Journey to Shadow Lust Mountain

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<img src="images/HUT.jpg" class="small" alt="Anni's hut" /> The young woman shields her eyes from the sun. She takes a few steps from the hut then quickly shoots her head back, annoyed and disgruntled by her own footprints. The area around the bending trees is untouched and unscathed. She gathers branches. Nearly topples over before throwing them against the hut. She kicks at the walls to knock the panels out of place. Throws rocks and kicks grooves into the path. She drags a log to the backyard and spots a drifting, black sparkle. It changes course, unaided, and floats towards the young woman. She drops the log and calls the sparkle forward with her finger. The black sparkle lands on her fingertip, then burrows inside. The young woman closes her eyes. A distressed brow. A brief flash of a woman burning. Tied to a stake and encased in smoke. Screeching to a crowd of cheering onlookers as she burns alive. The young woman shakes her head and the memory leaves her along with the black sparkle. Visibly shaken, she turns her back to the retreating sparkle. She looks back curious, then continues to shake her head in disbelief. [[RETURN TO THE FRONT OF THE HUT|DEAD TREE FOREST TRAIL]] [[FOLLOW THE BLACK SPARKLE|FOLLOW THE BLACK SPARKLE]]

<img src="images/HUT.jpg" alt="Anni's hut" class="small" /> In a silent, barren wood, a sharp wind funnels around a hut. The surrounding trees bend backwards to contain the storm and create a barrier containing nothing—nothing the human eye can see. Lightning stings the ground. Rain follows after. Inside, a young woman offers her palms to the tome levitating in front of her. Her voice lost, she offers her breath to complete the inaudible chant. Wailing walls shutter with the beat of the thunder. Her eyes stare deeper as the tome pages flicker. More chanting. No blinking. The lines on her palms flash red before carving into her skin. She winces but quickly regains composure. The lines on her palms rearrange into symbols only seen by the young woman. Her eyes close, taking in a labored breath. Fingers slowly curl into fists, smothering the heat in her hands. She nods and opens her eyes. Darting between each hand, she slowly opens her fingers. No change. A smile of relief then a fast fall to the floor. The young woman clutches her stomach. Her mouth twists in agony. Another quick smile of relief. She staggers to her feet and flings the door open. The trees slowly bend upright. Storm clouds dissolve as a gentle breeze passes through her disheveled, black cloak and hair. With the last remnant of her voice, she speaks. <c>Young Woman</c> <d>Blood.</d> [[CHECK AROUND THE HUT|HUT INSPECTION]] [[GO FORWARD INTO THE DEAD TREE FOREST|DEAD TREE FOREST TRAIL]]

<img src="images/DEAD FOREST 1.jpg" class="small" alt="DEAD FOREST 1" /> <<set $crow_meeting to true>> The young woman walks into the forest, brushing her hands against the leathery trees. She shakes the dead leaves off the branches and sprinkles them behind her. Eyes diligently scan the treetops. Feet gingerly bypass puss-filled mushrooms and seething berries. A white rabbit crosses her path to sniff a moldy berry. The young woman slowly approaches. The rabbit turns to her, its decaying face in full view. The young woman sighs and returns to her playful stride. Looking up a tree, she sharpens her glance to see birds feasting on a complacent squirrel. She leans down to the base of a tree and peels back the bark. She inserts her hand and blindly fishes through withered maggots. Smiles excitedly then extracts her hand and sighs. Nothing. A small rabbit runs over her foot. The young woman follows the gathering crowd and spots the only flourishing thing in the forest: a mushroom skewer held by a ticking crow. The crow taunts the animals from a low hanging branch, keeping the skewer out of reach. The young woman locks eyes with the crow and it stops ticking to gaze back at her. [[INVESTIGATE THE CROW|CAW TO YOU TOO]] [[AVOID THE CROW|SHARP FIND]]

<img src="images/EMBANKMENT.jpg" class="small" alt="Embankment" /> <<set $are_you_alone to true>> The young woman follows the black sparkle through her expansive backyard. She dashes between the trees kicking her footprints to disguise her trail. She lingers on a few trees to sharpen the bark. Leans down to a protruding root to do the same. She loses sight of the black sparkle. Walks slowly, squinting through the trees. She hears rustling as she steps into a pile of forever-rotting leaves. The noise sounds distant. She steps again and hears the rustling under her feet but also in the distance. The rustling continues even when she’s still. She slowly creeps towards an embankment. The rustling continues. The black sparkle hovers over the drop-off before shooting down. The young woman leans over and sees a red cloaked figure. She recalls the burning woman and changes her focus to the red figure standing beside her brandishing a torch. A sinister smile before the figure fades away in the smoke. The young woman holds her mouth to steady her breathing. Steps back and snaps a branch. The sound echoes. The red cloaked figure looks up as the young woman looks down. Her presence remains a mystery. The young woman searches for a quiet escape. A bag flies out of the embankment and slams into her face, knocking her the ground. She clambers to her feet but freezes when a hand claws into the dirt from the embankment. [[HIDE|HIDE]] [[SNEAK ATTACK|SNEAK ATTACK]]

<img src="images/DEAD FOREST 2.jpg" class="small" alt="Dead Tree Forest 2" /> <c>Man</c> <d>Let go, you pig-headed dog! </d> A man fights for possession of his backpack. He pulls on the strap while a foaming, snarling raccoon bites down and shakes the base of the bag. The man takes one hand away and weakens his grip. He digs his foot into the ground and pulls harder, backing himself into a tree. His free hand taps his belt until it settles on an ornate sheathe. Smiling, he pats the sheathe up to the top. <c>Man</c> <d>What…Where—Where is it? </d> The man continues to pat an empty sheathe, slowly losing his grip. With a final tug, the raccoon claims the bag and heaves the contents across the clearing. The man slams against the tree and slides to the ground. He combs the dirt, brushing the leaves around him. <c>Man</c> <d>Can we talk about this? </d> The raccoon’s eyes glow red, glaring at the man as the man glares back. He winces in pain and squints his eyes. The raccoon stands inches from his face, growling deeper and louder until it nearly takes on a voice and becomes audible. The fearsome beast dives for the man’s face. The man turns away as a pebble spears into the raccoon’s neck, launching it across the barren field. The man breathes out heavily as the young woman slowly walks into view. He watches, in awe. She ignores him, walking purposefully towards the injured raccoon. <<if $animal_agression is true>> She leans down to the animal’s head. Its body severed, sputtering and splattering blood. She gazes into the its red eyes until they fade away and the twitching ceases. The young woman twists her fingers inside the raccoon’s neck. She passes fresh blood between her fingers, coating her entire hand. Raises it to her mouth. Her tongue nearly touches it before she drops her hand. She rolls the blood between her fingers again, confused and alarmed. She turns back to see the man shimmying himself up the tree. She stands and quickly closes the gap. <c>Man</c> <d>You okay?</d> She keeps her eyes on the ground. A streak of raccoon blood rolls down her cheek. He flings a rag from his chest pocket and dabs the blood away. Her blood-soaked hand reaches for the rag, blood flowing down her veins and into her sleeve. The man leaves the rag in her hand and walks away. He looks back worriedly, exhibiting the disgust he expected her to have. <<else>> She leans down to the injured raccoon. Her hand glows white as she caresses the wound and extracts the pebble from the its neck. The racoon stands, then slowly limps away. The young woman rolls the pebble between her fingers to transfer the blood. It slides down her fingertips as she raises it to her mouth. Her tongue nearly touches it before she drops her hand. She rolls the blood between her fingers again, confused and alarmed. She turns back to see the man shimmying himself up the tree. She stands and quickly closes the gap. <c>Man</c> <d>You okay? </d> She stares at his feet. He flings a rag from his chest pocket and wipes the blood from her fingertips. She fixates on his fingers gently cleaning hers. Nervously clears her throat. He traces her fixation and slides his hands away, leaving the rag with her. He walks towards his scattered items. His movements closely examined. His body line etched. She blindly wipes her fingers, mimicking his tender touch. <</if>> <c>Man</c> <d>Didn’t expect to see anyone else out here. I’m thankful. </d> He picks up a flask and shakes it near his ear. <c>Man</c> <d>Thirsty? </d> He turns back to the young woman. Her eyes turn away from him. He approaches. The flask comes into view. <c>Man</c> <d>I’m Jinjie.</d> Leans down to catch her eye. Her head continues to burrow deeper into her scarf. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>If you see something you want, you can have it. I’ll be travelling light from now on. </d> She takes the flask from him. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>But if you see my dagger, please return it to me. I’m dead without it. </d> He turns and continues gathering his things. <<if $Jinjie_knife is true>> The young woman pulls the wrapped dagger from her pocket. She takes a drink from the flask while examining it. An exact match for Jinjie’s sheathe. She swishes the water around her mouth before spitting it out. Jinjie quickly turns back. The blade stays hidden in her pocket. <<else>> The young woman swishes the water around her mouth while scanning the forest floor. Gargles a bit then spits it out. Jinjie turns back quickly.<</if>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Too lowbrow for you? </d> The young woman approaches the assaulted backpack. Cradles it close. Clears her throat. Breathes deeply. Behind her, Jinjie sorts through his things. Tosses a book to the side. Sniffs some mushroom skewers before scarfing them down. He leaves one skewer in the wrapper. He stands to offer it to the young woman and stumbles back. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re light on your feet. </d> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>I’m sorry. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Oh! You can speak. </d> <f>(to self)</f> <d>So I was just putting you off. </d> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>I’m sorry for being quiet. Men aren’t normally so nice to me. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Really? I can’t imagine why that is. </d> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>Well…When I say something they don’t agree with, they accuse me of being a witch. </d> Jinjie scans the young woman’s face. Flustered, he turns away. <c>Jinjie</c> <d> You saved my life; no witch would ever do that. No need to feel uneasy around me. I don’t feel uneasy around you. </d> <c>Young Woman</c> <f>(smiling)</f> <d>Are you sure? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Don’t tease. I’m an old man; I fall easily. </d> <<if $animal_agression is true>> He holds the skewer out to her. She quickly grabs it. Fresh, seasoned mushrooms pierced with a sharpened, glossy pike. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re supposed to eat it. I don’t have anything better. </d> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>Did you have a run in with a crow? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Something’s been watching me since I entered this place. The raccoon is the only thing to act. </d> The young woman’s stomach growls. <c>Young Woman</c> <f>(smiling)</f> <d>Right on time.</d> Jinjie turns away, amused. She smells the mushroom skewer then taps her tongue to it. Repulsed, she quickly wipes her tongue with her sleeve. <<else>> He holds the skewer out to her. <c>Young Woman</c> <d>I’m not hungry. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Better eat it before it that raccoon comes back. </d> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>You should have it. I’m full. </d> The young woman’s stomach growls. He smirks and waves the skewer. She grabs it and snatches a bite. Jinjie turns away, amused. She quickly spits it out and smears it into the ground with her foot. <</if>> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>The animals will calm down. I’m sure they’re just riled up from the storm earlier. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>A storm? It’s been dry all day. </d> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>Or maybe the storm was yesterday. Anyway, there’s no need to get rid of all your stuff. I can sew your bag for you. I’m pretty good at mending my clothes. I have a kit and everything. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I appreciate it but I don’t have time; I have to keep moving. </d> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>I don’t live far. It’s over that way. </d> Jinjie halts. His budding fondness for the young woman replaced by suspicions. The young woman nervously gnaws on a mushroom. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You live here? </d> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>Yeah. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Inside the Dead Tree Forest? </d> She nods. Jinjie reaches down to retrieve his book. She quickly spits out the mushroom. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Isn’t that dangerous? </d> She focuses on the book’s title. He hides it behind his back. <c>Young Woman</c> <d>It’s only dangerous for dead things...and soon to be dead things. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <f>(amused)</f> <d>Oh really? </d> <<if $Jinjie_knife is true>> He touches his sheathe. Scoffs when he realizes it’s still empty. The young woman pivots her hip away, keeping the concealed dagger out of view. <<else>> He touches his sheathe. Scoffs when he realizes it’s still empty. The young woman tightens her grip on the shredded backpack. <</if>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Why’s a pretty girl—who’s not a witch—living in the Dead Tree Forest? </d> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>You think I’m pretty? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Answer the question? </d> The timid young woman adopts a steely expression. She takes a step towards Jinjie. Attempts to lock eyes with him before settling on his chest. <c>Young Woman</c> <d>Where should a pretty girl—who’s not a witch—be living, when every paranoid man she comes across accuses her of being a witch? </d> She turns away from him. Her hardened expression now cracked. <c>Young Woman</c> <d>You’re acting like every other man. It was foolish of me to think you were different. </d> She anxiously awaits his reply. He paces behind her ruffling his hair. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I…I’m sorry.</d> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>I’m only trying to help you, Jinjie. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I know. I guess, I am a bit paranoid. It’s not fair to you. </d> She turns back to him smiling. He scratches his head, flustered. <c>Young Woman</c> <d>Will you accept my help? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Yes. I’m very thankful—uh—I didn’t get your name. </d> <c>Young Woman</c> <d>Anni. </d> [[TAKE JINJIE TO THE HUT|BACK TO THE HUT]]

