Superstition S3

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<<nobr>>\ <<set $nosleeptillbrooklyn to false>> <<audio "opening" stop>> <<playlist "ambience" loop>> <<include "stattamer">> <<if $rahim >=50>> <<set $rl to "friend">> <<else>> <<set $rl to "rival">> <</if>> <<if $amari >=50>> <<set $al to "friend">> <<else>> <<set $al to "rival">> <</if>> <</nobr>>\ <img src="images/epfive.png"> <img src="images/actone.png"> Taking a deep breath, Adoel gathers their courage and taps at the large door before entering. They step into the decadent office that always seems to draw an immense feeling of envy from within them. They crave to hold the power that this room emanates. To stand behind a desk and look down at those who enter with a bored look in their eye. Fantasies. That’s all those thoughts will ever be. One can see an improvement in rank, but such an ennoblement is rare. Every other century perhaps, but even that seems far too frequent. “Report,” Michael says, focusing on the papers before him. “Maurine Theron was successfully -” “What of Rahim?” Michael groans, “I’ve already heard the reports from your subordinates.” His tone grows harsh, “and trust me, I am not impressed by your ability to lead and sway.” They open their mouth in defense but decide against it. Michael isn’t interested in explanations, simply facts. “Rahim is,” they hold their tongue, closing their eyes and wishing they had better news or contrived a lie beforehand. Instead, they’re faced with the simple biting truth that they failed. Their biggest accomplishment. The entire reason Michael had placed so much trust in them will be the reason they’d be demoted to nothing more than a mere errand messenger. <a data-passage="5.00"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Rahim is being swayed away from us,” they finally confess, aware of Michael’s steely and unwavering gaze. “And how is that happening?” <<if $RCRomance >=2>>\ “It’s that group of his! And that fucking human he seems so attached to.” “You mean to say that you’re being upstaged by a mere human?” “No,” Adoel shouts, shrinking back when Michael lets out a long, knowing hum. If they could choose to disappear right then and there, they would gladly choose such an existence. <<elseif $RRomance >=10>>\ “It’s that group of his! And Death’s fucking vessel.” “$name,” Michael corrects, “you may as well use ?his name if you are going to be defeated at ?his hands.” “I’m not,” Adoel growls, shrinking back when Michael lets out a long, knowing hum. If they could choose to disappear right then and there, they would gladly choose such an existence. <<else>>\ “It’s that group of his! Being around Death’s fucking hybrid.” Michael hums, a sound that causes Adoel to curl up within themselves. If they could choose to disappear right then and there, they would gladly choose such an existence. <</if>>\ “Or maybe, you just don’t have the hold on him that you once did.” “I do. I just need -” “What? You need what?” Michael roars, “more time? Another angle to work? I believe that your presence has expedited his retreat.” Adoel’s mouth opens, “did I ask you to speak?” Their mouth closes instantly. “You will be kept on this assignment. But that is solely due to the chance of your disappearance raising far too many questions.” Adoel bows, “please. Allow me one last chance.” “No. This is all far too critical for me to trust you with. You will do as I instruct.” “Yes, sir.” “Go to the group. But your focus will no longer be on Rahim.” Adoel stands in silence as he listens to Michael’s plan. They would never voice such thoughts, but either Michael’s plans would ruin everything, or he alone would be why the angels won. Either way, Adoel thinks as they leave the office behind, they will never have an office such as this. <a data-passage="5.01"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I search the faces of all those gathered in the kitchen, curious to see if I can tell what they’re thinking and feeling on looks alone. Zillah isn’t paying attention, far too focused on the large jug of applesauce that he eats as if it’s his salvation. Amari is <<if $amarishift>>staring at the blended drink resting before her. I can’t tell if she’s disgusted by the contents of the cup or herself. And where I would typically ask or even tease, I leave the topic be.<<else>>basically doing the same as me, just with a far more nervous air to her side glances.<</if>> Bradley glares at the angels before us. The issue is that I’m not sure exactly which angel is earning the glare more. <<if $cp>>Chris is leaning back, seeming to be far more focused on maintaining balance than anything being said. <</if>>And Sydero … well, Sydero stares pure daggers at the two people she most wants to hit. Having properly inspected all those in attendance, I gaze back to Adoel and Rahim. Adoel has a nervous energy about them, while Rahim merely looks tired. I can’t honestly blame Adoel’s nervousness. If I had just said what they did, I’d be looking for a quick exit, if not already taking it. “It’s almost as if you’re testing not only our patience but also our sanity,” Sydero voices, “who do you think you’re fooling here with that so-called lead? This is such an obvious trap that I’m almost insulted that you didn’t try harder.” “Divine intervention is not a trap.” “Stop. Talking,” she growls lowly, shifting her attention to Rahim, “and you’re just okay with this?” “I’m not,” he’s quick to correct, “but a lead is a lead.” “I say that, and I’m called rude,” Bradley interjects, “but you say it, and we’re supposed to be fine with it.” <<if $cp>>\ “How is that related? We called you rude because you called Jeff a piss poor drunk.” “And I stand by that.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="5.02"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“So, let me get all this straight,” I voice, narrowing my eyes on nothing in particular, replaying all Adoel has just told us. “We’re headed to Maine for something totally unrelated to all this unfolding drama. But you just so happened to swoop in here to tell us that something or someone can help with this prophecy and it or they just so happen to be in Maine as well. And you won’t tell us what it is or how to get it until we’re in Maine and summon you?” “Again. Divine intervention,” Adoel answers. “Divine stupidity,” Sydero huffs, “just call it a trap.” Rahim sighs, “it’s not a trap if you know it’s coming.” “The fuck,” she questions, staring at her brother as if he just grew a second head, “it’s still a trap.” “It’s all we have, and this is something we need,” he tries to explain. “Yea, because the angel prick at your side refuses to just hand it over,” Bradley makes mention of, pointing an accusing finger at Adoel, “this feels like a scavenger hunt put on by your rich dead aunt because she doesn’t want to just //hand// you the shit in her will. No, that would be too easy.” “What choice do we have?” “Don’t start asking that question.” I look at Syd, her body stiff as she glowers at Rahim, “just … don’t.” <a data-passage="5.02.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

He seems to want to say something more when Amari finally pipes up. <<if $amarishift>>Her voice feels foreign, as if I haven’t heard from her in weeks instead of just the few days she’s been silent or absent. If she feels my gaze on her, she doesn’t show it as she looks straight at Rahim. <<if $poly >=2>>I shift my attention to Sydero, who seems to already know and understand. But all she offers me is a moment of attention before her attention strays back to her twin.<</if>><</if>> “I agree with Rahim.” “I do, too,” Zillah adds next, “you’ve been hollering about getting your hands on this prophecy, and now that you can, you want to argue?” “It’s because something doesn’t smell right,” Bradley shouts, “similar to how you walk around smelling.” Zillah shrugs, “a chance is better than nothing.” His eyes shift to me, and it seems like the entire room follows suit, waiting for my thoughts. [[Agree with Rahim.|BS5.02Rahim]] [[Agree with Sydero.|BS5.02Sydero]]

“Yea,” I finally say, sighing, “it’s not like we’re not driving up there anyway. If we don’t find anything, it’s not like it was a waste of time. Trap. Divine intervention. Stupidity,” I say and glance over at Sydero whose grimace deepens. “Whatever you want to call it, it’s a chance for something we need. If this is the only way the angels want to give it to us, then so be it.” “That’s not the point,” Bradley growls, looking ready to pull out his hair. He glances at us before breathing out, shaking his head as he gets to his feet and walks out of the kitchen. His departure also causes the others to act, everyone rising and going their separate ways. <<include "5.02.2">>

“I don’t even think questioning whether it’s a trap or not is helpful. It’s obvious that it is. The question is how much this trap will set us back.” “And how stupid we want to seem,” Syd adds. “Especially coming from this creature’s mouth,” Bradley finishes. “Adorable,” Adoel mumbles. “You think we haven’t seen how nervous you were to tell us?” I question, cocking my head to the side. “How about you just be honest and tell us what we’re walking into.” “I’ll tell you there.” “If I don’t kill you first,” Sydero reminds. “Idle threats will truly get you nowhere, cambion.” “Let’s test that.” “Stop it!” Rahim roars, stepping between the two, “we get it, Syd, your dick is bigger. Cut it out.” She smirks and shrugs her shoulders before turning her back to them, “I guess as long as we all know.” She doesn’t stick around to say anything else, choosing to leave as she grumbles something beneath her voice. Her departure also causes the others to act, everyone rising and going their separate ways. <a data-passage="5.02.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $curse_lust>>My brows narrow as Asmodeus’ previous words come to me. Sometimes you must give crucial things to receive a chance. Is it now the angel’s turn to lead us into circles for their benefit? <</if>>I stay in my seat as they go, far too stuck in my head to care to join them now. After that, the house is quiet. Everyone either stuck in their rooms or in their own worlds, and it’s clear that they wish to be unbothered. It’s also hard to feel differently when I’m focused on past events. All surrounding Death and what I’m supposed to turn into, as well as the words uttered by demons and angels. Everything seems to be going by in slow motion and it worries me to think when that'll drop and everything will then happen at once. I attempt to think about the last time all has been calm, but then quickly think against it. Rethinking the same things repeatedly isn't about to change anything. I rise and head to my room, opening the door <<if $romance is "chris">>to see Chris lounging on the bed.<<elseif $romance is "zillah">>to see Zillah lounging on the bed.<<else>>and heading straight to my bed. I sigh into the mattress and question how long I may have before I need to get up, and then hear a scream answer my question.<</if>> <<if $romance is "chris">>\ “Did I say you can sit on my bed, sir?” I question, a small smile on my face as I find myself happy to see him there. “You need to get an ottoman or couch or …” he trails off as he looks around, “or something.” “What are you doing here anyway?” I ask, barely sitting before he wraps an arm around my waist and rests his head on my lap. He’s quiet for a while as if gathering himself or simply basking in the moment of it being just me and him. He suddenly sits up, “I’ve always wondered about this. When we disagree on these things, does it piss you off?” [[“These things?”|5.02TheseThings]] [[“When it happens, yes.”|5.02WhenItHappens]] [[“No, not unless it’s petty.”|5.02NotUnlessPetty]] <<if hasVisited("BS5.02Rahim")>>[[“We didn’t disagree.”|5.02DidntDisagree]]<<else>>[[“Do you disagree with Syd because of dislike?”|5.02DisagreeWithSyd]]<</if>> <<elseif $romance is "zillah">>\ “You look really comfortable for someone who wasn’t invited into my room, let alone to hang out on my bed.” “Isn’t there some kind of partner ...” He doesn’t finish his sentence due to the broad smile that spreads across his face and instead sits there as if he won some kind of prize. “Why are you smiling like that?” “Come here, and I’ll show you.” Knowing Zillah, it isn’t hard to guess what he’s hoping to show me, but I take the bait anyway. I walk over, and once I’m close enough for him to grab, he wraps his arms around my waist and guides my lips to his. His grip on me is tight and unyielding, refusing to release me until he’s had his fill. He moves back just enough to whisper, “does this answer your question?” [[Bite his lip.|5.02BiteHisLip]] [[“You may need to explain more.”|5.02FurtherExplanationNeeded]] [[Nod.|5.02NodZ]] <<else>>\ “For fuck’s sake!” Bradley yells. I get to my feet and walk into the kitchen, where he stands shirtless in front of the sink. One look at the bloody floor and Amari standing nearby attempting to help tells me everything I need to know. “Fuck off!” Bradley shouts at her, and you notice he’s shaking. He closes his eyes as he turns his attention back to the shirt, and Amari takes a step back. <<if $amarishift>>She notices me but then quickly looks away as if ashamed that I caught her in such a predicament. The need to talk to her is so damn overwhelming that it practically gifts me a headache. What makes it even more annoying is that she still needs her time. Either that, or I’m too confused about what to do. I’ve never seen Amari behave this way. Typically, she approaches us and tries to cheer us up. What does one do when the tables are turned, and no one knows what the other needs? //Ask//, my mind says, //they ask.//<</if>> <<if $amarishift>>\ “Amari,” I start, but she’s already leaving the kitchen, and slowly my hand lowers as I watch her walk away. “Fucking good riddance,” Bradley mumbles or attempts to. He says it loud enough for me to hear, and with Amari’s hearing, she probably heard it too. [[Get over yourself.”|5.02OverYourself]] [[“You’re allergic to being civil.”|5.02AllergicToCivil]] [[“Leave it, Bradley.”|5.02LeaveItBradley]] <<else>>\ [[“Enough.”|5.02Enough]] [[“Amari, go.”|5.02AmariGo]] [[Leave.|5.02Leave]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“These things?” “Like earlier about the Syd and Rahim thing.” “Oh, I thought you meant when you show up in my room uninvited.” “You said yes when I asked you to be mine,” he teases, nipping my arm, “I’ll always have an invite.” His smile fades, “but you didn’t really answer me.” <<include "5.02.3">>

“Yea, it does.” He frowns, sitting up and looking me over, “why?” “Why it bothers me that we disagreed?” “This isn’t me being stupid,” he pauses, “or maybe it is. I really don’t know why it would bother you.” “Because we’re not agreeing. It’s bound to make me feel some kind of way.” “But then …” He inhales, closing his eyes and gathering his words. “So it makes you mad simply because we disagreed, but it doesn’t make you question if we’re good for one another, and you don’t think I hate you or anything?” “No, of course not. Unless we disagree on something big that has to do with us. Stuff like this makes me upset to know that we’re not agreeing, but that’s it. Nothing to worry over.” He nods, lying back down on my lap. <<include "5.02.3">>

“No, not unless we disagree because of something petty.” “What do you mean? Like the only reason I disagreed is to piss you off or something?” “Yea. As long as we’re not doing that, I’m fine with us being on opposite sides of the vote.” “Alright. That’s reassuring.” “Why do you ask?” <<include "5.02.3">>

“But we didn’t disagree earlier. We both agreed with Rahim.” “Oh no,” he nods his head, “I know. I just mean when it does happen.” “Has it happened?” “I don’t know,” his frown deepens, “fuck. I’m only asking cos I don’t want you to think I’m against you if it ever does happen. I’m always on your side.” “Even when you’re not?” I smirk. <<include "5.02.3">>

“I know I’m answering your question with a question, but I’ve been curious, and your question made me remember.” He nods his head to encourage me to continue. “Do you disagree with Syd because you honestly disagree with her or because you just don’t like her?” “In the beginning, part of it was because I didn’t like her. If I could piss her off, that was just icing on the cake. But I have never agreed with her, not yet anyway, and in a way that matters. I don’t agree with most of the stuff she stands for morally. Today,” he shakes his head, “I agree it’s a trap. I think we all know that. But I also don’t see the point in questioning something so obvious. We’ll have to check it out regardless, so why sit and argue about it.” I nod, “to answer your question, no. It doesn’t bother me. As long as we can agree to disagree and respect the other’s opinions, I’m fine with it. Why do you ask anyway?” <<include "5.02.3">>

“I just don’t want that bothering you. My mom would agree with my dad on practically everything, even when it was clear that she disagreed. Even when she //should’ve// disagreed. I’ll say I don’t know why, but I do ... she wanted to keep the peace. Keep him happy for the sake of maybe making life just a bit easier. I don’t want us ever to get to a point where that’s how we feel and interact with each other. If we disagree, we disagree. That should be it. It shouldn’t test our relationship or how we support one another. I respect your opinion, and you respect mine.” He shakes his head and shrugs, “I don’t know. I’m just spitting bullshit right now. My excuse for wanting to come in here, probably.” “It’s not bullshit,” I reassure him, “it’s something to be understandably worried about, and we’re still working out things, so it was good to ask. Rather that than you assume.” “Is this where we get into an intense make-out session, and I leave out of here looking completely defiled?” “Whoa,” I snort, “defiled?” “Besmirched,” he says in a teasing, husky voice, waggling his brows at me, “trashed. Vitiated.” “What does that even mean?” “Synonyms, babe. I’m the innocent virgin, and you’re about to corrupt me.” “Keep talking that loud, and Sydero is going to peek her head in out of curiosity.” He chokes on his own laugh, having to sit up to stop. In the middle of such laughter, someone knocks. “We’re about to go,” I hear Rahim say on the other side, at least happy he didn’t just open the door. He probably sensed both of us on the other side. Chris makes a whiny sound that sounds far too similar to a moan, “five more minutes.” I have to hold the laugh in as Rahim produces a deep sigh. “Both of you out here in two.” Chris rolls his eyes but gets to his feet, leaning over to press a light kiss on my head before heading to the door. I’m right behind him, grabbing his arm as I steal another kiss, and we walk out to the living room. <a data-passage="5.03"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I lean in as if to continue the kiss he cut off, but I grab hold of his bottom lip with my teeth and deliver a slight nip. His hands wander my body further, cupping my ass as he pulls me on his lap, and I’m immediately greeted by his awakening hard-on. <<include "5.02.5">>

I hum in mock thought, “I think you need to explain it further.” “Say no more,” he chuckles. I don’t expect how gentle the kiss turns out to be. Delicate but impatient, as if every second that passes finds him growing dissatisfied with the little distance between us. He pulls me closer, and before I can protest, he moves so I’m straddling his lap and greeted by his awakening hard-on. <<include "5.02.5">>

I nod, still in a daze that doesn’t relinquish me immediately. He chuckles lowly as his hands wander my body further, cupping my ass as he pulls me on his lap, and I’m immediately greeted by his awakening hard-on. <<include "5.02.5">>

“Someone’s excited,” I snort, enjoying the feeling of his lips against my neck. He is silent for a while longer, busy with placing kisses and nips along my collarbone before finally pulling back to speak. “You’re lucky I’m not trying to devour you right now,” he growls, placing a deep kiss on my neck, “for so long, I could only imagine doing something like this. You haunted my dreams, and I’m not so sure I’m not dreaming right now.” “I can pinch you if you want.” “Ah, you like to be roughed up then,” he jokes, wiggling his eyebrows and causing me to let out an unexpected laugh at the sight. His eyes shift from full of desire to one of pure yet simple adoration. He chuckles softly, “would you believe me if I said that hearing you laugh like that makes my day?” “I’ve laughed with you.” “Yes, but it was never with our current label or lasted long. I just ...” he studies me before sighing as if coming to terms with something, “I mean it when I said this feels like some dream. I’m going to fuck this up. Aren’t I?” I hear a knock at the door, and before I can tell the person to come back, it opens, and Rahim stands there. “We’re le-” He looks from me to Zillah, <<if $j3>>and though I don’t think it is on purpose, his lips curl in disgust.<<else>>and an embarrassed and apologetic look appears.<</if>> <<if $j3>>\ “We’re leaving,” he tells us, “let’s go.” “Rahim,” I chime in before he can walk away, “this is my room, remember? Next time knock and wait.” He doesn’t reply, walking away and thus ending whatever moment Zillah and I were having. Zillah’s smirk says he’s not the least bit upset. “Maybe I should invite him to watch next time,” he smirks, and I place my attention back on him. Any sign of his previous fears seem to have disappeared but I find that I know him more than I ever gave myself credit for. It’s there, plain as day for me. <<else>>\ “Sorry, I -” he points to the door but then quiets down again, shaking his head. “Maybe knock next time and wait for an answer?” I suggest, and he nods. “Yea. Yea ... We’re leaving, though. You guys should finish up.” “Don’t say it like that,” I grumble, rising off Zillah’s lap and ignoring the pout that crosses his lips. “We’re coming.” Rahim nods and leaves while I turn back to Zillah. Any sign of his previous fears seem to have disappeared but I find that I know him more than I ever gave myself credit for. It’s there, plain as day for me. <</if>>\ “Zillah, about what you said -” He shushes me with a shake of his head. “Let’s just go and act like I never said anything.” He doesn’t give me much choice as he’s already walking away. <a data-passage="5.03"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Get over yourself, Bradley. I know it’s hard for you, but try.” “I don’t think I want to.” “Yes. You made that abundantly clear. Do you even know what you hate her for? Or do you just feel like you must be the one person here who has to remind her that she’s a werewolf and vampire?” “I don’t have to justify myself to you,” he mumbles, clearly an answer to my former question. <<include "5.02.4">>

“You’re allergic to being civil, aren’t you?” “Your girlfriend spilled her blood on me. Sorry, should I thank her?” “Stop being an ass. You know she didn’t mean it.” “I think she did. She’s been acting weird ever since you guys came back. You might want to -” “//You// might not want to finish that sentence.” He frowns but takes me up on the offer and remains silent. <<include "5.02.4">>

“Bradley, leave it.” “My shirt or my attitude?” he questions, staring daggers at me before relenting. “I need to get out of this house. It feels like there’s nothing but negative energy here.” “You say that when you’re not making it better.” He grumbles something, proving that he does indeed know how to whisper. <<include "5.02.4">>

“Time to go,” Rahim tells us as he enters the kitchen, pausing only briefly to look at the mess before shaking his head, “clean up first.” “No,” Bradley draws out, wringing out his shirt before slamming it down on the bloody puddle, “I was thinking about <<if $cp>>pulling a Chris and <</if>>going topless.” He begins to mop up the puddle with the shirt, mumbling about how he never liked the shirt anyway before throwing it away. While he gets a fresh shirt, I spray the floor with disinfectant, clean it again, and then work on the counters. Part of me questions how this suddenly became my job, but I let it pass. It at least keeps the previous intrusive thoughts far away. <a data-passage="5.03"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Enough,” I sigh tiredly, “just enough, Bradley.” “You can leave me alone too, $name.” “I’m serious. This has gone on for too long.” He pauses his action and gives me a quizzical look, “can you remind me when I asked for your thoughts? I really can’t seem to remember.” I open my mouth to respond with a snide of my own just as Rahim enters. “Time to go,” he starts, pausing only briefly to look at the mess before gazing at the three of us, “clean up first.” “No,” Bradley draws out, wringing out his shirt before slamming it down on the bloody puddle, “I was thinking about <<if $cp>>pulling a Chris and <</if>>going topless.” “I’ll clean it up,” Amari whispers. “What the fuck ever,” Bradley shouts, and with that, he takes his leave to probably get a new shirt. I stay and help, hoping Amari would choose to speak to me, but she chooses silence, and I leave her be. I head back to my room when I pass Rahim. “Time to go. Come on.” He continues, and with a sigh, I turn on my heel and march to the living room. <a data-passage="5.03"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Amari, go. I’ll help Bradley.” She doesn’t seem eager to stick around or question you and scurries away. Your gaze moves back to Bradley, who rigorously scrubs at his shirt. “You’re going to stain it.” “I don’t fucking care,” he growls. Before either of us can do or say anything more, Rahim walks in. “Time to go,” he starts, pausing only briefly to look at the mess before gazing at us, “clean up first.” “No,” Bradley draws out, wringing out his shirt before slamming it down on the bloody puddle, “I was thinking about <<if $cp>>pulling a Chris and <</if>>going topless.” He begins to mop up the puddle with the shirt, mumbling about how he never liked the shirt anyway before throwing it away. While he gets a fresh shirt, I spray the floor with disinfectant, clean it again, and then work on the counters. Part of me questions how this suddenly became my job, but I let it pass. It at least keeps the previous intrusive thoughts far away. <a data-passage="5.03"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I had been curious, and now I’m no longer. Whatever happens, happens. I’m tired of trying to keep others from fighting and maintaining an air of peace that is nowhere to be found. It honestly feels like everyone has a problem with everyone. A broken team, if team can even be a suitable word here. I head back to my room when I pass Rahim. “Time to go. Come on.” He continues, and with a sigh, I turn on my heel and march to the living room. <a data-passage="5.03"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

It’s a few minutes later before everyone is present and accounted for, a thick air now settling in the living room that makes me want to head back to the safety of my room. “So, how about it? Do we teleport?” Rahim questions. “Can you two even teleport more than one person in your state?” Zillah inquires, and Syd shrugs. “I can do two.” “Same,” Rahim grumbles. I glance around, the numbers add up. “I’ll take my mother<<if $cp>> and Chris<</if>>,” Rahim states and heads to the two. No one has to say anything to Amari and Bradley, who walks over to Sydero, but Amari freezes upon realizing she’ll be near Bradley. <<if $bound>>\ “Thanks to $name being in love with the idea of being stuck at the hip,” Zillah starts, wandering to my side, “we have to teleport together.” <<if $power_teleport>>\ “We both know how to teleport. We’ll take Amari.” Zillah nods and so Amari walks to our side. <<else>>\ “Can we take Amari with us?” “By me leeching some of your power, sure,” Zillah answers and though I’m not happy to hear such words I nod to Amari all the same. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if $power_teleport>>\ “I can take Amari,” Zillah tells everyone before glancing at me, “you shouldn’t push your abilities.” <<if $romance is "zillah">>“Are you telling me what to do?” The smile that appears on his face already tells me that his thoughts are on the dirtier side and so I motion for him to keep quiet. <<else>>“Don’t tell me what to do,” I grumble but don’t argue further. Technically, he’s right. But I already knew that. I didn’t need him to say anything.<</if>> <<else>>\ “I’ll have to take $name, and I can’t do two in my state,” Zillah tells Sydero, who nods, giving Bradley a look to stay quiet as Amari approaches her side. Such a simple thing, and even this, we can’t all agree to. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ “Sending the place, meet you there,” Rahim tells us, sending the text before disappearing with a flap of wings and a gush of unseen wind. Sydero’s fist balls up, and then she relaxes as she places a hand on Bradley’s shoulder, and the two of them disappear from view, much the same, but instead of a gush of wind, it feels like the air crackles to life. <a data-passage="5.04"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $power_teleport>>\ I wonder what it feels like to others when I teleport, and in hopes of finding out, I make sure to leave before Zillah and Amari. Though, I wonder if I could just ask Zillah regardless. He’s been around enough reapers to have an idea if there’s a change at all. I tune into my new location, finding that what I thought would be a street is a tree house. I poke my head outside and see Bradley and Sydero standing off to the side. “Did you guys teleport in here too?” “No,” Syd answers, turning only slightly to see where I am, “but that’s par for the course. Everyone won’t teleport at the same place.” Before I can start making my way down, Zillah and Amari appear behind the house, gazing around before finding us. “Ah, so I’m the only one who ended up here. Fun.” As I start my descent, I capture Amari’s attention. “Hey. Did the air change when I left?” Amari nods, “it got hot and cold at the same time.” “Every species has their own feeling or none at all,” Zillah adds, “reapers is a shift in temperature that makes one feel extremely uncomfortable. Hot but shivering all at once.” I hum at the new info, getting to the bottom and looking around the large backyard we now stand in. <<else>>\ I wonder what it feels like to others when reapers teleport and turn to Zillah to ask. “Every species has their own feeling or none at all,” Zillah tells me as we teleport. One minute we’re in the living room and the next we’re standing behind a house. Zillah continues, “for reapers it’s a shift in temperature that makes one feel extremely uncomfortable. Hot but shivering all at once.” I look for the others, finding Rahim speaking to his mother in a low voice and Bradley and Sydero closer to a tree house that stands in the middle of the yard. <</if>>\ Though old, the tree house was obviously made with love, and only recently, it seems to have settled into a state of disrepair. The large windows are foggy, and the wood taking on a color I’m sure they shouldn’t possess. Lanterns and lights are strung around a railing, the paper from the lanterns eroding and its remains turning to dust while the lights hold no shine or appearance of still being functional. The backyard itself, at least, looks well-kept. I then turn my attention to the house, or at least the rear part of it. White with blue shutters and a lone copper brick chimney spout sticking out of the top. Quaint is the first word to come to me and seems to be the only one as we round the side and head to the front. The entire neighborhood envelops the feeling of homey and small. Each house is simple but lovely, and it seems all the residents take more pride in their lawns than the houses themselves. It feels like the type of neighborhood where everyone knows everyone and doors are left unlocked because the inhabitants have never known a thief. <<if $romance is "chris">>\ Someone comes and leans on me, sighing wistfully, “could you see yourself living in a place like this?” “Quiet and simple?” “Sure,” Chris snickers, nodding to a house across the street and a few buildings over, “I saw a white picket fence and just thought about that bullshit American fantasy.” [[“No, I would be bored.”|5.05BeBored]] [[“I can see it. With the right person.”|5.05RightPerson]] [[“Yea, definitely.”|5.05Definitely]] <<else>>\ I almost expect someone to say something about our surroundings but forget that everyone seems to have a problem with the other, so silence remains. At least nature is noisy, and I simply breathe in the fresh and slightly salty air as we approach the door. <<include "5.06">> <</if>>\

“No, I would be too bored. Probably could handle a day of it before complaining about how boring it all is.” “Agreed.” “Wait, really?” “Yea. Past me probably wouldn’t, but now, I can definitely agree. Became too used to,” he waves at our surroundings, “this.” He turns and heads towards the others, and I follow, all of us now standing before the door. <<include "5.06">>

“I can see it happening,” I look at him out of the corner of my eye, “with the right person, that is.” “I don’t know whether to take that to heart or say you’re being obvious about who that right person is.” “Tell me when you figure it out,” I chuckle, turning to join the others who are now standing before the door. <<include "5.06">>

“With everything I’m going through, that sounds like a fantasy I wouldn’t mind living out.” “Dog named Fido, huh?” “You sound like you wouldn’t like it.” I raise a brow when he remains silent. “I don’t think I would. Past me, yea … maybe. But I’ve gotten so used to this life that quiet would make me feel uncomfortable. Always feeling like something is coming. I can’t actually tell you what the dream would be now.” I nod, and the two of us join the others who are now standing before the door. <<include "5.06">>

Rahim knocks on the door, taking a deep and shaky breath as he moves back a step. From within, I hear a woman’s voice speaking in a different language and then some more jostling. Finally, the door opens and a young, short woman with a basket of fresh and wet fruit stands before us. She shifts her glasses as if they’re lying to her, and once getting her answer, her eyes widen. The basket falls out of her hands as she leaps toward Rahim. “Rahim!” she screeches, “I can’t believe it’s you.” “I was going to call Mica, but I decided to just take the -” She playfully slaps his shoulder, and he chuckles, “yes, take that.” The two hardly say anything more to one another before both taking a step forward and embracing. For the first time in a while, I notice just how utterly calm Rahim appears. As if even he knows that this moment is fleeting and to make the most of it. But I’m also utterly unsure about what to do. When I gaze around to see if I’m the only one, I’m happy to learn I’m not. When they step apart, Mica’s eyes move to the rest of us, stopping on someone behind me. “Sydero.” “Unfortunately,” she mumbles, looking out at the street with a permanent scowl. Mica frowns, cocking her head to the side before a soft, understanding smile appears. “It’s good to see you, regardless.” Sydero glances at her, but Mica has already moved on, stepping to the side, “please, come in and make yourselves at home.” Rahim thanks her, turning to guide his mother inside. <a data-passage="5.07"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I’m Micaela,” she informs us, “but please, call me Mica.” As soon as I step into the house, I’m hit by the smell of vegetables intermixed with tomatoes and … a hint of fresh bread. I close my eyes to inhale, only remembering where I am when I hear Mica chuckle, her gaze on me. “Come on, you can meet the chef.” After Rahim sits his mother on a nearby couch, Mica guides us down homey halls decorated with numerous family photos. Each one represents a day in the past, special or not. One that I stop at shows an elderly woman along with who I presume to be a younger Mica. They sit outside a store, Mica smiling brightly at the camera while the elderly woman busies herself with the children surrounding the table. A bowl of candy sits there, with what looks like a big book that I cannot make out. All I can tell is that the woman is giving it to the bright-eyed and excited children while their parents look on. I take a step back, not sure why I focused on that photo in particular until I recall all the candid pictures of me and my uncle. Ones encompassing those simple days that an individual may hardly remember until they study them thoughtfully. <<if $uncledead is false>>I realize how long it’s been and how much I miss hearing his voice. I should call him once we all get situated. I’m sure he’ll be ecstatic to hear from me. “Who was at the door Mica?” a sweet voice inquires. We enter to find the same woman from the picture in front of the oven. She hasn’t changed much; only her now gray hair proves that any change occurred between then and now. She turns to look over her shoulder, and everything freezes, her gaze never shifting away from Rahim. As if he is but a mirage, she removes her glasses and wipes them against her shirt before placing them back on. A quick buzzing in the back of my head tells me that I’m faced with another supernatural, a witch. “Hey, Oma,” Rahim chuckles, seeming to get choked up before the words can leave his mouth. “My little Rahim.” She covers her face, fighting back the tears. Rahim needs no other reason to move in and hug the older woman, resting his chin on top of her head. “I missed you,” he says, just loud enough for the rest of us to hear. “You could’ve always visited. You know this is as much your home as ours,” she states as she pulls away, wiping a tear away. He nods, rubbing his nose and looking away sheepishly, “that’s not why I stayed away. I had to take precautions and make sure you stayed safe.” “Young man, I lived through World War 2 and the occupation. I do not need your protection.” She gives him another hug, “but I appreciate it nonetheless.” Before she releases him, something else catches her attention, and her lips part as she stares at the doorway. I turn to see Sydero standing there, taking in the scene but showing no wish to interfere. <a data-passage="5.08"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

There is a silence between them, a distance that I’m unsure whether Sydero wishes to bridge. Regardless, the woman seems to understand or at least respect what rests between them and does not force Sydero any closer. "Oma," Syd finally says, giving a curt nod. “Oh, this is great,” she states, turning to the bowl of pasta sitting off to the side cooling, before turning back to us, “I made enough for all of you.” “You always make enough to feed the neighborhood,” Mica laughs, a look of admiration and care resting in her expression. “Can never have too much food,” she chimes in, “you should invite Sofia and Chiqui over. Have an entire reunion.” Her eyes light up at the thought, and she seems to become overjoyed by her own idea. She hardly waits for any of us to lend our thoughts as she ambles over to the cabinets and begins to remove plates and gather silverware. “Let me help with that,” Rahim chuckles, moving in to intercept the woman. A wooden ladle floats and taps him lightly on the head, “you know I don’t require your help, young man. Make sure your mother is comfortable, and I’ll call you when the food is ready.” He looks ready to argue but, in the end, nods and departs. “I’ll go call Sofia,” Mica tells us, turning and leaving behind him. The others all exchange glances before departing. To where I don’t know. I don’t want to stay and take up any more of the woman’s time, but she stops me. “Would you like to try?” The look in her eye tells me that though it’s just a question, she would appreciate it highly if I said yes. [[“No, thank you.”|5.08NoThanks]] [[“Sure.”|5.08Sure]]

“No, thank you,” I say politely, and she nods in understanding. “Well, that’s quite alright,” she smiles warmly, “also, my name is Ingrid, dear.” <<include "5.09">>

“Sure,” I tell her, taking a step forward and grabbing the spoon to taste the sauce, “wow.” I take another spoonful and nod as I step back, “dinner is going to be delicious.” “Thank you,” she smiles warmly, “my name is Ingrid, dear.” <<include "5.09">>

“$name.” “You seem like you could use a seat and a break,” she nods to the table, “would you like some water?” “No. I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.” “I doubt walking over to the refrigerator to retrieve some water would warrant such a thought,” she laughs. It’s a warm and sweet sound that makes me feel like, even as a stranger, I’m accepted and appreciated. “Thank you.” She grabs a cup and meanders to the fridge to get the water, placing it in front of me. “You have a beautiful house,” I tell her as she returns to cooking. “Thank you. I’ve been here ever since I moved from Germany.” “Do you ever find yourself missing it?” She pauses momentarily and then continues, “there are days when I wake up and I long to be back, to experience my favorite places as a young woman. But there is a difference between missing and returning to a memory for nostalgia’s sake. You learn that you’re not the only thing that changes over the years; the world does too. Even your memories. I’ve gone back a couple of times since I moved here, many of those trips with Mica, each just as memorable as the last.” <a data-passage="5.10"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Oma,” Rahim shouts as he walks in, pausing when he sees me there, “hope I’m not interrupting anything.” “Not at all,” she tells him, “$name just wished to provide me with some company and grant me the opportunity to get to know ?him. Is something wrong?” “I wanted to talk to you about why we’re here.” “Your mother needs a place to stay, and you’re looking for something?” she hums, retrieving some things from the fridge. I glance at Rahim, who seems shocked for only a minute before chuckling. “I forget you do that,” he mumbles. “If you want to talk, we can, so you can fill in some gaps. But I’m fine with it.” He nods, “I’d like to still explain myself.” He looks at me, and I take the <<if $RRomance >=5>>hint. I rise to go but he stops me, grabbing my hand and squeezing it, his eyes thanking me for something I don’t remember doing. Regardless, I squeeze his hand back and go.<<else>>hint, rising from my seat and leaving the kitchen behind to allow them to talk.<</if>> Walking into the living room, I spot Bradley and Zillah on the sofa while Sydero hangs outside a room. Amari stands nearby but seems to be doing her own thing. <<if $cp>>I can’t spot Chris anywhere.<</if>> [[Go speak to Bradley and Zillah.|5.10BZ]] [[Go and see what Sydero is up to.|5.10S]] [[Go speak to Amari.|5.10A]]

I wander close to the two until I can start piecing together their conversation. “I can’t dig into something that isn’t there.” “And why is that?” “I don’t know. The best I can come up with is that the angels did a good job erasing all information about it. They didn’t want their prophecy getting out.” “But the demons did?” “What are you guys trying to figure out?” I ask, both of their gazes rising to meet mine. Bradley answers, “what the angel prophecy is, or what it contains before we step into this trap.” My gaze shifts to Zillah, “didn’t you agree to come here?” “Yes. But we also agreed that this is a trap. If we can figure out some parts ourselves, we’ll have leverage.” <<if $zr_upset or hasVisited("BS2.ZRMinorLock")>>\ Zillah watches me a bit longer before clearing his throat, “can we talk?” “Again?” Bradley adds, rolling his eyes but keeping his attention on the computer. I say flatly, “there’s not much to discuss, Zillah.” “Thank you.” “Bradley,” I chide and he rolls his eyes. “I was here first so if you guys need to talk it out and repeat shit for the tenth time then go do it somewhere else.” “It’s only been like three or four times,” Zillah mumbles, his frown deepening. “Ouch,” Bradley snorts. Zillah stands and walks to the side and I follow though part of me says that such action is unwise. We walk into the hallway and once there he turns to question me. “What more do you need me to say?” “That’s the thing, nothing. You want forgiveness, right?” “Yes.” “And I can’t give you that.” [[“I don’t think I can forgive what you did.”|5.10BZ.ForgiveWhatDid]] [[“I forgive you, but I don’t trust you.”|5.10BZ.ForgiveNotTrust]] [[“It’s going to take more than a few days to forgive that.”|5.10BZ.FewDays]] [[“Not right now, but later.”|5.10BZ.NotRightNow]] <<else>>\ “The real issue is that there’s nothing but assumptions to go off of,” Bradley sighs, “at least with the demon one, there were fragments here and there.” “You don’t want to rely on whatever Adoel is going to give us?” “You mean whatever they’re going to point us to and say ‘go ahead. Go get it.’ No. I don’t want to rely on it.” Bradley sets his laptop off to the side and leans in, “come on. Does it not sound strange that suddenly they want to help?” “What more can we do?” He shrugs, retrieving his laptop and pointing to it, “we can do this. Or I can try.” He goes back to typing and scrolling, and I gaze at Zillah, <<if $dump_z>>who avoids my gaze.<<else>>who shares my look. Neither of us says anything, but sometimes words aren’t needed.<</if>> Sydero walks over with Amari behind her, “so, anything, Bradley?” <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

“The thing is, I forgive you. But I don’t trust you.” “There’s... a difference?” “Yes,” I snort, “I can move on from this; that’s not my problem. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be cautious around you and have my guard up. And frankly, I’m not sure how I feel about being with someone I don’t trust.” “And I can’t ever get that trust back?” “It’s possible,” I nod, but that takes a level of chance and vulnerability that you have already proven careless with.” He nods, his demeanor making it clear that he doesn’t know what to say next. And so, he simply walks away, pausing as if he finally came up with something but ignores it and continues. I don’t blame him, not really. What does one say after that? I still haven’t given him an answer. I’m still trying hard to figure myself out. But maybe ... I don’t know, maybe. I head back over to Bradley just as Sydero approaches with Amari, “so, anything, Bradley?” <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I don’t think I can forgive you for what you did.” “That’s...” he drifts off, his frown betraying his thoughts, “understandable.” “Oh,” I snort, “is it? You were hoping I’d just let it all go?” “There’s a difference between hoping and expecting.” “Expecting me to walk away but hoping I’d stay?” “Expecting you to kill me,” he laughs, the sound brimming with sadness, “but you striking me with your power seems like a suitable enough end. Actions have consequences,” he shrugs, “suppose I needed to relearn that as an immortal.” And with that, he walks off. I watch him go, trying to figure out if any part of me believes it can be with someone I’m holding a grudge against. Did it matter? If all goes the way fate plans it, too, I am working on borrowed time. I know my feelings for him are still there, something in me that pulls me to his side and wishes to stay. The question I am finding myself faced with is how strong is that pull, and will it beat out time itself? I head back over to Bradley just as Sydero approaches with Amari, “so, anything, Bradley?” <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“It’s going to take more than just a few days to forgive you for what you did.” “But there’s a chance.” “Maybe. Honestly, I don’t know, Zillah. This isn’t some small matter. This is something you chose to do and continued to do, and I have no proof that you won’t do it again or that I can trust you.” “How will you ever gain proof if you don’t give me the chance?” “I admit, you’re right. But only one of us is putting ourselves in a vulnerable position here. Opening themselves up for the other to fuck them over again.” “You don’t think I’m risking everything with you? Have you met your father?” I sigh; maybe he’s right. Or perhaps he’s just saying this to get me on his side. One thing I do know is that if I continue to have these doubts, then nothing will ever be healthy. There will always be resentment and second-thinking. Either I keep myself somewhat guarded and give him a chance, or I don’t. But that is always easier to think and understand than to implement. I head back over to Bradley just as Sydero approaches with Amari, “so, anything, Bradley?” <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Not right now, but I’m trying. I need you to know that.” “I don’t think there’s a time limit,” he grumbles, and I snort. “Isn’t there? Death is going to be coming for me any day, and you’ll be left looking at my body being possessed by Death.” “$name,” he starts, but I shake my head. “You’ll get your answer, probably even today. But right now, I’m just trying to ...” I trail off. I don’t know what I’m trying to do, but thinking about this is giving me a headache and causing my heart to hurt in a way it shouldn’t. I understand that the feeling is normal. The feeling of not wishing to put yourself in a vulnerable position again, but also possessing the knowledge that if you don’t, then what? I head back over to Bradley just as Sydero approaches with Amari, “so, anything, Bradley?” <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

She stands right outside of a room whose door is cracked open. I approach carefully, not wanting to disturb whatever she has going on. “Syd?” She jumps, instantly turns and grabs me, covering my mouth as she makes a shushing sound. Finally, she drops her hand and angles her head to listen. I surmise that everything is to her liking as she turns her gaze back toward me and gives me a sheepish look, an expression I never thought I’d see on her face. “What’s going on?” I question. She seems to jostle the idea of informing me around before crossing her arms, “I was checking in on my mom.” “Checking in or spying?” “Is there a difference?” I raise a playful brow, “yes.” “I …” she takes a deep breath before continuing, “I don’t know what to say to her. She’s in that state because of me. If I try to act like everything is normal, I feel like an asshole. If I bring it up, I feel like one of those assholes looking to be forgiven.” She shivers, “and I hate folks like that.” Her frown deepens before she shakes her head, “it doesn’t matter. We need to focus.” “On what?” I inquire, “Adoel hasn’t shown up, and so far, it seems like we’re just hanging here.” “For now,” she tells me, motioning for me to follow as she walks away from the door and to the living room where Bradley and Zillah sit. She continues, “we try and beat the angels to whatever they want us to reach. Anything?” <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Standing off to the side near Sydero, I don’t know whether Amari is there for emotional support or if she’s doing her own thing. “Amari?” I question upon approach. She turns to me and manages a small smile<<if $amarishift>> that fails to reach her eyes<</if>>, “what are you doing?” “Looking around.” She nods to the framed wall photos in front of her and a bookshelf filled with books, flowers, stickers, and antiques. “Do you know any of them?” “No. This is the first time I’ve heard any of their names.” I frown as I look at a framed photo of Mica, a goofy and wide smile on her face and a cake in front of her, “sometimes I forget just how much I don’t know about the twins.<<if $amarishift>>And not just them.<</if>>” <<if $amarishift>>\ “I know you don’t want to, but we need to -” “No,” she suddenly says, stopping me from saying anything more. “I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to think about it. In fact, it never happened.” She has a nervous smile, and when she looks me in the eye, she deflates but takes a step closer before second-thinking her actions. “Please, let’s let this go.” I watch her for a while. It’s clear that this is what she wants. To never bring up what happened in the forest ever again. But is that truly wise? [[“I can’t.”|5.10Cant]] [[“Alright.”|5.10Alright]] [[“I’m making no promises.”|5.10NoPromises]] <<else>>\ “I think they’re the type to just like leaving their past there.” “I’d agree if they weren’t yelling at each other about that very same past every two seconds.” She shrugs. “Have you ever wanted siblings?” [[“Hell no.”|5.10HellNo]] [[“Sometimes.”|5.10Sometimes]] [[“Yea.”|5.10Yea]] <<if $cp and ($romance is not "chris") and ($j3 is false) and ($j2 is false)>>\[[“I basically have one, Chris.”|5.10IHaveAChris]]<</if>>\ <</if>>\

“I can’t,” I admit, shaking my head. “Why?” she practically begs, her grip on my hand tightening until I have to pull away. She looks apologetic but says nothing else, turning and walking away and thus ending the conversation. I close my eyes and sigh. I’ve been doing a lot of that lately, sighing. I linger for a while longer before doing the same, finding her now in the living room with Sydero, Bradley, and Zillah. “Anything about the prophecy come up yet?” Syd asks Bradley. <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I study her for a minute longer before nodding, “okay. Alright. I’ll let it go.” I have to bite my tongue from saying, ‘for now.’ She seems to release a breath I didn’t know she was holding and nods her head, thankful. With that, she turns and walks away. I linger for a while longer before doing the same, finding her now in the living room with Sydero, Bradley, and Zillah. “Anything about the prophecy come up yet?” Syd asks Bradley. <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I’m making no promises. I think this needs to be discussed, and ignoring it might only make it worse.” “Or,” she says, sounding like her chipper self, “it could make it better. Something that may never happen again.” I almost believe her. Heck, I want to believe her. The hope in her eye tells me she believes her words, and with a nod, I tell myself that maybe I can too. We hear Sydero’s voice from the living room, and Amari nods. “Let’s see what’s going on.” “Anything about the prophecy come up yet?” Syd asks Bradley. <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Hell no,” I laugh, jabbing my thumb toward where Sydero had once been standing, “do you see how she and Rahim act.” “Not all siblings act like that.” “Agreed, but I don’t see a reason to have a sibling when I have friends that fill the void just as easily. Amari is silent for a while before Sydero’s voice causes us to turn around and look toward the living room. “Let’s see what’s going on,” she mumbles and walks to the adjoining room. “Anything about the prophecy come up yet?” Syd asks Bradley. <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Sometimes. Having someone by my side through some of this would be nice, but I suppose that’s also what friends are for. I don’t need a family member to make that come true.” “That’s true,” she nods, “I guess the positive to that would just be the lack of needing to get to know them.” “Not always. Imagine having a sibling you don’t get along with. Then what’s the point?” Amari is silent for a while before Sydero’s voice causes us to turn around and look toward the living room. “Let’s see what’s going on,” she mumbles, walking to the adjoining room. “Anything about the prophecy come up yet?” Syd asks Bradley. <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Yea. I don’t know how all this Death and reaper stuff would’ve worked out, but I think a sibling would’ve been nice. Instant best friend, right?” “That doesn’t seem to be the case with Syd and Rahim.” “Circumstance and pride have made it near impossible for those two to get along. But I still think there’s a chance for them.” Amari is silent for a while before Sydero’s voice causes us to turn around and look toward the living room. “Let’s see what’s going on,” she mumbles, walking to the adjoining room. “Anything about the prophecy come up yet?” Syd asks Bradley. <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“No need to imagine anything when I have Chris standing … somewhere. But you get what I mean. Chris is basically my brother.” “Yea, I can see it,” she smiles, “how long have you known each other?” “Freshman year of college, so at least three years. Though with everything going on, sometimes I feel like we’re in year ten. Is that how life always is like this?” “The terror and running make it feel a lot longer than it is. I once thought a week passed when only two days had.” “Great,” I snort, “so this never gets better.” Amari is silent for a while before Sydero’s voice causes us to turn around and look toward the living room. “Let’s see what’s going on,” she mumbles, walking to the adjoining room. “Anything about the prophecy come up yet?” Syd asks Bradley. <a data-passage="5.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Just more and more guesses,” Bradley rolls his eyes and sighs, “maybe we should start doing that. Guessing.” “Then let’s lay out what we know,” I direct. “It has to deal with the three of you, right?” Amari asks. “Yes,” Zillah answers, “otherwise, the angels would want to stop the demon twin from being born and not help out.” “Rahim dies in the demon’s prophecy. So will Sydero dies in theirs?” Bradley adds. “Would make sense. Why would the angels want me alive by the end of it?” Sydero taps her chin, cocking her head from side to side, “but then why would they want Rahim alive either. Hybrids like us don’t exactly get happy endings.” I raise a brow, “do you think the angels would try to kill all three of us?” “If they kill you, then they’re dooming the planet,” Zillah reassures me, “so unless their prophecy is the apocalypse, no.” “The angel’s prophecy could be simpler? Better?” Amari points out. “Why? Because they’re angels?” Sydero asks, causing Amari to duck her head in embarrassment, tripping over her words. [[“A few more guesses and I’m sure we’ll get somewhere.”|5.11FewMoreGuesses]] [[“She didn’t mean it like that.”|5.11MeanIt]] [[“This is pointless.”|5.11Pointless]] [[“Does it even matter?”|5.11DoesItMatter]]

“Let’s keep going,” I state, sarcasm leaking off every word, “I’m sure that in a few more hours, we’ll have a couple hundred scenarios to toss around and later be upset about when they all prove wrong.” “A dozen, sure,” Sydero mumbles, “but a couple hundred?” “You’re missing the point,” I sigh, “this won’t get us anywhere.” <<include "5.12">>

“I don’t think she meant it like that, Syd,” I reassure her, hoping to ease the tension. “What?” Syd asks, her attention shifting to me, “you’re the vaewolf whisperer now? Amari, explain what you meant.” “Syd, don’t cause problems where there are none.” “Shut up and let her speak,” she growls, turning to face Amari, whose eyes widen. “Fight, fight, fight,” Bradley chants, whispering the words at first and picking up volume each time he repeats it. “Bradley,” I growl, shaking my head in frustration, “none of this matters. We don’t know, and guessing won’t help. So, at the very least, let’s stop targeting each other.” <<include "5.12">>

“Yea,” I sigh tiredly, “this is pointless. We can guess all day long, and for what? To come up with twenty different scenarios to not prepare for because we can’t be sure?” “Agreed,” Zillah yawns, lying back lazily. “You’d rather play into their hands? Hmm,” Bradley questions, and Zillah shrugs. “Unless whatever is about to happen will immediately start the end of the world, then yes. Sometimes to play the game right, you play //their// game first.” “You would know all about that,” I remark, and though Zillah remains quiet, he does look me over. <<include "5.12">>

“Does the prophecy even matter? We know we’ll be against it, and that’s that.” “You’re not that stupid, $name,” Bradley grumbles, raising his gaze to me as if to double-check his statement. “If we don’t know what we’re watching out for, then we may play into their arms.” “Hands,” Sydero interjects, “play into their hands.” “Who cares?” I sigh tiredly, “if they want us to jump, then we won’t jump, simple.” “I know where you’re going with this,” Sydero adds, “but you’re going off the idea that angels are stupid, and though I really want to agree, like I really really want to agree. They’re not. At least not angels like Michael. He’ll know that he needs to change strategies, and unless we know the endgame, we won’t be able to tell what’s true and what’s a lie.” I nod, understanding but still annoyed at being no closer to solving this. <<include "5.12">>

Rahim wanders over with Mica<<if $cp>> and Chris<</if>>, “I explained everything to Oma. We’re good.” “You should have warned her,” Syd chides. “I agree,” Mica states, “she would’ve understood everything.” She then turns to us, outstretching her hand and opening her mouth when we hear the door open from the foyer. “Where are they?!” a voice shouts from the entryway. Surprisingly enough, a smirk appears on Sydero’s face as she and Rahim exchange glances. Simultaneously saying, “Sofia’s here.” And sure enough, a young woman with bouncy, brown curls bounds into the room. Her dark eyes hardly have to scan the room as they come to land on the twins. The way she marches toward them makes me wonder if she will hug or punch them. Both seem plausible. The energy morphs into an excited squeal as she throws her arms around both twins, bringing them close for a quick squeeze before releasing. “I couldn’t help that, but any other hug is voluntary.” Sydero refrains, but Rahim moves a second time before flicking her nose playfully. “Someone got a lot taller.” “I was a child last time you saw me,” she huffs with a wide smirk. “Same personality, though. So not much has changed.” “Can’t say the same. Your communication skills now suck ass.” A bit of the joy he seems to have finally disperses, and though his eyes tell one story, his mouth stays closed. She seems to pick up on this, confusion flickering across her face before she shifts her attention to the rest of us. “Looks like a full house. Who is who?” <<if $cp>>\ “Chris,” he greets with a nod and a small, friendly smile. <</if>>\ “Bradley, that’s Zillah,” Bradley says next, jabbing his thumb toward the shade at his side and who has also remained abnormally quiet. His attention seems to be on nothing in particular, probably not even tuned into what’s happening. “I’m Amari,” the vaewolf waves in a friendly manner. [[Introduce yourself and shake her hand.|5.12IntroduceSelf]] [[Simply introduce yourself.|5.12SimpleIntro]] [[Stay quiet.|5.12Quiet]]

“I’m $name. It’s nice to meet you,” I tell her, taking a step forward as she does the same to shake my hand. “It’s great to meet you too. Any friend of theirs is one of mine. As long as you’re not an ass, I mean.” <<include "5.13">>

“$name,” I tell her, nodding and leaving it at that. “Nice to meet you. Any friend of theirs is one of mine. As long as you’re not an ass, I mean.” <<include "5.13">>

I don’t bother saying my name or introducing myself to her, and when her eyes rest on me, I meet her gaze with little care of saying anything. “Deaf or just unfriendly?” she questions. “That’s $name,” Rahim tells her, shooting me an aggravated glance that I shrug off, “and no, ?he’s just being difficult.” <<include "5.13">>

Before anyone can say anything more, a small light brown dog tumbles into the room. It heads straight towards Mica, its entire body shaking in excitement before it stops and turns to Amari in curiosity. “Puppy!” Amari screams, practically collapsing on the ground as she takes a deep breath in to calm herself and then extends her hand, “hey, cutie, it’s alright. I’m a friend.” It sniffs her hand before jumping towards her excitedly, happy to play and receive some ear scratches from the vaewolf. “That’s Chiqui, and he seems to like you.” “Unsurprising,” Zillah snorts, crouching beside Amari to get the dog’s attention. Chiqui seems reluctant to leave Amari’s grip, and she seems averse to letting him go, but the dog sniffs Zillah next and licks his fingers. “What happened?” Sophia questions, her eyes on the twins, “why are you here?” “A long story that I don’t want you involved in,” Rahim tells her, and Syd immediately snorts. “You don’t want them involved, yet you came here.” “Only for mother,” he reminds, “though I wouldn’t suspect you of caring about other people like that.” “Obviously, things have changed,” Sophia interjects, her and Mica looking between the two with wide eyes. <<if $cp>>\ “Wait,” Chris snorts, “you mean they didn’t always argue like this?” Sophia answers, “not at all. We were all really close as kids.” <<else>>\ “Things have changed,” Bradley repeats, “you mean they used to get along?” Sophia answers, “yea. We were all pretty close as kids.” <</if>>\ “Stop fucking speaking as if I’m not standing right the fuck here,” Syd yells. For a second, her eyes seem to shift in tone, and the room grows hotter, but as if she realized this as well, she leaves the room. <a data-passage="5.15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I … I hope we didn’t make things worse,” Mica voices. “Impossible,” Rahim tells her, but he wears a sad smile. “I should go check on Oma. Dinner should be ready soon,” she tells us, “clean up or just relax. I’ll call you when it’s time to eat.” She leaves, and Sophia looks from her to Rahim, who shakes his head. She nods and goes after Mica as the rest of the team splits up. //Some of your companions can only be visited if they are not being romance (i.e. Rahim and Sydero). You can visit as many as you wish but only the first choice will go towards the best friend variable.// <<if $SRomance <5>>\ [[Go and find Sydero.|5.15Sydero][$bf_sydero +=1]] <</if>>\ [[Speak to Amari.|5.15Amari][$bf_amari +=1]] [[Relax with Rahim.|5.15Rahim][$bf_rahim +=1]] <<if ($ZRomance <5) and ($dump_z is false) and ($bound is false) and ($zb is 0)>>\ [[Chat with Zillah.|5.15Zillah][$bf_zillah +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if ($romance isnot "chris") and ($dump_c is false and $cp)>>\ [[See what Chris is doing.|5.15Chris][$bf_chris +=1]] <</if>>\

“Nope, none at all. I asked him only once why that was, and I kinda agreed with him. The past hurts. Seeing the faces of all those we loved and had ripped from us.” Death’s words echo through my head. He took my father, and I took my mother. As soon as I had been conceived, they had begun living on borrowed time. Just enough time to raise me up, and when Death sent for me, they would turn to dust. That night ... that night was always meant to happen regardless of what the angels did. <<include "5.15Chris1">>

“We had a ton of them, actually. My uncle wasn’t much of a photographer, but he did love to capture every memory he could. I don’t know why.” I leave out the photos of my mom and dad. Seeing them always caused great distress, even more now that Death has told me what became of them. He took my father, and I took my mother. As soon as I had been conceived, they had begun living on borrowed time. Just enough time to raise me up, and when Death sent for me, they would turn to dust. That night ... that night was always meant to happen regardless of what the angels did. <<include "5.15Chris1">>

“A few, here and there. Mostly celebrating the big things that happened. Not one of those walls where you can learn everything about the family from.” Thankfully, Uncle Matheus didn’t have many of my parents up. I suppose it wouldn’t be a big issue, but it also wasn’t something I wished to always see. Seeing them always caused great distress, even more now that Death has told me what became of them. He took my father, and I took my mother. As soon as I had been conceived, they had begun living on borrowed time. Just enough time to raise me up, and when Death sent for me, they would turn to dust. That night ... that night was always meant to happen regardless of what the angels did. <<include "5.15Chris1">>

“$name?” I shake my head, clearing my throat as I gaze at him with what feels like a broken smile. “How about yours?” “Oh naw. I think my parents wanted to. Or more so my mom anyway, but getting a family photo just wasn’t possible. My dad was working, I was rarely ever home, and it just ...” He trails off as he squints at the photos before shaking his head and sighing. “I’m starting to regret never taking that photo, even if it would’ve just been me and her.” “It’s not too late.” “Isn’t it? Let’s be honest, when will I ever see her again? When would I want to? Maybe a few months ago, when I was just another human who got wrapped in supernatural issues. But ... damn, was Faye right when she said you can’t get out once you’re in. This is my life now.” “So make the most of it,” we hear someone from the kitchen say. We exchange looks before entering, finding Ingrid still prepping food. She glances up at us with a genuine smile. “I didn’t mean to pry, but I’ve heard your same fear reflected in many others. This life can be dangerous, especially due to company.” She spares me a glance, but I take no offense. She’s right. “How do you do it? How does Mica?” Chris questions. “Mica is better to question than me on her wellbeing. But from what I know and have seen, we simply live and do our best. You’ll have regrets or at least things you think back on and begin to doubt. But what more can you do besides continue on?” “Feels like that’s always easier said than done.” “Oh, it is,” she laughs. “But there’s a beauty to this world and the life we live that you’ll have to learn and see for yourself. I don’t claim to know everything, but I have seen the horrors of the supernatural and human worlds. Find the beauty. Sometimes, that’s all we can do.” “Don’t ask me why,” Chris chuckles, “but you remind me of someone who was really important to me. He was caught up in a war and spoke about finding peace too.” “You learn it with time,” she smiles, and Chris smiles back. I know who he speaks of. He’s talked about his grandfather more times than I can count, mainly due to him being a better role model than his father ever could. “Thanks for talking to us.” “Hush,” she smiles, “I just hope you all are hungry.” “Famished,” Chris tells her. He gives no sign of wishing to end their conversation, so I leave him to it.

With time on my hands, I search for Sydero, hoping that she hasn’t gone far. “$name,” I stop and turn to see Sydero approaching me. “I was just looking for you,” I tell her, noticing how her eyes look from me to the ground and then back, obviously telling me that whatever she wished to talk about made her uncomfortable. A sight that I’m not familiar with. “Can I ask you for a favor?” “Of course.” “I,” she glances away from me, “I’m about to go talk to my mom. Come with me?” At first, I’m taken aback but nod regardless with the understanding of what this means to her. The two of us walk to the spare room that her mother occupies. She opens the door slowly, and we find Maurine with her back to us, gazing out the window. The older woman turns to see who has entered, and though she looks Sydero over, she says nothing. “Hello to you too,” Syd huffs, frowning to mask the hurt that’s so evident in her eye. “What are you doing here?” “It’s a crime to come and check on you now?” Maurine doesn’t answer. “So you don’t have anything to say to me? Nothing at all after all this time?” “Aren’t you supposed to be in Hell?” Syd stiffens, “I’m not supposed to //be// anywhere. Least of all the Underworld.” <a data-passage="5.15Syd1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Maurine lazily gazes over her shoulder at us, “you are a demon, aren’t you? You did love to remind us of that in the past.” “I’m your daughter!” Syd’s tone makes me stiffen, seeing just how bothered and hurt this all causes her to feel. There’s a weakness that cares nothing about showing itself, that wishes only to provoke a motherly response from the woman. “When it’s convenient for you,” her mother replies, “when you’re done playing with your father and want to add someone new to your games.” Syd steps forward, “I never did that to you or Rahim. Every time I returned, I only wanted to be accepted and loved. I wanted my mom.” “Loved,” her mom chuckles, “imagine that. A demon wanting to be loved.” “I have human in me too. Your blood. Or is that something you just conveniently forget?” “A side you abandon every moment you possibly can. You dress up and play like a monster but then want to be treated like my child? Then have the nerve to get mad when I treat you like the monster you are.” “The monster you made!” Syd screams, gulping as if realizing what she did and said. She looks from me and then back to her mom, leaving the room and mumbling as she goes, “this was such a mistake.” <a data-passage="5.15Syd2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I leave to go as well, but Maurine speaks up, “be careful.” She holds her hand, “she’ll burn you one day.” Before I can question what she means, the glamour that covers her skin disappears, and I’m met with a charred woman. I’m reminded of what Raum looks like, the burn mark that now rests alongside his face; only Maurine’s entire face is covered in such lasting scars. “Angels can only cure so much,” she tells me, the magic slowly hiding away the truth again. “Thank the higher beings for magic.” [[“I trust Syd.”|5.15TrustSyd]] [[“I see.”|5.15ISee]] [[Just go.|5.15JustGo]]

“You’ll probably say it’s idiotic, and I don’t really care, but I trust Syd. I trust Syd with my life, actually, and I don’t say that lightly. You can believe and hold on to whatever notion you want to, but you don’t know her, and from what I just saw, you don’t care to know her. So keep your warnings because I know she’ll never burn me.” If she wants to continue the conversation, I don’t give her a chance as I open the door and leave, running straight into Syd. I barely register that it’s her in front of me when she throws her arms around me and yanks me into a hug. Before I can hug her back, she draws away. “Don’t get used to those. At all.” Her shoulders relax, and for a moment, I think she may cry, “thank you.” “It’s fine, Syd. Really.” “Is it?” she asks, squeezing her eyes shut before shaking her head, “who cares though. Don’t bring this up.” She turns and walks away, but I grab her hand and stop her. Though I don’t initiate another hug, I hold her there, forcing her to look into my eyes. Finally, I say, “bring what up?” She smirks and then chuckles, “you make an awfully annoying sibling, you know that.” I brighten at the words and stand a bit straighter as I fix my shirt. “Well, I do so try my hardest, big sister.” “Ugh, get over yourself,” she huffs, pushing me playfully. She pauses and gazes at me before her smile widens, and she turns to go. I let her this time. What happened with her mother is a shame, but as long as she knows I’m here for her, all will be fine.

I remain quiet for a while before finally humming and saying, “I see.” “Say what’s on your mind, $name.” “I just -” I start but stop when I see Mica entering. <<include "5.15Rahim1">>

“I think you’re leaving something out because you want to make yourself look guilty.” “And why would I ever do that?” I know the question is sarcastic, but I don’t care, “because you think it’s easier for people to think the worst of you and leave it there.” “Isn’t it?” “Sure, for someone who doesn’t know you and you don’t care about. But this is me. I’m not saying you’re a saint; far from it, we both know that. But you care about those you care about. And I know you wouldn’t have just burned her and walked away only to spend the next decade or so trying to win her favor.” “It was an accident,” she tells me, “I wasn’t in control of my abilities, and Rahim had made me so mad. Next thing I know, hell’s fire is ravaging the house with her still inside. Instead of helping her, my father came to take me away.” “And you still think all of this is on you?” “Don’t. It’s fine. I’m over it.” It’s evident that she isn’t, but she leaves no room for further argument as she turns and walks off. Part of me wishes to go after her, but I know how she is, and if she has already closed herself off, it’s best to let her calm down before broaching the topic again.

“I ... I ...” Words refuse to form as I try to respond to her question. The constant stuttering only further solidifies my positioning in Syd’s mind. She nods. “It’s totally fine. I know what I am. I just really wish those around me would realize it too.” She walks off, and this time, I let her go.

“You were a kid,” I point out. “Does that really make any of it better?” “Yes. Kids do stupid things they don’t mean to do. It’s part of being a kid.” I turn to her, placing a hand on her shoulder, “I’m not saying I don’t understand where your guilt comes from or how your mother initially felt. But as your mother and an adult, she should realize the same thing and at least try to make amends with you. You’re not a monster.” She smiles, but how she regards me clearly indicates that she doesn’t believe my words. She glances from the now-closed bedroom door to me and nods, turning and walking away.

I say nothing as I leave the room behind, almost running into Sydero, who seems to have been coming back into the room. We just narrowly avoid ramming into each other, her arms stopping and steadying both of us. I don’t give her time to say anything, “are you okay?” “When have others ever been able to phase me?” she questions. The chuckle that follows sounds nervous. She avoids my eyes as she finally shrugs. “I don’t know what I expected when I went in there. I don’t know what I expected anytime I ever approached her.” “Has she ever been ... kind to you?” “Before I burned her.” “Why did you do that?” Syd shakes her head, “I wasn’t in control of my abilities, and Rahim had made me so mad. Next thing I know, hell’s fire is ravaging the house with her still inside. Instead of helping her, my father came to take me away. For a while, I thought she had died because of me. When I found out, she was still alive. I tried to make up for my mistake, but ... well, you can guess what all that has been like.” “You were a kid,” I point out. “Does that really make any of it better?” “Yes. You said you tried to help her, but your father stopped you, and you weren’t in control. You were a kid. Kids do stupid things they don’t mean to do. It’s part of being a kid.” I turn to her, placing a hand on her shoulder, “I’m not saying I don’t understand where your guilt comes from or how your mother initially felt. But as your mother and an adult, she should realize the same thing and at least try to make amends with you. You’re not a monster.” She smiles, but how she regards me clearly indicates that she doesn’t believe my words. She glances from the now-closed bedroom door to me and nods, turning and walking away.

I sit on the couch opposite Rahim, watching him look over a few books, and I find myself chuckling. Some things never change. “Find anything engaging?” “No. Either I’ve read it already, or it doesn’t interest me. A few German books have caught my eye, but I am far too rusty to enjoy them. I am prone to chastise myself than follow anything written.” “It’s at least nice to see you’re comfortable. How does it feel to be back?” “Like some things were frozen in time, but not enough.” “What do you mean?” He gestures to his surroundings, “the house, the decor, the neighborhood, all of that looks the same. Albeit not as big as when you’re a kid, but you know what I mean. But the people and situations change, and you’re left reminiscing.” “Anything specific?” He’s quiet for a moment, taking up a spot near the window and gazing out of it with a pensive look. “We were sent here when we were young. My mother knew Oma and believed it would be the safest place for us to be while she went and did whatever. Growing up with Mica, Oma, and Sofia for even that short period was the best time of my life. Sometimes I think it’s why I crave to be human. Either way, being back makes me wonder what could’ve happened if I never went back with my mom ... maybe ... maybe even what would’ve happened if I kept Sydero by my side.” “You miss her.” “No,” he shakes his head and turns to face me, “I don’t have much to miss. The majority of my memories with Syd aren’t precisely good ones. I miss the potential of what we could’ve had. Having and enjoying a big sister, even if she’s only older due to a couple minutes.” His brows furrow as sadness enters his eyes, “I’ve heard stories about other twins and how they act. And I’ve always been jealous. The connection me and Syd could have could’ve been extraordinary, but it won’t ever happen.” [[“That's not true and you know it.”|5.15ThatsNotTrue][$twins +=1]] [[“Not with that attitude.”|5.15NotWithThatAttitude]] [[“I see.”|5.15ISee]]

“You know that’s not true.” “Do I?” “If you don’t, then you’re just lying to yourself. You can easily try and set this right." Rahim starts to open his mouth but stops when he sees someone enter. I look up as well, noticing Mica. <<include "5.15Rahim1">>

“Well, yea,” I laugh, “with that attitude, we’ll be lucky to get two more months of you two being at each other’s necks.” “Are you planning to have this same conversation with her? Or am I just unusually lucky?” “I just -” I start but stop when I see Mica entering. <<include "5.15Rahim1">>

"Am I disturbing anything?" "Not at all," Rahim answers, and I nod in agreement. "We were just talking about Rahim and Sydero, the fractured duo." “Will you talk to her?” Mica glances from me to Rahim, her brows raised in interest. Rahim is silent for a few more minutes, almost causing me to think he hadn’t heard me, when he finally shifts, placing the book in his hands back on the shelf. “No. I don’t think I will.” Mica mumbles, shaking her head in disappointment, an action that causes Rahim to stiffen. “Why should I? She brought this on herself as she has done everything. Her mother is in the state she’s in because of her. Everything I did for our mother was to keep her safe. Syd only cares for herself.” “Are those your assumptions or the truth?” Mica asks. “Mica, I understand you’re holding onto the past. But that’s what it is, the past. Sydero isn’t the same girl you played and grew up with.” “I doubt you’re the same boy,” I point out, but he seems to only grow more frustrated. “Perhaps the two of you should let me worry about my relationship with my sister.” [[“What relationship?”|5.15RRelationship]] [[“Fine.”|5.15RFine][$twins +=1]]

“What relationship is that? Your screaming matches?” “Whatever it is,” he shouts, catching Mica and me off guard, “it’s mine to worry about. So stay the fuck out of it.” He leaves out the front door, and with a sigh, Mica comes and sits on the chair. <<include "5.15Rahim2">>

“Fine.” “Fine?” Mica questions, Rahim also looking at me in shock. “Yea, fine. We weren’t there when you and Sydero went through whatever you did, and even if we were, we’re not you. Constantly getting on you about repairing something you obviously don’t want to isn’t about fixing anything. But know this,” I tell him as I get to my feet, “we also have the right to tell you both to shut up when you get into one of your many pointless arguments.” I leave him there with Mica. I genuinely hope that the two of them can patch up their relationship, not for any of us, but for the two of them. <<include "5.15Rahim2">>

“Yea, they’ve both changed.” “They’ve been through a lot,” I admit, “I just can’t help but wonder if it would have been less stressful if they were on each other’s sides.” “At the very least,” Mica starts, turning to me with a thankful smile, “they both have someone like you around.” I nod in thanks before leaving her to do whatever she wishes.

We all gather around the table for dinner, the food smelling delicious and everyone seeming to want to dig in without hesitation. “Sydero told me about your needs,” Ingrid says to Amari, “the ground beef in yours is fully raw. I hope that’s enough for you to stomach all of it.” “Thank you,” Amari says. Despite speaking numerous times about how hungry she is, she simply stares and pushes it around the plate, just barely hiding her digust. <<if $cp>>\ “So, I’m curious,” Chris starts, grabbing some garlic bread and then looking over at Amari, who sits right beside him. “If you were to eat this -” “I won’t die,” she informs, rolling her eyes with a playful smile. “So dark,” he laughs, “I was going to ask if you’d start coughing up blood.” “It smells like it.” “Garlic bread is god’s gift to us mortals. You will respect that.” “Smells like a curse.” “And looks like he pissed on the top,” Sydero murmurs, half of the table chuckling. [[“Garlic bread is indeed a gift.”|5.16GarlicGift]] [[“It’s only okay with certain foods.”|5.16GarlicMeh]] [[“It tastes like it too.”|5.16GarlicDisgusting]] <<else>>\ All is quiet until Amari sighs wistfully, “thank you for this meal. It’s been a while since I’ve had something so good.” The words cause me to raise a brow. At best she took a bite or two, and she doesn’t look interested in finishing it. “That’s because you think sticking meat and blood into blenders will satisfy your appetite,” Zillah sneers, “you need something raw and real.” <<if $amarishift>>I don’t mean to, but I cough and feel the need to touch my neck. I contain myself, as well as make sure not to look at Amari.<<else>>Amari coughs, and I’m worried she’s choking until she finally stops and throws Zillah a glare.<</if>> “You’re one to talk. All you eat is applesauce.” “You should have never got me hooked on it.” “How did that happen?” Mica questions. “He was our prisoner,” Bradley answers, filling her in with a shrug, “it’s all we had while we were on the run, and so that’s all we fed him.” “He’s a shade,” I snicker, “he doesn’t need food.” “Wrong,” Zillah snorts, “I do, just not as much as mortals. That’s what happens on the mortal realm anyway.” “Can we back up to you guys holding him prisoner,” Sophia points out, “and why were you on the run?” “It’s a lot,” Rahim sighs, “and I’d rather not talk about it.” <a data-passage="5.17"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

“Seriously? Garlic bread is the best. Add some roasted vegetables or cheese, and I could survive off it for the rest of my life. You covet something that delicious.” “Garlic bread and cheese,” Mica agrees, raising her bread to show that she also prefers it. “Since you’re not going to eat yours because it looks like god piss,” Sophia hums in contentment, reaching over to snatch another one out of the bowl and flashing Syd a quick smirk. <<include "5.16.1">>

“Garlic is only okay with certain foods. With others, it just ruins the taste.” “So, does that mean you like garlic or not?” Mica asks, truly curious, “do you only like it when it’s more of a hidden taste?” “It’s possible to hide the taste of garlic?” I laugh. “I used garlic confit with tons of recipes and liked them, but then there’s tons of garlic stuff that I hate too.” “So, you’re confusing,” Chris sneers. <<include "5.16.1">>

“Tastes like it too,” I laugh, everyone but Amari, Syd, and Rahim looking at me with large, shocked eyes. Chris places his hand on his chest, “et tu, $name? I wish I’d known I was friends with someone of such simple tastes this entire time.” “Hey,” I shout, pointing an accusing finger at him, “let’s not talk about tastes Mr. What is Seasoning.” “I know what seasoning is. I can’t be faulted for how my mother cooks.” “You most surely can,” I laugh, “sneak some on. Go to the store and buy something more than salt and pepper and, from what I see, garlic.” “You will not disrespect my lineage … we had parmesan in those cabinets too.” <<include "5.16.1">>

Zillah taps his chin, “we had both bread and garlic in my time, but I cannot recall ever adding the two together. Garlic was mostly used for medicine.” “How old even are you?” Sophia questions. “No time like the present, mummy. Here.” Bradley grabs a piece and places it in Zillah’s hand. Everyone grows quiet as he tries it, taking two bites before contemplating his thoughts. Finally, he shrugs. “Not for every dish, but it’s good.” “Garlic winners sit at this table!” Sophia cheers, gaining the attention of Chiqui, who starts to float to be part of the conversation and attempts to grab a taste for himself, “oh no. You’re going to have to lose on this one little guy. I don’t want to know what it might do to a fae’s gut.” “It does seem like you <<if hasVisited("5.16GarlicDisgusting")>>three<<else>>two<</if>> are outnumbered,” Mica giggles. “Add me to that list,” Rahim sighs, all eyes shifting to him, some full of shock while others appear pleased. “I never liked the taste. Garlic needs to be met with several other seasonings for me to stomach it.” “The no-taste club should all sit on that side of the table,” Chris chuckles<<if hasVisited("5.16GarlicDisgusting")>>and I throw a wadded-up napkin at him.<<else>>.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("5.16GarlicDisgusting")>>\ “Bite me.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="5.17"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

After that, the conversation begins to subside, and I take to looking around the kitchen as I eat, noticing a picture. It’s Ingrid, amongst a dozen others. Some are children, others are on crutches and covered in bandages, while others are simple travelers. “Where is that from?” “Oh, that’s from my World War 2 days. A time of great fear could sometimes still have happiness and hope. My family helped as best we could. I healed and provided needed poultices. Became a refuge for so many, and I won’t forget any of their faces, each a beautiful soul from all walks of life. That’s where I met my first supernatural, besides me and my mother. A shapeshifter.” “What happened?” “A lot,” she chuckles, relaxing back in her seat, “when you live to be my age, you’ll find that’s life is just a lot.” She smirks, “but I’m a fighter. I’ve fought my entire life, and when I meet Death, they won’t take me without a fight.” I frown at that, realizing now why reapers aren’t allowed to linger on Earth. What would happen if they heard these tales? Connected with others all while knowing when the individual will meet their end? I clear my throat, “so, how do you know Sydero and Rahim?” “I knew their mother,” Ingrid informs. “When they were young, she sometimes brought them to me to watch when she couldn’t. Mica and I taught them German, and Sophia here taught them Spanish.” “Spain’s version anyway,” Sydero smirks causing Sophia to let out a dramatic huff. “It’s the same language.” “No. It’s not,” she fires back, but the way the two seem to go back and forth, I infer that they’ve had this kind of conversation before and will probably have it again. <a data-passage="5.17.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Have they changed much?” Bradley asks next, leaning in. “Sydero still seems like a bitch to me,” Sophia snorts, causing Sydero to flick something at her, and only Ingrid, clearing her throat, causes the two to stop. “Let’s watch our language at the table, please.” The elderly witch smiles regardless. “They have in some areas. But there is still so much that is familiar. Rahim always the logical and analytical one. There was no need to venture the world when he could read about it in a book.” Rahim chuckles softly at that. “And Sydero, the complete opposite. Every little thing needed to be found and explored. The world was big, but her need to learn it was greater.” “I hardly remember those days,” Syd sighs, her eyes growing downcast. “Nowadays, I want the world to keep its secrets and just let me pass.” “Rarely does anything ever say the same,” Ingrid tells her. Thankfully, the mood at the table has grown sad but not hostile, which is better than most meals and gatherings. Especially lately. The rest of it is spent with idle conversation. Sophia and Mica do most of the talking as they question us and try to guess what we are. Of course, they fail to guess mine, and the others find no reason to tell them. “You guys settle down,” Ingrid starts, getting to her feet with her plate in hand. “I’ll clean up here. Rahim, make sure you also take a plate to your mother.” He nods and does as she asks while the rest of us at least clean up behind ourselves, clearing and cleaning the table before Ingrid shoos us out of the kitchen. <a data-passage="5.18"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

We gather in the guest room, the only other free room besides the one that the twin’s mother now inhabits. There’s one bed and a futon, and the need to figure out whose sleeping where, if they plan on sleeping at all. [[… bed.|5.19]] [[… floor.|5.19]] [[… couch.|5.19]] [[I don’t plan on sleeping.|5.19][$nosleeptillbrooklyn to true]]

“So what do we do while we wait?” Bradley questions, “do I look up more theories since Adoel hasn’t bothered to show their face to tell us what the fuck we’re doing?” “Adoel?” Mica half gasps, throwing a look at Rahim, who does everything he can to ignore it. “They did show,” Rahim corrects Bradley. “When?” Zillah inquires. “A few minutes ago. When I was with my mother.” “Of course,” Syd sighs, “so we’re relying on you to tell us everything they said.” She shakes her head. It seems like speaking that out loud just pisses her off further. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t feel like hearing another conversation about this so I told them I’ll come alone.” “You what?” I don’t know who screams it because it seems like they all do at once. Rahim stays quiet for a moment before continuing, “I can handle myself. If it’s a trap, then I’ll handle that too. If not, then we get something we’ve all been waiting to receive.” <a data-passage="5.20"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I don’t like this,” Amari murmurs, her face further expressing her thoughts. “And if you find that you can’t handle this yourself and need backup?” Syd questions. “Then I’ll be shit out of luck,” he answers. The two of them exchange some kind of silent understanding or argument, honestly it’s a toss-up nowadays about which is more likely. “And what do the rest of us do while you’re off hunting?” Bradley inquires. Rahim shrugs. “You’re always complaining about needing a break. Here’s one. See it as a one-day vacation.” He rises and leaves the room, leaving only silence. Despite his words, it seems like no one is actually happy about the prospect of this break. I’m not even the slightest bit surprised by that. Almost everyone seems to have a problem with someone, and we’re not home. We’re up here in Maine. Relaxation is probably the last thing on everyone’s minds. And yet, it seems like none of us have much choice. Most seem to settle down, Sydero leaving the room, and a few minutes after that, Amari does the same. After a while, I stopped caring about who came and went or the random, trivial conversations that arose. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I suppose there is little I can do but see. <a data-passage="EP5-Act Two"><img src="images/acttwobutton.png" alt="Act Two" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/acttwo.png <<if $nosleeptillbrooklyn>>The next day, I come out of my meditation to find only Bradley in the room. It seems like he actually prepared to go to bed, a sight I’m thankful for. After stretching, I get to my feet and wander into the hallway, hoping to find the others.<<else>>The next day, I wake to find only Bradley remains in the room. It seems like he actually prepared to go to bed, a sight I’m thankful for. I release a yawn and get to my feet, wandering into the hallway, hoping to find the others.<</if>> The kitchen is empty, and the only person I end up finding in the living room is Mica. She sits with her laptop, focused and reminding me of Bradley. “Good morning, Mica,” I greet, and she looks up and waves. “How did you sleep?” “<<if $nosleeptillbrooklyn>>I didn’t,” I admit, “I meditate mostly.”<<else>>Sleep is weird for me,” I admit, “more like I meditated in a somewhat sleepy state.”<</if>> “Ah, like Rahim then. What are you again?” “Reaper hybrid.” I nod as she gazes at me in confusion. I can practically hear the questions circling around in her head. “Trust me, it’s better to just leave it there. Any answer I give you is just going to lead to another question. Do you have any idea where the others may have gone?” “Rahim is waiting in the front for Adoel. Sydero was with her mother the last time I saw her. The um … weird, quiet one is in the back with Amari.<<if $cp>> And I don’t know where your friend Chris is.<</if>>” I thank her and decide to go … <<if $romance is not "zillah" or $romance is not "chris">>//This is an important romantic choice. If you wish to be locked in with Rahim or Sydero (and you're not romancing anyone) then now is the time to do it. If you are romancing more than one person, this choice will reflect that later and determine whether your person will want you in return, regardless of your points with them. If you are looking to romance Chanara or not romancing anyone, choose training. Choose wisely.//<</if>> <<if $romance is not "zillah" or $romance is not "chris">>\ <<if $SRomance >=6>>[[Go find Sydero.|5.21Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $ARomance >=6>>[[Go find Amari.|5.21Amari]]<</if>> <<if $polyT>>[[Go find Sydero and Amari.|5.21Poly]]<</if>> <<if $RRomance >=6>>[[Go and join Rahim.|5.21Rahim]]<</if>> <<if $zr_upset or hasVisited("BS2.ZRMinorLock")>>\ [[Go and find Zillah.|5.21Zillah]] <</if>>\ <<if $cp and $CRomance >=6>>\ [[Search for Chris.|5.21Chris]] <</if>>\ [[Look for no one and prepare to train.|5.21NoOne]] <<elseif $romance is "chris">>\ [[Search for Chris.|5.21Chris]] <<else>>\ [[Go and find Zillah.|5.21Zillah]] <</if>>\

<<nobr>>\ <<set $visit to 0>> <<unset $message_deliver, $message_snitch, $stayup>> <<audio "opening" stop>> <<playlist "ambience" loop>> <<include "stattamer">> <</nobr>>\ <img src="images/epfour.png"> <img src="images/actone.png"> //Twenty-three years ago, in an unknown area …// The woman paces back and forth along sullied cobblestones while the rhythmic clacking of her heels soothes her frazzled mind. She finally pauses, staring at the two men before her. No, not just men. They're more like wolves in sheep’s clothing, and she internally shivers at just how accurate that idiom is. Though, she shows none of this. She stands before them as if she is one of them, a goddess looking down upon mortal men in contempt. //Don’t let the wolves know you’re the prey they seek//, she repeats to herself. “You have come to a decision then?” the man on the right asks. The deepest blue eyes she’s ever looked into gaze back at her, causing her to feel as if she is being taken by the ocean. They tend to rope her in and refuse to let her go, wrapping around her softly before yanking her below the surface. At times it feels like it seeks to release her, but as soon as she thinks this, she finds herself deeper than before. “A decision,” she scoffs, raising her chin defiantly, “as if I ever had one in the first place.” The other sighs, his tone proving that he believes he has better things to do than entertain either of them. “You mortals speak so much about your free will and choice. Yet you’re so quick to dismiss it when it suits you.” “You immortals think you’re so wise and can bully everyone who doesn’t tread the same ground as you. Yet here you are before me.” Her words spark her own confidence, and she stands straighter than before. “You think I have to ask for this?” the angel questions, taking a threatening step closer. “There are hundreds of ways to get you to submit, and none of them will leave even the smallest indent on my life. I will have forgotten about it in a minute.” “Michael, there’s no reason to tell us how long you will last in a moment of intimacy. Please, be respectful.” Michael’s eyes glimmer in rage, turning to the unshaken demon beside him. “And you, Asmodeus, I can kill a hundred different ways. Let one of the ants underneath you rise and take your spot.” Asmodeus begins to respond, but the woman, Maurine, has had enough of their bickering. She raises a hand to silence them both, and though they could have easily ignored such action, their incessant quarrel ceases. <a data-passage="MD1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Down, boys,” she sneers, “I have reached a decision.” She looks between them before nodding, “I will be your carrier.” “Carrier?” Asmodeus hums, scratching the hair along his jaw, “that seems like a fairly apathetic word to use for this.” “I think it’s excellent,” Michael grunts and Maurine nods. “As do I. Regardless of my decision, I’ve never wanted to go down this route in my life. I’m only doing this on one condition.” Asmodeus chuckles with a nod, “and there it is.” Michael narrows his eyes, “what makes you think we will agree? I have done this dance so many times and -” She raises her hand, “but you haven’t done this dance with me, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s all that matters. You will do this, or you will find yourself regretting it.” “And how will you accomplish that, my dear?” Asmodeus questions, his curiosity growing, “if you were dealing with only one of us, you would have a greater chance. But you’re dealing with two of us. Even as a born witch, you must see you have no power here. Not to mention that you now belong to my brother, and Mammon will not miss you, my dear.” <a data-passage="MD1.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“You answered your own question. I’m a witch. Do you think I have not already set up fail-safes in case either of you goes against me? Adding to that is that I will soon be a mother.” Maurine puts a hand to her heart, imitating a heartbroken woman, “do you know how much power a mother has over her children? It will be such a shame if your twins become resilient against you.” She sneers, “or even worse, dead.” “You threaten us?” Michael questions. “I only provide examples of what a witch and a mother can do.” “Yes, yes. You have made your point. What do you want, Maurine?” Asmodeus sighs, scratching his head. Part of him is impressed. Rarely does he run across mortals who possess even enough bravery to cough in his presence. But a greater side is simply tired. He has a strong conception of what she will want. Even with all of her bravado, she is still mortal, and all mortals are simple in the end. What she wishes will be easy enough to grant. “Don’t seem so upset. My idea will serve you just as much as I. I know what happens to those who carry your children. They become a slobbering mess, and death is a mercy. I will do this and even aid you in helping you win their allegiance as long as I can siphon off their energy.” “No,” Michael growls, “if not kill them before birth, that will make them unstable.” <a data-passage="MD2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Asmodeus hums as he thinks it over, finding that Michael speaks the truth if the past children are to be used as proof. In the womb, the twins share their energy. It’s what molds them into the perfect opposing vessels. The buildup is gradual and keeps both children well-balanced. Siphoning, though … yes, the buildup will be erratic, and who knows what else. That's if they don’t die from not having enough energy in the womb. “You say you will aid us with their allegiance. How?” Maurine shrugs as she glances at both men, “like I said, a mother’s bond to her children is strong. However you wish, I can do it.” “I have little respect for you but do not erase the little I possess by agreeing to this,” Michael groans, turning all his attention to the Prince of Hell. “Death has already found their marked soul. We are nearing our deadline if we wish to attempt this cycle.” “Then we slow them down.” Asmodeus shakes his head, gazing at Maurine inquisitively, “if you simply wish for power, why not ask for that?” “Because I’m not a fool. Who knows what kind of tricks you all will play. I siphon off the twins or no deal.” Asmodeus pauses once again before nodding. Maurine shakes her head with a confident grin, leaving the room and the two greater beings behind. Michael watches her retreating figure before looking at the demon, “you have a plan?” “Don’t I always,” Asmodeus chuckles, extending his dark wings and vanishing. <a data-passage="MD3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I release a yawn that says more about my state of mind than how tired I am. Honestly, even though I do sleep, it’s not a necessity. Sleep now feels more like a break, like sitting on a bench for a quick breather before getting back into the action. It helps little that a week has gone by of deadness. No news, no leads, and no action. It was something I had hoped for, but hadn’t realized how anxious I would get from it. It’s hard to wait idly when there are three supernatural factions that seem to all be pining for you. The angels seem to have let up but that seems due to Adoel’s multiple visits and how often he takes Rahim away. The demons have simply been quiet and the only reason I fear that I have seen no force sent by Azrael is due to their inability to find me or Zillah. I’m pulled out of my thoughts as Bradley lets out a loud groan, appearing as if he wishes to throw his phone across the kitchen. “No, Jeff. Why is it that every time you have a lead, it //leads// to bullshit?” “I know it’s past your bedtime but calm down,” Jeff says from the other end of the phone, “you act like ya ain’t used to these kinds of deals. You give what ya take.” <<if $cp>>“Why do all of your contacts not just want information. It’s always some strange hunt,” Chris points out, <<if $chris <50>>playing with a knife. This seems to be his new favorite idle hobby, and though I’ve seen him doing it more than once, I still find myself shocked.<<else>>typing something into his laptop.<</if>><<else>>”Which is what exactly. I heard hunt and that’s about it,” Sydero inquires.<</if>> “You want this lead or not? I don’t know what else to tell ya.” <a data-passage="MD3.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Leads!” Bradley hisses, stressing the ‘s.’ “Don’t sit and act like you didn’t just give us five different fucking names.” “You sure you don’t want to go to sleep?” I ask Bradley, raising my brow at the young man. His eyes are starting to turn red from his attempts to keep them open, and one glance at the clock tells me he’d rather be somewhere in his room. “I don’t sleep well after talking to idiots,” he whimpers, and Jeff makes a series of noises that I can’t particularly name. I only wish I could see his face. “Fine,” Bradley finally states, “but you do the work and narrow it down. Call us when you actually have information to give.” “Fine. But -” Jeff continues to speak, but my attention shifts to Amari, who sits up in her seat. “Rahim is back,” she says a minute later. Bradley grumbles something as he continues to speak to Jeff while the rest of us gaze into the living room, but the door never opens. [[Go and possibly eavesdrop.|MD3Eavesdrop]] [[Wait for him to come in.|MD3WaitForHim]] [[Send Sydero to check on him.|MD3SendSyd][$twins -=1]] <<if $cp and $romance isnot "chris" and $RRomance <5>>[[Send Chris to check on him.|MD3SendChris][$RCRomance +=1]]<</if>>

I exchange glances with the others before getting to my feet and approaching the door. I can hear muffled voices, but due to their distance, I cannot hear everything they say. With that understanding, I unlock the door as quietly as I can and open it just enough to be able to peek through the crack. The voices now clear up, and I also spot Rahim and Adoel. Rahim looks ready to go, but Adoel keeps him planted there, holding both of Rahim’s hands in theirs. “Do not ruin this for yourself.” “Let go,” he orders, and though his tone leaves no room for argument, his body language screams and grows submissive. “Not until you listen to what I have to say.” “I’ve been listening to what you had to say this entire time. I will listen, but I will never agree.” “You must -” “What?” Rahim interrupts, “trust you? I did that once, and to this day, I am still paying for that misplaced trust.” “I’m shocked you speak of it. You act like the topic is the plague.” “It is,” he hisses, “nothing you say will ever make it better. You had a choice, and you chose to break me.” “A choice?” Adoel laughs, “you have spent far too much time around these mortals. You know better than anyone that there is no choice.<<if $RRomance >=5>> Just like there’s no life for you and $name.<</if>>” “This conversation is over.” [[Close the door.|MD3CloseTheDoor]] [[Interrupt them.|MD3Interruption]] <<if $RRomance >=5>>[[Keep listening.|MD3KeepListening]]<</if>>

I close the door and back away from it. A few minutes later, Rahim enters with Adoel, one looking far smugger than the other. I’m unable to question him as the others walk in, all eyes on the two angels that now stand before us. <<include "MD4">>

I decide to stop whatever is going on. I open the door wider and clear my throat as I peek my head outside. <<if $RRomance >=5>>\ <<if $serious >=50>>\ “Everything okay out here?” Adoel seems less than pleased by the interruption, but they nod toward me. “Fine.” They turn to Rahim, “shall we enter and tell them the news?” Rahim stays quiet, walking towards the house, and though I’m unsure if it’s the wind or just my hearing, I swear I hear him thank me. The others enter the living room, all eyes on Rahim and Adoel. <<else>>\ “Hey, Adoel. I thought we agreed you’d have him back before ten? I know time is different for you angels, but we like to be a bit more time-savvy here on Earth.” Adoel sees nothing humorous about my words, rolling their eyes before nodding towards the house, “shall we enter and tell them the news?” Rahim stays quiet, walking towards the house, and though I’m unsure if it’s the wind or just my hearing, I swear I hear him thank me. The others enter the living room, all eyes on Rahim and Adoel. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Am I interrupting something?” “Yes,” Adoel immediately says, not appearing shocked by my presence. I’m sure they sensed me; Rahim would too, if he was not preoccupied. “Good,” I mumble.” With whatever they have planned now ruined, Adoel clears their throat and nods toward the house. “Shall we enter and tell them the news?” Rahim stays quiet, walking towards the house. He falters when he gets to me, gazing over at me for a moment but saying nothing before continuing into the house. <<if hasVisited ("BS9.RahimSlamDoor")>>I take one look at the approaching Adoel and, with a smirk that I don’t wear on my face, turn and slam the door closed. A second later, it opens, and Adoel glares at me. “Again? Are you truly so petty?” I ignore them, placing my attention on Rahim as the others enter.<<else>>I enter the house, curious about what news he has to share, and Adoel comes in behind me. The others enter the living room, all eyes on Rahim and Adoel.<</if>> <</if>>\ <a data-passage="MD4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

For a second, I think that the conversation may be over, but when I see Adoel move in closer to Rahim, I know that is not true. Anger floods my entire being as I watch them grab Rahim’s face, and he whimpers. “Adoel, please let me go.” I’ve never heard Rahim sound so weak. He practically pleads for the angel to do as he asks. “No. Because I can see in your eyes that you’re about to do something foolish. We have come too far. I need you to listen to me, to understand what I’m about to say.” “Do it without touching me,” Rahim whispers, the words hardly said loud enough to reach my ears. “Are you truly that frightened of me now?” “Yes.” Adoel releases him, and Rahim staggers back, putting as much space between the two as he can as he tries to gather his breath. “If you listen to me, you wouldn’t feel all these feelings. This mortal side that you are so obsessed with is killing you.” “I wish it would do so quickly, then.” Rahim heads towards the door, and though I must take numerous deep breaths, I slowly close the door and back up a few steps. I step forward just as he opens the door. Our eyes meet, and I’m overcome by the emotion residing in his, the pain and betrayal that is so clearly resting there, warring with something I’m unable to name. “Rahim?” I whisper, instinctively reaching out for him. He doesn’t shy away, even seeming to lean towards my touch until someone clears their throat behind him. With that, Rahim acts, abandoning my side as he walks further away before turning. Adoel glares at me but says nothing more, and the others enter the room. <a data-passage="MD4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I stay in my seat. Whatever is going on doesn’t need my or the other’s attention. It takes a few more minutes but soon we hear the door open, and Rahim’s voice travels to us. “Guys?” Amari is the first to move, and though we all exchange looks, we follow behind her, entering the living room where Adoel and Rahim stand. <<include "MD4">>

“Chris,” I start, looking at the young man who stares into the living room with narrowed eyes, “maybe you should see what’s keeping him.” Chris seems to hesitate but then, a minute later, nods. I hear the door open and then close, and then silence. It takes a few minutes, but the door opens again, and Chris calls for us to come into the living room. He stands between Adoel and Rahim, his attention on Rahim and his eyes filled with sympathy. <<include "MD4">>

“Sydero,” I start, looking over at the cambion that sits idly, playing with her fire, “maybe you should see what’s taking him.” “I’d do just that if I cared,” she answers, not taking her eyes off of the flame that will erratically move from one side to the next in the blink of an eye. “Seriously?” “I go out there, and I’m going to fry someone, so yea. Seriously.” Her words seem to cause her to perk up, and she rises and leaves the kitchen with a sneer. I almost want to call her back, but it’s too late. The door opens and closes. I hear a small commotion following it. “They’re arguing again,” Amari sighs, shaking her head. A few seconds later, the three enter, each looking like they have had enough of the other. <a data-passage="MD4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“We have some news,” Rahim starts, glancing over at Adoel, who gives him a firm nod. He glances back at the rest of us, his eyes lingering on Sydero, who doesn’t seem the least bit interested in whatever he’s about to say. As if coming to some sort of conclusion for himself, he nods. “It’s about our mother, Sydero.” Going from disinterested and even looking ready to walk away, Sydero perks up, focusing all of her attention on her twin. “We’re planning to go and get her.” “We’re meaning the angels.” “Of course,” Adoel smirks, “we’ve been avidly looking for her whereabouts after your kind injected themselves back into a solved issue.” [[“No arguing, just explain.”|MD4NoArguing]] [[“You really can’t help insulting people.”|MD4YouJustGottaInsult]] [[Stay out of it.|MD4StayOutOfIt]]

“Don’t argue,” I state, throwing a knowing glare at Sydero, who closes her mouth and frowns, “just continue explaining, Adoel.” <<include "MD4.1">>

“It must be a real challenge for you not to insult people in every sentence, huh?” “You consider some of those standing here people?” I gaze at them, stupefied, not knowing if they realize they are proving my point or not. Rahim clearing his throat, thought shifts our attention back to the matter. <<include "MD4.1">>

“My kind?” Sydero questions, the room growing hotter as her hand is covered in hell’s fire. “Focus,” Rahim snaps, gazing at her hand and waiting for her to quench the flames. It takes a bit longer than he hoped, but she finally does it and huffs out in irritation. <<include "MD4.1">>

“We’ve been working closely with Rahim on this. In fact, it was my idea to include you.” “Should I feel grateful?” she questions. “I will settle for quiet. We’ll head out tomorrow to recover her. But rest assured, Sydero, if you do anything, then -” “Nothing will happen to me, you little gnat,” she snorts, walking past them and towards the kitchen. With her absence, the so-called meeting seems to come to an end as well. I wish to speak to Rahim, but Adoel stands beside him resolutely, clearly indicating that the only conversation being held tonight will be between the two." <a data-passage="MD5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $zr_upset or hasVisited("BS2.ZRMinorLock")>>\ With nothing more to say, we disperse, and as I head towards my room I catch sight of Zillah. Our eyes connect for only a second before I turn and walk away. I’ve thought long and hard about what he said and how I felt. So much so that I’m still trying to get all of my thoughts in order. One thing I know for sure is that ... [[I’m done with him.|MD5.ZRDone][$ZRomance to 0; $dump_z = true]] [[I'm not ready to let go yet.|MD5.ZRStillGoing]] <<else>>\ With nothing more to say, we disperse, and I head into my room and towards bed, wishing to bring this night to an end. I shush the numerous questions that boggle my mind and let the silence lure me to sleep. I find myself … [[… on the shore by the sea.|MD5Sea][$l_joy to "beach"]] [[… in a cozy hut by a roaring fire.|MD5Hut][$l_joy to "hut"]] [[… amongst the sand dunes.|MD5Dunes][$l_joy to "desert"]] [[… on the top of a mountain.|MD5Mountain][$l_joy to "mountain"]] [[… at a table in a large library.|MD5Library][$l_joy to "library"]] [[… the balcony of a busy bar.|MD5Bar][$l_joy to "bar"]] <<if $l_fear isnot "hauntedhouse">>\ [[… in a large gothic castle.|MD5Castle][$l_joy to "castle"]] <</if>>\ <<if $l_fear isnot "forest">>\ [[… a beautiful forest.|MD5Forest][$l_joy to "forest"]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

I’m not sure if forgiveness is in the cards. If I can ever get over what he did and why he did it. If I do, that’ll be part of a future I haven’t yet figured out. If not, then I find no fault in my reasoning. Just thinking that starts to supply me with a headache and so I lay down to sleep and find myself … [[… on the shore by the sea.|MD5Sea][$l_joy to "beach"]] [[… in a cozy hut by a roaring fire.|MD5Hut][$l_joy to "hut"]] [[… amongst the sand dunes.|MD5Dunes][$l_joy to "desert"]] [[… on the top of a mountain.|MD5Mountain][$l_joy to "mountain"]] [[… at a table in a large library.|MD5Library][$l_joy to "library"]] [[… the balcony of a busy bar.|MD5Bar][$l_joy to "bar"]] <<if $l_fear isnot "hauntedhouse">>\ [[… in a large gothic castle.|MD5Castle][$l_joy to "castle"]] <</if>>\ <<if $l_fear isnot "forest">>\ [[… a beautiful forest.|MD5Forest][$l_joy to "forest"]] <</if>>\

While in Purgatory, I promised to stop and figure myself out. No matter how stupid the reasoning, if I feel it, then I’ll admit it. And one thing I knew for a fact was that I wasn’t ready to let him go just yet. I don’t know what to do to forgive him, and maybe I never will, but I knew enough that a large part of me still felt something. It feels illogical, but I’m okay with that. I’m just not ready to speak it aloud. Just thinking that starts to supply me with a headache and so I lay down to sleep and find myself … [[… on the shore by the sea.|MD5Sea][$l_joy to "beach"]] [[… in a cozy hut by a roaring fire.|MD5Hut][$l_joy to "hut"]] [[… amongst the sand dunes.|MD5Dunes][$l_joy to "desert"]] [[… on the top of a mountain.|MD5Mountain][$l_joy to "mountain"]] [[… at a table in a large library.|MD5Library][$l_joy to "library"]] [[… the balcony of a busy bar.|MD5Bar][$l_joy to "bar"]] <<if $l_fear isnot "hauntedhouse">>\ [[… in a large gothic castle.|MD5Castle][$l_joy to "castle"]] <</if>>\ <<if $l_fear isnot "forest">>\ [[… a beautiful forest.|MD5Forest][$l_joy to "forest"]] <</if>>\

… in a large gothic castle. Only a touch of light finds its way into the house, while candles light the rest of the way. Despite its dark appearance, the castle has a homey feel that calms me as I wander its infinite halls. Paintings that I can never entirely focus on line the walls, and when I attempt to make out what the art is, a headache ensues, and I feel the need to leave the mystery be. I hear a noise downstairs, and grabbing a nearby candelabra, I head downstairs, searching for the origins. <<if $daring >=50>>I search without fear, not knowing why I don’t possess the trait but knowing that as long as I’m here, I’m safe.<<else>>Each footstep sees more of my worry and less of my bravery. When did scary noises in dreams ever lead to a good thing? Especially with me?<</if>> Continuing on, I enter a large parlor and see a figure resting on the grand piano that sits in a corner. Thankfully, the parlor is lit up, allowing me to easily identify the shape and who it is. <<include "MD6">>

… on the shore by the sea. A light gust of wind breezes by, and I close my eyes as I embrace it. I take in the smell of the sea and the sand underneath my feet. In the distance, one can see nothing but ocean. A horizon that feels like it will stretch on. But I stand on the shores, wondering if I was running away from that horizon or trying to chase after it. It’s a thought-provoking question, but my mind relaxes as if telling me there’s no need to ponder it now. The sound of pebbles shifting causes me to look to my left, and I see that I’m not alone. <<include "MD6">>

… I sit on a large, fuzzy rug with a blanket draped across my shoulders and a roaring fire before me. Outside the hut’s window, I can see snow falling, some snowflakes clinging to the glass. Each time I breathe in, a different scent hits my nose that causes me to want to rest my head on the sofa behind me. To fall asleep in a dream. It seems almost silly. But the smell and the sounds all intermingle to create the warmest feelings. Bringing me out of this thought is the creaking of wood. I sit upright and gaze around as a figure comes into view. <<include "MD6">>

… amongst the sand dunes. For miles in either direction, one can only see sand. The tiny particles make up the mightiest of dunes, but even they are subjected to the wind's will. The sun is setting at just the right angle to paint the landscape in the warm colors of gold. The stars look ready to come out, but not quite yet, shy as their nature when the sun is still busy in the sky. I close my eyes and breathe this tranquil moment in. Taking a seat, I almost don't realize that I'm not alone and a figure is beside me. If they've always been there, then I just didn't notice. <<include "MD6">>

… on the top of a mountain, overlooking a great expanse of trees and meadows. From my peak, I can see everything resting in the distance. It all appears small and fragile as if finally brought into scope. And it stretches as far as the eye can see. Miles and miles of untamed wilderness with perhaps pockets of human life. But most of this is untouched, left to nature and the wild creatures that call it home. I can make out a river rushing towards a lake and then mountains further in the distance. Besides the random chatter of birds and the wind racing by, it’s silent. But that silence is broken by the sound of shifting rocks, and I gaze behind me to see that I am not alone. <<include "MD6">>

… I find myself sitting at a table in an extensive, scarcely populated library. The faces of those who occupy the same space as me are forgetful. When I look away, I can’t recall what the individual looked like or even a feature they possessed. And though the thought is at first odd, I grow fond of it, hoping that the same thing happens to me when our eyes meet. We don’t need to know one another’s story. It’s good enough that we all had the same idea about coming to the library. I focus on the smell of the books, smiling at that old worn-out smell they give off. The library’s silence is not awkward but refreshing, a communal air that all attendees feel. I gaze around when my eyes land on a figure that stands out from all the rest. <<include "MD6">>

… the balcony of a busy bar. Behind me, I can hear the sounds of music. A nice and refreshing beat that one could nod their head to, smiling as they take a sip from their drink, eat, or laugh at something a friend says. Even from out here, I can feel the sense of companionship that makes a bar worth going to. The homey feeling mixed with excitement. The promise of a fun time and the knowledge that anything can and may happen. But the balcony also calls forth a different sense. I don’t wish to say that it separates one, like an outsider looking in, but it does give one a breather. It’s more of a feeling of being part of something and just taking a step back to view it, taking all of it in. Separating yourself, if even for a moment, from the masses to recognize what stands before you. And I seem to not be the only one. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a figure, but this figure is not like the others, and upon closer inspection, I recognize them. <<include "MD6">>

… a beautiful forest. A worn-out trail rests before me, continuing until finally it’s hidden from view due to the trees and foliage it hides behind. The forest is alive. The sound of water burbling in the distance, birds chattering with one another up above, the wind whistling, and even the sounds of unknown insects. I inhale and exhale slowly, allowing my eyes to hop from one stark color to the next. There’s so much to take in and see, but I am content with being. Simply knowing that I stand in the same forest as everything else, enjoying what surrounds me. I hear the satisfying sound of leaves rustling and turn to see what has created it. There stands a familiar figure. <<include "MD6">>

“Vihaan?” The $dreamanimal nods to me in greeting. “What are you doing here?” “I have been sent by Death,” he tells me as I loom closer. I stiffen. So, my father finally found me ... again. I suppose it was idiotic to think I’ll get away. “Death does not know your location,” Vihaan tells me after a moment of watching me, “coming to you in a dream like this is within my capabilities. Same as Azrael. Death believed it smarter to send me rather than him.” “Why are you here at all?” “It is no secret what Death needs you for. But despite this, he still worries for your health and wellbeing.” [[“That’s because he needs my body.”|MD6NeedsMyBody][$death -=3]] [[“Yea, well fuck him.”|MD6FuckHim][$death -=5]] [[“He seems the type to care.”|MD6HeCares][$death +=5]] [[“How did he react?”|MD6React][$death +=3]]

“I’m not surprised,” I tell Vihaan, <<if $l_joy is "castle">>running my fingers along the keys to rid them of the layer of dust<<elseif $l_joy is "beach">>sitting on a nearby piece of driftwood<<elseif $l_joy is "hut">>bringing the blanket on my shoulders closer and bringing my feet to my chest<<elseif $l_joy is "desert">>sitting down to face the sun<<elseif $l_joy is "mountain">>taking a seat on a nearby boulder<<elseif $l_joy is "library">>taking a seat at one of the empty tables,<<elseif $l_joy is "bar">>leaning on the railing of the balcony<<else>>continuing along the path with Vihaan following<</if>>, “I didn’t expect anything less. He needs my body, and so he’s making sure it’s kept up.” “That is a dark way of looking at it.” “There’s another way of looking upon my fated death?” I shake my head, hoping Vihaan understands I don’t wish to continue this conversation. <<include "MD6.1">>

“Yea, well, next time you happen to see him, tell him I said fuck him.” “Do you mean that?” I turn away from Vihaan<<if $l_joy is "castle">> and glance around the parlor. It’s mostly empty save for the piano behind me and an abandoned banquet table pushed against the adjacent wall.<<elseif $l_joy is "beach">> and glance out at the sea. Attempting to spot some lone sail in the distance, but there’s nothing.<<elseif $l_joy is "hut">> and face the fire, watching as it performs its soothing dance upon the logs.<<elseif $l_joy is "desert">>, looking down the dune and watching the wind create ripples in the sand.<<elseif $l_joy is "mountain">> and face the distance, attempting to find something that I might’ve overlooked originally.<<elseif $l_joy is "library">>, going to the nearest bookshelf and curiously looking over the spines of the books resting there.<<elseif $l_joy is "bar">>, leaning forward and looking over the unknown city before me.<<else>>, continuing down the path and kicking a decently sized rock that I find.<</if>> I don’t answer, choosing to change the topic instead. <<include "MD6.1">>

“Yea,” I draw out, <<if $l_joy is "castle">>taking a seat at the piano, running my fingers along the keys to rid them of the layer of dust<<elseif $l_joy is "beach">>sitting on a nearby piece of driftwood<<elseif $l_joy is "hut">>bringing the blanket on my shoulders closer and bringing my feet to my chest<<elseif $l_joy is "desert">>sitting down to face the sun<<elseif $l_joy is "mountain">>taking a seat on a nearby boulder<<elseif $l_joy is "library">>taking a seat at one of the empty tables,<<elseif $l_joy is "bar">>leaning on the railing of the balcony<<else>>continuing along the path with Vihaan following<</if>>, “he always did come off as caring in an odd, parental way.” “He does care.” “You don’t have to make a case for him, Vihaan.” “I am not making a case,” he tells me, “though he is your father, you still do not know him. Death is awestruck by you, proud, and perhaps even protective. But he is also nothing if not committed and understanding of his duty. Perhaps it is due to the immortal blood from whence he comes.” <<include "MD6.1">>

<<if $l_joy is "castle">>I take a seat at the piano, running my fingers along the keys<<elseif $l_joy is "beach">>I sit on a nearby piece of driftwood<<elseif $l_joy is "hut">>I bring the blanket on my shoulders closer and bring my feet to my chest<<elseif $l_joy is "desert">>I sit down to face the sun<<elseif $l_joy is "mountain">>I take a seat on a nearby boulder<<elseif $l_joy is "library">>I take a seat at one of the empty tables,<<elseif $l_joy is "bar">>I lean on the railing of the balcony<<else>>I continue along the path with Vihaan following<</if>>, “how did he react when he realized I was gone?” “Unsurprised. He even chuckled. I believe he said something like ‘I’m surprised it took ?him that long’ when speaking to Azrael.” So at least he isn’t raging, though I’m sure he isn’t exactly pleased about me disappearing. “And about Zillah?” Vihaan grows silent which is answer enough. <<include "MD6.1">>

I gaze around, “why here? What even is here?” “This is you.” “What do you mean?” “This is where your mind goes when it seeks out its private corner. In a way, this is your soul reflected back at you in a way your eyes and mind will properly comprehend. You are unaware of it, but when you dream or seek out a place within yourself for solace, this is it.” “Which is why I feel so calm?” “Indeed. It is beautiful,” Vihaan compliments, continuing to gaze around. “So,” I sigh, it’s time to finally learn why Vihaan is here, “why did Death send you?” “He wishes for me to keep an eye on you. To be your guide.” <a data-passage="MD6.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $optimistic >=50>>\ “My guide,” I furrow my brow, “what does that mean? What will you be doing?” “Simply watching over you. I am here to make sure that you are well. If you have an issue with your powers, I will help you as best as possible. Though I cannot train, I can at least advise. I do not know if Zillah is with you still, but there is not much he can do to help, for his powers are different.” I remain quiet, biting the inside of my cheek. “I have not come to spy on you, $name.” <<else>>\ I scoff, “my guide? You mean he sent you as a spy, so they know where I am.” “Death did send me, but I am more of a peace offering, a sign of trust. If you will accept it.” <</if>>\ “How do I know you’re not lying?” “I have no reason to lie. It is a foolish action.” “So, you’re here to be helpful?” “If you will accept that help.” I frown. I have no reason not to trust Vihaan, but could the same be said about Death? Vihaan is Death’s number one companion. At the end of the day, Vihaan is loyal to Death, and though I suppose he could see me as Death in a way, it still causes me to question his loyalties. [[Accept Vihaan’s guidance.|MD6Accept][$vihaan = true]] [[Decline Vihaan’s guidance.|MD6Decline]]

“Alright,” I sigh, narrowing my eyes on the $dreamanimal, “I’m trusting you.” “And your trust is welcomed. I shall be by your side by morning.” With that, I find myself blinking up at the ceiling. When I sit up, I see that it’s still night and that only a few hours have passed since I’ve laid down. No longer tired, I get to my feet and leave my room behind. I’m not sure where and why I’m headed there until I find myself … [[… in the study. Rahim there as well.|MD6Rahim][$bf_rahim +=1]] [[… in the entertainment room. Sydero there as well.|MD6Syd][$bf_syd +=1]] [[… outside on the patio. Amari there as well.|MD6Amari][$bf_amari +=1]] <<if ($ZRomance <5) and ($bound is false) and ($zb is 0)>>\ [[… in the kitchen. Zillah there as well.|MD6Zillah][$bf_zillah +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if ($CRomance <5) and ($cdone is false and $cp)>>\ [[… in the gym. Chris there as well.|MD6Chris][$bf_chris +=1]] <</if>>\

I shake my head and take a step away from Vihaan, “no. Thanks, Vihaan, but I’m declining your //generous// offer.” “As you wish.” With that, I find myself blinking up at the ceiling. When I sit up, I see that it’s still night and that only a few hours have passed since I’ve laid down. No longer tired, I get to my feet and leave my room behind. I’m not sure where and why I’m headed there until I find myself … <<if $j3 is false>>[[… in the study. Rahim there as well.|MD6Rahim][$bf_rahim +=1]]<</if>> [[… in the entertainment room. Sydero there as well.|MD6Syd][$bf_syd +=1]] [[… outside on the patio. Amari there as well.|MD6Amari][$bf_amari +=1]] <<if ($ZRomance <5) and ($bound is false) and ($zb is 0)>>\ [[… in the kitchen. Zillah there as well.|MD6Zillah][$bf_zillah +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if ($CRomance <5) and ($cdone is false and $cp) and ($j3 is false)>>\ [[… in the gym. Chris there as well.|MD6Chris][$bf_chris +=1]] <</if>>\

Entering the study, I find a soothing song playing in the background and Rahim standing before the wall of books. He looks ready to grab one but then pauses, choosing another but again, he doesn’t commit. “Finding a new classic to take your mind off all … this?” I question as I take a seat at the piano. I fiddle with a few keys but wait for a response that Rahim does not immediately give. “Yes and no,” he sighs, shaking his head and bending over to look at the books below the shelf he had been perusing. “I seek a classic, but it’s not a new book.” “Finally got your answer, then? About why humanity chose these books?” “Again, yes and no,” he snickers, coming to my side. He doesn’t sit on the bench but instead chooses to remain standing, his eyes still roaming the spines of the books. “Individually, no, but on the other hand, I believe that I will never get an answer. Because that is simply humanity for you.” “You know you’ll have to explain that one to me.” <a data-passage="MD6Rahim1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

He hums, silent for a minute before gazing at me, “art is art because the person viewing it deems it so. I’m still confused about what made people immortalize certain pieces because aging is a hell of a thing. What makes one piece a greater representation of humanity’s struggles than the next? Is it the diction? Would a child saying the same thing on a fundamental level but in less cultivated terms be applauded?” “You’re going deep today,” I chuckle, frowning, “I noticed something about you.” “And what would that be?” “You don’t like yourself.” Rahim frowns, but I raise my hands before he can question or disagree, “I know, but I’m serious. I noticed it in the past but always thought maybe it was something specific. But I think I understand now, especially since I’m living something similar.” I pause, looking to see if he wishes for me to continue. When he says and does nothing, I do. “At one point, I thought it was just the angelic side of you that you disliked, but after watching you, I think … well, I don’t know how to say it without sounding presumptuous or rude.” “Then just say it.” “I think you think that your angelic side has infected all of you, and so it doesn’t just stop there. You’re an angel, so all of you must be the problem.” <a data-passage="MD6Rahim2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

He cocks his head to the side before bursting into laughter, a sound that causes me to stiffen and frown at my thoughts and assumptions. Of course, it could be that I’m totally wrong, and maybe my subconscious pushes my fears onto him. “Well, you’re not wrong.” “I’m not? That laugh could have fooled me.” “Sorry, it’s sometimes strange to know that someone else can pick up on things you thought you were hiding. May I ask you something?” “Shoot.” “You know what you are now? Has it changed you?” “Changed me in what way?” “Any way. Has it caused you to rethink who you are or to embrace the part of you that has been dormant all this time?” [[“No, I’m still all me.”|MD6Rahim.StillAllMe]] [[“A bit, but I thought that was normal.”|MD6Rahim.ThoughtWasNormal]] [[“I have a lot of catching up to do. So yes.”|MD6Rahim.LotOfCatchingUp]]

“No, I’m still all me. Or at least I think I am. I haven’t tried to change or fit into some mold that’s not me.” “That sounds reassuring. And you’re comfortable with that?” “Yea.” <<include "MD6Rahim3">>

“A bit, I guess. But wouldn’t anyone? You have new information. Whether you like it or not, you’re not the same person after finding all that out.” “Do you like the idea of that?” “I don’t know yet. Strangely enough, finding out what I am seems to be less about me and more about Death. I haven’t had much time to just stop and think about what it may do to me.” He hums and nods. <<include "MD6Rahim3">>

“I think so. I spent twenty-so years as a human, so I might as well spend …” I frown at the thought that I wouldn’t have that many years as a hybrid and shrug. “I’ll spend the rest of my time catching up.” “Just like that?” “Yea.” He frowns, and the two of us sit silently for a moment. <<include "MD6Rahim3">>

