*label d_arrive *page_break "Were here." ${d_name} says as we slow down. "Hatchway is on your spinward." "My what now?" "Port, I mean port. No, left, I mean left! Sorry." I reach out, Finding the door with my fingertips before drawing them along to find the door handle. "${mc_fullname}." ${d_name} says, voice growing stern. I jolt, spinning to face the ${d_person}, spine going straight, adrenaline starting to pump. "O, uhm, ${j_name} told us your shipname." ${d_name} says, sounding sheepish now. "Just figured it would get your attention, but judging by your reaction maybe that wasn't the best idea? After all well. You seem to care a bunch for your clan, so." I grimace, rubbing my face then shrug. "Yeah. Yeah, I do. Though since you lot do have my phone number now, I'm kind of boned either way on that front I guess?" "I know what a Shipname is to a person, ${mc_first}." ${d_name} says, voice softening. "We have no intension on acting on that information, the name or number. Your clan, your family, your blood will not be touched by us. They are civilians, and they are outside our purview unless they start harming supernatural’s without provocation. Does that make you feel any better?" I stand, silent. "How bout I just call you ${mc_first}. Will that work better?" I nod. "Ok, ${mc_first} it is, then. Anyway, what I was going to ask is, well. Why me? I mean I'm adorable so there's that, but why did you ask me to walk you? I'm happy you did, but I can think of 3 other people who would have been better picks though for different reasons. If it's not too much trouble?" "Why did you accept?" I ask, 1 part trying to form my thoughts, 1 part surprised, and 1 part curious. "You didn't know the environment, and I figured it would be a good idea to keep an eye on you given what ever happened to you when you first showed up. I mean ${n_name}'s the medic, but ${n_they} is also, well. You met ${n_them}, so. You also asked so there's that!" I nod, and, as I have an answer for the ${d_person} now, start to speak. *choice *if (housecoat_d) =true #"You got me from here to the room, so figured it was a safe bet you would get me back alright as well." I say, shrugging. *set d_relationship %+1 *set mind %+10 *set heart %-10 *set cautious %+10 *set impulsive %-10 "O." ${d_name} says, sounding not put-out exactly, but not that far from it. "That makes sense I guess?" "But?" "Well, it wasn't the answer I was hoping for? I mean it's still better than some, but not what I was hoping for I guess." Then. "It's an honest answer though so, Thanks for that?" I nod. "You don't want to talk about this anymore, do you." "Not really, no." "OK then." "Thanks, ${d_name}." ${d_name} doesn't reply. *goto d_depart #"You seemed the best person to do so?" I say with a slight smile. "I mean, your pretty nice and you don't seem to care about this Seeker thing like the others, so." *set d_relationship %+3 *set impulsive %+10 *set cautious %-10 *set friendly %+10 *set stoic %-10 *set friend_d +1 "Well I can't argue with that." ${d_name} says with a laugh before clapping me on the shoulder. "Thanks for that though." Then, voice growing quiet as the joviality fades. "Really, thanks though. It's not often that. My team knows me, but you don't. Most people go with ${l_name} because ${l_name}, or ${n_name} if there into ${n_them}, or even ${z_name} though he isn't really on the team so it's nice when. Also, well. I know about the Seeker thing, but the others have seen.-" ${d_name}'s voice grows even quieter as ${d_they} continues. "I just think you should be judged for what you do, instead of being judged by what you are is all." "Thanks? Not really sure what to do with that last bit, but." I shrug. "Thanks anyway, ${d_name}." ${d_they} just pats my arm. *goto d_depart #"From the description I was given, I think your hot." I say with a smirk. "So I figured I would investigate that." *set d_relationship -5 *set impulsive %+10 *set cautious %-10 *set bold %+10 *set shigh %-10 *set expressive %+10 *set reserved %-10 *set flirt_d_bold +1 "I said I was sorry about the fireball!" ${d_name} says, sounding exasperated. "I wasn't talking about the fireball, or that you could use fire at all, really. I meant you being hot as in attractive." "Well." ${d_name}'s voice changes, a wary edge creeping in, now. "Good for you then. Is that the only reason?" "Yes?" "If that is the only reason you wanted to speak to me, I would highly suggest that you find someone else. As a suggestion, ${n_name} likes that sort of thing. I, however, don't. Is that clear enough for you to understand? Or are.-" "OK?" "Good." ${d_name} says before ${d_their} voice warms, slightly. "At least you were honest about it from the get-go I guess, so there's that?" I nod, pretty sure that I somehow shoved my foot into my mouth and part-way down my throat. With that in mind, I decide to keep my mouth shut unless addressed, at least for now. After all, the last time the ${d_person} got angry I almost got my face burned off, and as far as I know ${n_name} isn't here to get between me and the fireball, even if ${n_they} would do it again, and since I don't know if ${n_they} would even if ${n_they} was here, which ${n_they} isn't, well. Yeah, probably best to just stay silent now. *goto d_depart #"I, you,-" I start before heat starts burning up the back and sides of my neck as well as the tips of my ears. *set d_relationship %+5 *set shigh %+10 *set bold %-10 *set expressive %+10 *set reserved %-10 *set flirt_d_expressive +1 "${mc_first}?" ${d_name} moves cloce, worry clear in ${d_their} voice. "Are you OK? Your face is bright red." I open my mouth, close it, open it again, then just nod. "OK, then." ${d_they} gives my cheek a pat, which as you might expect doesn't help matters in the slightest before moving away. "If your sure, though why are you getting-. Weight, is this because of me?" With that, ${d_they} pats my cheek again, causing my face to burn hotter once more. "O, your blushing because of? OK, moving away now so you don't actually burst into flames because that would be really really bad!" With that, ${d_they} moves farther away, still muttering though it's too low for me to here, not that I'm really focusing on it anyway given my face, though. *page_break 10 seconds of frantically trying to get my face back to normal later. "Better now?" ${d_name} asks as I finally get my face to cool down, mostly. "Yes, sort of?" "Just to confirm, what you did was a blush, and the blush was actually for me right?" "Yes." "OK just checking." ${d_name} says, voice a mixture of surprise, worry, and confusion before. "Not sure why you would? But well I'll take it I guess." Deciding that trying to articulate myself right now would not end well, I just stay silent, though at least my face isn't trying to become a star anymore So progress I guess? *goto d_depart #"I want to get to know you better, ${d_name}." I say with a smile, pulse increasing as I speak. *set shigh %+10 *set bold %-10 *set d_relationship %+3 *set reserved %+10 *set expressive %-10 *set flirt_d_reserved +1 *set friend_d +3 "So I figured asking you to walk me back here would be a good way of starting that?" Then, on the off-chance ${d_they} takes what I said the wrong way or thinks I want something more right now or something like that. "Just to the door, mind, no-further." "You really just want to get to know me?" "Why not? You seem like a good person to get to know." "Really?" "Yes." "Thanks, ${mc_first}." With that, a hand *goto happy_headpats #"What if I just thought you were adorable and figured I would ask you because of that?" I ask, part smirk and part grin pulling at my lips. *set bold %+10 *set shigh %-10 *set expressive %+10 *set reserved %-10 *set heart %+10 *set mind %-10 *set d_relationship %+3 *set flirt_d_bold +1 *set friend_d +3 "Well I am adorable!" "I'm here, aren’t I?" "Nothing more?" ${d_name}'s voice is small now. "Just. Just that?" "Yes." I say, voice firm before reaching out a hand and gently *goto d_ruffles *label d_ruffles *gosub_scene highest_calc *if (no_headpats) =false ruffling the ${d_person}'s hair. *goto d_ruffles2 *else squeezing ${d_name}'s shoulder. *goto d_ruffles2 *label d_ruffles2 "Nothing more. If things change? Well, that's in the future. If they don't? That's also in the future." "Thanks." ${d_they} mumbles before *if (no_headpats) =false pressing ${d_their} head into my hand. I smile, ruffling ${d_their} hair once more before pulling my hand back. *goto d_ruffles3 *else pressing ${d_their} small hand against mine. I smile before rapping ${d_their} fingers with my larger ones before after about 10 seconds, ${d_they} gently extracts ${d_their} hand from mine, I removing my hand a moment later. *goto d_ruffles3 *label d_ruffles3 "Sorry." "It's fine." I say with a smile. "If you say so." I smile wider before nodding and patting ${d_their} shoulder. *goto d_depart *label happy_headpats *if ((mc_balled =true) or (mc_hairstyle ="shaved")) pats me on the top of my head. *goto happy_headpats2 *else ruffles my hair *goto happy_headpats2 *label happy_headpats2 before stepping away. "That means a lot." *if (no_headpats) =true *goto anti_headpats *else *goto d_depart *label anti_headpats "O, you did say no headpats before, sorry." *choice #"A, It's good." I say with a shrug. *set d_relationship %+3 *set easyGoing %+10 *set stubborn %-10 *set friendly %+10 *set stoic %-10 *set friend_d +3 "I did." I continue. "Just, remember that for next time OK?" "OK. Won't happen again, I'll remember for next time, promise!" I nod with a small smile before stepping forward and ruffling ${d_their} hair. ${d_they} giggles. "All good now?" "Yeah." ${d_they} says with a laugh as I step back. "All good." I nod. *goto d_depart #"Yes I did. Now, if you could remember that I would appreciate it." *set d_relationship -3 *set stoic %+10 *set friendly %-10 *set intimidating %+10 *set charming %-10 *set stubborn %+10 *set easyGoing %-10 *set friend_d -1 "That's fare." ${d_name} says, sounding chastened now. "Won't happen again, I promise." I nod, deciding that 1, ${d_they} has had enough, and 2, reminding ${d_them} that it shouldn't have happened the first time won't do any good. After all just because I don't like when people slip up, doesn't mean I have to beat them over the head with it. If ${d_they} forgets again, I'll figure that out when and if it happens. *goto d_depart *label d_depart *gosub_scene highest_calc *page_break I rub my arms, resisting the urge to shiver. "You OK?" "Cold." I grimace. "Because of What happened?" "No, just because of this." I flex. "Granted, usually cold so." "Here." There is a rustle of fabric before something thick, heavy and most importantly warm falls around my shoulders. "Thanks." I say before sliding my arms through the jacket's sleeves before reaching out and squeezing ${d_name}'s arm, now only in a shirt-sleeve. "Wait, Wern't you wearing a jacket before?-" "You looked like you needed it bunch more than I did." *if (housecoat_d) =true then, quickly. "It won't explode or anything." Then, voice growing heavier. "I promise you that." I nod. *goto d_jacket *else " *goto d_jacket *label d_jacket "Aren’t you cold now though?" "Your wearing tissue paper. Anyway.-" ${d_name}'s words are made rather redundant by the fact that the new jacket is now starting to shift and move, while, I might add, I am wearing it. *page_break What the hell? "What's?" I yelp as the garment shifts, before flowing to fit me almost perfectly. "O good, that worked! Hoped it would bet well. Also, sorry for not telling you? Kind of feel bad now." "Do what?" I ask, slowly. "What did it. What was it supposed to?" "Shift to fit the wearer. Uhm. Sorry I didn't tell you? Though I wasn't even sure if it would work." *if (housecoat_d) =true Though, means I can do this to your housecoat so it will actually fit you!" "Is that all it's going to do?" "Yes." Then, more muttered than said. "Though I can see why you might not trust that, given well. But that is all it will do." *goto d_mods *else *goto d_jacket2 *if (d_relationship) =>60 Then, voice growing cheery. "Least till you ask me to put more mods on it, if that's what you want?" "I'll. I say, slowly. "Think about it, OK?" "That's fare. For now though, that's all it's going to do." I nod. *goto d_jacket2 *else *goto d_jacket2 *label d_jacket2 I nod. "Thanks for the jacket, ${d_name}." I smile. "Really." "Like I said, you looked cold so. Then, voice growing serious. "Considering, I really don't have the write to ask this but could you give the others a chance? ${n_name}, though the ${n_person} would rather die or get hit with another flashbang to the face than admit it, got ripped up by that hole throat cluster-fuck. Weather or not you believe me, ${n_they} didn't set out or even want to do it. Still mad at ${n_them}, but that's different." "${t_name}?" I ask. "Don't bother ${t_them} and ${t_they} won't bother you. That goes for all of us, but ${t_them} especially. Honestly from what I can tell ${t_they} just wants you to go home as soon as possible, so." "What about ${l_name}?" "You won't have any problems with ${l_name}." Then, after a short silence. "Well unless you really try to annoy ${l_them} which considering I've been around for a while and the ${l_person} hasn't done anything would actually be kind of impressive. Also, if you don't put dishes back after you use them but that will just get you a frown and a sigh so that's different." "How about you?" "I'm a good person!" "You know how many people think that?" "You won't have a problem with me, ${mc_first}. Even if you do call me a werewolf again, though I wish you wouldn't?" ${d_their} tone hardens on the word werewolf, before returning to a more light-hearted note on the next words. "Apart from that though I'm pretty chill. I mean I wouldn't mind doing stuff with you, wouldn't mind a live and willing Seeker to do some stuff with, but if you don't that's cool. O, speaking of the others, and me. You want me to show you around this place in a bit? The others will ask you as well, for their own reasons and if you decide to accept one of them I won't be offended or anything, just telling you so you have a heads-up." "Thanks?" "Good. Now." ${d_their} voice grows concerned, the light-hearted quality that had crept into ${d_their} voice when speaking of the others fading to nothing. "It would be better if you stay around your room for the moment if you could. This is a large place and I wouldn't want you getting lost or run into other people, Human or otherwise, who wouldn't take kindly to you especially if they figured out you're a Seeker, you know?" "OK." I say, nodding. "Good. Have a think about my offer to show you around. Like I said the others will probably ask to do it for their own reasons, though if you pick 1 of them I won't be mad or anything so. Now, really have to run. You good here? Door is open so getting into your room shouldn't be a problem though theirs a lock on the inside so you can lock it if you want, we won't come in if you do so." I nod, then, curious. "Would the lock actually do anything?" "If we needed to get in? No. Other than that though, well. Like I said we don't enter a locked room unless we have to. First-off ${n_name} won't go in there at all unless specifically ordered or some other exception. ${l_name} would knock even if it's not locked, I won't go in if the door's locked though I like knocking anyway, and ${t_name}, well.