours. He leans so heavily against his whole car that he umbalance it for a while. A thermos, which stood on the roof of it, threatened to tumble down before the man catches it. He puts it back on the roof of his car, behind him. You stride to your own and face the stranger. Now that you're in the open, you can see the strange man which wandered in the woods at night more clearly. The man is tall, he must very well be between <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.90 meter and 1.95 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6.23' and 6.40 feet<</if>> tall. His build is athletical—which can explain how he could moved so smoothly inside the deep dark forest. He has stricking alabaster white hair which reach below his large shoulders. His hair look like they have lived through harsh wind and rain and as weatheref as his skin. Light stubble, the three days kind, frame his face—which is all harsh lines and edges. Still, you would say—as anyone really—that he is handsome in a ruggedly way. The stranger exudes both an air of aloofness—and by the sound of it, charisma isn't his strong forte—and a strange kind of confidence. Or better, he inspires protectiveness, link a tree would from the rain, but at the same time, it feels like a moody kind of tree. Like it would chase you away from its shades to let you out in the heavy rain and storm. The man is wearing a black leather jacket on top of a simple white turtleneck and a pair of dark jeans—which look like it has seen a lot, but is of qualitify material. He's wearing a belt on his jean which looks like a minimalistic and sculpted eye. An old silver watch ornate is right hand. Deep blue sea eyes stare at you with a twinge of worry and distrust mixed together. He's staring at you just as much as you're staring at him, before fishing a lighter and a cigarette from his pocket. He then start to smoke<<if hasVisited("case01 swampshoot leave3")>>—pausing slightly to touch the forming bruise with a wince<</if>>. "Well, now that we are all merry and safe, ask your question." he deadpans, not really merry—and you not feeling that safe, but anyway. You have questions to ask, so you'll [[ask them.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions D]] <br> <br> <br>

You, of course, inquire about that creature you've met. "What was... //that//?" <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> watches you for a few seconds, dragging on his cigarette. "It's named a <span class="red"><<linkappend "wendigo">><<notify>>Codex updated<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>." You blink, stare, blink some more before staring quite intensely to the man. That technique proves to be quite effective when the stranger starts to clear his throat. "Shit" he starts, scratching his hair nervously. "You were not supposed to interact with it, you see. The fact that you did is... not normal." //No shit.// you think, and quite oddibly, by the look of it. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> sighs. It appears it was a long night for him as well. He looks around the car park. Some seconds pass in serene quiet. The only noise being the wind in the trees. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>The man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> playing with his lighter. And, to your surprise, you can now hear the birds in the forest, the insect chirping. The frogs must all be asleep by now. The swamp, once the wendigo defeated, as found its liveliness once more. "You were able to interacted with it because there was a small breach in between our two planes—the wendigo's and our—allowing this wendigo to pass through." With a stoic and almost cold face, the man adds. "But don't worry, this breach is being taken care off. You don't have to fear meeting another of those creatures." Having finished his cigarette, <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>the man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> reaches for another. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4")>>Waiting for you to ask [[another question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions D]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4")>> You've asked all the questions you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swamp eliaAllQuestion D]]<</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

You ask about this place of course. Why is this man here ? What is this swamp ? Is it special ? Is it why you were able to see what you saw ? One of <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>the stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>>'s eyebrow twitches. The man clears his throat. He then looks at the swamp's entrance. "Well, as you can see, this is the Stonefrey's Swamp ?" he declares nonchalently. You blink then stare at him. "What?" he inquires, sincerely it seems. "Why did I stumble into a creature there ? And what are you doing here?" <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1")>>"Well, as I've said, there was a slight <span class="red">breach between planes</span>. And this breach is currently located into this very swamp. I am here to take care of this problem."<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1")>>"Well, you see, there has been a <span class="red">small breach</span> into one of the planes between worlds inside this very swamp. And I am here to take care of this problem."<</if>> In spite of all, you seek answers. So you insist. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> stays silent for a moment, watching you with a calculated gaze. His face grows almost cold. "As I've said, I am here to take care of this problem." He seems not to want to give more information, unfortunately. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>The man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> reaches for another cigarette and lights it. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4")>>You still have [[other questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions D]] to ask. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4")>> You've asked all the question you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swamp eliaAllQuestion D]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $elimeet to true>>You're curious about the person who came to your rescue—if his words has to be believed. You watch him attentivaly. The man senses your focus on him and looks from the smoke of his lit cigarette to you. "Yeah ? If you got questions, ask them away. We don't have all night and no offense, but I'd rather not freeze my balls to death out here." "Who are you?" you ask. Simply. And the simplicity seems to short-circuit the stranger's brain, as he looks to stunned to speak. "I did forget to introduce myself, huh ? Guess the timing was wrong between the shooting and the you-suspecting-myself-of-wanting-to-off-you-kinda-situation. A real shitty night." Putting an end to his ramble, the man sighs, looks up to you, probably understand he has forgotten, again, to introduce himself and sighs again. "I'm <span class="red"><<linkappend "Elias Alistair William">><<notify>>Character list updted<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>." Wow. You've never dreamed of a more detailed introduction. <<if $observation >= 12>>You watch even more carefully. You're surprised to see no distinguishing sign of appartenance to any religion at all. The man wears no jewellery other than the old silver watch on his wrist.<</if>>\ The man who names himself Elias seems tired. You observes dark circles under his eyes. Moreover, even if he seems guarded, his shoudlers falls slightly out of exhaustion. <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2")>>Besides, he seems pretty guarded concerning the matter of this breach. You should, somehow, look into this—given the time, of coures.<</if>> Elias, who was playing with his lighter, meets your eyes. "I'm just wondering... how are you implicated in this story?" You decide to prode. Elias flinch almost imperceptively and stop his glare from piercing your soul. "Who are you exactly, and how do you fit in what just happened?" Elias plays with his lighter. "Stubbornly curious, aren't we ? Have you heard though" he leans almost conspiratorily "Curiosity killed the cat". He smirks, but there is something wrong and dark with his smirk. You feel a shiver run down your spine as you realize you both are alone in this deserted car park. "You surely have other questions to ask, hm ?" <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4")>>Yes, [[you do.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions D]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4")>> You've asked all the question you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swamp eliaAllQuestion D]]<</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

To summer what you've learned so far. The man's explained—quite shortly, if you may add—that you've met a <span class="red">wendigo</span>. It was there because there was a breach in the plane separating the one you're living in and the other one, where the monster's lived. And that's why you've met it. And, yes, the creature could speak. It wasn't all in your head. He told you that the swamp is the place in which the <span class="red">breach</span> is situated. As the problem of the breach, the man's said he is taking care of it. He seems reluctant to add more details concerning this matter. The man, <span class="red">Elias Alistair William</span> is not generous in terms of informations. He's said next to nothing about him, but you'll have time to figure this all out later. But you have one [[last question|case01 swampLastQuestion D]] to ask him. <br> <br> <br>

There is five questions you would like to know the answers of: what ? where ? who ? how ? why ? <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint D") is 2>> A strange creature has attacked you. Is the swamp its habitat ? Or does it exists elsewhere ? And this man, in front of you, seems to know some answers to thoses question. Besides, have you heard correctly ? Did the creature really talk ?<<else>><</if>>\ <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint D") is 3>>A strange //creature// has attacked you. You would like to know what it is. Does it exists only in this particular place, this //swamp// ? And this man, in front of you, seems to know some answers to thoses questions. //Who// is he though, to have them ? You may inquire about him as well. And what about the fact your heard this thing //speak// to you directly ?.<<else>><</if>>\ <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint D") is 4>> A voice from above, or you may call it your instinct, screams in your head : "Ask about the <span class="red">creature</span>. You want to know about this <span class="red">swamp</span> as well. And this man, Elias, <span class="red">who</span> is he? And did the creature really <span class="red">speak</span> to you?" <</if>>\ <br> You can return to ask your [[questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions D]]. <br> <br> <br> <span class="little">You like to think simple. Preferably in one word. <span class="large"><span class="lnr lnr-warning"></span><u>With no space (behind)</u>.<span class="lnr lnr-warning"></span></span> You can hit "Hint" one more time if you need further help.</span> <br> <br> <br>

<h1>Wendigo</h1> <h2>Origine</h2> Origine : Plains and Great Lake Natives | First Nation (Canada) Algonquian-family languages Name origin : //wiindigoo// in proto-algonquian | or in ojibwe : //wi-nteko-wa// meaning "owl". The wendigo is said to be a malevolent spirit with human like characteristics, which possesses human beings. The wendigo is known for its insatiable greed and hunger. It feeds on and cannibalize other humans, making it a dreadful and feared creature. It is also known for its propensity to commit murder in those that fall under it influence. <h2>Physical appearance</h2> It bears the appearance of a giant humanoid with a heart of ice, a foul stench. An unseasonable chill might precede its approach. The wendigo has no antlers nor horns in original story. the wendigo is gaunt to the point of emaciation, its desiccated skin pulled tightly over its bones. With its bone pushing out against its skin, its complexion, ashen grey of death, and its eyes pushed back deep into their socket. A suppuration of the flesh, decay and decomposition can be observed. It appearance screams of death and corruption. <h2>General facts</h2> Wendigos are associated with : winter, the north, coldness, famine, starvation. It can be a personalization of the famine which comes with winter. Some says the wendigo is capable of talking. <h2>Miscellaneous</h2> The wendigo has a folklore cousin: the wechuge. It is a human being possessed by an evil spirit of the ancient giant spirit animal. Its discrieb at being "too strong". It too is a man eating-creature. One can turn into a wechuge by breaking a taboo, like cannibalism. The creature is known for being cunning. Its is made of ice and can only killed by being thrown on a campfire until its melt. It is the result of a curse and/or a punishment. <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Dialog.close("wendigo"); Dialog.setup("Codex"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Codex").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></div>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "main" loop play>>"Fine, you wont tell me more. But I have one important question to ask." You tell him. You walk from your car to Elias'. He tenses slightly, his senses visibly alert. Elias sighs. "Well, ask away, aren't we standing here, freezing, for that very reason?" Not letting him out of your sight, you reach out inside your <<listbox "$bag" autoselect>> <<option "bag">> <<option "backpack">> <<option "fanny bag">> <<option "satchel">> <<option "rucksack">><</listbox>>—which has suffered as much as your shoes. You find the photo you were looking for. Coming to his side, you show him a picture. Elias looks at the picture before interrogating you with his eyes. "What am I to do with that?" "//That// is a photograph of <<linkappend "<span class='red'>Ethan Murphy</span>" t8n>><<notify>>Ethan Murphy informations unlocked<</notify>><</linkappend>>. He is 37 years old. He has disappeared nine days ago." you declare. One side of Elias' lips twitches in nervousness. "And?" he asks, but he seems to have anticipated what is to come. "//And// he is the very reason of my presence in this <<print $swamp>> place. This man is an enthusiast of entomologist. He learnt there was a particular species of butterfly that lives in this swamp. That is why, nine days ago, he was spotted taking the bus at Stonefrey to come to this place. And no one never saw him make it back." "He might have left by foot" deadpan Elias. "He might. Except that, tonight, stumbling in this swamp haunted by monster, I have discovered the very glasses favored by Ethan Murphy, in here." Your thoughts of something that clutches your intestines. You bites your lips. "What do you know about that?" Elias is thoughtfull as he's looking at the picture. "None. None at all. If he was in the forest at the same time as the wendigo, he's as good as dead." He subtly clenches his jaw. Elias still stares at the picture—and you were watching his every mouvement since the moment you took out the photo. "I need to look into it." He then glances at you. He fumbles inside his pockets before taking out his phone. "May I ?" he indicates the picture. You nods. Elias puts the old photograph of Ethan on his car's bonnet before snapping pictures of it with his phone. He then taps some text you can't discern, before handing you back the precious and tattered paper. He's putting his phone back in its pocket before Elias pauses. He glances at you thoughfully and before dread settles into your bones—that he finally kills you—he fishes out of another one of his pocket a visit card. "This is my number, in case you got info. Or you'll need info. You'll need to ring me or text me for me to get your number." You watch the piece of carefully crafter carboard as if it might bite you, but decide to take it. <ul><li>[[You then go to your car.|case01 homeComing unset]]</li></ul> <<set $case01 += 1>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $health -= 10>>Bullets can't kill it. The reality of this strikes you so strongly that it agitates your blood and bones. The reality of it strikes as so unjust that you just <div class="large center">scream.</div> Your scream comes not only from your lungs, but also from your heart, your soul. You're screaming from rage, at the injustice of this situation—that you will die because you were trying to help someone. That you're going to die, alone and forgotten, in this <<print $swamp>>. That you don't want that. Your veins are pulsating in your throat with the effort as the sound is shaking you. You can feel your vocal cord going raw, tasting blood in your mouth. The sound shatters the silence and ricochet on the disturbing nothingness of the place. Rings in your ears until it's the only thing your hear. But still, you [[scream|case01 swampScream 2]]. <br> <br> <br>

Maybe the impulse of fitghting back, or even running, would have come. But the horror of the situation strikes you when the beast steps towards you. <<nobr>><<linkreplace "Looking" t8n>><s>Looking</s> Smiling<</linkreplace>><</nobr>> at you. Promising you your <s>annihilation</s>, <s>dismembering</s>, <s>gutting</s> death. The stench of rot already coating your tongue, your nostril, stinging your eyes as the nightmare prawls closer, its void eyesocket set on you. Only you. Your mouth is still opened in a broken scream when the beast launch and you had no time to act. As you see fangs closing in, you wonder where it went wrong. Was is when you set foot in the deep dark forest ? Or even before ? Was your doom already set in stone ? <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<linkreplace "..." t8n>>The sharp teeth of death were almost on you when you see it crashing sideway. Crashing into a tree. Falling on a heap on the forested floor. No longer moving. In the place where the creature was launching itself upon you and your last second on earth, stand <div class="blue large center">blue</div> Or to be more accurate, <span class="blue">blue flames</span>. Connected to a fist. Your eyes trace the fist back to an arm and the to the stranger. Stranger who sent the beast, flying. Stranger who just came to your help. But stranger standing in a forest, in the dark night. You don't know. You don't know if you should say thank you and hug this person. Or if you must scream again. Or even if you maybe should use your gun, now that you got some time to compose yourself. But for now, you just take a sharp breath, the sudden gulping on air feeling like thousand of tinny blade inside your raw throat. Then you take a step back and collide with a tree. You lean onto it and look at the strange man who came to help you. He just spares you a glance before walking to the fallen beast and inspecting it. He doesn't seem surprised to have met a nightmarish creature deep inside a forest at night. The man is crounching in front of the creature and mumbles curses. You try to catch your breath, try to catch your voice back. When his attention return from the beast to you, you stiffen. He understand the situation quite fast and raises his hands in surrender—and a claming gesture. "It's okay, I'm not here to arm you. Quite the contrary." You try to answer but ends up coughing instead. "Yeah, you should probably stop using your voice for now. And take some honey once you make it home." //Once you make it home//. It just a sentences, but you feel it in your heart, swelling with warmth and hope. You open your mouth to say something, but the man cuts you. "Yeah, yeah, I know, you have some questions. But for now, if you're not against it, I say we leave this forest, hm ?" The stranger doesn't really wait for you as he's striding back from the way he came from. He just sends you a look before adding. "Exit this way". <div class="you">You gulp down and</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[follow the stranger out.|case01 swampScreamA][$elifriend +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[follow the stranger out, at a carefull distance.|case01 swampScreamB][$elifoe +=1; $cautious +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[follow the stranger out, your gun in hand.|case01 swampScreamC][$elifoe +=1; $finesse -=1]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

You croak, mumble and ask about <<textbox "$swampquestionsB" "">> <<linkreplace "<span class='red'> ask </span>" t8n>><span class='red'>[[↻ Reload|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]] </span> <<if ["creature", "what", "monster", "beast", "beasts"].includesAny($swampquestionsB)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1")>>You've already asked about the creature. You were told that you've met a <span class="red">wendigo</span>. It was there because there was a breach in the plane separating the one you're living in and the other one, where the monster's lived. As such, it could have passed through and interact with you. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> mentioned this breach is being taken care off.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1")>>You inquire about that [[creature|case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1]] you've met.<</if>>\ <<else>><</if>><<if ["forest", "place", "swamp", "why", "here"].includesAny($swampquestionsB)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2")>>You've already asked about the swamp. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> told you it's the place in which the <span class="red">breach</span> is situated. That's why the creature appeared there. As the problem of the breach, the man's said he is taking care of it.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2")>>You ask about this place of course. Why is this man here ? What is this [[swamp|case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2]] ?<</if>>\ <<else>><</if>><<if["you", "who", "elias", "man", "stranger"].includesAny($swampquestionsB)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>You've already asked your question about Elias.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>You ask about this [[man|case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3]].<</if>><<else>><</if>><<if ["blue fire", "fire", "blue", "punch", "flame", "flames"].includesAny($swampquestionsB)>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4")>>You've already inquired about the mysterious blue flames.<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("caseO1 swamp eliasQuestion B4")>>You can't let the opportunity to ask about those [[blue flames|case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4]].<</if>><<else>><</if>><<if ["single", "love", "daddy"].includesAny($swampquestionsB)>>Errr... this is not a question to ask. Not now at least. You sneek a glance at <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>the stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> , who looks at the sky, seemingly bored. You think about another [[question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]].<<else>><</if>> <<if["water", "honey", "drink", "bottle", "thermos"].includesAny($swampquestionsB)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B5")>><<if hasVisited("case01 swampScreamC")>><<if $gunInHand eq false>>You ask for something to [[drink.|case01 swamp eliasQuestion B5]]<<else>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<<else>>The stranger<</if>> looks at you then raises one eyebrow. "That's too bad, really." <br> You clear your throat and you think about another [[question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]]<</if>><</if>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B5")>>You ask for something to [[drink.|case01 swamp eliasQuestion B5]]<</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B5")>> You look at the bottle already in your hand... and think about another[[question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]].<</if>><</if>>\ <<if["hint"].includesAny($swampquestionsB)>>You [[think hard|case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint B]] for questions.<<else>><</if>>\ <</linkreplace>> <<if visited() is 5>><span class="little">You may think of <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>><<if visited() >= 6>><span class="little">You can write <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>> <br> <br> <br>

You, of course, want to know about that creature you've met. "What was... that //thing//?" you succeed in caughing out. "Well, as for what is called, you've met a <span class="red"><<linkappend "wendigo">><<notify>>Codex updated<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>." Your silence ask louder questions. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> scratches his hair and sighs. It appears it was a long night for him as well. He looks around the car park. "What you've encountered tonight, you weren't supposed to meet it. See it. Interact with it." <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> looks at the swamp's entrance. "It's a creature that lives on another side of our plane. But it has somehow crossed to ours." Some seconds pass of quietness passs. The only noise being the wind in the trees. <<if $gunInHand eq false>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> playing with his lighter. <</if>>And, to your surprise, you can now hear the birds in the forest, the insect chirping. The frogs must all be asleep by now. The swamp, once the wendigo defeated, as found its liveliness once more. "As for the reason you've interacted with it, well, let's say there was a small breach between our two planes, allowing this wendigo to pass through." With a stoic and almost cold face, the man adds. "But don't worry, this breach is being taken care off. You don't have to fear meeting another of those creatures." Having finished his cigarette, <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> reaches for another. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4")>>Warmed from inside, you ask [[another question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4")>> You've asked all the questions you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion B]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

You ask about this place of course. Why is this man here ? What is this swamp ? Is it special ? One of <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>>'s eyebrow twitches. The man clears his throat. He then looks at the swamp's entrance. "Well, as you can see, this is Stonefrey's Swamp ?" he declares nonchalently. You blink then stare at him. "What?" he inquires, sincerely it seems. Your frown and insist with your eyes. <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1")>>"I did mention the creature crossed from its plane to ours. It has happened because of a small <span class="red">breach between planes</span>. Located here. I am here to take care of this problem."<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1")>> "There has been a <span class="red">small breach</span> into one of the planes between worlds inside this very swamp. And I am here to take care of this problem."<</if>> Your frown even more. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> stays silent for a moment, watching you with a calculated gaze. His face grows almost cold. "As I've said, I am here to take care of this problem." He seems not to want to give more information, unfortunately. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> reaches for another cigarette and lights it. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4")>>Warmed from inside, you ask [[another question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4")>> You've asked all the questions you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion B]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $elimeet to true>>You're curious about the person who just rushed to save you. You watch him attentivaly. "Who are you?" you croak. The stranger studies for a few seconds. "My name is <span class="red"><<linkappend "Elias Alistair William">><<notify>>Character list updted<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>." That's it. Not asking yours, not saying anything else. But at least you have a name. Beside, you know that, as surprisingly unbelievable as it seems, this man can summon a strange blue fire. He came running and fought the beast as if it was his daily job. He defeated the <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1")>>wendigo<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1")>>beast<</if>> with one punch. Now, he offers to answer your questions concerning this strange matters. <<if $observation >= 12>>You watch even more carefully. You're surprised to see no distinguishing sign of appartenance to any religion at all. The man wears no jewellery other than the old silver watch on his wrist.<</if>>\ The man who names himself Elias seems tired. You observes dark circles under his eyes. Moreover, even if he seems guarded, his shoudlers falls slightly out of exhaustion. <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2")>>Besides, he seems pretty guarded concerning the matter of this breach. You should, somehow, look into this—given the time, of coures.<</if>> <<if $gunInHand eq false>>Elias, who was playing with his lighter, meets your eyes. Under you scritiny, he tenses slightly but perceptively. <</if>>\ "I'm just wondering... how are you implicated in this story?" You ask tentatively. Elias flinch almost imperceptively and stop his glare from piercing your soul. "Who are you exactly, and how do you fit in what just happened?" Elias plays with his lighter. "You know what they say : Curiosity killed the cat". He quotes with his fingers. "I just deal with this kind of things, that's all you need to know". You blanched at the hinted threat. Nod. "If you have anymore question, just ask them already. It's cold." he grumbles. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4")>>Warmed from inside, you ask [[another question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4")>> You've asked all the questions you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion B]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

You cannot not ask about the obvious blue flames you saw. So you try your luck. "What was... those blue flames?" you inquire. "What blue flames?" he answers, flattly. //Charming.// "The ones you've used to punch the <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1")>>wendigo<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1")>>creature<</if>>?" "What creature?" he deadpans. You squint your eyes at him. "You've said you would answer my questions." "I did. And I am." "That doesn't sound like answers." "And that does sound more like a 'you' problem." //Lovely, so lovely.// you think, but doesn't push further. What if he snaps and decide to "Actually, you now know too much and ask too many questions" and ends you ? Nah, you're letting this go. For now. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4")>>Warmed from inside, you ask [[another question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4")>> You've asked all the questions you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion B]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

There is five questions you would like to know the answers of: what ? where ? who ? how ? why ? <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint B") is 2>> A strange creature has attacked you. Is the swamp its habitat ? Or does it exists elsewhere ? And this man, in front of you, seems to know some answers to thoses question. Besides, what was those flames ?<<else>><</if>>\ <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint B") is 3>> A strange //creature// has attacked you. You would like to know what it is. Does it exists only in this particular place, this //swamp// ? And this man, in front of you, seems to know some answers to thoses question. //Who// is he though, to have them ? You may inquire about him as well. And about the punch of fire he made.<<else>><</if>>\ <<if visited("case01 swamp eliasQuestionHint B") is 4>> A voice from above, or you may call it your instinct, screams in your head : "Ask about the <span class="red">creature</span>. You want to know about this <span class="red">swamp</span> as well. And this man, Elias, <span class="red">who</span> is he?" And how can he summo <span class="blue">fire</span>?<</if>>\ You can return to ask your [[questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]]. <br> <br> <br> <span class="little">You like to think simple. Preferably in one word. <span class="large"><span class="lnr lnr-warning"></span><u>With no space (behind)</u>.<span class="lnr lnr-warning"></span></span> You can hit "Hint" one more time if you need further help.</span> <br> <br> <br>

<<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> blinks a few times before chuckling. "My bad" he says as he turns around and retrieve a thermos which was standing on the roof of his car. It appears he was in the middle of doing something before rushing to your aid. The stranger then face to you and throws you the bottle. "Happy?" You catch it and opens the lid. It's not water. It smells like— "It's honey with mint and thym. You can drink it right now—I've made it lukewarn so that the honey's effect aren't compromised by excessive heat." Wow, that got him talking. Maybe you should ask about beverage more. You smells it again and look at the bottle before drinking the content. It's not like this man planned to poison someone, put it in a thermos, forgot about it just the time to save someone and... nah, it's to improbable. You're safe. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B5")>>Warmed from inside, you ask [[another question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B4", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion B5")>> You've asked all the questions you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion B]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<timed 1s>><<audio "main" loop play>><</timed>>"Fine, you wont tell me details, I understand."—you don't—"But I have one important questions to ask." You tell him. Elias looks at you curiously. "Well, ask away, we are standing in this very car park, freezing, for this special reason." You take out a small photo from your <<listbox "$bag" autoselect>> <<option "bag">> <<option "backpack">> <<option "fanny bag">> <<option "satchel">> <<option "rucksack">><</listbox>>—which has suffered as much as your shoes. You come to stand in front of Elias and hand it to him. Elias takes it and watches the picture before interrogating you with his eyes. "What am I to do with that?" "//That// is a photograph of <<linkappend "<span class='red'>Ethan Murphy</span>" t8n>><<notify>>Ethan Murphy informations unlocked<</notify>><</linkappend>>. He is 37 years old. He has disappeared nine days ago." you declare. One side of Elias' lips twitches in nervousness. "And?" he asks, but he seems to have anticipated what is to come. "//And// he is the very reason of my presence in this <<print $swamp>> place. This man is an enthusiast of entomologist. He learnt there was a particular species of butterfly that lives in this swamp. That is why, nine days ago, he was spotted taking the bus at Stonefrey to come to this place. And no one never saw him make it back." "He might have left by foot" deadpan Elias. "He might. Except that, tonight, stumbling in this swamp haunted by monster, I have discovered the very glasses favored by Ethan Murphy, in here." Your thoughts of something that clutches your intestines. "Is there a chance for Ethan Murphy to simply be lost in the swamp at all?" //Whilst there was a monster inside, which almost killed me//. Elias is thoughtfull then looks at you square in the eyes. "None. None at all. If he was in the forest at the same time as the wendigo, the chance he was found and... gotten ride of is 99.99%." He bites his lips then adds. "Even though it can be killed by bullets, this thing is incredibly tough—as you might have witnessed yourself. So, even if Mr Murphy had had a weapon with him, he couldn't have used it to defend himself. And even if he had given himself some time to leave, the wendigo would have caught up with him." Elias clenches his jaw. "If he was in the forest nine days ago, the chances of him still being alive are close to 0%. And that's me being optimistic here. There are no caves to hides into in there. Only bodies of water of random size and dephts. If the wendigo did not find him, which is unlikely, he could have drown. Or he could have lost his way. Which is the equivalent of a death sentence in here." Elias bites his lips in visible defeat at the face you're making. "OK. I will look into it. Ethan Murphy, you've said? 37, entomologist enthusiast. I need to make a phone call." He gives you the photo back and fumbles inside his pockets. He takes out his phone, snaps a photo of Ethan's picture, write a few notes and puts his phone back inside his pocket. Elias then studies you—and you wonder if it's the moment he pulls out a gun and shot you in the head. You tense and your head drift towards your gun when he hands you a visit card. "This is my number. Sends me update, or message, or better, rings me if you find anything?" You study the black cardboard and take it. <ul><li>[[You then go to your car.|case01 homeComing unset]]</li></ul> <<set $case01 += 1>> <br> <br> <br>

You cried yourself into oblivion. Rage and despair and fear all goes down your cheeks and spills on the floor. You sob and chokes on blurry wails—bitting your lips to prevent you from howling it out to the world to hear. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You don't know how much time passes. But by the time it took for you to empty all that which you could, the city has awakened. You blink and realize that you're still in the bathroom, curled up on the floor. Your body is a hurting and shivering mess—especially the side onto which you were lying. You're cold, as cold as the floor underneath you. You sit up and immediately regrets it—your body feels as if you've been ran over by multiple cars, a truk and even by a cargo plane, by the feel of it. You're cranky and shivering, but at least, you're alive. You muster all the energy you can and go to [[take a shower|case01 homeComingProfile]]. <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

You stays on the floor, staring at the void. No storm of emotions is raging inside you—no tempest of despair and pain and fear. Nothing. You were half expecting this to happen. Half expecting your brain to just discard what must qualify as undesired feelings. Soon, the whole event of yesterday night would be like looking at distant pictures. It would be there, in your memories, but at the same time, it will be chirurgically distant. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You don't know how much time passes. But by the time it took for you to gaze back into the present, the city has awakened. You blink and realize that you're still in the bathroom, curled up on the floor. Your body is a hurting and shivering mess—especially the side onto which you were lying. You're cold, as cold as the floor underneath you. You sit up and immediately regrets it—your body feels as if you've been ran over by multiple cars, a truk and even by a cargo plane, by the feel of it. You're cranky and shivering, but at least, you're alive. You muster all the energy you can and go to [[take a shower|case01 homeComingProfile]]. <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

You curl on the floor but refuse to let your emotions reign. Rage and despair and fear all chokes you and threatens to run down your cheeks and spill on the floor. But you keep in all bottled up. In a place you know it wouldn't surface. Not aknowledging it. A part of you knows its not the sannest thing to do. But you have things and yourself to attend to and you don't need this distraction. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You don't know how much time passes. But by the time it took for you to crush down and repress all that cwhich you could, the city has awakened. You blink and realize that you're still in the bathroom, curled up on the floor. Your body is a hurting and shivering mess—especially the side onto which you were lying. You're cold, as cold as the floor underneath you. You sit up and immediately regrets it—your body feels as if you've been ran over by multiple cars, a truk and even by a cargo plane, by the feel of it. You're cranky and shivering, but at least, you're alive. You muster all the energy you can and go to [[take a shower|case01 homeComingProfile]]. <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

Peeling your ruined clothes off was a gross task. And given what you see, those clothes aren't wear-able anymore. You throw them as far of your body as you can, and catch a glimpse of your reflection in the mirror. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You are, what can be considered <<listbox "$height">> <<option "a really tall (above 1.80 m/5.9 ft)" really tall>> <<option "a tall (between 1.70 m and 1.80 m/5.9 ft and 5.6 ft)" tall>> <<option "an average (between 1.60 m and 1.70 m/5.2 ft and 5.6 ft)" average selected>> <<option "a small (between 1.60 and 1.50 m/5.2 and 4.9 ft)" small>> <<option "a really small (under 1.50 m/4.9 ft)" really small>><</listbox>> <<listbox "$gender">> <<option "woman, since birth." woman>> <<option "woman, at last." woman>> <<option "woman, inside." woman>> <<option "person. Simply a person." person selected>> <<option "man, inside." man>> <<option "man, at last." man>> <<option "man since birth." man>><</listbox>> Using <<listbox "_presetpronouns" autoselect>> <<option "they/their" they/them>> <<option "she/her" she/her>> <<option "he/him" he/him>> <<option "your own pronouns" personalized>><</listbox>> to define yourself. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <<nobr>><<if _presetpronouns eq "she/her">><<set $plural to false>> <<set $she to "she">> <<set $her to "her">> <<set $herr to "her">> <<set $hers to "hers">> <<set $herself to "herself">> <<set $noun to "woman">> <<set $marriagename to "wife">> <<set $family to "daughter">><<set $familystreet to "daughter">> <<set $sibling to "sister">> <<set $petname to "sweetheart">><<else>><</if>> <<if _presetpronouns eq "he/him">> <<set $plural to false>> <<set $she to "he">> <<set $her to "him">> <<set $herr to "his">> <<set $hers to "his">> <<set $herself to "himself">> <<set $noun to "man">> <<set $marriagename to "husband">> <<set $family to "son">><<set $familystreet to "son">> <<set $sibling to "brother">> <<set $petname to "sunshine">><<else>><</if>> <<if _presetpronouns eq "they/them">> <<set $plural to true>> <<set $she to "they">> <<set $her to "them">> <<set $herr to "their">> <<set $hers to "theirs">> <<set $herself to "themselves">> <<set $noun to "person">> <<set $marriagename to "spouse">> <<set $family to "child">><<set $familystreet to "kid">> <<set $sibling to "sibling">> <<set $petname to "darling">><</if>> <</nobr>> <<button "next">><<if _presetpronouns eq "personalized">><<goto [[pronouncheck]]>><<else>><</if>><<if _presetpronouns isnot "personalized">><<goto [[case01 homeComingProfile2]]>><</if>><</button>> <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

Your pronouns are plural : <<checkbox "$plural" false true checked>> Subject pronouns : I/You/We <<textbox "$she" $she>> Object pronouns : Me/You/Us <<textbox "$her" $her>> Possessive Adjective : My/Your/Our <<textbox "$herr" $herr>> Possessive pronouns: Mine/Yours/Ours <<textbox "$hers" $hers>> Reflexive pronouns : Myself/Yourself/Ourself <<textbox "$herself" $herself>> Noun : <<textbox "$noun" $noun>> Marriage : <<textbox "$marriagename" $marriagename>> Family : <<textbox "$family" $family>> Sibling : <<textbox "$sibling" $sibling>> Petname : <<textbox "$petname" $petname>> <<linkappend "Check !">> <<if $plural eq true>><span class="cap"><b>$she</b></span> mumble to <b>$herself</b> "//What a long day it was...//". <span class="cap">$she</span> chuckle a little, thinking at how surprising <b>$herr</b> life is now. But all of this mess of suprise is now <b>$hers</b> to take care of. And people are trusting <b>$her</b> to do just that. People must think "What a peculiar <b>$noun</b>, $she are. I wouldn't want to be $herr <b>$sibling</b> nor having $her as $herr <b>$family</b>, even less so as $herr <b>$marriagename</b> or call $her petname like <b>$petname</b>." <</if>>\ <<if $plural eq false>><span class="cap"><b>$she</b></span> mumbles to <b>$herself</b> "//What a long day it was...//". <span class="cap">$she</span> chuckles a little, thinking at how surprising <b>$herr</b> life is now. But all of this mess of suprise is now <b>$hers</b> to take care of. And people are trusting <b>$her</b> to do just that. People must think "What a peculiar <b>$noun</b> $she is. I wouldn't want to be $herr <b>$sibling</b> nor having $her as $herr <b>$family</b>, even less so as $herr <b>$marriagename</b> or call $her petname like <b>$petname</b>."<</if>> <<button "reload">><<goto "pronouncheck">><</button>> <</linkappend>> <ul><li>[[next|case01 homeComingProfile2]]</li></ul> <br> <br> <br>

<span class="little">You are a <u><<print $height>></u> <u><<print $gender>></u>, and your pronouns are <u><<print $she>>/<<print $her>></u>. </span> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[yes|case01 homeComingProfile3]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[no|case01 homeComingProfile]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $polylove to true>>

<div class=" nosidebar"> <span class="casename"></span> <blockquote>“I found myself within a forest dark, for the straightfoward pathway had been lost. Ah me! How hard a thing is to say, what was this forest savage, rough, and stern, which in the very thought renews the fear. So bitter is it, death is little more...” <b>― Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy</b> </blockquote> </div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "opencase01">><</timed>><</silently>> <<set $opencase to "01">><<set $casepart to "A cliché night in a swamp">><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">>

You lean forward. You look haunted. Your <<listbox "$eyes" autoselect>> <<option "brown">> <<option "dark brown">> <<option "amber">> <<option "pale gold">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "emerald green">> <<option "pale green">> <<option "frosted green">> <<option "teal">> <<option "light blue">> <<option "ice blue">> <<option "baby blue">> <<option "blue">> <<option "gray-blue">> <<option "gray">> <<option "dark gray">> <<option "dark">> <<option "obsidian">> <<option "violet">> <<option "red">> <<option "heterochromatics">><</listbox>> eyes are underlined with heavy fatigue and your iris seem to be covered by a veil of madness—dulling their brightness. Your—usually somehow healthy—<<listbox "$skincolour">> <<option "porcelain">> <<option "fair">> <<option "ivory">> <<option "warm ivory">> <<option "rose beige">> <<option "neutral" selected>> <<option "tanned">> <<option "olive">> <<option "beige">> <<option "sienna">> <<option "amber">> <<option "light brown">> <<option "warm brown">> <<option "bronze">> <<option "espresso">> <<option "chocolate">> <<option "onyx">> <</listbox>> skin looks wanned, like all energy has been drained of your every pore. You pass a hand <<if $hairlength isnot "bald">>in your <<listbox "$hairtexture" autoselect>> <<option "wavy">> <<option "curly">> <<option "kinky">> <<option "straight">><</listbox>> <<listbox "$haircolor">> <<option "brown" autoselect>> <<option "golden brown">> <<option "light caramel">> <<option "sandy brown">> <<option "ash brown">> <<option "light brown">> <<option "chestnut">> <<option "copper">> <<option "auburn">> <<option "ginger red">> <<option "deep red">> <<option "dark auburn">> <<option "venetian blond">> <<option "strawberry blond">> <<option "blond">> <<option "golden">> <<option "honey blond">> <<option "ashy blond">> <<option "dark blond">> <<option "platinum blond">> <<option "white">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "pepper">> <<option "jet black">> <<option "raven black">> <<option "blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "orange">> <<option "pink">> <<option "violet">> <<option "purple">> <<option "rainbow-coloured">> <<option "dark brown">><</listbox>> hair<<else>><</if>><<if $hairlength is "bald">> on your head<</if>> and sigh—you surely have seen better days. There are some minor cuts here and there on your skin on all the places the naked tree branches could slice you. Before darker thouhgts—//what if//, //if only// and //maybes//—come to hunt your day, you shake your head and hop into the shower. <ul><li>[[...|case01 homeThinking1]]</li></ul> <br> <br> <br>

As water and soap cleans your skin, you think about what Elias told you. Something about what he's said rubs you the wrong way—putting aside the supernatural, of course. What troubles you is on the edge of your consciousness, you feel it but can't grasp it. You take a deep breath, calm your heart which suddendly beats like crazy remomoring wendigos and monsters exist. And dive into the conversation. <div class="grey"><blockquote> <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A")>> <b>You:</b>"Why did I stumble into a creature there ? And what are you doing here?" <b>Elias :</b>"There has been a <span class="red">small breach</span> into one of the planes between worlds inside this very swamp. And I am here to take care of this problem." //[You insisted]// <b>Elias :</b>As I've said <<print $petname>>, I am here to take care of this problem." <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB")>>You ask about this place of course. Why is this man here ? What is this swamp ? Is it special ? [...] <b>Elias :</b>"There has been a <span class="red">small breach</span> into one of the planes between worlds inside this very swamp. And I am here to take care of this problem." //[You insisted]// <b>Elias :</b> "As I've said, I am here to take care of this problem." <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick")>>You ask about this place of course. Why is this man here ? What is this swamp ? Is it special ? [...] <b>Elias :</b> "There has been a <span class="red">small breach</span> between planes. Here. And I am here to take care of it." You want to ask for more information, but even you know when someone is on the brink of clamming up or snapping. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions D")>>You ask about this place of course. Why is this man here ? What is this swamp ? Is it special ? Is it why you were able to see what you saw ? [...] <b>Elias :</b>"Well, you see, there has been a <span class="red">small breach</span> into one of the planes between worlds inside this very swamp. And I am here to take care of this problem." //[You insisted]// <b>Elias :</b> "As I've said, I am here to take care of this problem." <</if>>\ </blockquote></div> What troubles you in what he's said is : <<textbox "$homecomeTR2" "">>. <<linkreplace "<span class='red'> ask </span>" t8n>><span class='red'>[[↻ Reload|case01 homeThinking1]] </span> <<if["hint"].includesAny($homecomeTR2)>>You force your brain to [[think.|Case 01 homecoming TR2 hint]]<<else>><</if>>\ <<if["wendigo", "creature", "what", "monster", "beast", "beasts", "the beast"].includesAny($homecomeTR2)>>No, you're sure it's not about the wendigo. Even if everything about it is disturbing. You think [[harder.|case01 homeThinking1]]<<else>><</if>>\ <<if["breach"].includesAny($homecomeTR2)>>It's something about the breach. You think [[harder.|case01 homeThinking1]]<<else>><</if>>\ <<if["swamp", "why", "here"].includesAny($homecomeTR2)>>The swamp. You are onto something, but it's not about the swamp specifically. No, it's something else related to it. It's on the tip of your tongue—no, more specifically, the tip of your brain. You think [[harder.|case01 homeThinking1]].<<else>><</if>>\ <<if["you", "Elias", "who", "elias", "man", "the man", "stranger"].includesAny($homecomeTR2)>>No, it has nothing to do with Elias. Actually, yes, this man seems to be trouble, but trouble that saved you when you needed assistance. Anyway, think [[harder.|case01 homeThinking1]]<<else>><</if>>\ <<if["exhausted"].includesAny($homecomeTR2)>>He sure did appear exhausted. As if he hasn't slept for days. Maybe dealing with something. You think [[harder.|case01 homeThinking1]]<<else>><</if>>\ <<if["dealing", "is", "being", "is being take care of", "is being taken care", "is taking", "present", "present tense"].includesAny($homecomeTR2)>>Yes, that's it. Elias told you he <span class="red">is taking care of</span> the breach. As of right now. As such, the problem has not being solved yet. He told you this breach occured in this swamp. And because of this the wendigo has gone out of its way to //interact// with you. How long have this breach being there? Will another of those creature leave its world to come to this one ? Is Murphy even the first ? Because you haven't really had the time to look for anything related to multiple disappearance yet. You've barely been there for more than two days, one half of which you were paddling knee deep into the mud and despair. Your hand hovers above your phone. Do you contact one of your acquaintance in the <<linkappend "Sentinel">><<notify>>Codex updated<</notify>><</linkappend>> to try and organize a search party ? You have, after all, Ethan Murphy's eyeglasses... with disturbing plotches of blood onto it. It's proof. <div class="you">You</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[send a message.|case01 homeSendingSMS]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[don't send a message.|case01 homeSendNotSMS]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br> <</if>><</linkreplace>> <<if visited() >= 3>><span class="little">You may write <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $ava = 6>>You decide to send a text message to your contact. You know that with the obvious tainted pair of glasses, <<linkappend "Ava">><<notify>>Minor character added<</notify>><</linkappend>> do something to find Ethan Murphy. Hell if she won't probably raze the whole <<print $swamp>> forest—nay, damn, the whole moutains—to do it. Although something about this case is very very wrong—the part about the monster putting you obviously on edge. Your shower and dilmenia over, you go to the kitchen-like part of your <<listbox "$home" autoselect>> <<option "hotel room">> <<option "motel room">> <<option "Bee and Bee">> <<option "Aparthotel">> <<option "hotel room">><</listbox>> to take <<listbox "$drink" autoselect>> <<option "some water" water>> <<option "a glass of orange juice" orange juice>> <<option "a glass of fruit juice" fruit juice>> <<option "a glass of vegetable juice" vegetable juice>> <<option "your favourite smoothie" smoothie>> <<option "a cup of coffee" coffee>> <<option "a cup fo tea" tea>> <<option "a mug of hot chocolate" hot chocolate>> <<option "a glass of milk" milk>><</listbox>> and <<listbox "$breakfast" autoselect>> <<option "nothing else" nothing>> <<option "a bowl of cereal" cereal>> <<option "some toast" toast>> <<option "some pastry" pastry>> <<option "a full asian breakfast" asian breakfast>> <<option "a burger" burger>> <<option "some bread and butter" bread and butter>> <<option "some eggs">> <<option "what you had for dinner yesterday night" leftovers>><</listbox>>. You then go to your <div class="you">You then go to</div> <<nobr>> <ul><li>[[the library.|case01 homeComing4][$techno -=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[your computer.|case01 homeComing4][$techno +=2]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $calming to []>><<set $ava = 6>>You decide against sending a text message. First of all, because if the Sentinels wanted to make a move, they would already have done so a century before you reach out to them. Proof or not, you know how that if <<linkappend "Ava">><<notify>>Minor character added<</notify>><</linkappend>> would have probably raised the whole <<print $swamp>> forest—nay, damn, the whole moutains—to find Ethan. But she has not and something about this case is making you uneasy—the part about the monster putting you obviously on edge. Your shower and dilmenia over, you go to the kitchen-like part of your <<listbox "$home" autoselect>> <<option "hotel room">> <<option "motel room">> <<option "Bee and Bee">> <<option "Aparthotel">> <<option "hotel room">><</listbox>> to take <<listbox "$drink" autoselect>> <<option "some water" water>> <<option "a glass of orange juice" orange juice>> <<option "a glass of fruit juice" fruit juice>> <<option "a glass of vegetable juice" vegetable juice>> <<option "your favourite smoothie" smoothie>> <<option "a cup of coffee" coffee>> <<option "a cup fo tea" tea>> <<option "a mug of hot chocolate" hot chocolate>> <<option "a glass of milk" milk>><</listbox>> and <<listbox "$breakfast" autoselect>> <<option "nothing else" nothing>> <<option "a bowl of cereal" cereal>> <<option "some toast" toast>> <<option "some pastry" pastry>> <<option "a full asian breakfast" asian breakfast>> <<option "a burger" burger>> <<option "some bread and butter" bread and butter>> <<option "some eggs">> <<option "what you had for dinner yesterday night" leftovers>><</listbox>>. <div class="you">You then go to</div> <<nobr>> <ul><li>[[the library.|case01 homeComing4][$techno -=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[your computer.|case01 homeComing4][$techno +=2]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

[WIP] Your dear author is doing her best getting everything in order. Pinky promise.

<<if $drink eq "orange">><<set $drink to "orange juice">><</if>><<if $drink eq "fruit">><<set $drink to "fruit juice">><</if>><<if $drink eq "vegetable">><<set $drink to "vegetable juice">><</if>><<if $drink eq "hot">><<set $drink to "hot chocolate">><</if>> <br><<if $breakfast eq "asian">><<set $breakfast to "asian breakfast">><</if>><<if $breakfast eq "bread">><<set $breakfast to "bread and butter">><</if>>It's only after an hour or so of <<if $techno >= 52>>searching the internet<<else>><</if>><<if $techno < 52>>perusing books<</if>> that you come to the realizations that, indeed, yesterday you've met one of such creature. <<linkreplace "You found out that : " t8n>>You found out that : <blockquote>The wendigo is said to be a malevolent spirit with human like characteristics, which possesses human beings. The wendigo is known for its insatiable greed and hunger. It feeds on and cannibalize other humans, making it a dreadful and feared creature. It is also known for its propensity to commit murder in those that fall under it influence. </blockquote><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "As for its physical appearance :" t8n>>As for its physical appearance : <blockquote>It bears the appearance of a giant humanoid with a heart of ice, a foul stench. An unseasonable chill might precede its approach. The wendigo has no antlers nor horns in original story. the wendigo is gaunt to the point of emaciation, its desiccated skin pulled tightly over its bones. With its bone pushing out against its skin, its complexion, ashen grey of death, and its eyes pushed back deep into their socket. A suppuration of the flesh, decay and decomposition can be observed. It appearance screams of death and corruption. Some says the wendigo is capable of talking. </blockquote><</linkreplace>> <<if hasVisited("case01 swampshoot leave D")>><s>It's</s> It was capable of talking. So you weren't crazy. You didn't invent this. You really heard the creature talk. As it said that it will find you, always. A shiver runs down your spine. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if not hasVisited("case01 swampshoot leave D")>><s>It's</s> It was capable of talking. Thank fuck it didn't or you would have given up your life right there and then.<</if>> Something about what you found out though sends chills down your spine. It is said the wendigo is a <u>spirit</u>. And the definition of a spirit is : <blockquote><h3>Spirit, noun : </h3> 1. the principle of conscious life; the vital principle in humans, animating the body or mediating between body and soul. 2. the incorporeal part of humans: ex//present in spirit though absent in body.//</blockquote> It's not corporeal. It has no bodies. It possess human being. IT POSSESS. You interacted with it, so it was possessing someone. The photograph of Ethan Murphy comes to your mind. <<if hasVisited("case01 swampshoot kick2")>>So does the sound of a crunching skull, as you're feet connected to it.<</if>> <<if $breakfast eq "nothing">>Your stomach being empty, you only manage to throw up acid mixt with <<print $drink>>.<<else>>You throw up your <<print $breakfast>> and <<print $drink>>.<</if>> <div class="you">It took you</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[more tears and vomit...|case01 homeLeave][$emotional +=1;$calming.push("Emotions")]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[a whole session of breathing and mental exercise...|case01 homeLeave][$emotional -=1; $calming.push("Breath")]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[some physical exercices...|case01 homeLeave][$sport +=1;$calming.push("Physical")]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[a whole pack of cigarettes...|case01 homeLeave][$calming.push("Nicotine")]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[pills. Lots of them...|case01 homeLeave][$calming.push("Medications")]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[half a bottle of alcohol...|case01 homeLeave][$calming.push("Alcohol")]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

<<nobr>> <<if $calming eq "Emotions">>It took you a more tears and vomit to get rid—somehow—of this gut wrenching feeling and inherent disgust. To throw <s>up</s> away the idea that, maybe, it was a person you've met yesterday. <<else>><</if>> <<if $calming eq "Breath">>It took you a whole session of breathing and mental exercise to breath away—somehow— this gut wrenching feeling and inherent disgust. To breath out the idea that, maybe, it was a person you've met yesterday. To mental map your focus anew. <<else>><</if>> <<if $calming eq "Physical">>It took you some physical exercices to chase—somehow—this gut wrenching feeling and inherent disgust. To throw sweat away the idea that, maybe, it was a person you've met yesterday. And wash it anew with soap and water, clearing your head. <<else>><</if>> <<if $calming eq "Nicotine">>It took you a whole pack of cigarettes to smoke away—somehow—this gut wrenching feeling and inherent disgust. To see the idea leaving you as smoke leaves your lungs—the idea that, maybe, it was a person you've met yesterday. <<else>><</if>> <<if $calming eq "Medications">>It took you pills. Lots of them. <span class="capi"><<listbox "$pills" autoselect>> <<option "presecriebed">> <<option "not all presecriebed">> <<option "not prescribed">><</listbox>></span> pills. You gobled them away to ingest serenity and chase—somehow—this gut wrenching feeling and inherent disgust. To suppress the idea that, maybe, it was a person you've met yesterday. <<else>><</if>> <<if $calming eq "Alcohol">>It took you half a bottle of alcohol to dull the idea—somehow—this gut wrenching idea and inherent disgust. To wash away with ether the idea that, maybe, it was a person you've met yesterday. <</if>> <</nobr>> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>And by some miracles—or manisfestation really—of your dumbassery, you find yourself looking at the road sign indicating : <br><box><div class="center crack">Stonefrey Natural Reserve:</div> <div class="center crack">The Drowned Forest</div></box> —a.k.a the <<print $swamp>> swamp. Yes. This one. And you're parked now, because you find yourself, for the moment, incapable of driving anymore. Panicking and driving are not really friend and you would like to go back to your place in one peace, thank you very much. So here you are, trying to battle this rising anxiety which took hold of your lungs, then heartbeat and settled in your spines as a rigid coldness. Preventing your whole system for functionning normally. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> You somehow manage to overcome the fear and anxiety and press your feet on the pedal again, [[en route to the cursed green hell.|case01 homeLeave1]] <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "carStop" play>><<timed 16s>><<audio "windandTree" loop play>><</timed>><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">>Why here again ? You're currently wondering the same. You did your best, you swear, to not come back here. But all clues—namely a pair of glasses<<if hasVisited("B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>and Ethan Murphy's professional camera<</if>><<if $observation >= 50>><<if hasVisited("B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>, next to a very worrisome blood spot<</if>><</if>>—pointed to that direction. Besides, this was the last known place where Murphy was seen. He came here and then disappeared from the surface of the world—before being erased by indifference to his well being. Mary sent you a message this morning, when you were passed out from your crazy night out and asked you about your leads. It's the way her world broke down upon the vanishing of Ethan that motivates you to further look into this case. To bring her closure, at the least. You park. The car park is empty. It's no surprise, you didn't park where you were <s>yesterday</s> this morning—it was only this morning but it feels like ages ago. This morning you parked downhill. Ethan murphy has disappeared as he was going to the "Dam & Drown Forest Trail". It's a scenic trail which goes up-hill, on the not-drowned area of the forest—whereas you looked downhill. Because you thought he might have slipped, considering, <<if $techno >= 50>>the review you saw on the Internet<<else>><</if>><<if $techno <=50>>the advice you got by asking around<</if>> about said trail. It was said some part had a really stiff height difference and lack of sturdy railing which freeked some hikers. Some complained to public security, but as you saw, the problem was never a major one and the railing stayed the same. But the fact stay that you indeed found his glasses downhill. Either he indeed slipped, or he went off-trail on his own volition. You may find such clues up-hill. But then, the blood... You brush this from your thinking process, because right now you know it will lead you to more nightmarish thoughts. <<if hasVisited("case01 homeSendingSMS")>><br>You check your message to see if Ava answered you. She didn't. Even weirder, she let you on read. On a message where you asked for assistance about a missing person's case. <br><i>Strange.</i> <br>But well again, what isn't about the whole thing ? <br>Weirder still was the answer you got when you phoned the Sentinels this morning.<br> You sigh.<</if>> <<if not hasVisited("case01 homeSendingSMS")>>You're here now because you phoned the Sentinels this morning. There was blood after all. The answer you receive is still stunning you to this very instant.<</if>> <ul><li>[[So you get out of your car.|case01 homeLeave2]]</li></ul> <br> <br> <br>

Your lips quiver just thinking about this. "Can <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1")>>the wendigo<<else>><</if>><<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1")>>this creature<</if>> speak?" <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>The stranger's<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias'<</if>> eyes grow as big as saucer—but only for a blink of a second. Then it's silence. A deep, unsettling silence. Before he asks, soflty. "Has it said something?" Not trusting your voice to not break, you just nod. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> watches you—and are you really that tired of are you seeing sympathy in his eyes—before resolve mark his traits all over again. "What has it said ?" "Run. I will always find you." You look at the floor. "It's... dead, right ?" After receiving no answer, you look up to <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>the man<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> only to see him deep in thought. "Yeah. And yeah. Yeah it can talk. And yeah, it's dead. And won't come back." he says after a full minute—during which your brain had the time to make the craziest scenarios. "And it likes to mess with people's head, so I wouldn't take any credit or relevance about what it said." You're not sure and you show it. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Elias<</if>> swears soflty and passes a hand in his hair. "Listen, it hasn't cursed you, if it's what you're wandering. It must has known, somehow, how much of an effect crossing path with //it// must have done to you. And it played along with it. But I swear, it was just words. It has nothing more attached to it. Now, because it's only just articulated air, the only value it has is the value you're giving it. And I cannot help you on this departement." <<if hasVisited("case01 swampshoot leave2")>>"Beside, if it comes hunting you, you just have to sucker punch it in the face. I swear it will be quite effective." the stranger chuckles, then swear whilst massaging his jaw.<br><</if>>\ Well, you understand his point, but now, trusting it is another question. "Let's not dwell on it, shall we ? I'm sure you have other questions." <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3")>>Yes, [[you do.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions D]] <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4")>> You've asked all the question you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swamp eliaAllQuestion D]]<</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<div class="you">You are</div> <<nobr>><div class="center"><<if $gender eq "woman">> <br>Name : <<textbox "$name" Jane>> <br>Family name/surname : <<textbox "$surname" Doe>> <<else>><</if>> <<if $gender eq "person">> <br>Name : <<textbox "$name" Person>> <br>Family name/surname : <<textbox "$surname" Doe>> <<else>><</if>> <<if $gender eq "man">> <br>Name : <<textbox "$name" John>> <br>Family name/surname : <<textbox "$surname" Doe>> <</if>></div><</nobr>> <div class="you">Do you have a nickname/alias ?</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Yes.|setNickname][$testnickname to true]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[No.|checkName][$testnickname to false]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

Your name is : <span class="red cap"><<= $name>></span>. Your surname is : <span class="red cap"><<= $surname>></span>. <<if $testnickname eq true>>Your nickname/alias is : <span class="red cap"><<= $nickname>></span><<else>>You don't have either a nickname or a alias<</if>>. <span class="little">Please, ensure there are no white space after the names.</span> <div class="you">Is that correct ?</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Yes.|case01 setNameEnd]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[No.|setName]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $mx>>"Please to meet you <<if $gender eq "woman">>Ms.<<set $mx to "Miss">><<else>><</if>><<if $gender eq "person">>Mx<<set $mx to "Mx.">><<else>><</if>><<if $gender eq "man">>Mr.<<set $mx to "Mister.">><</if>> <span class="cap"><<= $surname>></span>." You flinch. Because you haven't told these people your name. "I'm sorry. Did I scare you ?" Ask the woman, still with her Jocond smile you can't quite decypher, but which is putting you ill at ease right now. "We deduced that with your rent car registration number, which Elias has noted this morning." Oh. Damn. You. And all. "<span class="cap"><<= $name>> <<= $surname>></span>, <<listbox "$age">> <<option "20">> <<option "25" selected>> <<option "30">> <<option "35">><</listbox>>. Private investigator, self employed." She says, looking you in the eye. "As we've said, do you know where you stepping foot ?" The giant, scrath their head, visibly embarrassed. "I'm <span class="red"><<linkappend "Cecil">><<notify>>Character list updted<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>. Nice to meet you." They obviously try to cut the tension. "<span class="red"><<linkappend "Lavanya of Evans">><<notify>>Character list updted<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>. But everyone call me Anya Evans. It's nice to meet you too." says the woman. You notice she has smart and bright hazel eyes, which contrast with her sunkissed golden skin. As a whole, she has a willowy build—standing at about <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.63 meter<<else>>5'34 feet<</if>>—framed by a tailored grey jumpsuit. It looks like it was custom made and of very fine material. Her sultry black hair, which reach her mid-back, are worned loose and move in the light breeze. She has a strange kind of exquisiteness about her traits. She radiates, at the same time, the age old grace only wisdom can bring counterbalanced by an air of novelty in her openeness. Or if you would best discrieb her, she would be the rock at the bottom of a waterfall : sculpted by the element, unmovable in their agelessness and unreachable because of the danger it would cause. Her enigmatic smiles doesn't leave her face even for one second. "I—I'm Lukas. <span class="red"><<linkappend "Lukas Whittaker">><<notify>>Character list updted<</notify>><</linkappend>></span> I don't have a nickname though." stutters the teenager, blushing to his ears. A little more and his face will be of the same color as his hair. The teenager—Lukas—is a redhead of the reddest red you have ever seen. His face is a canvas made of speckle and flecked freckles, everywhere the eyes can see. He has bright blue eyes which shines like dew in the morning light—but you notice a wistful edge in them, which has no right to be in such a young and cheerful face. He carries himself with a slouch and the clumsiness his young age would bear. He wears a green oversized T-shirt on which you can read a faded "Tacos made me do it", on top of standard and well-kept jeans and sneakers. He looks like he's being given love and care and returns it all tenfold. He looks like a great kid. "Detective Inspector <span class="red"><<linkappend "<span class='cap'><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> Sheppard">><<notify>>Character list updted<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>." Say<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> the newcomer. Now that <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> standing closer, you can observe <<= $sheppardhim>>. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> curly dark auburn hair, cut to <<= $sheppardhis>> ears. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> between <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.75 meter and 1.80 meter<<else>>5.83 f and 5.93 feet<</if>> tall. You notice <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> many constellations of freckles on <<= $sheppardhis>> skin. And particularly underlining <<= $sheppardhis>> forest green eyes. "And I'm the suspicious man you met in the woods." deadpan Elias. Yes, this person is such a delight. <<nobr>>The woman—Anya—turns to the Sentinel—<<= $sheppardlongname>>. "<span class="cap"><<= $she>></span> <<if $plural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> found <<if hasVisited("case01 flutterA")>>a pair of glasses in the swamp. And <<= $she>> <<if $plural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> the GPS coordinate of where <<= $she>> found them." <br> [[...|case01 flutterA2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("case01 flutterB")>> the GPS coordinate of a suspicious traces of blood." <br> [[...|case01 flutterB2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("case01 flutterC")>>a pair of glasses in the swamp. They might, apparently, be Ethan Murphy's." <br> [[...|case01 flutterC2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("case01 flutterNot")>>nothing in the swamp. As per <<= $herr>> saying, of course." She smiles her shark-like smile. <br> [[...|case01 flutterNot2]]<</if>> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br><<set $sheppardmeet to true>><<set $anyameet to true>><<set $lukasmeet to true>><<set $cecilmeet to true>>

<div class="center">Your nickname/alias is <<textbox "$nickname" alias>></div> <br> <div class="center"><<button "Check">><<goto "checkName">><</button>></div> <br> <span class="little">Note: Your alias/nickname will only be used by character which are close to you or if you give special authorization, through the game for it to be used. Otherwise, you will be referenced as : <span class="cap"><<= $name>></span>.