“Interestingly enough, I don’t think I ever truly wanted this. The powers never interested me, perhaps because I was introduced to them at such a young age. But this part of me always seems to bring nothing but isolation and trouble. And I see what others are like and want no piece of it.” “But you believe humanity is better?” “Not better, no. But they have faults that can be forgiven. When an immortal act the way they act, what is their reason? Because it had to be done? It’s written, and therefore it is? Humans have emotions, doubts, and curiosity. Immortals simply swear that they are better but then prove that they are not.” He frowns and turns to me, “shouldn’t you be asleep?” “Had a dream and couldn’t go back. Not used to all this sleeping anyway.” “Give it one more day, and you’ll be restless like the rest of us.” “I’ll be bothering you a lot more then.” “I don’t see your presence as a bother,” Rahim tells me, rising to his feet and heading back to the bookshelf, “in fact, I like it. I didn’t think I would count you as a friend when we first met, but I am finding that I may have to rethink that stance.” “Glad to hear it.” “Since you cannot go back to sleep,” he gestures to the shelves, “mind helping me look for the book I need?” I nod and get up, getting the name and helping him search. We only search for so long before another conversation pulls us in, and then another, and soon we’re just laughing and enjoying our time together. I know so little about Rahim, but I can see it all changing at that moment. Our conversations carry us into the next day until it’s time for us to go. <a data-passage="MD7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I enter the entertainment room and immediately spot Syd to the side. She sits on top of the bar counter, drinking a beer and gazing into the distance at nothing in particular. “Why do I feel like you’d be a bartender’s worse nightmare?” I ask, taking a seat on one of the stools. “For sitting on the bar?” “Yea. That kind of customer who’d do whatever they want.” She shakes her head, “the bar is the one place I’d probably follow the rules. Bartenders have enough on their plate … counter, for me not to add to it.” <<if $bartending>>\ “Want me to make you something?” Her eyes light up, and she nods, moving to the bar stool as I go behind the counter and check out all that they have. <</if>> <a data-passage="MD6Syd1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Why are you still up and around?” I ask. “I don’t know. I was in my room and suddenly found myself wanting a snake. I started to look for nearby breeders and only got a few of them.” “Any stores?” “Tons, but they have those boring snakes. If I get one, then I want a viper. I’ve always been a fan of them.” “Like a pit viper?” “Exactly. Have you ever seen a Malabar Pit Viper? Those little bastards are beautiful.” “Venomous?” “All vipers are venomous. But not to us, not really. It’ll probably put us out for a while, but we’d bounce back due to our regenerative powers.” “Can you even get one as a pet?” “Probably not,” she sighs sadly, “doesn’t stop me from wanting one, though. They’re such beautiful snakes.” <<if $bartending>>I finish the drink and pass it to her. Surprisingly, she takes it and immediately goes in for a taste. I’m prepared to answer a million different questions about what’s in it and why I decided on that specifically.<</if>> <a data-passage="MD6Syd2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $bartending>>\ “Oh, yea,” she chuckles, “that’s nice. You’re pretty good at this.” I thank her and make one for myself, taking her previous seat on the counter. <</if>>\ For a while, both of us simply sit in silence, and then Sydero clears her throat. I glance towards her and see her still looking off into the distance. “Do you remember when we first met?” “In the alleyway or in the hospital?” “Hospital,” she shakes her head, “I didn’t know what to think of you.” “According to you, you believed I was crazy for helping you. <<if $sydblame>>And then went on a rant about how everything is my fault.<<else>> I constantly sought to remind you that your advice is trash.<</if>>” Syd grins with a nod, “<<if $chrissafe is false and $uncledead>>well, you did do the opposite of everything I said in the beginning.<<else>>in my defense, I don’t have one.<</if>>” She grows silent, “I never thanked you for that.” “Whoa,” I shout, looking over at her with a raised brow, “don’t break your no-thanking streak now. I won’t know what to do with myself otherwise.” She continues as if she hadn’t heard me, “and then you saved me from the Underworld.” Blinking a few times, she turns to me, “why?” [[“You’re my friend.”|MD6Syd.MyFriend]] [[“I’m trying to make sure we’re even.”|MD6Syd.Even]] [[“I’m a fan of danger, why not?”|MD6Syd.DangerWhyNot]] [[“I honestly don’t know.”|MD6Syd.HonestlyDontKnow]]

“You’re my friend, Syd. I care about you. Honestly, you asking why is the weird part.” She leans forward in her seat, clasping her hands together in thought, “I don’t think I’ve ever had a friend before.” She pouts, “I’ve had acquaintances, yea. Tons of them. And then there’s Bradley and Faye but if someone asked me if they’re my friends I wouldn’t say so.” She closes her eyes and sighs. “I don’t want to fuck this up.” “Well, I’ve been considering you a friend this entire time and you haven’t put much thought into it so I think you’re fine. Don’t over think it.” “I don’t have to start being nice to you, do I?” “Syd. If you start being nice to me, I’m going to think you’ve been replaced with that clone your father tried to pass off as you.” She hums, looking me up and down. She starts to reach for me before hesitating, patting my shoulder. “Um, thanks.” <<include "MD6Syd3">>

“I’m trying to make sure we’re even.” “Seriously?” she questions with a lopsided grin, “you think you can catch up with me? I’ve saved your ass more times than you can ever dream of.” “I don’t think you have.” “I saved you from Petri and Langston, Raum, and then -” “Whoa, wait. You have to do instances because I’m pretty sure I’ve saved myself from all three of them more times.” “Wow,” she laughs, running her hand through her hair, “you didn’t tell me you had amnesia.” Both of us laugh, the sound fading softly as we both sit in each other’s company. <<include "MD6Syd3">>

“I’m a fan of danger, so why not?” “And what?” she smirks, “the Underworld ended up being the place to really test your mettle?” “Hell yea! What other place can you find numerous nightmares all clambering to kill you, Princes who want your head on their pike, and thousands of demons who wants to do who knows what.” “You know, you have a point.” <<include "MD6Syd3">>

“I honestly don’t know. I can always say I did it for Bradley or because it was something that needed to be done but is that why //I// did it?” “You’re really going to go all deep and philosophical on me, aren’t you?” “I wasn’t planning to but I think I just might. Break down the numerous elements of Hell and figure out why you were really there. Were you in Hell or is it just that Hell is within all of us?” “Please stop,” she laughs and I join in. <<include "MD6Syd3">>

“Are we having a moment, Syd?” “You tell anybody, and I will personally murder you.” “That might’ve worked in the past, but I’m pretty sure I can just resurrect myself now.” She almost falls out of her seat from laughing. “My friend is the soon-to-be Death. I should probably start cashing in on some favors, right?” “Favors? What favors?!” Our conversation takes us long into the morning, but neither of us notices. It’s been a while since I’ve just had a nice conversation that didn’t have to do with the gloom and doom of our life. And to speak to Sydero about the most random of things is enjoyable. Learning more about her and her interests that have nothing to do with what she is but who she is. And then being able to speak up about my own hobbies and thoughts. The general interest in her eyes as we connect in a way we never have. We leave the entertainment room with a connection that I’m unsure how to describe. <a data-passage="MD7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I wander into the kitchen, unsure if my stomach or mind guides me. Since my trip back from Purgatory, the need for food has been drastically reduced. Food now feels on par with sleep, something I still need but not as much as before. Within, I find Zillah, his head stuck in the fridge until he senses my approach. His head pops up, and one glance at his hand gives me an idea of what he’s eating. “Applesauce?” He swallows, “it has no right being this good.” “When did you start eating it?” “When you were off in Purgatory. The kid gave me some to shut me up.” I smirk, “and did it work.” “Unfortunately,” he sighs, “apples, in general, are amazingly tasty.” “And you can stomach it?” I head to the counter and sit, watching as Zillah grabs two more applesauce containers before finally closing the refrigerator door. “My tolerance for food will be different from yours.” “Why?” He shrugs, “even as a shade, we stay hungry. Eating what I suppose is the magic of Purgatory.” I pause, cocking my head to the side in thought. <<if $known_library>>\ “Is that one of the reasons why Death had to make the reapers?” “Don’t ask me,” Zillah immediately answers, shaking his head as he slurps on his snack, “there are numerous reasons, and he hasn’t told me all of them. Sometimes you just choose to stay ignorant, and you enjoy it.” An interesting way to think, but I say nothing regarding it. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="MD6Zillah1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Let me discuss something else with you. Vihaan contacted me via a dream.” Zillah seems neither surprised nor concerned, but that could be due to his one-track applesauce mind. “They asked to come to me. To be a sort of guide. I <<if $vihaan>>accepted.<<else>>declined.<</if>>” Finally, Zillah gazes at me, putting his snack aside as he sighs and runs a finger through a curl. “Vihaan is a hard one to pin down. He’s frank, but he’s also basically Death’s companion. He’s been with Death for a long time. And I mean a very long time. His loyalty rivals m … well, Azrael’s.” <<if $vihaan>>\ “So, you think it was stupid.” “No. Vihaan can help you far more than I ever can, but at the same time, Vihaan is just a guide. He can help you straighten and understand your powers, but that’s about it.” <<else>>\ “So, you think I should have accepted the deal?” He shrugs, a favorite activity of his, it seems. “Vihaan can help you far more than I ever can, but at the same time, Vihaan is just a guide. He can help you straighten and understand your powers, but that’s about it.” <</if>>\ “So, I still need Chanara?” “She’s your best shot at actually learning more. But leave that to me. I know her best. I’ll figure out how to get her onto our side.” <<if hasVisited("BS6Chanara")>>\ “I actually spoke to her. Though I can’t say, I changed her mind.” “You may not want to do that again. Chanara can keep her mouth closed, but she won’t think twice if her position is in trouble. Also, we need her as an ally, not someone who will run back to Death and expedite all of this.” His words cause me to sigh, and I lean forward, scratching my forehead. <<else>>\ “Our side?” I question with a raised brow, “those are words I never thought I’d hear you say.” “Like it or not,” he sighs as he finishes both containers, “you’re stuck with me.” His words cause me to sigh, and I lean forward, scratching my forehead. <</if>>\ “I never asked you,” his words are whispered, and when I look towards him, he’s not gazing at me but at the table, “how are you dealing with //that// information?” “You care.” “Either answer or don’t.” [[“I won’t then.”|MD6Zillah.WontThen]] [[“Does it matter. It’s going to happen.”|MD6Zillah.GoingToHappen]] [[“It’s bullshit, like always.”|MD6Zillah.BullshitLikeAlways]] [[“I’m just so tired.”|MD6Zillah.Tired]]

“Then I guess I won’t.” Silence sets in between us, but it’s clear that we’re stuck in our own minds. A few minutes tick by before he decides to leave, throwing away his trash and leaving me in the kitchen alone. <<include "MD7">>

“Does it matter how I feel about it? It’s going to happen whether I want it to or not, so what’s the point of even having an opinion about it.” Zillah nods in approval, “consider yourself lucky. You understand a concept that many mortals fail to grasp.” I pause, frowning, and though I believe I know what he’ll say, I ask anyway, “and what concept is that?” “That there is no choice. We are all here for specific reasons: to serve and obey or lead and command.” [[“I wouldn’t go that far.”|MD6Zillah.TooFar]] [[“I’d drink to that.”|MD6Zillah.DrinkToThat]]

“It’s bullshit. Complete and utter bullshit, but what else is new? Forced into this life. Forced to survive. Forced to become a puppet.” “That’s the way of life,” Zillah answers, “you just figured it out before many others.” “You think?” “You’re not under the illusion that life is a choice. You understand that we are all here for specific reasons: to serve and obey or lead and command.” [[“That’s bullshit too.”|MD6Zillah.TooFar]] [[“I’d drink to that.”|MD6Zillah.DrinkToThat]]

“I’m just so tired, and almost all the time. Sometimes I wonder if I’d rather just go day to day, never knowing what’s to be. Did I really need to know the truth?” “Remember how mad you got at me for not telling you everything?” “No,” I interrupt, “no. I was mad at you because you were an ass. If you had told me that you couldn’t tell me the entire truth for reasons you couldn’t talk about, then I might’ve complained and pushed, but I’d also understand. It’s about choice, Zillah.” “Choice?” “You say that as if you expected me to say something different.” The look he gives me tells me that he indeed did. Sighing, I shake my head and continue, “yes, choice. Giving me a choice whether or not I wanted to know the truth. Giving me a choice on whether or not I would believe you. A choice.” “You’d rather have the illusion of a choice than just be given the truth, regardless of how harsh?” [[“No, I suppose not.”|MD6Zillah.No]] [[“Yes. Period.”|MD6Zillah.Yes]]

“Yea,” I chuckle, “but<<if hasVisited("MD6Zillah.BullshitLikeAlways")>>that’s bullshit too.<<else>>I wouldn’t go that far either.<</if>>” “You think?” “You can’t just place everyone in those two categories. What about those who rise up and take control of their life?” He waves my words away, “like choice, an illusion. Either you are above, or you are below. And mortals will always be below. Citizens will always be below their government, and the government will always be underneath the immortals. Even immortals see themselves bowing their heads to an all-powerful one.” “God?” He snorts, “heck no, and that’s such a vague name for what many consider just one deity. No, gods, period, all bow their heads to Death. And Death bows his head to Fate.” “And Fate?” “If there’s someone above Fate, I don’t know about it. But who knows.” “So,” I smirk, “it sounds like a good amount of people can be placed in both categories.” “If that makes you feel better about your stance,” he answers with a shrug. I watch him walk to the trashcan to throw away his containers, “but everyone in this house is meant to serve. The only question is when those above us will move the piece to activate us or finally decide to toss us away.” As soon as he says this, he releases his trash into the bin and, with one last glance, leaves. <a data-passage="MD7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I’d drink to that,” I huff, “no matter how damn depressing it sounds.” “Better to learn that now than later.” “And which one are you then?” “It’s obvious, and you already know the answer to that.” “Well, that makes two of us then.” He shakes his head, “no. Just one of us. For now, you serve and obey, but you will soon be leading and commanding.” “Me? Don’t you mean Death? I’m just a vessel waiting patiently for it to turn black.” He frowns but doesn’t argue my words. “It probably won’t make you feel better,” he tells me as he gets to his feet, approaching the trashcan with his waste, “but I know what it feels like to simply exist for the benefit of another. Whether you do what they wish or not, it doesn’t elevate your status. You are simply there for them to move to their liking.” Zillah doesn’t give me time to question him. As soon as he speaks this, he leaves me to ponder his words. <a data-passage="MD7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“No, I suppose you have a point. No matter how disheartening it is.” He nods as if understanding the dilemma of my words but seems pleased that I believe the same. “It’s sad, but it’s the truth, and it’s better than walking around believing in a lie.” “Yea, but sometimes that’s what you need. Life is already depressing as is. Sometimes you just need some well-placed lie to make it a bit more bearable.” “Sounds like an even more depressing way to live.” That is another good point, but one that I don’t wish to dwell on either. This conversation is too deep for what is just a midnight stroll around the house. Whether Zillah agrees or not, I don’t know. But he stands and tells me goodnight before throwing away his trash and leaving me in the kitchen alone. <a data-passage="MD7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Yes. No doubt. But then that gets into a conversation about whether or not you’re right.” Zillah snorts, rotating in his seat so that he’s now facing me, “you think I’m lying?” “I think that you think you’re right, and you don’t realize it’s an opinion.” He seems far too amused for me to believe that he genuinely sees his words as an opinion. And that only confuses me more. “You really think life is just void of choices?” “No, not void. There are choices that mortals make every day, but it’s an illusion. Believing that there is a choice is simply to make one feel better about their grip on their own life.” “So, me choosing to pick up this cup or not. All an illusion?” “You’re trying to be funny. And you’re failing, miserably. If you want to use an example, use your situation. Even before you were born, what you were, are, and will be was settled. Everything leading up to it could be defined as a choice, sure. But again, an illusion. You were always going to find yourself here. In this predicament. No choice was ever going to stop that.” This conversation is too deep and begins to give me a headache. “I don’t agree, but can we leave it at that for now.” He shrugs, getting up and throwing his trash away. I watch him, wondering when this changed for him. Did he always think like this, even when he was a mortal? Or did becoming a shade give him a new outlook on life? <a data-passage="MD7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I don’t know if I’m bothered to even act surprised when I enter the gym and see Chris wrapping up his workout. “You know there’s more to life than working out, Chris,” I point out, watching amusedly as he jumps backward, hardly catching himself in time to not fall over a workout bench. He sits on it instead, huffing out and giving me a stern look before getting to his feet. It seems gravity decides otherwise as he slips and falls backward instead. “That was … something,” I sigh, going over to gaze at him, his eyes staring at the ceiling. “We don’t talk about this. As far as you’re concerned, you’re still asleep, and this is a dream.” “Oh, you think you make the cut into my dreams?” “I’m in everyone’s dreams, for your information.” “Nightmare?” I question innocently. He mimics my tone, “um, maybe fuck you?” I laugh and sit on one side of the bench as he goes to the other. “Hey, tell me something. How do you feel about Adoel? Or at least this situation.” I open my mouth to answer, but he cuts me off, “wait, no. Never mind, let’s talk about something else.” Despite what he says, he continues to fidget, gazing off into the distance and biting the inside of his lip in trepidation. All signs of a worried Chris. “You know,” I snap, “I remember never seeing you worry. I remember times when that would be the only logical emotion, and you still looked cool and collected.” “I don’t remember the last time I was cool and collected,” he chuckles. <<if $RCRomance >=1>>\ “So, what’s up?” “Do you …” he quiets himself, “I just don’t like this whole Adoel and Rahim situation. It’s causing me to worry.” “Wait, what is?” “Their existence - wait, I didn’t mean their as in both of them. I mean to say that the one of them. Adoel, not Rahim. How the fuck do words form sentences and make sense? Because they never do.” “Chris,” I place a hand on his shoulder, “deep breath and start over.” He does as I ask and gives me a thankful glance before continuing, “I’m worried about Rahim and how,” he takes another breath, “I mean, I’m worried about Adoel being around him. I’m worried about Adoel being around him,” he repeats and then motorboats his lips. “Why is that so hard to get out?” “You’ve always been a bit weird,” I tease, hoping the words will lift his spirits, and though he still seems in his own head, he at least smirks at my words. “So, you care about Rahim?” “Yea. He’s a good friend.” “Chris, you know I didn’t mean like that.” He clears his throat, “I don’t know what other way you could’ve meant.” “If you can’t talk about this with me, then who?” He frowns, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. “There’s nothing to talk about. Not yet, anyway. I don’t really know where my head is. He helped me keep my head on straight while you were gone. There were nights we stayed up talking about shit, and I realized he’s really sound, you know?” Chris shrugs, but there’s a deep frown now on his face, “I don’t know. I see him as just a friend, but something keeps telling me that might not be the full truth.” [[“You should stay friends.”|MD6CStayFriends]] [[“Go after it.”|MD6CAfterIt][$RCRomance +=1]] <<else>>\ <a data-passage="MD6Chris1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

I shrug, placing some of my attention on the workout I’m currently doing. “Honestly, I think the two of you should stay friends. Know what they say about dating teammates.” “Yea,” he frowns, “you’re right about that. And the last thing we need around here is more drama.” <<include "MD6Chris1">>

“You should go after it then, Chris. Stop trying to apply logic and definitely don’t let what your dad say mess with your head. Rahim is a a pretty good guy to fall for.” He hums, giving me no further insight to what he’s thinking and I leave it at that. <<include "MD6Chris1">>

“Well, I’m not falling back to sleep anytime soon. Mind adding me to whatever workout you’re about to do?” “A circuit. You up for it?” “Might as well be. Seems like there’s going to be a lot of fighting in my future.” He nods in agreement and explains what each station is and the time increments that go with them. Putting some music on, the two of us soon grow silent and fully engrossed in the exercises. Bits of conversation arise here and there, but it’s mostly just random jokes and a note as one of us reminisce on the past and what used to be. Not much of my past has journeyed to the present with me, but it’s nice to know that this one factor is there and has shown itself to be loyal. It’s hard to picture myself here without Chris, and the more I think about it, the more I find myself thankful that after everything he’s seen and experienced, he’s still here. “Hey, Chris,” I finally say after my mind pushes me to voice my thoughts. He finishes his set before turning to me with a raised brow. “Thanks for sticking by me. You could’ve left more than a few times, but you’ve stayed by my side. There are friends, and then there’s you.” He snorts, “can’t say I like having my life threatened every few hours, but I’m where I want to be. It took me a while to get used to all this, but I’m glad you didn’t put me on that bus.” I chuckle, “where would you even go or do?” “I don’t know. I think about that sometimes, and I still don’t know. Maybe see the country and then the world.” “With what money?” He shrugs, relaxing in the seat, “I would’ve found a way. Maybe you’d see me on TV as this amazing thief.” I raise an eyebrow, and he avoids my gaze while fighting a smirk. After that, we descend into silence, finishing the rest of the workout. Once done we go our separate ways to prepare what the morning will hold. <a data-passage="MD7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I head outside, hoping to get some fresh air. The sun hasn’t come up, but my now improved eyesight allows me to easily see what surrounds me … holes. A lot of them. “Oh, $name!” Amari suddenly greets. I turn around and see just her head and upper body as she peeks at me from the corner of the house. “Is all of this you?” “Yea,” she admits, retreating but then showing back up a moment later, “I’m trying to get a new hobby.” “Why?” “When I don’t have anything to do, I get really nervous and antsy and … some … my parents would say destructive. I don’t think I get destructive but they say I do so I try to avoid it. But also because it keeps … Nevermind.” “Digging holes is your new hobby, then?” “No,” she shouts, turning around to look at the many holes. She seems to withdraw from the sight, fiddling with her fingers, “oh, yea. That’s a lot of holes.” She turns to me, “I was um, trying to garden.” I release a chuckle, my brow raised as I point to some of the randomly placed holes, “I don’t think they have to be that big. And why are they so spread out? What are you planting?” <a data-passage="MD6Amari1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Flowers,” she tells me, handing me the pack. “Are you sure this is the right season?” Her growling immediately answers my question, throwing her hands in the air as she lies on the ground and huffs. “I want a new hobby.” “Digging holes seems to be one.” “That’s not a hobby.” She leans forward and shakes her head, “I’m serious. I want to try something new but don’t know what.” “Why did you choose gardening?” “Because I knew how to dig a hole,” she grumbles, “all you have to do is water it.” “I think there’s more than just that, but maybe try something you like more? You’re active and constantly need to be doing something, so choose a hobby that favors that.” “If I had an idea, I would be doing that instead of falling into holes I forgot I made.” [[“How about construction?”|MD6ConstructionLearning]] [[“Learn an instrument?”|MD6InstrumentLearning]] [[“How about jigsaw puzzles?”|MD6JigsawLearning]]

“Have you ever thought about going into construction? Keeps your mind and your hands busy, and in the end, you create an entire thing that you can reflect back on.” She shakes her head, looking uncomfortable, “I tried once, and I made trash, basically.” “That’s not fair. And how old were you?” “I don’t know. It was when I was alone in the many motels. Didn’t have anything to do, so I used what was around me.” “Then definitely give yourself a break. You didn’t even have the right material. Just give it another try? Worse case is that you don’t like it, throw it in the trash, and no one ever knows.” She doesn’t verbally answer, nodding as she seems to still be thinking over my words. <a data-passage="MD6Amari2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“You like music, so why not learn an instrument?” “An instrument?” Amari repeats, pouting as she thinks the suggestion over, “I’ve always thought about playing the guitar.<<if $SRomance <5>> Do you think I could get Syd to teach me how to play the piano?”<<else>>”<</if>> <<if $SRomance <5>>\ “Are you sure you can sit through the lessons? Especially taught by her?” Amari blushes, reassuring me that whatever thoughts she’s thinking have little to do with actually learning anything. [[“You should ask.”|MD6ShouldAskSyd][$ASRomance +=1]] [[“You should try a different instrument.”|MD6DifferentInstrument]] <<else>>\ “There are a few instruments I can see you play, the guitar being one of them. Why not the drums or the flute?” “Those are two really different instruments,” she giggles. “Yea, maybe an electric guitar or bass one? I’m just trying to think of instruments that can be really calming but, at the same time, wild.” “Is that what I remind you of?” I nod, and she gives me a toothy grin that tells me she takes no offense. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="MD6Amari2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“You should ask her. She may be up for it.” “You think?” “If not to teach you, then just spend time with you.” “Sydero wanting to spend time with me?” Her tone sounds doubtful, but the dreamy look that creeps upon her face tells me that her true thoughts don’t exactly match those on the surface. “Sure,” she finally nods, shrugging her shoulders, “I’ll ask.” <<include "MD6Amari2">>

“If I know Syd, and I do, I know she’ll be a terrible teacher, so you’re better off learning another instrument.” “Yea,” she sighs, “you’re probably right. Maybe drums?” She’ll most definitely piss off half, if not everyone, in the house but knowing Amari, she’ll do so respectfully and get out of any kind of trouble that isn’t from Bradley. <<include "MD6Amari2">>

“Have you ever thought about doing a jigsaw puzzle?” “I remember trying to eat the pieces as a kid.” She says it so innocently that it causes me to pause, sighing. “Okay, well, now that you’re older and less likely to eat the pieces, what do you think? It helps with concentration and keeps you busy as you try to find what piece goes where.” “It does sound better than this.” “And you can start off with the easier puzzles. If you like it, go for the 1000 puzzles.” Her eyes widen, “they get that big?” “I think they can get bigger than that. My uncle had a 2000-piece one that he never completed.” She seems genuinely interested and nods after a second of thinking it over. “You’ll do it with me, right?” “Sure.” <a data-passage="MD6Amari2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

She exhales and nods, turning to the holes, “now what?” “I think you should probably fill them back before the others see.” “Or,” she starts, resting her hand on my shoulder, “we can make more.” “Didn’t you say you fell in some of them?” “Yea, we should fill them up.” Having nothing better to do, I join her, and one by one, we fill them up, speaking about nothing as we go. It’s empty conversations that don’t hold much importance and yet mean the world to me. To simply talk about the oddities of life feels fantastic. Nothing about our conversations has anything to do with our future or fates. Just two friends who enjoy the presence of each other. It takes the rest of the day, and even some parts of the morning, to cover all the holes that Amari made. We clean up and shower, knowing and yet not knowing what the rest of the day will hold. <a data-passage="MD7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/divider.png"> With the day of action upon us, we all meet at an undisclosed location that has me looking over my shoulder every other minute. I seem to not be the only one on edge as <<if $bcure is false>>Bradley sticks close to my side, and <</if>>the others all seem to share in the uncomfortable air that hovers over the area as a whole. Movement ahead causes us to stop, and though the figure revealing themself is familiar, I note that none of us seem to drop our guard. This can either be because none of us trust Adoel or due to the three figures that step out of the shadow soon after. <<if $angel >=1>>“Rahim. $name,” Adoel greets before gazing over the rest of our companions.<<else>>“Rahim,” Adoel greets before glancing at the rest of us.<</if>> They don’t disguise their dislike and simply say, “others.” “Oh fuck off,” Sydero groans, “let’s just get on with this.” Adoel says nothing but the look they spare Rahim says enough, and though I can easily decipher it, I remain quiet. “As you know,” Adoel speaks, “the angels have agreed to free Rahim’s mother from the grasp of the demons.” “Whoopee,” Sydero shouts joylessly. Adoel ignores her. “We have not only located where they are but also the number of demons in the area.” They take out a tablet and place it on a nearby crate, pointing to a secluded area in the middle of dense woods, “they have angel warding, so Rahim, you will go in and remove them. Once that is done, the angels will smite those who stand in our way and grab hold of your mother.” <<if $cp>>\ “Well, damn,” Chris snorts, “sounds like we should have time to grab a snack along the way.” Adoel looks at him in revulsion, “I will not question the others, but why are there two humans here in the first place?” “Whoa,” Bradley corrects, “careful there. I’m smarter than everyone here. Damn sure smarter than you, you winged bastard.” Two angels seem ready to punish Bradley right then, while the third snickers. Appearing amused, with a gentle smile settling upon their lips. <<else>>\ “If it was that easy, why haven’t you done it yet? Don’t blame it on the warding.” Bradley asks, rolling his eyes and giving the rest of us a look that screams his frustration with the angels. Adoel looks at him in revulsion, “I will not question the others, but why is there a human child here in the first place?” “Alright, you blind-winged prick. First, I’m not a child,” Bradley corrects, “secondly, I’m smarter than everyone here. Damn sure smarter than you.” Two angels seem ready to punish Bradley right then, while the third snickers. Appearing amused, with a gentle smile settling upon their lips. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="MD7.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“<<if $cp>>They’re here because they<<else>>He’s here because he<</if>> chose to be here. Is there going to be a problem, Adoel?” Rahim questions, looking as if he’d rather be elsewhere. “Yes. What part of this mission seems fitting for them? Have them go and do whatever simplistic pests do.” <<if $cp>>\ “I will never understand the whole anti-human behavior with you immortals,” Chris voices, “it’s just a waste of time. We get it. You have human boners.” “Agreed,” Bradley frowns. <<else>>\ “You’re using way too many teeth to be trying to suck me off like this.” “Bradley,” I groan, pushing him to the side playfully. <</if>>\ “Rahim.” Adoel inhales deeply and appears to center themselves. I almost anticipate a blood vessel to burst. “There is a plan in place for a reason. If you want our help,” they pause and lean in as if to exaggerate their next words, “our //continued// help. Then your anarchistic ways will end now. Do you understand me?” Rahim glances from Adoel to <<if $cp>>Chris and Bradley<<else>>Bradley<</if>> and, with a sigh and a nod towards the car, tells us what he’s decided. “For fucks sake,” Bradley growls, throwing his hands up, “you’re gonna rub out their angelic boner next?” “Just go to the car,” he snaps, and though Bradley listens, he doesn’t stop grumbling and shouting out everything that comes to mind. “Maybe I should join <<if $cp>>them<<else>>Bradley<</if>>,” Amari suddenly interjects, and I give her a look of confusion. “We might need your help with the demons,” Sydero informs her, “why would you sideline yourself?” “I just don’t like to fight. And this sounds like a lot of killing.” “Your whole life has been you fighting to live,” Zillah adds, narrowing his eyes, “why are you against it now?” “Look, I’m really hungry and just don't want to go out there.” “No!” Bradley shouts from the distance. I suppose he heard her. “Keep the confused fanger with you guys. The last thing I need is …” As he gets farther away, his voice grows dimmer and dimmer, and Sydero throws Amari a ‘there goes your answer’ look. <<if $cp>>\ <<if $romance is "chris">>\ “Hey,” I turn to see Chris standing next to me. His arms loop around my waist as he presses a soft kiss to my jaw, “be safe, alright?” “I’m always safe.” “Every time you say something like that, my worry increases tenfold.” “I really wish the disgustingly cute and cliché couple would just hurry their farewell up,” Sydero grins, winking when I look at her. She seems a bit proud of herself. “Love you,” he grumbles, pressing another kiss to my forehead before moving away, quickly leaving before I can even utter it back if I wish to. <<elseif $RCRomance >=2>>\ Chris approaches Rahim with worry on his face as he whispers something in his ear. Whatever is said, Rahim’s face at least seems to morph from one of tiredness to a soft and perhaps even grateful look. “That’s not the car, human,” Adoel grumbles, earning scowls from the entire team, Zillah included. I watch as Chris places his hand on Rahim’s shoulder and gives it a light squeeze before following the path Bradley had previously walked. Rahim’s eyes watch him, but he says nothing about their conversation. <<else>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="MD7.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Back on topic,” Rahim says, clearing his throat, “Sydero and I will go in together.” “What did I just say about -” Adoel starts, but Sydero’s snort stops them, and they turn their attention to her. Yet before a word can be ushered out their mouth, Rahim once again interjects. “She’ll have a better time taking the wards down due to my current stage.” “You can still manifest your wings then?” they question, and Rahim simply nods. I had believed that to be to Adoel’s liking until they grimace. “You still have your wings and yet, you act like this.” “And,” Zillah practically shouts, “what about the rest of us? Or will we be sent to timeout too?” Adoel chooses not to answer, instead turning to address their angels. “We don’t know how many demons they’ll be so you won’t be sidelined,” Sydero answers him but then points at me, “though are you sure you’re up for it?” “Why wouldn’t I be?” “Because you’re still in training,” Zillah reminds me. “I know how to defend myself.” “Bring your gun and blade regardless.” [[“Of course.”|MD7OfCourse]] [[“Do I look like a child?”|MD7LookLikeAChild]] <<if $bound>>\[[“I can just use Zillah as a shield.”|MD7ZillahShield]]<</if>>\ <<if $romance is "zillah">>\[[“Yes, daddy.”|MD7YesDaddy]]<</if>>\

“Of course, I wouldn’t leave them just because I have powers.” <<include "MD7.3">>

“Do I look like a child to either of you? I know how to take care of myself.” <<include "MD7.3">>

As sarcastically as I can, I give him a fake smile and say, “yes, daddy.” Zillah instantly starts to cough, turning his back to us while Sydero and Amari simply stare on. “Wait ...” Sydero starts, looking between the two of us, her eyes widening, “you two?” “Those two,” Amari whispers to her. “Oh,” she laughs, “we are definitely talking about this further at a later date. You,” she points to me, “have some explaining to do. But for now, we need to focus.” I turn my attention to Zillah, who seems to only now get over whatever embarrassment he experienced. “Are you good?” He leans close to my ear, “you call me that again, and you’re getting dicked down on the spot. Understand?” I almost choke. It feels like forever since I’ve seen this side of Zillah. It’s not only shocking to see it back but an exciting thing to mess with later. <<include "MD7.3">>

I jab my thumb in Zillah’s direction, “you forget that I have a shade shield.” “The binding does not do that.” “No, but I’m pretty sure it’s in your best interest to stay by my side. Or did you forget that whatever happens to me, happens to you?” “That goes both ways.” <<include "MD7.3">>

“Alright,” Syd states, “while you’re out there, keep an eye on Adoel too.” “You’re thinking something?” I ask. “You don’t find it odd that the angels suddenly wish to help us?” “Yes, but I figured it was a way to keep Rahim in their pocket.” “Maybe,” she nods, biting the inside of her cheek, “but I think we both know keeping an eye on them is in our best interest.” I’m not sure about that. Adoel is up to something, but their intentions and plans have never been subtle. They want Rahim wrapped around their finger, Sydero in check, and ... something out of me. <<if $angel >=1>> It’s clear that they don’t want to make an enemy out of me, but I’m loathed to call them a potential ally.<<else>>They obviously don’t care much about staying on my good side, but it seems clear that they aren’t actively trying to be on my bad either.<</if>> [[“I think you’re paranoid.”|MD7Paranoid][$angel +=1]] [[“Agreed.”|MD7Agreed]]

“I think you’re a touch paranoid. Which makes sense being that you’re a demon and all, but it seems like they’re not in charge of anything; they’re just taking orders.” “First of all, being paranoid is what’s kept me alive this long. You feel bad about something, you leave before you can figure out why. Someone looks at you for too long, you take them out before you learn if it was just curiosity or recognition.” I want to point out how wrong that is but decide to remain silent. It’s Sydero; she knows how wrong it is. She just doesn’t care. “Second, them taking orders is exactly why we should keep an eye on them.” “I meant it in a way that maybe even Adoel doesn’t know the entire picture. Told as much as they need to know.” “Stop being an angel sympathizer,” she growls, rolling her eyes as she moves away, “it’s not a good look.” “Everyone ready to go?” Adoel asks, and before any of us can even answer, they teleport along with two of the angels. The third one rolls their eyes and gives us an apologetic glance before they leave. It’s easy to see how this day will go. I only hope it doesn’t end in tragedy. <a data-passage="EP4-Act Two"><img src="images/acttwobutton.png" alt="Act Two" style="float:right"/></a>

“You know I agree. I’m just upset that Rahim seems to be falling for all of it.” “You and me both,” she whispers, shocking me with the amount of care that seems to lace her words. “Everyone ready to go?” Adoel asks, and before any of us can even answer, they teleport along with two of the angels. The third one rolls their eyes and gives us an apologetic glance before they leave. It’s easy to see how this day will go. I only hope it doesn’t end in tragedy. <a data-passage="EP4-Act Two"><img src="images/acttwobutton.png" alt="Act Two" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/acttwo.png"> The forest doesn’t look convoluted or depressing. I don’t know why every time I hunt something in the woods, I suspect the environment to reflect how I feel and the mystery and carnage that may come. Yet, it’s odd to find oneself in a situation such as this, fighting creatures from another realm with the sun shining brightly overhead and birds singing a sweet cadence. “This is as close as we can get,” Adoel tells us as soon as we have all settled into the area, “the wards deny us anything more.” “That’s some heavy warding,” Sydero points out, her head cocked to the side as if she’s studying something, “the demons are at least two miles ahead.” “How many?” Rahim inquires. “I can sense at least three dozen.” She peers over at him, “how close can you get before the warding stops you?” “At least half a mile, hopefully. If not that, then I’m more angelic than I thought.” “Here’s the plan,” Adoel begins, but Sydero turns and cuts them off before they can say anything more. “No, we’re taking over.” Of course, Adoel is ready to dispute this, but Sydero continues speaking, focusing on us. “You three move forward with us and help take out some of the demons as I remove the wardings on the house.” “We got your back,” I tell her. “And you,” she lazily throws Adoel and their angels a glance, “stand here and be as helpful as ever.” She turns and flexes her back, giving us a view of the two demonic wings that erupt from her back. “Your shirt isn’t torn?” Amari questions, stepping forward to get a better look at the area. <<if $ASRomance >=2>>\ “Don’t worry about it,” Syd smirks, “you can help me tear it off later when we get home.” Amari withdraws, averting her eyes, but it’s evident that her cheeks are warming at the statement. “Maybe …” Amari starts, stuttering before clearing her throat and standing a bit taller, “maybe I will.” [[“Can we focus?”|MD8Focus]] [[“You two are adorable.”|MD8AdorableAS][$ASRomance +=1]] [[“Get a room!”|MD8GetARoomAS][$ASRomance +=1]] <<else>>\ “It’s charmed,” she tells her, “a bit of witchcraft to let the fabric shift and accommodate. I’m surprised your clothes aren’t all charmed too.” <<if settings.dialog>><span class="romance">[[“We can keep it like that.”|MD8KeepItLikeThat][$ARomance +=1]]</span><<else>>[[“We can keep it like that.”|MD8KeepItLikeThat][$ARomance +=1]]<</if>> <<if $polyT>>\ [[“We can help her with that.”|MD8HelpHerOut][$poly +=1]] <</if>>\ [[“I didn’t know that.”|MD8DidntKnowEither]] [[Say nothing.|MD8SayNothing]] <</if>>\

“Hate to remind the two of you about the demon presence and the whole reason we’re here.” “Yea, yea,” Sydero groans, gazing over at Rahim, “are you ready?” <<include "MD8">>

I glance between both of them, my smile widening, “you two are adorable. You know that, right?” “Do I look adorable to you?” Syd asks and I nod which only causes her to grunt something out. She turns her attention to Rahim, “are you ready?” <<include "MD8">>

“For fucks sake, would the two of you just get a room. I’ll even help pay for it.” “Seconded,” Zillah snorts from my side. “You’re broke,” Sydero reminds him, and he shrugs. “It’s the thought that counts. Isn’t that what you earth-realmers keep saying?” I want to question the earth-realmers part but decide to leave it be, especially with the exasperated look that Rahim sends us. “Are you ready?” Syd asks him. <<include "MD8">>

“Whoa, there’s no need to change what’s not broken,” I smirk, winking at Amari, “the whole process of you having to get nude first isn’t much of a negative.” Amari averts her eyes, but it’s evident that her cheeks are warming at the statement, “can we focus?” “On you?” I ask, and she moves to shove me. “I concur,” Rahim says, “focus on the situation, I mean.” Sydero nods, “alright, are you ready then?” <<include "MD8">>

“I’m sure we can help her with that later.” Amari looks confused, but Sydero seems to immediately pick up on what I’m alluding to, and she hums as she leans towards Amari, “will have to take all her clothes away and do some proper measurements.” I do the same, almost sandwiching the now wide-eyed woman between us, “it’ll probably take a while. It’s personal work.” “Could you all please focus?” Rahim groans. “No, no, let them continue,” Zillah chides, “I’m interested in where this may be going.” Sydero snorts out a laugh as we move away from a still-shocked Amari. She looks to her twin, “are you ready then?” <<include "MD8">>

“I’ll admit, I’m shocked too. I was waiting to hear a tear. So how does it work? Is the fabric cut, or does it just magically morph.” “Can we have this conversation later when we’re not trying to attempt a rescue mention?” Rahim asks, looking at us with exasperation. Sydero nods in agreement and goes to his side, “are you ready?” <<include "MD8">>

“Is it hard to do?” Amari questions, “because it would be really helpful to have them like that. What would it even turn into for me? Would I shift and still be wearing a bra and panties? Would they get smaller? How can -” “Amari,” Rahim interrupts, “any other time, I’d let you keep going but can you do this later?” She squeaks out a yes as Sydero flexes her back and goes to stand beside Rahim. “Are you ready?” <<include "MD8">>

“As ready as I’ll ever be. You go ahead of us. I’ll stick close to $name and the others.” Nodding, Sydero takes off into the sky, and the rest of us make our way deeper into the forest. “Adoel is going to have words for you later,” Amari says once the angels behind us disappear. “They always do,” he mumbles. “Why a nephilim cares about some lowly angel is the question we should be asking.” “Or perhaps the shade should be more concerned with himself,” Rahim suggests, “he seems to have plenty of his own issues to keep him occupied.” <a data-passage="MD9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

The conversation falls to the side as we continue deeper into the forest. Rahim walks farther ahead, stopping here and there to listen but then inevitably continuing on. There’s no sign of Sydero and I end up wondering if she’s waiting for us somewhere, has already started fighting, or if she somehow made it into the house with minimal casualties. <<if $vihaan>>\ Something inside me tells me to slow down, pause, and check my surroundings, but when I do, I find nothing approaching. None of the others seem bothered, but no matter how much I wish to wave the feeling away, yet it persists. Suddenly, I hear a <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote" or $dreamanimal is "cat">>howl and turn to see a $dreamanimal approaching, looking less than bothered by those now staring down at it.<<else>>caw and turn to see a $dreamanimal resting on a branch, looking less than bothered by those now staring up at it.<</if>> “Vihaan?” Zillah questions, <<if hasVisited("MD6Zillah1")>>ahh’ing a second later as I surmise that he remembers what I told him the previous day<<else>>gazing over at me in confusion.<</if>> “Zillah, a pleasure,” the $dreamanimal acknowledges with a simple nod. <<if $dreamanimal is "raven" or $dreamanimal is "vulture">>He opens his wings, and I stretch out my arm so that he can be closer.<</if>> “Did that $dreamanimal just talk?” Rahim questions, approaching with an overly-excited Amari at his side. <a data-passage="MD9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “I can feel the warding growing stronger,” Rahim shares, “the three of you may have to do this yourself until Sydero manages to bring those wards down.” “Let’s hope that’s not the case,” Amari mumbles under her breath, but when she sees Zillah and me gazing at her questionably, she only shrugs. “How did the angels even find this place if it’s warded?” I ask, gazing over at Zillah though I suppose I wish <<if $cp and $cl is "friend">>Chris or Bradley were<<else>>Bradley was<</if>> here so I can actually get an answer. “They’re angels. I’m sure they have their ways,” Zillah answers, moving forward with Amari close behind him. I place my questions on the back burner and follow after them. It’s not long before we run into our first group of demons. They look less surprised to see us and immediately move forward to intercept. “I’ll get the three on the right,” Rahim tells us, stretching his wings before turning his attention to those he called out. “Guess I’ll get these two,” Zillah informs, staring at two directly in front of us. I wait for Amari to call out her targets, but she remains quiet, and the demons are far too close for me to vocally question her thinking. Two of them approach me, and I must act. <a data-passage="MD10"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

“Yes,” Vihaan answers for himself, “I am Vihaan, servant and companion to Death and friend of $name.” He seems to wait for the others to identify themselves, but Rahim only stares on in shock, while Amari looks close to bursting a blood vessel. <<if hasVisited("MD6Zillah1")>>\ “Rahim is the nephilim,” Zillah tells him, “and the one that looks like she stopped working is Amari.” “A vaewolf?” Vihaan questions, now looking over at me, “you travel with interesting members.” “Don’t I know it. Listen, Vihaan, it feels like you chose the worst time to appear. We’re not really walking into a social call.” “I will stay out of trouble unless my aid is required.” With that, he <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote" or $dreamanimal is "cat">>trots off to the side, a safe distance away but still within sight.<<else>>flies to a nearby tree, looking ready to continue his tree-hopping but waiting for us to move.<</if>> “Does someone want to explain what’s going on?” Rahim inquires. “Like he said, he’s a companion to Death. He offered to help me out, and I accepted.” “And you don’t fear him being a spy?” <<else>>\ “Rahim is the nephilim,” Zillah tells him, “and the one that looks like she stopped working is Amari. But why are you here?” “He offered to help me out, and I accepted.” Rahim raises a brow, “and you don’t fear him being a spy?” <</if>>\ “Of course I do,” I grumble, “but I chose to trust him. I know Vihaan enough to know that he’s honest. If he was a spy, he’d simply say that was part of his purpose.” “Vihaan is trustworthy. If Death wanted a spy, he would have sent someone else.” Rahim’s eyes glisten, and it’s not hard to tell exactly what he’s thinking. Thankfully, he avoids an argument by keeping the thoughts to himself and turning to head back the way we’re going. “It’s a talking $dreamanimal,” Amari whispers, squealing softly, “so cool. Okay, calm down, Amari. But it’s so cool.” “You can speak to him later; come on,” I laugh, patting her back as we continue. <a data-passage="MD9.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I can feel the warding growing stronger,” Rahim shares, “the three of you may have to do this yourself until Sydero manages to bring those wards down.” “Let’s hope that’s not the case,” Amari mumbles under her breath, but when she sees Zillah and me gazing at her questionably, she only shrugs. “How did the angels even find this place if it’s warded?” I ask, gazing over at Zillah though I suppose I wish <<if $cp and $cl is "friend">>Chris or Bradley were<<else>>Bradley was<</if>> here so I can actually get an answer. “They’re angels. I’m sure they have their ways,” Zillah answers, moving forward with Amari close behind him. I place my questions on the back burner and follow after them. It’s not long before we run into our first group of demons. They look less surprised to see us and immediately move forward to intercept. “I’ll get the three on the right,” Rahim tells us, stretching his wings before turning his attention to those he called out. “Guess I’ll get these two,” Zillah informs, staring at two directly in front of us. I wait for Amari to call out her targets, but she remains quiet, and the demons are far too close for me to vocally question her thinking. Two of them approach me, and I must act. <a data-passage="MD10"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

It feels like forever since I’ve been in a real fight, and the longer I think about it, the more I find that those thoughts hold more truth than just feeling. The last battle I can remember was when I was in hell, and those fights were horribly one-sided. Everything after has been a mix of training and scrimmaging, nothing life-threatening. Thankfully, there have indeed been practices, and not //just// casual exercises, but training with those who saw no need to go easy on me. <<if $guns >=10>>I grab my gun and allow the familiar weight in my hands to remind me of everything I’ve learned up to this point.<<else>>I take out my blade and twist it in my hand; it’s been forever since I’ve felt this metal.<</if>> When it came to creatures like vampires and werewolves, a fight was much easier to manage due to them wanting to close the distance. They can’t throw me with a wave of their hand, making it far easier to go against them. I also wonder if any part of my rediscovered power will aid me in avoiding such actions. I should ask Sydero if there’s a way to prevent or combat that power. <<if $guns >=10>>Focusing on the back, I fire a round into the demon’s side, and the next one is aimed for the wing, but they catch on and bring their wings closer to their body.<<else>>The problem with fighting with a blade when my opponent has range attacks is, well, just that. I’m never able to get close enough before they do damage. My best shot is to just charge and hope for the best. But with a creature that can fling you with but a flick of its wrist, the odds aren’t really on my side.<</if>> Just like I predicted initially, they wave their hand towards me, and <<if $power_shroudfeet>>at the last minute, I’m reminded of the ability that Zillah has taught me. It isn’t really for grounding, but a bit of a twist may work. At the very least, maybe I’ll just glide across the ground. Performing the action, I focus primarily on staying planted to where I’m at right now, and though I do slide back a bit, I mostly stay where I am. The demon smirks, “new tricks?” “Something like that,” I shrug.” Unfortunately, though I stayed planted, my weapon did not. They charge, and I only manage to avoid some of the blows.<<else>>I simply brace for what the impact will bring. I lose my weapon as I slide across the ground, grunting and getting to my feet just as the demon is upon me.<</if>> Their hands tighten around my neck, and I can feel my body go into panic mode. My weapons are who knows where, and the lack of air is hampering my ability to focus. But I need something, anything, just something that I can use to get this demon off of me. I feel something tug at my mind, and pressure settles into my hands. Whatever it is spooks the hellion creature enough to release me and back away, their eyes on whatever I now hold, and when I look, I see a scythe. It’s completely black, and even though it’s right there in my hands, I can tell just by the look of it that it’s fueled mainly by my own power. I look from it to the demon, who seems far less confident than they were before. <a data-passage="MD11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Think that thing -” Is all they manage to say before I lunge towards them, swiping with the scythe. The weight is impressive, feeling like a perfectly balanced weapon in my hand, and when it makes contact with the demon, I’m awarded even more assurance of its ability to kill. It’s different and I wonder if there’s a way to shape it into something else if I so choose, but that’s a thought for when I’m training and not fighting. The reach allows me to get in closer, and I intend to capitalize on the demon’s shock. As soon as that shock is gone, they’ll be back to trying to throw me everywhere like some misused rag-doll. Try as they might, they can’t manage to avoid the reach of the scythe, especially when, even if the blade doesn’t reach them, sparks of energy that spring off the edge can. The blade tip manages to cut into their side, and they gasp as they unfurl their wings and shoot into the sky. I wonder if I have wings. I didn’t see Death with any, and I know that regular reapers don’t have any, but maybe I just didn’t see it because Death had no need to call them forth. <a data-passage="MD12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

The $scythe disappears, and try as I might, it refuses to reemerge. I focus my energy, picturing the weapon I once envisioned, but it feels like everything inside of me has fizzled out. I shout in frustration as I narrowly avoid the swooping demon swiping its clawed hand toward me, whipping around so that its wing slams into me. I slide against the ground, huffing as the dirt takes to the air around me, and figure out what to do next now that I’m officially weaponless. “Not so big and bad now, are you?” the demon questions upon their approach. A dark gray mass of energy and smoke rotates around their hand, and they throw it at me. A barrier, a shield, something! I scream, knowing I won’t be able to dodge it. <<if $ARomance >=10>>\ I brace myself for the impact but feel a body pressed up against me instead. I open my eyes and turn to see Amari over top of me, her eyes with panic and pain as the energy ball hits her. “Amari?!” I shout but she shakes her head. “I’m okay.” “You’re lying,” I growl, about to check out her back when I notice the demon approaching, priming another energy ball that I know she won’t be able to avoid in time, especially with her concern strictly on me. “Watch out,” I shout, shouldering her out of the way. <<elseif $RRomance >=10>>\ I brace myself for the impact but feel a swift wind and a body pressed against me instead. I open my eyes and turn to see Rahim there, his wings encasing me. He grunts as the energy ball hits him but throws me a lopsided, weak grin. “Are you okay?” “Rahim?!” “It’s fine. I can take it.” He stretches his wings before drawing them back towards his body, looking me over as if to answer his previous question for himself. I place my hand on his cheek when I see the demon approaching, priming another energy ball that I know Rahim won’t be able to avoid. “Watch out,” I shout, shouldering him out of the way. <<elseif $SRomance >=10>>\ I brace myself for the impact but feel a swift wind and a body pressed against me instead. I open my eyes and turn to see Sydero there, her wings encasing me. She hisses as the energy ball hits her but throws me a lopsided, weak smirk. “You enjoy being target practice?” “Sydero?!” “Yea, yea. You can thank me later with a beer or something.” I place my hand to her face when I see the demon approaching, priming another energy ball I know Sydero won’t be able to avoid. “Watch out,” I shout, shouldering her out of the way. <<elseif $ZRomance >=10 or $romance is "zillah">>\ I brace myself for the impact but feel nothing, only hearing a low, annoyed groan. I open my eyes just in time to see a wall of tendrils retreating, Zillah at my side as he rubs at a point on his back. “Zillah?!” “Why the hell did you just stand there? Were you trying to wish the damn ball away?” <<if $zl is "friend">>“You can be as mad as you want to with me but thank you,” I tell him, squeezing his arm.<<else>>“Only you could make me go from thankful to just irritated,” I inform him, with a disbelieving shake of my head.<</if>> He says something but my attention shifts to the demon approaching, priming another energy ball that I know Zillah won’t be able to avoid. “Watch out,” I shout, shouldering him out of the way. <<else>>\<</if>>\ I expect the energy ball to collide with me; instead, it’s the demon’s body. The two of us go flying through the trees, my back hitting one after another, and I feel every ache it brings. We tumble into a clearing, and I struggle to rise as my regenerative powers focus on healing the bruises and cuts that I can only imagine reside across my back. I grit my teeth, looking around to find the demon when I feel something enclose around my neck and launch me across the ground. Focusing on an energy bolt, I send it toward the demon, but my own suffering keeps me from learning if it struck or not. I need to focus. To recover. <a data-passage="MD13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I move to rise just as they place their foot on my throat. My instincts scream at me to free myself as I feel the air practically escape from my body. <<if $curse_gluttony or $curse_greed or $curse_lust>>I let out a scream, and the world around me shifts, one hue replacing another until I’m staring up at a dark red and orange sky.<<else>>I let out a scream, and the world around me shifts, darkening.<</if>> <<if $curse_gluttony>>\ “$name.” I lean up to see Gluttony a few feet in front of me, bench-curling a large dumbbell that looks bigger than my head. The pain I felt a moment ago is no longer there. Even my back feels fine as I get to my feet. “How did I get here?” I ask, narrowing my eyes on him and the world around me, realizing I’m in the Underworld. “You’re not really here,” he tells me, “you must be tangling with one of my demons?” “I don’t know what kingdom that demon belongs to.” “If you’re here,” he responds, taking a break and placing the weight down, “then it must be mine. Asmodeus and Mammon told me that you may be dropping by. I just thought they were spewing BS again.” “Wait, I was sent here on purpose?” “Don’t ask me questions, $name. They don’t tell me anything because they know I’m not aiding them. Would hurt my feelings if I gave a fuck.” I snort at the words, and he continues. “But since you’re here. There is something I want to discuss with you.” “Which is?” “I have a way for you to pause this prophecy.” I hear him loud and clear, but it’s the action of believing him that causes me to raise a disbelieving brow. He groans, leaning on a vertical bar and crossing his arms across his chest as he regards me, “you still don’t trust me?” [[“Why should I?”|MD13G.WhyShouldI]] [[“I’m finding it hard to trust anyone nowadays.”|MD13G.NoTrust]] [[“I don’t trust your curse.”|MD13G.DontTrust]] <<elseif $curse_greed>>\ “Ah, $name. Right on time.” I lean forward to see Greed a few feet in front of me, sitting on a bench and looking through a sleek black folder. The pain I felt a moment ago is no longer there. Even my back feels fine as I get to my feet. “How did I get here?” I ask, narrowing my eyes on him and the world around me, realizing I’m in the Underworld. “You’re not truly here,” he tells me, “there are several ways to cause this sensation, but one of the easiest is to have a demon that falls under me use their empath abilities while decreasing your consciousness.” “So, in short, you sent a demon to knock me out and send me here?” “Very good,” he smiles, his eyes filled with humor for only a moment more. “You have something I want, and I have information that can aid you.” “Feels like I have everything you want, and you need a bargaining chip to get me on your side.” “May I be frank with you?” “If I said no, I feel like you’d say whatever’s on your mind anyway.” He shrugs to agree. “You are //the// ally to have. Not because of your power or even what Death will soon do. Purgatory has always been neutral, and there lies the problem. You are no use to us if Death gets his hands on you. We needed you to escape your declining stability, and now that you have, both sides will be clamoring for you to side with them.” [[“And if I choose you?”|MD13MChooseDemons][$demon +=1]] [[“And if I choose the angels?”|MD13MChooseAngels][$angel +=1]] [[“And if I choose neither?”|MD13MChooseNeither][$purgatory +=1]] <<elseif $curse_lust>>\ “$name.” I lean to see Lust a few feet in front of me, standing before a row of black flowers dripping a yellow liquid. Some part of me believes that it’s acid, but when it hits the ground, it only clumps up into a thick puddle. The pain I felt a moment ago is no longer there. Even my back feels fine as I get to my feet. “How did I get here?” I ask, narrowing my eyes on him and the world around me, realizing I’m in Hell. “The demon you were fighting is an incubus. I could probably have pulled you into this differently, but those ways are far more strenuous and circumstantial. This is perhaps the easiest way.” “Pulled me here,” I repeat, frowning, “this was a trap? All of it?” He gives me a light smile, “I always did admire how smart you were.” “Is their mother even here ... there?” “She is. Sometimes you must give crucial things to receive a chance.” “What do you want?” <<if $SRomance >=10>>\ “How is Sydero?” “Do you care?” “You know the answer to that, $name. Will you answer?” [[Answer him.|MD13LAnswerHim]] [[Refuse.|MD13LRefuse]] <<else>>\ “I complimented your mind. Unless you wish to prove me wrong, then you already know.” “You want me to join you and help you reach this prophecy.” He narrows his eyes on a flower, touching it’s petal softly, “yes.” <a data-passage="MD13L1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<include "MD14">> <</if>>\

“Why should I? I’m bearing your curse, and you’re a Prince of the Underworld. If I learned anything from being down here, it’s that you guys aren’t the stupidest bunch, minus Envy. For all I know, you’re doing all this because Lust and Greed wanted to cover all their bases.” He nods his head from side to side, “smart. I wouldn’t put it past Lust and Greed to do that, either. But you fail to remember that I don’t give a fuck about what happens to you. Syd goes through with this prophecy, and she won’t be herself anymore. You’re not the only one in jeopardy of losing their body to another entity. And in regards to my curse, that’s on you.” <<include "MD13G1">>

“Don’t take it personally; I’m finding it hard to trust anyone nowadays.” “You’re thinking like an immortal, then.” “Sounds like a lonely life.” “It’s nothing but a lonely life,” he confirms. “You’ll find one century you can trust someone, and the next, you’re trying to kill each other.” “But you want me to trust you, even though you gave me this curse?” He nods his head, “don’t blame you. But you fail to remember that I don’t give a fuck about what happens to you. Syd goes through with this prophecy, and she won’t be herself anymore. You’re not the only one in jeopardy of losing their body to another entity. And in regards to my curse, that’s on you.” <<include "MD13G1">>

“It’s not you but this curse that you gave me.” He snorts in amusement, “that’s on you.” <<include "MD13G1">>

“I didn’t ask for this.” “No, but you weren’t strong enough to deny it either. Curses don’t ask for permission. They infect whoever they can.” “And what does it mean that I have yours?” “Different things. I’ve observed some people fall victim and gorge themselves to death. In others, hardly anything happens. And some just feel their fears escalate. It all depends on how rooted the curse is.” “And me?” “You’re a special case. Not only a supernatural being but with the powers of Death. I think this’ll be a learning experience for us both. The more I learn, the more I can help you.” “You keep saying that word help. How can I pause this prophecy? And why pause? Why not stop completely?” <a data-passage="MD13G2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“From what I know, there’s only two ways to pause it and one way to completely destroy it.” “And that is?” “Have Death come and take you as their vessel, or Sydero kill Lust. To destroy it, well, I think doing whatever the angel’s prophecy includes will probably wipe us out.” “You think they’d go that far?” “Definitely,” he says with a straight face, looking at me over his shoulder before approaching another workout bench, “they have this odd notion that peace on earth means wiping out all things vile and evil. They have a hard time realizing that without war, there’s no peace. Chaos will always reign, no matter how hard you try to fight it.” He chuckles as he picks up the now weighted bar, “or maybe that’s my demonic self-righteous side again.” “Then just tell Syd to kill her dad. I’m sure she won’t have a problem.” “You think so?” I open my mouth to answer but then close it a minute after. I had been confident, but the look he gave me caused me to doubt it. “She … she doesn’t like him.” He silently observes me but does not indicate whether I’m right or wrong. “Just get her to agree to it.” “And then what?” “And then we work to put an end to this prophecy altogether. Lust, Greed, Wrath, and Sloth are all old. Primal. They know only what their purpose is, and that’s it. <a data-passage="MD13G3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I keep hearing that word. What does someone’s purpose have to do with anything?” “We’re all given one. I guess fate gifts us with it, and straying isn’t possible. It’s a binding, it feels like. I didn’t have one when I had human blood still running through me, but the moment I killed my father and took over and took the title of Gluttony, that all changed. Suddenly, things I cared about as a mortal weren’t as important. The difference between them and me is that I was never born with the purpose of wanting to free Pride.” “Fate controls you? Don’t they?” “I don’t think that’s the entire story. I think Fate imbued all immortals with a loyalty to their purpose, and that purpose is the sole thing that drives us. The purpose can change but not until the original one has been resolved.” “So then, what’s your purpose?” “To protect the one person I care about in this whole damn universe.” “And maybe then, we can start to undo the prophecy. Replacing Envy or getting Envy on our side wouldn’t be a hassle. Lust will be taken care of, and Sloth will stay out of the way. Only Greed and Wrath would be an issue, mostly Wrath, but I think we can change the Underworld and keep Pride exactly where they are.” “Sounds like wishful thinking.” “So is your dream of somehow outplaying Death,” he chuckles, “we all have our dreams, now don’t we. Right now, everyone is prepping for the endgame. Everyone is double-checking their strategies, getting their soldiers lined up, and looking over their allies. Something you need, don’t you think?” I snicker, shaking my head as I look around, “you wouldn’t be the first to want me as an ally.” He approaches me, cocking his head as he looks me up and down, “guess you got some thinking to do. Our time is almost up anyway.” “Time?” “Did you forget?” he leans forward and taps my forehead while saying, “you were being choked.” <a data-passage="MD14"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“And if I choose you? What does your prophecy really entail?” “You’ve seen or heard it for yourself. We simply wish to free our brother.” “Yes, Satan, Lucifer. Whatever you wish to call him.” “You are referring to the Christian theology now. There are more readings than just them. Our brother can be found in a thousand different religions, and in each, he represents something different. You speak only one of the names the mortals gave him.” “A demon, trying to persuade me into believing that freeing Satan isn’t the wrong thing to do.” <<include "MD13M1">>

“And if I choose the angels over you and your demons?” “Then that is your prerogative. We will attempt to stop you, and if we fail, that is simply what will happen.” “Do you know anything about their prophecy?” “Only that it contradicts ours.” I sigh. Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy. “You were hoping for more?” “Hoping, yes. Expecting, no.” “If you ask any of them, they’ll give you the same answer. They know nothing about ours, and we know nothing about theirs. At best, both sides believe that the other prophecy seeks to destroy them.” “But that’s not true?” “You’ve seen or heard our prophecy. We simply wish to free our brother.” “Yes, Satan, Lucifer. Whatever you wish to call him.” “You are referring to the Christian theology now. There are more readings than just them. Our brother can be found in a thousand different religions, and in each, he represents something different. You speak only one of the names the mortals gave him.” “A demon, trying to persuade me into believing that freeing Satan isn’t the wrong thing to do.” <a data-passage="MD13M1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“And if I choose neither side?” “Then I suppose you will simply be following in your father’s steps. The cycle will not end. It will just begin again. We will all wait for Death to find and circle his next mark, we will then breed twins, and all that you have witnessed will happen with three new people. This has gone on for so many centuries.” “<<if $serious >=50>>And here you all are, still attempting.<<else>>And yet it’s almost like none of you have learned anything. There’s something to say about dedication.<</if>>” <<include "MD13M1">>

“I’m not here to humor you but to simply tell you that you are a valuable piece, but a piece nevertheless. A piece that will be recycled and replaced. You go against giants, believing yourself on the same playing field. The same mindset as Sydero and her twin brother. All of you think yourselves far greater than the individual pieces you truly are.” “I keep hearing that while everyone simultaneously shows me just how important I am to them. Choose one.” “You know my offer.” <<if $known_library and hasVisited("BS5TellTruth")>>\ “And what about the library? You wanted to know if I saw a book there. Why?” “In time,” he smiles, “something you don’t have right now.” <<else>>\ “I do.” “Then think on it. You can either accept it on your own terms or on ours. Either way, we will fight for this, as you well know. Go and take your time to ponder it. Your time has run up.” <</if>>\ “What do you mean.” “Return and find out.” He shoos me away with his hand, but it’s not simply a motion. <a data-passage="MD14"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“She’s worried about her mom. Otherwise, she’s the same as always. //Our// Sydero.” I stress the word as much as possible, and he doesn’t fail to notice it. He lets out a soft chuckle filled to the brim with a sadness that I don’t understand. “I sometimes wonder if I’ll be able to speak to her one last time before all of this begins and the division grows clearer.” He glances over at me. <<include "MD13L1">>

“No. Find out yourself.” Hurt isn’t the correct word to describe the emotion that appears on his face, and neither is angry. It feels like a mix, a sort of melancholy emotion that settles and refuses to budge as he continues to look over the flowers directly in front of him. “I sometimes wonder if I’ll be able to speak to her one last time before all of this begins and the division grows clearer.” He glances over at me. <<include "MD13L1">>

“Of course, there are ways to negate such things, like Gluttony has done before." He peers over at me but continues on. "We were so close, but then his father, my true brother, allowed himself to grow cocky, and in the end, his own sin was his downfall. His appetite. It is odd when you find yourself calling your nephew, brother at some moments.” I watch as Lust takes a seat on a nearby bench, staring off into the distance. “In the end, that placed a pause on all of our prophecies. One twin would not be enough, and we would have to rely on the next cycle. Centuries later.” “Why are you telling me this?” He doesn’t answer and shows no sign of wishing to. “Your time is drawing to a close, and I haven’t even pitched my ultimatum.” He lazily waves his hand in the air, “join us or suffer the consequences.” [[“Very scary.”|MD13LVeryScary]] [[“What happened to you?”|MD13LWhatHappened]]

“Yes, very scary. I almost felt threatened just then.” “Regardless, you should really think about it. We will attempt to get what we want with or without your cooperation. The former is simply far easier on all parties involved.” <<include "MD14">>

I hardly even hear his words as I find myself studying him. He looks exactly the same, but this was not the same demon I met when I first came to Hell. “What happened to you?” “Perhaps I’ll tell you when I find out as well. Your time is up. Give the demon a swift death. They are only acting on my orders.” I’m about to question him when he snaps his fingers. <<include "MD14">>

I gasp and find the demon from before still over me, their knee adding the same amount of pressure as before and causing the breath I had just released to have been critical to remaining conscious. I work out plans, but before I can do any of them, I find air once again filling my lungs, and the pressure against my neck now gone. <<if $RRomance >=10>>I hear the sound of something burning, followed closely by a metallic stench that seems to vanish a moment later. Sitting up, I’m helped by a hand yanking me to my feet and into open arms. I chuckle to myself. There’s no way to misidentify who this is. His smell, presence, the way he holds me, all of it is grounding, and for a moment, I fail to remember that we’re practically on a battlefield.<<elseif $SRomance >=10>>I hear the sound of something burning, followed closely by a metallic stench that seems to vanish a moment later. I sit up and find myself staring into the unamused eyes of Sydero.<<elseif $ZRomance >=10>>I hear someone screaming and what I can only describe as a hissing sound, though that doesn’t feel like the right word to represent it. The screaming stops around the same time that I fully gather myself. By then, Zillah now stands in front of me, his tendrils retreating back into his back as he helps me to my feet.<<else>>In between the screams, I can make out the sounds of growling and instantly realize that Amari has come to my aid. I expect her dog form, but when I regain enough strength to move and look, I find her still in her bipedal one. I watch as she practically tears the demon’s body apart, savagely digging into flesh until even the demon is forced to leave the withering heap that was once a person. <<if $blood_fear>> I’m forced to look away when she drops the body, the bile that wishes to arise in my throat being forced down by sheer willpower.<</if>><</if>> <<if $RRomance >=10>>\ “Why must you be so stupid?” Rahim growls, pulling back to look me over, “I had that.” “It looked like you could’ve used some help. A bolt in the back isn’t really fair.” “Stop putting yourself in the middle of my problems. You’re not a shield.” [[“I am yours.”|MD14ImYours]] [[“Then let me.”|MD14ThenLetMe]] <<elseif $SRomance >=10>>\ I gasp and find the demon from before still over top me, their knee adding the same amount of pressure as before and causing the breath I had just released to have been critical to remaining conscious. I work out plans but before I can do any of them I find air once again filling my lungs and the pressure against my neck now gone. I hear the sound of something burning, followed closely by a metallic stench that seems to vanish a moment later. I sit up and find myself staring into the unamused eyes of Sydero. “Syd, we need to talk.” “Right now I need you on your feet.” She holds out her hand and I take it, finding myself yanked to my feet as she rudely snaps in my face. I’m not sure what she’s doing until she’s waving her hands back and forth. “How many fingers am I holding up?” I swat her hand away and grimace, “I’m not blind.” “You sure? Because I could’ve sworn last time I checked there are wings protruding from my back, meaning I’m demonic. Meaning I can take care of whatever the hell is thrown at me.” “That’s a lot of meanings.” “Meaning you’re a dumbass,” she shouts, hitting me upside the head lightly. “Aww,” I chuckle, rubbing the area, “were you worried something happened to the dumbass?” “Ever since you were taken to Purgatory I’ve been worried about //my// dumbass.” I pause, stealing a glance and noticing that her eyes are much softer than before. I open my mouth but she stops me with a light snort, “yea, you’re right. We do need to talk. But let’s finish this up, come on.” <a data-passage="MD15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $ZRomance >=10>>\ <<if $romance is "zillah">>\ “Are you okay?” he nods to the now-dead demon. “Yea ... yea, I think I am.” “Great. Because I think I’m going to kill you myself. Don’t. Ever. Do that again.” “It was either -” “No,” he growls, his eyes widening in fear. He takes a deep breath in and shakes his head, “no. I just got you $name. We just figured everything out. If you go somewhere I can’t, then there’s nothing left for me here.” He glances off, seeming to be thinking about something as I slowly touch his chin, returning his attention to me. “I’m sorry. But I’m fine. I don’t regret saving you.” “Just because you’re stronger than me doesn’t mean shit,” he snorts, leaning in to kiss me. I’m getting used to his kisses and even find myself curious about learning how different they can be. <a data-passage="MD15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $zr_upset>>\ “Are you -” he starts, but I quickly put space between us. “Don’t!” I warn, despising that feeling in the pit of my stomach that comes each time I’m close to Zillah. “I’m just trying to check that you’re okay.” “No. Okay, no. Because whenever you’re close, part of me wants to just pummel you into the ground, but another part ... another part ...” I feel like I deflate, sighing sadly as my shoulders slouch and any adrenaline I felt rushes out. “Another part just wants to be selfish and forget all that you told me. How can I forgive you? How can I just get over any of the shit you said to me? This will never be the same, and I hate knowing that while I’m stuck here feeling this, you only care because it became inconvenient for you.” “If you think I don’t regret all that I did, then you’re kidding yourself, $name,” Zillah assures me, turning to me fully, “if I could go back and redo everything I put you through, I’d do so immediately. Even more, I’d wish I never met you, so there’s no chance I could hurt you. But I can’t go back and redo it. I can plead and beg you to forgive me; I’d drop down on one knee right now if I knew it would work. But that still won’t change what I did.” He snorts, “you think falling for you was part of my plan and was easy? I spent countless nights awake trying to apply logic and figure out how to stop feeling these fucking feelings. And I failed. So either use me as an example and don’t fail or ...” he shakes his head, “I don’t know. I don’t.” He walks ahead of me and though I plan to follow, I take my time. <a data-passage="MD15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “Are you okay?” he nods to the now-dead demon. “Yea ... yea, I think I am.” “Great. Because I think I’m going to kill you myself. Don’t. Ever. Do that again.” “It was either -” “No,” he growls, his eyes widening in fear. He takes a deep breath in and shakes his head, “no. I know we haven’t figured anything out. You’re still thinking, and I don’t care what you come to. Don’t do that again. Even if nothing changes and you decide to move on. I still had these feelings, and they won’t just disappear. So don’t put your life on the line like that.” He stands and begins to move. “Zillah.” He stops and turns back towards me. “How do I ...” I take a deep breath in. This is probably the wrong time and place to ask, but there is still an answer to give, a decision to make. “How do I know if choosing you is the smart thing?” “I told you the truth.” “No, I know. Or at least I know that if I can’t trust you, there’s no reason to agree to a relationship. I just ... I feel like if I accept this and we make it official, then maybe I’m just willingly falling for another ploy. You can at least understand my hesitation there, right? It almost feels like it comes down to me or Death.” He returns to my side and sighs, “that’s because, in a way, it does. Which one is stronger, my adoration for you or my fear of Death. Trust me, it’s one of the reasons I kept trying to push you away. Us going our separate ways would be much easier. I don’t know what you want me to say, $name. I choose you. But if that’s not enough, I won’t blame you.” I can do nothing but nod. It feels good to at least get that part off my chest as it is the main thing stopping me from giving an answer. The fear that maybe he’s gotten so good at reading me that this is just another intricate plan to bring me to Death. I still need to think. Still need to come to terms with whether or not I risk it or play it safe. But at least I have time. <a data-passage="MD15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “A bit much, but thanks Amari,” I say. It’s not my words that grab her attention but my movement, she whips around to face me, and the wild look she had when she was tearing into the demon still resides in her eyes. “Amari?” I manage to say right as she charges towards me, her speed far too fast for my eye to catch, and I find myself on my back, her nails digging into my shoulder as she hisses. “No!” I shout, trying to flip us, but her strength is leagues greater than mine. I summon a small burst of power and target it at her chest, but it only causes her a moment of doubt. If anything, it seems to have just made her angrier. Her exposed fangs and canines are coated in the blood of her previous prey, and her breath reeks of a metallic tang. “Amari, please. Stop. It’s me, $name! Amari!” My last few words bring a hush over us, and I watch as her eyes dilate, growing from a thin slit to a rounded pupil. “$name?” she questions, gazing at me and then at what surrounds her. She shrieks, shooting backward and falling into the mess she had created earlier. <<if $blood_fear>>Both of us look ready to puke, but neither of us does so.<</if>> Her eyes begin to water as she looks at the mess of a human, and she chokes back a sob. “I … I didn’t do that, did I?” I remain silent, my heart still thundering loud in my chest as I try to get the previous sight of her out of my mind. And it is that silence that answers all of her questions. “No, no, no,” she cries, wrapping her arms around herself. Every second she realizes what she has almost done sees her growing silent. [[“Amari, it’s okay.”|MD14AItsOkay][$amarishift to true]] [[“Are you okay?”|MD14AYouOkay][$amarishift to true]] [[“Um … you … um.”|MD14UmYouYeaaaaa][$amarishift to true]] <</if>>\

“Amari, it’s okay. Hey, look at me. It’s okay. I’m okay. You snapped out of it.” “I almost -” She chokes on the words and vigorously shakes her head. “It happened.” “Amari. Listen to my voice. Nothing happened.” “No,” she shouts, staggering to her feet and pointing to the mess I no longer wish to glance at, “//it// happened. It happened! I knew it would happen.” I rise too, but she hisses, and I stagger backward, far too cautious and unaware of who I’m speaking to. The sudden look of fear that enters my eye causes her to calm down but it seems like my actions have pained her just as much. <<include "MD14AR">>

“Are you okay?” “No!” she shouts at me, the anger causing me to stagger back but more so because I’ve never heard Amari scream in such a tone. “I did it!” she continues and points to the mangled corpse, “it happened, and I kept saying it wouldn’t happen again. But it did. It happened!” “Amari, take a breath -” I say slowly, getting to my feet and trying to approach her, but she hisses and then gulps, realizing what may have just happened. <<include "MD14AR">>

“Um,” I start, beginning to reach for my neck for some reason but then catching myself. I awkwardly lower my hand and gulp, trying to relax when I see her eyes staring at my throat, and I feel all the tension reenter my body. “You, um … Amari, I.” “No, I. I didn’t … I …” she continues to stumble over her words. Every thought she has, she finds herself tripping over and growing frustrated enough to get to her feet and begin to pace. “It just. I mean to say.” I rise too, but she hisses, and I stagger backward, far too cautious and unaware of who I’m speaking to. The sudden look of fear that enters my eye causes her to calm down but seems to have answered every question running through her mind. <<include "MD14AR">>

<<if $poly >=2>>\ “Hey,” I hear Sydero shout, and a moment later, she runs into the small clearing. Her actions slow as she takes in the scene, glancing from me to Amari. “Amari?” she questions. “No!” Amari shouts and puts a large enough distance between the two of them, “you smell like them!” Amari darts from the scene leaving only Syd and me. “Shit,” she says, coming to my side and helping me to my feet. “Yea. I don’t recommend being on the receiving end.” I still feel on edge, but my mind goes to Amari and how well she’s holding up. “I should talk to her.” “Yea, later. Right now, you have to let her breathe. Come back down to her normal self.” “You didn’t see her initial expression. She looked horrified.” “She almost ripped you apart. I would be way more worried if she was taking this well.” She has a point, I suppose. “Come on,” Syd tells me, grabbing and pulling me after her, squeezing my hand in a supportive manner that I’m not used to, “we’ll catch up with her later. For now, let’s finish what we came here to do.” <<else>>\ “Amari, I need you to listen to me,” I start to say, but she has already turned and fled into the trees. Part of me screams to run after her, but I know she needs time. Being in this clearing probably is messing with her senses, and the last thing I want to do is corner her when she’s like this. But the idea of leaving her alone makes me feel like crap, and it takes everything within me to go the other way. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="MD15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Whether you like it or not, or even accept it,” I tell him, resting my hand on his jaw and feeling those familiar feelings and wants tug at me, “I am yours.” <<include "MD14RR">>

“Then let me,” I shout, not realizing the amount of emotion that comes tumbling out. Rahim seems less than surprised though and simply continues to stare at me. I release a long sigh and shake my head as I take a step back, “just let me. Especially if I choose to do it.” “If you think I would ever want you to, even if things were much simpler, then you’re wrong.” “That’s the thing you keep forgetting Rahim, this isn’t just about you and your choices. It’s mine too.” <<include "MD14RR">>

He closes his eyes and takes an unsteady breath. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine,” I tell him, straightening up and rubbing at my sore neck. “I can heal it,” he tells me but I shake my head, “save your energy.” He grabs my hand and yanks me the few feet towards him before resting his free hand on my neck. I feel a warmth spread and then cool and when I touch my neck again, the soreness has vanished. “You’re worth my energy.” He turns and motions for me to follow, “come on. This assault is nearly done.” <a data-passage="MD15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $amarishift>>\ <<if $poly <2>>I<<else>>We<</if>> rejoin the others and find that most of the demons have already been taken care of. Smoky wisps rise from the ground, while some grassy patches have golden sparks flickering before sputtering to death. The angels stand to the side as if waiting for someone to approach them and hand them a medal for whatever they think they did. <<else>>\ Rejoining the others, I find that most of the demons have already been taken care of. Smoky wisps rise from the ground, while some grassy patches have golden sparks flickering before sputtering to death. The angels stand to the side as if waiting for someone to approach them and hand them a medal for whatever they think they did. A quick look around finds that one person is missing - Amari. I make a mental note to ask someone where she may be before joining the others. <</if>>\ I head towards the house, joined by Zillah <<if $vihaan>>and Vihaan<</if>>as we stand to the side awaiting the reunion. The cabin is sparse, causing me to hardly believe that they could house a person here. It reminds me of one of Sydero’s old and abandoned safe houses. A lack of furniture and an abundance of cobwebs. Rahim stands near an open hatch that leads down into a cellar or basement. Darkness is all I can see. Finally, two figures appear, Sydero slowly guiding out a woman who stares off into the distance blankly. Suddenly, I see the family resemblance. Both siblings have their mother’s stark, raven hair, but only Sydero seems to have gotten the curl patterns that her mother has. Her skin tone resembles a mix of the two, not as tan as Sydero's nor as light as Rahim’s beige skin. And lastly, I notice her eyes, dark brown and dead. So dead, in fact, that it causes me to look away as I fight off a shiver. “Mom,” Rahim says as he moves forward, but Sydero warns him off. “She’s out of it. She doesn’t know who anyone -” <a data-passage="MD16"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Rahim?” their mother questions, moving away from Sydero’s aiding grip and falling into her son’s awaiting arms. “Rahim?” “I’m here, ummi, I’m here.” He clings to her as she continues to repeat his name as if not hearing him. My eyes move to Sydero who looks on. She attempts to appear neutral, but the tenseness in her body gives her away. “We should get her someplace safe,” Syd mumbles, walking past us and out of the building. We follow behind her, faced with the gloating expressions of the angels. “And there goes the loving reunion,” Adoel points out, making sure to stress the word reunion for the benefit of Sydero, I’m sure. “Do remember who allowed you to have this moment?” <<if $curse_greed or $curse_lust>>I’m reminded of <<if $curse_greed>>Greed’s<<else>>Lust’s<</if>> words. According to them, that thanks should fall into their lap.<<else>>No one seems to care much, and we all remain quiet though Adoel doesn’t seem to mind this either.<</if>> Their gaze shifts to me, “and maybe next time, you’ll remember to stick with the plan.” [[“You’re right, I’m sorry.”|MD16RoeSorry][$angel +=1]] [[“You need me, I don’t need you.”|MD16AngelNoNeed]]

“You’re right, Adoel. And I’m sorry.” They lean in with a satisfied smile, “I advise you not to make enemies out of potential allies. Especially when you’re still fairly new to all of this.” They walk off, and only my eyes follow their movement as Zillah walks up to my side. <<include "MD17">>

“Let’s remember, Adoel, for what reason I don’t know, but you need //my// help. I don’t need yours.” They lean in with a satisfied smile, “you don’t know what you need. And until you do realize that, I advise you not to make enemies out of potential allies.” They walk off, and only my eyes follow their movement as Zillah walks up to my side. <<include "MD17">>

“They are right about one thing,” he smirks, “you are far out of your depth, and yet, you act like you’re swimming when you’re drowning.” “Yes,” I nod, “almost as if there’s a specific shade I can thank for that.” “You keep using that when you already know I couldn’t have given you any information.” “Because if you did, I would’ve died, yea. Doesn’t change the fact that you all like to point out how in the dark I am when none of you are keen on helping me find light. So either shut up about it or actually be proactive for once.” It’s my turn to walk away, and I wonder if Adoel felt my eyes on their back like I feel Zillah’s on mine. <<if $amarishift is false and $vihaan>>\ I head over to the side where Amari stands with Vihaan. “The two of you seem to be getting on well.” “It’s a talking $dreamanimal!” Amari shouts, exaggerating each word by motioning to the calm Vihaan. “And you’re dead, right?” Vihaan nods, sending Amari in yet another fit. “Why do you get all the cool things?” “I wouldn’t really say meeting your father and being told he’s going to kill you for your body is cool.” “Well, duh,” she laughs, “I’m talking about your $scythe. You didn’t see how cool you looked, but I did. I want a weapon that magically appears when I call it.” “Yes, about that,” Vihaan <<if $dreamanimal is "raven" or $dreamanimal is "vulture">>chirps up<<else>>pipes up<</if>>, “did Chanara or Death teach you how to do such a thing?” “No.” “Zillah?” “No. I just thought about how much I could use a weapon, and it appeared.” Vihaan isn’t the most expressive animal, but I feel he’s frowning, though he says nothing more about whatever his thoughts are on my newfound ability. “$name,” he finally says, <<if $dreamanimal is "raven" or $dreamanimal is "vulture">>ruffling his feathers before settling back down<<elseif $dreamanimal is "coyote">>standing and shaking themselves before gazing at me<<else>>performing a long stretch before gazing at me<</if>>, “do be careful and far more vigilant. These things are not always what they seem.” I nod. My attention shifts to Amari, primarily because she stares at Vihaan. Noticing my look, she shakes her head, “so cool.” <<elseif $amarishift and $vihaan>>\ I walk over to where Vihaan resides, watching everything unfold from a healthy distance. “$name, I am glad to see you unharmed but I must ask. Did Chanara or Death teach you how to do such a thing?” “No.” “Zillah?” “No. I just thought about how much I could use a weapon, and it appeared.” Vihaan isn’t the most expressive animal, but I feel he’s frowning, though he says nothing more about whatever his thoughts are on my newfound ability. “$name,” he finally says, <<if $dreamanimal is "raven" or $dreamanimal is "vulture">>ruffling his feathers before settling back down<<elseif $dreamanimal is "coyote">>standing and shaking themselves before gazing at me<<else>>performing a long stretch before gazing at me<</if>>, “do be careful and far more vigilant. These things are not always what they seem.” I nod. <<elseif $amarishift and $vihaan is false>>\ I walk to the edge of where the group stands and look for Amari, finding her nowhere. “Did Amari leave?” I ask anyone who can answer. Sydero and Rahim are still tending to their mother and so only Zillah can aid me. “Zillah,” I call out to him, though he’s the last person I wish to ask anything to, “do you know where Amari is?” “Last I saw her, she was standing off from everyone,” he glances around, “is she okay?” “She kind of went savage and is probably beating herself up.” “About time,” he mumbles but clears his throat when I throw him a look, “all I mean is that she’s been far too careful. When’s the last time she’s even had blood?” “Doesn’t she have blood every day?” “That crap she puts in the blender?” he questions, “there’s a difference between frozen blood drained from some beef and having it right there in front of you.” “This doesn’t matter,” I growl, waving his words away, “I need to find her.” “When the little wolf wants to talk, I’m sure she’ll appear.” He’s right. Of course, he’s right. But I really, really hated it. <<else>>\ I head over to the side where Amari stands alone. As soon as she sees me, her eyes go wide, and she practically looks like she’s about to hop out of her shoes. “You have to show me the weapon summoning thing.” “I’m not sure if I can do it again,” I tell her, scratching the back of my neck as I gaze down at my hand, “I kind of just really needed a weapon, and it appeared.” She deflates but perks up a moment later. “Well, it was cool nevertheless and probably really helpful.” “I’ll tell you once I manage to learn how to control it. I have a feeling that I’ll call upon it, and it won’t appear since I have no idea what I’m doing.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="MD18"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if hasVisited("MD14AR")>>It’s only when we’re all ready to go that Amari shows herself. She goes to Zillah’s side and then we all teleport. Once back at the house, I immediately look for her but find her nowhere to be seen. Vampire speed is starting to tick me off, I can’t even remember when Amari used that ability. Seeing that I won’t be able to talk to her right now, I decide to simply go inside and take a long shower. A very long shower.<<else>> Once we have all gathered, we teleport back to the house. The mere sight of the house makes me want to go straight to my room and crash on the bed, letting today’s events wash away from me. While Rahim and Sydero help their mother inside, I go to the bathroom and take a long shower. By the time I finish, the sun has finally disappeared from the sky, a sight that I’m happy to see.<</if>> <<if $bf_syd >=1 or $SRomance >=10>>\ “$name,” I stop and turn to see Sydero approaching me, her eyes looking from me to the ground and then back, obviously telling me that whatever she wished to talk about made her uncomfortable. A sight that I’m not really familiar with. “Can I ask you for a favor?” “Of course.” “I,” she glances away again. “I’m about to go talk to my mom. Come with me?” [[“You haven’t already?”|MD18S.Havent]] <<if $SRomance >=10>>\ [[“Time to meet the last parent?”|MD18S.LastParent]] <</if>>\ [[“Yea. Of course.”|MD18S.Yea]] [[Nod.|MD18S.Nod]] <<else>>\ <<if $RRomance <5>>[[Check on Rahim.|MD18Rahim1][$bf_rahim +=1]]<</if>> <<if $SRomance <5>>[[Check on Sydero.|MD18Sydero1][$bf_sydero +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("MD14AR")>>\ [[Check on Amari.|MD18AmariCheck]] <</if>>\ <<if $vihaan>>[[Head straight to my room.|MD18Room]]<<else>>[[Head straight to my room.|MD19]]<</if>> <</if>>\

“You haven’t spoken to her yet?” “Rahim’s been by her side this entire time.” “And I’m guessing you wanted some one-on-one time?” She deflates. “No, but I’d rather you be the one by my side for this.” I’d feel honored if the entire situation didn’t seem so depressing. Keeping any other thoughts to myself, I follow her. <<include "MD18.S1">>

“Ah,” I chuckle, “is this the moment I meet the last parent? Any last-minute advice to make a good impression?” “I’ll tell you when I figure it out.” The frown that hasn’t left her face causes me to stiffen. With nothing else to say, I follow behind her. <<include "MD18.S1">>

“Yea, of course,” I tell her as I join her side. She gives me a thankful nod and we head off. <<include "MD18.S1">>

At first, I’m taken aback, but I nod regardless, understanding what this means to her. <<include "MD18.S1">>

The two of us walk to the room her mother now occupies, and as Syd opens the door, we find Maurine with her back to us, gazing out the window. She turns to see who has entered, and though she looks Sydero over, she says nothing. “Hello to you too,” Syd huffs, frowning to mask the hurt that’s so evident in her eye. “What are you doing here?” “It’s a crime to come and check on you?” Maurine doesn’t answer. “So you really don’t have anything to say to me? Nothing at all after all this time?” “Aren’t you supposed to be in Hell?” Syd stiffens, “I’m not supposed to //be// anywhere. Least of all the //Underworld//.” I take note of how she stresses the word, frowning but taking note to ask her about it later. Maurine lazily gazes over her shoulder at us. “You are a demon, aren’t you?” “I’m your daughter!” Syd’s tone makes me stiffen, seeing just how bothered and hurt this all causes her to feel. There’s a weakness that cares nothing about showing itself, that wishes only to provoke a motherly response from the woman. <a data-passage="MD18.S2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“When it’s convenient for you,” her mother replies, “when you’re done playing with your father and wish to add someone new to your games.” Syd steps forward, “I never did that to you or Rahim. Every time I returned, I only wanted to be accepted and loved.” “Loved,” her mom chuckles, “imagine that. A demon wanting to be loved.” “I have human in me too. Your blood if you care to remember.” “And you abandon it every moment you possibly can. You dress up and play like a monster but then want to be treated like my child? Only to get mad when I treat you like the monster you are.” “The monster you made!” Syd screams, gulping as if realizing what she did and said. Her mother hums, “As old as you are, you still fail to take responsibility for your actions.” Syd looks from me and then back to her mom, leaving the room and mumbling as she goes, “this was such a mistake.” I leave to go as well, but Maurine speaks up, “be careful.” She holds up her hand for me to see. “She’ll burn you one day.” Before I can question what she means, the glamour that covers her skin disappears, and I’m met with that of a charred woman. I’m reminded of what Raum looks like, the burn mark resting alongside his face; only Maurine is covered in it. “Angels can only cure so much,” she tells me, the magic slowly hiding away the truth again. [[“I trust Syd.”|MD18S2.Trust]] [[“I see.”|MD18S2.ISee]] [[Just go.MD18S2.JustGo]]

“You’ll probably say it’s idiotic, and I don’t really care, but I trust Syd. I trust Syd with my life, actually, and I don’t say that lightly. You can believe and hold on to whatever notion you want to, but you don’t know her, and from what I just saw, you don’t care to know her. So keep your warnings.” If she wants to continue the conversation, I don’t give her the chance as I open the door and leave, running straight into Syd. I have barely registered that it’s her in front of me when she throws her arms around me and yanks me into a hug. Before I can hug her back, she draws away. “Don’t get used to those. At all.” Her shoulders relax, and for a moment, I think she may cry. “Thank you.” <<include "MD18.S3">>

“I ... see.” The words leave my mouth slowly as if struggling to leave. I’m unsure if I can rest that fault on my inability to fully process what happened or if Maurine’s words have something to do with it. I have known Syd for too long and have put myself in jeopardy half of those times. I frown. Syd is dangerous. She loses control, and her moral compass is sometimes nonexistent. But harming me is not something I easily see her doing. A piece of me wishes to point this out, but a quick replay of what she said earlier lets me know that nothing will change her mind. There is no bond here to mend. I open the door and leave, gazing around and spotting Sydero further down the hall. I approach, sighing heavily and sitting with her quietly. “Thank you,” she finally says. <<include "MD18.S3">>

There is a pause in my exit, primarily due to me replaying Maurine's words over and over. Not just her warning but also everything she said about Syd. I know where my faith lies and who it lies in. I can't speak for who Sydero used to be, but I know who she is now, and though she is nowhere close to perfect, the thing is that she doesn't claim to be. I trust her and see no need to persuade someone else of that fact. I open the door and leave, gazing around and spotting Sydero further down the hall. I approach, sighing heavily and sitting with her quietly. “Thank you,” she finally says. <<include "MD18.S3">>

“It’s fine, Syd. Really.” <<if $SRomance >=10>>\ “Is it?” she asks, a disgusted smirk appearing. “I can't stop running, it seems.” She slides down the wall, leaning her head on it as she tilts her head back and closed eyes view the ceiling. I get comfortable as well. “Care to elaborate?” <a data-passage="MD18.SR1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “Is it?” she asks, squeezing her eyes shut before shaking her head. “Who cares, though. Don’t bring this up.” She turns and walks away, but I smile, shouting after her, “always, Syd.” With that finished, I head to my room. I’m not sleepy, just mentally exhausted. So, I close my eyes and choose to meditate. <a data-passage="MD19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

She doesn’t immediately do so, but I’m not surprised. She’s never been the type for deep talks. She seems to always need to gain momentum before speaking about whatever is on her mind. “I sometimes dream about when Rahim and I were just kids. When we didn’t hate each other, and the world didn’t revolve around us one-upping the other.” She sits on the edge of the bed, studying nothing in particular, “I … miss that?” She bursts out laughing, one that causes me to shift in discomfort at how heartbroken it genuinely sounds. And yet, it is only the sound that shows such emotion as her face shows enmity towards the subject. When she calms, her gaze on the spot is distant, a dozen emotions appearing and disappearing as time passes. She growls, rotating her neck as if the thought is nothing more than a lousy crick she can somehow rid herself of. “Sometimes I wish I could just burn the idea of feelings away. It would make things so much easier.” [[“Sounds like you’re running still.”|MD18.SRRunningStill]] [[“You really gotta stop with the burning.”|MD18.SRStopBurning]] [[“Does that actually help?”|MD18.SRActuallyHelp]]

“Hmm, sounds like you’re running still.” “Oh, you’re adorable,” she smirks, flicking my nose, “using my words against me.” “Just being that helpful friend.” She raises an eyebrow but says nothing more. I don’t mind the silence but I would much rather try and end this day on something far more light. <<include "MD18.SR2">>

“You know, I’m beginning to think you have an arsonist problem.” My smile is faint, wondering if such words have been spoken too soon after what Maurine has shown me. “Not a problem if you have no intentions of fixing it.” “No. I think it still classifies itself as a problem.” She shrugs, saying nothing more on the matter. I don’t mind it, in fact, I would much rather change the topic altogether. <<include "MD18.SR2">>

“Alright, I gotta ask. Does that really help you, or do you just like seeing things burn?” She pauses and takes time to think my words over. “I don’t know. Honestly, it just seems to naturally happen, and I’ve accepted it as a sign.” “What do you mean?” “First thing I ever burned down was my old home … with my mother still in it.” I pay close attention to how she says it; there’s an edge of remorse, but even more, I hear acceptance. “After that, it just became a thing. Burn the things I want to move on from and forget about them.” She chuckles, “I should probably try dousing Rahim next.” I choose not to reply, primarily because her face seems to contort into an unreadable expression, and I don’t wish to push the conversation. In fact, I would much rather change the topic altogether. <<include "MD18.SR2">>

“So, about me being //your// dumbass.” She stretches before shifting in her spot so that she is turned towards me, resting her leg on top of mine. Thankfully, I don’t hear anyone nearby to disrupt our conversation. “What about it, Roe?” “Well … you’re, um … mine too.” I try and fail to control how my cheeks rise and warm at the words. I should have rehearsed this better. “You can’t blush like that and not scream for me,” she practically purrs, and I almost want to move forward to shove her but realize she’ll see the move coming long before I finish half the journey. “I’m serious.” “I know,” she grumbles, moving her legs away from me. “It dulls conversation with you.” “Syd.” She huffs, “yes, I meant what I said when I said it, Roe. If that is what you’re begging for me to say.” She looks at her nails. “It doesn’t really matter what I want if you don’t sign off on the commitment, though.” “Sign off on the ... Wait, are you asking me what I think you’re asking me?” “Not at all,” she sighs, “you’re hallucinating. Yes, Roe. Do you want to be a one-cambion ?man?” “Only you can make something like this sound more like a business deal.” She shrugs with a genuine smile. “I don’t care for labels and correctness. If you agree, and I agree, that’s all there is to it.” [[“About time.” This will lock you into a romance with Sydero.|MS18.SRAboutTime][$romance to "sydero"; $ZRomance to 0; $CRomance to 0; $ARomance to 0; $NRomance to 0; $RRomance to 0]] [[“I sign off then, Ms. Theron.” This will lock you into a romance with Sydero.|MS18.SRSignOff][$romance to "sydero"; $ZRomance to 0; $CRomance to 0; $ARomance to 0; $NRomance to 0; $RRomance to 0]] <<if $poly >=2>>\[[“And what about Amari?” If you wish for a poly relationship, you must choose this.|MS18.SRPolyRoute][$poly +=1]]<</if>>\ [[“I don’t think so.” This will end the romance path with Sydero.|MS18.SRNo][$SRomance to 0; $dump_s = true]]

“That’s all well and good, but what about Amari?” “Oh, so you’ve been thinking about that too?” “It’s obvious now that the three of us are interested in each other. I guess neither of us has said anything about it yet.” Syd nods. “You already know I’m game. I’m not as close to her as I am to you, but I don’t doubt that more time together will fix that. And she is sexy, so sexual attractiveness will never be an issue.” “I doubt now is a good time to bring it up, though, not with her going ...” “Feral?” “I was looking for a better word. But yes. Any advice?” “Give her time. I’m pretty sure I know what she’s going through, but how she’s going about it, I can’t say I agree with.” I nod, partially understanding what she’s talking about but still being reasonably concerned with the vaewolf. But Syd is right about giving her time. Time seems to always be the answer, yet hardly ever the solution. “But the two of us,” I start, letting the last word drag as I wait for Sydero to pick the sentence up. She snorts, “I’m not repeating it. It’s obvious.” I don’t need her to repeat anything. I smile and nod, part of me in disbelief but the other part always knowing that this would come to pass, no matter how slow. With that finished, I head to my room. I’m not sleepy, just mentally exhausted. So, I close my eyes and choose to meditate. <a data-passage="MD19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“About time,” I say almost instantly, wrapping my arms around her. “I’m going to allow this, but seriously, do not. Get used. To this.” I pull back to look at her face, and her frown deepens. <<include "MS18.SR3">>

“Then I sign off on this agreement of commitment,” I say, hopefully doing a good job of sounding pretentious. “Should we write up a contract?” “No need. When you enter a binding agreement like this with a cambion you either do it or I take your soul.” “You’re kidding of course.” “You hope,” she sneers, the expression soon shifting to a frown. <<include "MS18.SR3">>

I sigh, it’s never easy to do these things but I was no longer as interested as I was before. And perhaps she’s right. Maybe it’s best that we don’t go any further to save a relationship that has already been established. “No need,” she says before I can even begin to put my thoughts and feelings into words. She stretches and gets up, smirking as she glances down at me. “Empath, remember?” “Comes in handy.” “It sure does,” she chuckles. I try to see if I can hear even the slightest bit of disappointment but her mannerisms are the same as always. “Nothing has changed. You don’t have to worry about me giving you some forlorn look from afar.” “Getting ready for a poetry jam?” “Shut up,” Sydero laughs. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Roe.” “Good night,” I say after her, watching her walk off before moving myself. With that finished, I head to my room. I’m not sleepy, just mentally exhausted. So, I close my eyes and choose to meditate. <a data-passage="MD19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Huh, I’ve never been in a commitment like this before.” She moves away from my hold and stands up. “What am I supposed to do with you? Tuck you into bed? Feed you twice a day? Do you need daily walks?” “I’m your partner, not a dog.” She smirks, opening her mouth to say something, when I choose to use my energy abilities on her. She barks out a laugh as she’s pushed forward just enough to get the point. Yet again, the frown makes an appearance, and I begin to think that’s the theme for the day. “I know it’s a bit late to ask this, but … with everything I said before about not being what you want or need. Are you sure? About any of this?” [[“I’m still here.”|MS18SR.StillHere]] [[“You’re aromantic.”|MS18SR.Aromantic]] [[“Where did cocky Sydero just go?”|MS18SR.CockySyd]]

“I’m still here, aren’t I?” She shrugs, “I don’t know about you, but I’d be pretty scared of pissing off a cambion.” “You seem to forget I’m literally the only reaper-hybrid to ever exist.” “No,” she snorts, “I don’t forget. It’s just hard to look at you and see anything but the wide-eyed ‘I thought I was human’ ?man I first met.” “That … wasn’t long ago, huh.” “You’ll get used to it. Supernaturals work at a breakneck speed since no one sleeps, and half don’t really have emotions. They work off instincts, and instincts say go.” She moves, “which may mean you’ll find yourself coming to your senses about me quicker than you think.” “Can you stop being such a cynic. I’m here for the long haul.” <<include "MS18.SR4">>

“You’re aromantic, not broken.” “What did you just call me?” I swallow my chuckle and begin to explain, “aromantic. It’s like asexual but dealing with romance. You don’t feel romantic attraction. It’s not new or bad or anything that you think.” “I still don’t understand,” she frowns, “that’s actually a thing?” “There’s a word for a lot of things. I can’t describe it to you mostly because everyone feels it differently. Some people are okay with certain things, others aren’t. Some people who fall under it still like romance and everything that comes with it; they just don’t focus on it. Others can’t stand it and are actually put off by it. I just know that there’s nothing wrong with being it. It happens.” “And you’re fine with that? You’re fine that I see you as some intimate friend at most?” “Wouldn’t have agreed if I wasn’t.” <<include "MS18.SR4">>

“Where did cocky Sydero just go? She was just here.” “Cocky Sydero is around when she’s confident about things, which is about everything,” she chuckles, “but not this. I’ve never done this.” “Never cared about anyone enough?” She shrugs, “I told you, everyone is a number to me. A mark to chuckle about when I’m alone. I don’t care for names, personalities, or any of that shit. You feed me, and I give you the best sex of your life.” She frowns, “you’re the first to mean more than just some digits. So, yea. I know I’ll fuck this up and maybe you’re just a glutton for punishment.” “I’m not. And even if I am, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. I’m here for you, Syd.” <<include "MS18.SR4">>

Her eyes narrow in disbelief, “you’re just saying that to make me feel better. Be honest with yourself, Roe.” It’s my time to take her chin in my hand and guide her eyes back to me. “Aren’t you tired of running?” “No,” she snorts, seeming to not know where to place her gaze. She’ll look at me and then away, attempting to be brave. “But we’ll see. A week or so ago, I didn’t think we’d be having this conversation. A month ago, I had doubts about seeing you again. And a year ago, I didn’t even know you. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.” “Us running from an angel, demon, or some other kind of being and wondering when we’ll catch a break.” “Likely,” she answers, and we both share a laugh. For a time, we simply sit in each other’s company. I’m not sure what she’s thinking, but my mind whirls around how natural it feels, including now being able to say that the two of us are together. It doesn’t feel like some momentous occasion that should be screamed at the top of my lungs or even something to constantly remind her about. It simply is. As if I could easily say that we had been this the other day or the day before that. I snort to myself. Natural. The two of us remain that way for a short time before I help her to her feet, bidding her goodnight. I almost invite her to my room, but the events that led up to this talk eat away at me. I’m not sure how she feels about all of it. Sydero is still Sydero, and though I believe I am the closest person to her, I doubt she’s comfortable telling me everything she feels. If she wishes to talk, she knows where I’ll be. I head to my room. I’m not sleepy, just mentally exhausted. So, I close my eyes and choose to meditate. <a data-passage="MD19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I walk by the living room just in time to see Rahim placing a blanket over himself, seeming to not know what to do after that. “No book?” I question, not fully entering the living room in case he’s not in the mood to talk. “No, I was planning on,” he gazes around for a time before finally pausing and letting out a soft chuckle, “I don’t know what I was planning on. My mother told me she was tired, and I gave her my room.” “How is she?” “I suppose as well as anyone whose been held hostage by demons can be.” “I thought she was safe. Back at the motel when Amari joined us, you left, wasn’t it to check on her.” “It was, and she was but …,” he grumbles, an emotion flickering to life in his eyes, but before I can rightfully label it, he shakes his head, “… but she’s safe now, and it’ll stay that way. I’m going to contact some very old friends and see if they’re okay with taking her in for now.” “Faye and Jeff won’t do?” “It’s not that I don’t trust them, but they’re as much a part of this life as we are. My friends know about the occult, but they stay out of it. She’ll be safe there.” <a data-passage="MD18Rahim2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Does Sydero agree?” He snorts, “you think I care whether Sydero agrees?” “Rahim.” “Don’t,” he sighs deeply, “this is her fault. The least she can do is put our mom first for once.” I sit on the couch's armrest, “help me understand what’s up between you two. It seems like your mom is the focus of it.” He shakes his head, “that wouldn’t be fair. Our mom is a reason, but she’s not //the// reason. Honestly, I don’t think I can rightfully give you the main reason anymore. She’s done so many things that it seems to just be a ‘her’ problem. Where our mother is concerned, it’s Sydero’s fault that she’s like that.” “Her head injury?” “Yea. When we were kids, Sydero threw one of her notorious temper tantrums and set the house on fire. Our mother was stuck inside, and beams fell.” [[“Damn. I get it then.”|MD18DamnIGetIt]] [[“Did she do it on purpose?”|MD18OnPurpose]] [[“The angels can’t help her?”|MD18AngelsCantHelp]]

“Oh, well then, I get it. That’s not easily forgivable.” “I would like to reiterate that it’s not just that. Sydero has a habit of acting like she cares for others while simultaneously putting them in danger for her own selfish reasons.” “Sounds like a demon thing.” “Exactly,” he growls. “But I’m sure there are tendencies about you and your angel ways that probably piss her off, and she may not be wrong. Like your holier than though-ness.” He snorts softly, not responding but at least not becoming upset by my words. <<include "MD18Rahim3">>

“Did she do any of that on purpose?” He frowns but answers regardless, “no.” “Then why hold that over her head?” “Like I said, that’s not the only reason we don’t get along. $name, if you’re trying to fix something, don’t.” “I’m not trying to fix anything, though I wish the two of you would fix it.” He fails to respond. <<include "MD18Rahim3">>

“And the angels can’t help her?” “I’m sure they could if they wanted to.” I raise a brow, waiting to see if Rahim realized what he said. When he doesn’t react, I surmise that it’s not a problem of him not knowing what he said but just accepting the truth as is. <<include "MD18Rahim3">>

“So, you’re going to meditate?” I ask, doing a horrible job of shifting the conversation, but I have nothing else to say, and from Rahim’s face, it’s clear he doesn’t wish to speak about it anymore. “Probably. I have a lot of reflecting to do. And if I’m going to call those friends, I should be ready for the verbal lashing they’ll give me.” He snickers warmly, at least telling me the lashing will be out of love. With a nod, I leave him to it and head toward my room. Seeing that I’m not sleepy, just exhausted mentally, I close my eyes and choose to meditate. <a data-passage="MD19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I wander outside and cut on the patio lights for the night, seeing a silhouette residing by the docks. The night, like most, is quiet and I shrug as I approach, telling myself that if the figure wishes to be alone then I’ll leave. Drawing near, I make out Sydero and with a lack of a warning from her, I join her. “Already finished talking with your mom?” I inquire. She remains quiet, her brows furrowing. Finally she asks, “I shouldn’t be mad, right?” “About?” “I helped bring her back. Me. All that energy. And as soon as she could speak she asked to see Rahim. No thank you or hello or even a look of gratefulness or care. Just ‘where is Rahim?’” Her hand balls into fists but she releases it a moment later along with a sigh, “I shouldn’t be mad.” [[“I’d be fuming.”|MD18BeFumingBruh]] [[“You should be whatever you feel.”|MD18WhateverYouFeel]] [[“Why shouldn’t you?”|MD18ShouldntYouBe]]

I rest my hands behind me, leaning back as I look over the water. “I’d be fuming if I were you.” She lets out a weak snort. “Well, at least you’re on my side.” “Oh, I’m serious. You’re my mom too, at the very least you can nod to me in appreciation.” “Yea.” “What happened to her?” <<include "MD18Sydero2">>

“I think,” I pout in thought but choose to continue on, “I think you should be free to feel whatever you want, regardless of what someone else may think about it.” “That almost makes me feel validated.” “Almost, huh?” “Almost. But only because the part of me that wants to rage right now doesn’t feel like it’ll get far. Wanting to hurt people because of how I feel? The human part says that’s wrong but the demon side says go for it. And I’m pretty sure that thinking is why she ignored me.” “Why? What happened?” <<include "MD18Sydero2">>

“Why shouldn’t you be mad?” “She’s okay now. Or at least more okay than she was when we first found her. And this tiny part of me says that should be enough. But there’s this larger part that is raging, pissed off and wanting to burn everything to the ground again.” I raise a brow, “again?” She nods, “again.” “What happened?” <<include "MD18Sydero2">>

“Me.” I choose to stay quiet. If she wants to tell this story then I’ll let her with few interruptions. She glances over at me and shrugs, “if you’re hoping for a sob story I don’t have it. I got emotional when I was young and let my demon side out. House caught on fire and my mom was injured. Rahim was there for her, I wasn’t. Once I got control of my powers it became a game of tug-o-war with her in the middle between me and him. One thinking they had rights or could take care of her and keep her safe while the other just searched. I think we both got our dad’s involved.” “Did you know that she was with the demons?” “No. This whole time I thought Rahim had her stashed away somewhere and was playing keepsies.” <a data-passage="MD18Sydero3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Why do you speak about her as if she’s a thing that either of you can possess. She’s a person.” “Is she?” Sydero questions, sarcasm leaking from her words before she rolls her eyes and places them back on the landscape. “I know. And my question wasn’t totally sarcastic. The two of us pretty much reduced her down to it. She was both of our anchors and after I was taken and came back, my only one. Rahim had about five of them. Anchors everywhere, people who cared about him, everywhere.” I feel the temperature rise and glance over to see sparks fleeing from her hands. “All I wanted was my mom and he kept her from me. Continued to keep her from me until I got my dad involved. And that’s when the game began, back and forth.” “So that’s why you hate each other?” “Oh no,” she laughs, “that’s probably one of the big reasons but we have a lot more to try and kill each other over. If you’re trying to understand it, don’t. You got enough to worry about.” “We’re all on the same team and with how everything is going, we’re all going to need each other.” <<if $zr_upset>>\ “So, does that mean you figured out what you’re going to do with the leech?” “I’m going to guess you’re talking about Zillah.” “Who else?” she snorts. I’m quiet for a moment longer, sighing, “no. I still don’t know. Logic and emotion are definitely at odds with one another.” “Well, I can’t help. I’d fuck and then kill him if I was in your shoes.” We both release a chuckle, and she gets to her feet. “All I can say is this, you got a lot of bullshit in your life $name. It’s too short to battle with yourself for this long. So, either drop or forgive him. Not for his sake but your own. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m headed to the bar. Too much bullshit in such a small amount of time.” I nod in agreement, finding no other reason to remain there, and head back inside as well. I head to my room, but seeing that I’m not sleepy, just exhausted mentally, I close my eyes and choose to meditate. <<else>>\ “Running is always an option,” she points out, with a straight face, I take note of. “That’s not always the answer.” “I beg to differ,” she snorts, getting to her feet, “I’m headed to the bar. Too much bullshit in such a small amount of time.” I nod in agreement, finding no other reason to remain there and head back inside as well. I head to my room but seeing that I’m not sleepy, just exhausted mentally, I close my eyes and choose to meditate. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="MD19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Today’s events weigh on me heavily, and I don’t want to sleep without speaking to Amari about what happened in the forest. I approach her door and knock, finding that no one answers. “Amari?” I try but again, there is only silence. I ponder whether I should jiggle the doorknob when Zillah approaches, shaking his head. “She left.” “What do you mean she left?” I practically shout, eyes widening. “Calm down. She left for a jog. Said she’ll be back later tonight. Leave her be,” he says, walking past me. “Don’t tell me what to do.” “I’m saying it because of what she told me. From the little I gathered, the little wolf needs time to think and settle down. So just give it to her.” “Did she say anything else?” He shakes his head, “didn’t ask.” “When did the two of you get so close?” He shrugs and answers with a smirk, “I’ve always liked Amari more than the rest of you.” He leaves me in the hall alone, and after processing what he says, I decide to ... <<if $vihaan>>[[... go to my room.|MD18Room]]<<else>>[[... go to my room.|MD19]]<</if>> [[... stay there.|MD18AmariCont]]

I stay where I’m at, mentally agreeing to just wait for Amari to come back so that I can check on her. I sit with my back to her door and drift off, wondering what can be done or said about this. Our group is odd, but Amari is the only person who needs others to survive. Well, that’s not entirely true. Sydero also feeds off of others and can also kill them if she chooses to, but the difference between the two women is that one doesn’t care about the body count. The other does. Sometime between then and now, Amari shows up. I barely spot her when she is already backing away from me, appearing disgusted as she covers her face. “Leave. Now.” “Amari, I just wanted to -” “I didn’t ask you what you wanted to do,” she sighs, sounding far more emotional than tired. “There’s nothing to talk about. There’s nothing I want to talk about. Why can’t people just do what I ask? Why is there always something more? Leave.” I wordlessly get to my feet and move out of the way so she can head inside. I stare after her the entire time, not knowing what to say. Nothing, I suppose, since she has made it clear that she does not wish to speak to me. The door closes and only then am I knocked out of the trance-like state that I had entered. I blink, hearing shuffling on the other side but nothing more. Respecting her request, I leave and head to my room. Something I should have done from the beginning. I’m not sleepy, just exhausted mentally, so I close my eyes and choose to meditate instead of sleep. <a data-passage="MD19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I enter my room to find Vihaan <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote" or $dreamanimal is "cat">>already resting at the foot of my bed<<else>>on my dresser, pruning his feathers.<</if>> “I must ask one thing,” Vihaan voices, shifting to look at me, “do you like this particular danger?” “Sounds like a trick question. Just say what you need to say.” “Purgatory would be far safer. No one would hunt you, and life would be far simpler.” [[“Call me a masochist then.”|MD18RoeTheMasochist]] [[“Until I die.”|MD18IDieThough]] [[“Your alternative isn’t a good one either.”|MD18AltNoGood]]

“Call me a masochist then. It’ll probably answer your question quicker.” “A masochist? You mean to say that you prefer this danger?” “Compared to the life in Purgatory where I feel like livestock waiting for slaughter? Yea. At least here, I take on a more proactive role. I feel like I’m doing something and around people I care about.” “You have answered my question,” he nods, “thank you.” And with that, our conversation has ended, and silence sets in. Seeing that I’m not sleepy, just exhausted mentally, I close my eyes and choose to meditate. <a data-passage="MD19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Safe until Death comes to kill me and take my soul, you mean?” “That will happen whether you are here or there. But one option has far less danger than the other.” “You seem to forget that Purgatory is also full of people I don’t know and don’t care about. It’s unfamiliar and just a land that accepts me. There’s more to life than just being safe.” “You have answered my question,” he nods, “thank you.” And with that, our conversation has ended, and silence sets in. Seeing that I’m not sleepy, just exhausted mentally, I close my eyes and choose to meditate. <a data-passage="MD19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“From what you say, I can either stay here on Earth and be in danger but also feel like I’m still in charge of my life and act accordingly. Or, I can go to Purgatory and train and live peacefully as I count down the days until Death is ready to take my body. Even with all its dangers, the former sounds far more appealing.” “You have answered my question,” he nods, “thank you.” And with that, our conversation has ended, and silence sets in. Seeing that I’m not sleepy, just exhausted mentally, I close my eyes and choose to meditate. <a data-passage="MD19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if hasVisited("MD18AmariCheck")>>I head to my room, hoping to bring the day to an end at last. Seeing that I’m not sleepy, just exhausted mentally, I close my eyes and choose to meditate. <</if>>I half expect the $l_joy to appear, and part of me seems to really hope for such a calming world to decompress. But I instead find myself standing before a tree that I remember from past dreams. The same desolate tree stands center stage, surrounded by gray skies, a thick fog, and closely packed trees that bear leaves. The twisting branches aren’t new, and neither is the decaying bark. The only thing missing is the crows. Right now, the area hosts nothing more than my reflection. But upon further review, I realize that isn’t entirely true. “Release,” it utters in the same voice as mine. Instantly I recognize who or, more so, what this figure is. It’s been haunting me for a while, always vague. “What are you?” I question, wondering how many more things happen to be living inside of me. Though this one is by far the eeriest seeing that it looks just like me but with a few more supernatural aspects. “You.” “Me?” “You.” It says nothing more and doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to explain itself. <a data-passage="MD20"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“What do you want?” “Release.” “Of course,” I sigh, “and how do I give you that?” <<if $vihaan>>\ “You shouldn’t,” I look over my shoulder just as Vihaan <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote" or $dreamanimal is "cat">>trots forward, sitting on the ground next to me <<else>>glides over, using one of the tree branches as a perch<</if>> as he observes the guest. If Zillah and Azrael were here, then it would be a reunion. “Do you know what they … ?he is?” “A manifestation of your powers.” “Wait, what?” “I fear I cannot reword that any other way.” “Reword it to where it makes sense. My powers are alive?” “Yes.” “How!?” “Because Death is alive.” “Stop,” I sigh, trying to release the tension. I point an accusing finger at my doppelgänger and stare at Vihaan, “speak like I’m totally clueless.” The following silence tells me that’s precisely what Vihaan has been doing, and I sigh. Calm down. Deep breaths. “Release,” my doppelgänger or my powers speak. Just thinking that causes another wave of confusion and exhaustion to overtake me. There’s always something. Always. <a data-passage="MD21"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “Release.” I frown, “yes, but how.” “Release,” it repeats, simply shouting it now and continuing to do so. I wish to feel annoyed, but the louder it shouts, the smaller I feel. An odd kind of fear overcomes me, one that doesn’t exactly sees me frozen or even threatened. In a way, I feel totally fine. The future is what causes this profound fear. <<if $m_fear is "evil">>To find my one fear is myself … My blood runs cold as I stare at the figure that has gone quiet as if my understanding has finally caused it to shut up. It simply stares, never blinking, and as my heartbeat picks up, I tear myself from the dream.<<else>> The figure has since gone quiet, simply choosing to stare at me. It doesn’t blink or move. Basically, it just exists. And with every second passing, I realize just how set this path can be. A path I hardly understand but directly connects to me. I tear myself from the dream.<</if>> “Fuck.” <a data-passage="EP4NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

“You, $name,” Vihaan starts, in a tone so strict that all my attention shifts to him, “are the most powerful thing the world has seen. Essentially, your presence alone is apocalyptic.” “Please tell me I’m not prophesied to cause the apocalypse.” “No. You are not a horseman. Their work is gradual. Your work would be far more immediate.” “Vihaan,” I say after inhaling and exhaling, “none of this makes sense.” “Things such as this rarely do. It is, and so it will be. Imagine the powers of Death controlled by the whims of a mortal. I suspect that is why Death has made no move to contain you like Azrael believes he should. Such an action may cause an involuntary reaction where your powers,” he gestures to the silently staring manifestation, “feels it needs to react and therefore consume to the point where you may not be able to stop it.” “My deterioration, when everyone said that it was my powers growing unstable and consuming me … that was this.” “Yes.” “And Death didn’t wish to say anything?” Vihaan cocks his head to the side, “you do understand that you are an anomaly. You are the first child to grow to adulthood and cause such a complication to arise. Some of this knowledge is simply known due to Death having faced the issue himself.” <a data-passage="MD23"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Okay. So how do I avoid //that//,” I point to the manifestation accusingly, “becoming what you’re describing.” “You continue to train and control yourself. You may sometimes wish to unleash all you can, but that may set off a chain reaction. Chanara has told you about respecting your powers, controlling, and not just commanding, yes?” “Yea, she beat that lesson into my head.” “Good. That is an important aspect.” Vihaan is silent for a while before seeming to make up his mind on something. “It is clear that she is needed. I will go to Death and ask for her presence.” [[“Please do.”|MD23PleaseDo]] [[“No, you said no reporting.”|MD23NoReport]] [[“What will you tell him?”|MD23WhatWillYouSay]]

“That may be my only solution right now. You and Zillah can’t help.” “I do apologize.” “It’s fine,” I tell him, waving his apology off. “Just go and see if you can get Chanara to come.” Vihaan nods and then <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote" or $dreamanimal is "cat">>darts off into the fog<<else>>gliding off the tree and into the fog<</if>>, disappearing soon after. I’m left with my powers, who stares back at me with a vacant look in ?his $eyes eyes. I sigh. Great, now I'm referring to my abilities as a person and not a simple thing. I will myself to wake up. Once I open my eyes and see the ceiling, I exhale deeply. “Fuck.” <a data-passage="EP4NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“No, you said no reporting. That was part of the agreement.” “And the agreement will be upheld. I will speak of you in no capacity other than requesting Chanara’s presence.” I shift uncomfortably, this is me putting faith in Vihaan’s words, and though I have no reason to not trust him, I also don’t have any reason to trust him. “$name, I swear to you that they will learn nothing. If I return without Chanara, then it is because my request was denied or would only be accepted on conditions that I did not agree with.” The thing is, I have no other choice. I need Chanara or risk undergoing another deterioration phase, and the thought of that causes me to shiver. “Fine.” Vihaan nods and then <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote" or $dreamanimal is "cat">>darts off into the fog<<else>>gliding off the tree and into the fog<</if>>, disappearing soon after. I’m left with my powers, who stares back at me with a vacant look in ?his $eyes eyes. I sigh. Great, now I'm referring to my abilities as a person and not a simple thing. I will myself to wake up. Once I open my eyes and see the ceiling, I exhale deeply. “Fuck.” <a data-passage="EP4NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“What will you tell him?” “Only what is fact. That I believe you will benefit from having your previous instructor back. I doubt Death or Azrael will be shocked or against such a request. And I assure you, if they attempt to inquire more about you, I will decline to answer.” “Thank you.” Vihaan nods and then <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote" or $dreamanimal is "cat">>darts off into the fog<<else>>gliding off the tree and into the fog<</if>>, disappearing soon after. I’m left with my powers, who stares back at me with a vacant look in ?his $eyes eyes. I sigh. Great, now I'm referring to my abilities as a person and not a simple thing. I will myself to wake up. Once I open my eyes and see the ceiling, I exhale deeply. “Fuck.” <a data-passage="EP4NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/nexttime.png"> <img src="images/divider.png"> Rahim knocks on the door, taking a deep and shaky breath as he moves back a step. I hear a woman’s voice speaking in a different language and then some more jostling, and perhaps even the sounds of a dog before the door opens. A young woman with a basket of fresh and wet fruit stands before us, her eyes widening and the basket falling out of her hands as she leaps toward Rahim. “Rahim!” she screeches, “I can’t believe it’s you.” “I was going to call Mica, but I decided to just take the -” She playfully slaps his shoulder, and he chuckles, “yea, take that.” <img src="images/divider.png"> “She’s a monster!” Bradley yells, glaring at all of us in bewilderment. “Which one of us does she have to kill for you to realize that? Look at her!” Amari immediately turns away from us, hiding her face. She wraps her arms around herself but upon realizes that the action will cause her face to be exposed, goes back to her original state. “Bradley,” Rahim begins but Bradley refuses to let him finish. “No. Unless the next words out of your mouth is that she’s gone then I don’t want to hear it! She attacked me and you’re siding with her!?” <img src="images/divider.png"> “Everything you do is for your fucking self. You are the most selfish person I have ever met. You make most demons look like saints.” “Selfish?!” Sydero screams back, sparks flying from her hands as I continue pushing the others out of harm's way. “You hid my own mother from me, you pompous ass. Everything you do is to spite me because you fucking hate me that much.” I watch as dark crimson wisps appear around her, whipping out violently like the flames for her fire. A light grey mist appears around Rahim as they glare at one another. Suddenly it feels like all the air has been sucked away, and I simply wait for the explosion.

