>>5662
Sorry, no.

>Players
<Marie Griffin (Day 52, Hour 9)
HP: 110/110
Energy: 69/70
Hunger: 21/21 - Thirst: 21/21
-Strength: 15 + 25 Moon Sword
-Agility: 9
-Endurance: 16 + 28 Bulletproof Vest (÷ 2 damage taken)
-Luck: 1
Inventory:
-Pockets 2/4
Super-Cell (Off. Charge 14/16)
Joseph's Charger
-Pink Backpack 6/10
Pencil
Notebook
Almond Water Bottle (15/15)
Smiled fluid
Toothbrush
White Cat Headband
>Recent Events
-Rescued Luz, who is no longer a robot, and helped resolve the antiverse threat
-Healed her traumas and returned to a normal, happy rhythm of life, in tune with her friends
-Noted

<Maverick Spark (Day 60, Hour 13)
HP: 125/130
Energy: 90/90
Hunger: 20/20 - Thirst: 20/20
-Strength: 14
-Agility: 14
-Endurance: 11
-Luck: 2
Inventory:
-Pockets 0/4
Abilities:
-Sixth Sense (Passive): Alerts you to nearby danger and grants you a +25 Agility bonus during the first reaction
>Recent Events
-Fell into a coma
-Woke up from the coma
-Noted

<Aurora (Day 18. Hour 5)
HP: 120/120
Energy: 70/70
Hunger: 20/20 - Thirst: 20/20
-Strength: 2 + 10 Miko Kankaku
-Agility: 6 + 10 Miko Kankaku
-Endurance: 2 + 10 Miko Kankaku
-Luck: 4 + 2 Experience Points in Reserve
Inventory:
-Pockets 1/4
Handkerchief
-Techniques:
Free Chest Jutsu: Prevents airborne bodily contamination. Requires a certain level of concentration to maintain, therefore cannot be used simultaneously with other techniques.
>Recent Events
-Became the heir to the power of the Iwamoto clan
-Wanders lost in the forest of memories, choking on recollections
-Noted?

<Donatello Lombardi (Day 30, Hour 15)
HP: 110/110
Energy: 38/70
Hunger: 18/31 - Thirst: 23/40
-Strength: 5 + ? Lark's Nutcracker
-Agility: 5
-Endurance: 7 + 5 Hazmat Suit (Anti-radiation. Child-sized)
-Luck: 1
Inventory:
-Pockets 1/4
Emma
Techniques:
-Bat Breaker: For one turn, uses 1d100 rolls. Sacrifices the wielded bat.
>Recent Events
-Left Marcos behind to go solve his own problems
-Ended up lost in time
-Was rescued by an alternate version of his sister, the second-to-last one
-Recuperó su humanidad con the help of God and joined the group of cement nomads
-Helped rescue Polar
-Traveling toward level 10 in search of shelter from the weather and other problems

<María Isabel Norton IV (Day 60, hour 9)
HP: 80/80
Energy: 99/100
Hunger: 19/20 - Thirst: 20/21
-Strength: 8
-Agility: 10 - 5 Orange stellar cloak
-Endurance: 10 + 5 Orange stellar cloak
-Luck: 1
Inventory:
-Pockets 0/4
-Skills:
Deja Vu: Rewinds one or two turns in time. Costs 10 hunger and thirst.
>Recent events
-New body, new name
-Failed in the business path, her lemonade business didn't flourish, but at least she made a new friend who visits to play
-The problems of level 10 threaten to devour her

<Catherine Hills (Day 17. Hour 14)
HP: 100/110
Energy: 65/70
Hunger: 19/20 - Thirst: 19/20
-Strength: 5
-Agility: 12
-Endurance: 4
-Luck: 3 + 0 Hilda's necklace
Inventory:
-Pockets 4/4
Book: New Horizons and Relative Axes, by CH Pickles.
Little dictionary
Pencil
Notebook
>Recent events
-Hilda is now her best friend, and maybe something more?
-She's tamed, and for some reason that's a good thing
-Exploring the infinite attic in the company of the tomboy

<Martín Emilios Palacios (Year 30, Day 8, hour 15)
HP: 100/100
Energy: 0/50
Hunger: 18/20 - Thirst: 18/20
-Strength: 11x2
-Agility: 10x2 - 10 Group supply bag
-Endurance: 11x2 + 15 Modified Hazmat Suit V2
-Luck: 4
Inventory
-Pockets 2/4
Thalasin (30/30)
Brayan
Skills:
Werewolf (Transformation): x2 base stats. x3 base stats in aquatic environments.
-Effects
Insomnia (111/1964)
>Recent events
-Still lost in the future
-Embarked on an expedition, though it wasn't his plan
-He's terminally ill and needs to keep administering Thalasin

>>5661
>Final
NOOOOOOOO

>>120842
Yeah right? I thought it fit pretty well too kek
>Marie
Red earth is a good place for minerals, red hair for acid-spitting moths... Marie asks if they're dangerous

<I never said that.

"T-then why are you asking!" -she gets flustered, Luz laughs- "L-Luz?!"

It's just a joke, Marie eventually relaxes... more or less.

"Very funny, Luz. Very funny..."

She pretends to be offended, but wouldn't actually mind such an innocent joke. She appreciates her angel's kindness, and their closeness leads to casual chat—about romance and movies. Things that go hand in hand... like here. Turns out the Colombian's first symptoms started with an adorable fairy.

<Are there more than one?

"Uh... I don't think so?" -she thinks- "I mean, I just wanted to confirm." -her brow twitches as she notices something- "Wait! Peter Pan was a book first. Maybe the book has its own version of Tinker Bell." -so if any exist- "but... Well, I haven't actually read it..." -can't confirm-

From Disney to DC, in this story built by her and Luz, Marie grows closer to Tinker Bell. But in her fantasy, her dream was always to be her Superman—at least once.

<What about Superman?

"A-ah- N-nothing, nothing! I-it's... It's silly, seriously!" -waves her little hands as if to dispel a thought bubble and end the curiosity-

<Pleeease~?

"Uh-"

Marie is caught off guard by the sudden wave of cuteness. Her lips snap shut, trapping the "but." Her hand acts too, moving to her forehead as she lets out a groan of resignation.

"Aysh..." -Marie drags her hand down her face, letting it slide across to show the weight she'll carry while confessing- "You really wanna know that?" -last attempt to stop, cheeks slightly flushed. Yes, yes she did- "oy.. I can't say no to you..." -her charms are too strong- "it's just that..." -looks away- "iwantedtobesuperman" -Huh? Said it all super fast and quietly- "q-que... quería ser Superman."

Again. Just as fast so the words blur together, but a bit louder—adding a bit of clarity. Still, left much to be desired as a confession.

"Aysh..." -drops her head, then lifts it again- "q-que when I arrived... I had this silly idea of... Uh... I-it was more fanciful, okay?" -disclaimer- "I imagined... Uh... Ending up here like in an isekai... Y-you know, like when you go to another world in an anime." -explanation for normies- "and... Well, in those shows, the protagonists kind of become strong and- and- with artifacts and stuff- s-so..." -Marie takes a breath, knowing what she'll say is dumb- "agh... I had this silly fantasy of being like Superman here, you know?" -says with a shrug- "I-I know!" -exclaims, raising her hands before you can speak- "i-it's dumb... It's just that... I dunno. I wanted to be strong, and- and central and... A kind hero... L-like Superman..." -says opening her palms and shaking them slightly, trying to explain- "now I know someone like Superman doesn't exist... But..." Sighs "I dunno... There's no but." -couldn't think of anything else to say- "go ahead and laugh now..." -they'll be a couple, but that's undeniably super childish-
Nostalgic photos, an old camera, these are the ingredients for a certain light that gives someone their name. But what kind of camera exactly?

<An authentic polaroid.

Cool! That's what Marie thinks, they ring a bell but she's not familiar with them.

<Actually I gave it to my boyfriend...

"Jaja well, that's better than it breaking, right?"

<Now that I think about it, mom never knew about their relationship. Knowing her, she'd never have approved...

"Oh..." -Marie falls silent, goes quiet- "So, do you think that...?" -she makes little hand gestures trying to suggest the obvious. About them two? About...- "Us...?"

Beyond how ugly the lack of approval from that side might've been, that camera light gave someone their name... Momo?

<Hey!

"Jajaja it's a joke..."

Marie can't help but laugh, her dumb joke worked. You could say this was her small revenge for the scare earlier.

<Rule number one of relationships, your girlfriend will always be the best and the prettiest.

The nerd smiles, her gaze softens, trying to look both approachable and genuine at the same time, because she's about to say something from the heart.

"Yeah you are... O-Okay...? That's what I think..."

She's genuine. Yes, she's failed before because of temptation, but... she's always held the first place in her heart. Even if she's rebellious.

Pfft... Yeah, right. Both find that label amusing.

"Jaja I know... she said it, okay?"

She washes her hands. But anyway, remained to be seen if something similar suited her better.

<This bitter one... But that doesn't suit you either, you're always so sweet.

"Ay you..." -puffs her cheek and pinches her fingers together, the free compliment felt nice-

<Desired daughter... Well, obviously your parents love you a lot.

"Guilty! je..." -maybe a little too much, they were overprotective-

<And this loved one.

Her hands join, the slight surprise on Marie's face doesn't last long before being replaced with joy. Her eyes move from their hands to the lips that will soon meet, and her happy smile shifts to match the sweet, closed-eye kiss that makes her heart skip a beat.

Mwa. Marie pulls away again, her other hand now also falls over the one Luz used to take hers, enveloping it in the midst of her renewed affection.

"I love you..."

She lets go, the kisses caress her heart and make words like that flow more easily.
When they pull apart, they go back to talking normally. They're girlfriends and they're friends; Marie makes a little joke and gets smacked, making her not only drop the grass but yank her arm back at full speed. Like a mole trying to escape the hammer and failing.

"Ow! I-IT WAS A JOKE!

She says after the shock, trying to clear up doubts about what she thought was obvious. Her other hand grabs her wrist—Luz was completely right, but she hadn't expected her to take it seriously. Marie shrinks in place.

"P-pardon..."

She apologizes anyway, and apparently that's enough for Luz to feel guilty, because out of pity she plants a sweet little kiss on her hand. A smile from the victim confirms everything's fine. It's a lovely first relationship, a dream for someone like Marie, who at home never had the chance to fall in love.

<Really?

"Well... Yeah..."

There's fabric to cut there. She wasn't entirely alone, but... those weren't really friends. But it didn't matter anymore—Luz pulls her closer, earning Marie's interested gaze now that she's properly embraced, ready to deliver a comment.

<Well, I think you're... sexy.

"¡!" —her mouth drops open in a sudden, very anime reaction worthy of early-day Marie— "S-sexy?!" —she can't believe it—

<And smart, sensitive, kind-hearted...

"U-uh—"

That's more normal, both in tone and in line with Luz's personality. But Marie is still recalibrating from the previous comment.

<Your classmates were wrong about you.(...)

"Uh..."

While pedaling in the air, she managed to understand... that Luz was right. Maybe having lots of friends is typical for those girls... But... They didn't have a magic sword. And of course... none of them had a girlfriend as awesome as hers.

"..." —Marie smiled at that thought—

Taking advantage of their closeness, she let her head rest on Luz for a little while. For as long as they stayed there watching the sky, feeling very comfortable beside her partner.

"You're right... It's cool."

...

Putting up a tent... I'd say it's not very hard, but probably Luz was doing all the complicated parts. Either way, it was a good activity to pass the time, earned her some curious facts about tents and all. Though it was kind of hard to pay attention when her mind, like her eyes, kept drifting to the curves of that sweet chocolate-colored skin Luz was showing off.

<Uh... Marie?

"¿...?"

Her eyes shot up quickly—she was still half somewhere else—but hearing her name was enough to bring her back. Luz points at herself; Marie blinks.

"Huh?"

Luz insists; Marie lets out a 'Huh?', then brings her hand to her mouth in confusion, then startles, now with an 'Ah!' of surprise, reacting quickly to wipe her wrist.

"A-ah! D-did it come out already?" —she smiles nervously—

(If you ignore it she won't ask if you ignore it she won't ask if you ignore it she won't ask)

She hopes she doesn't ask why she was zoning out

<So, why didn't you go to camp?
"Ah! That— well uh!" –She responds hastily, eager to shift to this topic and leave the other behind– "well, turns out I did a bit of research and ooh, summer camps are actually so boring. You just go and... uh..." –sighs– "okay, okay... I didn't want to spend a whole summer away from mom and dad..." –she says, shrugging as if that were completely expected of her– "I backed out a few days before I was supposed to go" –she plops down, sitting normally on the floor, hands touching the ground behind her back–

"It was kinda embarrassing... But my parents understood. I was just too... clingy with them." –No wonder she spent her first days here crying like a little kid–

Anyway, the topic shifts to Sezh. Marie performs a masterful dribble and leaves Anti behind, redirecting her attention to who truly deserves it now: the one who belongs to them. The one who's suffering. Long-haired Sezh.

<Jane's departure affected her... They were very close.

"Yeah..."

She understands perfectly. The situations both of them went through were different, but the outcome was the same: they lost someone they cared about. And that hurts.

<At first glance, it would've been impossible to break that friendship.

(Friendship... Am I the only one who shipped them?)

(Was there really nothing more between them?)

(From what I saw of the other Sezh, I feel like... maybe at least she...)

Wouldn't it make sense? Original Anti-Marie kept her love for Luz, albeit in a more perverted way. Not that Marie isn't perverted either but— you get it! It'd make sense that OG Seriozha felt that way too.

<Jane changed a lot...

The nerd's eyes reflect her concern. She can't say she hadn't noticed... With that whole squirrel incident and other things...

<Malicious.

"H-how so...?"

<I didn't want to say anything, but once I caught her sprinkling vinegar and salt on your bonsai...

Gasp "w-wait— the bonsai is yours." –She'd given it to her... Though well, that wasn't the point!–

<She swore it wouldn't happen again.

"Why..." –she murmured– "and who knows what else she might've done without getting caught, right...?"

Marie sighs... But again, that wasn't the point. She shakes her head and refocuses; they needed to figure out what to do about Sezh.

<We can talk to her when we get back. I just hope she doesn't take the intervention badly.

Marie nods.

"Yeah... We have to do it."

She's genuinely worried, agrees immediately. It's urgent. She doesn't know how to tell Luz this is actually a drug problem... or if she even should. Something tells her Sezh would get really angry if she found out about this.

But if it's necessary...

<let's decide what we're gonna eat... Do you like white or brown?

"W-wait?!"

We're talking about sugar, right?

<Chocolate.

"Oh—" –of course, duh–

Marie smiles.

"Brown... I like... the brown one..."

We're still talking about chocolate, right?
1/4 sorry kuek

>>121315
I'm not sure if Marie heard about the conversation since she was sitting next to Luz up front. So if she didn't catch it... But I guess she did, right? Either way, I'll ask, and in the next post I'll have her react or not based on your answer. Partly I chose not to add it because this already got too long kek
>Marie
Anti or not, Excalibur existed. Marie wonders: What could the difference be? Was anti-Excalibur the same, except King Arthur was evil? Not that it really mattered much. The chatter was just to clear her mind amid the uncomfortable loneliness. More interesting was Antimoon—the nerd can't help but wonder what she was like. Apparently, she had some kind of relationship with Lunita.

From what little she can infer by reading between the lines, she wasn't the sweet Wiccan lover of white magic she already knows, but rather a user of the darkest, most blasphemous witchcraft from the vilest of books. Yet this doesn't make the Minnesotan doubt that she might have been one of the less bad ones. She doesn't have much proof beyond her demise, but that's how she feels.

<I thought I was a cursed sword... Me! Can you believe it?

Marie lets out a little laugh at how offended that sounds. She'd never heard her sound like that before.

"I confirm you're not... "

(At least I hope so.)

She thinks. Then remembers that, due to their small telepathic connection, the words in her mind wouldn't escape Lunita's sharp ears.

(I've been carrying you around for a while now... I-I guess you're not.)

<I-I can be kinda slow and watery, I know, but nothing worse than that.

"N-no, no... Don't say that. You're amazing just the way you are... Don't put yourself down, Lunita... Maybe she didn't even mean it that way." -how so? Marie shows a palm to explain- "Probably Moon was just trying to explain what they know about you using what she already knew. It's not the first time that's happened." -she explains- "On Earth we had a case... Sort of similar, about a certain tomb in a pyramid. If you don't know what that is... Uh... It's like a triangular building." -she says- "When they opened the tomb, people started dying... They said it was a curse..." -Marie wiggles her fingers wildly to illustrate what she'll say next- "But in the end it was just spores from a weird fungus." -she explains-

"What I'm trying to say is... uh... People might attribute things to curses when they don't have other explanations. And you do make people freeze up for a moment when they touch you."

Hopes that's enough to cheer her up.

"...although now that we're talking about it... I'm curious about Excalibur. Do you think she's also a spirit like you?"
They'd probably never know, but speculating about something less depressing wasn't a bad way to focus. And it bought time until she reunited with her partner to test the radio. From weird music to terrifying, passing through video game songs, and of course highlighting happysoft's masterpiece: a perfect, infinite 4-second loop you'll end up hearing even in your dreams. To some: garbage. To Marie? Irony-laced quality she thoroughly enjoys.

<Is that the correct translation?

"Jaja... No, no... I-it's a meme. But yeah, it kinda does sound like that, huh?"

They're so different in many ways. Something the redhead often finds herself pondering. Not that it's bad—makes their bond more special, living in the unreal, enjoying the unthinkable. Their moments together feel like near-miracles that fill her with happiness.

'Unreal', 'unthinkable', 'miraculous'—those words keep appearing in her thoughts. But here she was. Hand in hand, eye to eye, heart to heart. Still thinking, still knowing she doesn't deserve this. But when she's living her dream, she doesn't care.

They take the steps. Whisper their vows. Pour out their love. A divine hand writes the beautiful poem that is this moment, this chapter of their lives. It feels so good... So right... But it must end.

They part. Marie's hands almost refuse to let go, lingering close to her partner's body, barely resisting the urge to touch again—like trying to pull a small magnet away from metal.

Separated. She seems to resign herself... But watching her walk away makes her heart pound nervously against her chest, demanding what it's missing. A proper closure that's slipped through her fingers so many times before... that it no longer needs to happen again.

Running after her dream, she grabs what slips through her fingers over and over, sealing it with a huge kiss, amplified by the storm of emotions her first love stirs within. Love that makes her laugh and cry.

<Holy sky... The last thing I expected from this journey was to make you cry...

"Ja..." sniff

But it was okay. Because when she cried... She was there to wipe her tears.

"Sorry..." -she says, not resisting the handkerchief at all- "it's... it's not bad..." -she's not sad, just... burst! Too many feelings at once...-

<Let me think of something to fix this, hmm...

"N-no... It's not that-" -it's needed, but...-

<Hug?

"..."

Marie sobbed again. She looked moved for a moment before closing her eyes. Let out a single, soft laugh... And clung to Luz like those magnets she'd been trying so hard to keep apart today. Taking refuge in her small frame, where she'd let out a sigh...

"-"

"..."

She wanted to say more... But... No. Already... Already enough.

Or... No. Actually...

"This is good..."

...

Now in the agony of night, after an intense and beautiful day, Marie rested inside the tent. Sheltered from the night. From all harm. Content—she wouldn't have asked for more, though perhaps that was because she didn't know what else to want.
Like a curvilinear silhouette, Luz revealed herself before a drowsy Griffin, who through the haze in her eyes could barely recognize her. Like a blind woman, it was through touch that she was guided, waking from sleep only to be awakened in another way.

She felt, under the tips of her fingers, with perfect clarity, the texture of a small bump. The braille, slightly hardened beneath her touch, told her instincts to keep going. She traced her partner's modest breasts gently, feeling with desire that slow, irregular rhythm of her breathing.

The muffled moan seemed to infect her. Before she realized it, she was also breathing heavily, exchanging thick gasps of air mere centimeters from Luz's longing, desired lips. She swallowed hard—anticipation, the wait, filled her with desire, yet in that moment she was letting go. As part of a game, as if necessary, the union of waiting and desire felt... right. Marie lets herself be touched; her partner's hand explores her slender torso, leaving a tingling sensation that makes her tremble with every centimeter traversed as her clothes are peeled away.

Things feel more serious now. The hands she adores, once careful, now far bolder with permission granted between sighs. Marie stifles a gasp, softly biting her lower lip as those fingers grip her ass, shoving aside the second barrier of fabric with deliberate attention to the path taken, leaving goosebumps in their wake. They were half-naked.

Marie's lips trembled with a new kind of nervousness—this wasn't like the showers. But it didn't matter; it wasn't insecurity either. Those hands, with romantic attentiveness, made sure no part of her body felt neglected. She trembled—her chest responded with a drumbeat. She trembled—her upper thighs tingled. She trembled—her back skin turned to gooseflesh. She reacted to every tiny touch, surrendering herself, her name answered with a moan, followed by a chain of softer, quieter ones as sweet lips tasted her delicate, sensitive, pristine neck. She wanted to do more, but her arms seemed to weaken, like the rest of her body, yielding completely to the touch.

Finally it happens—face to face. Though the light was dim and her vision poor, squinting and straining her eyes, she found the desired expression and reciprocated. Lip to lip, moist, they cling and feel. At last, Marie touches, embracing chest to chest, sharing the warmth of her body—the warmth of a summer afternoon—while her curious, or perhaps eager, tongue desperately entwines with her partner's. She kisses with a passion she never thought she could feel; her lack of experience camouflaged, rendered invisible by caresses and moans, the only things breaking the kisses from time to time. Marie smiles, kisses again, now with the confidence of one who's learned, and with what seems like a hunger to kiss, makes it clear she won't stop until the need for air cuts everything short with a snap, followed by intense, breathless gasps as deep as the kiss itself.
Marie could be seen, half-visible, but she had no doubt that Luz was beautiful, that she wanted more. That summer afternoon warmth now adorned her body; the soft light, imitating moonlight, made them even more beautiful. Sweat droplets reflected the lunar glow like sequins of passion.

After exchanging glances that only deepened their desire, it was time to surrender completely to her—Marie was ready.

They positioned her; she helped, letting her hair down for greater comfort, and opened her legs. She lay back—Luz’s hand could feel the abundant dew of her private flower already soaking her upper thighs. Her body craved Luz madly. There was no delay, no room for disappointment. Her fingers skillfully rubbed unexplored terrain; her fruit of passion ignited, and though she bit her lips, she couldn’t always stay silent.

