DgCW Project 3

The street lights flicker pass as you're driven far from the city. The light diminishes completely as the car enters a tunnel. Darkness assaults your vision before the headlight paves a path down the endless road. The driver doesn't speak and neither do you; the only sound is the humming of the car. You appreciate the silence. There's nothing to talk about and you're tired from traveling. You press your forehead against the cool window and close your eyes. The cold eases your headache even if just a little. When you open them, it's to the sight of a full moon shining brightly in the night sky. There isn't a single star to accompany it. [[How lonely.->house]] (set: $inv to (a:"Phone", "Photo", "Teddy Bear", "Letter")) (set: $trust to (a:))

You check the time. It's 11:01 pm, about an hour before the appointed time. Your battery is at 10% and there's barely a signal, but it's enough to make one more call. You look through your contacts list. There's no one you want to talk to and there's no message from work. However, if you want to, you could call for a taxi and get out of here. What now? [[Call for a taxi->bade1]] [[Read the letter->letter]] [[Look at the photo->photo]] [[Inspect the teddy bear->bear]] [[Walk towards the house->door]]

--- //Dear Sam, If I said you could see little Hayden again, what would you do? Heh. Do I have your attention? What I would do to see the expression on your face, but this is not about me, it is about you. You and your poor little brother. It is tragic what happened to him. Kidnapped, tortured, killed. A child like Hayden did not deserve such a cruel death, do you not agree? Especially since it is your fault. Let me tell you a secret. Death is not the end of the road. The real end of a living being is the disappearance of the soul, and poor Hayden is on his last breath. Did you really think a human murdered so gruesomely would pass on in peace? Your guilt is not unfounded. Hayden is suffering, Sam, and you can save him, unlike in the past. You can redeem yourself. You must think I am insane. Many others before you have thought the same. They are the ones who lost the opportunity of a lifetime. A second chance. I know you do not believe a word, but I also know there is a spark of hope blooming in your chest. No matter how implausible this letter may sound to you. You cannot crush your hope even if you try. Take a leap of faith, Sam. What else do you have? If you decide to take the jump, meet me at this location - Cedar Wood Manor 1137 Laker Hill Witherin, CA 91304 I suggest you arrive before midnight. Sincerely, Michael P.S. Hayden informs me he has a bear named Sammy who he holds dear. The one with the orange bow, correct? How envious I am of you for having such a precious treasure named after you. Perhaps you can bring Sammy to him.// --- When you first read the letter, you wanted to throw it away, to tear it to pieces, but the postscript made you pause. How did this "Michael" know about Sammy? Only you know, and Hayden was too self-conscious to tell his friends, least of all strangers. And he says Hayden told him? But Hayden's been dead for 5 years now. Could...could what Michael is saying be true? No, it's ridiculous, your brain told you, but your heart was beating fast. Michael is right about one thing: you can't get rid of your hope even if you try. And you did try, multiple times. Every time you throw away the letter, you always return to fish it out of the trash. No matter how ridiculous, you at least got to try. You owe it to Hayden. What now? [[Inspect the teddy bear->bear]] [[Check your phone->phone]] [[Look at the photo->photo]] [[Walk towards the house->door]]

The photo is crinkled and faded from years of handling. It depicts a sunny day, a direct contrast to your current environment. A boy with reddish hair, olive eyes, and the biggest grin you've ever seen is at the forefront, against the backdrop of a rollercoaster. In his left hand is a purple balloon, and in the right, a cotton candy. You remember him waving it at you, trying to say hi without words. You also remember yelling at him to stop or it would fly to the floor, and you aren't buying him another. His grin never falters, daring you to be such a monster. It was a good day. You smile sadly at the photo before putting it back, guilt and regret stabbing at your innards. What now? [[Check your phone->phone]] [[Read the letter->letter]] [[Inspect the teddy bear->bear]] [[Walk towards the house->door]]

The car slows to a stop and you get out, slinging your bag onto your shoulder. You thank the driver, he nods back, and drives away. As the taillight vanishes from view, you realize how dark it actually is. Despite the bright moon, the nest of trees crowding you in greedily gobbles the light penetrating through. You turn around and is confronted with the sight of a large, three-story manor. For the middle of nowhere, you expect the building to be more...decrepit, but it's well maintained. The building is light gray with a royal blue rooftop. Multiple windows adorn it, but, despite the dead of night, no light comes from within. Is no one home? Parked next to the house, however, is a red car and a black motorcycle. Maybe everyone is asleep. In front of the manor is a sign that reads: ''Cedar Manor''. You rummage through your bag to see if you got the right place. You take from your bag... [[...your phone->phone]] [[...a letter->letter]] [[...a photo->photo]] [[...a teddy bear->bear]] [[Nevermind, walk towards the house->door]]

You bring your fist up to knock on the door. Just before your knuckles could make contact, the door swings open by a gap. [[...Must be the wind->entry]] [[...Nope->bade1]]

You press the doorbell and wait. And wait. And wait. Nothing. You press again. ... ... ... Nothing. [[Knock on the door->knock]] [[Ugh, I'm leaving->bade1]]

The manor gets smaller and smaller as the car drives away. You look away and plant your forehead against the cool window once again. //It's not worth it. The past is in the past.// You repeat the phrase over and over again, but the gnawing in your heart clearly shows you don't believe it. You wonder if you'll ever believe it. Perhaps one day, you could get over the guilt, the regret, and the pain, but not now and not soon. //I wonder if I could've really done something...// =><= ''Bad End 1: Shrouded in Mystery'' <== [[Continue->house]] [[Restart->Start]]

You enter and are immediately blinded. Your turn away and hiss, shielding your eyes with your arm. You didn't expect the inside to be so bright, considering how no light is seen from outside. Strange. They must have closed the curtains. After waiting a few seconds for your eyes to adjust, you hesitantly turn forward again. The first thing you see is a marble staircase leading upstairs. Hm, fancy. Pass the staircase, you make out some vegetation coming from the very back of the manor. Two other rooms exist to the left and right of the staircase as well. Directly right of you is a tall display case with a glass panel. There is something inside. On your left is a lift. [[Inspect the lift->lift]] [[Inspect the case->case]] [[Go up the stairs->stairs]] [[Go forward->conservatory]] [[Go left->library]] [[Go right->living room]] (if: $inv contains "Glass Cutter")[(replace:"Go up the stairs")[]] (else:)[]

It's a conservatory with large wall to floor windows. A fountain lies in the very center with seats surrounding it. They're interspaced by pots of bonsai trees. Various flowers also decorate the space. Underneath the windows is a flowerbed housing flowers of various colors and types. A fair skin woman with platinum blonde hair is standing there. Instead of appreciating the florals, however, she is gazing outside. On each side of the room lay an open entrance. [[Talk to the woman->Irene]] [[Inspect the fountain->fountain]] [[Inspect the flowers->flowers]] [[Inspect the right entrance->hearth room]] [[Inspect the left entrance->master suite]] [[Go back->entry]]

Judging from the cases of books stacked against the wall, this is the library. In the center of the room is a cherry wood coffee table baring a chess set. The surface is illuminated red by the flames of the hearth in front of the room. A forest green couch and four armchairs surrounds it. Settled on the couch is a young man about your age reading a book. He looks Hispanic with brown hair and a tall but lanky stature. Perching on his nose are red glasses. He's smiling as he reads the book. Must be a good piece. At the bottom left of the room is a billiard table and a door to another room at the bottom right. A pair of glass doors is embedded on the right side of the room, leading outside. You see a light and a trail of smoke from beyond it. [[Talk to the man->Erick]] [[Inspect the chess set->chess set]] [[Inspect the billiard table->billiard]] [[Inspect the door->study]] [[Go outside->porch]] [[Go back->entry]] (if: $inv contains "Hammer")[(replace:"Inspect the billiard table")[]] (else:)[]

It's the living room with a pair of couches and armchairs fitted within. On the right side of the room stands a grand piano and on the far end is a door. Lounging on one of the couch with their feet pulled up is a teenage girl...boy? You can't tell their gender. They look Asian, however, with black eyes and hair. They're fiddling with their phone. You wonder what a kid is doing here, especially so late at night. Their parents must be worried. If Hayden was alive, he would be the same age, and you know you would worry about him. [[Talk to the teenager->Eli]] [[Inspect the piano->piano]] [[Inspect the door->dining room]] [[Go back->entry]] (if: $inv contains "Chisel")[(replace:"Inspect the piano")[]] (else:)[]

As if sensing she's being watched, the woman turns around with a haughty expression on her face. "What are you looking at?" "Er-" She rolls her baby blue eyes. "Whatever. Just leave me alone, I'm not in the mood for small talk." She turns back around, ignoring your presence entirely. You decide to respect her wishes. It probably won't be a fun conversation anyway. [[Go back->conservatory]]

The man looks comfortable, as if he belongs here. Could this be the owner of the manor, or even Michael? "Michael?" The man startles, dropping his book to the ground. You grab it and return it to him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." He smiles apologetically. "No, no. It's on me, I wasn't paying attention." You give a small smile back at him, but you're still wary. "Are you Michael?" "No, I'm Erick, it's nice to meet you." he says as he offers a hand you. You note how polite he is as you two shake hands. "Oh, I'm Sam." you rub you nape, "Then did you get invited by Michael, too?" He nods seriously. "You, too, huh?" "Yeah..." you trail off. So Michael is gathering people? You don't feel good about this. You want to ask why Erick's here, but considering your own reasons, it may be too intrusive. "Sorry to bother you, it was nice to meet you, too." Erick's face brightens. "Likewise." [[Go back->library]]

You approach the man leaning on the wood railing. "Nice day out, right?" Your try for humorous sarcasm, hoping for a reaction. He reminds you of your high school days when everyone, including you, were desperate to impress the cool kids. The man doesn't speak but his brown eyes does look over to you, scanning you from head to toe as he exhales a puff of smoke. You try to contain your fidgeting as the silence stretches out. While you are just contemplating about going back inside, he speaks. "Not as nice as hell on a sunny day," He takes a puff and then exhales, "Douglass." "Sam." Douglass gives the slightest of nods before looking away from you. The silence resumes. You want to ask him about this manor, but it seems like he isn't going to give you any answers. A man of few words, huh? [[Go back->library]]

She's, er, he? You're curious about their gender, but decide to settle on they. Yes, they. They're in deep concentration. [[Ask about their parents]] [[Ask about their gender]](if: $trust contains "Eli's ire")[(replace:"Ask about their parents", "Ask about their gender")[][You try to start up a conversation again, but they don't want to talk to you.]](else:)[](if: $trust contains "Eli's approval")[(replace:"Ask about their parents", "Ask about their gender")[][When they see you, however, they give you a smile. You smile back.]](else:)[] [[Go back->living room]]

"Do you have a habit of desecrating a person's home, Sam?" a male voice whispers into your ear. You let out a scream as you jump, hitting your knee against the display case in the process. "Ow!" Your vision blurs as specks of tears fill the rim of your eyes. "Heh, how brave." The sarcastic comment didn't come from the same voice, but from a woman. "What's going on?" a new voice adds, this one younger. A gruff grunt follows as a reply. "Hell if I know, kid." "Are you alright?" another male voice asks you. You nod your head in affirmative. Vision clearing from the white static of pain, you make out the appearance of an older man in his late 30s. He's smiling down at you. "You really know how to draw in a crowd, Sam. How envious, but I am thankful. It saves me the trouble of gathering everyone." [[Who are you?]]

A breeze sweeps pass as you step outside. It's as dark as ever, which makes the single point of light even more attractive. The mentioned light originates from the butt of a cigarette, smoked by an African American man. He's fairly muscled and is wearing a black leather jacket. You suddenly know who the motorcycle belongs to. [[Talk to the man->Douglass]] [[Go back->library]]

"No. I won't play your game." There must be another way. This whole thing may even be a hoax. The Hayden in the portrait looks (text-style: "italic")[so] real, but technology these days is just this advance. Hayden is dead and it's time for you to accept that. You glare at the smiling Michael and walk away. Your hand was already on the doorknob when, suddenly, you feel a light pressure on your back. "Wha-" You try to look behind, but cold hands cover your eyes, gently forcing you to turn forward again. You don't want to, but your body isn't listening. It's relaxing into the arms cradling you. "Abandoning...Hayden again, are...you?" a voice sings. You don't recognize the voice but its soothing like a mother's lullaby. You want to retort, to snare at the accusation, but you can't. Your body can't move; it has no strength. Your eyes slowly close and the noise around you blurs. (text-style: "blurrier")["What the fuck is that?!"] (text-style: "blurrier")["Get away from it!"] And then they disappear altogether. All except this one whisper next to your ear. You feel as if you're in a haze. "Well...it's fine...isn't it? There's nothing...you could've...done." You become lax, your energy slipping away. You think you should feel more panic than this, but the screaming in your head shuts down into static as your pulse slows and slows and slows. "It's okay...Relax...Your role is done." Your body limps against the solid form behind you. Thinking becomes tiring. Moving is impossible. It's...it's just not worth it. "Sleep. Everything will be...alright." the voice coos. Yeah...everything will be(text-style: "blur")[...alright(css: "font-size: 80%;")[...alright](css: "font-size: 70%;")[...alright]](text-style: "blurrier")[(css: "font-size: 60%;")[...al...right...](css: "font-size: 50%;")[al...ri...]] =><= ''Bad End 2: No Faith'' <== [[Continue->What?]] [[Restart->Start]]

You apprehensively approach the ashen door. It looks innocent enough, but you can't help feeling like you're walking into a trap. If it actually is one, there's no help for miles. [[Screw it, I'm leaving->bade1]] [[Knock on the door->knock]] [[Ring the doorbell->bell]]

It's an pristine teddy bear with a orange bow around its neck. The bear is named Sammy, after you. You're embarrassed about it, but Hayden refuse to change the name. Your little brother used to play with it every day within the comfort of your home. He's self-conscious about playing a with a teddy bear at his age, but Sammy is, according to the boy himself, Hayden's treasure. After Hayden's death, you take care of it almost religiously. It's the only thing of Hayden's you have left. What now? [[Read the letter->letter]] [[Check your phone->phone]] [[Look at the photo->photo]] [[Walk towards the house->door]]

Phone The first casualty: your phone. Your dead phone. Yeah, it's pretty useless right now.

Letter //Dear Sam, If I said you could see little Hayden again, what would you do? Heh. Do I have your attention? What I would do to see the expression on your face, but this is not about me, it is about you. You and your poor little brother. It is tragic what happened to him. Kidnapped, tortured, killed. A child like Hayden did not deserve such a cruel death, do you not agree? Especially since it is your fault. Let me tell you a secret. Death is not the end of the road. The real end of a living being is the disappearance of the soul, and poor Hayden is on his last breath. Did you really think a human murdered so gruesomely would pass on in peace? Your guilt is not unfounded. Hayden is suffering, Sam, and you can save him, unlike in the past. You can redeem yourself. You must think I am insane. Many others before you have thought the same. They are the ones who lost the opportunity of a lifetime. A second chance. I know you do not believe a word, but I also know there is a spark of hope blooming in your chest. No matter how implausible this letter may sound to you. You cannot crush your hope even if you try. Take a leap of faith, Sam. What else do you have? If you decide to take the jump, meet me at this location - Cedar Wood Manor 1137 Laker Hill Witherin, CA 91304 I suggest you arrive before midnight. Sincerely, Michael P.S. Hayden informs me he has a bear named Sammy who he holds dear. The one with the orange bow, correct? How envious I am of you for having such a precious treasure named after you. Perhaps you can bring Sammy to him.//

Photo It depicts a bright and sunny day, a direct contrast to your current environment. A boy with reddish hair, olive eyes, and the biggest grin you've ever seen is at the forefront, against the backdrop of a rollercoaster. In his left hand is a purple balloon, and in the right, a cotton candy. He's waving at the person behind the camera.

Teddy Bear Sammy. He's an pristine teddy bear with a orange bow around his neck.

(if: (passage:)'s name is "inventory")[] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowinventory")[] (else:)[Check [[inventory]].] (if: (passage:)'s name is "relationship")[] (else-if: (passage:)'s tags contains "donotshowrelationship")[] (else:)[Check [[relationship]].] (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "cracklinghearth")[<audio src="https://retired.sounddogs.com/previews/108/mp3/1077527_SOUNDDOGS__fi.mp3" autoplay>] (else:)[] (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "dollgiggle")[<audio src="https://retired.sounddogs.com/previews/59/mp3/698025_SOUNDDOGS__an.mp3" autoplay>] (else:)[] (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "footsteps")[<audio src="https://retired.sounddogs.com/previews/108/mp3/947407_SOUNDDOGS__fo.mp3" autoplay>] (else:)[] (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "deadIrenegasp")[<audio src="https://retired.sounddogs.com/previews/42/mp3/568260_SOUNDDOGS__ga.mp3"autoplay>] (else:)[] (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "pianoslam")[<audio src="https://retired.sounddogs.com/previews/101/mp3/162664_SOUNDDOGS__pi.mp3"autoplay>] (else:)[] (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "static")[<audio src="https://retired.sounddogs.com/previews/2665/mp3/1142509_SOUNDDOGS__tv.mp3" autoplay>] (else:)[] (if: (passage:)'s tags contains "pianomusic")[<script> var audio = document.createElement('audio'); audio.setAttribute('id', 'nowplaying'); audio.src = 'https://retired.sounddogs.com/previews/36/mp3/304485_SOUNDDOGS__pi.mp3'; audio.loop = true; $("body").append(audio); audio.play(); // Music namespace. if (typeof Music == "undefined") { var Music = { play: function(tune) { var audio = $('#nowplaying'); if (! audio.length) { audio = document.createElement('audio'); audio.setAttribute('id', 'nowplaying'); $("body").append(audio); } // setup the tune to play. audio.src = tune; audio.loop = true; audio.play(); }, // fade the music in / out. newvolume range between 0.0 -> 1.0 fade: function(newvolume, period) { // assign defaults. newvolume = newvolume || 0; period = period || 1000; var audio = $('#nowplaying'); if (audio.length) audio.animate({volume: newvolume}, period); }, pause: function() { // find the audio element. var audio = $('#nowplaying'); if (audio.length) audio[0].pause(); }, stop: function() { // find the audio element. var audio = $('#nowplaying'); if (audio.length) { audio[0].pause(); audio[0].currentTime = 0; } } }; window.Music = Music; } </script>](else:)[]

<h3>''Inventory''</h3> (If you opened mutliple items, scroll down to see them all. Later items will also appear at the bottom.) Your inventory contains a (print: $inv.join(", ")). (click: "Map")[(display: "Map")] (click: "Third Floor Map")[(display: "Third Floor Map")] (click: "Phone")[(display: "Phone")] (click: "Photo")[(display: "Photo")] (click: "Teddy Bear")[(display: "Teddy Bear")] (click: "Letter")[(display: "Letter")] (click: "Hammer")[(display: "Hammer")] (click: "Chisel")[(display: "Chisel")] (click: "Glass Cutter")[(display: "Glass Cutter")] (click: "Study Key")[(display: "Study Key")] (click: "Pearl")[(display: "Pearl")] (click: "Amber")[(display: "Amber")] (click: "Ruby")[(display: "Ruby")] (click: "Emerald")[(display: "EMERALD")] (click: "Rose Quartz")[(display: "Rose Quartz")] (click: "Pot")[(display: "Pot")] (click: "Trunk Room Key")[(display: "Trunk Room Key")] (click: "Green Eyed Teddy Bear")[(display: "Green Eyed Teddy Bear")] (click: "Axe")[(display: "Axe")] (link-goto: "Exit", (history:)'s last)

Interesting. A black and white chess board is painted onto the table. The chess pieces are made of glass, making them translucent. Unfortunately, you don't know anything about chess so you leave it alone. [[Go back->library]]

It's a standard billiard table with a wooden frame and a green surface. Billiard balls are scattered around it, suggesting someone already had a go at the game. Looking closer, a ''hammer'' is nestled among the balls. [[Take the hammer?]] [[Go back->library]]

It's a white piano with music scores on the stand. There's a ''chisel'' on the piano keys. [[Take the chisel?]] [[Go back->living room]]

Behind the display case is a ''map'' of the manor. With your sense of directions, you'll need it. You pull out your phone to take a picture of it, (click: "take a picture of it")[like any smart and technologically adequate person would do, ]but, unfortunately, your phone is dead. (if: $inv contains "Glass Cutter")[After a few tries with the glass cutter, you safely cut an opening in the glass and examines the [[map->w2]].] (else:)[The hard way it is.] [[Go back->entry]]

Chisel A normal, everyday chisel.

Glass Cutter A sharp glass cutter with a diamond tip. The diamond is colored purple.

Hammer A normal, everyday hammer.

Map Something seems off... <img src="https://ychen26.neocities.org/r07736.gif">

Study Key A brass key to the Study.

With the very first step, you notice a depression underneath your feet. You look down. There's a crack on the step you're standing on. Perhaps something is under it? (if: $inv contains "Hammer" and "Chisel")[You chip away at the cracked marble with your hammer and chisel before it finally collapses under the pressure, leaving a pile of debris. There seems to be something glinting underneath the [[debris]].] (else:)[] [[Go back->entry]]

Brushing aside the debris, you see a glittering, sharp ''glass cutter''. You take the ''glass cutter''. (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Glass Cutter")) [[Go back->entry]]

[[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]] [[Hands clamp down on your shoulders->Michael]]

<img src="https://ychen26.neocities.org/r07736.gif"> It depicts the full layout of the manor. It'll definitely be easier to navigate the building now. Although, something seems off about it. It's on the tip of your tongue. It's...it's...[[it-->surprise!]] (set: $inv to (a:"Phone", "Photo", "Teddy Bear", "Letter", "Hammer", "Chisel", "Glass Cutter", "Map"))

Shit. Irene is visibly relieved and you're just glad she didn't gloat. You slowly jar the door open and poke your head out. After a moment, you walk out of the study. The place is a mess - overturned chairs, fallen books, and chess pieces scattered all over the floor, but everything is silent. You almost expect someone to jump at you, but nothing happens. "No one's here." you call. Irene pops her head out to look around herself before joining you in the [[library->librarybracelet3]].

Woohoo! You put on a sympathetic face for Irene. She narrows her eyes at you but carefully makes her to the door nonetheless. You really thought she was going to complain. Irene slowly jars the door open and pokes her head out. After a second, she walks out into the [[library->librarybracelet3]]. Everything is silent. "No one's there." comes Irene's voice. You breathe a sigh of relief and walk out.

"Someone needs to check outside." "Well, it's not going to be me." Irene replies. You two are at a standstill. After a tense silence, you open your mouth. "Fine, let's flip for it. Whichever side the coin lands on, checks. I'll go with tails." "Then I'll go with heads." Irene grabs a coin from her pocket and tosses the it into the air. She claps down on it once it fell into her palms. The two of you eye each other warily, neither wanting to lose. Irene inhales and opens her palm to show the coin had landed on...(click: "...")[(either: "[[heads->no Wrath check]]", "[[tails->Wrath check]]")].