-" "${t_they} won't go in your room at all unless ${t_they} needs to, and then it really won't matter if it's locked or not or much else, really since that ${t_person} will find a way. Does that answer your question?" "Sort of?" "Good. With that, ${d_name} walks off down the hallway. Nodding, I turn before opening the door to my room as I have things to do, before. *if (hug_d) =true "Thanks, ${mc_first}." I hear as ${d_name} stops walking, turning back to face me. "For?" "Asking me, instead of just giving me a hug. I wouldn't have been. Well, mad if you had, I like hugs, but I don't get asked that much, so." "If I said that." I start, slowly. " I had to have that particular lesson hammered into me, would you believe it?" "Yes. Yes, I would." I nod. "I won't push." ${d_name}'s voice is soft. "Just wanted to say thanks." "Thanks." I grunt. ${d_they} doesn't reply. *goto d_warning *else *goto d_warning *label d_warning "Hay." ${d_name}'s voice rings out once more, sounding very much worried now. "If you find stuff in there that's not yours, like papers or fruit or what not and it's not in the bathroom, don't handle it, please? Especially if it's, pineapples?. The big round things with all the spikes at the top." "Why? Also those are pineapples, unless there's another fruit with a bunch of spikes at the top anyway." "Because, knowing Jack it would probably promptly explode. I tried to get most of it out earlier, but better safe than sorry." With that, ${d_name}'s footfalls fade out of my earshot as ${d_they} walks off down the hall. With that I enter my room before closing the door, wondering how exactly I am going to survive the next few hours. *goto room *label room At least till the door clicks shut and my heart decides to shudder, beat once, beat once more, then stop entirely that is. Now I'm fully focused on that little problem. *page_break Come on? Why couldn't have it done that, I don't know, when I was in bed like normal? I have important things to do and I can't have it crapping out on me, even if it'll start right back up in a second. This is the current end of the demo. I hope you have enjoyed entering this world with me, and hope to see you next time. Please led feedback, so I can make this story, and world, better for all of us. By for now, and I hope you all have a good day or night or when ever your reading this. *ending I, for the second time in, let's go with 12 hours? Move around this room. Why’d I think of it as my, room before? Anyway. As I had found earlier? There is 1, night table, the bed, the 2 doors. The closet, which I look inside. Empty, part from a bar from wall to wall, and about a dozen or so empty hooks. Part from that though? Nothing else. The walls are bare. I enter the bathroom, and look in that, finding a shower, toilet, sink. Everything a fully functional bathroom would need. *page_break 20 minutes later I smile, stretch, and mentally examine my work. I? Had, after mapping, mentally, my room? Ruffly, anyway. Decided to organize the bottles in the shower, from shampoo, to condissioner, to, ETC. Had taken a while, and some double checks, but I had eventually? Figured it out. I think, anyway. If I ever got anyone sighted in here? I am pretty sure that they would re-organize the stuff cause I epicly fucked it up somehow? But... For now, at least? It works. I know where things are? So... Yeah... Sying, I turn, moveing out of the bathroom, and flop down on my bed. I? Am, still, sort of tired. Somehow? Shrugging? I strip off my gown, hang it on the hooks on my wall. Guess my walls were not truley bare. I found my housecoat, as was stated, hanging up behind my door on a hook, crawl into bed, pull up the covers? Kirl into a tight little ball to consentrate my bodyheat, still sort of cold? Though, it's in my bones now, not my bones, and flesh. Before falling asleep. Again... *page_break ---just outside the room--- The watcher stands outside the ${mc_person}'s room, face grim behind her faceplate. She opens the door, scanning inside to find ${mc_first}, dead asleep, kirled into a tight ball in ${mc_their} bed. Nodding? She enters the room, removes the housecoat, turns, leaveing the room, closeing the door, before triggering the beacon, she had attached to ${t_name}, the device to do so, hanging off the Watcher's belt. There is a muted flash? A pfft, sound, and with that? The watcher fades from sight, and is gone within another second, leaveing the hallway empty. Apart from, that is, the shadowy form, with pale white eyes, bone-white robes, and a pale scythe looseley gripped in 1 hand, looking at the closed door, face twisted into a strange expression. *page_break 1 week later. I wake, with a sigh. The last week had been. Well? Nothing mutch had happened. I had basicly stayed in my room. Noone came to chat, whic. I was fine with. Mostly because. Strangly enough? I always found food and water sitting on my night table, along with a single set of clothes. They would show up when I woke up, I would eat/drink/ware them? Then? They would all vanish when I went to sleep. I usualy ware my? The? My? The? The, housecoat, when I sleep. If for no other reason because like hell am I showing up somewhere elce, naked again. On day 4? I mulled over going to see what the Vampires were up to, but... Well. I don't have a way to get around, and don't want to get lost. Anyway. I had food and water. Also? I did not want to get under foot. So... Now? It's day. I have gone to sleep, and woken, 7 times. So. Day. 7? I'm sitting on my bed, having just dressed, eaten and drank. Considering on what I am going to do. Well. Dressed? Not exactly accurit? When I say. Dressed? I mean, got into my? The? Housecoat. Somehow fell asleep in my clothes? Anyway. Shruggin? I lie back, fold my arms across my chest? Then, try to still my mind. As I have been doing, more to stave off the bordom? For the last week. Though? Today? I am going to go for a walk. It's... *goto watcher *label watcher ---The watcher--- "I win! ${d_name} trills, pointing at the jumble of blocks, that had once been a truley impressive tower of genga blocks. "No? You lose, if you make the tower fall down. ${n_name} says, a scowl on ${n_their} ${n_skincolor} face. "O... Wate. Wate. Is this like. That other time? "That was different. ${t_name} says, from ${t_their} spot, in the only shadow in the hole room. "I wonder if ${mc_first} likes Genga? ${d_name} says. The others look at each other. "What? "Please don't tell me you forgot about ${mc_them}? ${l_name}? You never forget about. Well. Anything? "Forgot about. What? ${j_name} says, as ${j_their} head and torso pops through the floor in an empty spot, before a Janga block falls, catching her on the top of the head. "Aw. That hert. She deadpans, flicking the block asside, and rizeing fully into the room. "${mc_first}. ${t_name} says. "You. Forgot. About. ${mc_first}. ${j_name} deadpans, face going hard. "What? It's been like. 7 days? ${mc_they} will be fine. ${d_name} says. "Humans can not survive withhout food more than 10 days, ${d_name}. ${j_name} says. Are you telling me. ${mc_they} has not come out of ${mc_their} room, for the last week? "Yeah? ${d_name} looks a little sheepish. The glare that ${j_name} casts the $${d_person}? Could, and according to the file? Had, at one point? Stripped paint from walls. *temp t_guilt false *temp l_guilt false *temp n_guilt false *temp d_guilt false *choice #"${t_name}. *set t_guilt true ${t_name}. ${j_name} growls. Go check. "Why. ${n_name} starts, but ${t_name} sharply raises a hand. *goto t_shift #${l_name}. *set l_guilt true ${l_name}. Check. ${l_name} is already moveing for the door. Back rigid. Face hard as stone. Eyes? *goto l_hammerfall #"${n_name}. *set n_guilt true ${n_name}. ${j_name} snaps. Check. ${n_name} shrugs, standing. *goto n_smirk #"${d_name}. *set d_guilt true ${d_name}. ${j_name} growls. Check. *goto d_exparament *label t_shift "I will go. ${t_name} says before turning, and shifting. "It's so cool when ${t_they} does that! ${d_name} says, brilliant smile flareing on ${d_their} face. ${j_name} glares. *goto lost *else *goto lost *label t_tsunomie There is a flare of shadow, before the door opens, just before the tall ${l_person} strides through. The watcher takes a single look into those ${l_eyecolor} eyes. The door closes. "What's with? ${d_name} asks. "Do not. ${t_name} says, tone hard. Ask. "I hope. For your sakes. ${z_name} rumbles, that the Human still lives. You know of what I speak. he nods at ${t_name}. ${t_name}? Returns it, eyes hard. *goto lost *label n_smirk "Your sure? It's just going to be us 2. Alone in a bedroom. You sure that's what you want? After all. You know what I'm like. "${n_name}. ${t_name} says. The. ${mc_they}. Has not eaten in upwards of 7, days. I highly doubt, that. That? Is going to be a primary concern of ${mc_their}'s. "No. You may not. ${j_name} grunts. ${n_name} promptly flips the scowling woman off, before turning, and moveing from the room. Only the watcher? Seeing the slight pulling of the eyes, the tencion in the jaw. The grim set of the shoulders. It's all so Suttle? That she doubts that even the ${n_person} ${n_thheirself} would notice. But? The. Concern is not quite the correct word? Is? There. *goto lost *label d_exparament ${d_name} nods, stands, turns, and moves to the door. *goto lost *label lost *if (d_housecoat) =true *goto d_brightside *elseif ((d_housecoat =true) and (d_guilt =true)) *goto d_grimson *else *goto lost2 *label d_brightside "What? The housecoat is a prototype survival E V A suit. It will automaticly put ${mc_them} into stasus if it is nessessary to do so. ${mc_they} will be fine. "Does it bring it's user. Out, of stasus? "It's a prototype... "Well? "Still working out that... "So. It does not? "No... But? I can do it? I think? "Percentage? "Um... like. 50? "You do know what happens, if a failiar happens when bringing someone out, of stasus. Correct? "Yes? "So. What you are telling me? Is there is a 50% chance, that ${mc_fullname}, is going to die. *goto Tallos *label d_grimson "Look on the bright side? $}d_they} says, as ${d_they} exits the room. "I designed a feature into the suit that would put it's warer into stasus if. Well? They went without food for like. 7 days. So? Probably just find ${mc_them} sprawled out on the floor. "Can yoou bring ${mc_them} out of stasus? "That was the reason the suite was a prototype. Hadn't figured a way of. Well? Doing that yet. "Can you? Bring ${mc_them} out of stasus? *goto Tallos *label Tallos "We can bring ${mc_them} out. ${t_name} rumbles. I, and ${f_name}. "Percentage? ${j_name} snaps. "97. "With the ghoastblood? "You know about that? "Yes. "It will not be used. Also? No. The. Blood? Is not for the Human. "${t_name}? "Do not. ${j_name}. The ghostblood? Is not? For? ${mc_fullname}. I will not be moved. So? Do not attempt to do so. ${j_name} just grunts. "First thing your going to do, ${d_name}? Is to get the revivication process working. Am. I. Understood? ${j_name}. ${t_name}'s voice is cold. You are oour handler. However? You will not take that tone, with a member of. My? Unit. Am I understood? "Understood. "Good. "I can. ${d_name} says. ${j_name}, nods. With that? $${d_name} turns, moveing from the room. *goto lost2 *label lost2 The watcher makes some calculations. Then? Shrugging? Decides to follow, and see what will come of. This. *page_break ---${mc_first}--- *if (t_guilt) =true *goto t_alive *elseif (l_guilt) =true *goto l_alive *elseif (n_guilt) =true *goto n_alive *elseif (d_guilt) =true *goto d_alive *label t_alive A hand, wakes me. I yelp, gerking back, and away. "${mc_fullname}. "O. It's just ${t_name}. Wate. Why is ${t_they}. O... O no... O... *choice #"If you. I gesture at our pozissions. Wanted to come in? You could have just aske me? I wouldn't have minded. *set bold %+10 "If. I say, smirking, you wanted to? I gesture at our pozissions. I, lying back, arms folded. ${t_they} standing over me. Well. More leaning over me, really. Judging by. No, it's too hard to... "No. Is ${t_name}'s only reply, as ${t_they} rizes to stand at. What ever ${t_their} full hight is. *goto t_alive2 #My face promptly erupts in fire. *set shigh %+10 My face, promptly erupts in fire, as soon as I realize what's happening. More? Our current pozissions. Those pozissions? Being that I? Am lying on my back, legs stretched out, arms folded across my chest. ${t_they}? Is leaning over me. As in, pretty much bent double, far as I can tell. "Your face is bright red. ${t_name} says. "Yes? I squeak. ${t_they} stands up to. What ever the ${t_person}'s normal hight is. My face blushes less. *goto t_alive2 #"The hell! I squalk. *set intimidateing %+10 "The hell! I squalk, scrabling backwards, away from the ${t_person}, who is bent double over me. I did not mean to startle you. ${t_they} says. "But... You don't just. Do! That! Again? I did not mean, to startle you. That is all I can say on the matter. ${t_they} says, as ${t_they} rizes to ${t_their} full hight. What ever that is. *goto t_alive2 *label t_alive2 "So. I say, sitting up. I don't mean to be rude. But. Why are yoou in here? "You look surprisingly well. ${t_name} says, ignoring my question. "Yeah? Why wouldn't I? "You have been in here. 7 days. Yes? I nod. Without food? "No? 1 of you has been dropping food off in the mornings. "No. "Seriasly? "Yes. "Huh. I find 1 set of clothes, and a plate of food in my room in the morning, 1 plate when I wake up around? Noon? Then, 1 at night. I just assumed it was 1 of you 4? "It was not. "Huh. "That is 1 way to think of it? Yes. "Wate. I say, finally realizeing. You thought I was in here for a week without food? "Yes. "Well. At least that explains things? "Does it? "Yeah? "Good. "${mc_fullname} is alive, and surprisingly well. *if (d_housecoat) =true "Did ${mc_they} have to use the suit? I hear ${d_name}'s voice woarble from ${t_name}'s direction. "No. "Good. ${j_name}'s voice comes from the same direction. *goto t_alive3 *else *goto t_alive3 *label t_alive3 "Now that you have been found alive and well. ${t_name} says. "Bring ${mc_them} to play Genga! ${d_name} chirps. "Why? "Because you all suck at Genga! "Do