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<a href="https://13leaguestories.tumblr.com/">13Leagues</a>
By: Tierra Wright © 2021 Bum Studios LLC | 13Leagues ~~Version 1.1 //Ye Olde Folly Faire// is a short story existing in the Superstition series. It contains strong language and sexual content, and thus is rated 18+. Reader discretion is advised. ~~
<<set $name = "Not Known">> <<set $gender = "Not Known">> <<set $trans = false>> <<set $showec = false>> <<set $sex = "na">> <<set $int = "Unknown">> <<set $nz = false>> <<set $costume = "Not Chosen">> <<set $wench = "Not Chosen">> <<set $unlocked = false>> <<set $poses = "Not Chosen">> <<set $poly = false>> <<set $qp to 0>> <<set $fairly = false>> <<set $payback = false>> <<set $jousting = false>> <<set $eating = false>> <<set $knifeaxe = false>> <<set $zoo = false>> <<set $maze = false>> <<set $styling = false>> <<set $people = false>> <<set $quiz = false>> <<set $fol = false>> <<set $ft = false>> <<cacheaudio "opening" "audio/breathless.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "theme1" "audio/medieval_fair.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "theme2" "audio/medieval.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "theme3" "audio/medieval_background.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "theme4" "audio/greensleeves.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "romance" "audio/timeless.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "battle" "audio/battle_at_the_gate.wav">> <<createplaylist "theme">> <<track "theme1" volume 0.30>> <<track "theme2" volume 0.30>> <<track "theme3" volume 0.30>> <<track "theme4" volume 0.30>> <</createplaylist>>
Thank you to everyone who has purchased the game. And special thanks to the patreons who voted and continue to support me. All images are copyright by Bum Studios LLC. All audio is licensed under Bum Studios LLC and courtesy of AudioBlocks and Envato. Copyright infringement is punishable by law. <<link [img[images/supporters.png]] >><</link>> [[Tumblr Link|https://13leaguestories.tumblr.com/]] | [[Patreon Link|https://www.patreon.com/13Leagues]] <<return>>
<<nobr>><<set $int = "none">><</nobr>> <<link [img[images/title.png]] >><</link>> //Ye Olde Folly Faire// is a short story game that takes place in //Superstition//. Due to the events in season two, this game is non-canon but will still follow what is currently known canon wise. This story cannot be placed on the Superstition Timeline at the time but could be inserted during season three. //“After winning group VIP tickets to his favorite renaissance faire, Bradley has only one thing on his mind, introduce his wacky supernatural family to the medieval way of life. Get ready to experience mead and meat pies, jesters and knights, castles and taverns. And of course, the most glorious of battles.”// ''Features'': • Grab your costume and go to the fair! • Numerous of activities to explore and experience with different group members. • Platonic and romantic scenes. • Five romance interests in all. • A bonus romance scene if circumstances are met. [[Play the Game]] [[Credits]]
Before you begin, let's get the important information out of the way first. Please state your name. <<textbox "$name" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#name">>Nice to meet you, $name.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="name"></span> [[Next->Gender]]
Choose your pronouns. <<link 'Your intended pronouns.'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> And now your gender? [[Male.|EC][$gender = "male"; $trans = false]] [[Female.|EC][$gender = "female";$trans = false]] [[Nonbinary.|EC][$gender = "nonbinary"; $trans = false]] [[Transgender Female.|EC][$trans = true; $gender = "female"]] [[Transgender Male.|EC][$trans = true; $gender = "male"]]
This story contains mature content that will be rated M or 18+. Within this paragraph are two options regarding the visibility of the material. If you choose to [[Show Explicit Content|FurtherEC][$showec to true]] then the material will appear if further prompted by the reader. If you wish to not see this content, then please choose [[Hide Explicit Content|Start][$showec to false]].
<<nobr>><<audio "opening" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.45>><</nobr>> “Hear ye, hear ye!” Bradley shouts as he jumps off the bus, throwing his hands up in excitement before turning on his heel to face us. “We have arrived to the 46th Annual Folly Faire!” I raise a brow at his actions, his entire body practically shaking in anticipation. “Give me a few minutes to get excited,” Chris groans as he comes and stands beside me, “not all of us were able to snag a seat without a partner. Let it be known that I’m not riding back with Zillah.” “Frankly,” Rahim says, yawning, the next to get off the bus, “he needs a seat to himself, as far away from everyone as possible. All that screeching was annoying.” “Your momma was screeching!” Zillah shouts back, pausing to turn to Sydero, “how was that?” “That was perfect,” Syd snorts, high fiving him and throwing an antagonistic look at Rahim, one that he ignores. “How was the ride for you?” I question Sydero, yawning and stretching, getting each and every kink out of my back. And side. She throws me a look, one that I already know the answer to as Amari is the last to get off the bus. Amari could barely sit still, between her incessant shifting and her countless questions, Sydero was probably feeling much like Chris. “Turn those frowns upside down,” Bradley commands, grabbing Sydero and I and yanking us to his side, “because we’re here. Are you guys ready for the best day ever?” “And may I ask what this ‘best day ever’ looks like? Do we have a schedule?” Rahim questions and Bradley finally releases us, ushering us closer to the entrance but not inside just yet. I watch as others pass us by, some in regular clothes and others dressed up in whatever renaissance or medieval costume they could get their hands on. <a data-passage="1.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Due to the specifics of the explicit scenes, more information is needed to tailor the experience just for you. You can either choose the genitalia your character possesses below or not. If you do not wish to disclose this information then the scenes will be adjusted accordingly. [[My genitalia is a penis.|Start][$sex = "p"]] [[My genitalia is a vagina.|Start][$sex = "v"]] [["No thanks, I don't wish to disclose this information."|Start][$sex = "na"]]
“In fact, we do. First, we need to go get ready, though.” “Don’t say costumes,” Chris groans. “Please don’t say costumes,” I add in next. “What’s wrong with costumes?” Amari questions. “Last time we did something like this and had to wear costumes ... well, let’s just say that night didn’t go as planned.” Chris shakes his head and shivers, “demonic witch ladies and weird creepy children. Yea, not how I wanted to spend my Halloween.” Sydero smirks, “I don’t know. I kinda liked being chased by the souls of the damned with the threat of being stuck in an endless loop hanging overhead. It gave the night some zest.” “There are costumes,” Bradley informs us, “I picked them out myself.” “Then don’t say it’s for a contest,” Chris sighs. “It’s not,” Bradley drags, “but there is a competition at the end for all the VIP’s who dressed up, and the winning group receives a glorious feast.” He shouts the last part in a deep heroic voice and strikes a pose while we all stare on. “Didn’t you hear me? I said,” he clears his throat, “the winners receive a glorious feast!” [[Clap.]] [[Stare on.]] [[“You lost me at costumes.”]]
I clap, the only one among us but Bradley seems satisfied enough. He bows and waves my applause off nonchalantly. “Oh, you’re too kind. Stop it, stop it. You’ll make me blush.” An air of seriousness overcomes him. “But seriously, come on you guys, it’ll be fun. Plus, I said it before and I’ll say it again, feast.” “I mean, technically half of us don’t really eat,” I remind him. “Yea,” Chris says next, “and the other half are more concerned about using the bathroom than some cute buffet.” “Just say you, Chris,” Bradley groans. “No, he’s not alone. I really gotta go,” Amari tells us, clenching her teeth as she rocks back and forth. “Well, when you all go to the bathroom just grab your costumes and change,” Bradley informs us, “oh, but don’t tell each other what you’re wearing. I want to announce everyone.” <a data-passage="2.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I stare on, raising a brow much like the others, none of us looking exactly persuaded or excited. “Seriously, feast!?” “I mean, technically half of us don’t really eat,” I remind him. “Yea,” Chris says next, “and the other half are more concerned about using the bathroom than some cute buffet.” “Just say you, Chris,” Bradley groans. “No, he’s not alone. I really gotta go,” Amari tells us, clenching her teeth as she rocks back and forth. “Well, when you all go to the bathroom just grab your costumes and change,” Bradley informs us, “oh, but don’t tell each other what you’re wearing. I want to announce everyone.” <a data-passage="2.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I shake my head, “yea, sorry. But you lost me at costumes.” Bradley’s heroic voice drops as he glares at me, “seriously, $name? What do you have against costumes?” “I don’t know about you, but that whole haunted road thing really got to me.” He takes a step closer to me as he narrows his eyes, “you face demons and angels and every other creepy thing, but that road is what got to you?” I push him back a few steps, “I was looking forward to candy and got nothing but depressed, murderous, grudge-holding spirits. So yes, it phased me.” “I said feast!” Bradley shouts, catching the attention of some of those who walk by. “Why am I the only one excited about a feast?” “I mean, technically half of us don’t really eat,” I remind him. “Yea,” Chris says next, “and the other half are more concerned about using the bathroom than some cute buffet.” “Just say you, Chris,” Bradley groans. “No, he’s not alone. I really gotta go,” Amari tells us, clenching her teeth as she rocks back and forth. “Well, when you all go to the bathroom just grab your costumes and change,” Bradley informs us, “oh, but don’t tell each other what you’re wearing. I want to announce everyone.” <a data-passage="2.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We enter a large building with costumes lining the walls and Bradley walks straight up to one of the racks, grabbing the black garment covers that hang there and then turning to us. “Bathrooms are right behind this wall, go change and don’t come out until I tell you.” He hands each of us a garment bag and we do as he says. Amari pushes past all of us as she practically darts into the first stall she sees. I walk into the furthest stall and pull out the costume that Bradley had chosen for me, a smirk on my lips as I look it over. It was … [[ … a jester costume.->4.0][$costume = "jester"]] [[ … a pirate costume.->4.0][$costume = "pirate"]] [[ … an archer costume.->4.0][$costume = "archer"]] [[ … a monk costume.->4.0][$costume = "monk"]] [[ … a tavern wench dress costume.->4.0][$costume = "wench"; $wench = "dress"]] [[ … a tavern wench suit costume.->4.0][$costume = "wench"; $wench = "suit"]]
<<if $costume is "jester">>\ … a jester costume. It was the usual assortment of colors one came to associate with the profession. The tights were red and gold, with blue diamonds on the thighs and just below the knees. The shoes, like the hat, had golden bells that wouldn’t allow me to sneak up on anyone, even if I wanted to. And the tunic was red and gold with a blue thick stripe running down the middle, with another thicker stripe that looked more like a sash. <<elseif $costume is "pirate">>\ … a pirate costume. Simplified but that was something I was thankful for; I could only imagine how hot I would get in a full getup. There was a long-sleeve white satin shirt, a red pirate sash, striped buccaneer pants, and of course to top it all off the eyepatch and the notorious pirate hat, complete with a feather. <<elseif $costume is "archer">>\ … an archer costume, or I suppose one could claim it was a huntsman costume. At least the bow looked real and wasn’t some knockoff child’s bow. The tights were black, there was a dull brown belt with a satchel and a pouch of what I guessed were fake arrows attached. The drawstring tunic was also black, but the ties were silver, matching perfectly with the black and silver hunter’s cloak and boots. <<elseif $costume is "monk">>\ … a monk costume. Simple enough, it was your classic monk robe, appearing like it came straight from a medieval movie. The robe itself was burgundy and slipping it on was easy enough. Surprisingly, the inside felt like it was made of fleece, or some other kind of extremely soft material. <<elseif $wench is "dress">>\ … a tavern wench costume. I stare at it for a minute, blinking a few times as I try to figure out if Bradley had seriously picked out this costume for me. Something inside of me wasn’t exactly surprised. The corset part of the dress was white, and the sleeves were a dark red and gold, the chest area dipping just enough to let the imagination flow. The main skirt of the dress was the same dark red as the sleeve and though it reached my ankles, a long slit ran up the side, giving one an eyeful of my left thigh. Thankfully, the boots were just boots, no heel. <<else>>\ … a tavern wench costume. I stare at it for a minute, blinking a few times as I try to figure out if Bradley had seriously picked out this costume for me. Something inside of me wasn’t exactly surprised. I’m sure I should be thankful that he was able to find the costume and it use trousers instead of a skirt or dress. The trousers themselves were a dark brown while the tunic was navy blue and white, creating a low V-shape to get one’s imagination going. <</if>>\ “Everyone ready?” Bradley questions, and a chorus of yes’s go off, the tones shifting from excited to ‘please kill me now.’ “Alright. Everyone step out and I’ll go in order.” I undo the latch of the stall and step out into the hall. I waste no time and glance over at the others, all of us taking each other in. <a data-passage="5.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“First, welcome to our party, Ser Rahim the Righteous! Hailing from Ipharia, Nidinia.” Bradley announces, and sure enough, Rahim donned a black and silver noble knight costume. The costume hugging his muscles in all the right ways, though still maintaining its shape. “I actually like the sound of that,” Rahim smirks, twirling his sword around expertly before sheathing it. “I would probably make a joke if I wasn’t dressed like this,” Sydero mumbles, Bradley moving to her next. “And no party is complete without it’s mage, hailing from the dark Northern Mountains of Pryce, the evil Cimmerian witch, Sydero!” She growls as Bradley motions for her to raise her staff. After enough prodding, she does so and it glows a bright red. She wore a long wizard’s robe that was completely black, save for the red embroidery etched along it. The way the hood caused part of her face to be shrouded in shadows was truly the reason why she looked to be evil, it had nothing to do with her glower. “Next, we have the King of Nidinia along with his adopted daughter. Meet King Zillah and Princess Amari.” Amari looks ready to burst from excitement. She adorned a lovely purple and gold dress and a silver tiara, while Zillah wore an identical in color armor set with a velvet cape and golden crown. The two actually looked like they could be just that, King and Princess. But that was something that neither needed to be told, lest they walk around with big heads for the remainder of the day. <a data-passage="6.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Bradley continues, “say hello, to the devilish sailor hailing from Caezios, Chris.” Chris smirks, quite pleased with his costume but seeing that most of his chest was out, I wasn’t surprised. He wore a pair of black wayfarer pants, some simple boots, and his burgundy vest hung low, revealing a good portion of his chest before it met again by drawstrings and a black belt. “Next, in line,” Bradley says, making his way to me, “we have the <<if $costume is "jester">> comic relief of Ipharia’s courts, $name the Jester.<<elseif $costume is "archer">> best eye in the land of Pryce, the archer who never misses their shot, $name the Huntsman.<<elseif $costume is "pirate">> terror of the Torrance Ocean, hide your wives and your doubloons because swiggity swooty ?he’s coming for that booty, One-Eyed $name or Roe, whichever sounds cooler.<<elseif $costume is "monk">> wisest monk to hail from the Menhir Monastery of Paisa, clasp your hands together and thank the heavens for $name.<<else>> beautiful and silver-tongued tavern wench of Ipharia, $name.”<</if>> Their eyes drink me in, forcing me to look away to avoid the heat that tries to creep onto my face. Though, I only truly cared for the attention of one person. //This choice will set up your romance for the rest of the story. Choose no one for a non-romantic route.// [[Rahim.->7.0][$int = "Rahim"]] [[Sydero.->6.1][$int = "Sydero"]] [[Chris.->7.0][$int = "Chris"]] [[Amari.->7.0][$int = "Amari"]] [[Zillah.->6.1][$int = "Zillah"]] [[No one.->7.0][$int = "none"]]
<<if $int is "Rahim">>\ I make eye contact with Rahim, watching as his eyes continued to take me in. When his gaze rises to meet mine, he glances away. He doesn’t bother hiding the smile that comes onto his face or the blush that spreads across his cheeks. <<elseif $int is "Sydero">>\ I make eye contact with Sydero who doesn’t even try to hide the fact that she’s undressing me with her eyes. When she realizes that I’m looking at her she bites her bottom lip, giving me a suggestive wink before her attention lands back on Bradley. <<elseif $int is "Chris">>\ I make eye contact with Chris whose eyes twinkle once they meet mine, causing his smile to grow wider. He winks at me before looking back at Bradley. <<elseif $int is "Amari">>\ I make eye contact with Amari and we stare into each other’s eyes, and suddenly the world crumbles around me. It leaves nothing but me and her. Part of me wishes to gravitate towards her, the usual pull making me want to be by her side. I shake my head, clearing my throat and hoping the others didn’t notice. <<elseif $int is "Zillah">>\ I make eye contact with Zillah who, based on the hungry look in his eye, has already undressed me and was in the process of saying every dirty thing he could think of. His eyes meet mine and he gazes away with a sly and knowing smile, glancing back to see if I was still looking his way before straightening up. <<else>>\ No one actually. I cared just to know that I didn’t look like a fool and that my clothes were on right. Seeing that no one had said anything about them, I believed everything to be okay. <</if>>\ “And, lastly, me. Your narrator for the night, Bradley the illustrious, wandering bard.” True to his word, he was dressed like a traditional bard, a lute in his hand and traveler attire, complete with a cape and hat. “Did you just come up with all those places on your own?” Sydero asks, brow raised in disbelief. “Naw, I’m totally binge reading my favorite fantasy stories right now, Insight and For the Crown, so I just used them as reference.” “Oh,” I start, “you finally got into For the Crown?” “Yea, and I’m definitely jealous that you got to meet the characters. I have so many questions for Lord Doran.” “Wait,” Amari's smile vanishes, “you got to meet book characters? Where was I?” Bradley shakes his head, clearing his throat and straightening up, “later. Are you guys ready?” With a nod, we all follow Bradley towards the exit. <a data-passage="8.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $int is "Sydero">>\ Before I can follow the others out, Sydero grabs me and pushes me against the nearest wall. Her smirk is wide, and her attention divided. Her hand keeps me from moving but her gaze is on the door the others just left out of. “About time,” she sneers, latching onto my neck and nipping at it. “Kinda early for this, don’t you think?” I question, resting my hands on her hips, and despite my words, I bring her closer. “Well, I never did care much for rules or decorum.” “Is this where I should make a wizard pun or joke?” She pulls back with a sneer, “you do that, and I will make every following minute one of excruciating pain.” “Ugh,” I chuckle, placing my hand over my heart, “you have such a way with words, Syd. I’m minutes away from swooning.” “And the moment is now dead,” Sydero snorts, shaking her head as she moves away from me. I let out a chuckle, following behind her as we rejoin the others. No one says anything, mostly because their attention was on the wide board that seems to hold all the activities we could attend. “So, just go have fun?” Rahim questions, appearing a bit unhappy with the idea. <<elseif $int is "Rahim">>\ Rahim drops back so that he was now by my side, taking my hand in his and resting a deep kiss against my fingers. “How are you feeling? Excited?” “Interested in seeing how this day goes. How about you?” “Ready for this day to end,” he grumbles. “Dang. No interest whatsoever in whatever might happen on our little vacation?” “I’m dressed like a knight. So, I’m still trying to figure out where the vacation part begins.” “I think you look dashing. Is that the right word to use here?” “It’s //a// word,” he snorts. His growing smile causes me to stop from saying anything, and with a chuckle, he brings me closer, “but from you, it feels like something more.” I place my hand on his cheek and sigh, “I just want you to enjoy yourself. You deserve it, not to mention need it.” “You’re right,” he nods, “not about the needing it part. I don’t.” I roll my eyes. “But I can at least attempt to enjoy myself.” “Promise me?” “Sure, if you promise that when we get home, I’ll have you all to myself.” “Promise,” I say, placing a light kiss on the corner of his mouth. With his hand in mine, we head over to the group, who all stand around a large board that holds details of all the things you can do. “So just pick what we want?” Chris questions, his finger going from one page to the next in interest. <<elseif $int is "Chris">>\ “Hey,” Chris calls out and comes to my side, resituating his costume with a grimace, “do I look like a fuck boy in this?” “I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in a sailor’s outfit, especially a medieval-styled one. So, no. Why?” “Because I feel like one, and it’s making me think of our college days.” “Aw, well, you’re my fuck boy then.” I state, bringing him closer to me. He snorts, “yea, I know you wanted that to seem cute and sweet, but you failed. Think Bradley will give me another costume?” I glance over to see the group walking outside, none of them concerned with us. “I doubt it. You pointing out how much you hate it will probably make him like it more.” He groans and glances back at me, “do you like it?” “Yea, I don’t see the problem. You look nice.” He seems to perk up at this, and his cheeks take on a pink tinge. “Really? I mean, then sure. I guess I can keep this.” I laugh, “all because I said I liked it?” He throws his arm around my shoulder. “Well, seeing how important your opinion is to me, yes. If you like it, then I like it.” “I also like it when you wake up before me and bring me breakfast in bed.” He playfully pushes me away and laughs. “And you have officially gone too far.” We approach the others and the large board that they’re all standing around. It seems to hold a great deal of information regarding the activities that you could experience. “So, just go have fun?” Rahim questions, appearing a bit unhappy with the idea. <<elseif $int is "Amari">>\ Amari skips to my side with a large and contagious smile on her face. Like always, she’s restless and seems ready to take on the world. “I’ve never done anything like this before. This feels like it’ll be such a great day. What should we do first?” I open my mouth to speak, but Amari is no longer focused on me but the opening doors. Though I didn’t think it possible, her eyes grow wider, and she picks up her speed. At the last minute, I lunge forward, grabbing her hand and bringing her back inside. Sydero and Chris both give me a look. “We’ll be out soon. Close the door.” They shrug and do so. With the lack of that distraction, Amari seems to have returned some of her focus to me, but I knew I was working on a time limit, especially with the idea of experiencing everything outside so close. “I’ll make this quick. Amari, promise me two things for today.” She blinks. “One, no running off by yourself. Always have someone with you, okay?” She nods, a sheepish grin on her face. “And two, try to remain calm, remember your breathing exercises? I know you’re excited, but when you get excited –” “I get forgetful, and when I get forgetful, well,” she shrugs with a melancholic grin, “there goes the neighborhood.” My shoulders sag at the forlorn look that she wears. I know she hates talking about it, but it was needed if only to avoid showing an entire festival that werewolves were real. Honestly, they probably would love the idea of it. She takes a few deep breaths in, and I grab her hand and do the same, breathing in and out with her until she seems to have calmed down just a bit. She perks up, “can I get a piggyback ride?” “Aren’t you the ridiculously strong vaewolf in the relationship?” She laughs but waits for an answer. Unable to say no, I nod, and without so much as a pause, she jumps onto my back. I secure her and walk outside, joining the others by a wide board that seems to hold all the activities we could get into. “So, just go have fun?” Rahim questions, appearing a bit unhappy with the idea. <<elseif $int is "Zillah">>\ <<if $nz>>\ I make to follow behind the others when Zillah grabs my wrist and yanks me back to his side, his eyes on the retreating backs of the others. Once they were at least out of earshot, he leans onto my shoulder with a smirk. “So how about you and me ditch them and go have some real fun?” “I’m almost worried about what you would count as real fun?” He growls as he nips my ear, “nothing that you haven’t choked on before.” “If I told you to be a good boy, would that mean anything to you?” I ask, taking a step forward, but Zillah’s hands move to my waist, and he pulls me back to him. “I’ll be a good boy if you venture back to those dressing rooms with me. The only costume I’m interested in seeing you in is the one you were born with.” I smirk as he starts to pull me towards them, but I escape his grip, remarkably. “You’re going to need to start taking colder showers before we go anywhere. Come on before the others get worried.” “You know, I almost thought you were about to say I stink.” Unable to not tease him when he set the joke up, I smirk, “well, I have been meaning to talk to you about that.” “Oh, shut up!” he shouts dramatically, opening the door for both of us and we go and join the others. No one says anything, mostly because their attention was on the wide board that seems to hold all the activities we could get into. <<else>>\ I make to follow behind the others when Zillah grabs my wrist and yanks me back to his side, his eyes on the retreating backs of the others. Once they were at least out of earshot, he leans onto my shoulder with a smirk. “So how about you and me ditch them and go have some real fun?” “I’m almost worried about what you would count as real fun?” He brings me closer, breathing me in, “a nice large bench and a nice long –” “Zillah,” I scold, and he indeed looks taken back, pausing for a minute before letting out a long laugh. “I was going to say nap. A long nap.” “Were you?” I challenge, and he nips at my throat. “I’m being a good boy, I swear.” “Zillah,” I laugh, cocking my head to the side in doubt, “do you even know what that means?” He huffs and turns his nose up, “of course I do. It’s you who’s always trying to seduce me.” I’m unable to hold the laugh in and I move to hit him, but he avoids my fist, opening the door and joining the others with me right behind him. No one says anything, mostly because their attention was on the wide board that seems to hold all the activities we could get into. “So, just go have fun?” Rahim questions, appearing a bit unhappy with the idea. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I follow the others out and to the large board where all the activities are. “So, just go have fun?” Rahim questions, appearing a bit unhappy with the idea. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="9.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $int is "Sydero">>\ //Just a heads up, Sydero is incompatible with asexual players. If you’re fine with this and still want to romance her then [[continue on->7.0]]. If you wish to change your choice then please choose another below:// [[Rahim.->7.0][$int = "Rahim"]] [[Chris.->7.0][$int = "Chris"]] [[Amari.->7.0][$int = "Amari"]] [[Zillah.->6.1][$int = "Zillah"]] [[No one.->7.0][$int = "none"]] <<else>>\ //There are two different flavors for romancing Zillah in the DLC. [[Normal Zillah->7.0][$nz = true]] is the one you see in canon, vulgar and no problem with dirty talking your ear off. [[Chill Zillah->7.0]] is the second flavor and though he is still … Zillah, he does less dirty talking and his vulgar levels are reduced.// <</if>>\
<<audio "opening" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> “Basically. Just remember to meet up here at three o’clock for that tour. And then, at six, we have to get ready for the final battle. We’ll meet at the field on the far side of the fair for that. Until then, eat and be merry.” Bradley walks away, strumming his lute, before any of us could ask any more questions. We all exchange glances before resting our curious gazes back on the board. No one tells anyone where they’re headed, we just all head out. //There are nine events in all, plus a secret one <<if $unlocked>>whose requirements you have met.<<else>>whose requirements haven’t been met just yet.<</if>> You can choose five of them, three now and two later. Each event is experienced with new companions, and romance will change the flavor of each. For a steamy scene, make sure to visit the Forest of Love. An activity you can also visit with Bradley if you are with no one. Have fun.// [[Head to the jousting area.->Jousting][$jousting = true; $visit to 1]] [[Check out the eating competition.->Eating][$eating = true; $visit to 1]] [[Watch the knife and axe throwing event.->KnifeAxe][$knifeaxe = true; $visit to 1]] [[Visit the petting zoo.->Zoo][$zoo = true; $visit to 1]] [[Go into the Fools Maze.->Maze][$maze = true; $visit to 1]] [[Go the face paint and hair styling area.->Styling][$styling = true; $visit to 1]] [[Just relax and people watch.->Watch][$people = true; $visit to 1]] [[Check out the Quiz Tent.->Quiz][$quiz = true; $visit to 1]] [[Go to the Forest of Love.->Forest][$fol = true; $visit to 1]]
//There are nine events in all, plus a secret one <<if $unlocked>>whose requirements you have met.<<else>>whose requirements haven’t been met just yet.<</if>> You can choose five of them, three now and two later. Each event is experienced with new companions, and romance will change the flavor of each. For a steamy scene, make sure to visit the Forest of Love. An activity you can also visit with Bradley if you are with no one. Pick your next activity. <<if $jousting is false>>[[Head to the jousting area.->Jousting][$jousting = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Jousting Event Attended<</if>> <<if $eating is false>>[[Check out the eating competition.->Eating][$eating = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Eating Competition Attended<</if>> <<if $knifeaxe is false>>[[Watch the knife and axe throwing event.->KnifeAxe][$knifeaxe = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Knife and Axe Event Attended<</if>> <<if $zoo is false>>[[Visit the petting zoo.->Zoo][$zoo = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Petting Zoo Visited<</if>> <<if $maze is false>>[[Go into the Fools Maze.->Maze][$maze = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Maze Event Completed<</if>> <<if $styling is false>>[[Go the face paint and hair styling area.->Styling][$styling = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Styling Area Visited<</if>> <<if $people is false>>[[Just relax and people watch.->Watch][$people = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>You people watched with the guys.<</if>> <<if $quiz is false>>[[Check out the Quiz Tent.->Quiz][$quiz = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Quiz Tent Visited.<</if>> <<if $fol is false>>[[Go to the Forest of Love.->Forest][$fol = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Forest of Love Visited<</if>> <<if $unlocked>>\ <<if $ft is false>>[[Head to the fortune teller.->FortuneTeller][$ft = true; $visit +=1]]<<else>>Fortune Tent Visited.<</if>> <</if>>\
I run my hand down the board when I spot some information about a jousting show. It didn’t seem right to experience a renaissance fair and not see a jousting show, so why not. I memorize the name of the area and begin walking in the direction. Thankfully, there were plenty of signs telling me where to go, and I find the site easily enough. I enter the bleacher sitting area, spotting Rahim, and Amari sitting together. “Hey, you two. I didn’t think either of you would be interested in this,” I point out, taking a seat on the spot above them. “Admittedly,” Rahim starts and scratches the back of his neck, “I’ve always been interested in watching a jousting event in person.” I gaze over at Amari, who stares at me with a blank look. She points at two of the riders who stand beside their horses and simply says, “horses.” I smirk and nod, understanding exactly what she was doing here. “How dangerous do you think this is?” Amari asks, and both Rahim and I open our mouths to speak, but she continues, “do you think that armor is real? Where do they get the fabric color from? Do you think I can pet one of the horses? Do you think the horses actually enjoy this, like with all of us here? Are they used to it? Where do you think they go after this?” She prepares to ask another question when she stops, gazing over at us. “I’m calming down, sorry.” “To be honest,” Rahim says with a shrug, “everything you just asked, I’m curious about now too.” [[“Maybe you can ask to pet them after.”]] [[“They probably have a nice farm to go home too.”]] [[“Be excited if you want, Amari.”]] [[“Didn’t we tell you not to apologize.”]] [[“Just take it down a notch.”]]
I decide to go and check out the knife and axe throw show or competition. The board didn’t really specify which. Upon arrival, I decided to call it a show since there was a small circular stage in front of the slowly growing crowd. I glance around for a seat when I find Sydero and Rahim nearby, both of them looking to be in a heated conversation, though that detail hardly surprised me. “You’re ridiculous,” Rahim growls. “I’m ridiculous?” Sydero shouts, gaining some attention from those nearby. “Yes! You can’t throw //that// well.” “What little faith you have in me. I’m the dagger master here.” “Your dagger is more like a short sword.” [[“Aren’t they practically the same?”]] [[“What are you guys even discussing?”]] [[“Knife talk, of course.”]]
I head towards the petting zoo, curious to see what animals were there. I find four divided areas. One is filled with pigs, another with foals, a third with kittens and puppies playing, and the last with pygmy goats and lambs. I also take note of the two familiar faces inside the kitten and puppy pen, both looking blissfully unaware of the world. “A meteor could fall from the sky, and I’m worried neither of you would be concerned,” I point out, leaning on the fence as I watch Amari and Zillah with interest. “Look at them!” Amari commands, holding up a chubby pup who cocks his head and then begins to pant happily. He wiggles in Amari’s grip, and she puts him down, only for three more to come over and hope to take his place. “As a shade, I knew I would never see Elysium,” Zillah says from his position, cats climbing up him. One, in particular, was in his hair, lounging without a care in the world. “And yet, here I am.” “What would it take to pull you guys away from this?” They both look at me, almost as curious as I was to the answer. <<if $int is "Zillah">>\ <<if $nz>>\ “Zillah want to have sex?” He twitches but otherwise makes no move. “That almost got me,” he chuckles, “but who needs sex when there are kittens and puppies.” “I’m going to remember that for the future.” “Stop playing games!” he growls, a hint of urgency and fear in his tone. <<else>>\ “Zillah, you’re getting your clothes dirty.” “Nice try,” he chuckles, “but I’m in Bradley’s weird costume, and I couldn’t care less if it got dirty.” <</if>>\ <<elseif $int is "Amari">>\ “Amari, I really need a hug and a kiss right now.” She says nothing as she holds up one of the puppies to me, blinking at me with so much innocence in her eyes that I don’t know how to react. “Are you telling me to hug the puppy or to just look at them?” “Whichever makes you feel better.” <<else>>\ “The food just came out, a lot of food. I’m talking apple sauce being one of them. And I think I saw this one big juicy turkey leg.” Neither of them reacts. Their attention still on the baby animals running about. <</if>>\ “Alright, point proven.” I sit down, an open invitation for all the baby animals not currently occupied to rush me. <a data-passage="Z1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I head over to the Fool’s Maze, interested to see what it entails. Though I wouldn’t quite know all of what it holds until I go inside, the outside didn’t seem that imposing. It was large enough to seem like it would take a moderate amount of time to get through. I had no doubts it would offer a considerable amount of entertainment, so why not? I head to the start of the maze, surprised to Sydero and Chris standing there. “Hey, guys,” I greet, “what’s going on?” “Oh, nothing,” Chris sings, “just trying to figure out whether or not I want to be stuck in a maze with Syd.” “Right, totally agree. I would hate to see you pee yourself because you got lost and afraid. I’d like you to retain some semblance of dignity, even if it’s a fraction.” Chris stares at her, “see, this is why I’m contemplating it.” “What’s there to contemplate? It’s called the Fool’s Maze; you’d think you’d feel utterly at home here.” “Ha,” he shouts dramatically, “what an original joke. Joke’s on you, I already told myself that joke when I first saw it … wait.” I shake my head as Sydero tries to hold in a laugh, though she does nothing to hide her victorious grin. <<if $int is "Chris">>\ “Enough, Syd,” I tell her, wrapping my arms around Chris, “I’ll never hear the end of it otherwise.” “Babe, again,” he sighs, “not helping.” <</if>>\ “You can stay out here if you want. I’m going to check it out.” Sydero starts to walk towards the entrance when the person I assume is in charge of the maze shouts at us. <a data-passage="M1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Heading towards the next activity, I’m blindsided by a more than familiar figure. “Just the person I was looking for!” Amari tells me, looping her arm through mine before steering me away from my original path. “They have this really cool styling tent where they do face paint and put highlights in your hair. I kinda wanted to do it with someone, you in?” “Yea, sure.” Abandoning my previous destination, I willingly follow Amari towards the tent that she pointed out in the distance. “You just came across this?” I question, trying to remember whether or not I saw an ad about it on the board. There was probably something about it, but the amount of attention I paid was close to none. “Yea, I was just walking around and saw it. Do you know how many different smells this place has? It’s crazy! I can never just focus on one because there’s like – Sydero!” She cuts herself off and runs towards the wayward cambion. Judging by Sydero’s expression, she was feeling indifferent about us finding her. Her eyes sparkle in mischief, but her stiff body posture tells me that she had rather continued going incognito. “What?” she questions, taking a step back and avoiding Amari’s grasp. “We’re about to go get our makeup done.” Sydero looks to me with a raised brow. [[“There’s a styling tent.”]] [[“You heard right.”]] [[“I was pulled and obeyed.”]]
<<if $visit is 1>>\ The amount of activities to do were overwhelming. The others have long since gone and after some wandering around, still not sure what I want to do. I finally decide on some random activity that I see advertised. I walk in the direction when I spot Chris, Rahim, and Zillah sitting together on a bench. Well, Zillah and Rahim at least sit on the bench. Chris was sitting on the backrest. <<else>>\ I walk towards my next activity when I spot Chris, Rahim, and Zillah sitting together on a bench. Well, Zillah and Rahim at least sit on the bench. Chris was sitting on the backrest. <</if>>\ “Alright, Zillah,” I hear Rahim say once I’m close enough, “third times the charm. Go for it.” Zillah hums before pointing at a young man who was listening patiently to his mother, his attention drifting down to his phone ever so often. “He’s listening to his mother, but he clearly is more interested in the phone. He probably wants to be at home.” Rahim groans, and Chris shakes his head. “What? Did I mess up again?” “Yes, again,” Rahim informs him, “you are truly impossible.” “Give him a break,” Chris adds, “he did better than the last two times. He finally got away from giving an obvious description of them.” “I doubt you knew that one girl was taking steroids,” Zillah huffs. “No,” Chris agrees, “but I also didn’t need to know.” “What are you three even doing?” I question, making my presence known. All three guys pause and turn to look at me, their eyes wide like they had just been caught in the middle of a crime. “We’re … uh,” Rahim starts, clearing his throat and looking away sheepishly before sitting up straighter, “we’re avoiding Bradley.” <a data-passage="W1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We were all together at the moment, heading towards the board to see what else we could get up to until the final battle. “Ah!” Bradley shouts, causing half of us to jump and the other half to sigh tiredly. “If I never hear you scream again, it’ll be too soon,” Sydero grumbles. Bradley grabs my wrist and yanks me to his side, “it’s a fortune teller, you guys! We have to go check them out!” “I have agreed to do a lot of things, but visiting a fortune teller is not one of them,” Rahim informs. “I foresee this group going through more and more shit in the future,” Zillah mimics, his fingers fluttering in the air. He opens his eyes and smirks at Bradley, “there. I foretold the next few years at best.” “Okay,” Amari pouts, “now I want to visit her if only to make sure that your whole foretelling is fake.” “Because the so-called seer will have something much more valuable and honest to say?” Rahim ponders aloud. Chris chuckles, shaking his head as he glances over at Rahim, “you mean you can believe in every creepy thing to ever exist. But you don’t believe that this fortune teller might be able to actually tell the future?” “You do?” I ask him, and he shrugs as a reply. “I don’t think she’s a witch, but I don’t mind hearing some silly fortune. And if I’m wrong, which happens a lot, then what the hell, we get a peek at our future.” [[“What the heck? Let’s do it.”]] [[“She could be real.”]] [[“It’s a waste of time.”]]
“Aren’t they practically the same?” I question, <<if $int is "Sydero">>taking a seat next to Sydero. She throws her arm around me and brings me closer.<<elseif $int is "Rahim">>taking a seat next to Rahim. He immediately grabs and kisses my hand, not bothering to smother the happy blush that creeps along his cheeks.<<else>>taking a seat in between them. It was more so out of habit than anything else.<</if>> “They technically aren’t the same,” Rahim informs me, “a dagger can be a short sword, but a short sword can’t be a dagger. The length of a short …” he glances from Sydero to me, “yes. The sharp end goes stab stab.” “Ah, okay, makes perfect sense,” I laugh. “So, what’s all this?” I question, motioning out to the event. “The best kind of event there is,” Syd smiles, “one involving blades of different sizes and sorts.” “In short, she’s hoping someone gets injured,” Rahim mumbles. “I’m not hoping. I’m expecting.” “And you’re here why, Rahim?” “There’s a certain finesse that one must have when participating in an event like this. I find it utterly amazing to witness.” “So, one of you is here to see chaos, and the other is here to see skill. Seems like one of you won’t be leaving here happy.” <a data-passage="KA1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“What are you guys even discussing?” I question, <<if $int is "Sydero">>taking a seat next to Sydero. She throws her arm around me and brings me closer.<<elseif $int is "Rahim">>taking a seat next to Rahim. He immediately grabs and kisses my hand, not bothering to smother the happy blush that creeps along his cheeks.<<else>>taking a seat in between them. It was more so out of habit than anything else.<</if>> “How far I can throw a blade versus how far Rahim //thinks// I can throw it.” “No, add in that you said with your eyes closed and that you would hit a target perfectly.” “I have a connection with my blades. Why must you doubt?” “Because you don’t,” he stresses. “So, what’s all this?” I question, motioning out to the event. “The best kind of event there is,” Syd smiles, “one involving blades of different sizes and sorts.” “In short, she’s hoping someone gets injured,” Rahim mumbles. “I’m not hoping. I’m expecting.” “And you’re here why, Rahim?” “There’s a certain finesse that one must have when participating in an event like this. I find it utterly amazing to witness.” “So, one of you is here to see chaos, and the other is here to see skill. Seems like one of you won’t be leaving here happy.” <a data-passage="KA1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Knife talk I’m guessing. Why am I not surprised?” I question, <<if $int is "Sydero">>taking a seat next to Sydero. She throws her arm around me and brings me closer.<<elseif $int is "Rahim">>taking a seat next to Rahim. He immediately grabs and kisses my hand, not bothering to smother the happy blush that creeps along his cheeks.<<else>>taking a seat in between them. It was more so out of habit than anything else.<</if>> “I just want Rahim to understand that I can indeed hit that target.” “And I just want Sydero to realize that she can’t. Not unless you take out those other two factors.” “Being blindfolded and hitting the target’s bullseye is what gives the entire thing sustenance. Otherwise, I’m no better than these rookies,” she expresses and waves her hands towards the preparing performers. “Not only did you use that word in the weirdest context. But when you say it, it just sounds weird and wrong.” “Sustenance,” Sydero says, this time slower and with more emphasis on every syllable. “So, what’s all this?” I question, motioning out to the event. “The best kind of event there is,” Syd smiles, “one involving blades of different sizes and sorts.” “In short, she’s hoping someone gets injured,” Rahim mumbles. “I’m not hoping. I’m expecting.” “And you’re here why, Rahim?” “There’s a certain finesse that one must have when participating in an event like this. I find it utterly amazing to witness.” “So, one of you is here to see chaos, and the other is here to see skill. Seems like one of you won’t be leaving here happy.” <a data-passage="KA1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I kinda wanna go up there. Should I go up there?” Neither Sydero nor Rahim answers me. Instead, they both stare at the man on stage, both looking to be deep in focus. “Fuck off, Rahim,” Sydero sneers, “you’re messing me up.” “You fuck off. You’re going to make him pee himself.” “Unlike you, I know what I’m doing. You keep adding excitement to the mix, add awareness.” “If it’s so important, you add it.” I finally realize what they’re doing when the man looks our way, a broad smile on his face as he points at me. “How about you, come on up here!” Some of the crowd frowns, confused about why I was singled out when I didn’t even raise my hand. Thankfully, the majority of them applaud and encourage me to go up. “Stop using your abilities,” I hiss at them before straightening up and going on stage. “Alright, what’s your name?” “$name.” “Alright, $name. We’re going to show you how to throw a blade. Now, I want you first to see how I hold it. These are real blades, very dangerous.” I roll my eyes, knowing how to both hold a blade and throw it, though not in this manner. All I really needed to be directed on was the ways to throw it, the strength behind it, and if there was a specific form I should have. He goes through his spiel, informing me of things I already knew. I finally focus back in, and he moves a step closer, placing his hand on my hip and directing me on how to stand. <<if $int is "Rahim" or $int is "Sydero">>\ I hear a loud and over exaggerated cough from the crowd, but if it was one of my guys, I didn’t know. I could potentially try and make my partner mildly jealous … just because. [[Make my partner jealous.]] [[Just get on with the teaching.]] <<else>>\ <a data-passage="KA2_1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I smirk to myself as I turn, gazing at the man with doe-like eyes, “are you sure I’m holding this right? I think I need more instruction with my posture.” He takes a step back and looks me over, reaching forward to fix my intentionally messed up stance. “Keep this position right here,” he tells me, whispering it though there’s no hidden intention. He was honestly just trying to help. “And throwing it?” I question. He shows me with his own wrist before grabbing my hand and moving it to lead me through the action. <<if $int is "Rahim">>\ “Yea, ?he gets it!” Rahim shouts, a controlled amount of anger to his tone, “get to throwing already.” “Um, yea. Go ahead and try.” I do, missing on purpose and chuckling to myself. “Here, let me help,” the performer insists. Before I can even answer, Rahim is leaning on the stage, “yea, that’s not needed. Turns out, we have someplace else to be. Let’s go, $name.” I roll my eyes but head towards him. He helps me down and places a protective arm around my waist. “Why do I feel like you did that purposely?” Rahim whispers into my ear, his hold tightening. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I smirk, raising an eyebrow as he gazes at me with intense eyes. I don’t realize what he’s doing until he does it, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that wasn’t a typical kiss on his part. It starts off ravenous, dominant, and claiming me my lips at his. But then, somewhere along the way, it twists. It turns into the sweetest and gentlest kiss I can remember him giving me. He cradles my face, and I hear a few people near us let out low and heartwarming aww’s. “Yea, adorable,” Sydero says with a smirk, popping between us. “Can we go now, or do you two want to hop on stage and perform Othello?” Simultaneously, both of us roll our eyes but follow her towards the exit. We leave the area and head back towards the central part of the fair. <<else>>\ “I know if he keeps putting his hands where they don’t belong, that knife is going to end up someplace it shouldn’t be,” I hear Sydero shout, a few people in the crowd snickering. The man clears his throat and immediately moves back. “Go ahead and try.” I do, missing on purpose and chuckling to myself. “Here –” the performer starts, but his eyes widen, and he suddenly looks fearful. “Nev … nevermind. Let’s move on to the rest of the show.” I frown in confusion but leave the stage. Realization hits when I get back to the duo, Sydero smirking. “You did that? Did you use your empathy again?” “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she stands, and Rahim follows her lead. He walks past us, but she stops and leans in close to my ear, “if you wanted to be punished, then all you had to do was ask.” She growls it, sending a shiver up my spine before she walks away. I follow, walking away from the area and heading back towards the central part of the fair. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="KA2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I shake my head. I decide to just get on with the teaching and get all of this over with. He continues on, showing me how to stand and grip the blade. When he’s done, he takes a step back and motions for me to try. I do, watching unhappily as the blade thumps against the wall and then fall to the ground. The crowd ooh’s, causing me to want to turn around and scold them. “That’s quite alright,” the man reassures me, “when you throw the knife, put a little more strength behind the throw. But you also have to remember that it’s as delicate as skipping rocks.” He nods, and I try again, this time keeping what he said in mind. I throw the blade, and this time it sticks, inches away from the target. “Let’s hear it for, $name!” The crowd applauds, and I bow, a large smile on my face. I return to the others who clap along, both of them smiling proudly. “You ready to head out? I don’t think we’re going to see an injury,” Rahim says, the last part meant for Sydero. “It’s fine, but know this, $name. I’m totally pressuring you to throw knives at our targets now.” We chuckle as we go, leaving the area and heading back towards the main part of the fair. <a data-passage="KA2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“This one right here,” I shout loud enough for those on the stage to hear, “this one is really shy.” “You really don’t want me to go up there,” Sydero says, but it’s too late, I had gained the attention of the man, and he points to Syd, encouraging her to come. “Come on, we’re all friends here. There’s no reason to be shy.” Sydero raises a brow and stands, snorting as she heads towards the stage, and the crowd cheers. “Do not get us kicked out of this place,” Rahim hisses right before she can get out of earshot. We watch with an amused smile as she joins the performers on stage. The speaker places a blade in her hand, and she begins to weigh it, lazily tossing it from one hand to another. “Now, be careful,” he warns, “these are real blades. We’re going to teach you –” He’s unable to finish his sentence as Sydero glances over at the target and, with hardly any work on her part, throws the knife. The crowd lets out an audible gasp as the tip sticks itself right into the bullseye. “Sorry, friend,” she laughs menacingly, “but I’m pretty sure I know what I’m doing.” “We’re going to get kicked out,” Rahim grumbles from beside me, burying his face into his hands. “Oh, do you now?” the performer laughs, “then how would you like to give these people a little show? A competition, whoever can get the most points in thirty seconds.” I take note of the way his voice seems to rise in pitch. He was attempting to stay in control, but he didn’t like being upstaged. “You’ll lose,” Syd sings, glancing over at us. Rahim shakes his head, motioning for her to decline, but she does nothing of the sort. “We’ll see about that.” The other performers leave, only to return a moment later with another target, bringing out a few more knives as well. <a data-passage="KA_Syd"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I nod, “I can actually agree with that. I say we do it, what do we have to lose?” “Time,” Rahim growls. “Patience,” Sydero states next. “Brain cells,” Zillah finishes. Bradley pats his shoulder as he walks past him and towards the teller’s tent, “well, it’s a good thing that Chris is holding onto your shared brain cell at the moment. So, you have nothing to worry about.” Zillah opens his mouth to utter a possible retort but closes it, grumbling something incoherently. The tent, though large, was unimpressive. Huge, obnoxious fairy lights are hung from the ceiling while garden lights are attached to the tent’s walls. Sticking close to the cliché teller décor, a sizeable bohemian style rug was lying on the ground with a collection of pillows strewn about it. A lone white-clothed table rests in the middle with a fortune teller’s ball. The woman sitting behind it appears bored, tapping the glass ball with her fingernail. She glances at us, doing a double-take and perking up. <a data-passage="FT1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“For all we know, she could be legit,” I start, jabbing my finger in Rahim’s and Sydero’s direction, “we literally have two witches with us right now. They’re not that rare.” “Excuse you,” Rahim barks, “half-witch.” “That’s what you’re worried about?” Sydero questions in an incredulous voice, “because it sounds like to me that $name is trying to call us a dime a dozen.” “I was trying to ignore that part,” he tells her, turning his attention to me, “not to mention that witches and seers are different.” “How much different can they be?” Amari wonders aloud. Chris shrugs, “a seer is just a prophet. Besides being able to look into the future, they don’t have the magical aptitude that witches do. In fact, seers are way rarer. Meaning whoever is inside is probably a fake.” “Aw, look who did their research,” Bradley coos, “it’s so cute. Now let’s go.” Bradley turns and leads the rest of us towards the tent. The tent, though large, was unimpressive. Huge, obnoxious fairy lights are hung from the ceiling while garden lights are attached to the tent’s walls. Sticking close to the cliché teller décor, a sizeable bohemian style rug was lying on the ground with a collection of pillows strewn about it. A lone white-clothed table rests in the middle with a fortune teller’s ball. The woman sitting behind it appears bored, tapping the glass ball with her fingernail. She glances at us, doing a double-take and perking up. <a data-passage="FT1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I shrug, “it seems like it’s a massive waste of time. We have other things we could do.” Rahim nods, “things that actually deserve our time.” “And patience,” Sydero grumbles. “You three are just party poopers,” Amari pouts. “The idea of pooping on parties is disgusting,” Zillah cuts in, “but make that four. The last thing I wish to do is go inside and listen to some nonsensical drivel.” “Well,” Bradley claps, giving the four of us a sarcastic smile, “you four can stay out here while the three of us go inside and listen and soak up all the shit that comes out of the teller’s mouth.” “Can we please get away from the poop talk,” Chris questions, scratching his head. Bradley makes his way towards the tent, Chris and Amari immediately moving to follow while the four of us linger. We exchange glances before finally moving forward. The tent, though large, was unimpressive. Huge, obnoxious fairy lights are hung from the ceiling while garden lights are attached to the tent’s walls. Sticking close to the cliché teller décor, a sizeable bohemian style rug was lying on the ground with a collection of pillows strewn about it. A lone white-clothed table rests in the middle with a fortune teller’s ball. The woman sitting behind it appears bored, tapping the glass ball with her fingernail. She glances at us, doing a double-take and perking up. <a data-passage="FT1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Now, aren’t you just an odd collection of souls.” “Yea, yea,” Rahim groans, “let’s get this over with. Rub the ball, say something that any of us could have predicted, and let us be on our way.” “A nephilim with no manners. I can’t say I’m surprised.” And with that, she has successfully captured all of our attention. “Oh, shit. Consider me interested,” Sydero smirks, grabbing one of the throw pillows and sitting on it. “So, what? Is this a con?” “Hardly,” she huffs, waving the thought away with her adorned hand, “it’s just that normal people are so easy to predict. Their fortunes are all the same. The hardest part is putting some mystery and flair to it to make them think they’re interesting or important. But you all,” she breathes in, “I can already tell that there will be no need to fake anything.” She points a finger at Chris and Bradley, “only two humans among you and even your futures are riddled with mystery and intrigue.” Rahim comes to stand beside me, “I really think we shouldn’t do this now.” He says this loud enough for only those closest to him to hear, meaning Chris and me. “Why? She’s not a fake,” Chris points out, and Rahim shakes his head, grimacing. “That’s the point. Her being fake, I can deal with that. Not happy or interested, but I’ll make it through. But she’s the real deal. The last thing we need is to know something that can possibly mess up our futures.” “You’d rather not have a warning?” I question. “Not this kind of warning. If I’m about to walk into something dangerous and someone warns me against it, fine. But this is me not knowing that such an event exists and being warned against it. When facing my future, I want to face it when it becomes present.” <a data-passage="FT2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I agree,” Zillah says, coming to our side. “You guys can stay, but I’m going to wait outside.” He doesn’t wait for any of us to agree or disagree, already making his way out of the tent. “What goes on in this tent stays here, okay?” Rahim says to us before leaving. Sydero stays where she is, an inquisitive look in her eye. Bradley and Chris also seem unlikely to move, their attention on the teller who patiently waits for us. Amari is the one who stands next, nervously scratching her arm. “I … I think I’ll wait outside too.” “What? But I thought you were interested.” “I was when I thought this would all just be fun. But maybe Rahim’s right. Maybe knowing the future is a bad idea.” She gives me a small smile, “I’ll be waiting outside.” [[Stay and hear the fortune. (This will lead to a Season Three sneak peek.)]] [[Leave and wait with the others.]]