The lift is small with walls painted in gold. There are two buttons: one leads to Floor 1 and the other leads to Floor 2. There's a sign at the back that reads "One Person At A Time". [[Go back->entry]]

The plaque on the door says "Study". It's locked. Bummer. [[Go back->library]]

It's a comfy room with a hearth, a couch, a coffee table, and two armchairs. The hearth is not lit. Continuing from the room leads you into a kitchen with a circular table in the center and 6 chairs. The kitchen is connected to the garage and laundry room. [[Inspect the kitchen->kitchen]] [[Inspect the garage->garage]] [[Inspect the laundry room->laundry room]] [[Go back->conservatory]]

It's a large bedroom with a bathroom and wardrobe attached. It doesn't look lived in since everything is neat and tidy. [[Go back->conservatory]]

You take the ''hammer''. (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Hammer")) [[Go back->library]]

You take the ''chisel''.(set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Chisel")) [[Go back->living room]]

The door opens to reveal a dining room. A long, rectangular table rests at the center with 3 chairs at each side and 1 at the end and head. There's nothing special about it. [[Go back->living room]]

[[Cool Stuff]]

A total of 10 species live in the flowerbed. A sign in front names them. They include: (colour: fuchsia)[Pink Sweet Peas], (colour: purple)[Purple Hyacinth], (colour: yellow)[Yellow Carnation], (colour: blue)[Blue Rose], White Narcissus, (colour: lime)[Lime Blossom], White Coriander, (colour: red)[Red Columbine], (text-style:"outline")[Black Dahlia], and (colour: orange)[Orange Lily]. You wonder what they mean. [[Go back->conservatory]]

A curtain of glistening water is flowing from the top to the base below. Nothing looks out of place. [[Go back->conservatory]]

The garage door is locked. Shoot. [[Go back->hearth room]]

It's...a laundry room. What did you expect to find here? [[Go back->hearth room]]

It's a standard kitchen with a sink, stove, and too many drawers to count. In the center is a circular table and 6 chairs. [[Go back->hearth room]]

=><= ''Warning'' This interactive piece is a work of fiction and contains extreme language, violence, and gore that some readers may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised. ''(Don't click the back button of your browser. You will loss all your current progress.)'' [[I understand.->Start]] (set: $affect to (a:))

Did you seriously just blurt that out? They give you a pointed and judging stare. "I'm gender neutral." They turn back to their phone, signaling the conversation is over. Great. You could've had a more meaning conversation, but no, you and your big fat mouth. (!) You have gained Eli's ire. [[Go back->living room]] (set: $trust to $trust + (a: "Eli's ire"))

You gently tap them on their shoulder to get their attention. On cue, they shut their phone. "Oh, hi." they say. "Hi." "..." "..." "..." "...So...Um, sorry if this is too personal, but..." You can see their body tensing, fully expecting what question you're going to ask. They must have heard this a thousand times over, but it must be said. Especially when you think of Hayden. "What?" they snap. "What are you doing here? Your parents are probably worried." Surprisingly, the tension left their body. "Ah, that. Don't worry, my parents are dead." Wait, what? Fuck. "I-I didn't know!" They shrug. "Don't worry, it's a time ago, anyway. I do have a...guardian. They know I'm here." You try to figure out if they're lying. After all, who would willingly let their charge be out at this hour? But they look genuine. "I guess that's fine then?" Still, you decide to keep an eye on them. "Yeah. Sorry I kinda snapped at you. I thought you were going to ask about my gender. That's usually the first thing people ask when they see me. So, thanks for not asking. I'm Eli." Now you really can't tell them you're super curious. "My name is Sam." Eli gives you a small smile. (!) You have gained Eli's approval [[Go back->living room]] (set: $trust to $trust + (a: "Eli's approval"))

<h3>Relationships</h3> You have gained (print: $trust.join(", ")). (link-goto: "Exit", (history:)'s last)

=><= ''Warning'' After obtaining the map, you won't be able to go back and explore the other choices. Do you want to [[go back->case]] or [[proceed->map]]?

The man's smile never fades as his deep green eyes bare into you. You shiver. He turns his back to you and walks away. "You should all know me," he announces as he takes two steps up the stairs, "I am Michael. It is a pleasure to meet all of you." Silence perpetuates the room as everyone realizes exactly who he is. He's the sender of the letter. The one who said you could save a soul. Save Hayden. Michael raises a brow. "What is this? I thought I would be bombarded with questions, not silence." This prompts you into action. "Explain yourself. In your letter, you said I could save Hayden, but how? Why should I even believe you? What evidence do you have?" Around you, the others nod in agreement. Michael smiles almost sympathetically, but there's no compassion in his eyes. They are cold and observing, as if he is looking at you through a microscope. Michael glances around the room. "First of all, we would like to thank all of you for taking a leap of faith. I can guarantee you will never find a chance like this ever again in your lifetime." He turns his attention back to you. "And as for evidence." Michael reaches a hand behind him, and from there he pulls out an empty [[portrait frame]].

Only, instead of remaining empty, a portrait burns into existence. "!" Michael chuckles. "Yes, say hello to your little brother, Sam." The Hayden in the portrait looks exactly as how you remember him - flaming red hair, chubby cheeks, and an adornment of pale freckles decorating his entire face. Two important aspects are missing, however. This Hayden's mouth is set into a flat line whereas the real Hayden is always grinning, always so full of life. What haunts you the most about this portrait is how his eyes are closed. "...Sam?" the portrait speaks. You gasp, covering your mouth with both your hands to contain not horror nor disbelief, but joy. Hayden is looking at you with olive eyes. "H-Hayden?" "Sam! You're here!" Hayden grins and, oh, how you miss that grin. You don't care if this is a trick or delusion; you never thought you would ever see that grin again. But the feeling disappears as quick as it came. Before you could form a reply, the edges of the portrait start to disintegrate. [[No!]]

Your protest falls on deaf ears as the portrait is eaten up by flames. The last thing you see is the despairing look in Hayden's eyes. Around you, everyone is either wide-eyed or gasping, unbelieving of what had occurred. "Bring him back!" you sneer at Michael. "That is your evidence, Sam. Do you believe me now?" "Where are the others?" Douglass interrupts with narrow eyes. Michael shakes his head. "Apologies, I am only allowed to show you one as a symbol of my truthfulness, but I assure you, they are in the same place as where Hayden is." "H-He's not gone?" you ask. "Do not fret. He is perfectly safe. For now." The woman from the conservatory opens her mouth to comment, but Michael waves her off. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, are you all not curious about how you can save your loved ones? I believe this is the 'how' question Sam was referring to." The buzz in the room dies instantly. "Lovely. Now, the task is very simple. All you have to do is play a game with us and win." [[What?]]

Irritated, the woman stomps toward Michael until she is eye level with him. She pokes him squarely in the chest. "A game? Is that what this is to you? Us saving our loved ones is a game?" "We like to be entertained, Miss Irene. And are the rewards not satisfying? Many people do not get such an opportunity." "You keep saying 'we'," Eli speaks for the first time, "so there are more of you in here hoping to be entertained?" Michael smiles vacantly at Eli. "Screw you, I'm nobody's toy! Do you know who I am? I'll take every single one of you bastards down." Irene sneers as she grabs Michael by the collars, tugging him down. Michael's smile vanishes briefly before reappearing. He clutches Irene's wrist and holds her still. "Is that so?" Michael asks, staring into her eyes unflinchingly, "Then would you rather for her to disappear like air?" You can't see the expression on Irene's face, but you do notice how her body went rigid. A few seconds pass before Irene gulps. "L-Let go of me." Irene tugs her wrist away and takes a few steps back like a cat licking its wound. Michael folds down the crinkles in his suit. "There are no rules. Do whatever you, the players, must to save the soul of your beloved before they disappear. Clues are provided, if, that is, you pass the...trials we, the judges, present before you." Michael eyes each of us, making sure we understand. "This is your first task. A simple decision. Will you play or will you not?" [[Play the game]] [[Don't play the game->bade2]]

You agree and so do the others. You won't abandon Hayden again. "Splendid! The game will begin tomorrow, so I suggest the players to rest up. Unfortunately, we do not typically have five guests at a time, so there are only four bedrooms in the second floor. One of you will have to take the Master Sui-" "I'll take it!" Michael's eye twitch at the interruption by the same offender who scuffed up his collar earlier. You barely hold in your laughter. While you are busy restraining yourself, the others pick their room, leaving you with Suite 2. Michael turns to leave. "Then I shall see you all tomorrow." Before he disappears around the corner, however, Michael pipes up again. "Oh, and do be careful. Perhaps one of you has already made a deal with the Devil?" Everyone eyes Michael warily and then at each other before slowly disengaging from the group in preference of a bed. You yawn. It's been a long day, better start fresh tomorrow. [[Go to your room->room]]

Suite 2 is relatively comfy with a double bed and a attached bathroom. On the nightstand is a digital clock reading (text-style:"blink")[12]:(text-style:"blink")[17] AM. Next to it is a...[[pearl->Inspect the pearl]]?

(link: "Stake")[The dracula crumbles to dust.] (hover-style:(text-color:cyan) + (text-style:'italic'))+(link:"The lake")[The still, cold lake.] The shadow (text-style: "shudder")[flares] at you! (transition: "dissolve")[Gleep!] (text-rotate:45)[Tilted] (set: $stopCycle to 0) (live:1s)[(if:$stopCycle is 250)[(stop:)] (else:)[(set:$stopCycle to it + 50) (css: "position: absolute; left:" + (string: 20 +$stopCycle) + "px")[Thump]]] (live: 3s)[ (either: "Bang!", "Kaboom!", "Whammo!", "Pow!") ] (set: $answerone to (prompt: "Who sits at seat 1?", "Mary")) (if: $answerone contains "Mary")[Correct Easy 1] (else:)[(link-goto: (history:)'s last)] (text-style:"outline")[...] (if: $trust contains "Eli's approval" and "Eli's ire")[(set: $trust to $trust - (a: "Eli's ire"))] (else:)[] (if: $trust contains "Irene's gratitude" and "Irene's annoyance")[(set: $trust to $trust - (a: "Irene's annoyance"))] (else:)[] (if: $trust contains "Douglass' respect" and "Douglass' animosity")[(set: $trust to $trust - (a: "Douglass' animosity"))] (else:)[]

It's a white ''pearl''. Weird. What's it doing in your room? [[Take the pearl?]] [[Go back->room]]

(set: $stopCycle to 0) (live:1s)[(if:$stopCycle is 550)[(stop:)] (else:)[(set:$stopCycle to it + 50) (css: "position: absolute; left:" + (string: 20 +$stopCycle) + "px")[//THUMP//]]] Loud footsteps wake you from your brief sleep. "Huh?" Groggy, you look around in a daze before remembering where you are. You rub your eyes and keep silent, trying to make out those footsteps wandering the hall. You look at the clock. It's (text-style:"blink")[2]:(text-style:"blink")[28] AM Who's up this late? [[Check it out]] [[Go back to sleep->bade3]]

You decide to take the ''pearl''. It looks important enough and may be related to the "game" tomorrow. Yawning, you put the pearl inside your bag before crawling into [[bed->Go to bed]]. (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Pearl"))

Pearl It's a white pearl.

You decide it's not your business, so you go back to sleep. Just as you've fallen over the edge of consciousness, however, a light pressure settles on your back. "Hmm." You weakly pull the cover up to your chin and curl up. Your back feels cold. "Ugh." You try to curl further into a ball, seeking warmth, but it's just too cold and tiring. You exhale loudly, letting out a shuddering breath. Despite the coldness, your body isn't shivering like it's supposed to. Rather, you barely have the strength to twitch. You can't open your eyes at all. It's too much effort. "Shh..." a gentle voice whispers, patting at your hair. Your mind relaxes. "It's alright...Sleep." And so, you did. Forever and ever and ever and ever. =><= ''Bad End 3: Eternal Sleep'' <== [[Continue->Go to bed]] [[Restart->Start]]

You think about asking Eli, but then reconsider. It's the middle of the night and you don't want to disturb them. A kid needs their sleep after all. You also don't want to freak them out. Still, the footsteps bother you. Since Eli's room is closest to yours, they may have heard it, too. [[Knock on the door->Elroom]] (This locks you into Eli's route) [[Go back->Check it out]]

You walk downstairs and peer into the Master Suite. The room is dark and there's no one in bed. You decide to get out of there, least you feel like a creep. What was Irene thinking, picking such a public room? Just as you turn to head upstairs, however, you see a light coming from the library. [[Check it out->IrteLibrary]] (This locks you into Irene's route) [[Go back->Check it out]]

ROUTE NOT FULLY AVALIABLE You approah Douglass' door and knocks. Out of everyone, you can't help but feel the safest with him. It might have something to do with how muscular the guy is. No one answers. Is he not there? [[Knock again]] (This locks you into Douglass' route) [[Go back->Check it out]]

You knock on the door to Erick's Suite and hear a crash from within. Concerned, you call out. "Are you okay?" There is no answer. "Erick?" There is still no answer. Weird. You're not really hearing things are you? [[Knock again->ErteRoom]] (This locks you into Erick's route) [[Go back->Check it out]]

You get up and open the door just a crack. There's no one outside. You open the door fully and step out, looking left and right. No one. You scratch you head in confusion. You could've sworn you heard footsteps. Perhaps you should ask someone? [[Ask Irene->Irte]] [[Ask Eli->Elrte]] [[Ask Douglass->douglass]] [[Ask Erick->Erte]] (set: $inv to (a:"Phone", "Photo", "Teddy Bear", "Letter", "Hammer", "Chisel", "Glass Cutter", "Map", "Pearl")) (set: $trust to (a:"Eli's ire"))

The hearth glows amicably in the dim room. It casts a shadow over Irene, who is hunched over, inspecting the chess board. "What are you doing up this late?" She jumps in fright before glaring at you. "Jesus, what are you, a ghost? Make some noise when you walk!" You feel annoyed. Isn't she just not paying attention? "I'll just leave you alone then." you murmur. "Wait," Irene orders, "[[Come here]]." You groan internally. So not worth coming down here.

You knock again and another noise escapes from within the room. No, you are definitely not hearing things. "Erick!" You knock again several times. On the fifth knock, the door swings open revealing a disheveled Erick still in his pajamas. You look at him in worry. "What happened?" you ask as you look into his room. It's messy. The bedsheets are on the floor, a chair is lying on its side, and little trinkets litter the ground. It's like an earthquake happened in here. Erick grins nervously and rubs his neck. You notice a golden locket around his neck. "Sorry, I'm a clumsy person. The knock surprised me, and I fell out of bed. My eyesight is bad, too, so when I was searching for them I knocked into everything. Haha...oops?" Clumsy indeed. You've never seen one man do such mayhem in such little time. He has talent. "Well, as long as you're okay." "So, what can I do for you?" Remembering your initial objective, you tone drops a volume. "Um, did you happen to hear a [[noise]] in the hallway?"

"The noise, it's like someone walking." you elaborate. "Hmm. Sorry, I was asleep and didn't hear anything." "Oh." Of course he was asleep. You woke him up after all. "Though, you may be onto something. Do you think this is part of the game?" "But didn't Michael say the game starts tomorrow?" "It's over midnight, right? Technically, it's tomorrow." Your eyes widen. That's true. "Maybe whoever was walking went downstairs? Want to check?" You contemplate the idea in your head. On one hand, hearing footsteps in the middle of the night usually is a bad sign. Or at least according to the horror movies. But, if it is part of the game, that's one step closer to Hayden. [[Alright.]] [[No. I'm going to bed.->e3.1]]

You decide it's not your business, so you go back to sleep. Just as you've fallen over the edge of consciousness, however, a light pressure settles on your back. "Hmm..." You weakly pull the cover up to your chin and curl up. Your back feels cold. "Ugh..." You try to curl further into a ball, seeking warmth, but it's just too cold and tiring. You exhale loudly, letting out a shuddering breath. Despite the coldness, your body isn't shivering like it's supposed to. Rather, you barely have the strength to twitch. You can't open your eyes at all. It's too much effort. "Shh." a gentle voice whispers, patting at your hair. Your mind relaxes. "It's alright. Sleep." And so, you did. Forever and ever and ever and ever. =><= ''Ending 3: Eternal Sleep'' <== [[Continue?->noise]] [[Restart?->Start]]

You both cautiously make your way down the stairs. The entire way, Erick fiddles with the locket on his neck. You look at it curiously. "Curious?" You startle and blush, embarrassed about being caught staring. [[Yes.->ErteConversation]] [[No.->ErteNoConversation]]

Abashed, you nod your head. Erick laughs. "Don't worry about it. I like curious people. It's part of human nature, isn't it?" Erick smiles fondly at the locket before opening it. There's a picture of a 9 year old girl inside. "Her name's Sofia. She's my daughter." "Your daughter?" you blurt out. Erick looks around the same age as you, 26, but he already has a daughter that old? Erick looks uncomfortable for a second before smiling nervously. "I, um," he sighs, "I had her at 16." "...Oh." "Yeah..." Your mind digests the information at a snail's pace. Everyone knows about underage parents, but you've personally never knew one. You're more awkward about it than you thought. "So, how is she?" you manage to ask. For some reason, his smile is replaced with a frown. "Sofia...[[died->Sofia]] last year."

"Not really." Erick shrugs and hides the locket underneath his shirt. Man, you're really curious. Why did you say no? Erick and you reach the [[first floor->Erteflr1]].

"Where do you think the footsteps dissapear to?" You think about it. "Let's go to the... [[...conservatory."->dud]] [[...library."->dud2]] [[...hearth room."->dud3]] [[...living room."->success]]

Died. The death of another kid. Just like Hayden. A somber silence overlaps the air as you're both transfix in your own world. A world full of Sofia and a world full of Hayden. "It was my fault," Erick says, "I wasn't paying enough attention to her. The only thing I had eyes for were my books. I was so greedy for knowledge that I put my daughter on the sidelines." You know exactly how he feels. Erick bites his lips, holding back a sob. "I-I didn't even notice when she fell off the balcony. It was the sound of people screaming below that got my attention." You don't know what to say. What can you say? [[I'm sorry.]] [[Say nothing.]]

"I...I had a little brother. Hayden. He died, too." Erick gives you a knowing look. "I was 20, he was just 10. My parents made me look after him that day, but I wasn't keen on hanging out with my little brother, so I ignored him." The memories of that day flood your mind. You swallow thickly. "I was texting my friends when Hayden said he wanted to go to park. I said no, but he was so insistent and annoying. I told him to go by himself." Your voice trembles. "Hours passed, but he never came back. When it became dark outside, I got worried. I searched everywhere but Hayden was nowhere to be found." You exhale and then inhale, shuddering as you did so. "I-I panicked and called my parents. Eventually, the police got involved. A week later, we heard back from them." You rub at your eyes as Erick lays a comforting hand on your shoulder. "They didn't find Hayden. They found his corpse. An empty corpse devoid of organs; nothing but a shell. The body on the table wasn't Hayden. Hayden had been gone a long time." "But he's here." Erick says. You nod firmly. "He's here." Erick and you reach the [[first floor->Erteflr1]]. (!) You have gained Erick's companionship. (set: $trust to $trust + (a: "Erick's companionship"))

"I...no, nevermind. It's nothing." Erick smiles at you sadly. Erick and you reach the [[first floor->Erteflr1]].

=><= <h2>A Game With Sins</h2> by Ya Ting Chen This is an interactive, narrative game where your choices influence the story. Choose carefully. [[Start->w1]]

"I'm sorry." you say. You don't know why you apologize. It's what everyone say in this situation, isn't it? To offer condolences. However, you know from experience the sentiment means nothing. It didn't your brother back, and it's not going to bring Sofia back. Erick smiles sadly. Erick and you reach the [[first floor->Erteflr1]].

There is nothing to say. What can "I'm sorry" do? You know from experience it won't bring anyone back. Not Hayden and not Sophia. Instead you ask, "Is she the reason you're here? The soul you want to save?" "Yes. I would do anything for her. Even become a sinner." You nod. "Yeah, me too." Erick rubs at his eyes. "Sorry that I sprang all this on you. I just needed to let it out. The silence was killing me." "No, I understand. I..." [[Open up to Erick->ErteHayden]] [[Nevermind]]

There's no one here. Where to next? [[Library->dud2]] [[Hearth room->dud3]] [[Living room->success]]

The room is dark. No one seems to be here. Where to next? [[Conservatory->dud]] [[Hearth room->dud3]] [[Living room->success]]

The room is warm and lit. The fire crackles steadily in the hearth, but no one is here. Where to next? [[Conservatory->dud]] [[Library->dud2]] [[Living room->success]]

The room is dark, and no one seems to be here. "Wait, a light is coming from the dining room." Erick notices. He's right. The door to the dining room is open, sending out a beam of light. You look at one another, coming to a resolve. Slowly, the both of you walk towards the dining room and peak inside. What immediately catches your attention are the European-styled dolls sitting on the table. Were they always there? Fearlessly, Erick marches in. You follow behind apprehensively. There's a glint in Erick's eyes as he examines the dolls. There are 8 of them in total, each wearing a different color dress matching their glass eyes. You can't help but feel those beady eyes watching you as you walk towards the head of the table. There's a note there. [["Play with us."->doll note]]

You jump away, heart beating a mile a minute, only to realize it was Erick who spoke. He's standing behind you, reading over your shoulder. When did he get there? "Jesus! Don't scare me like that." Erick grins sheepishly. "Sorry, but this looks interesting, doesn't it?" He takes the note from your hand. " 'Place us in our rightful seats and we shall lead you to the lost souls.' " You inspect the chairs around the dining table. A number is etched onto the back of every seat, matching the number of dolls.(click: "A number is etched onto the back of every seat")[(display: "doll seat numbers")] "Look, there's a riddle behind the note."(click: "riddle")[(display: "doll riddle")] You contemplate text in your head, trying to figure out how to solve it. "So, if we solve this, then we figure out where Hayden and Sofia are?" Erick rubs at his forehead, as if soothing a headache, before nodding enthusiastically with a smile of confidence. The confidence makes you suspicious, but Erick's been a weird guy since the start. You eye the dolls warily and sighs. [["Let's do this."]] (if: $trust contains "Erick's companionship")[(replace:"Erick rubs at his forehead, as if soothing a headache, before nodding enthusiastically with a smile of confidence. The confidence makes you suspicious, but Erick's been a weird guy since the start.")["..." The silence prompts you to glance over at Erick. He's biting his bottom lip with a worried expression overtaking his face. All the while, he's rubbing his forehead, as if soothing a headache. You wonder what's wrong. "Erick?" Erick abruptly stops his movement and gives you a strained smile. "Huh? Oh, um, yeah. According to the, uh, note." "You okay?" Erick opens his mouth, hesitates, and then opens it again. "Yes. Just a small headache." You eye Erick with concern, but there are bigger things to worry about right now.]] (else:)[]

--- =><= //Mary and Amelia are polar opposites and like to sit far away from each other. The two flowers love to talk across the table. The head of the table is pure and innocent. Maya is a tomboy who loves nature while Angela is a princess who loves frills. Amelia likes to sit at the end of the table. Rose blushes as deeply as her namesake. Cassandra and Maya are diagonally across each other. Lily’s favorite color greets her everytime she looks up. Angela admires Amelia, so she always sit next to her. The head’s right hand women is not just royalty, but a Queen. Lily sits between Elizabeth and Maya.// <== ---

You pick up the first doll from the lineup. She's wearing a (colour: red)[red] dress. On which seat does she belong? [[Seat 1->bade4]] [[Seat 2->bade4]] [[Seat 3->bade4]] [[Seat 4->bade4]] [[Seat 5->doll2]] [[Seat 6->bade4]] [[Seat 7->bade4]] [[Seat 8->bade4]] |== [Doll's Riddle(click: "Doll's Riddle")[(display: "doll riddle")]] ==| [Seat Number(click: "Seat Number")[(display: "doll seat numbers")]] |==|

=><= <img src="https://ychen26.neocities.org/Project%202%20Outline.jpg">

You freeze as the doll sitting on the chair laughs. "Wha-" Another doll laughs, and then another, and another, and another until the room is enveloped in a chorus of high-pitched laughter. The laughs sound never ending. You cover your ears, hoping to block out the horrible noise that starts to sound less like laughter and more like nails on a chalkboard. It's futile. Your ear rings and you feel something wet on the palm of your hand. Blood. The fluid sludges out of your ears and smears your palm. It runs down your wrist, slitting a dark line down your forearm before dripping on the floor. Tap by tap by tap. Before long, it's not blood anymore, but cranial fluid. You collapse to your knees. The tickling sensation of leaking fluid tormenting you as you scream. Your head hurts. It hurts so much. Somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch somuchsomuchsomuchsomuchsomuch- Until- Until there's nothing but black. =><= ''Bad End 4: Chorus of the Dolls'' <== [[Continue->"Let's do this."]] [[Restart->Start]]

You pick up the second doll from the lineup. She's wearing a white dress. On which seat does she belong? [[Seat 1->doll3]] [[Seat 2->bade4]] [[Seat 3->bade4]] [[Seat 4->bade4]] [[Seat 5->bade4]] [[Seat 6->bade4]] [[Seat 7->bade4]] [[Seat 8->bade4]] |== [Doll's Riddle(click: "Doll's Riddle")[(display: "doll riddle")]] ==| [Seat Number(click: "Seat Number")[(display: "doll seat numbers")]] |==|

