0808-1718

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<div style="margin-top: -150px;"><span style="font-size: 30px; color:#d8d8d8;">0808-1338</span> <span style="font-size: 30px; color:#d8d8d8;">0808-1348</span> <span style="font-size: 30px; color:#d8d8d8;">0808-1688</span> <span style="font-size: 30px; color:#d8d8d8;">0808-1708</span> <span style="font-size: 60px;">[[0808-1718|clearance]]</span> <span style="font-size: 30px; color:#d8d8d8;">...</span></div>

<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal;">LDPSys Portal</span> <span style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal;">v18.13.4</span> <span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal;">Mon Mar 6 2023</span>

[[Contact Us|credits]]

<span style="color:red;"><span style="font-size: 40px; font-weight: bold;">FOR YOUR EYES ONLY</span> <div style="text-align:left;"> [[REQUIRED CLEARANCE LEVEL: 5 (HIGHEST)|warning]] Unauthorized access will lead to the execution on sight of all parties involved. </div></span>

<div style="text-align:right;"><div style="width:60px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> <div style="width:30px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> 1718</div> <div style="text-align:left;">Your Majesty, [...] <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">Rumors</span>">><<replace "#letter_1">> They describe a murder of eight circling above the port, their tentacle-tails painting shadow snakes on the sands. Toward the setting sun, they disappeared, croaking an ominous mantra as if beckoning us, mortals, to follow them into the coming night. <</replace>><</linkappend>> about Eight-Tailed Crows are making way across taverns near the port of N<div style="width:50px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>. @@#letter_1;@@ M'O'ri is returning from the Void, Your Majesty, and with Them, the coveted <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">Book of Dreams</span>">>, the treasure of gods said to be able to fulfill anyone's deepest desires<</linkappend>>. Tomorrow, I will be [[sailing|diary]] with my men in hopes of catching sight of the Crows. If we can follow them, it is without doubt that we will find the Book. Capt. <div style="width:60px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> Valiant</div>

<div style="text-align:left;"><b>File #:</b> 0808-1781-EN <b>Description:</b> this directory contains (in order) the following extracts of documents related to incident 0808-1781, all translated from Old Fioncitian to Modern English by Dr. <div style="width:60px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> Lore: - a news article published in <div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>/12/1718 - a letter from Capt. <div style="width:60px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> Valiant from the Fioncit Royal Navy to Queen <div style="width:60px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> of Fioncit dated <div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>/<div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>/1718 - selected entries of the recovered diary of Capt. Valiant dated <div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>/07/1718 to <div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>/<div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>/1718</div> [[OPEN|article]]

<div style="margin-top:-100px;"><span style="font-size: 40px; font-weight: bold; color:red;">CONTENT WARNING</span><div style="text-align:left;"> Anomaly detected: Yes (first incident: <div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>/<div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>/2022) Anomaly presence level: 1 (traces) Special Unit <div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> is currently investigating the extent of the damage done. All personnel are to remain on standby in the event of a Code MORI. <span style="font-weight: bold; color:red;">No presence of visual or audial content has been reported. While all content present is textual, our assessment suggests that some content might still be disturbing to some. We do not necessarily endorse all opinions and actions of the individuals involved in 0808-1718.</span></div> [[Proceed at your own risk|0808-1718-description]] </div>

<div style="text-align:left;">Vol. VIII Number 88</div> <span style="font-size: 80px; font-weight: bold;">The Daily Fioncitian</span> FRIDAY, December <div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>, 1718 <span style="font-size: 40px; font-weight: bold;"><i>The Id'ina</i> Returns... Without Her Crew</span> <div style="text-align:left;">December <div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>th. AFTER MONTHS OF BEING MISSING AT SEA, the Fioncit Royal Navy ship <i>The Id'ina</i> drifts back to the port of N<div style="width:50px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>, Bahamas, where she was last seen. Witnesses claim that the ship was without any trace of life nor of what could have been life. [[What happened to the crew?|quote]] Where did they go? If they all perished, where were their bodies? How did <i>The Id'ina</i> find her way back?</div>

@@.underline;<div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>day.<div style="width:30px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>.Jul.1718@@ <div style="text-align:left;">Still nothing in sight. The men are growing restless. The supplies are running low. After some deliberation with <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">Lt. Hills</span>">>, the newly appointed lieutenant (May Lt. Graves' family ever recover from his gruesome end!),<</linkappend>> and <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">Sage</span>">>, our wise purser, who, despite his impressively small stature and lean frame, inspires respect from the largest of men<</linkappend>>, we have decided to [[sail|sailing-3]] for another <div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> days before we head back for good.</div>

I woke up in my <<linkappend "cabin">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>Everything were exactly <<linkappend "where">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>Yet, something felt <<linkappend "wrong">><<replace "#dream-1_3">>It was eerily <<linkappend "quiet">><<replace "#dream-1_4">>It was as if all other life has <<linkappend "vanished">><<replace "#dream-1_5">>I got up and headed [[outside|dream-1-2]].<</replace>><</linkappend>>...<</replace>><</linkappend>> without the usual ruckus of the men.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> I left them...<</replace>><</linkappend>>. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@ @@#dream-1_4;@@ @@#dream-1_5;@@

A <<linkappend "woman">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>Back to me. Black cape draping from her shoulders. <<linkappend "Long dark hair">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>I knew <<linkappend "who">><<replace "#dream-1_3">><span class="size40">"[[Your Majesty.|dream-1-4]]"</span><</replace>><</linkappend>> it was right away...<</replace>><</linkappend>> fluttering in the wind.<</replace>><</linkappend>> was standing there. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@

She turned around, her expression <<linkappend "unreadable">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>Then she <<linkappend "spoke">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>"<<linkreplace "Have faith.">><<linkreplace "<span style=\"font-size:40px;\">Faith.</span>">><<linkreplace "<span style=\"font-size:80px;\">Faith.</span>">><<linkreplace "<span style=\"font-size:130px;color:red;\">Faith.</span>">><span style="font-size:80px;">[[Captain!|sailing-5]]</span><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>"<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> as always. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@

<div style="text-align:left;">I woke up to Lt. Hills calling me. The men were waiting for my orders to [[turn back|back-1]]. When I was about to reply, Her words resurfaced in my mind. "[[Have faith.|sailing-6]]"</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">I've known the Queen my entire life, and she has never been wrong. So, I told both Lt. Hills and Mr. Sage about my plans to [[continue down the same direction|sailing-7]]. Sage seemed surprised. During all our years together, I rarely made decisions that most of the crew would oppose. He expressed his concerns, fearing a <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">mutiny</span>">>, a rebellion where the crew overthrows the captain<</linkappend>>. Lt. Hills only assured me that he would support whichever decision I made.</div>

