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Your gender is: $gender; you are <<if $trans>>trans<<else>>not trans<</if>>; and your current pronouns are: ?he/?him. Your genitals is <<if $sex is "v">>a vagina<<elseif $sex is "p">>a penis<<else>>not disclosed<</if>> and you have <<if $chest is "p">>breasts.<<else>>do not have breasts.<</if>> <<link 'Choose Pronouns Here'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> Choose gender. [[Cis Male.|BoDCC][$gender to "male"]] [[Trans Male.|BoDCC][$gender to "male"; $trans to true]] [[Cis Female.|BoDCC][$gender to "female"]] [[Trans Female.|BoDCC][$gender to "female"; $trans to true]] [[Nonbinary.|BoDCC][$gender to "nonbinary"]] Choose your sex (genitals). [[Penis.|BoDCC][$sex to "p"]] [[Vagina.|BoDCC][$sex to "v"]] [[Do not disclose.|BoDCC][$sex to "na"]] Choose whether or not you have breasts. [[Breasts Not Present.|BoDCC][$chest to "np"]] [[Breasts Present.|BoDCC][$chest to "p"]] <a data-passage="BoDNames"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Now choose your name. <<message 'Male Names'>> [[Damon.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Damon"]] [[Arlo.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Arlo"]] [[Kyrin.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Kyrin"]] [[Jett.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Jett"]] [[Leo.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Leo"]] <</message>> <<message 'Female Names'>> [[Zora.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Zora"]] [[Marion.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Marion"]] [[Nero.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Nero"]] [[Delanie.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Delanie"]] [[Sage.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Sage"]] <</message>> <<message 'Non Gender Specific Names'>> [[Hunter.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Hunter"]] [[Robin.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Robin"]] [[Indigo.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Indigo"]] [[Quinn.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Quinn"]] [[Cadence.|BoDAppearance][$name = "Cadence"]] <</message>> [[Can't believe I have to spell this out ... |BoDInsertName]]
Please insert a name. <<textbox "$name" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#name">>Nice to meet you, $name.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="name"></span> <a data-passage="BoDAppearance"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
//Roe's current appearance: Roe has $eyes eyes and <<if $hairlength is "bald">>is bald.<<else>>has $hairlength, $haircolor, <<if $hairtype is "braids" or $hairtype is "dreads">>$hairtype.<<else>>$hairtype hair.<</if>><</if>> ''Eye Color'' <<if ndef $eyes>><<set $eyes = "brown">><</if>><<listbox "$eyes">> <<option "Black" "black" `$eyes == "black" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Dark brown" "dark brown" `$eyes == "dark brown" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Brown" "brown" `$eyes == "brown" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Hazel" "hazel" `$eyes == "hazel" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Amber" "amber" `$eyes == "amber" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Green" "green" `$eyes == "green" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Blue" "blue" `$eyes == "blue" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Grey" "grey" `$eyes == "grey" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Length of Hair'' <<if ndef $hairlength>><<set $hairlength = "medium">><</if>><<listbox "$hairlength">> <<option "Bald" "bald" `$hairlength == "bald" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Short" "short" `$hairlength == "short" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Medium" "medium" `$hairlength == "medium" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Long" "long" `$hairlength == "long" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Type of Hair'' <<if ndef $hairtype>><<set $hairtype = "wavy">><</if>><<listbox "$hairtype">> <<option "Straight" "straight" `$hairtype == "straight" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Curly" "curly" `$hairtype == "curly" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Wavy" "wavy" `$hairtype == "wavy" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Kinky" "kinky" `$hairtype == "kinky" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Braids" "braids" `$hairtype == "braids" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Dreads" "dreads" `$hairtype == "dreads" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Color of Hair'' <<if ndef $haircolor>><<set $haircolor = "brown">><</if>><<listbox "$haircolor">> <<option "Black" "black" `$haircolor == "black" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Brown" "brown" `$haircolor == "brown" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Red" "red" `$haircolor == "red" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Blonde" "blonde" `$haircolor == "blonde" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "White" "white" `$haircolor == "white" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Blue" "blue" `$haircolor == "blue" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Pink" "pink" `$haircolor == "pink" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Purple" "purple" `$haircolor == "purple" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Green" "green" `$haircolor == "green" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> [[Reload this Page.|BoDAppearance]] [[Back to Story Selection.|Start]]
To start, please choose your intended pronouns as well as your gender. Be sure to ''choose your pronouns first''. You can also change these pronouns any time you like by viewing the left sidebar and going to ''Settings''. <<link 'Choose your pronouns here.'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> And now onto your gender and sex. Both the sex and chest option is needed exclusively only for sexual content. Note that if you choose ''No Disclose'' as your sex then sex scenes, regardless of the explicit content being on/off, will be modified. //Remember to view ''Settings'' located on the left sidebar to make sure all notifications and that explicit content is where you wish it to be.// [[Cis Male.|ToACC][$gender to "male"]] [[Trans Male.|ToACC][$gender to "male"; $trans to true]] [[Cis Female.|ToACC][$gender to "female"]] [[Trans Female.|ToACC][$gender to "female"; $trans to true]] [[Nonbinary.|ToACC][$gender to "nonbinary"]] <<set _sex = ["No Disclose", "Vagina", "Penis"]>>''Select sex:'' <<listbox "$sex">> <<optionsfrom _sex>> <</listbox>> ''Sex:'' <span id="sex-info">(nothing)</span><<script>> $(document).one(":passagerender", function (event) { /* Initial display of text pulled from the "Sex Info X" passages. */ $(event.content).find("#sex-info").empty().wiki("<<include 'Sex Info " + State.variables.sex + "'>>"); /* Trigger text display upon listbox change. */ $(event.content).find("#listbox-sex").on("change", function (event) { /* Fade out text. */ $("#sex-info").fadeOut(500, function () { /* Update text and then fade it back in. */ $("#sex-info").empty().wiki("<<include 'Sex Info " + State.variables.sex + "'>>").fadeIn(500); }); }); }); <</script>> <<set _chest = ["Breasts Present", "Breasts Not Present"]>>''Select chest:'' <<listbox "$chest">> <<optionsfrom _chest>> <</listbox>> ''Chest:'' <span id="chest-info">(nothing)</span><<script>> $(document).one(":passagerender", function (event) { /* Initial display of text pulled from the "Chest Info X" passages. */ $(event.content).find("#chest-info").empty().wiki("<<include 'Chest Info " + State.variables.chest + "'>>"); /* Trigger text display upon listbox change. */ $(event.content).find("#listbox-chest").on("change", function (event) { /* Fade out text. */ $("#chest-info").fadeOut(500, function () { /* Update text and then fade it back in. */ $("#chest-info").empty().wiki("<<include 'Chest Info " + State.variables.chest + "'>>").fadeIn(500); }); }); }); <</script>> <a data-passage="ToAName"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Next, a name. You will be able to choose both your first and surname. [[Ryze.|Surname][$name = "Ryze"]] [[Genesis.|Surname][$name = "Genesis"]] [[Solaris.|Surname][$name = "Solaris"]] [[Lumino.|Surname][$name = "Lumino"]] [[Jaresiah.|Surname][$name = "Jaresiah"]] [[Azaliah.|Surname][$name = "Azaliah"]] [[Rei.|Surname][$name = "Rei"]] [[Noranti.|Surname][$name = "Noranti"]] [[Corban.|Surname][$name = "Corban"]] [[Input your own.|ToAInsertName]]
Please insert a name. <<textbox "$name" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#name">>Nice to meet you, $name.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="name"></span> <a data-passage="Surname"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
And now your surname. Though you may choose whichever surname you see fit, those given all have to do with fire due to your family being ancient and of royal line. It is similar for all head of houses. [[Brand.|ToAAppearance][$surname = "Brand"]] [[Eld.|ToAAppearance][$surname = "Eld"]] [[Pyre.|ToAAppearance][$surname = "Pyre"]] [[Vulcan.|ToAAppearance][$surname = "Vulcan"]] [[Azar.|ToAAppearance][$surname = "Azar"]] [[Input your own.|ToAInsertSurname]]
Please insert a surname. <<textbox "$surname" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#surname">>Nice to meet you, $surname.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="surname"></span> <a data-passage="ToAAppearance"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Now it is time for your appearance. In order to stay close to the ethnic appearance of what House Phoenix looks like, not all colors are given. Different appearances will change some of the flavoring of the story, as well as how the LI's react due to them having their own preferences. There are also three different regions that you can be from: Jaro, Reno, or Adero. This will mostly change your markings and in certain routes, add more conversation. Your name is $name $surname with ?she/?her pronouns. You are a $region Phoenix with $markings markings. You have $eyes eyes and <<if $length isnot "bald">>$length, $type and $hair hair.<<else>>are bald.<</if>> You are also $height for your height. <<if $gender is "male" or $trans>><<if $beard is "none">>You cannot grow a beard.<<elseif $beard is "nb">>You don't have a beard.<<else>>You have a $beard beard.<</if>><</if>> ''Type of Phoenix'' <<if ndef $region>><<set $region = "Jaro">><</if>><<listbox "$region">> <<option "Jaro / Southern" "Jaro" `$region == "Jaro" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Reno / Coastal" "Reno" `$region == "Reno" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Adero / Northern" "Adero" `$region == "Adero" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Phoenix Markings'' <<if ndef $markings>><<set $markings = "present">><</if>><<listbox "$markings">> <<option "Present" "present" `$markings == "present" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Absent" "absent" `$markings == "absent" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Eye Color'' <<if ndef $eyes>><<set $eyes = "gold">><</if>><<listbox "$eyes">> <<option "Gold" "gold" `$eyes == "gold" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Black" "black" `$eyes == "black" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Grey" "grey" `$eyes == "grey" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Red" "red" `$eyes == "red" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Brown" "brown" `$eyes == "brown" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Peach" "peach" `$eyes == "peach" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Length of Hair'' <<if ndef $length>><<set $length = "long">><</if>><<listbox "$length">> <<option "Bald" "bald" `$length == "bald" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Short" "short" `$length == "short" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Medium" "medium" `$length == "medium" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Long" "long" `$length == "long" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Color of Hair'' <<if ndef $hair>><<set $hair = "black">><</if>><<listbox "$hair">> <<option "Black" "black" `$hair == "black" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Brown" "brown" `$hair == "brown" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Red" "red" `$hair == "red" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Ginger" "ginger" `$hair == "ginger" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Blonde" "blonde" `$hair == "blonde" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "White" "white" `$hair == "white" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Type of Hair'' <<if ndef $type>><<set $type = "dreads">><</if>><<listbox "$type">> <<option "Straight" "straight" `$type == "straight" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Curly" "curly" `$type == "curly" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Wavy" "wavy" `$type == "wavy" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Kinky" "kinky" `$type == "kinky" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Braids" "braids" `$type == "braids" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Dreads" "dreads" `$type == "dreads" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Height'' <<if ndef $height>><<set $height = "average">><</if>><<listbox "$height">> <<option "Very Short" "very short" `$height == "very short" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Short" "short" `$height == "short" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Average" "average" `$height == "average" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Tall" "tall" `$height == "tall" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Very Tall" "very tall" `$height == "very tall" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> <<if $gender is "male" or $gender is "nonbinary" or $trans>>\ ''Beard Length'' <<if ndef $beard>><<set $beard = "short">><</if>><<listbox "$beard">> <<option "Cannot grow beard" "none" `$beard == "none" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "No beard" "nb" `$beard == "nb" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Short" "short" `$beard == "short" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Medium" "medium" `$beard == "medium" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Long" "long" `$beard == "long" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> <</if>>\ [[Reload this Page.|ToAAppearance]] [[Back to Story Selection.|Start]]
To start, please choose your intended pronouns as well as your gender. Be sure to ''choose your pronouns first''. You can also change these pronouns any time you like by viewing the left sidebar and going to ''Settings''. <<link 'Choose your pronouns here.'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> And now onto your gender and sex. Both the sex and chest option is needed exclusively only for sexual content. Note that if you choose ''No Disclose'' as your sex then sex scenes, regardless of the explicit content being on/off, will be modified. //Remember to view ''Settings'' located on the left sidebar to make sure all notifications and that explicit content is where you wish it to be.// [[Cis Male.|HorizonCC][$gender to "male"]] [[Trans Male.|HorizonCC][$gender to "male"; $trans to true]] [[Cis Female.|HorizonCC][$gender to "female"]] [[Trans Female.|HorizonCC][$gender to "female"; $trans to true]] [[Nonbinary.|HorizonCC][$gender to "nonbinary"]] <<set _sex = ["No Disclose", "Vagina", "Penis"]>>''Select sex:'' <<listbox "$sex">> <<optionsfrom _sex>> <</listbox>> ''Sex:'' <span id="sex-info">(nothing)</span><<script>> $(document).one(":passagerender", function (event) { /* Initial display of text pulled from the "Sex Info X" passages. */ $(event.content).find("#sex-info").empty().wiki("<<include 'Sex Info " + State.variables.sex + "'>>"); /* Trigger text display upon listbox change. */ $(event.content).find("#listbox-sex").on("change", function (event) { /* Fade out text. */ $("#sex-info").fadeOut(500, function () { /* Update text and then fade it back in. */ $("#sex-info").empty().wiki("<<include 'Sex Info " + State.variables.sex + "'>>").fadeIn(500); }); }); }); <</script>> <<set _chest = ["Breasts Present", "Breasts Not Present"]>>''Select chest:'' <<listbox "$chest">> <<optionsfrom _chest>> <</listbox>> ''Chest:'' <span id="chest-info">(nothing)</span><<script>> $(document).one(":passagerender", function (event) { /* Initial display of text pulled from the "Chest Info X" passages. */ $(event.content).find("#chest-info").empty().wiki("<<include 'Chest Info " + State.variables.chest + "'>>"); /* Trigger text display upon listbox change. */ $(event.content).find("#listbox-chest").on("change", function (event) { /* Fade out text. */ $("#chest-info").fadeOut(500, function () { /* Update text and then fade it back in. */ $("#chest-info").empty().wiki("<<include 'Chest Info " + State.variables.chest + "'>>").fadeIn(500); }); }); }); <</script>> <a data-passage="HorizonName"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Next is your name. [[Orson Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Orson"]] [[Demetrius Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Demetrius"]] [[Kenzo Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Kenzo"]] [[Andressa Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Andressa"]] [[Dhuriya Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Dhuriya"]] [[Katherine Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Katherine"]] [[Estes Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Estes"]] [[Frances Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Frances"]] [[Raquel Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Raquel"]] [[Calypso Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Calypso"]] [[Atlas Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Atlas"]] [[Vega Moran.|HorizonAppearance][$name = "Vega"]] [[Type your name.|HorizonInsertName]]
<<textbox "$name" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#name">>Nice to meet you, $name Moran.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="name"></span> <a data-passage="HorizonAppearance"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
''Eye Color'' <<if ndef $markings>><<set $markings = "red">><</if>><<listbox "$markings">> <<option "Red" "red" `$markings == "red" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Purple" "purple" `$markings == "purple" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Gold" "gold" `$markings == "gold" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Green" "green" `$markings == "green" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Blue" "blue" `$markings == "blue" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Length of Hair'' <<if ndef $length>><<set $length = "bald">><</if>><<listbox "$length">> <<option "Bald" "bald" `$length == "bald" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Short" "short" `$length == "short" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Medium" "medium" `$length == "medium" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Long" "long" `$length == "long" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Type of Hair'' <<if ndef $hair>><<set $hair = "straight">><</if>><<listbox "$hair">> <<option "Straight" "straight" `$hair == "straight" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Curly" "curly" `$hair == "curly" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Wavy" "wavy" `$hair == "wavy" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Kinky" "kinky" `$hair == "kinky" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Braids" "braids" `$hair == "braids" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Dreads" "dreads" `$hair == "dreads" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Color of Hair'' <<if ndef $color>><<set $color = "black">><</if>><<listbox "$color">> <<option "Shades of black" "black" `$color == "black" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Shades of brown" "brown" `$color == "brown" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Shades of red/ginger" "red" `$color == "red" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Shades of blonde" "blonde" `$color == "blonde" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Shades of white/silver" "white" `$color == "white" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Shades of purple" "purple" `$color == "purple" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Shades of blue" "blue" `$color == "blue" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Shades of green" "green" `$color == "green" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Shades of pink" "pink" `$color == "pink" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Height'' <<if ndef $height>><<set $height = "average">><</if>><<listbox "$height">> <<option "Short" "short" `$height == "short" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Average" "average" `$height == "average" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Tall" "tall" `$height == "tall" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Number of Tattoos'' <<if ndef $tattoo>><<set $tattoo = "none">><</if>><<listbox "$tattoo">> <<option "None" "none" `$tattoo == "none" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Few" "few" `$tattoo == "few" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Several" "several" `$tattoo == "several" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Scars'' <<if ndef $scars>><<set $scars = "none">><</if>><<listbox "$scars">> <<option "None" "none" `$scars == "none" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Few" "few" `$scars == "few" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Several" "several" `$scars == "several" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> [[Reload this Page.|HorizonAppearance]] [[Back to Story Selection.|Start]]
@@.center; <h1>[[Loyalty|C1_Loyalty]]</h1> //What happened to Moran in the Spires and who did they find?// <hr> <<include "HorizonImportStats">> @@
Everything looks the exact same to you. That’s the first thought that enters your mind as you groggily sit up, shying away from the burning mass pouring down on you. The second is how much you want to vomit and lie back down. Focusing is both the easiest and most challenging thing to do. Your mind will start following a narrow path, only for you to blink and find yourself surrounded by fog and the original trail a couple feet away. You tell yourself this isn’t the first time, slowly pushing yourself to your feet. Your entire body joins in to tell you just how moronic that idea is, but you force yourself through it. “If I stay here, I get cooked. I get cooked, I die.” Did you think those words or were they said aloud? The raw feeling in your throat makes you believe the latter, but it is of little consequence. Move. You have to move. Somewhere between that thought and actually moving your feet, you’re on the ground, and a puddle of limpid vomit rests directly in front of you. You stare at it for some time, noticing just how blank and empty your mind is until it’s not. Until you’re fighting to stand and remember where you are and what you’re doing. Physically, you were healed. Any fractures or scratches would have healed; the only physical proof would be a bruise or scar that would never truly heal correctly. But a downfall of all that was that your abilities only fixed so much. A broken psyche and an overheated body were well past its parameters. Your body had done all it could, adapting your skin to be hardier against the onslaught of Crion’s massive star. But even that has its limitations when you exist right under it with no reprieve. Limitations. You were seeing a lot of that today. Limitations in regards to healing and adaptability … patience and trust. <a data-passage="L1.00"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
What had you been doing? Glancing around, you fight the need to curl up and sleep, forcing your eyes to stay open as you take in the environment. The land is an infinite wasteland. Sharp, rocky spires reaching to the sky and giving way to nothing but a flat, chasmic, dehydrated land. Everything exists in the same rusty red tones that warn of little growth and life. [[Lay down for a quick nap.|L1QuickNap]] [[“Stay here. I die.”|L1StayHere]] [[What … what was I doing?|L1WhatWasDoing]]
Simply thinking of the word ‘nap’ makes you even more tired than before. Your eyelids meet, and the more they do so, the more they wish to never separate. You were anxious to concede to their wants. It’d be nice. It’d be … really … really nice. <<include "L1.01">>
“Stay here. I die. Stay here. I die,” you repeat. Crawl, walk, it doesn’t matter, just move. Move because if you stay here, you die. <<include "L1.01">>
My thoughts part, making way for a blank mind that holds no recollection of what I was doing. I barely remembered where I was and how I got here, but any further thoughts just caused the headache to intensify. Something important. Vital. No, it's not a matter of importance. I urgently need to escape the sun's relentless heat and find a place to rest. I want water. <<include "L1.01">>
Water. Refreshing, though warm to the touch. Water. Water? <a data-passage="L1.02"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Blinking a few times, you shock yourself into an upright position after almost drowning, the last of the air bubbles you created disappearing. The oasis is small. Nothing more than a glorified pond with a few crystals spread around its banks. And yet, it is just that. An oasis. A haven that you have remarkably made your way to. Dunking your head underneath the water, on purpose this time, you relish the feel. You drink just enough, fighting the need to voraciously gulp down more. This is all but a slight reprieve. The sun is still scorching, and the chances of finding another pool along your journey in search of civilization are minuscule. You’ll have to move on soon. As if agreeing with your conclusion, a low hiss on the wind grabs your attention, and you stiffen as tired eyes glance around the barren surroundings to spot your hunter. When did you last feel like enfeebled prey with no bite and no claws? Funny, is it not? After so many years of being the apex predator, hardly even fretting the growl of others who were capable, you now feel exactly like them. Your mind is not totally one, which may slip even further if you continue to tarry. Getting to your feet, you place your pursuer to the side. It has not shown itself, which strikes a chord of fear so deep that it threatens to halt your movement. You’re weak; it has to see that. So, either it’s a creature who preys upon your panic or knows to bide its time. Either way, both possibilities hint at intelligence, a trait you could do without. <a data-passage="L1.03"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
How much time has passed, you wonder as you drag your nearly unconscious body through the long strip of death. You faintly remember the taste of water back at that oasis, wishing you had somehow found a way to carry it. //It would have dried up.// A defeatist voice points out. You wordlessly agree and trudge on. [[When will night come?|L1.04]] [[Will death take me?|L1.04]] [[Will the predator catch its quarry?|L1.04]] [[Where can water be found?|L1.04]]
It’s all a blur. Every passing second feels like an hour taken and contorted in such a vile way that perverts your memory. It’s sickening. You no longer seem to understand the moments where you’re moving or standing still versus those where you’re vomiting versus those where you feel artificially fine. Squinting, you notice a cluster of flowers in the distance. The radiant blue calling and holding your attention as you near. It’s beautiful, but even more so when you can see droplets of water running down its broad leaf. You reach out just as you hear the hiss from earlier. Spinning around, once again, you find nothing, but the ground beneath you begins to quake. The flowers slither skyward as you discover their truth. An enthralling trap to get any despondent spirit a modicum of hope before feeling all of it disappear at the sickle-like pinchers of the creature revealing itself. They resemble giant scorpions with four sets of pinchers, the smaller second set probably more for digging than grasping and impaling like the larger set. Three pairs of legs carry it towards you, all while that tail with the flower on the back swings back and forth mockingly. There’s a small throng, at least eight from a quick count. Regardless, that’s eight more than you are prepared to deal with. “Dangerous creature detected,” your abacus chimes out as a read-out appears just out of immediate view. “Name: Phrapion. A highly aggressive and dangerous type of arachnid belonging to the genus Scorpio. Their name is earned through their use of the phrapea flower to lure unsuspecting creatures to grab and eat them while still alive. Survival chances: Low.” You could do without the last bit of information. [[“Scenario concepts.”|L1Scenario]] [[“Weaknesses?”|L1Weakness]] [[“Full threat assessment.”|L1FullThreat]]
“Give me some scenario concepts and predictions.” “Error. Software capability not found. See your nearest legitimate modding facility for upgrades.” If you weren’t already about to faint, you’d smash your head into the dirt. <<include "L1.05">>
“How about you actually be useful and give me weaknesses?” “Weak to most modern-day weapons. Disassembling tail. “I said weaknesses, not scenario ideas.” It’s silent for a while before it finally chirps to life again. “Error. Proposed documented weaknesses not found.” If you weren’t already about to faint, you’d smash your head into the dirt. <<include "L1.05">>
“Give me a full threat assessment.” A blurry diagram of the scorpion appears as the chip begins to break it down to its core. Nothing new or wondrous. It’s a scorpion and thus has all the same abilities one from Genesis would have, though on a much larger scale. Avoid the pinchers, ensure they don’t overwhelm you, and the water you thought the flower was producing is toxin. It sounds so easy. A threat that you wouldn’t even consider such on your worst day. It has stiff competition, but this day may just count as the worst. <<include "L1.05">>
Growling, you command the readout to disappear and order it to stay quiet. You have no adrenaline boosts or weapons, and you have your doubts that the shield that saved your life is still present. Nothing. Running is an option, but you won’t make it far if the past few hours have taught you anything. And yet, despite all the odds horrendously stacked against you, you still feel the need to fight. To defend yourself until their poison renders you paralyzed or you find yourself caught in their grasp. //Yes, you say that until they start eating you alive. Probably will start with the feet.// A wave of nausea rushes over you just as they charge forward, and you can do little but dance just out of their reach, hoping upon hope that your body won’t give out on you. Muscles hiss, warning you that you’re acting foolishly despite your inhuman regenerative properties. It has no spare reserves of adrenaline for you to use, no motivational pitches to see you through this fight. The only thing it can promise you is that it will faint, and hopefully, you’ll be knocked out before the creatures begin to feed. <a data-passage="L1.06"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
A soft growling originating from behind you causes you to jerk around, the sight only assuring you that death is close at hand. In fact, you even look around for the apparition, believing it will make its second or third appearance in less than a day, a record. The creature bounds down from the short, flat, rocky outcropping, pouncing on the nearest phrapion. Blue blood splatters against the rocky ground, and the sound of screeching from aggravated beasts fills the air. Parts are unattached and abandoned to the side, like abused and unwanted toys. Those who stay focused on you end up abandoning the hunt as their brethren are slain. They burrow back into the dirt at rapid speeds, and the last thing you see is the flower before it, too, is swallowed up by the ground. One enemy is dealt with, but you find little joy in that, seeing that you now have to face off with the one creature that so effortlessly dispatched them. It creeps towards you with heavy but soundless steps<<if $breed is "blood" or $breed is "chaos">> as its tail sways back and forth, thick near the base but thinning out at the end.<<elseif $breed is "blight">> as its tail whips through the air, thick near the base but thinning out at the end.<<else>>.<</if>> It opens its wide maw, giving me a perfect view of its small but highly sharp teeth. [[Run.|L1Run]] [[Stand your ground.|L1StandGround]]
