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<<nobr>><<playlist "ambience" loop play>><</nobr>> “There was a naked shadow in the distance, staring back at her unmoving. It got down on four legs, its limbs long and contorted. It had no nose, and its mouth took up the entire lower part of the creature's face and neck. It had two eyes, but its eyes were weird, like two round glowing orbs with a single dot making up its pupil, giving it a really weird look.” “So, it was ugly,” Sydero mumbles, soon being hushed by Amari, who was currently hiding behind her hands, the most invested in the story being told. Half of my attention was placed on the young man who seemed to be making up the story as he went, while the other was on Zillah. <<if $chill>>I sit on a log while his relaxed frame rests against my legs as I twirl strands of his dark, silky curls around my finger. At times, his head would fall to the side, or he'd move so that it was pushing against my inner thigh, but never more than that.<<else>>The two of us sit hip to hip, our backs against a log, and covered by a warm and cozy blanket that Amari was sweet enough to offer. At times his finger would pass over my thighs or arms, earning a shiver from me and causing a wide smirk to appear on his face.<</if>> “Two more ran across the path, caring little for the woman standing there and much more focused on the goat carcass. But one didn't move. It just stood there. Staring. And then it opened its mouth wide and shrieked, moving the bloody, severed goat head to the side as it got closer to the woman. She was frozen in fear, staring into the creature's eyes and seeing her own death reflecting back. She saw herself running and the beast pouncing on her and devouring her right then and there. But standing there had to be just as stupid, right?” “What did she do?” Amari questions, leaning in and resting an elbow against Chris's gut. <a data-passage="C1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Her fear dictated her actions, and so, she ran.” “No!” “Yes! She ran for her life, believing that she could outrun the beast. She just had to get to the trees. When she finally ran out of breath, she turned and saw that nothing was there. She was completely alone, and there was no sign of the beast. But then she heard the sound. It sounded like knocking on a tree. Knock. Knock. Knock. She felt breathing on her back and then a sticky green goo falling on her exposed shoulder. Once again, she saw the same death scenario in the creature's eyes. It was as if it was giving her a second chance." For dramatic effect, Bradley pauses, unable to continue on though as Amari screams out. The sound causes us to jump far more than Bradley’s story ever could, “she can’t make it! She shouldn’t run again! Just stay, stay!” “That’s the best part,” he laughs maniacally, “she runs.” Despite the idiocy of the story, I find myself smiling while Amari whimpers. Chris gazes on in boredom while Rahim appears to be fading out with each passing second. [[His head falling onto Chris’s shoulder.][$cr = true]] [[Nodding off occasionally.][$cr = false]]
His head falling onto Chris’s shoulder before he catches and rights himself, only to plunge back into the previous position. After a few more times of this, Chris just wraps his arm around the man and pulls him close. Sydero sits beside Bradley, fiddling with her blade, but it is Zillah’s reaction that catches my attention in the end. <<include "C2">>
His head falling off to the side before he catches and rights himself, only to plunge back into the previous position. Sydero sits beside Bradley, fiddling with her blade, but it is Zillah’s reaction that catches my attention in the end. <<include "C2">>
<<if $chill>>\ “Are you afraid?” I question when I feel him shiver, his head now on my leg. “More like about to fall asleep,” he points to where my fingers are settled in his dark curls and relaxes even further into my lap, “don’t stop.” “Does it feel good?” I inquire, cocking my head to the side with a wide smile. “I can only think of one other - ah, forget it. I can’t even be nasty right now.” I chuckle, indeed a feat. “Nice to know I can elicit non-sexual thoughts from you as well. You had me worried there for a minute.” I meant such words in a joking way but the frown that appears on Zillah's face makes it known that he did not take it the same. The once relaxed air between us evaporates, leaving something cold and neutral in its place. My attention settles back on the others as I try my best to ignore something that has happened far too often recently. Bradley’s story seems to have reached its end. <<else>>\ His hand squeezes my side, and he pulls me close enough to grab my attention. “How about you sit in my lap,” he whispers in my ear, his eyes trained on the others. “You’re not as sly as you think you are. We all know what you want to try and do.” He doesn’t disagree with my words as he places a kiss on my neck. “And? Unless you squeal, no one will know,” he snorts, “I’m curious to see if we can actually do it, even just the tip.” He runs his tongue against my ear, nipping at my ear lobe. “Control yourself,” I hiss, unable to fight the shiver that accompanies it. “Can’t. You are way too tempting.” Amari groans loudly, causing my attention to settle back on the others and I elbow Zillah to stop him from continuing. Bradley’s story seems to have reached its end. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="C3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Why would you tell a story like that when we’re out here in the middle of the woods and those things attack at night?” Amari grumbles, scooting closer to Chris. “Would you rather me tell you during the day? Besides, drudes aren’t the bravest of creatures. Especially when they’re outnumbered.” “We don’t know if that’s a factor or not,” Rahim reminds, <<if $cr>>letting out a long yawn and voluntarily resting his chin on Chris’s shoulder this time. Chris turns just enough to place a gentle kiss on the nephilim’s forehead, almost making me want to nudge Zillah and tell him to take notes.<<else>>letting out a long yawn.<</if>> “I still don’t understand what we’re hunting,” Chris is next to interject. [[Inform them. I had done my research.][$supernatural to true]] [[Sit back and listen. I was more medical than supernatural.][$medical to true]] [[Tend to the fire and listen. My job was to keep all of us alive, not research.][$perception to true]]
“There’s not much about drudes,” I tell them, recounting all that I had managed to find, “there's only a few testimonials here and there, a bunch of theories on the dark web, and a few pictures that could either be a hoax or real. The most we know is that they're spirits, nocturnal, and are attracted to nightmares but it's not known in what capacity. Some believe they're witches who gave themselves to demons and then refused to move on. But that's about it.” “Great,” Chris grumbles, “we’re out in the middle of the woods, hunting some mysterious fucking creature with guesswork.” “Could be worse,” Amari points out, and we all glance over at her for clarification. She stiffens, “I said it could be, not that I know how.” <<include "C4">>
I knew enough about supernaturals to get myself through the day. Need basic information about vampires, werewolves, and anything similar, then sure, I could recite it easily. Anything more complicated than that was an issue, though. My specialty was in the medical field anyway, that was where I shined, and I didn’t mind it. “Not much can be said about them,” Bradley begins to tell us, “they're nocturnal spirits, are attracted by nightmares, and thought to devour your essence. Maybe? No one really knows exactly what they attack for. The body is intact but the person is definitely dead when they're found. It just looks like they died of shock or something similar. Anything else is speculation. There’s not that much information about them.” <<include "C4">>
<<if $chill>>I shift enough to not disturb Zillah but to effortlessly grab a stick and nudge the burning logs around.<<else>>I shift and grab a stick, nudging the burning logs around.<</if>> I wasn’t the supernatural expert here, far from it. Instead, I always seemed to focus on the survival aspects, honing skills that would help get us out of tough spots. On a typical hunt, my skills were sparsely needed. But on hunts like this, I was probably the most invaluable member. “Not much can be said about them,” Bradley begins to tell us, “they're nocturnal spirits, are attracted by nightmares, and thought to devour your essence. Maybe? No one really knows exactly what they attack for. The body is intact but the person is definitely dead when they're found. It just looks like they died of shock or something similar. Anything else is speculation. There’s not that much information about them.” <<include "C4">>
Sydero sighs, dramatically leaning on the log that she and Bradley rest beside, “I can’t believe we’re here. We could’ve been hunting walking pants.” “You mean like the one from Jimmy Neutron?” Chris questions, brow raised and unconcerned with the looks that are sent his way. “What’s a Jimmy Neutron?” “It’s this cartoon show and the episode -” “Wait! Shut up, Chris,” Bradley shouts, throwing a marshmallow at Chris’ head before placing his gaze on Sydero, “are you talking about fresno nightcrawlers?” She shrugs, “give em a nice little name if you want. They’re still walking pants to me.” That’s all it takes for an entire discussion on the matter to arise, Bradley arguing the absurdity of Sydero’s statement while Amari and Rahim question Chris on the show. It would seem only Zillah and I had stayed out of it. <<if $chill>>Whether that was due to Zillah being minutes away from falling asleep or not, I did not know.<<else>>The fact that most of Zillah’s attention was still centered on me, though, was probably the reason there.<</if>> <a data-passage="C5"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if $chill>>\ He relaxes further into my lap, an action that swiftly gains my attention. In an absentminded way, he trails his finger along my thigh. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this relaxed,” I point out. “Don’t get used to it. It’s the hair thing mixed with the fire, it’s all really soothing, and I can’t deal with it properly.” “You’re telling me. You haven’t said one vulgar thing in the past ten minutes or so.” “I can change that,” he snorts, sending me a toothy grin that caused me to believe him immediately. “I’m not complaining.” My following words are said in a much lower voice, though I’m sure he hears it just as clearly, “I like this you.” His silence bothers me, not only because I was wondering if that was the right thing to say but also since this just proved my point. Getting him to show any bit of emotion that was more romantic than physical and sexual attraction was like getting a cornered and frightened cat not to reveal its canines. We had been making progress, such great progress and then the wall came tumbling down and my origins were learned. Since he found out who my father was, Zillah has been less than open about anything. It was almost as if we had regressed. No, there was no almost, we did regress. <a data-passage="C6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ He once again tries to nudge me onto his lap, whispering into my ear, “the others aren’t even paying attention.” “Because we’re not doing anything. If we start, they will.” As if they wished to prove me wrong, they enter into a conversation about scary stories and how just retelling a story from their lives would have been scarier. Bradley, of course, not wishing to hear any of that. “I think you’re scared,” he whispers. [[Go for it.->C5GoForIt][$flirty +=1; $firesidefuck to true]] [[Tell him no.->C5No]] <</if>>\
My pride and instincts push all logic to the side as my hands seek and find Zillah’s erection. I’ll admit, I was impressed by his lack of reaction. At most, he slightly raises his eyebrow, and arc his hips upwards, but that was the extent of it. “If I wanted to ride you right now,” I lean in and whisper, “I’d do it.” “Oh, so you’re telling me you don’t want to?” he questions, the words spoken against my neck, as his hands snake their way to my waist, moving my pants out the way as he strokes the skin there. “Because fuck do I want you to.” “That’s because you’re a horny mess,” I snort, releasing him. <<if settings.showec and $sex is not "na">><<if $sex is "p">>As soon as I do, his wandering hand reaches to the front and strokes my erection, applying just enough pressure.<<else>>As soon as I do, his wandering hand reaches to the front and strokes my slit, applying just enough pressure.<</if>><<else>>As soon as I do, his wandering hands go further, exploring a body he knows all too well.<</if>> My mind tells him to stop but my shivering body moans the complete opposite. <a data-passage="C5.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
He breathes me in, “don’t try to give me all the credit. You’re so fucking intoxicating. It drives me crazy. The real test is sitting here and not touching you.” <<if settings.showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ Staying near the tip, he starts to pump me, slow and deliberate actions focused solely on teasing. My eyes roll to the back of my head as I try to focus. Reminding myself that not only were the others there but Sydero especially. <<else>>\ He slips one finger past my folds, rubbing against my clit before trailing it down my wetness. My eyelids flicker in need, and my eyes themselves begin to roll back. I needed him to go deeper, to stop this teasing, but I also remind myself that not only were the others there but Sydero especially. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ He continues to toy with me, applying far more pressure and sending me past mere teasing and closer to want. It was that primal type of want that causes someone to just pounce on their partner with no care for their actions. But I have to remind myself that not only were the others there but Sydero especially. <</if>>\ “Zillah,” I murmur, trying to regain my voice. “If you think I give a fuck about the others, you’re wrong. I want them to hear you moan my name.” Despite his words, he soon releases me and places a healthy gap between the two of us. He seems upset by his own pause but says nothing more about it. The action is so abrupt that I have no time to even be bothered by the gap now resting between us or my thudding heart. My mind instead tries to replay what had gone wrong, had I said something? I would like to say this was the first time this has happened, but that would be very much a lie. We had been making progress, whatever this was between us becoming something more than just two people willing to fuck. And then the wall came tumbling down and my origins were learned. Since he found out who my father was, Zillah has been less than open about anything. It was almost as if we had regressed. No, there was no almost, we did regress. <a data-passage="C6"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I nod to the others, caring little that they weren’t paying attention to the only two companions that hadn’t inserted themselves in the argument. “They’re sitting right there. I’m not about to do this with you in front of them.” “Fine, fine,” he huffs, waving away my words like they were a stench. I suspect he would say more, but he doesn’t. His attention completely shifts from me to the others who are just now finishing their argument. I would like to say this was the first time this has happened, but that would be very much a lie. We had been making progress, whatever this was between us becoming something more than just two people willing to fuck. And then the wall came tumbling down and my origins were learned. Since he found out who my father was, Zillah has been less than open about anything. It was almost as if we had regressed. No, there was no almost, we did regress. <<include "C6">>
“Alright,” Rahim claps, “let’s turn in. Sydero, do you have the bottles?” “Of course,” she grabs her bag and rummages through them, pulling out seven vials, “does everyone remember what I said?” Despite asking all of us, she glares at Amari, who sheepishly glances away. [[Amari probably had been too busy cuddling with Syd.][$sa to true]] [[Amari probably listened but then allowed her attention to be diverted.][$sa to false]]
The two had been dating for a while, though I wasn’t quite sure if Sydero would call it dating, she seemed to like the idea of keeping labels out of what the two of them had. Either way, it was clear they adored one another. “I was listening, I swear,” Amari whines, abandoning her previous position and going to Sydero, wrapping her arms around the woman. “Yea yea,” she snorts in reply. <<include "C6.1">>
It wasn’t an odd occurrence for Amari to go from raptly listening to thinking about something else. It was typical of her and we had all gotten used to it. “Repeat it, please,” Amari mumbles. <<include "C6.1">>
“You have about ten minutes after swallowing the contents of the vial before you go into a deep sleep, and it induces a nightmare. After that, you wake up naturally.” “And we’re all drinking one?” Chris questions as she begins to pass them out, “shouldn’t one of us stay awake to make sure the others don’t, I don’t know, die?” “That was something we talked about,” Bradley answers, already opening his and gulping it down, proving that the taste was probably as repugnant as the smell. I swish mine around, watching as the dark blue liquid hardly moves to slosh against the sides. “But one cognizant person could potentially keep the creatures away, so we think it’s best if we’re all asleep. And putting up a drudenfuss may or may not work and may or may not make it worse so we decided to kick that from the equation as well.” “Don’t worry,” Syd grins, “some of us are used to nightmares. We’ll wake before you get your essence sucked out.” Silence descends on the camp at her words, and with a sigh, I gulp down the contents. A forced nightmare, this would be fun. As if I didn’t have plenty of those when we went to Hell to rescue Sydero. <a data-passage="C6.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Sweet dreams, everyone,” Rahim says in his most sarcastic voice, getting to his feet. <<if $sa and $cr>>\ “And everyone stick to your own tent,” Bradley adds, glancing at each of us in turn, “I’m surrounded by disgusting couples. I don’t want to hear not one moan. If I’m not getting pleasured then -” <<elseif $sa or $cr>>\ “And everyone stick to your own tent,” Bradley adds, glancing at each of us in turn, his gaze lingering when it reaches Zillah and me, “I don’t want to hear not one moan. If I’m not getting pleasured then -” <<else>>\ “And everyone stick to your own tent,” Bradley adds, and all eyes immediately go to Zillah and me. “I don’t want to hear not one moan. If I’m not getting pleasured then -” <</if>>\ “No,” Syd groans, “don’t finish that sentence, for our sake.” “You know I’m a grown man, Syd, I have -” “Shut the fuck up!” she shouts, throwing a boot towards Bradley, whose slow reaction finds him taking it directly to the stomach. “I’m turning in,” Zillah grumbles, standing and heading towards his tent without even a second look at me. Confused, I stand to join him, only to be brought to a halt as Chris heads me off. “I was heading to my tent,” I sigh, rolling my eyes irritably. “We both know that’s a lie,” Sydero chuckles as she approaches, Amari at her side. “But that’s not why we came over here.” “That’s not why //you// came over here,” Amari snorts, “I came over here to be nosy.” Syd playfully pushes her away before focusing her attention on me once again, “we wanted to make sure you were comfortable with the plan.” Chris, probably so; I could see him wanting to make sure I had no qualms with what was about to happen. Amari, perhaps. But Syd, no. And the fact that she was the one to say it instantly allows me to pick up on that lie. [[“Are you checking up on our status?”]] [[“I’m good with it.”]] [[“You want all of us to play bait?”]]