<h1>Earlier</h1> You're appalled. //Did they really just? This-is-beyond-our-jurisdiction you ?// Yes. Yes, they totally did. And when you asked for DCI Quincy, they refused and then proceeded to tell you she was busy and couldn't take a call. Even though you told them about the glasses and the blood. You of course tried to ring her directly before calling the mainline. It rang twice before the call was disconnected. Then you were automatically redirected to the voicemail. She... blocked you, right ? Whatever. They told you to check, if it's about the forest, the local rangers' office. You don't know how it might help you, but whetever lead will keep you away from stepping inside the forest is a good lead right now. So to the office you go. By foot. Because you tried to call as well—before driving here, from the very cosyness of your rented place—but the people who answered the phone were not the one referenced <<if $techno > 50>>on the internet<<else>><</if>><<if $techno < 50>>in the phone book<</if>>. Yeah, instead a very busy waiter answered and asked you if you wanted to order something, to which you answered no. To which he became annoyed and told you they didn't have your handbag and to please not call anymore. To which he hung up on you wondering what the hell happened and why is the ranger's office line number lead you to the "Gradient Food Restaurant". Anyway. <ul><li>[[That's why on your way now to the ranger's office.|case01 homeLeave3]]</li></ul> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "morningForest" play>><h1>Back to now</h1> The office is not far from the car park. You have to take the "Dam & Drown Forest Trail" and stay on the floor level for about ten to fifteen minutes instead of going up the dam. As you're walking on the dirt road you can't help but admire the view. <i>It's... peacefull here.</i> The birds are singing in vermillion or gold-covered tree, in which the sunlight is playing right now. The wind is whispering songs of the coming winter to the whole landscape. The air is crisp and fresh and smooth—making you feel refresh when you inhale it. It's soothing. You understand why it's such a popular spot for hikers. You almost don't see the minutes until you reach the ranger's office. The office is as you've expected. It's a single story cozy little thing, made of wood and even more woods—even the roof is made of wood shake. The exterior is covered of patch of moss, making the whole thing brown and various state of green—currenlty, because of the coming cold, a darker shade of green. It has—what appears to be—single hung windows on the side you're seing, probably making the inside light and welcoming. The poche is made of flagstone—and everything scream of a forest ranger's office. There is a car parked near it. You approach the closed door, expecting answers and leads, until a small note stops you. "Currently away on patrol, call if needed." and a number. A number you take, write and try to phone—hoping for another restaurent not to answer. "Stonefr—ers, wha—ning ?" there is disturbance on the line, preventing you from understanding whatever is said. You, of course, try to explain, slowly and by articulating as much as you can, the reason of your call. "—issing p—son ? I —patrol—now—later". This is the only word before the call is disconnected. Well, you suppose you'll come back later ? They have your number for now, so they can call back whenever is possible. [[Now, you guess, it's time for the famous trail.|case01 homeLeave4]] <br> <br> <br>

You go back to your car to ready your equipment. And this time, you took a map and a compass, because tree means you won't be able to rely on phone and network. Sitting on the car boot sill, you're putting your second pair of <<= $shoes>> on—the first having being thrown out because they couldn't be worn anymore—when you see three cars arriving. One of them is a suspiciously familiar red SUV—the one you've seen this morning. Well, shit. The three cars park on the opposite part of the car park, closer to the entrance to the trail. Four people comes out. And you ? you're still trying to figure out what to do with only one foot in your shoes and what the hell do they even want. You have you gun close by, obviously. One of the people is very obviously <b>Elias</b>. He looks worn out—probably because he's still wearing the same clothes as this morning, rumpled and the rim of his shoes are still muddy in places. Then you notice a <b>woman with an enigmatic smile</b>. She is wearing loafers—and you know right away the probability for her to walk in those shoes in the swamp is next to zero. Either she has some equipement in her car, or she has absolutely no intention of going here. From the third car come out two people : <b>a giant</b>. This person stand well above Elias who is already tall. They head is shaved and they have a serene but amicable face. Besides, their shoes is covered in mud here and there–meaning they most probably being in the swamp. Following the giant is... a—<b>a teenager</b> ? Are you seeing things ? No, this "a real redhead slouching but with the brightest smile you've ever seeing" teenager. And of course, he doesn't look like he has trudged through mud in the wee hours of morning. You are observing the four people when Elias turns his intention in your direction. You see then his mouth moving in a "what the f—" before he does what appears to be his signature frowning. Which, of course, attract the attention of the whole group on you. They all freeze mid-action before considering your existence. And your existence is concentrated around the very gun you own, hidden from view of course. <<if visited('case01 homeLeave4') == 1>> <div class="you">You have three course of action. You</div> <<nobr>> <ul><li>[[continue what you were doing and go to the trail. Disturbed but not showing it.|case01 butterflyDam2][$teamplayer -=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[interrogate Elias about what he may have found.|case01 butterflyAsk][$teamplayer +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[leave. You've just had enough.|case01 caseEndLeave]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if visited('case01 homeLeave4') >= 2>> <div class="you">You have two course of action. You</div> <<nobr>> <ul><li>[[continue what you were doing and go to the trail. Disturbed but not showing it.|case01 butterflyDam2][$teamplayer -=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[interrogate Elias about what he may have found.|case01 butterflyAsk][$teamplayer +=1]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "extraMenu" loop play>><h1>Extra Stories</h1> <h2>Main characters</h2> <<nobr>> <details><summary>Elias</summary> <<link "[Point of View]">><<goto "extraEliasPov1">><</link>><br>[Leah]<br>[Watch (me)]<br>[Shaman]</details> <details><summary>Anya</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>Sheppard</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Vacation]<br>[Central]<br>[Pack]</details> <details><summary>Mbaya</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>Yu</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>Owl</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Copper]<br><<link "[Twin]">><<goto "extraOwlTwin">><</link>><<if $owlrela >= 75>><<else>>[Locked]<</if>><br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>Iolrath</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <</nobr>> <br> <h2>Other characters</h2> <<nobr>> <details><summary>Lukas</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>Anna</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>Cecil</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>Kasandr</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>Ava</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <</nobr>> <br> <h2>Cases</h2> <<nobr>> <details><summary>01</summary> [Ethan]<br>[Farid]<br>[Mary]<br>[Yesmin]</details> <details><summary>02</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>03</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>04</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>05</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>06</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>07</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <details><summary>08</summary> [Point of View]<br>[Story 1]<br>[Story2]<br>[Story 3]</details> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Engine.backward(); <</script>> <</link>> </div>

<div class="center nosidebar"><span class="focus-exp"> <p class="one"> <span class="case">Extra Stories</span></p> <span class="casename">[[Owl|extraOwlTwin2]]</span></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "opencase01.1">><</timed>><</silently>> <<set $opencase to "Owl">><<set $casepart to "Twin">> <div class="pagebottom nosidebar"><span class="little">Recommanded background music : "So far" by Ólafur Arnalds (feat Arnór Dan Arnarson)</span></div>

<div class="center"> <br> <br> <br> <span class="part nored">[[Twin|extraOwlTwin3]]</span> </div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "extraOwlTwin3">><</timed>>[[extraOwlTwin3]]<</silently>> <<script>> UIBar.hide(); <</script>>

<h1>Trigger Warning :</h1> <br>This extra story contains the following theme : blood, depression, disturbing content, mental disorder, mention of identity confusion, nostalgia, self harm, sharp object and use of sharp objets, suicide. <div class="you">It it's too much, you can</div> <<nobr>><ul><li><<link 'return to the selection menu.'>><<script>> Engine.go(-3) <</script>><</link>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[Or continue.|extraOwlTwin4]]</li></ul><</nobr>>

<blockquote>“There is no greater sorrow Than to recall a happy time When miserable.” <b>―Dante Alighieri</b> </blockquote> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Some says the reflection in a mirror is another world shown to you. Thus the person you see when you look at your reflection is not you, but another version of you. Maybe it's true. Maybe what the mirror shows you is another reality, an altered one. As for me ? I don't need a mirror. My reflection has climbed out of it and walks with me. Or maybe I'm the reflection walking in a world that is not my own. The sky is bright and the air taste like summer. The green looks gilded in the golden setting sun. Crickets are singing in the bushes and in the trees. "Lys !" I turn to my living reflection. "Look at what I've found !" says Rys, excitedly. In <<= $owlhis>> hand is a pair of butterfly wings. "Where did you find it ?" "In a spider's web. Isn't them cool ?" I look with part distaste and part admiration at <<= $owlhis>> finding. "Yeah." "I'm sure mom will like them. She can make a canvas out of it. Or even earings." I smile my silly smile at <<= $owlhim>>—a smile missing one of my front teeth, gone to the tooth fairy. There in an instant of silence. Before Rys looks at me. "Lys, what does a butterfly feel when it flies ?" I look at my <<= $owltwin>> bright eyes. "I don't know but... do you want me to touch them?" "No ! No you shouldn't ! It died, eaten by a spider." My twin holds the winds firmly in <<= $owlhis>> fists. "If I see one alive, then I'll touch it and tell you how it feels when it flies." "You promise ?" "Precious promise." I nod. "Precious precious precious promise, We hold you dear we hold you wise..." we sing together as [[we walk home.|extraOwlTwin5]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

We pass by the glittering pond and its vivid fish, the water lilies and the windswept willow trees. We walk in the tall grass which tingles us, the fresh and golden air, the ray of sun swishing in the breeze. We walk by the swing from which I feel last summer, and Rys laughed at me. We walk towards the mension. We walk home. Covered in dust and spikelets from playing outside. We are welcomed by our mother singing as she is taking home the now dry clothes hanging on the cloth line by the house. She turns to us and greet us before laughing at our state and faking being grumpy. "Can you two, one day, come home not covered in filth ? You're both impossible." Kasandr, who is helping her, smiles and laugh. "I guess we can't ask them to help us with the clean clothes." "Indeed we can't, cupcake." "And the ones who don't help don't get any cake." "Hu-huh. No help no cake." Rys and I look at each other. "But, that's not fair, we want to help !" "Go take a shower first pumpkins and then maybe you'll be able to help us." "Last to shower has no cake!" yell Rys as <<= $owlhe>> runs home. I follow close behind. "Be careful ! Lysandr, Rysandr !" she giggles. [[And her giggles has always been with us.|extraOwlTwin6]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

Rysandr and Lysandr. The one on the Right and the one on the Left. It's how Kasandr has always called us : "Righty and Lefty." The only thing which told us appart was our eye colors. When we were newborns, mom said they were the same : a greyish green. But as we grew up, our eyecolor's changed. Rys' are a oxidized silver color whilst mine are verdigris. We keep our hair the same. As for our clothes, mom always bring us similar one but with different colours for each. Sometimes, we like to wear mom sunglasses and swap clothes to confuse people. And it always work. No one can tell us apart when we want to. Rys and I don't need to talk to communicate. We think the same as well. We only need a shared look and we understand the other one. I can't bring myself to know how other people, who don't have a twin, feels. And how it must be strange not to be able to communicate with a simple look. The twitch of a brow. A silent smile. We share our bedroom. We had a bunker bed, but we often had little fights to know who sleeps up and who sleeps down. So mom brought us, last summer, two simple beds separated by our toy chest. Kasandr stays in the room opposite us. He doesn't have a twin. But he has Lilian, who comes often to play with us. She sometimes brings with her the cookies her parents made. I like summer vacation. I get to play in the fields with Rys, Kasandr and Lilian all day long. Hear the cricket sing from morning to dusk. And the sun is so warm. Everyday feels like it's both infinite and eternal. Boisterous with the song of laugh and sibling's spat—Lilian included. [[I love summer.|extraOwlTwin7]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

It started little. A little "flash" of memories that weren't mine. A little "flash" of events that never happened. We couldn't tell at first what that was and what that meant. But as times passed, I started to hate to touch things. Rys started to hate to sleep. And when things were starting to get intense, Rys and I held hands. And the loud and the blinding and the overwhelming started to receed. It was like we were in a cocoon of cotton, blocking which we couldn't understand but which began to haunt us. I liked to read in the school library, but couldn't anymore because the story I had when holding the book were the ones of the other childrens. Sometimes the books, borrowed, witnessed things I wish I didn't know. Some other kids had it rough and I realized then why some where always isolated in their corner. I told Rys. And Rys always told me when we had exams and what lesson to review. One day, it was in autumn, Rys told mom someone would die. It was one of our teacher, in a car accident. One week later, Miss Myercough passed in a car accident. At first, mom thought we had a very wild imagination. But after this accident, she looked at us in a different light. She was part scared, part sad. Part angry. I know, because that's what I felt from her when she hugged us before we went to bed. [[And the scared, the saddened and the angry only grew as time passed.|extraOwlTwin8]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

We were ten. And we pushed the toy chest apart to put our two bed together. And sleep hand in hand because otherwise Rys would have nightmares. Nightmares about the futur. It's strange, <<= $owlhe>> sees the futur. I see the past. Mom told us that if we had those abilities, it was because we were special. Just like Kasandr was special. Kasandr can talk to people without opening his mouth, and can hear what they think. Telepathy it's called. Rysandr's gift is called "precognition". Mine "psychometry". I never understood why we had those gift, but when we nagged Kasandr, he told us it was because of our father. Of course we asked mom once, when we were little, where our dad was. She started crying. We never brought it up again. Kasandr only told us that he and us—Rysandr and I—didn't have the same father. In class, when we were asked question about who our father was, we were never able to answer. One of our classmates mocked us for that, but Kasandr punched him after school when we told him. After that—and mostly when the other children understood Kasandr was our brother—no one bothered us anymore. But we would always receive strange look from other parents. When school ended and parents came to take their children home. When our mother was always late and would run from the car to us and hug us both. Then we would go to Kasandr's high school to fetch him. We were four years apart. At the end of the year, both Rys and I gratuated to middle school. It was the first big heartbreak we had. Because we weren't in the same class anymore. We couldn't sit together. Even after mom went to the school's principle and asked him to put us in the same class. The amount of stress coming from everything and every pieces of furniture when I sat—the loneliness, the misunderstanding, the selfhatred and the stress, the stress, the angts, the—were to much. I fainted on my first day there. It was after that that mom started to buy me long-sleeved clothes and gloves. My classmates looked at me weird, but at least I was somehow able to go to school without passing out. [[Rys became gloomier and gloomier.|extraOwlTwin9]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

Gone were the warm and golden summer day. Rys and I don't need to talk to communicate. We think the same as well. We only need a shared look and we understand the other one. I can't bring myself to know how other people, who don't have a twin, feels. And how it must be strange not to be able to communicate with a simple look. The twitch of a brow. A silent smile. Until I was faced with my own loneliness when Rys started to distance <<= $owlhimself>>. I would sometimes come home alone only to catch <<= $owlhim>> looking in the pond, lost in thoughts. I felt something was wrong and tried to talk to <<= $owlhim>> about it. But <<= $owlhe>> wouldn't listen. We were twelves and the chest of toy made its way between our beds. Rys put it back there and would sleep curled in a ball, only to wake up crying, kicking and screaming. Only to push me when I would come and try to tone down <<= $owlhis>> gift. The following day, still fuming from the night before, I caught <<= $owlhim>> again starring into the pond. I went to talked to <<= $owlhim>>. It was our first big fight. And the only fight we've ever had really. I yelled at <<= $owlhim>> and slapped some sense into <<= $owlhim>> when <<= $owlhe>> didn't answer. It made <<= $owlhim>> react and <<= $owlhe>> launched <<= $owlhimself>> at me. We punched and kicked and yelled and fought. We cried and apologized and sniffed then laughed. I've missed <<= $owlhim>>. But moslty, I was fearful. Because I lost my gloves in the fight and who I hugged and punched was not my <<= $owltwin>>. It was a hollowness and a sadness so vast it cleaved my soul and tore my heart out. But I knew Rys wouldn't talk to me. So I put my best <<= $owltwin>>ly smile and promised myself to keep an eye on <<= $owlhim>>, protect <<= $owlhim>>. [[Precious promise.|extraOwlTwin10]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

It may have all started last summer. The last truly happy summer we've ever had. When we were eleven. We were napping under the willow tree by the pond. Sunbathing in the golden hours. I was holding hands with Rys as <<= $owlhe>> was sleeping—and to prevent <<= $owlhim>> from having nightmare. I awoke to the sound of one of the willow's branch creaking in the breese. Rys was still dozing peacefully. My eyes open but on the way back to a quiet rest, I saw a colorfull shape flutering by. I opened them to see a butterfly. And in this serene moment bathed in gold, I remembered a promised I've made and never held true. <i>"Precious precious precious promise, We hold you dear we hold you wise, be gone the one who speak in lies, and to you I make this precious promise : I would touch the wings of butterflies, and tell you how it feels when it flies."</i> I looked quickly to the peaceful face of Rys and back again was the memory of a precious promise I've made. Sometimes, we make stupid choices without knowing why. Choices which seemed judicious at this precise moment but which don't make the slighless sense when you look back. I made such a choice back then. I let go of Rys' hand to chase a butterfly and its feelings. I ran after it as it was flying in the tall grass. I was to touch it when a scream stopped me dead in my tracks. And ran. I ran as fast I could back to a wailing and howling Rys. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> was holding <<= $owlhis>> head to the floor in a frenzied panick mixed with pain, scratching at what <<= $owlhe>> could. Kasandr, who wasn't far, was already trying to calm Rys. But it's only when <<= $owlhe>> saw me that Rys reacted and launched <<= $owlhimself>> into my arms and held me fiercly, crying still. It took at least an hour before <<= $owlhe>> calmed down a little. When <<= $owlhe>> was able to croak back some words with <<= $owlhis>> rawed voice, Rys told me. "Don't ever let go. Don't leave me. Stay with me." "I won't." "Precious promise?" "Precious precious precious promise, We hold you dear we hold you wise, be gone the one who speak in lies, and to you I make this precious promise : I will stay with you always and never, will I leave and let go of you, ever." It's silly how I chased after a promise only to make another one. Maybe I'm the one who speak in lies and must be gone. [[Because I could never ever hold my precious precious precious promise.|extraOwlTwin11]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

I found a way to turn it off. For five minutes for now. Before, it was only a question of seconds. Now I can potentially pick up—without any gloves on—erasers or pencils and give them back to my comrade without making a face. And not become the weirdo at middle school. Potentially because the more time passes, the less I like to touch things barehanded. There were things I liked to touch though. Tallgrass in the field for exemple—their memories is of the season and the wind in the branch and the richness of the earth bellow. It's not really memories for tallgrass as they have no eyes nor ears. It's mostly like a tingling feeling and the taste of season on my tong—and strangely, in my fingertips. I like to tuned down my psychometry as I put my barefeet in the pond and enjoy the freshness of water. Last time, mom took out some of the family's heirloom. I made the mistake of holding in without any gloves on. And discovered that one of our great-great-grand-father was far from a saint. That he made a lot of people cry, and bleed and plead. I didn't want to see that but I couldn't stop the vision from coming. I told Rys about it. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> took it and told me Kasandr would inherit it. We never doubted that. He was the eldest and always helped mom at home. Often taking care of us. His only default really was his temper. He was legendary known for picking fight and punching fast and strong. He always was a good student—telepathy helping, surely, to get the good answers. Even when he was younger—told us mom—he would always be involded in fights. Of course, the parents of the beaten children complained to the school's principle and mom was summoned at the end. At first, she made earfull reproach at Kasandr. But as time passed and his temper never receeded, she just gave up and decided that so long as his grade was good, he could do whatever he wanted—given he stayed careful. They both made a precious promise out of this, Kasandr told me. The funny part of his gift was when we played hide and seek and he was unbeatable. He and Rysandr. Because Rys could predict where people would hide. My gift was totally useless in this type of situation. Fortunately, Lilian was as clueless as me at hide and seek. I was loosing most game most of the time, but I always had a good time. The silly moment was when we'd play card and I made funny images in my head for Kasandr, which would disrupt him enought to allow me some luck at winning. [[Home was a warm place full of smile back then.|extraOwlTwin12]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

Following our fight by the pond, I kept an eye on Rys. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> laughed with me a few times since. But I remember the overwhelming sadness and sense of loss. The cleaving of my soul when I reached out to <<= $owlhim>>. But it's difficult when I'm not in the same class as <<= $owlhim>>. When I take the whole break looking for my <<= $owltwin>>. When <<= $owlhe>> seems to rush home before I could catch <<= $owlhim>>. When <<= $owlhe>> just refuse to acknowledge my existence when we go to sleep. When <<= $owlhe>> looks in the distance without a word. When I feel my heart hollow out. I turned once to my mother, but I remember the tragedy in her eyes which began the moment she learned of our abilities. The sadness and the bitterness. She tried to talk to Rys once, twice. But gave up and let it go. She made <<= $owlhim>> promise to be careful, as she did Kasandr. She made me promise to take care of my <<= $owltwin>>. [[Thus I made another promise.|extraOwlTwin13]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

I can mark on a calendar the day my heart started to whither. The day it then shattered in thousands of pieces, like a mirror. Never to pick up again. We were thirteen. The only thing which told us appart, Rys and me, was our eye colors. Now there was the dark circles. Rys' had dark circles so marked and darked it acted as a permanent feature on <<= $owlhim>>. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> wasn't sleeping anymore. At night, <<= $owlhe>> would just lie on <<= $owlhis>> side, curled up, and stare at the void. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> wasn't talking anymore. It's strange to miss someone when they are just there, next to you, but you can't reach them. I felt that way. I missed my <<= $owltwin>>, my twin, my half. My reflection. I missed Rysandr so much. I knew <<= $owlhe>> wasn't well. Kasandr saw it as well, and we tried our best to cheer <<= $owlhim>> up, to make <<= $owlhim>> smile. To be here for <<= $owlhim>>. It worked a little at first until Rys just deciced to avoid us altogether. I know it broke Kasandr's heart even if he didn't say anything. Maybe I should have tried harder. Maybe I should have seek <<= $owlhim>> more. Maybe I should have ran under the rain. Maybe. [[Maybe I could have save Rys.|extraOwlTwin14]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

It was a day like another. I finished school and wanted to rush home because it was the weekend. But it was pouring out and I didn't want to walk the thirty minutes home under the rain. So I waited, looking at the sky. I removed my gloves to feel the rain on my skin. Mom was finishing later at work today and couldn't pick us and we weren't close to anyone to have a lift home. I said we, but Rys was nowhere to be seen. Kasandr had club activities and I doubted that he would drive his scooter under the rain. It's brand new and was his birthday gift—he wanted one because he wanted to get a part time job and be free to come and go as he pleases. Sometimes he would pick one of us from school. Whoever finished first. Until Rys avoided us and it was only me who enjoyed the ride home. The rain went from a pour to a drizzle and I decided to take my chance. I ran as fast as I could—and we, Kasandr, Rys and me, were always very good at sport. And strong as well. Mom told us it was because of our abilites and that we should be careful not to show it too much. So I ran as fast as I could in a acceptable manner. There was a rainbow in the sky. And Rys near the pond. Again looking far away. In <<= $owlhis>> hand, something caught my eye. I called <<= $owlhis>> name. Threw my bag and ran to <<= $owlhim>>. Rys slowly turned to me, <<= $owlhis>> eyes empty of life, of joy, of <<= $owlhimself>>. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> pupils were shining silver. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> looked through me, past me, at something beyond my existence. I reached <<= $owlhim>> and slowed down. "Rys, what are you doing ?" "Lys. Do you remember when I asked you to never leave me ?" "Yes, I do." "I did make you promise me that." "I precious promised it. But please Rys, put down the knife." Rys blinked and looked in <<= $owlhis>> hand. "I did make you promise me that". I couldn't read <<= $owlhis>> face because it look like <<= $owlhe>> wasn't even here. I stepped closer, softly. "It was cruel of me, to make you promise that." "What do you mean?" "Because I saw it Lys. One of us has to die." I couldn't answer right away—as I felt like a punch in my gut and a slap in my face. "What do you mean one of us <i>has</i> to die." "Exactly what I said. I tried to see if there was a different futur for us. I try to dream it everynight. But everynight one us has to die." "Why <i>has</i> Rys? What for?" "Because of dad. Dad should not come here. Dad should stay where he is. Far. Far away." I tried to step closer. "That's why, one of us has to die." "Rys, put down the knife, please." Closer. I'm closer. "I'm truly truly sorry Lys. I love you. You're my half, my reflection." [["RYS !" only one step and—|extraOwlTwin15]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

Red. Red is pouring from a smile on <<= $owlhis>> neck. No. No. No. It can't be happening. I reach out to <<= $owlhim>> and try to take the knife. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> swat my hands away. The knife fell. I hear it. I lauch myself at Rys and grab <<= $owlhim>>. We fall to the ground. <span class="red">I̡̩̣͉̹̮̲̮̜̅̒̑͌͆̐͊͘͢t͇̳̙̘͍̟́̌̃͆͛͊̕ h̨̤̻̥͓̻͆̾̆͒̂͑̎̆̉ǘ̶̢̡̖̦̞̉͌̿̇̏͑̎͝͠r̛̜̮͚͓̓͐̎͜͡t̠̘̠͕̲̹̦̽̀͆͂̐̃̚͡s̵̝̖̗̜̙͆̓̅͒̚ s̡̹̞̪̙̝̻̭͎̎͗̔̀̋̀̕̕̚o̢͚̱͎͎̱̰̝͈̓̅̀͛͗͂ m̶̪͍̭̹̻͎̭̟̖̈́͗̀̑̀̊͘͘u̴̡̡͇̮̜̞̼̦̟̍̀̃̉̅͘͢͡͝͞c̶̡͓̦͚̟̬̺̓̂̈́͆́͘͟͞ḣ̶̲̹͕͓̰̪͔̂̒̎͗̐̔͝.̸͉̞͙̞̫̤̯̝̩̘̈̔̋̀̑̊̊͠͠</span> My neck. Hurts so much. As blood is pouring out. I must stop the bleeding I must stop the bleeding. Is it mine ? Is it Rys ? <span class="red">Ĩ̵̧̨̮̟̱̩͈̑͌͛̌̂͛͞t̶͔̺̳̪̫̙̠̱͎͂͂̍̍̀̌͗̔̕͜͡'̨̠̝̘̞͓̣͈̆̃̀̾̉̀͊̚̚͡s̼̹̯̥̞̞̒̉́̔́͞ c͖̜̬͖̣͕̠̠̄́̈́̂͐̋̉͂̕͟͠o̼͙̟̻͙̿̀̂̓͋̐̆̑͝͡l͔̲̱̝̫͎̹̆̀̔͗̽̉̐͆͒͘d̸̫̥͙̞̻̲͖̀͑͒̄̏̄̾͟͝͠ s̗͈̝̩̝̖̊̏͋͋̈̓͟ͅǫ͙̭͔̣̱̰̥͖̃̌́͂͛͑̔̽̚ ć̴̨̙̹̙̬̰͕͛͊̐̃̚͠ȏ̴̢̲̺̱̻̹͍̈̋̿̉̕l̮̹̱̠̼͉̟̙̣̂͒̽̄̚͢d̼͍̦̯̮̞͓̲͗̈̒̄̅̄̉̚͜͡ a͕͉̰͚̭̜͖̔͗̊̃̀͘͠͝n̷̠͍̯̩̯͈͈̰̤̟͐̓̿̍̀̌̚d̵̥͇͚̺̅̀͒͂̏̑́͢͢ s̟̘̟̗͎̹̬̈́̏̚̕͢͝ò̲̬͔̗̪̩̳̟́̋̎̂̕͝͠ͅ d̶̢̡̛̳͖̫̱͉̋̑̈́̈́̀̒̽͂̀ã̸̟͉̜̹̘͇͕̓́̊̚r̵̡̤͉̠͙̈̆̂̌̄͜͟k̴̹̻̻̯̝̿͑͂̇͝ h̷̹̲̮̯̳͕̖͎̏͐͛̉̈́̈͘e̢̼̮̲̣͍͉̣̦̋̅̃̆̚͜r̤̱̜̰̅̌̐̊̐̄͌̓̕̚͟ͅȇ̟̥͇̪̫̤̫̙̽͐̋̒̈́͘͟͝.̴̢̭̹̮̘̱̫͆̎͒̏̒͛͂ ̺͔̖̻̰̾̎̃̐̏̍̓͘͞W͎̼̳͚͓̥̤̠͒̅̏̍̍̕h̶̼̭̪̫̞͋̀͋̊̃́̓̀͟͡͝y̷̜̠̠̹̰̱̰͒̑̐̈̋̊͂̉͂͟͡ i̸̜̠̖͈̭̦̰̞͇͉͌̄̀̿͘͠š̷̫̰̰͋͌̎̎̂͜ͅ ì̴̬̠̩̠̝̹̈́͛͒̓̚ṭ̶̛̪̲̰̻̓̌͋̀͂̂̏̓͠ ş̨̛͈͇͖̻̠̰͇̋̏̄̏ͅǫ̴̨̻̖̬̝̔͌̏́͢͠͠ c̶̡̝͔̖̖͈̍͂̇̄̒͢͢o̴̧̭̲̜̣̠̺̦̜͍͒͆̒͛̾̂͂̊̋̕l̨̢̬̣͕̪͆̔͗̈͊̋̓̔̚͝d̨͈̮͉̞̞͔͖͙̍͋̎͗̍͞ a̩͙̫̺̗̓̏̏̈͐͜͝ń̶̨̢̦̟̬̩̺͓͒́͋̄̒̎͑͟͜͡ď̵͙̖͈̹̜̝͖͓̽͐̓͆̚͡ ṣ̷̘̭̘̪̙̮̔́̇͊͢͠o̱͉͈̮̦̮̎̉̿́̂́̎̈̀͟ ḓ̴̤̟͚͚̔̈́̂̄̈́͜͞á̶͎̠̘̪̯̒͌̋͋̚͞ͅr̵̖̪̩͚̰̩̮̄̐̂̉͊͗k̶̨̡̨̼̰͚̙̱͖̊͆͒͗̋͞͠.̵̢̛̘̙̥̳̲͔̄̎̽̊̌̍͗̄͟͞ͅ It can't be that cold and that dark and one of us has to die. It must be me. Į̰̲͈̰͍̤̣̪̙͋̃͊͒͐̽̓̊͞t̲̼̙̭̠̎̀̿̐̑͢͝ m̟͚͍̻̪̰͆̌̓͂͜͠u̡̯̝̲͇̗͓̓͗͆̑͋ͅͅs̳͈͎̖͍͐͆̒̾́̐̐̕̚͟͡ͅṫ̶̨̨̛͔̝̯̳͙͍͋̾̇́͐͑͡ b̵̡̨̙̻̤̰̝̩̽̈̏̿̀̈́́͞ẻ̛̮̠̣͉̯͉̻͒͆͑ ḿ̛̦̹̮̰͎̰͕̫͊̈̾̂̉̐̑ê̡̗̖̘̫̭̽́̔̊̈̋̇͟͢͠.̸̛̛̝͖̣̮̝̱̹̬̀̎͛̎̽͗͘͞ͅ It can't be Lys. Lys has to live. Lys has to leave and I have to die.</span> I take the knife. <span class="red">W̴͔̳̘̗͓̻̋͒̎̉̐̕̕h̶̢̠̠̱͙̺̮͕̩͕͋̒͑̏̇̒͌ŷ̷̨̦̞̩̤͔̪̰̼̙́̆͒͑͛̒̾͞͠ ȉ̵̛̬̪͍̣͖̦̇̎̅̓́͢͢ṣ̶̡̢̯͉̩͍̽́́̈̐͢ i̙̱͎̟̥̤̻̲̾̉̾̅̈̿̾̕͡t̵͇͕̮͚͉͂͐͊̀̋̔͆͘̚ ṣ̷̟̬͉̙̣͚̠̦̲̽̓͐͗̅̚o̥̩͚͚̓̆̋̀̐̚͜͡͡ c̢͎͕̝̣͙̙̼̜̓͆̀̏̂̿̍̉̄́͟ờ̱̦̮͇̻͚̝̻͗̋͆͊͞͠l̶̢̡̛̰̩̺͖̦̂̌͊̅͟͜ḏ̼̮̥̭͔̗̤̙͓̂͗̒̓̔͒̚͡͠ h̴̡̢̝͇͍̄̅̏͆̓̑̾͘͢͝e̠͇̹̰̺̙͗̍͆̄̆̚͡ŗ̣̗̩̫̄̓̂̄̈̋̍̑͢͡͡ͅe̥̭̘̳̟̦̣̠̓͑̋͊̀͢ ?̩̠̻̞͓̹̟̥̝̔̍̀̽̃̀͟͡͝ </span> I must cut. Deep. <span class="red">R̨̺͕̬̱̯̲̟̬͛̽̃̑́̋̌̂̓͞e̶͕̱͈͔͙͍̟̮͌̇̎̎̐̃͟ḑ̸̡̛̥͙̭̣̭͋͋̓͂͑̕̕͠ ŕ̴̡̺̰̙̳͉̖͛̆͜͝͞͞e̜͚̘͖̰͇͗͋͋͌͠d̢̧͖͕̣͉̯̞̫̿̄̂̔̐͂͡ ŗ̵̣͔̱͕͚̟̙̦̀͊̅͐̏̕͘͜e̶̛̟̜̤͙̳̤̎̈́̈͗͂̈́͊̋͆͟d̵͇͙̖̻̺̈́̽͛̋͟͡ r͙̰̫̱̱͖̣͋̿̋͘͞ȩ̵͖̟͈͊̓̈̐̿̇͊͜d͍̰̮̥̙̟̟̼̬̀͐̈͆̀̎͋̕͜ ř͇̼͔̪̺̮͆͒̍͑͟ͅe͙̜̯̦͈͛̏̒́̄̅͊͜͠͠d̡̜̱̤̺̤̲͋̆͛́͊̎̚͠.̵̞̯͇̹͓͇͆̍̐̌́̈̌͢ Everything is red. It hurts so much. Why does it hurt so much. Please make it stop. Rys ? Lys ? Rys ? Lys ? Rys ? Lys ? One of us has to die. It should be me. Who me ? Rys ? Lys ? No Lys has to live. No Rys has to live. </span> Rys. I blink and see <<= $owlhim>> lying on the floor. Red. It's so red. My hands are so red and my head is so light. I crawl up to Rys. Reach <<= $owlhim>>. Put my hands on his neck to apply pressure. Blink another time because it's so dark when it was day a minute ago. Where is the sun? And why are my eyes so heavy ? <span class="red">It's so cold here. And dark. And lonely. Please someone take me away from here. TAKE ME AWAY FROM HERE, I DON'T WANT TO DIE I DON'T WANT TO DIE I—I̧̙̜͉̫̘̱͇̠͋͌̀́̐͐́̚͠͝ Ď̶̳̼̲̱͖̤͖̮̥̍͐͟͞͝O̧̻̣͕̺̍͑̔̆̃͌̀̔͊͘Ņ̷̛̭͓͓̯̠͐̒̀̚̚͟͞'̴̧̛͈̬̥͎̤̲̍̀̌̓T͔̳̩̳̰͂̋́̆̏ W̳̤̼͖̪̙̄̃́̾́̓̚ͅẠ͚̱̰̝͔̾̐͐̐̚͘͝N̶̢̲̬͈͓̆͊͐̒̊͊̿̓͛͝T̢̩̙̰̭͖̮̻̐̿͋̿̉̏̍̌͠͡ T͔̗̝͒͆́̓̕͟͝ͅͅŌ̴̧̖͔̙̑́̔͒ͅͅ D̡̰͔͔͎͍̫̂͌̐̇̃̉̚͢͜͞ͅI̡̧̬͇̹̾͗͑̋̐̃ͅȆ̢̢̬̺̱̪̦́̈́̎͋͟͡͡͞ I CAN'T BREATH I CAN'T BREATH AND IT FEELS LIKE I'M BOTH SO COLD AND SO HOT AND WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO <span class="red">N̡̗͚̖͇̻͙̱̊͋͗́̾̎̈́͟O̶̢̯̬̙͓͎̅̈́͑̊̇̓̿̾͟͢͡.̨̡͕̪̙̭̦̂̄̉̂̒̏̽͌̈́͠ N̷̢̤̺͇͓͈͂̈͑͌̚͡͝͠Ǫ̸̺̯̗̭̪͎̽͋̊̀̽͠͡.̶͕̬̤̪̥͂̇̃̂̈͜ Ṉ͓̙̱̖̟̬͓͆̈̒͐͆̂̌̽͗͘͟͜Ò̷̡̖̪̪̺͚͚͒͂̓̆̐̍̕͟͡.̼̲̮͈͍̥͈̪̒͗̐̓̀̂̑͡͞ N̡̨̲͒̎̀͂̿̈͜͜͝Õ̵̢̡͉̞̞͗͑͌̏͑̒̌̅͟͜͡.̷͈͍̻̠̝̟̬̎̄̔͗̿̑̓͡ͅ N̷̡͎̠͓͓͇̹̭̋͛́͐̓͢͞Ơ̶̬̭̪̱̼̗̫̤͉͐̈́́͐̅ͅ.̶̧̜͈̗̺̭͕̓̓͌̏͢͟͞͠ Ǹ̸̦̤̱̦̜̯̘̦̃̊̿̂̕͜͡O̷̢̗̟̹̞̯̝̙̻̔͋̿̓̄͊͆̌́.̸͖͉̞̤̮́̃̋͐̐͡ ̨̛̯̳̭̰̀͒͗́̎ͅͅ ̦͉̱̰̪̲͍͗̓̉̄̓͐̑̇́͡Ĭ̦̜̞̪̖̠̓̈́̉͑ṱ̷͍͙̳͉̳͍͍̆̿̈́̇̒̚͘͟͡ ç̱̬͕̆́͆̈̀͐̔̅͋͠ͅa̛̰̪̦̠̞̙͇̬͇͍̽͆̇̆͡n̷̢̥̖̩͖̞͙͓̂͆̊͌͋ͅ'̸̢̠͔̥͓͌͂͐̅͑̋̀̈́̿͜͝ṯ̢̖͍́̐̊͒̂̔̎́͆͟ b̛̛̟̙̞̫̫̝̭̋́͛͋̄̚͟͠͠e̴̳̦̦̺̞̒̆́̔̿̄̕͘͢͟͟͝.̶̡̩̝̳̗̂͆̌͆̍̀̚ No. No. NO. <span class="large">NO.</span> <span class="crack">NO !</span></span> [[...|extraOwlTwin16]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

<span class="red">N̡̗͚̖͇̻͙̱̊͋͗́̾̎̈́͟O̶̢̯̬̙͓͎̅̈́͑̊̇̓̿̾͟͢͡.̨̡͕̪̙̭̦̂̄̉̂̒̏̽͌̈́͠ N̷̢̤̺͇͓͈͂̈͑͌̚͡͝͠Ǫ̸̺̯̗̭̪͎̽͋̊̀̽͠͡.̶͕̬̤̪̥͂̇̃̂̈͜ Ṉ͓̙̱̖̟̬͓͆̈̒͐͆̂̌̽͗͘͟͜Ò̷̡̖̪̪̺͚͚͒͂̓̆̐̍̕͟͡.̼̲̮͈͍̥͈̪̒͗̐̓̀̂̑͡͞ N̡̨̲͒̎̀͂̿̈͜͜͝Õ̵̢̡͉̞̞͗͑͌̏͑̒̌̅͟͜͡.̷͈͍̻̠̝̟̬̎̄̔͗̿̑̓͡ͅ N̷̡͎̠͓͓͇̹̭̋͛́͐̓͢͞Ơ̶̬̭̪̱̼̗̫̤͉͐̈́́͐̅ͅ.̶̧̜͈̗̺̭͕̓̓͌̏͢͟͞͠ Ǹ̸̦̤̱̦̜̯̘̦̃̊̿̂̕͜͡O̷̢̗̟̹̞̯̝̙̻̔͋̿̓̄͊͆̌́.̸͖͉̞̤̮́̃̋͐̐͡ ̨̛̯̳̭̰̀͒͗́̎ͅͅ ̦͉̱̰̪̲͍͗̓̉̄̓͐̑̇́͡Ĭ̦̜̞̪̖̠̓̈́̉͑ṱ̷͍͙̳͉̳͍͍̆̿̈́̇̒̚͘͟͡ ç̱̬͕̆́͆̈̀͐̔̅͋͠ͅa̛̰̪̦̠̞̙͇̬͇͍̽͆̇̆͡n̷̢̥̖̩͖̞͙͓̂͆̊͌͋ͅ'̸̢̠͔̥͓͌͂͐̅͑̋̀̈́̿͜͝ṯ̢̖͍́̐̊͒̂̔̎́͆͟ b̛̛̟̙̞̫̫̝̭̋́͛͋̄̚͟͠͠e̴̳̦̦̺̞̒̆́̔̿̄̕͘͢͟͟͝.̶̡̩̝̳̗̂͆̌͆̍̀̚</span> I must help Rys ! <span class="red">N̡̗͚̖͇̻͙̱̊͋͗́̾̎̈́͟O̶̢̯̬̙͓͎̅̈́͑̊̇̓̿̾͟͢͡.̨̡͕̪̙̭̦̂̄̉̂̒̏̽͌̈́͠ N̷̢̤̺͇͓͈͂̈͑͌̚͡͝͠Ǫ̸̺̯̗̭̪͎̽͋̊̀̽͠͡.̶͕̬̤̪̥͂̇̃̂̈͜ Ṉ͓̙̱̖̟̬͓͆̈̒͐͆̂̌̽͗͘͟͜Ò̷̡̖̪̪̺͚͚͒͂̓̆̐̍̕͟͡.̼̲̮͈͍̥͈̪̒͗̐̓̀̂̑͡͞ N̡̨̲͒̎̀͂̿̈͜͜͝Õ̵̢̡͉̞̞͗͑͌̏͑̒̌̅͟͜͡.̷͈͍̻̠̝̟̬̎̄̔͗̿̑̓͡ͅ N̷̡͎̠͓͓͇̹̭̋͛́͐̓͢͞Ơ̶̬̭̪̱̼̗̫̤͉͐̈́́͐̅ͅ.̶̧̜͈̗̺̭͕̓̓͌̏͢͟͞͠ Ǹ̸̦̤̱̦̜̯̘̦̃̊̿̂̕͜͡O̷̢̗̟̹̞̯̝̙̻̔͋̿̓̄͊͆̌́.̸͖͉̞̤̮́̃̋͐̐͡ ̨̛̯̳̭̰̀͒͗́̎ͅͅ ̦͉̱̰̪̲͍͗̓̉̄̓͐̑̇́͡Ĭ̦̜̞̪̖̠̓̈́̉͑ṱ̷͍͙̳͉̳͍͍̆̿̈́̇̒̚͘͟͡ ç̱̬͕̆́͆̈̀͐̔̅͋͠ͅa̛̰̪̦̠̞̙͇̬͇͍̽͆̇̆͡n̷̢̥̖̩͖̞͙͓̂͆̊͌͋ͅ'̸̢̠͔̥͓͌͂͐̅͑̋̀̈́̿͜͝ṯ̢̖͍́̐̊͒̂̔̎́͆͟ b̛̛̟̙̞̫̫̝̭̋́͛͋̄̚͟͠͠e̴̳̦̦̺̞̒̆́̔̿̄̕͘͢͟͟͝.̶̡̩̝̳̗̂͆̌͆̍̀̚ IT CAN'T BE HAPPENING. RYSANDR, LYDANDR ! PLEASE LYSANDR OPEN YOUR EYES !</span> Despair so thick it feels like lead in my system. An echo which feels like the beat of a heart. "LYSANDR !" Is someone calling me ? "OPEN YOUR FUCKING EYES OR I SWEAR—IT'S NOT FUNNY !" Rage and fury and pain and despair and pain and even more pain it's overbearing it's choking me. I can't I can't I can't I can't. <span class="red">I must apply pressure on his neck god <<= $owlhe>>'s bleeding so much— Lysandr, I must save Lysandr because one of us has to die and—</span> RYS ! I blink and try to sit up but a pair of hands is holding me down, on my neck and I try to speak but WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH. Dark hair and golden eyes are staring at me with a terrified and enraged expression. <span class="red">Yes stay alive, stay alive, keep your eyes open, it's bleeding so much—</span> Kasandr, I try to say but I can't talk and why is everything so light. I blink. It's so blurry. RYS ! I try to push Kasandr away, he falls. I sit up and— Rys. Rys is lying on the ground, eyes open but not blinking. A red gash on <<= $owlhis>> red neck tainting <<= $owlhis>> clothes red <span class="red">R͈̪̘̯͇͎̺̤͎̟͗̈́͗̉̀̓̅̿̚Ȩ̧̡̡̫̣̘̅͐̀͛͆̊̾̀͘͡D̸̨̨̹͈͙͍̜̈̔̎̋̀͘ R͕͇̜̜̲̼̘̖̠̬̎̅̅̊̋̿͊́͞͝É̶̢̢̥̭͎͙͛̈̆́̀̃̏̍̊ͅD̨͇͙͕̹͂͌̾́͂͌̈̀̏͢͝ Ŕ̸̛̦̲͚̞̠̳̻̀́͂̂͗̎͜E̺̟̝̙͔̟͔̋̓̍̈́́̽͜D͎̠͖̟̯̠̿́̈́̀͒͊̓ R̹̩̦͇̙̼̆̇̏́̔̄͌̓Ë̡̛̝͍̞͉̺̠͍͚́̏̈̄̓̔́̀͘͟Ḋ͎̜̻̮̱̭̜͇͂̆̑̍̿̇͛̎̚͢ R̡̢̤̞̯̜̗͚͐͆̌͜͞͠ͅE̶̲̬̱̲̞͖͇̗͛̾͗̃͟͟͠Ḓ̛̻͙͓̹͊͌͒̋̃̽́͡ͅ Ŗ̙̜̝̩́͂̋̿̊̀́͑̅͠È͙̹͙̪̹̦͐͑̀̎̃̑͗͟͞D̢̬̯͉͕̦͇͚̿̽̏̑̀̋͒͗͒̒ R̶̨̛̮̬̥͇̹̣̓́̾͋̾̃̚͢͢E̢̞͓̘͚͍̝̪͋̒̇̊̒͆D̸͙̰͙͕̖̝͛̈̌̀͗͊̋͛̚̚͢ Ë̱̻̭̬͓̪̙̣̗́͒̀̏͛̿̂̓͘͠V̵̡̡̗̗̺̮̬̹̪̠̑̂͛͋̃͗Ê͍̤̬͇̺̝̪̍͒͐̓̀̓́̃͞Ṙ̡̞̣͕̩̱̹̜̹̱͐̊̆̌̌͠͡Ý͕̩̠̞͇͖͓̟͙̇̿̍̓͛̀̓͋̂͢Ṫ̠̝͙͇̻̻̝͚̅͒̒̿͐H̝̤̺͉̼̳͚̪͛̂̇̎̅I̸̜̮̘͍̥͕͖̓̉̓̄̈̌̔͊̋͜Ǹ̸̞͙̮͍̩̱̝̑͊̒̽́̉̾̕G͇̹̝̯̘̰̾͋̓̅͠ I̡̫̮̝̺̥̖͍͛̉̈́̆́͗̌̕͢S̸̢̡̬̠̜̖̯̗̬̮̑̔͌͒̀ S̨͈̺̳͉̦͑̏͆͑̂̈̃̈́͌Ò̴͉͉̜̭̗͓̮̼̦̿̿́͞ Ŕ̷̰̘̰̙̬̝͇̒̇̽̎͌Ë̷̹̮̤̠̘́͆̽͐́͝ͅD̴̯͔̝̝̟͒̑͒̉̆̏̉͂͝͡ A̷̢͔̝̼̬͆̓̉͒̓̿̕͘͜͜ͅN̦͓̜͔͍̲͂͐̅͌͛̈́͒̕D̙͉̱͚̖͑̉̈̒͊̎̔̔͠ Ļ͉̹̝͉̯̰̎̆̿͒́̓͢͝ͅI̸̢̹̩̞̹̹̬̎̿̏̒̃̕G̢̧̡̘̦̖̦͊͆̈́͌͌͊͐̚H̸̢̯̫̬̤̩̊̀͌͌̋T̷̨̮̦͕̩͔̿̋̋̿̓͝͡͠͠ Ä̜̘̮̳̬̞͐̃̐͛̀̕Ṉ̡̛͇̦̹͉̳͛͛̽͑̀̐͋̄͘ͅͅḒ̶̢̡͎͖̰̻̼͉̿͊̽̓͟͡͡ H̷̡̫̺̥̲́̈̿̈́̆̍̀͘͝͝È̴̛̥̜̯̯͚͉̪̫́̍̔̏̀͛͜ͅA̧͉͔̎͐̍̽̿̈̆̕͟͝ͅV̧̛̦͈͓̌̓̿̋͂́̾̈́̉͢Y̸͙̲͖̼̳̤̌̽̊̇̽̌͂͝ͅ Ą͔̰͉̹͒̀́̏̋̃̔͠N̸͉̜̰͙̪̺͇̠̠̐̉̊̊̾͒͆̕D̴̢̝̜̮̘̲̒̽̃̂̈̈́ R̺̳͍̜͚͙̤͔͌̆̇̈̋͆̓͞Ȇ̢̢̹̮̯̺̇̽̀͆̏ͅͅD̛͕͓̙͖̰̬̉̓̿̎̊̓̃̀̚ Ạ̢̟͔͙̫̣̺͒͋̽̌̎̌̅̒̒̆N̰̠̲̰̤̤̖̤̤͊̔̊̏͝D̦̱͉̥̂͌̽͐͒͢͟ͅ—̲̹̰̭̦̹̩̺̺̺̈͆̓̔͑̊̕͝ </span> I stumble to Rys. Reach for the horrible gash on <<= $owlhis>> neck. Try to apply pressure. I must keep it from bleeding to <span class="red">ą̮͙͈̣̈́̎͋͑̉̃̔͐͟n̡̨͎̙͈̪̼̑̓̈̔̀͌̎͢ͅ a̴̢̯̦͎͇͊̔̆̆̔̕̚͠b̶̢̨̨̛͓̘̜͓̙̞̀͐͌̅͋̊̅̿ý̷͕͙̠̦̳͓̎̉̓͛̎̌̈͠͝s̵͉̖̪̫̙̹̣͇͑̂̚̕͡͡s̷̠͈̥̤̲̈́͐̂͒̃̎̀̂̾͝ s̨̗̙̰͇̘̤̩̯͓̃̏̎͋̽̍͆̍͡͝o̘̦͙̭̻̪̰̿͐̈̅̌͆͐̅̽ͅ d̷̛̠̣͔͎̝̆͌͂̎̆͜͠͠ͅe̵̥̠̹͖͙̤̹͑͆͐̏̀̑͗ȩ̪̱͉͉͔̺̓̋͗̓̉̽̈p̠̥̮̦͋͂̋́̈̇̎̕͢͝ Į̧̟͕̰̤̾̿́͑̍͑͞'̴̩̯̬̼̦̒̈̈́͊͂m̴̡̥͇͎͔̥͇̝͍̈͌̉̿͂ f̷̞͚̮͈̙̥̳̳̏́͆̓̎͛͑͠ȃ̷̧͈̥͖̜̩̥́̊͌̍̌͒͑͂͜l̪̗̩͇̪̟̉̃̇̈́́͊̐̚͟l̪̩̭͕̮̬͈̺͑͋̿͘͜͞͠͡i̧̻̭̲͎̲̮̓̎̓͆͡ǹ̸̛̮̤̗̥̱̒̓̑̽͑͠͞͡g̻̭̪̘͖̲̤͚̾̐̉͂̊̒̒ t̡̨̖͉͎͚̄̂͊̈̆͘͜͝h̴̢̠̲̗͚̖̟͈̅̂̇̃͜͝ͅr̷̢̳̦̺̫̀́͗͑͂ǫ̷̫̻͙̟̟̊͛̽̅̒̉̽̾̚͟͜͞u͚̯̖̬̩̒̊̀̉̽̋g̷̡̧͖̳̰̮̗̿̇̇͐͑͊̇h̸͇̪̳̫̍̈́͑̏̿͜͜͞.̢̧̝͈̟͔̲̄͑͑̈́͝͠͠͞ ̴̨̨̰̞̲̰̘̲̜̣͊̓̏̃͋͐̾Ŵ̵̨̢͔̤̮̣̫̻̋̄͠͠ḧ̢̧̟̞̻̳͕̟́̏̚͠ͅỹ̴̨̟͕̳͔̯̤͓̈́̎̔̕͝ ç̷̣̰̩͉̯̞̬͇̝̃̔̉̊̿̀̀̚͠͠ą̸̳̞̭͕̞̖͔̦̂̃̒͆́̈́̽͆̔ń̵͈̪̮̠͙̰̻͖͖̆̆̑̊̉͘͘͝͠ s̴̛̼̭̫̟̟̽͌̑̀̓̿͘͠͝ơ̶̢̝̭̗̒̀͆̈͑͜m̵̨̛̦̤̝̙̰̅̀̂́̕ẻ̵̱̮̮̼̣̻͓͋̄̍̀͗͌̄̍͡t̜̼̘̮̗̤́̈̃͆̓͑́̀̉͌ḣ̛͚͈̜̳̥̙̓̅̾̈́̚̚͢͠ͅǐ̵̢͉̝͈̦̰͔̙̘͆̌̑͒̑͒͘͜n̵͓̝̮̠͇͍̱̈́̃̊̂͌̑̏͘͞g̛͕͔͔͉̲̬͚͑̑̏͂̆̅͞ͅ s̢͉̤̜͕̼̮̐͂̿͒̌̏̅̆̇͘ơ̡̡̱͎̪̪̹̰̋͋̌́̋̊̽͂͞ t̡̬̲̺͙͖͚̠̞̅͆̍͒̌͆͡ȩ̸̩̬̝͓̯͖̟̘͆̍̽͑̂͌͊̓͡r̞͙͉̜͉̪̖̍̀̏̚͟͟͞ȑ̡̛̰̲̪͔̬̟̬͔̝͐͛̒̏i̸͔̫͍̪̙̤̿͑̍̈́̾f̧̪̼̘̠͓̊̾̐̊̆̉͢y̴̞͚̰͇̹̽̒̆͐̆̅͝į̢̢̜̲̜͑̿͋͆̿͗͟n̪̫̭͚͖̈̅͌̀̎͗̅͌ģ̛̻̪͇̝̒͌̌͂̿̆ e̶͓̟͎̲̯̺̱͂̔̂̉̈́͛̓̕͜͜x̡͎̙͚̖̖͈̣̐̏͛̾̄͋͛ḭ̵̯̤͙̘̱̰̱̝̓̍̂̍̌ͅs̸̡͔͚̥̟͓̳̄̀̆̆̒́͂̕ţ̢̲̝̯͍͕͖͔͋͊͌̎̉̽͂̑͡͞.̴̧̲̬͙̣̾̒̃͊̅̾̀̆̑̚͟ ̴̡̦̮̹͎͗̓̐̄̔̆Ĭ̴̺̫͚̞̤̝̗͎͇̎͆̕̕͞'̧̝̗̣̻͈̗̋̆͘͟͟͠͡m̶̡̛̺̳̜̰͇͕̜̉͗̆̑̒͐̔ͅ s̵͈̭̜̀͆͒̕̕͟͟c̺͉̣̱̲̼͑́͛͛̌̓̅̇̓͘͜a̴̛̛̰̩̱̳̱̝̍̀͒͛ŗ̶͕̻͍̟̜̻̖͛͑̇͋̍́̋̐͑̚͢é̵̡̛͚̻̙͎͕͛͋̉̚͟d͍̦̭̼͎͍̳̞̪̜͛̓̽͌́.̦̬͖̦͚͚̩̱̟̃͂́̇̊͡͡ Ī̷̖̝͕̗̥̜͇̣͗̽̎̽́̓̉̈́'̲̘͓̟̞͚̘͌̿̈̇̀̈́͘M̨̹͕̲̳̻̞̘̳̃̆̿̉͆̊͗̌̏͞ S̢̺̼͕̭̦̺̈̓̒̐̏̋̕͠Ç͕̺͕̞̞̞͙̉̔̈͐͗̂ͅȀ̶͔͍̗̼͉̆̽̾̊͐̒̌͝R̵̟̼͎̮̯̯̘͎̀͆̈̓̿̒̐͒̍̚͜Ẻ̵̛̤̠͚͍̖̗͔̓̍̐̍͗̈̚͢͢͟D̷͉̝̬̠̄̋̍̕̕͜͡ͅ.̝̦̫̹͑̎̋̀͋̏͜͝ Ȉ̷̠̪̘̬̗͓̞́̆͐̒̚͟͡'̶̛̲͔̻̖̟̻̫͗̑͑̏̚M̫͙̠̥̻̿̑̑̋͒̉͠͞ S̷̳͎̯̖̱̔̉̃̏̀̊̓̈́́Ĉ̸̙̫͖̙̦̓͂̋̎͋A̷̧̛̭̮̭̟͎̫͛̿̏̔͑͆R̡͎̻͍̼̯̝̼͒̓͛́͌͢͟E̢̛̫̻͎̱̹͖̤̟͑͆̀̀̾͑̚D̷̛͎̲͉̗͑̎̾̐͘͟͠͡ !̶̡̜̮͚̀̏͒͆̍̎̒͘͘͢ Ą̶̼̟̩̣̣͔̮̍͛̈̔̎ L̵͍̪̞̱͍̳̜̘̭̂͆̇́̀̚͝Ĩ̴̡͙̟͎̖̠͓͔͂̒͒̈͂F̶̛̦̭̞̦͓͙̯̫̗̾͊́͆̑̆̑̇͜É̼͍̮̬̱͗̎̍̄͗͜ͅĻ̛̬̜̱̽͑͌͆͛͢͡Ę̦̪̫͐͊͒́̄̈́͑͘̕͠ͅS̵̡̻̖̥̝͔̭̋͗̈̆̇͢S̷̨̤̝͕̤͇̃̃̿̓̅͠ V̧͕̣̙̱̖̬̙͍̊́̆͂͋͋͊̐͘̕Ò̸̜̪̯͍̩̲͑̔́͗͟I̸͔̙̰̻̗̩̤͉̽̑̑͒͟͞Ḑ̨͍͓̭̖̮͔̱͑̑͒̓̅̐̈́̆͆͝.̤͇̣͓̬̖̙̾̓̂̏̓͆̚͢ ̡̛̤̖̭̫̙̭̼̄̈́̈̎͛͊̀̚͞L̢̧̬̝͈̺̞͈̋̉̾͟͜͠͡O̫̤̜͕̭̝̍̈́͒́͂̐͞N͚̣̪͈͚̙͇̤̼͗̑̓͗͛̾̈́͘ͅȨ̵̘̞͍̬͙̞̫͎̃̉͒̓̀̍̐͗͊͟L̴̤̺̼̝̞̦̹͂̒̍̅̔Y̢̳͕̗͈͔̟̘̺̑́͐͛̔̈̚͡͞͝ V̵̧͉̱̙̥̝̀̀̉̒͟͡O̡͎̠͓͎̙͋̊͐̀̌́͠͞I̷̛̹͙̣̰͔̩̺̩̲̓͌̃̆̈́́̊̒͜Ḑ̴̛̭͙̱̐̂̈́͝͝ͅ.̵̢͓̩̘̋́̌̓͋͟͞ͅ ̶͉͉͕̙̝̓̉̐̏̃̂̋͘͟͜͟͡͠Ǹ̵̢̡̙̮̳̣͊̅͋̓̎́͊̕͜͡O̦̜̺̱͖̰̻̙͂̀͂͛̂̓͢͝Ţ̶̙̼̼̫͕̻̓́̍͂̎͋͗͋̔̕H̵̱̦͍̺͚͈̾͗̓̍͑̓̋͘I̷͔̰̹̭̹͎̥͔̿̾̔͊̋̇̓̽N͈͈̭͇̝͙͕̠͔͍̓̓̊͊̅͌̇͘G̷̛̛̮͈̳̟̙͚̐̂̕͟ E̸̤̞͙̗͕̝͌͗̑͌̾̑̋͟͠X̶̜͓̱̲͖̣̣͓̼̋̿́̎̈́̀̇́̐͟͠I̭̺̰͚̽̋̔̑̓̿̎͐͗͟͠S̢̡̻̥̱̀̍͒̓͆̄T͔̹͕̻̖͉̱̭͊̀̉̎́̓͋͟͠ T͕̭̰̞̙͉̑̑̂̊̚H̶̡̢̖͎̘̣̼̯̠̔̓͒̏̅̇E̵̟̘͍͍̜̝͉̫͐̍̊̅͋͑̕̕͝͝ͅŔ̛̖͖͍̹͈̘̄̋̎́̚ͅȨ̶͓̩̓̔͒̉͗̃̈́͐͜͢͝ E̷͖̘̳͙͖̣̜̳͑͊́̈̊̉̀͞X̵̨̢̛̬̬̤̳̠́͗͛̀͋̚͡͠Ç̶̮̱͇̯̺͋̑̄̇̅̒̕̕͟͡Ë̷͍̖͎̗͙̦͓̤́̂͐͊̆͊̕͢P̷̧̪̭̪̣̤̖͒̆̓͊̍̓̓̊̌̒T̸̛̰̱̝̻̮̠͂̾̈́̔̃́͂ F̘̻͙̙̭͕͋̌̇̐̽͝ͅỚ͖̩̖̰̱̝̙̯͐͒̔͌̀͢͜Ŗ̨͔͕̖͇̩̓̽̄͛͆ͅ M̵̗̬̮̼̬̗͛̀͒̐̒͋̆E̢̲͇̪͉̲̭̭̺͇̎͐̊̏̀̀̈́̿̎͡.̴̡̫̫̱̣͙̲̅͐̅͛̽̇͑̊ ̧̢̛̲͚̮̗͖̝̼͍̆̽̔̽̎̇̇A̦͖̬̻͇͊̉̒̎̌͌́͒͝N̨̡̳̫̟̺̊̇̔̀̈͊̑̓͊D̡̡͍̳̩͍̩͙̮́̒̔̆͆̌͛̎ I̡̱͔̹͒̈́͊͌͊̅̑̀͐̃͜ͅT̤̜̜̯̺͉́̈́̏̕͢͝'̸̡̼̪͙̖̒͌͑͒̃̔͘S̟̥̮̙̭̑͑̒̅̒̉̅͗̉͢ͅͅ S̢̰̟̟̖̱͕͈͑̋͌̔̾̇͟ͅO̷͈͔̫͕͕͙̊̀͋̐̐͂̽̕̕ͅ L̴̛͍̜̲͙͚̖̝̲̬̀̔̔̓̇͗̿͗͗O͓͖̙̫͑̃̃̐͂͜͠N̡͉̮̘̭͌̏̏̒̒E̢̥̪͓̤̋̓̓̏͘͠Š̵̛̬̱͓̘̤͚̲͐́̋̀̆̄͞Ơ̵̞̙͎͉̊̋͗͂́̑͗ͅM̸̢͎̤̰̖͖̳̜̬̂̈́̐͛̇̍̐͌̕͟Ę͕̰̜͐̓̅͟͡͞ A̧̮͈̬̞͕̦̖̝̋͒͗͊́͂N̯͇͈̤̙̖̰͐̋̌͂̒̾͟͞D̢̲̤̄̿̄͐̋̓̎̏͜͜ S̡̪̼̦̟͚̺̼̰̣͂̀͆͠͠À̵̼̳̗̙̄́͊̚͟ͅD̵̢̛̳̠̻́̎̉͜͠ T̶̨͍̭̞̘͓̾̔͑̀̀̿̓̉͠Ȏ͔̖̫̰̮̑̅̀͜͢͝ B̢̼̫̳̩͔͕̰̗͔̀̐̆̍̾͝Ê̢̲͕̫͓̿͐͐̄͆̐ T̸̹̯͖͈̝̠̘̦̄̏͐̃͊̓̒̚͘ͅH̻̫̯̜͗͑̓̃̏͢E̞͕̣͓̳̯̪̭̳̊̓̀̐̏͆̕ Ǫ̛̙͈̜̘͕̱̈́̃̈́̐̃̏N̷͍̭̦̺̳̖͊̋̿̽͝ͅͅL̨̨̤̠̰̬̮͙̄̂̉̌̆̉͒͜͠͠Ȳ̯͉̬͎̻̼̏̀̌̉̔̐̂͋̚͟ Ơ̴̡̨̡̻͓̜͙͈͎͋͆͆́̈͊͂͝Ṇ̠̲̞̰̯̹̔̄̽̓̔̅Ẻ͍͚͇̯̺̄́͐̅ H̛̝͈̲̭̤́͊̓̈̄̈̈͘͘Ȩ̤͙̼̘̻͖̽̍͑̇̄̚͟R̢̢̘̦̲̙̂̔̌̊̉̐͢͡ͅE̘̜̹̭͍͌̊͛͒̒̚͟͝͠.̺̗̜̯̬̯̔̈̀͂̔̀͑̌͞ ̧̡̰͓̣̝̫͕̜̑̎̀̔͑̕C̶̡̻͖̰̙̹̠̆̅̂̊͟͝͠A̸̧̢̻̤͈̫͉̓́̅̋̍̈́N̴̗͎͎̺̟̙̄͒͌̎̚͘͟͝ Ŝ̢̼̘̩̣̱̖͛̐̀͐̌ͅO̷̧̡͓̦̗͔͚̣̤̽͑́̉̆̌̌̚͞M̨̢̖͍͎̗̟̖̯͊̏̀̔̑̓͗̑̕E̺̬̖̦̞̝͓̭͂̆̈́͑̾̚͘O͖͎̣̮̦͑̊̊͗̏̈́̄̚͞N̷̹͓̩̤̮̖͗̓̓̚͘ͅÉ̲͎̭̠̫͈̝̜̠͛́̚͠ Ĝ̶̯̗̫̖͎̹̱͙͓̇̀̾̕Ḙ͇̻̭͖̊́̑̔̌̈̏͠T̨̧͕̩͓̮̗͚̻͒̍̎̒̄̄̉̑ Ṃ̘̩̻͎̂̄̿̆͗̃́̕È̵͉͚̦̰̠̝̹̥͎̒͒̒̏͘͞ Ơ̸̛͔̪͔̲̠̱͉̬̻̺̇̈́̀͐̈̕͝͡Ū̫̪͇̝̤͈̂̈͆͆͢͝͞͡͞Ţ̖͓͓̲̊͊͗̃̿̂͢ Ơ̘͚͓̩̦̭̟͙̦͛̒́̋̅̓͡F̵̪̟͙͙̙̳̮͙͎͒̉̑͗͋͒̀͂ H̟̬̪̟̗͍̲̙̽̍͗̊̿͛̉̄͡͝E̴͔͍̝̠̗͐̓̐̉́͋̕R̴͎̦̝̗̻̪̻͍̋̄̅͂̔̔̈́͂͌͢͠Ȩ̶̛̘̞͔̩̖̭̓̇̅̃̈́̈́ ?̨̢̳̤͈̤͔̙͆͗͊͡͞ ̸̠͙̗̙̦͈́̄͆̀̑A̹̦͇̲̞͔̓͗́̐͑̇͆̕͟͜M͙͍̭̻̥̺̼͛̏̊̀̓̏̉͗͐̕͜ I̧̱̦̗̮̔̋̏͛̃̍͛̚͢ G̡̫̩̯̯̺͕̝͍̿̽̌̄̇̾ͅŐ̸̘̼̲̞̗̲̀͊̂̀͡Ī̵͙̻͈̘̗͉͇̳̩̀͂̚̚Ň̝̠͖̜̤̾̈̔͛G̸̼̟̣͇͒̓̓͂̂̚͜ T̴̨̜̙̬̱͙̣̝͎̠̍͋̿͋́͂̋̊͘Ö̶̪̺̱̰̻́̆͊͌̐̀̑͜͢ Ş̡̨̡̞͎͉̞̙́̃̿̑̂͋̎̾Ṭ̨̨͕͓̫̫̜̩̑̈́́̍̈́̈́̐͜͞A̛̛̞̺̰͔̹̘̝͛̋̃̈̉̀̂͝Ÿ̫͇̼̖͙̻̍̄͐͜͟͝͡ Ḩ̴̛̘̟̳̹̰̞̏̔̆̾͊E̗͓̖̦̘̝̒͂͂̆̈́̚͟͞Ṟ̴̤̫͔͉̞̣͂̃̉̚͞͝E̡͓͍̟̳̣̬͍̲̿̔̌̇̚ F̸̡̛̟̖͍̙͕̜̣̃́͆͡Ȏ̴̧̟̥͎̯̏͊̿̾̾̓̐̎͞R̵̛̜̺̭̯͚̞̙͎̍́͆̌E̸̖̞̤͉̤̘̊̓̾̒̈́̃̒̽̒͜͞V̸̛͕͍̞̬͚͒̄̊͌̌̉̏̌͢͜E̛̜̘̳͕̎̈̄͆̓́͟͞ͅͅR̴̭͍̭͙̳͎̺̋͐̓̒̾̔͟ͅ ?̠͉̻̩͊̽̑̂̊͋͘͘͢ͅ I̛̛͙̪̘͈̐̌͂̋ͅ K̛̺̜̜̝͙̬̹͈̣̆̑̆̿̈͑̿͂Ń̨̨͚̥̂̽͆͆̑̚͜ͅE̴͖̜̤͕̜͒̃͗̒̉̀͜W̷̧̖̳̳̪͌̓́͌̏̚͘͡ I̵̡̪͓̣͛͒̈͘͘͞ͅ H̡̛͖̥̝̘̐́̋͌̅̕͘͠Á̶̰̙̠͇̣̼͇̯̑̓̎̏͑̕D̨̛̼̱̣̙̋̈̊̊̓̎͐̇͘ͅ T̶̰̞̗̥͍̣͗̀̌̀̌̽̔̚O͇̼̩̲̹̻̭̾͛̑̈̆ D̶̼̬͉̞̗̭̔̑̍̆̽̑͘̕͜I̶͙̪͓͇͉̳͖͕̻͒͛̓̅̏̍͂͋͋͐͟Ë̡̪̺̭͓̘͕̼́͒̍̄̔̉̆̈̚ͅ B̸̢͈͎̟͈͂̔̽̃́̃̀͞͠Ű̢̧̦̰̹̦͚̼̺̿̃͋͆͒̇T̸͖̣̺̜̰̯̞̲͆͗̉̿̿̆̇̉͡͠ I̸̡̩̘̤͋̀̒͆̂͟͝ D̢̛̺͎̫̝̞͈̩̑̃̓͗͒̽̓̕͜Į̵̱̟̤̫̠̠͚̗̣̓͒͂̒̄̑́͐̀D̬̮͚͎̟͉͈̖͌͗̌̿́͡N̘̲̻̭̝̙̟̊͌͑̍̊̀͑͡'̴̡͔̳̤͍͓͗̋̂̓̉͌̿͘͠͞T̝̗̥͚͕̜̮̽̇̾͑̏̄̄͟ Ẅ̧̯̣̝̫͇̱̞͒͐͊̽̄̔̊͜͞A̴̠͎̩̠̲̱̗̦̮̽̂́͒̉̅̈́̆͜Ń̯̪̯̰͉̟̟̳͂̾͂̏̈́̄̀̽T̵̛͎̞̺͚̰̭͈́̍́̑͜͟͟͡ B̸̛̖̯̜̭̫͈̑̃̈̌̍̐Ų̧͚̙̞̱͓̉̈̽̅͐̒̃̃͢T̛̬̲̦̬̯͓͖̫̹̿͐̑̽̚̚͞ I͓̦͔͖͎̱̙͕͕̎̋̋͋͆̌̂̌͂ H̸̡͍̣̭̫̞̝̩̺̒͛̈́͂̄͒͂̽͘Ä̼͓̞͉͎̮̺͍̆̒̄̐̆̎D̛̗͈̼͔̘̽͑́̍̂̉̓́ Ṭ̶͕̥̥͇͖̝̒̀̄͛̓͡͡Ȯ̡̧̲͙̤̙͉͙͑͋̚͟͞ B̴͎̤̖͖̩̲̬̹̀̀̿̑́̄͒̽͡ͅͅÙ̷̖̳̥̼̭͙͙͖̆͐̇̋͜͝Ṫ͈̟͖͓̳̩̰̙̑̋̏͑̍̆̚͢͠ P̗̜̯̤͓̞̼̋̍̆̊͘͟͟L̢̙̮̩͍̺̣̓͌̾̏̿́͢͟Ę̢̖̠̱͙̜͒̋̍̉̎̕͘͘͜͟͢Ą̶̢̡͔̠̜̺̳̼̀͐̄̑́̈͘Ș̯̱̟͚͙͇̆̾̌̍̄Ě̷̪͍̠̮̱̫͔̦̿͛͒̅̈́̾̓͜ S̯͈̗͖̟͆̀͗̔̒̓̽̓͡O̵̧̭̱̥̹͎͂̈́͒̂͆̈́͊̈M̮͈͇̝̯͈̱̒̃̃̄̽̒̚͟͢͟͠E̸̢̛̮͓̣̎̈́͑̈́͢O̶̡͈͍̹̠̦̬͒̌̇͑̔̂͘N̟̩̹͇͈̤̄̀̄͑̄̋̀̕Ẽ̘͖̤͔̲͚̈́́̊͆̈́̚̕͜͡ S̗͖̙͚̦̦͉̩̓̀̈͒̓́͜͜A̴̡̗͖̲͗̆̎̃̓̄̈͢͜͝͡͞V̶̛͖̠̩̺͙͋̓̈̌̋͟Ë̦̞̤̣͈͉̲̙́͑̓̐̊̌̌̋̍́ M̷̢̞̔̂͂͗̐͢͜͜͠Ȩ͚̻͎̮͕͒̅̊̕̚͢ I̴̡̙̥̪͍͚̳̮͇̲̾͆̊̔̃̀̂̏͘ D̡̨͉͈̙͈͔̫͌̃͐̿̔̋͠ͅO̵̼̻͕̙̺̗̎͊̅̉̿͊͡N̶̨̛̮̰͇̖͚̲̖͑͛͂̾͌̂͘ͅͅ'̸̛͕̪͇̗̘̑̆͂̃͜T̟͚̺̖͊́̆̏̊ͅͅ W̧̳̬͈̠̪̾̂̏̈̐͒̏́͘͠A̡̳͉͍̩̳̭̞͓̾̓̀̔̑̚Ņ̸̨̨̠̹̬̳͚͂̍̔̌͊̌̿Ţ͚̹̥̮̖̳̹̭̍́̋͌̔́͘͟ Ṱ̵̢̨̠͚͓̲̬̅́͋͋̒Ơ̶̭̞̩̫̮̬̬̓̾̿̓̓̎̒́͜͠ͅ B̵̢͓͍͔̱͗̄͌̍́͌͒̉̚͠Ȩ̶͔̫̲̻̘̹̂̈́̑̅͗̂̌̿̍͡ Ä̢̗̺̘̳̍͛́̏L̢̖͎̳̳̻͖̉̂̓̄̐͢ͅO̵̡̪̰̙͓̟̽́́̿̈̏̚͡N̥̳̪̙̲͉̍͌́̏̔̎͟͟͠E̛̻̮̲͕͇͔̞͕͆͆̋͊̎̒͗̉͜ͅ H̢̛̺̪̦͍̱̲͈̜́̀́͆̑E̳͇̬̙̙̖͆̎̂͗̚͝Ŗ̴̰̤̥̩͇̩͎̻͌̈̄͂̕͞ͅE̢̧̧̼͓̳͓̅̃̈͑͑͒̃̏͡ N̢̻͕͈͚͓͒͌̈́̓͗͐͗̊̄̕O̦̘̩̯͚̱͓̻͓̜̽͑̍̈́͐́̏͞ N̡̪͇̙̬̝̗͎̂̉̃̋͒͗̈́͟͞O̵̡̨͕͇̰̩͂͛͌͊͠ͅ N̸͔͇̟͍͇̣̤̒̂̍̒̌͂́͐͠͡ͅO̢̧̢̘̤͙̯̩̘͈͂͆̋̓̇̐̋̓̓ Ǹ̷͕̳̯̥͕̜͕̎͑̈̿͑͛̊͟͞͝O̴͖̥̟͈͇̭͇͔͍̓͐̎͆͑͝ N̗̣̥̦̯͛̈́͊̈́̓͛̀̊͡ͅO̤̥̲̺̦̱̯̒̌̀͊͛̾̅͟ Ņ̧̛͓̥̮̀͂͗̄̀̚͟O͈̰̺̣̙̜̮̔̂̊̈̾̎̃̋̚͞ͅ N͈̥̣̹̗͑͆̏͆̈́̚͝O̷̦̺̘̦̲̺̬͚͚̓̈́̂̀̏̔͘͡͡ N̸̺̩͔̺̜̗͊́̿̃̏̆͟͠Ȍ̶̤͕͚̞̥͇͆̀̆̇͘ N̢̪̙̥̭̝̑͌̈́̑͘͢Ơ̷̼̠͕̳̯̥̠͒̇̄̑͘͠ͅ Į̪̹̺͖̔͐̔̎̒͊̉͌T̖̱͖̲͓̲͔̄͒͗̃̒͌͑̑̓'̴̢̟̤̥͎͂́͊͆̚̚͜S̳̹̼̻̼̳̘̰̲̒́̚͘͜͝͝ S̡̖̱̙̞̝̞͙̙̋̈̈́̔̎͗͢͝O͎̖͖̯̻͓͓͂̓̓́̇͢͢ Ş̷̬̰̬̼͚̑̊̂͑͊̅̕̕͞͠Ą̡̦̮̘̘̄̐̉́͆͠͡D̡̡͇͔͈̦͎̰̠̦̈́̑̆̎̀̐̂̎͘ Ȧ̧̲̹̝͔͇̑̅̏̒̊͜N̸͖͖̹͉̗̥̘̲̽̾͗̿̎͝Ḑ͔̘̗͓́͗̏͌͘ͅͅ P̵̨͈̝͓̲̠̱̰͑͑̔̋͒͟Ȧ̷̛͓̝̯͚̝̭̿͐̽̃̋̕͟Ì͔̩͔̳̯̱̫̲̤͍̓͑͛͋N̢̦͔͉̘̆͋̈́̔̀͡F̨̹̹͙̥̑͋̐̈̃͞U̡͎͔͇̺̪͚̭͎̓̇͆̉̓͒͂̂Ḻ̸̬̗̯̖̲͚͋͑̄͂̕̕͘͢ Ȧ̧̻̲͓͈̹̗̳̽͗͐͂̀̕̚͞ͅŇ̶̙̰̙̯̟̻̪͉̲̍̀͑͒̃͋́͠D̷̦̦͇̤̈́͆̋͊͆̇͘̕͢͢͠ Ȩ͍̰͚̻̏̑̑̀͞Ṃ̵̫̲̬̟̰͔̎͋́̀̇̆̑ͅP̷͉̗̘̰̹̲̈̈́͒͛̋͛̊͠͡ͅT̴̮͓̬̫̰̰̉͑̍̾̔̉̔͗̕͠Ẏ͓͉̣͕̰̘͉͌̏̎̀͒̾̍̊̚ͅ Ȃ̵̘͎̩̞͓̟̭̝̑̐͋̉͢Ñ̡̥̝̞̪͇̞̤̇́̕͘ͅD̡̻̟̦̯͔̫̫͛̊̀͑̌͜ S̻̼͎̤̪̓̌̿͐́Ơ̷̼͙͙̘̹̅̔̅̂͞͡͞ͅ V̷̦̣͚̳͍̫̤̣̓͆̍̎͟͞Ȩ̟͔̤̮̝̍̓͒̒͝ͅR̵͉̥͇̜̫̼̞͚̊̿͊̾͋͛͘̚Y̬͖̱̘̝̎̂̏̓̔͡ E̝̖̞͍̮̓̾͌̿̒̈̅́͢͡͞M̴̛͕̭̣̥͚̫̼̌̆̇͊̌͆̚͞P̡̘̠̜͚̝͇̔̄́̋̀Ţ̴̦̝͎͎͉̱̎̽̇̐̓̚̚͟͟͞͝Y̫͍͉̪͎̗̮̐͗͋̂̇̕ Ỉ̢̛̩͈͈̻͇̫̻̟̪̆͊̀̿̈́̑̚͡ C̷̛̬̲̘̺̼̺͈̤͊̿̒̅̿̌̂̚͠Â̢̛͈̖̗̥͐̂̓̈́́̔̐N̨̧̢̗̤̦̖͋̌̓̔̄͗̾̔͜͠ͅͅ'̵̝͈̥̩̖̌̃͑̓̀̊T̵̗̝̰͉̠̹͙̊̾̉͋̇͞ S̢̳̳̠̼̺̿̆͑̌̇́͟͜͞Ṭ̸̡̢̜̰̞̦̺̻̌̆̊̌͝͝A̸̜͇̯͓̠͖͂͗̏̒̋͗̊̏͞͠Ỵ̴̡̩͛̽̑̏̕͞ͅͅ H̜͙̩̼̋͑̃̈̀͟E̷̼̱̣͍̳͇̫̠̩̰̅̄̂̒͆R̸̡̖̖͇̣̠̣̦̜͊̓́̓͐͒́͡E̳̯̣̙͕̯̠̿̿̉͋͝ͅ Í̷̡̧̧̝̳͕͖̳̻͑͛͐̀͆̽̓͊ N̰̼͖̬̫̖̥͖͌̂͐̍̾̈̀̅͢͝E̡̧̛̬̼̠͚͈̬̬̬͗̂̒̓̈́͑͗͡Ę̶̱̥͚̪̯̲̑̒̆̾͡D̢̢͉͕̗͇͙͉̄̇͋̆̉́́̉͠ T̴̯̭͔̺̯̠̈́͂̇̈̿̅̊̈́Ő̢͚̩̻͕̙̀̑͆̈́̀̈͒̈́͘͢ Ḷ̱̪̮̺͕͉̿̉̇͛̀͟Ę̸͚̯̥͚̑͆̆͐͟͜͟͜͞A̷̢̢̫̞̻͇͚̻̟͐̈̆̑̂̉͒͟V̳͍̙̦̘̬͒͆́̇̈́̂͆̔̇͘͢E̸͖̱̗̟̙̭̾̋̑͘͝ I̲͚̜͍͍̺͛̽̎̑͘̕ Ǹ̡̛͕̮̖͙̪̱͍̄̑́̾̐ͅE̷̻͍̜̖̭̥̿̈͛͌̚͟͞ͅÈ̸͎̩̟͙̼̇̀͆̿͛̂͠͠͠Ḑ̛̰̮͕͙̅̋̓̇͋̋̎̉̄͟ T̸̨̝̼͖̳̲̭̥̪̋͑̆͆̃̐͂̕͟O̢̟̭̣̫͎̿́̀͟͠͞ L̡͕͙͕͛̀͊̕͘͢͜Ě̡̦̦̞̗̩͐̃̇͗À̝̟̠̻͍̣̓̇͋̇̓͐̋͜V̢̻̥̳̜̜̙̉̒͂͑̋͒̌̂Ȩ̶͍̟̣̗̦̯̪̀̂͗̽̀̅͌̇͜͢ I̴̟͚̘̯̠̮͓̋̏͆̏̊͊̿ͅ N̟͇̭̳̝͍̉̈́͑̽̈͗͒̂͡E͖̜͕̹̫̲̺̜͚͗̈́̂͐̑͌͊͂̆E̴̛͙͈͍̙̝̟̹̣̣̋̃̾͘͢D͎͔͔͍̓̾̀̾̎͗̆̏̋̕͜͟ T̵͉̭͕͓̈́̐̊̍͋͢O̡̰̟̟͉͛̈̉͂̒͟͝ L̺̩̲̜̪̘̘̐̂̀̅́̏̀́́̑Ę̡̤̜̜͂̾͗́̑̑̽́A̵̢̜̠̫͚̯̼͕̰͊͛̏͘͝V̨͔͔̣̮̻̞̿̒̀̌̚͞͡E̵̳͓̜̯̙͌̀̍̌̏̈̆̊̚ͅ Í̝͓̺̟̬̾̈̂̋̃͜—̸̢̙͖̩̩̲͙͕̐͗̊͌͛͗̕͝͝</span> W̜̱̬̩͍͆̀̔̓͊̎H̡̭̥̘͚͇̖̹̐͗̐̿̐͂̈́́̕͘͢Y̶̨̛̥̯͇̮̽̐̄͝ I̴̢̢̘͚̣̹̠̗̥͑̑̋̿́̓̌͆͘͝S̴̢̤̞͕̱͇̮͎͔̖̐̌̀͊̀̋̽̍͘ Ḯ̷͓̗̣̥̰̣͒̀̆̉̏͑̿͜Ṯ̸͓̖͓̐̔̃̑̆͢͝ͅ S̸͕̖͍͖̲͈͌͑̎̄̎̆ͅỎ̸̮̩̝̝̠̟̎̓̀̋̄̇͠ C̷̣͇͎̘̜̄͂́̅͊͠ͅO̹̪̣̝̠͈͍͌̉̆̑̃́̐̕L̨̛̫̞̤͈̒͊͋̍̍͜D̯̣̮͔̠͂̿͗̒̉ Ā̢̻̘͔̫̹̘͛̅̓̍̋͟ͅN̹̲͙̮̭̝̗͙̓́̓̊̇͟͠͝D̷̡̨̯̥̤̝̺̣̏͑̓̍͂͊͆̈́͜͝͝ S͓̰̯̭͇̎͋̀̓͐̕͟͢͠C̷̡̙̘̺̺͇̲̉̍͊̑̌̃̀͋͝ͅͅĄ̩̝͎̬̺̭̼͉̠̈̽̽̀͘̚R̷̡͕̥̯̗͒̋̇̓̃͝Ỷ̢̟̖͕̙͇̗͋͑͐̾̈̈́̋͗̚͟ H̷̡͈̘͓͉̤͐̌̂͑̌̐͑͝Ẻ̵̫̜̣̫͈̻͒͑̾̎̚͘͡͞Ŗ̼̱̫͎̦͉̋̋͂̐͒͛Ẹ̵̛͈̟̝̭̳̃͌̑̂̀͆̐ W̢̨͎̯͇̙̣͖̿́̂́̾̕͘͞H̴͕̞̲̼͖̥̊̓͑̏̌̐͒̕͘͟͡Y̶̧̬͉̯͕͔̿̐͋̈́̿͠ ?̵̧̛̼̟̗̲̋̇̕͝WHY IS IT SO— LYSANDR PLEASE, STAY WITH ME. <span class="red">PLEASE, PLEASE, STAY WITH ME</span> You feel raindrop on your face. Or is it tears ? You cannot open your eyes because their are sealed shut. And you don't feel your fingers nor your arms and legs and nothing really except this pain in your neck and this pressure but everything else [[everything else feels to light—|extraOwlTwin17]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

