selcouth melodies.

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''selcouth'' //(adj.)// unfamiliar, rare, strange, and yet marvelous welcome to //selcouth melodies//, a storygame by mhukki_! [[Play|chap1]] [[Author's Note|author's note]]

<<if $prof is true>>[[Profile]]<</if>> <<if $char is true>>[[Characters]]<</if>>

You are $name, a $person in $his junior year of highschool. You have $skin skin, $eyes eyes, and have $hairtexture $hair hair which you wear $hairstyle. <<if $prof2 is true>>For the past two years, you have been hated for your Gift—prophetic dreams—and desperately dragged yourself through school every day. Finally, though, you and your $guardian decide it's time for a change, and you transfer to a boarding school a couple cities over, specifically for Gifted kids like you. Rosewood High.<</if>>

player input: <<textbox "$name" "Your name" "hey!">> cycle text: their eyes were like <<cycle "$eyess" autoselect>> <<option "sapphires" "blue">> <<option "rubies" "red">> <</cycle>> color text: @@color:red;"text"@@ timed text: <<timed 2s>>this text is timed<</timed>> if statement: <<if $name is "benji">> woah, cool! my name is benji too! <</if>> set variable: <<set $title to "lady">> pronouns: <<set $title to "Mr.">><<set $he to "he">><<set $him to "him">><<set $his to "his">><<set $himself to "himself">><<set $hers to "his">><<set $person to "boy">><<set $He to "He">><<set $His to "His">><<set $formal to "sir">>

this story is about a bunch of high school students who are magic and also musicians. enjoy [[Back|title]]

You stand amidst a world of darkness. There is nothing above your head or below your feet, and if you hadn’t been here before, you’d say it was a miracle your feet were planted steady instead of falling endlessly into the gaping void. But you have been here before, and the shadows that were eerie at first are now familiar like another home. You know now, that if you reached forward into the cloudy, heavy expanse, you could pull it away with just one hand as though the dark were a thin curtain veiling this world from whatever was on the other side. [[Next|pg2]]

You reach a hand out and find a parting in the darkness, pushing it aside with little effort. Light spills in through the crack, a hazy scenery revealing itself in front of your eyes. It feels like a dream, warm and glowing and inviting. You step in, and the light envelops your vision like a rushing wave. //Okiso... ri ono, niya ri suku.// A distant voice calls out to you. You see a car drive up to a driveway, a stone-faced man in the driver’s seat. You watch someone place their suitcases in the trunk before sitting in the back seat of the car. The vehicle drives off, the rattling hum of the engine fading as well as the car’s silhouette. [[Next|pg3]]

You wake up to your name being called, by a more familiar voice this time. What is your name? * <<linkreplace "View name suggestions.">>View name suggestions. [[Koa]] [[Caelum]] [[Maya]] [[Katelyn]] [[Basil]] [[Cory]]<</linkreplace>> * <<linkreplace "Or, enter your own name here.">>Or, enter your own name here. (Note that you will be able to enter a nickname after this if you have one, so enter your //full// first name.) <<textbox "$name" "Your name..." [[nickname]]>><</linkreplace>>

<<set $name to "Koa">><<set $nickname to "Koa">>Now, what is your last name? * <<linkreplace "View surname suggestions.">>View surname suggestions. [[Reed]] [[Greene]] [[Smith]] [[Park]] [[Lee]] [[Garcia]]<</linkreplace>> * <<linkreplace "Or, enter your own last name here.">>Or, enter your own last name here. <<textbox "$name" "Your surname..." [[customsurname]]>><</linkreplace>>

<<set $name to "Caelum">><<set $nickname to "Cael">>Now, what is your last name? * <<linkreplace "View surname suggestions.">>View surname suggestions. [[Reed]] [[Greene]] [[Smith]] [[Park]] [[Lee]] [[Garcia]]<</linkreplace>> * <<linkreplace "Or, enter your own last name here.">>Or, enter your own last name here. <<textbox "$name" "Your surname..." [[customsurname]]>><</linkreplace>>

<<set $name to "Maya">><<set $nickname to "Maya">>Now, what is your last name? * <<linkreplace "View surname suggestions.">>View surname suggestions. [[Reed]] [[Greene]] [[Smith]] [[Park]] [[Lee]] [[Garcia]]<</linkreplace>> * <<linkreplace "Or, enter your own last name here.">>Or, enter your own last name here. <<textbox "$name" "Your surname..." [[customsurname]]>><</linkreplace>>

<<set $name to "Katelyn">><<set $nickname to "Kate">>Now, what is your last name? * <<linkreplace "View surname suggestions.">>View surname suggestions. [[Reed]] [[Greene]] [[Smith]] [[Park]] [[Lee]] [[Garcia]]<</linkreplace>> * <<linkreplace "Or, enter your own last name here.">>Or, enter your own last name here. <<textbox "$name" "Your surname..." [[customsurname]]>><</linkreplace>>

<<set $name to "Basil">><<set $nickname to "Basil">>Now, what is your last name? * <<linkreplace "View surname suggestions.">>View surname suggestions. [[Reed]] [[Greene]] [[Smith]] [[Park]] [[Lee]] [[Garcia]]<</linkreplace>> * <<linkreplace "Or, enter your own last name here.">>Or, enter your own last name here. <<textbox "$name" "Your surname..." [[customsurname]]>><</linkreplace>>

<<set $name to "Cory">><<set $nickname to "Cory">>Now, what is your last name? * <<linkreplace "View surname suggestions.">>View surname suggestions. [[Reed]] [[Greene]] [[Smith]] [[Park]] [[Lee]] [[Garcia]]<</linkreplace>> * <<linkreplace "Or, enter your own last name here.">>Or, enter your own last name here. <<textbox "$name" "Your surname..." [[customsurname]]>><</linkreplace>>