<<nobr>>\ <<audio "opening" fadeout>> <<playlist "ambience" loop play>> <<include "stattamer">> <</nobr>>\ <img src="images/epone.png"> <img src="images/actone.png"> I stare blankly at the figure before me, unable to tear my eyes from theirs. The entire universe is resting within them, orbiting and soaring, crumbling and growing. The longer I stare, the more I feel like I’m on the outside looking in. I see creation and expansion, the shifting and start of new alignments. The inevitable destruction that comes before the end. And this figure will stand through it all, see it all, and they alone will tell the tale. This is the great Death. The more I take them in, the more I feel tiny in comparison. It isn’t due to my height or size but my presence. My entire existence. Everything about me, my problems, and what makes me what I am suddenly seem minuscule. Insignificant compared to the being before me. Is … is this really my father? Or are their words simply more of a statement, like when people state that we are all children of God? My heart begins to thud in my ears, louder and far more intense than the headache that traveled here with me. The feeling of death is still there, clinging to me and refusing to budge. It has claimed me, but it seems confused now as if it also knew that it exists in the presence of death itself and isn’t quite sure how to continue. “$name Roe? Am I correct?” Death questions, their voice deep and worldly. Though I know they’re speaking to me in English, the way their mouth moves, or doesn’t move, makes it seem almost as if they have said such words in every possible language, and then some. [[“Am I dead?”|TPH1Dead]] [[“Are you truly Death?”|TPH1Death]] [[“Oh, shit.”|TPH1Shit]]

“Am … am I dead?” “Not yet,” Death answers, their voice alone causing me to flinch. <<include "TPH1">>

“Are … are you truly Death? The Death?” “I have been called many things. Death is one of them,” Death answers, their voice alone causing me to flinch. <<include "TPH1">>

I take a step back, looking them over once again. I try to wrap my mind around all this. The fact that I’m standing in front of Death. In Death’s realm. “Oh … oh, shit,” I say, trying to take control of my breathing, but I’m unable to. “I … see,” Death says, their voice alone causing me to flinch. <<include "TPH1">>

“Your Magnificence,” Azrael clears his throat, “perhaps shifting will be helpful and far more accommodating for $name. As it is, your wondrous figure does have a tendency to,” his gaze falls on me, “swallow, mortals.” Death says nothing. Instead, they close their eyes, and I watch as a thick black mist begins to encircle their body, encapsulating them until it finally thins out and disperses into a fog that feels almost welcoming, familiar. As if I have known it far longer than I believe I have. What is left is that of a common man. They stand only a few feet shorter than the previous figure, and though I can not tell due to the robe, the size and general body makeup seem the same. Their entrancing eyes are replaced by deep dark brown ones, and their gold suit goes rather nicely up against their dark skin. “Better?” Death asks, though the question seems more like a statement, “do understand that this is as new and odd to me as it is to you. I find myself at a loss at what to do or how to react. I am simply … amazed.” “Pardon my interruption,” Azrael interjects, doing a slight bow to punctuate his apology, “but before you begin, I do believe this conversation should be had without an audience.” Death’s eyes light up to match the cosmos, turning to the crowd whose gaze has yet to stray from me, “clear the room.” That simple command immediately sets everyone into motion, all making their way to the exit that rests behind me. The only one who lingers is Azrael, who merely moves to a nearby pillar to lean against. <a data-passage="TPH1.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Now, I am sure you have many questions.” It is as if their statement is all that is needed for the questions to come flooding out. My mouth begins to move on its own accord, ignoring my brain’s instructions for it to cease. Every thought and question I have rush out, “are you really Death? Where am I? Can you help me? Am I truly your child, or did you mean that figuratively? What’s up with your eyes? Is all of this rude? How fast could you potentially kill me?” Years and years of unanswered questions, all begging for an answer. Death blinks in shock, “my, I don’t know if I can even recall what you asked me now.” They turn to look at Azrael, “the questions at least reassure me that Zillah did what I asked. And here I believed it foolish to have entrusted this assignment to him.” “If I may speak so boldly, Your Greatness,” Azrael begins, and Death, though sighing, motions for him to continue, “I believe it foolish for you to trust him at all.” “Would you like me to entertain your statement with a rebuttal, or shall we move on this time?” Death questions, appearing quite bored. I get the feeling that this is an argument that has lasted for who knows how long. Something also tells me that Death gets bored of things quite quickly. Azrael attempts to smother his smile, “I simply wished to repeat it.” “Speaking of the shade, where is he? Why did he not travel with you?” “A question I have been wondering myself. If you have no further need of me, I shall return and see what is delaying him.” Azrael extends his wings before pausing, the tar-like substance sizzling against the floor, “do you wish for me to also update the reaping schedule and assignments so that you may deal with your guest?” “Yes, please do,” Death snorts, shaking his head in agony, “a headache is what ensues with that damned thing. You prove countless times why I keep you close, Azrael.” “I live to serve,” he answers with a warm smile, bowing before taking off into flight. He flies up to the ceiling, but instead of busting right through, he simply vanishes. I stiffen, finding myself alone with Death, whose gaze is now trained on me once again. I feel … I don’t quite know how I feel, so many emotions ricochet through me, each just as potent as the last. Just as I think I’m able to name one, another comes to replace it. I take a deep, shaky breath in. [[I felt exhausted.|TPH1Exhausted]] [[I felt angry and lost.|TPH1AngryLost]] [[I was fearful, terrified almost.|TPH1Fearful]] [[I was strangely hopeful, even a bit excited.|TPH1Hopeful]]

Even though none of my questions have yet been answered, I’m already tired. I don’t even know if Death is my father or if their words were simply a saying or phrase, perhaps even a slip of the tongue. Despite a large part of me wishing to know, an even greater part wants to slump down and sleep. <<include "TPH1.2">>

I’ve been taken from my home and friends and thrust into a world that I don’t know. I’m sick and tired of being everyones puppet. Expected to move simply because someone orders it. For once, I wish for a break, for a pause, for my damn questions to find an answer, and that be all: no added questions, no added trauma, no nothing but contentment. <<include "TPH1.2">>

First, the Princes of Hell, then the Archangel Michael, and now Death. Who’s next? The all-powerful God himself? That thought scares me. Even scarier is the understanding that I’m literally standing in the presence of Death. To go from a measly college student and then be thrust into this world frightens me beyond all comprehension. With a snap, I’m sure they can erase me from this planet, perhaps even erase all memory of me, make it to where I never existed. I feel the power in the air, and something tells me that not even my alleged importance will hold Death back. <<include "TPH1.2">>

Though proof of it has yet to rear its head, I feel hopeful. Will I finally get all the answers to the questions that have been haunting me since that day I walked into my parent’s room and found them dead? Would I learn about everything? Would I finally figure out what I am and my purpose? <<include "TPH1.2">>

“Come …” they pause, frowning, “I don’t wish to assume, I believe it’s customary amongst mortals to ask proper terms and titles.” “I’m a $gender. ?He/?him, please. And how about you? I don’t really know what to call you.” “I care little. No, that is a lie. I care none, but Azrael has told me about this part. To make it easier, simply refer to me as Death or your he/him constraints as I suppose I would be your father in all of this.” “So, you truly are my father? That wasn’t just you saying it?” He chuckles, “no, you are indeed my child. My seed begat you, or more so my magic. The process wholly different than the traditional means of reproduction, but I shall leave out all the details, for I’m sure you have other questions.” Again, my mind swims with all the things I wish to ask him, still clutching onto his previous words. This is my father. Death, the Death, is my father. “And my mother was human?” I question aloud, and he nods, “I’m a hybrid, but what kind?” “A reaper hybrid. Rarer than rare as reapers are dead and therefore cannot reproduce,” he informs me, continuing on and motioning for me to follow, “the only one who can create such a species is me, and even I have such peculiar limitations that I can only do so when I must.” I listen, freezing when I feel myself falter. Things don’t begin to deteriorate like before, and images don’t suddenly appear, but the headache and the wish to collapse are there. It feels like someone clutches my heart, poking at my lungs with needles, twisting my insides. With all the excitement, I’ve almost forgotten that I was dying — silly me. “My apologies,” I hear Death say, a hint of irritation in his voice though I surmise that he’s the target of his own annoyance, “the most important thing, and I am delaying entirely due to forgetfulness.” He grabs both sides of my face, and I begin to panic. [[Fight him.|TPH2Fight][$pacifist -=5]] [[Let him continue.|TPH2Continue][$stubborn -=5]] [[Try and question him.|TPH2Question][$daring -=5]]

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Violent ++</span><</if>> I thrash in his hold, feeling his grip tighten and disallowing me from moving too much. “Let go,” I growl, throwing my arm up, though I’m far weaker than I thought. <<include "TPH3">>

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Reasonable ++</span><</if>> I don’t fight him or tell him to stop. I simply let it happen. If he wishes to kill me, I’m sure there are other, quicker ways. I also feel no hostility from him, though that means little. He does a remarkable job at keeping his emotions at bay, but I suspect nothing less from a figure who’s probably older than the planet itself. <<include "TPH3">>

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Cautious ++</span><</if>> “Wait,” I say, attempting to move back, but nothing happens, and I surmise that my body hasn’t moved an inch. I try to question him further, but this time, nothing comes out. The gloom begins to capture me, pulling me under like it always does. <<include "TPH3">>

The longer I’m in his grasp, the hotter I feel. My head feels like it’s set aflame, my insides soon following. Everything hurts, everything burns, and I feel like the end grows near. And then it’s over. And after, I find myself on the ground, gasping, but there’s no pain. It isn’t like before, the belief and understanding that whatever is wrong with me will start up again. This feels permanent, or at least semi. I take a deep breath in and feel like I breathe in a new life. “What?” I question, gazing up to see Death lending me his hand. I take it, and he pulls me to my feet, a subtle smile on his face. “What did you do?” “I was able to stave off the degenerating process. By the time it comes back, you will have already become what you have always meant to be.” “This is too much,” I admit, clutching my head. He nods as if to agree, “it is for me as well. I have never had the pleasure of meeting one of my own. I would have believed I have experienced it all, and yet,” he pauses, his eyes softening considerably, “here you are, showing me that this universe still has plenty of secrets left to uncover.” I cock my head to the side, and he gives me a gentle smile. “I know you wish to ask those questions we spoke of earlier, but you must rest first. If not for your mind, then for your body. I can sense the weariness. You are running on adrenaline alone.” [[“I can’t possibly sleep now.”|TPH3NoSleep]] [[“I’m used to it, trust me.”|TPH3UsedToIt]] [[“Sleep sounds marvelous.”|TPH3DoSleep]]

“I can’t possibly sleep now,” I argue. “Oh, you will be surprised at how fast a body will give,” he stops at the door, resting his hands on them, “there is a reason why I say this now. As soon as you breathe the true air of Purgatory. The rush will knock you out.” <<include "TPH3.1">>

“I’m used to it,” I say with a dismissive wave of my hand, “it feels like all I do now is run on adrenaline.” He frowns, seeming to be deep in thought. Finally, he speaks, “well then, see what comes next as help. As soon as you breathe the air of Purgatory, the rush will knock you out.” <<include "TPH3.1">>

“Sleep sounds perfect right now, honestly. I feel like I’ve been up for weeks.” “Ah,” he starts, “the realm time difference. Luckily, there is something that will knock you out faster than even that,” he stops at the door, resting his hands on them, “as soon as you breathe the air of Purgatory, the rush will knock you out.” <<include "TPH3.1">>

<<if $stubborn >=50>>\ “I can handle myself. Open the doors.” He laughs, sending me a teasing smile, “I give you five seconds.” I raise a brow in defiance, and he opens the doors. As soon as there is even a crack in the door, I am out. “Ah, thirty milliseconds then,” is the last thing I hear. <<else>>\ “Sounds like the fastest way for me to sleep then.” “It is, isn’t it,” he smirks, opening the doors, but even that is unneeded. For as soon as there is even a tiny crack, I am out. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="TPH4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/divider.png"> ''Meanwhile, on Earth ...'' //Five Days After $name's Disappearance// “Find. ?Him,” Sydero growls, tightening her grip on Zillah’s shirt, releasing him with a harsh shove that nearly sends him falling to the ground. He snarls as he recovers from the stumble, straightening his coat and turning his nose upwards. “How about you be more careful. This is Nordstrom.” Sydero’s eye twitches as she takes a threatening step towards him, only to be stopped by an exhausted Amari. “I don’t know how many times I have to say this. I don’t care about your ridiculous name designer coat.” “Shocking words from a heathen,” Zillah voices, barely dodging the fist that Sydero sends towards him. He’s getting better at anticipating her punches. Perhaps she should shift to kicking him. “Can we all calm down, please?” Amari begs, glancing from Sydero to Zillah and then to the rest of the team. Zillah huffs, “I’m doing the best I can.” “Well, do better,” Sydero immediately snaps, walking away from him and to Bradley’s and Rahim’s side. “We’re lucky he’s even trying to help,” Bradley mumbles, “maybe try being a little nicer?” “I’ll be nicer to that thing when my dad apologizes for years of abuse,” Sydero huffs, taking a seat as she watches Zillah touch numerous things belonging to $name. <<if $unclepicture>>Her eyes narrowing on the picture frame that he held, containing a nice picture of Roe’s now-deceased uncle.<</if>> “Isn’t this what Zillah wants, though?” Rahim asks, finally tearing his eyes from the man, “what makes us think that even for a second, Zillah will lead us in the right direction? This is his master we’re talking about. I’m pretty sure he has no problem with watching us chase our tails. He probably would enjoy it.” “Rahim has a point,” <<if $cp>>Chris says next, having kept all thoughts to himself up to this point.<<else>>Bradley says next, nervously rubbing his arm.<</if>> “He could lead us in the opposite direction, and we would never know.” Sydero sits quietly, thinking over their words while staring at the man working. They have a point. That much she knew but still didn’t want to admit. The fact of the matter is that Zillah is the only one who can help them. <<if $cp>>\ “We get one and lose the other,” Chris mumbles, noticing the look that Sydero shoots him, waiting for him to continue his statement. He doesn’t. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="TPH4.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Syd hums, “if he wants to live, he’ll help.” “I’m sure he doesn’t care about that either,” Rahim comments, “this is a hive-mind mentality we’re talking about.” Bradley hums an interjection, “I wouldn’t go that far. He seems to be able to think and do his own thing. If anything, I would say that he’s afraid of what will happen if he fails.” Bradley’s voice drifts off as another figure joins their circle, her lips around a straw as she drinks noiselessly. “It’s Amari, right?” Sydero questions, shooting the woman a fake smile, “you mind being quieter?” Amari freezes, glancing at the cup and then at those surrounding her, “sorry, I nervous drink a lot. And nervous shift, nervous eat, and many other nervous things when I’m nervous. I don’t like being nervous.” “You nervous a lot?” Syd asks, brow raised and attention back on Zillah. “Only when everything is looking really dark and bleary, and I literally can’t think of anything positive. It’s something that keeps my mind off of the negative. Drink and worry about just that. Well, not just drink. And not just any drink, the pretty ones. Like the ones with the umbrellas in them that are really fruity, have you guys had one?” Sydero snorts, “give me some alcohol, and I’ll join you.” <a data-passage="TPH4.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“No, you won’t,” Rahim growls, “we need to all be focused.” “Sorry, but I don’t remember ever agreeing to take orders from you, Theron. So, order them around but not me.” “We all need to be on the same path here.” “Oh, we are. And the path I’m favoring is whichever has the door that allows me to boot you the hell away from me. Seriously, why are you still here?” “Because I care about what happens to $name.” “Theron, caring? That’s different? Did someone finally pull that ol’ holy stick out of your ass?<<if $cp>> If I had to guess, it was Chris, wasn’t it?<</if>>” “Grow up, Sydero.” “Fuck off, Theron.” The two part ways, neither seeming exactly joyful about remaining in the presence of the other. Bradley rolls his eyes, his brain hurting from trying to find alternative ways to find $name. Zillah is indeed their best bet, but it doesn’t help that they receive no breaks. Every time they think themselves safe, a demon or an angel will appear. Or both! That’s always the worst case, trapped in the middle of an all-out holy battle. Now they’re stuck between searching for $name, fleeing, keeping an ear and eye out for this angel prophecy, and trying to find the right ingredients for spells and hex bags. Calling themselves a mess would be a compliment. He stiffens when he realizes that Amari hasn’t drifted away like he suspected, his anger flaring as he gazes at her. It takes a minute for her to notice, and when she does, she tucks tail and puts much-needed space between the two. He grumbles, mashing his keyboard keys as he tries to calm down, focusing on the most important thing. $name. <a data-passage="TPH5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/divider.png"> It’s the first time I’ve slept in a very long time. For too long, my sleep has been plagued by nightmares and dark fits, or even other beings trespassing and showing me what they wish. This time, there are no dreams. They hold nothing but a comfortable blackness that I exist in. But that rejuvenated mood soon leaves me as soon as I gaze around, realizing that earlier events were not just a dream. I find myself in a lightly decorated room, but that doesn’t take away from the sheer beauty of it. Smooth, cream walls with not a single dip or blemish in sight. The wooden crown molding is offset by a golden trim, and as I stare closer, I find an unfamiliar language etched into it. Two arched windows stand on both sides of the room while sunlight streams in that hold far redder hues than the sun at home, on Earth. A dark red Moroccan-styled rug rests in the middle of a parchment-colored tile floor, and along the far wall rests a single sofa, an end table, and what looks to be a dresser. The ceiling lantern chandelier is pure gold, stopping midway and having three tiers that hang farther than the last group. The decorations are sparse and strange. Masks and pictures that I’m unable to label rest against the walls. While two exotic, succulent-like plants with umbrella-shaped leaves sit on both sides of the doorway. I rise, feeling a significantly soft material brush across my arms and legs. I now wear a colorful robe that stops at my ankles with no shoes. How I got into this, I don’t recall. I can hardly even recall what happened yesterday. I remember Azrael bringing me here and then … and then meeting my father. [[This is crazy. Death is my father.|TPH5MyFather]] [[Can check this off my bucket list, I suppose.|TPH5BucketList]] [[I’m freaking out. Big time.|TPH5FreakingOut]] [[I’m more worried about the others.|TPH5Worried]]

Repeating the words in my head or aloud does nothing to minimize the sheer disbelief I feel. I had tons of theories about what I could be but Death being my father surely didn’t count as one of them. <<include "TPH5.1">>

I’ll need to remind myself to check this off the bucket list that definitely doesn’t exist. Yet another realm and all in under a year. All those teachers who said my life wouldn’t be some grand adventure should see me now. <<include "TPH5.1">>

I’m freaking out. No, that’s too gentle. I’m well past freaking out. There’s something about waking up in a bed, not my own, in a strange house, in a weird realm that just causes my insides to develop the ability to scream simultaneously. Not to mention that Death himself is claiming to be my father. Did I drink before I went to sleep? Did Purgatory even have alcohol? No, a more appropriate thought is that I’m dead. I’m dead, and this is all some horrible hell of mine. <<include "TPH5.1">>

I’m far more concerned with how the others are reacting. Not only did I just up and vanish, but Zillah has potentially done so as well. No one will be there to inform them what truly happened. And who knows when I’ll be able to leave this place if that is even an option. That doesn’t even account for the time difference. How long has it been on Earth? <<include "TPH5.1">>

I swing my legs across the bed and rest them against warm tile. I’m so close to getting answers that it feels unreal. In fact, all of this does. Just yesterday, I was waking up in a familiar place, determined to figure out how to stay alive and nothing else. Now ... now here I am, in Purgatory no less. Perhaps if my life was a bit less fascinating, then I’ll actually be able to at least appear shocked. Once I have captured enough of my breath, I walk to the door. Easing it open and finding myself facing that of a long hallway. One step after another. A glance here and there. This all feels surreal. No matter how many times I tell myself that this is real, I just can’t believe it. I get to the end of the hallway, about to pass under the archway, when I freeze. There, standing before me, is a $dreamanimal, merely staring and making no move. “Can I help you?” “No,” he answers, causing me to take a step back in shock. The last thing I expect is for him to answer me. [[“You can talk. Of course.”|TPH5Talk]] [[“You look familiar.”|TPH5Familiar]] [[“This place is amazing.”|TPH5Amazing]] [[“I’m getting a headache.”|TPH5Headache]]

“You can talk,” I chuckle in disbelief, “of course, you can talk. Nothing here makes any sense. So why couldn’t a $dreamanimal speak? Makes sense, right? Makes perfect sense.” “You are rambling.” “You’re. Speaking.” “And we are wasting time. Come, Death calls for your presence.” The $dreamanimal doesn’t wait to see if I follow, already making his way out of the room. <<include "TPH5.2">>

“You look,” I start, examining the $dreamanimal closer, “oddly familiar. Have I seen you before?” “Perhaps in your dream. We first met there, though we shared no words as I led you to Azrael.” “I always thought that animal was Azrael.” “No, but Death believed it a wiser plan than to just have Azrael show his true self from the beginning. Come, he calls for you.” The $dreamanimal doesn’t wait to see if I follow, already making its way out of the room. <<include "TPH5.2">>

“Talking animals. This place never ceases to amaze me.” “Not all of us can speak the human tongue,” he tells me, “Death has blessed few of us with the ability to perform roles. For example, I am a guide. A guide that should be leading you to Death. Come.” The $dreamanimal doesn’t wait to see if I follow, already making its way out of the room. <<include "TPH5.2">>

“Ugh,” I sigh, gripping my forehead as it pulses, “I’m getting a headache from all of this.” “It’s the air of Purgatory. Your body is still getting accustomed to it.” “Or maybe it’s the talking $dreamanimal right in front of me.” “Perhaps so. Come, Death has requested your presence.” The $dreamanimal doesn’t wait to see if I follow, already making its way out of the room. <<include "TPH5.2">>

I follow the $dreamanimal down a series of halls, passing by others who all stop and stare. I sense no malicious intention, just curiosity. Each of them has an array of questions in their eyes; some of them even have hope. I take note of the different species, werewolves and werecats. Vampires and shapeshifters. And those are the ones I can name. There are many others whose species name either evades me due to not enough information or I have never faced before. Finally, we make it to a room that holds more animals than anything else. Some of them are spectral in appearance; while others are fully materialized, basking under the strange rays of what I suppose is the sun. It streams in freely from the expansive overhead skylights. “Is this the animal room?” “Your father has a soft spot for us,” the $dreamanimal tells me, nodding his head at a few of them as we pass, “all that you see have been killed before their time. Lost or abused, a victim to nature or the Fates.” [[“And you?”|TPH5AndYou]] [[“I’m guessing there’s more.”|TPH5TheresMore]] [[“So, not all dogs go to heaven.”|TPH5NotAllDogs]]

<<if $dreamanimal is "cat">>\ He jumps up onto a cat tree, sitting where three other cats rest, “I’m a black cat. That should tell you all you need to know. I remember their faces, loving … I thought. Loving until I accidentally scratched one. I was scared, they picked me up, and I was so scared. They …” The cat flexes its paw, but I notice that no claws appear. “They took them. And I couldn’t walk. They got mad, and I got weaker.” The cat rises and stretches, still refusing to look at me, “but Death saved me. Death saved all of us.” He jumps down from the cat tower and motions for me to follow, “come.” <<elseif $dreamanimal is "vulture" or $dreamanimal is "raven">>\ “I was run over,” he tells me blankly, his corporeal form shifting. <<if $dreamanimal is "vulture">>His red-dyed head feathers begin to shift to a crimson tone, and his body seems to transform, taking on a more disfigured appearance.<<else>>His beautiful black feathers begin to lose their color, dimming in brilliance. I also notice that some of them carry splashes of crimson.<</if>> One wing looks normal, while the other is bent and misshapen. “I was too slow … or perhaps the vehicle that hit me was too fast. I find it pointless to dwell on.” The color comes back, and his original shape returns. “Come.” <<else>>\ He glances at me and then shakes. I watch as fur disappears, replaced by burnt skin of differing shades and tones. His eye swells, and scars and burn marking riddle his entire being. “Wildfires. I wasn’t fast enough to get away.” He shakes and again appears like an average coyote, nothing appearing awry. “Come.” <</if>>\ <<include "TPH5.3">>

“I’m guessing there are others then?” “Yes, but they didn’t all choose to stay here in Death’s home. Some you will find roaming the forests or staying with others. Several animals stay with their were-animal counterpart, familiarity perhaps. Others you will find even intermingling with the local wildlife. Come. Death is just through here.” <<include "TPH5.3">>

“So, not all dogs go to heaven after all.” “Most animals do, for they are pure of heart. But for those of us that Death wishes to keep, we receive a choice in the end.” “Do you guys act as reapers if you stay?” “Yes and no. A few times, Death will call upon us, mostly if a child’s soul or an unwilling animal companion must be reaped. We ease them into it and help them let go to make it easier on the reaper. Some of us, like me, are guides to the dead. Leading them into the appropriate afterlife. Come, Death is just through here.” <<include "TPH5.3">>

The $dreamanimal leads me to a pair of doors. Within, I find Death standing in front of a large board. His shoulders are hunched in concentration, and the room's energy fluctuates from one extreme to the next. It only seems to mellow out when he turns to us. “Death!” the $dreamanimal exclaims, rushing towards him and nuzzling into his side. “Ah, my dear, Vihaan. Thank you for doing what I asked.” “Of course.” “I trust that my ... ?son, wasn’t a handful for you. Ha,” he chuckles, “that is still so odd to say.” And for me, hard to hear. “No. I am here if you need me,” Vihaan gives me a nod before leaving the room. And once again, I find myself all alone with my father. He appears like he did yesterday after shifting his form to accommodate me. Instead of a gold suit, he wears what looks to be a black and gold wraith robe. Yet the robe is missing a hood, and instead of short sleeves, these sleeves stop past his elbow. <a data-passage="TPH6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“How did you sleep?” he questions, taking a seat on the edge of the table. He motions to a chair, and I take it without a second thought. “I slept fine. I completely forgot where I was when I woke up.” “That’s to be expected. Your body is not only reeling from the fight against your own deterioration but also the pressure of Purgatory. It’s like going from Earth to space or climbing the tallest mountain.” My heart thuds. One long beat, a pause. Another beat, a pause. This is it. This is where everything starts making sense. I open my mouth, but only air comes out, a short breath that causes me to reflect. “I … I don’t even know where to begin.” “Then let me,” he says with a warm gesture, “for you, there’s only one beginning.” He flicks his hand in the air, and that familiar dark mist appears, and from that mist, a scene. I watch as a child waddles, escaping their parents protective grip. “But for me, there are so many. My origins are unknown to me because, in a way, they’re not //my// origins. There are hundreds of me, scattered across the nebula and perhaps even farther than that. We each come from the same creator, but who that creator is, I don’t know. I doubt I ever will. I know only what I am and my purpose. I was put here with only the Fates to whisper in my ear.” “The Fates didn’t create you then?” “No, they are only a guide. If they do know more, then they have said nothing. They speak in ways that I don’t always fully understand. And I’ve long since given up on attempting.” “So, you’re older than God?” “Which one,” he questions. “They all exist. The Greek, Roman, and Egyptian Pantheon. The Abrahamic God and their disciples. The great expanse of Asian Mythology along with that of the Norse. The deities under the Indigenous Tribes of the Americas and Australia. Each and every myth holds truth. Mortals deem it so. I doubt they know how powerful they really are in that regard. But yes, I am older than all of them. I was here before them, and I will one day reap every one of them. A process I have already begun.” He pauses, wandering to a window, “for your own sake, I will leave some things out right now. All of this must be a lot, and your psyche is still frail. But I assure you that everything will be answered.” //Only choose the last question when you are ready to move on.// <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q1")>>“You seem really laid back.”<<else>>[[“You seem really laid back.”|TPH6Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q2")>>“So, my parents …”<<else>>[[“So, my parents …”|TPH6Q2]]<</if>> <<if $uncledead>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q3")>>“Did you reap my uncle?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap my uncle?”|TPH6Q3]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $chrissafe is false>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q4")>>“Did you reap Chris?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap Chris?”|TPH6Q4]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q5")>>“Why did you make Zillah?”<<else>>[[“Why did you make Zillah?”|TPH6Q5]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q6")>>“Who is Azrael?”<<else>>[[“Who is Azrael?”|TPH6Q6]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q7")>>“Am I cured?”<<else>>[[“Am I cured?”|TPH6Q7]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q8")>>“Why did you never tell me?”<<else>>[[“Why did you never tell me?”|TPH6Q8]]<</if>>

“I’m not trying to offend, but you seem really laid back for someone who’s older than the planet itself and who holds all this power. I mean, one snap of your fingers and everything can just end.” He snorts, “should I behave like one of those righteous beings that believe they hold dominion over all? Or perhaps run wild like the hellion creatures who let their desire rule and define them?” Letting out a low chuckle, he shakes his head, “or perhaps just take advice from Zeus. He has always been such a wise and open paragon.” He narrows his gaze, “no. The natural order must be adhered to even if I’m the last being to adhere to it. Order and rightfulness will triumph.” //Only choose the last question when you are ready to move on.// <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q2")>>“So, my parents …”<<else>>[[“So, my parents …”|TPH6Q2]]<</if>> <<if $uncledead>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q3")>>“Did you reap my uncle?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap my uncle?”|TPH6Q3]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $chrissafe is false>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q4")>>“Did you reap Chris?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap Chris?”|TPH6Q4]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q5")>>“Why did you make Zillah?”<<else>>[[“Why did you make Zillah?”|TPH6Q5]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q6")>>“Who is Azrael?”<<else>>[[“Who is Azrael?”|TPH6Q6]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q7")>>“Am I cured?”<<else>>[[“Am I cured?”|TPH6Q7]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q8")>>“Why did you never tell me?”<<else>>[[“Why did you never tell me?”|TPH6Q8]]<</if>>

“So, my parents … my human parents? Where are they?” He sits quietly, gazing at me as if he hadn’t heard me. The look in his eyes feels like he is trying to figure me out. This mystery that dropped itself on his doorstep. “Did you hear me?” “Do you really wish to know?” I pause at the question, taking a second look at his demeanor. He sits calmly, but I have long since figured out that he has attained mastery over his emotions. [[“No, nevermind.”|TPH6Q2No]] [[“Yes. Tell me.”|TPH6Q2Yes]]

“No, never mind. It sounds like it would be better for me to stay in the dark.” He shrugs, “if you wish to, then you may. Though I won’t answer your previous question, I fear that I will need to explain to you what happened.” I nod, as I’m still curious about how all this took place. <<include "TPH6Q2.1">>

“Yes, that’s why I asked.” “They don’t exist.” A chill runs up my spine, refusing to finish its journey as it lingers. “What do you mean?” “Files of them exist, of course. It’s not like their entire existence has vanished, but only on Earth. They of course had lives there. But you will not find any trace of them in the three dimensions.” My breath comes out in short gasps, “what does that mean? Why not?” “Because to go to the afterlife, you need a soul. Your human father’s soul was absorbed by me when I possessed his body for the short time that I did. And your mother’s soul, by you.” “I’m so confused.” “Then let me explain how this all came to pass.” <a data-passage="TPH6Q2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Why it is like this, I don’t know. Questioning why is questioning the Fates, an action that I stopped doing once out of adolescence. What I do know is this. Every few centuries, one individual, just one, is born with a soul so rare that no one can quite explain it. Its purity rivals that of the fae, but they are human. To all but my eye, this individual is normal. But,” he sighs, “that means they’re marked. Your mother was marked.” “Marked for what?” “To put it simply, death.” “Did you never seek out another way?” He laughs, “no, of course not. When it comes to the balance of an entire planet and its lifeforms, you don’t play games against the Fates. You don’t hope on a whim that you can outsmart beings whose greatness doesn’t even have words to describe it properly. You do as you were tasked, and that is the end of that.” He sighs, “this needs further explanation and going too deep at the moment isn’t wise. Ask something else.” //Only choose the last question when you are ready to move on.// <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q1")>>“You seem really laid back.”<<else>>[[“You seem really laid back.”|TPH6Q1]]<</if>> <<if $uncledead>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q3")>>“Did you reap my uncle?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap my uncle?”|TPH6Q3]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $chrissafe is false>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q4")>>“Did you reap Chris?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap Chris?”|TPH6Q4]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q5")>>“Why did you make Zillah?”<<else>>[[“Why did you make Zillah?”|TPH6Q5]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q6")>>“Who is Azrael?”<<else>>[[“Who is Azrael?”|TPH6Q6]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q7")>>“Am I cured?”<<else>>[[“Am I cured?”|TPH6Q7]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q8")>>“Why did you never tell me?”<<else>>[[“Why did you never tell me?”|TPH6Q8]]<</if>>

“Did you reap my uncle?” “No, unfortunately, I did not. I myself don’t do many reapings anymore. But I did send my best guide with him while he traveled to the Underworld. Vihaan, to be exact. I was interested in seeing how the man who raised my child would react along the journey. He vanished from my sight once he reached the area for obvious reasons.” “Do you at least know if he suffered?” “I do. He did suffer tremendously. The man who took him from you knew what he was doing. But he did not linger. He came peacefully. If you wish to learn more then ask Vihaan.” //Only choose the last question when you are ready to move on.// <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q1")>>“You seem really laid back.”<<else>>[[“You seem really laid back.”|TPH6Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q2")>>“So, my parents …”<<else>>[[“So, my parents …”|TPH6Q2]]<</if>> <<if $chrissafe is false>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q4")>>“Did you reap Chris?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap Chris?”|TPH6Q4]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q5")>>“Why did you make Zillah?”<<else>>[[“Why did you make Zillah?”|TPH6Q5]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q6")>>“Who is Azrael?”<<else>>[[“Who is Azrael?”|TPH6Q6]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q7")>>“Am I cured?”<<else>>[[“Am I cured?”|TPH6Q7]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q8")>>“Why did you never tell me?”<<else>>[[“Why did you never tell me?”|TPH6Q8]]<</if>>

“Did you reap Chris?” “I don’t know who that is. So, I doubt it. But, you must understand that I no longer do the main bulk of reaping. Maintaining Purgatory draws enough of my energy. Especially now.” “Do you not remember who you reap or all the names of those that die?” “Of course not. There are very few who stand out to me.” “Any famous reaps then?” “Probably, but even their names, I forget. I don’t even care to remember all the deities who I have gone to reap. There have been a great many who felt that even in death, they deserve something different. A foolish thought, as the end is simply that. In the end, the only thing that matters is the loving memory of those who still draw breath. It is usually those of pure hearts and innocence I remember. I reap those full of malice all the time, but to find one so pure is rare.” //Only choose the last question when you are ready to move on.// <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q1")>>“You seem really laid back.”<<else>>[[“You seem really laid back.”|TPH6Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q2")>>“So, my parents …”<<else>>[[“So, my parents …”|TPH6Q2]]<</if>> <<if $uncledead>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q3")>>“Did you reap my uncle?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap my uncle?”|TPH6Q3]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q5")>>“Why did you make Zillah?”<<else>>[[“Why did you make Zillah?”|TPH6Q5]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q6")>>“Who is Azrael?”<<else>>[[“Who is Azrael?”|TPH6Q6]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q7")>>“Am I cured?”<<else>>[[“Am I cured?”|TPH6Q7]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q8")>>“Why did you never tell me?”<<else>>[[“Why did you never tell me?”|TPH6Q8]]<</if>>

“Why did you make Zillah?” “Ha,” Death laughs, throwing his head back, “not why did you send him?” “That was going to be my next question.” “I don’t know how much Zillah has told you. Whether you appreciate that or not is your own business. The less you know, means the more he obeyed. Do you know what he is?” “A shade. A witch told me that.” Death hums and nods, “the shades were my first creation, predating that of the reapers. Civilization was beginning to grow in a way that needed more than just me and Azrael. I created them from the soul of man and gave them all a piece of myself. The commixture became that of a shade. And Zillah was the first, or perhaps third as I had attempted to create two other shades from the first culture, the Indigenous Australians. I failed. Despite his and Azrael’s, I suppose you can call it a rivalry, I have an obvious soft spot for Zillah. His essence will always hold the tiniest fraction of a soul, making him unpredictable. For that, he earns my attention, but also Azrael’s ire.” “Why?” “It means he’s flawed. Azrael knows nothing but duty. Emotions and morals do not sway him. I suppose that is the downfall of us immortal beings. We have no free will, nor have we ever truly known it or cared to see it. We know what must be done, and we do it. We are only as much as our creators wished us to be.” //Only choose the last question when you are ready to move on.// <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q5.1")>>“Why send him?”<<else>>[[“Why send him?”|TPH6Q5.1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q5.2")>>“Why make the reapers then?”<<else>>[[“Why make the reapers then?”|TPH6Q5.2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q1")>>“You seem really laid back.”<<else>>[[“You seem really laid back.”|TPH6Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q2")>>“So, my parents …”<<else>>[[“So, my parents …”|TPH6Q2]]<</if>> <<if $uncledead>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q3")>>“Did you reap my uncle?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap my uncle?”|TPH6Q3]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $chrissafe is false>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q4")>>“Did you reap Chris?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap Chris?”|TPH6Q4]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q6")>>“Who is Azrael?”<<else>>[[“Who is Azrael?”|TPH6Q6]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q7")>>“Am I cured?”<<else>>[[“Am I cured?”|TPH6Q7]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q8")>>“Why did you never tell me?”<<else>>[[“Why did you never tell me?”|TPH6Q8]]<</if>>

“Why send him then? Why not another?” “Oh, I sent another,” Death laughs, “do you not remember your guardian?” Unfortunately, I do, all too well. “You have a tendency to send assholes.” “I have no power over their individual personalities. Frankly, a good many of the shades act all the same. Perhaps it is due to them being mortals put in an immortal and high position. I don’t truly know. When your ‘guardian’ failed, Zillah was the only one I trusted enough to rectify the situation. He was my right hand, and I had no doubt he would be successful. And yes, before you ask, I told him not to tell you anything. To keep you as far from the truth as possible for reasons you seem to already know. You were never meant to exorcise him, but I did not account for the thousand-year-old witch. There is a lot about you I have not accounted for.” //Only choose the last question when you are ready to move on.// <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q5.2")>>“Why make the reapers then?”<<else>>[[“Why make the reapers then?”|TPH6Q5.2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q1")>>“You seem really laid back.”<<else>>[[“You seem really laid back.”|TPH6Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q2")>>“So, my parents …”<<else>>[[“So, my parents …”|TPH6Q2]]<</if>> <<if $uncledead>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q3")>>“Did you reap my uncle?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap my uncle?”|TPH6Q3]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $chrissafe is false>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q4")>>“Did you reap Chris?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap Chris?”|TPH6Q4]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q6")>>“Who is Azrael?”<<else>>[[“Who is Azrael?”|TPH6Q6]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q7")>>“Am I cured?”<<else>>[[“Am I cured?”|TPH6Q7]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q8")>>“Why did you never tell me?”<<else>>[[“Why did you never tell me?”|TPH6Q8]]<</if>>

“If you had shades to help you out, then why make reapers?” “Would you believe me if I said that even immortal beings make mistakes?” “I would.” He sighs, shrugging his shoulders, “I would not say that the shades were a mistake, but they did not solve the long-term dilemma. To continue collecting souls, I could not do it alone. The shades had pieces of me, so each time they went out, they spent energy, my energy. And the travel to Earth meant they spent even more. I needed something that did not leech off of me in such a way. The answer to that, true souls, not manipulated ones. Not all souls become reapers, only those chosen by Anubis … Azrael.” “So, what’s the process? How do they become a reaper?” “When they die and their soul collected, they appear in front of Azrael. Azrael judges them and sentences them to their final rest. His exact reasons are his own, but he gives some an alternative choice if he is unable to judge them confidently. He provides the option to become a reaper and pay off their debts and sins. I suppose that is where the myth for Purgatory originated from, as reapers can be chatty. After their time is up, they get one last choice. Move on or stay a reaper for all eternity. Some take it, some do not. Either way, they are endowed with a bit of Azrael's ability to traverse all four realms which helps them complete their jobs.” //Only choose the last question when you are ready to move on.// <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q5.1")>>“Why send him?”<<else>>[[“Why send him?”|TPH6Q5.1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q1")>>“You seem really laid back.”<<else>>[[“You seem really laid back.”|TPH6Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q2")>>“So, my parents …”<<else>>[[“So, my parents …”|TPH6Q2]]<</if>> <<if $uncledead>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q3")>>“Did you reap my uncle?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap my uncle?”|TPH6Q3]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $chrissafe is false>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q4")>>“Did you reap Chris?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap Chris?”|TPH6Q4]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q6")>>“Who is Azrael?”<<else>>[[“Who is Azrael?”|TPH6Q6]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q7")>>“Am I cured?”<<else>>[[“Am I cured?”|TPH6Q7]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q8")>>“Why did you never tell me?”<<else>>[[“Why did you never tell me?”|TPH6Q8]]<</if>>

“Azrael, why is he loyal to you? Shouldn’t an archangel be more concerned with Heaven?” “Ah. He is not only that. You must have noticed his wings. Azrael is not a true angel.” Death rolls his eyes, “it would be much simpler for him to explain //that// part to you. I don’t much keep up with the machinations of the Heavenly Ones. Like me, he has different names. He is the Azrael to my Death. The Anubis to my Osiris. The Chitragupta to my Yama. The Thanatos to my Hades. And that is simply the more well-known names. We go by so many that reciting them all might take the remainder of the day.” “But at the end of the day? What do you like to go as?” “Death, for me. It is my essence. All that I am. If you are curious about Azrael, then you must ask him yourself. I am far more used to calling him Anubis, for that was the first name that has stuck with history. The ones that came before that don’t translate in a tongue you will understand. I refer to him as Azrael now for your benefit.” //Only choose the last question when you are ready to move on.// //Only choose the last question when you are ready to move on.// <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q1")>>“You seem really laid back.”<<else>>[[“You seem really laid back.”|TPH6Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q2")>>“So, my parents …”<<else>>[[“So, my parents …”|TPH6Q2]]<</if>> <<if $uncledead>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q3")>>“Did you reap my uncle?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap my uncle?”|TPH6Q3]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $chrissafe is false>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q4")>>“Did you reap Chris?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap Chris?”|TPH6Q4]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q5")>>“Why did you make Zillah?”<<else>>[[“Why did you make Zillah?”|TPH6Q5]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q7")>>“Am I cured?”<<else>>[[“Am I cured?”|TPH6Q7]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q8")>>“Why did you never tell me?”<<else>>[[“Why did you never tell me?”|TPH6Q8]]<</if>>

“You helped me yesterday. Does that mean I’m cured?” “No, not fully. If you were to return to Earth right now, then the deterioration would once again come back. Of course, it would not do so immediately, but you would be on borrowed time just as before.” “Why is this happening?” “A few hybrids face what you’re facing, though differently. It’s due to the magic of Earth not matching that of Purgatory. If you were raised in your respective realm, you wouldn’t even face such issues. But that is not the case. Typically, the hybrid is taught to control their power lest it begins to swallow them, which is what yours are doing. Your powers were dormant until your first kill, manipulated due to angelic interference. It was foolish and irresponsible and,” he shouts in irritation, a dark purple glow appearing around him before he calms himself. “You are not cured. But you have no need to worry. I will make sure that you never have to worry about that deterioration again.” //Only choose the last question when you are ready to move on.// <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q1")>>“You seem really laid back.”<<else>>[[“You seem really laid back.”|TPH6Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q2")>>“So, my parents …”<<else>>[[“So, my parents …”|TPH6Q2]]<</if>> <<if $uncledead>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q3")>>“Did you reap my uncle?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap my uncle?”|TPH6Q3]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $chrissafe is false>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q4")>>“Did you reap Chris?”<<else>>[[“Did you reap Chris?”|TPH6Q4]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q5")>>“Why did you make Zillah?”<<else>>[[“Why did you make Zillah?”|TPH6Q5]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q6")>>“Who is Azrael?”<<else>>[[“Who is Azrael?”|TPH6Q6]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("TPH6Q8")>>“Why did you never tell me?”<<else>>[[“Why did you never tell me?”|TPH6Q8]]<</if>>

“Why did you never show yourself to me? Tell me that my life was a lie and that you were my rightful father? Why did it take twenty-plus years and so many narrow escapes from death to finally learn this?” For the first time, Death’s impartial expression breaks. We sit in silence, Death staring at the ground while I glare at him, trying to shift through the silence to find an answer on my own. “I am Death. I’m not all-knowing,” he stops and frowns, “when I learned what happened, I sent many to look for you. Not only were you missing, but you had vanished from my sight. Even now, I cannot lock into your presence. You are like a blur to my senses. I had hoped that Azrael could find you, but you are invisible to his eye as well. I searched for your relatives and even them … he, was gone from my sight. I could not expend any additional energy for reasons that you might not understand, even with explaining. In fact,” he stands, “I’m sure you will find my absence more of a boon than anything else.” “What do you mean?” “There are things you don’t –” <a data-passage="TPH7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Your Magnificence?” I turn in my seat to see a figure that looks very similar to Zillah’s true form. A black humanoid figure with no true expression, only two white dots for eyes telling me where the figure’s face would be, and a black mist pooling at their supposed feet. “Your attention is needed.” “Is it important?” Death questions and motions to me. The figure nods. Death hums in acknowledgment, his glance shifting over to me, “go and explore, $name. We will reconvene at a later time if that pleases you. It will also help your health. Purgatory air is your rightful air; you’ll find that it will boost you.” Death rises and follows the figure out. I linger for a few more minutes, wrapping my mind around what I learned before I leave as well. Time and awareness evade me, only returning when I find myself outside and looking upon the realm of Purgatory. <a data-passage="TPH7.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

It differs from what I remember of Hell enormously, though I don’t know if that’s due to my own expectations or reality. Certain parts of Hell shift based on the fears of the individual. I had believed that this place would behave the same. Instead, it acts like Hell’s kingdoms, each following a specific culture and architecture. The more I gaze around, the more I believe Purgatory follows African architecture, though the differences or the more Purgatory inspirations make it hard to form specific comparisons. The life here is thriving, causing me to wonder if these are souls or actually people. It is said that all true supernaturals are born here and that the full-bloods on Earth all were born here. But then, the deceased come here as well. Is there a fine line? A separate area that divides the living from the dead? Despite the complexity of the question and how much I wish to get an answer, I don’t dwell. Not when I’m too busy taking in the sights and sounds. It’s odd to walk amongst those who embrace their truth. Seeing no need for camouflage or to hide away what they are. It causes me to wonder why they’d ever want to come to Earth? Though I suppose the food abundance could be the answer to that. I pause at a fountain that is neither running blood nor water but a strange and sweet-smelling liquid that I decide not to taste. Instead, I just watch. Breathing in the Purgatory air that, in a way, does indeed smell different than the air back on Earth. It’s odd, like walking into a bakery and attempting to discern the different smells that strike the nose. There’s also a feeling in the air, a charge that electrifies my skin and causes me to feel half drunk and half excited and lively. [[This isn’t home.|TPH7NotHome]] [[It’s beautiful.|TPH7Beautiful]] [[I wouldn’t mind staying.|TPH7Staying]] [[What if?|TPH7WhatIf]]

Despite how pretty it is and how it piques my curiosity, it isn’t home. It will never be home. Frankly, home isn’t even a place anymore for me unless I think about my car. Oh, how I miss my car. Home is now shitty motels and abandoned houses or even Faye’s house. Home is being in a car while two people argue, another drives, and Amari attempts to sing along to the song on the radio even if it’s without lyrics. And the more I consider this version of home, the more I realize I miss it. <<include "TPH7.2">>

All of it is beautiful, a wonder to the eye that I doubt possesses an equal. It isn’t just the architecture but nature as well. The flora is diverse, and the sky is not the same as Earth’s. Here it looks like millions of stars rest overhead, close enough to reach out and touch if one tries. But the sky is also alive with things that I don’t have a name for and hardly know how to explain. <<include "TPH7.2">>

There is so much to explore and learn. To look upon and take in that I feel I wouldn’t mind staying here for some time. I want to discover all that I can and finally understand a realm that is, in a way, my realm. My realm. That sounds odd, and yet, it’s true. <<include "TPH7.2">>

I’m not sure about what was supposed to happen that day. Death hasn’t yet explained that to me. But what would have happened if everything went how it was supposed to? Would I have grown up here? Would I be sitting here, shrugging my shoulders, jaded by it all? <<include "TPH7.2">>

This is an entirely different world than the one I come from. It’s doing my head in but also causing me to feel like I’m finally filling in some hole. The fact that I’m not currently gasping for air and fighting my own mind seems like some prolonged victory. Resting my back against the smooth stone of the fountain, I continue to people watch. Wondering not only about the daily lives of these people but also where the next hour will take me, and then the next day. So few questions are answered, and as I explore and think, more arise. What is my own team doing? The time difference means that at least a week has gone by on Earth if I remember correctly. Though, time might not match Hell. Is Sydero still demonic? Did Zillah tell them what’s going on, or did he leave? How are they doing? Are … are they worrying? With all that’s going on, one might believe it selfish or irrelevant to wonder if others miss their presence. But I did. I want to know if I was missed and wanted. If Bradley is throwing a hissy fit about my absence or if business is continuing on like normal. <<if $m_fear is "unloved">>A small voice in the back of my head uncovers itself from a measly nap and smirks. It whispers that I know the answer and that everyone’s life is continuing on as usual. My absence is a breath of air for them. A chance for them to finally move on and go back to the lives they’ve been wishing to live now that the hinderance has been removed. My heart picks up beat as the voice refuses to cease and then I think about ...<<else>>And then I begin to think about ...<</if>> //In Season Three, different aspects of your relationship will be locked in. This includes romance (don’t worry, you’ll know when a choice will lock you in), everyone’s rivalry or friendship, and your choice of a best friend. The best friend variable is there to mostly track who you spend time with and trust the most. The selection below is romance-based. Certain choices will not show up depending on sexual interest and orientation. Pick Bradley for no romance.// <<if $flirt_Syd>>\ [[Sydero.|TPH7Sydero][$SRomance +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $flirt_Rahim>>\ [[Rahim.|TPH7Rahim][$RRomance +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $flirt_Zillah>>\ [[Zillah.|TPH7Zillah][$ZRomance +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $flirt_Amari>>\ [[Amari.|TPH7Amari][$ARomance +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $cp and $flirt_Chris>>\ [[Chris.|TPH7Chris][$CRomance +=1]] <</if>>\ [[Bradley.|TPH7Bradley]]

My last memory of her is of her demonic side. Smirking down at me as I try my damnedest to get her to remember me, to somehow get some kind of reaction that didn’t revolve around her killing me or her manipulating me to set her free. Perhaps if you like someone enough, then that should be the end of that. There shouldn’t be any doubts or moments of pause where you question if it’s still worth it. Maybe … if you’re asking yourself that, you already have the answer. I don’t know. I never know when it comes to Syd. She’s like a bottle of whiskey or a drug whose strength increases with every dosage. Once you open or take it, you just want more. And that’s where I am. I just want more with no regard for if it’s good for me. But I want to know her as well. Her personality and her likes. Her fears and what resides in the darkness when it finally begins to creep forward. But I also understand that my wanting these things is only half of it. She will have to be willing to show. <<include "TPH7.3">>

<<if $CRomance >=10>>\ I sit there and think about the kisses and the hugs and all the times we’ve spent in each other’s company. He’s an idiot, but I’ve long since figured that one out and accepted it. The kind of guy who doesn’t know what to say, but when he finally does get his words right, they mean the world to me. It’s crazy how much I miss him even though it’s only been two days since I’ve last seen him. I’d give anything just to be in his arms, listening to him say something stupid or talk about how all of this will get better. Because even if the answer is obvious, he makes me believe in things that seem impossible. <<else>>\ He’s the first person to pop into my head, and for that, I don’t know how I should feel. We’ve been through a lot. Some of that boils down to him and his actions, while other things are my fault. In the end, I don’t know how I feel about any of this. About us. If I genuinely want Chris in the end, or if our friendship is what really causes me to think about him. It doesn’t seem that important of a question at the moment anyway. <</if>>\ <<include "TPH7.3">>

Closing my eyes, I still have trouble ridding myself of those intense icy eyes. They bypass all my defenses and get right to the core, but it isn’t a two-way mirror, which bothers me. I want to know and understand him. His words from before repeat in my head. //I like you, but I don’t trust you.// How does one rectify that? Especially when they don’t even know why distrust permeates the air. I stare up at the sky and sigh with a deep breath. I miss his presence. Despite the danger we constantly find ourselves in, Rahim has this energy about him that makes you feel that everything will be alright. If not alright, then he at least never strays from your side. <<include "TPH7.3">>

<<if $zsex>>\ Why did I think about him out of all people? Who knows. I don’t even want to question that for fear of driving myself crazy with questions that condemn me for foolishness. And yet, even as I tell myself not to, I sit and relive the day we explored one another’s body. <<if $zillah >=50>>His soft hands, gentle and considerate as he kept me close.<<else>>His roughness and both of us fighting for dominance. Fighting for power that, even now, I’m not sure we have established.<</if>> I sigh. He truly is the last person I should be thinking of, but here I sit, unable to get the shade out of my mind. I’ll blame it on my need for answers, which he never afforded me, but now I see it within my grasp. <<else>>\ He should be the last person on my mind. Even if I don’t consider our past, I still shouldn’t even entertain the thought of being with someone like him. All the secrecy and the fact that his intentions are basically unknown. I could be nothing but an object to him, a walking figure meant to fuck then abandon since its use is now up. I squint my eyes closed, the harsh words striking me dead in the heart. Something else. I need to think of something else. Letting this plague me will do nothing but drive me crazy, and this is the wrong place and time to let that happen. <</if>>\ <<include "TPH7.3">>

<<if $ARomance >=10>>\ I find myself contemplating her smile. The way those large brown eyes of hers light up when she’s excited. Her spirit was enticing, a black hole that pulls you near but not in a typically violent nature. Just as some would say that danger was appealing and a lure, Amari’s energy was also. In a world full of darkness, she was that light. And she knew it. A small smile encroaches on my face as I think about how we left things. Finally, I was able to tell her how I felt and learn that I was not alone in those feelings. I only hope that nothing has changed when I return. <<else>>\ I hadn’t planned for the vaewolf to interest me like she did, but she has. In a world so dark, she’s a light that I didn’t know I needed until she approached. There’s an innocence to her as well, one that, strangely enough, could be undone with a growl. I have no doubt that she can rip someone in two, but knowing her, she’d apologize after performing such action. Her feelings towards me are unknown, mainly since I’ve kept this to myself and watched it blossom in silence. I only hope that we’ll be able to investigate it. <</if>>\ <<include "TPH7.3">>

I just missed the kid. It’s odd to realize that I’ve only known him for three months. But spending day in and day out with him, watching him grow and being put into near-death experiences, well, it’ll bring anyone closer together. Or tear them apart … <<if $bcure>>I don’t know how he feels about me. After forcing him to go through a memory block to repress his memories, our relationship became nothing less than rocky. I don’t regret it, or at least not all of it. At most, I regret not being able to give him that choice. I just hope he understands that and can forgive me for it one day.<<else>>I hope he’s doing better than before. He had to deal with Sydero being taken and the trauma of seeing demonic faces and being beaten for every hour he was captured. Things got pretty dark, and though I do believe the worse has passed, I still worry that he isn’t done being challenged just yet.<</if>> <<include "TPH7.3">>

That’s something I hadn’t thought much about, whether for my own sanity or because of the world that has just recently presented itself to me. What will happen when I return? I wouldn’t be the same person they knew. And for all I know, they won’t be the same people I left behind. A week for me would be nearly a month for them. And if I have learned anything, it’s that a lot can happen in a month. <a data-passage="TPH7.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I cover my face; a lot is about to change and a lot is about to happen. So much has already. And like every other massive stage of my life, I’m wondering if I’m ready for any of it. “$name!” I turn to see Vihaan approaching, the $dreamanimal stopping directly in front of me and pausing as if to catch his breath. I shove the previous thoughts to the side; they’ll wait. What rush are they in to be answered and reflected upon? “Follow me. Death wishes for you to start your introduction.” “Introduction?” “Follow! Follow!” he <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote">>yips<<else>>chirps<</if>>, leading the way without a second glance to see if I’m following. I get to my feet and follow, curious to know where this and the rest of the day will go. <img src="images/divider.png"> ''Meanwhile, on Earth …'' //One Week After $name’s Disappearance// <<if $cp>>\ Chris grits his teeth as he pushes himself to his feet weakly, glancing for a place to take cover. There’s debris everywhere, but medium-sized pieces won’t really do him much good. A second explosion rocks the ground, and on wobbly legs, he darts to whatever he thinks can properly hide him. Pushing his back against the cement wall, he touches the wide cut on his forehead and hisses in pain. That’ll definitely need stitches, though he can probably get Rahim to heal it. “Chris!” Bradley shouts, running to his side and grabbing onto him to steady himself as a third explosion occurs. <<else>>\ Scrambling under the desk, Bradley curls up into the tightest ball possible, waiting for the rest of the explosion to subside and then the fall of the building. Seconds later and he finally crawls out, ignoring the scrapes along his hands and the rips in his clothes. He shuffles up and past a larger piece, sighing heavily when exposed rebar catches his thigh and cuts him. It will seem that he’ll have to get Rahim or Sydero to heal him for the … well, he’s no longer counting. “Syd?” Bradley shouts, searching amongst the wreckage but then pausing when a third explosion occurs. “Anyone?” he screams over it all. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="TPH8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $cp>>\ “Stay down,” Chris growls, grabbing his gun and checking the ammo. <<if $chris >=50>>He’s better off just trying to exorcise the demons, a weapon he’s far more comfortable with than a gun.<<else>>What are a few blessed bullets to demons, especially when he doesn’t know their rank.<</if>> “Where’s the others?” “No idea, everything blew up, and I ran. I barely found you.” “This is getting so fucking annoying,” he shouts, “Syd!” “Not it!” he hears her yell. “Not it!” he yells in response, followed by Amari. “You’re all annoying children. You know that?” Rahim groans loudly. Chris peeks out from his hiding spot to see a growing blue mist. “Just shut up and smite them, Angel Boy,” Sydero screams. “These are your people!” he reminds, the sound of something screeching soon following. “This is ridiculous,” Chris speaks, rising from his hiding spot when the sounds of battle finally fade. “We don’t ever get a break anymore. I can’t take a proper piss without one of these bastards blowing something up.” “You’ve been hanging out with Jeff for too long,” Bradley chuckles, but he only feels tired. The sound is hoarse and almost forced, like hearing a joke but neither understanding nor coherent enough to respond. “You okay?” Bradley shakes his head, taking a seat on the larger pieces of debris. One day things will stop crumbling around him … one day. He knows he’ll need to rise shortly. They’ll have to flee this place like they’ve done every other one. A string of ruined motels and mysteriously abandoned houses toppling over. This’ll just be another. “I’m tired of feeling this way. Feeling like there’s always something — no fuck that, someone, missing. At first, it was my parents, then Sydero, and now it’s $name. After we find $name, who’s next? Who vanishes then?” He kicks a piece of the building that he believes to be the roof, grunting when his toe screeches in pain. “I just want $name back.” Chris opens his mouth to say something when the others approach. “Come on, we gotta get the hell out of here,” Sydero sighs, appearing like how Bradley feels. The group huddles up while Zillah must be dragged over. With everyone gathered, they teleport. Bradley can only wonder how many more times this will take place. <<else>>\ “Bradley? Are you okay?” He wants to shout back for the vaewolf to shut up, but he doesn’t have the energy nor the care to deal with her. Not at that exact moment. “Bradley?” Zillah questions, and the young man releases a sigh, “where is everyone else?” “No idea, everything blew up, and I ran.” “This is becoming annoying,” he grumbles, that feeling escalating when he hears Sydero and Rahim go back and forth on whose turn it is to waste energy on those terrorizing them. He'd do it himself if he had the power to actually rid the world of angels and demons. “Someone just kill them,” Bradley shouts, the latter shifting to a whimper as another explosion rocks the ground. The sound of something screeching soon follows. A bright light takes to the sky, and Bradley turns his back to it, hiding behind Zillah until everything settles. The shade turns to him, “you okay?” “I’d feel five times better if you stopped being a dick and actually told us where $name was.” Zillah snorts, saying nothing more as he leaves the teen’s side. Bradley shakes his head, taking a seat on the larger pieces of debris. One day things will stop crumbling around him … one day. He knows he’ll need to rise shortly. They’ll have to flee this place like they’ve done every other one. A string of ruined motels and mysteriously abandoned houses toppling over. This’ll just be another. In actuality, he’s tired of feeling this way. At first, it was his parents, then Sydero, and now it’s $name. After $name, who’s going to be next? Who will vanish then? He kicks a piece of the building that he believes to be the roof, grunting when his toe screeches in pain. He wipes his face. He just wants to find $name. That’s all he wanted. The others approach, and Syd stands at his side, “come on, we gotta get the hell out of here.” She sighs, appearing like how Bradley felt. The group huddles up while Zillah must be dragged over. With everyone gathered, they teleport. Bradley can only wonder how many more times this will take place. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="EP1-Act Two"><img src="images/acttwobutton.png" alt="Act Two" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/acttwo.png"> I follow Vihaan across town, unable to not compare this to Earth. In all respects, this place functions like a town on Earth. The area shows sign of a unique road that looks to be mostly made up by colorful glossy tiles. People with food carts are shouting about their wares and children play in the streets while everyone else seems to toil away. An aspect of culture and life that individuals can never escape. The daily routines can differ, and the interactions may seem foreign, but it all stems from the same root at the end of the day. “Come, $name,” Vihaan chimes, and I glance over just in time to see him turn a corner. I pick up my pace but then slow right back down, taking in the colorful buildings and spacious ground in front of me. To my right is what looks like a fenced-off sparring area, my guess falling on that due only to the many movies I watch that has something similar. On the right, a white building that follows the architecture of the rest of the area, its roof blue and the areas near the windows a subtle gold that shimmers oddly due to the lighting of all of Purgatory. I search for Vihaan, realizing with a sigh that I lost the blasted animal. I enter the building farther away, finding myself in a corridor that intercepts two halls. I choose a random direction and continue on, trying to understand what this building’s purpose is. It all seems like a maze, and the deeper I travel, the more confused I become. Finally, it lets out into a large and mostly empty space. <a data-passage="TPH9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Hey! Watch out!” Whoever screams has barely gotten out the words ‘watch out’ before something solid rams into my side. Something tender but electric touches my skin, and when I open my eyes to investigate what it may be, I see a dark gray energy field caressing me. It disappears when the woman beside me lowers her hand, the dark energy returning to her skin as if being called home. They rest against her sienna-colored skin before finally dissolving from view. Her eyes are pitch black, but as soon as she blinks, dark brown eyes gaze back at me, and they are less than pleased. “What’s wrong with you? Who are you?” I get to my feet, and she follows suit, both of us studying one another. Though her questions linger in the air, my eyes are searching her person for answers. She hasn’t said anything, and though appearance-wise I know she’s supernatural, there is no reason for me to know //what// she is. But everything inside of me screams, reaper. She snaps in my face, “hello?” <a data-passage="TPH9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Is everything okay, Chanara?” She glances over her shoulder, and I peer past her to see a group of people approach. The same thing I feel with her happens here, my mind screaming reaper. It’s as if I can smell their species. No, that’s wrong. It feels much more internal, like being raised beside scents of apple and mint. Or waking up every day to the smell of the ocean, the salty sea breeze pervading one’s nose and instantly being recognized without a moment of hesitation. “I don’t know, fresh veil here just decided to walk in the middle of our trainin' session.” [[“I have a name.”|TPH9HaveAName][$ChanaraMitchell to true]] [[“Sorry.”|TPH9Sorry][$ChanaraMitchell to true]] [[“Maybe put up signs or something.”|TPH9SignsOrSomething][$ChanaraMitchell to true]] [[“Fresh veil?”|TPH9FreshVeil][$ChanaraMitchell to true]] [[“You’re reapers?”|TPH9ReapersWha][$ChanaraMitchell to true]]

I get to my feet, “I have a name. It’s $name.” “What you doing here?” she questions, ignoring my previous statement. “I was following -” <<include "TPH9.2">>

“Sorry, I didn’t know,” I tell her as I get to my feet, “I was just following -” <<include "TPH9.2">>

“Maybe next time you should put up signs or something when you’re training, so someone doesn’t ruin the moment.” I get to my feet, throwing her a look that she doesn’t seem impressed by. “You even know what this building is?” A look of confusion flashes upon my face, and it seems to be all the answer she needs. “Thought so. How you even get here?” “I was following -” <<include "TPH9.2">>

“Fresh veil? What does that mean?” “It’s you, smellin' like Earth.” She doesn’t say it in a disgusting manner but it is more than clear that she isn’t happy about it, “what you doing here?” “I was just following -” <<include "TPH9.2">>

“You’re reapers, right? All of you?” “You ask like you don’t already know the answer. Real question is, what are you?” “I’ve never …” I know the words, but they never actually leave my mouth. Am I able to tell what they are because I have the same blood? But then why aren’t they able to figure out what I am? “No,” the woman continues, “a better question is what’re you doing here?” “I was following -” <<include "TPH9.2">>

“$name!” Vihaan <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote">>barks, trotting back<<elseif $dreamanimal is "cat">>calls, trotting back<<else>>caws, flying back<</if>> towards me from another room that I hadn’t yet noticed. “Vihaan,” the reaper bows, and Vihaan nods back. “Commander Chanara, this is $name, child of Death.” As soon as Vihaan speaks these words, the others mumble and then fall silent. One drops to his knee in an unsteady fashion while another curtsy, but it is evident that no one knows quite what to do. “I didn’t think Death had children,” I hear someone amongst the group whisper. “That’s because we’ve never met one. How do you think this happened?” I continue to listen in until I notice Chanara still staring at me. Calling it malicious seems misplaced; it’s more like she’s scrutinizing me, answering some question she hasn’t yet voiced. When she finally seems satisfied with whatever conclusion she finds, she shrugs and then seems bored or done with the entire scenario. <a data-passage="TPH9.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“What’re you doin’? Get your asses back into place and restart the scenario.” The reapers don’t waste a second, already scrambling away to do what’s asked of them. “Lionel, keep an eye on your energy levels, and Melina, stop goin’ in cocky. A violent soul won’t care about your damn confidence.” I try to piece where she may be from, the south, obviously. But where is what causes me to pause and consider her thick accent. Chanara turns to leave a few seconds later, but before she can rejoin her troupe, a voice beckons her to stop. “Hold, Chanara. Your skills may be helpful for what I have in mind.” I glance up to see Death approaching. “If you think so,” Chanara sighs, turning to the others, “run the scenario.” [[“Helpful with what?”|TPH9HelpfulForWhat]] [[“What are you doing here?”|TPH9DoingHere]] [[“How did the meeting go?”|TPH9MeetingGo]] [[Stay silent.|TPH9.4]]

“Helpful with what? What will her skills help with?” Chanara snorts with a raised brow, “?he asks a lot of questions, now don’t ?he?” <<include "TPH9.4">>

“What are you doing here? Are you not busy?” “Explaining my schedule would be … difficult. And it is also slightly thrown off due to your presence. But trust that I have everything handled.” <<include "TPH9.4">>

“So, how did that meeting go? No problems, I hope.” “None at all. Simply going over new reaper shifts. “I told you I could do it, Bigger Boss. Less issue for you.” “And my dear, Chanara, I appreciate the sentiment each time,” he chuckles with a calm smile, saying nothing more on the matter. Chanara nods as if this silence is understood. <<include "TPH9.4">>

Death clears his throat, “let us move over here; the other reapers continue to stare.” Chanara stiffens, jerking around, but Death’s chuckles cause her to calm down, and she begrudgingly follows. “Should I send Vihaan to oversee them, Chanara?” “It’d be appreciated.” With her words spoken, Vihaan nods and heads over to the reapers, and my focus falls on the two before me. “As I have told you before, your deterioration is still an ongoing concern. The only way to stop it is for you to finally receive proper training and understanding of your powers. Though your abilities differ slightly in some regard, a reaper is the best person to train you,” he nods to Chanara, “and Commander Chanara here is one of my best and most talented.” Chanara nods, but I look back at Death with a raised brow, “why not you?” “I make for a horrible teacher,” he chuckles, “my patience and focus is far too low. I could make an attempt, but you will still have to join Chanara due to my schedule.” [[Get Chanara to train you.|TPH9ChanaraTrain][$chanara +=3; $power +=10]] [[Get Death to train you.|TPH9DeathTrain][$death +=10; $power +=5; $power_form to true]]

“If I’m going to have to work with her anyway, might as well start now.” Death nods in agreement, “wise decision. She has an excellent grasp of both the fundamentals and the more advanced techniques. And don’t let her scare you, she is a highly patient instructor. By the time she is done, your deterioration will never again be cause for concern.” His attention shifts to Chanara, “take it easy on ?him. Not only is ?he still getting adjusted to Purgatory air but ?his body is not yet accustomed to this sort of stress.” “I gotcha,” she nods. Death takes a step back, heading to a nearby wall to watch as Chanara shifts to the position he previously occupied. “The basics involve summonin’ your energy, teleportation, and manipulation. If I do my job right and you’re a decent student, then you’ll walk outta here knowin’ how to do all three without a second thought.” “What’s first?” “First, you need to focus on your energy. I want to see visuals. Go.” “Wait, I don’t know -” “Stop talkin’ and start visualizin’. You’re being timed. Go!” I squint my eyes closed and try to figure out what she possibly meant by visualize. But the pressure of doing this as quickly as possible, plus with two pairs of eyes on me, makes it nearly impossible. “Wow, who’da thought. Fresh veil got stage fright.” [[“Can you shut up?”|TPH9ShutUp][$chanara -=3]] [[“How about you actually train me?”|TPH9HowToTrainYourReaper][$chanara -=5]] [[“What am I doing wrong?”|TPH9AmIWrong][$chanara +=3]] [[Continue focusing.|TPH9ContinueFocusing][$chanara +=5]]

“Hey,” I open one eye to see her, “do me a favor and shut up. I’m trying to focus here.” “Yea, we can tell by all the stress lines on ya forehead,” she mumbles, and Death chuckles to himself. <<include "TPH9.5">>

“How about instead of insulting and teasing me, you actually train and give me some advice here.” “My advice is for you to visually present ya energy.” I turn to Death, jabbing a finger Chanara’s way, “this is your best instructor?” He shakes his head while sporting a giant smile, “I never said she was my best //instructor//. Just that she is one of my best.” “Hey! Focus up. I see no visuals over here. Let’s go!” <<include "TPH9.5">>

I drop my focus and turn to her confused. “What am I doing wrong?” “You mean besides not focusin’?” I sigh, scratching my forehead, “yea, besides that.” “Well, you ain’t focusing, so how bout we work from there?” <<include "TPH9.5">>

I ignore Chanara and continue to try and make her words a reality. Focus on my energy. Those words ring hollow. I didn’t really know what they meant, and I wasn’t even aware of what my energy looks like. <<include "TPH9.5">>

I do what comes naturally, seeing that I won’t get any other kind of advice. I attempt to imagine this power that I hold and what it’ll look like visually. The problem is that I’ve never really seen it’s manifestation. The most I can conjure up in my mind is the mist that I’ve seen when Rahim and I entered Hell. “Well, ain’t that different,” I hear Chanara speak and open my eyes to see what she’s referring to. <a data-passage="TPH9.6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $darkburns>>I notice the dark mist that I had previously envisioned swarming around my arms right where my burns rest. The energy is greater than before, perhaps the magic of Purgatory being at fault for that. The more I glance at them, the more I can see sparks of energy flying off of them, reminding me of both sparks from a fire and electricity.<<elseif $darktruth>>But I see nothing. I look from her to Death, hoping one of them will fill me in on what is happening but moving my head, I see a dark trail originate from the area near my eyes. I take a step back, and the dispersing dark mist once again follows me. I let out a shocked sigh, and like a chilled breath on a clear winter day, my breath condenses into a cloud of dark energy.<<else>>I glance down at my feet and see a thickening dark mist swarming around me. If I focus more intently on it, it roars to life, like a confused fire that has forgotten its shape. It then calms itself, but not much before it once again blossoms with renewed vitality.<</if>> “That answers a few questions,” Death hums, straightening up and coming to my side. He circles me and then hums to himself, “I must leave to handle some business. Continue your training.” I watch him go before putting my attention back on Chanara, who has been waiting patiently for my regained focus. “Now, focus that energy.” “And how do I do that? I don’t even know how I summoned it.” “Envision the energy you’re already givin’ off and put it into a ball. Command it.” I follow her directions, visualizing the mist, the source, and then focusing all of that into a ball. I picture it shifting form. That the mist swirls until semi-solidifying into a ball. Taking in a deep and hopeful breath, I open my eyes and stare at the ball of black energy in my hands. “Good. Not great, but good.” [[“What’s next?”|TPH9WhatNext][$chanara +=2]] [[“You don’t have one positive thing to say.”|TPH9Positive][$chanara -=2]] [[“No, that was amazing.”|TPH9Amazing][$chanara -=2]] [[“Fine, what did I do wrong?”|TPH9Wrong][$chanara +=2]]

The energy vanishes from my hand as I drop the focus and gaze over at Chanara, “what’s next?” “I like the ambition but slow down. You barely gotta grasp on the basics. Just keep summonin’ your energy, and this time command it.” “I did.” “No, you nudged it. Commanding it means you do whatever you want to it. It wouldn’t just appear out of whatever random place it wants.” A second later, her entire body is covered with a darker but thinner mist than my own. It’s pulled to her hands and then, like a flowing river, travels down to her leg. “This is commanding it. If I want it to appear in my hands, then that’s where it goes. You’re lettin’ it do what it wants and callin’ it a day. We’re not having that.” I sigh, “so … again?” “Again.” <<include "TPH9.7">>

“You don’t have one positive thing to say, not one.” “I’m not here to win some niceness award. If you’re not doin’ it right, then you’re not doin’ it right. I’m not about to say your footing is at least decent just to make you feel better.” “I can see that.” “How about you just do it again, and again, until you get that shit right.” She rocks back and forth on her heels with a smile and a shrug, “sorry, I don’t know how else to train you than to be honest.” “I can see that too,” I state, clearing my throat. <<include "TPH9.7">>

“No, that wasn’t good or great. That was amazing.” “Really?” she questions, brow raised as she leans against the wall, “if that amazed you, then you goin’ to lose your shit when you actually do it right.” “I did what you asked.” “No, you nudged it. Commanding it means you do whatever you want to it. It wouldn’t just appear out of whatever random place it wants.” A second later, her entire body is covered with a darker but thinner mist than my own. It’s pulled to her hands and then, like a flowing river, travels down to her leg. “This is commanding it. If I want it to appear in my hands, then that’s where it goes. You’re lettin’ it do what it wants and callin’ it a day. We’re not having that.” <<include "TPH9.7">>

“Fine, what did I do wrong then?” “I said command it.” “I did.” “No, you nudged it. Commanding it means you do whatever you want to it. It wouldn’t just appear out of whatever random place it wants.” A second later, her entire body is covered with a darker but thinner mist than my own. It’s pulled to her hands and then, like a flowing river, travels down to her leg. “This is commanding it. If I want it to appear in my hands, then that’s where it goes. You’re lettin’ it do what it wants and callin’ it a day. We’re not having that.” <<include "TPH9.7">>

I repeat the task for what feels like forever until Chanara seems pleased enough to tell me to stop. Where once my powers will just appear somewhere, and I’ll work with it from there, I can now command it to specific areas with little to no problem. Molding it is a bit easier but commanding it to do anything further than that, like explode or move, is a lot harder. “Alright, we’re done. We’ll pick this up whenever your next trainin’ day is.” I nod in understanding as Chanara glances over her shoulder at the area the other reapers are. She gets lost in her own thoughts, and before I can question her, she’s turning on her heel and walking away. As she departs, the other reapers approach. <a data-passage="TPH9.8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Hey!” one of them greets, “we’re walking back if you want to tag along.” <<include "TPH10">>

“I still would rather you train me for now.” Death nods, turning to Chanara, “it would seem you will start another day.” “Fine with me. Means I can spy on these idiots and see if they’re actually taking this shit seriously.” I suppose that’s her goodbye as she walks off, vanishing into thin air after a couple of steps. If that’s what reaper teleportation looks like then I’m more than excited and ready to learn it. Death clears his throat, “have you ever been curious about what your reaper form looks like?” “Heck yea.” He smiles and motions for me to follow him. We leave the central area of what I presume is the training hall and walk down a corridor. “I was told that the different realms force your true form out. Why do I still appear like this?” “You must be in a realm not your own. If you were in the Underworld or Elysian or even stepped foot on Fairyland soil, then your true form would be forced out. While you’re here, that does not happen.” He stops and nods to a door, “through here.” He allows me to go first, and I find myself in a sizeable room with walls covered by mats. Only one wall stands apart from the rest, this one holding a full-length mirror. <a data-passage="TPH9.9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“It’s a simple enough feat once you get the hang of it. But outside of Purgatory, it will rely on your balance. Do you know what that is?” “Sounds like the human to reaper balance. Nephilims and cambions have it too, right?” “Indeed. Like them, the more you embody a certain side of yourself, the more you will shift. For cambions, the more actions they take that are demonic in nature, the more they skew in that direction. For you, it will depend on you behaving like a reaper or human. Reaping, being around death, using your abilities, all of this will cause you to lean to your reaper side. In a way, it is based on embracing your immortality or mortal bindings.” [[“Should I stay balanced?”|TPH9StayBalanced]] [[“Do I need an anchor?”|TPH9Anchor]] [[“What about food and sleep?”|TPH9FoodSleep]]

“Is there a reason why I should stay balanced?” “It’s of personal preference, and though balanced has the most benefits, it also means you are never your strongest. So, in the end, it is up to you.” <<include "TPH9.10">>

“Do I need an anchor? I have two friends who do.” “No one //needs// an anchor. It is sought after as a lifeline to remain balanced. Some have trained themselves enough to not need one.” He seems to have more to say about the topic but chooses against it, leaving it there. <<include "TPH9.10">>

“Most supernaturals don’t need food and sleep as much as humans. Does that count me now too?” “It does. You’ll find that you won’t need sleep as much here. You also will not need to eat as much. Only because you’re a hybrid will you need to eat at all, though if you go full reaper, then you’ll be fine.” “And I can still eat normal food?” “Normal food as in human food? Yes. Other species would have to take note of dietary restrictions but because your other side is technically dead, you only have the human side to be concerned of.” <<include "TPH9.10">>

“But come, close your eyes. Imagine yourself, but then go deeper than that. It might be difficult, but you need to imagine yourself in your purest form, your truth. Think of your needs, not your wants. Toss out all presumptions of what you will look like and just imagine you at your most bare.” “I don’t know what any of that means,” I chuckle, opening one eye to look at him. He frowns and seems to think before nodding, “think of your heart. View it not as a heart but as your core, the source of all your energy. Keep this core in mind, let it grow, and be all that you are. Forget that you are $name and raised on Earth. Forget all attachments. For at this exact moment, you are only that core.” It’s hard, much harder than a few words. He essentially is asking me to detach myself from everything that makes me, me. My relationships, personalities, memories, all of it. One thing I’ve realized is that purpose separates the immortals from the mortals. Immortals have a goal, and nothing else matters, not their emotions or moral dilemmas, if they even possess that. They do what they’re created to do, and that’s it. But the same can not be said for mortals. All of us have hangups, attachments, and things that make us unique, and perhaps that’s why immortals despise us and why our souls are sought. Either way, I won’t be able to do as he asks. It just isn’t possible. <a data-passage="TPH9.11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

So, instead. I focus on my core and just push it forefront. I tell it to grow brighter and encourage it to take center stage. Nothing needs to be forgotten; it just has to be content with being backstage at that specific moment. “Open your eyes.” I do, and they widen with interest, which also causes the glow that they give off to brighten. The first thing I notice is my sclera. The entire thing is black with no pupil to discern. No, I now only possess a bright, glowing orange iris. A dark mist leaks off of me, pooling at my feet before crawling outwards and then dispersing. I raise a hand to my cheek, unsurprised when I touch flesh though I did believe that nothing will rest there. My skin tone has taken on a darker edge, allowing me to see just a hint of my facial structure. It’s as if a shadow has come over me, but it isn’t strong enough to block the entirety out. “For now, your form isn’t as … profound as mine. But that’s because you are still only a hybrid. You are neither true reaper nor true human. And so your form will resemble that, existing somewhere in the middle.” “Not a skeleton?” “I have no understanding of where that fallacy originated from,” he sighs, “though I suppose I can understand it. Mortals think of death and see a withered form. The most withered form is that of a skeleton. But that decipherment of death is limited when the true meaning of death goes far deeper.” I continue to look myself over, only pausing when I see Death shift. He nods to the door, and I abandon my reflection to turn to him. “I must go. I have a few things that need my attention. I will come and find you later today though, we still have things to discuss. You should continue practicing calling forth your true form, the more you do it the easier it becomes.” “And what do I do in the meantime?” “Whatever you wish,” he tells me and heads out, and I find myself alone. I wander back to the main training hall area just in time to see the other reapers gathering together and deep in discussion. Perhaps I can continue to explore. Hopefully, I won’t get lost. <a data-passage="TPH9.12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Hey!” I turn and see the other reapers approaching, each of them wearing a broad smile. I notice that Chanara is not amongst them. “We’re walking back if you want to tag along.” <<include "TPH10">>

“Walking back to where?” “We call it //Al Mawt//, though its official name isn’t the same depending on the language. But it’s basically the main part of the city, the place where Death’s palace is.” “Yea, I don’t know my way back, so I might as well tag along.” With my new guides, we leave the hall and head back the way Vihaan and I came in. I remember this much, but shortly after, I’m confused and happy that I agreed not to try and figure this out myself. We weave between houses, go up and down multiple stairs, and then round so many corners that they call shortcuts that I know I’d be lost in a matter of minutes if alone. <a data-passage="TPH10.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“And then bam!” one of the reapers that I’ve soon found to be called Tobiasz, shouts, dramatically shooting his energy into the air to mimic an explosion, “I had her.” “You had no one,” another laughs, though her name escapes me, mostly because I’ve stopped paying attention. Most of my focus is on our surroundings and still on everything I’ve been told since getting here. I also practice my abilities from time to time, hoping that it’ll help my next session go smoothly. Breaking that focus only when the group does something that garners my attention. I watch as they laugh and playfully push each other, and each time, I feel myself missing my group a bit more. There are moments where the arguing ceases, and to the unaware eye, we’re just a group of friends. <<if $cp>>I miss Chris’ and Bradley’s banter, how they go back and forth even when one side knows they’ve lost.<<else>>I miss Bradley’s random banter, constantly plugging some trivial fact or random joke in to keep the mood light.<</if>> Sydero’s brow raising quips and Amari’s playful and jumpy attitude. Rahim’s presence. He isn’t always the most fun to be around, but he knows how to keep everyone focused. Moments like that have become rare. Not only because of Sydero missing but because of all the mood shifts. I glance over at the reaper group and sigh, wondering if we’ll ever get back to this. With a snort, I shake my head. I’d give anything to go on some random hunt. “So, $name,” another reaper starts, Juliano, I believe. But there’s a good chance that I’m horribly wrong. “Earth or Purgatory.” [[“Earth.”|TPH10Earth]] [[“Purgatory.”|TPH10Purgatory]] [[“I don’t know.”|TPH10IDK]]

“Earth,” I say quickly and with confidence. It isn’t a competition for me. Purgatory is amazing, and it fills a small void that I haven’t thought there, but it also isn’t home. It isn’t where the people I care about are. They look disappointed, I suppose expecting me to see the superiority of Purgatory and for my answer to reflect such an observation. “Well, maybe it’ll grow on you once you’re fully acclimated. Being Death’s child and all, it probably won’t take long.” <<include "TPH10.2">>

“Purgatory,” I tell them. Is it the feeling I get walking around here? Or is it just because I know that it’s what they want to hear? I don’t think long as they nod and whoop in satisfaction. “Right answer,” the tall woman chuckles, “and you’ve only seen a small part of it.” “You’re Death’s child,” another adds with a shrug, “I’m sure you’ll see more of it soon.” <<include "TPH10.2">>

“I don’t really know. I haven’t been thinking much about the place as much as what resides within it.” “What does that mean?” “Just meeting my father and other, more personal things.” I can’t even put my thoughts into words, either that or I just don’t feel comfortable sharing it with a group whose names I haven’t even bothered to learn, all besides one or two. <<include "TPH10.2">>

“Do any of you know Death?” I question. “We know more of him than we know him personally,” the tallest answers, stretching her arms over her head. “Chanara is the only one who has actually talked to him, though. The rest of us see him in the big meetings, and that’s about it.” “Why isn’t Chanara with you anyway?” “Why would she be with us?” one asks, brow raised. “I just thought you were all …” I trail off, remembering how Chanara spoke of them earlier. Why would I think they were friends? “Friends?” Tobiasz questions and snorts, “not really. She’s our commanding officer, and that’s it. She has her own group of friends, I’m sure.” Now that he has said that, I wonder what their ranks are. Honestly, I haven’t even thought they had differing positions. <a data-passage="TPH10.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

A group of children darts in front of us, the reapers continuing on, weaving through their group seamlessly. I watch them, though, and like an alarm, my head screams werewolf, identifying each child in front of me as one. It’s the same feeling I had when I first met Chanara and the others, but I’ve only thought it due to the reaper similarities. Am I now able to sense other species? Much like my group is able to? A helpful trait, at least. I won’t have to rely on another to figure out what is coming after me anymore. “Hey,” one of the reapers states, nudging me once I catch up and then nodding to someone in the distance. I glance over to see Death approaching. He nods to each individual before placing his attention on me. “Come. It is time I answer the more pressing questions.” I say farewell to the others, and the two of us wander back to the palace. Though, that word doesn’t fit what stands in front of me. A palace invoked thoughts of grandeur and magnificence. A ruler gazing across the territory they rule or some high religious figure glancing to the skies with arms open, ready to receive their daily blessing. This house is bigger than others, but it isn’t grand. It doesn’t invoke outrageous demands or order those whose eyes grace it to bow down and show respect. My mind, yet again, goes to Lust’s kingdom. The bright lights and extravagance. How easy it is for one to become lost in the sensations that surround them. There’s never a moment of dullness, for even walking across the streets to another building scream of an adventure and prepares one for what awaits. If the surroundings describe and mirror the ruler, what does all of this say about my father? <a data-passage="TPH11"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Side by side, we wander down sandstone-colored clay tiling, entering a garden that holds little color besides green. Most gardens I have seen hit you with an array of natural tones, flowers blossoming and shooing the green away as they stand in the spotlight. But this does not have that luxury or hindrance. There are a few flowers who think themselves brazen enough, their whites and pinks attempting to gain notice but are quickly overshadowed by the towering green plants or the sage succulents that don’t have to try as hard to capture notice. “What do you think of Purgatory thus far?” Death questions. [[“It’s boring.”|TPH11Boring][$death -=2]] [[“Words can’t explain it.”|TPH11WordsNoExplain][$death +=3]] [[“I’m getting sick of that question.”|TPH11StopAskingMeThisShit]]

“Maybe I’ve grown used to running for my life, but it’s boring here. It’s like living in a small town when you’re itching for adventure.” “You enjoy that?” “I wouldn’t say enjoy. It’s just part of me now. Jumping from one place to another, having to be completely aware of my surroundings, all of that is just who I am now, I suppose.” He hums and continues on. <<include "TPH11.1">>

“Words can’t explain it. It feels like I’m on Earth still at times but also like I’m so far away. I don’t know how to describe it. Everything screams that this is different and I can see it with my own eyes but I guess I’m just trying to compare it to something I’m used to.” “That is understandable. Grounding as well.” “Yea. But it’s amazing. And to think I’ve only seen a fraction of it.” “Ah, yes. The rest of Purgatory is much different. This area follows what I have envisioned for it but the others do not exactly follow this rule. They are fueled by me but have shaped themselves.” <<include "TPH11.1">>

“I think I’m getting sick of being asked that question by everyone.” He snorts, “it will be a popular one until you get settled.” “I’ll learn to ignore everyone then,” I mumble. <<include "TPH11.1">>

“I have a question about Purgatory. It holds both the dead and living, is there a border?” “Yes. The dead exist in another area of Purgatory while those who draw breath find themselves centered on the other side. There’s a field one must cross to reach them, but only a reaper can successfully make the journey.” He stops and turns to me but then, a second later, glances off and sighs. “What I’m about to tell you will disturb you, and as it shifts your understanding, it may also paint me as the villain. I am ready to accept this, but I warn you just so you can prepare yourself.” I can’t help but stiffen, part of me contemplating if whatever he’s going to tell me is even something I wish to hear. He pauses, glancing up at the sky before to the ground. This silence lingers, and he continues to gaze around as if contemplating every aspect of what surrounds us. Finally, he speaks, nodding to himself as he turns to face me. His gaze pins me to the spot, disallowing me from even wiggling in discomfort. “You were born for one purpose and one purpose only. To be a vessel for me.” <a data-passage="EP1-Act Three"><img src="images/actthreebutton.png" alt="Act Three" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/actthree.png"> “Wait, what!?” I shout in horror. He frowns, “I might have misjudged how to say it.” “What the hell do you mean by ‘be a vessel for you?’” “Yes. I have definitely misjudged how well that would work. My apologies. Though, no part of what I said is false.” I grab my head and shake it, trying to steady the pounding of my heart and how everything begins to feel a lot like when I was dying. The air becomes suffocating, walls that aren’t there press in, a foul smell in the air that threatens to finish me if the air doesn’t. There’s tremendous pressure on my chest, and the more I struggle, the more weight it adds. “Should I start at the beginning?” Clarity, even for a second, and I nod. [[Sarcastically say, “why not at the end?”|TPH12Sarcasm][$serious -=3]] [[Earnestly say, “that would be helpful.”|TPH12Earnestly][$serious +=3]] [[Angrily say, “you better start somewhere.”|TPH12Angry][$pacifist -=3]] [[Stutter in confusion.|TPH12Stutter]]

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Comical ++</span><</if>> “No, why not start at the very end. And then jump to the beginning and then tell me the middle. Might as well just say fuck it to how things go and just do whatever, right?” “I am a poor judge of sarcasm. Is that what you’re doing?” “Just,” I shout, sighing and telling myself to calm down. An attitude will get neither of us anywhere. “Start at the beginning.” <<include "TPH12.1">>

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Serious ++</span><</if>> “Yes, the beginning would be a great place to start and be extremely helpful.” <<include "TPH12.1">>

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Violent ++</span><</if>> “I know one thing, you better start somewhere, and it better explain what the hell you mean by giving my body to you.” He raises a brow at my tone but says nothing more concerning it. <<include "TPH12.1">>

I open my mouth to speak but the only words that come out are jumbled with no true meaning behind them. While my tongue tries to form an actual word, my mind simply replays his sentence over and over, attempting to understand and failing. Death continues on. <<include "TPH12.1">>

“I have said before that the Fates are above me. They are a presence that I’ve never seen with my own eyes but have felt many times. They have guided me and told me of my purpose, just like they have done others like me.” I interrupt, “others like you?” “Do you think I am the only one?” “Yes.” <a data-passage="TPH12.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Well,” he chuckles and sighs, “you are not wrong. Earth wise, I am. But there are many of us scattered across this galaxy and the next. Many have come before me, and I surmise that many will come after. We are one, but we do not think and behave as one. We each have the same purpose, this cycle of death touches everything, and thus, we are given this knowledge. I cannot say when the first one came to be. When I was created, I had a general idea of my predecessors, and the Fates answered so few questions. The most I was able to gather was that my task held the world in my hands. If I failed, then the world would follow.” “Have others failed?” “Yes. The Fates did not go into explanation. I was simply told that many before me watched their worlds crumble, and then so did they. Every world receives a Death. We are their beginning and their end. The Fates are odd. The same way mortals look to the heavens in the hope of an answer is the same way I look to the Fates. And just the same, there is hardly ever an answer. The Fates gave me enough to know what must be done and thus what I should do. Everything else was left for me to learn. I watched this world grow. In my youth, I was too curious and at times I did interfere. The first cataclysm to befall Earth,” he glances over at me and sighs deeply. “The first was my doing. The world had grown too full due to my eagerness and fascination with life. I thus learned of the importance of balance, though immortals will probably say differently. But their idiocy should be ignored regardless. Soon I learned, life is life, and no matter if you stand against or with it, it will sprout and grow. My position was not to question but to,” he touches the petals of a nearby flower, “but to be the gardener. I was to trim and water and clip. Sometimes even burn.” He stiffens and turns to face me, “that is the beginning.” <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q1")>>“How did supernatural beings come to be?”<<else>>[[“How did supernatural beings come to be?”|TPH12.Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q2")>>“Have you caused all the disasters?”<<else>>[[“Have you caused all the disasters?”|TPH12.Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q3")>>“Why do you view immortals so lowly?”<<else>>[[“Why do you view immortals so lowly?”|TPH12.Q3]]<</if>>

“How did supernatural beings come to be? Did they simply exist?” “No. Not at first. I had my dimension, and it was filled with magic. I cultivated that magic, not knowing what would become of it. I took inspiration from the creatures below. Creatures seeking blood and flesh, those that sought their prey mercilessly and without distraction. The carnage was enticing, and I was drawn to it. That furtherance soon led to the first of many. On the one hand, I was fascinated and satisfied. They came out as I had pictured them, wild and carnal. But on the other, there was a beauty of those on Earth that these beings did not have. They knew only savagery. But they were among my land, and I believed it important to watch them. And so I did. A veil was constructed, and only until they grew curious did all stay separated and balanced.” <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q2")>>“Have you caused all the disasters?”<<else>>[[“Have you caused all the disasters?”|TPH12.Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q3")>>“Why do you view immortals so lowly?”<<else>>[[“Why do you view immortals so lowly?”|TPH12.Q3]]<</if>> [[“But why am I needed?”|TPH12.3]]

“You said that the first cataclysm was your doing. Can you claim others?” “No, as civilization grew, I found that I didn’t have to do nearly as much. Mortals and immortals alike took care of that for me. All I had to do was clean up the mess left behind.” “But you can?” “Yes. I could end this entire world so swiftly. I can end it, and there be no pain, no sadness. Just nothing.” “Why don’t you?” “Because it is not my place. I am but a viewer. I watch, and when I must, I send myself or others to clean up the mess left behind. You may see all immortals the same, but I am not one of them. Perhaps if they held the power I held, then they would abuse it. But I know where I stand, and it is not to decide the fate of the planet on a selfish whim.” <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q1")>>“How did supernatural beings come to be?”<<else>>[[“How did supernatural beings come to be?”|TPH12.Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q3")>>“Why do you view immortals so lowly?”<<else>>[[“Why do you view immortals so lowly?”|TPH12.Q3]]<</if>> [[“But why am I needed?”|TPH12.3]]

“It’s clear that you don’t think much of immortals. Why?” “Mortals have an excuse for their actions. They don’t know any better. But then immortals can not say the same. Their understanding eclipses others, and still, they are petty. They rape and pillage and play tricks. They start wars and snicker. They are children sitting on thrones.” “And you?” “And I must sit and watch them all. I have been a neutral party, for that is all I can be.” “But if their wars and pettiness bring the end of the world, then what?” “I will reap them all. Give them all their final rest before I march into slumber, never to awaken. The funny thing about death to the being who embodies it is that it is not scary. It’s like a mother’s bosom, calling you home, but you are too busy or distracted to ever heed it. You miss the warmth, and you know one day you shall return. You just don’t know when.” <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q1")>>“How did supernatural beings come to be?”<<else>>[[“How did supernatural beings come to be?”|TPH12.Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q2")>>“Have you caused all the disasters?”<<else>>[[“Have you caused all the disasters?”|TPH12.Q2]]<</if>> [[“But why am I needed?”|TPH12.3]]

“I understand the beginning,” I say, “but I don’t understand why I am needed.” “You understand the magic difference between Purgatory and Earth, correct?” “Yes. Earth barely has any, and Purgatory has a lot, similar to the other dimensions.” “Yes. All the dimensions hold magic, while Earth holds a fusion. When I first left to perform my duties, I realized my abilities lessened greatly. Not only did I need energy for this world, but my strength also fueled and gave life to all of Purgatory. I would be unable to do my job efficiently with this. And so, I began to experiment, and the shades were created. A mistake, in the end. I realized my mistake when I sent them forth, but every action drained me more. Killing a few of them did not help, as that is not how magic works. I received only a portion of my energy back with their deaths, and the pain it caused was tremendous.” “You feel pain?” I question, and he nods, continuing on. “After this, I got the idea of making reapers, a much better solution, but as Purgatory grew, so did my need to fuel it. Unlike the other dimensions, I was alone in fueling Purgatory. The seven princes share responsibility, making the tether between the Underworld and Earth easy. The multiple higher gods fuel the connection between Elysium and Earth.” <a data-passage="TPH12.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“What do you mean?” “The Abrahamic God alone does not rule Elysium. He is joined by figures such as Odin and Zeus. Figures whose names have been given the highest titles. Much like the Underworld, they each have their own kingdoms. But all of these beings together fuel Elysium and make such connections easy. Here, there is only me, and will never be another. I have to maintain a connection and a presence on Earth to ensure I can do my job, and such a thing wears on me. With the help of Azrael, we found a solution that has worked for centuries.” “The marked soul.” “Yes. But it goes deeper than that. The marked soul is merely needed to form the true vessel. It is the child that comes from them that I need. As soon as they are old enough, they are brought to Purgatory, and Azrael strips them of their humanity. They become akin to a husk, a simple creature that can still react but has no individual thoughts or personality. With that, they are trained, and once that training is complete do I take their body. I am then strong enough to maintain a connection for a few more centuries before everything must be repeated.” I finally take a seat; it’s a miracle that I could stay standing for as long as I was. Shaking my head, I contemplate all that he said. <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q4")>>“Why children?”<<else>>[[“Why children?”|TPH12.Q4]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q5")>>“What happens when you take me?”<<else>>[[“What happens when you take me?”|TPH12.Q5]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q6")>>“Why not just take me now?”<<else>>[[“Why not just take me now?”|TPH12.Q6]]<</if>>

“Why children though?” “A child will put up little resistance, their willpower weak if nonexistent. Trying to do anyone past a certain age will cause us to run into resistance, and I have little need for that when a planet’s future rests on my shoulder. Also, power maturity happens at the age of eight, making it the best age range to complete training by and allow the body to suffer no issue.” <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q5")>>“What happens when you take me?”<<else>>[[“What happens when you take me?”|TPH12.Q5]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q6")>>“Why not just take me now?”<<else>>[[“Why not just take me now?”|TPH12.Q6]]<</if>> [[“So my entire life was for this?”|TPH13]]

“What happens to me when you take my body?” He raises an inquisitive brow, “what do you think?” “I really don’t want to be right with what I’m thinking.” “Then your thoughts are probably true. Others will remember you but who you are is no more. I will absorb your soul and take your body, and you, as an individual, will be no more.” “And I’m supposed to just go along with that?” “Going along with it or not is not the issue. I never said that this will be to your liking nor something that you will choose willingly.” <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q4")>>“Why children?”<<else>>[[“Why children?”|TPH12.Q4]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q6")>>“Why not just take me now?”<<else>>[[“Why not just take me now?”|TPH12.Q6]]<</if>> [[“So my entire life was for this?”|TPH13]]

“With how important you made this all sound, you’d think you’d just take my body.” “Unfortunately, this is not an option. As of right now, you couldn’t hold my essence. It would be a waste.” “Then why haven’t you told Azrael to strip me of my humanity? You would at least be able to train me without resistance then.” “That too can end horribly. With all that you have been through, I’m afraid your will is much too strong.” <<if $nerve >=50>>He smiles, "which is expected. Part of me feels that I should be experiencing some kind of negative emotion, and yet, I feel nothing but an overwhelming amount of pride.”<<else>>He frowns, “or, not so much.”<</if>> He clears his throat and continues on with his previous thought. “The fight you would put up could damage you in the long run. Or,” Death shrugs, “it could all work out well. This has never happened before, and I don’t find it useful to go experimenting, so we will play this safe.” <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q4")>>“Why children?”<<else>>[[“Why children?”|TPH12.Q4]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH12.Q5")>>“What happens when you take me?”<<else>>[[“What happens when you take me?”|TPH12.Q5]]<</if>> [[“So my entire life was for this?”|TPH13]]

“So, my entire life, my entire existence was made just so you can strip me of my humanity and then take my body?” He stares at me for a time before nodding, “yes. That is right.” [[“And you’re okay with this?”|TPH13OkayWithThis][$death +=3]] [[“Well, fuck you.”|TPH13FuckYou][$death -=3]] [[“I … don’t know what to say …”|TPH13IDKToSay]]

“And you’re okay with this? Okay, with how this is going to end and what’s going to happen?” “If I am, to be honest, I never contemplated it. I never had reason to. You are an anomaly that I am still trying to wrap my head around. Whether you wish to hear the truth or not, no. I am not happy that your life has to end, but I do accept it. As I have done for billions of years.” <<include "TPH13.1">>

“Well, I got some words for you //father//. Fuck. You.” He continues to stare at me, and with each passing second, I find myself growing angrier. His words don’t make that anger lessen either. Every moment I contemplate what he told me, the more this world comes crashing down around me. <<include "TPH13.1">>

“I … I don’t know what to say to any of this.” I shut my mouth, I hardly know what to think. <<include "TPH13.1">>

We are silent for a while, Death appearing as if he would soon walk away, but I stop him. “And if I say no? If I refuse to give you what you want?” “You may refuse. I expect you too. But in the end, you and I both know that is inevitable. If there was another way, then know that I would surely seek it out. But as I have said so many times, I have a task, and an entire planet resides on that. You have stirred so many waters, and it is not your doing but the doing of selfish and greedy immortals. I have a small inkling of why the angels took and hid you, but nothing concrete. Regardless of an answer, you will be the one to suffer, and for that, I’m sorry.” With an unsteady hand, he rests it against my shoulder. [[Slap it away.|TPH13SlapAway][$death -=5]] [[Squeeze it.|TPH13SqueezeIt][$death +=5]] [[Do nothing.|TPH13DoNothing]]

I slap it away, refusing to shift my gaze to see him. I can feel his presence linger for a second longer before he walks off, his footsteps taking him further away until there is nothing but silence. <<include "TPH13.2">>

I needed some kind of foundation right then, and so I cover his hand in mine, and I squeeze it, glancing up into his eyes. I don’t know what I expect to see. If I wanted him to laugh and tell me that all of this was a joke or even that he was willing to go to the extremes to make this not come to pass. I see neither of those and look away. As soon as my hand falls from his, he leaves, and I am alone. <<include "TPH13.2">>

I make no action towards his hand, my mind more focused on everything he had just told me. I’m hardly aware of his fading footsteps and the feeling of being alone. <<include "TPH13.2">>

So this was the truth. After so many months of searching and wondering, I learned that everything happened because of angelic greed. And if it didn’t happen, I wouldn’t even be alive right now. It feels like I’ve gone through so much to get here, and after so much traversing and sacrificing, my answer is simply - your purpose is to die. My purpose has nothing to do with me but what I am and my body. All that I’ve become, it means little. I was, simply put, a vessel. <a data-passage="TPH14"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/divider.png"> ''Meanwhile, on Earth ...'' //One Week After $name’s Disappearance// <<if $SRomance >=10>>\ Just a bit more scrubbing and the last remnants of blood will finally be cleansed from her hand. She’s suffering through an immense headache, though the cause isn’t as easily labeled. Could be because of the mounting problems, something that she never seems too low on. Or it could just be because her memories are still coming back to her and this week’s session seemed to want to focus on Roe. The last flashback placed them in a motel room, Bradley missing, critical mission that would spell out doom later, the whole shebang. But at that moment, her attention was focused solely on Roe. Trying to figure out why ?he had any kind of interest in her and what there was to do about it. She groans as she dips her head into the water, letting the steady stream shove the memory from her mind and causing the most recent problem to come front and center. $name is in Purgatory. It isn’t something that actually shocked her, but it wasn’t her first guess. She definitely wasn’t prepared to hear that reaper hybrids were a thing. She still couldn’t even understand how. Reapers are dead, they can’t reproduce. In that regard, they’re like vampires. Adding to that, her understanding of reapers are that they’re too focused and single-minded to let themselves be pulled away. They only came down to Earth when they had to reap a soul or are forced, so who thought it smart to get in bed with one? Obviously Roe’s mother but that isn’t something she wants to mull over. <<elseif $CRomance >=10>>\ Where? Purgatory. What? A reaper hybrid. At least those two questions are now answered, which only leaves the how and why. When is obvious … and this sort of questioning is strictly to keep Chris from freaking out. He doesn’t know what else to do as he sits there on some old-worn out couch with nothing but hybrids surrounding him. And Bradley, but the kid is a freak of nature all on his own doing so he might as well be counted with the others. One is tied up to a chair in a spare room, bleeding profusely if Sydero’s hands and clothing is any clue to his current state. His head is starting to hurt. Reaper hybrid. How is that even possible and would he have ever guessed that? Probably not. He supposes it’s as great a guess as any other, the list hadn’t really been that long to begin with. Chris bites the inside of his lip, hoping that even if $name is in Purgatory, ?he<<verb "'s" "'re">> safe. God, he hopes ?he<<verb "'s" "'re">> safe. It feels like everyday is just seeing them back step. Jump from one place to another in hopes of dodging angelic and demonic forces. Questions brought up due to a once unknown angelic prophecy while still dealing with a demonic one. And then $name being a missing key in so many things and now missing. He’s starting to understand Bradley’s turmoil. What if … what if he’s never able to hold ?him again? Up to now, it’s been a lot of confusion and Chris fucking up every chance he gets. As soon as words and feelings combine, that’s when the universe wants to slap him with a ‘nope, try again later.’ <<elseif $ZRomance >=10>>\ His body is in pain. //His body//. He hated that the phrase is now common and he no longer frowns at the thought. He’s corporeal, that’s bad enough. Shifting his jaw, he wonders when Sydero will return for more answers. The Purgatory remark and finally revealing what $name is will sate them for only so long. Next she’d be asking why and how they could save ?him and there are only two candidates for that. Him or Amari. There’s no way this team would sacrifice Amari, especially seeing that her chance of surviving is so low. But then that means they’ll rely on him, which is idiotic on their part. As soon as this stupid hex is raised, he’d be gone and they’ll never see him again. To think, all of this may soon come to an end. $name is where ?he<<verb "'s" "'re">> supposed to be at long last. <<elseif $RRomance >=10>>\ So, Purgatory. That’s where $name is. He wants to kick himself for not guessing that before but he had no reason to think $name would even be able to get there, though … that too seems idiotic. $name is obviously not angelic or demonic in nature. That only leaves Purgatory. Rahim groans. Yes, that is definitely foolish on his part. He wants to place all the blame on $name. Just the idea of ?him always seems to make him do ludicrous things and always made focusing a bit harder. But then that would be admitting something he really didn’t want to admit. That no matter what he said aloud and to the others, and to himself, $name is under his skin and creeping fairly close to a heart he thought well protected. And that’s something he can’t have. He snorts at his own thoughts. Said as if every other thought didn’t concern $name and their well-being, as well as the fact that they shift from sadness to downright anger. Seeing a bloody Zillah should have caused him some sort of grief, indifference at the very least. But no, knowing that he’s paying for putting $name in this position in the first place made him smile bitterly. And even while thinking about it right now, he feels no pity. No form of guilt. “So, $name is in Purgatory,” Bradley voices, though when Rahim glances over at him he seems to be more so speaking to himself. <<if $cp>>\ “What does that mean? I feel like we should be worried,” Chris questions. “Because we should. It means there’s nothing else we can do,” Rahim answers, a reply that immediately puts him on Bradley’s shit list, again. <<else>>\ “There has to be a way we can get to ?him, right?” Amari questions. “No, there’s nothing else we can do,” Rahim answers, a reply that immediately puts him on Bradley’s shit list, again. <</if>>\ <<elseif $ARomance >=10>>\ //One. Two. Three.// One of Amari’s eyes flutter open as she hears speaking but she wants to block it out, for her own well-being. For all she knows, it’s just another argument. Those had been happening a lot and she’s beginning to suffer from them. From what she gathered, she’s the only one who isn’t butting heads with someone, though she doesn’t know if her conflict with Bradley counts. Mostly because that conflict has him screaming at her and she backing down and with her tail tucked between her legs, darting out of view. <<if $optimistic >=50 or $sympathy >=50>>\ If $name was here then this wouldn’t go like this. Amari is seen as the sunshine one but she always feels like $name can easily fulfill the spot too, only better. She admires that about $name. How easily ?he can diffuse a situation and without anyone picking fun at ?him. Probably because ?he<<verb "'s" "'re">> a realist. $name kept the important things in mind and though ?he <<verb "manages">> to settle everyone and everything down, ?he <<verb "does">> it in a way that made others nod and not roll their eyes. <<else>>\ If $name was here then this wouldn’t go like this. Granted, the arguing would only be increased, $name isn’t known to keep ?his opinions to ?himself. But ?he always provided a voice of wisdom or at least a voice of focus. If they were all going to argue, then it would be over the right things and that’s better than this. There would be no time for petty squabbles and rivalry, not until all the clues were found and answers were within grasp. <</if>>\ Reaper hybrid. It all makes sense now, why the smell was always familiar and yet so distant. Her thoughts go to the last reaper she met. She had swore she’d never meet another and yet, here she is, falling for one. Life is strange. Very strange. <<else>>\ //Purgatory can only be entered by supernatural creatures and reapers. No other documented species have been recorded to be able to do such a thing, not without a reaper escort.// Bradley’s eyes fly across those words for what feels like the tenth time in the last five minutes. It’s a continuing cycle. He thinks about how they just learned of $name’s location and then he reads those lines and then think about how they just found out what $name was. Reaper hybrid. Such a thing didn’t exist. He knows that simply by searching every part of the web that he knew about. If even a thought existed then it would at least pop up, but nothing, not even a single fanfic. He’d probably get Jeff drunk to correct that problem. The thought makes him chuckle. But he’d have to save the idea for when $name is sitting right beside him, telling him how great of an idea it is. That at least prolongs the smile. “So, $name is in Purgatory,” he chooses to voice. <<if $cp>>\ “What does that mean?” Chris questions, “I feel like we should be worried.” “Because we should. It means there’s nothing else we can do,” Rahim answers, a reply that immediately puts him on Bradley’s shit list, again. The nephilim just can’t find a way to stay off of it. <<else>>\ “There has to be a way we can get to ?him, right?” Amari questions. “No, there’s nothing else we can do,” Rahim answers, a reply that immediately puts him on Bradley’s shit list, again. The nephilim just can’t find a way to stay off of it. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="TPH14.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $SRomance >=10>>\ No. There is more to this but she has already tortured as much information out of Zillah as she could without having him break. There’s a fine line that needs to be walked to keep an individual lucid enough to function but then frightened enough that they realize that prolonging the truth isn’t the smartest idea. Added to the fact that she utilized her empathy when she could, well, it didn’t work out well for those who thought lying was the wiser path. She can hear the others talking, trying to figure out what to do. She did her job, got the information out of the annoying ass shade. She won’t join them. No, sleep is the only thing on her mind. Well, sleep and a certain reaper hybrid that’s taking up just a bit too much of her roaming thoughts. And frankly, she doesn’t know what to do about that. <<elseif $CRomance >=10>>\ “So, $name is in Purgatory,” Bradley voices, Chris glancing up at the sound. “What does that mean?” he questions, “I feel like we should be worried.” “Because we should. It means there’s nothing else we can do,” Rahim answers, a reply that immediately earns Bradley’s ire. “You’re always the first to give up on someone.” “No, I’m just the only one here who will say the truth.” Chris shakes his head and fades out of the conversation. If it wasn’t for how many arguments concerned Zillah as well, he’d say that Rahim is looking for a way to make the entire team hate him. Rahim versus Sydero versus Zillah. Or Rahim versus Bradley. Or Sydero versus Zillah. Or Zillah versus Chris. Or … he shakes his head, the point is made and he doesn’t have the mental capacity at that moment to keep thinking it over. Days are filled with heavy sighs, arguing, and moments of deep contemplation that never really leads him out of the stump he finds himself in. Possibly nothing will, not until he can hold $name again. <<elseif $ZRomance >=10>>\ That causes him to frown. He believed he made peace with this knowledge a while ago but it seems that with each passing day, he is more and more against the idea. A part of him, a very foolish part, wished that this group who cares so much would find a way to escape what fate has planned for $name. He cheers against something he has always believed to be supreme. If any group could, it was this one, it would be nothing new to them. That thought alone feels like blasphemy and a ludicrous fear of being struck down has him glancing around. This is one thing he never wanted to feel again. Feelings in general. When he became a shade, they died and something impartial took over. He would not describe it in the same way he would describe Azrael’s lack of feeling but it wasn’t far off. And now, all due to one hybrid, he is feeling each and every emotion he has either sworn to never feel again or has never felt. There is a war being fought within, one too terrified of Death’s fury to rebel and another to busy yearning for a connection that has no right existing. And what is he to do about any of it? He sits here bleeding in a chair after spilling half the truth to a bunch of arguing dumbasses. No. These feelings are as pathetic as his situation and there’s absolutely nothing he can do about it. Nothing but sit here and plot. Is he willing to die for this stirring in his chest? The blossoming that erupts when he hears $name’s name or see’s ?his_ face? Will he allow centuries upon centuries of molding to be for not? To all be undone by a beautiful face that holds a fighting spirit and has captured a heart he never should possess? His pride says no, but everything tells him that he most surely will. <<elseif $RRomance >=10>>\ “You’re always the first to give up on someone.” “Don’t do that. Don’t you dare make it seem like I’m just leaving $name for dead.” “Are you not?” Rahim gets to his feet, narrowing his eyes, “how the hell do you expect us to reach ?him? Huh? Now it’s my turn to say that you shouldn’t act like you’re the only one who wants to find ?him. But Purgatory isn’t the Underworld. We can’t just find some back door and hope for the best.” “We have two people who can enter.” Rahim retakes his seat, frustrated at the thought of even entertaining this conversation. “Stop trying to sacrifice Amari. She doesn’t know how to cross the veil and so the only way she can enter is by dying. She’d be hunted. And I don’t think I even need to talk about why Zillah is a bad decision.” “$name is a reaper. ?He can bring Amari back.” Amari stiffens in her seat, a movement Rahim easily notices and can sympathize with. Reaper. No, that isn’t right. Reaper hybrid. He doesn’t know whether knowing is better or worse. And thinking about it isn’t something he wants to do, not again and at this time. Each time he does, a massive headache visits him and he isn’t keen on greeting it again. The living room descends into silence and he welcomes it. //What can they do?// <<elseif $ARomance >=10>>\ Her stomach growls, a gnawing feeling that warns her that she is not eating enough and that if she continues to starve it, it will do as it wishes. It’s an idea she wished to avoid but it hardly ever felt like the right moment to bring her lack of blood consumption up. Rahim sighs deeply, grabbing her attention and earning a silent thank you. “Bradley, be smart. Purgatory isn’t the Underworld. We can’t just find some back door and hope for the best.” “We have two people who can enter.” Rahim retakes his seat, “stop trying to sacrifice Amari. She doesn’t know how to cross the veil and so the only way she can enter is by dying. She’d be hunted. And I don’t think I even need to talk about why Zillah is a bad decision.” “$name is a reaper. ?He can bring Amari back.” Amari stiffens in her seat, telling herself to keep quiet. If she says anything, it’ll lead into another argument and she doesn’t want that. Maybe she should volunteer. Bradley technically isn’t wrong and she has a feeling that out of all their solutions, this is the smartest. Rahim is right. Zillah isn’t to be trusted and no one else can enter Purgatory. She closes her eyes. “I’ll -,” she chokes on her words as all eyes shift to her, “I’ll do it.” “Amari,” Rahim growls, “you’re not doing anything because it’s not an option.” “If she,” Bradley starts but again Rahim cuts him off<<if $cp>>, Chris backing him up and ending all further conversation on the matter.<<else>>.<</if>> Amari retreats. She’d do anything to get $name back, no question. But she has to admit that the idea terrifies her. No, worse than terrified. It downright made her feel like she would suffer through a heart attack. And that makes it worse. Either be brave and save $name … or sit there and whine while behaving like a coward. <<else>>\ “You’re always the first to give up on someone.” “No, I’m just the only one here who will say the truth.” “The truth? That’s bullshit! We’re going to get $name back. We have two people who can enter.” Rahim bows his head, “stop trying to sacrifice Amari. She doesn’t know how to cross the veil and so the only way she can enter is by dying. She’d be hunted. And I don’t think I even need to talk about why Zillah is a bad decision.” “$name is a reaper. ?He can bring Amari back.” Rahim <<if $cp>>and Chris <</if>>immediately shuts that idea down and Bradley goes back to his laptop, annoyed how once again their only option is ignored in favor of the one monster residing in the room. He’d trade Amari for $name any day and if any of them tried to say differently, they were lying to save face. Furiously he goes back to typing on his laptop. If they didn’t want to do it the easy enough way then fine, guess he would then have to find a way how to summon a damn reaper. His hand pauses as he glances towards the room Zillah resides in, either that or make a deal with a shade. <</if>>\ <img src="images/divider.png"> <a data-passage="TPH15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

A mind with no destination guides me forward. To feel so alive physically but then dying on the inside - it feels wrong, especially after all that I’ve been through. Usually, it is both, death attacking me on all fronts with only my will to keep me powering forward. I go through everything Death told me. My mother was marked, and because of that, she was visited by Death. He hadn’t really gone into an explanation about how that took place, only that it wasn’t by force and that because of it, he inevitably killed my fa-, who I thought to be my father. And that also means that I ended up killing my mother. The night they died, I was supposed to be taken to Purgatory, stripped of my humanity, and then trained to be Death’s vessel. At this exact moment, Death was supposed to be masquerading around in my body, and I was no longer supposed to exist. But, thanks to angels, this was put on hold. Though that didn’t mean it wasn’t still going to happen. Ugh, yea, just thinking all of that gives me a migraine. If I train, I’m just preparing my body for Death. If I don’t train, I’ll soon die. Either way, I die. One just involves me saving the planet over the other. [[What kind of responsibility this is.|TPH15Responsibility]] [[Easy enough choice I suppose.|TPH15EasyEnoughChoice]] [[He’d have to work for it.|TPH15WorkForIt]] [[I wish he’d never told me.|TPH15NeverToldMe]]