You pick up the third doll from the lineup. She's wearing a (colour: purple)[purple] dress. On which seat does she belong? [[Seat 1->bade4]] [[Seat 2->doll4]] [[Seat 3->bade4]] [[Seat 4->bade4]] [[Seat 5->bade4]] [[Seat 6->bade4]] [[Seat 7->bade4]] [[Seat 8->bade4]] |== [Doll's Riddle(click: "Doll's Riddle")[(display: "doll riddle")]] ==| [Seat Number(click: "Seat Number")[(display: "doll seat numbers")]] |==|

You pick up the forth doll from the lineup. She's wearing a (colour: fuchsia)[pink] dress. On which seat does she belong? [[Seat 1->bade4]] [[Seat 2->bade4]] [[Seat 3->bade4]] [[Seat 4->bade4]] [[Seat 5->bade4]] [[Seat 6->bade4]] [[Seat 7->doll5]] [[Seat 8->bade4]] |== [Doll's Riddle(click: "Doll's Riddle")[(display: "doll riddle")]] ==| [Seat Number(click: "Seat Number")[(display: "doll seat numbers")]] |==|

You pick up the fifth doll from the lineup. She's wearing a (colour: blue)[blue] dress. On which seat does she belong? [[Seat 1->bade4]] [[Seat 2->bade4]] [[Seat 3->bade4]] [[Seat 4->doll6]] [[Seat 5->bade4]] [[Seat 6->bade4]] [[Seat 7->bade4]] [[Seat 8->bade4]] |== [Doll's Riddle(click: "Doll's Riddle")[(display: "doll riddle")]] ==| [Seat Number(click: "Seat Number")[(display: "doll seat numbers")]] |==|

You pick up the sixth doll from the lineup. She's wearing a (colour: green)[green] dress. On which seat does she belong? [[Seat 1->bade4]] [[Seat 2->bade4]] [[Seat 3->bade4]] [[Seat 4->bade4]] [[Seat 5->bade4]] [[Seat 6->doll7]] [[Seat 7->bade4]] [[Seat 8->bade4]] |== [Doll's Riddle(click: "Doll's Riddle")[(display: "doll riddle")]] ==| [Seat Number(click: "Seat Number")[(display: "doll seat numbers")]] |==|

You pick up the seventh doll from the lineup. She's wearing a (colour: orange)[orange] dress. On which seat does she belong? [[Seat 1->bade4]] [[Seat 2->bade4]] [[Seat 3->doll8]] [[Seat 4->bade4]] [[Seat 5->bade4]] [[Seat 6->bade4]] [[Seat 7->bade4]] [[Seat 8->bade4]] |== [Doll's Riddle(click: "Doll's Riddle")[(display: "doll riddle")]] ==| [Seat Number(click: "Seat Number")[(display: "doll seat numbers")]] |==|

You pick up the eighth doll from the lineup. She's wearing a (text-style:"outline")[black] dress. On which seat does she belong? [[Seat 1->bade4]] [[Seat 2->bade4]] [[Seat 3->bade4]] [[Seat 4->bade4]] [[Seat 5->bade4]] [[Seat 6->bade4]] [[Seat 7->bade4]] [[Seat 8->alldollscorrect]] |== [Doll's Riddle(click: "Doll's Riddle")[(display: "doll riddle")]] ==| [Seat Number(click: "Seat Number")[(display: "doll seat numbers")]] |==|

A click comes from the chair occupied by the last doll. A piece of parchment glides out from underneath the seat. You pick it up. It's a riddle. "Dammit, another riddle. I'm so sick of this." //"Congratulations!"// Your head shoots up in panic. That isn't Erick's voice. You glance around frantically, trying to pinpoint where it came from, but aside from Erick, no one was in the room. Oddly enough, Erick himself doesn't look panicked at all. "Eri-" //"Save your breath. He can't hear me. Only you can."// You wince and clutch your head as a headache blooms within your skull. You can feel it pulsing beneath your fingers. //"Don't worry. It won't kill you,"// the voice laughs, //"I only want to make a [[deal->deal w/Greed]]."//

A deal? //"Yes. A deal."// the voice echoes. You realize with rising horror that the voice is coming from within your head. Not only that, it's reading your mind. Are you going crazy? //"Not crazy, but smarter. You may have passed this task, but there are several tasks ahead. And as you said, you're tired of this, aren't you?"// You shake your head, hoping to clear the voice away. Real or not, you know better than to talk to it. //"Tsk, tsk. I wonder how much time Hayden has left while you lot take your time, hm?"// You pause. That's right, you're on a time limit. You can practically feel the voice grinning at the silence. //"How about it, a deal? I can make all those troublesome little things go away. After all, Hayden needs you."// As much as you hate to agree with...well whatever this voice is, that part at least is true. Hayden needs you. [[Agree->agree deal]] [[Disagree->disagree deal]]

//"I'm glad you took the smart way out. As promised, I'll lead to straight to Hayden. That is, if..."// You start to sweat. Of course there's an if. A deal goes two ways, after all. //"...if you kill Erick."// WHAT? //"A deal should be fair, shouldn't it? I'll give you Hayden, and you give me Erick. A soul for a soul."// K-Kill him? //"Think about it, Sam. Who's more precious? A stranger? Or your little brother?"// [[Hayden->bade6]] [[Don't give in]]

No. You can't just impulsively take a deal a stranger offers you. A deal goes two ways, right? Who knows what consequences lie on the other end. You don't even know who's on the other end. The voice goes silent. You wonder if it's gone. //"I see."// the voice starts, their voice flat, //"Then death it is."// You are momentarily startled at the pointedness but snaps out of it when you feel someone shaking you. Erick is standing in front of you with a horrified look on his face, but it's not directed at you. It's directed at the dolls rattling in their seats. Erick and you share a terrified look before jumping to the door. "It's locked!" You gulp as Erick tugs at the knob desperately. All the while, the doll's trembling increases and increases and increases and then- Stops. They're completely [[still]].

A sharp pain nicks at your cheek as something flies by from behind you. You reach a hand to touch your cheek, wincing at the resulting sting. There's blood on your fingertips. Sitting on the table in front of you is a doll whose clawed hand is painted in red. [[Shit->dollattack1]].

(set: $counter to 8) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds! (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "e5")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] Another doll jumps from in front of you. What do you do? [[Freeze->bade5]] [[Jump->bade5]] [[Duck->right1]] [[Dodge left->bade5]] [[Dodge right->bade5]] [[Step back->bade5]]

(set: $counter to 8) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds! (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "e5")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] A doll comes at you from the right. What do you do? [[Freeze->bade5]] [[Jump->bade5]] [[Duck->bade5]] [[Dodge left->right2]] [[Dodge right->bade5]] [[Step back->bade5]]

Wrong move. You gasp in pain as the doll stabs into your body and staggers. Before you could catch you breath, another doll stabs you. And then another. And another. Another. And Another. You fall to the ground, the impact pressing the stabbing doll on your stomach deeper, clawing away at your flesh in gradual rips. You scream until you can't anymore, your throat flooded with bubbling blood as you try to gurgle out a sound, any sound. Eventually your vision turns black, the multiple stabs dulling into quiet stings before Nothing. =><= ''Bad End 5: Stabbed to Death'' <== [[Continue->still]] [[Restart->Start]]

(set: $counter to 8) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds! (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "e5")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] A doll comes at you from the left. What do you do? [[Freeze->bade5]] [[Jump->bade5]] [[Duck->bade5]] [[Dodge left->bade5]] [[Dodge right->right3]] [[Step back->bade5]]

(set: $counter to 8) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds! (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "e5")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] A doll sweeps at you from below. What do you do? [[Freeze->bade5]] [[Jump->dollattacksafe]] [[Duck->bade5]] [[Dodge left->bade5]] [[Dodge right->bade5]] [[Step back->bade5]]

The voice goes silent. You wonder if it's gone. //"I see."// the voice starts, their voice flat, //"Then death it is."// You are momentarily startled by the pointedness but snaps out of it when you feel someone shaking you. Erick is standing in front of you with a horrified look on his face, but it's not directed at you. It's directed at the dolls rattling in their seats. Erick and you share a terrified look before jumping to the door. "It's locked!" You gulp as Erick tugs at the knob desperately. All the while, the doll's trembling increases and increases and increases and then- Stops. They're completely [[still]].

You pant heavily, hands on your knees. The dolls seem to have finally stop their assault. Taking a large breath, you make a quick survey of the room. Several chairs and objects are knock down on the floor, but at least no one is badly hurt. Not physically, anyway. Erick is behind you, spread across the wall like a dissected frog. His tense fingers are chipping at the paint and his body is rigid. His complexion is pale with fear and who can blame him? "You alright, Erick?" you ask breathlessly as you eye a doll that's too close for comfort. You use your leg to kick it away. "Y-Yeah." His voice is closer than you thought. He must be moving closer to you. "What was that?" you ask. Silence takes over for a few seconds before Erick answers. "I don't know." You think over the conversation you had in your head. You thought you were just hearing things, but... "Hey, if I told you I, uh, heard voices in my head before the dolls attack, would you believe me?" This time no one answers you. Confused, you look for Erick. "Eri-" A [[sharp pain->bade7]] explodes in your back.

There's no one in this world more important than Hayden. You'll even become a sinner if that's what it takes to save Hayden's soul. You're sure Erick will understand. There's no other choice. You steadily walk towards Erick from behind. He's still examining the dolls, a finger rubbing circles on his temple. This is the perfect chance. Jump him and strangle him. Simple. Simple. Your whole body shakes as you get nearer and nearer. Erick turns around. A stab of pain explodes in your stomach. Eyes wide and gasping for breath, you look down to see a knife plunged into your stomach. "He's right, you are trying to kill me!" Erick snarls. You try to speak but all that comes out is a wet gurgle. The knife is ruthlessly wrenched out of your stomach, splattering large droplets of blood onto the floor. You splutter incoherently in pain, choking on a mix of saliva and blood. Instinctively, you press a hand to your wound as you fall to the floor. You can taste iron in your mouth. The liquid slips into the gap of your fingers and the squishy surface of your intestine presses against your palm. The last thing you see is a bloody knife clattering onto the floor. =><= ''Bad End 6: A Traitor's Death'' <== [[Continue->deal w/Greed]] [[Restart->Start]]

You gasp in short pauses as icy bursts of pain travels up and down your spine. The agony causes you to stagger, forcing you onto your knees. You manage to grab the ledge of the dining table before you could collapse altogether. With what little strength you have, you manage to turn your head around. Erick is standing behind you, blood on his hands. "I'm sorry!" Erick yells, face twisted in misery, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" He slowly staggers away from you, away from his crime. "I-I-," Erick gulps, "I'm sorry but Sofia needs me! Please understand. What if this was Hayden?" You feel anger flaring alongside the feeling of betrayal enveloping your chest. This is accompanied by the stinging pain of the knife on your back, brought on with each twitch of a muscle. Erick covers his face with his bloodied hand, crying. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry...Sofia, what have I done?" Strength leaving your hand, you finally fall flat on the ground. Your blood forms a puddle around you as darkness swarms in. You close your eyes, your final breath dissipating along with the sound of hiccups. A final "I'm sorry" is heard before your brain shuts down eternally. =><= ''Bad End 7: Backstabbed'' <== [[Restart->Start]]

The voice goes silent at your disobedience. Then it erupt into laughter. //"HAHAHAHA~!"// You recoil in both confusion and defensiveness at the hysterical laughter echoing through your head. //"...he...hic...haha! You...ha...you think you have a choice? The deal has already been made, Sammy."//

Minutes pass as Eli and you are at a standstill with the food, neither wanting to take a chance. Before long, you hear a deep rumbling. What is that, you wonder. The rumbling gets louder, and you finally recognize the noise. You purse your lips, trying to seal your laughter. "Are you hungry, Eli?" Instead of being embarrassed, Eli's eyes are wide, staring at something behind you. "What is it?" "Run. Now!" Eli yells as they struggle with their restraint. Behind you, the rumblings of a stomach are now accompanied by loud stomping. Fear sends a rush of adrenaline through your body and you automatically turn your head around. There's nothing but darkness. You scrunch you nose as a foul odor hits your nostrils. Wait. Is that a tongue? "RU-" The darkness slams down on you. =><= ''Bad End 8: Gobbled Up'' <== [[Continue->locking you in place]] [[Restart->Start]]

The moment you swallow the food, you begin to cough violently. Your stomach feels as if it's boiling. "Sam? Are you ok? Sam!" A coughing fit answers Eli instead of words. You're not even paying attention to them. Your throat hurts; it's like someone is clawing at it from the inside. Bile travels up your throat, covering your tongue with a rancid taste as it exits your mouth. Instinctively, you try to get up, but metal bars squish tightly into your stomach, holding you in place. You can feel the rapid pulsations of your own heart. Your body is trembling and you feel cold. You breathe unsteadily through your mouth. The sour smell of your vomit wafts up your nose from the splatter on the floor, causing another bout of sickness. Eli is struggling with their own restraint, trying to get to you, but you're hardly aware of your surroundings as your head starts to spin. You start to choke as the vomit clogs your throat. "Down, Sam, lean down!" Eli advises, too late. You sputter and spit, trying to clear your passageway, but it's to no avail. You can't breathe. You can't breathe. You can't breathe. ............ ............ You stop breathing. =><= ''Bad End 9: Food Poisoning'' <== [[Continue->locking you in place]] [[Restart->Start]]

You glance around for a weapon, any weapon. The table is too heavy, and the utensils won't do any damage. The chairs will have to do. You hurl one at the monster only for it to disappear into its mouth. You hurl another one. It gets eaten, too. Eli swings their axe at the thing, cleaving straight into its shoulder. It moans in pain. You cheer but it's short-lived. Eli pulls and pulls, but the axe is firmly stuck into its flesh. Then it starts to sink, as if the monstrosity is consuming the axe with its own skin. Eli grits their teeth and pulls harder, but it's no use. The axe sinks deeper with each pull, taking Eli with it. You abandon the chairs and head for Eli. "Let go of the axe!" They did, but the force of the omission topples them on top of you with an "Ompf!". Both of you fall to the floor. Hard. You're the first to regain their senses. Unfortunately, it's to a familiar sight - a never ending abyss. You push Eli away from you- //Crunch// =><= ''Bad End 10: Die Trying'' <== [[Continue->towards you]] [[Restart->Start]]

You approach Eli's room and knock. It doesn't take long for the door to open. "Sam?" Eli is fully dressed as if they're going somewhere. "Hey..." you pause awkwardly, "This may sound weird, but did you hear any strange noises from the hall? Like footsteps?" You expect to be dismissed but Eli's eyes widen in acknowledgement. "Actually, I did. But it didn't come from the hall, it came from below me. I was going to check it out." Alone? What a fearless kid, you think. At least that explains why they're fully dressed in the middle of the night. Eli scans you contemplatively. "Do you want to come with me?" [[Yes->Elstairs]] [[No->e3.2]]

Whoever was walking could've went downstairs, you reason. "Okay. The hearth room should be below you." Eli nods in understanding. [[Head to the hearth room]] (if: $trust contains "Eli's ire")[[[Apologize->sorry]]](else:)[]

A warm glow envelops the room. Inside the previous unlit hearth, a fire is dancing to the rhythm of its own crackling. Eli treads farther in as you survey the room, looking for anything suspicious. Nothing seems out of place. "Sam? You might want to check this out." Eli's voice is coming from the kitchen. "What is it?" Eli didn't need to reply. The answer lies right in front of you. "Is that?" "Yup." You wonder what an axe is doing in the middle of a stocked [[kitchen table]].

You rub your arms nervously as you descend the stairs. The conversation in the living room has been bothering you all this time. "Eli?" "Hm?" "I'm sorry." Eli looks at you with a curious expression. "For what?" "Earlier, at the living room, when I asked about your gender. Sorry. That was insensitive." Eli pauses in their step. "Oh." You pause, too, rubbing your arms again. "Well, thank you for apologizing. I'm sick of people who keep asking that. It gets very annoying." You feel guiltier with each word. "People rarely apologize afterwards, so, again, thanks. I appreciate it." They give you a sincere smile. You smile back. A burden is lifted from your shoulders. (!) You have gained Eli's approval. [[Head to the hearth room]] (set: $trust to $trust + (a: "Eli's approval")) (set: $trust to $trust - (a: "Eli's ire"))

"I want that axe." Eli declares. You stare at the axe, then at Eli, and then back to the axe again. You feel something ominous stirring. Around the axe are 6 plates of food, ranging from a steak to a glass of water. A napkin is tucked underneath each plate. This is definitely the most bizarre setup you've ever seen. "Um, why?" "For protection. I don't trust Michael for a bit, not to mention the noises." You've got to agree on that. Still, an axe? "But why something so...deadly? What about a knife or, uh, a rolling pin?" Eli gives you a pointed look. "Deadly is the point." Eli sighs. "And I've already searched for a knife, but the kitchen is suspiciously clean of them. All I found are these." Eli sprawls her [[findings]] on the table, covering the free space between the food and the axe.

Eli's findings are as bizarre as the table setup - silver spoons, a box labeled "Cyanide Detector", pH tapes, and a scissor. The Cyanide Detector transforms the ominous feeling in your stomach into a hurricane of apprehension. "You know what, maybe we should get the axe." Eli smiles. "Excellent." Just as Eli is about to snatch the axe, however, metal bars spring out of the table, trapping the axe in place. Eli quickly withdraws their hand. Etched on the bars are a set of text: "Win the Game. Get the Axe. Sit down. To begin." So the axe is a prize. But the question is, why would you need it? You shiver at the implication. "Looks like the [[game]] has officially started."

You struggle with the metal bars crushing your abdomen, but it's in vain. "I knew this was a bad idea!" you exclaim. Across from you, Eli calmly untucks the napkin from underneath their plate. "There are instructions." You stop struggling and pick up your napkin as well. "Mr. G loves his poisons but for this meal, one does not belong. Consume it and you will be free." You bite your lips with unease as you eye the salad in front of you. It looks innocent enough. "You don't think it's actual poison, do you Eli?" "Um..." Eli's face scrunches up in revulsion, "I...I can't eat this." You can't blame them. You don't want to eat it either, especially if there's actual poison in it. But neither of you will be free if you don't. [[Play the game->Salad]] [[Refuse->bade8]]

Eli has already taken their seat, eager to get the axe. You are slower on the uptake, eyeing the plates of food warily. This is definitely suspicious, but, if you want save Hayden, this is the only way. Plus, although you weren't keen on the idea at first, having an axe by your side would surely make you feel safer. Reluctantly, you take a seat across from across from Eli. And immediately you regret it as bars jump out from your chair, [[locking you in place]].

The first plate is a salad. What do you want to do? [[Inspect it->inspectsalad]] [[Smell it->smellsalad]] [[Touch it->touchsalad]] [[Use item->saladitem]] [[Move on->Soup]]

To your astonishment, the table rotates. In front of you is a bowl of soup. What do you want to do? [[Inspect it->inspectsoup]] [[Smell it->smellsoup]] [[Touch it->touchsoup]] [[Use item->soupitem]] [[Move on->Water]]

In front of is a glass of what looks like water. What do you want to do? [[Inspect it->inspectwater]] [[Smell it->smellwater]] [[Touch it->touchwater]] [[Use item->wateritem]] [[Move on->Sandwich]]

Next up is a sandwich. What do you want to do? [[Inspect it->inspectsandwich]] [[Smell it->smellsandwich]] [[Touch it->touchsandwich]] [[Use item->sandwichitem]] [[Move on->Steak]]

A steak makes its way in front of you. What do you want to do? [[Inspect it->inspectsteak]] [[Smell it->smellsteak]] [[Touch it->touchsteak]] [[Use item->steakitem]] [[Move on->Spaghetti]]

It's a simple salad consisting of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a dressing base. [[Go back->Salad]]

The last plate moves towards you. It's spaghetti. What do you want to do? [[Inspect it->inspectspha]] [[Smell it->smellspha]] [[Touch it->touchspha]] [[Use item->sphaitem]] [[Move on->foodchoice]]

You take a whiff and suddenly feel dizzy. Perhaps that wasn't such a good idea. [[Go back->Salad]]

You touch the salad. Nothing happens. [[Go back->Salad]]

Which item do you want to use? Silver Spoon (click: "Silver Spoon")[You dip the spoon into the salad dressing. The spoon is damaged at the surface.] Cyanide Detector (click: "Cyanide Detector")[You dip the paper film into the salad dressing. It's positive.] Scissors (click: "Scissors")[You cut the salads and tomatoes. You don't see anything strange.] pH Tape (click: "pH Tape")[You dip the tape into the salad dressing. The pH is 11 - basic.] [[Go back->Salad]]

It's a plain soup that's yellow in color. It reminds you of chicken noodle soup. [[Go back->Soup]]

You take a whiff. It smells like chicken soup. There's another smell mixed in, subtle. The inside of your nostril tingles. [[Go back->Soup]]

You dip a finger into the soup. Your finger tingles. [[Go back->Soup]]

Which item do you want to use? Silver Spoon (click: "Silver Spoon")[You dip the spoon into the soup. The spoon turns black.] Cyanide Detector (click: "Cyanide Detector")[You dip the paper film into the soup. It's negative.] Scissors (click: "Scissors")[You don't know what to do with the scissors.] pH Tape (click: "pH Tape")[You dip the tape into the soup. The pH is 12.6 - basic.] [[Go back->Soup]]

The time has come. It's do or die, and you hope the die part isn't literal. You glance at Eli for some kind of sign, but they're as clueless as you are. Which dish do you choose? [[Salad->bade9]] [[Soup->bade9]] [[Water->rightfood]] [[Sandwich->bade9]] [[Steak->bade9]] [[Spaghetti->bade9]]

The see through glass contains a clear liquid. Looking closely, there are a few white particles settling at the bottom. [[Go back->Water]]

You take a whiff. It smells sweet. [[Go back->Water]]

It's lukewarm. [[Go back->Water]]

Which item do you want to use? Silver Spoon (click: "Silver Spoon")[You swirl the spoon around in the water. A few white particles twirl in response.] Cyanide Detector (click: "Cyanide Detector")[You dip the paper film into the water. It's negative.] Scissors (click: "Scissors")[You don't know what to do with the scissors.] pH Tape (click: "pH Tape")[You dip the tape into the water. The pH is 8 - basic.] [[Go back->Water]]

It's a sandwich consisting of lettuce, tomatoes, and ham on white bread. [[Go back->Sandwich]]

You take a whiff. It smells bad. [[Go back->Sandwich]]

You poke the sandwich. Nothing happens. You then deconstruct it. Ugh, the meat is rotten and the bread is cover in a patch of mold. [[Go back->Sandwich]]

Which item do you want to use? Silver Spoon (click: "Silver Spoon")[You tap the sandwich with the spoon. Nothing happens. You lift the top bread off with the spoon. There's mold on the bottom of the bread.] Cyanide Detector (click: "Cyanide Detector")[You don't know what to do with the Cyanide Detector.] Scissors (click: "Scissors")[You cut the sandwich in half. The inside looks rotten.] pH Tape (click: "pH Tape")[You don't know what to do with the pH tape.] [[Go back->Sandwich]]

There's no sauce accompanying the steak. It's a dry rub. [[Go back->Steak]]

It smells amazing, but underneath it you make out a metallic scent. [[Go back->Steak]]

You poke the steak with a finger. The steak is soft and feels a little cold. [[Go back->Steak]]

Which item do you want to use? Silver Spoon (click: "Silver Spoon")[You poke the steak with the spoon. It's soft and gives in easily.] Cyanide Detector (click: "Cyanide Detector")[You don't know what to do with the Cyanide Detector.] Scissors (click: "Scissors")[You cut the steak in half. The inside is bleeding red.] pH Tape (click: "pH Tape")[You don't know what to do with the pH tape.] [[Go back->Steak]]

Which item do you want to use? Silver Spoon (click: "Silver Spoon")[You twirl a batch of sphagetti around the spoon. Nothing happens nor do you see anything strange.] Cyanide Detector (click: "Cyanide Detector")[You dip the Cyanide Detector into the sauce. It's negative.] Scissors (click: "Scissors")[You cut the meatballs in half and the noodles into short stalks. You don't see anything strange.] pH Tape (click: "pH Tape")[You dip the pH tape into the sauce. The pH is 4 - acidic.] [[Go back->Spaghetti]]

The spaghetti is cover in a red sauce and a sprinkle of green powder. On top of the sauce are 3 large meatballs. [[Go back->Spaghetti]]

You take a sniff. It smells of tomatoes. You cough as the powder enters your nose. [[Go back->Spaghetti]]

You touch a meatball, leaving a red smear on your finger as the lump of meat rolls downhill. [[Go back->Spaghetti]]

You down the water in 3 gulps. Your heart beats rapidly. You start to [[gag]].