"Ah~ nf~"

She gasped and moaned; her body moved on its own, as if trying to escape, when in reality she never wanted it to stop. With her legs closed, she could stay like this for centuries—it was a sensation unlike anything she’d ever felt. She couldn’t stop panting; something seemed to grow inside her. Something big she couldn’t explain.

It grew, increasing the pace of her moans that now sounded urgent; her head felt like it would explode from the fever stoked by those electric fingers driving her insane, making her convulse.

"¡Ahhh-!"

She cried out at the peak of their shared passion. It was shocking—like a blow striking her entire torso, making her tense and drain at the same time. Her libido drenched Luz’s fingers, as well as her own groin.

An orgasm. The first one. Powerful, revitalizing, weakening, beautiful, terrifying. An oxymoron, but so... so good...

Everything in Marie loosened after that. Weakness hit her—her arms dropped, her head and legs too. She lay there, soaked, sweaty, feverish, feeling her legs so weak and tremulous...

"Ahh..."

Good heavens... She didn’t know if she’d touched heaven or hell in that moment. Her nose was bleeding. It probably wasn’t good, but right now she was elsewhere—her mind clouded, her gaze vacant. Luz had to step in to help her refocus.

<Marie...?

"¿...?"

She was left speechless until she heard her name. Her eyes finally seemed to focus, meeting Luz’s.

<Do you need to rest?

Marie let out a heavy sigh; her trembling hand rose and formed a thumbs-up.

But... she’d return to the fray. She had to return the sensation, at least...

2/4

>>121421
>Marie on Elm Street
<Griffin, get up!

"AH! OHHH!"

She nearly jumped from wherever she'd been resting. She smacked her head hard—exactly the kind of hit that makes you clutch your skull, sharp like brain freeze—and groaned in a raspy voice.

"Motherfucking fruit..."

Rubbing her nearly cracked skull, she suddenly opened her eyes wide—the sight deserved it. Startled, she ignored the pain and looked around in every direction, finding herself inside a vehicle, but not as a passenger—the usual—for once as a front seat copilot.

<Put your bony ass to work. I won't say it twice.

Huh?

"Y-yes, sir! I'm— I'm going!"

It made no sense. She didn't remember this. She didn't know where she was. But somehow her mental framework, her lack of past, adjusted itself so everything felt coherent despite a decade-long void. Marie hurried to the back seat, grabbing the only thing on top of her as if she already knew it was there: a camera. Sturdy, with solid weight, its design something the nerd inside her would call vintage, whether it actually was or not. For a second she wondered if Luz would like this camera, and though that was her first thought, there wasn't time to dwell on it. She had to move.

In a rush, she opened the door and stepped down, nearly face-planting like a bird pecking worms. "woh," she said, stumbling forward, almost falling. Her legs felt nothing like her own, her height definitely wasn't hers, yet she couldn't focus on that despite the dizzying confusion. As if she weren't fully present, Marie walked—her movements felt scattered, unaccustomed to her own body.

Moving like on a rail-guided experience, she reached a place. A house. Details didn't matter. Just an ordinary house, like hers or any other low-ranking cop's, average resources. But beyond appearances, there were sensations—something was wrong here. Whether an aura, a disturbance in the air, or whatever—it prickled at Marie's senses. Or more than that, she knew it, as if recognizing a place she'd never seen before, a deja vu comparing it to something else.

Oh, wait—appearances do add up. She saw things moving inside the house, shadows. She doubted it was just some guy playing hide-and-seek. It had already been said: back home, Marie feared looking out the window at night. Strange, but it unsettled her. As if she'd see something terrifying just because it was dark, when everything was calm. It worked the other way too—imagine stepping out to take the trash out, then turning to look back at your window. You still expect something, even if there's nothing there. It unnerved her. The worst part? This time, there was something—even if those shadows weren't it. It set her nerves on edge.

Marie entered. Greetings came naturally from others, and she returned them timidly. She had no choice. Along the way, she passed a mirror. She was familiar with this. The reflection...

No. Not a smiling child. It was like she'd touched fae lands—she felt unable to move further, frozen by the shock. It was an adult with a startled expression. Marie finally seemed to regain some control over herself. Her hand reached toward her face, and the mirror mimicked it perfectly.

"¿...?"

Was that her? She was—

<Griffin! What the hell are you waiting for? Christmas?

"Ah!"

She startled, snapping out of the trance. She'd been taking too long. That's what it was. "I-I'm going!" she shouted, and kept hurrying forward, nerves tightening her pace. Along the way, she coughed a little.

"Agh..."
The smell disgusts her, she doesn't know if it's new to this line of work, but she knows it disgusts her, that she'll probably never get used to it and that she should demand a mask or something if they wanted her to do something like this again. She tries to ignore the images, but she can't help but feel bad just by glancing at them, something terrible happened here. She knew it before, now the feeling is present in her mind with intensity.

She goes through the door and her stomach turns. Nausea, she has an almost uncontrollable urge to vomit, her throat hurts from being there. She covers her nose, but it's useless, the smell penetrates between her fingers like a drill, it's so nauseating that she'd rather be sniffing bleach. She wouldn't be surprised if this smell was burning her poor nose hairs like the most potent chemical. She has to lean on the doorframe, her lunch on the verge of the edge.

"Ugh... Oh dear..."

In fact, she was supposed to have a mask...

"B-but-but burp-" -she lets out a burp that's almost vomit-

<Take the required photos and leave. It's obvious what it is, we don't need recognition.

Well yes, she couldn't take it anymore. Better to finish this. She raises the camera, makes the effort. Just moving her finger and pressing the button takes a lot of strength, because she has to keep it steady and she'd rather have her hand in her mouth to cover the impending waterfall. Click, that was the easiest part.

"Ugh... Dear..."

She walks, carefully, with disgust, with nausea. This walk on the right side of the law must be more debilitating than the green mile for the inmate about to meet the electric chair. The camera feels like a dumbbell in the hands of someone with Parkinson's, up close it's worse, it's always worse. She holds her breath, it's the only way to have a steady hand right now, she accepts the risk of having to take a big gulp of air later. Hopefully, she'll be fast enough to take the photo and flee before needing to breathe.

Snap snap and snap. Yup this will go in my cringe collection seems like it will be enough, now she wants to flee... But she can't. She stays in place, contemplating the scene, taking more photos, gathering horrible data that fits the scene. How much longer until retirement...?

<Marieeeee... kill me you son of a bitch

"...?

A voice that chills the blood, that chills everything. That freezes her like in her first days in the backrooms when her only response to horror was total paralysis. She looks fear in the face, where nonsense greets her. The beast, the monster, the voice comes from the rotten being reclining, bathing in its disgusting grease. Marie was trembling, her whole being was trembling. The camera in her hands shook like Noba with his steering wheel before crashing.

<You always swore you'd have faith in me... How could you turn your back on me? Am I... not enough?

Her pupils contract seeing the worst. Was it talking to her? Was the Burster talking to her? This went beyond weird, what it was saying, the way it was saying it. Everything was masterfully crafted to make her shit herself... Which she doesn't, ok? But almost.

Her shoulder is grabbed and she's dragged away, Marie wants to jump from the horror, but she can't do anything else. Just look directly at perdition, the face of hell with comparable heat. A horrible monster that boils the scene and its actors without mercy. The pain is overwhelming, Marie's screams are heart-wrenching.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHH NIGGAAAAAAAAAAAA"

<I am God.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO THAT'S THE DEVIL MAN

And then she woke up shat and pissed

3/4 ok ok ok

Marie
"¡!"

Her eyes snap open, releasing a burst of held-in breath. Her chest heaves rapidly, matching her racing heart. She woke up flooded with adrenaline—normal. She died in her dreams again; her expression betrays it. Half-paralyzed, the shock won’t fade...

Buenos días, dormilona.

Until she hears that. Her pupils dart to the corners of her eyes... where she finds Luz. Marie closes her eyes and lets out a sigh—clearly, it was all just a dream. Still, seeing her brings relief. Partly because she can now confirm Luz is still Luz, still a little girl with her partner.

Or... not? Is she a woman now?

That’s not the point...

After the relieved sigh, she opens her eyes again, puts on her glasses, and returns that adorable gaze with a smile of her own. The images of horror and revulsion are replaced by far more pleasant ones—scenes that made her tremble. It was a night that left its mark. She can still feel the ghost of her touch all over, felt in a way no one else has ever made her feel. Beautiful caresses no one else would ever give her.

"Buenos días..." —she replies—

She wouldn’t mind a little more, actually, but the thought makes her blush. She tries to push those thoughts aside. New experiences are tempting, but... well, she doesn’t know, she just thinks maybe she shouldn’t take advantage of that. Last night was special.

Te noté inquieta mientras dormías... ¿Pesadillas? Seguro fue el chocolate.

"Puf..."

She lets her head drop, her gaze lifting to the ceiling—of the tent, of course. How much weight that topic brought back.

"Sí..."

(Again...)

She doesn’t want to worry Luz, but she can’t just blame it all on chocolate. She’s had countless nightmares... ever since the boat. Hence the dark circles—something new that Marie hates. Stupid dark circles. They look good in anime; in real life... they look awful on her!

"Just a nightmare..."

It was a bit worrying to have one after such a damn beautiful day. She wouldn’t have expected it... but well... it’s over now.

"..."

Marie looks at Luz. She wants to leave the fear behind, hopes it’s just that... another nightmare. She’ll pay it some attention later. For now, she wants a good start to the day. She leans toward her partner and gives her a quick peck.

"Mwa."

She pulls back, then worries.

(...ay- wait, was that a good idea? Morning breath and all that... Damn. Uhh)

"Ahem." —she tries to ignore it— "¿Qué hay para desayunar... amor?" —her voice trembles, then she giggles— "oh god, I still need to get used to saying that..."

The new day begins. Bathing is outdoors. I don’t know what this implies, but probably she’s bathing naked in the rain or something like that, which feels a bit awkward for the young girl.

"Ah, god..." —she says, glancing around— "I feel so exposed... I know there’s no one around but... it’s kind of weird..." —...—

Now wearing glasses, she can’t help but see Luz’s figure with new eyes—her previous desire now unmistakably clear. She looks away slightly, feeling that staring like this might not be entirely... appropriate.

A brush, a floss, a scrub behind the ears, and back into her clothes. They sit down for a moment inside the house—suggested by Marie—and eat a little. Energy bars, pure power. All they need now is Gatorade. Marie takes the chance to play some music from her phone—because she’s a zoomer who can’t eat without extra stimulation.
"You know, Luz... you being bilingual is awesome. I was diligent, but I never picked up the Spanish we learned in school... and I never bothered learning another language." -she comments- "well, Japanese, but... I didn't learn anything haha" -she laughs, the one who speaks only one language is American. That's what Doctor Polo says-

"But... wanna hear a fun fact? Actually... there is one Spanish word I know by heart..." -she takes out her phone- "and it's..."

https://youtu.be/Z4oTvuow9cc?si=_8iIEdAV9xhebq0P▾
A sweet guitar, a piano, a smile.

"Cheeky teetha~" -she tries to pronounce it, then laughs again- "mom really loved this band... she'd ask me to download their songs and play them over Bluetooth, she didn't understand it at all." -she explains, laughing again, nostalgia in her voice- "she'd sing this song at the top of her lungs... I'm sure she was terrible at it... But... it didn't matter haha... Sometimes dad would join in. And me... Even... Je... I'm sure at least I sing it badly..." -laughs once more-

"Agh... I miss them." -she says, shaking her head with a resigned smile- "I don't even know what it's about, you know?" -she says, shrugging- "I never looked up the lyrics or anything. I just... I just liked singing it with them..."

She looks down... shakes her head and forms a smile. Then lifts her gaze again, cheerful. Not the time to be sad...

"...are we still on for singing together?"

They chat a bit between bites. Gotta enjoy it.

"And then he goes: I'm goooood! And I'm like NOOO THAT'S THE DEVIL BRUH"

She stands up, waving her arms in the air. Then sits back down.

"...I think I'll start praying again, Luz..." -she says, frowning, trying to look both annoyed and with that thousand-yard stare-

She checks her energy bar. Almost done with the second one.

"It's tasty, what's in it?"

Later, they're ready to leave. They exit the house, renewed, closer than ever. They face the vast meadows, Marie looks at her partner, looks at her hand reaching for hers. She smiles, interlocks her fingers with hers, and they start walking... stopping shortly after at the first of many dunes.

"Luz..."

She says, looking at her. Lets go of her hand for a moment, wraps her arms around Luz from behind, and extends her arm with the phone already in selfie mode.

"A photo... for the memory."

She says, activating that mode to take several photos in a row, like that time at the festival.

In the first, Marie makes a 'v' for victory with her fingers, smiling at the camera.

In the second, Marie is seen looking at Luz.

The third, slightly blurry, shows Marie leaning her head toward Luz.

In the fourth photo, she's kissing her partner's lips...

That's enough. Marie shows the photos to Luz, the little house in the background where they strengthened their bond to the maximum level. Marie turns around, takes one last real-life glance at the house, at that special place. The place only they know. Lets the breeze blow gently across her face, today... it feels wonderful.

She turns back to Luz. Puts the phone away and takes her hand again... now for real.

"Let's go."

It was a beautiful experience.

But... it was time to begin this ending.

4/4 damn, I'm tired.

>>5664
That's how I feel. It's way too soon... kek

>Ashley
A simple question made her frown slightly.

<Why...? Do you want to share me with others?

It came out of nowhere and should've meant little, yet somehow managed to pierce the neutrality she usually maintains. That blank expression now showed something... annoyance.

"No."

She replies. After that monosyllable, her face relaxes again. Hilda doesn't seem to understand yet... others don't matter to her the way she does. It's not that she hates them, not even Marie, whom she does resent a little for abandoning them. It's just that her connection with anyone else is weak.

This was to be expected—growing up avoiding people wouldn't raise the most sociable child. Though things have changed, Catherine isn't as standoffish as she was on day one. Now she sleeps in a bed and showers with running water. Rocks have been replaced by couches, and she no longer needs to hide her footsteps. She can still help with chores, and she can still walk through nature. The new comfort, combined with the ever-present familiarity, allowed her to adapt.

It's a good place, and that's why Catherine isn't completely closed off to meeting other kids. Ironically, it hasn't happened. Others don't approach her, and she hasn't approached them either. Hilda, the cherry on top of the sweet little cake, takes up most of her time. One could say they're inseparable. Catherine owes her a lot, and she loves her. Her touch, her words, her time—those are what she gives to show affection... and in return, she receives the same, Hilda's way.

"You are with me as you are with me, and I am with you as I am with you."

It's obvious, yet also unique. Catherine thinks so. Her dad is with her as he is with her, and she is with him only as she is with him. Catherine doesn't hug the librarian, and the librarian doesn't teach her how to apply bandages. People relate differently. For Ashley, it's the easiest thing in the world to be kind to Eladia, and for Eladia, it's easy to be kind to Ashley. Again: this is special. Unique. Something tells her she wants it to stay this way. She doesn't mind being selfish. She knows she is, just like she knows she won that snowman competition.

"It's true."

Winning a snowman competition doesn't matter when it comes to survival. It's not in the book.

(But we still won.)

Without further ado, girls arrive, girls gather, and one collapses. This comes from nowhere and ends in nothing. They part ways, with the unanimous consensus that it was weird. But the albino's priority isn't to judge—it's to attend to the blue-haired girl and her tummy. Nausea, she assumes, and suggests medicine.

<Nah, my body's fine. It must be something else, but what...?

"...Sure?"—just to be sure—

Hilda looks down at her feet, mirrored by the other girl. The footwear shows no abnormalities, so she raises her gaze once more, catching a glimpse of anger. Catherine tilts her head, curious and slightly concerned despite her expression not showing it.
As their eyes meet, she straightens her head and opens up. To her, she's an open book—only she knows who she really is, only she knows her name; there's no reason to hide anymore. Not even the fact that she used to think she was bad.

<Hey!

"Ow..."

She rubs her shoulder. It didn't actually hurt.

"It didn't hurt." -Hilda's smile reflects onto her. She just wanted to see her reaction- "It's true." -but she circles back- "That's why I hit you, remember?" -ahh... nostalgic. That day they spent fighting the whole time-

Anyway, Ashley has been domesticated. She has a vague idea of what that means, but when you're missing half the picture, you explain things however you can. She should rethink it, but at least Hilda seems happy—there's a sparkle in her eyes, they clasp hands, and the girl jumps. Ashley doesn't know how to respond to this tender gesture, but she smiles.

<You're like Doggo!

Until she says that. The girl looks confused, unable to stop staring at the one she's being compared to. He's currently making quite an undignified sight—Catherine would never bite herself there. She knows he can't reach; he could just scratch with his fingers if needed.

(Though he doesn't have hands.)

Still, she feels that even if he did, Doggo would still try to use his little teeth.

(I'd rather be a cat...)

(If I were a cat, I could run and jump better than anyone...)

(Catto...)

She was about to explain that to Hilda, but seeing her so happy stops her short.

<And I'm like the leader! Everything fits, see?

"!!"

She stifles a gasp of surprise. She's grabbed and lifted up—she kicks her legs slightly and returns the hug, wrapping her arms around Hilda's neck and pressing her little chest against her to eliminate any chance of falling. Then she's set down; Catherine takes two unsteady steps, struggling to balance. This coat is uncomfortable... Well, she manages to steady herself.

(Phew)

Avoided a totally certain fall.

"Yeah... I get the comparison." -she makes claw motions with her fingers- "But I'm more like a cat." -she kneads the air-

Still, this might give Ashley an idea. Something to think about later, since for now, setting that aside, she needs to find out what Hilda herself thinks of her.

<I don't know... Maybe?

"Maybe?" -she asks, dissatisfied with the lukewarm response- "Yes or no?"

<I'm like a hedgehog, spiky... Some pokes are accidental, others on purpose.

"Ahm..." -she has notes on this, but holds them back when Hilda starts getting frustrated- "...?" -now she's paying attention-

<Darn it! After everything that's happened these past days, I thought I'd improved.
<But that shove from earlier reminded me I haven't. Luz came back from the dead! That was... How do church people say it?

"...Miraculous...?" -she guesses. It was total madness. Catherine still doesn't get it-

<Exactly! And even with that, I came and attacked her. All because of that nasty feeling in my chest.

Hilda chews on her clothes. Catherine feels uneasy about all this... So she moves closer, places her hand on the girl's chin to make her stop, and rubs her head against hers like a kitten asking for pets, trying to make it just as soothing.
"You're gonna hurt your teeth," she says. "We have to take care of these."

She stays in that position, waiting for the caresses. It didn't matter whether they came or not—she'd go on speaking anyway.

"Hedgehogs don't prick, Hilda... Those are porcupines. Hedgehogs have spines, they're a bit stiff, but they don't hurt..."

She's never had contact with hedgehogs. She's going by what her dad told her and what she's read.

"To me, you're like a hedgehog. I thought you were gonna hurt me..." —like a porcupine— "...but you didn't..." —they became best friends— "hedgehogs do weird things too..." —like pushing for no reason, she means. But maybe an example is needed. Catherine smiles— "They bathe in their own slobber, just like you." —she puts her little finger on the slimy stain—

...

She's already proven she can move around undetected in this little house. It'd take someone with perception as sharp as Joe's to notice her or so I assume, given that it was implied when he left, she could escape MEG without being seen keksito and she proves it again by arriving unseen exactly where she needs to be. Now she's wandering around, singing like a bird. A secret call that only someone who knows can answer. That other thrush, one of ule who sings without a squeaker—Ashley would recognize it anywhere.

Following the sound without stopping her whistling, so they always know where the other is, she finds a wall...

"¿?"

She looks up. When your goal is on the other side, walls get torn down, circled around, or climbed. Today, Catherine sees the last option as the easiest. She grabs onto the pile of objects and climbs to the top with her usual ease. Up high now, at a strategic vantage point, she shades her eyes with her hands and spots Hilda. Catherine stops whistling, smiles, and responds to the movements by waving her arms.

"Hilda!"

She greets her with excitement in her voice. She hurries to climb recklessly, eager to reach the end. She doesn't think about the best footholds, only about going up. Plink, goes a piano.

"..." —she looks down—

Plinkplink plinkplink plink plink~ mamaaa just killed a man

Curious, she taps a few keys with her little foot, then abruptly looks away and continues her ascent with a jump that nearly becomes a fall. Her hands grab onto a shield, which shifts slightly. The cat gets scared, searches with her feet for support to prepare a leap—but a friendly hand grabs her little arm and yanks her from danger.

"Fiu..."

She puts her hand on her little chest, relieved. That tired her out a bit—why? Maybe from carrying the extra weight of all the coats, maybe from rushing so much. Didn't matter. The important thing is they're together again. She sighs and locks eyes with her friend.

"Thanks... I almost fell..."

They don't waste time once reunited. They start touching each other's skin, and again the girl gives in to the touch. With her eyes closed, her head leans into the hand petting her, craving more contact. The touch behind her ear makes her wiggle her butt in delight. She's deliberately imitating animal behavior.
<You're very good, Cat.

The hand tries to leave, but Ashley stops it. Her fingers rest on Hilda's hand and bring it to her cheek for another second, as much as she can say.

"Being good to you is the easiest thing in the world for me..." -as opposed to being good to anyone else. She's improved her attitude, but still considers herself prickly... Though maybe she's not so much anymore-

Her little fingers move down, like a self-caress, to Hilda's little hand before separating from it and finally opening her eyes. They can continue. The albino shakes her head at Hilda's question.

"No. Nobody." -she's sure of it-

<Good... What we're going to do will be special, I don't want to involve those gossips. But first things first, let's go.

She nods her head.

"Okay."

Catherine follows her. At first, she's not surprised by the idea. A few moments later, she realizes she doesn't know what they're going to do, and curiosity sets in.

"Where are we going?"

Maybe she wouldn't know until they reached the place. Which would be... well, not much different from the rest of this attic. Among the mountains of objects, it wouldn't stand out if it weren't pointed out: a washing machine.

"A washing machine?" -she recognizes this from dry cleaners-

But not just any washing machine.

"Isn't it just any washing machine?" kek

<It took me quite a while to find it, but I think if we set the button to enlarge instead of shrink, your book will be more or less a decent size again.

"My book?" -she pulls her dictionary from her pocket, it's still an embarrassment. In its current state, she'd call it a keychain- "You mean my dictionary?" -yes- "How would it be more or less?" -she wants to be sure-

<Things that go in and out of the washing machine always come out a bit weird. Look at Billy.