you. ${t_name} starts. I? Nod. "It's. Well. Really, really boaring in here. "Come, then. With that? ${t_name} grabs my arm, before letting go, grabbing my wrist, and putting it on ${t_their} arm. With that? We move out. *goto genga *label l_alive A large hand is currently around my arm. Why is there a large hand around my arm? ${mc_first}? ${l_name}'s voice? Why is it right next to me? Also. It's ${l_name}'s hand? What's... 1. I am currently lying in bed. Legs stretched out. 2. ${l_name}'s hand is on my shoulder. Voice, so face, right next to my face. *choice #"You know? I say, smirking. *set bold %+10 "You know? I say, smirking. You just had to ask, if you wanted to come in. Also? This isn't the worst. Well. "Parden me? "I was looking to insure that you were alive. "When I wake up, with the pozissions were in? What am I supposed to think? ${l_name}'s hand removes itself from my shoulder, as the ${l_person} stands to full hight. What ever that is. *goto l_alive2 #O... O know... It seems my face has decided to combust into flames. *set shigh %+10 "My face, burns with fire. "Are you alright? ${l_name} says, rizeing slightly. . . "Yes? I squeak, unable to articulate anything better. Or. Really? Else right now. "Aah. You are. Why are you blushing? I? Don't answer. ${l_name}? Stands the rest of the way up, to ${n_their} full hight. What ever that is. *goto l_alive2 #What the hell? I yelp, skuttling backwards in fright. *set intimidateing %+10 "Agg! I yelp, skuttling backwards in surprise, more than anything else. "Don't. Do, that! You startled. "I apologize. I, after my heart slows down to a normal, volume. Can Vampires hear human hearts? Decide to ask the most obvious question, as ${t_name}, stands to ${t_their} full hight. What ever that is. *goto l_alive2 *label l_alive2 "Are you alright? You look. Well. Surprisingly healthy? "Why wouldn't I be? "You have been without food, for the last 7 days. "No? "Where did you find food? ${l_name}'s voice sounds highly concerned. There is also something. Else, in ${l_their}'s tone. "I thought you dropped it off? I have been getting food when I get up in the morning? Somewhere in the day. Lunch? Then? At night. Though? It has been. Really. Really. Really, boaring in here. "It was not us, ${mc_first}. So. You are alright, then? I shrug. "Yeah? Though, as I said. Really. Really. Really, board. Was probably going to go for a walk, today anyway. "It is good. Being trapped in a room. No food. it is... A crime, for one to be put through. That. On the last word? ${l_name}'s voice goes cold. Hard. I? Flinch a little. "Are you alright? "What was. That? I ask, worried. "What was that? "What was. What? "Your tone changed at the end. Angry. "My anger? ${l_name} says, hand landing on my arm, squeezing, then letting go. Was not against? You. It was... For, you. If that makes sence. "Ok? I say. Um... Ok? "Well. If your not angry at. Me? Considering... I gesture at myself with a hand. "As I said? My anger? Is not against, you, ${mc_first}. I nod. "So. Wate. You came in here, thinking that I would be under the effects of. 7 day food los? "Yes. You looked. At first glance? Like you were under said affects. I know what I am talking about. ${l_name}'s tone is cold. Flat. "So. You are alright, then? You have food? Water? "Yeah? I say. Again? 3 meels a. Think it's a day? Water is. I shrug, nodding towards the bathroom. Tap. Though... "You can drink the water. I nod. "Ask ${mc_them} if ${mc_they} wants to play Genga! ${d_name}'s voice woarbles from ${l_name}'s direction. "15 minutes ago. ${l_name} says. We had forgotten about ${mc_them}. Now. Yoou want ${mc_them} to play Genga? "I'm fine with playing Genga. I say. I would have come out earlier? But, didn't want to get lost. "In that case. ${l_name} says. Do you wish my arm? I stand, reaching a hant out. ${l_name}'s arm, more lands in my hand, than I actually find it. With that? We start moveing. *goto genga *label n_alive "You alive? I hear. Right? Next to my face. Breth on my ear. *choice #"I am now. I purr, smirking. *set bold %+10 *set charming %+10 *set n_relationship %+5 "I am now. I purr, smirking at ${n_name}. If you had called ahead? Well. I wouldn't have been caught. I shrug. Like this? "What if. ${n_name} purrs. This, is exactly where I want you? I? Shrug. I'm not complaining. ${n_name} grunts. *goto n_alive2 #My face burns. *set shigh %+10 *set heart %+10 *set n_relationship %+3 My face burns, as I realize, that ${n_name}'s face? Is right near my own. "Yeah. ${n_name} mutters, seemingly to ${n_theirself}. Your alive. . . . . "Alive? I squeak, but can't spit out anymore. *goto n_alive2 #"Aag! I yelp, scrambling back in surprise. *set impulsive %+10 *set cautious %+10 "Aag! I yelp, scrambling backwards in surprise. "What. ${n_name} says, sounding miffed. Never woken up to a ${n_person} leaning over you before? . . . *goto n_alive2 *label n_alive2 "Is ${mc_they} alive? ${d_name}'s voice woarbles from ${n_name}'s direction. ${n_name} sighs, before rizeing to ${n_their} full hight. What ever that is. "Yes. "Condission? ${t_name}'s voice comes now. "Have not gotten that far yet. "Condission? "Um... Really. Really. Really. Board? "${mc_they} is saying ${mc_they} is board. Physical condission? "O. Don't ask ${n_them} that, ${t_name}? ${d_name} sighs. You know what your going to get. ${n_name} laughs. It's. A surprisingly. Sweet? Laugh. "So. I decide to ask, since. Well. "What brings you here, ${n_name}? "When you last eat? "Um... Bout, 6 hours ago? "What? "Food? Um... Food? Don't remember. Wouldn't you? "Why. "Didn't you drop it off? "No. "O... Wate, so. You thought I hadn't eaten for a week? "Yes. "O... Um... Ok? "${mc_first}! ${d_name}'s voice woarbles again. You want to play Genga? "Why weould ${mc_they} want to play. Genga. ${n_name} growls. "Just because you don't llike it? Doesn't mean ${mc_they} won't! "Yeah. I say. I wouldn't mind. Really. Really. Really boaring in here. "I could. Make it. Less, boaring. ${n_name} says. "No, ${n_name}. ${l_name} sighs. ${n_name} growls. "Come on. A hand grips my arm, gerking me upright. "Elbow. I feel an elbow land in my hand. I grab hold. With that? ${n_name} starts moveing. *goto genga *label d_alive "${mc_first}? ${d_name}'s voice comes from right beside my head. Your alive. Right? Please be alive? ${j_name}? That woman can be scarry. *choice #Well. I say, smirking. I can't complain about this. *set bold %+10 *set charming %+10 "Well. I say, smirking. Didn't expect this when I woke up this morning. "Wate. Huh? My smirk grows. *goto d_alive2 #My face burns with a vivid red flame. *set shigh %+10 My face burns bright red, as I realize the situation. ${mc_first}? You are alive. Right? . . . "Yes? I squeak, unable to articulate anything else. Good. ${d_name} sighs, breth whispering across my. Why is... My face burns hotter. *goto d_alive2 #I yelp, scrambling back in surprise. *set cautious %+10 I yelp, gerking back in surprise. "Sorry, sorry. ${d_name} says. Though? I guess that means your alive? *goto d_alive2 *label d_alive2 "Well. Good. Your alive! ${d_name} says, as ${d_they} moves back, standing to ${d_their} full hight. What ever that is. "Why would you think I wouldn't be? I ask, confused. "Well. You have been in here for. 7 days without food. "Huh? I have been getting food for the last week. I thought you. Well. 1 of you, had been dropping it off? I wake up, there is a plate of food. 1 more at lunch, and 1 more at. Dinner? I think? "O! That's! Good! Um... "Do you want to play Genga? I shrug. Yeah? It's been. Really. Really. Relaly boaring in here, all alone. "Ok! Here. A hand grips my wrist, before putting it on an elbow. I grab hold? With that? We go. *goto genga *label genga The tower falls to the ground with a crash. "You lose! ${d_name} sings. I shrug. I had, been the one to pull that last peace out of the tower, after all. "So. ${l_name} says. Why didn't you come out? "Didn't want to get lost. I grunt, squatting to start gathering up the blocks. "We... Did not mean to leave you like that. ${l_name} says. I. We, are sorry. Aren’t. We? "Yes. ${t_name} says, from ${t_their} pozission by the wall. "Yes. ${d_name} says, voice on level with mine, as. I assume? ${d_they} picks up blocks. Since? Well. Were the only ones actually playing. ${l_name}had bowed out 2 towers ago, and ${n_name} had done 1 game, before bowing out. Well? More of a statement that ${n_they} was not doing this again. ${t_name}? Had just stood against the wall. Silent, unless addressed. "${n_name}? ${l_name} prompts. "Yeah. ${n_name} grunts. "I got the last. ${d_name} says. Again? I? Shrug. "This. Insadint. ${t_name} says, from the wall. Will not happen again. "So. I say. You all forgot about me? "Yes. ${d_name} says. Ummm. Sorry? I shrug. "I just figured I would stay out of the way. Considering... Well. The hole. Thing? I gesture with a hand. "That is a... Though unnessessary? Proodent, thing to do. ${t_name{ says. I. ${t_name}'s statement is drowned out by the crash of the genga tower falling over. "O. ${d_name} sighs. "So. I say, just to confirm. None of you were dropping food off in my room? "No. 4 voices come from around the room. I? Nod. "Well. ${d_name} says. Your not. You know? Dead! So... "That is what you come up with. ${n_name} deadpans. "What would you do? ${d_name} asks back. "I would attempt to find the being responsible, and detain them. "You are correct. ${t_name} states. Despite the survice rendered? We have a possibly elliment loose in this facility. I? Shrink back, shuffling back several steps. "Hay! ${d_name} says. Your going to leave me to pick up the rest of these? Just cause I lost? Doesn't mean I have to pick them all up! "Possibly hostile element. ${n_name} deadpans. "Yes. "Possibly. ${l_name} says. Hostile element. "I just said that. We do not. "Are you going to just stand there? ${d_name} mutters. "O... You thought I ment. "It does not matter what you ment, ${t_name}. ${l_name} says. It matters? What ${mc_they}? Thinks you ment. "I did not mean to include you in that clasification. ${t_name} says, hard tone soffening slightly. "Wate. What? ${d_name} asks, then. "O! No. Your not a threat? Well. Unless you mean to Genga towers? "You lost the last 2 games. ${n_name} deadpans. "Hay! I was makeing an analagy! Don't cramp my style! "I will not lagjitimize that? With an answer. ${t_name} says. ${n_name} sounds agreement. ${l_name} remaines silent. "Another game? "Nah. I'm good. I say. The crashing is starting to. Well. Give me a bit of a headache. "Noone wants to play with me! ${d_name} complains. "Noone wants to play. Genga, with you. ${t_name} says. Does not mean? Noone wants to play with you, periad. "Hmph. ${d_name} grumbles. "What time is it, anyway? I ask. "Time to get a watch! Of course! ${d_name} says. "I don't have, a watch. I say. ${mc_they} can't get, a watch. ${n_name} says. "Come on? I was. O, never... "It is. 19-34. ${n_name} says. I nod. "Huh. Thought it was. A little earlier? I shrug. Bzzt. Bzzt. Bzzt. "Yes? ${t_name} says. Silance. "Yes. 15 minutes. There is a cllick. I realize it's the sound of a phone locking. "Mission. I hear movement, then. "Someone should return ${mc_first} to ${mc_their} room. "Also? You know. Not forgett about ${mc_them}. ${d_name} chimes. "Yes. ${t_name} agrees. I stand. "I will. ${z_name} rumbles. Does anyone have a problem with that? This? Is not, a trick question. "I don't. I say with a shrug. You seem. Decent enough? "Just never get into a snowball fight with him. ${d_name} mutters. "I do not. ${t_name} states. "I do not, if you do not, ${mc_first}. ${l_name} says. "You know my general aditude to this sort of thing. ${n_name} gruntts. "${mc_first}? ${z_name} grunts. Come, then. I? Stand, reach out, and find a huge arm, which I grab hold of. With that? We turn, moveing out. *page_break moveing. ${z_name} moves at my pace, which I am grateful for. "So. Did you drop off all that food? I ask, as we go. It wasn't any of the unit, or. ${j_name}? "No. I did not. I shrug. "We will insure? That thata does not happen again. If I do not? I hear a low rasp of a laugh. I can garantee? ${l_name}? Will. *if (l_guilt) =true O, if you had seen the look in ${l_their} eyes when ${l_they} realized... I have only seen that look on 1 other person. "Who? "A monster. A monster, through and through. Also? My best dam friend ever. *goto moveing2 *else *goto moveing2 *label moveing2 After that? We move in relative silance. "Why did you not leave the room. I shrug. "Didn't want to get under their feet? Considering. Well. Seeker seems to equal bad? "That is... Understandable. They. All of them, are good people. In their own way. They may seem. Hard? Cold? But... They have hearts. They are, people. "I know that? "Good. I have, in the past. Met people Humans? Who look at them. Find out they are Vampires? Then decide that they must be monsters because of this. "Are you a Vampire? "No. Tals? My kind? Do not do well as the nightwalkers. Sunborn? Even less so. No. I'm a werewolf. Also. Please, no little red rideing hood jokes? "I wasn't going to say any? Well. Not till you brought it up. "Good. Always hated that story. They got so, so many things wrong... Also? Were here. We slow down, as I hear a click. This is your door. I nod, moveing towards the door, letting go of ${z_name}'s arm. *choice #"Thanks, ${z_name}. *set heart %+10 *set z_relationship %+3 "Thanks, ${z_name}. I say, as I enter my room. "Happy to help, kid. I hear in reply. Been in your place before. Well. Sort of, anyway. *goto movement3 #I do not speak. *set mind %+10 *set cautious %+10 I do not speak. *goo moveing3 *label moveing3 With that? I fully enter my room, and hear ${z_name}'s heavy footfalls strideing away. With that? I close my door. Somehow? I am tired. Not sure how? But... I shrug, lying down, and closeing my eyes. *page_break the next day. *goto waken *label waken *if (highest_relationship ="t_relationship") *goto t_waken *elseif (hhighest_relationship) ="l_relationship" *goto l_waken *elseif (highest_relationship ="n_relationship") *goto_scene bloodsworn n_waken *elseif (highest_relationship ="d_relationship" *goto_scene bloodsworn d_waken *label t_waken "Wake up. I hear a voice, right next to me. I blink, groan, and role, while *temp t_question_lamp *choice #My fist lashes out towards the voice. *set combat +20 *set intimidateing %+10 My fist lashes out towards the voice. *goto t_combat #I focus on the voice, trying to figure out who it is. *set perception +20 *set reserved %+10 "O. I mutter. It's. You, ${t_name}? Why are you here? *goto t_perception #What the hell! I yelp. *set people %+20 *set friendly %+10 "What the hell! I yelp. You said you wouldn't do that anymore! *goto t_people #I reach, grabbing the first thing, the lamp, and shine it directly towards the voice. *set tech +20 *set