<img src="images/FRIENDLY BOY.jpg" class="small" alt="Witch's Ashes" /> <<set $friendly_boy to true>> A second hand claws into the ground from the embankment. The young woman spots a wide tree to hide behind. As she moves towards it, her foot tangles on the bag’s strap, scattering the contents across the ground. A flask, some parchment, chalk and most notably, a vial filled with black sparkles. She holds the vial between her fingers. Curiously rotates it until it’s snatched from her hand. A young, preteen boy stands in front of her, swallowed by the oversized cloak. Not the cruel, twisted executioner from the vision. <c>Boy</c> <d>You scared me. I thought a witch was tailing me. </d> The boy packs his bag then tosses it over his shoulder. <c>Boy</c> <d>But if you can touch this, I guess you’re okay. </d> The young woman points to the vial. <c>Boy</c> <d>This? It’s witch’s ashes. Supposed to keep witches away. </d> The young woman smiles and backs away. <c>Boy</c> <d>Wait. What are you doing out here? Are you lost? Can you talk? </d> She touches her throat and shakes her head. <c>Boy</c> <d>You can come with me. I’m headed towards the town. </d> She shakes her head and hops backwards. The boy follows her. <c>Boy</c> <d>I can’t leave you. I only got one of these. There really could be witches out here. </d> The young woman taps her ring finger for the boy to see. Raises her hand to a height above her. Spreads her hands pass her shoulders. The boy nods. <c>Boy</c> <d>Oh, you’re with someone. I understand. I don’t wanna cause a misunderstanding. </d> She waves goodbye to the boy. He adjusts his hood and checks behind him. <c>Boy</c> <d>Be careful. Don’t stay in the forest too long. </d> When the boy turns back to see her, she’s gone. The young woman runs up the incline back to her hut. She clutches her stomach and looks into the woods beyond her front door. The birds have returned. She follows the unmarked path to greet them. Distracted from her encounter with the boy, she walks out of the dense wood and into a clearing. Shocked by a loud obscenity, she hugs a tree to hide herself. An animal growls. She hears another obscenity followed by a cry for help. [[APPROACH THE TRAVELER|THE TRAVELER]]

<img src="images/HOSTILE BOY.jpg" class="small" alt="Witch's Ashes" /> <<set $warding_label to true>> The young woman lay on the ground; her eyes stay on the hooded figure. As the red figure pulls up, she lowers herself into the trench. The red cloak grazes the ground; too big for the figure’s body. The young woman reaches one hand up and twists the excess fabric around her fist. With an effortless tug, she pulls the figure down. The bag flies back, spinning till it hits the ground. She straddles the figure, keeping her forearm pressed down on the neck. The black sparkle appears again; her eyes follow it to a vial, inches from the thrown bag. The frazzled figure wiggles free, scrambles for the vial then holds it out to the young woman. The red hood rips away revealing a trembling, young, preteen boy. Not the executioner from the vision. <c>Boy</c> <d>Stay back, witch! </d> He beckons her back with the vial. <c>Boy</c> <d>Witch’s ashes.</d> <f> (chuckling) </f> <d>Scared now? You should be. </d> The young woman steps back as the boy steps forward. <c>Boy</c> <f> (mumbling)</f> <d>I can’t believe it works. </d> The young woman raises her hands in submission. The boy pulls back his cloak and grabs a dagger from his belt. It falls from his hands. He takes his eyes off the young woman to pick it up. When the boy raises his eyes, she’s gone. <c>Boy</c> <d>Come near me again and I’ll kill you! You hear me, witch! </d> The young woman runs up the incline back to her hut, sharpening the trees as she passes them. The boy doesn’t follow. She clutches her stomach and looks into the woods beyond her front door. The birds have returned. She follows the unmarked path to greet them. Distracted from her encounter with the boy, she walks out of the dense wood and into a clearing. Shocked by a loud obscenity, she hugs a tree to hide herself. An animal growls. She hears another obscenity followed by a cry for help. [[APPROACH THE TRAVELER|THE TRAVELER]]

<img src="images/CROW.jpg" class="small" alt="Crow with skewer" /> <<set $animal_agression to true>> The young woman steps cautiously towards the crow. Again, the crow’s neck curls and twitches; the mushroom skewer drops to the ground. Before the rabbits can intercept, the crow caws loudly and the animals silently scatter. The young woman narrows her eyes on the crow as she bends down to retrieve the skewer. She examines it, confused by the fresh, seasoned mushrooms pierced with a sharpened, glossy pike. Lively and golden amid the ashen gray forest. The crow lunges for her and digs into her hand. Burrows its beak deep into her palm, nearly breaking through to the other side. She falls and scrapes the ground until she grabs hold of the skewer. She stabs the crow. It retreats. She kicks herself away, nursing her profusely bleeding hand. Desperately places two, trembling fingers on the gushing wound until a warm, white glow envelopes it. The crow stands still, unbothered. With a full wingspan, it bows to her. Eyes flash red before it lifts off and soars above her, still impaled with the mushroom skewer. The young woman’s eyes follow the crow into the sky. The white glow disappears; her hand healed and unmarred. She stands in a puddle of blood. The animals creep forward to taste. She quickly covers her blood stain. Spins in circles, frantically kicking up dirt and creating a cloud. She backs into a clearing and turns swiftly, hearing vulgar grumbling over her shoulder. [[APPROACH THE TRAVELER|THE TRAVELER]]

<img src="images/DAGGER.jpg" class="small" alt="Dagger in the leaves" /> <<set $Jinjie_knife to true>> The young woman cautiously sidesteps the crow. It continues curling its neck to taunt the animals below. She spots a silvery glint in the distance. She runs to it, clears the leaves, then leans down to investigate. She hesitates but wraps her fingers around the hilt of a pristine dagger. Nearly as big as her forearm. Unscathed, so perhaps unused. Sharp too. She throws a leaf in the air and slashes it with the dagger. Extends a loose thread from her cloak and slices it cleanly. Satisfied with the blade, she twirls it happily in her hand. A memory flashes: a half-moon shining on a river, a dagger pressed against a neck. A bearded man kisses a tear-streaked cheek. The dagger sparkles in the moonlight and flashes back to the present. The young woman drops the blade. Anxiously tugs at her scarf. A bronze scar is briefly seen on her neck before she tightens her posture and composure. A piece of fabric shakes free from the collection bundled around her collar. She kneels down and wraps the blade with a solemn, blank expression. She continues her stroll through the woods with the wrapped dagger perched in her hands. Her eyes obsessed and unwavering. She jumps at the sound of vulgar screaming and nearly drops the blade. She stows it inside her cloak pocket and steps into the clearing. More obscenities from a distressed traveler followed by an animal growl. [[APPROACH THE TRAVELER|THE TRAVELER]]