<<if $nickname is false>><<set $nickname to $name>><</if>>//$nickname!// It's your older <<cycle "$sibling" autoselect>> <<option "brother">> <<option "sister">> <</cycle>> calling you. You roll in the comfort of your bedsheets, wishing you could just go back to sleep, but... //$nickname, hurry up!// The calling persists, getting a little more annoyed now. Looks like you should get up. [[→ I’ve got no problem getting up. I usually get up early.|p5.1]] [[→ I’m fine getting up, but it takes a bit.|p5.2]] [[→ I really don’t want to get up, but I do anyways.|p5.3]] [[→ It takes every ounce of my power to stand up and not just go back to bed.|p5.4]]

<<set $lastname to "Reed">><<if $nickname is false>><<set $nickname to $name>><</if>>//$nickname!// It's your older <<cycle "$sibling" autoselect>> <<option "brother">> <<option "sister">> <</cycle>> calling you. You roll in the comfort of your bedsheets, wishing you could just go back to sleep, but... //$nickname, hurry up!// The calling persists, getting a little more annoyed now. Looks like you should get up. [[→ I’ve got no problem getting up. I usually get up early.|p5.1]] [[→ I’m fine getting up, but it takes a bit.|p5.2]] [[→ I really don’t want to get up, but I do anyways.|p5.3]] [[→ It takes every ounce of my power to stand up and not just go back to bed.|p5.4]]

<<set $lastname to "Greene">><<if $nickname is false>><<set $nickname to $name>><</if>>//$nickname!// It's your older <<cycle "$sibling" autoselect>> <<option "brother">> <<option "sister">> <</cycle>> calling you. You roll in the comfort of your bedsheets, wishing you could just go back to sleep, but... //$nickname, hurry up!// The calling persists, getting a little more annoyed now. Looks like you should get up. [[→ I’ve got no problem getting up. I usually get up early.|p5.1]] [[→ I’m fine getting up, but it takes a bit.|p5.2]] [[→ I really don’t want to get up, but I do anyways.|p5.3]] [[→ It takes every ounce of my power to stand up and not just go back to bed.|p5.4]]

<<set $lastname to "Smith">><<if $nickname is false>><<set $nickname to $name>><</if>>//$nickname!// It's your older <<cycle "$sibling" autoselect>> <<option "brother">> <<option "sister">> <</cycle>> calling you. You roll in the comfort of your bedsheets, wishing you could just go back to sleep, but... //$nickname, hurry up!// The calling persists, getting a little more annoyed now. Looks like you should get up. [[→ I’ve got no problem getting up. I usually get up early.|p5.1]] [[→ I’m fine getting up, but it takes a bit.|p5.2]] [[→ I really don’t want to get up, but I do anyways.|p5.3]] [[→ It takes every ounce of my power to stand up and not just go back to bed.|p5.4]]

<<set $lastname to "Park">><<if $nickname is false>><<set $nickname to $name>><</if>>//$nickname!// It's your older <<cycle "$sibling" autoselect>> <<option "brother">> <<option "sister">> <</cycle>> calling you. You roll in the comfort of your bedsheets, wishing you could just go back to sleep, but... //$nickname, hurry up!// The calling persists, getting a little more annoyed now. Looks like you should get up. [[→ I’ve got no problem getting up. I usually get up early.|p5.1]] [[→ I’m fine getting up, but it takes a bit.|p5.2]] [[→ I really don’t want to get up, but I do anyways.|p5.3]] [[→ It takes every ounce of my power to stand up and not just go back to bed.|p5.4]]

<<set $lastname to "Lee">><<if $nickname is false>><<set $nickname to $name>><</if>>//$nickname!// It's your older <<cycle "$sibling" autoselect>> <<option "brother">> <<option "sister">> <</cycle>> calling you. You roll in the comfort of your bedsheets, wishing you could just go back to sleep, but... //$nickname, hurry up!// The calling persists, getting a little more annoyed now. Looks like you should get up. [[→ I’ve got no problem getting up. I usually get up early.|p5.1]] [[→ I’m fine getting up, but it takes a bit.|p5.2]] [[→ I really don’t want to get up, but I do anyways.|p5.3]] [[→ It takes every ounce of my power to stand up and not just go back to bed.|p5.4]]

<<set $lastname to "Garcia">><<if $nickname is false>><<set $nickname to $name>><</if>>//$nickname!// It's your older <<cycle "$sibling" autoselect>> <<option "brother">> <<option "sister">> <</cycle>> calling you. You roll in the comfort of your bedsheets, wishing you could just go back to sleep, but... //$nickname, hurry up!// The calling persists, getting a little more annoyed now. Looks like you should get up. [[→ I’ve got no problem getting up. I usually get up early.|p5.1]] [[→ I’m fine getting up, but it takes a bit.|p5.2]] [[→ I really don’t want to get up, but I do anyways.|p5.3]] [[→ It takes every ounce of my power to stand up and not just go back to bed.|p5.4]]

And do you have a nickname? <<set$nicknamee to false>> <<linkreplace "Yeah!">>Yeah! <<textbox "$nickname" "Your nickname..." [[lastname]]>><</linkreplace>> [[Nope.|lastname]]

Last question, what is your last name? * <<linkreplace "View surname suggestions.">>View surname suggestions. [[Reed]] [[Greene]] [[Smith]] [[Park]] [[Lee]] [[Garcia]]<</linkreplace>> * <<linkreplace "Or, enter your own last name here.">>Or, enter your own last name here. <<textbox "$name" "Your surname..." [[customsurname]]>><</linkreplace>>

You throw the covers off of your body and stand, rubbing your eyes as they adjust to the waking world. It's incredibly early, even earlier than when you usually wake up. The sun has yet to rise. You stretch and glance down at the suitcases beside your closet. It's no surprise you had that dream last night. You knew this was going to happen. Yeah, that's right: You were that person in your dream. You're a Seer, born with an ear for Mayu's voice in prophetic dreams. And for the past couple months, you and your $sibling have been discussing about sending you to Rosewood High, a boarding school that everyone says is for the "weird kids". The "weird kids" are basically any kid with a Gift like you, which is a little annoying, but you've gotten used to the title. Today is going to be your first day there, and if everything goes well, you hope it won't be as bad as school back here in Monroe. [[Next|pg6]]