There is no greater sorrow than to recall a happy time when miserable. I remember the time when we played in the tallgrass field, bathed in gold and tasting like the sun. The sky was always bright and the air was fresh. The crickets were singing in the bushes and in the trees. I remember the laughters. The smiles. The sibling's spat. Kasandr, Lilian and Rysandr. Ǒ̷͉͎̟̺͖̒̉͆̋̂̃͘ȓ͈̝̼͎̠͌̀̋̃͌͘͘ ẅ̧̙̖̗̘̹͐͒̓̄͆̏͌͜a̧̨͕̭̯̱̦̳̗̍̆̑͛̾͞ş̢͕̠̱̩͉͚͓̬̄͆͗̐́̀̇̚ i̬̙̠͇͙͎̱͕̗̯̾̌̂̒͂t̨̡̺͔̬͍̔̂͛̚͡ L̴͓̱̮̼̮̲̗̙̇̒͂́͐̆͟͝ý̸̮͚͓̤̤͉̬̊̍͂͆͆͜s̼̬̲̲͖̼̟͎̻͊̈́͗́͒̊à̡̡̜̝͕̥̲̣̣̖̇̽͗̉̎̉n̢̡̯͚͎̑̃͑͛͟͠d̛̗̞̭͈̰͚̀̓́̽͐͗̿̀͘r̴͍̫̳̗̜͍̍̄̍̿͌ ?̛͉̞̭̤̣͕͓̣͔̎͑̈́̒ I remember mom's smile and her singing and her warm hug. And her giggles were always with us. I remember how I used to love summer. And then the scared, the saddened and the angry grew and chased the warmth and the smiles and the simplicity of those days. Home was a warm place full of smile back then. I remember Rys—O̢̳̘̖̰̘̬͐͋́̇̾̈̄̚͟r̸̮̮̯̩̲͊́̈́̐̃́͝ͅ w̧̛̦͚̝̹̔͗͋̌̈́͡ͅa̸̡̼̮̙̼̥̞̽̽͒̎̑̄̒͘͟͟͞ş̨̯̞͇̝͙̤͂̍̈́̂̅̌̈́̅͒̄͜͢ į̴͉͓̰̘̳͈̟̐̔͒̔͒̌̕͟t̸̖̘̲͔͓̟͔͉̃̓͊̿̃̌̎̊͡ L̹͔͕̾͆́̅̚͢͟͡ͅẙ̰̦̲̲̜̍͛̀͟͞͞š̷̪̺͇̙̪̫̯͇̎̎̑̄̿̎̒̕͟͠ ?̻̘̬̜̺͌̂̓̇̈̐̌͋͘͢͝—, on <<= $owlhis>> side, became gloomier and gloomier. I missed Rysandr so much—Ǒ̷͉͎̟̺͖̒̉͆̋̂̃͘ȓ͈̝̼͎̠͌̀̋̃͌͘͘ ẅ̧̙̖̗̘̹͐͒̓̄͆̏͌͜a̧̨͕̭̯̱̦̳̗̍̆̑͛̾͞ş̢͕̠̱̩͉͚͓̬̄͆͗̐́̀̇̚ i̬̙̠͇͙͎̱͕̗̯̾̌̂̒͂t̨̡̺͔̬͍̔̂͛̚͡ L̴͓̱̮̼̮̲̗̙̇̒͂́͐̆͟͝ý̸̮͚͓̤̤͉̬̊̍͂͆͆͜s̼̬̲̲͖̼̟͎̻͊̈́͗́͒̊à̡̡̜̝͕̥̲̣̣̖̇̽͗̉̎̉n̢̡̯͚͎̑̃͑͛͟͠d̛̗̞̭͈̰͚̀̓́̽͐͗̿̀͘r̴͍̫̳̗̜͍̍̄̍̿͌ ?̛͉̞̭̤̣͕͓̣͔̎͑̈́̒ Maybe I could have save Rys—O̢̳̘̖̰̘̬͐͋́̇̾̈̄̚͟r̸̮̮̯̩̲͊́̈́̐̃́͝ͅ w̧̛̦͚̝̹̔͗͋̌̈́͡ͅa̸̡̼̮̙̼̥̞̽̽͒̎̑̄̒͘͟͟͞ş̨̯̞͇̝͙̤͂̍̈́̂̅̌̈́̅͒̄͜͢ į̴͉͓̰̘̳͈̟̐̔͒̔͒̌̕͟t̸̖̘̲͔͓̟͔͉̃̓͊̿̃̌̎̊͡ L̹͔͕̾͆́̅̚͢͟͡ͅẙ̰̦̲̲̜̍͛̀͟͞͞š̷̪̺͇̙̪̫̯͇̎̎̑̄̿̎̒̕͟͠ ?̻̘̬̜̺͌̂̓̇̈̐̌͋͘͢͝ Some says the reflection in a mirror is another world shown to you. Thus the person you see when you look at your reflection is not you, but another version of you. As for me ? I didn't need a mirror. My reflection had climbed out of it and walked with me. But I was the reflection which walked out of the pane of glass in a world that is not my own. The world I was walking in was far too grey and sad and cold for me. I wanted to return in the mirror with the smiles and the summer warmth. I want to be able to stand in front of it and see my reflection in the golden world smiling back at me. I can mark on a calendar the day my heart started to whither. The day it then shattered in thousands of pieces, like the mirror I wish I'd see. Never to pick up again. It started the day I couldn't hold my precious promise. And the second. And the third. Three verses cost me everything. <div class="center"><i> "Precious precious precious promise, We hold you dear we hold you wise, be gone the one who speak in lies, and to you I make this precious promise : I would touch the wings of butterflies, and tell you how it feels when it flies. I will stay with you always and never, will I leave and let go of you, ever. I will always protect and love my dear, dear <<= $owltwin>> and keep <<= $owlhim>> far from fear. </i></div> Because I could never ever hold my precious precious precious promise. [[I spoke in lies and gone now I am.|extraOwlTwin18]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

It took days before I woke up. I couldn't speak at first because my vocal cords were damaged. But not that much. But what was the point of speaking ? Kasandr wouldn't look at me anymore and was not talking to me. The only thing I received from my dear older brother was hatefull stares. Yes, I know. I couldn't protect Rysandr—O̢̳̘̖̰̘̬͐͋́̇̾̈̄̚͟r̸̮̮̯̩̲͊́̈́̐̃́͝ͅ w̧̛̦͚̝̹̔͗͋̌̈́͡ͅa̸̡̼̮̙̼̥̞̽̽͒̎̑̄̒͘͟͟͞ş̨̯̞͇̝͙̤͂̍̈́̂̅̌̈́̅͒̄͜͢ į̴͉͓̰̘̳͈̟̐̔͒̔͒̌̕͟t̸̖̘̲͔͓̟͔͉̃̓͊̿̃̌̎̊͡ L̹͔͕̾͆́̅̚͢͟͡ͅẙ̰̦̲̲̜̍͛̀͟͞͞š̷̪̺͇̙̪̫̯͇̎̎̑̄̿̎̒̕͟͠ ?̻̘̬̜̺͌̂̓̇̈̐̌͋͘͢͝ My mother no longer smiled. She cried all day long for her <<if $owlhe eq "he">>son<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhe eq "she">>daughter<</if>> to be returned. But the dead never comes back and they take with them a part of us when they leave. I felt like half of my heart and half of my soul went out with the blood and the tears and the pain. Like half of me was buried that day in the soil, six feet deep. Slowly rotting away. All the warmth and all the joy were put in the earth. All that remains now, past flesh and bones is the cold and unsettling, the pain and the despair and the loneliness. Mother wouldn't talk to me. She wouldn't talk to Kasandr. It took so much of us, to stay in a house where everything remainded us of brighter days. Where everything reminded us of Rysandr—Ǒ̷͉͎̟̺͖̒̉͆̋̂̃͘ȓ͈̝̼͎̠͌̀̋̃͌͘͘ ẅ̧̙̖̗̘̹͐͒̓̄͆̏͌͜a̧̨͕̭̯̱̦̳̗̍̆̑͛̾͞ş̢͕̠̱̩͉͚͓̬̄͆͗̐́̀̇̚ i̬̙̠͇͙͎̱͕̗̯̾̌̂̒͂t̨̡̺͔̬͍̔̂͛̚͡ L̴͓̱̮̼̮̲̗̙̇̒͂́͐̆͟͝ý̸̮͚͓̤̤͉̬̊̍͂͆͆͜s̼̬̲̲͖̼̟͎̻͊̈́͗́͒̊à̡̡̜̝͕̥̲̣̣̖̇̽͗̉̎̉n̢̡̯͚͎̑̃͑͛͟͠d̛̗̞̭͈̰͚̀̓́̽͐͗̿̀͘r̴͍̫̳̗̜͍̍̄̍̿͌ ?̛͉̞̭̤̣͕͓̣͔̎͑̈́̒ So we left our glorious days in Greece and went to England, where my mother's family had an estate. A house made of black and white under a sky of cloud and rain and gray. My mother was prescriebed pills to alleviate some of the pain. But I don't think she was feeling pain anymore. She stopped crying long ago, when she no longer had tears to cry. I think a part of her was buried in the soil as well, six feet deep. I think she still lives in the moment where she lost one of her <<if $owlhe eq "he">>son<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhe eq "she">>daughter<</if>>, whilst the other barely lived. I think she still lives in the moment when Kasandr was so broken he couldn't wake up as well some morning. All this sadness broke her and she no longer was able to live fully. She could sat and breath, staring in the void. Was she staring into a mirror as well, where she could see happier days ? I wish she does. I wish in her own head right now she sees the smiles and the warmth and the golden days. I wish she can bath in the sun and not bear how much she lost. My mother sank into such state that she could no longer take care of herself. Kasandr and I would take care of her. It started by doing much more of the chores. Then all of them. Then we had to do all the cooking instead of part of it. Then we had to feed her. Bath her. Wake her up. Put her to sleep. All in the deafening silence of mouning and sadness. When we could no longer bear to taking care of her, we hired people to do so. And when it became too much to have always someone to take care of her at home, she was taken away. Now Kasandr and I, when we visit her, always take flowers with us. As if we were visiting a grave. We lost our mother as well, mentally. She is still physically with us, but it's been years now that she last talked. She sometimes sobs and asks for her children. But it's the days when they have to sedate her so she doesn't harm herself. [[As for I, there are days when I forget who we buried.|extraOwlTwin19]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

There are days when I forget who we buried. Was it really Rysandr ? Or me ? Memories of that rainy days are a blur and and a mix of so many complicated things that I can't recall what I experienced and what happened. Was it in my head ? Kasandr took me to psychologists, but I refused to speak to them. I would have to reveal I could feel Rys as <<= $owlhe>> was dying. All of this because of my <i>gift</i>. But they wouldn't believe me and I would surely be placed in the room adjacent to my mother in the nursing home. At night, when I can't sleep and can't take the hands which soothed me back in slumber, I would have nightmares. I would see Rysandr lying on <<= $owlhis>> back, eyes open but no longer seeing. Or it would be me on the floor with my throat cut open whilst I stare and the red— The red would take everything and color it black and gray. There were nights when I couldn't sleep. Wouldn't sleep. After some time, when I would close my eyes the nightmare would come, I would see an owl made of copper flying and cooing. I would stand in a tree and all the red would be washed away. The gold never comes back. But the world would have all its colour again and not just gray. The owl came only from time to time before coming every night and chasing the nightmares away. I now can sleep under its wings. But even though I can now sleep, time hasn't taken away the pain. I still feel like Rys was with me yesterday. [[A yesterday that keeps chasing me as I try to walk forward.|extraOwlTwinEnd]]

The loneliness has never ceased though. When I stare into the mirror now, I see my reflection. But not only. I still see the happy days. And it's not me staring back. It's Rysandr—<s>or was it Lysandr?</s> Sometimes I hate looking in mirrors. I hate promise as well. And summer. I left home and Kasandr because it was too painful. I left mother and the nursing home because I couldn't see her anymore. I was the one crying then, with flowers in my hand as if I was visiting a grave. My mom died inside a long time ago. Now only a shadow remain that I no longer call //mom//. I miss them. I miss Kasandr. I miss mom. I miss Rys. And I miss myself as well. I thought with times, I would be able to visit them. When it was my mind which wouldn't allow me, I gave myself time. Now my hands are bouund as are my feet and I no longer can move without monitoring. All of this because of my //gift//. Because of my father. Is it strange though that I still have dreams ? I'm living in a world where every colour is toned down. The only shine is the one from the jewels I make. But still, I have a dream. And my present is only a place crushed between the overwhelming sadness of the past and the hope which is in the future. It took me one step forward every while. But I can still walk and I can speak. When I close my eyes, the owl is sometimes here. Its not as often as it used to be and I sometimes wake up screaming. But I can walk forward. And most importantly now, I can say without crying too much and without feeling like my chest has been left open and empty : <div class="center">Rest in peace, Rys. I love you, my twin.</div> <br> <br> <br> <div class="center"><<button "the End">><<script>> Engine.go(-20) <</script>><</button>></div>

honestly, given the answer he has given you this morning, you doubt the man will be of anymore help to you. You will just waste time and energy asking questions whilst he will just stare at you silently before bothering you with a "Really ?". As for the rest of his team ? Birds of a feather flock together. So, better than wasting your time, you will do as you have until now. Up on your two feet, looking by yourself. It has work plenty until now and there is no reason it will cease to work. Both of your <<= $shoes>> now on, you rise up and gather your equipment from the boot of your car and put it in your <<= $bag>>. You had your trusted torchlight—with extra battery—water, protein bar, compass, a map, a distress flare—you don't even know what it was doing in your things, but you've find it—some trusted //evidence// bags, first aid kit... you think this is all. You take your bag, close your car and lock it, then walk with a decisive step towards the trail. But because life has chosen to really not be a darling to you lately, you have to pass by the group of people eyeing you like you had horns. Or maybe it's because you must probably look like a mad<<= $gender>> right now. You may say you feel like one. You spare them a glance before going to the trail. Elias has the decency of looking appalled for the barest of a second before coming to your level. "Hey, you're not serious right now, are you ?" he genuinely asks. "Talkative today, aren't we ?" "You're not going back //in there//, are you ?" "Boisterous even." "No, hey, listen to me." "I'm all ears." "No, listen to me as in : can you stop walking like you're going to war against a whole ecosystem and listen to me for a second." "Careful, I might start thinking you are quite voluble otherwise." You're dead set into marching on this trail. Besides, it doesn't go actually //inside// the <<= $swamp>> forest. It goes up, through stairs, stairs and even more stairs before splitting in two trail : the one which actually goes //on// the dam and on the other side of the river ; and the one which runs along the forest, up-hill so well in the open. The one Murphy took. But Elias is dead set on stopping your advance towards the forest, stepping in your path. Honestly ? Really ? You <span id="butterflyDamWalkAction1"><<cycle "_butterflyDamWalkAction1Opt" autoselect>> <<option "side step him" 1>> <<option "stop and glare" 2>> <</cycle>></span>. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<nobr>> <<if _butterflyDamWalkAction1Opt eq "1">><<replace "#butterflyDamWalkAction1">><span class="red">side step him</span><</replace>>How dare he stop you now, after all this time ? You cleverly side step him and try to continue your walk on.<br> <br> But the man step once again in your path. <br> <br> Your patience sart to wear down when and you are two second from choosing violence when—<<else>><</if>> <<if _butterflyDamWalkAction1Opt eq "2">><<replace "#butterflyDamWalkAction1">><span class="red">stop and glare</span><</replace>>"What in the name of the <<= $swamp>>—do you want this time ? Hm ? Care to say ? Because I don't see the point of all this. <br> <br> "If you're going to say you'll answer questions, just be on your way. I don't want to waste my time thank you very much."<br> <br> "Look, I have my reasons, okay ? I—"<br> <br> "And I have mine. Now, please leave and let me through. I have someone to find."<br> <br> You're on your way to side step him when— <</if>> <</nobr>><span class="large">[[a butterfly.|case01 butterflyWings]]</span> <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

You decide to try your luck by just asking question. Besides, that can prevent you from entering the trail and walking endlessly. And wasting time and energy. As such, you finish to put your <<= $shoes>> on and goes towards the group of people. If they wanted to hurt you, they had many opportunities to do so, that's why you can wobble quietly in their direction. "Hello. I'm looking for someone." You say by way of greeting. "No shit. I haven't heard that one yet". Elias. Such a darling. "Have you heard anything about Ethan Murphy ?" "No." You pointedly turn to the other member of this strange team. The teenager becomes tomato-red and embarrasingly turns his head away. Showing how much he knows but is not in any capacity to talk. //Great//. "My apologize, we don't meet people such as you often" speak the baryton voice of the giant. You turn to them. "Generally, when people meet monsters in the dark, they tend to run away never to be seen again, is what our dear friend here is trying to say." answer the woman with the Joconde's smile. Well, they talk yeah, but no one has answered something useful. Apart from the part when they say people tend to run away : are they really free to do so ? Another question for another time. "Have you heard anything—anything at all—about Ethan Murphy?" Silence. Shared look. Huhuh. "Look, trust me when I say we are not hear to keep you from looking and find mister Murphy. But, we must ask you : do you really know where you're going with this ?" You can imagine but you don't really know. Everything is so kept in the dark it's preventing you for doing so. You know that there are monsters and supernaturals involved, but if there is a government conspiracy or a shady agency or even the Men in Gray, you don't really know. You don't even know if its contained to this <<= $swamp>> forest or worldwide. "I'm just trying to find an answer I can bring to the people who's left behind. That's why I'm doing all of this." "Yes, but at what cost ? You've met something dangerous not so long ago." "Do you know something about Ethan Murphy, yes or no ?" Your patience is wearing thin. Well, you better be on your way. Maybe talking to them was the waste of time. You sigh. Elias scoff. And that's you cue to leave before you decide that violence is a solution. And end up getting murdered on an empty car park next to a big big forest. Lot of places here to bury someone. So you take one step toward the unappealing green and— <span class="large">[[a butterfly.|case01 butterflyWings]]</span>

<<linkreplace "..." t8n>> Your life has been peaceful. Even when sometimes you've wondered what is lurking in the shadow, you've chosen not to investigate it. Ethan Murphy was never found and he is still reported as missing. He probably will remain an opened missing's person case. A cold case. Mary and his ex wife contacted you, saying thank you for bothering to look at all. His daughter will grow up without knowing what happened to her father. But you have chosen that day, by the swamp. You have chosen that you wanted your life simple and fat from deadly nightamish creature. This is your life now, <<linkappend "mundane" t8n>><<notify>>Achievement unlocked<</notify>><</linkappend>>. <div class="center"><p class="one"><h1>Game over</h1></p> <span class="little">You have chosen another life.</span> <span class="button2"><<button "Try again">><<goto [[case01 homeLeave4]]>><</button>></span></div> <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "butterfly" play>><blockquote>"The flapping of the wings of a butterfly can be felt on the other side of the world."</blockquote> There is even a name for this. The butterfly effect. Aren't you even here because of the wings of a butterfly ? That's what Ethan Murphy was looking for. The vibrant blue of a new species of butterfly only seen in the Drowned Forest. A type of morpho butterfly, if you remember right. The most beautiful ever spotted. And here it is, fluttering, fluttering, in the breese. Truly the most beautiful thing you have ever had the chance to lay your eyes upon. It seems to have been sculpted from beauty itself, flying with the grace of the whole world in each flapping of its wings. Wings so blue. A blue so deep, so inspiring. It's not the blue of the see, nor the blue of the sky. It's the burning blue you'd think to see in a dream, before it all vanish when you open your eyes, because the colour is so perfect. Impossible to print in your eyes, but forever colouring your soul. Your heart. So very perfect, that if feels beyond this world. [[otherworldly.|case01 butterflyTruth]] <br> <br> <br>

<div class="center crack blue">OVERWORDLY</div> From another world. Such as... the wendigo. That darn forest. You're stuck in place and slowly turn towards Elias. "Ethan Murphy came in this forest to see a species of butterfly. A special one. //That// special species. This is a butterfly from the other plane, isn't it ?" Elias search your face for a second, glance at the butterfly, then nod. "Yes." "You told me this morning //you're taking care of the breach//. But, this butterfly has been spotted as far as one month ago, at least." Elias stays silent. The others share a look. And the woman seems to be the one loosing patience—with the others. She steps closer. "We're not talking much so not as to involve knee deep into business that is not your own. But I understand why you're here and I respect that. [[That's why, I will share what I know about Ethan Murphy.|case01 flutter1]]<span class="red">"</span> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "onlyTheTruth" loop play>><<set $lukasrela to 30>><<set $cecilrela to 10>><<set $anyafriend += 5>>"Murphy was indeed spotted coming here nine days ago. And you must know by now that he was never seen coming out. For reasons you may have guessed—but we will come to this point in time. "We didn't know why Ethan Murphy came here, but you just gave us the reason. He came to see this so very beautiful species of butterfly. For your information, there are called "Soul Bearer Butterfly". Murphy took the trail uphill, maybe to try and scout around and pin point which place to search to look for the famous butterfly. "He must have spotted one or fallen, but he went from uphill to downhill right in the drowned forest." explains the woman. The giant take the stage now. "We know he did not try to climb his way up to the trail. Meaning the hypothesis where he stumbled upon the butterfly and decided to chase it seems more likely. He went into the woods and lost his way. We don't know if he had a walkie-talkie with him or not, but the fact stays that he never tried to reach the rangers." The woman pursue. "He went there in the early afternoon, but soon night fell. And at night, which lurks in the dark comes out." There is a silent pause. And you understand that whatever is coming is no good news. Elias decides to talk. "That's all we know for now. But someone we know went into the forest and is tracking his whereabouts right now. We couldn't do that earlier because it rained up in the mountain and because of the dam, when it rain uphill, the drowned forest becomes indeed a drowned forest. Which makes it difficult to keep track of someone and make entering the forest difficult." You look at them all. And you wonder what was so difficult in saying that. The woman seems deep in thought. "You were in the forest this morning. Did you spot something of Murphy's?" <div class="you">Do you share you findings?</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Yes, both the fact you found something and the fact you have the GPS coordinates.|case01 flutterA][$teamplayer += 2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Only the fact you have some GPS coordinates.|case01 flutterC][$teamplayer+=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Only the fact you found a pair of glasses.|case01 flutterB][$teamplayer +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[No, you don't share a thing.|case01 flutterNot][$teamplayer -=2]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

"Yes, I have found a pair of glasses that are most probably Murphy's. And I noted the GPS coordinates." "That's wonderful. I have a solution for you then" says the woman with the smile which is balanced between a smirk and a delightful one. You can't really read her. "No, wait, and no. <span class="cap"><<= $she>></span><<if $plural eq false>>'s<<else>> have<</if>> just said <<= $she>> <<if $plural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> the GPS location of where the glasses were. That my be helpful for //our friend in the forest//." grunts Elias. "Yes, and the glasses itself can be used as well, more efficiently might I add." Says the woman, with a mighty scorn and a distasteful stare at Elias. The giant sighs, arm crossed and with resignation. "Well, both can be used right now so what's the fight even about ?" The woman smile to the giant, then aim at Elias. "There is no fight here. The GPS can be shared, and the pair of glasses used. As for your ego, you can send it in the woods for the wendigo to feed on." "My ego has nothing to do with the fact that an asshole is an asshole." "You're right. Have you looked in a mirror this morning ?" Elias sighs in despair. The giant is massaging their temples. As for the teenager, he's trying is best. Both at trying to remain as little as he can and at trying to maintain a smile. Which gives a very weird effect. Before you can intervene and ask what the hell this is all about, you feel watched. You feel like a pray all of a sudden and the fear of the wendigo and the forest comes back. You freeze for the quarter of a second and notice the team's eyes are locked behind you. No one is tensed or afraid. And this reassure you a little. A little. You slowly turns around and meet a pair of forest green eyes. <div class="you">Then you notice</div> <<nobr>> <ul><li>[[the man...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[the person...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[the woman...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "f"]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "windandTree" loop play>><<silently>><<if $sheppardgenre eq "nb">><<set $sheppardplural to true>> <<set $sheppardhe to "they">> <<set $sheppardhim to "them">> <<set $sheppardhis to "their">> <<set $sheppardhiss to "theirs">> <<set $sheppardhimself to "themselves">> <<set $sheppardgender to "person">> <<set $sheppardname to "Cy">><<set $sheppardlongname to "Marcy">> <<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardgenre eq "m">><<set $sheppardplural to false>> <<set $sheppardhe to "he">> <<set $sheppardhim to "him">> <<set $sheppardhis to "his">> <<set $sheppardhiss to "his">> <<set $sheppardhimself to "himself">> <<set $sheppardgender to "man">> <<set $sheppardname to "Milo">><<set $sheppardlongname to "Miloslav">> <<else>><</if>><<if $sheppardgenre eq "f">><<set $sheppardplural to false>> <<set $sheppardhe to "she">> <<set $sheppardhim to "her">> <<set $sheppardhis to "her">> <<set $sheppardhiss to "hers">> <<set $sheppardhimself to "herself">> <<set $sheppardgender to "woman">> <<set $sheppardname to "Misha">><<set $sheppardlongname to "Mishika">> <</if>><</silently>>Then you notice the <<= $sheppardgender>> walking towards you. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> wearing a bulletproof vest with pockets filled with a paraphernalia of various item. A cargo pants. Ranger boots. A radio. A firearm. An insignia. This person is from the Sentinel. And from the mud on <<= $sheppardhis>> boots and the direction <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> coming from, you have no doubt about it. This person <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> been in the forest and <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> coming back from it. The Sentinels weren't inactive. They just forgot to mention they have sent a one <<= $sheppardgender>> team to do their work. Great. Awesome. The newcomer <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>looks<<else>>look<</if>> like <<= $sheppardhe>> stopped in <<= $sheppardhis>> track as soon as <<= $sheppardhe>> saw you. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> seem<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> tensed, but in a strange way. After visually checking all was fine, <<= $sheppardhe>> make<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> way to where this weird group is standing. And you notice <<= $sheppardhis>> every move is unnatural. Tensed. Jerky. It's like you're standing in front of a very bad actor trying to act... normal ? At this realisation, you feel your skin crawl with unease. The <<= $sheppardgender>> come<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> and join the circle you all unexpectedly—on your part at least—formed. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> stare never strayed from you and <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>hasn't<<else>>haven't<</if>> said a single word since coming here. Elias clears his throat. "Apart from me, no one has introduced themselves, including you". Oh. True. But you feel like the less you know about those persons, the better. What if you know their name and then bam, you know too much already. Same thing if you were to tell them your name. <<nobr>> <ul><li>[[Your name which is, by the way.|setName]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

"Yes, I stumbled upon disturbing plotches of what appeared to be fresh blood. Or as fresh as nine days old blood can be. And I noted the GPS coordinates." "Well, I know someone who's going to be happy" says the woman with drops of annoyance on a hint of smile. You can't really read her, but you know this is how mild irony looks. "Yup. As happy a cranky person can be." grunts Elias. He pins you in place with a glare and you wonder if he knows more than he lets on about your findings. And just the thought of it is putting you ill at ease. The giant sighs, arm crossed and with resignation. "Well, this is as good as we can get, right ?" The woman smile to the giant, then aim at Elias. "Well, you heard <<= $herr>>. <span class="cap"><<= $she>></span> <<if $plural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> no reason to withhold informations. Right, my dear ?" The woman turns to you with an almost predatory smile. And you swear you feel your palms dampening. //Shit.// Elias then sighs in what appears to be disappointement. The giant, on their part, sighs but with resignation. As for the teenager, he's trying his best. Both at trying to remain as little as he can and at trying to maintain a smile. Which gives a very weird effect. As you're thinking about your current predicament—with regards to not trusting this person with vital information—you feel suddendly watched. You feel like a pray all of a sudden and the fear of the wendigo and the forest comes back. You freeze for the quarter of a second and notice the team's eyes are locked behind you. No one is tensed or afraid. And this reassure you a little. A little. You slowly turns around and meet a pair of forest green eyes. <div class="you">Then you notice</div> <<nobr>> <ul><li>[[the man...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[the person...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[the woman...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "f"]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

"Yes, I have found a pair of glasses that are most probably Murphy's." "That's wonderful. I have a solution for you then" says the woman with a smile almost delightful. You can't really read her. "No, wait, and no. We just can't throw <<= $her>> in the wolve's den like that. There might be another way thoses glasses can be used." grunts Elias. "Oh, yes, absolutely. Do you plan to perch them on your nose for you to read at night ? Because I can't seem to grasp any other useful way for those glasses to be used otherwise. Maybe this will help you see how much of a distastful person you are." Says the woman, with a mighty scorn and a distasteful stare at Elias. The giant sighs, arm crossed and with resignation. " I can see your point, but Elias is right as well. We are trying to avoid <<= $her>> to be further involved in this mess, aren't we ?" The woman smiles to the giant, then aims at Elias. "Oh, but I agree. Still, <<= $she>> seem<<if $plural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> dead set on finding the poor missing man though. So I'm giving <<= $her>> both choices and solutions, you see ? Maybe you too can be as useful." Elias grunts non commitically. The giant is massaging their temples. As for the teenager, he's trying is best. Both at trying to remain as little as he can and at trying to maintain a smile. Which gives a very weird effect. Before you can intervene and ask what the hell this is all about, you feel watched. You feel like a pray all of a sudden and the fear of the wendigo and the forest comes back. You freeze for the quarter of a second and notice the team's eyes are locked behind you. No one is tensed or afraid. And this reassure you a little. A little. You slowly turns around and meet a pair of forest green eyes. <div class="you">Then you notice</div> <<nobr>> <ul><li>[[the man...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[the person...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[the woman...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "f"]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

"No, I found nothing." "That's a shame then. We just have to wait on what we might find on our side then." says the woman with a smile you can't really read but looks crooked. "Some would have guessed so much stumbling around in the dark might have lead you towards a clue or two." spits Elias, and he sends a glare your way which makes you sweat a little. //Does he know something?// You think back to the time—earlier today, really—when you told hom you've found Muphy's glasses. //Oups// The giant sighs, arm crossed and with resignation. "Well, one cannot be as lucky as escaping a wendigo AND finding clues during the span of the same hour, hm ?" The woman smile to the giant, then aim at you. "Trully, but what about the span of two ? or three hours ?." //Shit. They definitely knows something.// Elias stares at you with a burning yet silent anger. The giant is massaging their temples. As for the teenager, he's trying is best. Both at trying to remain as little as he can and at trying to maintain a smile. Which gives a very weird effect. Before you can interject and find a way ouf of this mess, you feel watched. You feel like a pray all of a sudden and the fear of the wendigo and the forest comes back. You freeze for the quarter of a second and notice the team's eyes are locked behind you. No one is tensed or afraid. And this reassure you a little. A little. You slowly turns around and meet a pair of forest green eyes. <div class="you">Then you notice</div> <<nobr>> <ul><li>[[the man...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[the person...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[the woman...|case01 ethan3][$sheppardgenre to "f"]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

<<= $sheppardlongname>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> your way. You nod. "That's great new. That mean <<= $she>> can go to Owl to ask for a reading." Beg your pardon, what <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> just said ? Reading ? As in cristal ball reading ? <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> then turn<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> to you. "Can you give me the coordinate ? I'll be looking back inside the forest." Wait no, this is too fast. Who is this <<= $sheppardgender>> to begin with. You must make quite a face because Elias is stepping closer to the later. "Let just say <<= $sheppardname>>—here—<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> a very very good nose. So good actually we can practically call <<= $sheppardhim>> a hound." Your brain freezes at that and look at you look at <<= $sheppardlongname>>. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span>, of course, look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> anywhere but at you. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> even dare<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> kick at the floor instead of meeting your eyes. "Wait a damn minute. What are you implaying by //hound// ?" You ask Elias. "Hm ? Did I say something ?" Ah, yes, typical asshole behaviour. The woman—Anya—rolls her eyes. "Can you all stop beating around the bush ? Look at the poor <<= $gender>>. <span class="cap"><<= $she>></span> can't just take on both the mystery of Murphy's disappearance and Sheppard's species." <<= $sheppardlongname>>—or Sheppard as she seems to call <<= $sheppardhim>>—'s //species// ? <b>Species</b> ? <span class="large">species</span> . As in, <<= $sheppardlongname>> is not human. Well, you do know now that //sur//natural does exist, but still. What <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> then ? Elias seems amused by the face you're making. "Why don't you try guessing ?" [[...|case01 flutterA3]] <br> <br> <br> <<set $sheppardspecies to []>> <<set $sheppardspecies to ["werewolf", "wolf", "dog", "promiscuous", "despicable", "unpleasant", "annoying", "barghest", "hellhound", "cerberus", "shapeshifter", "weretiger", "angel", "witch", "warlock", "sorcerer", "mage", "shaman", "nephilim", "cambion", "demon", "hybrid", "vampire", "vampyre", "undead", "zombie", "elf", "fairy", "ogre", "orc", "dwarf", "basilisk", "chimera", "yeti", "unicorn", "dragon", "ghoul", "wendigo", "banshee", "kraken", "wechuge", "hint"]>>

<<= $sheppardlongname>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> your way. You nod. "That's great new. Can you give me the coordinate ? I'll be looking back inside the forest." Wait no, this is too fast. Who is this <<= $sheppardgender>> to begin with. You must make quite a face because Elias is stepping closer to the later. "Let just say <<= $sheppardname>>—here—<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> a very very good nose. So good actually we can practically call <<= $sheppardhim>> a hound." Your brain freezes at that and look at you look at <<= $sheppardlongname>>. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span>, of course, look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> anywhere but at you. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> even dare<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> kick at the floor instead of meeting your eyes. "Wait a damn minute. What are you implaying by //hound// ?" You ask Elias. "Hm ? Did I say something ?" Ah, yes, typical asshole behaviour. The woman—Anya—rolls her eyes. "Can you all stop beating around the bush ? Look at the poor <<= $gender>>. <span class="cap"><<= $she>></span> can't just take on both the mystery of Murphy's disappearance and Sheppard's species." <<= $sheppardlongname>>—or Sheppard as she seems to call <<= $sheppardhim>>—'s //species// ? <b>Species</b> ? <span class="large">species</span> . As in, <<= $sheppardlongname>> is not human. Well, you do know now that //super//natural does exist, but still. What <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> then ? Elias seems amused by the face you're making. "Why don't you try guessing ?" [[...|case01 flutterC3]] <br> <br> <br> <<set $sheppardspeciesC to []>> <<set $sheppardspeciesC to ["werewolf", "wolf", "dog", "promiscuous", "despicable", "unpleasant", "annoying", "barghest", "hellhound", "cerberus", "shapeshifter", "weretiger", "angel", "witch", "warlock", "sorcerer", "mage", "shaman", "nephilim", "cambion", "demon", "hybrid", "vampire", "vampyre", "undead", "zombie", "elf", "fairy", "ogre", "orc", "dwarf", "basilisk", "chimera", "yeti", "unicorn", "dragon", "ghoul", "wendigo", "banshee", "kraken", "wechuge", "hint"]>>

<<= $sheppardlongname>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> your way. You nod. "That's great new. That mean <<= $she>> can go to Owl to ask for a reading." Beg your pardon, what <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> just said ? Reading ? As in cristal ball reading ? One of Elias's eyebrow shots up. "Absolutely not." Anya frowns lightly. "It's not because you two aren't in good terms that <span class="cap"><<= $mx>> <<= $surname>></span> here should suffer from it." Elias glares at Anya and crosses his arms. "A fucker is a fucker." Anya scoffs a little—still with her smile—"What, have you looked in a mirror ?" Elias looks irritated. Well, you guess he's that annoying with everyone then. "No, <span class="cap"><<= $name>></span> will not go and see that joke of a person." "And why must you take the decision in place of <span class="cap"><<= $mx>> <<= $surname>></span> ? What makes you think you have to right to choose in <<= $herr>> stead ?" Cecil step between the two of them. They turn to Elias. "Please, it's not your choice—" they turn to Anya. "—nor yours to make. We are discussing the search and probable founding of the remains of a person, and the impact it may have on another. Show some respect." Elias and Anya stops for a minute and reconsider. Then you see Anya looking at you. "I apologize <span class="cap"><<= $mx>> <<= $surname>></span>. The choice is indeed yours." She looks at the distance for a second—the shadow of a smile still on her lips—then turns to you again. "Owl can read the memories of an object. And since you've found Murphy's glasses, we will be able to see what was the last thing those glasses registered." Elias frown, open his mouth to say something, then bites down his words and turns his head. "Don't say I didn't tell you otherwise." you hear him mumble. Anya takes a step closer to you. "Do you have a jewel in a shape of an owl?" she asks you. <div class="you">And you</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[do.|endDemo01.02B][$copper to true]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[don't.|endDemo01.02B][$copper to false]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br><<set $elifriend +=1>><<set $anyafriend +=1>><<set $sheppardfriend +=1>> <br> <br>

<<= $sheppardlongname>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> your way. You try to maintain a semblance of eye contact, but the green of <<= $sheppardhis>> eyes seems to pull you in. And then you feel a bubble of annoyance reaching you. Why do this people feel entitled to ask you what you've found when they clearly knows more than what they've told you ? Why should you share ? And even more, why should you put yourself in a very impredictable situation with people who clearly has the means of keeping an eye on you ? The way they've looked for your name—and felt the need to tell you so—feels very much like a threat. Your eyes settle back on <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "Have you found something in the forest, since you clearly come from it ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> at you squarely in the eyes. You see nothing on <<= $sheppardhis>> face but the need to check how much interest you have in knowing so. Seemingly satisfied with what <<= $sheppardhe>>'<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>re<</if>> found, <<= $sheppardhe>> uncross<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<<else>><</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> arms and cup <<= $sheppardhis>> neck with one hand. "Nothing conclusive. There were traces here and there, but because of the rain and the water, the trail was difficult to follow." <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> then shoot<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> you a curious look. "Another trail crossed his at some point." <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> then look at your very very intently. "Fresh prints in the mud. They can't be from days old." Oh. //Oh.// Those are your prints. And then this is your trail crossing Murphy's. Which means he probably knows you took something from there. Which means there is a strong probability the others knows as well. Shit. Your brain is going into overdrive right now. Until something clicks. "How though." <<= $sheppardlongname>> watche<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> you. Waiting for you to finish asking what you want to ask. "If the trail was so damaged, how were you able to follow it ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s face stays impassive. But you see in the corner of your eye Elias making a full fledge sneer. "Why should we tell you //anything// ?" //Well. Shit.// Coorperation is over and you don't really like the sneer you see on Elias'. You must leave this place fast. You've learned whatever you wanted anyway. Pretexting you have something to look at, you go back inside your car. [[...|case01 flutterNot3]] <br> <br> <br>

You exhales a shaky breath, think a little then say. " A <<textbox "$sheppardspecies" "">> ? " <<linkreplace "<span class='red'> guess </span>" t8n>><span class='red'>[[↻ Reload|case01 flutterA3]]</span> <<if ["werewolf"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>><<if visited() ==1>> "Bingo ! That was too easy." says Elias. He seems both proud you found it and disappointed it was so fast.<</if>><<if visited() <= 5 && visited() >= 2>>"Binfo. It took you a while but you got there." Elias seems a little proud you found it.<</if>><<if visited >= 6>>"Finally. It took you half the day to get there, but you eventually got there." You so want to punch him. <</if>> "Congratulation in meeting your first werewolf. Official werewolf at least." Elias chuckles. "Why don't you say hello, <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> ?" To <<= $sheppardhis>> credit, <<= $sheppardlongname>> glare<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> at Elias and bristle<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> then turn<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> to you. "I am indeed a werewolf. But I don't hit, scratch, bite, hunt or eat people. Human are not to my taste." <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> say<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> almost as if <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> talking about the weather. "Now, that you've guessed, why don't we pursue where we left off?" ask Anya. <ul><li>[[And you agree.|case01 flutterA4]]</li></ul> <</if>>\ <<if ["wolf"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"You're... quite close actually. Why don't give it [[one more try.|case01 flutterA3]]" <</if>>\ <<if ["dog"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>At your declaration, Elias laughs. "What, are you going to tell <<= $sheppardhim>> to sit and give you <<= $sheppardhis>> patty ?" <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> at you with incredulity. Then <<= $sheppardhe>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> at <<= $sheppardhimself>>. "Well, sorry to dissapoint, but no, I'm not a... dog." <span class="red">"[[Try guessing again.|case01 flutterA3]]"</span> <</if>>\ <<if ["promiscuous"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>There is a moment of collective silence. It's called the calm before the storm. Because after this moment of silence, it's a chaos of laughter. Elias is laughing so much he almost falls on the floor. Anya is holding her belly. Cecil are actually trying to hold it in but it looks very much like a loosing fight. Lukas tries to make appologetic gestures to <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> but fails magestically at that. And <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> in all of this ? <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> looking bashful. If <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>was<<else>>were<</if>> avoiding your eyes before, now <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> totally turning away from you. Elias succeed to sputter, amongst the laughter. "If <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> a promiscuous <<= $sheppardgender>>, then we all collectively are sluts of competition." Well, that's that. Guess you'll have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["despicable", "unpleasant", "annoying"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"Ouch" "Aie" "Oompf" "I hurt just listening to this accusation." "Me too." "I feel like someone has punched me in the chest." "Try to guess then how <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> feeling." "I think we need to do CPR on <<= $sheppardhim>>." Well, you just gave a little of piece of your mind but you guess it failed miserably. As for <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>, <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> trying not to glare at you too much. You appreciate the effort, but you don't feel the need of limiting how you're glaring at <<= $sheppardhim>>. Back to trying, you [[guess.|case01 flutterA3][$sheppardfoe +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if ["barghest"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"Oh, class. I wish you were a barghest, <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>. Why aren't you ?" <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>. "I'll try becoming one for you, in my next life." Elias eyerolls at that. "How nice. Try to add some fire in it." Cecil chuckle. "When he says try to add some fire in it, I think he means to spit it." "No, I meant <<= $sheppardhis>> spirit. Look how flat this was." "Guess you're right." "If <<= $sheppardhe>> put<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> to much fire in it though, Anna will be jealous." "True." Elias then turns to you. "Well, you're close to the path. Or in this situation //hot//." "Hotter than hell, if I might say." Adds Anya. Guess you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["hellhound"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"A shame, but no. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> not had the bright idea of being born as a hellhound. Shameful." "Truly" concurs <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> with as much enthusiams as a person who may have open a treasure chest only to find inside a trolling letter. Anya adds. "A real shame. I could have told my friend I knew a hellhound, around some tea." "And made stupid jokes about it." Cecil sigh at that. Lukas stutters a little as he says. "You mean and say what hell of a joke this is?" "Exactly." Says Elias. "As for you" he turns to you "you might want to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["cerberus"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"That would have been amazing, but no." "Have you three heads, though ?" inquires Anya. "Given how much <<= $sheppardhe>> overthink<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>, I would say yes." Elias chuckles at that. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> as if <<= $sheppardhis>> soul was leaving <<= $sheppardhis>> body. "But, <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> got three heads ?" inquires Lukas. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> at him. "No, I don't have three heads." Elias turns to you. You might want to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["shapeshifter"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"Close. You're really close." Cecil clear their throat. "Actually, <<= $she>> <<if $plural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> right. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>>, indeed a kind of shapeshifter." "True". Elias turns to you. "Well, try then to guess [[which shapeshifter then.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["weretiger"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"Oh. I didn't expect that one." Cecil raise their hand. "I didn't either." Anya smiles lightly. "Me neither". "I—I may ha—have seen it c—coming ?" stutters Lukas. They all look at him. And then they laugh at an inside joke you don't get. "That was a good one." "A very good one." Elias begins "We do know a weretiger—" and Cecil to pursue. "—but it's not <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>". "As for you, <span class="cap"><<= $mx>>. <<= $surname>></span>, you might want to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["angel", "nephilim"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>Elias makes what might pass for a ironically cute sound. "Moh." "An angel." "So sweet." "This <<= $sheppardgender>> is such a saint." "The sacrosanct of overwork." They all laugh at Elias' joke. You hear <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> mumbling something along the line of "Why... them". And well, you don't really blame <<= $sheppardhim>> for this. You're wondering the same after all. Why did you meet them ? Anya clears her throat. "No, Sheppard <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> neither an angel or a nephilim." With a sigh, you guess you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["witch", "warlock", "sorcerer"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>There is a silence. A shared look. A clear of a throat. "Well, we do know a witch. But it's not <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>." Guess you'll have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["shaman"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>Elias smiles a strange smile. He then looks at you thoughfully for a while. It's only when you clear your throat—because of the strangness of the moment—that he snaps out of it. "Sorry, went some places for a while. And no, <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> not a shaman. You might want to give it [[another try.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["mage"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"What's the next step ? You'll give <<= $sheppardhim>> a wand a broom and send <<= $sheppardhim>> aboard the 9 3/4 direction Pogwarts ?" Cecil blink for a moment. "I wonder which house <<= $sheppardhe>>'ll end up in." "Surely Corvusclaw." "No, <<= $sheppardhe>><<if $sheppardplural eq false>>'s<<else>> are<</if>> more of a Hufflebreath." "Everything is credible but Sliderin." "I'm trying to imagine <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> in house Sliderin." Elias chuckles. "My brain can't even grasp the notion..." You just listen as a great debate is held to know in which house <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> will end up in. Well, you guess that's that. You'll just have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["cambion", "demon"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"Oh, naughty." Anya smiles. "I'm trying really hard to see Sheppard in a house of sin." Cecil blurt. "Lust." There is a collective laugh. A long one. It even involves tears and phrasing like "My tummy hurts because I'm laughing too hard." And when it calms down, Cecil blurt again. "Sloth." And it's hell—you guess it's appropriate to say—again. After an eternity, they have laughted at every house of sins associated with <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>, and now everyone is frowning. Elias points an accusing fingers at <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>. "Everybody is at least compatible with one. How come none of the seven houses suits you ?" Guess you'll have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["hybrid"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>Elias frowns and thinks. So does Cecil. Then you notice in the corner of your eye Anya doing the same. And Lukas. And even <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>. "Can it be considered a hybrid ?" <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> sighs. "No, or I'll be admissible in the circle of Hybrid. And they don't particularly likes me." "Then we can say you're not." Elias turns to you. You might want to give it [[another try.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["vampire", "vampyre"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"Well, <<= $sheppardhe>><<if $sheppardplural eq false>>'s<<else>>'re<</if>> a sucker, that's for sure—" chuckles Elias. Cecil smile."—but a sucker for work. Not a bloodsucker." "Besides" Anya chimes. "We already know a vampire and it's not Sheppard." Guess you'll have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["undead", "zombie", "ghoul"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>Elias and Cecil laugh. "Well, <<= $sheppardhe>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> like an overworked undead, that's for sure. But no, it's not <<= $sheppardhis>> species." You'll have to give it [[another try.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["elf"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"Well—" Elias starts. "It's—" Anya chuckles a little. "We do know an elf. But, look at poor Sheppard here. <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>Does<<else>>Do<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> look like one ?" At that <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> frown<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>. "What do you mean?" "You're frowning to much for an elf, my dear." Elias and Cecil laugh even more. Well, you tried. But alas, you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["fairy", "ogre", "orc", "dwarf"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"What else ? A Tisney princess as well ? With a happily ever after ?" Cecil frown. "Hey ! <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> deserve<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> one." "True, with how much <<= $sheppardhe>> work<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>." "Sorry, sorry, I said nothing." You guess you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["basilisk", "chimera"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>"Nop." "Even though that might have been cool." "Nop." "How so?" "Simply because nop." "How so?" insist Cecil. "Look at <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>. Do you see just a hint of it in <<= $sheppardhim>> ?" "Nop". "See ?" "So nop. [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]]" <</if>>\ <<if ["yeti"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>Everybody just almost fall on their arse laughing. Everybody except <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>, who<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>'s<<else>> are<</if>> frowning at you. "A yeti !" "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> the yeti." Elias succeed in calming down his raging fit of laughter for a moment. "Well, <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> a lot of fur, that's for sure—" "—but <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>isn't<<else>>aren't<</if>> Thewbacca !" More laughter. And you ? You guess you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["unicorn"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>What follows your stating this is just chaos. Everybody is crying because they're laughing so much. "A unicorn—" "—I can't even—" "—where's your magic horn <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> ?" "—I know of a place but—" "—you mean //butt//—" <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> just sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> in defeat. Well, you guees you have to give it [[one more try.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["dragon"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>Elias and Cecil share a look. Anya looks at them then turns to you. "Don't give them funny ideas." You wonder how you can give them funny ideas. And then you catch the both of them eyeing <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>. "Hey, <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>, I was wondering—" "—you're strong and all so..." "You can carry us, righ ?" <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> just glare<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> holes in them. "Ow, come one, don't be like that. You can't fly, so this is the least you can do." "Beside, it's <span class="cap"><<= $name>></span> here who gave us funny ideas." <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> turn<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> to you. But <<= $sheppardhe>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> more resign than anything else. You sigh and think [[again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["banshee"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>Elias wheezes. "I'm trying to picture <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> howling in the middle of the night." Cecil chuckle. "It would be quite a sight indeed." "people will just assume the end of the world is close because of how serious <<= $sheppardhe>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> all the time." "It will lead to a world's crisis." "Please <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>, don't ever be a banshee." You guessed wrong. But you can [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["kraken"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>Elias and Cecil just laugh. "Who live<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> in the sea ?" "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> !" "Who ha<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>ve<</if>> many arms ?" "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> !" "Who sink<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> ship ?" "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> !" Cecil catch their breath a little. "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>, what a naughty <<= $sheppardgender>> you are. Sinking ships and all." Elias looks serious and thoughful for a moment. "But, let's be honest, with that many arms—" there is a purse to his lips and a glint in his eyes."—life might get really, //really// interesting." <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> clear<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> throat. "Right, we're talking about <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>. With that many arms, <<= $sheppardhe>> will just write even more //work// reports." Cecil chukles again whilst Elias does an eyeroll. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>. You guess you'll just have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["wendigo"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>Elias frowns for a little. He even has the decency to look mildly concerned as he looks at you. Cecil take a light voice. "No, <<= $sheppardhe>>'<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>re<</if>> not a wendigo. You are safe here." You spare a glance at <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> and notice that <<= $sheppardhe>>'<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>re<</if>> looking at you with reassuring eyes. "I'm not a wendigo." Well, that's great to know. Now you just have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["wechuge"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>Elias eyebrow shoots up. "Wow, you've done your research." "Indeed." "But still. No." "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> not a wechuge." "Rest assured". You meet <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>'s eyes, and they look at you with a steeled determination. "I'm not going to hurt you, nor am I a wechuge." Oh. Great. But now you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterA3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["hint"].includesAny($sheppardspecies)>>You think [[harder.|case01 sheppardspeciesHint]] <</if>>\ <</linkreplace>> <<if visited() is 5>><span class="little">You may think of <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>><<if visited() >= 6>><span class="little">You can write <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<if visited() >= 1>>Elias has said: <span class="grey"> <blockquote>"Let just say <<= $sheppardname>>—here—<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> a very very good nose. So good actually we can practically call <<= $sheppardhim>> <b>a hound</b>."</blockquote></span><</if>> <<if visited() >= 2>><b>Hound</b> <i>noun</i> <li> one of any of several breeds of dogs trained to pursue game either by sight or by scent, especially one with a long face and large drooping ears.</li> <i>Informal.</i> <li>any dog.</li> <i>Slang.</i> <li>an unpleasant, mean, or despicable person.</li> <li>a man who chases women; a promiscuous man.</li> SEE MORE <i>verb (used with object)</i> <li>to hunt or track with hounds, or as a hound does; pursue.</li><</if>> <<if visited() >= 3>><br> Maybe you should look for any species which looks like, have the characteristics of, or can be similar to a hound. Something which has the capacity to hunt, with scent.<</if>> <<if visited() >=4>><br> A voice, in your brain, yell: "A <b>werewolf</b> ! That's what <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> ! A <<= $swamp>> werewolf.<</if>> <br> You can return to your [[guessing session|case01 flutterA3]]. <br> <br> <br> <span class="little">You like to think simple. Preferably in one word. And in lower cases if possible. With no space. You can hit "Hint" one more time if you need further help.</span> <br> <<if visited() >=2>><span class="little">Definition by "Dictionary.com".</span><</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<set $copper>>Anya clears her throat. "As we were saying, you can bring those glasses to Owl." One of Elias's eyebrow shots up. "And as I was saying, no." "It's not because you two aren't in good terms that <span class="cap"><<= $mx>> <<= $surname>></span> here should suffer from it." Elias glares at Anya and crosses his arms. "A fucker is a fucker." Anya scoffs a little—still with her smile—"What, have you looked in a mirror ?" Elias looks irritated. Well, you guess he's that annoying with everyone then. "No, <span class="cap"><<= $name>></span> will not go and see that joke of a person." "And why must you take the decision in place of <span class="cap"><<= $mx>> <<= $surname>></span> ? What makes you think you have to right to choose in <<= $herr>> stead ?" Cecil step between the two of them. They turn to Elias. "Please, it's not your choice—" they turn to Anya. "—nor yours to make. We are discussing the search and probable founding of the remains of a person, and the impact it may have on another. Show some respect." Elias and Anya stops for a minute and reconsider. Then you see Anya looking at you. "I apologize <span class="cap"><<= $mx>> <<= $surname>></span>. The choice is indeed yours." She looks at the distance for a second—the shadow of a smile still on her lips—then turns to you again. "Owl can read the memories of an object. And since you've found Murphy's glasses, we will be able to see what was the last thing those glasses registered." Elias frown, open his mouth to say something, then bites down his words and turns his head. "Don't say I didn't tell you otherwise." you hear him mumble. Anya takes a step closer to you. "Do you have a jewel in a shape of an owl?" she has you. <div class="you">And you</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[do.|endDemo01.02A][$copper to true]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[don't.|endDemo01.02A][$copper to false]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br><<set $elifriend +=1>><<set $anyafriend +=1>><<set $sheppardfriend +=1>> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "bigCity" loop play>>//The Copper Owl// is located in the middle of the city. It's with many grunts of frustrations and vulgar swearing at every cyclist, pedestrian and mainly other drivers—and of course your occasional red lights—that you manage to park. It's a—not free of course—car park located ten minutes of walk away from your destination. As you're walking, you notice that buildings becomes nicer and fancier as you're advancing. Well, Anya told you it was a jewelery shop, so of course it would be located somewhere nice. You look at your map and see that you have to leave the main boulevard to go to a perpendicular but still very very nice avenue. You notice the shop as soon as you step in the street. It's not a tall building—as are the one lining this side of town—you would say it's not more than three or four stories high. The walls are washed clean and of a simple champagne color. The window is the full width of the shop, making you see the inside on display. It looks fancy alright. Not the well-off kind of fancy, but the vieille-école and bourgeois kind. Well, you gotta step in if you want to clear your case. You clear your throat and step inside, not before checking that your clothes are free of wrinkles, as well as your <<= $outwear>>. Once you've checked yourself, you step in front of The Copper Owl. There is no automatic doors to welcome you, but one made of wellkept and varnished wood with a brass doorhandle. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "shopBell" play>><<timed 6s>><<audio "copperOwl" loop play>><</timed>>You step inside onto a tuned-down brown colored and plush carpet. It feels nice and you feel like you don't really want to leave the carpet to step onto the black and white checkered tiles. The walls—on the left and right side—are a full length jewelery display stand. On the middle of the room, stand a display cabinet, going to the far lenght of the shop as well. The left wall is dedicated to gold, white gold and platinium, the display cabinet facing it is for jade and precious stones ; then there is precious wood on the other side of the display. The whole right side of the shop is occupied by copper and brass and bronze. The light is dimmed and the background music is quiet. You're gently strolling in front of the precious stone cabinet when you suddendly feel—again—eyes on you. It's not like with <<= $sheppardlongname>> though. No, this time the stare you feel is not merely watching you. This time, you feel them scanning you, zeroing into your being, cutting you open. Stripping you of your secrets. In other word, you're feeling completely vulnerable. You raise your head and look for the direction of the unsettling stares. That's when you notice that the back of the shop is devided in two : one part is probably the office, and the other part is the workshop. You can see inside the workshop because of the very large windows. And from there, you see platinum blond hair and a face leaning onto what looks like a microscope but must probably be used for jewel-making. You feel the stare from there, but the person you see is not looking at you. This is even more unsettling. You don't know if you should step closer or just call it quit and— <span class="red">"[[Hello.|case01 g&c 2]]"</span> <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