<img src="images/DEAD FOREST 1.jpg" class="small" alt="Dead Tree Forest 1" /> Jinjie trails Anni through the forest. She frequently looks back and waits for him to catch up. <c>Anni</c> <d>We should hurry before we lose the daylight. </d> He steps into a silky, slimy puddle. Lifting his foot, the smile falls off and slinks away. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I can’t imagine you living in this place. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It’s peaceful. There’s no violence here. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Birds eating each other isn’t violence? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It’s natural for them. </d> She halts and points to bird resting overhead. Only a bottom beak. Its tongue flapping in the wind. Jinjie leans close to see her view. <c>Anni</c> <d>They can’t help how they were born. There’s only something off about them if //you// think so. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You don’t think deformity should be expunged? </d> She looks to the tattered bag at his chest. The book he was hiding in full view. She quickly stomps away. <c>Anni</c> <d>You don’t have to follow so closely. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I’m only trying to hear what you have to say. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You don’t have to do that either. </d> They continue their journey to the hut. Anni worriedly looks back at Jinjie while he examines the wildlife. His eyes float back to her and she turns away. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Will we be alone when we make it back to your house? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Yes. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>And you’re okay with that? You seem a bit feral.</d> <c>Anni</c> <f>(surprised)</f> <d>Feral?</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>There was a cat in my village like you. Scruffy hair and stuff.</d> Anni quickly turns back to him, her hair covering her face. She swiftly slicks it back. Jinjie turns his attention to a tree. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I mean…I get the feeling you’re not used to people.</d> <<if $friendly_boy is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>I see people all the time. Just before I met you, I exchanged words with a boy. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>There was a little boy skipping around this place? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I think he was an apprentice hunter—a nice one. But I doubt he stays nice for very long.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I guess his master wasn’t close. You’d be tied up and dragged to an inquisitor. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>But I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t even speak to him. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re a young girl living alone in a dead forest. It’s not normal.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You’re making assumptions. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>That’s the world we live in. A fast assumption can save your life. </d><</if>> <<if $warding_label is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>I see people all the time. Earlier, I met a fiery, young boy. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Fiery? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Yeah, he tried to kill me. It was a typical conversation.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re a pretty girl living like a hermit in a dead forest. You should be married to a nobleman.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Cause I’m pretty, I’m expected to be attached to a nobleman? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It’s a good plan if you want to protect yourself. I know that’s narrow thinking but human women have to adapt or continue to be mistaken for demons—witches. </d> <</if>> Jinjie glances back. Anni attempts to look him in the eye. One eye makes contact. The other eye stays closed. <c>Jinjie</c> <f>(laughing)</f> <d>You’re really starting to resemble the cat.</d> She turns away, frustrated. <c>Anni</c> <d>It’s hard to look you in the eye when I know you haven’t made up your mind about me. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I know you’re not a witch. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>That distinction doesn’t matter when you treasure a book like that. “The Underground Crusade.” Sorting through the women isn’t enough. You want to enslave them all. </d> <<if $friendly_boy is true>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Now you’re the one making assumptions. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>A fast assumption can save my life, right? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Just listen. </d><</if>> Jinjie shifts through his belongings and holds out the book: a slim pamphlet titled, “The Underground Crusade: Uncover the Demonism Inherit in All Women." <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I believe in the sorting—the original crusade—but not in enslavement. Women like you deserve to have a normal life. And I guess you’re living isolated here because you can’t. Feral.</d> <c>Anni</c> <f>(determined)</f> <d>I’m not feral!</d> He beckons her to come closer, waving the book to pull her in. Annoyed, Anni steps closer to see the worn book. He drops it in her hands. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Look at the first page. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>That’s not necessary. You should take it back. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Do it. </d> Anni gently rolls her thumb over the edge and peels back the cover. An intricate ward etched inside. She bites her lip and nods her head. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>A sorcerer gave it to me for protection. He said that ward should keep the witches away. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Fascinating. </d> A cloud passes overhead, darkening the forest. Anni slips the pamphlet back to Jinjie and turns away from him. She steps lively down the path, hiding her singed hands. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Wait. You understand now, right? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>A storm could be coming. We should hurry. </d> She places her hands together; a white glow envelopes them. Jinjie jogs forward. He touches her shoulder and she drops her hands. The white glow vanishes. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>The sorcerer believes in the underground crusade, not me. You understand, right? The book is for protection. </d> She nods to him. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>So no more misunderstandings. I’m a normal guy and you’re a normal girl. </d> <<if $warding_label is true>> Anni and Jinjie stare at the hut, amazed by the shimmering, white chalk lines. Wards cover the hut; not at all how she left it. Jinjie leans closer, astonished and impressed. Anni slowly walks around the hut, investigating the area as she steps. Jinjie calls out to her. <c>Jinjie</c> <d> So you know all about wards.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Yeah, this was all me. </d> She leans down and picks up a piece of chalk. She flashes back to her time with the fiery, young boy. She angrily throws the chalk downhill into her expansive backyard. It whistles by the sharpened trees and shatters on a trunk. She places her hands together to resume the healing process. Her eyes glance between the trees. No sign of the boy. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Hey! Is everything okay?</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Yeah. Just checking around the back. Be right there.</d> She returns to the front of the hut. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>A bit much but I’m glad to see you’re protected.</d> <c>Anni</c> <f>(apprehensive)</f> <d>Yeah.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You seem surprised.</d> <c>Anni</c> <f>(disheartened)</f> <d>I forgot there were wards all over my house. I’m so accustomed to it, I guess I…uh… </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>This place would smoke a witch, right? Is that the effect? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Yeah. That’s the effect.</d> Jinjie shifts his items in his hand. Anni stares at the ward covering the door handle. <c>Jinjie</c> <f>(smiling)</f> <d>Shall we go in?</d> She slowly guides her hand to the handle. Her eyes diligently reading the ward thoroughly before making contact. No chalk line smeared. Each symbol clearly visible. She closes her eyes. <<else>> Anni and Jinjie arrive at the hut. He eyes it suspiciously, following the slope of the structure. He opens his mouth to speak but decides to keep his words to himself. Anni playfully kicks the leaves and sticks from the entrance. She reaches for the door then quickly hides her singed palm in her sleeve. Jinjie continues to be mesmerized by the hut’s existence. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You know, I didn’t really believe you when you said you had a house here.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Where’d you think I was taking you?</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>A tent or a hole in the ground. I walked this path earlier, but…this house wasn’t here.</d> He steps closer and stretches his burdened fingers to the wood. <c>Jinjie</c> <f>(to self)</f> <d>Who made this thing?</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You were probably distracted. You walked right pass me without noticing. You’re lucky I didn’t do that to you.</d> She steps to the other side of the door. She looks back at Jinjie; he’s distracted with the grooves in the panels. She touches her hands together to resume the healing glow. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Seemed like you //did// do that to me. You were so focused on that damn raccoon. </d> She grabs his wandering fingers. Jinjie shifts his amazement to her soft touch. <c>Anni</c> <d>Well, you have my attention now. Let’s get inside.</d> <</if>> [[ENTER THE HUT|JINJIE'S IN THE HOUSE]]

<img src="images/KISS.jpg" class="small" alt="Two hearts" /> <<set $first_kiss_revelation to true>> Anni watches Jinjie’s lips. His words unimportant and unheard. She stays obsessed with the motion of his mouth. His tongue casually protruding as he speaks. Moisture—endless moisture in the depths. He continues to speak, clearly expressing confusion, impatience then anger. He mouths her name. She pounces. Anni blindly kisses Jinjie with a clear fantasy in her mind. Her hands reaching and begging. A quiet moan. Jinjie offers no reply. He looks down at her. No emotion as he permits Anni to grope his lips. He slips his tongue into her mouth. She recoils. Shock. She turns away and scrapes his spit away. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You don’t wanna kiss? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>That felt weird. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Your first time? </d> She turns back to him. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It’s nothing to be embarrassed about at your age. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I’m thirty. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Oh? Guess that explains why you’re so amorous. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I’m not amorous! </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re lonely. I get lonely too. I’ve been living isolated, like you. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Why? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It’s safer. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You’re a normal human man. What type of danger do you face? </d> Jinjie smiles, amused. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Can we kiss again? </d> She leans up to him for a peck. He slips his tongue in again. She recoils. <c>Anni</c> <d>It doesn’t feel right. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Anni—</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It’s warm. Tingly. Crawling. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It’s fine. Let me lead. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I don’t think—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It’ll feel good if you let me touch you. Release me. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You’ll run away. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>No. I won’t. I only want to kiss you. Now drop the ropes. You don’t want your first time to be with someone you had to restrain. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It’s not surprising. Men don’t like me. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Those men are crazy. They’re scared of your beauty, I’m not. </d> She shyly scrapes his spit from her tongue. <c>Anni</c> <d>It’s supposed to feel this way? Tingly? </d> Jinjie licks his lips. She stares, obsessed with the motion of his tongue. [[UNTIE JINJIE|LOOSEN THE ROPES]] [[LEAVE ROPES ON JINJIE|TIGHTEN THE ROPES]]