You yawn and scoot out of bed. It's incredibly early, earlier than when you usually get up. The sun has yet to rise. You stretch and glance down at the suitcases beside your closet. It's no surprise you had that dream last night. You knew this was going to happen. Yeah, that's right: You were that person in your dream. You're a Seer, born with an ear for Mayu's voice in prophetic dreams. And for the past couple months, you and your $sibling have been discussing about sending you to Rosewood High, a boarding school that everyone says is for the "weird kids". The "weird kids" are basically any kid with a Gift like you, which is a little annoying, but you've gotten used to the title. Today is going to be your first day there, and if everything goes well, you hope it won't be as bad as school back here in Monroe. [[Next|pg6]]

You groan and reluctantly get yourself up. It's incredibly early, earlier than when you usually get up. The sun has yet to rise. You stretch and glance down at the suitcases beside your closet. It's no surprise you had that dream last night. You knew this was going to happen. Yeah, that's right: You were that person in your dream. You're a Seer, born with an ear for Mayu's voice in prophetic dreams. And for the past couple months, you and your $sibling have been discussing about sending you to Rosewood High, a boarding school that everyone says is for the "weird kids". The "weird kids" are basically any kid with a Gift like you, which is a little annoying, but you've gotten used to the title. Today is going to be your first day there, and if everything goes well, you hope it won't be as bad as school back here in Monroe. [[Next|pg6]]

You mentally say a prayer as you heave to your feet, prying the warm blankets from your body. It's incredibly early, way earlier than when you usually get up. The sun has yet to rise. You stretch and glance down at the suitcases beside your closet. It's no surprise you had that dream last night. You knew this was going to happen. Yeah, that's right: You were that person in your dream. You're a Seer, born with an ear for Mayu's voice in prophetic dreams. And for the past couple months, you and your $sibling have been discussing about sending you to Rosewood High, a boarding school that everyone says is for the "weird kids". The "weird kids" are basically any kid with a Gift like you, which is a little annoying, but you've gotten used to the title. Today is going to be your first day there, and if everything goes well, you hope it won't be as bad as school back here in Monroe. [[Next|pg6]]

You walk to the bathroom to get ready, eyes catching your reflection in the mirror. As everyone says, you've got your mother's <<cycle "$eyes" autoselect>> <<option "blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "brown">> <<option "dark brown">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "grey">> <<option "black">> <</cycle>> eyes, as well as her <<cycle "$skin" autoselect>> <<option "pale">> <<option "tan">> <<option "tawny">> <<option "olive">> <<option "bronze">> <<option "light brown">> <<option "dark brown">> <<option "ebony">> <</cycle>> skin. However, you got your father's <<cycle "$hairtexture" autoselect>> <<option "straight">> <<option "wavy">> <<option "curly">> <<option "loosely coiled">> <<option "tightly coiled">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$hair" autoselect>> <<option "blonde">> <<option "brunette">> <<option "black">> <<option "auburn">> <<option "ginger">> <</cycle>> hair. You run a hand over your... [[→ buzzcut.|pg7.1]] [[→ short hair.|pg7.2]] [[→ shoulder-length hair.|pg7.3]] [[→ long hair.|pg7.4]] [[→ braids.|pg7.5]] [[→ cornrows.|pg7.6]] [[→ dreads.|pg7.7]]

<<set $hairstyle to "in a buzzcut">><<set $prof to true>>//[''Profile'' unlocked!]// You run a hand over your buzzcut. You find it easier to have it this way, and you've grown used to how it looks on you. You brush your teeth, wash your face, and go back to your room to dress up. You've already gotten your uniform in the mail, and it sits on the foot of your bed, already washed. [[→ You decide to wear it. Easier than having to change when you get there, right?|pg8.1]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a shirt and jeans. (Casual)|pg8.2]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a hoodie and sweatpants. (Comfy)|pg8.3]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a dress and heels. (Fancy)|pg8.4]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a formal shirt and pants. (Professional)|pg8.5]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a crop top and shorts. (Revealing)|pg8.6]]

<<set $hairstyle to "cut short">><<set $prof to true>>//[''Profile'' unlocked!]// You run a hand over your short hair. You've gone through a couple different cuts, but you like this one the most. You brush your teeth, wash your face, and go back to your room to dress up. You've already gotten your uniform in the mail, and it sits on the foot of your bed, already washed. [[→ You decide to wear it. Easier than having to change when you get there, right?|pg8.1]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a shirt and jeans. (Casual)|pg8.2]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a hoodie and sweatpants. (Comfy)|pg8.3]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a dress and heels. (Fancy)|pg8.4]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a formal shirt and pants. (Professional)|pg8.5]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a crop top and shorts. (Revealing)|pg8.6]]

<<set $hairstyle to "cut to your shoulders">><<set $prof to true>>//[''Profile'' unlocked!]// You run a hand over shoulder length hair. It definitely needs some maintaining, having been tangled into a bedhead. You brush your teeth, wash your face, and go back to your room to dress up. You've already gotten your uniform in the mail, and it sits on the foot of your bed, already washed. [[→ You decide to wear it. Easier than having to change when you get there, right?|pg8.1]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a shirt and jeans. (Casual)|pg8.2]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a hoodie and sweatpants. (Comfy)|pg8.3]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a dress and heels. (Fancy)|pg8.4]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a formal shirt and pants. (Professional)|pg8.5]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a crop top and shorts. (Revealing)|pg8.6]]

<<set $hairstyle to "grown long">><<set $prof to true>>//[''Profile'' unlocked!]// You run a hand through your hair. You quite like it this length, but it definitely needs some care since you've just woken up. You fix your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face, and go back to your room to dress up. You've already gotten your uniform in the mail, and it sits on the foot of your bed, already washed. [[→ You decide to wear it. Easier than having to change when you get there, right?|pg8.1]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a shirt and jeans. (Casual)|pg8.2]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a hoodie and sweatpants. (Comfy)|pg8.3]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a dress and heels. (Fancy)|pg8.4]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a formal shirt and pants. (Professional)|pg8.5]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a crop top and shorts. (Revealing)|pg8.6]]