I make no move to leave and give a nod to the fortune teller. “Now then. What would you like to know?” “We should probably all agree on the same thing,” Chris suggests, “I vote for classic future. I don’t really care about anything else.” <<if $int is "Chris">>\ “Oh, really?” I ask, leaning onto his shoulder, “you don’t care to hear about our possible romantic future.” “No, need,” he whispers into my ear, pressing a kiss there, “I don’t need a seer to tell me how much I love you and want to stay by your side.” “Alright, stop being disgusting,” Sydero says loudly, gazing at the seer, “I agree with the classic future.” <<elseif $int is "Sydero">>\ “Aw, and here I was hoping to get some kind of romantic fortune for Syd and me.” I reach over and bring Syd close to my side, nudging her as if expecting her to agree. “I’d rather a classic future telling,” she yawns, “I don’t think I need a seer to tell me how much I’m going to fuck your brains out later on.” The others clear their throats, and the seer, though she seems mildly uncomfortable, doesn’t look surprised. “You know, our relationship is more than just sex,” I joke. Sydero blushes but rolls her eyes, “I also don’t need her spoiling our next date. You know how I like those things to be unplanned and chaotic.” <<else>>\ “I’m good with that,” Sydero states. “Same,” Bradley and I both say. <</if>>\ The seer hums, ignoring the crystal ball in front of her as she stares off into the future. The air goes still, and I frown, watching as everyone begins to fade from my view. It starts out as a simple blur, voices heard in the distance. My perspective becomes more obscured until a totally new scene appears. <a data-passage="FT3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I sigh, seeing Rahim’s point as well. I turn to the others, “we’ll wait for you three outside.” They nod, and I leave, walking over to the other three and waiting patiently. It was sometime later that they finally leave the tent. Bradley’s face is pensive, and Chris looks disturbed, only Sydero shows no sign of being affected by whatever they saw or heard while inside. We don’t ask, and they don’t tell. <<if $visit is 5>>\ <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“Syd!” Rahim shouts, ripping his sword from the angel, his eyes alight in a fury, “what the hell was that?” “You handled it, did you not?” she asks, throwing her hand up dismissively. Her attention, once on the deceased angel before her, was now moving towards her brother. “We didn’t have to fight them.” She snorts and throws her head back, “oh, but those demons earlier, we had to fight them? Right? You think they would’ve listened to their nephilim prince? I’m betting they wouldn’t have given a shit about anything you had to say.” “Uh oh,” Bradley mumbles from beside me. “Will never know now,” Rahim shouts, finding himself standing right in front of her. The two of them stare each other down, an action that they’ve done dozens of times before. “You two really need to stop fighting,” Amari mumbles from her spot. “Ha!” Zillah snorts, “you’d have better luck trying to get Lucifer to apologize to Michael. Or werewolves and werecats agreeing to a truce. Shapeshifters and Skinwalkers putting their problems aside … witches and –” “Alright,” I growl, throwing Zillah a tired and annoyed look, “we get it.” “He has a point,” Chris adds in, “the chances of them getting along is slim. And without that, this team is going to stay divided. Period.” <a data-passage="FT4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Then,” Sydero states, capturing all of our attention, “there’s only one way to fix this.” She takes a step back, her eyes never leaving Rahim. “What are you talking about?” he asks, though there’s something about the way he says it that makes me assume he already had an idea. “It’s simple, really. I can’t stand you, and you can’t stand me, so we take out the most obvious factor.” He narrows his eyes, “you … you want us to split up?” We all grow quiet as our eyes land on Sydero. “We split up. Let’s be honest; this isn’t a team. We’re some bad joke, and no one gets the damn punchline.” “But –,” Amari starts, but Rahim interrupts her before she can say anything. “Fine. I agree.” And just like that, the two moves away from each other, leaving the rest of us in the middle. And it was apparent what was meant to come next. We would have to choose. <a data-passage="FT5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<playlist "theme" unloop fadeout>> <<audio "romance" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.45>> <<if $visit is 1>>\ The amount of activities to do were overwhelming. The others have long since gone and after some wandering around, still not sure what I want to do. I take a second look over the board once I return and take a look at the Forest of Love activity. It, in essence, was similar to the old Tunnel of Love rides. From what I was reading, I assume that the ride was through the woods instead of on the water. No doubt they had interwoven a few trite romantic themes in. It was only to be expected. I might as well try it out. <<else>>\ With a raised brow, I glance over the information regarding this Forest of Love attraction. It, in essence, was similar to the old Tunnel of Love rides. From what I was reading, I assume that the ride was through the woods instead of on the water. No doubt they had interwoven a few trite romantic themes in. It was only to be expected. I might as well try it out. <</if>>\ <<if $int is "Chris">>\ I bring out my phone and send a text to Chris, asking if he could meet me at the location. I make sure not to tell him exactly what was here, hoping to surprise him. He tells me he’s headed over, and I put my phone back up, walking over to the attraction myself. Like I had thought, the event was a scenic ride through the woods. There were carts on a track that took one deeper within, and from what the man working the attraction said, the entire ride was about thirty minutes. “Oh, shit!” Chris laughs, throwing his head back as his mirth dances through the air upon his approach, “they have one of these rides? Oh, $name, this has got to be the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for me.” “Whatever!” I groan with a playful smile, “so you want to ride it with me?” “Heck yea. Might as well get on the corniest ride here. The only thing that will make this better is if you allow me to talk like a pirate for the whole duration.” “Well, I guess this is one of those times where you take your small victories because there’s no way I’m sitting through this whole ride and listening to that.” “Arg-aww,” he says, drawing the sound out, “see what I did there? I took argh and aw and intermixed them.” Instead of responding, I groan loudly, grabbing him and yanking him into the ride. The cart was shaped like that of a hollowed-out tree trunk. The rest of the rides not getting too far from the forest themes either. The one behind us is a bowl-shaped squirrel, and behind that is a rosebud. <a data-passage="F_C1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $int is "Amari">>\ “Hiya!” Amari shouts behind me, causing my heart to pound as I jump a reasonable distance away. I had nothing but sympathy for those fools in horror movies who jump at everything. “Amari!” I shout, “why do you do that?” “I dunno,” she chuckles, “what are you doing next. I kind of ran out of things, and Sydero ran me away from the food area. Something about me wolfing down food, but I think she just wanted to use that pun.” “I was just looking at this Forest of Love activity. Are you up for it?” “Of course,” she says in excitement, grabbing hold of my hand and yanking me in a random direction, certainly not the way we needed to go. “Amari, wrong way.” She pauses and gives me a sheepish look, “maybe you should lead.” I snort and change the way our hands met before heading in the right direction. Once there, Amari runs straight to the next cart in line, a large rosebud that was predominantly red, but the tips were pink. “Have you ever ridden a roller coaster before?” I inquire as I follow behind her. I take a seat and nod a greeting to the ride technician who checks the ride. “Nope!” <a data-passage="F_A1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $int is "Sydero">>\ I bring out my phone and send a quick text to Sydero, asking where she was and what she was currently doing. She answers neither of the questions I ask but inquires why I was curious. Being just as mysterious, I decide not to text her the specifics. Just the place that she should meet me. I throw in a smirking and winking emoji for extra measure. With that done, I head over to the attraction. Like I had thought, the event was a scenic ride through the woods. There were carts on a track that took one deeper within, and from what the man working the attraction said, the entire ride was about thirty minutes. I didn’t have to wait long. A few minutes after I get there, I notice Syd approaching. “Roe, what is this?” she questions, motioning to the cart that was shaped liked a tree trunk. Her lips curl in disgust as she glances back at me. “Your chariot awaits, my lady,” I smirk, getting inside and then offering her my hand. She looks from the ride to me and then back, snorting in derision, “no. Hell no.” “Come on, Syd. Just one ride.” “You thought there was a chance I’d do this twice?!” she asks incredulously. <a data-passage="F_S1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $int is "Zillah">>\ I take out my phone to shoot a text to Zillah when I see him. Unsurprising, he seems lost, entirely confused about what he should be doing. “Hey Zillah,” I shout, checking where the event was at one more time before going to him. “Hmm?” he hums, yawning as he leans his weight onto me. “What were you doing just now?” “Just walking around, everything bores me.” “Does it really, or are you just bored right now?” He smirks and nods. “Well, I have an idea if you want to come along.” His eyes brighten at the sound of being able to chase his boredom away, and he agrees. I lead him over to the attraction, observing his face once he sees it. “No,” he says simply, turning on his heel and walking away. “Zillah!” I shout, lunging forward and grabbing his hand, pulling him closer. “No! That thing has wheels.” “Are you terrified of every little thing that has wheels?” In desperation, Zillah looks around until he spots the ride technician nearby. “Hey!” he shouts to him, “this ride. Does someone pull it, or does it function off of electricity?” I understood the question and the point he was trying to prove, but I really wished he had just asked me. <a data-passage="F_Z1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $int is "Rahim">>\ I’m looking over the advertisement for the ride when my phone vibrates in my pocket. Checking it, I see that I had a new text from Rahim, asking me to meet him at a specific location. I frown, recognizing the area but not knowing exactly why. With one last look at the flyer, I realize where I had seen it. He was asking me to meet him at the attraction. It would seem he was one step ahead of me. Instead of texting him back, I head over, finding him standing stiffly beside the ride, his phone in his hands. “Hey, Rah,” I greet, and he turns and nods to me, “you know. I was going to invite you to this very same ride. You beat me to it.” He doesn’t answer immediately, and when I look over at him, his eyes are on one of the carts, but it was evident that it just happened to be where his eyes were resting. “Rahim?” I question, this time nudging him. “Yea,” he answers, shaking his head, “happy you could come too. Want to get on?” I raise a brow but follow behind him. The cart was shaped like a leaf, but its sides were turned upwards to give it a bowl appearance. We get in as the ride technician comes by and checks everything. “Enjoy the ride,” he tells us before heading back up to the controls and pressing the button. The cart jerks forward, and just like that, we were running along the tracks and down the forest path. A variety of animal animatronics was set up outside the barrier, each of them depicting some kind of love scene. Thankfully, the music that plays is less than corny, not taking away from the general mood. <a data-passage="F_R1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<if $poly>>\ [[Ask Amari and Sydero to come. (Poly Sex Scene)]] [[Ask Bradley to come.]] <<else>>\ [[Ask Bradley to come.]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\
“You heard the rules, folks,” another performer says, a large smile on her face, “the person with the most points after thirty seconds will be deemed the winner. Let’s clap it up for them.” I suppose that even though this was an unplanned hindrance, it didn’t change the fact that they needed to put on a show for everyone in attendance. I at least had to give them credit there. They were fast on their feet. The competition starts with the sound of a blowhorn. The guy begins to grab blade after blade, hitting at least 80% of his shots. The problem with that was that most of them were hitting the outside of the bullseye. For every five he throws, only one hits it. Sydero, on the other hand, was doing an excellent job at hitting the mark over and over. For every five of her throws, three of them were hitting. The time is called, and though they call out scores, it was more than obvious who had won. The crowd cheers for her, whooping and hollering as Syd leaves the stage behind and returns to our side. <<if $int is "Sydero">>\ She pulls me close and bites her lip, “don’t I get a kiss for winning?” “You would really want that, wouldn’t you?” She hums as her eyes flicker down to my lips, her tongue wetting her own as a flash of desire appears in her eyes. [[Kiss her.->KA_SydKiss]] [[Don’t kiss her.->KA_NoSydKiss]] <<else>>\ “Good job, Syd,” I applaud, “though I think you lost that bet.” “Yea,” she chuckles, “but the look on that performer’s face made up for it. Let’s go.” She says to Rahim and me, “before $name gets me into more trouble.” She didn’t have to say anything more. We leave the area, walking side by side back towards the main part of the fair. <a data-passage="KA2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“Of course,” I whisper, placing my hand against her cheek as I draw her closer. Her lips meet mine, and I can tell she’s holding back. I can feel her want to devour me but remembering that there was a crowd watching us. She draws back just enough, coyly flicking her tongue across my bottom lip. “We need to pick this up later.” “I agree,” I hum in satisfaction. “Let’s get out of here,” Syd says to Rahim and me, “before $name gets me into more trouble.” She didn’t have to say anything more. We leave the area, walking side by side back towards the main part of the fair. <a data-passage="KA2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I lean in, placing my hand delicately against her cheek, “well, guess you’re going to lose something today after all.” The crowd ooh’s as I back away, and though I can see a flash of challenge appear in her eyes, she chuckles. “Seems like it.” She was incredibly docile, and I could only assume that it was due to those surrounding us. She would definitely bring this moment of rejection up later, and a nice little punishment would undoubtedly follow. “Let’s get out of here,” Syd says to Rahim and me, “before $name gets me into more trouble.” She didn’t have to say anything more. We leave the area, walking side by side back towards the main part of the fair. <a data-passage="KA2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Where did you guys even learn to throw daggers?” I ask out of curiosity. <<if $int is "Rahim">>Rahim doesn’t answer immediately, seeming to be far too busy with playing with my hand.<<else>>Rahim doesn’t answer, glancing over at Sydero to see if she would say anything.<</if>> Sydero glances at him and upon realizing he wouldn’t answer, shrugs. “Well, I learned on my own. Sitting bored with nothing to do, you start to form bad habits. One of those being the act of throwing a sharp object at drywall.” She mimics the action, “it’s all in the wrist.” Rahim scratches the back of his neck, refusing to look at either of us when he speaks, “Sydero, actually taught me.” She huffs with a cocky grin, “your big sister can teach you a few things.” “Oh, get off it. Big sister by a few seconds at most,” Rahim corrects. She leans over and rustles his hair in a way that I would almost dare call affectionate, “few seconds or not. Still older than you.” He swats her hand away and pushes her a few steps back, but both are smiling, albeit Rahim’s is an annoyed smirk while Sydero’s is cocky. [[“You two are cute.”]] [[“Sydero being older still gets me.”]] [[“Wait I wasn’t recording you guys!”]]
“You two are cute. You know that?” They both pause, glance at one another, and then back at me before saying in unison, “naw.” “Well, I’m cute,” Sydero snorts, “Rahim is just some busted up fraternal looking twin that wishes he could be me.” “Oh please, what part of you would I even wish for?” “My hair,” she smirks, and Rahim begins to answer before stopping. “I admit you do have great hair. But that’s all I’m willing to admit.” <<if $visit is 3>>\ “We should probably head over to the board for that tour,” Rahim points out, glancing at his watch, “before Bradley calls the three of us and decides to curse us out.” “You think he’ll give us some medieval tongue lashing?” Sydero laughs, “because if so, then I say we wait.” Not wishing to receive that, we head over, finding him and Chris standing there waiting patiently. A few minutes later, Zillah and Amari appear. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ “We should probably find Bradley for this final battle,” Rahim states, with a none too excited sigh. “Let’s get this over with.” Sydero says next. We shoot out a text and head to the area Bradley texts us. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “We should probably go see what else this fair has to offer,” Rahim points out, “or risk hearing Bradley’s mouth about how we didn’t take this vacation seriously.” <<if $int is "Sydero">>\ Sydero and I nod, but before I could go anywhere, she brings me in for a warm kiss. She cradles the side of my face gently as her tongue flicks against my lips. I part them to give her access, but she doesn’t take it. Instead, she softly bites down on my bottom lip and pulls on it, finally letting go a few seconds later. Her next kiss is to my neck before she releases me. “I’ll see you guys later,” she says, winking at me before going her own way. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $int is "Rahim">>\ Sydero and I nod, but before I could go anywhere, Rahim is at my side and pulling me close. His eyes take me in as if this was the first time he was seeing me today, one hand lightly trailing my arm and the other my cheek. “I’ll see you later,” he whispers, leaning in and placing a soft miss to my chin, the next to my lips. It was but a peck, and before he can pull away, I tangle my hands in his hair and bring him back. I deepen the kiss, getting lost in his smell and the feel of his lips. “I love you,” he whispers. [[“I love you too.”->KA_RahimLove]] [[Say nothing.->KA_RahimNoLove]] <<else>>\ Sydero and I nod, and with one last round of farewells, we all go our separate ways. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <</if>>
“You know,” I laugh, “Sydero being the older one between you two still gets me. You sure she didn’t lie to you, Rahim, and you just never questioned it?” Both of them pause, Rahim’s eyes widening as if I had just given him the last clue to a decade long puzzle for him. He turns towards Sydero, “you wouldn’t dare.” “You will never know,” she smirks, <<if $int is "Sydero">>she grabs me and pulls me close to her side, nipping at my jawline. “And you, you talk too much.”<<else>> playfully nudging me, “and you, you talk too much.”<</if>> <<if $visit is 3>>\ “We should probably head over to the board for that tour,” Rahim points out, glancing at his watch, “before Bradley calls the three of us and decides to curse us out.” “You think he’ll give us some medieval tongue lashing?” Sydero laughs, “because if so, then I say we wait.” Not wishing to receive that, we head over, finding him and Chris standing there waiting patiently. A few minutes later, Zillah and Amari appear. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ “We should probably find Bradley for this final battle,” Rahim states, with a none too excited sigh. “Let’s get this over with.” Sydero says next. We shoot out a text and head to the area Bradley texts us. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “We should probably go see what else this fair has to offer,” Rahim points out, “or risk hearing Bradley’s mouth about how we didn’t take this vacation seriously.” <<if $int is "Sydero">>\ Sydero and I nod, but before I could go anywhere, she brings me in for a warm kiss. She cradles the side of my face gently as her tongue flicks against my lips. I part them to give her access, but she doesn’t take it. Instead, she softly bites down on my bottom lip and pulls on it, finally letting go a few seconds later. Her next kiss is to my neck before she releases me. “I’ll see you guys later,” she says, winking at me before going her own way. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $int is "Rahim">>\ Sydero and I nod, but before I could go anywhere, Rahim is at my side and pulling me close. His eyes take me in as if this was the first time he was seeing me today, one hand lightly trailing my arm and the other my cheek. “I’ll see you later,” he whispers, leaning in and placing a soft miss to my chin, the next to my lips. It was but a peck, and before he can pull away, I tangle my hands in his hair and bring him back. I deepen the kiss, getting lost in his smell and the feel of his lips. “I love you,” he whispers. [[“I love you too.”->KA_RahimLove]] [[Say nothing.->KA_RahimNoLove]] <<else>>\ Sydero and I nod, and with one last round of farewells, we all go our separate ways. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <</if>>
“Wait,” I gasp, reaching into my pocket and pulling out my phone, “do that over. I wasn’t recording you guys.” “You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Rahim points out, and Sydero nods her head in agreement. “And now you two are agreeing on something. Why am I still not recording any of this?!” They both roll their eyes, but their smiles don’t vanish, and frankly, that’s the only thing I was concerned about. <<if $visit is 3>>\ “We should probably head over to the board for that tour,” Rahim points out, glancing at his watch, “before Bradley calls the three of us and decides to curse us out.” “You think he’ll give us some medieval tongue lashing?” Sydero laughs, “because if so, then I say we wait.” Not wishing to receive that, we head over, finding him and Chris standing there waiting patiently. A few minutes later, Zillah and Amari appear. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ “We should probably find Bradley for this final battle,” Rahim states, with a none too excited sigh. “Let’s get this over with.” Sydero says next. We shoot out a text and head to the area Bradley texts us. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “We should probably go see what else this fair has to offer,” Rahim points out, “or risk hearing Bradley’s mouth about how we didn’t take this vacation seriously.” <<if $int is "Sydero">>\ Sydero and I nod, but before I could go anywhere, she brings me in for a warm kiss. She cradles the side of my face gently as her tongue flicks against my lips. I part them to give her access, but she doesn’t take it. Instead, she softly bites down on my bottom lip and pulls on it, finally letting go a few seconds later. Her next kiss is to my neck before she releases me. “I’ll see you guys later,” she says, winking at me before going her own way. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $int is "Rahim">>\ Sydero and I nod, but before I could go anywhere, Rahim is at my side and pulling me close. His eyes take me in as if this was the first time he was seeing me today, one hand lightly trailing my arm and the other my cheek. “I’ll see you later,” he whispers, leaning in and placing a soft miss to my chin, the next to my lips. It was but a peck, and before he can pull away, I tangle my hands in his hair and bring him back. I deepen the kiss, getting lost in his smell and the feel of his lips. “I love you,” he whispers. [[“I love you too.”->KA_RahimLove]] [[Say nothing.->KA_RahimNoLove]] <<else>>\ Sydero and I nod, and with one last round of farewells, we all go our separate ways. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <</if>>
“I love you too,” I tell him as he gives me one last kiss on the forehead before letting me go and walking away. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I don’t say anything as he gives me one last kiss on the forehead before letting me go and walking away. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I don’t think I want any,” I tell them, “they’re cute, but I’m not the biggest animal person.” “That’s understandable,” Amari nods. I open my arms so that the puppy pawing at me can leap into them. It nestles into the crook of my arm and yawns, looking ready to fall asleep. I glance up, observing Amari and Zillah and how utterly at peace they look. Amari appears like she was listening to a bunch of babies babbling about random things, humming and nodding at certain periods while the puppy’s yip. Zillah seems like he had fallen in love, his eyes soft and a hint of golden residing in his eyes as he watches them play around him. “Do either of you want a family? Kids, I mean?” I question, gazing up from the pup. “I certainly do,” Amari answers immediately, “I’ve always wanted a family. Not a big one but maybe three or four children.” “That’s not a lot to you?” Zillah asks incredulously. “No, not really. You should see the sizes of some of the werewolves. For us, the bigger the family, the stronger the line. So, it was always encouraged to have as many pups as possible. The strength of the pack depended on it. Since I’m not with a pack, I can be a bit pickier.” “Not gonna lie, little wolf, I’m having a hard time picturing you as a mother,” Zillah snorts, and Amari shrugs, seeming unperturbed by his words as she runs her fingers through her pup’s fur. “I can’t see myself as a mother either, but I want to be one, and I’d like to think I’d be a good one.” <a data-passage="Z2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’d have to find one that I’m not allergic to.” “That sucks,” Amari pouts, “is it the fur?” “Yea. So, if I could find a hairless one, then I’ll probably be fine. Otherwise, I might just have to stick to reptiles and fish or something.” “That sounds like a …” Zillah pauses, attempting to find a suitable word but then shakes his head, “yea, I don’t like scales. You’ll have to see Sydero about that.” I open my arms so that the puppy pawing at me can leap into them. It nestles into the crook of my arm and yawns, looking ready to fall asleep. I glance up, observing Amari and Zillah and how utterly at peace they look. Amari appears like she was listening to a bunch of babies babbling about random things, humming and nodding at certain periods while the puppy’s yip. Zillah seems like he had fallen in love, his eyes soft and a hint of golden residing in his eyes as he watches them play around him. “Do either of you want a family? Kids, I mean?” I question, gazing up from the pup. “I certainly do,” Amari answers immediately, “I’ve always wanted a family. Not a big one but maybe three or four children.” “That’s not a lot to you?” Zillah asks incredulously. “No, not really. You should see the sizes of some of the werewolves. For us, the bigger the family, the stronger the line. So, it was always encouraged to have as many pups as possible. The strength of the pack depended on it. Since I’m not with a pack, I can be a bit pickier.” “Not gonna lie, little wolf, I’m having a hard time picturing you as a mother,” Zillah snorts, and Amari shrugs, seeming unperturbed by his words as she runs her fingers through her pup’s fur. “I can’t see myself as a mother either, but I want to be one, and I’d like to think I’d be a good one.” <a data-passage="Z2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I want a couple, nothing crazy, though. Enough that if I do want another, it would still be a decent number, and veterinarian bills won’t eat me out of house and home.” I open my arms so that the puppy pawing at me can leap into them. It nestles into the crook of my arm and yawns, looking ready to fall asleep. I glance up, observing Amari and Zillah and how utterly at peace they look. Amari appears like she was listening to a bunch of babies babbling about random things, humming and nodding at certain periods while the puppy’s yip. Zillah seems like he had fallen in love, his eyes soft and a hint of golden residing in his eyes as he watches them play around him. “Do either of you want a family? Kids, I mean?” I question, gazing up from the pup. “I certainly do,” Amari answers immediately, “I’ve always wanted a family. Not a big one but maybe three or four children.” “That’s not a lot to you?” Zillah asks incredulously. “No, not really. You should see the sizes of some of the werewolves. For us, the bigger the family, the stronger the line. So, it was always encouraged to have as many pups as possible. The strength of the pack depended on it. Since I’m not with a pack, I can be a bit pickier.” “Not gonna lie, little wolf, I’m having a hard time picturing you as a mother,” Zillah snorts, and Amari shrugs, seeming unperturbed by his words as she runs her fingers through her pup’s fur. “I can’t see myself as a mother either, but I want to be one, and I’d like to think I’d be a good one.” <a data-passage="Z2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’ll practically have an animal sanctuary if I get what I want. I have a weakness when it comes to animals, even more, when they have a sad story tagged on. I can’t help it.” “Same,” Amari admits, “I just can’t go to an animal shelter and see the sad faces and not do something when I can.” I open my arms so that the puppy pawing at me can leap into them. It nestles into the crook of my arm and yawns, looking ready to fall asleep. I glance up, observing Amari and Zillah and how utterly at peace they look. Amari appears like she was listening to a bunch of babies babbling about random things, humming and nodding at certain periods while the puppy’s yip. Zillah seems like he had fallen in love, his eyes soft and a hint of golden residing in his eyes as he watches them play around him. “Do either of you want a family? Kids, I mean?” I question, gazing up from the pup. “I certainly do,” Amari answers immediately, “I’ve always wanted a family. Not a big one but maybe three or four children.” “That’s not a lot to you?” Zillah asks incredulously. “No, not really. You should see the sizes of some of the werewolves. For us, the bigger the family, the stronger the line. So, it was always encouraged to have as many pups as possible. The strength of the pack depended on it. Since I’m not with a pack, I can be a bit pickier.” “Not gonna lie, little wolf, I’m having a hard time picturing you as a mother,” Zillah snorts, and Amari shrugs, seeming unperturbed by his words as she runs her fingers through her pup’s fur. “I can’t see myself as a mother either, but I want to be one, and I’d like to think I’d be a good one.” <a data-passage="Z2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Well,” Zillah smirks, lying back in the grass, which invites any pup and kitten not currently being pet to rush over to him, “I think I want a few kids. I’ll be a great father.” “How would you know?” “I don’t know,” he answers, “I just have a feeling. And I generally like kids better than other ages.” “Those kids will grow up,” I chuckle. “And maybe I’ll like them more by then,” he shrugs. [[“I don’t want any kids.”]] [[“I want one or two.”]] [[“I’d like a big family.”]] [[“It feels weird to even think about.”]]
“I don’t think I want any kids,” I tell them. “Like ever?” Amari ponders, “or just now?” “Who knows, maybe my thoughts will change later, but as of right now, I don’t want any at all.” <<if $int is "Zillah">>\ Zillah chuckles, “you must want me all to yourself, $name.” “How did you know?” I question, a teasing smile appearing, “I know how hard it is for you to multitask, so I thought I’d just make it easier for you.” Zillah’s smile vanishes as he throws me a glare that causes both Amari and I to laugh. <<elseif $int is "Amari">>\ “That’s not going to be a dealbreaker for you, right?” I ask Amari, whose eyes widen in shock. “Of course not. Well, not right now. Children at the moment are the last thing on my mind, so I’m fine with talking about it later.” I nod. <<else>>\ “Seems like the best course, especially with everything going on right now,” Zillah comments, and I agree, leaving it at that. <</if>>\ We move to the pygmy goats’ pen, and immediately their attention turns to us as they jump and charge us playfully. “I actually have no clues what these are,” Zillah states, moving out of the way just as one of them charges him. “Baby Pygmy Goats, they’re like dwarf goats, so they don’t get really any bigger than this.” “That sounds both horrible and cute.” <a data-passage="Z3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’d be fine with one or two. Nothing too crazy.” <<if $int is "Zillah">>\ Zillah trails a finger along my leg, “shame that we’d have to adopt. I’m really curious to see what our kids would look like.” He sighs and gazes at the sun with a contemplative look, “damn. They’d be amazing.” “Let’s say that it was possible,” I start, “how would that work, powers wise?” “They wouldn’t inherit mine but yours. Your powers trump mine.” <<else>>\ “That sounds like a reasonable number,” Amari tells me, “wouldn’t have to worry about running around too much but still get a pretty interesting experience.” “Unless they’re twins, then it’s a lot of running around.” “True. But twins are adorable.” <</if>>\ We move to the pygmy goats’ pen, and immediately their attention turns to us as they jump and charge us playfully. “I actually have no clues what these are,” Zillah states, moving out of the way just as one of them charges him. “Baby Pygmy Goats, they’re like dwarf goats, so they don’t get really any bigger than this.” “That sounds both horrible and cute.” <a data-passage="Z3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I think I’d like a big family. I’m from a small one, so I’ve always been more interested in having a few kids. That way, they have their siblings to rely on and play with. Growing up an only child has its perks, but I think having siblings would be far better.” <<if $int is "Amari">>\ “They are,” Amari reassures, “I mean, of course, there are some downfalls, but I personally think siblings are great.” Her smile softens as she regards me, “I’m really happy that we have the same future wants.” I lean over and take Amari’s hand in mine, placing a warm and soft kiss on her hand. “Me too.” <<else>>\ “I wouldn’t know,” Zillah comments and then looks over at Amari, “how about it? Is a big family worth it?” Amari shrugs, “sometimes it is. You always have someone to play with, and you never have to worry about being lonely. But then you also have to learn to share, and unless you’re a favorite, you don’t receive as much attention as you should sometimes. It’s a give and take, really.” “Which were you?” I question. “I got into trouble here and there, mostly because I could never focus or sit still. Otherwise, I was a good kid.” <</if>>\ We move to the pygmy goats’ pen, and immediately their attention turns to us as they jump and charge us playfully. “I actually have no clues what these are,” Zillah states, moving out of the way just as one of them charges him. “Baby Pygmy Goats, they’re like dwarf goats, so they don’t get really any bigger than this.” “That sounds both horrible and cute.” <a data-passage="Z3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“With all the stuff going on right now, thinking about having kids with someone seems a bit weird to think about.” <<if $int is "Zillah">>\ “What do you mean, someone?” Zillah questions, lifting his head just enough to give me a look, “just say me.” “Someone’s highly confident that they’re endgame.” “Have you seen me?” he snorts, “I’m everyone’s endgame.” I roll my eyes and chuckle. <<elseif $int is "Amari">>\ Amari catches my eye and blushes, her eyes drifting to the soft grass as she seems to get carried away in her own mind. “And what are you thinking about over there?” I question, far too interested in that smile of hers not to ask. “I think you’ll make a great parent,” she snickers, “I can just see you teaching our kids how to be strong and to always be themselves.” “Our kids?” I tease, and upon her cheeks, a bright blush blossoms. <<else>>\ “If I had a drink, then I’d drink to that,” Zillah says. “Yea. We still have a ways to go, huh?” Amari sighs wistfully. <</if>>\ We move to the pygmy goats’ pen, and immediately their attention turns to us as they jump and charge us playfully. “I actually have no clues what these are,” Zillah states, moving out of the way just as one of them charges him. “Baby Pygmy Goats, they’re like dwarf goats, so they don’t get really any bigger than this.” “That sounds both horrible and cute.” <a data-passage="Z3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $int is "Zillah">>\ I laugh as one of the goats jump off of an upside-down barrel and headbutts me in the back. I stumble forward right into Zillah’s side. Without even a second thought, he wraps his arm around my waist and brings me closer, placing his chin on my shoulder. “You just can’t stand to be away from me, huh?” “I was literally pushed into you,” I laugh, “these goats are kind of feisty.” We watch as they chase each other around, jumping into the air and bleating at one another as they go. “Sounds like a bunch of excuses,” he chuckles, “just admit you want me. No one can blame you.” “Your head must hurt from thinking so highly of yourself.” “Not anymore. I solved that problem centuries ago,” he jokes. <<elseif $int is "Amari">>\ I laugh as one of the goats jump off of an upside-down barrel and headbutts me in the back. I stumble forward right into Amari’s arms. “Caught you,” she says cheerfully, “are you okay?” “Yea, these goats are just feisty,” I say, straightening up and moving out of her arms. I think better of it and wrap one of my arms around her, pulling her close. She snuggles into my embrace, humming to herself as she runs her finger up and down my back. <</if>>\ We sit, watching as the goats play around us in content silence. “I love this!” Amari laughs as she sits beside us, “just you, me, and Zillah and the most adorable baby animals ever.” “I suppose it’s cute,” Zillah admits, just as one of the goats headbutt his leg, bleating as it shakes off the attack and gets ready to do it again. “Okay, it’s fucking adorable. I admit that.” We laugh, continuing to play with the baby animals until it’s time to check out the other events. Well, it was more because other people wanted a turn, and we were hogging up the two pens, the animals all attracted to Amari and paying hardly any attention to anyone else. <<if $visit is 5>>\ It was time for the battle and the three of us decide to walk to the battle area. On the way I do my best to explain what to expect, seeing that neither of them knew anything about LARPing. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ It was time for the tour and the three of us decide to walk back to the board together. We speak about what to expect and how long it would last, Amari didn’t seem as interested as Zillah did. Upon getting there, we see Bradley waiting patiently. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<playlist "theme" unloop fadeout>> <<audio "opening" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.45>> I didn’t really know what this tour would be about, but I suppose I was interested in seeing what it would hold. We follow an excited Bradley over to the parking lot where a charter bus sits, a cheerful tour guide stopping us from boarding. “Hi!” she practically shouts. Chris blinks a few times, and Sydero scratches her ear, glaring at the woman. “My name is Zira, and I’ll be your tour guide for this magical adventure.” “I didn’t think I’d ever say this,” Rahim comments, “but I want to go back to the fair.” Amari tugs on my shirt, “she’s scaring me.” “Yea, she’s scaring us all.” “Come. Come,” she blurts, turning and skipping onto the bus. We all stand and watch as she disappears, and in silent agreement, we turn on our heels and head towards another bus. “No, no, no,” she shrieks, “you have to get on this bus, you silly rabbits.” We stare after her with a large grimace. [[“Bradley. I want another tour guide.”]] [[“She’s kinda perky.”]]
<<playlist "theme" unloop fadeout>> <<audio "battle" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.45>> The time had come—the final battle upon us. I stand next to the others, struggling to figure out how this was supposed to go. Apparently, not including us, there were five other groups of varying sizes. The first to retrieve the flag in the middle of the ‘battlefield’ and then bring it back to their domain was the winner. Either that or the last group standing. “So,” one of the volunteers asks, placing his hands on his hips, “let’s see who was listening. If someone shouts hold or pause, what does it mean?” Bradley’s hand shoots up, but he doesn’t wait to be called, immediately answering, “it means the game needs to be stopped for a moment to allow a problem to be rectified. The game doesn’t start back up until the person causes an un-pause or a game coordinator starts it back up.” “Yes. What’s an invalid hit?” Again, Bradley, “a hit to someone’s head, groin, neck or breasts. It can also be a hard hit. Accidents happen, but too many will get you thrown out.” “Teacher’s pet,” Sydero mumbles, causing Zillah and Chris to chuckle. “How should you hit others?” [[Let Bradley answer.]] [[Answer myself.]]
I walk around, looking for something to do. I would be fine with anything that looked even mildly entertaining. I pass by a row of stalls, each holding different items. One stall has an assortment of jewelry, another with a few items and charms in the shape of potions and elixirs. Another seems to be a LARP’ing paradise, filled with costumes and weapons to match. I travel further and see one that sells hand-made mugs, some with custom sayings and others with quotes and symbols from well-known movies and shows. I stop by to look over the mugs when I catch a familiar sight. Leaning to look past the stall, I see Chris and Bradley standing together, their backs to me. I immediately head their way, curious to learn about what they were up to. “Hey, you two,” I greet, and they both turn to look at me. “How’s the fair going?” Bradley questions. “So far so good. Can’t complain about anything, you know?” He nods and turns his attention back to the slightly raised stage where three people sit. “What’s going on?” <a data-passage="E1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I stop in my tracks when my phone vibrates. There was a text from Bradley saying, ‘Quiz tent. Now.’ I raise a brow, not understanding why he thought any of us would just know what he was talking about, but a second later, he sends a follow up explaining where to find it. I make my way in that direction, wondering what this Quiz Tent was all about. If it was some trivia about medieval and renaissance times, then I wasn’t so sure about how I would do. I hadn’t really studied. I make it there and find everyone else crowded around Bradley. “What’s this?” I ask. “It’s the Quiz Tent,” he says as if that much wasn’t clear. “If this is trivia and we’re not all on the same team,” Rahim comments, “then I want Chris.” Chris cracks his neck, “worthless trivia facts have prepared me for this moment. Prepare to fight over me.” Sydero pushes him out of the way with a roll of her eyes, “if this is trivia, then I’m walking away.” “It’s not,” Bradley quickly corrects, “it’s actually a ‘how well do you know your friends’ kind of quiz.” [[“That sounds fun.”]] [[“I instantly lost.”]] [[“This will be interesting.”]]
“Maybe you can ask to pet them after the show is done. Now might be a terrible time to see.” “Yea,” she chuckles, “I’ll be fine regardless, but I do want to at least ask.” The sight of a man walking up to a platform causes her attention to shift. “Are you guys ready to see some good ol’ fashioned jousting?” he shouts, and the crowd cheers in anticipation. I clap, hardly listening to him as he continues to rile up the audience for the upcoming show. I glance between the two riders, both of them don silver armor while one of the horses has a red caparison and the other a blue. Suddenly Amari says, “that would be an awesome date.” She doesn’t notice the odd looks that both Rahim and I give her, “so romantic.” “What would?” Rahim questions before I can. “Riding horses. You know, like going on a ride through the fields for a picnic or a ride along the beach. It’s perfect, don’t you think?” “It sounds too,” he starts, frowning as he thinks, “cliché?” He says the word in more of a question and glances at me. [[“I think it sounds perfect.”]] [[“I know what you mean.”]] [[“It just sounds boring to me.”]]
“They probably have a really nice farm to go home to. Green pastures and tons of horse friends that are just waiting to hear all about their show.” This seems to cause Amari to perk up even more in happiness. “That’s so cute,” she coos. The sight of a man walking up to a platform causes her attention to shift. “Are you guys ready to see some good ol’ fashioned jousting?” he shouts, and the crowd cheers in anticipation. I clap, hardly listening to him as he continues to rile up the audience for the upcoming show. I glance between the two riders, both of them don silver armor while one of the horses has a red caparison and the other a blue. Suddenly Amari says, “that would be an awesome date.” She doesn’t notice the odd looks that both Rahim and I give her, “so romantic.” “What would?” Rahim questions before I can. “Riding horses. You know, like going on a ride through the fields for a picnic or a ride along the beach. It’s perfect, don’t you think?” “It sounds too,” he starts, frowning as he thinks, “cliché?” He says the word in more of a question and glances at me. [[“I think it sounds perfect.”]] [[“I know what you mean.”]] [[“It just sounds boring to me.”]]
“Be excited if you want, Amari. We’re here to have fun, not berate you.” Rahim nods in agreement, and though Amari seems to calm down, she smiles gratefully. Her calm aura lasts for all of five seconds before she perks up again. Her eyes widen as a man on a platform stands and speak to the crowd. “Are you guys ready to see some good ol’ fashioned jousting?” he shouts, and the crowd cheers in anticipation. I clap, hardly listening to him as he continues to rile up the audience for the upcoming show. I glance between the two riders, both of them don silver armor while one of the horses has a red caparison and the other a blue. Suddenly Amari says, “that would be an awesome date.” She doesn’t notice the odd looks that both Rahim and I give her, “so romantic.” “What would?” Rahim questions before I can. “Riding horses. You know, like going on a ride through the fields for a picnic or a ride along the beach. It’s perfect, don’t you think?” “It sounds too,” he starts, frowning as he thinks, “cliché?” He says the word in more of a question and glances at me. [[“I think it sounds perfect.”]] [[“I know what you mean.”]] [[“It just sounds boring to me.”]]
“Didn’t we tell you not to apologize about that? It’s you, Amari. Don’t apologize for being yourself.” Rahim nods in agreement, and though Amari seems to calm down, she smiles gratefully. Her calm aura lasts for all of five seconds before she perks up again. Her eyes widen as a man on a platform stands and speak to the crowd. “Are you guys ready to see some good ol’ fashioned jousting?” he shouts, and the crowd cheers in anticipation. I clap, hardly listening to him as he continues to rile up the audience for the upcoming show. I glance between the two riders, both of them don silver armor while one of the horses has a red caparison and the other a blue. Suddenly Amari says, “that would be an awesome date.” She doesn’t notice the odd looks that both Rahim and I give her, “so romantic.” “What would?” Rahim questions before I can. “Riding horses. You know, like going on a ride through the fields for a picnic or a ride along the beach. It’s perfect, don’t you think?” “It sounds too,” he starts, frowning as he thinks, “cliché?” He says the word in more of a question and glances at me. [[“I think it sounds perfect.”]] [[“I know what you mean.”]] [[“It just sounds boring to me.”]]
“Just take it down a notch,” I warn, “we really don’t need you shifting out of excitement.” “I know,” she sighs, deflating just a bit, but the sound of a whinny seems to erase everything that had just happened. She perks up once again, eyes wide as a man on a platform stands and speaks to the crowd. “Are you guys ready to see some good ol’ fashioned jousting?” he shouts, and the crowd cheers in anticipation. I clap, hardly listening to him as he continues to rile up the audience for the upcoming show. I glance between the two riders, both of them don silver armor while one of the horses has a red caparison and the other a blue. Suddenly Amari says, “that would be an awesome date.” She doesn’t notice the odd looks that both Rahim and I give her, “so romantic.” “What would?” Rahim questions before I can. “Riding horses. You know, like going on a ride through the fields for a picnic or a ride along the beach. It’s perfect, don’t you think?” “It sounds too,” he starts, frowning as he thinks, “cliché?” He says the word in more of a question and glances at me. [[“I think it sounds perfect.”]] [[“I know what you mean.”]] [[“It just sounds boring to me.”]]
“I think it sounds perfect. Enjoyable, relaxing, and definitely intimate.” Amari perks up at my words, “doesn’t it? All during the sunrise.” “Sunrise?” Her smile is gentle as she cocks her head slightly to the side, “I think sunrises are better. The colors are amazing and so soft but so bold.” <<if $int is "Rahim">>\ “You think that’s a good date?” Rahim asks me, his eyes sweeping across my face as if trying to find something more specific. “I do. It sounds romantic and not some boring everyday idea.” He hums, looking away with a frown. I clear my throat, “what about you, then? What’s your idea of a perfect date, Rahim?” <<else>>\ “I agree with you only on that,” Rahim chuckles, “I do think a sunrise is more worthwhile than a sunset.” Amari rests her elbow on my thigh as she leans towards Rahim, “so what’s your idea of a perfect date then?” <</if>>\ Rahim is quiet, watching as the two riders prance up and down the field, waving to the crowd. “I’d want something intimate, but … not that. Maybe taking a cooking or painting class. Something creative and engaging.” “That sounds cute,” Amari says, though the way she words and says the sentence makes it evident that she wouldn’t be a fan of such a date. “How about you, $name?” [[“Something like what you said. Creative and engaging.”]] [[“Engaging but intelligent is more of my speed.”]] [[“Wild and crazy. No time to breathe or think.”]] [[“Just something fun.”]] [[“Something super romantic and intimate.”]]
“I think I know what you mean. I don’t know if I’d say cliché, but it sounds more like a fantasy or a bedtime story than anything else.” Rahim nods, “exactly. And though there’s nothing wrong with that, I guess it sounds too fake … for me.” He frowns, still appearing like he didn’t exactly like the word he used. I pat his back and chuckle, “stop while you’re ahead.” Amari rests her elbow on my thigh as she leans towards Rahim, “so what’s your idea of a perfect date then?” Rahim is quiet, watching as the two riders prance up and down the field, waving to the crowd. “I’d want something intimate, but … not that. Maybe taking a cooking or painting class. Something creative and engaging.” “That sounds cute,” Amari says, though the way she words and says the sentence makes it evident that she wouldn’t be a fan of such a date. “How about you, $name?” [[“Something like what you said. Creative and engaging.”]] [[“Engaging but intelligent is more of my speed.”]] [[“Wild and crazy. No time to breathe or think.”]] [[“Just something fun.”]] [[“Something super romantic and intimate.”]]
“I don’t really know what word would fit; I just know that it sounds boring to me.” “How is that boring?” Amari questions with a frown. “There’s nothing wrong with you liking it. I just wouldn’t enjoy something like that. It’s not exciting to me.” <<if $int is "Amari">>\ Amari gazes up at me, “does it really sound that boring to you?” The way she says it makes it feel like something was squeezing my heart. “We can still do it.” “No,” she immediately says, “not if you don’t like it.” I gently caress her chin and then urge her to look up at me, “Amari. As long as you’re there, then I’ll be fine. We can do that and do something I like.” She doesn’t cheer up like I expect, but she does give me a genuine smile, nodding. She shifts her attention over to Rahim, “what’s your idea of a perfect date then?” <<else>>\ “Alright, then what’s your idea of a perfect date?” <</if>>\ Rahim is quiet, watching as the two riders prance up and down the field, waving to the crowd. “I’d want something intimate, but … not that. Maybe taking a cooking or painting class. Something creative and engaging.” “That sounds cute,” Amari says, though the way she words and says the sentence makes it evident that she wouldn’t be a fan of such a date. “How about you, $name?” [[“Something like what you said. Creative and engaging.”]] [[“Engaging but intelligent is more of my speed.”]] [[“Wild and crazy. No time to breathe or think.”]] [[“Just something fun.”]] [[“Something super romantic and intimate.”]]
“Something like what you said, actually. I love creative and engaging dates. Imagine doing a painting class, and then whatever you make, you bring home and put on your wall. There’s something special about that. Or cooking something and then feeding your partner.” I smile widely, imagining it. <<if $int is "Rahim">>\ Rahim grabs my hands and lightly kisses my fingertips, “then I know exactly what we’re doing on our next date.” “I can’t wait,” I grin, giving him a quick kiss. <</if>>\ “It’s starting!” Amari shouts in excitement. The riders were done with practicing and were now lining up on separate sides of the barrier when a horn blows. And just like that, they charge towards one another, spurring their horses to pick up speed while they begin to drop their lances. The sound of something slamming against metal is heard, and both of the rider’s lances break. Both of them feeling the impact as they shift to the side, attempting to straighten themselves back up. They do it again, this time, the lances don’t break, but the blue rider seems to have taken the impact far more than his opponent. “This looks like it hurt,” Amari points out, frowning as if this wasn’t what she expected. <a data-passage="J1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I agree with the engaging part, but I think I’d want something more intelligent. Maybe going to a planetarium or a museum. Or even some historical site.” <<if $int is "Zillah">>\ “Zillah likes the same things,” Amari points out, “have you guys ever been on one?” “We went on a hike together, which he did not like, but it had enough facts along the way that I think he at least enjoyed some of it.” She nods, “you guys should definitely set something up.” <</if>>\ “I do believe the show is about to start,” Rahim says, nodding to the field. The riders were done with practicing and were now lining up on separate sides of the barrier when a horn blows. And just like that, they charge towards one another, spurring their horses to pick up speed while they begin to drop their lances. The sound of something slamming against metal is heard, and both of the rider’s lances break. Both of them feeling the impact as they shift to the side, attempting to straighten themselves back up. They do it again, this time, the lances don’t break, but the blue rider seems to have taken the impact far more than his opponent. “This looks like it hurt,” Amari points out, frowning as if this wasn’t what she expected. <a data-passage="J1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Something wild and crazy. The type of date that leaves you breathless, and even then, you still can’t stop because it’s not over. You can’t predict anything that’s going to happen.” “That sounds dangerous,” Amari laughs, and I shrug. <<if $int is "Sydero">>\ Rahim inserts, “it’s a good thing you’re with Sydero. I’m sure all of your dates are like that.” “Seeing that we ruined an entire restaurant one time … yea, I’d say so.” He shakes his head but doesn’t comment. It wasn’t like he was surprised. <</if>>\ “It’s starting!” Amari shouts in excitement. The riders were done with practicing and were now lining up on separate sides of the barrier when a horn blows. And just like that, they charge towards one another, spurring their horses to pick up speed while they begin to drop their lances. The sound of something slamming against metal is heard, and both of the rider’s lances break. Both of them feeling the impact as they shift to the side, attempting to straighten themselves back up. They do it again, this time, the lances don’t break, but the blue rider seems to have taken the impact far more than his opponent. “This looks like it hurt,” Amari points out, frowning as if this wasn’t what she expected. <a data-passage="J1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I think my thoughts of a good date is just something fun. Even if it’s something normal, like a movie and then dinner. Maybe going to the arcade or roller skating. Or even going to a theme park.” <<if $int is "Chris">>\ “Sounds like a Chris kind of date,” Rahim remarks, and I nod. We had been on tons of dates just like that. At first, I thought that he had sacrificed his own fun for me, but it didn’t take long to realize that he was having just as much fun as I was. There was never a dull moment, and by the end of all the dates, my cheeks were burning from laughing too much. <</if>>\ “It’s starting!” Amari shouts in excitement. The riders were done with practicing and were now lining up on separate sides of the barrier when a horn blows. And just like that, they charge towards one another, spurring their horses to pick up speed while they begin to drop their lances. The sound of something slamming against metal is heard, and both of the rider’s lances break. Both of them feeling the impact as they shift to the side, attempting to straighten themselves back up. They do it again, this time, the lances don’t break, but the blue rider seems to have taken the impact far more than his opponent. “This looks like it hurt,” Amari points out, frowning as if this wasn’t what she expected. <a data-passage="J1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Something intimate. A picnic or just watching the stars. Could even go dancing or go up on a hot air balloon. I just like the dates that are filled to the brim with romance.” <<if $int is "Amari">>\ Amari rests her head on my knee, “right. All those were really good ideas; we should do one.” I run my fingers through her hair, “the question is, which one should we do first?” “The dancing. I can’t dance, but I love it. And I won’t feel so embarrassed if you’re there with me.” “Then we can embarrass ourselves together on our next date,” I chuckle, kissing her head. <</if>>\ “I do believe the show is about to start,” Rahim says, nodding to the field. The riders were done with practicing and were now lining up on separate sides of the barrier when a horn blows. And just like that, they charge towards one another, spurring their horses to pick up speed while they begin to drop their lances. The sound of something slamming against metal is heard, and both of the rider’s lances break. Both of them feeling the impact as they shift to the side, attempting to straighten themselves back up. They do it again, this time, the lances don’t break, but the blue rider seems to have taken the impact far more than his opponent. “This looks like it hurt,” Amari points out, frowning as if this wasn’t what she expected. <a data-passage="J1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’m struggling to figure out how points are given,” Rahim states, “is it whoever hits that large shoulder plate on the armor?” I shrug, not knowing myself. This continues, the most exciting thing being when the lance’s break. “One final pass, folks,” the announcer shouts. I was shocked they had that many lances on standby. “Who’s ready?” The crowd roars. The two opponents get ready and then charge for the final time. No lances break, but the blue rider falls off his horse, causing the crowd to cry in approval. A few people rush over to him, but he gets up, albeit slowly and with a dazed stumble. Amari sighs, a pensive look on her face, “this isn’t what I expected.” “What were you expecting?” I question, rising as the show came to an end. “More yeehaw and less … clanging.” Rahim and I chuckle, motioning for her to follow us as we leave the seating and head back towards the fair's central area. Along the way, we try and explain to her what jousting was, but it was clear that she was far more interested in … well, everything else. <<if $visit is 5>>\ Instead of departing to go and venture the fair more we head to a large field where the final battle would be had. It was time. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ Instead of departing to go and venture the fair more we head to the board to meet up with Bradley and the rest of the gang. It was time for the tour. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“A food eating competition,” Chris informs, “Bradley is thinking about joining.” “Yea, but then there’s that feast later.” “The feast that’s not exactly promised to us, you mean?” “No one likes a downer, Christopher.” “Well,” Chris chuckles, “try not to get your hopes up either, sport.” He ruffles the teenage boy’s hair, earning a punch to the ribcage for it. “I say join in. Worst case scenario is you lose and don’t have to worry about not having room for the feast,” I tell him, and he turns his sharp narrow gaze on me. “I don’t plan on losing, $name.” I raise my hands in surrender. Sydero really rubbed off on the boy, maybe a little too much … or perhaps it was the other way around … “Be honest with me you two. What are my chances of winning that competition up there?” [[“High.”]] [[“No comment.”]] [[“Low.”]]
“High. You’re young and fit, and you obviously want it, so you have the motivation and determination part already.” Bradley smiles in gratitude, but he turns his attention to Chris. Chris scratches at the stubble along his jaw, “honestly, not high. You don’t eat much, so your body probably won’t be used to this.” “What would you know about bodies and how they digest food?” “Well, not much, but I was an athlete. Eating well and knowing our bodies were needed to keep in shape. Do you even know what kind of metabolism you have?” “A good one!” “There’s no good or bad metabolism,” he sighs, “just ways to boost it and diets to get on.” “Ugh, why did I even ask you? Your metabolism probably sucks complete ass. But I can show you better than I could ever tell you. I have a strategy.” Chris rolls his eyes and states, “there really is no reason to be rude. And for your information, I’m a master at eating food fast. Consider me not going up there lucky on your part. I wouldn’t want to embarrass the poor baby.” I groan, knowing precisely what was about to happen next. Those were fighting words. “Oh, you are so on,” Bradley shouts, turning away from him and heading right up to the stage and plopping himself down in one of the seats. He stares daggers at Chris, daring him to come up. [[“Well, what are you waiting for?”]] [[“You really don’t have to do this.”]] [[“This is going to end horribly.”]]
“I’m not looking to get screamed at for undermining you, so I’ll just go with no comment and call it a day.” Bradley looks ready to hit me for that statement alone, but he turns his attention to Chris. Chris scratches at the stubble along his jaw, “honestly, not high. You don’t eat much, so your body probably won’t be used to this.” “What would you know about bodies and how they digest food?” “Well, not much, but I was an athlete. Eating well and knowing our bodies were needed to keep in shape. Do you even know what kind of metabolism you have?” “A good one!” “There’s no good or bad metabolism,” he sighs, “just ways to boost it and diets to get on.” “Ugh, why did I even ask you? Your metabolism probably sucks complete ass. But I can show you better than I could ever tell you. I have a strategy.” Chris rolls his eyes and states, “there really is no reason to be rude. And for your information, I’m a master at eating food fast. Consider me not going up there lucky on your part. I wouldn’t want to embarrass the poor baby.” I groan, knowing precisely what was about to happen next. Those were fighting words. “Oh, you are so on,” Bradley shouts, turning away from him and heading right up to the stage and plopping himself down in one of the seats. He stares daggers at Chris, daring him to come up. [[“Well, what are you waiting for?”]] [[“You really don’t have to do this.”]] [[“This is going to end horribly.”]]
“Pretty low. This isn’t some competition that you can just walk into unprepared. Not to mention that you live off of energy drinks. Is your stomach even ready for something like this?” Bradley looks ready to hit me for that statement alone, but he turns his attention to Chris. Chris scratches at the stubble along his jaw, “honestly, not high. You don’t eat much, so your body probably won’t be used to this.” “What would you know about bodies and how they digest food?” “Well, not much, but I was an athlete. Eating well and knowing our bodies were needed to keep in shape. Do you even know what kind of metabolism you have?” “A good one!” “There’s no good or bad metabolism,” he sighs, “just ways to boost it and diets to get on.” “Ugh, why did I even ask you? Your metabolism probably sucks complete ass. But I can show you better than I could ever tell you. I have a strategy.” Chris rolls his eyes and states, “there really is no reason to be rude. And for your information, I’m a master at eating food fast. Consider me not going up there lucky on your part. I wouldn’t want to embarrass the poor baby.” I groan, knowing precisely what was about to happen next. Those were fighting words. “Oh, you are so on,” Bradley shouts, turning away from him and heading right up to the stage and plopping himself down in one of the seats. He stares daggers at Chris, daring him to come up. [[“Well, what are you waiting for?”]] [[“You really don’t have to do this.”]] [[“This is going to end horribly.”]]