@@.underline;Monday.08.Aug.1718@@ <div style="text-align:left;">The Queen was right. Today, I woke up to some of the most welcomed news since we left the port: land in sight. A dot of green and white in the deep blue of the sea. According to Lt. Hills and Sage's calculations, we will [[arrive|island]] before nightfall.</div>

<<linkappend "Eight">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>Eight Eight-Tailed <<linkappend "Crows">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>They headed toward the [[bow|dream-1-3]], circled the sky above, then landed on the railing.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> pairs of black wings flew past me as I left the cabin. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@

<<include 404>> <div style="text-align:left;">Error <span class="red">68657265746963</span>: Please restart the system or contact [[tech support|credits]].</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">We have finally set foot on the island. It is a rather small one, with only a [[cabin]], a couple of tropical trees, not enough to make a jungle, and a cliff looming over a rocky shore.</div>

Tech Support (Story Mastermind and Executer) [[Button Cupcake|https://buttoncupcake.itch.io/]] <i>All my thanks go to those who have reviewed this story. This could not have been possible without your insightful feedback!</i>

<span style="font-size:40px;">Is everything an act of [[gods|letter]] or an act of [[Man|letter]]?</span>

<b>Note</b> <div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>/<div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>/1978 <div style="text-align:left;">The [[diary|sailing-1]] of Capt. Valiant has finally been recovered. The Fioncit Royal Police first found the diary hidden under a floorboard on <i>The Id'ina</i>. In 1728, it disappeared from their office and remained missing until its reappearance in 1978. The disappearance is still under investigation.</div> <div style="text-align:right;">B. C.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">Lt. Hills, Mr. Sage, and I ventured toward the cabin. We left the men near the ship. We had orders that only the three of us could handle the Book if we ever find It. I was about to push open the door to the cabin when Sage [[stopped|cabin-description-1]] me.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">Despite thick layers of dust on the shelves, the book was fairly clean. Its cover seemed to be made of leather - dark, worn, and soft. I opened the book, sneezing at the dust between the pages. They were as worn as the cover, yellowed and torn at the corners. I flipped through the pages. The book was [[blank|book-lt-1]]. No text. No drawing. Not even a title.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">It was <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">Sammy</span>">>, the cabin boy, also called "Sammy Seaman" by the men to mock his fear of water<</linkappend>>. "Captain, they're fighting!" he let out as soon as the door opened. He was fidgeting nervously, fear clear in his eyes. Then he seemed to notice the situation we were in. Blushing and looking down, the boy mumbled, "Hum... I'm sorry... didn't mean to interrupt..." "Who are fighting, Sammy?" Lt. Hills asked. "It's Dr. Hubris and one of the other men. It's very bad, Sir." I turned to Lt. Hills and Sage. "We will be fine here, Captain," Lt. Hills reassured with a smile. After thanking them both, I [[followed|barrel-leave]] Sammy with the Book in my hand.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">A group of men crowded the beach near a fire. <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">Dr. Hubris</span>">>, our one and only surgeon,<</linkappend>> was facing an angry Berk, barely held back by two men from clobbering him to death. "What is all this commotion?" "Oh, Captain!" one of the men greeted. "Our friend Berk, here, thinks that the doctor drank the last of the Red Soul in the cask he reserved for himself." Red Soul. The liquor us, Fioncitians, love more than rum or wine or any of that foreign brew. It is made from the dried wings of the Red Dream butterflies, grinded into powder, <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">heavily diluted</span>">> (In its purest form, Dream Powder is one of the most lethal but slowest-acting poisons, taking days to kill its victim with delirious dreams.)<</linkappend>>, and fermented with berries, spices, and a number of other ingredients. "Look at this!" Berk shouted as he effortlessly lifted the tall wooden barrel used to preserve Red Soul. "It's empty! And you were the last one seen with it! We all know you can't keep away from Red Soul." Then Berk proceeded to mutter something about Dr. Hubris and women. "What did you say?" The doctor seemed ready to lunge at Berk without regard for his odds of winning. "I'll cut your <div style="width:50px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> off with my knife." Before this could become unmanageable, I stopped the men, telling them that the incident would be under investigation, then sent them back to the ship. The rest of the night was thankfully not as [[eventful|memory-1]]. I fell asleep, the Book in my hands.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">I woke up to shoutings. The <div style="width:60px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>'s ship was sailing toward the island. Ever since we sank their merchant ship, the kingdom has been at war with us. Knowing that they would certainly attack us, we hurried to the ship and left. We had already gotten [[what we came here for|nopirate-return-1]] after all.</div>

@@.underline;<div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>day.<div style="width:30px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>.Aug.1718@@ <div style="text-align:left;">Sage is missing. We searched the entire ship but found no sign of him. I should have noticed this sooner. I was in such a hurry after the sighting of the <div style="width:60px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>'s ship. I only noticed Sage's disappearance when we had to consult him about the itinerary back. We have to head back. I have to find him. After some deliberation with Lt. Hills, we agreed to [[head back|nopirate-return-2]] to the island.</div>

@@.underline;<div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>day.<div style="width:30px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>.Aug.1718@@ <div style="text-align:left;">The island should be around here... Why can we not find it? Lt. Hills and I might not be as experienced as Sage in cartography, but I don't think we can be mistaken about this matter. Lt. Hills has suggested that we head back first to replenish our supplies. I know he is right. If we don't head back [[to the port|nopirate-return-3]] soon, the dozens of men on this ship would have no sustenance. "Sage would understand," Lt. Hills had told me. I hope you do, Sage, my old friend. Forgive me. We will return for you as soon as possible.</div>

@@.underline;<div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>day.<div style="width:30px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>.Aug.1718@@ <div style="text-align:left;">This must be a farce. All the fowls are dead - poisoned, according to Dr. Hubris. They were arranged in a peculiar shape, what seems to be the Arabic numeral "8". The men did not notice anything or anyone suspicious. Dr. Hubris, who can most easily access the poison, has an alibi. Rumors about <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">the Curse</span>">>, the explanation behind the unexplainable tragedies that befell some people who came in possession of the Book,<</linkappend>> are circulating among the men. Is there truly a curse? I do not know, but I know that such beliefs could lead to [[chaos|sign-2]], especially now that we need to ration the food supplies with all the fowl spoiled by poison. Hunger and fear... a deadly combination for a ship lost at sea...</div>

The girl in the tower. It's what they called Her. A [[rumor|memory-2_1]] no one dared to confirm.