t_ask_lamp true *set mind %+10 I whip out a hand, grab the first thing I can find, a lamp, spin it towards the voice, and turn it on. *goto t_tech *label t_combat Something hard, raps around my arm, twisting it back and up. I grunt, then, the hand releaces me. "You over-extend. ${t_name}'s voice is flat. Do not do so again. *goto t_waken2 *label t_perception Also. Didn't you say you would. Knock? "There is a need. ${t_name} says. I sigh. I grunt, before *goto t_waken2 *label t_people "I said I would not shift, unless there was a need. There is, a need. ${t_name} says, tone, as normal, cold. "Your serious? "Always. "You know what? I. I'm just going to go with this, now. OK? There is no reply. I sigh, *goto t_waken2 *label t_tech "Turn. ${t_name} growls. That. Off. "Why are you in my room? "Turn. That. ${t_name} growls, before the lamp is slapped from my hand, landing on the night table with a clatter. "Do not shine light at me when in this situation. "${t_name}? "Yes. "I don't mean to be rude, but. Your in my room. What else am I going to do? "Something other than shiening light at me. Now. There is a need. Get up. I consider, mentally shrug, then sigh, before *goto t_waken2 *label t_waken2 I consider this situation, then. *temp flirt_t_sleepy false *choice #"Ok, ok. I mutter. Getting up... *set t_relationshhip %+3 *set easyGoing %+10 *set friendly %+10 "Ok, Ok. I mutter. I'm getting up, now. Just. Give me a minute? "Can you dress yourself in 1 minute? "No? "Then? Why request a single minute? "It's a figure of speatch. "Aah. "Look. Can you just give me a bit to wake up? "I can do that, yes. "Good. "Good. Start, now. We have little time. *goto t_waken3 #"Go away. I mutter, sticking my head under my pillow. *set t_relationship %-3 *set intimidateing %+10 *set reserved %+10 "Go away. I grunt, sticking my head back under my pillow. "You are required by the team. Do you think that sticking your head under your pillow will somehow force mt to leave? That, is a pillow. I? Am a Vampire. "Sleep. I grumble, the pillow muffling my voice. The pillow is snatached, before I hear a soft thump near the bathroom door side of my room. "Get up? Or you will no-longer have a pillow. I? Reach out, but my other pillow thumps to the floor on the same side as my first one. "Your not going to stop tossing my stuff till I get up, are you. "No. "Can't I have more sleep? "You have been sleeping, for 6 hours. You are required. Get up. I sigh. *goto t_waken3 #"What if. I say, before fire burns up my face, and down the back of my neck. *set shigh %+10 *set impulsive %+10 *set flirt_t_sleepy true "What if. I say, before fire bursts out all along my neck, and face, and my mouth goes dry as sand. . . . "That's what I am banking on? "You are capeable of walking. Why would you want me to assist you. You need no assistance. Also. Why are you blushing. "I'm trying. I mutter, to flirt? "Get up. You are needed. ${t_name}'s voice is flat. Cold. I? Decide to just obey. ${t_name} sounds. Angry. I would rather not get ${t_name}, angry. *goto t_waken3 #"What if. I say, a smirk on my lips. *set bold %+10 *set charming %+10 *set flirt_t_sleepy true "What if. I say, smirking. That's exactly what I am banking on? "You are. ${t_name} says, slowly. Banking, on me forceing you to get out of bed. Why? ... ... ... "Are you being. Serious? "Yes. "That, is what you come up with? "I will not assist you. Now? Get up. We have things to speak of. I? Decide to just... Forget about this, now? *goto t_waken3 *label t_waken3 After a moment? I remember. ${t_name}? "Yes. "I need to get dressed. "And? "I'm naked. Could you. You know. Leave? Also. Please. Knock, next time? *temp t_take_crate true "I. ${t_name} says, sounding almost. Sheepish? I apologize. The last person who was in this room. Would have known I was comeing. It matters not. Dress yourself. We have matters to speak of. I will close the door. With that? I know that the ${t_person} is no-longer in the? My? No, for now? The, room. *goto_scene bloodsworn waken *label l_waken *temp l_take_crate true *temp flirt_l_sleepy false A noise, pulls me from sleep's warm embrace. *choice #I swing a fist towards the noise. *set combat +20 *set intimidateing %+10 I swing a fist towards the noise, but hit, nothing. *goto l_waken2 #I sit, silently. Focusing on the noises. *set perception +20 *set reserved %+10 I lie, silent. Focusing on the. Knocks? They were. Knocks? Huh. *goto l_waken2 #Who? I groan. What? *set people +20 *set friendly %+10 Who? I murmer. What you? Who? *goto l_waken2 #I grab at the first object I can find, a lamp, point it at the noise, and turn it on. *set tech +20 *set mind %+10 I grab up the nearest object, a lamp, before turning it towards the door, then turn it on. ... ... ... Realizeing that it's not doing anything? I turn the lamp off, but. Point... Made... Guess? Tired... *goto l_waken2 *label l_waken2 Thump. Thump. Thump. "We need to go, soon, ${mc_first}. You need to get up. I groan once again? Trying to barry my head further under my pillow, wanting the voice, and the knocking, to just go away so I can get more sleep. "Go... Away... Tired... Go away... I mutter, voice muffled by my pillow. Thump. Thump. Thump. "If you don't get up? ${l_name}'s voice, I finally realize who it is, says through the door. I will have to come in there, and make you. Though? I would rather not, for both our sakes. *temp flirt_l_sleepy false *tempp ask_naked false *choice #"Ok, ok. I groan. I'm getting up. I'm getting up. Just. Gim a second. Won't you? *set friendly %+10 *set easyGoing %+10 *set l_relationship %+3 "Ok, ok. I murmer. Getting... Up. Getting... Gim a bit, won't you? Please? I'm not good in the morning... "You have 5 minutes. ${l_name}'s voice responds through the door, tone odly. Tence? We really do, need to go soon, though. *goto waken2 #"Go away. I grunt, grumpally. *set l_relationship %-3 *set impulsive %+10 *set stubborn %+10 *set intimidateing %+10 "Go away. I grumble, grumpaly. Need more. Sleep. "You have been asleep. ${l_name} says through my door, for the last 6 hours. Please. Just get up? I really don't want to have to come in there? "Door is locked. I grunt. "I can break it down. ${l_name} replies, now sounding only slightly annoyed. I'm a Vampire. This? Is a wooden door. Who do you think is going to win that? Though. I would rather not. I will just get ${t_name} to open it if I have to. That would be... Inconvenient, for all involved, though. So. Kindly just get up? "Door. I grunt, responding to the ${l_person}'s last previous question. "No. That? I hear a sigh, is incorrect. "Fine. I sigh. Getting... Just gim a bit. Need to get dressed. "Thus why I did not want to have to come in there, and wanted you to get up on your own. 5 minutes. I hear, then silance. I grunt. *set ask_naked false *goto waken2 #"What if. I start, a smirk comeing to my lips. *set bold %+10 *set charming %+10 *set flirt_l_sleepy true "What if. I say, smirking. That is what I am banking on? "${t_name} unlocking the door? "You comeing in. "Why would you be banking on that? "Why not? "That. ${l_name} snaps, is inappropriate. I will not comment on it, especially since you? Are still half-asleep. Now. Kindly get up? I am not, comeing in, now. I don't reply. "Why? "${j_name} says that your attractive. Anyway. It's my first reaction to people at my door who arn't my family, or. Well. Yeah. Dam, that sounded better in my head... I shrug, even though the ${l_person} can't see me doing so. Um... I didn't really think through what I was going to say? Since. I assumed your answer was going to be to the tune of. Fuck off? Or something to that nature? Um... My face starts burning. Um... Yeah... Um... So... Yeah? "Just. I hear a sigh from beyond the door. Please get up?. We can... Talk about this? If you want to? Later. A lot, later. OK? I shrug. Hay? I got. Something, other than being vilently shot down? So. That's something? Right? *goto waken2 #"What if. I start, before my face erupts in flames. *set shigh %+10 *set impulsive %+10 *set flirt_l_sleepy true "What if. I start, before my face bursts into flames, and my mouth goes dry. . . . I am banking on you comeing in? I, force out through a dry throat. "${mc_first}. This is not the time for what ever your thinking of. Just. Get up. We have things to do. I open my mouth. Close it. Open it, then mentally shrug, and close it once more. "Getting up... "Good. "I will not bring this up again. Unless you do so. Well. I think. I didn't get, the outcome I thought, which was a. Fuck no!. So. That's... Something? I guess? *goto waken2 *label n_waken *temp n_take_crate false "Wake up. I hear, whispered into my ear. Wate. What? I jolt, sitting up, sheet still around my body, before *choice #My fist swings towards the voice. *set combat %+20 *set intimidateing %+10 My fist swings towards the figure, before a long bony hand, with a grip that chills, clamps around my wrist, halting my swing dead in it's tracks. "Don't do that again. ${n_name}, for it is, ${n_name} says, hand still locking my arm in place. I'm going to let go of your arm now. Don't hit me again. I have already let you try to punch me on 2 different ocasions. I will not, let you do so, a third time. With that? The hand releaces my wrist. Anyway. In a contest between your fist, and my face? Your fist, will not win, and I actually came here for a reason. So. *goto n_waken2 #"Why are you in my room. ${n_name}? *set perception %+20 *set reserved %+10 "What are you doing in my room. ${n_name}? "Wakeing you up. Do you have a problem with that? I don't reply, instead *goto n_waken2 #"Oy! Get out! *set people +20 *set friendly %+10 "Oy! Get out! I snap, annoyed. "Why? "Because I asked you nicely. I snap. I don't hear a reply from, now I think back, ${n_name}. *goto n_waken2 #I grab at a lamp, turn it towards the voice, and turn it on. *set tech +20 *set mind %+10 I ggrab the lamp from my night table, point it towards the voice, and turn it on. Owwww. It's a lamp. Owww. I don't like lamps. Turn it off. Turn it off. ${n_name} drawls. It's not even plugged in. Well. Not anymore, anyway. As ${n_name} speaks, I hear the sound of a cord, being pulled from the wall. ... ... ... "Put the lamp down. You look stupid. Not that I really care? But... You know. I grunt in annoyance, *goto n_waken2 *label n_waken2 Doing my best glare, at ${n_name}. "What are you doing here? Also. Were you watching me sleep? Because. "Stuff, and. Mabie? Do you have a problem with that? . . "Now we have that? ${n_name} drawls, now standing at my doorway. Out of the way? You need to get up. *temp 6 false *temp flirt_n_sleepy false *choice #"Fine... Fine. I grumble. Getting. Up.... *set easyGoing %+10 *set friendly %+10 *set n_relationship %+3 "Ok, Ok. I groan. Getting up. Don't. Shout... Loud... Ugg... "I'm not shouting. I just grunt in reply. *goto n_waken3 #"Go away. I growl. Need. More. Sleep. *set n_relationship %-3 *set intimidateing %+10 *set stubborn %+10 "Go. I grunt. Away. Need... More... Sleep... Come back... Later, or something? "Not going to happen. ${n_name} states, deadpan. Get up. I push my head back under my pillow. "I am going to stand here. ${n_name} deadpans. Till you get up. I grunt, consider. Consider more, then, my pillo is vilently yanked away, and tossed. I hear it hit the wall. "Don't bother. ${n_name} says, as I reach for my other. I tossed that one too. Can't hide under pillos anymore. "Fine. I grunt, before *goto n_waken3 *label n_waken3 I start to throw the sheet off, then realize. "I'm naked. I say. Could you leave? "Why? Are you ashamed or something? "No. "Then? Why. "Because. "I'm not judging. Trust me. I really couldn't care what you look like. You have what I need, and that's all I really care about, so. *choice #"O? I say, smirking. *set n_relationship %+3 *set bold %+10 *set impulsive %+10 *set 6 true *set flirt_n_sleepy true "O? I say, a smirk forming on my lips. That sounds almost like something I would be interested in. How much time do you have? "On any other day? I would be. More than happy to take you up on that offer? ${n_name} pirrs, breth whispering across my ear now. Why does ${n_they} smell like choclat? However. Now? You actually have stuff to do. So? Get up. *goto n_simulation #"What if. I start, before my face goes red. *set n_relationship %+3 *set shigh %+10 *set impulsive %+10 *set flirt_n_sleepy true "What if. I start, before my face explodes with fire. . . . "I want to take you up on that. Offer? I finally choak out. . . . "Normally? ${n_name} pirrs, face now close to mine. Why does ${n_they} smell like choclet? I would. Well. Not quite jump at that opertunity? But... Close enough. Unfortunitly. Very, very, very unfortunitly, judging on how red your face is, we have stuff to do now. So. Kindly get up? *goto n_simulation #"Look. I sigh. *set heart %+10 *set intimidateing %+10 *set cautious %+10 "Look. I sigh. Could you just leave, so I can get dressed in peace? . . . . "That what you really want? ${n_name} asks, voice returned to normal. "Yeah. "Fine. Don't doddle. Or I will come back in, and if your currently naked? Not my falt. With that? ${n_name} moves from the door, which snaps closed with a. Well? Snap. *goto waken *label n_simulation I decide that this? Is a victory. After all? I, looking back, thought that something like this, would end up happening: ---simulation--- Me. What if I want to take you up on that? ${n_them}. #. I'm leaveing now. Also? Hell no.. ---End of simulation--- After all. ${n_they} is a Vampire, with a unit. I'm just the. Probably, in their minds. Crazy, defenitly in their minds, unsafe. Random Human who showed up, and tried to bash ${n_name}'s fists in while screeming at the top of my lungs the other night. Not exactly a. Want to have fun? Introduction. "You really don't care, that I, am a Vampire, standing inside your room, with the only other people around, being 3 other vampires, and what ever ${j_name} is? ${n_name}'s question. Sounding actually curious? Brings me out of my thoughts. I take a few seconds to pivit at the change of subject. "No? Not particularly? "Get up. We can talk about this later. With that? ${n_name} leaves my room, closeing the door with a snap. *goto waken *label d_waken *temp d_take_crate true "Hello? I hear a voice right next to my ear. ${mc_first}? We really need to. "O... The O? Is drawn from ${d_name}, by *temp flirt_d_sleepy false *temp squeel false *choice #Me throwing myself vilently backwards with a high-pitched squeel. *set heart %+10 *set impulsive %+10 *set squeel true I throw myself away from the voice with a high-pitched squeel that must have hit at least 2 octives on the way up. Looking back? Sounds something a squirl would do, actually. But? Back to the situation at hand. For. I care not from whence the squeel comes. Only that it