Well, what are you waiting for? Get up there and show him what the Chris can do.” “When you say it like that, I feel like I’m in some kind of weird cult.” “If the Kyles of the world can have one, why not the Chris’s?” <<if $int is "Chris">>\ He taps his cheek, “how about a kiss for good luck, babe?” I lean in to deliver one when, at the last minute, he turns his face so that our lips meet. He wraps his arms around me and drags me closer, pressing deeper. “Don’t have all day, Christopher! You can make out with $name later.” Bradley shouts, and a few people turn to look our way. “I’m going to have so much fun destroying him,” he mumbles as he pulls back, placing a warm smile on his face as he heads up to the stage. <<else>>\ “Wish me luck?” Chris questions, cocking his head towards me. “You’ll need it, so luck.” “Chop chop, Christopher, we don’t have all day,” Bradley shouts, and a few people turn to look our way. “I’m going to have so much fun destroying him,” he mumbles, placing a warm smile on his face as he heads up to the stage. <</if>>\ I get closer to watch and take a seat in one of the available places for the crowd. I knew exactly how this would go, horribly. The volunteers for the event place the plates of hotdogs in front of the five competitors along with a large plastic cup filled with water. <a data-passage="E2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You really don’t have to do this. You know Bradley is just very competitive, and sometimes he doesn’t know what he’s saying.” “Oh, and that’s where you’re wrong,” Chris chuckles darkly, “he knows exactly what he’s saying, just none of us ever choose to call him out. Well, that ends today.” <<if $int is "Chris">>\ He taps his cheek, “how about a kiss for good luck, babe?” I lean in to deliver one when, at the last minute, he turns his face so that our lips meet. He wraps his arms around me and drags me closer, pressing deeper. “Don’t have all day, Christopher! You can make out with $name later.” Bradley shouts, and a few people turn to look our way. “I’m going to have so much fun destroying him,” he mumbles as he pulls back, placing a warm smile on his face as he heads up to the stage. <<else>>\ “Wish me luck?” Chris questions, cocking his head towards me. “You’ll need it, so luck.” “Chop chop, Christopher, we don’t have all day,” Bradley shouts, and a few people turn to look our way. “I’m going to have so much fun destroying him,” he mumbles, placing a warm smile on his face as he heads up to the stage. <</if>>\ I get closer to watch and take a seat in one of the available places for the crowd. I knew exactly how this would go, horribly. The volunteers for the event place the plates of hotdogs in front of the five competitors along with a large plastic cup filled with water. <a data-passage="E2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“This is going to end horribly, isn’t it?” “Naw,” Chris answers, stretching his back, “just a friendly competition.” I raise a brow and glance from his face to Bradley’s. There was nothing friendly about either of their expressions. <<if $int is "Chris">>\ He taps his cheek, “how about a kiss for good luck, babe?” I lean in to deliver one when, at the last minute, he turns his face so that our lips meet. He wraps his arms around me and drags me closer, pressing deeper. “Don’t have all day, Christopher! You can make out with $name later.” Bradley shouts, and a few people turn to look our way. “I’m going to have so much fun destroying him,” he mumbles as he pulls back, placing a warm smile on his face as he heads up to the stage. <<else>>\ “Wish me luck?” Chris questions, cocking his head towards me. “You’ll need it, so luck.” “Chop chop, Christopher, we don’t have all day,” Bradley shouts, and a few people turn to look our way. “I’m going to have so much fun destroying him,” he mumbles, placing a warm smile on his face as he heads up to the stage. <</if>>\ I get closer to watch and take a seat in one of the available places for the crowd. I knew exactly how this would go, horribly. The volunteers for the event place the plates of hotdogs in front of the five competitors along with a large plastic cup filled with water. <a data-passage="E2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Alright,” the announcer starts, “let’s hear it for today’s competitors.” I clap along with the growing crowd. “The rules are simple. Each opponent must fully eat each hotdog for it to count. How they eat the hotdog is up to them. We have condiments and cups of water for anyone who needs it. If you need the condiments, go ahead and put them on the hotdog now.” Two people reach for them and start applying. Chris and Bradley make no move, still glaring at one another. “The winner is the one who eats the most hotdogs in eight minutes. Vomiting will cause a competitor to be immediately dismissed, and a dirty station will deduct points from your final score. Dunking is also allowed, and so is ‘chipmunking.’ We give you twenty seconds to swallow everything at the end. Who’s ready?” All of the competitors cheer, while Chris and Bradley both just grunt like cavemen. The announcer counts down, and when he finally says go, they all attack the food on the trays. My attention is set solely on Chris and Bradley, much like the rest of the audience. It wasn’t that the others were doing bad, but my two companions were attacking the food with such viciousness that I hardly recognized them. Bradley separated the bun from the wiener, eating the actual link before dunking the bun and then eating that. Chris’s technique was different, though it still had him separating the bun from the wiener. He had taken all of them out and rolled the bun up into balls, eating them first before going to the meat and devouring it in less than two bites. He would tilt his head back each time before moving on. I gaze at them in … [[Astonishment.]] [[Disgust.]] [[Neutrality.]]
I mean, this was amazing. The pace they were doing this at seemed unreal. I hadn’t really thought long and hard about eating competitions, but they proved that there was perhaps far more strategy than people gave it credit for. Not only that, but it was probably a mind game, too, having to get yourself in a specific frame of mind before attacking such a challenge. One of the competitors ends up pushing themselves away from the table and only has eaten ten hotdogs before giving up. Another looks like they’re ready to explode, veins poking out of their heads, and they sway from one side to the other, still trying to eat. The third by far is doing the best, and part of me believes that he might actually do these things on a professional level. He was at forty-five. Bradley and Chris were both in the thirties and slowing down with only twenty seconds left on the clock. I doubt they cared about winning this entire thing as much as it was about beating the other. [[Cheer for Bradley.]] [[Cheer for Chris.]] [[Cheer for Hot Dog Guy.]]
I knew this was something done on a national level, competitions held for it, and people who literally trained for things like this. But the more I look at it, the more my face contorts in disgust. Who does this to themselves? I just feel like there were other paths that someone could take, this not being one of them at all. One of the competitors ends up pushing themselves away from the table and only has eaten ten hotdogs before giving up. Another looks like they’re ready to explode, veins poking out of their heads, and they sway from one side to the other, still trying to eat. The third by far is doing the best, and part of me believes that he might actually do these things on a professional level. He was at forty-five. Bradley and Chris were both in the thirties and slowing down with only twenty seconds left on the clock. I doubt they cared about winning this entire thing as much as it was about beating the other. [[Cheer for Bradley.]] [[Cheer for Chris.]] [[Cheer for Hot Dog Guy.]]
I stare at them with no emotion showing on my face or coursing through me. The fact of the matter was that the two idiots sitting up there, well, I knew them. They hadn’t trained for this, nor did they really see how this would affect them later. They didn’t even know if there was a prize. The prize to them was proving the other wrong. One of the competitors ends up pushing themselves away from the table and only has eaten ten hotdogs before giving up. Another looks like they’re ready to explode, veins poking out of their heads, and they sway from one side to the other, still trying to eat. The third by far is doing the best, and part of me believes that he might actually do these things on a professional level. He was at forty-five. Bradley and Chris were both in the thirties and slowing down with only twenty seconds left on the clock. I doubt they cared about winning this entire thing as much as it was about beating the other. [[Cheer for Bradley.]] [[Cheer for Chris.]] [[Cheer for Hot Dog Guy.]]
I whoop and holler for Bradley as he stuffs his mouth, cheering him on and hoping he could hear me over everyone else. The crowd begins to countdown, and Bradley manages one more in his mouth. Though it wouldn’t give him the win, it did give him the win over Chris. “And that’s all!” Both of the boys lay sprawled on the table as the announcer claims the third guy, Hot Dog Guy, to be the winner. I stand and approach them, glancing between the two. “I hope you both learned a valuable lesson today.” “Chris is a bitch,” Bradley growls, weakly punching the man’s arm. “Bradley is a whiny baby,” Chris snaps back. “I bet this whiny baby can beat you to the bathroom.” “I’ll throw up faster than you,” he groans. “No, you won’t!” Both of them stand slowly, pushing each other out of the way as they head in the direction of the porter potties. “So, nothing,” I mumble to myself, “you learned absolutely nothing.” <<if $visit is 5>>\ With a jolly mood, I check my phone, surprised to see that it was time for the battle. I wonder if the dozen plus hotdogs in Bradley’s and Chris’s stomach was about to affect how this would all go. Mumbling to myself about the two idiots, I head over. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ With a jolly mood, I check my phone, surprised to see that it was time for the tour. I wonder if this argument was going to seep over into the tour. Mumbling to myself about the two idiots, I head over to the board. Getting there at the same time as them and just waiting on the others. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I whoop and holler for Chris as he stuffs his mouth, cheering him on and hoping he could hear me over everyone else. The crowd begins to countdown, and Chris manages one more in his mouth. Though it wouldn’t give him the win, it did give him the win over Bradley. “And that’s all!” Both of the boys lay sprawled on the table as the announcer claims the third guy, Hot Dog Guy, to be the winner. I stand and approach them, glancing between the two. “I hope you both learned a valuable lesson today.” “Chris is a bitch,” Bradley growls, weakly punching the man’s arm. “Bradley is a whiny baby,” Chris snaps back. “I bet this whiny baby can beat you to the bathroom.” “I’ll throw up faster than you,” he groans. “No, you won’t!” Both of them stand slowly, pushing each other out of the way as they head in the direction of the porter potties. “So, nothing,” I mumble to myself, “you learned absolutely nothing.” <<if $visit is 5>>\ With a jolly mood, I check my phone, surprised to see that it was time for the battle. I wonder if the dozen plus hotdogs in Bradley’s and Chris’s stomach was about to affect how this would all go. Mumbling to myself about the two idiots, I head over. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ With a jolly mood, I check my phone, surprised to see that it was time for the tour. I wonder if this argument was going to seep over into the tour. Mumbling to myself about the two idiots, I head over to the board. Getting there at the same time as them and just waiting on the others. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I cheer for the Hot Dog Guy seeing that it was the best way to stay neutral. That, and the guy was doing a great job, he was a champion and deserved some cheering. The crowd begins to countdown, and Chris stuffs one last hotdog into his mouth. It was all for not. Not only did it not give him the win, but it also didn’t even give him the win against Bradley, they had tied. “And that’s all!” Both of the boys lay sprawled on the table as the announcer claims the third guy, Hot Dog Guy, to be the winner. I stand and approach them, glancing between the two. “I hope you both learned a valuable lesson today.” “Chris is a bitch,” Bradley growls, weakly punching the man’s arm. “Bradley is a whiny baby,” Chris snaps back. “I bet this whiny baby can beat you to the bathroom.” “I’ll throw up faster than you,” he groans. “No, you won’t!” Both of them stand slowly, pushing each other out of the way as they head in the direction of the porter potties. “So, nothing,” I mumble to myself, “you learned absolutely nothing.” I walk away. <<if $visit is 5>>\ With a jolly mood, I check my phone, surprised to see that it was time for the battle. I wonder if the dozen plus hotdogs in Bradley’s and Chris’s stomach was about to affect how this would all go. Mumbling to myself about the two idiots, I head over. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ With a jolly mood, I check my phone, surprised to see that it was time for the tour. I wonder if this argument was going to seep over into the tour. Mumbling to myself about the two idiots, I head over to the board. Getting there at the same time as them and just waiting on the others. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“Hold a minute.” They wave their hand and ushers us over, “are you interested in competing for a prize.” “What prize?” I question. “If you and your team can beat the maze’s record, you’ll receive a cash prize.” “How much money are we talking?” Syd asks. “Sixty bucks.” “Split it three ways easily,” I inform the other two, shrugging my shoulders. “That’s about to be an easy sixty bucks. I’m in.” I agree with Syd, and Chris nods his head. “The time to beat is ten minutes.” We pause at that and exchange glances. [[“Were they having a picnic?”]] [[“What’s the slowest time?”]] [[“Sounds easy enough.”]]
“Ten minutes? What? Did they stop midway to have a picnic?” “The maze is much more complex than what it looks like.” “Really?” Chris doubts, “it looks really simple.” “Looks can be deceiving.” That is all they say before they lean back, the side of the booth that they’re sitting in. “Was that supposed to be deep and meaningful, or are they a supernatural?” Chris questions with a raised brow. We head to the entrance, and as soon as the person shouts for us to go, we rush in. The dividers are tall colorful walls, some holding mirrors that can easily cause one to get lost if they weren’t careful. I stick close to Chris and Sydero, making it to a decently sized clearing and stopping. <a data-passage="M2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Out of pure curiosity, what’s the slowest time?” I question. They glance down, and I hear the faint sound of paper being flipped. A few more minutes, and I once again see their face, “almost an hour.” “Pathetic,” Sydero grumbles, rolling her eyes as she turns to face the maze. We head to the entrance, and as soon as the person shouts for us to go, we rush in. The dividers are tall colorful walls, some holding mirrors that can easily cause one to get lost if they weren’t careful. I stick close to Chris and Sydero, making it to a decently sized clearing and stopping. <a data-passage="M2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Sounds easy enough. We’ve done worse things in less time.” Though the person working the booth doesn’t question me, Chris and Sydero both turn their attention on me. “Like what?” Chris questions. “Yea, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Sydero agrees. “You two don’t remember that food eating contest that Bradley had us join.” “Oh,” they both say in unison, shivering afterward. <<if $eating>> I shoot a knowing glare at Chris who does a great job of avoiding it, finding the side of the maze to be more interesting.<<else>>I don’t blame them. That was an event I doubt I would ever forget.<</if>> We head to the entrance, and as soon as the person shouts for us to go, we rush in. The dividers are tall colorful walls, some holding mirrors that can easily cause one to get lost if they weren’t careful. I stick close to Chris and Sydero, making it to a decently sized clearing and stopping. <a data-passage="M2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“We should probably get a game plan. We walk any deeper, and we might get lost.” “Bold of you to assume we’re not lost right now,” Chris points out, but Sydero shakes her head. “I’m with Roe, this area has a four-way intersection, and the last part was pretty straightforward.” Chris sends us an easy smile and shrugs, “I’m just waiting for the creepy clown with a chainsaw to come running through.” [[“Yea, that does sound plausible.”]] [[“Time limit, remember?”]] [[“Why would you be waiting for that?”]]
“Yea,” I draw out, frowning as I pause to listen for any sounds of revving. All I hear is that of the people enjoying the fair in the distance. “That does sound plausible, doesn’t it?” “No. No, it doesn’t,” Sydero sighs, “can we focus. I want that money.” “Do you want the money or just want to be fast enough to make sure no one can beat your record?” “First of all,” she says, raising a finger to Chris, “stop acting like you know me. It’s scary, and it’s making me highly uncomfortable. Secondly, yes. So, get over your weird-ass kink so we can figure this out.” <<if $int is "Chris">>\ “I’m really hoping that’s not a kink because I refuse,” I laugh, allowing Chris to pull me into his arms. “We all know you’re my only kink, babe.” “Yea,” Sydero draws out, “that didn’t make as much sense as you hoped it would.” <</if>>\ “What’s the plan then?” Chris questions, “which way do we go?” The most obvious was the path directly in front of us. From the outside, it looked like the maze started from the east and ended at the west. Every other route would take us on a path that seemed out of the way, but that was probably the point. But then we had to choose between three other approaches that could possibly be wrong moves. Splitting up wasn’t an option as there would be too much backtracking and confusion to allow it to work. <a data-passage="M3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Uh, Chris. We’re under time pressure, remember?” “Now, I do. But that makes sense, right? Some homicidal chainsaw-wielding maniac comes running in? Why else would this take ten minutes?” “If a homicidal chainsaw-wielding maniac runs in here, I’m pushing you in the way,” Sydero snorts. “It makes sense, though, right?” Chris asks. “No. No, it doesn’t,” Sydero sighs, “can we focus. I want that money.” “Do you want the money or just want to be fast enough to make sure no one can beat your record?” “First of all,” she says, raising a finger to Chris, “stop acting like you know me. It’s scary, and it’s making me highly uncomfortable. Secondly, yes. So, get over your weird-ass kink so we can figure this out.” <<if $int is "Chris">>\ “I’m really hoping that’s not a kink because I refuse,” I laugh, allowing Chris to pull me into his arms. “We all know you’re my only kink, babe.” “Yea,” Sydero draws out, “that didn’t make as much sense as you hoped it would.” <</if>>\ “What’s the plan then?” Chris questions, “which way do we go?” The most obvious was the path directly in front of us. From the outside, it looked like the maze started from the east and ended at the west. Every other route would take us on a path that seemed out of the way, but that was probably the point. But then we had to choose between three other approaches that could possibly be wrong moves. Splitting up wasn’t an option as there would be too much backtracking and confusion to allow it to work. <a data-passage="M3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Why, out of all things, would you be waiting for that specifically?” “Because it’s the most likely thing to happen. It only makes sense, right?” “No. No, it doesn’t,” Sydero sighs, “can we focus. I want that money.” “Do you want the money or just want to be fast enough to make sure no one can beat your record?” “First of all,” she says, raising a finger to Chris, “stop acting like you know me. It’s scary, and it’s making me highly uncomfortable. Secondly, yes. So, get over your weird-ass kink so we can figure this out.” <<if $int is "Chris">>\ “I’m really hoping that’s not a kink because I refuse,” I laugh, allowing Chris to pull me into his arms. “We all know you’re my only kink, babe.” “Yea,” Sydero draws out, “that didn’t make as much sense as you hoped it would.” <</if>>\ “What’s the plan then?” Chris questions, “which way do we go?” The most obvious was the path directly in front of us. From the outside, it looked like the maze started from the east and ended at the west. Every other route would take us on a path that seemed out of the way, but that was probably the point. But then we had to choose between three other approaches that could possibly be wrong moves. Splitting up wasn’t an option as there would be too much backtracking and confusion to allow it to work. <a data-passage="M3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I gaze at the top of the walls. They weren’t too tall, maybe eight or nine feet at most. “What are the odds that we could try and see over the borders and then spot the exit?” Both Sydero and Chris gaze up, trying to determine the same thing as I. “We’d have to stack,” Chris finally says, “I think someone sitting on my shoulders would be fine.” “If you think I’d ever sit on your shoulders, you’re crazy,” Sydero huffs. <<if $int is "Chris">>\ Luckily, she didn’t have to, not when I was eager enough to do so. “No need,” I smile, patting Chris’s shoulders, “I’ll gladly go up.” “You just want to touch on me,” he jokes, moving in closer so that he could playfully rub his nose on my cheek. “Are you objecting?” “Naw, come on up.” “Yea, prove to me that you’ve done this plenty of times,” Sydero smirks, a dirty grin residing on her face. “Get your mind out of the gutter,” I chide her, climbing up on Chris’s shoulder. I pause to gain my balance before I move to stand, doing so carefully. “Oh, no,” Chris starts, moving his grip to now hold on to my ankles, “she’s right. We’ve definitely been in this position before. Only $name can reach the peanut butter on the top shelf.” Both of them chuckle as I grab onto the top of the border, gazing around and blocking them out for the time being. Though the angle was weird, I was able to make out most of the maze, finding the path to the exit. It wasn’t too complicated thankfully, most of it was straightforward with only one real turn from what I could see. <<elseif $int is "Sydero">>\ I turn to Syd, “well, how about you sit on my shoulders then? Or I sit on yours?” She frowns but shrugs her shoulders in acceptance. She gets down just enough for me to get up. I start out sitting on her back, waiting for her to straighten up before I attempt to stand. As I work to keep my balance and stand up, Chris claps. “A record, I must say. I’m surprised you haven’t said anything dirty this entire time, Syd.” She snorts, “that’s because I’m too busy imagining it.” “Syd!” I scold, throwing her a teasing grin before focusing back on the task at hand. “Don’t Syd me. You don’t see the view I see.” “Do you want me to focus or not?” I ask, feeling like I was on display, even if it was to Syd. “You’re right, you’re right. Chris! Stop looking at my Roe.” “Your Roe?! I’ve known ?him longer.” <<else>>\ “He’s not toxic, Sydero. Just get up there and see if you can find the exit. You want to win, don’t you?” “Then you get –,” Sydero starts but is unable to finish as Chris grabs her and tries to lift her. While she fights him, he takes every hit, still trying to situate her so that she could properly be on his shoulders. I do nothing, choosing to instead watch the show. Even if we didn’t win, this was worth it. “Chris!” she growls, “move your hand.” “My hand is on your leg,” he sighs, “I move that, and you fall.” “Your other hand!” “Oh, shit. My bad.” Finally, Sydero was standing on his shoulders, Chris anchoring her as she grabbed onto the top of the border. “You definitely weigh more than you look,” Chris huffs, carefully miming as if he was wiping away sweat. “Yea and I can still break your little ass like a toothpick.” He sarcastically gasps, “sounds like a dream come true.” Sydero doesn’t answer, going quiet for a few seconds before I hear her say, “whoa!” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="M4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Congratulations,” a different person than the one we met before shouts, clapping loudly and gaining the attention of those who pass by. “You three have successfully beaten the record.” “What’s the time?” Chris questions. “Where’s our prize?” Sydero asks next, hardly giving Chris enough time to get his out. “Uh, here,” they say, handing us the cash and Sydero snatches it with a wide grin. “The time was seven minutes.” “Pathetic,” Sydero grumbles, passing me a few of the bills, “we could’ve definitely done better.” “Question,” I begin as we put some space between us and the maze, “how would this have gone if the entire team was with us?” “Horribly,” Sydero snorts, “Rahim and I would probably go separate ways, and Amari would end up running into one of the borders out of excitement and making it fall over.” Chris adds in, “Zillah would complain about how he had better things to do, and Bradley would probably be the only one who actually got out. Probably in record time too.” <a data-passage="M6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I frown as the thought comes to me, and I turn to Sydero, “you know I just realized something, you’ve never called Chris, Richardson.” “And?” she asks with a raised, confused brow. “I remember Rahim saying that you call people you don’t like by their last names. But you’ve never called Chris by his, and you definitely don’t like him.” Chris frowns but gazes at Sydero with as much interest as me. “Truthfully?” she questions, “I didn’t know his last name, and by the time I did learn it, I didn’t care to use it because I thought he’d be dead.” “Thanks, Syd,” he sighs, “knowing you have just been spectacular.” “You’re welcome,” she snorts. With the maze done and the conversation ended, we all say our farewells and head towards a new activity. <<if $visit is 5>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time to head over for the big battle. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time for the tour. I walk over to the board, finding Bradley, Chris, and Sydero waiting there. It would seem they beat me here. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“Aw, you guys, this calls for a group hug,” I say and spread my arms wide. Chris immediately comes into my embrace, but Syd, with a scowl, takes a step back. “You guys can have that.” “Still not a fan of hugs, Syd?” “Never was a fan of hugs, Roe. I just don’t want to be touched.” “How about a pat on the shoulder?” Chris questions, and Syd narrows her eyes but shrugs. She takes a step in, and we both pat her shoulder a few times. Though I say nothing about it, I see the small smile that appears on her face. After we separate, we say our farewells and head towards a new activity. <<if $visit is 5>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time to head over for the big battle. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time for the tour. I walk over to the board, finding Bradley, Chris, and Sydero waiting there. It would seem they beat me here. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“We’re seriously a weird group. Just the three of us is proof of that, and we’re still missing three other different species,” I point out. “A human, cambion, and reaper walk into a bar,” Chris chuckles. “And never walked out?” Sydero questions, “I’m ashamed that we never actually have done this.” She frowns, “you think they have a tavern here?” Chris and I both laugh as we attempt to dissuade her, though I doubt they did sell alcohol here. Or maybe they did; it wasn’t such a ludicrous idea since they were leaning so far into the medieval theme. After a bit more talking, we all head separate ways to venture more of the fair. <<if $visit is 5>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time to head over for the big battle. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time for the tour. I walk over to the board, finding Bradley, Chris, and Sydero waiting there. It would seem they beat me here. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“Amari saw a styling tent and wants to check it out. From what she said, they do face paint and some hair stuff. Nothing crazy.” “You’re willing to risk Bradley getting pissed off?” Amari frowns as doubt moves in, “would he?” “Worst case scenario is that we just wash it off,” I tell her, throwing an accusing look at Sydero, who simply shrugs. Amari leads us both over to a tent filled with a bunch of children, squirming in their seats as the artists attempt to apply their face paint. Sydero stares on with a cold glint in her eye while Amari seems to be bursting with excitement. Her entire body is trembling as she dances in place. I spot a free chair and nod to it, “Amari, there’s a free –” The entire sentence hasn’t even left my lips when Amari races over to it, beating a child to it. She glances at the child and then the chair, and both Sydero and I lean in, curious to see what she would do. Amari glances around and leans in, “get lost, kid … please.” “Almost,” Sydero sighs as we approach, watching the child run away, shouting for their mother, “I don’t ask for much, Amari. Just to see you go cutthroat one time.” <<if $int is "Amari">>\ <<if $gender is "female">>\ “Never,” she barks and then looks at me, “want to sit on my lap, darling?” “Darling?” Sydero questions. I ignore her and take her up on the offer, getting comfortable and relaxing as I drape myself over her. <<else>>\ “Never,” she barks and then looks at me, “want to sit down, and I sit on your lap, darling?” “Darling?” Sydero questions. I ignore her and nod to Amari, waiting for her to get up before I sit down myself, tapping my lap and bringing her onto it. She shifts a bit, getting comfortable before putting her attention back on Syd. <</if>>\ “I’m still working on nicknames,” Amari grumbles, “they’re hard, and none of them feel right.” <<else>>\ “Never,” she barks. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="S1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You heard her right. We’re about to go get makeovers. Are you in or not?” “I most certainly am not,” Sydero huffs, but Amari grabs her before she can walk away. “Wrong answer. Let’s go!” Amari leads us both over to a tent filled with a bunch of children, squirming in their seats as the artists attempt to apply their face paint. Sydero stares on with a cold glint in her eye while Amari seems to be bursting with excitement. Her entire body is trembling as she dances in place. I spot a free chair and nod to it, “Amari, there’s a free –” The entire sentence hasn’t even left my lips when Amari races over to it, beating a child to it. She glances at the child and then the chair, and both Sydero and I lean in, curious to see what she would do. Amari glances around and leans in, “get lost, kid … please.” “Almost,” Sydero sighs as we approach, watching the child run away, shouting for their mother, “I don’t ask for much, Amari. Just to see you go cutthroat one time.” <<if $int is "Amari">>\ <<if $gender is "female">>\ “Never,” she barks and then looks at me, “want to sit on my lap, darling?” “Darling?” Sydero questions. I ignore her and take her up on the offer, getting comfortable and relaxing as I drape myself over her. <<else>>\ “Never,” she barks and then looks at me, “want to sit down, and I sit on your lap, darling?” “Darling?” Sydero questions. I ignore her and nod to Amari, waiting for her to get up before I sit down myself, tapping my lap and bringing her onto it. She shifts a bit, getting comfortable before putting her attention back on Syd. <</if>>\ “I’m still working on nicknames,” Amari grumbles, “they’re hard, and none of them feel right.” <<else>>\ “Never,” she barks. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="S1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I shrug and let out a deep sigh, “honestly, she yanked me after her, and I obeyed. I didn’t really see any reason to fight or complain.” “Is that what you think I’m doing now, Roe?” Sydero questions with a playfully raised brow. “At least one of them, choose which one you think it is.” Amari leads us both over to a tent filled with a bunch of children, squirming in their seats as the artists attempt to apply their face paint. Sydero stares on with a cold glint in her eye while Amari seems to be bursting with excitement. Her entire body is trembling as she dances in place. I spot a free chair and nod to it, “Amari, there’s a free –” The entire sentence hasn’t even left my lips when Amari races over to it, beating a child to it. She glances at the child and then the chair, and both Sydero and I lean in, curious to see what she would do. Amari glances around and leans in, “get lost, kid … please.” “Almost,” Sydero sighs as we approach, watching the child run away, shouting for their mother, “I don’t ask for much, Amari. Just to see you go cutthroat one time.” <<if $int is "Amari">>\ <<if $gender is "female">>\ “Never,” she barks and then looks at me, “want to sit on my lap, darling?” “Darling?” Sydero questions. I ignore her and take her up on the offer, getting comfortable and relaxing as I drape myself over her. <<else>>\ “Never,” she barks and then looks at me, “want to sit down, and I sit on your lap, darling?” “Darling?” Sydero questions. I ignore her and nod to Amari, waiting for her to get up before I sit down myself, tapping my lap and bringing her onto it. She shifts a bit, getting comfortable before putting her attention back on Syd. <</if>>\ “I’m still working on nicknames,” Amari grumbles, “they’re hard, and none of them feel right.” <<else>>\ “Never,” she barks. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="S1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
An artist comes over, “all three of you want something done?” “Yes,” Amari immediately answers, throwing Syd a look, “can you do something that goes with our outfits? I’d like my hair colored too.” “Sure, hun.” The artist gets straight to work, giving Amari some tribal appearing face paint and drawing what looks like a delicate floral crown on her forehead. She then colors the tips of Amari’s hair a light pink that has her swooning in the seat. Next was Sydero. “Just give me some weird warlock tattoo or something,” she grumbles. “Would you like me to do anything with your hair?” the artist asks, about to run her fingers through Sydero’s hair when Sydero grabs her wrist. “Touch my hair and lose every finger.” She nods, getting to work on the tattoo before turning her attention to me. [[Face paint and hair.]] [[Just face paint.]] [[Just hair.]]
“I’ll have both, whatever you think goes with the costume.” “I just want you to color my hair. And just do whatever goes well with the costume.” She nods and, after a while of looking me over, finally seems to get some inspiration. <<if $costume is "jester">>Face paint wise, she gives me a heart on one cheek and a club on the other, coloring and shading them to give them depth. But, other than that, that was all she had to do. She does three starkly different colors in my hair, each matching my outfit and making me look even more like a court jester. It almost makes me not want to put the hat back on.<<elseif $costume is "archer">>Face paint wise, she gives me warrior markings, placing some on my cheeks, chin, and forehead. And for hair, she uses black for the tips, going for an ombre look. Once done with that, she spray paints the middle part to make the blend a little more subtle.<<elseif $costume is "wench">> I guess that due to my costume, she didn’t have much motivation. She gives me an eye tattoo, puts some intricate lines to it, and then moves onto my hair. For that, she uses black for the tips, going for an ombre look. Once done with that, she spray paints the middle part to make the blend a little more subtle.<<elseif $costume is "monk">>Face paint wise, she places a few random symbols on my forehead, adding intricate patterns to them to make them look more artistic before taking a step back. And for my hair, she spray paints most of it white. I suppose she was attempting to go for a pure look to match the holy look.<<else>> I guess that she didn’t have much motivation due to my costume. She gives me an eye tattoo, puts some intricate lines to it, and then moves onto my hair. For that, she does an ombre look, dying the tips a light ocean blue and spray painting the rest to make the blend a little more subtle.<</if>> “Thank you so much,” Amari tells the woman, dropping a few bills into her tip jar. “You’re welcome. If you want to take photos, there’s a photo booth down just that way.” She points in the direction, and Amari peeks out the tent to spot it. As soon as she sees it, she darts over, and we follow at a more normal pace. Moving the curtains back, we all pile in. Or at least Amari and I pile in. I have to yank Sydero in after us. “It says it’ll take five photos; you guys ready?” I question, slipping in the necessary bills, my hand hovering over the start. “Wait!” Amari blurts, “we need a game plan. The first one should be us smiling, the second should be … what do you think, Syd?” “Us begging for release from our mortal bodies,” she says with a straight face. “Dark but okay. $name, how about the third one?” [[Sexy poses.->S2][$poses = "sexy"]] [[Goofy poses.->S2][$poses = "goofy"]] [[Badass poses.->S2][$poses = "badass"]]
“I just want you to give me some face paint, whatever goes well with the costume.” She nods and, after a while of looking me over, finally seems to get some inspiration. <<if $costume is "jester">>She gives me a heart on one cheek and a club on the other, coloring and shading them to give them depth. But, other than that, that was all she had to do.<<elseif $costume is "archer">>She gives me warrior markings, placing some on my cheeks, chin, and forehead.<<elseif $costume is "monk">>She places a few random symbols on my forehead, adding intricate patterns to them to make them look more artistic before taking a step back.<<else>>I guess that she didn’t have much motivation due to my costume. She gives me an eye tattoo, puts some intricate lines to it, and then call it a day.<</if>> “Thank you so much,” Amari tells the woman, dropping a few bills into her tip jar. “You’re welcome. If you want to take photos, there’s a photo booth down just that way.” She points in the direction, and Amari peeks out the tent to spot it. As soon as she sees it, she darts over, and we follow at a more normal pace. Moving the curtains back, we all pile in. Or at least Amari and I pile in. I have to yank Sydero in after us. “It says it’ll take five photos; you guys ready?” I question, slipping in the necessary bills, my hand hovering over the start. “Wait!” Amari blurts, “we need a game plan. The first one should be us smiling, the second should be … what do you think, Syd?” “Us begging for release from our mortal bodies,” she says with a straight face. “Dark but okay. $name, how about the third one?” [[Sexy poses.->S2][$poses = "sexy"]] [[Goofy poses.->S2][$poses = "goofy"]] [[Badass poses.->S2][$poses = "badass"]]
“I just want you to color my hair. And just do whatever goes well with the costume.” She nods and, after a while of looking me over, finally seems to get some inspiration. <<if $costume is "jester">>She does three starkly different colors, each matching my outfit and making me look even more like a court jester. It almost makes me not want to put the hat back on.<<elseif $costume is "archer" or $costume is "wench">>She uses black for the tips, going for an ombre look. Once done with that, she spray paints the middle part to make the blend a little more subtle.<<elseif $costume is "monk">>She spray paints most of it white. I suppose she was attempting to go for a pure look to match the holy look.<<else>>She does an ombre look, dying the tips a light ocean blue and spray painting the rest to make the blend a little more subtle.<</if>> “Thank you so much,” Amari tells the woman, dropping a few bills into her tip jar. “You’re welcome. If you want to take photos, there’s a photo booth down just that way.” She points in the direction, and Amari peeks out the tent to spot it. As soon as she sees it, she darts over, and we follow at a more normal pace. Moving the curtains back, we all pile in. Or at least Amari and I pile in. I have to yank Sydero in after us. “It says it’ll take five photos; you guys ready?” I question, slipping in the necessary bills, my hand hovering over the start. “Wait!” Amari blurts, “we need a game plan. The first one should be us smiling, the second should be … what do you think, Syd?” “Us begging for release from our mortal bodies,” she says with a straight face. “Dark but okay. $name, how about the third one?” [[Sexy poses.->S2][$poses = "sexy"]] [[Goofy poses.->S2][$poses = "goofy"]] [[Badass poses.->S2][$poses = "badass"]]
“Let’s do $poses poses.” Amari nods in excitement before gesturing for me to press the start button. The screen in front of us counts down, and both Amari and I move closer, broad smiles on our faces. Sydero stays to her side, a grimace that only deepens as the photo is taken. The next one doesn’t seem much of a difference, Amari and I just try our best to impersonate Sydero. She cracks a smile, and I can feel her relax beside me. The next was my choice, the $poses pose. <<if $poses is "sexy">>Both girls move in, Amari placing one hand on my shoulder and cocking her head to the side, her mouth slightly ajar. Sydero places her back to me, playing with her hair as she bites her bottom lip. I rest my hand on my chin, tilt my head up slightly, and make the motion as if I was licking my lips.<<elseif $poses is "goofy">>Amari chuckles as she gives a wacky grin and uses her left hand to give me bunny ears. Sydero slumps onto me and plays dead, her tongue hanging out her mouth. And I puff my cheeks out and go cross-eyed.<<elseif $poses is "badass">>Amari crosses her arms and glares at the screen while Sydero leans on my shoulder, glaring at the screen as if daring it to do something. I make gun fingers and point them at the camera with a cocky grin.<</if>> The shot is taken. In the next photo, we do whatever we want to at the moment. Sydero gasps and points to something in the distance, Amari howls, and I laugh maniacally, fingers meeting like all the cliché evil scientists. For the last one … <<if $int is "Sydero">>\ [[I kiss Sydero.]] <<elseif $int is "Amari">>\ [[I kiss Amari.]] <<else>>\ [[I grab the two and smile.]] <<if $int is "none">>\ [[Both girls kiss my cheeks. (Small poly scene)][$poly to true]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\
I turn to Sydero and bring her in for a kiss, one that she immediately warms too and, of course, takes over. Her hands linger on my neck as she deepens it, exploring my mouth with her tongue. I almost forget where I was when Amari tugs on my shirt. I glance to see that she had already left, the pictures now in her hands. “You two are adorable, you know that?” she questions, handing a strip to each of us. We quietly look them over as we leave the photobooth. <<if $visit is 5>>\ It was time for the battle so the three of us stick together and make our way over to the field where it was supposed to take place. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ It was time for the tour so the three of us stick together and make our way over to the board. We find Bradley waiting there patiently, we just need to wait for the others now. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I rest my hand on the back of Amari’s head and guide her lips to mine. They meet tentatively at first, but in less than no time, we press deeper. Amari melts against me, resting one hand on my chest as she smiles against my lips. I tangle my fingers into her hair, letting myself get lost in the sensation of her. “Oh geez,” I hear Sydero say, and I pull away from her. I realize that Syd had already left the booth, leaning on the side of the entryway with the photo strips in her hands. “Were you trying to eat her face, Roe?” I snatch one of the strips from her as she laughs, checking the last photo but seeing that Syd had just been teasing me. “You ass,” I say, nudging her harshly, which only causes her to laugh harder. I grab Amari’s hand and give her the last strip, and we head out. <<if $visit is 5>>\ It was time for the battle so the three of us stick together and make our way over to the field where it was supposed to take place. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ It was time for the tour so the three of us stick together and make our way over to the board. We find Bradley waiting there patiently, we just need to wait for the others now. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I swing my arms around both of the girl’s neck and bring them close, smiling widely for the camera. With the shot taken, I practically rush over Amari in my excitement to grab the photo strips. I glance at the last one. My face was as I suspected, and Amari was resting her head against me, her genuine smile brightening the entire booth. Sydero, in a shocking turn of events, smiles as well. It was a small one, but it met her eyes. They were far brighter than what I was used to. “Look at us!” I say, handing the strips out and waiting for their reaction. Amari squeals in happiness and links all of our arms together, “ah, best friend squad!” “Please, no,” Sydero hisses. “Amazing Trio?” I try, and she stares up at the sky as if asking why her. “The Triple Freaks,” Amari says next, gaining a look from both of us. “We the Three!” I yell, and Sydero shakes me off, walking away quickly. We catch up, laughing against one another and pulling Syd back to our side. <<if $visit is 5>>\ It was time for the battle so the three of us stick together and make our way over to the field where it was supposed to take place. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ It was time for the tour so the three of us stick together and make our way over to the board. We find Bradley waiting there patiently, we just need to wait for the others now. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I don’t know what to do, and so I just smile again, but that smile soon disappears when both girls lean in and kiss my cheek. My eyes widen in shock as the camera takes the picture, and Amari and Syd pull back laughing. “Whose plan was that?” I question, looking between both. “Mine, of course,” Syd answers, leaving the booth to grab the strips that the machine prints out. She pauses and looks at me. “Was it okay?” “The kiss? I mean, yea, sure. I’m not mad or anything.” Her cocky grin comes back into place. “Want another?” I blush in embarrassment, glancing at Amari, who gazes at me with a curious glint in her eyes, “I mean … I wouldn’t say no … but –” Thankfully, neither of them lets me finish tripping over myself. They both lean in, Amari’s lips meeting my neck as she places dainty kisses up to my jaw. On the different side of the spectrum is Sydero, her kisses harsh and domineering, and she nips and sucks her way up to my earlobe. Amari ends with one final kiss on the corner of my mouth, pulling back with a blush that she doesn’t even try to quell. Sydero finishes up by swiping her tongue across my earlobe, a smirk and a dark gleam in her eye. “We should, uh. We should go, right?” I question, not really knowing why I had phrased that in a question. Amari is the first to move, grabbing the strips and handing them out while Sydero takes the lead. <<if $visit is 5>>\ It was time for the battle so the three of us stick together and make our way over to the field where it was supposed to take place. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ It was time for the tour so the three of us stick together and make our way over to the board. We find Bradley waiting there patiently, we just need to wait for the others now. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
I stifle a laugh, “why?” “He got really excited about something and started talking way too fast to understand,” Chris explains, “and then he got aggressive and would not take no for an answer. And –” “He wanted to do a trivia competition, and at first we did, but he became overwhelmingly competitive. So we snuck away,” Rahim finishes, throwing Chris a look that he purposely ignores. “We’ve decided to wait a few minutes here, to see if he calms down or comes for us. Seeing that he hasn't, the decision seems to have been a wise one.” Zillah shrugs his shoulders and yawns, “I was with Amari and got separated from her when she spotted horses. I saw them sitting here, so I joined.” <<if $int is "Zillah">>I get ready to say something when Zillah grabs me by the waist and brings me down on his lap, “and you can sit right here. Keep me company while Rahim takes his turn.”<<else>>He stretches out before leaning over and nudging Rahim, “your turn.”<</if>> “Are you guys playing the game where you find someone and make up a story for them?” <<if $int is "Rahim">>I nudge Rahim, and he obeys, scooting over to give me some room on the bench. Once I’m seated, he puts his arm around my waist and rests his chin on my shoulder.<<elseif $int is "Chris">>I decide to take the spot in front of Chris. I haven’t even fully taken a seat when he leans forward and brings me in between his legs, kissing the top of my head sweetly.<<else>>I nudge Rahim, and he obeys, scooting over to give me some room on the bench.<</if>> “Yea, that’s pretty much it. The costumes make it more interesting, maybe even harder.” Rahim points to a woman in a gypsy costume who is animatedly talking to a man in everyday clothing. She seems through with the conversation, despite her actions, and the man seems like he was just getting started. “She’s a traveling seer, telling the fortunes of commoners for a small fee. She foretold that the man would lose his life by the end of the week, so he must live every day to the fullest. He didn’t appreciate it and asked for his money back. She’s currently trying to explain to him why the sign out front says no refunds.” [[“Well, that’s grim.”]] [[“What do you think he’s dying from?”]] [[Chuckle.]]
“Well, that’s a bit grim, even for you, Rahim,” I point out. “It’s true though,” he says, “he knows he’s dying. I picked up on that with my empathy.” Chris shakes his head and throws me a look begging for help, “none of them really know how to play this game.” “I’m playing it right,” Rahim argues, but Chris points to the man who just now was walking away, looking none too happy. “His actual future would disagree. You make something up based on appearance and behavior. $name, take a turn. Let’s see if you can do better than either of them.” I nod and gaze around for who I should pick. I spot one person looking confused, dressed in fashionable wear that didn’t really fit the fair’s theme. In another area was a child speaking to their dog that was dressed like a dragon. The child didn’t look lost, but they also didn’t have any adult figure nearby from what I could see. The last was who I assumed was a son and father. Neither was dressed up, but they seemed to be engaged in a conversation that the son would rather not have. I decided to make a story based on … [[… the confused person.]] [[… the child and their dog.]] [[… the son and father duo.]]
“What do you think he’s dying from?” I question, wishing to explore the story he made up further. “His prostate cancer led to a heart condition; he doesn’t have long from what the doctors say.” “That was oddly specific,” Chris begins and then as if realizing something, sighs heavily. “Wait, you’re serious?” I question, noting how Rahim had said it and how blank his face appeared. Chris shakes his head and throws me a look begging for help, “none of them really know how to play this game.” “I’m playing it right,” Rahim argues, but Chris points to the man who just now was walking away, looking none too happy. “His actual future would disagree. You make something up based on appearance and behavior. $name, take a turn. Let’s see if you can do better than either of them.” I nod and gaze around for who I should pick. I spot one person looking confused, dressed in fashionable wear that didn’t really fit the fair’s theme. In another area was a child speaking to their dog that was dressed like a dragon. The child didn’t look lost, but they also didn’t have any adult figure nearby from what I could see. The last was who I assumed was a son and father. Neither was dressed up, but they seemed to be engaged in a conversation that the son would rather not have. I decided to make a story based on … [[… the confused person.]] [[… the child and their dog.]] [[… the son and father duo.]]
I chuckle, and Rahim glances over at me with a frown, “what’s funny?” “Oh, I just thought the story was pretty good. The death part wasn’t expected but didn’t take away either.” “I wasn’t kidding,” he says with a blank expression, “the man really is going to die. His emotions are making it really easy to read him.” Chris shakes his head and throws me a look begging for help, “none of them really know how to play this game.” “I’m playing it right,” Rahim argues, but Chris points to the man who just now was walking away, looking none too happy. “His actual future would disagree. You make something up based on appearance and behavior. $name, take a turn. Let’s see if you can do better than either of them.” I nod and gaze around for who I should pick. I spot one person looking confused, dressed in fashionable wear that didn’t really fit the fair’s theme. In another area was a child speaking to their dog that was dressed like a dragon. The child didn’t look lost, but they also didn’t have any adult figure nearby from what I could see. The last was who I assumed was a son and father. Neither was dressed up, but they seemed to be engaged in a conversation that the son would rather not have. I decided to make a story based on … [[… the confused person.]] [[… the child and their dog.]] [[… the son and father duo.]]
I point to the confused person who was still standing in the middle of the walking path. “That person is actually from the future. They were sent on a mission to come to this time and warn us about something, but they popped up here. The problem is that they were sent back to 2018, but it feels like something went wrong and was put in the medieval ages. So far, everyone they talked to has been in character, making them think even more that they went too far back.” “Can’t they just zap out of here?” Zillah asks in boredom. “That’s your question?” Rahim questions, “if they’re from the future, wouldn’t they know this was a fair?” Chris sighs dramatically, “maybe they’re from a future where there’s no fairs?” “What kind of future is that?” I ask, confused why we were arguing my story when Zillah and Rahim obviously couldn’t do better. “How should I know?” Rahim argues, “maybe everything is virtual and people never leave their house.” “Still,” Chris chuckles, “it was way better than what some came up with.” “Ugh,” Zillah scoffs loudly, attracting the attention of some, “this is boring anyways. Who wants to just sit here and make-up stories about the miserable folks that walk around?” “Dang, Zillah,” I chuckle, not knowing how I felt about his words just yet, “tell us how you really feel.” “I wouldn’t say the people walking around are miserable,” Chris adds in, scratching the back of his head. <a data-passage="W2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I point at the child and their canine companion. “That dog dressed up like a dragon is actually a dragon. It was cursed long ago and has since been looking for someone to help it. It crossed paths with the child, and they’re here to look for a powerful witch that could possibly break the curse. The child is the only one who can understand what the dog is saying and the dog-dragon promised the child a wish if they can successfully help it out.” The story comes to an end, as that was as far as I got in my own head. I look around to see all three guys staring at me, waiting to hear more. “That’s all I got,” I laugh, and they all moan in disappointment. “That was pretty good. This could be a quest. The child has to prove themselves,” Chris offers, and I nod. “But why would a parent let their child just wander off?” Zillah inquires. “What if,” Rahim starts, “the child is also cursed, once royalty but turned into a mere child. Maybe they believe that by helping the dog-dragon, they can also help themselves?” “That’s great,” I add. “Yea,” Chris chuckles, “way better than what some came up with.” “Ugh,” Zillah scoffs loudly, attracting the attention of some, “this is boring anyways. Who wants to just sit here and make-up stories about the miserable folks that walk around?” “Dang, Zillah,” I chuckle, not knowing how I felt about his words just yet, “tell us how you really feel.” “I wouldn’t say the people walking around are miserable,” Chris adds in, scratching the back of his head. <a data-passage="W2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I point to the supposed son and father duo. “The father is pissed off because his son almost let slip their little secret. The secret is that he keeps the mother of his children locked in the cellar because she’s a vampire who feasts upon the town’s blood. He loves her dearly, and so he refuses to kill her, but lately, she’s been getting worse, and he’s run out of blood. Right now, he’s trying to figure out which one matters more, his dear wife or his child.” “Wait,” Chris interrupts, “what is he worried about?” “Ugh,” Zillah groans, “don’t say he’s thinking about feeding the child to his wife.” I clap and point at him, “that’s exactly what he’s contemplating. Will this be their last outing, or will he finally chop the head off of his already deceased wife?” “Grim, but good,” Rahim says with a respectful nod. “Yea,” Chris chuckles, “way better than what some came up with.” “Ugh,” Zillah scoffs loudly, attracting the attention of some, “this is boring anyways. Who wants to just sit here and make-up stories about the miserable folks that walk around?” “Dang, Zillah,” I chuckle, not knowing how I felt about his words just yet, “tell us how you really feel.” “I wouldn’t say the people walking around are miserable,” Chris adds in, scratching the back of his head. <a data-passage="W2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Humankind is miserable,” he waves his hand in front of him, “hypocrisy with a voice and form. You start wars to make peace, speak about freedom but then be led and corralled like sheep. You claim injustice and unfairness as if you don’t reap the benefits of such things every single minute. You scream about the foolishness of others and in the same breath, show your own.” I glance over at Rahim, and he looks away, acting as if something in the distance was far more interesting. “Now, hold up a minute,” Chris starts. “You disagree?” “No, but you can’t just wrap up humankind in some disgusting ass bow like that and call it a day. You openly chose to ignore those who do actually try to make a difference. Or the fact that the common person can only do so much in the grand scheme of things. You’re a hypocrite yourself if you do that, choosing to ignore the good in favor of strictly the bad.” [[Tell them to drop it.]] [[Agree with Zillah.]] [[Agree with Chris.]]