I raise a brow and tilt my head to the side as I look all of them over. “Are you checking up on the status of Zillah and me?” Amari coughs and acts as if something in the distance has grabbed her attention, Sydero smirks as she stares at me, and Chris scratches the back of his neck in a sheepish fashion. It would seem that they hadn’t been prepared for me to skip right to the true reason they were here. <<if $chill>>\ “That’s exactly why we came over here,” Syd admits, “you and Zillah at the fire seemed a bit … what’s the word, tame.” “When am I the one starting it?” “Well, I’m not so much talking about you as I am Zillah. You behave yourself, no idea why, but you do.” “Really, Syd?” Amari frowns. “Look, if I had someone that good looking coming into my tent, then I wouldn’t just be cuddling all night.<<if $sa>> Unless it’s you, Amari,” Syd wraps her arm around her and pulls her close, “I’d cuddle the fuck out of you.”<<else>>”<</if>> “Alright, stop talking,” Chris groans, “we really did just want to make sure everything was okay. Zillah hasn’t said anything, but it’s kind of obvious that you two aren’t so close.” I frown, disliking the idea that they were in the dark just as much as me. I had been hoping that Zillah had spoken to either Amari or Chris about what was going on. Seeing that we were all in the same boat on information, they give me a nod of farewell and walk to their tents. <<else>>\ “That’s exactly why we came over here,” Syd admits, “you and Zillah at the fire seemed a bit … what’s the word, tame. When normally you guys put even a succubus to shame.” “We were this close,” Chris tells me, placing his fingers together, leaving just enough of a gap between them to prove his point, “to putting bets on the two of you fucking tonight and then it seemed like an argument happened instead.” “Which is horrible timing,” Amari adds in with a pout, “I was finally going to place a bet. I never get to place a bet.” “Stop!” I shout and huff, “this is not the conversation I wanted right before bed.” “You wanted something dirtier?” Syd questions in a teasing tone. “Yea,” Chris sings, “something about dicks filling holes and begging. How does he even come up with this stuff?” “I’m walking away now,” I turn and head towards Zillah’s tent, sighing to myself, knowing that my general direction would only incite them to continue. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="C7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I’m good with it,” I nod, “I understand what needs to be done though I don’t really know much after that. I just figured we’re winging it due to the lack of information.” “We are.” “Great, glad we talked about this. So why did you really come over here?” Sydero looks at Chris, and Chris looks back, both of them wearing small smiles confirming that there was more to this than they previously let on. <<if $chill>>\ “We kind of wanted an update <<if $sa or $cr>>on the only couple here that wasn’t exactly official<<else>>on our resident yet non-official couple<</if>>,” Chris informs me, “it looked like the two of you were talking about something serious when you were playing with his hair.” <<else>>\ “We kind of wanted an update <<if $sa or $cr>>on the only couple here that wasn’t exactly official<<else>>on our resident yet non-official couple<</if>>,” Chris informs me, “it looked like the two of you were getting comfortable and talking about something serious at the fire.” My eyes gravitate over to Syd, whose eyes are sparkling. She wouldn’t tell them, but it was clear that she knew. Of course, she knew. <</if>>\ “Yea, serious,” I sigh, “I doubt he knows the meaning of that word.” “What do you expect?” Sydero questions, leaning her weight onto an unprepared Amari, “you want to date an ancient being whose never felt anything more than irritation for centuries.” “That’s not fair,” Amari chides, “Zillah has gotten much better. But that’s why I’m curious, what happened? It feels like you two are back at the beginning.” I nod in agreement, unable to answer her since not even I knew. “I’ll be sure to tell you when I find out too.” “Just fuck him, and in the middle of it, ask. I bet you’ll get an answer then.” I throw Syd a look. “That’s disgusting,” Chris frowns, “but it’ll probably work.” “Both of you go!” Amari shouts, pushing both of the laughing figures away before turning to me and sighing sadly, “I’m sorry. I wish he had told me so I could help.” I give her a thankful smile as she turns and leaves, <<if $sa>>rushing to catch up with Sydero and head into their tent.<<else>>walking to her own tent.<</if>> I stand there for a bit longer before I head to Zillah’s tent. <a data-passage="C7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I'm still on the fence about the entire camp playing bait part. That's what you want, right?” “That’s exactly what we’re hoping for,” Syd nods, “it’s the easiest way to draw them here and then deal with the problem.” “Our biggest issue is not knowing what these things are hurt by,” Amari inserts, “will silver or iron even do anything?” “Them being spirits doesn't make me feel better, at least make them corporeal.” I find myself nodding along to Chris’ comment. “They're demonic in nature, I'd like to try out that pentagram known as a drudenfuss. See if that slows or stops them.” Her gaze shifts to me, “how are you and Zillah? Still trying to get him to say ‘let’s date?’” “That’s not funny,” I growl, unwilling to tell her that she was right, though. Especially now that all of my hardwork seems to be coming undone. <<if $cr or $sa>>“You guys are the only ones here who aren’t official,” Chris points out.<<else>>“I never knew a 'couple' go on for that long without calling it something,” Chris chuckles.<</if>> <<if $cr and $sa>>Amari adds, “and I’m sure Bradley loves that. Otherwise, he’ll be the lone single one.”<<elseif $ca or $sa>>Amari adds, “and I’m sure Bradley's okay with that. He doesn't like the idea of there being two couples when he's single.”<<else>>Amari adds, “and I’m sure Bradley loves that. He loves the idea of everyone being single right alongside him.”<</if>> “Well, if Zillah keeps being allergic to giving anything more than a few compliments and regressing, then Bradley won’t have to worry,” I inform her. If they thought it was frustrating, they should be in my shoes. Sometimes I feel even Sydero had a more extensive emotional range. She at least talks about what's on her mind. “We just wanted an update,” Sydero calls out, already walking away. Her departure spurs Chris to leave, and Amari, giving me an encouraging smile, is the last to go. I head to Zillah’s tent. <a data-passage="C7"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I move the flap to the side and see Zillah wrapped up in a blanket, raising a brow as he glances over at me. “And what do you think you’re doing?” “You can’t tell me you’re actually listening to Bradley and his whole ‘stick to your own tent’ thing.” <<if $chill>>\ He shrugs, “maybe I decided to finally listen to the kid. He’s pretty wise when he’s not harping about cartoons.” I'm sure he'd get an earful from that same kid for calling anime, cartoons. [[“But I want to cuddle.”->C7Cuddle]] [[“Okay, fine then.”->C7FineThen]] <<else>>\ He shrugs, “not really. But my tent has a rule, all guests leave their clothes outside.” <<if $firesidefuck>>\ “You’re still riding that train, huh? What happened at the campfire wasn’t enough for you?” “Don’t even ask something like that,” he snorts, “you know damn well it wasn’t enough for me.” He sits up and leans in closer, “I didn’t even get to hear you moan.” I bite my tongue, leaving out that it was he who stopped that from happening in the first place. [[“Maybe you should moan.”->C7Moan][$flirty +=1]] [[“Can I get in if I do?”->C7GetIn][$flirty +=1]] [[“Do better next time.”->C7DoBetter]] <<else>>\ [[“You gonna take them off me?”][$flirty +=1]] [[Walk away. “Oh, I see.”]] <</if>>\ <</if>>\
I pout, trying to appear as saddened as I possibly could by his words, “but I wanted to cuddle tonight.” “Of course you did,” he smirks and then runs a hand through his hair seductively, “who wouldn’t want to cuddle with this?” “Seriously, Zillah?” I question, my sullen look disappearing, or at least transforming into a grimace. “I call it how I see it. I’m a wonderful specimen.” I roll my eyes and turn on my heel, heading towards my own tent when I soon feel his arm wrap itself around my waist, and he pulls me closer to him. “Stop,” he whispers, the cockiness now gone from his voice, and at an even lower volume whispers, “don’t leave.” I shiver, pushing myself further into his embrace, yearning for not just his touch but his presence entirely. To be surrounded by his scent and essence. “Why?” My heart shouldn’t be pounding like it was from a simple question, and yet, it was. He pulls back and stares at me, appearing as if he wished to answer but inevitably staying quiet. I suppose that was better than him saying the opposite of what I wanted to hear. At least then, there was still hope. A foolish notion part of me believes, but I quiet that nitpick. He lies down, turning his back to me and bringing an end to not only the conversation but to the night. I don’t quite understand what I had expected, though I do know what I wished to happen. I could count on one hand how many profound, meaningful - could even describe them as borderline sweet - conversations we’ve had since we’ve ‘officially’ began to flirt with one another. With the word officially being used loosely since nothing was official besides our interest in one another, and for me, I was still trying to determine in what capacity that was in. Zillah has, of course, shown interest in me in terms of pleasure and companionship, but anything more has yet to be seen. [[I was alright with that … for a time.]] [[I was never the hugest fan of this.]] [[I hadn’t cared much until recently.]]
“Okay then,” I shrug and turn on my heel, heading out and back towards the area that my own tent was in. “I was kidding,” he growls, lunging out and grabbing my hand, yanking me back to his side and consequently causing me to fall into his lap. He wraps his arms around me and places a light kiss on my cheek. “You take everything so seriously.” “You should probably speak what’s on your mind instead of playing games,” I say, turning just enough to see him. He pulls back and stares at me, appearing as if he wished to say something but inevitably staying quiet. I suppose that was better than him saying that he always says what’s on his mind. At least then, there was still hope. A foolish notion part of me believes, but I quiet that nitpick. He lies down, turning his back to me and bringing an end to not only the conversation but to the night. I don’t quite understand what I had expected, though I do know what I wished to happen. I could count on one hand how many profound, meaningful - could even describe them as borderline sweet - conversations we’ve had since we’ve ‘officially’ began to flirt with one another. With the word officially being used loosely since nothing was official besides our interest in one another, and for me, I was still trying to determine in what capacity that was in. Zillah has, of course, shown interest in me in terms of pleasure and companionship, but anything more has yet to be seen. [[I was alright with that … for a time.]] [[I was never the hugest fan of this.]] [[I hadn’t cared much until recently.]]
“Maybe,” I murmur, grabbing him by his shirt and pulling him closer, twirling one of his curls around my finger, “you should be moaning for me instead.” “That’s not going to happen,” he snorts. I smirk, “then shut the fuck up about it.” He chuckles lightly, dipping his head down, “whatever you say, gorgeous.” Now in the tent, I watch as he lies down and turns his back to me, erasing signs of any further conversation. I don’t quite understand what I had expected, though I do know what I wished to happen. I could count on one hand how many profound, meaningful - could even describe them as borderline sweet - conversations we’ve had since we’ve ‘officially’ began to flirt with one another. With the word officially being used loosely since nothing was official besides our interest in one another, and for me, I was still trying to determine in what capacity that was in. Zillah has, of course, shown interest in me in terms of pleasure and companionship, but anything more has yet to be seen. [[I was alright with that … for a time.]] [[I was never the hugest fan of this.]] [[I hadn’t cared much until recently.]]
“Can I get in if I moan for you then?” Ignoring the fact that I was technically already in his tent. I would at least entertain this idea for him. He raises a brow, shock clear on his face, “hell yea.” Lowering myself, I lean in and lightly kiss the edge of his mouth before running my tongue across his cheek and trail it to his ear. All the while, Zillah’s breathing picks up, his hands clutching onto me and dragging me closer so that I could feel every inch of his hard-on. Once I’m at his ear, I make a whimper-like moan and even add a teasing shiver. “Oh, fuck you!” he growls in a low voice, pulling himself away and running his hands through his hair, unable to handle it as he tries to settle himself. Now in the tent, I watch as he lies down and turns his back to me, erasing signs of any further conversation. I don’t quite understand what I had expected, though I do know what I wished to happen. I could count on one hand how many profound, meaningful - could even describe them as borderline sweet - conversations we’ve had since we’ve ‘officially’ began to flirt with one another. With the word officially being used loosely since nothing was official besides our interest in one another, and for me, I was still trying to determine in what capacity that was in. Zillah has, of course, shown interest in me in terms of pleasure and companionship, but anything more has yet to be seen. [[I was alright with that … for a time.]] [[I was never the hugest fan of this.]] [[I hadn’t cared much until recently.]]
“Then I advise you to do better next time. Seems like you’re losing your touch, Zillah.” He flinches as if to grab me, but never goes through with it and growls instead. “You’re going to stop testing me.” “I don’t think I will. Now be a good boy and let me in.” Surprisingly, he does just that. Now in the tent, I watch as he lies down and turns his back to me, erasing signs of any further conversation. I don’t quite understand what I had expected, though I do know what I wished to happen. I could count on one hand how many profound, meaningful - could even describe them as borderline sweet - conversations we’ve had since we’ve ‘officially’ began to flirt with one another. With the word officially being used loosely since nothing was official besides our interest in one another, and for me, I was still trying to determine in what capacity that was in. Zillah has, of course, shown interest in me in terms of pleasure and companionship, but anything more has yet to be seen. [[I was alright with that … for a time.]] [[I was never the hugest fan of this.]] [[I hadn’t cared much until recently.]]
“You must want to help me take them off then?” “I’d rather watch.” “You always were the lazy one,” I snort, unsurprised when he takes a step closer to me, narrowing his eyes and raising a brow. “Seriously? Me, lazy?” I lean in to meet him, our faces inches apart, “if you want them off. Then you’re going to have to do it yourself. Otherwise, be quiet.” He smirks. Now in the tent, I watch as he lies down and turns his back to me, erasing signs of any further conversation. I don’t quite understand what I had expected, though I do know what I wished to happen. I could count on one hand how many profound, meaningful - could even describe them as borderline sweet - conversations we’ve had since we’ve ‘officially’ began to flirt with one another. With the word officially being used loosely since nothing was official besides our interest in one another, and for me, I was still trying to determine in what capacity that was in. Zillah has, of course, shown interest in me in terms of pleasure and companionship, but anything more has yet to be seen. [[I was alright with that … for a time.]] [[I was never the hugest fan of this.]] [[I hadn’t cared much until recently.]]
“Oh, I see. Well, I’m not in the mood for any of that, so I guess I’ll be going.” I turn to walk away. “I was kidding,” he growls, lunging out and grabbing my hand, yanking me back to his side and consequently causing me to fall into his lap. He wraps his arms around me and places a light kiss on my cheek. “You take everything so seriously.” “You should probably speak what’s on your mind instead of playing games,” I say, turning just enough to see him. He pulls back and stares at me, appearing as if he wished to say something but inevitably staying quiet. I suppose that was better than him saying that he always says what’s on his mind. At least then, there was still hope. A foolish notion part of me believes, but I quiet that nitpick. He lies down, turning his back to me and bringing an end to not only the conversation but to the night. I don’t quite understand what I had expected, though I do know what I wished to happen. I could count on one hand how many profound, meaningful - could even describe them as borderline sweet - conversations we’ve had since we’ve ‘officially’ began to flirt with one another. With the word officially being used loosely since nothing was official besides our interest in one another, and for me, I was still trying to determine in what capacity that was in. Zillah has, of course, shown interest in me in terms of pleasure and companionship, but anything more has yet to be seen. [[I was alright with that … for a time.]] [[I was never the hugest fan of this.]] [[I hadn’t cared much until recently.]]
There was no verbal agreement when we first began to flirt with one another. Neither of us defined what ‘this’ was or laid down basic ground rules on going forward. Instead, we both jumped into it with no hesitation and a mentality of knowing what we wanted and how to get it. Of course, that would work in the beginning. But we both should have been prepared for that to change, or at least I should have. For all I know, Zillah was completely content with how everything was. The same could not be said about me. <<include "C8">>
In Zillah’s defense, he at least verbalized what this was to him before we began. And my knowledge of him also allowed there to be no confusion. But that didn’t mean I liked it. I knew how I was, and I knew there was no way this wouldn’t escalate, and my feelings would blossom into something that would soon need to be acknowledged. This entire time, I’ve just been ignoring it, hoping that either they would die out or Zillah would finally speak about what he wanted in the long run. <<include "C8">>
Until recently, I hadn’t cared much for the simplicity of our relationship. We came together when we both wanted companionship, and we separated when it was no longer needed. I suppose when you had hunts on your mind, it didn’t really matter much. It was only when we entered into lulls did I find the thought coming to mind, an action that has taken place more and more frequently recently. Enough to at least cause it to become a permanent thought in my mind now. <<include "C8">>
Zillah had, over time, began to open up more, letting me in. But then it stopped. A sudden halt, and it was as if we had never gotten closer. There was a wall that I didn't wish to be there, but there was no way for me to tear it down. This cold demeanor would slip at times, and I would once again see the potential and what we both worked hard to achieve. But those times felt like mere pockets compared to the whole. And even those hollow moments never ended well as he would realize what was happening and close himself off yet again. Glancing towards Zillah, I watch his sleeping form. He was the type to look entirely at peace while sleeping, while his waking state was far more chaotic. This was the only time he seemed calm and relaxed, not worried about what others may be thinking or even concerned with his own appearance. His hair was tousled, splayed out across his arm, and some parts falling onto his face. His eyelids flickering as he dreamed about who knows what. I adored Zillah. But there was something about seeing him sleep, utterly placid and still, that gave way to another side of him. One that I never saw when he was awake though I greatly wish to look upon. This all felt silly. Lying here and wishing for something that should very well be within reach. I shake the thought from my head for now and lay down, yawning as I let the vial's contents drag me to sleep, and await the nightmare that was to come. <a data-passage="C8.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
//“Just fucking speak to me,” I scream out, punching Zillah square in the chest with all my power. At most, he staggers backward but otherwise doesn’t flinch or blink from the blow. There is no reaction from him as he continues to stare straight ahead, past me, and down the dimly lit hallway as if preparing for someone to come. I close my eyes and bark out the following words in anger. “That’s an order.” “Do you need something, my liege?” He questions, still not bothering to look at me. I hang my head. To finally hear his voice, but that was what was said. I would do anything to hear his sarcastic tone, see that smirk that he never could get rid of. The glimmering of his gold eyes whenever something sparked his interest and how his eyes would always soften right after. “Answer me this, and I’ll leave you alone. I’ll fold myself into whatever role you wish for me to play. Just answer. All that stuff you said about me. Us getting closer and actually making progress … was it real or do you not feel that way anymore?” I wanted to add in one other option, but I knew there was no way that one was viable from how we have been interacting. Zillah continues to stare straight on as if I had said nothing, his posture rigid as if waiting for something to attack him any minute now. “Yes,” he finally says, “I meant them. I meant every last word. But I don’t anymore. I don’t feel even a fraction of it now.” His gaze finally turns to me, and it’s searing, causing me to stumble backward at the emotionless abyss glaring back at me. “You’re nothing to me.”// <a data-passage="C9"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I open my eyes to the darkness of the tent, repeatedly blinking in hopes of focusing my senses while simultaneously waking up my still dormant body. I do all that I can to shoo the nightmare that I had just experienced away, glancing over at Zillah to see that he was still asleep. If he was still stuck in his nightmare, then it didn’t show. I sigh, shifting through mine but pausing when I notice how cold it has gotten. We were in the middle of summer. It wasn’t supposed to feel like winter had taken hold. My eyes carefully scan the outside of the tent when I notice a crooked shadow on the other side. It was currently standing, completely still one minute, but its long limbs would begin twisting chaotically the next. And though I couldn’t be sure, I felt like it was staring right at us. Shifting slightly, I rest my hand on Zillah’s shoulder and lean in to whisper, “Zillah. Get up.” He makes no move, and so I shake him harder. “I’m serious.” “Fuck off and give me five more minutes,” he yawns, turning to face the other way. [[“I’m horny.”][$flirty +=1]] [[“There’s a fucking monster!”]] [[“Did you just tell me to fuck off?”]] [[“Get. Up.”]]