There is no much trail to follow in the woods. And if there is one, it'll be difficult to follow. Besides, do you really want to set foot in it ? No. You know there aren't lying because you've just checked and yes, indeed, when it rains up on the mountains, the Drowning Forest bears its name well. You've stumble on Murphy's path. You must report them on a map. But you must go to someone who actually knows the forest, where to go. And the only person you know might reveal competent in do so would be the rangers. You look in the rearview mirror and see the group—of five person now—discussing something. Then they go towards Elias' car and settles against it. The ranger's office is still empty, by the look of it. Well, there is only one—or mostly two based on the outcome of the first—thing to do. First, you redial the ranger. "—llo ? What is it?" There is some interferance but you can now here them. You try to explain the reason of your call as best as you can. "—eet me in one hour. —my office." Alrighty. You now how the second thing to do during this hour you have to kill. You eye up the people talking. The path uphill. And you sigh. You leave your car and open the car's trunk. Take out your equipment. Put it on. And all this while you can feel some eyes on you. Your then close your car trunk, turn around and do your best to avoid any eye contact as you go towards the trail. [[...|endDemo01.02Not]] <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "opencase" play>><div class="center"> <br> <br> <br> <span class="part nored">[[The Drowned Forest|case01 gps 1]]</span> </div> <div class="trigger"><span class="focus-exp"><<link "Trigger Warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Trigger Warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case01 trigger warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "case01 gps1">><</timed>> <<script>> UIBar.hide(); <</script>> <<set $openpart to "02">><<set $casepart to "The Drowned Forest">><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">><<set $case01log +=1>><</silently>>

You stare at the walking sticks. Well, at //the// walking stick, should you say. The other one is downhill by a tree. You're still surprised the two item are still there, not havind disappeared or being stolen. This gives you the exact location where Ethan Murphy has gone missing. He set his walking sticks here because he must have wanted to take a picture. You look at the sliding mark on the way down to the downhill part of the Natural Reserve. He leaned too much down, because he was paying too much attention at what was in his objectif and too little at the world around him. He tried to catch something when he fell—the other walking stick. And then, as Cecil have said, he did not try to climb up. The way up is steep—yes, you can see that—but there are tree's roots here and there to climb onto. And rocks. You're not ready yet to jump into a forested area to prove your point, but that's what you can see from where you're currently standing. Now, why has he abandonned the other walking stick ? You can only see one reason why. Whatever he was watching in his camera was fluttering in front of him—namely the Soul Bearer Butterfly, as Anya told you they are called. He stands up abrubtly, and being the airhead he is, he forget about the walking stick and pursue the butterfly, camera in hand. The walkng stick would have emcumbered him anyway, if he was carrying his camera in both of his hands at this precise moment. And then he chases it. <<if hasVisited('B5 case01 swamp exitpath')>>You think back about the camera you've found. You tried to switch it on, but the battery were dead. You will have to fo to town to buy another one and try to confirm your hypothesis.<<else>> You wish you had found this camera. But you weren't that lucky. Or maybe you were and spent all of your luck surviving your encounter with the wendigo.<</if>> You note the position on your map as well as all the GPS coordinate you had in your phone. Satisfied with your observation, you check the time. Yup, time to go back to the [[ranger's office.|case01 rath2]] <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "door" play>><<timed 20s>><<audio ":detective" loop play>><</timed>><<nobr>><<if $rathgenre eq "nb">><<set $rathplural to true>> <<set $rathhe to "they">> <<set $rathhim to "them">> <<set $rathhis to "their">> <<set $rathhiss to "theirs">> <<set $rathhimself to "themselves">> <<set $rathgender to "person">> <<else>><</if>><<if $rathgenre eq "m">><<set $rathplural to false>> <<set $rathhe to "he">> <<set $rathhim to "him">> <<set $rathhis to "his">> <<set $rathhiss to "his">> <<set $rathhimself to "himself">> <<set $rathgender to "man">> <<else>><</if>><<if $rathgenre eq "f">><<set $rathplural to false>> <<set $rathhe to "she">> <<set $rathhim to "her">> <<set $rathhis to "her">> <<set $rathhiss to "hers">> <<set $rathhimself to "herself">> <<set $rathgender to "woman">> <</if>><</nobr>>The door opens and then you see a <<= $rathgender>> coming in. Your breath leaves you at the sight of <<= $rathhim>>. This can't be possible. You must be dreaming. Yup. All this was just your brain being hyper creative all along. A very long and realistic dream, but a dream nonetheless. Because, this is very obviously an elf. To the very obviously pointy tip of <<= $rathhis>> ear to the color of <<= $rathhis>> eyes and the build and everything. Every single thing in this <<= $rathgender>> screams of ELF ! But then again, there are some people who goes through surgical operation to have the tip of their ears looking like an elf's. And colored lenses does exist. As for the silver hair ? Pfff, they are surely dyed. Yup. The suspicious-looking elf stroll<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> towards the three of you. And then you ear the silkiest and smoothiest voice you've ever heard. Is this even a real voice ? "Have you waited long ?" "You're on time." answer<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardlongname>>. Of course <<= $rathhe>> <<if $rathplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> on time. <span class="cap"><<= $rathhe>></span> couldn't be more on time than right now : to interrupt the flow of the conversation and stop you from your questions. It gives <<= $sheppardlongname>> enough time to figure out a lie or a sudden poney class, or swimming class. Or a train to take urgently. You expect the following when <<= $sheppardlongname>> say<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> nothing and the elf-looking-<<= $rathgender>> just take a seat next to Lukas, across from you and directly facing <<= $sheppardlongname>>. <span class="cap"><<= $rathhe>></span> then look<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> at you. "I am a ranger, working here. My name is Rathael... Greenwood." <span class="cap"><<= $rathhe>></span> say<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $rathhis>> surname as if <<= $rathhe>> <<if $rathplural eq false>>wasn't<<else>>weren't<</if>> used to it. Given that now everybody know you name, you see no point at not being polite. "<span class="cap"><<= $name>> <<= $surname>></span>. Private detective." Rathael nod<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $rathhis>> head. "You're here for Ethan Murphy, I heard." <span class="cap"><<= $rathhe>></span> look<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> towards the door. Ah. Of course. Of course Elias fucking told <<= $rathhim>>. This day is a wonderful day. If only it came with champagne, you could have celebrated it properly. A shame no one told you in advance how shitty it would be. You could have stayed home—and not the rented <<= $home>>, but your true home—instead of coming here. Rathael and <<= $sheppardlongname>> exchange a glance. Lukas clears his throat. "W—Well... h—hum..." You're massaging you temple when an idea kind of struck you. "What is the name of your brother ?" 'Hu—huh... I—I.. My br—brother i—is... A—Alexan—xander Whi—ttaker." Lukas seems surprised by your question. But there is a logic to it. "If you're brother is pathologist. Then, the—" you make the gesture everybody seems to male instead of pronuncing the word <i>wendigo</i> "—was taken to him, right ?" You can feel <<= $sheppardlongname>> going from concrete-tensed to tempererd-steel-tensed. It's quite a feat, but you can use <<= $sheppardhim>> as a scale of sort. The tenser <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>>, the closer to the truth you are. You just glance at <<= $sheppardhim>> to be sure you're not about to be strangled, but <<= $sheppardhe>>'<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>re<</if>> looking at the floor— jaws so clench you have a thought for <<= $sheppardhis>> teeth. After a beat of silence, Lukas gathers his feet and stands up. "I—I m—must g—go." And he leaves just like that. Guess he had a train to catch. Rathael sighs. "Why don't we just tell <<= $herr>> what is happening ?" Yes, why don't them. "Because, mundane are not supposed to know." "Yes, but <<= $she>> already <<if $plural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> aware of it. <span class="cap"><<= $she>></span> met a wendigo. I think this is enough to help <<= $herr>> and <<= $herr>> case." You've just met <<= $rathhim>>, but you already like Rathael a lot. But heh, you don't have the patience to deal with this any longer. You'll set fire to this place and this whole swamp otherwise. You rise up from your seat. <<= $sheppardlongname>> and Rathael look at you with a slight startle. "Dearest. It was wonderful to invite me for tea. But now, why don't we stop the shit show. You and Elias were in the forest this morning because of the breach, weren't you ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> eyes grow as large as a saucer. "You weren't there for Ethan Murphy. Nor the wendigo. Only for the breach. And you don't know where it is located, right ? Hence the wandering around in such a large surface." You then turn your ire to Rathael, who stayed calm all along. "Only you, I don't know if your patrol was indeed one or if you were wandering in the woods looking for the <<= $swamp>> breach as well." "My role is to make poeple stay on path, look for forest fire or anything unusual, really. I was the one who told everyone about the butterflies." "I see. But well. It was a pleasure meeting you." You squint your eyes slightly at them, turn on your heels and stride to the door. Aren't you a badass ? <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 5]]</li></ul>

You didn't leave because you had other places to be or other poeple to talk to. You left because you had a race to do. And race you do towards your car. Because, if you're right, they will go again inside the damn forest. And there is no way you step foot inside this green hell alone. So you're going with them. Whether they like it or not. You reach your car, unlock the boot and get ready as fast as possible. You're in the middle of checking one more time your <<= $bag>> when you see Elias coming towards you in the corner of your eyes. You mentally sigh. "Is it me, or are you getting ready to go into the forest ?" "I'm sorry. Are you talking to me right now ?" "No, I am making a conversation with your car, obviously." "I see. Then I'm leaving you to it. I'm sure my car has a lot to tell you. Though it will mainly complain about all those bumps in the road." "A real mood killer, those bumps." "Sure." You don't really know what to say. "Listen, we are not as scumbaggy as you think we are. We'll let you know if we find something about Ethan Murphy." "Interesting." Elias scrubs his face in frustration. "Come on now. Must you be so stubborn ?" "Only whenever I'm hearing bullshit." You hear him grumble things not suited for decent human hear. Then you're hauling your bag— —just in time. You see the door to the office opening and both <<= $sheppardlongname>> and Rathael leaving it. With their gears on. Heh. You deduced this right. They both meet Elias who must be making quite the face because you see <<= $sheppardlongname>> pestering and pacing—still tensely—to <<= $sheppardhis>> car. Now that you look around, Anya and her car are not here anymore. Nor is Cecil's. Elias throws you a look above his shoulder before departing to his own car, taking his own bag throwing you another glare and putting it on. <div class="you">As for you, you decide to answer to that glare with...</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[with maturity, with the middle finger.|case01 gps 6A][$elifoe +=1;$sheppardfriend +=2;$cautious -=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[with maturity, by sticking out your tongue.|case01 gps 6B][$elifriend +=1;$sheppardfriend +=2;$cautious -=1;$friendly +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[with a very unprofessional smirk.|case01 gps 6C][$elibooty +=2;$cautious -=2]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[by trying to keep the flush in your cheek from spreading to wide.|case01 gps 6D][$elishylove +=1;$elisoulmate +=1]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[frowning at the butterflies in your stomach.|case01 gps 6E][$elihatetolove +=2;$friendly -=2]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[smiling genuinely at him.|case01 gps 6F][$elifriend +=2;$sheppardfriend +=2;$friendly +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[ignoring him.|case01 gps 6G]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

You exhales a shaky breath, think a little then say. " A <<textbox "$sheppardspeciesC" "">> ? " <<linkreplace "<span class='red'> guess </span>" t8n>><span class='red'>[[↻ Reload|case01 flutterC3]]</span> <<if ["werewolf"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>><<if visited() ==1>> "Bingo ! That was too easy." says Elias. He seems both proud you found it and disappointed it was so fast.<</if>><<if visited() <= 5 && visited() >= 2>>"Bingo. It took you a while but you got there." Elias seems a little proud you found it.<</if>><<if visited > 5>>"Finally. It took you half the day to get there, but you eventually got there." You so want to punch him. <</if>> "Congratulation in meeting your first werewolf. Official werewolf at least." Elias chuckles. "Why don't you say hello, <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> ?" To <<= $sheppardhis>> credit, <<= $sheppardlongname>> glare<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> at Elias and bristle<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> then turn<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> to you. "I am indeed a werewolf. But I don't hit, scratch, bite, hunt or eat people. Human are not to my taste." <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> say<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> almost as if <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> talking about the weather. "Now, that you've guessed, why don't we pursue where we left off?" ask Anya. <ul><li>[[And you agree.|case01 flutterC4]]</li></ul> <</if>>\ <<if ["wolf"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"You're... quite close actually. Why don't give it [[one more try.|case01 flutterC3]]" <</if>>\ <<if ["dog"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>At your declaration, Elias laughs. "What, are you going to tell <<= $sheppardhim>> to sit and give you <<= $sheppardhis>> patty ?" <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> at you with incredulity. Then <<= $sheppardhe>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> at <<= $sheppardhimself>>. "Well, sorry to dissapoint, but no, I'm not a... dog." <span class="red">"[[Try guessing again.|case01 flutterC3]]"</span> <</if>>\ <<if ["promiscuous"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>There is a moment of collective silence. It's called the calm before the storm. Because after this moment of silence, it's a chaos of laughter. Elias is laughing so much he almost falls on the floor. Anya is holding her belly. Cecil are actually trying to hold it in but it looks very much like a loosing fight. Lukas tries to make appologetic gestures to <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> but fails magestically at that. And <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> in all of this ? <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> looking bashful. If <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>was<<else>>were<</if>> avoiding your eyes before, now <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> totally turning away from you. Elias succeed to sputter, amongst the laughter. "If <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> a promiscuous <<= $sheppardgender>>, then we all collectively are sluts of competition." Well, that's that. Guess you'll have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["despicable", "unpleasant", "annoying"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"Ouch" "Aie" "Oompf" "I hurt just listening to this accusation." "Me too." "I feel like someone has punched me in the chest." "Try to guess then how <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> feeling." "I think we need to do CPR on <<= $sheppardhim>>." Well, you just gave a little of piece of your mind but you guess it failed miserably. As for <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>, <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> trying not to glare at you too much. You appreciate the effort, but you don't feel the need of limiting how you're glaring at <<= $sheppardhim>>. Back to trying, you [[guess.|case01 flutterC3][$sheppardfoe +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if ["barghest"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"Oh, class. I wish you were a barghest, <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>. Why aren't you ?" <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>. "I'll try becoming one for you, in my next life." Elias eyerolls at that. "How nice. Try to add some fire in it." Cecil chuckle. "When he says try to add some fire in it, I think he means to spit it." "No, I meant <<= $sheppardhis>> spirit. Look how flat this was." "Guess you're right." "If <<= $sheppardhe>> put<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> to much fire in it though, Anna will be jealous." "True." Elias then turns to you. "Well, you're close to the path. Or in this situation //hot//." "Hotter than hell, if I might say." Adds Anya. Guess you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["hellhound"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"A shame, but no. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> not had the bright idea of being born as a hellhound. Shameful." "Truly" concurs <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> with as much enthusiams as a person who may have open a treasure chest only to find inside a trolling letter. Anya adds. "A real shame. I could have told my friend I knew a hellhound, around some tea." "And made stupid jokes about it." Cecil sigh at that. Lukas stutters a little as he says. "You mean and say what hell of a joke this is?" "Exactly." Says Elias. "As for you" he turns to you "you might want to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["cerberus"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"That would have been amazing, but no." "Have you three heads, though ?" inquires Anya. "Given how much <<= $sheppardhe>> overthink<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>, I would say yes." Elias chuckles at that. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> as if <<= $sheppardhis>> soul was leaving <<= $sheppardhis>> body. "But, <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> got three heads ?" inquires Lukas. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> at him. "No, I don't have three heads." Elias turns to you. You might want to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["shapeshifter"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"Close. You're really close." Cecil clear their throat. "Actually, <<= $she>> <<if $plural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> right. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>>, indeed a kind of shapeshifter." "True". Elias turns to you. "Well, try then to guess [[which shapeshifter then.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["weretiger"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"Oh. I didn't expect that one." Cecil raise their hand. "I didn't either." Anya smiles lightly. "Me neither". "I—I may ha—have seen it c—coming ?" stutters Lukas. They all look at him. And then they laugh at an inside joke you don't get. "That was a good one." "A very good one." Elias begins "We do know a weretiger—" and Cecil to pursue. "—but it's not <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>". "As for you, <span class="cap"><<= $mx>>. <<= $surname>></span>, you might want to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["angel", "nephilim"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>Elias makes what might pass for a ironically cute sound. "Moh." "An angel." "So sweet." "This <<= $sheppardgender>> is such a saint." "The sacrosanct of overwork." They all laugh at Elias' joke. You hear <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> mumbling something along the line of "Why... them". And well, you don't really blame <<= $sheppardhim>> for this. You're wondering the same after all. Why did you meet them ? Anya clears her throat. "No, Sheppard <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> neither an angel or a nephilim." With a sigh, you guess you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["witch", "warlock", "sorcerer"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>There is a silence. A shared look. A clear of a throat. "Well, we do know a witch. But it's not <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>." Guess you'll have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["shaman"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>Elias smiles a strange smile. He then looks at you thoughfully for a while. It's only when you clear your throat—because of the strangness of the moment—that he snaps out of it. "Sorry, went some places for a while. And no, <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> not a shaman. You might want to give it [[another try.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["mage"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"What's the next step ? You'll give <<= $sheppardhim>> a wand a broom and send <<= $sheppardhim>> aboard the 9 3/4 direction Pogwarts ?" Cecil blink for a moment. "I wonder which house <<= $sheppardhe>>'ll end up in." "Surely Corvusclaw." "No, <<= $sheppardhe>><<if $sheppardplural eq false>>'s<<else>> are<</if>> more of a Hufflebreath." "Everything is credible but Sliderin." "I'm trying to imagine <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> in house Sliderin." Elias chuckles. "My brain can't even grasp the notion..." You just listen as a great debate is held to know in which house <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> will end up in. Well, you guess that's that. You'll just have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["cambion", "demon"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"Oh, naughty." Anya smiles. "I'm trying really hard to see Sheppard in a house of sin." Cecil blurt. "Lust." There is a collective laugh. A long one. It even involves tears and phrasing like "My tummy hurts because I'm laughing too hard." And when it calms down, Cecil blurt again. "Sloth." And it's hell—you guess it's appropriate to say—again. After an eternity, they have laughted at every house of sins associated with <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>, and now everyone is frowning. Elias points an accusing fingers at <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>. "Everybody is at least compatible with one. How come none of the seven houses suits you ?" Guess you'll have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["hybrid"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>Elias frowns and thinks. So does Cecil. Then you notice in the corner of your eye Anya doing the same. And Lukas. And even <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>. "Can it be considered a hybrid ?" <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> sighs. "No, or I'll be admissible in the circle of Hybrid. And they don't particularly likes me." "Then we can say you're not." Elias turns to you. You might want to give it [[another try.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["vampire", "vampyre"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"Well, <<= $sheppardhe>><<if $sheppardplural eq false>>'s<<else>>'re<</if>> a sucker, that's for sure—" chuckles Elias. Cecil smile."—but a sucker for work. Not a bloodsucker." "Besides" Anya chimes. "We already know a vampire and it's not Sheppard." Guess you'll have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["undead", "zombie", "ghoul"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>Elias and Cecil laugh. "Well, <<= $sheppardhe>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> like an overworked undead, that's for sure. But no, it's not <<= $sheppardhis>> species." You'll have to give it [[another try.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["elf"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"Well—" Elias starts. "It's—" Anya chuckles a little. "We do know an elf. But, look at poor Sheppard here. <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>Does<<else>>Do<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> look like one ?" At that <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> frown<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>. "What do you mean?" "You're frowning to much for an elf, my dear." Elias and Cecil laugh even more. Well, you tried. But alas, you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["fairy", "ogre", "orc", "dwarf"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"What else ? A Tisney princess as well ? With a happily ever after ?" Cecil frown. "Hey ! <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> deserve<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> one." "True, with how much <<= $sheppardhe>> work<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>." "Sorry, sorry, I said nothing." You guess you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["basilisk", "chimera"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>"Nop." "Even though that might have been cool." "Nop." "How so?" "Simply because nop." "How so?" insist Cecil. "Look at <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>. Do you see just a hint of it in <<= $sheppardhim>> ?" "Nop". "See ?" "So nop. [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]]" <</if>>\ <<if ["yeti"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>Everybody just almost fall on their arse laughing. Everybody except <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>, who<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>'s<<else>> are<</if>> frowning at you. "A yeti !" "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> the yeti." Elias succeed in calming down his raging fit of laughter for a moment. "Well, <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> a lot of fur, that's for sure—" "—but <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>isn't<<else>>aren't<</if>> Thewbacca !" More laughter. And you ? You guess you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["unicorn"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>What follows your stating this is just chaos. Everybody is crying because they're laughing so much. "A unicorn—" "—I can't even—" "—where's your magic horn <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> ?" "—I know of a place but—" "—you mean //butt//—" <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> just sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> in defeat. Well, you guees you have to give it [[one more try.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["dragon"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>Elias and Cecil share a look. Anya looks at them then turns to you. "Don't give them funny ideas." You wonder how you can give them funny ideas. And then you catch the both of them eyeing <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>. "Hey, <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>, I was wondering—" "—you're strong and all so..." "You can carry us, righ ?" <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> just glare<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> holes in them. "Ow, come one, don't be like that. You can't fly, so this is the least you can do." "Beside, it's <span class="cap"><<= $name>></span> here who gave us funny ideas." <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> turn<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> to you. But <<= $sheppardhe>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> more resign than anything else. You sigh and think [[again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["banshee"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>Elias wheezes. "I'm trying to picture <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> howling in the middle of the night." Cecil chuckle. "It would be quite a sight indeed." "people will just assume the end of the world is close because of how serious <<= $sheppardhe>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> all the time." "It will lead to a world's crisis." "Please <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>, don't ever be a banshee." You guessed wrong. But you can [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["kraken"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>Elias and Cecil just laugh. "Who live<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> in the sea ?" "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> !" "Who ha<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>ve<</if>> many arms ?" "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> !" "Who sink<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> ship ?" "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span> !" Cecil catch their breath a little. "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>, what a naughty <<= $sheppardgender>> you are. Sinking ships and all." Elias looks serious and thoughful for a moment. "But, let's be honest, with that many arms—" there is a purse to his lips and a glint in his eyes."—life might get really, //really// interesting." <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> clear<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> throat. "Right, we're talking about <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardname>></span>. With that many arms, <<= $sheppardhe>> will just write even more //work// reports." Cecil chukles again whilst Elias does an eyeroll. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>. You guess you'll just have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["wendigo"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>Elias frowns for a little. He even has the decency to look mildly concerned as he looks at you. Cecil take a light voice. "No, <<= $sheppardhe>>'<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>re<</if>> not a wendigo. You are safe here." You spare a glance at <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> and notice that <<= $sheppardhe>>'<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>re<</if>> looking at you with reassuring eyes. "I'm not a wendigo." Well, that's great to know. Now you just have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["wechuge"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>Elias eyebrow shoots up. "Wow, you've done your research." "Indeed." "But still. No." "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> not a wechuge." "Rest assured". You meet <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardlongname>></span>'s eyes, and they look at you with a steeled determination. "I'm not going to hurt you, nor am I a wechuge." Oh. Great. But now you have to [[try again.|case01 flutterC3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["hint"].includesAny($sheppardspeciesC)>>You think [[harder.|case01 sheppardspeciesHintC]] <</if>>\ <</linkreplace>> <<if visited() is 5>><span class="little">You may think of <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>><<if visited() >= 6>><span class="little">You can write <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<if visited() >= 1>>Elias has said: <span class="grey"> <blockquote>"Let just say <<= $sheppardname>>—here—<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> a very very good nose. So good actually we can practically call <<= $sheppardhim>> <b>a hound</b>."</blockquote></span><</if>> <<if visited() >= 2>><b>Hound</b> <i>noun</i> <li> one of any of several breeds of dogs trained to pursue game either by sight or by scent, especially one with a long face and large drooping ears.</li> <i>Informal.</i> <li>any dog.</li> <i>Slang.</i> <li>an unpleasant, mean, or despicable person.</li> <li>a man who chases women; a promiscuous man.</li> SEE MORE <i>verb (used with object)</i> <li>to hunt or track with hounds, or as a hound does; pursue.</li><</if>> <<if visited() >= 3>><br> Maybe you should look for any species which looks like, have the characteristics of, or can be similar to a hound. Something which has the capacity to hunt, with scent.<</if>> <<if visited() >=4>><br> A voice, in your brain, yell: "A <b>werewolf</b> ! That's what <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> ! A <<= $swamp>> werewolf.<</if>> <br> You can return to your [[guessing session|case01 flutterC3]]. <br> <br> <br> <span class="little">You like to think simple. Preferably in one word. And in lower cases if possible. With no space. You can hit "Hint" one more time if you need further help.</span> <br> <<if visited() >=2>><span class="little">Definition by "Dictionary.com".</span><</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<= $sheppardlongname>> clear<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> throat. "As I was saying, I will go once more in the forest." One of Elias's stares at your, arms crossed. "Are you sure you found nothing ? Nothing at all ?" His tone seems almost accusatory. And then you remember. You told him. You told him, this morning, that you've found Ethan Murphy's glasses. So he knows you're lying right now. This is turning so much into a shit show. Cecil step between the two of you. They turn to Elias. "Please, let's drop it. It's <<= $herr>> case. So <<= $she>> do anything <<= $she>> want<<if $plural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> with it. And <<= $she>> surely <<if $plural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> <<= $herr>> reasons for that." Elias and Cecil stops for a minute and observe each other. Elias frown, open his mouth to say something, then bites down his words and shakes his head. "We shall wait for Iolrath as well to help us." <<nobr>><ul><li>[[And wait you do.|endDemo01.02C]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br><<set $elifoe +=1>><<set $sheppardfoe +=1>> <br> <br>

By the time you come back to the car park, you feel relieved to see none of the strange group's cars. //Thank fuck they left.// You make a beeline to your car and pack the equipment you don't need anymore. You keep the map, because that one you will be in need of. Once you're done packing, you turn on your heels and head for the ranger's office. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You think today might be your lucky day when you see that the piece of paper—"Currently away on patrol, call if needed"—is not pinned on the door anymore. Besides, you see a kaky four-wheeled drive parked on the "Ranger Only" place of the car park. This is a very very good sign. Not loosing one second, you knock on the door. You then hear a shuffling inside and steps coming at the door. <div class="you">Then the door open and you see</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[...a man|case01 rath3][$rathgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a person|case01 rath3][$rathgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a woman|case01 rath3][$rathgenre to "f"]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <</linkreplace>><br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "opencase" play>><div class="center"> <br> <br> <br> <span class="part nored">[[The Copper Owl|case01 glass1]]</span> </div> <div class="trigger"><<link "Trigger Warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Trigger Warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case01 trigger warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "case01 glass1">><</timed>> <<script>> UIBar.hide(); <</script>> <<set $openpart to "02">><<set $casepart to "The Copper Owl">><<set $location to "New Stval City : City's center">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">><<set $case01log +=1>> <<set $owlfoe to 10>> <<set $owlquestions to 0>> <<set $copperowlquestion to []>> <<set $copperowlquestion to ["name", "owl", "age", "single", "ability", "touch", "read", "glove", "gloves", "neck", "scar", "mutant", "species", "ethan", "murphy", "ethan murphy", "swamp", "butterfly", "soul bearer", "butterflies", "soul bearers", "soulbearer", "soulbearers", "forest", "drowned forest", "natural", "reserve", "natural reserve", "newtsval", "city", "new stval", "new stval city", "anya", "elias", "sheppard", "milo", "miloslav", "mishika", "marcy", "cecil", "lukas", "jewel", "jewelry", "shop", "farid", "love", "tea", "coffee", "champagne", "water", "candy", "tray", "copper", "missing", "case", "cases", "disappearance", "vanishing", "disappearances"]>> <<set $owlreading to 0>> <<set $owlhelp to 10>><</silently>>

<<nobr>><<if $rathgenre eq "nb">><<set $rathplural to true>> <<set $rathhe to "they">> <<set $rathhim to "them">> <<set $rathhis to "their">> <<set $rathhiss to "theirs">> <<set $rathhimself to "themselves">> <<set $rathgender to "person">> <<else>><</if>><<if $rathgenre eq "m">><<set $rathplural to false>> <<set $rathhe to "he">> <<set $rathhim to "him">> <<set $rathhis to "his">> <<set $rathhiss to "his">> <<set $rathhimself to "himself">> <<set $rathgender to "man">> <<else>><</if>><<if $rathgenre eq "f">><<set $rathplural to false>> <<set $rathhe to "she">> <<set $rathhim to "her">> <<set $rathhis to "her">> <<set $rathhiss to "hers">> <<set $rathhimself to "herself">> <<set $rathgender to "woman">> <</if>><</nobr>>The door opens and then you see a <<= $rathgender>> seizing you up. Your breath leaves you at the sight of <<= $rathhim>>. This can't be possible. You must be dreaming. Yup. All this was just your brain being hyper creative all along. A very long and realistic dream, but a dream nonetheless. Because, this is very obviously an elf. To the very obviously pointy tip of <<= $rathhis>> ear to the color of <<= $rathhis>> eyes and the build and everything. Every single thing in this <<= $rathgender>> screams of ELF ! But then again, there are some people who goes through surgical operation to have the tip of their ears looking like an elf's. And colored lenses does exist. As for the silver hair ? Pfff, they are surely dyed. Yup. The <<= $tahgender>> <<if $rathplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> <<if settings.imperial eq false>>around 1.80 meter<<else>>6 feet<</if>> tall with an elegant built. <span class="cap"><<= $rathhe>></span> <<if $rathplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> very long and silky looking silver hair, wich reach down <<= $rathhis>> tighs. There is a slight purplish glows on the tips of <<= $rathhis>> hair which you guess must be dye. You think. Maybe. There is a chance it can be dye. Iolrath <<if $rathplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> wearing <<= $rathhis>> ranger's uniform, very form-fitting. But what catch you off-guard is the intensity of <<= $rathhis>> eyes. There are a very unusual shade of violet—and you still don't know if those are colored lenses or not—and looks like they have seen a thousand years. They hold a clarity as fresh and pure as mirning dew on forget-me-not. Which is a weird impression, you know, but this is the one you have. The suspicious-looking elf consider<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> your for a moment. And then you ear the silkiest and smoothiest voice you've ever heard. Is this even a real voice ? "<span class="cap"><<= $name>> <<= $surname>></span> ?" You nod because you don't think you can trust your voice right now. Without an smile or anything, the <s>elf</s> <<= $rathgender>> step<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> away from the door to allow you to pass. And in the office you go. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>The inside of the office is as cosy as the exterior is peaceful. It's all wood, green and cream color. The furnitures are sparse but welcoming and everything is tidy. You can smell cedar wood in the air, as well as the smell of the forest, the freshness of flowing water and the sweetness of soil. The ranger close<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> the door behind you and go<<if $rathplural eq false>>es<<else>><</if>> to the kitchenette corner of the office. "You can sit down, I'll make tea." <ul><li>[[Sit you do.|case01 rath4]]</li></ul> <br><</linkreplace>> <br> <br>

You sit on the corner couch made of raw wood and pillow and sink into the plushness of it. As you're waiting for the tea to be made—and also because your host do<<if $rathplural eq false>>esn't<<else>>n't<</if>> appear to be the most talkative person—you look around. You're currently in what is supposed to be the main room : there is a kitchenette corner on the left side—with the many cupboard and such, and a stove. On the right side of the room—where you are—sit two couch facing each other and separated by a low table made of raw wood. On the wall facing you is a desk, and two doors : restroom and ranger's only. The door are painted in a deep green which match the color of the curtains adorning the windows. Light permeates the air and makes everything warm and welcoming. The sound of the whistling kettle is what brings you back from your toughts. You can see your host actively preparing the tea before putting all on a plate and setting it on the low table facing you. <span class="cap"><<= $rathhe>></span> then sit<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> <<= $rathhimself>> and <<= $rathhis>> eyes meet yours. "I'm Iolrath... Greenwood—" <span class="cap"><<= $rathhe>></span> say<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> <<= $rathhis>> surname as if it was something <<= $rathhe>> ha<<if $rathplural eq false>>sn't<<else>>vn't<</if>> the habit of saying. //Strange//. "—the person you had on the phone earlier. I apologize for the tardiness of my arrival. My colleague is currently on sick leave and thus I was left alone to manage the office. I wasn't there because I had to go on patrol." "It's ok." "I guess you're here because of the disappearance of... Ethan Murphy ?" At that your eyebrows shoot up. "Elias told me." Oh. Oh. Of course. "He was there earlier with the others and told me you were inquiring about this case." Iolrath take<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> a sip of <<= $rathhis>> tea. <span class="cap"><<= $rathhe>></span> then murmur<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> slowly, <<= $rathhis>> eyes on the floor. "He was here earlier." "Sorry ?" you ask. "Ethan Murphy. He was here the day before his disappearance." True. You heard he came here. But you didn't think Iolrath talked to him. "Has he said something to you?" "Yes. He asked me about butterflies in the area. There was a rumour about a strange type of blue butterfly he was eager to see." This confirms everything that was told earlier. "He wanted to take some pictures and asked me if I had one pinned on display." Iolrath look<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> around. "I don't fancy pinned insects or taxidermy, so I had none to show him." Your host is then silent for a moment. It's strange though, because <<= $rathhe>> put<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> you strangely at ease. It's like it's been a while you felt this calm. You take a deep breath and exhale soflty. You know where this conversation is going and you anticipate. Then something strike you. <span class="cap"><<= $rathhe>></span> met Elias earlier. Does that mean <<= $rathhe>> know<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> about your wandering in the woods this morning and the encounter you've had ? You clear your throat. Iolrath look<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> up to you. "You told me Elias was here earlier, did he..." you don't really know how to bring the subjet and you hope Iolrath will catch up. "Ah. Indeed. He told me about the wendigo from this morning." Iolrath fall<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> silent for a moment, the only sound audible being the tapping of <<= $rathhis>> finger against the rim of <<= $rathhis>> cup. "The forest is my area. I am the one watching it, but to be honest, it's too big for only a single person to keep. And the forest has been dangerous lately. That's why I have closed the downhill trail which goes in the forest month before. I posted in on our website, but I think no one has truly seen it. There is also notices pinned on the sign before each trail." Iolrath sigh<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>>. "It's the down season for hikking since it's late autumn—so I'm thankful for that—but there are still people I shall chase out because they keep coming." Uh. You didn't see any sign. You gulp down as you take a sip of your tea. And this tea is wonderful. There is a moment of peaceful silence once more, but you still hear the tapping of the finger and guess your host is deep in thoughts. You let <<= $rathhim>> mull<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> over what is it <<= $rathhe>> want<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> to tell you. By the look of it, <<= $rathhe>> seem<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> rather down to earth and forthcoming with the informations, so you see no need for you to press <<= $rathhim>>. And then the silence is cut. <span class="red">"[[I have a favour to ask fo you.|case01 rath5]]"</span> <br><<set $rathmeet to true>> <br> <br>

You look up in suprise and meet determined violet eyes. Iolrath search<<if $rathplural eq false>>es<<else>><</if>> your face for a moment—maybe for a sign of doubt or deception, or whatever. And well, you try to avoid it a little because, to be fair, <<= $rathhe>> ha<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>>ve<</if>> one of those faces which are... rather distracting. "Yes ?" "You are a detective, aren't you ?" You are. "I am." "Confidentiality is an imperative part of your job, is it not?" "Yes." It is, but the conversation is stirring somewhere. And this somewhere seems to be an interesting destination. Iolrath chew<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> <<= $rathhis>> lower lips. "I've said earlier my colleague is on sick leave. I lied." Uh. Oh. Ah. You don't like where this is going but you have a inkling about it. "This is the public version of it all. My colleague has actually been missing for two weeks now." There it is. You were wondering if Ethan Murphy was the first, but it appears he truly was not. The closed off and dangerous forest could not have made only one victim. The math didn't add up in your head. "In the forest ?" you ask. Iolrath meet<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> your eyes with <<= $rathhis>>, the violet vibrant with a peculiar kind of wiseness. "In the forest." <<if hasVisited('B5 case01 swamp exitpath')>><span class="red">"[[Tell me about it.|case01 rathA]]"</span><<else>><span class="red">"[[Tell me about it.|case01 rathB]]"</span><</if>>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "onlyTheTruth" loop play>>You kick your shoes, hang your <<= $outwear>> on the coat hanger and throw yourself on the coach. One month. Three names. One forest. There is if course a lot of people who go missing in forests—around the world—each year. But never as much in the span of a single month and especially in late autumn, the down season. Especially in such an impopular place as Stonefrey Natural Reserve. The ratio of people going missing versus the one who come is too much. The first to have gone missing was a month ago, on the <u>9th october.</u> <<linkappend "<span class='red'>Zoey David</span>" t8n>><<notify>>Log updated<</notify>><</linkappend>>. She was 24 at the time of her disappearance. Her birthday was on the 13th october. Same as Ethan Murphy : she was seen as she parked in the car parked. She said hello to passing hikers as she was readying herself. She told a group of hikers she met that her coming was a challenge she gave herself, as she was a nervous person. She wanted to try and see what she could do outdoors, by herself. They laughed a little with her as she was getting her bearings. They walked together until the crossing. They wanted to go up on the dam. She stayed along the river. They cheerfully said goodbye to her and whished her luck. And then she was never seen again. Same thing as for Ethan Murphy. The Sentinels were called. They did nothing. The familly hadn't the money to hire a private, so her big brother came to look for her. Nothing conclusive was done and the access to the downhill forest was already closed. On the <u>21st October</u>, it was <<linkappend "<span class='red'>Terry Cochard</span>" t8n>><<notify>>Log updated<</notify>><</linkappend>>, Iolrath's colleague. He has worked for more than twenty years as a ranger, but on another territory. His wife wanted a reprieve from the busy life of the city, so they moved to Hamphrey on the Stone. He was thinking about retiring or changing job because he was already 58 and moving out and about in the forest worried his wife. He had two children who already moved out and settled in the city him and his wife left. The important part is that he was not new to forested area. Iolrath told me <<= $rathhe>>, personnaly, ha<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> been a ranger in Stonefrey for five years now and Terry was moving in ease even as he first came. The 21st was a week day and it was Iolrath resting day. In the log at this date, there is a trace of a SOS call. The location was triangulated, by the Sentinel when they deigned to look, from inside the forest. Guess what area ? The downhill part of the forest. The Drowned Forest. Now, this is the tricky part, because the SOS call was emitted by... Zoey David's phone. Which was never found. Twelve days after her disappearance, her phone was used to send a SOS signal. Terry went to see what happened, and then, nothing. He disappeared. Same as Zoey, his car was found on the car park—downhill for his part—and towed away for //further investigation//. Apart from Zoey and Terry's cars, not one of their belongings were found. Until you've found Ethan Murphy's. There is another common point those three have. [[...|case01 rathB2]] <br><<set $case01commonpointrathB to []>> <br><<set $case01commonpointrathB to ["young", "adult", "age", "alone", "lone", "only", "one", "day", "human", "downhill", "drowned forest", "forest", "place", "area", "forgotten", "hint"]>> <br>

<div class="center"><h2>Identity</h2></div> <span class="upper">Name : </span>Zoeyl <span class="upper">Surname : </span>David <span class="upper">Date : </span> 13th October 19XX | <span class="upper">Age : </span> 24 <span class="upper">Place : </span> Stirling <span class="upper">Gender : </span>Female | She/Her <span class="upper">Statue</span>: Concubinage <span class="upper">Boyfriend</span>: Sami Benssoussan <span class="upper">Children</span>: None <div class="center"><h2>Last seen</h2></div> <span class="upper">Date of disappearance : </span> 9th October 20XX | 11:30 p.m. <span class="upper">Last seen : </span> //Drown Forest//, at the crossing of paths between the "On the Dam" and "Along the River" path. Was walking until then with a group of hikers. She told them she was nervous and it was her first time hikking, nevertheless alone. <span class="upper">Was last seen wearing :</span> Green cargo pants under a dark grey shirt with reflectives yellow stripes. Two walking stick. A dark green backpack. A white cap. <span class="upper">Missing person filed by : </span>Sami Bensoussan, 24 years old, her boyfriend whom she lived with. <div class="center"><h2>Physical description</h2></div> <span class="upper">Size :</span><<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.58 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>5.18 feet<</if>>. <span class="upper">Weight : </span><<if settings.imperial eq false>>68 kg<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>150 pounds<</if>> <span class="upper">Frame : </span> Out of shape <span class="upper">Eyes :</span> Warm brown, farsighted, lenses. <span class="upper">Hair :</span> wavy, dark brown, shoulder length. Kept in a ponytail. <span class="upper">Skin :</span> tanned honey. <<silently>><div class="center"><h2>Brief History</h2></div><</silently>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Dialog.close("case01log"); Dialog.setup("Case Log"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Case Log").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></div>

<div class="center"><h2>Identity</h2></div> <span class="upper">Name : </span>Terry <span class="upper">Surname : </span>Cochard <span class="upper">Date : </span> 4th April 19XX | <span class="upper">Age : 58</span> <span class="upper">Place : </span> Plymouth <span class="upper">Gender : </span>Male | He/him <span class="upper">Statue</span>: Married <span class="upper">Ex wife</span>: Lou Cochard <span class="upper">Children</span>: Two, Emmanuel Cochard, Lola Cochard. <div class="center"><h2>Last seen</h2></div> <span class="upper">Date of disappearance : </span> 21st October 20XX | 15:12 p.m. <span class="upper">Last seen : </span> //Drown Forest// car park. Asked a group of teenagers to leave the place as it was dangerous when it rained. To make them leave faster. It appears it didn't rain that day or the day prior. Was SOS called on duty, to assist in the Drowned Forest. The phoned which called was Zoey David's... <span class="upper">Was last seen wearing :</span> Ranger uniform in beige and kakki color. A polo shirt with the insigna, long sleeved. Cargo pant. Ranger boots. Walkie-talkie (charged). <span class="upper">Missing person filed by : </span>Lou Cochard, 59 years old, wife. <div class="center"><h2>Physical description</h2></div> <span class="upper">Size :</span><<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.61 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>5.28 feet<</if>>. <span class="upper">Weight : </span><<if settings.imperial eq false>>65 kg<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>143.3 pounds<</if>> <span class="upper">Frame : </span> A little out of shape <span class="upper">Eyes :</span> Brown. <span class="upper">Hair :</span> straight, pepper and salt, cropped short <span class="upper">Skin :</span> Light, tanned, caucasian. <<silently>><div class="center"><h2>Brief History</h2></div><</silently>> <div class="return"><<link "Return">> <<script>> Dialog.close("case01log"); Dialog.setup("Case Log"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Case Log").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></div>

The common point they share is <<textbox "$case01commonpointrathB" "">><<linkreplace "<span class='red'> link </span>" t8n>><span class='red'>[[↻ Reload|case01 rathB2]]</span> <<if ["young", "adult", "age"].includesAny($case01commonpointrathB)>>Hm. No, that's not their age. It would have been weird to begin with to see a bunch of three children going into the forest, so far from town, alone. You [[think again.|case01 rathB2]] <</if>>\ <<if ["alone", "lone", "only", "one"].includesAny($case01commonpointrathB)>>Yes ! That's it ! None of the three went with someone. They all went <span class="red">alone</span> into the forest. They hikked alone. They were //seen// by other hikers. Which mean they weren't the only one in the forest on those days. But still they are the only one who disappeared. You have to see if there is a way for you to confirm that fact. But for now, this is all you have. [[...|case10 rathB3]] <</if>>\ <<if ["day"].includesAny($case01commonpointrathB)>>Well, it makes sense that it was during the day. You were really the only fool, to your knowledge, who wandered into the woods at night. Guess you'll have to [[think again.|case01 rathB2]] <</if>>\ <<if ["human"].includesAny($case01commonpointrathB)>>Oh. Maybe there were all human. But now you guess you don't have the means to prove it. You'll have to find them first—in whatever state they are now. You need to [[think again.|case01 rathB2]] <</if>>\ <<if ["downhill", "drowned forest", "forest", "place", "area"].includesAny($case01commonpointrathB)>>Yes, they did indeed disappear around the same place. Well, Ethan Murphy and Terry Cochard you're sure. Zoey David on the other side, you're not sure she went downhill. Even though the probability for her to have done so is put into consideration into your hypothesis. Quite strongly. But for now, you have to [[think again.|case01 rathB2]] <</if>>\ <<if ["forgotten"].includesAny($case01commonpointrathB)>>This is a saddening fact. The fact that they were all forgotten. Only their family continue to hold onto the hope of findinf them again. Probably looking at front doors to see if they'll walk in. Probably watching their phone at impromptu moment to see if they would call. But for the rest of the world, they all are a turned page. Missing forever. And to prove this wrong, you have to [[think again.|case01 rathB2]] <</if>>\ <<if ["hint"].includesAny($case01commonpointrathB)>>You [[think harder.|case01 rathBHint]] <</if>>\ <</linkreplace>> <<if visited() is 3>><span class="little">You may think of <span class="red">hint</span> to help you.</span><</if>><<if visited() >= 5>><span class="little">The case log might help you.</span><</if>>

<<if visited() >= 1>>There are questions you need answer to. Is it the who ? the where ? the how ? the when ? <br><</if>>\ <<if visited() >=2>>Their profile is different. So the common point is not : <s>Who</s>. Nor <s>where</s>, since you already know where it happened. The <s>when</s> is tricky, but it's not that one either. Then what is left is the <b>How</b> of their disappearance. <br><</if>>\ <<if visited() >= 3>>A voice in your brain scream: How did they travel ? <b>Alone</b>. They weren't part of a group. But on their own. <</if>> <br> You can return to your [[guessing session|case01 rathB2]]. <br> <br> <br> <span class="little">You like to think simple. Preferably in one word. And in lower cases if possible. With no space.</span> <br> <<if visited() >=2>><span class="little">Their profile is accessible in the Case Log.</span><</if>> <br> <br> <br>c

You guess you have to try and ask Ava if she knows something about those cases. Guess you'll have to take you tired body all the way to the center of town and visit the Sentinel Station. Although you're pretty sure they will tell you nothing and send you on your way, there is still the little probability they will tell you something. Ugh. You check your phone. Iolrath gave you <<= $rathhis>> personal phone number to keep in touch. And you were //hired//. Meaning you're paid. That's the only positive point you see. Another thing which rubs you the wrong way—there are a lot of things but this one just resurfaced—is the fact that, well <<= $rathhe>> //hired// <b>you</b>. <span class="cap"><<= $rathhe>></span> <<if $rathplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> visited by Elias and co., just before you came to see <<= $rathhim>>. And amongst them was a member of the Sentinel. And still, it's toward //you// that <<= $rathhe>> turned <<= $rathhis>> head. Well, that's far from being the strangest thing but still. The non involvment of the Sentinel for those cases are disturbing. You jerk up. Wait a minute. You shot a wendigo yesterday. Where is the body ? You take your phone and send a message to Iolrath to ask <<= $rathhim>> if <<= $rathhe>> know<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<<else>><</if>> something about this.

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "mystery" loop play>>The man is right. The car park appears in your line of sight. Deep shades of lilac and amber begins its ascent in the sky. Dawn in closing in. For now, a single lampost is illuminating the almost empty car park. Your heart throbs, elated to have left this hell hole of a place and this terrible night behind you. You pace yourself though, as you walk towards your car, your tired limbs not allowing to do much anyway. You notice the red SUV parked not very far. It must very well be the stranger's. The man is tall, he must very well be between <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.90 meter and 1.95 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6.23' and 6.40 feet<</if>> tall. His build is athletical—which can explain how he could moved so smoothly inside the deep dark forest. He has stricking alabaster white hair which reach below his large shoulders. His hair look like they have lived through harsh wind and rain and as weatheref as his skin. Light stubble, the three days kind, frame his face—which is all harsh lines and edges. Still, you would say—as anyone really—that he is handsome in a ruggedly way. The stranger exudes both an air of aloofness—and by the sound of it, charisma isn't his strong forte—and a strange kind of confidence. Or better, he inspires protectiveness, link a tree would from the rain, but at the same time, it feels like a moody kind of tree. Like it would chase you away from its shades to let you out in the heavy rain and storm. The man is wearing a black leather jacket on top of a simple white turtleneck and a pair of dark jeans—which look like it has seen a lot, but is of qualitify material. He's wearing a belt on his jean which looks like a minimalistic and sculpted eye. An old silver watch ornate is right hand. Deep blue sea eyes stare at you with a twinge of worry and distrust mixed together. "So, now that we are all out of the dark and hellish forest, what do you want to know ?" the stranger leans onto the red car—most probably his. You settles opposite him, onto your own car. He leans so heavily against his whole car that he umbalance it for a while. A thermos, which stood on the roof of it, threatened to tumble down before the man catches it. He puts it back on the roof of his car, behind him. You clear your throat—something your immediatly regret as you feel the repercussion of your vocal expression of hopelesness and rage. And you begin to [[croak your questions.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]] <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "mystery" loop play>>The man is right. The car park appears in your line of sight. Deep shades of lilac and amber begins its ascent in the sky. Dawn in closing in. For now, a single lampost is illuminating the almost empty car park. Your heart throbs, elated to have left this hell hole of a place and this terrible night behind you. You pace yourself though, as you walk towards your car, your tired limbs not allowing to do much anyway. You notice the red SUV parked not very far. It must very well be the stranger's. The man is tall, he must very well be between <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.90 meter and 1.95 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6.23' and 6.40 feet<</if>> tall. His build is athletical—which can explain how he could moved so smoothly inside the deep dark forest. He has stricking alabaster white hair which reach below his large shoulders. His hair look like they have lived through harsh wind and rain and as weatheref as his skin. Light stubble, the three days kind, frame his face—which is all harsh lines and edges. Still, you would say—as anyone really—that he is handsome in a ruggedly way. The stranger exudes both an air of aloofness—and by the sound of it, charisma isn't his strong forte—and a strange kind of confidence. Or better, he inspires protectiveness, link a tree would from the rain, but at the same time, it feels like a moody kind of tree. Like it would chase you away from its shades to let you out in the heavy rain and storm. The man is wearing a black leather jacket on top of a simple white turtleneck and a pair of dark jeans—which look like it has seen a lot, but is of qualitify material. He's wearing a belt on his jean which looks like a minimalistic and sculpted eye. An old silver watch ornate is right hand. Deep blue sea eyes stare at you with a twinge of worry and distrust mixed together. "So, now that we are all out of the dark and hellish forest, what do you want to know ?" the stranger leans onto the red car—most probably his. You settles opposite him, onto your own car. He leans so heavily against his whole car that he umbalance it for a while. A thermos, which stood on the roof of it, threatened to tumble down before the man catches it. He puts it back on the roof of his car, behind him. You still keep a careful distance, and watch him intently. If he notices, he doesn't comment on it and continue to look totally nonchalent with the situation. You clear your throat—something your immediatly regret as you feel the repercussion of your vocal expression of hopelesness and rage. And you begin to [[croak your questions.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]] <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "mystery" loop play>><<set $gunInHand to false>>The man is right. The car park appears in your line of sight. Deep shades of lilac and amber begins its ascent in the sky. Dawn in closing in. For now, a single lampost is illuminating the almost empty car park. Your heart throbs, elated to have left this hell hole of a place and this terrible night behind you. You pace yourself though, as you walk towards your car, your tired limbs not allowing to do much anyway. You notice the red SUV parked not very far. It must very well be the stranger's. The man is tall, he must very well be between <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.90 meter and 1.95 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6.23' and 6.40 feet<</if>> tall. His build is athletical—which can explain how he could moved so smoothly inside the deep dark forest. He has stricking alabaster white hair which reach below his large shoulders. His hair look like they have lived through harsh wind and rain and as weatheref as his skin. Light stubble, the three days kind, frame his face—which is all harsh lines and edges. Still, you would say—as anyone really—that he is handsome in a ruggedly way. The stranger exudes both an air of aloofness—and by the sound of it, charisma isn't his strong forte—and a strange kind of confidence. Or better, he inspires protectiveness, link a tree would from the rain, but at the same time, it feels like a moody kind of tree. Like it would chase you away from its shades to let you out in the heavy rain and storm. The man is wearing a black leather jacket on top of a simple white turtleneck and a pair of dark jeans—which look like it has seen a lot, but is of qualitify material. He's wearing a belt on his jean which looks like a minimalistic and sculpted eye. An old silver watch ornate is right hand. Deep blue sea eyes stare at you with a twinge of worry and distrust mixed together. "Should I expect a hole in my chest ?" the stranger asks, facing you. And you ? Well, you don't register right away, but you then remember you have, indeed, your gun in your hand. You watch him as you settles yourself against your car and enjoin him to do the same. He goes, carefuly, to his car and leans onto it. He leans so heavily against his whole car that he umbalance it for a while. A thermos, which stood on the roof of it, threatened to tumble down before the man catches it. He puts it back on the roof of his car, behind him. You clear your throat—something your immediatly regret as you feel the repercussion of your vocal expression of hopelesness and rage. <div class="you">And you begin to</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[croak your questions.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[croak you questions, gun still in hand.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestionB][$gunInHand to true]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

<<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3")>>Elias<</if>> blinks a few times before chuckling. "My bad" he says as he turns around and retrieve a thermos which was standing on the roof of his car. It appears he was in the middle of doing something before rushing to your aid. The stranger then face to you and throws you the bottle. "Happy?" You catch it and opens the lid. It's not water. It smells like— "It's honey with mint and thym. You can drink it right now—I've made it lukewarn so that the honey's effect aren't compromised by excessive heat." Wow, that got him talking. Maybe you should ask about beverage more. You smells it again and look at the bottle before drinking the content. It's not like this man planned to poison someone, put it in a thermos, forgot about it just the time to save someone and... nah, it's to improbable. You're safe. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A4")>>Warmed from inside, you ask [[another question|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestion A]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A4", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion A5")>> You've asked all the questions you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion A]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> blinks a few times before frowning. he watches you for some careful seconds. "Well, guess I can't just let someone die of shock AND thirst." he eyeroll as he turns around and retrieve a thermos which was standing on the roof of his car. It appears he was in the middle of doing something before rushing to your aid. The stranger then face to you and throws you the bottle. "Happy?" You catch it and opens the lid. It's not water. It smells like— "It's honey with mint and thym. You can drink it right now—I've made it lukewarn so that the honey's effect aren't compromised by excessive heat." Wow, that got him talking. Maybe you should ask about beverage more. You smells it again and look at the bottle before drinking the content. It's not like this man planned to poison someone, put it in a thermos, forgot about it just the time to save someone and... nah, it's to improbable. You're safe. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestions C3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4")>>It appears this will be all you'll get for now. You'll probably have answers to [[other questions|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion C4")>> You've asked all the question you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swampAllQuestion C]]<</if>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "mystery" loop play>>You cock your gun as menacingly as you can. "What do you know?" you ask. The probability this person acts this calm around a bloody monster and doesn't know a thing about it is close to zero. The stranger watches you for some long seconds, calculating. And you can't press the trigger because he will know then. Know that you're completely defenseless. "WHAT DO YOU KNOW?" you ask even more forcefully, because acting furious, desperate and a little bit crazy seems to work, sometimes. And it does work wonder right now, as the stranger blinks. And visibilly tenses. "Alright, alright. I'll answer your questions, okay ? But not here, please. Let's go back outside of this forest. Where we are gonna be safe." He indicates, still with a nod, the fallen creature. You gulp down. But he is right. What if other walking nightmares are plaguing this forest ? And the sound of your gun firing has attracted something. "Do you know the way back?" you ask, dancing from one foot to another with nerves and restlessness—the smell of blood and death makes you nervous. Someone watching you would really think you've lost it. "Yes, it's that way." He indicates, slowlly and with a careful and slight nod, his eyes not leaving you. "Lead the way then." you say, not lowering your gun and making it loud and clear you will keep it in the stranger's back. That you're watching him. But it's only after staring at you for a beat with what appears to be a hatefull glare that he turns around, slowly, and walks ahead. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> You're keeping your teeth from chattering and you're breath from wheezing too much. You're shaking all over and your stomach is twinsting in your insides. Your muscles are contracting so much that's you're shivering as well with the effort. Your legs wobbles with each steps and you wonder how you're still standing—even more so, walking—at all. All your shaking is, of course, influencing your holding on your gun. And where you only had to hold it with one hand earlier, you're now pointing it in the direction of the stranger ahead, with your two hands gripping it. The fact that its out of bullets relieve you, because you feel your fingers dancing around the trigger and brushing it too often to your taste. You gaze ahead, but your vision is a blurry and dark tunnel. So you don't notice it when the stranger stops. You startle when you find him watching you from above his shoulder—his back still to you, his hands still raised to his head. You swallow your nervousness until your eyes settles on the lack. The lack of trees. The lack of murky water. The lack of despair, for this is the car park. And this is your car. Next to a red SUV—probably the stranger's. If the suspicious man noticed you zonning out, he doesn't show it. Doesn't even comment on it. He is just watching you from above his shoulder and you wonder if it truly is a tinge of worry you witness from his gaze. You blink and you realize he's waiting for you to tell him what to do next—now that you've left the forest. "Go to your car, and put your hands on the bonnet. Don't you dare remove them from there." you indicates the stranger. He nods and proceed with caution to his car, putting his hands where you told him to. The stranger gazes at you again and you can almost see annoyance seeping from his body. Now that you're in the open, you can see the strange man which wandered in the woods at night more clearly. The man is tall, he must very well be between <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.90 meter and 1.95 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6.23' and 6.40 feet<</if>> tall. His build is athletical—which can explain how he could moved so smoothly inside the deep dark forest. He has stricking alabaster white hair which reach below his large shoulders. His hair look like they have lived through harsh wind and rain and as weatheref as his skin. Light stubble, the three days kind, frame his face—which is all harsh lines and edges. Still, you would say—as anyone really—that he is handsome in a ruggedly way. The stranger exudes both an air of aloofness—and by the sound of it, charisma isn't his strong forte—and a strange kind of confidence. Or better, he inspires protectiveness, link a tree would from the rain, but at the same time, it feels like a moody kind of tree. Like it would chase you away from its shades to let you out in the heavy rain and storm. The man is wearing a black leather jacket on top of a simple white turtleneck and a pair of dark jeans—which look like it has seen a lot, but is of qualitify material. He's wearing a belt on his jean which looks like a minimalistic and sculpted eye. An old silver watch ornate is right hand. Deep blue sea eyes stare at you with distaste—brodering on annoyance—and distrust mixed together. You position yourself against your own car, where you can see the stranger and have something covering your back, at the same time. "Now talk." you almost bark. There is a tense moment of silence before the man spit, dryly "I've said I'll answer questions, so ask your questions." //Smart bastard. That'll prevent him from talking too much and spilling too much.// Wait. You think now about your situation. You've just met a monster inside the woods, and met a man coming from it. //Is it even a human, that thing stangind against a car. Well, it does drive, so then maybe. Is he even alone ?// You repress a shiver. Because, you think, maybe knowing too much would be more dangerous, considering all this. Still, he's said he'll answer your questions, so [[you ask them.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]] <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "mystery" loop play>>You're keeping your teeth from chattering and you're breath from wheezing too much. You're shaking all over and your stomach is twinsting in your insides. Your muscles are contracting so much that's you're shivering as well with the effort. Your legs wobbles with each steps and you wonder how you're still standing—even more so, walking—at all.You gaze ahead, but your vision is a blurry and dark tunnel. So you don't notice it when the stranger stops. You startle when you find him watching you from above his shoulder—his back to you. You swallow your nervousness until your eyes settles on the lack. The lack of trees. The lack of murky water. The lack of despair, for this is the car park. And this is your car. Next to a red SUV—probably the stranger's. If the suspicious man noticed you zonning out, he doesn't show it. Doesn't even comment on it. He is just watching you from above his shoulder and you wonder if it truly is a tinge of worry you witness from his gaze. The stranger then goes to the red SUV, before leaning against it. He leans so heavily against his whole car that he umbalance it for a while. A thermos, which stood on the roof of it, threatened to tumble down before the man catches it. He puts it back on the roof of his car, behind him. You walk to your own car—facing his—and do the same. When you're settled, you notice him taking out a lighter from one of his pocket and lighting himself a cigarette. Now that you're in the open, you can see the strange man which wandered in the woods at night more clearly. The man is tall, he must very well be between <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.90 meter and 1.95 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6.23' and 6.40 feet<</if>> tall. His build is athletical—which can explain how he could moved so smoothly inside the deep dark forest. He has stricking alabaster white hair which reach below his large shoulders. His hair look like they have lived through harsh wind and rain and as weatheref as his skin. Light stumble, the three days kind, frame his face—which is all harsh lines and edges. Still, you would say—as anyone really—that he is handsome in a ruggedly way. The stranger exudes both an air of aloofness—and by the sound of it, charisma isn't his strong forte—and a strange kind of confidence. Or better, he inspires protectiveness, link a tree would from the rain, but at the same time, it feels like a moody kind of tree. Like it would chase you away from its shades to let you out in the heavy rain and storm. The man is wearing a black leather jacket on top of a simple white turtleneck and a pair of dark jeans—which look like it has seen a lot, but is of qualitify material. He's wearing a belt on his jean which looks like a minimalistic and sculpted eye. An old silver watch ornate is right hand. Deep blue sea eyes stare at you with a twinge of worry and distrust mixed together. The stranger breath of the blue smoke before looking at you. "I told you I'll answer your questions. Ask them." //Smart. That'll prevent him from talking too much and spilling too much.// Wait. You think now about your situation. You've just met a monster inside the woods, and met a man coming from it. //Is it even a human, that thing stangind against a car. Well, it does drive, so then maybe. Is he even alone ?// You repress a shiver. Because, you think, maybe knowing too much would be more dangerous, considering all this. Still, he's said he'll answer your questions, so [[you ask them.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]] <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "mystery" loop play>>You're keeping your teeth from chattering and you're breath from wheezing too much. You're shaking all over and your stomach is twinsting in your insides. Your muscles are contracting so much that's you're shivering as well with the effort. Your legs wobbles with each steps and you wonder how you're still standing—even more so, walking—at all.All your shaking is, of course, influencing your holding on your gun.You thought many times that you're gun must have slipped. But it wasn't really the case. You gaze ahead, but your vision is a blurry and dark tunnel. So you don't notice it when the stranger stops. You startle when you find him watching you from above his shoulder—his back still to you. You swallow your nervousness until your eyes settles on the lack. The lack of trees. The lack of murky water. The lack of despair, for this is the car park. And this is your car. Next to a red SUV—probably the stranger's. If the suspicious man noticed you zonning out, he doesn't show it. Doesn't even comment on it. He is just watching you from above his shoulder and you wonder if it truly is a tinge of worry you witness from his gaze. You blink and you realize he's waiting for you to tell him what to do next—now that you've left the forest. You don't say anything as you walk and leans against your car. You then indicates the stranger to do the same—he goes to his and settles against it. He leans so heavily against his whole car that he umbalance it for a while. A thermos, which stood on the roof of it, threatened to tumble down before the man catches it. He puts it back on the roof of his car, behind him. He then watches you. "I'm going to search in my pocket for a lighter. I need a smoke". He declares. At your nod, he fumbles inside his pocket and indeed take out a lighter and cigarette and light himself one. Now that you're in the open, you can see the strange man which wandered in the woods at night more clearly. The man is tall, he must very well be between <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.90 meter and 1.95 meter<<else>><</if>><<if settings.imperial eq true>>6.23' and 6.40 feet<</if>> tall. His build is athletical—which can explain how he could moved so smoothly inside the deep dark forest. He has stricking alabaster white hair which reach below his large shoulders. His hair look like they have lived through harsh wind and rain and as weatheref as his skin. Light stubble, the three days kind, frame his face—which is all harsh lines and edges. Still, you would say—as anyone really—that he is handsome in a ruggedly way. The stranger exudes both an air of aloofness—and by the sound of it, charisma isn't his strong forte—and a strange kind of confidence. Or better, he inspires protectiveness, link a tree would from the rain, but at the same time, it feels like a moody kind of tree. Like it would chase you away from its shades to let you out in the heavy rain and storm. The man is wearing a black leather jacket on top of a simple white turtleneck and a pair of dark jeans—which look like it has seen a lot, but is of qualitify material. He's wearing a belt on his jean which looks like a minimalistic and sculpted eye. An old silver watch ornate is right hand. Deep blue sea eyes stare at you with a twinge of worry and distrust mixed together. The stranger puff a cloud of smoke. "I told you I would answer your question. So ask." //Smart. That'll prevent him from talking too much and spilling too much.// Wait. You think now about your situation. You've just met a monster inside the woods, and met a man coming from it. //Is it even a human, that thing stangind against a car. Well, it does drive, so then maybe. Is he even alone ?// You repress a shiver. Because, you think, maybe knowing too much would be more dangerous, considering all this. Still, he's said he'll answer your questions, so [[you ask them.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions Ckick]] <br> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio ":all" stop>><<audio "opencase" play>><div class="center"> <br> <br> <br> <span class="part nored">[[Forest of the Lost|case01 rath1]]</span> </div> <div class="trigger"><span class="focus-exp"><<link "Trigger Warning">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Trigger Warning"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("case01 trigger warning").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "case01 rath1">><</timed>> <<script>> UIBar.hide(); <</script>> <<set $openpart to "02">><<set $casepart to "Forest of the Lost">><<set $location to "Stonefrey Natural Reserve : The Drowned Forest">><<set $date to "11th November 20XX">><<set $case01log +=1>><</silently>>