What kind of responsibility this all is. I hardly recognize myself. In May, I was a college student. And then came Sydero and Raum, and all of this bullshit about supernaturals. Thus college life and all the woes became trivial. And now, in July, I was the child and vessel of Death itself. I would ask when it all got this complicated, but I had already answered that question, May. <<include "TPH15.1">>

I wasn’t happy about any of this, but it didn’t exactly take a lot of thinking for me to figure out which option was probably the best. If I was going to die, either way, there was no reason to bring the end of an entire planet, not with everyone I care for existing on it. It was still a lot to take in. <<include "TPH15.1">>

I wasn’t about to just sit here and do what he wants, not after knowing the truth. I wasn’t sure how I was going to rebel. Honestly, I felt more like a child who refused to eat vegetables at the dinner table than a hybrid with immense power not trying to die. But this would simply be how it was. Armed with the truth, I would do everything I could to make sure my fate was altered. If I fail in the end, then I fail. But I’ll go down fighting. <<include "TPH15.1">>

A large part of me wished he had never divulged the truth. That he had just kept quiet about it, and if I had asked, then he’d just lie or say something to shift the conversation. Now I had to walk around with this knowledge, and I knew it would eat me away. Little by little and piece by piece. And what could I even do with it? I could sit and think about this for hours, and it wouldn’t change anything. Not a damn thing. <<include "TPH15.1">>

When I finally gaze around to see where I had ended up, I find myself in the middle of the square. Remembering what the reaper group said, this is one of the biggest cities in Purgatory though also one of the calmest. Which makes sense. Death himself lives here, and it is probably unwise to do anything stupid. At that moment, you can see the truth in their words. Unlike earlier, the square is quiet. The boisterous fountain is the loudest thing around, joined only by a few conversations and the sound of music in the far distance. I take a seat on the rim, letting the sounds of cascading water pacify all my worries, if only for a minute. Respite. A word that I somehow thought I would find here and no. Just … no. There are so many thoughts and feelings. And frankly, I’m still tired. Should I be upset? Screaming at the greater beings about how none of this is fair and how I don’t deserve this? Or should I be crying, complaining about how my life is supposed to mean something more than this? Should I be blaming everyone? Blaming myself? I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing, how I’m supposed to feel, all of this is just - “Hello.” I gaze over to see … [[Vihaan.|TPH15Vihaan]] [[Chanara.|TPH15Chanara]]

The $dreamanimal stares at me and I stare back, neither of us speaking to the other. I watch as Vihaan settles down next to me, <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote" or $dreamanimal is "cat">>scratching behind their ears before yawning.<<else>>preening their feathers before readjusting themselves.<</if>> “Did you come because you sense me needing guidance?” “No. Death wished for me to check on you. To make sure that you were not lost.” [[“Concerned about his investment, you mean.”|TPH15Investment]] [[“Was he worried?”|TPH15Worried]] [[“Tell him I don’t need a babysitter.”|TPH15Babysitter]] [[Hum in response.|TPH15Hum]]

“Ah,” I nod, “you mean he’s concerned about his investment and is hoping I didn’t run away before he can get what he want.” “I would not know about that,” they answer, “but he did seem distressed over the idea of you missing.” I snort, of course he was. His vessel could be injured because the person controlling it is reckless after learning that their entire life is meaningless. Yes, because that’s what someone wants to hear after having their world turned upside down and told that Death is <<include "TPH15.2">>

“Was he worried when he asked you to find me or was it just a simple command?” “He did seem distressed when he came to me. One does not usually see Death conveying such emotion.” I think about those words, hoping they would give me even the tiniest bit of hope. But for what? He had said that undoing this was not possible and even if he didn’t wish to, it must be done. He wasn’t worried about me as a person, just my body. <<include "TPH15.2">>

“Well, you can go back to him and tell him that I don’t need a babysitter. I’m not a flight risk so he has nothing to worry about.” Whether Vihaan just simply did not understand what I was talking about or was confused about my message, they gaze at me in bewilderment. <<include "TPH15.2">>

I hum at their words, continuing to look into the distance quietly. <<include "TPH15.2">>

“Do you need guidance?” “I don’t know what I need anymore.” “I can attempt to aid you.” I think about their words before shrugging and nodding my head. I turn to them just as they move away. “Come, come.” I do so, picking up my pace as they <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote" or $dreamanimal is "cat">>dart ahead of me<<else>>soar ahead of me<</if>>, leaving me to wonder where we’re headed. They said they would aid me in guidance. I didn’t think such a request was meant in the literal sense of guiding me. Continuing on, they finally come to rest away from the city's lights near a small sandy clearing. If we were to continue on, it would lead into what looks much like the Sahara back on Earth, though the tones of colors here make me doubt that it’s a close replica. <a data-passage="TPH15.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Why here?” I ask Vihaan, and they glance to the sky. I follow the movement and take in the night sky. A curtain of sheer black with the great expanse of stars resting against it. They seem so much closer here. As if reaching out would guarantee my hand touching at least a part of it. Of course, such an action doesn’t really yield anything, and even after the attempt, I still wish to try again. Maybe just a bit more. If I stretch my fingertips as far as they can go … “Before you, I see three distinct paths, but those paths each have their own branches and trails.” I pull my hand back to my side and gaze over at Vihaan, finding their eyes are now entirely white and glowing. “Each path has its own share of victories and losses and support. In your hands, you hold the fate of far more than you currently believe. These trails are fragile, even just a nudge can cause your path to turn and another route to be laid bare.” Their eyes fade back to their usual black and <<if $dreamanimal is "coyote" or $dreamanimal is "cat">>they shake their entire body as if getting rid of unwanted water.<<else>>they ruffle and spread their wings before calming back down.<</if>> “What does that all mean?” “You will see. As will we all. As your paths become clearer, I will be able to reveal more.” Though they don’t literally do it, it feels like they smile at me, “but not too much.” Seeing that their task is complete, they leave my side. But I remain, staring back up at the star-speckled sky. I watch as an eruption of color takes place, a mixture of blues and greens swarming around each other in some sort of chaotic dance, blending together until an entirely new color rests before me. As soon as this color sets, it disappears until once again there is nothing but the darkness and the stars. <a data-passage="TPH16"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I glance up to see Chanara standing there, her hand on her hip as she gazes down at me. “Wassup?” “What are you still doing out here?” “I usually walk around at night. I gotta love/love relationship with the night sky of this place. So, I walk.” “Do you know why I’m here? What Death is going to do?” “Nah, I don’t concern myself with anything above my pay grade. Bad for my psyche I’ve learned.” “You get paid?” “Nope,” she snorts, turning on her heel and starting to walk away, motioning for me to follow. I do, anything to get my mind off of all of these revelations. <a data-passage="TPH15Chanara1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Whatever Death said, I’m guessing it ain’t what you wanted to hear?” “Guess you can say that. But I’d rather not talk or think about it right now.” “Cool with me.” “I’ve been meaning to ask though, your accent ...” “Southern and proud,” she smirks. “Georgia or Alabama?” “Whoa now, South Carolinians have this accent too. Maybe not as thick. And you really just left out Texas.” “South Carolina then?” “Hell no,” she laughs, “Georgia. Just wanted to give you a hard time.” We walk in silence for a while, my attention set on the sky above me. A curtain of sheer black with the great expanse of stars resting on it. They seem so much closer here as if reaching out would guarantee my hand touching at least a part of it. Of course, such an action doesn’t really yield anything, and even after the attempt, I still wish to try again. Maybe just a bit more. If I stretch my fingertips as far as they go … <a data-passage="TPH15.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I pull my hand back to my side, “do you remember anything about Earth? “Nope. Just where I’m from and some general shit about myself.” “Really? How?” She shrugs, “why you ask? You homesick?” I frown at how she ignores my question, but I allow it. I should probably try that same move out on others. Especially since everyone likes to use it on me. “Kinda. It’s weird.” “Gonna have to be clearer than that.” “It feels like this place calls out to me ... tugs at me,” I sigh, arching my head to the side, “it’s not that Earth ever felt wrong. I’ve never felt like I didn’t belong. But the last couple of months have been so hard that it feels like this is some kind of weird sanctuary. Suddenly I have answers, whether I like them or not. Things that didn’t make sense, do. I’m not dying, and all the issues have just … vanished. And it’s all tied to this place.” Chanara yawns and sighs, “you know. I was never good with these deep talks. I got absolutely nothing for you.” [[Nod.|TPH15Nod][$serious +=3]] [[Laugh, “too much for the big bad reaper?”|TPH15BigBadReaper][$serious -=3]] [[“Yea, me neither.”|TPH15MeNeither]] [[Rant.|TPH15Rant]]

I nod in understanding, mostly because I don’t know what else to do in response to that. <<include "TPH15.5">>

I laugh, “what, Chanara? Too much emotion for the big bad reaper?” She snorts, “that’s exactly what it is. I never did well with soft things. Some say I’m out of tune with my emotions.” She’s unable to keep her face serious and both of us sit there and chuckle for a moment but that is as far as the moment takes us. I’m not surprised, we hardly know each other, she’s probably uncomfortable with the thought. <<include "TPH15.5">>

“Yea, me neither. I <<if $cp>>have<<else>>had<</if>> a friend that loved having them though. When we were in college he’d just sit there and get all deep on you and if you weren’t drunk or high enough, you’d just stare into the distance wondering what the hell he was talking about.” Chanara grins and I find the corners of my mouth tugging upwards as well. I never got used to the deep talks but they weren’t all that bad … <<include "TPH15.5">>

“That’s understandable,” I sigh, “sometimes I just have the want to rant.” “Well,” she motions to the area in front of her, “don’t let me keep you. Need to rant, rant.” “You don’t mind?” “Don’t make me rethink this.” I nod, though now that I have the floor, figuring out where to start is challenging. I suppose Chanara figures that out, and she smirks, cocking her head to the side. “You’re stuck here.” “Yes!” I shout in agreement, “I’m stuck here, and I don’t know when and if ever I’ll be able to go all because I’m some damn vessel. I get it. This is saving my life, but what does that mean when I’m going to end up giving my life for the greater good anyway? It’s a headache. Going from almost dying and deteriorating and having to go to Hell to find a friend to this. There’s no break. There’s no break,” I yell louder, the rant taking control from there. I rant about everything I can think of. Hopping from one subject to the next until it feels like there’s no cohesiveness. At times, I get lost in my own shouts, confusing myself about what I’m even talking about. But I get it out. I get it all out, and by the time I’m done, I don’t know how I feel, but I don’t feel as divided as before. Yet again, I just feel tired. “Your life sucks,” Chanara finally says, and I burst out laughing, not even understanding why. [[“Yea, it does.”|TPHYeaItDoes]] [[“Thank you.”|TPHThankYou]] <<if $flirt_Chanara>>\ <<if settings.dialog>><span class="romance">[[“You’re a great listener.”|TPHGreatListener][$NRomance +=1]]</span><<else>>[[“You’re a great listener.”|TPHGreatListener][$NRomance +=1]]<</if>> <</if>>\ [[Say nothing.|TPHRantNothing]]

“Yea,” I laugh, wiping at my eye, “yea, it does.” <<include "TPH15.5">>

“Thank you for listening. You didn’t have to.” “We don’t know each other, I get that. But with all the shit you’re going through, listening to you isn’t really that impressive. Especially since your ranting isn’t about to put my life in danger. So yea, rant all you like.” “So you can be nice?” She shrugs, “I don’t consider myself a mean person, but I also don’t consider myself a nice one. But I damn sure ain’t no asshole.” I nod in understanding, wishing certain people could hear that and apply it to themselves. <<include "TPH15.5">>

“You know, you’re a great listener.” “I don’t think so. I’m just nosy.” “I don’t even know you that well, and I know that’s not true.” She huffs and shrugs, “you’re going through enough, and seeing you sad for some reason pulls at the heartstrings. So sure, if letting you rant to me about the bullshit you’re going through is going to help even a bit, then I got you.” I open my mouth, but she clicks her tongue, “and that’s all. End it there.” I release a soft chuckle as she avoids my gaze, but I respect her wishes and leave it at that. <<include "TPH15.5">>

I choose to stay quiet, and Chanara seems to add nothing more to her previous comment either. I let the silence of the evening set in completely. <<include "TPH15.5">>

“I should return,” I tell her. “Probably smart. Hope everything works out for you.” She stands beside me and begins to walk off, “see ya, fresh veil. Get ready to get your ass in shape for training.” Though I decided to turn in, I don’t move from my spot. My eyes once again raise and take in the ever-shifting cosmos above me. The night skies on Earth could never match this, ever. It sounds like yet another difference to contemplate over, however minimal compared to everything else that my mind should be focused on. But, at least for now, I didn’t want to think about it. To figure out those riddles and puzzles that, in reality, weren’t cryptic at all. I just refused to believe that the truth was legitimate, that after months of constant questions my answer was simply — death. No. For now, I just want to contemplate the sky and the stars and the air. To believe that the life I’m living is just that simple. <a data-passage="TPH16"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

The following day does nothing for my headache. Everything is still as bleak as before. All paths leading to death in both a figurative and literal term. I sit up and begin massaging my temples. What did I expect from any of this? Did I expect for all of my answers to suddenly bring some bout of peace? Did I think anything? The more I think about it the more I can’t remember whether or not if I even had expectations coming into this. Frankly, I just wanted everything to start making sense, to stop the deterioration, and to know a moment of solace. I snort at the single thought that I have as I stand and leave my room behind. //Disappointment, yet again.// Walking down the halls I spot a familiar figure and he spots me in return. <a data-passage="TPH16.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“$name,” Azrael nods in greeting, “you are looking far better than the last time we met.” “I don’t know what that means,” I admit, waving off his words with a yawn, “I feel like shit still.” “I do not understand that reference but I shall believe it to be negative. It’s good that you’re up, come, Death wishes to see you.” He motions for me to follow and I do so without thought, knowing that he probably wants to ask me how I feel about everything now that I’ve slept on it. I want to talk to him as well, there is one question that I hadn’t asked that desperately needs an answer. “You appear as if you have a question to ask. Ask it.” <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q1")>>“The question isn’t for you.”<<else>>[[“The question isn’t for you.”|TPH16.Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q2")>>“What do you like to be referred to as?”<<else>>[[“What do you like to be referred to as?”|TPH16.Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3")>>“Are you a true angel?”<<else>>[[“Are you a true angel?”|TPH16.Q3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q4")>>“Why are you loyal to Death?”<<else>>[[“Why are you loyal to Death?”|TPH16.Q4]]<</if>>

“The question isn’t for you, it’s for Death.” “Ah. He has told you everything then?” “Everything,” I snort and shake my head, “it feels like I know too much but too little.” “It’s to be expected. Now you understand why such things could not be said to you while you were on Earth.” “Yea, no. I still don’t understand but that doesn’t really matter anymore, now does it.” He smirks and continues on. <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q2")>>“What do you like to be referred to as?”<<else>>[[“What do you like to be referred to as?”|TPH16.Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3")>>“Are you a true angel?”<<else>>[[“Are you a true angel?”|TPH16.Q3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q4")>>“Why are you loyal to Death?”<<else>>[[“Why are you loyal to Death?”|TPH16.Q4]]<</if>> [[No more questions.|TPH17]]

“What do you like to be referred to as?” “I don’t particularly care.” “Then just keep calling you Azrael?” “If you wish. Mortals have given me so many names that not even I can remember them all. I was created without a name. So yes, keep referring to me as Azrael if that pleases you.” I take note of how he speaks, similar to how Rahim sounded when we were in Hell. Hardly any inflections, no emotion whatsoever. Everything was said as a fact with no true care or opinion added. Cold. <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q1")>>“The question isn’t for you.”<<else>>[[“The question isn’t for you.”|TPH16.Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3")>>“Are you a true angel?”<<else>>[[“Are you a true angel?”|TPH16.Q3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q4")>>“Why are you loyal to Death?”<<else>>[[“Why are you loyal to Death?”|TPH16.Q4]]<</if>> [[No more questions.|TPH17]]

“Are you a true angel?” “Why do you ask?” “I asked Death about you and the way he worded his answer made me think you came before Heaven or something like that. Plus, you don’t really seem like a fan of them.” “I am an extension of Death in a way. If I were to die he can still perform his duties but I greatly help. With that said, I am not the same. Death and all supernatural creatures are endowed with the magic of Purgatory, veil magic. The Underworld and Elysium has their own magic, magic that does not harmonize well with veil magic. And so, Death is locked out of these two realms.” “While you’re not. You can travel to all three realms easily I’m guessing.” “Exactly. I hold both forms of magic and so, with my assistance, Death can cover all realms in a sensible nature. Hence why I have wings but they are not standard. Certain reapers have this ability as well. You, for now, do as well.” <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3.1")>>“What can you tell me about the different magics?”<<else>>[[“What can you tell me about the different magics?”|TPH16.Q3.1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3.2")>>“How does Heaven and Hell feel about that?”<<else>>[[“How does Heaven and Hell feel about that?”|TPH16.Q3.2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3.3")>>“You prefer Purgatory?”<<else>>[[“You prefer Purgatory?”|TPH16.Q3.3]]<</if>>

“What can you tell me about the different magics?” “There is only veil and deistic magic. Veil for Purgatory and Fairyland and Deistic for Elysium and the Underworld. They are different but I am unsure how to word that difference.” “What does it feel like then?” “Like when hot and cold constantly clash. It doesn’t make you stronger than another, it anything I see it as a detriment. Whereas those with one form of magic must only learn to control that, those with two must learn to control both and then how to have them cooperate. It took many years for me to control and then many more to master.” “Earth has no magic?” “The magic that can be found on Earth is a mix of both veil and deisitc. In a way, the magic from the three realms leak into Earth. It is enough for those to practice magic and utilize it on Earth, but they will lose energy and will not be as powerful if they were in their respective realm.” <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3.2")>>“How does Heaven and Hell feel about that?”<<else>>[[“How does Heaven and Hell feel about that?”|TPH16.Q3.2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3.3")>>“You prefer Purgatory?”<<else>>[[“You prefer Purgatory?”|TPH16.Q3.3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q1")>>“The question isn’t for you.”<<else>>[[“The question isn’t for you.”|TPH16.Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q2")>>“What do you like to be referred to as?”<<else>>[[“What do you like to be referred to as?”|TPH16.Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q4")>>“Why are you loyal to Death?”<<else>>[[“Why are you loyal to Death?”|TPH16.Q4]]<</if>> [[No more questions.|TPH17]]

“How does Heaven and Hell feel about that? I feel like you’re the only creature in existence with that kind of power.” “I am not. Reapers can do the same as well as true witches but it depends on their strength. Most do not realize this. I doubt that they appreciate this but I find that I don’t care much for their acceptance or care.” “Do you rank higher than them?” “Some. There are a few angels and demons who outrank me. The seven princes for example as well as the seraphim and cherubim of the angelic order.” <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3.1")>>“What can you tell me about the different magics?”<<else>>[[“What can you tell me about the different magics?”|TPH16.Q3.1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3.3")>>“You prefer Purgatory?”<<else>>[[“You prefer Purgatory?”|TPH16.Q3.3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q1")>>“The question isn’t for you.”<<else>>[[“The question isn’t for you.”|TPH16.Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q2")>>“What do you like to be referred to as?”<<else>>[[“What do you like to be referred to as?”|TPH16.Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q4")>>“Why are you loyal to Death?”<<else>>[[“Why are you loyal to Death?”|TPH16.Q4]]<</if>> [[No more questions.|TPH17]]

“You prefer Purgatory I’m guessing? You dislike the hellish nature of those in Hell but also the pride and arrogance of those above.” He chuckles and nods. “Supernatural creatures have their own flaws that annoy me but they are preferable company, yes.” <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3.1")>>“What can you tell me about the different magics?”<<else>>[[“What can you tell me about the different magics?”|TPH16.Q3.1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3.2")>>“How does Heaven and Hell feel about that?”<<else>>[[“How does Heaven and Hell feel about that?”|TPH16.Q3.2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q1")>>“The question isn’t for you.”<<else>>[[“The question isn’t for you.”|TPH16.Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q2")>>“What do you like to be referred to as?”<<else>>[[“What do you like to be referred to as?”|TPH16.Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q4")>>“Why are you loyal to Death?”<<else>>[[“Why are you loyal to Death?”|TPH16.Q4]]<</if>> [[No more questions.|TPH17]]

“Why are you loyal to Death? Do the two of you need each other or do you choose this?” “I have chosen to work with him, though it isn’t needed. It’s simply beneficial.” He stops, staring straight ahead before finally looking over his shoulder at me, “Death … your father, he is by far the only immortal with noble intentions. I have a feeling you know the truth, and if you don’t then take what I say as simply words to remember, the deed is dark but it is done with the greater good in mind. I only regret that this falls on you.” I remain quiet, listening to him but deciding to remain quiet with my personal thoughts. <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q1")>>“The question isn’t for you.”<<else>>[[“The question isn’t for you.”|TPH16.Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q2")>>“What do you like to be referred to as?”<<else>>[[“What do you like to be referred to as?”|TPH16.Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH16.Q3")>>“Are you a true angel?”<<else>>[[“Are you a true angel?”|TPH16.Q3]]<</if>> [[No more questions.|TPH17]]

We’re walking down the hall, and, in a blink of an eye, I find we’re no longer there but outside. A look around yields no buildings within sight, simply long stretches of wilderness. Azrael continues on as if he hadn’t just teleported me to the middle of nowhere, and I notice him walking towards two figures, Death and Chanara. “Death. Chanara,” Azrael greets. Death simply nods while Chanara does a lazy salute. “Boss.” “Why am I here? What are you both doing here?” I can find no one else, and each second sees me grow nervous. Death’s words echo in my mind as the weight of the situation levies itself onto me. “Here, put these on,” Chanara tells me, passing a pair of strange thick gloves. “Why? What are these for?” She gives me a look that says I’m asking too many questions but seeing that not one has been answered, I find no reason to stop. Azrael answers me, “they are needed to absorb the heat from the concussion and do an outstanding job of making sure you don’t combust.” My eyes widen as I look between Azrael’s always serious demeanor and then at Death, who I can’t even begin to read. Finally, Chanara snorts, rolling her eyes as she levels her gaze on me, “they want you to turn yourself into a bomb, fresh veil.” My eyes open in terror as I look from Death to Azrael, trying to understand why they needed this. Turn myself into a bomb? What kind of request is that? How do you escape from two supernatural giants, one who is literally Death? Is there even a way to escape? If there is, wouldn’t I have already tried to? <a data-passage="TPH18"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Put quite bluntly, Chanara,” Azrael sighs as Death comes to my side. She shrugs, “I keep it short. I keep it simple.” “She is not wrong,” Death explains, “that is the target, but the reasoning is not as daunting as it may sound. We wish to see how much raw power you can harness and exhibit at the moment. To do that, you focus your energy on one central location and then expel it, creating a bomb. This is why we are out here. I have evacuated any living things in the vicinity for the test.” “And the three of you?” “Death and I can, of course, shield ourselves from your power,” Azrael informs me, “Chanara is here not only to see your power and create an effective training regimen but to also test her own abilities. She will either form a competent shield or die.” “Again,” she snorts. <<if $perception >=10>>Due to not knowing Chanara all that well, watching to see if she is bothered by the potential looming threat to her life is hard to figure out. The most I pick up is a slight huff, and that’s not saying much. She must feel my eyes on her as her gaze meets mine for a minute before going back to Azrael.<</if>> “I test all of my commanding reapers,” Azrael reminds her, and she leaves it at that. “Are you ready?” Death asks me. [[Nod my head.|TPH18Nod]] [[“I don’t understand what I’m doing.”|TPH18DontUnderstand]] [[“I’m not doing this.”|TPH18NotDoingThis]]

I nod even though I’m unsure what they want for me. I get it, gather energy, and then expel it, but how to do that or why is what escapes me. And why? Is this just them trying to see how far I had to go before I was a suitable vessel for Death? Is following their instructions simply pushing me closer to my own end? <<include "TPH19">>

“I don’t exactly understand what you’re asking me to do. You just want me to stand here and make myself into a bomb?” And why this? Azrael said it was so Chanara could form an effective regimen, but how would this help? Also, was this just them trying to see how far I had to go before I was a suitable vessel for Death? Is following their instructions simply pushing me closer to my own end? <<include "TPH19">>

“No. Because I’m not doing this. I’m not helping you with this little process, so one day, you can take over my body.” Azrael snorts, looking over at me in amusement, “whether or not you participate in this exercise has no bearing on you submitting to your betters.” “Azrael,” Death warns, and immediately the angel closes his mouth, “$name, whether you accept what I told you or rebel against it will not change the conclusion. While here, your magic will remain stable, but if you ever wish to see Earth again, you will need to work with us.” Despite wishing to argue more, the things he doesn’t say are what hits a chord and cause me to grow quiet. It doesn’t matter what I do. The end result will be the same. My death. <a data-passage="TPH19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“This exercise will probably suit you,” Chanara tells me, pulling me out of my own thoughts and signaling for me to follow her. I do, and we take a few steps away from Death and Azrael as Chanara tells me where to stand. <<if $power >=10>>\ “Remember all the things I told you about controllin’ your magic?” “Of course.” “Good, forget it. You can make a controlled bomb, but that’s not what we want. The quickest way to make yourself into a bomb is by usin’ emotions. The stronger, the better. Pick one and while you summonin’ all that energy, focus on that emotion. Almost like you feedin’ it.” “Okay,” I state, nodding my head before frowning, “should I summon the energy to my entire body?” “Nu-uh, that takes way too much focus and,” she confusingly waves her hand, “other shit. Focus it to your chest. That’s the instinctual place.” She takes a step back and nods, “alright, fresh veil, show us what you got.” Before she can get too far away, I call out to her, “Chanara.” I close my eyes and take a deep breath, “this won’t kill me, right?” She smirks, “you’re a reaper, $name. Nothin’ can kill you.” Her words are only so reassuring as I watch her walk to the area Death and Azrael are. There is one thing that can. <<else>>\ “Alright, fresh veil, consider this a crash course in your first lesson with me. Where you failin’ is just fartin’ out some poor energy cloud. Whatcha focus on when you were trainin’ with Bigger Boss?” I raise an eyebrow at her nickname for Death but answer her, “my form and summoning it.” She sighs tiredly, shaking her head and mumbling something. “Yea, this a crash course, alright. The quickest way to make yourself into a bomb is by usin’ emotions. The stronger, the better. Pick one and summon your energy to your core.” “How do I summon my energy, though?” “By visualizin’ it.” I frown, “and how do I do that?” “Can’t really help you on that one,” she points out, “that’s why they call it a crash course. You probably gonna crash. Good luck.” “Is that really it?” “For now,” she shouts, walking away to join Death and Azrael. <</if>>\ //Summon energy. Focus on emotion. Boom.// Why does everything always sound easier than it is? The doubt that had earlier plagued my mind is still there, scratching at my temple and demanding to be thoroughly thought out. [[Guess that’ll be my emotion.|TPH19Doubt][$balance -=5]] [[Sideline it. I’m going with anger.|TPH19Anger][$balance +=5]] [[I’ll choose fear and sadness.|TPH19Sadness][$balance -=10]] [[Passion. Excitement. I’ll go with that.|TPH19Passion][$balance +=10]]

It sounds like a good enough emotion to use, especially since it’s the one that I’m currently feeling. Taking a deep breath in, I focus on that doubt, focusing most of it around what this could all lead to and what will eventually happen. No part of me wants to give myself over to Death. But of course, I doubt that it matters much what I feel. How do you possibly go against Death. Stand against him and choose your own path? The only thing on my side is the fact that I don’t know how long this all will take and how long I have left. Other than that, everything is just depressing and like always, I find myself on a time limit. I hardly even need to think about anything else because of how much doubt and worry comes from that one thought alone. My body shivers at the implications and the more I think about it, the more it fights the feeling. My mind telling me to stop and abandon this. Sure, they said that this would help me but do I care? If it furthers their agenda then it was a bad thing. But then wouldn’t they just force me? Especially if messes with their plans and puts my life in danger? Suddenly, it feels like everything in me just escapes, sick of hearing my doubts and wishing to get as far away from them as they can. For a moment, I feel free, everything finally taking a deep and thankful breath. I hear what first sounds like a low ringing that soon shifts to something more profound. It’s followed by silence and suddenly a <<if $power >=10>>large <</if>>explosion. <<include "TPH20">>

It’s easy enough to pull the emotion and amplify it. With everything that has happened to me, it feels like perhaps only sadness would be any easier. I think about specific moments, like Bradley’s circumstances and what I had accidentally done to him in that motel parking lot. I think about how Rahim<<if $cp>> and Chris<</if>> looked at me, nothing but distrust in <<if $cp>>their<<else>>his<</if>> eyes. I think about the exorcism with Zillah and the sharp decline of my entire being. The trip to hell and just how much energy that had taken from me. Mostly, I focus on everyone and their reactions. How I kept in so much and everyone expected me to do so. Not only was I trying to figure out what I was, but I was deteriorating and yet, every time something happened it was my fault. Again and again, it landed on me. The more I think about it, the more I can feel the pressure grow in my chest. My body tensing considerably as the shouts grow. I want to scream, my hand balling into a fist as it feels like that’s the last thing holding the anger back. But I don’t want it held back. I scream, not caring about the three audience members and what they will think. For a moment, I feel free, everything finally taking a deep and thankful breath. I hear what first sounds like a low ringing that soon shifts to something more profound. It’s followed by silence and suddenly a <<if $power >=10>>large <</if>>explosion. <<include "TPH20">>

It’s easy enough to pull the emotion and amplify it. With everything that has happened to me, it feels like perhaps only anger would be any easier. I think about specific moments, like Bradley’s circumstances and what I had accidentally done to him in that motel parking lot. I think about how Rahim<<if $cp>> and Chris<</if>> looked at me, nothing but distrust in <<if $cp>>their<<else>>his<</if>> eyes. I think about the exorcism with Zillah and the sharp decline of my entire being. The trip to hell and just how much energy that had taken from me. Mostly, I simply think about how I’ve been feeling utterly alone with all of this. How words just no longer seem able to convey what I’m feeling and what I feel like I’m going through. I’m tired and even when I feel like I have support, I feel utterly alone. The more I think about it, the more I can feel the pressure grow in my chest. My body tensing despite telling myself to relax. That simple thought gives way to my own thoughts chiding me. Asking a dozen questions that I fear I will never have the answers for or will never be prepared to answer because the truth is far worse than a lie. I choke on a sob that I hadn’t been prepared for and as soon I feel myself breathing in, all the pressure expands and is released. For a moment, I feel free. Like releasing a scream that has been aching to be emitted. I hear what first sounds like a low ringing that soon shifts to something more profound. It’s followed by silence and suddenly a <<if $power >=10>>large <</if>>explosion. <<include "TPH20">>

It’s odd to think that passion or excitement is the emotion I feel, but it’s easier when another word is used for them instead. Power. The excitement of no longer being powerless. Of finally being someone others will need to think twice before messing with. I have power, and I have a lot of it. I think about that power and all that it means. Hunger is not an emotion, but it damn sure feels like one as it grows ravenous and uncontrollable. After a while, it feels like I have copious amounts of energy to feed it, growing fat from all I have to offer. It feels as if a flower is blossoming in my chest, and the deeds of spring have done their job, allowing it to flourish in whatever it needs to be. As soon as I visualize it doing just that, I hear what first sounds like a low ringing that soon shifts to something more profound. It’s followed by silence and suddenly a large explosion. <<include "TPH20">>

I hear it clearly, but it’s not until a few minutes later, after it has all died down and my body seems to have come back down from its high, that I open my eyes. <<if $power >=10>>I do so just in time to see the last tree in the area fall to dust, a black electric fire eating away at it before dying against the now grass-less ground. Estimating how far out the explosion went is hard, as I see trees on the horizon, but they seem more like a mirage from my current place.<<else>>The ground is now without grass, and a black electric fire eats away at the majority of trees in the area. They’ll remain standing, but they might as well be chopped down to allow new trees to come in and flourish.<</if>> <<if $power >=10>>\ “Excellent,” Azrael states as the three of them approach. His attention turns to Chanara, and he nods in acknowledgment, “and you live. Next time center yourself better; you will be far more prepared for what is to come.” She nods, and with no other words for me, they turn and leave. <<else>>\ “Good job,” Azrael states as the three approach, “is that enough for you, Chanara?” She nods, “I already know where we gotta begin.” “Good. Begin training whenever you’re ready. Also, plant yourself better in the future. Your centering was off, and an improvement can drastically change the strength behind your power.” She nods, and with no other words for me, they turn and leave. <</if>>\ “Chatty bunch,” I snort, rolling my eyes, “how well did your shield do?” <<if $power >=10>>She laughs, “my shield wavered for a minute, but it held steady. If you were trained, then I would’ve died, though. Your potential is impressive<<else>>She shrugs, “it was fine. Not really that difficult. If you were trained, then I would’ve died, though. You got potential<</if>>, but that’s not a shock. You’re Death’s child.” <a data-passage="TPH21"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $power >=10>>\ <<nobr>>\<<set $power_teleport to true>><</nobr>>\ She rolls her head around and glances at me, “you up for a quick lesson?” “On what?” I ask, not knowing if my energy levels can handle anything more. It was invigorating, expelling all that energy and emotion, but it left me feeling more empty than satisfied. “Teleporting?” I perk up, nodding immediately. “Alright. We don’t teleport like demons and angels cos they got wings, and well ... we don’t. Instead, this mist you always see is what we use. It’s almost like usin’ the mist and sendin’ it to where we want to go.” “Shades teleport like that too?” “No. They do more of a blinking effect. They’re more like ghosts than us, so it makes sense.” “Alright. So what do I do?” “First off, never try to teleport if you don’t got the place in mind.” “What’ll happen?” “Best case, you just don’t teleport. Worse case, you end up in some kind of limbo like shit. Had a cocky trainee test my advice and do that, never saw em’ again.” <a data-passage="TPH21.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “Here, grab my hand.” She offers it to me, but I don’t immediately take it, raising a brow as I look from it to her. “You wanna get out of this place or not? Because I’m totally fine with leavin’ your ass here.” I do as she asks, grabbing her hand as a mist moves in. In a blink, we’re back in front of Death’s palace. [[Let go of her hand.|TPH21LetHandGo]] <<if $flirt_Chanara>>\ <<if settings.dialog>><span class="romance">[[Squeeze her hand.|TPH21SqueezeHand][$NRomance +=1]]</span><<else>>[[Squeeze her hand.|TPH21SqueezeHand][$NRomance +=1]]<</if>> <</if>> <</if>>\

“So, picture where I’m going first?” “Yea. Then visualize your energy in that space. When you get used to it, it’ll be like second nature, but for now, you’ll have a small delay cos of all that brain power. And then that’s it. Once you’re comfortable with your energy in that area, you go.” I raise a brow and glance over at her, “you’re not afraid that I’m going to now teleport out of here?” She snorts, that sound alone answering my question, “if you knew what you were doin’, you’d know you couldn’t just teleport out of a realm. So no, I’m not afraid. Now try and teleport to your father’s. I’ll meet you there.” I close my eyes and envision the palace. Thankfully, it’s not hard to place myself there, as I’ve walked around it so many times that I feel like my energy already has a permanent place there. Even though I believe I’m good, I continue to focus before putting all my effort into physically moving, like Chanara said. The entire idea of being stuck in whatever limbo area there is doesn’t appeal to me. When I open my eyes, I’m there, spotting a smiling Chanara. “More you do it, the better you’ll become. When you master it you’ll be able to teleport with less, like just a street name or even just picturin’ a specific person. So if you want to practice, keep it to a small area, one corner of the room to the other.” “Homework, huh?” She shrugs about to walk away when she pauses, turning on her heel and staring me down with a curious look. <a data-passage="TPH22"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I let go of Chanara’s hand as soon as I find myself in the new area, and she already begins to walk away. “So when does training start?” “When I say so,” she shouts over her shoulder. She doesn’t get too far before she pauses, turns on her heel, and pins me down with a curious gaze. <<include "TPH22">>

Though she pulls her hand away, I squeeze it, throwing her a smile that she doesn’t return. She pulls on her hand, and I release it, still smiling as she rolls her eyes and begins to walk away. “I’ll see you later then, Chanara.” “Yea, yea,” she shouts over her shoulder. She doesn’t get too far before she pauses, turns on her heel, and pins me down with a curious gaze. <<include "TPH22">>

“Actually, you wanna see the city?” “Aren’t we there?” “Nah,” she smiles widely, erasing the space between us, “Bigger Boss likes the peace. I don’t blame em’, but this isn’t the city.” I have little else to do right now, so I nod, curious to see what a city in Purgatory has to offer. She offers me her hand, and I take it, awaiting the sudden shift in scenery. We go from a busy yet humble landscape to that of a proper city. I hold my breath, amazed at what I now stand amongst. The buildings here go as far up as skyscrapers, but they look nothing like the ones back on Earth. Keeping in theme with the African and Islamic architectural styles prevalent back near Death’s palace, this seems like that but futuristic. As if the builders took inspiration from Earth and decided that simply mirroring such grand buildings wasn’t enough; they needed to take an additional step. Trees and bushes seem to effortlessly fit in with the buildings as if the buildings were made to accommodate nature and not the other way around. A few have balconies where trees sit, their roots snaking down to the ground, causing me to wonder how they possibly managed to do this. Some of the buildings are still square and are far more familiar to my eye than the others. But the more majestic ones are spherical, towering over me, and decorated with a type of glass that doesn’t remind me of anything back on Earth. Trying to describe them is difficult, but the best comparison was stained glasses. And yet, even that seems distant as the textures of stained glass windows hardly shared any resemblance to these. Another thing I notice is the lack of roads. There are thin strips that resemble a road, but they are far too narrow to host any kind of car that I know of. Mostly the area is made up of trails and sidewalks. “Traffic must be redirected elsewhere?” I question Chanara hums, raising a confused brow before her eyes alight in understanding. “No. There’re no cars here.” “What?” “Most of the species livin’ here can teleport, and those that can’t have ways of teleportin’ with assistance. So, what’s a road.” Taking my eyes off her, I go back to the view and those walking around. It’s odd to be amongst so many different species, but here I am. “So, did you bring me here to just show me around, or is there a point to the visit?” “I gotta go pick up a shipment for my reapers.” She starts to back away, though she keeps her attention on me, “you coming or want to look around?” I gaze from her to all that surrounds me, the monumental buildings, numerous stalls, and colorful buildings beckoning me to get a closer look. [[Go with Chanara.|TPH22GoWithChanara]] [[Venture around alone.|TPH22VentureAlone]]

“I’ll stick with you. If you don’t have a problem with that.” “Wouldn’t have suggested,” she simply states and motions for me to follow. We walk down a less populated road before Chanara leads me into a large spherical building that doesn’t seem as big until I’m inside. On top of having multiple floors, several stores rest along the rim, while tables and food trucks exist in the middle. Some of the signs I can easily read, but the majority are all in a language very much alien to me. “What all is there to do here?” She throws me a befuddled look, “shop?” “No. I mean in Purgatory as a whole.” “Still tryin’ to find connections between here and Earth?” She doesn’t stop to allow me to answer, possibly since my reply would be obvious. “A lot is the same. Enough to where people can go back and forth and not be horribly confused about what’s happenin’. But there’re some major differences like the cars. Tons of shit that works on electricity and gas back on Earth runs off of magic here.” “That sounds …” “Like a damn fantasy book?” she laughs, and I nod in agreement. “Is it better? On Earth, you have homelessness and starvation. How about here?” “We got out own problems. Housing ain’t the issue since society approves of joining up. You’ll have a vampire nest consistin’ of a hundred folks, and they all live together in buildings lookin’ like hotels. Starvation is an issue, but not for the same reasons as Earth. Biggest issues here are infightin’, territory disputes, and superiority complexes.” <a data-passage="TPH22.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“How do the reapers fit in with all of that?” “Poorly. We’re the only humans in Purgatory. Everyone knows not to touch us, but if we leave the capital, we’re just askin’ for trouble. Most in the capital have accepted our presence. At worse, they tolerate, at best, accept. Go out there, and you’ll meet a host of folks not practicin’ either.” Chanara leads me to a store with little foot traffic, and inside I find an assortment of boxes and packages decorating the shelves. “A post office?” I question, and Chanara shrugs. Simply showing her face to the person at the counter seems enough for them, and they walk off before she can even state her purpose. I lean on the counter and look her over, “what about the reaper ranks? I didn’t think you guys were different, or is it just a seniority thing?” “Naw, and we only differ by a bit. You got captains, then commanders, and it all hinges on baseline power and if you manage to capture Azrael’s or another commander’s eye. There are thousands of squads, and generals oversee about twenty of them each. Commanders oversee the generals, and each continent has three or four commanders, depending on how big it is. I replaced one of the four commanders in America. The last of their family died, and they wanted to join em’ wherever they went. Azrael saw them off.” “That happens?” “Yea. Most make deals with Azrael. He gets so many years of service, or they wait until a certain person dies, and they can reap them and go to the afterlife with em’.” “And you?” “And me what?” <<if $flirt_Chanara>>\ [[“Have someone special?”|TPH22Special]] <</if>>\ [[“What’s your sentence?”|TPH22Sentence]] [[“Do you enjoy all of this?”|TPH22DoEnjoyThis]] [[“Nothing. Nevermind.”|TPH22Nevermind]]

“Do you have someone special you’re waiting for?” “<<if hasVisited("TPH15Chanara")>>Wiped the memory, remember?<<else>>Wiped my memory.<</if>> So no.” “In the market for someone?” I motion to our surroundings. She snorts out a laugh, “cute. I’d go for someone with a less impressive resume. Dating Death’s child ain’t on my bingo card.” “That free space in the middle is blank.” “And occupied.” She ends the conversation there, but the smile from before never leaves her face, and I find her peering over at me many times. She doesn’t shy away when our eyes connect but never explains what she’s looking for. <<include "TPH22.2">>

“What’s your sentence?” “Eternal.” “Really?” “You sound surprised.” “I …” I pause, not knowing why I would be or shouldn’t be. “It just sounds like … well, a lot.” “A wiped memory makes it easier on you. Can’t miss somethin’ not there.” She pauses but then shrugs, “Purgatory’s fun enough. Probably worse fates out there.” <<include "TPH22.2">>

“Do you enjoy all of this?” “Better than doing nothing.” “But do you enjoy it?” She pauses, seeming to think my question over before shrugging, “it has its up and downs.” I think she’s about to explain why she feels that, but the end of her sentence seems to be just that, the end. She says nothing else, and neither do I. <<include "TPH22.2">>

“Nothing,” I finally answer, shaking my head and letting the conversation die. <<include "TPH22.2">>

We wait for a while longer until the woman from before comes out with a set of boxes. “Put on the transporter?” she questions, her voice heavily accented, but none of them reminds me of Earth dialects. Chanara nods and beckons me to a large square pulsing with a light orange glow. <<include "TPH23">>

“I’ll look around.” She nods, “meet back here in ten.” <<if $stubborn >=50>>\ I smirk, “and if I don’t?” She matches my energy with a smirk of her own before shrugging as she walks away, “then I hope you find a way back.” <<else>>\ I give her a nod of acknowledgment and watch as she walks away. <</if>>\ I look around, thankful that the area I’m currently standing looks more like the entrance, so finding it again won’t be that hard. It amazes me still to think that there is another world, an entirely new dimension with its own buildings, civilizations, and people. Completely separate from Earth yet still having specific functions that remind me of home. And it doesn’t stop there. It wasn’t just this and Earth. There was the Underworld with its many kingdoms and then Elysium, shrouded in secrets I find myself interested in uncovering. “It hasn’t even been a year yet,” I whisper. Saying that so much has happened feels like I’m downplaying the events that have taken place. Not only did I learn about the existence of species and creatures that were once pure fiction, but I learned that three other realms exist and are populated. That magic is real and exists even on Earth. And that doesn’t even touch on the things that have happened to me and those around me. Shaking my head, I simply pay attention to what is surrounding me. Hundreds of people go about their business, many of them I have never seen before, while a few cause me to instantly know. That recognition is preceded by what feels like an alarm in my head, like a bell whose sound is the name of the species instead of it’s usual shrill chiming. It’s odd to see creatures in their actual form, no need for disguises. On Earth, supernaturals camouflage for safety, but that’s not needed here. Creatures that would terrify the average person walk around freely, laughing and behaving without care. What it would’ve been like to grow up here, where this is normal and hiding one’s truth, is odd and frowned upon. And then for all those who live in fear of being hunted … Hunted. Seeing this puts a new spin on it, and I’m not sure if the usual line of ‘only monsters’ holds up as strong as it once did. I snort, yet another question I will ponder in depth at a later time. <a data-passage="TPH22.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I find a place to sit and simply look around, not wanting to wander too far away from the area. Soon my ten minutes are up, and I head back to the agreed-upon place, where I find Chanara already waiting. “Are you one of those if you’re not early, you’re late kind of people?” “No. Come on.” We walk down a less populated road before Chanara leads me into a large spherical building that doesn’t seem as big until I’m inside. On top of having multiple floors, several stores rest along the rim, while tables and food trucks exist in the middle. Some of the signs I can easily read, but the majority are all in a language very much alien to me. She leads me into one specific shop that has numerous packages and boxes, and before I can question if this is a post office, I see a shipping rates and fees poster on the wall. “Packages on transporter, Commander,” a woman I hadn’t seen until now says with a heavy accent, but none of them reminds me of Earth dialects. Chanara nods and beckons me to a large square pulsing with a light orange glow. <<include "TPH23">>

“Uh, what’s this?” “Don’t ask me how it works. All I know is that it uses the transportation powers of folks and, I guess … focuses it? I don’t know. It just makes traveling in the shoppin’ district easier.” She steps into the square, and I follow, watching as the pulses speed up before finally they begin to calm, but we’re no longer in the store but some kind of large security room. Two guards approach and check an ID that Chanara shows and then prick her hand before sniffing it. “Clear.” They don’t approach me, so I follow Chanara, who leaves the boxes where they are. “What was that?” “Ghouls. They’re kinda like vampires with how they work with blood. Vampires got a better nose, though.” “That doesn’t actually answer my question.” She smirks, opening her mouth to reply when someone behind us calls her name. We both turn to see Azrael approaching, his focus on her. “Ligaya needs your assistance. You will find her in the main building.” She nods and gazes over at me, “see you for practice, fresh veil.” With that, she leaves, and I find myself alone with Azrael, whose attention is now on me. <a data-passage="TPH24"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Death wishes to see you. Come.” I follow him down a set of unfamiliar halls until they become recognizable. Part of me feels like Death should do more decorating, but I suppose the architecture is enough to make one think twice. It alone is beautiful, and I’m sure after years of walking the halls, you develop an intimate knowledge of where everything is. But right now, all I can drudge up is confusion. <<if $zillah <50>>\ “I feel the need to warn you about what you will soon face,” Azrael stops and turns to me, “do you remember what I left to do?” “To find Zillah?” “Indeed. He’s back and speaking with Death in his office.” “Thanks for the warning.” He nods and we continue to walk until we get to Death’s office. With one last nod, Azrael turns and heads off to do whatever needed his attention at that moment. “Enter,” I hear Death shout from the other side. Remembering the earlier warning, I take a deep breath in and open the door, glancing at the two people inside. And just like Azrael said, there he was. <<else>>\ We continue to walk until we get to Death’s office. With one last nod, Azrael turns and heads off to do whatever. “Enter,” I hear Death shout from the other side and do so. I’m not even fully in the room when I freeze at the extra face, my eyes widening as he turns in the chair to look at me. <</if>>\ “Howdy, <<if $nnZ is "unknown">>$name<<else>>$nnZ<</if>>,” Zillah smirks. <a data-passage="EP1NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="40%"/></a>

<img src="images/nexttime.png"> <img src="images/divider.png"> “It would have been at least a week or two?” Death hypothesizes, raising a brow in question. Zillah answers, though whether it’s due to feeling like he should because Death is now giving him an inquisitive look, or because he wishes to set the record straight, who knows. “It’s been two weeks. Faye’s house is destroyed and your friends are running from angels and demons. Though I’m sure that won’t last for much longer.” “What?!” My body shakes frenziedly even after I command it to stop. Calm down, I tell myself but that only causes me to shiver violently, attempting to figure out how this could have happened and where they are now. “Told you they don’t care about you.” <img src="images/divider.png"> “You want an answer,” he shrugs, “I shall give you one. No.” “You can’t keep me here,” I shout, standing and balling my fist as I bring it onto his desk. Death stands and regards me with a frown, “if you wish to view me as the villain in your tale, then so be it. But I have told you my answer, and it will not change. You may go.” He leans forward, and his eyes change from human to what I can only surmise as death, “do not make me repeat it.” <img src="images/divider.png"> “This still doesn’t explain why. It just invites more why’s in. Why did she put this spell on us?” “It’s basically a death threat. I don’t complete my end of the deal, and she’ll kill me.” “Which will kill me,” I point out, and he raises a brow. “You’re a reaper and Death’s vessel. You have to know that he’ll just bring you back.” I catch a hint of envy residing in his eyes, and the more he examines me, the more it blossoms to the surface, even affecting his body language until he’s standing awkwardly. “If she even thinks I’m playing games, then she’ll harm the doll. You’ll feel it too, but I’m sure they’re not really concerned about wounds that can heal.” <img src="images/divider.png"> As directed, as soon as it calms, I summon my powers and carve the symbol that Zillah showed me into my arm. I grit my teeth from the stinging and the burning ache that I feel deep within my chest. With it finally done, the discomfort seems to lessen, enough to where I could actually look around. Down the road, I spot familiar streets. The intersection where I would sometimes go on jogs with the others, the distant sign of the local store that we would visit, and the stupidly ugly pink and yellow house that was an eyesore for the rest of the neighborhood. I turn around, and there it is. The burnt remains of a house are no longer recognizable, and I feel my breath escape. It was Faye’s. I was home. [[Episode Two: Roe as Fast as You Can]]

<<nobr>>\ <<audio "opening" stop>> <<playlist "ambience" loop>> <<include "stattamer">> <</nobr>>\ <img src="images/epsix.png"> <img src="images/actone.png">

<<nobr>>\ <<set $reunite = true; $visit to 0; $message_deliver to false; $message_snitch to false; $stayup to false; $laterzillahtalk to false>> <<unset $leftearly, $midleft, $known_reaper; $zr_upset to false>> <<audio "opening" stop>> <<playlist "ambience" loop>> <<include "stattamer">> <<if $chris >=50>> <<set $cl to "friend">> <<else>> <<set $cl to "rival">> <</if>> <<if $sydero >=50>> <<set $sl to "friend">> <<else>> <<set $sl to "rival">> <</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC10Lucia")>><<set $lucia_aid to true>><</if>> <</nobr>>\ <img src="images/epthree.png"> <img src="images/actone.png"> I take a seat and begin the physical assessment of everyone. When I first got back, this wasn’t important, but now that I know this isn’t a dream, it became far more critical. Thankfully, not much has changed appearance-wise. Amari doesn’t look any different. Still the same doe-eyed woman that I had grown to know. I see no changes, and the same can be said about Sydero. She still appears like she did all those months ago, relaxed but with an intimidating presence about her. <<if $cp>>Chris still sports the same hair style and beard maintenance, and if I stare hard enough, it even looks like Bradley is beginning to show signs of growing facial hair.<<else>>Bradley’s hair is still the same, showing signs of a cut but not enough for me to think of a tremendous difference. But, if I stare hard enough, I believe I see the beginning signs of facial hair.<</if>> Rahim is the only one with any kind of significance, and even that is minimum. His beard is a lot fuller than before. And that’s it. So, no shift in physical appearances. For some reason, that calms down a heart that feels like it’s beating far too fast. And as if to speed it back up a foreign feeling deep inside me stirs, as if choosing to remain silent but not for long. <<if $m_fear is "evil">>My breathing feels like it picks up as anxiety takes hold and unleashes onto me visions that I’d rather remain unseen. Visions of something corrupting and transforming me into someone I can’t identify. Already this life has done so much to my psyche and identity, how much more can I take?<</if>> <a data-passage="MD0.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“What can I get for you guys to drink?” the waitress asks. I blink a few times, clearing my throat as I give her my order and then the others follow suit. She leaves us to look over the menu, but all eyes are on me. “Remind me again why we decided to have this conversation at a restaurant?” I question, looking over the menu and holding back a yawn. Earthly sleep is catching up to me, and I don’t like it. I slept through the night and morning and half of the afternoon. Why I’m still yawning is anyone’s guess. “Because I’m starving,” Bradley answers, snatching the alcoholic menu out of Sydero’s hand and placing it on a nearby table, “and no one sitting here likes to cook.” “You’re worried about others listening in?” Rahim asks, “don’t. That’s going to be solved in three … two … one.” As soon as he finishes his countdown, the restaurant comes to life with shouts from those at the bar. “Gotta love sports bars,” Syd sighs, sarcasm dripping off every word. The waitress comes back with the drinks. Once handed out and our orders taken, Rahim leans in. “Alright, $name. Tell us everything.” [[Tell it plainly. Long story short version.|BS1Plain][$rahim -=5]] [[This was exciting stuff. Master storyteller mode activated.|BS1Storyteller][$amari +=5]] [[Ah, time to rant.|BS1Rant][$amari -=3]] [[That’s too much recap. I’d rather them ask questions.|BS1Recap][$amari +=5; $rahim +=2]] [[Have Zillah tell them.|BS1Zillah][$zillah +=5; $rahim -=5]]

I tell them everything as quick as possible, wrapping every little part in a nice and neat little bow. The smaller details are skimmed over, but I don’t think they need to know every single detail. That, and I don’t really know what’ll be viewed as important versus what isn’t. Basically, I just tell them what I am, what Death is to me, and what he wants me for. <<include "BS1">>

I lean in, and Bradley and Amari do the same while Sydero sighs and rolls her eyes. I tell the story with as much vigor and enthusiasm as I can, making sure to keep them all on the edge of their seat. Parts that I wave off as dull, they seem to find just as engaging. I also feel that I leave some things out, but I can do little about that. I can’t be expected to remember every single detail. <<include "BS1">>

At first, I don’t mean to make it sound like I’m ranting, but the more I retell what happened, the angrier I feel. Everything happening to me is bullshit, and what makes it worse is that it’s bullshit that I can’t stop. One path leads to death, and the other leads to … well, Death. It’s infuriating. At least in the past, I had a choice, even if that choice was to just walk away from it all. I no longer have that, and my retelling expresses those frustrations. <<include "BS1">>

That’s a lot to recap, and even as I sit here and think back on all the things that happened, the only thing I can actually come up with is being Death’s vessel. And so, I just open the table up to questions. Any that they have, I answer if I can. Otherwise, I shrug my shoulders and give it my best shot. Amari and Rahim end up asking the most, almost seeming to piggyback off the other while the others sit quietly and absorb what’s said. <<include "BS1">>

I give the floor to Zillah, who seems all too happy to recount things. He has a superior air about his storytelling, as if being able to answer every question thrown at him isn’t enough. He has to make sure everyone knows he already knew these things. I might have pleased Zillah by letting him tell it, but the others aren’t as ecstatic. <<include "BS1">>

They reside in silence after <<if hasVisited("BS1Zillah")>>Zillah finishes<<else>>I finish<</if>>, each of them taking in what was said and digesting it slowly. Zillah is the only one who doesn’t seem particularly bothered, moved, or much of anything due to him already knowing all of it. “That’s a lot,” Rahim sighs, burying his face into his hands, squinting into the distance when he does finally move his hands away. “You can’t tell me $name isn’t a key,” Bradley adds in next, “this is all too convenient.” “What was the demonic prophecy again?” <<if $cp>>Chris<<else>>Amari<</if>> questions. “One to unlock the kingdom, the other to sacrifice and open the cage, and the last to be his vessel,” Rahim answers. Bradley nods, pointing at me, “well, if what $name says is true, then ?he’s the first part, the one to unlock the kingdom. And we know that Syd is the vessel, so that means Rahim is the one who is sacrificed to open the cage.” “Yea,” he sighs, “that sounds right.” [[“What do we know about the angelic one?”|BS1AngelicProphecy]] [[“Any idea on how to stop this?”|BS1StopThis]] <<if $curse_pride>>\ [[“I went into Satan’s kingdom in Hell.”|BS1SatanKingdom]] <</if>>\

“What do we know about the angelic one?” <<if $cp and $cl is "friend">>\ “Hardly anything,” Chris starts, “we know the obvious. That it goes against the demonic one and that it needs all three of you around for it to happen. But we’re not sure exactly what it wants. Jeff, Bradley, and I are still working on learning where we can find it. Or at least how to safely summon an angel that could help us.” I notice Rahim biting the inside of his cheek. “And you don’t know anything?” I ask him, and he shakes his head. “My dad’s not really one to share. He tells you what you need to know, and that’s the end of it.” <<else>>\ “We know shit,” Bradley growls, “and I hate it. What we know is pretty much what we started off learning. It needs the three of you, who we believe are the three keys, and it goes against the demonic one because, duh, it’s angelic. Other than that, we’ve gotten nowhere. I think the angels are keeping us from it. Every time we think we’re onto something, they’ll come in and turn us around. I look over at Rahim to see if he has any reaction to that, but his face remains neutral. <</if>>\ <<include "BS1.1">>

“When we were in Hell,” I start, “I saw him, Satan. Lust took me to his kingdom. It’s a wasteland.” “What else did you see?” Sydero questions. “Him. Or, maybe a version of him or, I don’t know. I forget exactly what he looks like, but I remember looking right at him. I remember things were frozen as if all the time has stopped there besides the nightmares.” “Was Asmodeus beside you the entire time?” “No. Just on the fringes.” She nods her head, “it’s said that Pride, Satan, the Devil, whatever you want to call him, his kingdom is a maze. Anyone who steps foot in it will become shrouded in fog and caught in a perpetual loop of confusion until a nightmare feeds off them. Even the Princes can’t go too far before it takes them too.” “So?” Zillah questions, “what does that mean.” “It means that it sounds like $name here is supposed to act as a guide. Which is interesting since Death can’t enter the Underworld.” Rahim inhales, and his head falls back, “but a reaper hybrid can.” “So the demons don’t -,” Bradley begins but hushes himself as the waitress comes up with everyone’s food. The table is silent as she passes the plates out and then leaves with a smile and a quick ‘enjoy. <a data-passage="BS1.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Anyone has any ideas on how to stop me from becoming Death’s play toy?” Sydero snorts, and Rahim scratches the back of his head while Zillah rolls his eyes irritably. “$name,” Bradley speaks, “no one even knew this was a thing until you showed up. One minute we think reaper hybrids can actually happen, defying all logic. And the next, we’re told that they’re the rarest species ever to exist because they’re basically a vessel for Death. So, no. I don’t think any of us have any idea.” <<if $cp>>\ “Maybe the friendly neighborhood shade here does,” Chris grumbles, gazing over at Zillah, “why wouldn’t he?” “Sorry to burst your bubble, Chris. But there is no way. And if I did know, would I tell you?” Chris shifts in his seat, but Amari places a hand on his arm, and he calms down, though not taking his gaze off of Zillah. <</if>>\ <<if $rahim >=50 or $RRomance >=5>>“We’ll figure something out,” Rahim nods, attempting to give me a hopeful smile, but both of us could see it failing in some places, unable to hold itself up.<<else>>The others look like they were done with the conversation, and having nothing else to add, I drop it as well.<</if>> <<include "BS1.1">>

“So, you’re the child of Death,” Sydero questions, leaning back in her chair and shaking her head. She lets out a low chuckle, “this group really is a shit circus.” “Oh!” Bradley shouts, “Freak Show. Or Team Freak?” “No, Bradley,” Rahim voices, truly looking tired, “we have to figure out who else is going to be hounding us now.” “Us?” Sydero questions with disgust, “so that means you’re staying?” “No!” Bradley groans loudly, about to take a bite of his burger before pausing. “Not right now. Save the fighting for later. Just,” he sighs and seems like he wants to slump in his seat, “not right now.” “So, what developments on your side?” I question, hoping to delay the awkward air that seems to be hanging overhead. “Hasn’t been many,” Rahim answers, resituating himself in his seat, “mostly just run-ins with angels and demons and failed attempts at learning more about this prophecy.” “Between running and trying to find you, we haven’t been able to make much lead-way in a lot of things,” Bradley adds on. “Well, at least one problem is taken care of.” “About time,” Bradley hums contently, “you have two months to make up for, and I’m -” He’s cut off by the sounds of people clapping in the distance, and we all turn to see what the commotion is all about. We watch as a group of waiters and waitresses approach a table and sing happy birthday to a little kid who seems far shyer from all the attention than engaged. My gaze moves to Bradley, and slowly an idea begins to form. One I’ll keep to myself for now. <a data-passage="BS2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

We leave the restaurant and head back to what I guess I can call home, though that feels odd after months of going from one place to another with no signs of stopping. As soon as we make it inside, I wander off in an aimless trance as I realize that, for the first time in a very long time, I feel like I don’t have a dozen pressing matters to attend to. My life is on the line, but not like before, and figuring out how to beat Death surely isn’t going to happen in a day. There’s no one to save and no one to help. It’s just … peace. [[About time, I deserve this.|BS2Optimistic][$optimistic +=5]] [[Enjoy it, it definitely won’t last.|BS2Pessimistic][$optimistic -=5]]

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Optimistic ++</span><</if>> After everything I’ve been through, I deserve this. The whole fiasco with rescuing Sydero, going to Hell, my deterioration, and finding out about my fate. It’s so much that I’m not sure how I’ll be able to deal with it. Honestly, I’m not dealing with it. I’m shoving it all into a box that refuses to close all the way and acting as if it isn’t there. My inevitable breakdown will probably be detrimental, but why go through that now? <<include "BS2.1">>

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Pessimistic ++</span><</if>> Peace and I aren’t exactly compatible. As soon as I think everything will be alright, life has a way of showing me that I’m being far too hopeful and optimistic. So, instead, I’m always prepared. I’ll enjoy this moment for a while, but I won’t count on it lasting. I’m about to have two powerful beings after me. It’d be foolish to relax. <<include "BS2.1">>

I’m back on Earth, back with my group. And though it seems surreal, I’m here, and I want to enjoy it. A part of me wishes to forget everything and go back to normal. To forget about Death and everything he told me. About the prophecies and the ruin they foretell. About the enigmatic voice that seems to pick and choose whenever it wishes to speak up. I just want to hunt supernatural baddies and call it a day. For that aspect alone to be the most dangerous part of my day. Wishes that will never be made true and instead of willing it, I decide to distract myself. [[See if one of the others will spar with me.|BS2Spar][$visit +=1]] [[Work on the car.|BS2Car][$engineering +=10; $visit +=1]] [[Go over first aid procedures.|BS2Medical][$medical +=10; $visit +=1]]

I head to the side of the house where some of the others are. <<if $cp and $cl is "rival">>I find Chris and Sydero standing together, looking to be throwing knives at a distant dummy.<<elseif $cp and $cl is "friend">>I spot Chris in the distance, fiddling with something but from my current position I can’t figure out what it is. Sydero is close by, stretching in a grassy clearing.<<else>>There’s a group of dummies resting further away with a series of holes in them, proving to be practice dummies. Sydero sits a few feet away from one, minding her business and stretching.<</if>> And then Zillah is just sitting in a chair beside Bradley, the two of them discussing something. <<if $cp and $chris <50>>\ [[Approach Chris and Sydero.|BSCSSpar][$combat +=10]] <<else>>\ [[Approach Sydero.|BSSSpar][$combat +=10]] <</if>>\ [[Grab Zillah to work on my powers.|BSZSpar]] <<if $cp and $chris >=50>>\ [[Go over to Chris and work with him.|BSCSpar][$blades +=5; $guns +=5]] <<else>>\ [[Practice guns and blades on the dummies.|BSPSpar][$blades +=5; $guns +=5]] <</if>>\

I walk over to Chris and Sydero just as Chris throws three blades, one after the other, at a dummy. They each stay planted in the figure. The first embeds itself into the cheek, the second lands near the heart, and the other in the thigh. “That was even better,” Sydero compliments, words that cause me to pause and raise a brow. I wait for some kind of insult to follow it, but she leaves it at that. “Yea, I think I nicked myself again, though,” Chris sighs, holding his hand up, and though I don’t see the mark, I don’t doubt his words. “Stop playing with knives,” she snorts. “I’ll do that as soon as you stop playing with fire.” The two of them chuckle, and I shake my head. [[Point out the friendliness.|BSCSFriendly]] [[Remain quiet about it.|BSCSQuiet][$team +=2]]

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” I start, and they both turn to look at me. “Did I miss something? When did you two become all buddy buddy?” They both gaze at one another before Chris snorts, “I don’t like Sydero.” “Yea, Chris is the biggest pain in the ass I will probably ever know.” The two exchange glances once again before rolling their eyes simultaneously. <<include "BSCS2">>

I make a mental note about it but decide to keep quiet about it, mainly to see if this camaraderie continues. <<include "BSCS2">>

Chris cocks his head to the side, “what if we got smaller knives?” “Those are literally throwing knives. They don’t get any lighter and sharper.” “You should let me hold that dagger of yours.” “I’m going to cut you with said dagger,” she mumbles, her attention moving to me. “What’s up, Roe?” “Just came to see if anyone was interested in sparring.” Chris shrugs and nods. “Yea, up for a three-way fight?” I look from him to Sydero, “how does that work?” “It helps with the whole idea of being jumped by more than one supernatural,” Chris tells me, an action that I don’t expect. He seems entirely comfortable with the idea. “You actually fight now?” He snorts, “I still complain.” “He’s a good shot too,” Sydero remarks, shrugging her shoulders, “I just wish you’d shut up more.” He becomes a reflection of her, shrugging and seeming completely uncaring about her words. Probably having exchanged a few quips on the matter while actually fighting. //Something else you managed to miss//, my mind snickers, and I stiffen as I fight a shiver. “Yea, let’s do it,” I say, blurting it. I don’t miss the look they give me, but I choose to ignore it. With all three of us in agreement, we start. <<if $combat >=30>>\ If they wish to take it easy on me, they don’t. Both of them immediately begin to rain down punches that I’m worried I won’t be able to dodge. Maybe if there was one of them, but two, no. Thankfully, my brain isn’t entirely correct, and I manage to put up a decent fight. It helps when the focus shifts to one specific person that isn’t me. But I also realize how much it keeps me on my toes, having to read their body language to know who is about to attack who and how. In the end, all of us sit around and give each other pointers and point out things that the other may need to look out for. Once we’re done stretching, we all depart. <<else>>\ I’m not sure if them taking it easy on me is something I appreciate or detest. Was I not just as capable? Even if I was, their actions show that they don’t believe so. Either that or they think I’m still weak from everything. I choose to settle on the latter only to retain some of my pride. Regardless, the practice proves beneficial, and in the end, I find myself lying on the grass, trying to capture my breath and figure out what is sore. Everything really. After a few more minutes, I finally sit up and stretch and then decide to move on with my day. <</if>>\ <<if $visit is 2>>\ <<include "BS2Others">> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Spar")>><<else>>[[See if one of the others will spar with me.|BS2Spar][$visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Car")>><<else>>[[Work on the car.|BS2Car][$engineering +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Medical")>><<else>>[[Go over first aid procedures.|BS2Medical][$medical +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <</if>>\

“Sydero,” I call out, approaching her and bringing her out of whatever trance she had previously been in, “want to spar?” “Yea,” she smirks, “should make sure Purgatory hasn’t softened you up.” <<if $combat >=20>>\ “If you’re scared of losing, then just say it.” “That Purgatory air //has// messed with your brain, I see. You think you can beat me?” “I don’t ever remember losing to you, Syd.” “Amnesia,” she sighs as if she is pained to say such a word, “it’s a hell of a thing to go through.” It takes a while for me to re-adapt to her pace, and I find myself getting fed up with how many punches she lands, primarily due to my inability to react in time. But when I meet it, everything flows like before. I blame most of it on a body trying to readjust to Earth. All in all, it is a productive sparring session, and I come out of it feeling better than before. As well as grateful, it’s been a while since I sparred and now more than any other time, I need my fighting skills up. <<else>>\ “Take it easy on me. I’ve never actually been a hand-to-hand type of fighter.” “Pity,” she sighs, getting to her feet, rotating her neck around, and smirking, “I’ve never been really good at taking it easy on others.” And just like she says, she doesn’t. She fights me like I would suspect she’d fight anyone on her level. On the one hand, it does help me improve, but on the other, it gives me bruises on top of bruises. If Chanara’s training is relentless, then Sydero is just a sadist. Though … that may not be false either. <</if>>\ <<if $visit is 2>>\ <<include "BS2Others">> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Spar")>><<else>>[[See if one of the others will spar with me.|BS2Spar][$visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Car")>><<else>>[[Work on the car.|BS2Car][$engineering +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Medical")>><<else>>[[Go over first aid procedures.|BS2Medical][$medical +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <</if>>\

“Hey, Zillah,” I call out as I approach. This causes both him and Bradley to look up at me, neither of them seeming to mind the interruption. “Do you mind working with me on my powers?” <<if $bound and $zillah <50>>\ <<nobr>>\<<set $power +=5>><</nobr>>\ “Seeing that helping you will be making me weaker, yes.” “Your lack of wanting to cooperate isn’t going to make me want to un-bound you any quicker.” He gets to his feet and comes closer, “you seem to forget this bound thing goes both ways.” “It technically doesn’t,” Bradley hums, frowning when Zillah sends him a glare, “sorry. But it doesn’t. Syd isn’t some idiotic witch. If Rahim did it, maybe. Big maybe. But Syd knows how to lay down a curse, and that bounding spell makes most of it one way. More like a master and its dog kind of curse.” “Kid, do you want me even more pissed off? Just keep speaking if so.” Bradley sighs and raises his hands in surrender. He mumbles something as he gathers his things and leaves. Zillah’s eyes fall back on me. “The answer is no. Shouldn’t have wanted to leave Purgatory.” With that said, he walks past me, and though he looks like he’s going to head towards Syd, he stops and rethinks the action. Instead, he heads towards the house. Seeing that I’m on my own, I recall one of Chanara’s lessons and focus on that. I sit and focus, spending my time practicing forming specific objects out of my energy and commanding them on where to go. It’s the only thing I can think of, and after proving that I have mastered it, I stop. <<if $visit is 2>>\ <<include "BS2Others">> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Spar")>><<else>>[[See if one of the others will spar with me.|BS2Spar][$visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Car")>><<else>>[[Work on the car.|BS2Car][$engineering +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Medical")>><<else>>[[Go over first aid procedures.|BS2Medical][$medical +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Hardly,” he answers, “that was a task for Chanara.” “Well, there’s nothing I can do about that now. Can you help me or not?” He thinks and shrugs, “there’s a few things I know. You’ve figured out how to command your powers, right?” <<if hasVisited ("RFC3NoEarly") or $power >=10>>\ <<nobr>>\<<set $power +=10; $power_shroudfeet = true>><</nobr>>\ “Yea.” <<if $bound>>\ “Then I’ll show you how to do that. Since we’re bound,” he spares me a glance that says he isn’t happy about having to speak those words, “it might be easier for you to learn.” “Look, the binding is already proving beneficial.” “I’m going to act like I didn’t hear you say that. Manipulating your powers like this wouldn’t be possible if you were //just// a reaper, but since you have Death’s blood, it’s doable.” “How do you know?” “Because I can do it.” He rolls his eyes as if that much should be obvious. “Now, focus on the tug you’re about to feel.” I close my eyes and do as he says, focusing on nothing, but then something tugs at my awareness. It’s imperceptible. Something tells me that something is going on but not enough to make acting and functioning impossible. It takes up more of my awareness when I focus on it, but I’m still confused about what I should do with it. There’s no visual, just a specific feeling that feels like it originates in my feet. After a while, it vanishes. “Alright, got it?” “No,” I laugh, “I have no idea what any of that means.” “It’s fine. Just try to recreate the feeling you just felt. Focus on what you were focusing on before but pour your energy into it this time.” <<else>>\ “Then I’ll show you how though I’m no teacher. Manipulating your powers like this wouldn’t be possible if you were //just// a reaper, but since you have Death’s blood, it’s doable.” “How do you know?” “Because I can do it.” He rolls his eyes as if that much should be obvious. “You need to focus your energy on your feet and let it settle there.” I watch as he does what he says, and a thin smoky cloud appears. “That’s it?” I question, trying to figure out how this could aid me. “Just do it and see what happens.” <</if>>\ Zillah’s guidance is about as helpful as a ranger telling someone to follow a barely seen trail to escape the forest. I focus on my feet, and though it feels odd, I push my energy towards them. “Well, open your eyes, idiot.” I do and gaze down at my feet, making sure to keep my focus there and see thin wisps that seem to grow thicker over time. “Are these like your tendrils?” “Not exactly. I can manipulate my tendrils to be sharper, dull, longer, blah blah blah. You can’t manipulate your wisps, but they’re far more powerful. Try to move around.” I do and find that I glide more than walk, a weird sensation that almost sees me fall if not for the aid of the smoke that keeps me upright. Zillah nods. “I can’t tell you everything you can do but it’s worth investigating on your own time.” I nod my thanks to him, adding this to my arsenal. <<if $visit is 2>>\ <<include "BS2Others">> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Spar")>><<else>>[[See if one of the others will spar with me.|BS2Spar][$visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Car")>><<else>>[[Work on the car.|BS2Car][$engineering +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Medical")>><<else>>[[Go over first aid procedures.|BS2Medical][$medical +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<nobr>>\<<set $power +=5>><</nobr>>\ “Not exactly,” I answer, “Chanara was still trying to get me to properly command it.” “Then you don’t need my help. Just go over the lessons she put you through. You can’t really do anything until you learn how to command it.” With that, Zillah appears done with any kind of guidance, and I’m left to figure it all out on my own. There’s little difference between now and when I was under Chanara’s direction. One simply has someone telling me to do it over and focus more. Now that I’m without that, I see how helpful it is. I sit and focus, spending my time practicing forming specific objects out of my energy and commanding them on where to go. After proving that I have mastered it, I stop. <<if $visit is 2>>\ <<include "BS2Others">> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Spar")>><<else>>[[See if one of the others will spar with me.|BS2Spar][$visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Car")>><<else>>[[Work on the car.|BS2Car][$engineering +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Medical")>><<else>>[[Go over first aid procedures.|BS2Medical][$medical +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“Hey, Chris, mind company?” He shakes his head, and I approach, grabbing one of the pistols that rest on the table. “What are you working on?” I question. “Just making sure to keep my skills up to par. I’m not in the field, so I don’t need them like that, but I like to still be able to defend myself.” He aims and takes fire, hitting the dummy to the left of where the heart would be. “You’re not in the field?” I ask, lining up a shot and taking one myself. “No. I help Bradley out whenever I can now. I know my way around a computer, and two heads figuring stuff out is better than one. I’m not cut out for the field stuff that the others do.” “Are you sure?” “Yea. I’ve been doing it for a while and enjoy it just fine.” I grow quiet. It’s odd to keep forgetting that while it’s only been two weeks since I’ve seen them, for them, it’s been close to two months. Both of us stay quiet as we practice our aim and accuracy. After a while, I switch to practicing with the available knives. Practicing movements and strikes and combining actions that do not see me standing in one place all the time. When I’m done, I part ways with him. <<if $visit is 2>>\ <<include "BS2Others">> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Spar")>><<else>>[[See if one of the others will spar with me.|BS2Spar][$visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Car")>><<else>>[[Work on the car.|BS2Car][$engineering +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Medical")>><<else>>[[Go over first aid procedures.|BS2Medical][$medical +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <</if>>\

I don’t approach anyone for assistance and keep to myself for training. Guns and blades seem a tad bit foolish when I now have powers. Though, I suppose I still see the reason for using them. Powers take energy and a focus that I may or may not have mastered. It takes an understanding of abilities and how to perform them. Something quicker may be needed. And for all I know, some creatures may easily be able to disrupt my abilities. In the end, I see nothing wrong with being proficient at all of it. So, the following hour is me using the dummies as target practice and practicing with the knives laid out for that purpose. <<if $visit is 2>>\ <<include "BS2Others">> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Spar")>><<else>>[[See if one of the others will spar with me.|BS2Spar][$visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Car")>><<else>>[[Work on the car.|BS2Car][$engineering +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Medical")>><<else>>[[Go over first aid procedures.|BS2Medical][$medical +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <</if>>\

I head to my car and begin working on it, giving it the love and attention it deserves. Thankfully, <<if $cp>>Chris and Sydero have<<else>>Sydero has<</if>> been around and so <<if $cp>>they<<else>>she’s<</if>> at least kept an eye on some of the essential things like the oil and engine. <<if $engineering >=25>>\ <<nobr>>\<<set $upgrade +=1>><</nobr>>\ I’ve been meaning to install a few upgrades for better performance. Most of them deal with the pipes, changing the intake, adding a turbocharger, and maybe adding an exhaust wrap. Having done it for others before and doing enough research, I know the breaks and pipes aren’t all that hard to accomplish. I’d have to order the turbocharger and then set aside more than a day to accomplish the installation. So I devote all my attention to the others for now. <<else>>\ I know the bare minimum when it comes to cars and upgrading factors. Enough to know it is possible and what I should probably do but not enough to actually do any of these things. And so, I just focus on washing the car, changing the tires, and checking other features to make sure everything is running smoothly. Perhaps I’ll learn more later. <</if>>\ <<if $visit is 2>>\ <<include "BS2Others">> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Spar")>><<else>>[[See if one of the others will spar with me.|BS2Spar][$visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Car")>><<else>>[[Work on the car.|BS2Car][$engineering +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Medical")>><<else>>[[Go over first aid procedures.|BS2Medical][$medical +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <</if>>\

I spend my time going over first aid procedures and learning the specifics to be more efficient. Not only that, but I also research and learn more about specific supernatural injuries. For example, wolf’s-bane can ease the transitioning of a new werewolf or faerie blood, helping cure almost any supernatural wound. I note that mixing it with certain plants will bring on different reactions and can heal some wounds better than others. Perhaps later, I should combine some of these things into salves and poultices. Mostly for <<if $cp>>Chris and <</if>>Bradley since everyone else has some kind of regenerative feature. After I go over a few more things, I finally finish and move on to other things. <<if $visit is 2>>\ <<include "BS2Others">> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Spar")>><<else>>[[See if one of the others will spar with me.|BS2Spar][$visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Car")>><<else>>[[Work on the car.|BS2Car][$engineering +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Medical")>><<else>>[[Go over first aid procedures.|BS2Medical][$medical +=10; $visit +=1]]<</if>> <</if>>\

Another thing I haven’t been able to do is really sit down and talk to anyone since I made it back. It isn’t surprising. I had just returned the previous day, and catching up on what we’re dealing with is far more critical. But I’d like to know how everyone is doing without the others overhearing. Plus, it can be a good way to venture more of the house. [[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]] [[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]] [[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]] [[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]] [[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]] <<if $cp>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>>

I begin my search for Bradley, finding him in the living room and fiddling with what I think is the wifi router. “What are you up to?” “Just testing some stuff out. Making sure this router isn’t that easy to hack.” “Are you trying to crack your own firewalls?” “In a way,” he frowns, typing a few things and waiting for his computer to think about it. He turns his attention to me, and his eyes light up with recognition. “I actually have been meaning to find you and give you this.” He digs into his pocket and fishes out a cellphone. I thank him as I unlock it and venture through it. “All our numbers are already included. I was able to move some of your things onto it, but not all.” “It’s better than nothing. Thanks, Bradley.” He sighs as he types something else in, “yea, that’s what I’m here for.” “How have you been?” He doesn’t pause his actions, but he does look at me out of the corner of his eye, “we’re still asking //that// question?” “I didn’t mean about //that// in particular. I was speaking in general. I haven’t seen you in two months.” <a data-passage="BS2.Bradley1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $bcure>>\ “Hillary is still kicking my ass in every shooter game we play together.” He smirks, “but she has a cute laugh, so I get over it. But I’m still trying to catch up to at least three animes and keep up with everything new.” He shrugs, “all in all, I’m doing okay. I’d like to say that now that you’re back, I’ll be doing better, but that’s up in the air too.” “Because of me or our situation?” “I don’t know,” he sighs, cocking his head to the side as he glares at me, “are you planning to fuck with my head again?” “Never going to let that go, are you?” “Fuck you, $name,” he growls but then calms down a second later, “no. I won’t. Thanks, but also fuck you. But … thanks.” He pushes his laptop away and turns to me, “did you know that Sydero was actually okay with your decision?” “She was?” “Yea. She said that she would’ve done the same thing.” “And what do you think about that?” “Fuck her too. Fuck both of you, honestly. I can handle some demons trying to screw with my head.” “Well, hopefully, we’ll never have to figure that out.” “Yea, I’ll drink to that.” “You shouldn’t be drinking at all,” I point out, and he smirks, flashing me a toothy grin. “I’m seventeen. I’m not a little kid anymore.” He says it in such a childish voice that neither of us can keep a straight face. It feels good to just be able to laugh with him again, even if there is no getting rid of the division that now lies between us. That division is evident when his smile begins to taper off, and his eyes grow downcast. It’s best not to linger. With a farewell, I stand and leave him to his work. <<else>>\ “Life is a headache,” he tells me, sighing in exhaustion. “There’s always some big bad guy that wants to kill us, someone missing, and something that needs figuring out. Do we get a vacation?” “I don’t think we do. //Especially// our group.” “I would really like a vacation. And some good sleep.” “You haven’t been sleeping?” “No, not really. Sleeping was hard enough before that incident. But after, it’s almost impossible. I’ve tried so many pills, and nothing works.” He shrugs, “but maybe I should give some of them a second try. Now that you’re back, that’s some of the stress off my shoulders, so maybe I won’t be so worried.” I chuckle, “I remember the Bradley that could go through about five energy drinks in a day.” “Yea,” he sighs, “this Bradley doesn’t need them because he can’t function anyway. But it’ll be fine. I’ll be fine. You’re safe, and that’s all that matters. Don’t mind me.” I want to voice how impossible that is but keep it to myself. I don’t want to stress him out any further, and seeing that he’s placed his attention back on his laptop, I leave. <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

I knock on the door to what I believe is Rahim’s room and hear a loud enough voice tell me to enter. I do, peering over Rahim’s room with interest. His entire room is made up of shades of white and calming browns that lean towards the golden side of the spectrum. The light streaming into the space provides the area with a calming and ethereal glow. The room itself is elegant, that much is easy to spot, but it is also comfy, a place that I immediately feel at home with. A pretty white, shaggy rug with two loveseats that sit opposite one another with a cream-colored pouf resting nearby. One wall is taken up by a bookshelf, and the other a dresser with a clothing rack. “What style is this?” “Moroccan.” I continue to look around, spotting the Arabic influences and taking note of the areas that still appear like they are being worked on. “You really made it your own, huh?” He shrugs, “if I’m going to be sticking around, then I’d like a corner that I can retreat to. And this,” he gestures to the room, “is good for meditating. By the way, you need to tell me what decor you want for your room so I can order it.” “You paid for everyone’s?” “I had most of this furniture already. Just moved it here. The other’s was mostly a mix of Sydero<<if $cp>>, mine, and Chris’s money<<else>> and my money<</if>>. Faye chipped in a little, as well as Bradley. I’m still mystified at how he has that many zeroes in his bank account.” He passes me a catalog, “circle what you like.” I flip through, deciding on the main theme. [[Go with: Chic/Rustic|BS2.Rahim1][$zillah +=5; $room is "rustic"]] [[Go with: Minimalist|BS2.Rahim1][$room is "minimalist"]] [[Go with: Industrial|BS2.Rahim1][$rahim +=5; $room is "industrial"]] [[Go with: Geek|BS2.Rahim1][$room is "geek"]] [[Go with: Dark/Goth|BS2.Rahim1][$room is "goth"]] [[Go with: Bohemian|BS2.Rahim1][$amari +=5; $room is "boho"]] [[Go with: Vintage|BS2.Rahim1][$amari -=5; $room is "vintage"]] [[Go with: Eclectic|BS2.Rahim1][$room is "eclectic"]]

I circle everything that catches my eye before returning the text to Rahim, who takes it with a single nod before going back to the book in front of him. “Good book?” “No,” he answers plainly, adding nothing more to an explanation that I didn’t ask for but still expect. <<if $RRomance >=5>>\ I sigh, throwing my hands up and looking around the room as if something within will help me out. “Will we ever figure this out? Or will it just be a back and forth game? Ball in my court, then in yours, and neither of us willing to actually try and shoot.” “I don’t understand that metaphor,” he mumbles, avidly avoiding my gaze. [[“This is getting ridiculous.”|BS2.RRRidiculous]] [[“Am I even supposed to keep trying?”|BS2.RRKeepTrying]] [[“What do you want, Rahim?”|BS2.RRWhatWant]] <<else>>\ I point to the door, “you know it may be easier for you to just say that you’re busy and I should go.” “You’re fine,” he tells me and then gestures to the book, “I’m just trying to figure out what we’re missing about all of this.” “What’s the book about?” “Angelic history.” I come to his side and peer at the pages but realize that it isn’t in English. “Arabic?” “Yes.” “Are both you and Sydero fluent in it?” “I don’t know about Sydero, but I am. More specifically, Peninsular Arabic and Masri, which are both different dialects. I wish to study Maghrebi but have not had the chance.” “And the book?” “I’m hoping it will provide some insight on this angelic prophecy. Most of the time, these things will, at the very least, be referenced if the sources are accurate. Either that or there are clues in the text. I’ll take whatever I can get right now.” “I would offer help but -” “You don’t read Arabic,” he laughs and nods knowingly. “It’s fine. I’d rather do this alone anyway.” “Then I’ll leave you to it.” He mutters his thanks before getting lost within the pages and text, and I leave the room. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley", "BS2Rahim", "BS2Sydero", "BS2Amari", "BS2Zillah", "BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“This is getting ridiculous.” “Is it?” he questions, his frown deepening, and I shake my head, taking a seat on the ottoman in front of his bed so that I’m on the same level as him. “If you need to think or figure things out or just need time, then fine. Say that though. I’m not trying to pressure you into anything, but I want to understand why this is so complicated and what to do or say to uncomplicate it.” <<include "BS2.RR2">>

“Am I even supposed to keep trying? Do you want me to?” He stops reading his book, glaring at a single spot on his bed. I take a seat on the ottoman that rests at the foot of his bed, sighing deeply. “I’m just trying to understand.” <<include "BS2.RR2">>

“What do you want, Rahim? That’s the only thing I want to know. I’m here, and I’m ready or at least willing, but you’re confusing. You say one thing but then treat me like another. Tell me what you want.” <<include "BS2.RR2">>

He nods and looks up at me, “what’s your purpose?” “My what?” “Your purpose. See.” He moves the book off his lap and leans in, “I’ve learned that every single immortal has one. Most of the time, it’s big, some overarching goal. But they have one, no matter how small.” “Rahim, why is this -” “Important? Because a hybrid was bad enough but something I could work with. But a reaper-hybrid and Death’s vessel?” He leans back and shakes his head, “what do you expect me to think?” “That I’m the same person as I was before. What does being Death’s vessel have to do with anything? I’m not an immortal.” “You’re close enough,” he mumbles. “So, you have one too, then? What’s your purpose, Rahim?” “To fulfill my father’s wish,” he answers without a hint of hesitation. To the point were it feels like he rehearsed this, “to play my part as the key.” “Do you really believe that? Or is there something you’re not telling me?” He frowns and glances to the side, silently answering my question. <a data-passage="BS2.RR3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $rahim >=50>>“Rahim, please,” I plead, “talk to me. Help me understand.” He turns towards me, almost about to reach forward, but he pauses, getting to his feet and placing space between us.<<else>>“Will you just tell me! It’s simple, either: you’ve moved on, don’t want to see where this can go, or you do. Stop being afraid and just say it.” He shoots to his feet, walking towards the middle of the room and placing space between us.<</if>> “You know,” he starts, his back to me, “this entire time, I hoped our reunion would be one filled with a lot more heartache. You telling me that the situation has changed and you moved on or there was someone else. Anything. The last thing I wanted was for you to come back and want to continue where we stopped. I just wish you would let me go.” “If you want that so much, then why not just say you’re done? Why make this even more complicated?” “You think I fucking enjoy this?” he shouts, my brows shooting up at the anger that he exudes. “You think I wouldn’t have if that’s what I actually felt? I fucking wish I could just walk up to you and say that I feel nothing for you. But just thinking that is so painful that I don’t know what to do.” He eliminates the gap and grabs my hands in his, “you deserve someone who can give you their heart with no hesitation. And I can’t. Mine’s too weak.” “Is it too weak, or are you just scared?” “Does it matter?” “Yes, Rahim! All of this matters. The entire point is that this matters. For someone who claims to be so open and understanding of his emotions, you don’t act like it.” He chuckles, releasing my hands with a nod, “you know, you’re right. Some would say I’m a masochist, huh? Just repeating history and acting like I’m better than that.” He pauses and nods as if realizing that he said the last part aloud, “and I should stop that cycle now … with you.” [[Just leave.|BS2.RRLeave]] [[“Fine. I’ll do it for you.”|BS2.RRFine]] [[“Goodbye, Rahim.”|BS2.RRGoodbye]]

I stare at him for a minute longer before deciding that the smartest thing to do for both of us is to just leave. What’s the point in staying? He said what he needed to, and continuing this isn’t an option. So, I go. It sounds like he wants to say something, but I’m already gone if he does. <<include "BS2.RR4">>

“Fine,” I lean in, “I’ll do it for you since you’re so weak and fragile. I’ll do it since it’s always on my shoulders for some reason. Every fucking thing is on my shoulders.” I push past him, balling my fist up as I go. “Nice talk.” <<include "BS2.RR4">>

I nod my head, “thank you for at least attempting, I guess.” “$name,” Rahim starts, but I take a step back. “Stop. I can see your heart breaking, and yet you still do this. It’s fine. You’ll be fine and … maybe I will be too. But stop trying to force something you know you don’t want.” I squeeze his arm and walk past him and towards the door. “Goodbye, Rahim.” <<include "BS2.RR4">>

<img src="images/divider.png"> He focuses on each individual footstep. Each one takes him closer to the bed and drags his attention away from the overwhelming emotions that are just now beginning to wane. He snorts as he collapses on the ottoman, covering his face. “Imagine if your empathy was better. Would you have even let ?him go?” It had started off little. Confusion and a tiny bit of hope that just barely managed to breach the surface and gain his attention. And then he started to speak, and each word just twisted every emotion until all he felt was devastation from $name. A sadness so deep that it had begun to cause him to do more than just doubt the brilliancy of this plan. Reminding himself that this was better for both of them wasn’t helping. Neither was telling himself that he couldn’t help the hurt that originates from the truth. “How stupid I must be,” he whispers, “to constantly do this to myself.” He must genuinely love the hurt that comes from this because it feels familiar, albeit still different. Even now, knowing how much it hurt, he wants nothing more than to rush out the room and grab onto $name. To hold ?him close and tell ?him that it isn’t ?him at all. That his feelings for ?him are mounting but so is something much darker and twisted … To tell ?him the truth. Rahim lays down, moving the book he had been reviewing further away. He had just gotten the worst headache, and his heart aches right along with it. The words echo in his mind, //tell ?him the truth.// <img src="images/divider.png"> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

Attempting to find Sydero ends up being a waste of time. As far as I can tell, she is nowhere in the house, nor is she out on the patio or near the docks. I head back towards the living room just as Bradley comes out of the kitchen, a water bottle in his hands and his brows furrowed. “You okay, Bradley?” “Can’t speak, died five times, must understand why.” “Oh … okay.” He’s about to turn a corner but then turns back around, digging something out of his pocket and handing it to me, “mind giving that to Syd and asking her to check it for flaws?” “I don’t think she’s here. I couldn’t find her anywhere.” “Did you check the study?” he questions, and I raise a brow, not even knowing the house had one. He gives me directions, and I leave to follow them, nearing and hearing sweet, lullaby notes. Opening the door carefully, I peek in to see Sydero sitting in front of a parlor piano, her fingers lightly running up and down the keys as she plays. She seems swept up in her own world, a rare thing for someone who is constantly tuned in to her surroundings. Even more, the tune she plays sounds hopeful, maybe even uplifting if one wished to go that far. If I ever thought she could play an instrument, I would’ve always assumed that she knows nothing but melancholic and somber versions. She slows and then comes to a stop, releasing a short huff and shaking her head, “child of Death.” “You’re really stuck on that, huh?” She turns to face me, “I’ve practically made a career out of avoiding beings that can snap their fingers and wist me away. And then you tell me that your father is Death, probably the most powerful being on the planet. Yea, I’m stuck on it.” <a data-passage="BS2.S1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I didn’t know you knew how to play the piano,” I point out, nodding to the large instrument as I draw near. I raise a brow as I give it a look over, “where’s the sheet music?” “Can’t read it. Learned by ear.<<if $cp>> Chris offered to teach me, but I’m not sure. I’d probably want to kill him after five minutes of listening to his voice.”<<else>>”<</if>> We sit in silence. A conversation that I know needs to be had, forcing its way to the front of my mind. We delayed it the other day because it was my first day back and I needed a moment. Now, it’s time. I wonder if she knows it too and if this silence and awkward air is a way to hopefully ignore it. “Syd, we need to talk about Hell.” “We don’t,” she begins, cleaning what I suppose is dust off one of the keys, “I have nothing to say to you about it besides pointing out that once again, you do the opposite of what I say.” [[“You really have a funny way of saying thanks.”|BS2.SFunnyWays]] [[“Sorry, not sorry.”|BS2.SNotSorry]] [[“Well, I didn’t do it for you.”|BS2.SDidntDoIt]] [[“Fuck you.”|BS2.SFuckYouSyd]]

“This is the second time I’ve saved your life, and instead of just saying thanks like a normal person, you put on this air of I could’ve handled it by myself.” “Because I could’ve,” she growls, turning to me, “if I don’t want to be saved, then that’s the end of that. There’s no need to think anything through. If I say leave me behind, you leave me behind.” “And if I say no?” “Then fuck you, Roe.” “I don’t even understand why I’m being yelled at right now. Are you really mad at me for rescuing you? Or is there something else going on?” <<include "BS2.S2">>

“Yea, well sorry, not sorry. I’m not about to leave a friend to burn in Hell, literally.” “You really don’t understand, huh? I wasn’t burning. I just went home.” “You don’t believe that.” “Yes, I do. Roe, your problem is that you think you know me and you don’t. You know probably three to five facts about me, and that’s all you need to butt yourself into my life.” She leans forward, “don’t.” “Where is all this coming from, seriously? You say you didn’t want this, but if that’s how you truly felt, then you would’ve marched your ass right back down there. But here you are, so what’s really the problem?” <<include "BS2.S2">>

“Well, I didn’t do it for you anyway. I did it for Bradley.” <<if $bcure>>\ “He would’ve been fine. Get Rahim to put up another block. I’m sure he’s dying to show off his powers.” “Syd.” “No. I had everything handled before you thought to lower yourself and pull me from perdition.” “I’m getting the feeling that I’m not the one you’re mad at right now. Come on, Syd. Tell me what’s really bugging you.” <<else>>\ “Oh, don’t give me that shit. If you cared about Bradley, then you would’ve given him that damn memory block.” “That wasn’t my decision to make.” “But pulling me from the Underworld was? Your little hero syndrome is getting a bit too carried away.” “Is it so hard for you to just say thanks?” “Is it so hard for you and everyone else to just let me make my own damn decisions.” “You didn’t go there willingly, Syd. How was any of this your decision? Look. Stop yelling at me and just talk. What’s really pissing you off right now?” <</if>>\ <<include "BS2.S2">>

“You know what, fuck you.” “Fuck you.” “No, fuck you. You put on this air of uncaringness, but I’m willing to bet that you care the most out of everyone in this damn house.” “You really haven’t met the puppy, huh?” “Stop that,” I growl, almost wanting to grab her but knowing that I should keep my hands to myself unless I want another problem on my hands. “Stop whisking everything off like it’s not your problem when everything you say proves it is. I’m not even sure I’m the one you’re pissed off at right now. So, just say it. You’re so unafraid of shit, so why not? What’s really pissing you off right now?” <<include "BS2.S2">>

“Stop acting like you know me,” she yells, her fingers pressing down on multiple keys simultaneously. I let the sound fade before responding, “I do know you.” “You don’t,” she hisses, “because if you did, you wouldn’t be standing here in front of me. Whatever motive you have, it’s none of my business. The one thing I do know is that you don’t know me. Save both of us time and stop acting like it.” <<if $SRomance >=5 and $sl is "friend">>\ She begins to walk away, and I let out a low chuckle, leaning back on the piano as I watch her go. “You know, that’s rich. Because what you’re doing now is something you do a lot of. Push others away, keep em’ at arm’s length. I don’t know why you do it, but I know that’s a classic Sydero move.” <a data-passage="BS2.S2F"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $SRomance >=5 and $sl is "rival">>\ I take a step towards her, resting my hand on her shoulder. “I do. I know you hardly sleep even when tired because you’re never comfortable. Or that you always have to case a building for exits before you enter it. I know you like reptiles and motorcycles and muscle cars. I know you love the taste of alcohol, and you get kinda pissed off that it takes forever to get you drunk. You like stupid and goofy jokes. And now, I know that you like the piano.” <a data-passage="BS2.SR"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “You are such an infuriating person,” I voice, “do you let anyone get close? Do you even count Bradley as someone you’re close to, or is he kept at a distance too?” “I like my privacy,” she smirks. [[“You’re a waste of time.”|BS2.SWasteOfTime]] [[“I tried.”|BS2.SITried]] [[“Syd, please.”|BS2.SPlease]] <</if>>\

She chuckles, turning to face me, “I can say with no hesitation that you are probably one of the most stubborn people I’ve ever met. And I’ve met a lot of people.” I shrug, “can say the same about you. If you’re scared, then voice it.” “Scared,” she asks in shock, a flash of anger appearing as she takes a step closer. “Yes. Scared. Scared of what will happen if you get close to someone or if you let your guard down, or just -” She’s on me in the next second, switching our positions and causing me to fall onto the seat with my back pressed up against the keys. One hand is on my chest, keeping me from moving, while the other is wrapped around my wrist. I can feel her shivering, though, whether that is because I plucked a nerve or our proximity, well, that’s anybody’s guess. She moves in, her lips colliding with mine, and I welcome it. The deeper the kiss takes us, the tighter her grip is along my wrist. I hiss in her mouth, but that seems to just encourage her to push in closer. I run my hands through her hair, losing all sense of time and place as I get lost in the sensation that is her. That feeling is there. But it’s not like before. It feels less like a ship being pummeled by the waves and more like approaching an open and greedy maw. Something about it always telling me to run and never look back, but I don’t, mesmerized by something I can’t honestly see in the darkness. I want and crave more. Her lips move to my neck, leaving harsh nips along the way as she goes. My legs shake as I try to resituate the two of us, causing my elbow to jam down on more of the keys. That sound brings me back to my senses and I think it will do the same for her but instead, it causes her to intensify her actions. A hunger that I haven’t yet seen her demonstrate now possessing her. [[Pull away.|BS2.SRPullAway]] [[Keep going.|BS2.SRSexScene]]

“Roe,” she starts, but I stop her. “Syd,” I counter quietly, almost at a whisper, “it doesn’t have to always be a losing game with you. You deserve to win too.” “Oh, that’s cute.” She slides my hand from her shoulder as she chuckles, “that’s real cute.” She moves away and turns to me, observing me and then nodding, “you got real close. Closer than anyone else, so kudos on that. But at the end of the day, I’m still not what you’re looking for.” “Don’t tell me what I’m looking for, Syd.” She raises a brow and pauses, “allow me to try something.” I open my mouth to question her, but shock overtakes me before I can. Her lips softly meet mine as she caresses my cheek cautiously. I lean into her kiss, greeting her tongue as I part my lips to give it entry. She presses her body closer, and I welcome her with a soft moan, my mind growing dizzy with anticipation. She applies more pressure, and I stagger back until my back hits the piano. I run my hands through her hair, losing all sense of time and place as I get lost in the sensation that is her. That feeling is there. But it’s not like it was before. It feels less like a ship being pummeled by the waves and more like approaching an open and greedy maw. Something about it tells you to run and never look back, but you don’t, mesmerized by something you can’t honestly see in the darkness. I want more and crave more. Her lips move to my neck, and she leaves lingering kisses along the way as she goes. My legs shake as I try to resituate the two of us, causing my elbow to jam down on more of the keys. That sound brings me back to my senses, and I think it will do the same for her, but instead, it causes her to intensify her actions. A hunger that I haven’t yet seen her demonstrate now possessing her. [[Pull away.|BS2.SRPullAway]] [[Keep going.|BS2.SRSexScene]]

I pull away from her, and finally, it looks like she realizes what almost happened. She looks from the ground to me, and it is almost as if I can see her thoughts broadcasted. “Don’t you dare run,” I manage to get out between breaths, fear clinging to my vocal cords. I whisper, “please.” She stands frozen for a few seconds longer before straightening and walking towards the door. She stops and though she doesn’t look back at me, says, “I can’t give you what you want, Roe. It’s not me running. It’s me understanding that. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but feeling those deep feelings isn’t something I can do.” She looks at her hands, “I don’t know if it’s because of what I am or just because of how I was raised or something else even. But I know that loving you, loving anyone in //that// way, it disgusts me.” She picks up her gaze and looks at me. “All of that romantic shit that you see and maybe into, I hate it. It disgusts me and makes me want to bend over and throw up. It makes me want to run and be as far away from it as possible. Growing up, love was this hideous thing. And I never wanted anything to do with it.” “It doesn’t have to be that way, Syd.” “You don’t think I know that?” she laughs, “I know love is supposed to be this beautiful thing, but it’s not for me. I’m broken and,” she gulps and balls her hand into a fist, “and I … no matter what I …” She closes her eyes and a step taken by me finds her taking two steps back. [[Maybe she just needs time.|BS2.SNeedsTime]] [[I understand where she’s coming from.|BS2.SIGetYa]] [[I hardly care for romance either.|BS2.SAroVibes]] [[I didn’t understand.|BS2.SDidntUnderstand]]

Maybe she just needs time. She said it herself, she knows what love should be, she just needs time to grasp it. A part of me laughs at that thought, as if I am simply putting off the inevitable by thinking it. When I focus back on her, I see her staring at me with a sad smile. “I can’t give you what you want, Roe. And I’m sorry for that.” She nods to a box in the corner, “grab a knife and gun.” And that was it. With that said, she walks out and leaves me standing there staring at the door. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

"I can't give you what you want, Roe. And I'm sorry for that." She nods to a box in the corner, "grab a knife and gun." And that was it. With that said, she leaves me standing there staring at the door. I want to stop her and tell her that I get it. While also telling her that she's not the only one who has ever been averse to romance like this. I wasn't aromantic, but I knew of others and did my research. I couldn't be entirely sure as not every aromantic approached romance the same. Sometimes the label and its definition work perfectly to describe an individual. Other times it functions more as a general word, a starting place almost. For now, it seems wise to give her some space, let her settle down, and then speak to her about all of this later. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

The more I go over it in my head, the more it seems like there’s the chance that Sydero could be aromantic. I couldn’t be sure as not every aromantic approached romance the same. Sometimes the label and its definition work perfectly to describe an individual. Other times it functions more as a general word, a starting place almost. Either way, I didn’t even like romance in a typical sense, so nothing that she says bothers me. When I focus back on Sydero, I see her staring at me in confusion. Her eyes desperately try to find something and comprehend it. Finally, she shakes her head and glares at the ground. “I can’t give you what you want, Roe. And I’m sorry for that.” She nods to a box in the corner, “grab a knife and gun.” And that was it. With that said, she walks out and leaves me standing there staring at the door. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

Her words leave me in a state of confusion, and I try and think them through to understand. Nothing she says is hard to grasp, but, at the same time, that’s how I treat it. When I focus back on her, I see her staring at me with a sad smile. “I can’t give you what you want, Roe. And I’m sorry for that.” She nods to a box in the corner, “grab a knife and gun.” And that was it. With that said, she walks out and leaves me standing there staring at the door. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

<<if settings.showec>>\ I don’t let the noise deter me, and as soon I welcome her approach, <<if $sex is "v">>she moves her hand to my core, rubbing circles upon it before grabbing my pants.<<elseif $sex is "p">>she moves her hand to my erection, palming my length through my pants.<<else>>she moves her hand to my ass, cupping it and giving it a harsh squeeze.<</if>> With her hand occupied, <<if $sydero <50>>I deepen a kiss that I can already tell will leave my lips bruised. I tease her tongue with mine and bite down on her bottom lip just as harshly as she’s done before.<<else>>I deepen the kiss, losing myself in the sensation that represents her. I tease her tongue with mine and then move back to place quick pecks at the corner of her mouth.<</if>> <<if $sex is "p" or $sex is "v">>\ “<<if $sl is "friend">>Fuck,” Syd chuckles<<else>>Mmm,” Syd hums<</if>> drawing back as she <<if $sex is "v">>teases my opening, and I gasp.<<else>>applies just enough pressure to make me gasp.<</if>> <<if $sydero is "friend">>The action causes her to grab my chin roughly with her free hand as she looks me in the eyes. “You know how to follow directions, don’t you, Roe?” I start to nod, but her grip tightens, the pressure-tight enough to make even swallowing a problem.<<else>>She trails a finger lightly from my collarbone to my throat, her nail adding just enough pressure for me to pause. “You know how to follow directions, don’t you, Roe?” I start to nod, but her nail against my neck causes me to stop.<</if>> <<else>>\ “Hold up,” Syd chuckles, drawing back as she applies just enough pressure to make me gasp. “You’ve washed, right?” “Syd!” I shout, and she snickers again, shrugging her shoulders. “I have to ask.” I’m unable to say anything more as she <<if $sydero is "friend">>grabs my chin roughly with her free hand and looks me square in the eye.<<else>>trails a finger lightly from my collarbone to my throat. Her nail adding just enough pressure for me to pause.<</if>> “You know how to follow directions, don’t you, Roe?” <<if $sydero is "friend">>I start to nod, but her grip tightens, the pressure tight enough to make even swallowing a problem.<<else>>I start to nod, but her nail against my neck causes me to stop.<</if>> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ I don’t let the noise deter me, and as soon I welcome her approach, she moves her hand to my core and applies pressure. With her hand occupied, <<if $sydero is "friend">>I deepen a kiss that I can already tell will leave my lips bruised. I tease her tongue with mine and bite down on her bottom lip just as harshly as she’s done before.<<else>>I deepen the kiss, losing myself in the sensation that represents her. I tease her tongue with mine and then move back to place quick pecks at the corner of her mouth.<</if>> “<<if $sydero is "friend">>Fuck,” Syd chuckles<<else>>Mmm,” Syd hums<</if>> drawing back as she continues to tease me, enough to make me gasp. <<if $sydero is "friend">>The action causes her to grab my chin roughly with her free hand as she looks me in the eyes. “You know how to follow directions, don’t you, Roe?” I start to nod, but her grip tightens, the pressure-tight enough to make even swallowing a problem.<<else>>She trails a finger lightly from my collarbone to my throat, her nail adding just enough pressure for me to pause. “You know how to follow directions, don’t you, Roe?” I start to nod, but her nail against my neck causes me to stop.<</if>> <</if>>\ <a data-passage="BS2.SRSexScene2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I pull away from her, “Syd? What’s wrong?” It didn’t seem particularly in character for her to look so doubtful about something like sex. The one thing I know she has no qualms or lack of confidence in. It seems like she realizes what almost happened. She looks from the ground to me, and it is almost as if I can see her thoughts broadcasted. “Don’t you dare run,” I manage to get out between breaths, fear clinging to my vocal cords. I whisper, “please.” She stands frozen for a few seconds longer before straightening and walking towards the door. She stops and though she doesn’t look back at me, says, “I can’t give you what you want, Roe. It’s not me running. It’s me understanding that. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but feeling those deep feelings isn’t something I can do.” She looks at her hands, “I don’t know if it’s because of what I am or just because of how I was raised or something else even. But I know that loving you, loving anyone in //that// way, it disgusts me.” She picks up her gaze and looks at me. “All that romantic shit that you see and maybe into, I hate it. It disgusts me and makes me want to bend over and throw up. It makes me want to run and be as far away from it as possible. Growing up, love was this hideous thing. And I never wanted anything to do with it.” “It doesn’t have to be that way, Syd.” “You don’t think I know that?” she laughs, “I know love is supposed to be this beautiful thing, but it’s not for me. I’m broken and,” she gulps and balls her hand into a fist, “and I … no matter what I …” She closes her eyes and a step taken by me finds her taking two steps back. [[Maybe she just needs time.|BS2.SNeedsTime]] [[I understand where she’s coming from.|BS2.SIGetYa]] [[I hardly care for romance either.|BS2.SAroVibes]] [[I didn’t understand.|BS2.SDidntUnderstand]]

<<if $virgin>>\ “I need you to be a little quieter than that,” she snorts and rolls her eyes, “which is really annoying seeing that you’re a virgin. I was really interested to hear how loud you can be.” “Ah, so you’ve thought about this?” I tease, shivering when her nails travel farther down my neck. “You doubted that? You’ve been on my to-do list for some time.” She smirks at her own line. “You’re pretty slow.” “Cautious. You sure you want to do this?” I narrow my eyes, not understanding the question, until I see how deep her frown is. [[“I’m sure.” (This will lead to a sex scene.)|BS2.SRSexSceneV][$virgin is false]] [[“What’s wrong?” (This will not lead to a sex scene but Syd’s romance will continue.)|BS2.SRVirginScene]] <<else>>\ <<if settings.showec>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ “I need you to be quiet. Don’t want the entire house hearing,” she pauses, rethinking the idea but shakes her head in the end, “lay on the seat.” As soon as I do, she’s on me, her hand applying pressure to my chest to keep me from rising and her fingers teasing my lips. I gasp as she inserts a digit, and before I can even grow used to the new sensation, another one joins it. I can feel her breath on my ear as she whispers, “you make a noise, and I end this.” Before pulling back, she flicks her tongue against my earlobe before nipping it harshly. She lowers herself between my thighs, continuing to finger-fuck me roughly as she runs her tongue against me, taking my clit into my mouth. I bite back a gasp that wishes to morph into a moan, silencing myself by clutching onto the seat beneath me. “Mmm,” I hear Sydero hum, coming up and clicking her tongue, “that won’t do.” She takes her free hand and moves my hand to her back, winking at me before burying herself back inside me. She removes her fingers but uses them instead to spread my lips, and her tongue sinks into my pussy. Though I keep one hand on her shoulder, my other seeks out her head, urging her even closer. She laps at me wildly, thrusting her tongue deeper before pulling back to suck at my folds. I buck against her, grinding into her face as she pushes me closer and closer to a rising orgasm. She moves away only to insert three fingers into me and her lips now capturing my clit in her mouth. I can’t help but release the moan that builds, wishing to cry out as she undoes me entirely with her mouth and fingers. <<else>>\ “I need you to be quiet. Don’t want the entire house hearing,” she pauses, rethinking the idea but shakes her head in the end. I can feel her breath on my ear as she whispers, “you make a noise and I end this.” Before pulling back she flicks her tongue against my earlobe before nipping it harshly. <<if $sex is "p">>\ She lowers herself to her knees, moving my pants down and freeing my spirited member. She pumps me a few times before taking my head into her mouth, her tongue flicking across the head teasingly. I want to buck, to bypass the entire teasing ordeal and get right to the good part, but I remain patient, producing quiet groans as she continues to give me a handjob. I’m almost about to abandon that idea when she finally makes her down my shaft, taking more of me in until she gets to the point where her lips meet her hand. Her eyes rise to meet mine, and I’m forced to look away as she begins to deepthroat me, and a growl originates in my throat. While her mouth works on me, her hands wander from my thighs to my sack, giving it a harsh squeeze that causes me to buck forward and hiss. I reach forward to grab onto her hair, but she immediately slaps my hand away, continuing her actions but giving me a warning glare. I feel my cock hit the back of her throat and press up against the piano, it being my only form of support at the moment. Her humming only makes it worse, the vibration riding up my spine and making me let out a long groan. I can feel my peak nearing, mounting and ready to burst. <<else>>\ She lowers herself to her knees, twirling her finger, and I turn around obediently. She works my pants down, placing kisses against my lower back and spine before placing one on an ass cheek. Her other free hand cups my cheek and massages it. I feel something cold spread against my entrance, and I shiver in anticipation, perking my ass up more as I lean forward on the piano. She follows this up with her tongue, messily licking the area before plunging her tongue into my opening. I moan before her, and she slaps my ass as I’m reminded of her request to stay quiet. I bite down on my lip but don’t even bother to look over my shoulder and apologize. Spreading me further, I feel her slip a single digit in, and I clutch the side of the piano, wishing it was a softer material so that my nails could dig into it. I breathe and relax around her, and as I adjust, she adds another and then a third. Frustration overtakes me as I just want to tell her to fuck me but knowing that patience is needed, I’ll be awarded soon enough. As soon as I’m adjusted, she begins to move her fingers deeper and then create a pace. I take all that she gives me, biting down on my lip when all of her fingers find their way inside me. I ride her fingers, whimpering as I’m pushed closer and closer to that edge. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="BS2.SRSexScene3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “I need you to be quiet. Don’t want the entire house hearing,” she pauses, rethinking the idea but shakes her head in the end. I can feel her breath on my ear as she whispers, “you make a noise and I end this.” Before pulling back she flicks her tongue against my earlobe before nipping it harshly. She lowers herself to her knees and continues to work towards undoing me. Every action she takes sends me further and further towards my peak. Numerous times do I wish to moan out. At the last minute do I remember her words from earlier and manage to quiet myself, mostly by biting my bottom lip. Before, the dark world her action induced would be on the outskirts of my mind. It would sulk along the edges, eyeing me intensely but never breaching an invisible border. It pounds at it, testing the defenses, but they hold. Now, they come crashing down, and it rushes forward with the sole intent of infecting every inch of me. I gasp as my world goes dark, and then light streams in, and once again, darkness overcomes me. My mind screams, but my body relaxes, floating down into oblivion knowingly. A sharp bite on my inner thigh brings me back, and I lurch upwards as if just brought back from drowning. <<if $sex is "v">>“Not yet, beautiful,” Sydero snickers, her fingers curling within me as she continues to thrust them inside.<<elseif $sex is "p">>Sydero tightens her grip around me and though it pulls me from the darkness, I can feel myself slipping. When I glance down at her, she eyes me with a ‘don’t you dare, not yet’ look.<<else>>Sydero slaps my ass, and though it pulls me from the darkness, I can feel myself slipping. When I glance down at her, she eyes me with a ‘don’t you dare, not yet’ look.<</if>> <a data-passage="BS2.SRSexScene4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <</if>>\

<<if settings.showec>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ “Well then, lay on the seat.” As soon as I do, she’s on me, her hand applying pressure to my chest to keep me from rising and her fingers teasing my lips. I wiggle at the pressure, a mix of need and just barely some pain. “I got you,” she whispers, just as she inserts a digit. I gasp, unable to escape as I attempt to get used to this new sensation that courses through me. Saying that it’s painful isn’t exactly the right way to word it, more like a muscle that you know will be sore come morning. A weird sensation as well, a violation that I gladly accept but take note of anyway. I’m just starting to get used to the finger when she inserts another and my body once again my adjust. I can feel her breath on my ear as she whispers, “try to stay quiet, Roe.” Before pulling back, she flicks her tongue against my earlobe before nipping it harshly. She lowers herself between my thighs, continuing to finger me slowly as she runs her tongue against me, taking my clit into my mouth. I bite back a gasp that wishes to morph into a moan, silencing myself by clutching onto the seat beneath me. “Mmm,” I hear Sydero hum, coming up and clicking her tongue, “that won’t do.” She takes her free hand and moves my hand to her back, winking at me before burying herself back inside me. She removes her fingers but uses them instead to spread my lips, and her tongue sinks into my pussy. Though I keep one hand on her shoulder, my other seeks out her head, urging her even closer. She laps at me wildly, thrusting her tongue deeper before pulling back to suck at my folds. I buck against her, grinding into her face as she pushes me closer and closer to a rising orgasm. She moves away only to insert three fingers into me and her lips now capturing my clit in her mouth. I can’t help but release the moan that builds, wishing to cry out as she undoes me entirely with her mouth and fingers. <<else>>\ “Well then, lay on the seat.” I can feel her breath on my ear as she whispers, “try to stay quiet, Roe.” Before pulling back she flicks her tongue against my earlobe before nipping it harshly. <<if $sex is "p">>\ I can feel her breath on my ear as she whispers, “try to stay quiet, Roe.” Before pulling back, she flicks her tongue against my earlobe then nip it harshly. She lowers herself to her knees, moving my pants down and freeing my spirited member. She pumps me a few times before taking my head into her mouth, her tongue flicking across the head teasingly. I buck, wishing she’d increase her speed. She rests her hand on my hips, calming me as she finally makes her down my shaft, taking more of me in until she gets to the point where her lips meet her hand. Her eyes rise to meet mine, and I’m forced to look away as she begins to deepthroat me, and a growl originates in my throat. While her mouth works on me, her hands wander from my thighs to my sack, giving it a harsh squeeze that causes me to buck forward and hiss. I feel my cock hit the back of her throat and press up against the piano, it being my only form of support at the moment. Her humming only makes it worse, the vibration riding up my spine and making me let out a long groan. I can feel my peak nearing, mounting and ready to burst. <<else>>\ She lowers herself to her knees, twirling her finger, and I turn around obediently. She works my pants down, placing kisses against my lower back and spine before placing one on an ass cheek. Her other free hand cups my cheek and massages it. I feel something cold spread against my entrance, and I shiver in anticipation, leaning forward on the piano. She follows this up with her tongue, messily licking the area before plunging her tongue into my opening. I moan and she slaps my ass as I’m reminded of her request to stay quiet. I bite down on my lip but don’t even bother to look over my shoulder and apologize. Spreading me further, I feel her slip a single digit in, and I clutch the side of the piano, wishing it a softer material so that my nails could dig into it. I breathe and attempt to relax but find it almost impossible. This sensation is extremely odd and though not uncomfortable, it feels like something is off. “You okay, Roe?” Syd questions and my answer is in the form of a reasurring hum, or one I hope to be reassuring. “Breathe, you weirdo,” she chuckles and I do as she asks, relaxing my body until finally the feeling seems to shift to one of pleasure. She continues on before adding a second and then a third. As soon as I’m adjusted again, she begins to move her fingers deeper and then create a pace. I take all that she gives me, biting down on my lip when all of her fingers find their way inside me. I ride her fingers, whimpering as I’m pushed closer and closer to the edge. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="BS2.SRSexScene3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “Well then, lay on the seat.” I can feel her breath on my ear as she whispers, “try to stay quiet, Roe.” Before pulling back she flicks her tongue against my earlobe before nipping it harshly. She lowers herself to her knees and continues to work towards undoing me. Every action she takes sends me further and further towards my peak. Numerous times do I wish to moan out. At the last minute do I remember her words from earlier and manage to quiet myself, mostly by biting my bottom lip. “I always hated fucking virgins,” Sydero snickers, <<if $sex is "v">>her fingers curling within me as she continues to thrust them inside.<<elseif $sex is "p">>as she tightens her grip around me.<<else>>giving my ass a quick nip.<</if>> “Why,” I barely manage to say. “Ask me later,” she snorts. I suppose I can’t blame her, it’s a weird conversation to have when <<if $sex is "v">>her fingers are deep inside me.<<elseif $sex is "p">>her hand is milking me.<<else>>she’s still pleasuring me.<</if>> <a data-passage="BS2.SRSexScene4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