You won’t get far, you know that much, but you refuse to just stand here and give this thing a free meal. Turning on your heel, you sprint off but only make it a couple of steps before nausea catches up and you fall over. It would be appropriate to assume that the energy expended during your cat-and-mouse game has just caught up with you. You can’t take from an empty barrel. The last thing you see is the creature stalking towards you, almost as if it’s smiling as the darkness speeds in and takes you. <<include "L1.07">>
Maybe it’s the kind of predator that would rather have its prey not fight back. Highly unlikely since it was just fighting the phrapions with no such hesitation. You attempt to look bigger than what you are, an action that costs you as you sway. It would be appropriate to assume that the energy expended during your cat-and-mouse game has just caught up with you. You can’t take from an empty barrel. The last thing you see is the creature stalking towards you, almost as if it’s smiling as the darkness speeds in and takes you. <<include "L1.07">>
You smell the acid before you touch it. Instinctively, your hand travels to your mouth and chin, where the foul substance lies, and you shiver in disgust. You vomited on yourself. It’s not your finest moment, but you’re alive. Vaguely, your previous conscious moment comes to you. Either this is just how the afterlife is, or you’re not dead. You’re unsure which one you find more appealing. Sitting up, you find that your surroundings have changed. Instead of lying under the scorching sun, you are now in a medium-sized cave. A puddle of cave water sits off to the side, hosting who knows what and marking it as “unsuitable for drinking.” You may be able to boil it, but even then, who knows how much drinking water will be left for you. Shifting gives you a headache, and you decide to stay where you are. The world is still a dizzying experience and a mess of colors. The sliver of conscious thought that makes it through is all that is keeping you alert. What was the last thing that happened? You remember the phrapions and then the beast. But that was it. Did someone save you, or did the beast drag you here? It would make sense, depending on its level of intellect. Eat the multiple phrapions and keep the one fresh body from spoiling by not killing it … There’s no way it has //that// level of intellect, right? Mentally waving the thought away, you try to flip the scenario to the former option, someone saving you. They had to have done so out of the kindness of their own heart, as you literally have nothing on you that they would want. If they simply wanted your stuff, why bring you back to their … abode. [[Still could want something.|L1WantSomething]] [[... What if … what if they’re a cannibal …|L1Cannibal]] [[Who is living out here besides pirates?|L1Pirates]]
The lack of things on you could mean close to nothing. Even if you can’t figure out what it may be, they still may want something. <<include "L1.08">>
What if … and this is due to you attempting to think of every possibility you can. What if they were a cannibal? Would it even be counted as cannibalism if they weren’t terran? It makes sense, though. If you were into … that … you wouldn’t kill the person. You probably would work on one limb at a time in hopes of preserving the meat. But then, why leave you unchained? You would be far too much of a threat, even if they believed themselves the victor. <<include "L1.08">>
If you were going to say that someone rescued you, then it had to be pirates; no one else lives out in the Spires. The issue, then, is that this little cave is a prison, which could be the case. But pirates would actually have a setup, and you’d believe it would fit their aesthetic more if you woke up in a cage. What purpose would they have for you … ah. Slave trade. Why that wasn’t your first thought is baffling, especially when you are used to such simple and barbaric dealings. <<include "L1.08">>
Something chirps, and slowly, you turn to face the creature from earlier. At least that answers who brought you here. You can’t remember how you handled this beast earlier, but you only want to run right now. It wanders closer, and you glance around the cave. It’s not the most suitable place to fight, but you would probably have a far easier time than it. It stops its approach when you glance at it. You notice its tongue constantly flickering through the air, hardly a second passing before it flashes. The fall or this? Which death feels more appropriate? You suppose if you wanted something far more epic, then this was it, especially after surviving falling from a plane. Your luck had to run out at some point. It seems now is that time. The creature creeps forward again. [[Move away.|L1.08MoveAway]] [[Stare at it.|L1.08Stare]] [[Look around.|L1.08LookAround]]
You’d feel far better if you maintained a specific amount of space between you. Glancing at what lies behind you, you move further into the cave. The creature sits up, its tongue flicking through the air as you surmise it’s trying to understand what you’re doing and where you’re going. <<include "L1.09">>
No longer daring to glance away, you stare at the creature straight on. Its tongue flicks through the air before it lets out a whine-like huff and lies there. Sighing, you try to grow as comfortable as you can. It seems you will be stuck here for a while. <<include "L1.09">>
Risking a second look around, you try to see if you can find //anything// that may help you. A weapon, a hole to escape out of, anything. When you find nothing, you glance back at the beast to discover that it has gotten closer, and just like earlier, it freezes when it realizes that you are still once again. <<include "L1.09">>
The next few days (you surmise anyway) seem to tick by in much the same way. The creature tries to get close, but you warn him away. An aiczeots, from what your chip told you when you had remembered its existence. One of the top predators in its world and incredibly smart. No eyes and dependent on its sense of smell and taste to navigate the world. Most of this, you already figured out. You have long begun to understand that he won’t hurt you, but you’re not quite sure how you feel about being “tamed” either. Every action reminds you of what you would do if you had encountered a creature and wanted to aid it. He has even tried to deliver food, though it’s been raw. And upon realizing that you wouldn’t eat it, you watched it enter later and lay some odd fruit down for you. After checking it wasn’t toxic with your abacus, you guzzled it down at an alarming—and probably daftly—speed. It was tart and bitter and screams to be used more in junction with another. That just left the iffy cave water, which you risked to stave off dehydration, knowing well that dehydration would be the least of your issues depending on what lives in that water. <a data-passage="L1.10"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Dead in this cave. That’s not how you want to die. You have regained some energy, perks of your markings, and perhaps whatever the Baron did to you. And so, you’ve decided that it’s finally time to go. You haven’t left this cavern since you woke up in it. The farthest you’ve gotten was midway between this area and the exit, finding that your strength was lacking and you weren’t exactly sure what you would do if you left anyway, you turned and headed back. But, unless you had dreams of dying here, then you had to. You will only get weaker. Frankly, you have an itching feeling that you may be too late in making this decision. Day after day has passed, and you’ve eaten nothing but fruit. It has kept you from passing out and little else. Your mind feels like it’s no longer yours, though, it has felt like that for a while now. The mere thought of ever having full cognitive functions feels more like a captivating illusion than something you have ever truly possessed. Crouching, you begin your duck walk to the cave’s entrance, leaning on the wall at random intervals whenever your body refuses to cooperate. It feels like years go by before you finally exit the cave, and you hiss at the sun’s verve. That was one thing you forgot, getting reaccustomed to the sheer intensity of that damned sun when the most light you’ve seen is the glowing blues of the cave’s lichen. To your left, you hear a purr and look over to see the aiczeots approaching, rolling fruit along the way. “Well, that’s kind of you.” You say, or that’s what you imagine yourself saying. Your voice is far too hoarse for words to actually form, and even if they had, they would do nothing but damage a raw throat. He sits, cocking his head to the side in what you guess is bewilderment. [[Continue talking to him.|L1.10Talk]] [[Grab the fruit.|L1.10GrabFruit]] [[Try to pet him.|L1.10Pet]]
“Hey, buddy,” you start, trying to calm the bit of fear that you still hold towards this creature. “Thanks for saving me and keeping me safe for this long, but I think this is where the two of us go our separate ways.” He cocks his head to the side, and soon after, his tongue begins to flick through the air. You should grab those fruits before departing, especially since you don’t know when you’ll ever find something similar on your trek. You take a few cautious steps, and he simply sits there. <<include "L1.11">>
Though you do so cautiously, you draw near to grab the fruits he had collected. Nearing him, you raise your hands so he knows you’re not trying to harm him, only to remember that he doesn’t have eyes. “I’m just going to grab the fruits,” you reassure him, watching as he cocks his head to the side. Soon after, his tongue begins to flick through the air, repeating the action every few steps you take. <<include "L1.11">>
Though you do so cautiously, I draw near, entertaining your reckless curiosity. Nearing him, you raise your hands so he knows you’re not trying to harm him, only to remember that he doesn’t have eyes. “Just … well, just curious how close you’ll let me get to you,” you reassure him, watching as he cocks his head to the side. Soon after, his tongue begins to flick through the air, repeating the action every few steps you take. <<include "L1.11">>
Finally, you’re right in front of him and realize this is the closest you’ve ever been to him. He is truly a beast, in a good way, not in the horrendous, run-for-your-life kind of way. More so in the way that one may look at someone who has devoted their life to improving muscles and has little to no trouble moving a boulder. Honestly, if he wished to kill you, then there is little you would ever be able to do. Remembering the information saying that they were almost the apex predators of their planet, beaten out by the vetix … well, you suppose you can see how. <<if hasVisited("L1.10Pet")>>\ Letting out an unsteady breath, you reach forward, aiming to touch his neck, then pause and redirect your hand to the space in front of his face. The slits on his head crests begin to expand and then retract, much like a mammal’s nostrils. When he doesn’t do anything, you decide to take a chance. His chitinous armor is just as hard as you imagined it to be. Weaker guns will probably have to take a few hits to get past it. Plasma guns may have a better chance, but that depends on how they react to the acid and plasma. His underbelly is a lot softer, not enough to make the sensation of scratching the area comfortable, but also not soft enough to be a detriment during battle. You shift to patting him, moving down his neck when he lets out a warning hiss as you near his throat. An understandable response. “Got it,” you hum, standing up. “Thank you.” <<else>>\ That chitinous armor is probably hard enough to give weaker guns trouble. Plasma guns may have a better chance, but that depends on how they react to the acid and plasma. Ranged is probably the ideal way to fight a creature like this, but that doesn’t take into consideration that each aiczeots has an ability that may cause one to question that false sense of safety. Melee is definitely not wise, not with that tail, their acid, and the numerous spikes and claws ready to gore. Formidable, and you can only be thankful for how this all worked out. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="L1.12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
With the fruit collected, you start your trek. You relay your questions to the abacus, hoping that it can direct you to the nearest form of civilization despite the weak signals. The Dread Outlands. It’s not too far. A day and a half of walking if you don’t find yourself slowing your pace. The chances of that are little to none, so then two days. Two days of marching through the spires, hoping you don’t come across anything like you did before. This time, you won’t have a - Your steps don’t sound like ‘your steps.’ That, and it feels like you’re not alone. Slowly turning, you find the aiczeots a few feet behind you, stopping when it realizes you are no longer moving. [[“I’d rather you not.”|L1.12RatherYouNot]] [[“You better not eat me.”|L1.12NotEatMe]] [[“You have got to be kidding me.”|L1.12KiddingMe]] [[“I’ve always wanted an … alien reptile puppy.”|L1.12Puppy]]
“No. Uh uh. I’d rather you not. I much rather you stay here while I go that way.” Taking a step away, you stare at the creature, hoping he understood you enough … without ears … After a few steps, he continues to follow you. “What can I say or do to get you to just sit here?” You won’t be receiving an answer, and no matter how much you walk away, hoping that your complete dislike towards being followed is picked up by the creature he follows. “Fine!” you shout, regretting it almost immediately. You’re beginning to wonder if you’ll ever have enough water to soothe your throat. If only these alien planets had honey. “You can come, but if we survive this, we will go our separate ways once we enter the city. Got it?” You don’t wait for him to answer. Instead, he prances a few feet in front, seeming impatient and wishing to get back underway. “Don’t be cute,” you grumble. <<include "L1.13">>
Sighing heavily, you shake your head and take a few steps away. “Fine. But you better not eat me if I die out here. Just dig a hole and bury me in it. Unmarked. I don’t need anyone finding me. Alright?” You pause as if you expect him to answer you, and once you realize that, you find yourself shaking your head. You’re just losing your mind. Nothing to worry about. <<include "L1.13">>
“Oh, you have got to be kidding me. Seriously?” The aiczeots simply stares at you. If not already, he probably is starting to question what is wrong with you. “What can I say or do to get you to just sit here?” You won’t be receiving an answer, and no matter how much you walk away, hoping that your complete dislike towards being followed is picked up by the creature he follows. “Fine!” you shout, regretting it almost immediately. You’re beginning to wonder if you’ll ever have enough water to soothe your throat. If only these alien planets had honey. “You can come, but if we survive this, we will go our separate ways once we enter the city. Got it?” You don’t wait for him to answer. Instead, he prances a few feet in front, seeming impatient and wishing to get back underway. “Don’t be cute,” you grumble. <<include "L1.13">>
“Honestly, I’m okay with this. I guess I’ve always wanted an … alien reptile puppy thing that can kill me with one swipe of its paw.” You snort, shaking your head as you point a finger at him. “Do not eat me later.” <<include "L1.13">>
He walks up to you and takes a seat, at least proving that he is becoming far more comfortable with you. Truthfully, you didn’t expect to leave this desert alive, much less with a companion. No. That’s too much wishful thinking. You’re still in danger and before you start plotting your next move or just how attractive revenge looks, you need to get to safety. <a data-passage="L1.14"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
You’re not quite sure what you expected. No. That’s not entirely true. You know what you expected. You expected to hear some hopeful yet dramatic music play as you left the cave for the last time. For the sun to shine its rays down upon you and make your dismal landscape seem just a tad bit more like an oasis than a wasteland. But that only happens in the movies. In real life, reality is king, and reality loves to remind you that your chances are far slimmer than usual. You’re still weak, probably with a day or two left before your body can take no more and finally collapse. Your surroundings are still the same depressing landscape where nothing but crystals and a neverending horizon await. The only thing that has changed is the aiczeots now by your side. He seems far more confident about your future, but maybe that’s just because his light panting makes it look like he’s smiling. You’ll either die here in this hellscape, or you’ll make it, and from there, you’ll plot a future that feels so distant but within reach. A future that contains far too much death and blood. [[Return to Commission Stories|Comms]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
<img src="images/bumstudios.png" width="500" height="111" align ="center"> @@.center; © 2023 Bum Studios LLC. All rights reserved. @@ All images and audio are licensed under Bum Studios LLC. Copyright infringement is punishable by law. Audio belongs to respected artists and courtesy of Storyblocks Audio, Envato, and Incompetech. Incompetech attribution found in ''CREDITED MUSIC'' section. ''CONTACT'' If you have any questions or issues please contact me @ ... email: 13leaguestories@gmail.com tumblr: 13leaguestories.tumblr.com ''CREDITED MUSIC'' ''CREDITED ART'' ''TWINE WIDGETS'' By [[HiEv|https://qjzhvmqlzvoo5lqnrvuhmg.on.drv.tw/UInv/Sample_Code.html#Main%20Menu]] and [[Chapel|https://twinelab.net/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2/#/]] [[Return|$return]]
<img src="images/shoutout.png" align ="center">
''Book of the Damned Imports'' Import or Create a [[New Character|BoDCC]] <sub>//(As long as the character has been made, it should be fine to import as only basic variables are being used at the moment (May 2023.))//</sub> <<import '$imported' 'base64'>> & [[Continue|BoDStatShift]]
<<nobr>>\ <<set $name to $imported.name>> <<set $gender to $imported.gender>> <<set $trans to $imported.trans>> <<set $sex to $imported.sex>> <<set $chest to $imported.chest>> <<set $car to $imported.car>> <<set $cmajor to $imported.cmajor>> <<set $style to $imported.fightingstyle>> <<set $eyes to $imported.eyes>> <<set $hairlength to $imported.hairlength>> <<set $hairtype to $imported.hairtype>> <<set $haircolor to $imported.haircolor>> <</nobr>>\ //Roe's current appearance: Roe has $eyes eyes and <<if $hairlength is "bald">>is bald.<<else>>has $hairlength, $haircolor, <<if $hairtype is "braids" or $hairtype is "dreads">>$hairtype.<<else>>$hairtype hair.<</if>><</if>> ?He drives a $car and majored in $cmajor in college. <<include "BoDFinal">>
If the paragraph looks right then you're all set then things didn't quite move over like expected and you can always recreate your character, especially since it's basically just name/pronouns/gender/appearance. You can change your pronouns here. You can also reconfigure them at anytime in ''Settings.'' <<link 'Choose Pronouns Here'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> [[Back to Story Selection.|Start]]
''Throne of Ashes Imports'' Import or Create a [[New Character|ToACC]] <sub>//(At the moment (May 2023) only Ruben can be imported. Any other character will need to be made.//</sub> <<import '$imported' 'base64'>> & [[Continue|ToAStatShift]]
<<nobr>>\ <<set $name to $imported.name>> <<set $gender to $imported.gender>> <<set $trans to $imported.trans>> <<set $sex to $imported.sex>> <<set $chest to $imported.chest>> <<set $eyes to $imported.eyes>> <<set $anger to $imported.anger>> <<set $sad to $imported.sad>> <<set $numb to $imported.numb>> <<set $region to $imported.region>> <<set $markings to $imported.markings>> <<set $hair to $imported.hair>> <<set $length to $imported.length>> <<set $type to $imported.type>> <<set $height to $imported.height>> <<set $beard to $imported.beard>> <</nobr>>\ Your name is $name $surname with ?she/?her pronouns. You are a $region Phoenix with $markings markings. You have $eyes eyes and <<if $length isnot "bald">>$length, $type and $hair hair.<<else>>are bald.<</if>> You are also $height for your height. <<if $gender is "male" or $trans>><<if $beard is "none">>You cannot grow a beard.<<elseif $beard is "nb">>You don't have a beard.<<else>>You have a $beard beard.<</if>><</if>> <<include "ToAFinal">>
If the paragraph looks right then you're all set then things didn't quite move over like expected and you can always recreate your character, especially since it's basically just name/pronouns/gender/appearance. You can change your pronouns here. You can also reconfigure them at anytime in ''Settings.'' <<link 'Choose Pronouns Here'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> [[Back to Story Selection.|Start]]
''Horizon Imports'' Create a [[New Character|HorizonCC]]
@@.center; <h1>[[From Hat'ein with Love|Jan2024ToA]]</h1> //Hat’ein brings a new year and a renewal in the universe’s magic, but it is a sight for all to see. It has been a while since you could fully enjoy Hat’ein, but now you can and with the person most dear to you.// <h1>[[New Year, Same Crew|Jan2024Sup]]</h1> //The gang gathers to celebrate the coming of a new year in the only way they know how.// <hr> <<include "BoDImportStats">><br><br><<include "ToAImportStats">> @@
Growing up, Hat’ein has always been more of a distant understanding than an actual phenomenon taking place in the skies above. Most times, a blizzard rips through the skies, blocking the spectacle from view. Or you simply lost track of time and so either missed the brief season altogether or caught only pieces of it. As a child, a free child, Hat’ein was something to grow excited over. You can even remember staying up and sitting by the open window, watching the stars shoot across the sky. How the magic of the world revealed itself for those below. Dozens of colors twisting and leaping with one another. Sometimes colliding to make a new color, other times just barely passing each other by as they parade about. You have been free for quite some time, but you never had the ability to stop and realize that with that freedom came the opportunity to once again glimpse the full magnificence and beauty of Hat’ein. This year will be different than those previous. Excitement bubbles deep within you as you glance outside. The sun still proudly lights the sky, though that hardly means anything. It did not matter what time of day it was; Hat’ein did not end. One could scarcely tell, but the colors dance even now, and stars fly and fall. At night, that is when it became far more apparent. Moon has always been more willing to share the sky than her brother. //Focus//, you remind yourself. You had some work you promised to finish before heading out. You’d like to not be late, so the quicker you finish, the faster you can head out. And so, you once again bury yourself in the work. Time speeds by, the more absorbed you grow. So much, in fact, that you lose track of time … a certain someone will not be happy about this. [[Ruben.|Jan2024Ruben]] [[Makaio.|Jan2024Makaio]] [[Zarik.|Jan2024Zarik]]
Walking outside, you expect to make the trip alone when you see a crimson dragon waiting patiently for your arrival. “Ruben?” you question as you walk up to him, “I thought we agreed to meet each other there?” He only shakes. An action that makes you doubt it’s in response to you and more so just to get the snow off of him. Confused about what he’s doing but not wishing to have an entire conversation about it, you start to shift, only for him to roar. Freezing, you glare over at him. “What then?” He says something in his native tongue, a tongue that you are still attempting to learn. It has found itself to be uniquely difficult due to the fact that it’s more about knowing one sound from another. Is the growl low or high? Is there a chirp mixed in with it? Does it sound like a roar or more of a long grunt? The possibilities, though not endless, seemed so. He moves so that he is closer to the ground, gazing at you again. Obviously, he wishes you to mount him, but you want to know why. <a data-passage="Jan24Ruben1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Despite the mounting questions, you do as he silently asks. As soon as you are situated, he flies into the sky. At first, you believe he is attempting to fly with the magic. You never considered shifting and chasing after the lights. Perhaps because deep inside you, you know they are too far to catch. Or maybe it is more due to respect. They are wild and untamed, and the simple thought of getting close feels profane. No, you would much rather keep your distance. The ride doesn’t last long, and as you dismount, you are unsure where and why Ruben brought you to the middle of the forest. A bit more looking around, and you spot the mouth of a cave, which opens up more questions than answers. “Why this place instead of our usual cliff?” Ruben shifts, stretching his arms before tossing loose strands of hair from his face. “You will soon see.” [[“Just tell me now.”|Jan24RubenTellMeNow]] [[“Not that cave, right?”|Jan24RubenCave]] [[Shrug.|Jan24RubenShrug]]
“Just tell me now.” He pauses to think before answering, “no.” “You are being unreasonably deceptive.” “Deceptive?” he chuckles, “maybe I simply wished to bring you to a dank cave away from the wandering eyes of others?” “We have a bedroom,” you tease. “Kěamo,” he groans, pulling you close, “be patient.” He releases and motions for you to follow him inside. <<include "Jan24Ruben2">>
“We are not going into that cave, right?” “That is exactly where we are headed.” “You believe a cave is better than our usual view?” “Kěamo,” he groans, pulling you close, “be patient.” He releases and motions for you to follow him inside. <<include "Jan24Ruben2">>
You know enough about the man you chose to marry to know that questioning him will get you nowhere. He would have already told you if he wished for you to know. He does so love his surprises. And so, you shrug and willingly follow him into the cave. <<include "Jan24Ruben2">>
As you go, you create a fireball, tossing it to Ruben, who doesn’t even need to glance back to catch it. It is a game that the two of you play often, whether to act as light or to warm you while on hunting trips. With each toss, the other adds more fire. Once the ball is too big to continue the game, the holder allows it to explode. There is no need to worry about its strength here; Hat’ein’s influence has reduced the fireball to a fraction of what it would be any other day. It is tossed a few times before Ruben wipes it from existence, nodding to a well-lit area before you. A thick blanket lies on the cave floor, directly under a decently sized hole where the stars, in all of their magnificence, twinkle up above. <a data-passage="Jan24Ruben3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Oh,” is all you manage to get out as you peer up at the sky. The show hasn’t fully started, but a few rays of dancing magic and falling rocks have already begun. “When did you find this?” “I have always known about it,” Ruben admits, “but it was never a place I thought to bring you. It is actually attached to the falls. What do you think?” “I think it is amazing.” He smiles, heading to the blanket and lying down. [[Lie down next to him.|Jan24RubenBeside]] [[Place space between the two of you.|Jan24RubenSpace]]
You copy his movements, taking the spot right beside him. He wastes no time in wrapping you up and bringing you flush up against him. You run your fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp and relishing the soft grunts of gratification he voices. For a while, both of you are quiet. At one point, you even suspect that he may have fallen asleep. But movement on your part causes him to resituate his own positioning, confirming his status. Whenever you feel you should say something, something tells you to remain quiet. <<include "Jan24Ruben4">>
Lying down, you make sure there is a bit of space between you. You will have to give Ruben credit; he keeps his mouth closed longer than you expect. “Why? Is this you simply being difficult?” “No. Sometimes, I am fine with existing near you but not directly touching you.” He closes his eyes and nods. “I shall let you have that for now. Until I roll over and choose to fix this space myself.” “I await the moment,” you laugh. <<include "Jan24Ruben4">>
“You know,” he begins, interrupting the silence, “I have never seen this … show.” “Really? Never?” He shakes his head, squinting as he stares at the spectacle. “Because of what we are, nothing changes. We transform just the same. The Chunae’s venom works just like it always does. War continued despite whatever magical sight rested above.” “And now?” you question, “what do you think?” “Honestly?” “That is one thing I always ask from you.” <a data-passage="Jan24Ruben5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
He frowns before shrugging, “I see a sky lit up in color and fire, something that can only be seen for a number of days and some days not to even this extreme. And I feel nothing.” “Nothing?” “It is a beautiful sight, but I have seen plenty of beautiful sights.” He turns to look at you. “Like the day a certain phoenix regained ?his breath and took to the skies after fifteen years and constant barriers. I am not discounting what lies above us, but I am not distracted. I would not have cared if you had not asked to come out here.” “Well, thank you for entertaining my desire to see it up close. As a child, my parents and I would go to the volcano and watch as the magic lit up the ocean’s surface. And how the stars fell from the sky and seemed to dive straight into the water.” “We could have gone there.” [[“Next time then.”|Jan24RubenNextTime]] [[“No need to make a habit of this.”|Jan24RubenHabit]]
“Next time then. You will probably enjoy being so close to the volcano’s heat.” “This will not be like your lava lakes, right?” “No. I am not asking for you to step into lava.” “And will your parents be joining us?” “If they do, will that take away from the magic of the evening?” “Yes,” he answers flatly, causing you to bark out a laugh. “I will consider their presence then.” <<include "Jan24Ruben6">>
“No, no,” you smile, “it’s fine. I think this is a great spot. There is also no need to make a habit of this.” “Are you sure?” “Yes. For fifteen years, Hat’ein passed just like any other season to me. The few times I was able to catch a sliver of it, it was similar to how you felt. The magic feels misplaced at times. A beautiful sight for someone who feels trapped and locked away. No. This is nice, but not something I would care to do all the time.” “Perhaps we can make a new tradition?” “No need,” you snicker, kissing his cheek, allowing his beard to tickle your cheek before pulling away. “It is not needed nor necessary. Not when we have so many other things to share.” <<include "Jan24Ruben6">>
He nods. “Let us enjoy this night at the very least. Let it never be said that we have not enjoyed the sight.” “Yes,” you sigh dreamily, “let us.” [[Pick another LI|Jan2024ToA]] [[Return to January Stories|January2024Story]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
You have hardly moved to open the door to leave the study when Makaio comes barging in. She marches straight to the desk, ignoring your existence until she turns and glares at you. “Do you care about my excuse?” you inquire, and she shakes her head, much like a child. Sighing, you ask, “so what do you want me to say?” “Nothing,” she admits, stepping forward and grabbing ahold of your hands. “I just want to head out. Like, right now. Let’s go!” She shouts the last part, moving past you to head right back out of the office. Chuckling, you barely have time to turn around before Makaio is back at your side, grabbing your hand and yanking you behind her. “I said let’s go.” “I am. I am.” Once outside, the two of you shift into your phoenix forms and take to the sky, your trails streaking across the darkened skies as you head toward the volcanic mountains. Landing, you spot a few others around as well. They nod and bow in acknowledgment, but their attention rests on the sky. <a data-passage="Jan24Makaio1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Right here,” Makaio says excitedly, walking to an empty cliff edge. Her legs dangle off the side, and though you tell yourself not to do it, you look over. “Yes,” you sigh, fighting off a shiver, “that was dumb.” “Sense seems to elude you after a long day of work.” You raise a brow as you take a seat. It is obvious that she’s not happy about you allowing time to slip past you. “Just tell me what you wish me to do to apologize.” “Nothing. Nothing at all.” [[Grab her.|Jan24MakaioGrab]] [[Tickle her.|Jan24MakaioTickle]] [[Apologize.|Jan24MakaioApologize]]