You're staying and that's that. Just as you made your resolve, however, the woman disappeared back into the wall. Instead of being relieved, the both of you tense even more. It's like the bug that scurried out of sight. You don't know where it'll strike next. Eli glances around the room, their grip tight on their axe. You do the same. As the minutes pass, your body starts to relax in its rigidity. That's when cold hands cuff your ankles. You went down with a yell and before either of you knew it, the woman is on top of you. She's grinning with her chapped lips and ashen teeth. "Got you...Sam~my." Eli swings their axe at her, but it phases through. Instead, the blade nicks the shell of your ear. It should've hurt, you should've screamed, but you feel nothing. Just cold, hazy, and tired. Why are you resisting again? A voice pricks at the edge of your conscious, but it's soon blurred out by the haze as you gaze into the women's eyes. They're so calming. "I've got you...now. Don't worry...about...anything. I've...got you, Sam~my." Your breath slower and your pulse relaxes. The woman hugs your body to hers, pale arms cradling your head. You cuddle your face into her chest and close your eyes. You're safe. ............ =><= ''Bad End 12: Safe'' <== [[Continue->Hayden is waiting for you]] [[Restart->Start]]

You freeze in your tracks as a gust of hot air tickles your nape. No. Not wind. A hot, panting breath. You pant along, heart ratcheting. A rancid odor follows, beckoning at your nose before invading. Your eyes water and you try not to gag. You try not to move at all. One wrong move and you'll be eaten. Your eyes roll to Eli. They're gripping their axe tight, fingers twitching. Think, think, think. How do you get out of this?! But your brain comes up with nothing but your own death. In front of you is a dead end and behind you is a flesh-eating monster. Saliva drips on your shoulder. You don't even dare to shudder. =><= ''Bad End 11: Standstill'' <== [[Continue->two options]] [[Restart->Start]]

Met with silence, Hayden's bright eyes become down casted. "You really don't care." You inhale sharply. No. NO. "I care, Hayden. I-" "You're leaving and never coming back." Hayden cries, looking away from you to hide his tears. The flame is nothing but a sprout now. No, this can't be happening. Please, don't. Licks of blue wisps start to evaporate one by one. Hayden won't spare you even a glance. "I'm sorry," Hayden sniffles, "for being a brat." "No, you're not!" you deny, but Hayden isn't listening. Words won't get through him. Suddenly, the edge of the canvas turns to ash, dusting the floor. As you panic, the disintegration spreads along the edges, circling towards the center. You try to stop it with your hands, but it's futile. You gaze at your ash covered hands with horror. Only the frame of Hayden's face is left. "I'm sorry." Hayden whispers, his voice so small it crushes your heart. You should be the one apologizing, not him. He didn't do anything wrong. It's your fault. "Don't apologize! I'm the one that's sorr-" The last piece turns to ash and Hayden is gone. ............ You slump to the ground. A hand rests on your shoulder, but you can't feel anything. You just stare at the wall where Hayden used to be. Someone pulls your arm and says, "I'm sorry, but we need to go." You shake your head and snatch your arm away. You're not going anywhere; there's no point anymore. You're staying. You're staying with Hayden. Forever. From the depths of the manor, the Sins grin. =><= ''Bad End 16: Fellow Resident'' <== (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Teddy Bear", "Pearl", "Ruby", "Rose Quartz", "Amber")) [[Continue->stalkerteddybear]] [[Restart->Start]]

You didn't have the time to scream before the static envelops you. Once it did, you couldn't even if you wanted to. Everything in front of you is a fuzz of black and white before it all went blindingly white. Coarse electricity surges through your veins, cells, and organs. They liquified as nothing but buzzing surrounds you. //Bzzt Tzzt Bzzt// Your body spasms, pulling in every direction like a flailing eel. You flail and flail and flail. You flail even in death. =><= ''Bad End 15: Static'' <== [[Continue->emerald]] [[Restart->Start]]

You walk pass the bear. This is a deathtrap, you just know it. "Why?!" the childish voice yells, "You played with the others, but why not me?!" A strong force pushes you from behind, toppling you. You crash face first to the ground. Dammit, this is the second time today. You rub your sore nose and frantically turn around. A teddy bear stares back at you. It's standing upright on its hind legs. You try to get up, but the same force that pushed you down holds you in place. The bear jumps into your chest, walks over your heart, and crosses your throat. All you can see are tufts of black fur and green button eyes. "Don't ignore me." The bear falls into your face. ... Well, this isn't so bad. ...Huh? It's getting hard to breathe. The bear's body covers both your mouth and nose. It's squeezing tighter with each passing second. "Mmmf-!" You voice is muffled by the bear's plush build. You try to rip it off of you, but the force baring down on you doesn't give. Your eyes start to tear up as your vision phases in and out. Your throat is tight and your nose is stuffy. Your lungs are screaming in agony and you can't do anything about it. Your own body is a prison as panic surges through you from the pit of your stomach. You want to flail and kick, to gulp air. But you can't. It's like something is clawing you from the inside. The bear squeezes tighter and you accept your fate. You close your eyes as your brain shuts down. You'll see Hayden soon. =><= ''Bad End 13: Death by Teddy Bear'' <== [[Continue->stalkerteddybear]] [[Restart->Start]]

The mist halts. "Too bad." And thrust towards you. You scream as it assaults your body, devouring every flesh in its wake. Everything hurts. Your eyes burn until it can't see anymore. Your limbs sting until they loss the strength to hold up. All you hear are hisses. Then the mist gnaws into your muscle, and after that, your bones. Flicks of hair flutter from your skull and your cheeks hollow out. It licks at your throat and you can't even scream anymore. When they tear into your brain and heart, you are already long dead, lying in a puddle of your own fluids. =><= ''Bad End 14: MisIdentity'' <== [[Continue->Who am I?]] [[Restart->Start]]

Something hard strikes the back of your head. White swallows your vision as you tumble forward to the ground. "H-Hey, get up!" Irene stutters. You hiss in pain as you try to crawl your way up. Your view is split in two and you can't stand straight. Before you could regain your balance, something else knocks into your shoulder blades. You topple to the ground again. This time, you don't get the chance to get up. A rain of assaults pummels your body and all you can do is take it. Your skin breaks into blood, your flesh bruises purple, and your bones fracture before splintering. Vision swarming and eyes pressed against the ground, you can only hear the cracking of your bones, the echoing thuds, and Irene's screams. You don't know if she's screaming for you or herself. The final nail to your coffin snaps your neck. You've never felt more relieved. =><= ''Bad End 17: Bombardment'' <== [[Continue->voice]] [[Restart->Start]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

Goddammit, that's sickening sweet. Disgust takes over your features as you put the glass down. For a second, nothing happens, but then the bars holding you in place retracts. Freedom! You stand up quickly, not giving the mechanism a chance to change its mind. On the table, the axe has been freed as well. Do you take the axe or give it to Eli? [[Take the axe]] [[Give it to Eli]]

After doing all the work, you think you at least deserve an axe. You earned it. (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Axe")) What now? [[Explore the other rooms->rootsinentrance]] [[Examine the room->rootsinentrance]] [[Wake up the other occupants->rootsinentrance]] [[Talk more with Eli->rootsinentrance]]

"Here." You give the axe to Eli, who takes it appreciatively(set: $trust to $trust + (a: "Eli's trust")). They pass the axe from one hand to the next, testing its weight and balance. You watch with amazement as Eli takes a swing, their form perfect and the maneuver smooth. The axe is actually quite heavy, but they're handling it with ease. Eli glances up at you. "Are you sure you don't want it?" You shake your head. "I'm good. You need it more than me." You don't want another kid to get hurt like Hayden. Eli smiles as you teasingly. "What? Am I a damsel in distress now?" You laugh along. From what you just saw, you really doubt that. Although, you do wonder why they're so good with an axe. (!) You've gained Eli's trust What now? [[Explore the other rooms->rootsinentrance]] [[Examine the room->rootsinentrance]] [[Wake up the other occupants->rootsinentrance]] [[Talk more with Eli->rootsinentrance]]

Amber It's a yellow amber obtained from Erick.

Rose Quartz It's a pink rose quartz obtained from Douglass

Ruby It's a red ruby obtained from Irene.

Axe The blade is sharpen steel while the handle is smooth wood. It's heavy.

Before you could proceed, however, roots shoot out towards you two from the conservatory. The two of you immediately step back, but the roots don't make it pass the entrance way. Rather, it wraps itself around the frame of the entrance. You think you see Douglass on the other side, but the roots begin to dart back and forth from one frame to another until the entire entrance is blocked. Gunshots bang from the other side and you move back farther. After a minute of silence, Eli tentatively steps forward. What just happened? This is when a [[monstrosity melts up from the floor]].

Your breath leaves you as an enormous glob of a monster takes shape. It's nothing but a mounting clump of flesh. Your stomach curls in disgust at the bulbous protrusions jiggling around its large head. Upon closer inspection, you realize those aren't warts. Those are heads. Their eyelids open and their eyes whirl before setting their sights on the two of you. The main head's beady, black eyes strains in its sockets as it does the same. Flabs of skin rolls around its body as it shifts, completely overtaking its stumpy legs, but still managing to walk steadily towards Eli and you. You immediately grab Eli by the collar and shove them back, away from that...that //thing//. [[You move back several shaky steps.]]

Rumbles erupt from its stomach region and you can't help but imagine what it implies. Your breathing becomes heavy. Its skin begins to stretch at the center, ripping the fragile skin in between as it produces a large opening – a mouth. Its groan echoes throughout the room, emitting an odor so foul you have to physically turn away from it. You grasp your nose and mouth tightly, bile at the edge of your esophagus. When you turn back, you are directly staring into the deep void of its mouth. It's right in front of you now (when did it get here?). Its mouth closes down on you. [[You're dead.]]

You are pull back just as the monster's mouth slams shut. The force of the pull topples you to the ground. Eli is behind you, hands tightly gripping the back of your shirt. They're on their knees. You are in a daze, still registering the fact that, no, you're not dead, and, yes, you're in one piece. "Thanks for the backup." you manage to say. "No problem." Eli replies with a hint of trepidation. The monster is still moving [[towards you]].

"This is getting old." Eli snaps. They stand up, lifting the axe onto their shoulder(if: $inv contains "Axe")[(replace:"lifting the axe onto their shoulders")[snatching the axe from you](else:)[]]. "What do you think you're doing?" You watch in horror as Eli begins to walk towards the thing that just tried to eat you. "Payback." Eli proves to be a fearless person from what little you know of them, but this is crazy. They are, however, unexpectedly good with the axe. Maybe the two of you stand a chance? Should you [[fight->bade10]] or [[run]]?

Fearlessness doesn't equal invincibility. You grab Eli by the arm and drag them farther into the kitchen. Eli complains, trying to escape your grip, but you carry on. You're not getting another kid killed. You make a right and is face with [[two options]]. Behind you, the rumbles get louder.

(set: $counter to 5) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds! (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "bade11")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] Do you run to the [[garage->garage esc]] or [[laundry room->laundry esc]]?

The door is locked. Dammit! (set: $counter to 5) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds! (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "bade11")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] [[Freeze->bade11]] [[Run to the laundry room->laundry esc]]

You fling the door open and shove inside before locking it. The room is narrow and dark, but it beats the monstrosity on the other side. Your breath comes out in large huffs as you slump down the door. Eli plants their ear to the wood. "...I think it's going away." "Oh, thank god it's stupid." Eli laughs at this but then abruptly pauses. They make a face. Curious, you plant an ear to the door as well. There are loud slurping sounds from the kitchen. Ew. And what is that smell? It smells metallic. You shudder. That could've been you it's eating. "At least the food won't go to waste," Eli mumbles, "I hope it gets poisoned." [[You can only nod.]]

What is only a few minutes start to feel like hours. Eli is boredly tracing a finger on the floor. Should you start a conversation? [[Yes->Elconv]] [[No->nextrmblood]]

"So, what are you in for?" "Huh?" You give Eli a small smile. "The person, well, soul, you're trying to save. They must be important to you." Eli is quiet. They open their mouth, close it, and then open it again. "You first." You stare at the ceiling. Should you say something? [[Yes->ElrteHayden]] [[No->nextrmblood]]

You stand up and stretch. Who knew waiting out a monster could be so exhausting? You walk a few steps to the opposite door, but immediately stop when your shoes hit something sticky. What is that? You swipe a finger at the puddle beneath you and sniff. It's the metallic smell of blood. You jump back. The blood is leaking from the [[other side of the door]].

"My little brother. I'm here for my little brother." After what the two of you have been through together, you feel they've earn the right to know. "What was his name?" "Hayden. He was 10." You bite your lip, trying to not let the memories overwhelm you. "He was murdered by some...by some psycho." you whisper. Eli's hand twitches. They do that a lot, you notice. "I'm sorry." You shrug the sentiment off. Apologizing won't bring Hayden back. "Did they catch them? Whoever did it?" "...No." [[Eli fidgets with her hands.]]

"Someone murdered my best friend, too." You hum in understanding. Eli stays quiet after that, unwilling to offer anything else. You don't think you'll hold a grudge over it. It's hard to talk about lost loved ones, especially if they're unjustfiably ripped away from you. [[Silence passed as you're lost in your memories.->nextrmblood]]

Eli is by your side now, eyeing the bloody puddle and then the door. They try to open it, but it's locked. Their eyes roam to the axe standing against the other door and you get the picture. In silent acknowledgement, you hand the axe to them(set: $inv to $inv - (a: "Axe")). They smash into the knob once, twice, three times until it clinks to the ground. [[The door creaks open.]]

The stench of blood is stronger now. As you move forward, you found out why. On top of the dining table lay Erick, sliced open from collar to pelvis. His skin peels open to reveal nothing but an empty cavern. All his organs had been removed - intestines, stomach, heart. His eye sockets are now a sea of darkness. The blood has filmed over, indicating that Erick's been dead for some time. Around the table, dolls lay scattered on the ground. You clutch your nose and mouth and [[turn away->Elitems]] from the sickening sight.

As you turn, something twinkles in your peripheral. It looks like a gem of some kind. You would [[inspect it closer->Elamber]], but there's a problem. It in the middle of a pool of blood.

You're really reluctant. Really. Reluctant. Both the stench and the sight bring forth bad memories. It reminds you of the last time you saw Hayden. You knee over and try to breath, but the retched air makes you nauseous. Eli watches you with concern.(if: $trust contains "Eli's approval")[(replace:"Eli watches you with concern.")[Eli rubs your back in comforting circles.](else:)[]] "I'm fine." you say, but it's not believable. Knowing this, Eli walks closer to [[gem->Elamber2]] instead.

You peek at it and, indeed, it's a golden amber. You rummage through your belongings and pull out your pearl. "Oh, I have one, too, but it's an onyx." Eli says. The amber must belong to Erick, then. Clearly the gems are important somehow, but you don't even want to move closer, least of all pick it up. "I'll take it. Are there any napkins or towels around here?" You glance around. There's a piece of [[parchment->Elparchment]] on top of a shelf.

//"To save the souls, look underneath the singing dove"// The souls? Hayden's soul? "It looks like a riddle." You jump. "Eli! Don't appear behind me all of a sudden!" They smile. "Sorry. Here," Eli tosses you the amber, "I found some napkins to wipe the blood off. More importantly, doesn't it sound like a riddle?"(set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Amber")) That's true, but what does the "singing dove" mean? There are no birds in here. "Maybe if we solve the riddle, we can save your brother," Eli pauses, "And my friend." Is it worth it? This game is deadly. The smart thing to do would be to get out of here. Erick is dead, and you don't want to add to the body count. But you know Hayden is here. Can you abandon him now? [[Solve the riddle->ElR1]] [[Try the front door->lockedfrontdoor]]

"I doubt it'll open. They want to keep us here for their 'game', so escape probably won't be easy." Eli says. "I still have to try." There are no knobs on the door, so you place a hand on the surface and push. It doesn't budge. You try again. It doesn't budge. Again. ... You punch the door with your fist, frustrated. [[Solve the riddle->ElR1]]

//"To save the souls, look underneath the singing dove"// Where do you want to go? [[Living Room->ElR1correctroom]] [[Library->ElR1wrongroom]] [[Hearth Room->ElR1gluttony]] [[Conservatory->ElR1wrongroom]] [[Main Entry->ElR1wrongroom]]

//"To save the souls, look underneath the singing dove"// Eureka! The both of you arrive at the living room and look around. "Okay, but where in the living room?" Eli asks. You think about it. Of course we should look at the... [[Couches->ElR1wrongplace]] [[Hearth->ElR1wrongplace]] [[Shelves->ElR1wrongplace]] [[Piano->ElR1correctplace]]

Eli looks unsure. "I'm not sure that's right. Are you positive the riddle points to there?" "Uh..." You scratch your head. Now that you think about it, maybe not. [[Choose another room->ElR1]]

No. What if that //thing// is still there? [[Choose another room->ElR1]]

You look all over, but there's nothing of interest. [[Look somewhere else->ElR1correctroom]]

The singing dove! Of course. The piano plays music and its white like a dove. Now to look underneath it. Huh. There's a small switch attached to the floor. You turn it up. Nothing happens. "That's odd-" "Hey, look, there's another [[riddle->ElR2]] among the music sheets."

You groan. Another one? //"Prove your weight in wisdom to the mechanical angel"// Where do you want to go? [[Library->ElR2wrongroom]] [[Hearth Room->ElR2gluttony]] [[Conservatory->ElR2wrongroom]] [[Main Entry->ElR2correctroom]]

//"Prove your weight in wisdom to the mechanical angel"// Where in the main entry is the switch? [[Stairs->ElR2wrongplace]] [[Lift->ElR2correctplace]] [[Glass Panel->ElR2wrongplace]]

You look all over, but there's nothing of interest. [[Look somewhere else->ElR2correctroom]]

//"Prove your weight in wisdom to the mechanical angel"// A mechanical angel...mechanical. The only mechanical object here is the lift. It also goes up like a flying angel. You inspect the outside of the elevator but don't see anything out of the ordinary. Eli is examining the inside. Hm. You wonder how to prove your weight in wisdom. [[Push the elevator]] [[Step inside]] [[Press buttons]]

You push at the walls, the door, and everything you can get your hands on. Nothing happens. Eli doesn't make a remark at your ridiculous behavior. [[Go back->ElR2correctplace]]

Someone is already inside and the sign reads "One Person At A Time". What do you do? [[Switch places]] [[Step inside anyway->R2warning]] [[Go back->ElR2correctplace]]

You press the up button. Eli steadies themself as the elevator goes up. You press the down button. The elevator comes down. Nothing really changed. [[Go back->ElR2correctplace]]

You switch places. Nothing happens. [[Go back->Step inside]]

The sign reads "One Person At A Time". Are you sure it's wise to proceed? [[Yes->R2warning2]] [[No->Step inside]]

Are you really, really sure? [[YES->ElR2correct]] [[Um, nevermind->Step inside]]

You step inside, adding to the weight. "What are you doing?" Eli asks. The space is narrow and you're definitely invading their personal space. "Wait for it." Underneath the button for Floor 1, a panel slides open. Inside is another [[riddle->ElR3]] and a switch. You flick the switch on.

//And then the heart of the manor will show you the way.// "It looks like the last of them." "Thank god." The heart of the manor. Where would that be? [[Living Room->ElR5wrongroom]] [[Library->ElR5wrongroom]] [[Hearth Room->ElR5correctroom]] [[Main Entry->ElR5wrongroom]]

Eli looks unsure. "I'm not sure that's right. Are you positive the riddle points to there?" "Uh..." You scratch your head. Now that you think about it, maybe not. [[Choose another room->ElR5]]

The roots covering the entrance of the room scatters with a touch. Inside, the monster is gone, leaving a chaotic kitchen behind. In the hearth, the flames are extinguished. Only soot is left behind along with a...[[map->3rdfloormap]]?

Eli looks unsure. "I'm not sure that's right. Are you positive the riddle points to there?" "Uh..." You scratch your head. Now that you think about it, maybe not. [[Choose another room->ElR2]]

"H-Hayden." Hayden's eyes open slowly. When it did, it widens. "Sam!" Hayden laughs, "You're here! You're still here!" Tears gather at the rim of your eyes. "W-What are you talking a about. Of course I'm here." Hayden's smile disappears. "...But you weren't there last time. You told me to go to the park by myself..." The tears overflow. It slips down your cheeks and hangs at your chin before dripping to the floor. "I-I'm sor-sorry. I-" "Are you going to leave again?" The flame on the fire grows smaller. It's as if [[Hayden's disappearing]].

You try to bite back a whimper, but it doesn't work. You don't want to lie, but you can't stay with him even if you wanted to. It's just...it's just... Unfair. Unfair, unfair, unfair. "Sammy?" comes Hayden's hesitant voice. The flame grows even smaller. You sniffle and wipe the tears away. Something. You need something to reassure Hayden. [[But you don't have anything.->bade16]](if: $inv contains "Teddy Bear")[(replace:"But you don't have anything.")[][Then you realize something. [[Sammy->Meeting Hayden]].]](else:)[]

You show Hayden Sammy. "Sammy! He's here, too." You give a watery smile. "I-I can't stay here, Hayden. But I brought Sammy." You breathe deeply. "I can't watch you anymore, but Sammy will take my place." "I can watch myself." Hayden sulks. You want to ruffle his hair so badly. But it's impossible now. "Yeah, I know you can, buddy." Hayden beams at you. "But I'm glad Sammy's here." You offer Sammy to Hayden. His little arms emerge from the flames, and as his fingers touch the bear, it burns. You hiss and yank your hand away as a lick of fire scorches your fingertip. Sammy's body is now in ashes, but he takes new life within the flames. Hayden cuddles him to his chest with a smile. Hayden's image shimmers and you start to panic. "Someone's calling me." Hayden says, his eyes dazed. Times up. Your mind is hectic. You want more time, to talk with him more, to see him more, to play with him more. Most of all, you want the chance to say goodbye. "Hayden, I-I want to say goodby-" "See you later." Hayden announces with a grin. See you later. Yes. That's perfect. Even if this life is cut short, there's another one, isn't there? You grin back, tears still staining your face. [["See you later."->Elseeya]]

No. What if that //thing// is still there? [[Choose another room->ElR2]]

//"Uncover the witch hiding within the scholar’s domain"// So it's witch hunting now, huh? Where do you want to go? [[Living Room->ElR3wrongroom]] [[Library->ElR3correctroom]] [[Hearth Room->ElR3gluttony]] [[Conservatory->ElR3wrongroom]]

Eli looks unsure. "I'm not sure that's right. Are you positive the riddle points to there?" "Uh..." You scratch your head. Now that you think about it, maybe not. [[Choose another room->ElR3]]

There's no place like the library for a scholar. You approach the library to find the door closed. Odd, the door was opened the last time you saw it. You [[open the door->ElIreneDead]].

No. What if that //thing// is still there? [[Choose another room->ElR3]]

Broken. Bruised. Battered. Irene is crumpled on the floor like a marionette cut from it's strings. Her blonde hair splays around her in tangles, and splotches of black, blue, and purple patterns her skin. Her arm and leg are turned backwards, tips of white bone stretching the skin where her knees and elbows are pointed. A smack of blood paints her teeth and swollen lips. Her left eye is also swollen while a tooth lay next to it. Her left fingers resembled that of broken branches. Curiously, her [[right hand]] is clenched tightly. Is there something in there?