@@.underline;Tuesday.09.Aug.1718@@ <div style="text-align:left;">I had a dream about Her. Though it felt more like I was reliving that fateful day [[when we first met|memory-1_1]].</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">There was simply too much evidence that pointed to Dr. Hubris. Despite his protests, I had the men lock Dr. Hubris in one of our cells for [[further investigation|surgeon-death-1]].</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">Despite some evidence pointing to him, I felt that Dr. Hubris was innocent. I [[defended|surgeon-confession]] Dr. Hubris to the surprise of all, including Dr. Hubris, himself. He glanced at me in gratitude before leaving.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">I was surprised that Dr. Hubris decided to visit me tonight. He was evasive the last time he was caught drinking. "Thank you for believing in me, Captain." "You're welcome. I know you're a good man, Dr. Hubris. Though I do hope you drink less." "Yes, of course, Captain." "... This isn't the reason you're here," I guessed. "You're right, Captain... I just..." He hesitated as if trying to decide the most appropriate way to start. "You've once asked me why I started drinking? I never told you... It's about Lt. Graves' death." "The last lieutenant?" "Yes... I was involved in the case by the Police. The wounds on his body... the way he was cut... it must have been done by a surgeon or a man of similar practice." "I do not see how this should unsettle you." How this led to your drinking habits. Though there was no need to directly mention them. "It reminded me of something in my [[past|surgeon-confession_1]]..."</div>

We were in an orchard. I was chasing Her. She was laughing. I was laughing. It was the first time She looked Her age - the age of a [[child|dream-noconfession_1]].

<div style="text-align:left;">Lt. Hills' cabin? Why was the Book in his cabin? I thought I kept It in mine... When did he come in possession of It?... Did he steal It? Why? Though this wasn't the only thing that was suspicious... Lt. Hills was indeed last seen with Sage. "Lt. Hills did come back very late, that night on the island..." Sammy whispered. "I saw him when I was cleaning the mess the men made. He returned alone." "What are you implying, Sammy?" Lt. Hills growled. "I... I'm not implying anything... just saying what I saw..." Suddenly, everything seemed clearer. "Didn't Dr. Hubris say that Sage [[fell|missing-book-1]] to death?" I started.</div>

<<include sammy-death-header>> <div style="text-align:left;">A plague has hit the ship. It started with the guards at the cells then spread to the other men, Lt. Hills, and Sammy. Lt. Hills and the other men's bodies were buried in the sea while that of Sammy was left on the ship - as per his last wishes. The boy had always been clear about his fear of water. I wish more than ever that I was more knowledgeable in medicine. Without Dr. Hubris, even when Lt. Hills was alive, we haven't been able to identify the disease and even less the cure. We couldn't even properly tend to our men's larger wounds. All I can do is to [[watch|book-gone]] my men fall down one by one from fevers or hunger.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">I evaded Hills' second attack then swiftly disarmed him, pinning him to the ground. "Hills, I wanted to hear the story from your side, but now that you have pointed a dagger at me, no explanation would be needed." "Would you have believed me then? Maybe for Sage's death? But the Book?" "Reminds me. Why did you take the Book? You could have asked, and I would have been happy to lend It." "What if I say it was under an order?" "Whose?" "The same one you are so enamored of." "Her Majesty?" He smirked. "Why would She need <i>you</i> to take the Book?" Hadn't She already sent me? "Ah, about this, She also asked me to kill you." "You're lying." I couldn't believe this... Have I been nothing but loyal to Her? "Why would She want to kill me?" "I wonder... Lovers' quarrel?" "We are not-" "Captain," Sammy called. "Perhaps we should lock him up first." Sammy was right. The longer we remained that way, the more opportunities Hills had to escape. We brought Hills down to the cells. As we were about to throw him into one of them, he whispered to my ear, "You might think that this is over, but I'll let you in on a [[secret|lt-win-sailing]]: the last time I have seen Sage, before we all found him on the ship that day, was on the island." What did he mean? Did he mean that he left Sage alive on the island? Or did he mean he left his body on the island? Either way, this did not explain how the body was later found on the ship... Was Hills lying then?</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">Pain bloomed in my body as his dagger cut through my flesh. He immediately pulled it out and aimed for a [[deadlier|lt-lose_1]] strike.</div>

We were in one of the hidden chambers of the Fioncit Royal Family's largest castle. She was standing in the middle of the room. There was a veiled bed behind Her. Someone - a child perhaps - seemed to be lying in it. Then I [[remembered|dream-confession_1]].

<div style="text-align:left;"><<include book-end>> It was then that I realized the Book was gone... from my cabin at least. The men didn't believe me, thought I was hiding It, and threw me into one of the [[cells|fever-1]].</div>

<<include fever-header>> <div style="text-align:left;"><<include fever-body>> I [[wish|capt-death-1]] I could do more... but I can barely muster the strength to write...</div>

She was sitting at a round <<linkappend "table">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>There were eight other seats. Three of which were <<linkappend "occupied">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>As I walked closer, I was surprised to find out <<linkappend "who">><<replace "#dream-1_3">>Sage. Dr. Hubris. Lt. Hills. More surprising was perhaps the <<linkappend "state">><<replace "#dream-1_4">>They were all without the wounds or affliction I had last seen them with. Their clothes were pristine - as if they had just been made. They all <<linkappend "smiled">><<replace "#dream-1_5">>The <<linkappend "Queen">><<replace "#dream-1_6">>"Take a seat," She said. I glanced at the others then back at <<linkappend "Her">><<replace "#dream-1_7">>"I... I do not think I should... I have failed You, Your Majesty." "Nonsense." She smiled again. "You have done well." She motioned to an empty <<linkappend "seat">><<replace "#dream-1_8">>"Now, come. The Feast will start [[soon|end-2]]."<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> too.<</replace>><</linkappend>> in acknowledgment.<</replace>><</linkappend>> they were in.<</replace>><</linkappend>> they were.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>, facing me. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@ @@#dream-1_4;@@ @@#dream-1_5;@@ @@#dream-1_6;@@ @@#dream-1_7;@@ @@#dream-1_8;@@

<<include 404>> <div style="text-align:left;">Error <span class="red">6465766f746565</span>: Please restart the system or contact [[tech support|credits]].</div>