You reach out and capture her in your arms, giving her a teasing smile. She squeals, grabbing the attention of others, but their eyes do not linger once they realize who you are. You nuzzle against her, relaxing your grip as she stops fighting you. <<include "Jan24Makaio2">>
“I think I know what may make you feel better?” “And what is -” Her words shift to a squeal as you bring her near, tickling her and being relentless in your actions. She tries to push you away, but your grip is unyielding. The fact that you know all of her spots does not help her case either. In fact, it just gives you other places to go whenever she pushes your hands away. Finally, you calm your assault, staring at her as her laughs begin to die down. <<include "Jan24Makaio2">>
“Hey,” you start, grabbing her hand and squeezing it, “I apologize. I had no intention of letting time slip past like that. One minute, I was aware, and the next, I was late.” She sighs, closing her eyes before glancing over at you. “I told you not to work at all. I knew this was going to happen.” “Are you not tired of me telling you you’re always right?” “I will never grow tired of that,” she laughs, and you also release a light chuckle. You watch as the humor lights up her features, her eyes wide with glee, and you find yourself calming down. <<include "Jan24Makaio2">>
“I am sorry.” “I know. I simply wished to give you a hard time. Sometimes, you work harder than me, and I never understand why.” “You have nothing to prove. I still do.” “Kěamo,” she whispers, turning partly to look into your eyes, her hand now caressing your cheek. “You have nothing to prove. You are doing fine, and you have me for anything that may grow to be too much.” “I know,” you smile, leaning into her touch, “but it bothers me. I do not want to be the person you must clean up after. The person who trips trying to keep up with you or any other leader. I want to be an equal and know I still have a ways to go to get there.” “I understand,” she sighs, “it would be hypocritical of me to tell you anything else besides continue. But do know that I am here. Always.” “Always,” you nod, moving forward to plant a kiss on her lips. A simple kiss does not satiate your need, so you do it again, deepening it and delicately touching her arms. You pull away, focusing on her two differently colored eyes, and smile in thanks. You hear someone in the crowd grow excited, and murmurs go out, your attention shifting to the sky as the colors grow in brilliance and their dance becomes more hypnotic. <a data-passage="Jan24Makaio3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Did you do this a lot when you were younger too?” “Come up here and watch the skies?” “Yes.” “Enough times to remember it being a thing.” “Did you enjoy it?” [[“I enjoyed playing on the cliffside.”|Jan24MakaioPlay]] [[“I loved it.”|Jan24MakaioLovedIt]] [[“Was always terrified.”|Jan24MakaioTerrified]] [[“I cannot remember.”|Jan24MakaioNoRemember]]
“I enjoyed playing on the cliffside more than anything else. We had to be careful since none of the kids could fly, but our parents believed it was safe and nothing bad had happened.” “You played on this cliffside?” Makaio asks, glancing around. She appears troubled for someone who loves to be spontaneous and lose herself in the moment. “We were small. The cliffside was much larger than it seems now. Did you enjoy it?” <<include "Jan24Makaio4">>
“I loved it. It was something that I always grew excited about each time. What about you?” <<include "Jan24Makaio4">>
“I was always terrified of the stars hitting us. I think I remember my kii explaining that they would not, but I doubt my child brain cared much for her explanations. I saw stars falling against the ocean and believed we would all die soon.” “Each year?” Makaio questions, giggling. “I would like to think I grew less afraid, but I am unsure. I suppose you were never afraid?” <<include "Jan24Makaio4">>
“I cannot remember how I felt about any of it. I just remember doing it.” You frown at the lack of memory before gazing at her, “you?” <<include "Jan24Makaio4">>
“It captivated me. I cared nothing for scientific reasons, just that it was beautiful. We usually watched it on the beaches, so when I grew bored, I would race into the water or build villages in the sand. This time always meant a trip with my parents to the beach, so it became a beloved memory.” “Why did you not invite them this time? Or why did we not go to the beach?” “I … we stopped it once I came of age. Everything fell away as soon as I entered the social scene, and we had no time for trips like that. To answer your question, I did not want to revisit the memories. I understand that sometimes nostalgia can be good, but sometimes it can haunt you. I like Hat’ein and would much rather make a new memory than revisit an old one.” “Then follow me.” You say nothing else as you shift into phoenix form and take to the sky. Makaio does not immediately follow, but you have no doubt that she will. Once she is at your side, you dash higher and higher. You race towards the magic as if wishing to be part of the show. You get nowhere close, but everything seems so much closer, and that alone is exhilarating. And with Makaio by your side, you can surely see this becoming a memory both of you will repeat. [[Pick another ToA LI.|Jan2024ToA]] [[Return to January Stories|January2024Story]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
Finishing the rest of your work, you quickly head out, only to realize you have no idea where to rendezvous with Zarik. You replay the conversation you had earlier, but there is no clue. You had brought up watching the night show with him, and he had agreed. In fact … he hummed. Sighing, you realize you know exactly where he is and head towards the location. Luckily, it is not far from where you stand. Zarik’s office exists across the courtyard, close enough for the two of you to visit one another but far enough to dissuade either of you from constantly seeing the other. The latter is not as hard to avoid, seeing that neither of you can pull yourself away from work once you are deep within it. And, of course, when you enter, you find your husband within, staring at a strategy table. “Zarik,” you sing, unable to keep the smile from your face as you watch the man. Even in the comforts of his office with no audience, he stands like a general waiting to give orders. Many believe that the intense stare that Zarik wears so well is but a mask when in actuality, it is simply the look he wears when focused. “A moment,” he answers. “A moment?” you hum in thought, “so you have forgotten completely.” “Forgotten wh-” he begins, but his words die as he gets a glimpse of the darkness outside. “It is night already,” he frowns. “It would appear that I was not the only one late.” <a data-passage="Jan24Zarik1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“If both of us forgot, then does it truly matter?” “I did not forget,” you inform, “I just chose to finish my work first. If you do not wish to go, then -” “No,” Zarik says sternly, “we can go now. Let us head to the observatory.” The observatory is how you remember it. You’re unsure how often Zarik comes by, but you hardly visit. There is never a need unless curiosity gets the better of you, or you must retrieve Zarik and have exhausted all other potential locations. Walking with him, you attempt to parse his thoughts. He appears far too out of it, and now that you think about it, you’re not even sure he was focused when he was in his office. It feels as if he is somewhere else, his movements more instinctual than something he is giving thought to. [[Ask him what is wrong.|Jan24ZarikWrong]] [[Distract him.|Jan24ZarikDistract]]
“Will you tell me what is wrong, or must I keep staring and trying to figure it out for myself?” “Nothing is the matter. Do I seem distant?” His look tells you he knows what your answer will be, and he simply jests. “I simply do not see the point of being here to watch this.” You raise a brow, not understanding why he, out of many, would not see the beauty and wonder of such an event. A mystery for another time, perhaps. <<include "Jan24Zarik2">>
You sway to the side, knowing that he’ll catch you. When he does, you force the two of you to stop and plant a gentle and careful kiss on his cheek ridge. His eyes meet yours, and though he tries to maintain a stoic expression, he soon smirks. “What was that for?” “Can I not simply stop and kiss you?” “I can think of a few things you can add to that list.” “Perhaps once this is done.” He does not seem happy with that but says nothing else. <<include "Jan24Zarik2">>
The two of you enter the observatory, and you immediately head to the space at the top, craning your neck back to see the sky. It is a beautiful sight. Dozens of stars fall while magic flashes across the sky. “It is a beautiful thing to watch,” you note. Upon not receiving an answer, you look around to see that Zarik has found mock interest in scattered notes. You sigh, rolling your eyes as a frown eases onto your face. “Zarik, if you wished to stay in your office, you could have simply told me no. I could have easily come to see the sights myself.” “My apologies.” He rejoins your side, but there is still a stiffness in his movements. His frown only deepens when he glances up at the sky. If he told you so, you would easily believe that the sky has slighted him somehow. “Have I ever told you that every Hat’ein someone would challenge me?” “No,” you answer, turning towards him, “but what would give someone such a grandiose idea?” “It was probably due to my basilisk tone; white is an unnatural tone to have, and to many, is a sign of being cursed. I suppose they believed my skill and mastery could only be attributed to magic, and I would say that being interested in the arts did not help the rumors either.” His frown deepens. “It did not matter how absurd the idea was. I never had a peaceful Hat’ein. Added to the fact that Hat’ein left me and any other magic-sensitive person feeling weak, I began to see it as more of a nuisance than something holding beauty and wonder.” <a data-passage="Jan24Zarik3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“It is odd to hear you, of all people, say that.” “Is it?” he questions, “Karithi is in love with the heavens and what they hold. I care for the arcane.” “And Hat’ein does not hold anything useful in that field?” “It takes it away. Do not mistake me; I understand the purpose, but that does not mean I have to like it.” He shakes his head. “I count the days until it is finished.” “Must be an excruciating couple of days,” you snort, and he turns to you, the first bit of attentiveness now in his eyes. “I suppose a certain phoenix can make them bearable.” “Must I do everything?” He chuckles at the teasing, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you against him. Settling his chin on your shoulder, he whispers words you cannot hear into your neck. [[Focus on the show.|Jan24ZarikFocus]] [[Let him continue.|Jan24ZarikContinue]]
You hum and move far enough away for him to understand that you wish to leave it there. He obliges, though you can tell he is still unhappy about having to be here in the first place. At least you have learned not to bring him next year. “I suppose this is a sign of change,” he smirks, “if anyone dares to challenge me then I will simply throw you at them. See how terrified they become.” “Am I to be your weapon now?” “You have always been my weapon. A double-edged sword that has pierced my heart but also the throats of all who are too stupid to know any better.” “For someone who hates to speak, you have such a way with words.” Instead of laughing he simply yawns, resting his head on your chest as you continue gazing up at the active sky. [[Pick another ToA LI.|Jan2024ToA]] [[Return to January Stories|January2024Story]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
Disregarding the purpose you came out here for, you wrap your arms around Zarik and let him continue. His gentle actions shift to ones far more expected. His lips move across your neck, and soon, his tongue replaces it, flicking your earlobe teasingly. A dozen thoughts rush through your head, and the more you linger on one, the more you want to push into him. He grabs ahold of your chin before claiming your lips roughly and possessively. “Another year with you by my side,” he whispers against your mouth, “truly a gift of its own.” “For someone who hates to speak, you have such a way with words.” Instead of laughing, he simply yawns, resting his head on your chest as you continue gazing at the active sky. [[Pick another ToA LI.|Jan2024ToA]] [[Return to January Stories|January2024Story]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
<<nobr>>\ <<set $truths to "na"; $lie to "na">> <</nobr>>\ Wandering into the kitchen, I glance over the table full of refreshments and snacks. Each is picked by a specific person or the group’s consensus. One can already see which snacks are more popular, as only slivers now remain. Well,… popular, or they were sweets that Zillah and Bradley couldn’t avoid. [[Grab some mini-sized bites.|JanSup1]] [[Grab the remaining candy.|JanSup1]] [[Grab some fruit.|JanSup1]] [[Grab the chips and dip.|JanSup1]] [[Grab a slice of the pastry … or two.|JanSup1]]
And for a drink. [[The alcohol.|JanSup1.1]] [[Bottle of water.|JanSup1.1]] [[Glass of lemonade.|JanSup1.1]] [[Egg-nog.|JanSup1.1]] [[Soda water.|JanSup1.1]]
With everything in hand, I head back into the living room, where the rest of my group sits. The fireplace is crackling, maintained by Chris, who has made it known that he trusts no one else to tend it. The others all sit around, Amari on the rug, laid out on her favorite pillows. Rahim is in his favorite chair, with Bradley sitting close by on his foldable gaming chair. Zillah and Chanara sit on the main couch, and Sydero takes up residence on the arm of the same couch. Glancing at the time, I see it has just turned eleven, meaning another hour of who knows what. We exhausted most of what we had planned, believing it would hold us off to midnight. Stealing the last comfortable free spot, I tune in to whatever conversation they’re having. “I don’t get the celebration part,” Chanara admits, swishing the champagne around in her glass and staring at it as if it were a kid’s beverage. “Is this another rant about how time is a man-made construct and how once you died, you realized that you’re above such things?” Sydero questions, sneering as she avoids a pillow from the woman. “Think about it. Someone just chose another winter month to represent the start of a new year? How they get to that?” “Maybe back in the day, January was warmer?” Amari suggests, frowning when Rahim snorts. “Highly doubtful,” he begins, “the spring solstice is not until March. And even March still has its cold spells. Chanara brings up a great point.” “Stop it,” Sydero whimpers, “hearing you agree with someone is creepy. Nara, do you really wish to be associated with someone like that?” “Better him than your dumbass,” she sneers, phasing her body through the pillow launched right back at her. [[“So then who made the months?”|JanSup1Months]] [[“It was the Pope.”|JanSup1Pope]] [[“Why not supernaturals?”|JanSup1Supernaturals]]
“So that obviously means someone woke up one day and declared January the start of the new year, so the real question is who made the months.” “Oh,” Bradley blurts, still eating his chocolate-covered strawberry, “that’s easy. The Mayans.” “Shut up!” we all shout. <<include "JanSup2">>
“Actually, the pope is the one who deemed January 1st the new year.” Sydero furrows her brow as she looks me over. “Did you just look that up?” “No, I actually just have that random tidbit stored away.” “I told you,” Bradley blurts, still eating his chocolate-covered strawberry, “this is why I take $name to trivia night.” <<include "JanSup2">>
“Why is it that when you hear about stuff like this, supernaturals have no part in creating them?” “There used to be rules,” Rahim explains, “at least for demons and angels. Neither group was allowed to influence mortals.” “Death has something similar,” Zillah adds on, Chanara nodding, “not to say that it’s always obeyed. But there are rules.” <<include "JanSup2">>
“Alright, is this it?” Syd inquires, shifting her weight, “because I can name five other things that would be far more entertaining.” “Do it,” Chanara challenges, and Syd points towards me. “Pick anyone in here to fight. Fight them to the death, and then when the clock strikes twelve, bring them back.” “Ooh!” Amari calls out, perking up. “Me! I wanna do it.” “You’ll be sent to Purgatory, little wolf,” Zillah informs, and the excitement slowly leaks away, like a child who watched their ice cream slowly fall from the cone. “It’s a horrible idea anyway,” Rahim says next, “I’m sure we can find something a lot less violent.” <a data-passage="JanSup3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Sydero turns to me, “please agree and choose Rahim as your partner.” “Or,” Bradley says before I can decide, “how about this. We play a game.” “Like?” Chris inquires. “Like charades.” “People still play that?” Chanara asks, picking at something on Zillah’s shirt. “It’s a fun game.” “You want to make bets, don’t you?” I question, and Bradley shushes me immediately. “Or we can make it a drinking game,” Syd smirks. Chanara rolls her eyes. “What is the point of a drinking game if none of us but the two humans can get drunk off of it?” “Keep your panties on for one second, and let me finish.” Despite her words, she disappears. She reappears a few seconds later, two big jugs of … something in her hands. <a data-passage="JanSup4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“What the heck is that?” I question, already knowing the answer. “Oh,” she says dramatically, placing it on the coffee table, “it goes by many names. The Saint’s Drink. Brimstone Rock. The Ghostly Sprite.” “It’s alcohol that will actually allow supernaturals to get drunk,” Rahim interjects before peering over at Chris and Bradley, “and kill you two before you can even get a whiff of it.” “Boom!” Syd blurts, clapping her hands, “we solve two problems in one go.” “Hey!” Bradley shouts, “I’m a goddamn miracle. You’re a problem.” “I was talking about Chris disappearing and me being entertained,” she corrects. Bradley shrugs, content, while Chris makes a show of huffing and flicking the two of them off. “Alright, alright,” I laugh, “so let’s go between a drinking game or something like 2 Resolutions and a Lie.” [[Play the drinking game.|JanSup5]] [[Play 2 Resolutions and a Lie.|JanSup6]]
“We can play the drinking game,” I start and point at Bradley, “on one condition: he doesn’t drink.” Bradley snorts, “I’ve been drinking before you could say the words ‘Momma, I killed my first human.’ “Were you even alive when I lost my human parents?” “The point is that I’m drinking. If we were in Germany, this wouldn’t be a problem.” “Yea, but we’re in America.” “We can change that,” Syd smirks, receiving nods from Zillah and Chanara. “I am obviously out-voted. But!” I point at all of them, narrowing my eyes, “let it be known that I care about Bradley’s health.” “Oh geez,” Bradley sniffles, rubbing at his eye, “that sho does put a tear in me eye, $name. Thank you for being my friend.” [[Throw a pillow at him.|JanSup5Pillow]] [[Flick him off.|JanSup5FlickOff]] [[Cause a minor shock using my powers.|JanSup5MinorShock]]
Reaching for a pillow that has never been recovered, I throw it straight at him. Instead of hitting him harmlessly, he dodges it, and my eyes widen as it heads straight for the roaring fire. At the last minute, Chris catches it, raising a brow as he sends me a glare, and Bradley lets out a boisterous laugh. <<include "JanSup5.1">>
I sigh as I flick him off, waving my middle finger before deciding it’s enough. <<include "JanSup5.1">>
Rolling my eyes, I create a minor energy ball and send it towards him. It hits his arm, and he hisses as he jumps away, though that does little. “Nice control,” Chanara hums in satisfaction. I suppose once a teacher, always a teacher. <<include "JanSup5.1">>
“So, what kind of drinking game do we play?” Chris questions. “Let’s do the classic!” Amari shouts, “truth or dare.” “I think you mean truth or drink,” Chris corrects. “For fucks sake,” Syd huffs, “let’s just play.” “I go first,” Amari says while I get up to grab some shot glasses. Chanara helps me line them up as Amari throws her arms around before stopping on Zillah. “Alright, Zil-Pill, truth or drink?” “Drink. Because if I have to hear you call me that again, that’s all I’ll be doing.” He reaches forward to grab a poured shot when Chris stops him by moving the small glass farther away. “Do you guys even know how to play this? Amari, you ask him a question. If he answers, he’s fine; if he refuses to answer, he takes a drink.” She pouts, “well that’s boring.” <a data-passage="JanSup5.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“This entire idea is -” Rahim starts but is immediately quieted by Sydero. “Then let’s make it simple. Truth or Dare, and if you refuse either, then you take a shot. So, Zillah, which one?” He sighs dramatically before finally saying, “truth.” “Little bitch,” Syd mumbles. “Great,” Amari smiles, causing our brows to rise as she stares at him evilly, “when was the last time you lied, and why?” “Well, damn,” I snort, all eyes shifting to Zillah. “You guys act like this will be hard.” He reaches forward and takes the shot, coughing immediately after. “What the fuck is that stuff?” “Yea,” Syd laughs, “put some chest on your chest!” “You’d do well with gettin’ more hair on your chest anyway. Cos whatever’s on it now is kid’s play.” Chanara adds. Finishing the shot, Zillah nods to me. “Choose.” [[Truth.|JanSup5Truth]] [[Dare.|JanSup5Dare]]
He sneers and is about to open his mouth but then pauses, frowning as he cocks his head to the side. “If you could restart all of it. Make it so that your human parents aren’t dead or that you never met Sydero or entered the world of the supernatural, would you?” I had fully expected him to ask something sexual. For me to roll my eyes and move on. This, I was not expecting. The others seem just as interested in the answer, gazing at me patiently. [[“No. I wouldn’t change anything.”|JanSup5NoChange]] [[“I’d choose to walk this path alone.”|JanSup5WalkAlone]] [[“I’d change everything.”|JanSup5Change]] [[Drink.|JanSup5Drink]]
I think about my answer, trying to determine if I really feel that way. But one glance around at those surrounding me gives me my answer. “No,” I said determinedly, “I wouldn’t change any part.” “Oh, such a liar,” Syd sneers, “you wouldn’t ask Zillah to be nicer?” Shrugging, I say, “I don’t know what would change if I did, so I’ll allow him to continue being an asshole.” “I apologized,” he reminds and everyone decides to either laugh or hum in acknowledgment. “We wouldn’t change anything either,” Rahim tells me, giving me a confident nod. “I would,” Chanara snorts. “I want my promotion first.” “We get it,” Syd sighs, “Azrael’s dick tastes good.” Chanara turns to her, “I really don’t think you understand how fast I can beat your ass and then send you back to that overheated sweat pit you call home.” “Oof,” she replies, shivering, “I love it when you talk dirty to me.” “Back to the game,” Chris interjects before Chanara can get another snap in. “Before I have nightmares.” We all agree, and though she already went once, Amari takes a second turn, and no one tries to stop her … until she begins to force dares upon others, and those dares involve streaking through people’s yards. This continues for a while, and as time passes we become more and more engrossed with the game. With the dares and reveals, and not so big reveals as they are definitely things we already knew. <a data-passage="JanSup7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’d probably choose to go in it alone.” “Damn,” Syd snorts, “we annoy you that much, huh?” “Yes,” I joke, but the amusement soon vanishes as I shake my head, sighing. “No. But it never sat right with me that I dragged you guys into it. Chris should have graduated with a class full of eager, young musicians and -” “And,” Rahim drags, “that’s where you can stop. The rest of us would more or less have the same experience but with fewer allies.” “But -” “Nope,” Bradley grins, moving to sit on the arm of my chair. We’re Team Chaos for a reason. All our lives sucked, before and after.” “After?” Chanara questions, but Bradley merely shrugs, as if that is answer enough. “Alright, this is adorable, but can we get back to the party aspect?” Syd questions, and we all agree. Though she already went once, Amari takes a second turn, and no one tries to stop her … until she begins to force dares upon others, and those dares involve streaking through people’s yards. This continues for a while, and as time passes we become more and more engrossed with the game. With the dares and reveals, and not so big reveals as they are definitely things we already knew. <a data-passage="JanSup7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Honestly?” I question, not really expecting an answer. “I’d change everything. You guys are amazing, and I’m glad to have known you, but knowing that lives could be saved and mine could be simpler. Yea … I’d change it all.” The others say nothing, and for a while, I believe I brought down the mood. Or moreso Zillah, no one asked him to ask such deep questions. But thankfully, the life of the party and the group speaks up. “Alright, pick someone else,” Amari encourages, and this time someone say dare, please.” “Got a dare in mind?” Chanara asks. “Yes! Please let me do it.” “Go ahead,” I tell her, and she takes another turn, unsurprisingly daring either Chris or Rahim to go streaking. This continues for a while, and as time passes we become more and more engrossed with the game. With the dares and reveals, and not so big reveals as they are definitely things we already knew. <a data-passage="JanSup7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I let out a nervous chuckle and reach for a shot glass, smirking as I toast them and then take it. That question will never receive an answer, something I’m unsure if they care about. “Alright, pick someone else,” Amari encourages, and this time someone say dare, please.” “Got a dare in mind?” Chanara asks. “Yes! Please let me do it.” “Go ahead,” I tell her, and she takes another turn, unsurprisingly daring either Chris or Rahim to go streaking. This continues for a while, and as time passes we become more and more engrossed with the game. With the dares and reveals, and not so big reveals as they are definitely things we already knew. <a data-passage="JanSup7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Zillah sneers, “I dare you to go into Bradley’s room and touch his laptop.” I’m not even able to get a word in before Bradley starts squealing. “Don’t you dare! Don’t you fucking dare.” “Calm down, Bradley. I haven’t even agreed yet.” “Yea, but it’s the fact that you’re considering it.” “How would you even know? I could go into your room and //act// like I touched it.” “I’d know,” he hisses, “I know her scent.” “Whoa,” Syd interjects, shaking her head with a look of disgust, “I think I’ll live a happy life if you never say those words ever again.” “It’s a good point, though,” Zillah hums, “so a little change. You need to bring Bradley’s laptop down here.” “Just go ahead and take that shot,” Bradley tells me, pushing the glass closer. “You all act as if you are so afraid of him,” Rahim sighs, shaking his head. “Then you go get it,” I suggest. “I said I’m not afraid of Bradley, never said I’m not afraid of death.” “Oh, for fucks sake,” I growl, “semantics.” [[Do the dare.|JanSup5DoItDare]] [[Take the shot.|JanSup5TakeShot]]
Sighing, you get to your feet and shrug at Bradley. “No. Don’t you dare.” “I’m accepting the dare, Bradley.” “I mean, it’s pretty ironic that the child of Death is about to die at the hands of a child, yes?” Syd asks, and I glance over to see Amari wiping away fake tears. “It’s been nice knowing you, $name. I wish we could go to one last concert together.” “The more you guys talk shit, the more I want to go up there and get it.” “I. Dare. You.” I go to the hall containing the stairs, giving Bradley one last glance as I race up the stairs, making sure I stomp on the way up. Once in his room, I feel a sort of giddiness overtake me. Like a child finally allowed into the teacher’s lobby and seeing all that they hid from the students. Finding Bradley’s laptop is probably the easiest thing to do. I’d say it sits on a pedestal, but it is treated as second-best compared to his actual computer. I admire it for a time before going for his laptop and seeing it atop his lap desk. Well, this just got easy, not to mention safe. Grabbing it, I make my way back downstairs. Happy that I’m not immediately attacked by the young man when I get there. The others clap as I hand it over. “I’m going to kill you.” “You’ll find that I didn’t touch it at all. Not one fingerprint.” He frowns but says nothing more. We get back to the game and though she already went once, Amari takes a second turn, and no one tries to stop her … until she begins to force dares upon others, and those dares involve streaking through people’s yards. This continues for a while, and as time passes we become more and more engrossed with the game. With the dares and reveals, and not so big reveals as they are definitely things we already knew. <a data-passage="JanSup7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Sighing, I reach out and grab hold of the shot glass before taking it. I feel like my entire body is burning, a horrid taste making its way down my throat, and I feel like my entire body is burning, a horrid taste making its way down my throat and refusing to part. One of those tastes that will definitely be coming up with every burp. Bradley visibly relaxes. “Yea, down boy,” I grumble as I continue to fight the taste. “Syd, you’re not in charge of alcohol anymore.” “There is literally no other kind of alcohol that we can drink to make us drunk. You should be thanking me. You’re welcome.” “I didn’t thank you.” “I don’t need it. I’m always down for helping the less fortunate.” “Alright, pick someone else,” Amari encourages, and this time someone say dare, please.” “Got a dare in mind?” Chanara asks. “Yes! Please let me do it.” “Go ahead,” I tell her, and she takes another turn, unsurprisingly daring either Chris or Rahim to go streaking. This continues for a while, and as time passes we become more and more engrossed with the game. With the dares and reveals, and not so big reveals as they are definitely things we already knew. <a data-passage="JanSup7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“We could always play 2 Resolutions and a Lie.” “Sounds lame,” Chanara sneers, and Syd waves her hand to agree. “Do you know what it is?” I ask either of them, and their silence gives me my answer. “Thought so. Give it a chance before you diss it.” “How do you play?” Amari inquires. “Everyone names three resolutions: two truths and one lie. The person you choose must figure out what the lie is.” “Boring!” Syd draws out. “And if they do figure it out, the loser takes a drink.” “Here we go!” she claps. “I want to go first. Chris, you do me.” “The hell,” Chris exclaims, confusion written all over his face, “why me?” “I want to be nicer to you. I want to be nicer to Rahim. And I want -” “One lie!” I remind her. “Just one lie, Syd.” <a data-passage="JanSup6.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’m going to act like Chris got it wrong anyway and take a shot.” As she does this, Chris turns to me. “I’ll go, and you guess.” He takes a moment to think through his three statements and finally nods. “I want to learn a new instrument. I want to get into baking. And I want to learn how to use a sword, kinda like the one Rahim has.” “This is so easy,” Bradley mumbles, but I ignore him mostly, trying to figure out which of the three is a lie. [[Learning a new instrument.|JanSup6Instrument]] [[Getting into baking.|JanSup6Baking]] [[Learning how to use a sword.|JanSup6Sword]]