<img src="images/CAMP.jpg" class="small" alt="Camp Site" /> Hush. The wind dances through the darkness. The animals race to the branch stadium slowing growing around a small clearing. Tame despite the malcontent in their eyes. Patiently waiting for a signal to attack the helpless prey attempting to spark a defense. A crow circles the clearing. All eyes on Jinjie desperately trying to clap two stones together. He wipes his brow and starts the futile process again. His eyes wander to the looming shadows. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Come on. Light. </d> The crow caws. The shadows creep closer. Jinjie reaches for his dagger and waits. Jumps when a branch snaps to the right. Gets to his feet when the leaves rustle to the left. The crow appears in front of him, mouth agape. Green, caustic sludge seeps out. The crow’s mouth opens wide. Sludge shoots towards Jinjie. He recoils as a purple flame envelopes him. The Dead Tree Forest howls. Jinjie traces the sounds but is unable to see through the flames. The crow shrieks. The flame walls descends and Jinjie sees the young woman, Anni, squeezing the crow’s neck. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Wait. </d> Anni locks eyes with him as she rips the crow’s head off. She looks back to the carnage in her hands and quickly disintegrates the crow in a purple flame. She slaps the ashes away and approaches him. Jinjie steps back. <c>Anni</c> <d>Are you okay? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>How are you…alive? I killed you. </d> She steps closer. Jinjie raises his dagger. <<if $Jinjie_knife is true>> <c>Anni</c> <f>(disheartened)</f> <d>So you found it.</d> <<else>> <c>Anni</c> <f>(excited)</f> <d>Good. You found it.</d> <</if>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>What the hell are you? </d> Anni shoots a purple flame between them. A lingering fox jumps away. <c>Anni</c> <d>I bet you were really frightened. I didn’t expect my first dose of blood to make me faint. </d> Jinjie sinks to the ground and props his hand up with his knee. Anni sits across from him, one hand planted on the ground to feed the flame. <c>Jinjie</c> <f>(exhausted)</f> <d>Stay away from me. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I have to stay close. Your life depends on this flame. </d> Jinjie spots the purple stream flowing under the dirt into the fire. Anni scoots closer to him, her hand still planted to the ground. <c>Anni</c> <d>We’re no longer dealing with distressed animals. There’s a powerful magic—something much different than what’s normally in the forest. I’m the only thing keeping it away. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I don’t need you. </d> He reaches for the two stones. <c>Anni</c> <d>Regular fire won’t work. Please, listen to me. I’m able to sense—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I don’t care what you can sense! Go back to your shack. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You’re still upset with me—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Go away! </d> The purple flame disappears. Jinjie searches for Anni. Branches groan. Again, the shadows loom over him. <c>Jinjie</c> <f>(stuttering)</f> <d>Come back. </d> Anni appears beside him. The fire returns. <c>Anni</c> <d>I know you’re still upset with me. It’s fine if you hate me, but I’m not your enemy. There’s something chasing you. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You. You’re the one chasing me.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Tomorrow, we’ll go back to my hut to rest. Then I’ll escort you back to your village. Maybe you’ve wandered out of a binding circle.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I said, I don’t need your help. Stay out of it. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Jinjie, please—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I killed you! I saw the color drain from your face. Your heart stopped. Your eyes turned gray. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Don’t worry. That was something //I// did. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>No! //I// did it. </d> The flame flickers wildly. Anni places her other hand on the ground to strengthen her spell. Jinjie looks down at her with disdain. Anni avoids his gaze. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>My blood is cursed. All of my fluids are. Poison. Instant death. </d> <<if $deep_kiss is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>So…your spit was really burning me. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Should have been enough to kill you. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You kept saying it was my nerves. </d> <</if>> The flame continues to flicker. <c>Anni</c> <d>You really wanted to kill me. You left because you thought I was dead. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Why aren’t you? What kind of dark magic are you involved in? </d> <<if $Jinjie_tome_posession is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>You never planned on coming back. You lied to me. </d> <<else>> <c>Anni</c> <d>We were getting along. I thought you’d come back. </d> <</if>> <c>Jinjie</c> <f>(shouting)</f> <d>Why would I come back? </d> The clearing amplifies Jinjie’s voice. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You think we’re friends? You really thought I’d let you feed on me? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Let’s forget it. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>So you can snatch up the next guy. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I won’t. </d> She drops her head. <c>Anni</c> <d>I won’t leave the hut again. But please, let me stay with you tonight. </d> Jinjie surveys the forest. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You can stay the night. But I want you gone by morning. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>And what will you do then? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Continue my journey. </d> The forest remains silent. Only the crackling of wood inside the flame. <c>Anni</c> <d>Since we’ll never see each other again, can I ask you a question? </d> [[QUERY JINJIE'S CURSED BLOOD|LET'S TALK ABOUT BLOOD]] [[QUERY JINJIE'S DESTINATION|DESTINATION QUERY]]

<img src="images/QUERY BLOOD.jpg" class="small" alt="Camp Site" /> Jinjie yawns. Comforted by the flames but the conjurer keeps him on edge. He props himself against a tree. His gaze fixes on Anni. She nervously pats the ground. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>What is it? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Hm? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>What did you want to ask? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Oh. Never mind. </d> Jinjie stares impatiently. Anni glances at him. Her eyes focus on the cut on his bottom lip. Fragile hardened blood. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>What is it? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Were you born like this? With…cursed blood? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>No. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Were you in some kind of accident? Or experiment? A contracting—uh—excavation? </d> Jinjie stays quiet. <c>Anni</c> <d>I guess it’s personal. But I get the feeling it involves a witch. That’s why you hate me. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>If you would have told me you were a witch, I would have walked away from you. But you portrayed yourself as a normal woman to lure me in. That’s why I hate you. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I am a normal woman. </d> <<if $hungry_Anni is true>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You were gonna drain all the blood from my body. Is that normal? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I would never do that. I would never hurt you. </d> <<else>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You gonna tell me another sob story. Another attempt to get sympathy from me and lower my guard. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You don’t have to make fun of me. </d> <</if>> Jinjie rests his head on the tree. The tantalizing fire calms him. He shakes himself awake and puts his eyes on Anni. <<if $first_kiss_revelation is true>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Was that really your first kiss? </d> She hesitates. <c>Anni</c> <d>My first kiss with a human.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Is there a difference?</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>When I was young, a sorcerer kissed me. I was suppressing my powers for years; I didn’t want any attention. But when he kissed me… </d> Her eyes raise to the night sky. <c>Anni</c> <d>…I lost control. His magic flowed into me, looking for something to connect to. He knew what I was and I begged him not to tell anyone.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Did he?</d> She drops her eyes to the earth. <c>Anni</c> <d>Of course he did. They always do.</d> She glances at him with a sly grin. <c>Anni</c> <d>You’re not mageborn, but when we kissed, I felt your magic flowing into me—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>That was death.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Hmm. Perhaps death and bliss are the same.</d> She turns away from him, content. More mischievous giggles as she recalls pieces of their intimate exchange. Jinjie clears his throat. <</if>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Have you really never heard of my curse? Is it rare? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You’ll have to tell me more about it. </d> Anni turns to face him. Her cheery face puts him on edge. He’s reluctant but continues. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>My essence is cursed. I’m to never share myself with another person. That’s how it was described to me. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You spoke to the one who cursed you? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Just tell me if you know anything about it. </d> Anni tickles her chin as she combs her memories. <c>Anni</c> <d>It sounds vengeful and personal—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I already know that—</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>—but reversible. If I got the right tome, maybe I could—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>No. You’re leaving in the morning. </d> <<if $deep_kiss is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>If we go back to my hut, I can analyze your blood a bit more. Probably safer to work with saliva. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You wanna kiss me again? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>That’s not what I meant. </d> Jinjie chuckles. <c>Anni</c> <d>What’s so funny? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Since you’re resistant to my saliva and my blood, there’s one more thing I can try. It’s probably the most potent. </d> He chuckles again. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Guess I missed my chance. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You mean…</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>We were certainly headed in that direction when I took you to bed. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I wouldn’t. We’d just met. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I thought the same. Then you started groping me; your hands were…everywhere. </d> Anni blushes. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I won’t be returning to your hut. They’ll be no experiments. I know what I have to do and it doesn’t involve you. </d> <</if>> Jinjie snuggles his head into the tree. His eye lids barely open. <c>Anni</c> <d>The person who cursed you is obviously in love with you. Accepting their love is your only way to get rid of the curse. </d> Anni watches Jinjie’s breathing. <c>Anni</c> <d>They’re scorned. They feel rejected or perhaps overlooked. They didn’t curse you to punish you, but to punish anyone who tries to be with you. It’s twisted but I wish someone loved me…</d> Jinjie doesn’t respond. <c>Anni</c> <d>Jinjie? Are you listening? </d> He’s asleep. Anni tends the fire. She looks over at Jinjie’s bruised lip; his wound not yet closed. She scoots closer to him. Pauses after each scoot to make sure he’s still asleep. A healing glow emanates through her fingers. She leans over to him precariously. One hand planted on the ground. One hand trembling as she approaches the instrument of her murder. Jinjie’s eyes open. <c>Anni</c> <d>I was—uh…</d> Jinjie grabs her hand. Doesn’t push her away like she expects. He guides her fingers across his lips. Anni turns away. Her fingers rub his emerging scab until it recedes. Her hand continues to tremble across his lips until he tosses them aside. He closes his eyes. Anni scoots away. She guides her fingers across her lips, enacting an indirect kiss. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Hey, horny witch. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Huh? </d> With one eye open, he spots her stroking her lips. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You better be gone when I wake up.</d> [[WATCH JINJIE TILL MORNING|MORNING DECISION]]

<img src="images/QUERY DESTINATION.jpg" class="small" alt="Camp Site" /> Jinjie yawns. Comforted by the flames but the conjurer keeps him on edge. He props himself against a tree. His gaze fixes on Anni. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Go on. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I’m starting to think you’re causing the disruption in the forest. </d> He groans. <<if $crow_meeting is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>That crow was a vessel, not a bird. It taunted me and attacked me. It was like…I was getting close to its property and it wanted me to back off. </d> <<else>> <c>Anni</c> <d>Remember the crow at the hut? I’m sure it was the same one I…destroyed. That green stuff…What was that? </d> <</if>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It’s gone. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It’ll return. Maybe not as a crow, but maybe a snake or—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Anni—</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>The raccoon that attacked you—it was probably influenced too. </d> She turns to him sharply. <c>Anni</c> <d>Where are you headed? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Away from you. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Jinjie, I’m serious. There’s a mageborn after you—a really powerful one! Capable of possessing the animals a-and charging a lot of aggression. </d> Jinjie straightens his back on the tree. He drops his head and closes his eyes. <c>Anni</c> <f>(surprised)</f> <d>You know? </d> He’s silent. <c>Anni</c> <d>It’s about your curse, isn’t it? If you tell me more about it, I can help you. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>A curse can only be undone by the one who placed it. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Yes, but…maybe I can counter it. I have books back at my hut—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I swear you died back there. You were a corpse when I left.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>If you would have truly killed me back then, you’d be dead now. Perhaps we’re connected. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>No. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Destined to meet each other. Your blood did calm my hunger a bit. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You refuse to understand. I hate you. I had every intention of killing you. </d> He rubs his eyes to stay awake. Yawns before he speaks. <<if $let_him_go is true>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You let me go. The door was open. But I still fed you my blood, knowing it would kill you. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I don’t believe you. </d> She shakes a better memory into her head. <c>Anni</c> <d>You held me. You felt something for me…briefly. </d> He sighs. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I felt nothing. </d> <</if>> <<if $deep_kiss is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>Then why kiss me like that? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Like what? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Touching me. </d> He scoffs. <c>Anni</c> <d>Stroking my hair to calm me. Moving your tongue around mine so gently. Rubbing your hips—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Enough. You started it. </d> She snickers. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It didn’t mean anything. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It didn’t feel like it didn’t mean anything. </d> He rolls his eyes away. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It was involuntary. You’re lucky I didn’t act on it. </d> <</if>> <<if $Jinjie_tome_posession is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>What if I can’t be killed. I did a few spells from the tome. I assumed they were failures since nothing happened. But maybe—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Your heart stopped. Your skin went cold. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Hmm. But somehow, I woke up. Are you sure your blood kills people? </d> His eyes widen, recalling a somber memory. Anni speaks to him. Waves her hand to get his attention. He stays lost. Closes his eyes then covers his face with his hand, obstructing her view of him. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I’m certain. </d> <</if>> Jinjie shivers from the cold. He pulls his knees close. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>No more questions. Make sure I don’t see you when I wake up. </d> Anni increases the flames to comfort him. His tension lessens and he falls asleep. <c>Anni</c> <f>(quietly)</f> <d>You still haven’t told me where you’re going. </d> She looks over at Jinjie’s bruised lip; his wound not yet closed. She scoots closer to him. Pauses after each scoot to make sure he’s still asleep. A healing glow emanates through her fingers. She leans over to him precariously. One hand planted on the ground. One hand trembling as she approaches the instrument of her murder. He breathes out and she recoils. She approaches again and turns her head away. She strokes his lips until the scab subsides. The healing glow disappears. She continues stroking his lips. Her finger slips in and she rips herself away. [[WATCH JINJIE TILL MORNING|MORNING DECISION]]