<<set $hairstyle to "in braids">><<set $prof to true>>//[''Profile'' unlocked!]// You run a hand over your braids. You find it easier to have it this way, and you quite like how it looks on you. You brush your teeth, wash your face, and go back to your room to dress up. You've already gotten your uniform in the mail, and it sits on the foot of your bed, already washed. [[→ You decide to wear it. Easier than having to change when you get there, right?|pg8.1]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a shirt and jeans. (Casual)|pg8.2]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a hoodie and sweatpants. (Comfy)|pg8.3]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a dress and heels. (Fancy)|pg8.4]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a formal shirt and pants. (Professional)|pg8.5]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a crop top and shorts. (Revealing)|pg8.6]]

<<set $hairstyle to "in cornrows">><<set $prof to true>>//[''Profile'' unlocked!]// You run a hand over your cornrows. You find it easier to have it this way, and you like how it looks on you. You brush your teeth, wash your face, and go back to your room to dress up. You've already gotten your uniform in the mail, and it sits on the foot of your bed, already washed. [[→ You decide to wear it. Easier than having to change when you get there, right?|pg8.1]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a shirt and jeans. (Casual)|pg8.2]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a hoodie and sweatpants. (Comfy)|pg8.3]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a dress and heels. (Fancy)|pg8.4]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a formal shirt and pants. (Professional)|pg8.5]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a crop top and shorts. (Revealing)|pg8.6]]

<<set $hairstyle to "in dreads">><<set $prof to true>>//[''Profile'' unlocked!]// You run a hand over your dreads. You find it easier to have it this way, and you like how it looks on you. You brush your teeth, wash your face, and go back to your room to dress up. You've already gotten your uniform in the mail, and it sits on the foot of your bed, already washed. [[→ You decide to wear it. Easier than having to change when you get there, right?|pg8.1]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a shirt and jeans. (Casual)|pg8.2]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a hoodie and sweatpants. (Comfy)|pg8.3]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a dress and heels. (Fancy)|pg8.4]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a formal shirt and pants. (Professional)|pg8.5]] [[→ You shove the outfit in your backpack, instead choosing to wear a crop top and shorts. (Revealing)|pg8.6]]

<<set $outfit to "uniform">>//$nickname, get down here now!// You've clearly taken too long, so you finish getting ready and hoist your backpack over your shoulder as you start taking your luggage down the stairs. You hear your name called once more from the kitchen, and you look over to see your older $sibling, waiting for you. What is <<if $sibling is "sister">>her<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>his<</if>> name? <<textbox "$siblingname" "">> <<if $sibling is "sister">>[[Next|pg9.1]]<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>[[Next|pg9.2]]<</if>>

<<set $outfit to "casual">>//$nickname, get down here now!// You've clearly taken too long, so you finish getting ready and hoist your backpack over your shoulder as you start taking your luggage down the stairs. You hear your name called once more from the kitchen, and you look over to see your older $sibling, waiting for you. What is <<if $sibling is "sister">>her<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>his<</if>> name? player input: <<textbox "$siblingname" "">> <<if $sibling is "sister">>[[Next|pg9.1]]<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>[[Next|pg9.2]]<</if>>

<<set $outfit to "comfy">>//$nickname, get down here now!// You've clearly taken too long, so you finish getting ready and hoist your backpack over your shoulder as you start taking your luggage down the stairs. You hear your name called once more from the kitchen, and you look over to see your older $sibling, waiting for you. What is <<if $sibling is "sister">>her<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>his<</if>> name? player input: <<textbox "$siblingname" "">> <<if $sibling is "sister">>[[Next|pg9.1]]<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>[[Next|pg9.2]]<</if>>

<<set $outfit to "fancy">>//$nickname, get down here now!// You've clearly taken too long, so you finish getting ready and hoist your backpack over your shoulder as you start taking your luggage down the stairs. You hear your name called once more from the kitchen, and you look over to see your older $sibling, waiting for you. What is <<if $sibling is "sister">>her<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>his<</if>> name? player input: <<textbox "$siblingname" "">> <<if $sibling is "sister">>[[Next|pg9.1]]<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>[[Next|pg9.2]]<</if>>

<<set $outfit to "professional">>//$nickname, get down here now!// You've clearly taken too long, so you finish getting ready and hoist your backpack over your shoulder as you start taking your luggage down the stairs. You hear your name called once more from the kitchen, and you look over to see your older $sibling, waiting for you. What is <<if $sibling is "sister">>her<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>his<</if>> name? player input: <<textbox "$siblingname" "">> <<if $sibling is "sister">>[[Next|pg9.1]]<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>[[Next|pg9.2]]<</if>>

<<set $outfit to "revealing">>//$nickname, get down here now!// You've clearly taken too long, so you finish getting ready and hoist your backpack over your shoulder as you start taking your luggage down the stairs. You hear your name called once more from the kitchen, and you look over to see your older $sibling, waiting for you. What is <<if $sibling is "sister">>her<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>his<</if>> name? player input: <<textbox "$siblingname" "">> <<if $sibling is "sister">>[[Next|pg9.1]]<</if>><<if $sibling is "brother">>[[Next|pg9.2]]<</if>>