“Guys, how about we choose to talk about something else? We were having a good time just then, right?” Rahim throws me a grateful look. “$name is right. Let’s get back to playing.” Though Rahim tried, in the end, his efforts did nothing. The guys go back to arguing as if neither of us had attempted to curb the conversation. <<if $int is "Rahim">>\ Grabbing my hand, Rahim stands and motions for me to follow him. We leave the arguing pair alone and walk away. “Did you see that coming?” I question, leaning my head on his shoulder. “No, but I’m not surprised. Zillah kinda sucked at the game, and every time we reminded him of that, he seemed to hate it more.” Rahim stops and turns to me, taking both of my hands in his, “luckily, you were there. I don’t think I would’ve been able to stay out of it otherwise.” “You don’t have a side?” “No, I do,” he tells me. He takes in my features for a minute, a small smile encroaching onto his face as his eyes settle back on mine, “but I don’t agree with either of them. I feel that humanity is flawed, horrendously so. But,” he cradles my cheek, “it’s so beautiful. I find that it has just as many flaws as it has strengths. Even that it’s imperfections are what makes it amazing.” “Rahim!” we hear someone shout, bringing us out of the small moment we were having. We gaze over to see an angry Bradley approaching. “That’s your fight, not mine,” I laugh, and Rahim nods. He places a kiss on my forehead before sighing, turning his attention to Bradley. I decide to continue on; though I didn’t remember what I was doing before, I would just find an activity. <<else>>\ Rahim stands and motions for me to follow him, and we leave the arguing pair alone and walk away. “Did you see that coming?” I ask. “No, but I’m not surprised. Zillah kinda sucked at the game, and every time we reminded him of that, he seemed to hate it more.” “What’s your side?” “I don’t have one. Well, I do, but it wasn’t one of theirs,” he tells me. “I feel that humanity is flawed, horrendously so. But I also find that it has just as many flaws as it has strengths. Its imperfections are what makes it amazing.” “Rahim!” we hear someone shout and gaze over to see an angry Bradley approaching. “That’s your fight, not mine,” I laugh, and Rahim nods, turning his attention to Bradley. I decide to continue on; though I didn’t remember what I was doing before, I would just find an activity. <</if>>\ <<if $visit is 5>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time to head over for the big battle. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time for the tour. I walk over to the board, finding Sydero and Amari waiting there. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“I kind of have to agree with Zillah on this one,” I tell Chris, who seems shocked by my words. For me, it was odd. I wasn’t human, half, sure, but not entirely, and so one wouldn’t be surprised to find me on Zillah’s side. But at the same time, I was raised like a human and followed the rules of humanity like any other. “It’s a bunch of hypocrisy, all of it. We try and make excuses for ourselves, but let’s be honest, it’s just to make the blow hit softer and to make ourselves feel better. Humanity ruined the Earth and each other.” Chris growls and shakes his head, looking to argue more but finding that he was outnumbered. “You know what, whatever.” With his words, he deflates and attempts to put on a cheerful smile. “It was just an interesting conversation, let’s um … let’s just go back to –” Before he can finish his sentence, an angry voice grabs all of our attention. “There you two are,” Bradley growls, gazing from Rahim to Chris, “did you seriously just run off on me? And at such a critical time?” “You scare me,” Chris whimpers, but Bradley seems to ignore him. He jabs his thumb in a direction and tells the two guys to go without needing to say anything. They both obey, sticking beside one another, both appearing like two dogs who had just been scolded for running too far. <a data-passage="W2_Zillah"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I nod in agreement, gaining both of their attention, “no one is saying that humanity is perfect. But it’s not all evil either. Like Chris said, most of the things you pointed out aren’t even by choice of the common folk.” “And yet, the common folk, outnumbering all others, allow things to be done.” “What do you think common means?” I question with a raised brow. “In this world, you can hardly do anything without money or power. We can rant and rage all day, but then we’re just setting ourselves up for death. Those above don’t care about those below. Call it ‘the strong lead’ if you must, but honestly, it’s all set up to make sure everyone stays in their place. If you’re going to condemn all of humanity, then you can’t overlook that and make it seem like every human being is the embodiment of evil.” Zillah looks to Rahim for backup, but Rahim has vanished, there being no sign of him. “Fine, whatever you say. I have better things to do than argue about it when I hardly care.” I glance at Chris, who gives me a similar look back. It sounds more like he was just upset that he had no backup and no further defense. He stands and leaves, seeming to want to change his choice of company up. <a data-passage="W2_Chris"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Oh, this sounds fun. A team-building kind of quiz.” “We don’t need any team building,” Rahim argues. “Well, with that attitude, we sure do,” Amari blurts, poking Rahim in the cheek. She moves her hand away just before Rahim can swat it. Sydero hums to herself, examining the tent before looking over at Bradley. “What does the winner get?” “The benefit of knowing your friends the most?” She stares at him for a long minute before stretching out her hand, placing a twenty dollar bill in her other hand, “money in the middle now, everyone. Or this isn’t happening.” Chris takes a twenty out of his pocket and hands it to her, followed by Amari, who gives her a ten and a five. I would like to say that I was shocked or anything else, but this was standard. Bradley offers a ten, and Rahim gives a fifty. Zillah and I both dig out a twenty and add it to the stack. “Perfect. Let’s do this.” <a data-passage="Q1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You ever walk into your class the day of testing and just know that you’re going to fail?” “Never had a test,” Zillah points out. Rahim snorts, “I never failed anything in my life.” “Not really big on showing up to things,” Sydero comments next. “I never went to school,” Amari voices. With a tired glance, I look over at Chris and Bradley. Chris laughs in embarrassment, “I … yea um, worse grade I ever got was a 78. So …” “I’m self-taught,” Bradley finishes, and I groan loudly. “Just say no, you don’t relate!” Sydero hums to herself, examining the tent before looking over at Bradley. “What does the winner get?” “The benefit of knowing your friends the most?” She stares at him for a long minute before stretching out her hand, placing a twenty dollar bill in her other hand, “money in the middle now, everyone. Or this isn’t happening.” Chris takes a twenty out of his pocket and hands it to her, followed by Amari, who gives her a ten and a five. I would like to say that I was shocked or anything else, but this was standard. Bradley offers a ten, and Rahim gives a fifty. Zillah and I both dig out a twenty and add it to the stack. “Perfect. Let’s do this.” <a data-passage="Q1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Well, this is going to be interesting. And by that, I mean a complete and total disaster.” “I think it’ll be fun,” Amari comments. “I don’t think I care to play,” Zillah says, and everyone glances at him in confusion. “This isn’t conceited enough for you?” Chris inquires. “Not really. Unless it’s all about me.” “The questions are phrased in who is most likely to do what.” Zillah takes a minute to think before shrugging, “I guess that’s fine.” Sydero hums to herself, examining the tent before looking over at Bradley. “What does the winner get?” “The benefit of knowing your friends the most?” She stares at him for a long minute before stretching out her hand, placing a twenty dollar bill in her other hand, “money in the middle now, everyone. Or this isn’t happening.” Chris takes a twenty out of his pocket and hands it to her, followed by Amari, who gives her a ten and a five. I would like to say that I was shocked or anything else, but this was standard. Bradley offers a ten, and Rahim gives a fifty. Zillah and I both dig out a twenty and add it to the stack. “Perfect. Let’s do this.” <a data-passage="Q1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We head into one of the available five rooms where there are ten seats arranged in a circle, a large table residing in the middle. On it is various card stacks, boards, and markers. We each grab one before taking a seat. “Everyone knows how to play, right?” Bradley questions. “Nope!” Amari chirps with a wide smile. “So, I’ll ask whose most likely to do something, and you’ll write your name. The person whose name appears the most will be the right answer, and everyone gets a point. So, if the majority wrote my name down, then everyone who has it gets the point. Ties count.” Amari nods, and Bradley begins to flip through the cards. “Let’s start off easy. Most likely to go to a Justin Bieber concert.” Everyone glances down at their board, either thinking of an answer or writing one down. I can take the twins off the list, Rahim because he didn’t like the music and Sydero because she probably didn’t even know who that was. I knew Chris wasn’t a fan of the genre, which left Zillah, Amari, or Bradley. [[Zillah.->Q1_Zillah][$qp +=1]] [[Amari.->Q1_Amari]] [[Bradley.->Q1_Bradley]]
<<if $qp is 1>>\ I decide to put Zillah down and wait for everyone else to finish. “Ready?” Bradley questions, “show.” We all show our boards. The most prominent name was Zillah, with only Chris putting the wrong answer, Amari. Zillah even put himself. “Why, though?” Chris asks, but Zillah didn’t answer. It would seem that not even he knew. <</if>>\ “Next question,” Rahim says after flicking through the cards, “most likely to kill someone on accident.” Sydero snorts, quickly writing a name down before gazing up, “easy.” “Yea,” Chris sighs, propping his feet up on the table in front of us. “That should’ve been the one we started with.” I glance down at my own board, writing … [[Sydero.->Q2W]] [[Rahim.->Q2W]] [[Zillah.->Q2W]] [[Chris.->Q2W]] [[Amari.->Q2R][$qp +=1]] [[Bradley.->Q2W]]
I decide on Amari and wait for everyone else to finish. “Ready?” Bradley questions, “show.” We all show our boards. The most prominent name was Zillah, with only me and Chris putting Amari. She looks at our boards and shrugs, “I don’t know who that is.” Of course, I hadn’t considered that. We erase our answers and get ready for the next one. <<include "Q1_Zillah">>
I decide on Bradley, writing his name and waiting for everyone else to finish. “Ready?” Bradley questions, “show.” We all show our boards. The most prominent name was Zillah, with Chris putting Amari and me putting Bradley. “The hell, Roe?” Bradley barks, “really?” “It was an educated guess.” “Uneducated. It was an uneducated guess,” he corrects. He erases his answer, “point to everyone who put Zillah.” <<include "Q1_Zillah">>
I write the name and wait. When we all reveal, everyone had put down Amari. Besides Amari, who had put Bradley. “I guess it wasn’t that easy to some,” Chris laughs, glancing at my board. “Why me?” she whimpers, pouting, “I would never kill someone on purpose …” Her voice trails off, and her pout deepens. “Oh.” Zillah takes the cards and looks through them, humming as he read over them before smirking. “Most likely to get it on with a vampire, werewolf, or another mythical creature.” Everyone erupts in laughter, writing down an answer before putting their boards down. “Chop chop, Roe, we’re waiting,” Bradley says, barely holding a laugh in. [[Sydero.->Q3W][$qp +=1]] [[Zillah.->Q3W][$qp +=1]] [[Rhoe.->Q3R][$qp +=2]]
I write the name and wait. When we all reveal, everyone had put down Amari. Besides Amari, who had put Bradley. “Why me?” she whimpers, pouting, “I would never kill someone on purpose …” Her voice trails off, and her pout deepens. “Oh.” Zillah takes the cards and looks through them, humming as he read over them before smirking. “Most likely to get it on with a vampire, werewolf, or another mythical creature.” Everyone erupts in laughter, writing down an answer before putting their boards down. “Chop chop, Roe, we’re waiting,” Bradley says, barely holding a laugh in. [[Sydero.->Q3W][$qp +=1]] [[Zillah.->Q3W][$qp +=1]] [[Rhoe.->Q3R][$qp +=2]]
I write down my answer and nod. On three, we all turn our boards over, and I deflate while everyone else laughs. I was obviously wrong and everyone else right. They had all put me. “My turn,” Syd hums, “let’s go with this one. Who’s the most likely to get their story told on //Sex Sent Me to the ER//?” I don’t even have to think over my answer. I write down Zillah and shake my head as I wait for the others. Once done, we all turn our boards over. It was a healthy mix of both Zillah and Sydero, but an additional vote to Zillah secures me a point. There were only three go’s left, and Chris was up. “Most likely to get punched in the face?” For the first time, none of us look sure. Putting down who we most wanted to punch was valid, but would it get us the point? I could also choose to write nothing. It wouldn’t give me a point, but it would at least show that there were no hard feelings. [[Sydero.->Q4_Sydero]] [[Rahim.->Q4_Rahim][$qp +=1]] [[Zillah.->Q4_Zillah]] [[Chris.->Q4_Chris]] [[Amari.->Q4_Amari]] [[Bradley.->Q4_Bradley]] [[Roe.->Q4_Roe]] [[Write nothing.->Q4_None]]
There was no point in lying to myself. I write down my answer and nod. On three, we all turn our boards over, and everyone laughs. I nod in understanding, poking out my lips as I let their laughter subside. “My turn,” Syd hums, “let’s go with this one. Who’s the most likely to get their story told on //Sex Sent Me to the ER//?” I don’t even have to think over my answer. I write down Zillah and shake my head as I wait for the others. Once done, we all turn our boards over. It was a healthy mix of both Zillah and Sydero, but an additional vote to Zillah secures me a point. There were only three go’s left, and Chris was up. “Most likely to get punched in the face?” For the first time, none of us look sure. Putting down who we most wanted to punch was valid, but would it get us the point? I could also choose to write nothing. It wouldn’t give me a point, but it would at least show that there were no hard feelings. [[Sydero.->Q4_Sydero]] [[Rahim.->Q4_Rahim][$qp +=1]] [[Zillah.->Q4_Zillah]] [[Chris.->Q4_Chris]] [[Amari.->Q4_Amari]] [[Bradley.->Q4_Bradley]] [[Roe.->Q4_Roe]] [[Write nothing.->Q4_None]]
She’s had it coming for a while now. I write down Sydero and wait for everyone else to finish. As soon as we see the answers, we all erupt into laughter. Chris had chosen Zillah, Amari’s was blank, Bradley put Chris, Rahim wrote Sydero, and Sydero wrote Rahim. And then, finally, Zillah had written down Rahim. Meaning that no one got the point. It was my turn. I look through the cards and decide on … [[Most likely to get stranded.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to send a naughty picture without reason.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to die first in the zombie apocalypse.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to be a heartbreaker.][$qp +=1]]
He kind of deserved it, especially if I remember our early days correctly. I write down Rahim and wait for everyone else to finish. As soon as we see the answers, we all erupt into laughter. Chris had chosen Zillah, Amari’s was blank, Bradley put Chris, Rahim wrote Sydero, and Sydero wrote Rahim. And then, finally, Zillah had written down Rahim. Meaning that Rahim had won, and all of those who put him got the point. It was my turn. I look through the cards and decide on … [[Most likely to get stranded.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to send a naughty picture without reason.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to die first in the zombie apocalypse.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to be a heartbreaker.][$qp +=1]]
I don’t think anyone would be surprised. In fact, not putting Zillah was probably the more shocking part. I write down Zillah and wait for everyone else to finish. As soon as we see the answers, we all erupt into laughter. Chris had chosen Zillah, Amari’s was blank, Bradley put Chris, Rahim wrote Sydero, and Sydero wrote Rahim. And then, finally, Zillah had written down Rahim. Meaning that no one got the point. It was my turn. I look through the cards and decide on … [[Most likely to get stranded.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to send a naughty picture without reason.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to die first in the zombie apocalypse.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to be a heartbreaker.][$qp +=1]]
It was payback for all the times he’s complained, which were … numerous. I write down Chris and wait for everyone else to finish. As soon as we see the answers, we all erupt into laughter. Chris had chosen Zillah, Amari’s was blank, Bradley put Chris, Rahim wrote Sydero, and Sydero wrote Rahim. And then, finally, Zillah had written down Rahim. Meaning that no one got the point. It was my turn. I look through the cards and decide on … [[Most likely to get stranded.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to send a naughty picture without reason.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to die first in the zombie apocalypse.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to be a heartbreaker.][$qp +=1]]
Why did I want to punch Amari? It was like asking a baby why they felt the need to cry or a bird the need to fly. There was no answer … at all. I write down Amari and wait for everyone else to finish. As soon as we see the answers, everyone stares at me. Amari looks from my board to my face and looks ready to question me, but she bites her lip and remains quiet. Chris had chosen Zillah, Amari’s was blank, Bradley put Chris, Rahim wrote Sydero, and Sydero wrote Rahim. And then, finally, Zillah had written down Rahim. Meaning that Rahim won and that Zillah and Sydero got points. It was my turn. I look through the cards and decide on … [[Most likely to get stranded.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to send a naughty picture without reason.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to die first in the zombie apocalypse.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to be a heartbreaker.][$qp +=1]]
I didn’t have the best answer, but I did have a few reasons. I write down Bradley and wait for everyone else to finish. As soon as we see the answers, we all erupt into laughter. Bradley sees my board and snorts. “Oh, come at me bro!” Chris had chosen Zillah, Amari’s was blank, Bradley put Chris, Rahim wrote Sydero, and Sydero wrote Rahim. And then, finally, Zillah had written down Rahim. Meaning that Rahim won and that Zillah and Sydero got points. It was my turn. I look through the cards and decide on … [[Most likely to get stranded.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to send a naughty picture without reason.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to die first in the zombie apocalypse.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to be a heartbreaker.][$qp +=1]]
I mean, if I met me, I’d punch me. That was just the sad truth. I write down my own name and wait for everyone else to finish. As soon as we see the answers, we all erupt into laughter. “What the hell, Roe?” Sydero laughs. Chris had chosen Zillah, Amari’s was blank, Bradley put Chris, Rahim wrote Sydero, and Sydero wrote Rahim. And then, finally, Zillah had written down Rahim. Meaning that Rahim won and that Zillah and Sydero got points. It was my turn. I look through the cards and decide on … [[Most likely to get stranded.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to send a naughty picture without reason.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to die first in the zombie apocalypse.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to be a heartbreaker.][$qp +=1]]
I choose to write down no name and wait for everyone else to finish. As soon as we see the answers, we all erupt into laughter. Chris had chosen Zillah, Amari’s was blank like mine, Bradley put Chris, Rahim wrote Sydero, and Sydero wrote Rahim. And then, finally, Zillah had written down Rahim. Meaning that Rahim won and that Zillah and Sydero got points. It was my turn. I look through the cards and decide on … [[Most likely to get stranded.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to send a naughty picture without reason.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to die first in the zombie apocalypse.][$qp +=1]] [[Most likely to be a heartbreaker.][$qp +=1]]
“Whose most likely to get stranded?” Chris though an idiot at times, was resourceful, same as Bradley. Sydero’s past held far too many instances where she had to live independently, so she was scratched off the list, and I could only guess that Rahim was similar. It was really between Zillah and Amari. After some thought, I choose Amari. We show our boards—most choosing Amari, not counting Rahim and Amari who lose. “I would not!” she objects, “you guys forget that I had to live on my own for a good portion of my life.” “Correction,” Sydero inputs, “you lived with your parents, then you immediately came over to Team Problematic. You’re a wanderlust child. Own it.” She grumbles but doesn’t continue to argue. <a data-passage="Q5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Whose most likely to send a naughty picture without reason?” Bradley was instantly marked out. Chris and Amari would only send one if prompted, and Rahim seemed to be in the same boat. So, Sydero or Zillah. In the end, I go with Zillah, thinking that Sydero would withhold for teasing reasons. We show our boards. Most have the same thought process as me and choose between Syd and Zillah. In the end, though, Bradley’s answer towards Zillah gives me the point. Zillah shrugs, “this body deserves recognition.” “You know,” Sydero smirks, “technically it isn't even yours.” He shrugs once again, “mine now.” <a data-passage="Q5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Whose most likely to die first in the zombie apocalypse?” Everyone frowns, and I couldn’t blame them. Being that Zillah, Rahim, Amari, and Sydero were supernaturals, they had a leg up. Though if we were doing this personality-wise, then Zillah and Amari were goners. Bradley and Chris were the only humans. Bradley was extremely resourceful, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he had an entire plan already. So, it was between Zillah, Amari, and Chris. I tap my head with the marker before finally writing Chris. We show our boards. Everyone choosing someone else, but at least two of us decide on Chris. “Why me?” Chris asks, looking at Sydero and me since we were the ones who voted for him. Syd yawns, “you’d probably get bit and not tell anyone because,” she does air quotes, “you feel fine.” <a data-passage="Q5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Whose most likely to be a heartbreaker?” Amari was marked off along with Rahim; neither of them would intentionally break a heart. Zillah would try, but he’d probably end up breaking his own in the attempt. Chris and Sydero were good candidates. The problem with Sydero was that she was too honest with her motives. If she broke someone’s heart, it was because they lied to themselves. Chris … I pause, my eyes moving over to Bradley. Why not? We show our boards. In a shocking twist, everyone but Chris and Bradley had written Bradley. “Exactly, respect the game,” Bradley cheers, pumping his fist into the air. “That,” Rahim comments, “that right there is why we voted you.” “No achievement points for the weak, Rahim,” he laughs. <a data-passage="Q5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We show our boards, and I find that my name was put down the most. It would have been tied with Sydero, but Sydero went with me. “I’m honored,” I laugh. “Eh, don’t be,” she snorts, “I only put you because I knew Zillah would put mine. <<if $qp is 7>>And right now, I need one less person to have to split the money with.<<else>>And right now, he’s standing between me and victory.<</if>>” <<if $qp is 7>>\ “Bitch,” he mumbles, “so why didn’t you try and get Roe out?” She says nothing as she grabs the money and begins to split it, passing it to me. “Because I can actually stand Roe.” <<else>>\ “Bitch,” he mumbles. “This bitch just won. Didn’t she, Bradley?” Bradley tallies up the points and nods. She grabs the money and, without missing a beat, runs towards the exit, laughing. We remain in our seats, listening to her laughter fade. <</if>>\ With the game over, we all get up and leave, large smiles on our faces. I don’t know if we had gone in believing we’d come out closer, but I do think that game accomplished something. <<if $visit is 5>>\ We don’t make it far before Bradley screams. “It’s perfect that we just did the quiz because we can now all walk to the battle together.” “It’s time?” Chris questions and he nods, doing a pathetic job of hiding his excitement. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ We don’t make it far before Bradley screams. “It’s perfect that we just did the quiz because we can now all walk to the tour together.” “It’s time?” Chris questions and he nods, doing a pathetic job of hiding his excitement. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
We all look at the last person to go. Sydero and Zillah were in the lead, <<if $qp is 6>>with me right alongside them<<else>>with me lagging behind<</if>>. Amari looks through the cards, throwing them away as she goes. “These are so ugh,” she growls, “oh. How about this one. Most likely to win a reality tv show?” “What’s it about?” Bradley questions. She shrugs, “let’s say it’s one of those competition ones, and it’s the other competitors who vote you.” We take a minute to think it through. Honestly, everyone was a good guess. Each and every one of us had something that could take us all the way. After some deliberation, I finally write. [[Sydero.->Q6]] [[Rahim.->Q6]] [[Zillah.->Q6]] [[Chris.->Q6]] [[Amari.->Q6]] [[Bradley.->Q6]] [[Roe.->Q6][$qp +=1]]
We all glance over at Bradley, who, of course, knows the answer, “light hits which are pretty much taps against the arm, leg, and stomach area. Shield bashing, charging, grappling, and hitting someone with the hilt of a weapon are considered invalid hits.” “Great, you guys will do great. Now, get ready. If you need anything else, just call me over. I’ll go tell the others you’re ready.” The volunteer walks away, and Zillah grumbles loudly, “am I the only one who thinks this is a stupid and bad idea? We literally kill people.” “I gotta agree with the shade,” Sydero sighs, “I’m not really a light hitter type of girl.” [[“It’s not like these are real weapons.”]] [[“It is a weird switch.”]] [[“I think this will be fun.”]]
Before Bradley could answer again, I go ahead and blurt out the answer, “light hits, basic taps. You also shouldn’t shield bash, charge, grapple, or strike someone with the hilt of the weapon.” I glance over at Bradley, and he sticks his tongue out at me but smiles. “Great, you guys will do great. Now, get ready. If you need anything else, just call me over. I’ll go tell the others you’re ready.” The volunteer walks away, and Zillah grumbles loudly, “am I the only one who thinks this is a stupid and bad idea? We literally kill people.” “I gotta agree with the shade,” Sydero sighs, “I’m not really a light hitter type of girl.” [[“It’s not like these are real weapons.”]] [[“It is a weird switch.”]] [[“I think this will be fun.”]]
“It’s not like these are real weapons; they’re made of foam,” I state, bending it to show everyone. Chris frowns, “I don’t understand why I can’t just hit someone and then move on.” “Because you can injure someone,” Bradley says in an obvious tone. “I can do that without even touching them,” Rahim points out. Bradley covers his face, “the fact that the only reason we’ll lose is that we were disqualified is sad. You guys realize that, right?” He receives blank stares. “Can you please just take this seriously? Have fun but take it seriously. I really want that feast.” “No, you don’t,” I laugh, “you just want victory.” “Which is represented by the feast. Please, can we do this?” He extends his hand, prompting all of us to stack ours on top of his. [[Stick my hand in.]] [[Don’t.]]
“You have to admit, it is a weird switch. We go from killing supernaturals with real weapons to playing make-believe with foam ones. I don’t know how I’ll react if some guy runs up to me and thinks he can beat me with a pathetic sword tap.” “Just play dead,” Amari giggles, “act dramatically when you go down too.” “Or rip the weapon from him and throw it at his head,” Zillah adds. Bradley covers his face, “the fact that the only reason we’ll lose is that we were disqualified is sad. You guys realize that, right?” He receives blank stares. “Can you please just take this seriously? Have fun but take it seriously. I really want that feast.” “No, you don’t,” I laugh, “you just want victory.” “Which is represented by the feast. Please, can we do this?” He extends his hand, prompting all of us to stack ours on top of his. [[Stick my hand in.]] [[Don’t.]]
“I don’t know about you guys, but I think this will be fun. It’s different, sure, but definitely something that could be cool.” “Playing make-believe is cool?” Chris questions, brow raised. “Well, yea. There’s no life-threatening part about any of this.” “That’s a lie,” Sydero chuckles, “boredom can kill me faster than any supernatural.” Bradley covers his face, “the fact that the only reason we’ll lose is that we were disqualified is sad. You guys realize that, right?” He receives blank stares. “Can you please just take this seriously? Have fun but take it seriously. I really want that feast.” “No, you don’t,” I laugh, “you just want victory.” “Which is represented by the feast. Please, can we do this?” He extends his hand, prompting all of us to stack ours on top of his. [[Stick my hand in.]] [[Don’t.]]
“I, for one, am excited and think this will be a great experience,” Amari says excitedly, being the first to put her hand on top of Bradley’s. “Let’s win that feast,” I state, putting my hand in next. Chris, Sydero, Rahim, then Zillah follows, causing Bradley to smile widely. “I hope they’re ready,” Bradley cheers, “because Team Chaos is coming for them.” <a data-passage="B1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I, for one, am excited and think this will be a great experience,” Amari says excitedly, being the first to put her hand on top of Bradley’s. I keep my hands to my side as Chris, Sydero, and then Rahim add their hands in. Zillah glances at me and then at the others and with a roll of his eyes, adds his in with a smirk. The others give me odd looks but say nothing about my lack of participation. Only Bradley conveys his disappointment in me. “I hope they’re ready,” Bradley cheers, his attention going back to the others, “because Team Chaos is coming for them.” <a data-passage="B1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We make our way forward at the sound of the horn. We all had powers and abilities dealing with our costumes, and thus there was a limited number of things we could do. But we also had something that no one else here did. [[We decided to play fairly.][$fairly = true]] [[We played by our rules.]]
At the end of the day, this was all for fun. We use our natural abilities and skills every day, so we agreed that it would be nice to be different people for just one day. The plan was simple. Rahim, Zillah, and Sydero would attract everyone’s attention. <<if $costume is "jester" or $costume is "monk" or $costume is "wench">>Chris and I would go up the left and Bradley and Amari to the right. Our job was to get the flag, and if push came to shove, distract as many teams as possible so they couldn’t. <<else>>Chris and Bradley will head up the left, and Amari and I will take the right. Our job was to get the flag, though my job was mostly to protect Amari and ward off anyone who got too close.<</if>> Splitting up into our previous discussed teams, we head out. <<if $costume is "jester" or $costume is "monk" or $costume is "wench">>\ I stick with Chris, heading up the left side at the ready. According to the piece of paper that Bradley had handed us, I mostly had skills and tricks to aid me. My combat was low, but my potential to get out of any situation was high. That was probably why I was put with Chris, who I had learned didn’t just have a cutlass, but two hidden daggers as well. We inch closer, hearing the sounds of shouting further up. Two teams had made it here before us, probably because they ran as fast as they could. That meant that three other groups had yet to show and would be a problem later. “How are we supposed to beat all of them?” Chris asks. “I don’t think we have to beat them, just get the flag back. Your card say anything about stealth?” “No, but I think Sydero has some kind of Cloak of Darkness ability. Something that’ll give her a ten-second head start at least.” “What should we do?” “Kick butt and take names.” Before I can offer up a rebuttal, he charges forward with a war cry, stopping a woman from getting closer to the flag. Others look at me, and I sigh. I think Chris forgot that he was my protection. One boy, perhaps even younger than Bradley, comes up to me and prepares his staff. “Are you ready to taste defeat?” [[Trick him and run.]] [[Look at my card.]] <<else>>\ I stick with Amari, and the two of us head up the right side as planned. According to the paper that Bradley had handed us, I was more proficient in combat than I was in skills and abilities. Amari was a master at persuasion, being able to use that to get out of anything. We inch closer, hearing the sounds of shouting further up. Two teams had made it here before us, probably because they ran as fast as they could. That meant that three other groups had yet to show and would be a problem later. “What’s the plan?” Amari questions, tugging on my sleeve. “You stay close, and I’ll make a path. Use your charisma or diplomacy skill if anyone gets close.” “Understood.” With a nod, we start to inch closer, keeping out of sight until we had no choice but to move in. One boy, perhaps even younger than Bradley, comes up to me and prepares his staff. “Are you ready to taste defeat?” “He can only catch one of us!” Amari shouts, darting off. Mouth hanging open, I look from her running figure to the boy who has refused to budge. Well, so much for the plan. [[Trick him and run.]] [[Look at my card.]] <</if>>\
I was always taught to utilize whatever I had in my arsenal. I had abilities, so why not use them? This was no different, and luckily everyone else seemed to agree. That and I’m sure we were all curious about how everyone would react to the strange occurrences. Perhaps this would be an excellent way to test how secretive we all could be. Bradley came up with the plan, and it called for Amari to go in alone, shifting into her dog form and grabbing the flag. Bradley and Chris would then give chase. She would run the flag closer to our side before releasing it so the two guys could pick it up. The rest of us would make sure to take whoever we could out, mostly by making it seem like we were playing by the rules, but not. Making sure there were no curious eyes around, we signal Amari to shift into her dog form. Chris and Bradley wait for her, but the rest of us head out, having to make an appearance, lest we wanted for others to get suspicious. “So, exactly how much should we mess with them?” I question, keeping pace with the other three supernaturals. “We should stay on the stealthy side,” Rahim recommends, “there’s no need to show off. Nothing good will come from it.” “Would be fun if one of our competitors also were supernatural,” Zillah points out, rubbing his chin in thought. “Ah, if only Zira was here,” Sydero comments with a carefree smile, “but we would’ve sensed them by now if any were here.” <a data-passage="B1_1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $costume is "jester" or $costume is "monk" or $costume is "wench">>\ I nod in the direction of the flag, “I guess the blue team is going to win. Not surprised.” He frowns and jerks around, and with that distraction, I leave. There was no way I was going to try and go up against someone with magic and spells in their arsenal. I run over to Chris, who defeats his foe and hit him upside the head. “Some bodyguard.” “Sorry,” he says dramatically, “I let the ocean’s rage get the better of me.” “Ocean what?” He shows me the card’s description, “it’s some power. Hell, if I know.” We move up, avoiding any current fights when, surprisingly, we get to the flag. At the same time, Amari appears. “Hiya, guys!” she greets. “Amari, you don’t just stop for pleasantries on the battlefield,” Chris scolds. “Maybe if more people did, it wouldn’t be a battlefield.” Chris opens his mouth but then closes it a second later. <<else>>\ I act as I’m about to fight him when I frown at something behind him, “oh crap, watch out!” He frowns and jerks around, and with that distraction, I leave. There was no way I was going to try and go up against someone with magic that probably studies this stuff religiously. It was like trying to beat Bradley at his favorite game, impossible and a horrible waste of time. I find Amari standing near the flag with Chris. “Some bodyguard,” he snorts at me. “She ran off!” I growl. “I don’t like conflict,” she shrugs. I open my mouth to point out that this whole thing was fake, but I decide against it. <</if>>\ “Let’s just get this flag to our base.” He grabs it, and the three of us dart off. I spot Bradley to the side and decide to peel off. “Bradley, we have the flag,” I say, approaching just as he ‘kills’ the person he was fighting. “Huzzah!” he shouts, frowning and shaking his head, “I suppose he was still trying to find a suitable battle cry. “Let’s go!” I’m close on his heels, stopping every now and then to distract someone and throw some weird curse or affliction at them. We meet up with Rahim, Sydero, and Zillah and form a line, making sure no one could get past us. Bradley takes a step forward to face off against the three people that were left. The rest of us hang back, letting him have it. I have no doubt that he could probably take each one of them out. <a data-passage="B2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $costume is "jester" or $costume is "monk" or $costume is "wench">>\ I blink, but instead of answering, I retrieve the card. He allows me this, and I look over all the skills that I had. What was I supposed to do here? <<if $costume is "jester">>Tickle him to death?<<elseif $costume is "monk">>Hymn him to death?<<else>>Give him imaginary alcohol poisoning?<</if>> “You should let me go first since there’s no way I’m going to beat you,” I tell him. He frowns but after looking my costume over one more time, he shrugs. “Go ahead.” <<if $costume is "jester">>\ I smirk and lean forward, “I curse you with the Fate of the Riddler.” He cocks his head to the side and retrieves his own card, flipping through to where all the powers and spells were at. Fate of the Riddler was just a goofy spell that made whoever was cursed with it, well … goofy. Basically, they had to be like me. He doesn’t give me any warning and just goes off, laughing and poking at people. I had about fifteen seconds before he was back to normal and came after me. Chris was nowhere to be seen, so I seek out someone else, happy to find Bradley. He kills whoever he was with and waves at me. <<elseif $costume is "monk">>\ I smirk and lean forward, “I curse you with the Prayer of the Fallen.” He cocks his head to the side and retrieves his own card, flipping to where all the powers and spells were at. Prayer of the Fallen basically said that he had to walk around depressed and unmotivated for ten seconds, long enough for me to get out of there. He doesn’t give me any warning and just goes off, mumbling under his breath and wailing. I see and take my chance. Chris was nowhere to be seen, so I seek out someone else, happy to find Bradley. He kills whoever he was with and waves at me. <<else>>\ I smirk and lean forward, “I curse you with Dragon’s Breath Ale.” He cocks his head to the side and retrieves his own card, flipping to where all the powers and spells were at. Basically, it said that the person I inflict this on had too much to drink and was now drunk. He’d wake up in about ten or fifteen seconds, though. Giving me no warning, the kid just falls over and acts as if he’s asleep. I wasn’t about to stick around and immediately head off. Chris was nowhere to be seen, so I seek out someone else, happy to find Bradley. He kills whoever he was with and waves at me. <</if>>\ “How goes it?” “I just cursed some wizard kid and got away, so I’d like to think everything is good.” He clicks his tongue and shakes his head, “what a newb. Everyone knows that they should cast Sphere of Cleanse first.” I nod sarcastically, “yea, of course. Everyone knows that.” I stick with him when I notice a familiar sailor and princess running with the flag. “Look!” I shout to him, pointing at Chris and Amari, “they have the flag.” “Let’s go!” Bradley yells, “we must protect them. I’m close on his heels, stopping every now and then to distract someone and throw some weird curse or affliction at them. We meet up with Rahim, Sydero, and Zillah and form a line, making sure no one could get past us. <<else>>\ I blink, but instead of answering, I retrieve my paper. He allows me this, and I look over all the skills that I had. I had a few excellent skills, but it was just as likely that he would be able to defect it all. “You should let me go first since there’s no way I’m going to beat you,” I tell him. He frowns and shakes his head, nodding to my weapon. “I don’t believe you. I cast Lethargic.” I find and glance over the spell, realizing that I wouldn’t be able to move for ten seconds. “I’ll allow you one move before I finish you.” With a sigh, I take a second look at my cards. Nothing could really help me, seeing that all my actions would be slowed and wouldn’t really hit. Not without him dodging, deflecting, or just plain taking it like a champ and finishing me off. I prepare to admit defeat when I notice Bradley behind him and sigh in thanks. There were worse fates. <<if $costume is "archer">>\ “I cast Hail of Arrows.” “Ha!” the kid smirks, “too bad they’ll come down too slow.” “Cleansing Aura!” Bradley shouts, causing the kid to jerk around to face him. I don’t do anything, mostly because I don’t know what’s going on. One minute, the kid is glaring at Bradley, and the next, he’s acting like a dozen projectiles were hitting him. <<else>>\ “I cast Blades of the Rapids.” “Ha!” the kid smirks, “too bad you’re slowed. I can dodge your cutlass.” “Cleansing Aura!” Bradley shouts, causing the kid to jerk around to face him. I don’t do anything, mostly because I don’t know what’s going on. One minute, the kid is glaring at Bradley, and the next, he’s acting like he was being slashed left and right. <</if>>\ He falls and shouts, “dead.” “Should I act like I understood what just happened?” “I cast Cleansing Aura,” he explains, “it means that any side effects were wiped, so you were no longer suffering from his Lethargic spell. He was unprotected.” I nod, “yep, that makes total sense. Let’s go with that.” We leave the boy behind and carry on, but I stop in my tracks. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="B1_3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Song of the Bard!” he shouts. One of the guys take out a piece of paper and look it over while the other two immediately drop to their knees, covering their ears as they groan. Bradley ‘stabs’ the two on the ground before turning his attention to the third. He shows Bradley a card. “I’m immune, and I now call the Winds of the North.” Bradley shrieks as some invisible force push him, causing him to tumble as the third player comes closer. “Are you ready to surrender?” “Never,” Bradley answers, getting up slowly but then falling back down. [[“Come on, Bradley!”]] [[“This is actually happening.”]] <<if $fairly>>\ [[“Where even is that one?”]] <<else>>\ [[“I didn’t get a piece of paper.”]] <</if>>\
“Come on, Bradley! You can do it. Show him what you’re made of.” The man gets closer, “your friend’s encouragement will not save you from my sword’s tip.” The man continues to monologue, but my attention goes to a chuckling Zillah. He bends over in laughter before straightening up and wiping away a tear from his eye. “Chris would’ve understood.” “We all understood,” Rahim states in annoyance, “you’re just childish.” “Can we get on with this?” Sydero shouts in annoyance. She approaches the man, who behaves as if he was tired, something Bradley had done, I suspect. She raises her staff lazily and shouts, “Curse of the Doomed Ones.” The man takes a quick look at his sheet and curses, falling to the ground and acting as if he had just entered a deep sleep. “The hell just happened?” Zillah questions, his eyes on Sydero. Bradley’s eyes are wide and watery as he looks at Sydero, “you actually read the paper?” “Don’t make a big deal of this,” she growls, walking ahead, but she’s too slow. Bradley throws his arms around her, and she stiffens. Even from my current spot, I could see her twitching. As if burned by the interaction, Bradley releases her and takes a step back, “I’m sorry. I forg –” The word doesn’t make it out of his mouth when Sydero brings him back in for a quick, half-hug, squeezing him. She grumbles something before releasing and stalks off, leaving the rest of us in shock. <a data-passage="B3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“This is actually happening,” I sigh, wiping my eye, “that’s the craziest part about this whole day. This.” “You mean two people hitting each other with invisible spells, correct?” Rahim questions. “What else would I be talking about?” “I don’t know. I never really got past the costume part of the day. I’m still trying to digest all of that.” I glance at Rahim, but his face is serious, no sign of amusement or teasing there. “Can we get on with this?” Sydero shouts in annoyance. She approaches the man, who behaves as if he was tired, something Bradley had done, I suspect. She raises her staff lazily and shouts, “Curse of the Doomed Ones.” The man takes a quick look at his sheet and curses, falling to the ground and acting as if he had just entered a deep sleep. “The hell just happened?” Zillah questions, his eyes on Sydero. Bradley’s eyes are wide and watery as he looks at Sydero, “you actually read the paper?” “Don’t make a big deal of this,” she growls, walking ahead, but she’s too slow. Bradley throws his arms around her, and she stiffens. Even from my current spot, I could see her twitching. As if burned by the interaction, Bradley releases her and takes a step back, “I’m sorry. I forg –” The word doesn’t make it out of his mouth when Sydero brings him back in for a quick, half-hug, squeezing him. She grumbles something before releasing and stalks off, leaving the rest of us in shock. <a data-passage="B3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I flip through my paper and hold it up in confusion, “where even is that one?” “Did you look at every page?” Rahim questions. “No, I just checked page one and called it a day, Rahim. What do you think?” “Pause!” the man fighting Bradley screams, turning to me with an impatient sigh, “page five.” With Rahim and Zillah both glancing over my shoulder, I go to page five and glance up at him in confusion. “Third from the bottom.” “Oh, here it is. Continue.” “Unpause,” he shouts, his attention now back on Bradley. “Can we get on with this?” Sydero shouts in annoyance. She approaches the man, who behaves as if he was tired, something Bradley had done, I suspect. She raises her staff lazily and shouts, “Curse of the Doomed Ones.” The man takes a quick look at his sheet and curses, falling to the ground and acting as if he had just entered a deep sleep. “The hell just happened?” Zillah questions, his eyes on Sydero. Bradley’s eyes are wide and watery as he looks at Sydero, “you actually read the paper?” “Don’t make a big deal of this,” she growls, walking ahead, but she’s too slow. Bradley throws his arms around her, and she stiffens. Even from my current spot, I could see her twitching. As if burned by the interaction, Bradley releases her and takes a step back, “I’m sorry. I forg –” The word doesn’t make it out of his mouth when Sydero brings him back in for a quick, half-hug, squeezing him. She grumbles something before releasing and stalks off, leaving the rest of us in shock. <a data-passage="B3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Uh, did one of you get a piece of paper?” I question the other three as the two continue to go back and forth. Rahim digs into his pocket and pulls out a folded-up sheet, handing it to me without looking. I glance through it, finding that it wasn’t just one sheet but many. Did people actually memorize this? “Can we get on with this?” Sydero shouts in annoyance. She approaches the man, who behaves as if he was tired, something Bradley had done, I suspect. She raises her staff lazily and shouts, “Curse of the Doomed Ones.” The man takes a quick look at his sheet and curses, falling to the ground and acting as if he had just entered a deep sleep. “The hell just happened?” Zillah questions, his eyes on Sydero. Bradley’s eyes are wide and watery as he looks at Sydero, “you actually read the paper?” “Don’t make a big deal of this,” she growls, walking ahead, but she’s too slow. Bradley throws his arms around her, and she stiffens. Even from my current spot, I could see her twitching. As if burned by the interaction, Bradley releases her and takes a step back, “I’m sorry. I forg –” The word doesn’t make it out of his mouth when Sydero brings him back in for a quick, half-hug, squeezing him. She grumbles something before releasing and stalks off, leaving the rest of us in shock. <a data-passage="B3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
A few seconds later and a loud horn blows, and we hear an announcer shout over loudspeakers, “Team Chaos has won.” Shouting in happiness, we head to the central part of the arena, where a large crowd and the other competitors are. “Let’s give a round of applause for them and the rest of our competitors.” The man from earlier gets up and, with a broad smile, shakes our hand. A few others come by to congratulate us as well, though most simply head out with their heads hung low. “We won the feast!” Bradley shouts, pumping his fists into the air, screaming it again and again as if the entire fairground didn’t hear him the first time. <a data-passage="B4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<audio "battle" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> The feast was just that. A long banquet table filled with pies and danishes, cookies, and brownies. An assortment of fruits, vegetables, cheese, and an entire row of drinks. Farther down were some meat and fish. Past that was bread, and even further down, there seemed to be some other sides that I doubt were historically correct. All of the other VIP’s were being fed in a separate tent, a consolation prize since they did pay for it. I took a seat at the long table with the rest of the gang, digging in and taking time to eat and try everything I had previously grabbed. “I’d like to make a toast,” Bradley announces, his mouth full as he stands up on his chair. “Need to sit on my shoulders, squirt?” Chris asks, <<if $maze>>causing Sydero and me to chuckle in understanding<<else>>causing Sydero to immediately laugh, though I didn’t understand why.<</if>> “Shut it before we go for round two,” Bradley barks at him, and Chris shakes his head with a wide smile. “<<if $eating>>Shut it, Chris. I’m not experiencing that a second time.<<else>>I’m going to assume that’s part of an inside joke.<</if>>” I remark, and Bradley continues on. “I just want to say thank you. Even if you guys didn’t enjoy the fair and saw it as me dragging you to some lame geek-fest, you guys made it amazing. We … we’ve come from a lot, and I’m sure we have a lot more facing us in the future. But I’m pretty sure that if anyone can come out of it with a smirk and some smartass comments, it’s the seven of us.” He raises his mug. “To Team Chaos!” I raise my mug and shout … [[“To Team Chaos!”]] [[“To feasts!”]] [[“Someone check his mug.”]]
“To Team Chaos!” I shout along with the others. We all clink glasses and take a long gulp from it before we get back to eating. We laugh and chat, doing more eating than anything else, though. “How about a picture for the winners?” a photographer questions, holding up his camera. We all exchange glances and nod. The first one to move was Zillah, one foot on the table and appearing like a king who had conquered a new land. Amari sits on the end of the table, leaning on his leg. Rahim stands behind them, posing like he usually does, but it was only now that I realized how much he truly stood like a soldier. Chris poses next to him, a laidback smirk on his face. Bradley, seeing his opportunity, jumps onto his back and fist pumps the air. Sydero sits on the other side of the table, propping her face up with her hand but smiling regardless. I stand behind her and to the side of Chris, crossing my arms with a wide smile. He takes it, and we all rush to view it. My stomach turns, and my heart feels like it was being squeezed. We all looked like complete dorks, but there was no doubt about it. We were a team. <a data-passage="B5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“To great feasts and even greater company!” I shout, the only one to say something different. The others send me playful looks but say nothing as we all clink our glasses. We laugh and chat, doing more eating than anything else, though. “How about a picture for the winners?” a photographer questions, holding up his camera. We all exchange glances and nod. The first one to move was Zillah, one foot on the table and appearing like a king who had conquered a new land. Amari sits on the end of the table, leaning on his leg. Rahim stands behind them, posing like he usually does, but it was only now that I realized how much he truly stood like a soldier. Chris poses next to him, a laidback smirk on his face. Bradley, seeing his opportunity, jumps onto his back and fist pumps the air. Sydero sits on the other side of the table, propping her face up with her hand but smiling regardless. I stand behind her and to the side of Chris, crossing my arms with a wide smile. He takes it, and we all rush to view it. My stomach turns, and my heart feels like it was being squeezed. We all looked like complete dorks, but there was no doubt about it. We were a team. <a data-passage="B5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Someone check his mug,” I shout, and they all laugh. “Come on, not again! I swear it’s water this time.” Rahim carefully snatches the mug from him and examines the contents. He deflates and glances up, turning to Bradley, “this is juice. Not water.” “Eh,” Bradley responds, snatching the mug back and taking a long gulp, “tomayto, tomahto.” “No,” Rahim sighs, “there’s a difference. You can’t just use that phrase.” “Are we going to clink mugs today?” Chris questions, and we all move in to do just that, all of us taking long gulps before getting back to eating. We laugh and chat, doing more eating than anything else. “How about a picture for the winners?” a photographer questions, holding up his camera. We all exchange glances and nod. The first one to move was Zillah, one foot on the table and appearing like a king who had conquered a new land. Amari sits on the end of the table, leaning on his leg. Rahim stands behind them, posing like he usually does, but it was only now that I realized how much he truly stood like a soldier. Chris poses next to him, a laidback smirk on his face. Bradley, seeing his opportunity, jumps onto his back and fist pumps the air. Sydero sits on the other side of the table, propping her face up with her hand but smiling regardless. I stand behind her and to the side of Chris, crossing my arms with a wide smile. He takes it, and we all rush to view it. My stomach turns, and my heart feels like it was being squeezed. We all looked like complete dorks, but there was no doubt about it. We were a team. <a data-passage="B5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
With full bellies and tired eyes, we march towards the waiting charter bus. Collapsing onto the seat, I glance out the window with half-lidded eyes. The orange glow from the fair’s lights was now on, casting the entire area in a warm, homey glow. The sun was minutes away from disappearing behind the trees in the distance, ready to properly hand the reins over to the patient moon. On the other hand, the sky was still active, presenting us with contrasting colors that seemed almost out of place. I scoot down in my seat. We wouldn’t reach home for at least three hours, a time that would most surely see me asleep. <<if $int is "Rahim">>\ Rahim sits beside me, resting his head on the back of the chair and letting out a loud yawn. “You too?” I question with a weak smile. “I blame it on all the walking, not to mention the food.” “Agreed,” I yawn next, resting my head on his shoulder, “sleep sounds so good right now.” He chuckles underneath his breath, turning just enough to press a long kiss to my head, “then sleep, my love.” “You’re going to be my guardian angel for the trip?” “You definitely need to sleep,” he mumbles, “you’re making bad puns again.” “I spent too much time around Chris and Bradley today.” I wrap my arms around him, attempting to get even more comfortable. “You might want to hurry. You know how Zillah gets,” he points out, and I let out a noise in agreement. <<elseif $int is "Zillah">>\ Zillah collapses in the seat behind me, and I frown, turning to look at him. Was he really going to sit with himself, or was this just his way of trying to get a reaction out of me? “Seriously?” “What?” he asks with a cocky grin, lying down and taking up both seats. “So, you’re going to sit by yourself the entire ride? You? Out of everyone?” He waves his hand dismissively, “from what everyone keeps saying, I shouldn’t be sitting with anyone because I’m just that annoying.” “You’re definitely annoying me right now.” He props himself up onto his arms. “If you want to sit with me so badly, then come join me.” He taps his lap and lies back down. [[Go to him.]] [[Stay where I am.]] <<elseif $int is "Sydero">>\ It’s a few minutes later that I realize I hadn’t seen Sydero board. I begin to look for her, finally spotting her in the very back of the bus. Or more so, I spot her legs, propped up on the bathroom wall as she lays on the couch-like seat. Being the last seat, it was the only one connected, every other one being an individual seat with a gap in the middle so that two strangers could sit together comfortably. “Syd,” I yawn, speaking loud enough for her to hear me, “you want to be alone?” She doesn’t immediately answer, and for a time, I think she had fallen asleep. I turn back around in my seat when I hear her say, “you can come back here if you want. But your lap will be my pillow.” I snort and get up, moving myself to the back seat with her. Like she promised, she moves just enough for me to get the inside spot, and once I’m down, she rests her head on my lap. Letting out a long yawn, she gets comfortable and snuggles into my lap. Her yawn is contagious, and I let out a matching one, resting my head on the back of the seat. <<elseif $int is "Chris">>\ Chris sits down in the seat beside mine and drapes himself over me, sighing dramatically. “I’m so tired,” he whines. “And I’m not?” I laugh, pushing him off of me. He moves but whimpers, looking like a puppy that had just gotten kicked. “You can put your head in my lap or on my shoulder, but I am not suffering your fat ass this entire trip.” He puts his hand to his heart and squeezes his eyes closed, “why must you wound me, you beautiful person?” I shrug in an uncaring way, smiling down at him as he rests his head in my lap, gazing up at me. “You seem like you’re in a good mood,” I point out. “Hell yea. My stomach is full, today was an experience, and I get to end with the best person on this side of the world. Life is great.” <<elseif $int is "Amari">>\ “It has finally happened,” Amari sings in a tired voice, sitting in the open seat beside me. “What has?” “I, Amari, am officially tired.” I start a slow clap, gradually getting louder and attracting the attention of others but not caring. Amari mimes a bow before relaxing back with a gleeful smile. “Really. The last thing I want to do is run around. The entire idea just makes me even more tired.” “I never thought I’d see the day. I don’t actually know what to do. This is all new to me.” “Just hold me,” she whines, leaning her body onto my side. I wrap one of my arms around her and bring her closer, kissing her temple. “That I can do.” We sit in silence for a while, listening to the steady breathing of the other. I take a moment to look around. Chris and Rahim were a few seats in front of me, both of them speaking adamantly about the events of today. Bradley, a spot across from them, laughing and joyfully adding random comments where he saw fit. In the back of the bus were Sydero and Zillah. Sydero’s feet were propped up on the bathroom wall while Zillah sat in the seat opposite of her, his head propped up on the window and talking about something with a light smile on his face. “All in all, this was a good day.” She snuggles closer, “it was the best day. I’m really glad I was able to spend it with you and the others. It’s kinda weird that I’m able to mark something like this off the list. I never really thought to add a renaissance fair to it.” “That’s us,” I laugh, “full of weird and exciting experiences up our sleeve.” <<else>>\ Bradley stops by my seat, gazing around and then at me, “is this seat taken?” [[“I’d rather sit on my own.”]] [[“Nope, have at it.”]] <</if>>\ <a data-passage="B6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $int is "Rahim">>\ I take a moment to look around. Chris and Bradley were sitting with one another, both of them discussing the events of today and looking excited to unpack it all. In the back of the bus were Sydero and Amari. Sydero’s feet propped up on the bathroom wall while Amari was leaning over the back of the seat to speak to her. And lastly, Zillah relaxes in a spot near the two girls, his head propped up on the window and listening to whatever Amari spoke of. “This was a really good day. I kinda hope we have more,” I sigh, wanting to cuddle even closer to Rahim. He squeezes me, “you say that like we won’t.” I frown, knowing all of the darkness that still – my thoughts stop there as Rahim cups my face and tilts my head up so that I was looking at him. He kisses away the creases in my forehead and then places another kiss on the tip of my nose. “Stop thinking. Just sleep.” “Okay,” I yawn. My eyes were too weak to continue their fight, and before I knew it, they had closed. “I love you, $name.” <<elseif $int is "Sydero">>\ “Now that it’s all over,” I start, running my fingers through her hair, “how do you feel about everything? Did you enjoy it?” “Hmm, yea. I guess I did. That fight was entertaining enough.” “Oh really,” I chuckle, “I would have never guessed that the only thing you cared about was winning judging off your behavior at the feast. Surprised you didn’t start a food fight.” Sydero’s body shakes from barely contained laughter, and she looks up at me, “you know, I was really itching to.” “What stopped you?” She shrugs and closes her eyes again, “I don’t really know. It just didn’t feel right.” She lets out another yawn, signaling the end of our conversation. “Blame it on all the positive energy this group manifests.” I snicker, a tired one that probably conveyed just how sleepy I was. My consciousness was slipping, but I felt Sydero’s lips on my temple, her hand softly cradling the side of my face. “Sleep, Roe.” She presses another kiss to my jaw; this one causes me to sink into the warm embrace of the darkness that spreads throughout my entire being. <<elseif $int is "Chris">>\ “This side of the world?” “Yea,” he draws out, “there’s this beautiful girl on the other side that gazes at the moon whenever she’s alone. She calls for me.” “Chris!” I shout, tickling his sides, unrelenting in my assault as he tries to get away and fails. “Fine! Fine! I’m sorry,” he laughs uncontrollably, settling back down once I stop. He intertwines our hands while he rests the other on the back of my head, guiding me down to his lips. He gives me a quick peck and then another, followed by a third before he’s done with teasing me, and he settles his lips on mine. They’re soft, ghosting across mine whenever he pulls back a fraction. “Fuck, I’m in love with you,” he says against my lips, kissing me one last time. We both pull back, and I twirl a strand of his hair through my fingers. “Smooth talker,” I growl with a broad smile, and he shrugs his shoulders. He adjusts himself and closes his eyes, snuggling close as he lets sleep overtake him. I do the same. <<elseif $int is "Amari">>\ “I’m kinda sad I didn’t take any pictures of it all.” “Besides those few, Bradley might have taken some,” but even after I say the words, I doubt it. I hadn’t seen him with his phone out a lot. The only times I had seen it was when he was texting us or checking the time. “But even if he didn’t, it’s at least a memory we all shared. And, I don’t know, there’s something about experiencing stuff without pictures that makes it even more worthwhile.” She hums, “like memories held closer.” “Yea,” I trail off, feeling completely content. There was nothing that I wanted or needed, well, besides sleep. “Are you going to go to sleep soon?” I question her, and she nods. “I’m just listening to the sound of your heart, it’s … it helps me sleep …” “Then let me be quiet,” I chuckle, and she pulls back with wide eyes. “No, I like the sound of your –” I shut up her with a kiss, aiming for it to be just a peck but getting lost in the feeling of her. I sweep some of her hair out of her face and bring her in closer, deepening the passionate kiss and wanting nothing more than to prolong it. The feel of her lips against mine, the way her tongue grazes my own, all of it was her. I feel her fangs beginning to protrude and drawback. “Sorry, excited,” she says with a light blush. I kiss her nose and then boop it before lying back down. I wrap my arms around her as the last people get on the bus. My eyes grow heavy, and I’m soon no longer strong enough to keep them open. <</if>>\ The last thing I hear is the distant humming of the bus as it took us home. [[End]]
<<nobr>><<set $wench = "Not Chosen"; $unlocked = false; $poses = "Not Chosen"; $poly = false; $qp to 0; $fairly = false; $payback = false; $jousting = false; $eating = false; $knifeaxe = false; $zoo = false; $maze = false; $styling = false; $people = false; $quiz = false; $fol = false; $ft = false>><</nobr>> Thanks again for playing the game. For news about Season 3 of Superstition or any of my other stories you can always follow me on [[Tumblr|https://13leaguestories.tumblr.com/]]. Or, if you're feeling generous you can support me through [[Patreon|https://www.patreon.com/13Leagues]] where you'll get sneak peeks and extra news. <<link [img[images/supporters.png]] >><</link>> [[Play Again.->Setup]] [[Credits]]
With a roll of my eyes but a sneaky grin, I get up and join him. Without any care for how harshly I do it, I sit on his thigh, hearing him grunt in shock. “I’m delicate, must I remind you?” “You made me get up, so that’s what you get.” He wraps his arms around me and pulls me closer so that I didn’t fall off the seat. “Had to see how bad you wanted me.” “Not that bad,” I tease, poking his chest repeatedly, “I just needed a decent pillow, and you were chosen.” I boop his nose, and he laughs, catching my hand and placing a kiss against my palm. But the sound of his chuckles fades when the bus jerks forward. He sits up, almost pushing me out of place. At the last minute, he catches me, righting me as he sits stiffly. All playfulness is gone as I take his hand in mine and squeeze it, “come on, you’re used to this.” “This shit can blow up any moment,” he says with no hint of humor in his voice, “or it could lose a tire and go swerving off the road. Or another car –” I bring him closer to me, and he quiets down. “You’re not helping yourself by pointing out every negative thing.” He doesn’t respond, pushing himself closer. I could feel his racing heart beating at a pace far too hasty to be considered normal. “Come on, breathe with me,” I tell him in a hushed tone, moving so that I was comfortable. I begin to talk about random things, anything that would get his mind off of the ride. I talked about the trip, the battle, and some of the events I had that he wasn’t there for. I ask about the future and what would come next, not pausing long enough to receive an answer. His heartbeat calms, and before long, I hear him breathing rhythmically, a sign of him sleeping. My head softly hits the window as my own eyes begin to drift closed. Running my hands through his hair, I find myself continuing to talk. Each minute that goes by, my eyes grow heavier until I give up the fight. The last thing I hear is the distant humming of the bus as it took us home. <a data-passage="End"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I snort and choose to stay where I am, mentally guessing how many seconds it would take before he gives up whatever game he was playing and join me. At the most, a minute, at the very least … ten seconds. I start counting, shocked when I end up getting bored of counting because I make it past sixty seconds. I turn around and find him looking at me, a challenging smile on his face. Neither of us drops eye contact. We stare at one another as if our gazes alone would force the other into moving. I was confident that we would be riding alone, but as soon as the bus jerks forward, Zillah’s eyes widen, and in record time, he’s in the seat beside mine. All playfulness is gone as I take his hand in mine and squeeze it, “come on, you’re used to this.” “This shit can blow up any moment,” he says with no hint of humor in his voice, “or it could lose a tire and go swerving off the road. Or another car –” I bring him closer to me, and he quiets down. “You’re not helping yourself by pointing out every negative thing.” He doesn’t respond, pushing himself closer. I could feel his racing heart beating at a pace far too hasty to be considered normal. “Come on, breathe with me,” I tell him in a hushed tone, moving so that I was comfortable. I begin to talk about random things, anything that would get his mind off of the ride. I talked about the trip, the battle, and some of the events I had that he wasn’t there for. I ask about the future and what would come next, not pausing long enough to receive an answer. His heartbeat calms, and before long, I hear him breathing rhythmically, a sign of him sleeping. My head softly hits the window as my own eyes begin to drift closed. Running my hands through his hair, I find myself continuing to talk. Each minute that goes by, my eyes grow heavier until I give up the fight. The last thing I hear is the distant humming of the bus as it took us home. <a data-passage="End"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’d rather sit on my own,” I told him, “you know, so I can lay down and stretch.” He nods, glancing around for a place to sit. I don’t see where he goes, but I’m sure he found somewhere by the way he perks up. I stare out the window, watching as people wait to board the bus, others walking towards the parking lot or the busses behind us. The sounds of the fair continue on, people laughing and cheering. I think back on the day, the sounds and the smells and the sights. The laughter shared between friends and the moments that I wouldn’t forget. I hadn’t taken many pictures, but that didn’t bother me as much as I thought. Today was one of those days where the memory would abruptly appear randomly, all because of a smell or a sound. The kind of thing we would talk about later, bringing up the most random moments and laughing about them animatedly. I glance around, looking for the others. Chris and Rahim were a few seats in front of me, both of them speaking adamantly about the events of today. Bradley, a spot across from them, laughing and joyfully adding random comments when he saw fit. Amari and Sydero were in the back of the bus. Sydero’s feet propped up on the bathroom wall while Amari was leaning over the back of the seat to speak to her. And lastly, Zillah was in a seat near the two of them, his head propped up on the window and listening to whatever Amari was saying, a soft smile on his face. Relaxing back in my seat, I don’t bother to hide my smile. My eyes begin to close. The last thing I hear is the distant humming of the bus as it took us home. <a data-passage="End"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I smirk, lunging out and grabbing the teenager and yanking him down into the seat. He pushes me away, trying to quell the smile on his face as he does so. “So,” I start, “did you enjoy it?” “The fair? Hell yea. This was,” he takes a deep breath in and relaxes in the seat, “this was amazing. Better than I expected, really.” He frowns, “did you all enjoy it?” I open my mouth to answer, but he shakes his head and stops me, gazing away as he speaks. “I’m serious, $name. Don’t lie to me. Every time I ask the others they say, of course, and stuff, but I feel like they’re lying just, so they don’t hurt my feelings.” I blink a few times, gazing at him and then looking out at the others. Chris and Rahim were a few seats in front of me, both of them speaking adamantly about the events of today. Amari and Sydero were in the back of the bus. Sydero’s feet propped up on the bathroom wall while Amari was leaning over the back of the seat to speak to her. And lastly, Zillah was in a seat near the two of them, his head propped up on the window and listening to whatever Amari was saying, a soft smile on his face. Snorting, I turn back to Bradley, “we all had fun. Seriously. I don’t think the others were just saying that to you. I’ll admit we were kind of iffy about this when we first showed up but, you prove yet again that you know what you’re doing.” Bradley perks up at my words and gives me an ecstatic grin. Silence settles in between us as more people board the bus, Bradley focused on his phone and me, bordering on sleep. I feel a nudge and glance over to see Bradley offering his earbud. “I have a killer sleep playlist if you want to uh, you know, listen to it with me.” “Heck yea, let’s get this snore-fest going.” He chuckles as I take the earbud, and he cuts the music on, both of us getting comfortable as the music plays. My eyes close. The last thing I hear is the distant humming of the bus as it took us home. <a data-passage="End"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
//Note: This poly scene will not hold the same intimacy as the other scenes due to the three characters not truly being in a relationship. At most, this just gives you a sneak peek at what to expect ... sex wise.// I didn’t wish to get on the ride alone, so I text Amari and Sydero, believing that either one might be interested in partnering up with me. The chances were that Amari would come and Sydero would ignore the text altogether or see what I had said and choose to stay far away. Once the messages are sent, I head over. Like I had thought, the event was a scenic ride through the woods. There were carts on a track that took one deeper within, and from what the man working the attraction said, the entire ride was about thirty minutes. I hadn’t gotten a reply from either, and I start to believe that it would be better to just abandon the idea altogether. But that’s when I see two figures approaching, one with a chipper skip to her step while dragging another close behind. “Hi, $name,” Amari greets cheerfully. “Hey,” I smirk, glancing over at Sydero, who looks ready to pounce on Amari and then me, in no specific order. “I had to drag the unhappy one here,” Amari begins to tell me, “you wanted both of us to show, right?” <a data-passage="F_SA1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I decide to invite Bradley with me, dialing his number and waiting for him to pick up while I head in the direction of the attraction. “Hey, $name. What’s up?” “Want to go on this ride with me?” “There’s a ride? Where?!” I give him directions before hanging up, walking the rest of the way. Like I had thought, the event was a scenic ride through the woods. There were carts on a track that took one deeper within, and from what the man working the attraction said, the entire ride was about thirty minutes. I stand patiently for a few more minutes when I catch sight of Bradley. He waves and comes to my side. “I’ve never been on one of these rides. This is like the Tunnel of Love, right?” he asks, his attention on the ride technician. “It is,” he answers, motioning for us to get in the nearest cart. Bradley nudges me with a goofy smile, “I always knew you had a thing for me, $name.” “Oh yes,” I chuckle, “I just can’t help myself.” He rests his hand on my shoulder and sighs sadly, “sorry, but I’m spoken for.” <a data-passage="F_B0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Of course, I’ll help you as best as I can.” Bradley nods but looks away, nervously, “I don’t know where to start.” “Let’s start with romance. Do you ever think you can fall in love or even just have strong romantic emotions and feelings for someone?” “Yea. Girls,” he stops and thinks to himself, “just girls, I think. I don’t really feel like I would want to be intimate with another gender.” “Then heteroromantic,” I tell him, “now how about sexual? Do you feel sexual attraction and desire for anyone? Or do you not even know yet?” “Yes? No?” he says, shrugging, “like, I’m not some kid. I know what sex is, but I can’t say I really care much for it. But …” “But?” He lets out a long sigh and scratches his head, “I think about it. And would totally do it. I just don’t care. You know? Like it’s not something that’s on my mind all day long, and so far, I feel like I can live without it. Do I want to? No. But I can.” I nod my head as I listen to him, “well, so far, that gives me gray-sexual or asexual vibes. But even then, that could be wrong. It could just mean you have low libido. But like I said, that can always change.” He frowns in thought before nodding. “Thanks. I haven’t really spoken about it, but it feels nice to actually have told someone. And I trust you.” I fist bump him with a good natured smile. The two of us are quiet as we take in the view. I look past the mawkish decoration and take in the forest itself. It was beautiful, a few of the leaves already shouldering their autumn coats. The few wildflowers that blossom and thrive seem to wave us on as the breeze lightly dances through. Despite it still technically being summer, the sun wasn’t as daunting as most summer days; it felt nice against my skin. I close my eyes, listening to the soft music coming from the hidden speakers. <a data-passage="F_B1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not speak about it.” “Oh, it’s totally fine,” Bradley blushes, tapping the side of the ride before smiling brightly. “You know, this is the first ride I ever went on.” “What? You mean like roller coaster wise or this specific kind of ride?” “Roller coaster wise. Though, I really wouldn’t count this as a roller coaster.” “Never? But you’ve been to fairs, right?” “Only a renaissance fair. My parents took me to one when I was like … what, six or seven? Whatever, but yea. It was one of the things that got me into D&D and cosplay. My dad promised that next time we went, we would dress up.” Bradley offers me a weak smile before glancing at the passing scenery, his smile slipping. I reflect as well, tuning into our surroundings. There were a few areas with animal animatronics and signs with corny romantic phrases. Though I understood what they were trying to do, I think the ride would have been fine without it. The scenery in this area was enough to invoke a romantic enough aura. “Is that why the costumes were important to you?” I find myself asking. He shakes his head, “not really. I would’ve been okay if we didn’t, but the fight says that your team has to be wearing a costume.” The two of us are quiet as we take in the view. I look past the mawkish decoration and take in the forest itself. It was beautiful, a few of the leaves already shouldering their autumn coats. The few wildflowers that blossom and thrive seem to wave us on as the breeze lightly dances through. Despite it still technically being summer, the sun wasn’t as daunting as most summer days; it felt nice against my skin. I close my eyes, listening to the soft music coming from the hidden speakers. <a data-passage="F_B1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Bradley,” I find myself saying. He glances over at me with an innocent look in his eye, waiting for me to speak. “Do you think –,” I stop myself from completing the sentence, reminding myself that I had decided not to ponder on things that have yet to happen. We were here to relax and remind ourselves that the world wasn’t just a massively dark black hole. “I mean, are you enjoying yourself? Is the fair everything you were hoping it would be so far?” “Hell yea.” He says it with such confidence that I have no doubt that he was enjoying himself. “It’s like … I don’t know. Just something about being here with you guys makes this so much better.” “What do you mean?” “I did a lot of stuff by myself growing up. I learned to entertain myself. When you guys agreed to come, I hoped that it would be as fun as I expected, but I wasn’t about to get my hopes up. I thought I would be walking around and doing stuff by myself. Maybe do one or two activities with you guys, and that’s it. But no. I’ve done everything with someone, and everything is different. Even the bus ride over was amazing.” He sighs, “what I mean to say is that I couldn’t imagine being here without you guys.” He gets comfortable, kicking his feet up on the side of the cart as he slouches. “You guys always remind me that I have one of the best families in the world. Weird as hell, but definitely the best.” “Aw, Bradley!” I laugh, grabbing him and ruffling his hair. “Ah, let me go! Release me, peasant!” I do so, unable to calm my laughter. The ride stops a few minutes later, and a man with a camera comes up to us, “would you like a picture to commemorate your ride together? You can come and collect it later on if you’d like.” He shows us his polaroid camera, and we both nod in understanding. “What about it, Bradley?” He shrugs. [[Hug Bradley.]] [[Do something goofy.]]