<<if hasVisited("BS2.SRSexSceneV")>>\ Her actions are a type of careful I would have never expected from Syd. But the confident woman that I sincerely know is there as well, creating an odd though no less interesting sight and surely a great first experience. That dark world that I know she can entice me into is mostly absent. It would sulk along the edges, eyeing me intensely but never breaching an invisible border. It pounds at it, testing the defenses, but they hold. And I can feel myself nearing my limits. I feel her hot mouth against mine, and it further grounds me as she forces her tongue into my mouth. I don’t have enough energy to even try and provide resistance, and I let her do as she wishes. She sucks on my tongue before rudely nipping at it and pulling back. <<if $sydero is "friend">>\ “There you go, Roe. Let someone else have that virginity of yours.” I blink a few times, replaying her words over in my head and how she had said it. The words themselves didn’t bother me. It’s the tone in which they are expressed. “What do you mean? You make it seem like I asked for this specific thing to happen.” She shrugs as she rises and stretches, refusing to look at me. “This was all about sex, right? It has been since the beginning.” She raises her hands and lets out a soft chuckle, “long overdue, I admit. But I try not to mix business and pleasure. And seeing that you’re a virgin, well that just brings some of the fun out of it.” “Wait, stop. Syd, this wasn’t -” “Wasn’t it?” She asks this as if daring me to disagree. <<else>>\ “I need you to know something, Roe,” she whispers against my lips, “I didn’t feel anything from that.” I blink a few times, replaying her words over in my head. “What?” She shrugs as she rises and stretches, refusing to look at me, “this was all about sex, right? It has been since the beginning. I was curious to see if with you, out of practically anyone something would spark. But it didn’t. I felt like I always do, hungry.” She frowns, “just hungry. The virgin thing helps but barely.” “I don’t understand. Syd, this wasn’t -” “Wasn’t it?” She asks this as if daring me to disagree. <</if>>\ [[“It was …” This will end the romance with Sydero. (If attempting a poly, this will also cause it to fail.)|BS2.SItWas][$SRomance to 0; $polyT to false]] [[“In the beginning, yes.”|BS2.SInTheBeginning][$SRomance +=1]] [[“It was never just about sex.”|BS2.SItWasNever][$SRomance +=1]] <<else>>\ Before, the dark world her action induced would be on the outskirts of my mind. It would sulk along the edges, eyeing me intensely but never breaching an invisible border. It pounds at it, testing the defenses, but they hold. Now, they come crashing down, and it rushes forward with the sole intent of infecting every inch of me. I gasp as my world goes dark, and then light streams in, and once again, darkness overcomes me. My mind screams, but my body relaxes, floating down into oblivion knowingly. A sharp bite on my inner thigh brings me back, and I lurch upwards as if just brought back from drowning. <<if $sex is "v">>“Not yet, beautiful,” Sydero snickers, her fingers curling within me as she continues to thrust them inside.<<elseif $sex is "p">>Sydero tightens her grip around me and though it pulls me from the darkness, I can feel myself slipping. When I glance down at her, she eyes me with a ‘don’t you dare, not yet’ look.<<else>>Sydero slaps my ass, and though it pulls me from the darkness, I can feel myself slipping. When I glance down at her, she eyes me with a ‘don’t you dare, not yet’ look.<</if>> <<if settings.showec>>\ <<if $sex is "v">>\ “Control your powers,” I say between breaths, trembling under her<<if $sydero <50>> and letting out a loud whimper when she slaps my pussy.<<else>>.<</if>> “Not my fault you taste sweet as hell. I can’t help myself.” She starts to remove her fingers right as she <<if $sydero <50>>harshly <</if>>sucks at my clit, and that is it. I arch off the seat, letting out a shaky moan as my insides pulse, and I let the orgasm pour out of me and onto Sydero’s waiting tongue. She laps at my sweet desire as I tremble in her grasp, taking deep breaths to ground myself back into reality. When was the last time I ever had an orgasm that good? I wasn’t sure I ever did. That one was so intense that my eyes were still trying to concentrate on something and my soul still felt separate from my body. I feel her hot mouth against mine, and it further grounds me as she forces her tongue into my mouth. I don’t have enough energy to even try and provide resistance, and I let her do as she wishes. She sucks on my tongue before rudely nipping at it and pulling back. <<elseif $sex is "p">>\ “Control your powers,” I say between breaths, trembling under her. She rolls her eyes but continues on, pumping me faster, taking in every single inch that I had. And then I’m there. Bucking against her, my member pulses as I cum in two shots, and Sydero laps up the hot seed. “Fuck,” I growl as she cleans me up and then removes me from her mouth with a satisfying plop. I ride out the sensation, finding myself on the ground a moment later and breathing deeply. When was the last time I ever had an orgasm that good? I wasn’t sure I ever did. That one was so intense that my eyes were still trying to concentrate on something and my soul still felt separate from my body. I feel her hot mouth against mine, and it further grounds me as she forces her tongue into my mouth. I don’t have enough energy to even try and provide resistance, and I let her do as she wishes. She sucks on my tongue before rudely nipping at it and pulling back. <<else>>\ “Control your powers,” I say between breaths, trembling under her. She rolls her eyes but continues on, picking up her pace and causing my eyes to roll back in my head. And then I’m there. My orgasm hits me, causing me to fall limp onto the piano. “Fuck,” I growl as she cleans me up and then stands. I try to gather my breath faster than what would be deemed reasonable. And only when I realize that it isn’t possible to do I stop and just let my body recover naturally. When was the last time I ever had an orgasm that good? I wasn’t sure I ever did. That one was so intense that my eyes were still trying to concentrate on something and my soul still felt separate from my body. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <a data-passage="BS2.SRSexScene4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I feel her hot mouth against mine, and it further grounds me as she forces her tongue into my mouth. I don’t have enough energy to even try and provide resistance, and I let her do as she wishes. She sucks on my tongue before rudely nipping at it and pulling back. <<if $sydero <50>>\ “There you go, Roe.” I blink a few times, replaying her words over in my head and how she had said it. The words themselves didn’t bother me. It’s the tone in which they are expressed. “What do you mean, ‘there you go?’ You make it seem like I asked for that specific thing to happen.” She shrugs as she rises and stretches, refusing to look at me. “This was all about sex, right? It has been since the beginning.” She raises her hands and lets out a soft chuckle, “long overdue, I admit. But I try not to mix business and pleasure.” “Syd, this wasn’t -” “Wasn’t it?” She asks this as if daring me to disagree. <<else>>\ “I need you to know something, Roe,” she whispers against my lips, “I didn’t feel anything from that.” I blink a few times, replaying her words over in my head. “What?” She shrugs as she rises and stretches, refusing to look at me. “This was all about sex, right? It has been since the beginning. I was curious to see if with you, out of practically anyone something would spark. But it didn’t. I felt like I always do.” She raises her hands and lets out a soft chuckle. “Syd, this wasn’t -” “Wasn’t it?” She asks this as if daring me to disagree. <</if>>\ [[“It was …” This will end the romance with Sydero. (If attempting a poly, this will also cause it to fail.)|BS2.SItWas][$SRomance to 0; $polyT to false]] [[“In the beginning, yes.”|BS2.SInTheBeginning][$SRomance +=1]] [[“It was never just about sex.”|BS2.SItWasNever][$SRomance +=1]]

It seems foolish to lie, and so I shrug and sigh, “yea, it was.” “Great, no need to lie to each other. Just how I like it.” “But Syd -” “Ew, no. Stop, just stop,” she laughs, raising her hand and making a disgusted face, “this is why I don’t linger after sex. They always try to get shit off their chests. We just both agreed that it was about sex, and now we’ve had it. It doesn’t bother me, and you shouldn’t let it bother you. We’re good.” I close my mouth and frown but nod. “Alright, cool.” “Cool. Now we should make an appearance,” she tells me and then nods to a bin that I hadn’t seen previously, “grab a knife and gun. You know you’ll need it sooner or later.” With that, she leaves the study, and I do as she says before doing the same. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“In the beginning, yes. Fine, I won’t act like that’s not true. But that’s not the case anymore.” “If you want round two, then just say so,” she snorts. “Stop for a minute,” I urge, sitting up and having to pause as I clutch at my head. After I regain some kind of focus, I look at her, “don’t put words in my mouth or assume shit when you know what I mean. It hasn’t been about sex with you for a long time.” She leans on the door, “then what is it about now, Roe?” <<include "BS2.SRContinue">>

“It was never just about sex with me. Ever. If it was for you, then speak for yourself but don’t you dare make it seem like I was thinking the same.” “Calm down, Roe,” she says boredly, “you keep getting worked up like this and that oh so attractive sex afterglow is going to disappear.” “Syd.” She waves her hand nonchalantly, “then tell me, Roe, what is it about?” <<include "BS2.SRContinue">>

“I … I like you. And not simply because of sex.” “Yikes,” she sighs, “sounds like a problem.” “You’re not going to be serious, are you?” “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll be honest with you. Roe, I don’t love you, and I never will. If I like you, it’s because you’re a great friend, slightly annoying at times, but it’s part of your charm.” She seems to swallow, the cockiness in her demeanor subsiding as she finally seems to lose that prideful air. “I’m serious,” she sighs. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but feeling those deep feelings isn’t something I can do.” She looks at her hands, “I don’t know if it’s because of what I am or just because of how I was raised. But I know that loving you, loving anyone in //that// way, it disgusts me.” She picks up her gaze and looks at me. “All of that romantic shit that you see and maybe into, I hate it. It disgusts me and makes me want to bend over and throw up. It makes me want to run and be as far away from it as possible. Growing up, love was this hideous thing. And I never wanted anything to do with it.” “It doesn’t have to be that way, Syd.” “You don’t think I know that?” she laughs, “I know love is supposed to be this beautiful thing, but it’s not for me. I’m broken and,” she gulps and balls her hand into a fist, “and I … no matter what I …” She closes her eyes and a step taken by me finds her taking two steps back. “I can’t give you what you want, Roe. And I’m sorry for that.” She nods to a box in the corner, “grab a knife and gun.” And that was it. With that said, she walks out and leaves me standing there staring at the door. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“You’re a waste of time.” “I’ve been trying to tell you this, but stubborn does as stubborn wants.” I shake my head, heading back towards the exit before she clears her throat. I turn to see why and she nods at a box sitting beside the large oak desk. “Weapons. You might want to grab a gun and a blade.” I do so silently, missing my old one and wishing I still had it, but there’s nothing to be done about that. With weapons in hand, I go. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“I tried. At least I tried,” I say, heading back towards the exit before she clears her throat. I turn to see why and she nods at a box sitting beside the large oak desk. “Weapons. You might want to grab a gun and a blade.” I do so silently, missing my old one and wishing I still had it, but there’s nothing to be done about that. With weapons in hand, I go. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“Syd, please. Just work with me here. What am I not getting?” She cocks her head to the side, and at least the cocky and uncaring demeanor vanishes. But if I did expect an answer, I don’t get one. She nods to the side, and I look to see a box sitting beside the large oak desk. “Weapons. You might want to grab a gun and a blade.” I do so silently, missing my old one and wishing I still had it, but there’s nothing to be done about that. With weapons in hand, I go. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

I go to Chris’s door and knock, opening it a minute later but finding no one inside. Instead, I’m greeted by a mound of clothes, shoes, and other things all scattered across the floor. It looks like someone has yet to unpack. The longer I stare, the more things I make out until I decide to just move on completely. I walk down the hallway, attempting to figure out where he would be when I see a figure walk into a nearby room. Following them, I find not only Chris but also a small gym. Chris drapes his hand towel across a machine and sets his water bottle down, turning and appearing shocked to see me. “Hey, $name. You okay?” “Yea, just wanted to come and talk.” I gesture to our surroundings, “a gym?” He chuckles then shrugs as he takes a seat on the bench, “I just live here. But I won’t say I’m upset about it.” “Has anybody else even tried to use it?” “Yea, Bradley. He walked in, looking ready in his tank top and basketball shorts. He took a seat, pulled on the handlebar once, then got up, grabbed his stuff, and left.” I laugh and nod understandably, “yea, sounds like him.” Drifting off, I look at what else the small area has to offer. A treadmill, an exercise bike, a decently sized mat in the corner, a biceps bar, a pulldown machine, and a chest press. Decent equipment. I feel a steady gaze on my back and turn to see Chris staring at me, a content smile on his face as he observes me. “What?” “What? I can’t be happy that my friend is back safe and sound?” <<if $CRomance >=5 and $j2 is false and $j3 is false>>\ “Oh, friend,” I laugh, “is that what we are now?” He stiffens but then relaxes a moment later. “I don’t think we’ll ever not be friends, $name. And honestly, I’d rather be that first than anything else.” I raise a brow, but he doesn’t go back and change his wording or even look like he regrets anything. “I don’t know what to think of that, Chris.” <a data-passage="BS2.CR1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $j2 or $j3>>\ “Oh, friend,” I laugh, “is that what we are now?” He stiffens but then relaxes a moment later. <a data-passage="BS2.CJ1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “Maybe in a less creepy manner.” “When am I ever creepy?” “I’ve heard that there’s a first for everything.” He looks like he’s about to throw a friendly punch my way but never does. Instead, he laughs and starts to mess with the weights of the machine. <a data-passage="BS2.C1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

He laughs, taking my hands in his and pulling me closer so that I am now standing between his legs. He centers his attention on my hands, running his fingers along my skin and then closing his eyes as if committing the feeling to memory. “I missed you so much.” He finally meets my eyes, and I find his to be full of adoration and even hurt, “I don’t even think words can explain how much. Which is a good thing cos I’d probably fuck em’ up. The only way I went on was telling myself that you were strong, and if anyone could get through this, it was you.” He tugs me forward, and I stumble, but he catches me. I chuckle at that. He always does. He buries his face in my stomach and squeezes. “You don’t know how many times I’ve dreamed of holding you at night and how many times I had to wake up and realize you weren’t there,” he whispers, “I just wanted to stay asleep most days cos at least you were there.” “Well, I’m here now,” I chuckle, and he pulls back. I notice that his eyes are watery. <a data-passage="BS2.CR1.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $gender is "female">>\ “I’m serious, $name. I knew how I felt about you, but I didn’t think it was that bad. I felt like I lost part of me, my second half. And it’s corny as fuck, but that’s the only way to say it. I swear I didn’t believe in that soulmate bullshit until you came into my life. This shit was terrifying. And I …” he glances away, trying to steady his breath and find the right words, “and you need to tell me that I’m not the only one.” “You’re -,” I start, but he silences me by squeezing my waist and shaking his head. <<else>>\ “I’m serious, $name,” he glances away and shakes his head, falling back in his seat but never taking his hands off my waist, “when we became friends, that was it. We were friends, and it would never become more than that. You don’t understand that part because you already knew who you were. This,” he gestures between us, “wasn’t even something I let myself entertain the idea of. Then literally you …” He looks over at me, and it just looks like he deflates from pure fondness. “I don’t even know how to say it. You became the one person that meant the world to me. A $gender. In the past, I’d just laugh and shoo it away and say ‘no homo.’ But I’d be damned if I wouldn’t do anything for you. You changed my entire life, and I can never thank you enough or voice how much you mean to me or how much I’m thankful for you. But I’m going to try as long as you let me, and I just need you to tell me that I can.” “You -,” I start, but he silences me by squeezing my waist, gripping the fabric there and shaking his head. <</if>>\ “No. I need you to tell me that this is it. That this is where we stop all of this.” I try to move out of his hands, but he doesn’t let me, bowing his head as he lets out a nervous laugh. “Okay, no. That came out all wrong. I didn’t hear myself until I said it.” His head falls to the side as he continues laughing, “oh, wow. Focus, Chris. Words activate. I mean, tell me that we’re done with the games. We’re done with whatever we’ve had going on this entire time …” he chokes on his words and stops to take a breath. “I know most of that was on me and I’m done. I don’t need a break or a moment to think shit through. I know what I want and ?he<<verb "'s" "'re">> standing right here in front of me. I just need you to tell me that you’re mine. And I’m yours, and that’s the end of it … I love you, $name. And I don’t want to go another day thinking that the end can come and that you don’t know that or I haven’t expressed it enough when I could be.” He leans in and squeezes my hands. [[“Yes!” This will lock you into a romance with Chris.|BS2.CRYes][$romance to "chris"; $ZRomance to 0; $SRomance to 0; $ARomance to 0; $NRomance to 0; $RRomance to 0]] [[“Chris … I’m sorry.” This will lock you out of a romance with Chris.|BS2.CRNo][$CRomance to 0; $dump_c = true]]

I wrap my hands around his neck and lean in to hug him, unable to keep from smiling as wide as I am. “Can I talk now?” He blushes shyly and nods. “Then fuck yes,” I say, and a second later, I’m in the air. Chris spins me around tightly as he laughs, putting me down and placing kiss after kiss on my face until he finally finds my lips and presses one filled with passion there. It’s a kiss that promises nothing but devotion and love, and I’m not sure how to embrace it. It’s like being drowned in it, and though I welcome it, I wonder if I can ever hope to match it. Who would’ve guessed that a goofball like him could even be capable of this … I suppose I did. “I have to let you go, don’t I?” he questions once he calms down enough to speak. “You do. You still have to work out.” “I’m going to drop a weight on my head because I’m distracted,” he chuckles, and I move back, running my hands through his hair. [[“I love you.”|BS2.CRLoveYou]] [[Kiss him.|BS2.CRKissHim]] [[Hug him.|BS2.CRHugHim]]

I gaze into his eyes, getting lost in that greyish blue that always has a way of captivating me. After being surrounded by so many supernaturals, he looks human. Which feels odd to say, considering that he is, but there is no other way to describe it. “I love you,” I say, and I couldn’t imagine they could soften anymore. “Those are words I will never get tired of you saying,” he whispers, kissing my cheek. <<include "BS2.CR2">>

I caress his cheek before leaning in to kiss him, enjoying the feel of his lips and the fact that we’re finally a couple. I’m kissing my boyfriend! “I will never get tired of doing that,” he whispers against my lips. “Good because you have a lot of catching up to do.” He chuckles, “I’ve never been so happy to be slow.” <<include "BS2.CR2">>

I take a deep breath in and lean forward to hug him, enjoying the feeling of his arms around me. I’m this big bad reaper hybrid, and yet I doubt I will ever feel as safe as I do at this exact moment. In Chris’s arms, knowing he has my back through thick and thin. We’ve had our ups and downs, and both of us had to grow, but to say that we came out on the other side, no worse for wear and still, like this, is an achievement. “I’ll always be at your side,” he whispers, “I promise.” And I believe every word. <<include "BS2.CR2">>

I leave him after that, pointing to the machine and telling him to have fun. My heart is skipping around, far too ecstatic to even think about calming itself as I go. Chris is mine, and I, his. <img src="images/divider.png"> Chris watches as $name leaves the gym and then races to the door, spying on ?him as ?he <<verb 'goes'>> down the hall and turn a corner. As soon as ?he<<verb "'s" "'re">> out of sight, he rushes out of the gym and to the kitchen, the first place he thinks to check. Thankfully, Rahim is there nursing a cup of coffee. Chris bounds in, hopping from foot to foot as the nephilim glances up. “You beat a weight lifting record or something? Why are you so ecstatic?” “Again, we need to speak about your vernacular.” “Seems like it’s fine if you’re using words like vernacular.” Chris rolls his eyes, his smile never diminishing. “It’s not that, though. Guess what.” “I already did. You told me it’s not my guess.” <a data-passage="BS2.CR3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Guess who’s dating who now.” He chuckles and shrugs, “Amari and Sydero finally stopped performing that weird mating ritual of theirs?” “Rahim!” “I’m kidding. By the way you’re dancing, I can see that you and $name finally had a much-needed talk and found a conclusion.” “I shouldn’t be smiling so hard that my face hurts, right?” He doesn’t allow Rahim to answer as he does a lap around the island, pumping his fist into the air until finally stopping, “I’m fucking dating, $name!” “I’d hate to see you once you proposed.” “See, you’re going too far,” he relaxes just enough to stop moving, “but I can see myself doing it. I can’t imagine anyone else.” “Hey,” Rahim leans in and taps his shoulder, “hold on to that, okay. Through the bad and the worse, remember how you’re feeling right now.” “Speaking from experience?” “Kinda,” he chuckles, “I’m happy for both of you. We need a win in this group. Even with all the disagreements I don’t think anyone won’t be happy for the two of you.” Chris nods his head, perking up and back-stepping until he gets to the archway, “I should actually start my workout.” Rahim waves him away, chuckling and smiling for his friend. <img src="images/divider.png"> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

I gaze away, squinting into the distance as I try to find words that would leave both of us not feeling like shit. I can’t. I sigh and untangle myself from his grasp. “Chris,” I start, shaking my head, “I’m sorry.” The joy slowly leaves his face the more he studies me, leaving nothing behind but heartbreak. He nods, clenching his jaw and then attempting to look anywhere but at me. “I,” his voice cracks, and he straightens up, trying to clear his throat and try again. “I understand.” The words are clear, but I can see the tears that begin to fall, slithering down cheeks but not making it far as he hastily wipes them away. He hides his face behind his hands. “Its fine,” he tells me, “I … it doesn’t… I mean. I’m not going to take back what I said. And you don’t owe me an …” He tries to finish, but he can’t, and I force myself to stay strong as I watch him crumble in front of me. He moves forward as if wanting to grab my hands but stops, giving me an expression that begs me to tell him why. “I understand,” he pauses and then chuckles, standing from his seat, “I already said that. Um, cool. You don’t have to stand there, $name. You can go.” He grabs a weight and shoots me a smile, “I’m a big boy. I can handle rejection.” I open my mouth to say something, anything, but he stops me. “Don’t. I don’t want to know. Just know that I’m still here for you.” <<if $gender is "male" or $gender is "nonbinary">>He places a lingering kiss on my forehead and whispers, “thank you for helping me find myself.” And with that, he sets the weight back down and walks out of the gym, his workout forgotten as I’m left standing there.<<else>>He places a lingering kiss on my forehead, placing the weight back down before walking out of the gym. His workout forgotten as I’m left standing there.<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“I don’t think we’ll ever not be friends, $name. And honestly, I’d rather be that first than anything else. Especially with how many //friends// you have.” I raise a brow, and he sends me the exact same look before appearing too tired to keep it up. “What are you saying?” <<if $j2>>\ He prepares to start his workout but then seems to second think the action, shaking his head and leaning forward in the seat. “Don’t act as if you don’t know. I’m up for competing for you as much as the next guy; by that, I mean Rahim. But there’s going to be a time where you have to choose.” “Chris -” He shakes his hand and waves whatever I’m about to say away. “Like I said, I’m not backing down or even judging you. It’s not like our relationship has been just one easy trip. I get how it could have happened and why. I do. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to always just be fine with it. And Rahim’s a decent guy. Do I want to hit him, sure. But he’s still cool and doesn’t deserve this either.” He rolls his shoulders and sits up straighter, “just think about it. We can talk later if you want, but I kinda want to start this workout.” I nod and leave him to it. <<else>>\ He shrugs, “let’s not act like you haven’t been playing every guy in this house. Save for the kid, of course.” I frown, “I wouldn’t call it that exactly.” He snorts so hard that he almost chokes, “what would you call it? Being proactive? Not wanting to miss ninety percent of the shots you’re taking? Rahim, I get. I mean, <<if $gender is "female">> I’d fall for those eyes too if I swayed that way.<<else>> I’d lean that way too if it wasn’t for you.<</if>> But the monster that lived inside your head? No, I don’t understand that one.” “It’s not like that.” “It’s exactly like that. And the more you deny it, the sadder it gets. Just admit it and figure out what you want.” I begin to reply, but then second think said decision and just stay quiet. What was my excuse? Honestly, I just haven’t been interested in picking one just yet, but it’s clear how this can all accumulate and come bite me in the ass. It’d be wise to figure out who I’m interested in sooner rather than later. Having nothing more to say to Chris and he having nothing more to say to me, I leave him to his workout. <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“Seriously though, $name. It’s good to have you back. It wasn’t the same with you gone.” “I’m surprised you didn’t up and leave.” “I’m a bit too used to this way of life now. I can’t imagine going back to the life I had before and living it. I’d probably shoot anything that seems out of place to me.” “It’s weird that it’s only been a couple of months. It feels like we’re working on year two of this crap.” “I hear you there,” he laughs, taking a deep breath before starting his workout, “I wonder if it’ll always feel like this or if it actually slows down.” “You’re in a group with a vaewolf, a nephilim whose father is an archangel, a cambion whose father is a Prince of Hell, and a reaper-hybrid whose father is Death. I don’t think it will?” He nods his head as he continues the exercise, growing more comfortable with the weight and then choosing to add more resistance. “so what you’re saying is fuck dads?” I start to answer but then stop, “we do all have shitty dads, huh?” He snorts out a laugh and nods, “we should start a club. For a circle and talk about our feelings.” “Also, I haven’t seen a calendar. How far off is your birthday?” He smirks, “three days. Feels kind of simple and unnecessary with everything going on, you know?” I nod, the plan I had thought of earlier forming ever so nicely. “I’ll leave you to your workout,” I tell him, waving goodbye as I walk towards the exit. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

Finding Amari is easy enough. I just follow the sound of blaring pop music as it takes me to a bedroom that I can only describe as a bohemian paradise. The room has a rustic feel, but the numerous colors give it a calm and homey edge. She has innumerable plants around the room, draping across the canopy of her bed and sitting on baskets. There are at least three different rugs on the floor, each a different kind of pattern and looking more comfortable than the next. String lights hang from the ceiling, and the last thing to catch my eye is an intricate dreamcatcher hanging from the ceiling above her bed. “That’s a pretty dreamcatcher.” She turns at the sound of my voice and looks from me to it, smiling. “It was store brought. I wish I still had the one that my mother made me.” “Your mother?” She nods, “I don’t speak about her a lot. She died when I was very young. Young enough for me not to miss her presence but also to remember that she was there.” She pushes some of her hair out of her face and sighs, “the pack would follow the traditions of the tribe we descended from, making dreamcatchers for the children to be hung over their beds.” “To chase the bad dreams away?” “Kinda. From what I was told, the original purpose was to act like a spider’s web. They were hung over the bed or cradle to catch anything bad that may linger in the air. Be it dreams or spirits or magic.” She nods to hers, “I was trying to find one that had a more spiderweb design to it, but most of the ones around now are just beads and feathers. I don’t mind, but it makes me miss the one I had.” <a data-passage="BS2.A1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“You don’t talk about her a lot.” “I didn’t know her enough to. Half of the thoughts I have about her, I think I made up to make me feel better. Most of what I know was told to me by others. Her beauty, her personality, what she turned into.” “What did she turn into?” “Same as me, Australian Shepherd. My dad turns into a Collie, a pretty one too, but I’m happy I got at least that from her. So many people say I look like my dad and after the transformation I even had remnants of my step mother. It feels like I received nothing from my mother, not even memories. So yea, at least my form is her doing.” She sighs and leans back on the wall, letting the books in her hands come to rest in her lap. I peek at the title of one and chuckle, raising a brow. “Fairytales?” <<if $ARomance >=10 and $amari >=50>>\ “Don’t make fun of me,” she sneers, the expression hardly lasting as she smiles widely. She gathers the books and places them in front of her so that I can see them clearly. “These stories helped me through dark times. And yea, I know it’s childish, but it was all that I had. I would read them when I was alone in motels and imagine that I was them. I wasn’t alone. I was just waiting for my Prince or Princess Charming.” I raise a brow, “do you want me to save you from a tower, Amari?” She produces a snort-like laugh, hiding her face in her hands to calm herself, but I lean forward, grabbing her wrists and moving them away so I can see her. It isn’t until I’m performing the action that I second think myself, wondering why I had done so to begin with. Our eyes connect, and I realize how much I missed her. How much I missed this radiant ball of positivity and happiness. Her smile, her demeanor, everything about her sets me at ease, and I can only hope that I make her feel even a fraction of that. “$name,” she murmurs, her eyes never leaving mine. “Yes?” “Kiss me?” [[Do it fiercely.|BS2.ARFiercely]] [[Kiss her softly.|BS2.ARSoftly]] [[Refuse.|BS2.ARRefuse]] <<elseif $ARomance >=10 and $amari <50>>\ “Yea,” she nods, though I note that she doesn’t seem as exuberant as she was a few minutes ago. I’m led to believe that she already knows where this conversation may go and what I’m probably going to say. If not already, then I’m sure the frown that has settled on my face is enough of a clue. With a shake and a sigh, I finally say, “I can’t give you something that doesn’t exist.” She frowns, gazing off into the distance, “just because you don’t believe in it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.” “Either way, it’s not something I can give you.” “I know.” The words leave her mouth too quick for it not to be something she hasn’t thought about copiously. Her eyes rest on me, but they seem to look beyond, focusing only on something she can see. “Look, Amari. I’m not looking to change you. I just want you to open your eyes and realize that not everything is as bright as you seem to believe.” “I’m optimistic,” she growls, “not stupid.” “And yet -” “Don’t finish that sentence,” she warns, “I act this way because I want to. I’m not blind. Actually, I wish I was. I wish I didn’t have to see all of this stuff. That I didn’t have to sit through two months of worrying about you. The hardest thing is smiling through all of this, but I do it because no one else will, and I don’t want to live in a world of doom and gloom. I wish you accepted that.” “Amari,” I grab her hands and lightly squeeze them, “again, I’m not trying to change you. But even you can’t say that you get hurt when the world reminds you that it’s not going to be nice.” She gently pulls her hands from my grasp and gives me one of her notorious smiles. A smile that I always thought was so full of light and happiness. It was like someone finally ripped off a well-placed mask or washed the makeup that refused to budge. I see the truth, and it’s unsettling. “I still feel the same about you,” I tell her, practically whispering the words though I don’t know why. “That’s good to hear,” she laughs darkly, “and it’s either understand and be okay with your viewpoint or ...” She shakes her head, not even wishing to finish the sentence. She stands and, this time doesn’t even attempt a smile. “Let me think.” <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Don’t act like you didn’t know that about me. Me and my crazy little beliefs and dreams.” <<if $amari >=50>>\ “They’re not crazy. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a happy ever after.” “Yes there is,” she sighs, “in our life, with what we are, we’ll never get one.” “Come on, Amari, don’t think like that. You out of anyone deserves it.” “That doesn’t mean anything though, does it? You deserve happiness too, $name. A piece of mind and a moment to just breathe and remember why life is worth living. But what does life do? It throws challenge after challenge at you and it doesn’t care.” She sighs and looks down into her lap, “people like us can deserve things but that doesn’t mean we’ll ever get it.” “We can get it,” I choose to say, not knowing if I believe my own words, “but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t stop working towards it.” Both of us are quiet for quite some time, I suspect we’re both thinking over my words and the validity of them. It is only when I refuse to think anymore about it that I move from my spot. “I’ll see you later, okay?” She nods, still looking as if she was in deep thought. I leave her to it. <<else>>\ “Just so we both know, you said it, not me.” “You’ve told me it plenty of times,” she points out, frowning. “Amari -,” I start but she waves whatever I’m about to say away, throwing me a look that says she already knows. “I know. Alright. Stop lecturing me about it.” “I’m not lecturing you, I just don’t want to see you heartbroken and torn up about something that could be avoided. This world, especially the way we live it, it’s not our friend. Look at your pack. She opens her mouth but then closes it and instead nods, adopting a tranquil look before nodding down at the books before her. “I was going to throw them out anyway. Just clearing some of the junk up from what I had before. So, no worries.” She gathers the books and gets to her feet, heading towards a waste bin that sits empty in the corner. She drops the books in before leaving the room silently. <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\

Her question alight a spark within me, and I surge forward, holding her face in my hands as I press my lips to hers. This was weeks of missing her, and even more than that. Because even when I was here, I still couldn’t appreciate her the way I wanted to. To hold her the way I would sometimes dream of, and it was all due to the life that had once been leaking out of me. All of the desire and want for her floods out of me as I pour it into my actions and it clashes against her lips. She lets out a soft squeak and though she does not pull away, she’s tense. This stiffness slowly fades away and turns into her looping her arms around my neck. I deepen the kiss then, playfully biting her bottom lip as I commit her taste to memory. As my tongue explores her mouth, my hands begin to wander, lightly touching her neck and then lowering to her collarbone. They don’t make it any further than that when she places her hand against my wrist and pulls back. “If it’s all the same to you,” she gasps, “can we stop there?” “Of course. I didn’t -” She kisses my cheek and smiles brightly, “no, it has nothing to do with you. You didn’t make me uncomfortable. I just,” she blushes and hides her face, “I’m not ready exactly.” I raise a brow, not knowing what she is speaking of but I accept it nevertheless. I stay by her side for a few seconds longer before finally choosing to leave. The thought of her being the only thing on my mind. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

My actions reflect my thoughts. Frozen. It feels like my heart is beating in my ears, it’s pace remaining steady but each time it bumps, it feels louder. Strong enough to cause my entire chest to vibrate from the pressure. My mouth opens and closes as I try to speak but fail to form words. Amari giggles and cocks her head to the side, placing her hand against my cheek, “may I?” I nod slowly, still too shocked to speak. She leans in, her lips softly touching mine and causing my heart to soar. Despite the confidence in her previous actions, the way she kisses me seems guarded, as if giving me every opportunity to turn away. This knowledge brings me from my stupor and my hands find purchase on her shoulder as I deepen the kiss. I keep the same gentleness that she had started with, simply wishing to exist in this moment and commit it to memory. The softness of her lips, the warmth of her skin against my cheek, and the flowery smell of her perfume. The kiss shifts to a peck and I pull back, staring into her eyes. She blushes, ducking her head and placing her forehead against my chest so that she could avoid any further embarrassment. I chuckle and just hold her close. Far too happy to just sit there and hold her. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

I close my eyes and take a deep breath in and then out, finally shaking my head. “It’s not -” I start, but Amari’s soft chuckle causes me to stop. I raise a brow as I look at her, surprised to see her still appearing so relaxed. “You don’t have to give me a reason for not wanting to kiss me,” she shrugs, “it’s fine.” A look of doubt enters her eye but she doesn’t speak on it, shaking her head a few seconds later and giving me another cheerful smile. “I’m here. You’re here. Everything is fine.” We sit together for a while longer, silently listening to her music until I bid her goodbye. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>Visit Zillah.<<else>>[[Visit Zillah.|BS2Zillah]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

I’m rounding the corner when I ram into a solid figure. It takes me a minute to blink the shock away and then to see Zillah standing there, an unreadable expression on his face. <<if $bound>>\ He looks ready to say something but instead, he continues on past me. “Nothing to say? That’s a first.” His gait falters, and for a moment, I think he’s about to turn around and say something to me. But he doesn’t. He remains quiet and, after recovering, continues on. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<elseif $ZRomance >=10>>\ I study it the best I can before it shifts but the best I can find is what I think is regret. Yet, my mind continues to disagree with such assumption and I tell myself that the conclusion is just what I want to see. Similar to how I want to shout and scream and get everything off my mind. Some part of me wants him to then grab me and calm me down, to finally be honest with me after everything. Not an apology, but a reason. An explanation and an understanding of why. But I started something that I will continue. Nothing has changed between then and now. Neither of us say anything to the other. And as if someone has just snapped their fingers, we both move forward, passing each other and continuing on our way. My heart thuds and I finally give up trying to identify the cause. To walk past one another without even uttering a word. Like strangers who had been caught up in their own world and for a fraction of a second, realized they were colliding with another. But it didn’t change anything. You collide, you might utter a few apologies, but you keep going. A mere accident that you wouldn’t remember in a few minutes. I round the corner and lean against the wall. My heart feels like it’s constricting and even though I tell myself to straighten up and continue on, I can’t. Why is this so hard? Why does it hurt this much? This is Zillah. And the more I tell myself to get over it, the more my heart hurts and I find myself in not only denial, but loss. <a data-passage="BS2.ZR1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “Come on, $name, watch where you’re going,” he purposely pauses and smirks, “unless running into me is your form of flirting.” “You really don’t have a stop button, do you?” He shrugs, “I don’t think so. But who would ever want me to stop?” “The entire population maybe?” “What were you doing anyway?” “Just investigating the house. Still trying to figure out where everything is and learn its secrets.” “Houses have secrets?” he questions, cocking his head to the side, “like secret passageways?” “No. That’s not what I meant. More like the creaky floorboards and steps kind of secret.” “Sounds boring.” And to back up his words, he lets out a yawn. “What were you doing?” “Heading to Amari. She wanted to talk about something. Knowing her, it’s nothing.” I nod and don’t hold him up for any longer, letting him go as I continue looking around. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\

<img src="images/divider.png"> //Go back you absolute idiot. Why are you still walking?// Go back and do what? Apologize? Again?! That didn’t work the first time and he doubted a second attempt would mean anything. The thought altogether is idiotic. What he did, an apology wouldn’t make any of it better so why did he ever say it? //Because it’s the right thing to do.// He begins to form a headache from the internal shouting. So much that everything begins to grow distant. Picking up his pace, he finally stops and leans against the wall, trying to reorient himself. His chest hurt, his head as well. Everything just feels like it’s in pain and he wants to be rid of it. This is what he asked for, was it not? A relationship with $name that feels more like passing acquaintances than anything else. A dash of hope, is that what he saw when he looked into ?his_ eyes? Bring $name to Death. Prepare $name for Death. He did that. He did everything that was asked of him. Listen to your superiors. Mind your place, and you’ll be fine. This didn’t feel like fine, more so like he is crafting his own personal hell. He has long forgotten what it felt like to feel from his time alive. It was actually something he had learned to rejoice about. The absence of mortal feelings made the world far more clear. This is all to say that he wasn’t prepared or strong enough for this. To get through this like he once thought. To get to a point where this feeling in his core once again has a name to accompany it, not just some bewilderment on his part. His heart feels like it’s constantly being wrung out, left to breathe, and then wrung out again. A heart he shouldn’t even have! He is so sick of this. These feelings and this hurt. Especially when there is a way to find this conclusion he so desperately wishes to reach. “Fuck this,” he growls, turning around, “$name!” He continues down the hall until he runs into $name, finding their eyes wide with emotions that Zillah thought best not to think about. He finds his body shivering now; //don’t do this. Go back.// It shouts. Just deal with the issues that come with it. In the end, you’ll be fine. Fear yet again rears its head. Fear that is so seductive and powerful that he feels himself backing up. Deep breaths. Deep. Breaths. “Walk with me.” <a data-passage="BS2.ZR2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/divider.png"> The order was sudden. About as sudden as him calling my name and heading back down the hall. So sudden that I don’t think twice about following him until I’m outside and the two of us are heading towards the dock. When we get there, I estimate that Zillah only stops because there’s no longer a path for him to walk unless he wishes to take a dip in the lake. He paces back and forth, mumbling something to himself in a language I don’t know. <<if $zl is "friend">>My heart thuds, guessing what this may be about, but I’m too tired of being disappointed.<<else>>Part of me wishes to turn and walk back inside now that I’m here. I can’t get over all of this if I keep falling into each and every rabbit hole that Zillah opens up.<</if>> “I don’t know how to do this,” he admits, pacing back and forth. He finally stops and turns to me, staring at the water before slowly sitting. I’m not sure what I’m meant to do. Keep my distance or go and sit beside him in encouragement or maybe even start talking? Each solution brings with it some kind of con that finds me staying put. “I really don’t know how to do this. The last person I apologized to was a shit-built grave to myself because no one ever said it to me.” I frown, “did it make you feel better?” He shrugs nonchalantly, “not really.” He remains quiet for a while before continuing, “you want a reason for it all? For all the shit that I put you through? The reason was because I’m a shitty person. Always have been, and if more than a millennia hasn’t changed that then I doubt today will.” “So you’re telling me you made my life shit because you could?” He winces at how I say it but nods, “I would’ve worded it differently. But yea, so you tell me how someone apologizes for that.” [[“Then explain why.”|BS2.ZR3]] [[“You’re right, there isn’t?” (This will end the romance path with Zillah.)|BS2.ZR4][$ZRomance to 1]]

I nod at his words, taking a deep breath as I say, “you’re right, you can’t. There’s absolutely nothing you can say, no amount of apologizing to give that will ever make any of this better.” I stop, feeling his eyes on me but wishing they weren’t. “It’ll be an excuse anyway. All that was said in Purgatory ... it still holds true. Let’s move on. We need to move on. Whatever is left needs to be forgotten and moved past, it’s the only way either of us will leave this with any kind of sanity intact.” And with that, I head back to the house. For what may be the third or fourth time in the past week, I tell myself that I’m doing the right thing. I turn my back on whatever this may be or could’ve become. There’s a finality to it that I know will not be overcome in a day, possibly not even a week. But it will be overcome. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“Then explain it to me or tell me that I’m lying or ...” I sigh, breathing in sharply at my impatience and need to understand. “Just tell the truth. <<if $zl is "friend">>We’ll go from there, figure it out then. But ... please, I need to understand.<<else>>For once, no matter how you //think// this may end, just tell me the truth. I deserve that much.<</if>>” “Because I finally had the power to do so.” His frown deepens, but he continues, “you were powerless to do anything, and for the first time ever, I had the power. I could inflict whatever I wanted, and I knew you couldn’t do anything. It helped that doing it would also help me with my mission of breaking you down for Death, so if I had any apprehensions, that cleared them up. It didn’t matter that you didn’t deserve it. That you hadn’t done shit to me. It didn’t matter to anyone else. It didn’t matter to the fuckers that beat me as a child or to my masters. Didn’t matter to the pharaoh or the priests. It didn’t matter to fucking Death or Azrael.” At this point, he’s yelling, back on his feet and pacing irritably. “And I realized why. It took centuries of me being a shade to figure out why it never mattered. Because I was weak, and they held the power. You see, $name, the people with the power can do whatever they like. They can treat those below however they wish, and there’s nothing to be done about it.” [[“Which leads to rebellion.”|BS2.ZRRebellion]] [[“That’s just abuse of power.”|BS2.ZRAbuseOfPower]] [[Let him continue.|BS2.ZRContinueOn]]

“And that leads to rebellion from the people you believe are powerless. Your weak versus strong holds less weight then.” <<include "BS2.ZR5">>

“You phrase that like just because it’s true makes it right, it doesn’t. That’s an abuse of power, and anyone who does it deserves to get whatever //the weak// give them. Just look at all the rebellions throughout history.” <<include "BS2.ZR5">>

<<include "BS2.ZR5">>

<<if hasVisited("BS2.ZRRebellion") or hasVisited("BS2.ZRAbuseOfPower")>>“Don’t forget who you’re talking to,” he reminds me, lazily looking from me to the lake before taking a seat on the edge of one of the lounge chairs.<<else>>He walks over to one of the lounge chairs, lazily looking out over the lake,<</if>> “I’ve seen the rise and fall of empires and dynasties. I watched as they were all lined up and judged by Azrael before being sent to their forever rest. It didn’t matter if they were benevolent or a poor leader because they were rendered powerless in front of the god that oversees the fate of all. And then, I watched as Azrael bowed to Death.” His words finally made sense, and I nodded my head in realization. “When you speak about the weak and the strong, you’re not talking about a teacher in front of students or the common king to his followers. You’re talking about the sole being in the universe that holds the power.” He nods, “the realizations built upon each other. Me realizing that the guards and priests meant little when the pharaoh gave his orders. That the pharaoh was but an ant before our numerous gods. And then the gods were nothing before Death. No matter my shifting titles or the lives I lived, I would always be the powerless one.” <<if $zl is "rival">>Whether I realize it or not, my lips curl in disgust.<<else>>My heart skips a beat as I understand what, or more so who, came next.<</if>> “And then came me.” “And then came you.” He gazes at me for a moment with admiration but a second later, it fades to consternation and vexation, “you confused me. A person that is meant to be taken over by the strongest being that I will ever rest eyes on. But not at that moment. At that moment, you were nothing more than a confused human, and I was a shade that held all the information and power.” He clenches his eyes closed and nods to himself, “so I did what I wanted. And it would be foolish of me to lie and say that I didn’t enjoy it.” [[“Regret?”|BS2.ZRRegret]] [[“Well that’s not something you want to hear.”|BS2.ZRDamnZillahRude]] [[“Yes, proper asshole.”|BS2.ZProperAsshole]] [[“There’s an until, right?”|BS2.ZRUntilRightRIGHT]]

“Did you at least regret it?” He looks at me in horror, “of course. But what is my regret worth? I committed the deed, and I still had a mission. And I didn’t regret it until we got closer. You need to understand before you placed me in this body, I had no need for you outside of stirring up feelings of sexual desire.” <<include "BS2.ZR6">>

“Well,” I laugh nervously, “that’s not something you want to hear.” “I’m sorry.” <<if $zl is "friend">>\ “I shouldn’t be surprised after all the things the two of us have been through, huh?” “I can’t make this better, $name. You need to understand before you placed me in this body, I had no need for you outside of stirring up feelings of sexual desire.” <<else>>\ “For what? You said you didn’t regret it.” “No,” he says sharply, “I said I enjoyed it, and I do regret it. You need to understand before you placed me in this body, I had no need for you outside of stirring up feelings of sexual desire.” <</if>>\ <<include "BS2.ZR6">>

“Huh, like a proper asshole. Good to know I was never too far in that assumption.” He doesn’t smile or tease me back, though thinking he would is presumptuous. “That’s fair. You need to understand before you placed me in this body, I had no need for you outside of stirring up feelings of sexual desire.” <<include "BS2.ZR6">>

“I’m standing here waiting for you to say until, and the lack of that word is starting to worry me.” “The until may not be as soon as you wish it was. You need to understand before you placed me in this body, I had no need for you outside of stirring up feelings of sexual desire.” <<include "BS2.ZR6">>

“Why that specifically?” “I ... can’t fully tell you. I know that shades’ retain certain parts of their human selves, but not all. There are blanks in our history and emotions. Differs from one to the other. One shade is named Jomei. They are the epitome of their name. Light. They spread so much positivity that it seems all they are. They have other facets, other parts of them that make them feel whole, but we know Jomei is positive. I believe it has something to do with our past lives. Tragedies or significant events that further shape our shade forms.” I raise a brow, “and you were sex?” “I was forcibly castrated and made eunuch when they learned I laid with a woman. This body proves that she kept a baby I was so sure she would give up. I was sent to watch over the temples and aid the priests until my death. So yes, sex. Amongst the shades, I’m the one known to make subtle teasing remarks, perhaps one of the main reasons Azrael can’t stand me.” He smirks, the first smirk I’ve seen since he’s started his story, “that or he’s just mad I never flirted with him.” “But I teased and prodded you, and each time you reciprocated just encouraged me. I cared nothing for you <<if $zl is "friend">>even though I knew you were starting too. Whether you liked it or not.<<else>>and you seemed to despise me just as much, so I didn’t think anything more of it.<</if>> I only saw you as a means to an end. The body that will one day be given to Death. You may not wish to hear it, but at that moment, nothing made me feel more powerful than knowing that I <<if $zsex>>fucked<<else>> could’ve fucked<</if>> the most powerful being to ever live.” I shift, uncomfortable, and Zillah notices, the guilt rising as he nods in what I suppose is understanding. “I’m sorry,” he chuckles, “I suppose I should get used to saying it. Sometimes I wonder if you were someone else would I feel an ounce of remorse. And I don’t know. I don’t have that kind of knowledge. I just know that the more I saw you fight back, the more you refused to let fate rule you, the more I realized I had played myself. <<if $zl is "friend">>And not to mention how you reacted to me. I gave you every reason in the world to hate me, and more than once, you chose to try and understand and befriend me. You weren’t shy about your feelings, and I didn’t know how to deal with that. What to do or react.<<else>>You didn’t let me get away with anything and even fired back. For a while, I saw it as justification. And then ...<</if>> I had believed I was more powerful than you, that you were something malleable that I could twist and contort how I wished. You weren’t. Never was. When I finally realized that, it was too late. And there was nothing I could do besides dig myself deeper.” <a data-passage="BS2.ZR7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

He finally retakes his seat. “You have never been wrong about me. My feelings for you came suddenly and scared me. Imagine living a life devoid of color for centuries and then someone comes along and starts painting without warning. It was bright ... too bright, too lively, too much. The more fear I felt, the more I panicked, and I sought to do everything I could to keep you away. Pushing you away, telling you was worthless, anything that would piss you off and just say fuck me and the idea of us. Because you no longer became a skin that Death would one day wear. You would become the ?man I fell in love with, and I helped to give you to Death. And I’d rather you hate me than live with that.” I let out a shocked gasp, “love?” I shake my head. I misheard him. He shrugs, “stupid of me, I know. No need to speak on it. Azrael has scolded me enough on how idiotic I am. I first thought that keeping you away from me would work. Introduce distance so that when everything happened, the hurt would be minimum. But it didn’t. Each time I saw your face, that moment in the hall ... all brought with it a new type of pain. I wanted nothing more than to grab and bury myself in your hold. And to know that I was the one who continually fucked it all up. I ...” He shakes his head, “it doesn’t matter. None of it does. You deserved to know the truth, and I gave it as best as I could. Do with it what you will.” [[“You don’t treat someone you love like that.”|BS2.ZYouFuckedUp]] [[“When did you figure all this out?”|BS2.ZFigureThisOut]] [[“Why now?”|BS2.ZWhyNowHuh]] [[Walk away.|BS2.ZWalkAwayNow][$zr_upset to true]] <<if $virgin>>\[[“When we were about to have sex ... and you ran ...”|BS2.ZNoVirginOofForYou]]<</if>>\ [[Stay silent.|BS2.ZStaySilentAndThink]]

“No,” I say, shaking my head as I observe him, “I don’t believe you. That’s not how you treat someone you believe you love. Do you remember what you said in Purgatory? That wasn’t that long ago, Zillah. So, unless you just suddenly realized you’re in love with me, you’re lying or not telling the full truth.” I shake my head, anger and disbelief rising as my words make more and more sense to me. Suddenly, he’s before me, glaring at me with not a look of fury but one of hopelessness. “You think I know what any of this means? Or that I know what I’m doing? Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m using the wrong word. I just know that I look at you, and my entire being starts to crave you in a way I never did and never should. So call it whatever the fuck you like. Believe me or don’t.” His voice cracks as he turns, “I fucking wouldn’t. All the shit I put you through, why did you even stand there and listen?” “I’ve already proven to be quite stubborn when it comes to you,” I tell him, calming down from my initial rise, “and stupid.” But I mumble that part under my breath. <a data-passage="BS2.ZR8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“And when did you figure all this out?” He raises a brow, “are you asking me when I realized I had feelings for you?” “That’s exactly what I’m asking.” “During your time in the Underworld. Don’t ask me for specifics. I just know that you went into that portal, and I only cared about you coming back so that I didn’t fail my task. Later, I found myself missing you and worrying about you more for more reasons than just my failing. I worried I would never see you again, and the idea scared me more than even the fear of failing Death.” <a data-passage="BS2.ZR8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Why now? What about this moment made you think it was time?” “I don’t know.” “Is that your final answer?” He winces, “no. But I can’t answer that question, not how you want me to. Words are hard sometimes, and there are feelings and thoughts I don’t even understand. If not now, then when?” “Why did you never stop me then? There have been so many times I’ve walked off and wanted you too, and you let me go.” “Has it not been established that I’m a coward?” he growls, “I talk a lot of shit but give me one time I back that up. And with you, it’s a running theme. I created this world where I think I’m something I’m not, and when it caught up with me, it was choosing between abandoning a lie or keeping it going.” “And?” “And isn’t it obvious? I’m attempting to do both and doing poorly at it.” <a data-passage="BS2.ZR8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“That day when you were supposed to help me with my deterioration... the day you coated me. We were almost going to have sex. What happened? You learned I was a virgin, freaked out, and left. Why?” He stiffens, “I did not freak out.” “Seriously? That’s all you heard.” “I didn’t freak out. I left after realizing you had no experience.” “Oh, was that the reason?” He frowns, “I wasn’t about to take that from you. I’m many things. Many bad things. But I draw the limit at certain things.” “And defiling unknowing virgins is one of those lines?” “You have such a way with words,” he says sarcastically, rolling his eyes before nodding. “It is. Your first should be special, I believe, anyway.” <a data-passage="BS2.ZR8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I stare at him for what feels like more than just a handful of seconds. Without uttering a word, I turn on my heel and head back to the house. The first few steps, my mind is blank as if someone snaps their fingers, and it forgets everything it knew besides where the house is. But midway there, it all comes back. The entire conversation, Zillah’s reasoning, and my feelings. “No,” I say, stopping and turning to face him. He hasn’t moved. “Let me get this straight. Long story short, you did that to me because you could.” “You don’t have to word it like that.” “Then help me, Zillah. Help me word it better and still stay accurate.” He’s quiet. “Thought so. You were so confident a minute ago, so sure. What happened?” He opens his mouth, but I raise a finger, “rhetorical. Right now, you need to listen and let me speak. Okay? It’s my turn. In my own mind, you tormented me. One time when I was driving, you tried to take over, and when I questioned why, you said just because you were curious. When I was in the safety of my room, multiple times did you appear and do whatever the fuck you felt like. Your reasoning is bullshit. Do you understand that? “Would you rather me say it was all for the job?” <a data-passage="BS2.ZWalkAwayNow1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Firstly, I said it’s my time to talk. So shut up, or all of this is done with. Secondly, yes. Much to your shock because then there’s actually a reason besides you going on a power trip and using me as the target. What did I ever do to you? You basically took all your frustrations and said, ‘this is on you now, $name,’ as if being Death’s little vessel wasn’t bad enough.” I was beginning to get a headache, my chest pounding, and my emotions ricocheting from one area to the next. I feel like I’m about to be sick. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to figure out my emotions while also dealing with the asshole in front of me. My hands ball into fists, and I clench my eyes closed as I attempt to calm myself down but memory after realization floods through me. //What did you expect?// My mind chastizes, //he never tried to hide who he was. You just chose to play blind.// “$name,” I hear him whisper and shake my head. It feels like it’s pounding, and I’m far too late in recognizing what it is until it happens. I hear Zillah shout, his body shooting backward as the black, electric energy rushes into him. The pounding doesn’t relent, and instead of checking to see if he’s okay, I turn and go, clutching my head as I rush back into the house. <<if $j3>>\ <a data-passage="BS2.ZRUpsetJ3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\

I remain silent, primarily due to thinking over everything he said and trying to make sense of it. My brain tries to file it in chronological order, placing reasons to events as if this entire dance we shared has been nothing but one giant puzzle that I can now finally complete. “You have nothing to say?” “I’m thinking,” I grumble, not liking him interrupting that process. “There’s nothing to think over,” he remarks, “it’s all quite simple.” “How about you let me come to that conclusion on my own.” His lips touch, and I nod in thanks. It isn’t simple, but once I’m done, it all feels incomplete. I don’t doubt that he gave me all the answers, but perhaps only now am I realizing that the truth is only a part of something far more significant. <a data-passage="BS2.ZR8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Well, that’s it,” he sighs, “if you want me to say something that’ll make all this feel worth it or better, I can’t. Half the things I did, I don’t even understand them.” He straightens and turns to me, “but I didn’t tell you this because I want something. We’re both going down a road that’ll see us killed. It’s better to say it now. You deserved an apology, but you also deserved an explanation. And ... I am sorry it took all of this to get one.” “So that’s it? You only told me because you don’t want to die with it on your conscience?” “What?” he growls, “no. I ... Do you really not understand how hard this is? You’re mortal, and even more, you’re human. Your emotions are not the same as an immortal. Look at Azrael; that’s how most of us are. The only reason shades aren’t that way is because we still retain some of our humanity but not enough to where things like this come naturally. That it makes sense. You were meant to be nothing, $name. Nothing. And now ...” he sighs again, backing away. “It’s fine. I said what I wanted to say.” He places space between us, obviously wishing to end the conversation. “I have one last question,” I voice, and he stops to look back at me, “what did you expect to happen after telling me all of this? What did you want me to do?” Those golden eyes of his shine in a way I’ve never seen them do before. Conflicted emotions race across his face, and a part of me knows what he’s thinking. Weighing which is smarter, a lie or the truth. To run like he always does or confront this newest question since he has already started himself on this path. “I ...” The way he shifts makes me think he’s about to choose the former, to run and lie. “Honesty,” I warn, “or don’t even bother answering.” <a data-passage="BS2.ZR9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

He sighs deeply, “I ... it’s... fuck, why does this stupid heart hurt,” he mumbles, shaking his head and taking another breath. I give him this moment. Letting him think. I wanted an answer, but only now am I realizing how critical it may be to our future, whether or not there is any hope for us to move on or even something more. I find that I’m just as terrified as he is. <<if $zl is "friend">>All those times I yearned for him to just be honest with me. All those times I sat there as he told me repeatedly that I meant nothing to him. I have long since believed and concluded that it was only my feelings on the line. Now, I know that isn’t true. But a part of me still holds doubts due to so many times having my fears confirmed.<<else>>All those times I yearned for him to stop me. For him to tell me that I’m not stupid and that he cared for me despite the foolishness of it all. For him to be honest and tell me that my doubts were just that. And yet, so many times did he confirm that they were founded.<</if>> I believed him then, but this time feels different. It feels like we silently agreed that we would leave everything on this dock. Both what should be said and unsaid. Our next conversation wouldn’t be a continuation but a confirmation of what forms here. A conclusion. An understanding. Closure. Whether one of heartbreak or acceptance or ... something else, it will be decided right now. And my heart has never ached so much. He swallows, and I feel like I hold my breath. “I wanted you to tell me that I didn’t fuck this up. That I did a good job of getting it as close as possible but that I still had a chance to make things right. Fuck,” he laughs, appearing slightly deranged as he ruffles his curls, “I kept seeing you run into my arms to hug me, and I know that isn’t realistic and that it’s stupid, but you asked and -” [[Kiss him.|BS2.ZRKiss]] [[Hug him.|BS2.ZRHug]] [[Yell at him.|BS2.ZRYell]] [[Stop him.|BS2.ZRStop]]

His words are cut off with a gasp as I move forward and initiate a hug. “$name, let me go,” he pleads. “No.” “$name,” he warns again, but he doesn’t push me off. Instead, he wraps his arms around me, and the hug is made even tighter as we stand in one another’s embrace. “This won’t end well. When Death -” “Don’t. That’s a problem that future $name has to deal with. If anything, I learned to start living each day one at a time. If I don’t, I risk losing my sanity.” He reaches towards me, hesitating before finally cursing and going for it, cradling my cheek, “I know. But that still doesn’t mean this is smart. I’ve acted stupid, and you’re not even mine. Imagine how I would behave if you were.” [[“I do want to be yours.” This will lock you into a romance with Zillah.|BS2.ZRLock][$romance to "zillah"; $CRomance to 0; $SRomance to 0; $ARomance to 0; $NRomance to 0; $RRomance to 0]] [[“I need to think.” This will NOT cancel the romance. You will have another opportunity to lock in.|BS2.ZRMinorLock]] [[“You’re right.” This will lock you out of a romance with Zillah.|BS2.ZRNoLock][$ZRomance to 0; $dump_z to true]]

“Are you fucking serious?” I question, gazing around as if there is meant to be a crowd or panel of judges that will answer my rhetorical question. “After all you put me through, everything you said to me, all of that culminates into you thinking that? I’m just going to rush into your arms, and everything will be okay?” He opens his mouth and then closes it, a wise option as I’m not done. “You’re an asshole! <<if $zl is "friend">>I tried to be civil, no. Not tried. I was civil. I was also stupid. Let’s not forget that one because I allowed myself to fall for you. To fall for the shade sent with a mission and think that we could be something.<<else>>You were an asshole from the beginning, and I knew how stupid it was. Do you know how much bullshit I went through internally? Telling myself not to fall for the damn shade, but then every time you opened your mouth, I knew I was in deeper?<</if>> And now you tell me this and - and ...” I trail off, not entirely sure what I’m even yelling about anymore but knowing that I feel better after doing it. “Are you done?” he asks, his usual snark seeming to come back. “Oh, don’t you dare. I haven’t even begun to start.” He chuckles, and I can feel my anger rise even more as he steps closer, softly cradling the side of my face. [[“Don't touch me.”|BS2.ZRDontYouDareTouchMe][$zr_upset to true]] [[Let him touch you.|BS2.ZRLetHimTouchYou]]

“Don’t touch me!” I yell, swatting his hand away from me. The snarky smile that once adorns his face vanishes, and while that should give me some kind of confidence, it doesn’t. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to figure out my emotions while also dealing with the asshole in front of me. “Why are you acting like all of this is fine?” I question, taking a few steps back. “You just told me you did all of this because you could. Not because you had to or were forced to but because you could. I was at your mercy, and you chose to use me because you realized you could finally jack off on a power trip. Fuck you!” I shout, feeling angry tears rush to my eyes. My hands ball into fists, and I clench my eyes closed as I attempt to calm myself down but memory after realization floods through me. //What did you expect?// My mind chastizes, //he never tried to hide who he was. You just chose to play blind.// “$name,” I hear him whisper and shake my head. It feels like it’s pounding, and I’m far too late in recognizing what it is until it happens. I hear Zillah shout, his body shooting backward as the black, electric energy rushes into him. The pounding doesn’t relent, and instead of checking to see if he’s okay, I turn and go, clutching my head as I rush back into the house. <<if $j3>>\ <a data-passage="BS2.ZRUpsetJ3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“I’m sorry.” “Stop.” “I am sorry.” “Shut up.” “I’m sorry for every second of making you doubt. Making you rethink. Making you believe you were anything less than the <<if $zl is "friend">>kind-hearted<<else>>fiery<</if>>, strong, hybrid you are.” “Zillah,” I warn. “I’m sorry.” [[Kiss him.|BS2.ZRKiss]] [[Hit him.|BS2.ZRHitHim]]

<<if hasVisited("BS2.ZRYell")>>The apology is hardly out of his mouth when I grab his shirt and bring him crashing forward to my lips.<<else>>I rush towards him, almost knocking both of us down as I cut whatever more he planned on saying off with a kiss.<</if>> I don’t let him go, either. Allowing myself to bask in the feeling of his lips upon mine until he finally pulls away. He looks guilty and unsure, as if, despite his words, he wanted me to walk away from him. “For someone who hoped for this, you seem not to want it.” “Hoping for something and expecting it is two different things. I did everything I could to make you small and feel insignificant. I don’t deserve your forgiveness.” “And you haven’t fully earned it,” I confirm, “but I’m not the type to punish you. You know how I feel about you.” “And that hasn’t changed after I told you what I did?” “It brings it into perspective. There are certainly things we need to work out, trust that needs to be built upon.” I step closer to him, “but if you’re willing to work, then I am too.” He takes a moment to think before he sighs, “I gotta admit. I don’t know how to respond.” “Zillah, not knowing what to say, how shocking.” He snorts, “I had already accepted you telling me to fuck off for the rest of eternity. In fact, I wanted it. $name, we can’t. When Death -” “Don’t. That’s a problem that future $name has to deal with. If anything, I learned to start living each day one at a time. If I don’t, I risk losing my sanity.” He reaches towards me, hesitating before finally cursing and going for it, cradling my cheek, “I know. But that still doesn’t mean this is smart. I’ve acted stupid, and you’re not even mine. Imagine how I would behave if you were.” [[“I do want to be yours.” This will lock you into a romance with Zillah.|BS2.ZRLock][$romance to "zillah"; $CRomance to 0; $SRomance to 0; $ARomance to 0; $NRomance to 0; $RRomance to 0]] [[“I need to think.” This will NOT cancel the romance. You will have another opportunity to lock in.|BS2.ZRMinorLock]] [[“You’re right.” This will lock you out of a romance with Zillah.|BS2.ZRNoLock][$ZRomance to 0; $dump_z to true]]

I punch him, finding my temper yet again reaching new heights when he doesn’t immediately stop me. The punches keep coming though less and less energy is thrown behind them until I finally quit. “You’re irritating,” I mumble, “you could have at least attempted to stop me, asshole.” “Well, being an asshole is easier than all of this.” I release a shaky breath. “What do we do now?” “Nothing.” “Zillah,” I warn, but he shakes his head. “$name, we can’t. When Death -” “Don’t. That’s a problem that future $name has to deal with. If anything, I learned to start living each day one at a time. If I don’t, I risk losing my sanity.” He reaches towards me, hesitating before finally cursing and going for it, cradling my cheek, “I know. But that still doesn’t mean this is smart. I’ve acted stupid, and you’re not even mine. Imagine how I would behave if you were.” [[“I do want to be yours.” This will lock you into a romance with Zillah.|BS2.ZRLock][$romance to "zillah"; $CRomance to 0; $SRomance to 0; $ARomance to 0; $NRomance to 0; $RRomance to 0]] [[“I need to think.” This will NOT cancel the romance. You will have another opportunity to lock in.|BS2.ZRMinorLock]] [[“You’re right.” This will lock you out of a romance with Zillah.|BS2.ZRNoLock][$ZRomance to 0; $dump_z to true]]

“Zillah, stop,” I sigh, scratching my forehead. This is a lot to take in. I somehow thought I would only be getting an explanation, not that and a confession. I currently feel overwhelmed, wishing to just breathe and think this through. “It’s a lot,” he mumbles, but the way he says it makes me question whether he is asking or simply stating. “It is,” I decide to answer, “and I don’t know how I feel about any of it yet.” “I didn’t tell you believing I’ll get an answer or anything.” “No, I know. But an answer still has to be given, right? Or at least something that we can come to the conclusion of.” He shakes his head, “no, there’s no point in all that. When Death -” “Don’t. That’s a problem that future $name has to deal with. If anything, I learned to start living each day one at a time. If I don’t, I risk losing my sanity.” He reaches towards me, hesitating before finally cursing and going for it, cradling my cheek, “I know. But that still doesn’t mean this is smart. I’ve acted stupid, and you’re not even mine. Imagine how I would behave if you were.” [[“I need to think.” This will NOT cancel the romance. You will have another opportunity to lock in.|BS2.ZRMinorLock]] [[“You’re right.” This will lock you out of a romance with Zillah.|BS2.ZRNoLock][$ZRomance to 0; $dump_z to true]]

I grab his hand, watching as he shivers, “then let’s find out.” “$name.” “Don’t say it again. After what you told me, you, out of everyone, should know how irritating it is for people to tell you what to do and try to dictate your life path.” “Don’t compare us,” he chuckles, “I’ve had centuries to become complacent. You’re still free to fight.” “And you aren’t? It sounds less like you’re against it and more like you’re just afraid.” “I’m terrified,” he laughs, a boisterous one that sets me on edge. “Death, the being, and the concept strike a particular fear straight through me. And you’re so tightly wrapped around that for this to be so clear cut.” He growls, turning away. “Stop looking at me like that, for fucks sake.” “You mean with my normal face,” I snort, hoping to lighten the mood. “You really don’t understand. I’ve never wanted something that I can’t have more. You’re the forbidden fruit that was never meant for the eyes of another. And we both know I’m the type of selfish asshole to covet it.” Again, I eliminate the distance between us, whispering next to his lips, “then taste it.” My offer isn’t just opening myself up for another kiss but an invitation for him. I have given my answer. It was up to him whether he wished to see what the two of us could do when we were ultimately on each other’s side. There is a delay, a short one but one nevertheless, before his mouth rests against mine. He doesn’t simply taste; he takes. He takes my breath away, and the gasp that follows at just how aggressive and yearning the kiss is. It is, indeed, a kiss driven by a being filled with selfish desire, and the deeper the kiss, the more I crave for him to continue. It feels like a substantial weight is taken off my shoulders. He pulls away, still holding onto me as he nods slowly. “A fairly smart woman told me that the only thing I could do was be honest. After that, it was no longer up to me whether you wanted to accept me or move on. I should probably follow her advice. So, if you want to then yes. I just pray you don’t find yourself regretting it.” There are still things we need to work on; that much is a given. And what we will face in the future will probably make it much more complicated than it should be. But I don’t fear the future, even with all its dilemmas. The man I want has his arms wrapped around me, and even if it’s futile and short-lived, I will enjoy it while I can. <<if $j3>>\ <a data-passage="BS2.ZRLockJ3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <</if>>

Zillah pulls back, his hand gripping my chin as he sneers. “I get to tell the other two, right?” With all of this, I just realized what my choice means and that Chris and Rahim still had... ugh. “No,” I tell him, “don’t you dare. I need to do it.” “I at least get to gloat.” “Zillah. No. It’s going to be hard enough without you trying to claim you won because you had the biggest dick?” “Don’t I?” he sneers. “Good to see you’re back.” He grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles, “if you need me to be there.” “No. I got myself and everyone else tangled in this. I need to be the one to set things right.” “How responsible,” he sighs, almost sounding bored, “I would’ve just let them keep going. See how long it takes before Thing One and Thing Two realize they were yesterday’s news.” “And that is exactly why I don’t want you there when I do it.” “Your loss.” He looks towards the house, “we’ve been out here long enough. We should head inside.” “I’m surprised you don’t want to cuddle for a while.” “Despite how enticing that idea is. I need to think and wrap my mind around everything. Self-reflection, I’m sure you may wish to call it.” I simply nod; he has a point. It’s something I should do. I went from being confident that nothing he did would sway me to now being in a relationship with him. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“I need to think about all of this first. I can’t just come to a conclusion after everything you told me.” He nods, “I can’t tell you what I want that conclusion to be. My tired and fearful side wants you to walk away and do the smart thing. But a far more selfish side wants you, and that’s it. It doesn’t care about what’s coming and how stupid it is.” “And when have you ever not been selfish?” I joke, and he lets out a soft chuckle that calms me down further. I will think about this, but I have no idea where those thoughts will take me. The idea of believing that the two of us can work after all that has happened and all this time feels like the strangest part. But there is a curiosity and want there as well. A side of myself that wishes to be selfish and take what it can while it can. I leave his presence, silently promising to think about this later when fewer things fog my mind. Though I feel that is only an excuse, there is little that fogs my mind more than this. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“You’re right,” I nod. Again, the idea of closure comes to mind. Did I expect it to end on this note? I don’t know. But I’m not exactly opposed to it. In fact, it all feels like a breath of fresh air. A door that needed to be closed can finally do so, and not even with bad intentions. “This is us agreeing to heartbreak, right?” “Masochists, is that the appropriate word?” I chuckle, “indeed.” A few minutes of silence sets in before Zillah straightens up, nodding his head. “I’m with you, regardless. You and the stupid goof troupe inside.” “I’ll tell them you called them that.” “Go ahead. I’m not afraid of any of them besides the little wolf.” We walk towards the house together, and I pout before saying, “I could’ve sworn you were afraid of Bradley too.” “When he’s on his tenth energy drink, yes.” I laugh, walking inside with Zillah right behind me. We go our separate ways, and as I go, everything he said continues to ring around in my head. I refuse to lie to myself, not after all I’ve put my mind and heart through. A part of me feels this is the oddest way to conclude whatever has occurred between us. But another seems glad that a conclusion has been reached regardless. And it doesn’t seem like I will get anything more than that. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

I don’t make it far. My chest is heaving, and the ability to breathe seems like some foreign idea. I rest my back against the wall and take deep breaths. He’s so stupid. I’m so stupid. And even then, with that knowledge, I still don’t know where I stand. I know I’m pissed off, but something deep inside me still says it’s not that simple. That walking away and letting all this go is far more complicated than I realized. “Are you okay?” I almost jump in my spot, looking over to see Rahim sitting beside me. “I must look like a mess,” I grumble. “I did not come here to judge, just to check on you.” I shake my head, “he’s such a dumbass.” “Ah, so this is due to Zillah.” “How you figure that?” I laugh, rubbing at my eyes. “Chris is silly, but he seems a bit too elated about your return nowadays to have caused this. Zillah, on the other hand ...” “Is this the part where you tell me I should let him go and move on?” “You said it,” he huffs with a light smile, “not me. Like I said, I came here to ensure you’re okay. But I would like to remind you that there are others who care for you.” “Thanks, Rahim,” I mumble, offering him a smile. He gently kisses my forehead before rising and leaving me to get myself together. <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley")>>Visit Bradley.<<else>>[[Visit Bradley.|BS2Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Rahim")>>Visit Rahim.<<else>>[[Visit Rahim.|BS2Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("BS2Sydero")>>Visit Sydero.<<else>>[[Visit Sydero.|BS2Sydero]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>Visit Chris.<<else>>[[Visit Chris.|BS2Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Amari")>>Visit Amari.<<else>>[[Visit Amari.|BS2Amari]]<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah") and hasVisited ("BS2Chris")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ <<if hasVisited ("BS2Bradley") and hasVisited ("BS2Rahim") and hasVisited ("BS2Sydero") and hasVisited("BS2Amari") and hasVisited ("BS2Zillah")>>\ [[A few hours later ...|BS3]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

<<if $zr_upset or hasVisited("BS2.ZRMinorLock")>>\ It feels like it should be night by the time I actually find myself sitting down, but my mind is far from blank. Each time I let it wander, it returns to my conversation with Zillah. The actual question is: am I shocked? Not that there isn’t a good reason, but I was shocked by the understanding that he did it all just because he could. His hatred for those who ruled his life became my problem. It reminds me of some twisted cycle I don’t wish to be part of. In all actuality, I don’t want to think about it. Like so many other things, future me can figure it out. But at the moment, I’d rather just forget the conversation even took place. I just want to forget the entire issue with Zillah for now and even that of Purgatory. When doing things with the others, a sense of normalcy had overcome me, and I just wanted that back. Just that. I grab my keys, ignoring the voice in my head that cackles at how absurd my wants are. Nothing will ever go back to normal, and that is the end of it. But I be damned if I don’t at least attempt to live it. <<else>>\ It feels like it should be night by the time I actually manage to find myself sitting down and mind blank with what to do next. I talked to all of those I wished to and did everything I had initially set out to do. And yet, I still feel empty. Like this can’t be all, and I’m simply fooling myself. The thought, at first, is odd. But the reason for it makes itself evident in the following thought: Purgatory. That simple word causes everything I have recently been through to come crashing down onto my shoulders, and I stiffen. I want this out of my mind. No matter how foolish, I just want to forget all said and done while there. When doing things with the others, a sense of normalcy had overcome me, and I just wanted that back. Just that. I grab my keys, ignoring the voice in my head that cackles at how absurd my wants are. Nothing will ever go back to normal, and that is the end of it. But I be damned if I don’t at least attempt to live it. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="EP3-Act Two"><img src="images/acttwobutton.png" alt="Act Two" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/acttwo.png"> <<if $cp>>Two birthdays, one coming up and the other has already passed. Two birthdays and not one single step or even a solid plan about how I will pull this off without anyone knowing.<<else>>One birthday and not one single step or even a solid plan about how I will pull it off without anyone knowing.<</if>> I suppose I can ask the others for help, but that idea kind of just flops as soon as I think it. Amari will be eager but has too big of a mouth, and her excitement will have her screaming the truth to all who’ll listen … and even those who won’t. Rahim is odd. On the one hand, he would help, but on the exact other, he wouldn’t. He might even try to give a lecture about how this is the least important thing right now. Sydero just wouldn’t help, or perhaps she would. It involves Bradley, and that may be enough to get her aid. But I will still be doing all the work. I don’t even try to picture her attending a birthday party. Zillah … <<if $bound>>Well, Zillah doesn’t want to be around me, so asking him for anything after binding him is just a no.<<else>>Well, Zillah is like Rahim and Sydero, a toss-up. He’d probably try to make this into some deal with me getting aid for a birthday party in exchange for my soul.<</if>> I take out my phone and make a list of everything I’ll need. A cake<<if $cp>>, one or two? One. I’m already in over my head. One will be fine, especially since not everyone will eat it.<<else>>, simply vanilla or a marble cake. Both I know Bradley likes.<</if>> Decorations are something that should be easy to find. Candles, can’t forget candles. Drinks and food, snacks mostly, nothing too big or fancy. And lastly, balloons. They aren’t needed, but they will make for a nice finishing touch. I chuckle; when was the last time I even had a birthday party? [[I never had one.|BS4NeverHadOne]] [[I had a few, never really cared for them.|BS4NeverCared]] [[I had one every birthday.|BS4EveryBirthday]]

I never had one, but I had been invited to a few and seen enough TV shows to know how they work. Personally, I’m neutral on the topic. Would I have liked one? Sure. But growing up without ever having one, I didn’t really care either. I celebrated with Uncle Matheus, sometimes with a cake and sometimes without. I was content. <<include "BS4">>

I had a few. Enough to have fond memories of them but nothing more than that. I invited a few friends since Uncle Matheus was never able to throw one so grandiose. I appreciated what he did, but that was about it. Birthday parties were nice, but I never cared for them. I can’t remember if my distaste came from watching my uncle work so hard when he could’ve spent it sleeping or even the money on something else. Or if I just didn’t naturally care. They feel overrated. I snort at that one, overrated, and yet here I am planning one. <<include "BS4">>

I had a birthday party every year. Uncle Matheus made sure to celebrate it at home or at a restaurant where many of my friends were invited. Some memories are far fonder than others, but I appreciate each. <<include "BS4">>

I figure out where to go for each item that I list. I’ll drop by a nice bakery that should make the cake quick enough to return back with. With that figured out, I drive off, windows down, and with the radio howling. This feels nice, and even more, it feels right. I’m $name Roe again. And $name Roe is going to the store to buy birthday decorations for ?his <<if $cp>>friends<<else>>friend<</if>>. It’s probably wise to inform at least one of the others that I’m out, excluding <<if $cp>>Chris and Bradley<<else>>Bradley<</if>>, of course. But then, on the other hand, why? My hand tightens around the steering wheel as I think about all the times I would just drive off without anyone knowing. It was my damn car and life. Why did I have to inform anyone about my comings and goings? Especially when in the past there was never a need. At a stop sign, I make up my mind. [[Call one of them.|BS4CallOne][$team +=5]] [[Just go. It’ll be fine.|BS4BeFine]]

I take a calming breath in and then out. It isn’t about what I’m going through but what the group has been going through that makes calling them important. From what they’ve told me, they’ve been running from one place to another since I first vanished. I just got back and having them worry that I was grabbed is the last thing I need and I don’t wish to return to a group of people yelling at me. And so, with my mind a bit more clear, I grab my phone and dial … [[Amari’s number.|BS4Amari]] [[Rahim’s number.|BS4Rahim]] [[Sydero’s number.|BS5Sydero]] <<if $zr_upset is false>>[[Zillah’s number.|BS4Zillah]]<</if>>

<<if $amari >=50>>\ <<set $amari +=5>> <<else>>\ <<set $amari -=5>> <</if>>\ I dial Amari’s number, and she picks up a few seconds later, her <<if $amari >=50>>cheerful<<else>>curious<</if>> voice filling the car. “Hey Amari, I just wanted to let you know that I’m out. I’ll be back by the end of the day.” <<if $amari >=50>>“Ooh,” she draws out, sounding every bit like an inquisitive child,<<else>>“Ah,” she says simply, almost sounding as if she had hoped this phone call would hold more interesting information than that,<</if>> “where are you going?” “Me and my car need a little one on one.” <<if $amari >=50>>“That’s cute,” she snorts. The way in which she says it makes me think that she believes the opposite is true.<<else>> “Okay?” she draws out with a questioning tone but she doesn’t question me further.<</if>> “Can you just tell the others?” “Yep.” <<include "BS5">>

<<if $rahim >=50>>\ <<set $rahim +=5>> <<else>>\ <<set $rahim -=5>> <</if>>\ I dial Rahim’s number, trusting him out of everybody to pick up, and he doesn’t disappoint. “$name?” “Hey, I just wanted to tell you that I’m out for a while. I’ll be back in a few hours.” <<if $rahim >=50>>“Alright, just make sure you stay safe.”<<else>>“Do you know how reckless that is?”<</if>> <<if $rahim >=50>>“Of course. And nothing that I do should be that dangerous. I should be fine.”<<else>>“You know. I knew calling you because you were the responsible one was smart, but I also understood that the consequences came with a lecture.”<</if>> <<if $rahim >=50>>“I don’t think any of us go out looking for trouble … well, besides Sydero. And Zillah. I can see Bradley doing it too. What I’m trying to say is that trouble just finds us, regardless of us seeking it.”<<else>>“We have angels and demons on our asses and from what you said, potentially Death himself. And you thought it wise to walk out?”<</if>> <<if $rahim >=50>>I chuckle, “Rahim, I know. You don’t have to worry about me. This is just me attempting to get some fresh air after two months of breathing in nothing but Purgatory air.”<<else>>“We’re confined to the house now?” Rahim quiets, and I nod, though I know he can’t see me. “Cut me some slack. I just wanted to get some fresh air. I haven’t been in my car for two weeks, months, whatever. I’ll be careful. Plus, from what I know, Death can’t track me.”<</if>> “Alright,” he groans, “just be careful.” “Of course.” He hangs up, and I focus on driving. <<include "BS5">>

<<if $bound>>\ I dial Zillah’s number, wondering if he even knows how to work a phone. I sit there for minutes, waiting to see if he’ll pick up but he never does. I roll my eyes and decide to just leave a voicemail and send a quick text. With that done, I focus back on driving. <<else>>\ I dial Zillah’s number, wondering if he even knows how to work a phone. I get my answer when he picks up. <<if $romance is "zillah">>\ “Miss me already?” <</if>>\ “When did you even learn how to use a phone?” “Bradley and Amari taught me when I was basically their prisoner. I must admit, these small items are pretty cool.” “You’re using it to just take tons of photos of yourself, aren’t you?” <<if $romance is "zillah">>“I could always use it to take pictures of your nude form to bask in it later if that’s what you want.”<<else>>“The thing they call filters is amazing. I never knew technology could do this.”<</if>> I roll my eyes, “can you tell the others that I stepped out for the day? I’ll be back by tonight.” “And you didn’t think it was smart to bring someone with you?” I prepare to reply but then close my mouth, not wanting to tell him why I had decided against it. He takes my silence as an answer and says, “alright. Whatever.” <</if>>\ <<include "BS5">>

I dial Sydero’s number, sighing when it feels like I’m going to be met with her voicemail. Finally, she picks up, sounding just as bored as always. “Syd, I just wanted to let you know that I’m heading out. I’ll be back by the end of the day.” “End of the day, huh?” a bit of emotion entering her voice, “and where is our dear Roe heading?” “Me and my car needs a little one on one.” “Oh, getting kinky with the $car. If that’s what you’re into, who am I to judge.” I stutter before finally saying, “you know that’s not what I meant.” “I’m kind of curious how that works,” she continues on, “but I won’t ask any questions that might get you hot and bothered. Just keep your eyes out. I’ll tell no one and see if you get screamed at when you return.” I frown but she hangs up before I can tell her to do the opposite of that. <<include "BS5">>

The more I think about it, the more I get upset about informing someone about my whereabouts. I’m aware that it’s irrational anger, all stemming from wanting to just feel like myself again, but that seems to matter little. What makes it worse is that I know where this weird behavior is coming from, but something even more profound is telling me that it’s fine. In irritation, I shove my phone back into my pocket. <<include "BS5">>

My first stop is a store, and I go inside, confident and happy about how the day is going thus far. I search the aisles until I get to the party decorations and thoughtfully analyze them. This has to be perfect. I grab streamers and gaze over the decor letters but give up when I realize they don’t have every letter I need. Finishing up, I head to the counter and wait patiently for the line to move forward. Catching a nearby magazine, I read every cover’s headline, learning a lot can happen in two months. Regardless, this still feels so tame. A look around and I find myself wondering what another may be thinking. Everybody here has their own issues. They go through life fighting their own battles, and most show none of it on the surface. But they have no idea what rests underneath, or in more accurate terms, nearby. Where I stand, a werewolf from another dimension can also be standing. This store could be the center of a house or in the middle of some woods. It can be the outskirts of Gluttony’s or Envy’s kingdom. <a data-passage="BS5.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

My next thought feels like the most selfish and conceited thought any one person can have. Yet, it is the truth. Every person here will die if I continue to run from my future. Shaking the thought from my mind, I remind myself that I’m doing all of this to escape that trail of thought. The more I face it, the more I want to run from it, and the more my heart thuds in my chest as I’m reminded that the weight of a billion lives are looking at me. The fate of an entire planet and perhaps even multiple dimensions. The thoughts nauseate me, and I lean on the checkout conveyor belt to re-gather my bearings. Thankfully, the person ahead of me is finished, and I move up. I exchange a few pleasantries with the grocer before leaving the store behind. //Clear mind. Clear mind.// I repeatedly tell myself when the sound of someone gasping pulls me from the thought. Glancing around, I finally see the person in question. They lean against their car, wheezing and clutching at their chest. They look like they’re bound to topple over. <<if $cmajor is "Medical">>I couldn’t be entirely sure due to the distance, but the individual could be suffering from a heart attack.<</if>> Whatever is happening, it affects me. A hungry feeling overcomes me, exhilarating and wild. It feels as all the energy in the world has just surged through me and is nudging me closer. It’s also strangely calming, like lying down under a mound of blankets on a cold and long day. It pulls at instincts I never knew I had and promises to quench a thirst that leaves me unbearably parched. This ... feeling demands that death takes place. For me to go and breathe and surround myself in it. For me to take and command ... [[Go to them.|BS5GoToThem][$balance -=10]] [[Keep heading to the car.|BS5KeepToCar][$balance +=10]]

I walk towards the person. To anyone else, it may seem like I’m being overly cautious when in truth, my steps are being hindered by my racing heartbeat. The nearer I grow, the more my body and senses seem to act wildly, like an audience at a concert that has just been pulled into the center of a moshpit. “Are you okay?” I question, clutching my head and reaching towards the person. “Do not touch them,” I hear a voice behind me say and turn to see a severe appearing man approach. His attire contradicts the scowl resting on his face and his general demeanor. Serious and annoyed yet wearing a bright patterned romper with a pink smiley face. I blink a few times, and my mind whispers like it’s done so many times in the past, //reaper//. [[“What’s going on in Purgatory?”|BS5Purgatory]] [[“Do you know Chanara?”|BS5KnowChanara]] [[Leave.|BS5Leave]]

“What’s going on in Purgatory right now?” He doesn’t answer and just continues to stare at me. I shift uncomfortably, not knowing what to do or say at the moment and wishing he’d make a move. He’s not going to answer me, so I see little reason to continue standing here. I glance over at the reaper one last time before heading to my car, glancing over my shoulder numerous times until I’m safely within. <<include "BS5.2">>

“Do you know Chanara?” I ask, and he doesn’t answer me. She’s in charge of most of them, so I don’t see why he wouldn’t, but this could be idiotic. Continuing to stand here can be foolish or, he can help me. Taking a chance feels just that, a chance. [[Tell him to deliver a message to her.|BS5DeliverMessage]] [[Leave.|BS5Leave2]]

<<nobr>>\ <<if $chanara >=50 or $NRomance >=1>> <<set $message_deliver to true>> <<else>> <<set $message_snitch to true>> <</if>> <</nobr>>\ “Give her a message for me,” I tell him and grab my phone, showing him the address of the bakery. “Tell her to meet me there.” He peers at the screen but still remains quiet. I feel like I have two paths ahead of me, one that is obviously right and the other wrong, and I, for some reason, chose the wrong one. This feels ridiculous. I’m practically giving my position away in hopes of getting a meeting with Chanara. The same Chanara who’s loyal to Death and Azrael. I press the home button on my phone and leave the scene. It’s too late to go back now. I just have to hope that the reaper either doesn’t care enough to deliver a message at all or will simply do as I ask. I go back to my car, sighing and taking in multiple deep breaths before putting it in drive and leaving. <<include "BS5.2">>

This new piece of knowledge seems to ground me enough to realize that sticking around is unwise. I glance over at the reaper one last time before heading to my car, glancing over my shoulder numerous times until I’m safely within. <<include "BS5.2">>

There are too many variables that are unaccounted for and ones I can’t guess. And so, I go. I’ll ask Zillah for help on contacting Chanara more safely. I glance over at the reaper one last time before heading to my car, glancing over my shoulder numerous times until I’m safely within. <<include "BS5.2">>

I fight against it and continue on towards my car. It takes everything within me to ignore the screaming thoughts and urges. Urges that grab onto me and try to get me to turn around. They scream, “you’re headed the wrong way,” and “go back.” And I ignore them, finally getting to my car and locking the door. I try to ground myself as I look around wildly. They have quieted, but I can still hear them whispering, questioning me, and reassuring me that it isn’t too late. //Distance//, I tell myself. Distance will get the voice to quiet. And with that thought, I put the car into drive and surge forward, leaving the dying person and the store behind. <<include "BS5.2">>

<<if hasVisited ("BS5GoToThem")>>\ Did he recognize me? What will that mean in the end? If he didn’t recognize me, then I was just a reaper appearing like I was there to steal his mark. The annoyance in his eyes could have been due to just that. But if he did know me, then who would he tell? Did Azrael and Death know of my disappearance yet, and were they trying to keep it quiet, or was everyone alerted? I want to scream. Why is every single minute of my life filled with such trepidation and unease? How much can one person take? Being hunted, attacked, mauled - I stop. <<if $pacifist >=50>>I stop and take a deep breath, and though my entire body shakes, I focus on driving.<<else>>I let out a frustrated growl, hitting the wheel furiously before stopping to breathe.<</if>> I push the thoughts into a corner and abandon them. The trick is weakening due to them constantly straying from the corner from overcrowding. I’d let Future $name handle all of that, but Future $name is here, and even ?he <<verb "didn’t">> wish to take on such an overbearing load. <<else>>\ My mind goes back to the scene and my actions as I drive. Part of me feels horrible for leaving the way I did, but another part - a growing part, doesn’t care. It shrugs and reminds me that people die. They always die. And now, knowing about reapers, being one, and being the child of literally Death, it all doesn’t seem so strange and foreign. And though most of me accept this, a piece that still struggles to be heard is against this idea and what it may mean. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="BS5.2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Whether smart, idiotic, or just me trying to continue this weird form of escapism, I continue shopping. I head to a party store for balloons and distract myself with colors and themes. <<if $cp>>This is for both Chris and Bradley, and though I know Chris will be far more forgiving, I’m not sure if pandering only to Bradley will hurt him. Yet pandering to both would mean going theme-less …<<else>>They have several gamer-themed balloons and even some anime, but knowing how Bradley is, I doubt he even likes the mainstream animes.<</if>> Reaching forward to choose one, my senses whisper //demon//, and I feel pressure on my back. I jerk around, almost falling backward onto the display, when a hand reaches out and grabs me. Their nails dig into my skin, causing me to hiss. “Gotta be careful,” the one who grabs me smiles, helping to right me. Another stands beside them, looking me over with intrigue in their eyes. “$name?” the one from earlier asks, “it’s great to meet you. We’re fans. Big fans.” [[“You guys want to do this here?”|BS5WantToDothis]] [[“And whose the president?”|BS5WhoseThePresident]] [[“Well, I’m not.”|BS5ImNot]] [[“What do you want?”|BS5WhatDoYouWant]]

“You guys really know how to pick them? The birthday aisle of One Stop Party Shop. Yea, I can’t possibly think of a better place to kill two demons.” The one who helped me before smirks while the other just grimaces, appearing like they want to strike me down right then and there. “We come in peace,” the demon tells me, “hear us out before you start throwing holy water all over the place.” <<include "BS5.3">>

“Yea, and who’s the president of that little fan club? Envy?” “Mammon, actually,” they smirk. “Greed to simplify it further,” the other informs me. <<include "BS5.3">>

“Well, I’m not. The only reason you’re not dead right now is that we’re in a public place, and there are cameras.” “Thank god for those cameras,” one of them sighs dramatically, clasping their hands and mimicking someone praying. <<include "BS5.3">>

“What do you want? I doubt it’s an autograph, so just get to the point.” “An autograph,” one says in a questioning and interested tone before looking at their partner, “an autograph would be nice, right Vulz?” The other simply snorts, still not uncrossing their arm or taking their gaze off of me. <<include "BS5.3">>

“Mamm- Greed has a few questions he wants answered. One of those, you scratch our back, and we’ll scratch yours.” “You mean I scratch your back, and you stab mine, right?” “Not at all. You’re a bit pessimistic, aren’t you?” <<if $optimistic >=50>>“I call it being weary.”<<else>>“Yes.”<</if>> “None of us down under want you dead. In fact, if you die then, that’s it for us. Plus, Purgatory and Death have always been neutral. You’re not our enemy, and we’re not yours.” “What do you want?” “Greed wants to know what you saw in Purgatory. Specifically, if you came across a library.” <<if $known_library>>\ [[“Yea. So what?”|BS5SoWhat][$demon +=1]] <</if>>\ [[“Think I’d tell you?”|BS5ThinkIdTellYou]] [[“Tell me why he wants to know.”|BS5TellMeWhy]] [[Refuse to answer.|BS5RefusetoAnswer]]

“Yea, I saw and looked around the library. So what?” “Did you see a book that looked made out of rock? Cracks all down its spine and cover?” I try to educe a memory, but it’s all foggy. Even more, I doubt I’ll be able to remember any of the specific books that I saw. I shrug. And they both gaze at each other with conflict in their eyes. <<include "BS5.4">>

“You think I’d tell the two of you?” The main one’s eye seems to twitch as they try their damnedest to control themselves, “it would be appreciated.” “But it’s not going to happen.” <<include "BS5.4">>

“Tell me why he wants to know before I answer.” The main one speaking smirks, “you think he’d tell us?” “If he wanted an answer out of me, yes.” “It’s either a yes or no.” <<if $known_library>>\ [[Lie. “No.”|BS5Lie]] [[Tell the truth. “Yes.”|BS5TellTruth]] <<else>>\ [[Lie. “Yes.”|BS5Lie]] [[Tell the truth. “No.”|BS5TellTruth]] <</if>>\

<<if $known_library>>\ “No.” <<else>>\ “Yea, I did.” “Did you see a book that looked made out of rock? Cracks all down its spine and cover?” I act as if I’m thinking, knowing that I hadn’t looked around the library when I was there. Finally, I shrug. They exchange conflicted gazes. <</if>>\ <<include "BS5.4">>

<<if $known_library>>\ “Yea, I did.” “Did you see a book that looked made out of rock? Cracks all down its spine and cover?” I act as if I’m thinking, knowing that I hadn’t looked around the library when I was there. Finally, I shrug. They exchange conflicted gazes. <<else>>\ “No.” <</if>>\ <<include "BS5.4">>

I refuse to answer. Instead, I stare at the two of them and ponder how I would get out of this without causing too much of a ruckus. They exchange annoyed glances but do nothing to act on those glances. <<include "BS5.4">>

“How did you escape Purgatory?” I move and watch as they both take a cautious step back; in their eyes is fear. It’s a look that I’m sure I’ve had numerous times in the past. To now receive those looks invoke different emotions within me. I answer, <<if $serious >=50>>“I teleported out.”<<else>>“A little faerie came and whisked me away.”<</if>> “You’re stepping onto a battlefield, and you’re acting like you don’t want allies.” “I have allies.” “That little fucked up group of yours will be decimated, and you’ll all die slowly and painfully unless you get a few more troops on your side.” “And I’m supposed to believe you and not think this is just another way for you to get your hands on Syd?” “Sydero is going to play the part she’s meant to play regardless of your interference. But the outcome does rely on you, and trust me when I say no good outcome will come out of you not helping us.” [[“What do you need me to do?”|BS5WhatDoYouNeed][$demons +=1]] [[“I should exorcise you both.”|BS5ExorciseYouBoth]] [[“The answer is no.”|BS5AnswerNo]]

“Mammon will be in contact with you<<if $curse_greed>>, quite personally from what he said.<<else>>.<</if>> Until then, nothing.” “And again, what am I getting out of this?” “Demons,” they both say and turn to leave through the store’s exit. It would seem that they too were cautious about doing anything supernatural in public. <<include "BS6">>

“I should exorcise you both, right here and now.” “But you won’t,” the quiet one speaks, a sneer on his face. <<if $exorcise>>\ [[Do it.|BS5DoIt]] <</if>>\ [[Don’t do it.|BS5DontDoIt]]

I raise a brow and smirk, which I guess causes them to doubt their previous thoughts. They both move to act, but it’s too late. The words are already leaving my mouth, and I watch as they begin to wither in pain, screaming for me to stop. I continue, watching as the bodies they possess go limp and the smoke that wafts up shoots through the ceiling and out of sight. I quickly grab the balloons and make myself scarce, knowing those screams would bring the attention of the other shoppers and workers. As long as I put distance between them and me, I should be fine. <<include "BS6">>

Though I don’t like how confident the demon looks, I stay my hand and prove his words true. “Thought so,” he snorts, walking past me and down the aisle. The other looks at me for a bit longer before joining his companion, and I’m soon once again alone. I’m beginning to grow tired from all of today’s action, but I have one more stop. I take the balloons and go to the checkout before returning to my car. <<include "BS6">>

“The answer today is going to be the same as tomorrow and the day after that. It is and always will be, no.” The demon nods, not seeming even the slightest bit shocked by my decision. On the other hand, his friend appears fairly pissed, and I’m sure his fear of me is the only thing that stays his hand. With my answer given, both of them leave with nothing else to say. My only question now is how did they find me. I’m beginning to grow tired from all of today's action, but I have one more stop. I take the balloons and go to the checkout before returning to my car. <<include "BS6">>

On the way to the bakery, I wonder who’ll visit me next. Me being lucky isn’t a thing, so it’s a toss-up between angels and the supernatural. I’ll even probably have to answer to Azrael himself. I shake that thought from my mind. Even if it is to happen, I’d rather it not be because I ended up jinxing myself. Once at the bakery, I put in the order and wait by the window for them to complete it. All is quiet, for now. Gazing out the window, I find myself with a moment of peace, but such thoughts are really only on the outside. Deep within, my mind is swarming with thoughts, fears, and an understanding that didn’t take me long to figure out, but I was in denial about it. There is no normal. There is no going back to what once was, and either I understand that or I suffer. Purgatory happened. My true origins are known. I was gone for two months, and Earth and those I cared about, well, their lives kept moving as well. Even now, things are still changing, and all I can do is hope to adapt and overcome. <<if $message_deliver>>\ I’m taken out of my thoughts when someone sits opposite me at the table. It takes a few blinks to concentrate back on the world around me, but I finally see Chanara. She gazes out the same window, a large frown on her face. “I can't believe I’m here right now. I literally sat there and said, ‘Nara, don’t do it. Don’t go and see what the chaotic dumbass wants.’ And what did Nara do? Nara went to go see what ?he <<verb 'wants'>>. So, here I am. What do you want, chaotic dumbass?” [[“To stop being called chaotic dumbass.”|BS6ChaoticDumbass][$chanara -=5]] [[“No more fresh veil?”|BS6FreshVeil][$chanara +=3]] [[“Well, hello to you too.”|BS6Hello][$chanara -=3]] [[“I appreciate it.”|BS6AppreciateIt][$chanara +=5]] <<else>>\ “Excuse me.” I’m pulled out of my thoughts by a stranger’s voice and glance towards the counter. The woman there waves and then nods to the wrapped up and finished cake. With a thank you, I grab it and leave the store behind. <a data-passage="BS7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

“Well, for starters, to stop being called chaotic dumbass.” She stares blankly at me, “noted. Now, what do you want?” “I couldn’t just want to see my friend again?” <<if $chanara >=50>>\ “Friends,” she sucks her teeth and shakes her head, “I’m startin’ to doubt that word. I just feel like friends don’t drag friends into their bullshit.” “What are friends for if not for that?” She raises a brow, and I raise my hands in surrender, “you’re right. I did need to talk to you, though.” “About?” <<include "BS6Chanara">> <<else>>\ “Friends,” she sucks her teeth and shakes her head, “yea, I wouldn’t use that word to describe our relationship whatsoever.” “Well, that hurts.” “If this is what you wanted, then I have better things to do. Like not get killed due to Death’s rebellious child.” She stands, and I move to stop her, but she shakes her head and sends me a warning glance. “Stop bringin’ me in your shit. Alright? I don’t know what you’re doing or planning and I don’t wanna know. You’re lucky Mosi isn’t a snitch and told me what the fuck is going on, as confused as he was.” With that said, she leaves the bakery. I watch as she walks down the street, soon disappearing from sight. Well, that was a waste of time. I can only hope that Chanara will keep this little meeting to herself, despite her newfound distaste in me. <</if>>\

“Aw, what happened to fresh veil?” “You graduated. Congrats,” she snorts, rolling her eyes, but there’s a smirk resting upon her lips. <<include "BS6Chanara">>

“Well, hello to you too. Don’t act like you didn’t miss me, Chanara.” “It’s not an act,” she sighs. <<include "BS6Chanara">>

“I appreciate it, though.” She looks ready to fire off a rebuttal almost instantly but calms down after repeating my words. “Ugh, don’t be all nice and appreciative. It makes it harder to sit here and act like I don’t like you.” I smile but say nothing more on that. <<include "BS6Chanara">>

“How’s Purgatory?” “You care?” she snorts, brow raised. “I have my reasons for leaving and coming back here.” She hums, “it’s fine. Death didn’t seem surprised, neither did Azrael, honestly. What they’re doing to get you back? None of my business.” “How are you even able to be here? Aren’t reapers invisible to humans?” “Yea, you right. To everybody else, you look like you’re talkin’ to yourself.” I freeze and glance over at the employees, but they’re not peering at me. When I glance back at Chanara, she’s grinning conspiratorially. <a data-passage="BS6Chanara1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

She leans back in her seat and sighs, tapping on the table, “I can be seen if I wanna be seen.” I nod, deciding that it’s probably best to just go ahead and explain myself. “Training.” “What about it?” “How should I continue on.” “Zillah is with you, right? Just have him -,” she pauses and seems to think and then reconsider her words, “yea, no. I see your problem now. I don’t know what you want to hear from me, though. I can’t just keep appearin’ to help you out unless you want the others on you.” “Providing advice and tips won’t work?” “Nah. I’d have to be there to oversee. What? You think me givin’ you some generic ass instructions is gonna help? What happens when you fuck up?” “Then stay.” Chanara snorts, rising and giving me a look that says she definitely will not be doing that. “Why not?” “Cos I gotta good thing going. That’s years of fuckin’ workin’ my ass off to get to where I am and building trust. Sorry, $name. You’re cute, but not that cute.” <<if $flirt_Chanara>>\ <<if settings.dialog>><span class="romance">[[“I never get tired of hearing that.”|BS6CR1][$NRomance +=1]]</span><<else>>[[“I never get tired of hearing that.”|BS6CR1][$NRomance +=1]]<</if>> <<if settings.dialog>><span class="romance">[[“Ah, you’re cute too.”|BS6CR2][$NRomance +=1]]</span><<else>>[[“Ah, you’re cute too.”|BS6CR2][$NRomance +=1]]<</if>> <</if>>\ [[“So what then?”|BS6CWhatThen]]

“I never get tired of hearing you call me that.” “When have I ever called you cute?” “A few times, maybe. Probably. It has to be my devilish smile.” “Or your chaotic ass energy. Who knows,” she sighs, looking me up and down before shrugging. “Eh. I’ve never been the type to just sit and lie about simple shit, so what the hell. Yea, you’re cute.” <<if hasVisited ("RFC8ChanaraRomance1")>>\ “But I’m still trouble?” “The very definition.” <<else>>\ Before I can get a word in, she adds, “but you’re also nothing but trouble, and I’m not lookin’ for it.” “Me? I ask in mock shock, “trouble?” Chanara snorts and shakes her head, a hint of amusement and exasperation on her face. <</if>>\ I cock my head to the side and grin widely, “if it’s all the same to you, I’m going to still try and win you over.” “You’re confident. What makes you think you’re my type?” “You don’t seem like the type to entertain something you’re not interested in.” “I called you cute twice. What makes you think I’m entertainin’ anything, and it’s not your head spinnin’ you in a loop?” “Guess we’ll see, huh?” I can’t help but smirk as she narrows her eyes. If she agrees, she’s practically proving herself wrong and is indeed entertaining me. If she doesn’t, that’s the end of all this flirting. I’ll respect her wishes. “I guess we will,” she says, getting to her feet. “As for now, I need to get back before I’m noticed. We’ll talk again soon. Let me think your trainin’ over.” <a data-passage="BS6CR3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Ah, you’re cute too.” Chanara opens her mouth like she’s about to shoot off a comeback, but instead, I see her cheeks rise. She tries to stop the action, grabbing her face and looking away. “Fine, you win that one.” “Beautiful?” I find myself saying as if in thought, and I get the reaction I want. Chanara’s eyes widen, and she glares at me before turning away. “Are you done?” “I probably won’t ever stop raining down compliments, but for now, yes. I’m done.” She sighs and rolls her eyes, “thank you.” “Does it bother you?” “What?” “The compliments?” “No. Just not used to it. Or I’m just used to the insincere bullshit folks normally spit to get somethin’ they want. You atleast sound like you mean it.” “I do.” Her dark eyes meet mine, and we hold each other’s gazes for a moment longer before she clears her throat and gets to her feet. “I need to get back before I’m noticed. We’ll talk again soon but let me think about the whole training thing.” <a data-passage="BS6CR3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Wait," I pout, "you can't spare us just a few more minutes?” She scoffs, “us?” “Sue me for wanting to spend time with you.” “Shouldn’t have left Purgatory if that’s what you wanted to do.” “Don't do that,” I mumble, “I’d ask you to join me, but I know your answer.” She retakes her seat, “fine. I can give five minutes.” “Alright, so tell me something about you?” She raises a brow, “this becoming a meet and greet?” “More like I don’t know all that much about you and would like to know more. So? Random tidbit?” “I hate this.” She motions to our surroundings and a bit of sadness enters her eyes before she shakes her head, “it’s depressing.” “The bakery?” “Earth.” “Really? How so?” She shrugs, rotating her neck before rubbing at a particular spot, “too many what if’s and reminders of mortality. Makes ya think about bullshit you wouldn’t think about otherwise.” She spares me a glance, “you never wonder what you’d be doing if this supernatural shit didn’t happen to you?” [[“Not in a while.”|BS6NotInAWhile]] [[“I stopped that a while ago.”|BS6Stopped]] [[“All the time.”|BS6AllTime]]

“Not in a long while, actually. The farther I get in this life, the less I think about it.” “For the sake of your sanity?” “Yes,” I snort, the two of us laughing. <<include "BS6CR4">>

“I stopped thinking about it a while ago. Probably after I realized there was no way I was getting out of all of this. So, when I realized I was a supernatural myself.” “Wait,” she cocks her head to the side, “you didn’t know?” “No. Believe it or not, I found out this year.” “You lyin’.” “I’m not,” I chuckle, “back in May, I was just another college student trying to turn in an essay to get at least a B in the class. Trying to figure out if I wanted to pursue my major and how many credits I had …” She opens her mouth but then immediately closes it, clearing her throat and shaking her head. <<include "BS6CR4">>

“All the time,” I admit, “I rather not, but the more people tell me my life isn’t really mine, the more I find myself dreaming about if it was.” She snorts at first before craning her head back and bellowing out a laugh. The employees give us a gaze but otherwise go about their day, and I wait for Chanara to explain what was so funny. <<include "BS6CR4">>

“Fuck. How do your friends do it? Any problem they got must feel small as hell compared to yours.” “I try not to look at it like that. We all have our issues.” “I guess. We’re all in shit, huh?” I didn’t particularly want our conversation to go down this route, but it now seems odd to change it to something lighter with her staring out the window in thought. She taps the table and stands, “time’s up.” “Five minutes, my ass.” “Time moves differently, remember?” “Yea, so you’ve only been gone maybe a second.” “A second too long.” Her smile disappears, “you’re playin’ a dangerous game, and anyone associated is gonna pay. I like the idea of keepin’ my head.” “It is a pretty head.” She smirks, shaking her head as she spares me one last look before nodding to the counter, “tell whoever’s birthday it is to enjoy it.” Just as she says this, one of the employees grabs my attention and points to the wrapped-up cake that has probably been sitting there fore some time. By the time I collect it and turn around, Chanara is gone. <a data-passage="BS7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“So, what am I supposed to do with training?” She raises a brow, but I raise my hands to let her know that I’m not done. “I mean it more in a ‘what do you advise’ kind of way. Not me blaming you or anything.” She calms down and sends me an apologetic glance before poking out her bottom lip in thought. I don’t interrupt her thinking, choosing to check the time and see if I have any new messages. “Let me think a little more on it,” Chanara finally says, standing and sparing me one last look before nodding to the counter, “tell whoever’s birthday it is to enjoy it.” Just as she says this, one of the employees grabs my attention and nods to the wrapped-up cake now residing on the counter. By the time I collect it and turn around, Chanara is gone. <a data-passage="BS7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I cautiously approach my car, glancing back and forth, waiting for someone to attack. I get in without issue, but the thoughts from earlier take up most of my attention as I drive back home. Angels, an unknown prophecy, demons who want something, and the supernatural. Three power forces that all seem connected but yet, against one another. The demons said that Purgatory and Death have always been neutral. Sadly, I didn’t think to ask Death about the angels and demons. They weren’t my concern, especially after learning the truth about myself. Stopping the car, I get out, still trying to piece together the mysteries that haunt us. They seem general enough, but something tells me they all go far deeper than we were giving them credit. Living in ignorance is the only thing keeping us from becoming significant players instead of pawns. As soon as that changes, I can’t even imagine what will happen. Entering the house, Rahim is the only one in the kitchen when I enter. He looks deep in thought, only noticing me at the last minute. <<if $RRomance >=5>>\ “Oh, $name,” he scratches his temple and looks at the ground, “you’re back. Is everything okay? You look a bit frazzled.” I snort and raise a brow as I set the things I bought on the kitchen table but then think twice. Bradley<<if $cp>> or Chris<</if>> could walk in at any minute and <<if $cp>>neither are<<else>>he isn’t<</if>> exactly indifferent. <<if $cp>>They’ll<<else>>He’ll<</if>> go through the bags without a second thought or care. I decide to place the items in the pantry until I figure out when to start decorating. “You care?” I ask as I close the pantry door and turn to him. A sad smile is on his face, “I care about you, even when I’m behaving like a fool.” “Oh, so you’re aware of it?” I question, causing his smile to lose its edge, and it falls into a frown. “I can tell you I’m sorry all day, but if my actions don’t back that up, then what’s the point?” “What do you mean?” “I’m sorry. I am. But me feeling sorry won’t change the way I feel about this. It’s like what I said to you earlier. I’d rather go back and undo all of this than continue on.” Hearing it a second time doesn’t make it easier, but it also dioesn’t make it harder. Actually, I don’t know how I feel. I already know this. That’s the thing about Rahim. Whether I like it or not, he’s upfront about how he feels, even if it is just to tear and claw at my heart. Did I hope that his thoughts would shift since then? <a data-passage="BS7.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $j3 and $romance is "zillah">>\ “Oh, $name,” he scratches his temple and looks at the ground, “you’re back. Is everything okay? You look a bit frazzled.” I snort and raise a brow as I set the things I bought on the kitchen table but then think twice. Bradley<<if $cp>> or Chris<</if>> could walk in at any minute and <<if $cp>>neither are<<else>>he isn’t<</if>> exactly indifferent. <<if $cp>>They’ll<<else>>He’ll<</if>> go through the bags without a second thought or care. I decide to place the items in the pantry until I figure out when to start decorating. “You care?” I ask as I close the pantry door and turn to him. A sad smile is on his face, “I care about you, even when I’m behaving like a fool.” His words remind me of the conversation that Zillah and I had, realizing two things. All three guys are a different kind of headache, but I have also picked which headache to deal with. “Rahim?” I start, seeing now as great a time as any to admit this, “we need to talk.” “I already know,” he tells me, "you need to tell Chris through, didn't really see it as my responsibility" "Did Zillah?" "No. But I'm in tune with you and your emotions more than anyone else in this house. So when I suddenly feel a surge of romantic feelings from you and I'm not the cause, it leads to an investigation." He gives me a knowing look, one that I glance away from. "I -" "Don't," he interrupts, "I'm not mad or hurt. And I still care about you. This actually makes a lot of things easier, I suppose." He frowns at the line but shakes his head. "I'd rather it be literally anyone else I concede to but I ..." he trails off as the sound of the doorbell captures our attention. It’s too late for visitors, and the others should have no issue entering. Rahim glances over at me before standing and going to go see. I begin to plot where to put what and decide when the best time to do it is. I discern a voice, but either it’s too low to be able to recognize or belonged to that of a stranger. Waiting a few more minutes, I finally leave the kitchen to see who’s at the door and keeping Rahim. <a data-passage="BS8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “You okay, Rahim? You look like you were somewhere else.” He rubs at his eye, “I don’t rightfully know.” “Meaning?” I ask, setting the things I’ve grabbed on the kitchen table but think twice. Bradley<<if $cp>> or Chris<</if>> could walk in at any minute and <<if $cp>>neither are<<else>>he isn’t<</if>> exactly indifferent. <<if $cp>>They’ll<<else>>He’ll<</if>> go through the bags without a second thought or care. I decide to place the items in the pantry until I figure out when to start decorating. “Things are starting to get far more complicated than they have a right to be, and I’m -” he trails off, but the sound of the doorbell also captures his attention. It’s too late for visitors, and the others should have no issue entering. Rahim glances over at me before standing and going to go see. I begin to plot where to put what and decide when the best time to do it is. I discern a voice, but either it’s too low to be able to recognize or belonged to that of a stranger. Waiting a few more minutes, I finally leave the kitchen to see who’s at the door and keeping Rahim. <a data-passage="BS8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

Rahim closes his eyes and inhales deeply, “I have to tell you something. It might not excuse my actions, but it’ll at least explain them.” When his eyes open, they seek out mine and ask me to find a way to understand. They speak such a thought so clearly that it causes me to sit there and ponder whether I heard him say it aloud or not. “Alright.” Another deep breath and he nods, “their name was -” He’s cut off by the sound of the doorbell, both of us glaring into the living room with the same irritated expression. He looks less than pleased with the interruption but stands regardless to see who it is. “And when you come back,” I voice, leaning backward to see him from around the corner, “you’ll still tell me?” He nods, “yes.” With my answer received, I straighten up and gaze around the kitchen. I begin to plot where to put what and decide when the best time to do it is. I discern a voice, but either it’s too low to be able to recognize or belonged to that of a stranger. Waiting a few more minutes, I finally leave the kitchen to see who’s at the door and keeping Rahim. <a data-passage="BS8"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I find him standing starstruck as if seeing a ghost, and I glance from him to the person now standing at our door. My senses flare up before a whisper in my own voice echoes the word ‘angel.’ If my senses didn’t give their species away, then I still feel like I would’ve been able to label them appropriately. They wear the classic crisp suit, and the way they carry themselves reminds me much of how Michael did. Though, they don’t seem to carry themselves as if the world underneath is a shit stain. “Ah,” they speak, their eyes now on me, “you’re the ?man of the hour, or century more so. Adoel.” They extend their hand for me to shake. [[Shake it.|BS8ShakeIt][$angels +=2]] [[Don’t shake it.|BS8DontShake]]

Though the action is done wearily, I reach forward and shake their hand. “$name.” “Trust me, I know. Like I said, you’re quite famous.” “And I don’t know you at all.” “Rahim hasn’t spoken of me then?” They glance over at him before continuing on, “no matter. The angels are at your disposal. As allies, we’re here to aid you in any way we can.” <<include "BS8.1">>

I don’t move, glancing at them and then at Rahim, who still hasn’t taken his eyes off our newest visitor. “What are you doing here?” “Rahim hasn’t said then?” They glance over at him before continuing on, “the angels are at your disposal. As allies, we’re here to aid you in any way we can.” <<include "BS8.1">>

“Aid? Haven’t you been attacking the group for the past two months?” Their eyes sparkle, causing the already strange color to only intensify and become even more unrecognizable. “Misunderstandings. Rahim has cleared them up for us and explained everything quite nicely.” “Has he now?” <<if $RRomance >=5>>Finally, Rahim glances over at me but cuts off contact before I can discern any expression.<<else>> Rahim’s previous words come back to me, and I begin to worry that he’s done something he’ll find himself regretting. It doesn’t help when he finally meets my gaze and immediately turns away.<</if>> “May I come in?” Adoel asks, already taking a step into the house despite my silence. They look around, examining every corner as the others enter. The room feels like it goes down a couple of degrees as soon as Sydero enters, her grimace growing as Adoel looks upon her with contempt. “You really let trash step in here?” Sydero questions. “Careful beast. You’re long overdue for a smite.” “And who’s going to give it to me? You and the other discount wings? Some of you are scary, but you’re a little too low on the pole to make me even shiver.” “Why are you here?” Bradley questions, “because I have about ten wardings that say you standing in this living room shouldn’t be possible.” Adoel glances over at Rahim, who rolls his eyes. “I -” “Nope,” Bradley growls, raising his hand and ending any explanation on Rahim’s part, “don’t complete that sentence. Just know that the only reason you’re still standing here is that I don’t know which one of you assholes destroyed Faye’s house.” <a data-passage="BS8.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“We are not your enemy,” Adoel tells him, adopting a condescending tone. I move forward to put a hand on Bradley’s shoulder, calming him down. <<if $bcure>> I’m less than surprised when he shrugs me off, moving farther away but never taking his eye off of Adoel.<<else>>He glances up at me and nods his thanks, taking multiple deep breaths in.<</if>> “Prove it,” Bradley finally says, “give us the angel prophecy.” Adoel raises their hands and, with a mocking smile, answers, “in due time. We must first make sure you are all allies to us as well. Certain,” their eyes flee to Sydero and then to me, “characters have more to prove than others.” [[“You still haven’t answered the question.”|BS8HaveNotAnsweredQuestion]] [[“I don’t have to prove shit.”|BS8NoProveShit][$rahim -=3]] [[“And how do we prove this?”|BS8HowToProve][$rahim +=3]]

“Hey, timeout,” I sigh, “can you come down from whatever pedestal you think you’re on and actually answer the question? What are you doing here?” <<include "BS8.3">>

“I don’t have to prove shit to you or any other winged bastard that thinks they’re important. We’ll find that angel prophecy with or without your help. In fact, I’d rather do it without.” “You’ll find yourself severely lacking in this life without allies.” <<if $sl is "friend">>\ “Li -” Rahim begins, but Sydero cuts him off. “No, Roe said exactly what the rest of us are thinking. Both of you can fly your feathery asses back up to Elysium if you don’t like it.” <</if>>\ <<include "BS8.3">>

“And how do you expect us to go about proving this to you?” “You cannot be serious,” Sydero growls, <<if $sl is "friend">>tossing me a glance as she tries to figure out my angle.<<else>>looking tired of not just Rahim and Adoel, but me as well.<</if>> I shrug, “why not.” <<include "BS8.3">>

“And as another good sign of faith,” Adoel claps, turning to Rahim, “they have already sent out fliers to free your mother. We’ll let you decide what you wish to do from there.” “You fucking asshole,” Sydero growls, about to surge towards Rahim, but Amari grabs her at the last minute and causes her to fall backward. She blinks a few times, and I’m worried she’s about to turn her ire on Amari but instead, she seems to calm down. This form of sedation causes her to stay quiet, which almost seems just as worrying. With a raised brow, Adoel clears his throat and glances at Rahim. “Perhaps we should talk in private.” “So you can make more undercover deals? I don’t think so,” Sydero voices. But Adoel is already walking away. I watch as they grab hold of Rahim’s hand and lead him away. Either he’s too dazed to stop them or was okay with it<<if $RRomance >=5>>, neither sit well with me.<<else>>.<</if>> Everyone watches as they walk away, and once I’m at least partly sure that the two would no longer hear us, I turn to Syd. “Do you know them?” I ask, and she shakes her head. “I’ve never seen them in my life,” she snorts as she relaxes against the wall, “lucky too. Otherwise, they’d be dead already.” <<if $RRomance >=5>>\ “Should I be worried?” “Yea.” I frown, glancing at her and causing her to chuckle. “I’m serious, surprisingly. The only reason I came out here is that I felt a surge of heartbreak and thought the two of you finally decided to nip your shit in the bud. Imagine my shock when I find it wasn’t directed at you but our angelic guest.” <<else>>\ “Do you think it’s a smart idea to leave the two of them together?” She narrows her eyes towards the hall they disappeared down, “no. But I’d rather them discuss it here where one of us can eavesdrop than letting them fly out and discuss it somewhere else. What do you know about them?” “Nothing. Just that Rahim seemed shocked when they appeared. If she cares, she doesn’t make such an emotion obvious. <</if>>\ [[“Well, let’s see what happens.”|BS8SeeWhatHappens]] [[“Keep an eye on Rahim.”|BS8EyeOnRahim][$twins +=1]] [[“It’ll be fine.”|BS8IllBeFine]]

“Well, let’s just see what happens then. I don’t think they’d be able to hide their true intentions from us for long, right?” She taps her chin in thought before shrugging, “I’ll give him more credit than he probably deserves. Yes, I do think they can. But I’m also done with treating him like anything other than an enemy in plain view. So, we’ll figure it out sooner or later.” I nod, and Syd walks off. <<include "BS8.4">>

“Keep an eye on Rahim.” <<if $sl is "friend">>\ She raises a brow as she examines me, “I’m going to guess that you don’t mean because he’s a sneaky little bastard and that I should be suspicious.” “No … yes. Not because of the suspicious part, Syd.” “No, I don’t think I will then,” she laughs, moving to walk away, but I reach out to grab her. Her eyes narrow, and I immediately let her go in response. <<else>>\ She raises a brow, “yea, that’s not going to happen.” She moves to walk away, but I stop her, immediately letting her go once I grab her attention. <</if>>\ <<if $RRomance >=5>>\ “Then do it for me? Please.” <<if $SRomance >=5>>\ <<nobr>>\<<set $twins -=1>><</nobr>>\ She pauses, narrowing her eyes as if she has just remembered something. Turning and approaching me with a frown set on her face, leaning in and saying as harshly as she can, “no.” <<elseif $sl is "friend">>\ “Ugh, not the please. Not with the eyes and the face - and fine! Okay, fine. I’ll keep an on your little toy angel.” “Thank you, Syd.” “Yea, thank me after we figure out whether you’re about to be home-wrecked.” <<else>>\ She raises a brow, “you’re serious about this?” “Of course. I have a bad feeling about that angel.” “Then you keep an eye on him.” “Rahim will purposefully hide things from me and have his own ridiculous reasons. He won’t be as guarded about you. Plus, you being concerned is far more natural since Adoel is an angel, and they already brought up your mother.” “Fine!” she growls, “but only because you said please, and I never want to hear you say that word to me again.” I almost want to tease her, but I keep quiet, knowing how easy it would be for her to back out. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “I know the two of you have nothing but bad blood between you. But at the end of the day, he’s still your brother, right? Twin if you want to be even more specific.” “I see what you’re trying to do, Roe, and it’s not going to work. He’s been dead to me for a while.” “Fine,” I nod, not wanting to push her too far. Then don’t. Ignore me. But if there’s even a chance that you care, then just do it.” She frowns, glancing from me to the hallway, and finally, she sighs. “Ugh, fine. I’ll //think// about it.” That is as close to a yes that I’ll receive, and so I nod, hiding my smile until she turns her back to me. “Wipe that smirk off your damn face,” she calls over her shoulder. “It was a smile, not a smirk,” I mumble under my breath. <</if>>\ <<include "BS8.4">>