Nodding, I say, “learning a new instrument is a lie.” “No. Come on, do you even know me?” “When have you ever shown interest in learning another instrument?” “That’s why it’s called a resolution. It’s an in-progress sort of thing. Sorta like how you should make progress on one of those shots.” I don’t even bother telling him to shut up as I grab one of them and throw it back. I feel like my entire body is burning, a horrid taste making its way down my throat and refusing to part. It’s one of those tastes that will definitely come up with every burp. <<include "JanSup6.2">>
Nodding, I say, “getting into baking.” “No, I actually do want to try my hand at it.” “For what?” “No reason really, I just want to.” “So, I’m wrong?” “Looks like it. Bottoms up.” He slides one of the shot glasses closer to me, and though I sigh, I take it. I feel like my entire body is burning, a horrid taste making its way down my throat, and I feel like my entire body is burning, a horrid taste making its way down my throat and refusing to part. One of those tastes that will definitely be coming up with every burp. <<include "JanSup6.2">>
Nodding, I say, “learning how to use a sword.” “You’re right. I don’t care about learning how to use a sword. Frankly, it’s stupid.” “Hey,” Rahim growls, though he does so weakly. “Your sword is magical. I don’t think my silver-tipped sword will do anything for me.” “I can name a few things it could probably help you get,” Syd smirks, receiving nothing but groans, though Zillah alone offers her a chuckle. <<include "JanSup6.2">>
“Alright, your turn.” I think through what my three resolutions would be, regardless of whether I plan to keep them or not. My two truths will be … [[... continuing my training and learning more about Purgatory.|JanSup6.3][$truths to "ab"]] [[... learning more about Purgatory and surviving.|JanSup6.3][$truths to "bc"]] [[... surviving and learning a new skill.|JanSup6.3][$truths to "cd"]] [[... learning a new skill and continuing my training.|JanSup6.3][$truths to "da"]]
And my lie … [[... treat Bradley like the adult he is.|JanSup6.4][$lie to "a"]] [[... pay Sydero back.|JanSup6.4][$lie to "b"]] [[... work hard on training.|JanSup6.4][$lie to "c"]]
“Alright, let’s go Bradley,” I say, nodding to him and telling him my resolutions. <<if $lie is "a">>\ I tell Bradley my resolutions, and he frowns, cocking his head to the side as if questioning why I even bothered. “The lie is treating me like an adult. Could you have made this any easier? Why did you even pick me?” “Because I just want my favorite child to remember that he will always be a wee little babe to me.” Thankfully, I’m not sitting near Bradley, so the punch he so clearly wishes to give me does not happen. <<elseif $lie is "b">>\ I tell Bradley my resolutions, and he frowns, cocking his head to the side as if questioning why I even bothered. “The lie is paying Syd back. Could you have made this any easier? You literally told me the other day that you weren’t going to.” “?He told you what?” Syd questions, her gaze shooting to me. “He’s lying,” I laugh. “Did I get the lie right, or didn’t I?” “I think this is just a nice game played among friends. Drink and be merry.” “I’m going to haunt your dreams if you don’t pay me back,” Syd growls, “test me.” <<else>>\ <<if $truths is "ab" or $truths is "bc">>\ “I doubt you care about learning more about Purgatory, so I’ll say that’s a lie.” “You’d be wrong.” “Really?” “Yea. I actually do want to know more about Purgatory. Especially since so many are looking to me as a leader. “I’d say that’s noble,” Chanara starts, “but you should already know Purgatory.” “Yea, yea,” I smirk, turning back to Bradley. <<elseif $truths is "cd">>\ “I can see surviving being a resolution, despite how often you try to defy it.” “Hey!” “Learning a new skill … that’s something you’ll do without trying, so I don’t think it’s a lie. So, I’ll say it’s unlocking secrets.” “You’d be right.” “See. I’m the king of this game.” “You got one person right. Bring that energy down,” Chris snorts. <<else>>\ “I can see you learning a new skill without you even trying, so I don’t think that’s a lie. And between secrets and learning more about Purgatory, those two sound exactly the same. But I’ll go with learning more about Purgatory.” “Wrong.” “You’re wrong.” “That’s going to be your comeback?” He just frowns. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ “Alright, Bradley. Your turn.” “I’m going to choose …” he suddenly freezes, glancing everyone over. “And the point is to get someone who’ll probably get it wrong, right?” “Right,” I draw out. “Then I choose Zillah.” “Why me? I know you better than Rahim and Amari combined.” “Because you’re the most self-absorbed person here. So you’ll probably get the answer wrong strictly due to you not liking the truth.” Zillah glares at him, “test me.” <a data-passage="JanSup6.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Bradley leans forward and starts, “for the new year I’m going to give you more compliments, attempt to hack some kind of government site, and do my absolute best to explain to $name why you’re always, unequivocally right about everything.” “It’s the middle one, that’s a lie.” “That’s the only one you didn’t hear,” Bradley points out, but you interrupt whatever Zillah is about to say. “It’s//two// truths and //one// lie. I’m beginning to think that none of you understand how to play this game.” “Whoa,” Chris blurts. “Besides Chris.” “I’m sorry,” Chanara snorts, “but you’re just now beginnin’ to think that?” “Shh,” Syd sighs, patting her shoulder, “our Roe loses an additional brain cell every year. Satan bless that mind with all its flaws.” <<include "JanSup7">>
“Oh, oh!” Bradley shouts and capturing all of our attention. “It’s almost time for the countdown. You guys ready?” I glance around for that certain someone to kiss. [[Chris.|JanSup7Chris]] [[Sydero.|JanSup7Syd]] [[Zillah.|JanSup7Zillah]] [[Rahim.|JanSup7Rah]] [[Amari.|JanSup7Amari]] [[Chanara.|JanSup7Chanara]] [[Sip my drink.|JanSup7Drink]]
“Chris!” “$name!” The two of us say in unison, with me rushing to his side on the floor while he moves away from the fireplace. I can hardly stabilize myself on the floor as he throws his arms around me and brings me close, nuzzling into my neck. “We should be kissing.” “I can do that at any time.” “Yea, but you can do //this// at any time as well.” “Shh, stop speaking, and let me enjoy this. I’ll kiss you when they start the countdown. You supernaturals may not care, but we mere mortals like our traditions.” “I’m pretty sure it’s an American thing. Don’t lump all mortals in with that.” He chuckles, and I shiver as his breath tickles my neck. We lie in each other’s embrace while the others begin to countdown. //Five … four … three.// I move back, squeezing Chris’s cheek, and he laughs, swatting my hand away. //Two … one.// He moves in, planting a quick peck on my lips before acting like that’s it. “Alright, fuck off me now.” “Seriously?” I chuckle, and he laughs, kissing me once again. This time, the kiss is longer and much more intimate. To say I have grown used to his kisses would be both a lie and the truth. I could be blindfolded and kissed by a dozen people and immediately be able to say which lips belonged to Chris. But that doesn’t mean it is any less magical. “Leave it for the bedroom,” Syd shouts, and we pull away, snickering, but that is all we do as neither of us wants to leave the arms of the other. <<include "JanSup7.1">>
“Syd!” I shout, moving to sit beside her. “You ready for a kiss?” “You think I need some weird mortal tradition to kiss you?” “No, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to. See it as an excuse.” “Say that again?” “Just kiss me,” I sigh, about to chuckle as she grabs my chin and squeezes just enough to make me want to push myself into her. “Are you telling me what to do?” “Did you forget that we’re sitting in the living room among friends?” “Did you? Because it almost sounds like you want to get every hole you possess brutalized while they watch.” “You have such a way with words.” She kisses me, disguising it as one so gentle and caring that part of me freezes from the whiplash. Going from the most dirty words to the most chaste kiss that I can remember her ever giving. How she tenderly meets my lips, fleeing before I can deepen it. While my need rises, her teasing prolongs. “Syd,” I almost moan, not caring about the crowd we may have. I just want her. “So needy,” she whispers, meeting my lips once again, but this time, she devours me. I give myself over to her, my body shaking as she pulls me down. The world darkens, and I welcome it, prompting it to continue. And then she pulls away, biting and pulling at my bottom lip. “I’d say that’s a sample of what you’ll get later, but I think I’ll see how long I can edge you first.” I pout as she laughs. Glancing at the clock, I realize it’s already midnight. I hadn’t heard any of them do the countdown, far too entranced. <<include "JanSup7.1">>
“$name, come here,” Zillah tells me, and I snort. “You come here.” “I asked first.” “And? You want some kind of reward? If you want what I think you want, then you’ll be making your way to my side.” “Always so fucking difficult,” Zillah mumbles, getting up and coming to my side, sitting on the arm of the chair. “But you walked your ass over here. Now, didn’t you?” “Shut the fuck up and kiss me.” He slides down so that the two of us are attempting to fit in the same chair, failing. Before I can move away, he’s kissing me. Rough and messy and with no care of the actual countdown and how we may look to the others. The kiss is in no way delicate or chaste. It is the opposite of orderly or sexy, yet it’s Zillah. It’s a kiss with traits that I immediately equate to him. Disorganized, energetic, passionate, and captivating. Powerful enough to draw and keep my attention. A risk. Zillah sneers as he pulls away. “We’ll be continuing this later on.” “Looking forward to it.” <<include "JanSup7.1">>
The words barely leave Bradley’s mouth when I find Rahim standing nearby. He offers his hand, and I take it, allowing him to pull me up to my feet as he wraps his arms around my waist. “I suppose there are some mortal traditions that I find myself enjoying.” “Anything that gives you an excuse to get a kiss, huh?” “To get a kiss, to hold you near,” he whispers, softly nibbling my ear lobe. “I don’t need an excuse, but having one is always nice.” They begin the countdown, and Rahim waits until he hears them scream one, but I beat him to it. I kiss him deeply as if I had secretly been waiting for this specific thing all day. The way he returns my kiss makes me believe he might have been doing the same. His hands wander my body, pressing me close and making me think that this may continue later. “Happy New Year’s,” he whispers as he pulls back, his breath ghosting across my lips. <<include "JanSup7.1">>
“Amari!” I shout, needing to do nothing else as she practically launches herself at me. The others haven’t even begun the countdown when she kisses me, putting her all behind it. I hold her close, not caring as the others joke about our enthusiasm. My senses are assaulted in the best ways possible. Her scent, the feeling of her, and the taste of her lips. All of it is seared into my brain, and the desire to let go grows smaller with every passing second. “Happy New Year’s,” she tells me, finally pulling back, and I snicker. “I don’t think it’s quite the first.” “Oh,” Amari snorts, ducking her head as the others begin the countdown. “That just means we can do it all over again.” “You won’t hear me arguing.” As soon as they say one, I initiate the kiss, growing relaxed. My fingers comb through her hair, far too eager as if I hadn’t just kissed her passionately a moment before. <<include "JanSup7.1">>
I move over so that I’m now sitting right beside her, obnoxiously leaning on her in hopes of capturing a kiss. “Use ya words,” she snorts, raising a brow as she sips her tea. The others begin to countdown, and I shove her lightly. “Come on, New Year’s kiss is supposed to mean great things for us.” “I’m dead, and you’re immortal. I don’t think anythin’ bad can happen.” “Will you just kiss me?” “Five, four -” “In some parts of the world, it’s already the first.” “Three, two -” “Not in our -” “One.” Her lips are on top of mine in a delicate dance. No matter how often we kiss, it always feels new, as if I haven’t had the pleasure of kissing her. There is something so soft and proud about her kisses. She probes my lips with her tongue, a soft question that I answer by parting my lips. Our tongues meet, and for a moment, I forget that we are surrounded by our friends. “Happy New Year’s, trouble,” she whispers as she pulls away. But I’m not done, and I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close as I rest my head on her chest. <<include "JanSup7.1">>
In a perfect world, I’d be able to kiss myself, and that would be that. Seeing that I cannot, I simply grab my drink, clink it with the others in a toast, and drink. “Happy New Year’s, Team Chaos!” Bradley shouts. He pops the cork off a champagne bottle, and we all shout as we try to dodge the spray that shoots out, none of us being fast enough. I chuckle as I enter the kitchen, hearing the others threaten him and question who will clean it up before it grows sticky. <<include "JanSup7.1">>
I’m not sure about the others, but I wonder what this new year will bring. If I’m lucky … I pause as I glance around and smile at those that surround me. I hope this new year will bring all of us some good fortune. [[Return to January Stories|January2024Story]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
<<nobr>><<set $sex to "v">><</nobr>> You have a vagina.
<<nobr>><<set $sex to "p">><</nobr>> You have a penis.
<<nobr>><<set $sex to "na">><</nobr>> You have chosen not to disclose this information.
<<nobr>><<set $chest to "p">><</nobr>> You have breasts.
<<nobr>><<set $chest to "np">><</nobr>> You do not have breasts.
<<nobr>><<set $gender to "female">><</nobr>> Female.
<<nobr>><<set $gender to "male">><</nobr>> Male.
<<nobr>><<set $gender to "nonbinary">><</nobr>> Nonbinary.
@@.center; <h1>[[Ozara - Solstice Memory]]</h1> //Two years ago, more than a hundred people died when the harsh Celesow snowstorms arrived on an island that was unprepared. Today, Tishfai Haven honors all those that passed with a holiday, a holiday that some see as a memorial but others see as a permanent reminder of their failure.// <hr> <<include "ToAImportStats">> @@
A ruthlessly nipping wind causes you to tug on the bundle of cloth wrapped tightly around your nearly obscured face. Ozara hadn’t been kidding when she said that the weather would take an unexpected turn, dipping to temperatures that you have long since left behind in a tower and land far away. It causes you to miss the feeling of waking up to the sun’s warm rays on your face, the volcano in the distance threatening to blow. Home in the Scorched Woods, you smile to yourself at the thought, but the chill quickly does away with it. If it wasn’t for the connected warmth you shared with Ozara, you doubt you’d be able to survive this kind of weather anymore. Yet even with the fury of Celesow, the island still is as beautiful coated in a thick white veil, as when it’s bathed in its blues and greens. Though, at the moment, you’re unable to make out that so-called beauty. Not with the obscure fog currently burying the region, causing you to only be able to see a few feet ahead of you. You continue on. Every step takes you closer to one of the many destinations you have thought of, or at least you hope it is. The sound of water lapping against the shore is your only indication and the one sound you hold on to. Finally, you spot a figure sitting on the snow and sand-speckled ground and head towards them. “Zara?” She looks over her shoulder at the sound of her name. <a data-passage="OSM1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="10%"/></a>
“Ah, $name. Did they send you?” “Yes. You have successfully angered your mother and worried Rivenee, but Auri is entertaining them at the moment.” She hums to say that she heard you but does nothing else. “You know,” you start, sitting beside her, “I’ve always had trouble reading your thoughts. I can come close. Close enough to understand when you’re bothered by something at the very least but never what that something is.” “And that … bothers you?” she asks, her eyes seeking you out. [[“No, I personally love it.”|OSM1PersonallyLoveIt]] [[“Kind of.”|OSM1KindOf]] [[“Yes, always.”|OSM1Always]]
“No, I personally love it, despite how odd that may sound. It makes me think that there are far more things to learn about you despite how long we have been together.” “Two years is long for you, then?” “With you, it feels like so much longer.” She lets out a loud snort while staring out into the distance. <<include "OSM2">>
“Kind of. I would never bring it up as a point in a dispute, but I would not exactly say it to be one of the many reasons I love you.” She chuckles, the sound growing heartier as you sit there together. “I do not know what to do with that information.” “Nothing,” you shrug. <<include "OSM2">>
“Yes, all the time. I want to be able to help you even when you think it’s better if you go through something on your own. But if I am unable to read you, then how can I do that? It barely helps that you have always been able to read me as easily as you do the papers that pile onto your desk.” “Well,” she chuckles, “we were raised in two extremely different ways. “I would agree, but many would think I would be the one who lets no emotion show.” <<include "OSM2">>
“This is all to say or, more so, ask, will you tell me what’s wrong?” “I had hoped the first holiday created during my reign would be one of joy. The Festival of Renewal or The Giving,” she chuckles lightheartedly, bringing her knees closer to her chin, “something besides Solstice Memory.” “Is it the holiday itself that bothers you or simply the fact that it was created under your time?” “Both. It feels like a blaring reminder that I failed to protect those who placed their lives in my hands. I failed to find them adequate shelter and food. And because of my failure, all those lives were lost.” [[“No one blames you.”|OSM2BlamesYou]] [[“Then do better.”|OSM2DoBetter]] [[Let her continue.|OSM2LetContinue]]
“No one blames you for that, Ozara.” “Yes, they do. And they have a right too. When they came here, they placed their lives in my hands, and as the Mare, I have a duty and responsibility to each of them. And I failed.” “When did you gain the ability to change the weather?” “That is hardly the point.” “And every place, the grounds included, at capacity? Yes?” “We could have fit more,” she grumbles. “You could have fit hundreds more? You had an influx of refugees from all parts of Treces. You are only an island. You could not have prepared for that. No one could. Zara, why punish yourself over something you attempted to fix and were unable to do? You know better than anyone that this happens. You learn, adapt, and move forward.” <<include "OSM3">>
You turn and capture her hands between your own, “then do better, Zara. Blaming yourself or even the circumstances won’t change anything. It happened. Those lives have been lost, and all we can do now is remember them each day and celebrate them during days like this. But we cannot sit and cast blame and doubt when we can simply learn and do better for the future.” <<include "OSM3">>
“They want me to recite a speech. To stand in front of those whose loved ones have died and explain how such things will not happen again.” She glances at me, her eyes are wide in fear, “I cannot. I cannot lie to them.” “How do you know whether or not that is a lie, Zara.” “I do. What will happen when I fail to find a permanent solution to the food problem? We will not always be able to rely on imports of House Phoenix.” “You speak as if the solution you came up with is not suitable for the future.” She waves my words away as if they alone are headache-inducing, “I have done the numbers countless times. The harvest seasons must yield approximately -” “Stop,” you sigh, “Zara, tons of things can change for the better. Sometimes you just have to hope and stop relying on pure rational thought to carry you through.” <<include "OSM3">>
Despite your words, she seems to still be stuck in her own head, punishing herself for a holiday many are celebrating. This has caused you to think if celebrating is even the right word to describe how the rest of the island feels. They have hung decorations, and without anyone telling them what to do, they seem to have thought of their own traditions to add to all of this. This strikes up an idea, and with bright eyes, you get to your feet. “Come with me.” “I do not wish to give a meaningless speech,” she sighs loudly. “Firstly, I doubt you could ever give a meaningless speech, especially on a subject such as this. Whatever you say will be from the heart. That I am sure of. If we get there and you still refuse, we can have your mother or even I take over.” She raises a brow but finally grabs your hand and lets you help her to her feet. You take a moment to pull her into your arms, stealing a hug and a quick release before she can realize what has happened. Your walk to the area is a quiet one, but neither of you pulled away from the other. The always present connection does something for both of your mindsets. Once at the stage, your eye moves to the first figure to approach you. “About time,” her mother exclaims, grabbing her hand and yanking her towards the stage, “hurry before everyone thinks the worst.” Though you usually stay out of the going ons between Ozara and her mother, you choose to interject this time. You push yourself into the middle and give Basine a single look before focusing on Ozara. <a data-passage="OSM4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="10%"/></a>
“Breathe,” you start off saying, and watch as she inhales deeply. “Are you ready?” “No,” she sighs, “but I shall do this nevertheless.” She squeezes your hand before departing, walking up on the stage as chatter grows less. You take a spot to the side, where Ozara can easily turn and see you if needed. “I welcome you all,” she starts, allowing her eyes to take all those in front of her in. Glancing back at you, she seems to gather her courage before walking off the raised platform. The guards move to stop her, but you prevent the action. “I do not know all of you. Some of your faces are foreign to me, and I understand such a fact is unavoidable but still unfortunate. This holiday confuses me. On one side, I see the need to memorialize those who passed so cruelly, but on the other, it pains me to know that such an event took place. I …” She pauses, choking up as she gazes around, “I will do better. We, in power, will do better. We must adapt, learn from situations such as these, and while we honor those whose lives were needlessly lost, we simultaneously promise to do all within our power to ensure it does not happen again. Those of you who have lost a child, a partner, a parent, a friend, or even simply someone whose face you had grown used to seeing - my heart soars with yours. And for those who have passed, we will one day reunite with you in the Eternal Pastures.” That completes her speech, and the audience applauds, a polite sound that tells you that those in attendance are still mourning. <a data-passage="OSM5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="10%"/></a>
You give Ozara space, allowing her to speak to some of those approaching as Rivenee and Auri hail you. “Depressing as ever,” Auri sighs. Your eyebrow raises, “did you expect more smiles and cheers of joy?” “It is a holiday. I at least wished for drinks to flow. But I suppose that will not be one of the numerous traditions associated with this day. Such a shame.” “It is amazing to see the birth of a holiday,” Rivenee adds, “to see the traditions and the events that take shape. One day, it will just be normal and second nature. The history will be there, but many will see this holiday as remembering all those who have passed, no matter the day or circumstance. And we were here to see its inception.” It is silent for a short while before Auri releases a dreamy sigh, “that was simply beautiful, Riv. Maybe you should have written Ozara’s speech.” “Shut up!” Riv shouts, the two entering one of their notorious battles of both blows and words. They overlook the approaching Ozara, and she seems to ignore the petty duo. <a data-passage="OSM6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="10%"/></a>
“That was an exceptional speech.” “I did my best,” she admits, “the things I wished to say would probably not be taken well coming out of the mouth of a leader. Perhaps next time, you should be the positive speaker.” “You’ve helped all of them, and you continue to do everything you can to help them. So don’t for a second doubt yourself and think you’re some horrible ruler because you couldn’t stop things out of your control.” You squeeze her hands, “you’re too amazing to doubt yourself.” She snorts, “I would not go as far as you are going, but -” “Well,” you interrupt, shrugging your shoulders, “that’s why I’m here. To remind you as much as needed. It is a job that I take extremely seriously.” She exhales deeply, looking you over before bringing your hands up to her lips and placing a kiss there. “How lucky must I be to find myself someone so devoted.” “Devoted. Dedicated. Infatuated.” “I am disappointed. You ruined your streak.” <a data-passage="OSM7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="10%"/></a>
Bringing her close, you wrap your arms around her waist and smile into her neck, “then let us change the last one to desired.” She pulls back so that you can see her face, a curious and amused brow raised. “Oh, hush and just kiss me,” you laugh, the word hardly leaving your lips as she does as you ask. Soft, sensual, and warm. You feel your core warming as you melt in her embrace. It takes every amount of willpower to pull away, humming in satisfaction. She runs her thumb against your bottom lip, “thank you for everything today.” “There is no need to thank me for something that is not only common knowledge but also something I give so freely.” “Yes,” she chuckles, “you truly must do the next speech.” A sad look enters her eye, and though you wish you could do something to do away with it, you know you can’t. No amount of words, no matter how full of fact or affection, will ever lift the sickening burden on Ozara’s shoulders. But that hardly means you shouldn’t try. “You should let me take care of you tonight,” you whisper in her ear. She hums, <<if $height is "average">>looping her arm around your neck as she leans some of her weight back.<<elseif $height is "very tall" or $height is "tall">>looping both arms around your neck as she leans some of her weight back.<<else>>placing an arm around your neck as she leans some of her weight forward, towering over you.<</if>> “After all you did already, shouldn’t I be taking care of you?” [[Take care of her.|OSM8]] [[Stick to cuddling.|OSM9]]
“Maybe I will allow you to repay me another day. But today, I wish to continue the trend I have already set.” Ozara seems unwilling to argue, so with a coy smile, you pull her behind you as you race back to the palace. Once you reach your shared chambers, you close the door and gesture for her to sit on the bed. “What are you doing?” she questions as you move in, slowly taking off her boots. “I told you that I’m continuing my trend.” “But this is a bit much,” she blushes, glancing away. “Do you believe so? I feel like this hardly meets such requirements.” You shift her flowy skirt high enough to where you can rest a kiss against her bare thigh, leaving a trail of fleeting kisses until you’re hovering over her womanhood. You continue placing dainty kisses until she’s shivering, her body tight in anticipation. But you leave her waiting just a bit longer, moving further up her body and removing each article of clothing as you go. Thankfully, that is never hard to do in Pegasus society due to the lack of clothing items. Even during weather like this, clothes are added simply to give the wearer a bit more heat than usual. It’s not an odd sight to see some still walking around with their chests bare. Ozara wraps her arms around you as you place kisses along her arm, interlacing your fingers as you chart a course to her hand, where you place one long kiss. A hand on your cheek causes you to shift your attention, and immediately your lips are on Ozara’s. Like most of your shared kisses, it is a gentle game that seems to lead into a dance of dominance, but it always dies as if both your lips agree to simply share in the power. Even now, with your intentions clear and passion rising, everything is so calm and peaceful with her. As if your bodies can’t retain the stiffness that comes with this kind of activity, as the other’s presence nullifies all of it. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of this view,” she whispers against your mouth. <a data-passage="OSM8.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Not much of a view,” you chuckle and pull back, smiling when she chases your lips on instinct. You would love to meet her again, but you wish to hear her moan, to listen to her hum in approval as you please her. Placing one hand on her chest so that she lies down, you make your way back down and waste no time. You part her lips and run your tongue up and down her slit before using the tips of your hand to spread the wetness. Once lubricated to your liking, you insert a digit, smiling as the first gasp leaves her lips. As your finger moves in and out of Ozara, getting her used to the feel, your mouth finds her clit, and you suck hard enough to elicit a response. You pick up your pace, adding another finger as you finger-fuck the woman under you. Every gasp and moan finds you furthering, pushing your face deeper into her core with no signs of stopping. Ozara has started grinding slightly, pulling you further and pushing her toward her climax. She whispers your name on a light breeze that passes through the room, allowing what would usually be a heated affair to remain cool. She lets out a shocked gasp, and her juices spill across your fingers. You suck at her swollen clit one last time before moving your tongue to clean both her and your fingers up. You’re hardly even able to move before she’s upon you, pulling you into her embrace as she finds your lips, inevitably sampling herself. The kiss is far more fiery than the last but no less gentle in Ozara’s signature way. A cool breeze. That is precisely how you would describe the times your lips meet and your heart races only to slow to a trot and then a walk. The ocean breeze, a might that warns individuals of its strength but a calmness as well, as if telling all that though it can topple trees, yet it has no wish to. <a data-passage="OSM8.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
You’re unsure when the kissing stops, and the quiet existing begins. But being in her arms, carefully running your fingers through her kinky curls, provides a sense of peace you have learned to love. Your finger carefully combs a few strands apart before wrapping them around your finger and setting them free, bouncing back to their original place. And when you’re done there, you simply massage her scalp, careful not to tangle her hair as you do so. Her fingers make odd symbols against your body, and you enter a competition to decide who will fall asleep faster. Sometimes you find yourself wishing to say something, but the words die before they can fully form in your mind. What can top this? In the arms of the woman you love and just existing. [[Return to Winter ToA Stories|WinterToA]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
You nuzzle into the crook of her neck, wrapping your arms around her as you breathe her in. She reminds you heavily of the ocean lilies down by the shore and the subtle perfume they release, carried to your nose by the ocean mist. A fragrant mix of both salty and flowery, with a very subtle scent that constantly causes you to think of the day when Monsuna shifts into Smoten. Another deep breath, and you settle down, closing your eyes and allowing the sound of distant water lapping against the shore to lull you into sleep. “$name?” You’re unsure if you dozed off or sleep has taken you when Ozara calls and nudges you. She will be sorely put out if she wishes for you to move. You’re much too comfortable to grant her that wish. “Yes?” She’s silent for a touch longer before sighing, “nothing.” “Is it truly nothing, or do you simply not wish to talk about it?” “At first, I wished to speak about it, and then that breeze came through, and I realized that I don’t care right now. I simply wish to be and enjoy my time with you.” “Ozara, relaxed? I must admit I never thought I’d see the day.” You prop yourself up on your hand to see her better, reaching out to scrunch and puff out some of her hair that had gotten flatten due to the bed. “You and I both. But you tend to make me want to simply breathe and enjoy what surrounds me.” “Truly?” “You ask in doubt?” “I ask simply because I love to hear you speak, and your words reassure me that I helped with something.” Ozara shifts, gently placing her finger underneath your chin and lifting your head to meet your lips in a chaste kiss. She whispers against them, “you have done far more than help. Please never doubt all that you have helped me to realize.” You mumble something incoherently, finding yourself so lazy you’re not even in the mood to speak. And so, the two of you simply exist in the now, listening to the ocean and watching as the night sky is painted in brilliant colors. [[Return to Winter ToA Stories|WinterToA]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