//Brave the waterfall to obtain your treasure// "I'm REALLY sick of these riddles." Eli is silent for a minute. "Then do you want to give up?" You think about Hayden and then the dead bodies. "No, let's continue." You've come this far. It's near the end, you can feel it. Where do you want to go? [[Living Room->ElR4wrongroom]] [[Hearth Room->ElR4gluttony]] [[Conservatory->ElR4correctroom]] [[Main Entry->ElR4wrongroom]]

"What happened?" you wonder aloud. Eli has no words. They just glance around the room warily. You approach Irene's body slowly. It looks horrible, but maybe she's still alive? You put two fingers to her neck, feeling for a pulse. There's none. You focus on her clenched hand. Her nails are digging into her palm. You pry open her stiff fingers one by one. You wince as one of them made a cracking noise. Underneath is a [[ruby->Elruby]].

A pearl, a onyx, a amber, and now a ruby. "...We should start searching for the switch." You nod, giving Irene one last look. //"Uncover the witch hiding within the scholar’s domain"// Where is the witch hiding? [[Billiard table->ElR3wrongplace]] [[Hearth->ElR3wrongplace]] [[Bookcase->ElR3correctplace]] [[Study->ElR3lockedplace]] [[Couch->ElR3wrongplace]]

You look all over, but there's nothing of interest. [[Look somewhere else->Elruby]]

//"Uncover the witch hiding within the scholar’s domain"// Which book do you want to look at? [["Redemption"->Elwrongbk]] [["Wards Against Evil"->Elwrongbk]] [["Spirits, Souls, and Ghouls"->Elwrongbk]] More(click-replace: "More")[[["The Seven Sins"->Elwrongbk]] [["Nightingale"->Elwrongbk]] [["The Bad, The Cruel, and The Wicked"->Elwrongbk]] Even more(click-replace: "Even more")[[["Salem"->Elcorrectbk]] [["How to Manage a Corporate Empire"->Elwrongbk]] [["The History of European Manors and Castles"->Elwrongbk]]]]

The door is locked. [[Look somewhere else->Elruby]]

You scan through the book. Nothing interesting happens. [[Put the book back->ElR3correctplace]]

The book snags on something as you try to pull it out. You pull harder and the book loosens. //Click// You look inside the space where the book was. There's a flipped switch. You open the book and a piece of [[parchment->ElR4]] falls out.

Eli looks unsure. "I'm not sure that's right. Are you positive the riddle points to there?" "Uh..." You scratch your head. Now that you think about it, maybe not. [[Choose another room->ElR4]]

No. What if that //thing// is still there? [[Choose another room->ElR4]]

The entrance to the conservatory is covered with roots. You touch it. The roots wiggle underneath your fingertips. You immediately jump back as if scathed. Eli raises their axe, prepared to attack, but instead of lunging at you both, the roots retracted. One after another they retreat, revealing slivers of the [[conservatory->ElDougdead]] until- Your heart stutters.

Fear crawls beneath your skin. Dangling against the backdrop of a [[luminescent moon->ElR4wrongplaceflowers]] is Douglass. [[Thorned roots->ElR4wrongplacebonsai]] encapsulate his body, piercing through both leather and flesh alike. They cocoon him tightly, greedily sucking his blood from the open wounds until they themselves are crimson. Now and then, they would squirm. His head hangs in the gloom of death. Blood leaks from his eyes, nose, and mouth, pooling at his chin. It clings desperately before inevitably dripping to the [[fountain->ElR4correctplace]] below. You're not surpised at the corpse, but the sight still startles you. It's not about the horror of what you see anymore. It's the fear of being next. The only ones left are Eli and you.

//Brave the waterfall to obtain your treasure// The moon shines brightly behind the wall to floor glass windows. Basking underneath the moonlight are various species of flowers. [[Search them?->ElR4searchflower]] [[Go back->ElDougdead]]

//Brave the waterfall to obtain your treasure// The thick roots ensnaring Douglass' corpse leads back to the potted bonsais scattered throughout the room. [[Search them?->ElR4searchbonsai]] [[Go back->ElDougdead]] (if: $inv contains "Pot")[(replace:"Search them?")[]](else:)[]

You try not to look up at Douglass' corpse as you approach the fountain. Right as you reach the cusp, a drop of blood barely misses your cheek. The ebb of the wave dissolves the blood as soon as it lands. You step back an inch. There's something sparkling underneath the water. Behind the curtain of rushing liquid, you see a switch. [[Check beneath the water->ElR4rosequartz]] [[Check behind the curtain of water->ElR4switch]] [[Go back->ElDougdead]] (if: $inv contains "Rose Quartz")[(replace:"Check beneath the water")[]] (else:)[]

They're beautiful to gaze at, but there's nothing hidden among or under them. [[Go back->Elflowergiggle]]

"Ouch." As you're digging through the soil you cut your finger on a thorn. You decide it would be much easier to empty the pots than searching through them. There's nothing inside. The pot may be useful, though. [[Take the pot?->pot]] [[Go back->ElDougdead]]

You take the ''pot''.(set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Pot")) [[Go back->ElDougdead]]

Pot It's a jaded clay pot. It used to be the home of a bonsai.

Reformulate the 3rd Floor Riddle Puzzle into the same format as [[ElDougdead]] passage Put a display code for the riddle pieces instead of stating them out every time Make the bear speech different. Make the computer speech different. Give [[background noise->Inputting Background Sounds]] and w/e other noises, too Slowly integrate info about each character Separate info about Sam into each Route Give this game a save mechanic or at least let the player be able to swtich routes midway Make taking the study key a choice? Provide Bad End for characters? Epilogues? If time, give Erick his good end Do something w/the ward

As you turn away, you swear you heard a flower giggle at you. You stare at the plants suspiciously, but they're stalk still. [[Go back->ElDougdead]]

deadErick (gag/choke) deadDouglass (dripping) hearth (crackling) front door (swing/creak) [[bade9]] (vomit/gag/choke) elevator (ding, opening/closing, going up/down) fountain (rushing water) car (humming) bars (snap) Gluttony (moan/groan/grunt) Lust (hesteric laughter) flower/Hayden giggle for [[Elflowergiggle]] and related passages Envy's piano (piano music and slam/offkey) Kitchen puzzle (gulping water, gagging)

It's a ''rose quartz''. Here's another for the collection. (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Rose Quartz")) [[Go back->ElR4correctplace]]

You try to reach the switch, but the pressure from the water is too much. There must be some other way. (if: $inv contains "Pot")[You feel like you're forgetting something. Did you check beneath the water?] (else:)[] (if: $inv contains "Pot" and "Rose Quartz")[It's a two person job. You catch the downpouring water with the pot. As you do, Irene flips the switch. A stone cache embedded on the side of the fountain opens. Inside is another [[riddle->ElR5]].] (else:)[] [[Go back->ElDougdead]]

<img src="https://ychen26.neocities.org/3rd%20floor%20map.jpg"> Third floor? That's right, this is a 3 floor manor, isn't it? You can't believe you forgot, but there's no entrance. How are you suppose to get there? "Sam," Eli calls, "There's a [[ladder->Sloth]] inside the hearth." (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Third Floor Map"))

"Sam...Sam~my..." a voice sings. A chill runs down your spin. "Where are you...going? [[Come here...->ElSloth]]"

A woman drifts out of the wall, her cracked, yellow toenails scrapping against the floor. She reaches a pasty arm out to you but stops due to the swing of an axe. Eli glares at her. It's obvious the woman isn't human. She stares down at Eli from behind a shock of frenzied, chalky hair. Her eyes are cloudy, almost unfocused, as she hovers in place. Her worn dress flutters at the hem as she does. She's thin - skeletal. You can see the outline of her ribs, the joints of her fingers, and the shape of her collarbone bulging out of her skin. You feel she'll collapse if you as much as tap her. "Sam~my...come here...Sam~my." she coos. She's eerie not only in appearance but also in voice. It makes your body feel relaxed, safe, even though your brain is screaming for you to run. A [[hit to gut->Elladder]], courtesy of Eli, connects your body back to your brain.

"Go up the ladder. I'll distract her." You're flabbergasted. What? No! You're not letting a kid fend off whatever the woman is, and you told them as much. Eli glowers at you. "Hey, who's the one with the axe? Don't underestimate me." You glower back. "I'm not underestimating you, but what you're saying is suicide. Look at how many of us are dead already! I'm fucking scared, Eli, let's just run for it." A pale, skeletal hand tries to grab you again. You jump out of the way as Eli swings their axe at the offending limb. "Look, it's only after you. It doesn't care about me. I'll be fine, she's not attacking me and she doesn't even look strong." But that doesn't mean she isn't dangerous, you think. "And [[Hayden is waiting for you]]."

Eli likes to aim for the gut, don't they? You hesitate, looking back and forth between the ladder and Eli. [[Get to the ladder]] [[Stay with Eli->bade12]]

"I'll come back as soon as possible. Don't die, you hear me? You still have to save your friend." Eli gives you a thumbs up. "Gotcha." You duck under the mantle and [[climb up->3rd floor]]. (set: $affect to (a:))

You hear the music of piano keys as you reach the third floor. It's a rather sad and lonely tune. Who's playing, you wonder. Shrugging soot off your hair and shoulders, you [[look around]].

var audio_background = new Audio('https://retired.sounddogs.com/previews/36/mp3/304485_SOUNDDOGS__pi.mp3'); audio_background.play(); var audio = document.createElement('audio'); audio.setAttribute('id', 'nowplaying'); audio.src = 'https://retired.sounddogs.com/previews/36/mp3/304485_SOUNDDOGS__pi.mp3'; audio.loop = true; $("body").append(audio); audio.play();

The plaque on the door says, "Sun Room". As you would expect, windows cover the walls, displaying a view of the moon and the rustling woodland. Several comfy sofas and dark wood coffee tables decorate the space. What catches your interest, however, is the ovular table in the center of the room. Unlike the others, it's painted in a golden hue. There are seven indents around it. Some of them are shaped like the gems you found. Unfortunately, you don't have them all, yet. (if: $affect contains "teddyscare")[Then you notice the teddy bear sitting in the center. A teddy bear with black fur and green button eyes.](else:)[] [[Go back->look around]]

The plaque on the door says "Trunk Room". You jiggle the doorknob but it won't open. (if: $inv contains "Trunk Room Key")[You use the key you got from Michael. A click and the door is unlocked. [[Enter->warning3]]](else:)[] [[Go back->look around]]

Before you could take a look around, a voice pipe up. "Here, I'm here!" It's high pitched and persistent like a child. "Here, to your left, come here! Play with me!" The voice is coming from the door labeled "Green Room". It may be another trick, your mind warns. But it may be an actual child, your heart argues. Hayden. [[Go to the voice->Green Room]]

To the right, a trail of hanging portraits lead to a door. To the left behind you, a pathway leads to another door. In front is an open space. The music seems to be coming from that direction. [[Inspect the portraits->portraits]] [[Go right->Sun Room]] [[Go left->trunkroom]] [[Go forward->kidvoice]](if: $affect contains "teddyscare")[(replace:"Go forward")[][[[Go forward->musicandgreenroom]]]](else:)[]

There are unlit lamps on top of each portrait. Well, the portrait frames at least. There is no canvas embedded. It reminds you of when Michael showed you Hayden. He was in the same kind of frame. Would Hayden appear again? At the top of the frames, an inscription is written: "Offer the gems to Apollo and he shall reveal your beloved." Beloved. Does this mean you get to meet Hayden if you gather all the gems? Below each frame is a name tag: Sofia, Catherine, Theo, and Hayden. You go over the portraits again. This is strange. There are five players, but only four portraits. [[Go back->look around]]

In the end, your heart won. Apparently, it's called the Green Room for a reason. From ceiling to floor, the entire room is engulfed with green. There's no furniture and the windows are tinted. In the middle of the floor is a solitary teddy bear with black fur and green button eyes. There's no child in sight. It was a trick after all. [[Go back->irritating piano]] (set: $affect to $affect + (a: "teddyscare"))

You sigh and rub your weary eyes. The music has become irritating. [[Follow the music->Music Room]]

From ceiling to floor, the entire room is engulfed with green. There's no furniture and the windows are tinted. In the middle of the floor is...nothing. The teddy bear is gone. [[Go back->musicandgreenroom]]

The music leads you to an empty white room with a pointed ceiling. In the far left corner is a dark grand piano. On it sits the only other inhabitant of the room. Michael. You clench your fist and grind your teeth. Just the sight of him makes you livid. Here's the one who started everything. [[Confront him]]

"What the fuck is going on, Michael?!" Michael glance towards you with a smile, but his whole posture is devoted to the music he's playing. He glances back to the piano. "Lovely piece, is it not?" "I don't care about the fucking piano. Tell me what's going on! This isn't a game, it's murder. And then there are those...those...//monsters//." Michael hums in ignorance. His fingers continue their waltz on the [[piano keys]].

You slam down on the keys. The air in the room halts. Michael's green eyes flash as he pins you with an unnerving stare. Your body starts to tremble, but you succumb it. You're not going to let yourself be scared off by him. Michael stands and looks down on you, eyes narrowed in anger. You look back, scared but determined. "Did your parents not teach you how rude it is to interrupt someone?" You lick you chapped lips. "Tell me what's going on." Michael stays silent, as if testing you, but you stand firm. Your right eye starts to sting. Michael smiles decrepitly. "What determination. I am jealous." He chuckles. "If you seek the truth so badly, then who am I to remain ignorant? Come closer, Sam." Instinctively, you hesitate, but you want answers. You cheeks tingle as you [[move closer]]. <script>Music.stop('https://retired.sounddogs.com/previews/36/mp3/304485_SOUNDDOGS__pi.mp3');</script>

You rub your cheek. "You, the players, are not merely participants, but sinners." Sinners. You look down. Sinner, you're a sinner. You can't disagree with him because he's right. You let your brother die. "And we, as your very sins, are here to give you all a second chance. A chance to redeem. Rather than monsters, as you call us, are we not actually angels?" Sins. They're fucking Sins. Cruel devils who call themselves angels. Images of Erick, Irene, and Douglass' corpse flash before you. "Angels don't murder people." Michael grabs your chin and tilts your head up. "You are right. They do not murder innocent people. Are you innocent, Sam? Did your Sloth not lead to Hayden's death? It is only fair your Sin is chasing you now." You snap your head out of his grip. "You and your //colleagues// aren't innocent either, so stop pretending. Did any of us even have a chance or is this just a sick game of life and death?" [[Is saving Hayden possible?]]

Your left eye stings. "Oh, you all have a chance. The other players were just not able to win. But you still can, Sam." You rub your eyes, but then your hands start to sting. And then your cheeks, neck, and ear. This isn't normal. Michael laughs. "That is, if can answer something for me." You open your tear filled eyes. In front of you [[Michael is gone->Envy]].

A green mist swirl around you. You back up, but as your elbow touches the mist, it burns. Sparks of green dust enter your throat and you begin to cough. It feels like something is scratching your throat. "I would not get too close or you will melt to nothing. There is no escape from me." Michael's, no, the Sin's voice echoes from all direction. He's not gone, he's all around you. "Your determination is admirable but insolent. However, to prove we are indeed giving you a chance, I will provide you with an escape route." Your hope raises with shaking legs. Is there really a way to get out? More importantly, is he telling the truth? "[[Who am I?]] The answer will set you free."

Where to next? [[Go to the Green Room->greenroom2]] [[Talk to Michael->musicroom2]] [[Go back->look around]]

Trunk Room Key It's the key to the Trunk Room.

Green Eyed Teddy Bear A teddy bear with black fur and green button eyes.

You expected the Trunk Room to be full of, well, trunks. Instead, it's full of monitors. A web of wires bridge one screen to another, their brightness glaring in the dark room. Below them is a keyboard. "What the hell is this?" The monitors depict every room in the manor. Someone, or something, was peeping in on all of you. A monitor in the upper right shows Eli. You breathe a sigh of relief. They're still alive, thank god. However, they're not fighting the woman, who you assume is Sloth, anymore. The large monster, rather, Sin, from the kitchen is back. Sloth isn't there. You bite the inside of your cheek and glance around nervously. Michael gave you the key with the parting words "Here's your freedom". There must be something in here that'll help you escape the manor once you save Hayden. [[Inspect the room]] [[Inspect the keyboard]] [[Inspect the monitors]]

Simple, but not at the same time. There are seven Sins in total, but which one is Michael? Giving the wrong answer will ensure death. [[Pride->bade14]] [[Gluttony->bade14]] [[Lust->bade14]] [[Wrath->bade14]] [[Envy->correctSin]] [[Sloth->bade14]] [[Greed->bade14]]

Michael clicks his tongue. You close your eyes as you prepare for the worst, but nothing happens. When you open them again, the mist is gone, and Michael is in front of you. He's smiling, but you can see irritation in his demeanor: crossed arms, twitchy lips, and stiff shoulders. "Congratulations," his eyes gleam, "Here is your freedom. Now get out of my sight." He tosses you a silver key. You've obtained the ''Trunk Room Key''.(set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Trunk Room Key")) [[Go back->look around]]

=><= ''Warning'' After entering the Trunk Room, you won't be able to go back and explore the other choices. Do you want to [[go back->look around]] or [[proceed->Trunk Room]]?

He's made it clear he doesn't want to see you. You don't want to test his patience. [[Go back->musicandgreenroom]]

You have to squint your eyes as you look into the glare. Eli is still in the living room with the large Sin, but aside from that, there's no activity anywhere else. Wait. On the monitor overseeing the front entry, there's a sticky note(mouseover:"sticky note")[. It reads: Esc - 51760]. [[Go back->Trunk Room]] (set: $affect to $affect + (a: "password"))

There's your usual array of letters, numbers, and commands. What should you do? (if: $affect contains "password")[[[Press "Esc"->esc which room]]](else:)[] [[Press randomly]] [[Go back->Trunk Room]]

There's nothing but monitors. You wonder who, or what, was using this room. [[Go back->Trunk Room]]

A menu pops up in the screen in front of you. "Select a Room" [[Study->wrongselect]] [[Garage->wrongselect]] [[Laundry Room->wrongselect]] [[Dining Room->wrongselect]] [[Main Entry->keypad]] [[Suite 2->wrongselect]] [[Suite 3->wrongselect]] [[Suite 4->wrongselect]] [[Suite 5->wrongselect]] [[Trunk Room->wrongselect]] [[Sun Room->wrongselect]] [[Green Room->wrongselect]] { (set: $entry to "") (set: $entryLength to 5) (set: $solution to "51760") }

Nothing happens. [[Go back->Inspect the keyboard]]

"Error" [[Go back->esc which room]]

"Enter the Password" <div class="entry">[*****]<entry|</div> <table> <tr> <td>(link-repeat: "1")[(display: "Key 1")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "2")[(display: "Key 2")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "3")[(display: "Key 3")]</td> </tr> <tr> <td>(link-repeat: "4")[(display: "Key 4")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "5")[(display: "Key 5")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "6")[(display: "Key 6")]</td> </tr> <tr> <td>(link-repeat: "7")[(display: "Key 7")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "8")[(display: "Key 8")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "9")[(display: "Key 9")]</td> </tr> <tr> <td>(link-repeat: "Clear")[(display: "Clear")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "0")[(display: "Key 0")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "Enter")[(display: "Enter")]</td> </tr> </table> [[Go back->Trunk Room]]

{ (if: $entry's length < $entryLength)[ (set: $entered to 1) (set: $entry to it + (text: $entered) ) (replace: ?entry)[$entry] ] }

{ (if: $entry is $solution)[ (goto: "EntryUnlock") ] }

{ (if: $entry's length < $entryLength)[ (set: $entered to 0) (set: $entry to it + (text: $entered) ) (replace: ?entry)[$entry] ] }

{ (if: $entry's length < $entryLength)[ (set: $entered to 9) (set: $entry to it + (text: $entered) ) (replace: ?entry)[$entry] ] }

{ (set: $entry to "" ) (replace: ?entry)[*****] }

{ (if: $entry's length < $entryLength)[ (set: $entered to 3) (set: $entry to it + (text: $entered) ) (replace: ?entry)[$entry] ] }

{ (if: $entry's length < $entryLength)[ (set: $entered to 4) (set: $entry to it + (text: $entered) ) (replace: ?entry)[$entry] ] }

{ (if: $entry's length < $entryLength)[ (set: $entered to 7) (set: $entry to it + (text: $entered) ) (replace: ?entry)[$entry] ] }

{ (if: $entry's length < $entryLength)[ (set: $entered to 8) (set: $entry to it + (text: $entered) ) (replace: ?entry)[$entry] ] }

{ (if: $entry's length < $entryLength)[ (set: $entered to 6) (set: $entry to it + (text: $entered) ) (replace: ?entry)[$entry] ] }

{ (if: $entry's length < $entryLength)[ (set: $entered to 2) (set: $entry to it + (text: $entered) ) (replace: ?entry)[$entry] ] }

{ (if: $entry's length < $entryLength)[ (set: $entered to 5) (set: $entry to it + (text: $entered) ) (replace: ?entry)[$entry] ] }

"Main Entry Door Unlocked" You can't believe it. Does this mean you can get out of here? You look at the screen overseeing the main entry. The front door is open by just a gape. It reminds you of when you first arrived. Elation courses through you. Finally! Now all you have to do is find Hayden. Your eyes zoom to the hearth room, trying to locate Eli. You have to tell them the good news. That they can find their friend and then you'll both get out of here, alive. You [[found Eli]], and then you paled.

The monstrous Sin has Eli by the neck. No. Please, no. Eli's axe lies at the bottom of the floor. Their legs pedal in midair and their arms scratch the offending limb wrapping around their head. Another large hand wraps around Eli's body. You can see the popping vein of the Sin's hands as it squeezes down. And then- //[[POP]]//

Eli's head is pluck off. You slide down to your knees, weak. No. Nononono. Not another one. You slam your fist hard on the ground. You shouldn't have left them. No matter what you should've stayed. Another kid dead because of you. Just like Hayden. At the thought of Hayden, you clench your fist. No, Hayden still has a chance. You can still save Hayden. You must save Hayden. Breathing in a shuddering breath, you get up, body turned away from the monitors. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Eli." you sniffle. You'll find Eli's friend and tell them what happened. It's the only thing you can do for them now. [[Walk out->stalkerteddybear]]

... A teddy bear stares back at you. Just as you left the Trunk Room, you meet a teddy bear. It's sitting in the middle of the hall, obstructing your path. You know this bear. It's the same one you saw in the Green Room; a black furred and green eyed bear. It's appearance reminds you of Michael. However, whereas Michael is dressed neatly and immaculately, this bear's fur is ruffled. You remember it being more well-kept than it is now. What is it doing here? Its button eyes look up to you, unmoving. It almost feels lonely. [[Ignore the bear->bade13]] [[Take the bear]] [[Give the bear Sammy]]

You place Sammy next to the teddy bear. You smile to yourself at the sight of the two, paws touching. Much better. You walk away. "Thank you." You stop mid-step and whirl around. There is no one there. On the lap of the green eyed bear, however, is an ''[[emerald]]''. You take it. You should probably question it, but you've stopped making sense of this manor some time ago. (set: $inv to $inv - (a: "Teddy Bear")) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Emerald"))

You almost drop the emerald at the blaring noise. Inside the Trunk Room the monitors are going crazy, white and black dots of static buzzing at every interval. You cover your ears. The noise is deafening. "How //-bzzt-// dare //-tsst-// you." From the monitor, a static, humanoid figure stretches out. You let out a yell and scramble back. The figure zaps out of view ad reappears mere inches from your face. Your hair stands on end. [[Freeze->bade15]] [[Freeze->bade15]] [[Freeze->bade15]] [[Freeze->bade15]] [[Freeze->bade15]] [[Freeze->bade15]] [[Run->runchoice]] [[Freeze->bade15]] [[Freeze->bade15]] [[Freeze->bade15]] [[Freeze->bade15]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

(set: $counter to 5) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds! (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "bade15")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] Where do you run to? [[Sun Room->bade15]] [[Music Room->bade15]] [[Green Room->bade15]] [[Trunk Room->bade15]] [[Downstairs->Pride]]

You run for the ladder, practically sliding downstairs in your panic. You crawl out of the hearth, soot blemishing both your skin and clothes, but that was the least of your worries. The Static greets you in your arrival. You back into a wall. "How //-bzzt-// dare //-tsst-// you!" it repeats. "This is my //-tzzt-// game. You'll never //-bzzt-// outsmart me. Dance more, puppets. //-tsst-// Dance!" It's another Sin. The peeping Tom. The Sin cackles, sparks of static spouting from its body. With a blink of an eye, its [[in front of you]] once more.