“It’ll be fine,” I tell myself more so than Syd. She seems to understand that even though she raises a brow at my words. Otherwise, she remains quiet and goes about her way. <<include "BS8.4">>

After a few more minutes, the others clear out, and I’m left alone. I have little energy left within me, and I can feel it draining the more I think about it. With everyone retiring for the night or busy, I can probably set up the decorations for tomorrow morning without anyone being the wiser. As soon as I think that, I yawn. [[Go to sleep.|BS9]] [[Stay up and finish this.|BS10][$stayup to true]]

Nothing good will come from me dead on my feet and attempting to put up decorations. Waiting would be fine. With a yawn that agrees, I head to my room. <<if $romance is "chris">>\ I’m sitting in bed when a thought occurs to me. Chris and I are actually dating. We’re official. Something that I didn’t think would happen finally did. A crush from freshman or sophomore year has finally blossomed into a legit relationship. No more complications, or at least //those// kinds of difficulties. It’s definitely not going to be smooth sailing, but I doubt the waters will be as choppy, and the thought makes me giddy with excitement for a future that seems overwhelmingly bleak. More so, I could pay him a visit. It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve slept in the same bed, doing it plenty of times in college. So, it shouldn’t be w- I pause at that thought. Do I need a reason for wanting to be close to my boyfriend? [[Spend the night with Chris.|BS9.ChrisNight]] [[Spend the night in my own bed.|BS9.ChrisNoNight]] <<elseif $romance is "zillah" or $ZRomance >=10>>\ <<if $romance is "zillah">>\ I get to the door when the shadows seem to shift, almost looking to part for the figure that comes forth. “Zillah? You okay?” He has that bothered expression on his face. An expression that I’ve been seeing far too much of recently. “I wanted to check on you. It’s fine if you want to back out.” “I know what I signed up for, Zillah. If you can do better, I’m here for the future.” “And if I can’t?” “Do you doubt that you can?” He leans on the wall, “I haven’t done this ever. The one person I had sex with was special but not like you. This is all new to me.” “Well, you can start by not starting every conversation off like that,” I laugh, and he shakes his head. “How can you look so calm about this? The two of us are ...” “Trying out a relationship?” “And you seem calm about it!” “I’m not exactly calm about it, but if you think I have the energy to be freaking out about it, you’re wrong. This, on top of everything else, well, it’s a nice win.” I lessen the space and grab his hand, “you have doubts. I know. I wouldn’t be entirely truthful if I said I didn’t. But an effort is an effort.” <a data-passage="BS9.Zillah1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ As soon as I enter the room, I head towards the bed and, face first, collapse. I know I’m tired, but it’s not until I’m genuinely in bed that I realize how true that statement is. I grab the duvet and bring it close to my form, pushing myself further into the mattress and silently wishing for it to swallow me. As I lay there, Zillah’s face comes to my mind. The things he said, what we talked about, the confession and explanation. So many questions are now receiving answers, but I am at a complete loss on what to do with them. The ball is in my court. It’s now my decision whether I want to give him a second ... third ... maybe a fifth chance. Or to just end this and move on. My mind hops from one possibility to the other, and I’m no closer to making up my mind now than I was before. Instead, it lulls me to sleep; those golden eyes are the last thing I remember seeing. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<include "BS9.Morning">> <</if>>\ <<elseif $RRomance >=5>>\ As soon as I get in bed, someone knocks on my door. I gauge precisely how tired I am and if I can get away with just ignoring whoever is there and going to sleep. I’m about to decide on that plan when I hear Rahim’s soft voice. “$name, if you’re awake. I’d like to talk.” Flashbacks of him and Adoel come to me, and I realize it is no longer a question of how sleepy I am, but if I wish to deal with the drama this conversation will bring. [[Let him in.|BS9.RahimLetIn]] [[Don’t answer.|BS9.RahimDontAnswer]] <<elseif $ARomance >=5 and $amari >=50>>\ I release a long sigh as a smile encroaches onto my lips as I head towards the bed, dreaming of the great sleep I plan on getting tonight. It’s not soon after I hear someone knock on my door, and I sigh, wondering what kind of problem I would have to solve now. “I just want to sleep,” I say as my feet drag me back to the door, and I open it, just in time to see Amari getting ready to leave. Her eyes are wide as she stares at me. Ducking her head in embarrassment, she snorts and glances at the floor, “sorry. You should sleep.” “What’s up, Amari?” “Um, it’s nothing. Something really stupid and small.” She takes a step back. [[Reach out for her.|BS9.AmariReachForHer][$ARomance +=1]] [[Get her to confess.|BS9.AmariConfess][$ARomance +=1]] [[Shrug and bid her goodnight.|BS9.AmariGoodnight]] <<else>>\ As soon as I enter the room, I head towards the bed and, face first, collapse. I know I’m tired, but it’s not until I’m genuinely in bed that I realize just how much that statement is true. I grab the duvet and bring it close to my form, pushing myself further into the mattress and silently wishing for it to swallow me. I rid my thoughts of today's events and empty my mind the best I can. Not knowing if I’m successful in the end. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<include "BS9.Morning">> <</if>>\

He hums, kissing my forehead, “and if I get to do that more often, then an effort I can make.” A cocky smile appears, a sight I feel has been absent from his face for a long time. “So, are you going to invite me in?” “No,” I snort. “Wait, seriously?” “I think it’s best if we sleep in separate beds, at least for tonight.” His smile widens, “who said anything about sleeping?” I close the door before he can say anything else, though, resting my back on the door as I let out a small chuckle. I hear him whisper on the other side, “good night.” And for a while, I stand there. It feels like this is one of the scariest things I’ve done, but it also feels right. Fear of what may await us but faith that it isn’t a poor decision. I can only hope that it stays that way. That the worse is behind the two of us. As I head towards my bed that thought echoes again and again. I can only hope. <a data-passage="BS9.Morning"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Though the thought makes me smile, and I plan to spend future nights closer to him, I decide that tonight will be a ‘me night.’ I get comfortable and bring my pillow closer, easing myself into sleep. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<include "BS9.Morning">>

No, I most certainly didn’t. I march out of my bed, down the hall, and up the stairs after almost forgetting that Chris’s bedroom is upstairs. I go to Chris’s door and knock, realizing only once I get there that he may already be asleep. Part of me wishes to knock again, but the other part tells me to just abandon this and try another night. I’m about to walk away when I hear Chris grumble out, “it’s unlocked.” I enter, and he twists around to look at me better. His room is reminiscent of his college dorm, which is to say that it’s chaotic. I don’t even bother focusing on what is what. “What’s up?” he questions, yawning and resting his head back down but maintaining eye contact. “I was wondering if I could spend the night with you.” “We suddenly become a couple, and you get bold,” he snorts. I wish I was closer to the bed so I could hit him with one of his pillows. My expression will just have to do. He chuckles at it and moves closer to the wall, tapping the now free space. As soon as I crawl into bed beside him, he takes me into his arms and brings me close to his chest. “So, what? Did the big bad reaper get a nightmare?” [[“I think I can protect myself.”|BS9.ChrisProtectMyself]] [[“Yea, I did.”|BS9.ChrisIDid]] [[“Yep, revenge of your breath.”|BS9.ChrisRevengeOfYourBreath]]

“I think I can protect myself from any nightmare, real or not.” “We can agree on that,” he yawns, resting his head on my shoulder. “What’s the real reason then?” <<include "BS9.Chris1">>

“Yea, I did,” I tell him. I’m not serious, but he doesn’t need to know that if he doesn’t already. I am far too curious to see his reaction. He pulls back so that I can see his face, “are you serious?” I nod. “Shit. What was it about? Are you okay?” A sense of worry overcomes him, and I’m unable to keep my snicker to myself. As soon as the sound is out, he pauses and frowns. “Asshole.” “I’m sorry. I was curious.” “Again. Asshole.” He allows me to finish up before asking, “so what are you doing here then?” <<include "BS9.Chris1">>

“Yep, a terrible one, in fact. Revenge of Chris’s Breath: The Reckoning.” I feel him push up against me, but then he stops, and he snorts, “you know. I was about to send you to the floor, but since I’m such a great guy, I decided not to.” “I was just going to pull you down after me.” “Does my breath really stink?” “Well,” I start but then burst into laughter when he tightens his hold on me, “I’m kidding. You’re fine.” “So what’s the real reason you invaded my space, you fucking asshole?” <<include "BS9.Chris1">>

“I can’t just want to sleep next to you?” He shrugs. We’re silent for a while, and though it’s not awkward, my thoughts make it so. “Chris, can I ask you something?” “Hmm?” “Are you actually okay with this?” “You’ve slept in my bed before, $name. I’m a big boy. I know how to control my manly urges.” I want to snort, but the anxiety devours it, and I choose to continue, “no. I mean about me being a reaper. About me being the child of Death.” It feels like the worse time to ask this, a question better asked earlier before I agreed to become his partner. But, after all my thoughts today, it has grown from a mere whisper into an overwhelming echo. Chris’s silence can mean several things and each second that passes sees my heartbeat rise. <a data-passage="BS9.Chris2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Yes,” he finally answers. “Chris,” I begin to argue, but he growls and then sighs. “I’m serious, which is something I’m sick of being, by the way. I learned a while ago that no matter what you are, you’re $name first, and you still are. So, yea. I’m not freaking out. I’m not the same guy from three to four months ago, and I’m not the one who asked for a break.” He pauses, “or maybe I am. But you know, growth.” <<if hasVisited ("“Yea, I did.”")>>I cradle his face<<else>>I turn over so that I’m now facing him, cradling his face<</if>> as I take him in, “yea. That I can see.” He snorts, “are you going to sleep, or are you going to continue asking me questions.” [[“I have one more.” (This will lead to a potential sex scene.)|BS9.ChrisSex]] [[“No, I’m out of questions.”|BS9.ChrisSleep]]

“No. Lucky for you, I’m out of questions for tonight.” He hums and places a kiss on my forehead before snuggling into my chest. He falls asleep long before I do. It’s only as I focus on his breathing that I find myself slipping and then finally releasing myself to slumber. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<include "BS9.Morning">>

“I have one more question for you, actually.” My heart thuds as I let my hands wander down his bare chest. He shivers, but his attention never strays from me. “Do you mind not controlling the manly urges tonight?” Somehow I’m able to keep my chuckle in and he does as well. <<if $virgin and $sex is "v">>\ He raises a brow and then sits up, cocking his head to the side as he observes me. He opens his mouth but then closes it, his bottom lip slightly protruding. My heart thuds, wondering if I shouldn’t have offered that. This would be my first time, and I would be lying if I said I’m not a bit nervous. “Aren’t you a virgin?” “Yea. So?” “I mean. It’s just … are you sure?” “Well, I’m not trying to stay one for the rest of my life.” “Yea, true. And I,” he frowns and squints, “and I don’t remember what my potential argument is. I just don’t want you thinking this is a thing you have to do.” “I’m a virgin. I’m not stupid.” He looks ready to say something sarcastic, and I clear my throat in warning. Instead, he lets out a light laugh and nods.” “You’re right,” he places his hand on my leg and leans in, “just communicate with me, alright?” <<include "BS9.ChrisSex2">> <<elseif $virgin is false and $sex is "v">>\ He bites down on his lip before leaning in and kissing me, bringing me closer to him as he moves away just long enough to get his following few words out. “Whatever you want.” <<include "BS9.ChrisSex2">> <<elseif $virgin and ($sex is "p") or ($sex is "na")>>\ He raises a brow and then sits up, cocking his head to the side as he observes me. For a minute, he looks ready to say something, but his mouth is back closed a moment later. My heart thuds, wondering if I shouldn’t have offered that. This would be my first time, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous. Not to mention that this’ll be his first time having sex with someone that doesn’t possess a vagina. “Aren’t you a virgin?” “Yea. So? Aren’t you? I mean, with that?” “Yea. So neither of us will know what we’re doing, really.” “True,” I mumble, “so you haven’t watched any videos?” His mouth opens and closes as his cheeks grow brighter, “I mean yea.” “So you have a basic idea then?” “Yea,” he draws out, “but that hardly means anything.” “If you’re nervous just say it.” “Nervous of fucking up sure.” “I’m not about to judge you but if you don’t want to then fine.” He pauses as he thinks and then shrugs, “can’t say I’m not curious? But what were you trying to do?” He gestures to us, “the position I mean.” [[Give him a blowjob.|BS9.ChrisReceive]] [[Do nothing.|BS9.ChrisVBackTrack]] <<if $sex is "p">>\[[Have him give me a blowjob.|BS9.ChrisGive]]<</if>>\ <<else>>\ Chris smirks as his lips meet mine, his tongue timidly asking permission to enter. I part my lips, granting him access and allowing the two of us to explore one another in deeper depth. As our kisses get more demanding, I change my positioning, moving to straddle Chris’s lap. I groan as I grind against him, and his hands wander my body. It’s then that I feel him stiffen, and all forms of confidence and interest seem to vanish. I pull away, raising a brow as Chris refuses to look into my eye. But it’s clear that something has just flipped for him, and it doesn’t take me long to realize what it is. “You’re not into this,” I sigh, causing Chris to cough and then begin to choke. He lets out a chuckle once he recovers and grabs my hands, playing with my fingers mindlessly for a while before sighing, “no, it’s not that at all. I’m into it, but I don’t know if I’m ready.” “Because of …” His gaze drifts down<<if $sex is "p">> to my hard on<</if>>, the obvious culprit. “Are you hard?” Chris blushes as if right now was the best time for him to suddenly grow shy, “yea. And it’s not what you think. I’ve jerked off to the idea of you and me plenty of times. But I’m still …” he trails off, either not wishing to finish the sentence or not knowing how. He straightens up and clears his throat, “look. I just know sex between us will have to do with anal, and I mean, that’s some shit you have to be prepped for. Shit, I’ve never had anything go in my ass, just out. I don’t even know -” I stop him, covering his mouth and probably looking between wanting to hit him and wanting to laugh. “I get it. I didn’t ask for whatever //that// was. We can do something light or not at all. Though the not at all doesn’t really make sense if you ever want to be ready one day.” “Light? Like what?” Seeing how stressed out he got about anal, it’s probably wiser to just keep to his front side or let him be the one to lead. [[Give him a blowjob.|BS9.ChrisReceive]] <<if $sex is "p">>\[[Have him give me a blowjob.|BS9.ChrisGive]]<</if>>\ <</if>>\

“Next time.” He nods, and we both lie down, gazing up at the ceiling. It’s clear that we’re both still wide awake and thinking about when next time will be and what may happen. I don’t know when he ends up falling asleep and if I beat him to it, but my dreams are filled with a mix of sexual scenes that all hold the promise of ‘next time.’ <a data-passage="BS9.Morning"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>\

I respond by leaning forward and guiding my tongue past his parted lips. He reacts instantly, capturing my bottom lip between his teeth before sucking and releasing it. I lower my lips to his neck, leaving a trail of needy kisses behind as I get to his chest. I press my hands to it as I rise back to his lips. As I deepen it, his hands wander down my sides and to my hips before stopping at my core. I shiver against his touch, practically melting as my mind screams out ‘at last.’ <<if settings.showec>>He rubs circles, and <</if>>I moan against his lips, intensifying the kiss in the process. I suddenly feel like I am aware of everything. Each slight touch, breath, and sound that he makes. It feels like a fever descends over me, and the only thing that can cause it to subside is Chris. He moves so that he now hovers over me, grabbing hold of my short’s waistline and pulling it down past my knees and feet. I shiver underneath of him as his warm hand comes into contact with my lips, parting them as he trails his finger back and forth. “Fuck, you’re wet as hell,” he mumbles against my lips. <<if $virgin>>\ I falter, “is that bad or weird?” “No,” he quickly tells me, “just an observation.” He pouts in thought and shrugs, “I mean, natural lube so won’t ever hear me complainin’ about it.” He lowers his lips to one of my nipples while taking the other between his fingers and pinching them just enough to elicit a soft groan from me. He pulls back and gazes at me. “So, being a virgin and all. You have never been eaten out, have you?” I shake my head. <<if settings.showec>>He wastes no time, lowering himself between my legs and running his tongue along my slit. He repeats the action, though this time, he sucks at my bud, and I wrap my legs around him, my body begging for him to continue. His arms grab onto my thighs and pulls me closer to his mouth, his tongue plunging into me and lapping up and slurping every part of me his tongue can reach.<<else>>He wastes no time, lowering himself between my legs. I wrap my legs around him needily, my body begging for him to continue.<</if>> My eyes roll back at the sensation, words not forming to describe it. I can feel a strange pressure building within me. And suddenly fear grips me. “Stop!” I shout and Chris pulls away, his eyes wide. <<else>>\ <<if settings.showec>>He lowers his lips to one of my nipples while taking the other between his fingers and pinching them just enough to elicit a soft groan from me. His tongue flickers and circles around it just as he pushes a finger into me. I quickly adjust, and soon, a second joins it as he fingers my aching core.<<else>>He lowers his lips to my breast, eliciting a soft groan from me just as he pushes a finger into me. I quickly adjust, and soon, a second joins it.<</if>> My body is impatient, not wanting an appetizer or any kind of prep. I crave to feel him inside me. “Chris,” I growl. “Hmm?” he asks, nipping my skin before rising. My hips start to buck, wanting him to pick up his pace and insert another finger. “I can’t wait,” I moan, almost wanting to cry out, “I need you inside of me.” “So impatient,” he chuckles, and I glare at him, only to see the same hunger reflected in his eyes. He kisses the side of my mouth and whispers, “let me taste you first, beautiful.” <<if settings.showec>>He wastes no time, lowering himself between my legs and running his tongue along my slit. He repeats the action, though this time, he sucks at my bud, and I wrap my legs around him, my body begging for him to continue. His arms grab onto my thighs and pulls me closer to his mouth, his tongue plunging into me and lapping up and slurping every part of me his tongue can reach. My eyes roll back at the sensation, and I grind into his mouth as he fucks me with his tongue.<<else>>He wastes no time, lowering himself between my legs. I wrap my legs around him needily, my body begging for him to continue. My eyes roll back at the sensation, and I grind into his mouth.<</if>> I can already feel an orgasm approaching, but it’s sped up when he removes his tongue to flick it across my clit, gently sucking on it until I let out a muffled groan. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="BS9.ChrisSex3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $virgin>>\ “I’m sorry,” I voice, shivering in embarrassment, “I have to pee.” “Are you sure?” he asks. “The hell do you mean are you sure?” “Oh, I’m serious. A few women have told me that when they’re about to orgasm it feels like they have to go pee but it’s actually the orgasm,” he raises his hands in defense, “just throwing that out.” I calm myself but feel partially silly for missing out on my first orgasm because of the lack of knowledge. “What if it is pee?” “I mean, you know your body the best? I say just ride it and see what happens.” I nod and he gets to his feet. I watch as he removes his pants and walking to the side to grab something from his dresser and grab a small square packet and smirk. “A condom? You know I can’t get pregnant, right?” “Wait … okay, but diseases.” “Aren’t we both clean? I mean, I’ve had checks before and was good.” Chris frowns as he looks from me to the condom and carefully sets it down. “I feel like my mother is going to run in here at any moment and start hitting me with her rolling pin.” “I hope not.” He chuckles awkwardly as he comes back to me, climbing onto me and lowering kisses onto my collarbone. I feel him run his cock against my slit, coating it in my wetness and my heart picks up. This is it. I bite my lower lip as he finally pushes against me. “Wait,” I breathe out as the pressure sends out mixed signals. It hurts but there’s a tinge of pleasure that clings to me, coaxing Chris to do it again. “I got you,” he reassures. He waits until I nod to apply the pressure again, this time I can take more but I once again have to tell him to stop. This happens again and I begin to grow self-conscious and impatient but Chris calms me with multiple kisses, whispering for me to be vocal and breathe. Finally, he enters me and I muffle my cry in his shoulder, clinging to him as my body adjusts to this foreign sensation. <<else>>\ I come undone, my body shivering as I attempt to focus on something, but my mind feels like it’s drifting off, unable to concentrate. “Fuck, that was sexy,” Chris laughs, kissing my cheek, “I want you to know that I’m not ever letting you live this down.” “Live what down?” I question as everything starts to come back to me. His smile is goofy as he responds, “I made you come.” “Why are you such a dork?” “I’ll be a dork … the dork that made you come.” “Are you done?” I question as he rises, removing his pants and walking to the side to grab something from his dresser. I get a view of his erection, and I pause, cocking my head to the side as I take it in. “Oh, you’re bigger than I thought. Much bigger.” “Never compliment a man’s dick, $name,” he laughs, “it goes straight to our head.” He laughs at his own joke, and I look for my clothes. Nope. I see him grab a small square packet and smirk. “A condom? You know I can’t get pregnant, right?” “Wait … okay, but diseases.” “Aren’t we both clean?” Chris frowns as he looks from me to the condom and carefully sets it down. “I feel like my mother is going to run in here at any moment and start hitting me with her rolling pin.” “I hope not.” He chuckles awkwardly as he comes back to me, climbing onto me and lowering kisses onto my collarbone. The hunger and need from before returns and the anticipation cause me to grow impatient. Thankfully, he doesn’t make me wait <<if settings.showec>>as he runs his cock against my slit, coating it in my wetness.<<else>>as he preps me.<</if>> I bite my lower lip, keeping my wishes for him to hurry to myself. Finally, he enters me, and I place my hand on his chest, stopping him from continuing on. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="BS9.ChrisSex4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $virgin>>\ “How are you doing, babe?” “I don’t know,” I chuckle lightly. “Tell me what you want me to do.” “Just wait,” I say, breathing in and out, letting my body calm, though the shivering hardly goes away. I give him the go ahead, and he pulls back and then pushing back in, slowly building up his thrusts. He keeps the pace consistent but slow and gentle, something I appreciate but I do look forward to the future. I want to keep my moans to myself, just in case these walls aren’t thick, but it’s partially impossible. I claw at his skin, moaning as he travels deeper. The sounds of groans and flesh slapping against flesh fill the room. My eyes roll to the back of my head as I feel myself spiral, feeling the familiar sensation. I do as he advised, riding the sensation instead of growing fearful. When it hits, my entire body shivers and my mind grows foggy, unable to focus on anything at all. When I finally come to, my head is in Chris’s lap and he gazes down at me with a worried look. “You alright?” “Sex feels nice.” He snorts, “I’m glad you think that.” “Am I supposed to feel sleepy?” “Some people do and some people don’t. Depends on the session, how tired you are, and well a lot of things I guess.” I nod along but can already feel exhaustion overtaking me. I had already been sleepy and this just makes sure that sleep takes me quicker than before. <<else>>\ “Are you okay?” “Gotta adjust.” I close my eyes, but I know he’s smirking, “and stop smirking, you cocky son of a bitch.” “I got you in my bed and taking my dick,” he whispers against my ear, flicking his tongue across the lobe, “how can I not feel like the cockiest guy alive?” I remove my hand, and he presses forward, stopping again once he’s farther<<if settings.showec>> so that I can get used to his girth.<<else>>.<</if>> I relax, feeling myself clinging to him, and nod for him to continue. He isn’t even doing anything, and you felt like you were growing closer to a second orgasm. He feels too good. Chris also moans his frustrations, placing his forehead against your chest as he shakes his head, “fuck, $name. You got me feeling delirious over here. You feel so fucking good,” he growls as he continues on, a ravenous look entering his eye. “Take me,” I encourage, and he does, pulling back and then pushing back in, slowly building up his thrusts. He fucks me like this will be the first and the last. Every thrust feels harder and more erratic than the last. I want to keep my moans to myself, just in case these walls aren’t thick, but it’s partially impossible. <<if settings.showec>>I claw at his skin, moaning as he travels deeper and slams against me harder.<<else>>I claw at his skin, moaning as he travels deeper.<</if>> The sounds of groans and flesh slapping against flesh fill the room. My eyes roll to the back of my head as I feel myself spiral, wanting to tell Chris how close I was but unable to get any of the words out. <<if settings.showec>>I wrap my legs around him, tightening my hold and milking his cock. I’m unsure when I come versus when he does, as I’m already unraveling when I feel his hot and sticky cum land on my chest.<<else>>I’m unsure when I come versus when he does, as I’m already unraveling when he finally hits his release.<</if>> For a while, neither of us moves, both gasping and trying to focus ourselves. Finally, Chris gets to his feet and leaves me, coming back a moment later with a warm rag that he uses to wipe his essence off my chest. “Thank you,” I barely manage to say, and he shushes me. A few moments later, he’s in my arms, his head resting against my chest as we lie there. It seems wild to imagine that this was the first time we’ve had sex after all we've been through. I smirk as I close my eyes, and it won’t be the last. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="BS9.Morning"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“How about a blowjob?” I ask casually. I figure it’s wiser to do something that he’s probably had tons of times, the only difference being that I’m giving it. This would see him relaxed and getting used to the idea of being with me in more than just a romantic light. “Um, okay.” I nod and begin to work his pants down, feeling confident. It wasn’t like someone has ever given me a grade on how well I can perform with my mouth, but I’ve also never been told that I was horrible and have received quite a few compliments. Keeping an eye on his actions, <<if settings.showec>>I take his member into my hands and start to pump him.<<else>>I begin to pump.<</if>> I can feel that he’s stiff. It’s a fact that I’m sure I’d be aware of even if I wasn’t feeling all the tension his body is carrying. One look at him, and it makes itself painfully clear. “Are you okay?” he nods, and so I continue. <<if settings.showec>>I gather some spit and lick around his head, noting just how big he is. Before this, I never really had a solid clue. I could honestly see Chris going either way. While pumping him, I started to form an idea, but I couldn’t even be sure what that idea was anymore. But now that I’m prepping to take him into my mouth, I can tell just how much of a workout this man will make me go through.<</if>> <<if settings.showec>>The thought causes me to snicker to myself as I take him in, inch by inch, bobbing my head and getting a steady pace going as I work farther and farther down.<</if>> Chris finally seems to relax as a moan breaks past his lips, and he pushes himself further into the bed. His hands shake tremendously as he puts one on my shoulder, but I can tell that isn’t his intention. Continuing, I glance up at his face, watching as he bites down on his lip, and I begin to get a clue about where his hand means to go. <a data-passage="BS9.ChrisReceive1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Realizing what he wants to do, I remove his hand from my shoulder and place it on the back of my head, winking at him when he lowers his eyes to meet mine. He guides me, moaning more now that my pace matches his needs. As I work on him,<<if settings.showec and $sex is "p">>I also wrap my hands around my own pulsing member, pumping in tandem.<<else>>I also see to myself.<</if>> “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck,” he repeats, <<if $hairlength is "bald">>his nails digging into my scalp and neck, but then he relaxes, only to do it over again.<<else>>his fingers catching my hair and clenching.<</if>> He spreads his legs wider and whimpers as he closes his eyes. “I’m so close,” he tells me, and I nod<<if settings.showec>>, moving back to his head to swirl my tongue around it<</if>>. I once again take him into my mouth and make a humming sound, not surprised when the action sees his undoing.<<if settings.showec>> He bucks, and I hold his hips down as I take his load.<</if>> Tuning out the number of expletives he mutters and focus solely on cleaning him up. “So, how was that?” I question, not even bothering to hide the cockiness in my tone. “I’m trying to catch my breath,” he sighs, flicking me off, and I lean forward and wrap my lips around his finger. He pulls it away, though, and stares at me with bulging eyes. “Stop!” I laugh, lying down on his stomach and growing relaxed by the rise and fall of his stomach. A few minutes later, he shifts. “Um, what would you like for me to do for you?” “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.” He raises a brow and shakes his head, “come on, I can do something.” I place a kiss on his cheek before succumbing to the want to feel his lips on mine again. I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him as passionately as I can. The kiss is never deep enough, and at one point, I even feel like it grows primal with how our teeth clash, and we throw any kind of orderliness out the window. When we finish, my lips feel bruised, and the last of my energy is sapped. I fall asleep in Chris’s arm, which I realize is the only place I ever wanted to be now. <a data-passage="BS9.Morning"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“How about you give me a blowjob?” I question casually. It feels odd since the decision came from a more strategic mindset than anything else. I want him comfortable but still, need to get him out of his initial comfort zone. If I give him a blowjob, he’ll be relaxed, but that did little to get him used to messing with someone else’s member. Him giving me one is pushing him but not too far like anal will. It seems the wiser choice. All I need to see now is how he will react. He glances down and shrugs. I observe him, seeing a bit of tension in his shoulders but not enough to make me believe that he has no confidence in his choice. “Um,” he coughs, “you’ll have to guide me.” “Main thing is not to bite me.” “I know that,” he growls, “I got a fucking dick too.” “Should make it easier then,” I say honestly, “just do what you would want someone to do with you.” He cocks his head to the side but says nothing more, causing me to ponder how he takes my guidance. He clears his throat, “alright, stop staring at me. It’s making this awkward.” “What do you want me -,” I start to ask, my words cut off due to Chris swallowing them. He wastes no time in taking off my shorts as he bites down on my lower lip. I can feel his hands shaking as he slides them up my leg, pausing at my thighs as if to gather himself. Part of me desperately wishes to help, to aid him however I can, whether it’s through actions or words. Yet I also understand how my help can only go so far. Chris has come far, which no one can take from him. I was thinking all of this when I should be saying it. <a data-passage="BS9.ChrisGive1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I shake my head and pull back, Chris’s eyes widening at the action. “Chris, it’s fine. It really is.” He takes a deep breath out and seems to relax, leaning forward to kiss my jaw. He leaves a trail of kisses, and that’s when I feel him <<if settings.showec>>take my member into his hands. He pumps it a few times, and I feel myself grow hard under his grip.<<else>>grab onto me.<</if>> A shivering fit overtakes him, but he continues, attempting to busy himself by kissing my chest and growing lower. It feels like everything stops when he finally <<if settings.showec>>gets to my erection, and I struggle between wanting to watch him and giving him some sort of privacy. Though I go for the latter, the curiosity doesn’t allow me to do it for long, and I finally look at him just as he swirls his tongue around my tip. He continues to pump me as he focuses on the tip and then moves his attention to the underside of my cock. It takes a while of this before he finally takes me into his mouth, carefully adjusting himself.<<else>>gets to the area. It takes a while before he finally takes me, carefully adjusting himself.<</if>> Then he pulls back. “Um, is that good so far? Did I use teeth?” It was downright adorable how shy he was behaving, but I keep that to myself. I’ll tease him later when he becomes much more confident, and this night feels like some odd dream. “You’re doing great, babe. Trust me, I’ll tell you if you mess up.” He snorts, but this seems to encourage him as he <<if settings.showec>>takes more of me into his mouth, picking up his pace.<<else>>goes back to it, picking up his pace.<</if>> “Shit,” I growl as he continues his actions, bringing me closer and closer to my peak. Each sound I make sees his confidence growing, and the once nervous Chris is no more. If we didn’t have an entire conversation about it earlier, I would have never guessed that this was his first time. I was right there. Combing my fingers through his hair, I encourage him to go deeper and faster, and he does just that. That was it. “I’m about to come,” I warn Chris, and he moves off. “Want me to catch it or?” [[Come on his chest.|BS9.ChrisChest]] [[Tell him to catch it.|BS9.ChrisMouth]]

<<if settings.showec>>The idea of covering him in my cum<<else>>The idea of covering him<</if>> is an image that I genuinely wish to make a reality. “I’ll put it on your chest.” We quickly change positions, and I pump myself one last time, already teetering right there on the edge before this conversation came into existence. I release myself onto him, my head rolling to the side as I finish, and then gaze down at Chris. The sight causes me to hold back a choking groan, finding my seed covering not only his chest but also the lower part of his chin. “I’m sorry, but you look sexy as hell right now,” I chuckle, falling backward as I continue to take him in. “Covered in your cum?” he snickers, using his thumb to clean his chin. He licks his finger, and I close my eyes, beginning to hate this man and how much his actions affected me. “So, that’s what that shit tastes like,” Chris states, looking like a child. “Don’t like it?” “It’s not horrible, but it’s definitely not something I’d want to make a habit of. Kinda makes me want to apologize to every girl who swallowed my cum.” I snort out a laugh as he gets to his feet and goes to his bathroom to clean up. I follow him inside, taking the rag from him and cleaning his chest. As soon as I finish, he captures me within his arms and pushes me against the wall, devouring my lips with his. Our teeth clash as we both struggle to deepen the kiss but never grow satisfied. My nails rake across his body, and I can feel my need for him in different ways growing. Putting much-needed space between the two of us, I calm myself, shaking my head. “We should get back in bed.” “Sleepy?” “Not right now, but round two isn’t possible right now.” “Next time?” he asks, capturing my chin between his thumb and pointer finger. I wordlessly nod, trying to block out the images of Chris riding my cock. I suppress a shiver. We get back in bed, and he falls asleep in my arms, something I can certainly get used to. <a data-passage="BS9.Morning"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if settings.showec>>The idea of Chris swallowing my load<<else>>The idea of covering him<</if>> is an image that I genuinely wish to make into reality. “You think you can handle it?” I tease<<if settings.showec>> as he continues to pump me. He rolls his eyes and takes me back into his mouth, doing so just as I release my load. I can feel the warmth of his mouth, his tongue flicking across my tip as he cleans it off.<<else>>. He rolls his eyes and leans back in just as I hit my release.<</if>> My head falls on the pillow as I try to concentrate my breathing and come down from the short high. “So, that’s what that shit tastes like,” Chris states, looking like a child. “Don’t like it?” “It’s not horrible, but it’s definitely not something I’d want to make a habit of. Kinda makes me want to apologize to every girl who swallowed my cum.” I snort out a laugh as Chris comes to my side and cuddles close. “You’re amazing, Chris,” I mumble into his hair. “Don’t start being nice to me all cos I gave you a blowjob.” “How do you feel after it? Any doubts?” “No, actually. After I got out of my own mind, it wasn’t that bad at all,” I feel him nod, “I’d like to go farther next time. Probably. If it’s cool with you.” “Of course,” I murmur, kissing the top of his head, sleep slowly beginning to take both of us. <a data-passage="BS9.Morning"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I remain quiet, staring at the door as if staring at him. I can almost hear his knuckle scrape across the surface of the door, but a true knock never follows. “I understand,” I hear him mumble, “come to me when you’re ready then.” It occurs to me that Rahim can tell if I’m asleep or not. I sigh, refusing to think more about it, and just lay down. Future $name is probably becoming sick of how many things I push onto ?him, but I can’t be bothered to feel much sympathy. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<include "BS9.Morning">>

“Come in,” I say, and the next second, the door opens slowly, and I see Rahim standing there. Despite being the one who came and knocked on my door, he seemed unsure. He lingers in the door frame, gazing around the empty room as if there is something here that he needs. “Rahim?” I question, sighing tiredly, “if you’re going to stand there, then go. I’m kind of sleepy.” For a moment, I believe he’s going to actually leave, the thought crosses his face, and he even glances back into the hallway. But he shakes his head and walks in further, gesturing to the bed, and I nod. “I don’t actually know where to start. But I know that I do have to tell you this.” “The beginning?” “The beginning is too broad. And if I’m to be honest, I’m not sure where the beginning actually starts. It could be the day Sydero burned down our home or the first day I stepped foot on Elysium.” “Then start with who Adoel is.” He nods, “they …” Though I don’t interrupt him, I already know the answer. It’s made so very clear. Everything from his actions to his tone points at one clear answer - Adoel is his ex. <a data-passage="BS9.Rahim1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“They were something much more than a lover,” he finally answers, “they were my first friend. My confidant. My lover. I learned a lot about myself due to them, good and bad. It was as if through them I discovered who I was, and after what happened between Sydero and me, they were a breath of fresh air. A sense of hope, almost.” He frowns, “they were my anchor.” “What happened?” “They taught me an important lesson. That every being has an agenda. That they’re either following orders or making the orders. Even when you want to escape it, like Sydero, you fall into it. Then it just becomes sad because you march to the same beat, just unknowingly. I guess that’s where the beginning is,” he chuckles. “When I was first brought to Elysium for training, I was an outcast. Simply put up with because I was destined for something, and killing me wasn’t an option. Everyone treated me the same, like a walking plague. All but Adoel. At the time, their kindness was the freshest of air, like walking through a desert and finally happening across the most rejuvenating lake. I …” He scratches his brow and seems to grow disgusted with himself but continues on. “It wasn’t just their treatment of me. Or, I suppose it was at first. To be somewhere you weren’t accepted and then be acknowledged by someone was nice. But Adoel’s energy didn’t match anyone I’ve ever met. They were like the epitome of what I thought an angel would be. Kind, forgiving, trusting, energetic, loving … I fell in love with their soul. A beautiful and radiant soul. We became close. When we became lovers, they showed me how beautiful it could be. I fell in love with love, and I was hopeless. I gave my heart to them without a second thought.” He stands, no longer able to sit in one place while he tells his story. Yet, the pacing doesn’t seem to help much. His actions seem almost frantic as if at any minute he would dart to the door and escape this recounting. [[“You don’t have to go on.”|BS9.RahimNoGoOn]] [[“Are you sure you want to stand?”|BS9.RahimWantToStand]] [[Stay silent.|BS9.RahimStaySilent]]

“You don’t have to keep going, Rahim. You can stop. Either entirely or to just pick up another day.” He laughs, though it does not make me feel at ease. The look he gives practically begs for me to stop. “Don’t … or stop. Your soul is just as beautiful, and unfortunately, it isn’t a compliment.” He takes a deep breath in, “I need to finish this. I want you to understand.” <<include "BS9.Rahim2">>

“Are you sure you want to do this standing? You look -,” I don’t know how to finish that sentence, so I decide not to. It isn’t that it matters anyway as he waves away my concern. “I’m fine. If I sit, I won’t make it.” <<include "BS9.Rahim2">>

Regardless of the thought, I remain quiet. I allow him time to focus and figure out what he wants to do. <<include "BS9.Rahim2">>

“When Adoel came to me about sex, I jumped at it without a second thought. Angels weren’t actually allowed to fornicate, or at least the lower-level ones. Especially with nephilims, that was just unheard of entirely. Grounds for imprisonment or having your wings removed. So, for this righteous angel to want to do something so forbidden, to risk it for me, it made me feel like no other. I submitted to them wholly.” His pacing finally stops, and he begins to tear up with a single breath. Attempting to squeeze his eyes to rid himself of the tears proves pointless. “Training. Adoel. Training. Adoel. That was all my life was. I became so entwined with those two things that I don’t remember if any piece of //me// was still around. There were only two people who I wanted to make proud. I don’t even think I cared much for my own sanity or what it was doing to me. And then it all came out. Funny enough, I don’t remember what prompted the truth. Adoel told me that everything they did was in response to my father. My father guided them on every single thing.” He clenches his fist, “all of it to keep me in line. Make sure I didn’t falter or stray.” <a data-passage="BS9.Rahim3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“What happened then?” “I ran. It was too much, and I blanked out. I didn’t know what to do. If Adoel had anything to say, I didn’t stick around to hear. I fled, and my father sent a few angels after me. They knocked me out of the sky and wounded my wings.” He glances towards his back where his wings would be if materialized, “they’re still healing from what happened. I … I ended up killing them all in the end. I was on the run after that. Kept to myself and stayed away from all things demon and angel. It wasn’t until all of this happened, and my mother was in danger that I let my position be revealed. And now Adoel is back.” I’m not sure if I should ask, but my curiosity is overwhelming, “the conversation the two of you had?” He shakes his head, “they wanted to talk about it, but I didn’t let them. I’m not too prideful to say that I’m not strong enough to hear their side. I fell in love with them for being such a great soldier, and they proved that, even if it was at my expense.” He straightens up but as soon as he does the action, tears rush out of his eyes, and he lets out a shocked gasp that almost sounds like a mangled laugh. [[Hug him.|BS9.RahimHug]] [[Don’t approach him.|BS9.RahimNoHug]]

I get to my feet and surge towards him, wrapping my arms around him and bringing him close. He neither pushes me away nor untangles himself from my grasp. Instead, he wraps his arms around me and brings me close, burying his face in my shoulder. After hearing the story, it amazes me that Rahim only looked shocked at most when Adoel appeared. I don’t know how long his training took, but even if only for a few months, to give yourself to someone in such a way only to be hit by a truth so brutal. A few minutes later, Rahim finally pulls away. Far enough that he is no longer in my arms, but our foreheads now touch. “You’re my deepest regret, $name,” he whimpers, cupping my face, “you’re a repeat of the one thing I’ve always promised myself to never repeat.” He grits his teeth, “and no matter how many times I tell myself or remind myself of that. It doesn’t make me crave you any less.” I gulp as his eyes lower to my lips, and though he doesn’t move any closer, I practically feel them upon mine. <<include "BS9.Rahim4">>

I stay where I am. I didn’t want to intrude, especially after telling me a story like that. “You’re my deepest regret, $name,” he whimpers, “you’re a repeat of the one thing I’ve always promised myself to never repeat.” He grits his teeth, “and no matter how many times I tell myself or remind myself of that. It doesn’t make me crave you any less.” He approaches me and I gulp as his eyes lower to my lips and though he doesn’t move any closer, I practically feel them upon mine. <<include "BS9.Rahim4">>

The light touch of his lips trail across mine, and his scent infiltrates my senses. The need to pull him closer overwhelms me. I want to part my lips and breathe all of him in. An intense air lingers around us, faceless voices whispering for us to finally let our inhibitions go. To let fate and actions ultimately chart a course and for us to simply ride and appreciate. So when he tears himself away, I feel the pain enter my soul and scream. My knees grow weak, and my chest feels like it has taken the worse pounding. I shiver despite the warmth of the room. I gasp, only for my breath to be taken by Rahim. If it is possible for a kiss to feel so gentle yet complicated and intense, then this is it. I don’t need to be an empath to feel all the emotion that he pours into the kiss. Every want and promise that he would utter to me if the situation was different. How much he longed to do this. But I also could taste the salty regret and how this lone action would keep him up. I choke on the thought, and it prompts him to end the kiss despite the two of us leaning forward, aching for the connection to be restored. He’s going to run. I’ll watch him withdraw yet again, and I’ll have to wait for him to come back out. No. <a data-passage="BS9.Rahim5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I grab him and clench hard, unable to help my action as I keep him in front of me. Honestly, if he wishes to run away, all he has to do is teleport. And with that in mind, I make sure to focus all of my emotions to make it easy for him to grasp them. “Rahim,” I finally say and glance into his eyes, my entire body shaking. “What do you want? Because if you run again, then that’s it. I understand. I heard you. But I’m not strong enough either. Don’t punish me for what Adoel and your father did.” I don’t know what to suspect from him. My worse nightmares and brightest dreams collide, destroying each other mercilessly. He opens his mouth and then frowns, closing his eyes as he cradles the back of my head. “I want -” “$name?” I hear someone ask, knocking on the door, and my entire body stiffens. “Adoel is still here?” I question, glaring at the door as if my stare alone will cause it to explode. “I suppose so,” Rahim answers, abandoning my side and going to open it. The two make eye contact, and with a mumbled goodnight, Rahim leaves. [[“The hell do you want?”|BS9.RahimWhatYouWant]] [[“Yes, Adoel?”|BS9.RahimYesAdoel]] [[Slam the door in their face.|BS9.RahimSlamDoor]]

“It’s an ungodly time and you’re knocking on my door?” I question them, “what the hell could you possibly want?” They examine me before performing a slight curtsy, “my apologies, I seem to have forgotten. You have a nice night, $name.” With that, they turn and vanish. <<if $pacifist >=50>>I wasn’t a violent person, not at all. But was it truly me being violent if it’s the chair that slams into their face and not my fist?<<else>>I’ve never been a peaceful person, and at that moment, I have an overwhelming want to use Adoel’s head as target practice.<</if>> <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<include "BS9.Morning">>

I clear my throat and try not to appear as upset and impatient as I truly am. “Yes, Adoel? Can I help you with something?” They examine me before performing a slight curtsy, “my apologies, I seem to have forgotten. You have a nice night, $name.” With that, they turn and vanish. <<if $pacifist >=50>>I wasn’t a violent person, not at all. But was it truly me being violent if it’s the chair that slams into their face and not my fist?<<else>>I’ve never been a peaceful person, and at that moment, I have an overwhelming want to use Adoel’s head as target practice.<</if>> <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<include "BS9.Morning">>

I don’t care why Adoel is there, and so as soon as I can, I slam the door in their face. It didn’t take a genius to know they did this on purpose. I’m only curious about how much they’ve heard. This will be a problem, a big one, but that will be further thought about tomorrow. For tonight, I need to sleep. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<include "BS9.Morning">>

I shrug my shoulders and even roll my eyes as I think about how I could be in bed right now. “Alright, if you say so. Goodnight.” “Night,” she sings, and as she walks away, I close the door and head back to my bed. I should check in with Rahim about how long it’ll be to get more furniture, but that could be done later. Laying down, I grab my pillow and close my eyes to drift off into sleep. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<include "BS9.Morning">>

I reach out for her arm, stopping her from taking any more steps back and bringing her closer to me. Whether she stumbles or purposely takes a step closer, Amari runs into my chest, glancing into my eyes and studying my expression. “So?” I chuckle but don’t move, and she doesn’t either. “So,” she repeats, far more dreamily than me. “Amari. You came here for something?” “Oh, yes!” A blush overtakes her cheeks, and she looks down, only for her forehead to hit my chest, “ouch. Well, not ouch for me. Ouch for you. I said ouch for you. But then it might’ve not hurt you. Like, at all. Is your pain tolerance higher? Do you feel pain? Did you ever feel pain? Wouldn’t it be cool if you didn’t feel pain? Wait, no. Because then that means you’re not feeling anything else.” I don’t interrupt her, though I wonder if she would want me to. Her ramblings are cute, and listening to her voice is soothing. “And I’m rambling!” she suddenly voices, shouting the observation out and then whimpering when she realizes that as well. She looks up and down the hallway as if someone will come barging out of their room to tell her to quiet down. When no one does, she focuses back on me. <<include "BS9.Amari1">>

“Come on, Amari. Even if it was stupid, you walked all the way here to tell me, so just do it.” “But it’s stupid,” she hisses. I shrug, “then consider me forewarned. Still curious.” <<include "BS9.Amari1">>

“I wanted to know if I could sleep with you tonight.” “Sleep with you?” “Not like that,” she laughs and then stops, “well, one day, sure. Wait, no, that was probably too much. Not that it would be too much. It probably would. Like that’s a lot.” “Amari, I know what you mean.” “Great. Because my brain kind of shuts off after seven and words just … bleh.” She mimics the throwing up action, and I chuckle, glancing at her and then at my bed. [[“Yea, Amari. Join me.”|BS9.AmariJoin]] [[“I’d rather sleep alone tonight.”|BS9.AmariNoJoin]]

“Yea, I’d love your company tonight.” “You would? You do?” She pouts and instead nods, “yea, sure. And I’d love to give it.” I move out of the way to let her in, and she approaches cautiously, gazing around as if something is going to attack her. I close the door and head over to my bed, watching her as she awkwardly stays put in the middle of the room. <<if $serious >=50>>\ “You don’t have to do something you’re not comfortable with,” I tell her, straightening out the blanket and fighting back a yawn that ultimately wins. “What do you mean?” “If you’re here because you think that’s what I want, then don’t. You can go, and I’ll be fine. Trust me, it won’t -” The word isn’t even entirely out of my mouth when Amari comes to my side and lays down and gets comfortable. “No,” she smiles, “I’m here because I want to be.” <<else>>\ “Ah, so you meant you’d be my guard dog tonight?” “Huh?” “I mean, correct me if I’m wrong. Do you sleep standing up?” “No,” she continues to look at me oddly until realization catches up with her, and she blushes, “sorry. This just feels awkward.” “I’m not rushing you, Amari. And if it makes you feel more comfortable, I’ll sleep at one end, and you can sleep at this one. Or we can make a pillow wa-” The word isn’t even entirely out of my mouth when Amari comes to my side and lays down and gets comfortable. “No,” she smiles, “this is fine. Just like this.” <</if>>\ I nod and move over so that we are comfortably on the bed. Neither of us says much, and an air of familiarity and snugness descends. At times we find ourselves staring into each other’s eyes, neither daring to look away or do anything more than blink. It feels as if we just exist in each other’s presence, content with that one little fact. It’s as if both of us are afraid to do anything more, but not for the obvious reasons. More so because of what that action will break. This serenity and feeling of togetherness. Those thoughts are what steers me into a pleasant dream. <a data-passage="BS9.Morning"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“If it’s all the same to you,” I begin to tell her, “I’d rather just sleep alone tonight.” “Of course, it’s fine. I was just wondering because I didn’t know how you were feeling and if you wanted to be alone. Not that you can’t be alone, you’ve been alone for almost two months now. Well, not alone. You’ve been with your dad and that angel and even Zillah. But I don’t know if that was something you’d consider comfortable with. And I’m going to walk away now.” She turns before I can stop her and starts walking in the direction of her room. “Really, Amari?” I hear her whisper, and I lean on the doorframe as I listen to her continue. Finally, I head back inside and then to my bed. Laying down, I bring my pillow close and close my eyes to drift off into sleep. <img src="images/divider.png" style="float:center"> <<include "BS9.Morning">>

Once morning is upon me, I drag myself out of bed and enter the kitchen with the sole purpose of putting up the decorations in time. I’m sure if Bradley was asleep or not as well as when he usually was up and about. Entering the kitchen, I’m greeted by <<if $cp>>two other voices, and upon further investigation, spot Chris and Amari standing near a blender.<<else>>silence, but soon find out that Amari inhabits the kitchen. She stands near a blender, focusing intently on it.<</if>> <<if $cp>>\ “Look, I’m not -,” Chris voices and then notices me, ushering me over. <<if hasVisited ("BS9.ChrisSex")>>For a moment, yesterday night comes back to me, and I fight back the smile that tries to show. I suppose I do a terrible job as Chris catches the look and winks, a soft smile refusing to part from his lips. <</if>>“Are you any good with electronics? The puppy is about to cry, and it’s too early for that.” “I really am,” Amari softly wails, “I’m hunger.” “You mean hungry?” “No,” she hisses, a sound that causes both Chris and I to take a step back in fear, “I. Am. Hunger.” <<include "BS9.MorningWChris">> <<else>>\ “Not a word about what I’m about to do,” I warn Amari, and she blinks, gazing at me curiously. I go to the fridge, pull out the cake box, and then go to the pantry where the decorations are. “I wanna know even more now.” “No, what about you just go make sure Bradley doesn’t come down?” “Do you forget how much he hates me?” She has a point. “Can you fix this?” she questions, holding the blender up, and I come to her side. “What’s wrong with it?” “I dunno. It just won’t work, and I’m really hungry. Please. I’ll stay out of your way if you fix it.” <<if $engineering >=20>>\ Luckily, I was good with machines. It doesn’t take long to see the problem, and I roll my eyes as I bring it to the table and begin working on it. The more I tinker with it, the more I ponder what other things I can tinker with. It’s about time I put these skills to good use. As Amari eats, I decorate. It doesn’t take long for me to set everything up. Thankfully, the cake box is inconspicuous, and the only one who's been inside the fridge has been Amari. I’m sure she would’ve investigated if it wasn’t for her hunger. I finish in about ten minutes, and once I make sure everything is how I want it, I scream for the others to come. Amari does so as well, adding that we’re in the kitchen. <<include "BS11">> <<else>>\ I look at the blender but seeing that electronics and I aren’t on good terms, I decide not to attempt it. Knowing there’s a good chance I’ll mess it up more. “Sorry, I’m not good with them either.” “Sydero, maybe?” <<if $SRomance is 0 and $ARomance is 0>>\ [[“Yes, definitely. Go.”|BSDefinitelyGo][$ASRomance +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $polyT and $SRomance >=5 and $ARomance is >=5>>\ [[“She’s very good with her hands …”|BSGoodWithHands][$poly +=1]] <</if>>\ [[“Eh, maybe. I don’t know.”|BSMaybeIDK]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\

“What does the blender have to do with your hunger?” I question, noticing the grimace that Chris now wears. “She puts her meat in there to make a meat smoothie.” “Well, you guys said you don’t like it when I just eat a slab of bloody meat in front of you,” she pouts, “so here’s the answer to that. What more do you want from me, huh?” “First, for you to calm down, please.” She takes a deep breath in and closes her eyes, nodding. “Secondly, your answer just seems all kinds of disgusting. Like when you slurp it do little meat globs get caught?” <<if $engineering >=20>>As they discuss Amari’s way of dining, I take a look at the blender. It doesn’t take long to see the problem, and I roll my eyes as I take it to the table and begin working on it. The more I tinker with it, the more I ponder what other things I can tinker with. It’s about time I put these skills to good use.<<else>>I take a look at the blender but seeing that electronics and I aren’t on good terms, I decide not to attempt it. Knowing there’s a good chance I’ll mess it up more.<</if>> I gaze over at Chris and then at Amari. I needed one of them out of here, that one being Chris. <<if ($RRomance <5) and ($romance isnot "chris")>>\ [[“You should check on Rahim.”|BS9CheckOnRahim][$RCRomance +=1]] <</if>>\ [[“Chris can you go check out my car.”|BS9CheckOnCar]] [[Spill something on him.|BS9SpillSomething]]

“Hey, Chris. Maybe you should go check on Rahim.” “What?” he questions, his eyes widening in surprise, “why?” “With the whole Adoel thing, I think it’s just smart for someone he’s comfortable with to be by his side and make sure he’s okay.” “Can’t one of you do that?” “He’s closer to you than any of us,” Amari points out, <<if $engineering >=20>>placing her cut up meat into the blender along with a thick red liquid that I don’t have to guess the name of.<<else>>fiddling with the blender and looking ready to launch it across the kitchen.<</if>> “The two of you would make such a cute couple.” Chris laughs awkwardly, tapping Amari’s forehead before shaking his head, “yea, no. I’ll check on him, but only because I’m a good //friend//.” He looks like he wants to say more but doesn’t, leaving the kitchen. <a data-passage="BS9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Hey Chris, do you mind checking on my car. The other day I think I might’ve messed up a tire when I jumped the curb.” “You can’t -,” he starts but is forced to pause as Amari <<if $engineering >=20>>begins to blend her meat and something red from a cup together. I’m sure I know exactly what the red substance is. There’s no need to even attempt a guess.<<else>>shouts out in annoyance, appearing ready to launch the blender across the room.<</if>>\ “You can’t check it yourself?” <<if $engineering >=20>>\ I act like that isn’t a good question and roll my eyes in annoyance, “a second opinion, maybe? Never mind, I’ll go ask Syd to do it.” “No,” he growls, already heading out the kitchen, “I got it.” <<else>>\ “Yea, I can check it out. Do you know which wheel?” “No. Can you just check them all along with the tire pressure?” He nods and heads out. <</if>>\ Mission successful. <a data-passage="BS9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

The easiest way to get him to leave is to spill something on him. It can’t look purposeful, or he’ll stick around to scream at me and know something is up. Yet, the only thing that can appear accidental … my eyes land on <<if $engineering >=20>> Amari’s breakfast.<<else>>a large cup of red liquid that I’m pretty sure is blood.<</if>> I squint. Is getting him out of the kitchen truly that important? <<if $engineering >=20>>\ “Amari, no!” I shout abruptly, and just as I guess, she freaks out. She accidentally jumps, allowing some of the blender’s contents to slosh out, successfully spilling it onto Chris, herself, and the floor. “Shit, Amari, seriously?” Chris groans, “I might as well throw this shirt away now.” “I just want to eat,” she whines, looking like she’s about to go to the corner to cry. I pat her shoulder, “I got this. Chris, go change and hurry up and wash your shirt.” “I know how to get blood out,” Amari whimpers, and Chris nods. “Okay, I’ll make her … breakfast. You guys handle that.” I watch as they leave, feeling partially bad for being the cause of all that, but it works. I finish making Amari’s meat slushie, words I never thought I’d put together, and then clean the mess on the floor. With that done, I immediately start to decorate, hoping that I can beat the clock. <<else>>\ “What even is this stuff?” I question, reaching forward, snatching the cup, and taking off its lid. “Blood,” they both answer, and I jump, making sure to aim it towards Chris but also not spilling all of it.” “$name!” he shouts as it lands on his shirt and some on his feet. “Oh shit, I am so sorry. I didn’t expect it to be blood.” “Really?” Amari asks, grabbing the cup from me and focusing on it, “because it looks like blood.” “I might as well throw this shirt away now,” Chris groans. “I know how to get blood out,” Amari tells him and then jabs her finger at the blender, “it’s not like I can eat anyway with that thing busted up.” “I’ll handle the blender. Take it to Sydero or something,” I tell her, “you go help Chris.” She nods, and the two leave. As soon as they go, I clean the mess on the floor up and immediately start decorating, hoping that I can beat the clock. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="BS9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if hasVisited ("BS9CheckOnRahim") or hasVisited ("BS9CheckOnCar")>> As soon as Chris is gone, I go to the pantry and pull out the decorations. Thankfully, the cake box is inconspicuous, and the only one whose been inside the fridge has been Amari. I’m sure she would’ve investigated if it wasn’t for her hunger. “Whatcha doin?” Amari asks behind me, <<if $engineering >=20>>sipping her drink and staring at me.<<else>>abandoning the blender.<</if>> <<if $engineering >=20>>\ “Surprise birthday party for Chris and Bradley.” She nods, sitting on the counter with a content look as she watches me go back and forth. I would’ve appreciated her help, but I understand that her hunger comes first, especially as I’m now afraid to see the vaewolf when she becomes starved. It doesn’t take long, and I scream for the others as I begin to light the candles. Amari does so as well, adding that we’re in the kitchen. <<include "BS11">> <<else>>\ “Surprise birthday party for Chris and Bradley.” She nods, her attention fleeing back to the blender as she pouts. “Do you think Sydero can fix it?” <<if $SRomance is 0 and $ARomance is 0>>\[[“Yes, definitely. Go.”|BSDefinitelyGo][$ASRomance +=1]]<</if>>\ <<if $polyT and $SRomance >=5 and $ARomance >=5>>\[[“She’s very good with her hands …”|BSGoodWithHands][$poly +=1]]<</if>>\ [[“Eh, maybe. I don’t know.”|BSMaybeIDK]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ It doesn’t take long for me to set everything up. Thankfully, the cake box is inconspicuous, and the only one who's been inside the fridge has been Amari. I’m sure she would’ve investigated if it wasn’t for her hunger. I finish in about ten minutes, and once I make sure everything is how I want it, I scream for the others to come to the kitchen. <<include "BS11">> <</if>>\

It doesn’t take long for me to set everything up. Thankfully, the cake box is inconspicuous, and the only one who's been inside the fridge has been Amari. I’m sure she would’ve investigated if it wasn’t for her hunger. I finish in about ten minutes, and once I make sure everything is how I want it, I scream for the others to come to the kitchen. <<include "BS11">>

My eyes light up, and I nod vigorously, probably a bit too adamant for something so simple. “Yes. Yes, she’s great. Definitely go check. Go!” “I’m scared.” “Don’t be. Just have her help you out. I’m positive she can.” Amari frowns but grabs her stuff and leaves the kitchen, giving me one last look as she goes. It doesn’t take long for me to set everything up. Thankfully, the cake box is inconspicuous, and the only one who's been inside the fridge has been Amari. I’m sure she would’ve investigated if it wasn’t for her hunger. I finish in about ten minutes, and once I make sure everything is how I want it, I scream for the others to come to the kitchen. <<include "BS11">>

“Yea, she probably can help. She’s very good with her hands.” I realize how that sounds only after Amari makes a noise, her eyes wide, and it’s clear she’s not sure how she should take it. “That sounded very sexual,” I point out with a frown, and Amari laughs, nodding. “Well, I didn’t mean it like that but …” I laugh, “go see for yourself.” “Are we still talking sexually?” she questions with a pout. “We’re talking however you want us to be. Now go see if Sydero knows how to fix it and make sure you say it exactly like I did. I want to know how she reacts.” Amari’s blush tells me that she may or may not do as I asked, but she goes regardless. It doesn’t take long for me to set everything up. Thankfully, the cake box is inconspicuous, and the only one who's been inside the fridge has been Amari. I’m sure she would’ve investigated if it wasn’t for her hunger. I finish in about ten minutes, and once I make sure everything is how I want it, I scream for the others to come to the kitchen. <<include "BS11">>

“Eh, maybe she can, I wouldn’t really know. She’s good with cars, but that doesn’t always mean she’s good with other stuff.” I shrug, “might as well go and see, though. What do you have to lose?” Amari nods in agreement and leaves after gathering the things she needs. It doesn’t take long for me to set everything up. Thankfully, the cake box is inconspicuous, and the only one who's been inside the fridge has been Amari. I’m sure she would’ve investigated if it wasn’t for her hunger. I finish in about ten minutes, and once I make sure everything is how I want it, I scream for the others to come to the kitchen. <<include "BS11">>

I’d rather get this done now and then sleep. At least that would mean less work for future me and a surprise for <<if $cp>>Chris and Bradley when they woke up.<<else>>Bradley when he wakes up.<</if>> Cake in the morning, I chuckle to myself, odd, but I’m sure we’ve all done worse. I grab plates and cups and place everything on the table, setting it up in a way that looks presentable. My work continues, and every passing minute finds me slowing down. My eyes drift closed as I hang the last decoration piece, only to find I still have more to go. I can finish this. There’s nights when sleep cling to me back in college, but I avoid it as if the plague. I can do it again. No problem. “Psst, $name,” I hear someone say, but I ignore it, pushing it away. They can give me five more minutes at the very least. “Come on, $name, you’re drooling all over the table.” Awareness washes over me as I blink and take in my surroundings. What I think is my bed turns out to be the kitchen table. The decorations still rest firmly in my grasp, crinkled now due to my grip. I find Bradley standing next to the table when I look around, glancing down at me with a big smile. <a data-passage="BS10.0"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I look from him to the items in my grasp, “I … I was trying to finish by morning.” “Well,” he snorts, “you failed. It’s eight now. Why didn’t you just go to sleep?” “I wanted it to be this big surprise, especially since I missed your birthday in the first place,” I admit, rubbing at my eye and releasing a yawn. “It’s a very nice surprise,” he states, glancing around and then smiling widely, “I don’t know when’s the last time I had a birthday party.” He nods to the decoration lying on the table. “Need some help? We can wake everyone else up with our screaming happy birthday.” With a smile, I nod and get to my feet, the two of us finishing the decorations even though such an action feels silly now. “Hey, $name,” Bradley voices, grabbing my attention as I light the last candle. “Yea?” “I lied. Earlier I mean. About not remembering the last time I had a birthday party.” I wait patiently for him to finish. “It was just me, though, so I don’t know if you can count it as a birthday party, actually. It was when I turned thirteen. I … just, thank you for this. I really appreciate it.” He turns, and though he refuses to look at me, he still asks, “can I hug you?” [[Hug him.|BS10Hug]] [[“Remember our handshake?”|BS10Handshake]] [[Refuse.|BS10Refuse]]

I open my arms, and he leans forward as if the weight of everything has pushed him into them. We embrace and stay like that for a few more minutes, neither of us saying anything to the other and just existing. Yea. If anyone deserved a birthday party, it was him. <<include "BS10.1">>

“Do you remember our handshake?” I ask him and his eyes light up. He nods enthusiastically, and we perform it. My heart thuds, believing that I’m going to be the one to mess it up and bring the entire mood down. But I do it just as flawlessly as he and we both laugh, a jovial air existing between us as we finish the rest up. <<include "BS10.1">>

“Um, no thanks.” He nods in understanding but still gives me a bright smile, and we get back to work. <<include "BS10.1">>

“Are you going to talk about what’s been bothering you?” he inquires, the look on his face reassuring me that whatever my answer, he’ll respect it. “Just adjusting back to normal life,” I tell him, my frown deepening at how much my insides laugh at my statement. There is no normal. There is no returning. It’s just me faking it horrendously. [[“I just want everything to go back to normal.”|BS10BackToNormal]] [[“Just ... tired.”|BS10Tired]] [[“Yea, I’m fine.”|BS10ImFine]]

“I just want everything to go back to normal. And the more I want it, the more this world chooses to remind me that it won’t happen.” “What is normal for us?” Bradley questions, something I can neither answer nor want to. “It’s not Purgatory, and that’s all I care about.” “More than a shopping day?” “More than a shopping day,” I verify, and he hums in acknowledgment. At least I know Bradley won’t tell the others unless I tell him to. At the moment, the last thing I want to hear is a lecture or some teasing remarks. <<include "BS10.2">>

“I’m...” I pause, trying to figure out the best word to describe my feelings. No word seems to work, so, with a shrug, I say, “tired. I’m just tired.” He nods in understanding, giving me a bright smile as we return to work. “All the more reason for you to have gone to sleep,” Bradley points out, but his expression tells me that he knows what I mean. <<include "BS10.2">>

“I’m fine.” He nods in understanding, giving me a bright smile as we return to work. <<include "BS10.2">>

After we finish the decorations and with a conspiratorial gaze, we begin to sing as loud as possible. Sydero is the first, teleporting in behind us and jumping on Bradley, who proves himself strong enough to support her weight. “Happy //late// birthday, you annoying son of a bitch,” she laughs as she finally gets off of him. “You knew about this?” “Naw,” she answers <<if $sl is "friend">>shoving me playfully<<else>>nodding in my direction<</if>>, “Roe here did all this on ?his own.” If Bradley’s smile could get any bigger, it just did. After that, the others trickle in one by one. Amari and then Zillah and <<if $cp>>then Rahim and finally Chris.<<else>>finally Rahim.<</if>> <<include "BS11">>

<<if $cp>>\ <<if $stayup>>When Chris enters, we all cheer and sing happy birthday for the two of them.<<else>>They trickle in little by little, and as soon as both Chris and Bradley are present, we sing.<</if>> Bradley stands on a chair, acting as if he’s the conductor as Chris simply laughs, trying to calm his broad smile and failing each time. Wrapping it up, we all clap and cheer and move our attention to the cake. Zillah reaches for it first, his eyes glistening excitedly. “Hey!” Bradley shouts, lunging forward to slide the cake just out of reach, “do you not know birthday cake rules?” “No, I actually don’t,” Zillah answers, “also the song you sang. Ridiculous. Sounded like the most generic song I’ve ever heard.” “There are different versions,” Chris points out, grabbing a knife and slicing a piece for him and Bradley. Grabbing a seat on the counter, I sit back and watch as the drama unfolds. It starts with Zillah stealing the plate meant for Bradley, and before Bradley can properly punch him, he darts off. I take a slice for myself, simply to do something as my mind thinks about everything it took to have this one little moment. In retrospect, it wasn’t a horrible day, it could’ve been far worse. But that seems to be the problem. In the past, I couldn’t imagine the worse case scenario, now it is so easily done. <<else>>\ <<if $stayup>>As soon as everyone is accounted for, we sing.<<else>>They trickle in little by little, and as soon as everyone is accounted for, we sing.<</if>> Bradley stands on a chair, acting as if he’s the conductor, grinning widely as we sing to him. Wrapping it up, we all clap and cheer and move our attention to the cake. Zillah reaches for it first, his eyes glistening excitedly. “Hey!” Bradley shouts, lunging forward to slide the cake just out of reach, “do you not know birthday cake rules?” “No, I actually don’t,” Zillah answers, “also the song you sang. Ridiculous. Sounded like the most generic song I’ve ever heard.” “There are different versions,” I point out, grabbing a knife and slicing a piece for Bradley. Zillah intercepts it, stealing the plate before Bradley can properly punch him, and Zillah darts off. I take a slice for myself, simply to do something as my mind thinks about everything it took to have this one little moment. In retrospect, it wasn’t a horrible day, it could’ve been far worse. But that seems to be the problem. In the past, I couldn’t imagine the worse case scenario, now it is so easily done. <</if>>\ “Give it back, you fucking shade,” Bradley screams, taking off after him as the rest clear a path. “Nice work, Roe. You didn’t totally fuck up,” Sydero tells me as she, Amari, and Rahim approach. Rahim rolls his eyes at her words, adding, “for a last-minute decision, it looks very nice.” [[“I should plan everyone’s birthdays.”|BS11PlanBirthdays][$serious -=3]] [[“I did what I could.”|BS11DidWhatICould][$serious +=3]]

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Comical ++</span><</if>> I smile and puff out my chest, “yea, it is nice, isn’t it? I should plan everyone’s birthdays.” I raise a brow at the two, “so, when is yours?” They exchange a glance before they both turn away from me, refusing to answer. Groaning, I look to Amari, “when is yours?” “March 18th.” A long wait but far more time to plan something. <<include "BS11.1">>

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Serious ++</span><</if>> “I did what I could,” I tell them, waving off their praise. “Humble,” Rahim smiles, nodding his head while Sydero looks appalled. “I’d be taking that praise and stretching it a mile long,” she snorts. “Oh, we know,” Rahim chimes in, and the two begin to bicker. <<include "BS11.1">>

“Are you going to get some cake,” I ask the vaewolf, and she shakes her head. “I’ve never been a fan of really sugary things.” “Because you find yourself jumping everywhere?” Sydero asks, but Amari surprisingly shakes her head. “Actually, I just don’t like it. Some sweets I can stand, but most of them mess with my teeth, and they don’t sit well in my stomach.” I nod, “and the rest of you?” “I might get some,” Sydero answers, “it depends on how I feel.” “Same with me,” Rahim adds, “I have a feeling <<if $cp>>neither Chris nor <</if>>Bradley will mind the lack of people interested in taking a slice.” Just as he says this, Bradley and Zillah reenter the kitchen. Perhaps no one will know what happened between the two, but Bradley has his plate, and Zillah looks like a wounded puppy. <<if $cp>>\ “Let me go grab my portable speakers so we can add some music to this. Sydero, pour some drinks,” Chris instructs. Sydero claps as Rahim shakes his head, glancing between the two. “It’s morning!” “Who cares,” they say in unison. Chris is just about to leave when the sound of wings flapping reaches our ears. Adoel now stands between Chris and the arch of the kitchen, glancing around with a bright smile. <<else>>\ “Someone turn some music on,” Bradley shouts, and we all exchange glances, not knowing who is supposed to supply that part. He rolls his eyes, “I’ll go -” He’s cut off by the sound of wings flapping. Adoel now stands between Bradley and the arch of the kitchen, glancing around with a bright smile. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="BS11.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Such a jovial mood,” they say, opening their arms, “what’s the occasion?” “The hell are they doing here? What the hell are you doing here?” Bradley shouts, abandoning his cake as his entire demeanor shifts. “I suppose that’s another thing Rahim has still not explained. Shame.” “Shut up!” Bradley growls, pointing at Rahim next, “I’m putting those wardings back up.” “No, you won’t.” As the two go back and forth, my shoulders slump. The entire mood is now something of the past. Ruined by one person, not even part of the group. My eyes move to Adoel, and I find them looking straight at me, studying me like some organism under a microscope. “Maybe we should just listen to what they have to say,” Amari suggests, “get everything out into the open?” “When I need the mangy mutt’s opinion, I’ll ask,” Bradley huffs in annoyance. [[“Bradley, chill.”|BS11BradleyNo]] [[“Amari, don’t get into this.”|BS11AmariNo][$amari -=5]] [[Say nothing.|BS11SayNothing]]

“Bradley,” I growl harshly, “chill.” His eyes look like they’re set on fire as he shakes his head and leaves the room, grumbling under his breath. <<include "BS11.3">>

“Amari, don’t get into this. Just stay quiet.” She frowns, her body shaking, and she turns and leaves, heading into the living room. <<include "BS11.3">>

I say nothing as Amari withdraws, looking around for aid but finding no one to give it, as most of everyone’s attention is on Adoel. Both she and Bradley leave at the same time. Bradley almost shoving Adoel but the angel moves just in time to shrug off the impact, while Amari enters the living room. <<include "BS11.3">>

<<if $j3 or $cdone>>\ “This is truly exciting,” Zillah chuckles, “please continue. I haven’t had a good show like this in quite some time.” <<if $cdone>>\ “Really? I feel like you do a pretty good job of putting on a show yourself,” Chris points out, glaring at Zillah, “fucking with people’s minds, getting into shit you have no business getting into, and ruining relationships. For fucks sake, you’re your own show.” Zillah smirks, “don’t sit there and compliment me, boy. One of these days, you’ll have to get over yourself. This wallowing makes you seem even more pathetic than usual.” “Can both of you stop? We have enough going on without you two at each other’s necks,” I point out, placing my hand on Chris’s shoulder to pull him back, and he hisses, pulling away. The two of them are the next to leave, and I sigh, not understanding what’s happening and why. Everything was so peaceful and happy. I’d ask what started this, but the answer is standing a few feet away, appearing quite pleased with themselves. <<else>>\ “Go look at yourself in a mirror. You’ll have a full-on comedy show to keep that childish attention span of yours happy,” Chris mumbles. “Sure you don’t want to join me and complain about it first?” “How long will you use that one? It’s old and outdated, oh, like you. Nevermind, I see why.” “Oh,” Zillah chuckles, “I have plenty more for your sheltered ass.” The two of them take threatening steps closer to each other, but I appear in the middle. “Seriously? You two choose now to do this?” Zillah rests a hand on the small of my back and leans in to whisper just loud enough for all to hear, “we can do something else later if you want.” I move him away and give Chris a warning glare. At least he takes it and walks off, saying nothing more as Zillah straightens and goes about his way. I sigh, turning to face those who are left, and of course, I see Rahim staring at me. This was supposed to be such an easy and happy day. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ “You know,” Sydero starts, “there seems to be a lot of talking going on. I think it’s Adoel’s time to share. Especially since you seem to be some lost orphan with no place to call home.” “In due time, but -” Adoel smiles, narrowing their eyes on Sydero. “I swear if you try to finish that sentence by saying because I’m a demon. I’ll fry you.” “Syd, just stop,” Rahim says in a pleading tone, “just shut up and stop.” She laughs, “so, what? Are you going to suck their dick next because that seems to be where this is all heading.” “You just can’t help yourself, can you? You swear again and again that you’re your own person, but you’re just like any other demon.” “Nice, coming from the angel with a stick up his ass.” “I’m okay with being an angel. You know, a righteous person.” “Oh please, Rahim. Righteous? You’re brainwashed. The sad thing is that you know it, and you just don’t have the guts to say you are. Don’t project your bullshit onto me because you don’t know how to function.” [[“I think both of you are idiots.”|BS11Idiots][$twins +=1]] [[“Or maybe you misunderstand each other.”|BS11Misunderstand]] [[Stay silent.|BS11StaySilent]]

“I think both of you are behaving like idiots and need to get over yourselves. Do either of you even know why you’re fighting?” Rahim glances at me but doesn’t say anything, and Sydero chuckles, shaking her head as she leaves the room. “You should go get ready for the meeting,” Adoel tells Rahim, “we don’t want to keep your father waiting.” “It’s nice,” they inform me, after Rahim has left us, “how you try and ease all the tension. Very commendable.” <<include "BS11.4">>

“Or maybe,” I pipe up, “just maybe, both of you -” “This is exciting and all,” Adoel states, clapping their hands as they glance at Rahim, “but we have a meeting to prepare for. Rahim, you should go and prepare yourself. Not sit here and entertain ridiculous conversations. Or risk your father’s ire.” Rahim sighs and nods, glancing at Sydero and me and leaving. Sydero does as well, leaving me in the kitchen with Adoel. “It’s nice,” they inform me, “how you try and ease all the tension. Very commendable.” <<include "BS11.4">>

I remain quiet, gazing between the two and wondering how they could ever stand in the same room for long. It always seems to end in a fight. No matter how ridiculous. Instead, I set my gaze on Adoel, who appears to have been thinking the same as they watch me closely. It’s only when Rahim and Sydero finish bickering and go their separate ways that I speak up. <<include "BS11.4">>

“What game are you playing? Sabotage?” “No. Of course not. That’s below me.” I roll my eyes, attempting not to snort and failing. “I’m here to keep an eye on Rahim and nothing more. To keep him on the straight and narrow.” “By that, you mean to play by the angel’s rules.” “Of course.” “And this so-called meeting?” “You’re very interested.” “Would you not be?” They frown, “in a little while, we’ll need your help with something. You give us what we want, and we’ll keep you in the loop more. Less secrets. Deal?” [[“I’ll think about it.”|BS11ThinkAboutIt]] [[“No. Period.”|BS11NoPeriodt]] [[“Alright, you got a deal.”|BS11AlrightDeal][$angel +=1]]

“I’ll think about it. Okay?” “A reasonable enough request. But you’ll be wise to not leave us waiting for an answer.” “Why?” As soon as I ask the question, Adoel vanishes, flying off and leaving me standing there. Damn angels. <<include "BS12">>

“No. Period. And don’t ask again.” “You’ll find that I won’t need to ask again.” I’m about to question what they mean by that, but they vanish, flying off and leaving me to stand there and wonder. <<include "BS12">>

“Alright, you got yourself a deal.” Adoel hums in satisfaction, “I feel I should apologize. Earlier, I made unnecessary accusations against you, and you’re proving me wrong.” “You did?” They grin, taking off without answering. <<include "BS12">>

<<if hasVisited ("BS9.RahimDontAnswer") or $stayup or $RRomance <5>>\ With the mood ruined, I clean up the decorations that feel like they served little purpose in the end. All of that planning just for a few minutes of festive spirits. Just a few minutes ago, this kitchen was filled with laughter, and now it’s silent, and a heavy mood is left behind. I head towards my room, lost in thought, when I run into a solid figure. I take a step back and find Rahim standing there, his eyes moving from me to the path that I’ve just walked from. “Is Adoel still in the kitchen?” “No. What is this meeting you’re about to attend about?” “$name.” “Don’t do that,” I growl, “everything’s going to shit, and you’re keeping secrets? Who is Adoel to you? You don’t owe them or your father anything.” “Don’t I?” Rahim asks, frowning at his words, “I …” <<if $RRomance >=5 or hasVisited ("BS9.RahimDontAnswer")>>\ “We haven’t talked yet.” <<if hasVisited ("BS9.RahimDontAnswer")>> “Now you want to talk?” he asks, brow raised, “don’t behave as if I didn’t attempt to tell you this last night.” I’m about to say that I was asleep, but we both know that’s a lie. “Maybe I wasn’t ready to hear it? Can I not be ready? Don’t behave as if you’re the only one whose feelings are on the line here.” He looks ready to offer a rebuttal but instead sighs. He nods to my room, “we have to be quick.” <<else>>\ “I don’t have much time, but I can tell you now. If you’re ready.” I nod, and we go into my room. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Adoel and I used to be lovers.” His words cause me to pause, but it’s why it confuses me that causes me to pause. His words make perfect sense. I had already suspected that they were close. The information I lacked was just how close. And yet, I find myself shocked nonetheless. “Nephilims are hated, I thought. Adoel didn’t feel the same?” My words cause his scowl to grow, and he gestures to my room with a quick look around. I nod, not knowing what he needs to tell me and why it was better to do so in my room but being too curious to stop him. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="BS12.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $zr_upset or hasVisited("BS2.ZRMinorLock")>>>>\ With the mood ruined, I clean up the decorations that feel like they served little purpose in the end. All of that planning just for a few minutes of festive spirits. Just a few minutes ago, this kitchen was filled with laughter, and now it’s silent, and a heavy mood is left behind. I head towards my room, lost in thought, when I hear someone call my name, turning to see Zillah approaching. <<if hasVisited("BS2.ZRMinorLock")>>\ He slows as soon as he sees me looking at him, reminding me how he would suddenly vanish back in Purgatory. “I uh ...” he starts, “I wanted to just make sure you were okay.” “More like you want to see if anything has changed since our last conversation.” “Can you blame me?” “I can, actually. I wouldn’t have made up my mind that quick anyway. This isn’t some simple yes or no question.” “I can’t do anything to make this better, can I?” I’m quiet for a minute, taking his question seriously, but no matter how I think about it, I can only decide on one answer. “No. I think you’ve done all you can, and now it’s all on me.” He nods, obviously not happy with my words, but what more can he say. He bids me goodnight and leaves. <<else>>\ A string of different emotions emerges. One part of me wants to yell at him more, another wishes to hear what he has to say, and the third is busy yelling at me and reminding me of how //I// let it get this far. I find it quite hilarious that as soon as I make peace with myself and my feelings for him, is the same time he chooses to tell me all of this and turn everything on its head. “What do you want?” I don’t bother to take the animosity out of my voice. I hit him with a blast earlier; that itself should tell him how much I would rather not face him. “I wanted to check on you after what happened. That energy blast could have harmed you.” “Oh, you care?” I chuckle. “Be pissed off with me for the rest of eternity. It’s your right,” he sighs, “but I meant what I said about being regretful. So, if you’re okay, I’ll take my leave.” He walks away, and though I chide myself on the thought, I turn and ask it. "Are you? That hit looked like it hurt." He chuckles, replying softly, "it did. But I've had worse. Goodnight, $name." <</if>>\ Despite my wish to sleep, Zillah’s presence and our conversation keeps me awake. And not just him, but Adoel and the demons as well. It seems that I’ve entered into a more cynical game. Before, my entire life had to do with survival. Keep my wits about me, and don’t let the next danger on the road get me. It still feels like that’s the case, but all the stakes have been raised. It isn’t just the dangers of the road now. Werewolves, vampires, cryptids, and witches would be a welcome break. Whatever I find myself surrounded by is on another level of danger. A class of risk that isn’t blatant but opts for stealth and silent deception. Fine, if this is the life I am now faced with, then so be it. So be it. <a data-passage="EP3NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ With the mood ruined, I clean up the decorations that feel like they served little purpose in the end. All of that planning just for a few minutes of festive spirits. Just a few minutes ago, this kitchen was filled with laughter, and now it’s silent, and a heavy mood is left behind. I sit and reflect, not knowing what else to do. Indeed, nothing would be the same. Striving for normalcy is a funny joke and flagrant lie that saw me entertain it for a time. This … this is the new normal, and I either accept it or exist in a world of lies and self-placed pity. I move to stand up ... [[... and I break down.|BS12BreakDown]] [[... and I stay resilient.|BS12Resilient]] [[... and I waver.|BS12Confused]] <</if>>\

I stand from the seat, and though I have every intention of walking to my room with no problem, my soul doesn’t quite agree. First, it’s a wobbly knee, and then, it’s an inaudible gasp. And lastly, the world just feels like it grows blurry. I’m far too weak to keep going, and I find myself collapsing back into the seat. I cradle my head as the tears begin to run. It humors me how the weight of things finally catches up to me when it wants to. It didn’t come at me when I was in Hell or battling for my life every second of the day. It appears now. And I was unsure of how to deal with it. How to lift this burden and get past it. My motto for so long has been to keep going. Survive and fight, and you’ll make it to the other side. But what is the purpose of fighting and surviving when you are destined to die? When you look up, and the choice is: you or the world. And I was so tired of it. So very, very tired of it all. <a data-passage="EP3NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="40%"/></a>

I stand from the seat, glancing around. In the past, I would wallow. Fight against the truth and seek out a world that never did exist. No time for any of that anymore. There is too much at stake. Just when I thought all the mysteries were solved, more rest themselves at my feet. Leaving the kitchen behind, I walk with my shoulders squared. Fine, if this is the life I am now faced with, then so be it. So be it. <a data-passage="EP3NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="40%"/></a>

I stand from the seat and stagger backward, catching myself on the table and taking a deep breath in. When an action perfectly represents the turmoil that goes on inside. How prepared am I for all that I'm to be faced with? Am I prepared to carry all of this burden? Did I even have a choice? That thought causes me to snort, sighing as I scratch the top of my head. The thing is. It doesn't matter. Whether I'm ready or not, whether I'm willing or not, this is what is going to happen. I can either face it or run from it, and both can end horribly. So it doesn't matter. I have to be ready. <a data-passage="EP3NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="40%"/></a>

“They were my first friend. My confidant. My lover. I learned a lot about myself due to them, good and bad. It was as if through them I discovered who I was, and after what happened between Sydero and me, they were a breath of fresh air. A sense of hope, almost.” He frowns, “they were my anchor.” “What happened?” “They taught me an important lesson. That every being has an agenda. That they’re either following orders or making the orders. Even when you want to escape it, like Sydero, you fall into it. Then it just becomes sad because you march to the same beat, just unknowingly. She calls me brainwashed but I’m not. I’ve just accepted it and she still tries to rebel, even though it’s pointless.” He clear his throat, “Adoel was the first to treat me like someone. And I don’t mean someone important, just someone. At the time, their kindness was the freshest of air, like walking through a desert and finally happening across the most rejuvenating pond. I …” He scratches his brow and seems to grow disgusted with himself but continues on. “Adoel’s energy didn’t match anyone I’ve ever met. They were like the epitome of what I thought an angel would be. Kind, forgiving, trusting, determined, loving … I fell in love with their soul. A beautiful and radiant soul. When we became lovers, I gave my heart to them without a second thought.” He pauses and gazes around as if just speaking these words aloud would bring Adoel here. He probably isn’t that far off. [[“You don’t have to go on.”|BS12.RahimNoGoOn]] [[Stay silent.|BS12.RahimStaySilent]]

“You don’t have to keep going, Rahim. You can stop. Either entirely or to just pick up another day.” <<if $RRomance >=5>>\ He laughs, though it doesn’t make me feel at ease. The look he gives practically begs for me to stop. “Don’t … or stop. Your soul is just as beautiful, and unfortunately, it isn’t a compliment.” He takes a deep breath in, “I need to finish this. I want you to understand.” <<else>>\ “No, it’s fine. I’m almost done.” He takes a deep breath in. <</if>>\ <<include "BS12.2">>

Regardless of the thought, I remain quiet. I allow him time to focus and figure out what he wants to do. <<include "BS12.2">>

<<if $RRomance >=5>>\ “When Adoel came to me about sex, I jumped at it without a second thought. Angels weren’t actually allowed to fornicate, or at least the lower-level ones. Especially with nephilims, that was just unheard of entirely. Grounds for imprisonment or having your wings removed. So, for this righteous angel to want to do something so forbidden, to risk it for me, it made me feel like no other. I submitted to them wholly.” He pauses and his eyes grow soft as they regard me. But they soon leave me and focus on the floor. <</if>>\ “It was training. Adoel. Training. Adoel. That was all my life was. I became so entwined with those two things that I don’t remember if any piece of //me// was still around. There were only two people who I wanted to make proud. I don’t even think I cared much for my own sanity or what it was doing to me. And then it all came out. Funny enough, I don’t remember what prompted the truth. Adoel told me that everything they did was in response to my father. My father guided them on every single thing.” He clenches his fist, “all of it to keep me in line. Make sure I didn’t falter or stray.” “What happened then?” “I ran. It was too much, and I blanked out. I didn’t know what to do. If Adoel had anything to say, I didn’t stick around to hear. I fled, and my father sent a few angels after me. They knocked me out of the sky and wounded my wings and left me with a permanent scar as a reminder.” He glances towards his back where his wings would be if materialized, “they’re still healing from what happened. I … I ended up killing them all in the end. I was on the run after that. Kept to myself and stayed away from all things demon and angel. It wasn’t until all of this happened, and my mother was in danger that I let my position be revealed. And now Adoel is back, once again sent by my father.” I’m not sure if I should ask, but my curiosity is overwhelming, “the conversation the two of you had?” He shakes his head, “they wanted to talk about it, but I didn’t let them. I’m not too prideful to say that I’m not strong enough to hear their side. I fell in love with them for being such a great soldier, and they proved that, even if it was at my expense.” He straightens up<<if $RRomance >=5>>, letting out a shocked gasp that almost sounds like a mangled laugh. He recovers smoothly though, raising his hands to keep me back.<<else>>.<</if>> <a data-passage="BS12.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I wanted you to know that to understand that I’m not going into this blindly. I know who I’m playing against.” “But still,” I argue, not able to finish as someone knocks on the door. “That’ll be Adoel,” Rahim tells me, going to it and opening it, and just like he said, Adoel stands there. “There you are,” they say, amusement in their voice as they glance between the two of us, “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.” “Save it, Adoel,” Rahim sighs, “let’s go.” <<if $RRomance >=5>>I reach forward before Rahim can walk away from me. There are so many things I want to say, and it feels as if I’ve been given no time to digest all he that he told me. He smiles sadly and kisses my forehead, a silent promise of something that I don’t understand. I see Adoel’s eyes on me when he draws back, but I don’t care. I don’t want Rahim anywhere near them, not without one of us watching his back. Letting him walk away feels like I willingly let him walk into a pit of vipers with no protection.<<else>>Rahim gives me one last look before leaving, and I’m left to digest all that he’s said. It makes sense, but it’s still worrying. Is he truly in control and knowledgeable, or is he just allowing himself to get played? Is it possible that Sydero saying he’s brainwashed is actually truthful?<</if>> It seems that I’ve entered into a more cynical game. Before, my entire life had to do with survival. Keep my wits about me, and don’t let the next danger on the road get me. It still feels like that’s the case, but all the stakes have been raised. It isn’t just the dangers of the road now. Werewolves, vampires, cryptids, and witches would be a welcome break. Whatever I find myself surrounded by is on another level of danger. A class of risk that isn’t blatant but opts for stealth and silent deception. Fine, if this is the life I am now faced with, then so be it. So be it. <a data-passage="EP3NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/nexttime.png"> <img src="images/divider.png"> “We have some news,” Rahim starts, glancing over at Adoel, who gives him a firm nod. He glances back at the rest of us, his eyes lingering on Sydero, who doesn’t seem the least bit interested in whatever he’s about to say. As if coming to some sort of conclusion for himself, he nods. “It’s about our mother, Sydero.” Going from disinterested and even looking ready to walk away, Sydero perks up, focusing all of her attention on her twin. <img src="images/divider.png"> “Vihaan?” The $dreamanimal nods to me in greeting. “What are you doing here?” “I have been sent by Death,” he tells me as I loom closer. I stiffen. So, my father finally found me ... again. I suppose it was idiotic to think I’ll get away. “Death does not know your location,” Vihaan tells me after a moment of watching me, “coming to you in a dream like this is within my capabilities. Same as Azrael. Death believed it smarter to send me rather than him.” <img src="images/divider.png"> “What are you?” I question, wondering how many more things happen to be living inside of me. Though this one is by far the eeriest seeing that it looks just like me but with a few more supernatural aspects. “You.” “Me?” “You.” It says nothing more and doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to explain itself. “What do you want?” “Release.” [[Episode Four: Mother Dearest]]

<<nobr>>\ <<set $known_reaper = false; $reunite_Zillah = true>> <<audio "opening" stop>> <<playlist "ambience" loop>> <<if $zillah >=50>> <<set $zl to "friend">> <<else>> <<set $zl to "rival">> <</if>> <<include "stattamer">> <</nobr>>\ <img src="images/eptwo.png"> <img src="images/actone.png"> “Howdy, <<if $nnZ is "unknown">>$name<<else>>$nnZ<</if>>,” Zillah smirks, turning in his seat to face me. <<if $nnZ is "pet">>\ “What?” Death questions, brow raised and Zillah’s eyes widen, possibly forgetting who sits before him. “What?” he questions back. <</if>>\ <<if $zl is "rival">>I silently thank Azrael for warning me about Zillah’s presence. It keeps me from giving him the benefit of the doubt, and standing here appearing shocked with my mouth wide open.<<else>>I stare at the man sitting before me. It was Zillah. My brain knows that, and yet the more I stare at him, the more I tell myself that I’m still lying in bed and dreaming. How am I supposed to react? What am I to say? This all seems to please him, his smirk widening as Death clears his throat.<</if>> “Ah $name,” Death greets, narrowing his eyes as he observes me, “shall I say perfect timing?” “I suppose so,” I answer, still staring at Zillah and sorting out my feelings about seeing him. Throttle him? Ask him how the others are? Be glad to finally see a familiar face? <<if $pacifist <50>>Throttle him some more?<</if>> “If you will hold a minute. I was just finishing up with Zillah.” “Uh-huh. And what were you two talking about?” “Zillah was just giving me a more detailed retelling of his task concerning you.” [[“What bullshit excuses did he have this time?”|RFC1BullshitExcuse]] [[“He tried to kill me, multiple times.”|RFC1KillMe]] [[“It’s good to see you.”|RFC1GoodToSeeYou]] [[Punch him.|RFC1PunchHim]] [[Say nothing.|RFC1SayNothing]]

“What bullshit excuses did he have this time?” “Bullshit excuses?” Zillah questions, appearing offended, “such a harsh way to describe my //reasons//. Believe what you want, I did my job, and I did it well, regardless if you liked the end result.” “You did your job,” Death interjects, giving him a stern gaze, “but you did not do it well. You sitting before me in this form is proof of that. The fact that you did it at all is the only reason why you remain in front of me, intact.” Zillah gulps and glances down at the ground. <<include "RFC1">>

“Did he remember to add in how many times he tried to kill me? Or did he conveniently leave that out?” Zillah rolls his eyes while Death remains silent, glancing back and forth between the two of us with a mix of interest and confusion residing in his eyes. “For someone who thinks they’re so smart, I’d thought you figured out why I did that by now.” “Oh, I have. It’s because you’re an ass.” <<include "RFC1">>

“It’s good to see you, Zillah,” I comment with a nod. My words seem to shock not only him but Death as well. Both of them give me similar expressions of astonishment. Whereas Death seems to mentally shrug it off, Zillah’s frown deepens, and he glances away from me. <<include "RFC1">>

I thought myself fairly collected, but one step after another tells me that the thought is but a delusion. Before I know it, I’m bringing my balled-up fist back, ready to have it meet Zillah’s cheek. But the connection never takes place as I find myself frozen before suddenly pushed backward. “There will be none of that,” Death sighs, “save the violence for when you leave my presence.” <<include "RFC1">>

I spare Zillah one last glance before focusing my attention on Death. <<include "RFC1">>

“Continue, Zillah.” “That’s basically it,” he sighs, “with the hex removed I was able to coat -” he pauses and glances at me out of the corner of his eye, “coat $name with my essence to allow Azrael to find ?him.” I do my best to keep my expression neutral, but his words repeat in my head. Yet again, he used me. And to make it worse is that I know exactly when this happened. When he came to visit me in the room<<if $zsex>>, and well … that isn’t the only thing that happened.<<else>> under the guise that he was going to help out my deterioration.<</if>> How many times will he make a fool of me before I draw the line? Death continues on, “and your delay?” “Caused by the cambion. She’s half-witch and was able to place a proximity spell over me. To finally appease them, I told them what $name was and where. Then they let me go.” I frown, not only at finding out that he again used me, but him stating that the others would have just let him go. “They wouldn’t have just let you go,” I interject. “I agree,” Death states, “can you explain why?” “They realized there’s nothing they could do, and trust me, they have issues of their own right now. After realizing they couldn’t save $name, they had their cute little meeting and decided to give up. They didn’t need me anymore, and so, here I am.” [[“They wouldn’t have just stopped.”|RFC1NoStopping]] [[“Do you ever tell the truth?”|RFC1LiarLiarPantsOnFire]] [[“Sydero would’ve killed you.”|RFC1KillerSydero]] [[“What issues?”|RFC1WhatIssues]]

“They wouldn’t have just stopped looking for me. That, I know for a fact.” “Or maybe you just want to think someone cares that much,” he smirks, looking over his shoulder at me, “it was a <<if $cp>>four<<else>>three<</if>> to one decision. Bradley might do something stupid to find you, but he’ll be on his own with that.” I continue to shake my head, trying to keep my body from shaking. They wouldn’t have just given up ... right? <<include "RFC1.1">>

“You’re such an impulsive liar. You just can’t help it, huh?” “Am I lying? Or do you just refuse to believe that your so-called friends don’t give two fucks about you?” he questions, <<if hasVisited("RFC1PunchHim")>>and my hand balls up into a fist again.<<elseif $pacifist >=50>>and I am forced to bite my tongue.<<else>>and my hand balls up into a fist.<</if>> <<include "RFC1.1">>

I snort while raising a brow, “let you go? Sydero would’ve killed you.” “Maybe your friend isn’t as demonic anymore as you think.” “Nah,” I shake my head, positive of how well I know Sydero, “she would’ve killed you regardless, even if she was 100% human. That’s just how she is.” <<include "RFC1.1">>

“What issues are they facing? What’s happening back on Earth?” He chuckles, shaking his head, “that’s what you care about. Not that they said fuck you and your situation, huh?” “I’m choosing to ignore your lies in favor of figuring out what’s going on.” “You think I’m lying?” “Aren’t you?” <<include "RFC1.1">>

“Then tell me, how did I get here since I’m lying?” “You snuck away, or Azrael saved you.” “Neither is possible with the hex that was on me. Try again.” “Enough!” Death groans loudly, “I feel as if I am sitting in the presence of two children.” [[“He’s the child!”|RFC1HeChildish][$death -=3]] [[“Don't patronize me.”|RFC1PatronizeMe]] [[“Sorry, I didn’t have a father in my life.”|RFC1NoDeathDaddy][$death -=3]] [[“Sorry …”|RFC1RoeSowwie][$death +=3]] [[Say nothing.|RFC1SilenceAgain][$death +=3]]

“He’s the child. I’m just pointing out the obvious.” “In such a childish way,” Zillah smirks and I begin to reply when Death clears his throat. I inhale and then exhale as steadily as I can. “What happened to my friends. How much time has passed on Earth?” <<include "RFC1.2">>

I turn my ire to Death, pointing an accusing finger at him, “don’t sit here and patronize me. I’ve had to put up with this murderous bastard for far too long. So, excuse me for immediately questioning him and calling him out on one of his numerous lies.” “You’re really stuck on what I said being a lie. Sounds more like denial.” I take a shaky breath in, wanting to hit him but knowing that Death would just stop the action before it can be carried out. “Just tell me what happened to my friends and how much time has passed on Earth.” <<include "RFC1.2">>

“Sorry,” I start, sending Death a wry smile, “I didn’t have a father to teach me how to behave and what not.” Zillah attempts to hide his smile while Death closes his eyes and sighs heavily, mumbling underneath his breath. I place my attention on Zillah, “I’d rather you tell me what’s happening to my friends. How much time has passed on Earth?” <<include "RFC1.2">>

“Sorry,” I mumble, rubbing my arm and wondering why I really feel like a child being scolded by their parent. “Did you just apologize?” Zillah asks incredulously. “Zillah,” Death says plainly and that causes him to quiet down. “What happened to my friends. How much time has passed on Earth?” <<include "RFC1.2">>

I look over at Zillah but decide to stay quiet on the matter. Instead, I bring up another. “What’s happening to my friends. How much time has passed on Earth?” <<include "RFC1.2">>

“It would have been at least a week or two?” Death hypothesizes, raising a brow in question. Zillah answers, though whether it’s due to feeling like he should because Death is now giving him an inquisitive look, or because he wishes to set the record straight. “It’s been two weeks. Faye’s house is destroyed and your friends are running from angels and demons. Though I’m sure that won’t last for much longer.” “What?!” My body shakes frenziedly even after I command it to stop. Calm down, I tell myself but that only causes me to shiver violently, attempting to figure out how this could have happened and where they are now. “Told you they don’t care about you.” <<if $m_fear is "supportless">>A voice deep within chuckles and then purrs in satisfaction, echoing Zillah’s words. //They left you and now you’re all alone. Everything you’d do for them but they wouldn’t do the same for you. They abandoned you and when you die, you’ll have no one.//<</if>> <a data-passage="RFC1.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $m_fear is "supportless">>“You’re ...” I start, my voice shaking. I take a deep breath in and straighten up for a second attempt, “you’re ly ... lying.”<<else>>A sense of calmness descends over me, “you’re lying.”<</if>> <<if $m_fear is "supportless">>For a moment, Zillah is quiet, regarding me with a hint of interest in his eyes. <</if>>“Am I?” “Yes. Just tell me what happened?” <<if hasVisited("RFC1HeChildish")>>“Who’s the child now?” he smirks.<<else>>“Careful, $name,” he smirks, “that child-like mentality is showing again.”<</if>> “I have already said enough!” Death shouts and a wave of invisible energy collapses around us. Despite seeing the two figures right in front of me, there is also a feeling of dread as if unspeakable horror is standing in the same room as us. A few deep breaths in from Death and the feeling evaporates. <<if $ZRomance >=10>>\ “I’d rather you both have this conversation out of my office.” He raises a brow as he regards Zillah, “I don’t think you want me to hear any part of this conversation anyhow. Bury this and move on.” Zillah stiffens in his seat, refusing to make eye contact with Death as he continues to speak. “$name, we shall speak later. You’re both dismissed.” <<else>>\ “I’d rather you both have this conversation out of my office. Bury this and move on.” The last part is said mainly to Zillah as his attention shifts to me, “$name, we shall speak later. You’re both dismissed.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="RFC2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $ZRomance >=10>>\ <<if $zl is "friend">>\ With a bow on Zillah’s part and a swift nod on mine, the two of us walk out of his spacious office. As soon as I’m out, my mind screams and goes through the list of things that I just heard and take into account the figure right beside me. There is always something. When the day comes where I walk these streets without being plagued by some shocking truth, it’ll probably be the day right before everything collapses. And like yesterday, the pain of it all doesn’t feel as hard to take. Just another thing to sigh about and figure out where to prioritize it on a long list. “Just say what’s on your mind already,” Zillah growls, finally stopping to turn and looking everywhere but at me. I blink a few times and then look at the area surrounding me. We stand in a hallway that sees minimum foot traffic. A few attendants, supernaturals, and even shades pass by or appear from walking down another hall, but not enough to interrupt our conversation. I frown and look at him, attempting to understand him. To figure out the past and the present to paint a more expressive painting of the future. But each stroke is done with a shaky hand, and without a clear vision, the brush seems to just chaotically move across the canvas. [[I’m confused.|RFC2Confused]] [[I feel betrayed.|RFC2Betrayed]] [[I don’t even know what I feel.|RFC2IDK]] <<else>>\ With a bow on Zillah’s part and a swift nod on mine, the two of us walk out of his spacious office. It feels like I’ve just beaten some unknown record as I keep my anger in for an entire hallway plus a turn. After that, I let it loose. <<if $pacifist >=50>>I turn to Zillah and thrust an accusing finger into his face.<<else>>I grab Zillah’s shirt and slam him into the wall, keeping him pinned as I move in close.<</if>> “You fucking manipulative bastard!” I scream, my heart beating furiously. “Oh please,” he growls, attempting to put space between us, but I don’t budge. When he realizes this, he stops, choosing to cross his arms across his chest. “Don’t act like you didn’t know what this was from the beginning.” “I didn’t!” I shout, pausing to remind myself that servants and attendants are walking about. The last thing I need is for them to be in my business. “Oh, come on, $name. You’re smarter than that.” I feel sick, for there is truth in his words. I know what he is and what he was sent for. Between the sarcastic replies and asshole-ish actions, this shouldn’t shock me. I should’ve seen this coming. But I didn’t. I let myself slip inch by inch, let myself think that maybe, just maybe … <<if $pacifist >=50>>I press my finger harder into his chest<<else>>My fist tightens, balling his shirt up in my grip<</if>>, “so you used me?” I ask, my head down and my eyes searching the floors. You don’t wait for an answer, you don’t really need one. “This entire time was just you using me for this one moment. Not one part was anything more than a trick.” I wait for him to reply, anger flaring the longer the silence tarries. <a data-passage="RFC2_RZ1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ With a bow on Zillah’s part and a swift nod on mine, the two of us walk out of his spacious office. I follow him as we go down an entire hallway, turn the corner, and then find ourselves near an intersection. I know going to the left will lead us outside, but Zillah continues straight on before stopping and turning to me. [[Hit him.|RFC2HitHim][$pacifist -=5]] [[Let him speak.|RFC2LetHimSpeak][$pacifist +=5]] <</if>>\

I was confused by all of this. It wasn’t confusion for Zillah’s action. No, that doesn’t shock me as much as I wish it did. My bewilderment stems from failing to understand how I found myself in this predicament. Despite how often I told myself that Zillah is bad news or that he’s lying and using me. Regardless of how often I checked those walls to ensure he couldn’t tear them down because I knew who he was. With all of those precautions and free-roaming and well-placed thoughts and here I stand. In this exact spot, with no idea how I let myself be fooled. <<include "RFC2_FZ1">>

The best word to describe how I feel is simply betrayed. Time and time again, Zillah has used me, and I … I allowed him to. No. I shake my head at the thought. It isn’t my fault that I want to think that he cared, because he played me into thinking that he did. I can either come to the understanding that I’m foolish and moronic, or I can chalk it all up to him being such a great actor. He acts like my friend or an ally when he is simply the villain. A villain who made it quite evident in the beginning which side he’s on. <<include "RFC2_FZ1">>

It was either that, or I was feeling everything, so narrowing down specific emotions is difficult. I want to hit him, but then I want to hug him. To talk about how much I missed his presence but then how I wished for him to go and never return. There is never a moment where Zillah just brings waves of calmness. Instead it’s always some tidal wave of bewilderment and discord. And no matter how prepared I think I am, I find myself unable to remain above the waves. <<include "RFC2_FZ1">>

But most importantly, I find myself done. Whether too tired to continue whatever this is or understanding that it needs to end for my own sanity. “Why?” I don’t know if that’s the question I really want to ask, but it’s the first to be spoken. Why did all of this happen like it did? Why did he allow it? Why did he constantly feel the need to lie and lead me on? Why play this game? Perhaps that was the best question I could ask. “I told you this,” he mumbles, “I had a job to do, and I did it.” “And that job was to play me? To lie to me and lead me on? To use me every chance you got? Because that was the only option you had? What was your job?!” He opens his mouth as his eyes flicker to mine, and then it slowly closes. “Don’t act innocent, $name. You threw yourself into this.” He leans in with a scowl, “you’re the one who thought it was smart to play with matches. You’re searching for a reason or an apology, and you won’t be receiving either.” [[Respond calmly.|RFC2_FZCalm]] [[“Shut up!”|RFC2_FZShutUp]] [[Walk away.|RFC2_FZWalkAway]]

I inhale deeply, attempting to find some part of me that is loud enough to scream and revolt but I genuinely feel done. So much is happening that adding Zillah to that long list is not something I need or wish to put myself through. Even worse, I don’t know whose side he’s on. Even if I let him in and tell him my true feelings, will that solve anything? “Are you going to at least tell me why? What this was all for? The reason behind all the madness.” The look he gives me alone gives me my answer. “I understand,” I finally say, nodding, “and we can solve this fairly quickly by saying that this is it. Your job is done, and whatever happens, after this has nothing to do with you. Good job.” I can feel his presence getting closer, but it never completes its journey and remains hovering a few inches away. The closeness overwhelms my systems, so I turn and head down the hall. I rush past others, hitting a few of them, but I don’t stop. Keep going. Just keep going. Maybe if I run far enough, I’ll finally be free of this fog that has chosen to seize and devour me. <<include "RFC2_FZ2">>

“Shut up!” I scream, no longer caring who heard me or who came to investigate the disturbance. “Stop making it seem like you’re not just as guilty as I am.” He shrugs, glancing at the wall behind me, “don’t blame me for your own thoughts and fantasies. You know well enough why I was with you and what the end goal was.” “You used me,” I hiss, “at the very least I deserve a reason.” “What were you expecting when all this ended? Or better yet, what did you expect before that? You were going to change me? Make me a better person?” “I …” I can’t even finish my own thought. My heart feels like it’s about to jump out of my chest, and a shiver speeds through me every few minutes. And then suddenly, my earlier thoughts calm me. Washing over me like a refreshing sprinkle on a blistering summer afternoon. Clarification and understanding rolled into one gut punch of that question: why. Only this time, it’s aimed at me. Why am I still standing here like some masochist who loves to be put down and fooled repeatedly? And even if that’s exactly what I am, do I have the energy to continue this back and forth? I tried, and I think that sometimes one just needs to understand that that’s the best they can do. I take a step away from him and then walk off. <<include "RFC2_FZ2">>

I stand there staring at him. No part of his face held any clue to what the truth may be. The more I stare, the more I believe that his previous words were the truth. After waiting for the truth for so long, I think I finally found it. I glance away, and with a nod, I turn and walk back the way we came. My insides were in turmoil, but he didn’t need to see that. I didn’t want him to see it. Each step away from him sees me picking up my pace until I’m right near the exit and running. <<include "RFC2_FZ2">>

<img src="images/divider.png"> Zillah watches as $name leaves. That ... that was the right thing to do, was it not? If so then why did it feel like something inside of him was breaking? //Why?// Maybe because he’s an asshole, an idiot, a filthy liar, a shade looking to save his own skin above all else? There’s probably tons more words that could be added to that list, and he wouldn’t be able to argue against any of them. The truth is, he’s been asking himself the same thing. A long time ago, he stopped looking back. When one was immortal, it made no sense to do so. What would looking back accomplish? Where would his past take him? Nowhere. And so, he swore to always look forward. And it has worked out for him. But right then, he never wished to go back more. To go back and redo every minute since he was first introduced to $name. Though, that begs the question of what exactly would he change? His treatment of Roe or the boundaries that he //thought// he placed but allowed to foolishly let down thanks to a pair of pretty $eyes eyes, a tantalizing smile, and such a pure heart that reminded him what emotions and the human soul could truly do? <a data-passage="RFC2_FZ3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Roe wanted to know why. And though he wished to act as if the answer had some complicated variable, it was quite simple, or at least it used to be. At one point it was because it was his job. No other profound reason but that. Now, the answer is that there is no reason. All of his justifications had began to blur and now he was left with a cluttered wall filled mostly with scribbles and jibberish. Everything leading up to this was made up on foolish conjecture and fear and a sense of superiority that had mostly been imagined. The thing about $name is that ?he <<verb 'has'>> a tendency to make an individual question themselves. To make one wish that there’s some important reason that’ll tie everything together with a neat and fancy bow. <<if $optimistic >=50>>But ?he also had a tendency to want to see the best in others, to think that something motivated even the darkest of hearts. If someone else wouldn’t teach ?him, then Zillah would, no matter how unfortunate.<<else>>And though ?he had a tendency to see the truth of the matter, it regularly feels like ?he was trying to find something in Zillah not there.<</if>> Sometimes assholes are just assholes, traumatic past or not. Sometimes people just want to see others burn and rot and feel pain. Sometimes people just did shitty things and that’s the end of that. He wipes a hand over his face, glancing up at the ceiling. This was all far easier when he was strapped to a chair and having Sydero beat the shit out of him. Everything is always simpler when he’s strapped down to some chair. It’s always when he’s released that the problems start. He did this. He did all of this and he’s realizing that there’s no way he can undo it. Not really. There is telling the truth, it isn’t like he hadn’t come to terms with the absurd notion of what he was feeling and going through in regards to $name. But after the conversation they just had would it even be enough? Which again begs the question of why. Why constantly lie when all one needed to do was speak truthfully? Why push away someone you yearned to hold? Fear. Yea, he nods, walking the other way. It was always fear. <img src="images/divider.png"> <<include "RFC3">>

“Answer me.” <<if $pacifist >=50>>I constantly dig my finger into his chest,<<else>>I slam him up against the wall again,<</if>> my eyes now on his. “Say it!” My voice gets away from me again, but I don’t care this time. “It’s easy enough, right? I’m the stupid one here, so just say it. Tell me that I was nothing but a means to an end. Tell me that you hated me and that using me was the easiest thing you ever did. Tell me that none of it, not one bit, was ... was -” It suddenly feels like all the emotions I’m feeling hit me all at once. Desperation, rage, humiliation, and embarrassment all scream until suddenly, they’re quiet. They stare at me, and I stare back until wordlessly, they sit, and the silence of that room is daunting. But with that silence comes a moment of reticent understanding. That none of this matters. That none of this will ever matter. This entire time ... that little voice that kicked and shouted and dug its heels in was right. How dumb I must be. How dumb I must have seemed. This desperate person looking for understanding in a world they didn’t know, clinging to a monster that didn’t even bother to wear a disguise. I didn’t need him to say it because his actions have multiple times. The part of me that yearns to hear it is just seeking out misplaced affirmation that won’t make it feel better. It needs a reason, and it’s time it understands it won’t ever receive one. <a data-passage="RFC2_RZ1_R1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I shake my head and sigh, “I can scream about how much I hate you, but I don’t think that’s true. I just hate what you put me through and how all of this didn’t need to be like this.” I shrug, “I think I hate the potential this all had. What I imagined. All I ask is to understand why. I -” Zillah has yet to say anything as he stares at me, our eyes searching each other’s faces. There’s no reason to lie. The part of me that yearns for him to say that there’s something between us is still there. It pulls at thin threads of my heart, and no matter how minuscule I think they are, every tug hurts. He eliminates the space between us and I don’t stop him, my eyes never leaving his as he tries to find words. He seems to finally do so, but then he loses them just as fast. This time, he doesn’t attempt to recuperate them. He just lets them flitter off into whatever void desires to trap them. I shake my head, “I’m done.” I walk away. My pace is even, my head is high, but my heart is screaming. I need him to yell stop. For him to come and grab my arm and force me to stop and listen. For him to fight for something that I sincerely wish is there. For once, to just be honest with me, even if it’s just to break down every hope that I have. But at the same time I don’t. And so I increase my speed ever so slightly to make sure that the opportunity is never presented. <a data-passage="RFC2_FZ2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Violent ++</span><</if>> “Still -” before he can get out the last word, I strike him. Fist to cheek and part of me wishes to keep going. I want to see him on the ground, bleeding and begging for me to stop. But I control myself as best as I can. “Hit me again.” He starts to say, but I do exactly what he asks, hitting him and daring him with my entire being to retaliate. I notice my body discharging a familiar dark mist and decide to calm myself. Take a step back and rein my emotions back in line. “You finally get your answers, and you’re not satisfied?” “First off, those answers didn’t come from you. You torment me for months, and you’re pissed off because I punched you? I should be doing a whole lot worse.” He straightens, wiping blood from his lower lip and sending me a glare. <a data-passage="RFC2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if settings.statShow>><span class="stats">Pacifist ++</span><</if>> “So,” he sighs and looks me up and down, “here you are. I’m guessing you know everything now.” “Yea. I do. I know what I am and what I’m going to become. Thanks, by the way.” “Don’t do that, $name,” he sighs heavily, “you know why I couldn’t tell you anything.” “So that excuses all the times you tormented me and were an ass? Not to mention the multiple times you’ve tried to kill me.” “You wouldn’t have died, not as long as I was there,” he informs. “See. And you couldn’t have said that?! This entire time you could’ve just been less of an ass and told me that you were doing all of this to save my life. That one day, I’ll get my answers, but for now, you had to do what you did to make sure I lived to see that day. If you had just done that, then everything would’ve been better and ran a lot smoother.” “Well, I didn’t!” he screams back, his body shaking, “I didn’t. And it’s not like I can fucking go back and change that.” <a data-passage="RFC2.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I’m reminded of what he told Death, not only about ‘coating’ me but Faye’s house being destroyed and the multiple attacks. “Don’t lie to me. What really happened to Faye’s house?” He snaps, “you weren’t there. Azrael had come for you by then. Yea, her house was destroyed. We never figured out who did it, angels or demons.” “Is Faye okay?” I question, my eyes wide. “Yea, yea. She’s alive, and so is that drunk of yours.” I let out a thankful sigh. At least everyone is okay. I want to ask him what they’re doing in regards to saving me, but I know he’d just lie. He already said they let him go because they had given up, and he’d just repeat that phrase until I was stuck believing it. To late. What if he’s honest? What if they really exhausted every possible plan and realized that I’m past saving? Only supernaturals can enter Purgatory. “Wait,” I start, glancing over at Zillah, “Sydero and Rahim are half witches. Shouldn’t they be able to enter Purgatory?” “Keyword half. The half part gets canceled out by the fact that they have angelic and demonic blood running through them. Try again, $name.” I didn’t want to. I’m already giving myself a headache, and I’m needed someplace else. “Zillah,” a shade questions, gliding up to us, and with what I believe is a shocked expression, they take in Zillah’s appearance. “What happened?” “Long story,” Zillah shouts dramatically, throwing me a smirk, “but it involves being surrounded by a bunch of idiots.” He doesn’t stick around, sauntering away with the shade close by as he tells him whatever version of the story he saw fit. I go my own way as well. <a data-passage="RFC3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I walk to the training hall, failing to understand how I’m supposed to train when yet another revelation has been dropped into my lap. How many discoveries can one encounter before the tower just falls to the side due to an already weak foundation? At the moment, I just want to sit down. To wipe my mind clear of everything and just exist in silence for a while. Looking around the hall, I spot Chanara off to the side and approach her. “Basics today, fresh veil. You ready?” [[Hell no. I had too much on my mind.|RFC3LeaveEarly]] [[I just wanted to get this over and done with.|RFC3MidEarly][$power +=3]] [[Yea, it’ll provide a decent distraction.|RFC3NoEarly][$power +=5]]

I don’t answer her, just taking the position near her and waiting for further instructions. As soon as she starts, everything she says goes in one ear and out the other, and not one piece of it is retained. My mind chooses to focus on Zillah’s presence and the understanding that hell is befalling my group on Earth. A part of me knows I shouldn’t be thinking about this. It’s not like I won’t have time later to drown myself in such thoughts. But that’s just a piece of advice that I don’t seem to contemplate further. “$name!” Chanara snaps, and I blink, remembering where I am and what I’m supposed to be doing. “No one ever told you not to work out when your mind ain’t all the way there?” “I don’t think so?” I question, brow raised. “Whatever. You obviously ain’t focused on workin’ out, and I don’t have the patience to keep shouting at you about it.” “There’s a lot on my mind.” “No shit. That much is obvious.” She observes me and sighs, pointing towards the door, “go, take a break or somethin’. Not like we can do anything with you unfocused. You’ll just hurt yourself.” I’m not about to argue against her, and so I stand and head out. <a data-passage="RFC3.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

It feels like I’m just going through the motions. She’ll tell me what to do, and though I do it, I’m sure it’s evident that my mind isn’t totally focused on the task at hand. My mind chooses to focus on Zillah’s presence and the understanding that hell is befalling my group on Earth. A part of me knows I shouldn’t be thinking about this. It’s not like I won’t have time later to drown myself in such thoughts. But that’s just a piece of advice that I don’t seem to contemplate further. Chanara would stop and glare at me at random intervals, her eyes chiding me on my distractive nature and telling me to actually take this seriously. For a second, I’d do what she wants, but it wouldn’t last, and I fall back into a state of pondering and surmising. “Alright, we’re done,” she sighs, waving me away as she takes a seat. “My bad.” “Yea, whatever. Just go take a break or somethin’. You’re unfocused, and I be damned if something happens, and you just blame me later for it.” She shrugs, “we’ll try again tomorrow.” Arguing against her is useless since she’s right. I’m not focused, and continuing makes little sense if I’m not about to retain anything that I’m actually learning. And so, with a nod, I leave. <a data-passage="RFC3.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I take everything Chanara says and put it into practice. In a way, I almost feel like I’m too studious, making it apparent that I’m trying to escape something by throwing my all into this. But if Chanara notices, she doesn’t react or say anything about it. Soon, the thought leaves me as well, and I’m engrossed in the activity. We go over the basics, and though I feel I should be able to move on to something a bit more advanced, she continues to hit me over the head with the idea of command. Command my powers, not the other way around. Figuring out what that means takes me longer than I wish to admit. To me, calling forth my power is commanding them. But the more I do it, the more I realize the difference. Before, I simply call forth the energy. I tell it to present itself in my hand, and that’s the end of that. When I do finally grasp the concept, I not only tell it where to go but how much of it. Before it even shows itself, I’m able to shape it and do what I wish. I feel like I've reached a new point, almost an understanding with my abilities to where it’s no longer the two of us nodding at each other, promising to work together. Now, it bows to me and sees me as its master. “Nice,” Chanara sighs, clapping her hands with a large smile. “That’s it for the day.” “Really? We can’t do more?” I feel like everything I had shoved to the side is waiting patiently at the door. As soon as I open it, they’ll pounce, and I wish to delay that. “Nah, if you go overboard, you’ll risk exhaustion and maybe even pulling somethin’. Better to stop.” Chanara raises a brow as I huff out. “Whatever you’re running from, you might just wanna face it.” “Who says I’m running?” “You’re still sittin’ here. So, you do.” She offers me what I think is an understanding smile before leaving, and a few minutes later, I do as well. <a data-passage="RFC3.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I wander with no clear understanding of where I’m going. Mostly, I’m just trying to clear my mind. In the past, I’d just sit somewhere and go through every problem one by one to try and figure everything out and hopefully leave myself some kind of solace, but that isn’t an option. Not because I just can’t, but because it’s mostly pointless. There’s no solutions to my problems. I still need to talk to Death about leaving, even though I have somewhat of an idea about what he’ll say. I could be wrong. It isn’t like he can’t just pluck me from Earth if need be. Why not let me go? Entering the main square, <<if hasVisited("RFC3LeaveEarly") or hasVisited("RFC3MidEarly")>>I spot the two beings walking in separate directions and make up my mind about what to do. I had just said I needed to speak to Death, but Azrael wasn’t exactly a figure that was always lingering around. Also, he was alone, whereas Death was walking with others.<<else>>Entering the main square, I spot Azrael. For the first time, he doesn’t seem to be rushing off to someplace and is actually taking his time.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC3LeaveEarly") or hasVisited("RFC3MidEarly")>>\ [[Speak to Death.|RFC3WalkDeath]] <</if>>\ [[Speak to Azrael.|RFC3WalkAzrael]] [[Where was the gang when I needed them?|RFC3WalkAlone]]