Rolling my eyes and huffing, I lean over a bit more and rub his back, saying in the whiniest voice I can muster, “but I’m horny.” “You see,” he grumbles, rolling over on his back and sitting up, “that’s all you -” I cover his mouth, motioning to the shadow that has yet to move. Making the thought of it just sitting there to be even more creepy than before. “Also,” I whisper harshly as I remove my hand, “you’re unbelievable. Simply unbelievable.” <<include "C10">>
“There’s a fucking monster outside the tent, so your five minutes better turn into five seconds really quick.” He lets out a loud yawn, but I manage to cut the latter part of it off, covering his mouth and then motioning to the moving shadow outside our tent. “Oh, you were serious,” he replies, removing my hand and causing one of my eyes to twitch. “Why would you think I would lie about that?” He shrugs nonchalantly. <<include "C10">>
“Zillah, there’s a — wait, did you just tell me to fuck off?” “What were you about to say?” he questions, leaning forward and rubbing at his eye. “No. Did you tell me to fuck off?” “If I say yes, then will you stop -” He’s unable to finish the statement as I slap the back of his head. Before he can retaliate, I nod to the shifting shadow existing outside our tent. <<include "C10">>
I lean in and, with gritted teeth, say, “get. Up.” “Hmm,” he hums, opening one eye to peer at me, “I like it when you get all pissed off and bossy. You know this.” Yes, sometimes I adored Zillah. And sometimes, I wanted to just throw him off the side of a cliff. I grab his chin and direct his attention to the shifting shadow existing outside our tent. <<include "C10">>
"How long has it been sitting there?" "Long enough to be classified as a stalker." "Any others?" he asks and begins to shift more. In reaction, the creature perks up, and both of us watch as it starts to grow closer. Its haunting shadow grows in length and overtakes the tent. What follows is a loud screeching sound, but it wasn't the frequency of the shriek that gets me. It's the ones that follow. All of them seem to originate from right beside us. The camp erupts into chaos, not only due to the team but the monsters as well. The one standing above our tent slams its arms down onto the top, continuing the action. At the same time, I hear someone shout in the distance, sounding like it could belong to Chris, but there was no way for me to be sure. A gunshot soon follows. But a gunshot wouldn’t do much, not if these things were true spirits. “Go,” Zillah shouts, pushing me out of the tent and into the camp’s clearing. The scene unfolding around me feels slightly surreal. The once quiet campsite had now descended into disarray, the cloth of tents flying through the air as corporeal shadow-like creatures continue to screech and gunshots fired. “Behind you,” I warn, throwing myself into Zillah, narrowly avoiding the rampaging drude. It was challenging to explain the creature standing before me, far more demonic than I would say spirit. It was the height of a regular human, but its limbs caused it to seem far more monstrous in size and scope. Its jaw permanently loose, and that was all that could be seen, for the rest of its features were hidden behind the shadow of its hooded cloak. It smelled like death. “I see why the town called us now.” A statement I agreed with. Just dealing with one of these things seemed to be a bit too much. From what I could see, there were at least five of them. <<if $supernatural>>\ “Is it common for them to flock?” Zillah asks me, grabbing my hand and yanking me out the way just as another rake nears. A tendril shoots out from his back and seeks to dig itself into the nearest rake’s chest but misses. The beast sensing the incoming danger and darting to the side. Our space was beginning to dwindle, and more rakes were joining in. “I don’t think so. Many of the eyewitness accounts state that they only ever saw one. I’m wondering if this is a breeding ground.” “They have those?” “Possibly. A lot of this is me just guessing and using what I know of other cryptids to make sense of this one. It would really be helpful if more information was out there.” With half of my attention still on the rakes and Zillah’s failing attacks, I start looking for the others. Unless Sydero had gone to Rahim, she had been on watch, and the fact that I haven’t seen her yet was a bit worrying. There was also no way the others were sleeping through this. <</if>>\ “Alright, you got anything? Because I’m hardly striking.” He grunts as he sends two tendrils out, able to slash one, but it hardly does anything to dissuade it, “and when I do, it just pisses them off more.” [[Attack them with iron.]] [[Start shooting.]] [[Use my powers.]]
These things were classified as spirits so iron should still work. “Where’s the iron?” I question, and he offers me an incredulous look. “You think a blade can do better than my tendrils?” “Seeing that one is made of iron and the other isn’t, yes.” I had last seen my pack near the log we had been at, and within that, I would find the iron blade. Figuring out how to get to them was the hard part and the part that I didn’t see working out easily. I’m about to propose a plan right as one of the drudes shoots a wave of dark energy towards us. “$name!” Zillah shouts, grabbing my hand and yanking me to the side. It doesn’t hit us, but the explosion is close enough to knock us off our feet. <<include "C11">>
Unloading a round of bullets into the creatures might not kill it, but it could weaken and also lead to some exploit of weakness. Both being something I believe we needed. “Where’s your gun?” I question him, and he nods to the logs we had been sitting near before retiring for the night, the same place my pack and gun were as well. Figuring out how to get to them was the hard part and the part that I didn’t see working out easily. I’m about to propose a plan right as one of the drudes shoots a wave of dark energy towards us. “$name!” Zillah shouts, grabbing my hand and yanking me to the side. It doesn’t hit us, but the explosion is close enough to knock us off our feet. <<include "C11">>
Since coming into my powers, hunting spirits had become quite an easy task. A hunt that may have taken an entire day was cut down to a matter of hours if even that. Not only could I sense them, but I could lay them to rest and banish them far easier than the others could. I was still learning, so my powers weren’t as powerful as they could be, but I could at least attempt to banish whatever these spirits were. Focusing on the spirit and calling forth my powers, I go through the familiar steps of banishment, feeling the power surge through, and then finally begin to stream out of my hands. The drude screeches as the process starts, but I had not accounted for the second to act. “$name!” Zillah shouts, wrapping his arm around my waist and yanking me back just as the other shoots a wave of dark energy at me. It doesn’t hit me squarely, but the explosion is close enough to knock us off our feet. <<include "C11">>
“So you’re telling me they can perform magic?” Zillah shouts, continuously pulling the both of us out of the way of the attacking witch. “What spirit can do that?” I don’t answer, seeing that we both knew what the answer was. “Fuck!” I hear someone shout, the sound of the drudes making it hard to figure out if the person in question was Bradley or Amari. “Bradley!?” I choose to scream back, my heart thudding as I glance around but a sea of dark grey flesh and haunting empty eye sockets is all that I see. One launches forward and I jump back, both Zillah and I falling to the ground and being all that was needed for the creatures to try and finish us. “Run!” he screams, sweeping his tendril to keep the others back and pulling me to my feet. We dart through the woods, dodging trees and shrubs as the rakes give chase. I can only hope that the others were fine. <a data-passage="C12"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Out of the corner of my eye I can see the creatures gliding through the woods, their jaws swinging back and forth as they near. There were two of them chasing us and perhaps more back at camp. “We need some kind of idea here,” Zillah shouts to me, still plotting our course as he leads and I follow. <<if $supernatural>>\ I rack my brain, comparing drudes to other spirits and what we could possibly do. The part that made figuring them out difficult was that though they were spirits, they were also demons. The unsureness coming from not knowing which side this creature leaned towards more. They could become corporeal but a second later phase back out in a similar fashion to that of a spirit. Iron works on ghosts, but this one wasn’t just a spirit ... Perhaps light could play a role in this game of chase. Everything I’ve ever seen speaks about them coming around at night, and the eyewitness testimonials never said anything about them being out during the day. It was weak, but it’s the only thing I can think of at the moment, not until I stop and actually focus. “Alright!” I shout, shifting my pack and opening it to grab a flare. “I hope this works.” I don’t bother to tell Zillah what I’m doing as I stop and turn to the incoming drudes, waiting for the right moment to light the flare. I only do so when they seem right on top of us, and Zillah’s shouts for me not to be foolish seem to be at their highest. Both drudes shriek and glide a ways off, but they don’t retreat. The flares weren’t the brightest, and there was no way of knowing how long each would last. I grab the other two, handing one to Zillah. “We need all three.” “And then what about later?” I shrug at his question, having wondered the same, but we don’t have the luxury of thinking about later when now was happening. I light the second, and he lights the third, the combined light causing the drudes to shriek and then retreat back into the woods. At least that worked. And who knows, maybe the flares would stay lit for at least an hour. <a data-passage="C12.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ Before I can reply, one of the trailing drudes is slung backward. I glance over just in time to see Rahim’s figure. “Rahim,” I manage to shout, taking a step in his direction, but the other that was unphased by his attack cut me off. It rushes forward, and at the last minute, something grabs and throws me to the side, Zillah’s tendril. A second shoots out and pierces the creature’s gut, causing it to fall back, screeching in pain but clearly not dead. “What will it take to kill these things?” Zillah hisses, coming to my side and helping me to my feet. I look for Rahim and the drude he had stopped but see no one besides the retreating figure of the injured one. “Did you see where Rahim went?” I question as Zillah grabs my hand and pulls me behind him. “No. And I’m not about to go trekking through these woods trying to find him.” “But that’s exactly what we’re doing now. Just the wrong way,” I point out, and he stops to turn to me. He opens his mouth, but a shriek cuts him off. That is all either of us needed to hear before we rush off, refusing to stick around. We would reunite with the others later. For now, we were still being hunted, and I would rather put more space between us and the creature still pursuing us. <a data-passage="C12.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
We continue on through the forest, neither of us speaking as we keep our attention focused on the area around us. Did the drude even make noise to warn you of their presence? They had their shrieking, but I can’t seem to recall if there was anything more. The one outside our tent had just appeared. The sudden motion of someone grabbing me and then being pinned close to another stops me from continuing my thoughts. I look to see Zillah staring at me with a broad and perverse smile, his wishes clear in his eyes. “We get chased by some demonic spirit, and you want to fuck in the woods,” I growl, attempting to pull away, but Zillah’s grip is unyielding. He shoves me up against the nearest tree, and I hiss as the bark pokes into my back. <<if $chill>>“You’re putting words in my mouth,” he chuckles, nearing and making sure I had no proper escape route, “but sure.”<<else>>“I can’t help what a good chase does to me.” He moves in, rubbing his growing erection against my thigh, “the fact that I haven’t fucked you or tasted you tonight is nothing less than a crime. Don’t you think?”<</if>> [[Grab his erection.][$flirty +=1]] [[“And whose fault is that?”]] [[“We need to focus.”]]
My heart continues to race on but for a different reason than before. Before, it hastened due to the understanding that danger was descending down on us. That same danger had now vanished, but there was still a hostile air bearing down on me. It just happened to be coming from Zillah. Another difference was that before, I had no other instinct but to escape. My only instinct now was mixed with lust and raw need, rising heat making my body shiver as I yearn for him to give himself to me. I reach down and roughly grab onto his erection, my breathing picking up as I look into his eyes and see them darken. We collide the next minute, Zillah’s hands on my ass and kneading my cheeks with his fingers while I slowly pump him through his pants. Each minute I stroke him, I can feel him hardening more and more until he gets to the point where he no longer wishes for foreplay. His hands are shaking as he pins me with his hips and then begins to work my shirt off, stopping right before he gets it past my head. No. No. No. I think to myself. I move in to caress his stomach or face, but he takes a step back and nods to the awaiting forest. “Let’s keep going.” I want to scream. To grab him by the arm and refuse to let him go until he tells me what had happened. To at least explain why my origins bothered him so much that he had to treat me like some distant acquaintance that he once had a thing with. I wasn’t prepared nor willing to go through everything we went through before again. I knew that, and as I follow at a safe distance behind him, I feel my stomach churning in turmoil. I didn’t want to lose him, but it was starting to look like it wouldn’t matter. <a data-passage="C13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Though I don’t push him away, I don’t entertain any of his actions either. Instead, I raise a brow and watch him with narrowed eyes. “And whose fault is that?” He sighs and stiffens, probably already knowing where this conversation was headed. “What does that mean, $name?” <<if $firesidefuck>>\ “We could have done something earlier, but you were the one to pull back.” “Didn’t you whine about not doing anything in front of the others?” It takes everything within me to keep my voice even and not point out that his actions were still to blame here since even after my ‘whining,’ I still went through with it. “You say this as if what happened earlier was the only case. This has happened multiple times.” <<else>>\ “Every time we’re somewhat close to having sex, you freeze up and call it quits. Sexual frustration used to be a thing. Now, I’m so used to it that I can’t be bothered to even be turned on.” “Hmm,” he hums, and I grab his hand. He doesn’t even bother to look at me, raising his eyebrow at where our skin touches. “Zillah. Talk to me.” <</if>>\ “Drop it,” he grumbles and moves on. My mouth begins to form words but one after another, they die. My heart twitches, attempting to harden itself but unable to honestly do such a thing at the speed I asked for it to. The anger is replaced by melancholy as I realize that there was a good chance that we would never get back what we had. That we were destined to be the ‘almost’ pairing. <a data-passage="C13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
With a blank look on my face, I place my hand on his chest and lightly push him away, “we should continue on.” Out of the corner of my eye, I see him ready to say something, his mouth opening, and at least one word is formed before he closes it. He squints, but whatever he craves to say is lost, and he chooses to simply follow me. Part of me screams to turn around and address the single issue that rests between the both of us. But I don’t. I keep walking, knowing that whatever I said would be met with silence or an argument that would see no resolution. And for now, we had more on our plates than some pre-relationship spat. <a data-passage="C13"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We’re silent as we go on, neither of us even attempting to start a conversation with the other. In the beginning, I’m fine with that. The silence was helping me gather my thoughts and figure things out. Though, I doubt that was as impressive as my brain words it to sound. I need to get into the same headspace as any other hunt. This wasn’t the first hunt we went into blind and mostly uninformed about what we were after. We came out of those just fine. We could do the same now. Though most hunts didn’t have multiple problems tacked on like this one. Separated from the main group, no idea where we were and no idea how the things hunting us were doing it. Throw in a bit of personal relationship drama, and it was enough entertainment to last a couple of days. I’m sure Sydero and Chris were fuming. But then … but then the silence becomes unbearable. It wasn’t a gradual shift, more so like someone flipping on a switch abruptly, startling all there. It becomes less about silence to focus and more about the awkward air that lingers. It was apparent that neither of us wished to speak to the other, but I wasn’t sure why. Or at least I didn’t know why on his part. The more I think about it, the more I realize that my temper towards him was growing, even if it was the worst possible time. As if noticing the silent aggression, Zillah sighs and turns to me. We hadn’t exchanged a word since our previous conversation, and I wished to continue such a streak. “What are we doing?” [[“We need to find the others.”][$reunite = true]] [[“Those creatures have to die.”][$reunite = false]]
“We need to find the others, somehow.” “And how do you imagine we do that? We have no idea where we even are right now.” My voice turns shaky as I attempt to keep the anger and frustration at bay, “I didn’t say they would materialize out of thin air or that I knew where they were. I just said that we need to find them.” “And I’m asking how. How do you suggest we do that?” “Stop shouting at me for a minute. Let me think! Just … let me think.” Zillah chooses not to say anything, which I was thankful for since his voice was the last thing I wished to hear. Not right now. Not with my mind trying to figure out what to do and how to do it. Not with him pushing me away more and more and confusing me at every bend. I recall one hunt, the difficulty, and the frustration that the entire group felt as we tried to solve puzzle after puzzle and do it all with impromptu timing. I was beginning to panic, to fall apart as my bones grew weary from the stress. But Zillah was there for me. He knew what to say and what to do to help me and get me through it. And that's what I wanted more than anything. To know he had my back. To know that even with the irritation of a hunt of this difficulty, the two of us wouldn't stray from each other's sides. <a data-passage="C14"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Those creatures … we have to find some way to kill them. That’s the most important thing.” “And how do you suggest we do that?” <<if $supernatural>>\ “I just need a moment to think. To figure out how to kill them or …” I sigh and scratch my head. “I just need time.” He’s quiet for a moment before sighing, “then start thinking.” <<else>>\ “I don’t know, Zillah! Okay. I just know that this is still a hunt.” “Yea, and they’re hunting us. Wonder if they’re pausing to think it all through.” <</if>>\ My anger flares as I steady my glare on him, “look. We’re in the same boat, so how about you don’t be a sarcastic ass right now.” Zillah chooses not to say anything, which I was thankful for since his voice was the last thing I wished to hear. Not right now. Not with my mind trying to figure out what to do and how to do it. Not with him pushing me away more and more and confusing me at every bend. I recall one hunt, the difficulty, and the frustration that the entire group felt as we tried to solve puzzle after puzzle and do it all with impromptu timing. I was beginning to panic, to fall apart as my bones grew weary from the stress. But Zillah was there for me. He knew what to say and what to do to help me and get me through it. And that's what I wanted more than anything. To know he had my back. To know that even with the irritation of a hunt of this difficulty, the two of us wouldn't stray from each other's sides. <a data-passage="C14"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“$name,” Zillah says, and I raise my head, tuning back into the now. As I take in the scene surrounding us, I blink a few times, finding myself wishing that we had searched further and agreed to camp out in this area. It was a decently sized clearing, nothing but grass that leads into dirt due to the impending lake that was framed by the trees. It was as good a place as any to camp, and once daylight was upon us, we could investigate further and find the others. <<if $perception>>\ Knowing Zillah had no idea how to make a campfire, I set out to start setting one up. He stays out of my way, watching before finding such a task tedious and heading towards the lake. I continue setting up the logs and placing the kindling, grabbing my lighter, and then fanning the flames once a spark has taken hold. It’s not long before a roaring fire rests before me, and I lean back to admire my work. I almost think the fire will lull me to sleep when a splash catches my attention. <<else>>\ We both sit our packs down and take a seat on the grass, Zillah eyeing the lake as I focus on the contents of my bag. <<if $supernatural>>The flares were now gone leaving me with nothing but water, a blanket, two cans of fruit, and my gun.<<else>>I had two more flares, my water, a blanket, two cans of fruit, and my gun.<</if>> Should’ve just grabbed Bradley’s bag, wherever that was. He had packed as if we were going to be out here for a week and not just a day or two. I’m also sure he had the medical aid. Grabbing the blanket, I spread it out onto the floor, gazing over at Zillah, who was now heading towards the lake, stripping as he went. <</if>>\ Zillah lets out a chortle as he dives beneath the dark surface and rises a few seconds later. I surmise that the lake wasn’t too deep since he looked to be standing without issue. “Are you going to join me, or are you going to stay over there?” “We were just chased by some unknown spirit, and you’re playing in a lake.” “And you continue to bring that up. I call it living my life and not letting some supernatural freak ruin it.” I roll my eyes, it would seem that he has forgotten our small argument as well. Though it was far more likely that he was just choosing to ignore it, a popular move by him. “And if it comes back?” “It’s attracted to nightmares, $name. Unless you know something and didn’t share it with the class.” [[Stay where I am.]] [[Why not?]]