//Splash// Droplets of water hit your face, but the majority of the liquid douses the Sin. The static screeches before the entity buzzes out of sight. You hold your breath. "Are you okay?" You [[turn to the voice]] and your jaw drops.

"E-Eli?!" There in the flesh stands Eli, whole and head still attached. You rub your eyes and then pinch your cheeks. This isn't a hallucination, is it? "Yeah?" Eli replies, confused. "B-But, y-your-." They give you a concerned look. "I saw it! Your head, it was t-torn off your neck by that large monster." Eli's eyes widen. "What?" "There's a monitor room upstairs that looks over the entire manor. That's where I saw it." You feel queasy just thinking about it. "...It's a [[trick]]." Eli states.

A trick? Eli nods confidently. "That Sin was made out of static, right? Which means it can affect technology. It must have tampered with the image." You think about it. That Sin did come out of the monitor. Wait. How did they know it was a Sin? You never told them about the Sins, did you? [[Question them]] [[Leave it alone]]

"How did you know about the Sins?" Eli shrugs. "You told me?" "No I didn't." At least you don't think so. This earns you a pointed stare. "Yes you did, don't you remember?" Maybe you did? They sound pretty sure of themself. [[Leave it alone->suspiciousneck]]

Reunited, the both of you make your way to the [[Sun Room->sunroom]]. Along the way, you inform Eli about the unlocked door. With Eli's onyx, you've got enough gems to offer to "Apollo" and save Hayden. Then you're getting out of this hell hole.

Eli turns away from you to inspect the hearth. Just as they did, you catch a glimpse of a red mark on the side their neck. Their hair blocks it from view the next second. [[Hm.->Leave it alone]]

You place the gems into their respective slots. Damn. There's still [[one missing]]. (set: $inv to $inv - (a: "Pearl", "Ruby", "Rose Quartz", "Amber", "Emerald"))

It must be somewhere around here. It must be! You don't know how much time Hayden has left. [[Search around the manor]] [[Look at your inventory->Elinventory]] [[Ask Michael]]

You can't find it anywhere. You're just lucky that you didn't come across any of the Sins. [[Go back->one missing]]

Which item do you want to use? [[Phone->nope]] [[Photo->nope]] [[Letter->nope]] [[Hammer->nope]] [[Chisel->nope]] [[Glass Cutter->Diamond]] [[Map->nope]] [[Pot->nope]] [[Third Floor Map->nope]] [[Trunk Room Key->nope]]

Michael still isn't keen on talking to you, but he did let out a disdainful chuckle. Well, screw him. [[Go back->one missing]]

What are you supposed to do with it, anyway? [[Go back->Elinventory]]

The tip of the glass cutter is made from a purple diamond - a gem. You pluck the diamond out and insert it into its slot. Something turns on [[outside->Gallery]].

The lamps above the portrait frames shines brightly over their respective frames. Except, instead of being empty, each frame is now housed with a canvas. A filled in canvas wreathed with translucent blue flames. At the very end is [[Hayden->"H-Hayden."]].

Michael is gazing out of the window. When you walk into the Music Room, he spares you but a glance. You cough. "Um, hey. Sorry about the whole slamming your piano thing." Michael faces you, eyebrows raised and face unimpressed. You fidget awkwardly, drawing an amused but disdainful chuckle from him. You then remember the letter he sent you. How he was envious of you for having a bear named after you. [[You offer the green eyed bear to Michael.]]

You drop the bear at the blaring noise. Inside the Trunk Room the monitors are going crazy, white and black dots of static buzzing at every interval. You cover your ears. The noise is deafening. "How //(bzzt)// dare //(tsst)// you." From the monitor, a static, humanoid figure stretches out. You let out a yell and scramble back. The figure zaps out of view ad reappears mere inches from your face. Your hair stands on end. [[Freeze->bade15.2]] [[Freeze->bade15.2]] [[Freeze->bade15.2]] [[Freeze->bade15.2]] [[Freeze->bade15.2]] [[Run->greenteddybearsnag]] [[Freeze->bade15.2]] [[Freeze->bade15.2]] [[Freeze->bade15.2]] [[Freeze->bade15.2]] [[Freeze->bade15.2]]

Something soft snags your ankle. You look down. The green eyed teddy bear has a paw wrapped tightly around your ankle. "Where are you going? [[Let's play together!->bade15.3]]"

You take the ''[[green eyed teddy bear->likebearlikeMichael]]''. (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Green Eyed Teddy Bear"))

Michael doesn't take it. "What is this?" "It's a teddy bear-" "Of course." Michael interrupts. You draw in an annoyed breath. "Anyway. It's a teddy bear. I'm offering it as an apology. You both look alike, don't you think?" You both also look lonely, you thought. Michael's eyes widen. He stares at the black furred and green eyed bear before slowly taking it into his hands. Michael runs a hand through it and smiles. "He is quite lovely." It's your turn to smile. "Since you're Envy, how about we call him Jealousy?" Michael mulls it over. "Jealousy." You feel like you did a good thing. [[Leave->Emerald]] (set: $inv to $inv - (a: "Green Eyed Teddy Bear"))

Inside the Trunk Room the monitors are going crazy, white and black dots of static buzzing at every interval. You cover your ears. The noise is deafening. "How //-bzzt-// dare //-tsst-// you." From the monitor, a static, humanoid figure stretches out. The figure zaps out of view ad reappears mere inches from your face. You let out a yell and scramble back. Your hair stands on end. It has you trapped in the Music Room. There's nowhere to run. [[Die->safe]] [[Die->safe]] [[Die->safe]] [[Die->safe]] [[Die->safe]] [[Die->safe]] [[Die->safe]] [[Die->safe]] [[Die->safe]]

"As flamboyant as ever, I see." The static creature turns away from you in favor of Michael. "This is //-bzzt-// none your business //-tsst-// Envy! Stay out of //-tzzt-// my way." They seem to know each other. Is this another Sin? Michael smiles cheerfully. "You are in my area. You are the one who should stay out of my way. Scram." The Sin spasms in rage and darts at Michael. He skillfully dodges with a tsk and a shake of his head. "How barbaric." You don't know what's happening, but you're [[getting out of here]] while the static Sin is otherwise occupied.

You run into the Sun Room and slam the door shut. This is too much for your poor heart. "What happened to you?" You jump at the intruding voice in the room. When you see who it is, your jaw drops. [["E-Eli?!"->notdeadEli]]

There in the flesh stands Eli, whole and head still attached. You rub your eyes and then pinch your cheeks. This isn't a hallucination, is it? "Yeah?" Eli replies, confused. "B-But, y-your-." They give you a concerned look. "I saw it! Your head, it was t-torn off your neck by that large monster." Eli's eyes widen. "What?" "There's a monitor room upstairs that looks over the entire manor. That's where I saw it." You feel queasy just thinking about it. "...It's a [[trick->trick2]]." Eli states.

"How did you know about the Sins?" Eli shrugs. "You told me?" "No, I didn't." At least you don't think so. This earns you a pointed stare. "Yes, you did, don't you remember?" Maybe you did? They sound pretty sure of themselves. [[Leave it alone->suspiciousneck2]]

With Eli's onyx, you've got enough gems to offer to "Apollo" and save Hayden. Then you're getting out of this hell hole. As you're inserting the gems, you inform Eli about the unlocked door. When the last available gem was inserted, you notice [[one is missing]]. Dammit. (set: $inv to $inv - (a: "Pearl", "Ruby", "Rose Quartz", "Amber", "Emerald"))

Eli turns away from you to inspect the slotted table. Just as they did, you catch a glimpse of a red mark on the side their neck. Their hair blocks it from view the next second. [[Hm.->leaveit2]]

It must be somewhere around here. It must be! You don't know how much time Hayden has left. [[Search around the manor->manorsearch2]] [[Look at your inventory->Elinventory2]] [[Ask Michael->hahnope]]

You sneak pass the Music Room where the two Sins are still at it. You can't find the last gem anywhere. You're just lucky that you didn't come across any of the other Sins along the way. [[Go back->one is missing]]

Which item do you want to use? [[Phone->nope2]] [[Photo->nope2]] [[Letter->nope2]] [[Teddy Bear->nope2]] [[Hammer->nope2]] [[Chisel->nope2]] [[Glass Cutter->Diamond2]] [[Map->nope2]] [[Pot->nope2]] [[Third Floor Map->nope2]] [[Trunk Room Key->nope2]]

The two Sins are at a standstill. You don't want to go in there. [[Go back->one is missing]]

What are you supposed to do with it, anyway? [[Go back->Elinventory2]]

The tip of the glass cutter is made from a purple diamond - a gem. You pluck the diamond out and insert it into its slot. Something turns on [[outside->Gallery2]].

You take a moment to regain your composure as you wipe the tears from your eyes and cheeks. Eli is resting against the wall, patiently waiting for you. You smile at them. They smile back. It's time to [[get out]] of here.(if: $trust contains "Eli's trust" and "Eli's approval")[(replace:"It's time to get out of here.")[][It's time to [[go home]].]](else:)[]

The manor emits a defeated aura as you traverse it for the last time. In contrast, you feel relieved and refreshed. It's morning now; you stretch in the sunlight and breathe in the fresh air. You're glad to be able to see Hayden off with a smile. Thinking back, you wonder if Eli got to speak with their friend, too. "Hey Eli-" Eli hangs up their phone call. Wait. "You had your phone the whole time? And it has batteries?!" Eli winces. "Um, yes?" You can't help but feel cheated. You assumed that their phone was as useless as yours, but, actually, they could've called for help anytime. You plant your hand on your face in incredulousness. "So," you sigh, "Did you talk with your friend?" They remain quiet. Uh-oh. Did you step on a landmine? "...Sorry," Eli rubs a piece of stray hair, "I lied. I'm not here to save a friend, I was sent here to investigate the Sins." Huh? From the trodden road, the groan of a van squeals. It comes to a stop in front of you. The door on the body of the van slides open and a tall, silver haired woman with round, dark glasses jumps out. "Here's our ride." Eli says offhandly. "Wait, what's going on? What do you mean you were sent here to investigate? You're just a kid. You could've died in there!" "It's not like they'll die that easily. We're ghouls, dumbass." says a girl from the driver's seat with bobbed, brown hair. She looks exhausted even with the litter of coffee cups surrounding her. "Serene," Eli shushes, "I wasn't going to tell him that!" Serene opens her mouth and then closes it. She looks away guiltily and shrugs. "Oops." All the while, you're fixed in place, mouth and eyes wide open like a goldfish. Ghouls? No way. They're not real. Are they? You think back to what you encountered just a few hours earlier: Hayden's soul, the Sins, and...and how Eli's head was torn off. It wasn't a trick. You gulp. So Eli is another one of them, like the devils roaming around the manor. Jitters run through your body. You're no expert, but don't ghouls eat human flesh? "G-Ghouls? Like the ones that e-eat humans?" You ready your legs to run. "No, that's just a rumor," Eli quickly amends, "Live animals are okay, but not if they're cooked." Both Eli and Serene make a face at that. You shift your eye from one individual to the next. If Eli wanted to "eat" you, you would've been dead a long time ago. They've actually helped you out a lot during your adventure together. You decide to give them a benefit of a doubt, but that doesn't mean you're not going to watch your back. "Oh, don't worry, I'm human," the silver haired woman says, "And I'm also Eli's guardian. It's a pleasure to meet you." She smiles at you handsomely and holds out a hand to shake. You take it hesitantly. The woman wraps a loose arm around you and leads you towards the car. "C'mon, fella, we'll give you a ride." You really don't want to, but then Eli gives you an encouraging smile. Plus, you really do need a ride out of here. You wish you had that axe right now. "Eli, whatever happened to the axe?" =><= ''True End - Eli: The Mystery Has Just Begun'' <== [[Restart->Start]]

Which Sin followed Eli? [[Envy->toobad]] [[Sloth->toobad]] [[Wrath->toobad]] [[Lust->toobad]] [[Gluttony->Eli's Epilogue]] [[Pride->toobad]] [[Greed->toobad]]

Too bad. [[Restart->Start]]

[[Restart->Start]]

"Wait." You halt to a stop. Michael tosses you something. "As a thank you from both Jealousy and I." You open your fist. It's an emerald. You add it to your collection. (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Emerald")) [[Leave->Pride2]]

"God, it's so creepy here. Can you believe my room doesn't even have a door?" You didn't expect her to be so chatty. She practically dismissed you the first time you met her. "There's no privacy at all. How could I sleep when someone could just come and peep at me?" You decide not to tell her you did exactly that. "And that Michael. I can't believe he threatened me! I bet he put me in that room on purpose. Doesn't he know wh-" "So, [[chess]], huh?" you interrupt. Man, can she rant. And didn't she pick her own room?

Irene smiles. The expression lights up her face beautifully. It's almost like she's another person from the one who was just complaining. "It's beautiful," she picks up a glass bishop, "but the setup is all wrong." You examine the board. You can't make out anything odd. Irene sighs. "Of course, I don't expect you to know anything about it." You huff. "What would you know about chess, anyway?" She examines her nails. "Maybe I don't, but my many trophies won from chess competitions speak for themselves." "I can play chess, too." you lie. It's not a smart move, but Irene really knows how to ruffle your feathers. She sets the bishop next to the board along with some other pieces. "Alright then," Irene smirks, "Prove it. [[Put the pieces back->Black Knight]] where they belong." Well, shit.

You nervously pick up the first piece. Irene looks at you expectantly. Expected to fail that is. You're holding a Black Knight. Where do you place it? [[G8->White Pawn]] [[C8->wrongpc1]] [[D8->wrongpc1]] [[H1->wrongpc1]] [[E1->wrongpc1]] [[A2->wrongpc1]]

You're holding a White King. Where do you place it? [[G8->wrongpc5]] [[C8->wrongpc5]] [[D8->wrongpc5]] [[H1->wrongpc5]] [[E1->Black Bishop]] [[A2->wrongpc5]]

You're holding a Black Queen. Where do you place it? [[G8->wrongpc4]] [[C8->wrongpc4]] [[D8->White King]] [[H1->wrongpc4]] [[E1->wrongpc4]] [[A2->wrongpc4]]

You're holding a White Rook. Where do you place it? [[G8->wrongpc3]] [[C8->wrongpc3]] [[D8->wrongpc3]] [[H1->Black Queen]] [[E1->wrongpc3]] [[A2->wrongpc3]]

You're holding a Black Bishop. Where do you place it? [[G8->wrongpc6]] [[C8->youfakedchess]] [[D8->wrongpc6]] [[H1->wrongpc6]] [[E1->wrongpc6]] [[A2->wrongpc6]]

You're holding a White Pawn. Where do you place it? [[G8->wrongpc2]] [[C8->wrongpc2]] [[D8->wrongpc2]] [[H1->wrongpc2]] [[E1->wrongpc2]] [[A2->White Rook]]

Irene snickers. "Slip of the hand." you excuse. [[Retry->Black Knight]]

Irene snickers. "Slip of the hand." you excuse. [[Retry->White Pawn]]

Irene snickers. "Slip of the hand." you excuse. [[Retry->White Rook]]

Irene snickers. "Slip of the hand." you excuse. [[Retry->Black Queen]]

Irene snickers. "Slip of the hand." you excuse. [[Retry->White King]]

Irene snickers. "Slip of the hand." you excuse. [[Retry->Black Bishop]]

With the last piece in place, the board splits open in the middle, revealing a hidden compartment. Inside is a brass ''key''. [[Take the ''key''?->studykey]]

You take the ''key''. (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Study Key")) "What is that supposed to be?" Irene asks. "A key." Obviously. She rolls her eyes. "Oh, wow, who knew? I meant what is the key for?" You twirl the key in your hand. Her guess is as good as yours. "Fucking bitches." Your head snaps to Irene, gobsmacked. "Excuse me? What did you just call me?" Irene shakes her head in denial, confusion clouding her eyes. "I didn't say that." You glare at her. "You're the only other person in the roo-." "I'm going to fucking kill you both!" a venomous voice scream. The [[voice]] didn't come from either of you. It's coming from the entrance.

A little girl with blonde pigtails glares at you both from the entrance. She looks to be about eight or so. What is a little girl doing here? "Look, missy, you need to watch your language. Didn't your parents ever teach you any better?" Irene lectures. The girl snarls at Irene with all her teeth. They resemble the fangs of a beast. "Shut. Up. You messed up my setup. It was perfect, but YOU TWO messed it up!" The girl grabs an armchair with both hands and tries to lift it up. This won't turn out well, you thought. You make your way to her before she could hurt herself. "You're goin to hur-" The armchair flings pass you, barely missing your head. Behind you, Irene shrieks and jumps out of the way. The chair hits the wall with a loud thud. You pale. The girl proceeds to grab the coffee table with ease. [["RUN!"]] you yell.

(set: $counter to 5) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds! (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "bade17")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] What do you do? [[Freeze->bade17]] [[Run to the porch->Porch]] [[Run to the study->Study]]

Dammit, the door won't open! (set: $counter to 5) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds! (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "bade17")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] What do you do? [[Freeze->bade17]] [[Run to the study->Study]]

Shit, the door is locked. (set: $counter to 5) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds! (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "bade17")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] What do you do? [[Freeze->bade17]] [[Run to the porch->Porch]] [[Use the key->unlocked]]

You grab Irene's arm and thrust her inside before slamming the door shut and locking it. You both pant heavily as you take the time to regain your breath. "That little girl is not normal." Irene wheezes between breaths. "No shit." Understatement of the century. Thunderous pounding booms from the door. "Come the fucking out, you cunts!" But, surprisingly, the girl didn't break through. She certainly has the strength for it. That's when you notice the symbol painted on the door. It's a circle with another circle inside. The inner circle is divided into four quadrants. Within each quadrant, a dot lies in the middle. Suddenly, everything becomes quiet. You share a look with Irene before pressing your ear to the door. //BAM// You clamber back. The thrashing has begin anew in the library. Perhaps you should [[wait]] it out.

"What is she?" Irene asks. You shake your head. No normal little girl could lift furniture like pillows. Where was she hiding, anyway? You didn't see her at all before. Irene sits on one of the two armchairs decorating the room. The study was small, but cozy. Two bookcases line the wall, and in front of it was a desk. She crossed her legs and thinks. "Do you think she's the daughter of one of the 'judges' Michael mentioned?" "Could be." But who would bring their daughter to this messed up game? Although, the girl herself is unnatural. You get a bad feeling. You groan. Irene raised a brow. "What?" "No, it's just I came down here for a reason, but I totally forgot. There was someone walking around upstairs." "Do you think it was her?" Irene points to the door with a manicured finger. "No, the footsteps were louder. Did you hear anything?" "I was hearing a lot of things. My room seriously creeped me out." Considering the [[current situation]], she was right to be.

The thrashing dies down outside, but you wouldn't trust it with your life. "My bracelet!" Irene exclaims as she upheaves her seat cushion. She then scrambles around searching the floor, the bookcases, and the desk. "Your what?" "My bracelet! I had it on me, but now it's gone." She aims her gaze at the door. "I must have dropped it outside." Irene wraps a hand around the doorknob, but before she can open it, you snatch her away. "Wait, are you crazy? What if she's still out there?" Her eyes widen as if she had forgotten about the girl with the deadly tantrum. "B-But..." Her usual haughty but confident expression is gone, replaced by that of devastation. As much as she irked you before, it's worse when she's not her usual self. Plus, you've got to give her props for standing against Michael earlier. "Let's just [[wait a bit longer]]. The bracelet's not going anywhere." You hope.

You press your ear to the door again. It's quiet. Someone should check outside just in case. [[Volunteer to check outside]] [[Tell Irene to check]] [[Flip for it->coin toss]]

"I'll check outside, you stay here." Irene nods. "Thanks." You slowly jar the door open and poke your head out. After a moment, you walk out of the study. The place is a mess - overturned chairs, fallen books, and chess pieces scattered all over the floor, but everything is silent. You almost expect someone to jump at you, but nothing happens. "No one's here." you call. Irene joins you in the [[library->librarybracelet]], surveying the damage. "Thank god we got away from her. This could've been us." (!) You've gained Irene's gratitude (set: $trust to $trust + (a: "Irene's gratitude"))

"You should check it out, Irene." "What? Why don't //you// check it out?" "I'm not the one willing to risk my life for a missing accessory." She glares at you, but the point has been made. Irene slowly jars the door open and pokes her head out. After a second, she walks out. Everything is silent. You fidget with your hands as you wait for Irene to say something, anything, but nothing happens. God, what if she was attacked? But there was no noise. Shit, what if she abandoned you? You steel yourself and left one step at a time. The [[library->librarybracelet2]] is trashed - overturned chairs, fallen books, and chess pieces scattered all over the floor, but no one is present. "Irene?" you call out. No one answers. "Ire-!" Hands grab your shoulders harshly from behind and pushes you into the back of a toppled chair. You land face first, heart beating like a drum as you quickly turn around. Irene is standing there giggling. "Serves you right for making me go." You scowl. If only murder isn't a crime, you thought. (!) You've gained Irene's annoyance (set: $trust to $trust + (a: "Irene's annoyance"))

Irene gropes around the room for her bracelet with little success. You follow along, lifting upturned chairs and tables until something catches your sight. It's indeed a bracelet, but it's a ratty little thing. Weaved from worn and darken fabric, you can't imagine Irene willingly wearing it alongside her designer outfit. To be honest, it looks like a child's summer project. "Uh, is this it?" Irene's face melts with relief as you place the bracelet into her waiting palms. "Yes, thank you." She puts the bracelet on, the thing absurdly loose around her wrist. No wonder she lost it. "Why is it so important to you?" you ask. Irene twirls the [[bracelet]] around her wrist, lost in thought.

"I made this bracelet for my mother when I was still small." Irene says, leaning against the hearth. You sit down and listen. That explains why the bracelet is so worn out, but why does she have it? "We were never close. She was, for lack of better words, a bitch and not motherly at all. Always strict, cold, and a perfectionist even with her own child." Irene caresses the frayed fabric. "So I thought she tossed out this old thing from day one, but," Irene smiles regretfully, "she still had it, locked in a box within her vanity. I only found out after her death. Who knew she cared, right?" You freeze. Oh. At the mention of mothers, you think about your own. You've had falling outs with her in the past, but isn't that normal for everyone? Your mom even forgave for... "Even if she didn't show it, I'm sure she cared. She kept the bracelet you made for her, didn't she?" Irene chuckles self-deprecatingly. "If she did, she definitely doesn't now. After all, it's [[my fault]] she died."

Irene gropes around the room for her bracelet with little success. You look around the room as she does. "Thank god." Irene breathes. You turn to her. In her hand is indeed a bracelet, but it's a ratty little thing. Weaved from worn and darken fabric, you can't imagine Irene willingly wearing it alongside her designer outfit. To be honest, it looks like a child's summer project. She puts the bracelet on, the thing absurdly loose around her wrist. No wonder she lost it. "Why is it so important to you?" you ask. Irene glares at you. "It's none your business." [[It's not, but her tone pisses you off.->doorslamI'sannoyance]]

Irene gropes around the room for her bracelet with little success. You follow along, lifting upturned chairs and tables until something catches your sight. It's indeed a bracelet, but it's a ratty little thing. Weaved from worn and darken fabric, you can't imagine Irene willingly wearing it alongside her designer outfit. To be honest, it looks like a child's summer project. "Uh, is this it?" Irene's face melts with relief as you place the bracelet into her waiting palms. She puts the bracelet on, the thing absurdly loose around her wrist. No wonder she lost it. "Why is it so important to you?" you ask. Irene sniffs. "It's none of your business." You shrug. [[It's none of your business.->doorslam2]]

//..it's my fault she died.// You know this line well. It's something you think about every day. "Can I...can I ask what happened?" Irene's gaze lingers on the bracelet. "Why not? I've already told you this much." Irene sighs. "She died from a heart attack." That hardly seems like her fault. "In college I got into doing drugs. It wasn't frequent, just some here and there to relieve stress, you know? But then I got caught by mother senior year." You think you know where this is going. "She was furious. Honestly, I was a little excited. I thought, hey, maybe she's mad because she cared! But all she said was 'What if someone caught you?', 'Do you want to shame my name?', and on and on and on." Irene runs a hand through her blonde strands. "No 'I'm worried about you', 'It's bad for you', or 'Why are you taking drugs?'. No, it was all about her and how I was the bad, impudent one." Irene sighs. "At the time, it just proved to me how little she cared about her own flesh and blood. And I told her as much, how bad of a mother she was. Needless to say, we got into screaming match." Irene clenches her lips and blinks several times, willing the beginning of a sob to go away. When it didn't, she turned away from your view. You say nothing. "She had a bad heart, but I didn't know. When she clutched her chest, I thought she was acting, pretending to be the victim, and walked away. I thought to myself, 'I hope she really dies.'" Her voice is quivering now, her elbows bobbing as she wipes her eyes. "When I came back, she was on the floor, her immaculate hair a mess around the floor. She was long dead before I called for an ambulance." [[Irene concludes]], her words resembling squeaks.