<<audio "windandTree" loop play>>You settle into a comfortable couch made of raw wood and pillows and sink into the plushness of it. The room is warm and sunny and everything has a sense of peace about it. You're currently inside the Ranger's office. <<= $sheppardlongname>> had the key to the place and offered you to sit and settle in long enough for <<= $sheppardhim>> to copy your phone's GPS coordinates to a map. You're currently in what is supposed to be the main room : there is a kitchenette corner on the left side—with the many cupboard and such, and a stove. On the right side of the room—where you are—sit two couch facing each other and separated by a low table made of raw wood. On the wall facing you is a desk, and two doors : restroom and ranger's only. The door are painted in a deep green which match the color of the curtains adorning the windows. Light permeates the air and makes everything warm and welcoming. Elias, Anya and Cecil have decided to continue to talk outside. You think this is so they can plot in peace and far from your prying ears. As for Lukas, he is studying the stove as if it was a very strange animal he needs to tame. He's offered to make tea and is currently frowning and fumbling at the buttons. You think about going to his help, but you see him taking out his phone and looking for a tuto. The kid will be fine. Besides, once you've sat, a wave of tiredness has invaded your every limbs and you feel like you'll never ever again leave this couch. It is now a part of you and you are now a part of it. You're a human couch and no one can change your view of this. <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> leaning over the desk, studying what appears to be a waterproofed map with a thin felt pen. The frown <<= $sheppardhe>><<if $sheppardplural eq false>>'s<<else>> are<</if>> wearing seems more like a permanent feature than the result of frustration. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> You drowsed a little and are woken up by the whistling of a kettle. You open your eyes and look in the direction of the kitchenette only to witness Lukas jumping in silent joy. He has managed to turn on the gaz stove. It's only a couple of minutes before an infusion of thym and lemon is put in front of you and <<= $sheppardlongname>>. No one has talked yet. Lukas settles in the seat opposite yours and smiles the biggest smile you have ever seen. "Hum... I huh. A—are you from h—here ?" You swear. This boy is a mix of fumbling, blushing, warm smile and wistful eyes. "No. I've come here only for my case." "Oh, haha. I guess, finding a wen—wendigo on your first d—day must haven been..." "Everyday vacation ? I do that as a part time." Lukas looks at you with wide eyes. "Fi—fighting wen—wendi...go ?" "No, finding myself in shitty situations and being traumatized by it." Lukas understands the joke and laughs. You can even see, from behind him, the twinge of a smile onto <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s face. "M—My brother is—is a doctor if... if you n—need o—one. Y—You can talk to h—him about..." He makes another gesture with his hands to indicates the <i>wendigo</i>. "Is he ? What kind of doctor are we talking about ?" It's possible. You can tell because you witness it. But Lukas goes several shades redder. No need to say he was already red to begin with. "Ah... pa—patho... logist ?" You blink. Shift your eyes to yourself. Yes, you're indeed alive. Somehow. You think. Then settles your eyes back onto an even more fumbling Lukas. Before you can even say anything, you see movement in the corner of your eyes and feel a weight settling in the couch next to you. You startle a little and turns your head only to meet confused and tensed green eyes. You didn't hear <<= $sheppardlongname>> move. And it unsettles you. "I apologize. I didn't want to surprise you." <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> put<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> the map on the low table in front of you. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> lean<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>>, leaving a comfortable space between you. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> indicate<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> a red violet circle on the map. "This is where I investigated this morning." This morning ? Because it's a wide space. Something must be showing on your face because the tensed Sentinel manage<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> to be even tenser. A little bit more and you swear <<= $sheppardhe>> will burst through the seam of <<= $sheppardhis>> uniform. You take your attention away from <<= $sheppardlongname>> and look at the map. <<nobr>><<if hasVisited("F7 case01 swamp exitpath", "B5 case01 swamp exitpath", "D4 case01 swamp exitpath") is 0>> <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 2 none]]</li></ul><<else>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("F7 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if not hasVisited("B5 case01 swamp exitpath", "D4 case01 swamp exitpath")>> <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 2 F7]]</li></ul><</if>><<else>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("F7 case01 swamp exitpath", "D4 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if not hasVisited("B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>> <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 2 F7D4]]</li></ul><</if>><<else>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("F7 case01 swamp exitpath", "B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if not hasVisited("D4 case01 swamp exitpath")>> <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 2 F7B5]]</li></ul><</if>><<else>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("D4 case01 swamp exitpath", "B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if not hasVisited("F7 case01 swamp exitpath")>> <ul><li>[[...|caseO1 gps 2 D4B5]]</li></ul><</if>><<else>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("D4 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if not hasVisited("F7 case01 swamp exitpath", "B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>> <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 2 D4]]</li></ul><</if>><<else>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>><<if not hasVisited("F7 case01 swamp exitpath", "D4 case01 swamp exitpath")>> <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 2 B5]]</li></ul><</if>><<else>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("F7 case01 swamp exitpath", "D4 case01 swamp exitpath", "B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>> <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 2 F7D4B5]]</li></ul><</if>> <</nobr>> <br><</linkreplace>> <br> <br>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "bigCity" loop play>>//The Copper Owl// is located in the middle of the city. It's with many grunts of frustrations and vulgar swearing at every cyclist, pedestrian and mainly other drivers—and of course your occasional red lights—that you manage to park. It's a—not free of course—car park located ten minutes of walk away from your destination. As you're walking, you notice that buildings becomes nicer and fancier as you're advancing. Well, Anya told you it was a jewelery shop, so of course it would be located somewhere nice. You look at your map and see that you have to leave the main boulevard to go to a perpendicular but still very very nice avenue. You notice the shop as soon as you step in the street. It's not a tall building—as are the one lining this side of town—you would say it's not more than three or four stories high. The walls are washed clean and of a simple champagne color. The window is the full width of the shop, making you see the inside on display. It looks fancy alright. Not the well-off kind of fancy, but the vieille-école and bourgeois kind. Well, you gotta step in if you want to clear your case. You clear your throat and step inside, not before checking that your <<listbox "$top" autoselect>> <<option "shirt">> <<option "basic T-shirt">> <<option "sleeveless shirt">> <<option "v-neck top">> <<option "turtle-neck top">> <<option "button down shirt">> <<option "sweatshirt">> <<option "sweater">> <<option "long sleeve henley">> <<option "polo shirt">> <<option "boxy top">> <<option "plaid flannel top">> <<option "tunic">> <<option "peplum top">> <<option "peter pan collar top">> <<option "high low top">> <<option "wrap top">> <<option "statement top">> <<option "crop top">> <<option "tank top">> <<option "bodysuit">><</listbox>> is free of wrinkles, as well as your <<= $outwear>>. Once you've checked yourself, you step in front of The Copper Owl. There is no automatic doors to welcome you, but one made of wellkept and varnished wood with a brass doorhandle. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "shopBell" play>><<timed 6s>><<audio "copperOwl" loop play>><</timed>>You step inside onto a tuned-down brown colored and plush carpet. It feels nice and you feel like you don't really want to leave the carpet to step onto the black and white checkered tiles. The walls—on the left and right side—are a full length jewelery display stand. On the middle of the room, stand a display cabinet, going to the far lenght of the shop as well. The left wall is dedicated to gold, white gold and platinium, the display cabinet facing it is for jade and precious stones ; then there is precious wood on the other side of the display. The whole right side of the shop is occupied by copper and brass and bronze. The light is dimmed and the background music is quiet. You're gently strolling in front of the precious stone cabinet when you suddendly feel—again—eyes on you. It's not like with <<= $sheppardlongname>> though. No, this time the stare you feel is not merely watching you. This time, you feel them scanning you, zeroing into your being, cutting you open. Stripping you of your secrets. In other word, you're feeling completely vulnerable. You raise your head and look for the direction of the unsettling stares. That's when you notice that the back of the shop is devided in two : one part is probably the office, and the other part is the workshop. You can see inside the workshop because of the very large windows. And from there, you see platinum blond hair and a face leaning onto what looks like a microscope but must probably be used for jewel-making. You feel the stare from there, but the person you see is not looking at you. This is even more unsettling. You don't know if you should step closer or just call it quit and— <span class="red">"[[Hello.|case01 glass2]]"</span> <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

You startle and turn around. "I'm a truly sorry to have surprised you <<= $mx>>." says a very commercial-friendly smile. "I am Farid. Are you looking for something special ?". You're not, but right now you want to ask Farid who is his dentist, because he has a twenty-four karats smile. It's so bright it can be used a lighthouse fot the ships at night. "Hum. I'm wondering if it's possible to repair my owl earpiece. It was given by my great-grandfather and one of its ruby eye has fallen." Stupid passcode. Farid commercial smile looses a little bit of suppleness and he becomes a little bit tense. You would even accuse him of staring at you like you were an oddity if only he wasn't so professionally stiff. He then stand upright—if it's possible. "I will go and call Owl. For now, can I ask you to please follow me ?" Farid doesn't wait for you as he turns around toward the back of the shop and start walking. Slowly, for you to catch up. You then pass by the workshop and steal a glance inside, only to be met with the strange impression of being watched. But there is no one else inside the room beside the tufft of platinum blond hair. You're loosing the visual of the workshop as you're lead into a little corridor with four doors : the one of the left where you can read "workshop", and on the same wall on the far side "Staff Only", then on the right side "Office". The other door is the exit at the end of the corridor, as per the green sign says. Farid leads you to the office and sits you on a plush emerald couch. The room has a homely feeling in it. It's partitionned by a heavy reinforced door with a digicode with the real "office" placated on it. You surmize you're in the waiting room. You just have the time to admire the bookcase with only jewelery-oriented book when you hear Farid coming back with a tray. On it there is... is that champagne ? Yes, a glass of champagne, a cup of coffee and a glass of water with lemon. And then there is a plate of candy. He sets this down on the coffee table facing you. And then he freezes. "My apologize, I didn't ask you if you'd prefer coffee or tea." You would think he did that on purpose where it not for how nervous he was. And then you understand. The poor boy—because he looks no older than 22—is terrified. You don't have time to figure out the why of that before he straighten up. "Owl will be coming shortly. Don't hesitate to ring the bell—" he indicates the one the table "—if you need anything." Then before you have time to answer anything or whatnot, Farid and his bright smile are gone. And thus you <<linkreplace "wait." t8n>>wait. And <<linkreplace "wait again." t8n>> wait again. And <<linkreplace "wait a little more." t8n>>wait a little more. <<timed 2s>>And— you feel it again. The soul searching stare. You look up to the feeling and meet the eye of the most beautiful <<nobr>><ul><li>[[man...|case01 glass3][$owlgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[woman...|case01 glass3][$owlgenre to "f"]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <</timed>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<nobr>><<if $owlgenre eq "m">> <<set $owlhe to "he">> <<set $owlhim to "him">> <<set $owlhis to "his">> <<set $owlhiss to "his">> <<set $owlhimself to "himself">> <<set $owlgender to "man">> <<set $owltwin to "brother">> <<else>><</if>><<if $owlgenre eq "f">> <<set $owlhe to "she">> <<set $owlhim to "her">> <<set $owlhis to "her">> <<set $owlhiss to "hers">> <<set $owlhimself to "herself">> <<set $owlgender to "woman">> <<set $owltwin to "sister">> <</if>><</nobr>>You look up to the feeling and meet the eye of the most beautiful <<= $owlgender>> you've ever seen. And you understand the comparision some make to greek god<<if $owlgenre eq "f">>dess<</if>>. You feel as you felt in front of the butterfly—the Soul Bearer. A beauty so soul-inspiring it engraves itself not only in your eyes, but in your heart and every cell of your body. A beauty so perfect it can be felt with all your senses. It touches your consciouness as a dream would and would whisper words forgotten once the morning comes. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span>'s sensuality and grace made flesh, probably blessed by Aphrodite herself. You must have been gawking, because the <<= $owlgender>> in front of you sports a satisfied smile bordering on arrogance—perfectly conscious of the effet <<= $owlhe>> makes on people. "Hello <<= $mx>>." speaks a sensual voice which feels like a feather on your skin—or the whisper of a lover in your ear, on your neck. "I was told you had an owl for me?" You gulp some air and clear your throat. "I do. It's a owl my great-grandfather gave me. One of its ruby eye has gone missing." "Well then, it sure is something I should look into." Velvet-voice closes the door behind <<= $owlhim>> and strides smoothly inside the room. "You surely must have guessed that I'm Owl. What about you ?" Of course, <<= $owlhe>>'ll need your name for when you'll pass out because you don't think you will survive listening to //this// voice and seeing //this// face for long. "I'm <span class="cap"><<= $name>></span>." "<span class="cap"><<= $name>></span> then. I'm delighted to meet you, love. Please remain seated, I will make some tea." <s>Sensual voice</s> Owl then turns <<= $owlhis>> back on you to switch on a kettle. And you take this time to get back into your body and remember the [[warning Anya gave you.|case01 glass4]] <br><<set $owlmeet to true>> <br> <br>

<h1>Earlier</h1> "If William is so against you meeting Owl is for reasons. They are kind of valid in a way, but right now we need to find the truth about the Murphy case." Anya smile is tight. You are all sitting inside the ranger's office. <<= $sheppardlongname>> had the key to the place, which allowed you to all gather into a comfy place and drink tea whilst you speak of missing persons. You take your cup of tea and sip the warmth into your tired bone. "What are those reasons ?" Elias grumbles. "<span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> is an asshole, do you need a more valid reason ?" "We don't see eye to eye on certain points and they can even differs a lot on other subjects. And this makes Owl, sometimes—" "—often you mean." "—sometimes, not cooperative. We can cross path almost as opposite." Well, at least Cecil have the patience to explain you. "So you mean, you are enemy on certain points ?" "You can say that." "Then, what makes you think <<= $owlhe>> will help me ?" "Nothing, that's what I'm trying to say since the beginning." "Oh, please, can you remain silent and brooding in your corner whilst we're trying to explain some things to <span class="cap"><<= $surname>></span> ?" Well, if you didn't know any better, you would think Anya is getting angry. "As I was saying before all this, if we're sending you to Owl, it's because <<= $owlhe>> can read the memories of an object. And here you have the lovely pair of glasses which belonged to Ethan Murphy. This can give you a clear view—no pun intended—on what may have transpired during his wandering in the woods. As well as his whereabouts, of course." Anya chews a little at her nail. You sip your tea again as you listen. "But ?" Cecil lean against a wall, arms crossed. Nearby, <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> busy studying a map—surely for when <<= $sheppardhe>> will return in the forest. "But, this reading ability is not contained to object only. It applies to everything : people included." "Which means... <<= $owlhe>> would be able to read me ?" "Yes." "Hence the notice we're giving you. And listen carefully : <b>Don't you ever, under any pretext, touch <<= $owlhis>> bare skin. You, or anything that you possess.</b> That's how <<= $owlhe>>'s able to read things. By touching them. If <<= $owlhe>> has <<= $owlhis>> gloves on, it's fine. But if <<= $owlhe>> removes them and tries to touch you... don't." "This includes shaking hands of course. Unless you'd like <<= $owlhim>> to read you. Though, to be honest, we don't really know //what// exacty <<= $owlhe>>'s able to read. It may be more than <<= $owlhe>>'s letting on. Hence the warning we're giving you right now." "But, why //me// ?" One of them can certainly go in your stead and all this warning and precautions would be useless and less of a loss of time. Beside, even though Elias seems to really really really have a teeth against Owl, the others talk as if it wasn't that big of a deal. "Well, let's say you're a neutral party in all this. And this might help." "I rather feel like a lamb for the slaughter right now, if I'm being honest." Cecil sigh. "I'll be honest. You're novelty. This is the reason why. I'm sure Owl is tired of seeing our face, but you, you might offer <<= $owlhim>> a reprieve, a breath of fresh air. And this might incite <<= $owlhim>> enough to help us with this case." //Us//. Uh. Interesting. "I have one more question." "We are all ears." "What is <<= $owlhe>> ?" There is a moment of collective silent. You take a sip of your tea whilst watching them. Cecil stutters. "Well... to be honest—" "We don't know—" "—it's confidential." Anya and <<= $sheppardlongname>> look at each other. "What do you mean confidential, you know ?" grumbles Elias whilst staring daggers at <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "I have read <<= $owlhis>> file, yes." "And you won't tell us ?" "No. I can't and I won't." Lukas looks left and right before his eyes settles on you. "<span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span>'s a kind of mutant." He smiles a cheerful smile. Well, this one here is all bright and warm and it's enrearing. Elias frowns deepen. "And how do you know that ?" "<span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> told me ?" "Owl ?" "Yes ?" "Owl willingly shared information about <<= $owlhimself>> to you ?" "Yes ?" Elias sighs. Cecil grin "Who would be able to resist our sweet Lukas?" Lukas smiles brighten tenfold, and you didn't know it was possible that so bright a smile could exist. <<if $copper eq false>>Anya comes back inside—you didn't notice her leaving—and settles next to you. She gives you a little box, the size of your palm. "This is a copper owl. It's part of the password to have a meeting with Owl." You look at the box then at Anya. "Password ?"<<else>>Anya looks at you. "If you have something made of copper, you should bring it with you. It's just a cover. But there is a password." "A password ?" <</if>>\ <br> 'Yes. The password is that you need Owl to repair your copper owl earing—" "—which was given by your great-grand father and—" "—who's missing one of it's ruby eye." "It's long but, it's to be sure it's not said by accident by a client." Then you discussed all about what you were to do. You will go to Owl for the reading. <<= $sheppardlongname>> on <<= $sheppardhis>> part will go once more inside the forest. The ranger is not here yet, but you'll reconvene here to discuss all of your finding. There was an inkling Lukas would do some reading with the help of both Elias and Anya. And as for Cecil ? They will try to reach some of their contract to learn more about the hikers in the area and if strange accidents may have happened. Once the plan discussed, you left for The Copper Owl. [[...|case01 glass5]] <br> <br> <br>

You blink and you're back in the room with Owl. Your eyes settles on the <<= $owlgender>>. The tea is ready and <<= $owlhe>> deposit it on the table. One cup for you, on the tray, one in front of <<= $owlhim>>. "It's only just in case you want a sip, love." The sultry voice caress you ears. Then Owl sits on the couch opposite yours. You then take the chance to look—not be awestruck this time. Owl's about <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.79 meter<<else>>5.9 feet<</if>> tall. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> has platinum blond and wavy hair<<if $owlgenre eq "m">> in a curtain hairstyle parted in the middle<<else>><</if>><<if $owlgenre eq "f">> in a plunging square cut reaching her chin<</if>>. They look to be taken care of only by specialised hairdresser and only touched by quality product and fabric. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span>'s wearing a cream-colored three piece suit of a simple design—the kind of simple which looks expensive. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> silken necktie is a tone on tone of lustrous and matt copper pattern which plays with the light. You're admiring <<= $owlhis>> flawless skin when you notice it. A worrysome scar on <<= $owlhis>> neck: like someone has tried to slit it from one ear to another. You blanched a little upon seeing this. //It must have been a deep cut to let such a clear and permanent mark.// Intense verdigris—or is it teal ?—eyes watches you with a feline and rapt attention. Oh, wait. That's your cue to stop staring. You clear your throat and settles more confortably in the coach. Owl doesn't mention your staring and brushes it aside. "I surmise this is about the missing hiker." <<= $owlhe>> sips <<= $owlhis>> tea, <<= $owlhis>> eyes never leaving your face. Oh. "Yes." Owl's smirk widden. "This is the only recent fact which happened and need a look into. How is everyone ?" <i>Hello ? I'm the detective here. Please, respect my deductive talent and keep yours in check.</i> Beside, you're the one wanting to ask questions here. "They are fine ? But what is this about ?" Owl raises an eyebrow—the feline look and the smirk not leaving <<= $owlhis>> face. And you very much feel like a mouse right now. Or remember, the lamb to the slaughter. Or the novelty. Pick your poison. "I'm just making polite conversation right now. I'm giving you time to prepare your interrogation and settle yourself, love." How nice. But <<= $owlhe>>'s right. You would be lying if you said you weren't a little nervous right now. Because since <<= $owlhe>> has closed the door, you haven't heard a single sound from outside. Which mean this room is soundproof—and by the amount of padding you saw on the door, you're convinced it's good soundproof. And you vividly remember Lukas when he said "mutant". <div class="you">You clear your throat. And</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[take a sip of tea.|case01 glass6][$owlreading +=5]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[take a sip of coffee.|case01 glass6][$owlreading +=4]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[the champagne is mine!|case01 glass6][$owlreading +=3]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[take some water.|case01 glass6][$owlreading +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[take some candies.|case01 glass6][$owlreading +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[don't take anything.|case01 glass6]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

<<if $owlreading == 5>>You take a sip of tea. You notice the cup which is of fine porcelain. The cup is stark white and the only decoration is border which is covered in gold. Same thing for the saucer. The tea is an absolute bliss as it flows in your body and warms you from the inside out. You almost sigh in satisfaction. <</if>>\ <<if $owlreading == 4>>You take a sip of coffee. You notice the cup which is of a modern design, made of both glass and metal. The metal handle though is made as such as not to burn you when you hold it. Neat. The coffee taste like heaven as it flows in your body and warms you from the inside out. You almost sigh in satisfaction. <</if>>\ <<if $owlreading == 3>>You go for the champagne. Champagne ! Free Champagne ! There is no way you'd say no to that. Besides, you deserve this. You take a sip and oh. The bubbles. This taste like heaven and makes your body tingles with pleasure. You almost sigh in satisfaction. <</if>>\ <<if $owlreading == 2>>You take the glass of water and drink a little of it. It taste clear and fresh and the lemon brings it a note of warmth ? The glass though feels fragile in your hand. You feel rehydrated a little. And you notice there is a whole picther of water. <</if>>\ <<if $owlreading == 1>>You take a candy of your favourite flavour and unwraps it. You then pop it into your mouth and oh— This. This is bliss. You feel rejuvenated. And you almost sigh with pleasure. <</if>>\ <<if $owlreading == 0>>You do'nt take anything. Because you shouldn't touch anything. And of this looks like a sweet trap. <</if>>\ "Well, now that we all are feeling better, tell me love : What is it that you want me to read ?" Oh. Right. You take out the pair of glasses from your <<= $bag>>. Owl peers at you from the rim of <<= $owlhis>> cup as <<= $owlhe>>'s drinking <<= $owlhis>> tea. You take them out and consider putting them on the table then think the wiser and settles them on your lap. "Glasses. Ethan Murphy's?" "Yes." "And pray tell, where did you find them ?" the feline attention is seizing you up. <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Yes.|case01 glass7A][$owlhelp +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[No. You refuse to say.|case01 glass7B][$owlhelp -=5]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

"In the Drowned Forest." Owl is silent for a moment. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> swirls <<= $owlhis>> tea for a while. "Let me ask you something, love." You nod. "Why do you want to help Ethan Murphy ? Or let me rephrase that. By founding Ethan Murphy, who do you want to help ? Him ? His family ?" <<= $owlhe>> inclines <<= $owlhis>> head on the side. "Or you ?" <div class="you">You want to help</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Him.|case01 glass8A1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[His family.|case01 glass8A2][$owlhelp +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Yourself.|case01 glass8A3]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

"It doesn't matter." "How so ?" "Where I found them?" Owl watches you with an amused smile but... it's unnerving you. "I'm the one who is about to read it and I'm not allowed to know where they were all this time ?" Oh. Well. <<nobr>> <ul><li>[[You tell the truth.|case01 glassFoe yes]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You refuse to tell.|case01 glassFoe not][$owlhelp -=10; $friendly -=1]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

Owl sips <<= $owlhis>> tea. "You find me curious. How do you think that would help him. Do you think he's still alive ?" This very much look like an interrogation. <div class="you">Do you think Ethan Murphy is still alive ?</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Yes.|case 01 glass8Aa][$owlhelp -=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[No.|case01 glass8Ab]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

Owl sips <<= $owlhis>> tea. "Interesting. Then answer this question for me, love. I need you to entertain the idea that Ethan Murphy has died a painful death. Will you tell his family, however harsh and hurtful is might be ? or rather lie about it ?" This very much look like an interrogation <div class="you">What will you do ?</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Tell them the truth.|case 01 glass8A2A][$owlhelp +=3]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Hide the truth.|case01 glass8A2B][$owlhelo -=3]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Neither : you'll turn the truth down.|case01 glass8A2C][$owlhelp -=1]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

Owl sips <<= $owlhis>> tea. "Interesting. I appreciate your honesty." There is a hint of something in <<= $owlhis>> reply you can't really place. Like it has a hidden meaning. "Answer this question for me, love. What if you put yourself in danger by pursuing the truth ? And when I mean danger, I mean danger in all form. It can be a danger for your reality as well. Will you continue to investigate this case ?" This very much look like an interrogation. <div class="you">What will you do if you meet danger?</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[You will continue.|case 01 glass8A3A][$owlhelp +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You will stop.|case01 glass8A3B][$owlhelo -=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You don't know.|case01 glass8A3C]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

Owl smiles with interest. "You do think he's still alive then. Well, I won't ask how you think he's survived both the monsters which lives in the dark, the flood and his wound without treatment." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> sips some tea. "Your turn, love. Ask me a question." Oh. You've said a lot of '//Oh//' today. But it's all unexpected. But well, since <<= $owlhe>>'s okay with you asking your questions, finally, you're not going to give up on that. <<link "...">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>

Owl watches you silently for a couple of second. And when you say watches you, you mean observing you like a fine specimen on a glass slide, ready to be studied under a microscope. All before a funny smile—and the joke is you—forms on <<= $owlhis>> succulent lips. "So you do all this to help the dead. Interesting." The dead. How can <<= $owlhe>> say so with that much confidence ? You gulp down your feelings<<if $owlreading ==5>> with a chug of your tea<<else>><</if>><<if $owlreading ==4>> with a chug of your coffee<<else>><</if>><<if $owlreading ==3>> with a swig of your champagne<<else>><</if>><<if $owlreading ==2>>with some water<<else>><</if>><<if $owlreading ==1>> with a chew of a candy<</if>>. "I guess it's your turn now, love. Ask me a question." Oh. Nice. Because you do. <<link "You do have questions and you ask them.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>

You feel like you can't quite ask a lot of question. So you carefully choose to ask about : <<textbox "$copperowlquestion" "">> <<linkreplace "<span class='red'> aks </span>" t8n>><span class='red'>[[↻ Reload|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]</span> <<if ["name", "owl", ].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited('case01 gOQ name')>>You ask about <<= $owlhis>> strange <s>name</s>. What better to get to know someone than to know how to [[call them ?|case01 gOQ name]]<<else>>You already asked about that—and clearly Owl wasn't really cooperative about sharing this information. Try to ask [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["age"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited('case01 gOQ age')>>Either you're out of inspiration, or you're really curious. So you ask Owl about <<= $owlhis>> [[age|case01 gOQ age]].<<else>>You've already tried to ask about that and <<= $owlhe>> didn't want to answer. Try to think about [[another thing to ask.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["single"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>>There is no way you're going to ask this question. Who is this <<if $owlhe eq "he">>man<<else>>woman<</if>> to begin with ? You're sure you can't trust <<= $owlhim>>. So try to [[ask another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>>\ <<if ["ability", "touch", "read"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited('case01 gOQ ability')>>Well, you're here because this person here, sitting in front of you, has the abilty to read things. You're curious though : [[how does this ability work ?|case01 gOQ ability]]<<else>>You've already tried to get an answer from this question. [[Try another one.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if ["glove", "gloves"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited('case01 gOQ gloves')>>You eye the gloves. Do they protect the owner ? Or everyone else ? You're [[curious.|case01 gOQ glove]]<<else>>You've lready inquired about Owl's glove. SO you think about [[another question to ask.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["neck", "scar"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited('case01 gOQ scar')>>It's the detective in you. Sometimes, <<= $she>> want<<if $plural eq false>>s<</if>> to know things against <<= $herr>> better judgment. So now, you want to know about [[this scar.|case01 gOQ scar]]<<else>>You did ask about <<= $owlhis>> scar. It didn't go well.So you think about [[something else to ask.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["mutant", "species"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gQO mutant")>>Didn't Lukas say Owl was a mutant or something ? Well, you want to know [[about that.|case01 gQO mutant]]<<else>>You've already asked about that. You'd rather try you luck on [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["ethan", "murphy", "ethan murphy"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ ethan")>>Well, you of course want to know what <<= $owlhe>> knows about Ethan Murphy. So you [[ask.|case01 gOQ ethan]]<<else>>You've already asked about that. You can try [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["swamp", "forest", "drowned forest", "natural", "reserve", "natural reserve"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ forest")>>What does <<= $owlhe>> knows about the Drowned Forest ? You [[ask.|case01 gOQ forest]]<<else>>You've already asked about the forest. You can try [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["butterfly", "soul bearer", "butterflies", "soul bearers", "soulbearer", "soulbearers"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if hasVisited("case01 gOQ butterfly")>>You've already asked about the butterflies. You can try [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<<else>>You wonder if Owl knows anything about the strange butterflies. So you [[ask about that.|case01 gOQ butterfly]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["newtsval", "city", "new stval", "new stval city"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ city")>>You want to know if there is something to know about... the city. So you [[ask.|case01 gOQ city]]<<else>>You've already asked about New Stval City. You can try [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["anya"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ anya")>>You want to have Owl's point of view on Anya. So you [[ask about her.|case01 gOQ anya]]<<else>>You've already asked about Anya. You can try [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["elias"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ elias")>>You obviously [[ask about Elias.|case01 gOQ elias]]<<else>>You've already asked about Elias. You can try [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["sheppard", "milo", "miloslav", "mishika", "marcy"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ sheppard")>>You want to know more about [[Sheppard.|case01 gOQ sheppard]]<<else>>You've already asked about Sheppard. You can try [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["cecil"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ cecil")>>You're curious about Cecil. Who are they ? [[So you ask.|case01 gOQ cecil]]<<else>>You've already asked about Cecil. You can try [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["lukas"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ lukas")>>You are curious about what a teenager might be doing, mixed in such a case. So you [[ask about Lukas|case01 gOQ lukas]]<<else>>You've already asked Owl about Lukas. You can try [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["jewel", "jewelry", "shop"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ shop")>>You are a little curious about this shop. So you interrogate Owl [[about that.|case01 gOQ shop]].<<else>>Owl already told you about this shop. You can try [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["farid"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ farid")>>You're a little curious about Farid. So you [[ask about him.|case01 gOQ farid]]<<else>> You already inquired about Farid. Owl wasn't really willing to pursue on this subject. So you can try [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["love"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ love")>>You want to know why do <<= $owlhe>> call you "love" ? So you [[ask.|case01 gOQ love]]<<else>>You already tried on the reason why Owl called you "love". You may try to inquire about [[another thing.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["tea", "coffee", "champagne", "water", "candy", "tray"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ tray")>>You eye the tray suspiciously. Is this comprise in the service of the place or ? You [[ask about that.|case01 gOQ tray]]<<else>> You already asked about the tray and its content. You can try and [[ask another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["copper"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>><<if not hasVisited("case01 gOQ copper")>>You are curious about the strange affinity Owl has with copper. So you [[ask about that.|case01 gOQ copper]]<<else>>You alreay had the opportunity to inquire about the link between Owl and copper. You can try to [[ask another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]<</if>><</if>>\ <<if ["missing", "case", "cases", "disappearance", "vanishing", "disappearances"].includesAny($copperowlquestion)>>You want to know if there already was disappearances before the on from Ethan Murphy. So you [[inquire about that.|case01 gOQ missing]] <</if>> <</linkreplace>>

"name", "owl", "age", "single", "ability", "touch", "read", "glove", "neck", "scar", "mutant", "species" "ethan", "murphy", "ethan murphy", "swamp", "forest", "drowned forest", "natural", "reserve", "natural reserve", "newtsval", "city", "new stval", "new stval city", "anya" "elias" "sheppard", "milo", "miloslav", "mishika", "marcy" "cecil" "lukas" "jewel", "jewelry", "shop", "farid" "love" "tea", "coffee", "champagne", "water", "candy", "copper", "missing", "case", "cases," disappearance", "vanishing", disappearances"

You clear your throat. "So... is your name really Owl ?" Owl looks at you as if you were an oddity, a strange smile on <<= $owlhis>> lips. "Who knows ?" //You ? Most probably.// "Having no inspiration love ?" <<= $owlhe>> picks some imaginary thread from <<= $owlhis>> cream colored suit. "Don't worry. Since I didn't answer this one, we may consider this void. You can try to [[ask again.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

"How owl are you by the way ?" Owl inclines <<= $owlhis>> head on one side. "Love, are you serious right now ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> chuckles a little. "I'm giving you free card to ask a question and this is what you ask hm ? Let me tell you something—" <<= $owlhe>> leans conspiratorially towards you "—I'm not fond of sharing informations about myself. I like the mystery." Owl leans back. "Since I didn't answer this question, you can try and ask [[another one.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

"How does your //ability// work, anyway ?" Owl sips <<= $owlhis>> tea. "Oh ? Didn't the other tell you anything ?" "Well, they did tell me you need to touch something—" //or someone// you think "—to be able to read its memory ?" "Then, why the question, love ?" "Because I want to know how this works." "The inner working of my //ability// is my secret trade, I'm afraid." Owl watches you. "What have they told you ?" "The others ?" "Yes, the other." You lean forward. "I'm afraid confidentiality is my secret trade. Besides, it's my turn to ask a question." Owl chuckles. "I apologize love, you're right. [[Ask your question, then.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

You stare a little bit, you aknowledge that. Owl looks at <<= $owlhis>> gloves. "Those are vegetable-tanned gloves." <<= $owlhe>> moves <<= $owlhis>> hand a little. "I'm curious." "I guessed as much, love. And no, I can't read my gloves' memory." Tsk. Will <<= $owlhe>> let you ask your question ? "How so?" Owl makes an almost discreet smirk. "Runes, love. There are runes sewn into the gloves which prevent me from reading it." Runes ? You must have made quite a face. "Didn't your dearest new acquaintancee told you so ? That you could have come with a rune ?" There is a glint in <<= $owlhis>> eye you don't really like. Like <<= $owlhe>> is proud of <<= $owlhimself>>. But still. The other didn't indeed tell you about the runes. And you now know one, that they indeed do exist and two, that they work. Owl settles in <<= $owlhis>> sit. "I'm rather glad I'm not you right now." You grunt. There is really no need to drive the point home. "It's still you turn, love. You may [[ask your question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

<<set $owlfoe +=5>>Didn't they say curiousity killed the cat ? Because you're feeling like a cat right now. And not the Schrödinger kind of cat. So you ask, about the scar on <<= $owlhis>> neck. Ans when you do, the room feels several degree colder. Owl looks at your hawkishly. "My, my, detective. We haven't even yet being acquainted for more than an hour. Some might consider this very rude, you know ?" Ah. Well. This wasn't unexpected. Owl brushes some of the lint of <<= $owlhis>> suit. "Well, let's pretend you never ask that. This means you still have [[your question to ask.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

"Hum." Owl quirks an amused brow at you. You clear your throat. "Use your word <<= $gender>>." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> scoffs a little. "Lukas told me you were a mutant ?" Owl inclines <<= $owlhis>> head on one side. "Why do you want to know that, love ?" Owl's gaze roams your face before settling on your neck. "Are you thinking I am a vampire and would suck your—" there is a pause, a smirk, and you think it's getting a lot hotter in here "—everything ?" //Yes.// "No ?" "Don't worry love, it's way more efficient to buy people than to discard a body." Wow. You're feeling so reassured right now. "Are you talking with experience ?" "Who knows ? Sometimes it's better not to know too much." The door is just behind you, you can bolt upright and run just in case. In the hope, of course, that Owl is not that fast. "Let's [[go back to your questions|case01 glassOwlQuestions]], love."

<<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>The stranger<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B3")>>Elias<</if>> blinks a few times before frowning. He watches you for some careful seconds. "Well, guess I can't just let someone die of shock AND thirst." he eyeroll as he turns around and retrieve a thermos which was standing on the roof of his car. It appears he was in the middle of doing something before rushing to your aid. The stranger then face to you and throws you the bottle. "Happy?" You catch it and opens the lid. It's not water. It smells like— "It's honey with mint and thym. You can drink it right now—I've made it lukewarn so that the honey's effect aren't compromised by excessive heat." Wow, that got him talking. Maybe you should ask about beverage more. You smells it again and look at the bottle before drinking the content. It's not like this man planned to poison someone, put it in a thermos, forgot about it just the time to save someone and... nah, it's to improbable. You're safe. <<if not hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4")>>Yes, [[you do.|case01 swamp eliasMainQuestions D]]. <<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion D1", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D2", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D3", "case01 swamp eliasQuestion D4")>> You've asked all the question you could ask as of now. [[...|case01 swamp eliaAllQuestion D]]<</if>>\ <br> <br> <br>

"I'd rather tell them the truth. However harsh it can be. They will need it for closure. You can't get any if you still have questions." Owl looks pensive of a heartbeat before <<= $owlhis>> eyes settles on you and sizes you up. "We both agree on something then. This is rather encouraging." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then smiles you a smile—the kind that can turn a person from prude to lustful. "Your turn, love. Ask me a question." Oh. You've said a lot of '//Oh//' today. But it's all unexpected. But well, since <<= $owlhe>>'s okay with you asking your questions, finally, you're not going to give up on that. <<link "...">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>

Owl is silent for a moment and watches you attentively. "Trying to debate on this would be a rather ludicrous matter." Eh. <i>Ludicrous</i>. "And I guess I'm not in your shoes. Well, I guess it's your turn to ask your question, love." You feel judged—in the very cordial way. It's... unsettling. And a little bit unnerving. But you guess, it's to shake you up a little so you'll spill more than you should. You will not. You will not. <<link "But you have questions and so you ask them.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>

"I'd rather tell them the truth. However harsh it can be. They will need it for closure. You can't get any if you still have questions." Owl looks pensive of a heartbeat before <<= $owlhis>> eyes settles on you and sizes you up. "We both agree on something then. This is rather encouraging." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then smiles you a smile—the kind that can turn a person from prude to lustful. "Your turn, love. Ask me question." Oh. You've said a lot of '//Oh//' today. But it's all unexpected. But well, since <<= $owlhe>>'s okay with you asking your questions, finally, you're not going to give up on that. <<link "...">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>

"Atta<<if $gender eq "woman">>girl<<else>><</if>><<if $gender eq "man">>boy<<else>><</if>><<if $gender eq "person">>-detective<</if>>." There is a edge of a proud smirk—if a smirk can be both arrogant <i>and</i> proud at the same time—on Owl's face. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> leans forward. And whisper—with <<= $owlhis>> velvet-like voice—"I guess it's your turn now, love. To ask your question." <<link "Oh, you do have questions and so you ask them.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>

Owl sends you a dubious look. "You will stop. Haven't you already been told you were already putting yourself in danger ? Then what are you doing here exactly, love ? Talking to me ?" Owl seems amused. "Well, I guess I'll figure it out once you ask your questions." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> looks at <<= $owlhis>> nails, seemingly bored. That's quite a start. <<link "But you have questions and so you ask them.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>

<<if $emotional >= 50>>"I—I don't really know"<<else>>"I don't really know."<</if>> A flash of understanding—if you can read <<= $owlhim>> right—appears on Owl's face for a blink. "Well, I guess it's because you lack informations to form a judgement." Well, yes. You do lack those. Which is why you're here. "So, ask your questions, love." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> leans back on his seat. ANd consideres you carefully. <<link "And you ? You have questions and so you ask them.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>

You decide that cooperating is now for everyone's good. You gulp down your apprehension<<if $owlreading ==5>> with a chug of your tea<<else>><</if>><<if $owlreading ==4>> with a chug of your coffee<<else>><</if>><<if $owlreading ==3>> with a swig of your champagne<<else>><</if>><<if $owlreading ==2>>with some water<<else>><</if>><<if $owlreading ==1>> with a chew of a candy<</if>>. "In the Drown Forest." "Well, was it that difficult ?" Owl cooes. You kinda hate the way <<= $owlhe>>'s talking to you right now—like you were three years old—but you let it slide. For now. "Now that we all are introduced and ready for conversation, you can ask your questions, detective." Owl watches <<= $owlhis>> nails as <<= $owlhe>> says that—smiling but looking already bored with the conversation. <i>Well, this started great.</i> <<link "But you do have questions, so you ask them.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>

"Stubborn, aren't we ?" Owl cooes. But, there is an edge to <<= $owlhis>> face which put you ill at ease. The pristine saccharin smile is still lingering, but there is far too much poison in it. The same goes for <<= $owlhis>> eyes, which pin you down with their coldness. Owl looks at the door for a full second before <<= $owlhis>> eyes settle on you again. "Still, I'm bored detective, so ask your questions." Well, the tone doesn't bode well and it certainly feels like it's way more colder here now, but you got questions you to ask. <<link "And ask them you do">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>

<<set $owlquestions += 1>>"What do you know about Ethan Murphy or his case?" Owl takes a sip of <<= $owlhis>> tea. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then looks at you as if you were a funny joke. "What do <i>you</i> know about the case, love." You raise an eyebrow. Owl leans back in <<= $owlhis>> chair. And from what you can see, <<= $owlhe>> will not answer you if you don't answer <<= $owlhis>> own question. And you tell <<= $owlhim>> what you know. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>Owl listens to you without interrupting you—even once. Once you finish, <<= $owlhe>> puts down <<= $owlhis>> empty tea cup and raises to put the kettle on the stove. The only sound you can hear is the slowly boiling water, then the whistling of the teakettle. Owl makes another cup of tea and returns to <<= $owlhis>> seat. "People indeed do loose their way pursuing butterflies." It's said in such low a whisper, you doubt it was destined for your ears. Owl's eyes then settle back on you. "I surmize you were told very little regarding the breach." It was not a question, so you don't answer. Owl reaches for a napkin. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> unfolds it and show it to you. "Let's say one of side is our world, as we know it. And the other side—" <<= $owlhe>> turns the napkin the other way "—is the <i>other</i> world." Owl reaches for a butterknife you missed to notice. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> slices neatly the napkin. "And this—" <<= $owlhe>> shows you the gap "—is the breach." Well, you kind of imagine it was the case so— Owl looks at you sharply and raises a finger. "I know you've already concluded that. It was logical. A breach, two world : It can only be a passage. My point being—" Owl takes <<= $owlhis>> teacup and tries to make it go through the gap <<= $owlhe>>'s made "—the supernatural being passing through depends on the size of the breach." Oh. Size of the breach. Got it. "One month before, butterflies were noticed. Thus..." "Thus the breach was big enough to allow the passage of those butterflies." you guess. "Indeed love. Now—" Owl widden the cut in the napkin and make the teacup pass through. "—a breach, given certains circumstances, can grow bigger. Thus allowing more <i>substancial</i> being to come here from yonder." You repress a shudder remembering the wendigo. "As I thought then, something <i>substencial</i> came through." It's said with a purr which makes you blink. Shouldn't you have said anything about the wendigo ? "Now, love, you're certainly have been wondering : if a breach appears, why not close it?" You both frown and nod to encourage <<= $owlhim>> to continue. Owl watches you with a smirk. "Hm. I don't quite feel like explaining, right now, you see ?" No, you don't. What you see though, is your patience running thin. "Maybe I'll tell you more, <i>if I feel like it</i>." You both feel like you've learned something but at the same time, nothing at all. And when you mean nothing, you want to say someting "important". But well, you guess you'll have to go back to your question. "I guess it's my turn to ask a question." Or not. Apparently, it's <<= $owlhis>> turn. You repress a sigh. <<if $owlquestions == 1>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 2>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks2]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 3>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks3]]<</if>> <</linkreplace>>

Owl puts a gloved hand to <<= $owlhis>> chin in a thoughful motion. "Tell me, love—" you straighten in your seat "—how do you feel right now ?" Huh ? Owl watches you as a cat would a mouse when planning to play with it. How do you feel ? Well, that's a good question. You know how you do, somehow. The real question here is: <div class="you">Do you tell Owl how you're feeling ? </div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Yes, you say you feel terrible.|case01 glassOwlA1A][$owlhelp +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Yes, but you alleviate how terrible you're feeling.|case01 glassOwlA1B][$owlhelp += 1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[No, you lie about it.|case01 glassOwlA1C][$owlhelp -=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[No, you refuse to answer that question.|case01 glassOwlA1D]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

"Now I know who you're doing this for and how you're feeling—kind of. But there is an essential question which hasn't been asked and answered yet." You lean forward, in anticipation. Then back in fear of what <<= $owlhe>> may ask. "Why should I help you, love ?" You blink. "I'm sorry ?" "Why should I help you ? What do I get of—" <<= $owlhe>> indicates the pair of glasses "—reading the memories of those ?" You blink again. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> must be joking, right ? Owl, seeing the expression you're making, slowly smile with a hint of disdain. "How very sweet of you, love. To think I would help you for free. But worry not so much." Owl cooes. "Everyone is such a bore in this city. Well, so long as you owe me—I mean, pay me. And entertain me. Surely this can work, love." Are you making a deal with the devil right now ? "Am I making a deal with the devil right now ?" Owl chuckles. "Are you going to call me Mephistopheles ?" "What do you want ?" "Now, now, love. I've said as long as you entertain me. It will be far to boring for me to pick how you pay me. I'm rather curious to hear what you would suggest." A playful smile adorns <<= $owlhis>> lips. And a playful glint enters <<= $owlhis>> eyes. "I have an idea. I will make this much more fun." By the seven sea, you'd rather have it boring. "I let you three—" <<= $owlhe>> thinks "—no, let's make it five second for you to pick something." Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands and the noise startles you. "[[Are you ready, love ?|case01 glassOwlAsks22]]"

"How <<nobr>> <<if $owlreading == 5>>is the tea ? Is it to your liking ?<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 4>>is your coffee ? Is it to your liking ?<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 3>>is the champagne ? Is it refreshing enough ?<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 2>>is water ? Is it fresh enough ?<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 1>>are the candies ? Are them to your taste ?<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 0>>is your seat ? Confortable enough ?<</if>>"<</nobr>> Your head and its thinking process comes to an halt. And slowly, ever slowly, you rise your eyes to settle them on Owl. Owl is smiling a cavalier smile, bordering on both feral and heavily arrogant. You look to your <<nobr>> <<if $owlreading == 5>>tea<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 4>>coffee<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 3>>champagne<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 2>>water<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 1>>pile of candies wrapping<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 0>>seat<</if>>.<</nobr>> Back at <<= $owlhim>>. If possible, the smile grew in between your blink—satisfaction clinging to everyone of Owl's trait. You missed something there. You look at <<= $owlhim>> again. At your <<nobr>> <<if $owlreading == 5>>tea<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 4>>coffee<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 3>>champagne<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 2>>water<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 1>>pile of candies wrapping<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 0>>seat<</if>>.<</nobr>> Back at <<= $owlhim>>. And then your eyes fall on the gloves. The gloves which are here because—because a wise woman told you so. Once. <blockquote> <b>Don't you ever, under any pretext, touch <<= $owlhis>> bare skin. You, or anything that you possess.</b></blockquote> Couldn't this wise woman tell you something about the fact that Owl would try to get a reading out of you based on <i>whatever</i> you touched ? No ? <i>Shit.</i> Your eyes zero on <<= $owlhim>>. Whilst <<= $owlhis>> smirk grows even more selfish and smug. "Well, love—" <<= $owlhe>> purrs and you think it might be a sound a feline would make before going to hunt "—you seriously didn't think I would let you go that easily, right ?" "This wasn't part of our deal ?" "Which one, love ?" You bit your lips. You don't want this. You don't know what <<= $owlhe>> can read. And nobody really does. This was a risky move on your part—to come here. But the fact that this could happen unsettles you. Because they could have told you. And they chose not. Because, you now guess, <span class="large">you were part of the payment.</span> <div class="you">And you decide to</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Ask nicely.|case01 gOA3 nice][$friendly +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Play it off.|case01 gOA3 play][$genuine -=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Throw hands.|case01 gOA3 hands][$owlfoe +=2; $owlhelp -=2;$finesse -=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Say nothing.|case01 gOA3 nothing][$emotional -=2]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

You admit how you feel <div class="large" style="margin-left:10%">frustrated, </div> <div class="large" style="margin-left:56%">useless, </div> <div class="large" style="margin-left:0%">powerless,</div> <div class="large" style="margin-left:42%">uncertain,</div> <div class="large" style="margin-left:87%">angry,</div> <div class="large" style="margin-left:26%">forlorn...</div> You admit how you feel because you don't see why you should hide this. Especially when the person asking you probably read it all on your face. It was looking more like a trap and less like a therapy session. And you somehow feel like you avoided falling into the said trap. Owl smiles briefly and hums "Honesty is like dew on a sunny summer morning." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> smiles to <<= $owlhimself>>. "It's your turn again, love. <<link "to ask your questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"

<<set _caseonethatreactiononascale to 0>>"I'm... okay." <i>as I'm alive.</i> "Somehow." Owl watches you carefully. "You're "okay", <i>somehow</i>." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> smile curves upward. "If you're just <i>somehow</i> fine, would you say that you're totally fine ? Or let me say it another way : on a scale of one to ten, how fine would you say you are ?" How did Elias call <<= $owlhim>> ? A bastard ? Well, he's kind of right. Owl knows <<= $owlhe>>'s in a position when <<= $owlhe>> can ask but you—as the one asking for a favour—has to walk on eggshell. You grind your teeth. "I would say <span id="caseonethatreactiononascale" class="red"><<cycle "_caseonethatreactiononascale" autoselect>> <<option "0">> <<option "1">> <<option "2">> <<option "3">> <<option "4">> <<option "5">> <<option "6">> <<option "7">> <<option "8">> <<option "9">> <<option "10">> <<option "it's none of your business">><</cycle>></span>." <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "0">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">> 0<</replace>>Owl smiles curves upward. "See, was that difficult to admit, love?" Bastard. You wonder how <<= $owlhe>> would react if your roles were reversed. Something tells you <i>badly</i>. "Well, now that you've <i>somehow</i> answered my question, it's your time to shine, now, love. <<link "Ask yours.">><<set $owlhelp +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "1">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">> 1<</replace>>Owl looks satisfied. "See, love ? Was that difficult to say ?" Yes, it was. Especially when you didn't want to say it, but the glasses on your lap are screaming at you to please do something. "Now, now, don't put a pout on such a lovely face, love. Beside, it's now your turn to <<link "ask a question.">><<set $owlhelp +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "2">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">>2<</replace>>There is a huge silence which follows your declaration. "Two out of ten." You nod. "I guess there is still hope in your still beating heart then." You shudder, not knowing what to do with what <<= $owlhe>>'s just said. Why did <<= $owlhe>> say <i>still beating</i> heart ? "Relax, love. It was not a threat. Just a fact." RIght. Owl represses an eye roll. "Just <<link "ask you question alreay.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "3">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">>3<</replace>>"Three?" "Three." "Did you say that randomly, love ?" Did you ? "Just, three out of ten." Owl sighs—and this sound like a whisper of something you'd rather not dwell, the seven seas help you. "Very well, then just<<link "ask your question.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "4">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">>4<</replace>>"Four ?" "Four." "As in the asiatic belief ?" "What ?" "You don't know, love ? In both chinese and japanese, the number four pronunciation is quite similar to their words <i>death</i>. So, four as that ?" "No. Just, four out of ten." "How very boring of you." "I'm trying." Owl sighs. "Very well, just <<link "ask your question.">><<set $owlhelp +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "5">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">> 5<</replace>>"Five ?" "Five." "Half fine half not so great, hm?" "Guess you'll find out by sticking around." "You wish, love." "I'm trying to be funny." Owl smiles. "You wish, love." "Have people told you you were annoying ?" "All the time, love." You sigh. Owl smile stretches. "<<link "Ask you question, love">><<set $owlhelp -=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "6">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">>6<</replace>>Owl blinks. "Is that all ?" "Shoud I explain further ? Six as in one, two, three—" "I know, love. You don't need to explain more." "But ?" "But nothing." Owl sighs. "Just <<link "ask a question.">><<set $owlhelp -=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "7">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">>7<</replace>>"A seven out of ten." "Yes." "How very honest of you, love." "It's my lucky number." "Right." Owl makes an eye roll. "Such lovely people I do interact with." "Birds of the feather they say..." Owl sighs. "Right ? I guess so. Well, just <<link "ask your question.">><<set $owlhelp -=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "8">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">>8<</replace>>"Eight ?" "The "eight" of great." Owl's face deadpan. "A pun. How very funny." "I'm trying." "I see that, but I will ask you to stop already. I'm seeing my very probably headach already waving at me." "I'm sure you have now a g<i>reat</i> chance of having it. Like a <i>eight</i> out of ten chance." Owl sighs. "Just... <<link "ask a question.">><<set $owlhelp -=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "9">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">>9<</replace>>"Ah. Yes. You look really like a nine out of ten fine." "I do, don't I?" "Radious and shiny and all, love, really." "I know, I know. And let's not forget nine rhyms with shine." "And fine." "And fine. Let's not forget that part." "Let's. Let's forget this." Owl does an eyeroll. "And just <<link "ask a question.">><<set $owlhelp -=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "10">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">>10<</replace>>"Even better, a ten out of ten." You sputter. Owl looks at you with <<= $owlhis>> ever smile. "Ten out of ten, hm ?" Hawk-like eyes—with the wit and wisedom of an owl—watches your tensed limb and doesn't say a word. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> inclines <<= $owlhis>> head on the side. You feel the room grow colder. In a metaphoric way, of course. There is no ice and all. But it's unsettling. "Why don't you ask your question already, hm ?" <<link "You do just that">><<set $owlhelp -=2>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonethatreactiononascale eq "it's none of your business">><<replace "#caseonethatreactiononascale">>: it's none of your business<</replace>> You say, irritation lacing your words. "Isn't it ?" Owl brushes of imaginary lint from <<= $owlhis>> fine suit. "I would say it's very much is. As an host and all." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then watches you with a feline glint in <<= $owlhis>> eyes. "It would be really mean of me to make you feel pressured after all. I mean to say—" <<= $owlhe>> indicates the glasses "—those glasses don't look like <i>my</i> business either." <i>Shit.</i> "So, love, why don't we try again, hm ? I will let you <<link "ask a question.">><<set $owlhelp -=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <</linkreplace>>

"I'm fine." "You're fine." Owl looks you up and down and notes your tensed limbs. The scrathes on your skin. "Right. So very fine, detective." You gulp. "Yeah, besides, it's none of your business." "As an host, I can try to feel the temperature, can't I?" "I guess so." "You do just that, love." You frown. The smile is still there, coated in sugar, but there is venom on the tilt of <<= $owlhis>> lips. "Now, now, love. Let's not fight over your feelings—however that sound." Owl leans back in <<= $owlhis>> chair with the grace of a bored cat. "I guess I'm bored enough to allow this game to last longer." Huh. What game ? Games are supposed to be fun. Owl makes a dismissive gesture. "It's your turn, I guess. So just <<link "ask a question.">><<set $owlhelp -=2>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"

"No." "No ?" "I refuse to answer that question." "Feeling too close and personal ?" "Exactly." you bark. "Alright, love. I won't pry then." Owl looks at <<= $owlhis>> neatly trimmed nails. Or so you guess since <<= $owlhe>> has gloves on. "Such a shame though. I still feel bored." A curious glint enters <<= $owlhis>> eyes. Owl makes a dissmive gesture. "Then, I guess it's your turn to <<link "ask a question.">><<set $owlhelp -=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>"

<<set $owlquestions +=1>>"What can you tell me about the Drowned Forest ?" Owl watches you with a lazy smile on <<= $owlhis>> alluring lips. "Should I feel a vague sense of pride that you're asking <i>me</i> your questions, love ? That you turn to me is rather unexpected." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> twirls <<= $owlhis>> tea for a moment in silence. "Is that so bad ?" "Not really, no. I understand where you are coming from. You seek answer and before you stand a wall of silence you can't quite grasp the purpose of." Owl purses <<= $owlhis>> lips. "I guess you're not here for a history lesson about the Drowned Forest, but rather interrogating about the link it has with your missing Murphy." You gulp down and nod. "The Drowned Forest, as you may have learned now, is called this way because it is subjected to heavy flood whenever it rains up in the mountains. All of this is because of the newly constructed Dam of Osvo. The floor is saturated in water and having no way to flee, the level rises quite fast and drowns the forest. The trees have been slowly dying since then, the roots surely spoiled by the soggy floor." Owl takes a sip of <<= $owlhis>> tea. You're happy you don't have a train to catch, because it appears your host like to take <<= $owlhis>> precious time. "The Drowned Forest is a recent name. Before it was called the Black Wood of Stonefrey. Or <span class="red"><<linkappend "Stonefrey's Black Wood" t8n>><<notify>>codex updated<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>—whichever you prefer. It's an ancient forest which, during ancient times, was said to contain a mysterious door." At this, your ears perk up "A door opening on another world. A world rich with magic and where wishes come true." <<if $owlhelp >10>><<notify>>You got a clue<</notify>>Owl looks at <<= $owlhis>> teacup. "A wondeful saying isn't it ?" <<= $owlhis>> eyes glows with mischief and <<= $owlhe>> leans forward, conspiratorially. "Another saying speculate that this door has been kept and watched by <i>people</i> since time immemorial. And that, because it can cause danger with whatever can spring out of the depth of the other world, some has tried to sealed the door shut. However, something so ancient would surely not be evident to be sealed shut. Surely, there would be some <i>breach</i> in its imperfect seal. Like a keyhole on a door.<<if $owlhelp >12>> Thus, love, I would ask myself this question : Who owns the key to this precious door ? Surely this person must know much more than little old me.<</if>>" "But those are just ancient saying, surely they are obsolete now, wouldn't you say, love ?" There is a glint in Owl's eyes which tell you there is more to it than just myths and saying. Now, you just have to check those hypothesis. Because you cannot just trust whatever a stranger—who apparently likes to mess with people—says. <<else>> Owl looks at <<= $owlhis>> teacup. "I don't know though, should I say more ? I shouldn't, shoud I ?" Owl looks at you with a sharp smile. "Seeing you struggling, detective, looks far more appealing." Owl leans back on <<= $owlhis>> seat. You remember you were told <<= $owlhe>> was a mutant. And repress any will inside of you to grip <<= $owlhim>> by the collar and make <<= $owlhim>> talk. <</if>> "Now that I have answered you question, love, it's my turn. Let me ask you <<nobr>><<if $owlquestions == 1>>[[a question.|case01 glassOwlAsks1]]"<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 2>>[[a question.|case01 glassOwlAsks2]]"<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 3>>[[a question.|case01 glassOwlAsks3]]"<</if>><</nobr>>

<<linkreplace "Now, what do I get out of this ?" t8n>><<if settings.time eq true>> "<span id="caseoneowlstimerfordeal">You have 5 seconds</span>."<<timed 4s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordeal">>4<</replace>><</timed>><<timed 8s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordeal">>3<</replace>><</timed>><<timed 12s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordeal">>2<</replace>><</timed>><<timed 16s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordeal">>1<</replace>><</timed>><<timed 20s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordeal">>Stop. Time's up, love<</replace>><</timed>> <div id="caseoneowlstimerfordealtimer"><div class="you">You will pay with...</div><<timed 1s>><<nobr>><div id="app"></div> <div class="round-time-bar" data-style="smooth" style="--duration: 20;"> <div></div> </div><</nobr>><</timed>> <span id="caseoneowlstimerfordealpropositions"><<button "a favour">><<set $owlhelp -=1>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion favour">><</button>> <<button "money">><<set $owlhelp -=1>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion money">><</button>> <<button "my time">><<set $owlhelp +=2>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion myTime">><</button>> <<button "whatever you want">><<set $owlhelp -=2>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion whatever">><</button>> <<button "my body <<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>>">><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion myBody">><</button>> <<button "a good conscience">><<set $owlhelp -=2>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion conscience">><</button>> <<button "a kiss <<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>>">><<set $owlhelp +=1>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion aKiss">><</button>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A5")>> <<button "Elias' thermos">><<set $owlhelp +=10>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion eliasBottle">><</button>> <</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B5")>> <<button "Elias' thermos">><<set $owlhelp +=10>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion eliasBottle">><</button>> <</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C5")>> <<button "Elias' thermos">><<set $owlhelp +=10>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion eliasBottle">><</button>> <</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestions D5")>> <<button "Elias' thermos">><<set $owlhelp +=10>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion eliasBottle">><</button>><</if>><<button "me">><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion me">><</button>> <<button "Mary's thanks">><<set $owlhelp +=1>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion maryThanks">><</button>> <<button "a date <<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>>">><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion aDate">><</button>> <<button "a thank you">><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion thankYou">><</button>> </span> <<timed 20s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordealpropositions">><<button "Nothing">><<set $owlhelp -=5>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion nothing">><</button>><</replace>><</timed>></div> <<else>> "<span id="caseoneowlstimerfordeal">You have 5 seconds</span>."<<timed 2s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordeal">>4<</replace>><</timed>><<timed 3s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordeal">>3<</replace>><</timed>><<timed 4s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordeal">>2<</replace>><</timed>><<timed 5s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordeal">>1<</replace>><</timed>><<timed 6s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordeal">>Stop. Time's up, love<</replace>><</timed>> <div id="caseoneowlstimerfordealtimer"><div class="you">You will pay with...</div><<timed 1s>><<nobr>><div id="app"></div> <div class="round-time-bar" data-style="smooth" style="--duration: 5;"> <div></div> </div><</nobr>><</timed>> <span id="caseoneowlstimerfordealpropositions"><<button "a favour">><<set $owlhelp -=1>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion favour">><</button>> <<button "money">><<set $owlhelp -=1>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion money">><</button>> <<button "my time">><<set $owlhelp +=2>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion myTime">><</button>> <<button "whatever you want">><<set $owlhelp -=2>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion whatever">><</button>> <<button "my body <<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>>">><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion myBody">><</button>> <<button "a good conscience">><<set $owlhelp -=2>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion conscience">><</button>> <<button "a kiss <<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>>">><<set $owlhelp +=1>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion aKiss">><</button>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion A5")>> <<button "Elias' thermos">><<set $owlhelp +=10>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion eliasBottle">><</button>> <</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion B5")>> <<button "Elias' thermos">><<set $owlhelp +=10>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion eliasBottle">><</button>> <</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestion C5")>> <<button "Elias' thermos">><<set $owlhelp +=10>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion eliasBottle">><</button>> <</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp eliasQuestions D5")>> <<button "Elias' thermos">><<set $owlhelp +=10>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion eliasBottle">><</button>><</if>><<button "me">><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion me">><</button>> <<button "Mary's thanks">><<set $owlhelp +=1>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion maryThanks">><</button>> <<button "a date <<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>>">><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion aDate">><</button>> <<button "a thank you">><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion thankYou">><</button>> </span> <<timed 6s>><<replace "#caseoneowlstimerfordealpropositions">><<button "Nothing">><<set $owlhelp -=5>><<goto "case01 owlsDealProposotion nothing">><</button>><</replace>><</timed>></div> <</if>> <</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

"A favour !" you blurt. "A <i>favour</i> ?" inquires Owl, with a dubious raising of <<= $owlhis>> eyebrow. "Yes, a favour." "And, pray tell love, what kind of favour are you talking about right now ?" there is an amused edge to <<= $owlhis>> smile. "The <i>I-owe-you-one-favour</i> type people put on a card ?" "A one-favour card ?" "Yes ?" Owl's chuckles. "How very cute, love. But now, what kind of favour will be acceptable, hm ?" "What do you mean ?" "If I need to burry a body, for exemple ? Where lies the boundary ?" "The law?" "The law. How very boring." "Wait, what do you want to make me do ?" "Burrying a body is such a bonding experience, love. You should give it a try." you see the joke in <<= $owlhis>> eyes but... you're standing alone in a probably non human soundproof office, and this is even less funny right now. "Or, what about being my drug dealer, hm ?" "The. Law." "Which one, though ?" "What ?" "Moral laws, written laws ?" "Both ?" "I'm disliking you right now, love. There was so much things I could have asked. But now, the list is getting shorter and shorter and only the boring item stay." "Boring can be fine." "No." "We can drink tea, watch some TV ?" Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands as <<= $owlhe>> repress an eyeroll. Making you jump once more. And you glare at <<= $owlhim>> this time. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

"Money !" you blurt. "Money ?" "Yes !" "<i>Money</i> ? Are you sure, love ?" Owl looks at the furnishing in the office, <<= $owlhis>> fine clothes and shoes. Glides a finger on the rim of the expensive looking teacup which is part of an expensive looking teaset most probably handmade, next to the expensive looking tray put on the expensive looking table. "Yes ?" No. Owl chuckles. "My price start at—" <<= $owlhe>> shows five fine looking gloved fingers. Five ? You don't like the look of this five. "—times ten thousand." Five times ten thousand. Fifty thousand. "50 000euros ? !" You stumble in your seat. "Well, love, do I look cheap to you ?" Owl purrs. No. "No." and one more time, no. "Besides, if I wanted money, I would have asked for it right away." True. You sigh. Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump once more. And you glare at <<= $owlhim>> this time. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