"Thank you," She said. Then She led me to the <<linkappend "bed">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>I <<linkappend "approached">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>I <<linkappend "lifted">><<replace "#dream-1_3">><span style="font-size:30px;"> A murder of crows</span> <span style="font-size:40px;">rushed</span> <span style="font-size:50px;">toward me</span> <span style="font-size:60px;">so suddenly</span> that I almost fell. When I recovered, I noticed that the bed was [[empty|trust-fever]].<</replace>><</linkappend>> the veil.<</replace>><</linkappend>> it.<</replace>><</linkappend>> to greet Her daughter. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@

"Thank you," She said. Then She led me to the <<linkappend "bed">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>I <<linkappend "approached">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>I <<linkappend "lifted">><<replace "#dream-1_3">><<linkappend "In the bed was a child with red hair and freckles covering her face... exactly how I remembered the princess.">><<replace "#dream-1_3">><span style="color:blue;">In the bed was a child with black hair and the eyes of a [[queen|notrust-fever]].</span><</replace>><</linkappend>><</replace>><</linkappend>> the veil.<</replace>><</linkappend>> it.<</replace>><</linkappend>> to greet Her daughter. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@

<<include fever-header>> <div style="text-align:left;">I think I have caught some illness. I feel weak. I am seeing things that I have only seen in dreams. I spend my days lying in bed, in agonizing [[fevers|trust-fever_1]].</div>

She was sitting at a round <<linkappend "table">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>There were eight other seats. Three of which were <<linkappend "occupied">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>As walked closer, I was surprised to find out <<linkappend "who">><<replace "#dream-1_3">>Sage. Dr. Hubris. Hills. More surprising was perhaps the <<linkappend "state">><<replace "#dream-1_4">>They all looked nearly exactly like I had last seen them. Sage with his limbs crooked at unnatural angles. Dr. Hubris and Hills with that strange color to their skin. Yet, they were all alive, gesturing with their hands as they discussed before they noticed me. They <<linkappend "observed">><<replace "#dream-1_5">>It was then I noticed <<linkappend "black feathers">><<replace "#dream-1_6">>"Take a seat," the Queen said. I glanced at the others then back at <<linkappend "Her">><<replace "#dream-1_7">>"I... I do not think I should... I have failed You, Your Majesty." "Nonsense." She smiled. "You have done well." She motioned to an empty <<linkappend "seat">><<replace "#dream-1_8">>"Now, come. The Feast will start [[soon|end-3]]."<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> growing from their open wounds, where blood should have been.<</replace>><</linkappend>> me with unreadable expressions.<</replace>><</linkappend>> they were in.<</replace>><</linkappend>> they were.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>, facing me. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@ @@#dream-1_4;@@ @@#dream-1_5;@@ @@#dream-1_6;@@ @@#dream-1_7;@@ @@#dream-1_8;@@

<<include 404>> <div style="text-align:left;">Error <span class="red">66616e61746963</span>: Please restart the system or contact [[tech support|credits]].</div>

I was in an orchard. The one we used to sneak out to. She emerged from between the trees. "[[Walk|dream-notrust-fever_1]] with me," She said.

I bit into the <<linkappend "fruit">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>It tasted like <<linkreplace "iron">><<linkappend "<span style=\"color:blue;\">blood</span>">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>I glanced down at the <<linkappend "fruit">><<replace "#dream-1_3">>The <<linkreplace "fruit">><<linkappend "<span style=\"color:blue;\">brain</span>">><<replace "#dream-1_4">>When I lifted my gaze, we were at the <<linkappend "bottom">><<replace "#dream-1_5">>A <<linkappend "man">><<replace "#dream-1_6">>I walked <<linkappend "closer">><<replace "#dream-1_7">>Suddenly, the man lifted his <<linkappend "head">><<replace "#dream-1_8">>I saw <<linkreplace "the King">><<link "<span style=\"color:blue;\">myself</span>">><<goto model>><</link>><</linkreplace>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> was lying on the ground, in a pool of blood.<</replace>><</linkappend>> of the tower.<</replace>><</linkappend>><</linkreplace>> was bleeding.<</replace>><</linkappend>> in my hand.<</replace>><</linkappend>><</linkreplace>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>, expecting that sweetness most fruits had. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@ @@#dream-1_4;@@ @@#dream-1_5;@@ @@#dream-1_6;@@ @@#dream-1_7;@@ @@#dream-1_8;@@

I brought the fruit to my <<linkappend "mouth">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>But I <<linkappend "couldn't">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>"I don't want to leave here," I told <<linkappend "Her">><<replace "#dream-1_3">>This made Her <<linkappend "smile">> like a <<linkappend "child">><<replace "#dream-1_4">>Then she became <<linkappend "shorter, younger">> like when we <<linkappend "first">><<replace "#dream-1_5">>She challenged me to catch <<linkappend "Her">><<replace "#dream-1_6">>I ran after <<linkappend "Her">><<replace "#dream-1_7">><<linkappend "She">><<replace "#dream-1_8">>I was [[laughing|end-4]].<</replace>><</linkappend>> was laughing.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> met<</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@ @@#dream-1_4;@@ @@#dream-1_5;@@ @@#dream-1_6;@@ @@#dream-1_7;@@ @@#dream-1_8;@@

<div style="text-align:left;">I woke up with the Book of Dreams in my hands. I don't know how or when It appeared here. I was certain that the men had taken It. I was about to put It away when It fell on the floor, now open. There were words written in It. I blinked. I was sure that I had verified every page of the Book. It should be blank. I grabbed It and read. Tried to. There were a [[series|model_1]] of English letters and Arabic numerals, but none of them made sense.</div>

<span class="red"><span style="font-size:60px;">ATTENTION</span> CODE MORI The site will shut down in <<set $seconds to 15>><span id="countdown">$seconds</span> second(s). <<silently>> <<repeat 1s>> <<set $seconds to $seconds - 1>> <<if $seconds gt 0>> <<replace "#countdown">>$seconds<</replace>> <<else>> <<replace "#countdown">><</replace>> <<goto "black_screen">> <<stop>> <</if>> <</repeat>> <</silently>></span>

<<include 404>> <div style="text-align:left;">Error <span class="red">696e6e6f63656e74</span>: Please restart the system or contact [[tech support|credits]].</div>

<<include sammy-death-header>> <div style="text-align:left;">A plague has hit the ship. It started with the cooks then spread to the other men and Sammy. The men's bodies were buried in the sea while that of Sammy was left on the ship - as per his last wishes. The boy had always been clear about his fear of water. I wish more than ever that I was more knowledgeable in medicine. Without Dr. Hubris, we haven't been able to identify the disease and even less the cure. All I can do is to [[watch|book-fight]] my men fall down one by one from deadly fevers or hunger.</div>