You let the information wash over you. You...you can't imagine what Irene must feel. To have thoughtlessly hoped for her mother's death at the heat of the moment, and then finding her mother actually dead. It must have been horrible. It must still be horrible. Perhaps that's why Irene is here now. To redeem, just like you. Irene is sobbing furiously now, crouching on her knees and arms huddled around her head. You may not know how it feels to lose a mother, but you do know how it feels to lose a brother. [[Open up to Irene]] [[Stay silent]]

"I...I don't know how it feels to lose a mom, or if your mom hates you or not, but I do know how it feels to lose someone. It's the reason I'm here. Isn't that the same for you?" Irene nods, her sobs gradually ceasing. "My little brother died because of me." Irene's body stiffens at the statement. "I wasn't watching him like I was supposed to and he...he got kidnapped. The police found him later, but it was t-too la-late." Your breath shudders at the memory. Images of Hayden's carcass flashes through your mind followed by the images of your mom hysteric with grief. "My mom couldn't even look at me after, and I couldn't blame her. I couldn't even look ay myself. It was my fault." You swallow. "B-But we eventually talked. She forgave me and told me to forgive myself," you sniffle, "but I couldn't. I don't think I ever will." This time, you're the one rubbing your eyes. "I can't speak for your mom or change your mind, but I think that, no matter what you did, your mom will forgive you even if you can't forgive yourself." Irene doesn't answer you and you don't speak anymore. The fire in the hearth crackles gently as silence ensues between you both, but it isn't suffocating. [[It feels relieving.->doorslamI'sgratitude]] (!) You've gained Irene's trust (set: $trust to $trust + (a: "Irene's trust"))

Images of Hayden's carcass on the silver slab flash through your mind. You shudder and wrap your arms around yourself. No, you can't. It's too soon. [[You accompany Irene as her sobs gradually cease.->doorslamI'sgratitude]]

The slam of a door startles you both. "What was that?" Irene sniffles. "I don't know, but it came from the living room." You get up and make your way to the living room, but Irene grabs your arm. "Wait, you're not going towards it, are you?" "It could be one of the other players. We need to warn them about that pigtailed girl." "What if it is the pigtailed girl?" The possibility makes you hesitate. But what if it's not? It'll haunt you forever if someone got hurt because you ignored them. Again. "If it is, we'll get out of here. The front door is right next to the [[living room->livingroom]]." Irene bites her bottom lip in indecision. She sighs. "Fine, but at the first sign of pigtails, we're leaving, even if I have to drag you." You smile. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The slam of a door startles you both. "What was that?" Irene asks. "I don't know, but it came from the living room." You get up and make your way to the living room, but Irene grabs your arm. "Wait, you're not going towards it, are you?" "It could be one of the other players. We need to warn them about that pigtailed girl." "What if it is the pigtailed girl?" The possibility makes you hesitate. But what if it's not? It'll haunt you forever if someone got hurt because you ignored them. Again. "If it is, we'll get out of here. The front door is right next to the [[living room->livingroomI'sannoyance]]." Irene scoffs. "What do you mean 'we'? You're going to check it out. I'm staying right here." You roll your eyes. Whatever.

The slam of a door startles you both. "What was that?" Irene asks. "I don't know, but it came from the living room." You get up and make your way to the living room, but Irene grabs your arm. "Wait, you're not going towards it, are you?" "It could be one of the other players. We need to warn them about that pigtailed girl." "What if it is the pigtailed girl?" The possibility makes you hesitate. But what if it's not? It'll haunt you forever if someone got hurt because you ignored them. Again. "If it is, we'll get out of here. The front door is right next to the [[living room->livingroom]]." Irene bites her bottom lip in indecision. "Fine, but at the first sign of pigtails, I'm leaving, with or without you." You roll your eyes. She's being too dramatic.

The first thing that hit you is the smell of rotting iron. The second thing that hit you is the sight of the carcass on top of the dining table. Erick. Bile rise up your throat. Erick is sliced open from collar to pelvis. His skin peels open to reveal nothing but an empty cavern. All his organs had been removed - intestines, stomach, heart. His eye sockets are now a sea of darkness. The blood has filmed over, indicating that Erick's been dead for some time. Around the table, dolls lay scattered on the ground. You clutch your nose and mouth, and [[turn away->Itwinkle]] from the sickening sight.

The living room looks to be in order, nothing knocked over or amiss. It's probably safe to say the girl isn't there, but neither is anyone else. There's still the dining room, however. "H-Hey, wait." Irene calls from behind you. You raise a brow. "I thought you're staying in the library." Irene huffs. "I didn't think you would actually leave without me. It's creepy being alone in there." Well, two is better than one. You place your hand on the doorknob and [[turn]].

As you turn, something twinkles in your peripheral. You would [[inspect it closer->Iitem]], but there's a problem. It in the middle of a pool of blood.

You're reluctant. Really. Reluctant. Both the stench and the sight bring forth bad memories. It reminds you of the last time you saw Hayden. You knee over and try to breath, but the retched air makes you nauseous. Irene isn't doing any better. She's weak on her knees; wide eyed; and cupping her mouth with both hands. Her breathing sounds irregular, like she's hyperventilating. "Fuck, fuck, fuck." Irene whispers under her breath. You're in consensus. You're getting the fuck [[out]] of here.

The both of you run to the front door only to find it locked. "Dammit!" Irene screams. "Why won't it open?!" You pace around, trying to think of a solution. The memory of something twinkling resurfaces in your mind. "I saw something twinkling next to Erick. Maybe that can open the door?" "You mean we have to go back? Are you nuts? What if the killer is still in there?" You don't want to go back, too, but there is no other way. "If he or she was in there, we wouldn't have escaped unharmed. Also, it's better than fighting this door." Irene roughly jiggles the doorknob again, but it doesn't give this time either. "Fine. We get in, grab it, and get out." You nod. You decide not to tell her it's in the middle of a [[blood puddle]].

"I'm not touching it." Irene declares. You're clutching your mouth just in case you actually throw up. You're also trying not to look at Erick's body as much as possible. "Someone has to do it." "Yeah, and it's not going to be me." You sigh. You're not going to get anywhere with her, so it's up to you. At the very least, you should look for a napkin or something. You see a [[parchment]] on top of a shelf.

//"To save the souls, look underneath the singing dove"// What is this, a riddle? You tear the bottom half of the parchment and scoot towards the puddle of blood. Never looking at the dead body, you pick the item up with two fingers and wipe the blood off. It's an [[amber->Iamberandparchment]]. You take the ''amber''. (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Amber"))

Irene inspects the gem curiously. "An amber? How is that going to open the door?" "I don't know, but I did find a pearl in my room." "Actually, I did too, but it's a ruby." Clearly, the gems are for something, but what? You take another look at the parchment. //"To save the souls, look underneath the singing dove"// To save the souls. Hayden? Something Michael said stirs in your mind. "What if...what if this is the game?" Irene looks at you incredulously. "This isn't a game, it's murder!" You wince at her screeching. "To us, yeah, but is it to them? Remember how the little girl said she'll kill us? I don't think she was joking." Irene gulps. A grim cloud looms over you. "If we want to leave, we probably have to win this game." And to save Hayden, too. Irene opens her mouth to argue, but then thought better of it. She grits her teeth instead and snatch the [[parchment->IR1]] out of your hand. "Fine. Fine! When I get out of here, this place and the 'judges' are all going down." You couldn't agree more.

//"To save the souls, look underneath the singing dove"// Where do you want to go? [[Living Room->IR1correctroom]] [[Library->IR1wrongroom]] [[Hearth Room->IR1wrongroom]] [[Conservatory->IR1wrongroom]] [[Main Entry->IR1wrongroom]]

//"To save the souls, look underneath the singing dove"// Eureka! The both of you arrive at the living room and look around. "Where in the living room is it?" Irene asks. You think about it. Of course you should look at the... [[Couches->IR1wrongplace]] [[Hearth->IR1wrongplace]] [[Shelves->IR1wrongplace]] [[Piano->IR1correctplace]]

Irene places her hands on her hips with a raised brow. "Seriously? Are you actually sure?" "Uh..." You scratch your head. Now that you think about it, maybe not. [[Choose another room->IR1]]

You look all over, but there's nothing of interest. [[Look somewhere else->IR1correctroom]]

The singing dove! Of course. The piano plays music and its white like a dove. Now to look underneath it. There's a small switch attached to the floor. You flip it up. Nothing happens. "That's odd-" "God, these music sheets are all out of order." Irene shuffles through them irritatingly. "Huh, this definitely doesn't belong here." Irene hands you a parchment. It's another [[riddle->IR2]].

You groan. Another one? //"Prove your weight in wisdom to the mechanical angel"// Where do you want to go? [[Library->IR2wrongroom]] [[Hearth Room->IR2wrongroom]] [[Conservatory->IR2wrongroom]] [[Main Entry->IR2correctroom]]

Irene places her hands on her hips with a raised brow. "Seriously? Are you actually sure?" "Uh..." You scratch your head. Now that you think about it, maybe not. [[Choose another room->IR2]]

//"Prove your weight in wisdom to the mechanical angel"// Where in the main entry is the switch? [[Stairs->IR2wrongplace]] [[Lift->IR2correctplace]] [[Glass Panel->IR2wrongplace]]

You look all over, but there's nothing of interest. [[Look somewhere else->IR2correctroom]]

//"Prove your weight in wisdom to the mechanical angel"// A mechanical angel...mechanical. The only mechanical object here is the lift. It also goes up like a flying angel. You inspect the outside of the elevator but don't see anything out of the ordinary. Irene is examining the inside. Hm. You wonder how to prove your weight in wisdom. [[Push the elevator->Ipush]] [[Step inside->Iinside]] [[Press buttons->Ibutton]]

You push at the walls, the door, and everything you can get your hands on. Nothing happens. Irene laughs at you. "What are you doing?" You blush. "Nothing." [[Go back->IR2correctplace]]

Someone is already inside and the sign reads "One Person At A Time". What do you do? [[Switch places->Iswitch]] [[Step inside anyway->IR2warning]] [[Go back->IR2correctplace]]

You press the up button. Irene squeaks as the elevator goes up. You press the down button. The elevator comes down. Nothing really changed except Irene's temper. "A little warning next time?" [[Go back->IR2correctplace]]

You switch places. Nothing happens. [[Go back->Iinside]]

The sign reads "One Person At A Time". Are you sure it's wise to proceed? [[Yes->IR2warning2]] [[No->Iinside]]

Are you really, really sure? [[YES->IR2correct]] [[Um, nevermind->Iinside]]

You step inside, adding to the weight. "Ever heard of personal space?" Irene asks as she tries to push you outside. The space is narrow and you're definitely invading her personal bubble. "Wait for it." Underneath the button for Floor 1, a panel slides open. Inside is another [[riddle->IR3]] and a switch. You flip the switch on.

//"Uncover the witch hiding within the scholar’s domain"// So it's witch hunting now, huh? Where do you want to go? [[Living Room->IR3wrongroom]] [[Library->IR3correctroom]] [[Hearth Room->IR3wrongroom]] [[Conservatory->IR3wrongroom]]

Irene places her hands on her hips with a raised brow. "Seriously? Are you actually sure?" "Uh..." You scratch your head. Now that you think about it, maybe not. [[Choose another room->IR3]]

//"Uncover the witch hiding within the scholar’s domain"// The library is as messy as ever. Where is the witch hiding? [[Billiard table->IR3wrongplace]] [[Hearth->IR3wrongplace]] [[Bookcase->IR3correctplace]] [[Study->IR3wrongplace]] [[Couch->IR3wrongplace]]

You look all over, but there's nothing of interest. [[Look somewhere else->IR3correctroom]]

//"Uncover the witch hiding within the scholar’s domain"// Which book do you want to look at? [["Redemption"->Iwrongbk]] [["Wards Against Evil"->Iwrongbk]] [["Spirits, Souls, and Ghouls"->Iwrongbk]] More(click-replace: "More")[[["The Seven Sins"->Iwrongbk]] [["Nightingale"->Iwrongbk]] [["The Bad, The Cruel, and The Wicked"->Iwrongbk]] Even more(click-replace: "Even more")[[["Salem"->Icorrectbk]] [["How to Manage a Corporate Empire"->Iwrongbk]] [["The History of European Manors and Castles"->Iwrongbk]]]]

You scan through the book. Nothing interesting happens. [[Put the book back->IR3correctplace]]

//Brave the waterfall to obtain your treasure// "I'm REALLY sick of these riddles." Irene rolls her eyes. "Man up. We need to get out of here." You sigh, but continue. It's near the end, you can feel it. Where do you want to go? [[Living Room->IR4wrongroom]] [[Hearth Room->IR4wrongroom]] [[Conservatory->IR4correctroom]] [[Main Entry->IR4wrongroom]]

Irene places her hands on her hips with a raised brow. "Seriously? Are you actually sure?" "Uh..." You scratch your head. Now that you think about it, maybe not. [[Choose another room->IR4]]

"What happened here?" The entrance to the conservatory is covered with roots. You touch it. The roots wiggle underneath your fingertips. You immediately jump back as if scathed. Irene shudders and follows your example, but instead of lunging at you both, the roots retracted. One after another they retreat, revealing slivers of the [[conservatory->IDougdead]] until- Your heart stutters.

Irene gasps and backs away. Dangling against the backdrop of a [[luminescent moon->IR4wrongplaceflowers]] is Douglass. [[Thorned roots->IR4wrongplacebonsai]] encapsulate his body, piercing through both leather and flesh alike. They cocoon him tightly, greedily sucking his blood from the open wounds until they themselves are crimson. Now and then, they would squirm. His head hangs in the gloom of death. Blood leaks from his eyes, nose, and mouth, pooling at his chin. It clings desperately before inevitably dripping to the [[fountain->IR4correctplace]] below. Fear crawls beneath your skin at the sight, but also something more. It's not just about the horror of what you see anymore. It's the fear of being next. The ones left are Irene and you, and you don't know where the teen, Eli, is.

//Brave the waterfall to obtain your treasure// The thick roots ensnaring Douglass' corpse leads back to the potted bonsais scattered throughout the room. [[Search them?->IR4searchbonsai]] [[Go back->IDougdead]] (if: $inv contains "Pot")[(replace:"Search them?")[]](else:)[]

You try not to look up at Douglass' corpse as you approach the fountain. Right as you reach the cusp, a drop of blood barely misses your cheek. The ebb of the wave dissolves the blood as soon as it lands. You step back an inch. There's something sparkling underneath the water. Behind the curtain of rushing liquid, you see a switch. [[Check beneath the water->IR4rosequartz]] [[Check behind the curtain of water->IR4switch]] [[Go back->IDougdead]] (if: $inv contains "Rose Quartz")[(replace:"Check beneath the water")[]] (else:)[]

It's a ''rose quartz''. Here's another for the collection. (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Rose Quartz")) [[Go back->IR4correctplace]]

You try to reach the switch, but the pressure from the water is too much. There must be some other way. (if: $inv contains "Pot")[You feel like you're forgetting something. Did you check beneath the water?] (else:)[] (if: $inv contains "Pot" and "Rose Quartz")[It's a two person job. You catch the downpouring water with the pot. As you do, Irene flips the switch. A stone cache embedded on the side of the fountain opens. Inside is another [[riddle->IR5]].] (else:)[] [[Go back->IDougdead]]

//And then the heart of the manor will show you the way.// "It looks like the last of them." "Thank god." The heart of the manor. Where would that be? [[Living Room->IR5wrongroom]] [[Library->IR5wrongroom]] [[Hearth Room->IR5correctroom]] [[Main Entry->IR5wrongroom]]

They're beautiful to gaze at, but there's nothing hidden among or under them. [[Go back->Iflowergiggle]]

As you turn away, you swear you hear a flower giggle at you. You stare at the plants suspiciously, but they're stalk still. [[Go back->IDougdead]]

You take the ''pot''.(set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Pot")) [[Go back->IDougdead]]

Irene places her hands on her hips with a raised brow. "Seriously? Are you actually sure?" "Uh..." You scratch your head. Now that you think about it, maybe not. [[Choose another room->IR5]]

The roots covering the entrance of the room scatters with a touch. Inside, standing near the hearth, is Eli with a...bloody axe. Irene and you immediately tense and step back. Eli, noticing you two, walks towards forward, the axe grinding roughly across the floor as they move. "S-Stop! Don't come any closer." Irene warns while grasping the back of your shirt. Eli stops, a look of confusion on their face. "Okay?" "Why do you have a bloody axe?" you ask apprehensively. "Don't ask, run." Irene exclaims. [["They're probably the killer!"]]

Eli blinks at you before their eyes widen. They drop the axe and hold up their hands defensively. "Hold on. I didn't kill anybody." "Then why do you have a bloody axe?" Irene hisses. "For protection. You may not believe me, but there are monsters here. The blood is from the monster." Irene scoffs. "Monsters? Please. The only monster I see here is you." Eli glares at Irene. "It's true. There are monsters here." Irene opens her mouth to argue, but you intervene. "Did it happen to be a little girl with blonde pigtails?" You didn't think the girl was a monster before, but she definitely wasn't normal. Then you saw both Erick and Douglass' corpses. Could a human really have done all that? Irene's eyes flashes with acknowledgment. As much as she doesn't want to believe it, it's the only thing that makes sense. Eli shakes their head. "No. The one I encountered was big with a large mouth and multiple heads." Shit, does this mean there are more than one of these [[monsters]]?

"Sam...Sam~my..." a voice sings. A chill runs down your spin. "Where are you...going? [[Come here...->ISloth]]"

A woman drifts out of the wall, her cracked, yellow toenails scrapping against the floor. She reaches a pasty arm out to you but stops due to the swing of an axe. Eli glares at her while Irene clutches the back of your shirt tighter. It's obvious the woman isn't human. She stares down at Eli from behind a shock of frenzied, chalky hair. Her eyes are cloudy, almost unfocused, as she hovers in place. Her worn dress flutters at the hem as she does. She's thin - skeletal. You can see the outline of her ribs, the joints of her fingers, and the shape of her collarbone bulging out of her skin. You feel she'll collapse if you as much as tap her. "Sam~my...come here...Sam~my." she coos. She's eerie not only in appearance but also in voice. It makes your body feel relaxed, safe, even though your brain is screaming for you to run. A [[hard tug of your collar->Iladder]] causes you to choke, but it connects your body back to your brain.

You glare at the offender, Irene. She glares back and hisses, "Snap out of it, dork." Eli peeks back at the two of you. "There's a ladder inside the hearth. Go up, I'll distract her." You're flabbergasted. What? No! You're not letting a kid fend off whatever the woman is. "Up? Up to where?" Irene whispers. Eli hands you a [[map->I3rdflrmap]].

<img src="https://ychen26.neocities.org/3rd%20floor%20map.jpg"> It depicts the layout of the third floor. That's right, this is a three-story manor, isn't it? You totally forgot. The woman reaches out for you again, and Eli swings their axe again. "[[Go up, already.]](if: $trust contains "Irene's gratitude")[(replace:"Go up, already.")[][[[Head up, already.->headupI'sgratitude]]]](else:)[]" (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Third Floor Map"))

Irene doesn't need to be told twice. She cringes at the layers of soot in the hearth, but makes her way up nonetheless. You're more reluctant. "What are you doing?" Eli snaps. "Helping you out." you say as you look for a weapon. Eli tsks. A pale, skeletal hand tries to grab you again. You jump out of the way as Eli swings their axe at the offending limb. "Look, it's only after you. It doesn't care about me. I'll be fine, she's not attacking me and she doesn't even look strong." But that doesn't mean she isn't dangerous, you think. [[Get to the ladder->I3rdfloor]] [[Stay with Eli->bade12.2]]

Seeing how reluctant you are in leaving Eli behind, Irene literally drags you to the hearth by the edge of your collar. You have to tug it forward in order not to choke again. "Wait, we can't leave them by themselves against that //thing//!" Irene rolls her eyes. "FYI, that thing has been calling your name the whole time. Clearly it just wants you, so you're definitely not staying." She then points to Eli. "And look at that kid. They look much tougher than you, and that monster isn't even aiming for them." Admittedly, Eli does look formidable with the axe despite their age and size. "If we don't win this //game//, none of us are going to be safe. We came here to do something, an we're fucking doing it, even if it's just to rub it in these freaks faces!" You give Eli one last look, but give in. You still need to save Hayden. [[Get up the ladder->I3rdfloor]]

Met with silence, Hayden's bright eyes become down casted. "You really don't care." You inhale sharply. No. NO. "I care, Hayden. I-" "You're leaving and never coming back." Hayden cries, looking away from you to hide his tears. The flame is nothing but a sprout now. No, this can't be happening. Please, don't. Licks of blue wisps start to evaporate one by one. Hayden won't spare you even a glance. "I'm sorry," Hayden sniffles, "for being a brat." "No, you're not!" you deny, but Hayden isn't listening. Words won't get through him. Suddenly, the edge of the canvas turns to ash, dusting the floor. As you panic, the disintegration spreads along the edges, circling towards the center. You try to stop it with your hands, but it's futile. You gaze at your ash covered hands with horror. Only the frame of Hayden's face is left. "I'm sorry." Hayden whispers, his voice so small it crushes your heart. You should be the one apologizing, not him. He didn't do anything wrong. It's your fault. "Don't apologize! I'm the one that's sorr-" The last piece turns to ash and Hayden is gone. ............ You slump to the ground. A hand rests on your shoulder, but you can't feel anything. You just stare at the wall where Hayden used to be. Someone pulls your arm and says, "I'm sorry, but we need to go." You shake your head and snatch your arm away. You're not going anywhere; there's no point anymore. You're staying. You're staying with Hayden. Forever. From the depths of the manor, the Sins grin. =><= ''Bad End 16: Fellow Resident'' <== (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Teddy Bear", "Pearl", "Rose Quartz", "Amber")) [[Continue->Istalkerteddybear]] [[Restart->Start]]

You hear the music of piano keys as you reach the third floor. It's a rather sad and lonely tune. Who's playing, you wonder. Shrugging soot off your hair and shoulders, you [[look around->Ilook around]]. (set: $affect to (a:))

To the right, a trail of hanging portraits lead to a door. To the left behind you, a pathway leads to another door. In front is an open space. The music seems to be coming from that direction. [[Inspect the portraits->Iportraits]] [[Go right->ISun Room]] [[Go left->Itrunkroom]] [[Go forward->Ikidvoice]](if: $affect contains "teddyscare")[(replace:"Go forward")[][[[Go forward->Imusicandgreenroom]]]](else:)[]

There are unlit lamps on top of each portrait. Well, the portrait frames at least. There is no canvas embedded. It reminds you of when Michael showed you Hayden. He was in the same kind of frame. Would Hayden appear again? At the top of the frames, an inscription is written: "Offer the gems to Apollo and he shall reveal your beloved." Beloved. Does this mean you get to meet Hayden if you gather all the gems? Below each frame is a name tag: Sofia, Catherine, Theo, and Hayden. Irene stares intently at the name, Catherine. Wait. You go over the portraits again. This is strange. There are five players, but only four portraits. [[Go back->Ilook around]]

The plaque on the door says, "Trunk Room". You jiggle the doorknob but it won't open. (if: $inv contains "Trunk Room Key")[You use the key you got from Michael. A click and the door is unlocked. [[Enter->Iwarning3]]](else:)[] [[Go back->Ilook around]]

Where to next? [[Go to the Green Room->Igreenroom2]] [[Talk to Michael->Imusicroom2]] [[Go back->Ilook around]]

He's made it clear he doesn't want to see you. You don't want to test his patience. [[Go back->Imusicandgreenroom]]

In the end, your heart won. "What if this is a trick? Don't you remember that pigtailed girl?" Irene warns, but she tags along nonetheless. "But what if it isn't? We can't abandon a defenseless child." "If it even is a child." Irene mumbles under her breath. Apparently, it's called the Green Room for a reason. From ceiling to floor, the entire room is engulfed with green. There's no furniture and the windows are tinted. In the middle of the floor is a solitary teddy bear with black fur and green button eyes. There's no child in sight. It was a trick after all. Irene huffs, arms crossed. "I told you so." [[Go back->Iirritating piano]] (set: $affect to $affect + (a: "teddyscare"))

You sigh and rub your weary eyes. The music has become irritating, and Irene isn't helping with the matter. [[Follow the music->IMusic Room]]

Irene slams down on the keys. The air in the room halts. "Didn't your parents ever teach you to pay attention when someone is talking?" Irene hisses. Michael's green eyes flash as he pins you both with an unnerving stare. Your body starts to tremble, but you succumb it. You're not going to let yourself be scared off by him. You glare right back at him. Michael stands and looks down on you both, eyes narrowed in anger. "And did you parents not teach you to be respectful to your elders?" Irene bristles, but you pull her back before she can make the situation worse. You lick you chapped lips. "Just tell us what's going on." Michael stays silent, as if testing you, but you stand firm. Your right eye starts to sting. Michael smiles decrepitly. "What determination. I am jealous." He chuckles. "If you seek the truth so badly, then who am I to remain ignorant? Come closer, Sam." Instinctively, you hesitate, but you want answers. You cheeks tingle as you [[move closer->Imove closer]]. <script>Music.stop('https://retired.sounddogs.com/previews/36/mp3/304485_SOUNDDOGS__pi.mp3');</script>

You rub your cheek. "You, the players, are not merely participants, but sinners." Sinners. You look down. Sinner, you're a sinner. You can't disagree with him because he's right. You let your brother die. "And we, as your very sins, are here to give you all a second chance. A chance to redeem. Rather than monsters, as you call us, are we not actually angels?" Sins. They're fucking Sins. Cruel devils who call themselves angels. Images of Erick, Irene, and Douglass' corpse flash before you. "Angels don't murder people." Michael grabs your chin and tilts your head up. "You are right. They do not murder innocent people. Are you innocent, Sam? Did your Sloth not lead to Hayden's death? It is only fair your Sin is chasing you now." You snap your chin out of his grip. "You and your //colleagues// aren't innocent either, so stop pretending. Did any of us even have a chance or is this just a sick game of life and death?" [[Is saving Hayden possible?->IsavingHaydenpossible?]]