"Billy?" -And who the hell is that?-

<Haven't you noticed that he speaks and doesn't speak at the same time?

"Ah." -that was Billy- "yes..."

<It was a little joke, okay?

Catherine said nothing about it, as if Hilda expected her to be judged for it. Anyway, it was a valid question.

"A joke?"

And then she asks, was putting someone in the washing machine the joke?

<Nobody thought Dark would turn it on. She really took everything veeery seriously.

At least she didn't.

"Hm... So if we put the dictionary in, it'll look like it can be read but won't be readable?"

The question makes some sense, but according to Hilda, it doesn't. Things weren't that simple. On the contrary, they were complex for cases like Billy's and super easy to understand for things like a little book. Catherine looks at it, thinks about it... It's not that she distrusts... On the contrary, she just wonders: Do I really need to return it to normal?

...it didn't matter. She shrugs. Hilda went to the trouble of finding this for her, it wouldn't cost her anything to be grateful and accept the gesture. Besides, she could learn new words she didn't know yet. The first thing she'd look up would be 'libido'.

"Okay."

She takes a few steps forward and throws

>>5669
"Okay."

Takes a few steps forward and tosses the dictionary inside.

"Done."
1/2 so much for that. Stupid fake character limit

>>121767
>Ashley
They traverse the anomalous space. It's so packed with objects it raises some questions: What if someone just takes something that doesn't belong to them? And, of course: How are there so many things here?

The reason is they're not the only ones using this place to store stuff. Catherine lets out a 'hm'.

"Would that be a problem?"

She supposes they might run into someone if others had access here. Then she realizes something.

"...no, I don't think so."

If she detects anyone, she'll evade them with skill. Catherine was born for this!—or well, trained for it. And obviously, some lunatic poking around, testing entrances to see where they lead, shouldn't be much of a concern either, especially since at least theirs had a lock.

...though maybe Charmy should reinforce that last one.

<We arrived.

"Hm?"

They stop short at a vast meadow... of pillows? Ashley stares, wide-mouthed, surprised. The unnatural landscape deserved a question... but she doesn't get to ask it before receiving a shove.

"Ah!"

She yelps, followed by an 'ay', an 'oy', and an 'uy' as she bounces repeatedly until doesn't clip and ends up in th3 sh4dy gr3y. Fin. finally landing sprawled in the valley.

"Ahh..." —she sighs, that was kinda fun—

She turns her gaze to the side, searching for her companion, spotting a blur of blue plummeting rapidly straight toward her. Catherine's eyes widen and she tenses up just before impact.

"Osh..." —not a big deal for her, but still a rough bump—

Hilda felt it a bit more. Crashing onto Cat's bony frame must've hurt. Once the brief shock of the collision passes, she looks up.

"You okay?"

Hilda turns, hugs her. With Hilda resting on her arm, Catherine takes the chance to do the same, ending up face to face. Hugging each other, though Catherine a bit more so. Hilda has the advantage in this hugging showdown by one leg.

They lock eyes. For a second, Catherine doesn't show any expression—neither does Hilda. Then, suddenly, Hilda bursts into laughter. Ashley smiles and softly snorts through her nose, soon laughing along. It was contagious.

"You pushed me." —she reminds her—
<Do you like it?

"Yeah... It was fun."

She replies. Hilda takes the chance to nestle into Catherine's soft neck, who welcomes her there affectionately. Her hands move to her friend's head, gently stroking as Hilda inhales. The soap—always used generously—gives off a pleasant fragrance, but her natural scent sneaks through beneath the perfume, subtle as she is... Her skin smells like the forest after rain, like citrus tree leaves drenched in dew, bark, and even a faint trace of sweet honey. It sounds almost magical. Catherine was mysterious in many ways... but mysteries didn't matter. What mattered was that this was how she was, that Hilda liked it, and that this strange, hidden scent—only noticeable when one pressed their nose directly against her skin—was just for her...

It should be noted that the gesture makes her tremble slightly. She's getting used to physical contact, but it feels different—having a nose against her neck isn't the same as a hand's heel against her cheek.

"...you're tickling me..."

That's the closest comparison she can make. It's a strange, faint tickling sensation.

<I did all of this myself.

"All of this...?" -she asks, her eyes darting around- "It's a lot." -she's surprised-

<When I want to be alone, I usually come here to play.

"I get it." -she replies- "I had a treehouse too... to be alone as well."

<One day we could even move here, far away from all those nerds... I don't know, it's just an idea.

"If that's what you want." -she doesn't think too hard about it, this time agreeing more easily- "I'll go with you."

It's not a bad idea. If she were to leave, no matter where, she'd rather follow her than stay in that house.

"Or we could build a treehouse..." -she suggests, that's fun too- "...or we could have a house here... and another in a tree..." -that way everyone's happy-

<It's embarrassing.

"Why?" -she doesn't understand, it's just pillows-

<such a soft little spot, coming from such a tough girl...

"..." -she falls silent for a second- "What about it?"

She's too literal to grasp the connection between these two ideas—at least in this case. Why would being tough prevent someone from having a soft place? Even the mighty bear seeks out something soft to rest on.

...wait, she's falling asleep.
"Hilda..."

She stops stroking her hair, stirs slightly, waits for the other to look over in surprise at the sudden movement, then pinches the girl's cheek.

"...What are we going to do?"

<Ah, right.

"..." —she gently squeezes the cheeks before pulling away— "you really are soft."

She moves back. Sits up. Catherine takes a second to do the same. She had been comfortable too... Maybe they could’ve taken a nap first. Doesn’t matter now.

"..."

They look at each other. Catherine blinks a few times. The silence and uncertainty feel a bit strange. Saying she’s afraid of Hilda would be wrong. Sure, Hilda’s strong and all that, but so was her dad, and he looked scary at first glance too. Bigfoot as well—yes, Catherine knows Bigfoot. Not the real one, just some crazy man she knows who’s more beast than human. She’s used to spending time with threatening people. You could argue she hasn’t known Hilda as long, but not only does she owe her life, she also loves her deeply in a way she doesn’t love anyone else.

Still, once again, this feels strange somehow. She’s being stared at, and she stares back just as intently. Hilda isn’t usually “like this”—emotionless calm suits Catherine herself more. The opposite would be more like Hilda: straightforward, obvious with her emotions. Not being able to read her intentions is unusual. Unusual feels a bit weird.

But there’s another factor...

<Close your eyes, Ashley.

"..."

She trusts. 'Ok,' she answers, and obeys. Just in case, this time her lips pucker slightly, waiting for a kiss that never comes. She’s being guided now—it seems she won’t get the kiss she’s been waiting for today.

"…?"

She’s a bit stiff at first; Hilda feels some resistance. But soon, after a sigh and the tiniest nod of her head, she lets herself be led... ending up lying face down. Strange... but acceptable. Still, even with her eyes closed, she can’t help but seem puzzled when she feels that weight on top of her. She knows it’s Hilda... But why? Was this the “special” thing? Her long hair is moved aside again, exposing her neck skin, and then her entire shoulder as the one riding her decides to reveal more.

(What is she doing...?)
From fangs to molars. Her flesh is marked by Hilda's teeth without any possible resistance. Catherine's eyes widen along with her mouth, which tries to stifle a scream to hide the pain as she's been taught.

"Khhhhh—"

But it overpowers her, a pained hiss like a suffering cat whining as she kicks and punches the pillow beneath her hand. She won't let it go, she wants it, but the pain... she doesn't like it AT ALL. She writhes and kicks wildly with her newfound strength, perhaps making worse the wound the bite was going to leave. Trying to escape at all costs.

to do what comes next, otherwise let Cat suffer and that's it

Managing to pull away, she rolls and sits up, clutching the wound with her hand while scrambling backward to create distance. She stares at Hilda with pain on her face, a pain not from the wound, but from... betrayal.

"You bit me..." —the ultimate betrayal in Cat's eyes—

She says. Hurt, alert, now looking at Hilda as someone who could harm her. Had she been stupid? She let her guard down, oh yes she did. She gave her full trust, let her touch her skin, smell her scent. She entrusted her name and her life. She couldn't understand why this had just happened to her. Didn't want to believe she meant to hurt her. Why? Why?

...she stopped scrambling backward. She curled up, no longer alert, but...

"Why...?"

...with a sad, heartbroken expression.
2/2
I understand if the Marie part gets too long, feel free to skip it and reply to this first if it's more comfortable
I've been thinking about something you said about scenes we might still want to do. I suppose Catherine talking to Charmy is one, even if there's no news about whatever happened to her. I have a small scene in mind, something Cat would want to talk about
Implying this doesn't kill the Hildatherine kek
Anyway I feel like that was bound to happen eventually anyway

>>120734
<Martín Emilios Palacios (Year 30, Day 9, hour 3)
HP: 100/100
Energy: 0/50
Hunger: 20/20 - Thirst: 20/20
-Strength: 11x2
-Agility: 10x2 - 10 Group supply bags
-Endurance: 11x2 + 15 Modified Hazmat Suit V2
-Luck: 4
Inventory
-Pockets 2/4
Thalasin (29/30)
Brayan
Skills:
Werewolf (Transformation): x2 base stats. x3 base stats in aquatic environments.
-Effects
Insomnia (111/1964)

Level 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6aj6AoiLbc▾You took a moment to check the supply bag assigned to you. The inside is lined with insulating aluminum to protect the contents from the cold. There are canned goods (pork, lard, and beans), almond water bottles, rolls of bandages, military rations, moth jelly sheets, and also some thick iron thermoses that—upon opening one—release a trail of steam fogging up your hazmat visor. It contains a red, light, odorless substance. One of the expedition members warned you this is liquid pain, used by pouring it over yourself when the weather turns unbearable.

The same guy who showed you the family photo ventured into the depths of the church. You called out, but silence was the only reply, aside from some bird caws you think you imagined. You decided not to take the risk and ran off, fleeing to rejoin the group. When you reach the last expedition member in the march, everyone turns around at a loud cracking sound from the rear. The silhouette of the church collapses, burying all its secrets beneath it.

Hilda reports she’s found the entrance to the next level and orders everyone to hurry.

...

Slabs of living rock embrace the thick stone bridge, flanking it on either side with abyss and darkness, from where running water can be heard... Some comment it's flowing almond water heading toward level 7, others say it's a river of liquid pain and that level 7 froze over long ago.
your

stomach

aches

from

forcing

yourself

through

narrow

cracks,

and

your

knees

crack

under

the

weight,

but

at

least

you're

as

intact

as

swiss

cheese.

you

sit

around

the

campfire

and

stretch

your

hands

toward

the

flame,

even

underground

you

need

to

keep

the

cold

at

bay.

at

least

you

don't

have

to

deal

with

wind.

some

of

the

expedition

members

help

set

up

tents

while

others

bring

out

portable

stoves

for

cooking.

hilda

divides

the

watch

shifts

into

three,

using

a

timer

to

track

the

hours.

knowing

you

can't

sleep,

she

offers

you

the

role

of

permanent

guard

volunteer.

hilda:

i

found

this

in

the

trash.

might

help

you

not

get

bored.

-game

boy

function:

entertainment.

description:

old

piece

of

electronic

gear.

comes

with

a

tetris

cartridge

and

one

for

pokemon

blue.

eight

hours

later,

a

scream

wakes

the

expedition

and

snaps

you

out

of

your

pokemon

trance.

hilda

rushes

out

of

her

tent

and

hurries

to

the

edge

of

the

bridge,

where

the

scream

faded.

soon

they

learn

from

a

witness

that

one

of

the

men,

drowsy,

stepped

out

to

pee,

took

a

bad

step,

and

fell

into

the

void.

no

time

for

grieving.

hilda

orders

the

camp

packed

up.

you

swallow

a

pill

and

get

ready

to

move

on.

...

the

stone

gives

way

to

a

tangle

of

interwoven

planks.

you

realize

you're

on

another

level,

but

you

no

longer

feel

the

subtle

chill

that

used

to

accompany

entering

a

new

labyrinth—

it

doesn't

feel

like

exploring

a

living

body

that

breathes

and

reacts

anymore.

with

picks

and

axes,

men

and

women

hack

their

way

through

frozen

wood.

the

floor

creaks

with

every

step.

many

suspect

your

weight

could

be

a

problem

and

keep

their

distance.

ahead,

the

woman

wielding

the

axe

screams

and

falls

on

her

ass.

from

a

turned-on

tv

on

the

ground,

tuned

to

static,

emerges

an

albino

lizard

the

size

of

a

muscular

man,

which

hooks

the

woman's

chest

with

its

tongue

and

threatens

to

swallow

her

in

one

bite.

hilda

jumps

over

everyone

and

slashes

downward,

cutting

the

tongue.

lines

of

black

blood

stain

the

floor.

the

creature

lets

out

a

horrible

screech

and

retreats

beyond

the

screen.

the

poor

victim

looks

at

hilda

and

thanks

her,

but

the

leader

doesn't

lower

her

double-edged

sword.

looking

around

the

new

attic

area

they've

reached—more

open—you

understand

why.

televisions,

stacked

and

hanging

from

chains,

turn

on

by

themselves.

shadows

stir

beyond

the

static.

1/3

>>5671
<Martín Emilios Palacios (Year 30, Day 19, hour 7)
HP: 100/100
Energy: 0/50
Hunger: 20/20 - Thirst: 20/20
-Strength: 11x2
-Agility: 10x2 - 10 Group supply bag
-Endurance: 11x2 + 15 Modified Hazmat Suit V2
-Luck: 4
Inventory
-Pockets 2/4
Thalasin (19/30)
Brayan
Skills:
Lycanthrope (Transformation): x2 base stats. x3 base stats in aquatic environments.
-Effects
Insomnia (111/1964)

Level 21
Black blood drips from Hilda's sword. She sits down on a boulder half-buried in the regolith, and with long, deliberate strokes of a handkerchief, she cleans the blade. Around her, the expedition members barely catch their breath and recover their strength after the last battle, cold sweat still soaking them from the fright. There had been too many entities; they were forced to flee, and three of them were dragged away by the channel-feeders, leaving only 10 from the original group (not counting Hilda or you).

The leader decides they need rest, and under the sight of planet Earth, they set up camp. They take their time because more than one gets lost, mesmerized by staring at the blue globe, the old home world. Who could blame them? It's the closest they've been to home. The only one who remains distant, as if that old world meant nothing, is Hilda.

Around the fire, nostalgic stories are shared—about girlfriends, boyfriends, family, problems, countless complaints now remembered with longing, and even a few tears.

Maybe if we write a message in the dust, NASA will show up to rescue us.

One man says it with a wavering voice—it's supposed to be a joke, but his voice betrays him with the stammer of hope. A woman drinking a beer replies without looking at him, expressionless:

Don't say stupid things. It's just an illusion.

It looked painfully real. That was the worst part.
The journey through Level 21 surpassed any time estimate. Days kept piling up, supplies dwindled, and it wasn't a place where you could find food by scavenging or hunting. The freezing blizzards wore down morale. It didn't help that the surrounding landscape was an endless stretch of dusty plots and dark craters, and that in the sky hovered the physical embodiment of everyone's longing. Frost from the wind clung to coats, adding weight, tearing at the seams. Several eyed your hazmat suit with envy, since it seemed to keep you nice and warm... when in truth, it reeked badly inside. You hadn't had a chance to bathe or take it off. Maybe you dreaded seeing yourself in a mirror and discovering you'd become even more deformed.

Hilda: Avoid at all costs letting it enter any orifice. It's 100% pure liquid pain—lethal if applied carelessly.

The guide showed you how to use the red substance, soaking and carefully rubbing it onto the skin. But one man, desperate to feel his nose again—already blackened by frost necrosis—miscalculated, and the pain liquid got into his eyes. You noticed because he collapsed to the ground screaming, his face starting to bleed and swell. Hilda walked over to him, stood and observed with a furrowed brow for a while. The suffering man reached out a trembling hand toward her, and without uttering a word, the leader split his skull open with a sword strike to the forehead.

It sounded like a melon or a juicy coconut cracking. Everyone's breath caught, and silence took over.

The sacrifice, though necessary given the man had no future, dealt a blow to the group's morale. Questions and doubts about Hilda arose—whether she even knew the way out. She replied that she did, but what she sought was a shortcut to a specific level. This clarification didn't sit well with some, who would've been satisfied with any exit leading to a more habitable level than the moon. That's why one morning you woke up to news of a mutiny by five people...

The demands were clear: half the supplies and a promise of no future punishment for this act.

2/2

>>5672
<Martín Emilios Palacios (Year 30, Day 19, hour 8)
HP: 100/100
Energy: 0/50
Hunger: 19/20 - Thirst: 19/20
-Strength: 11x2
-Agility: 10x2 - 10 Group supply bags
-Endurance: 11x2 + 15 Modified Hazmat Suit V2
-Luck: 4
Inventory
-Pockets 2/4
Thalasin (19/30)
Brayan
Skills:
Lupine (Transformation): x2 base stats. x3 base stats in aquatic environments.
-Effects
Insomnia (111/1964)

Level 21
Hilda: Those star symbols at the entrance... Yes, this is the place.

You follow the remaining group members to the mouth of the cave, though your eyes keep drifting toward the blue-haired woman and the bloodstained sword she wields. You still can't quite believe what you witnessed—how the leader moved like a blurred streak among the mutineers, how you heard the wind being sliced, then saw scarlet chunks falling and staining the lunar ground. Only one managed to react in time, firing his shotgun, hitting empty space to his right, and a second later having the blade emerge from his chest. You remember the man’s eyes dropping to the steel, staring at it with his mouth agape, as if unable to comprehend what had happened to him.

There were no more complaints. In fact, among your companions there was a general impression that Hilda had done the right thing, and that on a mission so vital to the shelter's future, punishing betrayal was necessary.

Footsteps echo through the dark, cold cave. Hilda warns you that you'll meet entities further ahead, but not to worry.

Hilda: I got on well with them a couple years back when I saved them from a Watcher. They're telepaths, meaning they communicate through the mind, so... no weird thoughts.

Beyond the flashlight's beam, there's a pale glow and an opening. You arrive at a wide chamber illuminated by a floating fireball positioned exactly at the center, hovering above a grooved platform. But the most striking thing isn't that—it's the giant cyclopean starfish slowly moving about on two legs, scattered across the room. Hilda goes first, her stride confident; she even sheathes her sword. The star people turn toward her, facing her with their large eyes. You all stay behind, tense and expectant, unsure what kind of entities these are. A drop of sweat runs down the forehead of the expedition member to your left, and you notice he's gripping a submachine gun, ready.
The leader and the starpeople remain silent, standing just steps apart, communicating through an invisible and inaudible line. Hilda nods, glances over her shoulder, and signals for you to follow. The expeditionaries approach carefully, while the starpeople return to their erratic wandering, ignoring them.

Hilda: Unlike us, they don't want to escape.

Hilda comments, stretching her hands toward the miniature sun, warming herself.

Hilda: They came here to take refuge after some motherfuckers destroyed their world. Now they don't know how to leave... and they don't care. The plan, as far as I know, is to wait until the sons of bitches who fucked them over go extinct. A shitty plan, but I'm not a mindstar, so... what do I know?

But the starpeople aren't what Hilda wants to see—what she's after lies at the back of the cave, beyond another narrow tunnel. Ashen eyes, nails and chains restricting its movement, the frost-skinned beholder floats, emitting a blue glow, a thick cloak covering part of its head. It's the watcher Hilda helped the Starpeople defeat.

Hilda: Our shortcut.

To where?

Hilda: To the Ministry.

She says, then takes off her backpack and pulls out an object. At first you think it's an ugly, wrinkled latex mask with horns, but on closer inspection, the texture seems too natural... because it is.

Hilda holds the flayed skin in both hands and puts it on, completely covering her head. She looks at you. One of your companions steps back, trembling—he recognizes the skin as one of the worm's heralds.

Hilda: Santa Claus took someone very precious from me... In return, I took his head. Fair price, right?

She throws her head back and lets out a loud "Ja!" that echoes through the entire cave.

3/3

>>121974
>Donny

Total panic, confusion, he was falling without any real direction into the void, without a course or meaning, without time, without company, was this going to be his end, falling through eternity until he went mad?, how long had he been falling, how long had he been screaming?, things like that stopped being worth asking a long time ago. But it didn't end here, something saves him from that predicament.

"AHHHHHHHHHhhhh...aaaa...¿ah?, ¿eh?" It took him a moment to realize his new surroundings, not so strobe-like and confusing, he put his hand to his throat, it hurt from the screams.

He stood up, looking around and firmly gripping his bat, he couldn't trust himself. The first thing he sees is his reflection in a black mirror, but upon closer inspection he realizes it's a kind of monolith, like in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

>Is it not wonderful?

"¡AH!" No matter how soft it sounded, the voice startled him and made him step back three steps while urgently shaking his weapon, he was still very alert "¿Quien..." He looks at the carrier of that voice, above the monolith was a woman of great stature, dirty with blood and with an aura of great power around her, with one of those compasses that explorers used.

Donny watches her silently, and lets her continue, while in the background the interstellar spectacle unfolds, a marvel that possibly could only be seen once in a lifetime, but now Donny was short on words for this given his situation, first because the strange woman knew his name, this made him furrow his brow and grip his bat tighter.

Although his feelings of self-defense quickly fade when this woman reveals herself to be Irene...an Irene of many.

"Irene..." He could ask a million things, where were they, what to do now, he still had a lot of emotions and things to say jumping from one side to the other in his head after what had happened, those infernal three days since he left the Draga, but that which his sister said only left him with a doubt.

He walks until he is close to him, and lifts his gaze to speak, something that in the past, he would have asked by looking down or while sitting on the couch at home "It sounds like a lot of things happened, but, are you okay?"

>...

>Irene

"Ok ok, no reason to fight" He raises his hands as if to say 'calm down old man'

...

His anger had a clear focus after what happened with the run-over and leaving Marco behind "Stupid face you're going to have if you keep acting like this" He snaps at Leon

But the albino doesn't help, Irene frowns "A 'thank you' isn't too much"

The scene transpires, and the final one stays to rest, Irene keeps looking at him for the rest of the journey. Birda gets off to go get Marco, Irene could protest as much as she wanted, but if she wanted to get off, she couldn't force her to go back, she sighs with sadness watching her figure fade into the white mantle of the blizzard.