<img src="images/DEAD FOREST 1.jpg" class="small" alt="Dead Forest 1" /> The haunting clouds of the Dead Tree Forest disappear. A heavenly stream of sunshine pools around the clearing, drowning Jinjie is a peaceful light. He smiles and mumbles in his sleep until his eyes flutter open. His bag lay at his feet, mended and packed. A collection of berries arranged at its side. The kindling extinguished and scattered across the ground. He touches his face. Cleaner than the day before. His hair combed and styled. Jinjie stands and gathers his things. Scans the area and sees nothing. No animals, bugs or witch. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>How do I get out of here? </d> He spots an arrow drawn in the dirt. Follows it to another. Leaves and branches all pushed aside creating a path for him to follow. He’s unimpressed and annoyed. His mouth twists, ready to shout. The forest remains quiet. Only Jinjie’s boiling anger as he grits his teeth. He stops walking. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I know you’re here, witch. Come out. </d> No movement. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Anni! </d> The young woman, Anni, appears behind him, sunken and shy. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I told you, I don’t need your help.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Please, let me come with you. </d> Jinjie whips around. <c>Anni</c> <d>Give me a second chance. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>No. </d> She raises her head. <c>Anni</c> <d>I lost myself for a moment. I was hasty, selfish and desperate. I would never hurt you, Jinjie; I would never hurt anyone. I’m a good person—a good witch. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>There’s no such thing in the world. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>There is. </d> Jinjie walks away from her. She gives chase. <c>Anni</c> <d>You’re going after the one who cursed you, right? You won’t make it. They’re trying to kill you. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>She’ll kill you before she kills me. Back off. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Are you trying to protect me? </d> Jinjie halts. Anni bumps into his back. She stands there, breathing in his spine until he turns around. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Do you really think I care about your life? After what I did to you, do you really think you mean something to me—that you’re worth protecting? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Well…I care about your life. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Stop—</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You mean something to me. You’re worthy of protecting. So, please let me. </d> He scoffs and turns away from her. <c>Anni</c> <d>You don’t have any money. I saw as much when I patched up your pants. </d> Jinjie quickly pats his rear pockets. <c>Anni</c> <d>I’ll finance your trip, if you let me come with you. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>How did you sew my pants without me noticing? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I’m good at sewing. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I was sitting down. How did you…</d> Anni flashes him a smile. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Forget it. </d> Jinjie wrestles with his thoughts. He pinches the bridge of his nose. Amused by the predicament, he laughs. <c>Jinjie</c> <f>(to self)</f> <d>What am I doing? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You won’t survive the next night without me. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I should be out of the forest by then. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You’ll have other obstacles. What if the mageborn can control people? </d> He sighs. His mind settled. His decision nearly made as he prioritizes the present dangers. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>So, you’ll protect me? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>With everything I have. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>And you’ll buy food, lodging and anything I need for the journey. </d> She pulls a heavy coin purse from her pocket. <c>Anni</c> <d>I will. </d> He reaches for it and she pulls it back. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>What about your blood thing? You can’t have mine.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It won’t be an issue. I’ll handle it. </d> He’s not convinced. <c>Anni</c> <d>I promise you. I’ll handle it. And no one will get hurt. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I suppose…ugh…</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>What’s wrong? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re still a witch. I don’t want to accept your help. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>When we first met…you called me Anni, not witch. </d> She lowers his hands. <c>Anni</c> <d>That’s who I am. Can’t you see? </d> She places his hand on her heart. Her eyes plead for redemption. He glides his hand up her chest and under the bundle of tattered scarves. His hand wraps around her slender neck. She stands still. He squeezes tighter and she gasps for air. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Don’t cross me again. No more lying. </d> She nods. He tosses her away and turns back to the path. They walk, one spirited, one dejected. Anni turns back to see two pairs of footprints. Happily stares at his shadow. <c>Anni</c> <d>I do have one request. It—it’s for your sake. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>What? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>If we encounter any hunters, you have to shield me. They may question me—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I get it. I’ll make up a story. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>What do you have in mind? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I’ll tell them you’re my wife. </d> <c>Anni</c> <f>(surprised)</f> <d>Oh! </d> She shields her face with her sleeves. <c>Anni</c> <d>W—Wife? Really? </d> Jinjie looks back at her. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Yeah, I can do better. I’ll tell them you’re my servant. </d> <c>Anni</c> <f>(disappointed)</f> <d>Oh. </d> Jinjie’s shoulders stiffen. The animals are returning. Chirping in the treetops. Rumbling inside brittle tree nooks. He jumps back when something scrambles over his foot. Anni taps his shoulder and he settles his posture. His face still alert, searching for a threat. <c>Anni</c> <d>I have another request. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You sure everything is okay here? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Yeah, don’t worry. I’m looking out for you. But um… </d> She steps in front of him and takes to lead. <c>Anni</c> <d>I’m doing a lot for you…blindly. I don’t even know where we’re going—Uh—But that doesn’t matter. </d> She pulls at her fingers nervously. <c>Anni</c> <d>Can you please be open to giving me a second chance. I want to earn your trust…and…</d> She turns back to Jinjie. <c>Anni</c> <d>I really want to earn your friendship. So, could you—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>No. </d> <c>Anni</c> <f>(stunned)</f> <d>No? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>But I will tell you where we’re going. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You can’t be open just a little bit—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>No. </d> He takes the lead again. She trails behind, dumbfounded. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>We’re going to Shadow Lust Mountain. The witch who cursed me, is hold up there. </d> Jinjie continues down the path. <c>Anni</c> <f>(to self)</f> <d>Shadow Lust Mountain? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Since you want to prove to me that you’re a good witch…</d> Anni nods enthusiastically. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>…and earn my trust and my friendship…</d> She nods again. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>…you can kill her for me. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>K—kill? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Then maybe I’ll be open to giving you a second chance. </d> [[START THE JOURNEY WITH JINJIE|THANKS FOR READING]]

<span class="TitleCard"><img src="images/PART I THANKS.jpg" width="50%" alt="Title Card" class="big" /></span> <h3>Author’s Note</h3> You’ve just finished a special preview for //Journey to Shadow Lust Mountain//. This text adventure was originally a Chinese language screenplay (往阴淫山旅游) that I made to help me learn and retain the language. Self-study doesn’t foster the most confidence, so I vowed to keep it hidden, much like a forbidden tome. But despite clambering about with foreign characters, I knew I created a delightful story and made a second, not at all contradictory, vow: SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD (in English). I’m always looking to grow as a writer and that means taking chances and being unfamiliar. //Journey to Shadow Lust Mountain// is my first text adventure. Many weeks were spent learning everything I could about Twine. It was hard work but the fun kind of hard work. This is only a preview. If you would like to see more, let me know. <h3>The Story</h3> Jinjie’s prejudice is engrained in him as a citizen and later made personal from his experience with the unnamed witch who cursed him. He’s not keen on having a witch companion but his journey to cure his curse will be cut short without her. Anni is a low priority on his danger list. But if she becomes unstable, he’ll murder her again and hope it sticks. Anni calls herself a “good witch.” She’d rather heal than kill, but certain circumstances test her pacifism. She wants to prove to Jinjie and herself that the major miscalculation with her sustenance spell will not alter her any further. Jinjie’s attempted murder doesn’t bother her as much as it should. The chance for friendship and redemption are reason enough to leave her hut and isolation behind. Like Jinjie said, there is the matter of the blood thing. Who will offer her next drink? Time to exit the Dead Tree Forest and see what the living has to say about this shaky arrangement between the reclusive witch and the cursed traveler. Thanks again for reading. <span class="PART II TBA"><img src="images/PART II TBA.jpg" width="50%" alt="PART II TBA" class="big" /></span> [[VISIT PORTFOLIO SITE|https://blushingchaos.wixsite.com/portfolio]] [[SHARE ON TWITTER|https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url= https%3A%2F%2Fblushingchaos.itch.io%2Fjourneytoshadowlustmountain%20&text=Start the Journey to Shadow Lust Mountain, a new interactive story preview from @BlushingChaos]]