I continue looking at him for a few seconds more before placing my attention back on the <<if $perception>>fire. Watching as it sways back and forth, cackling as it continues to gnaw at the wood it was given.<<else>>blanket I had spread out. I idly fiddle with a loose thread, attempting to center both my thoughts and my mind.<</if>> What happens next shocks me as one minute I’m sitting, hardly paying attention to Zillah splashing in the lake, and the next, I find myself in Zillah’s arms. “Put me down!” I screech, slapping his back, but he does nothing of the sort, chuckling as he walks towards the lake. “Don’t you dare. Don’t you dare!” I repeat, squirming in an attempt to get loose, but his grip is solid. He moves me so that he is now carrying me bridal style and wears a faux pout. “What’s the magic word?” [[“Please. Zillah, I beg you.”][$flirty +=1]] [[“Fucker I swear!”]] [[Distraction! Kiss him.]]
“Please, Zillah!” I shout and wrap my arms around his neck, “don’t drop me. I beg of you.” I make sure to say the last part in the most seductive tone I can conjure up at the moment. It was hard to do such a thing when I was far more concerned with meeting the water than appealing to his horny nature. “Don’t say it like that,” he growls, glancing away, his grip tightening on me. “You did this to yourself,” I point out, “you should’ve just left me on the shore.” “You were stuck in your own head. I did you a favor.” Thankfully those words leave his mouth at the same time as he lets me go. I push myself away from him, rolling my eyes. “Sure, let’s call it that. Let’s make it seem like everything is on me right now.” <a data-passage="C15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“You fucker! I swear if you put me down, I am going to destroy you.” “Big words from someone who is in no position to be shouting them.” “Zillah. I’m serious. Take me back to land and then put me down.” “Hmm,” he hums in thought, and I instantly knew what fate awaited me, “no.” The long, drawn-out sound hadn’t even entirely made it past his lips when he opens his arms, and I fall straight down, flailing as the water surrounds me. Thankfully, it wasn’t deep at all, and I’m able to find my footing after the shock wears off and instinct kicks in. “Asshole!” I shout, splashing him with anything less than playfulness in my gesture. He laughs anyway and shrugs, “you were talking pretty bravely for someone who held no cards. I literally held your fate in my arms, and you were so rude.” “I’ll show you rude,” I growl, splashing him again and making my way towards land. I felt as if my anger was misplaced, upset over simply being dropped in water. But the nightmare was still too fresh, along with Zillah’s off-and-on personality. One minute he’s like this, the next he’s ignoring me. I was getting sick of it. <a data-passage="C15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
In its infancy, the kiss was merely to bring his attention away from dropping me and focus it all into the feeling of our lips touching. But with each passing second, my reasons begin to shift. I no longer care about whether he would drop me or not but if what we once had was still there. I needed to chase away the lingering doubts that the nightmare had brought on and reassure myself that this Zillah would never turn into the one I had been presented with. I place my palm to the back of his neck and urge him to delve deeper, but he draws away, shaking his head and raising a curious brow. “What’s going on? Are you okay?” “When have you ever wanted to stop a kiss?” I growl, ignoring my own thoughts that say ‘all the time lately.’ Leaning forward, I attempt to reinitiate it, but my own body stops me, my heart pounding. I shift in his grip, and he finally gets the idea and sets me down. Indeed, the water was not too deep. <a data-passage="C15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
He had a point, and maybe a distraction was what I needed to get my thoughts into place. Sitting and forcing myself to think up solutions to our little dilemma was obviously not making a difference. [[Keep my clothes on.]] [[Strip down to my underwear.]] [[Strip completely.][$flirty +=1]]
I keep my clothes on and only take off my socks and shoes as I make my way into the water, taking a minute to become adjusted to the temperature. “Took your precious time,” he laughs, sending a short stream of water towards me. “Wasn’t like you were going anywhere,” I tease back, splashing him with all my power and causing him to gasp in fake shock. That’s all that is needed to start the war, both of us darting out of the other’s range only to end up unsuccessful when we’re attacked by the water. It does an excellent job of shifting my attention away from the drudes, but each time I hear Zillah laugh or see him smile, piece by piece, the nightmare and argument return. Remembering that this used to be us all the time, and now it wasn’t. That one fact seemed to have changed the entire dynamic that we had. My playfulness dwindles until I’m standing there, shivering in the water and wishing to be back at the camp with the others. “$name?” he questions as he approaches, cocking his head to the side. <a data-passage="C15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I take off my pants and shirt until I was in nothing but my underwear, and then I make my way into the water, pausing to get used to the temperature. “Took your precious time,” he laughs, sending a short stream of water towards me. “Wasn’t like you were going anywhere,” I tease back, splashing him with all my power and causing him to gasp in fake shock. That’s all that is needed to start the war, both of us darting out of the other’s range only to end up unsuccessful when we’re attacked by the water. Zillah inches closer with every attack until he manages to be on top of me, grabbing me and pulling me close, his fingers trailing across my exposed stomach. “Are you surrendering?” I question, gazing to look at him over my stomach. If he answers, I don’t hear him. My mind caught up in the lack of a glimmer in his eyes and thus bringing back the nightmare I tried so desperately to quell and the argument a few minutes prior. There was a time where nothing this sensual could be done without that gleam appearing in his eyes, and now I rarely see it. My playfulness dwindles, and I move out of his hold and turn to face him, shivering in the water and wishing to be back at the camp. <a data-passage="C15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I take off all my clothes, not wishing to get even one part of it wet. Once done, I wade through the water, pausing to get used to the temperature. "Why must you do this to me," he grumbles, his face hidden behind his hand. "Do what?" I ask with a broad and knowing smirk. He moves closer, wrapping his arms around me and bringing me flush up against his body as he nuzzles my neck. His hands wander along my stomach, and then seem to not know whether to travel north or head further south. As if proving my thoughts true, Zillah growls and nips at my neck. "Let me have you," he whispers against my ear, slowly taking my earlobe into his mouth. "I really can't fucking take this any longer." "Take what?" "Don't play with me," he growls, and I feel his erection begin to harden, rubbing against my leg, "you've been teasing me this entire time, and I'm nearing my limit." "You'll have to prove you deserve me," I state, and though the words are meant to boost this hot and heavy air around us, it instead reminds me of my nightmare, and even more recently, the scene near the tree. It was similar to that in every way, and I honestly wasn't ready for a repeat. The heat escapes me, and I move out of his hold, shivering in the water and wishing to be back at the camp. <a data-passage="C15"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Hey …” he speaks softly, resting his hand on my shoulder, “what’s wrong?” “Don’t stand here and act confused. That entire behavior is getting old,” I grumble, wrapping my arms around myself. I wasn’t sure I wanted to have this conversation right now, maybe later, or at least on dry land. He stiffens and raises a brow, either proving to truly be clueless or at least a good enough actor to try and sweep this back underneath the rug and leave it to be discovered on another day. An endless cycle. “Don’t do this, Zillah,” I whisper, “we were doing so well. We were … don’t act like you haven’t been treating me differently since finding out that I’m Death’s child.” I scratch my forehead and sigh, trying to calm my racing heart but choosing to instead leave this conversation. I wouldn’t get an answer. At most, I’ll get what he was doing right now, receiving a look of bewilderment as if he wasn’t behaving like a seesaw whose actions change entirely due to the slightest shift of wind. [[Walk away.->C15WalkAway]] [[Continue speaking.]]
It wasn’t so much that I was surprised or disappointed by his silence but that I was tired of it. It was to the point where if he simply wished to keep it one way, he should say it. I had spoken my piece. I flick the surface of the water before turning. “$name, stop.” I continue to draw back, “no, stop. I said stop!” He grabs both of my arms and holds me in place, forcing me to face him. “Why? So we can have another pointless discussion that doesn’t go anywhere? Or better yet, not a discussion at all. You walk away and leave me standing confused and guessing about what just happened.” <<include "C16">>
“Zillah, please.” I wasn’t sure how pleading my tone sounded, but that was the only thing that could express what I was feeling. I liked Zillah. I really did. And because of that, I wouldn’t be able to continue on if this was where all of our hard work was to end. If we were going to go back to caring nothing for each other and him treating me like a stranger who he’d rather not deal with unless to fuck, then I couldn’t. “You have to say something,” I shake my head at my own words, “no. You have to do more than that. You have to explain what’s happening.” <<include "C16">>
“I know,” he takes a deep breath in, “I know. But I don’t know what you want me to say.” “How about you tell me why? Explain why we went from being close to you treating me like how you did when we first met? Do you want to keep it like this? Just us <<if $chill>>using each other for companionship?<<else>>being friends with benefits?<</if>>” “Yes. I mean no.” “Which is it?” “I don’t know.” “I’d understand that if it was the first time I brought this up or even if we just started all of this. But we’ve been talking for at least a year. Why don’t you know? Is it all because I’m Death’s child?” “Fuck! Look, I want you, all of you. Or I did. But I don’t know -” “Did?” The words strike me like a bolt of lightning. A city full of skyscrapers, and I’m the one thing that gets hit. This entire time I told myself that my nightmare was just that, a nightmare. But here it was, reality. “That’s not what I meant.” I shake my head and try to move away for what felt like the tenth time, but Zillah grabs me once again. [[Pull away.]] [[Scream for him to leave me alone.]] [[Listen to what he has to say.]]
I don’t say anything, mostly because I was sick of speaking words that would never be mulled over. I simply continue to fight him off until he finally lets me go, and I place space between us, wishing to just lie down and let all of this go. “Can we just talk? Let me put this all into words, and we do whatever from there.” I don’t do so immediately, but reluctantly I nod, and the two of us silently trudge back to the shore. <<include "C17">>
“Get off of me!” I scream, just barely missing him as I flail around and pull myself out of his hold. He adds a bit more space between us but doesn’t seem to want to let up. “Don’t touch me,” I warn through gritted teeth, and he raises his hands in a surrender-like fashion. “I won’t. Let’s talk. I’ll try and put this all into words.” I don’t do so immediately, but reluctantly I nod, and the two of us silently trudge back to the shore. <<include "C17">>
I stop trying to move away, and he stumbles into me, looking off sheepishly. “I’m going to try and put this into words. Let’s get out of the water.” The two of us silently trudge back to shore. <<include "C17">>
My mind revolves around what tomorrow would be like. I know we will finish this hunt, but would this be the last day that I could claim Zillah as mine, or would this be the start of something? The idea that this night could go either way makes my stomach churn, and I realize how much I hate those odds. I wonder what he was thinking of. Contemplating what he would say? Or which lie should he go with to save face? Or even a way to get out of all of this? No. I couldn’t think like that. I need to give him a chance to explain and go from there. <<if $perception>>We reach the fire, and after situating ourselves, he wraps the blanket that I had around me but chooses not to join me. We’re silent for a few more minutes, listening to the chirping of insects and the crackling fire.<<else>>We reach the area where I had placed my bags, and instead of sitting on the blanket, he cleans it off and then drapes the cleanest side over my shoulders. We’re silent for a few more minutes before he finally sighs and nods his head.<</if>> <a data-passage="C18"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“I don’t know what to do,” he admits, “you’re Death’s child, and I can’t just act like that doesn’t mean anything. Don’t take this the wrong way, but before, you were simply another confused hybrid. Now … now you’re someone important not only to the world itself but in regards to me,” he tilts his head back to stare up at the starry sky, “it’s a lot. To know that you’re wrong for someone and then being proven right. I look at you, and I see Death. I see the one thing I’m terrified of but at the same time the one thing that proved to be my salvation. I look at you and remember what I truly am, what my purpose is, and I see you and don’t want it.” I interrupt to question, “so it’s a lot of conflicting feelings?” He squeezes his eyes shut and tries to harden himself but fails, choosing to simply nod, “I don’t know how else to explain it. I fucking hate these feelings, and that’s something else. I hate that you make me feel. My hatred towards certain things took centuries in the making. I decided to remain ignorant about some things because I didn’t want to face them. Earth was a hellhole, and I was content with it being kept that way, and everyone from it just pests. There was nothing good about this fucking place, just pain and hatred and misery.” He rubs at his eye and takes a minute to gather himself. “And then you just … you are …” he clears his throat and gazes at me, “it’s like doing something one way all your life and then some stranger coming in and showing you a far more efficient way of doing it. They don’t prove that your way is wrong, just that there’s another way to look at the problem. That there are different solutions and ways to come at it. And that’s what you did. And ever since you did that, I’ve hated it. I say fuck your way and keep doing mine and that it’ll be okay, but somewhere deep, I know how stupid it is.” <a data-passage="C19"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
He wraps his arms around me and, before I could protest the action, moves me onto his lap, resting his forehead on mine. “I had access to your psyche and planned to bring everything down. I had a fucking plan. And nowhere in that plan was me falling for some damn hybrid, least of all Death’s child. I wanted to see black and white, and your stubbornness and your light made me see color. And I fucking hate you for it.” He places his lips against mine as if to kiss me but never falls through on the action, dragging his lips across my cheeks and then to my nose. “I fucking hate you every day for it.” Finally, he pulls back, his eyes a shimmering gold, “and I want that more than I would ever just want your body. And that scares me too.” [[“Zillah …”]] [[“But you still want my body, right?”]] [[“I waited so long to hear you say that.”]]
“Zillah,” I start, softly holding his face between my hands, but he removes them. “Don’t. Please don’t say anything.” “Why?” He stares at me for some time before shaking his head, “I don’t know. But I do know that I can’t take it. Whether you say something sweet or something insulting, I can’t. Acting like an asshole is easier than doing this.” He laughs, bowing his head, “my heart feels like it’s about to stop beating but also beat out my chest. I hate these damn organs.” “I’m sorry,” he whispers, “I just need you to know that. I’m stupid, but I’m sorry.” [[“Apology accepted.”]] [[“Just talk to me from now on.”]] [[“You are stupid.”]]
I pout, hoping to lighten the mood and signal to my heart that it was alright to beat naturally, “but you still want my body, right?” He attempts to remain serious, but the crack doesn’t take long to show itself. He chuckles and shakes his head before nodding, “yes, $name. I still want your body. <<if $chill>>You’ve never cuddled with yourself, so I wouldn’t expect you to understand.<<else>>You’ve never seen yourself when you’re being fucked, so I wouldn’t expect you to understand what that does to a person.<</if>>” We both laugh, sitting quietly as we just enjoy one another’s company. “I’m sorry,” he whispers, “I just need you to know that. I’m stupid, but I’m sorry.” [[“Apology accepted.”]] [[“Just talk to me from now on.”]] [[“You are stupid.”]]
I chuckle, “you know. I waited a really long time to hear you say that. So long that I was beginning to worry.” “You still confuse and bother me more than anything else, so you’ll have to excuse me if it took longer than it should’ve. And I’m still not over the Death’s child thing ... but I will be ...” “I need you to know that you can talk with me about it, though,” I reassure him, resting my hand on top of his. He’s silent as he gazes down at our hands. “I’m sorry,” he whispers, “I just need you to know that. I’m stupid, but I’m sorry.” [[“Apology accepted.”]] [[“Just talk to me from now on.”]] [[“You are stupid.”]]