"So much effort to save one and in the end losing two...I hope it's not so hard to find you, mom" She looks again at the Albino "Hey, did you say you were looking for someone, didn't you? Maybe I can help you with that"

She shows him the eye of Argos "It's an artifact, with it you can see whoever you want, wherever you want, it doesn't matter if they're in the storage room or outside of it...with a limit of three times a day" But before he tries anything, she takes it away "Butttt~ first, a 'thank you' and introduce yourself, that's my quota, by the way, do you know a way to find the old man who lives on level 12, don't you?" Maybe she asked too much, but if for the last question he already showed himself very annoyed, it's fine to give Argos to the albino "Just...think of who you want to see, and it will show you where they are, it's not very helpful just knowing they're somewhere x, but at least you'll know how they are before continuing"

>...
>>122008
>That Marie
AHHH MY PENEEEEkek

>>5671

He was already getting hungry from all the good shit around, so much that since he arrived here he looked like he'd been on a hunger strike from how little he'd been eating. He wished he could just go on a proper binge, but probably better not.

"FIUUU! Move your ass, I'm out!"

He stashes everything, follows the path, and soon bumps into a church. Waits less than twenty seconds for the dude who went in, then lets out a whistle before bolting off. Doesn't even bother looking back until he reaches the others, just in time to hear everything go straight to hell.

"One's still stuck in there."

He turns toward the collapsed church, points, and looks at the group. Playing dumb and completely detached, he doesn't say more than necessary. He was at the back, saw someone go in, that's it—nothing else. If asked, he knows nothing beyond that. Not that shrugging off blame mattered much, seeing how the others just kept doing their thing shortly after.

"I don't get along with technology... These little screens especially, something tells me they don't bring nothing good around here."

He steps back a bit as soon as he sees the game. Feels uneasy even touching it, and only does so to avoid drawing attention—then quickly tosses it aside a moment later. After a couple hours of guard duty, boredom hits hard, and he ends up picking up the console again. Back in the day, he'd only ever had those typical bootleg ones that repeated the same game a thousand times.

This one doesn't seem much more original, judging by what's on it. The game glitches constantly, dialogue often corrupts and becomes unreadable, but even so, he manages to play. Occasionally, strange whispers come from nowhere. He figures it's just the cave he's in and doesn't think much of it. Later, though, the game starts showing areas and objects he doesn't recall ever seeing or hearing about. In Silver City, he finds a strange onyx statue said to be a sanctuary, though he can't interact with it at all. It's only in Rock Tunnel that he decides to turn the game off after an NPC says the exact same thing. He shoves the console deep into his backpack and tries to forget about it, though every now and then he feels something on his shoulder.

"Motherf—!"

He nearly shits himself upon hearing the scream—between that Pokémon and this, he almost gets a heart attack. Nobody felt like sticking around after another person died, so without complaint, he grabs his stuff and bails too. The sensation of something on his shoulder vanishes as they change levels; instead, now he has to deal with the dizziness from crossing over wooden planks that could collapse any second. No need for the others to keep their distance—he's already moving at a painfully slow pace, terrified of falling.

>>5672
"Can't you see, that's exactly what I'm saying. Next screen I see, I smash it!"

The TVs amplify his paranoia; he has to hold back the urge to kick them all to pieces as they pass by. That was the case until he realized there isn't a single screen in this entire place he can trust. He joins the others fighting off the creatures jumping on them, though more than the creatures, he's primarily aiming at the TVs. The radio is now the only thing he can tolerate from here on out—because after this, he might even start agreeing with Josue Yrion that Nintendos and stuff like that are evil.

"Let him do his thing, we're not losing anything anyway."

He mutters it without much enthusiasm, lying flat on his back beside the group. After all that running, he's got little desire to interact, and he wasn't exactly the most social person during this whole trip to begin with. Nobody's been in that mood, really—nobody even knows each other's names except Hilda's. Aside from occasional comments about letting everyone do whatever they want as long as there's no trouble, he's barely spoken at all.

"Hey man, what the fuck kind of plan is that? We're in the middle of nowhere—do you really think you'll accomplish much just by hoarding more food? Do you even know what the hell you're gonna do after that?"

The mutiny threat catches him as off guard as everyone else. But in his case, it wasn't the mutiny itself that surprised him—it was how stupid the plan was. He tells the guy who organized it straight to his face, no filter. That said, he says it all from behind Hilda. He's not about to stand in the middle of crossfire or risk getting punched in the face, so knowing she's more than capable of restoring order, he stays perfectly still, waiting for her to do exactly that.

>>5674

"Get down and sit, if something happens you won't need to move anyway."

He was right—Hilda restored order, though not in the way he expected. He's caught off guard by the fact she ended up killing the idiots who rebelled, but he doesn't comment on it. He'd already seen before the journey began that people around here are too damn stubborn to change their minds, so it's faster and easier to get rid of them right away instead of dealing with their bullshit all day. Knowing that, he doesn't worry about the aliens either—and he tells that straight to the guy who's about to start shooting at them. With Hilda standing right in front, they can afford to relax for a while.

"They're gonna have to find another place if snow starts sticking here too."

He doesn't know what they're running from, doesn't know what they live on, and doesn't know what they're doing—but he agrees with Hilda that their plan is shit. If they needed help to defeat the corpse now lying in front of him, then he's not gonna fare well at all against one of those supposed guys who control the weather.

"And wearing it like that is supposed to be for what?"

>>120893
<Maverick Spark (Day 60, hour 15)
HP: 120/130
Energy: 88/90
Hunger: 18/20 - Thirst: 18/20
-Strength: 14
-Agility: 14
-Stamina: 11
-Luck: 2
Inventory:
-Pockets 0/4
Skills:
-Sixth Sense (Passive): Alerts you to nearby danger and grants a +25 Agility bonus during your first reaction.

Level 11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD6D5kFJrLY▾Cereza: A level can cry... And die... And destroy a person. Better not fuck with them.

You close your eyes and try to remember. You recall how Rosynini saved you from Tiff; everything else is dead time—spirals of dreams, prophecies—until your current rebirth. God and Argos appear in the distance between buildings and falling snow. Argos's hundred eyes see you, but your father's gaze remains lost in the sky. They are the final defense of level 11, standing between you and the ice. You summarize all the information received and wait for Cereza to confirm. She nods.

Cereza: It's a long trek to the outskirts. I've been walking my whole life, I'll be fine.

With that last comment, she waits expectantly, as if waiting for you to validate whether you feel ready for a marathon. But you know weakness won't spare you from hardship—it's time to move forward. On a wooden bench in the theater's foyer sits a traveler's backpack, filled with supplies. Lifting it places a considerable weight on your shoulders and back.

-Traveler's Backpack 15/15
4 bottles of almond water
3 cans of tuna
2 packs of sliced bread
2 bags of raw meat strips
1 flashlight
1 portable stove
1 gas cylinder (for the stove)
1 jar of moth jelly

Sergeant appears wearing a coat pulled up to his nose, bringing you a gift: more weight. The tool is thick and lethal, pulling your hands downward. With one hand on his prominent belly, Sergeant lets out his thunderous laugh.

Sergeant: I call it the Motorized Maulsaw! Cute, huh?

-Motorized Maulsaw
Function: +20 damage, -10 agility (Load: 10)
Description: A bastard child of a maul and a circular saw. Can consume battery to perform a second strike with doubled damage buff.

Sergeant grabs his beret and squeezes it in his massive hands. He looks satisfied, yet conflicted.

Sergeant: I promised myself I'd never build anything new again. But what the hell? With the world the way it is now, one more gadget won't make things worse... Just make sure you deal plenty of damage to whatever you fight on your journey.

Your sister hugs herself and wrinkles her small nose, turning her face away.

Cereza: ...There was a 74% chance you'd change your mind and come with us.

Sergeant: Someone's gotta stay and help your old man, sweetheart. Even if he doesn't ask, or even if he knows there's not much I can do compared to them. At the end of the day, God's as human as I am... Or as you are.
He puts on his beret. You say goodbye, he shakes your hand and suddenly pulls you into a crushing bear hug that cracks your spine (-5 HP). You walk away with Cherry. The sky remains overcast, buildings blocking any view of the giant eye or God. The sergeant yells at you from a distance.

Sergeant: If it's a boy, teach him to be a man! If it's a girl, show her suitors who the real man is!

You glance back, confused. Cherry sighs and shakes her head.

Cherry: Don't listen to him. It was just a stupid prediction I made... I talked too much.

Your sister leads the way, cutting through probabilities (invisible to you), always choosing the least dangerous path. A harder task than it seemed, with chaos as the rule—predictions shifting by the minute, and more than once she made you turn back. Slowly but surely, you drifted further from the level's center.

Cherry: I wonder where the facelings went. Not even Francine knows, and she knows their secret shortcuts.

The streetlights flicker—already faulty for a while—but this time, after one final flash brighter than the rest, they don't come back on, drowning the streets in gloom. Snowflakes still stand out as if possessing an ominous glow. Cherry pulls out her flashlight and you do the same. You resume walking.

Cherry: I think this is the first time we've spent this much time together. It's kind of sad, but I get it... Even I sometimes don't want to be around myself, that's why I used the milk to escape. It took me somewhere... I don't know if it was better, but everything was so sweetened that it lost meaning, and when nothing matters, nothing hurts.

She gives you a long look from under her messy bangs.

Cherry: There was a 59% chance you'd end up hating me. With odds like that, who'd take the risk...? At least I don't depend on the cow anymore. I'm... I'm better, I guess.

A white carpet of flowers surprises you at the next avenue. Petals and a strong perfume lifted by the cold breeze. The sense of anomaly the chrysanthemums exude feels different from the level or the city itself.

Cherry: The probabilities say it's dangerous, but I also feel something calling for help, like we should keep going...

You take the risk, and 100 meters ahead find a meat mace with a spike dragging itself through the flowers. Dried blood stains its mouth, and strips of blue cloth dangle from its jaws, while its many eyes ooze a clear, salty fluid. Cherry and you hide in the corner of a shop, watching the creature snarl and whimper in the dark.

Cherry: An albino insanity, first time I've seen one. What do we do...? If it notices us, it'll attack. I'm 100% certain.

She looks at you, waiting for you to pull the right answer out of a hat. After all, you're her older brother.

>>120894
<Aurora (Day 18. Time 5)
HP: 120/120
Energy: 70/70
Hunger: 20/20 - Thirst: 20/20
- Strength: 2 + 10 Miko Kankaku
- Agility: 6 + 10 Miko Kankaku
- Resistance: 2 + 10 Miko Kankaku
- Luck: 4 + 2 Reserve Experience Points
Inventory:
-Pockets 1/4
Scarf
-Techniques:
Free Chest Jutsu: Avoids bodily contamination from the air. To maintain it requires a certain level of concentration, therefore it cannot be used at the same time as other techniques.

Level 16
You run until you stop feeling the soles of your feet. It's not because you got tired or because a lot of time passed, you just started to float. You kept moving with your hands extended in front, almost without seeing, moving as far away as possible from Dark Mahou and that sinful grip that stained your most intimate place. Can you ever get married now that you're a stained flower? You didn't notice when the trees became scarce and the stage changed, until you planted your feet in the air to stop and avoid hitting a wall of bricks.

The world is colored by an opaque and sepia pencil that clashes with your pale skin and clothes. A very long street, signs in an unfamiliar language, cars from a different era, dark windows and a light drizzle of milk. You walked through the mysterious neighborhood until the next corner, where your gaze caught a hooded figure looking over their shoulder to avoid being spied on (Mission failed), while placing a bundle under the lintel of a church-shaped building. The unknown person grabs the door knocker, rings it, and with haste runs away, stopping for a few seconds in a blind spot to make sure the bundle was received. From your position you see as the door opens, an older woman appears, looks around, then down and is surprised, leans down to grab the bundle, and carries it between her arms before going back inside.

???: What are you looking at?

The voice behind you startles you. You turn your head, reuniting with a girl with brown braids. Now instead of a dog, she rides a bicycle, and with an umbrella she protects herself from the milk drops.

Momo: Did you also come following the balloon?

Her eyes slightly open.

Momo: Wait... I know you. You're that girl from the other day... You're still alive.

Her gaze lowers to the sidewalk where your feet should be placed.

Momo: And now you fly. Cool.

Her eyes close almost completely as her threshold of surprise stabilizes. Momo says something very intelligent: Since both are girls in an unknown place, they should walk together for a while at least. It is thus how the young woman and you continue forward through the level, which according to Momo continues being the 16, only that sometimes the forest changes for... Reasons. The conversations started by you, because Momo seemed very satisfied with the silence unless it was indispensable to open the mouth, like for example when a white and bulbous mass, bigger than a blue whale, appeared for several seconds among the clouds. Momo points at the sky with a finger.

Momo: It's the god of the balloons.

Seriously?

Momo: No... I made it up. But it would be nice if it were, right? A god could grant me a wish, or something like that.

As fast as it came, the giant whale went away. Momo clarifies that it's getting late and that you should already go home.

>>5661
Hey, OP... Three questions... Can I come back? I'll see the ending even if it's the last thing I do... And if it's comfy and everyone's together, even better :^)

Second, what was the last turn I had to respond to?

And third, can you list the characters from the commemorative Pic of the thread...? The one where they're all together, their anime origins, not who they are in-character kuek

>>5669
>>5670
<Catherine Hills (Day 17. Hour 14)
HP: 100/110
Energy: 65/70
Hunger: 19/20 - Thirst: 19/20
- Strength: 5
- Agility: 12
- Endurance: 4
- Luck: 3 + 0 Hilda's Necklace
Inventory:
- Pockets 4/4
Book: New Horizons and Relative Axes, by CH. Pickles.
Liminal Dictionary
Pencil
Notebook

Level 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3dcTJElTKc▾She was your strongest connection in those worlds that seem to float free from reality's shackles. You loved her deeply, cherished her company, were her cat, and as proof she stroked your hair when frustrated, and in response you felt her relax.

You helped her, and she helped you. Thanks to her finding the angular washing machine, you could read your dictionary without a magnifying glass. It brought new pages and new concepts; you learned that Dorcelessness is a very rare psychic disorder, and that level 256 is a huge lie. It says so right there, ¡FRAUD! in letters so overflowing with ink there's no room for details. But that didn't matter—only one thing interested you...

f. Psychol. Sexual desire, considered by some authors as an impulse and root of the most varied manifestations of psychic activity.
Syn.: lust, lewdness, lasciviousness, concupiscence, desire, appetite, libido.

You got answers from the dictionary. From Hilda too, though it wasn't really her strong suit.

Hilda: They have a sort of... Uuuhhh... Code of honor, that goes way, way back.

She scratches an ear.

Hilda: That's also why there are so many things—lots of the owners are genuine old farts. The leader's parents used it too.

And speaking of old folks, you ended up running into one. Couldn't help it! The seemingly normal wardrobe opened by itself, revealing the obese man. Whole pigs, red and steaming, hang from iron hooks on the greasy wooden beams, along with dried fish and rows of sausages. By reflex you step back, positioning yourself behind Hilda—the stranger's bulk is even larger than Joe's or Commissioner Laguerta's.

Hilda: Hey, Duke.

She raises and lowers her chin in greeting. The man, fingers blackened from diabetes, smiles.

The Duke: Sir Hilda, what a pleasant coincidence... I need to move fast (the irony). Is Charmy available?

Hilda explains the leader is busy with adult matters in town.

The Duke: Oh dear, oh dear, on a romantic outing with Sir Joe?

Hilda: Bleh! No. Romance is for fools.

Sticks out her tongue, says it while holding your little hand (the irony).

Hilda: It's about the mayor's office and I think the weather.

The Duke: How delightful to know they're finally taking action about this bone-chilling cold.
The cold hasn't been that bad so far, but maybe that man is just very sensitive.

The Duke: How's the Sword of the Sun treating you? No incidents?

The braggart shrugs and says indifferently that everything's going as usual, and she usually gets mineral oil to sharpen it. The Duke keeps his subtle smile, then notices you.

The Duke: A friend?

Hilda: It's A-... Catherine. Not just a friend, my best friend!

She adds, puffing out her chest as if that were something to be proud of.

The Duke: Sir Hilda and Lady Catherine... Both names rhyme like a pleasant sonata. Why not get one of my fine goods to celebrate your precious friendship?

The blue-skinned girl checks her pockets.

Hilda: I only have these baby teeth.

The Duke: Ooh, yours?

Hilda: Someone's.

She shrugs again. The Duke accepts the teeth, assuring they're useful for attracting all kinds of fairies, and adds that in fact, there's one following you. You look back and spot, concealed among several marble statues, a creature whose body is made of countless teeth.

The Duke: It's a tooth fairy. Not the kind of fairy I'd want. Grab this soda can and bathe your calcios in sugar and sweetener to scare it off.

-PUNCH
Function: Quenches thirst. Restores 2 energy points (10/10)
Description: A drink to recharge your batteries. A sugar rush, an energy punch straight to your mouth.

Hilda opens the can with her thumbnail, tilts it up, cheeks puffing full. She swallows, looks at you, and hands you the drink—the very antithesis of natural. Maybe it's not to your taste, but you need to drink it to repel the entity.

Hilda: Hey! We should write that down in the book, it's useful.

With the fairy gone, it's time to buy something. You get distracted browsing the inventory, reaching your fingers toward a small vial containing a colorless liquid, but the Duke warns you it's rattlesnake venom. Hilda's hand touches your shoulder to get your attention, then brings something close to your hair... Maybe a hairpin?

The Duke: A gray shadow flower, excellent choice. It's said to represent trauma, lost innocence.

You look at yourself in a stack of mirrors. It's like having an ice cube on your head—the strange flower absorbs light and trembles without moving. Your eyes hurt just looking at it, but when you focus on yourself, you see... Adorable, like a child in a portrait. Hilda peers over your shoulder and smiles.

Hilda: I don't know... It kind of distracts from what's important. You're prettier than that flower, no doubt.

She nods as she says it.

How could you know that the face you adore hides...

Betrayal?

1/2

>>5680
Change the format of the flower image. Let's see if it uploads now.

>>5679
Black, I think it's better to leave it as is. If you had died twice, or even three times... But I think we're already on the fourth or fifth and it's annoying to keep sending turns just for them not to be answered.

Anyway, the turn I sent you is in the previous thread. If you're really interested, you can look it up and respond (Although I don't promise I'll answer it). Or else, it can wait until it reaches the epilogues and then I'll send something to close the story of your monkeys. If you don't have the body for the role, I recommend you choose that option.

>>5680
>>5669
>>5670
<Catherine Hills (Day 17. Time 14)
HP: 100/110
Energy: 65/70
Hunger: 19/20 - Thirst: 19/20
- Strength: 5
- Agility: 12
- Resistance: 4
- Luck: 3 + 0 Hilda's Collar
Inventory:
- Pockets 4/4
Book: New Horizons and Relative Axes, by CH. Pickles.
Liminal Dictionary
Pencil
Notebook

Level 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCHTw1h2kBA▾The plans to build a house were ruined the moment you felt the pain, the same peculiar heat that had invaded you by her closeness, vanished. You stepped back, still clutching the painful and hot wound...

She smiles at you as if what she just did wasn't a vile act. You can almost glimpse her two faces, one friendly, and the other blurry where a gray entity with sharp teeth is just the one that attacked you.

Hilda: You're the first official member of my group! Welcome!

Hilda's smile diminishes at the same time she notices your fear, you stop seeing the other being, but your caution remains high. Hilda crawls up to you. You try to back away, but you only sink deeper into the pillow walls. She extends a hand to your shoulder.

Hilda: Let me see.

You ask, but you don't want to.

Hilda: If it doesn't heal properly it will be bad. Ashley, v-vamos...

The last syllables dry her voice. Her hand contracts in an evident nervousness, until it becomes a fist that plants between the pillow cushions on the floor. She lowers her head.

Hilda: Did I hurt you? I had to do it. Only when the marks go deep do they last, I know that.

She speaks quickly, with very wide eyes due to her growing urgency. But seeing how you shy away leads her to understand that, what she did, broke their relationship in an apparently irreparable way. You again see the monster when Hilda frowns and raises her voice.

Hilda: It's just a bite, Ashley. They have hit me, cut me, even broken my bones and I'm still whole. Why are you acting like this over a bite from nothing?!

Slap.

It wasn't you. It was her. And not on you... She slapped her own palm with such force and speed that it reddened her mouth. You never saw her afraid, but now she looked terrified.

Hilda: Y-Yo...

Her voice gets stuck. Tears are fixed in her, not daring to fall. She speaks, but her gaze seems lost in an event from long ago, before you fell into the liminal space.

Hilda: Dark was right... I'm not fit for this. My place is outside, in the labyrinths.

After her darkened profile seems you disappear for her, but the light returns to her eyes and, loaded with pain, she looks at you.

Hilda: Sorry, Cat...

She didn't dare use your name.

Hilda: I thought it would be nice, that it would become a kind of tradition, like with Doggo... But instead you got hurt when you least expected it. And if you continue with me it will happen again... You judged me wrong, if I'm bad, I'm terrible, I'm like the monsters.

In the end Hilda is indeed a porcupine. A tear touches the corner of her trembling smile. She rubs her face with one arm and extends the other upwards. She sniffs.

Hilda: I-wish you could have tamed me too sniff.

The edge of the sun scratches the distance and hits her hand. Hilda turns her back to you. The strong feeling of a farewell weighs on your heart, the same one you opened and thus got hurt, and hurt another too.

2/2

>>5680
>Ashley
It couldn't be that bad, she thought. And it wasn't—well, not at first. But then it was. Pages piled up, at least a dozen new ones, and while new information was welcome, the anomalous nature of these new pages meant they didn't always say much... and worse: they made navigating through them a pain.

It's been said before—Catherine flips through the dictionary with expertise. Going from A to Z, or Z to R, comes easily to her. She'd studied this book she never particularly liked, because she knew it. Dictionaries always send you reading back and forth. Habit had given her fingers a skill that reduced the annoyance of doing so... It was almost as if she had the pages counted. But now, with uncharted territory, she'd have to learn all over again.

And she already knew where to start.

<Sexual desire

"Hm..."

Sexual, huh? Relating to sex. She knows what it is... She has an anecdote about how she found out.

>begin the ignorable
One ordinary morning deep in the forest, her father decided to move out in search of a pile of metal tubes he swore he'd seen during a previous excursion. They had to walk carefully, stepping only on stones or roots along the path, leaving no traces. For the Hills, this was like breathing—each step avoided the ground itself, while their gaze wandered freely: leaves spiraling down like tiny helicopters, light filtering miraculously through the trees, ants climbing up and down trunks in perfect sync with their own footsteps.