"My time !" you blurt. "Your... time ?" Owl looks at you, uncertain of what you mean. "Yes, I'll make time for you." "Make time for what, exactly, love ?" "For you ?" "No, this I understood. But time for me for <i>what</i> exactly ?" "Whatever ?" "Where, love, lies the boudary of your proposition ?" "The law ?" "The law. You will make time for me for whatever I ask for, so long as it lies in the boudary of the law." "Yes ?" "And for how long exactly ? Unclear terms do displease me." "For how long it will take whatever you ask for, as long as it's withing written and moral law." "This sound very <i>unfunny</i>." "It can be, though. We can make puzzles together." "How very <i>unfunny</i>." "Or look for cases together." "Please, stop talking love. You're making me dislike you." Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump once more. And you glare at <<= $owlhim>> this time. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

"Whatever you want !" you blurt. "Whatever I want. Whatever. I, as in me. Want or wish." Owl squints at you. "Yes ?" "Love, please, do a mental review of what you've just said and all that this may implies." Owl pinches the bridge of <<= $owlhis>> nose. Oh. <i>Oh</i>. <b>Oh.</b> "Exactly love. You look like you've put some thinking about it. This is a very risqué offer if I have ever seen one." Owl sighs. "Those terms are far too unclear. Besides, you didn't put much thoughts in it. This is both tedious, boring and bothersome to look into. Let put this on the side for now." Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump once more. And you glare at <<= $owlhim>> this time. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

"My body !" you blurt. "I'm sorry, love. I think I have misheard you." Owl squints <<= $owlhis>> eyes at you. "I've said, my body." Owl mutters something which very sound like old age curses. "I did hear you right then." <span id="owlsdealpropositionmybody" class="red"><<cycle "_owlsdealpropositionmybody" autoselect>> <<option "Yes. You flirt boldly, with a smirk.">> <<option "Yes ? You state with confidence.">> <<option "M—maybe ? You stutter a little.">> <<option "Forget about it you mumble">><</cycle>></span> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<if _owlsdealpropositionmybody eq "Yes. You flirt boldly, with a smirk.">><<replace "#owlsdealpropositionmybody">>"Yes." You flirt boldly, with a smirk.<</replace>>You lean back on your seat, on full display. Well, <<= $owlhis>> eyes do glides on you like a slow caress on a silken bedsheet and oh. This make you smile in a very unprofessional way. Owl eyes settle on your lips. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> has stayed silent. You don't really know how to interpret that. And then Owl leans back on <<= $owlhis>> own seat, putting <<= $owlhimself>> on full display as well. But did <<= $owlhe>> need that ? No. Unless <<= $owlhe>>'s planning to kill you with how lascivious <<= $owlhe>> looks. "Are you trying to get close and personal, detective ?" The sultry voice sounds as it's brushing your neck. "Obviously?" You seat even more invitingly on your seat. A move Owl watches, computes. And then <<= $owlhe>> leans forward, a hand on the low table separating you. The closest <<= $owlhe>> has ever been. "Are you sure this is what you want, love ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> voice nuzzles the pulse in your neck, then reach lower. Like a feather. "This is what I <i>need</i>, you mean to say ?" your smile should be on full display in <<= $owlhis>> shop, because it must be shinier than the sun and all the gold <<= $owlhe>> owns. "And pray tell, love. When can I claim this price ?" <<= $owlhe>> cooes and your body heaten. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span>'s still leaning on the table, much too far for your liking. "It depends. Can you do the reading <i>before</i> or <i>after</i> a good time ?" Owl smiles is far from being professional as well. And you realize that the sultriness you saw in it ealier is far from being <<= $owlhis>> full potential. Because the smile <<= $owlhe>>'s throwing your way right now makes you question the usefullness of clothes. Owl leans back, walks around the table with gracious steps, and reaches your seat. "Already promising a good time, detective." "The best." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> leans closer, and closer. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> smells like rain—petrichor, you think it's called ?—on gardenias. And you feel like the electric and heaten atmosphere—like a storm during a summer night on a forest—is smoldering you with need. Owl's face leans towards yours and <<= $owlhe>> looks into your eyes, your lips. Then leans even more forward you stop breathing and go very very still with anticipation. You want to use your hands and grab <<= $owlhim>> but you know <<= $owlhe>> will pull away then. Your heart is racing and thundering. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span>'s getting closer, your lips part, closer— —before <<= $owlhis>> head tilt to the side. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> hair caress your jaw. And <<= $owlhis>> breath tickles your ear. "Love, you do realize I would need to touch you for that, don't you ?" You gulp and squirm a little in your seat. "Our <i>bare</i> skin will have to touch at some point. If I get into it. And I will be able to read all of you. <i>All</i> of you." Oh. Well. You forgot that part. You freeze. Owl chuckles and <<= $owlhis>> breath kisses your ear, your neck, <<= $owlhis>> hair still tickle you. You squirm some more in your chair. Owl withdraws from the closeness and you realize you do not feel heat coming out of <<= $owlhim>>. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> eyes comes into view once more and you notices gold—or is it copper ?—flecks swimming inside the infinite verdigris. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span>'s smiling a full fledge cruel and amused smile. You go still and widden your eyes. "Tell me, love." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> gloved hand reaches for <<if $hairlenght eq "bald head">>your cheek and caresses it<<else>>one string of your hair and caresses it<</if>>. "Did you really expect you were going to reach inside my pant that easily ?" <<= $owlhe>> chuckles. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> hand then tug your chin upwards. "I am not that easy, <<if $gender eq "man">>sunshine<<else>><</if>><<if $gender eq "woman">>sweetheart<<else>><</if>><<if $gender eq "person">>darling<</if>>." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> purrs but there is an edge to it. Like a serrated knife. Owl stares into your eyes some more and you feel cold. Strangely cold. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then step back and returns—with <<= $owlhis>> ever elegant steps—into <<= $owlhis>> seat on the other side of the table. And you kind of feel glad <<= $owlhe>>'s put some distance between you. You're inside your own head when Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlbooty +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<set $owlbooty +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _owlsdealpropositionmybody eq "Yes ? You state with confidence.">><<replace "#owlsdealpropositionmybody">>"Yes ?" You state with a strange type of confidence.<</replace>>There is a will in your eyes which holds both the clarity and the force of water. Something steadfast and unbreakable. Owl considers you for a few second. You hold <<= $owlhis>> stare. You then take the stage and indicates your own body. "This is the price for your coorperation." Owl's eyes then glides on your shape before returning to your eyes. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then tilts <<= $owlhis>> head sideway. "By "your body will be mine", what do you mean, love ?" "Exactly what I've said." Your steadfastness must be confusing <<= $owlhim>> a little, for <<= $owlhe>> holds your stare for a while. Then <<= $owlhis>> eyes glide down, onto your lips. "As in, you're offering it to me. For a one time period ?" "Yes." Owl makes an amused smile. "Why do you look so serious then, when you're making this offer, love ?" "Because <i>I am</i> taking this seriously." Owl tilts <<= $owlhis>> head again, and you wonder why is <<= $owlhis>> name <i>Owl</i> and not <i>Cat</i>. "And when it will be time for you to lend me your body for a time, will you look this serious as well ?" "Is it putting you off ?" "Have I said such a thing, love ?" "Then my answer is : you'll see when the time comes." Owl smirks. "You're making this a challenge." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> purrs like a lover. "I will gladly make you sigh a contented "yes" and sing a beautiful "please"." Owl chuckles and you try to maintain you steadfastness. "If I feel like it, of course. And—" <<= $owlhe>> looks at your neck "—there will be touch involved. Surely bare skin." You freeze a little, but the stronghold holds. "Which means I will be able to see all of you. <i>All</i>. Of. You." There is the edge of a cruel and amused smile on <<= $owlhis>> lips. "Will you be as unwavering when you're peeled of everything layer covering you. And I'm not only talking about clothes, love." You keep yourself from gulping down out of nervousness, because <<= $owlhis>> eyes are still trained on your neck—and you feel now like it was done on purpose. But you do tense and you see <<= $owlhim>> catching the movement and smiling satisfactorily. Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlsoulmate +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<set $owlsoulmate +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _owlsdealpropositionmybody eq "M—maybe ?' You stutter a little.">><<replace "#owlsdealpropositionmybody">>"M—maybe ?" You stutter a little.<</replace>>You stutter because you're wondering what the heck have you just said ? Owl watches you. A amused smile makes its way onto <<= $owlhis>> sensuous lips. "Already squirming, love ?" Oh. <i>Oh</i>. This is bad. This is bad bad bad. "I haven't even made a move yet." You look around, nervously, and you feel heat in your cheeks. Owl chuckles. You hear <<= $owlhim>> mutters. "This is fun." "Love ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> purrs. You settle your eyes on <<= $owlhim>>. "Y—Yes ?" There is the most satisfactory smile you've ever witness speading on <<= $owlhis>> lips. And for all that is sacred, how can a person look so... sinfully lascivious ? "Love ?" Owl cooes. You gulp and look in <<= $owlhis>> eyes once more. "You're staring, love. I almost feel <i>naked</i> under such a stare. I am really going to be hot and bothered next." and you witness on of <<= $owlhis>> sexy hand going for <<= $owlhis>> necktie, before gliding onto it. It's hypnotizing. "Oh, love." A sultry voice reaches your ears, trails your skin. "I am really going to combust right now if you look at me this way." So <<= $owlhe>> says, as <<= $owlhe>> lays back on <<= $owlhis>> seat, in full display. "But you know, offering me your body comes with less clothes." You look at the hand still playing inside the reach of the necktie. "And less clothes means no glove." The captivating hand stops. Pulls out of the reach of the necktie. Settles on the armrest. "And no gloves, love, means I will be able to read all of you." You freeze. Look up. And witness the cruel smile on <<= $owlhis>> lips. "This is why you should try to avoid those kind of offer love. Even when time is against you." You're thinking about the implications this holds when Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlshylove +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<set $owlshylove +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _owlsdealpropositionmybody eq "Forget about it you mumble">><<replace "#owlsdealpropositionmybody">>"Forget about it." You mumble.<</replace>>Owl chuckles. "Feisty, aren't we?" This sounds like a innuendo, so you just frown at <<= $owlhim>>. And you catch the playful smile on <<= $owlhis>> lips. Which looks strange coupled with the cold glint in <<= $owlhis>> eyes. "Already regretting your words, detective ? Or is it you cannot hold onto your promise because your tongue moves too fast for your brain ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> tilts <<= $owlhis>> head on the side. Observing you like a cat would a mouse. "I've mispoken. Which can happened. So I'd like, before it's too late, take, back what I've said." "But it's already too late, detective. What if I was Mephistopheles and you've just sold your soul—or in this case, your body—to the devil ?" <<= $owlhis>> sensuous voice sing song and glides onto you skin. You gulp down nervously. "Ah, detective. You know. If I have a opportunity to touch your skin, those gloves will be off." You look at said gloves with apprehension. "Thus I would be able to read you. All of you.é <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> purrs. You're deep in thoughts about the implactions when Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump once more. And you glare at <<= $owlhim>> this time. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlhatetolove +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<set $owlhatetolove +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<</if>>\ <</linkreplace>>

"A good conscience !" you splutter. "A—what now, love ?" "A clear, good conscience." "About what, if I may inquire." "Helping a person in need ?" Owl looks at you with both pity and amusement. "Oh, love. A <i>good and clear</i> conscience. For helping a dead man ?" "His family." There is a cruel glint in <<= $owlhis>> smile and and a edge in <<= $owlhis>> eyes, like a serated knife. "Love, you want me to have a good and clear conscience after looking at what is probably the last moment of someone's life ?" Owl indicates the pair of glasses on your lap. You freeze. "You didn't think, of that, did you?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> looks at you smuggly, not departing from the cruel edge of <<= $owlhis>> smile. Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

"A kiss !" you splutter. Owl freezes mid-count and looks at you as if you grew horn on your forehead. "I beg you pardon ?" <span id="owlsdealpropositionakiss" class="red"><<cycle "_owlsdealpropositionakiss" autoselect>> <<option "a french kiss">> <<option "a—a kiss">> <<option "a thank you kiss">> <<option "a kiss on the cheek">> <<option "you heard wrong">><</cycle>></span> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<if _owlsdealpropositionakiss eq "a french kiss">><<replace "#owlsdealpropositionakiss">>"A french kiss."<</replace>>"A french kiss, love. How bold." "Bold is my middle name." "And what is your first name?" "You moaning and panting "<i><span class="cap"><<= $name>></span></i>" of course." "Moaning. Me ? Out of a french kiss ?" "It will be the best french kiss ever." A cruelness which surprises you appears on <<= $owlhis>> lips. "You do realize, that kissing is done with <i>bare</i> lips, don't you, detective ?" You freeze. Look at the gloved hands. Think about what this entails. Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump once more. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlbooty +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<set $owlbooty +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _owlsdealpropositionakiss eq "a—a kiss">><<replace "#owlsdealpropositionakiss">>"A—a kiss ?"<</replace>>"A kiss ? You don't look so sure, love." "I—a—yes ?" "And more precicely. Do you mean : A kiss. As in lips touch skin ?" "Yes ?" No. You don't know. You want to flee right now, take the train home and hide under the sweet haven of your comforter. "You do realize, that by lips touch skin, there will be no piece of clothes, involved, don't you ?" You freeze. Look at the gloved hand. And the implications of it. Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump once more. And you glare at <<= $owlhim>> this time. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlshylove +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<set $owlshylove +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _owlsdealpropositionakiss eq "a thank you kiss">><<replace "#owlsdealpropositionakiss">>"A thank you kiss."<</replace>>"A thank you kiss." Parrots Owl. "And pray tell, what are the specificity of such a kiss ?" "Gratefulness." "A grateful kiss." "Parotting much ?" "It's to make you realize, love, the implication of it." "Which are ?" "Bare skin." You look at the gloved hand. "I can gratefully kiss you on your gloved hand, you know ?" "And I can refuse such a thing because, what will be the benefice of it, for me, love, hm ?" "Gratefulness ?" "No. I won't fall for that." "Oh." Owl sigh then claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump once more. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<set $owlfriend +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _owlsdealpropositionakiss eq "a kiss on the cheek">><<replace "#owlsdealpropositionakiss">>"A kiss on the cheek."<</replace>>"How sweet." You feel heat in your cheek. "How very sweet <i>and</i> cute." You avoid eye contact. "It's such a shame then, that I don't do sweet and cute." You startle and look at <<= $owlhim>>. Owl smiles a smile which is far too much on the edge of cruel amusement. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then takes one of <<= $owlhis>> sexy gloved hand and caresses <<= $owlhis>> cheek. "You do realize, love, that this is bare skin." You freeze. Think about what this means. And Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump once more. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlsoulmate+=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<set $owlsoulmate +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _owlsdealpropositionakiss eq "you heard wrong">><<replace "#owlsdealpropositionakiss">>"You heard wrong."<</replace>>"Did I, now ?" "Yes." "Then, pray tell, what did you want to say for it to sound like "a kiss" ?" You press your lips. "Nothing ?" "Well, I must have heard very wrong then." "Yes." "Because I was afraid I've heard a kiss. And kisses, as you may know, involves bare skin. I was so afraid I could have read you all, detective." You freeze. Think about what this implies. Then Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump once more. And you glare at <<= $owlhim>> this time. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlhatetolove +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<set $owlhatetolove +=1>><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <</linkreplace>>

"Me !" you splutter. "You, love ?" "Me, indeed, Owl." "And what does that entail, exactly ?" "I'm the best private detective you may have encountered." Owl smiles an amused smile. "You do realise, love, that I can literally read memories of anything ?" "Yes ? That's why I'm here." "Precisely. <i>You</i> are currently the one struggling for your case, right now, are you not ?" You're left speechless. Owl chuckles. "So, pray tell me, love. What would I earn from your skill as a detective ?" "A detective contact ?" Owl looks at you with a bored expression. "How about, no ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then sighs. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

"Mary's thanks !" you splutter. "Mary who ?" "Ethan Murphy's sister. Marylene Murphy ?" "And she will thank me ?" "Indirectly ?" "Love, just now, I will let you two full minutes for you to review your deal. On my part, I will be looking into what is probably the last memory of a person. On your part, I got... the <i>indirect</i> thank of Marylene Murphy." You gulp down. "Does it sound unbalanced yet to you, love ?" You nod. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> eyerolls. Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump once more. And you glare at <<= $owlhim>> this time. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

"A date !" you blurt. "I'm sorry ? A what now ?" "A date." "A date. As in you and me will be gladly seeing each other in a prepared setting and laugh cheerfully at each other's lame pun ?" "Kind of ?" Owl sighs. "What do I get myself into each and every time someone asks me to repair a copper owl." "Is it that bad ?" "It's scandalous, detective. What will the neightbours think ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> says, conspiratorily. Or more like <<= $owlhe>>'s gossiping with you. "That this is a nice date ?" Owl makes an eyeroll. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

"My thanks !" you blurt. "Your gratefullness." "Yes." "Will be my payment." "Yes ?" "I"m sorry, I will need a minute. Or two. I just can't believe my ears right now." Owl massages the bridge of <<= $owlhis>> nose. "So, to put it simply. This deals involve you and me. <i>I</i>, I will be looking into what must surely be the last memories of a person. Whilst <i>you</i>, my dear detective, will stand all pretty and gratefull on the sideline ?" Oh. Shit. This sounds bad. "Yes ? No ?" "You have to make a decision here." "No ?" Owl sighs. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

"Elias' thermos !" you blurt. "Elias's thermos ?" Owl squints <<= $owlhis>> eyes at you. "Yes. Elias's thermos." "Pray tell, how did you get your hands on this, love ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> somewhat looks amused. "He gave it to me ?" "Just like that ? You asked and he gave it to you ?" "Yes ?" "And what was in this thermos ?" seems like <<= $owlhe>> doesn't believe you. "Hm... honey, mint and thym. Lukewarm." "That does sound like something he would drink." Owl leans forward a little. "Now, love, I need you to show me the thermos, and most particularly, the bottom of it." You reach for you <<= $bag>> and look for the now famous thermos. Take it out. And show Owl the bottom of it. "Ah. Indeed. Such an intricately nettlesome-looking-rune must be his artwork." "Rune ?" "Yes, love. There is a rune." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> gestures at the thermos. You incline the thermos your way and look at the bottom of it. And indeed, there is a drawing in the shape of a circle with symbols in it. Haven't you been told it was a rune, you would have though it's just some random design made to look cool. Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hands. Making you jump once more. And you glare at <<= $owlhim>> this time. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

Your mind draws a blank. Maybe it was because it was so sudden. Or maybe you just don't know what kind of repayment the looking into a person's memory desserves. But the fact remains that you spoke no words at the end of Owl's count down. "Nothing, love ?" "Nothing." "I'm truly touched my hardwork is not even desserving a cookie." "Well... I don't really know what to say here ?" "At least, this is an honest answer." Owl rises <<= $owlhis>> chin thoughfully. "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>[[Very well, my lovely detective, I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A][$owlfriend +=1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15 && $owlhelp >=10>>I'm almost. <i>Almost</i>. Convinced to help you, love. So, we're going to play <<link "one more round of questions.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>><<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp <10>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

You straighten in your seat. Owl chuckles. "Well, I see you're very surprised of the answer. Were you, perhaps, expecting me to say no ?" A little ? You look around. Owl chuckles again. "Live those on the tray". <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> says, indicating the glasses, now seemingly bored. <<if hasVisited("opencase01.02A")>> <div class="you">And you</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Do just that.|case01 g&c owlHelpOk][$owlfriend +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Refuse. You don't trust Owl that much.|case01 g&c owlHelpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]</li></ul><</nobr>><<else>> <div class="you">And you</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Do just that.|case01 glass owlHelpOK][$owlfriend +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Refuse. You don't trust Owl that much.|case01 glass owlHelpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]</li><</if>>

You freeze for a second. Well, it did felt tense for some time now. You guess this don't come as a surprise. But still, you feel drained right now. You push on your arms to get to your feet and by the time you do so, Owl is already at the door. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then opens it, holds it, and shows you outside. "It was a displeasure to meet you, detective. I hope our paths wouldn't cross again. Have a safe trip back." You look at the door, then Owl and manage to get to your feet. You then drag your feet to the corridor and hear Owl closing the door behind you. You cross the shop to get outside to get air because you feel like choking here. You briefly meet Farid smile—which looks as stiff as you're feeling. <<if hasVisited("opencase01.02A")>><ul><li>[[And you stumble outside.|case01 g&c owlHelpNot]]</li></ul><<else>><ul><li>[[And you stumble outside.|case01 glass owlHelpNot]]</li></ul><</if>>

<<set $owlquestions +=1>>"What do you know about the Soul Bearer Butterfly ?" Owl squints at you then tilts <<= $owlhis>> head. "I beg your pardon ?" "Ethan went into the Drowned Forest because he was looking for a special kind of butterfly : The Soul Bearer." Owl's gaze goes from calculated to outright amused. "Is that what they told you it was called ?" "Yes." "Are we really talking about a vibrant blue butterfly which look magically hypnotizing ?" "Yes, this one." You don't like where this is going. "Then, the information you were given is incorrect. They are not named "Soul <i>Bearer</i>" but "Soul Lurer"." Your breath catches in your throat. <i>Lurer</i>. As when Ethan Murphy decided to leave the safety of the path for the deep dark drowned forest. "Lurer for what ?" "Those butterflies don't live off of pretty flowers." Owl's face takes a somber tone. "They live off of corpses. And in group. So they lure their prey to their nest. Generally, it's a pretty distance away, across bodies of water so the person following will tire and drown. And the butterflies will fest on it." Your blood turns cold. "Can they cooperate with other beings ?" "Yes, so long as they benefit of it. If this other being makes it so they can eat their share, they can surely figure out a way to do so." You think you'll become sick. But another question comes into your mind. Who can you believe ? Who told you the truth ? Anya or Owl ? You frown. "Well, anyway, love—" what does <<= $owlhe>> mean, <i>anyway</i> ? "—it's now my turn to ask a question." <<if $owlquestions == 1>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 2>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks2]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 3>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks3]]<</if>> <<notify>>You got a clue<</notify>>

"Should I know something about New Stval City ?" Owl looks around before <<= $owlhis>> eyes settle on you. "I'm sorry, love. Do I look like a tourist agency ?" "No ? But I'm not talking museum and such. I'm talking about the otherworldly." Owl sighs. "There is nothing much to say. It's like any city, really. Crowded, polluted, noisy." "Yes, but the otherwordly ?" "Otherwordlied as well." "What do you mean <i>as well</i> ?" "What do you think, love ? That this is the only city in the whole wide world where supernatural being resides in ?" Oh. This makes sense. "Wait, you mean to say <i>all</i> cities ? "<i>Most</i> cities." "The conditions being ?" "For residency ? Well, now, love. Do I look like I will spill the tea about that just because you're asking nicely ?" "Yes ?" "The correct answer is "No". I will not." "Too bad then." "Indeed. But because I trully didn't answer this question, you may try to askc [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

<<set $owlquestions +=1>>"What can you tell me about Anya ?" "Interrested detective ?" "Intrigued." "We worked together for while. I am not at liberty to speak much about her, but what I can say is... she is focused. Dead-set on her success. And you, my dear, are just a speck of dust on her shoulder she would gladly clean. With the flick of her wrist." "You mean to say I shoudl be careful around her ?" "Now, now, what did I mean to say exactly ? My memory is not that good." You sigh. "Anything else ?" "<<if hasVisited("case01 gOQ butterfly")>>Well, since she alreay lied to you about the Soul Lurer Butterfly, I would take with a grain of sand anything she will tell you." You frown. <<else>>"I dont know, do you have a more specific question ?" <br><</if>>\ "Who is she working for ?" "Now, love, why shoudl I tell you that ?" "Because I'm asking nicely ?" "Looking at your predicament, love, asking nicely is currently the only thing you can do. How I like the fact that I'm not you." So, <<= $owlhe>> does know that <<= $owlhe>> is infuriating. <<if $owlhelp >10>>"The only thing I can say is... she is working in tandem with Elias, Lukas and the group you've surely encountered." "An organization then ?" A mysterious smile joins the collection of Owl's different smile. <</if>>\ "Now that I have answered your question, it's my turn, isn't it ?" <<if $owlquestions == 1>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 2>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks2]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 3>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks3]]<</if>>

"What is your story with Elias ?" Owl chuckles. "Oh my. Have you asked <i>him</i> that ?" "No, because he snapped as soon as your name was in the conversation." "Of course he did." "Why though ?" "Because he and I now see eye to eye." "About ?" "Without specifics : on a different issue. He is on a conservative position whilst I am an advocated of change." "And does this divergence of point of view justify such... adversity ?" "Oh, quite so. I worked <i>with</i> them for some time. You can see now that, in their stead, you are standing in front of me. Because no one is willing to work with me about that." "I kind of see." You look at Owl. Carefully. "Are you not missing them, though ?" "Not really. We still have cordial relationships, with most of them at least." "You're still staying on your position to this day?" "Even more so than before." "I see." Owl takes a sip of <<= $owlhis>> tea. "Thank you for asking about my point of view, though, love." "Oh, I'm a investigator. I need fact and point of view to corroborate my view on things." "It's my turn to say : I see. Well, seeing as I haven't answered your question about Elias, you have a free pass to ask [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

<<set $owlquestions +=1>>"What can you tell me about <<= $sheppardlongname>> ?" "Ah. Our precious Detective Inspector Sheppard ?" Owl scoffs. Oh, this looks promising. "Yes ?" "<span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> really work oriented. Actually, I think <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> the most work-oriented <<= $sheppardgender>> I ever have had the displeasure of knowing." "But <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> part of the Sentinel, <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> not ?" "Fearing it might be a cover up ?" You nod. "No, Sheppard is indeed a real Sentinel's Detective Inspector. Though, <<= $sheppardhe>> work<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> mainly for—" Owl put a hand under <<= $owlhis>> chin thoughfully. "Oh, was I really going to speak about such a thing ?" "About ?" "Nothing, love. Nothing." "How very nice of you to tease me with the promesse of informations like that." "I know, right ? I'm surely the nicest <<= $owlgender>> you've ever had the pleasure of knowing." "Right." "This truly sounds like a vote of confidence in my ear." You eyeroll. "Now, that I have appeased your fear about the little nice detective, I guess it's my turn to ask a question." <<if $owlquestions == 1>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks1]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 2>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks2]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 3>>[[Owl asks...|case01 glassOwlAsks3]]<</if>>

"Are you and Cecil close ?" "You mean to say, <i>were</i>. And no, we were not." "Still, what can you tell me about them ?" "Cecil is a really academic person. They always have their head in their books." "So, what can they do inside the Drowned Forest ?" "They have extensive knowledge about fauna and flora—and more precisely, about the otherworldly ones." "So, they can recognize stuff and pin points their role and interaction in nature ?" "Indeed." <<if hasVisited("case01 gOQ butterfly")>>"But they still didn't correct Anya when she told me an incorrect name about the butterflies." You look suspiciously at Owl. "I know, right ? This trully is astounding, love. That they won't share what they know with you. I'm appaled." You blink. "Do they get something out of this ?"<<else>>You blink. "Do they get something out of helping the others ?"<</if>> "Like each and everyone of them. Do you think they are volunteer ? For a greater cause ?" Yes. "No?" Owl's smile stretches. "I will tell you something, love. Listen closely." You don't have much hope, but still, you lean forward. "Nobody, and I say it, <i>nobody</i> in this group has a noble soul. For the exception of sweet Lukas Whittaker. And—" <<= $owlhe>> points to you. "—you are way more noble than them as well, love." "In what capacity ?" "Selflessness. Or the harsh decision to put oneself on the shelf for the dedication of one's work." Well, this sounds like you alright. "But?" "But, meeting a noble soul doesn't make me one. I am not noble either." Well, you figured that already. Owl chuckles. "It appears you've already noticed that." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> takes a sip of tea. '"Well, since I have answered your question, it's now my turn to ask one. Or, no. Actually, I feel generous. This one is for free. You can ask [[another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

"Hm. Can you please not ? It's putting me ill at ease and besides... I didn't agree to this." Owl chuckles. "Fair enough, love. But, I know your circumstances. Fear not, my reading shall only go as far as concerned as your beliefs to this case. I don't really want to know who stole your four o'clock collation back in kindergarden." "And. How would I know if you're telling the truth ?" "You won't. But you'll have to put some trust into me. Isn't this unfair deal already resting on small hope ? The one where I do read the glasses and do tell you the truth about it ?" "I guess so but—" Owl raises a finger. "But it's non-nogociable on my part, love." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> crosses <<= $owlhis>> hands unfer <<= $owlhis>> chin and sighs. "I need to know who I'm dealing with and how much I can... reveal." You bite your lips. "Why not ask me ?" Owl—who was deep in though it seems—startles a little. "I apologize, I wasn't paying attention." "Why didn't you outright ask for a reading as soon as I stepped in." "Well, I was under no obligation to make you understand, right now, that you would be subjected to one." "And I have to be glad about the fact that you did ?" "Surely, yes, love." Owl purrs. You grunt. "You know, love. Let's proceed to the finish act of this play." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> indicated the glasses in their evidence bag, resting on your lap. "Either you agree to this part of the reading and I shall be more incline to read those glasses. Or you decide this is too much." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then indicates the door. "And you can leave, but there will be no reading." A roguish smile plays on <<= $owlhis>> lips. "This is your choice to make, love." What a choice. You choose to <span class="red" id="gOA3nicedealchoice"><<cycle "_gOA3nicedealchoice" autoselect>> <<option "accept">> <<option "refuse">><</cycle>>.</span> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<if _gOA3nicedealchoice eq "accept">><<replace "#gOA3nicedealchoice">>accept.<</replace>>You need this reading to take place. And you're ready to make small sacrifices for that. Owl observes you in silence for a while. "Well, this seals this then. Now, let's see. <<if $owlhelp >=15>>For my part, love,[[ I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15>>For my part, love,[[I'm not interrested in helping you. This is such a shame, isn't ?|case01 glassOwl dealNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _gOA3nicedealchoice eq "refuse">><<replace "#gOA3nicedealchoice">>refuse<</replace>>You don't have to put yourself in such a spot in the first place. "That's too bad, detective. Then I guess [[there will be no reading.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]"<<else>><</if>>\ <</linkreplace>>

You're just flabbergasted. Stuck to you seat and looking at Owl. "Speechless much, detective ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> just smiles at you with a smile full of sugar and poison. <<if $owlreading == 1>>Even the candies you ate were less sweet than this smile. But certainly were more edible.<</if>> And you just stay silent because— Because... What can you say in this situation ? Owl tilts <<= $owlhis>> head on the side. "My, my. Worry not as much as you're doing. I'm not interested into knowing who stole your o'clock collation back in kindergarden, detective." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> rises an amused brow. "I'm simply interested in your motivation—not the one you've spoken, but the one you though about. I, after all, need to know who I'm dealing with and how much I can... reveal." You're not convinced yet and just stare at <<= $owlhim>> with a tired expression. "I'm not someone into pity, detective." You guessed as much and just sigh. "You still have a choice. Either you agree with the terms and I'll see if I do indeed read the memories of those—" <<= $owlhe>> indicates the glasses. "—or you can refuse and I will gladly lead you to the door. There will, of course, be no readings." What a choice. Amazing; c You choose to <span class="red" id="gOA3nicedealchoice"><<cycle "_gOA3nicedealchoice" autoselect>> <<option "accept">> <<option "refuse">><</cycle>>.</span> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<if _gOA3nicedealchoice eq "accept">><<replace "#gOA3nicedealchoice">>accept.<</replace>>You need this reading to take place. And you're ready to make small sacrifices for that. Owl observes you in silence for a while. "Well, this seals this then. Now, let's see. <<if $owlhelp >=15>>For my part, love,[[ I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15>>For my part, love, [[I'm not interrested in helping you. This is such a shame, isn't ?|case01 glassOwl dealNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _gOA3nicedealchoice eq "refuse">><<replace "#gOA3nicedealchoice">>refuse<</replace>>You don't have to put yourself in such a spot in the first place. "That's too bad, detective. Then I guess [[there will be no reading.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]"<<else>><</if>>\ <</linkreplace>>

"You will read me and so what ? You will learn that Florian stole my snack when I was in kindergarden <<if $owlbooty >=1>>or what colors are my undergarments<</if>> ?" Owl's teal eyes take a colder shine. "I do not absolutely have no care in the world for <<if $owlbooty >=1 >>those facts<<else>>this fact<</if>>." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> enunciates the world with outspoken distaste. "What I care to know about is what you felt as you were asking me to read those—" <<= $owlhe>> indicates the glasses on your lap. "Who took your snack can be a president that I will still not care for it." "Even if it's the king ?" Owl deadpans before making a eyeroll. "Even in this case." "But that can be gossip material, you know ?" Owl sighs then pretend to think. "Oh, hello, do you know I know a detective whose snack was stollen by the king back in kindergarden ?" "It sounds atrocious." "Doesn't it ?" You deflates a little. "Anyway—" says Owl as if you weren't discussing about <<= $owlhim>> literlly reading your life—or that's what you were told. "—you still have the choice here. Either you accept and we will see how this turns out, or you can refuse. If you refuse there will, of course, be no reading on my part." What a choice. You choose to <span class="red" id="gOA3nicedealchoice"><<cycle "_gOA3nicedealchoice" autoselect>> <<option "accept">> <<option "refuse">><</cycle>>.</span> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<if _gOA3nicedealchoice eq "accept">><<replace "#gOA3nicedealchoice">>accept.<</replace>>You need this reading to take place. And you're ready to make small sacrifices for that. Owl observes you in silence for a while. "Well, this seals this then. Now, let's see. <<if $owlhelp >=15>>For my part, love, [[ I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15>>For my part, love,[[I'm not interrested in helping you. This is such a shame, isn't ?|case01 glassOwl dealNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"<<else>><</if>>\ <<if _gOA3nicedealchoice eq "refuse">><<replace "#gOA3nicedealchoice">>refuse<</replace>>You don't have to put yourself in such a spot in the first place. "That's too bad, detective. Then I guess [[there will be no reading.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]"<<else>><</if>>\ <</linkreplace>>

You decide to throw hands, of course. You push on your seat to rise up as fast as you can— Only to fall back suddendly. The plush of the confortable seat you were on cushions your fall. As you try to understand what happens, you blink and meet unmovable teal eyes, which bore into your soul. The black pupils shining an electrifying russet. The atmosphere feels crushing as Owl stares at you, a gloved hand on either part of your seat, trapping you here. "I apologize for the rough treatment, detective." the voice sounds cold. Slicing. "I just dislike it when people comes to here to ask for help and demand so much of me—" a predatory tilt of the head "—and yet refuses to give even the slightest thing. Or, even better. Try to resort to violence to get their way." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then chuckles to that. "Ah, I do know that right now, I'm not really one to talk." Owl takes a step back from your seat. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> eyes not leaving you even for the shortest of second. "Love, I know your circumstances. I'm not going to pry into your life to the point of knowing who may have stolen your four'o clock snack when you were in kindergarden. This, this is none of my business. What I will look for—" <<= $owlhe>> says as <<= $owlhe>> <<nobr>> <<if $owlreading == 5>>smooth a feathered gloved finger over the rim of the teacup<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 4>>smooth a feathered gloved finger over the rim of the coffee cup<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 3>>smooth a feathered gloved finger over the rim of the flute of champagne<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 2>>smooth a feathered gloved finger over the rim of the glass of water<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 1>>smooth a feathered gloved finger over the rim of the plate where lies the pile of candies wrapping you ate<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 0>>smooth a feathered gloved finger over the armrest of your seat<</if>><</nobr>> "—is wheter or not what you've told me all along is true or not. This, this is my business. And I loath whoever resorts to lying to me to get me reading something—" at that <<= $owlhe>> raises <<= $owlhis>> other hand, showing you the evidence bag in which are the glasses. You look at your lap and confirm the fact that indeed, those are Murphys', then back at Owl "—if their motives is not up to par." "<<if $owlhelp >=15>>Still, I will overlook those last two minute.[[ I will help you.|case01 glassOwl helpOk A]]<<else>><</if>><<if $owlhelp < 15>>[[I'm not interrested in helping you, detective.|case01 glassOwl helpNot][$owlfoe +=1]]<</if>>"

You startle and turn around. "I'm a truly sorry to have surprised you <<= $mx>>." says a very commercial-friendly smile. "I am Farid. Are you looking for something special ?". You're not, but right now you want to ask Farid who is his dentist, because he has a twenty-four karats smile. It's so bright it can be used a lighthouse fot the ships at night. "Hum. I'm wondering if it's possible to repair my owl earpiece. It was given by my great-grandfather and one of its ruby eye has fallen." Stupid passcode. Farid commercial smile looses a little bit of suppleness and he becomes a little bit tense. You would even accuse him of staring at you like you were an oddity if only he wasn't so professionally stiff. He then stand upright—if it's possible. "I will go and call Owl. For now, can I ask you to please follow me ?" Farid doesn't wait for you as he turns around toward the back of the shop and start walking. Slowly, for you to catch up. You then pass by the workshop and steal a glance inside, only to be met with the strange impression of being watched. But there is no one else inside the room beside the tufft of platinum blond hair. You're loosing the visual of the workshop as you're lead into a little corridor with four doors : the one of the left where you can read "workshop", and on the same wall on the far side "Staff Only", then on the right side "Office". The other door is the exit at the end of the corridor, as per the green sign says. Farid leads you to the office and sits you on a plush emerald couch. The room has a homely feeling in it. It's partitionned by a heavy reinforced door with a digicode with the real "office" placated on it. You surmize you're in the waiting room. You just have the time to admire the bookcase with only jewelery-oriented book when you hear Farid coming back with a tray. On it there is... is that champagne ? Yes, a glass of champagne, a cup of coffee and a glass of water with lemon. And then there is a plate of candy. He sets this down on the coffee table facing you. And then he freezes. "My apologize, I didn't ask you if you'd prefer coffee or tea." You would think he did that on purpose where it not for how nervous he was. And then you understand. The poor boy—because he looks no older than 22—is terrified. You don't have time to figure out the why of that before he straighten up. "Owl will be coming shortly. Don't hesitate to ring the bell—" he indicates the one the table "—if you need anything." Then before you have time to answer anything or whatnot, Farid and his bright smile are gone. And thus you <<linkreplace "wait." t8n>>wait. And <<linkreplace "wait again." t8n>> wait again. And <<linkreplace "wait a little more." t8n>>wait a little more. <<timed 2s>>And— you feel it again. The soul searching stare. You look up to the feeling and meet the eye of the most beautiful <<nobr>><ul><li>[[man...|case01 g&c 3][$owlgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[woman...|case01 g&c 3][$owlgenre to "f"]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <</timed>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> <br> <br> <br>

<<nobr>><<if $owlgenre eq "m">> <<set $owlhe to "he">> <<set $owlhim to "him">> <<set $owlhis to "his">> <<set $owlhiss to "his">> <<set $owlhimself to "himself">> <<set $owlgender to "man">> <<set $owltwin to "brother">> <<else>><</if>><<if $owlgenre eq "f">> <<set $owlhe to "she">> <<set $owlhim to "her">> <<set $owlhis to "her">> <<set $owlhiss to "hers">> <<set $owlhimself to "herself">> <<set $owlgender to "woman">> <<set $owltwin to "sister">> <</if>><</nobr>>You look up to the feeling and meet the eye of the most beautiful <<= $owlgender>> you've ever seen. And you understand the comparision some make to greek god<<if $owlgenre eq "f">>dess<</if>>. You feel as you felt in front of the butterfly—the Soul Bearer. A beauty so soul-inspiring it engraves itself not only in your eyes, but in your heart and every cell of your body. A beauty so perfect it can be felt with all your senses. It touches your consciouness as a dream would and would whisper words forgotten once the morning comes. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span>'s sensuality and grace made flesh, probably blessed by Aphrodite herself. You must have been gawking, because the <<= $owlgender>> in front of you sports a satisfied smile bordering on arrogance—perfectly conscious of the effet <<= $owlhe>> makes on people. "Hello <<= $mx>>." speaks a sensual voice which feels like a feather on your skin—or the whisper of a lover in your ear, on your neck. "I was told you had an owl for me?" You gulp some air and clear your throat. "I do. It's a owl my great-grandfather gave me. One of its ruby eye has gone missing." "Well then, it sure is something I should look into." Velvet-voice closes the door behind <<= $owlhim>> and strides smoothly inside the room. "You surely must have guessed that I'm <span class="red"><<linkappend "Owl">><<notify>>Character's list updated<</notify>><</linkappend>></span>. What about you ?" Of course, <<= $owlhe>>'ll need your name for when you'll pass out because you don't think you will survive listening to //this// voice and seeing //this// face for long. "I'm <span class="cap"><<= $name>></span>." "<span class="cap"><<= $name>></span> then. I'm delighted to meet you, love. Please remain seated, I will make some tea." <s>Sensual voice</s> Owl then turns <<= $owlhis>> back on you to switch on a kettle. And you take this time to get back into your body and remember the [[warning Anya gave you.|case01 g&c 4]] <br><<set $owlmeet to true>> <br> <br>

<h1>Earlier</h1> "If William is so against you meeting Owl is for reasons. They are kind of valid in a way, but right now we need to find the truth about the Murphy case." Anya smile is tight. You are all sitting inside the ranger's office. <<= $sheppardlongname>> had the key to the place, which allowed you to all gather into a comfy place and drink tea whilst you speak of missing persons. You take your cup of tea and sip the warmth into your tired bone. "What are those reasons ?" Elias grumbles. "<span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> is an asshole, do you need a more valid reason ?" "We don't see eye to eye on certain points and they can even differs a lot on other subjects. And this makes Owl, sometimes—" "—often you mean." "—sometimes, not cooperative. We can cross path almost as opposite." Well, at least Cecil have the patience to explain you. "So you mean, you are enemy on certain points ?" "You can say that." "Then, what makes you think <<= $owlhe>> will help me ?" "Nothing, that's what I'm trying to say since the beginning." "Oh, please, can you remain silent and brooding in your corner whilst we're trying to explain some things to <span class="cap"><<= $surname>></span> ?" Well, if you didn't know any better, you would think Anya is getting angry. "As I was saying before all this, if we're sending you to Owl, it's because <<= $owlhe>> can read the memories of an object. And here you have the lovely pair of glasses which belonged to Ethan Murphy. This can give you a clear view—no pun intended—on what may have transpired during his wandering in the woods. As well as his whereabouts, of course." Anya chews a little at her nail. You sip your tea again as you listen. "But ?" Cecil lean against a wall, arms crossed. Nearby, <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> busy studying to coordinate you gave <<= $sheppardhim>> and reporting them on a map map—surely for when <<= $sheppardhe>> will return in the forest. "But, this reading ability is not contained to object only. It applies to everything : people included." "Which means... <<= $owlhe>> would be able to read me ?" "Yes." "Hence the notice we're giving you. And listen carefully : <b>Don't you ever, under any pretext, touch <<= $owlhis>> bare skin. You, or anything that you possess.</b> That's how <<= $owlhe>>'s able to read things. By touching them. If <<= $owlhe>> has <<= $owlhis>> gloves on, it's fine. But if <<= $owlhe>> removes them and tries to touch you... don't." "This includes shaking hands of course. Unless you'd like <<= $owlhim>> to read you. Though, to be honest, we don't really know //what// exacty <<= $owlhe>>'s able to read. It may be more than <<= $owlhe>>'s letting on. Hence the warning we're giving you right now." "But, why //me// ?" One of them can certainly go in your stead and all this warning and precautions would be useless and less of a loss of time. Beside, even though Elias seems to really really really have a teeth against Owl, the others talk as if it wasn't that big of a deal. "Well, let's say you're a neutral party in all this. And this might help." "I rather feel like a lamb for the slaughter right now, if I'm being honest." Cecil sigh. "I'll be honest. You're novelty. This is the reason why. I'm sure Owl is tired of seeing our face, but you, you might offer <<= $owlhim>> a reprieve, a breath of fresh air. And this might incite <<= $owlhim>> enough to help us with this case." //Us//. Uh. Interesting. "I have one more question." "We are all ears." "What is <<= $owlhe>> ?" There is a moment of collective silent. You take a sip of your tea whilst watching them. Cecil stutters. "Well... to be honest—" "We don't know—" "—it's confidential." Anya and <<= $sheppardlongname>> look at each other. "What do you mean confidential, you know ?" grumbles Elias whilst staring daggers at <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "I have read <<= $owlhis>> file, yes." "And you won't tell us ?" "No. I can't and I won't." Lukas looks left and right before his eyes settles on you. "<span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span>'s a kind of mutant." He smiles a cheerful smile. Well, this one here is all bright and warm and it's enrearing. Elias frowns deepen. "And how do you know that ?" "<span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> told me ?" "Owl ?" "Yes ?" "Owl willingly shared information about <<= $owlhimself>> to you ?" "Yes ?" Elias sighs. Cecil grin "Who would be able to resist our sweet Lukas?" Lukas smiles brighten tenfold, and you didn't know it was possible that so bright a smile could exist. <<if $copper eq false>>Anya comes back inside—you didn't notice her leaving—and settles next to you. She gives you a little box, the size of your palm. "This is a copper owl. It's part of the password to have a meeting with Owl." You look at the box then at Anya. "Password ?"<<else>>Anya looks at you. "If you have something made of copper, you should bring it with you. It's just a cover. But there is a password." "A password ?" <</if>>\ <br> 'Yes. The password is that you need Owl to repair your copper owl earing—" "—which was given by your great-grand father and—" "—who's missing one of it's ruby eye." "It's long but, it's to be sure it's not said by accident by a client." Then you discussed all about what you were to do. You will go to Owl for the reading. <<= $sheppardlongname>> on <<= $sheppardhis>> part will go once more inside the forest. The ranger is not here yet, but you'll reconvene here to discuss all of your finding. There was an inkling Lukas would do some reading with the help of both Elias and Anya. And as for Cecil ? They will try to reach some of their contract to learn more about the hikers in the area and if strange accidents may have happened. Once the plan discussed, you left for The Copper Owl. [[...|case01 g&c 5]] <br> <br> <br>

You blink and you're back in the room with Owl. Your eyes settles on the <<= $owlgender>>. The tea is ready and <<= $owlhe>> deposit it on the table. One cup for you, on the tray, one in front of <<= $owlhim>>. "It's only just in case you want a sip, love." The sultry voice caress you ears. Then Owl sits on the couch opposite yours. You then take the chance to look—not be awestruck this time. Owl's about <<if settings.imperial eq false>>1.79 meter<<else>>5.9 feet<</if>> tall. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> has platinum blond and wavy hair<<if $owlgenre eq "m">> in a curtain hairstyle parted in the middle<<else>><</if>><<if $owlgenre eq "f">> in a plunging square cut reaching her chin<</if>>. They look to be taken care of only by specialised hairdresser and only touched by quality product and fabric. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span>'s wearing a cream-colored three piece suit of a simple design—the kind of simple which looks expensive. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> silken necktie is a tone on tone of lustrous and matt copper pattern which plays with the light. You're admiring <<= $owlhis>> flawless skin when you notice it. A worrysome scar on <<= $owlhis>> neck: like someone has tried to slit it from one ear to another. You blanched a little upon seeing this. //It must have been a deep cut to let such a clear and permanent mark.// Intense verdigris—or is it teal ?—eyes watches you with a feline and rapt attention. Oh, wait. That's your cue to stop staring. You clear your throat and settles more confortably in the coach. Owl doesn't mention your staring and brushes it aside. "I surmise this is about the missing hiker." <<= $owlhe>> sips <<= $owlhis>> tea, <<= $owlhis>> eyes never leaving your face. Oh. "Yes." Owl's smirk widden. "This is the only recent fact which happened and need a look into. How is everyone ?" <i>Hello ? I'm the detective here. Please, respect my deductive talent and keep yours in check.</i> Beside, you're the one wanting to ask questions here. "They are fine ? But what is this about ?" Owl raises an eyebrow—the feline look and the smirk not leaving <<= $owlhis>> face. And you very much feel like a mouse right now. Or remember, the lamb to the slaughter. Or the novelty. Pick your poison. "I'm just making polite conversation right now. I'm giving you time to prepare your interrogation and settle yourself, love." How nice. But <<= $owlhe>>'s right. You would be lying if you said you weren't a little nervous right now. Because since <<= $owlhe>> has closed the door, you haven't heard a single sound from outside. Which mean this room is soundproof—and by the amount of padding you saw on the door, you're convinced it's good soundproof. And you vividly remember Lukas when he said "mutant". <div class="you">You clear your throat. And</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[take a sip of tea.|case01 g&c 6][$owlreading +=5]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[take a sip of coffee.|case01 g&c 6][$owlreading +=4]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[the champagne is mine!|case01 g&c 6][$owlreading +=3]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[take some water.|case01 g&c 6][$owlreading +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[take some candies.|case01 g&c 6][$owlreading +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[don't take anything.|case01 g&c 6]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

<<if $owlreading == 5>>You take a sip of tea. You notice the cup which is of fine porcelain. The cup is stark white and the only decoration is border which is covered in gold. Same thing for the saucer. The tea is an absolute bliss as it flows in your body and warms you from the inside out. You almost sigh in satisfaction. <</if>>\ <<if $owlreading == 4>>You take a sip of coffee. You notice the cup which is of a modern design, made of both glass and metal. The metal handle though is made as such as not to burn you when you hold it. Neat. The coffee taste like heaven as it flows in your body and warms you from the inside out. You almost sigh in satisfaction. <</if>>\ <<if $owlreading == 3>>You go for the champagne. Champagne ! Free Champagne ! There is no way you'd say no to that. Besides, you deserve this. You take a sip and oh. The bubbles. This taste like heaven and makes your body tingles with pleasure. You almost sigh in satisfaction. <</if>>\ <<if $owlreading == 2>>You take the glass of water and drink a little of it. It taste clear and fresh and the lemon brings it a note of warmth ? The glass though feels fragile in your hand. You feel rehydrated a little. And you notice there is a whole picther of water. <</if>>\ <<if $owlreading == 1>>You take a candy of your favourite flavour and unwraps it. You then pop it into your mouth and oh— This. This is bliss. You feel rejuvenated. And you almost sigh with pleasure. <</if>>\ <<if $owlreading == 0>>You do'nt take anything. Because you shouldn't touch anything. And of this looks like a sweet trap. <</if>>\ "Well, now that we all are feeling better, tell me love : What is it that you want me to read ?" Oh. Right. You take out the pair of glasses from your <<= $bag>>. Owl peers at you from the rim of <<= $owlhis>> cup as <<= $owlhe>>'s drinking <<= $owlhis>> tea. You take them out and consider putting them on the table then think the wiser and settles them on your lap. "Glasses. Ethan Murphy's?" "Yes." "And pray tell, where did you find them ?" the feline attention is seizing you up. <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Yes.|case01 g&c 7A][$owlhelp +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[No. You refuse to say.|case01 g&c 7B][$owlhelp -=5]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

"In the Drowned Forest." Owl is silent for a moment. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> swirls <<= $owlhis>> tea for a while. "Let me ask you something, love." You nod. "Why do you want to help Ethan Murphy ? Or let me rephrase that. By founding Ethan Murphy, who do you want to help ? Him ? His family ?" <<= $owlhe>> inclines <<= $owlhis>> head on the side. "Or you ?" <div class="you">You want to help</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Him.|case01 g&c 8A2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[His family.|case01 g&c 8A3][$owlhelp +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Yourself.|case01 g&c 8A1]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

"It doesn't matter." "How so ?" "Where I found them?" Owl watches you with an amused smile but... it's unnerving you. "I'm the one who is about to read it and I'm not allowed to know where they were all this time ?" Oh. Well. <<nobr>> <ul><li>[[You tell the truth.|case01 g&c foeYes]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You refuse to tell.|case01 g&c foeNot][$owlhelp -=10; $friendly -=1]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

Owl sips <<= $owlhis>> tea. "Interesting. Then answer this question for me, love. I need you to entertain the idea that Ethan Murphy has died a painful death. Will you tell his family, however harsh and hurtful is might be ? or rather lie about it ?" This very much look like an interrogation <div class="you">What will you do ?</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Tell them the truth.|case 01 g&c 8A2A][$owlhelp +=3]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Hide the truth.|case01 g&c 8A2B][$owlhelo -=3]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Neither : you'll turn the truth down.|case01 g&c 8A2C][$owlhelp -=1]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

Owl sips <<= $owlhis>> tea. "Interesting. I appreciate your honesty." There is a hint of something in <<= $owlhis>> reply you can't really place. Like it has a hidden meaning. "Answer this question for me, love. What if you put yourself in danger by pursuing the truth ? And when I mean danger, I mean danger in all form. It can be a danger for your reality as well. Will you continue to investigate this case ?" This very much look like an interrogation. <div class="you">What will you do if you meet danger?</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[You will continue.|case 01 g&c 8A3A][$owlhelp +=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You will stop.|case01 g&c 8A3B][$owlhelo -=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You don't know.|case01 g&c 8A3C]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

Owl sips <<= $owlhis>> tea. "You find me curious. How do you think that would help him. Do you think he's still alive ?" This very much look like an interrogation. <div class="you">Do you think Ethan Murphy is still alive ?</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Yes.|case 01 g&c 8Aa][$owlhelp -=2]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[No.|case01 g&c 8Ab]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

"I'd rather tell them the truth. However harsh it can be. They will need it for closure. You can't get any if you still have questions." Owl looks pensive of a heartbeat before <<= $owlhis>> eyes settles on you and sizes you up. "We both agree on something then. This is rather encouraging." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then smiles you a smile—the kind that can turn a person from prude to lustful. "Your turn, love. Ask me question." Oh. You've said a lot of '//Oh//' today. But it's all unexpected. But well, since <<= $owlhe>>'s okay with you asking your questions, finally, you're not going to give up on that. <<link "...">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>

<<if $emotional >= 50>>"I—I don't really know"<<else>>"I don't really know."<</if>> A flash of understanding—if you can read <<= $owlhim>> right—appears on Owl's face for a blink. "Well, I can't really blame you for that, can I ? I suppose it's because you lack informations to form a judgement." Well, yes. You do lack those. Which is why you're here. "So, ask your questions, love." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> leans back on his seat. ANd consideres you carefully. <<link "And you ? You have questions and so you ask them.">><<goto "case01 glassOwlQuestions">><</link>>c

<<set $owlromance to [($owlbooty)+($owllove)+($owlhatetolove)]>>"What can you tell me about Lukas ?" At the mention of the boy, warmth appears in the depth of <<= $owlhis>> eyes—albeit for a short second. "Lukas, hm ?" Owl is pensive for some time. Maybe pondering what <<= $owlhe>> might reveal you about the boy. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then looks at you with mischief. "Let me ask you something, love. Do you think Lukas is human ?" You catch your breath. Do you ? That sweet boy ? "<span id="caseonegoqlukas" class="red"><<cycle "_caseonegoqlukas" autoselect>> <<option "yes">> <<option "no">><</cycle>></span>". <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <<if _caseonegoqlukas eq "yes">><<replace "#caseonegoqlukas">>Yes<</replace>><<if $observation >= 50>>There was simply no way this boy was something other than a human.<<else>>You would have felt, it, wouldn't you ? If he wasn't a human. <<if hasVisited("case01 flutterA3")>>Just like you felt <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> not human.<</if>><</if>> Owl laughs slowly. "I was just curious to see what you would answer. But you're right, delightful Lukas is, indeed, very much human." <<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonegoqlukas eq "no">><<replace "#caseonegoqlukas">>No<</replace>>If he was there, it means that he has a role to play in all of this. And you can't simply not see what a human teenager would be able to do in a lost person's case. Unless he was a hacker. But what was a hacker doing in an empty car park in the middle of nowhere instead of being in front of a computer ? this makes no sens, hence Lukas is not human. Owl laughs slowly. "I was just curious to see what you would answer. I could almost here you think, love, as you went about wild theories." You shudder at that, because you don't really know if this is a joke or a fact. "No, our delighful little Lukas is indeed, very much human, my dear."<</if>>\ Owl crosses <<= $owlhis>> long fingers. "Lukas has a much more important role to play in all of this than what you might believe." You make a long face, to which Owl answers with a faux-sweet smirk. "And ? What is his role ?" you ask, because you've know Metflix suspens trailer and wait lasting less than that. "Hm ? What is his role, I wonder." The rascal then just pretends to think and you're liking this person less and less. At least, Elias told you he didn't want to divulge more. This, this is just someone looking proud of <<= $owlhimself>> to keep you on your toes. "Oh, don't make such a contrite face, love. You'll almost pain me." <<if $owlromance == 1>>Owl leans forward with a lopsided grin. And whisper which gives you goosebum—the good ones. "Besides, love, I quite enjoy seeing you—" <<= $owlhis>> eyes trace your face "—dancing on your toes." Oh. Does that mean <<= $owlhe>> likes you ? Or not ? Will <<= $owlhe>> say more ? What are you supposed to do with this information ? <</if>>\ <<if $owlromance == 0>>Owl leans forward. And whisper "Besides, love, I quite enjoy seeing you—" <<= $owlhe>> tilt <<= $owlhis>> head like big cat would "—on your toes. I'm curious to see where you're going like that." A amused ravenous lopsided grin is on <<= $owlhis>> lips. Oh. This is not supposed to make you feel at ease, is it ? This is supposed to make you gulp down some air and salive and run the fuck away, isn't it ? <</if>>\ "Now, now. The game is funnier this way." Which way, the irritated one ? "The more the merrier ?" you deadpan. "Exactly. See ? You have the spirit, love." Barely. "Houra. I would say." "You do that." "But back to Lukas." "Back to whom ?" You sigh. "Alright. I understand. I should ask another question, right ?" Owl taps <<= $owlhis>> chin. "I am just going to say that but... you will <b>see</b> more clearly afterwards." See ? <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> insisted on this word right now. Is this really the only clue <<= $owlhe>> can give you ? "Alright. Then I got to ask the next question because you didn't really answer this one." "By all means, love. [[Ask you question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]" <</linkreplace>>

<<set $owlfriend +=1>><<set $owlhelp +=1>>"Are you the owner of The Copper Owl?" you inquire as you look around. Everything is so tidy and kept in order. You can feel that the owner must be really carring about this place. Owl looks a little taken aback by your question. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then frowns slightly. "Why ? Are you planning to set the whole place on fire if I don't answer your questions ?" "No ? I'm just curious." But <<= $owlhe>>'s giving you ideas now. Owl's frown deepen. "I'm seeing the cogs in your head have turned into a funny direction right now, love. Please, stop." Oh, this is funny. "It's all very much so tidy—" "—and it will be such a shame that the whole place where to go aflame, I get it." "—that the person owning this place must love it very much." Your smile is big and bright with mirth. "That's what I was going to say." Owl pinches <<= $owlhis>> lips then smiles. "Indeed." "Indeed what, <<if $owlgender eq "man">>boy<<else>>woman<</if>> ? Use your words." You're freewheeling right now, aren't you ? Owl smiles grows a little bigger but <<= $owlhe>> does <<= $owlhis>> best to countain it. "Indeed, I am the owner." "How long have you owned the place ?" "It was an old antique shop once, before it went bankrupt. The last owner went under a judicial liquidation and all was seized to pay off her debt. Online antique shops with their attractive price got the better of her. This whole building was hers and was sold at an auction. I bought it for a very fair price. It took me a whole six month of work for it to turn as you're seeing it now. And you can count one year and a half since the shop is opened. So, I'm the owner since a short time, really." Owl looks almost fond as <<= $owlhe>>'s telling you about this. Seeing nothing to answer to that, you just nod. 'Well, enough talking about my sh—" "No, wait. What does the copper owl means ?" Owl looks at you as if you were a strange creature. "I beg your pardon ?" "It must have a meaning, right ?" "Must it ?" "Yes ?" "And why should I tell you ?" "Because I'm asking nicely ?" "I refuse to answer this question, love. But feel free to [[ask another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

You question Owl about Farid. "Is Farid on sail ?" Owl observes you like you've just cursed <<= $owlhim>> and <<= $owlhis>> descendants on at least ten generations. "I'm sorry, what ?" You clear your throat. "Is Farid on sail ? Because he has a twenty-four carrat smile ?" That sounded better in your head—and should have stayed in your head. Owl's lips twitches a little with countained hilarity. You know it's impossible not to laugh at that. "Very funny, love. And obviously, no." "Wasn't planning to buy <<if hasVisited("case01 gOQ shop")>>your<<else>>this place's<</if>> employee." "The real question here, love, is this one : Are you going to make his pay attractive enough to win him over ?" "If being poor and in the red is part of his project, I sure can." Owl actually does laugh at that. "My, my, love." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> wipes an imaginary tear. "I will not talk further about Farid." Owl claps <<= $owlhis>> hand. Well, guess this is your cue. "You have a free pass on this one, love. For having making me laugh. Congratulations. Now, you can try to [[ask another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

"Why do you call me love ?" Owl blinks, frowns, observes your face. Then <<= $owlhe>> tilts <<= $owlhis>> head on the side in a curious fashion. "Why not ?" Well, that's not the question. "Why do you call me love ?" "Because you're lovely, detective." You raise an eyebrow. There is no way this is the only reason. "And ?" Owl's smile grows bigger. "Fine, I yield. Because you're lovely, detective—" a smirk, almost condescending in its quality "—a lovely distraction." Well, there it is. The reason. "And this is non negociable." Sucks. Your life sucks. So. Much. "You call me as you wish, but don't go crying if I don't answer you." "Oh, how terrible it would be, for you, to miss a piece of capital information about one of your cases, then." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> dares to smile at you. You refrain any bark and bite you may have had then. "Well, I guess this doesn't really count as a question. You may [[ask another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

"We're treated as <<if $gender eq "man">>king<</if>><<if $gender eq "woman">>queen<</if>><<if $gender eq "person">>majesty<</if>> here." There is not much reaction on the part of Owl, as <<= $owlhe>> just eye the tray, then your face and wait for you to further explain. "I didn't expect to be served so many things." "It's because poor Farid was scared and forgot to ask for your preferences. So he pushed everything he could onto the tray and probably prayed one of those would suit your taste." You eye the tray. <i>Is that really all ?</i> "My, my, <<if $owlhelp <= 10>>detective<<else>>love<</if>>. Such mistrust. Those are not poisoned—" <<= $owlhe>> says, as <<= $owlhe>> takes a candy, unwraps it in a smooth move and pops it into <<= $owlhis>> mouth. "—see ?" Well, this is not what you feared. You sigh. "If you fear the tray, you are free to not touch it." You eye <<nobr>> <<if $owlreading == 5>>your tea.<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 4>>your coffee.<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 3>>your champagne.<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 2>>your water.<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 1>>your pile of candies wrapping.<</if>> <<if $owlreading == 0>>the glasses on your lap.<</if>><</nobr>> You frown. Owl eyes the clock hanged on one f the wall. "If you have no more questions about the trail, i recommand we continue where we left off. SInce this wasn't really a question, I guess it's your turn to [[ask another question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

"Do you have a history with copper ?" "Why ?" "I'm just curious." "Well, I'm not fond of people inquiring about little old me or my preferences." "I take it as a no to answer ?" "Indeed." "But you could just have said "no" to this question." you squint your eyes at <<= $owlhim>>. "I guess I could have." Since <<= $owlhe>> hasn't outward said no, you guess there is a little of something here. Besides, <<= $owlhe>> was far too much into the defensive. You guess there is something between copper and Owl. Does this have anything to do with some abilities ? You can't really believe you now think of people and their <i>abilites</i>. But you know this is now your life, for now at least. You haven't really tought about the future, yet. "Well, since this wasn't really a question, it's still my turn." "By all means, detective. Go ahead and [[ask your question.|case01 glassOwlQuestions]]"

<<set $owlquestions +=1>>"Have you heard of any disappearances in the area before Ethan Murphy ?" Owl—who was on the process of drinking <<= $owlhis>> tea—stops mid move. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> gaze is so sharp it's cutting you. "Disappearances, before Murphy's ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> looks pensive for a short second before <<= $owlhis>> piercing eyes find you again. "What makes you ask that ?" "Well, <<if $observation >= 50>>it's the logical explanation. The insensibility of people towards this case makes me believe this is not the first strange one in the area.<<else>>I have this gut feeling telling me to inquire a little more about what happened to Ethan Murphy.<</if>>" "And this <<if $observation >= 50>>logic<<else>>intuition<</if>> of yours tells you nothing else onto the case ?" "What do you mean ?" Owl watches you. "Have you been to the rangers' cabin ?" "I came here from the ranger's cabin." Owl nods. "Well, return there and ask them this question." So there was indeed something. It wasn't told directly, but you're still happy about the little help. "Alright." "Well, since I have answered your question, love—more or less at least. It's now my turn to ask you <<nobr>><<if $owlquestions == 1>>[[a question.|case01 glassOwlAsks1]]"<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 2>>[[a question.|case01 glassOwlAsks2]]"<<else>><</if>><<if $owlquestions == 3>>[[a question.|case01 glassOwlAsks3]]"<</if>><</nobr>>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "endDemo" loop play>><h1>End of the current update</h1> This is the end of the current game version. The game is still in developpement. The writer is doing her very best to write the rest of the game. You can save your progress here for now. <div class="red center"> <h2><<link '<span class="red lnr lnr-download"></span>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> | <<link '<span class="lnr lnr-enter"></span>'>> <<script>> Save.export("TheWardsEyes") <</script>> <</link>> </h2></div>

<div class="center nosidebar"><span class="focus-exp"> <p class="one"> <span class="case">Extra Stories</span></p> <span class="casename">[[Elias|extraEliasPov2]]</span></span></div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "extraEliasPov2">><</timed>><</silently>> <<set $opencase to "Elias">><<set $casepart to "Point of View">> <div class="pagebottom nosidebar"><span class="little">Text</span></div>

<div class="center"> <br> <br> <br> <span class="part nored">[[Point of view|extraEliasPov3]]</span> </div> <<silently>><<timed 300s>><<goto "extraOwlTwin3">><</timed>>[[extraEliasPov3]]<</silently>> <<script>> UIBar.hide(); <</script>>

<h1>Trigger Warning :</h1> <br>This extra story contains the following theme : tobacco/nicotine consumption, violent/vulagar language, gun and use of gun, suggestive content. <div class="you">You can still</div> <<nobr>><ul><li><<link 'return to the selection menu.'>><<script>> Engine.go(-3) <</script>><</link>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[Or continue.|extraEliasPov4]]</li></ul><</nobr>>