<<set $siblinghe to "she">><<set $siblingher to "her">><<set $title to "Mr.">><<set $he to "he">><<set $him to "him">><<set $his to "his">><<set $himself to "himself">><<set $hers to "his">><<set $person to "boy">><<set $He to "He">><<set $His to "His">><<set $formal to "sir">><<set $role to "little brother">>//[''Characters'' unlocked!]// Your older sister runs over to help you with your suitcases. "There's my favourite [[little brother|sister]]." "Your //only// $role," you correct. She shakes her head. "You should have told me you were trying to get your luggages down. I would have helped sooner." "Good morning to you too, sis." You smile. She's clearly tired, dark circles below her $eyes eyes. She got those from your mother, too. It's just you and her, and you feel kinda bad leaving, but you've gotten really tired of the annoying kids at your old school. Unlike you, she doesn't have a Gift, but she understands what you've gone through for having one. //"It'll be good for you, kid, being around Gifted kids like you,"// she had told you the night before, though it was obvious she was trying to convince herself, too. It was about to be a lot quieter in this house of yours. [[Next|pg10.5]]<<set $siblingknow to true>>

<<set $siblinghe to "he">><<set $siblingher to "him">><<set $title to "Mr.">><<set $he to "he">><<set $him to "him">><<set $his to "his">><<set $himself to "himself">><<set $hers to "his">><<set $person to "boy">><<set $He to "He">><<set $His to "His">><<set $formal to "sir">><<set $role to "little brother">>//[''Characters'' unlocked!]// Your older brother runs over to help you with your suitcases. "There's my favourite [[little brother|sister2]]." "Your //only// $role," you correct. He shakes his head. "You should have told me you were trying to get your luggages down. I would have helped sooner." "Good morning to you too, bro." You smile. He's clearly tired, dark circles below his $eyes eyes. He got those from your mother, too. It's just you and him, and you feel kinda bad leaving, but you've gotten really tired of the annoying kids at your old school. Unlike you, he doesn't have a Gift, but he understands what you've gone through for having one. //"It'll be good for you, being around Gifted kids like you,"// he had told you the night before, though it was obvious he was trying to convince himself, too. It was about to be a lot quieter in this house of yours. [[Next|pg10.6]]<<set $siblingknow to true>>

<<set $title to "Miss">><<set $he to "she">><<set $him to "her">><<set $his to "hers">><<set $himself to "herself">><<set $hers to "hers">><<set $person to "girl">><<set $He to "She">><<set $His to "Hers">><<set $formal to "ma'am">><<set $role to "little sister">>//[''Characters'' unlocked!]// Your older sister runs over to help you with your suitcases. "There's my favourite [[little sister|sibling]]." "Your //only// $role," you correct. She shakes her head. "You should have told me you were trying to get your luggages down. I would have helped sooner." "Good morning to you too, sis." You smile. She's clearly tired, dark circles below her $eyes eyes. She got those from your mother, too. It's just you and her, and you feel kinda bad leaving, but you've gotten really tired of the annoying kids at your old school. Unlike you, she doesn't have a Gift, but she understands what you've gone through for having one. //"It'll be good for you, kid, being around Gifted kids like you,"// she had told you the night before, though it was obvious she was trying to convince herself, too. It was about to be a lot quieter in this house of yours. [[Next|pg10.5]]<<set $siblingknow to true>>

<<set $prof2 to true>><<set $guardian to older sister>>"Hey, kid." You look up as $siblingname drags the last of your bags down the stairs. "The driver is almost here to pick you up," she tells you, "so eat breakfast quickly. The drive there will take a while." You nod. "Yeah. Thanks, sis." You walk over to the table, sitting down with... [[→ a plate of waffles.|pg11.5]] [[→ a plate of pancakes.|pg11.5]] [[→ a bowl of cereal.|pg11.5]] [[→ an omelet.|pg11.5]]

<<set $title to "Mx.">><<set $he to "they">><<set $him to "them">><<set $his to "their">><<set $himself to "themself">><<set $hers to "theirs">><<set $person to "student">><<set $He to "They">><<set $His to "Their">><<set $formal to "mx.">><<set $role to "little sibling">>//[''Characters'' unlocked!]// Your older sister runs over to help you with your suitcases. "There's my favourite [[little sibling|pg9.1]]." "Your //only// $role," you correct. She shakes her head. "You should have told me you were trying to get your luggages down. I would have helped sooner." "Good morning to you too, sis." You smile. She's clearly tired, dark circles below her $eyes eyes. She got those from your mother, too. It's just you and her, and you feel kinda bad leaving, but you've gotten really tired of the annoying kids at your old school. Unlike you, she doesn't have a Gift, but she understands what you've gone through for having one. //"It'll be good for you, kid, being around Gifted kids like you,"// she had told you the night before, though it was obvious she was trying to convince herself, too. It was about to be a lot quieter in this house of yours. [[Next|pg10.5]]<<set $siblingknow to true>>

<<set $title to "Miss">><<set $he to "she">><<set $him to "her">><<set $his to "hers">><<set $himself to "herself">><<set $hers to "hers">><<set $person to "girl">><<set $He to "She">><<set $His to "Hers">><<set $formal to "ma'am">><<set $role to "little sister">>//[''Characters'' unlocked!]// Your older brother runs over to help you with your suitcases. "There's my favourite [[little sister|sibling2]]." "Your //only// $role," you correct. He shakes his head. "You should have told me you were trying to get your luggages down. I would have helped sooner." "Good morning to you too, bro." You smile. He's clearly tired, dark circles below his $eyes eyes. He got those from your mother, too. It's just you and him, and you feel kinda bad leaving, but you've gotten really tired of the annoying kids at your old school. Unlike you, he doesn't have a Gift, but he understands what you've gone through for having one. //"It'll be good for you, being around Gifted kids like you,"// he had told you the night before, though it was obvious he was trying to convince himself, too. It was about to be a lot quieter in this house of yours. [[Next|pg10.6]]<<set $siblingknow to true>>

<<set $prof2 to true>><<set $guardian to older brother>>"Hey, kid." You look up as $siblingname drags the last of your bags down the stairs. "The driver is almost here to pick you up," he tells you, "so eat breakfast quickly. The drive there will take a while." You nod. "Yeah. Thanks, bro." You walk over to the table, sitting down with... [[→ a plate of waffles.|pg11.6]] [[→ a plate of pancakes.|pg11.6]] [[→ a bowl of cereal.|pg11.6]] [[→ an omelet.|pg11.6]]