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//© 2024 Bum Studios LLC Updated on 10/22/24<br> Due to the persisting language and dark and sexual themes, all work is rated for a mature audience only.//
<<link '<i class="fas fa-circle-info"></i> Credits' "Credits">><</link>>
<<set $name to "Unknown"; $surname to "Unknown">> <<set $gender to "Not Known"; $trans to false; $sex to "unknown"; $chest to "unknown">> <<set $eyes to "not chosen">> /* ToA */ <<set $stealth to 0; $force to 0; $charisma to 0>> <<set $stars to 0; $acrobat to 0; $nature to 0; $music to 0; $art to 0>> <<set $anger to 0; $sad to 0; $numb to 0; $trait to "unknown">> <<set $region to "not chosen"; $markings to "present"; $hair to "not chosen"; $length to "not chosen"; $type to "not chosen"; $height to "not chosen"; $beard to "not chosen"; $scar to "not chosen">> /* BoD */ <<set $hairlength = "unknown"; $haircolor = "unknown"; $hairtype = "unknown">> <<set $car = "Not Chosen"; $cmajor = "Not Chosen"; $style = "Not Known">> /* Horizon */ <<set $markings to "unknown"; $hair to "unknown"; $color to "unknown"; $length to "unknown"; $scars to "unknown"; $tattoo to "unknown">> /* Music <<cacheaudio "prologue" "audio/lorem_ipsum.mp3">> <<createplaylist "ambient">> <<track "ambience1" volume 0.30>> <</createplaylist>> */ /* Story starts here */
@@.center; This is a collection of varying in length stories pertaining to the series. They are all divided below by the month they were released or by the series they are a part of. @@ <img src="images/contents.png"> <table class="center"> <h1>MONTHLY STORIES</h1> <tr> [[December 2023|WinterToA]] | [[January 2024|January2024Story]] </tr> <h1>WHAT IF ...</h1> <tr> [[... You Found Rahim?|WhatIfSeries]] | [[... You Were Engaged to Ruben's Brother?|WhatIfSeries]] | [[... Sydero Was Past Saving?|WhatIfSeries]] </tr> <h1>POV'S</h1> <tr> </tr> <h1>REQUESTS</h1> <tr> [[The Art of Studying|Requests]] | [[The Terran that Saved Me (Checl)|Requests]] | [[How I Met my Husband|Requests]] </tr> <h1>COMMISSIONS</h1> <tr> [[Loyalty|Comms]] </tr> </table> <table class="center"> <tr> <th><a data-passage="FAQ"><img src="images/faq.png" alt="FAQ" style="float:center"/></a></th> <th><a data-passage="Supporters"><img src="images/supporters.png" alt="Supporters" style="float:center"/></a></th> <th><a data-passage="Credits"><img src="images/credits.png" alt="Credits" style="float:center"/></a></th> </tr> </table>
@@.center; <h1>FAQ</h1> @@ ''How long will the stories generally be?'' I can't provide a straight answer there as one of the joys of this is to be laxed. To simply write the short stories with a beginning, middle, and end. Whether that is accomplished in 500 words or 10k. I attempt to make every story at least 1k but again, I'm not really concerned about word count. ''How much choice and decision making are in these stories?'' Some of the stories are simply short stories. I place them here so that ''all'' the stories are in one place. The ones that aren't are far more linear than my other work. Meaning that though choices exist, they have no bearing on the story, its path, and the ending. This also means that not every little thing that you have done in the game will always be brought over. At times your scars from Superstition or your decisions in ToA may come up and play a part. But these are still the same near generic stories from the ''Monthly Stories''. ''Are these replacing Monthly Stories?'' Maybe. At the moment monthly stories are harder to do due to either A. I'm just telling the same story it feels or B. the stories to tell can't be told due to spoiler content. Here, I can at least branch out more and since short stories are held here, who knows. I'm still thinking on this. ''Can I import my character?'' Only on games that have asked you to export a save out which is Superstition and Ruben's route. A regular save will not work (if it ends with save and not twinedata then it's a regular save). So for most of ToA/Insight/Horizon you will need to recreate your character. ''Will every story have a sex scene?'' You know I'm staring at you, gutter minds. No. Some stories will possess none and some stories will basically be 'porn without plot.' Though unlike in game, if a sex scene exists, there will be no "Hide Explicit" content. If not 'pwp' then there will be a choice to skip it entirely but there will be no "watered down" version. ''Will all stories be about our main characters? Or will other characters be included?'' I actually have no clue. I kind of want to but I'll probably do one and see how well it does and if people actually enjoy it. ''My Phoenix has my Roe's name (or something similar). Help.'' Simple either A. restart so all variables are wiped and you can create your character clean. Or B. simply recreate them when prompted. You probably just went straight into the game without importing or creating said character. Yes, tedious. But what do you want from me, there's not a better solution. ''Can we send in ideas?'' Yes, you can. Follow this [[link|https://forms.gle/HGof9RV7iYfjRBU7A]] to do so. Understand that just because you send one in doesn't mean it'll pop up. It all depends on if I can figure out a story or feel in the mood to write your dirty-minded plots. Treat this as requests. And with that said, let me also say that though I'm open to writing a lot of things, there are some things that are just a no no. <a data-passage="Start"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="10%"/></a>
@@.center; <h1>[[The Art of Studying|RQ1_ArtOfStudying]]</h1> //Sydero’s two partners find a way to take her mind off researching. **(Porn w/o Plot | Rough | Poly w/ Roe being Submissive)**// <h1>[[The Terran that Saved Me (Checl)|RQ2_CheclPOV]]</h1> //Checl deals with her growing feelings for a confusing terran.// <h1>[[How I Met my Husband|RQ3_MetMyHusband]]</h1> //The story of a near-broken, lonely poison dragon meeting that of an optimistic frost one. The story follows a Phoenix on Ruben’s fiery route, meaning that they waged war on the Chunae to recover their sacred land.// <hr> <<include "BoDImportStats">><br><br><<include "HorizonImportStats">><br><br><<include "ToAImportStats">> @@
“She’s not in there,” Amari tells me as we meet back in the hall. I feel like we’ve searched everywhere for the third member of our group, and only one or two places remain for that search. “Where haven’t we checked?” “The gym and Bradley's room.” “Yea, mark the last one off. I’m not going into Bradley’s room. I don’t think she’d be in the gym either.” I glance at my phone for the time, finding myself even more confident in my previous comment. Chris is probably in there right now getting his ‘nightly gains’ in. “Perhaps we should recheck the study?” “Sounds smarter than going to the gym,” I agree, “if not there then her room one more time.” Amari nods, and we both head toward the destination in question. Once at the door, we can see the door is slightly ajar, and inside, we spot Sydero. A few books are scattered around the table, each seeming to be in use. “I wonder how long she’s been at it. She looks like she can use a break,” Amari whispers. “Yea, but we both know Syd won’t agree to one. Come on, we’ll come back later.” <a data-passage="RQ1.SAR1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Amari pouts at my request before shaking her head, “we could always just force her to.” I raise a brow, “you want to force Syd into taking a break?” “Is it that crazy of an idea?” “If it was me or you in her place, no. It’ll probably work, we crave distractions. But this is Syd.” “She’s not that scary,” Amari snorts, entering the study while I stay where I am. It’s not that Sydero is scary, but more so to how likely this plan will work. I follow Amari into the room, approaching Sydero right alongside her. “Where have you two been?” Syd inquires, casually glancing at us before putting her attention back on the book resting in her lap. “What are you doing? You’re not the type to research,” I point out, gazing over her shoulder at the diagrams and pictures. “Doing a bit more research on the rougarou before going out to do the hunt with Rahim and Chris. Rahim swears he knows but I don’t trust whatever intel he thinks he has.” She sighs, her head falling to the side as if wishing a pillow was there instead. <a data-passage="RQ1.SAR2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Take a break,” Amari suggests. “No,” she huffs, “I don’t have that much left. I’m fine.” “You’re obviously tired,” I add, but she waves my words away, moving the book off her lap to look at something on one of the others. It would seem that the conversation has ended. Before she can turn the page of the newest book, Amari slides the book to the other side of the table. Syd spares her a glance but does nothing more as she turns to me. “Can you pass me back that book, $name?” I glance up at Amari who gives me a pointed look. “I don’t think I will. Break.” “Please,” she growls, the mostly pleasant word sounding like a warning or threat. My attempt to hide my laughter fails miserably. “For fucks sake,” she grumbles, rising and making a move for it. I grab the book, dangling it right out of reach and inching closer to the desk to put some space between us. I can practically see Sydero’s eye twitching as she glances from me to the book. She sighs, “I’m going to give you one last warning, Roe. Give me the book.” “So that please was a warning?” I laugh, “also you forgot about the or else part.” Though I don’t expect it, I’m also not surprised by the action, a part of me even chiding myself for not seeing it coming. She’s on me before I can react, the book in her hand as her other presses against my chest, pinning my back to the desk. “Or else I’ll just -” The complete sentence never leaves her mouth as Amari plucks it from her hand, putting enough space between her and Sydero so she can’t easily retrieve it without letting me up. <a data-passage="RQ1.SAR3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“The fuck is this?” Syd questions, refusing to move, “I did not sign up to get bullied tonight.” “Didn’t you?” I question, “when you agreed to date both of us?” “You’re both childish.” “You just had to agree to a break,” Amari states with a nonchalant shrug. Her eyes narrow on me before shooting over to Amari and a smirk appears, “alright. Fine. I’ll take a break. Whose idea was this?” I exchange a look with the vaewolf. “Mine,” Amari admits without a true care. She must have not seen the look I saw in Sydero’s eye, otherwise she would have thought her answer through a bit more. “Cute,” Sydero sneers, releasing me only enough so that I can now use my elbows to prop myself up, relieving my lower back of the awkward arch. “You like being told what to do, huh?” Syd questions me. “I … I …” I shift, feeling my insides twist in anticipation at what is probably about to happen. Sydero has a way of filling a room with her presence when she begins to feed, perhaps because there are two of us, but even then, it may just be a Sydero thing. “A very simple question,” Sydero snorts as she caresses my legs, “answer it.” [[“Yes.”|RQ1.Yes]] [[“I agreed because I wanted to.”|RQ1.AgreedIWanted]] [[“You don’t have to say it like that.”|RQ1.SayLikeThat]]
“Yes,” I answer breathlessly. She motions for me to sit up and I do it immediately as she positions herself between my now open legs. Her finger trails across my jaw and I feel my entire body shiver in anticipation. <<include "RQ1.SAR4">>
“I agreed because I wanted to.” “Ah,” she hums in mock thought, “so you only listen when you want to?” “Yes,” I say in a low tone, narrowing my eyes as I try to figure out what she’s planning. Sydero moves so that she’s now standing between my now open legs before grabbing my shirt and yanking me into an upright position. “How do you feel about that, Amari?” “I …” Amari starts but never seems to find her voice, her eyes on the scene unfolding. <<include "RQ1.SAR4">>
“You don’t have to say it like that,” I mumble. “That seems like what you’re doing, though. You’ve always been good at it, so I’m not surprised.” She moves to stand at the edge of the desk, roughly opening my legs so that she is now standing between them. She motions for me to sit up the rest of the way and I do, now only millimeters from her lips. “See,” she coos, her breath ghosting across my lips, “doing exactly what I ask.” <<include "RQ1.SAR4">>
“Since you’re so good at following orders, I got a few for you. Ready to listen?” [[“No.”|RQ1.BratPath]] [[“Yes.”|RQ1.SubPath]]
“No,” I snort, “I don’t think so.” I can see the color shift in Sydero’s eyes due to the challenge I dare utter. A smile appears as she nods in what some may think is understanding but is truthfully just confirmation. I catch motion off to the side, and Sydero and I glance at an eager-appearing Amari. “Not you,” Sydero snorts, “you can stand there and watch until you remember who’s giving the orders around here.” “I’m being punished?” Amari basically whimpers, quieting down at the pointed look that Syd gives her. “Both of you are. But you can stand there and //stay quiet// unless I ask you a question directly. Don’t do anything. No playing with yourself, no shifting, no looking away. I’ll get to you when I think you’ve learned your lesson. Understood?” “Yes,” she gulps, already looking like she’s about to disobey one of the commands given. Sydero seems satiated, and her attention moves back to me. She roughly grabs <<if $length is "bald">>the back of my head<<else>>a fist full of hair<</if>> and drags me off the desk and to the floor. Before I can even think about rising, she’s pinning me down, her weight keeping me in place while her legs keep my arms pinned. “I would understand if roles were reversed and Amari was the one taking orders from you. I get that one. But for you to say that you’re listening to the sub who doesn’t even have an ounce of want to be a dom?” She roughly grabs my chin, “where’s the sense in that? Or am I wrong?” She looks up at Amari. “Am I wrong, Amari, or did you want to try the dom role for a change?” “No, ma’am,” she says almost instantly. “So, Roe here is just being a brat like always? Is that what you’re telling me?” Amari seems to hesitate momentarily. Both of us know where this is going. She glances down at me before clearing her throat and nodding. “I’m speaking to you, Amari. Answer.” <a data-passage="RQ1.Brat1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Yes.” “Good to know,” Syd hums, her attention settling back on me. “So since you want to be a brat and went as far as to say no to me but yes to Amari, I think we ought to do something about that. Let’s remind you of your place. Congratulations, Amari. Your punishment has been reduced. Strip, $name.” Amari comes over to do as she says while Sydero goes to the study’s door and locks it. As Amari takes off my layers, she gives me a sympathetic look, but her eyes show evident excitement and thankfulness. I suppose I did just save her from being forced to stand and watch. I’d be thanking her as well. “Done, ma’am.” Amari chimes, almost reminding me of a teacher’s pet. “Take notes, Roe,” Sydero chuckles, gently toying with Amari’s hair, “a proper sub is showing you how to act.” “So, we’re going to ignore the part she was giving orders. It was her idea.” “Now you sound like a snitch,” Sydero snorts, “since you like running your mouth, put it to good use.” She hovers over me, her heat inches from my mouth, and my heart skips a beat as I practically meet her halfway. “Someone’s eager,” I hear her laugh as her core covers me, and I inhale her scent. I run my tongue down her slit, parting her lips before returning to where her clit rests. I swirl my tongue, hoping to gain a moan, but instead, I hear what sounds like two people kissing. Of course, I think as I continue my work, it wouldn’t be a real punishment unless the two of them started something I couldn’t be privy to. And with my arms pinned down by Sydero’s legs, there’s little I can do besides continue on. I continue to eat her out, seeming to never get enough of her taste and wishing to dig further. I push closer, burying my tongue deep into her, sucking and greedily lapping up all I can. <a data-passage="RQ1.Brat2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Someone’s putting in work,” Sydero snickers. “<<verb "Is">> ?he being a good ?boy?” Amari coos, making me shiver. “Very good. Think ?he’s apologizing for what ?he said earlier?” There’s a lull in the conversation, and though I can’t make out what they say, I know someone whispers something, and the two women snicker. Sydero begins to ride my face, grinding against my mouth <<if $sex is "p">>when I feel her hand grasp my cock, pumping and squeezing it just enough to remind me that this is a punishment and not for my pleasure.<<elseif $sex is "v">>when I feel her finger hook into my pussy, slapping it at random times to remind me that this is a punishment and not for my pleasure.<<else>>and causing my muffled moans to increase.<</if>> “Amari, come over here for me.” “Sorry, Roe, but we decided to use you for a bit longer.” I whimper out of excitement and sadness that I’ll be blinded through all of it. I feel someone <<if $sex is "p">>grasp my dick, and the next thing I know, a wet and hot mouth surrounds it.<<elseif $sex is "v">>slide their hand across my heat, and the next thing I know, a wet and hot mouth surrounds it.<<else>>slide their hand across my ass cheek, gripping it gently enough to tell me that it’s Amari. The next thing I know, a wet and hot mouth surrounds my hole.<</if>>I pause, enjoying the sensation, when I feel a rough slap to my abdomen. “Did I say stop pleasuring me?” I muffle out a no, attempting to focus on my task as my attention keeps wishing to drift to the mouth currently undoing me. It doesn’t last long, and I almost wish to whimper again, but instead, <<if $sex is "p">>I feel something lower itself over me, and my member enters Amari.<<else>>I feel something slide inside me and my eyes roll as it travels deeper and deeper.<</if>> “Do what you want Amari. Right now, Roe is here to pleasure us and nothing more. Don’t mind what ?he <<verb "wants">>.” “Yes, ma’am.” “What do you want to do to ?him?” There is a pause on Amari’s part, whether in thought or doubt, before saying, “use ?him?” “Be more creative, why don’t you. You don’t get to play this role a lot.” “Pleasure myself, but ?he <<verb "doesn’t">> get to come?” “I like it.” I feel the pressure around me rise, and I blink as the light, however warm, assaults my eyes. <a data-passage="RQ1.Brat3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“What do you think about that, Roe?” “I learned my lesson,” I tell her, hoping to get some kind of sympathy. “No, you didn’t. If you did, you wouldn’t be talking.” Sydero keeps my hands pinned down as Amari <<if $sex is "p">>rides me, her pace going from torturously slow to fast and almost frantic. Sydero directs her, telling her when to tease me and how to move or when to squeeze. All I can do is buck and arch, imagining my hands on her as I encourage her to continue. I can feel the pressure rise, my need to release getting closer and closer when Sydero places a slap on my face.<<else>>uses the double-ended dildo, her pace going from torturously slow to fast and almost frantic. Sydero directs and aids her, telling her when to shift angles and then sometimes holding one end so that Amari gets the pleasure but I feel nothing. All I can do is buck and arch, imagining my hands on her as I encourage her to continue. I can feel the pressure rise, my need to release getting closer and closer when Sydero places a slap on <<if $sex is "v">>my pussy.<<else>>the side of my ass.<</if>><</if>> “Don’t you dare. You’re lucky you’re not bound.” I bite my lower lip, wanting to apologize as Amari continues, sweet moans leaving her lips as she goes. Everything feels too much, and I suddenly understand what dams must feel like. “Please,” I mutter, but Sydero slaps me once again<<if $sex is "p">>.<<elseif $sex is "v">>. She roughly parts my lips, flicking my clit and causing me to almost bite my tongue in both pain and pleasure.<<else>>. She grabs one of my cheeks and squeezes it hard enough for me to shift the angle of the dildo, both Amari and me moaning.<</if>> “Are you going to continue being disobedient?” “No, ma’am.” “Who gives you orders?” “You do, ma’am.” “And who follows them?” “I do,” I pant. <a data-passage="RQ1.Brat4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Good, so you’re going to let Amari use you like she wants to, and you’ll lie here and let her.” Her tongue slides across my bottom lip, biting the area before drawing back. I let out a needy moan, wishing for her to return so that her lips could distract me from the torture of holding back. Sydero whispers in my ear, “imagine. If you had just been obedient, you could be using Amari right now. Filling her up and doing whatever you wish.” Amari moans, obviously liking the idea, and shifts her angle. “Fuck!” I shout, clenching my eyes closed as <<if $sex is "p">>I can feel her tighten around me, and she slows. While her body has peaked, mine is still pounding against the door.<<else>>the dildo is pushed deeper inside me, nearing my G-spot. I surmise that she has already reached her peak, due to her slowing down. Must be nice. Mine is still pounding against the door.<</if>> “Amari, you can edge ?him or let ?him come. It’s your decision.” I glance at her, pleading for her not to do the former. “I’m too nice,” she mumbles, “you can come, $name.” <<if $sex is "p">>She places her lips on my member to aid me, but there’s no need. As soon as she gave me permission, I relaxed and thus allowed my peak to be reached. Amari licks it up, a smile on her face as I hiss at the sensitivity.<<elseif $sex is "v">>She places her lips on my core, but there’s no need for any of it really. As soon as she gave me permission, I relaxed and thus allowed my peak to be reached. Amari licks it up, and I use my thumb to weakly wipe some of it off her bottom lip.<<else>>She works the dildo in and out, but there’s no need for any of it really. As soon as she gave me permission, I relaxed and thus allowed my peak to be reached. Amari licks it up, and I use my thumb to weakly wipe some of it off her bottom lip.<</if>> Sydero rises, “I hope you both learned something today about making me take breaks.” “Do it more often?” Amari questions, looking up at her with wide adoring eyes. “Ugh,” Sydero laughs, “let’s help Roe back to the room for some aftercare.” “My clothes,” I say weakly. <a data-passage="RQ1.SAR5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I nod eagerly, catching motion off to the side. Sydero’s head whips to face Amari, “not you. You can stand there and watch until you remember who’s giving the orders around here.” “I’m being punished?” Amari basically whimpers, quieting down at the pointed look that Syd gives her. “You can stand there and stay quiet unless I ask you a question directly. Don’t do anything. No playing with yourself, no shifting, no looking away. I’ll get to you when I think you’ve learned your lesson. Understood?” “Yes,” she gulps, already looking like she’s already about to disobey one of the commands given. Sydero seems satiated, and her attention moves back to me. “You said you did this to stop my break,” she states, her tongue gliding across my jaw and creating a trail up to my ear. “So, how about you show me what’s worth breaking for.” It takes everything within me to move slowly and not just pounce to attention to do as Sydero asks. We swap positions and I waste no time ridding her of her pants. I place kiss after kiss along her thigh, my entire body shaking in anticipation as I get closer and closer. “Wait,” Syd commands, and I pause, <<if $length is "bald">>her hand falls on the back of my head<<else>>her hand grabbing a fist full of hair<</if>> as she roughly directs my lips to hers. The initial part of the kiss sees the two of us battling for dominance, one trying to assert more power over the other in a silent battle that mostly gets me riled up by the end. She moves back just enough so that her thumb can slowly inch across my parted lips. <a data-passage="RQ1.Sub1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I wanted to taste you first,” she snorts, releasing her hold on me and allowing me to do what I had first been directed to do. I tease her at first, placing kisses and nips on the edge of her wetness. I can feel her eyes watching me, probably more amused than flustered or agitated by my wish to delay the inevitable. She makes it a personal challenge each and every time. How fast can one of us make her moan, and how loud? The more unpredictable moments do the trick, even though they invite punishment far more often than none. Perhaps, I would try even now, but knowing that this in itself is a punishment for Amari causes me to leave any rebellious tricks at the door. Instead, I pleasure her the way I know she likes it. I run my tongue across her heat, enough so it wouldn’t be too rough when I do the next thing. Once she’s somewhat lubricated from my actions, I insert three digits. Sydero has proven to be the type to like it quick and rough from the beginning. There is no need to build up or prep her for what she will inevitably get. I work my fingers in, roughly giving her what I know she wants as I curl my fingers and continue my work. “Fuck,” she snickers, slamming her lips against mine in a bruising kiss. She grinds against my fingers, and I add a fourth, trying to push deep enough to hit her G-spot. I can feel her body trembling, reacting to my actions and spurring me to keep going. <a data-passage="RQ1.Sub2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The sound of Amari whimpering causes me to slow down, and we both break the kiss off to look over at her. “Something to say, Amari?” Sydero questions, her lips ghosting across my face. I take that as an invitation to place kisses against her throat, nipping at the skin and wishing to leave my mark. “No,” she answers breathlessly. “You’ll have to forgive me,” I tell Sydero with a needy tone, “I need to taste you.” I lower myself back to her core, plunging my tongue past her folds for a second taste of her juices. “Fuck Roe,” she hisses, “you cannot say that to me.” Her thighs wrap around my shoulders as I eat her out, lapping up every part of her. When I’m done, I reluctantly stand, allowing Sydero to kiss me and taste herself. “What do you think, Roe?” she asks as she draws back, “think our little vaewolf has learned her lesson?” I look over at the woman who has obediently stayed in place but is currently pleading with her large brown eyes alone. “Can I teach her the second part, ma’am?” “A reminder?” Sydero asks, and I nod. She juggles it back and forth before gazing over at Amari. “Come to the desk, Amari. Lay on it.” She directs me to stand south of Amari, by her legs, while she heads to her head. “We’re going to use you, my little vaewolf, understand?” She nods in anticipation. “Tell us what that means,” I voice, placing light kisses on her thighs. She shivers, always so responsive. “It means I can’t come until you two say.” She sighs breathlessly, “please use me. I need to learn my lesson.” Both Sydero and I chuckle. <<if $sex isnot "p">>“Do you want a dildo?” I nod, taking it from her. Part of me wants to question why she has one in here, but at the same time, I’m not that surprised. This isn’t the first and damn sure won’t be the last time we have sex in the study. That piano is screaming for attention.<</if>> <a data-passage="RQ1.Sub3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I watch as Sydero’s tail comes into view, caressing the side of an eager and prepared Amari, who has probably already figured out what’s about to happen. While Sydero deals with Amari’s upper hole, I deal with her lower. Like I did with Sydero, I lubricate her, running my tongue along her and inside her to ensure she’s welcoming what I insert. However, the action doesn’t seem needed due to her wetness being plenty enough. <<if $sex is "p">> I line myself up and then slowly insert my tip, her body reacting and hearing a gargled moan due to her mouth being filled. “She’s busy,” Sydero smirks. I push deeper and deeper, tightening my grip on her thighs as I pick up my pace, angling myself to soon hit her spot. She’s tight around me, squeezing and milking me without trying much. “Shit,” I mumble as I pick up the pace, closing my eyes at the sensation of being inside her. Each time she trembles or tries to move but is unable to, spurs me on. “You’re using her,” Sydero reminds me, “this isn’t for her.” She was right. I go faster, reminding myself this is for my satisfaction as I slam against her, and Amari’s moans grow louder. Her hands claw the desk, knowing what will happen if she tries to do anything else with them. I grasp her ass, squeezing it just enough to make her back arch, and in response, Sydero leans forward and plays with the vaewolf’s exposed nipples. She takes one in her mouth, and I watch how her tongue swirls around the bud before she sucks it, pulling it farther until finally releasing it, and it goes back to place. I can feel my peak rushing forward, and I exchange a look with Sydero, who nods. It doesn’t take much to get me to release, and I bury myself deep inside her as I do, filling her with my load before slowly pulling out and watching as my seed seeps out of her opening. “I’m almost sad I missed that view,” Sydero sighs, removing her tail from Amari’s mouth as she gasps for air, spit decorating her chin. She seems spent, not even able to rise and look at me. <<else>>\ I line myself up and then slowly insert the dildo’s tip, her body reacting and hearing a gargled moan due to her mouth being filled. “She’s busy,” Sydero smirks. I push deeper and deeper, tightening my grip on her thighs as I pick up my pace, angling myself to soon hit her spot. She’s tight around me, squeezing and milking me without trying much. Each time she trembles or tries to move but is unable to, spurs me on. “Remember to use her,” Sydero reminds me, “I know you’re not really getting much from the dildo but this isn’t solely about her.” She was right. I go faster, I’ve done this before with her and I know exactly what will prolong and irritate her to do as Sydero asks. I slam against her, and Amari’s moans grow louder. Her hands claw the desk, knowing what will happen if she tries to do anything else with them. I grasp her ass, squeezing it just enough to make her back arch, and in response, Sydero leans forward and plays with the vaewolf’s exposed nipples. She takes one in her mouth, and I watch how her tongue swirls around the bud before she sucks it, pulling it farther until finally releasing it, and it goes back to place. I suddenly slow my pace, pulling out slowly before slamming into her and hearing Amari attempt to gasp in shock. I do this a few more times, watching as her nails dig deeper into the wood of the desk. I can feel see her muscles tightening, and I exchange a look with Sydero, who nods. “Go ahead.” With permission given, Amari relaxes and lets her release wash over her. I remove the dildo from inside her, watching as she squirts the first bit and the rest pour and coat her inner thighs. “I’m almost sad I missed that view,” Sydero sighs, removing her tail from Amari’s mouth as she gasps for air, spit decorating her chin. She seems spent, not even able to rise and look at me. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="RQ1.Sub4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“How are you feeling, love?” I ask her, kissing her belly. “Thank you,” she giggles. “We should get her to the room for some proper aftercare,” Sydero laughs, kissing Amari’s forehead as she helps the vaewolf into a sitting position. “I need to get our clothes,” I say. <<include "RQ1.SAR5">>