<img src="images/BITE.jpg" class="small" alt="Tome" /> <<set $Jinjie_tome_posession to true>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>What are you waiting for? You said this was urgent.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It is. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>So do it. </d> <<if $sensible_Anni is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>You said you understood it was my first time. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Yeah, but you’re just taking my blood. That’s the fluid you need, right? If it’s something else, you should take the ropes off. </d> She paces around the room. Tickles her chin until her eyes light up with a new idea. <c>Anni</c> <d>You think it could be skin. No. I was careful with the translation. </d> She steps in front of him again. <c>Anni</c> <d>But if it is skin, where should I take it from? </d> She tugs on his earlobe. <c>Anni</c> <d>I should make sure. </d> Her uncertainty transfers to her control of the ropes. Jinjie elegantly floats across the room, suspended off the ground. He taps the front door; his fingers stretch for the handle. Surprise and relief. A peach sky. A gurgled hum from the surrounding cicadas. Anni crawls under the bed to retrieve her tome. The tome pages flutter as she reads. Behind her, Jinjie digs into the door frame. He twists his neck to see her. She stays immersed under the bed mumbling to herself. <c>Anni</c> <d>This means animal blood. But maybe it’s meant to be…</d> She crawls from under the bed. Her eyes fixed to the book as she approaches Jinjie desperately trying to escape. She grabs his shoulder. He floats to the center of the room as she blindly closes the door. <</if>> <<if $hungry_Anni is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>Why are you in such a hurry?</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re sensible for the moment. I don’t want that witchy hunger to come back. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I didn’t mean to scare you. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>So that wasn’t you talking? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It…was. But I was very frustrated and…things aren’t turning out like I planned. </d> She paces around the room. Jinjie anxiously waits for her next move. She steps in front of him again then darts away to the bed. <c>Anni</c> <d>Wait a minute. I need to check something. </d> Anni stays distracted under the bed and loosens her control over the ropes. Jinjie elegantly floats towards the door. He observes her movements while pawing at the handle with silent desperation. The door creaks open, revealing a peach sky. Anni reads through the tome under the bed, oblivious of Jinjie’s escape. <c>Anni</c> <d>I swear this means animal blood. Unless… </d> Jinjie digs his fingers into the door frame. Anni grabs his shoulder and pulls him back to the center of the room. His feet attach to the ground. She casually closes the door while mulling over her translation. <</if>> <c>Anni</c> <d>The transformation is reliant on vermin blood. And to the witch who wrote this…humans…are vermin. </d> She slams the book closed. <c>Anni</c> <d>There’s no way I can avoid the hunt. I’ve made things so much worse. </d> She tosses the book to the bed. <c>Anni</c> <d>This was supposed to be the answer. How can I avoid the hunters if I’m forced to feed off them to power myself. </d> The tome’s purpose is clear to Jinjie. Anni remains sour and unaware. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Where’d you get the book from? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>If I tell you, you’ll judge me. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You stole it? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>There were no other options. I don’t want to burn. I don’t deserve it. </d> She retrieves the tome from the bed. <c>Anni</c> <d>All my translations are probably off. </d> She quickly turns the pages. <c>Anni</c> <d>I did a spell a few days ago to help control my power—here! “Steady Magic.” Just made me throw up the little bit of food I had. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Are these banned spells? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>The sorcerers banned them because they lack the skill to perform them. It’s a book for witches. I was told it could guarantee our survival.</d> She closes the book and holds it to her chest. <c>Anni</c> <d>What a cruel joke.</d> Jinjie examines the embossed crest on the cover, searching his mind for familiarity. <c>Anni</c> <d>What do you think? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Huh? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>If I can find a way to make human blood, this will all be fine, right? I’ll need to find some test subjects. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Have some blood now and see how you feel. Maybe you don’t need as much as you think.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>If that’s the case, will you return? </d> <<if $sensible_Anni is true>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Of course. I don’t want to see you suffer. </d> <</if>> <<if $hungry_Anni is true>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I promise we’ll get through this together. I’ll come back.</d> <</if>> She smiles at him. Genuine relief and appreciation. She drops the ropes from his body. He steps over them and approaches her. She covers her face to hide her excitement. <c>Anni</c> <d>You were acting like you hated me. Now you’re willing to help. You realized we’re not so different. You’re able to see pass the witch thing. </d> Jinjie bites down on his lip and draws blood. It slowly pools before sliding down his chin. She stops cooing and drops her hands. She stares silently, transfixed and seduced by his essence. He leans down to her as she stretches up. Her tongue licks his chin before circling around his lips. The room starts spinning. She desperately grabs his shoulders. Her knees tremble. Hands tremble. Terror and uncertainty. She looks to Jinjie for answers; Jinjie looks down at her coldly. <c>Anni</c> <d>Your blood…</d> He flings her away; she collapses in front of him. <c>Anni</c> <d>Jinjie…help me. </d> Claws into his pant leg with dwindling strength and increasing agony. Jinjie kneels down to her and strings her up by her hair. Her breath heavy and fleeting, she reaches for him. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I’ll never sympathize with a witch. </d> Her head slams to the floor. He remains at her side as the color drains from her face. A quick listen to her heart. Nothing. A quick flick of the eyelid. Empty. <<if $Jinjie_knife is true>> He pats her cloak down. Reaches in one pocket and pulls out a coin. Reaches in the other pocket and shakes his head. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>All a part of your plan. </d> He pulls out the pristine dagger. He stares at her chilled face as he unwraps it. Disgusted. Annoyed. He twirls it around in his hand then swiftly plunges towards Anni’s heart. Stops short. Shakes his head again. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I don’t want your blood on me. Easier to forget you. </d> <</if>> Jinjie walks around the room. Opening drawers. Overturning boxes. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I guess there’s no reason for you to have any money. </d> He returns to the makeshift altar to grab his things. Carefully balances everything in his hands. Drops it all. Approaches the witch’s body and kicks her arm to reveal the forbidden tome. He grabs it. Rubs the crest with his fingers, attempting to recall a memory but no clear memory exists. He stashes the tome among his belongings. The door peels open. A brief amount of daylight left. One final look back before running into the Dead Tree Forest. [[JINJIE EXITS THE HUT|MAKING CAMP]]

<img src="images/NO ROPES.jpg" class="small" alt="Loose rope" /> <<set $deep_kiss to true>> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Why so hesitant? You’re stronger than me, aren’t you? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>This is magic, not strength. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’ve proven that you have control. Now it’s time for me to have some. That’s only fair. </d> She steps away from him. <c>Anni</c> <d>Why are you into this? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You started it. I offered you my blood and you chose to kiss me. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>That’s cause…</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It felt right. Yeah, it does. </d> She drops the ropes from his body. He stretches his back. The ropes twitch at his feet; he gestures to them while staring at her. She reluctantly turns the ropes back into thread. No obstruction but still no movement. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Shall I come to you? </d> He steps forward. She steps back. He steps forward again. She remains still, watching his feet as he crosses the room. He touches her forehead and slicks her hair back. She raises her head to see him. His fingers graze her eyelids. Closed. Waiting. He kisses her. His hands find the lines hidden beneath her heavy cloak. Taps her lower back and pulls her forward. Another slip of the tongue. Another recoil. He leans to her ear. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Relax. </d> A nibble on the ear. His breath numbing and easing her. His tongue slips in again. She screams. Frantically clears her ear with her sleeve. She shrieks again when her legs touch the bed. He licks her cheek. With haste, she wipes it away. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You don’t like it? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It feels weird. Like I’m burning. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>And how does it feel here? </d> He points to her heart. <c>Anni</c> <d>Fluttering. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Focus on that. </d> They move to the bed. Sweet kisses around her face. Her hands clutch her heart, focusing on the fluttering. Jinjie kisses her reluctant smile. Charges his tongue forward to penetrate her depths. She flinches; tries to push him away. Their fingers entangle and she eases back into the intimacy. Jinjie sits up and bites his lip. Unknowingly grinding on her hips as he bites down harder to draw blood. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Goodbye. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Goodbye? </d> The final kiss. Blood seeps into her mouth. He releases her hands and they fall away from her heart. He pulls away and she mouths words she’s unable to speak. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You want me to help you? </d> He leans down to her again, sucking his blood into his mouth. Pries her lips open then spits inside. The foamy mixture slides down her throat. All movements cease. Her heart no longer fluttering. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You lasted longer than the last one. It was a nice kiss. </d> <<if $Jinjie_knife is true>> He sits up, still straddling the lifeless young woman. Pats her pockets. A coin in one. A pristine dagger in the other. He unwraps the blade carefully. Tense fingers undercovering the bigger treachery. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>How long have you been hunting me? </d> He pulls at the fabric around her neck. Strips fall away. He lifts his blade high as the bundle comes undone. Doesn’t attack. No longer tense. He fondles her bronze scar. Someone has already sliced the young woman deeply. He quickly hides his remorse by covering her up again. <<else>> He sits up, still straddling the lifeless young woman. Pats her pockets. A coin in one. A clump of dust in the other. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Of course, you don’t have any money.</d> <</if>> He gathers his items from the makeshift altar. His eyes refuse to look back at her. The forest starts to darken, limiting his path. He stalls in the doorway, wanting to look back. Shakes his head then steps into the Dead Tree Forest. [[JINJIE EXITS THE HUT|MAKING CAMP]]

<img src="images/ROPES.jpg" class="small" alt="Rope knot" /> <<set $let_him_go to true>> She continues to clear his spit from her mouth. Her hand drops, distracted by the motions of his tongue. He’s playing with her. Trying to draw her in. She shakes her head. A firm no. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re stronger than me. Why tie me up? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>This is magic, not strength. If I let you go, you’ll overpower me. I’ll lose focus. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>So that’s how it works. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>For some. I’m not trained to handle skirmishes.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Neither am I. I’m a contractor, remember?</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You’re still strong. You have all those muscles. Hard to believe you’re not someone’s husband.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Too late to doubt me now that I’ve had my tongue in your mouth.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Ugh.</d> She covers her face and does a twirling motion with her finger. Jinjie whips around and slowly floats to the wall. His face bumps against it. He attempts to turn his head to speak to her. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You want to feel in control. That’s why you’ve tied me up, right? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I know you want to run. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Or maybe this is what you’re into. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>No. </d> She turns him from the wall. <c>Anni</c> <d>I don’t want to take advantage of you. But…I have to. I have to control the situation.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I offered you my blood willingly. Why did you choose to kiss me?</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>The blood thing seemed like an intimate exchange. I…didn’t want to do it so casually. </d> Jinjie floats back towards her. Her mouth trembles. <c>Anni</c> <d>Can you forgive me? </d> She touches his chest to stop him. His feet fall back to the floor. <c>Anni</c> <d>For tricking you. For kissing you without permission. Tying you up. And…</d> She drops her head. A tear falls from her face. The ropes loosen. She turns away, ashamed. The ropes revert back into threads and fall between the cracks in the floor. <c>Anni</c> <f>(crying)</f> <d>I’m so sorry, Jinjie. You don’t deserve this. </d> She continues to cry as Jinjie approaches the front door. He opens it. Dwindling light on the escape route. <c>Anni</c> <d>I’m as bad as you say. If you send the hunters here, I won’t fight them. </d> She falls to the ground. The wind rolls along the walls, extinguishing the candles. A light tap on her shoulder. She wipes her eyes and turns around. Jinjie sits behind her. Arms opens. Legs spread. She crawls between his legs and crashes into him. They embrace. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Kiss me one last time.</d> Jinjie bites his lip. Shifts through her tattered locks as he sucks in his blood and coats his tongue. Anni looks up, amazed by his voluntary intimacy. The last kiss is soft and slow. Jinjie pushes his tongue into her mouth. He holds her close, muffling her agony. Blood trickling down his lips. She gasps for air and receives more blood. Sputtering. Choking. Her hands fall. Jinjie pats her face as the color drains from her. Ashen like the forest. Colder than the wind that continues to bellow through the hut. <<if $Jinjie_knife is true>> Jinjie grabs her waist and bends his knee to stand. His hand skims the blade edge in her pocket. He unravels the cloth from it and unravels more of the young woman’s deceit. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re a liar and a thief. </d> He drops Anni to the floor. Refuses to look at her face. Her tears, once streaming with regret, now frozen as her body chills. Jinjie stows the blade. Keeps his back to her as he gathers his items. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Were you the one watching me through the forest? Are working for her? </d> He contemplates in the doorway. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>There’s no way. </d> <<else>> Jinjie grabs her waist. He perches the young woman on his knee. Pushes her tattered locks from her face. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I’ll forget you before I forgive you. </d> His thumb caresses her tears, now solid as her body chills. He gently places her on the floor. Straightens her cloak and positions her hands across her stomach. Keeps his back to her as he gathers his items. <</if>> [[JINJIE EXITS THE HUT|MAKING CAMP]]