does... "Um... Sorry? I... You need to get up. I. I will be... Outside? Yeah... I will be... Outside... Now. *goto waken #My fist, flying towards the ${d_person}'s voice. So, probably ${d_their} face. *set impulsive %+10 *set d_relationship %+3 *set combat +20 My fist, flying towards the voice, and hopefully? ${d_their} face. My wrist is grabbed in an iron vice, small hand, surprisingly warm fingers, grip like iron. Ruffer fingertips than I would have expected? as my hand swings through the space that the ${d_person}'s head should be located. "Sorry. ${d_name} says, letting go of my arm. You were going to smash your hand into the bedside, and probably hert yourself. So. We don't need more blood. Especially not yours. Especially not now. Also? If you had hit me, you probably would have hert yourself, more than me, and that's just a bad way to wake up in the morning. So... The hand lets go of my wrist. "Your not. I start, bemused. "Mad you tried to deck me? Nah. It's pretty reasonable for you to try to punch me, considering I showed up in your room when you were sleeping. Uhh. Sorry about that, by the way? The guy who lived in this room. Well. I forgot he doesn't live here anymore... Nice reflexes, by the way. I mean. For an unaugmented Human, anyway. So? Yeah. I'm going now? Just... Get up soon? We have stuff to do, and this thing is heavy. With that? I know, somehow? The ${d_person} is no-longer in the room. *goto waken #my smirk, pulling my lips back into a shit-eating grin. *set bold %+10 *set charming %+10 *set flirt_d_sleepy true "Why. ${d_name} asks, are you smirking? "Well. I reply, smirking still. This? Is not the worst thing to happen to me in the morning. You being here, I mean. "Me, comeing into your room? "Yeah. My smirk grows wider. "Um... Are you trying to imply something, ${mc_first}? "If I am? "You just woke up. ${d_name} has changed, grown hard. Not angry? But, just. Hard. I will not entertain this. Not till you have had a good long think. OK? I open my mouth, but as I do? I realize that ${d_name}? Is no-longer in my room. *goto waken #There is now a blazeing fire, that's currently running up my neck, visible above the sheet. *set shigh %+10 *set d_flirt_sleep true *set immpulsive %+10 There is now, a fire that's currently running up my face, and the back of my neck. Both areas visible above the sheet, and on full display to anyone who might be looking. "Are you OK? ${d_name} says, as a small, surprisingly warm hand touches the back of my neck. Why are you going all red? This? As you are I expect screaming, does not help my situation. I just burn hotter. Blush, harder. "Um... "Um... "Nice to see you this morning? I finally manage. "You can't see me, ${mc_first}. Though. Nice to see you? Not like, but. You know? ${d_name} mutters. Here. No, no... Why is your pulse spikeing? Do you need space? I'l give you space... With that? I hear the door open and close, as ${d_name} leaves. Well. That. Happened? I... Guess? Ok, then. I move, wack my head off the night table, grunt, realize that I had, in fact, found that this? Is not? A dream? Before *goto waken *label waken2 I stretch, sigh, and clamber out of bed, stretching once again, before I consider weather or not to have a shower, or if I even have time. *choice #"Do I have time for a shower? I grunt groggilly through the door. *set team_player %+10 *set easyGoing %+10 "Do I have time for a shower? I grunt through the door. *if (t_take_crate) =true "5 minutes. I hear in reply, soft voice still somehow carrying clearly through the thick wooden door. I nod. *set t_relationship %+1 *goto waken2 *elseif (l_take_crate) =true "Yes. I hear through the door. However? If you could make it a bit quicker than last time? We have business to atend to. Pressing, business. I nod, lips pulling back slightly. *set l_relationship %+1 *goto waken2 *elseif (n_take_crate) =true "Hurry. ${n_name} growls. You have, 1 and a half minutes. If you can't shower in that time? Don't bother. We have stuff to do, and I will not be late, because of you. Got it? I nod? Though. Can you even shower in 1 and a half minutes? Well. Guess I will find out... *set n_relationship %+1 *goto waken2 *elseif (d_take_crate) =true "Yeah. I hear through the door. You have a bit of time? Though. Wate, no. There isn't water rationing here... Never mind. Yeah, you have a little bit. I nod, not quite sure where the water rationing came from? But... I can shower, so... *set d_relationship %+1 *goto waken2 #I turn, moveing towards the bathroom. I need? Noone's permission, to clean myself. *set independent %+10 *set stubborn %+10 I turn, moveing towards the bathroom. I need, a dam shower before I do anything else. I do not, need. Anyone's permission, to do so. *goto waken3 *label waken3 *page_break after the shower. I step from the shower, towel off, sling the housecoat over my shoulders, dimley noticeing that now? It fits me better? Perhaps it's a. You have to break it in, thing or something? Then move towards the door, opening it. I had slipped the hospitle slippers I had also gotten with the gown? On before I opened the door, so at least I have footware, now. *if (t_take_crate) =true *goto t_crate *elseif (l_take_crate) =true *goto l_crate *elseif (n_take_crate) =true *goto n_crate *elseif (d_take_crate) =true *goto d_crate *label t_crate "Move aside. ${t_name} says, tone brusk. I open my mouth, but feel myself shoved, not ruffly, but not gently either, aside, before there are several steps, and a heavy thump. "What? "I just put a crate in your room. I hear in reply. It was heavy. I carried it all the way down here. Before you ask? No. I do not know what is inside it, and. No, I can not, open it. *choice #"Do you need help? *set t_relationship %+3 *set friendly %+10 *set team_player %+10 "I could have helped you. I say, starting to move. "No. The crate ways in excess of your physical ability. You would not have been able to assist me. I thank you for the sentiment, however. Thought is thought, no matter of physical ability. *goto t_crate_weight #"Why did you bring it all the way down here? *set t_relationship %+3 *set impulsive %+10 *set mind %+10 "Whyed you bring it all the way down here then? I say, bemused. You could have gotten me, then we could have gone to deal with it. In where ever that room we were in yesterday. Right? "It was required to be braught here. However? I am pleased, you are willing to think of other selutions to problems . Also, to take from yourself. No. that is the incorrect term... You were willing to give up something, to make our job. Easier. Yes. Yes, that is what I ment to say. I nod. Personally? That first would have been fine too? But meh. If ${t_name} thinks the second one is better? I don't particularly mind. I get the meening, in anycase, so. *goto t_crate_help # I don't reply. It is, what it is. Anyway. *set mind %+10 *set reserved %+10 *set cautious %+10 I don't reply. 1? It is what it is. 2? If ${t_name} is going to say more? ${t_they} will do so, regardless of, and probably faster if I do not, ask questions or what not. It seems to line up with what I have experienced from the ${t_person}, so far, anyway. So? I remaine silent. *goto t_crate2 #"So. I say, tone flat. *set sarcastic %+10 *set impulsive %+10 "So. I say, voice flat. You wake me up by standing right next to my bed. Then, after you scare me half to death, you just drop a crate in my room? Why didn't you just. I don't know? Drop the crate, and let me sleep? "You are needed. ${t_name}. Actually growls, sounding nun-too happy. Now. If you are done complaining about things in the past? We. Have work to do. Come. *goto t_crate2 *label t_crate_weight "How heavy was the crate? Exactly? "As I said. In excess of your physical abilities to handle. You? Would have only gotten in the way, if you had tried to assist. I? Shrivle slightly. Vampires? Most soopernaturals actually, are quite a bit stronger than baceline Humans. ${t_name} says. Tone soffening slightly. Though. There are... Ways, to mitigate your general weakness. "Well?. That's... *choice #"Cool. *set heart %+10 *set t_relationship %+3 "Cool! "It is. ${t_name} says, tone flat. What it is. I grimace, pushing my excitement down, with an effort. There are other things to do, now. Right? "However. I am. It is good, that you find joy in this. Instead of. Fear. *goto t_crate2 #"Good to know in future. I say with a smile. *set friendly %+10 *set mind %+10 *set t_relationship %+3 "Good to know for future. I say with a smile. "I agree. Infermation? is, by it's nature? valuable, to someone? Somewhere. However? We should go, now. I nod. *goto t_crate2 #"That's... Intimidateing. *set genuin %+10 *set cautious %+10 *set t_relationship %-1 "That's? Intimidateing. I say, finally. "Considering what you know, and how fast this has all been tossed on you? I would find it strange, if it was not. However? We must go, now. I nod, then, shrug. *goto t_crate2 #I don't comment. *set reserved %+10 *set mind %+10 I nod, but otherwise, don't comment. *goto t_crate2 *label t_crate2 "Follow. ${t_name} snaps, before an arm is pressed against my hand. I. Shrug? Decideing that refusing won't get me anywhere, and, ggrab the arm. Then? We start moving. *goto_scene core t_wondor *label l_crate "Would you move out of the way? I hear ${l_name} say. I need to get this crate into your room, and it's sort of. Heavy. *choice #"Do you want help with it? I say, moving forward, arms going up. *set l_relationship %+5 *set friendly %+10 *set stubborn %+10 *set team_player %+10 "Do you want help? I say, moving forward, arms moving up to rap round the crate. "No. ${l_name} snaps, before I hear 3 steps, then a heavy thud, and a sigh of releaf. Sorry? But? No. Thank you for offering, though. *goto l_crate2 #I nod, takeing 2 steps out of the way. *set easyGoing %+10 *set reserved %+10 *set mind %+10 I nod, takeing 2 steps to get out of the way. After all. If ${l_name} wants my help? ${l_they}, will ask for my help. Yes? I hear 2 steps from ${l_name}, I assume, since it's just us 2 in the hallway, then a heavy thump, then 2 stteps comeing back, overlayed with a soft sigh of releaf. *goto l_crate3 *label l_crate2 "Sorry about that? The crate was. Well, it was heavy. Too heavy for you to help me with. Still? It was nice of you to think of others. *choice #"How heavy was it? *set friendly %+10 *set mind %+10 "How heavy was it. Exactly? "Not really heavy? At least not for me. Heavier than yoou are. Vampires? Actually, most soopernaturals, are stronger than normal baceline Humans. There are ways to equalize that. Sort of.But... That conversation? Is not for now. *goto l_crate_weight #"If it was so heavy. I say, ignoring the weight, for now. *set l_relationship %+3 *set mind %+10 *set genuin %+10 "If it was so heavy. Why did you bring it all the way down here? You could have just gotten me, then. I shrug. "You would have been ok with stopping to pick up the crate? Keep in mind, you would have had to wake up earlier. Gotten less sleep. I shrug, then, nod. Well. As much as I am happy for that? It was sort of. Required. I will tell you as we go. Though. We really should get going, now. *goto l_crate3 *label l_crate_weight That's? I say, then stop, gathering my thoughts. *choice #"Really cool, actually, as a broad grin splits my face. *set l_relationship %+3 *set easyGoing %+10 *set heart %+10 "Actually? I think that's really quite cool. "Well? ${l_name} sounds plezently surprised. That's not? Well. You have not exactly behaved in the manner that most Humans, let alone Seakers, do, so. I won't finish that. Anyway. We do have to go, now, though. *goto l_crate3 #"Well? I say, mind raceing. There are, quite a few uses for that, I can think off the top of my head. *set l_relationship %+1 *set mind %+10 *set reserved %+10 "Well? I can defenitly see multiple uces in that off the top of my head. "So can I. Though, through experience? I know that for every advantage? There is, a disadvantage as well. However? With every disadvantage? There is, at least. The opertunity, for a unique advantage. Now? We do, need to go, now. *goto l_crate3 #At this? I flinch back. *set l_relationship %-3 *set cautious %+10 I, at this? Flinch back, before takeing several deliborate steps to distance myself from the ${l_person}. "Are you alright? "Um... Yeah... I... "Your afrade. The statement is blunt. Flat. Suttle as a brick to the face. "A bit? "Perhaps. ${l_name} murmers, tone grim. That is, as it should be... Do you still wish to hold my arm? I consider this, but... Well? It's sort of the only option, so... "Yeah? "In that case. We should go. I. I am sorry, that this happened. I shrug, rubbing my face. *goto l_crate3 *label l_crate3 "Shal we? ${l_name} says, before an arm lands on my hand. I shrug? Flip my hand over, grab the given arm, at this point? It's the most pragmatic option, before we turn? Then, move. *goto_scene core l_wondor *label n_crate "Good. ${n_name} grunts, as I open the door. Now? A hand grabs my wrist, yanking me so hard I fly through the air, then land, skidding before a hand strikes my chest, stopping my momentom dead. "What was? I wheeze, takeing a few seconds to get my breath back, while rubbing my now, aching chest with my free hand. "I said. If you didn't come out within. What was it? 2, minuttes? There would be problems. Luckey for you? Never said what those problems would take. *choice #"No. I say with a shrug. Makes sence? *set n_relationship %+3 *set easyGoing %+10 *set mind %+10 "No. I say with a shrug. I see where your coming from. Though. I grimace. I think you did something to my wrist. It herts now. "Good. Now. You want a hand up? I shrug, then feel a hand grab my arm, hauling me to my feet. As it does? I feel. Something? A strange chill? In my wrist. ${n_name} was pulling me up by the same arm ${n_they} had yanked me out of my room with, and the paine in my wrist, after a flare of cold, vanishes. Decideing to, at this point? Take what I can get? I decide to not comment on it. *goto n_talking #"Do you know how long it takes to have a shower? I snap, annoyed. *set n_relationship %-3 *set intimidateing %+10 *set stubborn %+10 *set heart %+10 "Do you know. I snap, annoyed, hauling myself to my feet. How long it takes to have a proper shower? "Don't care. I didn't come down here? To listen to you bitch and wine about your morning rutine. Your luckey I gave you the time I did. ${t_name}, is blowing smoke right now. Your luckey I didn't just drag you down the hallway by your ankles, naked when I first woke you up. Trust you me? It would be a hell of a lot nicer, than what ${t_name} would have eventually done. Now. If your done bitching? We have work to do. Next time? Listen to what I say. Also? Get up earlier. You will have more time, then. I decide to just. Nod. "Good. ${n_name} says, hard