“Apology accepted,” I reassure him with a smile, glancing away. He shifts closer to me, “are you sure?” “Yes. Just … start seeing me as I am, $name Roe. Child of Death, yes, but I’m not Death.” He clears his throat and glances away, and though the action bothers me, I decide not to say anything about it. It was clear that not all our problems would be wiped clean in one night, we at least made great progress and communication was open. <<include "C20">>
“Apology accepted. Just next time talk to me about what’s bothering you instead of trying to do something about it.” “That sounds like common sense,” he mutters with a smirk, “something I really doubt I have.” “We are at least in agreement there.” He looks playfully offended for a moment before inhaling and nodding. The air between us was no longer choking or oppressed. It was freeing, and I finally didn’t fear the thoughts that my brain would conjure. There were still things we needed to work on, obstacles we needed to get over and face. But I didn’t fear the future, even with all its dilemmas. <<include "C20">>
I huff and nod my head, “you are stupid. This is true.” “Thanks, $name. I can always count on you to make me feel even more like shit.” “Isn’t that why you keep me around?” “Frankly, I’m starting to wonder why I do.” I playfully punch him, and he laughs, a sound that I had missed so much. The air between us was no longer choking or oppressed. It was freeing, and I finally didn’t fear the thoughts that my brain would conjure. There were still things we needed to work on, obstacles we needed to get over and face. But I didn’t fear the future, even with all its dilemmas. <<include "C20">>
<<if $perception>>\ He rubs my arms, “are you warming up?” “Why do you ask?” Before answering, he drops a kiss on my shoulder blade, continuing to rub my arms as he rests his forehead against my back. This felt nice. “Didn’t really think about how cold it would be when we finally decided to sit here.” “At least the fire is helping out. Though, I agree. Getting into that lake feels crazy now.” Zillah chuckles in my ear, pulling me even deeper into his lap and wrapping his hands around my waist. “I’ll warm you up.” I was about to question how that was possible but get an answer regardless. His body heat, combined with mine, was already doing a spectacular job at warming every area where our skin made contact. I relax in his grip, letting my head fall back into his chest and ignoring the fact that both of us were still wet from our earlier excursion. His thudding pulse lulls me to sleep. <<else>>\ Neither of us says or does much else, but I gladly welcome this silence. Zillah wraps his arms around me, and I choose to drift off for a moment. We would figure everything out, but sleep was pulling on me, and I wished to follow it. <</if>>\ Bleary-eyed, I awake to the sound of harsh whispers traveling along the wind. A chill rides my spine, only vanishing when the whispers stop, and everything around me is silent. Blinking, I sit up and gaze around, <<if $perception>>greeted by nothing besides the encroaching darkness kept at bay by the dwindling fire.<<else>>seeing nothing but the darkness that blankets us. The only light source is that of the overhanging moon.<</if>> Zillah lies beside me, motionless in his sleep, and I begin to imagine that whatever I thought I heard was a fragment of my imagination. Hardly anything more than my nerves getting to me and needing time to settle after all that has happened in the span of a night. Yet, that thought is quickly put to rest as I start to close my eyes but spot a shadow darting between trees. <a data-passage="C20.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Zillah,” I whisper, sitting up fully and leaning towards my bag, grabbing my gun. It couldn’t be a drude, right? They were attracted to nightmares, and unless Zillah was currently in one, it shouldn’t have found us. Though, there was a good chance that once it found you, it didn’t matter what visions you had while asleep. “What?” he questions, yawning heavily and reaching out for me, but I evade his grasp. The action causes him to awaken further, and he notices the gun in my hands. “What is it?” “The -” The words never make it out of my mouth as two drudes race towards us, their maws open as they let out an ear-piercing screech. I fire off three shots, but it barely seems to phase the beasts as they continue their approach. “We need a new plan!” I scream at him, loading another magazine. “What we need to do is run.” [[“That’s the best you got?”]] [[“No, I’m not running again.”]] [[“We need to find the others.”->C19NeedtoFindOthers]]
Putting space between the drude and me, I fire two rounds into the creature closest to Zillah. “Is that the best you got? We run, and then what? We’ve been running this entire time. Let’s do what we came here to do, wipe these things out.” <<include "C21">>
“No,” I shout, putting space between the drude and me then firing two rounds into the creature closest to Zillah. “I’m not running again. Where do you even suppose we go, Zillah? You want to just keep running until these things get tired because I doubt that’ll work.” <<include "C21">>
“What we need to do is find the others,” I tell him, putting space between the drude and me then firing two rounds into the creature closest to Zillah. “This constant running isn’t about to solve anything.” <<include "C21">>
“$name!” he shouts, grabbing ahold of my shirt and yanking me back and to his side, turning just in time to shield me from an attack. Before I can see if he is okay, he pushes me to run. I just barely am able to grab my pack as we go, fleeing a campsite for the second time. Soon, we wouldn’t be afforded the opportunity to run anymore; we would have to fight. We dart through the woods, Zillah trailing right behind me as I listen to the screeching sounds of the dead witches attempting to catch up. But there is something else, and it is only when I look back at him that I realize Zillah’s condition. Blood pouring freely from between his fingers as he grips his arm and struggles to continue after me. “Zil-,” I manage to say as I slow, but he pushes me forward roughly, a tendril darting from his back and swatting at one of the drude creatures as they wander too close. “Just fucking go.” I do as he says. When we were safe, I would find a way to help him. Right now wasn’t the time. Continuing to run, I notice something of interest in the near distance, stopping to get a better view. A house! I grab his spare hand and drag him towards it, hoping that maybe the others were here or that the place was abandoned at the very least. <a data-passage="C22"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We rush in, and I close the door behind us, frantically searching for things to barricade it with. But that thought was foolish. Spirits would simply faze through the walls. And even if they couldn’t, the abandoned house was sparse with few derelict pieces of furniture still attempting to stay upright. I approach a sofa when I notice red paint along the floor directly underneath it. <<if $supernatural>>Moving it to the side, I see a large pentagram painted along the floor. The sign of a drudenfuss. If my research was correct, this symbol would keep those witches out of this house. But that could be a myth, muttered to give hearts a reason to hope. I back away from it and wait. We would soon see if that part was genuine.<<else>>Moving it to the side, I see a pentagram with the lone point of the shape pointed down instead of up like many of the others. I vaguely recall seeing Bradley speak about this symbol when informing us about the drude. Could it possibly be a deterrence?<</if>> Carefully making sure not to mess up the symbol, I place the couch back where it was and gaze around the house. They had been right behind us. If they were going to come in and continue their chase, they would have done so. For now, it was wise to look after Zillah and his newly acquired wound and hope that everything would be fine. I enter the kitchen where Zillah is, finding him gripping tightly to his arm and gritting his teeth as he feebly attempts to calm the bleeding but fails. “Is your healing not kicking in?” I question, glancing around for something to wrap his arm with but realizing that if I did find anything, it was probably dirty and would lead to an infection faster than not covering it. <a data-passage="C23"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<playlist "ambience" fadeout>> <<audio "romance" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.40>> <</nobr>> <<if $medical>>\ At least, this was my field of expertise. I didn’t know much about the more complicated supernaturals or how to start a fire and pitch a tent, but treating a wound - I knew that. “The cleanest thing we got is your shirt. I’m going to cut it off of you, okay?” “The savagery,” he snorts though it is more than clear that talking was painful. I grab my blade and begin tearing at his shirt, careful not to disturb his arm and acutely aware of his gaze on me. I was close enough to feel his body heat radiating off of him, and the more of the shirt I cut, the more muscle I see. My eyes linger on his abs and the trail of hair that divides them, leading one straight to - focus, $name, focus. I do away with the rest of his shirt and continue to cut it into one long strip to wrap his wound. However, I would need something to clean the injury. Luckily, I hadn’t abandoned my pack, and I was sure there was a bottle of water somewhere inside. I go to it, searching, and find myself relieved to see just enough to effectively pour over Zillah’s wounds. We wouldn’t have any water for the rest of the night, but I’m sure we could manage. <a data-passage="C23.1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ I just needed to do something to slow the bleeding and give his healing enough time to kick in. This wasn’t really my field of expertise. If it couldn’t be splashed with some wound spray and then covered with a bandaid, then it wasn’t my type of cut. I go over all the things that I could possibly do to help. It would need some kind of bandage. I understood that much. “Okay, take your shirt off.” He raises a brow but doesn’t move. “I’m doing this to help you, Zillah.” “If I had enough energy to be a smart ass,” he grits his teeth, “then I’d actually attempt it. But seeing that I don’t, I’ll just say it. You want me to take my hand off this bleeding wound to take my shirt off?” “Okay, I get it.” I grab my blade and begin to cut at his shirt, accidentally hitting his wound at one point. With a hiss, he draws away from me. “Alright, give me the damn knife. I’ll do it myself.” [[“Fine.”]] [[“No, I got it.”]] [[“I’m so sorry!”]] <</if>>\
With a pout, I hand over the blade and watch as he cuts the rest of his shirt off, my eyes scanning the area. From his abs to his chest and then to his bulging muscles that glisten with - I mean, I was focused on the other scratches and bruises that decorate his person. “Ah, what now, Resident $name?” I open my mouth to reply to his quip with one of my own but instead focus on the more important thing, like cleaning up that wound of his. Leaving the room in search of my pack, I go to grab the water bottle resting there, relieved to see just enough to effectively pour over Zillah’s wounds. We wouldn’t have any water for the rest of the night, but I’m sure we could manage. [[“Thank you, for earlier.”]] [[“Don’t do that again.”]]
“No, I got it,” I reassure and take a step closer, but he takes one step back, grabbing his own blade and cutting the rest of his shirt off. My eyes trail the now exposed skin. From his abs to his chest and then to his bulging muscles that glisten with - I mean, I was focused on the other scratches and bruises that decorate his person. “You’re an intern, huh?” he questions, and though it takes me a minute to realize the insult, I only pout and leave the room in search of my pack. Upon finding it and searching through it, I grab the water bottle resting there, relieved to see just enough to effectively pour over Zillah’s wounds. We wouldn’t have any water for the rest of the night, but I’m sure we could manage. [[“Thank you, for earlier.”]] [[“Don’t do that again.”]]
“Oh, crap, Zillah. That was an accident. I’m so sorry.” “It’s fine; just give me a blade.” Instead of responding, I continue to apologize, rambling on why it was a mistake and attempting to explain myself as I go. What if I had accidentally slashed him? I should’ve been far more careful with my actions. “$name!” he shouts, placing his hand to my cheek and finally bringing my rant to a pause. “You’re cute as fuck when you’re rambling, but I really need that blade. Believe it or not, this shit actually hurts.” “Oh yea,” I mumble, passing it to him and taking a step back as he finishes what I had started. My eyes trail the now exposed skin. From his abs to his chest and then to his bulging muscles that glisten with - I mean, I was focused on the other scratches and bruises that decorate his person. I leave the room in search of my pack, grabbing the water bottle resting there, relieved to see that there was just enough to effectively pour over Zillah’s wounds. We wouldn’t have any water for the rest of the night, but I’m sure we could manage. [[“Thank you, for earlier.”]] [[“Don’t do that again.”]]
Heading back to him, I pause when his golden eyes raise to meet mine. He was still clutching his arm close, blood seeping through his fingers and down his arm creating a deep crimson puddle on the ground. Now that his shirt was off, I was able to see the other scratches and bruises that he had acquired, and I clench my jaw. Using his shirt, I tear it to make one long bandage, figuring that the sleeves can be used as extra padding and used to keep certain parts locked in place. “Don’t move,” I tell him, glancing into his eyes and then to his arm, getting to work. “Whatever you say, Doctor $name,” he snorts, “what next? You’re going to fuck me back to health?” I remain silent, tightening the bandage purposely and snorting softly when I hear him whimper. We exchange no other words as I finish applying the makeshift bandage and make sure it’s tight enough against the wound but also not cutting off needed circulation. Hopefully, we’ll get out of these woods soon, and I can clean and dress it appropriately. Though, I’m sure his healing ability will kick in by then. “I wonder if it’ll leave a scar,” I voice, and he recoils in disgust. “I hope not.” “It’s on your arm, Zillah, not your face.” “The last thing I need are scars,” he narrows his eyes before hanging his head in shame, “I’ve had enough to last me multiple lifetimes.” I frown but say nothing more, not even sure what I would say. There were times when it was apparent that Zillah was referring to his life, his true life. The one lived multiple centuries ago in a land that was recorded throughout history. But that was all he ever did, reference. A few slip-ups made it through, but he never went into depth, and no matter how close we get, I don’t think he ever will. “And thanks,” he mumbles, holding up his arm, “for this.” A smirk appears as he cocks his head to the side, “I don’t think I’d mind seeing you in some sexy doctor or nurse outfit.” [[“You’d make for a horrible patient.”]] [[“A patient has to follow the doctor’s orders.”]] [[“I’m curious about how that scene would unfold.”]]
“Thank you for earlier. For saving me, I mean. I ...” I sigh, scratching my head and not wishing to admit what I was about to say but doing it anyway, “I should’ve listened to you. I was just getting fed up.” Zillah snorts as he shifts his attention to his other bruises and scratches. He doesn’t seem as bothered by these as he did the one on his arm, but that was to be expected. These weren’t bleeding profusely and looked to need stitches. “You don’t have to thank me for something I would do on instinct.” I open my mouth to reply, but his words repeat, and I am left stumped instead and questioning, “what?” Finally, he drops what he is doing and gazes at me, his body relaxing but his expression remaining severe. “I’d do it again, no hesitation, and definitely no regrets.” His hand lightly traces my chin as he moves in, placing his forehead against mine. “$name, you have no idea the things I’d do for you. No regrets had.” “Neither of us needs you -,” I start, but he stops my words with a kiss, his hand tightening on my chin as he pulls me closer. The kiss grows more passionate, growing deeper and causing me to pause and wonder what he was thinking. Yearning to ask but knowing that the likelihood of him telling me was low. “Don’t say it,” he mumbles against my lips, lightly nibbling on the lower one, “I know it’s unfair, but that’s how it is, and your words aren’t going to change that. You got shit to live for. I don’t.” [[“I need you to relax.” (Cuddling scene.)]] [[“Then have me.” (Submissive scene.)]] [[“Too bad.” (Dominant scene.)]] <<if $flirty >=3>>\ [[No words. Just have him. (Hot and bothered scene. WARNING: THIS SCENE CONTAINS TENDRIL PLAY)]] <</if>>\
“Don’t do that again, understand?” I tell him, waiting for him to concur, but all I receive is a weak look. “I’m serious, Zillah.” He stiffens and approaches, summoning his full height and raising his chin in derision, “you can yell at me all you want. But I’d push you out of the way every time.” His hand lightly traces my chin as he moves in, placing his forehead against mine. “$name, you have no idea the things I’d do for you. No regrets had.” “Then you need to understand that -,” I start, but he stops my words with a kiss, his hand tightening on my chin as he pulls me closer. The kiss grows more passionate, growing deeper and causing me to pause and wonder what he was thinking. Yearning to ask but knowing that the likelihood of him telling me was low. “Don’t say it,” he mumbles against my lips, lightly nibbling on the lower one, “I know it’s unfair, but it’s not the same. You got shit to live for. I don’t.” “Zillah,” I again attempt to voice my thoughts, but he once again smashes his lips against mine, this time pulling my body flush against his. “I need you,” he whispers into my hair, his breathing deepening, “fuck, I really need you.” [[“I need you to relax.” (Cuddling scene.)]] [[“Then have me.” (Submissive scene.)]] [[“Too bad.” (Dominant scene.)]] <<if $flirty >=3 and $chill is false>>\ [[No words. Just have him. (Hot and bothered scene. WARNING: THIS SCENE CONTAINS TENDRIL PLAY)]] <</if>>\
I end up making a sound resembling that of a snort and chortle, glancing up at Zillah as I set my focus to his other wounds. “Zillah, you would undoubtedly be the worst patient in history.” “That’s going a bit too far, don’t you think? In history?” “You’ve never met yourself,” I mumble my following words, “and you think far too highly of yourself.” I clear my throat and straighten up, “if you were my patient, I think I’d go for restraints.” <<if $chill>>I snort at my own words and focus back on the task at hand, paying mind to his smaller wounds.<<else>>My eyes flicker over his muscles and stomach, and I find myself licking my lips. “Really thick restraints.” I clear my throat and switch my attention to his smaller wounds, making sure they weren’t far more severe than I believed.<</if>> <<include "C23.2">>
“I don’t know, Zillah,” I grin as I turn my attention to his other wounds, patting them down just to get a better idea of how severe they were. His healing should kick in any minute rendering any kind of care meaningless. “A patient has to follow the doctor’s orders.” “Which is something I can do.” “Let’s both be honest,” I snicker, “no, you can’t. You’ll probably listen to what I have to say and deliberately do the opposite.” <<include "C23.2">>
“I’m curious about how that scene would unfold. I can’t see it ending well.” I attempt to picture it again, but nothing changes, just what Zillah says and does. I shift my focus to his other wounds, patting them with the wet piece of cloth to make sure they weren’t worse than what I was thinking. “Why not?” he chuckles, brow raised as if he genuinely could not see it himself. “You don’t really like to follow orders, Zillah. That and you’re fidgety. I say stay still, and you’ll find out how to move every single muscle you have.” <<include "C23.2">>
“Maybe I just need a stern doctor,” he whispers, grabbing my wrist to stop me from tending to his smaller wounds. “You say that but exhibit A of why you’d be a bad patient,” I look to where he grabs me, believing he would let go to prove his point. But he doesn’t. He instead brings me flush up against his body, holding me there as his injured arm rests itself on my hips. “You mess up that bandage, and you’re on your own.” “I’m sure it’ll heal by itself soon.” “That’s not the -,” I start but his lips capture mine, vanquishing everything I was going to say and leaving me speechless. [[“Stop. I don’t need you even more injured.” (Cuddling scene.)]] [[Let him have control. (Submissive scene.)]] [[Take control. (Dominant scene.)]] <<if $flirty >=3 and $chill is false>>\ [[Teasingly move away. (Hot and bothered scene. WARNING: THIS SCENE CONTAINS TENDRIL PLAY)]] <</if>>\
I allow myself to be taken in by the kiss for a few moments longer before pulling away from his hold, keeping him at bay and ignoring the sad look he gives me. “Seriously, Zillah. I don’t need you even more injured because you wanted to get frisky.” He studies my face and, after a few seconds, finally nods. Expecting him to react like he has so many other times, I take an additional step back to give him enough space to leave when he grabs me. “And where do you think you’re going?” he inquires. “I just thought you’d want your space.” The last part of my sentence is said under my breath as he softly trails a hand down my cheek, his eyes gently taking in my every feature before finally coming to rest on my eyes. “You’re more than just a body to me, $name. Though I wish you weren’t,” he drifts closer, inhaling deeply, “it would make all of this so much easier. But you stopped being just a body a long time ago. I’d trade everything I am and have just to be the receiver of even a fraction of your admiration.” [[Hold him close.]] [[Wrap my arms around him.]]
I allow myself to be taken by his actions a few moments longer before pulling away from his hold, keeping him at bay and ignoring the sad look he gives me. “And I need you to relax, okay?” He studies my face and, after a few seconds, finally nods. Expecting him to react like he has so many other times, I take an additional step back to give him enough space to leave when he grabs me. “And where do you think you’re going?” he inquires. “I just thought you’d want your space.” The last part of my sentence is said under my breath as he softly trails a hand down my cheek, his eyes gently taking in my every feature before finally coming to rest on my eyes. “You’re more than just a body to me, $name. Though I wish you weren’t,” he drifts closer, inhaling deeply, “it would make all of this so much easier. But you stopped being just a body a long time ago. I’d trade everything I am and have just to be the receiver of even a fraction of your admiration.” [[Hold him close.]] [[Wrap my arms around him.]]