"Ouch." Irene is rubbing her eyes. Your left eye stings. "Oh, you all have a chance. The other players were just not able to win. But you still can, Sam." You rub your eyes, but then your hands start to sting. And then your cheeks, neck, and ear. This isn't normal. Michael laughs. "That is, if can answer something for me." You open your tear filled eyes. In front of you [[Michael is gone->IEnvy]].

A green mist swirl around you. You back up, but as your elbow touches the mist, it burns. Sparks of green dust enter your throat and you begin to cough. It feels like something is scratching your throat. "What is this?" Irene gasps as she frantically looks around. There's no escape route anywhere. "I would not get too close or you will melt to nothing. There is no escape from me." Michael's, no, the Sin's voice echoes from all direction. He's not gone, he's all around you. "Your determination is admirable but insolent. However, to prove we are indeed giving you a chance, I will provide you with a way out." Your hope raises with shaking legs. Is there really a way to get out? More importantly, is he telling the truth? "[[Who am I?->Iwhoami?]] The answer will set you free."

Simple, but not at the same time. There are seven Sins in total, but which one is Michael? Giving the wrong answer will ensure death. [[Pride->bade14.2]] [[Gluttony->bade14.2]] [[Lust->bade14.2]] [[Wrath->bade14.2]] [[Envy->IcorrectSin]] [[Sloth->bade14.2]] [[Greed->bade14.2]]

=><= ''Warning'' After entering the Trunk Room, you won't be able to go back and explore the other choices. Do you want to [[go back->Ilook around]] or [[proceed?->ITrunk Room]]

You expected the Trunk Room to be full of, well, trunks. Instead, it's full of monitors. A web of wires bridge one screen to another, their brightness glaring in the dark room. Below them is a keyboard. "What the hell is this?" The monitors depict every room in the manor. Someone, or something, was peeping in on all of you. A monitor in the upper right shows Eli. You breathe a sigh of relief. They're still alive, thank god. However, they're not fighting the woman, who you assume is Sloth, anymore. Rather, they're fighting a large, bulbous monster with a gaping mouth and multiple heads. Is this the monster Eli was referring to? You bite the inside of your cheek and glance around nervously. Michael gave you the key with the parting words "Here's your freedom". There must be something in here that'll help you escape the manor once you save Hayden. [[Inspect the room->Iinspectroom]] [[Inspect the keyboard->Iinspectkeyboard]] [[Inspect the monitors->Iinspectmonitor]]

"Who knew demons were so high-tech?" Irene remarks as she scans the various monitors around the room. There's nothing but monitors. You wonder who, or what, was using this room. "Demons? I thought they were Sins?" Irene shrugs. "They're all the same, aren't they?" [[Go back->ITrunk Room]]

There's your usual array of letters, numbers, and commands. What should you do? (if: $affect contains "password")[[[Press "Esc"->Iesc which room]]](else:)[] [[Press randomly->Ipressrandomly]] [[Go back->ITrunk Room]]

You have to squint your eyes as you look into the glare. Eli is still in the living room with the large Sin, but aside from that, there's no activity anywhere else. Wait. On the monitor overseeing the front entry, there's a sticky note(mouseover:"sticky note")[. It reads: Esc - 51760]. [[Go back->ITrunk Room]] (set: $affect to $affect + (a: "password"))

A menu pops up in the screen in front of you. "Select a Room" [[Study->Iwrongselect]] [[Garage->Iwrongselect]] [[Laundry Room->Iwrongselect]] [[Dining Room->Iwrongselect]] [[Main Entry->Ikeypad]] [[Suite 2->Iwrongselect]] [[Suite 3->Iwrongselect]] [[Suite 4->Iwrongselect]] [[Suite 5->Iwrongselect]] [[Trunk Room->Iwrongselect]] [[Sun Room->Iwrongselect]] [[Green Room->Iwrongselect]] { (set: $entry to "") (set: $entryLength to 5) (set: $solution to "51760") }

Nothing happens. "Like that was going to work." Irene scoffs. "Hey, at least I tried." [[Go back->Iinspectkeyboard]]

"Error" [[Go back->Iesc which room]]

"Enter the Password" <div class="entry">[*****]<entry|</div> <table> <tr> <td>(link-repeat: "1")[(display: "Key 1")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "2")[(display: "Key 2")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "3")[(display: "Key 3")]</td> </tr> <tr> <td>(link-repeat: "4")[(display: "Key 4")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "5")[(display: "Key 5")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "6")[(display: "Key 6")]</td> </tr> <tr> <td>(link-repeat: "7")[(display: "Key 7")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "8")[(display: "Key 8")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "9")[(display: "Key 9")]</td> </tr> <tr> <td>(link-repeat: "Clear")[(display: "Clear")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "0")[(display: "Key 0")]</td> <td>(link-repeat: "Enter")[(display: "IEnter")]</td> </tr> </table> [[Go back->ITrunk Room]]

{ (if: $entry is $solution)[ (goto: "IEntryUnlock") ] }

"Main Entry Door Unlocked" You can't believe it. Does this mean you can get out of here? You look at the screen overseeing the main entry. The front door is open by just a gape. It reminds you of when you first arrived. Elation courses through you. Finally! Now all you have to do is find Hayden. Irene's gasp draws your attention. She's looking at one of the monitors. You follow her gaze, finding it to rest on an image of the hearth room. You [[found Eli->IfoundEli]], and then you paled.

Eli's head is pluck off. Irene turns away, unable to watch any farther. You slide down to your knees, weak. No. Nononono. Not another one. You slam your fist hard on the ground. You shouldn't have left them. No matter what you should've stayed. Another kid dead because of you. Just like Hayden. At the thought of Hayden, you clench your fist. No, Hayden still has a chance. You can still save Hayden. You must save Hayden. Breathing in a shuddering breath, you get up, body turned away from the monitors. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Eli." you sniffle. There's nothing you can do for them now. [[Walk out->Istalkerteddybear]]

"...That...definitely wasn't there before." Irene says. A teddy bear stares back at you. Just as you left the Trunk Room, you meet a teddy bear. It's sitting in the middle of the hall, obstructing your path. You know this bear. It's the same one you saw in the Green Room; a black furred and green eyed bear. It's appearance reminds you of Michael. However, whereas Michael is dressed neatly and immaculately, this bear's fur is ruffled. You remember it being more well-kept than it is now. What is it doing here? Its button eyes look up to you, unmoving. It almost feels lonely. [[Ignore the bear->bade13.2]] [[Take the bear->Itakebear]] [[Give the bear Sammy->IgiveSammy]]

You take the ''[[green eyed teddy bear->IlikebearlikeMichael]]''. (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Green Eyed Teddy Bear"))

You place Sammy next to the teddy bear. You smile to yourself at the sight of the two, paws touching. Much better. You walk away. "Thank you." You stop mid-step and whirl around. There is no one there. On the lap of the green eyed bear, however, is an ''[[emerald->Iemerald]]''. You take it. You should probably question it, but you've stopped making sense of this manor some time ago. Irene looks on suspiciously but says nothing. At least is didn't attack you. (set: $inv to $inv - (a: "Teddy Bear")) (set: $inv to $inv + (a: "Emerald"))

You almost drop the emerald at the blaring noise. Inside the Trunk Room the monitors are going crazy, white and black dots of static buzzing at every interval. You cover your ears. The noise is deafening. "How //-bzzt-// dare //-tsst-// you." From the monitor, a static, humanoid figure stretches out. Irene and you both yells and scrambles back. The figure zaps out of view ad reappears mere inches from your face. Your hair stands on end. [[Freeze->bade15.4]] [[Freeze->bade15.4]] [[Freeze->bade15.4]] [[Freeze->bade15.4]] [[Freeze->bade15.4]] [[Freeze->bade15.4]] [[Run->Irunchoice]] [[Freeze->bade15.4]] [[Freeze->bade15.4]] [[Freeze->bade15.4]] [[Freeze->bade15.4]]

(set: $counter to 5) You have |amount>[$counter] seconds! (live: 1s)[(set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "bade15.4")](replace: ?amount)[$counter]] Where do you run to? [[Sun Room->bade15.4]] [[Music Room->bade15.4]] [[Green Room->bade15.4]] [[Trunk Room->bade15.4]] [[Downstairs->IPride]]

Irene jumps for the ladder, you second. You're practically sliding down in your panic. You crawl out of the hearth, soot blemishing both your skin and clothes, but that was the least of your worries. You walk right into Irene as you get ou. One look tells you why. The Static greets is there. You back into a wall. "How //-bzzt-// dare //-tsst-// you!" it repeats. "This is my //-tzzt-// game. You'll never //-bzzt-// outsmart me. Dance more, puppets. //-tsst-// Dance!" It's another Sin. The peeping Tom. The Sin cackles, sparks of static spouting from its body. With a blink of an eye, its [[in front you->Iin front of you]] once more.

"E-Eli?!" There in the flesh stands Eli, whole and head still attached. You rub your eyes and then pinch your cheeks. This isn't a hallucination, is it? "Yeah?" Eli replies, confused. "B-But, y-your-." They give you a concerned look. "We saw it! Your head, it was t-torn off your neck by that large monster." Irene exclaims. Eli's eyes widen. "What?" "There's a monitor room upstairs that looks over the entire manor. That's where we saw it." You feel queasy just thinking about it. "...It's a [[trick->Itrick]]." Eli states.

A trick? "A trick? What, do you think we're stupid? We saw it happen with our own eyes." Irene counters. Eli looks back confidently. "Yes, you saw at through a monitor. That Sin was made out of static, right? Which means it can affect technology. It must have tampered with the image." You think about it. That Sin did come out of the monitor. You turn to Irene. She looks pretty skeptical, but it's a reasonable explanation. Better than someone coming back from the dead, at least. Wait. How did they know it was a Sin? You never told them about the Sins, did you? [[Question them->Iquestion]] [[Leave it alone->Ileaveit]]

The three of you make your way to the [[Sun Room->Isunroom]]. Along the way, you inform Eli about the unlocked door. With Eli's onyx and Irene's ruby, you've got enough gems to offer to "Apollo" and save Hayden. Then you're getting out of this hell hole.

Eli turns away from you to inspect the hearth. Just as they did, you catch a glimpse of a red mark on the side their neck. Their hair blocks it from view the next second. [[Hm.->Ileaveit]]

You place the gems into their respective slots. Damn. There's still [[one missing->Ione missing]]. (set: $inv to $inv - (a: "Pearl", "Rose Quartz", "Amber", "Emerald"))

It must be somewhere around here. It must be! You don't know how much time Hayden has left. [[Search around the manor->Isearchmanor]] [[Look at your inventory->Iinventory]] [[Ask Michael->IaskMichael]]

You can't find it anywhere. You're just lucky that you didn't come across any of the Sins. [[Go back->Ione missing]]

Which item do you want to use? [[Phone->Inope]] [[Photo->Inope]] [[Letter->Inope]] [[Hammer->Inope]] [[Chisel->Inope]] [[Glass Cutter->IDiamond]] [[Map->Inope]] [[Study Key->Inope]] [[Pot->Inope]] [[Third Floor Map->Inope]] [[Trunk Room Key->Inope]]

Michael still isn't keen on talking to you, but he did let out a disdainful chuckle. Well, screw him. [[Go back->Ione missing]]

What are you supposed to do with it, anyway? [[Go back->Iinventory]]

The tip of the glass cutter is made from a purple diamond - a gem. You pluck the diamond out and insert it into its slot. Something turns on [[outside->IGallery]].

You try to bite back a whimper, but it doesn't work. You don't want to lie, but you can't stay with him even if you wanted to. It's just...it's just... Unfair. Unfair, unfair, unfair. "Sammy?" comes Hayden's hesitant voice. The flame grows even smaller. You sniffle and wipe the tears away. Something. You need something to reassure Hayden. [[But you don't have anything.->bade16.2]](if: $inv contains "Teddy Bear")[(replace:"But you don't have anything.")[][Then you realize something. [[Sammy->IMeeting Hayden]].]](else:)[]

You shift the bear around. It really looks lonely. The piano piece Michael was playing earlier sounded lonely, too. You're starting to feel guilty about ruining the musical piece. "Maybe we should apologize to Michael for earlier." "What, no. It's bad enough that you're bringing along a bear that appeared out of nowhere, but now you want to 'apologize' to the one who tried to kill us? Really?" Irene's not wrong, but still... [[Talk to Michael->ItalktoMichael]] [[Move on->Imonitorfrenzy2]]

Irene hangs outside while you walk into the Music Room. She's adamant about not being in the same room as him and you can't blame her. Michael is gazing out of the window, but he spares you a glance and then looks away. You cough. "Um, hey. Sorry about the whole slamming your piano thing." Michael faces you, eyebrows raised and face unimpressed. You fidget awkwardly, drawing an amused but disdainful chuckle from him. You then remember the letter he sent you. How he was envious of you for having a bear named after you. [[You offer the green eyed bear to Michael.->IoffergreenteddytoMichael]]

You drop the bear at the blaring noise. Inside the Trunk Room the monitors are going crazy, white and black dots of static buzzing at every interval. You cover your ears. The noise is deafening. "How //(bzzt)// dare //(tsst)// you." From the monitor, a static, humanoid figure stretches out. Irene and you yells and scrambles back. The figure zaps out of view ad reappears mere inches from your face. Your hair stands on end. [[Freeze->bade15.5]] [[Freeze->bade15.5]] [[Freeze->bade15.5]] [[Freeze->bade15.5]] [[Freeze->bade15.5]] [[Run->Igreenteddybearsnag]] [[Freeze->bade15.5]] [[Freeze->bade15.5]] [[Freeze->bade15.5]] [[Freeze->bade15.5]] [[Freeze->bade15.5]]

Something soft snags your ankle. You look down. The green eyed teddy bear has a paw wrapped tightly around your ankle. "Where are you going? [[Let's play together!->bade15.6]]"

Michael doesn't take it. "What is this?" "It's a teddy bear-" "Of course." Michael interrupts. You draw in an annoyed breath. "Anyway. It's a teddy bear. I'm offering it as an apology. You both look alike, don't you think?" You both also look lonely, you thought. Michael's eyes widen. He stares at the black furred and green eyed bear before slowly taking it into his hands. Michael runs a hand through it and smiles. "He is quite lovely." It's your turn to smile. "Since you're Envy, how about we call him Jealousy?" Michael mulls it over. "Jealousy." You feel like you did a good thing. [[Leave->IEmerald]] (set: $inv to $inv - (a: "Green Eyed Teddy Bear"))

Inside the Trunk Room the monitors are going crazy, white and black dots of static buzzing at every interval. You cover your ears. The noise is deafening. Despite not wanting to be in the same room as Michael, Irene runs in. It's better than whatever is going on out there. "How //-bzzt-// dare //-tsst-// you." From the monitor, a static, humanoid figure stretches out. The figure zaps out of view ad reappears mere inches from your face. You let out a yell and scramble back. Your hair stands on end. It has you trapped in the Music Room. There's nowhere to run. [[Die->Isafe]] [[Die->Isafe]] [[Die->Isafe]] [[Die->Isafe]] [[Die->Isafe]] [[Die->Isafe]] [[Die->Isafe]] [[Die->Isafe]] [[Die->Isafe]]

You run into the Sun Room and slam the door shut. This is too much for your poor heart. "At least Michael is useful for something." Irene wheezes. You can only nod as you regain your breath. "What happened to you two?" You jump at the intruding voice in the room. When you see who it is, your jaw drops. [["E-Eli?!"->InotdeadEli]]

There in the flesh stands Eli, whole and head still attached. You rub your eyes and then pinch your cheeks. This isn't a hallucination, is it? "Yeah?" Eli replies, confused. "B-But, y-your-." They give you a concerned look. "We saw it! Your head, it was t-torn off your neck by that large monster." Irene exclaims. Eli's eyes widen. "What?" "There's a monitor room upstairs that looks over the entire manor. That's where I saw it." You feel queasy just thinking about it. "...It's a [[trick->Itrick2]]." Eli states.

With Eli's onyx and Irene's ruby, you've got enough gems to offer to "Apollo" and save Hayden. Then you're getting out of this hell hole. As you're inserting the gems, you inform Eli about the unlocked door. When the last available gem was inserted, you notice [[one is missing->Ioneismissing]]. Dammit. (set: $inv to $inv - (a: "Pearl", "Rose Quartz", "Amber", "Emerald"))

Eli turns away from you to inspect the slotted table. Just as they did, you catch a glimpse of a red mark on the side their neck. Their hair blocks it from view the next second. [[Hm.->Ileaveit2]]

It must be somewhere around here. It must be! You don't know how much time Hayden has left. [[Search around the manor->Imanorsearch2]] [[Look at your inventory->Iinventory2]] [[Ask Michael->Ihahnope]]

Which item do you want to use? [[Phone->Inope2]] [[Photo->Inope2]] [[Letter->Inope2]] [[Teddy Bear->Inope2]] [[Hammer->Inope2]] [[Chisel->Inope2]] [[Glass Cutter->IDiamond2]] [[Map->Inope2]] [[Pot->Inope2]] [[Third Floor Map->Inope2]] [[Trunk Room Key->Inope2]]

The two Sins are at a standstill. You don't want to go in there. [[Go back->Ioneismissing]]

What are you supposed to do with it, anyway? [[Go back->Iinventory2]]

The tip of the glass cutter is made from a purple diamond - a gem. You pluck the diamond out and insert it into its slot. Something turns on [[outside->IGallery2]].

You take a moment to regain your composure as you wipe the tears from your eyes and cheeks. Next to you, Irene is doing the same. You give her a watery grin. She sniffs, but grins back. It's time to [[get out->Iget out]] of here.(if: $trust contains "Irene's trust" and "Irene's gratitude")[(replace:"It's time to get out of here.")[][It's time to [[go home->Igo home]].]](else:)[]

The manor emits a defeated aura as you traverse it for the last time. In contrast, you feel relieved and refreshed. It's morning now; you stretch in the sunlight and breathe in the fresh air. You're glad to be able to see Hayden off with a smile. Irene's eyes are red from crying, but judging from the satisfied smile on her face, you'll say it ended well for her, too. She sniffs and wipes her eyes one more time before standing up. From her pocket, she pulls out a key. The red car next to the manor chirps. "Who wants a ride out of this hellhole?" You were ready twenty-four hours ago. "You coming, Eli?" you call, but Eli is gone. The car honks impatiently. You scratch your head. They probably left already. The car blares loudly again followed by a "Hurry up!". You give her the middle finger. Time to make your getaway. =><= ''Normal End - Irene: Getaway'' <== *To get the true ending, get both Irene's gratitude and trust [[Restart->Start]]

The manor emits a defeated aura as you traverse it for the last time. In contrast, you feel relieved and refreshed. It's morning now; you stretch in the sunlight and breathe in the fresh air. You're glad to be able to see Hayden off with a smile. Irene's eyes are red from crying, but judging from the satisfied smile on her face, you'll say it ended well for her, too. "You were right." "Huh?" "When you said she'll forgive me. She was still being bitchy about it, though, even in death." Irene laughs. "But that's just like her. It would be weird if mother suddenly turns nice." She plonks down on the porch. "Can you believe she demanded reimbursement for her death?" You pale. Did it not turn out well, then? But instead of being angry or sad, Irene giggles. She lifts up her wrist. The bracelet is gone. "She said she wanted the bracelet. That ratty, old bracelet an eight-year-old made." You laugh along. Rather than being a bitch, Irene's mom was just bad at expressing her love. It's unfortunate that it took death to reach this realization, but it's enough to cleanse Irene's guilt. "I still miss her." Your heart aches. "Yeah. I still miss Hayden, too, but we'll see them again in our next life, won't we?" Irene scoffs at the sentiment but smiles nonetheless. You smile back. Despite the differences you two had at the beginning, you can't help but like her. Haughty but strong-willed, she often got you into trouble, but through it all you two have built a strong friendship. You're actually starting to enjoy your little banters. Irene sniffs one last time before standing up. From her pocket, she pulls out a key. The red car next to the manor chirps. "Who wants a ride out of this hellhole?" You were ready twenty-four hours ago. "You coming, Eli?" you call, but Eli is gone. You scratch your head. They probably left already. The car honks and you roll your eyes. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" =><= ''True End - Irene: A Friend for Life'' <== [[Restart->Start]]

The clicking of mechanics stops you midway. The lift is active. It rises from below and screeches to a stop. The door slides open revealing Douglass. His face is twisted in thought. "What's wrong?" His eyes flickers to you and stays there. His thoughtful expression roams over you, comtemplating. "...I was going out for a smoke, but the front door is locked." Your eyes widen in disbelief. "What? Are you sure?" "Yeah," he sighs, "won't budge. Neither would the porch doors or the windows." You don't believe it. You're trapped in here. Someone trapped you in here. Someone with loud footsteps perhaps. Your mind whirls

You approah Douglass' door and knocks. Out of everyone, you can't help but feel the safest with him. It might have something to do with how muscular the guy is. No one answers. Is he not there? [[Go back->Check it out]]

Emerald It's a green emerald obtained from the green eyed teddy bear