<<include 404>> <div style="text-align:left;">Error <span class="red">6469736369706c65</span>: Please restart the system or contact [[tech support|credits]].</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">"Captain, something about this place unsettles me." "How so?" "The wood used to build this cabin... it's from the <div style="width:60px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> tree. This type of trees only grows in the North. They cannot survive the tropical heat here." "Are you implying that the wood was brought all the way from the North to here?" "It is the most viable explanation... among all the others." "What do you mean?" "Given the distance and the dangers along this itinerary, it is a nearly impossible trip. Given how new the wood is, it must have been done recently. With all the intelligence we have, shouldn't we be aware of such a feat?" He paused and swallowed. "[[Unless...|cabin-description-2]]"</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">"Fellows, why so many questions?" Lt. Hills pushed open the [[door|cabin-inside]] in my stead. "Aren't we here to find a book said to have been made by the <i>gods</i>?"</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">The cabin had only one room. In that room, there were a bookshelf with one [[book]], a <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">table</span>">>, on top of which are jars of organs, a crow mask, and a used candle<</linkappend>>, and a chair, all made of the same wood as the cabin.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">"This must be It," Lt. Hills said over my shoulder. "The Book of Dreams." He seemed certain. I glanced at Sage. He was scrutinizing everything as always. I have heard tales about the Book, describing the Eight-Tailed Crows, the cabin, and the fates of all those who came to possess It, but none described the actual Book. No one seems to know what the Book looks like - whether It is leather-bound, how many pages It has, what Its title is ("Book of Dreams" is only a sobriquet.)... "How do you know this is the [[Book|book-lt-2]]?" Sage asked.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">"I know this sounds strange, but I have this feeling... Some hidden part in my soul is telling me that this must be It." Lt. Hills' answer resonated with me. The dreams I've had... anyone else would find them unbelievable, but they seem so right to me... Sage seems unconvinced. He was about to say something when the door burst [[open|cabin-leave]].</div>

I was eight. Father was visiting the Fioncit king, an old friend of his. Caught up in their discussion, Father and the King soon forgot about me. So I wandered off in the Fioncit Royal Family's largest castle. I got lost but couldn't find anyone. I didn't know how long I wandered the place. At some point, I found myself at the bottom of a [[tower|memory-1_2]].

It was so tall with white stone stairs <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:40px;">spiralling</span></div> <div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:60px;">all the way</span></div> <div style="text-align:right;"><span style="font-size:100px;">to the top</span></div> that I couldn't see [[what was at the end|memory-1_3]].

Perhaps it was the mystery. I had to know what was at the end. So I <<linkappend "climbed">><<replace "#dream-1_1">><<linkappend "and climbed">><<replace "#dream-1_2">><<linkappend "and climbed">><<replace "#dream-1_3">><<linkappend "and climbed">><<replace "#dream-1_4">><<linkappend "and climbed">><<replace "#dream-1_5">><<linkappend "and climbed">><<replace "#dream-1_6">><<linkappend "and climbed">><<replace "#dream-1_7">>and climbed until I reached [[a pair of white doors|memory-1_4]] locked from the outside.<</replace>><</linkappend>><</replace>><</linkappend>><</replace>><</linkappend>><</replace>><</linkappend>><</replace>><</linkappend>><</replace>><</linkappend>><</replace>><</linkappend>> <span style="font-size:25px;">@@#dream-1_1;@@</span> <span style="font-size:30px;">@@#dream-1_2;@@</span> <span style="font-size:35px;">@@#dream-1_3;@@</span> <span style="font-size:40px;">@@#dream-1_4;@@</span> <span style="font-size:45px;">@@#dream-1_5;@@</span> <span style="font-size:50px;">@@#dream-1_6;@@</span> <span style="font-size:55px;">@@#dream-1_7;@@</span>

I saw <<linkappend "Her">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>Sitting in a red velvet armchair with a golden frame. Embroidered <<linkappend "black">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>She was around my age, holding a large leather-bound <<linkappend "book">><<replace "#dream-1_3">>Though when She lifted Her gaze from the book, She was <<linkappend "anything but my age">><<replace "#dream-1_4">>No surprise. No shyness. No unease. She sat, waiting as if She already <<linkappend "knew">><<replace "#dream-1_5">>She had the eyes of a <<linkappend "queen">><<replace "#dream-1_6">>[[My Queen.|nopirate]]<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> all the possible ways everything would play out.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> that made Her hands appear smaller than they were.<</replace>><</linkappend>> dress spilling onto the ground. Rubies and pearls only befitting aristocracy adorning Her.<</replace>><</linkappend>>. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@ @@#dream-1_4;@@ @@#dream-1_5;@@ @@#dream-1_6;@@

<div style="text-align:left;">His body was found on the deck this morning. It was rotten and mangled, dressed in the clothes I last saw him in. Dr. Hubris believes that Sage fell to death days ago. From where could Sage have fallen? Where was his body all this time? If it was on the ship, why didn't we find it? If it was elsewhere, how did it find itself here? The men do not seem to have a clue either. They only seem more certain about the Curse. I fear that [[terror|sign-2_2]] would drown this ship before hunger.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">Lt. Hills was in my cabin when I returned from the investigation. He seemed agitated for some reason. "Do you believe in the curse that the men are whispering about?" "I hope we can find an explanation to all this." "Any theories, Captain?" "Not yet. I simply feel that the idea of a human culprit is possible... The fowls' poisoning could have been done by someone stealthy enough... Sage's death is trickier, but if we are able to figure out where he has been all these days..." "I find it curious. You were so ready to believe that there was an island in that place when we had nothing but rumors. Yet you aren't as ready to embrace this idea of a curse." Curious, indeed... I wonder why I readily believed in those dreams but try to find [[rational|sign-2_3]] explanations for other matters.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">"Do you believe in the Book's powers?" Lt. Hills inquired. "I have never thought about the matter," I admitted. "This is unexpected..." Lt. Hills started. "All the men searching for the Book who I know of are certain about Its powers, believe that It would change their life. I hope I am not being intrusive, but why were you looking for the Book of Dreams?" "For an [[oath|memory-2]]." "An oath! To someone?" <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">To my Queen...</span>">> I love her more than my own soul, but how should I tell this to anyone without them taking this the wrong way? There is love greater than the love commonly between a man and a woman, the love they describe in the novels my daughters enjoy.<</linkappend>> Lt. Hills seemed to have noticed my hesitation. "So you have never wanted the Book for yourself?" "I have been curious, but I have never felt a need to find It. Now that I know that It is blank, I am even less interested in It." "Blank!" Lt. Hills seemed surprised. Before I could ask, he had already excused himself for other duties.</div>

They said that She's the bastard daughter of the Queen at that time and a <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">warlock</span>">>, a worshipper of more obscure forces<</linkappend>>. The Queen died from birthing Her supposedly because of some remnant of black magic. The King, who loved his Queen more than anything, was furious. He ordered all witches and warlocks in Fioncit to be hunted down. These were some [[terrifying|memory-2_2]] times.