voice soffening slightly. I grunt. *goto n_talking #I shrug. *set reserved %+10 *set easyGoing %+10 I shrug, hauling myself to my feet without another word. "Fare enough. ${n_name}'s tone soffens. Now? Let's go. Time is wasteing, and we have been here more than long enough. *goto n_talking *label n_talking I hear footfalls entering my room, then a heavy thud. "What? I start. "Crate. ${n_name} grunts, returning to stand outside the door. Why it had to be taken to you? I don't know. Also? No. I don't know, what's in it. *choice #"Do you want help with it? *set n_relationship %+3 *set friendly %+10 *set team_player %+10 "Do you want help with. I gesture into my room. "No. You can't help me with a heavy creight. Anyway. It's already on the floor. . . . Though? Nice of you for offering. I guess. Perhaps your not totally... *goto n_crate_weight #"Couldn't you had just gotten me, rather than bring it all the way down here? *set n_relationship %+3 *set mind %+10 "You could have. I say. Just gotten me, then gone to get the crate? Instead of bringing it down here? "No. ${n_name} deadpans. "You would have done that? I shrug. "Not really? I mean. It's bettter than you having to lug that all the way down here. You know? "Well. ${n_name} mutters. Good to know for next time, then... *goto n_crate3 #I just take in the infermation. *set reserved %+10 *set cautious %+10 I nod, takeing in that infermation, but other than that, doing nothing else. *goto n_crate3 #So. I snap. *set n_relationship %-3 *set impulsive %+10 *set intimidateing %+10 "So. I snap. You wake me up. Do not let me have a proper shower, just for a crate? Are you, being serious? "Yes. Also? I am no-longer listening to your bitching. So. Blow yourself out. I don't care. I? Decide to just... Shut my mouth... How? What? Why? What did I? How did this even... Do you know how long it takes to warm up in a shower? *goto n_crate3 *label n_crate_weight "Wate. How heavy is it? "Most soopernaturals. Vampires included? Are quite a bit stronger than you lot. Baceline Humans, I mean. That's how I was able to crank you off the ground by the throat, with just my forearm yesterday. Scared now? The tone is. Not as much mocking, as. Genuinly Curious. *choice #"I think it's cool, actually. I say with a childish grin. *set n_relationship %+5 *set heart %+10 "I think it's cool, actually. I say, as a childish grin. spreds over my face. "You think me choaking you is cool? That... I can. Figure something out for that? "Wate? What? No? The other thing. "O... Your stupid, then. Your stupid? And? Your going to die horibly, because you don't know when to run?? Away from people, and things, that can, and some will, rip your torso off your legs, then shove your head up your own ass. Nasty, nasty way to go... "No? I still think that about you is cool... "You know what? Your. Just. A. Strange, person. Let's just. Go. How the hell did you survive this long... *goto n_crate3 #"I can see lots of uses for that ability. *set mind %+10 *set reserved %+10 "I? I say, can see lots of uses for an ability like that. I don't hear a reply. "Let's. ${n_name} growls. Just. Go. Now? *goto n_crate3 #I take a few steps away, flinching away from the ${n_person}. *set n_relationship %-3 *set cautious %+10 *set pessomist %+10 I? Partly on instinct? Partly on my own action, take several steps back, flinching away from ${n_name}. . . "Are you scared? The ${n_person} growls, moveing after me, till I run back-first into the wall. "Um... "Remember. This then, Seaker. When you finally get your shit together? When you finally decide that we have to die? Remember this. I, am the one who is going to be comeing after you. So? You, should focus on. ${n_name} moves right up, putting ${n_their} face into my own, hand starting to press into my chest. Hard. "Me. Got it? "I... "Got. The hand presses down. A lot harder. It? "Yes. I grunt, ribs starting to hert, now. "Good. The hand is removed, as ${n_name} takes several steps back. Now? You just remember what I said. If you do? We should be fine. Contrary to what you may think? I don't want you dead. I... Nod? *goto n_crate3 *label n_crate3 "Now. Come on. I hear before ${n_they} grabs my arm. I remove my hand, grab ${n_their} arm, the ${n_person} doesn't do anything when I do? Then? We start moveing. *goto_scene n_wondor *label d_crate "Good. ${d_name} says. Your here. Now. Move! Move! Move! "Wha? I start, before ${d_name} moves forward, shoveing me out of the way, before I hear a grunt, a heavy thud, and a sigh. "Sorry. I hear, as ${d_they} returns to the doorway. That was a heavy crate. Didn't mean to push you out of the way like that, but... Well? It was a heavy crate, and been carrying it from the entrance, all the way down here. You OK? "Yeah. *choice #"I could have helped you with it, if it was that heavy. *set d_relationship %+5 *set friendly %+10 *set team_player %+10 "I could have helped you with the crate. I say. If it was that heavy? 2 people. You know? "No. ${d_name}'s tone is furm. You couldn't. It was heavy for me. You? Wouldn't have been able to help. Thanks for the offer, though. It was nice of you to ask, to think of it. To care. *goto d_crate_weight #"Whyed you bring it all the way down here, if it was so heavy? *set d_relationship %+3 *set mind %+10 "You didn't have to bring it all the way down here. I say. We could have gone to get it, instead of you bringing it down stairs. "We don't actually have sttares here? Though. Thanks for. Well? Thinking about it, anyway. *goto d_crate3 #I nod, but other than that, don't say anything. *set reserved %+10 *set mind %+10 I nod, but other than that? I don't do anything else. *goto d_crate3 #"So. I growl. *set d_relationship %-5 *set intimidateing %+10 *set impulsive %+10 "So. You woke me up, for a crate? Seriasly? "Yes. ${d_name}'s tone hardens. I did. "I had to rush my shower! Do you know, what it is like. Rushing a shower!? "Yes. The tone is soft. I was just trying to help... "Well? You didn't. I snap, before snapping my mouth shut in frustration, and mild guilt. Sort of, kind of guilt? *goto d_crate3 *label d_crate_weight "Wate. I say, after the ${d_person}'s words sink in. How heavy was it, exactly? "Far too heavy for you to help me with. Sorry. Vampires? Most soopernaturals, actually, are a bunch stronger than baceline Humans. Though? There are ways for you to. Not equal us? But. Level the field, as it were. Somewhat. Sort of? So. How does. What do you think about that? That i'm a bunch stronger than you, I mean. Um... I'm not used to this... *choice #"Cool! I say with a childish grin splitting my face. *set d_relationship %+5 *set heart %+10 *set impulsive %+10 "That's. Cool! I say, a childish grin splitting my face. "Really? ${d_name} sounds rather surprised. That's. Not what most people do? But... If that's what you think? Well. Good. *goto d_crate3 #"I can, I start. *set mind %+10 *set reserved %+10 *set d_relationship %+3 "Well. I start. I can, see a lot of uses for something like that. " Yeah, I can as well. Though? Nah. There are disadvantages to it, as with all things. Costs and benafits. You know? *goto d_crate3 #I take in the infermation? But that's it. *set reserved %+10 *set mind %+10 I take in the infermation? But apart from that? I don't react. *goto d_crate3 #I flinch back in. Not fear? Exactly? But... *set d_relationship %-3 *set impulsive %+10 *set cautious %+10 I find myself. Partly from instinct. Partly from concious thought, takeing several steps back, while flinching away from the ${d_person}. "Are you... O, it's. Here. I hear feet, moveing to the other side of the hallway. Better? "Sorry. I mutter. Just... Unexpected? "That is... Well... Could have been. Are you still going to need sighted guide? "Yeah? I say, since. Well. It is the best, alternative, after all. Though? Not really any others, so... Alternative? Not really the best word? "Well then. Tell me when your ready. We have a bit of time? But. Not a hole lot. If that makes sence? I? Nod. *page_break A full 2 and a half minutes later. *goto d_crate3 *label d_crate3 "Well. We should really go, now. I have my arm out. I nod, reach out, find the ${d_person}'s arm, right now, holding it is the best option I have, no matter my current opinion, grab hold of said arm? Before we turn, and move off. *goto d_wondor *label t_wondor *if (t_housecoat) =false "So. How exactly, did you get into my room? "I shifted through your door. I have the ability to shift through solid objects at will. "O? Ok... Then? Um... "I only do so. If I deam there is a need. Today? There was, a need. I do not just do it on a whim, ${mc_fullname}. "Ok? I... Trust you? Odly enough? I hear a short snort. "Of all the things that you have been told, and shown. You draw your line at this? You are... Strange. "I have been told. I say with a sigh. With that? I decide to ask on exactly. Why? I'm in this pozission in the firstplace. *goto t_wondor_request *else *goto t_wondor_request *label t_wondor_request "So. I say, as we move down the hallway. What's all this about? We have an issue. The issue? Involves, you. You are being braught to meet with the full team, to decide on your fate. *choice #"What? I yelp. I've been... *set cautious %+10 *set heart %+10 *set direct %+10 "Wate. What? I yelp. I've been in my room the hole time? How do you figure? "You may pleed your case? When the team is gathered. ${t_name} says, not unkindly. Don't bother, now. You will be just wasteing your breth. Think of your arguments as we walk. Do not dribbil. *goto t_weight #I, for now? Decide to just not comment. *set mind %+10 *set reserved %+10 *set easyGoing %+10 *set t_relationship %+1 I decide? At least, for now? TO remaine silent. I will learn more, by saying nothing, after all. At least. I hope so? "Good. ${t_name}'s tone is aproveing. You at least display the ability to know when to speak? And when to remaine silent. This is good. You will need this, if you decide to work with us. Even if you do not? It is a skill that is useful to maintain. *goto t_weight #"I have been in my room the hole knight. I say, partly confused, partly worried. *set mind %+10 *set reserved %+10 *set charming %+10 *set indirect %+10 "I've been in my room the hole time? I say, partly bemused, and partly worried. How do you expect me to have done anything? "Speak with the team as a hole. Hold your arguments and requests? Till then. You will gaine nothing by speaking them to me, now. *goto t_weight *label t_weight "Regardless. Something happened, and you will speak to the full team. I nod, decideing that for now, at least? I should just obey ${t_name}'s suggestion. Looking at it logicly? Once I get my emotions under control? It is a good one. *page_break later We continue in silance, 2 pares of feet hitting the ground in disprit unison. My hand, still gripping ${t_name}'s elbow. Nice of the ${t_person}, I reflect, to do that. Could have just dragged me, considering. Well... Unknown quantity and all? "What are you thinking about. I consider for this question, then... "Thanks for. Well. Letting me hold your arm? Considering. Well. What you just said? I would have thought you would want to make sure. I couldn't run or something? "In conclusion. ${t_name}'s voice is flat. You mean, that I would have restrained you, in order for you to not flee. Correct? I nod. "You deserve a chance to explain yourself. You deserve? A chance, to pleed your case to the team. I was taught? Long ago, that when charged? When. Suspected of a crime? You are owed, a chance to say your case. To speak your side. That? Is why, ${mc_fullname}. So. No thanks, are nessessary. My actions are simply? Who I am. Who I was forged to be. Does this make sence to you? "I. I start, then stop. Think? I get it? "Good. "Why? I can't help from asking. "I don't understand it fully, and I have been thinking on this? A lot longer than you. If you could understand this fully within that short of a time? Well. It would reflect poorly on me, would it not? Unsure of, 1. How to respond to that? 2, if it is a joke? or 3? What I should even do? I decide to just go back to silance. ${t_name}? Does not seem to mind, as ${t_they} does not speak up again as we continue. "If you prove guilty of this. ${t_name} says. I will have no compunction about restraining you, however. Understand this. I do this because I believe that you, deserve a chance. Not, from any particular regard for you. You may have nothing to do with this. However? You may have orcastrated it all. Right know? I am willing to hope, that you are the former. If you are the latter? I will deal with you. Accordingly. Understand this now, ${mc_fullname}. I? Gulp. Internally. "Good. You grasp the gravity, of this situation. With that? We resume our silance, broken only by our footfalls, strikeing the floor as we move. *page_break 1 minute later We continue forward, as before, footfalls strikeing in disprit unison on the floor. I? *temp flirt_t false *choice #"Well. I say, heat starting to run up my neck. *set t_relationship %+1 *set shigh %+10 *set impulsive %+10 *set flirt_t true "Well. I say, as heat starts to role up my neck. I'm happy it's you who came to get me, then? *goto t_weight2 #Speak up with. "Well. I say, a smirk pulling at my lips. *set t_relationship %+1 *set bold %+10 *set charming %+10 *set flirt_t true "Well. I say, a smirk pulling at my face. I'm happy it was you who came to get me, then. *goto t_weight2 #I decide to not break the silance after all. *set reserved %+10 *set mind %+10 *set easyGoing %+10 I decide to not break this silance after all. *goto core wondor2 *label t_weight2 I wate, somewhat curious as to what the ${t_person} will do, or say, to my. Yeah, it, looking bac, was probably an impulsive outburst. After all. I bairly know the ${t_person}? Perhaps trying to. Flirt, and. Well. Failing at it, wasn't the best way to start my day? Especially since... Well. Currently being taken to meet with a unit of Vampires, because they think I did something to them. Perhaps I should have just kept my mouth shut... *if (flirt_t_sleepy true "You did this before. In your room. Yes? "I remember. I say, wateing for the hammer to drop. "You were, tired then. You were. Bairly awake, then. Yes? "Awake enough. I can't help from grumbling. "So. You do not. Withdraw. That? "No? I say, mildley bemused. "You are. Fully awake now. Am I correct? "Yes? "You choze. To partake in this. Display of your own free will. Yes? I blink in confusion, then... "Yes? What other way would I... "You would be surprised, However? It matters not, now. "Um... So. What happens. Now? "Nothing. ${t_name} snaps, tone cold. Nothing happens, now. Now? You walk to your judgement. *set t_relationship +3. *goto wondor2 *else "You choose to partake in this. Display. Of your own free will. Yes? "Yeah? What other would I? "You would