<<audio "romance" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> I hug Bradley, and he allows it. We pose for the picture, and the photographer claps happily. <<if $visit is 3>>\ “That was fun,” Bradley says, “and look.” He shows me the time on his phone, “it’s time for the tour.” He sends a quick reminder text to everyone before leading the way towards wherever this tour was being held. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ “That was fun,” Bradley says, “and look.” He shows me the time on his phone, and his face grows serious, “it’s time.” “For the battle?” He nods solemnly. He begins to call everyone up, putting them on hold to call another until everyone was on the line. “The time has come.” He performs a dramatic pause, “team, it’s time to assemble.” It’s silent for a few seconds before Chris shouts, “nerd.” <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “That was fun,” Bradley says, “I’m going to continue looking around. I’ll see you later.” He waves goodbye to me and goes one way while I head another. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<audio "romance" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> I decide on a goofy pose, and after a lot of struggling to figure out what we wanted to do, we both hit dramatic, hero poses. With the photo taken, the photographer thanks us and moves away. <<if $visit is 3>>\ “That was fun,” Bradley says, “and look.” He shows me the time on his phone, “it’s time for the tour.” He sends a quick reminder text to everyone before leading the way towards wherever this tour was being held. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ “That was fun,” Bradley says, “and look.” He shows me the time on his phone, and his face grows serious, “it’s time.” “For the battle?” He nods solemnly. He begins to call everyone up, putting them on hold to call another until everyone was on the line. “The time has come.” He performs a dramatic pause, “team, it’s time to assemble.” It’s silent for a few seconds before Chris shouts, “nerd.” <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “That was fun,” Bradley says, “I’m going to continue looking around. I’ll see you later.” He waves goodbye to me and goes one way while I head another. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“Hey, how about this idea? We go in without costumes, look around for a bit, and then l-,” Sydero bites her tongue and for good reason. We all watch as Bradley’s shoulders droop and his brows furrow, sadness washing all of the joy once there away. For a minute, we’re reminded of everything we’ve been through. The endless nights, the absent members, and the trauma that plagued each of us. “You have got to be kidding me,” Sydero mumbles just loud enough for those closest to hear, she clears her throat and speaks louder, “I mean that’s what the other loser groups will be doing. We’re going to go in there, costumes on, and see every last sight and get our medieval on, isn’t that right guys?!” she shouts, and we all shout in approval. “Great!” Bradley chimes in with a chipper tone, his usual self shining through once again, “I can’t wait.” “Yea, but first I need a bathroom,” Amari reminds, whining as she dances from side to side. “Then we’re off!” Bradley leads us past the entrance, giving the woman there the tickets that he won. I smirk at the memory. It wasn’t unusual for Bradley to win something from his dealings online and then send them to random people, many of the things he won went to Faye or someone from our past that helped us. Rarely did Bradley ever keep anything, but this, this of course he kept. He had been hoping to win the tickets and I remembered the pure joy on his face when he announced that he won VIP tickets for all of us, quite a feat seeing that there were seven of us in total. <a data-passage="3.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You’re too late for that conversation,” Rahim laughs, “we already placed bets on who’s going to be leaving here upset.” “Look, just a simple gasp and scratch, that’s all I need. I’m not asking for anyone’s eye to be poked out or limb to be sliced up.” “But you wouldn’t say no to that.” “Do you take me for an idiot? Of course, I wouldn’t.” Music begins to play as a slim man and a hulking man and woman walk out. They carry everything from blades to axes to short swords. We watch as they begin to throw the knives into the air, juggle them, and toss them to their partners. Someone brings out a target and seamlessly transition into launching the axe at the target. A good majority of them miss, but the performers do enough to wow the crowd. “Who would like to volunteer themselves and learn how to throw a knife?” he brandishes the blade, his eyes wide as he glances around the crowd. Hands shoot up, and I peer over at Sydero, who has a cocky smirk on her face. [[Volunteer myself.]] [[Volunteer Sydero.]]
“Aren’t you guys adorable,” I coo as I pet them, never being able to spend too much time on one animal as another one quickly pushes the last out of the way. “Can you see yourselves wanting pets in the future?” I question, and they both nod. “I’m sure both of you can guess, but I want a house full of them,” Amari tells us, “I want them all to be rescue animals and to give them the chance to live the rest of their days in peace.” “You’re not worried about the smell?” I question, and she shrugs. “Have enough room for them, and you won’t have to worry about some horrible mess. What about you, Zillah?” “Maybe three dogs and a cat or two. Nothing as grand as you, Amari.” [[“I don’t think I want any, honestly.”]] [[“I’d have to find one I’m not allergic to.”]] [[“I want a couple, nothing crazy.”]] [[“I’ll practically have an animal sanctuary.”]]
<<if $int is "Chris">>\ I watch him leave when Chris sighs and wraps his hands around my neck, resting his chin on my head. “I didn’t really think he’d just storm off. That conversation was a real mood killer, huh?” “Yea but it’s Zillah; either he won the argument, or he’d leave to save his pride.” “He was once part of humanity; how could he look down on it like that?” I turn to look at him, “he was part of humanity for maybe fifteen or sixteen years before he died. He’s been a shade for a lot longer. I’m not shocked that he feels that way.” “Still feel like an asshole for arguing about it,” he mumbles. I grab ahold of both of his hands and lean my head onto his arm, placing a kiss along his right arm. “You had your opinion, and he had his. You seriously gotta stop worrying about pleasing everyone.” He chuckles, “oh, I should only worry about you?” “Damn right.” “And how am I doing?” “A kiss would please me right about now.” Chris releases me, and I move to turn to him. He leans in, cupping my face as he gives me a sweet and tender kiss. His lips move against mine in a dance performed so many times that both of us knew the moves by heart. But I’d be lying if I said that the dance ever got old. It wasn’t that every kiss felt like the first, but more so that every kiss felt like a safety net, a warm embrace. <a data-passage="W3_Chris"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ I watch him leave when Chris sighs, moving so that he was no standing behind the bench. “I didn’t really think he’d just storm off.” “It’s Zillah; either he won the argument, or he’d leave to save his pride.” “He was once part of humanity; how could he look down on it like that?” I stand next, “he was part of humanity for maybe fifteen or sixteen years before he died. He’s been a shade for a lot longer. I’m not shocked that he feels that way.” “Still feel like an asshole for arguing about it,” he mumbles. I place a hand on his shoulder and manage a smile, “you had your opinion, and he had his. Stop worrying about pleasing everyone.” Though I doubt he was taking my words to heart or would act on them anytime soon, he nods. With nothing left to talk about, we decide to go our separate ways. I had forgotten what I was doing before finding the guys and decide to look for another activity. <<if $visit is 5>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time to head over for the big battle. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time for the tour. I walk over to the board, finding Sydero and Amari waiting there. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <</if>>\
I pull away, gazing into his blue eyes, wishing to meet his lips once again. I move in when he playfully and gently pushes my head away. “That’s enough PDA for you,” he laughs, “always trying to get someone in trouble.” I laugh as I playfully push him, forgetting where he sat and where the action would lead. With wide eyes, I watch as he falls backward, attempting to grab him but failing. I peek over the bench, finding Chris on his back, laughing. “Why so violent!?” he shouts at me in between chuckles. I go to his side, helping him up as I ignore the numerous glances thrown our way. I wait a while longer, making sure he’s okay and speaking about insignificant things before we both go our separate ways. <<if $visit is 5>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time to head over for the big battle. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time for the tour. I walk over to the board, finding Sydero and Amari waiting there. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<if $int is "Zillah">>\ Zillah snorts as they go, nuzzling close as he brings me closer. “It’s about time. What does it take to get some alone time with you?” I motion to the fair and raise a brow. “What part of any of this screams privacy to you?” <<if $nz>>\ “Unlike you, I’m not scared of the public eye. I’d fuck you here as hard as I would any other place.” “You just want an audience?” “The thrill of fucking you raw and deep with everyone watching … hmm, yea, I can’t say it’s not pleasing to think about. The secret is,” he leans in and growls his next words into my ear, “is to totally block them out. Their presence is the only thing that should be kept in mind.” “You’re telling me this like I’ll need to know it,” I point out and raise a curious brow. Wondering how I felt about his words and the action behind them. He shifts, and I could feel his hard-on, yearning, and pushing on the fabric of his clothing. “Maybe, you’d never know.” He taps my thigh, and I move off of him, allowing him to stretch his back. “But, right now, we should probably continue looking around. There was this one activity that actually looked interesting.” “Oh, really,” I question as he walks away, “what was it?” “It was called the exit.” I roll my eyes, listening to him chuckle as he goes. I head my own way, curious about which activity to visit next. <<else>>\ “See,” he begins, “your problem is that you care too much about the public and what they think.” “And your problem is that you don’t care at all.” He motions to his face, “exactly why my skin stays soft, and my pores are open.” I frown and raise my chin in defiance, “I don’t care about what the public thinks of me. But I’m not about to have sex in the middle of a crowd either.” “No one said anything about sex,” he growls, grabbing my chin and bringing my lips to his. He bites down on my lower lip as he kisses me roughly. Further proving his lack of care for our surroundings, his hands begin to wander, resting on my butt and giving it a pinch. “Zillah!” I shout, pulling away and slapping his chest. He throws his head back and laughs, raising his hands in surrender and letting me move off of him. “It’s not my fault,” he stands and looks me up and down, “what am I supposed to do with you sitting on my lap and looking as sexy as you do? Keep my hands to myself?” “It would be a task for you, huh?” “Damn right,” he snorts, placing one last kiss on my cheek before backing away. “But, fine. Let it be known that I’m still attempting to be a,” he raises his hands and performs air quotes, “good boy.” He rolls his eyes, perhaps doubting the strength of his own words as he heads out. With a smile that refuses to budge, I go my own way, curious about which activity to visit next. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ Zillah rolls his eyes and stands, “well, guess that’s my signal too. I guess I’ll see what else I can get up to.” “Don’t cause problems.” He smirks as he begins to walk away, throwing me a look over his shoulder, “how can I not?” With that, he leaves, and I also go. I forgot what I was up to before spotting the guys, so I just decided to attend some new activity. <</if>>\ <<if $visit is 5>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time to head over for the big battle. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 3>>\ I don’t make it far, checking the time and realizing that it was time for the tour. I walk over to the board, finding Sydero and Amari waiting there. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<if $int is "Chris">>\ “Alright, help me down,” I shout down to them, eyes widening when Chris moves back, and I fall. I gasp in shock as I tumble straight down, though he catches me in his arms. Placing a wet kiss on my cheek, he nuzzles into my neck. “Falling for me again?” “Your jokes are horrible,” I snort, touching the ground and moving him away. “Which way?” Syd questions, and I repeat the directions, saying it twice to make sure that I had been correct the first time. With the way known, we set off—both of them following me as we find our way out of the maze. <<elseif $int is "Sydero">>\ “And ?he still keeps you around, that should speak for itself, you’re right. But I don’t care. Unless you want to fight for ?him?” “You keep trying to set me up,” Chris grumbles, and I tune them out, focusing on the sight before me. Though the angle was weird, I was able to make out most of the maze, finding the path to the exit. It wasn’t too complicated thankfully, most of it was straightforward with only one real turn from what I could see. “Alright, help me down,” I shout down to them. With slow and gentle movements, Sydero properly helps me down. “See, you’re always safe with me,” she speaks but says it as if dissing Chris. “Never doubted you for a minute, babe,” I answer, pressing a lingering kiss to her cheek. She doesn’t retaliate or tries to get a deeper kiss. She just stands there looking smug, much like a kid who had just won a prize. “Which way?” she questions, and I repeat the directions, saying it twice to make sure that I had been correct the first time. With the way known, we set off—both of them following me as we find our way out of the maze. <<else>>\ “What do you see? Do you see the exit?” I question. “It’s amazing, even from up here, Chris looks like a little bitch.” He jolts to the side, causing her to shriek in reply as she grabs onto the border and tosses a look down at him. “Oh, my bad,” he asks uncaringly, “are you okay?” Sydero says nothing, glancing back up, “alright. I think I see the exit. We need to head straight and go with the maze, ignore the first turn we get and keep following the maze, and then at the last part, take a left. Got it.” “Sure.” I help Sydero down with Chris’s help, and once we were ready, we set off. Following Sydero as we find our way out of the maze. <</if>>\ And just like that, we leave the maze behind. Chris cheers and Sydero smirks, but I wait to see if we had indeed made it out in time. <a data-passage="M5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Maybe would have gone smoother actually,” Syd states in thought, throwing a look Chris’s way. “What!? We won, so you can’t say I’m the bother here.” “You two seriously have an issue with one another,” I choose to remind them with a chuckle. They both paused, glancing at each other and then back at me. “My problem with Chris is just that he’s in over his head eighty percent of the time. He walked into a dangerous life, thinking he’ll wing it and be alright just because he was able to do the same through life.” Chris stiffens but relaxes a minute later. “And my problem with Sydero is that she’s just an asshole.” The two gaze at one another, and I stand off to the side, not knowing if this would lead to yet another unmatched fight between the two or not. Then, to my surprise, they both erupt into laughter, fist-bumping each other. “I think I can stand you a lot more now that you know what you’re doing. You’re not so bad for a human.” “And here I am, claiming I’m friends with a demon, crazy,” he chuckles. [[“You never called Chris by his last name.”]] [[“Group hug.”]] [[“We’re really a weird group.”]]
The ride technician comes by and, with quick fingers, checks everything, “keep all hands and feet inside and under no circumstances leave,” he tips his hat to us, “enjoy the ride.” Chris drapes his arm around my shoulders, a relaxed smile on his face, “honestly. I loved these things as a kid.” “Oh,” I huff, raising a curious brow, “took a lot of girls on this ride, did you?” “Yep,” he brags, “and the most important one was my mommy.” He laughs and shakes his head as the cart jerks forward. “I’ve only actually ridden this ride once, and it was with her.” “Why?” “Oh, uh.” He scratches the back of his neck, but after some thought, he shrugs, “she used it to cheer me up. We were at the Tennessee State Fair; we went every year since my dad had business. He would always attend the auction, and I had no problem with that since it always put him in a happy mood. He made it seem like he showed up to buy my mom shit she never wanted, but I’m pretty sure it was one of those ‘see and be seen’ types of things. If you were let in, it meant you had money. If you were able to bid on lots, it meant you had a lot of money, and that was important to him.” He frowns and shakes his head before continuing his story. “Anyway, this one time, he came back mad as hell. I have no idea why, but I remember trying to make him feel better. He, um, took it out on me. I don’t remember what he said, but whatever he said made seven-year-old me cry. I remember that moment only because I remember thinking, ‘that’s it, I’m going to run away.’ I was going to join the circus.” He snorts and avoids my gaze, “I mean, this was when watching lions jump through hoops on fire was cool, and what happened behind locked cages wasn’t really known—anyway, yea. I ran off, and my mom caught up with me outside a Tunnel of Love water ride. She tried to make me feel better, but I wasn’t hearing it. And so, she took me on the ride. I threw a fit. I was a grown man, and going on a ride like that with his mother was embarrassing. I have no clue what happened, can’t remember, but I know that whatever she said and did cheered me up,” he pauses and gives me a smirk, “obviously because I’m not with the circus.” <a data-passage="F_C2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I smirk and ruffle his hair, “I wouldn’t be so sure.” “Your words have power. I just need you to know that,” he laughs, letting out a long sigh. “I do remember that at the end of the ride, they had a photo thing. My mom picked me up and kissed me, and of course, I screamed my head off. I’m sure she still has that picture somewhere.” I move in closer, and I rest my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, “thanks for telling me that, Chris.” I can feel him getting ready to say something, but nothing comes out, and we sit in silence for a while. “What about you, though?” he finally questions, “your uncle ever take you on one of these rides?” [[“Nope. Never.”]] [[“Yep, once before.”]] [[“Not my uncle but others.”]]
“Nope,” I reply, “never been on a ride like this before.” “Oh ho,” he laughs heartily, “so I’m here to witness you pop that ride cherry of yours?” I sit up and glare at him, “why do you choose to say weird stuff like that?” “You know,” he starts, his eyes widening conspiratorially, “I look in the mirror every day and ask myself the exact same thing. I never get an answer.” We sit silently for a while, our attention on the animal animatronics and the cliché romance phrases hanging around. Saying nothing, Chris moves so that his feet were now propped up in my lap and his head resting on the seat’s harsh backrest. “Come on, Chris,” I say, getting ready to move his feet off my lap. “No,” he whines, “just let me lay like this. If I see one more deer kiss a squirrel, I’m going to start questioning the world.” <a data-passage="F_C3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Yea. We went to a decently sized fair once, and because it was a water ride, I dragged him over to it.” “Do you remember anything about it?” “I remember less about the ride and more why we were there. Another failed therapist and my uncle had asked me if I wanted to go to another one. Like him, I was kind of jaded about the entire experience, so of course, I said no. He was ecstatic enough about that, and to get my mind off of it, he took me to the fair.” “Just like that? You didn’t plan it? You just went?” “Yea. Uncle Matheus is a spontaneous guy. If he plans something, then it never goes as planned.” I relax with a subtle smile, “that trip changed a lot for me. He was always in my corner, but it wasn’t until then that I actually knew it for myself.” “You’re lucky to have someone like him.” “Yea … yea I am.” We sit silently for a while, our attention on the animal animatronics and the cliché romance phrases hanging around. Saying nothing, Chris moves so that his feet were now propped up in my lap and his head resting on the seat’s harsh backrest. “Come on, Chris,” I say, getting ready to move his feet off my lap. “No,” he whines, “just let me lay like this. If I see one more deer kiss a squirrel, I’m going to start questioning the world.” <a data-passage="F_C3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“My uncle never took me on these rides, but I did go on these with some of the people I dated and had a crush on.” “Oh ho,” he laughs heartily, “I didn’t know I was in the presence of a bona fide player. How many hearts did you break exactly, $name?” “Please, you’re the heartbreaker. I treated all of my ex’s with respect. Besides this one guy … he, well, he deserved what he got.” Chris gawked in confusion and turns to me, causing me to sit up, “you can’t just say that and not tell me what went down.” “There’s not much to tell. He started rumors that me and him had sex. So, when anyone asked, I made up a bunch of stuff about how his dick was micro, and he had these bizarre kinks.” Chris claps in astonishment, and a look of pure pride fills his eyes. He draws me close and presses a kiss to my cheek, “that’s my <<if $gender is "female">>girl<<elseif $gender is "male">>boy<<else>>$name<</if>>.” We sit silently for a while, our attention on the animal animatronics and the cliché romance phrases hanging around. Saying nothing, Chris moves so that his feet were now propped up in my lap and his head resting on the seat’s harsh backrest. “Come on, Chris,” I say, getting ready to move his feet off my lap. “No,” he whines, “just let me lay like this. If I see one more deer kiss a squirrel, I’m going to start questioning the world.” <a data-passage="F_C3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Not a fan of interspecies relationships?” I tease, my stomach shifting just a bit when my brain reminds me that we were indeed that. I was still getting used to the idea of being anything but human. There was a difference between knowing you weren’t human but not knowing exactly what you were and knowing what you were and it not being human. With the former, one could lie to themselves and say that information was wrong or something akin to that. But as soon as you learned what you were, well, there was no more lying. You had a name, and that name wasn’t human. “Don’t … don’t answer that,” I find myself saying, scratching the side of my nose, my eyes closed. I feel something gently take my hand and move it out of the way. Chris’s face inches from mine as he looks me deeply in the eyes. “Why? You know I have no problem with that idea.” He cradles the side of my face, touching me as if scared I’d pull away. “No, I know,” I huff, annoyed with my own response and where my mind had chosen to go, “can we just enjoy the ride?” As if the ride itself heard me, it stops. “We apologize for any inconvenience,” we hear someone say from invisible speakers, “we’re currently letting others board and will be starting the ride up soon. Thank you.” Chris doesn’t budge, his attention barely on the man who finishes speaking. He brings me closer, “are you seriously scared that I’d leave you for what you are?” “You said it yourself once. What if I –” <a data-passage="F_C4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Chris places his hand to my lips, stopping me from speaking. He grumbles something under his breath as he looks away. “You still take some of the stuff I say seriously when we both know I’m an idiot. Especially when it comes to words.” I snort and manage to smile, “so everything you’re saying right now?” He doesn’t answer, or he does, just not with words. His lips meet mine frantically, desperately trying to convey something he knows he would fail at if he used words. His hands rove from the back of my neck to the sides. They linger there for a second before trembling, fluttering across my collarbone. “I can show you,” he states, pulling back just enough to mutter the words, “if that’s okay?” [[Let Chris show you. (This will lead to a sex scene.)]] [[Hug him instead.]]
<<if $showec>>\ “It is,” I mumble against his lips. His hands keep wandering, keep exploring. They further their descent as Chris continues to kiss me deeply, only pulling back when his hands finally stop at my <<if $sex is "p">>erection<<else>>core<</if>>. He palms me through my costume, and I feel like the temperature shoots up. I inch closer, suddenly needing to be against him, to grind or at least to feel more of him. <<else>>\ “It is,” I mumble against his lips. His hands keep wandering, keep exploring. They further their descent as Chris continues to kiss me deeply, only pulling back when his hands finally stops. He palms me through my costume, and I feel like the temperature shoots up. I inch closer, suddenly needing to be against him, to grind or at least to feel more of him. <</if>>\ I clutch onto his shirt but then stop, aware of our surroundings. “Are … are we really going to do it right here? Right now?” I question. “I’m here for it,” he smirks, glancing behind us but finding no one there. The ride was still frozen in time, and I surmise that people were still boarding. We were utterly alone, but that wasn’t what I was worried about. “What if they have cameras?” He raises a doubtful brow and nods his head at one of the near animatronics, “$name, do you see that robot squirrel? I doubt it.” He pulls me closer so that I was straddling him, and my eyes widen as he rubs his aching erection against me. I open my mouth to tease him, but my head was filling with mist. Instead, I grind against him, the rough friction causing me to bite my lip as I press deeper. I felt like a starved animal, wanting more but not being able to get it. I pant as I pick up speed, the anticipated pleasure surrounding me and telling me only one thing could quell this ache. “Chris,” I practically growl. Both of us were horribly overdressed. “Yea, I know,” he mumbles, <<if $costume is "monk" or $wench is "dress">>picking me up just enough to work the bottom of my costume up.<<else>>picking me up just enough to work my pants down.<</if>> He fishes around his back pocket and pulls out his wallet, grabbing a condom. <a data-passage="FS_C1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I search his eyes before leaning forward and capturing him within my grasp. I hug him tightly, urging him with silence to embrace me back. When he finally does, I relax, letting my head come to rest on his shoulder as I scoot closer towards him. I take a deep breath in, inhaling his woodsy scent and letting my senses get lost not only in his smell but also his touch. His hugs were always magical. Relaxing me, even when my heart was pounding, and my mind was swarming with nothing but negative thoughts. This man was my rock. A very stubborn one that tried to fool everyone into thinking he was a pebble when he was really a boulder. He made every day worth it, and even when the days were long and tiring, and we didn’t agree on anything, he still made them bearable. “You don’t have to show me anything. I know what you mean, and I only tease you.” I pull back and push some of the hair resting on his forehead back, “I know, Chris.” <a data-passage="F_C5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ “I got it,” I tell him, taking it from him and opening it. I slide off his lap, not breaking eye contact as I move his pants down and free his cock from his pants. I move forward to take him in my mouth, but he grabs my chin. “No, come on. I told you I was going to show you, not the other way around. You can suck my dick with those beautiful lips of yours any other day.” “I’ve never been told no before,” I tease, frowning and cocking my head to the side as if I was bothered by his words. “Never say never,” Chris smirks, grabbing my hands and guiding me back to his lap. He takes the condom from me and puts it on himself. <<if $sex is "v">>He then licks his fingers before rubbing them along my sheath, and I hum in both anticipation and pleasure.<<else>>He spits on his fingers and then rubs them over my ass.<</if>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ <<if $quiz>>\ “Would never go to a Justin Bieber concert, my ass,” I state, but the last part of my sentence comes out as a moan. I sink down onto him, my nails digging into his skin as he stretches me out. <<else>>\ I sink down onto him, my nails digging into his skin as he stretches me out. <</if>>\ “Fuck, Chris,” I groan into his neck as I lean forward, moaning in pleasure again due to the changed angle. I rock my hips to adjust, getting used to his girth. “You really gotta stop saying my name like that, baby. You have no idea what that does to me.” “Why do I feel like you’re about to show me?” <<else>>\ <<if $quiz>>\ “Would never go to a Justin Bieber concert, my ass,” I state, but the last part of my sentence comes out as a moan. He trails his fingers along my rim before slipping a finger in teasingly as I bite my lip. <<else>>\ He trails his fingers along my rim before slipping a finger in teasingly as I bite my lip. <</if>>\ “How does that feel?” he questions, and I nod, wiggling my ass around as he slips in a second. “Fuck, Chris,” I groan into his neck as I lean forward, clutching onto him as he works his fingers in and out. “You really gotta stop saying my name like that, baby. You have no idea what that does to me.” “Why do I feel like you’re about to show me?” <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “I got it,” I tell him, taking it from him and opening it. I slide off his lap, not breaking eye contact as I move his pants down, about to take him. “No, come on. I told you I was going to show you, not the other way around.” “I’ve never been told no before,” I tease, frowning and cocking my head to the side as if I was bothered by his words. “Never say never,” Chris smirks, grabbing my hands and guiding me back to his lap. He takes the condom from me and puts it on himself before wetting his fingers and then working to prepare me. <<if $quiz>>\ “Would never go to a Justin Bieber concert, my ass,” I state, but the last part of my sentence comes out as a moan as he enters me. <<else>>\ I hum in satisfaction as he enters me. <</if>>\ “How does that feel?” he questions. I think I nod but I wasn't sure, my mind far too gone at the moment. “Fuck, Chris,” I groan into his neck as I lean forward, clutching onto him. “You really gotta stop saying my name like that, baby. You have no idea what that does to me.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="FS_C2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Thank you for your patience,” the announcer states, “enjoy the rest of your ride.” The cart moves forward, and the soft vibrating feeling ricochets through me. “You enjoying the ride, baby?” Chris questions in a teasing way, biting my earlobe. “It’s going a little slow,” I growl, gritting my teeth when he answers my statement by picking up his pace. His hands guide me as I ride his dick, groaning as the stimulation grows, and I can feel myself getting closer to my peak. Chris’s head is thrown back, his eyes rolling to the back of his skull, and biting his lip harshly as he mumbles one curse after the other. Why did it feel like we hadn’t been together in years, and not merely days? Chris hammers into me, and I bite down on my tongue to keep from shouting. His movements become erratic and frenzied, sweat forming on his forehead as his strokes become longer. He guides me down onto his dick and pushes up, holding the position and causing both of us to moan in satisfaction. “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” he repeats, pulling out of me as he comes while I think the same, moving off of him so that I didn’t get either of our costumes messed up. They had wrinkles, but the last thing we needed was for visible cum to be seen. I don’t get far when he pulls me close, his hot breath along my neck as we both collect ourselves. He nuzzles close, “all I want to do now is get you home and fuck you right.” I chuckle tiredly, “I’m going to hold you to that.” <a data-passage="F_C5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You know, I never thought you would mean this much to me?” I glance up but see that his eyes were on the animatronics, though I doubt he was actually looking at them. <<if $gender is "female">>\ “When we were partnered up in class, I thought nothing of it. You were an attractive girl, and that’s about it. Then we became friends, and it went from you being just attractive to being this amazing woman who I could tell all my secrets to.” He closes his eyes and smiles, “I never worried about what you might think of me. If you would see me as less. But that was it. I knew that would be it, was so sure.” “What happened?” I find myself asking, my own heart beating fiercely. It was acting as if it didn’t know what happened, as if our position right then wasn’t proof of it. “I don’t know,” Chris whispers. “I just know that every day I spent with you became one of the best days of my life. We could just be sitting around the dorm, and that would be enough for me. But I didn’t want you to become anything more than my best friend. I couldn’t handle it. I was a fuck up,” he snorts, chuckling enough for me to feel the deep rumble, “I still am. I knew that if I tried to be anything more with you, then I would ruin it.” <<else>>\ “When we were partnered up in class, I thought nothing of it. You were an attractive <<if $gender is "male">>guy<<else>>person<</if>> and honestly, that was about it. I would even go so far as to say that my mind hit me with the ‘no homo’ a few times. Then we became friends, and you became one of the most important people in my life. Like, you were the one I would tell everything to. One of the first people that came to mind when I wanted to tell someone about my good news.” He closes his eyes and smiles, “I never worried about what you might think of me. If you would see me as less. But that was it. I knew that would be it, was so sure.” “What happened?” I find myself asking, my own heart beating fiercely. It was acting as if it didn’t know what happened, as if our position right then wasn’t proof of it. “You,” Chris whispers. “You said three little words, and it turned my life around. If I had feelings for you, I never registered them. At most, I thought it was just some deep bond from being friends. But, damn, did you prove me wrong. As soon as you said you liked me, it felt like something breathed inside of me. Like I was holding my breath the entire time, and only when you made a move did I feel like I could exhale. And boy, was I scared. I had this poison ass mindset, and I was scared that something horrible would happen if I tried to change it. I just knew I would fuck it all up. And I did … I really didn’t surprise anyone.” <</if>>\ I stop him, straightening up and wrapping my arms around his neck. “I really hate when you put yourself down.” <a data-passage="F_C6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’m retelling a story, hun,” he laughs, pushing a strand of hair out of my face. His eyes search mine, and his smile disappears, “and I almost did mess it up, didn’t I?” I’m unsure whether or not he wants an answer. He closes his eyes and leans back, resting against the harsh fabric of the cart. “And I’ll never forgive myself for pushing you away.” “You didn’t push me away,” I growl. “You needed time, and so did I. You did what you thought was best for you, and I respect that. This … us.” I grab his hands and hold them close to my heart, “it takes both of us. If one is off, then all of it is off.” He leans forward and presses his lips to my forehead, the kiss lingering for quite some time. “I don’t deserve you. But I will never stop until I do.” [[“Then you can stop now.”]] [[“I feel the same.”]] [[“You silly man.”]]
<<audio "romance" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> “Then you can stop now,” I reassure, “because you have me, and I think you deserve me.” He pulls me tight to his chest, a bear hug that almost leaves me breathless. By the time we separate, the ride has reached its destination. We glance at each other and let out a short snicker. Hand in hand, we depart the ride, approaching a man who waves us over with a camera in hand. “Would the lovely couple mind if I take their picture? You can come by later today to pick it up if you’d like.” Chris looks at me, and I shrug nonchalantly. As soon as I shrug, he loops his arm around my waist and pulls me flush up against him. We kiss. A passionate though gentle one. One that has my heart racing and my pulse rising. It was a kiss that only Chris Richardson could give me. <<if $visit is 3>>\ “Come on,” Chris tells me once we separate and he had the chance to glance down at his phone, “we should get to the board and meet the others for the tour.” I agree and we make our way there, finding Bradley already there with Rahim. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ “Come on,” Chris tells me once we separate and he had the chance to glance down at his phone, “we should get to the field for this battle.” I agree and we make our way there. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “I'll meet up with you later, okay?” Chris asks and I nod in agreement. He waves goodbye to me and goes one way while I head another. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<audio "romance" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> “I feel the same,” I inform him, and his eyes soften, “I will never stop working towards the day that I deserve you.” “You’ll tell me to shut up if I tell you that you already made it, right?” “Yes. Yes, I will.” Both of us laugh as we embrace. By the time we separate, the ride has reached its destination. We glance at each other and let out a short snicker. Hand in hand, we depart the ride, approaching a man who waves us over with a camera in hand. “Would the lovely couple mind if I take their picture? You can come by later today to pick it up if you’d like.” Chris looks at me, and I shrug nonchalantly. As soon as I shrug, he loops his arm around my waist and pulls me flush up against him. We kiss. A passionate though gentle one. One that has my heart racing and my pulse rising. It was a kiss that only Chris Richardson could give me. <<if $visit is 3>>\ “Come on,” Chris tells me once we separate and he had the chance to glance down at his phone, “we should get to the board and meet the others for the tour.” I agree and we make our way there, finding Bradley already there with Rahim. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ “Come on,” Chris tells me once we separate and he had the chance to glance down at his phone, “we should get to the field for this battle.” I agree and we make our way there. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “I'll meet up with you later, okay?” Chris asks and I nod in agreement. He waves goodbye to me and goes one way while I head another. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<audio "romance" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> I look at him with awestruck eyes, not understanding how I could be so lucky. I laugh, unable to keep the sound to myself as I wrap my arms around him. “You silly man.” That was all I could manage to say. Chris just brought that kind of reaction out of me. By the time we separate, the ride has reached its destination. We glance at each other and let out a short snicker. Hand in hand, we depart the ride, approaching a man who waves us over with a camera in hand. “Would the lovely couple mind if I take their picture? You can come by later today to pick it up if you’d like.” Chris looks at me, and I shrug nonchalantly. As soon as I shrug, he loops his arm around my waist and pulls me flush up against him. We kiss. A passionate though gentle one. One that has my heart racing and my pulse rising. It was a kiss that only Chris Richardson could give me. <<if $visit is 3>>\ “Come on,” Chris tells me once we separate and he had the chance to glance down at his phone, “we should get to the board and meet the others for the tour.” I agree and we make our way there, finding Bradley already there with Rahim. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ “Come on,” Chris tells me once we separate and he had the chance to glance down at his phone, “we should get to the field for this battle.” I agree and we make our way there. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “I'll meet up with you later, okay?” Chris asks and I nod in agreement. He waves goodbye to me and goes one way while I head another. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ “Naw,” he whispers into my ear, “maybe tonight when I can have you the way I want.” His pace is agonizingly slow, far more similar to someone who had all the time in the world and not two people on a time limit. “Ooh,” I gasp, rotating my hips as Chris presses kiss after kiss along my jaw and neck, “you feel so good.” He hums as he starts to rotate his hips, pushing in and out of me at an even and careful pace. The further he gets, the tighter I hold onto him, entirely concentrating on the pleasure bursting through me as his cock travels deeper. <<else>>\ “Naw,” he whispers into my ear, “maybe tonight when I can have you the way I want. This ride makes things a little limited.” He runs his nose along my cheek before reaching my lips, slipping his tongue into my mouth, and adding another finger. Gasping, I grab onto his cock and pump his girth, starting to get impatient. He tightens his hold on me before pulling his fingers out. “You ready?” he questions, and I nod breathlessly. I lube up the condom as he moves me to line himself up. He bites his lip and looks me in the eyes as he brings me down in one long, slow motion. I close my eyes as I get used to his size, a low moan leaving my lips as I press myself deeper into his lap. “Ooh,” I gasp, rotating my hips as Chris presses kiss after kiss along my jaw and neck, “you feel so good.” He hums as he starts to rotate his hips, pushing in and out of me at an even and careful pace. The further he gets, the tighter I hold onto him, entirely concentrating on the pleasure bursting through me as his cock travels deeper. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Why do I feel like you’re about to show me?” “Naw,” he whispers into my ear, “maybe tonight when I can have you the way I want. This ride makes things a little limited.” He runs his nose along my cheek before reaching my lips, slipping his tongue into my mouth. I rotate my hips as Chris pulls away from the kiss, concentrating on placing them along my jaw and neck, “you feel so good.” He hums as he pushes in and out of me at an even and careful pace. The further he gets, the tighter I hold onto him, entirely concentrating on the pleasure bursting through me. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="FS_C3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Well, this isn’t really a roller coaster, not the fast ones anyway. This one is more so to just relax and enjoy each other’s presence.” “Oh, I know,” she snickers, nudging me and raising a brow as if I understood what she meant. I prepare to ask her, but the operator clears his throat and gains my attention instead. “Please keep hands and feet inside the ride at all times. If the ride stops, don’t panic, we’re just letting more people get on. Other than that, enjoy the ride.” Amari claps as the cart jerks forward, and the adventure begins. “So, are all fairs like this?” Amari asks, not looking at me as she takes in the surroundings. A variety of animal animatronics rests beyond the barrier between the coaster tracks and the trees. Most depict a pairing of animals kissing, but others have them just holding paws or hugging. In addition to that, signs were hung up on the trees with romantic phrases that felt straight out of a children’s movie. “No. You have small fairs, then you have the large fairs. And then you have amusement parks. Those have mostly roller coasters and water parks attached on.” “Water park?” “Come on, Amari. You’ve never heard of a water park?” She bites the inside of her cheek and shakes her head. The energy seems to flee her body as she rests her head on the side of the cart, “my parents usually kept me indoors or close to them since they were always afraid of being found. That’s not to say that we never did anything, but I’ve found that it was little compared to others. Sometimes … sometimes I really wish I was born to someone else. I was cursed not because of who I was but simply because of who my father was.” <a data-passage="F_A2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I place a hand on her back, but she doesn’t cheer up. I rack my brain for something to turn her mood around when I get an idea, something that will capture her attention, if even for a while, and give me a better idea of what she’s done and what she hasn’t. “Want to play Never Have I Ever?” She perks up and nods. “Alright,” I start, trying to figure out what I should say first, “never have I ever been to a firework show.” “I have!” she claims proudly, biting her lip as she tries to figure out what to say next, “never have I ever done karaoke.” [[“I have.”]] [[“I haven’t.”]] [[“Does it count if …”]]
“I have. It was with Chris during our days in college. He practically dragged me to it and, in hopes of impressing some girl, took me up there with him.” “Did he need support?” “Kinda. The song he wanted to sing was some classic rock song, and it was a duet. Being that I lived with him and had heard the song enough times, I was the one he grabbed.” “Did he impress her?” “I would say so. The next day I saw her leaving his room. I’m pretty sure he didn’t need to sing an entire song, though. Chris hardly ever got rejected, probably why he has such a big head.” Seeing that it was my turn, I think for a second before saying, “never have I ever gone to a strip club.” She shakes her head. “Alright, your turn.” She grins and gazes at me as if she had me cornered, “never have I ever had sex on a roller coaster.” I blink and gaze around, “um, have other people?” Her eyes widen, and her mouth opens in shock, “you mean, you haven’t?” I shake my head. “Zillah and Sydero had been talking about rides like this and said that people get on love rides to do just that. They had said the rides were made for stuff like that. They were teasing each other, but that’s what they were saying.” “I mean, people kiss and cuddle on rides like this, but I don’t know anyone who’s gone as far to have sex. It’s happened probably; I just don’t know anyone.” A bright blush appears on her cheeks as she realizes that they had been messing with her, and she hangs her head in embarrassment. [[“Would you like to?” (This will lead to a sex scene.)]] [[“Yea, they were just playing around.”]]
“I haven’t, though I want to. Maybe. I feel like when my time comes to go up there, I’d be too nervous.” “I can agree with you. I don’t think I have a pretty enough voice to go on stage.” “Amari, I heard you sing once. You have a beautiful voice.” “You’re obliged to say that because we’re dating,” she laughs. Seeing that it was my turn, I think for a second before saying, “never have I ever gone to a strip club.” She shakes her head. “Alright, your turn.” She grins and gazes at me as if she had me cornered, “never have I ever had sex on a roller coaster.” I blink and gaze around, “um, have other people?” Her eyes widen, and her mouth opens in shock, “you mean, you haven’t?” I shake my head. “Zillah and Sydero had been talking about rides like this and said that people get on love rides to do just that. They had said the rides were made for stuff like that. They were teasing each other, but that’s what they were saying.” “I mean, people kiss and cuddle on rides like this, but I don’t know anyone who’s gone as far to have sex. It’s happened probably; I just don’t know anyone.” A bright blush appears on her cheeks as she realizes that they had been messing with her, and she hangs her head in embarrassment. [[“Would you like to?” (This will lead to a sex scene.)]] [[“Yea, they were just playing around.”]]
“Well,” I start, scratching the back of my neck as I try to figure out if my situation counted, “does it count if it wasn’t a karaoke bar and I was drunk?” “I have to hear this story. What happened?” she laughs. “Chris and I went to a bar, both of us got sloppy drunk, and we ended up belching out every song that we knew. There’s not a lot I remember about that night, but I do remember getting a round of applause for my rendition of Closer by The Chainsmokers.” Seeing that it was my turn, I think for a second before saying, “never have I ever gone to a strip club.” She shakes her head. “Alright, your turn.” She grins and gazes at me as if she had me cornered, “never have I ever had sex on a roller coaster.” I blink and gaze around, “um, have other people?” Her eyes widen, and her mouth opens in shock, “you mean, you haven’t?” I shake my head. “Zillah and Sydero had been talking about rides like this and said that people get on love rides to do just that. They had said the rides were made for stuff like that. They were teasing each other, but that’s what they were saying.” “I mean, people kiss and cuddle on rides like this, but I don’t know anyone who’s gone as far to have sex. It’s happened probably; I just don’t know anyone.” A bright blush appears on her cheeks as she realizes that they had been messing with her, and she hangs her head in embarrassment. [[“Would you like to?” (This will lead to a sex scene.)]] [[“Yea, they were just playing around.”]]
I take her chin in my hand and bring her closer, placing a wanting kiss on her lips. I move back just enough to be able to glance up into her eyes. I ask softly, “would you like to?” She pauses, eyes wide as she stares into my own eyes. I can feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest as she tries to figure out how serious I was. I suppose she receives an answer. She leans in, and her breath ghosts across my lips. She whimpers, “yes.” With a grunt, I wrap my arms around her waist, slowly shifting her so that she was now lying with her back on the seat. I kiss her feverishly as I run my hands down the length of her body, pausing at her legs. Slipping my hands under her dress, I allow them to roam over her thigh, inching closer to her core. “Are we really going to do this?” she asks, pulling away from my lips breathlessly. “Do you want to?” “Yes,” she repeats from before, biting her lip as she glances down at my still traveling hands. “But what if someone sees?” <<if $showec>>\ “I doubt anyone will. By the time I’m done with you, the ride will be nearly over. And just think about what you’ll say to Sydero and Zillah.” She laughs, but it turns into a gasp as I press against her sheath. I move her panties out of the way, stroking her until she was wet enough for me to slip in a finger. She instantly pushes against my finger, using her sounds to beg for more, and I oblige by adding in another. I grab her hair and pull her head to one side, latching onto her neck and sucking and nibbling. Her sweet sounds were all I needed to know that I was doing an excellent job. They spur me on and cause ripples of pleasure and excitement to race through me. <<else>>\ “I doubt anyone will. By the time I’m done with you, the ride will be nearly over. And just think about what you’ll say to Sydero and Zillah.” She laughs, but it turns into a gasp as I press against her wetness. I move her panties out of the way, stroking her until I was able to slip in a finger. She instantly pushes against me, using her sounds to beg for more, and I oblige by adding in another. I grab her hair and pull her head to one side, latching onto her neck and sucking and nibbling. Her sweet sounds were all I needed to know that I was doing an excellent job. They spur me on and cause ripples of pleasure and excitement to race through me. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="FS_A1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Yea, they were just playing around with you. Or maybe they weren’t. I wouldn’t put it past either of them to actually do it. But I doubt Zillah has ever and will ever ride a roller coaster, and Sydero doesn’t seem the type to go on rides like this.” “I’m not surprised,” she growls, “they tease me so often you’d think I’d be able to figure out when they’re joking and when they’re not.” “Don’t take it personally,” I reassure her, bringing her close and wrapping my arms around her. “No one in the group is safe.” <a data-passage="F_A3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We ride in silence for a few minutes, listening to the music coming from the unseen speakers and glancing from one scene to another. I was beginning to think that this attraction would have been better if they had taken out the goofy romance signs and the animatronics. The flowers and trees held enough beauty by themselves. Everything else was just taking away from the view. “I finally realized what this reminds me of,” Amari voices, her hand messing with a loose thread on my costume. “Yea? What’s that?” “The fairytales I grew up listening to. The ones where the princesses could speak to animals, and they helped her with life and were her constant companions.” She sighs and shifts her position so that she was now glancing up at the sky. She takes one of my hands in hers and trails her fingers across my wrist and palm. “I used to think I was one of them.” “One of the princesses?” “Yea,” she snickers, “crazy, but everything checked out. I was cursed by a witch, and my life was in danger. My parents were terrified of letting the world see me, and no matter how much I craved it, I wasn’t ever able to see it. Those books helped me out, movies too. They made me believe that maybe there was hope for me. That maybe my Prince or Princess would come and save me.” “Something tells me this doesn’t have a nice ending.” Her eyes shift over to me, and the corners of her mouth tug upward for only a second before they give up the struggle and fall back down. “No, I suppose it doesn’t. It was like a punch to the gut when I realized that those movies and stories were just fairytales. All I ever wanted was to be saved from my tower. I don’t know why that was the one thing that stayed with me. I still struggle in trying to figure out why I got so attached to those stories.” [[“What was your favorite?”]] [[“When did you realize they were fake?”]]
“Something tells me this doesn’t have a nice ending.” Her eyes shift over to me, and the corners of her mouth tug upward for only a second before they give up the struggle and fall back down. “No, I suppose it doesn’t. It was like a punch to the gut when I realized that those movies and stories were just fairytales. All I ever wanted was to be saved from my tower. I don’t know why that was the one thing that stayed with me. I still struggle in trying to figure out why I got so attached to those stories.” [[“What was your favorite?”]] [[“When did you realize they were fake?”]]