<span class="TitleCard"><img src="images/TITLE CARD INTRO.jpg" width="50%" alt="Title Card" class="big" /></span> Welcome, readers. I’m Marissa Craig, but I often brand myself as Blushing Chaos. I’m the shadowy figure lurking behind you tugging on your heartstrings. Keep the drama between the pages and out of your life, I always say. Oh, and what spectacular drama it is. There’s seduction. There’s anguish. Your cheeks will be sore from smiling. For the unfamiliar, a text adventure is a style of writing where the reader chooses the next scene. There will be no game overs, so don’t be too anxious. Pretend you’re the protagonist and decide what you’d like to do. Use the bookmark at the bottom of the page to SAVE, RESTART or SHARE your progress. We’ll talk more, when you reach the end. [[Start the Journey to Shadow Lust Mountain|SUSTENANCE]]

Marissa Craig

<img src="images/HUT.jpg" class="small" alt="Anni's Hut" /> <<if $warding_label is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>HA!</d> Anni bashes the door open. She inspects her hand before curling it into a triumphant fist. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Do you always open it like that?</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Wards are sticky. Come on in.</d> <<else>> Anni confidently opens the door to her home.<</if>> Speechless. Motionless. Horror seeping into her eyes as she glances at the remnants of her last spell. Blood on the floor. Puke in the corner. Her tome still flickering pages on her makeshift altar. Unable to hide her shock, she stuffs her fingers in her mouth. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Something wrong?</d> She pushes him out the doorway. His overburdened arms block his view as he topples over. <c>Anni</c> <d>Just a moment! </d> Anni slams the door and rushes to the tome. She places her hands firmly beside it and closes her eyes. <c>Anni</c> <f>(whispering)</f> <d>Settle. Settle.</d> The tome closes. She gathers it in her arms and hunts the rest of her forbidden books. Chucks them under her bed then frantically scans the room for more evidence of her magic prowess. <c>Anni</c> <d>Is a jar of spiders weird? Do normal people have them? </d> She takes the jar in her hand and balances it with sheets of snakeskin. She peels her curtain back and tosses the questionable items outside. She turns from the window and shoots sparks from her hand to the candles lining the walls. The candles ignite purple before settling into the normal orange glow. <<if $crow_meeting is true>> A crow caws outside the window. She shutters. Cautiously turns back. Nothing. She reaches up to close the curtains. The crow caws again. A black force falls from the sky and slams into the ground. Anni turns her head away from the impact. The crow rolls around in the dirt, its neck twisting and snapping. <c>Anni</c> <d>I’m not sharp enough to sense who you are…</d> The crow jumps closer and snatches a sheet of snakeskin. <c>Anni</c> <d>…or where you are. </d> Anni leans out the window. <c>Anni</c> <d>Are you here because of my spell? </d> The crow drops the sheet of snakeskin. Anni and the crow lock eyes. A flash to Anni’s bewildered eyes. A flash to the crow’s red eyes. It launches forward. Anni falls back, screaming. The crow pecks incessantly at her face. The door slams open. Jinjie swats the crow away. It quickly flees out the front door and into the sky. Jinjie grabs Anni’s hands, still trembling in front of her face. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It’s okay. </d> She crawls away from him and quietly closes the window. Jinjie closes the front door as Anni tugs the curtain closed. He places his items on her makeshift altar. His hand squeezes the table, transferring his unspoken anger. Across the room, Anni inspects her face in the mirror. No blemishes or scrapes. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I hope you’re not shaken. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You saw it too? I didn’t imagine it? </d> He nods. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>When I leave the forest, you’ll be safe again.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You’re not to blame for the erratic animals. </d> <<else>> Outside the hut, Jinjie picks up his spilled items. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>That girl really is feral. </d> He sighs loudly into the sky. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I gotta get outta this forest.</d> A crow caws in the trees; he ignores it. The crow caws again. Jinjie stumbles back, seeing the crow at his feet. Its head twitches. Its eyes roll around exchanging gentle black for steaming red. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>If you’re who I think you are, then this makes doesn’t make any sense.</d> The crow speaks again. Jinjie glances back at the hut. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Don’t be jealous of the girl; she’s nothing to me. I’ll forget her as soon as I leave this place.</d> He paces in front of the entrance. Guarding and protecting the young woman inside without realizing. The crow hops forward. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You don’t believe me? Yeah, she’s pretty. She’s cute…Fiesty.</d> The crow caws. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>But she’s nothing to me. Absolutely nothing.</d> Jinjie hangs on his last word, away from the door, as Anni emerges. <c>Anni</c> <d>You can come in now. </d> The crow flies at her with a roaring battle cry. Jinjie springs forward. He grabs the crow’s talon as he plummets. On impact, he loses his grip and the crow escapes. <c>Anni</c> <d>Jinjie?</d> Jinjie watches the crow intently as it fades out of view. He brushes the dirt from his clothes and flashes her a smile. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>We’d better get inside. </d> She moves aside to usher him in. He enters and drops his items on her makeshift altar. She follows behind him, worriedly looking over his shoulder. His hand squeezes the table, transferring his unspoken anger. Anni wanders to the mirror to inspect her face. No signs of a crow assault. Jinjie worriedly looks over her shoulder to see for himself. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I’m sorry about that. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Not your fault. The animals will settle down soon. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>As soon as I leave. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It has nothing to do with you. </d> <</if>> He walks away from her, unconvinced, and sits on her bed. She scans beneath him to make sure the books are out of sight. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I don’t mean to rush you, but I’d like to get out of this forest before nightfall. </d> Anni stares at herself in the mirror. Determined, focused and unable to clearly hear Jinjie’s words. <c>Anni</c> <f>(whispering to self)</f> <d>I’m not gonna hurt him. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You can do whatever you want to me. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>What’d you say?! </d> She whips around and sees him lying flat, out of view. Legs spread wide. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I said, you can do whatever you want to fix the bag. It’s not sentimental to me. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Oh. </d> She returns to the mirror. <c>Anni</c> <f>(whispering to self)</f> <d>It’ll be painless…for both of us. </d> She fishes through a small box on her vanity. Bypasses a needle and pulls out a tight bundle of thread. She rubs it in her hands and it loosens into two pieces. Rubs it in her hands again and the threads expand and thicken, now closely resembling rope. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I wish I could sleep here. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It’s okay for you to rest. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I gotta keep moving. I haven’t been able to rest since I left my village. </d> Anni drops two pieces of rope to the floor. They quickly slither into the shadows. <c>Anni</c> <d>What did you do in your village? </d> The ropes keep pace with her timid stride. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I was a contractor. Houses, bridges, roads. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Does anyone miss you? </d> Jinjie sits up. Surprised to see Anni sitting next him, he scoots away to the end of the bed. <c>Jinjie</c> <f>(stuttering)</f> <d>What do you mean? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Are you someone’s husband or father? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>No. No one misses me. </d> Anni looks at the floor. One rope crawls behind Jinjie’s foot while the other hovers behind him. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I think I know what you’re—</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I want to help you. But I wonder if you would be interested in helping me too. Not in exchange but…because you want to. </d> He looks over to her. She maintains eye contact, holding him in place while the rope loosely wraps around his leg. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Whatever you need, it’ll have to wait. I have to keep moving. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It won’t take long. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I’m flattered. I really am. But I…I can’t give you what you want. Someone else will come along—</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>There is no one else. I’ll die. I’m sure of it. </d> He dodges her eyes and stares across the room. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Anni, please, don’t make me push you away. </d> Anni’s stomach lurches. She clutches it, then drops her head between her knees. He reaches for her and the rope spirals forward, snatching his hand back. Anni raises her head. Blood lust in her eyes. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re a witch!</d> She stands. The rope wraps tighter around Jinjie’s hand and pulls him to his feet. <c>Anni</c> <d>I don’t know what I am anymore.</d> [[SUCCUMB TO THE HUNGER]] [[RESIST THE HUNGER]]