be surprised,... . . . "Let us. ${t_name} says, tone. Strange. Continue. We have much to do, and little time. With that? ${t_they} increases ${t_their} pace, tugging me along behind like a fishing line. "Do not speak. ${t_name}'s tone is softer now. Later. This? Will be delt with. Later. Am. I. Clear? I try to figure a way to tell ${t_them}. Yes, without opening my mouth. "You may speak. "Yeah? "Good. Now. Kindly drop this. I? Nod. Why hadn't I nodded before? *set t_relationship +3 *goto wondor2 *label l_wondor We move, ${l_name} going unusually swiftly, all things considered. I, have to jog to keep up. Why does the ${l_person} have such long legs? "I am sorry. I hear, before ${l_they} slows down. Slightly. "What's the rush? I ask, partly genuinly curious, partly worried about what's going on. People don't come wake you up for funzies, after all. At least? Not when they bairly know you, anyway. Even if that was not the case? ${l_name}, from what I understand of the ${l_person}'s personality? Does not seem like someone who would do this, without a very good reason. "Something happened, involving you last night. So, we are going to talk with the team, to sort it out. . *choice #"What? I squalk, heart picking up several notches. *set impulsive %+10 *set heart %+10 "What? I squalk, heart picking up, adrenalin starting to pump. I've been in my room the hole night? How? "That? ${l_name} says, as a hand lands on my shoulder, squeezing gently, followed by a pressure in my mind, is what were trying to figure out. Noone is blaiming you for anything. "Yet. If that changes? It changes. If it does not? It does not. The pressure, is most defenitly comeing from ${l_name}. I take a glance. Mental? At it. How I can do it? No idea. I just know, I can. It's different from the charming. It's suttle? But, it's there. The emotions comeing off it are. Calm? Peace? Um... Something else? Perhaps? "Sorry. ${l_name} says, as the pressure vanishes. I forgot. Not usedto interacting with a Seaker, who isn't activly tryingn to kill us all. You know? Well... I think. That's not worrying at all? *goto l_forget #"I've been in my room the hole time? I snap. *set cautious %+10 *set l_relationship %-3 *set intimidateing %+10 "I've been in my room the hole night. I snap. Are you accusing me of something? "Noone. ${l_name} speaks slowly, is accusing? Anyone, of anything. But? Facts, are facts. Just... Let's go to speak with the team? OK? Please? I nod, decideing to. Shut up? For now, at least. I will find out, soon enough, after all. *goto l_weight3 #I don't reply, simply takeing in the infermation, at least for now. *set reserved %+10 *set mind %+10 *set cautious %+10 I don't react, other than takeing in the inffermation, to mull over as we continue. There is, after all? No reason to work myself up. At least for now. Anyway. I will gaine more from listening? Than I will from speaking. Also something about a fool and the current thinker's mouth? Something like that... *goto l_weight3 *label l_forget I walk, considering the ${l_person}'s words, and the tone behind them. The sentiment, behind them. *choice #"It's fine. I say with a shrug. I knnow what you were trying to do. I. Think? *set l_relationship %+3 *set heart %+10 "Thanks for. I shrug, gesturing to myself with my free arm. Trying? It was good of you. Even though. I shrug again, gestureing to myself again. You know? "Thank you for not blowing your top. I get in reply. Few of your kind. Seakers, I mean, would have been so level headed about it all. Granted? Few enough of them have much insentive to even interact with us in more than atempting to kill us? So... I nod, a little unsure of what I should say, to that? *goto l_weight3 #"Please don't do that? It's... A bit wweard? *set heart %+10 *set genuin %+10 "Please don't do that? I say. It's... Weard. "Fare enough. ${l_name} says. I will. I will atempt to do so. Not very good about. Aah, it does not matter. I will do as you ask. In this? I can do so, ${mc_first}. "Thanks. I sigh internally. Was not quite sure? How ${l_they} would take that. *set l_magic true *goto l_weight3 #I nod, accepting ${l_name}'s apoligy, but other than that, not remarking on it. *set mind %+10 *set easyGoing %+10 I nod, accepting the apoligy. After all? It's strange for me. I bet it would be strange for the rest of the team. Other than that, though? I don't remark. *goto l_weight3 *label l_weight3 We continue down the hallway, in relative silence, apart from the sounds of 2 pares of feet hitting the floor in disprit unison. My hand, still on the ${l_person}'s elbow. Nice of, I reflect. ${l_name} to let me hold ${l_their} arm. Especially, if I seem to be suspect of something? I would have thought. Well... "If you are thinking? What I think you are thinking about? ${l_name} says, tone deadpan. I don't believe in dragging people down the hallway. Anyway. Your suspect, not proven guilty. Besides. Getting someone up in the morning, just to drag them down the hallway, especially since they are only suspect. Not. Proven? That's just rude, and bad manners. "How did? Is the only thing I can think to say. "Long, long experience. I'm used to having to figure what people are worrying about, without asking. Don't worry. I can't actually read your mind. Even if I could? Your passive Seaker ability would block me, and you would know I was trying that by that pressure. Or, that's what I have been told by those I know who can, read minds, anyway. I. Nod? Decideing to take the ${l_person}'s word for it. Not like I can do much else? Anyway. ${l_they} does sound genuin, and. Well. How would one respond to. That amount of mind-bending infermation? Especially with all the rest of the mind-bending infermation I have been given over the last day or so. 16 hours? Ish? So, a little under a day, then... Hmmm... With that? We go back to silance once more. *page_break a minute or so later. We continue in relative silance, feet strikeing the floor as normal. Nothing much else happening. I, then, decide. *temp flirt_l false *choice #"Thanks for. I start, heat starting to crawl up the sides and back of my neck. *set l_relationship %+3 *set shigh %+10 *set impulsive %+10 *set flirt_l true "Thanks for. I start, heat crawling up the sides and back of my neck. Well? Comeing to get me? I finish, snapping my mouth shut before my stammer and emotions cause something to screw this up. I don't want, something to screw this up. Surprisingly veaimently? I discover. Huh... *goto l_emotional #"Well. I say, a smirk pulling at my lips. *set bold %+10 *set charming %+10 *set flirt_l true "Well. I say, smirk pulling at my lips. Happy it's you who came to get me, then.? *goto l_emotional #Decide to not break the silance after all. *set mind %+10 *set reserved %+10 I decide? To not break this silance? After all. *goto wondor2 *label l_emotional . . . We continue, ${l_name}, silent. "How about. ${l_they} finally says, tone not quite cold? But. Defenitly chillier than it had been earlier. "Let's deal with the current issue at hand. Shal we? I. Nod, decideing that pushing this? Especially with ${l_name}'s reaction? Really not a good idea. So, I fall back into silance once more, A bit worried I have somehow messed up what I was trying to say? If you. If your. Just. Talk with me later, about... Just. Later. I? Nod, a weight that I had not known was pressing on my chest? Slowly floating off. *goto wondor2 *label n_wondor "Keep up. ${n_name} growls, as I am basicly dragged down the hallway. "What's. I pant, I am basicly running to keep up. Why are we going so fast? "Shit happened. Shit that involves you. Shit that involves that dam crate I had to lug. Team wants a word. So. Keep. Up. If you don't? I will throw you over my shoulder like a sack. *if (charmed_n) =true Wouldn't be the first time, and your a featherweight, compared to that crate... *goto n_loyalty *else *goto n_loyalty *label n_loyalty Understand? *temp n_kind false *temp n_angry false *choice #What? I grunt. I've been in my room the hole knight? How? *set n_relationship %+1 *set mind %+10 *set sentimental %+10 *set n_kind true "What? I've been in my room the hole knight? How do you expect? I start. "I know. Also? Don't know. ${n_name} says, slowing down. Slightly. Just. Teem wants to have a word. So? I'm bringing you, to have a word. You will find out why? Soon enough. You will find out what will be done with you? Soon after that. I nod, decideing to just accept that, at least for now. At least it's a... Reason? Something? Better than just silance. *goto n_weight #"I didn't do anything. I snap, partly annoyed, partly offended, partly worried. Partly just angry. *set n_relationship %-3 *set heart %+10 *set stubborn %+10 *set direct %+10 "I didn't do anything. I snap, partly annoyed, partly offended, partly worried, partly angry. Though, mostly worried and angry. "Don't tell me. ${n_name} grunts. Tell the judge. Also? I really don't care. I have been told, to bring you to the rest of the team for judgement. I will? Bring you to talk to the team, for judgement. Weather or not you did anything? Not for me to decide. If you didn't? Well. If you did? I will deal with you, if nessessary. Now. Stop bitching. You will find out what's going on? What will be done with you? Soon enough. "I. I start before I grunt, as the arm I am currently holding increases it's speed, forceing me to run faster to keep up, useing the air I would have used to talk, now to just breathe. "Good ${mc_first}. ${n_name} snaps. Now, Keep doing that shut up thing. I don't need you bitching at me anymore. Don't. Answer that. Just. Do what your told. Anyway? Bitching at me will do nothing. Wate to talk to the Judge. *goto n_weight #I accept the infermation, but otherwise, do nothing else. *set mind %+10 *set reserved %+10 *set easyGoing %+10 I accept this infermation? But apart from that? I do nothing else. Better to be silent, in this case, at least. *goto n_weight *label n_weight With that? We go back to our silance, continueing to move down the hall. I, still jogging to keep up. *page_break a minute later We continue. Both, in silance. Both, or at least I assume that ${n_name}, does not want to break it. Till... *choice #"Well? I say, heat crawling up my neck. *set n_relationship %+1 *set shigh %+10 *set flirt_n true "Well. I say, as I feal heat starting to crawl up my neck. I'm happy it was you that came to get me? *goto flirt_n #"Well. I say, a smirk pulling at my lips. *set n_relationship %+1 *set bold %+10 *set flirt_n true "Well? I say, a smirk pulling at my lips. I'm happy that it was you, who came to get me. You know? *goto flirt_n #I decide that I will not break this, after all. *set reserved %+10 *set easyGoing %+10 In the end? I decide to not, after all, break this silance. *goto wondor2 *label flirt_n I wate. *if (flirt_n_sleepy true "You did that before. I hear. You were mostly asleep then. Your not. Now. . . "That is relevant. How, exactly? Also. I don't regret it? Also? Considering your responce... You don't seem particularly aposed. "Half-asleep people do stupid, strange, and not thought-through things. Your not half-asleep, now. You have no excuses, for doing this, now. "I wasn't going to make any? I say, wondering if I should have just kept my mouth shut, now. "If only we had time. ${n_name}'s tone has changed. I could have your pants of in under 10 seconds... But? Team wants to talk to you. So... Unfortunitly? No time... Ask me again after this is all done? Assuming I don't have to deal with you because it turns out your guilty, and we should have time, then. With that? I feel a finger run from my elbow, to my wrist. Slowly. Makeing very sure, I know it's there. *set n_relationship %+5 *goto flirt_n2 *else "If only we had time... ${n_name} mutters. But? We don't. Team wants to talk, so. I will take you to the team. But? Ask me. The tone changes now. After? Should have time, then. *goto flirt_n2 *label flirt_n2 We have a little more time. ${n_name} grunts, as we slow down to something that doesn't require me to sprint. *goto wondor2 *label d_wondor "What's going on? I ask, as we move, ${d_name}'s footfalls rapping on the floor, louder than you would think? But... "Team wants a word. Something involving the mission we went on, and you. So. I came down here to bring you. That work? *choice #"But? I've been in my room the hole knight? Hell. I start. *set d_relationship %+3 *set mind %+10 "But? I've been in my room the hole time? Hell. I've been sleeping, for most of that. I say, confused and worried. "Yeah. But? Well. Look. Your not being accused of anything? It's just. The team wants to talk with you. OK? Get your opinion on stuff, you know? If you were? Trust me, you would know. ${d_name}'s tone has gotten a shade darker at the end of ${d_their} sentence. They wouldn't have sent me to get you, if you were. Probably would have had ${t_name} shadowsetp into your room, hog-tie you, and. No. Actually? Would they put a sack over your head? Not like you really need it, since you can't see anyway... Huh... O... Yeah... Well. There not? So. Yeah. *goto d_easyGoing #"I didn't do anything! I yelp. *set heart %+10 *set impulsive %+10 *set d_relationship %-1 "I didn't do anything! I snap, angry, and worried, and confused. Did I mention. Angry? "Weather or not you think that? ${d_name}'s tone sharpens slightly. Yelling about it won't help. Team wants to talk with you. Do that? When your with us all. OK? Right now? Your just. Not as much wasteing your breth? but. No matter what you say to me? It would just be better, if you told the team. You will get a chance, to tell the team, mind. They will give you that right. ${t_name} insisted, and the rest will follow ${t_them}. I consider, then, with an effort, stifle my protests. ${d_name} does have a point, after all. "Good. Now? *goto d_easyGoing *label d_easyGoing "Well. I say, after a full minute. Thanks? "For? "Being decent about this? Like. I didn't do anything? But you don't know that? "1 of the things I like about this world? ${d_name} says, tone growing grim, is the process of. "Innosint, till proven guilty. . . . . "Well. Thanks, regardless. "${mc_first}. ${d_name} says, tone growing flat. Cold. If you are found to be guilty? If you are found to be a threat to this unit. You will be, removed. Other than that though? ${d_their} tone returns to it's chearfull normal, now. We have no reason to distrust you. Your a Seaker. The others have... A history, with them. I don't. So? I won't judge, till I have proof. 