“What was your favorite? Or who was your favorite?” She pouts in thought, “I always liked Cinderella, but maybe that’s because she was just the first princess I watched a movie for. I don’t like to admit it, but … Belle is the one I identify with.” She sits up and brings her knees closer to her chest, “she’s courageous and intelligent. Sweet and she knows her worth.” “Then why don’t you like talking about her?” “Because I always feel like I’m the Beast.” I take Amari’s hands in mine and kiss them, “trust me. If you believe only one thing I say, then believe this, you’re Belle, and you could never be the Beast.” “I just want you to know,” she starts, turning to me. Her posture straight and her eyes wide and hopeful, “with you … you make me feel like they weren’t totally a lie. That maybe some of it was true.” She leans in and gives me a soft kiss, “you make me feel like a true princess.” My heart pounds in my chest as I embrace her, not knowing what to say in response to that. ‘Thank you’ or ‘I’m happy’ wasn’t enough. They didn’t convey what I felt and how glad I was that I could show her exactly what she was. And so, I stick to hugging her, existing in this moment and this moment only. <a data-passage="F_A5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“When did you realize they were fake?” “The first major attack,” Amari answers with confidence, “it wasn’t the worst one or the first. Before that, we’ve been tracked and had to hurry up and go. Most of them were small though, and we never stuck around long enough to make it worse. But the first major one. It was like a wake-up call, one that I needed but didn’t want. It made me feel like I was the monster. If fairytales were real, then I was the villain, and I needed to be vanquished. I didn’t want to think like that, so the easiest thing to do was to let them go. To tell myself that they were called fairytales for a reason.” “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be,” she tells me, sitting up so that she was no longer laying on me. “Like I said, it was a wake-up call, and I needed it.” “I just want you to know,” she starts, turning to me. Her posture straight and her eyes wide and hopeful, “with you … you make me feel like they weren’t totally a lie. That maybe some of it was true.” She leans in and gives me a soft kiss, “you make me feel like a true princess.” My heart pounds in my chest as I embrace her, not knowing what to say in response to that. ‘Thank you’ or ‘I’m happy’ wasn’t enough. They didn’t convey what I felt and how glad I was that I could show her exactly what she was. And so, I stick to hugging her, existing in this moment and this moment only. <a data-passage="F_A5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<audio "romance" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> When the ride comes to a stop, I reluctantly pull away, taking her hand in mine and helping her down. We walk a few steps when a man with a camera stops us. “Would you like a photo? You can come by and pick it up later.” “Yes!” Amari says excitedly, turning to me. Before she can figure out what kind of pose she wanted, I swoop her up and hold her bridal style. She lets out a fit of laughter and then places her hand on my cheek, moving in to kiss me. For a minute, I forget that we were taking a picture. I lose myself in her kiss, emotions stirring, and warmth spreading throughout my entire being. I’m only brought back to the now when the photographer thanks us. I clear my throat and put her down, moving my jaw as I fight the blush that fights to be seen. <<if $visit is 3>>\ “Come on,” I tell her, “we should get to the board and meet the others for the tour.” She agrees and we make our way there, finding Bradley already there with Rahim. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ “Come on,” I tell her, “we should get to the field for this battle.” She agrees and we make our way there. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “I'll meet up with you later, okay?” I say to her and she nods in agreement. Before I can even wave her away, she sets off, far more interested in the sights. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
Abruptly, she sits up, not realizing that the action would cause my fingers to travel even deeper inside her. For a second, she stops and writhes in pleasure, her eyes closed as she lets out an almost inaudible moan. Her hands absentmindedly reach for my clothes, and I pull back, removing my fingers and listening to her intoxicating whimpers. “Patience, Amari,” I chuckle, biting my lip as I put my fingers to her mouth. She takes them into her mouth, her tongue swirling around and cleaning them entirely as she tastes herself. “Good girl,” I praise. Her fingers once again seek out my clothes, and I grab her wrist, “come on, Amari. Use your words.” <<if $showec>>\ “Please, $name,” she whimpers, biting her bottom lip as her eyes darken with need. I release her and she immediately moves forward and strips me<<if $sex is "p">>, freeing my cock from its constraints.<<else>>.<</if>> “Let me pleasure you, please.” She hardly gives me time to answer, <<if $sex is "p">>already stroking my length in her hands.<<elseif $sex is "v">>already using one of her fingers to rub against my clit.<<else>>already rubbing up against me.<</if>> I didn’t have time to tease her further; we were indeed on a time limit. That, and even if we weren’t, Amari didn’t seem very patient. <<if $sex is "p">>\ I fish out a condom and quickly put it on before grabbing onto her waist and guiding her down onto my erection, entering her without any trouble. She closes her eyes as she sinks, moving only to adjust herself to my length. While she does that, I squeeze her breast, pushing her dress low enough to claim one of her taut buds. <<else>>\ I take both of her wrists and hold them above her head as I push her down on the seat, “relax, beautiful.” I release her to work her dress up, placing kisses along her groin and against her panties while my hands fondle her breasts. I tease her nipple between my fingers, feeling Amari wiggle impatiently underneath me. I pinch both of her nipples as a warning, and Amari gasps, slightly arching into my hold. I move my hands down her body, enjoying each dip from her muscles and how soft she was. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Please, $name,” she whimpers, biting her bottom lip as her eyes darken with need. I release her and she immediately moves forward and strips me. “Let me pleasure you, please.” She hardly gives me time to answer, already rubbing up against me. I didn’t have time to tease her further; we were indeed on a time limit. That, and even if we weren’t, Amari didn’t seem very patient. I take both of her wrists and hold them above her head as I push her down on the seat, “relax, beautiful.” I release her to work her dress up, placing kisses along her groin and against her panties while my hands fondle her breasts. Amari gasps, slightly arching into my hold as I move my hands down her body, enjoying each dip from her muscles and how soft she was. Once I get to her core, I move her panties away. “$name,” she cries as I tease her. With a chuckle, I stop playing games, pleasuring her to the best of my ability. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="FS_A2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ I release her with a pleasant pop to instead let out a groan as she moves against me, her hips rising and falling as she rides me slowly. She felt so good, each movement causing me to sink further into her. I let my head fall back and place my hands on her waist, helping her actions. One more push, and I was buried completely inside of her. Her head falls back as she let out a low cry, clutching at the fabric on my chest. I pound into her, my pace picking up as thoughts of need and desire overpower everything else. I hear nothing but her gasps of pleasure and the sounds of flesh slapping against flesh. Each time she rose, I slam her back down, relishing every moan and whimper that leaves her parted lips. “$name!” she cries, and a flood of warmth surrounds my erection as she falls forward. I was close, and so I keep going, my strokes becoming slower and far more even. I slap her ass cheek, and she bucks, and that was it. I come inside, my legs shaking as we both ride through our orgasms. When we’re done, I pull out of her and remove the condom, glancing over at her with a raised brow. <<else>>\ Once I get to her core, I move her panties down and lick my lips, lightly running my hands up and down her lips. “$name,” she cries. With a chuckle, I stop playing games, slipping my finger and tongue past her folds and into her wetness. I place a soft kiss as I work my finger in and out, eliciting a single moan from her lips. Spreading her wider, I delve deeper, tasting her like she was some kind of exquisite dessert. With my free hand, I rub her knot as my tongue massages her heat, curling every now and then. I back away just enough to pick up my pace, adding a third finger as I roughly fuck her. She arches into me, pushing me deeper and begging me for more. Impatiently, she bounces against my fingers, growling as she grew closer and closer to her orgasm. I play with myself, letting her sex noises push me closer to my own edge. I would let Amari take better care of me when we get home. This wasn’t really the best time to get both of us off, especially since we were missing toys. Her moans get louder, and I almost fear that we’ll be found, but with a cry, I feel her tighten around me as she reaches her release. I move in to lick her clean, tasting her honey with an almost feverish action. Once done, I lean up and press my lips against hers, allowing her to taste the sweetness that still was on my tongue. “Your turn,” she breathes out, but I shake my head. “You can pay me back later tonight. This ride doesn’t really let us do much.” I give one last dominant kiss. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ She arches into me, pushing me deeper and begging me for more. Impatiently, she bounces against my fingers, growling as she grew closer and closer to her orgasm. I would let Amari take better care of me when we get home. This wasn’t really the best time to get both of us off, especially since we were missing toys. Her moans get louder, and I almost fear that we’ll be found, but with a cry, I feel her tighten around me as she reaches her release. “Your turn,” she breathes out, but I shake my head. “You can pay me back later tonight. This ride doesn’t really let us do much.” I give one last dominant kiss. <</if>>\ “Are you okay?” “Of course, I am,” she giggles, laying back on the headrest. I readjust my clothing before reaching out for her, bringing her back towards me and wrapping a protective arm around her. <a data-passage="F_A3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You know what I mean. Do it for me.” She snarls but puts her hand in mine, allowing me to help her into the tree trunk. We both sit down, and the ride technician comes over and takes a second look at everything. “Remember to keep your hands inside the ride. No leaving the ride under any circumstance. And that’s pretty much it.” He slaps the side of the cart, “enjoy the ride.” He goes back up to his area, and with a push of a button, the cart jerks forward, and the ride begins. Forest ambiance fills our ears as the ride travels on. The first small love scene is that of a few animatronic forest animals. Each of them is paired off and nuzzling one another affectionately. “I see where all their funds went into,” Sydero growls, propping her head up with her hand as she stares at the scenes. “You can’t even try and enjoy this, can you?” She smiles weakly, and a second later, the smile turns into a grimace before she wipes it from her face completely, “no. I can’t.” I sigh, racking my brain for a way to make this less of a chore for her and enjoyable for us both. I gaze around, but there was nothing. Conversating wasn’t Sydero’s specialty, especially small talk. [[“Have you ever been on a roller coaster?”->F_S2]] [[“How are you enjoying the fair?”->F_S2]] [[“At least we have some private time.”->F_S2]]
Out the corner of my eye, I see her perk up, gazing around before sending me a mischievous smirk. “What? What’s that look for?” “I just got a great idea. How about we take the scenic route?” I continue to look at her in confusion when she stands up and, with one swift move, vaults over the side of the cart and onto the side. “What are you doing?!” I growl, scooting over to her now unoccupied spot. “What does it look like?” she inquires, walking with the cart, nodding towards the woods. “We could get caught. Get back in the cart.” “No can do,” she crosses the tracks so that she was now on my left and heading towards the woods, “and let’s be honest. Getting in trouble is the fun part.” Not waiting for me, she treks off into the forest, and with a loud groan, I follow. I catch up with her and roughly push her, rolling my eyes as she laughs. “Come on, Roe,” she exclaims, slinging her arm over my shoulders and bringing me in close, “live a little. How many times can you say you’ve done that before?” “None. Because any other roller coaster wouldn’t allow it.” <a data-passage="F_S3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
She winks, “all I hear is ‘thank you, Syd. For exposing me to new things.’ And for that, you’re welcome.” “You hear what you want to. Do we even know the way back?” I continue walking, not realizing that she wasn’t beside me until it was too late. She grabs the back of my costume, and harshly yanks me backward. I grit my teeth as I collide with that of a tree. Syd stands in front of me, blocking off my exits, “who’s in a hurry?” She leans in, her lips skimming across my cheek as she pushes herself closer, “I say we have some fun.” [[Have some fun. (This will lead to a sex scene.)]] [[Kiss her.]]
“Of course, you do,” I chuckle, shivering as she presses her groin up against me. She gasps in mock shock, “I just want to appreciate the view.” She places her knee between my legs, forcing me to separate them, “every. Last. Inch.” “And if someone comes by?” I question, her lips inches from mine. I need her to lean in, to eliminate the small gap that existed between us. I want to feel her commanding lips against mine, for her to remind me how it felt to kiss her and how it felt to be brought under her desire. <<if $showec>>\ <<if $gender is "female">>\ “Then let them watch. I really don’t think you understand how much I don’t care,” she exclaims while she fondles my breasts, her attention hardly on what she was saying as she squeezes them. Sydero begins to explore my body more, her hands roaming down to my stomach before venturing to my ass. She takes my hand, turning me and then moving my costume out of the way so that nothing but my underwear rested in her way. She works it down and tosses it lazily to the side as taps my ass. “This body is godly,” she laughs to herself as she cups one of my cheeks in her hands. Heat pools in my stomach, and I perk my ass up, jumping when she slaps it harshly. “Stop teasing,” I tell her, and she shakes her head in defiance. “I’m not even teasing. I’m just enjoying this beautiful ass,” she leans forward and trails her tongue along my cheek before nipping at me and placing a light kiss. Again, my leg shakes as I bite down on my bottom lip. She spins me around to face her and stands back up, taking one of my breasts into her mouth and pulling me close. I tremble against her, feeling the slightly chilled air hit my buds as her tongue and breath warms only specific parts back up. Her mouth comes back up to mine and gives me a heated kiss before moving to my neck, leaving her mark as she goes. Her scent fills my nostrils, cinnamon with a slightly woodsy and dark scent. <<else>>\ “Then let them watch. I really don’t think you understand how much I don’t care,” she exclaims, her attention hardly on what she was saying as she explores my body more. Her hands roam down to my stomach before venturing to my ass. She takes my hand, turning me and then moving my costume out of the way so that nothing but my underwear rested in her way. She works it down and tosses it lazily to the side as taps my ass. “This body is godly,” she laughs to herself as she cups one of my cheeks in her hands. Heat pools in my stomach, and I perk my ass up, jumping when she slaps it harshly. “Stop teasing,” I tell her, and she shakes her head in defiance. “I’m not even teasing. I’m just enjoying this beautiful ass,” she leans forward and trails her tongue along my cheek before nipping at me and placing a light kiss. Again, my leg shakes as I bite down on my bottom lip. She spins me back around and rises to let her mouth meet mine. She gives me a heated kiss before moving to my neck, leaving her mark as she goes. Her scent fills my nostrils, cinnamon with a slightly woodsy and dark scent. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Then let them watch. I really don’t think you understand how much I don’t care,” she exclaims, her attention hardly on what she was saying as she explores my body more. Her hands roam down to my stomach before venturing to my butt. She takes my hand, turning me and then moving my costume out of the way so that nothing but my underwear rested in her way. She works it down and tosses it lazily to the side as taps my ass. “This body is godly,” she laughs to herself as she cups one of my cheeks in her hands. “Stop teasing,” I tell her, and she shakes her head in defiance. “I’m not even teasing. I’m just enjoying this beautiful ass.” Again, my leg shakes as I bite down on my bottom lip, her teasing continuing until she finally spins me back around. She rises to let her mouth meet mine and gives me a heated kiss before moving to my neck, leaving her mark as she goes. Her scent fills my nostrils, cinnamon with a slightly woodsy and dark scent. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="FS_S1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Her lips were inches from mine, and for that moment, I wanted nothing more than to kiss her. I need her to lean in, to eliminate the small gap that existed between us. I want to feel her commanding lips against mine, for her to remind me how it felt to kiss her and how it felt to be brought under her desire. “Is it okay if we just kiss?” I question, pulling her closer, her nose touching mine. I breathe her cinnamon scent in, my eyes closing as it feels like her presence was all around me. She doesn’t answer me in words but with actions, her lips colliding with mine with a franticness to them. I wrap my arms around her neck and bring her closer as she settles her hands on my hips—heat pools in my stomach as our tongues and teeth clash. The kiss was messy, but I doubted either of us cared. Every part of the kiss reminds me that I was hers and she was mine. And that’s all I wanted to be, hers. When she finally pulls back, she harshly bites my bottom lip, enough to puncture it. Before I can chide her on it, her tongue trails across, licking up any blood that reaches the surface, and she gives me one last kiss as if apologizing. My lips felt bruised and sensitive, the kiss itself causing me to breathe in and out deeply. <a data-passage="F_S4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ She kisses a trail down my stomach and then hovers over my core. “If your legs feel like they’re about to go weak, tell me,” she tells me before moving back in. “Someone’s cocky,” I say, barely able to get the words out when she latches onto my pussy. I let out a cry as she gently nips me, and I can already feel my legs shaking. Her tongue pushes past my folds and delves into me, soon joined by her finger and then a second. I whimper as the sensation of her eating and fingering me ripples through my entire being. She flicks her tongue inside me, curling and sucking, each action causing my eyes to roll further back. “Fuck, you taste amazing,” I hear Sydero murmur as she moves away. She sticks in three fingers and roughly fucks me, her smirk widening with every moan she elicits from me. I can feel my legs shaking profusely, my left knee almost going weak. “Syd, Syd, Syd,” I repeat, just before I go down. She catches me and lays me on the ground, going back to fingering me while working my clit with her thumb. A bolt of electricity shoots through me, and I arch my back, encouraging her to go deeper. She does. Pleasure upon pleasure push me closer to the edge, and I bite my lip before asking, “Syd, can I come.” <<else>>\ She kisses a trail down my stomach and then hovers over my erection, licking the length as she lubes it. “If your legs feel like they’re about to go weak, tell me,” she tells me before moving back in. “Someone’s cocky,” I say, barely able to get the words out when she takes me into her mouth. She uses her hands to pump me as she slowly works my cock further into my mouth. Her eyes glance up to meet mine, and I swear that they smirk at me. Though she doesn’t remove me from her mouth, she pulls back enough to swirl her tongue along my head, licking any lingering precum up before taking me back in. My head rests against the tree as I murmur under my breath, my words unintelligible to even me. My knees wobble as I feel the tip of my dick hit the back of Sydero’s throat. “Fuck, Syd!” I growl, not being able to help myself as I tangle my fingers in her hair. I test her reaction, having been reprimanded in the past for mouth fucking her without her permission. When she doesn’t stop me, I tighten my grip and hold her head steady. I pick up the pace as I fuck her mouth, making sure to be ready if she tells me to stop. But she doesn’t. She takes all of it, totally unphased by me slamming my cock deeper and deeper into my mouth. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ She kisses a trail down my stomach and then hovers over heat. “If your legs feel like they’re about to go weak, tell me,” she tells me before moving back in. “Someone’s cocky,” I say, barely able to get the words out when she takes me into her mouth. I whimper as multiple sensations ripple through my entire being. Each action causing my eyes to roll further back. My head rests against the tree as I murmur under my breath, my words unintelligible to even me. My knees wobble as she carries on with no care about whatever I was murmuring. Pleasure upon pleasure push me closer to the edge, and I bite my lip before asking, “Syd, can I come.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="FS_S2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ I hear her chuckle, and she presses a delicate kiss close to my closed eye. The feeling of her kiss against my skin was so different than the sensations coming from further down. One so soft and sweet while the other rocking my entire body. With her permission, I come. My climax hitting me and causing my toes to curl as I ride the wave. I feel Sydero push some of my hair out of my face, and I open my eyes to see her looking down at me with a satisfied smile. “You look so fucking sexy when you’re undone. You really do.” “Shut up.” <<else>>\ I curse yet again as I feel ready to come. I release Sydero’s head and warn her, but she doesn’t move away. She holds my hips steady as she uses her hand to pump me until I reach my peak. She swallows my seed, pulling back with a satisfying pop as she licks her lips seductively. She slowly rises, turning to press her ass against my still twitching cock. She looks over her shoulder at me, “want to take me?” “Fuck yea,” I hiss, reaching for her hips right as she pulls away. “Later, big boy,” she laughs, getting the reaction she wanted as I stare at the area she had once occupied. “Seriously, Syd?” “Sorry,” she chuckles, pressing a kiss to my lips, “you just look so fucking sexy when you’re undone and upset. You really do.” “Shut up.” <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I curse yet again as I feel myself approaching my limit. I warn Sydero, and hear her chuckle as she presses a delicate kiss close to my closed eye. The feeling of her kiss against my skin was so different than the sensations coming from further down. One so soft and sweet while the other rocking my entire body. With her permission, I come. My climax hitting me and causing my toes to curl as I ride the wave. I feel Sydero push some of my hair out of my face, and I open my eyes to see her looking down at me with a satisfied smile. “You look so fucking sexy when you’re undone. You really do.” “Shut up.” <</if>>\ “No,” she growls, grabbing my chin and pressing her lips against mine forcefully. I feel myself slipping, an action that I had oddly not felt this entire time. “Syd?” I start after she pulls back. She helps me to my feet, and she works to clean and straighten me up. “Hmm?” “I didn’t feel the pull of your powers.” “Becoming addicted are we?” she questions with a smirk, “but that’s because I kept them at bay.” I frown, already knowing how much easier it was for her to just give in and let them conquer her and me. I couldn’t say the feeling of being dragged down wasn’t intoxicating, despite the danger. She waves the look I give her away, “I still fed, trust me. I’m fine.” She winks at me, “and so are you.” <a data-passage="F_S4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We get back to the task at hand, pausing to listen for the sounds of the fair. Once we have a general direction, we walk. We’re silent as we go, listening to the faraway sounds of the music from the ride. I peek over at Sydero, who seems to be admiring the view, her eyes going from the trees to the forest floor then back up to the sky. “Penny for your thoughts,” I finally say. “I like the forest,” she tells me bluntly, “a lot. I’ve always wanted to live up in the mountains, away from everyone and just surrounded by nothing but ... well, trees.” “Cut off?” She shrugs indifferently, “I don’t like people. That much is obvious. Nature … nature I do like.” “I would’ve never guessed.” “I don’t really find much time to just stop and admire it. There were a handful of moments in the past, but more often than not, there was never any time. There was always something hunting me or something that needed to be hunted. Something that I needed to run away from.” She pauses, closing her eyes before looking over at me lazily. Despite the action, her eyes are bright as they take me in, and the corners of her mouth tug upwards. “You kind of make me just want to slow down, though.” <a data-passage="F_S5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“What do you mean?” I’m about to take a step towards her but choose against it. She motions to our surroundings, “being with you makes everything slow down, really. Like I have a moment to breathe. When you’re close, I feel like I see things differently, that I can appreciate everything more.” She looks me in the eyes and shakes her head. “Forget it. Come on.” I grab her hand and stop her. [[“You deserve it.”]] [[“I just wanted to hold your hand.”]]
<<audio "romance" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> “You deserve it.” “Deserve what?” “A moment to stop and enjoy what surrounds you. And not just a moment, you deserve to do it whenever you want.” “Roe,” she starts, but I stop her. “I’m serious. Out of everyone I know, you deserve that. And one day, I really hope you can’t recall a feeling of not being able to just stop and breathe it all in.” Emotion pours into her eyes as she regards me, and she takes a step forward to kiss my forehead. She rests the softest kiss to date there; I hardly wanted to call it a kiss due to how gentle it was. She pulls back just enough to look me in the eyes, but she says nothing. After a while, she takes a step back and goes back to walking, behaving like nothing had taken place. We walk out of the forest and back towards the central part of the fair. <<if $visit is 3>>\ “Where are you headed?” I ask her, stretching. “Same place you are, that tour,” she reminds me. And with that, we make our way there, finding Bradley already there with Rahim. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ “Where are you headed?” I ask her, stretching. “Same place you are, that battle,” she reminds me. And with that, we make our way towards the field that Bradley had told us to go to. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “Where are you headed?” I ask her, stretching. “Somewhere, who knows,” she answers with a shrug. I nod in understanding and say my farewells, walking my own way. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<audio "romance" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> I open my mouth to say something, but I see the vulnerability in her eyes. How much it took for her to say what she had just uttered to me. Syd wasn’t a romantic person. That was a known fact that I accepted when I chose her. The last thing I wanted to do was further an uncomfortable moment for her. “I just wanted to hold your hand. If that’s okay.” She closes her eyes and chuckles, tugging me closer. “Come on, you big baby.” Hand in hand, we walk out of the forest and back towards the central part of the fair. <<if $visit is 3>>\ “Where are you headed?” I ask her, stretching. “Same place you are, that tour,” she reminds me. And with that, we make our way there, finding Bradley already there with Rahim. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ “Where are you headed?” I ask her, stretching. “Same place you are, that battle,” she reminds me. And with that, we make our way towards the field that Bradley had told us to go to. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “Where are you headed?” I ask her, stretching. “Somewhere, who knows,” she answers with a shrug. I nod in understanding and say my farewells, walking my own way. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
The operator looks at him for a while in confusion before finally answering, “electricity.” Zillah turns to me with a set frown on his face, “answer to your question is yes then.” “It’s not a fast ride, Zillah. It’s actually quite slow since it’s a scenic one. Imagine it is like a chariot.” “Where’re the horses?” He questions, and dramatically, I groan. I give him my best puppy dog eyes, hoping that the few lessons that Amari had given me would pay off. He studies my face for a time before glaring over at the cart as if it had offended him. With a sigh, he nods. I yank him over to the ride in excitement, helping him in and giving the thumbs up to the operator, who still seems like he was processing Zillah’s question. The ride jerks forward, and he sits beside me stiffly, one hand squeezing the side of the cart while the other is curled into a fist and resting on his lap. Thankfully, he relaxes as the ride continues, and he realizes that there was nothing to worry about. Either that or the sight causes him to forget what he was on. He appears like a cat who had just caught sight of something shiny and within reach. Ignoring my presence altogether, he goes from one side of the cart to the other as he watches the animal animatronics that the ride held. I was seeing this side of him far more. This curious and awestruck side that couldn’t wait to take everything in and learn more. A side of him that was so relaxed and focused that sometimes I even failed to be part of his world. He notices me staring and pauses, “you like what you see?” [[“I really do.”]] [[“Yes, but not like that.”]] [[“You’re going to make us crash.”]]
“Well, what do you like talking about then?” He stops and thinks before smirking, “and I swear if you say your cock I will focus all my energy into us crashing.” He throws his head back and laughs, a laugh that warms my core and causes me to relax even more in the seat beside him. “I wasn’t, but obviously, I see what’s on your mind,” he states and playfully taps the side of my head. “No, that’s just what you always bring up.” “It’s a magnificent cock,” he tells me with a carefree shrug, “it’s not my fault you gave me a descendant with such a good body.” I frown at his words and glance over at him. “Does that bother you? You’ve never actually said.” “What?” “Us giving you the body of one of your descendants.” He takes a deep breath in and then exhales. “No. As happy as I was to learn that I have a bloodline, I wasn’t bothered, or I’m not bothered. Call it self-preservation, but I see it as it was either him or me. You were going to exorcise me, and so either I was going to be put in this situation, or I was going to die. Or you were going to fuck up so bad, you’d kill all of us, but I’m okay with the former.” “Do you ever want to meet th –” “No!” Zillah interjects, sitting straight up as he looks me over. “They are of my blood, but that’s it. It should stay that way. They should never know I exist, and I never wish to know them.” “Why?” He adopts a confused look, as if not knowing himself why he was so against the idea. [[“Do you think they’ll be mad?”]] [[“Is it just because of the shade part?”]] [[“Are you afraid of being rejected?”]]
“I really do. You’ve seen yourself in the mirror. You know how good you look.” “I’m in a costume.” “When have you ever complained about dressing up? That and you’re in a king’s costume, one would think you’d love it.” “True,” he comments, taking a seat, “but great leaders for me never dressed like this, so I get no pleasure from it.” “You seem excited enough earlier.” He points to the crown, still adorning his head, “because of this. It’s very shiny, and I think it compliments my eyes wonderfully.” I snicker, letting the conversation die there. Though he does stay seated, his eyes continue to take everything in with just as much interest as before. I relax in my seat just as the ride comes to a stop. “Sorry for any inconvenience,” a voice says over the speaker, and though he was nowhere near me, I could feel Zillah beginning to tremble with fear, “we are currently letting others onto the ride. We will begin shortly, thank you.” “Hear that,” I say, putting my hand on his knee, “they’re just letting other people get on.” “How can they just stop it like that? Where are the controls?” he growls, glancing around as if he would find them. “There are no controls, Zillah. The ride isn’t like a car. We don’t control anything.” “Then that’s a flaw,” he growls. Nothing about his posture said that he was going to calm down. [[Take his mind off the ride. (This will lead to a sex scene.)]] [[Talk in hopes of capturing his attention.]]
“Yes, but not like that. So, don’t even try and turn this dirty.” “My head isn’t always in the gutter. That’s the phrase, isn’t it?” I nod but give him a doubtful look. He chuckles, “look. Right now, these … machines are the most interesting thing around.” “And that’s exactly why you’re so cute. Watching you take it all in is an experience by itself.” “Glad I could entertain,” he chuckles, taking a seat. Though he does stay seated, his eyes continue to take everything in with just as much interest as before. I relax in my seat just as the ride comes to a stop. “Sorry for any inconvenience,” a voice says over the speaker, and though he was nowhere near me, I could feel Zillah beginning to tremble with fear, “we are currently letting others onto the ride. We will begin shortly, thank you.” “Hear that,” I say, putting my hand on his knee, “they’re just letting other people get on.” “How can they just stop it like that? Where are the controls?” he growls, glancing around as if he would find them. “There are no controls, Zillah. The ride isn’t like a car. We don’t control anything.” “Then that’s a flaw,” he growls. Nothing about his posture said that he was going to calm down. [[Take his mind off the ride. (This will lead to a sex scene.)]] [[Talk in hopes of capturing his attention.]]
“You keep going from one side of the cart to the other like that, and we’re going to crash.” His smirk vanishes at my words, and he takes a seat so fast that I couldn’t control my laughter if I tried. “I’m kidding, Zillah. Well, a bit. The cart can topple probably, but you alone can’t cause that to happen.” He throws a glare my way, “why the hell would you say it then?” “You were giving me a headache. I knew that would at least get you to sit down.” Though he does stay seated, his eyes continue to take everything in with just as much interest as before. I relax in my seat just as the ride comes to a stop. “Sorry for any inconvenience,” a voice says over the speaker, and though he was nowhere near me, I could feel Zillah beginning to tremble with fear, “we are currently letting others onto the ride. We will begin shortly, thank you.” “Hear that,” I say, putting my hand on his knee, “they’re just letting other people get on.” “How can they just stop it like that? Where are the controls?” he growls, glancing around as if he would find them. “There are no controls, Zillah. The ride isn’t like a car. We don’t control anything.” “Then that’s a flaw,” he growls. Nothing about his posture said that he was going to calm down. [[Take his mind off the ride. (This will lead to a sex scene.)]] [[Talk in hopes of capturing his attention.]]
I move in closer to Zillah, wasting no time in pressing a deep kiss to his lips. Just like that, I could not only see but feel his attention shift from the ride to me. His body relaxes under my touch, and after the shock wears off, he returns the kiss just as fervently. I move back, but Zillah refuses to let me go, pulling me so close that I’m forced to sit on his lap or risk colliding into him … which he probably wanted. It was amazing how fast a simple action like kissing could shift someone’s whole mood. Or maybe it was because this was Zillah. His hands busy themselves with roaming my body, squeezing my curves, and venturing my dips. He pulls away from my lips and gives me a cocky grin. “Don’t look so smug,” I scold, “I’m the one who started this.” “Round of applause to you,” he sneers, smashing his lips to mine yet again. He runs his hands along my body, slipping them under my costume and seeking out my nipple. He rubs his thumb across it before pinching it, pulling a sharp gasp from me. Then he shifts his attention, his hands now heading south and finding purchase along my thighs. <<if $showec>>\ “How about you move this out of the way so I can see <<if $sex is "v">>that pretty little pussy of yours?<<elseif $sex is "p">>that mouthwatering dick of yours?<<else>>more of you?<</if>> <<else>>\ “How about you move this out of the way so I can see more of you? <</if>>\ “What’s the magic word?” I question with a playful tease, my eyes widening when he forcefully moves my costume out of the way to expose me. <a data-passage="FS_Z1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I rack my brain for topics that I knew he’d be interested in and conversations that I could keep up with. I know some of the subjects that he enjoyed, history and languages as well as astrology. But I couldn’t think of anything to speak on; no topic jumped out at me. That and I felt like he would see through it. He would know that I was simply talking to distract him, and he would take offense to it. “Stop thinking so hard,” I hear him say and glance over to see him staring at me. “What? I didn’t say anything.” “Yea, that’s the problem. You look like you’re going to explode from overthinking.” <a data-passage="F_Z2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I glance over at Rahim; his face was in his palms, and his elbow propping him up as he glances at the passing scenery. “You okay, Rahim?” “Of course,” he says automatically, causing me to feel like I was speaking to an answering machine and not my boyfriend. “Alright, spill,” I grab his hand and yank him enough to make him look at me, “what’s up?” He bites his lip and shakes his head, “I’m enjoying myself, I am. But I don’t think I should.” “What do you mean?” He motions to everything surrounding us, “the world is falling apart, and we know it, but we’re here trying to act like it doesn’t exist. People are dying, and our enemies are plotting, but here we are, attending a renaissance fair.” “Do you know how to relax?” I question, leaning in and softly touching his chest. He opens his mouth to answers but then stops, frowning as he looks over at me, “how do you relax?” [[“Something creative mostly.”]] [[“I usually workout.”]] [[“Naps, definitely naps.”]]
“I do something creative. Grab a book or start painting, anything that makes me focus on one thing instead of the larger issue.” “That doesn’t make me relax,” he answers, “well, the book does, but if I’m too worked up, then the themes only remind me of the real world.” “Well, that’s when you change what you’re doing.” I move in closer and rest my chin on his shoulder, “there’s got to be something you do to relax.” He thinks my words over and perks up, “I usually just mess with you. Which is one of the reasons why I invited you.” “Seriously? My presence relaxes you?” He nods, “typically, just being around you does the trick but sometimes just talking or pleasuring you.” <a data-passage="F_R2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I shrug, “I usually go to the gym or go for a jog. It seriously helps me forget what’s going on and just be in the moment. I have to worry about breathing or whether or not I’m doing the exercise the right way. It definitely gets my mind off of the more pressing issues.” “And just like that, you forget everything?” “Play the right song and heck yea. The world falls away.” He frowns, “I don’t think I’ve ever had that happen.” I move in closer and rest my chin on his shoulder, “there’s got to be something you do to relax.” He thinks my words over and perks up, “I usually just mess with you. Which is one of the reasons why I invited you.” “Seriously? My presence relaxes you?” He nods, “typically, just being around you does the trick but sometimes just talking or pleasuring you.” <a data-passage="F_R2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I take a nap. Definitely, the best way to forget what’s going on outside.” “And you don’t dream?” “I do, but either I don’t remember my dreams or my dreams or so cryptic and weird that it has nothing to do with the problems at hand. At most, I have to figure out how to run from a flying koala bear in a maze made out of gummy worms.” Rahim sighs heavily, “please tell me you don’t eat your way out.” “I eat my way out!” I laugh, happy to have at least gotten him to smile. I move in closer and rest my chin on his shoulder, “there’s got to be something you do to relax.” He thinks my words over and perks up, “I usually just mess with you. Which is one of the reasons why I invited you.” “Seriously? My presence relaxes you?” He nods, “typically, just being around you does the trick but sometimes just talking or pleasuring you.” <a data-passage="F_R2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I raise a brow, and he fights the blush that creeps across his cheeks, “I mean like giving you a massage or cuddling. Or even just making you smile. Would you like one?” “A smile?” I tease. “No, a massage.” I shrug, finding nothing wrong with receiving one, especially if it meant it would relax me. I saw this all as a win/win. I turn my back to him and practically melt as soon as his fingers begin to knead into my shoulders. His fingers travel farther down, working kinks that I didn’t even know I possessed. [[Turn this into something more. (This will lead to a sex scene.)]] [[Enjoy the rest of the massage.]]
He gets to the small of the back, and I arch, heat pooling in my belly. I suddenly imagine his hands roaming cross my body, working on entirely different muscles. I shiver as the need fills me, taking over every nerve as I imagine his hands lowering, exploring … “$name?” Rahim whispers into my neck. His voice so soft against my skin that I involuntarily shiver a second time, “just say the word.” I surmise that my shift in emotion had grabbed the attention of his empathy. I turn my head so that his nose now rests against my cheek. His breath hot against my jaw. “Please.” His hands venture my body with as much care as when he was giving me a massage. They make their way to my chest and then work their way down to my stomach, finally hovering over my ache. <<if $showec>>\ Rahim moves my clothes out of the way with practiced ease, his warm hands flittering along my stomach and then dipping into my underwear. I groan, rotating my hips against his groin as I feel his erection growing. I suppose those pants of his weren’t as thick as I thought. “How long do you think we have?” he questions, working my underwear out of the way. “Less than thirty minutes,” I chuckle, the sound turning into a groan as he <<if $sex is "p">>takes my member into his hands and begins to pump me with a steady motion.<<elseif $sex is "v">>runs his fingers along my vulva.<<else>>picks me up just enough to trail his fingers along the rim of my ass.<</if>> I hum in satisfaction as I lean into him, prompting him to go further. <<else>>\ Rahim moves my clothes out of the way with practiced ease, his warm hands flittering along my stomach and then dipping into my underwear. I groan, rotating my hips against his groin. “How long do you think we have?” he questions, working my underwear out of the way. “Less than thirty minutes,” I chuckle, the sound turning into a groan as he begins to work me. I hum in satisfaction as I lean into him, prompting him to go further. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="FS_R1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I hum in satisfaction as he works his way back up, getting any of the spots he had missed before. I felt safe and totally at peace under his hands. When he does stop, I lean back and grab his hands, wrapping them around me. “Do you want one?” I question. “No. I’m fine, trust me,” he answers, placing a kiss on my head. <a data-passage="F_R3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We stay like that for a while, silently watching as the trees go by. “Hey, Rahim,” I start, and I feel his chest rumble as he hums in acknowledgment. “Why do you do that? I mean, give so much but then never ask for anything in return. Do you think I’d be bothered or something?” “Ha, if it was only that simple,” he chuckles, “no, it’s nothing like that. Does it bother you?” “Only because I feel like there’s a bad reason why you never ask for anything.” “Then cease your worries. I enjoy pleasuring you in any way I can. Truly. The few times that I do want something, well, pleasuring you fulfill it. When I want to be close, I cuddle. When I want to feel your lips against my skin, I kiss you. It’s weird to say, though … I guess it’s not. It’s almost like how Sydero and her succubus abilities work. If someone feels desire for her, then she can feed off of that. She doesn’t even need to touch the person; as long as they want her, she benefits. I’m the same. As long as you’re happy, then I am. Your pleasure is my pleasure. Giving you pleasure is all that I want.” “I understand,” I finally say after thinking his words over, “’I suppose it’s just odd since sometimes it feels like I’m giving nothing and you’re giving everything.” “You are definitely not giving nothing. If you want, I can try and ask for more.” [[“No, it’s fine.”]] [[“Will that make you feel better?”]] [[“Please do.”]]
“No, it’s fine. You seem really set on it, and I feel like asking you to change wouldn’t be the wisest thing.” He smiles, a genuine one that reaches his eyes, “thank you, $name. It’s just … well, there’s a reason why I compared myself to Sydero and not someone like Zillah or Amari.” He frowns, “we’re not as different as I like to sometimes believe.” “So, you feed off my pleasure?” “No. It’s not that complicated, but it’s also not as simple. Perhaps one day I’ll explain it to you.” I laugh, “but not today?” “No, not today.” He kisses me deeply, about to pull away when he changes his mind and instead furthers the kiss, pulling me in closer as he slips his tongue into my mouth. He pulls back a few seconds later. “For right now, I wish to only enjoy your company and do as you suggested, relax.” <a data-passage="F_R4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Will that make you feel better?” “What? Me asking you for more?” “Yea.” “I don’t feel any strong emotions regarding it. When explaining it to you, there’s a reason why I compared myself to Sydero and not someone like Zillah or Amari.” He frowns, “we’re not as different as I like to sometimes believe.” “So, you feed off my pleasure?” “No. It’s not that complicated, but it’s also not as simple. Perhaps one day I’ll explain it to you.” I laugh, “but not today?” “No, not today.” He kisses me deeply, about to pull away when he changes his mind and instead furthers the kiss, pulling me in closer as he slips his tongue into my mouth. He pulls back a few seconds later. “For right now, I wish to only enjoy your company and do as you suggested, relax.” <a data-passage="F_R4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I turn around to face him, cradling his face in my hand, “please do. I get satisfaction from your pleasure as well.” He chuckles, “not the way I do.” “I’m sensing there’s more to it then.” “There is. There’s a reason why I compared myself to Sydero and not someone like Zillah or Amari.” He frowns, “we’re not as different as I like to sometimes believe.” “So, you feed off my pleasure?” “No. It’s not that complicated, but it’s also not as simple. Perhaps one day I’ll explain it to you.” I laugh, “but not today?” “No, not today.” He kisses me deeply, about to pull away when he changes his mind and instead furthers the kiss, pulling me in closer as he slips his tongue into my mouth. He pulls back a few seconds later. “For right now, I wish to only enjoy your company and do as you suggested, relax.” <a data-passage="F_R4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<audio "romance" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> I nod in understanding, and with his arms wrapped around me, we enjoy the rest of the ride with minimum talking. In the end, we leave the ride hand in hand. We pass by a photographer who flags us down. “Would the beautiful couple like their picture taken?” I’m about to respond when I see Rahim stiffen. “Rahim?” “No, thank you.” “You sure?” He looks me in the eye, unwavering, “I’m sure.” I don’t push him. If he wasn’t a fan of getting his picture taken, then that was the end of that. I thank the photographer, and we move on, going back to the central part of the fair. <<if $visit is 3>>\ Rahim takes out his phone before gazing at me, “we should head over to the board to meet the others for the tour.” I nod, and both of us make our way in the direction, finding Bradley already there with Zillah and Amari. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ Rahim takes out his phone before gazing at me, “we should head over to the field for the final battle.” I nod, and both of us make our way in the direction. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ Rahim takes out his phone before gazing at me, “we should continue looking around. Thank you for coming with me, $name.” I wave his thanks off, leaning in to place a kiss to his cheek. “See you later,” I wave him off before walking my own way. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“You like that?” he whispers in my ear, and I nod. <<if $showec>>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ He picks up his pace, his hand tightly wrapped around my cock as he also slides a wet finger into my hole. I bite my tongue at the sensation, relaxing, and riding out the waves of pleasure. I near my peak, but before I can even begin the last stretch, he stops, shifting all of his attention to my ass. <<elseif $sex is "v">>\ He inserts a finger, and I murmur in need as he rotates it around, pushing it deeper and deeper. He then adds another, and I grind against it, my head falling onto his shoulder as he picks up his speed. I near my peak, but before I can even begin the last stretch, he stops, pulling out his fingers and then retrieving his dick. <<else>>\ He slides a wet finger into my hole, stretching me out carefully before pulling back. “Lick my fingers,” he tells me, and I obey, gathering up spit as he slides them back to my ass, inserting a finger again and then another. I groan as I attempt to resituate myself to perk my ass up, but he stops me. Removing his fingers and retrieving his dick. <</if>>\ He lines himself up and prods my hole, rubbing his cock back and forth in a teasing manner. “Rah,” I start, but the first syllable doesn’t even make it past my lips as he pushes into me, causing me to moan loudly as he buries himself deeper and deeper. He licks my neck, sucking on it as he rotates his hips and adjusts himself. He rests his hands on my waist and guides me up and down, his stroke increasing in speed as he goes. I grab onto his thighs for balance, focused on the sensations pulsing through me as well as his lips along my neck and jaw. I continue to move against him when he grabs my chin and brings my lips to him. His kiss is freeing, almost as needy and gentle as him fucking me. His tongue ventures my mouth, staking a claim on every corner before it vanishes. <<else>>\ He starts to prepare me, slipping a wet finger against my skin. I groan as I attempt to resituate myself to give him better access but he stops me with a harsh tap on my butt. He lines himself up and prods my hole, rubbing himself back and forth in a teasing manner. “Rah,” I start, but the first syllable doesn’t even make it past my lips as he pushes into me, causing me to moan loudly as he buries himself deeper and deeper. He licks my neck, sucking on it as he rotates his hips and adjusts himself. He rests his hands on my waist and guides me up and down, his stroke increasing in speed as he goes. I grab onto his thighs for balance, focused on the sensations pulsing through me as well as his lips along my neck and jaw. I continue to move against him when he grabs my chin and brings my lips to him. His tongue ventures my mouth, staking a claim on every corner before it vanishes. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="FS_R2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Our lips separate as we breathe hotly, our breathing picking up as the speed does. He squeezes me close, changing his angle and getting closer to hitting my spot. In response, I arch my back, biting and sucking his neck and encouraging him to pick up his pace. He holds me steady and rams into me. The sounds of flesh hitting flesh were all that could be heard as I’m forced to take everything he gives. With every thrust, he goes deeper until he hits my spot, and I feel my release hit like a jet of water upon a dam’s wall. He holds me close, slowing his pace as he pulls me through, and I come. He slides out of me with the most satisfying pop. <<if $showec>>\ “Did you?” I barely manage to say as he adjusts me in his arms, cleaning me up with his mouth. <<if $sex is not "na">><<if $sex is "p">>I moan as I feel his warm mouth take my erection, his tongue flicking across the tip as he laps up my seed.<<else>>I moan as his warm mouth closes around my core, his tongue flicking along and lapping up my honey.<</if>><</if>> <<else>>\ “Did you?” I barely manage to say as he adjusts me in his arms, cleaning me up with his mouth. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="F_R3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Bradley. I want another tour guide. What’s it going to take to get us another one? One that’s not a bubbly shapeshifter.” Rahim smiles and gazes over at me, “so I wasn’t the only one who picked up on that.” “Of course, you weren’t,” Zillah grouses, “but it was obvious, so why point it out?” “For those of us who don’t have supernatural senses, maybe?” Bradley points out, raising a brow before rolling his eyes. “She’s also wearing a charm,” Sydero adds, “she doesn’t want to be found out. But her charm isn’t as strong as she thinks it is.” “I disagree,” Amari comments, “I think any typical supernatural wouldn’t pick up on her presence. The problem is that we’re not typical. Our senses are far stronger.” “What are we thinking then?” Chris asks, but before any of us could answer, Zira sticks her head back out the bus. “Come, come. On the bus!” Finally, we move forward, heading to the seats in the back to put some much-needed space between us and our tour guide. The doors close, and she claps her hands, looking over the semi-full bus. <a data-passage="T1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“She’s kinda perky,” I point out, an obvious observation, “especially for a shapeshifter in the presence of hybrids.” Rahim smiles and gazes over at me, “so I wasn’t the only one who picked up on that.” “Of course, you weren’t,” Zillah grouses, “but it was obvious, so why point it out?” “For those of us who don’t have supernatural senses, maybe?” Bradley points out, raising a brow before rolling his eyes. “She’s also wearing a charm,” Sydero adds, “she doesn’t want to be found out. But her charm isn’t as strong as she thinks it is.” “I disagree,” Amari comments, “I think any typical supernatural wouldn’t pick up on her presence. The problem is that we’re not typical. Our senses are far stronger.” “What are we thinking then?” Chris asks, but before any of us could answer, Zira sticks her head back out the bus. “Come, come. On the bus!” Finally, we move forward, heading to the seats in the back to put some much-needed space between us and our tour guide. The doors close, and she claps her hands, looking over the semi-full bus. <a data-passage="T1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Let me start by saying that I’m super duper excited about all of this.” I drone her out, turning in my seat to face the others. “Like Chris asked, what are we thinking?” “I’m thinking I want to knock her off this bus,” Syd groans, covering her ears. “You guys don’t think she’s bad, right?” Amari questions. “I would say no, but why is she wearing a charm if she isn’t?” Chris asks, turning his attention to Rahim and Syd, “you only wear those when you’re running from something, right?” “Yea. Or if you’re being hunted but can’t afford to go into hiding,” Rahim agrees, his eyes going back to our tour guide. “We’ll keep an eye on her.” With a decision made, we sit back and ride to the area that the tour will take place. It was a decently sized museum, far taller than all the surrounding buildings. We follow Zira and the rest of the group inside, and with her usual spunk, Zira claps her hands and turns to us. “Remember the rules team. No wandering off or touching the exhibits. Now, who’s ready to learn?” A few of the kids cheer, and one or two adults voice their approval as well. Most of us just stand silently. With a happy grin, Zira starts the tour. <a data-passage="T2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
She takes us around to some of the immediate medieval exhibits, speaking about their significance and why they were important. I had to admit, she knew her stuff. Either that or she had been doing this for so long that she had everything well-rehearsed. Bradley and Zillah seem to be the only two people actually interested in anything she says, while Sydero and Chris peer on with nothing but distrust in their eyes. Rahim seems to be listening, but then a second later would yawn and check his watch. Amari, well, she didn’t even bother to hide how bored she was. The first real exhibit that we stop by is an impressively large pirate ship replica. We travel across a thick gangplank and make our way on board, everyone seeming to be interested in one thing or the other. “What we’re walking on is a carefully built replica of the famous pirate ship //The Whydah Gally//. It was originally built to carry slaves but was captured by the pirate known as Samuel’ Black Sam.’” We follow her into the captain’s quarters, where she continues to recount the ship’s history. I pause, zoning her out as I gaze around in interest. In the middle of the room was a large wooden desk with a few items on top to give it authenticity. Maps of the Caribbean and one showing the east coast of America were hanging on the wall, along with what I believe is a tattered treasure map. “It is believed that on April 26, 1717, a storm attacked the sea. A far too drunken crew was unable to navigate properly, and the ship was sunk. Come, and let me show you the great pirate, Black Sam.” <<if $int is "Chris" and $costume is "pirate">>\ //You have unlocked a bonus scene with Chris. This will lead to a sex scene.// [[Stay here with Chris.]] [[Keep going with the rest of the tour.->T2_NoChris]] <<else>>\ <a data-passage="T2_NoChris"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
Ignoring Zira, I trail my hand across the desk, rounding it and taking a seat. It felt like a seat of power, like there should be no question who was in charge when sitting in a chair. “You sure you should be sitting on the exhibit?” Chris asks with a playful smile, lingering behind. “This is kind of cool, right? I mean, this was modeled after a real-life pirate ship.” “Yea, yea. Let’s catch up with the group.” I send him a goofy smile and cock my head to the side, “aw, Chris. You don’t want to see what we could get up to in here?” “What do you mean?” “I mean, this has roleplay value like no other.” I rise up from the seat and walk to the front of the desk, leaning on it seductively. “I can imagine it now. You led a failed mutiny and now I, being the captain, have to figure out what to do with you.” “I led a failed mutiny?” he questions, turning his body to face me. He takes a seat in one of the chairs, “naw. That doesn’t sound like me. Maybe, you’re just a bad leader.” I dramatically rest my hand on my chest as if hurt by his words, “you were my first mate too. It hurts, Chris. To know that you’d just defy me.” <a data-passage="T_C1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We continue to follow Zira through the museum. I listen to her speak, or more so how she speaks as if her tone would give something away. Of course, it doesn’t, and I begin to think that perhaps Amari and Bradley were right. There was a good chance that we were trying to find a hunt where there wasn’t one. We weren’t foolish or judgmental. We knew that not every supernatural was evil and that judging them as if they were was hypocritical. But then again, something was off about her. Something that made me think that we had reason to suspect there was more going on. The question was what. [[I think something was off.->T4]] [[I think she was clear.->T4]]
His eyes sparkle as he leans forward, “forgive me.” I cock my head to the side as I capture his chin in my hand and part my lips. I could feel my heartbeat picking up, anticipating all the little dirty things we could get up to here. I lean in, my lips brushing against the side of his mouth, “earn it.” “How do you want me to do that?” I’m about to tell him to be creative but decide that I’d much rather command him. “Let’s see if you can still follow orders,” I smirk, pulling myself up onto the desk. In the back of my mind, I think about the chances of someone walking in here, but … I don’t think I care. Though distant, I could still hear Zira’s high-pitched voice, informing everyone about the ship and its crew. The excitement of potentially being caught was there, but most of it was having Chris standing in front of me, ready to do whatever I asked, was all that was on my mind. I order Chris to come to me, and I drag my hands up his shirt and across his chest. His lips meet mine, and I arch against him. I strip out of my clothes, throwing them to the side as I expose myself to him. “Fuck,” he whispers against my neck, his hand trailing down my body, warming me up against the chill air of the cabin that we were in. [[Command him. (This will lead to a more dominant path.)]] [[Let him do what he wishes. (This will lead to a more submissive path.)]]