I relinquish any kind of control I have and let him have his way, practically melting in his grasp and letting him know. He pulls back, pecking my lips before looking me in the face and raising a brow. “Do you want to ...” he questions, and I nod enthusiastically, my body humming in both need and excitement. “Only if you promise not to end it prematurely,” I tease, and he rolls his eyes. He didn’t need to hear anything more as he switches our positions so that I was sitting on the counter with him standing between my legs. <<include "C.Sub">>
I melt against him, wanting him as bad as he wanted me. “Then have me,” I whisper in his ear, already panting at the thought, “I need you -” He doesn’t allow me to finish, switching our positions so that I was now sitting on the counter with him standing between my legs. His eyes alight in desire. <<include "C.Sub">>
I was done playing games. If we were going to do this, then we were going to do it. I tangle my fingers in his hair and yank it to the side to give me access to his neck, leaving sharp nips along his skin before placing a light kiss at the area. He begins to fight me, trying to control the situation, but I refuse to make it easy for him. All the other times, he’s taken control, and needless to say, he’s ended each one abruptly. <<include "C.Dom">>
I turn my face so that our lips are now touching, but I never take the step to kiss him. Instead, I tangle my fingers through his hair and, with a sharp yank, tilt his head back, smirking to myself as he hisses in pain. “Too bad,” I whisper, placing a kiss upon his chin and then one along his jaw, “you’ll do as I say. Understood?” He pants out a shaky yes, and though he was receptive now, I had no doubt that he would later attempt to regain control. <<include "C.Dom">>
His actions do something to me, awakening something that I have been feeding slivers to this entire time but refusing to actually provide for appropriately. A roar of heat races through me, creating a tornado in my stomach as I shove my lips against his and grabbing his shirt to keep him from moving. Before we can go too far, I step back, the action taking everything in me to do. I made sure to step far enough away so that he couldn’t simply reach forward and recapture me. And though there was nothing more I wanted to do than crash against him again, the irritation on his face made the action worthwhile. “You’ll have to try harder than that,” I chuckle. “Don’t play with me,” he growls and I take a step forward but warn him with a glare to not touch me. “We’re doing this my way.” “I’m yours,” he purrs, and I clench my eyes closed, fighting the raw urge to have him in the most primal way possible. Leave it to Zillah to have you pissed off one minute and then craving to fuck his brains out the next. <<include "C.HotBother">>
His words do something to me, awakening something that I have been feeding slivers to this entire time but refusing to actually provide for appropriately. A roar of heat races through me, creating a tornado in my stomach as I shove my lips against his and grabbing his shirt to keep him from moving. “No more playing,” I growl, yearning to feel him against me. How a few words could just shift an entire mood. “Fucking finally,” he barks, “We’re doing this my way, though,” I warn, pulling back. “I’m yours,” he purrs, and I clench my eyes closed, fighting the raw urge to have him in the most primal way possible. Leave it to Zillah to have you pissed off one minute and then craving to fuck his brains out the next. <<include "C.HotBother">> /*CUDDLE*/
I bring him closer to me, running my hands through his hair before resting them near the back of his head. I nudge him more than force him forward, and he responds by wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his head on my chest. “You say a fraction when you have it all.” “I don’t consider myself that lucky.” “This is not fair,” I manage to chuckle, “you can’t just say all these sweet things. And not even one dirty joke too? Come on, where’s my Zillah?” He draws back, and at first, I believe I had offended him, but the expression he wears is the stark opposite. His eyes are glistening, filled to the brim with a longing that I have never seen on him. His arms dig into my waist, balancing itself between pain and pleasure. My heart picks up as I find myself unable to look away from his eyes, practically glowing as he regards me. He whispers, “say it again.” Before I can question, he continues, “the last part. Just say it again.” I laugh to myself as I cradle his face in my hands and rest my forehead on his, “my Zillah.” He releases a shaky breath as he holds onto me for dear life, and I swear I could feel our hearts begin to beat in tandem. For that moment, it was just us. The drudes outside the house weren’t a problem, and our team was somewhere safe but far away. The night was young, and the confessions had only begun. <a data-passage="Cuddle1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I allow him to wrap his arms around me and pull me in closer. While he does that, I intertwine my fingers behind his head and rest my arms on his shoulder. “I adore you. You have to know that by now.” He shrugs and glances away, “if I don’t feel like I deserve it, then does it matter?” Resting my forehead against his, I shift only slightly so that he can angle his head to look at me. “It doesn’t matter what you think you deserve, especially when it’s my choice.” He pauses before finally saying, “then know that I will never stop trying to deserve it.” “Then know that I won’t either. I’ll fight just as hard to always make sure I’m worthy of your admiration.” I must applaud him, for he put up a fight, and though he lost, he at least tried. The smirk that had been dueling his serious expression finally claims victory and he shakes his head, squeezing my waist, “you own every part of me, $name. You don’t have to work for anything.” He looks me deep in the eye and smiles, “if you wish to destroy me then a few words is all that’s needed.” “You’re made of tougher stuff,” I mutter in a shaky voice. Though I don’t think it possible, I push myself closer into his embrace, wanting to be surrounded by his essence and nothing more. For that moment, it was just us. The drudes outside the house weren’t a problem, and our team was somewhere safe but far away. The night was young, and the confessions had only begun. <a data-passage="Cuddle1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
We stand in each other’s arms, only shifting when one of us wished to run our hands along the body or through the hair of the other. Somewhere between our time in the kitchen and now, we move to the living room. We use my blanket to keep us from having to lay our head on the aged sofa, and once that was taken care of, we lay in each other's arms, simply choosing to exist. <<include "C24">> /*SUBMISSIVE*/
I lick my lips as Zillah pulls at my pants, towing them down my legs before tossing them to the side and turning his attention to my shirt. He reaches up but then jerks back, his eyes squeezed shut as he brings his injured arm close to his side. He wouldn’t say anything but the pain was still fresh, and doing anything that required him to extend it would be an issue for him. “Zillah, we really don’t have to, or at least -” I start to whisper, but he ignores me as he reaches for my shirt the second time, this time continuing the motion even as he grits his teeth. I’m about to help out, but he sends me a stern look, and I decide that I would let him have this. Once my shirt is gone, he wraps his arm around my waist and places a lingering kiss upon my lower stomach. His kisses start off soft, trailing upwards and becoming harsher. Gentle kisses shift to nips and teasing bites that just almost cause me to yelp, but the needed pressure for me to do such a thing is never there. <a data-passage="Sub1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Through all of this, my fingers are busy exploring his body and hair. Tangling themselves in his curls before choosing to find purchase along his neck and then shoulders. Choosing to re-learn and re-familiarize myself with every inch of this man’s body. <<if settings.showec and $sex is not "na">>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ Once at my neck, he heads back south, hovering right over my member and placing light kisses along the base. It feels like time ticks by ever so slowly as he rests there, my body itching for him to act and my legs beginning to shake impatiently. I’m about to question why he had decided to tease me when he finally moves forward and runs his tongue along my length. A moan escapes my lips as he takes me into his mouth, circling his tongue around the tip of my erection but doing nothing more. Despite the building pleasure, it was apparent what his true motives were -- keep me from experiencing any more than a fleeting idea of what could be. “Stop teasing me,” I growl, and he raises his gaze to meet mine, refusing to shift as he finally goes deeper, working me deeper into his mouth and swirling his tongue against my cock. He uses one of his hands to pump the base of my member while his other fondles my sack. My eyes roll to the back of my head as I let it lazily fall to the side, my body begging for him to keep going, and he listens. Still pumping me, he rises so that only my tip is still in his mouth and he sucks and teases it, as if trying to pull any available precum. “You really make the sweetest sounds,” he whispers, pulling back just enough to say such a thing before diving right back in. I’m not able to respond as I’m more focused on the feeling of his mouth and his hands around me. “It’s nice to see you finally using your mouth for something important.” He chuckles, pulling back and harshly slapping my dick. I’m about to yelp when he covers my mouth with his, forcing his tongue past my lips as his hand picks up the pace. He gasps teasingly against my mouth just as he tightens his hold just enough and I mimic his motions. My toes curl as my head falls back, and I let my orgasm take me over. <<else>>\ Once at my neck, he heads back south, hovering right over my core and allowing his breath to tickle the sensitive skin residing there. It feels like time ticks by ever so slowly as he rests there, my body itching for him to act and my legs beginning to shake impatiently. I’m about to question why he had decided to tease me when he finally moves forward and runs his tongue between my folds. A moan escapes my lips as he delves deeper, pushing my legs further apart as he runs his tongue back and forth between my entrance and clit, refusing to do anything more for the time being. Despite the building pleasure, it was apparent what his true motives were -- keep me from experiencing any more than a fleeting idea of what could be. “Stop teasing me,” I growl, and he raises his gaze to meet mine, refusing to shift as he finally plunges his tongue into my hole and then closing his mouth around me and sucking. My eyes roll to the back of my head as I let it lazily fall to the side, my body begging for him to keep going, and he listens. Still tasting me, he presses his thumb against my clit, roughly moving it in a circular motion and having me buck against him just as he inserts a finger and then a second. “You really make the sweetest sounds,” he whispers, pulling back just enough to say such a thing before diving right back in. I’m not able to respond as I’m more focused on the feeling of his mouth, lapping up every bit of me and leaving nothing untasted or undiscovered. “It’s nice to see you finally using your mouth for something important.” He chuckles, pulling back and harshly flicking my clit. I’m about to yelp when he covers my mouth with his, forcing his tongue past my lips as his fingers pick up the pace. He gasps teasingly against my mouth just as he curls his fingers inside of me, and I mimic his motions. My toes curl as my head falls back, and I let my orgasm take me over. <</if>>\ I want to stretch out, if only for a minute, but he grabs me and carries me into the living room. Laying the blanket we had on the sofa, he places me there and covers my body with his. “Not done with you yet,” he sneers, kissing my chest and teasing my nipples, applying just the right amount of pressure to make my back arch. Despite just having hit my climax, I was more than ready for him, and this delay was frustrating. <<else>>\ Once at my neck, he heads back south, his breath tickling my sensitive skin and his hands roaming all over my body. As he goes a moan escapes my lips as his venturing picks up. Despite the building pleasure, it was apparent what his true motives were -- keep me from experiencing any more than a fleeting idea of what could be. “Stop teasing me,” I growl, and he raises his gaze to meet mine, refusing to shift as he finally gives me what I want. My eyes roll to the back of my head as I let it lazily fall to the side, my body begging for him to keep going, and he listens. “You really make the sweetest sounds,” he whispers, pulling back just enough to say such a thing before diving right back in. I’m not able to respond as I’m more focused on the feeling he was causing to swell within me, not one inch left undiscovered. “It’s nice to see you finally using your mouth for something important.” He chuckles, pulling back and harshly squeezing my leg. I’m about to yelp when he covers my mouth with his, forcing his tongue past my lips as his fingers pick up the pace. He gasps teasingly against my mouth and I mimic his motions as my release hits me. My toes curl as my head falls back, and I let my orgasm take me over. I want to stretch out, if only for a minute, but he grabs me and carries me into the living room. Laying the blanket we had on the sofa, he places me there and covers my body with his. “Not done with you yet,” he sneers, kissing my chest. Despite just having hit my climax, I was more than ready for him, and this delay was frustrating. <</if>>\ [[Take matters into my own hands.]] [[Beg Zillah.]]
I was far too impatient to wait for him, and so I wrap my legs around his hips and attempt to flip us, but Zillah catches on and stops it. With one hand, he pins my arms above my head while the other clutch my leg. “Did you think that would work?” he questions, squeezing my thigh. “You’re teasing me, and I hate it,” I growl. “So impatient.” I lean forward and huff out, “fuck. Me.” “Part of me wants to say no,” he chuckles lowly, grinding against me, “just to see you beg.” Thankfully he doesn’t do that. He works his pants off, and I get an eyeful of his attentive erection. <a data-passage="Sub2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
The easy thing about Zillah was that I knew exactly how to get his blood pumping and speed up everything in the process. I whimper and grind my hips into his hardness, closing my eyes as I let out a huff. “Zillah,” I say in the whiniest voice I can muster, making sure to whisper it. There was an entire art to this stuff. “I need you, please.” “Fuck,” Zillah growls, latching onto my neck and his actions picking up. He works his pants off, and I get an eyeful of his attentive erection. <a data-passage="Sub2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if settings.showec>>\ <<if $sex is "p" or $sex is "na">>\ He lubes my ass thoroughly before doing the same treatment to himself, prepping both of us for what was to come. Once he was done he doesn’t waste any time as he lines himself up with my entrance and then enters me, gently sinking in and causing a soft gasp to dance from my lips. <<else>>\ He doesn’t waste any time as he lines himself up with my entrance and then enters me, gently sinking in and causing a soft gasp to dance from my lips. <</if>>\ “Shit,” he chuckles, slowly working himself in further. I tighten my grip on his hips and wrap my legs around him as he picks up the pace, my head falling to the side as my body hums with pleasure. He leans down so that we could kiss, thrusting into me roughly and causing me to moan in his mouth. I bite his lower lip, more so to tell him that I knew he had done that on purpose. The action seems to spur him to go harder as he picks up his pace and slams into me. Each time knocking the breath out of me. I whine as he taps the side of my leg and pulls out, “on your hands and knees.” I do as he says, shivering as he reenters me and leans forward, caressing my body with his wandering hands and placing kisses along my back. He gives me every inch of his length as he works himself in and out, maintaining a decent pace that sees no end to my moaning. I push my hips into him, my head falling to the side as I feel my release coming. <<else>>\ He doesn’t waste any time as he lines himself up and enters me, gently sinking in and causing a soft gasp to dance from my lips. “Shit,” he chuckles, slowly working himself in further. I tighten my grip on his hips and wrap my legs around him as he picks up the pace, my head falling to the side as my body hums with pleasure. He leans down so that we could kiss, his actions causing me to moan in his mouth. The action seems to spur him to go harder as he picks up his pace and slams into me. Each time knocking the breath out of me. I whine as he taps the side of my leg, “on your hands and knees.” I do as he says, shivering as he continues and leans forward, caressing my body with his wandering hands and placing kisses along my back. He maintains a decent pace that sees no end to my moaning. I push my hips into him, my head falling to the side as I feel my release coming. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="Sub3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Damn, Zillah,” I whine, clenching my fist around the blanket. “Don’t ‘damn, Zillah’ me,” he groans, “you feel so fucking good.” Placing a hand on my back, he pushes my front end into the sofa, which changes the angle that he can reach, both of us moaning simultaneously. I felt my release and let it take over me, shivering as my legs tighten around his member. <<if settings.showec>>\ “Shit!” he shouts, and he relaxes on top of me as his release fills me. He pulls out slowly, a smirk riding his lips as he watches his seed flee out of my opening. “Fuck that was sexy,” he sighs, falling onto the sofa. <<else>>\ “Shit!” he shouts, and he eases himself down unto me. <</if>>\ He flips me over onto my back and brings me close, “the worst thing about that position is that I can’t see your face when you come.” I let out a short snort as I press myself up against his sweaty chest, my half-lidded eyes fighting to stay open. Impulse and need fuel me, though, and I lean forward to kiss his chin, traveling even higher to his lips. It was a sweet one that never deviates from its intended purpose of just being a kiss between two people who cared for one another. No underlying desire or lust, just a kiss. <a data-passage="C24"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> /*HOT & BOTHERED*/
Both of us practically collide. It would seem that neither of us could stave off the hunger we were feeling for the other much longer. The heat building in my own core was evidence of that, desire pooling between my legs and begging for recognition. I cling to Zillah, telling myself to remember that I had just patched him up, but even his actions didn’t seem to show much care for his own injury. Despite our closeness, it never seems like enough, and I direct him to a nearby table, hoping that we wouldn’t break it due to what we were about to do. “Gonna give me an order, beautiful? Or should I just guess what you’re thinking?” he questions, though the last part of his words die on his lips due to me pulling his hair. “Shut up. Unless I say speak, I don’t want to hear anything from you.” Zillah narrows his eyes but does as I say. “About time,” I grumble, “now lay on the table, and how about you use those tendrils of yours to restrain yourself.” <a data-passage="HB1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if settings.showec>>\ He raises a brow but does everything, sighing as if bored as two tendrils erupt from his back and wrap themselves around his wrists. It wasn’t the most reliable thing due to Zillah being in control of them, but I had a feeling he would do what I asked. I work his pants down, freeing his erect member that glistens with pre-cum. I bite the side of my lip, a few ideas coming to mind about all the things that we could do. I quickly take my clothes off before going to his side, taking his length into my hands and pumping him slowly. “You seem ready,” I point out, nodding to the tip where his pre-cum still sits. To my amazement, he doesn’t say anything, his golden eyes sparkling as he watches me and reacts to my hands on his member. His hips rise and fall, and when I lean in, licking my lips, his eyes seem to glow. “Want me to take you?” I tease, trying to get him to speak, but he refuses. “Such a good boy,” I coo and reward him by taking him into my mouth, twirling my tongue around his member. I pull away and use my spit to lube him up before going down on him a second time, this time taking much more of him in. I use both my mouth and hands to bring him closer to his edge, taking note of his every reaction. His hips bucking and how he groans when I do a certain thing. “Oh shit,” he moans, his dick twitching slightly, and the salty taste of his precum is close behind. I don’t move, just busy myself with swiveling my tongue around his head to lap up all that he excretes. <<else>>\ He raises a brow but does everything, sighing as if bored as two tendrils erupt from his back and wrap themselves around his wrists. It wasn’t the most reliable thing due to Zillah being in control of them, but I had a feeling he would do what I asked. I bite the side of my lip as I remove his pants and free his straining hardness. I quickly take my clothes off before going to his side, taking his length into my hands and working him. “You seem ready,” I point out. To my amazement, he doesn’t say anything, his golden eyes sparkling as he watches me and reacts to my hands. His hips rise and fall, and when I lean in, licking my lips, his eyes seem to glow. “Want me to take you?” I tease, trying to get him to speak, but he refuses. “Such a good boy,” I coo and reward him by taking him into my mouth. Using both my mouth and hands to bring him closer to his edge, I take note of his every reaction. His hips bucking and how he groans when I do a certain thing. “Oh shit,” he moans, hitting his release. I don’t move, just busy myself with swiveling my tongue and cleaning him up. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="HB2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Fuck!” Zillah growls, and his tendrils grab me by the arms and slam me into the wall. “This goes against what we agreed on,” I growl, and he approaches with a sneer. “What does that mean to me? Hmm, $name?” “I should’ve known you couldn’t handle it,” I chuckle, but he doesn’t seem hurt or even mildly affected by my words. “Be good and turn around.” I glare at him but do as he says, feeling two more tendrils coil around my ankles and separate my legs. “That’s it,” he whispers in my ear, grinding his hips into my ass. Moving his cock so that it was sliding past my cheeks. He grabs my chin to turn my head, pressing his lips against mine as our tongues move together. “You want them?” he questions, nodding to the tendrils that keep my wrists and ankles restrained. I nod, and immediately another one appears and begins to caress my skin. <<if settings.showec>>\ It rubs against my entrance, and Zillah uses one of his hands to push me closer to the wall, completely immobilizing all of me. A gasp shoots past my lips as his tendril enters me, traveling deeper and deeper and stretching me out so much that my eyes begin to roll to the back of my head. <<if $sex is "p" or $sex is "na">>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ “That feel good?” Zillah questions, his hand snaking around my side so that he could stroke my cock, performing slow pumps that take my breath away. <<else>>\ “That feel good?” Zillah questions, lightly tracing circles along my shoulder and neck. I can’t even speak as the tendril feels like it begins to pulse, and I whimper, biting down on my bottom lip. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="HB3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “That feel good?” Zillah questions, his hand snaking around my side so that he was now playing with my pussy. “Because I’m about to open you up for another.” I’m not even able to react as another tendril joins the previous, this one slipping past my folds and entering me. I want to stand on my toes to escape it, but I’m unable to go anywhere. I whimper as I instead sink down onto it, craving it to go deeper and fill me. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ It rubs against my entrance, and Zillah uses one of his hands to push me closer to the wall, completely immobilizing all of me. A gasp shoots past my lips as his tendrils get to work, caressing me so much that my eyes begin to roll to the back of my head. “That feel good?” Zillah questions, lightly tracing circles along my shoulder and neck. I can’t even speak as the momentum rises and everything becomes somewhat like a blur. I can only whimper, biting down on my bottom lip. <</if>>\ <a data-passage="HB3"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<if settings.showec>>\ <<if $sex is "p" or $sex is "na">>\ Another tendril joins the previous, this one causing me to part my lips as it slithers into my mouth and then a third that toys and teases my nipples. “I love seeing you like this,” Zillah whispers against my skin, “completely immobilized. Not being able to do shit but take me.” His finger trails against my bottom lip, kissing away some of the spit that has managed to escape my lips. “I want you to suck that one clean?” There was so much pleasure, everything feeling like it was teetering between making me feel overstimulated and at mass stimulation. <<if $sex is "p">>My ass being pumped, my mouth filled, and Zillah milking my cock.<<else>>My ass being pumped and my mouth filled.<</if>> I wanted to release everything inside of me, my body nearing its peak and screaming out. My eyelids flutter, and I choke on the tendril in my mouth, relieved when Zillah removes it and his tendrils release me. I fall into his arms, trembling profusely as the tendril buried in my ass leaves with a satisfying pop. <<else>>\ “I love seeing you like this,” Zillah whispers against my skin, “completely immobilized. Not being able to do shit but take me.” His finger trails against my bottom lip, “seems like I missed a hole.” The last tendril appears and parts my lips as it slithers into my mouth. “There we go,” he says right before kissing away some of the spit that has managed to escape my lips. “I want you to suck that one clean?” There was so much pleasure, everything feeling like it was teetering between making me feel overstimulated and at mass stimulation. Both of my holes were being pumped and abused while my mouth was filled. I wanted to release everything inside of me, my body nearing its peak and screaming out. My eyelids flutter, and I choke on the tendril in my mouth, relieved when Zillah removes it and his tendrils release me. I fall into his arms, trembling profusely as the tendril buried in my ass leaves with a satisfying pop. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “I love seeing you like this,” Zillah whispers against my skin, “completely immobilized. Not being able to do shit but take me.” His finger trails against my bottom lip, “seems like I missed a hole.” The last tendril appears and parts my lips as it slithers into my mouth. “There we go,” he says right before kissing away some of the spit that has managed to escape my lips. “I want you to suck that one clean?” There was so much pleasure, everything feeling like it was teetering between making me feel overstimulated and at mass stimulation. My entire body is on fire. I wanted to release everything inside of me, my body nearing its peak and screaming out. My eyelids flutter, and I fall into Zillah's arms, trembling profusely as he removes his tendrils from me, my release washing over me. <</if>>\ “You’re so beautiful,” he purrs, walking me to the sofa and laying me on top of the blanket that I had brought. He kisses me softly but clutches my face roughly. “Did you even come?” I question, knowing damn well I did but having no idea where Zillah stands. He snorts, taking a minute to laugh before running his hand between my legs and showing me the liquid resting there, “yea. I definitely did.” “I feel like I can’t move,” I chuckle, wrapping my arms around him lazily, my legs still shaking from what had been done in the kitchen.” “You don’t have to either,” he whispers, petting my head, “just relax.” We stay like that for some time, neither of us saying anything but neither of us sleeping as we exchange lazy kisses. <a data-passage="C24"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> /*DOMINANT*/
With his cooperation on my side, I begin to reward him by teasing <<if settings.showec>>his member<<else>>him<</if>>, brushing some of his loose curls back so that I can see his face clearly. “You either do as I say, or we end this.” He snarls, “I’m starting to think that you like fighting more than the actual fucking.” “And what would make you think that?” I smirk, gripping <<if settings.showec>>his member<<else>>him<</if>> tightly. The hiss that leaves his lips is music to my ears, but it was obvious that it was involuntary on his part, and this whole situation was beginning to piss him off. “Get dominance back then,” I tell him, feeling my fire grow. I was curious if he would try it or if he would simply be alright with his station for now and keep it as such. He reaches out to grab my wrist, and I most out the way just in time, using my powers and forcing him to the ground. There were a few things I could and could not do. One of the most fun things, though, is controlling a shade to a certain degree. With him now on the floor, I straddle his lap and apply slight pressure to his neck as I slowly grind against him. I lean in and flick my tongue against his earlobe and sucking on it before whispering, “if you want me, then I think you know what you have to do.” <a data-passage="Dom1"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
He snorts, shaking his head but stopping when I tighten my grip around his neck. His eyes are alight, “I’m not begging you for shit.” I grind harder, and he reaches for my hands, but I swat them away before he can touch me. <<if settings.showec>>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ “Then you won’t get shit. I’ll just sit here and tease you,” I sigh. As I grind into his lap, I play with myself, freeing my cock and pumping myself as I make noises that I know will drive him crazy. In the beginning, he does an incredible job of seeming uninterested, but the longer we go, the more his resolve breaks. I once again let my lips travel across his skin, tasting him before moaning in his ear. <<else>>\ “Then you won’t get shit. I’ll just sit here and tease you,” I sigh. As I grind into his lap, I play with myself, touching my body and playing with my nipples as I make noises I know will drive him crazy. In the beginning, he does an incredible job of seeming uninterested, but the longer we go, the more his resolve breaks. I once again let my lips travel across his skin, tasting him before moaning in his ear. <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Then you won’t get shit. I’ll just sit here and tease you,” I sigh. As I grind into his lap, I play with myself, touching my body and making noises I know that drive him crazy. In the beginning, he does an incredible job of seeming uninterested, but the longer we go, the more his resolve breaks. I once again let my lips travel across his skin, tasting him before moaning in his ear. <</if>>\ “Fuck,” I whisper and moan, “I’m so ready Zillah. I need you to fill this -” I’m not even able to finish when he breaks, grabbing me and switching our positions. “Shit, I need you,” he pants, “let me have you.” “Tell me how much,” I order, beginning to push him away when he catches my hands to stop me. <<if settings.showec>>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ “Badly. $name I need to taste you, I’m begging. Please.” I stop the resistance, and he immediately turns his attention to my pants and works them down. He acts more like a starving animal as he sets himself upon me. He wastes no time taking my member into his mouth, pumping and working my entire length into his mouth. My back arches as I grab his hair and force him, not being able to control myself as I begin to mouth fuck him. He relinquishes all of his control and allows it, letting me set the pace as I keep him from surfacing. I fight the need to come right then and there, his warm mouth around my member, his tongue doing things only his tongue can do. <a data-passage="Dom2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<elseif $sex is "na">>\ “Badly. $name I need to taste you, I’m begging. Please.” I stop the resistance, and he immediately turns his attention to my pants and works them down. He acts more like a starving animal as he sets himself upon me, trailing his tongue down my legs and kneading my ass cheeks with his hands. My back arches as I grab his hair and force him close to my entrance, humming in pleasure as he runs his tongue over my skin. I fight the need to come right then and there, his warm mouth against my ass, his tongue doing things only his tongue can do. <a data-passage="Dom2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ “Badly. $name I need to taste you, I’m begging. Please.” I stop the resistance, and he immediately turns his attention to my pants and works them down. He acts more like a starving animal as he sets himself upon me, trailing his tongue down my legs and kneading my ass cheeks with his hands. He wastes no time as he slips a finger past my folds and his mouth joins it while the other rubs against my clit. My back arches as I grab his hair and force him, not being able to control myself as I begin to grind into his mouth. He relinquishes all of his control and allows it, letting me set the pace as I keep him from surfacing. I fight the need to come right then and there, his warm mouth against my core, his tongue doing things only his tongue can do. <a data-passage="Dom2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Badly. $name I need to taste you, I’m begging. Please.” I stop the resistance, and he immediately turns his attention to my pants and works them down. He acts more like a starving animal as he sets himself upon me, trailing his tongue along my skin and rubbing my ass. My back arches as I grab his hair and force him closer, humming as he pleasures me. I fight the need to come right then and there. His tongue doing things only his tongue can do. <a data-passage="Dom2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <</if>>\
<<if settings.showec>>\ <<if $sex is "p">>\ “Fuck!” I shout and then remove him with a plop. That and the look of him appearing wild with drool on the side of his mouth is almost enough to undo me. “Get on your back,” I tell him, and he does so without question. I force his legs up as I properly lube his hole, making sure he was ready to take every inch of me. I work my way in effortlessly, taking my time for him to adjust before going deeper. Once both of us are ready, I quicken my pace and lengthen my strokes, pounding into him and eliciting every moan and curse that I can. “Fuck, you feel so good,” I growl, changing the angle and having to once again allow both of us to adjust before pumping him. I reach for his cock and start to pump him, smirking at his expressions. “Thought you were ready to take it,” I question him, and he sends me a look that swears he will kill me later. I continue on, feeling my release creeping up over me as I travel deeper and stretch him out more and more. Finally, I feel it hit, and I explode, filling his hole just as he ejaculates onto his stomach. I slowly pull out, eyeing my cum as it follows suit. <<else>>\ “Fuck!” I shout and then remove him. The look of him appearing wild with drool on the side of his mouth is almost enough to undo me. “Get on your back,” I tell him, and he does so without question. Once he was in position I mount him, hovering over his erection and then sliding down, both of us moaning at the action. Once he's as deep as he can go, I quicken my pace and lengthen my strokes, riding him roughly and eliciting every moan and curse that I can. “Fuck, you feel so good,” I growl, changing the angle and shivering as it hits a much needed spot. I reach for his sack and start to fondle them, smirking at his expressions. “Thought you were ready for me,” I question him, and he sends me a look that swears he will kill me later. I continue on, feeling my release creeping up over me as I take him deeper and he stretches me out more and more. Finally, I feel it hit, and I feel the tension release. It doesn't take long for him to follow, filling my hole with his warm seed. He slowly pulls out, <<if $sex is "na">>and I eye the juices residing on the tip of his dick.<<else>>both of us eyeing our mixed juices residing on the tip of his dick as well as pouring down my leg.<</if>> <</if>>\ <<else>>\ “Fuck!” I shout and then remove him. The look of him appearing wild with drool on the side of his mouth is almost enough to undo me. “Get on your back,” I tell him, and he does so without question. Once he was in position I mount him, hovering over him and then taking him in, both of us moaning at the action. I quicken my pace and lengthen my strokes, riding him roughly and eliciting every moan and curse that I can. “Fuck, you feel so good,” I growl, changing the angle and shivering as it hits a much needed spot. I keep an eye on his expressions and listen intently to the sounds of pleasure that make it past his lips. “Thought you were ready for me,” I question him, and he sends me a look that swears he will kill me later. I continue on, feeling my release creeping up over me as I take him deeper and he stretches me out more and more. Finally, I feel it hit, and I feel the tension release. It doesn't take long for him to follow. He slowly pulls out and both of us pause for a few seconds. <</if>>\ “I’m pissed that you have me on the floor,” he finally says, and though I hadn’t minded, he had a point. I help him up, and we both go to the living room. I grab my blanket and lay it down on the sofa, and we lay in each other’s arms. “You’re going to be the death of me one of these days,” he sighs, his words muffled due to them being spoken against my neck. “We can’t have that,” I snort, trying to turn to face him, but his grip on me tightens, disallowing the action. “I’m fine with it. Probably the best way to go.” My head is still swimming off the effects of the orgasm, but a tiny part of it catches onto his words. We indeed would have to talk about his ‘tendencies’ and doom and gloom mindset one of these days. <a data-passage="C24"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Zillah,” I start, “you never told me what your nightmare was.” “Are you sure you want to hear it? It’s pretty grim.” “I asked.” He sits up and tilts his head back, gazing up at the decaying ceiling. “You figuring out that this is all a mistake.” When he says this, he points between the both of us. “So you self-sabotage?” “I was self-sabotaging long before that nightmare, but yes. It makes me feel better knowing that I’m the one who ruined things than having you ever say the words that you don’t love me.” “Love?” His cheeks blossom, and he turns so that he isn’t looking at me any longer, “I meant like. That other word slipped out.” “Zillah … do you love me?” He’s silent, and I’m even led to believe that he may have forced himself to go to sleep, the third attempt today. But he soon rolls back onto his back and looks at me. He softly cradles my face and closes his eyes, exhaling unsteadily. “Far too fucking much.” [[“I love you too.”]] [[“I’m not there just yet.”]] [[Kiss him.->C24KissHim]]
The words leave my lips shakily, but that only meant that I was just as nervous as he, perhaps more. I’ve known it for a while, but with his sudden regression, love became something I feared more than admired and anticipated. It was making a mess of my heart, and I had my doubts that I was prepared for it. “I love you too,” I finally say, my heart aching as the words are finally spoken. I wasn’t about to cry, but I felt close to it, like all the emotions that I’ve kept in were finally pounding at my chest and needing their release. “Say you’re mine,” he whispers, dragging his nose from the corner of my mouth to my cheek, shivering the entire time. “I’m yours,” I tell him, cradling him close, “I’m always yours.” Zillah shakes his head before burying it into my chest. I wasn’t sure, but I believed he was crying. The shaking of his shoulders and the soft sounds coming from him alluded to such a thing. I decide not to push him any further; this is probably a lot. We went from thinking that whatever we had was going to end to confessing our love for one another. But I was overjoyed at today’s events. <a data-passage="C25"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I hear nothing but my own pounding heart and his breathing. That is all there is. I stare into his eyes, and he stares back with eyes so soft and full of joy that it causes me to look away. Clenching my eyes closed, I tell myself that the following words are needed. It wasn’t right to leave him just lying there in wait when he would never receive those words back, at least not tonight. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, “I can’t say them yet.” He snorts and kisses my forehead, placing his finger under my chin and forcing my gaze to lift. “You don’t ever have to see it.” I don’t doubt his words or at least the passion behind them, but his eyes convey that he was mildly disappointed. He leans in. “Say you’re mine,” he whispers, dragging his nose from the corner of my mouth to my cheek, shivering the entire time. “I’m yours,” I tell him, cradling him close, “I’m always yours.” Zillah shakes his head before burying it into my chest. I wasn’t sure, but I believed he was crying. The shaking of his shoulders and the soft sounds coming from him alluded to such a thing. I decide not to push him any further; this is probably a lot. He went from thinking that whatever we had was going to end to confessing his love for me. And I wasn't exactly sure how he truly felt about me not speaking the words back. But I was overjoyed at today’s events. <a data-passage="C25"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
My heart is overflowing, pounding at such an odd pace that part of me believes that there’s something wrong. Unable to hold my emotions in or even translate them into words, I grab and pull him close. My lips smash against his, and we engage in a messy and uncoordinated dance that has no point other than me needing to release the tension. I taste every part of him, ignoring the clashing of our teeth and how he would bite my lower lip before abandoning the task and delving back into the kiss. I just wanted to be surrounded by him. “Say you’re mine,” he whispers, dragging his nose from the corner of my mouth to my cheek, shivering the entire time. “I’m yours,” I tell him, cradling him close, “I’m always yours.” Zillah shakes his head before burying it into my chest. I wasn’t sure, but I believed he was crying. The shaking of his shoulders and the soft sounds coming from him alluded to such a thing. I decide not to push him any further; this is probably a lot. He went from thinking that whatever we had was going to end to confessing his love for me. But I was overjoyed at today’s events. <a data-passage="C25"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
<<nobr>> <<audio "romance" fadeout>> <<playlist "ambience" loop volume 0 fadeto 0.40>> <</nobr>> My eyes close for the third time that night, repeating every conversation as best I could. Each time I head towards sleep, Zillah and I find ourselves crossing some kind of gap that had once seemed far broader and deeper. This understanding had little to do with our current predicament, and yet, it fuels me. It pushes me to open my eyes and sit up. “$name?” Zillah questions, and I gaze down at him. “I have an idea.” <<if $reunite>>\ The most important thing to me was finding the others. The problem was the drude creatures wandering around, their tempers escalating as they go without dinner. So going out to search for them wasn’t possible, but staying here wouldn’t actually help us either -- unless we bring everything to us. And that’s where my plan came in. “This idea of yours is ridiculous,” Zillah tells me as he watches me look through my bag, pulling me out of my previous thoughts. I hum in response, having already listened to him multiple times talk about how this plan was going to fail miserably. <<if $supernatural>>\ I had no more flares, and so I would have to get creative. Luckily this house was made of inferior wood, and after some digging, I find my lighter. <<else>>\ I grab the flares and strike them, turning to look at Zillah. <</if>>\ “You ready?” I question, and he simply gives me a look. I roll my eyes, “just be ready to watch my back at the very least.” Prepared, I begin to light the house on fire, and the two of us scramble out of it, turning to watch as the flames take hold and slowly start to spread through. <a data-passage="C27"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a> <<else>>\ The most important thing to me was destroying these damn creatures. We could find the others once they were taken care of. Though, my plan would only potentially get rid of the two that have been tracking us. “This idea of yours is ...” Zillah trails off, pouting as he attempts to find a suitable word, “I don’t know what to call it, but I don’t like it.” “Is your arm healed?” “Yes, but this plan might see me gaining another.” “You worry too much,” I smirk and nod to him to say that I was ready. With his help, we move the sofa to the side, and I stare down at the intact pentagram that was keeping the creatures from entering. “Are you ready?” I question, and he shakes his head, still not wishing to go through with the plan that I had set up. [[Zillah would act as bait.][$bait is false]] [[I would act as bait.][$bait is true]] <</if>>\