I sigh. Because there is no other appropriate reaction to do on a thursday night—or shall I call it early ? The other reactions would involved cursing and gestures, both of which are too energy-costly. I park the car and look at my watch with resignation. And the moon outside shines with a reddish hue. Who has decided that a red moon was the prefect time to be outside and doing all kinds of shady things, I don't know. But if given the opportunity, I would punch this person in the mouth. Twice. At least. I go out of the car and close the door loudly. As if showing my annoyance to the disturbingly calm forest would do me any good. I sigh what is proabably my thousands since the drive here. Because, who the fuck has decided that a dark creepy forest was the perfect place to be outside and doing all kinds of shady things, I don't know either. But if given the opportunity, I would kick this person in the stomach. Twice. At least as well. There is a lot of punching and kicking involved. This is proof of a troubled mind. I sigh yet again and [[take out a cigarette.|extraEliasPov5]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

Tobacco makes me nervous and fidgety. I still don't know why I try to calm my nerve. It's like trying to calm a jittery heart with coffein. But, each time I inhale deeply, I feel at ease. Maybe it's this lone second of peace that I enjoy. I'm leaning against my car and just enjoy this moment... which comes to an end as soon as my cigarette ends. I'm tented to light another one, but I must do what I came here to do. The fastest it's done, the fastest I will be home. And the fastest I will be home, the fastest I will be asleep. Which is a perspective I quite enjoy right now. I go to the car trunk and open it. I eye my pouch of ogham stave. I won't need it for now. My incence set ? I should take it. Nutshaker ? It's a yes. A pocket mirror ? Hm... probably. Candles, check. My thermos. This is where I put it. Packing last minute sucks. It'll probably make me feel good. I take it— —my eyes fall on the compass. Oh. This can be useful. Wait, the map ! I go to the passenger side door, remember the thermos. Put it on the root, opend my car's door and reach for the map. What was I supposed to do without that ? I eye the bundle of white sauge on the passenger seat. Think. Shrug. Return to the trunk. I have the Moon Water Anya gave me. I'm taking it [[and—|extraEliasPov6]] <br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

and—<<if hasVisited("case01.01 interludeResign")>>a twist. Inside his stomach. Pulling, twisting. Curling. His instinct tells him something is currently happening in the forest, and he should do something about it. <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01.01 interludeScream")>><</if>> <<if hasVisited("case01.01 interludeShot")>><</if>> *<br> <br> <br> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-left"></span>'>><<script>> Engine.go(-1) <</script>><</link>></span>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "bigCity" loop play>>The walk to your car feels more and more dreadful with each and every of your step. You could sleep yesterday night because your body was definitely dead tired. You could somehow breath this morning and this afternoon because you kept your mind busy with this and that and this theory-is-really-amazing. But now. Now there is only a long terrible wait. Elias texted you to let you know they will all rejoin tomorrow to discuss their finding. Because <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>had<</if>> had a last minute impediment. Lukas, Anya and Elias' search has been slower than anticipated. Cecil were the only person available but since no one else's was, they decided to keep looking into whatever they were looking for. So, you're going to receive no news for today. You pat your <<= $bag>>. You thought that letting the glasses to someone else was going to make you feel lighter, but it appears it's not the case. You still feel like Atlas—the weight of the world on your shouder. Owl told you to come back tomorrow afternoon, not giving you <<= $owlhis>> phone number or any phone number really, nor giving you a particular hour at which you could come. Another step. You try to keep yourself busy by counting. You're counting the planes of glass onto the low buildings, the red lights, the green lights—the time it takes between the two. The cars. Their colors. people. Animals. You're counting everything you can. The thought to let your rented car to your <<= $home>> then to come here with a taxi. But now you're glad you drove here. Somehow. The idea of being enclosed with another sentient being and being forced to interact with them would have made you snap, you're sure of it. You take out your phone at a pedestrian red light. <<if hasVisited("case01 homeSendingSMS")>>You notice that the message you've sent Ava still has no answer. Nor the ones which follow. Worst of all, you've been left on read. She could have had the decency to unread it to let you home she still hasn't opened the messages. Maybe, just maybe, you could check to the Sentinel Station.<<else>>You realize you've never sent a message to Ava. Still, sending a message and going directly to the Sentinel's Station is not the same. You can still try your luck physically staring them in the eye whislt asking them quesitons.<</if>> <div class="you">You decide to</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[go. One never knows.|case01 g&c sentinelGo]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[not go. She didn't answer for a reason.|case01 g&c sentinelNot]]</li></ul><</nobr>>

Your body freezes for a second. "I'm sorry ?" "I'm not interested in helping you, detective." "No, but, I accepted the deal !" "Yes, you did. But the answers you provided to my questions weren't pleasing enough to make you endearing. Why should I bother, then, hm ?" "To help with finding Ethan Murphy ? For his family waiting ?" "I'm not interested into helping a dead man as well, detective." "How can you be so sure he's dead ?" "The walls have ears, detective." You clench your teeth. You're feeling drained. And when you're thinking of convincing words to speak your case, Owl has already covered the distance to the door. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> holds the handle, <<= $owlhis>> back to you. "There is one thing I can tell you for sure though." Owl leans on the door. "There is two possible outcome for you if your pursue your investigation." You turn your head in <<= $owlhis>> direction. "Either you succeed in solving your case without involving yourself too much with a group of very distasteful person—the identity of which I won't reveal. Or you can possibly be noticed by whom stays in the shadow." "Is that a threat ?" "You may consider it so. But not from me." "From who then ?" you ask, starting to feel irritated—the irritation caused by weariness. "This is all the subtility of this. You can't be told by whom without getting involved too much in the process." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then turns around, open the door and shows you outside. "It was a displeasure to meet you, detective. I hope our paths wouldn't cross again. Have a safe trip back." You look at the door, then Owl and manage to get to your feet. You then drag your feet to the corridor and hear Owl closing the door behind you. You cross the shop to get outside to get air because you feel like choking here. You briefly meet Farid smile—which looks as stiff as you're feeling. <<if hasVisited("opencase01.02A")>><ul><li>[[And you stumble outside.|case01 g&c readingNot]]</li></ul><<else>><ul><li>[[And you stumble outside.|case01 glass readingNot]]</li></ul><</if>>

What's left to do—other than to go and bother the only people you have not thouroughly bothered in the whole town anyway ? <<if hasVisited("B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>But before that, you just need to make a stop to a repair shop on the way to the Sentinel's Station. That camera you've found probably has something interesting stored in its memory. And you got to retrieve it.<</if>> You stop by your car <<if ["Emotions"].includesAny($calming)>>>and try to reign in your shaking and stomach aching.<<else>><</if>><<if ["Breath"].includesAny($calming)>>and try to get ahold on your breathing. In. And then out. In. Out. In...<<else>><</if>><<if ["Physical"].includesAny($calming)>>your heart beating loudly because of all the fast walking you did to get there.<<else>><</if>><<if ["Nicotine"].includesAny($calming)>>and squash in your portable ashtray what is most probably your tenth cigarettes since getting out of <i>The Copper Owl</i>.<<else>><</if>><<if ["Medications"].includesAny($calming)>>and avoid thinking about the bottle of calming pills inside your glove compartiment. You've already taken some on the way to the <<= $swamp>> forest—you can't take that much without consequences.<<else>><</if>><<if ["Alcohol"].includesAny($calming)>>and try to avoid to think too much about all the tasty bottle of drinkable forgetfullness sitting inside stores—waiting for you to lull yourself into sweet oblivion.<</if>> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<if hasVisited("B5 case01 swamp exitpath")>>As you're driving around, you notice a repair shop with their cheap storefront sign of big bold letters plastered on a simple blue background. You can even recognise the police—a sans serif—futura sans serif ? It looks a lot like it. You see that they even work as a internet coffee. You go in with the reference of the camera—because you can't really afford to bring it here and having someone directly temper with it. It's takes only a quarter of an hour before you're out minus, 100 euros on your bank account. You wanted to only buy a battery and hope it's enough. You'll have to come back later because those battery were out of stock and there is a delivery in only in two or three days. You'll pay the other 150 euros once you'll get your hands on it. Sighing, you take the road again.<</if>> Soon, the Station comes into view. You park in the visitor car park lot and get out. You look towards the smoker area and don't notice Ava. Guess you'll have to go in. <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c sentinelGo 2]]</li></ul> <</linkreplace>>

Patience is a virtue, they say. Violence in not a solution, they say. You, on your part, are stating to feel like you're not as patient as you would have thought and certainly seeing violence as a solution, right now. But because you're not really look forward to sleeping in a warm gloomy cell smelling like urine, you just swallow your irritation and stare once more at the clerk. "Are you sure there is no Ava Quincy, here ?" "Yes, <<if $gender eq "woman">>ma'am<<else>><</if>><<if $gender eq "man">>sir<<else>><</if>><<if $gender eq "person">>Mx<</if>>." You're looking pointedly at the wall onto which is hanging an organigram with, clearly stated, "Detective Chief Superintendent, Ava Quincy." You look back to the clerk who followed your stare and who looks like he's rather be anywhere but here right now. You sigh. He is clearly following orders. "Then, can you give a message to this non-existent DCS Quincy ?" The clerk squints his eye, as if to wonder if it goes against his order or not. "—or any DSC really, who takes care of missing cases." "Well, I can do that, yes." "Excellent." You scribble a note, give it to the clerk and try to see if he is going to throw it—then leave the Station as soon as you came. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>The walk back to your car once more takes a toll on you. And once you reach your car, you feel dread. What are you going to do tonight ? You certainly won't be able to sleep. And there is no way you will go to a dark and secluded area in the middle on the night anymore. Then an idea come. You excitedly reach for the door handle and throw yourself into the driver's seat. You fumble inside the glove compartement and take out the black visit car. And yes, there is an adress. <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c sentinelGo 3]]</li></ul> <</linkreplace>>

It's currently 19:26 and it's already dark outside. But you're in a still busy street—partly residential, partly animated du to some bars and restaurents lining the street. It's one of those area where independant restaurateurs settles because it's not a rundown part ot the town and in the same time, they can afford the rent. It's localised near the center, making it an accessible area by public transportation, bike or even by foot. You hesitate to let your car home and come by by foot because they know your registration plate, but, it's not as if they would pay attention to all the cars passing by. So now, you're settled into your passenger seat, looking at the switched on lights of a small business agency building. And try to pin point which one can be the "William and Sons Consulting Agency." You saw one bby one the light being switched off and people of various state of looking professional—from shady professional to suit professional—leaving the building, going to their car and probably driving home to their nice little house in the suburbs. On your part, you don't even really know if Elias and company are still there. If they even were there this afternoon. But you got nothing better to do, so you wait. And watch. Or you were waiting and watching until a whaling cry from your stomach pulled your attention away from the other side of the street to your belly button. And so now you're eating your very cheap take out bought from across the street. Because, it would have been really weird to have someone deliver it to your car whilst you're seating in it, really suspiciously. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>It's now 21:17 and nothing worthy has happened. You're starting to get bored and you don't know if the building next to the one you're staking has indeed twenty-eight or thirty windows. Can you consider french windows as windows or doors ? <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>It's 21:43 and you counted eight red cars parked in the street, before a very fishy looking person drove away aboard one, looking suspiciously up and down the street before taking off. You thought this suspicious a move was only allowed in movies, but heh. You witnessed it. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>It's only 22:09 and you can't believe it's been less than thirty minute since suspicious man took off. There are only three offices—you guess—which are still operating at this moment. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>22:22—Oh, a numeric palyndrom. Only one office is still bathed in electric light. Boredom has become you're best friend and you're really wondering what the hell is wrong with you for you to just sit here and— —the light has gone off. You straighten in your seat and lean forward to watch who is leaving the building. You're watching in anticipation as you're seing the automatic lights from corridors turn on one by one and then go out. And then the lights are in the entrance of the building. Which opens to... you deflate. Who is that man ? And how dare he steal the show ? You sigh and fall back onto your seat. Really, what the hell are you doing ? You're two second from smashing your head against the steering wheel when you glimpse it : white hair. It immediately catches your attention. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>It's 22:27 when Elias goes to the building. He's not wearing the same clothes as you saw him. Meaning he went home at some point and got changed. What is he doing then ? You do'nt really know. But you'll found out. You see the automatic lights from the corridors marking his path inside the building. The first floor. Then the second. Isn't there an elevator in there ? Third floor. Fourth. And then a light is being switch on the right side of the building. <ul><li>[[Binfo.|case01 g&c sentinelGo 4]]</li></ul> <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

You observe the movement of lights. A switch has been turned on in a room, then a second one in another. But what is strange is that... you do'nt know, it doesn't look like it's what someone would do at ten in the evening in an office. It looks more like someone home. Is he living there ? You watch the street, just to be sure, to see if there is no strange individual coming ot meet him. But no. At midnight, all the lights are off. And your own eyelids feel heavy. But you're reluctant to go home. The idea of sleeping in your car is really tempting, but doing so just here would be too risky. But well, again, driving whilst being dead tired feels like a bad idea as well. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You fell asleep. In your car. Against the wheel. You know that because you awaken with a stiff neck. A screaming stiff neck. Heck if you're not damn lucky lately. Being grumpy at five in the morning doesn't sound like the start of a good day. But still, this is the hand you were given so you play along. You're tempted by the idea of drinking <<= $drink>>, but you stink right now and you're clothes are all rumpled. You'll need to drive home, take a shower and get change, and maybe have lunch in town. And so you do. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>It's only when you're bathed and dressed in your <span id="caseonegandcsentinelgofourdress" class="red"><<cycle "$clothes" autoselect>> <<option "shirt and pants">> <<option "shirt and skirt">> <<option "dress">> <<option "jumpsuit">> <<option "suit">> <<option "confortable set of clothes">> <<option "subdued set of clothes">> <<option "all in black set of clothes">><</cycle>></span>. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<nobr>><<if $clothes eq "shirt and pants">><<replace "#caseonegandcsentinelgofourdress">><<listbox "$shirt" autoselect>> <<option "shirt">> <<option "basic T-shirt">> <<option "sleeveless shirt">> <<option "v-neck top">> <<option "turtle-neck top">> <<option "button down shirt">> <<option "sweatshirt">> <<option "sweater">> <<option "long sleeve henley">> <<option "polo shirt">> <<option "boxy top">> <<option "plaid flannel top">> <<option "tunic">> <<option "peplum top">> <<option "peter pan collar top">> <<option "high low top">> <<option "wrap top">> <<option "statement top">> <<option "crop top">> <<option "tank top">> <<option "bodysuit">><</listbox>> and <<listbox "$pant" autoselect>> <<option "pants">> <<option "cargo pants">> <<option "jeans">> <<option "slim-fit pants">> <<option "straight pants">> <<option "chino pants">> <<option "leather pants">> <<option "low rise pants">> <<option "leggings">> <<option "bermuda shorts">> <<option "bell-bottoms">> <<option "parachute pants">> <<option "shorts">> <<option "dress pants">> <<option "palazzo pants">> <<option "harem pants">><</listbox>><</replace>><<else>><</if>> <<if $clothes eq "shirt and skirt">><<replace "#caseonegandcsentinelgofourdress">><<listbox "$shirt" autoselect>> <<option "shirt">> <<option "basic T-shirt">> <<option "sleeveless shirt">> <<option "v-neck top">> <<option "turtle-neck top">> <<option "button down shirt">> <<option "sweatshirt">> <<option "sweater">> <<option "long sleeve henley">> <<option "polo shirt">> <<option "boxy top">> <<option "plaid flannel top">> <<option "tunic">> <<option "peplum top">> <<option "peter pan collar top">> <<option "high low top">> <<option "wrap top">> <<option "statement top">> <<option "crop top">> <<option "tank top">> <<option "bodysuit">><</listbox>> and <<listbox "$skirt" autoselect>> <<option "skirt">> <<option "pencil skirt">> <<option "straight skirt">> <<option "A-line skirt">> <<option "bell skirt">> <<option "flared skirt">> <<option "circular skirt">> <<option "slit skirt">> <<option "draped skirt">> <<option "long skirt">> <<option "mini skirt">> <<option "leather skirt">><</listbox>><</replace>><<else>><</if>> <<if $clothes eq "dress">><<replace "#caseonegandcsentinelgofourdress">><<listbox "$dress" autoselect>> <<option "dress">> <<option "bodycon dress">> <<option "sheath dress">> <<option "strapless dress">> <<option "A-line dress">> <<option "blouson dress">> <<option "halter dress">> <<option "slip dress">> <<option "shirt dress">> <<option "wrap dress">> <<option "peplum dress">> <<option "babydoll dress">> <<option "jumper dress">> <<option "sun dress">> <<option "tunic">><</listbox>><</replace>><<else>><</if>> <<if $clothes eq "jumpsuit">><<replace "#caseonegandcsentinelgofourdress">><<listbox "$jumpsuit" autoselect>> <<option "jumpsuit">> <<option "overall">> <<option "blazer jumpsuit">> <<option "boiler jumpsuit">> <<option "cape jumpsuit">> <<option "culotte jumpsuit">> <<option "denim jumpsuit">> <<option "flared jumpsuit">> <<option "playsuits">> <<option "shirt jumpsuit">> <<option "skinny jumpsuit">> <<option "straight jumpsuit">> <<option "sweatshirt jumpsuit">> <<option "tank jumpsuit">> <<option "tee jumpsuit">> <<option "unitard jumpsuit">> <<option "wide leg jumpsuit">> <<option "leather jumpsuit">> <</listbox>><</replace>><<else>><</if>> <<if $clothes eq "suit">><<replace "#caseonegandcsentinelgofourdress">><</replace>><<else>><</if>> <<if $clothes eq "confortable set of clothes">><<replace "#caseonegandcsentinelgofourdress">><</replace>><<else>><</if>> <<if $clothes eq "subdued set of clothes">><<replace "#caseonegandcsentinelgofourdress">><</replace>><<else>><</if>> <<if $clothes eq "all in black set of clothes">><<replace "#caseonegandcsentinelgofourdress">><</replace>><<else>><</if>><</nobr>> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You shrug on your favourite <<= $outwear>> and your pair of <<= $shoes>> at the door, and you're set to go, cleaned and fresh. Partly. If dead tired people could still be fresh. <<if $breakfast eq "nothing">>You're not usually a breakfast person, so you just chug down some <<= $drink>> and you're on your way out.<<else>> You take a quick breakfast—consisting, mostly, of <<= $breakfast>><<if $breakfast eq "leftovers">>, and it's starting to look suspicious<</if>>—and you're on your way out.<</if>> Owl told you to come in the afternoon, so you guess you wont be going right now to <<= $owlhis>> place. Elias texted you and told you it would be smarter to meet after you saw Owl. So that you could say what the hell <<= $owlhe>> told you. Even though you understand the logic behing it, you hate the fact that <i>you</i>'re talking whilst they just keep everything amongst themselves. You don't even know if they already met and discussed things already, sharing informations between them they wouldn't reveal you. But you're sure it happened. You lock the door behind you and hurry to your car, away from the crushing silence. You can't stand silence and surely wouldn't be for a while. Being in your rented place didn't feel good at all, the moving shadow the light drew as the sun rose made everything look like a monster ready to jump on you, feast on your insides. Empty you of both your life and hope. And so you're ready to take your car and go away, but you don't really know where. You'll find a place to be. It's only when you're behind the wheel of your cheap rented car that the idea comes to you. <span class="large">The body. The wendigo's body.</span> It must be somewhere. You chew on your lower lips. Based on what you read, it probably was <i>somebody</i>'s body moving about, possessed by an evil spirit. As such, there is two possibility. EIther, the body was taken just at that, a body which died in the wood and—shit, you shot it. With your bullet, from your registered gun. Are you going to be in trouble ? No. No. This can't be. Wait. <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> there and didn't say anything about it. You press your head against the steering wheel. Being this overstressed in the morning should be illegal. The fact a Sentinel agent was there and didn't arrest you speak volume. There is no way <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>doesn't<<else>>don't<</if>> know. Elias told everyone of them. Which makes hypothesis number one less likely—the body was put away as simply that, a body—and hyposthesis two most likely. The body was taken as the <i>wendigo</i>'s by those people.They must have retrieved it. And stored it away to study or erase it from the surface of Earth. This makes you trying to determine its position even more difficult. Can it be in an accomplice funerary home or mortuary ? Or does this group have secret base ? Is it worth checking ? You groan and start the engine. Better to leave this place and just go settle into a coffee shop until this afternoon. <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c sentinelGo 5]]</li></ul> <</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

Before falling asleep yesterday in your car, you kept an eye on the building. Upon seeing no activity besides the fact that Elias probably slept there, you made some research about the strange group of person. You took out your phone and search for "Elias Alistair William", "Anya Evans", "Cecil—you don't know their family name—", "<<= $sheppardlongname>> Sheppard", "Lukas Whittaker"... And come up with almost nothing. Meaning either their social media account is set under pseudonym's, or they don't have any to begin with. You only found out that "William and Sons Consulting Agency" was a century years old family business pass from father to son—Elias father to him. It's the only thing you've found out. What are they consulting for ? You have no idea—officialy. Lukas Whittaker was the only person with a social media account, but the only thing you found was a Mestagram with various photos of landscape or of him, with his big smile. Nothing relevant. You also found out Anya Evans had a florist shop in town. Nothing else but those facts. You settle down in your chair and look around the coffee shop. There is not a lot of people but it's a cosy and pleasant place. You decide to look even more into the strange group of people and Ethan Murphy's account—to pass the time and maybe to find something knew. <ul><li>[[Until the time for your meet with Owl comes.|case01 g&C senGoOwl]]</li></ul>

You look at the drab alley with a suspicious eye. It's only one street away, but damn the contrast is striking. You're on the parallel street wherefrom the boulevard of <i>The Copper Owl</i> stands proudly. In all actuallity, you're behind the building. The alley is like one of those where you can get randomly stabbed from a shady person lurking in the shadow. Parallel street this may be, but you're wondering if it's not as well a parallel universe as you're standing in front of—or in this situation behind—the building. Owl told you to come from the back and to ring the interphone. The interphone with a camera you're eyeing as <<linkreplace "you push the button." t8n>> you push the button. <<timed 1s>>It rings once.<</timed>> <<timed 2s>>Then twice.<</timed>> <<timed 3s>>A third time.<</timed>> <<timed 4s>>It rings until it dies down.<</timed>> <<timed 6s>>You press the button a second time and this time, it only rings twice before you hear a key turning and the heavy door pushed open. "I've heard you the first time, detective." Cooes the very sensuous voice you've heard yesterday. Owl leans against the door frame and observes you, head tilting on the side. "Have you hear about 'sleep', love ? Because you very much look like you don't." You groan. "Just tell me what I should know and I will be on my way." Owl chuckles. "That easily ? No can do, love." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> pushes <<= $owlhimself>> away from the frame and holds the door for you to come inside. At your hesitancy, a smirk grows on <<= $owlhis>> lisp. "Well, love, have you taken a liking to this disheveled back street ?" You shake your head. Owl rolls <<= $owlhis>> eyes. "Kidnapping you would be far more troublesome than it's worth, if this can reassure you." It doesn't, but it does in the same time. You eye <<= $owlhim>> curiously before coming inside. And notice all the light, apart from the workshop, are switched off. Uneasiness creeps your back. "I told you to come this afternoon because the shop is closed. There is no need to feel frightened, detective." Owl brush past you and switch the lights in the waiting room. "Make yourself confortable. I'm will be ready in five minutes. I would have gladly offered you a collation, but I'm afraid you would rather do without." You eye the thermos in your hand. Owl notices it and chuckles. "I'm just wrapping up what I'm doing and then we will go to my office." You nod and watch <<= $owlhim>> return to the workshop. <div class="you">and you decide to</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[wait in the waiting room.|case01 g&c sGO wait]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[have a look around the shop.|case01 g&c sGO shop]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[peek inside the workshop.|case01 g&c sGO workshop]]</li></ul><</nobr>> <</timed>><</linkreplace>>

You go and settle in the waiting room. There is a acrid taste in your mouth as you settle in the seat you was in...no later than yesterday. You forgot sometimes it's only been four days, no, five now, that you are looking for Murphy. It feel like an eternity and you certainly feel like you've aged a decades within the span of a few hours. You pass a tired onto your face. "You certainly should try to get some sleep, love." You jumpa little when Owl's voice reach you. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> leans againt the door frame and watches you. "I'm done love. We can go." You nod, rise to your feet and follow <<= $owlhim>>. <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c owlTalk]]</li></ul>

You just decide to get a look around. As your steps go past the waiting room, you hear Owl stops in <<= $owlhis>> track for the slightest second then resume whatever <<= $owlhe>> was doing. The shop smells of metal and wood and wax. You look around and see that someone must have dusted it a moment ago. Oh, there is the broom. You wonder if it was Owl or Farid who did the brooming. It's all peaceful here. There is something magical to be in a shop when it's closed. From the huge window, you can still see people milling about in the street, but here, the time has stopped. Sometimes, people stop to watch the jewels exposed. Most of them don't see you, or pay you no mind, whilst there are some which meet your stares. Some waves at you, others just frown and there even was an old lady who looked at you as if you ruined her day. There is always, somewhere, an old lady full of disdain to make you feel like you've ruined her day just by breathing. But still. You watch around and frown. There is gold. There is bronze. There is copper. Wood. White gold. But where is the silver ? There are no silver jewels. <i>Curious</i>. You want to ask about that, but a part of you know very well no one will answer you about the missing silver. You just sigh. "Well, I'm touched to know how you feel looking at the jewels I've made, love." You jumps a little and turn around to see Owl looking at you, leaning against the wall, arms crossed. "I have finished what I was doing. We may go." You nod and follow <<= $owlhim>>. Well, you take the chance to look around the workshop and observes jewels still in the making. <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c owlTalk]]</li></ul>

Curiosity killed the cat, they say. But you're not a cat. You're just a very nosy person. And so, like a moth to the light, you goes towards the only other lighted room in the shop : The workshop. Owl is in the middle of cleaning tweezers when <<= $owlhe>> freezes in <<= $owlhis>> movement for the slightest moment before resuming <<= $owlhis>> action. Well so much for stealth. You watch for a couple of second the room, and when you see you're not being chased away, you risk a foot inside. Then another one. Now, your full grown ass nosy body is standing inside the room and nothing has befallen you. It appears the cat will live a little longer. Your eyes fall for a moment on Owl, still in a cream colored suit, albeit a different one from yesterday. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> has removed the jacket which now hangs on a coathanger. It looks like your presence is not bothering <<= $owlhim>> as <<= $owlhe>> continues to clean <<= $owlhis>> tools and tidy them away. You take this opportunity to look around. The place is tidy and painted a pearl grey. It's smells of polished metals and hot iron. Grease as well, the one to oil equipment. And glass. All mineral smells. And there, faintly, there is the smell of rains and gardenias. There is a large workbench, taking almost the lenght of the place. It's devided in many space. There is one with soldering equipement : torches, soldering pads, are lined and have already being cleaned. There is a space with what appears to be polishing tools : polishing wheels, buffs, brushes and abrasive componds. There is another space dedicated to the setting of gemstones, if you can guess. There sit setting burs, prong pusher and bezel rollers. Magnifying equipement. Casting equipment. And there is a place where you notice drawing tools. You approach it and see jewel's designs. You guess Owl made the jewels <<= $owlhe>> solds, but the care which is put into cleaning this place and the love in those traits tells you <<= $owlhe>> likes what <<= $owlhe>>'s doing. You notice a filling cabinet and decide to take a closer look. On it you can see labels. You squint your eyes and see "Emerald", "Rubies", "Gold"... the cabinet looks heavy, reinforced and you see now it's integrated inside the wall. Well, you guess <<= $owlhe>> would need those. You turn around to the very silent Owl who is puttinh <<= $owlhis>> hand tool on the dedicated place on the workbench. It's weird when someone turns silent and focused all of a second. It looks like you meet another person altogether. <div class="you">So you decide to</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[continue to look around the workshop.|case01 g&c sGO workLook][$owlfriend +=1]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[peers above Owl's shoulder.|case01 g&c sGO workOwl]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[leave the workshop and go see the shop.|case01 g&c sGO shop]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[leave the workshop and go to the waiting room.|case01 g&c sGO wait]]</li></ul><</nobr>>

As you're getting curious, you lean a little above the benchwork. Owl stops what <<= $owlhe>> was doing and observes you with a slight frown. "You're free to look, love. But please, don't touch anything here." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> shows you <<= $owlhis>> hands. "I touch everything with my bare hands." You flinch a little and take a half step back. And do you best to not touch anything. You don't want <<= $owlhim>> to read you ever again. You observes some jewels in the making. One is some rough braided strand of gold, stopped midway. The piece is standing directly above it's drawing. It's supposed to look like god vines onto which emeralds would be set. Or so it's written. Then crossed. Then you see "Flowers?" then it's crossed again. And replaced once more by emeralds in a different shape as a side drawing. And then you see it crossed again and replaced by malachite which will be set in the shape of leaves. It appears it was the last modification. Near it is another drawing on which stands a piece of fine wood. It will be shaped as a bracelet with a very minimalistic and modern aesthetic. Then there is another version on the paper where a few squared shaped gemstones are inserted in a fine line all around the bracelet. This drawing is then crossed and you can read, in the very neat and precious handwriting : "Not simple enough." Another drawing depict the bracelet as thinner than the first version and you see a question mark near it. "How long does it take you to make one jewel ?" You ask, turning to Owl. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> stops scrubbing the part of the benchwork <<= $owlhe>>'s working on. And meet your eyes. "It depends. If I have the inspiration and the materials at disposal, I say a three to nine weeks. I like to take my time." You open your eyes wide and review in your head the pieces in presented in the shop. "And you made all of those ?" Owl looks a little uncertain. Or is it a play of light ? "Yes. I did." You clap your hands in an impressed applause. Owl sighs. "Please stop. It's not that extraordinary. You, yourself, take some time during an investigation. Things should take the time they should take to be made. Even though everything seems to be instantaneous today." "Please, stop. You're talking like an old <<if $owlhe eq "he">>man<<else>>woman<</if>> right now." Owl chuckles. "I'm done anyway here. We can go, love." <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c owlTalk]]</li></ul>

You've decided that a life without risk is not worth leaving. And so you walk closer to Owl. Like when you entered, you feel like <<= $owlhe>>'s aware of your movement inside the room, <<= $owlhis>> guard up. But <<= $owlhe>>'s freezing slightly again when you go and stand directly behind <<= $owlhim>> to watch what <<= $owlhe>>'s doing. <<if $height eq "really tall">>Which is no problem given how tall you are<<else>><</if>><<if $height eq "tall">>Which is no problem since you're tall<<else>><</if>><<if $height eq "average">>And you have to move slightly to the side and up the tip of your toes to be able to see<<else>><</if>><<if $height eq "small">>Which is a challenge because of your small height<<else>><</if>><<if $height eq "really small">>Which is a challenge because of how very small you are<</if>>. Owl throws you an incredulous look and a rise of one of <<= $owlhis>> fine eyebrow. But <<= $owlhe>> move aside to let you see. And you gladly take up the offer. You observes as <<= $owlhe>>'s scrubing—with what appears to be soap and water—the benchwork. It's not really what is being done which is of interest. But who's doing it. You step closer, not touching Owl or anything and point above the surface of the benchwork. "There is still dirt here. This is a very careless work." Owl represses an eye roll. "And where is the offending spot of dirt, your majesty?" You take your chin thoughfully. "It seems it has moved around." "The spot of dirt ?" "Yes." "Moved around ?" "Yes." "Please, stop talking love. The only spot of dirt is what you're saying right now." "Hey ! This is not nice !" "I've never said I was a nice person." "But still." You fake pout. "Do you need help ?" Owl stops moving for a moment and eye you as if you were a curious phenomenon. "You mean, you're willing to touch my belongings ?" You open your eyes wide. Look around. And then you notice <<= $owlhe>> wears <<= $owlhis>> suit, but not <<= $owlhis>> gloves. And seing <<= $owlhis>> very beautiful naked hands <span id="caseonegandcsgoworkowl" class="red"><<cycle "_caseonegandcsgoworkowl" autoselect>> <<option "makes you feel things, things you like">> <<option "makes you blush">> <<option "makes you want to hold them">> <<option "makes you avert your eyes">> <<option "makes you feel nothing at all">><</cycle>></span>. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>><<if _caseonegandcsgoworkowl eq "makes you feel things, things you like">><<replace "#caseonegandcsgoworkowl">>makes you feel things, things you like<</replace>>"Oh my, getting your hands already naked and all. We haven't known each other that long yet, dear. What will the neighbours say ?" You say, even wiggling your eyebrow for emphasis. Owl observes a moment of silence before <<= $owlhis>> eyes settles on you, a cold glint in them. "Must you ?" Oh. It didn't turn out as you wished it would. You look around to see if there is a lifeline you can cling to to get out of this murky and cold water. "This is a nice—a—a" you clear your throat "—workshop ?" Owl's scowl is still there but at least the cold has left <<= $owlhis>> eyes. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> looks around. Then sighs. "Just please don't touch anything. I use my bare hands here and wouldn't like to stumble on any random memory." You nod. Well, at least everything went in a better direction. "I am done soon, detective." Well, you take the chance to look around the workshop and observes jewels still in the making. <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c owlTalk][$owlbooty +=1]]</li></ul><<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonegandcsgoworkowl eq "makes you blush">><<replace "#caseonegandcsgoworkowl">>makes you blush<</replace>>Those hands are. You mean. The definition is. You clear your throat, avert your eyes as you feel your cheek heaten. Owl observes you carefully. "Are you... blushing right now, detective ?" "M—me ? No way, wh—why would I ?" It 's getting hot here. "No, the boogeyman behind you." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> makes a full eye roll. You turn around to check, <i>jsut to be sure</i>. Owl chuckles. "Well, this is going to be so much fun." Well, at least someone has the time of <<= $owlhis>> life. "I'm almost done, detective." Well, you take the chance to look around the workshop and observes jewels still in the making. <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c owlTalk][$owlshylove +=1]]</li></ul> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonegandcsgoworkowl eq "makes you want to hold them">><<replace "#caseonegandcsgoworkowl">>makes you want to hold them<</replace>>You're staring at the hands as they were holding the secret of the universe in their whole palm. To think those two beautiful things could instil fear into people. Not that you don't understand. But still. You're still staring when you're catching Owl observing you with a frown. You raises your eyes to <<= $owlhis>> face. Owl tilts <<= $owlhis>> head. "Something you want to say, detective ?" "Not really. I was silently watching." "Not really discreetly, at that." "I wasn't aiming to be." Owl sighs. Well, you take the chance to look around the workshop and observes jewels still in the making. <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c owlTalk][$owlsoulmate +=1]]</li></ul><<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonegandcsgoworkowl eq "makes you avert your eyes">><<replace "#caseonegandcsgoworkowl">>makes you avert your eyes<</replace>>You avert your eyes to those two captivating object of attraction. No. You didn't just think that. You frown. "Something you want to say, love ?" Owl tilts <<= $owlhis>> head in <<= $owlhis>> feline fashion. "Not really." Owl observes you then sighs. Well, you take the chance to look around the workshop and observes jewels still in the making. <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c owlTalk][$owlhatetolove +=1]]</li></ul><<else>><</if>>\ <<if _caseonegandcsgoworkowl eq "makes you feel nothing at all">><<replace "#caseonegandcsgoworkowl">>makes you feel nothing at all<</replace>>But, even though those are hands which instill fear in people, you don't feel much more than dispise towards them. Even though, like their owner, those are really beautiful hands. Owl catches your indifferent stares and adds nothing. Well, you take the chance to look around the workshop and observes jewels still in the making. <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c owlTalk]]</li></ul><<else>><</if>>\ <</linkreplace>>

You walk behind Olw as <<= $owlhe>> makes a beeline to the back door. Then you both frown and stop. "Hum. I thought we were going to discuss in you office ?" Not stopping nor looking back, Owl takes out a set of key from a keybox next to the door. "Indeed." "And hum... Isn't your office, like, just next to the waiting room ?" "No. This is the shop office. I meant my office, as in mine." Oh. "And where is that one located ?" "Close, really close. You won't have the time to get bored before we reach it." Owl inserts the key in the keyhole then stops and turns around. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> looks at you then chuckles. "My my, love. You're making quite a face right now. Don't worry, today is too nice a day to be murdered." Is it you, or is it really cold today ? "I'd rather talk in the shop waiting room, if you don't mind." "I do mind. If you want your great-grand father copper owl whose right eye is missing, it's in my office." Owl turns the key, open the door and holds it for you. "After you, love." You gulp down and step into the dingy alley. You hear the door closing behind you and turns around. You haven't being ambushed nor murdered not kidnapped yet. This is a good sign. "Where to ?" you ask. Owl shows the sky. "Upstair." <i>I beg your pardon ?</i> <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>You hate your life. You already told this to yourself a lot of times since setting foot here. And you're thinking the same as you're climbing the set of spiral stairs to the first floor. Because Owl's office is really close by indeed. It's just standing on the floor above the shop. And you're wondering if <<= $owlhe>> owns the whole building and its four floors. Once you reach a very sturdy looking door, Owl press <<= $owlhis>> thumb to what looks like a print recognition device, you hear a mechanical hums followed by a clicks. Owl opens the door and shows you inside. You move forward, but as you near <<= $owlhim>> you show <<= $owlhim>> a look which state <i>I will come back to hunt you if something happens to me.</i> To which <<= $owlhe>> chuckles. You find yourself in a corridor in the same style as the shop downstair. There are only two doors—one to the left, the other facing it on the right side—and an elevator at the very back. Owl shuts the door behind you, and you hear a mechanical humming again before the click which sounds now really ominous in this enclosed space. "It's the door on the right." Says Owl, as <<= $owlhe>> unhurriedly walks towards the door before opening it. "Be a sweetheart and close it behind you, if you please." You do as you step inside Owl's personal office. It's spacious. And the exact same easthetic as the waiting room downstairs. Well, at least you know who is responsible for decorating the place. The exception here is the huge desk on the left side of the room. But it's all sparce and minimalist looking. Everything serves a purpose here, and like downstairs, there are not to much trinket decorating the place. "Please, sit. I will take but a minute." Say Owl as <<= $owlhe>> strolls toward the desk, open a drawer and takes out a velvet pouch and another item. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then comes, hands you the pouch and sit in the seat opposite yours. Just like yesterday. You take the packet curiously and throws <<= $owlhim>> a look. "Was I supposed to keep the glasses ?" You open the pouch and indeed, in its <i>evidence</i> bag are the glasses. "I didn't touched them that much and avoided the blood spots." <<= $owlhe>> says with mild disgust. I guess I shall tell you what I learnt. So <<= $owlhe>> says. <ul><li>[[Before taking a gun out.|case01 g&c owlTalk 2]]</li></ul> <</linkreplace>>

You stiffen and stares at the gun with saucer eyes. Even your breathing stops. Shit, of course it wouldn't be that easy. What did you think ? Maybe you're already dead. Maybe the wendigo did indeed kill you. And now you're just in hell and everything will forever turn to shit and pain and tears. And you will feel overstressed forever. There is an amused glint in the harsh eyes of Owl. And a twitched to <<= $owlhis>> smirk. "Worry not, love. This is just a precaution. I won't shoot you if possible. I wouldn't like to stain my lovely armchair, after all." Of course. "Just please, don't make any sudden move. Let me talk and then you will be able to ask your questions. I need to focus you see, and if you cut it will not be for the best." Owl settles more confortably into <<= $owlhis>> armchair. You try on your part, but your shoulders are so tensed you know they will probably hurt by the end of the hour. "Now, let me tell you the story of Ethan Murphy as he came in New Stval. I didn't go too far back." Owl half closes <button onclick="typeWriter()">and reminisces...</button> <span id="demo" class="owl"></span> <script> var i = 0; var paragraphs = [ "...there once was a man who loved butterflies. Because butterflies were light as a memories from tender childhood. Because butterflies wings can bring about wonders and storms.", "Because the man had given up on hope and love and himself.", "The day his wife and child walked out the door was the day a part of himself left with them. It was the day some of his light died.", "The man lived in the half-light of twilight and dusk and the haze of heavy drinks. Because it dulled his sense enough and the edge of his memories were blurred. Because it hurt so much, he wanted to forget whom he loved so much and who wasn't there anymore.", "Forget the lonely bed and the absence of familiar smells. Despite the fact he bought his wife's favourite perfume to keep a little piece of her by his bedside. He could sometimes still hear his daughter babbling. And this crushed him.", "But he never—even once—reproached Yesmine's honesty. There was the hurt and the shock of her departure. But he understood, deep down, where she was coming from. And deep down, Ethan Murphy never ceased to love the first and only love of his life. He wished she was happy now. He wished she will be happy forever. He hoped she wasn't blamming herself for not loving him anymore. He wanted her to keep smiling, as he told her on the threshold with tears in her eyes and goodbye on her lips.", "The how or why he lost his job was a hazy thing, his brain has been dulled for some time now. But he remember the despair in his sister's eyes. The worry. The tender promise he made to try and keep himself together. For Mary. For Emma, his newborn daughter.", "But not for himself.", "", "There once was a man who loved butterflies. It was the idea of transformation from caterpillar which crawls on the ground to the most magnificient being in his eyes—fluttering, fluttering in the sky—which gave him the idea of studying them. He's always wanted to be an entomologist, but being a veterinarian earned much more. So he became a veterinarian.", "In a way, the fact that Yesmine left him gave him a renewed purpose in life. He didn't have to bring money for his family anymore. Sure, he would still earn enough for Emma to be able to go to good schools and study confortably. To provide a little for Yesmine and her in spite of all. But in the now, he could become what he's always wished to be.", "", "With a renewed purpose and restored hope, he decided to leave for a little bit his life to go and look for butterflies.", "", "The man learned there was a newfound species of butterfly, up north, in the country of Stonefrey. A species so exquisite, the ones who witnessed it wanted to follow it. Only their friends stopped them from doing so.", "Ethan wanted to see this butterfly. I—He wanted to touch their wings.", "So he kissed Mary goodbye and his nephew and his niece and took a train up north. He arrived in the afternoon and decided to take a bus to the Drowned Forest.", "There, he met a Ranger and Ethan ask them if they knew something about the strange type of butterfly in the area. The Ranger told him yes, and that Ethan shouldn't look for it nor should he go in the forest. He could stay on the path though, so long as it didn't go inside. The ranger had no pinned specimen to show him and even looked peeved to have been asked this question.", "", "Ethan left the Drowned Forest and took a bus back to the city, because there wasn't anymore time for him to start the hike : the sun would be setting at some point and he didn't want to walk in the dark. He feared the dark. He then stayed in a hotel.", "The taste of freedom on his tongue and in his heart was sweet. The fact that he got himself back together again brought him to tears this night. But he decided not to touch alcohol again and so he didn't.", "He decided, instead, to call his now ex-wife, Yesmine. She didn't answer and he left a message after the bip.", "Ethan prepared his trip and realized he didn't bring walking sticks with him. Being out of shape, it would help him greatly and so he decided to go to a store in the morning to buy what he lacked for the trip.", "By noon he was ready and waiting for the bus to take him to the Drowned Forest.", "It took again one long hour and a half of detour to get to the Drowned Forest bus stop. He looked at his watch, it was 13:18.", "He reviewed his gears a little then departed. A couple of minutes later, he was at the start of the hike. He passed by the Ranger's office, where he was yesterday.", "", "Ethan listened to what the Ranger told him. He stayed on the path. He went up, then choose to go left, walking between the edge of the forest and the river. It was beautiful, it was luminous. It was peaceful. A sense of peace he realized he missed. A sense of peace he's only found in Yesmine's arms when they hugged. When he looked in her eyes.", "Ethan shaked his head and continued his walk. Walking hikking wasn't that easy, and walking with walking stick sollicitated muscles he didn't knew even existed. But Ethan pushed on, because he couldn't just give up. Because giving up now would be to fall back again to the version of him he decided to quit. The version who liked the bottles.", "", "He was alternating between walking, wheezing, stopping to rest and admire the landscape while drinking some water, then walking again. Apart form the couple at the begginning of the trail, he met no one. But then again, fall was coming and everything was bathed in orange and yellow and red. The cold was comming. He was probably a fool, as he was often told, to come here at all.", "He was resting once more, looking around, when he noticed it. More than noticed, it caught his attention.", "", "Blue.", "The bluest blue he's even seen.", "The blue of wings. On a butterfly.", "The blue butterfly he was looking for.", "Ethan Murphy took his camera, shook off the walking stick which annoyed him and directed the lense in the direction of the object of his coming here.", "The butterfly fluttered, fluttered by the edge of the forest. And Ethan captured the moment.", "But it wasn't enough.", "He had to follow it. He needed to follow it. And so he did. Snapping pictures.", "Then the butterfly went inside the forest and Ethan leaned over the edge overlooking the Drowned Forest to snap a picture again.", "He leaned to close of the edge. He fell.", "He cursed himself and rose. But the second walking stick annoyed him and he shook it off as well, leaning it against a tree to see if he could, somehow, tied it to his bag. He noticed the second walking stick stayed up, on the path. And he looked up.", "But then, on the edge of his vision, he saw the blue which mattered too much to him now.", "He turned his head in the direction of the butterly.", "Didn't the ranger told him something about no going in the forest ?", "Ethan thought the ranger did, but here flown the butterfly and he couldn't just let it go, couldn't he ?", "He should follow it, should he ?", "And so he did.", "", "He stumbled a lot, in a daze. His thoughts were blurry except for what lead him here.", "He remember walking into dark water, mid-calf. He remember wondering why he was there. And remember seeing the butterfly greeting him again.", "So Ethan walked. And then he saw another blue dot in the distance. Coming to greet the first one. Two butterflies.", "He snapped pictures.", "Until he forgot how. He only remembered he had to walk. And had to keep up with the blue and the flying and the beautiful.", "He fell and his camera fell on the muddy floor. He wanted to pick it up. But why was it so dark ?", "Ethan blinked and looked around. It was dark and it was night and his legs hurt.", "Actually, every piece of him hurt. He noticed his right hand was bleeding. It was cut opened when he fell. The cut was deep and bleeding, and there was mud on it. Ethan shook it, but realised it was a useless move. And decided to wipe his blood on the tree next to him. He then pressed on the wound to staunch the bleeding. He wiped his blood again against the tree and was a little bit in a shocked state.", "He shook. It was cold.", "He was hungry. It was night.", "The forest was spooky. He was lost.", "Ethan curled in a ball and cried. He wailed all the despair he could. And in his wailing, he remembered he bought a satellite phone. His frontal torchlight on, he fumbled inside his bag and took it out. He was proud of himself—the legendary airhead—for having the right mind of taking one. It was new and still in the selling packaging and Ethan opened it, took the phone in his hand and press the button to switch it on.", "The phone didn't switch on.", "Ethan pressed again. And again. And again.", "Until he realised, with dread, the phone wasn't working.", "He remembered asking the sales consultant if the phone was immediately working. He told him it was. He told Ethan as he stuttered a little and looked around.", "So it wasn't.", "Just to be sure, Ethan took the packaging and tried the best he could to read as he was shaking. No battery included.", "No. Battery. Included.", "Ethan scrunched the packaging and sobbed.", "He was afraid of the dark.", "He didn't like to be alone.", "He wanted out of this forest.", "His wounded palm was hurting.", "Was he going to die here ?", "He didn't want to die here.", "Maybe he should just wait for help. He told Mary he would call her once he finished the hike. He had no network here so he couldn't call her. Besides, his phone had no battery anymore and was on the last ten percent of it.", "So Ethan leaned against a tree, in a ball, and decided to wait for help to come.", "He alternated between a tired half sleep and sobbing.", "", "He was dozzing off when he noticed blue.", "Blue again.", "But not just one dot.", "There was a second one. And a third. And a fourth.", "And he rose and took his bag and decided to follow the butterflies.", "He walked with his tired feet and tired mind and wanning hope.", "He walked but he didn't know why. He just knew he had to follow the blue dot.", "And he followed them.", "He reached a clearing, wanted to rest there but all was a blur and he shouldn't stop.", "He walked on.", "He reached a second one and wanted to check his phone but all was a blur and he shouldn't stop.", "And so he walked on.", "There wasn't just one, nor two, nor three dot. But more than ten. And one of them was on his shoulder, blessing him with his presence.", "He reached a place he couldn't even dream of.", "There was a tree. A tree with no leaf. A tree covered in blue. A tree full of butterlies.", "Ethan Murphy looked a the tree and wanted to take a picture.", "He lost his camera. He lost his way.", "What was he doing here again ?", "There was a pool by the tree.", "The water moved. He hear splashing and sloshing.", "And he turned around to the sound.", "And he saw...", "A corpse.", "Smiling.", "To him.", "", "Ethan screamed.", "Ethan ran.", "He ran and ran.", "He ran for some time.", "But he fell at some point.", "He was shaking so much he could stand anymore.", "He heard a snap. The noise of a branch breaking.", "He turned his head and met two empty dead pocket instead of eyes.", "Watching. In glee.", "Ethan rose, the creature stroke. Slashing him across the face.", "The glasses fell. Ethan screamed again.", "He rose, tried to run. The creature let him.", "The creature watched in as he went deeper and deeper in the forest. Followed by the bluest blue ever seen.", "The creature smiled. Because it knew it would catch up on Ethan Murphy.", ]; var speed = 20; function typeWriter() { var paragraphElement = document.getElementById("demo"); var currentParagraph = paragraphs[i]; var j = 0; function typeNextCharacter() { if (j < currentParagraph.length) { paragraphElement.innerHTML += currentParagraph.charAt(j); j++; setTimeout(typeNextCharacter, speed); } else { i++; if (i < paragraphs.length) { paragraphElement.innerHTML += '<br>'; // Add line break for new paragraph setTimeout(typeWriter, 25); } } } typeNextCharacter(); } </script> <<timed 240s>><ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c owlTalk 3]]</li></ul><</timed>> <span class="backarrow"><<link '<span class="lnr lnr-arrow-down"></span>' "case01 g&c owlTalk 2b">><</link>></span>

You've tried your best not to lean forward for the last part of Owl's account of the events. You've tried your best not to breath too loudly as well, nor to move at all in all actuality. First, because there is the palpable threat of the gun—not really trained on you right now, but you'd like to keep it that way. And second, Owl's half closed eyes are emitting a coppery light which is scaring the shit out of you. Eyes are not supposed to glow. Maybe it's <<= $owlhis>> mutant part which is showing right now—and that as well, you'd like it's attention to remain away from you. You wouldn't like <<= $owlhim>> to grow a third eye, horns or fangs or whatever and decide that maybe talking is too tiring and eating you seems like a good idea. So you stay still. Owl blinks and the coppery light dims. Then <<= $owlhe>> looks around in a daze-like state for a couple of seconds, before shaking <<= $owlhimself>> awake a little. <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> eyes settles on you. "This is the last the glasses registered the memories of Ethan Murphy." You watch the gun resting upon <<= $owlhis>> armrest, <<= $owlhis>> fingers absentmindedly drawing circles on the grip. Owl follows your line of sight and sighs. "Ask you questions, detective. I'm just keeping the gun because this is generally the moment people try to threaten me to tell more than what I know." Oh. Well, you do understand. But you think it's just an excuse, because this <<= $owlgender>> is very very annoying and you'd understand the impulse of threatening <<= $owlhim>>. You clear your throat. "Can you... discribe the wendigo to me ?" Owl watches you with a bored expression. "It was the same as the one you met." You blink. "I read your memories from the night before. It was the only I needed, really." You blink again. Owl examines you with an amused expression. "You've shot it. <<if hasVisited("case01 swamp shotLeg")>>In the legs.<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp shotFace")>>A headshot, as it's called.<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp shotArm")>>In the arms.<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swamp shotBack")>>In the back.<</if>> And then you<<if hasVisited("case01 swampresign close")>> just closed your eyes. Were you waiting for the thread of your life to be cut ? I wonder. But I don't want to hear your answer though.<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swampresign look")>> looked it in the eyes. How stubborn.<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01 swampresign bird")>>—" Owl chuckles "Just show it the finger. How <i>very</i> bold.<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01.01 interludeScream")>> just screamed. And was saved by Elias of all people." Owl make a complete eye roll. "I am so delighted I'm not you, detective. I would have died of embarassement on the spot.<<else>><</if>><<if hasVisited("case01.01 interludeShot")>> shot it again. Are you a trigger happy person, detective ?<</if>>" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> then resume to look bored and seemingly not even interrested with your answer. "No more questions, detective ?" "Can you discribe where the butterflies' tree is located ?" "Let me think about it." Owl puts a hand to <<= $owlhis>> forehead, in a dramatic fashion and you already repress a sigh. "There were trees. And bushes. And a pond. Ah, I see it now clearly detective : It was in a forest. A very big one even. Nay, the biggest in the area." You stare at <<= $owlhim>>. "I have some patience left only for one last question, detective." You chew your lips. And then the idea hits you. "Can I keep a raincheck on this question ?" Owl considers you carefully, then shrugs lightly. "I can't assure you I will answer next time. But why not." You don't really know what to answer, so you just shrug as well. The conversation seemingly done, you rise up from your seat— —when you feels sharps eyes on you. "What about my repayment, detective ?" You frown lightly at <<= $owlhim>>. <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion myTime")>>Owl smirks. "Didn't you promise me some of your time, love ?" <<= $owlhe>> purrs with poison mixed in it. You curse yourself inside. "Look, I—" "—said that under the influence of stress and all such emotions." <<= $owlhe>> looks bored again. Then sighs. "Do you find it fair, love ?" You gulp down. And you were so ready to bolt out of here and into some fresh air. "Do you find it fair that I held my part of the bargain whilst I'm left with nothing ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> tilst <<= $owlhis>> head in <<= $owlhis>> feline fashion. "I—" "—will start to sit back down." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> tone is leaning on disdainful but as if to convince you further, <<= $owlhis>> fingers trace light circle on the handle of <<= $owlhis>> gun. You're really convinced now to sit back down. If you were in a movie, you would have thrown yourself against <<= $owlhim>> to unharm <<= $owlhim>> and take the gun for yourself. But in movies protagonist are faster than bullet and mutant combined. You sure aren't. And you won't try to find out. You sit back down. "Good, detective. Now, What shall I do with your time, hm ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> pretends to think. "Are you going to be my therapist for the hour ? Oh, but I think about it, you've never defined a definite amount of time. Would it be an hour ? Two ? Forever ?" You shudder. Not the good one. The one which says you've thouroughly fucked. "My, my, detective. You're looking quite frazzled right now. A little bit more and someone would think you've made a deal with the devil and sold your soul away." Have you though ? Have you actually made a deal with the devil and not just a simple mutant ? "You look very much like you're heading to your own funeral, love. But it's not that terrible; is it ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> harshness right now is contrasting with the elegance of <<= $owlhis>> whole persona. And you refuse to move or talk, because you've alread dug your own grave, the only missing part is you sleeping in it now. "Now, now, love. Let's get down to business shall we ?" <<= $owlhe>> then clasps <<= $owlhis>> hands loudly, and it startles you. "Let me take some of your time". <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion money")>>"Where is my five figures check ?" If a pictures should discribe you right now, it would be <i>Rabbit in headlight</i>. "You didn't just expected me to work for free, did you love ?" There is a feral smile on <<= $owlhis>> lips. "I—" "—will start to sit back down." <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> tone is leaning on disdainful but as if to convince you further, <<= $owlhis>> fingers trace light circle on the handle of <<= $owlhis>> gun. You're really convinced now to sit back down. If you were in a movie, you would have thrown yourself against <<= $owlhim>> to unharm <<= $owlhim>> and take the gun for yourself. But in movies protagonist are faster than bullet and mutant combined. You sure aren't. And you won't try to find out. You sit back down. "Good, detective. Now, let me think. What shall I do with a fifty thousand check ?" Owl pretends to think and you, you see stars. Or no, more accurately, you see red. The red of your bank account because there is no way you'll give that much away. "Maybe a new set of suits. Pure silks." In your head, you're covered in mud because you're digging your own grave in the very soggy soil of the <<= $swamp>> swamp. "Or a car ? But not, just fifty thousand will not allow me to buy a collector." You're not listening anymore as you're ears are ringing. "Are you listening to me, love ? My, my. You're looking quite frazzled right now. A little bit more and someone would think you've made a deal with the devil and sold your soul away." Have you though ? Have you actually made a deal with the devil and not just a simple mutant ? "You look very much like you're heading to your own funeral, love. But it's not that terrible; is it ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> harshness right now is contrasting with the elegance of <<= $owlhis>> whole persona. And you refuse to move or talk, because you've alread dug your own grave, the only missing part is you sleeping in it now. "Now, now, love. Let's get down to business shall we ?" <<= $owlhe>> then clasps <<= $owlhis>> hands loudly, and it startles you. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion favour")>>"You owe me a favour. You have not forgotten this, have you ?" Have you ? You wished <i><<= $owlhe>></i> had so you could just leave fast and far. But here <<= $owlhe>> is, <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion conscience")>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion whatever")>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion myBody")>>"Didn't you promise me your body, love ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhe>></span> says with a poisonous purr. You stop dead in your track. Oh, dear. What have you done ? There is an entertained glint in <<= $owlhis>> eyes. "Payment is accepted after a trade. I traded what informations you've asked. Now it's your turn to trade, love." You're not counting right now. No, your mind is fuming, fuzzing and fumbling with every ideas it can come up with—every scenario to bolt to the door and out of this place which is starting to feel constricted. If one would make a painting of you right now, it would be <i>Deer in headlight</i>. Owl's lips is still smiling at your, but <<= $owlhis>> eyes has a razor sharp glint in them—so sharp it's cutting you in little ribbons. Maybe it's a vision, maybe you'll actually end up in little ribbons. Because you did promised your body. But in what capacity and what for ? That you've never defined nor told. A loop in your deal which will probably cost you right now. "My, my, detective. You're looking quite frazzled right now. A little bit more and someone would think you've made a deal with the devil and sold your soul away." Have you though ? Have you actually made a deal with the devil and not just a simple mutant ? You eye the gun suspiciously and sit back down. So very carefully you wish such slowness would authrize you to disappear from this place altogether. Unfortunalty, Owl still sees you. As clear as day. "You look very much like you're heading to your own funeral, love. But it's not that terrible; is it ?" <span class="cap"><<= $owlhis>></span> harshness right now is contrasting with the elegance of <<= $owlhis>> whole persona. And you refuse to move or talk, because you've alread dug your own grave, the only missing part is you sleeping in it now. "Now, now, love. Let's get down to business shall we ?" <<= $owlhe>> then clasps <<= $owlhis>> hands loudly, and it startles you. "Why don't you start undressing now, hm ?" Have you heard wrong ? You look up and meet inquisitive eyes. "W—what ?" "U-N-D-R-E-S-S. Disrobe. It means to remove pieces of clothes." "Who, me ?" "Yes, love. Who else if not you ?" Another finger joins the one already, drawing circles on the surface of the gun. You gulp down. <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion maryThanks")>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion me")>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion aKiss")>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion aDate")>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion thankYou")>> <<else>><</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("case01 owlsDealProposotion eliasBottle")>> <<else>><</if>>\ You feel like your limbs are made of lead. The offer you've made was under the five seconds. You were under pressure, understressed, under rest. Tired and probably dehydrated. This should not count. <div class="you">and you</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[refuse to comply.|case01 g&c owlTalk not]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[try to negotiate.|case01 g&c owlTalk talk]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[accept.|case01 g&c owlTalk yes]]</li></ul> <</nobr>>

You stand up from the seat you fell upon remembering what deal you've made. And you peel off, slowly, your <<= $outwear>>. You then see Owl scowling at you like you were an idiot. Sighing. And piching the bridge of <<= $owlhis>> very fine nose. "Are you really doing it, now, love ?" What does it look like, you shoot <<= owlhim>> a look. "I was playing around, detective. I just wanted to see, if given no time, what would you pick as a trade for a hint of your case."