“Death?” I ask as I approach, gazing at the others as they do the same to me. I’m guessing they had heard about me but had never seen me, or at least this up close. “Do you have time?” <<if hasVisited("RFC3LeaveEarly")>>\ “I do.” The words cause the others to back off, far enough to where I can confidently say that whatever is discussed would be private, as long as they don’t read my lips. The following moment is spent in awkward silence. Death looks to me, waiting for whatever I will say while I attempt to find the right words. It’s odd. Before this, I thought I had figured out everything I wanted to say, but I have no words now that I’m standing here in front of him. “Is this about what we discussed previously?” he questions, bringing an end to the silence. I nod. [[“Are you sure about this?”|RFC3AreYouSure][$death -=5]] [[“I understand your dilemma.”|RFC3Dilemma][$death +=5]] [[“I just wanted someone to talk to.”|RFC3FamilyMatters]] <<else>>\ “No, I am needed elsewhere. What was it that you wished to discuss?” I shrug and back off, “just about what was going to happen, and …” I trail off, shaking my head as I stop there. “I will call on you when I have time. There, we can discuss all that you wish. Okay?” It felt incredibly odd how the two of us sometimes seemed to slip into the child and parent role. I was an adult, and right then, I couldn’t help but feel as if I was speaking to my father about something bothering me, but he had a business call or something of the likes to deal with. I shake the thought away and continue on with my own things. <a data-passage="RFC4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

“Are you sure about all of this?” “Am I sure about all of what?” he questions, cocking his head to the side, “if you are talking about what I think you are, then yes. I am positive about it, and it is you that needs address and become content with the idea.” “Excuse me,” I growl, “for actually not wanting to die and not wanting to walk around and feel like I’m just carrying your next precious vessel.” “You seem to expect something out of me that I cannot give, $name.” He stiffens, “am I sorry or disappointed that you must live through this. Yes. I’m not a monster. If there were a list of ways to bypass this, I would go through each one. I can give you nothing but time, but that won’t change the way this will end. Or do you wish for me to doom the entire world, you included, because of emotions?” “Don’t do that,” I bark, “I just want to make sure that I’m not throwing my life away when there could possibly be a better way.” “I would hardly call what will happen, you throwing your life away. But be my guest. Go and exhaust all possible resources to find a //better// way.” With one last stern glare, he walks away from me, rejoining the others. <a data-passage="RFC4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I just wanted to say that I thought about it, and I understand your dilemma or your position at least.” His eyes grow softer, and I continue on, “I know this is as strange to you as it is for me. I don’t know. I guess it’s weird to think Death has any feelings or hang-ups over killing someone.” “You would be wrong,” he answers, placing a hand on my shoulder, his brows knitted together. “It’s odd to say, and each time I do convey such thoughts, Azrael chides me on them with expressions alone. But I do wish to know you. To know how you grew up and what you like and don’t like. The strangest thing is that I shouldn’t, but a part of me wishes to be rebellious and do so anyway. This predicament is not only hard for you; rest assured, the burden is haunting me as well.” He takes a step back and smiles as he examines me from head to toe, “you look like your mother.” He frowns, “well, of course, you look like her. You couldn’t possibly look like me.” “Why not?” He gestures to himself, “I simply take on the appearance of the last child that I take. A choice.” He adds the last part in as if those two words alone should reassure me. I suppose he has no wish to take on my appearance after getting to know me in such a way. “Do you remember her at all?” “Not in the way that you may wish, I’m sorry. As you know, we did not have a relationship. I only remember what she looks like. That’s one thing I have trouble forgetting with marked souls.” He smiles, but it’s full of affliction. He clears his throat and nods to me before walking off. <a data-passage="RFC4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“No, I just ...” I look around as if something within our surroundings will help or calm me. Why did I think this was smart? What will speaking to an immortal man like Death solve? “Nevermind.” I turn to walk away, but Death stops me, his mist creating a wall that I’m sure I could walk through if I wished to, but I don’t. “Speak your mind, $name. What ails you?” “I just wanted someone to talk to. But you’re probably busy, and it’s fine. I don’t even know what I would have discussed with you. It’s not like we know one another or you’ll understand or -” He stops me by awkwardly resting his hand on my shoulder, an action that causes him to remove it a moment later as if he had done something wrong. “At the very least, you can walk with me to the office.” I follow him toward the building, finding that now that we’re here, it feels like everything I wanted to speak about just vanishes. Whether he notices this or just feels the need to lead the conversation, he speaks up first, and I find myself grateful. “How are you feeling? Body wise?” “Lighter. Sometimes it’s weird to even think that I was deteriorating.” “Good. Once you master the basics completely, it will no longer be a concern to you. Your powers will have settled, and even if you experience a sudden outburst, you can subdue it.” “Outburst? Those are normal?” “They happen in the beginning. In a year or two, they will stop. Your power is alive in a way that may be odd to you. It can take on a life of its own if given a chance.” “Speaking from experience?” I question, turning a corner, we’re halfway there, and my feelings have been kept to myself. What will telling him any of this do? “To some extent. My youth was a mix of testing my limits and rebelling against the powers that be. Each ending with me swiftly learning that abiding by the rules is wiser.” “A lot of revelations and coming to terms with things.” “I wish to ask you something,” he says, stopping in front of his office doors. “You know what I must do. I have held nothing from you. With all that you know, what would you do in my place?” [[“The same as you.”|RFC3FM.SameAsYou][$death +=5]] [[“Find another way.”|RFC3FM.AnotherWay][$death -=5]] [[“I can’t answer that.”|RFC3FM.CantAnswer][$death -=3]]

“I would do the same as you,” I say confidently, and he nods, but I quickly add in, “but one must also ask what you would do and feel in my position?” He stares at me for a minute longer than I’m comfortable with; part of me believes this will place an even larger wedge in the middle of a fragile relationship. But he smiles. “I do not fault you. And if I were you, I would seek out every way to change the world and prove to those that say such things are inevitable that they are indeed not.” I frown, my brows furrowing as he nods and looks from his door to me. “My thanks for walking with me. I shall see you another time.” And with that, he enters his office, and I’m left to think about the walk itself and what to do now. <a data-passage="RFC4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I would find alternatives. I understand that after all this time, that time is inevitably on my side, and I’d do everything I can to make sure that I can bring an end to this cycle.” “You speak as if I have not. As if using mortals and taking the child was my first and only choice.” “Could’ve fooled me. You seem pretty complacent now.” He laughs, but the sound does not put me at ease. It’s the sound of an immortal speaking with someone who can’t even fathom the scope of the universe and how the elements that make it up work. “If seeing me in such a monstrous light will make this transition easier for you, then so be it. I do not mind, $name. I will be whatever you wish.” He looks from me to his door, his eyes narrowing as he’s thinking something over. “You may think that once all this is done, I will return to life as it has always been. Performing my duties as if you have never existed and your only use was to harbor a soul that I will soon take. It will not. You have shifted so much, and your presence will be felt for centuries to come. You will cause not only a stricter process but for me to ponder every child that follows in your footsteps and think, what could have been.” It seems like he wishes to say more, but he does not. Instead, he opens his door and walks in, leaving me to think about the walk and what to do now. <a data-passage="RFC4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I shake my head, “I can’t answer that. You know I can’t answer that.” “Is that because you genuinely cannot or because you know the answer you will give will cause you to feel as if all is doomed?” Staying true to my previous answer, I simply give him a look, allowing him to decipher it however he wishes. He hums, “my thanks for walking with me. I shall see you another time.” And with that, he enters his office, and I’m left to think about the walk itself and what to do now. <a data-passage="RFC4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I decide to approach Azrael, and it seems that as soon as I make up my mind, he notices me. “$name,” he nods, saying nothing more as I fall into step with him. “I’ve been wondering something,” I start, “you don’t like Zillah and the other shades because they still have remnants of their human souls, right?” “You’re correct. Simplified but correct nevertheless.” “So, do you not have emotions? Does any immortal being?” Azrael gazes over at me, possibly realizing why I had asked that. I was wondering about Death and how much I could not only sway him but if this is indeed just a means to an end for him. That he sees me not as his child or $name Roe, but only as his vessel. “We do, though it’s not in the same capacity as mortals and some immortals. If I didn’t, then stating that I dislike shades would be nonsensical. We have emotions, but they don’t play a factor in our decisions and goals. Not like shades and reapers. I see the use of reapers, but I am only glad that they make no decisions. They are simply guides.” “Because they have emotions?” “In this job, one has to be impartial. Answer me this, you are sent to reap a man, a doctor who has done his job. He attempts to save every life presented in front of him, but he is a bigot. He is racist, homophobic, sexist, xenophobic, and perhaps more. The most hurt he has ever genuinely inflicted are from his anonymous forum posts where he dehumanizes those not like him. Do you condemn him or not?” [[“Condemn him.”|RFC3Condemn]] [[“Do not condemn him.”|RFC3NoCondemn]] [[“It’s not black and white.”|RFC3BlackNWhite]] [[“It’s not my place to judge.”|RFC3NoJudge]]

“I’d condemn him. He’s an asshole. Great, he did his job, or so we think. Who’s to say some of his prejudice didn’t affect his work or that stereotypes and preconceptions didn’t worm their way in? Being a decent person is on him, and that’s what he should be judged on.” “You add doubtful questions where there were none. And who are you to say he wasn’t a decent person?” “You just said he was a bigot and would dehumanize others. What would you call that?” “Someone giving their opinions? Same as you believing that such traits are unappealing and should not be possessed.” I open my mouth, but he stops me and, with a steely gaze, asks, “what makes your position better than the other? Say what you will, but you are bringing your morals and ethics into the conversation. This is not what the job asks for. You wish to add a gray spectrum when it is indeed all black and white. Your humanity works on a grayscale, but the world order does not. The person before you either deserves condemnation or they don’t. They are sent to the Underworld or Elysium.” <<include "RFC3.2">>

“I wouldn’t condemn him. As wrong as it may seem, his opinions didn’t hurt anyone, not directly anyway. At most, they were faceless crimes, and anyone can be blamed for that. No, I wouldn’t condemn him.” “Though that’s the right answer, you still approached it with morality in mind. Who’s to say his opinions were crimes at all? Who’s to say anything he does is a crime or not? The same way one can ask who’s to say they are not crimes.” “Well, the law.” “And laws are created by humans. Logic shows that humans are flawed creatures that, once again, bring morality into their discussions. Your own laws show their flaws as they carry exceptions, and one may interpret the law differently than the other.” “I get what you’re saying, but it’s not as simple as you make it seem.” “Isn’t it.” He shrugs his shoulders, saying his piece and being done with it. <<include "RFC3.2">>

“This isn’t a black and white situation.” “Isn’t it? That is a human response. When it comes to logical reasoning and doing one’s job, you take your list and check everything off. The humanity inside of you has decided that this man’s opinions make him a horrible person who needs to be punished or has decided that he is entitled to them. While, for me, I look simply at his life and see that he has lived it true to himself and has done no direct harm to others. What I’m trying to say is that this job is always black and white. The person before you either deserves condemnation or they don’t. They are to be sent to the Underworld or Elysium.” <<include "RFC3.2">>

“It’s not my place to judge whether he should be condemned or not.” Azrael smiles widely, “and that is the correct answer.” “But it’s your job.” He shrugs, “I do not look at the job I am given and question it. I simply do it.” “Then what makes you qualified to judge?” “I was created to do it. Do not take my words to say that I condemn humanity along with morals and ethics, I find all of you who possess the traits fascinating. It makes for an interesting debate to be privy to. But I also do not appreciate those qualities in what is to be an unbiased job. I was created with one purpose and I will do that purpose, end of story.” “You sound like Death.” “Yes, but Death has also never been faced with a problem in the form of you.” I look over at him, and with one last examining glance, Azrael turns away. <<include "RFC3.2">>

“One last question, Azrael. If you were in Death’s spot, what would you do with me?” “You ask a question you already know the answer to.” I wish to act confused but deep down, I know. And even if I could claim that before I did not, the conversation that we just had answered it. I was just hoping that there was still some sort of hope for me. That this path didn’t have such an abrupt dead end. <a data-passage="RFC4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I missed my gang more than I should right then. I was starting to feel selfish as if I could only feel this way because I personally needed them. But I didn’t care. I smirk to myself as I go, heading towards the nearest entrance. <<if $cp>>Chris would listen, even if he would throw in a couple ‘I told you so’s.’ He would grab some comfort food and clear the entire day for the two of us. <</if>>Sydero, the back to normal Sydero at least, would probably say something vulgar and insanely wise, though, at the time, it wouldn’t seem like it. Amari would hug me and be the best listener on the planet; Bradley would too. Rahim, well, I have no idea what Rahim would do. It was a toss-up between just not caring because it was obvious or him actually listening. <<if $rahim >=50>>I had a feeling he’d listen though, he’d be the unexpected shoulder I need at the moment.<<else>>I had a feeling he’d probably say something rude that would see me rolling my eyes, but, at the same time, smart and logical and inevitably answering my question.<</if>> Angrily, I shake my head, pushing any emotions away for now. I want to go back. This place is answering my questions, but it is also the last place I want to be. At least back on Earth, I have people watching my back. I have a team and people that care about me. Here, I have no one on my side. And the only reason I’m of any importance is because I’m to be a vessel. <a data-passage="RFC3.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I let out a low chuckle as my mind continues to imagine the others. Faye, bustling about trying to find something to comfort me with. She would most definitely grab some tea and offer kind words. While Jeff would raise a glass and try to entice me into becoming his drinking buddy. At the very least, he would say something obscene that, at least for the moment, would cause me to forget about my problems. Zillah had said that they had given up. At the time, it seemed ludicrous, not even something I thought to dwell on because of the lunacy of it. But, the more I think about it, the more sense it makes. They wouldn’t send Amari, and not just because they cared for her. That plan was doomed to fail. Even if she found some way to break through the veil, she was a hybrid and would be hunted here as mercilessly, if not even more, as she was on Earth. They wouldn’t trust Zillah, period. But if he was here, then he either escaped or Azrael helped him. I was sure they weren’t foolish enough not to hide him from Azrael’s eyes, and so it was far more likely that Zillah managed to escape. Either that, or he was right, they released him. [[There was no way. They would never give up.|RFC4][$team +=5]] [[It made sense, didn’t it.|RFC4][$team +=3]] [[I can’t trust anyone but myself.|RFC4][$team -=5]]

When I get to my room, I head straight to the bed and lay down. Wishing to wake up amongst friends, desiring it. Something that used to be so insane had become routine and what I sought after the most. I wouldn’t have this weight on my shoulders. I’d be free and at most carrying my own burden and not that of the world. I would just be some odd supernatural that, at most, found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. But regardless, it was simple. I didn’t have to question my existence and survival. I could just live. When was the last time I just lived? [[Cry.|RFC4Cry]] [[Yell.|RFC4Yell]] [[Force myself to sleep.|RFC4Sleep]]

In a blink, it feels like everything I’ve ever gone through comes tumbling off the cliff and over me. All the struggling and death, the running and hiding. The countless discoveries and even the questions that now have answers. Hell’s visit … I choke as the sobs overtake me, bringing me further and further into an abyss that I don’t wish to be trapped in, but can’t find a way out of. And I let it. I have no energy to fight it off or criticize myself about the action. This is so much, and I’m not strong enough. The higher I hold my head, the weaker my legs get, and the more I feel myself falling. <<include "RFC4.1">>

At the top of my lungs, I let out a loud yell, not caring who heard it. But my anger does not stop at the rage. I manifest a ball of energy and launch it at the wall, followed by another and another. Each one causes me to feel powerful yet so weak. I have all this power residing inside of me, but it isn’t mine. Each ball is larger than the last, but it’s not enough. I need it to be larger and more destructive. I never get what I want as I fall to the ground and hang my head, heaving as I just want all of this pain to go away. Everything hurts, and I’m so sick of it. But, like always, there is nothing I can do about it. I am a viewer to my own life, forced to simply watch and react. <<include "RFC4.1">>

I press myself up against the wall and try to block the world out. It isn’t the safest place, but sleep is far safer than any other place around me. And right now, that will have to do. I just want to vanish. To go somewhere where all of this pain is no longer a factor. I wish to live a life that is mine and mine alone. But right now, I just hope for sleep. Physically, I’m not tired, but I’m mentally and emotionally drained. I always am nowadays. To just lay in bed and never leave its comforts … <<include "RFC4.1">>

Exhausted. That’s the word. Other emotions are surging through me but peering at myself through a broader lens, that’s the word that persists. Sleep doesn’t help. Neither does the training. Nor do random walks that I take to clear a misty mind. I’m starting to think that nothing will. That I’ll stay trapped in this dismal cycle. And the strangest part is that I no longer know how I feel about it. There is no stopping this. No actual break if Death’s words hold any truth, and I suspect they contain nothing but the truth. I will be running or fighting for the rest of my life, however long that is all being up to me and how lucky I am. What will a moment of contemplation do? Speaking to someone else about what I want and what I wish? This is happening no matter my feelings towards it. Everything has been happening despite my feelings towards it. No matter how hard I fight. How high I raise my head or how low I hang it. “Release.” I sit up at the noise, gazing around in confusion, until the realization settles on my shoulders, squeezing harshly. I know this voice. The memory of a distorted voice that was mine but not comes to me. I thought it was my deterioration playing tricks with my mind. “Release. Us.” “Us?” I question, gazing around a room that grows darker with each passing second. “What do you mean?” “Release.” It fails to expand on that command, simply restating it in the same broken and tired voice as the light grows faint. <a data-passage="RFC4.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I don’t remember my dreams, if I even have them. All I remember is laying down to sleep, the return of the voice, and then a rough hand falling upon my mouth and shaking me from my slumber. My attempt at jolting up and out of bed finds me meeting a pair of golden tinted eyes. “Stay quiet. I have to talk to you.” He removes his hand and then begins to move away. [[“You’re still playing games!?”|RFC4PlayingGames]] [[“No.”|RFC4No]] [[“You really have a problem with words.”|RFC4WhatYoIssueWithWords]] [[“What’s going on.”|RFC4GoingOn]] [[Follow him.|RFC4FollowHim]]

“You’re still playing games?” I question incredulously, “here? Of all places?” “No one’s playing,” he starts but then bites his tongue and frowns, “I guess I am. Just come on. We have things to discuss.” I roll my eyes, wondering just how much trouble he’d get in if Death or Azrael found out about whatever this is. <<include "RFC4.3">>

“No,” I say matter-of-factly, resituating myself on the bed to get comfortable. “This is not the time.” “Whatever,” I turn my back to him and pull the duvet close to my figure when I feel his presence approach the side of the bed. “You standing menacingly over me is not going to get me to move.” “Do you want to know about your friends or not?” His words almost bring me to act, but I stay as I am. He grumbles something before letting out the longest and deepest sigh I’ve ever heard. “//Please//, follow me.” I sit up and smirk, “only because you asked so politely.” <<include "RFC4.3">>

“You really have a problem with words, don’t you.” “What are you talking about?” he hisses lowly, “I used them.” “After you woke me up like some midnight murderer. A simple, wake up $name works.” He’s about to say something more but stops, covering his face and just pointing to the door. How can one digress in a matter of seconds? I just told him to use words. <<include "RFC4.3">>

“What’s going on? Did something happen?” “Do the words stay quiet mean nothing to you?” I frown but follow after him regardless. <<include "RFC4.3">>

I don’t ask any questions and get out of bed to follow him. I’m putting a little too much blind faith in the shade, but there’s hardly anything he can do to me. <<include "RFC4.3">>

I believe he’ll stop in the hallway outside my room, but he continues on past that, and soon I realize that he’s taking me outside. Curiosity keeps me moving forward, past the palace’s gates and into the streets of Al Mawt. Zillah remains silent, simply continuing his trek. He looks serene. Much like someone who has been away from home for so long that they have almost forgotten what it looks like. There’s a hint of sadness in his eyes <<if $zl is "friend">>that makes part of me feel pity for him. I don’t appreciate what he did and what he put me through. Most of it highly unneeded, and I dare not say he should be let off without consequences. But seeing him now, I wonder how much of this is his choice and how much of it forced upon him.<<else>>that makes me feel some twisted form of contempt. I’m not a vindictive person, or at least I tell myself I’m not. But seeing Zillah in any kind of pain makes me want to smirk. Yet, at the same time, that feeling feels wrong and dirty. I’m not him, and I won’t demean myself enough to be put on his level.<</if>> <a data-passage="RFC4.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Alright, Zillah. What is it?” <<if $ZRomance >=10>>The look he gives me reminds me of someone trying to find something that they doubt is there. My stance hasn’t changed since earlier. I still feel the same and the last thing I have time for is hearing any more of his bullshit. Not now. I apply more distance, as if that simple movement will ward him off. It feels childish but I have trouble finding reason to care.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC1KillerSydero")>>\ “You were correct earlier about Sydero. She wouldn’t have let me go without killing me.” “So then, why are you standing in front of me?” “Because this is all part of her brilliant fucking plan.” <<else>>\ “Your little rainbow squad sent me.” “My rainbow squad?” He shrugs uncaringly. <</if>>\ He turns to face me, “after I told them what you are and where you were at, they figured out they only had two choices. Kill Amari and send her in or send me. No one was up for sending the fanged pup. Well, no one but the kid really, and so that left just me.” “And they trusted you?” “No. Which is where your damn witchy friend comes in. She took the hex off me just to place another,” he points between us, “she made a voodoo doll and placed a life linking spell on it. Our life forces are now connected, for the time being.” “Again?” I growl, and he shrugs, rolling his eyes to show that he isn’t a fan of this either. I’m sure this wouldn’t be like last time, mainly because neither possessed the other, but I wasn’t happy about being connected to him. I go over all that he just told me. So, the gang, or at least Sydero, didn’t just let him go. There’s terms and conditions that went along with it. But what’s the point of that? <a data-passage="RFC4.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“This still doesn’t explain why. It just invites more why’s in. Why did she put this spell on us?” “It’s basically a death threat. I don’t complete my end of the deal, and she’ll kill me.” “Which will kill me,” I point out, and he raises a brow. “You’re a reaper and Death’s vessel. You have to know that he’ll just bring you back.” I catch a hint of envy residing in his eyes, and the more he examines me, the more it blossoms to the surface, even affecting his body language until he’s standing awkwardly. “If she even thinks I’m playing games, then she’ll harm the doll. You’ll feel it too, but I’m sure they’re not really concerned about wounds that can heal.” “And your side of the deal?” “Isn’t it obvious?” My silence causes him to roll his eyes, and he continues, “they sent me here to get you out. Bitch gave me a deadline too, November.” “November! What month is it?” “July. August. I don’t know.” A new sort of hope blossoms inside of me. So, they hadn’t given up searching for me. “Then what are we still doing standing here? You want to avoid death, and I want out, let’s go.” “It’s not that simple. Teleporting you out of here can’t just be done without grabbing Azrael’s and Death’s attention. As soon as we’re on Earth, Azrael will be on us. And if Azrael gets to us, then I’m dead anyway. And the realm teleporter is the same thing, Death will know. I have to be smart about this,” he trails off when he says this, fidgeting in his spot and playing with his hands as he gazes off into the distance, deep in thought. “Plus, you’re still affected by that deterioration. You have to stay and train.” [[“Why not just ask Death if I can go?”|RFC4AskDeath]] [[“What do we need then?”|RFC4WhatWeNeed]] [[“And why can’t you just train me?”|RFC4WhyCantYouTrainMe]]

“I’ve been meaning to speak to Death and ask him about leaving. I should just see how that pans out.” Zillah throws his head back and lets out a raucous laugh that causes my jaw to clench. I let him have it, standing idly as he continues to obnoxiously laugh over what I had suggested. When he finally calms, he rubs at his eye and raises a doubtful brow. “You think Death is just going to let you go? No. That’s not going to happen.” “And you know this for a fact?” “Yes. You still haven’t even finished training. No, just shut up and let me handle this. Keep training with whoever you’re with, and I’ll tell you when you should be ready.” <<if $ZRomance >=10>>\ I don’t like this but I feel like I have hardly any choice in the matter. “Fine. Is that all?” He opens his mouth but I just roll my eyes, walking back the way we came. <<if $power_teleport is false>>I wish I knew how to teleport, perhaps I’ll speak to Chanara about that. <</if>>I almost think I hear him whisper my name but it’s far too low and as I continue on I make peace with it probably being nothing but the wind. <</if>>\ //Keep training and wait//, I tell myself, //you’ll be out of here soon.// <a data-passage="RFC5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“What do we need then to make sure they don’t realize?” “How about you let me worry about that, and you stay focused on training.” “Don’t tell -” “If you give away what we’re doing, that’s it. You won’t pay for shit. I will. So, yea, I’m telling you what to do, and it’s to focus. Just keep training, and I’ll tell you when you should be ready.” <<if $ZRomance >=10>>\ I don’t like this but I feel like I have hardly any choice in the matter. “Fine. Is that all?” He opens his mouth but I just roll my eyes, walking back the way we came. I wish I knew how to telport, perhaps I’ll speak to Chanara about that. I almost think I hear him whisper my name but it’s far too low and as I continue on I make peace with it probably being nothing but the wind. //Keep training and wait//, I tell myself, //you’ll be out of here soon.// <</if>>\ <a data-passage="RFC5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“And why can’t you just train me?” “I can only help with the basics, that’s it. Just keep training with whoever you’re with, and I’ll tell you when you should be ready.” <<if $ZRomance >=10>>\ I don’t like this but I feel like I have hardly any choice in the matter. “Fine. Is that all?” He opens his mouth but I just roll my eyes, walking back the way we came. I wish I knew how to telport, perhaps I’ll speak to Chanara about that. I almost think I hear him whisper my name but it’s far too low and as I continue on I make peace with it probably being nothing but the wind. //Keep training and wait//, I tell myself, //you’ll be out of here soon.// <</if>>\ <a data-passage="RFC5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

And that is what I do. Each day sees me doing the same thing. Training with Chanara and then exploring more of Purgatory, discovering more as I go, and having this new me get used to the mental alarms that sound when I meet another species. There are times where I find myself in the company of Azrael or Death, but these times are rare. Azrael is hardly around, and when he is, he’s either always joined by Death or seems to be in a hurry. Death is a more frequent sight, but since our life-shifting conversation, he seems to be giving me my space, whether I asked for that or not. [[I wanted to get to know my father.|RFC5.1]] [[I appreciated the distance but I did want to speak to him.|RFC5.1]] [[I was fine with it. He keeps his distance and I keep mine.|RFC5.1]]

Zillah, out of everyone, is the figure I see the least. When I do get a glimpse of him, it’s only a glance that tells me he hasn’t just vanished from the dimension entirely. <<if $ZRomance >=10 and $zl is "friend">>In the beginning, I chalked it up to him being back in his rightful dimension and having to catch up on everything that has been happening. But then, I realized it isn’t just that. He’s avoiding me, in the oddest way. Most, when practicing the art of being elusive, will see you then disappear. But not him. Each time I see him, he seems to grow excited as if he has new that he can’t wait to tell me. But then, when my eyes have settled long enough for him to know for sure that I have seen him, he teleports out of sight. Those he had been walking with are taken aback, glancing at each other and trying to figure out what had just happened and where he went. It’s confusing and unbelievably childish, but Zillah has never come off as the most mature kind of person either.<<elseif $ZRomance >=10 and $zl is "rival">>I’m almost grateful for the distance that resides between us, though even he has learned to make it confusing. There will be rare moments when we see each other and he seems dedicated in his approach, no wavering or doubt. But then, as soon as my eyes settle on him, he vanishes and I am left believing that I had seen nothing more than an apparition. Still, it allows me to avoid whatever conversation is to be had. I don’t want to think about him or that tiny voice that still, after everything, has a voice.<<else>>I can count on one hand how many times we actually pass by each other in the halls. At most, we make eye contact, but never speak.<</if>> If I ever thought that he had been lying before about what Syd had done, I find out soon enough that he’s speaking the truth. In the beginning, I feel nothing. But each day that passes sees me jumping from random injuries. I’ll wake up in the middle of the night due to a cut suddenly appearing on my arm or feeling as if something is pressing down on my chest. There was even one time where I was training and then felt like I ran face-first into a wall though nothing but air existed in front of me. Each day I train, I feel the power within me growing. And every day Chanara lets me go with a praising smile, I feel like I’m not only growing stronger but also establishing myself in a hole I will not be able to escape. When this is done, everything will come to an end for me. I’ve felt lost and abandoned before. I’ve felt like I’ve had my back against a wall and everything stacked up against me. But the thing is, in all of those instances, I still had an out. Something blocking it perhaps, but an out nevertheless. Whether I chose to fight, talk, or just trick whatever it is out of my way, I had an exit. This time, there isn’t one. I’m trapped on all four sides, and nothing I do or say can help free me. <a data-passage="EP2-Act Two"><img src="images/acttwobutton.png" alt="Act Two" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/acttwo.png"> “Again.” My eyes flutter open as my chest still heaves, my entire body clinging onto the hope that the following words out Chanara’s mouth will be ‘break.’ But judging by the look in her eyes, I know that won’t be anytime soon. She raises a brow and juts her chin higher into the air, “again.” [[Destroy the dummy.|RFC6Dummy][$chanara +=3]] [[Flick an energy ball at it.|RFC6EnergyBall][$chanara -=3]] [[Fall backward and don’t get up.|RFC6FallBackward][$chanara -=5]]

The mist flees to my hand as I glare from her to the practice dummy residing a few feet away from me. With every bit of energy I have within me, I send an energy ball towards it and watch with satisfaction as it explodes before turning my ire to Chanara. “Yes, yes. Your anger is very scary,” she sighs, rolling her eyes, “again.” I frown, “the dummy is literally scattered in pieces on the ground.” “Then I guess you better aim at one of those little pieces.” “What the hell, Chanara?!” “Don’t you catch no attitude with me. Again.” <<include "RFC6.1">>

With a huff, I form a tiny energy ball and flick it off my thumb as if it’s just another stray piece of dust or dirt. It hardly has enough momentum to hit the dummy, but it at least makes it. “You have to be fucking kidding me.” “Oh no,” I sigh, hardly caring to be dramatic and sarcastic, “I don’t have enough energy to come up with anything more. I guess we should stop.” “That excuse was pathetic. You can do better.” I let out another huff, “I don’t have the energy to do better.” “Aw, so sad. Again.” <<include "RFC6.1">>

I release a dramatic huff and fall backward onto the mat beneath me. “$name!” she chides, “get up!” “No. I think I’m going to die here. It chose me, and I chose it.” “Are you serious?” “Yea. Bury me near those blue crab blossoms that you seem to hate so much.” A blast of energy strikes the area near me, pushing me off the mat and sliding a short distance away. “What the hell, Chanara?!” “Again.” <<include "RFC6.1">>

“At least tell me what I’m doing wrong.” She raises a doubtful brow, one that I have long since learned the meaning of. I take a deep breath in and reiterate, “I honestly don’t know what I’m doing wrong this time, Nara.” <<if $power >=10>>\ “You know how to command, but you can’t command the damn energy ball to separate before it makes impact?” “I command it to split, and it just won’t. I don’t know what else you want me to say.” “Nothin’. I want you to say nothin’ and just focus on the shit I tell you to.” [[“And if I don’t?”|RFC6AndIfDont][$chanara -=5]] [[“You really don’t know how to be nice, huh?”|RFC6NoNice][$chanara -=3]] [[“Fine. Fine.”|RFC6FineFine][$chanara +=3]] [[Focus.|RFC6Focus][$chanara +=5]] <<else>>\ “You’re not commanding shit. You’re still just telling it to manifest and then calling it a day.” “How do you know?’ “Because I’ve been doing this shit for a while, and I’ve been training you for weeks. Maybe you’ll figure it out, but I kinda doubt it.” [[“Oh, fuck you.”|RFC6OhFuckYou][$chanara +=3]] [[“Love your positivity.”|RFC6Positivity][$chanara -=5]] [[“I’m trying.”|RFC6ImTrying][$chanara -=3]] [[Nod.|RFC6Nod][$chanara +=5]] <</if>>\

“And if I don’t?” She raises a brow, and I can’t help but let out a chuckle at how much she looks to just want to retire but, at the same time, hit me. “$name. Will you please just repeat the damn exercise?” <<include "RFC6.2">>

“You really don’t know how to be nice, huh? Not one positive thing to say?” “I’m not here to fill your head up with a bunch of sweet sentiments, $name. You know what you’re capable of, and you know you have a fuck ton of potential. So stop fishin’ for compliments and get the damn exercise right.” <<include "RFC6.2">>

“Fine, fine,” I grumble with a slight smile, closing my eyes and choosing to do the exercise on a smaller scale again. I call forth a ball and while it still resides in my palm, I tell it to separate. I manage to do so but when I try to send them out only one shoots forward while the other just lingers behind. “Again,” Chanara sings. <<include "RFC6.2">>

I close my eyes and choose to do the exercise on a smaller scale. I call forth a ball and while it still resides in my palm, I tell it to separate. I manage to do so but when I try to send them out only one shoots forward while the other just lingers behind. “Again,” Chanara sings. <<include "RFC6.2">>

“Oh, fuck you.” “Right back at ya,” she grins. <<include "RFC6.2">>

“Thanks teach, your positivity makes me feel like I can move mountains.” “With the rate you’re going, you won’t even be able to move yourself.” I raise a brow but say nothing more. <<include "RFC6.2">>

“I’m trying, Chanara, I really am,” I tell her as I scratch my brow. I’m about to add in my excuses but choose to keep it to myself. What was bugging me five days ago still bugs me today. I fail to see a reason to bring it up, especially when she’ll just reply by saying that I should be focused regardless. <<include "RFC6.2">>

I keep my mouth closed and nod my head. <<include "RFC6.2">>

“For now, can we focus on something that I’m not horrible at?” She shrugs, opening the floor to suggestions. <<if $perception >=15>>I tense when I sense the presence of a shade nearing our location. Turning to see if it’s who I think and see Zillah approaching, proving my thoughts correct.<<else>>I hum in thought when I hear someone behind me clear their throat. Turning, my shoulders droop as I find Zillah standing there. I wish to say that it could be worse, but I’m pretty sure he’s the worst person I can think of to show up.<</if>> “Z!” Chanara yells, throwing her hands up, “I heard your ugly ass was back. Why am I just now being visited?” With a shocked expression, I watch as she walks up to him, allowing him to not only hug her but also spin her around. Seeing that everyone I know pretty much loathes Zillah, this is an odd thing to watch. Once out of his arms, she taps his shoulder, “I also heard that you look like this now. What the fuck happened?” <<if $ZRomance >=10>>He bows his head with a somber grin and shrugs, “a lot of mistakes.” I frown but remain quiet.<<else>>He tosses me a toothy grin, and he chuckles, “a lot of bullshit.”<</if>> <a data-passage="RFC6.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“You two know each other?” I question. “Yea, Z here is a good friend of mine.” Chanara frowns, “but whatchu doing here?” “Azrael sent me.” The smile that Chanara shares immediately lowers into a concerned frown. “A new reaper failed to report in after her task on Earth, and Azrael wants you to send someone to find her.” “What’s so special about her?” “She’s an innocent.” Her head falls back as she closes her eyes and lets out a loud groan, “you gotta be kidding me. Did she just barely qualify?” “Yep, for the Underworld. I didn’t read her file, so I can’t say much more than that.” He chuckles, “I’m out of practice with this.” [[Go back to practicing.|RFC6Practicing]] [[“What’s an innocent?”|RFC6Innocent]]

<<if $power >=10>>I was thrilled when I finally graduated from the simpler lessons and onto something that actually took focus. But that doesn’t make it easy. Commanding my energy is one thing, but commanding energy that no longer feels like it’s part of me is another. When it races through me and even rests in my palm, it feels like an extension. That extension, according to Chanara, is still a thing even when the energy is no longer physically connected to me. It makes sense, and yet I find the task difficult. Separating an energy ball into smaller ones and sending them to attack different areas. Not only am I trying to connect with something that has detached itself, but I also have to focus enough to direct countless objects in different directions.<<else>>Turning my back to them, I go back to focusing on what I was doing before. If I have to hear Chanara repeat the word’ command,’ then I’ll probably challenge her to a fight I doubt I’ll win. My problem is that I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong, even when she finally broke it down and explained it to me. Summoning my powers feels like commanding. If I tell something to come, then that’s a command. But then I also understood why that’s not the case. Telling something to step forward or appear is just one chunk of something not yet whole. The command lacks time, quantity, and probably some other stuff. So, yes. I understand, but that insight doesn’t mean I’m able to apply it flawlessly.<</if>> I’m taken out of my thoughts by Chanara letting out a loud and irritated sigh. <<include "RFC6.4">>

“What’s an innocent?” I interject, glancing between the two for an answer. “A person who died with a pure heart,” Chanara explains, “it’s different than dying with virtue. An innocent is literally what it sounds like, someone who died and lived a life of innocence. Most times, Azrael sends em’ straight to Elysium but sometimes shit like this happens.” “They qualify for the Underworld?” Zillah sighs, “every human that dies qualifies for either the Underworld or Elysium, sometimes both. Azrael gives them their place, and if they want to contest it, they have to go through a few reaper years. After that, Azrael gives them the choice.” Chanara interjects, “but just because someone is made a reaper doesn’t mean they’re cut out for it. Some of the recruits can’t let go of their life on Earth, some go mad with imaginary power and get ahead of themselves, and others just find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.” She doesn’t explain the last one. <<include "RFC6.4">>

“Does he know where they could be?” she questions, turning her attention back to Zillah. “According to Azrael, the outskirts of Sibidah and moving north from there.” <<if $perception >=15>>I narrow my eyes, watching as his eyes seem to shimmer and he seems to hyper-focus on whatever Chanara is going to do next. <</if>>Chanara grows quiet before nodding. “That’s it for today, $name. We’ll continue …” she shrugs uncaringly about whatever time her mind attempts to think up, “some other time. I have to go handle this.” Both Zillah and I watch as she walks ahead, leaving the training hall and allowing for the silence to move in between the two of us. <<if $perception >=15>>\ [[“Why did you lie?”|RFC6Lie]] <</if>>\ [[“Need something?”|RFC6NeedSomething]] [[“Is there a reason you’re still here?”|RFC6ReasonYouHere]] [[Leave as well.|RFC6LeaveAsWell]]

I didn’t immediately ask my question, mostly because I’m too busy observing him and trying to figure out for myself why he thought it wise to lie to Chanara. That and about what. “Why did you lie to her?” He raises a brow as he peers over at me, “what makes you think I lied.” “You’re not as good as you think you are.” He opens his mouth but then closes it, appearing unhappy about whatever he is thinking of. Instead, he shrugs, “I gave her the wrong location. The reaper is closer than the place I gave her, so it should give us time to find her first.” <<include "RFC6.5">>

I raise a brow at the still lingering Zillah. “Do you need something?” “Yes. We need to go find the missing reaper ahead of Chanara. I gave her the wrong location but not by much. We have to be quick.” <<include "RFC6.5">>

I glance over at Zillah, who hasn’t yet made a move towards the exit. “Is there a reason you’re still here? You delivered your message. You can go.” “Tired of my presence?” <<if $ZRomance >=10>>I shrug. He frowns, almost pouting as his eyes wander to the side. Finally, he clears his throat.<<else>>I raise a brow, glancing over at him and letting him figure out the answer to his own question.<</if>> “While Chanara leads her hunt, we’ll be doing one of our own.” “What?” “The missing reaper. We need to find her first. I gave Chanara the wrong location but not by much. We have to be quick.” <<include "RFC6.5">>

Following Chanara’s earlier actions, I head towards the exit, planning to leave Zillah to do whatever that creative mind sought. “Whoa,” he starts, sticking his hand out to stop me from passing, “and where do you think you’re going?” “Move.” “No. We need to go find that reaper before Chanara does.” <<include "RFC6.5">>

“For what?” He beckons for me to follow, and I do so. The two of us leave the training hall and head down the path that leads to the western gates. “The easiest way to get out of here will be to break the veil and cross. Thing is, Death is in-tune with the veil’s barrier. We cross it, and he’ll be alerted. The other way is to make a portal, like the one made to bring you and the twins back from the Underworld. But it has to be fueled, and the amount of energy it needs is likely to grab both Death and Azrael’s attention. This reaper gives us the perfect cover, though. If her energy fuels it, then Azrael will just chalk it up to her dying.” “Are you asking me to kill someone?” He shrugs, “technically, she’s already dead.” [[“I’m not killing someone.”|RFC6KillingSomeone][$balance -=5]] [[“Is there no other way?”|RFC6NoOtherWay][$balance -=3]] [[“Not much of a choice.”|RFC6NotMuchChoice][$balance +=3]] [[“Alright. What else.”|RFC6WhatElse][$balance +=5]]

I stop and frown as he slows and turns to face me, “I’m not killing someone.” “Then you’ll be stuck here. This person is a random stranger. What’s the problem?” “You answered your own question, she’s a person, and I’m not about to destroy her just so I can leave this place. I’m not a murderer.” “Firstly, she’s already dead, she’s a reaper. Secondly, all those creatures you’ve killed in the past will probably disagree with that. But how about we find her first. Hmm?” He goes back to walking away, and though I follow, I try to think of other ways to avoid the fate he’s placed on this woman’s shoulders. Death may have a library. No, in fact, I know he has a library. This place is far too Earth-like for there not to be a collection of texts that talk about the history and any other information that people have chosen to write down. I’ll find it and figure out all the ways to leave, something there will provide me answers that Zillah refuses to either seek or share. <<include "RFC6.6">>

“Is there no other way?” “No.” “You answered that a bit too fast. Are you sure?” “Why does it matter?” “Because I’d rather not kill someone if there’s a way to avoid it. Now answer the question, is there.” “No.” I can’t tell if he’s lying, especially since he doesn’t give me much time to figure it out and goes back to walking. As he walks, I try to think of other ways to avoid the fate he’s placed on this woman’s shoulders. Death may have a library. No, in fact, I know he has a library. This place is far too Earth-like for there not to be a collection of texts that talk about the history and any other information that people have chosen to write down. I’ll find it and figure out all the ways to leave, something there will provide me answers that Zillah refuses to either seek or share. <<include "RFC6.6">>

“Doesn’t sound like we have much choice.” “We don’t. With what we’re working with, there’s not much choice at all.” It wouldn’t have been my first choice, killing some woman I don’t know. But I’m not about to lose sleep over it either. We continue on. <<include "RFC6.6">>

“Alright, and what comes after that.” Zillah pauses, frowning as he turns to me. “You have no hang-ups about killing some random woman?” “No. Why would I?” He doesn’t answer that question. Instead, he looks me over, and it even looks like he wishes to smirk before he continues and I follow. <<include "RFC6.6">>

“The last anyone saw the reaper, she was on the outskirts of the city. The faster we find her, the better.” “Why? Scared of what Chanara will do once she finds out you lied to her?” “No. Chanara will understand. She’ll be irritated but won’t really care.” [[“How do you know her?”|RFC6HowDoYouKnowHer]] [[“Why the hurry?”|RFC6WhyTheHurry]] [[“Will she go farther than that?”|RFC6FartherThanThat]]

“How do you know Chanara?” “Met her after she agreed to become a full-blown reaper. Azrael had some things to do and when he’s gone I’m in charge of the reapers. She had a horrible attitude and I wanted to break it.” “Due to how she acts now, I’m going to guess that you failed.” “Basically,” he snorts, cocking his head to the side as if thinking about what took place, “there are some moments where I’m glad to be wrong.” <<if $ZRomance >=10>>He gives me a meaningful look that causes a deep frown to set. But before I can even take a minute to put everything together, he continues on and the expression is wiped off his face, almost causing me to doubt if he had even give me a look to begin with.<</if>> <<include "RFC6.7">>

“Why the hurry? Why does Azrael even care about one reaper? He didn’t seem like the type who could be bothered.” “He wouldn’t be if it wasn’t for what reapers are. They still possess human souls. If a supernatural here gets their hand on that, it doesn’t end well. And the purer that soul is, the more power it gives to whatever supernatural devours it. Death doesn’t care as much, he sees it as inevitable, and it’s not like he has anything to fear. But Azrael likes to keep the order and peace, and I think it hits his pride when a reaper doesn’t pan out the right way.” “Which is going to happen either way because we want that soul.” “Exactly.” <<include "RFC6.7">>

“Will she attempt to go further than that? Like to whatever place you told Chanara?” “Most new reapers stay here since it’s the only area they know, but it’s a possibility. If she’s trying to avoid capture, then she’ll try it.” “I feel like there’s a but somewhere.” “But, if she’s smart, she won’t. There’s not a lot of places here where fresh reapers can survive.” <<include "RFC6.7">>

Once we make it to the western gate, we keep going, past the multiple houses that line the road and the sparse vegetation that dots the sides. For the first time that day, I glance up at the sky. It took me a while to get used to just how close the sky was compared to Earth. If not lying down, it feels like it could swallow me and a headache will ensue at times. Stars are always present, but the colors constantly shift to inform someone that it’s day or night. The night reminds me of a dance club, veins of neon shooting through the sky in shades of purple, pink, blue, and green. While during the day, those colors shift to much warmer tones like yellow, red, and orange. Pink exists as well but not in the abundance that it does at night. <a data-passage="RFC7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Every day that passes finds me discovering and learning more. Though I haven’t been to the western gates, I ventured to the north and east and were pleasantly surprised, especially by the oasis that lay further to the east. Bradley would probably love to be here, possibly Jeff, though something tells me he may already know. I can see the kid rushing around and recording everything he finds and checking it alongside what he knew. [[“How are the others doing?”|RFC7HowOthers]] [[“What can you tell me about Purgatory?”|RFC7Purgatory]]

“You never told me how the others were doing, just that Syd has bound our life forces and that they’ve forgotten about me.” He smirks, “you trust me not to lie?” “No, but I don’t see a reason why you would. Everything you lied about before is now in the light, so what’s the point?” “Mostly because that’s just how I am,” he sneers and shrugs. “Ah, so you choose to just be an asshole?” “Do you even care about hearing my excuses?” [[“No.”|RFC7No]] [[“Yes.”|RFC7Yes]]

“No,” I answer, “if you actually did tell the truth, I don’t think I’d care about whatever bullshit haunted you centuries ago that you refuse to let go of and instead take it out on everyone else.” He seems to have been expecting me to say this. Before I even finish, he chuckles and nods. <<include "RFC7.1">>

“Yes,” I answer honestly, “they might be ridiculous, but I’m curious about what they are.” He stiffens, stopping to turn and look at me. It’s clear that he anticipated for me to say no. The look on his face makes that abundantly clear. Regardless of my answer, he doesn’t start to spin his tale. <<include "RFC7.1">>

“Who are you curious about?” [[Rahim.|RFC7Rahim]] [[Sydero.|RFC7Sydero]] [[Bradley.|RFC7Bradley]] [[Amari.|RFC7Amari]] <<if $cp>>\[[Chris.|RFC7Chris]]<</if>>\ [[Faye and Jeff.|RFC7FayeJeff]]

“How is Chris getting on?” <<if $cdone>>\ “I’ll let you figure that one out on your own. Every time he saw my face, he chose to punch it.” “He’s … he’s not over what happened?” Zillah raises a brow, “would you? We fucked, and you told him when you knew he had feelings for you. I don’t blame him. I blame you.” “You wanted me to keep that to myself?” “Listen,” he growls, turning to me and seeming just as irritated as I was becoming, “I didn’t give a fuck what you did with that information. You decided to tell Chris, fine. But I’m not about to blame him for his reaction when you were the one who controlled the narrative and could’ve kept the shit to yourself for the sake of everyone, especially my jaw.” He straightens up, “otherwise. He’s doing fine. Really came into his own, less complaining and more action.” <<if $zl is "rival">>He’s about to walk away but stops and grins widely, “actually, if you ask me. You leaving is probably the best thing that’s happened to him. He finally was able to grow.” I ball up my fist, but Zillah moves away before I can take a swing and the thoughts that prance through my mind makes me question if I wouldn’t do so anyway.<</if>> <<elseif $chris >=50>>\ “Rahim had a guitar laying around, and now he won’t put it down. Other than that, he seems fine. Every time I saw him, he was doing research along with Bradley.” “I guess I should’ve seen that coming. He seemed to be moving in that direction.” “He doesn’t complain as much either, though that doesn’t mean he doesn’t complain at all. Mostly he and the kid just go back and forth saying the same thing about how they have to find you and where to look.” <<else>>\ “He’s voluntarily getting his ass beat,” Zillah smirks, but the smirk vanishes, and a look of respect enters his eye, “but I’ll admit, he surprised me. He knows how to fight supernaturals now and actually looks like a damn hunter. Less complaining too and more impaling.” “That’s something I have to see with my own eyes.” <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC7Rahim")>>Rahim<<else>>[[Rahim.|RFC7Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Sydero")>>Sydero<<else>>[[Sydero.|RFC7Sydero]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Bradley")>>Bradley<<else>>[[Bradley.|RFC7Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Amari")>>Amari<<else>>[[Amari.|RFC7Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7FayeJeff")>>Faye and Jeff<<else>>[[Faye and Jeff.|RFC7FayeJeff]]<</if>> [[Move on.|RFC8]]

“Is Rahim okay?” “If he isn’t arguing with Sydero, then he’s keeping to himself. I’m surprised he’s still with the group. He says it’s because of you, but I can’t see that being the only reason.” “Why are they arguing?” He snorts, “you’re kidding, right? You should ask what they’re not arguing about. I think I heard the two of them agree on something twice, and both times it had to do with me.” <<if $j3>>\ “But oh,” he snorts, unable to keep in his chuckle, “if only you could see how worried pretty boy is about you.” “Zillah,” I warn, but this hardly causes him to stop. “You left a vacuum, but it’s not a good one. You should see how the two of them look when your name comes up. They look like kicked puppies, but it’s even better when someone, by that I mean me, brings up anything about you in a romantic way. The two look like they’ll kill each other after killing me first.” “You can’t leave well enough alone, can you?” “And you,” he leans closer, a glimmer in his eye, “can’t choose.” <</if>>\ <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC7Chris")>>Chris<<else>>[[Chris.|RFC7Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC7Sydero")>>Sydero<<else>>[[Sydero.|RFC7Sydero]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Bradley")>>Bradley<<else>>[[Bradley.|RFC7Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Amari")>>Amari<<else>>[[Amari.|RFC7Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7FayeJeff")>>Faye and Jeff<<else>>[[Faye and Jeff.|RFC7FayeJeff]]<</if>> [[Move on.|RFC8]]

“What’s going on with Sydero? Is she still demonic?” “Not as bad, but she’s still leaning that way. A good portion of her memories came back when I was there, and I’m guessing that she probably has the rest of them by now. She’s still a bitch and an asshole, though, so if you thought that was going to change, then no.” “I never thought it would.” <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC7Chris")>>Chris<<else>>[[Chris.|RFC7Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC7Rahim")>>Rahim<<else>>[[Rahim.|RFC7Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Bradley")>>Bradley<<else>>[[Bradley.|RFC7Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Amari")>>Amari<<else>>[[Amari.|RFC7Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7FayeJeff")>>Faye and Jeff<<else>>[[Faye and Jeff.|RFC7FayeJeff]]<</if>> [[Move on.|RFC8]]

“How is Bradley? Is he okay?” <<if $bcure>>\ “He’s doing as good as you can guess. Honestly, he acts like he did in the past, smiling and laughing, just a little less due to your absence. If you’re worried about the memory thing, then you don’t have to. I think he’s mostly over it. He did get into an argument with Syd when she said that she was happy you and Rahim did it.” <<else>>\ “He’s good. It took a while, but I think everyone is used to this new him.” “New him?” “He’s a whole lot more serious than before. Sure, he jokes here and there but not really. That could change once you’re back with them, but I think I can count on one hand how many times he’s smiled. Syd did some stuff to help him out, yet another thing she ended up arguing about with Rahim. He stands beside the idea of not giving Bradley the block, and she thinks that the two of you should have done it.” <</if>>\ <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC7Chris")>>Chris<<else>>[[Chris.|RFC7Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC7Rahim")>>Rahim<<else>>[[Rahim.|RFC7Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Sydero")>>Sydero<<else>>[[Sydero.|RFC7Sydero]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Amari")>>Amari<<else>>[[Amari.|RFC7Amari]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7FayeJeff")>>Faye and Jeff<<else>>[[Faye and Jeff.|RFC7FayeJeff]]<</if>> [[Move on.|RFC8]]

“Is Amari adjusting okay?” <<if $amari >=50>>\ “Adjusting to what? Your absence? If that, then no. She’s panicking every two seconds, and when she’s not panicking, then she’s trying to stop everyone from arguing and failing.” He smirks, “I like her, she’s a sweetheart, but she’s not cut out for this life.” “She’s tougher than she looks.” “I have no doubt, but I’m not talking about physical strength and endurance. She’s fragile.” “Coming from someone who hardly knows her. You’re mistaking having a kind heart for weakness.” “Ignoring the fact that it is, I’m not. But you are mistaking harsh reality for rudeness.” <<else>>\ “She’s … I don’t know what to call it. She’s different. But it’s a good different or at least one that needed to happen.” “What do you mean?” “She still acts the same, but you can see something changing. I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s apparent. Similar to how you mortals say drawing the curtains or pulling the blinds, something idiotic like that.” “So you mean to say she’s seeing something finally?” “Yes. She’s not as optimistic about everything, and I did enjoy that part of her, and she also isn’t willfully ignoring the truth.” “And what truth is that?” “The one you learned as soon as your so-called parents died.” <</if>>\ <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC7Chris")>>Chris<<else>>[[Chris.|RFC7Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC7Rahim")>>Rahim<<else>>[[Rahim.|RFC7Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Sydero")>>Sydero<<else>>[[Sydero.|RFC7Sydero]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Bradley")>>Bradley<<else>>[[Bradley.|RFC7Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7FayeJeff")>>Faye and Jeff<<else>>[[Faye and Jeff.|RFC7FayeJeff]]<</if>> [[Move on.|RFC8]]

“How are Faye and Jeff?” “Faye is a mess, and Jeff is …” The two of us exchange a look and, in unison, say, “is Jeff.” “I don’t know where they are. One day they were with us, and the next, they weren’t. Rahim said he found them a place to stay, but if he shared that information, it wasn’t with me.” “They’re staying together?” He shrugs, “I guess. Neither are too happy about what happened with you, but it’s not like I can tell you a lot.” <<if $cp>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC7Chris")>>Chris<<else>>[[Chris.|RFC7Chris]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC7Rahim")>>Rahim<<else>>[[Rahim.|RFC7Rahim]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Sydero")>>Sydero<<else>>[[Sydero.|RFC7Sydero]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Bradley")>>Bradley<<else>>[[Bradley.|RFC7Bradley]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Amari")>>Amari<<else>>[[Amari.|RFC7Amari]]<</if>> [[Move on.|RFC8]]

“What can you tell me about Purgatory?” “Probably as much as you can tell me about Earth. This place has an entire history, just like Earth does, and I didn’t really care to learn it all.” “How big is it?” “As big as Earth, though the geography isn’t the same. If someone was to show you a map of Purgatory, it wouldn’t be like Earth, but it’s the same size. All the realms are like that. Same size, just different geography.” “Are there maps?” “Probably.” [[“The veil.”|RFC7Veil]] [[“Supernatural creatures.”|RFC7Supernatural]] [[“Advancements.”|RFC7Advancements]] [[“Where do the ghosts go?”|RFC7Ghosts]]

“What do you know about the veil?” “I know it wasn’t always there and that Death constructed it, yet another thing that takes energy to keep up.” “Why’d he put it up in the first place?” “I don’t know //that// much about it since it happened before I was reborn, but I heard it was due to an angel. Angels and demons can’t get into Purgatory because of magic, but they said that one angel, a throne, devoured the essence of supernaturals in an attempt to enter Purgatory.” “Did it work?” “No. But either Death didn’t like the idea, or it was damn near close because soon after the veil was up.” “And it’s easier to do a portal than break through the veil? How hard is it to break through?” “Not hard at all if you’re a full-blood, very hard to learn otherwise. Certain pockets are weaker than others, and full-bloods have an easy enough time finding them. You just had to find them in the past, but now cities surround them, so you just have to go to a veil-city. But if we attempted to do veil travel, then Death and every shade will be alerted.” “Every shade. You know when someone crosses?” “Yea. It’s because we have Death’s essence.” “And you just, what? Ignore it?” “You get used to it.” <<if hasVisited("RFC7Supernatural")>>“Supernatural creatures.”<<else>>[[“Supernatural creatures.”|RFC7Supernatural]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Advancements")>>“Advancements.”<<else>>[[““Advancements.”|RFC7Advancements]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Ghosts")>>“Where do the ghosts go?”<<else>>[[“Where do the ghosts go?”|RFC7Ghosts]]<</if>> [[Move on.|RFC8]]

“I’ve been wondering this, why would supernatural creatures stay here when Earth has … well, humans?” “Because Purgatory has all that they need as well. Everything they need grows naturally here, but I’d be lying if many don’t go because humans are far more tempting. Imagine it like you never had candy all your life and then finally get a taste of it. That’s humans to supernaturals. So, they cross.” “And every supernatural on Earth originated from here?” “Yes.” “Witches included?” “Born witches, yes, but those who just practice witchcraft, no.” <<if hasVisited("RFC7Veil")>>“The veil.”<<else>>[[“The veil.”|RFC7Veil]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Advancements")>>“Advancements.”<<else>>[[““Advancements.”|RFC7Advancements]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Ghosts")>>“Where do the ghosts go?”<<else>>[[“Where do the ghosts go?”|RFC7Ghosts]]<</if>> [[Move on.|RFC8]]

“So, all these advancements. Ideas from Earth?” “Some of them. But most of the stuff here, no. Cars, not a thing.” I hear him whisper ‘thank Death’ under his breath before continuing on, “and that’s because most beings can teleport, or their powers allow them to travel quickly.” “And schools?” “You know, you make it seem like we’re heathens or something. Yes, kids live here. So yes, there are schools … Human Killing 101 is a favorite here.” I don’t laugh, but he does, unable to stop himself for some time. <<if hasVisited("RFC7Veil")>>“The veil.”<<else>>[[“The veil.”|RFC7Veil]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Supernatural")>>“Supernatural creatures.”<<else>>[[“Supernatural creatures.”|RFC7Supernatural]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Ghosts")>>“Where do the ghosts go?”<<else>>[[“Where do the ghosts go?”|RFC7Ghosts]]<</if>> [[Move on.|RFC8]]

“I know ghosts are here but where?” “They exist in the Land of the Departed. It has different names depending on who you ask, that one just translates in your language.” “How many languages are there?” “All of them that come from Earth and one that originates from here. But hardly anyone knows that one or speaks it anymore. A few words made it but not enough.” <<if hasVisited("RFC7Veil")>>“The veil.”<<else>>[[“The veil.”|RFC7Veil]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Supernatural")>>“Supernatural creatures.”<<else>>[[“Supernatural creatures.”|RFC7Supernatural]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC7Advancements")>>“Advancements.”<<else>>[[““Advancements.”|RFC7Advancements]]<</if>> [[Move on.|RFC8]]

After a few more minutes of walking, we turn up in what I surmise is a village square. It’s mostly quiet, with just a few people milling about and stopping to converse. <<if $ZRomance >=10>>\ “$name ...” he starts, his frown deepening and his brow furrowing as he tries to think over whatever he wishes to say. “I -” “Save it.” There’s a pause after as I try to figure out whether or not I should say the next few words, “at least until we’re done here.” He nods. <</if>>\ “We’ll split up,” Zillah tells me, “see what you can find out about our friend and her whereabouts.” He starts to walk off but freezes, “but, don’t make it obvious.” “I’m not stupid, Zillah.” <<if $zl is "friend">>He nods as if to agree and continues to lead the way.<<else>>He whistles a tune while trying to maintain a serious face, but fails.<</if>> I gaze around to figure out what I have to work with. My senses continue to scream out the species of those I focus on until I have most of everyone labeled. [[The faerie.|RFC8Faerie]] [[The witch.|RFC8Witch][$finale_spell1 = true]] [[The vampire.|RFC8Vampire]] [[The unknown.|RFC8Unknown]]

I approach the faerie, taking in their appearance and comparing it to those I know. Even on Earth, faeries don’t exactly have the best disguise. Amarante looks like she had come from a costume party and, without a doubt, won. This faerie has vines for hair and two large and brown feathers protruding from her hair. I’d say they’re just decoration, but as the faerie continues to browse the wares from the store, they twitch in the same ways their ears do. Her skin is a pale green, and when she does turn to look at me, I finally start to see the non-human features. Her eyes are alien-like, placed far apart and wide with no hint of pupil or iris. Her nose is flat and her fingers long, reminding me of twigs. She cocks her head to the side, “can I help you?” “Sorry,” I chuckle, “I’ve seen faeries but all with their disguises on.” “Are you afraid?” If possible, her eyes grow even larger, but I’m not sure if it’s because she’s curious or if she’s warning me of something. “Should I be?” <a data-passage="RFC8F"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

She huffs and goes back to examining what looks to be fruit, “I am seelie. I wish no harm on you. Though if we were within the court, then I would surely bring you as a guest to a party.” She blinks and offers me a smirk that tells me I don’t want that to happen. “I was told that the true form of a faerie is actually small and far more monstrous.” “A boggart or pixie,” she hums, the sound quite lovely and melodic. “On that note, I’m looking for a reaper. She’s a friend of mine.” “I have not seen your friend.” The answer is immediate, but an uncaring demeanor at least makes it evident that it’s not because she’s lying. She just doesn’t care. “What are you doing out of Fairyland?” She stops and turns to me, her ears and head feathers lowering, “why? Are you going to run me out?” “No. I was just wondering. You’re just the first faerie I’ve seen in the area.” “Because outside our borders, there lies only dangers,” she tells me, and I see her peer over her shoulder at the vampire that resides a few yards away. “I will be back home soon. Please, leave me.” I nod and do as she asks, returning to the area Zillah and I agreed to meet. <a data-passage="RFC8.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Carefully, I approach the witch, unsure if I should with their current state. They’re sitting against a wall, their breathing labored though I see no sign of blood or any other wounds. “Are you okay?” I question, crouching down to be on their level. “Do I look okay?” they cough. Their eyes meet mine, but their head falls to the side. “Do you need help?” “No,” they spit, waving me away. This was a waste of time. I get up, but they lunge forward and grab my arm, “take this.” They shove a piece of paper in my hands, the texture rough and reminding me of old parchment. “What is it?” I unfold it and look over it myself. There are many words that I don’t know and it looks like it’s in the format of what may be a spell. “One piece of a whole,” they whisper, “it unlocks pages of secrets that the greatest coven sought to hide.” “And you’re giving it to me? I’m not a witch.” They cough, and my eyes widen as I see blood land on their lip and chin, “that’s even better.” “I’ll get you some help,” I tell them, getting to my feet. As soon as I do so, they whisper a few words, and before I can stop them, they vanish. I glance around, wishing to talk about the strange occurrence, but instead, I stuff the paper in my pocket and head to the area where Zillah and I promised to meet. <a data-passage="RFC8.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“I choose to approach the vampire that seems to be waiting for someone, impatiently, might I add. They lean against a wall and huff every minute or so, their large and flat nose twitching as I approach. It’s almost funny how much Earth has romanticized these guys, humanized their appearance. Though I suppose it’s not a mortal’s fault, actual vampires on Earth look like humans for the most part. But that’s obviously just another disguise and not the case for here. The creature before me is more or less a monster. I don’t feel threatened or any malicious intent, but it isn’t hard to imagine that if this being walked the streets of Earth, it would immediately be hunted. It resembles a bat, wings acting as its arms and thick fur covering its nape, belly, legs, and the back of its arms. I’m unable to piece together whether the creature is male or female, nothing about it screaming one or the other. Its snout starts off like a bat but then shifts into a mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth, the two most frontward incisors being the largest of the teeth. “Question,” I start, and it continues to stare at me quietly, “I’m looking for a friend of mine. A reaper that was supposed to meet me here.” “We all wait,” it hisses. Actually, every breath it takes sounds more like a labored hiss. The closest thing I can compare it to is the breathing of someone on their death bed, painfully trying to get their dying words out and be understood. “But your wait is lessened. I saw friend.” It turns its head and points towards the outskirts of town, “she runs that way. She runs as if chased by dark force.” They sneer and bare their fangs before seeming to calm down. “She’s very paranoid.” The vamp doesn’t seem to care much, already going back to what it had been doing before I approached. I wonder how many others have seen a vampire in its true form. With my information received, I head back to the meet-up place and wait for Zillah. <a data-passage="RFC8.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I approach the unknown creature that my mind fails to name. After constantly labeling what everything is, it feels almost odd to finally look upon something and not know what they are. I wonder if this is what Rahim and Sydero went through when they found me. If so, then I can understand their interest. “Excuse me,” I start, and they turn to face me. Most of their skin is covered in translucent scales that take on a brilliant shine when the sun hits it at just the right angle. Along their neck and cheeks are indentations that remind me of something a fish or another sea creature would have. And finally, their eyes are unlike any other I have seen. Their sclera is white, but one can hardly see it due to how large their iris is, and if it holds a pupil, I can’t make it out. “Can I help you?” they ask, or at least I think that’s what they say. It’s difficult to discern all the words between how low they speak and their thick accent. “This might be rude, but what are you?” They point to themselves, “I, mermaid.” I’m pretty sure my face conveys every bit of shock that I currently feel. Something tells me that I knew mermaids existed, but I can’t pinpoint who told me or where I heard it, rendering the notion practically useless. The more I look them over, the more I see it. <a data-passage="RFC8M"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“You can breathe above water?” “Limited time.” They point to their gills, and I nod in understanding. “Have some of you gotten to Earth as well?” “Yes. Many of kind there.” “This is cool. I hadn’t come across a mermaid before.” “Sadafie,” someone barks, and when I turn to see who approaches us, my senses finally tell me a mermaid. They give me a single nod before looking back at their acquaintance, “let us go. She knows not where he is.” The one known as Sadafie nods farewell to me, and I finally remember what had brought me over here in the first place. “Wait. Have any of you seen a reaper? She’s my friend and told me she’d be here, but I haven’t run into her.” “No,” the newest mermaid tells me, and Sadafie also shakes their head. They walk away, and I watch as they go, sighing at the lack of information. I return to the area that Zillah and I agree to meet up and wait for him to show. <a data-passage="RFC8.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Most of the people who pass me by give me a guarded glance, and if they have a companion, they whisper something. Others simply ignore me, but the general mood is not a friendly one. We aren’t too far away from the city, and <<if hasVisited("TPH22GoWithChanara")>>all I can think about is what Chanara had told me the other day concerning reapers and the other supernaturals.<<else>>I’m not sure why the general mood had shifted this much between here and there.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("TPH22GoWithChanara")>>\ <<include "RFC8.2">> <<else>>\ Finally, Zillah appears and walks towards me. I motion out to those surrounding us and ask, “distrustful bunch?” He glances nonchalantly while shrugging, “you’re a reaper. Most will treat you like that.” “Why?” “Reapers are humans at the end of the day, and they’re not natives. Most know how humans view them on Earth, like vampires. They know humans either try to burn them the first chance they get or view them as humans that glitter. They don’t appreciate either. Most of the beings here are simply what they are, but humans will undoubtedly look at them as if they are a monster. So, get used to it.” He motions for me to follow, and I stand to do so. “You live in the capital, though. Further out you go, the more you’ll run into supernaturals that’ll do something about it.” [[“Are they afraid of Death?”|RFC8AfraidofDeath][$known_stake = true]] [[“Who rules out there?”|RFC8WhoRules]] [[“Find anything useful?”|RFC8.2]] <</if>>\

“Are they afraid of Death?” “I don’t know. Some are, some aren’t. Death has a very laissez-faire view of life and how this place works. Many fear him, but only because he’s Death. He’s practically a walking god here. There was a rumor a long time ago though that said whoever managed to kill Death became him.” “And some idiot attempted to do that?” “Yea,” he smirks, “grabbed a stake from some tree here and had a witch put a curse on it. I don’t know if the stake would’ve worked and the witch just fucked it up or if Death just can’t be killed, but he got up to Death and plunged it into his heart.” “He didn’t have any guards?” “Death doesn’t need guards. Death just took the stake out and, with a blink, killed the being. Looked pretty amused by the whole thing too. He gave me the stake and told me to add it to his collection and call it the Omnipotent Stake. He has an odd form of humor.” <<include "RFC8.2">>

“Who rules the area out there?” “Certain supernatural factions. The cities are pretty diverse, but then you have areas like Fairyland, The Nest, Jahaban, and The Den.” “So I obviously know the faerie one. I’m going to guess the other two is a vampire and then werewolves, but I don’t know the Jahaban one.” “Witches. In my earlier shade days, they weren’t as powerful or respected, but that changed later down the line. Can’t tell you why. I think something went down between them and shapeshifters, and they won.” <<include "RFC8.2">>

“So, what did we find out about the reaper?” <<if hasVisited ("RFC8Vampire")>>\ I point in the direction that the vampire had said, “a vamp said they saw her run that way. Said she was running as if something was chasing her.” “They tell you what it was?” “No. Just that she looked like a dark force was after her.” “Weird but helpful,” he shrugs. <<else>>\ “Nothing. The person I talked to hadn’t seen her. You?” “She spoke to some people, but no one saw which direction she went. They only said that she seemed terrified.” “So, we’re no closer to finding her than we were before.” “That’s what it looks like.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="RFC8.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“We need to head back,” Zillah sighs as he looks up at the sky, “don’t want Azrael getting suspicious.” “So, what’s next?” I question as we start to make our way back, “do we just wait and hope we hear something, or do we go and start the search?” “We’ll do it tonight. Hopefully, Chanara is still no closer to finding the reaper than we are.” “Will she be a problem?” “Yes.” <<if $ZRomance >=10>>When we get back to the palace, I give Zillah plenty of moments to stop and discuss whatever had been on his mind earlier. Instead, he continues on, not even pausing to acknowledge before. Perhaps it had been simple, a thought of the moment never meant to be anything more than an observation. Perhaps, all of this is just reminding me how much I lied earlier. No, I didn’t lie. I am tired and I see little use in continuing a game I was always meant to lose just for the sake of playing.<<else>>Once we make it back to the palace, Zillah and I go our separate ways with hardly any additional words spoken between us. It seems that we’ll be continuining the status quo of ignoring one another until tonight, at least.<</if>> <<if $ZRomance <10>>\ [[I’m fine with that. We aren’t friends.|RFC8.3.1]] [[I want to speak to him. We aren’t friends but I want to be.|RFC8.3.1]] <<else>>\ [[Part of me wants to speak about what was said.|RFC8.3.1][$ZRomance +=1]] [[I’m fine, or at least I will have to be. Or, I don’t know. It’s all confusing.|RFC8.3.1][$ZRomance +=1]] [[I want nothing to do with him. Period. I said I’m done and meant it.|RFC8.3.1][$ZRomance to 1]] <</if>>\

I’m not tired. Quite the opposite, I’m excited. Tonight we’ll search for this reaper, and if everything goes well, I’ll be out of here and back on Earth. I could just find and [[speak with Zillah|RFC8Zillah][$visit +=1]] about what comes after. I understood what we’re doing later but what do I do once I get back to Earth? And where would I even appear? I have choices and time; I can probably also [[venture the rest of the palace|RFC8Library][$visit +=1; $known_library to true]].

I had just seen him not too long ago, so the chances of him having gone far are low. If anything, it’s ridiculous that I allowed him to walk away before asking him all the things on my mind. Going the direction I had last seen him, I pick up my pace and hope that he hasn’t turned some odd corner or gone into a room. <<if $ZRomance >=10>>\ Turning a corner, my reflexes are just quick enough to bring me to a stop upon spotting Azrael and Zillah farther down the hall. Neither of them notices me, and I’m able to flee back to the corner and listen without being discovered. “… your biggest fan, but I can already see where this is going to go and end.” “You have nothing to worry about.” “I know I don’t. That so called worry is just for you. The only reason Death has not discovered what is going on between you and $name is because he does not spend time around those who feel such feelings.” “First off, I don’t know what you’re talking about. So, how about you stop trying to play detective and stick to just being a damn judge.” Azrael lets out a dark chuckle, “you forget that as a judge, I assess the souls of mortals.” “What does this have to do -” Zillah asks but is unable to finish. The next words said cause me to strain to hear them. “You still hold a mortal soul,” Azrael hisses, “and it reeks of desire and affection.” “Did. Past tense.” “You are right. The lusting after-musk is gone, but what has replaced it is -” Azrael never finishes as a reaper enters the hall and greets the both of them, brow raised as they continue on and head towards me. Unless I want my cover blown, I have to act. I take a few steps back and then walk forward, rounding the corner simultaneously as they make it there. We give each other a nod, and when I look further down, I see Zillah watching me, but Azrael is gone. <a data-passage="RFC8Z.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ I turn the corner and see Azrael and Zillah farther down the hall. Zillah is the first to notice me, and as soon as Azrael realizes something else holds his attention, he glances my way as well. “$name,” he nods in greeting. “Azrael. Any news on the lost reaper?” “None yet, but she will either be found or killed.” “I’m guessing you rather the former?” “Indeed.” He frowns and looks away, almost as if he had to bite his tongue to keep from saying more, but that’s it. “Zillah, we will discuss my thoughts later.” He sees himself off. <a data-passage="RFC8Z.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

“Forget something?” “I … I wanted to talk to you.” I’m about to ask what the conversation with Azrael was about, but that would only give me and my eavesdropping nature away. Plus, I doubt he’d tell me the truth if confronted. //What has replaced it is ...//, my mind repeats that to me, and I clear my throat. Would Azrael be a better person to speak to? Would he even answer you? [[Stay and speak to Zillah.|RFC8Z.1Zillah]] [[Go find and question Azrael.|RFC8Z.1Azrael]]

“I wanted to iron out all the details about the reaper and what happens after we teleport.” He raises a brow, “is that all?” “Yes?” “Come on, $name. You came all the way back here just to question me about what will come after the portal finishes? You couldn’t have asked that tonight?” He takes a step closer, tilting his head to the side as that cocky smirk of his appears. Simultaneously, both of us take a step back and his smirk deflates along with his posture. I pause at the action but find myself mute. He closes his eyes and murmurs something that I’m unable to make out before asking, “what do you want to know?” I’m caught off guard, not even being able to remember the previous questions I was going to ask as a slew of new ones overtake them. “I was going to -” “Can you save it for tonight?” he interrupts, not even bothering to look at me when he asks. I frown, “and if I say no?” “Then that’s your choice.” He starts to head down the hallway and I do the same, turning to head the other way when he calls for me. I don’t turn but I do pause. “I need to think. That’s all.” I continue on. <<include "RFC8.4">>

I shake my head, putting on a goofy smile, “my bad, not you. But Azrael, my brain kinda did a thing there.” Thankfully he seems to believe me or simply doesn’t wish to say anything more on the matter. “Any idea where he might’ve disappeared off to?” “Nope. I’m just glad he’s someone else’s problem.” He mumbles something under his breath before walking off, providing me no help. There’s one person I know who will know, and thankfully, his office isn’t far away. I make the short trek to Death’s office, not pondering what I’ll do if Death is missing. It’s not rare for Death to be out walking, attending to other matters, and probably providing an audience to those who seek him. I only hope this is not one of those times. I knock, waiting a few seconds when the door opens by itself, and I peek inside to see Death with his back to me, looking over a board. Thankfully, a search that has only just begun ends just as quick due to spotting Azrael standing off to the side. He raises a brow at me but says nothing. “May I help you with anything, $name?” Death inquires, his back still to me. “Not you, but Azrael. Got a minute?” He looks to Death, who waves his hand, “as long as it is just that, a minute.” Azrael nods, beckoning me to follow him back out of the room and down a few halls until we stand outside Death’s animal area. “I suspected you did not wish to have Death hear what you are about to ask and what you wish me to tell you.” “So, you already have an idea.” “You have more mortal blood than Zillah, allowing me to read you far easier. I know the topic, but not the exact question.” [[“I want the truth. Can you give it?”|RFC8Azrael1]] [[“What did you read on him?”|RFC8Azrael2]]

“Not the truth you are looking for.” An answer I already anticipated getting. “I know only what I have seen. I will never be able to view anything that Zillah does as ... wise, not anymore.” “What do you mean?” “To gain the answer you want, you must ask him. But I will tell you this. For more than a millennium, Zillah has been focused, and I have grown to have a circumspective sort of respect for him. Unlike the other shades, he seemed to know his duty and place.” Azrael looks me over slowly, “then he was assigned to you. And his greatest fear became his greatest want.” “Greatest fear?” I ask as Azrael already turns to walk away. “A question that you should ask him.” I don’t bother to say such a thing is unlikely, especially after our conversation the other day. And, if I am to be honest with myself, I don’t know what I’m feeling. Needs combatting with wants, and it all just starts to feel like I’m making excuses. <<include "RFC8.4">>

“In the hall, you talked about what you sense from Zillah but never did. What were you going to say?” “Resorting to eavesdropping to gain your answers?” “Seems like that’ll be the only way I’ll gain them.” “You will find no luck with me. Like I told him, he is still mortal, and thus I can still pick up on the various emotions. I sense nothing but longing, regret, and an overwhelming amount of fear.” “I get the first two, but why fear? Fear of what?” “A question that you should ask him.” I don’t bother to say such a thing is unlikely, especially after our conversation the other day. And, if I am to be honest with myself, I don’t know what I’m feeling. Needs combatting with wants, and it all just starts to feel like I’m making excuses. <<include "RFC8.4">>

“Or not,” I smirk, and though Zillah nods in agreement, there’s a giant scowl resting on his face. “Issues?” “Just trying to plan ahead.” “And?” “It’s not going well. What do you want? Forget something?” “I wanted to ask about what I was supposed to do once we find this reaper. Do you even know where the portal will lead?” “No. It’ll lead to wherever this dimension rests alongside Earth’s dimension. But I’m looking for a way to narrow that down. We’ll see if I can manage it.” “And if you can’t?” “Then we’ll improvise. I can teleport. But only one of us will be able to make it through the portal when we open it. I’ll tell you about that after we find the reaper.” “But -” He waves me away and begins to walk away, “later, too many ears.” [[“Where will you go after?”|RFC8WillGoAfter]] [[“Can I trust you?”|RFC8TrustYou]] [[Let him go.|RFC8LetHimGo]]

“Once all of this is over and done with, what will you do then?” “Do you care?” “I asked.” He huffs and turns away from me, “doesn’t matter. Won’t be your problem anymore.” <<include "RFC8.4">>

“Zillah. Can I trust you?” He snorts as he continues on, shouting over his shoulder, “do you have a choice?” <<include "RFC8.4">>

I choose not to stop him, watching him walk away and allow him to. <<include "RFC8.4">>

Most of the palace has already been discovered after weeks of idle venturing and curiosity getting the better of me. The only wing that I haven’t adventured is the wing closest to Death’s chambers. I’m not sure how he sleeps, if he does at all, but I know that this wing isn’t as busy as the others and something about it always makes me go the other way. No one has forbidden it, and it looks like every other hall with no clear warnings for me to turn back, yet and still, I don’t like the feeling I get whenever I approach. It’s as if seeing more will unveil something that’s better kept a secret. I push past the feeling and walk down the hall, paying attention to the labels beside the doors and archways. I stop when I see one reading ‘Library’ and poke my head in. Spotting a few others cause the feeling of unease to lessen, but it never actually vanishes as I wander in. I peruse the aisles, running my hands over leather and paper-bound books. Seeing how big the room and how tall each bookshelf is, I surmise that there has to be thousands of books, maybe even reaching the millions. But that’s a wild guess. As I walk further in, some appear in sealed cases, and even with just a glance, I can see how old and decrepit they are. Whereas on Earth, the paper would yellow, here it turns a sickly blue, and large white, crusty dots seem to form. My meaningless exploration continues, and I soon learn that the library is split into fiction and non-fiction. From there, it’s divided up by species or general info, and then the name of whoever wrote it or the date published. The dates here aren’t as different from Earth, with the main difference being that they call everything Year followed by the appropriate number. I can’t be entirely sure, but I surmise that the current year for Purgatory is 4.357, whatever that means. <a data-passage="RFC8L1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Walking down an aisle, I notice a large book residing on a pedestal in what may be the middle of the library. The cover reads ‘History’ and holds nothing more than that. I randomly flip to an earlier page, seeing that I don’t wish to try anything deeper and possibly break a finger due to the weight of all the pages I’ll be moving. The page details the purpose of the shades with what may even be personal commentary from Death himself. It doesn’t go into detail about how he created them, but it does do a remarkable job of helping me understand the reason behind and why it failed in the end. Death needed help, and he believed this the best way to make it. The first two shades failed due to their lack of autonomy. They were basically smaller versions of himself that needed his constant guidance to function. He needed something much more autonomous, so using the soul of a human and himself created the shades. According to this, Zillah wasn’t the first, but he was the second, and since the first was no longer around, he became Death’s right hand. Though this worked for some time, Death realized that the shades weren’t the most innovative idea as each shade held a bit of him and thus created the inevitable problem that I find myself facing today. <a data-passage="RFC8L2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I flip the page to continue on and see that it’s about to get into the reapers. I flip again and again, sometimes even grabbing a handful of pages as I skim over the words until I find what I’ve been searching for. Information about his body and why he sought out another. It’s the same thing he told me, but that isn’t what I need. No, what I need is anything that can - “Excuse me,” someone questions behind me. I turn and see an impatient shape-shifter standing there. “Are you going to be long? Some of us need that book for work.” [[“My bad.”|RFC8MyBad]] [[“No, I’m done. Go ahead.”|RFC8GoAhead]] [[“You can be patient.”|RFC8BePatient]] [[Walk away.|RFC8WalkAway]]

“My bad,” I say and take a step to the side. “No problem.” I watch as they flip to a specific page with confidence. True to their word, they bring out some odd device and begin to take pictures of the pages. I leave them to it, seeing no reason to just stand over them and watch. <<include "RFC8.4">>

“No, I’m done. Go ahead and do whatever you want with it.” “Thanks.” They move forward as I move to the side, and they flip to a specific page with confidence. True to their word, they bring out some odd device and begin to take pictures of the pages. I leave them to it, seeing no reason to just stand over them and watch. <<include "RFC8.4">>

“You can be patient,” I tell them, continuing to skim over the words but now with the glaring presence of another right on my back. I want to turn to them and tell them that their company will only make me go slower, but I’m sure that would only encourage them. A few more minutes tick by, and soon I can no longer stand it and move to let the shape-shifter forward. They huff, but I ignore it, leaving the library behind. <<include "RFC8.4">>

I continue to stare at them before closing the book and walking away, allowing them to do whatever they want with it. After a few more seconds of looking around, I decide to leave. <<include "RFC8.4">>

With that done, I still have enough energy for one more thing. I haven’t gotten the chance to [[talk to Death|RFC8Death][$visit +=1]] and wanted to, especially if tonight might just be my last day. I won’t deny that I’m curious what he’ll say about me asking to leave. If he’ll allow it or shut the idea down before it has gotten the chance to thrive. Then there’s Chanara. It would be unwise to burn bridges with my trainer, especially if I find that I need her later. So maybe I should [[go speak to her|RFC8Chanara][$visit +=1]], nothing too serious but just reaffirming things.

<<if hasVisited("RFC8Z.1Azrael")>>Having already seen that Death is in his office, I follow Azrael back, happy to see him get distracted by two reapers who approach him.<<else>>Believing that Death is in his office is just a wild guess that I hope I’m successful in assuming.<</if>> I knock on the door and hear his voice from within. “Enter.” I do and see him sitting behind his desk, gazing at a book with a pen in hand. “$name?” <<if hasVisited("RFC8Z.1Azrael")>>\ “Need something else?” “Azrael wanted me to tell you that he will be back soon, two reapers needed him.” Death nods. <<else>>\ “I was hoping you were in here. But didn’t know for sure.” “Yes. You suffer from the same thing as me. Neither of us can sense the other.” “Really?” “I had once believed it was simply due to never meeting, but yes, we are unable to sense the presence of each other.” I could probably break the veil with that known, but it’s not like I know how to do that. And there is still Azrael to deal with. I suppose it doesn’t matter since we have another way out. <</if>>\ “You wished to speak about something?” I take a seat and examine him. Despite having been here for weeks, I still haven’t completely gotten over the fact that I not only have a dad, but that he’s Death. At times I wish he hadn’t told me about my fate until later. True, I would’ve been upset, and my argument would evolve into a ‘why did you wait to tell me?’ But it would allow me to have gotten to know him the way I was once excited for. Now whenever the two of us occupied the same room, we either spoke to each in a formal manner or hardly at all. [[“You know I never really learned anything about you.”|RFC8NeverLearnedAnythingAboutYou][$death +=10]] [[“Do you ever get tired of this?”|RFC8TiredofThis]] [[“I would like to leave.”|RFC8TellEmThatImLeaving][$death -=10]]

I lean in, “you know I never really learned anything about you.” “You word it as if there is something to learn.” “Come on,” I chuckle, “there has to be something. You’re Death! You’ve lived for centuries. You have to have grown to like something since then.” He frowns, about to shake his head, but I don’t allow him to. “Just for a minute, forget about being this greater being that has so much on his shoulders. Think about things that make you smile or when everything is bleak, makes you think that this one thing is worth it.” “I enjoy animals,” he says after a few minutes of contemplation. “That’s perfect.” He gazes at the ceiling, “and sunsets over the desert. I tried to copy the sky here. The whites, pinks, gold, and blues,” he sighs, “I failed. But I suppose something that grand and beautiful should never be copied.” “When’s the last time you saw it?” “It’s been many decades, perhaps even a century for all I know. Time strays from my mind. What many see as a decade sometimes feels like what you may call a month to me. Time,” he chuckles heavily, “it is an interesting concept that mortals created and all have adopted. I don’t think I have ever despised something more.” I leave his office behind. It wouldn’t be the last time I saw Death. I knew that much. But if I was lucky, it would be a while. <a data-passage="RFC9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Do you ever get tired of this?” “Of what, exactly?” “All of it. Being Death and all that it encompasses.” “You seem to want to say something else, so simply say it.” “Do you get tired of taking your children?” He inhales and then leans back in his chair, “$name, <<if hasVisited("RFC3FM.AnotherWay")>>we have spoken about this already. There is nothing more that I can say.<<else>>I doubt my answer will change the outcome.”<</if>> “<<if hasVisited("RFC3FM.AnotherWay")>>Honestly, we can speak about this a dozen more times and I don’t think I will ever stop asking you this. Maybe it’s the fatalistic part of it or just because I need the constant reassurance. I really don’t know. But at the very least, you can entertain that.<<else>>I know. I just … I want to know that this isn’t me just …” I shake my head and lean back, snorting to myself at how I mirror him. It was probably just my mortal mind, but it instantly likes to think I got such mannerism from him.<</if>> “$name.” I glance up to see him observing me, a solemn look in his eye, “nothing I say will make you feel better. If I lie, then you simply will live a fallacy that will crumble down piece by piece until I divulge the truth. And if I tell you the truth, you will hate and spite me and will die long before I ever take your breath.” “So, just don’t ask questions?” “Just don’t ask questions,” he nods, “I understand that your emotions are high and no matter what I say, you will not wish for your end to come this way.” “Do you even process emotions the way most people do?” “No, I must say that even speaking about this is odd. These feelings do exist within me but I cannot say I have ever felt them in such an excessive way.” The conversation, I suppose, ends there. There’s truly nothing more to say. Nothing more to admit. I leave his office behind. It won’t be the last time I see Death, I know that much. But if I’m lucky, it’ll be a while. <a data-passage="RFC9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I shift around in my seat, wanting to get this out but not knowing how to say it. Or perhaps I did. I was just worried that he would immediately shoot the idea down. It’s not like that matters. Regardless of whether or not he agrees, it’ll happen, and tonight at that. “I would like to leave.” Death raises a brow, pushing the book before him a few inches away before leaning back in his chair. “Is that all?” “What do you mean is that all?” <<if $death >=50>>\ <<nobr>>\<<set $deathperm to true>><</nobr>>\ “Come now, $name. You know what I mean, and I find myself bewildered as to what you expect me to say? Even more so as to why you told me. I can sit and say no. Throw you into cells to ensure you do not run, but what will that accomplish for either of us? A stressful situation made worse.” He has a point, and before walking in, I felt my reasons for telling him this was valid, but now, not so much. After a long silence, he finally says, “you will do what you wish, and I will do what I must. The answer is no. But I think you already knew that.” I nod, getting to my feet and going towards the door. “The answer to your thoughts is also no.” I frown, but he continues on before I can ask the obvious question. “//I// will not immediately come after you. But when the time comes, you will know. Play whatever game you wish to play. At the very least, this will be an interesting time.” He places his attention back on his work, and I leave with my answer given. <<else>>\ You either enjoy having others spell out things you already know, or you are truly just that dense.” “Hold up -” “No, $name. That is enough,” he growls in a voice far deeper than his usual speaking voice. I half expect the walls to shake, but nothing moves. “I have told you what is to happen, and I have confessed my feelings regarding it. If you don’t like it, then that is your own prerogative, but it no longer concerns me.” “It absolutely concerns you. It concerns no one but you.” “You want an answer,” he shrugs, “I shall give you one. No.” “You can’t keep me here,” I shout, standing and balling my fist as I bring it onto his desk. Death stands and regards me with a frown, “if you wish to view me as the villain in your tale, then so be it. But I have told you my answer, and it will not change. You may go.” He leans forward, and his eyes change from human to what I can only surmise as death, “do not make me repeat it.” I leave his office behind. It wouldn’t be the last time I saw Death. I know that much. But if I’m lucky, it’ll be a while. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="RFC9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Finding the reaper is definitely more complicated than I earlier suspected and mainly is pure luck on my part. I don’t know much about her life outside of training, so I don’t know where she stays or where she typically hangs out. I’m just about to turn a corner when I see her dismissing another reaper and walking into a room. “Chanara?” I question, following her into the room, “what was that about?” “Still trying to find the missing reaper,” she huffs, falling backward onto the sofa. “Still working?” “It’s crazy, ain’t it? I should be asleep right now and thinkin’ of ways to torture you tomorrow.” I frown, knowing that won’t happen but not knowing whether or not I wish to speak to her about it. Can she be trusted? Logically, no. She’s loyal to Azrael and Death. But emotionally, she has shown no actual signs of loyalty. Of course, I don’t think she’ll willingly go against either, but she has yet to show signs of someone who would snitch or even get involved with things not directly concerned with her. <a data-passage="RFC8C1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Any progress?” “None,” she shouts, throwing her arms up, “and I even looked over her files to see if it would help.” “What’d you learn?” Chanara sits up, “that she qualified for Hell because she’s prone to wrath. Never actually committed though. She seems to have a history of not committin’ to things. Damn shame. She’d know she could’ve just hidden on Earth otherwise.” “Wait. What?” She groans as if I’m the fifth person she’s had to explain this to. “She’s not a normal reaper. She’s innocent, meanin’ her power is way greater than your average reaper. With that, she can do shit that would probably kill a non-committed reaper. Shit. If she became full-on, she’d be promoted automatically.” Her words cause me to wonder, but I can’t be sure unless I trust her enough to tell her what would go on later today. <<if $charisma >=20>>\ [[Learn more while avoiding the truth.|RFC8Smart][$known_chanaratruth = true; $known_reaper = true]] <</if>>\ [[Trust Chanara and tell her.|RFC8Tell][$known_reaper = true]] [[Keep Chanara in the dark.|RFC8NoTell]]

There has to be a middle ground here. Keeping Chanara in the dark and confirming my suspicions, but at the same time not making an enemy out of her later for not telling her what’s going on. That means taking a form of aloofness that more accurately should be labeled as cunning. An idea forms, and I give her a bewildered look. “What does that have to do with her commitment?” “All reapers are …” she pouts as she searches for the right word, “encouraged to read up on our rules and ways. If she read that shit, then she’d know about innocents.” I snort, “did you read it?” “Hell no, but I wasn’t a damn innocent.” “So, what all can she do? Can she break the veil or something?” Chanara performs a cat stretch, “yea, but it would be way easier to just make a damn portal if she wanted out. See,” she chuckles, “she’d know about that too if she just read the damn rules and ways.” She grumbles something, but I don’t let up, not when I was so close. “Make a portal? Wouldn’t that just kill her?” She glances over at me, and I raise my hands in innocence, “Zillah was talking about it.” She nods in understanding, “yea. Normally it would, but since she got extra juice, then she can. She’ll just be weak after.” So, my suspicions are correct. We can use the reaper without killing her. Though, I’m sure Zillah will need more than just facts, as I can easily see him wanting to do away with any witnesses. <<include "RFC8C2">>

I don’t want all of this to come back to bite me in the butt, but I also don’t want to leave this room without knowing for sure if my suspicions are correct or not. “Chanara … can I trust you?” “No. But you can’t trust anyone,” she smirks. That smirk disappears once she sees my face, and she shakes her head, sitting up. “No. No. Hell no. Leave me the fuck outta whatever’s goin’ on. I don’t wanna know.” “Then just answer my question.” “Should I?” “I would like you too.” “Hurry up before I change my damn mind.” “This reaper, can she open a portal to Earth without giving her life for it?” “Oh, fuck,” Chanara grumbles, holding her head, “next time I’m sayin’ no, and that’s that.” She glares at the ceiling and nods. “Yea. It’s possible.” “That’s all I’ll say.” “That’s all you better say,” she barks. <<include "RFC8C2">>

Despite knowing Chanara, I didn’t trust her not to go back and tell Death or Azrael. And even if she did plan to keep what I said to herself, who’s to say that one of them couldn’t just gather the information themselves? No, it’s better to let as few people as possible know about this. Meaning Zillah and me. <<include "RFC8C2">>

I stand to get ready to go as Chanara makes herself as comfortable as possible on the couch, arching her body this way and that. <<if $flirt_Chanara and $s_att isnot "none">>\ [[Take all of her in.|RFC8ChanaraRomance1][$chanara +=3; $NRomance +=1]] <</if>>\ <<if $flirt_Chanara>>\ [[Express my admiration for her.|RFC8ChanaraRomance2][$chanara +=3; $NRomance +=1]] <</if>>\ [[Joke about her behavior.|RFC8JokeBehavior][$chanara +=5]] [[Ask about training progress.|RFC8TrainingProgress][$chanara -=3]] [[Tell her goodbye.|RFC8TellGoodbye][$chanara -=5]]

My eyes rove over her body, admiring everything that she currently has on display. Curves, dips, blemishes, scars, and all. When I finally do make it back up to her face, I realize a pair of dark brown eyes have been watching me the entire time. She snorts, “like what you see?” “Maybe.” “Fuck you,” she laughs and then points between us, “too bad this will never happen.” “What makes you say that?” “I’m not about to get in trouble cos I was crazy enough to try and fuck Death’s child. You talkin’ to the wrong one.” “Wait. So if I wasn’t Death’s child?” She pauses, looking me up and down before snorting. “I think you know how attractive you are.” “Damn. And here I’m thinking you had a more rebellious streak.” “Don’t know where the hell you got that idea from,” she laughs, “I survived this long by mindin’ my business. Don’t go lookin’ for trouble, and you won’t find it. And $name, you’re trouble.” “The good kind, I hope.” She glances over me, and a small smile causes the corners of her lip to tug upwards. “No such thing.” I head towards the door with a smile, waving goodbye to her and leaving. <a data-passage="RFC9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“You know, Nara, I admire you.” “You what?” she questions, pausing her stretching to look at me. “I admire you.” “You don’t know shit about me.” “And that means I can’t admire you? You’re strong, determined, ambitious, and fun to be around, from what I’ve seen. You can follow directions, but you also think for yourself.” “You tryna get me in bed or somethin’?” “No, just wanted to say that.” She sits up and frowns, “… thanks. I think. It’s nice to be ... admired?” She phrases it like a question, and I raise a brow. She frowns at the look I give her, and she points to the door before gazing away, “just go before you make this even more awkward.” I chuckle and go, looking over my shoulder right before I enter the hall, and see the corners of her mouth tugging upwards as she tugs on a tight curl. <a data-passage="RFC9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“You must be comfortable? If someone didn’t know any better, they’d say you were tired after doing so much work today.” “Fuck you, $name. Between training you and dealing with stupid folks, I should be tired.” “I didn’t think reapers got tired.” “Then you don’t know much. You really gotta let your whole preconception of supernaturals go.” “What’s that? A thirty-point word?” “If I had the energy, I’d throw a damn shoe at you,” she laughs, “get!” “Okay, okay,” I say, raising my hands in surrender as I make my way to the door and look back at her. I wonder when I’ll see her again … <a data-passage="RFC9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“How far am I on training? What do I have left?” <<if hasVisited("RFC8Tell")>>\ “Why?” I give her a look, and she nods in understanding, pairing that with an eye roll. “<<if $power <15>>It’s still too early. You won’t immediately descend into that shit from before, but it will come back until you learn all the basics.<<else>>You’re fine. That deterioration or whatever bullshit you were dealing with won’t be back. You couldn’t beat someone in a fight, but you’re gettin’ there.”<</if>> <<else>>\ “Why?” “Just wondering about the whole deterioration thing.” “<<if $power <15>>It’s still too early. You probably don’t feel it, but it’s there and won’t disappear until you learn all the basics.<<else>>You’re fine. That deterioration or whatever bullshit you were dealing with won’t be back. You couldn’t beat someone in a fight, but you’re gettin’ there.”<</if>> <</if>>\ “I should go.” “Yea, you should.” I snort at how she says it and act on my words, leaving the room and entering the hallway. <a data-passage="RFC9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Well, I have to go. I,” I frown as I think about my next words. <<if hasVisited("RFC8Tell")>>“I’ll see you when I see you, Nara.”<<else>>“I’ll see you later.”<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC8Tell")>>\ I leave to go, but before I enter the hall, Chanara stops me. “$name. Whatever you bout to do … just be careful.” “I will.” <<else>>\ “Yea yea,” she whistles back, waving me off. I smile and walk out of the room and into the hallway, wondering if I would ever see her again. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="RFC9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<if $ZRomance >=10>>\ I retire to my room to wait until night comes, trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I could be back on Earth in a few hours. //Or you can be sitting before Death and Azrael, both of them learning what the two of you attempted.// I have doubts that Death will allow Zillah to live after that. He would have purposely lied to him and plotted behind his back on a matter that Death sees as grave. No, that would be Zillah’s last mistake. And me? I’m not sure what Death will do to me. Perhaps he will believe that I’m far too much trouble and find a way to debilitate me. It is so easy to remember the feeling that overcame me when I was in his office with Zillah, and that was simply done due to annoyance. The power that he holds ... I get to my feet and leave the room. It’s far too easy for Zillah to come looking for me, so I have a bit of time to get my head on straight and focus. To do away with all of these negative thoughts, <<if $optimistic >=50>>a task that used to be relatively easy.<<else>>a task that is far easier to say than do.<</if>> There are many others out, the palace seeming to be just as busy during the day. There’s a far more lackadaisical vibe to everyone’s movement, though. One that sets me at ease as I maneuver through them. Few still find themselves staring, but most have gotten used to my presence and I, oddly enough, to them. My wanderings find me outside, walking the same garden path as I did before when Death had come to me with the news that rocked me to my core. I can still remember the beauty of the sky and how peaceful everything seemed as my insides crumbled. To be told that you personally are nothing. That your life is to fulfill one purpose, and that purpose has more to do with possessing a soul and a body. I could be anyone else, and it wouldn’t have mattered. It never did. “Deep in thought, I see.” I turn at the familiar voice, watching Zillah gradually approach my side. His appearance is starkly different than before. His hair is ruffled, and he has an addled look furthering an appearance that reminds me of someone unable to sleep. “How did you find me?” “I didn’t. I was already out here, probably doing the same thing you are.” “Worrying about the future and how your life basically meant shit in the grand scheme of it all?” “Yes.” His answer causes me to pause as I glance over at him. I’m not sure if a part of me is glad for how out of sorts he looks or if I feel some kind of pity. I have come to grips with my confusing feelings enough to know that questions like that don’t have a clear-cut answer I can quickly arrive at. <a data-passage="RFC9ZR1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ I retire to my room to wait until night comes, and with it, Zillah. When it does, the two of us say nothing to the other, and much like the first night he had come to me, we slip out and go forth. <<if hasVisited("RFC8Vampire")>>\ “We know the area she’s in, but what happens if we still don’t find her?” I question as we finally pass through the western gate. The light from the capital is the only thing that provides even a fraction of light for the area ahead. What rests beyond is darkness. “Then we keep trying until we do. As long as she’s not reported dead or Chanara and her group find her, we’re fine.” <<else>>\ “Did you learn anything helpful, or are we just going into this blind?” I question as we finally pass through the western gate. The light from the capital is the only thing that provides even a fraction of light for the area ahead. What rests beyond is darkness. “Yes. But not enough to confidently say we’ll find her.” “What happens if we don’t.” “We try again another night until we do. As long as she’s not reported dead or Chanara and her group find her, we’re fine.” <</if>>\ “How will we know if she dies?” “Death will feel it, and he’ll inform Azrael. Basically, keep an eye on Chanara. If she doesn’t look like she wants to strangle someone, then the reaper is dead.” I hum, and the rest of our walk is bathed in silence. <a data-passage="RFC9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\

He turns to me, taking a moment to look me over before bowing his head in defeat, “I’m sorry.” I hear the words but don’t realize he’s talking to me until silence sets in and he hasn’t said anything more. “What?” “I said I’m sorry.” I sigh, “what did you do now?” “What? No, I’m not ... I mean I didn’t,” he pauses, biting his tongue before continuing, “I mean about everything.” Yet again, it takes me more than a moment to realize what he’s talking about. [[I’m dumbfounded.|RFC9.ZDumbfounded]] [[I’m pissed off.|RFC9.ZPissed]] [[I’m neutral.|RFC9.ZNeutral]]

I wasn’t even sure Zillah knew the word sorry, let alone how to correctly use it in a sentence. “You’re sorry for what?” “I already said -” “Yea, I heard you. I want to hear the specifics.” “Seriously? Is that needed?” “If you don’t think it is, then you’re not sorry at all.” He continues to stare, and part of me wonders if he even knows the specifics. I wouldn’t put it past him to forget all he’s done or be confused about why they affected me. Knowing him, he is probably only thinking about the conversation outside Death’s office, but even that draws my doubts. The silence prolongs, and I nod, “what even is this?” “What is what?” I gesture to him, “this. You made it clear outside of Death’s office that you wanted nothing to do with me. That I was a means to an end, and that was the end of it. Now you do this. What do you want?” “I’m just,” he frowns, trying to figure out his own words, “I’m just trying to right wrongs that I caused.” “Then you can start by telling me the truth.” His lips press together, and he turns away, showing no sign of answering me and therefore proving his words, yet again wrong. I don’t linger. I head back toward my room when he utters, “you still deserve an apology.” <<include "RFC9ZR2">>

As soon as I realize what this sorry is for, I feel the rage shooting through me, infecting every corner of my being. “No,” I shout, cursing myself for being so loud, “no. You don’t get to do that.” I ball up my fist with the need to send it flying straight toward his cheek. “You don’t get to do that,” I repeat. “You’re only sorry because of my ultimatum. You’re only sorry because you now have to live through the consequences of your actions.” I shake my head, trying not to let out the strangled-sounding chuckle that wants to be heard. “You’re not sorry. You’re just lonely and missing the game you played.” “How distrustful of you.” “You earned it,” I growl, “you can take your apology and shove it up your ass. Or better yet, drive it into oncoming traffic.” I head into my room when he utters his following words. “I didn’t say it for forgiveness. I said it because …” I wait. Even with everything telling me to continue walking. I wait. I close my eyes and dare to hope. Dare to think that this entity that hasn’t cared about anyone but himself for the past few centuries could change my mind. The silence prolongs, and I nod, “what even is this?” “What is what?” I gesture to him, “this. You made it clear outside of Death’s office that you wanted nothing to do with me. That I was a means to an end, and that was the end of it. Now you do this. What do you want?” “I’m just,” he frowns, trying to figure out his own words, “I’m just trying to right wrongs that I caused.” “Then you can start by telling me the truth.” His lips press together, and he turns away, showing no sign of answering me and therefore proving his words, yet again wrong. I don’t linger. I head back toward my room when he utters, “you still deserve an apology.” <<include "RFC9ZR2">>

Surprisingly, I feel neither rage nor surprise. I’m not sure why, either. It’s not like my heart hasn’t started to beat faster. My brain working through multiple calculations and reasons why he would say it and now of all times. “Okay.” “Okay?” “Did you expect me to give you some long, drawn-out speech?” I shake my head, “what even is this?” “What is what?” I gesture to him, “this. You made it clear outside of Death’s office that this was all a means to an end, and that was the end of it. Now you do this. What do you want?” “I’m just,” he frowns, trying to figure out his own words, “I’m just trying to right wrongs that I caused.” “Then you can start by telling me the truth.” His lips press together, and he turns away, showing no sign of answering me and therefore proving his words, yet again wrong. I don’t linger. I head back toward my room when he utters, “you still deserve an apology.” <<include "RFC9ZR2">>

I have nothing more to say, so I go. How does he always manage to have me second guess myself and give me hope on matters I shouldn’t have them in. His ability to make me feel stupid repeatedly is a testament to my determination to do the opposite of what I should. [[The apology is nice, but not enough.|RFC9ZR3]] [[Fuck him and that apology.|RFC9ZR3]]

I will only have a bit of time before I see him again. By that time, my mind will be back to working. I should be fine. But for now, I just want to sleep and forget. Or dream of some alternate plane where everything is so much easier. When the time does come, the two of us say nothing to the other, and much like the first night he had come to me, we slip out and go forth. <<if $ZRomance >=10>>I know what has taken place between us a few hours ago is on his mind, it’s as clear on his face at is on mine. Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to want to speak about it, or at least understands that right now is not the time.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC8Vampire")>>\ “We know the area she’s in, but what happens if we still don’t find her?” I question as we finally pass through the western gate. The light from the capital is the only thing that provides even a fraction of light for the area ahead. What rests beyond is darkness. “Then we keep trying until we do. As long as she’s not reported dead or Chanara and her group find her, we’re fine.” <<else>>\ “Did you learn anything helpful, or are we just going into this blind?” I question as we finally pass through the western gate. The light from the capital is the only thing that provides even a fraction of light for the area ahead. What rests beyond is darkness. “Yes. But not enough to confidently say we’ll find her.” “What happens if we don’t.” “We try again another night until we do. As long as she’s not reported dead or Chanara and her group find her, we’re fine.” <</if>>\ “How will we know if she dies?” “Death will feel it, and he’ll inform Azrael. Basically, keep an eye on Chanara. If she doesn’t look like she wants to strangle someone, then the reaper is dead.” I hum, and the rest of our walk is bathed in silence. <a data-passage="RFC9.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Once we make it to the area, Zillah has us split up. While he checks the houses, I check the surrounding area and the sheds that a few of the houses possess. I find signs of nothing besides a few odd appearing animals that look similar to their Earth counterparts. One such example is a dog with quills running down its back. It appears too lazy to chase me, and besides a simple gaze in my direction, it yawns and seems to go back to sleep. I continue my search, walking around small silos and looking out over distant fields. “$name!” I hear Zillah shout. I head in the direction of the voice, finding him outside of a hut. He nods at me and then at the building, “I got her.” Entering, I immediately see the tied-up and frightened reaper in a corner. She’s crying, her entire body shaking due to the sobs that she isn’t allowed to voice thanks to the tape resting over her mouth. “Was it hard to find her?” “She’s not experienced. The hardest part about finding her was just getting the general location. Otherwise, it was quite easy." She wiggles, pleading for me to help though I’m sure she knows I’m not here for that. “Is all that necessary?” I question, motioning to her. <<if $blood_fear>>\ “Yes.” He simply answers. “You might want to turn around.” “Why?” I start to ask but find out soon enough why he suggested it. In his hands is a bowl of blood and a second glance over at the reaper tells me who it belongs to. I feel sick, so I tear my eyes from the sight, deciding to glare at the dark clay ground. “Why do we need that?” <<else>>\ Zillah brings a bowl of blood to his side and dips his fingers in as he begins to draw something along the floor. “Is that yours?” I ask but fail to see any wounds on him. A second glance over at the reaper tells me who the blood belongs to, though. “Why do we need that?” <</if>>\ “The portal needs to be made of the blood of whoever powers it. As soon as I’m done with this, we’ll kill her, and then you’ll be sent to Earth.” He shows me a symbol, “once you get back, use your powers to draw this into your skin. And don’t worry, it won’t scar or anything. Your energy will cause the symbol to fade in a couple of minutes.” “Why do I need that?” “It’ll bring me to your location without having to use the portal. There’s a good chance that if both of us use the portal, we’ll be sent to two different locations. You to Faye’s and me to wherever this dimension intersects with the one on Earth.” “<<if $zl is "friend">>Do I have a time limit?<<else>>And why would I want you back with me?<</if>>” “<<if $zl is "friend">>Yes. Our life forces are bonded, and being in two different dimensions will put a strain on it. You won’t die or anything, but you will feel sick and woozy.<<else>>Because unless you want to double over in pain, then you’ll do what I say.<</if>>” <a data-passage="RFC9.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

He glances over his shoulder at the reaper with golden eyes holding murderous intent, “now, let’s get this over with.” <<if $known_reaper>>\ “Wait! She doesn’t have to die, Zillah. Chanara told me.” “Chanara told you?” he asks incredulously, “you told her?” “Don’t talk to me as if I’m <<if $known_chanaratruth>>a kid. If I want to tell her, then I tell her. It was my decision.<<else>>some idiotic kid that doesn’t know what they’re doing. No, I didn’t tell her, but I did learn the truth.<</if>>” “What did she say?” “That because she’s an innocent, she can make a portal. She’ll just be incredibly weak afterward. She can live through this.” “But that means we have to trust that she knows what she’s doing. And you forget that using her abilities can still potentially bring Azrael to this location if he senses it. Not to mention she’ll just run her mouth later. That’s three strikes, $name.” [[“She lives and that’s that.”|RFC8SheLives]] [[“… I did forget that.”|RFC8ForgetThat]] [[“Everything we’re doing is a risk.”|RFC8Risk]] <<else>>\ [[“Are we sure she has to die?”|RFC8AreYouSureDie][$balance -=5]] [[“What do we do?”|RFC8WhatWeDo][$balance -=3]] [[Stay silent.|RFC8Silent][$balance +=5]] <</if>>\

“She lives, and that’s that. We’re not having this discussion again.” He takes a step closer, “are you really willing to sacrifice how far we’ve come? Do you want to get out of here or not?” “Yes. But I’m not about to sacrifice a life for it.” “Then that’s it for you because I don’t know when you’ll get another chance like this.” [[Kill her.|RFC8KillHer][$balance +=10]] [[Leave her alive.|RFC8LeaveAlone][$balance -=10; $reaperalive = true]]

“I … did forget that. How confident are you that Azrael will come?” “I’m not completely sure. Let’s call it an even toss-up. If Azrael is concerned about this reaper, then there’s a good chance any flare-up close by will draw his attention. If he doesn’t care, then he won’t come this way at all.” “So 50/50.” He nods and narrows his eyes, “do the smart thing, $name.” [[Kill her.|RFC8KillHer][$balance +=10]] [[Leave her alive.|RFC8LeaveAlone][$balance -=10; $reaperalive = true]]

“Did you just happen to forget that everything we’re doing is practically a risk? Azrael is just another addition to it. Honestly, he was already one.” “So then eliminate him being one and kill the bitch.” “You’re a bit too quick to jump on the death of someone.” “Because I don’t care. If it gets you out of here like we planned, then I see her sacrifice going towards a good reason.” It’s callous, but it’s not like I can disagree with him. Well, I can. But his opinion isn’t exactly wrong. Just like me, arguing against her death won’t be bad either. There are too many factors that can possibly make one idea more favorable than the other. [[Kill her.|RFC8KillHer][$balance +=10]] [[Leave her alive.|RFC8LeaveAlone][$balance -=10; $reaperalive = true]]

“Fine,” I say, glancing over at the tied-up reaper whose eyes are filled with a certain kind of fear. The fear of knowing what my words mean and knowing that this is it for her. “Kill her.” “About time,” he grumbles, grabbing her as she moans. Tears rush down her eyes as she tries to thrash and free herself from Zillah’s tenacious grip. She glances over at me, pleading with her eyes to stop him. But I don’t budge, steeling my resolve. I watch as he throws her into the middle of the portal, and before she could even think about getting to her feet and darting away, a tendril emerges from his back and plunges into her chest. She seizes up before falling face-first to the ground. I take a step back, watching as the portal flares to life and Zillah grabs me, pushing me inside. <a data-passage="RFC9.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“She. Lives.” “I can’t believe you’re about to fuck this up,” he grumbles as I walk over to the reaper. She observes me closely, and I don’t blame her. I wouldn’t trust the people who were just talking about the pros and cons of killing me either. “We’re not going to hurt you.” I glare over my shoulder at a silent Zillah, “or at least I won’t.” I take the tape off of her mouth, and she shifts her jaw before nodding to me. “I should thank you for sparing me.” “Help me with this portal, and we’ll call it even.” She nods, and I cut the rope that binds her wrists. Part of me fears that she’ll run, and that’ll be the end of that. Zillah will be proven right, and I’ll be stuck here unless luck decides to bless me with another opportunity to escape. But she allays those fears once she walks over to the portal and looks back at me. “Just pour my energy into it?” “Yea.” She closes her eyes, and I watch excitedly as she does as I direct. The portal is slow to glow, but the longer she stays beside it, the brighter it gets. “Get in,” Zillah yells at me, grabbing my arm and pushing me into the middle of the portal. <a data-passage="RFC9.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Are we sure she has to die?” “I feel like we’ve gone over this so many times now.” “This is about someone’s life. If we have to go over it a hundred times, then we owe her that.” “No,” he snorts, grabbing her and yanking her to her feet. “I don’t owe anyone shit. She dies, and that’s the end of it because there is no other way. Sitting here and debating it to ease your conscience isn’t about to change that fact.” <<include "RFC9.3">>

“What do we do then?” I nod to the tied-up reaper, “what do we do with her?” “//We// don’t do anything,” he informs me, grabbing her and yanking her to her feet, “//I’ll// kill her and start this thing.” <<include "RFC9.3">>

I don’t say anything as Zillah grabs the reaper and pulls her to her feet. She thrashes and cries to be released, but Zillah’s grip is unwavering. <<include "RFC9.3">>

<<if $reaperalive is false>>\ I watch as he throws her into the middle of the portal, and before she can even think about getting to her feet and darting away, a tendril emerges from his back and plunges into her chest. She seizes up before falling face-first into the ground. I take a step back, watching as the portal flares to life and Zillah grabs and pushes me inside. <</if>>\ “Just don’t move!” he yells, and I do as he says, though when the wind picks up, I begin to doubt the possibility of that. The portal roars around me, and I move to cover my face. As soon as I do, everything calms, and I find that my surroundings have changed. As directed, as soon as it calms, I summon my powers and carve the symbol that Zillah showed me into my arm. I grit my teeth from the stinging and the burning ache that I feel deep within my chest. With it finally done, the discomfort seems to lessen, enough to where I can actually look around. Down the road, I spot familiar streets. The intersection where I would sometimes go on jogs with the others, the distant sign of the local store that we would visit, and the stupidly ugly pink and yellow constant eyesore of a house that exists a few houses down. I turn around, and there it is. The burnt remains of a house no longer recognizable, and I feel my breath escape. It was Faye’s. I was home. <a data-passage="EP2-Act Three"><img src="images/actthreebutton.png" alt="Act Three" style="float:right"/></a>

<img src="images/actthree.png"> There’s nothing left but rubble and fragments of items that I can no longer put a name to. Anything of value has either been gathered by my long-gone group, collected by random teens looking for some quick fun, or grabbed by law enforcement. I cease my explorations and sigh as I gaze over the mess that now rests here. Zillah told me what to expect. The house burned; this I knew. But still, a part of me didn’t know what I would come home to. “Hey,” someone shouts behind me, and I jerk around to see a man walking his dog, “are you okay? No one’s really allowed to go near the house.” “This was my auntie’s house,” I lie<<if $honesty <50>>, with ease, might I add<</if>>, “what happened?” “You’re pretty late, don’t you think?” He nods to the house, “it burned down like two months ago. The city just hasn’t done anything to it.” He grumbles something, but I keep repeating the two months part in my head. I thought it had only been one. With the conversation seeming to be over, he goes back to walking, glancing at me and then at the house but saying nothing more. A few minutes tick by, and I feel the presence of another behind me. “We need to get out of here,” Zillah orders. “What’s the rush?” “Azrael will have <<if $reaperalive>>felt the power from that portal, and when he gets to the scene, he might find the reaper. Either way, he’ll start putting two and two together<<else>>been tuned in to reaper signatures, and killing the reaper would have alerted him. When he gets there and sees the portal and the dead reaper, he’ll figure out what happened<</if>>, and this will be the first place he checks.” “How much time do we have?” “Not much.” I was back on Earth, but my troubles never seem to lessen. I guess if anything else, I should be used to this by now. Never a dull moment. [[“Do you have any idea where they are?”|RFC10AnyIdea]] [[“How do we find them.”|RFC10FindThem]] [[“What can we expect from Azrael?”|RFC10ExpectAzrael]]

“Do you have any idea where the group is? Any at all?” “No. After the second attack, I stopped caring. It wasn’t like they had any logic to their runnings.” “So, this is nothing but a guessing game.” “You should know them better than me,” he huffs, raising a brow that already spoke volumes of his doubt in me. “We need to first find a witch that can conceal me from Azrael. Otherwise, I’m a shining beacon to that angelic bastard.” <<if $power >=15>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10FJ")>>Attempted and failed to use abilities.<<else>>[[Use my abilities.|RFC10FJ]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $curse_gluttony>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10Demon")>>Attempted and failed to summon a demon.<<else>>[[Summon a demon.|RFC10Demon]]<</if>> <</if>>\ [[Seek out Lucia for help.|RFC10Lucia]]

“How do we find them?” “Why do you think I know,” he growls, “my main task was to get you back on Earth. The only reason I’m still here is that I need Syd to free me from this damn binding. After that, I’m gone.” He shakes his head and looks around, “we need to first concentrate on finding a witch that can conceal or hide me from Azrael. Otherwise, I’m a damn shining beacon to that angelic bastard.” <<if $power >=15>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10FJ")>>Attempted and failed to use abilities.<<else>>[[Use my abilities.|RFC10FJ]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $curse_gluttony>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10Demon")>>Attempted and failed to summon a demon.<<else>>[[Summon a demon.|RFC10Demon]]<</if>> <</if>>\ [[Seek out Lucia for help.|RFC10Lucia]]

“What can we expect from Azrael?” “He’ll inform Death, and we might have reapers coming after us. Azrael will probably make some visits too. Right now, I must find a witch that can do some kind of concealing or hiding ward, spell, charm, something. The time difference will save us. Buy us a few hours.” <<if $deathperm>>Death had said //he// wouldn’t come after me. He said nothing about Azrael and I wonder if he would even stop the angel. <</if>>While Zillah worries about himself, I try to figure out what I have at my disposal, which isn’t a lot. The only number I memorized was Uncle Matheus’, but that wouldn’t give me a lot to work with since he knows nothing about the group. <<if $power >=15>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10FJ")>>Attempted and failed to use abilities.<<else>>[[Use my abilities.|RFC10FJ]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $curse_gluttony>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10Demon")>>Attempted and failed to summon a demon.<<else>>[[Summon a demon.|RFC10Demon]]<</if>> <</if>>\ [[Seek out Lucia for help.|RFC10Lucia]]