“Leave them,” Syd smirks, “both of you can get to the room and hope you don’t pass anyone on the way.” She grabs the clothes and turns to us, “I’ll see you there.” And thus, she teleports away. “Why do I feel like she did that on purpose? Like that was planned?” “It probably was,” Amari chuckles, both of us helping each other to the room. Worth it though. [[Return to Requests|Requests]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
“Checl,” the zeach jumps away from the hand, gazing around at her surroundings and realizing she has zoned out. A zeach stands before her, her head cocked to the side with barely disguised annoyance. “Have you been calling me for a while?” “Yes. $name is here to walk you home … again.” Nodding, Checl gathers the rest of her things, feeling the eyes of the zeach on her back. “I’ve always wanted to know,” Meridi starts, “why does $name walk you home all the time? You guys got something going on?” “What? No. Why do we have to have something going on for that?” Meridi shrugs, “everyone wants something, especially from us.” “No,” Checl shakes her head to emphasize her doubt, “it was $name’s idea. ?He can be sweet when ?he <<verb "wants">> to be.” Meridi snorts, “the terran with the weird markings? That’s the one we’re talking about, right?” “Yes.” “Yea, right. Do you not remember the two patrons ?he shot last week?” “?He warned them to leave, and they didn't.” “Sounds like you’re just coming up with excuses for ?him.” Checl’s frown deepens. Sometimes, she thinks the same, but it is also true that ?he is far sweeter than what ?he shows others. If not, why would ?he offer to walk her home every day. //You live in the same place. It only makes sense to stop by.// Or give her extra blankets when all she does is shiver? //$name barely sleeps, ?he <<verb "have">> no reason to keep spares.// Why would ?he give her the food instead of taking it for ?himself? //It is easier to go hungry than listen to you complaining about lack of food.// She supposes she has the answers to those now. <a data-passage="RQ2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Meridi hums before singing, “be careful. They always want something. Don’t let your naivety get in the way of seeing the truth.” With a huff, she walks away, and Checl approaches the two. “Checl,” $name greets, stretching before looking at Riq with a smirk. “Don’t give me that look,” Riq growls before turning her gaze to Checl, “can you get ?him out of here. I’m tired of seeing ?his face.” “Harsh,” $name laughs, throwing an arm around Checl and bringing her close. Checl can feel her heart thumping in her chest, gazing over at the terran who seems far too relaxed to be thinking the same as she. “We’ll be seeing you, Riq,” $name shouts over ?his shoulder as the two leave the bar behind. Once outside, $name draws away, causing Checl to shiver sadly. “What did you do to piss Riq off this time?” “Nothing,” $name smirks. “Nothing is never nothing with you.” “And nothing is always something for everyone else. What do you want from me, Checl?” “An answer,” she mumbles, only realizing such words were said aloud when she runs into $name. She realizes ?he’s staring down at her, brow raised as if waiting for something. “What?” “You said you wanted an answer but didn’t ask a question.” She stares at ?him, wishing to ask the question that’s been on her mind for a while now. <a data-passage="RQ2.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“About Riq,” she answers, “what did you do?” “Ah,” $name nods, turning and not answering. Instead, ?he just <<verb "walks">> off, proving that ?he won’t be answering her previous question. She isn’t particularly mad; she doesn’t really care. But Meridi’s words stuck with her. Was she allowing a few sweet acts to blind her to the truth, or was everyone else wrong? $name didn’t seem like the type to allow someone ?he cared nothing for to stick around, and there have been many opportunities to get rid of her. “$name?” she starts, and ?he turns around again though with a bit more impatience to the action. ?He always <<verb "looks">> sad, or what she believed may be sadness. Terran eyes have always been challenging to read. At first, she thought it was due to how hard $name was to read, but she slowly realized it was her inexperience with the species and the significant cultural difference. Expressions are commonly shown in the feathers of zeaches; eyes mean little to nothing. For the observant, even the slightest twitch in a feather could tell someone the mood of another. Terrans hold no feathers, and their hair has no life. At most, Checl learned to watch the rise and fall of the hair above their eyes, but that didn’t always work out either. What she knew for sure was that ?he <<verb "wasn't">> happy. There was never any joy, perhaps satisfaction, but that is where it ends. They held a cynical edge, or maybe they simply spoke of ?his tiredness. What was the point in guessing? <a data-passage="RQ2.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Tell me something about yourself.” “Ah, this game again?” “It cannot be a game if you never participate.” “Checl,” $name begins, stopping to turn to her, “the less you know about me, the better. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of sleepless nights.” “I’ve watched terran movies before. That sounds like something they would say.” $name smirks, “well, there you go, I’m an actor. Didn’t think you would guess so easily.” Her eyes widen in shock, “you’re an actor?” Studying her with a raised brow, $name shakes ?his head before continuing. “You’re naive.” “I’m getting tired of that word.” “Let’s just move on.” “Is it me, or do you just not like people?” “Drop it,” ?he <<verb "growls">>, jerking around to show that ?he will longer entertain the conversation between the two. Checl watches ?his retreating figure, sadness stiffening her feathers. She has never felt so conflicted. So drawn to someone when everyone tells her differently. There is something there, but that is where her fear escalates. There are just too many unknowns. Too many paths may lead to a dark place that she cannot escape. And yet, as she follows after $name, she finds herself curious to explore them. [[Return to Requests|Requests]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
“Clear the way! We have more injured!” The young man shook his head, abandoning his current patient and moving to intercept soldiers already bringing in those too weak to walk. “No. We can’t hold them. Can’t you see that we’re far past capacity?” “Do you have a better idea?” “No, I really don’t, but resting them along the floor will impede walking, cause further issues, and slow us down. I beg you to keep them outside. We will form another tent.” “We don’t have time for that, Norizanth.” He turns, the speaker lost in the forever-moving crowd. Their voice is drowned out by the moans of the dying and injured. Dragons, wolves, and bears who all believe that their current breath will be their last. His head is starting to ache, but there is no time for it. He asked to be moved where they needed him the most, and he got that wish. “Cots. Sheets. Do we have anything we can put them on?” “Yes! Here,” he hears someone yell, and he nods. “Fit them where they can go without impeding traffic and maintain a clear path to the supplies. Put the more injured ones to the back.” “You have our thanks,” the man from earlier states, clasping his shoulder, but Norizanth shakes his head, nodding to those bustling. “Thank me when all of them are up and walking.” The man leaves, and Norizanth turns to figure out where he’s needed without getting in the way of others. <a data-passage="RQ3.MMH1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You’ll never receive that thanks,” a voice says by his side, causing him to turn yet again to see who has chosen now to be an excellent time to speak to him. His eyes widen as he takes in the man in heavy fur armor, blood lining the fur near the nape as if it was always meant to be there. Nori didn’t know what to think about the man’s appearance in relation to what he knew. The way he stood starkly contrasted the many stories about how good-natured and fun-loving the man in front of him is said to be. The stories always made the second-in-command to Chieftain Ruben sound like a wistful spirit, far too free to be tied down to one place. “People will surprise you, Commander Tozraz,” Nori nods in greeting, “are you injured?” “No,” the man answers simply, glancing at the blood-soaked fur more like it is a nuisance. “Then you must excuse me. I have many to attend to.” “No,” he repeats, causing Norizanth’s brow to furrow. “No?” “You will answer my question first. A Chunae prisoner was brought to one of the camps in this area. Are they here?” “Does it look like I personally look over each and every person who enters?” Speaking to a general with contempt heavy in his voice is perhaps the stupidest thing he could do, especially this one in particular. But he was tired and wished to get back to work. Tozraz said nothing at first, simply staring at him and causing him to shift from one foot to another. “You’ll want to search instead of me. If I search, I’ll have this place cleared out first.” Nori’s eyes widened as his nostrils flared. “Then you can wait.” “I won’t.” No. This is not the man from the numerous stories he heard. Whether those who created them had simply lied or been confused, he didn’t know, nor did he care. <a data-passage="RQ3.MMH2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“What do you need them for?” “They’re only here to retrieve minor treatment so that they can later be put through interrogation.” “Torture,” Nori says, his eyes narrowing, “why even send them here in the first place if that’s the fate that will befall them?” The general sighs, an irritable look entering his eye, “what’s your name?” “Norizanth.” “Norizanth. This concept may be new to you, but it’s none of your business. Do your job. Let me do mine.” “Your job seems to be interfering with mine.” “I hold a higher rank,” he chuckles, turning to walk away. Nori lets him go, sighing as he scratches his forehead. Indeed, nothing like the stories. Wandering deeper inside, Nori quickly found the soldier in question. They lay upon the mat, bound to the bed and blindfolded, though that part seemed excessive. He isn’t stupid. He knew what their presence meant and where it would lead. He just wanted no part of it. His job was to heal and help. Not help just enough to let another inflict more pain. “How long until the captive is conscious?” “Shouldn’t be long now. Should we move them once they are awake?” He closes his eyes, wanting so badly to say no. He wished to stand up for them just like he would stand up for any other patient. “No. Hand them over to the soldiers.” The nurse nods, walking away to speak to others. He hadn’t disagreed or even frowned at the news. //War//, Nori thinks to himself as he turns his attention to others. //War would make villains of them all.// <a data-passage="RQ3.MMH3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The day has been long and hard. His hands were coated with the blood of both the dead and the living. Perhaps he should think solely about all those they managed to save, and yet, his thoughts were only on those who were still being moved outside the camp to be buried. He simply wanted some warm food and his cot. Sleep did not come easy, nor did it come often enough due to being called in at odd hours to come and help those being found and retrieved. He learned long ago to appreciate slow and quiet moments. Heading towards his tent, he slows when a familiar figure walks a couple yards ahead. He watches General Tozraz walk purposefully through the camp, three children clinging tightly to him. He approaches another soldier and places the child in his arms down. “Make sure they get food and a safe place to sleep.” His attention then shifts to the children. “We’ll find your mother in the morning, I promise.” The four walk away, and Toz turns, spotting Nori but providing no greeting. “That is a kind thing you did.” Toz stiffens, refusing to look over at the man. “It hardly matters. I doubt a search will be successful.” <a data-passage="RQ3.MMH4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You have a cold outlook on life and those who live it.” “I have a realistic view of this war and how it should end.” “And when it’s over?” Nori shakes his head, “no. Even before that. What of the many innocent Chunae lives that are being devoured due to this war? Are they at fault simply because of where and who they were born as?” “I’m not going after innocent babes in their carriage. I’m going after those who have killed.” “Are all the soldiers in the army volunteers? Or are they all innocent? Do you not think the Chunae are saying the same rhetoric as you?” Toz scowls, his black eyes landing on the young man who has become more of a nuisance in the little hours of them being in each other’s presence. “What are you trying to get at?” “Nothing,” he sighs, “I just … don’t let war make you someone you’re not.” “You speak as if you know me.” “I don’t. And usually, when I hear tales of others, they are grossly over-exaggerated or untrue. But something about you tells me the latter isn’t entirely false. That the man I kept hearing about is there.” “And if you’re proven wrong?” “Then I will tell you and offer you my apologies for judging you on conceptions not known to me.” Toz watched as the man walked towards the clustered tents. Smirking at the likelihood of receiving said apology. [[Return to Requests|Requests]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
@@.center; <h1>[[... You Found Rahim?|WIF_Rahim]]</h1> //What if it wasn’t Sydero that Roe found, but Rahim in that alleyway? Everything leading up to the event is the same, only the twins get knocked to opposite sides of town and Rahim is found on the path near their job.// <h1>[[... You Were Engaged to Ruben's Brother?|WIF_RubenBrother]]</h1> //What if instead of Ruben, you were engaged to his brother instead? In this scenario, Ruben’s family is still alive, and the war that took their lives is ongoing, but Phoenix and Dragon have decided to merge to turn the tide. The problem? You’re in love with the wrong brother.// <h1>[[... Sydero Was Past Saving?|WIF_SyderoDemon]]</h1> //What if Sydero was already past the threshold when Roe and Rahim appeared in the Underworld to save her? :: Trigger Warning: Death ::// <hr> <<include "BoDImportStats">><br><br><<include "ToAImportStats">> @@
I shine the light down the path, my brow raising as I tell myself it’s nothing, just another raccoon or rat. But seeing that I’m the one who needs to close up, it’s my job to make sure that statement is proven true. Though, I see nothing wrong with telling them this happened after I left. The sound came from the path between the buildings; no cameras are there, so I’ll probably get away with such a fabrication. Movement in the corner causes me to cease my idle thoughts, and I redirect the light to shine on a man who glances away. His clothes are torn, and there are a few bloody scars against his light beige skin. His black hair stands on end, giving him a crazed look that causes me to want to take a few steps back. It’s not an everyday occurrence, but occasionally, we get our share of crazies and those seeking the place out while high or under the influence. Luckily, I’m never on shift … until now. “Sir? Are … are you alright?” “Where?” he straightens up only to sway to the side, “where am I?” “Outside The Alley. Should I take you to a hospital?” He doesn’t answer, still attempting to successfully right himself and concentrate. When he does, I find his eyes a striking light blue, more so than any normal eye color I’ve seen. They’re brilliant, and if he wasn’t stumbling everywhere, I feel they could pierce my being easily. He looks me up and down with a dazed look that tells me his mind isn’t all with him. His frown morphs into a grimace, and he’s upon me with superhuman speed. <a data-passage="R1.00"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Who sent you?” he growls. I can’t even get the word huh out before he continues his questioning, “not the angels. They wouldn’t work with a … whatever you are. Demons would …” “What the fuck are you talking about?” I ask, but I realize he probably hit his head a lot harder than I initially suspected. Either that or those creating the name of these gangs just aren’t that creative. He squints, “Vendikai?” [[Try to get him off.|R1.00TryGetOff]] [[Question his questioning.|R1.00QuestionQuestions]] [[“You have a concussion.”|R1.00Concussion]]
I try to get a better angle to push him off of me but only succeed in him applying more pressure. He starts to say something when suddenly he winces in pain, staggering to the side as he clutches his side. <<include "R1.01">>
“Are you part of the Syndicate? The Crazies?” “What?” “Exactly. I don’t know what you’re talking about, so release me.” He starts to say something when suddenly he winces in pain, staggering to the side as he clutches his side. <<include "R1.01">>
“Look, you have a concussion. I’m here to help you. I can take you to the hospital.” He starts to say something when suddenly he winces in pain, staggering to the side as he clutches his side. <<include "R1.01">>
“I can -” he staggers backward, tripping over a rock and falling. “Crap,” I voice, unable to get to his side fast enough to catch him. He hits the ground hard. Hard enough for even me to cringe at the sound that it causes. If he isn’t dead, he’ll definitely need a doctor now. “I need …” he struggles to finish, pushing himself upright. How he survived that fall and, even more, acted as if it was a simple stumble caused my head to hurt. “A doctor, I know. Come on. My car is right over there.” “No,” he growls, shooing me away, “I don’t need that.” “Then what?” Before I can question him further, the sound of wings descending upon us causes me to jump and duck, preparing to fight off whatever giant eagle has decided to randomly attack. Only to then see that I am no longer even in the alleyway but in a decently decorated house. <a data-passage="R1.02"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Help me to that room,” he mumbles, attempting to rise but unable to. “Where are we?” I shout, jerking around to get my bearings. When I fail, I rush towards the door, ignoring the groans of the man within. I find myself outside in what looks to be the middle of nowhere. There are trees on all sides but in front where a road exists, but a quick glance up and down tells me that no other houses are in sight. “You’re dreaming,” I tell myself, snapping my fingers before pinching my arm. Every second I don’t wake up, I pinch harder until I can no longer take the pain and flee back inside and to the strange man. “What the fuck!? Where are we? What the fuck?! What. The. Fuck. No. What. The. Actual.” “Yes,” he roars in agony and annoyance, “fuck. Where are you? You help me to the room, and I can tell you what happened. Since you seem so dreadfully clueless.” Dreadfully? I almost bring myself to ask him why that word but that’s neither my main focus or concern. [[“No, you’re going to tell me now.”|R1.03TellMeNow]] [[“You know what’s happening?”|R1.03KnowWhatsHappening]] [[“Okay. Okay, sure.”|R1.03OkaySure]]
“No. Heck no. You’re going to tell me what happened right now. Explain how we just went from my workplace to here. Where the fuck is here?!” He seems far more focused on himself as he gets to his feet, unsteadily swaying, but he stabilizes after a few more seconds. “This is probably your first time coming across a nephilim. But I do possess the ability to teleport, even in a weaker state.” <<include "R1.03">>
“You know what’s happening?” I ask in shock, “like you have an answer to all of this?” Of course, he does. Otherwise, he’d be freaking out as much as me. On the one hand, I’m glad for that. Both of us freaking out would make me believe that the rapture had just occurred and I was sentenced to survive with this stranger. “Of course I do,” he snorts in what I can only describe as pretentious. “This is probably your first time coming across a nephilim. But I do possess the ability to teleport, even in a weaker state.” <<include "R1.03">>
“Okay. Okay, yea, of course,” I tell him, taking a seat despite his previous words for me to help him. I stare at a single spot, trying to center myself and calm my racing heart. Will an explanation do anything? Is there even a way to explain this? “Look,” he sighs, getting to his feet unsteadily. He sways, but after a few more seconds, he stabilizes, “this is probably your first time coming across a nephilim. But I do possess the ability to teleport, even in a weaker state.” <<include "R1.03">>
I stare at him, waiting for him to tell me the real reason, but even I must pause and rethink what he said. How else could we end up here? The only possibilities are that I’m dreaming, or he truly teleported us here. I sit, finding that I’m suddenly far more dizzy than expected. Perhaps both of us are dealing with a concussion. The eagle or whatever bird it was that swooped down knocked me out. Yes. That actually makes sense. It doesn’t, but does it matter? “You teleported us?” I question slowly, still trying to comprehend his words. “Even if you have been surrounded by nothing but your standard supernaturals, you should still know something about teleportation. A great deal of beings find themselves possessing the ability.” [[“Can you stop talking?”|R1.03StopTalking]] [[“Supernaturals?”|R1.03Supernaturals]] [[Sit silently.|R1.03SitSilently]]
“Can you stop talking? Is that a thing that you can do right now?” <<include "R1.04">>
“Supernaturals? What are you talking about? You mean like vampires and werewolves?” “Why are those always the first everyone goes to? As if hundreds more do not exist?” I cradle my head, not knowing what I’m feeling. <<include "R1.04">>
I hear him, though I desperately wish that I didn’t. I feel like a worse headache is starting to overtake me, one I fear will never get rid of. <<include "R1.04">>
“You’re … confused.” “Confused?” I snort, “puzzled, baffled, totally fucking out of it.” A sudden realization overcomes me, and I nod, slowly standing. “I’m going to go …” “We’re in West Virginia. Simply walking back to your home is not possible.” “We’re in West Virginia? Why are we in West Virginia!? What the fuck are we doing here?” “If you would calm down,” he shouts, but then sighs, seeming to have the same headache I have, “I will explain. But first, I need my room.” Wanting answers, I decide to help him, allowing him to lean on me as we walk to a room a few feet away from the staircase. Once inside, he points me to a vial on a dresser. The contents glow a dazzling icy blue, but it shines a bright white once passed to the mysterious man. He swallows the liquid and then takes his shirt off, giving me an eyeful of his chiseled features and a large scar stretching across his stomach. I also watch as one wound begins to heal right before my eyes. “Oh,” I sigh tiredly, “I need to sit down.” Instead of taking a seat, I stumble to the floor. “You are supernatural, yet you act as if you have never heard of them.” [[“Stop saying that.”|R1.04StopSayingThat]] [[“Shh.”|R1.04Shh]] [[“What is wrong with you?”|R1.04WhatIsWrongYou]]
“Would you stop saying that! I don’t know what kind of crazy you are but do not add me to it.” <<include "R1.05">>
“Shh,” I say dramatically, waving my hands at him. “Just for two minutes, sit there quietly.” I mumble to myself, “crazy people.” <<include "R1.05">>
“Look, I don’t know what’s wrong with you. If that fall did more to your head than we both thought, or if you were just … born this way. But I want no part of it, alright?” <<include "R1.05">>
He rolls his eyes and flexes his back. My eyes widen as two large butterscotch and teal wings spring from his back. I can feel my mouth open, but all at once, my vision goes dark, and it feels like my body just chooses to shut down. When my eyes open, I stare at an unlit fireplace and a coffee table directly in front of it. Off to the side is a bookshelf to give the hardly decorated room a bit more life. But to say I don’t care much for all of it is an understatement. It’s not my bookshelf or fireplace. It’s not Chris’s, and it’s not my uncle’s. This means the fuzzy memories returning to me are more than just some bad dream that lasted too long. “You should take it easy,” the man from earlier says, his wings still out but now resting closed against his back. He offers me a water bottle which I gingerly take. “You like to shock and awe,” I mumble, taking a long gulp, “what happened?” “You fainted upon seeing my wings.” And, of course, he assumed that keeping them out would hammer down all that he had previously said. The headache from earlier has not yet left. In fact, it feels like it has spread. We both stay quiet for a while longer. At first, I believe he’s being kind. Allowing me to come to grips with all that was said. But he proves that thought wrong the next second. <a data-passage="R1.06"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You truly did not know about your origins?” “I still don’t know about my origins,” I growl, “just because some random, injured guy says the supernatural exists doesn’t mean I believe it.” “Do you forget my wings?” I actually did. I’m trying to push some of this from my mind, but he is making it complicated. “You will find solace in the truth.” “Don’t act like you know me.” “No need to worry there. I simply wish to know what you are, and I will then return you.” “I’m human. Stop saying otherwise.” “You can deny it all you wish. But if you were, we wouldn’t have this conversation.” “Well then, since you’re so smart, why can’t you tell me?” “Because I cannot label a being I have never encountered. I can sense supernaturals, and each has a peculiar trait that warns another supernatural what they are. Similar to how your instincts tell you when a situation is dangerous, or something is wrong. I know you are supernatural, but what, is a mystery due to having never come across one like you.” <a data-passage="R1.07"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
My insides war, part of me trying to accept what he’s saying while the other still screams crazy. Logically, he has to be telling the truth. What other excuse is there? He’s good at practical effects? His shirt is still off, and I see no harness. Maybe he pressed a contraption, but then where would the wings go? Could they be sealed that well? And then what about the teleportation? Perhaps he knocked me out first, but I hadn’t moved. Nothing had happened to me. One moment there was a dark sky, and the next, I was inside a house. Basically, either I’m crazy, or his words are true. The headache increases. “Would you like some tea?” “Will it make you and everything you told me go away?” “I have yet to even begin to tell you the truth since your lack of knowledge seems genuine.” “There’s more?” “There’s as much as you wish to know. I can answer much, but not the question of what you are. That I do not know.” <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q1")>>“Are you sure I’m a supernatural?”<<else>>[[“Are you sure I’m a supernatural?”|R1.07Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q2")>>“What other supernaturals are out there?”<<else>>[[“What other supernaturals are out there?”|R1.07Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q3")>>“What’s a nephilim?”<<else>>[[“What’s a nephilim?”|R1.07Q3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q4")>>“What happened to you earlier?”<<else>>[[“What happened to you earlier?”|R1.07Q4]]<</if>>
“Are you sure I’m supernatural? How can you be sure?” “I already explained to you how. If you are far more concerned with the validity of my statement, then I can assure you, you are supernatural. I’m guessing a hybrid.” “A hybrid?” “You have human blood within you, but there is also supernatural.” “What does this mean for me?” “That is not for me to say. You asked, I answered.” <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q1")>>“Are you sure I’m a supernatural?”<<else>>[[“Are you sure I’m a supernatural?”|R1.07Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q2")>>“What other supernaturals are out there?”<<else>>[[“What other supernaturals are out there?”|R1.07Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q3")>>“What’s a nephilim?”<<else>>[[“What’s a nephilim?”|R1.07Q3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q4")>>“What happened to you earlier?”<<else>>[[“What happened to you earlier?”|R1.07Q4]]<</if>> [[No more questions.|R1.08]]
“What other supernaturals exist?” “Far too many to go through and confirm for you.” Part of me doubts he wants to go through them even if I am to give him the least known cryptid, he seems like he is waiting for this conversation to end. “Witches?” “Yes.” “Werewolves?” “Of course.” “Vampires?” “Please. Offer a less typical supernatural.” “... gnomes?” “They are part of the fae world, but yes.” “Fae world? You meant to tell me faeries are real?” “Faeries, gnomes, trolls, and dragons. Yes.” “Dragons?!” He raises a brow, “most are not as excited.” <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q1")>>“Are you sure I’m a supernatural?”<<else>>[[“Are you sure I’m a supernatural?”|R1.07Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q2")>>“What other supernaturals are out there?”<<else>>[[“What other supernaturals are out there?”|R1.07Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q3")>>“What’s a nephilim?”<<else>>[[“What’s a nephilim?”|R1.07Q3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q4")>>“What happened to you earlier?”<<else>>[[“What happened to you earlier?”|R1.07Q4]]<</if>> [[No more questions.|R1.08]]
“You said you’re a nephilim. What does that mean?” “It is a type of hybrid. Half human, half angel.” “So angels and demons then …” “Yes, they exist as well. You can assume that if you heard about it, then it exists.” “Boogeyman?” “Yes. It is more of a specific ghostly being and less something you will find naturally.” <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q1")>>“Are you sure I’m a supernatural?”<<else>>[[“Are you sure I’m a supernatural?”|R1.07Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q2")>>“What other supernaturals are out there?”<<else>>[[“What other supernaturals are out there?”|R1.07Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q3")>>“What’s a nephilim?”<<else>>[[“What’s a nephilim?”|R1.07Q3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q4")>>“What happened to you earlier?”<<else>>[[“What happened to you earlier?”|R1.07Q4]]<</if>> [[No more questions.|R1.08]]
“What happened to get you to look like this?” “Who,” he sighs, distaste upon his face, “more so, my twin sister. She has anger management issues and dislikes being told no.” “Seems like bad blood.” “Extremely.” The way he speaks tells me that I should change the topic of conversation. <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q1")>>“Are you sure I’m a supernatural?”<<else>>[[“Are you sure I’m a supernatural?”|R1.07Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q2")>>“What other supernaturals are out there?”<<else>>[[“What other supernaturals are out there?”|R1.07Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q3")>>“What’s a nephilim?”<<else>>[[“What’s a nephilim?”|R1.07Q3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("R1.07Q4")>>“What happened to you earlier?”<<else>>[[“What happened to you earlier?”|R1.07Q4]]<</if>> [[No more questions.|R1.08]]
“Are you doing better?” “No. Why would you expect someone to be okay after all of this?” “Would you rather have been kept in the dark?” [[“Yes, actually.”|R1.08YesActually]] [[“No, I guess not.”|R1.08NoGuessNot]] [[“Does it matter?”|R1.08DoesItMatter]]
“Yes, actually. I’ve made it this far with being none the wiser. I would’ve been just fine keeping up that charade.” He hums. <<include "R1.09">>
“No. No, I guess not.” He hums. <<include "R1.09">>
“Does it matter? You already dropped the bombshell. My answer would be just a waste of breath.” “I suppose you’re right,” he hums. <<include "R1.09">>