Her dad stayed silent, as always. He didn't talk unless necessary. Instructions, lessons, or answers to the random questions Catherine kept blurting out—that's all he usually said. Only when necessary.

And then it became necessary. Her curious eyes, darting from side to side, landed on two of those wild dogs that roam the woods, living fugitive lives just like them, but without any concern for hiding. They were fucking kek

"What's he doing to Cacao?"

She said, stopping dead and pointing at the scene. A canonical moment for many children. Her father, a towering mountain compared to her, halted. Just his unique way of stopping—so slow and heavy—was imposing. He glanced at what was happening, then dismissed it with disinterest. Without looking at his wide-eyed, almost startled daughter, he replied.
"Is it the dog?"

With a question, of course. "'Cocoa?'"

Catherine
"I named him Cocoa. He's one of the dogs that wanders near the cave. I don't know the other one."

She explained.

Father
"You're still naming dogs?"

Catherine
"Yes."

Father
"I told you not to do that."

Catherine
"..." -she didn't respond- "What are they doing?" -she insists-

Father
"It's called sex." -he replied bluntly-

Catherine
"Sexooo?" -she tilted her head-

Father
"Exactly what I said. Why are you repeating it? You're not adding anything. What did I tell you about not speaking?"

Catherine
"Why are they doing it?"

Father
"They reproduce. That's how babies are made."

Catherine
"Babies?"

She received an annoyed look. His beard was thick and his eyes were sunken, a tired man with pupils as black as the deepest pit of hell. He was somewhat frightening, and though Catherine was used to that terrifying face... seeing his irritation almost made her jump.

"I meant... seriously? Is that how they made me?"

Father
"Yes." -he replied simply and turned forward again- "Now let's go. We have things to do."

The answer wasn't entirely satisfying. It was direct, but didn't explain much—sex remained disconnected information. So much so, that seeing those naked boys hugging and about to kiss had never registered in her mind as an imminent act of that sort.

End of the unnecessary

Catherine
So when she read it, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. She put away the dictionary, and they continued on their way. Doubts about the nature of this place arise with each step, as the ownership of objects seems to blur when everything is just a pile of things anyone can take.

They have a sort of... Uuuhhh... Code of honor, passed down from a very, very long time ago.

"I don't." -he said while looking through a telescope he'd picked up as Hilda was explaining that-

He points it at Hilda, her eye enlarged from the other side of the lens—it's funny.

"You look big."

That's also why there are so many things—many of the owners are genuine old geezers. The leader's parents used it too.
"Hm..."

Lowers the telescope, supposes she should respect. Or something. Puts it carefully back among the pile of objects again. The whole "don't alter the environment" thing? Seems like that sort of stuff got left in the past along with the comfort this new place gave her.

And then—startle! A cabinet suddenly swings open; the girl jumps and quickly takes cover behind her beloved best friend... There's a person inside, but zero hostility.

With her huge eyes, alert like a meerkat, Catherine watches as the most casual conversation unfolds. She doesn't join in, just takes Hilda's hand and observes everything with perfectly neutral expression.

<Romance is for fools.

Her little eyes dart sideways for a second, glancing at Hilda. Then back... she's right. Never been a fan of those novels where love is the main driving force.

<A friend?

Now her eyes look toward the person.

<It's A-...

And immediately dart back to Hilda. But she can silence herself just fine.

<Catherine.

Now she can look at the guy again.

<Not a friend—my best friend!

Nods her head in a definitive: YES. That's what she is. No doubts.

<Their names rhyme like a pleasant sonata.

According to Catherine's knowledge of rhyming rules, she doesn't think their names actually rhyme all that well. Not even the real ones, or real with fake. But she's no lyrical genius—maybe they do, and she kinda likes the idea anyway.

<Why not get one of my wares to celebrate your precious friendship?

The albino hasn't got a single cent to rub together, so she refrains from bargaining. Hilda, on the other hand, has teeth. The Oregon girl blinks a couple times, like... 'Huh?'

Apparently, this stuff is like honey for bees—but for fairies. In fact, they point at one. It's an ugly creature, but either that sense of danger she had during her first days is messed up, or she doesn't sense any particular aggression from it. It doesn't scare her, but apparently it's still better kept at a distance. And don't basic partygoers look like that anymore under its influence?

The repellent was a drink. Hilda shares the half she leaves behind. It reminds her of carbonated drinks her father had very, VERY rarely allowed her to drink. Not that she dislikes them—she's just not entirely used to them. Sometimes flavor over food is fine.
Well, she'd never tried an energy drink before. She took a sip... the taurine, with its distinctive taste that Catherine would describe as "acidic, or citrusy, or something in between," made her raise her eyebrows. She drank a little more, in little bird pecks.

"Mm..."

She likes it, but it's... weird. But yeah, she sipped it slowly.

<Hey! We gotta put that in the book, it's useful.

"Mhm, mhm."

She replied with quick nods, seeming a bit jittery. Then she drank more. The can was already empty. Catherine feels the urge to crush it against her forehead or something, but she doesn't. What the hell was in that? She feels more awake than usual.

In this state, something catches her attention—Cat quickly approaches a jar. Is it water? No, it's poison. From a very venomous snake, no less. What the hell does she want with this? Cat spins around like a top the moment her shoulder is touched... it's just Hilda. She relaxes...

(Calm down...)

She forces herself to tone down the effects of that weird drink as something is placed in her hair. When she looks at her world again—and around, because her world is Hilda (aww) kek—she feels something cold on her head. It's also a bit annoying, that unique sensation of ice that chills and burns at the same time.

At least it's small, so not too bad.

"¿Hm?"

A shadow flower, they say. Catherine should look in the mirror to see her lost innocence. And... it's accurate. Those colors make her quickly rub her eyes to try and stave off a migraine... it brings back bad memories of that time reality broke. When she looks again...

Well... she's beautiful.

Though Catherine's never paid attention to such things... she's naturally pretty. Dad used to say she looked just like her mom... and she thinks her mom was beautiful. So by extension, she can say she's cute.

"Hm..."

Maybe the flower enhances and guides her into thinking that way. But Hilda isn't convinced.

<It kind of distracts from what's important.

"¿Hm?" —she looks at her, what does she mean?—

<You're prettier than that flower, no doubt.

The albino gives a small smile.

"You're cuter," she said. "I like looking at you..."

She confesses. That's how she knows she finds her pretty... before, it made her feel weird in her stomach. Today, it feels nice somehow.
1/2

>>5683
Two girls overreacting kek
>Catherine
Why did things have to turn out like this?

Can one stupid thing really destroy two weeks of pure love?

The pain—the kind only she truly understands—floods over her at the most unexpected moment. Four fangs and several pressures pierce into her flesh without holding back at all. Catherine kicks and flails, probably just causing herself more pain as she makes the teeth shift in her skin like tenderizing it.

She wrenches free, or they let her go. Doesn't matter—the ghost of the wound burns. She reconsiders things as she drags herself backward, her hand touching the still-wet bite mark, then bringing it back before her eyes to confirm or deny the presence of blood.

I bit you. She said. The reply was unsatisfactory, nonsense. What was she talking about? Group?

The girls don't see this the same way. It's clear. When she asks for reasons, when they demand to see, it repeats.

"Why...?"

She wants to understand. A clear, concise explanation.

<Did I hurt you? I had to do it. Only when the marks go deep do they last—I know from experience.

"W-why...?"

Still doesn't understand, still insists. Wants to understand. For Catherine, biting is the last resort, the strongest attack she has. Even a desperate measure... it didn't compute that Hilda would make her let her guard down so completely just to sink her teeth in...

...she was so vulnerable... Felt violated kek

<It's just a bite, Ashley. I've been beaten, cut, even had bones broken, and I'm still whole. How can you freak out like this over a stupid bite?!

Catherine just shrinks in place. Feels scolded, it hurts. Is she the one who's wrong? But... what terrifies her is what came after.

A blow—on herself. Ironically, her fear vanished with another shock. Cat stares at Hilda, eyes wide and mouth open... she didn't want that... just an explanation. Didn't want her hurting herself... But now she's... like a statue.

She wasn't sure what to say or do. Seeing her like this, with such sad, watery eyes... made her feel in a horrible way she couldn't explain.

<Dark was right... I'm no good for this. My place is outside, in the labyrinths.

What did Catherine do this time?

Nothing.

She'd like to say that once again, with her limited way of speaking, she found something beautiful to say, something to fix things.

But she could only watch with pain in her chest as everything seemed to collapse without her being able to say a word. The words coming from her mouth make her so raw that her tears start flowing too, joining Hilda in utter sadness.
They turn their backs.

Ashley leans against the mattress wall for a long while. She cries silently; the meaning behind her tears... wasn't happiness, nor was it pain. It was the sadness squeezing her heart, leaving her helpless, dwelling on what had just happened.

Things escalated faster than anything she'd ever seen. In her mind, the film reel spins, replaying everything over and over for a long time.

She doesn't know how much time passed like that. But it was enough for her to finally rise above the ache suggested by loss. Catherine walked up to Hilda and suddenly yanked her hair. It wasn't gentle, wasn't affectionate—it was a violent tug, an attack meant to grab attention.

When Hilda turned around, the albino was already on all fours, facing her, still tearful. She had shed her coat, now wearing only her usual light, comfortable dress that allowed full mobility.

"Fight me."

She demanded—and didn't wait, tackling the girl immediately, still exploiting her shock, knocking her to the ground. She pinned her wrists and loomed over her face-to-face, her pelvis pressing down, trapping Hilda's torso between her legs. The diamonds streaming from her beautiful green eyes fell onto the other girl.

"I'm going to subdue you..."

She panted, lips a breath away. So she didn't tame her? She'll do it by force.

That's how nature works. That's how wolves work... The following is outdated information Catherine believes because she lived isolated in the forest until 1999, the year this was actually changed

In wolf packs, there are alphas and betas. To decide this, there are constant fights until submission. They aren't fights where full strength is used, except in extreme cases... but establishing dominance is important.

Catherine's eyes, even through pain and tears, showed her determination. She would subdue Hilda—and to do so, she'd follow an eye for an eye. Her mouth opened, revealing her long fangs, and then she went for Hilda's shoulder, delivering a bite...

Not sure if a combat roll is really needed here, but just in case...

Attack: 1d30 = 10
Agility: 1d50 = 10
Using 30 because, just as she understands dominance fights, she wouldn't use her full strength in the bite. But she'd use all her agility in case Hilda somehow manages to dodge in this situation kek

They began to love through fighting. Through fighting, they should continue to love... Right?

Aldo. All of this could've been avoided if Hilda had just said something like: "I'm gonna bite you, okay?" And Cat would've been like "but why tho" and then "trust" and then "wenu aaaaaa"

>>5665
>>5666
>>5667
>>5668
>It wasn't clear to me whether Marie had overheard the conversation since she was sitting next to Luz up front.
This time, let's assume Marie sat behind Luz and therefore heard the talk.

<Marie Griffin (Day 52, hour 9)
HP: 110/110
Energy: 69/70
Hunger: 21/21 - Thirst: 21/21
- Strength: 15 + 25 Moon Sword
- Agility: 9
- Endurance: 16 + 28 Bulletproof Vest (÷2 damage taken)
- Luck: 1
Inventory:
- Pockets 2/4
Super-Phone (Off. Charge 14/16)
Joseph's Charger
- Pink Backpack 6/10
Pencil
Notebook
Almond Water Bottle (15/15)
Smiled Fluid
Toothbrush
White Cat Ear Headband

Level 92
Being Superman, being like Kirito. Becoming the strongest and making a difference—that's what you aspired to. The Colombian doesn't burst into laughter upon hearing your childish dream, but she does give you a half-smile; she found the story amusing.

Luz: Wow... You're surprisingly ambitious, you know? Most people usually just settle for traveling safely or not getting eaten by a monster. But you...

She caresses your hand between her fingers.

Luz: You've got a big heart. Maybe if this place were more like, I don't know, Hogwarts? Then it wouldn't be so far-fetched.

Isekai for normies—Hogwarts is the comparison that comes most naturally to her. She gives you another little kiss on the cheek.

Luz: For now, I don't need you to save the world. Just being by my side is enough. Besides...

Her smile fades, as if reaching a difficult topic.

Luz: Being the strongest isn't always a good thing. There are people it changes. Haven't you ever wondered why the leader, despite knowing so much, only has a bronze compass? She understands that exploring too much brings dozens of risks and sacrifices.

Every family has its quirks and fears—Luz's mom, for example, wouldn't approve of your relationship. But Luz assures you that doesn't matter to her.

Luz: I like you. Mom can't change that. She'll just have to accept it and understand. Don't think she's bad—I love her a lot. She just comes from a different upbringing; she got hit with flip-flops as a kid.

...

Fortunately for you, Luz assumes you were lost in thought, worrying about Sezh, rather than eyeing her body.

You've already been away from home and separated from your parents for nearly two months. You could consider the backrooms your personal campsite, or at least that's the idea Luz gives you—she loves seeing the glass half full. But if that's not enough for you...

Luz: With all the levels out there, there had to be one like this. Here you go, level 118.

She says, the encyclopedia open on the floor between you. You glance at the text and the photo.

Level 118 is a forested area, with a large body of water at its center, an abandoned woodcutters' camp, and scattered tents dispersed throughout the woods.

Luz: It's not that far, we just need to watch out for living fires, the forest cult, and not stepping into the lake where your worst fears emerge.

She puffs one cheek, pushing with her tongue. She clearly has doubts.

Luz: Nah... We don't have time to spare. Maybe on our next expedition, once you've gained more experience.

She looks up when you clarify ownership of the bonsai. She gives you a little smirk.

Luz: What's mine is yours. ¡?!Communist Luz?!
With Jane, there's little they can do. They'll have to try helping Seriozha when they return to the farm—she's her friend, and she needs that support, even if she's sure to reject it if offered.

...

Lunita: Me...? Am I a weird fungus...?

That's not quite what you meant to say.

Lunita: A weird fungus...

But her voice sounds unexpectedly delighted and content with the comparison, as if the fungal scenario appeals to her more than being Excalibur's cousin. If you're curious, pic spoiler: it's Anti-Moon's appearance. It's an ideal world with infinite time—there'd be a mini arc where she appears, kek. How? As a ghost in the style of Merlin, the first (and only) antagonist Eiko ever had. Maybe in a scenario where the little troublemakers start playing with a ouija board.

...

How many sunrises happened during your last "night"? Almost as many as the fingers on one hand, but your attention was focused on other delightful aspects. Places whose memory not even the worst nightmares could tarnish.

Luz: Let me.

She takes the trouble to lather and scrub your back. If something's watching, it's probably just an entity, so it doesn't matter (??). They don't use rainwater, but almond water instead—Luz carries her backpack full of bottles because, as she always says: Hydration is essential, and this time they have no choice since the houses on this level are so simple they lack plumbing or bathrooms. There aren't dining tables either, but there is a sofa they can use as one while sitting on the floor, listening to your favorite breakfast soundtrack.

Luz: Today I feel very independent, I don't know how to explain it...

She sweeps the room with her gaze. Maybe because having breakfast like this, with her girl, in a home they've made their own, feels almost like having a formal adult relationship. She turns her attention back to you when you show her the song. Luz always has a smile for you, and this time is no different.

Luz: It's a nickname, means Little girl.

She moves closer, pressing her shoulder against yours. She sings, in Spanish, but she wants to communicate, for you to understand.

In your eyes there's a shadow of deep sorrow...

I wouldn't want to see you like this, even if you try to hide it... If you're truly so sad, why keep it silent?

The magic of the liminal space works—those lyrics, always a beautiful mystery to you, are now being revealed through the voice of your cherished girl.

Chiquitita, you know very well, sorrows come and go and disappear. You'll dance again and be happy, like flowers that bloom...

Chiquitita, don't cry, the stars shine for you up in the sky. I want to see you smile, to share your joy, chiquitita.

At some point, it stopped feeling like mere recitation, and became more like she was speaking directly to you. Then you finally realized your sorrow and nostalgia were transparent to her—they were far too connected.

Luz: The song's about friendship and unconditional support. It's so beautiful... Now I know your mom is a very sweet and sentimental person, just like you.

She gives you an Eskimo kiss with the tip of her nose. The song's message was more than spot-on.

1/2

I'll probably finish the shift tomorrow. Sorry for cutting it here, I'm really tired and have to wake up early. Happy All Saints' Eve.

Luz: Marie, that's what explorers call points of interest that help with navigation and geographic identification. Not just here, but also on planet Earth... like, landmarks on a map.

But she concedes that "mojón" might not be the most glamorous or appropriate term. The point is, this appears to be an unidentified point of interest.

Luz: Do you have space in your notebook? We should record it to share with our fellow wanderers. It's strange and distinctive enough to deserve a name... How about "Marie's Sign"?

The Colombian didn't want to get too close. She asked you to throw your sword into the grass several times to see what would happen. After a couple of attempts, and after Luz tossed one of her shoes, they concluded the grass patches are exactly what they appear to be.
Luz: Let's not sit on the chair, it's too risky.

A phrase you never imagined hearing.

Luz: Take a few photos if you can. Focus on the sign—it's definitely the most striking thing here, don't you think?

You're taking photos... Just like in the dream! But Luz isn't bald, and she's not in a bad mood. Though that Doakes guy really was Latino... Maybe time really is a flat circle.

Keep moving. The sign stays behind. The walk is long, but flies by while chatting with your girl. Luz reveals that, unlike you, she hasn't dreamed in a long time.

Luz: I practically haven't dreamed since I ended up in here. Sometimes I even wonder if this is some kind of dream, and it sure looks like one. But... I'd never doubt this. These years have been better than anything I could've wished for, and I pray the coming ones will be just as good or even better.

Her gaze wanders across the sky, her mind drifting into waking reveries.

Luz: Finding a nice level... Like this one, but without monsters at night. Maybe even founding a safe house as the leader, and a greenhouse.

Safe house... It's easy to forget because of the slang Charmy uses when referring to you all, but it doesn't change the fact that it was a shelter for unlucky kids. Momo, Luz, Hilda, you... All of you were lost at some point, but for one reason or another ended up saved under the small yet strong wing of the leader.

Luz: What would you like for your future, Marie?

A new image in the level, but this one actually appears in Luz's encyclopedia. It's an exit—but to where?

Luz: I don't want to ruin the surprise, but I'm sure you'll love it. Come on!

She lets go of your hand and hurries toward the house connected to a slide, whose tongue ends in a shallow-looking lake poorly surrounded by a metal railing. One thing's clear: Level 92 doesn't understand the purpose of boundaries, since they seem placed randomly. You head to the house, just as simple as the last one, except this one comes with a "pool."

Luz: The notes specify that if we use the slide, the water shouldn't get us wet.

She says after checking the pages again.

Luz: I should really get a laptop and a PDF version...

She bites her lip.

Luz: But physical books have so much magic... Goodness.

There's a struggle between mysticism and efficiency going on in that brown little head. Either way, Luz sits at the top of the slide and looks at you.

Luz: I'll see you on the other side.

She winks, releases the handrails, and lets gravity pull her down. The water splashes and swallows Luz's body whole as if it were the Mariana Trench. Seconds later, the lake grows still again, and a powerful silence surrounds you. Without company, this dreamlike landscape stretching into infinity... suffocates. When was the last time you were alone in a level?

Luz is waiting for you. You climb onto the slide, plant your butt down, and let yourself fall. You throw one last fleeting glance at the level's horizon, catching (Pic spoiler) a burn mark among the houses.

The water splashes and engulfs you, closing your eyes.

2/2

>>5681
>>120572
It was just a cameo, nothing more from the Strange Kid kek

Well, this situation is strange, why are all the people suddenly so difficult? Well, they have no other options, so at the risk of getting hurt... Or for Rando to get hurt because Ghasto doesn't care about being shot, this one leaves the persuasion to the kitten.

[You don't have to be a rat or anything, we don't want to hurt them, it's the opposite... The girl I was with, she's my sister, can you see the resemblance? We just want to reunite with them...]

They're almost the same if it weren't for some rather subtle details already mentioned, really they have nothing else apart from going to find them themselves for whatever levels, so they have to appeal to their good side.

[Both of them were being hunted at this moment, we would feel more at ease if we knew they were okay... And if they want something for the information, we can negotiate...]

He doesn't know if it worked, but at least it would be better than if Rando spoke.

>aldo

You asked me exactly what I meant by a personal scene, I meant one of these in spoilers... I thought you had already seen Chester's and the others in the meta thread kuek

>>5685
Black, Handsome, I don't know if you were the one who cited all the monkeys from the role... But... Can you do it again? I didn't take a capture or copy it, ay...

>>5673
<María Isabel Norton IV (Day 60, hour 9)
HP: 30/80
Energy: 98/100
Hunger: 19/20 - Thirst: 20/21
-Strength: 8 + 7 Lever
-Agility: 10 - 5 Star orange coat
-Stamina: 10 + 5 Star orange coat
-Luck: 1
Inventory:
-Pockets 0/4
-Skills:
Deja Vu: Rewind one or two turns in time. Costs 10 hunger and thirst.

Level 10
Lever in hand, you direct the robots as best as you can. You discard the neurotoxins for obvious reasons, but at least the barricade is progressing. However, an unexpected visitor at the gate disrupts the plans. You use Laguerta's name—you know she's in charge of the town's security.

??? (Unknown): "There's a new sheriff in town! And his name is Bill!"

They respond aggressively, but stop their kicks. You take advantage of that deceptive calm to widen the hole in the wall a bit more with the lever, while explaining you don't plan to leave anyone behind.

Flametower-18k: "I'm not someone, I'm a weapon."

He clarifies, but doesn't argue your decision. Keeping the same emotionless expression, he grabs you by the waist and helps you climb onto the display next to the gate. From this new height, you see beams of light sweeping through the hole in the wall from outside. The strangers have chosen to circle the building, and as you wait for them to reveal their intentions, you hear rubber scraping on snow and the engine roaring.

The truck crashes into the gate, smashing the mechanisms, gears, and chains. The vehicle doesn't fully penetrate—it gets stuck in the frame, the gate weighing down on the hood, cushioned by your barricade. Flametower's hands light up, and the previously cold, dark environment ignites with nearly liquid streams of flame shooting from the robot boy's palms.