1 way, or the other. I o. Them that, at the least... "The unit? "No. I? Nod. It's probably all I am going to get. *page_break a minute or so later. We continue walking in relative silance? Our feet, strikeing the floor. Apart from that though? There are no words. Eventually? I decide to, *choice #"Well. I say, heat crawling up my neck. *set d_relationship %+3 *set shigh %+10 *set friendly %+10 *set flirt_d true "Well? I say, heat starting to crawl up my neck. I'm. Glad it was you that came to get me? "O. I hear. Tone changeing. Um...? Thanks? I open my mouth? Close my mouth? Open my mouth? Close my mouth? Decide it's not worth trying to stutter out anything more? Then, just keep it shut, and continue forward. *goto d_flirt #"Well. I say, a smirk quirking my lips up. *set d_relationship %+3 *set bold %+10 *set heart %+10 *set flirt_d true "Well? I say, a smirk quirking my lips. I'm glad it was you, that came to get me. My smirk grows. You know? "O. I... O? I continue smirking, wateing for ${d_name} to do. Something? . . . After 6 full seconds of silance? I decide to just drop my line of questioning, at least for now. *goto d_flirt #decide that after all? I Won't break this silance of ours. *set reserved %+10 *set easyGoing %+10 I, after all? Decide to just keep this silance. It's? Nice. Anyway. Well... *goto wondor2 *label d_flirt *if (flirt_d_sleepy true "You did this when you were half-asleep. Before. There is something. Strange. Different, in the ${d_person}'s tone, now. "You sure you want to. You know. Continue? "Yeah? I say, slightly surprised that has actualy gotten this far. Also? I ment to do, you know. Before? If you were wondering. In for a penny, and all that. I think. Right? "O... Ok, then... I... *set d_relationship %+5 *goto flirt_d2 *else "You have 10 seconds to take that back, if you want. "If I didn't want to say it. I wouldn't have said it? "10, seconds. *page_break 10 seconds later. "It's been 10 seconds. "Your sure you want to do this. Again? If I didn't want to say anything? I would not have done so? I hear nothing from ${d_name}, in reply. *goto flirt_d2 *label flirt_d2 *page_break 13 seconds later. I counted. I hope? ${d_name}'s tone. Unsurten? Your not doing this, just to try to get out of the team thing? Because it won't work. "Why? I sputter, halting, dropping ${d_name}'s arm. Why. How? Why. What? ${d_name}? Um. How did you. Get to. What? "Are you. ${d_name}'s tone is harder now. Useing this, to get out of me, takeing you to the team. My. Team. "${d_name}. I'm being, genuin. If I didn't want to. I shrug. I wouldn't have done it? "O. ${d_name}'s tone grows softer with that 1 word. Voice Almost. Sheepish? Now. Sorry. I... Sorry. Can we just. Keep going? Please? I nod, reaching out my arm, soon feeling ${d_name}'s arm, which I grab hold of once again. With that? We continue forward. I? Brooding over ${d_name}'s words. Tone. Reaction over all. Unsure weather I should pitty this ${d_person}, Who had at least at one point? been in a situation where ${d_they} believed that. Well. I am the first to admit, my flirting? Isn't worth shit, but. Flirting? Is suspect, and only done to get something else? No, it wasn't even... I was being... Anyway. Moveing on? Or. Rage, pointed towards the person? Thing? Thing, who had been the reason for ${d_name}'s almost. I would say. Fearfull? Response, to said flirting. Yeah, it was. Flirting. Let's go with, it was, flirting. As I continue to brood? We continue to move. ${d_name}, seemingly unaware of my grim thoughts, and dark mood. *goto wondor2 *label wondor2 We continue in silance, down hallway after hallway, till we slow, the voices of the rest of this team? Filtering through the now, open, door. Interestingly? Or, perhaps, worryingly? I can also hear ${j_fullname}'s voice, along with the rest. That? Is. Probably, not good. After all. Noone brings the. What ever the woman is, if you did something like. I don't know. Steal food? Something small. You only bring others? If something is very, very serious. Though? Come to think of it? I did steal. Technicly? That bloodbag. So... Already stole. Does blood count as food? How does that work... We slow further, before entering the room. *goto inquizission *label inquizission *if (t_take_crate) =true *goto inquizission2 *else "Good. ${t_name}'s voice rings out harshly, in the silance, now fallen like a grey rainsoked cloak. You have come. *goto inquizission2 *label inquizission2 "Sit. I? Worried now? Move to sit, a hand pulling me, till it lands on a chair, in which I purtch, mussles tenced. "Do you know. ${t_name}'s voice is hard, but not. What is the word I'm looking for... Why you are here, ${mc_fullname}? *if (t_take_crate) =true *goto t_respond *else *goto respond *label t_respond "Yes? I say. You just told me? Sort of. On the way over here? "Regardless. ${t_name}'s tone is flat. I will, reittorate the reason for which? You are here. For the record, as it wer. Do not. Interupt. Me. I nod? Unsure if I should. Well? Even do that. ${t_name}'s voice, from what I know, tends to be normally. Harsh. Cold. Now? It's just downright scarry. The hell did I do to get this? Or? Perhaps ${t_they} finally decided to get rid of me? *goto inquizission3 *label response "Sort of? *if (l_take_crate) =true ${l_name} told me. A bit? *goto reittoration *elseif (n_take_crate) =true ${n_name}, breafed me on some of it? *goto reittoration *elseif (d_take_crate) =true ${d_name} and I talked about it. Sort of? *goto reittoration *label reittoration Regardless. I will reittorate your reason for being here. For the record. Do not. Interupt. Me. ${t_name}'s voice, and tone, are both flat. Cold. Unyielding. So. Since the ${t_name}'s tone is normally. Flat, cold and unyielding? Now it's just down right scarry. The hell did I do? What can cause. This? Perhaps they have just decided to get rid of me? Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck. *goto inquizission3 *label inquizission3 The mission we had been sent on? The targets we were to find? The rogue hunters? When we arived. There was no sign of them. No signs of a struggle, either. Just. Nothing. No, it was not, bad intel. They were confirmed to be there. Equipment. Vehicles. Hostiges. All? Gone. Everything, wiped. Tracks. Signs that they had been there, but. Nothing was left. Everything had been taken. However. There was, 1. Single. Thing, sitting in the dirt, as if it had been spasificly left for us to find. Amid all the tracks of the boots, tires, and paws. A crate. The crate, that was delivered to your room earlier. On that crate? There was a message, a warning? And, instructions. First? The message. I quote. "The rogues have been delt with. The hostiges have been returned to their packs. Your people will be debreafed, and returned to precinct HQ, all wounds, such that we can, heal, heal. You were too slow. Next time? Respond quicker. We will not be in the area to assist, next time. Your luckey that 1 of our packs, was close enough to render assistance. Your rogues? Had Morters, and equipment that had been stolen from us. Your welcom. Signed? Warhound. P.S It is in your team's best interest to read everything on this crate. Also? Kindly get that new Seaker of yours something decent? It's shitty hospatility to give ${mc_them} just that 1 housecoat. " Now. The instructions. "This crate? Can not be opened. Do not try? To, open it. You will, instruct *if (t_take_crate) =true ${t_rank} {t_title} ${t_fullname}, *goto inquizission4 *elseif (l_take_crate) =true ${l_rank} ${l_title} ${l_fullname}, *goto inquizission4 *elseif (n_take_crate) =true ${n_rank} ${n_title} ${n_fullname}, *goto inquizission4 *elseif (d_take_crate) =true ${d_rank} ${d_title} ${d_fullname}, *goto inquizission4 *label inquizission4 will take the crate to ${mc_fullname}'s room. Drop said crate off, then, retreave the ${mc_person}. I suspect at that point, you will return to the living room, and demand to know what's going on. . . "Now? The warning. "Don't. Open. The. Crate. It's rigged to blow, killing everyone? And, everything? within a 10 meeter radius around it. Yeah, I'm a dick. Fucking sue me! If you want to know what's inside it? The only one who can open it without triggering the backlash, is ${mc_fullname}. Alive, and with all ${mc_their} limbs. If, you were considering lopping off a limb, and hammering it onto a stick to atempt to open the crate that way, for example. "Along with that warning, were 4 pictures. Each, denoteing 1 of us. Before? And then, after, we atempt to open the crate. Each? Well. They were in. Articulate, detail. So. Now? You know the full reason. Explain yourself. Please. You have, 3 minutes. *page_break Exactly 3 minutes later. Someone timed it. ${l_name}? I think? "I believe. ${t_name} says. You have made your ignorance on this? Quite, clear, ${mc_fullname}. Now? Stop vocalizeing, before you start popping blood vessles, and sit down. I, stop, closeing my mouth. I had, for the last 3 minutes. *choice #Atempted to hammer home the point that I had no idea what any of that was, as vieamintly as humanly possible? As many times, as humanly possible. *set stubborn %+15 *set heart %+15 *set intimidateing %+15 Atempted to hammer home, as many times as I could? As often as I could, and as vieamintly as I could, I had no idea, what so ever, what any of that was. *goto objection #Calmly, and logicly, or, at least as calmly and logicly as I could? Argued against each accuzation individually and in order. *set mind %+15 *set friendly %+15 *set charming %+15 As logicly and calmly as I could, given the situation? Argued each of my accuzations, individually, and in order. Because. When your on trial. Well. What better time to show off your skills, or compultion for orgonization? Am I right? *goto objection *label objection "${mc_fullname}. ${t_name} says, tone. The only word I can think of to describe the ${t_person}'s tone is. Ritualistic? Like, nah. Just, ritualistic. Formall as all hell, though. Stand up. I? A bit worried as to. What the hell is going to happen now? Stand. Trying to keep my legs from shakeing just that little bit. "Do you know how to remove your mental defences. Your. Seaker, defences? "Um... No? There is a grunt, then. "It will have to do. I should be able to get what I need, as long as your not activly resisting me. Don't, activly resist me. I nod. "Here. ${j_name} says. Before something. It's a... Ball? As in. A. Stress? Ball? The hell? Lands in my hand. "Focus on that. It should be enough to distract ${mc_them}.. ${j_name} speaks. ${t_name} grunts. I? Obediantly, start playing with the stress ball, focusing on it. Hopeing that this is not going go all to hell or what not. After all. Well... ${mc_fullname}. I am going to. There will be a pressure, in your mind. It will come from me. Do not? Resist. Do you understand? *choice #"What is it going to do? I ask, a bit worried. Squeezing my stress ball in my 1 fist as I do so. *set heart %+10 *set cautious %+10 "What. I say, worried, mashing my stress ball in my 1 fist as I do so. Is it going to do? "It will not dammage you. ${t_name}'s tone is surprisingly gentil, given what ${t_they} had taken up till this point. Especially since. I'm pretty sure I'm still technicly on trial? "Um... OK? I say, since. Well. What else am I going to do? Refuse? Like that would go well. Probably just do it anyway... I mean. If I were them? I would. With. Well. Seakers being all that and all that? *goto judgement #I simply nod, grimly. *set mind %+10 *set easyGoing %+10 I simply nod, mood grim, squeezing my new stress ball in my hands, focusing on the texture of it, to keep my mind off anything else. *goto judgement #You. I start, have given me no reason to mistrust you up till this point. *set t_relationship %+3 *set l_relationship %+3 *set n_relationship %+3 *set d_relationship %+3 *set genuin %+10 "You, I start, letting the ball rest in my upward faceing left open palm. Have given me no reason why I should mistrust your motives up till this point. So. Why start now? . . . I hear a grunt. Surprise? From ${t_name}, then. Stand ready... "That mean I can drag you into a nice dark room? ${n_name} asks. Like. One where your eyes can't see anything. "${n_name}? ${d_name} sounds confused. "Yeah? "No, you can't. "Not your decission. "${mc_they} is totally blind. Thus, it's always dark. Thus, you can't pull ${nc_them} into a dark room, because it won't be dark for ${nc_them}. Thus? I am still right. "You are still. "Enough. ${t_name} cuts them off. Stand ready, ${mc_fullname}. *goto judgment #Sure. I say, smirking slightly. *set sarcastic %+10 *set impulsive %+10 "Sure. I say, smirking. Don't resist the funny pressure comeing from the Vampire. At least your telling me it's headed my way this time? I shrug. Bring it on, then. . . . "That display was unnessessary. ${t_name} deadpans. Now. Stand ready... *goto judgement *label judgement "Stand still. ${t_name} says. I? Obey. Then? I feel a pressure in my mind. It's, I realize within a few seconds? From, as ${t_name} had stated, ${t_them}. However? Unlike the other times. This one gets heavier, and heavier, and heavier... "Focus on the ball. ${j_name}'s voice is little more than a growl. I? Obey. As I focus on the ball. Focus fully, on the ball. The pressure fades. I know, it's not gone, though. It's just. No-longer. Senced? I still know it's increaseing in weight, though. "Done. ${t_name} grunts. Thank you, ${j_name}. ${j_name} does not reply. "${mc_fullname}. ${t_name}'s tone is deadpan. Do you know anything of the events of last night, other than what was told to you by this team? Answer the question, please. "No. I have been in my room the hole time. "Good. You can move, now. With that? The pressure fades. You can sit back down, now. ${t_name}'s tone is much, much lighter than just a few moments ago. I? Sit back down. "Here. ${l_name} says, pressing something into my hand. It's a glass? I sniff. It's water. I hear. I nod, stick my finger in it, lick it, then drain the glass. My throat, I now realize, had been dry with all the. You know. Telling people that I did not, yonk their target, a bunch of their people, and a bunch of other random people on a mission they did. That stuff. "Thanks. "I am happy to help. Any more? "No, thank you. With that? The glass is removed from my hand. I sigh, leaning back, stretching my neck with a soft crack. "Mind chucking that back now? ${j_name} asks. My kid. Well. It's technicly hers. She is in a bit of a... Disagreement with me as it is, so. Would rather not have her more angry with me because I snarfed her stuff. You know? Shrugging? I lob the ball back, before. "Why does it have. Claw marks on it? "I could tell you? ${j_name}'s tone is flat. But, I would than have to vilently kill you. Or, I could wate till the one who has the claws found you. Then? She would kill you. More vilently. So. Assuming you really have a disagreement with living? I will tell you. *if ((flirt_n_sleepy true) and (flirt_n true)) Granted? From ${n_their} expression? ${N_name}, seems to think otherwise? *goto_scene next_chapter j_kiddo *else *goto_scene next_chapter j_kiddo