<<set $title to "Mx.">><<set $he to "they">><<set $him to "them">><<set $his to "their">><<set $himself to "themself">><<set $hers to "theirs">><<set $person to "student">><<set $He to "They">><<set $His to "Their">><<set $formal to "mx.">><<set $role to "little sibling">>//[''Characters'' unlocked!]// Your older brother runs over to help you with your suitcases. "There's my favourite [[little sibling|pg9.2]]." "Your //only// $role," you correct. He shakes his head. "You should have told me you were trying to get your luggages down. I would have helped sooner." "Good morning to you too, bro." You smile. He's clearly tired, dark circles below his $eyes eyes. He got those from your mother, too. It's just you and him, and you feel kinda bad leaving, but you've gotten really tired of the annoying kids at your old school. Unlike you, he doesn't have a Gift, but he understands what you've gone through for having one. //"It'll be good for you, being around Gifted kids like you,"// he had told you the night before, though it was obvious he was trying to convince himself, too. It was about to be a lot quieter in this house of yours. [[Next|pg10.6]]<<set $siblingknow to true>>

You stare out the window as you eat your breakfast, the dim light of sunrise gradually making its way into the sky. The dark starry expanse fades into gray, then finally shades of pink and orange peek through. A familiar view, but still beautiful all the same. //This'll be the last morning I spend here for a while,// you think to yourself, taking a bite of your food. It's weird to think about. You'll be living over at Rosewood until holiday break, and even then you'll only be home for a week or so. [[→ I'll definitely miss it.|pg12.5.1]] [[→ I'll miss home, but it'll be nice to have a change in scenery.|pg12.5.2]] [[→ I don't really care.|pg12.5.3]] [[→ It's good that I'm leaving. Won't have to listen to those non-Gifted kids calling me names.|pg12.5.4]]

You stare out the window as you eat your breakfast, the dim light of sunrise gradually making its way into the sky. The dark starry expanse fades into gray, then finally shades of pink and orange peek through. A familiar view, but still beautiful all the same. //This'll be the last morning I spend here for a while,// you think to yourself, taking a bite of your food. It's weird to think about. You'll be living over at Rosewood until holiday break, and even then you'll only be home for a week or so. [[→ I'll definitely miss it.|pg12.6.1]] [[→ I'll miss home, but it'll be nice to have a change in scenery.|pg12.6.2]] [[→ I don't really care.|pg12.6.3]] [[→ It's good that I'm leaving. Won't have to listen to those non-Gifted kids calling me names.|pg12.6.4]]

This is the place you call home. How could you not miss it? You finish your food and put the dishes in the sink. Your sister looks out of the window. "Oh, the driver's here." She looks back at you just as you turn to her, her eyes holding a somber expression that only comes with goodbyes. It's time to leave. You take your luggages out onto the driveway—<<cycle "$opinion" autoselect>> <<option "you packed light, so it's not a hard task">> <<option "it's not too difficult, but it takes a few minutes">> <<option "you packed way too much, and there's an army of suitcases following you">> <</cycle>>—and one by one, haul them into the trunk. $siblingname doesn't follow, but watches from the doorway with a small smile. She's watching her $role grow up right before her eyes, after all, and you know she just wants the best for you. "Goodbye, kid," she says as you run back to give her a last hug, your mind telling you not to let go. "Don't miss me too much." "I won't," you respond, but there are already tears welling up in your eyes. Your arms drop to your sides. [[next|pg12fem]]

Yeah, you'll miss it here, but at least you'll get to meet new friends, right? You finish your food and put the dishes in the sink. Your sister looks out of the window. "Oh, the driver's here." She looks back at you just as you turn to her, her eyes holding a somber expression that only comes with goodbyes. It's time to leave. You take your luggages out onto the driveway—<<cycle "$opinion" autoselect>> <<option "you packed light, so it's not a hard task">> <<option "it's not too difficult, but it takes a few minutes">> <<option "you packed way too much, and there's an army of suitcases following you">> <</cycle>>—and one by one, haul them into the trunk. $siblingname doesn't follow, but watches from the doorway with a small smile. She's watching her $role grow up right before her eyes, after all, and you know she just wants the best for you. "Goodbye, kid," she says as you run back to give her a last hug, your mind telling you not to let go. "Don't miss me too much." "I won't," you respond, but there are already tears welling up in your eyes. Your arms drop to your sides. [[next|pg12fem]]

You're not sure your mind has caught up to the present moment. You don't really feel anything right now, but you wish you did. You finish your food and put the dishes in the sink. Your sister looks out of the window. "Oh, the driver's here." She looks back at you just as you turn to her, her eyes holding a somber expression that only comes with goodbyes. It's time to leave. You take your luggages out onto the driveway—<<cycle "$opinion" autoselect>> <<option "you packed light, so it's not a hard task">> <<option "it's not too difficult, but it takes a few minutes">> <<option "you packed way too much, and there's an army of suitcases following you">> <</cycle>>—and one by one, haul them into the trunk. $siblingname doesn't follow, but watches from the doorway with a small smile. She's watching her $role grow up right before her eyes, after all, and you know she just wants the best for you. "Goodbye, kid," she says as you run back to give her a last hug, your mind telling you not to let go. "Don't miss me too much." "I won't," you respond, but there are already tears welling up in your eyes. Your arms drop to your sides. [[next|pg12fem]]

Your mind goes back through memories of sneering, snickering idiots who called you names just because you were different. Good riddance. You'll finally be somewhere where you're the normal. You finish your food and put the dishes in the sink. Your sister looks out of the window. "Oh, the driver's here." She looks back at you just as you turn to her, her eyes holding a somber expression that only comes with goodbyes. It's time to leave. You take your luggages out onto the driveway—<<cycle "$opinion" autoselect>> <<option "you packed light, so it's not a hard task">> <<option "it's not too difficult, but it takes a few minutes">> <<option "you packed way too much, and there's an army of suitcases following you">> <</cycle>>—and one by one, haul them into the trunk. $siblingname doesn't follow, but watches from the doorway with a small smile. She's watching her $role grow up right before her eyes, after all, and you know she just wants the best for you. "Goodbye, kid," she says as you run back to give her a last hug, your mind telling you not to let go. "Don't miss me too much." "I won't," you respond, but there are already tears welling up in your eyes. Your arms drop to your sides. [[next|pg12fem]]