You're too close—the heat evaporates any trace of cold and slaps your face like a blow. The driver screams and throws himself out the door, only to land sprawled and burning. At the same time, steel claws yank you downward—it's ROB, who, without letting go, moves you so he's positioned between you and the truck. The fire reaches the gas tank and it explodes.
You wake up to the heat and the sound of bullets hitting wood. You open your eyes—around you, a thousand electronic components are burning. How long has it passed? An hour? Ten seconds? A scorched ROB and Flame loom over you. One side of Flame is burning, but his expression remains impassive. The ceiling creaks and cracks; wooden beams collapse and shatter onto the floor. It seems you'll die here—burned, crushed by the collapsing structure, or maybe hit by one of those rifle rounds that have been piercing through from outside this whole time.

Flametower-18k: ....

Without uttering a word, Flame picks you up like a baby. His touch burns (-10 HP), even more so as the heat inside him intensifies (-20 HP), forming blisters and bubbles of flesh on the arm pressed closest to him. Fire erupts from the soles of his feet. Both of you rise, leaving ROB behind.

The ceiling, weakened by the disaster, shatters like papier-mâché as the machine's oversized head smashes through it. They ascend in a smoke column—the warehouse beneath them finishes collapsing. Bullets whistle past; the men keep shooting. Flame's skull reverberates like a bell when struck, but suffers no further damage.

They burn fuel, lose momentum, and the smoke column bends. They pass over rooftops—over the crater where a battered Alondra is being dragged from the wreckage of her destroyed mecha. Overseeing this task is a man with a mustache and a whip soaked in electric blue, his gaze locking with yours for a split second—Flame keeps burning onward, past the wheat fields, and...

...slams backward onto the forest's edge, cushioning your fall with his own body. The impact blacks out your vision; both of you rebound in opposite directions. You crash into a tree trunk and collapse face-down among the cold roots (-20 HP). Everything hurts.

You half-open your eyes, and through your blurry sight, a few meters away, lies Flametower, half his body melted from overexertion. Despite the massive damage, he still has just enough energy to look at you and speak.

Flametower-18k: Vital signs... still detectable... Did I... do well...?

A few seconds after asking, his eyes darken, and the throb of his engine dies.

The frozen forest falls silent. The wheat field rises to your left, its stalks still bearing the weight of snow. From the village, gunfire echoes—Bill is still trying to seize control. Meanwhile, on the horizon, the presence of the white walkers is almost palpable.

You have to decide what to do.

>>5675
<Donatello Lombardi (Day 30, hour 15)
HP: 110/110
Energy: 38/70
Hunger: 18/31 - Thirst: 23/40
-Strength: 5 + ? Nutcracker of Alondra
-Agility: 5
-Stamina: 7 + 5 Hazmat Suit (Anti-radiation. Child size)
-Luck: 1
Inventory:
-Pockets 1/4
Emma
Techniques:
-Bat-breaker: For one turn, use 1d100 rolls. Sacrifice the bat being wielded.

???
Despite showing vast differences from the Irene you knew, your heart knows she's still your sister. You worry about her, and want to know how she's doing.

Irene Gold: I'm at peace. I don't aspire to anything more than that at this point. Thank you for asking, Donny. You're the first person I've had a friendly chat with in years. It feels... good.

Without fading her sweet smile, she reaches out and places her hand on your head, ruffling your hair in a gentle stroke.

Irene Gold: Were you always this small and adorable...?

She pulls her hand away, but leaves behind a faint metallic stench from blood in your hair. She tilts her body toward the monolith. The artifact reacts to her presence—darkness floods with lines of light forming an image, as if seen through flawless glass. You glimpse a long, solitary hospital corridor. What could it mean?

Irene Gold: I'd like to take you with me and talk, catch up on all the lost years... But that's a fantasy. It's important you remember, Donny—how many "me's" have you met?

She watches you closely. She seems aware of what happened, of how her original self tripped and everything started going wrong. She waits for you to gather your thoughts, then continues.

Irene Gold: I spoke with a lonely me who hid behind training, and a broken me driven mad, one step away from becoming a monster... The rest I killed.

The news might hit you like a bucket of cold water. Now your eyes keep locking onto the blood soaking the beautiful, voluptuous figure of your sister. Irene Gold waits impassively. You sense that for her, killing has long been just a formality.

???: Stay away from him, Crimson Demon.
A

male

voice

declares

from

fifteen

steps

behind

you.

You

turn

around,

and

on

the

same

asteroid

where

they

lie,

you

see

a

single

open

door,

and

in

front

of

it,

three

people:

a

slim

young

man

wearing

a

white

cloak;

a

skinny

girl

with

a

long

ponytail

and

daggers

on

her

belt;

a

silent

knight

in

full

armor,

from

whom

you

can

only

see

his

eyes

drenched

in

blood

through

the

visor

of

his

helmet.

The

leader

pushes

the

bridge

of

his

glasses

with

one

finger

before

speaking.

???: Our

benefactor

warned

us

we'd

encounter

a

golden

compass...

but

I

never

imagined

it

would

be

someone

so

infamous.

Under

other

circumstances,

I'd

order

my

team

to

flee...

but

duty

compels

me

to

complete

this

rescue,

Crimson

Demon.

Irene

remains

silent

and

motionless,

but

she

no

longer

smiles;

instead,

her

eyes

shift

toward

the

objects

the

strangers

carry.

The

air

vibrates

around

them,

light

bending

distortedly—

clearly,

they

carry

a

series

of

anomalous

artifacts.

The

man's

gaze

turns

to

you.

???: Boy,

you're

Donatello

Lombardi,

right?

I'm

Cabal.

Mathematician

by

hobby,

explorer

by

calling,

and

leader

of

team

Aurora.

I

don't

know

what

twisted

lies

this

woman

has

told

you,

but

you

don't

have

to

deal

with

her

anymore...

come

with

me,

I'll

take

you

to

your

mother.

She's

waiting

for

you

on

level

26,

the

museum.

He

extends

his

hand

toward

you,

a

gesture

for

you

to

approach.

Something

inside

you

makes

you

hesitate,

and

Cabal

is

shrewd

enough

to

notice

your

doubt.

With

a

flick

of

his

arm,

he

tosses

you

something

spherical;

your

baseball

reflexes

make

you

catch

it

before

you

even

recognize

its

shape:

a

red

skull.

The

skull

in

your

palms

ignites,

bathing

the

area

in

its

crimson

glow,

a

strange

energy

crawling

like

worms

through

your

eyes

and

ears.

Under

this

aura,

you

feel

utterly

incapable

of

lying.

Cabal: Our

benefactor

advised

us

to

obtain

this

object

before

coming,

assuring

it

would

be

useful.

This

artifact

is

called

the

Skull

of

Hammurabi's

Judge,

and

under

its

light,

no

one

can

lie.

Our

benefactor

said

you'd

be

suspicious...

but

the

truth

is,

the

woman

beside

you

is

a

murderer,

and

my

goal

is

to

safely

deliver

you

to

your

mother.

He

is

telling

the

truth.

>>5675
<Irene Di Lombardi (Day 60, Hour 12)
HP: 140/150
Energy: 77/80
Hunger: 38/40 - Thirst: 38/40
-Strength: 11 + 15 Machete
-Agility: 10
-Stamina: 10
-Luck: 3
Inventory:
-Pockets 1/4
Eye of Argus
Techniques
-Ultra Instinct: Maximum secret of the body judging itself on its own (-10 Energy/Hunger/Thirst. Avoids damage during the turn it is used).

Level 10
It's been a while since they left the urban landscape, now through the windows there's only a long road flanked by walls of wheat. The albino rests his elbow on the open window frame, rests one side of his face in his palm, and his expression appears to be one of deep disinterest towards the world, but in his eyes burns a glint of seriousness. Something worries him, and after he ignored your comment "A thank you wouldn't hurt," you sense the key lies in the words the stranger said before. You get his attention when you assure him you can help, he looks at you with interest that evolves into suspicion the moment you blackmail him.

??? (Albino): I'm Polar, and I'm a ninja.

He says, dry and direct, still ignoring the gratitude part.

??? (Albino): Level 12...? No... I'm new here.

You give him the orb anyway. He exchanges glances between the artifact and you.

Polar: Thanks.

He finally says, and follows your instructions, thinking of the person he wants to see. The mist in the Eye clears and shows a scene he always dreamed of: a kitsune miku floating down a narrow street of brick houses, in the company of a girl with brown hair braided into two pigtails (Momo), who rides a bike and uses an umbrella to shield herself from a rain of milk. Perhaps Momo wasn't part of your otaku fantasy, but the young woman with fox ears and tail was. To top it off, they find an orange object while passing by an alley, and in their ignorance, they start using it as a soccer ball (Pic spoiler).

Polar's shoulders relax, though his face remains just as surly, and you suspect he was born angry.
Polar: The brat's still alive... And now she's flying. Tsk, what kind of trouble's she been getting into?

But Polar's search doesn't end there. He spends another use, and now the Eye focuses on an obese man in a tight hazmat suit, lying on the single bed of a dusty room. His prominent belly swells and deflates with snores. Polar leans in, trying to make out some detail that could help him identify the place, but mutters in frustration—without more data, playing detective is pointless, especially in a place like the Backrooms.

Polar: That damn fat bastard with tits, instead of finding himself a girl or a job, just lies around all day.

???: I know... I know that room.

A timid voice says from the back seat. When they turn, they find the wooden boy peeking out—he'd been spying on what they were doing. You remember he's called Junior.

Junior: Can I? Can I use it too...?

Apparently, Polar and you aren't the only ones looking for people.

Junior: It's Mrs. Gloria's room, at the radio station. When she was alive, she used to give me cookies and honey candies, and we'd listen to music... Until she passed away from old age several months ago.

Old age. An unusual cause of death in the Backrooms, but one you're familiar with. Polar seems determined to go after the obese man, and the wooden boy is willing to guide him—he claims to know the infinite city like the back of his hand, because it's literally his home.

Polar stands up and tells León to stop. The albino announces he's heading back to level 11. Junior will accompany him. And you...? Will you keep going toward the field, or head back with them? If you chose the former, you'd find yourself in the following scenario...

1/2

Hope work went well. Starting to grind is always quite an experience (in many cases a bad one), especially if it's your first time, but you get used to it. Now you're a worthy and functional member of society, bro. Remember to treat yourself once in a while—life isn't all responsibility. Congrats, and hugs

>>5691
>>5675
<Irene Di Lombardi (Day 60, 13:00)
HP: 140/150
Energy: 76/80
Hunger: 37/40 - Thirst: 37/40
- Strength: 11 + 15 Machete
- Agility: 10
- Resistance: 10
- Luck: 3
Inventory:
- Pockets 1/4
Eye of Argos
Techniques
- Migatte no gokui: Maximum secret of self-judgment (-10 Energy/Hunger/Thirst. Avoids damage during the turn it is used).

Level 10
The sound of rattles comes from the dark outside.

Leon slows down until the bus comes to a complete stop. Hank approaches to ask why they aren't moving, and Leon points with his chin toward the road.

Hank: What the hell…

Leon: Never said it better.

Halfway down the road, several dozen children stand still with pale skin and frosted hair. Their eyes, bright blue, show no intention, just a cold emptiness that doesn't sparkle under the bus lights. Some wear dirty clothes as if coming out of a mine, others infants wear spotless clothes as if prepared to go to church. Francine, acting as another of the adult responsible, asks the young ones to stay in their seats while she also goes to look.

Leon: There are more coming from the wheat field.

Francine: What are you waiting for? Start moving.

Hank: But if they're…

Francine: Kids? I know kids, and these things seem to have stopped being them a long time ago.

Hank: Hmm, I agree. Besides, we have people to take care of. Come on, Leon. No fear.

Leon was about to accelerate, but then Sue screamed. Faces turned worried, finding that the girl had her mouth open in joy and her face pressed against a window.

Sue: Santa is outside!

Red ribbons, like those used to wrap gifts, grow from the wheat field and brush against the glass where the girl is peeking. Sue opens the window so they can pass (In case Irene is present and tries to pull the girl away, she would need a minimum of 75 on an agility roll)

2/2

>>5676
<Martín Emilios Palacios (Year 30, Day 19, hour 8)
HP: 100/100
Energy: 0/50
Hunger: 19/20 - Thirst: 19/20
-Strength: 11x2
-Agility: 10x2 - 10 Group supply bag
-Endurance: 11x2 + 15 Modified Hazmat Suit V2
-Luck: 4
Inventory
-Pockets 3/4
Thalasin (19/30)
Brayan
Skills:
Werewolf (Transformation): x2 to base stats. x3 to base stats in aquatic environments.
-Effects
Insomnia (111/1964)

Level 21
Your late warning made Hilda send the group back to the church ruins. They spent an hour searching the debris for the missing person, finding only human bones, tattered blue cloth, and a melon-sized broken stone egg.

...

Besides the fallen, you had to leave behind the supply bag you were carrying. It was hard to put into words, but suddenly the bag started malfunctioning. Its different parts trembled and stuck out in various directions, with deep angles like rectangles that electrocuted on touch and produced a sound like nails scraping slate. You suspected it was because of the Game Boy you left at the bottom. Less food for the group only hastened the mutiny and Hilda's subsequent slaughter.

One of the severed arms rolled until it touched the tips of your toes; the owner—who still had one useful but trembling hand, attacked by spasms—raised a pistol at you, and Hilda did the same, pointing her sword at him. The steel spat a jet of fire that hit the subject, devouring him.

The smell of burning meat opened your appetite a little. Better not think about it.

...

Hilda puts on her skin mask and looks at you. Her gaze stands out beneath the wrinkled folds.

Hilda: This pathetic excuse of an entity is stupid and practically blind.

She kicks the beholder on the side. The watcher doesn't react.

Hilda: But it still has the instinct to obey the heralds, and it's one of the few creatures capable of finding where the hell the ministry ruins are. If there's an exit from the Backrooms, Dora theorized that the information has to be there, in a filing cabinet or something.

In a leap, Hilda mounts the creature's head. From this new height, she gives instructions to the group to free the entity from its shackles. The explorers obey, though with clear suspicion, using hammers and axes to break the chains, avoiding getting too close to the bug. The beholder waits impassive. Hilda extends a hand to you to climb up with her.

Hilda: You and I are the most resilient. If there's a chance that one of us makes it to the other side, it's worth betting on.

The explorers are left behind and wish you luck. You ride with Hilda; she shouts: "To the ministry!" and the entity seems to understand, rising a few centimeters as the space around you twists in shreds inward, as if sucked into a spiral.
The sensation feels powerfully familiar.

...

Level 25
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54rmRIHF9LY▾The movement halts abruptly. You land chest-first on the floor of a platform perched atop a smooth tower of silver, steel, and ivory. You remember the clouds, the intense light, the watchers flying, and the diamond casting its heavy shadow.

The scene is identical; there is no trace of cold or damage. Soon, an alarm reaches you, booming from the depths of the blue diamond, followed by the torrential beating of rotors against the wind. A half-dozen yellow helicopters ascend and surround them, firing cans that release trails of nerve agents.

Your suit's respirator protects you. A can strikes Hilda's feet; she lifts it with one hand, sniffs it deeply through her nose, and exhales a stream of gas from her mouth. She crushes the steel can and hurls it into the void. She raises her sword and shouts:

Hilda: What the hell is this?! What the fuck is going on?!

The helicopters land. Armed men in suits similar to yours descend, pointing rifles and machine guns at them. They move with perfect synchronization; there is skill and training behind it. But what stands out isn't any of the plumbers, but the obese man accompanying them, whom you recognize. The man removes his glasses, revealing eyes that glow with a sickly yellow—twin stars in a forgotten sector of the universe, sunrises over a planet with cities that look like scabs. The guy looks exactly as he did 30 years ago, though now you might perceive his sinister nature better.

Dr. Hermes: Welcome, wanderers. Our supercomputer predicted your arrival... The first to escape the Zero Containment Protocol.

Hilda spits on the ground, tells the doctor to shove his protocols up his ass, and demands answers.

Dr. Hermes: There are those who receive answers and those who receive rewards. I understand you're part of a survivor cell, aren't you? To finish polishing the edges of the protocol, it would be very beneficial to know the location of said cell. The Backrooms are truly a hidden treasure... Better to keep it hidden. Rejoice, because a normal life in a normal world awaits you. Reality.

He extends his arms to the sides as if inviting them for a hug. Hilda clenches her teeth; you realize she's seconds away from jumping, because even if she doesn't fully understand what the doctor is talking about, she senses it's bad news for her friends.

Dr. Hermes: So, what do you decide? Do you want to be a saint, or a Grinch? There are only two options; choose wisely. Saint...

He strikes the ground with the lower part of his cane. A slight tremor shakes the space like the growl of an incipient storm. A drop of sweat runs down Hilda's forehead.

Dr. Hermes: Or Grinch.

>>121315
>sat behind so she listened
Ayy well ok then kek I think it's Marie early days, level 1? I mean, judging by the personality Jane's showing. I'll interpret her as such. To fit it into a moment I like, I'll assume there was a class that wasn't roleplayed on day 8 before the trip to level 7 or something keksito.
>Marie (past)
Marie stared at Luz's back with her lips slightly puckered in mild sadness... How did we get to this point? Normally she'd be by her side, but today it was impossible. Maybe she arrived late? Unlikely—classes are her favorite part of being here. But still, she was slow, slower than whoever was beside her right now.

She let her hand rest on her elbow as she observed this coffee-colored girl. She was a friend... though Jane had already figured out that beneath this, there were flickers of affection that seemed impossible. Especially since she couldn't spend as much time with her as she wanted. Especially since the time they did spend together hadn't been as personal as she'd have liked. Falling in love wasn't new to her, nor was having no chance with the one she wanted. Even in a world that promised fresh starts... she felt like some things never changed. The red light project had only begun as an idea because they hadn't made a single move yet.

(Maybe I could tell her... uh... that we play... Undertale together...)

(Ugh... No. You don't have battery on your phone, Marie! Since...)

She trembles, remembering. The psychological wound was still fresh—just yesterday she'd wandered back home almost lost, completely dazed. She tried not to think about it. But it was hard; later they'd pass through the market, and Marie was clear—she wanted to get a smiler fluid and never lose it again.

Amid these thoughts, she glanced at Jane, her love guide. She looked at her discreetly, trying not to ignore how much she longed for any sign that the plan wouldn't stay just words. They were minding their own business, chatting about normal stuff a few tables away.

(Ugh Jane... give me a sign...)

<Know why they call orgasm "climax"?

"!?!"

Marie nearly pops an eye out, it practically jumps at what reaches her little ears. Her attempt at subtlety flies out the window.

Orgasm. Marie's innocence is at that point where one 'knows' and yet 'doesn't know'. She's aware enough to blush at the mere word, but theoretically, she doesn't know... or pretends not to know enough to convince herself of it.

(P-pfft, what are they saying...)

<Seriously, you don't know?

Marie looks away. Puts her little hands over her ears, turns rigid. She's not listening.

(Lalala. Fish ears.)

<It's because it's similar to death, dummies. The end, the final breath.

(¿Uh...?)

Her eyes dart sideways, she doesn't turn to look anymore. But out of the corner of her eye...

(Q-what does that have to do with...)

<You'd have to experience it to understand.
<Yeah right... What do you two know? I've never seen either of you with a boyfriend. It's impossible you've done it.

(Nope. Not listening.)
This part Marie really skipped. She covered her ears tightly with both palms, and didn't hear what came before. She didn't hear anything until curiosity overcame her again and she moved one of her hands away.

<Hilda knows.

(W-what-)

She's surprised. What? What does she know? Marie is red.

<What are you two whispering about?

She almost jumps out of her chair, stiffening like a soldier. N-nothing! She wanted to shout, an unwilling accomplice, but forced herself to stay quiet, avoiding everyone's gaze. Everyone does the same.

(Orgasms...)

(W-what the hell... What were they saying... Ugh...)

(F-forget it, Marie. Just... weird stuff.)

Like love... She still needs more time before experiencing her first one. Who would've thought dreams could come true, and that she'd experience both things hand in hand with the person she desired most...

>Marie (present)
That's just a distant memory. It's not relevant, not now. The present is too lovely to look back... unless there's something interesting in the past for someone who cares so much.

Superman is that something. A silly thing Marie would've preferred to keep hidden, nothing more. But when it's time to be honest... she'd do it for her. No matter how embarrassing it might be.

<Wow... You're surprisingly ambitious, you know that?

She's blushing, her eyes slightly narrowed and her smile showing the conflict between feeling flattered and not quite believing what she's hearing—or how she's hearing it.

"Ja... or just delusional, like I said..." -she replies, scratching the back of her head-

<Most people are usually happy just with traveling, or not getting eaten by a monster. But you...

"¿...?"

She looks puzzled for a moment, then her curiosity awakens at the sight of her girlfriend's joined hand. Her eyes glance down briefly, then back up, now with a small smile that accepts more. She tries to return the affection as best she can. It comes out a bit clumsy, stroking the hand that's already stroking hers... but she can't help it. She wants to reciprocate the contact somehow.

<You have a big heart.

"Ahf"

She wants to say something, but doesn't know what. Her voice this time is little more than a shapeless vibration of air, yet full of meaning. The beautiful compliment overwhelms her. She likes that someone sees kindness in her little heart... Even though she's always tried her best to be good, she can't recall anyone ever saying something so direct to her before.

<Maybe if this place were more like, I don't know, Harry Potter's school? It wouldn't be so far-fetched.

"Ja..." -she lets out a single chuckle; in a way, she's touched by the anime-equivalent Luz picks out of ignorance- "maybe-"

She also gets a little kiss that silences her. "Uy," says Marie, slightly opening her mouth in mild surprise before once again leaning closer to Luz to show her affection. She looks at her with a smile, resting against her. As if fascinated by what's right in front of her.

<For now I don't need you to save the world—just being by my side is enough. Besides...

"¿...?" -the fading joy is contagious; as Luz's smile fades, Marie's disappears too, her expression turning into one of concern-
<Being the strongest isn't always a good thing. There are people it changes.

"Changes them..." -she's almost sure she's heard this before, but she never asked further. This is the chance- "How so...?"

Marie isn't different; leveling up and increasing stats has changed her, even if just a little. That thing about casually crushing her glasses in her hands and never looking back, saying it was crazy—that's not something she would've done before.

<Haven't you ever wondered why the leader, with everything she knows, is only a bronze compass?

"Uh... No?" -she raises an eyebrow, unable to come up with a response. She shrugs her shoulders- "I just assumed... I dunno, that she didn't want to and that's it..."