<img src="images/SUCCUMB.jpg" class="small" alt="Broken Mirror" /> <<set $hungry_Anni to true>> Jinjie’s wrestles with his restraints. Anni reaches out to touch his face. His free hand swings at her. She slyly dodges before another rope wraps around his wrist. Arms outstretched; he snarls at her as she finally cups his chin in her hand. <c>Anni</c> <d>I’m tired of looking up at you. Kneel.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>No.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Kneel!</d> His knees quake before slamming into the floor. Anni releases his chin and sits on the bed. The ropes spin Jinjie around to face her. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Why did you lie to me?</d> He pulls away as she brushes her fingers through his hair. <c>Anni</c> <d>You know why. Would you have told me your name if you knew I was a witch? Would you have tried so hard to look me in the eye?</d> She tugs him closer and whispers in his ear. <c>Anni</c> <d>Would you have let me get this close to you?</d> She rests her head on his shoulder. Jinjie continues to wrestle with his restraints. <c>Anni</c> <d>All I need is one cup. One cup of your blood will keep me alive for three moons.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re making a mistake. Let me go.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>If I let you go, you’ll send the hunters.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It’s what you deserve. It’s what all the witches deserve.</d> Anni raises her head. <c>Anni</c> <d>How is it that being mageborn is only celebrated if you’re a man and demonized if you’re a woman. Why can’t I be called a glorious sorcerer? We have the same magic. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Look at what you’re doing. All of this was a trick. You never wanted to help me. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I was gonna sew the damn bag! </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Witches only want to help themselves. You manipulate, trick, steal. And if someone denies you, you make their lives hell. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Oh? Are you talking from experience? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I know how your world works. </d> Anni covers his mouth with her hand. <c>Anni</c> <d>Don’t tell me how my world works. </d> She drops her hand. <c>Anni</c> <d>My world is trampled on by hunters and mageborn brothers who refuse to acknowledge me for who I am. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Deceptive. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I’m a healer.</d> She displays her glowing hand to him. <c>Anni</c> <d>I can cure any open wound—a rare and highly sought-after skill. It only manifests in the truly pure of heart. </d> The glow disappears. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>If you drink my blood, you'll lose whatever purity you think you had. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Do you consider yourself pure? I bet you have tons of fantasies about killing people like me. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Let me go and you’ll find out. </d> She leaves the bed and steps to her vanity. Her eyes soften as she sighs. <c>Anni</c> <d>Bringing you here, I hoped you’d accept me. I don’t know why, but I really thought you were different. Perhaps you'd see me as an equal.</d> Her stomach lurches again. She grabs hold and loses her control over the ropes. Jinjie shakes his restraints away and storms across the hut towards her. <<if $warding_label is true>> <c>Anni</c> <d>Another fiery one. </d> <<else>> <c>Anni</c> <d>Stay back. </d> <</if>> A rope emerges in front of Anni. Jinjie halts and steps back into the remaining rope. He struggles to no avail. Angry, distressed and now encased in a twine coffin. Only able to control his head. <c>Anni</c> <d>One cup for three moons. How much for an entire body’s worth of blood? </d> She strokes his face. He recoils. Her touch no longer a pleasure. <c>Anni</c> <d>We’re gonna find out. </d> Sinister, vacant eyes as she underlines her intentions. Jinjie’s defiance usurped by fear. <c>Anni</c> <d>I’m gonna bleed you out and boil you slowly. </d> Jinjie scans the room. Panicked. The bleeding hour is approaching. <c>Anni</c> <d>I know you’ll make this pain go away. If I don’t feed it, it’ll feed on me. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I can make the pain go away. But it won’t be from killing me. </d> She releases his face and steps back, surprised and curious. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I know you like me. I like you too. I enjoyed our short time together in the forest. </d> Wonder returns to her eyes. <c>Anni</c> <d>You did? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You saw the beauty I couldn’t. Remember the birds. </d> She touches her fingers to her temples. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You were trying to show me who you are. Beautiful, sensitive and nurturing. I want to understand you…so I can accept you. We can be friends. Maybe something more. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Really? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>If your hunger is hurting you, you can have my blood. Take a little, then we can talk after. We’ll figure it out together. No one has to die. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You sympathize with me? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I do. </d> Jinjie softly bites down on his lip. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You can leave the ropes on. Bite my lip. I’m sure it’ll be enough. </d> Anni steps cautiously to him. <c>Anni</c> <d>You really like me? You mean it?</d> He nods. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Come. You don’t have to hurt anymore.</d> Her eyes close. His words pierce through her darkness. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You don’t have to be alone anymore.</d> She rests her head on his chest. <c>Jinjie</c> <f>(whispering)</f> <d>Anni.</d> She wraps her arms around his neck. Eyes close, searching for his comforting words with her mouth. Jinjie reels back. She mumbles as if talking in her sleep. Her hands circle through his hair. He turns his head and offers his cheek to her. She kisses it. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Anni?</d> She pulls his face forward and kisses his lips. Jinjie closes his eyes and leans into her. She gnaws on his bottom lip, sensually, not violently like he expects. Her body pulls closer to his. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Hey!</d> She pulls away, covering her mouth. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>What are you doing?</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Hm?</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I told you to bite me, not kiss me. </d> [[KISS|A KISS WITH JINJIE]] [[BITE|A BITE OF JINJIE]]

<img src="images/RESIST.jpg" class="small" alt="Unbroken Mirror" /> <<set $sensible_Anni to true>> Anni releases the rope. Jinjie massages his wrist while she shuffles away from him. She digs her fingers enter her temples, swaying then stumbling. Jinjie strides purposefully towards her. The rope snaps around his waist, pulling him across the room. <c>Anni</c> <d>Don’t try that again. </d> Jinjie breathes out more anger with each exhale. Swallows his words instead of speaking them. <c>Anni</c> <d>You’re angry. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You lied to me! </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I…did…a little. I wanted you to believe I wasn’t a witch. Would you have let me help you otherwise? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>This isn’t about helping me. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It is! I will help you. But—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You have to help yourself first. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Well—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Typical witch.</d> Anni releases her hold on Jinjie. The rope falls to the ground and slinks back to the shadows. Jinjie approaches her again, determined to uncover the girl who clouded his normally sharp eyes. He turns her around to face him. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>So what do you want? What’s all this about? </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>If I was born a man, we’d be friends. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>This doesn’t have—</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It’s true. Men born with magic are admired, revered and worshiped. They’re like gods. But because I’m a woman, I’m a demon. I’m the…the enemy. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You’re a demon cause you, and all the other witches, do of stuff like this. Tricking people. Taking advantage of people. Manipulating people. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I’ve never hurt anyone with my magic. I’ve only tried to help.</d> She produces the white glow in her hands. Jinjie steps away. <c>Anni</c> <d>I can heal, you know. I can heal any open wound. But do you think they’d let me do it. </d> She closes her hand. The glow disappears. <c>Anni</c> <d>They’d rather leave a person to die and chase me out of town. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>If you really wanted to help, you’d submit yourself to a nobleman. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Enslave myself to a nobleman—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>He’d be able to control your actions. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Do you hear yourself? Have you ever once put yourself in my position? Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you were born a witch? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I’m lucky enough not to have that fate. Maybe if you hurry to the next life, you can be cured and forgiven. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>The burning. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You deserve it. </d> A rope launches from the shadows. It coils around Jinjie’s leg until he’s stiff, unable to move. He reaches out for her, only grazing her cloak. She stands inches from his grasp. <c>Anni</c> <d>This morning, I did a spell to transform my body. No more food or water. No more trudging into town and risking my life. All I need is blood. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You turned yourself into a monster. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>One cup will keep me alive for three moons. I’ll be able to shield myself here and escape the hunt. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <f>(chuckling)</f> <d>You’re making a mistake. Let me go. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I will let you go. I’ll take your blood. I’ll nurse you until you recover and then—</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Then you’ll release me back into the world. </d> <c>Anni</c> <f>(excited)</f> <d>Yes. It’s painless. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You release me. Then I bring the hunters to your location so they can execute you. Burn you for all to see. I’ll light the pyre myself. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Better it be you than a stranger. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It wasn’t supposed to be this intense. It’s not me that’s hungry, it’s something else.</d> She rubs her heart. <c>Anni</c> <d>I can’t tell where it’s settled.</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I don’t care about what’s going on with your body. You chose to be dependent on human blood. How is that supposed to shield you from the hunt?</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>It wasn’t supposed to be like this!</d> Jinjie looks down at his hands. The other rope coils around before snapping them to his side. He stands rigid and defenseless. <c>Anni</c> <d>Do you really have no sympathy for me? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I’ll never sympathize with a witch. </d> Anni walks away from him, digging her fingers into her temples. Jinjie attempts to move. The ropes tighten. He scans the room. Grits his teeth, seeing nothing useful. He practices his smile and softens his eyes. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I do like you, Anni. I’m sorry for sounding so cruel. </d> She continues pressing into her temples. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I enjoyed our time together in the forest. </d> Anni turns back to him. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>You looked like you enjoyed it too. </d> She nods. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>When we were sitting together on the bed, I thought you were flirting with me. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I wasn’t. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I wanted to give into you. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Huh? </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>But you were asking me for blood then, not…</d> Anni stares at him, confused. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Never mind. Would it be your first time drinking blood? </d> She nods. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Do you think you’ll like it? I hate for you to spill a whole cup of my blood if it’s not your taste. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>I don’t think taste matters. </d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>It matters to me. I want to be sure you’re enjoying yourself. Especially since it’s your first time. </d> Again, she’s confused. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Bite me, right on my lip. </d> He softly bites down on his bottom lip. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Give it a taste and see how you feel. </d> <c>Anni</c> <d>You want to help me?</d> <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I don’t want to see you suffer.</d> <c>Anni</c> <d>Um…okay. But the ropes stay on. </d> He bites his bottom lip while smiling. She steps cautiously to him. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I hope you like it.</d> He parts his lips. She stares. Excited then frightened. Relieved then suspicious. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>What’s wrong? </d> Shocked by the moving lips. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>Anni? </d> Each word makes her tense. <c>Anni</c> <d>Close your eyes. </d> He complies. She continues to watch his lips. Jinjie rolls his eyes behind his lids. Time ticks away. He sighs; his mouth opens slightly. She presses her lips to his, accepting his breath. Her hand travels to his chest. The ropes part, allowing her to caress him. Jinjie shutters from her sensual touch. She presses her body to his. Her teeth bite into his lips but gently pull away without breaking the skin. They lock eyes while locked in a kiss. Anni quickly retreats. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>What are you doing? </d> She covers her mouth. <c>Jinjie</c> <d>I told you to bite me, not kiss me. </d> [[BITE|A BITE OF JINJIE]] [[KISS|A KISS WITH JINJIE]]

<h1>Journey to Shadow Lust Mountain</h1> <h2>by Marissa Craig</h2> <nav id="menu" role="navigation"> <ul id="menu-core"> <li id="menu-item-saves"> <a tabindex="0">Saves</a> </li> <li id="menu-item-restart"> <a tabindex="0">Restart</a> </li> <li id="menu-item-share"> <a tabindex="0">Share</a> </li> </ul> </nav> <<script>> $(document).on(':passagerender', function (ev) { $(ev.content).find("#menu-item-saves a").on("click", function () { UI.saves(); }); $(ev.content).find("#menu-item-restart a").on("click", function () { UI.restart(); }); $(ev.content).find("#menu-item-share a").on("click", function () { UI.share(); }); }); <</script>> <<link "Resume Story">><<script>>Engine.backward()<</script>><</link>>

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<<if passage() isnot "StoryMenu">>\ <span class="noborder">[img[images/BOOKMARK.jpg][StoryMenu]]</span> \<</if>>

Welcome, readers.

I’m Marissa Craig, but I often brand myself as Blushing Chaos. I’m the shadowy figure lurking behind you tugging on your heartstrings.

Keep the drama between the pages and out of your life, I always say. Oh, and what spectacular drama it is. There’s seduction. There’s anguish. Your cheeks will be sore from smiling.

For the unfamiliar, a text adventure is a style of writing where the reader chooses the next scene. There will be no game overs, so don’t be too anxious. Pretend you’re the protagonist and decide what you’d like to do.

Use the bookmark at the bottom of the page to SAVE, RESTART or SHARE your progress.

We’ll talk more, when you reach the end.

Start the Journey to Shadow Lust Mountain