This is the place you call home. How could you not miss it? You finish your food and put the dishes in the sink. Your brother looks out of the window. "Oh, the driver's here." He looks back at you just as you turn to him, his eyes holding a somber expression that only comes with goodbyes. It's time to leave. You take your luggages out onto the driveway—<<cycle "$opinion" autoselect>> <<option "you packed light, so it's not a hard task">> <<option "it's not too difficult, but it takes a few minutes">> <<option "you packed way too much, and there's an army of suitcases following you">> <</cycle>>—and one by one, haul them into the trunk. $siblingname doesn't follow, but watches from the doorway with a small smile. He's watching his $role grow up right before his eyes, after all, and you know he just wants the best for you. "Goodbye, kid," he says as you run back to give him a last hug, your mind telling you not to let go. "Don't miss me too much."" "I won't," you respond, but there are already tears welling up in your eyes. Your arms drop to your sides. [[next|pg12masc]]

Yeah, you'll miss it here, but at least you'll get to meet new friends, right? You finish your food and put the dishes in the sink. Your brother looks out of the window. "Oh, the driver's here." He looks back at you just as you turn to him, his eyes holding a somber expression that only comes with goodbyes. It's time to leave. You take your luggages out onto the driveway—<<cycle "$opinion" autoselect>> <<option "you packed light, so it's not a hard task">> <<option "it's not too difficult, but it takes a few minutes">> <<option "you packed way too much, and there's an army of suitcases following you">> <</cycle>>—and one by one, haul them into the trunk. $siblingname doesn't follow, but watches from the doorway with a small smile. He's watching his $role grow up right before his eyes, after all, and you know he just wants the best for you. "Goodbye, kid," he says as you run back to give him a last hug, your mind telling you not to let go. "Don't miss me too much."" "I won't," you respond, but there are already tears welling up in your eyes. Your arms drop to your sides. [[next|pg12masc]]

You're not sure your mind has caught up to the present moment. You don't really feel anything right now, but you wish you did. You finish your food and put the dishes in the sink. Your brother looks out of the window. "Oh, the driver's here." He looks back at you just as you turn to him, his eyes holding a somber expression that only comes with goodbyes. It's time to leave. You take your luggages out onto the driveway—<<cycle "$opinion" autoselect>> <<option "you packed light, so it's not a hard task">> <<option "it's not too difficult, but it takes a few minutes">> <<option "you packed way too much, and there's an army of suitcases following you">> <</cycle>>—and one by one, haul them into the trunk. $siblingname doesn't follow, but watches from the doorway with a small smile. He's watching his $role grow up right before his eyes, after all, and you know he just wants the best for you. "Goodbye, kid," he says as you run back to give him a last hug, your mind telling you not to let go. "Don't miss me too much."" "I won't," you respond, but there are already tears welling up in your eyes. Your arms drop to your sides. [[next|pg12masc]]

Your mind goes back through memories of sneering, snickering idiots who called you names just because you were different. Good riddance. You'll finally be somewhere where you're the normal. You finish your food and put the dishes in the sink. Your brother looks out of the window. "Oh, the driver's here." He looks back at you just as you turn to him, his eyes holding a somber expression that only comes with goodbyes. It's time to leave. You take your luggages out onto the driveway—<<cycle "$opinion" autoselect>> <<option "you packed light, so it's not a hard task">> <<option "it's not too difficult, but it takes a few minutes">> <<option "you packed way too much, and there's an army of suitcases following you">> <</cycle>>—and one by one, haul them into the trunk. $siblingname doesn't follow, but watches from the doorway with a small smile. He's watching his $role grow up right before his eyes, after all, and you know he just wants the best for you. "Goodbye, kid," he says as you run back to give him a last hug, your mind telling you not to let go. "Don't miss me too much."" "I won't," you respond, but there are already tears welling up in your eyes. Your arms drop to your sides. [[next|pg12masc]]

You walk back to the car and sit in the back seat. The door closes shut, and only then does the situation become so much more real. You look out through the window to see $siblingname's smiling face, eyes sparkling as she waves goodbye. And then the car rumbles to life, quickly starting to drive away. [[next|pg13]]

You walk back to the car and sit in the back seat. The door closes shut, and only then does the situation become so much more real. You look out through the window to see $siblingname's smiling face, eyes sparkling as he waves goodbye. And then the car rumbles to life, quickly starting to drive away. [[next|pg13]]

The car's interior is entirely clad in black, from the leather seats to the sleek roof above your head. There's no music playing, the only sound being the rush of wind as the car drives on. The driver—an older man dressed in a clean black suit with a stone-cold stare that you see through the rearview mirror—doesn't seem like someone who would listen to music. You lean as the car swerves to drive out of your neighborhood and shiver at the cold air inside the car. It's the end of summer, but it feels like an ice room in here. Man, this driver really is something... [[→ I ask him to turn down the AC. (Rude)|pg13.1]] [[→ I ask him to turn down the AC. (Polite)|pg13.2]] [[→ I say nothing. I'll survive a little chill.|pg14]]

"Hey." You call, but the driver doesn't seem to respond, eyes trained still on the road before you. //"Hey!"// you call again, raising your voice. The driver's slate-grey eyes flick up to meet yours in the reflection of the rear view mirror. His stare makes you <<cycle "$feel" autoselect>> <<option "uncomfortable.">> <<option "stunned.">> <<option "irritated.">> <<option "scared.">> <</cycle>> "What do you want?" he asks, gruff voice undertoned with annoyance. You shoot a glare right back at him. "Turn the temperature up. It's so cold." "No." His eyes return to the road. "You'll just have to deal with it." [[Great.|pg14]]