They said that the only reason the King kept Her was because of his love for his Queen. He kept Her hidden in that <span style="font-size:60px;">t a l l t o w e r s o t a l l t h a t i f y o u e v e r <span style="color:red;">f a l l</span></span> each and every bone of your body would be [[broken|memory-2_3]].

His eyes were <<linkappend "glassy">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>His neck and limbs were <<linkappend "twisted">><<replace "#dream-1_2">><<linkappend "Blood">><<replace "#dream-1_3">>Darkening his [[crown|memory-2_4]].<</replace>><</linkappend>> was pooling around him.<</replace>><</linkappend>> in unnatural ways.<</replace>><</linkappend>>. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@

She seemed <<linkreplace "detached">><<linkappend "<span style=\"color:red;\">terrified</span>">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>"I don't <<linkappend "know">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>"Can I <<linkappend "trust">><<replace "#dream-1_3">>"Yes, You can trust me. <<linkappend "Always">><<replace "#dream-1_4">>I would part the skies and seas for [[You|sign-3]].<</replace>><</linkappend>>."<</replace>><</linkappend>> you?" She asked.<</replace>><</linkappend>> what to do," She told me.<</replace>><</linkappend>><</linkreplace>>. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@ @@#dream-1_4;@@

<div style="text-align:left;">Berk was dead. Again, there was no witness. Berk was lying in the storage room, where he had been found this morning. Lt. Hills and another man kept the others away. Dr. Hubris hadn't arrived yet. So, I decided to inspect the body first. I noticed that his skin had an unnatural color. I might not be as knowledgeable as Dr. Hubris, but I am fairly certain that Berk has been poisoned. Though I am unsure which poison. Berk's <div style="width:50px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> was <<linkappend "missing">><<replace "#sign_1">>His <div style="width:50px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> was missing. I had a feeling that I had heard or seen something similar [[before|sign-3_2]]...<</replace>><</linkappend>>. @@#sign_1;@@</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">"Hum... Didn't Dr. Hubris threaten that he would cut off Berk's <div style="width:50px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> that night when they fought?" I almost forgot about Sammy. This boy had so little presence. I turned to him, realization hitting. Sammy fidgeted under my gaze, adding, "I didn't mean... I mean, Dr. Hubris is a [[good|sign-3_3]] man-"</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">"It's hard to tell who is good and who isn't on this ship," Lt. Hills cut in as he joined us. "But Dr. Hubris is a surgeon... He saves people..." Sammy countered. "He cuts people open to save them <i>sometimes</i>," Lt. Hills retorted. "He also has an assortment of medicine (poisons), and well, has threatened to remove Berk's <div style="width:50px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> - according to you." "But... but... anyone could have stolen his medecine... Dr. Hubris has been drinking these past nights. It would be easy for anyone to remain unnoticed by him..." Sammy suddenly seemed to realize his mistake and covered his mouth. "Hum, I mean..." "Drinking?" I asked. Dr. Hubris had been dedicated to his work until recently. He developed some drinking habits I do not appreciate, but he did promise he would stop. "Do you not know, Captain?" Lt. Hills replied, grinning. "Our good doctor has been indulging a bit too much in Red Soul." He glanced at Sammy. "Now, Sammy, you are too young to know its taste, but I know. I have also seen what it can do to men. Yes, it can make one drowsy, but it can also play with one's temper... especially if they have a grudge. With just the right amount, Red Soul can make one commit unspeakable acts." "I do not appreciate you speaking behind my back, Lieutenant." We turned to Dr. Hubris at the doorway. "Yes, I did have a dispute with Berk, here, but it would be insane for me to kill someone over such a simple matter-" "There is a simple way to resolve all this," Lt. Hills cut him. "We all know that our Berk was still alive last night, so from then to this morning, where were you, Dr. Hubris?" "In my cabin." "Do you have an alibi?" "I... don't." "There." This seemed to anger Dr. Hubris. "Where were <i>you</i>, Lieutenant?" "I was in the captain's cabin, discussing the itinerary with him. Then, given it was already morning when I left, I went to the dining hall with our men. Now, I'm sure both the captain and the men can confirm this." "Captain, I did not kill Berk," Dr. Hubris promised, desperation clear in his voice. "You did start drinking. Didn't you promise the captain you wouldn't?" Lt. Hills reminded. "Can we really trust what you say?" "I did break my promises about drinking, but we're talking about murder here." Sammy turned to me. "Captain, what do you think? Do you think that Dr. Hubris should be [[trusted|knife-surgeon]] or [[not|knife-nosurgeon]]?"</div>

<<include surgeon-death-1-note-text>> returning [[Innocence|surgeon-death-1-note-red]] to the world at last

<span style="color:red;"><<include surgeon-death-1-note-text>> returning [[Innocence|dream-noconfession]] to the world at last</span> <span align="left" style="word-wrap:break-word;color:red;">65696768742077696c6c2066616c6c0a6f6e652077696c6c20726973650a65696768742077696c6c2066616c6c0a6f6e652077696c6c20726973650a65696768742077696c6c2066616c6c0a6f6e652077696c6c20726973650a65696768742077696c6c2066616c6c0a6f6e652077696c6c20726973650a65696768742077696c6c2066616c6c0a6f6e652077696c6c20726973650a65696768742077696c6c2066616c6c0a6f6e652077696c6c20726973650a65696768742077696c6c2066616c6c0a6f6e652077696c6c20726973650a65696768742077696c6c2066616c6c0a6f6e652077696c6c2072697365</span>

<div style="text-align:left;">Since I was a child, I have always wondered why people hate each other. Today, I finally understood why. It's because of guilt. We are all sinners. Yes, you, Captain, me, the lieutenant, the men, and even little Sammy, we are all guilty... We have all been since we boarded this ship. And, deep down, we all know. Perhaps it is why we struggle to keep our facade of innocence. We claw at each other's masks, trying to find a monster worse than us. But we are all in the same boat, Captain, and together,</div> we will sink. in red tides we will drown in black waters we will rot and from our remains the True One will rise

<span class="red"><span style="font-size:60px;">404</span> Page not found</span>

<div style="text-align:left;"><<include book-end>> They found the Book but started fighting over It. With punches at first. Then knives and pistols. A couple of men died. More were injured. They locked me in the [[cells|fever-2]], having lost their faith in me.</div>

Rumors about the Curse haven't quieted down either. On the contrary, the men seem more than ever convinced. They crowded the entrance to my cabin today, asking for the Book. Half of them believed that it is the source to all their sufferings and should be destroyed while the other half believed that it is the sole cure to all the calamities on this ship. When I tried to reason with them, they invaded my cabin, searching for the Book.