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "endDemo" loop play>><h1>End of the current update</h1> <h2><span class="little grey">Coming next : Case 01, Part 02, Gloves & Compass</span></h2> This is the end of the current game version. The game is still in developpement. The writer is doing her very best to write the rest of the game. You can save your progress here for now. <div class="red center"> <h2><<link '<span class="red lnr lnr-download"></span>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> | <<link '<span class="lnr lnr-enter"></span>'>> <<script>> Save.export("TheWardsEyes") <</script>> <</link>> </h2></div>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "endDemo" loop play>><h1>End of the current update</h1> <h2><span class="little grey">Coming next : Case 01, Part 02, The Copper Owl</span></h2> This is the end of the current game version. The game is still in developpement. The writer is doing her very best to write the rest of the game. You can save your progress here for now. <div class="red center"> <h2><<link '<span class="red lnr lnr-download"></span>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> | <<link '<span class="lnr lnr-enter"></span>'>> <<script>> Save.export("TheWardsEyes") <</script>> <</link>> </h2></div>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "endDemo" loop play>><h1>End of the current update</h1> <h2><span class="little grey">Coming next : Case 01, Part 02, The Drowned Forest</span></h2> This is the end of the current game version. The game is still in developpement. The writer is doing her very best to write the rest of the game. You can save your progress here for now. <div class="red center"> <h2><<link '<span class="red lnr lnr-download"></span>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> | <<link '<span class="lnr lnr-enter"></span>'>> <<script>> Save.export("TheWardsEyes") <</script>> <</link>> </h2></div>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "endDemo" loop play>><h1>End of the current update</h1> <h2><span class="little grey">Coming next : Case 01, Part 02, Forest of the Lost</span></h2> This is the end of the current game version. The game is still in developpement. The writer is doing her very best to write the rest of the game. You can save your progress here for now. <div class="red center"> <h2><<link '<span class="red lnr lnr-download"></span>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> | <<link '<span class="lnr lnr-enter"></span>'>> <<script>> Save.export("TheWardsEyes") <</script>> <</link>> </h2></div>

You stiffen and stares at the gun with saucer eyes. Even your breathing stops. Shit, of course it wouldn't be that easy. What did you think ? Maybe you're already dead. Maybe the wendigo did indeed kill you. And now you're just in hell and everything will forever turn to shit and pain and tears. And you will feel overstressed forever. There is an amused glint in the harsh eyes of Owl. And a twitched to <<= $owlhis>> smirk. "Worry not, love. This is just a precaution. I won't shoot you if possible. I wouldn't like to stain my lovely armchair, after all." Of course. "Just please, don't make any sudden move. Let me talk and then you will be able to ask your questions. I need to focus you see, and if you cut it will not be for the best." Owl settles more confortably into <<= $owlhis>> armchair. You try on your part, but your shoulders are so tensed you know they will probably hurt by the end of the hour. "Now, let me tell you the story of Ethan Murphy as he came in New Stval. I didn't go too far back." Owl half closes <<linkreplace 'and reminisces...' t8n>>and reminisces...<span class="owl"> <<timed 30s>><br><p style="owlp"></p><</timed>> ...there once was a man who loved butterflies. Because butterflies were light as a memories from tender childhood. Because butterflies wings can bring about wonders and storms. Because the man had given up on hope and love and himself. The day his wife and child walked out the door was the day a part of himself left with them. It was the day some of his light died. The man lived in the half-light of twilight and dusk and the haze of heavy drinks. Because it dulled his sense enough and the edge of his memories were blurred. Because it hurt so much, he wanted to forget whom he loved so much and who wasn't there anymore. Forget the lonely bed and the absence of familiar smells. Despite the fact he bought his wife's favourite perfume to keep a little piece of her by his bedside. He could sometimes still hear his daughter babbling. And this crushed him. But he never—even once—reproached Yesmine's honesty. There was the hurt and the shock of her departure. But he understood, deep down, where she was coming from. And deep down, Ethan Murphy never ceased to love the first and only love of his life. He wished she was happy now. He wished she will be happy forever. He hoped she wasn't blamming herself for not loving him anymore. He wanted her to keep smiling, as he told her on the threshold with tears in her eyes and goodbye on her lips. The how or why he lost his job was a hazy thing, his brain has been dulled for some time now. But he remember the despair in his sister's eyes. The worry. The tender promise he made to try and keep himself together. For Mary. For Emma, his newborn daughter. But not for himself. There once was a man who loved butterflies. It was the idea of transformation from caterpillar which crawls on the ground to the most magnificient being in his eyes—fluttering, fluttering in the sky—which gave him the idea of studying them. He's always wanted to be an entomologist, but being a veterinarian earned much more. So he became a veterinarian. In a way, the fact that Yesmine left him gave him a renewed purpose in life. He didn't have to bring money for his family anymore. Sure, he would still earn enough for Emma to be able to go to good schools and study confortably. To provide a little for Yesmine and her in spite of all. But in the now, he could become what he's always wished to be. With a renewed purpose and restored hope, he decided to leave for a little bit his life to go and look for butterflies. The man learned there was a newfound species of butterfly, up north, in the country of Stonefrey. A species so exquisite, the ones who witnessed it wanted to follow it. Only their friends stopped them from doing so. Ethan wanted to see this butterfly. I—He wanted to touch their wings. So he kissed Mary goodbye and his nephew and his niece and took a train up north. He arrived in the afternoon and decided to take a bus to the Drowned Forest. There, he met a Ranger and Ethan ask them if they knew something about the strange type of butterfly in the area. The Ranger told him yes, and that Ethan shouldn't look for it nor should he go in the forest. He could stay on the path though, so long as it didn't go inside. The ranger had no pinned specimen to show him and even looked peeved to have been asked this question. Ethan left the Drowned Forest and took a bus back to the city, because there wasn't anymore time for him to start the hike : the sun would be setting at some point and he didn't want to walk in the dark. He feared the dark. He then stayed in a hotel. The taste of freedom on his tongue and in his heart was sweet. The fact that he got himself back together again brought him to tears this night. But he decided not to touch alcohol again and so he didn't. He decided, instead, to call his now ex-wife, Yesmine. She didn't answer and he left a message after the bip. Ethan prepared his trip and realized he didn't bring walking sticks with him. Being out of shape, it would help him greatly and so he decided to go to a store in the morning to buy what he lacked for the trip. By noon he was ready and waiting for the bus to take him to the Drowned Forest. It took again one long hour and a half of detour to get to the Drowned Forest bus stop. He looked at his watch, it was 13:18. He reviewed his gears a little then departed. A couple of minutes later, he was at the start of the hike. He passed by the Ranger's office, where he was yesterday. Ethan listened to what the Ranger told him. He stayed on the path. He went up, then choose to go left, walking between the edge of the forest and the river. It was beautiful, it was luminous. It was peaceful. A sense of peace he realized he missed. A sense of peace he's only found in Yesmine's arms when they hugged. When he looked in her eyes. Ethan shaked his head and continued his walk. Hikking wasn't that easy, and walking with walking stick sollicitated muscles he didn't knew even existed. But Ethan pushed on, because he couldn't just give up. Because giving up now would be to fall back again to the version of him he decided to quit. The version who liked the bottles. He was alternating between walking, wheezing, stopping to rest and admire the landscape while drinking some water, then walking again. Apart form the couple at the begginning of the trail, he met no one. But then again, fall was coming and everything was bathed in orange and yellow and red. The cold was comming. He was probably a fool, as he was often told, to come here at all. He was resting once more, looking around, when he noticed it. More than noticed, it caught his attention. Blue. The bluest blue he's even seen. The blue of wings. On a butterfly. The blue butterfly he was looking for. Ethan Murphy took his camera, shook off the walking stick which annoyed him and directed the lense in the direction of the object of his coming here. The butterfly fluttered, fluttered by the edge of the forest. And Ethan captured the moment. But it wasn't enough. He had to follow it. He needed to follow it. And so he did. Snapping pictures. Then the butterfly went inside the forest and Ethan leaned over the edge overlooking the Drowned Forest to snap a picture again. He leaned to close of the edge. He fell. He cursed himself and rose. But the second walking stick annoyed him and he shook it off as well, leaning it against a tree to see if he could, somehow, tied it to his bag. He noticed the second walking stick stayed up, on the path. And he looked up. But then, on the edge of his vision, he saw the blue which mattered too much to him now. He turned his head in the direction of the butterly. Didn't the ranger told him something about no going in the forest ? Ethan thought the ranger did, but here flown the butterfly and he couldn't just let it go, couldn't he ? He should follow it, should he ? And so he did. He stumbled a lot, in a daze. His thoughts were blurry except for what lead him here. He remember walking into dark water, mid-calf. He remember wondering why he was there. And remember seeing the butterfly greeting him again. So Ethan walked. And then he saw another blue dot in the distance. Coming to greet the first one. Two butterflies. He snapped pictures. Until he forgot how. He only remembered he had to walk. And had to keep up with the blue and the flying and the beautiful. He fell and his camera fell on the muddy floor. He wanted to pick it up. But why was it so dark ? Ethan blinked and looked around. It was dark and it was night and his legs hurt. Actually, every piece of him hurt. He noticed his right hand was bleeding. It was cut opened when he fell. The cut was deep and bleeding, and there was mud on it. Ethan shook it, but realised it was a useless move. And decided to wipe his blood on the tree next to him. He then pressed on the wound to staunch the bleeding. He wiped his blood again against the tree and was a little bit in a shocked state. He shook. It was cold. He was hungry. It was night. The forest was spooky. He was lost. Ethan curled in a ball and cried. He wailed all the despair he could. And in his wailing, he remembered he bought a satellite phone. His frontal torchlight on, he fumbled inside his bag and took it out. He was proud of himself—the legendary airhead—for having the right mind of taking one. It was new and still in the selling packaging and Ethan opened it, took the phone in his hand and press the button to switch it on. The phone didn't switch on. Ethan pressed again. And again. And again. Until he realised, with dread, the phone wasn't working. He remembered asking the sales consultant if the phone was immediately working. He told him it was. He told Ethan as he stuttered a little and looked around. So it wasn't. Just to be sure, Ethan took the packaging and tried the best he could to read as he was shaking. No battery included. No. Battery. Included. Ethan scrunched the packaging and sobbed. He was afraid of the dark. He didn't like to be alone. He wanted out of this forest. His wounded palm was hurting. Was he going to die here ? He didn't want to die here. Maybe he should just wait for help. He told Mary he would call her once he finished the hike. He had no network here so he couldn't call her. Besides, his phone had no battery anymore and was on the last ten percent of it. So Ethan leaned against a tree, in a ball, and decided to wait for help to come. He alternated between a tired half sleep and sobbing. He was dozzing off when he noticed blue. Blue again. But not just one dot. There was a second one. And a third. And a fourth. And he rose and took his bag and decided to follow the butterflies. He walked with his tired feet and tired mind and wanning hope. He walked but he didn't know why. He just knew he had to follow the blue dot. And he followed them. He reached a clearing, wanted to rest there but all was a blur and he shouldn't stop. He walked on. He reached a second one and wanted to check his phone but all was a blur and he shouldn't stop. And so he walked on. There wasn't just one, nor two, nor three dot. But more than ten. And one of them was on his shoulder, blessing him with his presence. He reached a place he couldn't even dream of. There was a tree. A tree with no leaf. A tree covered in blue. A tree full of butterlies. Ethan Murphy looked a the tree and wanted to take a picture. He lost his camera. He lost his way. What was he doing here again ? There was a pool by the tree. The water moved. He hear splashing and sloshing. And he turned around to the sound. And he saw... A corpse. Smiling. To him. Ethan screamed. Ethan ran. He ran and ran. He ran for some time. But he fell at some point. He was shaking so much he could stand anymore. He heard a snap. The noise of a branch breaking. He turned his head and met two empty dead pocket instead of eyes. Watching. In glee. Ethan rose, the creature stroke. Slashing him across the face. The glasses fell. Ethan screamed again. He rose, tried to run. The creature let him. The creature watched in as he went deeper and deeper in the forest. Followed by the bluest blue ever seen. The creature smiled. Because it knew it would catch up on Ethan Murphy. <ul><li>[[...|case01 g&c owlTalk 3]]</li></ul> </span><</linkreplace>>

There are two red dots on the map. The first one is where you've found the glasses. The fact that your phone was still working inside the forest is a miracle in and on itself. The second dot is a random coordinate when your phone picked up some réseau again. Nothing relevant, but it gives you an approximation of where you went and the direction you took. It cannot hurt to know this much. There is not much, but still. You look at <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s investigated zone. The one circled with violet. It's localized south of your coordinates. It only reaches a little the place where the glasses where found. Where your footprints should have been, leading north. <i>Why didn't <<= $sheppardhe>> go there ?</i> You turn your head from the map to <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "Is your sense of smell, with being a werewolf—" frankly you still can't believe what you're saying. "—good ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> search<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> your face for a second. "Affirmative." "As good as a... dog's ?" "Affirmative." "Then, this morning, you were following a scent, yes ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> silent for a moment. "Yes." "Then—" you show the violet zone and the two red dots. "—why did you go there, instead of north ?" Who's scent <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> following ? <<= $sheppardlongname>> jaws clench. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> everywhere but at you. Ho-ho ! You're onto something. And this <<= $sheppardgender>> here, doesn't know how to lie. "Where you looking for Ethan Murphy's scent this morning, when investigating ?" The silence in the room is audible. Loud and clear. It's ricocheting in the afternoon air and rings in your head like a welcome reprieve. <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> still looking elsewhere. But you meet two vibrant blue eyes, determined. So you turn to Lukas. "No." A simple word. Spelled by a kid. "No ?" you ask again because you can't believe someone has answered you. "<<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>w—was<<else>>w—were<</if>> not i—in the forest to loo—k for Ethan Mu—Murphy this morning. It was j—just a detour." You lean forward, elbows on your knees. "How so ?" Lukas looks almost serious—although still colored in red. "Be—because... be—b—because..." he meets <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s look then his face drops and so do his eyes. You want to scream and punch something because this is seriously frustrating you. Even a soapy TV show is not as long as your day. A little more and you'll see blinking into the corner of your eyes the words <i>To be continued in the next episode</i>. You take your face into your hands and hear a migraine knocking on the door of your consciousness. Talking about doors, you hear the door of the office opening. If this was a comedy from the 80's, you'll be hearing comic laughs in the background. Lukas and <<= $sheppardlongname>> peer at who's coming. <div class="you">And so you do and see...</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[...a man|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a person|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a woman|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "f"]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

There are three red dots on the map. The first one is where you've found the glasses. The fact that your phone was still working inside the forest is a miracle in and on itself. The second dot is a random coordinate when your phone picked up some réseau again. Nothing relevant, but it gives you an approximation of where you went and the direction you took. It cannot hurt to know this much. The third is the location of the strange rift in the floor you stumbled onto. It was a really strange area. You don't really know how or why, but there was something off about the whole place. You put your finger there and look at <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "What <i>is</i> that ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> frown<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> a little then look at where you're pointing. "The rift you've found ? It's a crack in the forest floor." Huh-hu. "Really ?" "Affirmative." "But why ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> frown intensifies. "What do you mean, why ?" "Why did you take the coordinate and note it ?" "To get a general direction of where you were going." "Then why not put an arrow ?" "Why ?" You put your finger on other sign <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> drawned before all this. They are varied. Even the other red marks are crosses. This one is a circle. "It looks like this one has been pin pointed." <<= $sheppardlongname>> turn<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> head slowly in your direction. You meet forest green frustrated eyes. "Do not." Two words. It's curt. Delivered with bullet precision. Aimed directly for you. You clear your throat and turns you head. You don't really feel like pissing off a wendigo and a werewolf in the same day. You take your attention away from <<= $sheppardlongname>> and look at <<= $sheppardlhis>> investigated zone. The one circled with violet. It's localized south of your coordinates. It only reaches a little the place where the glasses where found. Where your footprints should have been, leading north. <i>Why didn't <<= $sheppardhe>> go there ?</i> You turn your head from the map to <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "Is your sense of smell, with being a werewolf—" frankly you still can't believe what you're saying. And so soon after having clearly shortened the Sentinel's patience. "—good ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> search<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> your face for a second. Sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> "Affirmative." "As good as a... dog's ?" "Affirmative." "Then, this morning, you were following a scent, yes ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> silent for a moment. "Yes." "Then—" you show the violet zone and the three red dots. "—why did you go there, instead of north ?" Who's scent <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> following ? <<= $sheppardlongname>> jaws clench. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> everywhere but at you and <<= $sheppardhis>> shoulders sag a little. Ho-ho ! You're onto something. And this <<= $sheppardgender>> here, doesn't know how to lie. "Where you looking for Ethan Murphy's scent this morning, when investigating ?" The silence in the room is audible. Loud and clear. It's ricocheting in the afternoon air and rings in your head like a welcome reprieve. <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> still looking elsewhere. But you meet two vibrant blue eyes, determined. So you turn to Lukas. "No." A simple word. Spelled by a kid. "No ?" you ask again because you can't believe someone has answered you. "<<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>w—was<<else>>w—were<</if>> not i—in the forest to loo—k for Ethan Mu—Murphy this morning. It was j—just a detour." You lean forward, elbows on your knees. "How so ?" Lukas looks almost serious—although still colored in red. "Be—because... be—b—because..." he meets <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s look then his face drops and so do his eyes. You want to scream and punch something because this is seriously frustrating you. Even a soapy TV show is not as long as your day. A little more and you'll see blinking into the corner of your eyes the words <i>To be continued in the next episode</i>. You take your face into your hands and hear a migraine knocking on the door of your consciousness. Talking about doors, you hear the door of the office opening. If this was a comedy from the 80's, you'll be hearing comic laughs in the background. Lukas and <<= $sheppardlongname>> peer at who's coming. <div class="you">And so you do and see...</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[...a man|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a person|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a woman|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "f"]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

There are four red dots on the map. The first one is where you've found the glasses. The fact that your phone was still working inside the forest is a miracle in and on itself. The second dot is a random coordinate when your phone picked up some réseau again. Nothing relevant, but it gives you an approximation of where you went and the direction you took. It cannot hurt to know this much. The third is the location of the strange rift in the floor you stumbled onto. It was a really strange area. You don't really know how or why, but there was something off about the whole place. Your last contribution on this map—and last red dot—is the localisation of the dreaded pond you've stumbled onto. The one which reaker of death and which surroundings you wanted to leave as soon as you've found yourself on the bank of it. You put your finger there and look at <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "What <i>is</i> that ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> frown<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> a little then look at where you're pointing. "The rift you've found ? It's a crack in the forest floor." Huh-hu. "Really ?" "Affirmative." "But why ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> frown intensifies. "What do you mean, why ?" "Why did you take the coordinate and note it ?" "To get a general direction of where you were going." "Then why not put an arrow ?" "Why ?" You put your finger on other sign <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> drawned before all this. They are varied. Even the other red marks are crosses. This one is a circle. "It looks like this one has been pin pointed." <<= $sheppardlongname>> turn<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> head slowly in your direction. You meet forest green frustrated eyes. "Do not." Two words. It's curt. Delivered with bullet precision. Aimed directly for you. You clear your throat and turns you head. You don't really feel like pissing off a wendigo and a werewolf in the same day. You take your attention away from <<= $sheppardlongname>> and look at <<= $sheppardlhis>> investigated zone. The one circled with violet. It's localized south of your coordinates. It only reaches a little the place where the glasses where found. Where your footprints should have been, leading north. <i>Why didn't <<= $sheppardhe>> go there ?</i> You turn your head from the map to <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "Is your sense of smell, with being a werewolf—" frankly you still can't believe what you're saying. And so soon after having clearly shortened the Sentinel's patience. "—good ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> search<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> your face for a second. Sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> "Affirmative." "As good as a... dog's ?" "Affirmative." "Then, this morning, you were following a scent, yes ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> silent for a moment. "Yes." "Then—" you show the violet zone and the four red dots. "—why did you go there, instead of north ?" Who's scent <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> following ? <<= $sheppardlongname>> jaws clench. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> everywhere but at you and <<= $sheppardhis>> shoulders sag a little. Ho-ho ! You're onto something. And this <<= $sheppardgender>> here, doesn't know how to lie. "Where you looking for Ethan Murphy's scent this morning, when investigating ?" The silence in the room is audible. Loud and clear. It's ricocheting in the afternoon air and rings in your head like a welcome reprieve. <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> still looking elsewhere. But you meet two vibrant blue eyes, determined. So you turn to Lukas. "No." A simple word. Spelled by a kid. "No ?" you ask again because you can't believe someone has answered you. "<<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>w—was<<else>>w—were<</if>> not i—in the forest to loo—k for Ethan Mu—Murphy this morning. It was j—just a detour." You lean forward, elbows on your knees. "How so ?" Lukas looks almost serious—although still colored in red. "Be—because... be—b—because..." he meets <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s look then his face drops and so do his eyes. You want to scream and punch something because this is seriously frustrating you. Even a soapy TV show is not as long as your day. A little more and you'll see blinking into the corner of your eyes the words <i>To be continued in the next episode</i>. You take your face into your hands and hear a migraine knocking on the door of your consciousness. Talking about doors, you hear the door of the office opening. If this was a comedy from the 80's, you'll be hearing comic laughs in the background. Lukas and <<= $sheppardlongname>> peer at who's coming. <div class="you">And so you do and see...</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[...a man|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a person|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a woman|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "f"]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

There are four red dots on the map. The first one is where you've found the glasses. The fact that your phone was still working inside the forest is a miracle in and on itself. The second dot is a random coordinate when your phone picked up some réseau again. Nothing relevant, but it gives you an approximation of where you went and the direction you took. It cannot hurt to know this much. The third is the location of the strange rift in the floor you stumbled onto. It was a really strange area. You don't really know how or why, but there was something off about the whole place. And last but not least, you've picked up coordinates from where you've found the camera. But that, of course, you didn't tell. For them, it's just a direction you took and réseau was there, and bam. You got a red dot on a map. You put your finger there and look at <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "What <i>is</i> that ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> frown<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> a little then look at where you're pointing. "The rift you've found ? It's a crack in the forest floor." Huh-hu. "Really ?" "Affirmative." "But why ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> frown intensifies. "What do you mean, why ?" "Why did you take the coordinate and note it ?" "To get a general direction of where you were going." "Then why not put an arrow ?" "Why ?" You put your finger on other sign <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> drawned before all this. They are varied. Even the other red marks are crosses. This one is a circle. "It looks like this one has been pin pointed." <<= $sheppardlongname>> turn<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> head slowly in your direction. You meet forest green frustrated eyes. "Do not." Two words. It's curt. Delivered with bullet precision. Aimed directly for you. You clear your throat and turns you head. You don't really feel like pissing off a wendigo and a werewolf in the same day. You take your attention away from <<= $sheppardlongname>> and look at <<= $sheppardlhis>> investigated zone. The one circled with violet. It's localized south of your coordinates. It only reaches a little the place where the glasses where found. Where your footprints should have been, leading north. <i>Why didn't <<= $sheppardhe>> go there ?</i> You turn your head from the map to <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "Is your sense of smell, with being a werewolf—" frankly you still can't believe what you're saying. And so soon after having clearly shortened the Sentinel's patience. "—good ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> search<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> your face for a second. Sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> "Affirmative." "As good as a... dog's ?" "Affirmative." "Then, this morning, you were following a scent, yes ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> silent for a moment. "Yes." "Then—" you show the violet zone and the four red dots. "—why did you go there, instead of north ?" Who's scent <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> following ? <<= $sheppardlongname>> jaws clench. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> everywhere but at you and <<= $sheppardhis>> shoulders sag a little. Ho-ho ! You're onto something. And this <<= $sheppardgender>> here, doesn't know how to lie. "Where you looking for Ethan Murphy's scent this morning, when investigating ?" The silence in the room is audible. Loud and clear. It's ricocheting in the afternoon air and rings in your head like a welcome reprieve. <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> still looking elsewhere. But you meet two vibrant blue eyes, determined. So you turn to Lukas. "No." A simple word. Spelled by a kid. "No ?" you ask again because you can't believe someone has answered you. "<<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>w—was<<else>>w—were<</if>> not i—in the forest to loo—k for Ethan Mu—Murphy this morning. It was j—just a detour." You lean forward, elbows on your knees. "How so ?" Lukas looks almost serious—although still colored in red. "Be—because... be—b—because..." he meets <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s look then his face drops and so do his eyes. You want to scream and punch something because this is seriously frustrating you. Even a soapy TV show is not as long as your day. A little more and you'll see blinking into the corner of your eyes the words <i>To be continued in the next episode</i>. You take your face into your hands and hear a migraine knocking on the door of your consciousness. Talking about doors, you hear the door of the office opening. If this was a comedy from the 80's, you'll be hearing comic laughs in the background. Lukas and <<= $sheppardlongname>> peer at who's coming. <div class="you">And so you do and see...</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[...a man|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a person|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a woman|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "f"]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

There are four red dots on the map. The first one is where you've found the glasses. The fact that your phone was still working inside the forest is a miracle in and on itself. The second dot is a random coordinate when your phone picked up some réseau again. Nothing relevant, but it gives you an approximation of where you went and the direction you took. It cannot hurt to know this much. Then comes the localisation of the dreaded pond. The one which reaked of death and sent chill down your spine. The pond you really wanted to leave as soon as possible once you stumbed upon it. Last but not least—dot on the map—is the place where you've found the camera. Of course, you didn't tell them you've found something there. To them, it's just another random coordinates picked by your phone when wandering in the woods. You look at <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s investigated zone. The one circled with violet. It's localized south of your coordinates. It only reaches a little the place where the glasses where found. Where your footprints should have been, leading north. <i>Why didn't <<= $sheppardhe>> go there ?</i> You turn your head from the map to <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "Is your sense of smell, with being a werewolf—" frankly you still can't believe what you're saying. "—good ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> search<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> your face for a second. "Affirmative." "As good as a... dog's ?" "Affirmative." "Then, this morning, you were following a scent, yes ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> silent for a moment. "Yes." "Then—" you show the violet zone and the four red dots. "—why did you go there, instead of north ?" Who's scent <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> following ? <<= $sheppardlongname>> jaws clench. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> everywhere but at you. Ho-ho ! You're onto something. And this <<= $sheppardgender>> here, doesn't know how to lie. "Where you looking for Ethan Murphy's scent this morning, when investigating ?" The silence in the room is audible. Loud and clear. It's ricocheting in the afternoon air and rings in your head like a welcome reprieve. <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> still looking elsewhere. But you meet two vibrant blue eyes, determined. So you turn to Lukas. "No." A simple word. Spelled by a kid. "No ?" you ask again because you can't believe someone has answered you. "<<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>w—was<<else>>w—were<</if>> not i—in the forest to loo—k for Ethan Mu—Murphy this morning. It was j—just a detour." You lean forward, elbows on your knees. "How so ?" Lukas looks almost serious—although still colored in red. "Be—because... be—b—because..." he meets <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s look then his face drops and so do his eyes. You want to scream and punch something because this is seriously frustrating you. Even a soapy TV show is not as long as your day. A little more and you'll see blinking into the corner of your eyes the words <i>To be continued in the next episode</i>. You take your face into your hands and hear a migraine knocking on the door of your consciousness. Talking about doors, you hear the door of the office opening. If this was a comedy from the 80's, you'll be hearing comic laughs in the background. Lukas and <<= $sheppardlongname>> peer at who's coming. <div class="you">And so you do and see...</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[...a man|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a person|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a woman|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "f"]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

There are three red dots on the map. The first one is where you've found the glasses. The fact that your phone was still working inside the forest is a miracle in and on itself. The second dot is a random coordinate when your phone picked up some réseau again. Nothing relevant, but it gives you an approximation of where you went and the direction you took. It cannot hurt to know this much. The third is from the pond you've found. The one which reaker of decompostion and death. The pond around which you didn't want to say one more second and left as soon as you smelled decay. You shudder a little at that. There is not much, but still. You look at <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s investigated zone. The one circled with violet. It's localized south of your coordinates. It only reaches a little the place where the glasses where found. Where your footprints should have been, leading north. <i>Why didn't <<= $sheppardhe>> go there ?</i> You turn your head from the map to <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "Is your sense of smell, with being a werewolf—" frankly you still can't believe what you're saying. "—good ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> search<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> your face for a second. "Affirmative." "As good as a... dog's ?" "Affirmative." "Then, this morning, you were following a scent, yes ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> silent for a moment. "Yes." "Then—" you show the violet zone and the two red dots. "—why did you go there, instead of north ?" Who's scent <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> following ? <<= $sheppardlongname>> jaws clench. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> everywhere but at you. Ho-ho ! You're onto something. And this <<= $sheppardgender>> here, doesn't know how to lie. "Where you looking for Ethan Murphy's scent this morning, when investigating ?" The silence in the room is audible. Loud and clear. It's ricocheting in the afternoon air and rings in your head like a welcome reprieve. <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> still looking elsewhere. But you meet two vibrant blue eyes, determined. So you turn to Lukas. "No." A simple word. Spelled by a kid. "No ?" you ask again because you can't believe someone has answered you. "<<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>w—was<<else>>w—were<</if>> not i—in the forest to loo—k for Ethan Mu—Murphy this morning. It was j—just a detour." You lean forward, elbows on your knees. "How so ?" Lukas looks almost serious—although still colored in red. "Be—because... be—b—because..." he meets <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s look then his face drops and so do his eyes. You want to scream and punch something because this is seriously frustrating you. Even a soapy TV show is not as long as your day. A little more and you'll see blinking into the corner of your eyes the words <i>To be continued in the next episode</i>. You take your face into your hands and hear a migraine knocking on the door of your consciousness. Talking about doors, you hear the door of the office opening. If this was a comedy from the 80's, you'll be hearing comic laughs in the background. Lukas and <<= $sheppardlongname>> peer at who's coming. <div class="you">And so you do and see...</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[...a man|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a person|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a woman|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "f"]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

There are three red dots on the map. The first one is where you've found the glasses. The fact that your phone was still working inside the forest is a miracle in and on itself. The second dot is a random coordinate when your phone picked up some réseau again. Nothing relevant, but it gives you an approximation of where you went and the direction you took. It cannot hurt to know this much. And then comes the location of where you've found the camera. Not that you've told them. To them, it's just another coordinates. You look at <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s investigated zone. The one circled with violet. It's localized south of your coordinates. It only reaches a little the place where the glasses where found. Where your footprints should have been, leading north. <i>Why didn't <<= $sheppardhe>> go there ?</i> You turn your head from the map to <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "Is your sense of smell, with being a werewolf—" frankly you still can't believe what you're saying. "—good ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> search<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> your face for a second. "Affirmative." "As good as a... dog's ?" "Affirmative." "Then, this morning, you were following a scent, yes ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> silent for a moment. "Yes." "Then—" you show the violet zone and the three red dots. "—why did you go there, instead of north ?" Who's scent <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> following ? <<= $sheppardlongname>> jaws clench. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> everywhere but at you. Ho-ho ! You're onto something. And this <<= $sheppardgender>> here, doesn't know how to lie. "Where you looking for Ethan Murphy's scent this morning, when investigating ?" The silence in the room is audible. Loud and clear. It's ricocheting in the afternoon air and rings in your head like a welcome reprieve. <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> still looking elsewhere. But you meet two vibrant blue eyes, determined. So you turn to Lukas. "No." A simple word. Spelled by a kid. "No ?" you ask again because you can't believe someone has answered you. "<<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>w—was<<else>>w—were<</if>> not i—in the forest to loo—k for Ethan Mu—Murphy this morning. It was j—just a detour." You lean forward, elbows on your knees. "How so ?" Lukas looks almost serious—although still colored in red. "Be—because... be—b—because..." he meets <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s look then his face drops and so do his eyes. You want to scream and punch something because this is seriously frustrating you. Even a soapy TV show is not as long as your day. A little more and you'll see blinking into the corner of your eyes the words <i>To be continued in the next episode</i>. You take your face into your hands and hear a migraine knocking on the door of your consciousness. Talking about doors, you hear the door of the office opening. If this was a comedy from the 80's, you'll be hearing comic laughs in the background. Lukas and <<= $sheppardlongname>> peer at who's coming. <div class="you">And so you do and see...</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[...a man|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a person|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a woman|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "f"]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

There are five red dots on the map. The first one is where you've found the glasses. The fact that your phone was still working inside the forest is a miracle in and on itself. The second dot is a random coordinate when your phone picked up some réseau again. Nothing relevant, but it gives you an approximation of where you went and the direction you took. It cannot hurt to know this much. The third is the location of the strange rift in the floor you stumbled onto. It was a really strange area. You don't really know how or why, but there was something off about the whole place. Then comes the location where you've found the camera. Not that you've told them that. To them, it's just another coordinates randomly picked by your phone and translated into a red dot on this map. The fifth location is the dreader pond which reaked on death. The one which sent shivers down your spine. The one which banks you wanted to leave as soon as you've found it. You put your finger there and look at <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "What <i>is</i> that ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> frown<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> a little then look at where you're pointing. "The rift you've found ? It's a crack in the forest floor." Huh-hu. "Really ?" "Affirmative." "But why ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> frown intensifies. "What do you mean, why ?" "Why did you take the coordinate and note it ?" "To get a general direction of where you were going." "Then why not put an arrow ?" "Why ?" You put your finger on other sign <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> drawned before all this. They are varied. Even the other red marks are crosses. This one is a circle. "It looks like this one has been pin pointed." <<= $sheppardlongname>> turn<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> head slowly in your direction. You meet forest green frustrated eyes. "Do not." Two words. It's curt. Delivered with bullet precision. Aimed directly for you. You clear your throat and turns you head. You don't really feel like pissing off a wendigo and a werewolf in the same day. You take your attention away from <<= $sheppardlongname>> and look at <<= $sheppardlhis>> investigated zone. The one circled with violet. It's localized south of your coordinates. It only reaches a little the place where the glasses where found. Where your footprints should have been, leading north. <i>Why didn't <<= $sheppardhe>> go there ?</i> You turn your head from the map to <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "Is your sense of smell, with being a werewolf—" frankly you still can't believe what you're saying. And so soon after having clearly shortened the Sentinel's patience. "—good ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> search<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> your face for a second. Sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> "Affirmative." "As good as a... dog's ?" "Affirmative." "Then, this morning, you were following a scent, yes ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> silent for a moment. "Yes." "Then—" you show the violet zone and the five red dots. "—why did you go there, instead of north ?" Who's scent <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> following ? <<= $sheppardlongname>> jaws clench. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> everywhere but at you and <<= $sheppardhis>> shoulders sag a little. Ho-ho ! You're onto something. And this <<= $sheppardgender>> here, doesn't know how to lie. "Where you looking for Ethan Murphy's scent this morning, when investigating ?" The silence in the room is audible. Loud and clear. It's ricocheting in the afternoon air and rings in your head like a welcome reprieve. <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> still looking elsewhere. But you meet two vibrant blue eyes, determined. So you turn to Lukas. "No." A simple word. Spelled by a kid. "No ?" you ask again because you can't believe someone has answered you. "<<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>w—was<<else>>w—were<</if>> not i—in the forest to loo—k for Ethan Mu—Murphy this morning. It was j—just a detour." You lean forward, elbows on your knees. "How so ?" Lukas looks almost serious—although still colored in red. "Be—because... be—b—because..." he meets <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s look then his face drops and so do his eyes. You want to scream and punch something because this is seriously frustrating you. Even a soapy TV show is not as long as your day. A little more and you'll see blinking into the corner of your eyes the words <i>To be continued in the next episode</i>. You take your face into your hands and hear a migraine knocking on the door of your consciousness. Talking about doors, you hear the door of the office opening. If this was a comedy from the 80's, you'll be hearing comic laughs in the background. Lukas and <<= $sheppardlongname>> peer at who's coming. <div class="you">And so you do and see...</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[...a man|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "m"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a person|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "nb"]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[...a woman|case01 gps 4][$rathgenre to "f"]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <br> <br> <br>

Who said you're not a mature adult ? You heard once someone said : <blockquote>Hold you head high and your middle finger higher.</blockquote> Such a quote is inspirational and you would be an idiot not to follow it. So you do. Your head is high, but nowhere near as high and shiny as the middle finger you're showing. The curvature, the angle, the audacity. All is held in this single digit. <<if hasVisited("case01 swampresign bird")>>The same one you've shown the wendigo, this morning.<</if>> Humanity as its peak. Elias looks appalled for the merest second before he decides to put in some work and follow his own quote. It should be something like : <blockquote>Hold you assholey-way high and your eyebrow higher.</blockquote> He then sighs and represses what appears to be the beggining of a glorious eyeroll. "Very, very mature, <span class="cap"><<= $name>></span>. I'm impressed by such sophisticated behaviour." "I'm learnt from the best." "I'm not doubting you." "I've never ask for you vote of confidence." "I don't remember needing your green light to run my mouth as I please." "Maybe you should, that'll prevent you from spewing bullshits each time you open it." "Thank you so much for your kind consideration." "You're very welcome." And as a flag in the wind, your finger has been raised during the whole conversation. You wiggle it a little to make a point and notice in the background <<= $sheppardlongname>> turning <<= $sheppardhis>> attention between you two—measuring what you're doing and hovering towards Elias. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> like <<= $sheppardhe>> want<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> to say something to the later. But then <<= $sheppardhis>> attention is snagged by your wriggling finger and you see <<= $sheppardhis>> eyes traveling there. Then going back to your face. And is it the ghost of a smirk you see on <<= $sheppardhis>> lips ? As soon as you spot the edge of it, it disappears and <<= $sheppardlongname>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> again a tensed workholic. <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 7]]</li></ul>

Who said you weren't a mature and diplomatic one. Hell, no one beats you in this departement. The skill and dedication and application it takes to stick out your tongue at just the right angle—so as to show how much disdain you have for someone—is a forgotten art. One you must bring back to the light of the day. And so you do. It took you a little staring down, smirking a little and now your tongue is dangling out, daring anyone to just continue to annoy you. Elias looks at you with wide eyes, then his signature frown is back into place—but the confusion is still showing through. And then something unexepected happens. He smiles—and it lights up all his face—and he sticks out his tongue to you. You think, maybe the end of the world is near. Or maybe, it's just how first impressions works. He looked like an asshole with much pride. And in your books, assholes with too much pride don't stick out their tongue. But here he is, proving you otherwise. Thus, he might be slightly less an asshole as you'd thought, or he has slightly less pride than what you'd thought. It's either of the two. You chuckle and he does the same. Before he remembers that he is, indeed, a jerk, and back is the frown. But the edge of a smile is still lingering there. Then you notice <<= $sheppardlongname>> in the background, looking between you and Elias in silent confusion. The way <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> hovering next to Elias tells you <<= $sheppardhe>> want<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> to speak with him. And then you wonder if you've imagined it when you see the ghost of a smile on <<= $sheppardlongname>>'s lips as well. See ? The art of sticking out one's tongue is a forgotten one, and it works wonder. <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 7]]</li></ul>

It's late autumn. It's becoming gloomy and cold. You need something to keep you warm—as sure does everyone. And so you display your most impressive smirk. Very, <i>very, very,</i> improper in its curvature. Bold and keen. And you're sure now by how it caught the eyes of Elias : very naughty. Elias' eyes zero onto those lips of yours and you part them a little in silent invitation. You can see a whole storm is raging inside him. His eyes turn slightly darker, but in opposition he pinches his lips. He's clenching his jaw but then proceed to bite his lips. His fists close and you see his nails biting into his skin. And then, the storm settles and you see his lips twitching sideway. To catch your attention. Before a very naughtly smirk appears on his lips as well. Very, <i>very, very,</i> improper. And you see through his glinting eyes that he has undressed you in his head. <<if settings.mature eq true>>He has probably already even pushed you against the very cold hood of his car and you see in the interested darkness inside his deep blue eyes that he's doing nasty things to you.<</if>> You feel things getting heated in your stomach, and all the way bellow. "Well, detective—" the bastard purrs. "—getting all flushed by yourself over there ?" The smirk is still there, hanging on his lips with the promise of a very very hot autumn. And he even make his eyes travel from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. Okay, this is not hot. This is embers hot, a fire in the wood, but not just hot. And yes, you're feeling flushed because you didn't think he would smirk back at you. "Well, Elias—" you purrs back, because this is now a game of back and forth. "—right back at you. You're looking a little bit lonely other there." That's one hell of a eye contact you're keeping. And it seems a volcano has decided to erupt between the two of you. "So lonely I think I'll have to take matter into <i>my own hands</i> tonight. This is making my blood <i>pump</i> and it's really a <i>hard</i> thought to have." Yup, not a volcano, a whole sun is now blazing between the two of you. Shit, you're getting burnt by your own game. Whislt this bastard is totally fine, looking at his lap. And he seems to know it as he's leaning back to demonstrate <i>how fine</i> he is. You're about to answer something filthy back when you hear the noise of someone clearing <<= $sheppardhis>> throat. It's seems your volcano-sun has burnt others as well. Looking how <<= $sheppardlongname>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> embarassed. Elias looks at <<= $sheppardhim>> and chuckles with a voice you can only discribe as husky. "Sorry there, <<= $sheppardname>>." <<= $sheppardlongname>> do<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> best not to look at any of you in the eyes. Elias smack <<= $sheppardhis>> back and laughs a little. "Don't worry, one day we'll speak of the bird and the bees." "I hate you, you know ?" "I love you as well, <<= $sheppardname>>." Well, this is interesting. And this interruption is kinda welcomed. <<if settings.mature eq true>>Because you'll have really checked if this car's hood is that cold and can endure a rough treatement.<</if>> <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 7]]</li></ul>

Oh. Wait. He has beautiful eyes, doens't he ? And a handsome face as well. And he exudes roughness and— Huh. Are your cheeks warm right now ? They are not, right. You clear your throat and avoid eye contact. Or well, you try to. You spy a smirk spreading on those attractive lips and you eyes settles in the curves of them. Elias, indeed, is smirking at you. And not in a business-like way. Nor a friendly way. There is nothing friendly in the way he is looking at you. And there is definitively nothing platonic in the way his eyes travel from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. He looks like he's found something interesting. Like a puzzle. That he would like to assemble. The pieces would fit. You shake your head because your brain is going somewhere and you don't want to go there. Elias takes a step towards you and you flinch slightly in panick. Because it's getting hot here. "Looking a little bit flushed, aren't we, detective ?" You're not trusting your voice right now, so you just look at the forest. "It's the cold. It's cold." "So cold it's making you <i>burn inside</i> ?" By the seven seas. Did he need to say it like that and with such a husky voice ? "Indeed. It's so cold that by in contrast, I'm feeling hot." "Heh." he teases. "I'm not believing a word you say." "Right back at you." "Oh, but I"m saying interesting things right now." "Haven't heard them." "It's because I'm speaking with my eyes, detective. You have to look at them to know." You spare his eyes a glance and immediately regrets it. There is a glint in them which sends butterflies flying in your stomach. <<if settings.mature eq true>>And by how he's looking at you, he's already pushed you against a tree for a very very hot make out session.<</if>> You huff a breath. Elias chuckles. He's almost adding fire to your veins when you hear someone clearing <<= $sheppardhis>> throat. Elias and you both in the direction of a very embarassed <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "Hey, <<= $sheppardname>>." "Am I..." <<= $sheppardlongname>> indicate<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> the both of you, seemingly asking if <<= $sheppardhe>>'<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>re<</if>> interrupting something. "Nah. I was just making sure <span class="cap"><<= $name>></span> <<if $plural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> warm enough." He makes one more once over. "Looks like <<= $she>> <<if $plural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>>." <<= $sheppardlongname>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> in your direction with a shade of... pity ? What ? Then sigh<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>>. And just like that, the moment is gone. And you ? You failed at keeping your flushed face at bay. <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 7]]</li></ul>

You feel...things. In your body. As you're looking at Elias. And you don't want that. So you're frowning. You're trying to convey this frown to all the butterflies flying into your system, and hope your glare is enough to set them on fire. Then you see Elias looking at your face as if he's observing something interesting happenig. There is no way this is showing, right ? He smirks. Wait, no, there is no fucking way. His smirk grows bigger. Then he turns his head side way to hide it. You take this opportunity to recompose yourself. No, wait. Recompose what ? You clench your fist in frustration. "Seems your fate is in your <i>own hands</i>, detective." There is no way there isn't a innuendo in there. "I bet my fate is." "I bet as well." He licks his lips. For the love of— And he leans forward, with a whisper. "Your eyes, <span class="cap"><<= $name>></span> look like they either wants to strangle me, or peels my clothes off me. Haven't figure out which is." "Strangling you would be a good color on you." His smirks grow and you just want to run away right now. And jump into a hole in the earth. "I'm sure your hands would look good around my neck. I would say <i>Please and thank you, <span class="cap"><<= $name>></span></i>." There is an edge in his tone which sends goosebumps your way. "Or try to. I would be out of breath and <i>panting</i> after all." You gulp down. "Fuck you." He purrs. "Is that a promise ?" "You—" You're about to unleash all kind of insults to him when you hear someone clearing <<= $sheppardhis>> throat. Elias and you both turns in the direction of a frowning <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "Elias..." <<= $sheppardhe>> glare<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>>. "Yes, yes, I'm leaving <<= $herr>> alone." Elias rises his hands in defeat. And just like that, the moment is broken. Not that you wanted it to last. Right ? <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 7]]</li></ul>

You don't really see a point at not being agreable. Nor rude. But even welcoming. So you just smile. No sarcasm. No venom. A genuine smile. It takes Elias so off guard that he looks at you with a squint and reads you face for a few seconds. And when he sees there is no mockery of dark plan involved, he sighs in reliefs. Before smiling back. It's a bright smile which lit up his whole face which is normally set in an eternal scowling or two paces away from eye rolling the world. But right now, he's smiling back at you, a sunshine in this shitty day. "I didn't expect you to smile at me." He laughes softly. "Well, the world is already a shitty place as it is. I don't need to make it shittier." "A breath of fresh air. Aren't you a darling ?" "How much would you say my smile is worth ?" Elias looks at you, laughs. "I'll say it's a million dollards smile." "Dollards?" you chuckle back. "It sounded better in my head. I think there is an expression like that but anyway." "Well, maybe try not to joke to much then." "I thought you were nice with this nice smile and all but I'm mistaken." "No, you're not. I'm just me. Wearing my heart on one sleave but still with a gun in the other." "That sounds lovely and ominous at the same time." You both laughs because you're dorks. In the corner of your eyes, you see <<= $sheppardlongname>> approaching. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> like <<= $sheppardhe>> want<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> to talk to Elias. But you see the shadow of a smile on <<= $sheppardhis>> face as well ans <<= $sheppardhis>> shoulders look more relaxed than when you saw <<= $sheppardhim>> before. And just like that, the moment is gone and the present is back. <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 7]]</li></ul>

You don't have the energy to deal with Elias and whatever size is his ego. So you ignore him. And the rest of the world. If only you could ignore the cold as well it would be wonderful. But heh, nothign is as easy, is it ? You spy <<= $sheppardlongname>> coming you way, and looking at Elias. Looks like it's time to go. <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 7]]</li></ul>

You notice everyone have their gear on to enter the deep dark forest. Even Lukas is ready. At this your frown. And you see you're not the only one. Elias walks towards the boy. "Luke, what are you doing ?" Lukas looks at Elias with a determined look in his face. "I—I'm coming w–with you." "You're certainly not." "I–If I'm not s–safe with <<= $sheppardname>>, Rathael and you, I'm not safe anywhere." Elias considers him for a second. Lukas adds. "Besides, I... I can't see from the outside. I—I n—need to see it fr—from inside." Elias sighs. Looks at <<= $sheppardlongname>> and Rathael. They both nod at him. "Understand, but you stick with us. Like Monkey Glue. Don't try to be a brave boy inside there, alright ?" One radious smile blinds you all. "Yes sir !" Elias shakes his head. And then he turns towards you. "As for you... do as you please." He sighs. It's not like you would have done it otherwise. And just like that, the five of you walks towards the uphill trail. <ul><li>[[...|case01 gps 8]]</li></ul>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "windandTree" loop play>>You breath in. Breath out. After all, the view here is wonferful. You've been walking for no more than ten minutes and you feel already jumpy. It must be the trees. They are standing there, on the edge of the path, looming menacingly. Or you think they must be. You can't believe you have a forest PTSD. But well, here you go. Each step is a struggle—not because you're nearing a forest, but because you're going inside. Again. And you don't want to. Why are you doing it though ? Because you just can't trust those people to do the right thing. But you're brain is trying to think reasonable reasons for you not to follow those three. Three because Lukas seems as nervous as you, deciding to walk next to you. On your right. Far from the forest. Or more clearly, he's put you between him and the forest. Well, guess you're his human shield. Just in case Firepunch, Big Bad Wolf and Regolas here don't suffice in neutralizing any menace coming. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>In and out. One, two, three. You're clenching and unclenching your fists. You have the nervous energy of someone already on the flight or fight response. And from time to time you catch either Elias, Rathael or <<= $sheppardlongname>> shooting you a stare. It's varies from concern mixt with pissed, concern mixt with confusion, and concern mixt with wired. And you answer those stares by stepping one foot before the other. Otherwise, you'll be stuck in place. No one has said a word yet and it's keeping your ears strained, longing for a distraction, a noise which is not the wind in the leaves or the cranking of branches in the forest. You look at the sky and wonder if the afternoon was really the best moment to enter a forest. Even more so a scary one. You look to your right and meet the scared blue eyes of a teenager. He leans a little towards you and whisper. "I... I'm regret—ting coming..." He fumbles inside his pockets and shoots the three walking ahead a worried and ashamed glance. Before you can register what he's said, stop counting and think for an answer, he adds. "I...H—how did you...f–face the..." he makes his gesture remplacing the word wendigo. It's kinda cute. "Haven't you seen one ?" "N—No. Fortunately. I... huh..." He shakes his head and look bashful. "I—I." He sighs in frustration. You frown. Is it his stutter which is frustrating him ? Or does he want to tell you something and realize he can't ? "I know you're looking for the breach." Lukas jumps a little in surprise and you see the werewolf checking on you at a speed which is definitely not human. Realizing everything is fine, <<= $sheppardlongname>> resume<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> walk. You shudder a little and check on the boy. He looks apologetic. He signals to the other two—who looked alarmed by the sudden movement of <<= $sheppardlongname>>—that he's fine. Then Lukas takes a little time before aknowledging what you've said. "Y—Yes. W—We were looking f—for the br—breach. B—But n—now we are... are going huh. For huh. Huh. Etha—an Murphy." He fumbles a lot and looks right and left then at the floor. "Wha—What d—does he look huh... l—like ?" Wow, he looks as jumpy as you're feeling right now. This is not the best look on such a sweet kid. But there is no way you're showing him a picture of Ethan Murphy. The poor boy will have a face haunting him then. Better not. You shake your head at him and he deflates a little and his smiles melts from nervous to definitely wistful. Your heart clenches a little at that but huh. Elias looks your way and slow his steps. "Whatcha all talking about, looking all gloomy like the world is gonna end ?" You bite the inside of your cheeks. Lukas fumbles inside his pockets. Elias whistles. "That bad, huh ?" He looks behind you, at nothing specific, you wired brain notice. "You can still go back. It's not too late. We're only twenty minutes inside the hike." It's tempting, it's really is. It's even more tempting than being offered your favourite ice-cream in the dead of summer, for free. But you won't concede. Lukas shakes his head from left to right and his face settles back into grim determination— <ul><li>"[[We're here.|case01 gps 9]]" Signals <<= $sheppardlongname>>.</li></ul> <</linkreplace>>

Those words rings wrong in your head. And as the result of hearing them, your heart goes into a mild panick state. You eye the lone walking resting, upright, against a tree. As if a hikker saw it, thought that the person who lost it would go back to find it. And put it here for them to see. Lukas seems as regretfull as you to have put his walking equipment on and stepping all this way towards this special place. But you, you are not here as <span class="cap"><<= $name>> <<= $surname>></span>. You are here as a private investigator. You live and breath for your case. Hell you'd almost died for it. So there is no way you'll give up just now. You take a step closer to the walking stick. And then another one. You join <<= $sheppardlongname>> who is kneeling by the floor, observing what Ethan Murphy's left behind. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> assess<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> your state with a quick glance before making room for you to join <<= $sheppardhim>>. "Do you have the reference of the articles he's bought ?" You give <<= $sheppardhim>> a curious look. Shouldn't <<= $sheppardhe>> have smelt it if it were indeed Murphy's ? Like <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> sensed the direction your inquisitive mind went to, <<= $sheppardlongname>> add<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>>. "It's for the rapport I'll have to write later. I can't just write <i>"It smelled like Ethan Murphy, so it was his"</i>." You reach for your <<if $techno >= 50>>phone<<else>>pocketbook<</if>> to check the note you've taken on the case. You nod to <<= $sheppardlongname>> who put gloves on. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> then turns the walking stick carefully until the barcode label is visible to you. You compare the reference of the walking stick with the one you've been given. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>> <<if settings.anima eq false>>Reference number of the article : <<timed 2s>><span class="lnr lnr-checkmark-circle" style="color:green"></span><</timed>> <<timed 3s>>State : It's brand new, only has been out at the whims of the weather for what appears to be a rough week. <</timed>><<timed 5s>><span class="lnr lnr-checkmark-circle" style="color:green"></span><</timed>> <<timed 7s>>Localisation : Uphill trail and you see someone has fallen from this place to the downhill forest. <</timed>><<timed 9s>><span class="lnr lnr-checkmark-circle" style="color:green"></span><</timed>> <<timed 11s>>Ethan Murphy's scent : <</timed>><<timed 13s>><span class="lnr lnr-question-circle" style="color:blue"></span><</timed>> <<timed 15s>>You have only one question. So you turn to <<= $sheppardlongname>>. Sensing your gaze, <<= $sheppardhe>> turn<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> to you. "Does it... smells like Murphy ?" "I don't know." You blink. "What ?" "I've never smelled Ethan Murphy before. If I had something of him, then I could have answered this question—" you hear Elias snorting. "—but for now I have to assume it's his." "Well, it is. The reference, state and localisation all check the case to say it's his. Besides, this is where we can see Ethan left the path." You take a closer step towards the edge. But not that close either. "So it's safe to assume it's his." Didn't <<= $sheppardhe>> tell you earlier <<= $sheppardhe>> followed a scent into the forest ? Strange. <<= $sheppardlongname>> throw<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> you a weirdly cold look you can't quite place nor decypher. Then <<= $sheppardhe>> bring<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> nose closer to the walking stick and... sniff<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>>. You look at the scene. And <<= $sheppardlongname>> tense<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> so much you can see—figuratively—<<= $sheppardhis>> hackle<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> rising. "Can you not ?" You meet the troubled green of <<= $sheppardhis>> eyes. And notice you've been staring. "Oh, huh. Sorry." You turn a little bit around and catch Rathael politely smiling at you. Like an apologetic smile. Then a question arises in the bubble of your mind. "Can you, like, transform into a wolf ?" You hear Elias silencing his laughs but failing at it. And Rathael do<<if $rathplural eq false>>es<</if>> a better job at it. <<= $sheppardlongname>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> at you with unhidden suprise. Come on now, <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> not expecting this line of questionning. "I—" "Yes, <<= $sheppardhe>> can, but it's not like in the movie." Speak<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> Rathael. "It's slow." "So very slow." adds Elias. <<= $sheppardlongname>> nod<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> in appreciation at the both of them. "So no, you're not going to see <<= $sheppardhim>> turn into a wolf. That big ass wolf form is creepy anyway. No offense." Elias rises his hand in answer to the whithering glare <<= $sheppardlongname>> throw<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> him. It appears it's a sensible subject for <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "I suggest we keep movie." Tell<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> the elf, looking at the sky. "I'd like to leave the forest before dark, if possible." You don't like the <i>if possible</i> part of what <<= $rathhe>>'s said. But you stand taller on your shaking feet and you all proceed to climb down to the dreaded downhill level of the forest. The one closer to hell. <ul><li>[[And down you go.|case01 gps 10]]</li></ul><</timed>> <<else>>Reference number of the article : <span class="lnr lnr-checkmark-circle" style="color:green"></span> State : It's brand new, only has been out at the whims of the weather for what appears to be a rough week. <span class="lnr lnr-checkmark-circle" style="color:green"></span> Localisation : Uphill trail and you see someone has fallen from this place to the downhill forest. <span class="lnr lnr-checkmark-circle" style="color:green"></span> Ethan Murphy's scent : <span class="lnr lnr-question-circle" style="color:blue"></span> You have only one question. So you turn to <<= $sheppardlongname>>. Sensing your gaze, <<= $sheppardhe>> turn<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> to you. "Does it... smells like Murphy ?" "I don't know." You blink. "What ?" "I've never smelled Ethan Murphy before. If I had something of him, then I could have answered this question—" you hear Elias snorting. "—but for now I have to assume it's his." "Well, it is. The reference, state and localisation all check the case to say it's his. Besides, this is where we can see Ethan left the path." You take a closer step towards the edge. But not that close either. "So it's safe to assume it's his." Didn't <<= $sheppardhe>> tell you earlier <<= $sheppardhe>> followed a scent into the forest ? Strange. <<= $sheppardlongname>> throw<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> you a weirdly cold look you can't quite place nor decypher. Then <<= $sheppardhe>> bring<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> nose closer to the walking stick and... sniff<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>>. You look at the scene. And <<= $sheppardlongname>> tense<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> so much you can see—figuratively—<<= $sheppardhis>> hackle<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> rising. "Can you not ?" You meet the troubled green of <<= $sheppardhis>> eyes. And notice you've been staring. "Oh, huh. Sorry." You turn a little bit around and catch Rathael politely smiling at you. Like an apologetic smile. Then a question arises in the bubble of your mind. "Can you, like, transform into a wolf ?" You hear Elias silencing his laughs but failing at it. And Rathael do<<if $rathplural eq false>>es<</if>> a better job at it. <<= $sheppardlongname>> look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> at you with unhidden suprise. Come on now, <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> not expecting this line of questionning. "I—" "Yes, <<= $sheppardhe>> can, but it's not like in the movie." Speak<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> Rathael. "It's slow." "So very slow." adds Elias. <<= $sheppardlongname>> nod<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> in appreciation at the both of them. "So no, you're not going to see <<= $sheppardhim>> turn into a wolf. That big ass wolf form is creepy anyway. No offense." Elias rises his hand in answer to the whithering glare <<= $sheppardlongname>> throw<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> him. It appears it's a sensible subject for <<= $sheppardlongname>>. "I suggest we keep movie." Tell<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> the elf, looking at the sky. "I'd like to leave the forest before dark, if possible." You don't like the <i>if possible</i> part of what <<= $rathhe>>'s said. But you stand taller on your shaking feet and you all proceed to climb down to the dreaded downhill level of the forest. The one closer to hell. <ul><li>[[And down you go.|case01 gps 10]]</li></ul> <</if>> <</linkreplace>>

<<audio ":playing" stop>><<audio "swamped" loop play>>It's bone chilling and unnerving to set foot onto the muddy path again. Though, the mud looks less soggy and stickier than the last time you were there. But the trees are the same. The bushes look as dying are they did. And the smell of rotting wood and wet floor and decaying mud is chocking you. Still at your side—seems like the kid like you well enough—Lukas makes a retching sound. "W—Why does i—it smell so—so bad here ?" Rathael, who seems utterly unbothered by the whole ecosystem trying to snuff out all the life in you, look<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> behind <<= $rathhim>> at Lukas. "It's because of the dam. This forest wasn't supposed to be as humid all year long. But since water has nowhere else to go, it stagnates here. Those trees are unused to a floor this wet and everything is rotting as a consequence." Lukas just nods at that an proceed to look around him like a troubled puppy. You, you've died inside as soon as you left the safety of the surrounding albeit cold sun to come down there. You're haunting this forest right now. You wonder if ghost hunter would come hunting for you. You'll play poltergheist with them a little before being bored for all eternity in here. <<linkreplace "..." t8n>>Besides being startled at every sudden noise, the walk is as dull and lifeless as this morning. Rows of naked dying trees. Bushes which have surely seen better days. The cold water gripping your feet, sloshing inside your shoes. And you're thinking this forest has killed two of your best of shoes. And it won't pay you back. But what unnerves you, it's the stillness. Nothing moves. Besides the five of you, there is no noise around. Aren't forest supposed to be alive ? Like the rattling of a tree in the distance. The flapping of birds' wings. Something. Some noises. Here, there is none of this. Besides, two of your companions make absolutely no noise when walking. Namely <<= $sheppardlongname>> and Rathael. Elias is a whole mood by himself. He's warding the silence away by his sole person. Because he's stomping on the floor with frustration and he is hurlinh curses unfit to a person's hear, every occasion he gets. Which means every five minutes. "...goddamn shoes are now fucking soggy with fucker's know what." "...just kill me already, I don't think I can live this any longer." "...the fuck was that ? Who's twart's idea was it that walking inside this hell hole as a forest was a good idea ? 'Cause my fist really want to say hello to them..." "I"m so tired but it's so disgusting here it's keeping me awake. It's somehow even more annoying. I want to set this whole forest aflame." [insert here even more unintelligible grumble and curses.] <i>What a drama queen.</i> <div class="you">With nothing better to do you decide to...</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[talk to Elias more.|case01 gps 11 elias]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[talk to Rathael.|case01 gps 11 rath]]</li></ul> <ul><li><<link "talk to <<= $sheppardlongname>>">><<goto "case01 gps 11 sheppard">><</link>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[talk to Lukas.|case01 gps 11 lukas]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[continue walking.|case01 gps 11 not]]</li></ul> <</nobr>> <</linkreplace>>

You take quicker steps to reach the grumbling man. He jolts a little with surprise when he sees you nearby. Then a quick smirk appears on his lips. "Can't keep away, hm ?" Ugh. He's already tiring. <div class="you"></div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[Agree, letting your sarcasm running free.|case01 gps 11 eliasA]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[Agree, with a flirty smirk of your own.|case01 gps 11 eliasB]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[He's kind of right. You can't keep away.|case01 gps 11 eliasC]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[You want to be friend with him.|case01 gps 11 eliasD]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You want to be friend with him. You think.|case01 gps 11 eliasE]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[You're wondering why the hell you want to talk to him.|case01 gps eliasF]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <</nobr>>

You approach the elf-looking-<<= $rathgender>>. You haven't, after all, had any confirmation about wheter Rathael <<if $rathplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> a elf or not. But well, now is an opportinity to know <<= $rathhim>> further. So you take it. Rathael turn<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> to you and nod in aknowledgment. So you settle your pace next to <<= $rathhim>>. "So hum—" you indicate <<= $rathhis>> ears. "—are you, like, a real elf ?" Rathael, who didn't break eye contact with you, repress a smile. "I am." Wow. You've met, in the span of twenty four hour : a wendigo which tried to kill you, a werewolf working for the Sentinel and an elf who <<if $rathplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> the ranger of this forest. You don't remember drinking 'till you pass out, nor taking any drugs of sorts, nor to have consumed any kind of mushroom. And this is certainly not a dream. So this is not drug induced or the result of a drunken imagination. This is real. And this is your life now. You're walking in a forest, looking for a man who chased a butterfly, and you can't believe what you're facing right now. Something must be showing on your face because Rathael appears slightly concerned. "It's been less than a day for you. Your mind has to adapt to a whole new aspect of reality. So it's perfectly normal for you to feel completely out of it." <span class="cap"><<= $rathhe>></span> brush<<if $rathplural eq false>>es<</if>> some of <<= $rathhis>> long hair—tied in a high ponytail—and disantangle them from a low hanging branch which succeeded in gripping them. You look at the rich silver color, which looks very much like their natural color. "Weren't you ostracized, with a look just like yours ?" Even though this is the twenty-first century, mentality takes time to change. And well, Rathael <<if $rathplural eq false>>has<<else>>have<</if>> a kind of rock'n roll look—with all kind of helix piercings on <<= $rathhis>> left long ear—which works fine on <<= $rathhim>> but still. If <<= $rathhe>> <<if $rathplural eq false>>was<<else>>were<</if>> with silver hair and violet eyes, you're sure people would have treated <<= $rathhim>> like a freak. Rathael throw<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> you an odd look. "I didn't grew up here." It's barely a whisper, but you understand <<= $rathhe>> <<if $rathplural eq false>>doesn't<<else>>don't<</if>> want to speak further about this. Still, you wonder, if <<= $rathhe>> didn't grew up here, does it mean <<= $rathhe>> came through a breach—or the breach—just like the wendigo ? But then, <<if $rathplural eq false>>hasn't<<else>>haven't<</if>> <<= $rathhe>> got a family waiting for <<= $rathhim>> somewhere ? Your eyes go to <<=$sheppardlongname>> : <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> not from here as well ? Then does that mean <i>people</i> come from the breach ? You want to ask, but you're sure <<= $rathhe>> wouldn't answer. "And you, detective ?" You blink and turn your head towards the elf. "Are you from here ?" "Oh. No, not at all. I've come here for Muprhy." "How do you like your stay here for now ?" "Besides almost been mauled by a wendigo ?" <span class="cap"><<= $rathhis>></span> eyes crinkle with amusement but <<= $rathhe>> <<if $rathplural eq false>>doesn't<<else>>don't<</if>> laugh. "I'm sure it has made for quite a memory." "I know, right ? It should have been delievered with a post-card so that I could hang it in my bedroom." Crinkled eyes. "Hum. Can I ask you a question ?" "Of course." "What does an elf do ?" Rathael stop<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> in <<= $rathhis>> walk and look<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> at you. "What do you mean ?" "Well, werewolves—" you almost see <<=$sheppardlongname>>'s ears twitching with the name "—shift from wolf to human. But elves, what do they do ?" Rathael actually eye roll<<if $rathplural eq false>>s<</if>> you. "We drink honey and sing under the moon when we're done harvesting." The tone is deadpanned, but there is amusement in it. <div class="you">How do you answer that ?</div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[You answer with sarcasm.|case01 gps 11 rathA]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You're flirting boldly.|case01 gps 11 rathB]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[That velvet-voice is doing things with your stomach.|case01 gps 11 rathC]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[You stay amicable.|case01 gps 11 rathD]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You stay amicable. You think.|case01 gps 11 rathE]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[You're stay silent, wondering why even your talking with this elf.|case01 gps 11 rathF]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <</nobr>>

You put quite some energy into your stride to catch up with the werewolf. But what surprise you if the lack of noise when <<= $sheppardhe>> walk<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>>. When <<= $sheppardlongname>> slide<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> eyes your way, you see <<= $sheppardhim>> tense. Well, that was to be expected. There is a moment of silence before <<= $sheppardhe>> clear<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> throat. "We are almost to the first coordinates. If we keep this pace, we'll be there in—" <<= $sheppardhe>> check<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> wristwatch, a simple design. "—twenty minutes." <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> then nod<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> to you as if this was the sole reason of you talking to <<= $sheppardhim>> and <<= $sheppardhis>> eyes settle back on the road. <div class="you"></div> <<nobr>><ul><li>[[You eyeroll, silent with a teasing smile.|case01 gps 11 sheppardA]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You feel like flirting, right now. Rather boldly.|case01 gps 11 sheppardB]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[There are butterflies. In your stomach. Help.|case01 gps 11 sheppardC]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <ul><li>[[You just want to be friend.|case01 gps 11 sheppardD]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You just want to be friend. Right ?|case01 gps 11 sheppardE]]</li></ul> <ul><li>[[You're frowning, wondering why you want to keep talking.|case01 gps 11 sheppardF]]<<if settings.rom eq true>><span class="lnr lnr-heart"></span><</if>></li></ul> <</nobr>>

Agree, letting your sarcasm running free.

Agree, with a flirty smirk of your own.

He's kind of right. You can't keep away.

You want to be friend with him

You want to be friend with him. You think

You're wondering why the hell you want to talk to him

"Too bad, I thought you were busy, up North, making gift for children for Christmas." "I was fired by the big bellied man, unfortunnately." There is a moment of floating silence, before you laugh and Rathael's eyes light up. "Why ? Were you mean with the other elves ?" Well, it's not really elves, but lutin, but heh. "Oh, no, I'm such a sweetheart. It's just that they didn't appreciate me customizing the gifts. Apparently, children aren't fond of skulls and the color black." You chuckle. "I can imagine the big bellied man looking at your gift and asking you questions." "No, this didn't happen. I ran out crying and they never found me again after that." "Oh my, are you a walking missing person's case for me to solve ?" Crinkled eyes again. "Would you like it to be ?" "I depends, if you want to be found." "And make colorful toys for the rest of my life ?" "That as well." "Please, no, I want to remain missing." You wonder if there is some truth behind those words. You know, when they say that in every joke there is some truth. "But think of all those children, wanting a gift, black and with skulls on them." "And think of all those parents, and the face they'll make when they see those special gifts." "I bet they'll throw it." "Exactly." "Without remorse." "Not a shred." "When you have taken your time customizing it." "You get the feeling." "I do. It's a shame." Rathael do<<if $rathplural eq false>>es<</if>> chuckle at that. "Detective ?" You turn you head <<= $rathhis>> way. "Call me Iolrath. Rathael is just my... paper name." You blink at that. "Oh, okay. Iol...Iolrath Greenwood, then ?" "No, I'm just Iolrath. <<if $rathhe eq "he">>Son<<else>><</if>><<if $rathhe eq "she">>Daughter<<else>><</if>><<if $rathhe eq "they">>Child<</if>> of Rivaran and Iltheruyn. We don't have family names." You nod. "You could have kept Iolrath as a name. We see stranger name for newborn." "True, but nowadays only. I came before Gwynever and Lancelot became acceptable everyday name." You chucle. <ul><li>[[And you both resume walking.|case01 gps 12]]</li></ul>

Long minutes of silence stretches. At first, <<= $sheppardlongname>> frown<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> at the path ahead, not turning to you. Surely wondering if you want something else and waiting for you to ask. Then, <<= $sheppardhe>> proceed<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> to look your way, with an ever growing confused scowl on <<= $sheppardhis>> face. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> then spots your ever-growing non-professional smirk, and you can see the spin in <<= $sheppardhis>> head trying to come up with something or the reason why you're still walking beside <<= $sheppardhim>>. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> can't possibly be tenser than right now. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> even look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> like <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> slightly panicking. And you ? You're openly oggling. This close you can see the muscle in <<= $sheppardhis>> arms shifting with the effort, shockingly supple. Cords of muscle sculpted and designed for physical power. Because, yes, it's late autumn but <<= $sheppardlongname>> ha<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>ve<</if>> a short sleeved polo for <<= $sheppardhis>> uniform. But you understood why when you've stepped closer earlier. This <<= $sheppardgender>> is a walking furnace. And you want to go closer to that volcano. It's when <<= $sheppardhe>>'<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>re<</if>> alternating between frowning at you and at the path ahead that you crack and laugh. <<= $sheppardlongname>> stop<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> and look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> at you. "Something the matter, detective ?" "It's you." "Me. Yes ? Why ?" "I find you sexy in this short-sleeved uniform adorned with a scowl." <<= $sheppardlongname>> almost miss<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> a step and send<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> an alarmed look you way. "Oh my, inspector, are you getting flustered ?" <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> shoot<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> a curious stare mixted with even more panick. Frown<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>>. "Sexy... aren't you... afraid of me ?" A nervous gulp. You blink. Is this why <<= $sheppardhe>> <<if $sheppardplural eq false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> so tensed whenever you're near ? Your lips twitch—and the forest green laser beam aiming your way don't miss a thing—before settling into another flirtatious smile. "Me ? Afraid of you ? Oh no. Absolutely not. I was even wondering if those powerful looking muscles could be put to use." You meet <<= $sheppardhis>> eyes, follow the tense swallow in <<= $sheppardhis>> neck, smile even more. Look lower. "And if you had the stamina to go with them." "I—I." <<= $sheppardlongname>> clear<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> throat. "Are you mocking me, detective ?" "No. I'm flirting with you, inspector." Surprised wide eyes. You see a slight flush on <<= $sheppardhis>> freckled cheeks.

Long minutes of silence stretches. At first, <<= $sheppardlongname>> frown<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> at the path ahead, not turning to you. Surely wondering if you want something else and waiting for you to ask. Then, <<= $sheppardhe>> proceed<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> to look your way, with an ever growing confused scowl on <<= $sheppardhis>> face. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> then spots your ever-growing grin, and you can see the spin in <<= $sheppardhis>> head trying to come up with something or the reason why you're still walking beside <<= $sheppardhim>>. <span class="cap"><<= $sheppardhe>></span> can't possibly be tenser than right now. It's when <<= $sheppardhe>>'<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>re<</if>> alternating between frowning at you and at the path ahead that you crack and laugh. <<= $sheppardlongname>> stop<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> and look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> at you. "Something the matter, detective ?" "It's you." A full-fledge furrow appears on <<= $sheppardhis>> brow. "I hope your frown pays rent." Confusion. "Come on, I'm teasing you." You eye roll. <<= $sheppardlongname>> clear<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> throat. Look<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> sideway. Shift<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> nervously. Cup<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> <<= $sheppardhis>> neck. "I don't understand. Are you not... afraid of me ?" You blink. Is that why <<= $sheppardhe>>'<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<<else>>re<</if>> always tensed ? Do<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>es<</if>> <<= $sheppardhe>> think you're fearful of <<= $sheppardhim>> ? You grin "Why ? Are you the Big Bad Wold looking for a meal out of Red Ridding Hood ?" <<= $sheppardlongname>> stare<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> at you. You can almost hear the cogs in <<= $sheppardhis>> head spinning. You sigh. Guess <<= $sheppardhe>> need<<if $sheppardplural eq false>>s<</if>> a clear answer to that question. "No, I'm not afraid of you. I would have stayed with grumbling Elias back there otherwise." You both turn your attention to Elias slapping a branch away with a loud curse. "But here I am." "I'm suprised the forest hasn't caugh of fire under such an ire." There is the twitch of a smile on <<= $sheppardhis>> lips. "Right ? I imagine the trees have become red not because of autumn but in embarrassement. Even I am shocked by how foul he is." Twitching lips. So, not talking about <<= $sheppardhim>> make<<if $sheppardplural eq false>><</if>> <<= $sheppardhim>> relax. Noted. You're going to grill <<= $sheppardhim>> of course. You grin.