I watch as he enters another room, returning a few minutes later and stretching. “Are you ready to go home?” “Just like that?” “Are you expecting more?” “I don’t know what to expect. You drop this on me, then casually ask if I’m ready to head home.” I frown, “you don’t spend a lot of time with humans, do you?” “It may shock you, but I do. Most of my closest friends are humans.” “Do they know what you are?” “Yes. And I see what you hope to prove; you will be able to. They all know about the supernatural world. Many of them were raised in it.” <a data-passage="R1.10"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I’m not even sure why I continue trying with him. Ever since I ran into him, it’s been one revelation after the other. How much of an ass would I have felt if I had just gone on with my business? Hear a noise and tell myself it has nothing to do with me, so move on. I rub my eyes, finding that I genuinely did want to go home. To be away from all of this. “Yea,” I nod, getting to my feet, “take me home.” Just like last time, we stand in his home one minute and outside the next. The familiar view of The Alley sits off to the side, and my car, right where I left it in the parking lot. I turn my attention to him only to realize he is no longer there. “Goodbye to you, too,” I mumble. I’m sure it will be a long drive, but my bed will make everything much easier. And who knows, maybe after a night-long rest, I’ll look back at this and realize it was all just a dream. Or not. Either way, I’ll figure out what to do when I awake. Right now, I just want to rest and forget. <hr> Rahim stretches his aching side one last time, not remembering the last time he’s felt so tired. Probably a mix of dealing with Sydero and having to explain to a fresh face that the supernatural world is actually a thing. When was the last time he’s had to do that, to one belonging to their world no less? A part of him grows envious, to live in ignorant bliss of what the other world and being able to live a human life ... a dream. He relaxes on his couch, glancing over at the bookshelf as he continues his previous thought when his body stiffens. “Sir?” he asks before even turning to face the man. <a data-passage="R1.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Rahim,” Michael nods, glancing around the area like he always does. “You’re in pain?” “No, sir,” he immediately answers, attempting to calm his emotions, no matter how silly it may be. Thankfully, his father does not continue the topic, already moving on to whatever he flew in to speak about. “The supernatural you were in the company of.” “The one who didn’t even know the supernatural world existed?” “Yes. You must retrieve them.” “Sir?” “Was that word said in dissent or confusion?” “Confusion,” Rahim immediately answers, staring at the ground, “my apologies. I was caught off guard by the request.” He bites his tongue, disallowing himself from asking the question running through his mind. “You need only know that they are far more important than you will ever comprehend. Protect and guide them with your life. Gain their trust. In time, I will explain more. For now, simply do as I ordered.” Rahim’s frown deepens, but he nods. “Good. Now go. I will send two angels masquerading as demons to answer why you are there. Blame it on Sydero and her bloodlust against you.” Rahim nods again, “it will be done.” Michael says nothing more, disappearing just as quickly as he had appeared. His heart stutters in his chest, and yet again, he regrets ever being made of human emotions. He knows not what this hybrid is and why their importance gained the attention of his father no less, but he would find out. He has no choice. [[Return to What If...|WhatIfSeries]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
Putting the final touches onto the outfit you adorn, the tailors collectively take a step back, murmuring amongst themselves while occasionally reaching forward to adjust a piece of fabric or show what tapering certain areas may do. You hear and feel them, but you are only focused on your reflection the entire time you stand there. You recognize the person standing before you but feel like you don’t know them. You smile, and what you are shown feels foreign. It’s more like a stranger trying to cheer you up with a smile of their own than actually being the smile you wear. While growing up, everyone always told you this outfit and what it represents is meant to be associated with one of the best days of your life. So why is your heart crumbling into a pile of dust? “You look ?beautiful.” You turn to see your kii standing there, studying the garments you wear before her eyes meet yours. They’re soft and sincere, but the longer you stare at her, the more her face shifts into one of confusion. “Thank you,” you mutter, turning back to not ruin this moment for her. It feels silly, pushing your feelings to the side in hopes that your mother enjoys all of this. But you have already started down this path. Why turn around when you stand at the finish line? “Are you scared?” she asks, grabbing your hand and stepping onto the slightly raised flooring. She squeezes it, her eyes glistening with tears not yet shed. [[“I’m worried.”|RB1Worried]] [[“Yea, scared.”|RB1Scared]] [[“I … don’t know.”|RB1IDK]]
“I’m worried,” you admit, though for precisely what, you don’t say. You believe it is better to simply let her assume what she wants. <<include "RB1">>
“Yea,” you nod, glancing down at your feet, “scared.” Is it a lie if that’s exactly how you feel? If that emotion is overriding all others so skillfully and precisely? <<include "RB1">>
“Honestly?” you ask her, and she nods, “I don’t know. I don’t know what I feel right now. I just know it’s not happiness.” <<include "RB1">>
“It’s going to be okay. When I married your father, I was a bundle of nerves, feathers flying out every other minute.” “You were like that before the wedding day?” “My love,” she chuckles, “I was like that when I first learned who my parents matched me with. Most do not expect to hear that they will soon be marrying the soon-to-be Arch Flame. But,” she nods as she walks back to her original spot, “you will get used to it. And dare I say, happy.” A second look at your reflection has you doubting her words. Some part of you is laughing maniacally, assuring you that you will never again know those words. Bittersweet seems far more applicable. “You may go,” the lead tailor says as she enters, “we’ll give it to Okti for the rest of the fixes.” “Thank you for your time,” your kii says to them, and they nod before leaving the two of you alone yet again. This time, your mother also goes, and you waste no time stripping off the garments, putting on your regular clothes, and leaving. Due to Rauoa’s closeness to the griffin border, this time of year found itself far more sunny than the other dragon territories. For this, you are thankful. You don’t wish to be nipped at by the incessant winter winds that Celesow brings forth. The village is in preparation, decorating for what many see as a ‘fiery’ beginning. Two beings of fire coming together for the first time in history. A union of the element itself. Even other houses found themselves intrigued by the thought. That thought causes you to snicker; everyone wishes to see beside you. <a data-passage="RB1.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
You feel them before you hear them; before you know it, you’re being pounced on by two smaller figures. “Esgo,” you chuckle, swinging around but making sure the little girl is hanging on before so. “$name,” she mimics you, her hands tightening around your neck as she giggles in exhilaration. When you finally slow and place her back on the ground, Eni bounds up to you. “I want a turn!” “No,” Esgo smirks, “$name doesn’t like you.” “That’s not true.” The twins dissolve into an argument about who your favorite is, your eyes growing wide with every insult hurled. [[“I like both of you the same.” Wink at Esgo.|RB1Esgo]] [[“I like both of you the same.” Wink at Eni.|RB1Eni]] [[“I like both of you the same.”|RB1Same]]
“I like both of you the same,” you tell the twins, but make sure to wink at Esgo when you believe Eni isn’t looking. Esgo doesn’t even bother looking surprised. She just smiles as if you promised to tell her where the baker hides the sweets if she agrees to stop arguing. <<include "RB1.2">>
“I like both of you the same,” you tell the twins, but make sure to wink at Eni when you believe Esgo isn’t looking. Eni’s eyes widen as she stands prouder, and a broad smile broaches her once troubled face. <<include "RB1.2">>
“I like both of you the same, understand?” They stare at you before turning back to one another to finish their argument. It’s almost like you hadn’t said anything. <<include "RB1.2">>
“Are you excited?” Eni asks, grabbing your left hand while Esgo grabs your right. “Excited for what?” “Your marriage,” Esgo draws out, making kissing sounds before then looking disgusted, “I’m never gonna fall in love.” “Yes, you are.” “No, I’m not. You can.” “I would like to,” Eni smiles, “because I’m a princess, and we always get married.” “A princess of dirt,” Esgo shouts, reaching for some mud, but knowing the young girl too well, you pull her away at the last minute. “I’m telling kii!” Eni yells, pointing a finger into Esgo’s face as the girl tries to bite it. <a data-passage="RB1.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Mom will skin you both,” you hear a voice say, turning to see the last person you wish to face. It isn’t that Adricuz isn’t handsome or brave or wouldn’t make a good leader. It’s not that he isn’t nice to you, hasn’t been sweet, or anything of the sort. No, the entire reason you do not wish to marry him is simple. He is not his younger brother. Placing Esgo down, you bow to Adricuz, and though he gives you a look, his attention is on his younger sisters. “Shouldn’t you both be preparing for your lesson?” “I don’t want to,” Esgo moans while Eni squeals in what could be shock or happiness, turning and darting off. Esgo watches her go but doesn’t move a muscle. “Esgo,” Adricuz scolds, “whether you like the idea or not, you are still a princess and, therefore, must attend.” Her eyes begin to water, “I want to play. The teachers -” She bites her lip, refusing to say anything more as she squeezes her eyes closed. “Lessons,” Adricuz repeats, “now.” She throws a tantrum but turns to go, leaving the two of you alone. <a data-passage="RB1.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
His stance seems to relax upon her disappearance, and he shakes his head, “the two of them will keep one on their toes.” He nods to the trail you had previously been walking, “join me.” You nod. “Our day seemed like a lifetime ago,” he begins, “I can hardly believe that it has finally reached us.” “Tomorrow will be … exciting,” you answer, rolling your eyes at how your entire body seems to want to disagree with the statement. “Are you nervous?” [[“Are you?”|RB1AreYou]] [[“I am.”|RB1IAm]] [[“No.”|RB1No]]
“Are you?” He pauses, thinking your question over before nodding solemnly, “I am terrified. A union like this is a lot. Two entire houses looking to us for leadership.” <<include "RB1.5">>
“I am. There’s a lot to still do and a lot to … take in.” “Take in,” he repeats, “like what?” <<include "RB1.5">>
“No,” you answer without doubt or care. He laughs, “I wish I had your bravery then.” <<include "RB1.5">>
A question dangles on your tongue, wanting to be asked but knowing what assumptions will arise by then. Thankfully, you have no time to ask because you find yourself nearing the training grounds, and a far more familiar and welcoming face rests a couple feet in front of you. “Is that all you got,” Ruben laughs as he ducks underneath a swing and tackles Toz to the ground. The two start to wrestle in the dirt, both men laughing alongside those in attendance. “That does not look like training,” Adricuz shouts, causing most of those in the immediate area to disperse. Once they have, the two of you approach. Your blood feels like it’s on fire, and it doesn’t take an idiot to know why. Ruben’s eyes have yet to leave you, even though Adricuz speaks directly to him. “You can play on your own time. You know that Ruben.” He rolls his eyes, stretching and causing you to … //Choose blush if you want to be on the mindful path, smirk if you wish to be on the fiery one.// [[... blush.|RB1Mindful][$rubenD to "mindful"]] [[... smirk.|RB1Fiery][$rubenD to "fiery"]]
… blush. Averting your gaze from his muscles finds itself to be a troublesome pursuit. Each time you think you have mastered the art of subtlety, Ruben’s smirk grows to assure you that you haven’t. <<include "RB1.6">>
… smirk. No matter what, Ruben is a showoff, and you can easily guess why he has decided to stretch with no shirt off while sweat causes his muscles to almost take on a gleaming effect. <<include "RB1.6">>
“Adricuz, can you worry about yourself for one second, or is that too hard a task?” “I am to be Chieftain. It’s my duty to worry about others.” “I hate to say it, but I’m not a peasant asking you to bless my fields.” “No. You are a prince, my brother, and a royal dragon. Act like it.” “$name,” Toz sighs, darting up to me and grabbing hold of my hands, “please, please, on your wedding night, find the stick buried up Adricuz’s ass and help him pull it out.” You roll your eyes, attempting to hide your smile while Toz and Ruben laugh. Adricuz only stands there, trying to figure out whether or not he should utter a retort. He changed considerably once he was told he would take over soon. That change brought with it a lack of smiling and childish behavior. “We will discuss everything else later,” he tells me, kissing your cheek. <a data-passage="RB1.7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Hey,” Ruben barks, “you’re not married yet.” Adricuz frowns, a questioning look appearing, but you pat his back and reassure him with a smile. “We shall speak later.” “My room,” he tells you, and out of the corner of your eye, you see Toz covering Ruben’s mouth as the young dragon’s eyes alight in fire. Any lingering amusement dies off as soon as Adricuz is gone. Toz gazes at the sky as if he had just seen something interesting while Ruben glares after his brother. Ruben approaches you, leaning on the wooden gate that separates us. “Should I have placed more kisses on your cheek?” he questions with a sneer. “You’ve placed kisses elsewhere,” you remark, trying to keep your face as neutral as possible. Whether you like it or not, you are still in public, and everyone knows which brother will take your hand tomorrow. “What a sad existence I must live to know that I will never be able to do so again.” “Stop,” you warn. “Agreed,” Toz interjects, motioning for the two of you to follow him as he throws a shirt at Ruben and leaves the ring, “continue this in my house if you must. But not here where tongues wag freely.” Ruben throws the shirt in the air a few times with a frown. His eyes settle on you. <a data-passage="RB1.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Want me to put it on?” <<if $rubenD is "fiery">>\ “Oh get over yourself,” you growl. “I saw you further undressing me earlier. I now know how the whores in the brothel feel.” “I’m about to choke you with that shirt.” He climbs over the fence, landing right in front of you. “Is that a promise?” <<else>>\ “Yes,” you say with a straight face, “you’ll catch a cold otherwise.” “I shall leave it off. Gives me a reason to miss your wedding,” he snorts. <</if>>\ “Have you already been fitted?” Toz asks as we head from the grounds towards the residential area. “New subject,” Ruben immediately interjects. “You’ve had all year to come to terms with this,” Toz reminds him. “All year doesn’t mark the day before,” he replies, and you feel his energy shift. It feels odd to feel your emotions reflected back at you this way. Part of you wishes to seek comfort in it, knowing that someone else feels the same. But then, this isn’t//just// someone else. It’s Ruben. <a data-passage="RB1.9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Ruben,” you start, placing your hand on his shoulder, and he immediately moves away. “Don’t,” he whispers, “the more I think about it, the more I doubt I can be in your presence.” “Do not punish me for a decision that is not my choice.” “I’m not -” he shouts but stops, remembering where you all stand. Before you or Toz can say anything, he shifts into his dragon form and takes off. Toz sighs, “always running from his problems.” “Not this time,” you answer, shifting and following behind the giant creature. He couldn’t outfly you even if he wished. Not speaking on your speed compared to his, the bond you shared also won’t allow it, especially in a time of agony. Moreso, you know where he’s going before he even gets to his destination. The cliff above the popular spot has always been a retreat for the two of you, looking down upon others while sharing moments of intimacy and seclusion. <a data-passage="RB1.10"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
You land simultaneously and shift, but neither says anything to the other. You simply sit on the cliff’s edge, listening to the waterfall that races into the lake below you. “$name,” he finally says, but no other words come out as he grabs you and pulls you into an agonizing kiss. All his thoughts and emotions fuel and scream to you that the thing he fears most is the loss of you. You almost choke from the barrage. Your two flames caress one another in a dance they never wish to end. For when the song stops, a border will be erected. Your lips feel raw by the time Ruben moves a few inches back, refusing to fully release you. “I can’t do it,” he whispers. His arms wrap around you and pull you into his lap, where he initiates a second kiss. This one is more erratic than the first, as there are times when he pulls back and misses your lips. And yet, you can still feel every drop of emotion and anguish. “I am to learn how to let you go,” he mumbles, “but what dragon has ever relinquished his treasure without a fight?” “Ruben -” “Do not expect me to let you go.” His hold tightens as if fearing the words to leave your mouth. [[“Do not make this harder.”|RB1MakeThisHarder]] [[“You think I wish it?”|RB1ThinkIWishIt]] [[“I would never ask that.”|RB1NeverAskThat]]
“Do not make this harder than what it already is.” You move back so that he is now looking into your eyes. You need him to see that this pains you just as much as it does him. He had been truthful earlier when speaking to Toz about a year versus a day. A year ago, you both believed you had plenty of time. The truth struck you, but your days were still careless and spent in each other’s arms. You now realize how foolish the two of you were. When you found out about this arrangement, that should have been it. You should have torn yourselves apart and introduced space that gradually grew. But you didn’t. You acted selfishly, and now, a day before all of this ends, you find it impossible to rip yourself out of his grasp. <<include "RB1.11">>
“Do you think I want this? That I have not tried to think of alternatives?” The only valid alternative was to run away, but neither of you had the heart to do it. Yes, you would be together, but many would be left behind. Ruben would never abandon his family, and you would never abandon your people. Both have been through enough due to the war, and your actions would be deemed selfish and soon tear you apart. You had thought to question Adricuz on his feelings for you. Most marriages, including this one, are built upon political motives. There is no love. To be his in public, but Ruben’s behind closed doors sounded as if it could work, but you had forgotten the possessive nature of Ruben. He loves his brother, but you had no doubts that he would kill him due to the hatred after a certain period. <<include "RB1.11">>
“I would never ask for that, you know this.” You run your hands through his hair and pull back to commit his face to memory. You wished to never forget his face, his body, his essence, all of it. How could you be so selfish and foolish? To know this day would one day be upon you and still not introduce distance? To seek his embrace whenever you could? You allowed your flames to grow close and get used to one another, and now, when they are to be torn apart, you find yourself doubting which fragments are his or yours. <<include "RB1.11">>
Ruben lets out a low chuckle, “this is what I get for daring to be the second oldest. What a lovely mess I have found myself in.” “I don’t know what to do,” you admit. “What you always do,” he starts, placing a hand on your cheek but swiftly realizing his mistake, removes it. “You’ll continue forward and captivate the hearts of all. I doubt my heart will be the last one you break.” <<if $rubenD is "fiery">>\ “Stop putting this on me,” you roar, hitting his shoulder, “you’re not the only one hurting.” “Yes.” He captures your hand before you can hit him again and places a kiss on your fingertips, “but you are the one who will have to wear a mask of indifference. You’re the one who has to remain strong.” “And is that not harder?” He smirks, “that is petty work for you, kěamo. That is something I love about you.” “Stop talking,” you growl, but the anger dissipates as you place your forehead upon his shoulder, “please stop talking.” <<else>>\ “Can I not say the same to you? Why do you act as if your heart is the only one screaming? I am the one who must wake up to a face, not yours. Even worse, it is one related to you. Tell me, how do you think I will feel to see someone with similar features but to know that he will never be you? He is not you, and I must bear that alone.” Ruben’s hand cradles your cheek, his thumb rubbing the area as he smirks, “Adricuz could only hope to look as good as me.” You choke on your laugh, “I’m sure he would disagree.” “He can if he wishes. It is funny that he wishes to have everything that is mine.” You gulp as the thought comes to you, ‘and he is slowly getting it.’ “Stop talking,” you beg, as you place your forehead upon his shoulder and do away with the thought, “please stop talking.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="RB1.12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
And he does. For the longest, the two of you sit silently, grasping each other as you watch the sun begin to fall. It is a view you’ve seen so many times that you almost believe you have grown jaded by it. But no longer. This feels different. It doesn’t matter that the same clouds seem to drift by. The sky is the same tones it always has been, and the sun and moon have entangled themselves in an eternal dance like every other day. This feels … it all feels too final. “$name,” Ruben finally mutters, breaking you out of your thoughts and even causing you to jump, “this will be it.” “What do you mean?” “We’ll see each other at events, of course, but other than that, there is no reason for us to speak to one another.” “That is not how we’re going to solve this. I don’t -” “And you think I do?” he questions, interjecting before you can continue, “I love my brother, but every time I see you by his side, I want to punch him square in the jaw. I cannot do this.” He cradles your face, “you’re mine, and I would fight all those who believe otherwise.” He kisses your chin, “your body.” And then your forehead, “mind.” Before finally placing a light kiss upon your lips, “and essence. I never wished to share. They were mine, and all that I am, was yours. But that was a lie we both knew and we, like foolish kids, refused to see the truth.” <a data-passage="RB1.13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
He moves back, and you can see tears beginning to dot his eyes, “so hate me for what I have done if you must.” “What are you talking about?” He grows despondent, and a distant look enters his eyes, “I shall be leaving soon.” “When …” You almost choke on the words, knowing the answer to the question but being far too scared to speak the words that will seal everything, “when will you return?” “Occasionally, when the entire family is needed to gather. But otherwise, I won’t be.” You pull away from him, stumbling to your feet. “Toz, Deshir, Leik, and I are traveling north to Rivani, where my d’uun, Fuldreis, is. I won’t take over her responsibilities immediately, but I will become Minor Chieftain in due time.” You have said nothing thus far, still processing the words ‘I won’t be.’ He studies you, nodding as he glances away. There is a far greater distance between you that you wish you could minimize with every fiber of your being. Even with the understanding that this distance is reasonable, that this is what you need. You still wish to do away with it. To jump it and land safely in his arms where you can simply retire for a time. But instead, it feels like the chasm grows, and not even wings will see you safely to the other side. He rises, “it was a pleasure, Your Highness.” Your upper lip curls in disgust at the title, and as he turns away, you finally speak. [[“Coward.”|RB1Coward]] [[“Why?”|RB1Why]]
“Coward. You are a coward.” He frowns, but it dissipates, and he nods, “I will be that if I must.” “No,” you roar, “it’s not a compliment or a title you should wish to hold.” You feel as if you’re about to stumble, your heart beating far too rapidly. “No, no, no. You fucking coward.” “You wish for me to argue, but I won’t.” <<include "RB1.14">>
“Why?” “Do not ask silly questions,” he says, “you know well enough why.” “I will not behave as if the sight will be hard to swallow. But will absence do anything more than make it worse?” “I don’t know. But I pray to Draconis that it does. Otherwise, there is no answer.” <<include "RB1.14">>
“So this was to be our last night? There is no way for me to persuade you otherwise?” He cradles your face, his lips ghosting across your cheek, nose, and then finally hovering over your lips. He whispers, “no. But please do not tempt me.” <a data-passage="RB1.15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I believe such temptation is needed.” He tries to pull away, but your hands fall onto his wrists, keeping him there. Your heart feels like it is breaking in more ways than you can ever know. //“Erastus and Jada $surname, wherever you stand. If you give your child, $name $surname please voice it.”// “Kěamo” “Don’t call me that. Not when you are daring to say goodbye.” //“We do,” you hear your parents speak from behind you, but you don’t dare turn to see exactly where they stand. “Ranorik and Etsa Draco, if you give your child, Adricuz Draco, please voice it.”// “My leaving has nothing to do with the love I will always hold for you. You know that.” “Stop,” you urge, your fists clenching as he speaks, “I don’t want to hear this.” //“We do,” you hear his parents shout, a roar of dragons accompanying it.// “$name, please.” You shake your head, fighting him even while hearing the torment that laces his words. The heartbreak makes itself known through actions and tone and the way you feel his fire roaring in pain. As the pain swells, you clench your eyes closed, “I don’t want to hear you say the words.” //A cacophony of dragon roars and phoenix caws ring out overhead and you can feel the presence of all those behind you. “I give you all a new union. Long live Adricuz and $name.”// “Goodbye.” [[Return to What If...|WhatIfSeries]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
Words no longer form as I stare at the unmoving figure of Rahim. He had been moving one minute, shooting past me and the buildings to evade the fireballs Sydero sent his way. And then … this. I attempt to figure out when this revelation had time to happen, but it’s almost as if my brain purposely keeps that scene from my mind. There is a gap, and it remains untouched as the figure to my right lands. “Get up,” Sydero growls, and only then do I see Rahim move a muscle. I almost want to whisper to him to remain still. I’ve seen documentaries on predators and the art of escaping. Playing dead is an act of survival and can lead to the continuation of one’s life. The biggest issue simply being that Sydero is no regular predator, and Rahim is no typical prey. Sydero stands beside me, her attention solely on her twin brother. The one time she glances at me, she wears an uncaring look, as if sizing me up and deeming my presence inconsequential. She won’t kill him; she can’t. He’s needed for the demon prophecy. But when has Syd ever shown her care for that? Gazing around to spot the Princes, I find that they haven’t caught wind of the situation or just haven’t arrived yet. There, of course, is a third option. They just don’t care. That one seems unlikely but still possible. They have failed numerous times before. This one will just be another failed attempt that will lead to them having to try again. “Sydero,” Rahim manages to mutter, slowly pushing himself onto all fours. “You may hate me, but I am still your brother. Does that mean nothing to you anymore?” I look him over, hoping to spot something to tell me why he’s saying this. Syd also stares at him, her face inexpressive before she finally takes the few needed steps to get to his side. She sits cross-legged near him and stares into the distance. “Do you remember when we were kids and I returned from being kidnapped by my father? I told the two and mother about my desire to stay, and you both allowed it. But, later that same night, you took me to the side and told me you’d kill me if I proved to be trouble. That you had no problem with ending my life for the sake of you and mom.” Rahim sighs as if accepting where this train of thought of hers will take them. <a data-passage="SD1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Oh no,” she laughs, patting his back in a good-natured manner. “That didn’t bother me. Well, not enough to justify killing you. It hurt, but you know what hurt more? Returning, beaten and bruised, searching for those I deemed my family, and neither of them cared. I wasn’t asked if I was okay or what had happened. There was no joy, just contempt. If both of you could, you’d send me right back here yourself and never think twice.” She shakes her head, clicking her tongue as she stands. “That’s when I realized you would actually do what you said. I wasn’t your twin. I was hardly your sister and family. I was a monster to you.” Rahim shifts to say something, but before he can even get out a puff of air, Sydero’s hand is around his throat, and she hoists him up. Sparks of fire fly from her body as Rahim fights for his life, clawing and thrashing. “And that is why I’m going to kill you. Because you taught me a very special lesson that day.” Rahim yells as Sydero brings him closer, her wings spreading and her eyes alight with fire. “Be the monster they all swear you are.” I watch in terror as she doesn’t snap his neck or choke him to death. No. I watch as fire overtakes him, Rahim hardly being granted the ability to scream as it eats away at his flesh. His flesh burns away in record time, leaving behind a sizzling skeleton and a heap of light blue ash. She separates his skull from the rest of his body and holds it in her hands. She stares at it before tsking. “Alas, poor Rahim.” She tosses the skull as if it had been some dirt that she pulled from her shirt. Her gaze lands on me. <a data-passage="SD2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“$name? Correct?” My heart is still racing, and so I don’t answer, my eyes still on the pile of dust that was once Rahim. I get a slight headache from the thought, my entire being refusing to believe that Rahim is now dead. It can’t be. Not after we came all this way just to save this woman. “$name. $name,” she repeats, snapping her fingers as if that will help her think. She pauses and glances at me for a minute, genuinely looking at me. I can see it in her eyes; she recognizes me, but it is overridden by the demonic forces that seized her. “I see a face and a few scenes but nothing substantial,” she tells me, wording it as if she’s truly hurt by the lack of remembering. “Have we fucked?” “No,” I answer through gritted teeth, trying to gather my courage. Is there any point? What are my odds of making it out of here? Low. Very low. She doesn’t hate me, not like she did Rahim. So perhaps that is my saving grace. But our short time of knowing each other may just undo that. She laughs darkly, “I must not like you very much.” [[Tell her what she said that day in the bar.|SD2TellHer]] [[Stay quiet.|SD2Quiet]]
“No. You said it was due to me being more than a number.” “Aww,” she snickers, crouching in front of me, “and you believed that?” She grabs my chin. “Are you even worth killing?” <<include "SD3">>
She continues her thoughts, “can’t be appearance-based. You’re very easy on the eyes. Were you asexual or something close?” I say nothing, refusing to give her anything. She sneers, “maybe it was due to your lack of experience. You obviously don’t know how to use your mouth. She grabs my chin. “Are you even worth killing?” <<include "SD3">>
The air around us heats up, and I can see the sparks flying from her just like they did with Rahim. “Maybe I should keep you around,” she whispers, her finger trailing down my neck, “as a pet.” //The two choices below break off into what you’re in the mood for: angst or porn. Be warned that with the ''Agree'' choice, Sydero does indeed keep you as a pet. By choosing this choice you are consenting to the treatment. This route contains rough and blood play, choking, binding, and public sex. If you are against any of this then do not choose it.// [[Reject the idea.|SDRejectIdea]] [[Accept her idea.|SDA1]]