<She understands that exploring too much brings dozens of risks and sacrifices.

"Hm..." -she looks up at the sky- "I see..." -forms a half-smile, but tries to hide it- "but I'll still become a gold compass anyway." -looks at Luz, unable to suppress the dumb grin of someone who's bad at jokes- "heh... joke. There are... things I'm not willing to sacrifice..." -her joking smile turns warmer, more personal, matching her eyes full of love. Before losing Luz... Marie would die a hundred times over- smells like foreshadowing about the future kek

That's what Marie thinks. Her love is real, that's how she feels. But there's always a "but"... They love each other. But what about what others will say? About approval... especially from their parents. Because Marie's parents are pretty religious too.

<I like you. Mom can't change that, she'll just have to accept and understand. Just don't think she's bad, I love her a lot. It's just that she comes from a different upbringing, they used to hit her with a flip-flop.

"Ouch... Yeah. I don't think they even raised their voice at me..." -she smiles, making a joke out of it. She intertwines her fingers with Luz's, looking at their joined hands with a growing smile, feeling more comfort the more she realizes this is real. Then she looks up- "I... I'm glad... that... that it's like this. I... I promise the same... I love you... n-no matter what..."

She says, looking her in the eyes. Simple words, but they come with truth. That's what matters.

...

Sometimes things weren't that complicated. They didn't have to be. Marie simply didn't go to camp because she was a daddy's and mommy's girl. Luz tries to cheer her up, but Marie shakes her head.

"I don't regret not going..." -she says smiling, doesn't think she needs to elaborate-

Could it have been fun? Maybe. But... she's always loved her parents. Time spent at home with them was never wasted.

<With all the levels out there, there had to be one like this. Here you go, level 118.

"Hm?"

Basically yes. It's a strange, abandoned camp, with details making it look like one of those liminal spaces commonly found in storage rooms. Empty tents here and there, and lots of forest.

"Described like that it's kinda creepy, huh? Haha..."
<It's not that far, we just have to watch out for living fires, the forest cult, and not stepping into the lake where your worst fears emerge.

"Uh... Only that...?" -gives a half-nervous smile. What else could make it not be "only that"? A murderous chainsaw-wielding maniac?

<Nah... We don't have time to spare. Maybe for our next expedition, once you've got more experience.

Marie sighs, then chuckles slightly.

"Jaja... Yeah, maybe..." -just say yes, that ends conversations- "...or maybe we'll find a more comfortable place with fewer living fires..." -she glances around the ceiling innocently, suggesting something less... dangerous-

Charmy. That was the bonsai's name, probably because of its compact size. Naming it that was one of the last things Marie expected Luz to do... It sounded almost mocking to her... but it was hers, so she could do whatever she wanted. Thing is, it was hers, but now she refers to it as Marie's.

<What's mine is yours.

"Ah." -that makes some sense- "And what's mine is yours?" -she questions the logic. Though she doesn't own much worth sharing anyway- "Wouldn't 'ours' be better?" -Marie's hair is red-

...

Later, the story of the Curse of Tutankhamun! And the weird mushrooms who were the unpaid actors for a long time.

<Me...? I'm a weird mushroom...?

"Uh? Actually—"

<A weird mushroom...

"Uh..."

(Well... I won't be the one to burst her bubble...)

"You can be whatever you want to be, Lunita."

I don't know how that would work. Would it just follow Marie around and annoy her? Or would it be a general nuisance to the whole group?

...

It's a bit curious. After an experience... unique in life, so to speak, they now acted with utter normalcy. Even though her mind couldn't stop replaying the moments over and over, artificially recreating through memories the sensation of caresses and touches that left her a victim of pleasure so intense it nearly killed her...

(Orgasm...?)

So that's what they were talking about. The word was starting to cease being merely forbidden, and was beginning to feel a bit appealing—she felt it somehow carried the 'power' needed to describe the sensations she'd gone through.

Maybe she'd cool down with a cold shower, which they were about to take. Though this one was proving awkward because being naked outdoors... well, she felt naked. She still hadn't touched her back yet.

<Allow me.

"Eh— y-yes, please..."

She blushes and runs a hand through her hair. Adding to the above, bathing with bottles also felt kind of weird. Marie couldn't help thinking it was almost a waste... but she really did need a shower after last night.

"Thanks..."

She says, after her back has been washed.

"Eh— d-do you want me to help you too?" -she asks, smiling, glancing back over her shoulder with a grin that quickly wavers. Seeing her naked like this after that night stirred up new—well, not exactly new—feelings inside her.

>Marie
Time to eat! Energy bars. A healthy breakfast comes with pleasant conversation, and so the girls have some casual chat.

<"Today I feel really independent, I don't know how to explain it..."

"Independent?" —she asks with a raised eyebrow and a smile— "well... you are haha. Makes sense." —she replies with a shrug— "I've always thought... so smart, independent... careful..." —counting off on her fingers, slowing her words, eyes widening slightly as she realizes she's randomly gushing, so she grins and doubles down— "kind... beautiful... I... uh... P-perfect." —a little embarrassed by her own directness, she shrinks into herself— "yeah..."

Better go with a chill vibe. ABBA, yeah, they're really good. Her mom loved them.

<It's a nickname, means Little girl.

"Huh... I see. That's probably why they said it that way, it just sounds better haha. Oh?" —light bulbs above her head—

Her voice is so sweet... And the lyrics are strong for someone who's hidden feeling bad for so long. For a moment, Marie feels like the song's lyrics are aimed right at her—maybe she'd feel that way even if she heard it on the radio.

"Ah... So that's what it was... Almost feels symbolic or something, huh? Haha."

<The song's about friendship and unconditional support. It's really beautiful...

"Yeah... I-it is..."

<Now I know your mom was a very sweet and sentimental person, just like you.

"Haha... Uh... D-does it run in the blood...?"

They nuzzle their little noses together. Exchange an Eskimo kiss. Marie sighs against her, filled with love.

"Ah, I love you so much..."

She says it in that voice—overflowing with overwhelming admiration. The kind that only comes out when the heart speaks to the one it loves most.

...

>>5687
Last night she had a bad dream. A horrible one, so vivid it felt too real. But now she can talk about it with a bit of humor. Her mom used to tell her that if she told her dreams, they wouldn't come true—so she'd always recount her nightmares about tornadoes, the things that terrified her most, while keeping quiet about the times she dreamed she won the lottery. Neither came true anyway, but she never stopped doing it. Marie was superstitious, and that wasn't much different from avoiding walking under ladders.

Maybe that's why she ended up telling about that awful nightmare. She needed to talk about it—the extra reassurance would just be a bonus, like this delicious energy bar with...

<Moth jelly— the pinker, the more nutritious.

"A—"

She freezes, mouth hanging open for a second. Recalculates for a few seconds... Looks at the bar, recalculates again...

"Agh... Whatever."

Shrugs and finally swallows. It was delicious anyway.

"I still like strawberry yogurt and vanilla stuff anyway."

Marie's of the opinion that it doesn't matter how they make a sweet as long as it tastes good... Though she prefers not to think about it while eating, which is why she saves the last little piece of energy bar for later.

<If it makes you feel better, I don't think that thing you saw was God.
"I know... That's what I thought." -she replies, shrugging- "I used to be a believer too, Luz" -she says half-jokingly, something that hasn't changed in a long time- "I know the devil can appear as the Lord... Maybe that's why I dreamed something like that... Yeah..."

<If you're feeling unwell, I can rub almond oil on your tummy.

"H-huh?" -it catches her slightly off guard- "well... Thanks—but, no. Not... I mean, if I were feeling bad, sure... But... I'm fine. Uh... Thanks." -she calms herself with one hand-

Luz is such a sweet doctor. Marie has wanted to ask her to teach her for a while now, but she's never found the right opportunity. At least not outside of timeskips.

...

Before leaving, they immortalize the day in a series of photos that show just how far they've come since that night at the concert. Marie changes her wallpaper—the one she's had since that evening, the one where she's kissing Luz's cheek—for today's photo, where she's kissing her lips. Then, they can finally depart.

They walk across this possibly infinite meadow normally. There's no need to say much this time... gazing at the sky... she feels happy. She's had this thought several times already, but it's still true...

(We should walk together like this more often...)

She considers saying it, but isn't sure if it's the right moment. I mean, walking in silence is nice too...

(R-right? We don't have to talk ALL the time, right, Lunita...?)

That's what she thinks, though now she's a bit nervous. So... she imagines a stop sign. When you see a stop sign, you stop, right? kek so Marie stops.

(Eeeee)

She can't help but think of Sans whenever she sees a stop sign. Autism level?

(Je...)

Luz lets go of her. Marie looks at her curiously; Luz pulls out the equivalent of Wikipedia they've been consulting from time to time during the day to check if there was any info about the place.

<It's a landmark!

"A mo-what?" -she sounds and looks confused-

<Huh...? What's up?

"Ah... Nothing..." -she looks at the spot and forces a smile before turning back to Luz- "well, lucky we didn't step on it. Je..."

<Marie, that's what explorers call points of interest

"...oh, right." Ashley does know that btw "I used to call them stop signs." -she jokes again- "haha... okok, seriously now... I didn't know, is that okay?" -she admits-

<Do you have space in your notebook? We need to record it to share with our fellow wanderers.

"Ah... Yeah, haven't used it in a while..." -Marie had abandoned the idea of keeping a diary long ago, though lately she's used it to write the song she made for Luz-

She takes out her notebook as requested, flipping quickly through pages until she reaches a blank one. The diary haven't finished it yet kek wasn't supposed to be read by anyone yet.

"This is gonna be cool. Like... we're basically documenting something new! And we're just two girls. Maybe we're the youngest ones to discover something new. Or well... You'd say it's mostly your doing." -Hilda would be green with envy-
<It even looks weird and distinctive enough to give it a name... How about "Marie's signal"?

"Oh—!" —she almost jumps— "Ojooo!" —she laughs with excessive autism knowledge— "It's good, but... Can I suggest another name?" —yes, she's gonna do it. She points at the sign with her palm— "Undertale Sans signal." —Marie laughs like an idiot, hilarious—

We had to check the place's safety. Those weird patches were more suspicious than a candy under a box propped up by a stick. Luz asks to confirm suspicions by throwing the little sword.

(There you go, Luna. Let me know if you feel anything strange.)

"Luna's up!"

She throws the sword diagonally upward, expecting it to land stuck in the ground like one of those giant darts. Then she calls it back, repeating a few times until Luz was one shoe away from considering it definitely normal.

<Let's not sit on the chair, it's too risky.

"That's... uh... kind of funny?" —but she wasn't laughing, so not funny-haha—

<Take a couple of photos if you can. Focus on the signal, it's definitely the most striking thing, don't you think?

"Jaja... It's just a sign, love..." —she blushes, still getting used to calling her that— "ja... Uh. I'll take them now."

She quickly pulls out her phone, switches to maximum quality mode to put those 12 megapixels to work, capturing some sharp, clear photos. Obviously in landscape.

"Snap. Perfect..." —she hands the phone to her partner— "Did they come out okay? Y-you can take some too. It's a good camera, but maybe I'm not the best photographer." —at least not yet... if that dream is anything to go by—

Photos taken, written records made. The walk resumes with a half-revealed secret, the stage now set for some lunatic to one day decide to sit beside the Undertale Sans signal and unveil it completely.

The walk remains as pleasant as ever, the only difference being more conversation along the way. Necessary to pass the time between all that silent green.

"Huh?" —she asks, surprised—

<It practically hasn't happened since I ended up here.

"Not even once?"

<Sometimes I even wonder if this is some kind of dream, and it sure feels like one.

"Tss..." —now she hopes not. But back when she arrived, she was begging to wake up—

<But... I'd never doubt this.

"Ja..." —it makes her happy— "yeah... D-don't doubt. I dream, so..." —discards the possibility, everyone must be different. And truthfully, Luz's situation is preferable to hers— "a-and they will be! A-at least... for me... Je." —she says, thinking about being together for years— mr. crab: what do we call it?

Luz was lost in thought.

"Luz?"

<Finding a nice place... Like this one, but without monsters at night. Maybe even founding a help house as its leader, and a greenhouse.

"Ja... Is that your dream?" —she asks— "It's really sweet... You're the big-hearted one." —takes the chance to return the compliment— "besides, it's quite possible, right? We just have to look."
<What would you like for the future, Marie?

"Ah... Me?" -fidgets- "uh..." -embarrassed, she forms a silly little smile and glances down shyly- "I-I think I already told you..." -she replies, twirling a strand of hair with her finger; she confessed everything during that moment of uncertainty in the rhombus building- "n-not much, I just... want to spend time with you, and... T-that's it. Be happy with you... I-I guess... I guess now I'm fine just being part of your future fantasy... heh..."

If she thinks about it, she's already living her biggest wish: being in a relationship with Luz. Once someone gets what they desire, they often don't know what to do next. Still, Marie does have something else hidden deep inside—something she also confessed back then: 'I want us to live happily forever.' Marie dreams of marriage, but saying that now feels a bit... excessive. Let alone adopting Momo kek

Eventually, they reach something. The exit! Where does it lead?

<I don't want to ruin the surprise, but I'm sure you'll love it. Come on!

"I hope it's not more poly-eggs! —Eh, wait for me!"

She laughs and hurries after her. Soon they find a slide leading into a pool—apparently their intended destination.

"Hm?"

<The notes specify that if we use the slide, the water shouldn't get us wet.

"So we're taking the slide then?"

<I should really get myself a laptop and a PDF version...
<But physical books have so much magic... Goodness.

"Heh..." -places her hand on Luz's shoulder- "it's fine like this... it's always better to have it in physical form." -she knows this as a manga lover-

After clearing up the classic physical vs digital debate, Luz prepares to go down the slide. They exchange one last glance, and a little wave goodbye.

<I'll see you on the other side.

"Already missing you! Hehe."

And she's gone. Water splashes, and she vanishes.

"...Wait, weren't we supposed to stay dry?"

Marie carefully stashes her phone. She looks around a bit—the loneliness feels different in a place like this. The area seems like a desert. Marie hasn't felt this alone since... uh... since level 1? Or zero... where at least she had Wilson. Marie tugs at her collar, visibly uncomfortable.

(No... I'm not alone...)

She glances at her sword.

(Luna's with me...)

That thought calms her a little. And unlike Wilson and Sasuke, Luna actually has some kind of life... in a way.

(B-but anyway... better keep moving.)

No reason to linger any longer. Marie sits down—and zoom!

"Waju- a-!"

She nearly chokes on her own words as she spots the beast. Her pupils shrink to pinpricks.

"Garsgsysb"—sounds of suddenly getting water in her mouth—

Then, she's submerged in water.

Kek don't worry about that, OP. It's not like I'm gonna time how long you take to send a turn or part of a turn. Relax, look how long I took to reply too. Hope you got to rest

>>5684
>>5685
>Two girls overreacting
T-They're sentimental, okay?

>Don't basic partygoers look like that under her mantle anymore?
If you're talking about the yellow ones with the balloon, in the roleplay there's only one, the one that creates the other partygoers, who show very unique appearances to one another.

<Catherine Hills (Day 17. Hour 14)
HP: 100/110
Energy: 70/70
Hunger: 18/20 - Thirst: 19/20
-Strength: 5
-Agility: 12
-Endurance: 4
-Luck: 3 + 0 Hilda's Collar
Inventory:
-Pockets 4/4
Book: New Horizons and Relative Axes, by CH. Pickles.
Liminal Dictionary
Pencil
Notebook

Level 10
You look through the lens.

Hilda: I'm big.

Opens her mouth, raises her hands, tilts her fingers like claws, and takes a step closer, now it looks like she's going to swallow you. You pull your face away from the lens, Hilda keeps her usual size. Everything is fine.

The Duke is huge even outside the telescope, but apparently harmless. Folds and folds of flesh under greasy elegant clothes. Hilda whispers to you assuring you that this is a man of nobility, and that people like that dress funny, with wigs and big dresses.

Hilda: Hildatherine... Cathilda... Hildash...

The words of the obese man stuck, because he tries to make rhythms with their names, but since he's not the most imaginative, he only comes up with joining them. Meanwhile, in the background, the objects in the piles stand out with greater definition. Maybe it's the drink from before, it sharpened your sight, and from the corner of your eye you could swear Hilda was spying on you. Surely wanting to know if that liking to watch her was true.

Hilda: Just looking?

She asked with her head tilted and a puffed cheek, as if wanting something more.

But the view is over! Hilda assures you that she ruined it, she raped it! and now she's leaving. Not towards the farm, not with the leader, but towards the levels where an entity like her has to be, not biting loved ones for various imprudences.

You cry. She cries. Maybe even the tooth fairy is crying. Hilda goes where she can't hurt anyone, and your first instinct -even after the pain she caused you- is to stop her in the only way you can think of.

Hilda: Ow!

You pull her hair hard. She turns around with her mouth open, more from surprise than from pain. You tackle her, and the little one falls harder onto the pillows. Hilda drops the sword from the shock and it bounces harmlessly away from you (the cushions are very firm and of excellent quality).

Not understanding, and still with a couple of tears in her eyes, your prey asks:

Hilda: W-What are you doing?

You stay on top, your hands feel the accelerated pulse of the blood under her wrists. Words are superfluous, only dominance remains. ATTACK!

But there's a problem...

Hilda is very resistant.
Although your fangs scratch the padded coat, what lies beneath resists like an indestructible peach. You try for a long while, and when you glance sideways, you catch her with a face of incomprehension and resignation. You bite down until your jaw goes numb, but the only thing left hurting are your teeth.

Hilda: Wait, better here.

With one hand she opens her coat and reveals her pale neck, a part so vulnerable only for you. Maybe you hesitate and regulate yourself to nibble, but at least you get her to close one eye and press her lips tight. The result repeats: Only your drool remains, highlighting a slight reddening plus the marks of your teeth that will soon disappear.

Hilda: What if you use that...?

You direct your attention where her gaze is lost, and you see the sword... Maybe it's too much, you just want to subdue her, not kill her, but a worrying little voice in the back of your gray cells warns you that Hilda was so surrendered to you that she would have let herself be cut if that would fix things.

Hilda: I didn't want to hurt you.

But you bit her!

Hilda: Yes...

She averts her gaze. That makes no sense, why would you damage something you didn't seek to damage?

Hilda: Sorry...

For biting you? Hilda frowns and shakes her head.

Hilda: For the other thing... The weird thing.

Weird? The brash one sighs and throws you an intense look.

Hilda: I... You... argrggh...

The word turns into a growl in her tongue, she shivers, and crimson spreads across her cheeks.

Hilda: I... amrgrgrhh...

Incomprehensible.

Hilda: I love you! Okay?!

...!

After her confession, Hilda clicks her tongue and frowns.

Hilda: It wasn't supposed to happen like that, damn it all, if it hadn't happened we'd be fine... Two leaders, nothing more. Love... ruins everything, I've seen it. Dark fell for Luz and stopped hanging out with me... She got so obsessed with Don and now she doesn't know what to do... It's a pain.

She sighs, her face doesn't take long to soften, her eyes seem glued to yours for a few seconds that feel eternal. She leans in without warning, and a soft peck usurps your lips.

Hilda: Sorry.

For loving you?

Hilda: No, for the bite. I swear it won't happen again.

She moves and sits down; you understand that since she fell, she could have pushed you away with a slight effort, but violence is something she doesn't want to use on you. So then...

She catches you!

Her arms wrap around you and her face rests on your non-bitten shoulder. She squeezes you tight, as if she never wants to let go. When she pulls away, Hilda is still sniffing a bit, and she wipes her nose with her forearm.

Hilda: I like hugging you.

In her eyes there was still conflict, not knowing what your reaction would be to her confession. Friendship feelings are one thing, but love is a totally different level.

There's a certain feeling in the air... But no, it's not the time yet. We need to harvest a little more, but stay ready just in case. Implying that they stay together, of course.

>>5696
>Ashley
She looks big...

Correction.

<I'm big.

Cat opens her little mouth in an 'ohh', her best friend's new size is imposing; she'd compare her to Godzilla if she knew more about that.

"Are you going to eat me?"

Catherine can make jokes too. Even basic ones like that. Not seeing the world through a telescope, she knows for sure: no. She's not Godzilla, just her beloved blue girl from always, with whom she can have memorable adventures or just go shopping, like now.

The shopkeeper is from the nobility, Hilda claims. Something adjacent, like a merchant in a free city of the Holy Empire, Cat supposes, because despite the name contradicting that idea, the duke seems to be a kind of vendor. Though he's smart, enough to see rhymes where Catherine doesn't... and Hilda less so.

<Hildatherine... Cathilda... Hildash...

Maybe the Hills would come up with something if she hadn't been silenced for a couple of minutes, after which she filled with energy and her cat vision transmuted into a treasure hunter's. Her iris oscillates in her eyes, looking at everything like a kid in a candy store; there were many interesting objects she could stash in her inventory, or at least use to play for a moment. More, out of the corner of her eye, the figure of Hilda walking very attentively toward her caught her attention.

Spying isn't right. It's supposed not to be done... but that doesn't stop Cat from doing it; on the contrary, she usually spies on people. But she knows it's wrong. Once she noticed her dad spying on her, he's not supposed to do that... but it didn't bother her; she does things she shouldn't. But he was careless, maybe the only time he was. And that made the girl not act as she would in solitude, without eyes on her.

She doesn't know where those thoughts were leading. It doesn't bother her that Hilda watches her or spies on her; she couldn't get mad at her like on that first day when it seemed like everything she did was to annoy her. Maybe she just thinks too much because of this drink, she's all hyped up. If she weren't so restrained, it would be even more noticeable, but the little bit she shows seems enough to feel like too much. Conscious, she forces herself to relax. And then, more normally, a surprise.

<Just watching?

"Huh?"

Hilda looks dissatisfied with what was said, but the albino can't quite figure out why.

"What do you mean?"

Later she would understand, after the first bloody bite of discord, that it cuts deep into her flesh and her being. The fangs prick against the heart, and the two girls end up in the antechamber of a painful goodbye, one that neither truly wants.

In minutes, a plan postponed by time and affection activates. A violent tug, a sudden tackle. Even clouded by tears, the little domesticated cat would use claws and teeth to prevent the rupture of something abstract, yet palpable like the affection she holds. She announces her intentions and bites down without hesitation, returning the sensation of being bitten...
Oh no.

"Rabble rabble."

She makes little dog noises, shaking her head. The fact that the bear meat is tough has never stopped a hungry wolf. She tries to soften it by tugging and shaking so hard that the tears that hadn't fallen yet jump from her eyes... but nothing works.