He had been against me acting as bait, and so I decided to simply let him have it, giving him the job instead. He was far happier this way, but it was evident that he was still nervous about going through with what we were going to do. “Remind me. I just stand here?” he questions, and I nod, securing my pack to my back. “I’ll whistle when I’m finished, and then you rush out, and we set this place on fire.” It was a simple plan, but we both knew how fast a simple plan could become problematic. While Zillah kept their attention, I would go outside and place the same symbol on the building and probably on a few trees to make sure they couldn’t escape this area whatsoever. Once done, Zillah would join my side, and with the drudes stuck inside the house, I’d burn it down and, for good measure, throw in an exorcism. After making sure he knows what he needs to do, I leave the house. I wait for his signal before placing the drudenfuss around, making sure that there was no escape. The entire time I ignore the shrieks coming from the house along with the thuds and things being broken. If I focus on Zillah, I’ll never get this done. Once I place the last pentagram, I perform a loud whistle, my heart thudding oddly as I wait for Zillah to leave the house. <<if $supernatural>>I squeeze the stick in my hand, tapping my foot impatiently,<<else>>I squeeze the lit flare in my hand, tapping my foot impatiently,<</if>> when he finally shows himself. “Do it,” he nods, and I toss the fire towards the building, backing away as the wood ignites and the flame begins to spread. <a data-passage="C26"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I knew it would start an argument, but frankly, I didn’t care. I was resolute with my decision, and regardless of whatever he said, I wouldn’t change my position. The argument that followed was basically what I expected, him refusing to leave me alone and volunteering himself. Some stuff about how he was a better choice than me. Most of it I was far too prepared for, and so it all fell on deaf ears. “You remember what you have to do?” I question, and instead of being mature, he chooses to ignore me. “Zillah!?” “I don’t,” he says defiantly, “so how about we switch positions.” “You’re behaving like a child.” “Then so be it. But switch with me.” “You act as if this is going to be dangerous.” I cradle his face, “I’ve done worse.” “You can’t even defend yourself like I can. You’re still learning about your powers.” I sigh, rolling my eyes as he brings that point back up. Instead of answering him, I shove him towards the door. We were wasting time, and if it was up to Zillah, we’d fight all night. “Look at it this way. If you’re really worried about my health, then you won’t waste any time. You’ll go out there and do what’s needed as fast as possible. He grabs my hand and pulls me close, placing a kiss on my forehead and grumbling something about stubborn idiots before leaving the house. The plan was for me to play distraction while he goes and draws new pentagrams on the house and the nearby trees, the trees being more so a Plan B. As soon as he was done, he would signal me, and I would leave the house with the drudes stuck inside. We then set the house on fire, finally getting rid of these cursed creatures. Honestly, they weren’t even the worst creatures we’ve come across. And yet, they’ve managed to shoot up my despised list, perhaps due to my emotional turmoil concerning Zillah. <a data-passage="C26"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Taking a deep breath in, I go over to the pentagram and rub my foot across it. As soon as it breaks, I hear the shrieking of the drudes. Before I can react, though, they’re upon me. One stops directly in front of me and slaps me, sending me flying and then skidding across the floor, stopped by a wall. I would have to withstand this, at least until I get the signal. I was able to fight back a bit, defending myself with gusts of energy and levitation and minor telekinesis. In a fight against them, I highly doubt I would win. But there was no need to fight, just to distract and prolong. It was mostly me running from room to room, seeming to forget that these were still spirits that could phase through walls and venture around the house far easier than I. Every turn saw them waiting for me, and each hit saw me mentally commanding Zillah to hurry. At long last, I hear him whistle, and I race towards the door, not worried about letting them out. As soon as I make it past the threshold, I turn to look at the creatures that had given chase but were forced to stop. Their heads fall from one side to the other as they stand there waiting for a return that will never be. <<if $supernatural>>With a gleeful smile, I grab a stick and light it on fire,<<else>>With a cheery smile, I light one of the flares,<</if>> resting it just close enough for the house to grasp onto the flame but not that it would spread to the forest. The fire crawls over the building, its hunger mounting as it gets both louder and brighter. <a data-passage="C26.2"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
I sit on the ground, watching as more and more of the building is engulfed in flames. The creatures inside screech vehemently, attempting to free themselves, and I wonder if they knew such an act was ridiculous. This was their end. Would they find themselves in Hell or Purgatory? If the lore could be relied on, then Hell was perhaps a safer bet. Zillah comes to my side after saying the last part of the exorcism. <<if $bait>>\ “I’m not talking to you for the rest of this little venture,” he huffs. Though, despite his words, he looks me over, growling each time he comes upon a bruise or scratch that wasn’t there before. “You’re talking to me now,” I point out and though he sends me a glare, he says nothing else and abandons my side when he comes to the conclusion that I’m fine. The two of us sit quietly. <<else>>\ “Next time let me play bait,” I growl, looking over the bleeding areas on his arm. He glares over at me but says nothing more and the two of us sit quietly. <</if>>\ “Spirit barbeque?” I hear someone question and turn in my spot to see the others approaching. Chris and Amari look far more banged up than I remember, but otherwise, they all were fine. “What happened?” I inquire, “where are the remaining drudes?” “We took care of them,” Rahim answers, nodding to the burning house, “the same way you did. Well, in my case, anyway. Sydero ended up just exorcising them.” “Who knew, right?” she chuckles. When a demon does an exorcist, it’s different from how the rest of you manage. I had a feeling that if the demon part was true, then they’d go down just like any other.” <<include "C28">>
Both of us are drawn to the sound of shrieking, and I spot the figures of the two drudes that have been following us on the outskirts of the forest. The fire keeps them at bay, and I can only hope that as it spreads, they continue to sulk, at least until the others manage to find us, and we can all put these creatures down. I would add to the lore later that drudes seem to have at least some kind of higher intelligence as they realize that as the fire grew, it would only push them farther away, and so they attack then. Zillah grabs and throws me behind them, but the force of both drudes sends us to the ground. They attack without sense, creatures who knew that this was their last time to eat. I thrash, fighting to get the drude on top of me off. My pack was still on my back, making it impossible to use any of my weapons, and there was nothing but blades of grass resting on all sides of me. Suddenly my eyes widen as I feel something start tearing at my soul, like being ensnared by a rope and slowly dragged away. With every second, I feel part of my breath escape me, and following that is my life force. Struggling does nothing. It only speeds up the process and makes everything feel even more fleeting. “$name!” I hear Zillah shout, but I’m unable to see him. All I see is encroaching darkness and the dark void of the creature’s eye sockets. My senses begin to fail me, and the last thing I hear is the sound of struggling and shouting, a fearful tone to it. And then air! I gasp for it, clawing at it and embracing it with no intention of letting it go. I feel someone’s arms around me, and I naturally fall into them, my head resting against their chest as everything begins to come back to me. [[“Did I scare you?”]] [[“Are you okay?”]]
“Did I scare you?” I cough out, the sound mixing with that of a chuckle. “Shut the fuck up,” Zillah growls, “I hate you. I really do.” I lean into him even more, “I can hear your heart racing.” “Then know never to do that again. I really thought I was losing you.” <<include "C27.2">>
“Are you okay?” I question, cradling his face with my hand, immediately gazing over at his wound. His grip tightens, “you did not just ask me if I’m okay. If I wasn’t worried, I’d choke you.” “Oh,” I chuckle lightly, “kinky.” I was waiting to be pushed out of his lap, but he just brings me closer, breathing me in. <<include "C27.2">>
I straighten up, “what happened?” It doesn’t take me long to figure out, especially since Bradley is sitting right there before me, a smug smile on his face. I push his face away and glance around, seeing Chris and Sydero standing near each other while Amari and Rahim tend to the burning house and dousing the flames. “They came in, and Syd exorcised the drudes,” Zillah tells me. Bradley adds in, “yea, we didn’t know it would work until she tried it out with our group. That or burning them.” I nod, still attempting to steady my breath. “Smart idea with the fire,” Rahim tells me, helping both Zillah and me to our feet, “that's how I got rid of the ones with me and Chris.” <<include "C28">>
“Great, I’m so happy all of this is figured out,” Bradley whines, “can we get the hell out of here? I can count on both my fingers and toes all the reasons we shouldn’t stick around.” “I would like to finally go to sleep,” Chris yawns, “probably do it on the flight back home.” “You and me both,” Rahim adds in, “so yea, let’s get out of here.” Tossing one more glance towards the burning building, I follow behind the others. <a data-passage="C29"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
As we walk, I question, “what nightmares did you guys have anyway?” <<if $sa>>\ Sydero grimaces and shakes her head, “I don’t want to talk about it.” “She killed me while in demon form,” Amari tells us, and Sydero punches her in response. “I said no.” “You said //you// don’t want to talk about it. I didn’t say I wouldn’t. Mine was that I ate her heart.” She sighs and gives us a sarcastic lopsided grin, “two monsters in a relationship. So nice, right.” Her words seem to bother her more than she thought they would, and she wraps her arms around Sydero, burying her face in the woman’s hair. <<else>>\ “Surrounded by unicorns pooping out magical shit,” Sydero speaks lazily, stiffening when she sees us all staring at her. “Look, overly cute things bother me, alright. Not to mention unicorns are dangerous as fuck. Stop judging me. It’s a common nightmare.” “I don’t think it’s as common as you think,” Amari giggles and turns to us with a broad smile, “my nightmare was that I ate all of your hearts.” Silence yet again, though I’m sure it was for a totally different emotional reason than the one we had for Syd. Chris breaks it by clearing his throat, “who’s tasted the best, though?” “That’s what you’re concerned with?” Rahim growls, “not that she said it with that manic smile on her face?” “You’re only getting aggressive because you know your heart probably tasted like crap,” Syd grins. <</if>>\ Our attention shifts to the next person, “Bradley?” “It was horrible,” he sighs, “immensely tragic. Just recounting it is enough to bring a tear to my eye.” “He hasn’t told anyone,” Sydero informs me, rolling her eyes, “we’ve been trying to get him to admit it since meeting back up with him.” “You guys really want to know?” he questions, taking our combined silence as a yes. “My nightmare was me sitting in this really dark tent. I left it and found myself in the woods, and the worst part, when I grabbed my laptop,” he leans in even though the rest of us knew exactly what was to come next, “there was no wifi.” “Rahim? Chris?” Zillah asks immediately after Bradley speaks his last sentence. “Mine was that my mother died,” Chris admits, “not something I typically like to think about if I’m to be honest.” <a data-passage="C30"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Eyes move to Rahim, but he frowns, “must we all tell each other’s nightmares? What will this accomplish?” Chris snickers, “his was that Sydero died.” There were no words to describe the shock that flashed on all of our faces, though Syd attempts to put words to it. “Shut the fuck up!” she blurts, tilting her head back to let out a laugh, “you care?” “No. Can we leave?” Not waiting for an answer, Rahim begins to walk away, Sydero refusing to leave him be and put the conversation to rest. She goes to his side and slings an arm around his shoulder. “You’re making me feel bad now. If you want, I can try really hard to imagine your death as well. We can finally bond as twins.” “Through our nightmares?” he asks incredulously. [[Pull Zillah close.]] [[Let Zillah pull me close.]] [[Get on Zillah’s back.]]
I pull Zillah close to my frame as we walk, listening to the others. Despite how much Rahim wished it to be so, Sydero wasn’t about to let his nightmare go and what that meant for their relationship. Meanwhile, Chris and Amari try their hardest to get Bradley to spill what his nightmare was really about, and he chooses to simply be antagonistic in a way only Bradley knew how. <<include "C31">>
I keep walking but don’t fight him when he wraps his arm around my side and brings me close to his frame. At times he’ll lean his head onto my shoulder or plant a kiss on top of my head. While he does that, I run my hands along his back in short circular or figure-eight motions, the action causing my mind to wander. <<include "C31">>
I tap Zillah’s back and motion for him to stop. This wasn’t the first time I asked for a piggyback ride, and so it didn’t take long for him to catch on. He waits until I stop shifting before standing at his full height, adjusting me, and continuing to walk. I ignore the many times he squeezes my ass, knowing that one of the only reasons he agrees to this was because of that little convenience. <<include "C31">>
I never doubted this group and whether we would finish this hunt. It might take longer than expected, but we were undefeatable. But I did fear that Zillah and I would be leaving these woods with a wedge between us that neither of us was strong enough to pull. At most, I believed we would find some wavering solid ground that would collapse at any moment. But here we were. Letting out a sigh, I shift just enough to squeeze his side and plant a kiss on his cheek. “Ugh, stop being cute,” he whines, though he rubs his cheek against mine as if asking for another, “we had enough of this in that house.” “Are you complaining?” “Just pointing out,” he sighs wistfully, “I must be one attractive guy. How lucky must you be.” Smoothly I remove myself from near him and push him off to the side, rolling my eyes as I continue on and smiling as he laughs and catches up with me. “Admit it, this fine piece of ass is hard to say no to.” “You’re just impossible. I’m beginning to believe you take so long in the bathrooms because you’re too busy staring at that same ass.” “He does,” Chris chimes in, turning to look at us but continuing to walk, “I caught him.” “Is it at least perky?” Syd questions, joining in on the teasing and getting Zillah to glance away as his cheeks redden. “Left one droops more than the right. But pretty standard.” <<if $cr>>“New topic that doesn’t revolve around Zillah’s ass, please,” Rahim grumbles, slapping away Chris’s hand when he tries to bring him close.<<else>>“Can we please not talk about Zillah’s droopy ass?” Bradley questions, rubbing his temples, “I really don’t want that image stuck in my head.<</if>> <a data-passage="C32"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“Yea,” I smirk, pinching it and relishing the look of shock that appears on his face, “stop talking about my boyfriend’s booty.” All conversation ceases as they turn to us with wide eyes. We both knew what was coming, and thankfully, we were prepared. I rest my head on his shoulder as they all either congratulate or chide us for taking as long as we did, more so the latter. “Bets!” Chris shouts, pumping his fist into the air, “I’m placing a forty on Zillah screwing this shit up.” “Hey!” Zillah growls, but the others ignore him. “You shouldn’t bet on something like this,” Amari pouts, “but I would like to put a twenty on $name killing him first.” I open then close my mouth, much to Zillah’s dismay. <<if $sa>>“That’s my girl,” Syd smirks, placing a kiss on her cheek,<<else>> “that’s the spirit, Amari!” Syd smirks and then taps the side of her chin,<</if>> “then I’ll add another forty to them <<if $cr>>taking the belt away from Chris and Rahim for most obnoxious couple.<<else>>taking the reward for the most obnoxious couple in the house.<</if>>” “That’s a bet I can get behind,” Bradley chuckles. <a data-passage="C33"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
“We’re just going to let them bet on our relationship?” Zillah questions me, pausing as soon as he says the word. I watch with a raised brow as he repeats the word to himself a few times and smiles like a goofball. “Yea,” I sigh, intertwining our hands, “let them have their fun.” “Then I bet everything on you making everyday more and more worth it,” he whispers into my ear, placing the lightest kiss there. I close my eyes and sigh blithely. At least I was able to say it was worth it. The chase and the capture all led to this, and though it did indeed take forever, Zillah was worth it. <a data-passage="Start"><img src="images/title.png" alt="The Chase" style="float:center"/></a>
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© 2021 Bum Studios LLC //The Chase// is a short story existing in the Superstition series. It contains strong language and sexual content and thus is rated 18+. Reader discretion is advised.~~
<<link '<i class="fa"> </i>Credits' "Credits">><</link>>
<<set $name to "Unknown">> <<set $sex to "na">> <<set $chill to false>> <<set $cr to false; $sa to false>> <<set $medical to false; $perception to false; $supernatural to false>> <<set $reunite to false>> <<set $flirty to 0>> <<set $firesidefuck to false>> <<set $bait to false>> <<cacheaudio "theme" "audio/ambience.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "theme2" "audio/forest_story.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "romance" "audio/thegifttimegaveus.mp3">> <<createplaylist "ambience">> <<track "theme" volume 0.35>> <<track "theme2" volume 0.35>> <</createplaylist>>
© 2021 Bum Studios LLC. All rights reserved. Hey, you! Yes, you, you amazing person! Thank you for your support. Thank you so much! It is much appreciated. All images, unless otherwise stated, are copyright by Bum Studios Productions LLC. All audio is licensed under Bum Studios Productions LLC and courtesy of AudioBlocks and Envato. Copyright infringement is punishable by law. CG Art done by [[Meira|https://meirasthing.tumblr.com/]]. For access to art you must be of the Sailing Master ($10) or First Mate ($20) tier. [[Return|$return]] /*Story starts here*/
<<nobr>><<set $medical to false; $perception to false; $supernatural to false; $flirty to 0; $firesidefuck to false>><</nobr>> //A hunt goes terribly wrong when the hunters become the hunted.// //In this slightly alternative world, the team heads into the woods to deal with supernatural creatures terrorizing a nearby town. This hunt couldn't come at a more awful time as Zillah's distancing attempt from Roe is at an all time high. But when the creatures rain down upon them, Zillah and Roe find themselves not only stuck in the presence of one another but also in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Who will prove to be the more dangerous predator for our dear Roe? The beasts or Zillah himself?// There are two possible endings to discover within the story. Much is still the same as canon, the biggest change is that the story acts as if Zillah did not know who Roe was in regards to Death and a few other minor lore related things.. [[Play the Game]] [[Credits]]
Before you begin, let's get the important information out of the way first. Please state your name. <<textbox "$name" "" autofocus>><<button "Enter">><<replace "#name">>Nice to meet you, $name.<</replace>><</button>> <span id="name"></span> <a data-passage="Pronouns"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Please choose your intended pronouns. You can also change these pronouns any time you like by viewing the left sidebar and going to ''Settings''.// You may also choose to just continue on by using the premade character. <<link 'Choose your pronouns here.'>> <<pronouns>> <</link>> <a data-passage="EXC"><img src="images/continue.png" alt="Continue" style="float:right"/></a>
Due to the specifics of the explicit scenes, more information is needed to tailor the experience just for you. You can either choose the genitalia your character possesses below or not. If you do not wish to disclose this information then the scenes will be adjusted accordingly. This information does not matter if you do not have explicit content on. You can go to ''Settings'' and toggle this on or off. [[My genitalia is a penis.|ZillahTalking][$sex = "p"]] [[My genitalia is a vagina.|ZillahTalking][$sex = "v"]] [["No thanks, I don't wish to disclose this information."|ZillahTalking][$sex = "na"]]
There are two different flavors for romancing Zillah in this story. [[Normal Zillah->Tips]] is the one you see in canon, vulgar and no problem with dirty talking your ear off. [[Chill Zillah->Tips][$chill = true]] is the second flavor and though he is still … Zillah, he does less dirty talking and his vulgar levels are reduced. Note: Chill Zillah will not allow you to go down the hot and bothered sexual path.
Great! Here we go, I hope you enjoy. Press the title image below to start the game. <<message 'Click here for further tips'>>\ <ul>\ <li>Choose between three fields: medical, perception, or supernatural. Each field shifts the flavor and how certain things unfold.</li> <li>Different endings that reflect your views on what’s more important to you.</li> <li>There are three possible romance routes with Zillah: non-sexual, regular (a dom and sub path), and hot and bothered. Each route can be picked freely besides the hot and bothered which will be dependent on choices. Make sure to push Zillah to his limit and show him you're what he wants but refuses to have.</li> </ul>\ <</message>>\ <a data-passage="StartGame"><img src="images/title.png" alt="Continue" style="float:center"/></a>