"Excuse me." The driver doesn't seem to hear you. "Hello? Mr. Driver?" His slate-grey eyes flick up to meet yours in the reflection of the rear view mirror. His stare makes you <<cycle "$feel" autoselect>> <<option "uncomfortable.">> <<option "stunned.">> <<option "irritated.">> <<option "scared.">> <</cycle>> "What?" he asks, the first word he's said to you this entire time. "Can you turn the temperature up? It's really cold." Despite his glare, you manage a smile, hoping he's not as cold as his car. "No," he says curtly, eyes returning to the road. It seems like that's the end of your conversation. [[Great.|pg14]]

You decide you'll just have to tough it out. <<if $outfit is "revealing">>You look down at your outfit and sigh. Maybe you should've worn something warmer... <</if>><<if $outfit is "comfy">>Thank Mayu for this hoodie. <</if>> You wring your hands together, trying to warm them as best you can. Your eyes move down to the markings around your wrists, symbols that represent your Gift. Unlike most Gift markings, yours are words. Curling, elegant symbols, the characters that make up the language of the Seers. The strokes of Mayu's brush are <<if $skin is "pale">>a shining burnt gold, dark against your pale skin.<</if>><<if $skin is "tan">>a shining reddish-gold, dark against your tanned skin.<</if>><<if $skin is "tawny">>a shining reddish-gold, dark against your tanned skin.<</if>><<if $skin is "olive">>glittering, gold lines against your olive skin.<</if>><<if $skin is "bronze">>glittering, gold lines against your bronze skin.<</if>><<if $skin is "light brown">>a pale glittering ivory against your dark skin.<</if>><<if $skin is "dark brown">>a pale glittering ivory against your dark skin.<</if>><<if $skin is "ebony">>a bright glittering ivory against your dark skin.<</if>> [[Next|pg15]]

''//Chapter One.//'' //New Beginnings// [[Next|pg1]]

Outside, buildings and other cars pass by quickly through the window, sky lit ablaze with the rising sun. The world is covered in warm, hearty shades of red and orange. You look back down at your wrists, at the gold lettering that displays itself like a bracelet embedded into your skin. //"The calling of the One,"// it says, the character for Mayu set on the inside of your wrist, separated from the rest of the letters with small dots. You have known how to read and speak the Seers' language before you even knew your first. You only understood it when your Gift flourished—you were only seven at the time—but you still heard His voice, felt His presence, and knew the familiarity of the uninterpretable words. You have never spoken it outside of dreams, though. There's only one other Seer in Monroe, and it's an old lady that never really leaves her house. People teased you for that, too, how you had the same Gift as that cruel old hag and were probably just like her. [[Next|pg16]]

And then the principal appears, walking down the hall towards you and Ms. Aphelion. He's a scruffy old man, no taller than 5 and a half feet, a proud smile on his face. His swooped salt-and-pepper hair compliments light blue eyes set on wrinkled, barely-bronzed skin. He walks with a limp on his left, but his stride is still lax and confident. There it is. The infamous... "Principal Rosewood!" Ms. Aphelion greets, a less enthusiastic smile on her face. You understand why. Just from your first impression, the man's energy is already tiring you out. "Claudette." His smile loses its teeth, and he folds his hands together as he comes to a stop in front of you and Ms. Aphelion. "I trust you've been treating our new student well?" He turns to you, analyzing your appearance in the blink of an eye. You almost don't catch it, but the shadow of a glance lingers in your memory. "You're... $lastname, right?

You shiver again, wrapping your arms around your body. You can see your breath in here. It must be even colder than outside. This... six hour drive is nothing, though. You'll be there before lunch! It'll warm up soon since the sun's up, right? Right? You sigh, looking back out of the window. You're on a highway, now, and cars whip past like nothing more than a blur. This is going to take a while. [[→ No sweat. I'll just sleep through it.|pg17.1]] [[→ I'm sure I'll survive, but I don't feel like sleeping right now.|pg17.2]] [[→ I take out my phone.|pg17.3]]

"Wait." You push $him back, though you only wish you could draw closer. "What?" $He leans closer, looking down at your lips. $He seems disappointed. "Why, sunshine, should I not kiss you right now?"

You lean back and cross your arms, staring through the window to the outside scenery. Scenes come to life before your eyes, sweet summer morning awakening the world. You check your phone. //5:56.// Wow. It's way too early for this. You could definitely use some more sleep. You watch as the buildings outside become less and less familiar, the rough road moving the car just enough that it feels like it's lulling you to sleep... You close your eyes. [[And you dream.|pg18.1]]

You look at familiar shops, restaurants, and other buildings in this <<cycle "$town" autoselect>> <<option "little town">> <<option "bustling city">> <</cycle>> you call home. The cafe with the best drinks and food, the library you spent so long running off to, even your school. Well, not yours anymore. It's weird to think about that. The car merges onto the highway, and the driver speeds up. There's not much to look at anymore, just cars and roads and big green signs. Finally, you pass a sign that reads "Thanks for Visiting Monroe City", and you know you've finally left home. Six hours just seems to get longer and longer. [[So now you play the waiting game.|pg18.2]]

You take your phone out from your backpack and open it. Your lock screen is a picture <<cycle "$screen" autoselect>> <<option "of you">> <<option "of your favorite character">> <<option "of your favorite celebrity">> <<option "of your $siblingk">> <<option "of your pet">> <<option "that you found on Pinterest">> <<option "of a quote you liked">> <</cycle>>, and you've had it that way for a while. One notification. It's from $siblingname. "Have fun at Rosewood! :)", $siblinghe says, adding: "Text me when you get there." You smile and reply with an "okay". You're gonna miss $siblingher, that's for sure. Then, you remember: What were you originally going to do with your phone? [[→ Listen to some music.|pg18.3.1]] [[→ Scroll on social media to pass time.|pg18.3.2]] [[→ Watch a show/movie that I'd downloaded.|pg18.3.3]]

by mhu