“Wait. Chanara once said that I can find people using my abilities.” “Only those who are dying.” “But since I’m a reaper hybrid, is there a chance that I can sense more than just those dying?” Zillah frowns and seems to think about it before shrugging. “Can’t hurt to try it out. You’ll need someone that leaves enough essence behind.” “So Sydero or Rahim?” “No. Both of them probably have protections that practically make them invisible. See if you can pick up any trails here.” I close my eyes and act like I know how to do whatever he just suggested. It can’t be that hard. Chanara successfully taught me the basics, and as long as I apply those teachings here, I should get something, right? I focus on the energy within me, memorizing it but then shifting my awareness around me. I can detect multiple energies, but some of them seem to shroud themselves. As if existing when it isn’t under scrutiny, but as soon as I focus, it disperses, and I’m unable to bring it back until shifting my attention. I grab onto the most obvious and concentrate, watching as all others fade and this one becomes more definite. The energy itself is an oddly chaotic strand. It bolts to the side without any warning, but there’s a strange kind of order to it. The best way I can describe it is contained madness. The description causes me to chuckle. I don’t have to ponder long about whose energy this is. Jeff. “I think I got Jeff.” “Can you track him?” That would seem to be the hard part. The farther the energy goes, the more it seems to disappear. Lessening and causing me to retrace my steps. [[Ask Zillah for help.|RFC10ZillahHelp]] [[Do this myself.|RFC10Myself]]

“How would I do that?” I question, “the fact that I found the energy trails in the first place is a bit shocking.” “You’re asking someone who knows about as much as you do,” he grumbles. Zillah takes a minute to think and then shrugs, “faeries always compared it to rope. The end of the rope is the person, and they were just following it.” “That doesn’t really help.” “Just do what you did to find Jeff. Focus on that and then follow the trail.” “It starts to disappear as it gets farther.” “Then don’t let it get farther. Follow it.” “On foot!?” “For fucks sake, $name. Just follow the damn thing until we have a damn direction.” I ball my fist up but then release it a second later. I did ask him for help. I do what he says, though, and follow the energy to the front of the house and then watch as it shoots into the sky. “What does that mean?” “We teleported back then. It seems that you’ll be visiting all the areas we went to find him.” He comes to my side, and we go. <a data-passage="RFC10.FJ1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I made it this far by myself. I’m sure anything more can be figured out and accomplished on my part as well. I use logic and what I know about my powers so far. Chanara instilled two things during basic training. Command and envision. If I want to make a ball, I need to imagine and then command it to happen. That deals with my energy, though, and I have some reservations about how much that will work on energy not mine to manipulate and control. Still, why not try? <<if $balance >=50>>\ Focusing on Jeff’s trail, I envision it as a rope, sturdy and solid. I command it to take that form, telling it to join together. There’s a lot of resistance, and after a while, I realize that it’s more so a fight of will than a judge of how strong I am. The more I force it, the more it obeys though there are times where it seems to spasm. But finally, a line that I can track and keep an eye on is in front of me. Gazing over my shoulder, I motion for Zillah to come, and we follow the energy trail. <a data-passage="RFC10.FJ1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ Focusing on Jeff’s trail, I envision it as a rope, sturdy and solid. I command it to take that form, but it resists. Every time I lean on it, command it to do even the simplest thing, it rebels, and soon, the energy trail is worse than before. My mind feels like something has taken a hammer to it after mistaking it for a gong. I have no choice but to stop, watching as that trail fades along with the others. “We’ll have to think of something else,” I tell Zillah, holding my head in pain. “Not many choices.” <<if $power >=15>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10FJ")>>Attempted and failed to use abilities.<<else>>[[Use my abilities.|RFC10FJ]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $curse_gluttony>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10Demon")>>Attempted and failed to summon a demon.<<else>>[[Summon a demon.|RFC10Demon]]<</if>> <</if>>\ [[Seek out Lucia for help.|RFC10Lucia]] <</if>>\

It takes a lot of stopping, concentration, and even some backtracking, but we finally appear in front of a charming cottage. The neighborhood is quiet and, from the few of those that I do see, belongs mainly to the elderly. Everyone has immaculate lawns and expensive cars, causing me to wonder if we’re in the right place and if I hadn’t gotten confused halfway through. I focus on the energies nearby. Sure enough, I find Jeff’s. Even more, the trail stops and forms into a humanoid aura somewhere within the house. My heart stutters. Either my powers are defunct, or I did it. I found Jeff. Glancing over at Zillah, he’s the first to move, approaching the house and knocking on the door. I find myself unable to move, far too focused on the door and who would open it. “Yes?” I hear a familiar feminine voice ask, and the door creaks open, “Zillah? How did you find us.” It’s Faye. I did it. “I didn’t,” he admits, moving out the way so that she can see me. [[Rush to her.|RFC10RushToHer]] [[Wave and smile.|RFC10WaveSmile]] [[Stay where I am.|RFC10StayWhereIAm]]

I let out a disbelieving gasp, practically mirroring her shock. I’m not sure who moves first, her or me. But the next thing I know, her arms are wrapped around me and mine around her. “Wait, your visions,” I start, attempting to move out of her hold, but she tightens her grip. “Don’t you dare,” she growls, pulling back so that I can see her face, “don’t you dare.” She cradles my face and lets out a choked sob, “look at you. $name, I’m so glad you’re okay.” She throws her arms back around me, and I relax in her grip. “It’s good to see you too, Faye.” <<include "RFC10.FJ1.1">>

I didn’t move from my spot. My brain feels like it’s short-circuiting, and I find it hard to comprehend that Faye is standing right in front of me. I smile and wave, “hey, Faye.” She doesn’t wave back. Instead, she rushes up to me, taking my hands in hers as tears rush down her cheeks. “$name?” “Yea, it’s me Faye.” “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she sobs, wiping her cheek with her shoulder, “I can’t believe you’re back.” <<include "RFC10.FJ1.1">>

I stay where I am, nodding at her but doing nothing more. I don’t know what else to do. Reunions are odd, especially when, for some, it’s been two months. And for me, just a couple of weeks, maybe three at most. My stiff greeting also seems to cause Faye to doubt herself. Her steps towards me are guarded as if she’s waiting for reality to come down and for me to disappear. “$name?” “Yea, it’s me Faye.” She stops directly in front of me, blinking tears away as she takes me in, “goodness. I can’t believe it.” <<include "RFC10.FJ1.1">>

“Well, I’ll be damned,” I hear Jeff say and look up to see him standing beside Zillah, “look who came back from the dead.” Faye moves, and I approach him with a nod, “missed me?” “Damn right. Ya know how quiet it’s been without ya?” <a data-passage="RFC10.FJ2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Come. Let’s go into the house.” The inside is cozy, a trait that seems to always exist in Faye’s homes. Obviously, she’s still in the middle of decorating with only the essential pieces of furniture existing and no pictures hanging on the walls. But that’s to be expected. Other than the clothes on her back, everything else was destroyed. “We’re still trying to get used to calling this place home,” she tells me, motioning to the house. “Rahim offered to pay for anything we wanted, but I said no.” She shakes her head, “I’ll go put on some tea. We need some tea.” I can see her hands shaking, and before she even makes it into the kitchen, she pauses. “No. I think I’ll grab the wine for this one.” I take a seat in the living room, waiting for Faye’s return. She passes a glass to everyone and only Zillah refuses, his nose scrunching in disgust. [[Accept a glass of wine.|RFC10AcceptWine]] [[Deny the glass of wine.|RFC10DenyWine]]

I thank and accept the glass that she offers me. Taking a sip and wondering the last time I had tasted something. In Purgatory, I found I wasn’t as hungry as I usually was. Whereas here I’d eat every day, there I didn’t need to eat but maybe twice every week at most. I almost feel like I missed the taste of things … <<include "RFC10.FJ3">>

I shake my head at the glass that she offers. While in Purgatory, I found myself hardly ever needing to eat. At most, I’d eat two times a week, and that by itself would sate me until the following week. I would be interested in seeing if that trend continues here or if it unique to Purgatory. <<include "RFC10.FJ3">>

“I don’t even know where to begin,” Faye speaks after putting her glass down. “We barely had time to mourn you.” “You thought I was dead?” “We didn’t know what you were,” she exclaims, “and certain shades weren’t beneficial until far later.” Zillah glances away as Faye continues on. “After my house was blown up, demons came and then angels. Soon there was no break. When we thought we were safe, it turned out we weren’t. And if Syd or Rahim were able to learn why they didn’t tell anyone. It just became a lot. Then we learned what happened to you, and it became even more.” She shakes her head aggressively, “I’m just glad you’re back. That’s one enormous weight off all our shoulders. Do the others know?” “No. That’s why we’re here. We have no idea where to find them.” “Oh, of course. I can give you their address. Would you like to take a shower first? I have some spare clothes I can give you.” [[Accept the offer.|RFC10AcceptOffer]] [[Deny the offer.|RFC10DenyOffer]]

“That would actually be great.” While Faye goes and grabs clothes, Jeff shows me to the bathroom. I don’t plan on staying in for long, but as soon as the hot water hits me, I change my mind. I relax, listening to the sound of the water as it collides with the tub floor. It feels like so much is happening all at once, but that could be the shift in time. Purgatory has a way of making everything feel like it’s slow, giving you a moment to breathe and recollect on all that you need to. While Earth, well, it doesn’t like the idea of that. It wants to keep you on your toes at all times. I get out and glance <<if $hairlength is "bald">>over my head. Luckily, I was able to keep it it cut while there, even finding that the tools they used worked far better than here. I guess magic has something to do with it, but a difference in technology is also a possibility.<<else>><<if $hairtype is "dreads" or $hairtype is "braids">>over my $hairtype. Keeping them up in Purgatory wasn’t a hard task, a feat that I didn’t think would be possible but was relatively easy. I wouldn’t have to redo them anytime soon, which means one less thing to add to a list.<<elseif $hairtype is "straight" or $hairtype is "wavy">>over my $hairtype hair. Luckily, combs and brushes are easy to come by, making maintenance in Purgatory particularly easy and never something that caused great strife.<<else>>over my $hairtype. Maintaining and dealing with it is the same kind of struggle it is on Earth, so at least that didn’t change. I was more worried about what the air difference would do. If it did effect my hair, I can’t tell.<</if>><</if>> I wipe at my eyes and study myself. Am I the same person I was two months ago? Not even close. While my appearance says two weeks, my behavior says two months. Everything has changed on both sides. [[I welcome it. I’m excited to see how far everyone’s come.|RFC10.FJ4]] [[I’m indifferent. It was bound to happen.|RFC10.FJ4]] [[I must admit I’m a little sad. I wasn’t here to see it.|RFC10.FJ4]]

I linger on my thoughts for a while longer before changing into the clothes that Faye brought by. Perfect fit and, thankfully, a style that I can deal with. Now prepared, I leave the bathroom and head back to the living room <<if $ZRomance >=10>>just as Zillah and Faye both reenter, Zillah frowning in concentration while Faye looks upon him with a soft smile. Zillah says nothing upon seeing me while Faye offers a single nod and smile that I don’t fully understand the meaning of.<<else>>where the others are waiting.<</if>> “What happened?” Faye questions, leaning in as if my response will be a secret. “How much do you know?” “Enough to be worried,” Jeff answers, throwing Zillah a look. “Then nothing should surprise you. Death is my dad. I’m a reaper hybrid. And I’m supposed to be his vessel.” “What a way to simplify,” Jeff cackles. “Hush,” Faye chides, a look of sympathy in her eye, “this is probably something you’re still trying to grasp.” [[“No, not really.”|RFC10.FJNoNotReally]] [[“It’s fine.”|RFC10.FJItsFine]] [[“Thank you.”|RFC10.FJThankYou]] [[Shrug.|RFC10.FJShrug]]

“No, not really,” I answer plainly. She gives me a look of doubt, but I don’t have the patience to reassure her of my earnestness. Ever since Death told me, I mulled over what it means for me now and what it will mean for me later. Of course, I’m not happy, nor am I content, but to say that I’m still processing the information would be a lie. I was done processing. It’s time to act and plan. <<include "RFC10Goodbye">>

“It’s fine,” I answer plainly. She gives me a look of doubt, but I have nothing more to say. If she wanted more then she would have to specify. Ever since Death told me, I mulled over what it means for me now and what it will mean for me later. Of course, I’m not happy, nor am I content, but constantly talking about how obviously upset I am about it will get me nowhere. I was done feeling sorry for myself. It’s time to act and plan. <<include "RFC10Goodbye">>

“Thank you,” I tell her with a reassuring and thankful smile. One can always rely on Faye to at least prove that one person is on their side. And though I am thankful, that is as much as I can say. I’ve thought about all of this enough. It’s time to act and plan. <<include "RFC10Goodbye">>

I shrug, not really knowing what to say. I haven’t really talked about this with others but it feels like I’m burnt out on thinking about it. There’s no reason to keep thinking about how it makes me feel. I know how it makes me feel and that’s that. It’s time to act and plan. <<include "RFC10Goodbye">>

“The address?” Zillah questions, putting an end to Faye’s inquiries. “Ah, yes.” She writes it down and then hands it to me. It seems my group is hiding out in North Carolina, not far and not an unfamiliar area. Zillah and I stand up, but Jeff stops us, handing me his phone. “Call a cab.” “For what?” Teleporting would be ten times quicker, though I wonder if Zillah can teleport somewhere he hasn’t physically been before. “Angels and demons have proved annoying. We don’t know what they know and what veil magic popping up in that area may cause em’ to think.” “We also don’t want Azrael figuring out anything prematurely,” Zillah agrees, though I wonder if he understands what a cab is. I do what they suggest, and Faye hands me the money for the ride just before I head outside to wait for them. “Please don’t hesitate to call us. We’re farther away now, but we’re always here for you.” I nod and walk to the door. “And $name. It’s good to have you back.” I hear her words but continue to go. <a data-passage="RFC10.FJ5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“No, I’m fine.” “You sure?” Zillah questions, brow raised, “you smell like shit.” <<if $serious <50>>“And you look like it, but I have the manners to keep that to myself.” He frowns but I ignore him, attention back on Faye.<<else>>“No, you don’t,” Faye growls, her eyes ablaze before they soften once landing on me, “but you are dirty and disheveled. Are you sure?”<</if>> [[Accept.|RFC10FJAccept]] [[Deny.|RFC10FJDeny]]

“Thanks for being truthful,” I say to Faye and nod to accept her offer. While Faye goes and grabs clothes, Jeff shows me to the bathroom. I don’t plan on staying in for long, but as soon as the hot water hits me, I change my mind. I relax, listening to the sound of the water as it collides with the tub floor. It feels like so much is happening all at once, but that could be the shift in time. Purgatory has a way of making everything feel like it’s slow, giving you a moment to breathe and recollect on all that you need to. While Earth, well, it doesn’t like the idea of that. It wants to keep you on your toes at all times. I get out and glance <<if $hairlength is "bald">>over my head. Luckily, I was able to keep it it cut while there, even finding that the tools they used worked far better than here. I guess magic has something to do with it, but a difference in technology is also a possibility.<<else>><<if $hairtype is "dreads" or $hairtype is "braids">>over my $hairtype. Keeping them up in Purgatory wasn’t a hard task, a feat that I didn’t think would be possible but was relatively easy. I wouldn’t have to redo them anytime soon, which means one less thing to add to a list.<<elseif $hairtype is "straight" or $hairtype is "wavy">>over my $hairtype hair. Luckily, combs and brushes are easy to come by, making maintenance in Purgatory particularly easy and never something that caused great strife.<<else>>over my $hairtype. Maintaining and dealing with it is the same kind of struggle it is on Earth, so at least that didn’t change. I was more worried about what the air difference would do. If it did effect my hair, I can’t tell.<</if>><</if>> I wipe at my eyes and study myself. Am I the same person I was two months ago? Things have changed here, and for some reason, that makes me squirm, and I’m confused about how to feel. [[I welcome it. I’m excited to see how far everyone’s come.|RFC10.FJ4]] [[I’m indifferent. It was bound to happen.|RFC10.FJ4]] [[I must admit I’m a little sad. I wasn’t here to see it.|RFC10.FJ4]]

“I’m sure.” She nods and writes down an address, handing me the paper. “By the way,” I start, reading over the paper and learning that they’re in North Carolina, “who has my car?” “The group. <<if $cp>>Chris refused to just let it sit here and said he had to make sure it stayed in good condition for whenever you got back.<<else>>Bradley got excited and claimed that it was what you would’ve wanted.<</if>>” I chuckle and nod, standing to say our farewells and leaving to find the others. “You may want to call a cab instead of teleporting,” Faye suggests and Zillah nods, though part of me doubts he understands what that will mean for him. “Any reason why?” “Angels and demons have been appearing much more frequently. I don’t know how you escaped but perhaps it would be wiser to not have them all know that you’re back.” I do what they suggest, and Faye hands me the money for the ride just before I head outside to wait for them. “Please don’t hesitate to call us. We’re farther away now, but we’re always here for you.” I nod and walk to the door. “And $name. It’s good to have you back.” I hear her words but continue to go. <a data-passage="RFC10.FJ5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Hours later, I get out of the cab, taking in the beautiful, two-story brick house the vehicle stops in front of. The bushes are neatly trimmed, and though the leaves have begun to fall from trees, the few trees that keep their leaves still give the place life. My eyes land on the white double doors directly in front of me, a few feet away. Just walk to the door and knock. Part of me is overly excited, wishing to race toward the door and knock it down just to see everyone again. But another side is terrified of what I will find and learn once that door does open. Two months is a lot, especially for us. I met Sydero and watched her fall into Hell in a month. Am I ready for the truth? No matter how hurtful, dark, or depressing it may be? <<include "RFC11">>

The idea of summoning a demon pops into my head, but I can also see how such an action is idiotic. If the group is warded from demons, then there’s no way that the summoning will be helpful. Even more, summoning a low-level demon is probably just a waste of time when only the higher-ups will actually be beneficial. To make a bad thing even worse, the higher-ups probably want me dead. Either that or the price of their help is going to be outrageous. Gluttony is the only one I know for sure who won’t sabotage me and probably help. Envy is another option, ignoring the fact that they’re also the most annoying option. Summoning either is probably the dumbest thing I can do, but when you’re out of good ideas, it makes the stupider ones look more appealing. “I’m going to summon a demon,” I tell Zillah, who doesn’t take even a moment to contemplate his expression. He simply just regards me as if I’m an idiot. “Do I even need to begin to tell you how stupid that is?” “If you have another idea, then I’m all ears. If not, shut up and help me draw the symbols.” “We should at least go somewhere less conspicuous,” Zillah groans, taking a step closer to me, and our surroundings change. The building is unfamiliar to me, but it looks like an abandoned warehouse. “We’ll need a bowl,” I tell him, and he begins a search that takes only a few minutes to conclude. <<if $blood_fear>>\ “You understand that you’ll have to spill some blood, right?” My eyes widen, and I glance over at him, “I was hoping you’d take care of that.” “Can’t. My blood won’t work. In fact,” he stares down at his arm and brings out a knife, running it across his wrist. At first, nothing comes out but then about thirty seconds later, we watch as a few drops of black blood assembles around the cut, and it heals. “Yea. I don’t bleed like that.” I glance down at the ground, attempting to think through this and if I’m ready to actually spill my own blood for this. “You got another idea, or do you want to continue with this one?” Is it worth almost fainting just to //attempt// to call one of them? If I fail, then I’m thrusting myself into what can wind up being a panic attack for no reason. Just thinking about this is making me feel queasy. <<if $stubborn >=50 or $daring >=50>>\ [[Continue on.|RFC10.DContinueOn]] [[Decide on something else.|RFC10DChoice]] <<else>>\ No! I can’t do this. I’m already feeling lightheaded, and I haven’t even picked up the damn knife. I drawback, shaking my head as I try to steady myself. “Something else,” I blurt, trying to hold back the bile that suddenly feels like it’s making its way up my throat. “You tell me then.” <<if $power >=15>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10FJ")>>Attempted and failed to use abilities.<<else>>[[Use my abilities.|RFC10FJ]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $curse_gluttony>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10Demon")>>Attempted and failed to summon a demon.<<else>>[[Summon a demon.|RFC10Demon]]<</if>> <</if>>\ [[Seek out Lucia for help.|RFC10Lucia]] <</if>>\ <<else>>\ He vanishes and then reappears with a bowl or at least something that looks like it. It’s mostly chipped, and if we move too slow, then the blood collected will start to drip. As he draws the symbols, I cut myself and hover the cut over the bowl to fill it. Seeing that neither of us have any bandages, I cut my shirt and tie it around my injury. “Ready?” “Unfortunately.” <<include "RFC10Glut">> <</if>>\

<<if $power >=15>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10FJ")>>Attempted and failed to use abilities.<<else>>[[Use my abilities.|RFC10FJ]]<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $curse_gluttony>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC10Demon")>>Attempted and failed to summon a demon.<<else>>[[Summon a demon.|RFC10Demon]]<</if>> <</if>>\ [[Seek out Lucia for help.|RFC10Lucia]]

“I’ll do it. I’ll be fine.” The words feel like a lie, but I don’t have any other choice. I don’t have many options, to begin with. I take the blade into my hands and look at where I’m going to cut. I can feel the lightheadedness encroaching and my heart thumps wildly but feels as if it’s frozen at the same time. It’s starting to get unnecessarily warm, but goosebumps appear along my skin. “$name?” I hear Zillah question, and as soon as I hear his voice, I bring the blade across my arm, holding it over the bowl before looking away. //Focus. Steady.// I repeat to myself and force myself to think of something else. Who I will attempt to summon and what I’ll say to them once they’re here. What if they don’t know, and this is a gigantic waste? Or what if the group has finally vanished, and I’m about to be the reason why they’re rediscovered? Ugh, I should’ve thought this through. Especially since I’m doing something I really don’t want to in the first place. “Alright, that’s enough,” Zillah informs, wrapping my arm up with a cloth. “Who are you summoning?” [[Summon Gluttony.|RFC10Glut]]

I start the spell but then pause, remembering the offering needed to call forth Gluttony. An offering that I don’t have. I’m about to scream when my head suddenly beings to ache as if something is screaming inside of it. A boar-like image appears, and then a flash of orange. “So, you’re back?” I hear a voice question and open my eyes to see Gluttony standing before me. He wears a muscle tank top and basketball shorts, a very casual look for someone who’s not only a demon but a prince at that. “I’m shocked the rumors haven’t started to spread yet.” “I just got out.” “That means little. Why did you summon me?” “I was hoping you’d help me find your niece.” He snorts, raising his chin as he looks down his nose at me, “and why would I do that?” “Because you care about her, and unlike everyone else, you’re not playing the same game.” He smiles, dropping the pompous behavior as if he had never possessed it. “I know the area. But I can only give you an image and a guide. You’ll have to do the rest.” “What do you mean? You can’t pinpoint her location?” “Before, yea. But a month ago, her trail started to fade before completely disappearing. I can follow it to a general area, but then that’s where the trail ends. You’ll have to go in and sense them yourself.” “Sounds like they’re warded from you,” Zillah points out, and though Gluttony momentarily glances his way, he doesn’t stop to respond. “That’s as much as I can do for you.” <a data-passage="RFC10Glut1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“And you want something in return?” “No. Whether you know it or not, you just being near her is all the information I’ll need.” He smirks, “you do have my curse.” I want to ask him what that entails exactly, seeing that I have no information on what that may possibly do to me. But as soon as I open my mouth to ask, my location changes, and we find ourselves on the side of the road. Zillah attempts to remain calm as he asks, “did he just dump us here without any idea where to go?” “Deeper in?” “Which way is deeper in? Huh, $name?” He has a point, I suppose. “I fucking hate demons.” Zillah says nothing more as he stalks down the road, and I follow, neither of us saying much as we hope for some sign of where we are. After minutes of walking, we wander into a neighborhood, and we begin our search. Gluttony didn’t give us much information, but that’s probably due to him not having any to give. The two of us use our senses and awareness, narrowing down house after house until we finally both pause at one. Various supernatural species assault my senses where all the other places hold none. I … found them … <a data-passage="RFC10Glut2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I take in the beautiful, two-story brick house that rests directly in front of me. The bushes are neatly trimmed, and though the leaves have begun to fall from trees, the few trees that keep their leaves still give the place life. My eyes land on the white double doors directly in front of me, a few feet away. Just walk to the door and knock. Part of me is overly excited, wishing to race toward the door and knock it down just to see everyone again. But another side is terrified of what I will find and learn once that door does open. Two months is a lot, especially for us. I met Sydero and watched her fall into Hell in a month. Am I ready for the truth? No matter how hurtful, dark, or depressing it may be? <<include "RFC11">>

I think over every possible solution. Each time, weighing how likely it is to work and how I’ll actually go about making sure that it doesn’t backfire. Each time I run it through chances, I eliminate an option off the list until there’s only one viable option left. One that I don’t wish to dwell on or choose. “You look like you have an idea,” Zillah states from his spot. “I hate it.” “What is it?” “We go see Lucia.” “The crazy witch that started all this shit?” he asks, gesturing to himself when he says the latter part of his sentence. “No.” “You got a better idea.” He closes his mouth, and I refrain from saying, ‘I thought so.’ Neither of us liked this, but this is the only option, it seems. “You know where we can find her?” “I do. It’s kinda hard to remember. I can get us close. What state?” <<if $p_teleport>>\ “It may be better if I teleport us. My memory is better than yours.” He raises an impressed brow, “you know how to teleport?” “Chanara taught me.” “And she told you what happens if you fail, right?” I ignore him, extending my hand for him to grab. He seems doubtful at first but a second later he reaches for me and I focus on the almost familiar scenery that I associate with Lucia. The house in the middle of the woods. Thankfully, it’s easy to picture and placing myself there, even more so. When I open my eyes and straighten up, we’re there though I suffer a slight headache. “Take it easy,” Zillah tells me, glancing around and though I don’t hear him clearly it sounds like he tells me good job. <<else>>\ I sigh, “Maryland.” Zillah comes to my side, and where one moment we’re standing in the middle of rubble, the next we’re on the outskirts of some town in Maryland. We hail a cab the rest of the way, and from there, walk. It’s amazing what things you remember, even when at the moment you think little of them. Peering around, I take in the scenery and the fact that I’m finally back on Earth. It’s only been a few weeks, but it feels like forever since I’ve been here. One really can see the difference between the dimensions in every little thing, from the air to the sky to the fauna. Purgatory’s fauna is primarily shades of blues and purples with a scarcity in the green department. If I remember correctly, Hell’s fauna was shades of black and red, a few existing in the oranges and greens. Now I’m curious to see what Elysium holds, though I significantly doubt that I’ll ever see that dimension. “Is that it?” Zillah questions, nodding at a humble hut that rests further ahead. It’s like I remember, invoking thoughts of some abandoned faerie cottage. It doesn’t help that it’s framed by the autumnal trees, and the sunlight that spills through casts a warm glow over it. “Yea.” <</if>>\ <a data-passage="RFC10.L1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Not too late to turn back. We can just become nomads.” “Didn’t you say we’re on a time limit due to Azrael?” “Yea,” he grumbles and <<if $p_teleport>>knocks on the door.<<else>>walks forward. We approach the house and, with one last glance at each other, knock.<</if>> “Coming,” a sing-song voice proclaims, and after a few seconds, Lucia stands in front of us. At first, she seems uninterested, but one quick look between us and that neutral glance turns into one of great curiosity and pleasure. “If it isn’t my favorite shade and hybrid. And here I thought I would never see such fine specimens again.” [[Shiver.|RFC10RollEyes]] [[Roll my eyes.|RFC10RollEyes]] [[Get straight to it.|RFC10StraightToIt]] [[Greet her.|RFC10GreetHer]]

I shiver at her words, trying to hide it but being unable to. The way she says specimens just makes me uncomfortable, like all of this is just a bad idea, and the longer we stay here, the more the universe laughs at our stupidity. “No need to be scared,” she reassures me, and yet another shiver decides to race down my spine. I rub the back of my neck as if patting down the hairs that are now standing up there. “We need your help,” Zillah tells her, and her eyes light up. <<include "RFC10.L2">>

I roll my eyes, trying to figure out if I truly exhausted all possible options earlier. Is Lucia really our only hope? “Why are you here?” she questions. “We need your help,” I tell her, wishing her eyes didn’t light up like they did. <<include "RFC10.L2">>

“Lucia, we need your help.” I don’t have time for pleasantries if the witch even knows what that is. And if I have to hear her attempt to flirt with Zillah like she did last time, I’ll probably march myself right back to Purgatory. “Do you now,” she hums, her eyes lighting up at the words. <<include "RFC10.L2">>

“Lucia, it’s good to see you,” I say, offering her a warm smile that she returns with a far more wicked one. I’m unable to even keep up the charade of being pleased to be here. “We need your help,” Zillah tells her, and her eyes light up. <<include "RFC10.L2">>

“I need to locate my group,” I tell her, “can you help?” “Easily,” she answers, almost looking upset that the task will be so effortless, “I still have your friend’s blood which makes everything faster.” <<if $blood_fear>>Blood. Why must everything come back to blood? <</if>>“But I’m sure you both remember that I don’t do anything for free.” “How could we forget,” I mumble but offer her a nod, “we’ll pay whatever fee.” “Whoa,” Zillah growls, “first, what is //it//?” “And if I said you would be my prize?” she questions, taking a seductive step towards him. Though, with knowing how Lucia is and what she likes, it feels far more predatory than seductive. <<if $ZRomance >=10>>\ [[“Back off.”|RFC10BackOff][$ZRomance +=1]] <</if>>\ [[“Ew.”|RFC10Ew]] [[Say nothing.|RFC10SayNothing]]

“Back off,” I growl, stepping between the two so Lucia’s gaze falls on me. Her eyes twinkle, and though her hungry gaze makes me want to move out of her line of sight, I stay where I am. “So, did the hunted fall for ?his hunter? An interesting pair, you two, wouldn’t you say?” “Enough,” Zillah growls, “what do you want?” Her eyes are trained on me for a minute longer before she turns away. <<include "RFC10.L2.1">>

My face contorts as I move away from the two, mumbling, “ew” as I go. “I’d say you’d find that I’m not a really good prize,” Zillah chuckles uncomfortably, and Lucia pouts in thought. “We can always test that.” Zillah seems to want to say something, but she continues before he can. <<include "RFC10.L2.1">>

I glance over at Zillah, who shifts uncomfortably, a sight I didn’t think I’d see regarding someone hitting on him ... or maybe it was because it was Lucia. “That would be a no,” he grumbles, “you wouldn’t want my superiors knocking at your door.” “You think I fear Death or Azrael?” She questions, cocking her head to the side and causing Zillah’s eyes to widen. She laughs, and yet again, I fight a shiver. Perhaps this was a mistake. <<include "RFC10.L2.1">>

“A spell of mine has been on pause for a while since I’m missing a crucial item. A plant that’s native to New Zealand.” She chuckles as she wipes off some invisible dust from her dress, “I’m a witch, not a millionaire, so of course, I haven’t been able to get it. But you can.” “Fine,” Zillah agrees,” tell me what it looks like and where to find it, and I’ll go get your damn plant.” “Perfect.” She motions for us to follow her as she enters her house. I go into the living room while Zillah questions her about the plant and its whereabouts. Once he has all the information he needs, he vanishes, leaving me with the crazy witch. I park myself on the sofa, wondering how long he’ll be as Lucia goes about her day. I watch her for a short time before becoming bored and take to examining her home. The decor feels less like decoration and more like things that just found a permanent home along the walls and shelves. Herbs, books, papers, potions, and candles are all scattered around with a semblance of organization about them but hardly. [[“What is the plant for?”|RFC10Q1]] [[“Why are you helping us?”|RFC10Q2]] [[“What have you been doing this entire time?”|RFC10Q3]] [[“Have you ever been to Purgatory?”|RFC10Q4]]

“You said you needed the plant for a spell. What is it?” “One that has nothing to do with you,” she smiles sweetly. Well, there goes that answer. <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q2")>>“Why are you helping us?”<<else>>[[“Why are you helping us?”|RFC10Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q3")>>“What have you been doing this entire time?”<<else>>[[“What have you been doing this entire time?”|RFC10Q3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q4")>>“Have you ever been to Purgatory?”<<else>>[[“Have you ever been to Purgatory?”|RFC10Q4]]<</if>> [[Remain quiet.|RFC10.L3]]

“Why are you helping us?” “You speak as if I’m doing it for free. If you can pay, then I help. I don’t turn away good paying customers.” “And that’s all that we are to you? Paying customers?” She turns to face me with bright eyes that cause me to shift uncomfortably, “would you like to be more?” “No. I wouldn’t.” <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q1")>>“What is the plant for?”<<else>>[[“What is the plant for?”|RFC10Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q3")>>“What have you been doing this entire time?”<<else>>[[“What have you been doing this entire time?”|RFC10Q3]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q4")>>“Have you ever been to Purgatory?”<<else>>[[“Have you ever been to Purgatory?”|RFC10Q4]]<</if>> [[Remain quiet.|RFC10.L3]]

“What have you been doing this entire time? I mean, since we’ve last seen you.” “Same thing I’ve always done. Living here and practicing and perfecting my craft.” There’s a twinkle in her eye, but I let the line of questioning go. Mostly since I don’t even know where to take it. <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q1")>>“What is the plant for?”<<else>>[[“What is the plant for?”|RFC10Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q2")>>“Why are you helping us?”<<else>>[[“Why are you helping us?”|RFC10Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q4")>>“Have you ever been to Purgatory?”<<else>>[[“Have you ever been to Purgatory?”|RFC10Q4]]<</if>> [[Remain quiet.|RFC10.L3]]

“Have you ever been to Purgatory?” “Centuries ago. Witches were disrespected, belittled, and even sometimes hunted. And so I left my home.” “Home? Centuries?” “I am a very old witch,” she tells me with a contemplative grin. “Or didn’t you know?” “What do you mean?” She motions to herself, “I’m the notorious Blair Witch.” I, like everyone else, had heard about the legendary witch that, oddly enough, had so many stories pertaining to her, yet so little truth. “So, the Blair Witch is real.” Lucia snorts, “hardly. They get one thing right, and it’s the place.” She gestures to her surroundings, “an unsatisfied customer decided some time ago to warn the villagers of me. They’ve led countless crusades, but I have ways of making them forget. Every now and then, some curious fans will come this way.” She smiles sweetly, but I know enough about Lucia to understand that any expression like that just means there is malicious intent behind it. “I happily help them.” <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q1")>>“What is the plant for?”<<else>>[[“What is the plant for?”|RFC10Q1]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q2")>>“Why are you helping us?”<<else>>[[“Why are you helping us?”|RFC10Q2]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited("RFC10Q3")>>“What have you been doing this entire time?”<<else>>[[“What have you been doing this entire time?”|RFC10Q3]]<</if>> [[Remain quiet.|RFC10.L3]]

I say nothing more, and since Lucia obviously isn’t one to start conversations, the house remains quiet until Zillah’s return. “Perfect,” she proclaims, taking the plant from him and disappearing. When she returns, she holds a rolled-up map in her hand, placing it on the coffee table and unraveling it. “I’ll scry for your friends. Since I have the vaewolf’s blood, it’ll be far more accurate.” She places a few drops of blood in a bowl and then whispers words unknown over it, setting it on fire. With it still burning, she dumps the bowl’s contents onto the map, and I watch as it ravages it. Everything it touches burns until it meets in one place, sparing it. “North Carolina, hand me the state map in the corner.” I go and retrieve it, and she repeats her earlier actions. The map burns until focusing on one place, Raleigh, North Carolina. “That’s still a pretty big place to search.” She doesn’t answer, focusing on the map and then grabbing a piece of paper. She writes down an address and hands it to me. “I know what I’m doing, $name.” I don’t bother to reply, gazing over at Zillah, who shrugs uncaringly. We leave her cottage behind and head back to the main town area. Zillah can teleport us close, but we still have to grab a cab to take us the rest of the way. And now, all that is left is to wait. <a data-passage="RFC10.L4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Hours later, I get out of the cab, taking in the beautiful, two-story brick house the vehicle stops in front of. The bushes are neatly trimmed, and though the leaves have begun to fall from trees, the few trees that keep their leaves still give the place life. My eyes land on the white double doors directly in front of me, a few feet away. Just walk to the door and knock. Part of me is overly excited, wishing to race toward the door and knock it down just to see everyone again. But another side is terrified of what I will find and learn once that door does open. Two months is a lot, especially for us. I met Sydero and watched her fall into Hell in a month. Am I ready for the truth? No matter how hurtful, dark, or depressing it may be? <<include "RFC11">>

<<if $zl is "friend" and $ZRomance <5>>\ “You almost look scared, $name,” Zillah points out. I find no hint of mocking or amusement in his tone and posture, so I simply shrug. “Two months is a lot.” He’s quiet for a minute, looking me over before snorting, “you’re scared for nothing. Go knock on the damn door.” “It’s not -” I start but never get to finish as I hear a loud but inaudible shout originating from the house and then see the door open. <<else>>\ My thoughts feel impractical, ideas to fill an already slightly anxious head with even more things to worry about. Zillah was sent to Purgatory to get me because of the group. Obviously, their want for me to be beside them hasn’t changed. So then, with that understanding, why am I so nervous to knock on the damn door? A few more curses on my end finally cause me to move toward the door, but a loud and distorted shout causes me to pause. A second later, the door opens. <</if>>\ I stare at Bradley, and he stares right back at me. We make no move or say anything for what feels like too many long and grueling minutes. <<if $bcure>>\ He approaches hesitantly, and I gulp at the inability to see which direction this reunion may lean. Once he’s directly in front of me, I’m unable to dodge the punch that heads my way and end up rubbing my arm with a frown. “You ass,” he yells, “you missed my birthday!” “Well, you don’t have to — wait, did I really?” He rubs at his eye and nods, “yea, I’m a man now. So if you call me a kid again, I’ll have to -” He doesn’t even bother finishing his sentence as he falls forward into me and opens his arms for a tight hug. “You’re back.” “I’m back,” I chuckle. I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and look toward the doorway and spot <<if $cp>>Chris, <</if>>Rahim, Sydero, and Amari. <<if $cp>>All four<<else>>The three<</if>> of them are unmoving as they stare back at me, much like Bradley had done earlier. <<else>>\ “$name!” Bradley shouts, sprinting forward, faster than I’ve ever seen him run. I think I’m strong enough to catch him, but I’m horribly wrong, the young man knocking me down. “Bradley, it’s good to see you too,” I manage to say. “Did you grow a few inches?” “Just shut up and hug me! Next time you disappear, I’m kicking your ass myself. Especially if it means you miss my birthday.” I begin to say something, but nothing follows as I just do as he says. Catching movement, my eyes travel back to the doorway, where I see another figure. I spot <<if $cp>>Chris, <</if>>Rahim, Sydero, and Amari. <<if $cp>>All four<<else>>The three<</if>> of them are unmoving as they stare back at me, much like Bradley had done earlier. <</if>>\ “$name?” <<if $cp>>I barely hear Chris whisper, but then Amari moves Chris and Rahim out of the way, rushing towards me.<<else>>Amari squeals, rushing towards me.<</if>> Bradley just barely manages to get out of the way as the vaewolf reaches me and throws her arms around my neck. She refuses to budge and I doubt I could move her if I tried. After a few more seconds, she finally releases me and I see <<if $cp>>Chris and Rahim<<else>>Rahim<</if>> approach. <<if $j2>>\ [[Go to Chris.|RFC11.J2Chris][$chris +=5; $rahim -=5]] [[Hug Rahim.|RFC11.J2Rahim][$chris -=5; $rahim +=5]] <<else>>\ <<if $RRomance >=10>>\ [[Hug Rahim.|RFC11Rahim]] <</if>>\ <<if $CRomance >=10>>\ [[Go to Chris.|RFC11Chris]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $SRomance >=10>>\ [[Approach Sydero.|RFC11Sydero]] <</if>>\ <<if $ARomance >=10>>\ [[Keep Amari close.|RFC11AmariR]] <</if>>\ [[Approach no one.|RFC11NoOne]]

I rush to Chris, and he grabs me by the waist, lifting me up and bringing me close as he spins me around in the air. “Fuck, I missed you so damn much,” he whispers into my neck, clinging on to me harder. When he releases, I notice Rahim is standing behind him, looking on with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. While his smile remains hopeful, his eyes are bittersweet, longing for something that isn’t there. He notices me and looks away, stiffening as he clears his throat. “It’s nice to see you, Rahim,” I start, attempting to move closer, but Chris has yet to release me. His hands are wrapped around my waist, and each time I try to pull away, he tightens his hold. “You …” he attempts to smile but fails and chooses to simply close his eyes and nod, “you too, $name.” <<include "RFC11.1">>

I rush to Rahim and throw my arms around him, giving him a tight hug. He’s stiff during the entirety of it but accepts it, and when I pull back, a warm smile is on his face. My eyes, for a minute, catch movement off to the side, and I see Chris staring at the ground. His jaw tightens as he balls his hands into fists and bite the inside of his cheek. When he notices me looking at him, he doesn’t attempt to hide the hurt in his eyes but manages to give me a friendly enough smile. I’m not able to say anything to him as Rahim pulls attention back to him, his hand resting on my shoulder. “We missed you.” “We?” I ask, and a light blush blossoms onto his cheeks. “I … missed you,” he whispers. “Yea!” I hear Chris say and look up to find him closer, slowly inserting himself between Rahim and me. “We all missed you.” He hugs me warmly as Rahim rolls his eyes and backs up a few paces. <<include "RFC11.1">>

My eyes never leave his as I take a step closer and then another. He mirrors my actions until there’s only a few feet left between us. And despite reducing that space, the closer we get to one another, the farther I feel from him. My heart aches, and at this moment, I find myself wanting nothing more than to be cocooned in his arms. I shift, and before I can do anything more, I find myself right where I want to be. Rahim pulls me close as he wraps his arms around me and tightens his hold just enough to where I’m not suffocating, but fidgeting is frowned upon. Two months, three or four weeks, even two days don’t seem to matter much. It feels like so much has happened since I’ve been in his arms and his hug converts those thoughts into a warm action. One of his hands rests on the back of my head, and the other finds purchase on my shoulder as he keeps me anchored in his grasp. I can feel his nose resting mere inches from my cheek, and the tighter he holds me, the more it seems to trace a ghost trail. “I …” he whispers, pulling back so that he can take me in. A look that I can only describe as happiness and adoration brightens his icy blue eyes, and my heart skips a beat. But all too soon, reality seems to tap on his shoulder, and he takes a step back, all of the joy hidden by apprehension. I would give anything to know what he’s thinking, to read his thoughts and set them at ease. But I’m unable to, and I can only watch as a distance I know all too well once again nestles down between us with a knowing and assured smirk. <<include "RFC11.1">>

“Chris!” I shout, and he laughs the entire way to my side. “Oh, fuck!” he shouts, grabbing me around the waist and spinning me around, planting kiss after kiss on my cheek and neck. “You ever disappear like that again, and I don’t care what I am. I’m burning everything down.” He continues to laugh until he has no choice but to release me, and soon, it sounds more like he’s crying. He straightens up and plants a long kiss on my forehead. “Please don’t ever do that again. You forget that I have this weak ass human heart.” “Chris?” “Shh,” he whispers against me, squeezing my body close, “just let me … let me hold you.” I’m about to say more, but I decide to let him have it. To stand there and let him have this moment. “I lo-,” he chokes and shakes his head, kissing me one last time before moving back, “I missed you so much.” <<include "RFC11.1">>

Amari attempts to pull farther away from me, but I pull her right back before she can get to far. She wears a subtle, flowery perfume that makes me think of sunny days and meadows. And because of that thought alone, I start to chuckle. Even her perfume sets me at ease and makes me feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be. She moves away just enough to look me in the eyes, and I can see hers begin to water. Her hand trembles as she places it on my cheek. “I missed you so much. I thought …” “Hey,” I speak, moving my head to kiss her hand, “it’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay.” “How do you -” She shakes her head, cutting herself off and choosing to only gift me a cheerful smile. “It doesn’t matter. You’re back. That’s all that matters.” She throws her arms around me once again, and before moving away this time, she places a kiss on my cheek. <<include "RFC11.1">>

I can’t really pinpoint my thoughts as I stop in front of Syd, comparing what she looks like now to what she looked like the last time I saw her. All signs of demonic presence are now gone, all besides the shifting tones of her eyes where the amber seems like it can turn red with a snap. She’s quiet, examining me before finally smirking, “had a nice vacation?” “It was actually really nice,” I chuckle, but I’m unable to keep the sound going, “do you have all your memories back?” It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve actually been in her presence. She’s been missing for almost a month or two and then when she returns, it isn’t fully her. Then, I disappear. I sigh, shaking the thought from my mind. It’s been a long journey. “Yea. And I remember how much of a pain in the ass you are.” She smiles as she lightly punches my arm, “but it’s good to have you back.” She shifts uncomfortably, obviously not knowing what to do next. “It’s good to have you back too, Syd.” Her eyes soften as she regards me. I can see her hand twitching at her side. She wants to say and do something but find such a task is difficult. She starts to turn and I nod, telling myself that it’s early. But before the idea can set in, her hand grabs mine and she squeezes. She never turns back around to face me and once she lets my hand go, she retreats back to the side of the others. <<include "RFC11.1">>

I don’t approach anyone specifically and soon find myself surrounded by the entire group, save for Zillah who keeps his distance. “You look good for someone who’s supposed to be dead,” Syd grins. “I told you ?he wasn’t dead,” Bradley voices, cutting his eyes towards her but smiling a minute later. It would seem that he couldn’t keep himself from showing how happy he is. <<include "RFC11.1">>

“There’s a lot to catch up on I hear,” I sigh, still trying to get over the fact that I’m back here. Right back with the gang. “Yea, imagine your vacation being over,” Sydero smirks. “It can all wait,” Rahim answers, “how tired do you feel?” “Not tired at all.” “It’s the adrenaline,” Zillah tells me, “it’ll be like how you felt when you first got to Purgatory. Once all the energy settles, you’ll be out of it.” He looks like he wants to say more, but Rahim cuts him off. “Come on, let’s head inside,” Rahim suggests, nodding to the house. We enter, and my curiosity piques, refusing to stop as I take it all in. The place is nice, meaning it can’t be one of Sydero’s abandoned safe houses. But then whose? <a data-passage="RFC11.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Whose idea was this?” I ask and motion to my surroundings. <<if $cp>>\ “Mine,” Chris sighs, scratching the back of his neck, “it’s my parents. Been in the family for a while but they don’t use it. The only reason my dad hasn’t sold it is because he’s forgot. My mom knows we’re here though and she’ll keep it from him.” “Okay, but why here?” “Because I wasn’t about to visit one of her disgusting abandoned houses,” Rahim informs, nodding to Sydero who looks like she’s biting through her tongue in order to keep quiet, “and running from motel to motel wasn’t helping anything.” “And this did?” “Hell yea,” Bradley snorts. “This is Team Dynamite’s home base … yea, not that one either, huh?” “I don’t even think you tried hard with that one,” Sydero snorts and Chris nods in agreement. Bradley doesn’t respond but goes back to his previous thoughts, “should’ve seen this place when we were warding it.” “Good riddance to that wallpaper,” Syd smiles. “So this place is warded?” <<else>>\ “Mine,” Syd sighs, hands on her hips as she looks around. “Originally the house was co-bought between me and Faye and we were going to give it to Bradley once he turned eighteen. Get him out of that shed he liked to call home. It was a surprise until we needed it for this.” “Yes, so this is my house,” Bradley smiles evilly. “Your name still isn’t on the papers,” Syd reminds him, barely dodging a fist that screams for her to shut up. “Is it warded?” <</if>>\ Bradley starts to list things off on his fingers, “warded with every sigil that won’t mess up another one. A very intricate angel and devil trap under the floorboards in front of every door. A salt line that goes around the entire property. Iron and silver everywhere and a nice little cream and lavender fairy baiter in the backyard.” “I’m impressed.” “I’m not,” Syd groans, snapping at Bradley, “how do we know if this place is reaper-proof? Should we be worried about reapers trying to get in?” All eyes drift to me for confirmation and I nod, an answer that obviously doesn’t please Bradley. <<if $CRomance >=10>>\ “Don’t make it too reaper-proofed,” Chris tells them, grabbing and pulling me close so that he can nuzzle into my neck. <<if $ZRomance >=10>>I hear Zillah let out a warning growl, but when I turn to look at him he is only frowning and looking off into the distance.<</if>> “I just thought of a great prank to pull on your bedroom door,” Sydero smirks, causing me to chuckle when I feel Chris’ grip tighten and he sends a glare her way. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="RFC11.3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Great! Reunion was had,” Zillah remarks, approaching and grabbing onto Sydero’s arm. She rips herself from his hold and sneers, but he doesn’t back down. “Remove this damn binding. Now.” “<<if $SRomance <5 and $ZRomance <5>>With that tone you’re going to make me reconsider a whole lot more,” she smirks wickedly.<<else>>Maybe I’ll wait until you get your tone checked,” she huffs with a roll of her eyes.<</if>> She’s about to motion for us to follow when Rahim stops her. “Wait. Don’t.” “What?” she questions at the same time as Zillah, who asks the question in a far harsher tone. His eyes ablaze as he waits for Rahim to explain himself, and even then, I have a feeling that he cares little for that argument. “Keep the binding. It’s useful.” “We had a deal.” Rahim snorts, rolling his eyes, “how many times have you fucked us over, Zillah? We’d be stupid to think it would suddenly end, and you became noble.” “I’m not your problem anymore. Let. Me. Go.” “Sydero,” Rahim warns, “we do that, and he’ll just go running back to Azrael and Death, and we’ll have a third faction after us.” “I helped $name escape and they know this. Why would I go back?” “Better to ask for forgiveness than permission. The quicker you run back and prove yourself helpful, the less your punishment will be in the end.” “That’s real fucking cute,” Zillah laughs harshly, "you think you know Death or Azrael.” Rahim continues as if he hadn’t heard him, “added to that, he’ll be useful to $name. ?He can use Zillah’s immortal energy if ?he ever <<verb "becomes">> balanced.” “A walking battery,” Sydero nods, “not to mention he can pick up on certain energies that we probably can’t.” <a data-passage="RFC11.4"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Or maybe I’ll just help you anyway. No binding required.” It’s clear that Zillah meant to say the words in an obvious ‘of course I will,’ kind of fashion, but instead, it comes out more like a threat with an underlying message not to do what they’re thinking. “Binding also keeps you undetected.” Sydero raises her hands and gives me a subtle nod, “it’s up to you, Roe. You’re the one who’s going to be dealing with him and who //has// dealt with him.” Rahim turns to face me, “he needs a leash.” Bradley shakes his head, frowning as he thinks over everything said, “why can’t we just trust him?” He nods to Syd, “you did make a deal with him.” “Should I be bothered? I don’t care about going back on a deal or hurting the poor shade’s feelings,” she answers. “This is wrong,” Amari voices, holding herself, “Zillah’s not that bad. And people change. If he says he’ll help, then he’ll help.” <<if $cp>>\ All eyes shift to Chris, who has yet to voice his thoughts, and only when he realizes he’s being watched does he <<if $chris >=50>>clear his throat. “I agree with Bradley and Amari. We shouldn’t keep him bound. If he betrays us, then that’s that, and we solve our issues like we’ve always had. We don’t need to lower ourselves to his level.”<<else>>shrug his shoulders. “I say keep him bound. I damn sure don’t trust him, and unbinding him is just asking for more trouble. If he’s bound to $name, then that’s one less problem to worry about.”<</if>> <</if>>\ Everyone has said their piece, but it’s all on me. There isn’t exactly any real reason to be for or against it from what it all sounds like. The pros of keeping him bound seem to outweigh the cons, but then a sense of morality rears its head. Honestly, it all feels like it comes down to if I trust him or not. [[Keep him bound. (This will destroy the romance with Zillah.)|RFC11KeepBound][$rahim +=5; $sydero +=5; $bradley -=5; $amari -=5; $zillah -=10; $ZRomance to 0; $bound = true; $zb +=1]] [[Let him go.|RFC11LetGo][$rahim -=5; $sydero -=5; $bradley +=5; $amari +=5; $zillah +=10]]

<<nobr>>\ <<if $chris >=50>> <<set $chris -=5>> <<else>>\ <<set $chris +=5>> <</if>> <</nobr>>\ “Keep him bound,” I tell her, and she nods understandably while Rahim gives me a nod of gratitude. Zillah steps in front of me, making sure my focus is only on him, “don’t.” “Sucks to be on the receiving end, huh?” I question, walking past him and down the hall. I don’t really have a destination, but if I stay there any longer, I’m sure a fight will break out between us. I feel a rush of power. With anyone else, it wouldn’t be the same. But Zillah has put me through hell the last time we were bound. He took control of me for the sake of it and now was upset that his life was literally in my hands. Whether I had agreed to keep him in such a state for selfish reasons or logical ones is my business. It’s done, and now all that’s left is to see what will come from my decision. <a data-passage="RFC11.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<nobr>>\ <<if $chris >=50>> <<set $chris +=5>> <<else>> <<set $chris -=5>> <</if>> <</nobr>>\ “Let him go,” I tell her. She and Rahim exchange a single glance before she nods and motions for Zillah to follow her. He glances over at me<<if $ZRomance >=10>>, his eyes softening as he regards me.<<else>> and nods his thanks. He looks like he wants to say more, but Sydero is still walking away, and neither of us know this house well enough to venture it without a question mark hovering over our heads. And so, he follows behind her.<</if>> <a data-passage="RFC11.5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

With time on my hands, I wander around, a task that I do on my own. The house is big, but I don’t think it’s big enough to not run into the others. Running into them feels odd after all this time, as if they’re the intruders. Part of me is happy that the others haven’t mobbed me, questioning me about what has happened and giving me time to adjust and settle. But another part sincerely wishes to talk to someone, to have one normal conversation. But all of this may stem from the sound of the water sloshing up against the wooden dock. It’s a lovely and quiet location but sitting here feels wrong. I can feel the tightness that clings to my muscles, waiting for something to happen or someone, namely Zillah, to tell me that we have to move. When was the last time I had a moment to think about everything? Death and Purgatory, my mental and physical stability, all of it? There were a few moments in Purgatory but the idea of just being there always seemed to undermine any thoughts. I’m tired. Just not the kind of tired that sleep can remedy. “Hey,” I hear someone say and turn to face the speaker. //This is a best friend’s choice. If you pass a romance check with someone, then they won’t appear here. This is not a lock-in, and so you can pick someone else at a different choice. Get as many moments as possible so that when the lock-in choice does appear, those you wish to appear on the list will be there.// <<if $SRomance <5>>[[It was Sydero.|RFC11Syd][$bf_syd +=1]]<</if>> <<if $cp and $CRomance <5 and $cdone is false>>[[It was Chris.|RFC11BFChris][$bf_chris +=1]]<</if>> <<if $RRomance <5>>[[It was Rahim.|RFC11BFRahim][$bf_rahim +=1]]<</if>> <<if ($ZRomance <5) and ($bound is false) and ($zb is 0)>>[[It was Zillah.|RFC11Zillah][$bf_zillah +=1]]<</if>> <<if $ARomance <5>>[[It was Amari.|RFC11Amari][$bf_amari +=1]]<</if>> <<if ($SRomance >=5) and ($ARomance >=5) and ($RRomance >=5) and ($CRomance >=5) and ($ZRomance >=5)>>[[This is the only choice I see cos I'm romancing everyone.|OkayRhoe]]<</if>>

I turn to see Bradley standing behind me, pointing his thumb back towards the house. “Sorry. Wanted to make sure you were still sane.” “As sane as any of us can be,” I chuckle and he nods, taking a step back. “Well, I'll leave you to it.” I listen to the frogs and crickets off in the distance while the fireflies put on a show. I have no doubt that tomorrow everything will be confusing. I will have to inform them what happened, and they will have to do the same. It’ll be like before, fast-paced and no time to stop and think. But at least right now, all feels calm and right. And a large part of me just wants that to continue on. <<include "RFC12.2">>

“Hey,” I answer, releasing a deep breath as she takes a seat on a lounger that I hadn’t noticed before. There’s two of them, in fact. “A lounger?” I question, raising a brow. <<if $cp>>“Hey, don’t do that. This is Chris’ folk’s place. Ask them or him why they chose some of this decor.” She shakes her head and leans in towards me as if needing to get something off her chest, “do all rich people have such horrible tastes?” The two of us gaze at one another, brows raised as we say in unison, ‘yes.’ <<else>> “Hey, don’t look at me. I just bought the place. Faye did all the decorating. Rahim did some too. I don’t care enough to question.” <</if>> I hum, turning back around to look over the still lake. The sounds of crickets and frogs in the distance usher me into a state of peace that I hadn’t known for a while now. “It’s nice, though.” “It is,” she responds. We both grow quiet, but I can already feel the shift in the atmosphere. Before, it was lonely, and in a way, it felt like the sounds had been shy. Perhaps not wishing to break the silence or too afraid too. But once Sydero joined me, it all came to life, and though neither of us speak, it’s a comfortable silence. It always is with her. She gives off a unique energy with her presence. Calm, but you can feel it in the air that she can flip a switch, and everything will become exciting and fast-paced. <a data-passage="RFC11Syd1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

I’m the one to stop this silence, far too inquisitive on why she hasn’t asked any questions about what I’ve been up to these past few weeks or months. “You’re not curious?” “Oh, I am. I just figured you needed a break and would speak when you’re ready or when the group has their cute little sit-down.” “How considerate of you.” She smirks, “I’m a very considerate person. I even ask people how they want to die before murdering them.” I sigh and shake my head, “you say that so casually.” “I’m kidding.” “Are you?” “Eh,” she shrugs her shoulders. “How was Purgatory?” “Please don’t ask which one I prefer.” “Why would I? It’s obviously Earth.” We both chuckle, and I shake my head as I glance across the lake at the hovering fireflies. “It’s different. But not in some amazing way. The same way I’d compare Hell to Earth. But I will say that it felt right. Like if you were born on the beach and hadn’t been back in years but then when you finally wake up and smell that ocean air, you know you’re home.” “I wake up and smell brimstone and wonder when the hell I’ll be out of Hell.” My laugh starts as a snort before it develops into the chuckle that I let out. “Well, there’s that too.” It was odd. I hadn’t told her anything, and yet I feel like I’ve told her everything. I had no doubt that tomorrow everything would be confusing. I would have to inform them what happened, and they would have to do the same. It would be like it was before, fast-paced and no time to stop and think. But at least right now, all feels calm and right. And a large part of me just wants that to continue on. <a data-passage="EP2NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="40%"/></a>

“Hey,” I answer, scooting over so that he can sit beside me. “So this is your parent’s vacation home?” “Nah. It’s just been in my family for a while, on my father’s side. Either he’s been meaning to give it to me, or he just doesn’t want to sell it because he doesn’t want anyone else to have it. I can see the latter more than the former. If you’re worried, don’t be. We’ve been here for a while, and it’s fine.” “Have you seen your parents since all of this happened?” “No. But I’ve talked to them. It’s a good thing I was never really close to either. Makes lying that much easier.” “I was going to say it must be hard, but you just answered that.” <<if $uncledead>>“Hey, not all of us had a cool ass uncle to confide in.<<if $unclepicture>> By the way, I’m sorry that I couldn’t save his picture. Everything happened so fast, and even if I wanted to grab something, I couldn’t.”<<else>>”<</if>><<else>>“By the way, he’s fine. Bradley helped, but we managed to call him and tell him that you were fine. <<if $uncleknows>>He wasn’t too happy about you being in an entirely different dimension, and I’m kinda happy I’m not fluent in Spanish, so … yea, have fun.<<else>>We left all the supernatural shit out, of course. Said you broke your phone and were on a business trip or something stupid like that.<</if>>”<</if>> <a data-passage="RFC11BFChris1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“Did you guys manage to grab anything from Faye’s house?” He rolls his eyes, “one thing. That damn book we had been looking at before you vanished. And the only reason we had that is because Bradley had it in his hands.” “Make any headway with that prophecy?” “We can talk about that tomorrow.” “Not right now?” I chuckle questionably. “We all kind of agreed to give you at least today. And even if we didn’t, I just want to exist in your presence right now,” he smiles, slinging his arm around me and bringing me in for a hug. “I’ve missed you.” I hug him back, “same here, Chris. Same here.” We both exist in the presence of the lake, listening to the frogs and crickets off into the distance while the fireflies put on a show. I had no doubt that tomorrow everything would be confusing. I would have to inform them what happened, and they would have to do the same. It would be like it was before, fast-paced and no time to stop and think. But at least right now, all felt calm and right. And a large part of me just wanted that to continue on. <a data-passage="EP2NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="40%"/></a>

“I was looking for you,” Zillah continues, standing off to the side with almost a meekness to his posture. “For what?” “I wanted to thank you for agreeing to release the binding.” I blink, looking straight ahead, “I’m not you.” “Yea. You’ve shown that a couple dozen times.” “So, you would’ve kept it? If it was the other way around, I mean.” “Before? Heck yea. I wouldn’t have thought twice. But I’m not so sure nowadays. Let me ask you this, $name. What are you doing?” I gaze over at him, brow raised, and he gestures to our surroundings, “you’re running. But why? You won’t beat him. He’s Death. You’re just delaying the inevitable. And ticking him off isn’t smart either. If you give him no choice, he will just take matters into his own hands, his curiosity regarding you be damned.” “Why did you help me then?” “Huh?” “You’ve always seemed like the type of person who watches out for themselves, and I get it, Sydero had you bound to me. But you’re released. The first thing I would’ve done was run back to Death and explain everything and try to get him here as fast as possible as a sign of good faith. Heck, I would’ve gone to him as soon as the binding happened. It’s not like Purgatory doesn’t have witches.” I cock my head to the side as I observe him, “you wanted to help me.” “Don’t get ahead of yourself.” I wouldn’t. But I also don’t try and fight the smile that happens to spread across my face. It’s a small gesture but regardless, it is one. Zillah doesn’t linger for long after that, heading back inside and leaving me alone once again. I listen to the frogs and crickets off in the distance while the fireflies put on a show. I have no doubt that tomorrow everything will be confusing. I will have to inform them what happened, and they will have to do the same. It’ll be like before, fast-paced and no time to stop and think. But at least right now, all feels calm and right. And a large part of me just wants that to continue on. <<include "RFC12.2">>

“Is this not too noisy for you?” he questions, taking a seat on the other edge of the dock. “It’s what they call white noise for me. After a while, I get used to it. Even enjoy it.” “You get used to the crickets?” he snorts, brow raised. “Purgatory didn’t have any nighttime noises like this. It had daytime, but not this.” “Let’s switch home dimensions.” “You don’t like it?” “When I was a kid, I’d try and meditate and could never do it because of all the noise. I know some can block it out, but I couldn’t. I always ended up focusing on it or amplifying it in my mind. Still do.” <a data-passage="RFC11BFRahim1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

“So, you’d rather it be dead silent?” “The more silent, the better. No music, no white noise, no anything. It’s peaceful.” “I’ll take your word for it.” “You should try it out.” “Maybe,” I hum. I’m about to welcome in the deceptive silence but change my mind after learning about Rahim’s feelings on it, “I’m surprised you’re still here. I don’t see any reason for you to stick around.” “I partially agree. With you gone, the only person that I really had any kind of attachment to was <<if $cp>>Chris<<else>>Bradley<</if>>, but even that wasn’t enough to stick around.” He stiffens, “I think I stayed because I needed to know you were alright.” “And now?” “Now … we’ll see.” Rahim stands and bids me farewell, but I remain sitting, listening to the frogs and crickets off into the distance while the fireflies put on a show. I had no doubt that tomorrow everything would be confusing. I would have to inform them what happened, and they would have to do the same. It would be like it was before, fast-paced and no time to stop and think. But at least right now, all felt calm and right. And a large part of me just wanted that to continue on. <a data-passage="EP2NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="40%"/></a>

“Hey,” I greet as she comes by and plops herself right beside me, poking her bottom lip out as she gazes out at the water. I watch with a raised and inquisitive brow as she tries to touch the water with her toes, finding herself just a few inches too short to do so without abandoning her current position. “Is it weird? It feels weird,” she abruptly says. “What does?” “You being back. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy. So happy. But it’s like, I don’t know what to do. Do I keep an eye on you to make sure you don’t get snatched again? Do I give you space? Do I talk your ear off?” “And which did you decide on?” “None. I’ll just be happy.” “That sounds like a good idea,” I snort, pausing when I hear something like a stomach growl. “Is that your stomach sounding like that?” <a data-passage="RFC11Amari1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Her frown deepens, “have you ever been night swimming?” “Not that I can think of,” I answer, smiling at how much I missed her random conversation shifts. “Do you want to?” “Right now?” Her actions answer my question as she gets up and takes off her shirt and then her pants. “Yea, come on.” Before I can stop her, she dives into the water. I search for her, thankful that the lights back here are strong enough to help me see where she could possibly be. She breaches the water a few feet away, shaking her head as she visibly shivers. “Bad idea.” I reach forward to help her out, but instead, she gives me her bra. “If it’s a bad idea, then why are you taking off more clothes?” “Gotta embrace the horrible ideas,” she laughs, and I barely dodge out of the way as she throws her wadded-up underwear towards the docks. I watch as she swims farther and farther away, disappearing at times underneath but always coming back up. I don’t join her, not this time. I was content with watching and trying to dissect my scrambled thoughts. I had no doubt that tomorrow everything would be confusing. I would have to inform them what happened, and they would have to do the same. It would be like it was before, fast-paced and no time to stop and think. But at least right now, all felt calm and right. And a large part of me just wanted that to continue on. <<include "RFC12.2">>

“The stars are a lot farther here,” I find myself pointing out, squinting at the sky. I almost raise my hand, but a chiding voice tells me to stop, and I listen. The longer I study it, the more I feel a shift occur and ... [[Cry.|RFC12Cry]] [[Scream.|RFC12Scream]] [[Bury it.|RFC12Bury]]

I don’t bother to fight the tears that run down my cheeks with ease. <<if hasVisited("RFC4Cry")>>It feels like all I’ve been doing recently is crying.<<else>>Letting all the pent-up energy finally rush out of me.<</if>> How much can I possibly take before even a soul starting to harden, calls it quits? Glancing up at the sky doesn’t help, either. Those stars are still just as far as they were a moment ago. <<include "RFC12.1">>

“Fuck!” I scream, uncaring that I have an audience member. I scream a second time, clenching my eyes closed and trying to unclench my entire body. “Fuck it all.” The words are said in a quieter voice than my previous one, but the animosity and irate energy remain. Nothing follows my outburst, and though I didn’t expect anything to happen, I find myself looking up at stars that are still far too away. <<include "RFC12.1">>

I gulp, swallowing the feelings that had arisen and pushing them down. It takes a few deep breaths, but I manage to bury everything. When I open my eyes, the stars are no closer, and the sky though so familiar, feels so foreign. <<include "RFC12.1">>

<<if hasVisited("RFC11Syd")>>\ “It doesn’t get better,” Sydero yawns, shifting her position on the lounge chair, “you just get used to it.” “Which do you like more?” “Here,” she nods, “but I miss the falling brimstone every now and then.” “Bullshit. Just so much bullshit. And it doesn’t stop. Why do I even want a break if I just end up facing this each time it’s over?” I pause, frowning once realizing who I’m speaking to. “You’ve been running for a while. How do you do it?” “Not go crazy, you mean?” I shrug, not knowing if that’s the exact word I’d use, but it’s not wrong either. “Believe me if I say I don’t know?” “Really?” She shrugs, “I told you it doesn’t get better. You live day to day, or at least I did. Do.” “Guess I have that ‘I don’t want to survive, I want to live’ mindset.” “Then live. Whatever that means.” “You saying it makes it sound so easy, but I don’t think it will be.” She snorts, closing her eyes and yawning, “when is it ever? But if anyone will find a way, it’s you.” I think over her words for a moment longer before I let the sounds of nature take over. The ambiance of Earth. A noise I didn’t know I’d miss. Neither of us makes a move to leave the dock, simply choosing to sit in silence in the presence of one another. <<elseif hasVisited("RFC11BFChris")>>\ <<if hasVisited("RFC12Cry") or hasVisited("RFC12Scream")>>\ “Feeling better?” “Is it possible to feel better after everything I learned?” “Yea, probably not. Kind of hard to think of something reassuring to say too. What do you say? Sorry that there’s even more people out there wishing you die?” “Chris, not helping.” “Would a hug help?” [[“Yea, come here.”|RFC11BFChrisHug]] [[“No, I’m fine.”|RFC11BFChrisNoHug]] <<else>>\ “Do you remember when we got locked out of that one professor’s class, and you picked the lock after he refused to unlock it?” “You dared me,” I laugh, “and you say it like I just knew how to unlock one. I had to actually watch videos to figure it out.” “You messed up my credit card in that learning process.” “I was doing all the hard work. You had to contribute something.” “How about my fantastic pep talks?” I raise a brow at his words, and he simply laughs, unable to think up more. We’re both silent for a while, before Chris whispers, “you’re going to get through this,” Chris whispers, “I know it.” I think over his words for a moment longer before I let the sounds of nature take over. The ambiance of Earth. A noise I didn’t know I’d miss. Neither of us makes a move to leave the dock, simply choosing to sit in silence in the presence of one another. <<include "RFC12.2">> <</if>>\ <<elseif hasVisited("RFC11BFRahim")>>\ “On the borders of Elysium, they are even farther.” “Really?” He nods, “to speak honestly, I didn’t realize until you just said it. But I’ve never been one for looking up.” “You’re the kind to look straight ahead, huh?” “Or down,” he laughs, but the gentle smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “I’ve found it hard enough to look forward. To look up? Well, that sounds impossible.” “You said borders of Elysium.” “I’ve never been beyond. I’m...” He sighs and gestures to himself, looking to say more but biting his tongue and shaking his head. “I admire that about you. Your ability to constantly look up. Even when it seems like you’re the only one doing so and the rest of us are giving you a hard time. An act I must apologize for.” I hum, “apology accepted.” We descend into silence and I let the sounds of nature take over. The ambiance of Earth. A noise I didn’t know I’d miss. Neither of us makes a move to leave the dock, simply choosing to sit in silence in the presence of one another. <<include "RFC12.2">> <<else>>\ <</if>>\

“Please,” I whimper, and without hesitation, he wraps me up in an all-consuming hug, tight enough to dissuade squirming but still allowing me to breathe freely. And for a while, we sit there in silence, before Chris whispers, “You’re going to get through this,” Chris whispers, “I know it.” I think over his words for a moment longer before I let the sounds of nature take over. The ambiance of Earth. A noise I didn’t know I’d miss. Neither of us makes a move to leave the dock, simply choosing to sit in silence in the presence of one another. <<include "RFC12.2">>

“No, I’m alright.” He nods. From there, we both sit in silence for a while, before Chris whispers, “you’re going to get through this,” Chris whispers, “I know it.” I think over his words for a moment longer before I let the sounds of nature take over. The ambiance of Earth. A noise I didn’t know I’d miss. Neither of us makes a move to leave the dock, simply choosing to sit in silence in the presence of one another. <<include "RFC12.2">>

I have no idea how this will go. But the one thing I do know is that this has only just begun. And everything from here is just going to get more complicated. I snort, letting out a short breath as I try to figure out how ready I am. My eyes close as I focus more on the world around me and the future that feels much closer than it should. And that is when I hear them, so much clearer than ever before. "Release me." <a data-passage="EP2NT"><img src="images/nexttime.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right" width="40%"/></a>

<img src="images/nexttime.png"> <img src="images/divider.png"> “That’s a lot,” Rahim sighs, burying his face into his hands, squinting into the distance when he does finally move his hands away. “You can’t tell me $name isn’t a key,” Bradley adds in next, “this is all too convenient.” “What was the demonic prophecy again?” <<if $cp>>Chris<<else>>Amari<</if>> questions. “One to unlock the kingdom, the other to sacrifice and open the cage, and the last to be his vessel,” Rahim answers. Bradley nods, pointing at me, “well, if what $name says is true, then ?he’s the first part, the one to unlock the kingdom. And we know that Syd is the vessel, so that means Rahim is the one who is sacrificed to open the cage.” <img src="images/divider.png"> I take out my phone and make a list of everything I’ll need. A cake<<if $cp>>, one or two? One. I’m already in over my head. One will be fine, especially since not everyone will eat it.<<else>>, simply vanilla or a marble cake. Both I know Bradley likes.<</if>> Decorations are something that should be easy to find. Candles, can’t forget candles. Drinks and food, snacks mostly, nothing too big or fancy. And lastly, balloons. They aren’t needed, but they will make for a nice finishing touch. I chuckle; when was the last time I even had a birthday party? <img src="images/divider.png"> Whether smart, idiotic, or just me trying to continue this weird form of escapism, I continue shopping. I head to a party store for balloons and distract myself with colors and themes. <<if $cp>>This is for both Chris and Bradley, and though I know Chris will be far more forgiving, I’m not sure if pandering only to Bradley will hurt him. Yet pandering to both would mean going theme-less …<<else>>They have several gamer-themed balloons and even some anime, but knowing how Bradley is, I doubt he even likes the mainstream animes.<</if>> Reaching forward to choose one, my senses whisper //demon//, and I feel pressure on my back. I jerk around, almost falling backward onto the display, when a hand reaches out and grabs me. Their nails dig into my skin, causing me to hiss. “Gotta be careful,” the one who grabs me smiles, helping to right me. Another stands beside them, looking me over with intrigue in their eyes. “$name?” the one from earlier asks, “it’s great to meet you. We’re fans. Big fans.” [[Episode Three: Birthday Shenanigans]]

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© 2022-2023 Bum Studios LLC Version 1.05.1 //Superstition// contains gore, dark themes, alcohol reference, sexual content, and other material that may be disturbing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.~~

<<link '<i class="fas fa-circle-info"></i> Credits' "Credits">><</link>>

<<set $name = "Not Known">> <<set $gender = "Not Known"; $trans = false; $sex = "unknown"; $chest = "unknown">> <<set $int = "unknown"; $virgin = false; $s_att = "not known"; $r_att = "not known">> <<set $eyes = "unknown"; $hairlength = "unknown"; $haircolor = "unknown"; $hairtype = "unknown">> <<set $car = "Not Chosen"; $cmajor = "Not Chosen"; $style = "Not Known">> <<set $balance to 30>> /* Personality and Skills */ <<set $honesty to 50>> <<set $daring to 50>> <<set $optimistic to 50>> <<set $stubborn to 50>> <<set $sympathy to 50>> <<set $pacifist to 50>> <<set $serious to 50>> <<set $engineering to 0>> <<set $charisma to 0>> <<set $combat to 0>> <<set $perception to 0>> <<set $medical to 0>> <<set $creativity to 0>> <<set $bartending = false; $supernatural to 0; $exorcise = false>> <<set $blades to 0; $guns to 0>> /* Powers */ <<set $scythe to "scythe">> <<set $power to 0>> <<set $power_form to false>> <<set $power_teleport to false>> <<set $power_shroudfeet to false>> /* Relationships and Affiliates */ <<set $romance to "not known"; $team to 30>> <<set $chris to 50; $CRomance to 0; $flirt_Chris to false; $cl to "NA">> <<set $sydero to 30; $SRomance to 0; $flirt_Sydero to false; $sl to "NA">> <<set $zillah to 50; $ZRomance to 0; $flirt_Zillah to false; $zl to "NA">> <<set $rahim to 30; $RRomance to 0; $flirt_Rahim to false; $rl to "NA">> <<set $amari to 50; $ARomance to 0; $flirt_Amari to false; $al to "NA">> <<set $ChanaraMitchell to false; $chanara to 50; $flirt_Chanara to false; $NRomance to 0>> <<set $death to 50>> <<set $angel to 0; $demon to 0; $purgatory to 0>> /*Unique Relationships*/ <<set $ASRomance to 0; $RCRomance to 0; $poly to 0>> <<if $poly >=1>>\ <<set $polyT = true>> <<else>>\ <<set $polyT = false>> <</if>>\ /*Guys three way jealousy: Chris & Rahim = j2*/<<set $j2 = false; $j3 = false>> <<set $cdone to false>> <<set $bradleyhs = false>> <<set $twins to 0>> /* Dumpings */ <<set $dump_c to false; $dump_z to false; $dump_s to false>> /* Zillah Vars */<<set $zsex to false; $rlock_z to "unknown"; $boop to false; $nnZ is "unknown"; $zb to 0>> /* Best Friend Vars */<<set $bf_syd to 0; $bf_rahim to 0; $bf_chris to 0; $bf_zillah to 0; $bf_amari to 0>> /*Fate of Amari's Pack (Marked = alive)<<set $marked = false>> <<set $amarishift to false>> /* Chris's BB Deal */ <<set $dealisdone = false>> /* Death Permission for Roe Leaving */ <<set $deathperm = false>> /*Status|Fears|Curses*/ <<set $dreamanimal = "unknown">> <<set $darkburns = false; $darktruth = false; $darkcontrol = false>> <<set $a_fear = "unknown"; $l_fear = "unknown"; $m_fear = "unknown"; $bloodfear = false>> <<set $l_joy = "unknown">> <<set $curse_gluttony = false; $curse_wrath = false; $curse_greed = false; $curse_lust = false; $curse_pride = false>> <<set $bcure = false>> /* Important Variables */ <<set $cp = false; $chrissafe = false>> <<set $virgin = false>> <<set $upgrade to 0>> <<set $uncledead = false; $unclepicture = false; $uncleknows = false>> /* Reaper is Alive */ <<set $reaperalive = false>> <<set $bound = false>> <<set $room to "unknown">> <<set $vihaan = false>> <<set $petri_alive = false>> <<set $lucia_aid = false>> /* Known & Finale Variables */ /* Finale Vars */ <<set $finale_spell1 = false>> /* Omnipotent Stake needed for Become Death ending */ <<set $known_stake = false>> /* Chanara trust (needed for possible romance) */ <<set $known_chanaratruth = false>> /* Needed for Become Death ending and Fire and Brimstone ending */ <<set $known_library = false>> /* Misc Variables */ <<set $ss_bartending = false; $ss_supernatural = false; $ss_bladewielding = false; $ss_gunwielding = false>> <<set $visit to 0>> <<set $nofling_no = false; $nofling_know = false>> <<set $reunite = false; $reunite_Zillah = false>> <<set $ds = false>> /* Music */ <<cacheaudio "ambience1" "audio/ambient_background_dark.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "ambience2" "audio/another_day.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "ambience3" "audio/breathless.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "ambience4" "audio/calm_before_sunrise.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "dark1" "audio/dark_ambient.wav">> <<cacheaudio "dark2" "audio/dark_atmosphere.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "dark3" "audio/dark_atmospheric_ambient.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "dark4" "audio/dark_moody.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "dark5" "audio/dark_waters.wav">> <<cacheaudio "dark6" "audio/dark_endings.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "opening" "audio/distorted_calm.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "ambience5" "audio/night_timelapseloop.mp3">> <<createplaylist "ambience">> <<track "ambience1" volume 0.30>> <<track "ambience2" volume 0.30>> <<track "ambience3" volume 0.30>> <<track "ambience4" volume 0.30>> <<track "ambience5" volume 0.30>> <</createplaylist>> <<createplaylist "dark">> <<track "dark1" volume 0.30>> <<track "dark2" volume 0.30>> <<track "dark3" volume 0.30>> <<track "dark4" volume 0.30>> <<track "dark5" volume 0.30>> <<track "dark6" volume 0.30>> <</createplaylist>>

<img src="images/personal.png"> ''Name'': $name Roe ''College Major'': $cmajor ''Car'': $car ''Fighting Style'': $style <img src="images/skills.png"> ''$name's Alignment'': <<if $balance <49>>Human<<elseif $balance >=60>>Reaper<<else>>Balanced<</if>> ''Honesty'' $honesty ''Deceit'' ''Daring'' $daring ''Cautious'' ''Optimistic'' $optimistic ''Pessimistic'' ''Sympathy'' $sympathy ''Disdain'' ''Stubborn'' $stubborn ''Reasonable'' ''Pacifist'' $pacifist ''Violent'' ''Serious'' $serious ''Comical'' ''Engineering'': $engineering ''Charisma'': $charisma ''Combat'': $combat ''Medical'': $medical ''Creativity'': $creativity ''Perception'': $perception ''Supernatural'': $supernatural ''Bladesmanship'': $blades ''Guns'': $guns <span class="sidenote">Tip: Click the names below for more information on them.</span> <img src="images/affiliates.png"> ''Death'' immortal father <meter @value="$death" min="0" max="100"></meter> <<if $ChanaraMitchell>>\ <<link "Chanara Mitchell">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ <img src="images/char_chanara.png" alt="Chanara Mitchell" align ="left" width ="30%" HSPACE="50" VSPACE="50"/><h1>Chanara Mitchell</h1> Chanara is a African American female (she/her) with long, dark red kinky hair that she typically wears down, though there are times where she will tie it back, creating an afro puff. She has dark brown eyes and an athletically toned body. Keeping to herself more often than not, she's a fan of minding her business and staying out of issues that don't involve her. If the problem has nothing to do with her, she goes the opposite way, not even wishing to hear about the drama from second or third-hand sources. If it does concern her, she likes to see the facts when making decisions, completely ignoring the irrational and emotional side of things. To those she's close to and believes in, she sometimes comes off as harsh and unyielding due to wanting to see them thrive and succeed. And for some, this is the dealbreaker that causes a budding friendship to wilt. But she is a steadfast and caring friend who still can awe at a world she once thought she was jaded by. ''Relationship'': $chanara (<<if $chanara >=50>>Friendship<<else>>Rivalry<</if>>) <<if $flirt_Chanara>>''Romance'': $NRomance<<else>><</if>> <</popover>>\ <</link>> female reaper <meter @value="$chanara" min="0" max="100"></meter> <</if>>\ <<if $reunite_Zillah>>\ <<link "Zillah">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ <img src="images/char_zillah.png" alt="Zillah" align ="left" width ="30%" HSPACE="50" VSPACE="50"/><h1>Zillah</h1> Zillah, originally known as 'the Entity' is a malevolent <<if $ep4unlock>>shade<<else>>spirit<</if>> (he/him) whose purpose, origins, and reasons for being present are mostly unknown. He appears as a Though much of his background is unknown, Zillah's personality is more than obvious. He's traditionally cocky and rude, asserting his power knowingly without much care for the consequences. There is little that he takes seriously and the things he does, turn into a cryptic mess of riddles and half statements that help no one. ''Relationship'': <<if $zl is "friend">>Friend<<elseif $zl is "rival">>Rival<<else>>Not Yet Defined<</if>> <<if $flirt_Zillah>>''Romance'': $ZRomance<<else>><</if>> <</popover>>\ <</link>> a malevolent <<if $ep4unlock>>shade<<else>>spirit<</if>> <</if>>\ <<if $reunite>>\ <<if $ChrisRichardson>>\ <<link "Chris Richardson">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ <img src="images/char_chris.png" alt="Chris Richardson" align ="left" width ="30%" HSPACE="50" VSPACE="50"/><h1>Chris Richardson</h1> Chris is a Caucasian-American male (he/him) described as having short wavy brown hair, blue eyes, and a beard usually in the style of long stubble. He has an athletically tone body despite his love for junk food and smoking habits. He is a caring, intelligent, and laidback guy who loves learning new things, even if that means never applying them to life. He enjoys listening to others talk about their passion and supporting those in his life. His initial trust in others is lacking, and he’d much rather keep strangers at a distance. He is determined, and when he puts his mind to it, he can accomplish anything, though it might take a bit more time than he originally planned. His laid-back nature easily hides some of his achievements, and though he doesn’t boast, he loves when others point it out. Though flirting comes easily to the man, he struggles to voice his thoughts more often than not. This typically leads to miscommunication, and things that should be said are left buried. ''Relationship'': <<if $cl is "friend">>Friend<<elseif $cl is "rival">>Rival<<else>>Not Yet Defined<</if>> <<if $flirt_Chris>>''Romance'': $CRomance<<else>><</if>> <</popover>>\ <</link>> 22-year-old human male <</if>>\ <<link "Sydero Theron">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ <img src="images/char_sydero.png" alt="Sydero Theron" align ="left" width ="30%" HSPACE="50" VSPACE="50"/><h1>Sydero Theron</h1> Sydero is an Arab-American female (she/her) said to have long black hair, commonly straight but at times is known to be curly. She has amber-colored eyes and a light beige complexion. Mostly described as being unbearable to put up with, Sydero's first impression for many is usually the same. Her stubborness and determination to do things her way, regardless of morality, often leads to her butting heads with others. She's not much of a talker, choosing rather to sit in silence than carry an entire conversation with those she's in attendance with. When she does speak, it's either off-brand and straightforward, or has her saying something either flirtatiously inappropriate or being sarcastic. She is first and foremost a loner, keeping her secrets close to her chest and refusing to let anyone close enough to uncover them. ''Relationship'': <<if $sl is "friend">>Friend<<elseif $sl is "rival">>Rival<<else>>Not Yet Defined<</if>> <<if $flirt_Syd>>''Romance'': $SRomance<<else>><</if>> <</popover>>\ <</link>> 23-year-old female <<if $sydknown>>cambion<<else>>witch<</if>> <<link "Rahim Theron">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ <img src="images/char_rahim.png" alt="Rahim Theron" align ="left" width ="30%" HSPACE="50" VSPACE="50"/><h1>Rahim Theron</h1> Rahim is an Arab-American male (he/him) with short black hair that is usually well-kept, many even pointing out how not a strand is out of place. He has stunning blue eyes and a light beige complexion. Though fit, many do not exactly see this due to the type of clothing that Rahim wears, mostly clothing that doesn’t cling and is for comfort. Similar to his choice in clothes, Rahim’s attitude comes across as uncaring and detached more often than not. First impressions award an air of stoicism to his behavior as well as a straight-forward and problem-solving mannerism. Rahim does what is needed, nothing more and nothing less. He’s not shy about keeping his thoughts to himself and any sign of caring what others think about that thought is usually sidelined. For those who manage to get closer to him, find that Rahim does become more open and willing to speak about his interests and life, and is fiercly protective to those he cares for. ''Relationship'': <<if $rl is "friend">>Friend<<elseif $rl is "rival">>Rival<<else>>Not Yet Defined<</if>> <<if $flirt_Rahim>>''Romance'': $RRomance<<else>><</if>> <</popover>>\ <</link>> 23-year-old male nephilim <<link "Amari Foster">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ <img src="images/char_amari.png" alt="Amari Foster" align ="left" width ="30%" HSPACE="50" VSPACE="50"/><h1>Amari Foster</h1> Amari is a Native American woman (she/her) with long, straight black hair, dark brown eyes, and a medium beige complexion. She is of average build with noticeable muscles thanks to her very active lifestyle. She is best described as fun-loving, hyper-active, and a sweetheart to all those that meet her. Her positive attitude is commonly compared to a ray of sunshine, drawing mixed feelings from those that know her. While some view her postive and forgiving outlooks as a breath of fresh air in an otherwise bleak and untrusting setting, some believe that the outlook goes too far and is far too unrealistic for a world that will neither accept nor put up with it. When excited, Amari tends to go on a tangent, rambling on and jumping from one topic to another, failing to realize she’s doing so unless someone points it out. '''Relationship'': <<if $al is "friend">>Friend<<elseif $al is "rival">>Rival<<else>>Not Yet Defined<</if>> <<if $flirt_Amari>>''Romance'': $ARomance<<else>><</if>> <</popover>>\ <</link>> 20-year-old female vaewolf <<link "Bradley Whittaker">> <<popover 'opaque'>>\ <img src="images/char_bradley.png" alt="Bradley Whittaker" align ="left" width ="30%" HSPACE="50" VSPACE="50"/><h1>Bradley Whittaker</h1> Bradley is a young, Caucasian-American male (he/him) in his mid-teens, he has a light rosy complexion, medium-length disheveled brown hair that stops at his eyes in front, and the nape of his neck in the back. He has dark brown eyes and is the average size and height for boys at his age. As a young child, Bradley was extremely inquisitive about the world around him and how it worked. He had an interest in everything and thus was unable to focus like other kids his age. This behavior came to a halt after his curious nature caused a domino effect of things to occur. Though it hasn’t totally disappeared, Bradley is more likely to think things through before jumping into them immediately. He adores problems and fixing them with both an analytical and creative view. He would rather focus all of his attention on one issue and come up with multiple ways to fix it than to focus on various problems or take the easy way out. The closer to home the problem is, the more Bradley is dedicated to fixing it. Despite his knowledge, skill, and how fast he had to grow up due to his circumstances, Bradley is still a teenager and behaves as so. Though surrounded by those older and more mature than him (or at least they should be), he has teenage tendencies. He gets flustered when meeting pretty girls, throws tantrums at moments when he doesn’t get his way, and enjoys being teased and teasing those he considers his family. On his good days, Bradley is hugely playful and joking, always ready to downplay the seriousness of an event and help pick up the spirits of those around him. On his worst days, Bradley is an introvert and can even be toxic to those he loves. He has a hard time figuring things out, and he becomes one-track-minded. <</popover>>\ <</link>> 16-year-old human male <</if>>\

<img class="img-invert" src="images/bumstudios.png" width="500" height="111" align ="center"> @@.center; © 2022 Bum Studios LLC. All rights reserved. @@ All images are copyright by Bum Studios. All audio is either licensed under Bum Studios or credited below. Copyright infringement is punishable by law. ''A FEW THINGS ...'' If you can play it in a browser then just do that, downloading the file is purely for those that have really horrible internet. The download version will take you back to the browser but since the data is already downloaded and there, will allow the player not to have a working connection to play. ''SAVING AND LOADING'' The game has an autosave function and will automatically save at acts and at the end of each episode. So, if you end up ever forgetting to save it, then the game has your back. You can also save the game to your files. To do this when you have the save widget up go to 'save to disk.' It will automatically download and save to whatever folder you have that receives everything you downloaded (typically your downloads folder). To load the game up with a previously saved disk file, press 'load from disk', go to the folder that holds your saved game file and load it in. ''UPDATING - ONLY FOR DOWNLOADED FILES'' For those who download the files, whenenver there's an update, simply replace the folders with the newer version. The save will not be effected. If you wish to be cautious regarding this, have a copy save of your game by downloading it to disk (See Saving and Loading). ''CONTACT'' If you have any questions or issues please contact me @ ... email: 13leaguestories@gmail.com tumblr: 13leaguestories.tumblr.com ''CREDITED MUSIC'' Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-ND 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... "Another Day" Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg | The End by Day 7: https://soundcloud.com/day7official/t... [[Return|$return]] /*Story starts here*/

<img src="images/title.png"> @@.center; Welcome to Season Three of ''Superstition'' // Purgatory, the land of death and the origins of supernatural beings. Also, the place you find yourself in. Your past unravels as all the pieces you lacked in the past suddenly appear at your feet. Answers you never thought you would get now find themselves within your grasp. But that doesn’t mean you know what to do with them. Though your past is no longer a mystery, your future is. And it does not look bright. Another prophecy comes into play, and bonds are tested, strengthened, and broken. If you thought everything in your past was the real test, then you were wrong. You are now officially in this life. There is no going back. There is no place for regrets and second thoughts. In a world as big as yours, will you be the prey or the predator?// @@ If you played Season Two and exported your save, then import it back in with the button below and continue on. If you wish to continue on without importing then [[continue here|ImportantCheck]] instead. @@.center; <<import '$imported' 'base64'>> & [[Continue|StatShift]] If you already played then be sure to check out the other seasons. Similar to this game, they are free. Otherwise, enjoy. [[Season One|https://13leagues.itch.io/superstition]] | [[Season Two|https://13leagues.itch.io/superstition-s2]] | Season Four @@

<<nobr>>\ <<set $name to $imported.name>> <<set $gender to $imported.gender>> <<set $trans to $imported.trans>> <<set $sex to $imported.sex>> <<set $chest to $imported.chest>> <<set $int to $imported.int>> <<set $s_att to $imported.s_att>> <<set $r_att to $imported.r_att>> <<set $injuries to $imported.injuries>> <<set $car to $imported.car>> <<set $cmajor to $imported.cmajor>> <<set $style to $imported.fightingstyle>> <<set $nerve to $imported.nerve>> <<set $honesty to $imported.honesty>> <<set $daring to $imported.daring>> <<set $serious to $imported.serious>> <<set $optimistic to $imported.optimistic>> <<set $stubborn to $imported.stubborn>> <<set $sympathy to $imported.sympathy>> <<set $pacifist to $imported.pacifist>> <<set $engineering to $imported.engineering>> <<set $charisma to $imported.charisma>> <<set $combat to $imported.combat>> <<set $perception to $imported.perception>> <<set $medical to $imported.medical>> <<set $creativity to $imported.creativity>> <<set $bartending to $imported.bartending>> <<set $supernatural to $imported.supernatural>> <<set $blades to $imported.blades>> <<set $guns to $imported.guns>> <<set $exorcise to $imported.exorcise>> <<set $eyes to $imported.eyes>> <<set $hairlength to $imported.hairlength>> <<set $hairtype to $imported.hairtype>> <<set $haircolor to $imported.haircolor>> <<set $chris to $imported.chris>> <<set $CRomance to $imported.CRomance>> <<set $flirt_Chris to $imported.flirt_Chris>> <<set $sydero to $imported.sydero>> <<set $SRomance to $imported.SRomance>> <<set $flirt_Syd to $imported.flirt_Syd>> <<set $zillah to $imported.zillah>> <<set $ZRomance to $imported.ZRomance>> <<set $flirt_Zillah to $imported.flirt_Zillah>> <<set $amari to $imported.amari>> <<set $ARomance to $imported.ARomance>> <<set $flirt_Amari to $imported.flirt_Amari>> <<set $rahim to $imported.rahim>> <<set $RRomance to $imported.RRomance>> <<set $flirt_Rahim to $imported.flirt_Rahim>> <<set $ASRomance to $imported.ASRomance>> <<set $RCRomance to $imported.RCRomance>> <<set $poly to $imported.poly>> <<set $dreamanimal to $imported.dreamanimal>> <<set $a_fear to $imported.a_fear>> <<set $m_fear to $imported.m_fear>> <<set $l_fear to $imported.l_fear>> <<set $bloodfear to $imported.blood_fear>> <<set $darkburns to $imported.darkburns>> <<set $darkcontrol to $imported.darkcontrol>> <<set $darktruth to $imported.darktruth>> <<set $bcure to $imported.bcure>> <<set $curse_gluttony to $imported.curse_gluttony>> <<set $curse_lust to $imported.curse_lust>> <<set $curse_greed to $imported.curse_greed>> <<set $curse_wrath to $imported.curse_wrath>> <<set $curse_pride to $imported.curse_pride>> <<set $uncledead to $imported.uncledead>> <<set $uncleknows to $imported.uncleknows>> <<set $unclepicture to $imported.unclepicture>> <<set $nnZ to $imported.nnZ>> <<set $boop to $imported.boop>> <<set $bradleyhs to $imported.bradleyhs>> <<set $cp to $imported.cp>> <<set $chrissafe to $imported.chrissafe>> <<set $j2 to $imported.j2>> <<set $j3 to $imported.j3>> <<set $cdone to $imported.cdone>> <<set $cbreak to $imported.cbreak>> <<set $zsex to $imported.zsex>> <<set $nofling_no to $imported.nofling_no>> <<set $nofling_know to $imported.nofling_know>> <<set $virgin to $imported.virgin>> <<set $marked to $imported.marked>> <<set $believer to $imported.believer>> <<set $suicidal to $imported.suicidal>> <<set $slapthequeen to $imported.slapthequeen>> <<set $dealisdone to $imported.dealisdone>> <<set $petri_alive to $imported.petri_alive>> <<if $cp>> <<set $ChrisRichardson = true>> <</if>> <</nobr>>\ You can now check your imported stats on the right hand. If your save did not import there is a good chance that your save is corrupted or is not a complete game. If that is the case then check out ''Credits'' on the left sidebar. You can go back to Season One and save again or simply continue on and remake your character. <a data-passage="ImportantCheck"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

<<audio "opening" volume 0.15 fadeto 0.30 loop>> Before starting, let's make sure everything is right. If any of your important stats are wrong then change them below. You can check this by looking over the Stats section to the right. *''Imported Roe's'': You //should// check out [[Relationships & Sexual Interest]] before continuing on to make sure all the romance checks are correct. *''New Characters'': You should go through all of that is below. A missed variable can lead to a potential bug and missed gameplay. [[Name]] [[Gender, Pronouns, and Sex]] [[Appearance]] [[Relationships & Sexual Interest]] [[Story Elements]] ''Please make sure everything is right before continuing, there's no way to come back to this besides restarting.'' [[Everything is right, let's continue!|Season Three]]

<<message 'Male Names'>> [[Damon.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Damon"]] [[Arlo.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Arlo"]] [[Kyrin.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Kyrin"]] [[Jett.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Jett"]] [[Leo.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Leo"]] <</message>> <<message 'Female Names'>> [[Zora.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Zora"]] [[Marion.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Marion"]] [[Nero.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Nero"]] [[Delanie.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Delanie"]] [[Sage.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Sage"]] <</message>> <<message 'Non Gender Specific Names'>> [[Hunter.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Hunter"]] [[Robin.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Robin"]] [[Indigo.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Indigo"]] [[Quinn.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Quinn"]] [[Cadence.|ImportantCheck][$name = "Cadence"]] <</message>> [[Can't believe I have to spell this out ... |Insert Name]]

Please state your name. <<textbox "$name" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#name">>Nice to meet you, $name.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="name"></span> <a data-passage="ImportantCheck"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

Your gender is: $gender; you are <<if $trans>>trans<<else>>not trans<</if>>; and your current pronouns are: ?he/?him. Your genitals is <<if $sex is "v">>a vagina<<elseif $sex is "p">>a penis<<else>>not disclosed<</if>> and you have <<if $chest is "p">>breasts.<<else>>do not have breasts.<</if>> <<link 'Choose Pronouns Here'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> Choose gender. [[Cis Male.|Gender, Pronouns, and Sex][$gender to "male"]] [[Trans Male.|Gender, Pronouns, and Sex][$gender to "male"; $trans to true]] [[Cis Female.|Gender, Pronouns, and Sex][$gender to "female"]] [[Trans Female.|Gender, Pronouns, and Sex][$gender to "female"; $trans to true]] [[Nonbinary.|Gender, Pronouns, and Sex][$gender to "nonbinary"]] //If you do not want to see explicit content then the next two choices are not necessary.// Choose your sex (genitals). [[Penis.|Gender, Pronouns, and Sex][$sex to "p"]] [[Vagina.|Gender, Pronouns, and Sex][$sex to "v"]] [[Do not disclose.|Gender, Pronouns, and Sex][$sex to "na"]] Choose whether or not you have breasts. [[Breasts Not Present.|Gender, Pronouns, and Sex][$chest to "np"]] [[Breasts Present.|Gender, Pronouns, and Sex][$chest to "p"]] <a data-passage="ImportantCheck"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>

//Roe's current appearance: Roe has $eyes eyes and <<if $hairlength is "bald">>is bald.<<else>>has $hairlength, $haircolor, <<if $hairtype is "braids" or $hairtype is "dreads">>$hairtype.<<else>>$hairtype hair.<</if>><</if>> ''Eye Color'' <<if ndef $eyes>><<set $eyes = "brown">><</if>><<listbox "$eyes">> <<option "Black" "black" `$eyes == "black" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Dark brown" "dark brown" `$eyes == "dark brown" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Brown" "brown" `$eyes == "brown" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Hazel" "hazel" `$eyes == "hazel" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Amber" "amber" `$eyes == "amber" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Green" "green" `$eyes == "green" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Blue" "blue" `$eyes == "blue" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Grey" "grey" `$eyes == "grey" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Length of Hair'' <<if ndef $hairlength>><<set $hairlength = "medium">><</if>><<listbox "$hairlength">> <<option "Bald" "bald" `$hairlength == "bald" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Short" "short" `$hairlength == "short" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Medium" "medium" `$hairlength == "medium" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Long" "long" `$hairlength == "long" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Type of Hair'' <<if ndef $hairtype>><<set $hairtype = "wavy">><</if>><<listbox "$hairtype">> <<option "Straight" "straight" `$hairtype == "straight" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Curly" "curly" `$hairtype == "curly" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Wavy" "wavy" `$hairtype == "wavy" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Kinky" "kinky" `$hairtype == "kinky" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Braids" "braids" `$hairtype == "braids" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Dreads" "dreads" `$hairtype == "dreads" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> ''Color of Hair'' <<if ndef $haircolor>><<set $haircolor = "brown">><</if>><<listbox "$haircolor">> <<option "Black" "black" `$haircolor == "black" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Brown" "brown" `$haircolor == "brown" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Red" "red" `$haircolor == "red" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Blonde" "blonde" `$haircolor == "blonde" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "White" "white" `$haircolor == "white" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Blue" "blue" `$haircolor == "blue" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Pink" "pink" `$haircolor == "pink" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Purple" "purple" `$haircolor == "purple" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Green" "green" `$haircolor == "green" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> [[Reload this Page|Appearance]] [[Continue On|ImportantCheck]]

<<nobr>>\ <<if $r_att is "present" and $cp and ($int is "men" or $int is "both") and ($s_att is "high" or $s_att is "low")>> <<set $flirt_Chris to true>> <<else>> <<set $flirt_Chris to false>> <</if>> <<if $r_att is "present" and ($int is "men" or $int is "both")>> <<set $flirt_Rahim to true>> <<else>> <<set $flirt_Rahim to false>> <</if>> <<if $r_att is "present" and ($int is "women" or $int is "both")>> <<set $flirt_Amari to true>> <<else>> <<set $flirt_Amari to false>> <</if>> <<if $s_att is "high" and ($int is "men" or $int is "both")>> <<set $flirt_Zillah to true>> <<else>> <<set $flirt_Zillah to false>> <</if>> <<if $s_att is "high" and ($int is "women" or $int is "both")>> <<set $flirt_Syd to true>> <<else>> <<set $flirt_Syd to false>> <</if>> <<if ($s_att is "low" or $s_att is "high") and ($int is "women" or $int is "both")>> <<set $flirt_Chanara to true>> <<else>> <<set $flirt_Chanara to false>> <</if>> <</nobr>>\ [[Reload this Page|Relationships & Sexual Interest]] [[Go to Invest Points Page|InvestPoints]] [[Go to Invest Relationship Page|InvestRivalryFriend]] [[Go back to stats menu|ImportantCheck]] Are you a virgin? Currently you <<if $virgin>>are.<<else>>are not.<</if>> [[Yes.|Relationships & Sexual Interest][$virgin = true]] [[No.|Relationships & Sexual Interest][$virgin = false]] What gender are you interested in when it comes to romance? You are interested in: $int [[Men.|Relationships & Sexual Interest][$int = "men"]] [[Women.|Relationships & Sexual Interest][$int = "women"]] [[All.|Relationships & Sexual Interest][$int = "both"]] [[None.|Relationships & Sexual Interest][$int = "none"]] ''Sexual Attraction:'' High attraction means you are sexually attracted to others and sex scenes will always appear while both Roe and other characters can make advances. Low attraction means that though you do feel sexual attraction, sex scenes may not always appear and will rely on Roe's actions. Characters will not make advancements. Non-existent attraction means that you are not sexually attracted to others and sex scenes and sexually toned choices will not appear. ''Romantic Attraction:'' Present attraction means you are romantically attracted to others and characters are free to make advances. Absent attraction means that you are not romantically attracted to others and characters will not make advances. //Some characters are not able to be romanced by a character with a low or non-existent interest/attraction in sexual activity. This will be available to change each season or carry over. Chris needs ''at least'' low. Sydero and Zillah requires high. And the two new romances can be romanced with any Roe.// ''Sexual Attraction & Advances'' <<if ndef $s_att>><<set $s_att = "high">><</if>><<listbox "$s_att">> <<option "High Attraction" "high" `$s_att == "high" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Low Attraction" "low" `$s_att == "low" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Non-existent Attraction" "none" `$s_att == "none" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> //Keep in mind that only one character, Sydero, allows for an aromantic relationship.// ''Romance Attraction & Advances'' <<if ndef $r_att>><<set $r_att = "present">><</if>><<listbox "$r_att">> <<option "Present Attraction" "present" `$r_att == "present" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Absent Attraction" "absent" `$r_att == "absent" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>>

[[Back to Relationship Page|Relationships & Sexual Interest]] [[Go back to stats menu|ImportantCheck]] [[Go to Invest Relationship Page|InvestRivalryFriend]] Your preferences allow you to romance: <<if $flirt_Chris>>Chris($CRomance). <</if>><<if $flirt_Syd>>Sydero($SRomance). <</if>><<if $flirt_Rahim>>Rahim($RRomance). <</if>><<if $flirt_Zillah>>Zillah($ZRomance). <</if>><<if $flirt_Amari>>Amari($ARomance).<</if>> <<if $flirt_Chanara>>The new female romance, Chanara.<</if>> <<if $int isnot "none">>\ Would you like to invest romance points in any of the following love interests? <<if $flirt_Syd>>\ [[Invest romance points in Sydero.|InvestPoints][$SRomance to 10]] <</if>>\ <<if $flirt_Chris>>\ [[Invest romance points in Chris.|InvestPoints][$CRomance to 10]] <</if>>\ <<if $flirt_Amari>>\ [[Invest romance points in Amari.|InvestPoints][$ARomance to 10]] <</if>>\ <<if $flirt_Rahim>>\ [[Invest romance points in Rahim.|InvestPoints][$RRomance to 10]] <</if>>\ <<if $flirt_Zillah>>\ [[Invest romance points in Zillah.|InvestPoints][$ZRomance to 10]] <</if>>\ <<if $flirt_Zillah and $zillah >=50>>\ Zillah gave friendmanced Roe two possible nicknames. Which was it? [[Pet.|InvestPoints][$nnZ to "pet"]] [[Trouble.|InvestPoints][$nnZ to "trouble"]] <</if>>\ If romancing Amari or Sydero, it is possible to enter into a polysexual relationship with both girls. Default, this variable is false unless S2 points have been brought over. False removes any content of the two showing interest in each other. Making it true will provide this content and make it possible to enter a poly. If you are not romancing either then this is not important. [[Turn the poly variable ON.|InvestPoints][$polyT to true]] [[Turn the poly variable OFF.|InvestPoints][$polyT to false]] <<else>>\ You have chosen none for interests. To change this go back to [[the Relationship Page|Relationships & Sexual Interest]]. <</if>>\

[[Back to Relationship Page|Relationships & Sexual Interest]] [[Go back to stats menu|ImportantCheck]] [[Go to Invest Points Page|InvestPoints]] Choose whether you are on a rivalry or friendship path with each character. This will be locked in at different points for individual characters. Also note that this changes some of the character's romance, personality, and contributions to the group. I.e. Zillah's relationship shifts how the romance towards Roe plays out, Chris's relationship changes how he helps out the group, Amari's relationship changes her personality and how she reacts to certain things, etc. One is not better than the other and simply gives new flavors to the game. //If Chris is not appearing then it is because he is not present in your game. Head to [[Story Elements]] to change that.// ''If you imported a save then there's no need to change this unless you wish.'' Sydero Theron: [[Rivalry->InvestRivalryFriend][$sydero to 20]] | [[Friendship->InvestRivalryFriend][$sydero to 80]] Zillah 'the Entity': [[Rivalry->InvestRivalryFriend][$zillah to 20]] | [[Friendship->InvestRivalryFriend][$zillah to 80]] Rahim Theron: [[Rivalry->InvestRivalryFriend][$rahim to 20]] | [[Friendship->InvestRivalryFriend][$rahim to 80]] Amari Foster: [[Rivalry->InvestRivalryFriend][$amari to 20]] | [[Friendship->InvestRivalryFriend][$amari to 80]] <<if $cp>>Chris Richardson: [[Rivalry->InvestRivalryFriend][$chris to 20]] | [[Friendship->InvestRivalryFriend][$chris to 80]]<</if>>

*No choice is the 'right' choice, each choice leads to different content and story elements, each has its pros and cons. You are free to change what you wish, but keep that in mind. *Whether this is your first time or not, make sure to answer the ''fears questions''. *When done, [[click here|ImportantCheck]] [[Click here for fears.|Fears]] <<if $uncledead is false>>\ Your uncle, Uncle Matheus, is alive. You were able to save him from Raum and his group and check him into a hotel for the time being. [[Change to Uncle Matheus is dead.|Story Elements][$uncledead = true]] <<else>>\ Your uncle, Uncle Matheus, is dead. Killed by Raum and his group to send you a message. [[Change to Uncle Matheus is alive.|Story Elements][$uncledead = false]] <</if>>\ <<if $cp is false and $chrissafe is false>>\ Your best friend from college, Chris Richardson, was killed by Raum. [[Change to Chris is with the group.|Story Elements][$cp = true, $chrissafe = true]] [[Change to Chris is alive, but not with the group.|Story Elements][$chrissafe = true]] <<elseif $chrissafe and $cp is false>>\ Your best friend from college, Chris Richardson, is safe and alive but he is not with the gang. [[Change to Chris is with the group.|Story Elements][$cp = true]] [[Change to Chris was killed by Raum.|Story Elements][$chrissafe = false]] <<else>>\ <<nobr>><<set $ChrisRichardson = true; $cp = true>><</nobr>> Your best friend from college, Chris Richardson, is part of the gang. After saving him from Raum, you told him to stick with you. [[Change to Chris is not with the group.|Story Elements][$cp = false, $ChrisRichardson = false]] [[Change to Chris was killed by Raum.|Story Elements][$cp = false, $chrissafe = false, $ChrisRichardson = false]] <</if>>\ <<if $darkburns>>\ When you were a child, you were permanently injured on both of your hands, receiving burn marks on both hands that reach to your elbow. [[Change to wound over your heart.|Story Elements][$darkcontrol = true, $darkburns = false]] [[Change to wound lying on your cheek.|Story Elements][$darktruth = true, $darkburns = false]] <<elseif $darkcontrol>>\ When you were a child, you were permanently injured and received a scar on your heart that looks oddly like a bullet entry wound. [[Change to burn marks on your arms.|Story Elements][$darkburns = true, $darkcontrol = false]] [[Change to wound lying on your cheek.|Story Elements][$darktruth = true, $darkcontrol = false]] <<else>>\ When you were a child, you were permanently injured and received a deep scar on the side of your face, roughly following the curve of your cheek. [[Change to burn marks on your arms.|Story Elements][$darkburns = true, $darktruth = false]] [[Change to wound over your heart.|Story Elements][$darkcontrol = true, $darktruth = false]] <</if>>\ Rahim suggested putting a mental block on Bradley that would shield him from his trauma. Did you agree to do it? Currently, you <<if $bcure>>did<<else>>didn't<</if>>. <<if $bcure is false>>\ [[Yes, I put the mental block on Bradley.|Story Elements][$bcure = true]] <<else>>\ [[No, I didn't put the mental block on Bradley.|Story Elements][$bcure = false]] <</if>>\ While on the run, you ran into Amari's werewolf pack. They swore they would not leave until they took Amari's life, leaving you to make a choice: <<if $marked>> You chose to use your words, talking her pack down. Consequently, they marked Amari as a rogue, branding her for life instead of killing her. [[Change to Amari's pack being killed.|Story Elements][$marked = false]]<<else>>You chose to confront the problem, consequently slaying Amari's pack in the process. [[Change to Amari's pack is alive.|Story Elements][$marked = true]]<</if>> You currently drive a ... $car. [[Change to Dodge Challenger.|Story Elements][$car = "Dodge Challenger"]] [[Change to Ford F-150.|Story Elements][$car = "Ford F-150"]] [[Change to Honda Civic.|Story Elements][$car = "Honda Civic"]] [[Change to Jeep Wrangler.|Story Elements][$car = "Jeep Wrangler"]] What is your dream animal? Currently it is: $dreamanimal [[Vulture.|Story Elements][$dreamanimal = "vulture"]] [[Cat.|Story Elements][$dreamanimal = "cat"]] [[Raven.|Story Elements][$dreamanimal = "raven"]] [[Coyote.|Story Elements][$dreamanimal = "coyote"]] When it comes to guns and blades, you usually leaned more towards ... [[Guns.|Story Elements][$guns = 25]] [[Blades.|Story Elements][$blades = 25]] What is your college major? Your current major is: $cmajor (This choice changes some of your stats. You can also customize them <<if $ds is not true>>[[here|DS]]<<else>>here<</if>> or by importing them.) [[Creative Arts.|Story Elements][$cmajor = "Creative Arts"; $creativity = 25; $perception = 15; $engineering = 5; $pacifist = 70]] [[Nursing.|Story Elements][$cmajor = "Nursing"; $medical = 25; $charisma = 15; $perception = 5; $pacifist = 70]] [[Education.|Story Elements][$cmajor = "Education"; $charisma = 25; $perception = 15; $engineering = 5; $pacifist = 70]] [[Law or Criminal Justice.|Story Elements][$cmajor = "Criminal Justice"; $combat = 25; $perception = 15; $charisma = 5; $pacifist = 30]] [[Exercise Science.|Story Elements][$cmajor = "Exercise Science"; $combat = 25; $medical = 15; $pacifist = 30]] [[Communications.|Story Elements][$cmajor = "Communications"; $creativity = 25; $charisma = 15; $engineering = 5; $pacifist = 70]] [[Psychology.|Story Elements][$cmajor = "Psychology"; $medical = 25; $charisma = 15; $perception = 5; $pacifist = 30]] [[Computer Science.|Story Elements][$cmajor = "Computer Science"; $engineering = 30; $creativity = 5; $pacifist = 30]] <<if $style is "Not Known">>\ What is your chosen fighting style? Your current fighting style is: $style ''Pacifist Styles'' [[Aikido.|Story Elements][$style = "Aikido"; $pacifist to 70]] [[Judo.|Story Elements][$style = "Judo"; $pacifist to 70]] ''Violent Styles'' [[Boxing.|Story Elements][$style = "Boxing"; $pacifist to 30]] [[Taekwondo.|Story Elements][$style = "Taekwondo"; $pacifist to 30]] [[Kenpo.|Story Elements][$style = "Kenpo"; $pacifist to 30]] <</if>>\ <<if $ds is false>>\ ''Stats'' You can check your stats on the right sidebar. If you do wish to reset your stats then [[click here|DS]]. You will be prompted to choose your major and the resulting stats will be based off of that decision. <</if>>\

<<nobr>>\<<set $ds = true; $combat = 15; $supernatural = 15>><</nobr>>\ Choose your stats. Note that if you already have chosen a fighting style then the pacifist/violent stat will not appear. Go [[here|Story Elements]] when done. [[Honesty|DS][$honesty to 70]] or [[Deceit|DS][$honesty to 30]] [[Daring|DS][$daring to 70]] or [[Cautious|DS][$daring to 30]] [[Optimistic|DS][$optimistic to 70]] or [[Pessimistic|DS][$optimistic to 30]] [[Sympathy|DS][$sympathy to 70]] or [[Disdain|DS][$sympathy to 30]] [[Stubborn|DS][$stubborn to 70]] or [[Reasonable|DS][$stubborn to 30]] [[Serious|DS][$serious to 70]] or [[Comical|DS][$serious to 30]] <<if $style is "Not Known">>[[Pacifist|DS][$pacifist to 70]] or [[Violent|DS][$pacifist to 30]]<</if>>

[[Return to Story Elements->Story Elements]] [[Reload this Page->Fears]] ''NOTE: If your fears are actually appearing correctly then I advise not to change them as some choices that carried over will be undone.'' <<if $bloodfear>>\ You have a fear of blood. [[I do not have a fear of blood.|Fears][$bloodfear = false]] <<else>>\ You do not have a fear of blood. [[I do have a fear of blood.|Fears][$bloodfear = true]] <</if>>\ What is your main fear? Currently your main fear is: $m_fear ''Main Fear'' <<if ndef $m_fear>><<set $m_fear = "evil">><</if>><<listbox "$m_fear">> <<option "Corrupted and evil" "corrupted and evil" `$m_fear == "evil" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Being unloved" "being unloved" `$m_fear == "unloved" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Having no support" "having no support" `$m_fear == "supportless" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Being worthless" "being worthless" `$m_fear == "worthless" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Being insignificant, losing sight of myself" "being insignificant, losing sight of myself" `$m_fear == "insignificant" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Being deprived and stuck in routine" "being deprived and stuck in routine" `$m_fear == "deprived" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Being controlled" "being controlled" `$m_fear == "controlled" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Separation and losing everything" "separation and losing everything" `$m_fear == "separation" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Being incompetent, stupid in other's eyes" "being incompetent, stupid in other's eyes" `$m_fear == "incompetent" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> <<if $m_fear is "controlled" or $m_fear is "deprived">>\ <<set $curse_gluttony = true>> <<elseif $m_fear is "separation" or $m_fear is "evil">>\ <<set $curse_wrath = true>> <<elseif $m_fear is "insignificant" or $m_fear is "supportless">>\ <<set $curse_greed = true>> <<elseif $m_fear is "unloved" or $m_fear is "worthless">>\ <<set $curse_lust = true>> <<else>>\ <</if>>\ What creature are you most afraid of? Currently it is: $a_fear ''Animal Fear'' <<if ndef $a_fear>><<set $a_fear = "spiders">><</if>><<listbox "$a_fear">> <<option "Birds" "birds" `$a_fear == "birds" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Dogs" "dogs" `$a_fear == "dogs" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Cats" "cats" `$a_fear == "cats" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Insects" "insects" `$a_fear == "insects" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Spiders" "spiders" `$a_fear == "spiders" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Snakes" "snakes" `$a_fear == "snakes" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>> What location are you most afraid of? Currently it is: $l_fear ''Location Fear'' <<if ndef $l_fear>><<set $l_fear = "maze">><</if>><<listbox "$l_fear">> <<option "Ocean" "ocean" `$l_fear == "ocean" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Forest" "forest" `$l_fear == "forest" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Underground" "underground" `$l_fear == "underground" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Haunted House" "haunted house" `$l_fear == "hauntedhouse" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Open Spaces" "open spaces" `$l_fear == "openspace" ? "selected" : ""`>> <<option "Maze" "maze" `$l_fear == "maze" ? "selected" : ""`>> <</listbox>>

<<nobr>>\ <<if $ZRomance >=5>> <<if $nnZ is "trouble">>\ <<set $nnZ to "trouble">> <<elseif $zillah <50>> <<set $nnZ to "sphinx">> <<else>>\ <<set $nnZ to "pet">> <</if>> <<else>> <<set $nnZ to "unknown">> <</if>> <</nobr>>\ <a data-passage="Episode One: There's No Place Like Home"><img src="images/title.png" alt="Episode One: Heaven Sent" style="float:center"/></a> <img src="images/quote.png">

<<silently>> <<if $honesty >100>>\ <<set $honesty to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $honesty <0>>\ <<set $honesty to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $daring >100>>\ <<set $daring to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $daring <0>>\ <<set $daring to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $optimistic >100>>\ <<set $optimistic to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $optimistic <0>>\ <<set $optimistic to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $stubborn >100>>\ <<set $stubborn to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $stubborn <0>>\ <<set $stubborn to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $sympathy >100>>\ <<set $sympathy to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $sympathy <0>>\ <<set $sympathy to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $pacifist >100>>\ <<set $pacifist to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $pacifist <0>>\ <<set $pacifist to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $serious >100>>\ <<set $serious to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $serious <0>>\ <<set $serious to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $chris >100>>\ <<set $chris to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $chris <0>>\ <<set $chris to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $sydero >100>>\ <<set $sydero to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $sydero <0>>\ <<set $sydero to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $rahim >100>>\ <<set $rahim to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $rahim <0>>\ <<set $rahim to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $amari >100>>\ <<set $amari to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $amari <0>>\ <<set $amari to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $zillah >100>>\ <<set $zillah to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $zillah <0>>\ <<set $zillah to 0>> <</if>>\ <<if $bradley >100>>\ <<set $bradley to 100>> <</if>>\ <<if $bradley <0>>\ <<set $bradley to 0>> <</if>>\ <</silently>>

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Name: Not Known Roe
College Major: Not Chosen
Car: Not Chosen
Fighting Style: Not Known

Not Known's Alignment: Human
Honesty 50 Deceit
Daring 50 Cautious
Optimistic 50 Pessimistic
Sympathy 50 Disdain
Stubborn 50 Reasonable
Pacifist 50 Violent
Serious 50 Comical

Engineering: 0
Charisma: 0
Combat: 0
Medical: 0
Creativity: 0
Perception: 0
Supernatural: 0
Bladesmanship: 0
Guns: 0

Tip: Click the names below for more information on them.

Death
immortal father

Welcome to Season Three of Superstition

Purgatory, the land of death and the origins of supernatural beings. Also, the place you find yourself in. Your past unravels as all the pieces you lacked in the past suddenly appear at your feet. Answers you never thought you would get now find themselves within your grasp. But that doesn’t mean you know what to do with them. Though your past is no longer a mystery, your future is. And it does not look bright. Another prophecy comes into play, and bonds are tested, strengthened, and broken.

If you thought everything in your past was the real test, then you were wrong. You are now officially in this life. There is no going back. There is no place for regrets and second thoughts. In a world as big as yours, will you be the prey or the predator?

If you played Season Two and exported your save, then import it back in with the button below and continue on. If you wish to continue on without importing then continue here instead.

& Continue

If you already played then be sure to check out the other seasons. Similar to this game, they are free. Otherwise, enjoy.
Season One | Season Two | Season Four