I think I have caught the same illness. I feel weak. I am seeing things that I have only seen in nightmares, gruesome shadows that lurk in dark corners. I spend my days lying in bed, in agonizing fevers. The men lynched someone today... a cook. They accused him of poisoning their food with black magic. They were certain he was a warlock because one of his cousins was born in a town where witches had been found. They seem so desperate... so lost...

<<include fever-header>> <div style="text-align:left;"><<include fever-body>> I [[wish|capt-death-2]] I could do more... but I can barely muster the strength to write...</div>

She was sitting at the end of a long dining <<linkappend "table">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>There were three <<linkappend "plates">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>As I walked closer, I was surprised to find out <<linkappend "what">><<replace "#dream-1_3">>Three Eight-Tailed Crows. "<div style="width:60px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div>." It had been a long time since She last called me by my given name. The way She pronounced it filled me with <<linkappend "nostalgia">><<replace "#dream-1_4">>"Join me," She said as She motioned to the <<linkappend "seat">><<replace "#dream-1_5">>"I... I do not think I should... I have failed You, Your Majesty." "Nonsense." She smiled. "You have proven yourself. Now, let us [[feast|end-5]]."<</replace>><</linkappend>> opposite Her, where there were an empty plate and neatly placed cultery.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> were in the plates.<</replace>><</linkappend>> on the table, each with something black adorned with fruits and spices.<</replace>><</linkappend>>, facing me. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@ @@#dream-1_4;@@ @@#dream-1_5;@@

We eventually arrived in front of some <<linkappend "woods">><<replace "#dream-1_1">>It was morning and still <<linkappend "foggy">><<replace "#dream-1_2">>She started running toward the <<linkappend "fog">><<replace "#dream-1_3">>I <<linkappend "stopped">><<replace "#dream-1_4">>"We could get <<linkappend "lost">><<replace "#dream-1_5">>She turned toward me and <<linkappend "smiled">><<replace "#dream-1_6">><<linkappend "She">><<replace "#dream-1_7">>"You will never get lost with [[me|sammy-death-1]] by your side."<</replace>><</linkappend>> looked less like a child this time.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>," I told Her.<</replace>><</linkappend>> Her.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>. @@#dream-1_1;@@ @@#dream-1_2;@@ @@#dream-1_3;@@ @@#dream-1_4;@@ @@#dream-1_5;@@ @@#dream-1_6;@@ @@#dream-1_7;@@

<div style="text-align:left;">"Have you ever done something that felt right at the moment but that you've come to regret later?" Dr. Hubris asked. "I have said some hurtful words that I wish I never did." "What about actions?" "I do not think I have..." I considered. "No, I do not regret anything." <span style="color:red;">The Queen is always right.</span> From the way Dr. Hubris was fidgeting, he must have done something he regretted. What could a surgeon have done? Failing to save a life? "Whatever it is you have done, Dr. Hubris, I know you must have had the best intention in mind," I encouraged. This brought a bitter smile to his face. "Oh, you will be [[disappointed|surgeon-confession_2]], Captain."</div>

<<set $seconds to 3>>TIME LEFT: <span id="countdown">$seconds</span> s <<silently>> <<repeat 1s>> <<set $seconds to $seconds - 1>> <<if $seconds gt 0>> <<replace "#countdown">>$seconds<</replace>> <<else>> <<replace "#countdown">><</replace>> <<goto "lt-lose">> <<stop>> <</if>> <</repeat>> <</silently>> [[evade|missing-book_2]]

He aimed at my LEFT. <<timed 2s>> <<set $seconds to 5>>TIME LEFT: <span id="countdown">$seconds</span> s <<silently>> <<repeat 1s>> <<set $seconds to $seconds - 1>> <<if $seconds gt 0>> <<replace "#countdown">>$seconds<</replace>> <<else>> <<replace "#countdown">><</replace>> <<goto "lt-lose">> <<stop>> <</if>> <</repeat>> <</silently>> [[go right|lt-win]] [[go left|lt-lose]] <</timed>>