<<if $showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ I grab Chris’s hand and guide it to my erection. He begins to pump me without asking anything more, bringing his lips closer as he takes me into his mouth and uses his spit as lube. My head falls to the side as I watch him, basking in the feeling and the view. “Fuck,” he growls, pulling back and shooting a smirk at me, “got my jaw hurting.” I snort as I roll my eyes, and he licks my shaft. I tap his shoulder and motion for him to rise. Though he gives me a questioning look, he does as I ask. I stand and grab the hem of his shirt, yanking him forward. He comes obediently, believing I was about to kiss him, but at the last minute, I move, bending him down over the desk. I feel him shiver underneath me, knowing exactly what was about to come next. I gather up some spit in my mouth and let it fall along his exposed ass, wiping it over his ass before spreading him and inserting a finger. “Ugh,” he groans, and I slap his ass as a warning. I work my finger in and out, making sure he was adequately prepared before rubbing my cock across his hole. I slowly slip inside, humming at the delicious friction that pushing past his tight muscles cause. I smirk at the string of curses that fall past his lips. He throws his head back as I work myself in and out, becoming adjusted before pausing. <<else>>\ I grab Chris’s hand and guide it to my core. Without asking anything more, he rubs his fingers along my lips, pushing deeper and deeper. Before he inserted anything, though, he crouched down, separating my legs and diving in to taste me. My head falls back as I hold his head steady, grinding slowly into his mouth as he eats me out. “You taste so fucking good,” he mumbles against my lips, taking his thumb and rubbing my clit as he goes. I tap his shoulder and motion for him to rise. Though he gives me a questioning look, he does as I ask. I stand and grab the hem of his shirt, yanking him forward. He comes obediently. I turn around and hang onto the edge of the desk. I reach behind me and guide his cock to my opening, involuntarily shivering as I feel his tip press against me but never slipping in. I writhe with anticipation, biting my lip harshly when he slides in. My back arches as he stretches me out, my body relaxing as it tries to grow used to his intense size. “Fuck! Chris!” I shout, and he covers my mouth just in time. “Don’t you want me to please you, Captain?” he questions, resting his hands on my waist to hold me still as he starts to push in deeper. “You’re so fucking big,” I growl, digging my nails into the desk. Pain mixes with pleasure, leaving me feeling like I was being pulled into an intoxicating state. “And you can take all of me,” he growls in my ear, increasing his thrusts. I groan as I do as he says, taking him inch by inch until he was completely buried inside of me. He rotates his hip teasingly before pulling out and then pounding back into me. I bury my face in my arm as I muffle my shout, Chris moments away from hitting my spot. I go in and out as the pleasure builds, Chris, slamming my inner walls with viciousness. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I grab Chris’s hand and guide him to where I want him. Not needing any more direction, he takes over. My head falls back as I hold him steady, grinding slowly against him. I tap his shoulder and motion for him to rise. Though he gives me a questioning look, he does as I ask. I stand and grab the hem of his shirt, yanking him forward. He comes obediently. I turn around and hang onto the edge of the desk. I reach behind me and guide him cock to my opening. I writhe with anticipation, biting my lip harshly when he slides in. “Fuck! Chris!” I shout, and he covers my mouth just in time. “Don’t you want me to please you, Captain?” he questions, resting his hands on my waist to hold me still as he starts to push. “You’re so fucking big,” I growl, digging my nails into the desk. Pain mixes with pleasure, leaving me feeling like I was being pulled into an intoxicating state. “And you can take all of me,” he growls in my ear, increasing his thrusts. I groan as I do as he says, burying my face in my arm as I muffle my shout, Chris moments away from hitting my spot. I go in and out as the pleasure builds, Chris, slamming my inner walls with viciousness. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="T_C2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ I don’t guide him, letting him do what he wishes. He takes hold of my dick and begins to pump me. He brings his lips closer as he takes me into his mouth and uses his spit as lube. My head falls to the side as I watch him, basking in the feeling and the view. “Fuck,” he growls, pulling back and shooting a smirk at me, “got my jaw hurting.” I snort as I roll my eyes, and he licks my shaft. He releases me and then spits on his hand, rubbing it against my ass before rubbing my hole. He rubs his cock along my opening, pressing his tip harder but never slipping it in. I writhe with anticipation, biting my lip harshly when he slides in. I arch as he stretches me out, my body relaxing as it tries to grow used to his intense size. “Fuck! Chris!” I shout, and he covers my mouth just in time. “Don’t you want me to please you, Captain?” he questions, pulling me farther to the edge as he starts to push in deeper. “You’re so fucking big,” I growl, digging my nails into the desk. Pain mixes with pleasure, leaving me feeling like I was being pulled into an intoxicating state. “And you can take all of me,” he growls in my ear, increasing his thrusts. I groan as I do as he says, taking him inch by inch until he was completely buried inside of me. He rotates his hip teasingly before pulling out and then pounding back into me. I bury my face in my arm as I muffle my shout, Chris moments away from hitting my prostate. I go in and out as the pleasure builds, Chris, slamming my inner walls with viciousness. <<elseif $sex is "v">>\ I don’t guide him, letting him do what he wishes. He rubs his fingers along my lips, pushing deeper and deeper. Before he inserted anything, though, he crouched down, separating my legs and diving in to taste me. My head falls back as I hold his head steady, grinding slowly into his mouth as he eats me out. “You taste so fucking good,” he mumbles against my lips, taking his thumb and rubbing my clit as he goes. He grabs my waist and roughly turns me around so that I was now bending over the desk. I feel his tip press against me but never slipping in. I writhe with anticipation, biting my lip harshly when he slides in. My back arches as he stretches me out, my body relaxing as it tries to grow used to his intense size. “Fuck! Chris!” I shout, and he covers my mouth just in time. “Don’t you want me to please you, Captain?” he questions, resting his hands on my waist to hold me still as he starts to push in deeper. “You’re so fucking big,” I growl, digging my nails into the desk. Pain mixes with pleasure, leaving me feeling like I was being pulled into an intoxicating state. “And you can take all of me,” he growls in my ear, increasing his thrusts. I groan as I do as he says, taking him inch by inch until he was completely buried inside of me. He rotates his hip teasingly before pulling out and then pounding back into me. I bury my face in my arm as I muffle my shout, Chris moments away from hitting my spot. I go in and out as the pleasure builds, Chris, slamming my inner walls with viciousness. <<else>>\ I don’t guide him, letting him do what he wishes. He brings his lips closer as he takes me. My head falls to the side as I watch him, basking in the feeling and the view. He grabs my waist and roughly turns me around so that I was now bending over the desk. I feel his tip press against me but never slipping in. I writhe with anticipation, biting my lip harshly when he slides in. My back arches as he stretches me out, my body relaxing as it tries to grow used to his intense size. He rubs his cock along my opening, pressing his tip harder but never slipping it in. I writhe with anticipation, biting my lip harshly when he slides in. I arch as he stretches me out, my body relaxing as it tries to grow used to his intense size. “Fuck! Chris!” I shout, and he covers my mouth just in time. “Don’t you want me to please you, Captain?” he questions, pulling me farther to the edge as he starts to push in deeper. “You’re so fucking big,” I growl, digging my nails into the desk. Pain mixes with pleasure, leaving me feeling like I was being pulled into an intoxicating state. “And you can take all of me,” he growls in my ear, increasing his thrusts. I groan as I do as he says, taking him inch by inch until he was completely buried inside of me. He rotates his hip teasingly before pulling out and then pounding back into me. I bury my face in my arm as I muffle my shout, Chris moments away from hitting my prostate. I go in and out as the pleasure builds, Chris, slamming my inner walls with viciousness. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I don’t guide him, letting him do what he wishes. He brings his lips closer as he takes me. My head falls to the side as I watch him, basking in the feeling and the view. He grabs my waist and roughly turns me around so that I was now bending over the desk. I feel him press against me but never going further. I writhe with anticipation, biting my lip harshly when he finally slides in. “Fuck! Chris!” I shout, and he covers my mouth just in time. “Don’t you want me to please you, Captain?” he questions, resting his hands on my waist to hold me still as he starts to push. “You’re so fucking big,” I growl, digging my nails into the desk. Pain mixes with pleasure, leaving me feeling like I was being pulled into an intoxicating state. “And you can take all of me,” he growls in my ear, increasing his thrusts. I groan as I do as he says, burying my face in my arm as I muffle my shout, Chris moments away from hitting my spot. I go in and out as the pleasure builds, Chris, slamming my inner walls with viciousness. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="T_C3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ “How’s that so far?” “Just fuck me,” he growls, and I deliver another slap to his ass. “See, this attitude is what’s going to get you thrown in the brig.” “Please fuck me, Captain,” he begs, throwing me a look over his shoulder. How was I supposed to say no to a face like that? Holding him steady, I increase my pace, going at a ruthless pace that leaves Chris whimpering and me out of breath. I place my hand on his head, keeping his face on the desk as I drill into him. Each groan and moan caused me to increase my pace, fucking him as hard as I possibly could. I wanted him to feel every part of that orgasm. I approach my own climax, slamming into him one last time before pulling out, resting my cock on his ass, and letting my cum decorate his backside. “Ugh, fuck you, $name,” Chris says breathlessly, “you’re going to clean that up.” “Am I?” I question, trailing my finger along the side of his stomach. “Asshole.” “That’s Captain Asshole to you,” I chuckle. I grab a nearby cloth and wipe him up, snickering to myself as I think about how my seed was now going to be on exhibit. <<else>>\ I move my hand to rub and tease my clit, whimpering at the double sensation. My orgasm closes in, just a little more. I was so very close. “Chris, fuck me!” He says nothing, only answering with a grunt as he rearranges our bodies, motioning for me to put my legs up on his shoulders. I do as he says, and with one thrust, I knew I was going to come undone. A few more pumps and I reach my peak as well, my juices gushing out and coating his member. “Fuck, that’s so sexy,” Chris mumbles, pulling out of me. I don’t know where his cum goes, and honestly, I was too busy with my own fall to think about it. He slumps forward on the desk beside me, and both of us lay there, catching our breath. I hear him chuckle, “so, do I get to keep my job?” “I forgot we were roleplaying about five minutes in,” I admit. “Ah, dick so good you forget what’s going on.” “Shut up!” I laugh, pushing myself off the desk and putting everything back in its place as best as I can. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Chris, fuck me!” He says nothing, only answering with a grunt as he rearranges our bodies, motioning for me to put my legs up on his shoulders. I do as he says, and with one thrust, I knew I was going to come undone. I find my release and wither beneath him. “Fuck, that was so sexy,” Chris mumbles, finishin himself. He slumps forward on the desk beside me, and both of us lay there, catching our breath. I hear him chuckle, “so, do I get to keep my job?” “I forgot we were roleplaying about five minutes in,” I admit. “Ah, dick so good you forget what’s going on.” “Shut up!” I laugh, pushing myself off the desk and putting everything back in its place as best as I can. <</if>>\ “You owe me like five aftercares when we get home,” he says, readjusting his clothing and putting his pants back on. He turns to me and helps, his hands soft against my skin. He leans forward and presses a kiss to my shoulder blades before helping me situate my shirt. <a data-passage="T_C4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ I take my cock into my hand, matching the strokes and pacing of Chris. The double sensation has my orgasm coming much sooner than I imagine, it was close. So very close. “Chris, fuck me!” He says nothing, only answering with a grunt as he rearranges our bodies, motioning for me to put my legs up on his shoulders. I do as he says, and with one thrust, I knew I was going to come undone. A few more pumps and my cum shoots out, coating my stomach as I lay back. “Fuck, that was so sexy,” Chris mumbles, pulling out of me. I don’t know where his cum goes, and honestly, I was too busy with my own fall to think about it. He slumps forward on the desk beside me, and both of us lay there, catching our breath. I hear him chuckle, “so, do I get to keep my job?” “I forgot we were roleplaying about five minutes in,” I admit. “Ah, dick so good you forget what’s going on.” “Shut up!” I laugh, pushing myself off the desk and putting everything back in its place as best as I can. <<elseif $sex is "v">>\ I move my hand to rub and tease my clit, whimpering at the double sensation. My orgasm closes in, just a little more. I was so very close. “Chris, fuck me!” He says nothing, only answering with a grunt as he rearranges our bodies, motioning for me to put my legs up on his shoulders. I do as he says, and with one thrust, I knew I was going to come undone. A few more pumps and I reach my peak as well, my juices gushing out and coating his member. “Fuck, that’s so sexy,” Chris mumbles, pulling out of me. I don’t know where his cum goes, and honestly, I was too busy with my own fall to think about it. He slumps forward on the desk beside me, and both of us lay there, catching our breath. I hear him chuckle, “so, do I get to keep my job?” “I forgot we were roleplaying about five minutes in,” I admit. “Ah, dick so good you forget what’s going on.” “Shut up!” I laugh, pushing myself off the desk and putting everything back in its place as best as I can. <<else>>\ “Chris, fuck me!” He says nothing, only answering with a grunt as he rearranges our bodies, motioning for me to put my legs up on his shoulders. I do as he says, and with one thrust, I knew I was going to come undone. I find my release and wither beneath him. “Fuck, that was so sexy,” Chris mumbles, pulling out of me. I don’t know where his cum goes, and honestly, I was too busy with my own fall to think about it. He slumps forward on the desk beside me, and both of us lay there, catching our breath. I hear him chuckle, “so, do I get to keep my job?” “I forgot we were roleplaying about five minutes in,” I admit. “Ah, dick so good you forget what’s going on.” “Shut up!” I laugh, pushing myself off the desk and putting everything back in its place as best as I can. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Chris, fuck me!” He says nothing, only answering with a grunt as he rearranges our bodies, motioning for me to put my legs up on his shoulders. I do as he says, and with one thrust, I knew I was going to come undone. I find my release and wither beneath him. “Fuck, that was so sexy,” Chris mumbles, finishin himself. He slumps forward on the desk beside me, and both of us lay there, catching our breath. I hear him chuckle, “so, do I get to keep my job?” “I forgot we were roleplaying about five minutes in,” I admit. “Ah, dick so good you forget what’s going on.” “Shut up!” I laugh, pushing myself off the desk and putting everything back in its place as best as I can. <</if>>\ “You owe me like five aftercares when we get home,” he says, readjusting his clothing and putting his pants back on. He turns to me and helps, his hands soft against my skin. He leans forward and presses a kiss to my shoulder blades before helping me situate my shirt. <a data-passage="T_C4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We catch up with the others, doing our best to make ourselves presentable as we get closer. “And we’re walking, and we’re walking,” Zira recites, tapping the hand of a child harshly, “and we’re not touching but walking. Let’s go, crew.” Our group stare after her, all of them seem to be planning her murder. “Look who decided to join the rest of the class,” Zillah chimes in, his attention turning to our approach. “Sorry, we saw some sailing instruments and wanted a closer look,” Chris informs, clearing his throat and avoiding eye contact. “Oh, so is that what the kids are calling it nowadays?” Sydero chuckles, “were you busy burying your treasure in ?his chest?” They all snort. “Did you check out the sextant?” Bradley questions. I sigh as the others burst into laughter. Amari slides in and grins wickedly, “hard,” she says and points at Chris then to me, “to port.” This gets a shocked chuckle out of Chris and an even harder laugh from the others. “Guys!” Rahim shouts, joining the circle and giving them all a scolding look. They all quiet, and I sigh, thankful for his intervention. “Stop being childish. They’re pirates; they’re only after each other’s booty.” I glare at Rahim, who can’t help but join the others, all of them falling over each other, laughing. “And!” Chris shouts, “we’re walking, and we’re walking. And we’re not stopping because we’re walking.” <a data-passage="T3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Zira leads the group out, but my team stays, gathering close. “So,” I begin, “any ideas?” “She’s not really giving us much to work with,” Rahim comments, and we all nod. “Why do you all look like that’s a bad thing?” Bradley inquires, “this is supposed to be a vacation. Why are you trying to find a hunt where there isn’t one?” “Because no one is naturally that chipper. There’s no way she didn’t sense what we are, the four of us might be able to skirt by, but we know for a fact that Roe can’t.” Sydero’s words held truth. Sydero and Faye were both working on a charm strong enough to hide my presence. Until that happened, I was just an unknown hybrid to many. And that alone should be a red flag. “Maybe she’s not concerned because she’s not a bad person,” Amari suggests, though even she doesn’t look like she believes her words.” “I guess we’ll see.” We straighten up and catch up with the rest of the group, moving on to the next location. <a data-passage="T3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Do you think they’ll be mad about learning the truth?” “Now, why would I ever tell them the truth?” I don’t have time to answer as he continues to speak, “look. I just don’t see the point in interfering in their life. There’s no need. And what will me meeting them change or do? Will I suddenly become a better person or believe that –,” he pauses, his face twisting into anger and sadness. He glances away, and I see him shiver. “I’m sorry,” I start, moving in and wrapping my arms around his waist as I rest my chin on his shoulder. “I was just trying to get your mind off of the ride.” He touches my hand and holds it, nodding, “I understand. But I think I’m fine now. This piece of junk hasn’t crashed yet, so I no longer feel in danger. Let’s just sit.” He shifts and wraps his arms around me, resting his forehead on my shoulder as we sit there. After a while, he glances up just to enjoy the passing scenery, but we continue to say nothing, enjoying the rest of the ride in silence. When we make it to the end, a photographer comes up to us with a large grin, showing us his camera. “Would you like your picture taken? If so, you can pick up the photo later as it needs to develop, being polaroid and everything.” Zillah looks at him in confusion, but I stop him from questioning. I’ll tell him about it later. <a data-passage="F_Z3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Is it just because of the shade part? Do you feel like you wouldn’t be accepted?” “Ha,” he snorts, “why would that be the reason? They would never know unless I came out and said something. All they know is that they’re beloved whatever died, and then he suddenly appeared again.” “They might not know, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t bother you.” “Look,” he barks, his tone shocking me, “I just don’t see the point in interfering in their life. There’s no need. And what will me meeting them change or do? Will I suddenly become a better person or believe that –,” he pauses, his face twisting into anger and sadness. He glances away, and I see him shiver. “I’m sorry,” I start, moving in and wrapping my arms around his waist as I rest my chin on his shoulder. “I was just trying to get your mind off of the ride.” He touches my hand and holds it, nodding, “I understand. But I think I’m fine now. This piece of junk hasn’t crashed yet, so I no longer feel in danger. Let’s just sit.” He shifts and wraps his arms around me, resting his forehead on my shoulder as we sit there. After a while, he glances up just to enjoy the passing scenery, but we continue to say nothing, enjoying the rest of the ride in silence. When we make it to the end, a photographer comes up to us with a large grin, showing us his camera. “Would you like your picture taken? If so, you can pick up the photo later as it needs to develop, being polaroid and everything.” Zillah looks at him in confusion, but I stop him from questioning. I’ll tell him about it later. <a data-passage="F_Z3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Are you afraid of being rejected?” “Am I afraid of being rejected,” he snorts, mimicking my words but never giving me an answer, “look. I just don’t see the point in interfering in their life. There’s no need. And what will me meeting them change or do? Will I suddenly become a better person or believe that –,” he pauses, his face twisting into anger and sadness. He glances away, and I see him shiver. “I’m sorry,” I start, moving in and wrapping my arms around his waist as I rest my chin on his shoulder. “I was just trying to get your mind off of the ride.” He touches my hand and holds it, nodding, “I understand. But I think I’m fine now. This piece of junk hasn’t crashed yet, so I no longer feel in danger. Let’s just sit.” He shifts and wraps his arms around me, resting his forehead on my shoulder as we sit there. After a while, he glances up just to enjoy the passing scenery, but we continue to say nothing, enjoying the rest of the ride in silence. When we make it to the end, a photographer comes up to us with a large grin, showing us his camera. “Would you like your picture taken? If so, you can pick up the photo later as it needs to develop, being polaroid and everything.” Zillah looks at him in confusion, but I stop him from questioning. I’ll tell him about it later. <a data-passage="F_Z3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<audio "romance" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> “Sure.” I look at Zillah, “we should probably hurry up and come up with a pose.” Without warning, Zillah takes my face in his hands and kisses me deeply, one that sends a rush of different emotions through me. He presses himself closer, moving just enough so that his mouth was now near my ear. I don’t know if the photographer and taken the picture or not. All of my attention was on Zillah. “Guess what,” he whispers, his voice low and emotional. My heart speeds up as I wait for him to speak. “My dick is great.” “Zillah!” I growl, punching him playfully as he runs off, doubling over in laughter and even falling down. “Oh yea, I’m thrilled you find yourself so funny.” I stroll over to him, and he leans up and yanks me down on top of him. He hugs me close, refusing to release me even though I squirm. “I think I lo …” he stops and takes another breath in, pulling back to look me in the eyes. “I think you’re amazing, I mean.” His eyes shine brightly, and at this distance, I could spot the speckles of gold that looked like stardust. //Snap.// We both glance up to see the photographer lowering his camera. “I must say. This is my favorite picture so far. You’re a lovely couple.” Zillah nuzzles me with a smirk, murmuring, “I know.” <<if $visit is 3>>\ Before we separate, I take a quick look at my phone. It was time for the tour, “we should head over to the board to meet the others for the tour.” “Time for that already?” he questions and I nod. Both of us make our way in the direction, finding Bradley already there with Sydero and Chris. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ Before we separate, I take a quick look at my phone. It was time for the battle, “we should head over to the field to meet the others for the battle.” “Time for that already?” he questions and I nod. Both of us make our way in the direction. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ Before we separate, I take a quick look at my phone. We still had time to do other things. “I'll see you later, Zillah.” He nods and we go in different directions. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<if $showec>>\ I glare at him, and he responds with a nonchalant shrug, “I’m impatient.” Despite his words, he takes his time, <<if $sex is "v">>running his hand across my folds with no intentions of doing anything more.<<elseif $sex is "p">>running his hand across my member but never grasping it.<<else>>teasing me with light touches but never anything more.<</if>> <<else>>\ I glare at him, and he responds with a nonchalant shrug, “I’m impatient.” Despite his words, he takes his time, teasing me with light touches but never anything more. <</if>>\ I open my mouth to chide and beg when it dawns on me exactly what his game was. “You, asshole,” I growl, and he laughs. “Well, $name, do you want me to take care of that ache or not?” he questions, whispering the words against my cheek. [[Beg with no problem.]] [[Beg through gritted teeth.][$payback = true]]
I grind against him desperately, wishing he would stop teasing me with his slow pace. I wanted to feel him, experience him. Mostly, I want to meet my release, something he seemed to want to delay. I lick and suck at his neck with careful actions, trailing those nibbles closer to his earlobe and sucking on his lobe. I get the reaction I want, having him pick up his pace as he breathes heavily. I nip him, and he groans, tightening his grip on my waist as he rams into me. Nothing pleased me more than hearing his sweet sounds, knowing that I could draw them out of him. He continues to slam into me, burying himself inside of me until I could take no more. I reach my peak just as Zillah reaches his. He moans into my mouth, kissing me after as we both begin to come down from our high. I breathe in and out, reminding myself where I was. “I call that a success,” I sigh, fixing myself up. “Huh?” “I wanted to get your mind off of the ride, and I did.” He snorts, “and here you are saying that I’m the one with the filthy mind. You could’ve just brought up a topic and called it a day.” “What would I have even brought up?” He waves my words away and smirks, “don’t try to come up with excuses for having a gutter mind.” <a data-passage="F_Z2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
This wasn’t the first time I pleaded for him to give me what I wanted, and I knew exactly how to say it. “Zillah,” I whine, “please. I need you.” His eyes light up with fire, and he growls as he moves in, one of his hands grabbing my thigh and spreading my legs farther apart. <<if $showec>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ He sucks on his fingers before running them along my folds and past my slickness. He pauses and laughs, “I’m wetting my fingers like you’re not already soaking.” “Are you complaining?” “Fuck no,” he chuckles, guiding my lips to his as he pushes his fingers past my slickness. He removes them a moment later, looking me straight in the eyes as he licks my juices off of his fingers. I raise a brow and bite the inside of my cheek, wanting him even more now. And definitely wanting him to skip the foreplay, we were on a time limit. He uses his thumb to rub my clit, while inserting a finger inside me. I groan in need, attempting to ride his finger, but he stops me, going at his own sweet pace. I think he’s about to pull his finger out when he instead curls them, and my body trembles in utter pleasure. “Zillah, stop playing games,” I manage to say. He pushes his finger deeper and curls it again, causing my toes curl as I move closer. Finally, he removes his hand and picks me up just enough to line me up and then deposit me back down on his cock. I open my mouth to let out a gasp, but nothing comes out, only pleasure rocking through my body. I bury my face in his neck, breathing him in as I ride through the desire and that which follows. <<else>>\ He sucks on his fingers before running them along the crease of my ass and then against my opening. He roughly kisses the side of my face and growls, “I can’t wait to fuck this tight hole of yours.” “You sure are taking your precious time.” “Because it’s my fault you’re impatient,” he chuckles, guiding my lips to his as he pushes his fingers inside of me. <<if $sex is "p">>He removes them a moment later, trailing his fingers across the tip of my cock and then tasting my precum.<<else>>He removes them, again teasing me with slow and calculated actions.<</if>> I raise a brow and bite the inside of my cheek, wanting him even more now. And definitely wanting him to skip the foreplay, we were on a time limit. He inserts two fingers inside me and I groan in need, attempting to ride his fingers, but he stops me, going at his own sweet pace. I think he’s about to pull his fingers out when he instead curls them, and my body trembles in utter pleasure. “Zillah, stop playing games,” I manage to say. He pushes his finger deeper and curls it again, causing my toes curl as I move closer. Finally, he removes his hand and picks me up just enough to line me up and then deposit me back down on his cock. I open my mouth to let out a gasp, but nothing comes out, only pleasure rocking through my body. I bury my face in his neck, breathing him in as I ride through the desire and that which follows. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ He trails his finger against my opening, before roughly kissing the side of my face and growling, “I can’t wait to fuck this tight hole of yours.” “You sure are taking your precious time.” “Because it’s my fault you’re impatient,” he chuckles, guiding my lips to his as he pushes his fingers inside of me. He removes them, again teasing me with slow and calculated actions. I raise a brow and bite the inside of my cheek, wanting him even more now. And definitely wanting him to skip the foreplay, we were on a time limit. I think he’s about to pull his fingers out when he instead curls them, and my body trembles in utter pleasure. “Zillah, stop playing games,” I manage to say. He pushes his finger deeper and curls it again, causing my toes curl as I move closer. Finally, he removes his hand and picks me up just enough to line me up and then deposit me back down onto him. I open my mouth to let out a gasp, but nothing comes out, only pleasure rocking through my body. I bury my face in his neck, breathing him in as I ride through the desire and that which follows. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="FS_Z2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I close my eyes, part of me telling me to forget it. If I had to beg, then I didn’t want it. But my body whines, telling me that I was already too hot and bothered to simply say no. “Please, Zillah,” I plead through gritted teeth, causing him to laugh. He cocks his head to the side in thought, and I ball up my fist, ready to punch him if he makes me beg again. Abandoning the idea, he instead grabs onto my thigh and spreads my legs farther apart. <<if $showec>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ He sucks on his fingers before running them along my folds and past my slickness. He pauses and laughs, “I’m wetting my fingers like you’re not already soaking.” “Are you complaining?” “Fuck no,” he chuckles, guiding my lips to his as he pushes his fingers past my slickness. He removes them a moment later, looking me straight in the eyes as he licks my juices off of his fingers. I raise a brow and bite the inside of my cheek, wanting him even more now. And definitely wanting him to skip the foreplay, we were on a time limit. He uses his thumb to rub my clit, while inserting a finger inside me. I groan in need, attempting to ride his finger, but he stops me, going at his own sweet pace. I think he’s about to pull his finger out when he instead curls them, and my body trembles in utter pleasure. “Zillah, stop playing games,” I manage to say. He pushes his finger deeper and curls it again, causing my toes curl as I move closer. Finally, he removes his hand and picks me up just enough to line me up and then deposit me back down on his cock. I open my mouth to let out a gasp, but nothing comes out, only pleasure rocking through my body. I bury my face in his neck, breathing him in as I ride through the desire and that which follows. <<else>>\ He sucks on his fingers before running them along the crease of my ass and then against my opening. He roughly kisses the side of my face and growls, “I can’t wait to fuck this tight hole of yours.” “You sure are taking your precious time.” “Because it’s my fault you’re impatient,” he chuckles, guiding my lips to his as he pushes his fingers inside of me. <<if $sex is "p">>He removes them a moment later, trailing his fingers across the tip of my cock and then tasting my precum.<<else>>He removes them, again teasing me with slow and calculated actions.<</if>> I raise a brow and bite the inside of my cheek, wanting him even more now. And definitely wanting him to skip the foreplay, we were on a time limit. He inserts two fingers inside me and I groan in need, attempting to ride his fingers, but he stops me, going at his own sweet pace. I think he’s about to pull his fingers out when he instead curls them, and my body trembles in utter pleasure. “Zillah, stop playing games,” I manage to say. He pushes his finger deeper and curls it again, causing my toes curl as I move closer. Finally, he removes his hand and picks me up just enough to line me up and then deposit me back down on his cock. I open my mouth to let out a gasp, but nothing comes out, only pleasure rocking through my body. I bury my face in his neck, breathing him in as I ride through the desire and that which follows. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ He trails his finger against my opening, before roughly kissing the side of my face and growling, “I can’t wait to fuck this tight hole of yours.” “You sure are taking your precious time.” “Because it’s my fault you’re impatient,” he chuckles, guiding my lips to his as he pushes his fingers inside of me. He removes them, again teasing me with slow and calculated actions. I raise a brow and bite the inside of my cheek, wanting him even more now. And definitely wanting him to skip the foreplay, we were on a time limit. I think he’s about to pull his fingers out when he instead curls them, and my body trembles in utter pleasure. “Zillah, stop playing games,” I manage to say. He pushes his finger deeper and curls it again, causing my toes curl as I move closer. Finally, he removes his hand and picks me up just enough to line me up and then deposit me back down onto him. I open my mouth to let out a gasp, but nothing comes out, only pleasure rocking through my body. I bury my face in his neck, breathing him in as I ride through the desire and that which follows. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="FS_Z2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Zira leads the tour into a large, though mostly empty throne room. Besides the throne itself, a long red and gold rug leading up to it, and a few portraits and statues along the walls, nothing else resided in the room. “This throne room isn’t an exact replica of anything,” she tells us. “It was created as a mockup of what many monarch throne rooms looked like back then, and …” She walks up to the throne and sits down on it, “it makes for a great photo op.” She springs up and summons everyone who wished to get a photo sitting on the throne to line up. Rahim and Sydero are the only ones who opt-out, while the rest of us line up. Zillah and I are last in line, and he sits down, not appearing to want to get up. “Make sure to catch up with us once you’re done taking pictures,” Zira sings to us as she begins to guide everyone out of the room. “No one gets left behind as long as I’m in charge,” she nudges Sydero, “isn’t that right.” “Don’t touch me,” Syd says simply as she continues on. Zira says something to her, but the door swings closed before I can make out her exact words. I turn my attention to Zillah, who is still sitting comfortably. <<if $int is "Zillah" and $costume is "jester">>\ //You have unlocked a bonus scene with Zillah. This will lead to a sex scene.// [[Stay behind with Zillah.]] [[Take a picture and catch up to the group. (This will skip the bonus scene)->T4_NoZillah]] <<else>>\ <a data-passage="T4_NoZillah"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“So, this is where rulers sit?” he questions and then frowns, “it’s uncomfortable.” “Maybe it’s like the belief that the crown is heavy to remind the wearer the burden of ruling,” I point out, though I don’t know if that’s true or not. He takes the crown off his head and glances at it before putting it back. “Not really heavy to me.” “Because the crown is fake. How about you get up so I can take a photo next,” I suggest, nudging him, but instead of getting up, his face twists in mock disgust, and he appears offended. “And let a peasant sit on my throne. I think not.” He grabs my hand and yanks me in between his legs. He roughly grabs my chin and brings my face closer, “you know what you can do, though?” He taps one of the balls on my jester hat and smirks, “how about you entertain me.” [[Do as the King says. (This will lead to a submissive route. If you have a friendmance with Zillah, then this is the best to choose.)->T_SZ1]] [[Show him who's the real ruler. (This will lead to a dominant route. If you have a rivalmance with Zillah, then this is the best to choose.)->T_DZ1]]
“Alright, let’s take this photo and catch up with the others.” He poses, and I snap a few shots, knowing that he wouldn’t be happy with just one. After him, I take some, and once done, we leave the throne room behind, not having to walk far to catch up with the others. Zira is pointing to a series of portraits hanging on the wall, explaining to us who they were and their importance. She was lingering beside Sydero, appearing not to have taken Syd’s earlier warning seriously as she keeps glancing at her and attempting to establish some kind of inside joke. I didn’t know if she had a death wish or just wanted to end the day by saying that she made the grumpy woman smile. A few minutes later, Zira finally walks away, and we all go to Syd’s side. “I’ve made up my mind,” Syd tells us, with an unnaturally calm and pleasant smile, “whether she’s up to something or not, I will end her. Maybe this museum has a cemetery for me to bury her in.” “You’re going to go through the trouble of burying her?” Rahim questions, brow raised. “You’re right. I’m going to just burn her until not even ashes are left.” “Calm down, Syd,” Amari grumbles, “she’s just a happy spirit.” “She can be a happy spirit away from me then. I have a bubble, and you either respect it, or you pay for defying it.” She pauses. “Where’s the kid?” We all look around, finally finding Bradley with the rest of the tour, his attention focused on Zira and hanging onto her every word. At the end of the day, at least one of us would leave this tour and say we had enjoyed it. <a data-passage="T5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We learn about staircases and go by an armory. None of it actually being of any interest to me. That, and even if it was, the way Zira delivered the facts made it hard to keep up. I always end up lingering on a word she says for too long, and by the time I catch up, I have no clue what she’s speaking about. “Ah!” Zira shouts, “we’re about to enter one of my favorite rooms.” She opens the door, and my eyes widen, glancing from her to the room that she ushers us into. “Holy,” Chris starts. And Bradley finishes, “shit.” We find ourselves standing in a medium-sized torture room. A stretcher rests in the middle of the room, and residing along the walls are various instruments, devices, and dusty cabinets filled with an assortment of pointy items. “Ah,” Syd chuckles, poking an iron chair, “reminds me of home. A bit archaic but home nevertheless.” “Can’t you keep some things to yourself?” Amari frowns, but Syd ignores her, continuing to look around as Zira begins describing the horrific practices and ways of torture. She stops by the torture rack. “This device is commonly known as a stretcher or torture rack. The victim’s hands and wrists are fastened to the roller at both ends. When the handle is turned, the chains retract, causing the victim’s joints to strain. If pulled for too long, then the victim’s limbs, joints, and muscles could potentially be dislocated and stretched, and in the worst case, separated. Though different, another torture method used similarly was tying a victim’s hands and legs to four different horses and then having them run in different directions.” “Ah,” Sydero sighs, shaking her head as if reminiscing, “no one was quite as creative as those in the Middle Ages when it came to torture. Most of the torture methods used in the Underworld still follow their example.” “That’s disgusting,” Zillah growls, but again, Syd doesn’t look bothered. [[“What’s your opinion, Rahim and Chris?”]] [[“Worst torture method you can think of, go.”]] [[“I just feel like there’s steps you can take before this one.”]]
<<if $showec>>\ I shiver at the numerous images that run through my head, “what do you want me to do, sir?” He grins and brings me forward so that his mouth was to my ear, “get on your knees.” I do as he says, and he works his pants down. I eye his erection, already catching glimpses of precum on his tip. I gulp and fight the shiver that works its way down my spine. The understanding that anyone could walk in at any time was in the back of my head, and it spurs me on, fills me with excitement. “What are you waiting for, beautiful?” Zillah growls in my ear, “I want to feel my cock in the back of your throat.” I grab him and start to pump him slowly, submissively looking up at him, “what else do you want, sir? Do you want me to gag?” The look that crosses Zillah’s face is all I really need. I feel him shiver underneath me as he fights to keep himself under control. I could feel his member getting harder. I gather some spit and take his tip into my mouth before pulling back and licking his shaft. I use one of my hands to fondle his balls, squeezing them just enough and earning a hiss from Zillah as he jerks up. Zillah runs his hand through my hair, “you okay with this?” he questions, warning me what he was about to do. I nod and take his tip into my mouth just as his grip tightens, and he begins to roughly push himself into my mouth, making sure not to push me too far in the beginning. “Fuck!” he groans loudly, not caring who heard, “you feel amazing.” His praise makes my insides rumble in appreciation, and I shift to take more of him. He picks up his pace, and I focus on eliciting every groan and curse out of Zillah. I take him deeper and deeper, and once his hard cock reaches the back of my throat, Zillah lets out a whimper before taking over. He holds my head steady as he thrusts his dick in and out of my mouth, pulling out randomly to allow me to catch my breath before ramming it back in and sometimes keeping it there. I gag, wishing to cough but unable to actually do it, thanks to the cock blocking the way. <<else>>\ I shiver at the numerous images that run through my head, “what do you want me to do, sir?” He grins and brings me forward so that his mouth was to my ear, “get on your knees.” I do as he says, and he works his pants down. I eye him, gulping and fighting the shiver that works its way down my spine. The understanding that anyone could walk in at any time was in the back of my head, and it spurs me on, fills me with excitement. “What are you waiting for, beautiful?” Zillah growls in my ear. I begin to pleasure him, submissively looking up at him, “what else do you want, sir? Do you want me to gag?” The look that crosses Zillah’s face is all I really need. I feel him shiver underneath me as he fights to keep himself under control. He runs his hand through my hair, “you okay with this?” he questions, warning me what he was about to do. I nod and continue on just as his grip tightens, and he begins to roughly push himself into my mouth, making sure not to push me too far in the beginning. “Fuck!” he groans loudly. He picks up his pace, and I focus on eliciting every groan and curse out of Zillah. Once I can't take him any further, Zillah lets out a whimper and takes over. I gag, wishing to cough but unable to actually do it. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="T_SZ2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
With a smirk that says I know more than he does, I raise my hand and flick the already unbalanced crown off his head. He says nothing as it clatters onto the floor. The sound echoing through the entire throne room before coming to rest. “Oops,” I snort. He moves as if to go get it, but I cut him off so he was stuck in his seat, leaning in so that our faces were mere inches apart, “you should get that.” He moves in even closer, his breath against my lips, “move and I will.” I do as he asks, watching as he stands with dignity and bends over to retrieve the crown. Before he can, my foot lands on top of it and I collapse onto the throne like a tired ruler, glaring down at him in mock contempt. “Now this,” I motion between the two of us, “this feels right. Me sitting here, and you on your knees.” A flash of resilience appears in his eyes and he moves to stand but I hold up a finger, “careful. You get up and you might not like the consequences.” “And what would those be?” “You get up and I leave,” I nod at the door. “You be a good boy, and we both get what we want<<if $payback>>. Consider this payback for the Forest of Love ride.<<else>>.<</if>>” He chuckles and I can see him fighting himself on whether or not he was going to rebel or do as I say. To add fuel to the already struggling fire, I take off my jester hat and throw it at his feet. “You might want to put that on.” As expected, he doesn’t pick up either. Instead, he stands and approaches me, grabbing my wrist harshly. I stiffen at the pain but don’t let him see. I wrap my legs around him and bring him closer, our lips smashing unceremoniously together as the struggle starts. <a data-passage="T_DZ2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ “Yes, $name, take it. Fuck, you are way too damn sexy,” Zillah growls, “fuck.” His hand releases me, and I slow him down before sliding off of him. We were both a mess, spit everywhere. I pump him quickly when I felt him twitch, squeezing lightly. I watch as his cum spurts out. I cover his tip with my mouth, licking up his load. I’m hardly even able to take a break when his hands are around me. He strips my bottoms off before placing me roughly on the throne, my face against the backrest, and my ass perked in the air. I moan in both pain and pleasure as he slaps my opening with his cock. <<if $sex is "v">>\ “Higher,” he orders, smacking my ass roughly until I obey. He presses his hands against my mouth, “spit.” I do so, and he rubs it against my clit before laughing. “The hell am I doing this for when you’re already so damn wet?” His hand closes around my throat, but he doesn’t squeeze, “you were ready for this cock, huh?” <<elseif $sex is "p">>\ “Higher,” he orders, smacking my ass roughly until I obey. He presses his hands against my mouth, “spit.” I do so, and he rubs it against the cleft of my ass. He works his finger in and out of me, the other finding my cock and pumping it, teasing my head and the precum that was situated there. “Look at this, you were ready for this cock, huh?” <<else>>\ “Higher,” he orders, smacking my ass roughly until I obey. He presses his hands against my mouth, “spit.” I do so, and he rubs it against the cleft of my ass. He works his finger in and out of me and I perk my ass up even more, arching my back as I whimper. “You’re ready for this cock, huh?” <</if>>\ “Yes,” I whimper, rubbing my ass against him, “please, Zillah, fuck me.” <<else>>\ “Yes, $name, take it. Fuck, you are way too damn sexy,” Zillah growls, “fuck.” His hand releases me, and I slow down before sliding off of him. We were both a mess, spit everywhere. After a bit more work, he reaches his peak. I’m hardly even able to take a break when his hands are around me. He strips my bottoms off before placing me roughly on the throne, my face against the backrest. “Higher,” he orders, smacking my butt roughly until I obey. He presses his hands against my mouth, “spit.” I do so, and he rubs it against me, working his finger in and out of me as I whimper. “You’re ready for this cock, huh?” “Yes,” I whimper, “please, Zillah.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="T_SZ3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ I didn’t have to say anymore. Slapping my exposed ass a few more times, he lines himself up and sinks into me with ease. My eyes roll up to the back of my head as I begin moving, working him in and out of me. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!” I whimper as he slaps my ass two more times, the effect starting to sting. “Come on, $name,” he growls, “I said, entertain me.” I pick up my speed, rotating my hips, and doing anything else I can think of to fulfill his request. <<if $sex is "v">>He runs his hand roughly along my clit, pulling out to slap it before thrusting back in.<<elseif $sex is "p">>He runs his hand roughly along the base of my cock, slapping it before hammering into me.<<else>>One of his hands slide up my back, squeezing my sides before he hammers into me.<</if>> I whine, knowing that others had to have heard us. There was no way. I felt disconnected from my body for a minute, the pleasure intensifying to such a crescendo that it left me unaware. <<else>>\ I didn’t have to say anymore. Slapping my butt a few more times, he lines himself up and sinks into me with ease. My eyes roll up to the back of my head as I begin moving, working him in and out of me. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!” I whimper. “Come on, $name,” he growls, “I said, entertain me.” I pick up my speed, rotating my hips, and doing anything else I can think of to fulfill his request. One of his hands slide up my back, squeezing my sides before he hammers into me. I whine, knowing that others had to have heard us. There was no way. I felt disconnected from my body for a minute, the pleasure intensifying to such a crescendo that it left me unaware. <</if>>\ “I’m going to come,” I shout, my legs shaking as he continues to pound me mercilessly. “Then fucking come, beautiful,” he purrs. And I do. There was no delay. My climax pounds against me and floods out, leaving me feeling satisfied yet drained. There was no way I was going to be able to finish this tour. I couldn’t feel my legs. <a data-passage="T_SZ4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“What the hell took you so long?” Chris asks, turning his attention from Amari to us. “Zillah didn’t like any of the pictures I took of him,” I tell them, and Zillah shrugs, not needing to defend himself since that was a typical thing. “Your ego is atrocious,” Rahim growls. “And so was that lie,” Sydero barks with laughter, my eyes widening as the other three glances at her in confusion. “You two reek of desire. Zillah fucked your brains out on that throne, huh?” Amari’s eyes widen in shock, and Chris and Rahim clear their throat as they turn away. <<if $payback>>\ We’re silent for a while before I finally clear my throat, “I fucked his brains out, actually.” Rahim curses under his breath as Sydero once again laughs, high fiving me. <<else>>\ We’re silent for a while before Zillah finally clears his throat, “I did.” Rahim curses under his breath as Sydero once again laughs, high fiving him. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="T5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You play too much,” he growls against my lips, slipping his tongue into my mouth with a starving hunger. I pull away for a moment to say, “and you don’t know how to just be a good boy.” He beats me to the next action, his hand tangling in my hair and yanking my head to the side. “Well, that’s your fault, sweetheart. You bring out the worst in me.” Our mouths clash once again. There was a touch of affection, but most of it was a dance of pure dominance. Teeth clashing and tongues acting more like whips as we both try and claim ourselves the winner. But at the same time, that hint of affection makes it somewhat choreographed. <<if $showec>>I feel his erection against me, begging for release, and my temperature skyrockets.<</if>> He forces me backward, and my back collides with the seat of the throne as he grinds into me, biting possessively at my neck as I squirm. Part of me wishes to stop fighting, to just let it happen due to how great it felt, but the other half refused to, coming up with idea after idea on how to switch our positions. The friction gets to me, and I arch up against him in need. He pulls back and grins down at me, victoriously, “guess I –” Before he can finish his sentence, I slip my legs farther down and pull him in, causing him to stumble. I surge forward and carefully push him down to the ground. He wraps his arms around me and harshly bites at my neck, eliciting a whimper. I couldn’t wait anymore; I was far too impatient now. I work at his pants, tugging them down as he does the same with mine. <a data-passage="T_DZ3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ His hand seeks out my wetness and, without warning, inserts two fingers. I buck against him, biting my lip as my nails dig into his skin. He forcefully pushes his fingers in while his thumb rubs against my clit, then he curls his fingers. My back arches, and I see nothing but desire and need. <<elseif $sex is "p">>\ His hand seeks out my cock and, without warning begins to pump me, using my precum as lube. I buck against him, biting my lip as my nails dig into his skin. He squeezes just enough to cause a mix of pleasure and pain to course through me. His other hand wanders to my ass, wetting the cleft. My back arches, and I see nothing but desire and need. <<else>>\ His hand seeks out my ass and after squeezing one of my cheeks, he slaps it harshly. I buck against him, biting my lip as my nails dig into his skin. His other hand wanders to my ass, wetting the cleft. My back arches, and I see nothing but desire and need. <</if>>\ “I can’t,” I growl, shaking my head as I rise off of him, grabbing ahold of his dick. I pump it a few times before lining him up and then sliding down onto him. My eyes roll to the back of my skull as I pause and let the sensation of him being inside of me take over. “Shit,” he draws out, his head falling to the ground. I ride him as if I hadn’t felt his touch for years. I lean forward and grab his wrists, making sure that I was controlling the pace. He hardly fights me, far too busy with bucking his hips to push himself deeper inside of me. He pumps harder and harder, the speed becoming sporadic and throwing off the pacing that we had set. We were no longer in sync. It was more so an awkward dance; Zillah only worried about pushing deeper inside, and me more so concerned with him reaching as far as he can go. <<else>>\ His hand seeks out my ass and after squeezing one of my cheeks, he slaps it harshly. I buck against him, biting my lip as my nails dig into his skin. My back arches, and I see nothing but desire and need. “I can’t,” I growl, shaking my head as I rise off of him, grabbing ahold of him. I pump him a few times before letting him enter me. My eyes roll to the back of my skull as I pause and let the sensation of him being inside of me take over. “Shit,” he draws out, his head falling to the ground. I ride him as if I hadn’t felt his touch for years. I lean forward and grab his wrists, making sure that I was controlling the pace. The speed becomes sporadic and throws off the pacing that we had set before. We were no longer in sync. It was more so an awkward dance; Zillah only worried about pushing deeper inside, and me more so concerned with him reaching as far as he can go. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="T_DZ4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ The pain intensifies along with the pleasure. It begins to feel like his cock was hitting the tip of my stomach. I lean down, giving both of us a new angle as I suck along Zillah’s neck, pulling curse after curse from him. “You,” he says breathlessly, “fuck, $name. You feel so good. For fucks sake, I’m about to come.” I angle my hips differently and rotate them as he pounds into me, letting out a whimper when he gets so close to my spot. “Don’t make that sound,” he groans. And I feel the heat build-up and then pour out of me. My orgasm wracks my body, and a few more violent pumps later, Zillah pulls out. My next actions are made out of pure instinct, the desire to come out of this and saying that I won, though this stopped being a competition a few minutes ago. I take him into my mouth, catching his cum right on time. “$name!” he shouts, jerking his hips against my mouth. He grabs my hair and yanks me off of his member, once again kissing me as he tastes himself. We both collapse. I make a mental note to ask Bradley for some gum, smirking to myself at the thought. <<else>>\ The pain intensifies along with the pleasure. I lean down, giving both of us a new angle as I suck along Zillah’s neck, pulling curse after curse from him. “You,” he says breathlessly, “fuck, $name. You feel so good. For fucks sake, I’m about to come.” I whimper with need and in anticipation. “Don’t make that sound,” he groans. And I feel the heat build-up and then pour out of me. My orgasm wracks my body, and soon Zillah is done as well. We both collapse. <</if>>\ We lay in a heap when Zillah finally speaks up, “you don’t.” “Huh?” “Bring out the worst in me. I just … said that. It kind of bugged me after saying it.” I move so that I was now on top of him, placing a whisper of a kiss on his lips, “I know.” I get off of him and help him to his feet. I grab my jester hat, but with a smirk, he grabs it instead, placing the crown on my head. We make sure our appearance is decent before heading out. He takes my hand as we leave the throne room behind. The tour group is a few feet away, on the other side of the hallway. Stealthily, we catch up, both of us acting normal as our group turns to us. <a data-passage="T_Z2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We all follow Zira into a large room with sculptures and paintings along the wall. She doesn’t skip a beat, telling us what each one is and the story behind some of them. “This is a portrait of Francis I, King of France at the time and a great patron of the arts. With his help, the renaissance movement spread through Italy and France. And … we’re walking!” She continues on, and Chris falls onto my shoulders dramatically. “How much longer?” “Yea, I’m kinda done with this whole walking and learning thing,” Sydero admits, ignoring the glare that Bradley sends her. “You’re just uncultured,” Zillah snorts. “Says the mind fucker.” They glare at one another, only stopping when Amari inserts herself between them. “How about you guys, just for once, not fight?” Both of them back down, relaxing as if nothing had just happened. Following behind Bradley, we continue with the tour. The next part doesn’t even seem like it was truthfully attached. It was a decently sized tavern, and after looking around for a bit, I realize what it was. “Break time,” Zira sings, “this is the museum’s local tavern. Those interested in learning more about the design choices and history, then follow me to the bar. Everyone else, take this time to relax. We will get back to the tour in ten minutes.” Sydero raises her hand, “this bar, does it have drinks?” “Of course.” “No,” Chris interjects, “you don’t understand. We mean //drinks//.” “Ah, alcohol. Yes, they serve that.” The two didn’t need to be told twice, and they practically race over. Rahim, though I doubt he’ll drink, follows them. Zillah and Bradley follow Zira with a smaller group. <<if $int is "Amari" and $costume is "wench">>\ <a data-passage="T_A1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="T6_NoAmari"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“Fuck,” Zillah laughs as he wraps me in his arms and sits me on top of him. His head falls to the side as he cradles my face, a lazy smile stuck to his face. “Don’t look so pleased,” I chuckle, hardly having the energy for even that. Zillah places his lips to mine, groaning as he deepens it. It didn’t take long for the simple kiss to turn rough and demanding, Zillah dominating me before pulling back. “I promise you the best aftercare when we get home, but we do have to catch up.” “No,” I complain, though I’m already trying to gather the energy to put my clothes back on. A few more seconds pass, and I finally stand. Zillah fixes anything out of place and taps the jester ball before walking me to the door. The tour group is a few feet away, on the other side of the hallway. Stealthily, we catch up, both of us acting normal as our group turns to us. <a data-passage="T_Z2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“What’s your opinion on torture, Rahim and Chris?” I ask the two men who stand beside each other. Chris gazes around in interest but little else, while Rahim doesn’t seem phased in the least. Chris answers me first, “I guess I can see the need for it. But I wouldn’t want to be on either side of the job. I’m more worried about the sanity of the people who came up with these ideas.” “Sadists perhaps,” Rahim tells him before glancing at me, “I’m the same. I believe there’s a need, but that doesn’t mean I wish to be privy to it.” With my answer given, they follow behind Zira, who moves the group out of the room. <<if $int is "Sydero" and $costume is "monk">>\ //You have unlocked a bonus scene with Sydero.// Sydero lingers, her eyes on one device before heading to another. “This seriously reminds you of home?” I question, and she turns to look at me, nodding. “My dad has a room just like it. Well, it’s bigger and much more creative.” <a data-passage="T_SS0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="T6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“Worst torture method, go.” “Hugs, kisses, and forgiveness,” Amari says, grabbing onto me as she tries not to touch one of the devices. “I said worst,” I tell her, and her eyes widen in realization. “No, no, she’s right,” Syd grunts as she walks past, “that is the worse.” “You guys ever heard of the Brazen Bull?” Chris questions, shivering. Bradley laughs in derision, “you think that’s bad? Have you heard of the Judas Cradle? They sit you down on the top of this sharp pyramid and then lower you with ropes. When you –” “Everyone shut up!” Amari screams, gaining the attention of some of the others but not caring. She huffs and continues on, following behind the others as they leave the torture room behind. <<if $int is "Sydero" and $costume is "monk">>\ //You have unlocked a bonus scene with Sydero.// Sydero lingers, her eyes on one device before heading to another. “This seriously reminds you of home?” I question, and she turns to look at me, nodding. “My dad has a room just like it. Well, it’s bigger and much more creative.” <a data-passage="T_SS0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="T6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“I just feel like there are steps one can take before they get to this one, you know?” “Those in the Middle Ages didn’t really wish to hear your reasoning,” Rahim tells me, seeming to be unbothered by the room, unphased one way or the other. “You either were good or bad. Trials were swift. Zillah, how were crimes handled in ancient Egypt?” He throws a dirty look at Rahim, “there was a judicial system.” That’s all he says, even though we all look at him to continue. Instead, he follows after the others as they leave the torture room behind. <<if $int is "Sydero" and $costume is "monk">>\ //You have unlocked a bonus scene with Sydero.// Sydero lingers, her eyes on one device before heading to another. “This seriously reminds you of home?” I question, and she turns to look at me, nodding. “My dad has a room just like it. Well, it’s bigger and much more creative.” <a data-passage="T_SS0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="T6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“I trust you with my life,” I tell her, and a wicked grin appears on her face. She goes to the door that the others had left out of and closes it, turning her attention to me. I’m about to question what she had planned when my body shoots back, straight onto the torture rack. The ropes move on their own, looping themselves around my arms though not knotting. I stiffen and attempt to get out of what should be a weak restraint, but my arms and legs don’t move. I send a glare at Sydero, who claps and laughs. “I gotta admit, I didn’t think I was charged enough to do this.” “Is this where I’m supposed to beg for you not to defile me,” I chuckle. She leans on the counter beside the table, “you know, you make a good point. Why is it always me defiling you? You really need to stop wearing pure costumes.” As she says this, she starts to touch me, her hand meticulously exploring my body. “So,” I begin and then motion to myself the best I can, “what did I do to get in this position?” “You mean other than giving yourself to a succubus?” “Yes, other than that,” I snort, my breath catching as her hand pushes the robes of my costume away, and she rubs my inner thigh. I shiver, not realizing just how cold this room was until now. “Hmm, I’m guessing you were planning to pray over the evil mage’s doomed soul and instead found yourself in quite an intriguing position.” <a data-passage="T_SS1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We were on the last stretch of the tour. Not counting Zillah and Bradley, who are further ahead, the rest of us seem to be getting slower. We walk under a large archway and into a large indoor arena lit only by a few torches along the walls. “Here, we have an indoor arena.” “Oh, shit, really?” Chris questions sarcastically, loud enough for most of the tour to hear and chuckle. Zira herself chuckles, though in a more nervous manner. “There’s not much to say about this area,” she admits, “this area is actually more for the fair and a popular place for movies to film fantasy and historical indoor fighting scenes. At times, this place is also rented out for fencing competitions.” She leads us to the center of the arena, where few practice dummies are set up. Bradley approaches one and begins to punch it, hardly making the dummy move. “Why don’t we have one of these at the house?” “Would you use it?” Rahim questions. “For a while.” “Then it may shock you,” Zillah laughs, “but we do have one. It’s in the gym.” Bradley’s eyes widen in shock, “we have a gym?” With that, we ignore him and the questions that follow about what else we had in the house. Zira didn’t seem like she was interested in lingering, and so she heads out. “Zira!” Sydero shouts, “you better be leading us to the exit.” <a data-passage="T8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“We should, um,” I start, pointing to where the group had gone, “catch up with them.” She nods but is still looking around the torture dungeon. I leave the room, and a few minutes later, she’s with me. <<include "T6">>
“Would you let me go if I beg?” I tease her, biting my lip as she lifts herself up onto the table and straddles my lap, leaning forward so that she was looking in my eyes. I can see far more crimson than amber now, and though they don’t force their way through, the tips of her horns are just barely noticeable near her hairline. “Let’s test that, shall we?” She reaches for her own robes and strips, and my eyes slowly take in her body, every curve, and dip. I bite my bottom lip, knowing precisely what I wanted to beg for. My eyes pause when I see that her horns weren’t the only thing that had started to form; her tail had appeared. It flicks through the air lazily, and I feel my whole body tense up in both fear and need. Her tail lightly traces the inner part of my thigh before it sinks into my chest. I whimper at the sting, arching my back closer. She applies no additional pressure; the sharpness of her tail pierces my flesh. I bite my tongue at the sting, the pain quickly replaced by pleasure as she drags her tongue against the wound. I feel it, right on the edge of my consciousness, the darkness moves in, coaxing me. Her tail continues to drift across my body, going from my stomach to my ribcage and then to my hips. <<if $showec>>\ I hiss as her tail stops at my <<if $sex is "v">>core, lying flat against it and making me yearn for more.<<else>>member, teasingly tracing the lines of my groin.<</if>> <</if>>\ “Fuck!” I shout, bucking against her. This was indeed torture, having her so close but not being able to reach out or do anything to have her. Her hand closes around my throat, and she leans in, raising a brow. “Please, Syd,” I say, her warm darkness pushing in. My knees shake. Nothing has happened, yet I felt like I was about to come undone right then and there. I felt like something was milking me, pulling on my desire and suffocating me. <<if $showec>>\ I fight my restraints, “Syd, I want to taste you. Fuck, I need to.” She doesn’t say anything but answering my whimpers, she moves and sits on my face. I waste absolutely no time, attacking her pussy with quick motions, running my tongue along her folds, and lapping her up. She grinds against me, pressing so close that, at times, I can’t even breathe. But with each swipe of my tongue, I hear her moan in pleasure, pushing me to go more and more. Her tail continues to swipe along my body, piercing flesh and causing me to continue to groan and buck. I roll my tongue inside of her, sucking and tasting everything she had to offer. <<else>>\ I fight my restraints, “Syd, I want to taste you. Fuck, I need to.” She doesn’t say anything but answering my whimpers, she moves and sits on my face. I waste absolutely no time, pleasuring her as best as I can. I hear her moan in pleasure, pushing me to go more and more. Her tail continues to swipe along my body, piercing flesh and causing me to continue to groan and buck. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="T_SS2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Shit, Roe,” she groans, leaning forward, and I, forgetting I was bound, attempt to wrap my arms around her legs. “that mouth of yours is fucking perfect.” I hum, and I feel her entire body shake due to the action. She moves off me, and I whimper as she looks down at me with a smirk. Her tail comes into view, and it slides down my cheek, igniting enough pain to make me cry out. Her tongue laps up the blood, running up my face before she presses her lips to mine. I moan, my eyes drifting closed as I feel some of the liquid crawl down my neck. “How close is it?” she whispers against me, her tail skirting across my thigh and causing another incision. I fall even deeper, my eyes hardly being able to stay open due to the sensation of both her and the feeling of the new cut. “It’s near,” I answer. The darkness restrains itself, but it was so close. In the past, it’s proximity would mean the end, but the more I fall into my abilities, the longer I could go. My breathing picks up as her lips capture mine once again. Her tongue pushing against mine as she explores what it could. <<if $sex is "p">>\ “You’ve been so good,” she coos, “I’ll give you a choice.” Her tail begins to change in shape, a familiar action. It turns itself into the form of a dildo, and she raises a brow as she waits for me to give her an answer. [[Take it. Syd will peg you.]] [[Give it. Syd will take what you have to offer.]] <<else>>\ “You’ve been so good,” she coos. Her tail begins to change in shape, a familiar action. It turns itself into the shape of a dildo and she raises a brow as takes in the excitement that shows on my face. “I think you deserve a treat.” “Please,” I practically whimper. “Can I touch you, too?” She harshly smacks one of my cuts and I bite my tongue to keep the squeal in. “No.” <a data-passage="Take it. Syd will peg you."><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ She touches my clit and throws me a smile. “Roe,” she purrs, “do you know how wet you are?” “Your fault.” She rubs against me, and I moan as I once again wish to touch her. She licks from my neck to my face, and then she inserts the tip of her tail. My eyes widen, forgetting how large she always was. <<else>>\ She makes her way down my body, pushing my legs apart and running her tongue along my ass. I groan as she squeezes one of my cheeks and moves it. She spits and spreads it out with her tongue, working her tongue along my hole before she inserts a finger. Once she was done, she rubs against me, and I moan as I once again wish to touch her. She licks from my neck to my face, and then she inserts the tip of her tail. My eyes widen, forgetting how large she always was. <</if>>\ “Syd, fuck! Can you make that thing smaller?” She draws back and pouts in thought. I feel her dig herself deeper into me, and I hold my breath as my body aches and screams at the size. She bites my earlobe and whispers, “no.” I’m about to say something else when her hand closes around my throat, tightening as a warning and causing me to close my mouth as she squeezes. She digs her teeth into my shoulder, and I hiss, the sound turning to a gasp as she buries herself deeper inside of me. She stretches me out, my walls hardly being able to take her as she pushes farther. “Fuck, Syd,” I cry, “just take it slow.” “Oh, Roe,” she purrs in my ear, “me and you both know you can take all of me.” I moan her name as she pushes further in, speeding up. She rams her member in and out of me, and I forget to breathe, fail to function “There we go,” she moans, “fuck, I love fucking your hole.” She kisses my neck. “Come for me, baby.” <<else>>\ She makes her way down my body, pushing my legs apart and running her tongue along my body. She prepares and then rubs against me, and I moan as I once again wish to touch her. She licks from my neck to my face, and then she delves into me. “Syd, fuck! Can you make that thing smaller?” She draws back and pouts in thought. She bites my earlobe and whispers, “no.” I’m about to say something else when her hand closes around my throat, tightening as a warning and causing me to close my mouth as she squeezes. She digs her teeth into my shoulder, and I hiss, the sound turning to a gasp as she buries herself deeper inside of me. “Fuck, Syd,” I cry, “just take it slow.” “Oh, Roe,” she purrs in my ear, “me and you both know you can take all of me.” I moan her name as she pushes further in, and I forget to breathe, fail to function. “Come for me, baby.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="T_SS3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
She nods, and her tail turns back into its usual shape. I motion to my restraints, “you gonna let me go?” <<if $showec>>\ “Now, why would I do that?” she questions, teasingly grinding up against me until her clit was hovering by my tip. “Syd,” I whimper. “I can’t wait to ride you,” she purrs, “to feel that thick cock fill me up.” She rubs herself against my tip again, acting as if she was about to let me enter her. I buck my hips, and she rises just in time, reprimanding me with a swipe of her tail. I grit my teeth, but I was ready to try again. She lowers herself on me, and I slide in so easily that I almost want to point out how wet she was. But I don’t, mostly because I was far too swept away with how she felt. She doesn’t even wait to situate herself, immediately riding and rotating her hips as she takes all of me in. She lets a long moan leave her lips, and I hiss, fighting my restraints as I buck. I pound into her, further opening some of the wounds along my thigh. But I don’t care. She felt so good, so tight and so warm. She leans in and moans my name in my ear, slowly taking my earlobe into her mouth. <<else>>\ “Now, why would I do that?” she questions, teasingly grinding up against me. “Syd,” I whimper. “I can’t wait to ride you,” she purrs. She rubs herself against me again, acting as if she was about to let me enter her. I buck my hips, and she rises just in time, reprimanding me with a swipe of her tail. I grit my teeth, but I was ready to try again. She lowers herself on me. But I don’t, mostly because I was far too swept away with how she felt. She doesn’t even wait to situate herself, immediately riding me. She lets a long moan leave her lips, and I hiss, fighting my restraints as I buck. She leans in and moans my name in my ear, slowly taking my earlobe into her mouth. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="T_SS3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I was becoming overstimulated, the pain and pleasure mixing together until the darkness laughs wickedly. That feeling of losing oneself, of your soul and body being separated. I felt like I was falling, falling towards oblivion. At the end was nothingness, coaxing me closer with open arms. And then it stops, my body is shivering, but I could now move. I glance around, breathing heavily and reminding myself of where I was. I move just enough to see Sydero, seeing her kiss one of my visible cuts and healing it. “How are you?” she questions. I ignore her question and wrap my arms around her, bringing her down on top of me and kissing her again and again. “We really need to talk about you binding me. I fucking hate it.” “You don’t,” she chuckles, kissing another cut and healing that. The feeling was intoxicating. “I don’t, but next time I would really like to run my hands down this sexy body of yours.” She hums in agreement, continuing to take care of all the visible cuts but purposely leaving the ones hidden by my costume. We rest in each other’s arms for a little bit longer before we move, knowing we had to catch up with the others. They notice our absence and raise their brows, but I point at Sydero, who turns and shows them her tail. “Seriously,” Rahim growls, falling for our excuse. She shrugs, “I told you it reminded me of home. I can’t help that my body agreed.” He shakes his head, and the others turn back. When they do, we fist bump and share a laugh before putting on our serious face. <a data-passage="T6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I go with Chris, Sydero, and Rahim and order a drink. We speak for a while on our thoughts about Zira and then argue about how much longer the tour would be. We then have a drinking competition that causes the bartender to cut us off. After that, the conversation dulls and we drink in silence, listening to Zira’s overly excited voice in the distance. “Alright!” she pipes up, “let’s head out. We have three more major stops left. <a data-passage="T7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
//You have unlocked a bonus scene with Amari.// I turn to Amari, “where are you headed?” She points to a staircase that I hadn’t noticed before. Frowning, I follow after her. It was evident that we shouldn’t be there, but our curiosity pushes us to continue on. It was a small lounge area, no television but two sofas, a desk, and a large potted plant. On the far end was a window that looked down upon the rest of the tavern. I then realize that this room was made predominantly to give the bar a more medieval aesthetic. But I suppose they didn’t wish to waste an entire space, so they turned it into a lounge.“Does this give you a Rapunzel vibe?” Amari questions, joining me by the window. “Eh, I suppose. But what is a princess doing in a tavern?” She shrugs, “maybe she wanted to get out and see the world?” I laugh as I walk back towards the couch with her, “and so she decided to come to a tavern? Seems like a waste of a trip.” “Debauchery, right? Wanted to see how the complete opposite side lives?” I grin as I look at her, an idea forming in my head. [[Stay and roleplay with Amari. (This will lead to a sex scene.)]] [[Go back down and rejoin the tour. (This will end the bonus scene.)]]