"Ah..."

She lets go of Hilda with a sigh, or in the middle of a sob. Her jaw is tired as if she'd been chewing a peanut nougat from last Christmas... And to make matters worse: her teeth hurt. With one hand on her lower jaw and one eye closed, she looks at Hilda, panting...

(It didn't work...)

She looked at Hilda, somewhat disappointed. But at herself... She was supposed to make it work... It was her plan since day one... Now she sees that if she had carried it out, she would have gotten beaten up. kek

<Wait, better here.

"..."

She lowers her gaze; she reveals her little neck. She raises her eyes again, unsure... conveying this with her downcast look. But if that's what she wants... she accepts. She lowers her head and approaches carefully where she is allowed; her nose is first, brushing that forbidden skin for anyone else. Her lips follow, opening in a caress that serves as the bait of an anglerfish. Slow due to doubt, yet gentle and soft as only her tender lips can be before revealing her fangs. The hesitation is there. Her hard teeth probe the skin, seeing biting as a possibility that costs them to carry out... Hilda can feel those teeth tremble as if she were about to shiver before the decision is forced by the girl's mind.

She bites them with a certain conscious care; she couldn't bear to bite too hard. The sweet bite, pricks and marks... She doesn't even dare to try stretching or softening. Even in the damage, she is as careful as she can... Upon separating... more of the same...

(...)

A failure.

<What if you use that...?

"What...?"

What? Well, the sword, which lay there, free to be taken. With eyes wide open, Catherine looked at her sharply.

"No."

She replied. Definitive and said in haste, struggling to simulate neutrality in this state... To be in control, you must be calm. But she can't. She doesn't like any of this.

<I didn't want to hurt you.

"What...?" -her little mouth opens slightly in the deepest confusion; that's not... weird. It's illogical, not only according to her mental structure, but... by basic logic. Biting causes pain.

"But... I... Bit you..." -she tries to string the letters together, one after another, marking some pauses in between due to the absurdity of the idea in such a case. She hadn't been so confused since her first day-

<Yes...
"No... I understand..." -and it shows- "but... Why... Why did you bite me, then...?" -that question still hung in the air, she just wanted a direct answer, because to her, biting is an attack-

<Sorry...

"...Why... The bite...?" -she was totally willing to forgive him-

<For the other thing... The weird stuff.

"Huh...?" -in case it wasn't clear yet, Catherine is confused- "No... I don't get it..."

<I... You... argrggh...

"¿...?" -her body lifts slightly and with some slowness, in the classic rise of curiosity-

<You... amrgrgrhh...

"What?"

<I love you! Okay?!

She jumps a little.

"...oh..."

Love... That... A moment ago they both agreed it was something "for idiots," and now they were victim and perpetrator of a definitive confession. Ashley is stunned. Her grip weakens until it's gone. Her face is that of a kid who can't close her mouth.

<It wasn't supposed to happen, fuck everything, if it hadn't happened we'd be fine... Two leaders, nothing more. Love... Ruins everything, I've seen it.

'Is that so?' Catherine wonders.

Clearly, she doesn't understand love. She hasn't experienced it, and her only two references are her father, who says it's useless to her, and now Hilda, who says it ruins everything.

But what is love? Baby don't hurt me, how do you know you love each other? And what do those eyes mean that look at her, which are only answered by the lost gaze of her counterpart, who is thinking so many things until a little kiss guides her...

"Ah..."

She blinks. Back to seeing Hilda, not what's beyond. Her little face, with eyebrows down, reflects how sensitive she feels now... but the kiss does her good, she likes her kisses. Since this morning she wanted one... she feels her tear ducts wanting to overflow again.

<Sorry.

"Why... about love...?"

<No, about the bite. I swear it won't happen again.

"It's okay..." -she tells him, not like yielding, not like it didn't matter, but like it's over, like he shouldn't worry- "I forgive you... I just want to forgive you..."

They pull her off, she doesn't resist. For a while now they've let her go free. They look at each other for half a second and hug her tight, Catherine overflows with emotion, her tears, again, couldn't be contained much longer.

"Ah..."

She returns the hug after a sob, lets her take refuge in her body, which she knows, like any cat's, can be a place of comfort.

"It's okay... It's... okay..."

She assures her. She doesn't have to feel bad anymore... She tries to convey calm. Everyone can cry, and everyone needs someone to comfort them once in a while. Her dad, Hilda... Even her.

And when the second one needed that someone, the last one would never be lacking.

They separate... Catherine faced with her normal little face... And listened again.
<I like hugging you.

"..."

So that's what she meant earlier... Catherine sniffs through her nose and dries her watery eyes with her arm... her little heart is going crazy... and it's all her fault.

"Eladia..."

She said as her forearm left her teary eyes. She reached for one of her hands and began to recount.

"I once read a romance book... and got bored."

It was clear that if Catherine, of all people, was going to respond, it wouldn't be with a conventional "me too."

"I never understood love... Although I had two suitors..."

There was a camp in the woods; certain boys took a liking to Catherine because she's a very beautiful and very smart girl. But nothing happened, even if they hung upside down from trees or jumped around like monkeys to impress her, there was never any romance.

Maybe the connection never existed. But there was never any hope that it would ever bloom.

"Dad told me they were a waste of time. That I shouldn't think about love, that it doesn't give me anything, that I should study..."

And those are bad news. Or so it seems, until Hilda gets pushed again, so that Catherine ends up on top. She likes this position; many of her important conversations have started or taken place this way.

"But... I don't care what Dad says." -she confessed- "You've tamed me." -she repeated- "I don't want you to leave. Because I like being by your side. And when you're not with me, I'm always waiting for your arrival... I distinguish your sounds from the others, your voice is my favorite..."

"I don't just like looking at you..." -she corrects herself. As the tamed one, she had to know that better than anyone...- "I like being with you... You make me happy..."

She moved closer. At kissing distance.

"And your pain hurts me..."

She gives a soft little kiss on the corner of her lips. Then another, centered in the middle, and finishes with one more, on the other corner of her lips. Three sweet healing little kisses, given with care, attending to the bump she got on her mouth today, which broke her heart to see.

Sniff

"Is that love, Eladia...?"

She asked, looking at her with a face that radiates from the very depths of her little heart, that's why she asks. She loves her. It goes beyond a word, in body and soul; Ashley is devoted to Eladia with the purest affection possible. Their names at that moment, even if they aren't, rhyme for her and sound good together at the same time.

And then she hugs her.

"Hug me."

If she likes that... She wants to be hugged. She doesn't want to leave, and if this is love, she wants to love her. Being like this, she wants nothing else, not Dad, not the woods. Just a life where she can keep listening to her favorite voice saying her name the way only she knows how.

Secundo... just let them be sweet bwaa Aldo, my previous post got cut off with a meta, but this one is going to get cut off too so basically I said I hope you rested well kek

>>5688
<Rando Roadagain (Day 23, 13:00)
HP: 100/100
Energy: 48/50
Hunger: 17/20 - Thirst: 18/20
- Strength: 7 + 7 Ghasto (+1 extra attack)
- Agility: 6 + 6 Ghasto
- Resistance: 6 + 10 Spine Armor (10 direct contact damage) + 2 Mask
- Luck: 4
Inventory
- Pockets 2/8
Almond Water Bottle (15/15)
Almond Water Bottle (15/15)

Level 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcGjc_bmjEM▾Cuno: Negotiate...?

The boy's gaze, that of a teenager in the throes of adolescence, rises and lowers over the transformed body of the demon cat, and even slips down his chin a bit of saliva. The companion notices the fixation immediately and gives him a strong slap on the head.

Cunoessee: Don't even think about it, Cuno! He'll give you a beating!

Cuno defends himself by saying he wasn't thinking of anything bad. The young guys decide to exchange information for benefit, and they're greedy, ending up keeping all the bread and Cuno's Rando mask, which he now wears. It's the red-haired boy himself who draws them a map on a napkin. The line they must follow starts at the exit of the town, and according to those two, ends at the farm where Don lives.

Cuno: And remember, Cuno didn't tell them anything. If Cuno finds out they sold him out, Cuno will find them and break their legs.

After hearing that warning, they set off and leave the town, using the map to guide them through the dirt paths. They leave behind Malta, now flanked by infinite walls of wheat. Obese animals so light they float - very similar to pigs - graze in the snowy fields, their movements are restless and they squeal at the slightest noise, as if an invisible tension affects them.

They reach a crossroads occupied by a single visitor.

???: S-Si la me-meta de veras es ta-tan importante para ustedes, y-yo tomaría un de-desvío.

A female voice, victim of intense shivering, warns them. It's a young girl with spongy purple hair, sitting on a bench by the side of the road. The girl, through slaps, removes the snow piles that had accumulated all over her body.

Marietta: De-decidí echarme u-una si-si-siesta... A dream within a dream. The i-idea so-sonaba revi-revitalizante. But this snow wasn't expecting... And to top it off, I saw a blo-bloque de hi-hielo walking more ade-ade- ¡ACHUUUUus!

She inhales deeply to sniff her mucus.

Marietta: Ahead... It was dangerous, and it seemed to hide a precious and important secret. Hmmmmm...

She nods and closes her eyes. It seems she'll fall asleep again in the elements.

Well, if you have the chance, you can try to make some of those images. I'm sure the anons would like them, if they're still alive. If you had come a thread earlier, maybe I could have used it for the opening of the new one. But for obvious reasons, this will be the final thread, kek

>>5694
>>5695
>I think it's Marie at the start, level 1?
Yep, imagine it was at some indeterminate point before the BNTG move, a time range that covers quite a while, but I see you leaned towards a point closer to the beginning. Also, a good reason would be that Hilda put something on the desk Marie was going to use.

<Marie Griffin (Day 52, 11:00)
HP: 110/110
Energy: 67/70
Hunger: 19/21 - Thirst: 19/21
-Strength: 15 + 25 Moon Sword
-Agility: 9
-Resistance: 16 + 28 Bulletproof Vest (÷ 2 damage taken)
-Luck: 1
Inventory:
-Pockets 2/4
Super-Cellular (Off. Charge 14/16)
Joseph's Charger
-Pink Backpack 6/10
Pencil
Notebook
Almond water bottle (15/15)
Smiled fluid
Toothbrush
White cat headband

Level 92
Changes are natural and necessary, like the metamorphosis of butterflies. That's what Luz thinks, but there's a part that always makes her warn about the risks of changing through the labyrinths.

Luz: I was wondering... Especially when friends came to meet her to talk about their adventures. They always narrated fantastic and impossible scenarios... But the leader rejected all that to stay with us.

She curls up against you, joins her hands and rests her head on your thighs. Now your thighs are her pillow, you get an exclusive view of her reflective profile.

Luz: When I questioned her, she told me that many people get lost forever up there even if they return. I didn't get it, but then I met Amity.

Her gaze seeks you out of the corner of her eye.

Luz: Dark...

A necessary clarification, Dark in the end was just a nickname. Luz returns her gaze to the horizon and continues the chat, she supposes that talking about her ex shouldn't be a problem, it happened a long time ago and now your partner is you.

Luz: At the beginning she sent me anonymous notes and poems using crows... Weird, but also cute.

She blushes to say it, and throws you sporadic glances to always keep track of your reactions. At the first sign of horror she would change the subject.

Luz: We liked each other, one day he confessed to me and we went official, we went out, it was nice. The problem is that Amity was two years older than me, she had experience and the desire to explore the backrooms. She graduated from the little ones and went with the leader's cousin to learn what it was to survive in levels above 50.

She sighs.

Luz: She never stopped sending me letters and gifts... Until one day she returned. She was supposed to come to the city for supplies, but of course she took the opportunity to visit me...

Once again she seeks your gaze, but the consternation in her trembling and wet eyes is not for you, but for herself, and it's such a deep sorrow that goes beyond simple discomfort, her voice dries up when she says it, but she is willing to trust you.

Luz: Marie, it's not my intention that you hate her... A-And I... I forgave her a long time ago, and the last times we saw each other it was even pleasant, almost like the first days... I think she doesn't know that I still remember... The leader also thinks I forgot. Please, don't tell anyone.
The anecdote begins—or rather concludes—in the leader's office. Charmy was slicing a juicy ham steak Joe had sent her with a knife, when someone knocked on the door and Charmy told them to come in. Dark and Luz entered, hand in hand, smiling as if their union were the only thing that mattered in the world.

Dark: Luz has something to tell you...

The pale hand let go of the brunette. Luz stepped forward, not erasing her smile, and clarified that she would leave the little compasses. Charmy blinked rapidly and repeatedly, obviously unable to believe it. She grabbed the piece of ham, rolled it up, and brought it to her mouth, while eating, her brow remained furrowed.

Charmy: Rejected, Luz. You still have a lot to learn.

Luz: But leader, learning isn't necessary. Amity will take care of me the whole way and every day.

Charmy: What about your companions? I thought you were teaching Dora about first aid.

Luz: Dora is smart; she can learn without me.

Charmy: And have you already told Momo?

Luz: No, but I'm sure you can tell her.

Charmy: I see...

The leader took another slice of ham to her mouth. That action gave way to a heavy silence. Luz kept her good humor, and her big eyes didn't blink even once, as if her heart had abandoned the ability to doubt.

Dark: We'd better go; it's a long way up.

Amity reached for Luz's hand, but before their fingers could touch, Charmy threw the knife. The blade cut through the air, plunged into one side of Dark's black cloak, and stuck into the wooden door, where a button-eyed doll was also embedded. Dark stared at that with her mouth open and trembling hands.

Color left Luz's face, and like a puppet with its strings cut, she collapsed to her knees, head down, eyes still open but lost. Charmy quickly jumped out of her desk, advanced toward Dark, grabbed her by the neck, and forced her to bend down until she was at eye level.

The leader didn't shout, but rage boiled under every syllable.

Charmy: Try one of these tricks with my student again, and I'll personally drag your skinny ass to a pack of hounds. Is that clear?

Dark: L-leader, but I love Lu-

The sound of a hard slap cut off Amity's words. The young woman retreated in silence, and when the sound of the door closing was heard, Luz lost consciousness.

Luz ends the narration by saying that the Amity she fell in love with would never have been capable of doing that.

Luz: Or maybe she would... And the Backrooms just harvested her worst side...

With a faded smile, she hears your little joke about turning into a golden compass.

Luz: If you promise to always be a sweet and good girl, you can be whatever you want, Marie.

1/?

>>5699
>Or would it have been a general nuisance for the group?
The arc would be like: Oh no! The farm is now haunted and we must exorcise it! with moments ripped from It or The Shining to spice it up.

<Marie Griffin (Day 52, 11:00)
HP: 110/110
Energy: 67/70
Hunger: 19/21 - Thirst: 19/21
-Strength: 15 + 25 Moon Sword
-Agility: 9
-Endurance: 16 + 28 Bulletproof Vest (÷ 2 damage taken)
-Luck: 1
Inventory:
-Pockets 3/4
Super-Cellular (Off. Charge 14/16)
Joseph's Charger
Piece of jelly-filled bar (4/4)
-Pink backpack 6/10
Pencil
Notebook
Almond water bottle (15/15)
Smiled fluid
Toothbrush
White cat headband

Level 92
What belongs to Luz is yours, and what is yours is Luz's. They find it easy to share; that's what comes of having trust. She scratches your back and you hers, or in this case... you wash her.

She thanks you for the gesture and turns around. She doesn't need to move her hair aside, an advantage of having it short at neck length. The day couldn't be clearer, and your vision sharper thanks to your glasses and your interest. You place your hands on her shoulder blades; her cinnamon skin is wet from the water and warm from the girl's natural body temperature. That which your blindness deprived you of last night is now returned to you tenfold.

That slender waist.

Those curvy hips.

That well-toned ass, two firm cushions. Perhaps for your eyes it remained a delicious surprise, but your touch still tingles from the sweet memory of tracing and pressing against your beloved's body.

Luz: Marie?

She looks up at you over her shoulder with an arched eyebrow. She warns that if you take too long you'll catch a cold. It's bad to be so horny, Griffin! your conscience screams at you.

...

Once you start with the compliments, you can't stop. Maybe it's the sweet aftertaste of the moth jelly, but you feel so lucky and full of pleasant sensations that you wished you had a dictionary of compliments.

Luz: I'm not perfect.

She brings a napkin to your lips.

Luz: I swear, I'm not.

She brushes away some crumbs that got stuck at the corner of your mouth.

Luz: And you better know it now, because I don't want to surprise you for the worse.

She gives you a little bit.

Luz: I'm very bossy, and a bit intense with order. One day you'll want to do something fun, and I'll tell you... No, Marie, no.

Improbable, but it could happen. Maybe you want to stay up until 3 AM playing Minecraft and watching anime, and Luz will remind you that that's not healthy and that you should go to sleep. Even with that...

You love her.

Luz: I love you.

You don't need to understand Spanish to know what it means.

...

To be or not to be silent? That's the dilemma that hits you as you walk through the hills hand in hand with your girlfriend.

Lunita: No overexertion. She said that... Do you think she was lying? The one on the other side lied a lot.

Anti-Luz...

Now her body is Luz's, though something curious happened: the scars disappeared. The soul molds the body, were Moon's words. Even after the traumatic experience, the Colombian remained in good spirits.
STOP.

The signal might be a warning from fate to stop over-analyzing every single one of your steps. But you interpret it as a wink that triggers your maximum autism.

Luz: Okay, now you know about the milestones. This trip is being very educational.

She smiles and nods to herself; your learning satisfies her. She returns to the book. In your ex-diary, you write down what she dictates. You include the number of steps taken since the last zone with houses. Luz's walkie-talkie has an accessory installed that counts them, and she consults it before sharing the measurement. She also pulls out a pair of binoculars to scout the surroundings. Then, she retrieves a silver teaspoon and a cylindrical container from the backpack, collecting a sample of soil and grass.

Luz: It's for the Compasses. Surely more than one will want to come and verify our discovery in person.

It's more her discovery, you clarify. Luz sighs in your direction and shakes her head.

Luz: Honey (¡..!), don't start... It bothers me that you displace yourself like that. You are useful.

Are you?

Luz: See, I brought my staff?

No...

Luz: Then, who is better prepared to defend us if something happens?

There are only two candidates; the answer is obvious.

Luz: Exactly. We aren't just strolling; we are exploring... You are already a proper wanderer.

A proper wanderer who laughs like a maniac when Luz agrees to put the name you mentioned. Sans undertale. Only a few will understand, or many, depending on how many teenagers of your age fall into Level 0.

You throw the sword. You call it. The hilt hits your chest. Lunita apologizes. You throw the sword. You call it. You barely manage to catch it, leaving your fingers sore. You are improving. Luz concludes the checks: the grass is harmless, the signal is striking. She packs her instruments, slings the backpack over her shoulder, and comes over to you to glance at the photos.

Luz: You have a good eye; you should pursue this.

The foreshadowing makes you nervous.

Your dream hasn't changed yet; it wants to be happy with the person you love most. Your girl's face lights up with a new blush; your attitude and words won her over. She stops, faces you with that passionate glow you recognized last night in the darkness, and rewards you with another long kiss. The grass receives them; they remain there, lying down, tasting each other with intertwined hands. Kissing is a mechanically simple act, but it fulfills the urgency of closeness that intoxicates them. You longed for her touch; everything else lost importance... Until a shift in the sky's tone to a more orange hue reminds them they are still out in the open.

Luz pulls her face away from yours, but her gaze remains dazzled by you. She helps you up and adjusts your clothes. Together, you head toward the house with the slide that will take you out of the level.

Luz: Damn, I have to be less horny...

You heard her murmur.

2/3

>>5698
Under the mask of Rando there was... ¡¿Another mask!? It seems they really don't want him to be seen Because it would be weird in the pics although he didn't have any problems with the cold as long as it was hidden... Outside of that, Ghasto keeps an impassive face upon seeing that his master's appearance has an effect on both the old and the young, but decides to ignore it and let it be.

Once the map was drawn and the breads were handed over, they head to the place indicated. They have a slight suspicion they might be being scammed but they have nothing else. Both see the girl again, but something important is missing... Don...

[Where is Don?]

[Are you... alone...?]

Strange, the first to ask is the fake Nyarla, but upon noticing the girl is dying of cold even with all her winter clothes on, eight of her twelve hearts soften and she sighs resignedly...

[This feels too familiar...]

They share some warmth, Nyarla also doesn't like the cold, although anyone would think both of them would tolerate it better given her superior body fat... letting that fleeting thought pass, her tail, previously in the form of a blackened wire, changes to a fluffy texture and grows in size like a jumbo teddy bear.

[There... better? You carry her if you're so kind...]

Rando points at himself, incredulous.

[Is there someone else here? Of course, I mean you, I can't do everything alone...]

Lie, yes he can, but he just doesn't feel like it... The girl, having fallen unconscious or not, is carried from the bench by Rando regardless of her weight because his muscles aren't for show, and ends up wrapped in the new fluffy fur of Ghasto like a blanket, but of a cat instead of a tiger.

[Can you still talk...? I need you to explain what this "goal" you were talking about is...]

[Secrets... don't matter... You were accompanied... by a boy... What happened to him...?]

The girl gives her version, demonstrating her condition which should already be improving. They could go, of course they could, but they have a bad feeling just like with Mrs. Buttercup, they feel that if they leave without more, the so-called Don would be history.

[Do you want to enter...? If it's... very dangerous... we go and leave it at that...]

[Why are you asking me? I'm the one following you, not the other way around, right? But since you mentioned it, making sure shouldn't be a problem...]

They take the girl with them... The girl? They were asked her name at some point or told it, but neither of them remembers anything.

[Dulzura, resist the whispers of Morpheo for a little longer... My name is Ghasto, a benevolent servant, the mass of muscles is...]

[Rando... I think... that's how I'm called...]

[That's the same... Could you tell us your name? Calling you strange girl might not be the best option for forming habits and/or bonds with you.]

They walk forward, where they believe Don is with her, they don't know if there's a safe place for her as a possible entity, and taking her to Buttercup is out of the question... So it's up to them to carry her until their strength runs out.

That's why I asked if you wanted any specific one, I've already made a few. And don't worry about that, when I gained this ability, this thread hadn't been created yet kuek... And what do you say? After Backrooms it was Backrooms 2, even more Backrooms than ever, or am I wrong? :^)
Although I liked the Frontrooms, if it's not too much to ask, have the four of them end up at my monkey's bar there kek