<span style="font-size:80px;">BAM</span> <div style="text-align:left;">I saw a red hole in the middle of Lt. Hills' forehead. Before I could react, [[he crumpled|lt-lose_2]] to the ground.</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">Behind was Sammy, a pistol in his hands. For a moment, he seemed composed, his eyes having an unreadable glint. Then, he started panicking, almost dropping his pistol. "Captain... I..." "Don't worry, Sammy. You were trying to save me, right?" "Yes... I saw you fighting and... I killed a man..." "You will be fine, Sammy." "... Are <i>you</i>, Captain?" "[[I will be|sammy-death-2]]..."</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">"I tell everyone that I became a surgeon to save people. I even tell <<linkappend "myself">><<replace "#confession_1">>but why would someone like this <<linkappend "kill">><<replace "#confession_2">>'Yes, I have <<linkappend "killed">><<replace "#confession_3">>'He was my schoolmate. He was <<linkappend "more skilled">><<replace "#confession_4">>'There was only one position for a surgeon. I knew that, if I wanted to become one, I had to <<linkappend "rid">><<replace "#confession_5">>'I cut him at the same place Lt. Graves was. It is one of the fastest ways for a man to bleed out. Though I didn't stop at this... I had to destroy the evidence, and the ideal way was to split it into <<linkappend "pieces">><<replace "#confession_6">>'Even at school we hadn't done anything as gruesome yet. I thought I would be digusted or frightened... but all I felt was <<linkappend "calmness">><<replace "#confession_7">>'It felt right... so <<linkappend "right">><<replace "#confession_8">>'Tell me, Captain, would a man who wants to save others ever [[feel|surgeon-confession_3]] so?"<</replace>><</linkappend>>... It felt like something that even the gods would condone... Maybe it <i>was</i> what the gods wanted...<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> myself of him.<</replace>><</linkappend>> than me.<</replace>><</linkappend>>, Captain.<</replace>><</linkappend>> a man for nothing else but his own gain?<</replace>><</linkappend>> this... @@#confession_1;@@ @@#confession_2;@@ @@#confession_3;@@ @@#confession_4;@@ @@#confession_5;@@ @@#confession_6;@@ @@#confession_7;@@ @@#confession_8;@@</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">"When Berk said those humiliating words in front of everyone, I realized that I had been <<linkappend "lying">><<replace "#confession_1">>'I never wanted to save anyone. I've only ever wanted to save myself... to be <<linkappend "loved">><<replace "#confession_2">>'You see, my mother regarded me as some illness her body was finally free of. My father was worse... Of course, rumors about him didn't make my schoolmates more <<linkappend "amicable">><<replace "#confession_3">>'Oh, <<linkappend "what">><<replace "#confession_4">>'To be loved... I could <<linkappend "rid">><<replace "#confession_5">>'I thought this was the only way... until <<linkappend "today">><<replace "#confession_6">>'Despite all the years we worked together, unlike you and Sage, we haven't discussed much. You don't know me, Captain. I've been drinking while on duty. I broke my promise. I fought against others. I didn't have an alibi while much of the evidence was pointing at me... 'Yet, <<linkappend "you believed in me">><<replace "#confession_7">>'After my schoolmate's death, all I've felt was fear. It worsened when the Police involved me in their investigation of Lt. Graves' death. I was so worried that they would find out... Yes, all I've been doing was to run away from my own guilt... '... but today, I felt something different: [[regret|surgeon-confession_4]]. For the first time, I have felt so sinful. I felt as if I have been soaked in all the sins of the world ever since the day I started wanting to be loved."<</replace>><</linkappend>>. I do not know why, but you did.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>> myself of anyone who could make me unloved.<</replace>><</linkappend>> I would give to be loved! I would think.<</replace>><</linkappend>>.<</replace>><</linkappend>>...<</replace>><</linkappend>> to myself all along. @@#confession_1;@@ @@#confession_2;@@ @@#confession_3;@@ @@#confession_4;@@ @@#confession_5;@@ @@#confession_6;@@ @@#confession_7;@@</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">"Please forgive me, Captain. I know only You can." I was silent, trying to <<linkappend "comprehend">><<replace "#confession_1">>"Perhaps it is too much, Captain..." he guessed. He announced that he would see whether the men needed him. He started walking toward the entrance but stopped. He turned back as if wanting to say something then decided against it. He disappeared into the [[night|surgeon-confession-death]].<</replace>><</linkappend>> the confession he so suddenly made. @@#confession_1;@@</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">Since I was a child, I have always wondered why some people are more loved than others. Today, I finally understood why. It's because they have never sought to be loved. We have all become sinners the day we wanted love, and the more people we want love from, the more sinful we become. Yes, all we have ever wanted is love. Money, fame, power. Aren't these all means to obtain love in one form or the other? Friendship, intimacy, trust. Aren't these all based on expectations of affection being returned? And in our quest for love, we get lost in the sea of our mind. We bury each other with hatred until the ship we share start to sink. I admit. I have almost headed down that path. Initially, I wanted to find some evidence against Lt. Hills. After we discovered Sage's body, I found the fact that he was last seen with Sage unsettling. I went to [[his cabin|missing-book]] when he was gone, but instead of evidence, I found the Book of Dreams. The things I wanted to do with all that forbidden medical knowledge inside... ... I'm grateful You've decided to trust me, Captain. I don't think I would ever have seen how wrong I was by myself... Yes, I finally understand now... Love <<linkreplace "but do not seek">><span style="color:red;">and seek</span><</linkreplace>> love, Captain.</div> let us meet again when Innocence reigns

<div style="text-align:left;">"There was a cliff on that island..." Sammy seemed to understand. He turned to Lt. Hills. "You could have pushed Sage..." I turned to the lieutenant, expecting some explanation. "Hills, what did you do after I left the cabin? And why did you take the Book?" I expected him to explain himself or lie, but I did not expect him to pull out a [[dagger|missing-book_1]].</div>

It was the day She assigned this mission to retrieve the Book. She had a trusted servant lead me to that secret chamber. I was surprised She didn't meet me in the usual room. She told me that <<linkappend "<span class=\"more\">Her beloved daughter</span>">>, an orphan village girl she took in (The Queen is still unmarried.),<</linkappend>> was ill. "The Royal Priest has identified some remnant of the witches' magic." "Can they counter the spell?" She lowered her eyes. "Only the Book of Dreams can." "The Book of Dreams? Does It truly exist?" "Do you trust me?" "[[I do|dream-trust]]" was what I answered, but after everything, [[doubt|dream-notrust]] has planted its seed in my heart.

It seems that my illness has spread to others. It must be some plague. Some men have already died. Some think it is the Curse. Others think it is the cooks who poisoned the food. They lynched one of them today. They seem so desperate... so lost... I wish more than ever that I was more knowledgeable in medicine. If I had Dr. Hubris' knowledge, maybe we could identify some disease and even the cure. Or if we had Sage, with all his knowledge in old magic and history, perhaps we would be able to tell whether this all is a curse. I can barely think now... Let along write. This might be some of my last entries.

<<include fever-header>> <div style="text-align:left;"><<include nightmare-body>> I need to [[rest|capt-death-3]] now...</div>

<<include fever-header>> <div style="text-align:left;"><<include nightmare-body>> I need to [[rest|capt-death-4]] now...</div>

We arrived in front of a tree with red fruits. The only such tree in the orchard. She grabbed one of them then gave it to me. I looked at her, questioning. "Aren't you seeking for the Truth?" She said. "[[Take a bite|nopirate-bite]], and you'll know." I looked at the fruit, hesitating whether I should or [[not|nopirate-nobite]].

<div style="text-align:left;">lucidOS Version 88.8.8 Processor: <div style="width:40px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> GHZ <div style="width:70px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> Core i<div style="width:20px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> Memory: <div style="width:40px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> GB <div style="width:70px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> MHz <div style="width:70px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> Graphics: <div style="width:70px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> <div style="width:40px;height:18px;border:none;background-color: white;display:inline-block;"></div> MB Serial Number: [[0808-666f6e73206574206f7269676f|true-end-1]]</div>

<div style="text-align:left;">Error <span class="red">0808</span>: Please restart the system or contact [[tech support|credits]].</div>