With a growl, I move my face away from her touch, glancing at Rahim’s ashes. That will be me. I came here to save her, and I won’t be leaving. “You’re not Sydero,” I murmur, “so nothing I say will change what you do.” “I’m not a monster,” she sneers, following my gaze to her brother. Her grin is crooked, easily speaking of the irony of her words. “I don’t know what you are. But it’s not the woman that I’ve grown to admire and -” “And what?” she questions, cocking her head to the side as if daring me to finish, “love? Yes.” She nods as she moves back. “It’s coming back to me now. A naive hybrid who didn’t know anything but thought ?he could do everything on a whim alone. I recognize you much more now. Roe.” She doesn’t give me time to rebuttal as she picks me up by my shirt. Flashbacks of what happened to my companion race to me, warning me to brace. Death. What will it entail? <a data-passage="SDRI1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
As if reading my thoughts, she says, “this won’t kill you. But it will hurt.” “You may as well kill me now because you’re not going to want me to come back.” “If you come back, I’ll kill you then. If you’re smart, you’ll move on. So let’s test and see.” I hear the crack. I even know what it means, yet as my vision slowly fades, my brain refuses to accept what has happened. She releases me, and I find myself unable to move. I feel like my face reflects my body’s horror, but I will never know. Darkness encroaches like a silent predator, curious if anyone will stop it. It gazes around cautiously, and once it’s confident that no one is near, it rushes forth and overtakes me. Sydero stares at the body lying limp before her, attempting to figure out where ?his cocky nature came from. When she killed Rahim, she felt near to nothing. She had made peace with the side that still yearned to prove to her twin brother that she could be every bit of the sister he once said he needed. Trying to prove to people that she is more than the monster they paint has become tiring. Why not prove them right? It obviously is much more up her alley. But Roe. <a data-passage="SDRI2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Roe.” She licks her lips, tasting the name and feeling something at odds with her demonic nature. Her memories are indeed scarce, yet something tells her that she will miss this figure. No, not miss. ?He<<verb "'s" "'re">> not dead, and if ?he <<verb "is">> as foolish as ?he <<verb "seems">> to believe ?he <<verb "is">>, she’ll see ?him again. The word to describe her feelings eludes her, undoubtedly due to crossing the threshold. Mortal memories feel like scratched disks; they’ll work for a moment before proving worthless, and no cleaning will bring them back. She looks down at Roe’s limp form, crouching to pick ?him up. She doesn’t trust the other demons and is unsure what the Princes will say and do. Taking off, she flies to the outskirts. Those in the area linger until they realize who she is and then scatter. She watches as they go, chuckling to herself. Perhaps she should come here and terrorize them one day simply to see how they behave. Maybe one of them will be brave enough to stand up to her. She isn’t sure whether or not she’ll make an example of them or not. At the moment, she has a body to send back to the realm of mortals. Carefully resting Roe’s body on the ground, she walks a couple feet away to create a portal. It’s not an arduous task, though that is due to the area and what she has now become. That thought branches into another that causes her to look over at Roe. Who had they come to reclaim? //Not my Sydero//, that is what ?he had said. She can hardly remember who she was at the time of knowing the mysterious hybrid. A useless memory that her brain chose not to retain as she shifted into her more demonic skin. That, and the Underworld hardly cares to help. Each day spent here sometimes feels like a day lost in the world of mortals. To have Rahim accompanying them, she was either someone incredibly different or Roe was highly persuasive. <a data-passage="SDRI3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
//Or it was all for selfish reasons. A fruitless attempt to stop the prophecies.// Technically, she has already foiled that. With Rahim’s death, nothing more can happen, and either she’ll be killed for her transgression or allowed to live. The former is more likely; even if it’s not, leaving the Underworld now will be much more dangerous. These are thoughts she cares little to think about. The portal is done, and she goes over to Roe. Grabbing ?him by the leg, she drags ?him to the portal’s edge. “Do the smart thing,” she grumbles, pushing them into the portal before destroying it. “Forget and don’t return.” Stretching, she sneers to herself, opening her wings and taking flight. She, for a fact, knows that she'll be seeing them again. [[Rewind the Clock. (Allows to choose another choice.)|SD3]] [[Return to What If...|WhatIfSeries]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
<h2>Months Later ...</h2> Standing with my back to a corner, I try to make myself as invisible as possible. And yet, it seems the more I try, the more leers I receive. Every demon that passes seems to pause and glance over at me with raging hunger in their eyes. The bravest ones do more than just look. They sneer and approach but then, a moment later, continue on with their business. It’s not hard to figure out what goes through their minds. //Perhaps I can get away with it. No one will tell.// A step closer. //I won’t even play for long, just a taste.// Another step. //It’s a hybrid right here.// One last step before their eyes again look at the colors I wear and agree that death would be a far better punishment. A bit of joy comes from that, I suppose. More so questions about why I must go through this every time Sydero brings me here, or like today, I come to wait on her. I would think it would be known who I am and who … owns me. A scowl appears; one would also think I would have grown used to my new role. Months, or so I believe anyway, have passed since Rahim and I came down to get her, our first mistake. The second was us not taking her first few no’s seriously. We paid for that in different ways. I’m not sure who received the better deal. //You did, idiot.// A darker side of me answers, chuckling at how innocent I try to act. //Do you not adore when she gives you that look? Doing what she wishes with your body whenever she wishes? Pushing you past your limit again and again so effortlessly?// I shudder, not bothering to disagree. Either it’s me or time spent in the Underworld surrounded by so many demons, but thoughts have gotten darker. My deepest desires were unearthed and made to look like nothing but trivial things to be touched upon. There is a freedom to all of it but also fear. Sydero knows every part of me in such an intimate way, and yet, it’s like she hardly knows //me// at all. Part of me doubts that I truly understood how far gone she was until I had accepted her proposal. “You should really learn how to control your thoughts better.” I jump, glancing to the side to see Sydero leaning against the wall and messing with her fingernails. How had I not seen her approach, or maybe she teleported? Either way, her appearance shouldn’t have been a shock. “How long have you been standing there?” “Long enough to want to punish you for still not learning how to keep that desire of yours to a minimum when I’m not around. I don’t need it going to waste.” [[“No, how has your day been?”|SDA1DayBeen]] [[“Then absorb it.”|SDA1Absorb]] [[“My apologies.”|SDA1Apologies]]
“No, how has your day been, $name?” “I don’t give a fuck about your day,” she shrugs, tugging on the collar around my neck, causing me to stumble as I practically fall into her. I get a whiff of a smoky cinnamon scent mixed with a tinge of something spicier all ladened with the familiar scent of sulfur. “But you should care about mine. Want to know why?” The way she says it makes me gulp in anticipation. I nod as she leans in and whispers in my ear. “Because it was stressful and, yet again, filled with irritating demons that I can’t quite wipe off this plane of existence.” Her tongue runs across my ear, “a lot of pent-up energy and rage is such a nasty combo.” She snatches my chin in her hand, applying just enough pressure to cause me to want to shift in discomfort. “And you are about to be the unlucky recipient of all of it.” Something in my expression or body language causes her to smirk, and she releases me. “Or lucky.” <<include "SDA2">>
“Then absorb it. It’s not going to waste then.” “Telling me what to do?” “Suggesting,” I sneer, and she tugs on the collar around my neck, causing me to stumble as I practically fall into her. I get a whiff of a smoky cinnamon scent mixed with a tinge of something spicier all ladened with the familiar scent of sulfur. “Keep suggesting, please,” she says sarcastically, “I’m simply dying to add to the list of things giving me a headache so that later today, I can take it all out on you and that ass of yours.” I visibly gulp, unable to hide the excitement that manifests as goosebumps against my skin. “No,” she sneers, her breath ghosting my cheek, “suggest something else.” When I don’t comply, she releases me. “I’m happy I never broke your spirit. It makes moments like these interesting.” <<include "SDA2">>
“My apologies.” She tugs the collar around my neck, causing me to stumble as I practically fall into her. I get a whiff of a smoky cinnamon scent mixed with a tinge of something spicier all ladened with the familiar scent of sulfur. “You know how I feel about apologizing, especially when I don’t ask for one.” “My ap-,” I start but then close my mouth, looking anywhere but at her cocky grin. She releases me. <<include "SDA2">>
“Perhaps we should take this someplace more,” I pause, glancing around at those in attendance. “Private.” “For what?” Sydero asks, resting a finger on my chest and dragging it downward. “If I say we do it here, right here in this corner even, that’s what’ll happen.” I gaze around at the numerous gazes on us, each picking up on my rising desire and wishing to watch whatever they can. Lust demons are greedy, and I have learned that though they can’t really feed off desire not directed at them, they are still inspired and fueled by being in the general vicinity. Being a hybrid has only made me more … appetizing to them, and though it does nothing to me physically, I have always detested allowing them to feed off of anything I give off. Hoping I can persuade Sydero to simply teleport us home so that we can do whatever she wishes, I tug on her hand, encouraging her to follow as I begin to back up. “Of course. But at home, we have everything we need, not to mention comfort.” The last part I murmur. When I see her take a step forward, I’m emboldened to continue, happy that either she agrees or simply has no care to disagree. “What did I say?” Sydero questions, and my body freezes as an intense pressure forces itself onto my shoulders and down to the floor. I hear her footsteps and can barely glance up to see her standing over me. “That’s your problem, you forget your place.” She crouches so she’s closer, and her whisper is for me and me only. “You keep relying on me feeling some kind of pity for you due to our shared past.” She forces me to look up at her, about to say something, when the demons surrounding us grab her attention. Her expression grows severe before it shifts into one of thought. She sneers as she grabs my arm, forcing me to my legs. “Let me remind you of your place.” She drags me to an area tucked away but not to avoid an audience, just due to what rests there. With ease, she slides my wrists into the cuffs held up by the suspension bars and then secures my ankles to the cuffs bolted to the ground. A smirk appears as she reaches for the binding rope, as well as towards those curious to see someone of her rank pass judgment. It isn’t my first time, nor do I doubt this will be my last time in such bindings. “I have half a mind to just hang you up for the entire room to see,” she tells me as she steps back to admire her work. “Do you want that?” [[“No.”|SDA3]] [[“Yes.”|SDA3]]
Before I can answer, she snaps her fingers and nods before retrieving something else. “I almost forgot your gag.” I whimper as she places it in my mouth. Adjusting it, I look to see where she is just as a blindfold is placed over my eyes. Ah, so a punishment, then. I’m not surprised by the turn of events, but I can’t say I’m not disappointed. Sydero already knows how much I enjoy watching her during these moments, seeing those sparks rise up on her to tell me that I’m pleasing her exactly how she likes it. I also hear the sound of others speaking of their interest in the proceedings to come. I stiffen at the feeling of Sydero’s hand running across my belly. “Regret opening your mouth now?” I’m almost about to respond when I remember what rests in my mouth, eliminating the action entirely. I hear her chuckle, sensing her behind me as her arms delicately trace my curves and then land on my ass. Slowly, she cups my cheeks as she leans in and whispers in my ear. “Should I describe all the looks you’re getting? How everyone is just staring at you with the most lecherous desire I’ve ever seen? If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re the oasis existing in the hottest desert known to man.” She chuckles as her nails dig into my flesh, “and you’re mine.” Only one hand moves as she changes her position so that one hand is resting against my chest<<if $chest is "p">>, massaging my breast.<<else>>.<</if>> “It’s a shame, too,” she continues to whisper. The hand that had been squeezing my ass moves to my facial cheek as she kisses my jaw. “I do love seeing the way your eyes roll or how you bite your lip and listening to your pants.” I feel the gag be removed, and though I wait patiently for the blindfold to be next, it never comes. Instead, her lips land atop mine, and though the kiss begins almost innocently, it doesn’t stay that way for long. As if someone flipped a switch, it turns primal and possessive, almost sloppy in some respects. And yet, despite that, I feel like the most desired person there. It was as if Syd wanted to devour me with all her being but, being unable to, had to sadly be okay with what she had been given. <a data-passage="SDA4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Don’t put it back in,” I say breathlessly. “Again,” she chuckles darkly, “not learning your lesson about telling me what to do.” I gulp just before she forces it past my already parted lips. “We’ll try and fix that before the end of tonight.” Suddenly, I feel a burst of cold air and instantly know that Syd is no longer in the immediate vicinity. I begin to pick up the voices of the others, unable to truly understand them though since they speak in a language I’m still attempting to decipher. It feels like minutes upon minutes pass before Syd returns, and I am once engulfed by her overwhelming presence. “Good,” she says before her hand <<if $sex is "p">>grabs ahold of my penis, beginning to pump it mercilessly. I hum in satisfaction, attempting to thrust into her unrelenting grip as my body craves more.<<else>>sinks into my pussy. I hum in satisfaction, wishing to sink further into her unrelenting thrusts as my body craves more.<</if>> <a data-passage="SDA5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’m still trying to figure out what all I’m going to do to you,” she whispers into my ear, continuing her actions. Her tongue flicks across my earlobe, nipping it painfully before sucking on the area. “I almost want to fuck you until your legs no longer work, and so when I release you, you’re just a stumbling mess. Or maybe I should bring you down and put that mouth of yours to real work. Cause you to forget how to actually form words.” She takes a minute to think about her options, my body humming in anticipation regardless of her choice. “Move ?him to the bench.” I feel the cuffs around my wrists loosen just as two pairs of hands grab onto me and roughly push me toward the area in question. I’m forced down onto it and strapped in while my gag is removed. I barely get a minute to grow familiar with this new position as Sydero lowers her core over my face. It’s almost instinct, a switch quickly flicking on as I move forward to taste her. The sensations hit me all at once, her taste, aroma, and presence overwhelming my senses. The more my tongue flicks across her juices, the more I find myself craving more. The closer I push myself to her. Her hand gently runs towards my upper thigh as she lets out a satisfied hum, almost one akin to a purr. “You and that mouth of yours,” she chuckles, “it gets you in trouble most of the time, but damn if you don’t use it to get you right back out.” I become more aggressive, sucking and even biting at her lips. I want to hear one thing, and soon enough, I hear the moan rush past her lips as she begins to grind against me. “Are you trying to make me come?” she inquires, rising just enough to where I have to chase her to continue my work. I already know what I look like, a beggar who had just gotten their first feel of all they dreamed of. An addict that has finally been given their temptation after days of withdrawal. I can hear the demons watching us whisper, spurring me to continue. I was something they would never have but would always wish to covet for themselves. “Yes,” I pant, still trying to lean forward to get to her just-out-of-reach core. <a data-passage="SDA6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
She moves, and I let out a low whimper as I feel her hand come and cradle my cheek. “Still talking?” I realize my error just as her hand wraps around my throat, squeezing just enough to warn me what will come next. Something cuts across my chest, causing me to scream as a sharp pain radiates from the newly acquired wound. “Keep screaming,” she hisses, running her tongue across the wound. I feel her pull back just as the blindfold is ripped away, and the first thing I focus on is Sydero, running her tongue across bloody lips. I can't help myself. I lower my gaze to her pussy, seeing trails of my own saliva resting there, mixing with her juices and patiently waiting for me to finish my job. “It’s a show,” she whispers to me, “make sure to give them what they came for, hmm.” Her grip tightens around my neck as she trails her free hand across my stomach, her nail puncturing skin as I let out a euphoric shout of pain. She hums, “come on, $name. You can do better than that. I don’t think your enraptured audience is persuaded.” Another drag across my chest as she skillfully uses her thumb to apply just the right amount of pressure to my neck. Spots start to form as the pain from my chest and stomach yells to be recognized. Not to mention that Sydero’s desire sweeps over me, threatening to drag me further into a pit that I can never manage to escape on my own. Part of me wishes to claw and fight until I make my way out, but the other is perfectly content with simply lazing here, to be taken without care. Another wound brings me back before a wave of her powers washes over me again. I begin to feel drunk. Unable to focus on anything yet on everything all at once. I feel like I’m standing amongst the eager crowd. Some watch, but many more partake in sexual acts with those around them as the rush of desire spurs all of them into action. <a data-passage="SDA7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
A rough kiss brings me back <<if $sex is "v">>just as Syd slides two fingers aggressively into me.<<elseif $sex is "p">>just as Syd grips my member, pumping me relentlessly.<<else>>as Syd begins to fondle my lower region.<</if>> I shiver in pain as she bites my lower lip, intent on drawing blood. No amount of whimpering or screaming calms her, and with the blissful feeling coming from between my legs, I don’t wish for her to stop. Another cut across my stomach, and I squeeze the bench beneath me as I grit my teeth. The pain battles against the pleasure, my mind frantically trying to focus on one thing. Yet I feel like I’m losing it, slipping deeper and deeper no matter how hard I attempt to hang on. Black spots begin to form, and I feel something slapping my cheek next. “You with me, Roe?” she asks. I force myself to blink a few times, though it hardly does any good. I’m unsure what happened, though I have a few good guesses. I try to clear my throat and find it raw, a fact that causes Syd’s smirk to grow. “Learned your lesson?” she asks, and I nod, causing her to bark out a laugh. “I’ll have to reteach it again,” she reassures, sitting up. “But I think you deserve a reward.” She stands, and I finally notice that the crowd has lessened considerably. She undoes my restraints, and I slowly sit up, watching her as she sashays back into my field of view, getting an eyeful of every inch of her. Her scales are rippling, and parts are covered with a darker liquid that I can guess is mine. “You want me to give it to you, or do you want to take it?” she questions, turning around to emphasize her words. She bends over partially, her tail swaying to the side and giving me an eyeful of her still-dripping pussy. [[Let her give it. (This route will have Syd peg you and continue her role as the dom.)|SDA8]] [[Take it. (This will allow you to peg Syd without any interference on her part.)|SDA9]]
I stretch as much as one possibly can when their body feels like just one giant bruise. I was punished, and I wanted my due reward for it. Now free of the restraints, I shift around on the bench to open my legs more. <<if $sex is "p">>I grab ahold of my dick and give it a few pumps, <<elseif $sex is "v">>I part my lips and rub my aching core before toying with my clit. I bite down on my lip, fighting back a moan at the need that washes over me,<<else>>I play with myself, <</if>>knowing that Syd’s eyes are on me, much like a predator curious with their prey. Under her sharp gaze, I continue until she’s hovering over me. She chuckles, “I think I’ll fuck you now. I was hoping to just teach that throat of yours a lesson, but I’m more than happy to have you stumbling on your way out.” <<if $sex is "v">>With one hand, she parts my lower lips and then slips her middle finger between me, pressing against my opening. Removing her hand, she flicks my clit before roughly rubbing my core. I careen into her touch, never wanting her to move but knowing that she is only prepping me. She licks her fingers clean before placing her hand on my back, and her tail slowly makes its way towards me. I refuse to take my eyes off of it as it gets closer and closer to my slit, finally pushing the folds aside and making its way inside. Right before it’s truly inside me, it stops, and I look towards a smirking Syd.<<else>>She looms closer, dragging her hand across my ass and then spreading my cheeks. She presses a single digit against my opening before removing it <<if $sex is "p">>and grasping my sack. Her tongue runs across it before rising and meeting my member. Using both her hands and mouth, she works me. Undoes me. I careen into her touch, never wanting her to move but knowing that she is only prepping me. Moving back, she licks her lips before placing<<else>>only to insert a digit. I careen into her touch, never wanting her to move but knowing that she is only prepping me. Moving back, she places<</if>> her hand on my back, and her tail slowly makes its way towards me. I refuse to take my eyes off of it as it gets closer and closer to my opening, finally pushing the folds aside and pushing its way inside. Right before it’s truly inside me, it stops, and I look towards a smirking Syd.<</if>> I want to beg for her to not tease me, to ruin me just like she planned, but my throat is still too raw. Just the thought of speaking causes a tinge of pain. <a data-passage="SDA8.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You’re not in the mood, are you?” she inquires, her still bloody hand sliding down my neck. “What if I just said no and walked away? I already got what I wanted, so why should I give you what you want?” I swallow past the pain and do my best to stay as neutral as possible despite my body trembling with both want and fear. Suddenly, she thrusts into me, my gasp proving just how shocked I was. I’m not even able to recuperate as she sets a fast pace, my every breath being that of a whimper as she pounds into me, allowing me no time to adjust. “Such a good little pet,” she whispers into my ear, placing light, rewarding kisses against my temple. Her hands run over my wounds, giving me only a minute to hiss before I’m once again trying to catch my breath from her pace. “I’m not going to hold your orgasm hostage,” she tells me, sucking on my neck, “come when you want.” As soon as she says this, she slows down dramatically. Part of me wants to hit her, while the other wishes to beg. She stops sucking my neck to look into my eyes, “use your words, Roe.” I attempt to find my voice but know it’s futile. Even my gasps and moans caused my hoarse voice to ache. “Please,” I beg, wincing at the roughness. I’m not even sure the word I said was indeed a word but just a sound. <a data-passage="SDA8.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Syd laughs, “one more time. I’m not quite sure I heard you.” I do as she says and attempt again. This time, a distinct p sound is heard along with the long s but nothing more. She chuckles again. “Oh, that almost makes me want to fuck your throat again.” She shifts, restarting her pace, though this one is far more punishing. A slow buildup before she rams into me, and I gasp, clutching her. “Next time,” she starts, biting my earlobe, “I tell you to do something, toy. You do it.” Another ram that has me arching. "If I say we fuck in the middle of the street, that's where we fuck." Another that has my nails digging into the bench. "We could be in front of one of my uncles. I. Don't. Give. A. Fuck." She seizes my chin, my eyes just barely open to see her. "You do it." And with that, she rams into me countless times, enough to make me scream out and finally bring me to my peak as my orgasm rushes out of me. <<if $sex is "v">>She removes her tail at the right moment, and my juices squirt out.<<elseif $sex is "p">>She removes her tail as my cum coats my stomach.<<else>>She removes her tail, watching as my body trembles.<</if>> I lay there breathing harshly, hot and sticky, and wishing for a glass of water. Even with my exhaustion, I want nothing more than for her to keep fucking me. To make me beg and bring me down to my knees as her presence washes over me. “And this is why everyone in this room would give anything to have you,” she tells me, “your desire is boundless.” She wraps her arms around me as I feel her power spike up around us, “too bad you’re nothing but mine.” [[Rewind the Clock. (Allows to choose another choice.)|SD3]] [[Return to What If...|WhatIfSeries]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]
My eyes widen at the thought of having Syd underneath me. I know she’d never beg or give up too much control, but even this is more than usual. I cautiously rise, taking a moment to gather my bearings before continuing. Approaching her, she does nothing more than watch me, and I chuckle. I’m the brave fox approaching the eagle who has yet to decide what course she’ll take. I reach her and run my hands across her stomach. My actions are a bit more cautious than I wish they’d come off as. “Roe,” she chuckles, catching my chin in her hand. She leans in and whispers, “I said take it.” I gulp but gather myself. If I go too far, she’ll stop me; why not take advantage of something like this. <<if $sex is "p">>\ I shake off whatever apprehension I’ve been feeling and grab her roughly, pushing her into the wall. I wrap my arm around her throat, putting her in a chokehold as I bury my nose into her neck. “Some aggression you need to work off?” she questions light-heartedly, and though I wish to speak, I can’t. Part of me is angry about how even though I’ve been given this chance, it’s still nothing compared to the power that Syd has over me. I can attempt to leave my mark, but she has already left hers, time and time again. And yet, the other part of me doesn’t care. It doesn’t care about who is in charge, or perhaps it’s more that I’m not mistaken about who really holds the power. Mostly, I just want to bury my cock deep inside of her and to hear her moan as much as I have. And so, I don’t wait any longer. Keeping her against the wall, I line up and then thrust into her, taking a moment to adjust and simply enjoy the feeling of her wrapped around me. I force in and out, working up a pace before hammering against Syd. Each ram finds her becoming more and more breathless, and I tighten my grip around her neck. I bite her shoulder, wishing to mark her as she did me. Her powers wrap around me, and I gladly dive into them, letting it wrap around me as my movements become less concise and much more wild. As if understanding precisely what I want now, she moves out of my grip, and I allow it as she bends over, squeezing around me and causing me to gasp out in pleasure. I keep her ass as still as I can as she pushes up against me, and I feel my orgasm creeping closer and closer. She’s about to move away, but I harshly anchor her, letting my load spill inside of her. I stay in that position for a bit longer before I finally release her, about to stumble back and not caring if I fall flat on my ass. I stand there breathing harshly, hot, and wishing for a glass of water. Even with my exhaustion, I want nothing more than to keep fucking her. I don’t care who is in charge. If I have to beg as she brings me down to my knees due to her overwhelming presence. <<else>>\ I leave momentarily, going to the equipment side of the club and grabbing a strap. There aren’t many, mainly because all lust demons can manipulate their tails like Syd, eliminating the need or, in incubi situations, adding to it. When I return, I find Syd sitting on the bench I had been on, her back to me and on her hands and knees. I choose to take her by surprise, already knowing that there’s enough lube for me to enter and wanting to shock her. As soon as I get to her side, I line up and plunge in, relishing the sound of the moan that leaves her lips. Grabbing onto her hips, I thrust into her again and again, squeezing and slapping her ass as I work and spread her pussy. She arches her back so that not only is she pushing deeper against me but also allowing me to slip in at a new angle. I lean forward, letting my hands fondle her breasts before landing on her throat. I pause for a minute to see if she’ll stop me, and once she doesn’t, I massage the area. And then I begin to squeeze it, burying my thumb nails into her flesh as she lets out a much longer moan. Every moan I hear pushes me closer to the edge. It is always the sweetest sound to hear. Knowing that you’re the reason a succubus is genuinely moaning brings a power that has nothing to do with who is railing who. Continuing to hammer into her, I scratch and pinch her flesh. Bite and suck at whatever I can. She slips away from me, but before I can drag her right back, she turns around so that she’s facing me, lining herself up again and kissing me. Our tongues clash, both of us trying to prove who is in charge to the other. I grip her hips, anchoring her down as I ram into her, wanting her to moan into my mouth. The longer she refuses, the more I wish to smirk as I use one of my hands to pinch and pull on her nipple. Finally, she moans, and it spurs me to go even faster. I may not have a presence that can wash over her, but I’m determined to make it as overwhelming as possible. I hear her gasp and slow down, glancing down as I pull out to see her juices spilling out of her. A few snappy statements come to mind, but my throat is far too raw for any of them, so I settle on a smirk. Syd laughs as she wraps her legs around me, kissing my jaw. I bask in it, my heart picking up as I wonder when round two will happen. Despite feeling exhausted, I want nothing more than to keep fucking her. I don’t care who is in charge. If I have to beg as she brings me down to my knees due to her overwhelming presence. <</if>>\ “And this is why everyone in this room would give anything to have you,” she tells me, “your desire is boundless.” She wraps her arms around me as I feel her power spike up around us, “too bad you’re nothing but mine.” [[Rewind the Clock. (Allows to choose another choice.)|SD3]] [[Return to What If...|WhatIfSeries]] [[Return to Table of Contents|Start]]