“Oh,” I hum, “I see. The princess wanted to know what it’s like to be bad for a night, huh?” I drag her closer to me and hold her in place, grasping her ass. “Do you know what a wench is, Princess?” She bites her bottom lip and shakes her head. I lean in and whisper the words against her ear, “a prostitute. Do you want me to show you how good someone like me is at their job? To learn how to seduce?” Her breath picks up, and she nods, her hands gripping my costume. <<if $showec>>\ “Then sit down, Princess.” She immediately does so, looking at me like how a student would their teacher. I crouch down and separate her legs just enough to ease my finger against her lips. “Be a good girl and open your legs up wider.” She hikes her dress up and moves her panties out the way, putting herself on display. I take a step back, admiring her—everything from how she displays herself to me to how her chest rises and falls with evident anticipation. I take a seat on the adjacent sofa. “Play with yourself.” She trembles as she slips her finger into her wetness, grinding against it and letting her head roll to the side as she moans. I watch everything closely, feeling my own ache moving in and heat rise. She whines as she adds a second finger, her free hand capturing her breast and massaging and playing with her bud. <<else>>\ “Then sit down, Princess.” She immediately does so, looking at me like how a student would their teacher. “Be a good girl and open your legs up wider.” She hikes her dress up and moves her panties out the way, putting herself on display. I take a step back, admiring her—everything from how she displays herself to me to how her chest rises and falls with evident anticipation. I take a seat on the adjacent sofa. “Play with yourself.” She trembles as she does so, letting her head roll to the side as she moans. I watch everything closely, feeling my own ache moving in and heat rise. <</if>>\ “$name,” Amari begins to pant, picking up speed. “And stop.” She does so obediently, an action that I mentally applaud. If our spots were flipped, I would ignore the order and continue, but I also had a dominant disposition. “Get on your knees and spread yourself. Also, put your hands behind your head.” She does everything I ask. I stand and approach, twirling a strand of her hair around my finger. <a data-passage="T_A2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ “For a Princess, you sure do follow orders better than take them.” She stays silent, leaning into my touch. I place a finger next to her folds, immediately feeling how wet she was. I retract it and trail it along her bottom lip. She takes it into her mouth, cleaning my finger and then sucking on it, submissively looking up at me. I smirk, walking back to the couch that I was previously on. <<else>>\ “For a Princess, you sure do follow orders better than take them.” She stays silent, leaning into my touch. I feel how wet she was, and then retract my finger, trailing it along her bottom lip. She takes it into her mouth, cleaning my finger and then sucking on it, submissively looking up at me. I smirk, walking back to the couch that I was previously on. <</if>>\ I say nothing, letting her stay just like that. The longer she sits there, the more she begins to fidget. She begins to move more as if that would spur me to action. “$name,” she whimpers, wiggling, grinding against the sofa, “I’m aching.” “Are you now?” I question, watching as she tries to use the fabric of the sofa to please herself. “I need you.” I hear it in her voice. “Then come here.” She slowly gets off the sofa and crawls towards me, her ass perked up the entire time. Once she gets to me, she takes my leg in her hands. I stand and nod to her, “go ahead.” <<if $wench is "dress">>She moves the fabric up as she kisses my calf, working her way up, bunching up the dress as she goes. She kisses my stomach tenderly, only pulling away to remove my dress entirely.<<else>>She works my pants down, pressing a kiss to my calf as she makes her way up. She takes my shirt off next and throws it to the side, kissing my stomach tenderly.<</if>> She makes it to my neck, and before she can go any further, I grab her chin. “Sometimes you’ll be asked to strip your clients,” I tell her, still roleplaying, finding myself completely engrossed in the role. “And sometimes you’ll be asked to do other things. Are you willing?” She rubs up against me, needly, “I’m willing to do anything you ask.” “Oh, is that right, Princess?” <a data-passage="T_A3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ I grab her hands and place them on my cock, motioning for her to get on her knees. She does, taking my cock into her hands and pumping me a few times before spitting. She spreads it along my entire shaft with her mouth, using her tongue and sucking the life out of me. I take her hair in my hand and guide her easily. Closing my eyes at the sensation. She twirls her tongue around me before taking all of me into her mouth, deep throating me with ease. I tighten my hold, biting my lip as I hold her steady, thrusting into her mouth. I keep her there, buried in her mouth, until she begins to gag. Pulling out, I slap the side of her face before forcing myself back into her mouth. She takes me each and every time with pleasure. It’s not long before I come, my seed coating her face as she gingerly licks my tip. “Fuck, Amari! Turn around.” She goes to the couch and perks her ass into the air. I slip in, taking a deep breath in as her warmth hits me. She tightens, her muscles tugging me deeper inside of her. “Why do I feel like you’re about to come already?” I whisper into her ear. “Because I am!” she whines. I press a tender kiss along her back as I thrust into her. I keep a steady pace, knowing that she was already undone. <<else>>\ I capture her lips with mine, tasting her. The kiss itself was gentle, but the longer we went, the more heated it became. I bite her top lip, and when I slip my tongue into her mouth, she sucks it. I guide her hands down to my core, and she rubs it, easily slipping one of her fingers inside due to my wetness. She moans into my mouth, and I pull back, letting my head fall back as she works me with her fingers. I kiss her neck as she continues to work, standing on my toes as she roughly rubs my clit and then adds another finger into my aching core. I run my hand along her chest, taking one of her breasts into my hands. “Sit on my lap,” I command, and she removes her fingers and waits for me to sit before straddling me. She grinds against me as I capture her breast in my mouth, using my hand to fondle the other. I roll my tongue along her bud, pulling on it gently and eliciting a moan from her. The harder I go, the more she presses against me, panting. I slap her ass, motioning for her to lay down on the sofa. She does, and I position myself over her mouth while I lay down to taste her. Realizing what I was doing, Amari immediately dives in. For a second, I forget that I was also supposed to do something, too busy grinding my pussy into her face, encouraging her with my moans to go more. Her tongue was a gift. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I capture her lips with mine, tasting her. The kiss itself was gentle, but the longer we went, the more heated it became. I bite her top lip, and when I slip my tongue into her mouth, she sucks it. She moans into my mouth, and I pull back, letting my head fall back as she works me with her fingers. I kiss her neck as she continues to work, running my hand along her chest, taking one of her breasts into my hands. “Sit on my lap,” I command, and she pulls back, waiting for me to sit before straddling me. She grinds against me as I play with her breasts. The harder I go, the more she presses against me, panting. I slap her ass, motioning for her to lay down on the sofa. She does, and I position myself over her mouth while I lay down to taste her. Realizing what I was doing, Amari immediately dives in. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="T_A4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ “$name,” she whines, pressing her ass against my base and taking all of me. She gasps but wiggles her ass, encouraging me to go faster. Feeling my own arousal mount, I do as she asks. My thrusts get longer, and my nails dig into her hips, fueled by her whimpers. “Oh,” she gasps, her legs shaking violently. I reach down and grab her, sliding out of her as her climax coats my dick. As soon as I pull out, my own orgasm hits, shooting my release along her back. “Are you okay?” I question, easing her onto the sofa. <<else>>\ Focusing on my own task, I take her into my mouth, sucking and licking her while I rub my hand against her clitoris. She hums and bucks against me, pulling back just enough to shout my name in ecstasy. I was close as well, and I double down my attack, swiping and curling my tongue inside her. It’s then that she sucks harshly, and I feel my orgasm hits me. I twitch as it pounds my insides, and then I ride it out, Amari licking me up. Her orgasm comes soon after, and I clean her, panting as my body continues to shake. We move off of each other, our backs to the sofa. “How are you?” I question. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ Focusing on my own task, working her closer to her peak. She hums and bucks against me, pulling back just enough to shout my name in ecstasy. I was close as well, and I double down my attack. A few seconds later I feel my orgasm hit me. I twitch as it pounds my insides, and then I ride it out. Her orgasm comes soon after, and I clean her, panting as my body continues to shake. We move off of each other, our backs to the sofa. “How are you?” I question. <</if>>\ “Perfect,” she purrs, grabbing onto me, her eyes drifting closed. I wrap my arms around her, calming myself down. A few minutes later, I shake her and nod to the stairway. “We might want to rejoin them.” She nods tiredly but gets up. I put my clothes back on, and she does the same. We correct one another, fussing over hair before we finally leave the area. We make it down the stairs just as Zira calls the break over. I grab Amari’s hand and rush over to our group, Rahim angrily saying something to Sydero and Chris, who both glare at the bartender. I glance at the bartender and see him doing his best to ignore the two. “What happened?” I question, unable to let the scene go. “These two are stupid,” Rahim growls. “Forget about us,” Sydero yawns, throwing a cocky grin at me, “did you finish?” Amari turns on her heel and walks away, and I glare at Syd, who falls onto the bar laughing. <a data-passage="T7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $int is "Rahim" and $costume is "archer">>\ //You have unlocked a bonus scene with Rahim.// I stay behind, glancing the practice dummy over. It looked sturdy, and if I was honest with myself, I’d rather stay and mess with it than continue the tour. At least this would shave some time off. I tap the dummy to see how sturdy it was, and upon realizing it would do, practice a few of my punches on it. I strike it with different combinations, the sounds of the others getting farther and farther away as I become engrossed in the activity. “Your left is hesitating,” Rahim tells me, causing me to jump and jerk around in surprise. “I didn’t think you were still here,” I admit, stilling my breath. “Sorry,” he smiles. He taps my left hand, “you are hesitating, though.” “What do you mean?” He turns me to him, “punch me.” “Rahim.” “I’m serious. Hit me.” “Someone may walk in and run us out.” “Me and you both can sense people, and I don’t know about you, but the only presences I feel are getting farther. Now stop making excuses and hit me.” [[Hit him. (This will lead to a sex scene.)]] [[Refuse. (This will end the bonus scene.)->T8_NoRahim]] <<else>>\ Leaving that room behind, we head into another hallway, and Sydero whimpers loud enough for our small group to hear. “How many more hallways are there?” “Did you learn anything this entire time?” Bradley questions, about to say more when Zira’s grating voice chipperly shouts out more facts. “I’ve learned that I hate that woman,” she growls, the temperature in the room rising as a small fireball begins to form. “Stop it!” Rahim growls, swatting her hand and glancing around to see if anyone saw, “you know damn well you shouldn’t mess with that kind of fire in here.” “No, let her continue,” Zillah encourages. “She catches on fire, and we’ll be listening to her scream for about five minutes straight,” Chris points out. “This is hell’s fire, Chris,” Sydero reminds, “she won’t have time to scream.” [[“Guys, stop.”]] [[“Are we still suspicious?”]] [[“How fast can you burn someone?”]] <</if>>\
“Actually,” I admit, “I sent both of you texts but only thought you would show. Sending it to Sydero was just for the heck of it.” “Great,” she growls, yanking her arm out of Amari’s grasp, “then I can go?” “Come on, Syd. It’s a cute ride,” Amari pouts. “No, it’s disgusting. I refuse to ride anything that has me sitting in a teacup.” We glance over, and sure enough, the next cart was a large faerie appearing teacup. I exchange a look with Amari, and we silently agree. Before she can figure out what’s happening, Amari gets one arm, and I get the other, and we make our way to the large cart. “I hate both of you!” she shouts, her eyes landing on the ride technician, “they’re kidnapping me. You gonna allow it?” He raises a brow and shrugs. She rises from the seat, causing both of us to grab her, pulling her back down, “you want to know what Hell looks like?” With wide, terrified eyes, the technician pushes the button, and the cart jerks forward. “I can give you a one-way ticket there, buddy,” she screams. Once she could no longer see the operator, she moved to the seat opposite us and glares between Amari and me. “Come on, Syd,” Amari attempts, “this can be fun and scenic. Have you ever been on a ride like this?” Syd doesn’t respond, continuing to glare at her. “You, $name?” [[“I’ve been on it a few times.”]] [[“I’ve ridden it once with my uncle.”]] [[“I’ve never been on one.”]]
<<audio "romance" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> The remainder of the ride is filled with us, fixing ourselves and getting our breath. I open my mouth, wishing to speak about what had happened, but no one else seems to want to. Amari sits by herself, and though she looks carefree, her mind seems far away. Sydero is back to being impatient, looking bored. When the ride does stop, Syd is the first off. She turns on her heel before Amari or I can get out of the cart. Now facing us, she places a kiss on both of our cheeks. “That was fun,” she smirks, winking before leaving. “Did you enjoy yourself?” I question Amari, who blushes. “That’s the first time I did that,” she admits, she swallows and looks me in the eye with a broad smile, “and I really hope it wasn’t the last.” She kisses my cheek as well before heading her own way. <<if $visit is 3>>\ I glance at the time and realize that it was time for the tour. I head over, finding Bradley there with Rahim. <a data-passage="Tour"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $visit is 5>>\ I glance at the time and realize that it was time for the final battle. I head over to the field, mentally preparing for whatever was to come. <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ I head my own way, ready to explore the fair more. <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“I’ve been on a few. There’s nothing really special about them. Though, this is actually the first one that I’ve gone on that hasn’t been on the water.” Amari is about to say something, but Sydero stops her, sending me a wide grin, “how many kisses have you had on this ride, Roe?” “Not many,” I grumble, trying to avoid both of their inquiring gazes. The last thing I needed was for both of them to start picking on me. [[“How long is this damn ride?” Syd asks. (This will lead to a submissive Roe route.)]] [[“It’s a funny name, right?” Amari questions. (This will lead to a dominant Roe route.)]]
“I’ve ridden it once with my uncle. We went to the fair together, and this was just one of the rides we got on.” “So, you can get on this ride with anyone?” Amari questions. “Amari,” Sydero yawns, “we’re here.” “Yea, but I mean,” she frowns and seems to attempt to get her words together but instead chooses to stay quiet. [[“How long is this damn ride?” Syd asks. (This will lead to a submissive Roe route.)]] [[“It’s a funny name, right?” Amari questions. (This will lead to a dominant Roe route.)]]
“I’ve never been on one,” I admit with a low chuckle. “Then this is a first for all of us,” Amari points out. “And a last if I have anything to say about it,” Sydero tells us, and Amari nudges her with her foot, chiding her. Sydero glances at her foot and then at hers; something shines in her eyes, but she doesn’t say or do anything. [[“How long is this damn ride?” Syd asks. (This will lead to a submissive Roe route.)]] [[“It’s a funny name, right?” Amari questions. (This will lead to a dominant Roe route.)]]
Looking around, Syd asks, “how long does this damn ride last?” “Thirty minutes.” She stiffens, “how am I supposed to entertain myself for thirty minutes?” With a pause, she glances at one of the animatronics and grins wickedly. Her palm wasn’t even alight when I felt the temperature rise. I move and grab her wrist, stopping her. “No,” I say harshly. She blinks. “Sydero, don’t,” Amari warns, and before I could take a step back, Sydero has my wrist in her hand and pushes me down to the seat roughly. I grit my teeth as she keeps me from moving, her eyes darkening as she leans in. “Or what, Roe?” “Can you not be an asshole for five minutes?” I question, seeing Amari move in a bit out the corner of my eye. “Tell me this, Roe. Why did you invite us?” “Because I didn’t want to ride alone,” I growl, “can you get off of me?” She does the opposite. She straddles my lap, taking both of my wrists and putting them above my head as she leans in. “Know what I think?” she grinds against me lightly, and I tremble, “I think you wanted round two of what happened in the photobooth.” I attempt to argue but can’t; she had a point. I was still thinking about what happened earlier today, and I was hoping for a repeat. Sydero draws back, looking over her shoulder at Amari. “Amari, come here.” Obediently she slides over until she was sitting beside me. At first, I think Amari is uncomfortable, but one look in her eye tells me that I was wrong. Her eyes blaze with an emotion that I wasn’t used to seeing from her, eyeing both of us hungrily. Syd holds her hand out towards Amari and she gives it in bewilderment. Syd slips it past my costume and to my heat. <a data-passage="F_SAS1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“It’s a funny name, right?” Amari questions, “Forest of Love. What is one exactly meant to do?” “Well, it’s a –,” I begin to explain, but Sydero shushes me, her mischievous gaze moving over to Amari. “It’s exactly what it sounds like,” Sydero tells her, motioning to everything around us, “a very intimate ride. It was created to allow couples back then a moment of alone time since PDA wasn’t really accepted back then. So, they’d get on these rides and could cuddle,” she pauses and then says, “kiss.” Again, she pauses, letting her words sink in. “And anything else they felt like.” I glance over at Amari, who has since stiffened. Her eyes watching Sydero’s every move, hanging onto every word. One thing Amari doesn’t notice that I do is that with each additional word, Sydero moves in closer. “Aren’t I right, Roe?” I slowly realized what Sydero was doing. My eyes meet hers, and she subtly winks. “She is,” I say, understanding the game, “you don’t see these rides nowadays because PDA is more acceptable.” I sidle closer, Amari’s eyes now on me just like they had been on Sydero. “You guys are joking,” she finally voices, glancing between the two of us. “Not at all,” I answer, twirling a thick strand of her hair around my finger. Sydero moves some of her hair out of the way as she leans in and kisses her neck, “want to see what all you can do?” Amari glances at me before glancing at Sydero, breathlessly nodding. Sydero glances up at me, a bright glisten in her eyes as she whispers something in Amari’s ear. Amari looks at me and leans in, her breath ghosting across my lips, but she never kisses me. Instead, she moves past my costume and trails her fingers along my groin. <a data-passage="F_SAS1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ I gasp but don’t move as Amari’s fingers slide against my heat. Amari looks at me, reading my face as she pushes her fingers past my folds and presses against my entrance. Instinctively, I buck my hips, encouraging her to go. Syd trails her finger along my jaw, kissing me before glancing over at Amari. “What are you waiting for, sweetheart?” With that said, Amari pushes her finger into me, and I gasp, riding her finger as she thrusts in and out of me. Sydero closes her mouth over mine, swallowing my gasp as her tongue clashes against my teeth. Not moving her mouth away from mine, she reaches across and guides Amari’s face closer, transitioning from my lips to the vaewolf’s. She continues to work her fingers through me as they make out in front of me, their lips meeting passionately and causing me to get even closer to my climax. “Is she treating your right, Roe?” Sydero questions, breaking off the kiss despite Amari’s whimpering. “Ugh, yes,” I groan, reaching out and touching Amari’s breasts. She straddles my lap and leans in, adding another finger in. Sydero moves off the seat and crouches down, moving Amari’s dress up to expose her. While she does that, I take Amari’s breast into my mouth, running my tongue along her bud and sucking and licking it. <<else>>\ I gasp but don’t move as Amari’s fingers along my cock. Amari looks at me, reading my face as she begins to pump me slowly. Instinctively, I buck my hips, encouraging her to go. Syd trails her finger along my jaw, kissing me before glancing over at Amari. “What are you waiting for, sweetheart?” With that said, Amari moves my costume out of the way and takes my member into her mouth. I gasp at the sudden warmth, my head falling back as she licks my shaft. Sydero closes her mouth over mine, swallowing my gasp as her tongue clashes against my teeth. Biting my bottom lip, Sydero pulls away and moves off the seat and crouches down, behind Amari. She moves her dress up to expose her. While she does that, I take Amari’s breast into my hand, squeezing it and tweaking her bud between my fingers. “Is she treating your right, Roe?” Sydero questions. “Ugh, yes,” I groan as she deep throats me, “oh fuck.” I run my hands through her hair, encouraging her to keep going. “Oh my gosh,” Amari whines, coming up for hair and glancing behind her, I see her rock her hips into what I presume is Sydero’s mouth, “please don’t stop.” She gathers some more spit in her mouth and goes back down on me, milking my dick and bringing me closer to the edge. I continue to play with her breast, pulling on her bud more and eliciting any moans that I can. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="F_SAS2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ “Oh my gosh,” Amari whines, “please don’t stop.” I chuckle to myself. The problem with three is that you never knew who was talking to who. Regardless, I keep going until Amari picks up my head and kisses me, sometimes pausing to moan as I surmise that whatever Sydero was doing was getting her distracted. Sydero then appears, and I feel another finger enter me. I shout in ecstasy, grinding against both of them. I feel my orgasm hit, barely able to get out a warning as they both slow down. “Did … did you guys come?” Amari nods, biting her lip as she relaxes in the seat, deep breathing and looking just as out of it as me. I glance over at Sydero, surprised to find even her body shaking. “No,” she chuckles tiredly, “but don’t worry about me. I’m full.” <<else>>\ Sydero then appears, and the sight makes me want to come right there. Winking, she joins Amari, both of them licking up and down my shaft as both of their hands pump me. I groan in ecstasy and feel my orgasm hit, barely able to get out a warning as they both slow down. Sydero takes me in her mouth, her tongue swirling around my head and taking my load. She then grabs Amari’s chin and brings her in for a kiss. “Fuck, fuck,” I growl, watching as the two of them share my release, “that’s not fair.” “Deal with it,” Sydero smirks, pulling away from Amari and collapsing on the seat next to me. “Did … did you guys come?” I ask. Amari nods, biting her lip as she relaxes in the seat, deep breathing and looking just as out of it as me. I glance over at Sydero, surprised to find even her body shaking. “No,” she chuckles tiredly, “but don’t worry about me. I’m full.” <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="F_SA2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’m scared to ask, but which side of the table were you on?” She doesn’t seem phased when she answers, “both.” Her hand touches one of the instruments hanging from the ceiling, “every princedom has their own torture methods. Sloth’s, for example, is boring you to death in a white room. Sounds ineffective, but,” her eyes darken, “it is very effective. And Wrath has an arena where you get your ass kicked for hours on end.” I stay silent, not knowing what to say, and so I choose to say nothing. She pauses and frowns, gazing around and then at the two doors, “I have an idea.” “What is it?” “That depends. How much do you trust me?” I study her, quickly spotting the crimson tinge in her eye. It grows, and I can feel the familiar feel of her powers dampening the air. If I agree, I knew what awaited me. [[“I trust you with my life.” (Trigger Warning: This choice leads to sexual acts including choking and bloodplay.->“I trust you with my life.”]] [[“We should catch up with the group.” (This will skip the bonus scene.)]]
“You might be right. But come on,” I grab her hand and guide her back towards the staircase, “we shouldn’t be up here and neither of us want to be caught.” “You’re right,” she says in embarrassment, “sorry for bringing you up here.” I pause and turn to place a warm kiss on her forehead, “don’t be.” We rejoin the group, heading over to the bar just as the bartender walks away and Chris and Sydero shout after them. “What happened?” “They refuse to serve us,” Syd pouts. “Because you and Chris just chugged down the strongest drink he had like it was water,” Rahim reminds them and informs us. He looks like he wants to hit them upside the head, hardly containing himself. “That drink was weak,” Chris shouts and Rahim raises his hand, thankfully, Zira’s irritating voice stops him. “Alright!” she pipes up, “let’s head out. We have three more major stops left.” <a data-passage="T7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Are you really?” I ask in surprise, pausing for a minute as the operator shouts at us to enjoy the ride. It jerks forward, and we begin our travels. I glance back over at Bradley, “is it the girl we met in North Carolina? The one you play video games with?” “Oh, Hillary? No. I mean no, as in it’s no one. I still talk to her, though. We played a one-on-one game a few days ago, and she destroyed me. It was great,” he recounts with a goofy smile. Though he said no, the smile and twinkle in his eyes say that he felt differently about her. He scratches the back of his neck and frowns, “I don’t know how I feel.” “About her? You’ll figure it out sooner or later.” “No, about myself. I feel like I should know what I like by now, but I don’t.” I nod in understanding, “don’t worry, there’s not a time limit. You could even think you know but go back to questioning. You have your whole life to figure it out.” “My whole life?” he asks with a raised and doubtful brow. “I’m serious,” I chuckle, “that’s something that defines you. If one day you wake up and realize that it’s not defining you like you want it to, then you have the right to change it.” “Can I talk about it with you? I’ve never actually said it aloud to think it through. And maybe you can give me better insight.” [[“Of course.”]] [[“I’d rather not.”]]
“Guys, stop. Seriously you’re talking about killing someone simply because they annoy you.” The three of them glance at me, blinking as if waiting for me to make my point. I sigh and turn to Amari and Rahim, who glance away, neither of them wishing to help me out. Bradley had already moved away to learn about whatever Zira was talking about. Zira claps loudly, drawing us out of our conversation and back to her. The group follows her, and my heart flutters when we walk outside, the buses waiting patiently for us to board. “And we’re done walking,” Zira sighs dejectedly. It felt like the first time her voice wasn’t high pitched. “Our time has come to an end, sadly.” Chris and Syd exchange a glance. “If you enjoyed the tour, then be sure to give me a five-star rating!” Zira shouts, back to her usual peppy self. “And now, we’re getting on the bus. On the bus, we go. Let’s go, team!” <a data-passage="T9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Are we still suspicious of her?” I question, “I kinda forgot we were doing that about five exhibits ago.” “No, $name,” Chris tells me, “we’re now just sick of her.” “Let’s be honest,” Syd chuckles, “we were suspicious because we knew she was this annoying.” Zira claps loudly, drawing us out of our conversation and back to her. The group follows her, and my heart flutters when we walk outside, the buses waiting patiently for us to board. “And we’re done walking,” Zira sighs dejectedly. It felt like the first time her voice wasn’t high pitched. “Our time has come to an end, sadly.” Chris and Syd exchange a glance. “If you enjoyed the tour, then be sure to give me a five-star rating!” Zira shouts, back to her usual peppy self. “And now, we’re getting on the bus. On the bus, we go. Let’s go, team!” <a data-passage="T9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“How fast can you burn and kill someone then?” “$name!” Rahim shouts, casting a reprimanding look my way. “What? I’m curious. I can’t help that.” Sydero answers, “depending on the intention. I can probably kill someone before they even know they’re on fire.” “Seconds then?” Chris asks in thought, frowning as he ponders something, “why haven’t we ever tested this out.” Bradley, who’s about to walk away, stops and turns to face us, “you know, that’s a good question.” “Gods?” Rahim asks, covering his face with his hands, “why me?” He walks away, leaving the rest of us standing there. “He sounds disappointed,” Amari pouts, “but not surprised.” Zira claps loudly, drawing us out of our conversation and back to her. The group follows her, and my heart flutters when we walk outside, the buses waiting patiently for us to board. “And we’re done walking,” Zira sighs dejectedly. It felt like the first time her voice wasn’t high pitched. “Our time has come to an end, sadly.” Chris and Syd exchange a glance. “If you enjoyed the tour, then be sure to give me a five-star rating!” Zira shouts, back to her usual peppy self. “And now, we’re getting on the bus. On the bus, we go. Let’s go, team!” <a data-passage="T9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I roll my neck around before figuring out where I was going to hit him. After some quick thinking, I decided that the best place was his chest. I strike out, and though my right connects, he manages to dodge my left with ease and pin my arm behind my back. He holds me like that for a while, his breath on my neck when he releases me. “Okay,” I sigh, “so, how do I fix it?” He frowns, “hit me again.” I do as he asks; this time, he doesn’t dodge, allowing me to strike him. “Don’t bring your elbow that far back.” He moves in and grabs ahold of my arm, showing me where to stop. As he fixes my arm, his other crawls along my belly, my breath hitching as my mind goes elsewhere. I practice the throw a few times before I turn to Rahim. “Ready?” He nods. I strike out, doing what he had suggested, and I properly connect. “Once more, this time, I’m going to try and fight back, though.” I put a little more space between us, bouncing on the balls of my feet before moving in. I dodge his punch and then strike out. He pushes each of my strikes away with ease. Raising a brow. Fire burns in my belly as I double down, forgetting that we were in a museum and behaving as if we were really back home training together. We dance around the floor, both of us dodging and striking out, neither of us backing down. The way I throw my left gets easier, and I begin to feel more comfortable. Switching up my attacks, I fake a right and throw my left, connecting as he hits the wall. “And there you are,” he chuckles, placing his head up against the wall, “one less weakness for your enemies to exploit.” I raise a brow as I take a step closer to him, “oh, do I have many of those?” <a data-passage="T_R1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Come on, Rahim. I’d rather just catch up with the others.” He looks disappointed but he nods his head. Leaving that room behind, we head into another hallway, and Sydero whimpers loud enough for our small group to hear. “How many more hallways are there?” “Did you learn anything this entire time?” Bradley questions, about to say more when Zira’s grating voice chipperly shouts out more facts. “I’ve learned that I hate that woman,” she growls, the temperature in the room rising as a small fireball begins to form. “Stop it!” Rahim growls, swatting her hand and glancing around to see if anyone saw, “you know damn well you shouldn’t mess with that kind of fire in here.” “No, let her continue,” Zillah encourages. “She catches on fire, and we’ll be listening to her scream for about five minutes straight,” Chris points out. “This is hell’s fire, Chris,” Sydero reminds, “she won’t have time to scream.” [[“Guys, stop.”]] [[“Are we still suspicious?”]] [[“How fast can you burn someone?”]]
He regards me for a while before he reaches forward and wraps his arm around my waist, dragging me closer. “I’d like to think you have at least one.” “Which is?” His lips meet my ear and then travels down to my mouth, “me.” He kisses me hungrily, not bothering to hide how aroused he was or how much he wanted me. I could feel his erection pushing against me, and his wandering hands were practically begging for me to strip. I pull away breathless, my mind growing foggy at the connection. “You’re definitely a strength,” I tell him and begin to work his shirt off, all too happy to place my palms against his abs. I feel my own temperature rise as I explore a body that I had committed to memory a long time ago. He continues to place kiss after kiss on my lips while gripping my ass, squeezing as he brings me closer, making sure there was no space between us. “Rahim,” I growl against his lips, “knees, now.” He pulls back and looks me in the eyes. For a minute, I think he’ll defy me, but a few seconds later and he sinks down, never glancing away as he places his face right against my pants. He inhales and I see his body tremble in need. I run my fingers through his hair, “I think you know what to do.” <<if $showec>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ Indeed, he doesn’t need to be told twice, working my trousers down as he places small love bites along my thigh. He bites my underwear and drags it down before blowing against my slit. Placing one kiss after the other, he takes his sweet and precious time as he gently takes one of my lips into his mouth and nibbles. He pulls it, slipping a finger inside of me. <<elseif $sex is "p">>\ Indeed, he doesn’t need to be told twice, working my trousers down as he places small love bites along my thigh. He bites my underwear and drags it down before running his tongue over my dick. Placing one kiss after the other, he takes his sweet and precious time as he gently takes my tip into his mouth and nibbles. Using his hand to fondle and massage my sack. <<else>>\ Indeed, he doesn’t need to be told twice, working my trousers down as he places small love bites along my thigh. He bites my underwear and drags it down before running his tongue over my ass cheek. Placing one kiss after the other, he takes his sweet and precious time as he gently separates them and licks a trail up my cleft. He spits before flicking his tongue against my hole. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ Indeed, he doesn’t need to be told twice, working my trousers down as he places small love bites along my thigh. He bites my underwear and drags it down before running his tongue along my skin. Placing one kiss after the other, he takes his sweet and precious time as he prepares me. <</if>>\ “Damn, Rahim!?” I growl, moving so that my back was now to the wall. I needed some kind of support with how this man was treating me. “If only your punches were this gentle.” <a data-passage="T_R2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You know I’m a gentle lover,” he smirks up at me, “it’s you that likes to bark orders.” “Are you saying you don’t like it rough?” I question, tangling my hand in his hair and pulling hard enough to cause him to grit his teeth. <<if $showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ “Not at all,” he gasps, moving his head and placing a kiss on my arm, “quite the opposite. Now, can I taste you?” His words make me quiver, and I release him, but he shakes his head, guiding my hand back to his hair as he gazes up at me submissively. “Guide me.” I close my eyes to control myself before once again grabbing the back of his head. I guide him to my core, and he slips his tongue past my folds and into my entrance, going between rough and gentle. “Rahim,” I whimper, moving back when he taps my leg and then his shoulder. I do as he silently asks, placing one of my legs over his shoulder and giving him better accessibility. This time he pushes deeper, eating me out like his life depended on it. I grind hotly against him, throwing my head back as he adds a finger in and uses his thumb to stimulate my knot. I was coming undone, feeling the pressure mount up as he works his tongue through me. I was so close. He curls his fingers inside of me, and that was it. With nothing but a shiver as a warning, my orgasm hits me, and he licks and sucks at my dripping sex. Supporting me, he stands and turns me around so that my face was against the wall. “Let me take you,” he mumbles against my neck, “please.” He purrs the last part, knowing precisely what that deep, husky voice of his did to me. <<else>>\ “Not at all,” he gasps, moving his head and placing a kiss on my arm, “quite the opposite. Now, can I taste you?” His words make me quiver, and I release him, but he shakes his head, guiding my hand back to his hair as he gazes up at me submissively. “Guide me.” I close my eyes to control myself before once again grabbing the back of his head. I guide him to my cock, and he slips me into his mouth, swirling his tongue along my head before taking more of me into his mouth. “Rahim,” I whimper, guiding his head back and forth along my cock. His mouth felt like heaven. This time he pushes deeper, deepthroating me and making a vibrating sound that sends me over the edge. I thrust myself into his mouth, pleasure and desire guiding my actions as I hold his head steady, balls deep in his mouth until he begins to gag. I was coming undone, feeling the pressure mount up. I was so close. He groans and attacks my dick after pulling out and that was it. With nothing but a shiver as a warning, my orgasm hits me, and he licks and sucks at my load. Supporting me, he stands and turns me around so that my face was against the wall. “Let me take you,” he mumbles against my neck, “please.” He purrs the last part, knowing precisely what that deep, husky voice of his did to me. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Not at all,” he gasps, moving his head and placing a kiss on my arm, “quite the opposite. Now, can I taste you?” His words make me quiver, and I release him, but he shakes his head, guiding my hand back to his hair as he gazes up at me submissively. “Guide me.” I close my eyes to control myself before once again grabbing the back of his head and doing as he asked. “Rahim,” I whimper, guiding his head as he pleasures me. His mouth felt like heaven. I was coming undone, feeling the pressure mount up. I was so close. With nothing but a shiver as a warning, my orgasm hits me. Supporting me, he stands and turns me around so that my face was against the wall. “Let me take you,” he mumbles against my neck, “please.” He purrs the last part, knowing precisely what that deep, husky voice of his did to me. <</if>>\ “When you say it like that,” I moan, and before I could possibly get anything else out, he acts. His pants were already down, and his member slapping against me. I push myself against him, and he squeezes my ass. <a data-passage="T_R3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ “I can’t wait to feel you around me,” he says in an almost excited voice, “I just have one request.” I look over my shoulder and see the intensity in his eyes. “And what’s that?” “Face me. I want to see your face as you ride me.” I oblige, turning and wrapping my legs around him, using the wall as support as he lines himself up and then slips inside. He pushes himself in, covering my mouth right before I let out a loud cry. I place my hand on his stomach as if trying to push him away, but he moves it away. I can do nothing but bite my cheek as I adjust to his size, and he sinks further in. “Breathe, beautiful.” “Fuck!” I shout, instead, “Rahim!?” “Shh,” he says, rocking his hips forward and back, stretching me out and creeping further. “How do you like it?” he questions. “Harder,” I manage to say, and he does what I order, pumping at a faster speed that has my nails digging hard enough into his skin to pull blood and leave a mark behind. The angle, his size, the overwhelming pleasure of just being with Rahim was always so much. He knew just how to treat me and what to say to get me closer to my edge. He knew what itches to scratch and read my emotions so well that he was doing things before I could even suggest them. He roughly messes with my clit, flicking it, and each time I buck and arch, he pushes deeper. He was fucking me so hard that I was sure that others could hear us. The thud that echoes through the large room had to be heard on the other side. Rahim leans in, whimpering as he licks a trail along my chest and then nips at my neck. <<else>>\ “I can’t wait to feel you around me,” he says, running his finger along the crevice of my ass. Making sure I was properly lubed, he pushes himself in, covering my mouth right before I let out a loud cry. I turn enough to place my hand on his stomach as if trying to push him away, but he moves it away. I can do nothing but bite my cheek as I adjust to his size, and he sinks further in. “Breathe, beautiful.” “Fuck!” I shout, instead, “Rahim!?” “Shh,” he says, rocking his hips forward and back, stretching me out and creeping further. “How do you like it?” he questions. “Harder,” I manage to say, and he does what I order, pumping at a faster speed that has my nails digging hard enough into his skin to pull blood and leave a mark behind. The angle, his size, the overwhelming pleasure of just being with Rahim was always so much. He knew just how to treat me and what to say to get me closer to my edge. He knew what itches to scratch and read my emotions so well that he was doing things before I could even suggest them. <<if $sex is "p">>He roughly messes with my cock, pumping it, and each time I buck and arch, he pushes deeper.<</if>> He was fucking me so hard that I was sure that others could hear us. The thud that echoes through the large room had to be heard on the other side. Rahim leans in, whimpering as he licks a trail up my back and then nips at my neck. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “I can’t wait to feel you around me,” he says, running his finger against my skin. He pushes himself in, covering my mouth right before I let out a loud cry. I turn enough to place my hand on his stomach as if trying to push him away, but he moves it away. I can do nothing but bite my cheek. “Breathe, beautiful.” “Fuck!” I shout, instead, “Rahim!?” “Shh,” he says, rocking his hips forward and back. “How do you like it?” he questions. “Harder,” I manage to say, and he does what I order, doing so at a speed that has my nails digging hard enough into his skin to pull blood and leave a mark behind. The angle, his size, the overwhelming pleasure of just being with Rahim was always so much. He knew just how to treat me and what to say to get me closer to my edge. He knew what itches to scratch and read my emotions so well that he was doing things before I could even suggest them. He was fucking me so hard that I was sure that others could hear us. The thud that echoes through the large room had to be heard on the other side. Rahim leans in, whimpering as he licks a trail up my back and then nips at my neck. <</if>>\ And then I felt it, my release once again building up and preparing to rush out. “Rahim,” I moan. <a data-passage="T_R4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $showec>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ “I am too,” he growls, thrusting harder, bringing me down so hard on his cock that I was wondering if he would leave a mark. I tense up, and my orgasm crashes around me. He’s about to pull out to ride out his own when I stop him. He catches my eye and nods. A few more pounds, and I feel his dick pulse, my walls tightening around him as I take all that he had to offer. I can feel his muscle tense inside of me as it shoots his release. I glance down, watching as he slowly comes out, his dick slick with both of our juices. “Fuck, that’s beautiful,” he pants, watching as his load drips out of my pussy. <<else>>\ “I am too,” he growls, thrusting harder, bringing me down so hard on his cock that I was wondering if he would leave a mark. I tense up, and my orgasm crashes around me. He’s about to pull out to ride out his own when I stop him. He catches my eye and nods. A few more pounds, and I feel his dick pulse, my walls tightening around him as I take all that he had to offer. I can feel his muscle tense inside of me as it shoots his release. I glance down, watching as he slowly comes out, his dick slick with own release. “Fuck, that’s beautiful,” he pants, watching as his load drips out of my hole. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “I am too,” he growls, thrusting harder, bringing me down so hard that I was wondering if he would leave a mark. I tense up, and my orgasm crashes around me. He’s about to pull out to ride out his own when I stop him. He catches my eye and nods. A few more pounds, and I feel his muscle tense inside of me as it shoots his release. I glance down, watching as he slowly comes out, along with his own release. “Fuck, that’s beautiful,” he pants. <</if>>\ We collapse, sitting side by side as we gather our breath. “You think they’re missing us?” Rahim questions, tucking his member back into his boxers and then pulling up his pants. I begin to straighten myself out, as well. “Probably. Is there any way to confuse Syd, so she doesn’t pick up on the desire?” He snorts, helping me to my feet. “Yea, but she’s a lust demon. I don’t even think other demons are that powerful.” He grabs my hand, and we leave the training room behind, walking towards the tour group that begins to move away. Zillah, Amari, and Bradley argue about something while Sydero and Chris stand to the side, both of them looking dead on their feet. Syd glances over at us, looking away before pausing and doing a double-take. Her eyes light up, and I can see her preparing to say something, but I shake my head. “Please,” I mouth. I just didn’t feel like being teased, especially since I was still coming down from the high with no proper aftercare. She stares over at Rahim, who says nothing as well. He simply watches her. “What’s up with you?” Chris questions her. “Nothing,” she chimes, turning back around, but not before winking at me, “I’ve just learned that I hate that woman,” she growls, the temperature in the room rising as a small fireball begins to form. <a data-passage="T_R4_1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Stop it!” Rahim growls, swatting her hand and glancing around to see if anyone saw, “you know damn well you shouldn’t mess with that kind of fire in here.” “No, let her continue,” Zillah encourages. “She catches on fire, and we’ll be listening to her scream for about five minutes straight,” Chris points out. “This is hell’s fire, Chris,” Sydero reminds, “she won’t have time to scream.” [[“Guys, stop.”]] [[“Are we still suspicious?”]] [[“How fast can you burn someone?”]]
<<audio "opening" unloop fadeout>> <<playlist "theme" play>> <<nobr>><<set $unlocked = true>><</nobr>> “And there she goes,” I laugh. “Almost got scared for a minute,” Rahim adds in with a smile. We board the bus, once again heading to the back. Thankfully Zira doesn’t talk, and we’re left to our own thoughts. I glance out the window, my mind far and yet I could never pinpoint where it was and what subject it was deciding to stop on. Before long, the bus comes to a stop right back at the fairgrounds and we all get off, walking back inside. “Don’t forget,” Bradley shouts as he goes, “the final battle is at six.” <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I come back to the now, gasping for air, feeling as if I had just been drowning. If we had all seen the same thing, the others don’t mention or allude to such a possibility. Everyone’s expression was different. And besides Chris’s pensive look, none of them were expressions that I would suspect them of having after seeing what I had. I glance over at Sydero, who stands quietly, her poker face in place and giving nothing away. While Bradley seems relaxed, especially for someone who behaved as the glue to the group. “Thanks for that,” Bradley tells her, rising and leaving. The others do the same. I move to follow them when the seer finally speaks. “I am curious to see how you answer the question,” she tells me, the others already gone from the tent. I turn and furrow my brow, “answer what question?” She doesn’t immediately answer, her eyes examining me as if she was trying to figure out the answer herself. “How selfish can an immortal be?” I frown but say nothing, leaving the tent behind. //How selfish can an immortal be?// Apparently, that was my question to answer. I leave the tent behind, the question on my mind. <<if $visit is 5>>\ <a data-passage="Battle"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <a data-passage="9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
“Were there any supernaturals here?” I inquire, racking my brain for the answer. There was Zira, of course, <<if $ft>>and the fortune teller, but they were the only presence I picked up on.<<else>>, but she was the only presence I picked up on.<</if>> “Just a witch,” Sydero answers, “but that –” “Heads up,” Rahim interrupts, stopping and nodding to the flag and splinter groups surrounding it, all of them fighting. We watch as their foam weapons clash, ducking out of the way at moments before coming back in and weakly aiming a hit for their opponent. “This is pathetic,” Syd groans. [[“No, it’s LARPing.”]] [[“Not everyone can be supernatural.”]] [[“I gotta agree with that.”]]
“No,” I correct, “it’s LARPing. I remember being a big fan of all this back in high school and college. Find the right group of friends, and this is one of the most magical and amazing experiences you can ever have.” “Have you never attended an orgy before?” she laughs. “Hitting each other with foam weapons?” Zillah argues, looking at me. “No one wants to go home with a broken arm because someone got too excited and decided to try some crazy move on everyone. You keep looking down on this when we almost do the same, just with real weapons and the chance of dying every day. I’d honestly choose the former.” “Same,” Rahim agrees with a nod, his eyes dissecting the scene in front of us. “Well, I’m with Syd,” Zillah coughs, leaning on a tree. I shrug. They could hold whatever attitude and opinion they wished. We move in, remembering the rules of engagement as we go. We needed to make it look like we were actually trying; otherwise, everything would become suspicious. The opponent that comes at me takes a swing, making it relatively easy for me to dodge. Thankfully, he was just a regular swordsman, no spells, or any talents that would cause me to work my brain on ways to stay in the game. I’m about to attack him when I notice another one of his team members come towards me. I wouldn’t be able to dodge both of them. Not fairly anyway. My powers were still premature, but I at least was able to accomplish some feats. I dig down and connect with my powers, summoning a light, almost invisible mist. I focus it on the person behind me, successfully knocking him off his feet. As soon as the opponent in front of me swings, I dart out of the way, allowing him to hit his own team member. <a data-passage="B1_2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I roll my eyes and send a glare her way, “excuse them, Syd. Not everyone can be born a supernatural and in the thick of constant battles.” She taps her chin in thought, “do you think they wouldn’t give up their mundane lives to be supernatural?” There was no malicious or superior tone behind her words. She was honestly just asking a question. “I wouldn’t,” Rahim tells us, “I would be perfectly content with just doing this.” Zillah chuckles, “I guess saying I wouldn’t would make me a hypocrite.” The question wasn’t really answered, but neither of us says anything more, mostly because the show was starting. We move in, remembering the rules of engagement as we go. We needed to make it look like we were actually trying; otherwise, everything would become suspicious. The opponent that comes at me takes a swing, making it relatively easy for me to dodge. Thankfully, he was just a regular swordsman, no spells, or any talents that would cause me to work my brain on ways to stay in the game. I’m about to attack him when I notice another one of his team members come towards me. I wouldn’t be able to dodge both of them. Not fairly anyway. My powers were still premature, but I at least was able to accomplish some feats. I dig down and connect with my powers, summoning a light, almost invisible mist. I focus it on the person behind me, successfully knocking him off his feet. As soon as the opponent in front of me swings, I dart out of the way, allowing him to hit his own team member. <a data-passage="B1_2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I gotta agree with you there. This just seems … I don’t know the word for it.” “Sad? Pointless?” Sydero questions, rolling her eyes as she leans on the nearest tree. She barely stifles a yawn. “Maybe not that far, but maybe adding more oomph to all of this would make it more fun.” “I’m sure that’s what they do in their friend groups,” Rahim informs, “this is an official setting. They must adhere to different rules.” I roll my eyes at his tone, “no, you don’t say.” Rahim sends me a look but says nothing more on the matter, mostly because it was time. We move in, remembering the rules of engagement as we go. We needed to make it look like we were actually trying; otherwise, everything would become suspicious. The opponent that comes at me takes a swing, making it relatively easy for me to dodge. Thankfully, he was just a regular swordsman, no spells, or any talents that would cause me to work my brain on ways to stay in the game. I’m about to attack him when I notice another one of his team members come towards me. I wouldn’t be able to dodge both of them. Not fairly anyway. My powers were still premature, but I at least was able to accomplish some feats. I dig down and connect with my powers, summoning a light, almost invisible mist. I focus it on the person behind me, successfully knocking him off his feet. As soon as the opponent in front of me swings, I dart out of the way, allowing him to hit his own team member. <a data-passage="B1_2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We hear a bark and watch as Amari’s dog form comes darting out of the woods. Her tongue flaps wildly in the wind as she sprints towards the middle where the flag rests. Everyone pauses, more concerned with the dog running around than carrying on with the battle. It’s only when Amari grabs the flag and darts off that everyone makes a move for her. Chris and Bradley are still close behind her, but the others were right behind them. The four of us take off after them, this being where our powers would really shine. I focus on my aura and send it out, causing a few to stop in their traps as they look around in horror and fear. They had no idea why, but they were feeling the encroaching feeling of something dark and sinister, a predator stalking them with finesse and precision. We run past them. Sydero and Rahim both focus and send a gush of energy out that sends a few others off the trail; another knocks them down completely. Zillah is the last, three tendrils of his creeping along the ground and grabbing hold of three of our opponent’s ankle. With a soft tug, they all trip. Amari drops the flag and darts off, still looking just as playful as she did before. Like we planned, she deposits the flag closer to our territory, leaving nothing more than securing the flag and then running it over to our side for the win. Chris grabs it while Bradley turns to face off against the three people that were left. The rest of us slow down, letting him have it. I have no doubt that he could probably take each one of them out. <a data-passage="B2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Look!” I shout to him, pointing at Chris and Amari, “they have the flag.” “Let’s go!” Bradley yells, “we must protect them. I’m close on his heels, stopping every now and then to distract someone and throw some weird curse or affliction at them. We meet up with Rahim, Sydero, and Zillah and form a line, making sure no one could get past us. Bradley takes a step forward to face off against the three people that were left. The rest of us hang back, letting him have it. I have no doubt that he could probably take each one of them out. <a data-passage="B2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
He continues on, showing me how to stand and grip the blade. When he’s done, he takes a step back and motions for me to try. I do, watching unhappily as the blade thumps against the wall and then fall to the ground. The crowd ooh’s, causing me to want to turn around and scold them. “That’s quite alright,” the man reassures me, “when you throw the knife, put a little more strength behind the throw. But you also have to remember that it’s as delicate as skipping rocks.” He nods, and I try again, this time keeping what he said in mind. I throw the blade, and this time it sticks, inches away from the target. “Let’s hear it for, $name!” The crowd applauds, and I bow, a large smile on my face. I return to the others who clap along, both of them smiling proudly. “You ready to head out? I don’t think we’re going to see an injury,” Rahim says, the last part meant for Sydero. “It’s fine, but know this, $name. I’m totally pressuring you to throw knives at our targets now.” We chuckle as we go, leaving the area and then breaking off from one another a few minutes later. <a data-passage="KA2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>